a_o guide_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n or_o a_o discourse_n direct_v to_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n man_n venture_v their_o salvation_n upon_o seasonable_a for_o these_o time_n wherein_o there_o be_v such_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o way_n of_o religion_n to_o inform_v the_o ignorant_a to_o resolve_v the_o waver_a and_o to_o confirm_v the_o weak_a by_o i._n c._n m._n a._n of_o t._n c._n c._n josh_n 24.15_o and_o if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v whether_o the_o god_n but_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n edinburgh_n print_v by_o andrew_n anderson_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o house_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o cross_n anno_fw-la 1669._o a_o premonition_n to_o the_o reader_n show_v the_o occasion_n and_o intendment_n of_o the_o discourse_n courteous_a reader_n there_o be_v no_o good_a christian_n but_o be_v ready_a upon_o all_o just_a occasion_n to_o express_v his_o sad_a resentment_n of_o the_o woeful_a division_n and_o dangerous_a error_n wherewith_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o these_o kingdom_n have_v be_v for_o many_o year_n past_a and_o still_o be_v so_o distract_v for_o notwithstanding_o that_o our_o civil_a war_n be_v through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n endid_a yet_o our_o religious_a jar_n and_o rent_n be_v not_o heal_v indeed_o how_o can_v any_o pious_a soul_n consider_v the_o great_a dishonour_n do_v thereby_o to_o the_o holy_a name_n of_o god_n the_o reproach_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o great_a scandal_n to_o those_o sometime_o famous_a church_n which_o be_v now_o hereby_o become_v infamous_a through_o the_o world_n yea_o the_o apparent_a ruin_n threaten_v by_o these_o thing_n and_o not_o break_v out_o into_o sad_a lamentation_n for_o the_o same_o sure_o this_o 〈◊〉_d a_o lamentaion_n and_o shall_v be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n and_o although_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o those_o evil_n in_o order_n to_o the_o repair_n and_o heal_v of_o they_o and_o the_o prevent_v the_o public_a ruin_n threaten_v to_o the_o church_n and_o state_n thereby_o belong_v to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o zeal_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o place_n of_o eminency_n and_o be_v vest_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n requisite_a thereunto_o yet_o private_a christian_n in_o a_o low_a station_n and_o capacity_n can_v but_o have_v their_o eye_n upon_o the_o sad_a influence_n those_o â—â—ings_n have_v upon_o their_o dear_a friend_n and_o neighbour_n with_o who_o they_o converse_v and_o in_o their_o behalf_n meditate_v upon_o some_o remedy_n for_o the_o same_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o malignant_a influence_n these_o thing_n have_v on_o the_o common_a sort_n be_v very_o sad_a whilst_o gaze_v on_o those_o sad_a contest_a matter_n of_o religion_n some_o continue_v mere_a sceptic_n ever_o waver_v and_o not_o know_v what_o way_n of_o religion_n to_o choose_v and_o so_o neglect_v to_o be_v of_o any_o some_o be_v profess_v atheist_n or_o profane_a wretch_n other_o be_v seduce_v into_o dangerous_a error_n as_o popery_n socinianism_n quakerism_n etc._n etc._n many_o engage_v in_o contention_n they_o know_v not_o why_o nor_o for_o what_o and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n woeful_o stumble_v in_o their_o profession_n the_o intendment_n of_o these_o paper_n be_v to_o propose_v some_o help_n against_o those_o evil_n and_o to_o guide_v and_o direct_v those_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o miscarry_v through_o occasion_n of_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o way_n find_v a_o among_o we_o wherein_o they_o be_v first_o excite_v to_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n they_o venture_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o and_o be_v inform_v how_o to_o do_v it_o endeavour_n be_v use_v to_o fix_v and_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o duty_n threrof_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n which_o have_v be_v own_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o church_n in_o all_o place_n and_o age_n and_o to_o persuade_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v they_o as_o that_o whereupon_o their_o eternal_a safety_n depend_v then_o our_o discourse_n descend_v to_o point_n of_o a_o secondary_a and_o inferior_a nature_n that_o be_v controvert_v among_o wise_a and_o godly_a christian_n and_o direction_n be_v lay_v down_o how_o to_o find_v out_o the_o right_n and_o safe_a way_n for_o faith_n and_o practice_n in_o such_o thing_n especial_o when_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o hold_v forth_o a_o profession_n of_o ourselves_o therein_o wherewith_o be_v show_v also_o what_o tenderness_n and_o respect_n be_v to_o be_v use_v towards_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o those_o thing_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o carry_v it_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n with_o those_o that_o err_v fundemental_o and_o subvert_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n all_o which_o counsel_v be_v evidence_v to_o be_v good_a and_o wholesome_a will_v manifest_o declare_v those_o to_o be_v the_o most_o approve_a and_o judicious_a christian_n who_o under_o all_o those_o great_a change_n and_o revolution_n which_o have_v be_v among_o we_o of_o latter_a time_n have_v especial_o exercise_v their_o zeal_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o fundament_n all_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o practice_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n as_o also_o for_o the_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o love_n and_o union_n among_o christian_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o have_v show_v great_a moderation_n and_o condescension_n towards_o those_o that_o differ_v in_o controvert_v point_n of_o a_o low_a nature_n even_o to_o a_o degree_n of_o compliance_n also_o with_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o time_n in_o some_o thing_n which_o seem_v in_o themselves_o less_o desirable_a and_o inconvenient_a provide_v in_o their_o conscience_n they_o judge_v they_o not_o to_o be_v sinful_a if_o conduce_v to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o salvation_n of_o soul_n indeed_o this_o will_v be_v judge_v by_o some_o rash_a and_o censorious_a spirit_n to_o be_v hypocrisy_n time-serving_a ere_fw-we self-seeking_a and_o such_o person_n may_v be_v brand_v for_o temporizer_n turn-coat_n or_o apostate_n or_o what_o not_o but_o when_o thing_n shall_v be_v consider_v in_o calmness_n and_o sobriety_n such_o will_v be_v find_v the_o great_a friend_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o such_o action_n most_o consonant_a to_o scripture_n command_v and_o to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o saint_n record_v therein_o whereas_o such_o as_o be_v find_v depart_v from_o any_o fundamental_a and_o general_o confess_v point_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n these_o imputation_n may_v be_v more_o warrantable_o charge_v upon_o they_o reader_n let_v these_o sad_a and_o woeful_a difference_n error_n and_o debate_n provoke_v thou_o to_o examine_v the_o ground_n thy_o profession_n be_v build_v upon_o to_o study_v more_o the_o verity_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v better_o establish_v therein_o to_o understand_v believe_v love_n and_o obey_v the_o great_a and_o necessary_a principle_n thereof_o humble_o to_o seek_v of_o god_n the_o discovery_n of_o his_o mind_n in_o thing_n more_o dark_a and_o controvert_v and_o to_o exercise_v more_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n or_o practice_n with_o thou_o therein_o and_o then_o thou_o will_v be_v secure_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o those_o evil_n yea_o they_o will_v prove_v advantageous_a to_o thy_o great_a good_a although_o intend_v by_o satan_n for_o thy_o hurt_n to_o help_v thou_o herein_o be_v the_o intendment_n and_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n in_o order_n whereunto_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v humble_o implore_v to_o go_v along_o with_o the_o same_o the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n chap._n 1._o religion_n the_o grand_a concernment_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n great_a difference_n about_o it_o necessity_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o deliberate_a choose_n one_o religion_n a_o proposition_n lay_v down_o which_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n page_n 1._o chap._n 2._o show_v wherein_o this_o wise_a choose_v once_o religion_n stand_v and_o what_o act_n concur_v thereunto_o page_n 5._o chap._n 3._o consideration_n evidence_v it_o a_o principal_a point_n of_o wisdom_n for_o a_o man_n to_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n he_o profess_v in_o the_o world_n and_o venture_v his_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o page_n 13_o chap._n 4._o wherein_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v insist_v upon_o and_o direction_n give_v how_o to_o choose_v the_o true_a religion_n among_o so_o many_o as_o be_v in_o the_o world_n all_o other_o religion_n be_v
