they_o ought_v to_o ascend_v up_o thither_o for_o establish_v of_o any_o doctrine_n which_o must_v have_v power_n and_o authority_n among_o christian_n and_o yet_o have_v we_o depart_v insensible_o from_o this_o principle_n we_o have_v quit_v this_o save_a tenet_n by_o attribute_v to_o man_n that_o which_o be_v not_o due_a but_o to_o god_n alone_o we_o have_v make_v such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v mere_o humane_a to_o pass_v crowd_v among_o those_o which_o be_v hand_v down_o to_o we_o from_o god_n just_o as_o they_o put_v off_o false_a money_n by_o make_v it_o glister_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v and_o then_o mix_v it_o among_o such_o as_o be_v currant_n coin_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v suspect_v this_o be_v it_o that_o have_v give_v scope_n to_o contention_n and_o afterward_o be_v the_o grand_a cause_n of_o division_n some_o have_v be_v of_o opinion_n that_o whatsoever_o specious_a pretence_n and_o whatsoever_o plausible_a name_n have_v be_v give_v to_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o most_o famous_a assembly_n be_v all_o this_o while_n but_o humane_a sentiment_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v examine_v before_o they_o be_v receive_v they_o say_v that_o they_o be_v but_o particular_a man_n who_o have_v propose_v their_o opinion_n in_o these_o assembly_n that_o many_o time_n in_o these_o occasion_n it_o be_v the_o credit_n readiness_n of_o wit_n eloquence_n or_o some_o force_n of_o argument_n more_o specious_a than_o solid_a which_o make_v these_o opinion_n pass_v for_o article_n of_o faith_n that_o those_o particular_a person_n who_o compose_v these_o assembly_n may_v be_v mistake_v notwithstanding_o all_o their_o light_n and_o knowledge_n that_o by_o consequence_n a_o company_n of_o they_o how_o numerous_a soever_o they_o be_v be_v subject_a to_o defect_n and_o to_o the_o error_n of_o the_o member_n whereof_o they_o be_v compose_v last_o that_o the_o very_a diversity_n which_o be_v sometime_o sound_a in_o the_o decision_n make_v by_o they_o justify_v enough_o their_o opinion_n and_o make_v we_o see_v that_o all_o these_o decision_n be_v subject_a to_o trial_n other_o who_o be_v of_o a_o different_a sense_n maintain_v that_o without_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o council_n we_o shall_v have_v but_o a_o imperfect_a rule_n of_o our_o belief_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v not_o comprehend_v all_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v we_o in_o the_o church_n that_o there_o be_v also_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o have_v need_n of_o explain_v and_o interpretation_n that_o on_o these_o occasion_n there_o be_v none_o to_o who_o we_o can_v have_v better_a recourse_n than_o to_o the_o church_n to_o who_o god_n have_v promise_v the_o ordinary_a conduct_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o the_o church_n can_v make_v her_o voice_n be_v better_a understand_v and_o declare_v to_o we_o her_o sense_n in_o a_o fashion_n more_o authentic_a than_o when_o she_o be_v represent_v and_o as_o it_o be_v unite_v in_o these_o solemn_a assembly_n they_o be_v persuade_v that_o when_o such_o a_o assembly_n be_v lawful_o gather_v it_o do_v of_o right_o enjoy_v a_o infallibility_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o it_o be_v god_n himself_o who_o speak_v as_o much_o in_o one_o as_o the_o other_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n both_o one_o and_o the_o other_o agree_v in_o this_o point_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v infallible_a that_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o sovereign_a rule_n of_o all_o holiness_n the_o latter_a also_o pretend_v that_o although_o they_o plead_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o authority_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n they_o find_v argument_n enough_o in_o the_o scripture_n for_o maintain_v their_o doctrine_n and_o confound_v of_o error_n but_o let_v we_o for_o the_o present_a lay_v by_o this_o controversy_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o return_v back_o to_o that_o principle_n which_o all_o agree_v upon_o it_o may_v be_v we_o may_v draw_v rule_n and_o direction_n enough_o from_o thence_o so_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o enter_v upon_o this_o other_o dispute_n which_o shall_v be_v more_o particular_o examine_v in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n let_v we_o therefore_o only_o hear_v what_o tertullian_n say_v upon_o this_o subject_a apolog._n chap._n 47._o where_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o division_n which_o he_o see_v in_o his_o