Selected quad for the lemma: reason_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
reason_n church_n scripture_n tradition_n 3,753 5 9.2711 5 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A26885 Catholick vnity, or, The only way to bring us all to be of one religion by Rich. Baxter. Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691. 1660 (1660) Wing B1210; ESTC R14402 121,941 420

There are 7 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

confident_a that_o we_o be_v about_o four_o year_n too_o late_o in_o our_o common_a account_n as_o in_o his_o annal_n may_v be_v see_v and_o what_o man_n can_v reveal_v the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v purposely_o conceal_v for_o my_o part_n i_o dare_v not_o judge_v man_n for_o keep_v or_o not_o keep_v such_o day_n as_o these_o but_o if_o any_o will_v make_v it_o a_o necessary_a thing_n to_o the_o universal_a church_n i_o must_v resist_v that_o usurpation_n as_o paul_n that_o have_v circumcise_a timothy_n do_v cry_v down_o circumcision_n when_o some_o will_v have_v obtrude_v it_o as_o a_o necessary_a thing_n and_o for_o this_o i_o have_v a_o argument_n that_o sustain_v my_o religion_n itself_o even_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o law_n of_o god_n then_o farewell_n christianity_n if_o it_o be_v his_o law_n it_o be_v sufficient_a in_o its_o kind_n and_o to_o its_o end_n which_o be_v 1._o to_o determine_v of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v then_o fit_a to_o be_v determine_v of_o 2._o and_o to_o determine_v of_o all_o that_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o all_o time_n after_o must_v be_v bind_v to_o there_o be_v no_o universal_a lawgiver_n but_o christ._n if_o this_o day_n be_v of_o necessity_n it_o be_v so_o then_o as_o well_o as_o now_o and_o it_o be_v so_o to_o one_o country_n as_o well_o as_o another_o for_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o in_o one_o age_n and_o place_n as_o in_o another_o and_o therefore_o if_o scripture_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a rule_n for_o universal_a duty_n of_o religion_n than_o we_o be_v utter_o at_o a_o loss_n and_o as_o popery_n will_v come_v first_o in_o so_o infidelity_n be_v likely_a to_o come_v next_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o pro_fw-la re_fw-la nata_fw-la upon_o emergent_a occasion_n church-governor_n may_v appoint_v religious_a anniversary_n solemnity_n for_o the_o occasion_n of_o these_o be_v 1._o to_o some_o one_o place_n or_o pro●●●ce_n only_o 2._o and_o not_o existent_a 〈◊〉_d scripture_n time_n it_o do_v not_o bel●●●_n to_o the_o universal_a law_n to_o determine_v of_o they_o but_o in_o cas●s_n that_o equal_o belong_v to_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o where_o the_o reason_n and_o occa●●on_n be_v existent_a in_o the_o apostle_n day_n as_o well_o as_o now_o if_o there_o we_o have_v not_o their_o determination_n no_o other_o can_v come_v after_o they_o and_o make_v it_o universal_o necessary_a and_o indeed_o neither_o general_n council_n nor_o apostolic_a tradition_n can_v be_v plead_v for_o the_o necessity_n and_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o the_o one_o day_n in_o seven_o even_o the_o lordsday_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n which_o the_o universal_a church_n have_v constant_o observe_v be_v a_o festival_n for_o the_o commemoration_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o redemption_n and_o therefore_o of_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n though_o especial_o of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o without_o a_o day_n for_o this_o use_n i_o speak_v not_o all_o this_o to_o condemn_v any_o that_o use_v these_o day_n but_o to_o excuse_v those_o that_o use_v they_o not_o and_o by_o tell_v you_o a_o few_o of_o those_o many_o reason_n which_o they_o have_v to_o give_v for_o themselves_o to_o persuade_v you_o both_o to_o lay_v by_o the_o opinion_n of_o necessity_n and_o to_o forbear_v condemn_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o you_o and_o be_v content_a that_o they_o have_v their_o liberty_n as_o we_o be_v free_o content_a that_o you_o have_v you_o and_o lay_v not_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v so_o plain_o decide_v the_o case_n and_o i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v that_o the_o lord_n own_o day_n be_v not_o most_o wilful_o neglect_v by_o many_o that_o be_v most_o forward_o for_o other_o holiday_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a self-delusion_n of_o ungodly_a people_n that_o no_o mean_n can_v bring_v they_o to_o a_o new_a a_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a life_n and_o yet_o they_o will_v make_v themselves_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v religious_a by_o plead_v for_o form_n and_o day_n and_o ceremony_n alas_o poor_a soul_n if_o thy_o eye_n be_v but_o open_v thou_o will_v see_v that_o thou_o have_v other_o kind_n of_o matter_n first_o to_o look_v after_o it_o will_v grieve_v one_o to_o hear_v a_o man_n contend_v for_o kneel_v and_o holiday_n and_o prayer-book_n that_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o unregeneracy_n and_o a_o stranger_n to_o sanctification_n and_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o under_o the_o curse_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n get_v first_o a_o new_a and_o holy_a nature_n make_v sure_a of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o then_o the_o discourse_n of_o low_a matter_n will_v be_v more_o seasonable_a and_o more_o savoury_a be_v it_o not_o a_o shameful_a self-condemning_a to_o keep_v holiday_n for_o the_o dead_a saint_n and_o to_o hate_v and_o rail_v against_o the_o live_n do_v you_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o man_n those_o be_v that_o be_v call_v saint_n and_o holiday_n be_v keep_v in_o remembrance_n of_o they_o they_o be_v such_o as_o those_o that_o now_o be_v hate_v by_o the_o world_n and_o take_v the_o course_n in_o a_o holy_a and_o diligent_a care_n of_o their_o salvation_n as_o these_o do_v and_o therefore_o be_v hate_v by_o the_o world_n as_o the_o godly_a now_o be_v and_o when_o wicked_a man_n have_v put_v they_o to_o death_n the_o godly_a that_o survive_v will_v keep_v a_o day_n in_o remembrance_n of_o their_o martyrdom_n to_o encourage_v other_o to_o constancy_n for_o christ._n and_o also_o because_o the_o unruly_a multitude_n be_v so_o set_v upon_o their_o pleasure_n that_o they_o keep_v the_o idol_n festival_n for_o their_o sport_n sake_n therefore_o some_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n do_v think_v it_o better_a to_o let_v they_o have_v festival_n for_o the_o saint_n to_o take_v their_o pleasure_n in_o to_o turn_v they_o off_o from_o the_o idol_n festival_n so_o gregory_n nyssen_n tell_v we_o of_o gregory_n thaumaturgus_n in_o his_o oration_n of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o make_v holiday_n for_o his_o neighbour_n of_o neocesarea_n when_o the_o roman_a fury_n have_v martyr_a many_o and_o he_o use_v this_o as_o a_o pious_a wile_n to_o draw_v the_o licentious_a vulgar_a from_o the_o idol_n festival_n by_o let_v they_o play_v on_o the_o martyr_n day_n till_o they_o can_v be_v draw_v up_o to_o a_o holy_a observation_n of_o they_o whether_o the_o course_n be_v right_a or_o wrong_n by_o this_o you_o may_v see_v the_o original_a of_o such_o day_n and_o gregory_n the_o great_a of_o rome_n will_v for_o this_o very_a end_n have_v all_o the_o heathen_n festival_n turn_v into_o christian_a festival_n but_o if_o any_o of_o you_o will_v hate_v a_o saint_n and_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o will_v not_o imitate_v they_o in_o holiness_n and_o yet_o will_v keep_v holiday_n for_o they_o that_o be_v dead_a christ_n himself_o have_v give_v you_o your_o doom_n matth._n 23.29_o 30_o 31_o 32_o 33._o which_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o read_v well_o sir_n i_o have_v say_v enough_o if_o enough_o will_v serve_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o be_v lay_v on_o thing_n indifferent_a nor_o upon_o low_a or_o doubtful_a point_n but_o it_o must_v