those_o fundamental_a and_o catholic_n truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n about_o which_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n among_o we_o and_o let_v they_o be_v so_o believe_v that_o they_o influence_n their_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o sanctify_v they_o and_o also_o that_o they_o will_v conscionable_o practice_v those_o know_v and_o confess_v duty_n that_o all_o be_v agree_v in_o and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o cause_n to_o question_v their_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o it_o be_v unseasonable_a to_o be_v contend_v violent_o about_o disputable_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o external_a form_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o such_o like_a question_n about_o thing_n not_o so_o clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n noâ—_n embrace_v so_o general_o by_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o church_n nor_o indeed_o easy_a to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o the_o weak_a sort_n of_o professor_n whilst_o those_o weighty_a thing_n before_o name_v be_v neglect_v and_o disregard_v such_o will_v hardly_o evade_v the_o imputation_n of_o hypocrisy_n be_v so_o like_o the_o pharisee_n that_o tithe_v mint_n annise_v and_o cummin_n and_o neglect_v the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n chap._n vi_o other_o direction_n in_o point_n of_o a_o secondary_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 problematical_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 four_o rule_n about_o this_o but_o what_o be_v not_o the_o least_o truth_n of_o religion_n worth_n contend_v for_o and_o the_o small_a circumstantial_o of_o faith_n or_o worship_n do_v not_o god_n stand_v upon_o small_a matter_n in_o his_o service_n yes_o very_o in_o their_o due_a place_n and_o after_o a_o christian_a manner_n we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o inquire_v after_o they_o when_o we_o have_v yield_v that_o faith_n and_o obedience_n that_o be_v due_a to_o the_o great_a and_o more_o necessary_a point_n of_o salvation_n we_o be_v then_o to_o study_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o other_o thing_n of_o a_o secondary_a and_o more_o inferior_a nature_n nor_o be_v the_o most_o minute_n truth_n to_o be_v despise_v or_o neglect_v by_o we_o that_o therefore_o we_o may_v make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o the_o true_a and_o right_a way_n in_o such_o circumstantial_a and_o less_o necessary_a point_n as_o true_o pious_a and_o wife_n christian_n differ_v in_o which_o be_v marter_n non_fw-la fideì_n sed_fw-la questìonum_fw-la 23._o aug_n de_fw-fr peccat_fw-la orig_n chap._n 23._o as_o st._n augustine_n speak_v not_o proper_o point_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n but_o problematical_a and_o disputable_a in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o be_v necessitate_v to_o be_v of_o the_o one_o or_o other_o persuasion_n i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o give_v some_o direction_n about_o they_o for_o which_o end_n observe_v these_o few_o rule_n which_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o we_o herein_o 1._o humh_o seek_v god_n by_o daily_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o make_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n know_v to_o you_o herein_o lean_v not_o to_o your_o own_o understanding_n and_o wisdom_n but_o confess_v how_o weak_a you_o be_v and_o full_a of_o error_n and_o darkness_n beseech_v he_o to_o take_v away_o the_o vail_n from_o before_o your_o eye_n to_o give_v you_o understanding_n and_o teach_v you_o good_a judgement_n and_o knowledge_n that_o what_o you_o see_v not_o he_o will_v teach_v you_o and_o wherein_o you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v he_o will_v reveal_v the_o truth_n unto_o you_o plead_v his_o promise_n of_o lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v reveal_v his_o secret_n to_o such_o as_o fear_v he_o and_o guide_v the_o meek_a in_o the_o way_n and_o lead_v you_o by_o his_o spirit_n hang_v upon_o the_o lord_n daily_o for_o his_o guidance_n in_o such_o difficult_a case_n as_o you_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o 2._o search_v the_o scripture_n john_n 5.39_o and_o look_v well_o to_o they_o they_o be_v your_o chard_n and_o compass_n to_o steer_v your_o course_n by_o try_v all_o thing_n by_o they_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n take_v nothing_o on_o trust_n from_o man_n for_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v err_v i_o think_v there_o be_v hardly_o any_o error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o corruption_n in_o worship_n but_o have_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n