affliction_n and_o persecution_n and_o follow_v he_o in_o a_o way_n of_o holiness_n &_o purity_n in_o the_o straight_a way_n and_o then_o he_o will_v give_v he_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n he_o shall_v have_v a_o hundred_o fold_n in_o this_o life_n with_o persecution_n that_o be_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o hundred_o fold_n if_o he_o miss_v of_o such_o increase_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o eternal_a glory_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v now_o we_o must_v sit_v down_o &_o consider_v what_o we_o do_v as_o luke_o 14.28.31_o christ_n teach_v by_o the_o parable_n of_o he_o that_o build_v a_o tower_n and_o of_o the_o king_n that_o go_v to_o warfare_n now_o thus_o to_o choose_v our_o religion_n to_o espouse_v the_o christian_a faith_n for_o better_a for_o worse_a to_o take_v the_o sweat_n with_o the_o bitter_a the_o cross_n with_o the_o crown_n this_o be_v another_o act_n wherein_o this_o choice_n stand_v 3._o act_n be_v a_o settle_a purpose_n and_o full_a resolution_n to_o live_v and_o die_v therein_o to_o adhere_v and_o cleave_v thereto_o even_o to_o the_o end_n to_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o death_n to_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n as_o we_o read_v joshua_n his_o resolution_n i_o and_o my_o house_n will_v serve_v the_o lord_n we_o be_v resolve_v who_o ever_o depart_v from_o jehovah_n we_o will_v cleave_v unto_o he_o and_o as_o the_o disciple_n john_n 6._o when_o many_o forsake_v christ_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n their_o lord_n say_v unto_o they_o and_o will_v you_o also_o go_v away_o peter_n answer_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n whether_o shall_v we_o go_v for_o thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n alack_o if_o we_o draw_v back_o from_o the_o lord_n his_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o we_o we_o draw_v back_o unto_o perdition_n but_o if_o we_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n we_o shall_v then_o have_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n life_n and_o death_n be_v before_o we_o herein_o as_o moses_n tell_v the_o israelite_n if_o we_o serve_v the_o lord_n and_o fear_v he_o and_o cleave_v unto_o he_o than_o life_n but_o if_o we_o turn_v from_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n and_o way_n than_o death_n all_o a_o man_n righteousness_n shall_v be_v forget_v he_o shall_v die_v in_o his_o sin_n thus_o in_o these_o three_o act_n stand_v the_o right_a choose_n of_o a_o man_n religion_n chap._n iii_o consideration_n evidence_v it_o a_o principal_a point_n of_o wisdom_n for_o a_o man_n to_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n he_o profess_v in_o the_o world_n and_o venture_v his_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o have_v show_v wherein_o this_o wise_a choose_n one_o religion_n stand_v and_o what_o act_n must_v concur_v thereto_o we_o come_v next_o to_o demonstrate_v it_o to_o be_v such_o a_o principal_a point_n of_o wisdom_n for_o a_o man_n to_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n of_o his_o religion_n he_o profess_v in_o the_o world_n and_o venture_v his_o salvation_n upon_o this_o may_v be_v evince_v from_o the_o ensue_a consideration_n 1._o the_o necessity_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v of_o some_o religion_n and_o if_o so_o wisdom_n shall_v direct_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o best_a now_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v of_o some_o religion_n we_o can_v live_v without_o god_n act_n 17.28_o in_o he_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o being_n and_o be_v it_o not_o fit_a than_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v god_n and_o worship_n he_o in_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n there_o be_v such_o principle_n of_o religion_n engrave_v in_o he_o that_o can_v be_v raze_v out_o that_o have_v teach_v the_o very_a heathen_n to_o worship_v a_o deity_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v worse_o than_o heathen_n yea_o become_v very_a beast_n and_o below_o man_n if_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v of_o some_o religion_n beside_o it_o be_v the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n by_o his_o write_a law_n give_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o they_o adore_v worship_n and_o serve_v he_o he_o expect_v it_o as_o a_o homage_n from_o they_o and_o will_v not_o loose_v his_o glory_n such_o atheist_n be_v accurse_v by_o he_o as_o cast_v off_o all_o religion_n &_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o though_o some_o such_o atheist_n have_v be_v find_v who_o in_o their_o prosperity_n forget_v god_n whilst_o they_o can_v better_o shift_v without_o he_o yet_o in_o their_o misery_n and_o danger_n they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v god_n and_o call_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o mariner_n in_o the_o ship_n with_o jonah_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o it_o be_v so_o be_v it_o not_o fit_a to_o choose_v the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n 2._o there_o be_v many_o false_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o may_v soon_o be_v impose_v on_o and_o delude_v if_o we_o make_v not_o a_o wise_a choice_n of_o our_o religion_n there_o be_v many_o lord_n and_o many_o god_n so_o call_v say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 8.5_o though_o to_o we_o there_o be_v but_o one_o live_a and_o true_a god_n there_o be_v many_o way_n of_o religion_n heathenism_n mahometanism_n judaisme_n and_o christianity_n and_o among_o christian_n how_o many_o different_a way_n this_o day_n scarce_o to_o be_v number_v and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o make_v a_o good_a choice_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v deceive_v in_o former_a time_n of_o old_a the_o whole_a world_n almost_o follow_v false_a god_n except_o israel_n at_o this_o day_n some_o observe_v if_o the_o world_n be_v divide_v into_o thirty_o part_n nineteen_o of_o they_o be_v heathen_a idolater_n six_o be_v mahometan_n some_o though_o inconsiderable_a jew_n and_o only_o the_o other_o five_o part_n of_o the_o thirty_o be_v christian_n and_o how_o many_o different_a way_n be_v among_o they_o protestant_n papist_n muscovite_n greek_n in_o europe_n beside_o multitude_n in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o these_o admit_v many_o subdivision_n among_o themselves_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n 3._o it_o be_v that_o whereupon_o our_o great_a interest_n depend_v on_o the_o right_a choose_n one_o religion_n or_o our_o mistake_n about_o it_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n life_n or_o death_n depend_v deut._n 32.46_o 47._o in_o thing_n of_o great_a importance_n man_n use_v much_o deliberation_n and_o make_v the_o wise_a choice_n they_o can_v how_o necessary_a be_v it_o here_o that_o opinion_n or_o dream_n that_o every_o man_n may_v be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o religion_n if_o he_o be_v true_a to_o it_o be_v more_o become_v turk_n than_o christian_n they_o say_v there_o be_v three_o banner_n whereby_o man_n be_v conduct_v to_o heaven_n moses_n christ_n and_o mahomet_n but_o we_o christian_n know_v no_o other_o way_n to_o salvation_n but_o one_o viz._n by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n to_o be_v save_v by_o but_o by_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n act_v 4.12_o indeed_o many_o lesser_a difference_n may_v be_v among_o they_o that_o hold_v that_o one_o faith_n they_o may_v hold_v the_o head_n christ_n and_o yet_o differ_v in_o small_a thing_n with_o safety_n to_o their_o soul_n if_o they_o build_v on_o the_o foundation_n and_o cornerstone_n jesus_n christ_n hearty_o believe_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o live_v according_a to_o they_o though_o they_o add_v thereto_o the_o hay_n stubble_n and_o wood_n of_o small_a error_n they_o may_v be_v save_v notwithstanding_o these_o 1_o cor._n 3.15_o salvation_n may_v be_v have_v among_o several_a fort_n of_o christian_n that_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o great_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o live_v pious_o and_o charitable_o whether_o lutheran_n calvinist_n arminian_n anabaptist_n episcopal_n presbyterian_a independent_a etc._n etc._n these_o be_v not_o different_a religion_n but_o different_a form_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n wherein_o the_o child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n be_v dress_v up_o in_o different_a habit_n but_o where_o any_o differ_v in_o fundamental_o and_o even_o turn_v to_o another_o religion_n to_o another_o gospel_n or_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o the_o galatian_n as_o too_o many_o sect_n among_o we_o be_v find_v to_o do_v viz_o papist_n socinian_o quaker_n etc._n etc._n those_o i_o mean_v who_o be_v thorough_o such_o not_o all_o that_o ignorant_o adhere_v to_o they_o it_o will_v be_v foolish_a charity_n to_o flatter_v they_o with_o hope_n of_o salvation_n in_o such_o way_n if_o live_v and_o die_v according_a to_o those_o corrupt_a principle_n because_o they_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o damnable_a heresy_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o now_o this_o be_v clear_a that_o salvation_n depend_v upon_o espouse_v the_o right_a religion_n what_o
wisdom_n be_v it_o to_o make_v a_o good_a choice_n 4._o because_o else_o if_o one_o shall_v happen_v on_o the_o true_a religion_n he_o will_v never_o be_v true_a unto_o it_o unless_o he_o take_v it_o up_o on_o such_o a_o right_a choice_n as_o before_o be_v speak_v of_o we_o can_v be_v serious_a christian_n nor_o through_o christian_n but_o by_o half_n only_a nor_o constant_a hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n without_o this_o right_a choice_n 1._o not_o serious_a christian_n such_o as_o take_v up_o a_o religion_n they_o know_v not_o what_o and_o on_o ground_n they_o know_v not_o why_o will_v be_v but_o sleighty_a and_o formal_a in_o it_o a_o little_a of_o outside_n profession_n they_o may_v have_v but_o the_o power_n of_o it_o will_v be_v want_v thus_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o christian_n that_o take_v not_o up_o religion_n on_o a_o wise_a choice_n understand_v what_o it_o be_v and_o discern_v the_o verity_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v profess_v in_o the_o country_n where_o they_o live_v enjoin_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o commend_v by_o the_o example_n of_o other_o who_o they_o esteem_v wise_a and_o holy_a alack_o how_o formal_a and_o sleighty_a be_v they_o therein_o not_o consider_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o great_a god_n that_o make_v they_o and_o redeem_v they_o be_v concern_v therein_o and_o that_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n depend_v on_o it_o whereas_o such_o as_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n out_o of_o knowledge_n and_o discern_a serve_v god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o strength_n and_o soul_n they_o rest_v not_o in_o the_o former_a but_o labour_n in_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n religion_n be_v their_o main_a business_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o nor_o through_o christian_n but_o only_o by_o the_o half_n as_o agrippa_n almost_o persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n they_o will_v follow_v christ_n a_o little_a way_n and_o perform_v some_o of_o the_o outside_n and_o easy_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o when_o they_o hear_v some_o hard_a say_n as_o the_o capernait_v or_o some_o difficult_a duty_n press_v on_o they_o that_o cross_a flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o worldly_a interest_n they_o will_v except_v they_o and_o say_v in_o this_o thing_n the_o lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o etc._n etc._n these_o be_v like_o the_o scribe_n not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o never_o