be_v a_o unity_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n it_o be_v in_o the_o few_o the_o great_a the_o certain_a and_o the_o necessary_a point_n that_o we_o must_v all_o agree_v in_o if_o ever_o we_o will_v agree_v and_o compassionate_o tolerate_v the_o difference_n that_o be_v tolerable_a if_o after_o all_o this_o there_o be_v any_o so_o proud_a and_o selfish_a and_o ungodly_a and_o unmerciful_a that_o they_o will_v set_v up_o their_o own_o conceit_n and_o will_n against_o the_o plain_a command_n of_o god_n the_o long_a and_o sad_a experience_n of_o the_o world_n and_o against_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o brethren_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o will_v have_v no_o agreement_n unless_o all_o other_o will_v be_v conform_v to_o their_o will_n i_o shall_v now_o say_v no_o more_o to_o such_o but_o that_o these_o be_v not_o the_o son_n of_o peace_n nor_o the_o live_a compassionate_a member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o self-idolizers_a that_o god_n be_v engage_v to_o pull_v down_o and_o it_o be_v not_o by_o such_o as_o these_o that_o the_o church_n must_v be_v heal_v and_o repair_v but_o it_o be_v by_o they_o that_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o own_o infirmity_n and_o compassionate_a to_o other_o that_o be_v of_o a_o christian_n catholic_n spirit_n and_o have_v catholic_n principle_n and_o affection_n and_o see_v such_o a_o beauty_n in_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o can_v hearty_o love_v a_o gracious_a person_n notwithstanding_o his_o many_o tolerable_a infirmity_n and_o think_v themselves_o more_o unworthy_a to_o be_v tolerate_v by_o other_o than_o such_o as_o i_o have_v describe_v to_o be_v tolerate_v by_o they_o preach_v december_n 24._o 1657._o finis_fw-la
and_o conceit_n fulfil_v even_o in_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n or_o else_o they_o will_v revile_v the_o pastor_n and_o make_v division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o they_o that_o in_o other_o case_n do_v seem_v sufficient_o to_o reverence_v the_o place_n of_o public_a assembly_n as_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o that_o speak_v against_o private_a meeting_n though_o but_o for_o prayer_n repeat_v sermon_n or_o sing_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n while_o yet_o themselves_o be_v wilful_o bend_v for_o such_o private_a meeting_n as_o be_v set_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o public_a and_o that_o for_o the_o administration_n of_o so_o great_a a_o ordinance_n as_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o in_o case_n where_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o privacy_n and_o who_o know_v not_o that_o our_o sacramental_a covenant_n with_o god_n and_o engagement_n to_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o reception_n into_o a_o christian_a state_n and_o privilege_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v with_o the_o most_o honourable_a solemnity_n then_o in_o a_o conventicle_n in_o a_o private_a house_n too_o many_o more_o such_o instance_n i_o can_v give_v you_o which_o show_v who_o they_o be_v that_o be_v the_o enemy_n of_o our_o unity_n even_o those_o that_o cry_v out_o against_o division_n while_o they_o cau●e_v they_o and_o cry_v up_o unity_n concord_n and_o obedience_n while_o they_o destroy_v they_o and_o shall_v we_o thus_o continue_v a_o division_n that_o do_v prognosticate_v our_o everlasting_a division_n be_v there_o no_o remedy_n for_o so_o great_a a_o misery_n when_o yet_o our_o poor_a ungodly_a neighbour_n m●y_v heal_v it_o if_o they_o will_v what_o if_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o several_a parish_n shall_v appoint_v one_o day_n of_o public_a conference_n with_o all_o the_o people_n of_o their_o parish_n together_o and_o desire_v all_o th●t_n be_v fit_a to_o speak_v to_o debate_v the_o case_n and_o give_v their_o reason_n why_o they_o concur_v not_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n with_o the_o holy_a diligent_a servant_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o let_v they_o he●r_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o godly_a dare_v not_o and_o can_v come_v over_o to_o their_o negligent_a ungodly_a course_n and_o so_o try_v who_o it_o be_v long_o of_o among_o they_o that_o they_o ar●_n not_o of_o one_o mind_n and_o way_n what_o if_o the_o minister_n than_o urge_v it_o on_o they_o to_o agree_v all_o before_o they_o part_v to_o unite_v on_o the_o term_n which_o god_n will_v own_v and_o all_o unanimous_o to_o take_v that_o course_n that_o shall_v be_v find_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o word_n and_o whoever_o do_v bring_v the_o full_a proof_n that_o his_o course_n be_v best_a in_o reason_n the_o rest_n shall_v promise_v to_o join_v w●th_v he_o what_o if_o we_o call_v the_o people_n together_o and_o bespeak_v they_o as_o elijah_n do_v 1_o king_n ●8_z 21_o how_o long_o halt_v you_o between_o two_o opinion_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n follow_v he_o but_o if_o baal_n then_o follow_v he_o if_o a_o careless_a ungodly_a worldly_a fleshly_a life_n be_v best_a and_o most_o please_v god_n and_o will_v comfort_v you_o most_o at_o death_n and_o judgement_n then_o hold_v on_o in_o the_o way_n that_o you_o be_v in_o and_o never_o purpose_v hereafter_o to_o repent_v of_o it_o but_o let_v we_o all_o become_v as_o sensual_a as_o you_o but_o if_o it_o be_v only_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n that_o god_n and_o scripture_n and_o reason_n will_v justify_v and_o that_o will_v comfort_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o hour_n of_o extremity_n and_o that_o you_o shall_v with_o a_o thousand_o time_n you_o have_v follow_v in_o everlasting_a misery_n when_o wish_v be_v too_o late_a if_o now_o you_o continue_v to_o neglect_v it_o do_v not_o c●mmon_a reason_n then_o require_v that_o we_o all_o now_o agree_v to_o go_v that_o way_n which_o all_o will_v desire_v to_o be_v find_v in_o at_o the_o last_o one_o will_v think_v if_o a_o minister_n shall_v treat_v thus_o with_o his_o parishioner_n and_o urge_v such_o a_o motion_n as_o this_o upon_o they_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v the_o heart_n or_o face_n to_o deny_v or_o delay_v such_o a_o necessary_a agreement_n and_o engagement_n that_o will_v make_v their_o parish_n and_o their_o soul_n so_o happy_a and_o which_o nothing_o but_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o befool_v corrupt_a mind_n of_o sinner_n have_v any_o thing_n to_o say_v against_o and_o yet_o its_o likely_a we_o shall_v either_o have_v such_o a_o answer_n as_o elijah_n have_v even_o silence_n v._n 21._o the_o people_n answer_v he_o not_o a_o word_n or_o else_o some_o plausible_a promise_n while_o we_o have_v they_o in_o a_o good_a mood_n which_o will_v quick_o be_v break_v &_o come_v to_o nothing_o for_o indeed_o they_o be_v all_o engage_v already_o by_o their_o baptismal_a covenant_n and_o profession_n of_o christianity_n to_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v how_o little_o they_o regard_v it_o but_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o use_v the_o mean_n for_o the_o salvation_n and_o concord_n of_o our_o people_n and_o wait_v on_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o success_n i_o have_v here_o show_v you_o the_o only_a way_n to_o both_o read_v it_o impartial_o and_o then_o be_v yourselves_o the_o judge_n on_o who_o the_o blame_n of_o our_o great_a and_o most_o dangerous_a division_n will_v be_v lay_v and_o for_o shame_n either_o give_v over_o complain_v that_o man_n be_v of_o so_o many_o mind_n and_o profess_v yourselves_o the_o enemy_n of_o unity_n and_o peace_n or_o else_o give_v over_o your_o damn_v and_o divide_v course_n and_o yield_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o will_v unite_v you_o to_o his_o body_n and_o walk_v in_o communion_n with_o his_o saint_n and_o let_v not_o these_o warning_n be_v hereafter_o a_o witness_n against_o you_o to_o your_o confusion_n which_o be_v intend_v for_o your_o salvation_n and_o the_o heal_n of_o our_o