time_n about_o christian_a religion_n he_o say_v that_o those_o who_o have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n have_v in_o the_o do_v it_o violate_v their_o faith_n to_o jesus_n christ_n for_o he_o it_o be_v that_o have_v teach_v we_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n which_o he_o cause_v to_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o by_o those_o holy_a man_n who_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o receive_v his_o divine_a instruction_n that_o all_o which_o be_v not_o conformable_a to_o that_o rule_n have_v be_v invent_v by_o new_a doctor_n who_o come_v not_o till_o after_o those_o bless_a disciple_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o this_o manner_n have_v this_o worthy_a man_n ascend_v up_o to_o the_o very_a fountain_n head_n of_o this_o evil_a and_o discover_v the_o original_a of_o those_o miserable_a division_n and_o st._n augustin_n in_o that_o remarkable_a passage_n against_o maximin_n the_o arrian_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o say_v he_o all_o prejudices_fw-la which_o we_o may_v conceive_v i_o from_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o thou_o from_o that_o of_o arimini_fw-la let_v we_o both_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v no_o partial_a witness_n but_o be_v as_o well_o common_a to_o one_o as_o to_o the_o other_o therefore_o as_o when_o a_o man_n have_v once_o give_v way_n to_o some_o dangerous_a principle_n what_o care_v soever_o he_o take_v to_o avoid_v the_o ill_a consequence_n thereof_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o fall_v insensible_o upon_o they_o likewise_o whatsoever_o corrective_a may_v be_v bring_v for_o the_o take_v away_o from_o the_o antimony_n its_o malignant_a quality_n there_o shall_v nevertheless_o break_v forth_o some_o ill_a effect_n of_o it_o so_o this_o doctrine_n be_v once_o settle_v that_o man_n must_v be_v consult_v and_o follow_v concern_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n we_o do_v give_v they_o by_o little_a and_o little_a a_o authority_n which_o appertain_v only_o to_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o the_o consequence_n of_o which_o be_v that_o we_o become_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o acquiesce_v blind_o on_o whatsoever_o the_o caprichio_n of_o man_n can_v invent_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n every_o one_o believe_v himself_o to_o have_v as_o much_o right_n herein_o as_o his_o companion_n every_o one_o endeavour_n to_o make_v his_o particular_a opinion_n pass_v for_o essential_a truth_n every_o one_o condemn_v as_o heretic_n and_o as_o people_n out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n all_o those_o who_o do_v not_o submit_v themselves_o absolute_o to_o their_o rule_n in_o brief_a every_o one_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a church_n but_o that_o which_o receive_v the_o opinion_n which_o he_o have_v promote_v to_o who_o alone_o belong_v the_o right_a of_o govern_v all_o that_o which_o concern_v religion_n and_o although_o many_o make_v a_o difficulty_n of_o attribute_v infallibility_n to_o the_o church_n nevertheless_o they_o hold_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o these_o decision_n at_o least_o if_o they_o themselves_o can_v pass_v for_o decider_n all_o which_o have_v much_o contribute_v to_o the_o form_n of_o division_n and_o to_o the_o foment_v it_o after_o it_o be_v kindle_v chap._n iu._n that_o the_o dislike_n which_o have_v be_v have_v at_o the_o simplicity_n of_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v a_o occasion_n that_o man_n have_v give_v it_o a_o different_a aspect_n from_o that_o which_o it_o have_v in_o its_o beginning_n i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o christian_n who_o will_v not_o agree_v with_o i_o that_o christianity_n be_v never_o more_o pure_a more_o holy_a and_o more_o proper_a to_o induce_v its_o professor_n to_o virtue_n than_o in_o its_o birth_n that_o be_v a_o time_n wherein_o the_o save_a principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v only_o receive_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o from_o those_o holy_a man_n who_o he_o have_v inspire_v this_o be_v the_o true_a golden_a age_n of_o the_o church_n abound_v in_o saint_n in_o confessor_n and_o in_o martyr_n and_o i_o believe_v that_o this_o truth_n will_v also_o be_v grant_v i_o that_o then_o at_o that_o time_n when_o christian_a religion_n be_v so_o pure_a and_o exempt_a from_o error_n its_o doctrine_n be_v also_o most_o simple_a and_o most_o naked_a it_o be_v free_a from_o all_o those_o subtle_a question_n which_o some_o cause_v to_o be_v stat_v up_o in_o the_o succeed_v