shall_v come_v there_o like_o herod_n that_o reform_v many_o thing_n but_o not_o at_o all_o will_v pick_v and_o choose_v where_o they_o please_v oh_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o many_o call_v christian_n and_o this_o because_o they_o understand_v not_o aright_o what_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v and_o take_v it_o not_o upon_o good_a ground_n therefore_o they_o fall_v short_a whereas_o he_o that_o understand_v what_o a_o holy_a religion_n it_o be_v and_o what_o great_a duty_n it_o require_v and_o cast_v up_o before_o hand_n the_o inconvenience_n loss_n andl_v suffering_n he_o may_v meet_v with_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n the_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n he_o will_v go_v throughstitch_n will_v follow_v god_n full_o and_o will_v be_v altogether_o a_o christian_a 3._o not_o constant_a but_o turn_v away_o from_o it_o upon_o every_o temptation_n such_o be_v ever_o waver_v and_o halt_v betwixt_o two_o as_o the_o israelite_n of_o old_a betwixt_o jehovah_n and_o baal_n if_o heresy_n seducement_n and_o the_o power_n of_o delusion_n come_v among_o such_o how_o do_v they_o turn_v away_o from_o that_o religion_n they_o have_v embrace_v by_o company_n and_o turn_v runnagado_n or_o if_o the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n scorch_v they_o they_o wither_v away_o because_o they_o have_v no_o root_n mat_n 13._o we_o have_v have_v too_o sad_a experience_n of_o this_o among_o the_o giddy_a unstable_a sort_n of_o christian_n in_o our_o time_n when_o god_n have_v let_v loose_a error_n and_o heresy_n among_o we_o to_o try_v who_o be_v sound_a and_o sincere_a and_o who_o not_o how_o many_o be_v carry_v away_o as_o with_o a_o flood_n and_o if_o popery_n shall_v prevail_v again_o or_o mahometanism_n through_o the_o conquer_a sword_n of_o the_o turk_n one_o may_v tremble_v to_o think_v whither_o such_o ungrounded_a christian_n may_v be_v carry_v whereas_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o christian_n that_o take_v up_o his_o religion_n on_o good_a ground_n through_o a_o wise_a choice_n know_v what_o and_o in_o who_o he_o have_v believe_v will_v through_o grace_n stand_v strong_o as_o the_o house_n build_v upon_o the_o rock_n mat._n 7._o when_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o the_o wave_n beat_v he_o stand_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o such_o therefore_o we_o see_v what_o a_o great_a point_n of_o wisdom_n it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n he_o take_v up_o else_o he_o will_v not_o be_v true_a unto_o it_o he_o will_v not_o be_v a_o serious_a christian_a nor_o a_o thorough_a nor_o a_o constant_a christian_a and_o then_o as_o good_a be_v none_o at_o all_o it_o will_v nothing_o avail_v they_o unto_o salvation_n to_o embrace_v the_o true_a religion_n no_o more_o than_o it_o do_v profit_v the_o israelite_n of_o old_a to_o have_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n among_o they_o or_o the_o philistines_n to_o have_v the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o they_o it_o will_v but_o increase_v their_o condemnation_n these_o consideration_n be_v sufficient_a without_o insist_v upon_o any_o other_o to_o evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o our_o proposition_n and_o to_o commend_v to_o we_o this_o great_a duty_n viz._n the_o wise_a choose_n of_o that_o religion_n we_o profess_v in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o mean_v to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o and_o to_o venture_v our_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o chap._n four_o wherein_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v insist_v on_o and_o direction_n give_v how_o to_o choose_v the_o true_a religion_n among_o so_o many_o as_o be_v in_o the_o world_n all_o other_o religion_n be_v reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v evidence_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n we_o be_v now_o come_v to_o the_o practical_a part_n of_o our_o discourse_n to_o show_v how_o this_o may_v be_v reduce_v into_o action_n that_o we_o have_v be_v treat_v on_o but_o in_o word_n hitherto_o let_v every_o one_o that_o god_n have_v give_v the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n unto_o be_v induce_v to_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n he_o venture_v his_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o this_o discourse_n be_v intend_v only_o for_o such_o as_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v of_o some_o religion_n and_o will_v not_o live_v as_o atheist_n as_o for_o they_o that_o will_v not_o be_v of_o any_o religion_n at_o all_o but_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n only_o live_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o work_v and_o sleap_v and_o mind_n their_o sensual_a pleasure_n they_o degenerate_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o be_v even_o turn_v unto_o beast_n foolish_a be_v they_o and_o ignorant_a to_o use_v the_o psalmist_n word_n psal_n 73._o and_o even_o in_o this_o point_n as_o beast_n as_o far_o below_o man_n as_o nabuchadnezzar_n be_v when_o he_o do_v eat_v grass_n as_o the_o ox_n and_o couch_v among_o the_o beast_n for_o such_o violate_v the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n which_o have_v teach_v all_o nation_n however_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a to_o take_v up_o some_o profession_n of_o religion_n they_o transgress_v also_o the_o write_a law_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v give_v in_o his_o word_n and_o will_v judge_v man_n by_o at_o the_o last_o day_n which_o require_v solemn_a worship_n and_o service_n from_o the_o son_n of_o man_n they_o bring_v themselves_o direct_o under_o the_o curse_n or_o imprecation_n jer._n 10.25_o pour_v out_o thy_o fury_n upon_o the_o heathen_a and_o upon_o the_o family_n that_o call_v not_o on_o thy_o name_n the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v turn_v into_o hell_n with_o all_o the_o nation_n that_o forget_v god_n psalm_n 9.17_o as_o they_o say_v to_o god_n now_o depart_v from_o we_o we_o will_v not_o know_v thy_o way_n so_o they_o shall_v hear_v god_n say_v to_o they_o short_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v etc._n etc._n nor_o do_v i_o speak_v to_o such_o base_a and_o low_a spirit_n as_o take_v up_o their_o religion_n on_o trust_n from_o other_o and_o pin_n their_o faith_n upon_o the_o sleeve_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o have_v subject_v their_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n upon_o account_n of_o any_o worldly_a or_o corrupt_a interest_n but_o to_o such_o noble_a spirit_n as_o with_o the_o berean_o will_v take_v pain_n to_o fearch_v the_o scripture_n and_o use_v all_o god_n appoint_v mean_n to_o inform_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v
reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v evidence_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n page_n 23._o chap._n 5._o further_a direction_n how_o to_o choose_v the_o right_n and_o safe_a way_n among_o such_o diversity_n of_o sect_n and_o opinion_n as_o be_v among_o christian_n a_o discovery_n of_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o practical_a duty_n of_o godliness_n general_o embrace_v by_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n with_o advice_n in_o reference_n unto_o they_o page_n 30_o chap._n 6._o other_o direction_n in_o point_n of_o a_o secundary_a nature_n that_o be_v not_o so_o clear_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n nor_o unanimous_o receive_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o be_v problemaical_a and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n to_o be_v of_o the_o one_o or_o other_o persuasion_n how_o to_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n in_o such_o a_o case_n 4._o rule_n about_o this_o page_n 41_o chap._n 7._o a_o close_a application_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n with_o particular_a advice_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o different_a way_n and_o profession_n find_v among_o we_o pag._n 50._o chap._n 8._o wherein_o the_o great_a controversy_n of_o communion_n with_o or_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v discuss_v a_o view_n of_o what_o be_v therein_o praiseworthy_a and_o of_o what_o be_v disallowable_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o scruple_n communion_n with_o she_o direction_n suit_v thereunto_o page_n 81_o chap_n 9_o wherein_o be_v lay_v down_o some_o general_a rule_n of_o caution_n to_o preserve_v christian_n from_o rash_a and_o unjust_a separation_n the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o discourse_n page_n 89._o chap._n 1._o religion_n the_o grand_a concernment_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n great_a difference_n about_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o deliberate_a choose_v once_o religion_n the_o counsel_n of_o joshua_n to_o the_o israelite_n apply_v to_o we_o a_o proposition_n lay_v down_o which_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n the_o business_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o grand_a concernment_n that_o all_o of_o we_o be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o mind_n and_o therefore_o god_n have_v in_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o man_n nature_n lay_v so_o deep_a a_o impression_n thereof_o in_o we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o nation_n so_o barbarous_a and_o inhuman_a but_o do_v place_n this_o among_o the_o great_a matter_n that_o they_o judge_v themselves_o to_o be_v interress_v in_o insomuch_o as_o some_o observe_v religion_n be_v more_o proper_a to_o man_n then_o reason_n all_o man_n and_o only_a man_n have_v a_o smatch_n of_o religion_n whereas_o some_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v find_v in_o many_o beast_n lactant._n de_fw-fr ira_fw-la dei_fw-la solus_fw-la home_n sapientia_fw-la instructus_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la religionem_fw-la solus_fw-la intelligat_fw-la &_o hac_fw-la est_fw-la hominis_fw-la atque_fw-la bruterum_fw-la vel_fw-la pracipua_fw-la vel_fw-la sola_fw-la distantia_fw-la but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n all_o do_v profess_v themselves_o interest_v in_o so_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o the_o world_n man_n be_v at_o great_a difference_n about_o some_o take_v up_o one_o religion_n and_o some_o another_o as_o please_v themselves_o best_a yea_o each_o nation_n almost_o have_v choose_v a_o peculiar_a deity_n as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n one_o serve_v baal_n another_o dagon_n other_o moloch_n or_o ashtaroth_n &c_n &c_n some_o worship_v