discord_n by_o a_o unworthy_a servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o call_v and_o edify_v of_o his_o member_n rich._n baxter_n decem._n 10._o 1659._o the_o content_n the_o introduction_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o text_n to_o p._n 14_o d●ct_n the_o true_a unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v all_o one_o sanctify_a spirit_n within_o they_o p._n 14_o explicatory_a proposition_n p._n 16_o twenty_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o ungodliness_n be_v the_o great_a divider_n and_o that_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o union_n it_o must_v be_v by_o the_o ungodlies_n come_v ou●r_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n p._n 19_o use_v 1._o show_v plain_o who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o great_a division_n p._n 37_o ungodliness_n be_v all_o heretical_a opinion_n combine_v and_o reduce_v to_o practice_n p._n 43_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v against_o every_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o commandment_n and_o every_o petition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o every_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n p_o 65_o they_o be_v worse_o than_o mere_a sectary_n p._n 73_o use_v 2._o how_o little_a cause_n the_o papist_n have_v to_o glory_n when_o they_o draw_v a_o ungodly_a man_n mere_o into_o their_o church_n p._n 80_o use_v 3_o how_o false_o papist_n and_o quaker_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o ungodly_a person_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o ministry_n p._n 83_o use_v 4._o a_o serious_a motion_n for_o unity_n and_o peace_n to_o all_o that_o will_v have_v we_o of_o one_o religion_n p._n 88_o some_o more_o undeniable_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o unity_n but_o this_o one_o p._n 100_o quest._n what_o be_v that_o godliness_n that_o we_o must_v all_o unite_v in_o p._n 136_o quest._n what_o the_o near_a an_o agreement_n shall_v we_o be_v do_v not_o the_o godly_a differ_v among_o themselves_o p._n 178_o use_v 5._o how_o little_a hope_n of_o perfect_a unity_n on_o earth_n and_o how_o much_o unity_n may_v be_v expect_v among_o the_o godly_a p._n 195_o quest._n whether_o unity_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o one_o faith_n government_n and_o worship_n may_v serve_v turn_n ten_o discovery_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o a_o union_n in_o mere_a profession_n p._n 203_o how_o much_o true_a godliness_n will_v conduce_v to_o heal_v our_o lesser_a difference_n and_o that_o we_o may_v do_v well_o notwithstanding_o they_o p._n 234_o manifest_v in_o twenty_o four_o particular_n quest._n how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o difference_n among_o those_o that_o you_o call_v godly_a answer_v p._n 288_o advice_n to_o the_o godly_a p._n 308_o rom._n 14.1_o explain_v p._n 313_o doct._n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n
that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v lay_v on_o indifferent_a small_a or_o doubtful_a thing_n but_o that_o true_a believer_n that_o differ_v in_o such_o thing_n shall_v yet_o have_v inward_a charity_n and_o outward_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o not_o censure_v nor_o despise_v nor_o divide_v upon_o this_o account_n p._n 323_o convince_v reason_n p._n 326_o several_n use_v or_o consectary_n and_o a_o exhortation_n apply_v to_o our_o difference_n about_o christmas_n day_n p._n 358_o errata_fw-la page_n 90._o l._n 9_o r._n inquire_v p._n 91._o l._n 6._o r._n except_a p._n 192._o l._n 7._o for_o now_o r._n in_o time_n p._n 275._o l._n 16_o for_o or_o r._n as_o p._n 366._o l._n 12._o for_o it_o r._n they_o p._n 377._o l._n 12._o deal_n in_o catholic_n unity_n ephes._n 4.3_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n it_o seem_v that_o unity_n and_o felicity_n be_v near_o kin_n in_o that_o the_o world_n be_v so_o like_v affect_v to_o they_o both_o as_o our_o felicity_n be_v in_o god_n and_o we_o lose_v it_o by_o fall_v from_o god_n so_o our_o unity_n be_v in_o god_n and_o we_o lose_v it_o by_o depart_v from_o this_o centre_n of_o unity_n and_o as_o all_o man_n have_v still_o a_o natural_a desire_n after_o felicity_n in_o general_a but_o god_n who_o be_v their_o felicity_n they_o neither_o know_v nor_o desire_n so_o have_v we_o still_o a_o natural_a desire_n after_o unity_n in_o itself_o consider_v but_o god_n who_o be_v our_o unity_n be_v little_o know_v or_o desire_v by_o the_o most_o and_o as_o nature_n can_v perceive_v the_o evil_n of_o misery_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o felicity_n and_o cry_v out_o against_o it_o and_o yet_o do_v cherish_v the_o certain_a cause_n of_o it_o and_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o let_v they_o go_v so_o nature_n can_v perceive_v the_o evil_n of_o division_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o unity_n and_o cry_v out_o against_o it_o and_o yet_o will_v not_o forbear_v the_o cause_n of_o division_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o say_v of_o felicity_n nature_n by_o philosophy_n seek_v it_o divinity_z findeth_z it_o and_o religion_n possess_v it_o so_o may_v we_o say_v of_o true_a unity_n philosophy_n or_o nature_n seek_v it_o divinity_z findeth_z it_o and_o religion_n or_o holiness_n possess_v it_o and_o as_o most_o of_o the_o world_n do_v miss_v of_o felicity_n for_o all_o their_o high_a esteem_n of_o it_o and_o fall_v into_o misery_n for_o all_o their_o hatred_n of_o it_o because_o they_o love_v not_o the_o object_n and_o way_n of_o felicity_n and_o hate_v not_o the_o matter_n and_o way_n of_o misery_n even_o so_o most_o of_o the_o world_n do_v miss_v of_o unity_n for_o all_o their_o high_a esteem_n of_o unity_n and_o fall_v into_o miserable_a distraction_n and_o division_n for_o all_o their_o hatred_n of_o division_n because_o they_o love_v not_o the_o centre_n and_o way_n of_o unity_n and_o hate_v not_o the_o occasion_n and_o cause_n of_o division_n and_o as_o the_o very_a reason_n why_o the_o most_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o happiness_n be_v their_o own_o wilful_a refuse_v of_o the_o true_a matter_n and_o mean_n of_o happiness_n and_o no_o one_o can_v undo_v they_o but_o themselves_o for_o all_o that_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o be_v undo_v even_o so_o the_o very_a reason_n why_o the_o world_n attain_v not_o to_o unity_n be_v their_o own_o wilful_a refuse_v of_o the_o true_a centre_n and_o mean_n of_o unity_n and_o it_o be_v themselves_o that_o be_v the_o wilful_a cause_n of_o their_o own_o division_n even_o when_o they_o cry_v out_o against_o division_n and_o as_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o happiness_n but_o by_o turn_v to_o god_n from_o who_o we_o fall_v that_o in_o he_o we_o may_v be_v happy_a and_o no_o way_n to_o god_n but_o by_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o saviour_n and_o the_o holy-ghost_n as_o the_o sanctifier_n so_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o true_a unity_n but_o by_o turn_v to_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v one_o in_o he_o and_o no_o way_n to_o he_o but_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o be_v quicken_v by_o that_o one_o most_o holy_a spirit_n that_o animate_v his_o member_n and_o yet_o as_o poor_a soul_n do_v weary_a themselves_o in_o vain_a in_o seek_v felicity_n in_o their_o own_o way_n and_o device_n so_o do_v they_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o seek_v unity_n in_o way_n that_o be_v quite_o destructive_a to_o unity_n one_o think_v we_o must_v be_v unite_v in_o the_o pope_n and_o another_o in_o a_o general_n council_n another_o say_v we_o shall_v never_o have_v unity_n till_o the_o magistrate_n force_v we_o all_o one_o way_n and_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o be_v force_v from_o their_o own_o way_n another_o turn_v atheist_n or_o infidel_n or_o impious_a by_o observe_v the_o division_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n and_o say_v it_o be_v this_o scripture_n and_o religion_n and_o christ_n that_o