agree_v in_o a_o three_o agree_v also_o together_o if_o therefore_o we_o all_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o our_o sovereign_a rule_n may_v we_o not_o probable_o hope_v that_o we_o may_v be_v reunited_n in_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v but_o dependence_n on_o that_o especial_o if_o after_o we_o have_v cast_v away_o from_o we_o all_o our_o passion_n and_o prejudicate_a opinion_n we_o bring_v only_o with_o we_o a_o true_a zeal_n and_o a_o ardent_a charity_n moreover_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o these_o holy_a scripture_n be_v divine_a that_o it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v infallible_a and_o that_o it_o be_v perfect_o holy_a we_o shall_v without_o doubt_n conclude_v that_o it_o be_v our_o sovereign_a rule_n that_o it_o prescribe_v to_o we_o what_o we_o shall_v all_o believe_v and_o receive_v for_o our_o salvation_n and_o as_o this_o word_n express_o forbid_v we_o to_o add_v diminish_v or_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o doctrine_n which_o it_o lay_v open_a to_o we_o we_o shall_v look_v upon_o all_o other_o doctrine_n receive_v in_o any_o other_o society_n of_o christian_n we_o very_o suspicious_a we_o shall_v not_o receive_v they_o tili_fw-la after_o a_o careful_a examination_n of_o they_o and_o upon_o sure_a condition_n how_o specious_a soever_o the_o pretence_n be_v under_o which_o they_o will_v make_v they_o pass_v to_o we_o although_o they_o shall_v give_v they_o to_o we_o mere_o as_o explication_n illustration_n and_o consequence_n draw_v from_o this_o word_n we_o shall_v however_o look_v upon_o they_o but_o as_o essay_n of_o man_n wit_n who_o infirmity_n appear_v in_o all_o his_o action_n all_o his_o meditation_n his_o application_n his_o reason_v his_o humility_n his_o prayer_n and_o his_o fast_n can_v hinder_v but_o that_o there_o will_v remain_v still_o great_a weakness_n of_o flesh_n which_o will_v render_v he_o liable_a to_o contempt_n and_o error_n there_o be_v none_o but_o god_n only_o who_o be_v able_a to_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o god_n because_o there_o be_v none_o but_o god_n who_o know_v god_n as_o a_o excellent_a author_n of_o our_o time_n have_v very_o well_o express_v what_o man_n say_v of_o he_o be_v but_o babble_v whatsoever_o they_o bring_v thither_o of_o their_o own_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o doubtful_a de_fw-fr divinis_fw-la etiam_fw-la vera_fw-la dicere_fw-la periculosum_fw-la est_fw-la we_o must_v go_v to_o the_o very_a truth_n itself_o and_o ascend_v up_o to_o the_o fountain_n head_n we_o must_v suspect_v all_o the_o water_n which_o have_v not_o pass_v through_o this_o channel_n although_o they_o appear_v never_o so_o excellent_a oh_o that_o we_o have_v but_o make_v know_v with_o a_o little_a diligence_n among_o christian_n the_o value_n of_o this_o important_a principle_n as_o we_o have_v sow_o the_o seed_n of_o division_n that_o we_o have_v avoid_v unprofitable_a question_n and_o dispute_n and_o have_v make_v christian_a religion_n easy_a and_o intelligible_a as_o careful_o as_o particular_a doctor_n have_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o liberty_n of_o expound_v this_o scripture_n every_o one_o give_v it_o the_o sense_n which_o his_o genius_n or_o rather_o his_o capricious_a fancy_n or_o interest_n suggest_v to_o he_o every_o one_o have_v draw_v the_o consequence_n from_o it_o which_o must_v favour_v his_o inclination_n nay_o and_o without_o stick_v there_o every_o one_o have_v endeavour_v to_o give_v to_o these_o consequence_n a_o authority_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o the_o original_a from_o whence_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v draw_v they_o in_o this_o very_a manner_n have_v we_o see_v dispute_n and_o contention_n arise_v also_o heresy_n schism_n division_n and_o different_a communion_n every_o society_n have_v make_v his_o particular_a confession_n which_o they_o pretend_v aught_o to_o be_v of_o as_o great_a authority_n as_o the_o very_a creed_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o thus_o as_o this_o practice_n have_v strengthen_v itself_o in_o the_o church_n after_o the_o same_o rate_n also_o have_v division_n be_v strengthen_v and_o augment_v it_o be_v therefore_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o establish_n a_o good_a peace_n in_o the_o church_n to_o reject_v all_o invention_n of_o man_n and_o 〈◊〉_d to_o lend_v a_o ear_n but_o to_o god_n only_o speak_v in_o his_o word_n it_o be_v thus_o that_o the_o great_a person_n have_v practise_v who_o live_v in_o the_o most_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n they_o have_v ever_o