by_o follow_v the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o repute_a godly_a man_n more_o than_o the_o scripture_n when_o a_o peter_n shall_v judaize_v and_o not_o walk_v upright_o he_o may_v not_o only_o seduce_v by_o his_o example_n many_o ordinary_a christian_n but_o a_o barnabas_n also_o may_v be_v carry_v away_o from_o the_o truth_n by_o his_o dissimulation_n gal._n 2._o hold_v close_o therefore_o to_o the_o scripture_n those_o infallible_a oracle_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o inquire_v daily_o into_o they_o 3_o if_o yet_o after_o prayer_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n we_o find_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n insome_a opinion_n or_o practice_n because_o it_o be_v but_o dark_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n or_o at_o least_o through_o the_o darkness_n of_o mind_n in_o godly_a man_n who_o can_v so_o well_o discern_v it_o then_o observe_v this_o further_a rule_n there_o be_v some_o general_a criteria_fw-la or_o mark_n whereby_o we_o may_v discern_v any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o may_v thereby_o try_v any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n when_o we_o can_v not_o so_o clear_o see_v they_o in_o the_o particular_n viz._n 1_o such_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n as_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o but_o agree_v and_o correspond_v with_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o first_o principle_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n or_o analogy_n of_o faith_n rom._n 12.6_o they_o be_v of_o god_n receive_v and_o embrace_v they_o but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o consonant_a thereunto_o then_o reject_v they_o 2_o such_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n as_o tend_v to_o holiness_n tit._n 1.2_o doctrine_n according_a to_o godliness_n they_o be_v of_o god_n for_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o holiness_n follow_v they_o but_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o looseness_n and_o profaneness_n be_v to_o be_v shun_v as_o not_o of_o god_n this_o mark_n discover_v the_o evil_a of_o such_o opinion_n as_o teach_v man_n to_o cast_v off_o sabbath_n ordinance_n scripture_n family_n and_o closet_n devotion_n and_o other_o libertine_n principle_n yet_o here_o beware_v on_o the_o contrary_a of_o a_o pretend_a holiness_n above_o what_o be_v write_v of_o be_v righteous_a over_o much_o above_z and_z beyond_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o monkish_a or_o solitary_a live_n among_o the_o papist_n of_o their_o pretend_a holy_a order_n vow_n etc._n etc._n and_o among_o other_o it_o have_v cause_v separation_n superstition_n and_o many_o other_o irregular_a act_n 3_o such_o doctrine_n and_o way_n as_o tend_v not_o to_o division_n and_o faction_n but_o to_o peace_n love_n and_o union_n among_o such_o as_o fear_v god_n those_o be_v of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v follow_v by_o we_o 1_o cor._n 1.10_o phil._n 2.1_o 2._o eph._n 4.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o but_o the_o contrary_a to_o be_v shun_v and_o avoid_v rom._n 16.17_o 4_o such_o thing_n as_o tend_v to_o edification_n and_o to_o further_a the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 14.26_o rom._n 14.19_o but_o those_o thing_n that_o minister_v question_n and_o cause_n strife_n and_o contention_n rather_o than_o godly_a edify_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v 1_o tim._n 1.4_o 5._o 5_o such_o opinion_n and_o practice_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o set_n up_o his_o righteousness_n and_o grace_n and_o to_o the_o humble_v and_o debase_v of_o man_n and_o cast_v he_o down_o from_o all_o high_a thought_n of_o his_o own_o excellency_n and_o ability_n they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o from_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 1._o a_o fin_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v these_o general_a criteria_fw-la or_o mark_n may_v be_v some_o guide_n to_o find_v out_o the_o right_n and_o safe_a way_n in_o some_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n that_o you_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o because_o you_o can_v read_v they_o so_o plain_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rule_n 4_o after_o you_o have_v thus_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 these_o controvert_v