the_o sun_n other_o the_o moon_n or_o star_n and_o almost_o every_o creature_n whence_o they_o receive_v any_o benefit_n and_o some_o have_v not_o be_v want_v that_o have_v adore_v the_o devil_n himself_o how_o great_o then_o do_v it_o behoove_v every_o one_o to_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o that_o god_n he_o intend_v to_o serve_v and_o of_o that_o religion_n he_o mean_v to_o profess_v in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o that_o he_o may_v first_o choose_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o true_a god_n and_o then_o cleave_v to_o he_o with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n as_o barnabas_n exhort_v act_v 11.23_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o of_o the_o great_a importance_n thereof_o man_n eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n depend_v on_o the_o right_a knowing_z and_z acknowledge_v god_n and_o serve_v he_o or_o his_o mistake_n about_o it_o according_a to_o the_o witness_n of_o christ_n himself_n john_n 17.3_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v so_o as_o to_o acknowledge_v unto_o godliness_n thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n &_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v we_o read_v in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o israelite_n the_o vanity_n of_o man_n nature_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n though_o no_o nation_n under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n have_v great_a discovery_n of_o the_o true_a god_n than_o they_o have_v both_o by_o his_o word_n and_o oracle_n instruct_v they_o from_o heaven_n and_o give_v they_o his_o law_n on_o mount_n sinai_n and_o teach_v they_o by_o his_o prophet_n the_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o that_o law_n as_o also_o by_o his_o mighty_a work_n bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n by_o his_o outstretch_v arm_n work_v sign_n and_o wonder_n divide_v the_o red-sea_n give_v they_o water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n and_o bread_n and_o flesh_n from_o heaven_n in_o a_o wilderness_n and_o guide_v they_o by_o a_o cloud_n of_o smoke_n and_o a_o pillar_n of_o fire_n yet_o how_o apt_a be_v they_o to_o turn_v away_o from_o god_n and_o to_o worship_v other_o god_n even_o of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o canaanites_n who_o god_n cast_v out_o before_o they_o a_o pregnant_a instance_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o business_n of_o the_o golden_a calf_n though_o but_o forty_o day_n before_o they_o hear_v the_o law_n proclaim_v in_o the_o great_a solemnity_n that_o ever_o be_v even_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n with_o thunder_n lightning_n and_o earthquake_n which_o wrought_v such_o plyableness_n in_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o profess_v whatever_o the_o lord_n shall_v speak_v to_o they_o that_o that_o they_o will_v do_v deut._n 5.27_o yet_o when_o moses_n be_v but_o a_o while_n withdraw_v from_o they_o upon_o the_o mount_n they_o quick_o turn_v and_o make_v they_o a_o calf_n to_o worship_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o egypt_n this_o be_v observe_v by_o joshua_n his_o successor_n he_o become_v jealous_a over_o they_o with_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n and_o be_v fearful_a that_o when_o he_o be_v go_v from_o they_o they_o shall_v do_v the_o like_a he_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o to_o bind_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o strong_a bond_n josh_n 24._o he_o bid_v they_o verse_n 15._o choose_v deliberate_o what_o god_n they_o will_v serve_v direct_v they_o by_o his_o own_o example_n and_o then_o when_o they_o have_v deliberate_o choose_v jehovah_n for_o their_o god_n he_o bind_v they_o unto_o he_o by_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n verse_n 25._o and_o set_v up_o a_o last_a remembrance_n of_o it_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o do_v show_v what_o a_o spirit_n there_o be_v in_o we_o even_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n in_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n as_o well_o as_o in_o they_o former_o as_o the_o apostle_n show_v heb._n 3.12_o though_o we_o have_v as_o full_a discovery_n of_o god_n as_o they_o have_v and_o great_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n by_o gospel-light_n to_o know_v god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n yet_o our_o heart_n be_v equal_o fickle_a and_o ready_a to_o forsake_v god_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n tax_v the_o galathian_o to_o turn_v to_o another_o gospel_n and_o another_o christ_n than_o we_o have_v receive_v yea_o to_o another_o god_n the_o world_n our_o lust_n or_o satan_n to_o serve_v they_o more_o than_o the_o true_a god_n therefore_o this_o counsel_n of_o joshua_n may_v be_v as_o seasonable_a to_o we_o now_o as_o to_o they_o former_o viz._n to_o choose_v deliberate_o and_o serious_o what_o god_n we_o will_v serve_v and_o then_o to_o resolve_v to_o cleave_v unto_o he_o for_o ever_o or_o wise_o to_o choose_v that_o religion_n we_o will_v profess_v in_o the_o world_n and_o venture_v our_o salvation_n upon_o and_o then_o to_o labour_v to_o be_v establish_v and_o fix_v therein_o so_o as_o by_o no_o storm_n of_o temptation_n we_o be_v remove_v the_o urge_n of_o this_o counsel_n upon_o unsettled_a and_o waver_a soul_n be_v the_o intendment_n and_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n suit_v to_o these_o fluctuate_a and_o shake_v time_n it_o may_v be_v contract_v into_o this_o ensue_a proposition_n which_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o dilate_v on_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n viz_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a point_n of_o wisdom_n for_o a_o man_n to_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n he_o mean_v to_o take_v
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be_o resolve_v to_o profess_v and_o to_o venture_v my_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o what_o ever_o inconvenience_n i_o may_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o profession_n thereof_o what_o ever_o disgrace_n reproach_n loss_n persecution_n etc._n etc._n yet_o this_o religion_n i_o will_v be_v of_o and_o this_o god_n i_o will_v serve_v we_o must_v sit_v down_o and_o consider_v what_o it_o will_v cost_v we_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o then_o espouse_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o take_v it_o for_o better_a for_o worse_a embrace_z the_o cross_v it_o threaten_v as_o well_o as_o the_o crown_n it_o promise_n for_o so_o our_o lord_n warn_v his_o disciple_n tell_v they_o he_o that_o will_v come_v after_o i_o and_o will_v be_v my_o disciple_n must_v deny_v himself_o in_o his_o dear_a lust_n &_o sin_n nay_o in_o his_o estate_n and_o life_n sometime_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n of_o
venture_v their_o soul_n on_o a_o sure_a bottom_n consider_v as_o man_n and_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n you_o venture_v your_o salvation_n upon_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o you_o by_o tradition_n from_o your_o ancestor_n that_o you_o have_v learn_v it_o by_o education_n from_o godly_a parent_n that_o it_o be_v command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n wherein_o you_o live_v and_o commend_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o wise_a and_o pious_a person_n who_o you_o reverence_v but_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n for_o yourselves_o labour_v to_o understand_v distinct_o the_o several_a doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o duty_n of_o godliness_n contain_v therein_o and_o to_o know_v the_o verity_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o and_o so_o take_v it_o up_o upon_o deliberation_n weigh_v both_o the_o convenience_n and_o inconvenience_n so_o it_o compare_v the_o suffering_n loss_n reproach_n persecution_n you_o meet_v withal_o with_o the_o reward_n and_o crown_n promise_v and_o so_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o your_o religion_n resolve_v to_o live_v and_o die_v therein_o to_o adhere_v to_o it_o to_o the_o end_n and_o be_v faithful_a even_o to_o death_n this_o be_v a_o duty_n necessary_a and_o seasonable_a to_o be_v press_v some_o have_v not_o yet_o choose_v their_o religion_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v there_o be_v too_o many_o not_o only_o of_o the_o young_a sort_n but_o of_o the_o more_o ancient_a who_o according_a to_o the_o proverb_n have_v their_o religion_n to_o choose_v some_o have_v make_v some_o kind_n of_o choice_n but_o need_v to_o be_v confirm_v and_o establish_v therein_o upon_o good_a ground_n and_o to_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o be_v true_a to_o the_o true_a religion_n they_o profess_v even_o to_o be_v serious_a thorough_a and_o constant_a christian_n make_v this_o choice_n then_o speedy_o for_o this_o be_v the_o business_n you_o come_v into_o the_o world_n about_o to_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v to_o worship_n and_o glorify_v god_n and_o your_o salvation_n depend_v upon_o it_o live_v not_o without_o god_n any_o long_o but_o acknowledge_v he_o that_o make_v and_o redeem_v you_o that_o feed_v and_o preserve_v you_o and_o learn_v how_o to_o serve_v he_o acceptable_o do_v it_o wise_o lest_o you_o be_v delude_v there_o be_v such_o diversity_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o many_o false_a way_n in_o the_o world_n you_o have_v need_v to_o have_v your_o eye_n about_o you_o err_v herein_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o safety_n of_o your_o soul_n your_o external_a happiness_n or_o misery_n depend_v upon_o it_o and_o then_o be_v true_a to_o that_o religion_n you_o choose_v play_v not_o fast_o and_o loose_a with_o it_o it_o be_v a_o business_n of_o high_a concernment_n to_o be_v serious_a in_o religion_n what_o ever_o you_o trifle_v in_o be_v not_o false_a herein_o what_o ever_o you_o be_v faulty_a in_o let_v the_o doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o faith_n you_o receive_v influence_n your_o heart_n and_o life_n sanctify_v and_o change_v they_o rest_v not_o in_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o man_n may_v as_o well_o miscarry_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o in_o a_o false_a if_o they_o be_v false_a unto_o it_o quest_n but_o here_o a_o question_n must_v be_v resolve_v in_o order_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n which_o be_v this_o some_o may_v say_v see_v there_o be_v such_o diversity_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n how_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n among_o