trust_n act_n 17._o 11._o these_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o in_o thessalonica_n in_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whither_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o they_o will_v not_o take_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n on_o trust_n and_o this_o be_v a_o command_n give_v by_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o thess_n 1_o epistle_n ch_z 5._o v._n 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n after_o he_o have_v say_v despise_v not_o prophecying_n so_o that_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o trial_n whatever_o be_v their_o fair_a pretence_n reas_n the_o reason_n be_v first_o because_o foul_a error_n may_v be_v colour_v over_o with_o fair_a pretence_n and_o second_o the_o scripture_n say_v all_o man_n be_v liar_n that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o man_n may_v err_v and_o therefore_o word_n can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o divine_a faith_n for_o faith_n must_v have_v a_o infallible_a ground_n as_o ephes_n 2._o 20._o and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n the_o word_n preach_v by_o they_o and_o dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n use_v this_o doctrine_n reprove_v first_o the_o papist_n that_o will_v have_v nothing_o try_v that_o come_v from_o the_o church_n but_o all_o take_v upon_o trust_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o many_o swallow_v such_o monster_n of_o absurdity_n as_o the_o error_n of_o transubstantiation_n purgatory_n merit_n male_a and_o such_o like_a for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n but_o because_o their_o church_n say_v so_o but_o this_o doctrine_n hold_v out_o another_o duty_n that_o who_o ever_o hear_v any_o doctrine_n propon_v by_o one_o or_o other_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o pass_v their_o judgement_n on_o it_o try_v the_o spirit_n now_o that_o we_o may_v walk_v betwixt_o extreme_n the_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n who_o set_v up_o tyranny_n and_o these_o sectary_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n who_o set_v up_o confusion_n we_o will_v know_v there_o be_v a_o twofold_a judgement_n to_o be_v pass_v on_o doctrine_n public_a judgement_n and_o private_a judgement_n public_a judgement_n again_o be_v either_o peremptory_o absolute_a or_o limit_v a_o public_a peremptory_a judgement_n be_v that_o which_o bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o obey_v simple_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v and_o none_o have_v this_o judgement_n but_o god_n himself_o second_o there_o be_v a_o public_a judgement_n which_o be_v limit_v and_o this_o be_v a_o public_a declare_v and_o hold_v out_o that_o which_o be_v find_v to_o be_v god_n mind_n in_o his_o word_n which_o do_v not_o bind_v absolute_o but_o in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n and_o this_o judgement_n belong_v to_o public_a church_n judicatories_n meet_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n they_o be_v like_o the_o lyon-herauld_n set_v forth_o to_o proclaim_v the_o royal_a act_n if_o he_o proclaim_v that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o principal_a act_n it_o bind_v but_o if_o he_o add_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o own_o it_o bind_v not_o next_o there_o be_v a_o private_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o this_o belong_v to_o every_o christian_a every_o man_n in_o relation_n to_o his_o own_o practice_n be_v bind_v to_o pass_v sentence_n on_o what_o be_v hold_v out_o to_o he_o by_o other_o that_o if_o it_o be_v right_a he_o may_v embrace_v it_o but_o if_o wrong_a he_o may_v reject_v it_o but_o his_o private_a judgement_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o other_o now_o this_o private_a judgement_n or_o this_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n be_v necessary_a because_o all_o man_n may_v err_v council_n may_v err_v synod_n etc._n etc._n and_o second_o their_o error_n will_v not_o excuse_v private_a christian_n to_o follow_v they_o in_o their_o error_n say_v christ_n when_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a both_o fall_n into_o the_o ditch_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o private_a person_n to_o try_v what_o they_o hear_v and_o this_o much_o for_o guard_v against_o the_o popish_a tyranny_n but_o least_o this_o doctrine_n be_v abuse_v to_o cast_v at_o all_o public_a church_n judicatory_n we_o shall_v next_o speak_v somewhat_o to_o guard_v against_o sectarian_n confusion_n first_o although_o public_a church_n judicatory_n have_v not_o power_n to_o bind_v conscience_n yet_o when_o man_n be_v in_o a_o doubt_n concern_v a_o point_n of_o truth_n their_o judgement_n ought_v to_o have_v more_o weight_n than_o the_o judgement_n of_o private_a man_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o there_o be_v more_o gift_n exercise_v together_o but_o main_o because_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n annex_v to_o the_o commission_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o public_a church_n judicatory_n matth._n 18._o 20._o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o second_o from_o this_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o loathness_n to_o differ_v from_o public_a church_n judicatory_n a_o man_n ground_n will_v be_v well_o examine_v lâ—st_v if_o differ_v from_o these_o judicatories_n they_o also_o differ_v from_o truth_n and_o three_o when_o they_o differ_v they_o be_v to_o bear_v they_o at_o reverence_n although_o in_o such_o a_o point_n they_o shall_v err_v yet_o for_o their_o authority_n they_o be_v to_o be_v reverence_v this_o much_o be_v grant_v by_o we_o to_o church_n judicatories_n but_o no_o further_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n use_v 2._o it_o reprove_v those_o who_o be_v lazy_a and_o can_v endure_v the_o trouble_n of_o try_v what_o they_o hear_v but_o take_v thing_n on_o trust_n and_o have_v no_o more_o but_o such_o a_o man_n authority_n he_o be_v of_o that_o way_n and_o opinion_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v fire_n and_o flint_n tooth_n and_o nail_n for_o it_o as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o it_o we_o have_v see_v much_o of_o this_o in_o the_o unhappy_a difference_n that_o have_v fall_v out_o in_o our_o time_n which_o i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n to_o speak_v much_o of_o and_o therefore_o we_o proceed_v to_o another_o doctrine_n doct._n x._o the_o next_o thing_n then_o that_o we_o observe_v be_v from_o what_o he_o say_v try_v etc._n etc._n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o trial_n the_o doctrine_n be_v this_o that_o the_o right_a trial_n of_o doctrine_n be_v to_o try_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o this_o point_n put_v we_o to_o give_v mark_n whereby_o it_o shall_v be_v know_v what_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n and_o what_o doctrine_n be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o here_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o two_o thing_n first_o we_o shall_v show_v what_o be_v the_o mark_n that_o necessary_o infer_v a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o second_o we_o shall_v speak_v of_o other_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o infer_v necessary_o a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n follow_v upon_o such_o a_o doctrine_n for_o the_o first_o that_o which_o make_v doctrine_n necessary_o to_o be_v of_o god_n be_v if_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n so_o when_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v act_n 17._o the_o rule_n they_o go_v by_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o paul_n doctrine_n be_v the_o scripture_n and_o this_o be_v isaâ—a's_n rule_n chap._n 8._o ver_fw-la 20._o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n etc._n etc._n he_o will_v have_v all_o doctrine_n try_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o the_o word_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o that_o doctrine_n which_o have_v the_o word_n for_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o whatever_o doctrine_n have_v not_o the_o word_n for_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n all_o spirit_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n himself_o must_v be_v try_v that_o way_n and_o that_o because_o the_o word_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n i_o give_v only_o two_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o clear_v the_o perfection_n of_o this_o rule_n first_o the_o heavy_a plague_n pronounce_v against_o those_o who_o add_v to_o this_o rule_n the_o word_n be_v so_o perfect_a that_o if_o a_o angel_n shall_v come_v and_o pretend_v a_o pure_a rule_n let_v he_o be_v say_v paul_n anathema_n gal._n 1._o 8._o there_o be_v another_o place_n which_o prove_v the_o perfection_n of_o this_o rule_n according_a to_o this_o point_n in_o hand_n 2_o timoth._n 3._o 16_o 17._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a etc._n etc._n so_o there_o be_v as_o much_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o may_v make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o this_o in_o relation_n
church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o pubican_n that_o be_v excommunicate_v he_o now_o for_o what_o fault_n he_o be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_a they_o be_v set_v down_o v_o 15._o moreover_o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o etc._n etc._n so_o it_o be_v a_o scandalous_a trespass_n wherein_o the_o offender_n do_v persist_v and_o remain_v obstinate_a on_o which_o according_a to_o christ_n rule_n excommunication_n shall_v strick_v now_o sure_o it_o be_v there_o be_v many_o error_n not_o contrary_a to_o fundamental_a truth_n such_o as_o many_o point_n of_o arminianism_n antinomianism_n etc._n etc._n which_o yet_o persist_v in_o be_v scandalous_a both_o to_o particular_a christian_n and_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o christ_n rule_n excommunication_n shall_v strick_v upon_o other_o error_n than_o those_o contrary_n to_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o assertion_n three_o neither_o can_v we_o assent_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v on_o no_o other_o error_n but_o those_o contrary_n to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o of_o what_o be_v present_o say_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v against_o every_o scandalous_a sin_n do_v against_o a_o brother_n or_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o offender_n do_v persist_v and_o remain_v obstinate_a but_o also_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n whereby_o they_o maintain_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v on_o no_o other_o error_n but_o these_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o publisher_n of_o these_o error_n follow_v or_o the_o like_a against_o fundamental_a truth_n shall_v not_o be_v censure_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o impostor_n a_o deceiver_n that_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o free_a grace_n say_v according_a to_o that_o rule_n such_o heretic_n shall_v not_o be_v censure_v no_o not_o ecclesiastical_o because_o these_o error_n be_v not_o against_o nature_n light_n but_o scripture_n light_v only_o for_o nature_n light_n teach_v