up_o and_o profess_v in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o intend_v to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o &_o to_o venture_v his_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o chap._n ii_o show_v wherein_o this_o wise_a choose_v our_o religion_n stand_v &_o what_o act_n concur_v thereunto_o have_v lay_v down_o the_o proposition_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o discourse_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n we_o come_v now_o to_o inquire_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o choice_n wherein_o it_o stand_v and_o what_o thing_n necessary_o must_v concur_v to_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n we_o intend_v to_o profess_v in_o the_o world_n election_n or_o choose_n in_o a_o general_a sense_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n proceed_v from_o the_o previous_a knowledge_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o understanding_n whereby_o among_o diverse_a way_n or_o mean_v propound_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o some_o end_n it_o do_v resolve_v upon_o some_o one_o above_o the_o rest_n that_o it_o will_v add_v 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and_o duty_n of_o godliness_n which_o that_o religion_n teach_v he_o have_v no_o religion_n at_o all_o for_o how_o can_v these_o doctrine_n influence_n his_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o make_v he_o fear_v and_o love_n god_n true_o and_o lead_v he_o to_o the_o power_n and_o practice_n of_o godliness_n if_o not_o distinct_o know_v and_o discern_v by_o he_o then_o 2._o he_o must_v discern_v the_o verity_n and_o certainty_n of_o these_o doctrine_n that_o he_o may_v venture_v his_o soul_n upon_o they_o know_v he_o in_o who_o he_o have_v believe_v for_o which_o and_o it_o be_v exceed_o necessary_a to_o be_v conversant_a in_o those_o treatise_n which_o prove_v the_o verity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o it_o be_v set_v down_o of_o which_o many_o be_v extant_a in_o our_o own_o language_n without_o this_o a_o man_n shall_v never_o hold_v fast_o his_o religion_n especial_o in_o try_v time_n 3._o he_o shall_v know_v the_o excellency_n thereof_o that_o its_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o magnify_v of_o god_n and_o give_v glory_n unto_o he_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o man_n to_o true_a happiness_n in_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o his_o god_n and_o near_a communion_n with_o he_o and_o full_a conformity_n unto_o he_o he_o shall_v often_o look_v upon_o the_o sublimity_n of_o the_o mystery_n the_o purity_n of_o the_o precept_n excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o dreadfulness_n of_o the_o punishment_n and_o thus_o the_o understanding_n precede_v in_o discern_v and_o judge_v the_o religion_n which_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v be_v one_o act_n in_o this_o election_n 2._o act_n after_o the_o understanding_n do_v thus_o present_a the_o true_a religion_n before_o we_o in_o the_o certainty_n glory_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o then_o the_o next_o act_n be_v for_o the_o will_v to_o elect_v choose_v and_o embrace_v it_o solemn_o to_o espouse_v this_o religion_n and_o say_v it_o shall_v be_v i_o it_o be_v that_o i_o 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
those_o church_n for_o those_o evil_n find_v in_o they_o so_o that_o the_o scripture_n give_v no_o countenance_n to_o total_a withdraw_n from_o such_o church_n where_o many_o corruption_n be_v whilst_o the_o essential_o of_o religion_n be_v preserve_v some_o scripture_n indeed_o be_v very_o impertinent_o allege_v for_o this_o practice_n which_o may_v be_v clear_v from_o the_o undeceive_n of_o the_o weak_a in_o a_o few_o word_n such_o as_o 2_o cor._n 6_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o which_o speak_v of_o separation_n from_o infidel_n and_o idolater_n in_o their_o idolatry_n and_o ungodly_a fellowship_n not_o of_o withdraw_v from_o christian_a assembly_n in_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n so_o also_o 1_o cor._n 5.11_o and_o 2_o thess_n 3.6_o 14._o which_o scripture_n show_v it_o a_o duty_n to_o withdraw_v from_o private_a person_n live_v in_o notorious_a scandalous_a sin_n for_o shame_v the_o offender_n and_o preserve_v the_o church_n but_o speak_v not_o a_o word_n of_o withdraw_a from_o 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we_o see_v the_o scripture_n will_v not_o warrant_v such_o separation_n 2._o or_o if_o you_o will_v reverence_n the_o general_a suffrage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a saint_n and_o martyr_n live_v therein_o ever_o since_o christ_n time_n to_o we_o which_o sure_o however_o some_o slight_a yet_o there_o be_v no_o small_a weight_n in_o it_o else_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o plead_v 1_o cor._n 11.16_o we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o most_o eminent_a servant_n of_o christ_n in_o in_o all_o age_n have_v constant_o hold_v and_o practise_v communion_n with_o those_o