confine_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o to_o the_o only_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o of_o our_o salvation_n chap._n iu._n the_o three_o mean_n right_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n propound_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o true_a christian_n and_o what_o regard_v only_o the_o outward_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o ceremony_n this_o sacred_a word_n which_o we_o have_v say_v be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o the_o church_n subsistence_n and_o of_o the_o union_n of_o its_o member_n offer_v we_o three_o sort_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v learn_v by_o us._n it_o declare_v to_o we_o first_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o for_o obtain_v salvation_n and_o eternal_a life_n it_o teach_v we_o next_o what_o relate_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o discipline_n and_o in_o the_o outward_a practice_n of_o its_o ceremony_n and_o last_o it_o give_v we_o save_v precept_n which_o serve_v for_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o life_n and_o manner_n not_o only_o to_o be_v the_o outward_a guide_n of_o our_o action_n and_o of_o our_o word_n but_o also_o of_o our_o affection_n inclination_n and_o most_o secret_a motion_n of_o our_o soul_n this_o distinction_n be_v well_o establish_v and_o all_o its_o member_n true_o consider_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o in_o the_o right_a management_n hereof_o there_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n of_o quarrel_v unless_o it_o be_v about_o the_o rule_n propose_v to_o our_o faith_n for_o as_o to_o what_o concern_v the_o precept_n of_o virtue_n they_o be_v so_o clear_o lay_v open_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o in_o they_o there_o can_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o controversy_n all_o christian_n know_v that_o god_n will_v be_v most_o high_o love_v and_o adore_v all_o agree_v that_o we_o must_v honour_v father_n and_o mother_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n all_o accord_n in_o this_o point_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n forbid_v murder_n adultery_n lie_v etc._n etc._n all_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o law_n be_v not_o mere_o establish_v to_o rule_v the_o outward_a form_n of_o man_n in_o society_n but_o that_o they_o oblige_v we_o to_o conform_v the_o most_o secret_a thought_n and_o inclination_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o the_o purity_n and_o sanctity_n which_o they_o command_v after_o this_o we_o need_v not_o any_o other_o rule_n than_o that_o abridgement_n of_o the_o law_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o admirable_a precept_n to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o affection_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o the_o observation_n which_o may_v be_v make_v from_o hence_o will_v rule_v as_o every_o one_o may_v perceive_v all_o our_o action_n insomuch_o that_o no_o person_n can_v desire_n any_o thing_n more_o for_o the_o live_n holy_o and_o just_o i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o there_o have_v be_v certain_a doctor_n former_o among_o christian_n who_o by_o their_o interpretation_n have_v go_v aside_o from_o the_o strict_a observation_n of_o these_o law_n but_o they_o have_v not_o only_o want_v the_o approbation_n of_o other_o as_o well_o of_o their_o own_o communion_n as_o stranger_n but_o also_o they_o themselves_o have_v always_o make_v profession_n of_o acquiesce_v as_o other_o in_o these_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a rule_n they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o weaken_v they_o by_o their_o interpretation_n they_o only_o soothe_v man_n conscience_n with_o a_o favourable_a sense_n which_o they_o give_v to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o particular_a action_n behold_v here_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a article_n of_o faith_n nay_o i_o dare_v say_v the_o most_o important_a and_o wherein_o consist_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o religion_n which_o can_v give_v no_o cause_n of_o division_n as_o to_o the_o rule_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n relate_v to_o its_o discipline_n and_o to_o its_o ceremony_n it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v so_o often_o give_v occasion_n of_o dispute_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o separation_n and_o division_n if_o the_o holy_a penman_n have_v punctual_o prescribe_v and_o order_v every_o thing_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o matter_n we_o shall_v be_v oblige_v indispensible_o to_o observe_v they_o and_o we_o shall_v