not_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o these_o error_n this_o much_o for_o church_n toleration_n but_o as_o say_v be_v concern_v this_o be_v not_o the_o present_a contraversy_n the_o main_a question_n than_o be_v concern_v state_n toleration_n concern_v which_o some_o do_v affirm_v that_o whatever_o the_o church_n may_v do_v in_o inflict_v church_n censure_n on_o heretic_n maintainer_n of_o heterodox_n opinion_n yet_o say_v they_o no_o civil_a punishment_n such_o as_o death_n imprisonment_n mulct_n or_o fine_n shall_v be_v inflict_v on_o any_o error_n or_o blaspheme_n whatsoever_o provide_v the_o maintainer_n of_o they_o carry_v themselves_o peaceable_o do_v not_o trouble_v the_o state_n or_o do_v evil_a against_o the_o commonwealth_n in_o civil_a thing_n we_o again_o on_o the_o contrary_n do_v hold_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o every_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o suppress_v adultery_n fornication_n sedition_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o bind_v to_o suppress_v error_n and_o blasphemy_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a truth_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o all_o error_n contrary_a to_o other_o point_n of_o truth_n now_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o this_o question_n and_o free_v it_o from_o some_o odious_a imputation_n that_o may_v be_v cast_v upon_o it_o before_o we_o come_v to_o argument_n we_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o assertion_n first_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v heretic_n at_o the_o first_o step_n pain_n shall_v first_o be_v take_v to_o inform_v they_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n be_v antecedent_n and_o their_o labour_n be_v to_o convince_v gainsayer_n so_o this_o must_v go_v before_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n they_o must_v be_v find_v obstinate_a before_o the_o magistrate_n meddle_v with_o they_o or_o punish_v they_o civil_o especial_o if_o their_o error_n be_v not_o horrid_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o nature_n light_n in_o such_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v so_o much_o forbearance_n second_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o error_n and_o heresy_n be_v to_o get_v alike_o punishment_n but_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o guilt_n that_o be_v in_o they_o even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o sin_n commit_v against_o the_o second_o table_n murder_n be_v a_o more_o heinous_a fault_n than_o fornication_n and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v it_o more_o high_o even_o so_o be_v it_o in_o sin_n do_v against_o the_o first_o table_n blasphemy_n do_v against_o god_n or_o a_o deny_v of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o high_a sin_n than_o worship_v of_o the_o true_a god_n after_o a_o false_a manner_n and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v it_o more_o severe_o three_o as_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o error_n and_o heresy_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o like_a punishment_n so_o neither_o do_v we_o say_v that_o every_o one_o that_o maintain_v the_o same_o error_n be_v to_o be_v alike_o punish_v for_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v seducer_n or_o drawer_n on_o of_o other_o to_o error_n disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n ringleader_n there_o be_v other_o again_o that_o be_v only_o seduce_v and_o draw_v away_o to_o error_n and_o these_o last_o although_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v tolerate_v yet_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v more_o spare_o towards_o they_o so_o second_o there_o be_v some_o root_v in_o error_n confirm_v in_o it_o who_o will_v not_o hear_v instruction_n there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o be_v seek_v light_n who_o way_n evidence_v they_o to_o be_v conscientious_a only_o for_o the_o time_n they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o in_o humility_n seek_v after_o light_n and_o these_o last_o the_o magistrate_n as_o all_o other_o christian_n be_v to_o bear_v much_o with_o according_a to_o rom._n 15._o 1._o we_o then_o that_o be_v strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a etc._n etc._n now_o this_o be_v say_v to_o clear_v the_o question_n we_o come_v to_o argument_n to_o make_v out_o this_o truth_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o suppress_v and_o punish_v error_n heresy_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o punish_v adultery_n theft_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n the_o first_o argument_n we_o bring_v be_v from_o the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o which_o we_o form_v a_o argument_n thus_o if_o it_o be_v the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n than_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o like_a but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n therefore_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o like_a for_o confirm_v of_o this_o argument_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v make_v out_o first_o that_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n and_o heresy_n second_o as_o it_o be_v their_o practice_n so_o their_o practice_n herein_o be_v approven_v of_o god_n otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o bind_v unto_o other_o for_o king_n and_o magistrate_n do_v several_a thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v not_o approven_v and_o so_o not_o bind_v unto_o we_o now_o the_o first_o thing_n than_o we_o be_v to_o clear_v be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o abraham_n practice_n genes_n 18._o 19_o for_o i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v justice_n and_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n second_o with_o jacob_n who_o be_v a_o magistrate_n in_o his_o own_o family_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o employ_v his_o power_n to_o suppress_v false_a religion_n in_o the_o 35_o of_o gen._n vers_fw-la 2._o then_o jacob_n say_v unto_o his_o household_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v with_o he_o put_v away_o the_o strange_a god_n that_o be_v among_o you_o
immediate_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n the_o three_o sermon_n luke_n 7._o 23._o and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o me._n belove_a in_o the_o lord_n that_o place_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v unto_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n have_v have_v its_o accomplishment_n in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o no_o age_n more_o than_o in_o this_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o way_n of_o work_v both_o with_o church_n and_o particular_a soul_n have_v be_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o rock_n of_o offence_n to_o many_o yea_o more_o and_o more_o be_v stumble_v still_o what_o through_o one_o occasion_n or_o other_o many_o who_o once_o do_v seem_v to_o run_v well_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n have_v either_o already_o take_v up_o or_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o take_v up_o such_o a_o halt_n as_o christ_n may_v be_v conceive_v to_o say_v to_o those_o very_a few_o who_o seem_v resolve_v to_o follow_v he_o through_o better_a and_o worse_o as_o once_o he_o say_v joh._n 6._o 67._o unto_o the_o twelve_o when_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n go_v back_o and_o walk_v no_o more_o with_o he_o will_v you_o also_o go_v away_o i_o have_v therefore_o choose_v this_o text_n to_o speak_v from_o now_o immediate_o after_o have_v engage_v yourselves_o to_o walk_v in_o christ_n way_n that_o thereby_o you_o may_v guard_v against_o that_o woeful_a common_a evil_n of_o be_v offend_v in_o christ_n or_o of_o stumble_v and_o take_v up_o a_o halt_n in_o his_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o stumble_a block_n and_o rock_n of_o offence_n you_o may_v meet_v with_o for_o blessed_n be_v he_o say_v christ_n whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o the_o word_n be_v a_o part_n of_o christ_n answer_n to_o that_o question_n propound_v to_o he_o by_o two_o of_o john_n disciple_n at_o john_n desire_n verse_n 20._o art_n thou_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v or_o look_v we_o for_o another_o you_o may_v wonder_v that_o john_n who_o know_v christ_n so_o well_o shall_v have_v move_v such_o a_o question_n but_o the_o answer_n be_v first_o though_o soul_n know_v christ_n never_o so_o well_o they_o will_v desire_v and_o have_v need_n to_o know_v he_o better_o and_o to_o get_v what_o knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o he_o confirm_v to_o they_o especial_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n for_o john_n be_v now_o in_o prison_n and_o two_o they_o will_v desire_v that_o other_o may_v know_v he_o also_o for_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o go_v before_o that_o john_n propound_v this_o question_n for_o his_o disciple_n satisfaction_n and_o to_o satisfy_v their_o doubt_n more_o than_o his_o own_o christ_n answer_n have_v two_o part_n 1._o he_o bid_v they_o show_v john_n what_o they_o see_v he_o do_v verse_n 22._o tell_v john_n say_v he_o what_o thing_n you_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v how_o that_o the_o blind_a see_v the_o lame_a walk_n the_o leper_n be_v cleanse_v the_o deaf_a hear_v the_o dead_a be_v raise_v to_o the_o poor_a the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v if_o you_o ask_v what_o make_v this_o to_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o question_n i_o answer_v it_o make_v much_o for_o it_o show_v he_o be_v do_v that_o which_o scripture_n foretell_v the_o messiah_n will_v do_v isai._n 35._o 5_o 6._o and_o therefore_o he_o behove_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n 2._o in_o their_o word_n he_o answer_v a_o main_a objection_n against_o this_o truth_n take_v from_o christ_n own_o low_a condition_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o follower_n which_o make_v many_o bear_n off_o he_o for_o they_o expect_v a_o glorious_a messiah_n a_o great_a earthly_a monarch_n and_o because_o christ_n be_v but_o obscure_a and_o mean_a therefore_o they_o stumble_v and_o be_v offend_v in_o he_o to_o this_o christ_n answer_v blessed_n be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v or_o scandalize_v in_o i_o the_o word_n render_v here_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o traveller_n who_o have_v dash_v their_o foot_n or_o leg_n at_o some_o stone_n or_o block_n in_o the_o way_n do_v stumble_v or_o take_v up_o a_o halt_n so_o as_o they_o can_v go_v no_o further_o at_o least_o advance_v not_o so_o quick_o in_o the_o way_n as_o they_o do_v and_o second_o while_o he_o say_v offend_v in_o i_o take_v this_o first_o active_o and_o so_o the_o meaning_n be_v they_o shall_v not_o take_v occasion_n of_o stumble_v from_o any_o thing_n in_o christ_n or_o in_o his_o way_n 2._o it_o may_v be_v take_v passive_o so_o as_o to_o point_v out_o the_o way_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o stumble_v nor_o take_v up_o a_o halt_n in_o for_o there_o be_v some_o way_n to_o wit_n every_o sinful_a course_n and_o way_n that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o people_n to_o stumble_v in_o and_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o but_o this_o way_n