church_n where_o they_o live_v although_o very_o often_o there_o be_v far_o great_a corruption_n therein_o then_o can_v be_v find_v this_o day_n among_o we_o as_o those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o antiquity_n know_v well_o and_o have_v ever_o blame_v those_o that_o have_v leave_v the_o church_n communion_n for_o such_o cause_n as_o be_v above_o name_v witness_v the_o censure_n pass_v against_o the_o novatian_o donatist_n audaean_o etc._n etc._n as_o for_o our_o separation_n from_o rome_n our_o protestant_a divine_n plead_v the_o fundamental_a errr_n find_v therein_o and_o gross_a idolatry_n which_o they_o must_v necessary_o communicate_v in_o if_o they_o withdraw_v not_o persecution_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o lesser_a matter_n do_v not_o those_o hinder_v they_o profess_v a_o readiness_n to_o communicate_v with_o she_o and_o that_o they_o depart_v from_o she_o no_o further_o than_o she_o depart_v from_o christ_n 3._o will_v you_o regard_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a divine_n of_o almost_o all_o persuasion_n among_o protestant_n that_o have_v live_v in_o this_o and_o the_o former_a age_n speak_v express_o concern_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n then_o know_v 1._o that_o all_o foreign_a divine_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n have_v approve_v of_o communion_n with_o she_o and_o be_v ready_a on_o all_o occasion_n to_o give_v their_o full_a testimony_n of_o their_o dislike_n of_o rigid_a separation_n from_o she_o 2._o all_o former_a nonconformist_n who_o do_v dissent_v in_o some_o small_a matter_n of_o ceremony_n etc._n etc._n desire_v a_o forbearance_n as_o to_o their_o practice_n in_o those_o thing_n yet_o have_v full_o declare_v against_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n witness_v the_o writing_n of_o very_a many_o of_o they_o worthy_a a_o serious_a perusal_n at_o this_o day_n viz._n cartwright_n hildersham_n bradshaw_n bayne_n ball_n many_o other_o and_o witness_v their_o practice_n former_o and_o at_o this_o day_n 3._o independent_o see_v apol_n narration_n of_o the_o five_o dissent_v brethren_n page_n 5.6_o who_o full_o testify_v against_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o brownist_n or_o rigid_a separatist_n who_o fatal_a miscarriage_n and_o shipwreck_n they_o call_v landmark_n to_o forewarn_v of_o those_o rock_n and_o shelf_n they_o run_v upon_o and_o declare_v their_o sincere_a profession_n to_o god_n and_o the_o world_n that_o all_o that_o consciousness_n of_o the_o defilement_n they_o conceive_v to_o cleave_v to_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o congregation_n of_o england_n or_o of_o the_o unwarrant_v power_n in_o church-governors_n exercise_v therein_o do_v never_o work_v in_o they_o any_o other_o thought_n much_o less_o opinion_n but_o that_o multitude_n of_o the_o parochial_a congregation_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o a_o true_a ministry_n much_o less_o do_v it_o ever_o enter_v into_o their_o heart_n to_o judge_v they_o antichristian_a for_o so_o they_o say_v they_o can_v not_o but_o see_v they_o shall_v also_o condemn_v the_o church_n of_o scotland_n holland_n etc._n etc._n as_o no_o church_n which_o to_o imagine_v be_v a_o horror_n to_o their_o thought_n yea_o that_o they_o always_o profess_v and_o in_o those_o time_n when_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o 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be_v far_o more_o dissense_v in_o former_a then_o in_o these_o present_a time_n in_o which_o the_o prejudice_n of_o most_o be_v such_o they_o have_v scarce_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v say_v against_o their_o opinion_n 4._o if_o you_o withdraw_v total_o upon_o this_o account_n you_o shall_v then_o separate_v from_o all_o the_o church_n that_o now_o be_v or_o ever_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o what_o church_n be_v so_o pure_a but_o they_o have_v some_o defect_n error_n or_o corruption_n for_o the_o primitive_a church_n even_o 1260_o year_n ago_o and_o upward_o there_o be_v as_o great_a corruption_n in_o it_o as_o any_o you_o can_v find_v here_o and_o great_a also_o for_o the_o church_n of_o your_o own_o persuasion_n do_v you_o think_v they_o altogether_o perfect_a wise_a and_o understand_a man_n be_v able_a to_o find_v some_o thing_n amiss_o yea_o some_o of_o yourselves_o have_v acknowledge_v all_o thing_n be_v not_o according_a to_o their_o desire_n so_o as_o if_o you_o 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meet_v nay_o
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 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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 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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