of_o this_o division_n that_o it_o make_v man_n irreligious_a and_o cause_n atheism_n 35_o chap._n v._o the_o four_o effect_n of_o this_o division_n that_o it_o keep_v back_o all_o those_o who_o be_v without_o and_o breed_v in_o they_o a_o dislike_n of_o christian_a religion_n 44_o chap._n vi_o the_o five_o effect_n of_o this_o division_n trouble_v in_o church_n and_o state_n the_o second_o part._n of_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o division_n which_o be_v among_o christian_n chap._n i._o that_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o man_n mind_n do_v much_o contribute_v to_o this_o evil_n p._n 69_o chap._n ii_o that_o there_o have_v never_o yet_o be_v make_v a_o true_a distinction_n in_o christian_a religion_n of_o what_o be_v real_o essential_a and_o fundamental_a and_o what_o be_v not_o 80_o chap._n iii_o that_o man_n have_v depart_v from_o the_o true_a fundamental_o of_o christian_a religion_n to_o take_v up_o other_o which_o have_v nothing_o of_o solidity_n in_o they_o and_o which_o put_v these_o division_n among_o christian_n 88_o chap._n iv_o that_o the_o dislike_n which_o have_v be_v have_v at_o the_o simplicity_n of_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v a_o occasion_n that_o meâ—_n have_v give_v it_o a_o different_a â—â—â—â—ct_a frâ—m_n that_o which_o it_o have_v in_o its_o â—â—â—inning_n 97_o chap._n v._o that_o many_o do_v make_v use_n of_o religion_n to_o serve_v their_o particular_a interest_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o temporal_a life_n 106_o the_o three_o part._n of_o the_o proper_a mean_n to_o reunite_v all_o christian_n into_o one_o sole_a communion_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o ill_a mean_n that_o have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o hitherto_o for_o put_v a_o remedy_n to_o the_o evil_a of_o this_o division_n 117_o chap._n ii_o the_o first_o mean_v to_o lay_v aside_o all_o prejudices_fw-la and_o to_o throw_v off_o all_o particular_a interest_n that_o so_o nothing_o may_v be_v propose_v by_o we_o but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n 128_o chap._n iii_o the_o second_o mean_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v for_o our_o direction_n more_o than_o one_o know_v and_o general_o approve_a rule_n for_o all_o christian_n to_o walk_v by_o 142_o chap._n iii_o the_o three_o mean_n right_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n propound_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o what_o regard_v only_o the_o outward_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o ceremony_n 150_o chap._n v._o the_o four_o mean_n to_o distinguish_v between_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v to_o we_o to_o believe_v as_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n that_o which_o it_o deliver_v to_o we_o as_o history_n of_o thing_n which_o have_v happen_v and_o that_o which_o it_o report_v to_o we_o as_o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v 163_o chap._n vi_o five_o advice_n touch_v the_o mystery_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o we_o must_v believe_v as_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o concern_v the_o distinction_n which_o must_v be_v make_v of_o they_o 170_o chap._n vii_o what_o way_n must_v be_v follow_v to_o facilitate_v the_o execution_n of_o this_o design_n 186_o chap._n viii_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n and_o difficulty_n which_o may_v be_v form_v against_o this_o design_n 199_o conclusion_n profit_n and_o advantage_n which_o may_v be_v hope_v for_o from_o this_o project_n 218_o the_o reuniting_a of_o christianity_n the_o first_o part._n of_o the_o division_n which_o be_v among_o christian_n and_o of_o its_o consequency_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o nature_n and_o greatness_n of_o this_o division_n when_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v heresy_n among_o we_o to_o the_o end_n that_o such_o as_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a his_o word_n must_v not_o be_v take_v as_o if_o he_o will_v by_o a_o extravagant_a paradox_n authorize_v the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n in_o christianity_n for_o his_o design_n be_v never_o to_o favour_v the_o author_n of_o sect_n and_o head_n of_o patty_n by_o impose_v silence_n to_o those_o who_o will_v remedy_v division_n and_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o their_o sad_a consequency_n but_o he_o declare_v plain_o what_o we_o must_v expect_v from_o the_o ill_a disposition_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n from_o the_o high_a