so_o many_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n especial_o such_o of_o we_o as_o be_v weak_a and_o ignorant_a when_o great_a and_o learned_a man_n differ_v so_o much_o about_o it_o among_o themselves_o answer_n this_o be_v a_o question_n of_o very_o great_a importance_n and_o indeed_o deserve_v a_o serious_a answer_n i_o shall_v speak_v to_o it_o in_o two_o particular_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o mistake_n to_o think_v because_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o opinion_n among_o man_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o multitude_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o every_o different_a opinion_n be_v not_o a_o different_a religion_n there_o be_v to_o speak_v proper_o but_o four_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n although_o there_o be_v different_a sect_n &_o party_n among_o each_o of_o these_o viz._n heathenism_n mahometanism_n judaisme_n and_o christianity_n indeed_o these_o four_o disagree_v much_o among_o themselves_o in_o heathenism_n some_o worship_n one_o god_n some_o another_o some_o multitude_n joint_o as_o may_v beseen_v in_o scripture_n and_o in_o all_o history_n in_o mahometanism_n all_o follow_v that_o impostor_n mahomet_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n among_o themselves_o so_o that_o they_o be_v at_o deadly_a feud_n often_o one_o with_o another_o for_o their_o religion_n sake_n as_o be_v story_v of_o the_o turkish_a and_o persian_a mahometan_n in_o judaisme_n all_o worship_n the_o true_a god_n the_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o receive_v the_o law_n from_o moses_n serve_v god_n according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n thereof_o yet_o have_v they_o different_a sect_n among_o themselves_o as_o the_o pharisee_n sadducee_n essen_n etc._n etc._n in_o christianity_n all_o worship_n god_n in_o christ_n although_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o sect_n and_o heresy_n among_o they_o so_o that_o indeed_o there_o be_v but_o four_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n to_o discern_v which_o of_o these_o four_o we_o shall_v choose_v for_o our_o religion_n even_o the_o weak_a understanding_n that_o indifferent_o weigh_v they_o may_v be_v convince_v 1._o for_o heathenism_n it_o be_v evident_a to_o reason_v their_o religion_n be_v not_o true_a to_o worship_v so_o many_o god_n and_o they_o also_o creature_n as_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n yea_o mortal_a man_n that_o be_v dead_a such_o as_o jupiter_n juno_n saturn_n etc._n etc._n yea_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n their_o own_o poet_n have_v brand_v they_o with_o black_a note_n of_o infamy_n for_o adultery_n theft_n murder_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v god_n just_a judgement_n as_o the_o apostle_n observe_v rom._n 1._o to_o give_v they_o up_o to_o such_o delusion_n to_o worship_v such_o god_n because_o when_o they_o know_v the_o true_a god_n they_o do_v not_o glorify_v he_o as_o god_n many_o of_o their_o own_o religion_n be_v convince_v they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o right_n and_o therefore_o cicero_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr naturâ_fw-la deorum_fw-la say_v i_o will_v i_o can_v as_o well_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o convince_v other_o to_o be_v false_a 2._o for_o mahometanism_n though_o it_o have_v spread_v far_o over_o the_o world_n yea_o further_o than_o christianity_n be_v spread_v at_o this_o day_n yet_o it_o be_v most_o easy_a to_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v a_o false_a religion_n their_o prophet_n be_v a_o deceiver_n and_o a_o very_a flagitious_a person_n and_o wrought_v no_o miracle_n their_o koran_n be_v most_o barbarous_a and_o without_o sense_n their_o doctrine_n impure_a as_o well_o as_o their_o life_n their_o religion_n promise_v a_o carnal_a paradise_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v full_a of_o sensual_a pleasure_n not_o spiritual_a and_o suitable_a to_o rational_a immortal_a soul_n it_o be_v propagate_v in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o sword_n and_o maintain_v by_o ignorance_n and_o suppress_v all_o humane_a learning_n 3._o for_o judaisme_n the_o three_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v indeed_o of_o god_n confirm_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o it_o be_v to_o continue_v for_o a_o time_n till_o christ_n come_v of_o who_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n witness_n abundant_o then_o at_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n it_o be_v to_o be_v abolish_v heb_fw-mi 9.10_o their_o whole_a worship_n &_o ceremony_n have_v respect_n to_o he_o on_o who_o because_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v but_o reject_v and_o crucify_v he_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o uttermost_a they_o and_o their_o temple_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o worship_n of_o it_o abrogate_a and_o to_o this_o day_n so_o continue_v 4_o it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n or_o else_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o indeed_o be_v witness_v to_o both_o in_o mahomet_n alcoran_n and_o in_o the_o jewish_a old_a testament_n which_o speak_v full_o of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o birth_n and_o parentage_n with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n his_o death_n resurrection_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v confirm_v by_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o real_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o this_o religion_n heb._n 2.4_o by_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n of_o propagation_n of_o it_o by_o weak_a and_o unlearned_a man_n by_o who_o preach_v it_o soon_o overspread_v the_o world_n and_o
matter_n which_o yet_o be_v disputable_a among_o the_o wise_a and_o godly_a and_o you_o shall_v be_v necessitate_v to_o be_v of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o persuasion_n or_o way_n then_o let_v every_o one_o do_v that_o which_o he_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n to_o be_v best_a and_o most_o please_a to_o god_n nor_o dare_v to_o go_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n 10._o see_v ames_n case_n l._n 1._o c._n 5_o q._n 1._o sanders_n lect_v 3._o de_fw-fr juram_fw-la sect._n 10._o which_o god_n have_v set_v up_o as_o his_o vicegerent_n in_o the_o soul_n nor_o subject_v himself_o to_o the_o judgement_n or_o authority_n of_o any_o other_o as_o lord_n of_o his_o faith_n i_o say_v believe_v and_o embrace_v that_o opinion_n and_o walk_v in_o that_o practice_n but_o yet_o to_o this_o 1_o humble_o with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o your_o own_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n not_o proud_o censure_v and_o contemn_v such_o as_o differ_v from_o your_o persuasion_n but_o ever_o ready_a to_o hear_v what_o shall_v be_v offer_v for_o your_o conviction_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v from_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a and_o those_o which_o by_o god_n providence_n be_v in_o place_n of_o eminency_n in_o the_o church_n be_v rather_o matter_n of_o affliction_n to_o you_o then_o of_o exalt_v yourself_o that_o you_o shall_v differ_v from_o they_o 2_o peaceable_o and_o without_o all_o faction_n and_o schism_n not_o make_v party_n for_o you_o and_o rent_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o with_o who_o you_o agree_v in_o the_o most_o weighty_a and_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o so_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n where_o you_o live_v the_o evil_a of_o which_o can_v never_o be_v repair_v by_o a_o violent_a contention_n for_o any_o truth_n or_o practice_n not_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n here_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v seasonable_a rom._n 14_o if_o thou_o have_v faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o and_o phil._n 3._o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_v the_o same_o thing_n &_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n any_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n will_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o they_o in_o all_o those_o principal_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n wherein_o be_v such_o perfect_a harmony_n it_o be_v a_o manifest_a duty_n to_o hold_v communion_n only_o forbear_v the_o same_o in_o these_o lesser_a matter_n wherein_o according_a to_o the_o present_a apprehension_n the_o sin_n and_o error_n lie_v 3_o cheerful_o and_o confident_o not_o trouble_v and_o perplex_v yourselves_o about_o such_o a_o persuasion_n and_o practice_n with_o fear_n arise_v from_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n which_o be_v like_o stone_n in_o the_o shoe_n trouble_v the_o foot_n of_o he_o that_o walk_v but_o with_o a_o comfortable_a persuasion_n that_o god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o you_o see_v you_o do_v the_o utmost_a you_o be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o particular_a and_o therefore_o if_o you_o be_v in_o the_o right_n he_o will_v accept_v it_o or_o if_o through_o weakness_n there_o be_v a_o mistake_n yet_o he_o will_v gracious_o pardon_v it_o and_o in_o his_o good_a time_n reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o for_o if_o even_o earthly_a parent_n or_o master_n when_o their_o servant_n or_o child_n do_v their_o utmost_a to_o know_v their_o mind_n and_o to_o do_v their_o business_n so_o as_o to_o please_v they_o will_v accept_v their_o endeavour_n and_o take_v all_o in_o good_a part_n though_o in_o every_o punctìlio_n they_o have_v not_o do_v what_o be_v expect_v much_o more_o will_v the_o gracious_a god_n accept_v of_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n that_o desire_v to_o please_v he_o and_o pardon_v what_o be_v amiss_o in_o they_o and_o indeed_o if_o not_o no_o flesh_n live_v can_v be_v save_v for_o who_o be_v there_o of_o the_o high_a form_n of_o christian_n that_o be_v ascertain_v that_o in_o every_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o those_o thing_n controvert_v among_o the_o godly_a and_o wise_a that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_a see_v the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v imperfect_a and_o may_v and_o do_v err_v &_o offend_v therefore_o go_v on_o cheerful_o with_o full_a assurance_n that_o the_o lord_n accept_v you_o this_o rule_n the_o apostle_n full_o lay_v down_o rom._n 14_o upon_o occasion_n of_o controversy_n about_o point_n not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n viz._n meat_n and_o drink_n and_o day_n he_o bid_v let_v every_o