duty_n and_o ordinance_n of_o it_o be_v prescribe_v and_o those_o thing_n wherein_o the_o essence_n of_o they_o stand_v be_v more_o full_o and_o clear_o express_v but_o their_o circumstance_n and_o manner_n of_o performance_n be_v only_o couch_v under_o general_a rule_n this_o may_v be_v show_v abundant_o by_o instance_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o worship_n as_o prayer_n preach_v sacrament_n &c_n &c_n but_o it_o be_v do_v by_o other_o sully_v and_o must_v be_v omit_v here_o because_o of_o the_o brevity_n of_o these_o rule_n nor_o do_v this_o derogate_a from_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o argue_v want_n of_o wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o christ_n as_o some_o plead_v if_o he_o shall_v not_o prescribe_v every_o particular_a as_o moses_n do_v even_o to_o the_o pinn_v of_o the_o tabernacle_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a for_o that_o end_n god_n give_v they_o to_o make_v wise_a to_o salvation_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o to_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n and_o for_o church-government_n and_o worship_n there_o be_v enough_o in_o these_o essential_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n for_o the_o preserve_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o secure_v of_o the_o true_a and_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n among_o man_n those_o be_v due_o observe_v and_o wherein_o then_o be_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v argue_v of_o insufficiency_n if_o they_o leave_v some_o particular_a circumstance_n undetermined_a and_o for_o the_o charge_n of_o unfaithfulnesse_n in_o jesus_n christ_n if_o he_o shall_v not_o particularize_v those_o thing_n it_o be_v strange_o presumptuous_a such_o shall_v rather_o show_v where_o christ_n have_v particular_o determine_v all_o those_o circumstance_n then_o impute_v unfaithfulnesse_n unto_o he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o what_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v do_v there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n to_o determine_v all_o circumstance_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n the_o one_o be_v in_o its_o minority_n the_o other_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o state_n of_o great_a liberty_n and_o perfection_n gal._n 4_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 10._o a_o boy_n that_o go_v to_o school_n have_v his_o lesson_n set_v he_o and_o in_o every_o particular_a he_o be_v stint_v to_o his_o work_n but_o when_o he_o go_v to_o the_o university_n he_o only_o hear_v lecture_n have_v general_a rule_n for_o his_o study_n and_o be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o disposition_n for_o order_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o study_n beside_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v confine_v to_o one_o nation_n that_o have_v its_o civil_a government_n and_o law_n from_o god_n as_o well_o as_o its_o church_n instiution_n but_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o spread_v throughout_o the_o world_n under_o different_a civil_a government_n different_a circumstance_n may_v best_o suit_v with_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o different_a people_n ix_o take_v heed_n of_o resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n whilst_o you_o profess_v to_o oppose_v the_o institution_n of_o men._n my_o meaning_n be_v whilst_o you_o withstand_v humane_a invention_n as_o you_o suppose_v they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n beware_v you_o oppose_v not_o lawful_a authority_n which_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o what_o they_o enjoin_v in_o and_o about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o power_n give_v they_o of_o the_o lord_n that_o magistrate_n have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o dominion_n commit_v to_o they_o &_o shall_v see_v to_o the_o due_a administration_n of_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n therein_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o outward_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n may_v be_v manifest_a to_o all_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o see_v it_o by_o the_o laudable_a example_n of_o godly_a king_n in_o former_a time_n such_o as_o david_n solomon_n asa_n jehosaphat_n hezekiah_n etc._n etc._n who_o chief_a care_n be_v about_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o their_o dominion_n indeed_o they_o be_v not_o to_o make_v any_o new_a institution_n of_o worship_n nor_o alter_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v particular_o enjoin_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o they_o be_v to_o