esteem_n which_o they_o have_v of_o their_o own_o sufficiency_n and_o from_o their_o inclination_n to_o render_v themselves_o considerable_a by_o some_o singular_a opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n he_o design_n by_o the_o same_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o see_v how_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o draw_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o light_v out_o of_o the_o thick_a darkness_n take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o distinguish_v such_o as_o appeartain_a to_o he_o making_z appear_v by_o this_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n the_o constancy_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o their_o generous_a resistance_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o temptation_n and_o trial_n it_o be_v in_o this_o sense_n also_o that_o jesus_n christ_n declare_v to_o we_o the_o necessity_n of_o scandal_n and_o tribulation_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o he_o be_v come_v to_o kindle_v the_o firebrand_n of_o war_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o put_v division_n in_o state_n and_o family_n for_o otherwise_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o peace_n do_v not_o of_o itself_o propose_v any_o thing_n but_o union_n amity_n and_o concord_n nature_n although_o spring_v from_o the_o same_o original_a with_o grace_n have_v inclination_n quite_o distinct_a it_o be_v not_o please_v but_o in_o diversity_n and_o seem_v not_o to_o subsist_v but_o by_o the_o contrariety_n of_o quality_n which_o occur_v in_o its_o work_n whereas_o grace_n be_v not_o preserve_v but_o by_o the_o entire_a correspondence_n of_o those_o who_o â—â—ve_v a_o share_n therein_o and_o by_o the_o conformity_n of_o their_o opinion_n we_o can_v divide_v ourselves_o in_o its_o principle_n without_o destroy_v it_o to_o we_o for_o such_o a_o separation_n be_v to_o give_v it_o such_o grievous_a wound_n as_o will_v force_v it_o to_o retire_v from_o those_o who_o be_v not_o more_o careful_a to_o improve_v it_o by_o such_o way_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o its_o nature_n now_o be_v it_o not_o a_o most_o deplorable_a thing_n that_o a_o occasion_n shall_v be_v take_v of_o make_v use_n of_o a_o doctrine_n of_o peace_n for_o the_o miserable_a tear_v in_o piece_n a_o body_n who_o member_n ought_v to_o be_v perfect_o unite_v be_v it_o not_o a_o shameful_a thing_n that_o this_o unhappy_a pro_fw-la and_o con_n shall_v be_v introduce_v to_o make_v the_o same_o havoc_n in_o the_o church_n which_o it_o ordinary_o make_v in_o the_o world_n philosophy_n never_o see_v so_o many_o sect_n paganism_n so_o many_o different_a devotion_n mahometism_n so_o many_o contradictory_n opinion_n concern_v their_o alcoran_n as_o we_o have_v sect_n heresy_n and_o schism_n in_o christianity_n about_o the_o understanding_n of_o its_o fundamental_a law_n which_o be_v the_o gospel_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o sprout_n of_o this_o holy_a seed_n begin_v to_o appear_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n we_o see_v at_o the_o same_o time_n a_o infinite_a number_n of_o unprofitable_a and_o choke_a tare_n spring_v up_o sufficient_a to_o destroy_v that_o in_o its_o birth_n which_o will_v bring_v with_o it_o salvation_n and_o life_n almost_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n those_o sacred_a confident_n of_o our_o sovereign_a master_n there_o arise_v such_o as_o vaunt_v themselves_o to_o have_v embrace_v his_o doctrine_n will_v have_v represent_v he_o after_o their_o fancy_n and_o set_v he_o forth_o as_o their_o own_o whimsy_n and_o caprichioe_n suggest_v to_o they_o and_o present_o afterward_o will_v make_v their_o particular_a sentiment_n pass_v for_o general_a and_o infallible_a rule_n and_o have_v pretend_v that_o all_o other_o be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v themselves_o thereto_o thus_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o still_o reek_v shall_v warm_v the_o heart_n of_o christian_n with_o a_o holy_a charity_n as_o well_o as_o with_o a_o ardent_a zeal_n can_v not_o choke_v the_o seed_n of_o these_o miserable_a division_n insomuch_o that_o in_o the_o three_o age_n st._n epiphanius_n number_n up_o four-score_n several_a heresy_n or_o rather_o different_a opinion_n which_o have_v creep_v in_o among_o the_o christian_n and_o yet_o not_o mention_v the_o divers_a branch_n into_o which_o these_o heresy_n be_v sub_fw-la divide_v there_o be_v scarce_o any_o one_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o any_o speculation_n of_o christianity_n whereon_o strange_a opinion_n have_v not_o be_v advance_v which_o in_o time_n have_v make_v sect_n and_o different_a religion_n and_o we_o know_v that_o every_o particular_a combination_n have_v appropriate_v to_o itself_o the_o