have_v set_v the_o world_n together_o by_o the_o ear_n and_o we_o shall_v never_o have_v unity_n till_o we_o all_o live_v according_a to_o nature_n and_o cast_v off_o their_o needless_a care_n and_o fear_n of_o another_o life_n and_o thus_o the_o miserable_a delude_a world_n be_v grope_v in_o the_o dark_a after_o unity_n and_o felicity_n while_o both_o be_v at_o hand_n and_o they_o wicked_o reject_v they_o and_o many_o of_o they_o become_v so_o mad_a as_o to_o run_v away_o from_o god_n from_o christ_n from_o the_o spirit_n as_o if_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o misery_n and_o division_n who_o be_v the_o only_a centre_n of_o felicity_n and_o unity_n and_o thus_o as_o it_o be_v but_o few_o that_o arrive_v at_o happiness_n for_o all_o their_o desire_n of_o it_o so_o it_o be_v but_o few_o that_o attain_v to_o unity_n to_o such_o a_o unity_n as_o be_v worth_a the_o attain_n to_o i_o dare_v presume_v to_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o all_o you_o that_o hear_v i_o this_o day_n will_v fain_o have_v division_n take_v away_o and_o have_v unity_n and_o concord_n and_o peace_n through_o the_o world_n what_o say_v you_o will_v you_o not_o have_v we_o all_o of_o one_o ●i●d_n and_o of_o one_o religion_n and_o will_v you_o not_o fain_o have_v a_o agreement_n if_o it_o may_v be_v through_o all_o the_o world_n i_o be_o confident_a you_o will_v but_o you_o little_o think_v that_o be_v you_o and_o such_o as_o you_o that_o be_v the_o hinderer_n of_o it_o all_o the_o question_n be_v what_o mind_n that_o be_v that_o all_o shall_v be_v one_o in_o and_o what_o religion_n that_o be_v that_o all_o man_n s●ould_v agree_v in_o every_o man_n will_v have_v all_o man_n of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o religion_n but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o of_o his_o religion_n and_o so_o we_o be_v never_o the_o near_a an_o agreement_n well!_o what_o will_v you_o give_v now_o to_o be_v certain_o tell_v the_o only_a way_n to_o unity_n and_o agreement_n there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n when_o you_o have_v seek_v about_o as_o long_o as_o you_o will_v you_o must_v come_v to_o that_o one_o way_n or_o you_o will_v be_v never_o the_o near_o it_o what_o will_v you_o give_v to_o know_v undoubted_o which_o be_v that_o one_o way_n o_o that_o the_o world_n be_v but_o willing_a to_o know_v it_o and_o to_o follow_v it_o when_o they_o know_v it_o well!_o i_o dare_v promise_v you_o from_o the_o information_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n here_o give_v we_o in_o this_o text_n that_o now_o i_o have_v read_v to_o to_o you_o to_o tell_v you_o the_o only_a way_n to_o true_a unity_n and_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o learn_v it_o and_o walk_v in_o it_o this_o text_n be_v a_o precept_n contain_v the_o work_n require_v of_o we_o with_o its_o double_a object_n the_o one_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o other_o the_o next_o verse_n be_v a_o exposition_n of_o this_o as_o the_o natural_a man_n have_v one_o body_n and_o one_o soul_n which_o constitute_v it_o a_o man_n so_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v one_o body_n consist_v of_o many_o member_n unite_v by_o one_o spirit_n every_o commonwealth_n or_o political_a body_n have_v 1._o it_o be_v constitutive_a cause_n that_o give_v it_o its_o be_v and_o its_o unity_n and_o 2._o it_o be_v administration_n and_o preserve_a cause_n as_o law_n execution_n obedience_n etc._n etc._n that_o exercise_n and_o preserve_v and_o perfect_a its_o be_v the_o constitutive_a cause_n be_v the_o sovereign_n and_o the_o subject_a conjoin_v in_o their_o relation_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o political_a body_n but_o of_o a_o transcendent_a kind_n of_o policy_n the_o constitutive_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n and_o the_o member_n unite_v in_o one_o spirit_n and_o this_o
shame_n what!_o will_v you_o have_v we_o think_v you_o be_v against_o division_n when_o you_o divide_v from_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n and_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n can_v you_o for_o shame_n say_v that_o you_o be_v for_o unity_n and_o agreement_n when_o you_o be_v divide_v from_o we_o and_o will_v not_o agree_v with_o we_o unless_o we_o will_v be_v as_o mad_a as_o you_o and_o damn_v our_o soul_n for_o company_n with_o you_o to_o hear_v these_o ungodly_a man_n talk_v against_o sect_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n be_v as_o if_o we_o hear_v a_o man_n that_o have_v the_o leprosy_n cry_v out_o against_o those_o that_o have_v the_o itch_n or_o a_o murderer_n child_n another_o for_o foul_a word_n 3._o and_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o while_o you_o remain_v ungodly_a you_o be_v the_o great_a heretic_n and_o separatist_n that_o trouble_v the_o church_n of_o god_n more_o than_o abundance_n of_o those_o that_o you_o reproach_n i_o excuse_v not_o the_o least_o but_o none_o of_o they_o be_v like_o you_o as_o death_n be_v worse_a than_o sickness_n as_o be_v that_o which_o all_o sickness_n tend_v to_o and_o the_o worst_a that_o it_o can_v do_v so_o ungodliness_n be_v worse_a than_o sect_n and_o particular_a error_n or_o heresy_n it_o be_v the_o worst_a that_o any_o error_n can_v do_v to_o make_v a_o man_n ungodly_a there_o be_v no_o such_o separatist_n in_o the_o world_n as_o you_o it_o be_v not_o only_o from_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o ordinance_n that_o you_o separate_v but_o as_o i_o say_v even_o now_o you_o separate_v from_o god_n that_o make_v you_o from_o christ_n that_o buy_v you_o from_o the_o spirit_n that_o shall_v sanctify_v you_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o must_v rule_v you_o or_o condemn_v you_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a communion_n of_o his_o people_n the_o church_n will_v have_v you_o join_v with_o they_o in_o holy_a worship_n and_o your_o godly_a neighbour_n will_v have_v you_o join_v with_o they_o in_o prayer_n and_o holy_a life_n and_o you_o will_v not_o but_o separate_v from_o they_o all_o they_o can_v have_v your_o help_n against_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n you_o live_v in_o they_o can_v have_v your_o company_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o when_o they_o go_v one_o way_n you_o go_v another_o way_n you_o be_v the_o great_a troubl●rs_n of_o the_o world_n and_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o of_o all_o that_o you_o have_v to_o do_v with_o you_o trouble_v magistrate_n and_o make_v work_n for_o lawyer_n you_o trouble_v minister_n and_o frustrate_v their_o labour_n and_o make_v their_o life_n grievous_a to_o they_o when_o it_o be_v much_o in_o your_o hand_n to_o make_v they_o joyous_a you_o trouble_v all_o the_o godly_a that_o be_v about_o you_o and_o you_o will_v find_v at_o last_o that_o you_o have_v most_o of_o all_o trouble_a your_o own_o soul_n for_o shame_v therefore_o before_o you_o speak_v any_o more_o against_o sect_n and_o separatist_n or_o any_o other_o troubler_n of_o the_o church_n give_v over_o the_o ungodly_a separation_n which_o you_o continue_v in_o and_o come_v in_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n yourselves_o and_o live_v in_o that_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o you_o say_v you_o do_v believe_v and_o do_v not_o go_v on_o to_o trouble_v the_o church_n abundance_n more_o than_o those_o that_o you_o speak_v against_o 4._o consider_v also_o whether_o you_o have_v not_o as_o much_o reason_n to_o live_v a_o diligent_a holy_a life_n and_o seek_v god_n and_o your_o salvation_n with_o all_o your_o might_n as_o any_o of_o your_o neighbour_n have_v and_o therefore_o whether_o your_o own_o necessity_n do_v not_o call_v aloud_o to_o you_o to_o unite_v with_o they_o and_o to_o do_v as_o they_o do_v your_o godly_a neighbour_n be_v meditate_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o you_o be_v think_v of_o the_o world_n or_o on_o vanity_n they_o be_v discourse_v of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v when_o you_o be_v talk_v of_o your_o worldly_a business_n or_o