wherein_o we_o shall_v not_o stumble_v be_v christ_n himself_o and_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n prescribe_v by_o he_o bless_a be_v he_o say_v christ_n who_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v happy_a be_v that_o man_n who_o take_v not_o occasion_n from_o i_o or_o any_o thing_n in_o my_o way_n to_o stumble_v or_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o i_o and_o that_o course_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n wherein_o i_o have_v command_v he_o to_o walk_v the_o word_n be_v but_o one_o entire_a proposition_n and_o sentence_n i_o need_v not_o therefore_o spend_v time_n in_o divide_v they_o but_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o doctrine_n first_o the_o lord_n apply_v the_o general_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o himself_o in_o particular_a show_v they_o be_v verify_v in_o he_o for_o the_o word_n in_o i_o have_v in_o they_o a_o direct_a answer_n to_o the_o question_v propound_v by_o john_n disciple_n and_o show_v the_o messiah_n be_v come_v and_o that_o he_o be_v that_o messiah_n whence_o we_o may_v mark_v that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n who_o be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n bring_v up_o in_o nazareth_n and_o crucify_a in_o jerusalem_n be_v that_o very_o same_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v and_o promise_v to_o the_o father_n we_o may_v observe_v 2_o that_o before_o he_o give_v this_o answer_n that_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n who_o they_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o not_o to_o stumble_v at_o he_o do_v first_o prove_v by_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v so_o while_o he_o hid_n john_n disciple_n tell_v their_o master_n he_o be_v do_v such_o miraculous_a work_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v foreshow_v none_o but_o christ_n shall_v do_v whence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o all_o question_n and_o debate_n about_o religion_n shall_v be_v determine_v from_o scripture_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n for_o here_o when_o a_o question_n arise_v among_o john_n disciple_n if_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n neither_o john_n the_o baptist_n than_o who_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a prophet_n among_o these_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o woman_n yea_o nor_o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v great_a than_o he_o do_v take_v it_o upon_o they_o to_o determine_v in_o it_o but_o john_n send_v they_o to_o christ_n and_o christ_n send_v they_o to_o the_o scripture_n for_o a_o solution_n thus_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n say_v the_o lord_n isai._n 8._o 20._o if_o they_o do_v not_o speak_v according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o rule_n have_v be_v the_o inlet_a to_o humane_a tradition_n without_o and_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n both_o in_o worship_n and_o government_n in_o the_o antichristian_a church_n and_o if_o this_o rule_n once_o be_v lay_v aside_o there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n of_o humane_a ceremony_n until_o all_o that_o trash_n which_o be_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v bring_v in_o upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o if_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o man_n can_v make_v way_n for_o one_o it_o may_v also_o make_v way_n for_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o pass_v those_o the_o two_o follow_a doctrine_n be_v these_o that_o i_o intend_v most_o to_o insist_v upon_o and_o both_o of_o they_o be_v employ_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v many_o stumble_a block_n in_o christ_n way_n whereat_z people_z be_v apt_a to_o offend_v take_v up_o a_o halt_n and_o stumble_v and_o yet_o second_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n which_o ought_v to_o make_v we_o stumble_v for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o stumble_a block_n christ_n need_v not_o so_o much_o guard_n against_o they_o and_o by_o his_o guard_n against_o they_o he_o
endeavour_n be_v that_o controversy_n be_v clear_o state_v and_o with_o great_a perspicuity_n and_o solidity_n do_v he_o confirm_v the_o truth_n by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o confute_v the_o contrary_a error_n and_o all_o this_o without_o bitterness_n or_o wrath_n but_o with_o such_o calmness_n and_o moderation_n of_o spirit_n wherein_o he_o do_v excel_v so_o that_o as_o i_o be_o inform_v divers_a of_o the_o english_a army_n though_o of_o a_o contrary_a judgement_n do_v resort_v to_o hear_v he_o i_o know_v not_o what_o effect_n his_o teach_v of_o these_o truth_n have_v on_o they_o but_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n these_o of_o his_o own_o flock_n be_v so_o establish_v in_o the_o truth_n that_o not_o one_o of_o they_o be_v seduce_v from_o it_o and_o i_o can_v but_o record_v it_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o commendation_n of_o that_o congregation_n and_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o any_o who_o may_v be_v invite_v to_o be_v their_o pastor_n when_o i_o to_o their_o and_o my_o grief_n be_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o they_o to_o a_o more_o difficult_a post_n i_o say_v i_o can_v but_o record_v it_o that_o as_o that_o congregation_n of_o kilwinning_n have_v since_o the_o reformation_n be_v blessed_v with_o eminent_a learned_a and_o pious_a man_n mr_n glasford_n mr_n bailie_n mr_n fergusson_n and_o mr_n rogirs_n so_o they_o have_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n on_o their_o labour_n be_v keep_v not_o only_o sound_v in_o the_o faith_n but_o unite_v among_o themselves_o when_o other_o have_v be_v woeful_o divide_v and_o they_o have_v always_o show_v a_o great_a love_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o minister_n thereof_o and_o i_o pray_v that_o their_o fruit_n may_v abound_v more_o and_o more_o if_o some_o expression_n concern_v the_o opinion_n of_o independent_o or_o congregational_a man_n seem_v severe_a it_o will_v be_v remember_v that_o the_o author_n do_v not_o speak_v against_o person_n but_o against_o thing_n and_o in_o a_o time_n when_o many_o error_n follow_v that_o division_n about_o church_n government_n and_o the_o debate_n be_v hot_a about_o it_o and_o fear_v that_o it_o shall_v have_v take_v place_n in_o scotland_n but_o consider_v the_o zeal_n these_o of_o new-england_n have_v discover_v against_o error_n and_o their_o unite_a way_n of_o act_v in_o association_n and_o synod_n when_o they_o think_v there_o be_v need_n and_o the_o love_n that_o have_v be_v in_o time_n of_o common_a trial_n and_o the_o late_a essay_n which_o have_v be_v make_v for_o a_o accommodation_n betwixt_o presbyterian_o and_o they_o in_o england_n i_o suppose_v if_o our_o reverend_a author_n have_v live_v until_o this_o time_n he_o will_v have_v conclude_v the_o difference_n may_v be_v so_o lessen_v that_o it_o need_v not_o hinder_v their_o walk_v together_o in_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v agree_v nor_o their_o endeavour_n to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n i_o do_v not_o know_v of_o any_o particular_a design_n of_o publish_v these_o discourse_n now_o when_o they_o have_v be_v keep_v hide_v for_o forty_o year_n but_o that_o the_o author_n son_n have_v long_o delay_v and_o decline_v to_o publish_v they_o though_o frequent_o and_o serious_o advise_v to_o do_v it_o by_o many_o he_o be_v advertise_v that_o some_o will_v publish_v the_o imperfect_a note_n receive_v from_o his_o mouth_n in_o the_o time_n of_o hear_v which_o be_v incorrect_a may_v not_o only_o prejudge_v the_o author_n name_n but_o the_o truth_n and_o other_o edification_n if_o these_o as_o be_v hope_v they_o will_v be_v acceptable_a and_o useful_a what_o yet_o remain_v unprint_v of_o these_o discourse_n may_v see_v the_o light_n in_o due_a time_n there_o be_v here_o subjoin_v four_o sermon_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n which_o the_o publisher_n and_o other_o hope_n may_v be_v find_v of_o good_a use_n and_o may_v make_v way_n for_o the_o communicate_v more_o of_o his_o pious_a and_o judicious_a sermon_n which_o be_v long_v for_o by_o they_o who_o know_v he_o or_o his_o other_o work_n it_o have_v sure_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o church_n have_v it_o please_v god_n to_o have_v spare_v this_o judicious_a and_o pious_a author_n till_o now_o and_o that_o he_o have_v publish_v more_o of_o his_o work_n in_o his_o own_o time_n but_o see_v our_o infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n have_v dispose_v otherwise_o it_o become_v we_o to_o submit_v but_o if_o by_o this_o or_o any_o other_o of_o his_o work_n god_n get_v glory_n and_o the_o church_n be_v edify_v the_o publisher_n will_v rejoice_v and_o bless_v god_n as_o have_v attain_v his_o end_n and_o if_o the_o reader_n peruse_v his_o work_n with_o the_o same_o spirit_n wherewith_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v speak_v and_o write_v i_o be_o confident_a he_o will_v not_o fail_v of_o profit_n now_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n will_v lead_v thou_o and_o all_o his_o people_n into_o all_o truth_n and_o help_v they_o to_o edify_v one_o another_o in_o love_n and_o that_o he_o will_v bless_v his_o church_n with_o truth_n and_o peace_n and_o send_v out_o many_o faithful_a labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n with_o a_o double_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o mr._n fergusson_n and_o other_o eminent_o holy_a man_n who_o then_o live_v shall_v be_v the_o prayer_n of_o christian_a reader_n thy_o soul_n cordial_a wellwisher_n george_n meldrum_n edinburgh_n june_n 1692._o the_o content_n sect_n i._o of_o doctrine_n in_o general_n and_o the_o trial_n thereof_o be_v some_o doctrine_n raise_v from_o the_o text_n introductorie_n to_o the_o main_a purpose_n pag._n 1_o ad_fw-la 26._o doctr._n i._o error_n be_v to_o be_v eschew_v pag._n 3._o doctr._n ii_o orthodoxy_n or_o a_o right_a opinion_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o truth_n be_v as_o much_o to_o be_v stuâ—â—ed_v as_o holiness_n of_o life_n pag._n 5._o doctr._n iii_o as_o at_o all_o time_n so_o chief_o when_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o spread_v of_o error_n there_o be_v most_o need_n that_o love_n shall_v be_v entertain_v betwixt_o pastor_n and_o people_n where_o be_v some_o direction_n for_o a_o minister_n carriage_n in_o order_n to_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o his_o people_n while_o he_o be_v refute_v their_o error_n pag._n 12._o doctr._n iu._n the_o spirit_n of_o error_n begin_v very_o early_o to_o trouble_v the_o church_n where_o be_v some_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o lord_n suffer_v error_n to_o spread_v pag._n 16._o doctr._n v._o the_o foul_a error_n go_v out_o oftentimes_o under_o fair_a name_n and_o be_v back_v with_o most_o specious_a pretence_n pag._n 19_o doctr._n vi_o when_o foul_a error_n be_v hold_v out_o under_o fair_a name_n and_o back_v with_o fair_a pretence_n there_o be_v a_o danger_n lest_o people_n drink_v they_o in_o and_o believe_v they_o where_o be_v 5_o thing_n that_o speak_v this_o hazard_n pag._n 23._o doctr._n vii_o minister_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o clap_v people_n head_n or_o to_o indulge_v they_o