one_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o act_v according_o not_o judge_v and_o condemn_v other_o nor_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o then_o he_o shall_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n &_o approve_v of_o man_n thus_o have_v we_o a_o safe_a conduct_n to_o lead_v we_o in_o the_o right_a way_n in_o matter_n circumstantial_a controvert_v among_o pious_a and_o wise_a christian_n in_o point_n less_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n as_o well_o as_o in_o matter_n of_o fundamental_a and_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n thereunto_o chap._n vii_o a_o close_a application_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n with_o particular_a advice_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o different_a way_n and_o profession_n find_v among_o we_o have_v give_v a_o more_o general_a advice_n suitable_a to_o all_o time_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o place_n it_o will_v be_v expedient_a next_z in_o behalf_n â—f_o those_o for_o who_o benefit_n this_o discourse_n be_v principal_o intend_v to_o apply_v the_o former_a direction_n to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n here_o in_o england_n and_o those_o many_o different_a persuasion_n and_o way_n that_o be_v among_o we_o we_o be_v a_o people_n that_o general_o do_v profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n which_o have_v be_v of_o long_a time_n transmit_v down_o to_o we_o from_o our_o ancestor_n wherein_o we_o be_v deep_o engage_v by_o education_n the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o manifold_a obligation_n but_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v desire_v that_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o christian_n be_v better_o instruct_v in_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o entertainment_n of_o this_o religion_n rather_o than_o of_o the_o other_o three_o before_o mention_v heathenism_n mahometanism_n and_o judaisme_n and_o that_o they_o may_v gain_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a article_n thereof_o and_o be_v thorough_o ground_v in_o the_o certainty_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v much_o want_v in_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n through_o their_o too_o great_a negligence_n and_o carelessness_n about_o thing_n spiritual_a but_o of_o exceed_v dangerous_a consequence_n to_o their_o soul_n as_o expose_v they_o to_o profaneness_n and_o error_n if_o not_o to_o total_a apostasy_n and_o therefore_o this_o duty_n though_o before_o hint_v deserve_v to_o be_v reinforce_v with_o the_o strong_a persuasion_n but_o although_o we_o all_o be_v christian_n in_o profession_n we_o be_v sad_o crumble_v into_o such_o diversity_n of_o sect_n and_o persuasion_n occasion_v much_o through_o the_o licentiousness_n of_o war_n &_o relaxation_n of_o government_n among_o we_o of_o which_o occasion_n satan_n and_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n have_v make_v too_o great_a improvement_n that_o be_v it_o most_o difficult_a for_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a person_n to_o find_v out_o the_o right_n and_o safe_a way_n among_o they_o and_o to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o this_o temptation_n have_v lead_v very_o many_o into_o error_n byway_n &_o pernicious_a and_o other_o into_o atheism_n we_o shall_v therefore_o attempt_v to_o give_v some_o direction_n what_o course_n to_o steer_v herein_o what_o opinion_n and_o sect_n to_o shun_v and_o avoid_v and_o what_o people_n and_o principales_fw-la we_o shall_v close_v withal_o for_o it_o will_v great_o conduce_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o safety_n of_o man_n soul_n to_o be_v due_o inform_v what_o christian_n or_o societye_n of_o christian_n they_o be_v with_o who_o communion_n may_v be_v hold_v and_o how_o far_o as_o also_o who_o they_o be_v that_o be_v utter_o to_o be_v avoid_v it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n of_o christian_n who_o sometime_o abound_v in_o zeal_n but_o be_v much_o want_v in_o knowledge_n to_o close_o with_o the_o most_o pernicious_a principales_fw-la and_o way_n where_o any_o strong_a temptation_n insinnate_a themselves_o then_o with_o those_o that_o be_v far_o more_o sound_a and_o orthodox_n if_o they_o have_v take_v up_o a_o prejudice_n against_o they_o and_o so_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n of_o person_n we_o shall_v therefore_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o the_o different_a persuasion_n &_o way_n among_o we_o which_o may_v
be_v branch_v into_o these_o two_o 1._o the_o way_n &_o profession_n which_o be_v public_o own_a by_o authority_n and_o have_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n for_o its_o sanction_n 2._o those_o persuasion_n or_o way_n that_o be_v take_v up_o by_o private_a person_n conâ—â—ary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n for_o these_o latter_a begin_v there_o first_o they_o be_v as_o exceed_v many_o so_o of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n some_o retain_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n and_o duty_n of_o christianity_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n and_o differ_v only_o in_o lesser_a matter_n controvert_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n other_o that_o overthrow_v the_o very_a foundation_n itself_o those_o that_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n and_o differ_v about_o point_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n be_v too_o many_o in_o which_o rank_n we_o shall_v place_v the_o papist_n first_o of_o all_o because_o most_o considerable_a and_o above_o all_o other_o most_o formidable_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o popish_a church_n all_o a_o long_a to_o this_o day_n continue_v such_o a_o system_fw-la of_o save_a truth_n which_o god_n have_v of_o his_o great_a mercy_n preserve_v in_o the_o great_a anti_n christian_n apostasy_n as_o be_v true_o believe_v and_o obey_v other_o soul-destroying_a error_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n either_o not_o know_v or_o not_o cordial_o embrace_v may_v be_v effectual_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o many_o that_o live_v and_o dye_v within_o that_o church_n but_o yet_o popery_n itself_o understand_v thereby_o that_o religion_n which_o consist_v of_o so_o many_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n utter_o unknown_a to_o the_o old_a church_n of_o rome_n in_o its_o purity_n but_o now_o ratify_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o require_v to_o be_v receive_v of_o all_o man_n upoâ—_n pain_n of_o anathema_n which_o plain_o overthrow_v many_o of_o the_o great_a article_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n as_o also_o of_o such_o gross_a idolatry_n and_o superstitious_a foppery_n etc._n etc._n this_o i_o say_v be_v such_o a_o religion_n that_o none_o that_o love_v their_o salvation_n shall_v close_v with_o this_o babylon_n we_o shall_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o lest_o we_o communicate_v in_o her_o plague_n as_o say_v the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n revel_v 18_o 4._o come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o plague_n the_o ground_n of_o our_o withdraw_n from_o that_o religion_n be_v 1._o their_o many_o dangerous_a error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n overthrow_v direct_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christiantie_n to_o instance_n in_o some_o their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n over-throweth_a the_o truth_n of_o christ_n humane_a nature_n their_o proper_a sacrifice_n his_o only_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n offer_v once_o for_o all_o their_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n plain_o destroy_v the_o merin_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o multitude_n of_o mediator_n among_o they_o deny_v that_o only_a mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n jesus_n christ_n 1_o tim._n 2.5_o their_o sacrifice_a priest_n overthrow_v christ_n priestly_a office_n their_o vilify_n the_o scripture_n and_o set_v up_o their_o unwritten_a tradition_n to_o be_v receive_v with_o equal_a reverence_n with_o they_o etc._n etc._n overthrow_v christ_n prophetical_a office_n the_o kingly_a office_n of_o christ_n be_v overthrow_v by_o the_o pope_n usurpation_n dispense_n with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o set_v up_o other_o law_n of_o his_o own_o devise_v and_o lording_n it_o over_o the_o conscience_n of_o men._n the_o great_a article_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o free_a justification_n through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v overthrow_v by_o their_o pardon_n indulgence_n and_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n and_o humane_a satisfaction_n 2._o their_o abominable_a idolatry_n in_o point_n of_o worship_n as_o angel-worship_n saint-worship_n relique-worship_n image-worship_n etc._n etc._n 3._o their_o profane_a sacrilege_n rob_v the_o people_n of_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o cup_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n nay_o almost_o of_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n cause_v it_o to_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o language_n the_o vulgar_a understand_v not_o 4._o their_o cruelty_n and_o blood_n shed_v wherein_o rome_n papal_n exceed_v rome_n ethuicall_a 5._o their_o spiritual_a tyranny_n in_o exact_v blind_a obedience_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o philistines_n pull_v out_o the_o eye_n of_o samson_n and_o lead_v he_o whither_o they_o will_v in_o burden_v christian_n with_o innumerable_a ceremony_n and_o superstition_n destroy_v the_o substance_n of_o religion_n 6._o their_o proud_a usurpation_n over_o king_n and_o prince_n 7._o the_o notorious_a schism_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o worse_a than_o that_o of_o the_o novation_n and_o donatist_n of_o old_a whereby_o they_o not_o only_o cast_v off_o the_o reform_a church_n but_o the_o muscovite_n and_o grecian_n in_o europe_n the_o egyptian_a and_o aethiopian_a church_n in_o africa_n &_o all_o these_o great_a company_n of_o christian_n scatter_v all_o over_o asia_n even_o from_o constantinople_n to_o the_o east_n indies_n because_o they_o be_v not_o the_o pope_n subject_n they_o will_v not_o account_v they_o christ_n for_o they_o declare_v determine_v and_o pronounce_v it_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n unto_o salvation_n for_o every_o humane_a creature_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n 8._o add_v hereunto_o their_o unsufferable_a wickedness_n overspread_v that_o church_n