pour_v out_o a_o company_n of_o idle_a word_n ask_v your_o conference_n now_o wh●ther_o you_o have_v not_o as_o much_o need_n to_o study_v the_o scripture_n and_o prepare_v for_o the_o life_n to_o come_v as_o they_o your_o godly_a neighbour_n be_v at_o prayer_n when_o you_o be_v sin_v and_o drown_v in_o the_o inordinate_a care_n of_o the_o wo●ld_n and_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o th●ir_a employment_n let_v conscience_n speak_v whether_o you_o have_v not_o as_o much_o need_n to_o pray_v as_o they_o they_o abhor_v sin_n and_o be_v afraid_a of_o it_o when_o you_o bold_o venture_v on_o it_o let_v conscience_n tell_v you_o whether_o you_o have_v not_o as_o much_o cause_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o sin_n as_o they_o yea_o and_o a_o hundred_o time_n more_o for_o you_o be_v under_o the_o guilt_n and_o power_n of_o it_o o_o wonderful_a madness_n of_o the_o ungodly_a world_n that_o the_o example_n of_o the_o godly_a shall_v not_o bring_v they_o to_o some_o consideration_n a_o man_n that_o be_v convert_v and_o reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o have_v a_o pardon_n of_o all_o his_o sin_n and_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o walk_v humble_o and_o upright_o with_o god_n do_v yet_o think_v all_o too_o little_a that_o he_o can_v do_v but_o fast_v and_o pray_v and_o watch_v against_o temptation_n and_o humbl●th_v his_o flesh_n and_o follow_v after_o god_n continual_o and_o lament_v after_o all_o that_o he_o be_v so_o bad_a &_o can_v do_v no_o more_o and_o his_o neighbour_n that_o live_v by_o he_o be_v a_o ignorant_a stupid_a sinner_n unconvert_v and_o under_o the_o guilt_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o under_o the_o curse_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n have_v no_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n nay_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o will_v be_v cast_v into_o hell_n the_o next_o hour_n if_o he_o die_v in_o that_o condition_n and_o yet_o this_o man_n feel_v not_o any_o such_o need_n of_o prayer_n and_o holy_a meditation_n and_o conference_n and_o so_o religious_a and_o str●ct_a a_o life_n he_o that_o have_v lose_v almost_o all_o the_o time_n of_o his_o life_n and_o be_v not_o only_o quite_o behindhand_o in_o knowledge_n and_o ability_n but_o be_v a_o unsanctified_a miserable_a wretch_n not_o sure_a to_o be_v out_o of_o hell_n a_o hour_n this_o man_n perceive_v no_o such_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n nor_o why_o he_o shall_v make_v so_o much_o ado_n as_o if_o a_o rich_a man_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o daily_a labour_n and_o a_o man_n that_o have_v nothing_o shall_v think_v it_o needless_a or_o as_o if_o a_o man_n that_o have_v the_o toothache_a or_o a_o slight_a disease_n shall_v send_v to_o the_o physician_n and_o he_o that_o have_v the_o plague_n shall_v sit_v still_o and_o say_v what_o need_v this_o trouble_n sir_n i_o beseech_v you_o look_v upon_o the_o holy_a and_o most_o heavenly_a neighbour_n you_o have_v and_o bethink_v you_o whether_o you_o have_v not_o much_o more_o need_n to_o be_v diligent_a than_o they_o have_v not_o you_o immortal_a soul_n to_o save_v or_o lose_v as_o well_o as_o they_o be_v not_o you_o in_o danger_n of_o damnation_n as_o much_o and_o a_o hundred_o time_n more_o than_o they_o shall_v not_o god_n be_v your_o master_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o his_o law_n your_o rule_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o heaven_n be_v as_o dear_a to_o you_o as_o to_o they_o bethink_v your_o self_n when_o you_o hear_v they_o pray_v or_o read_v or_o repeat_v sermon_n and_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n day_n and_o fear_v to_o offend_v have_v not_o i_o as_o much_o need_n to_o do_v all_o this_o as_o any_o of_o they_o if_o then_o you_o have_v as_o much_o cause_n and_o need_v to_o live_v a_o godly_a life_n as_o other_o join_v with_o they_o in_o it_o and_o let_v all_o the_o town_n agree_v together_o and_o none_o withdraw_v but_o he_o that_o can_v say_v i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o it_o 5._o and_o i_o pray_v you_o consider_v also_o how_o easy_a it_o will_v make_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n if_o we_o will_v but_o all_o unite_v and_o agree_v to_o go_v together_o in_o it_o this_o be_v it_o that_o discourage_v the_o weak_a and_o mak●s_v it_o so_o hard_a a_o matter_n to_o be_v save_v because_o there_o be_v so_o few_o that_o be_v godly_a but_o if_o one_o or_o two_o poor_a people_n be_v resolve_v to_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o to_o please_v god_n and_o save_v their_o soul_n the_o rest_n do_v either_o look_v on_o and_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o they_o or_o else_o speak_v against_o they_o and_o make_v they_o their_o ordinary_a
sin_n and_o w●ll_n have_v the_o sore_a punishment_n because_o among_o such_o example_n such_o mean_n and_o call_v and_o mercy_n you_o yet_o resist_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v void_a of_o that_o holiness_n which_o your_o tongue_n profess_v the_o poor_a indian_n hear_v not_o that_o which_o you_o daily_o or_o weekly_o hear_v nor_o have_v the_o opportunity_n in_o public_a and_o private_a that_o you_o have_v have_v if_o they_o lie_v in_o ignorance_n and_o unbelief_n they_o can_v say_v it_o be_v because_o they_o never_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o scripture_n nor_o ever_o have_v a_o man_n to_o tell_v they_o of_o the_o bless_a tiding_n of_o redemption_n or_o open_v to_o they_o the_o way_n to_o life_n but_o so_o can_v you_o say_v for_o yourselves_o they_o be_v the_o less_o excusable_a if_o they_o have_v see_v but_o one_o of_o your_o day_n or_o join_v but_o once_o in_o those_o holy_a assembly_n which_o you_o profane_v the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o concern_v the_o rejecter_n of_o his_o minister_n and_o his_o gospel_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v easy_a for_o sodom_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n then_o for_o they_o mat._n 10.15_o you_o will_v find_v a_o hot_a place_n in_o hell_n that_o pass_v thither_o from_o those_o seat_n from_o this_o assembly_n from_o such_o a_o neighbourhood_n and_o such_o a_o nation_n then_o if_o you_o have_v pass_v thither_o from_o among_o the_o turk_n o●_n indian_n 6._o moreover_o there_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n less_o hope_n of_o your_o salvation_n that_o have_v long_o live_v unconvert_v in_o the_o outward_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n then_o of_o other_o man_n as_o a_o sick_a man_n be_v in_o a_o more_o desperate_a case_n that_o have_v long_o use_v the_o best_a and_o only_o mean_v and_o all_o in_o vain_a than_o he_o that_o never_o use_v any_o i_o confess_v you_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o be_v still_o under_o the_o mean_n and_o that_o be_v your_o hope_n as_o long_o as_o it_o last_v but_o then_o you_o have_v the_o dreadful_a symptom_n of_o frustrate_v these_o mean_n and_o that_o be_v your_o terror_n above_o those_o that_o yet_o remain_v without_o 7._o moreover_o if_o you_o agree_v with_o we_o but_o in_o profession_n and_o outward_a communion_n you_o will_v be_v thereby_o more_o capable_a of_o do_v we_o the_o great_a mischief_n i_o know_v god_n do_v benefit_v his_o church_n by_o many_o of_o the_o unsanctified_a as_o i_o say_v before_o but_o many_o other_o of_o they_o be_v the_o great_a plague_n to_o it_o one_o enemy_n in_o our_o own_o army_n or_o in_o our_o council_n may_v do_v more_o against_o we_o than_o ten_o thousand_o open_a enemy_n abroad_o false-hearted_a bishop_n pastor_n yea_o and_o magistrate's_o that_o have_v the_o name_n and_o not_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_n be_v they_o that_o have_v betray_v the_o church_n and_o break_v it_o in_o piece_n and_o make_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n a_o stepping-stone_n to_o their_o worldly_a end_n it_o be_v a_o doeg_n that_o betray_v david_n and_o abimelech_n it_o be_v a_o judas_n that_o betray_v christ_n himself_o you_o be_v now_o our_o daily_a hearer_n and_o