in_o this_o inclination_n of_o they_o to_o error_n but_o on_o all_o hazard_n they_o be_v to_o testify_v against_o it_o where_o be_v 3_o reason_n for_o which_o people_n ought_v to_o reverence_v much_o what_o warning_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v give_v by_o minister_n pag._n 28._o doct._n viii_o it_o be_v not_o god_n way_n that_o people_n because_o there_o be_v difference_n about_o religion_n shall_v therefore_o believe_v no_o religion_n where_o be_v 5_o direction_n for_o the_o unlearned_a to_o walk_v by_o in_o order_n to_o difference_n of_o opinion_n among_o the_o learned_a pag._n 31._o doctr._n ix_o how_o fair_a soever_o the_o pretence_n be_v that_o a_o doctrine_n be_v colour_v with_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v upon_o trust_n but_o must_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o trial_n where_o be_v some_o direction_n how_o to_o walk_v betwixt_o popish_a tyranny_n and_o sectarian_n confusion_n pag._n 34._o doctr._n x._o the_o right_a trial_n to_o be_v take_v of_o doctrine_n preach_v or_o any_o otherwise_o vent_v be_v to_o try_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o where_o be_v show_v what_o be_v requisite_a to_o a_o doctrine_n that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 38._o doct._n xi_o there_o be_v many_o doctrine_n pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n which_o yet_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o touchstone_n will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n p._n 44_o sect_n ii_o the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n try_v and_o foundnot_v to_o be_v of_o god_n wherein_o as_o in_o all_o the_o error_n follow_v first_o the_o question_n be_v state_v 2._o argument_n be_v bring_v for_o confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o vindicate_v from_o the_o opposite_n exception_n 3._o the_o opposite_n objection_n be_v answer_v and_o refute_v from_o scripture_n
on_o the_o finger_n to_o make_v he_o more_o warry_a and_o to_o scar_n all_o justify_v person_n in_o time_n come_v from_o do_v the_o like_a we_o may_v so_o run_v through_o all_o the_o error_n of_o the_o time_n as_o that_o of_o independency_n whereby_o power_n be_v deny_v to_o presbytry_n o_o say_v they_o to_o put_v power_n in_o presbytry_n and_o make_v they_o receive_v appeal_n from_o congregation_n it_o be_v to_o tyrannize_v over_o particular_a flock_n and_o therefore_o say_v they_o nothing_o be_v better_a than_o that_o every_o congregation_n have_v complete_a power_n within_o themselves_o and_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o guide_n not_o be_v countable_a to_o any_o judicatory_a above_o they_o but_o only_o to_o christ_n this_o seem_v a_o specious_a bait_n for_o such_o as_o will_v have_v liberty_n but_o when_o it_o be_v due_o ponder_v it_o will_v be_v find_v most_o contrary_a to_o truth_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n if_o a_o particular_a flock_n shall_v err_v and_o if_o one_o shall_v suffer_v wrong_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o particular_a session_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n to_o repair_v the_o oppress_a man_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o err_v congregation_n to_o a_o right_a mind_n and_o how_o far_o this_o be_v derogatory_n to_o jesâ—s_n christ_n who_o be_v perfect_a in_o all_o his_o house_n any_o man_n may_v judge_v we_o may_v run_v through_o more_o of_o they_o but_o because_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o refute_v these_o error_n by_o themselves_o we_o shall_v insist_v no_o further_o here_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o clear_v the_o point_n that_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n may_v be_v bear_v in_o under_o the_o fair_a pretence_n and_o therefore_o you_o will_v not_o take_v all_o to_o be_v gold_n that_o glister_v take_v not_o all_o for_o truth_n that_o be_v deck_v up_o with_o a_o bundle_n of_o brave_a high_a ravish_a expression_n doct._n 6_o we_o proceed_v believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n say_v he_o he_o speak_v not_o this_o in_o vain_a it_o suppose_v he_o see_v a_o inclination_n in_o they_o to_o believe_v the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n that_o arise_v from_o it_o be_v that_o when_o foul_a error_n be_v hold_v out_o under_o fair_a name_n and_o back_v with_o fair_a pretence_n there_o be_v a_o danger_n lest_o people_n drink_v they_o in_o and_o believe_v they_o for_o john_n see_v that_o hazard_n and_o therefore_o give_v they_o a_o watchword_n so_o in_o the_o 16_o of_o the_o rom._n ver_fw-la 18._o for_o they_o that_o be_v such_o serve_v not_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o their_o own_o belly_n and_o by_o good_a word_n and_o fair_a speech_n deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a their_o bait_n hook_a the_o simple_a before_o they_o be_v aware_a we_o need_v no_o further_a proof_n of_o this_o than_o the_o example_n of_o our_o neighbour_n church_n in_o england_n error_n which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v name_v but_o people_n will_v have_v loathe_v at_o they_o such_o as_o the_o arminian_n error_n against_o free_a grace_n etc._n etc._n yet_o be_v deck_v with_o the_o name_n of_o new_a light_n they_o be_v greedy_o drink_v in_o by_o too_o too_o many_o we_o shall_v give_v some_o reason_n to_o make_v you_o sensible_a of_o this_o hazard_n how_o great_a danger_n there_o be_v when_o error_n be_v in_o spread_a that_o people_n be_v take_v off_o their_o foot_n with_o it_o we_o shall_v point_v at_o four_o or_o five_o thing_n that_o speak_v this_o hazard_n and_o the_o first_o be_v the_o proneness_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o drink_v in_o untruth_n we_o see_v this_o in_o eva_n for_o error_n be_v nature_n brood_n and_o as_o we_o say_v error_n be_v the_o copy_n of_o some_o lust_n and_o therefore_o it_o soon_o infect_v truth_n again_o it_o have_v nothing_o in_o we_o no_o party_n for_o it_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o make_v we_o take_v with_o it_o there_o must_v be_v word_n upon_o word_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n we_o drink_v in_o truth_n slow_o and_o after_o much_o pain_n take_v upon_o we_o we_o be_v but_o to_o begin_v to_o learn_v it_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v quick_a to_o take_v up_o error_n you_o will_v find_v man_n more_o able_a in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o debate_v for_o error_n than_o in_o a_o long_a time_n to_o debate_v for_o truth_n i_o will_v seek_v no_o great_a presumption_n that_o such_o a_o tenant_n be_v a_o error_n than_o this_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v set_v on_o fire_n it_o run_v through_o great_a number_n and_o set_v their_o spirit_n on_o edge_n for_o it_o we_o be_v not_o so_o hot_a for_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o our_o nature_n to_o be_v so_o take_v with_o it_o reason_n 2_o then_o there_o be_v a_o second_o thing_n that_o speak_v this_o hazard_n and_o it_o be_v the_o shallowness_n of_o people_n apprehension_n together_o with_o their_o foolish_a haste_n before_o they_o try_v from_o the_o shallowness_n of_o many_o it_o be_v that_o they_o can_v put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o fair_a pretence_n and_o a_o foul_a error_n that_o be_v hide_v under_o it_o and_o from_o the_o haste_n of_o people_n spirit_n it_o be_v that_o they_o engage_v sudden_o with_o any_o thing_n have_v the_o colour_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v once_o engage_v they_o be_v still_o the_o more_o and_o more_o involve_a these_o two_o lay_v together_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o point_n out_o this_o hazard_n reason_n 3._o we_o may_v add_v a_o three_o and_o this_o be_v desire_n of_o novelty_n in_o people_n speak_v of_o in_o 2_o timoth_n chap_n 4_o v_o 3_o after_o their_o own_o lust_n shall_v they_o heap_v to_o themselves_o teacher_n have_v itch_a ear_n and_o they_o shall_v turn_v away_o etc._n etc._n where_o by_o the_o way_n observe_v that_o lust_n within_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o drink_v in_o error_n from_o without_o but_o the_o thing_n we_o mark_v be_v that_o they_o have_v a_o itch_a ear_n lust_a after_o new_a thing_n and_o this_o come_v from_o their_o little_a practise_v of_o old_a truth_n reas_n 4_o there_o be_v a_o four_o reason_n and_o it_o be_v the_o diversity_n of_o bait_n and_o pretence_n that_o be_v put_v upon_o several_a error_n according_a to_o people_n several_a humour_n so_o subtle_a be_v satan_n that_o he_o put_v a_o bait_n on_o for_o every_o appetit_fw-la there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v pious_o strict_a and_o be_v incline_v so_o to_o be_v both_o towards_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o he_o have_v a_o bait_n to_o catch_v those_o to_o wit_n a_o pretence_n of_o strickness_n which_o the_o error_n of_o separation_n be_v cover_v with_o for_o this_o error_n allow_v church_n fellowship_n with_o none_o but_o these_o that_o have_v a_o real_a evidence_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o it_o be_v a_o way_n think_v they_o to_o shame_v natural_a men._n again_o there_o be_v some_o who_o humour_n be_v for_o looseness_n he_o put_v on_o a_o bait_n to_o gratify_v this_o humour_n also_o let_v they_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o let_v they_o live_v as_o they_o like_v say_v the_o antinomian_a and_o so_o according_a to_o people_n several_a humour_n there_o be_v a_o bait_n put_v on_o by_o the_o devil_n upon_o error_n now_o when_o these_o bait_n and_o people_n humour_n agree_v it_o be_v like_a powder_n and_o fire_n present_o they_o kindle_v reas._n 5_o there_o be_v a_o five_o thing_n which_o speak_v this_o hazard_n and_o it_o be_v this_o the_o lord_n that_o error_n may_v be_v a_o trial_n in_o his_o holy_a justice_n let_v out_o more_o than_o ordinary_a part_n and_o ability_n on_o spreader_n of_o error_n and_o on_o the_o spirit_n of_o people_n when_o they_o be_v take_v with_o it_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o judgement_n to_o themselves_o and_o for_o a_o trial_n unto_o other_o give_v they_o as_o we_o speak_v a_o cast_n of_o their_o craft_n he_o elevate_v they_o above_o their_o ordinary_a sphere_n or_o what_o be_v their_o ordinary_a way_n and_o this_o we_o speak_v not_o without_o scripture_n it_o be_v say_v of_o false_a antichristian_a teacher_n they_o shall_v come_v with_o lâ—ing_a sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o there_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o error_n which_o he_o foretell_v shall_v accompany_v error_n be_v not_o soon_o shake_v in_o mind_n neither_o by_o spirit_n nor_o by_o word_n etc._n etc._n in_o that_o place_n that_o we_o already_o cite_v 2_o thess_n 2_o 2._o when_o we_o look_v on_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o hope_v we_o have_v make_v out_o the_o point_n viz._n that_o foul_a error_n even_o when_o they_o be_v colour_v with_o fair_a pretence_n there_o be_v a_o danger_n lest_o people_n drink_v they_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v if_o there_o be_v this_o hazard_n than_o you_o will_v be_v afraid_a of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v say_v the_o righteous_a fear_n always_o i_o will_v seek_v no_o clear_a mark_n of_o any_o person_n that_o be_v