see_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v administer_v according_a to_o the_o same_o and_o in_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n undetermined_a by_o god_n they_o have_v a_o power_n to_o order_n and_o settle_v thing_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o word_n and_o however_o you_o plead_v you_o be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n you_o must_v be_v therein_o subject_a to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n it_o have_v be_v a_o notion_n take_v up_o by_o some_o that_o as_o in_o former_a time_n the_o saint_n have_v suffer_v in_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o priestly_a office_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o they_o must_v bear_v witness_n to_o his_o kingly_a office_n what_o ever_o they_o suffer_v and_o not_o yield_v to_o any_o commandment_n of_o man_n in_o and_o about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o let_v such_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o oppose_v not_o his_o kingly_a office_n when_o they_o seem_v to_o stand_v up_o for_o it_o for_o if_o magistrate_n and_o ruler_n be_v his_o vicegerent_n as_o certain_o they_o be_v and_o there_o be_v a_o care_n of_o his_o worship_n delegated_a unto_o they_o and_o some_o power_n for_o order_v affair_n in_o his_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o outward_a conveniency_n and_o order_n where_o he_o have_v not_o express_o determine_v in_o withstand_v they_o in_o such_o thing_n they_o may_v resist_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o indeed_o it_o may_v be_v a_o further_a scruple_n in_o case_n magistrate_n enjoin_v thing_n inexpedient_a and_o inconvenient_a and_o so_o swerve_v from_o those_o general_a rule_n that_o they_o be_v to_o go_v by_o whether_o they_o be_v to_o yield_v to_o they_o in_o such_o thing_n or_o no_o but_o if_o the_o judgement_n of_o nonconformist_n may_v be_v take_v herein_o etc._n baxt._n five_o disp_n p._n 460_o etc._n etc._n they_o determine_v in_o such_o case_n its_o better_a to_o obey_v then_o to_o withstand_v they_o may_v sin_v in_o command_v such_o thing_n and_o yet_o subject_n not_o sin_n in_o obey_v they_o when_o command_v they_o be_v judge_n in_o such_o particular_a case_n to_o determine_v what_o be_v expedient_a as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n determine_v what_o be_v necessary_a and_o herein_o they_o follow_v the_o judgement_n of_o calvin_n ep._n 379_o which_o have_v be_v ever_o approve_v by_o they_o who_o speak_v of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n say_v some_o thing_n neither_o right_a nor_o profitable_a but_o scandalous_a and_o draw_v evil_a consequence_n with_o they_o yet_o not_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n in_o any_o express_a determination_n of_o it_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o godly_a brethren_n when_o they_o can_v help_v it_o and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n not_o forsake_v and_o indeed_o if_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v but_o so_o often_o as_o any_o shall_v judge_v such_o or_o such_o matter_n inexpedient_a they_o may_v withstand_v the_o axe_n seem_v to_o be_v lay_v at_o the_o root_n of_o all_o government_n and_o there_o will_v be_v little_a order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o society_n in_o the_o world_n but_o a_o yield_n in_o some_o thing_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o that_o society_n x._o let_v not_o any_o principle_n or_o practice_n that_o you_o have_v inconsiderat_o take_v up_o so_o far_o engage_v you_o as_o to_o make_v you_o loath_a to_o teturn_v to_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n some_o have_v it_o may_v be_v unwilling_o and_o with_o reluctancy_n only_o through_o the_o violence_n of_o some_o of_o their_o own_o party_n be_v lead_v into_o the_o way_n of_o rigid_a separation_n to_o condemn_v all_o other_o church_n but_o their_o own_o however_o sound_n in_o all_o the_o main_a fundamental_a and_o necessary_a doctrine_n and_o duty_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o refuse_v any_o communion_n with_o they_o though_o this_o have_v be_v condemn_v by_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o know_v â—o_o their_o own_o profession_n cotton_n t._n g._n mr._n cotton_n style_v by_o some_o the_o bitter_a root_n of_o separation_n the_o way_n god_n never_o blessed_v with_o peace_n and_o holiness_n etc._n etc._n and_o now_o to_o return_v to_o way_n of_o sobriety_n and_o own_o such_o as_o they_o have_v former_o so_o hot_o contend_v against_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o do_v it_o there_o be_v natural_o in_o man_n a_o tenaciousnesse_n of_o those_o way_n and_o opinion_n they_o have_v once_o profess_v that_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o recede_v from_o they_o especial_o if_o they_o have_v contend_v for_o they_o this_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o denial_n man_n will_v rather_o yield_v