and_o their_o allowance_n thereof_o by_o give_v licence_n to_o uncleanness_n sodomy_n prostitute_v pardon_n for_o money_n dispensation_n with_o god_n law_n etc._n etc._n in_o all_o which_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v incorrigible_a pretend_v unerring_a infallibility_n and_o the_o pope_n himself_o will_v be_v supreme_a judge_n alone_o in_o all_o these_o case_n for_o these_o and_o the_o like_a ground_n which_o can_v all_o be_v here_o enumerate_v its_o necessary_a for_o all_o good_a christian_n to_o beware_v of_o popery_n and_o have_v no_o peace_n with_o rome_n till_o she_o return_v to_o her_o ancient_a primitive_a purity_n other_o there_o be_v also_o that_o err_v in_o fundamental_a point_n and_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n as_o antitrinitarians_a anti-scripturists_a arian_n socinian_o etc._n etc._n the_o last_o of_o which_o sect_n be_v esteem_v by_o the_o learned_a the_o very_a sink_v into_o which_o all_o heresy_n of_o former_a and_o latter_a time_n have_v empty_v themselves_o and_o direct_o lead_v man_n to_o mahometanism_n judaisme_n or_o atheism_n these_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n a_o fundamental_a point_n and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o the_o deity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n reject_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n and_o maintain_v justification_n by_o work_n refuse_v such_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n as_o they_o can_v comprehend_v with_o their_o reason_n etc._n etc._n these_o sect_n as_o almost_o all_o church_n former_a and_o latter_a and_o divine_v in_o their_o syncretism_n have_v banish_v out_o of_o the_o line_n of_o christian_a communication_n so_o it_o become_v all_o person_n to_o avoid_v they_o as_o pest_n and_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o have_v no_o followship_n with_o they_o i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o one_o sect_n more_o of_o such_o as_o err_v in_o fundamental_a point_n who_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o want_n of_o learning_n and_o outward_a accomplishment_n be_v contemptible_a yet_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o number_n and_o their_o singular_a obstinancy_n in_o their_o way_n whereby_o they_o amuse_v the_o vulgar_a be_v not_o to_o be_v pass_v by_o viz._n the_o quaker_n although_o quakerism_n can_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o séct_n of_o christian_n but_o rather_o it_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n for_o except_v it_o be_v they_o have_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o mouth_n they_o scarce_o retain_v any_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o light_n in_o all_o man_n they_o extol_v as_o the_o only_a sufficient_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o to_o the_o apparent_a slight_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o preach_a so_o that_o if_o the_o question_n be_v ask_v what_o advantage_n have_v the_o christian_a above_o the_o naked_a indian_a we_o can_v answer_v as_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 3.2_o much_o every_o way_n chief_o because_o unto_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n they_o open_o deny_v the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o to_o his_o humane_a nature_n with_o all_o his_o office_n assign_v to_o he_o by_o his_o father_n they_o utter_o reject_v though_o this_o be_v a_o arcanum_n that_o be_v keep_v hide_v from_o their_o novice_n they_o call_v not_o upon_o god_n in_o the_o name_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o trust_v not_o in_o his_o death_n
mass_n book_n the_o truth_n be_v this_o there_o be_v several_a prayer_n of_o ancient_a father_n use_v before_o popery_n be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o the_o papist_n corrupt_v and_o abuse_v in_o their_o mass_n our_o first_o reformer_n purge_v out_o what_o corruption_n the_o papist_n have_v bring_v in_o and_o do_v retain_v those_o ancient_a prayer_n according_a to_o their_o primitive_a institution_n all_o this_o will_v be_v ready_o acknowledge_v by_o they_o that_o judge_v this_o book_n unnecessary_a and_o inconvenient_a do_v desire_v a_o reformation_n therein_o and_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o all_o this_o that_o shall_v so_o affright_v good_a christian_n out_o of_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o charge_n of_o antichristianism_n it_o be_v so_o common_a a_o word_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o all_o that_o listen_v to_o rail_v that_o it_o be_v no_o scandal_n to_o any_o till_o the_o thing_n be_v full_o prove_v if_o bishop_n and_o minister_n etc._n etc._n be_v judge_v by_o any_o to_o be_v antichristian_a i_o shall_v send_v they_o to_o that_o most_o excellent_a piece_n of_o dr._n moor_n his_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n where_o they_o may_v see_v the_o idea_n of_o anti-christianism_a open_v and_o thence_o be_v inform_v who_o this_o censure_n best_o befit_v iv_o take_v heed_n of_o pretend_v to_o great_a purity_n and_o strictness_n about_o church_n communion_n and_o administration_n than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n commend_v or_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v commend_v nor_o be_v so_o extreme_o rigid_a as_o not_o to_o bear_v with_o thing_n that_o they_o have_v tolerate_v it_o be_v a_o observable_a rule_n lay_v down_o by_o wise_a and_o eminent_a divine_n that_o too_o much_o strictness_n and_o severity_n often_o do_v injury_n the_o church_n more_o than_o profit_v it_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o overturn_v church_n not_o to_o reform_v they_o especial_o this_o severity_n be_v unbecoming_a private_a christian_n who_o have_v no_o authority_n yet_o complain_v such_o person_n and_o such_o thing_n be_v defilement_n they_o must_v separate_v from_o they_o they_o must_v not_o touch_v the_o unclean_a thing_n such_o shall_v take_v heed_n that_o they_o be_v not_o righteous_a over_o much_o and_o not_o dare_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v lest_o their_o too_o much_o affect_v purity_n and_o misguide_a zeal_n hurt_v more_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n then_o the_o corruption_n they_o so_o much_o complain_v of_o calvin_n adv_o anab._n art_n 2._o cum_fw-la sub_fw-la specie_fw-la studii_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la imperfectionem_fw-la nulam_fw-la tollerare_fw-la possumus_fw-la tune_v diabolum_fw-la nos_fw-la tumefacere_fw-la superbia_fw-la et_fw-la hypocrisi_fw-la seducere_fw-la moneamur_fw-la v._o have_v public_a spirit_n and_o look_v not_o so_o much_o on_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v most_o desirable_a in_o your_o eye_n and_o conduce_v to_o your_o interest_n as_o on_o what_o tend_v to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n there_o have_v be_v very_o few_o in_o our_o unhappy_a day_n but_o have_v be_v so_o eager_o contend_v for_o their_o private_a opinion_n and_o way_n that_o the_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o welfare_n have_v be_v almost_o forget_v by_o they_o from_z whence_o have_v come_v in_o such_o a_o inundation_n of_o error_n heresy_n profaneness_n and_o atheism_n that_o the_o church_n have_v be_v almost_o ruin_v thereby_o in_o vain_a do_v we_o contend_v about_o the_o great_a purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o the_o very_a be_v and_o life_n of_o it_o by_o our_o contention_n and_o division_n be_v endanger_v what_o will_v become_v of_o our_o contest_v for_o great_a reformation_n in_o discipline_n worship_n etc._n etc._n if_o the_o christian_a religion_n itself_o be_v lose_v they_o be_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a christian_n that_o have_v most_o endeavour_v that_o the_o main_a fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v preserve_v though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o yield_v in_o small_a matter_n that_o concern_v the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n thereof_o wait_v in_o a_o wise_a and_o peaceable_a manner_n till_o the_o lord_n will_v grant_v they_o their_o desire_n therein_o also_o in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o time_n vi_o take_v heed_n of_o run_v into_o manifest_a sin_n and_o evil_n upon_o fear_n of_o what_o be_v only_o suppose_v to_o be_v so_o viz._n of_o cast_v off_o ordinance_n neglect_v of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n breach_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n upon_o pretence_n of_o suppose_a evil_n in_o communion_n the_o command_n of_o god_n for_o his_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n &_o the_o church_n peace_n be_v clear_a and_o cogent_a the_o matter_n except_v against_o be_v dark_a and_o disputable_a point_n of_o controversy_n and_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n have_v approve_v of_o they_o therefore_o be_v afraid_a while_o you_o will_v shun_v a_o evil_a suppose_a you_o run_v not_o into_o another_o that_o be_v a_o real_a and_o far_o great_a evil_a a_o true_o tender_a conscience_n shall_v fear_v evil_a on_o either_o hand_n and_o on_o this_o side_n rather_o than_o that_o vii_o charge_v not_o on_o yourselves_o other_o man_n sin_n but_o look_v to_o your_o own_o way_n and_o duty_n if_o you_o judge_v superior_n to_o sin_n in_o their_o imposition_n or_o bishop_n in_o any_o command_n or_o minister_n in_o their_o conformity_n if_o you_o find_v sin_n in_o laxnesse_n of_o discipline_n in_o loose_a admission_n to_o the_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o your_o sin_n who_o still_o communicate_v in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n provide_v you_o do_v your_o part_n and_o office_n it_o be_v sad_a live_n in_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n if_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o shall_v be_v charge_v on_o such_o as_o have_v neither_o call_n not_o power_n to_o reform_v they_o fit_a it_o be_v by_o far_o to_o mourn_v and_o pray_v for_o redress_v of_o such_o evil_n then_o to_o run_v out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o viii_o take_v heed_n of_o that_o great_a and_o common_a mistake_n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v in_o and_o about_o the_o government_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o least_o circumstantial_o thereof_o but_o what_o be_v particular_o and_o clear_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o scripture_n this_o mistake_n have_v occasion_v many_o needless_a scruple_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o weak_a christian_n and_o much_o promote_v groundless_a separation_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n lay_v down_o by_o a_o whole_a assembly_n of_o divine_n 1._o assem_fw-la