least_o not_o such_o a_o ample_a grant_n as_o it_o be_v matth_n 28._o 19_o go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n &c_n &c_n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n it_o do_v not_o exeem_v they_o indeed_o from_o err_v themselves_o but_o the_o promise_n be_v there_o more_o large_o give_v to_o they_o than_o to_o other_o and_o second_o minister_n as_o call_v watch_n man_n have_v the_o charge_n of_o people_n soul_n god_n have_v charge_v they_o with_o they_o which_o he_o have_v not_o charge_v other_o with_o there_o be_v not_o a_o charge_n of_o people_n soul_n lay_v on_o private_a man_n by_o way_n of_o office_n every_o one_o be_v bind_v indeed_o by_o way_n of_o charity_n to_o take_v a_o care_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o contrair_a to_o that_o of_o cain_n be_o i_o my_o brother_n keeper_n but_o beside_o this_o tie_n of_o charity_n lie_v on_o send_v minister_n there_o be_v a_o tie_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o particular_a charge_n so_o that_o place_n act_n 20._o take_v heed_n to_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o special_a charge_n and_o so_o they_o be_v charge_v in_o a_o special_a way_n with_o people_n soul_n then_o there_o be_v a_o three_o reason_n it_o be_v satan_n method_n to_o bring_v in_o error_n on_o people_n by_o cast_v in_o prejudices_fw-la betwixt_o they_o and_o send_v minister_n which_o we_o have_v clear_v sometime_o from_o scripture_n and_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v watch_v against_o lest_o satan_n subtlety_n prevail_v so_o far_o as_o to_o bring_v people_n to_o disrespect_n their_o minister_n for_o if_o that_o be_v once_o gain_v he_o have_v prevail_v very_o much_o doct_n viii_o now_o further_o he_o say_v believe_v noâ—_n every_o spirit_n but_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o trial_n do_v not_o cast_v at_o all_o but_o try_v the_o spirit_n hence_o take_v this_o doctrine_n it_o be_v not_o god_n way_n that_o people_n because_o there_o be_v difference_n about_o religion_n shall_v therefore_o believe_v no_o religion_n that_o be_v not_o god_n way_n so_o matth_n 16._o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n practice_v christ_n say_v unto_o they_o who_o say_v they_o that_o i_o be_o say_v they_o some_o say_v thaâ—_n thou_o be_v john_n the_o baptist_n some_o elias_n other_o jeremiah_n or_o one_o of_o the_o prophet_n but_o who_o say_v you_o that_o i_o be_o they_o do_v not_o answer_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o say_v there_o be_v so_o many_o different_a say_n about_o thou_o but_o say_v they_o thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n reas_n so_o people_n be_v not_o to_o cast_v at_o all_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v difference_n about_o it_o and_o that_o because_o first_o that_o be_v to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o devil_n plot_n his_o design_n in_o raise_v up_o error_n about_o religion_n be_v to_o make_v people_n atheist_n so_o as_o not_o to_o care_v for_o any_o religion_n and_o so_o when_o the_o use_n which_o thou_o make_v of_o different_a opinion_n be_v that_o thou_o will_v believe_v none_o thou_o fulfille_v the_o devil_n design_n second_o thou_o make_v use_v of_o god_n providence_n to_o thy_o destruction_n the_o lord_n providence_n in_o raise_v up_o error_n be_v to_o make_v man_n seek_v more_o after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o when_o thou_o make_v that_o use_n of_o it_o to_o cast_v at_o all_o religion_n thou_o mock_v the_o holy_a counsel_n of_o god_n to_o thy_o own_o ruin_n the_o use_v then_o of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v to_o reprove_v those_o of_o this_o stamp_n to_o wit_n profane_v atheistical_a man_n that_o make_v no_o difference_n about_o religion_n but_o this_o let_v churchman_n once_o agree_v among_o themselves_o what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o be_v wrong_a until_o then_o the_o back_n of_o our_o hand_n to_o altogether_o that_o be_v a_o woeful_a way_n indeed_o there_o may_v be_v a_o doubt_n propose_v here_o viz._n what_o else_o shall_v poor_a ignorant_a people_n do_v about_o difference_n in_o religion_n but_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o care_n of_o all_o when_o they_o see_v every_o party_n have_v their_o own_o reason_n strong_a than_o these_o poor_a people_n can_v answer_v i_o answer_v there_o be_v some_o direction_n ground_v on_o scripture_n which_o if_o we_o walk_v by_o may_v bring_v we_o to_o a_o safe_a shore_n amid_o these_o rock_n of_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o for_o difference_n that_o concern_v not_o people_n practice_n i_o will_v not_o have_v people_n trouble_v themselves_o much_o with_o they_o as_o for_o example_n our_o late_a unhappy_a difference_n about_o the_o public_a resolution_n the_o lord_n have_v take_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o away_o so_o i_o will_v not_o have_v any_o trouble_v themselves_o much_o about_o they_o whatever_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n fall_v in_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n that_o when_o the_o occasion_n of_o such_o practice_n be_v remove_v all_o contention_n about_o they_o shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o second_o as_o to_o the_o difference_n wherein_o peoples_n practice_n be_v concern_v take_v these_o rule_n first_o for_o these_o that_o be_v uncontravert_v truth_n make_v conscience_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o which_o will_v help_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o other_o thing_n this_o rule_n christ_n prescrive_v john_n 7._o 17._o say_v he_o if_o any_o man_n do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v something_o that_o thy_o conscience_n be_v clear_a of_o to_o be_v duty_n and_o although_o the_o difference_n of_o opinion_n may_v be_v some_o excuse_n to_o make_v thou_o keep_v off_o from_o these_o thing_n about_o which_o there_o be_v difference_n yet_o how_o be_v thou_o excuse_v for_o neglect_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o thou_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v duty_n as_o prayer_n read_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n second_o we_o will_v know_v whatever_o be_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a way_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o one_o way_n may_v be_v attain_v to_o by_o those_o who_o seek_v humble_o after_o it_o at_o least_o if_o thou_o be_v judge_v thyself_o and_o as_o a_o damn_a bankrupt_a or_o dâ—vour_n by_o nature_n be_v close_v with_o christ_n and_o draw_v grace_n from_o he_o to_o make_v thou_o holy_a thou_o will_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o as_o much_o of_o these_o thing_n debate_v as_o will_v take_v thou_o home_o to_o heaven_n a_o three_o direction_n be_v that_o you_o shall_v beware_v of_o call_v in_o question_n any_o of_o these_o truth_n that_o once_o have_v be_v seal_v into_o your_o spirit_n by_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o john_n ver_fw-la 8._o look_v to_o yourselves_o that_o we_o lose_v not_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v wrought_v the_o point_n of_o truth_n that_o people_n have_v get_v thus_o seal_v to_o their_o conscience_n shall_v not_o ready_o be_v call_v in_o question_n a_o four_o direction_n be_v this_o that_o in_o seek_v out_o truth_n under_o difference_n we_o shall_v beware_v of_o loftyness_n of_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 32_o it_o be_v say_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n how_o much_o more_o ought_v the_o spirit_n of_o private_a person_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n ambassador_n speak_v in_o his_o court_n this_o be_v not_o as_o if_o we_o will_v make_v minister_n saying_n the_o people_n rule_n to_o walk_v by_o but_o this_o much_o will_v follow_v that_o in_o a_o constitute_v church_n where_o discipline_n be_v exercise_v there_o shall_v be_v that_o humility_n in_o people_n that_o whâ—n_a doubt_n arise_v concern_v any_o point_n of_o receive_a truth_n within_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v offer_v their_o judgement_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o to_o the_o prophet_n and_o christ_n court_n to_o be_v try_v before_o they_o lie_v down_o any_o new_a opinion_n as_o a_o solid_a truth_n that_o much_o be_v contain_v under_o this_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n if_o it_o mean_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o doct_n ix_o now_o we_o proceed_v the_o next_o thing_n that_o we_o come_v to_o be_v what_o people_n shall_v do_v try_v the_o spirit_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o trial_n be_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n the_o first_o point_n we_o learn_v be_v that_o how_o fair_a soever_o the_o pretence_n be_v that_o our_o doctrine_n be_v colour_v with_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v upon_o trust_n but_o the_o spirit_n must_v be_v try_v such_o we_o see_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o bâ—reans_n and_o they_o be_v commend_v for_o it_o they_o will_v not_o take_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n on_o
antinomian_o that_o tend_v to_o profanity_n of_o life_n can_v be_v of_o god_n second_o that_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o god_n tend_v to_o exalt_v christ._n john_n 16._o 15._o speak_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n he_o say_v he_o shall_v take_v of_o i_o and_o shall_v show_v it_o unto_o you_o and_o so_o that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n i_o mean_v their_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n be_v not_o of_o god_n three_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v of_o god_n humble_v man_n as_o error_n do_v fill_v man_n with_o pride_n thus_o those_o sectary_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o judas_n be_v call_v lofty_a and_o so_o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n be_v not_o of_o god_n because_o whatever_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o strickness_n that_o it_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o there_o be_v a_o overweening_a conceit_n of_o the_o man_n self_n and_o undervalue_v of_o other_o that_o cleave_v to_o this_o error_n and_o second_o it_o make_v people_n orderly_o in_o stand_v for_o it_o so_o be_v it_o say_v of_o christ_n his_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v in_o the_o street_n now_o these_o mark_n as_o we_o have_v say_v do_v but_o usual_o follow_v for_o because_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n even_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o god_n may_v want_v these_o property_n and_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n may_v have_v a_o show_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o first_o mark_n to_o wit_n the_o word_n be_v the_o adequate_a rule_n so_o that_o all_o doctrine_n ought_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o whatever_o be_v the_o show_v any_o doctrine_n have_v whether_o of_o holiness_n exalt_v christ_n and_o free_a grace_n whatever_o show_v it_o have_v of_o humility_n and_o orderly_a carriage_n in_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o in_o their_o avow_n of_o it_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n viz._n the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n doct_n xi_o we_o come_v now_o to_o our_o main_a design_n to_o wit_v the_o refutation_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n of_o the_o time_n the_o ground_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n be_v take_v from_o the_o