live_v some_o of_o you_o civil_o among_o we_o and_o take_v yourselves_o confident_o for_o christian_n and_o saint_n as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o secret_o scorn_v those_o that_o will_v rob_v you_o of_o that_o honour_n as_o appropriate_v it_o unto_o themselves_o and_o say_v as_o zedekiah_n to_o micaiah_n when_o he_o strike_v he_o 1_o king_n 22.24_o whi●h_v way_n go_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o i_o to_o speeak_v unto_o thou_o but_o if_o the_o time_n shall_v turn_v and_o you_o have_v but_o your_o will_n at_o least_o if_o you_o be_v but_o force_v or_o drive_v by_o authority_n we_o shall_v soon_o find_v many_o of_o you_o to_o be_v bloodthirsty_a enemy_n that_o now_o be_v so_o confident_a that_o you_o be_v christian_n and_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n a_o little_a money_n will_v hire_v those_o iudas'es_n to_o betray_v christ_n and_o his_o cause_n and_o church_n that_o now_o be_v our_o familiar_n and_o put_v their_o hand_n into_o the_o same_o dish_n with_o the_o true_a disciple_n while_o they_o be_v among_o we_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o and_o therefore_o when_o temptation_n come_v they_o will_v be_v go_v from_o we_o it_o be_v well_o if_o half_a this_o assembly_n that_o be_v now_o hear_v i_o will_v stick_v to_o godliness_n if_o godliness_n be_v but_o the_o persecute_a scorn_a way_n of_o the_o time_n yea_o if_o they_o will_v not_o forsake_v even_o the_o name_n itself_o of_o christian_a and_o forsake_v these_o assembly_n and_o outward_a worship_n if_o the_o ruler_n be_v against_o it_o and_o do_v but_o persecute_v it_o so_o that_o it_o must_v cost_v they_o any_o thing_n dear_a to_o hold_v it_o 8._o moreover_o these_o hollow-hearted_a christian_n that_o agree_v with_o we_o but_o in_o the_o outside_n and_o the_o name_n be_v capable_a of_o dishonour_v christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n much_o more_o than_o if_o they_o be_v open_a enemy_n if_o a_o profess_a heathen_a or_o infidel_n live_v wicked_o this_o can_v be_v cast_v upon_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o christian_a name_n nor_o can_v christ_n and_o his_o servant_n be_v hit_v in_o the_o tooth_n with_o it_o or_o reproach_v by_o it_o but_o when_o those_o that_o take_v on_o they_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o join_v with_o christian_n in_o their_o public_a worship_n shall_v live_v like_o heathen_n or_o worse_o than_o some_o of_o they_o what_o great_a wrong_n can_v be_v do_v to_o christ_n will_v he_o not_o one_o day_n take_v such_o wretch_n by_o the_o throat_n and_o s●y_o if_o thou_o must_v have_v thy_o pride_n and_o drunkenness_n and_o covetousness_n if_o thou_o must_v needs_o swear_v and_o curse_v and_o rail_v or_o live_v a_o ungodly_a fleshy_a life_n thou_o shall_v have_v keep_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o church_n and_o not_o have_v call_v thyself_o a_o christian_n and_o take_v a_o easy_a place_n in_o hell_n must_v thou_o bring_v thy_o wickedness_n into_o my_o house_n and_o among_o my_o servant_n to_o dishonour_v i_o must_v i_o and_o my_o servant_n be_v reproach_v with_o thy_o crime_n and_o this_o be_v one_o great_a cause_n why_o christ_n have_v appoint_v discipline_n in_o his_o church_n to_o admonish_v and_o reform_v or_o reject_v the_o scandalous_a and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n among_o many_o other_o why_o faithful_a christian_n though_o they_o will_v make_v no_o unjust_a division_n and_o separation_n will_v yet_o have_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n keep_v clean_o by_o use_n of_o holy_a discipline_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v because_o it_o be_v from_o such_o false-hearted_a professor_n usual_o that_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v reproach_v in_o the_o world_n these_o be_v they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n that_o make_v turk_n and_o jew_n and_o all_o other_o enemy_n say_v that_o christian_n be_v as_o bad_a as_o other_o because_o those_o that_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o other_o do_v take_v on_o they_o to_o be_v christian_n when_o drunkard_n and_o fornicator_n and_o covetous_a person_n and_o profane_a do_v come_v to_o the_o congregation_n and_o say_v they_o be_v christian_n when_o in_o heart_n and_o deed_n they_o be_v not_o what_o wonder_v then_o if_o infidel_n and_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n reproach_v we_o and_o say_v you_o see_v what_o christian_n be_v how_o can_v a_o papist_n do_v the_o protestant_n a_o cunning_a and_o sure_a mischief_n then_o to_o take_v on_o he_o a_o protestant_n and_o then_o commit_v fornication_n or_o other_o horrid_a lewdness_n or_o join_v with_o some_o abominable_a sect_n to_o make_v man_n think_v that_o the_o protestant_n be_v such_o as_o these_o and_o how_o can_v you_o do_v christ_n a_o great_a wrong_n then_o to_o carry_v the_o dung_n of_o the_o world_n into_o his_o church_n and_o to_o cover_v all_o the_o crime_n of_o infidel_n with_o the_o name_n and_o garb_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v all_o these_o be_v the_o crime_n of_o christian_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o faithful_a minister_n though_o they_o will_v have_v as_o many_o as_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v save_v yet_o be_v not_o so_o forward_o to_o take_v in_o all_o as_o other_o be_v for_o christ_n need_v not_o servant_n but_o it_o be_v they_o that_o need_v he_o and_o he_o have_v rather_o have_v a_o few_o that_o will_v honour_v he_o by_o mortify_v holy_a life_n then_o a_o multitude_n that_o will_v but_o cause_v his_o name_n and_o gospel_n to_o be_v reproach_v it_o be_v certain_a from_o church-history_n that_o the_o holy_a life_n of_o some_o one_o or_o few_o person_n as_o gregory_n thaumaturgus_n macarius_n and_o many_o the_o like_a have_v draw_v in_o multitude_n and_o convert_v country_n to_o the_o faith_n when_o the_o wickedness_n of_o whole_a town_n and_o
1._o a_o engagement_n to_o and_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_a seed_n as_o promise_v and_o future_a 2._o a_o engagement_n to_o moses_n law_n for_o this_o use_n it_o have_v after_o the_o law_n be_v give_v now_o when_o christ_n be_v come_v that_o man_n that_o will_v still_o be_v circumcise_a into_o and_o profess_v to_o expect_v a_o messiah_n yet_o to_o come_v and_o that_o will_v engage_v himself_o to_o that_o law_n which_o contain_v the_o type_n of_o a_o future_a messiah_n and_o be_v but_o a_o schoolmaster_n to_o lead_v to_o christ_n i_o say_v that_o person_n that_o be_v thus_o circumcise_a as_o all_o be_v that_o receive_v it_o according_a to_o the_o institution_n do_v plain_o deny_v that_o christ_n be_v come_v and_o therefore_o christ_n can_v profit_v they_o nothing_o but_o yet_o a_o man_n that_o use_v but_o the_o outward_a sign_n to_o avoid_v a_o impediment_n to_o the_o gospel_n as_o paul_n do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o timothy_n or_o if_o it_o be_v erroneous_o as_o a_o mere_a custom_n as_o the_o abassine_n now_o do_v may_v yet_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n nevertheless_o 2._o and_o when_o paul_n use_v it_o it_o be_v as_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o he_o condemn_v it_o as_o suppose_a necessary_a 3._o when_o he_o use_v it_o it_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o as_o austin_n speak_v he_o may_v give_v the_o ceremony_n a_o honourable_a burial_n but_o when_o he_o condemn_v it_o it_o be_v after_o the_o full_a publication_n of_o the_o abolition_n of_o the_o law_n against_o those_o that_o will_v have_v rake_v it_o out_o of_o the_o grave_n again_o 4._o he_o bear_v with_o it_o in_o the_o weak_a but_o he_o condemn_v it_o in_o the_o wilful_a 5._o he_o bear_v with_o it_o in_o those_o that_o scruple_v the_o forsake_v it_o as_o they_o be_v jew_n but_o he_o condemn_v it_o in_o those_o that_o will_v have_v lay_v this_o yoke_n as_o necessary_a on_o the_o gentile_n object_n but_o it_o seem_v here_o that_o paul_n be_v against_o the_o necessary_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n when_o he_o be_v for_o esteem_v all_o day_n