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
worship_n own_a viz._n that_o god_n only_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v &_o no_o creature_n saint_n or_o angel_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v only_o in_o and_o through_o christ_n as_o our_o only_a mediator_n and_o advocate_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n &_o truth_n &_o to_o be_v sanctify_v of_o they_o that_o come_v near_o unto_o he_o 3_o as_o for_o fundamental_a duty_n and_o point_n of_o practice_n here_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o for_o salvation_n of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v he_o and_o obedience_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o the_o then_o commandment_n here_o be_v a_o profess_a renuntiation_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n with_o all_o their_o sinful_a work_n and_o lust_n all_o these_o call_v for_o a_o ingenuous_a and_o candid_a acknowledgement_n how_o will_v our_o forefather_n that_o live_v in_o former_a time_n of_o popery_n have_v rejoice_v to_o have_v see_v such_o thing_n in_o england_n we_o shall_v bresse_v god_n that_o have_v vouchase_v such_o a_o mercy_n to_o we_o honour_v our_o defender_n of_o the_o faith_n under_o who_o protection_n this_o profession_n be_v make_v and_o show_v more_o reverence_n to_o the_o church_n than_o many_o do_v who_o will_v pettish_o slight_v all_o this_o because_o they_o have_v not_o all_o they_o will_v have_v second_o we_o be_v next_o to_o consider_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v dislike_v by_o such_o as_o scruple_n communion_n which_o be_v especial_o reducible_a to_o three_o head_n 1._o government_n and_o discipline_n which_o though_o it_o be_v various_a in_o the_o reform_a church_n yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o hold_v mutual_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o as_o sister-churche_n and_o many_o particular_a wise_a and_o godly_a member_n of_o those_o church_n hold_v communion_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n administer_v in_o the_o church_n of_o different_a way_n occasional_o when_o they_o reside_v among_o they_o 2._o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n concern_v which_o some_o disallow_v all_o set_n and_o impose_v form_n whatsoever_o other_o only_o dislike_v the_o form_n by_o law_n establish_v account_v it_o inconvenient_a disorderly_a and_o defective_a and_o reject_v the_o ceremony_n yet_o wise_a and_o sober_a person_n general_o nonconformist_n as_o well_o as_o conformist_n reckon_v external_a form_n and_o mode_n of_o divine_n service_n not_o of_o the_o essential_o of_o worship_n but_o adjunct_n thereunto_o belong_v exercise_n ames_n case_n l._n 4._o c._n 14_o etc._n etc._n 17._o prestons_n daity_n exercise_n e._n g._n the_o essence_n of_o prayer_n lie_v in_o lift_v up_o true_a desire_n to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n in_o the_o elevation_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o mind_n to_o god_n etc._n etc._n word_n be_v but_o the_o outward_a clothing_n of_o these_o desire_n and_o holy_a affection_n or_o the_o chariot_n wherein_o they_o mount_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o for_o the_o ceremony_n use_v in_o england_n they_o be_v utter_o deny_v to_o be_v any_o part_n of_o worship_n and_o declare_v only_o circumstantial_a appendant_o thereunto_o see_v the_o preface_n to_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o canon_n etc._n etc._n 3._o corruption_n in_o manner_n and_o that_o both_o in_o people_n and_o in_o minister_n which_o when_o find_v in_o the_o latter_a make_v the_o offence_n far_o great_a as_o when_o the_o son_n of_o eli_n be_v wicked_a they_o make_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v abhor_v these_o thing_n premise_v we_o shall_v now_o offer_v our_o advice_n in_o this_o great_a controversy_n and_o annex_v such_o reason_n thereto_o as_o shall_v evidence_n it_o both_o safe_a and_o profitable_a we_o lay_v it_o down_o in_o three_o particular_n 1._o to_o beware_v of_o a_o total_a withdraw_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n therein_o whilst_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n and_o essential_o of_o worship_n be_v therein_o maintain_v because_o you_o apprehend_v therein_o some_o corruption_n defect_n addition_n or_o error_n which_o be_v circumstantial_a this_o advice_n though_o it_o may_v be_v urge_v with_o manifold_a argument_n yet_o the_o brevity_n i_o intend_v in_o this_o discourse_n require_v i_o to_o give_v but_o a_o few_o 1._o if_o you_o will_v make_v