follow_a doctrine_n which_o be_v evident_o import_v in_o the_o word_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v many_o doctrine_n pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n which_o yet_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o touchstone_n will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n for_o while_o he_o bid_v we_o try_v the_o spirit_n whither_o they_o be_v of_o god_n he_o evident_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v some_o spirit_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n will_v be_v sound_a faulty_a and_o not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n i_o shall_v god_n willing_a give_v instance_n of_o this_o and_o according_o make_v it_o out_o upon_o the_o most_o take_v dangerous_a and_o most_o erroneous_a doctrine_n of_o the_o time_n particular_o upon_o those_o follow_v first_o the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n second_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n three_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n four_o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n five_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ordinary_a preach_v by_o unsent_a man_n six_o the_o doctrine_n of_o antinomianism_n and_o last_o the_o doctrine_n of_o anabaptism_n in_o all_o which_o we_o shall_v with_o the_o lord_n assistance_n make_v it_o appear_v here_o that_o however_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v doctrine_n warrant_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o warrant_v in_o a_o word_n we_o shall_v show_v they_o be_v not_o of_o god_n sect_n ii_o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n we_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n of_o all_o opinion_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v much_o cry_v up_o among_o sectary_n and_o a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v very_o take_v what_o think_v people_n if_o they_o get_v leave_v to_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o need_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o what_o other_o do_v our_o purpose_n be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o doctrine_n though_o it_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o for_o this_o end_n we_o have_v read_v these_o place_n of_o scripture_n whereupon_o we_o be_v to_o ground_v the_o most_o of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v against_o this_o error_n scripture_n i_o begin_v to_o refute_v this_o error_n of_o toleration_n first_o because_o it_o be_v the_o sectary_n main_a refuge_n it_o be_v their_o holy_a of_o holys_n wherein_o they_o shelter_v themselves_o in_o their_o gross_a error_n what_o say_v they_o it_o be_v our_o conscience_n and_o who_o dare_v meddle_v with_o conscience_n but_o the_o god_n of_o conscience_n second_o we_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o begin_v with_o it_o first_o because_o of_o all_o other_o error_n it_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a in_o so_o far_o as_o other_o error_n do_v only_o evert_v these_o particular_a truth_n of_o scripture_n to_o which_o they_o be_v contrary_a but_o by_o this_o one_o error_n this_o monster_n of_o toleration_n way_n be_v make_v to_o evert_v all_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o set_n up_o all_o error_n contrary_a to_o every_o jote_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o power_n on_o earth_n to_o hinder_v it_o or_o take_v order_n with_o it_o in_o prosecute_n of_o this_o we_o shall_v follow_v this_o method_n first_o we_o shall_v clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o we_o shall_v bring_v our_o argument_n for_o confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o vindicate_v they_o from_o the_o adversary_n exception_n three_o we_o shall_v bring_v forth_o their_o argument_n and_o shall_v refute_v they_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o four_o we_o shall_v apply_v the_o whole_a to_o some_o practical_a use_n first_o for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n what_o a_o thing_n this_o toleration_n be_v that_o we_o labour_v to_o refute_v there_o be_v a_o twofold_a toleration_n of_o error_n there_o be_v a_o church_n toleration_n and_o a_o state_n toleration_n a_o church_n toleration_n be_v that_o whereby_o it_o be_v plead_v that_o error_n and_o heresy_n shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o be_v vent_v and_o go_v free_a even_o from_o church_n censure_n such_o as_o suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n or_o excommunication_n there_o be_v but_o few_o sectary_n of_o any_o note_n that_o plead_v for_o toleration_n in_o this_o latitude_n and_o that_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_a against_o it_o paul_n say_v a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v therefore_o they_o be_v content_v that_o church-censure_n such_o as_o excommunication_n be_v inflict_v on_o heretic_n provide_v first_o that_o they_o be_v free_a from_o civil_a censure_n second_o that_o excommunication_n be_v inflict_v for_o no_o error_n but_o for_o these_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a point_n of_o truth_n or_o as_o some_o say_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n upon_o these_o and_o no_o other_o will_v they_o have_v excommunication_n to_o strike_v though_o this_o be_v not_o the_o main_a question_n which_o we_o be_v to_o insist_v upon_o yet_o we_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o assertion_n contrary_a to_o their_o doctrine_n even_o in_o this_o point_n and_o first_o we_o do_v not_o see_v what_o reason_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o exeem_v heretic_n from_o civil_a censure_n but_o the_o same_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o exeem_v they_o from_o church_n censure_v also_o if_o conscience_n as_o they_o say_v be_v free_a from_o the_o one_o what_o reason_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o the_o other_o also_o and_o if_o fear_v of_o civil_a censure_n against_o those_o who_o err_v do_v as_o they_o say_v enforce_v the_o conscience_n and_o make_v people_n hypocrite_n we_o see_v not_o but_o the_o fear_n of_o church_n censure_n may_v do_v the_o same_o or_o if_o notwithstanding_o of_o church_n censure_n the_o conscience_n be_v not_o force_v the_o service_n not_o constrain_v which_o they_o grant_v then_o notwithstanding_o of_o civil_a censure_n it_o be_v not_o force_v or_o the_o service_n constrain_v either_o and_o so_o from_o their_o own_o ground_n this_o vast_a toleration_n of_o error_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n second_o we_o can_v assent_v to_o that_o which_o they_o affirm_v that_o excommunication_n be_v not_o to_o be_v inflict_v for_o any_o error_n but_o these_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o because_o christ_n give_v we_o a_o rule_n upon_o what_o fault_n excommunication_n shall_v strict_a to_o wit_n on_o every_o scandalous_a fault_n do_v against_o a_o brother_n or_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o offender_n persist_v obstinate_a and_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v so_o matth._n 18._o 17._o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o
be_v the_o sure_a pillar_n of_o our_o commonwealth_n but_o woe_n to_o and_o will_v be_v to_o that_o commonwealth_n that_o be_v build_v on_o such_o pillar_n and_o if_o scotland_n or_o any_o party_n in_o it_o join_v with_o they_o on_o these_o term_n our_o woe_n be_v but_o come_v he_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n chief_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o service_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o second_o command_n the_o three_o use_n be_v if_o this_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o put_v power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o punish_v error_n it_o shall_v make_v you_o scar_n at_o error_n and_o labour_n to_o be_v ground_v in_o the_o truth_n for_o we_o see_v error_n be_v a_o sin_n that_o god_n hate_v and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o god_n will_v have_v the_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v and_o so_o a_o sin_n that_o he_o himself_o will_v punish_v if_o the_o magistrate_n do_v neglect_v it_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o think_v if_o they_o can_v live_v a_o good_a life_n it_o be_v the_o less_o matter_n what_o be_v their_o opinion_n but_o the_o lord_n judge_n not_o so_o for_o as_o he_o will_v have_v other_o sin_n punish_v by_o the_o magistrate_n so_o he_o will_v have_v these_o punish_v also_o and_o such_o as_o he_o usual_o punish_v himself_o by_o fearful_a plague_n when_o the_o magistrate_n neglect_v his_o duty_n in_o punish_v other_o sin_n so_o do_v he_o in_o those_o we_o may_v speak_v much_o from_o history_n of_o fearful_a judgement_n send_v immediate_o by_o god_n upon_o heretic_n but_o we_o shall_v here_o close_o sect_n iii_o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n head_n i._o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n government_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n have_v thus_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n be_v not_o of_o god_n i_o proceed_v to_o demonstrate_v this_o also_o in_o some_o other_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n of_o the_o time_n we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o these_o error_n which_o be_v about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o because_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o hedge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n for_o if_o once_o the_o government_n be_v brangle_v or_o shake_v the_o wild_a boar_n of_o the_o wilderness_n come_v in_o easy_o and_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o devil_n main_a design_n have_v be_v against_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o blast_v and_o storm_v this_o wall_n on_o all_o hand_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v in_o this_o be_v to_o make_v out_o these_o four_o point_n first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o government_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a government_n second_o we_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n own_o officer_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o govern_v his_o house_n by_o inflict_v of_o church_n censure_n enact_v of_o church_n canon_n so_o as_o they_o be_v not_o to_o act_v by_o derive_v power_n from_o the_o magistrate_n and_o appeal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v from_o they_o to_o the_o magistrate_n three_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o private_a christian_n or_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n and_o last_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o authority_n and_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o particular_a congregation_n or_o particular_a eldership_n independent_o from_o other_o judicatories_n above_o they_o but_o that_o this_o power_n be_v give_v to_o they_o so_o as_o they_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o superior_a judicatories_n in_o which_o proposition_n we_o will_v meet_v with_o these_o error_n that_o be_v most_o dangerous_o opposite_a to_o church_n government_n at_o this_o time_n the_o first_o two_o proposition_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastians_n and_o the_o last_o two_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independent_o as_o they_o be_v common_o design_v first_o