conf._n of_o faith_n c_o 1._o many_o of_o they_o not_o much_o affect_v to_o the_o present_a establishment_n that_o there_o be_v some_o circumstance_n concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n common_a to_o humane_a action_n and_o society_n which_o be_v to_o be_v order_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o christian_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o same_o be_v practise_v among_o all_o those_o that_o be_v most_o averse_a to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o retain_v among_o themselves_o many_o thing_n that_o they_o can_v produce_v little_a true-scripture-proof_n for_o but_o only_o practice_v they_o prudential_o as_o best_a conduce_v to_o the_o welfare_n of_o their_o church_n and_o as_o they_o judge_v to_o the_o order_n of_o god_n worship_n therein_o and_o some_o have_v ingenious_o acknowledge_v as_o much_o if_o you_o search_v the_o scripture_n impartiallie_o concern_v church-government_n you_o will_v find_v therein_o little_o beside_o the_o main_a essential_o of_o it_o as_o that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o that_o by_o its_o proper_a officer_n and_o direction_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v qualify_v and_o set_v apart_o for_o their_o office_n what_o the_o several_a duty_n belong_v to_o their_o office_n be_v and_o some_o general_a direction_n about_o the_o management_n thereof_o all_o which_o may_v suit_v with_o the_o several_a form_n of_o government_n that_o have_v be_v competitor_n among_o we_o wherein_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n officer_n be_v further_o extend_v or_o more_o restrain_v 8._o stillingf_n iren_n pt_n 2._o c_o 4._o &c_n &c_n 8._o wherein_o some_o act_n in_o a_o superior_a other_o ina_fw-la coordinate_a way_n and_o therefore_o very_a many_o learned_a and_o godly_a man_n have_v judge_v that_o no_o one_o form_n of_o government_n be_v prescribe_v as_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n where_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v plant_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v concern_v gospel_n worship_n the_o main_a
in_o their_o patrimony_n say_v bucer_n then_o in_o their_o opinion_n beside_o they_o may_v undergo_v the_o heavy_a charge_n of_o apostasy_n lasco_n ep._n to_o jo_n a_o lasco_n and_o desert_v the_o truth_n and_o change_v their_o religion_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o deterr_v many_o from_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o sobriety_n but_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v it_o be_v no_o discharge_n for_o the_o wise_a holy_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n to_o retract_v in_o some_o controversal_a opinion_n or_o practice_n augustine_n who_o be_v esteem_v the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o father_n write_v several_a book_n of_o retractation_n and_o i_o to_o ruffinus_n say_v never_o blush_v man_n to_o change_v thy_o opinion_n for_o neither_o you_o nor_o i_o nor_o any_o person_n live_v be_v of_o so_o great_a authority_n as_o to_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v that_o they_o have_v err_v and_o as_o for_o the_o charge_n of_o apostasy_n and_o change_v your_o religion_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o be_v it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o affirm_v this_o for_o if_o you_o search_v the_o scripture_n apostasy_n be_v a_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o main_a fundamental_a confess_v doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o duty_n of_o godliness_n into_o manifest_a heresy_n or_o wickedness_n not_o the_o change_a a_o man_n judgement_n or_o practice_n in_o some_o point_v disputable_a among_o the_o godly_a and_o orthodox_n say_v mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o catholic_n unity_n be_v it_o know_v to_o all_o the_o papist_n in_o the_o world_n that_o our_o religion_n be_v not_o change_v at_o all_o our_o worship_n be_v the_o same_o whether_o within_o book_n or_o without_o our_o prayer_n be_v the_o same_o for_o matter_n with_o those_o in_o the_o common_a prayer_n book_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v one_o day_n use_v the_o common_a prayer_n book_n and_o another_o day_n forbear_v it_o i_o shall_v not_o change_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v be_v part_n of_o his_o worship_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o a_o book_n or_o out_o of_o it_o be_v no_o part_n at_o all_o but_o a_o mode_n or_o circumstance_n which_o may_v be_v alter_v as_o occasion_n serve_v elsewhere_o the_o same_o learned_a and_o pious_a person_n show_v what_o yield_v in_o thing_n lawful_a the_o scripture_n recommend_v to_o we_o from_o the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n 488._o five_o disp_n p._n 488._o when_o he_o circumcise_v timothy_n act_n 16.3_o and_o when_o he_o take_v the_o man_n and_o purify_a himself_o with_o they_o in_o the_o temple_n to_o signify_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o day_n of_o purification_n etc._n etc._n act._n 21.26_o 27._o so_o also_o from_o what_o he_o say_v 1_o cor._n 9.19_o 20._o i_o be_o make_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n that_o i_o may_v by_o all_o mean_n save_o some_o and_o this_o i_o do_v for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n xi_o i_o add_v but_o one_o rule_n of_o caution_n more_o against_o a_o very_a common_a but_o dangerous_a mistake_n which_o be_v a_o occasion_n to_o many_o of_o run_v in_o to_o error_n and_o heresy_n as_o well_o as_o into_o schism_n and_o separation_n viz._n take_v heed_n of_o set_v up_o your_o own_o apprehension_n and_o conceit_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n about_o controvert_v point_n as_o infallible_a oracle_n that_o you_o trust_v so_o confident_o to_o that_o you_o will_v endanger_v the_o church_n peace_n and_o your_o own_o safety_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o they_o where_o you_o have_v not_o all_o those_o necessary_a help_n and_o mean_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o find_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n therein_o some_o that_o have_v their_o mind_n forestalled_n with_o a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n get_v a_o bible_n into_o their_o hand_n present_o conceive_v what_o ever_o they_o meet_v withal_o to_o make_v for_o their_o opinion_n and_o begin_v to_o be_v more_o confident_a than_o a_o hundred_o wise_a and_o more_o discern_a person_n dare_v to_o be_v who_o know_v their_o own_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o the_o mysteriousness_n of_o the_o thing_n controvert_v though_o they_o have_v far_o great_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o they_o this_o carry_v man_n into_o such_o wild_a fancy_n &_o strange_a delusion_n sometime_o as_o bring_v they_o under_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o fanaticism_n a_o name_n which_o be_v too_o unjust_o apply_v to_o other_o more_o sober_a and_o pious_a christian_n though_o the_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a doctrine_n and_o duty_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o plain_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n that_o the_o weak_a christian_n may_v understand_v they_o and_o therefore_o have_v much_o profit_n by_o holy_a and_o humble_a meditation_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n day_n and_o night_n yet_o point_v controvert_v be_v oftentimes_o hide_v from_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o know_v not_o the_o language_n and_o proper_a idiom_n of_o scripture_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n and_o other_o advantage_n of_o learning_n that_o its_o ordinary_o impossible_a they_o shall_v find_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n therein_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a delusion_n to_o think_v that_o the_o spirit_n that_o some_o pretend_v to_o more_o confident_o than_o they_o have_v cause_n shall_v discover_v all_o deep_a mystery_n and_o obscure_a point_n of_o controversy_n to_o those_o that_o have_v but_o ordinary_a understanding_n and_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o outward_a necessary_a mean_n and_o hope_n for_o the_o gain_v knowledge_n thereby_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n teach_v not_o by_o such_o immediate_a enthusiasm_n but_o by_o irradiate_a the_o mind_n and_o elevate_a the_o reason_n that_o be_v exercise_v in_o search_v the_o truth_n in_o all_o god_n appoint_v mean_n and_o do_v also_o help_v the_o weak_a to_o understand_v savoury_o all_o those_o plain_a and_o necessary_a truth_n that_o tend_v to_o godliness_n and_o to_o conform_v their_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o love_n and_o obedience_n of_o they_o it_o be_v more_o become_v weak_a christian_n in_o matter_n disputable_a to_o consult_v with_o the_o write_n of_o able_a and_o learned_a expositor_n that_o have_v all_o those_o advantage_n which_o themselves_o want_v and_o not_o to_o presume_v too_o much_o on_o their_o own_o understanding_n in_o such_o thing_n which_o will_v be_v account_v unsufferable_a presumption_n in_o other_o art_n and_o science_n and_o can_v be_v less_o in_o divinity_n wherein_o the_o great_a mystery_n be_v contain_v other_o rule_n of_o caution_n may_v here_o be_v lay_v down_o which_o to_o avoid_v prolixity_n i_o forbear_v to_o enumerate_v recommend_v the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o sober_a and_o humble_a christian_a as_o great_o conduce_v to_o keep_v he_o from_o the_o by-path_n of_o unjust_a separation_n and_o here_o conclude_v with_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v to_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o all_o nation_n both_o ruler_n and_o people_n to_o mind_v more_o and_o to_o be_v more_o zealous_a for_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o to_o contend_v less_o about_o thing_n not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n necessary_a that_o high_a imposition_n may_v not_o occasion_v violent_a opposition_n nor_o these_o again_o produce_v further_a imposition_n but_o we_o may_v love_v one_o another_o unfeigned_o for_o the_o great_a thing_n we_o be_v unite_v in_o &_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o more_o in_o thing_n wherein_o difference_n be_v tolerable_a and_o all_o may_v seek_v the_o unity_n peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o good_a of_o one_o another_o etc._n etc._n then_o shall_v religion_n flourish_v the_o gospel_n be_v advance_v the_o fame_n of_o god_n be_v honour_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n edify_v and_o all_o may_v walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o which_o let_v every_o good_a christian_a say_v amen_n finis_fw-la