the_o scripture_n your_o rule_n herein_o you_o may_v see_v so_o clear_a a_o beam_n of_o light_n all_o along_o through_o the_o same_o witness_v hereunto_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n any_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o question_v this_o duty_n consider_v the_o prophet_n and_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v they_o separate_v from_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n or_o teach_v any_o to_o do_v it_o when_o there_o be_v very_o great_a defect_n &_o corruption_n therein_o there_o be_v at_o some_o time_n a_o defect_n of_o some_o solemn_a ordinance_n for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o as_o circumcision_n the_o passeover_n etc._n etc._n some_o monument_n of_o idolatry_n remain_v among_o they_o and_o the_o people_n many_o of_o they_o defile_v therewith_o very_o great_a corruption_n of_o manner_n not_o only_o in_o the_o people_n but_o in_o the_o priest_n as_o in_o eli_n son_n etc._n etc._n yet_o whilst_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v continue_v among_o they_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n or_o practice_n to_o be_v find_v of_o total_a withdraw_n therefrom_o indeed_o the_o godly_a levite_n &_o people_n do_v withdraw_v from_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o jereboam_n calf_n leave_v their_o dwelling_n and_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n 2_o chro._n 11.14_o 16._o but_o no_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o withdraw_a from_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o such_o cause_n as_o be_v before_o name_v about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o state_n of_o that_o church_n be_v great_o corrupt_v by_o many_o degree_n more_o than_o any_o sober_a person_n can_v judge_v the_o present_a church_n in_o this_o nation_n now_o to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o that_o little_a knowledge_n that_o remain_v be_v miserable_o corrupt_v not_o only_o with_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n but_o with_o the_o damnable_a heresy_n of_o the_o sadducee_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n much_o profane_v and_o the_o temple_n pollute_v and_o make_v a_o den_n of_o thief_n a_o multitude_n of_o superstitious_a ceremony_n introduce_v that_o be_v a_o burden_n too_o heavy_a to_o bear_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n subvert_v whilst_o small_a thing_n be_v exact_o mind_v the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n as_o judgement_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v neglect_v a_o general_a over_o spread_v of_o sin_n not_o only_o among_o the_o vulgar_a but_o the_o priest_n themselves_o and_o that_o in_o their_o ministration_n and_o calling_n as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o life_n etc._n etc._n yet_o do_v not_o the_o godly_a withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n for_o the_o same_o we_o read_v that_o simeon_n anna_n and_o other_o continue_v in_o the_o temple_n worship_v god_n daily_o holy_a zachary_n forsake_v not_o his_o priestly_a office_n but_o minister_v in_o his_o course_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o christ_n himself_o be_v circumcise_v and_o present_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o temple_n with_o the_o accustom_a sacrifice_n offer_v for_o he_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n he_o keep_v the_o passeover_n and_o other_o feast_n of_o that_o church_n be_v frequent_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o the_o synagogue_n with_o his_o disciple_n allow_v of_o the_o hear_n of_o those_o that_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n only_o give_v caution_n against_o their_o error_n and_o bad_a life_n send_v divers_a to_o the_o priest_n to_o offer_v their_o accustom_a offering_n require_v in_o the_o law_n nor_o do_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n whole_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n nor_o his_o disciple_n after_o he_o until_o the_o jew_n do_v contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v the_o truth_n obstinate_o refuse_v to_o own_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o the_o christ_n and_o persecute_v to_o death_n the_o professor_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n galatia_n etc._n etc._n we_o read_v of_o great_a and_o dangerous_a error_n in_o faith_n grievous_a pollution_n in_o worship_n &_o sad_a miscarriage_n in_o manner_n yet_o concern_v withdraw_v from_o these_o church_n we_o find_v not_o a_o word_n but_o many_o reprehension_n of_o their_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n they_o be_v blame_v for_o as_o well_o as_o some_o thing_n commend_v in_o they_o but_o no_o hint_n of_o separation_n from_o