we_o shall_v engage_v with_o erastianism_n and_o our_o scope_n in_o this_o shall_v be_v as_o in_o the_o former_a to_o show_v that_o however_o it_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n it_o will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n this_o doctrine_n or_o error_n have_v its_o name_n from_o the_o prime_a author_n of_o it_o call_v erastus_n a_o doctor_n of_o medicine_n who_o upon_o some_o discontent_n do_v first_o vent_v it_o to_o wit_n that_o minister_n shall_v only_o meddle_v with_o preach_v but_o shall_v have_v no_o power_n to_o meet_v in_o church_n judicatories_n session_n presbytery_n or_o such_o like_a nor_o shall_v they_o punish_v scandalous_a sin_n with_o church_n censure_n such_o as_o suspension_n or_o excommunication_n but_o that_o all_o power_n whatsoever_o in_o a_o nation_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n this_o doctrine_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v vent_v do_v get_v and_o do_v yet_o get_v many_o follower_n chief_o among_o state_n divine_n and_o christian_n that_o know_v more_o of_o worldly_a policy_n than_o christian_a simplicity_n so_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n if_o god_n prevent_v it_o not_o it_o be_v like_a to_o swallow_v up_o all_o other_o controversy_n about_o church_n government_n so_o plausible_a and_o please_a it_o be_v to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n who_o can_v well_o endure_v to_o have_v christ_n reign_v beside_o they_o psalm_n 2._o 3._o let_v we_o break_v their_o band_n asunder_o and_o cast_v away_o their_o cord_n from_o we_o both_o sectary_n and_o malignant_n do_v aggree_v in_o this_o error_n to_o take_v the_o power_n of_o discipline_n out_o of_o the_o church_n hand_n be_v the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o church_n censure_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n officer_n be_v a_o eye_n sore_a to_o both_o of_o they_o but_o to_o come_v near_o to_o the_o point_n there_o be_v two_o head_n of_o this_o erastian_n doctrine_n which_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o refute_v the_o first_o be_v most_o gross_a whereby_o they_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n government_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n in_o a_o word_n that_o there_o be_v no_o government_n in_o the_o church_n by_o divine_a right_n but_o that_o this_o government_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n whether_o to_o erect_v any_o government_n at_o all_o in_o the_o church_n or_o not_o or_o if_o he_o please_v to_o erect_v one_o that_o he_o may_v establish_v that_o government_n which_o suit_v best_a the_o well-being_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v establish_v episcopacy_n this_o year_n the_o next_o year_n he_o may_v establish_v presbytry_n and_o the_o three_o year_n he_o may_v cast_v both_o and_o establish_v independency_n and_o if_o he_o like_v he_o may_v find_v out_o a_o government_n different_a from_o any_o of_o these_o and_o establish_v it_o the_o second_o erastian_n error_n be_v this_o whereby_o they_o affirm_v whatever_o government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n whether_o ground_v in_o scripture_n or_o not_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a fountain_n of_o church_n government_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o first_o error_n we_o lie_v down_o this_o conclusion_n which_o god_n will_v we_o shall_v make_v good_a that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n have_v establish_v a_o particular_a form_n of_o church_n government_n in_o his_o word_n which_o to_o alter_v be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o state_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v set_v down_o a_o way_n for_o punish_v scandal_n for_o inflict_a church_n censure_n enact_v church_n canon_n and_o have_v not_o leave_v this_o in_o the_o arbitrament_n of_o king_n or_o parliament_n to_o set_v down_o any_o government_n they_o please_v in_o prosecute_a which_o point_n we_o shall_v follow_v that_o method_n we_o keep_v in_o refute_v the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n we_o shall_v first_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o we_o shall_v bring_v argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n three_o we_o shall_v answer_v these_o argument_n the_o adversary_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v apply_v all_o to_o use._n i._o and_o first_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n take_v their_o two_o assertion_n first_o we_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o church_n government_n be_v set_v down_o express_o in_o the_o word_n but_o only_o first_o that_o all_o the_o
nothing_o of_o public_a scandal_n not_o as_o if_o jesus_n christ_n do_v mean_v that_o public_a scandal_n shall_v be_v pass_v over_o but_o that_o the_o same_o rule_n may_v serve_v for_o these_o keep_v the_o just_a proportion_n even_o so_o be_v it_o here_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o synod_n be_v hold_v out_o in_o the_o word_n that_o be_v enough_o though_o it_o speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o bound_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v extend_v whether_o of_o one_o province_n or_o of_o all_o the_o province_n of_o a_o nation_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v particular_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o number_n and_o bound_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n there_o be_v a_o three_o thing_n for_o clear_v of_o this_o question_n the_o independent_o and_o we_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o word_n give_v ground_n for_o meet_v of_o synod_n only_o we_o differ_v about_o their_o power_n they_o grant_v that_o in_o case_n of_o division_n or_o scandal_n synod_n may_v meet_v and_o give_v their_o advice_n in_o matter_n doubtful_a only_o they_o say_v that_o synod_n have_v no_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o command_v other_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o embrace_v their_o determination_n we_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n maintain_v that_o they_o have_v this_o power_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o such_o a_o power_n belong_v to_o they_o ii_o we_o may_v instance_n this_o in_o act_n 1_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o mathias_n which_o be_v do_v by_o no_o particular_a church_n for_o here_o be_v the_o apostle_n who_o paroch-church_n be_v the_o whole_a world_n here_o be_v the_o brethren_n of_o christ_n from_o galilie_o v_a 14._o some_o from_o jerusalem_n v._n 15._o this_o meeting_n do_v a_o church_n business_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n and_o so_o behoove_v to_o be_v do_v by_o those_o who_o do_v represent_v they_o and_o therefore_o this_o behoove_v to_o be_v a_o general_n council_n but_o to_o clear_v the_o point_n more_o full_o we_o shall_v take_v act_n 15._o where_o this_o synod_n we_o plead_v for_o be_v hold_v forth_o clear_o the_o history_n be_v plain_a a_o difference_n arise_v in_o antioch_n about_o circumcision_n this_o can_v be_v compose_v in_o antioch_n itself_o so_o they_o send_v up_o commissioner_n to_o jerusalem_n to_o determine_v this_o matter_n where_o there_o be_v a_o synod_n of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o they_o determine_v the_o question_n now_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v the_o synod_n we_o plead_v for_o be_v here_o consider_v first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n meeting_n or_o judicatory_a here_o none_o may_v doubt_v of_o this_o as_o be_v clear_a v_o 6._o second_o consider_v that_o this_o judicatory_a be_v make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o the_o several_a presbytery_n we_o see_v that_o commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytry_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v there_o v_a 6._o and_o commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytry_n of_o antioch_n act_n 15._o 2_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o other_o now_o that_o these_o be_v commissioner_n and_o have_v voice_n appear_v from_o act_n 16._o 4._o where_o the_o decree_n that_o be_v then_o make_v be_v ascrive_v to_o all_o the_o elder_n who_o be_v present_a it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o there_o be_v other_o commissioner_n there_o also_o from_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n for_o they_o be_v join_v with_o antioch_n in_o the_o letter_n v._n 23._o for_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v imagine_v except_o that_o as_o they_o be_v alike_o trouble_v with_o the_o heresy_n as_o antioch_n be_v so_o they_o have_v their_o commissioner_n there_o as_o antioch_n have_v and_o therefore_o these_o act_n be_v bind_v to_o they_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n however_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o be_v commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytry_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o antioch_n so_o the_o meeting_n be_v make_v up_o of_o two_o presbytry_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n it_o may_v be_v make_v up_o of_o more_o three_o we_o will_v consider_v that_o this_o meeting_n make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o several_a presbytry_n make_v bind_v act_n unto_o other_o absent_a church_n who_o be_v present_a only_o in_o their_o commissioner_n and_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n to_o clear_v this_o first_o they_o determine_v the_o question_n in_o five_o 19_o 20_o second_o they_o impose_v their_o determination_n on_o the_o church_n to_o be_v keep_v by_o they_o so_o in_o the_o letter_n they_o write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n v_o 28._o the_o word_n that_o be_v turn_v there_o a_o burden_n signify_v a_o law_n or_o a_o decree_n and_o so_o we_o find_v it_o in_o act_n 16._o 4._o there_o their_o conclusion_n be_v call_v decree_n which_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elâ—ers_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v clear_a they_o do_v make_v act_n bind_v other_o congregation_n three_o we_o find_v they_o put_v forth_o a_o act_n of_o censure_n on_o the_o false_a prophet_n five_o 24._o they_o call_v they_o liar_n a_o brand_n of_o infamy_n it_o be_v true_a they_o censure_v they_o not_o with_o excommunication_n for_o it_o be_v time_n enough_o to_o do_v that_o when_o they_o know_v they_o be_v become_v incorrigible_o obstinate_a according_a to_o the_o common_a rule_n a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v by_o this_o i_o hope_v you_o perceive_v clear_o a_o pattern_n for_o great_a synod_n a_o judicatory_a make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o several_a presbytry_n and_o these_o make_n bind_a law_n to_o other_o church_n who_o be_v absent_a in_o their_o person_n and_o only_o present_a in_o their_o commissioner_n iii_o their_o main_a objection_n against_o this_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v here_o who_o be_v guide_v with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n to_o determine_v and_o so_o this_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n for_o our_o synod_n make_v up_o of_o man_n want_v that_o assistance_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o this_o if_o it_o prove_v any_o thing_n will_v make_v against_o our_o opposite_n themselves_o as_o well_o as_o against_o we_o for_o they_o hold_v that_o