alike_o answ._n if_o you_o understand_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o debate_n you_o will_v understand_v his_o speech_n it_o be_v only_a jewish_a holiday_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n and_o therefore_o of_o these_o only_o be_v he_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o for_o the_o lord_n day_n its_o plain_a in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o christ_n do_v not_o only_o rise_v upon_o it_o and_o appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n on_o it_o and_o send_v down_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o it_o but_o that_o the_o disciple_n present_o after_o christ_n resurrection_n begin_v their_o religious_a assembly_n on_o it_o and_o so_o continue_v they_o by_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o settle_v that_o day_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n call_v it_o the_o lord_n day_n joh._n 21.19_o 26._o act._n 2.1_o &_o 20.7_o 1_o cor._n 16.2_o rev._n 1.10_o and_o it_o be_v pass_v all_o doubt_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n that_o since_o the_o apostle_n day_n till_o now_o the_o church_n have_v constant_o keep_v this_o day_n as_o thus_o establish_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n which_o the_o father_n call_v the_o christian_a sabbath_n as_o they_o apply_v the_o name_n of_o a_o altar_n to_o the_o table_n and_o of_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o he_o that_o will_v reject_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n must_v take_v on_o he_o to_o be_v wise_a than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o apostle_n and_o then_o all_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o beginning_n till_o these_o contentious_a person_n do_v arise_v the_o text_n be_v thus_o explain_v the_o doctrine_n before_o mention_v be_v plain_a in_o it_o before_o we_o viz._n doctrine_n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v lay_v upon_o indifferent_a small_a and_o doubtful_a point_n but_o that_o true_a believer_n who_o differ_v in_o such_o thing_n shall_v notwithstanding_o have_v inward_a charity_n and_o outward_a communion_n with_o one_o another_o not_o censure_v nor_o despise_v nor_o divide_v from_o each_o other_o upon_o this_o account_n in_o handle_v this_o point_n i_o shall_v brief_o show_v you_o 1._o what_o i_o mean_v by_o thing_n indifferent_a 2._o what_o i_o mean_v by_o small_a matter_n be_v 3._o what_o by_o doubtful_a thing_n or_o disputation_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o then_o apply_v it_o 1._o for_o the_o explication_n 1._o by_o thing_n indifferent_a i_o do_v not_o mean_v thing_n hic_fw-mi &_o nunc_fw-la indifferent_a in_o the_o use_n but_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o ordinary_o in_o themselves_o either_o command_v as_o duty_n or_o forbid_v as_o sin_n but_o leave_v as_o lawful_a or_o indifferent_a by_o the_o scripture_n unless_o as_o some_o accident_n or_o circumstance_n may_v make_v they_o to_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n 2._o by_o small_a matter_n be_v its_o none_o of_o my_o intent_n to_o persuade_v you_o that_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v but_o a_o appurtenance_n to_o faith_n or_o piety_n be_v absolute_o small_a but_o they_o be_v small_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o far_o great_a thing_n and_o so_o small_a that_o many_o be_v save_v without_o they_o and_o they_o be_v not_o of_o flat_a necessity_n to_o salvation_n and_o the_o great_a matter_n must_v be_v prefer_v before_o they_o 3._o by_o thing_n doubtful_a i_o do_v not_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v not_o certain_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o yet_o such_o as_o perverse_a heretical_a man_n do_v raise_v doubt_n about_o when_o they_o be_v plain_a in_o themselves_o but_o i_o mean_v such_o point_n as_o be_v reveal_v certain_o but_o more_o dark_o than_o the_o great_a point_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v so_o clear_o know_v so_o that_o the_o sum_n be_v this_o 1._o indifferent_a thing_n must_v not_o be_v take_v to_o be_v necessary_a or_o sinful_a but_o to_o be_v indifferent_a 2._o low_o and_o lesser_a point_n must_v not_o be_v take_v to_o be_v great_a or_o weighty_a than_o they_o be_v 3._o point_n of_o less_o certainty_n that_o be_v more_o dark_o reveal_v must_v not_o be_v take_v to_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o certain_a to_o we_o than_o they_o be_v 4._o and_o it_o be_v not_o on_o such_o dark_a small_a matter_n that_o god_n have_v lay_v our_o salvation_n or_o that_o the_o church_n unity_n and_o peace_n depend_v ii_o for_o the_o full_a demonstration_n of_o this_o let_v these_o reason_n be_v observe_v 1._o if_o our_o unity_n be_v lay_v on_o these_o small_a matter_n the_o multitude_n of_o they_o be_v such_o that_o we_o shall_v never_o agree_v in_o all_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n be_v so_o few_o that_o all_o man_n may_v well_o be_v expect_v to_o learn_v and_o know_v and_o entertain_v they_o but_o the_o small_a point_n be_v so_o many_o that_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o a_o universal_a agreement_n in_o they_o all_o you_o know_v in_o the_o body_n of_o man_n or_o beast_n the_o great_a master_n vein_n that_o be_v the_o stock_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o a_o few_o but_o follow_v they_o further_o and_o you_o shall_v have_v so_o many_o division_n and_o subdivision_n till_o you_o find_v they_o to_o be_v many_o hundred_o or_o thousand_o so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o artery_n and_o with_o the_o nerve_n the_o body_n of_o a_o tree_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o first_o division_n perhaps_o be_v but_o into_o two_o or_o three_o part_n but_o follow_v it_o to_o the_o very_a end_n of_o the_o branch_n and_o you_o may_v find_v many_o thousand_o so_o be_v it_o in_o divinity_n and_o therefore_o if_o none_o shall_v be_v in_o unity_n with_o the_o church_n but_o those_o that_o understand_v every_o branch_n of_o christian_a verity_n what_o hope_v of_o union_n can_v there_o be_v 2._o moreover_o the_o small_a point_n be_v far_o less_o discernible_a than_o the_o great_a be_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v the_o less_o hope_n that_o ever_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v unity_n in_o these_o the_o great_a arm_n of_o a_o tree_n be_v easy_o discern_v when_o the_o extremity_n of_o the_o branch_n be_v very_o small_a the_o trunk_n of_o the_o master-vein_n be_v great_a and_o easy_o see_v but_o the_o point_n and_o capillar_n vein_n be_v so_o small_a as_o hardly_o to_o be_v perceive_v so_o god_n in_o mercy_n have_v make_v very_o plain_a those_o few_o essential_a point_n of_o faith_n that_o salvation_n lie_v on_o but_o if_o you_o follow_v on_o these_o general_n to_o all_o the_o particular_n and_o appurtenance_n you_o shall_v find_v they_o run_v so_o small_a as_o well_o as_o so_o many_o as_o