their_o own_o colour_n how_o will_v you_o have_v a_o man_n who_o spirit_n be_v fill_v with_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o idea_n upon_o which_o he_o be_v already_o fix_v be_v able_a after_o this_o to_o make_v room_n for_o those_o which_o be_v opposite_a to_o they_o although_o they_o be_v real_o more_o effectual_a to_o his_o salvation_n they_o must_v be_v all_o exclude_v to_o compare_v they_o together_o without_o prejudice_n they_o must_v be_v see_v naked_a and_o that_o hold_v which_o shall_v be_v judge_v most_o reasonable_a there_o have_v be_v not_o long_o since_o propose_v in_o philosophy_n a_o excellent_a way_n of_o right_n dispute_v and_o keep_v a_o direct_a course_n for_o search_v out_o the_o truth_n they_o say_v that_o for_o effect_v of_o this_o all_o preconceive_a opinion_n and_o prepossession_n of_o spirit_n must_v be_v absolute_o cast_v away_o that_o then_o they_o must_v not_o take_v up_o any_o but_o the_o most_o plain_a notion_n and_o such_o proposition_n as_o can_v be_v quarrel_v at_o by_o any_o who_o have_v the_o least_o use_n of_o reason_n why_o then_o can_v we_o imitate_v this_o manner_n of_o procedure_n in_o religion_n can_v we_o not_o for_o a_o while_o set_v aside_o all_o these_o opinion_n which_o we_o defend_v heretofore_o with_o so_o much_o eagerness_n and_o heat_n to_o examine_v they_o afterward_o more_o free_o and_o without_o any_o passion_n hold_v close_o to_o our_o common_a principle_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n can_v we_o notwithout_v any_o prejudice_n look_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n which_o all_o they_o who_o be_v call_v christian_n do_v general_o acknowledge_v and_o the_o principle_n which_o they_o all_o agree_v upon_o will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o infallible_a mean_n to_o know_v with_o a_o disintere_v mind_n how_o we_o shall_v advance_v in_o a_o right_a way_n and_o how_o we_o may_v build_v upon_o a_o solid_a foundation_n and_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v approve_v by_o every_o one_o my_o desire_n therefore_o be_v that_o these_o prejudices_fw-la and_o strong_a fancy_n of_o our_o own_o opinion_n may_v be_v quit_v which_o bound_v we_o in_o a_o religion_n rather_o by_o false_a appearance_n than_o by_o judgement_n and_o reason_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o some_o boast_n of_o their_o antiquity_n the_o succession_n of_o their_o pastor_n the_o government_n of_o their_o communion_n their_o temporal_a advantage_n the_o riches_n splendour_n and_o magnificence_n of_o their_o temple_n and_o ornament_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o other_o glory_n in_o their_o plainness_n and_o the_o smallness_n of_o their_o number_n the_o contempt_n which_o be_v make_v of_o they_o in_o society_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o the_o world_n can_v relish_v last_o there_o be_v other_o extol_v the_o knowledge_n and_o talent_n of_o their_o doctor_n the_o sanctity_n austerity_n and_o mortification_n of_o their_o votary_n the_o zeal_n of_o their_o martyr_n and_o other_o exterior_a thing_n and_o accidental_n to_o religion_n for_o it_o may_v so_o happen_v that_o all_o these_o may_v meet_v in_o society_n which_o be_v not_o approve_v of_o by_o those_o who_o boast_v of_o they_o as_o so_o many_o title_n in_o their_o favour_n there_o be_v likewise_o some_o who_o although_o they_o seem_v not_o to_o regard_v any_o thing_n but_o religion_n by_o put_v away_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o it_o yet_o can_v forbear_v fall_v into_o prejudices_fw-la and_o error_n of_o dangerous_a consequence_n such_o be_v those_o who_o believe_v that_o their_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o other_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o learned_a man_n which_o defend_v it_o the_o argument_n with_o which_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v support_v and_o the_o great_a motion_n of_o virtue_n which_o they_o seem_v to_o inspire_v they_o consider_v not_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v also_o observe_v in_o the_o society_n who_o doctrine_n they_o do_v not_o approve_v that_o at_o least_o the_o follower_n of_o the_o rest_n may_v make_v a_o like_a judgement_n of_o their_o doctrine_n see_v the_o friend_n of_o each_o of_o they_o be_v prepossess_v with_o reason_n in_o favour_n of_o their_o own_o we_o ought_v therefore_o for_o a_o while_n to_o cast_v off_o all_o these_o particular_a sentiment_n which_o form_n the_o divers_a society_n of_o christian_n in_o such_o