here_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o a_o synod_n for_o advice_n so_o if_o their_o argument_n hold_v against_o we_o in_o the_o one_o it_o must_v hold_v also_o against_o they_o in_o the_o other_o second_o we_o show_v before_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v also_o elder_n and_o sometime_o act_v as_o elder_n now_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o act_v as_o elder_n here_o it_o break_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o objection_n but_o this_o be_v clear_a first_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n they_o willing_o submit_v act_n 15._o 4_o now_o in_o their_o apostolic_a office_n they_o be_v not_o direct_v by_o meâ—_n and_o so_o sure_o here_o they_o act_v not_o as_o apostle_n second_o the_o apostle_n all_o along_o go_v not_o on_o that_o way_n as_o when_o guide_v by_o a_o infallible_a apostolic_a spirit_n for_o they_o state_n the_o question_n and_o debate_v it_o in_o five_o 7._o now_o when_o they_o write_v scripture_n they_o do_v not_o use_v advice_n nor_o do_v they_o debate_v what_o they_o shall_v conclude_v but_o speak_v all_o as_o immediate_o inspire_v but_o here_o they_o debate_n and_o â—aving_a find_v truth_n by_o force_n of_o reason_n they_o conclude_v as_o any_o other_o assembly_n upon_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_v may_v do_v it_o seem_v good_a unto_o we_o be_v assemble_v with_o one_o accord_n etc._n etc._n in_o five_o 25._o three_o when_o the_o apostle_n do_v determine_v any_o thing_n as_o apostle_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o immediate_o inspire_v spirit_n of_o god_n than_o they_o do_v determine_v the_o question_n full_o that_o nothing_o need_v to_o be_v add_v but_o so_o it_o be_v not_o here_o for_o peter_n v_o 6_o give_v his_o judgement_n that_o believer_n be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n what_o he_o say_v be_v true_a indeed_o yet_o it_o speak_v not_o full_o to_o the_o point_n until_o james_n add_v somewhat_o to_o wit_n that_o however_o the_o gentile_n be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n yet_o to_o eschew_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o weak_a jew_n they_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o thing_n strangle_v &c_n &c_n v_a 20._o and_o therefore_o they_o act_v not_o as_o apostle_n except_o we_o will_v say_v that_o peter_n as_o a_o apostle_n intend_v to_o determine_v a_o controversy_n yet_o do_v not_o speak_v full_o to_o the_o point_n which_o be_v a_o injury_n to_o that_o immediate_o inspire_v spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v act_v in_o pen_v scripture_n four_o because_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v put_v forth_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n not_o only_o of_o the_o apostle_n but_o elder_n also_o act_n 15._o 22._o 23._o act._n 16._o 4._o act._n 21._o 25._o now_o
there_o be_v a_o union_n in_o judgement_n when_o there_o be_v no_o considerable_a difference_n among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o opinion_n when_o all_o think_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v here_o press_v be_v prefect_o join_v in_o one_o judgement_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o union_n in_o heart_n and_o affection_n speak_v of_o act._n 4._o 32._o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n and_o this_o union_n be_v also_o here_o press_v be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n or_o in_o love_n and_o affection_n as_o we_o show_v in_o the_o open_n up_o of_o the_o word_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o union_n in_o practice_n and_o that_o be_v when_o whatever_o difference_n there_o be_v in_o judgement_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o open_o proclaim_v public_a contradiction_n and_o eristick_a debate_n be_v eschew_v and_o a_o unanimous_a joint_a practice_n in_o these_o thing_n wherein_o there_o be_v agreement_n be_v follow_v and_o this_o union_n be_v also_o press_v in_o the_o text_n i_o beseech_v you_o that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n so_o it_o be_v clear_a the_o text_n mean_v all_o these_o three_o sort_n of_o union_n the_o doctrine_n intend_v they_o all_o and_o as_o may_v be_v make_v evident_a other_o scripture_n press_v they_o all_o only_a this_o we_o will_v know_v the_o order_n wherein_o they_o be_v press_v to_o wit_n so_o as_o every_o breach_n in_o the_o former_a be_v not_o to_o make_v a_o breach_n in_o the_o latter_a every_o difference_n in_o judgement_n be_v not_o to_o make_v a_o rent_n in_o heart_n or_o affection_n nor_o though_o a_o rent_n be_v in_o both_o do_v it_o infer_v necessary_o a_o divide_a practice_n at_o least_o in_o these_o thing_n wherein_o there_o be_v agreement_n and_o for_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a especial_o philipp_n 3._o 15_o 16_o where_o v._n 15_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v difference_n of_o judgement_n among_o the_o philippian_n as_o to_o the_o point_n he_o be_v there_o speak_v of_o and_o subjoin_v for_o matter_n of_o practice_n v_o 16._o nevertheless_o whereunto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n that_o be_v to_o say_v though_o we_o can_v agree_v in_o all_o thing_n yet_o let_v we_o eschew_v the_o prolaim_n of_o our_o difference_n by_o our_o contrary_a practice_n this_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o wit_n what_o union_n the_o doctrine_n press_v it_o be_v a_o union_n necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_a of_o the_o visible_a church_n particular_o a_o union_n in_o judgement_n a_o union_n in_o affection_n a_o union_n in_o practice_n a_o union_n all_o these_o way_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o and_o labour_v after_o yet_o so_o as_o if_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o union_n in_o the_o former_a we_o be_v yet_o still_o to_o endeavour_v it_o in_o the_o latter_a for_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n we_o may_v cite_v several_a scripture_n 1._o these_o wherein_o this_o union_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o as_o a_o rich_a covenant_n blessing_n such_o as_o jer._n 32._o 39_o i_o will_v give_v they_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n that_o they_o may_v fear_v i_o for_o ever_o the_o like_a be_v in_o ezek._n 37._o 22._o 2._o these_o scripture_n wherein_o this_o union_n be_v high_o commend_v especial_o ps._n 133._o 1._o behold_v how_o good_a and_o how_o pleasant_a it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n and_o so_o through_o the_o whole_a 3._o these_o scripture_n which_o hold_v out_o the_o mediator_n prayer_n to_o the_o father_n for_o this_o union_n joh._n 17._o 21._o that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o and_o so_o v_o 23._o 4._o those_o scripture_n where_o this_o union_n be_v express_o enjoin_v and_o press_v whereof_o there_o be_v many_o such_o as_o philipp_n 2._o 1_o 2_o 3._o if_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n and_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 11._o final_o brethren_n farewell_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n live_v in_o peace_n and_o last_o these_o scripture_n where_o division_n contrary_a to_o unity_n be_v condemn_v as_o rom._n 16._o 17._o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n and_o avoid_v they_o but_o for_o further_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n bring_v forward_o some_o reason_n conclude_v the_o equity_n and_o necessity_n of_o seek_v after_o and_o entertain_v of_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n which_o shall_v also_o serve_v as_o motive_n to_o the_o duty_n reason_n 1._o union_n further_v edification_n so_o eph._n 4._o 3._o union_n be_v press_v and_o one_o fruit_n among_o many_o to_o be_v reap_v hereby_o be_v v._n 12._o the_o edify_a of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n and_o as_o unity_n further_v edification_n so_o division_n mar_v it_o division_n in_o a_o church_n though_o about_o small_a thing_n yet_o if_o stiff_o maintain_v prove_v a_o great_a stumble_a block_n to_o the_o weak_a they_o be_v put_v to_o doubt_v all_o truth_n because_o man_n gracious_a and_o learned_a doubt_n of_o some_o so_o division_n not_o only_o mar_v progress_n in_o the_o build_n but_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o what_o be_v already_o build_v reas._n 2._o division_n in_o a_o church_n make_v the_o minister_n contemptible_a of_o all_o man_n minister_n suffer_v most_o this_o way_n because_o usual_o they_o be_v most_o active_a in_o beginning_n and_o uphold_v the_o division_n and_o usual_o even_o these_o who_o have_v truth_n for_o they_o suffer_v much_o if_o not_o most_o this_o way_n paul_n though_o a_o apostle_n and_o a_o man_n for_o truth_n yet_o he_o lose_v much_o of_o the_o former_a esteem_n he_o have_v among_o the_o corinthian_n though_o once_o they_o will_v have_v pluck_v out_o their_o eye_n for_o he_o yet_o through_o the_o division_n their_o distemper_n grow_v to_o such_o a_o height_n that_o he_o be_v look_v on_o as_o contemptible_a rude_a in_o speech_n yea_o a_o fool_n and_o what_o not_o as_o appear_v from_o 2_o cor_fw-la 10._o 10._o ch._n 11._o 6_o 16._o reas._o 3_o the_o essential_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o many_o thing_n wherein_o a_o church_n agree_v that_o way_n shall_v enforce_v this_o union_n the_o apostle_n paul_n eph._n 4._o draw_v a_o strong_a argument_n for_o unity_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n from_o this_o ground_n the_o duty_n be_v propound_v v._n 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 and_o v_o 4_o 5_o 6._o it_o be_v press_v by_o this_o argument_n there_o be_v on_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o here_o be_v many_a one_o together_o in_o two_o or_o three_o line_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v what_o a_o shame_n be_v it_o for_o you_o who_o be_v so_o many_o way_n one_o to_o rend_v in_o piece_n for_o a_o thing_n of_o so_o small_a moment_n reas._n 4._o division_n in_o a_o church_n turn_v away_o every_o man_n eye_n from_o his_o main_a task_n i_o mean_v from_o the_o joint_n oppose_v of_o satan_n main_a design_n to_o be_v wrangle_v one_o with_o another_o it_o be_v satan_n policy_n when_o he_o intend_v to_o bear_v down_o truth_n in_o a_o church_n to_o set_v those_o who_o shall_v oppose_v he_o most_o by_o the_o ear_n about_o small_a thing_n that_o so_o he_o may_v carry_v his_o point_n with_o less_o difficulty_n herein_o make_v use_n of_o matchiavil_n or_o rather_o his_o own_o principle_n divide_v &_o impera_fw-la divide_v and_o carry_v it_o be_v often_o see_v that_o the_o near_a those_o who_o differ_v come_v to_o one_o another_o they_o drive_v on_o their_o point_n against_o other_o with_o the_o great_a animosity_n and_o eagerness_n the_o jew_n and_o samaritan_n be_v at_o great_a variance_n than_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v this_o the_o less_o the_o difference_n be_v they_o have_v the_o more_o hope_n to_o bring_v other_o to_o their_o mind_n hence_o their_o mutual_a on-setts_a be_v more_o furious_a and_o their_o disappointment_n the_o more_o bitter_a the_o high_a they_o be_v in_o their_o hope_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n while_o they_o mind_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o to_o bear_v down_o one_o another_o satan_n come_v good_a speed_n in_o bear_v down_o of_o truth_n and_o they_o and_o all._n reas._n 5._o union_n when_o once_o lose_v in_o a_o church_n be_v hardly_o ever_o