not_o with_o infidelity_n sensuality_n impenitency_n or_o any_o ungodly_a course_n if_o man_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o weak_a believer_n and_o seem_v not_o saint_n at_o least_o of_o the_o low_a form_n receive_v not_o these_o into_o your_o communion_n but_o leave_v they_o under_o your_o common_a compassionate_a charity_n if_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o god_n receive_v they_o not_o then_o do_v not_o you_o receive_v they_o but_o as_o you_o be_v christian_n take_v heed_n of_o cut_v off_o or_o despise_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o give_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n to_o any_o soul_n that_o be_v true_o espouse_v to_o he_o you_o have_v drunkard_n and_o railer_n and_o notorious_a ungodly_a one_o enough_o to_o exercise_v all_o your_o zeal_n if_o you_o join_v both_o head_n and_o heart_n and_o hand_n against_o they_o and_o can_v you_o find_v in_o your_o heart_n to_o fall_v upon_o one_o another_o for_o indifferent_a thing_n or_o small_a matter_n which_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o i_o speak_v to_o both_o side_n impartial_o and_o i_o beseech_v you_o so_o understand_v i_o what_o if_o thy_o weak_a brother_n pray_v upon_o a_o book_n dare_v thou_o therefore_o despise_v he_o and_o what_o if_o thy_o brother_n pray_v without_o book_n dare_v thou_o therefore_o judge_v he_o nay_o dare_v thou_o desire_v that_o none_o but_o such_o shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o preach_v or_o worship_n in_o the_o church_n what_o if_o thy_o weak_a brother_n dare_v not_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n unless_o he_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v it_o dare_v thou_o therefore_o despise_v he_o and_o what_o if_o thy_o brother_n on_o the_o other_o side_n do_v rather_o take_v it_o in_o another_o gesture_n because_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n sin_v not_o in_o so_o do_v and_o because_o he_o find_v that_o our_o kneel_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n yea_o ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la i_o may_v say_v contrary_a to_o general_n council_n yea_o to_o the_o last_o canon_n of_o the_o first_o general_n council_n itself_o which_o even_o the_o canonist_n say_v that_o no_o provincial_a council_n or_o bishop_n can_v repeal_v with_o many_o other_o reason_n dare_v you_o therefore_o judge_v he_o because_o he_o dare_v not_o imitate_v you_o rather_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n if_o any_o imagine_v that_o i_o go_v against_o this_o necessary_a toleration_n myself_o because_o all_o here_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n sit_v i_o answer_v let_v they_o prove_v that_o ever_o i_o refuse_v one_o person_n mere_o because_o they_o will_v take_v it_o kneel_v if_o they_o can_v if_o you_o say_v why_o then_o be_v not_o all_o admit_v to_o take_v it_o kneel_v i_o answer_v soft_a and_o fair_a there_o be_v great_a matter_n then_o kneel_v in_o the_o way_n do_v but_o first_o let_v go_v your_o vicious_a course_n and_o agree_v with_o we_o in_o a_o holy_a life_n &_o turn_v unfeigned_o to_o god_n and_o live_v in_o the_o church_n order_n that_o he_o have_v plain_o command_v and_o then_o if_o i_o can_v give_v you_o satisfaction_n you_o shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o take_v it_o in_o the_o gesture_n that_o you_o desire_v so_o be_v it_o you_o will_v grant_v i_o my_o liberty_n as_o i_o grant_v you_o you_o one_o instance_n more_o tomorrow_o be_v the_o day_n call_v christmas_n day_n and_o many_o day_n call_v holy_a day_n do_v follow_v it_o if_o you_o will_v but_o read_v and_o mark_v this_o chapter_n rom._n 14._o i_o be_o persuade_v it_o may_v prevent_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o sin_n that_o many_o of_o you_o on_o both_o side_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o be_v it_o not_o a_o wonder_n that_o after_o so_o large_a and_o plain_a a_o decision_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o here_o you_o find_v there_o shall_v yet_o be_v any_o controversy_n among_o we_o about_o this_o case_n do_v you_o take_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o your_o rule_n or_o not_o if_o you_o do_v why_o then_o do_v it_o not_o rule_v you_o and_o end_v the_o difference_n do_v you_o not_o read_v the_o apostle_n word_n ver_fw-la 14._o one_o man_n esteem_v one_o day_n above_o another_o another_o esteem_v every_o day_n alike_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n if_o you_o be_v papist_n that_o will_v say_v the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a and_o therefore_o you_o must_v have_v a_o general_n council_n you_o can_v scarce_o devise_v how_o a_o council_n shall_v speak_v more_o plain_a than_o this_o but_o nothing_o will_v serve_v some_o man_n but_o their_o own_o will_n dare_v you_o on_o the_o one_o side_n despise_v your_o weak_a brother_n now_o for_o esteem_v ●hese_n day_n above_o the_o rest_n why_o perhaps_o it_o be_v to_o god_n that_o he_o esteem_v it_o and_o the_o ancient_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n and_o practice_n of_o many_o godly_a person_n do_v persuade_v he_o that_o it_o be_v right_a and_o dare_v you_o on_o the_o other_o side_n condemn_v or_o reproach_v they_o that_o make_v not_o this_o difference_n of_o day_n as_o you_o do_v if_o we_o be_v content_v that_o you_o have_v your_o liberty_n which_o true_o i_o will_v not_o deprive_v you_o of_o if_o it_o be_v in_o my_o power_n can_v you_o be_v content_v that_o we_o have_v we_o there_o be_v three_o opinion_n about_o these_o holy_a day_n 1._o some_o think_v the_o observance_n of_o they_o a_o necessary_a religious_a duty_n 2._o some_o think_v the_o very_a outward_a observance_n to_o be_v a_o intolerable_a sin_n 3._o some_o know_v that_o both_o these_o extreme_n be_v erroneous_a and_o therefore_o they_o take_v the_o thing_n in_o itself_o to_o be_v indifferent_a but_o as_o circumstance_n or_o accident_n may_v make_v it_o good_a or_o evil_a and_o these_o be_v in_o the_o right_n they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o middle_a can_v bear_v with_o other_o but_o the_o other_o can_v bear_v with_o they_o nor_o with_o each_o other_o there_o be_v no_o proof_n that_o ever_o i_o see_v that_o the_o church_n observe_v any_o of_o these_o day_n of_o many_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ._n for_o the_o clement_n the_o dionysius_n the_o cyprian_a that_o be_v cite_v for_o it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v spurious_a and_o it_o be_v unlikely_a that_o none_o of_o these_o will_v have_v be_v mention_v as_o well_o as_o the_o lord_n day_n if_o they_o have_v be_v then_o observe_v when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o ado_n about_o the_o time_n of_o easter_n day_n yea_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o of_o divers_a hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o agree_v on_o which_o be_v the_o day_n of_o christ_n nativity_n some_o thought_n it_o be_v on_o january_n 6._o and_o therefore_o call_v it_o the_o epiphany_n or_o appearance_n and_o of_o old_a both_o the_o birth_n day_n and_o circumcision_n of_o christ_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v on_o that_o same_o day_n that_o be_v on_o the_o six_o of_o january_n caessianus_fw-la witness_v that_o the_o egyptian_n be_v of_o that_o mind_n collat._n l._n 10._o c._n 11._o and_o epiphanius_n witness_v the_o same_o of_o the_o greek_a and_o asian_a and_o syrian_a church_n epiphanius_n himself_o and_o n●zianzen_n and_o many_o other_o be_v of_o this_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v on_o january_n 6._o and_o that_o thence_o it_o be_v call_v the_o epiphanis_fw-la and_o chrys●stom_n in_o hom._n in_o natal_n d●m_fw-la tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v but_o ten_o year_n before_o he_o write_v it_o that_o the_o roman_n have_v persuade_v the_o church_n of_o constantinople_n to_o change_v the_o day_n to_o december_n 25._o and_o yet_o the_o country_n about_o jerusalem_n hold_v to_o the_o 6._o of_o january_n as_o causabon_n have_v show_v exercit._n 2._o cap._n 4._o p._n 170_o 171._o &_o cap._n 11._o p._n 186_o 187._o yea_o indeed_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n nativity_n be_v yet_o unknown_a as_o if_o god_n have_v keep_v we_o ignorant_a of_o purpose_n many_o very_a learned_a man_n as_o broughton_n helvicus_n scaliger_n beroaldus_n think_v that_o the_o day_n be_v about_o autumn_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o october_n calvisius_n paraeus_n and_o many_o more_o be_v for_o other_o time_n than_o december_n 25._o and_o jac._n cappellus_n and_o many_o other_o still_o go_v the_o old_a way_n for_o january_n 6._o and_o th._n lydiat_a out_o of_o clem._n alexandr_n be_v for_o may_v 20._o scultetus_n clopenburgius_n and_o many_o other_o do_v show_v that_o indeed_o the_o time_n be_v utter_o uncertain_a and_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o day_n be_v uncertain_a when_o the_o very_a year_n be_v so_o uncertain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o probability_n of_o ever_o come_v to_o a_o full_a agreement_n about_o it_o among_o the_o learned_a in_o chronologie_n till_o the_o last_o come_n of_o christ_n agree_v they_o our_o late_a most_o learned_a chronologer_n bishop_n usher_n be_v