manner_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o one_o among_o they_o that_o shall_v bear_v sway_n over_o the_o rest_n but_o the_o sole_a infallible_a rule_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o see_v that_o be_v universal_o receive_v by_o all_o christian_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o submit_v to_o whatsoever_o it_o clear_o teach_v we_o this_o be_v so_o how_o can_v we_o doubt_v of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o such_o a_o enterprise_n since_o we_o have_v no_o other_o thing_n for_o our_o interest_n than_o his_o glory_n for_o our_o rule_n than_o his_o word_n and_o for_o our_o end_n than_o our_o salvation_n chap._n iii_o the_o second_o mean_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v for_o our_o direction_n more_o than_o one_o know_v and_o general_o approve_a rule_n for_o all_o christian_n to_o walk_v by_o when_o we_o say_v that_o for_o the_o attain_n to_o a_o perfect_a reunion_n we_o must_v be_v free_a from_o all_o obstinate_a prejudices_fw-la i_o mean_v not_o thereby_o the_o establish_n of_o a_o indifference_n and_o leave_v man_n mind_n in_o a_o suspense_n without_o know_v what_o to_o resolve_v on_o it_o be_v only_a to_o render_v many_o unsure_a foundation_n suspect_v and_o to_o search_v out_o for_o one_o which_o may_v be_v firm_a and_o solid_a and_o which_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v agree_v to_o be_v so_o now_o there_o be_v but_o one_o of_o this_o nature_n and_o that_o be_v the_o sacred_a word_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o servant_n he_o have_v give_v it_o we_o express_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n both_o of_o our_o faith_n and_o all_o our_o action_n in_o what_o concern_v his_o service_n and_o it_o be_v too_o evident_a that_o all_o do_v not_o agree_v on_o other_o matter_n all_o do_v not_o hold_v that_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a all_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o unwritten_a word_n which_o be_v of_o as_o much_o authority_n as_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n all_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o we_o must_v be_v guide_v by_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v dictate_v by_o his_o secret_a motion_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o all_o christian_n without_o exception_n hold_v that_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n must_v be_v hearken_v to_o and_o that_o we_o must_v obey_v he_o without_o any_o restriction_n if_o beside_o this_o there_o shall_v be_v find_v any_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o have_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o draw_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o it_o retain_v a_o doctrine_n so_o pure_a that_o all_o christian_n may_v secure_o receive_v it_o it_o may_v very_o well_o be_v join_v with_o this_o word_n deliver_v to_o we_o from_o god_n and_o such_o in_o my_o opinion_n be_v the_o apostle_n creed_n there_o never_o have_v be_v hitherto_o as_o i_o have_v ever_o hear_v any_o christian_n who_o deny_v to_o entertain_v it_o as_o be_v a_o extract_n and_o compendium_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o that_o have_v be_v well_o practise_v which_o the_o council_n of_o chalceden_n enjoin_v of_o not_o add_v any_o other_o doctrine_n to_o this_o symbol_n we_o have_v never_o see_v christianity_n divide_v into_o so_o many_o sect_n as_o at_o present_v it_o be_v i_o shall_v not_o here_o undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o this_o holy_a write_n as_o have_v â—ow_o only_o to_o do_v with_o christian_n who_o all_o acknowledge_v it_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o i_o may_v possible_o handle_v in_o the_o three_o treatise_n which_o i_o have_v promise_v to_o publish_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o this_o piece_n for_o my_o design_n therein_o be_v to_o let_v all_o people_n of_o the_o world_n see_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o other_o i_o shall_v also_o there_o endeavour_v to_o give_v to_o every_o one_o a_o mean_n of_o look_v into_o it_o without_o these_o obstinate_a prejudices_fw-la which_o will_v certain_o make_v we_o reject_v any_o doctrine_n now_o tend_v soever_o to_o our_o salvation_n at_o the_o present_a i_o think_v for_o the_o work_n with_o success_n towards_o a_o good_a reunion_n we_o shall_v rise_v to_o a_o principle_n wherein_o we_o all_o agree_v it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a good_a step_n towards_o a_o peace_n when_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o subject_a wherein_o we_o can_v all_o unite_n for_o according_a to_o that_o universal_a maxim_n thing_n which_o