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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be_o resolve_v to_o profess_v and_o to_o venture_v my_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o what_o ever_o inconvenience_n i_o may_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o profession_n thereof_o what_o ever_o disgrace_n reproach_n loss_n persecution_n etc._n etc._n yet_o this_o religion_n i_o will_v be_v of_o and_o this_o god_n i_o will_v serve_v we_o must_v sit_v down_o and_o consider_v what_o it_o will_v cost_v we_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o then_o espouse_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o take_v it_o for_o better_a for_o worse_a embrace_z the_o cross_v it_o threaten_v as_o well_o as_o the_o crown_n it_o promise_n for_o so_o our_o lord_n warn_v his_o disciple_n tell_v they_o he_o that_o will_v come_v after_o i_o and_o will_v be_v my_o disciple_n must_v deny_v himself_o in_o his_o dear_a lust_n &_o sin_n nay_o in_o his_o estate_n and_o life_n sometime_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n of_o
venture_v their_o soul_n on_o a_o sure_a bottom_n consider_v as_o man_n and_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n you_o venture_v your_o salvation_n upon_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o you_o by_o tradition_n from_o your_o ancestor_n that_o you_o have_v learn_v it_o by_o education_n from_o godly_a parent_n that_o it_o be_v command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n wherein_o you_o live_v and_o commend_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o wise_a and_o pious_a person_n who_o you_o reverence_v but_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n for_o yourselves_o labour_v to_o understand_v distinct_o the_o several_a doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o duty_n of_o godliness_n contain_v therein_o and_o to_o know_v the_o verity_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o and_o so_o take_v it_o up_o upon_o deliberation_n weigh_v both_o the_o convenience_n and_o inconvenience_n so_o it_o compare_v the_o suffering_n loss_n reproach_n persecution_n you_o meet_v withal_o with_o the_o reward_n and_o crown_n promise_v and_o so_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o your_o religion_n resolve_v to_o live_v and_o die_v therein_o to_o adhere_v to_o it_o to_o the_o end_n and_o be_v faithful_a even_o to_o death_n this_o be_v a_o duty_n necessary_a and_o seasonable_a to_o be_v press_v some_o have_v not_o yet_o choose_v their_o religion_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v there_o be_v too_o many_o not_o only_o of_o the_o young_a sort_n but_o of_o the_o more_o ancient_a who_o according_a to_o the_o proverb_n have_v their_o religion_n to_o choose_v some_o have_v make_v some_o kind_n of_o choice_n but_o need_v to_o be_v confirm_v and_o establish_v therein_o upon_o good_a ground_n and_o to_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o be_v true_a to_o the_o true_a religion_n they_o profess_v even_o to_o be_v serious_a thorough_a and_o constant_a christian_n make_v this_o choice_n then_o speedy_o for_o this_o be_v the_o business_n you_o come_v into_o the_o world_n about_o to_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v to_o worship_n and_o glorify_v god_n and_o your_o salvation_n depend_v upon_o it_o live_v not_o without_o god_n any_o long_o but_o acknowledge_v he_o that_o make_v and_o redeem_v you_o that_o feed_v and_o preserve_v you_o and_o learn_v how_o to_o serve_v he_o acceptable_o do_v it_o wise_o lest_o you_o be_v delude_v there_o be_v such_o diversity_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o many_o false_a way_n in_o the_o world_n you_o have_v need_v to_o have_v your_o eye_n about_o you_o err_v herein_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o safety_n of_o your_o soul_n your_o external_a happiness_n or_o misery_n depend_v upon_o it_o and_o then_o be_v true_a to_o that_o religion_n you_o choose_v play_v not_o fast_o and_o loose_a with_o it_o it_o be_v a_o business_n of_o high_a concernment_n to_o be_v serious_a in_o religion_n what_o ever_o you_o trifle_v in_o be_v not_o false_a herein_o what_o ever_o you_o be_v faulty_a in_o let_v the_o doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o faith_n you_o receive_v influence_n your_o heart_n and_o life_n sanctify_v and_o change_v they_o rest_v not_o in_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o man_n may_v as_o well_o miscarry_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o in_o a_o false_a if_o they_o be_v false_a unto_o it_o quest_n but_o here_o a_o question_n must_v be_v resolve_v in_o order_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n which_o be_v this_o some_o may_v say_v see_v there_o be_v such_o diversity_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n how_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n among_o so_o many_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n especial_o such_o of_o we_o as_o be_v weak_a and_o ignorant_a when_o great_a and_o learned_a man_n differ_v so_o much_o about_o it_o among_o themselves_o answer_n this_o be_v a_o question_n of_o very_o great_a importance_n and_o indeed_o deserve_v a_o serious_a answer_n i_o shall_v speak_v to_o it_o in_o two_o particular_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o mistake_n to_o think_v because_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o opinion_n among_o man_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o multitude_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o every_o different_a opinion_n be_v not_o a_o different_a religion_n there_o be_v to_o speak_v proper_o but_o four_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n although_o there_o be_v different_a sect_n &_o party_n among_o each_o of_o these_o viz._n heathenism_n mahometanism_n judaisme_n and_o christianity_n indeed_o these_o four_o disagree_v much_o among_o themselves_o in_o heathenism_n some_o worship_n one_o god_n some_o another_o some_o multitude_n joint_o as_o may_v beseen_v in_o scripture_n and_o in_o all_o history_n in_o mahometanism_n all_o follow_v that_o impostor_n mahomet_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n among_o themselves_o so_o that_o they_o be_v at_o deadly_a feud_n often_o one_o with_o another_o for_o their_o religion_n sake_n as_o be_v story_v of_o the_o turkish_a and_o persian_a mahometan_n in_o judaisme_n all_o worship_n the_o true_a god_n the_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o receive_v the_o law_n from_o moses_n serve_v god_n according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n thereof_o yet_o have_v they_o different_a sect_n among_o themselves_o as_o the_o pharisee_n sadducee_n essen_n etc._n etc._n in_o christianity_n all_o worship_n god_n in_o christ_n although_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o sect_n and_o heresy_n among_o they_o so_o that_o indeed_o there_o be_v but_o four_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n to_o discern_v which_o of_o these_o four_o we_o shall_v choose_v for_o our_o religion_n even_o the_o weak_a understanding_n that_o indifferent_o weigh_v they_o may_v be_v convince_v 1._o for_o heathenism_n it_o be_v evident_a to_o reason_v their_o religion_n be_v not_o true_a to_o worship_v so_o many_o god_n and_o they_o also_o creature_n as_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n yea_o mortal_a man_n that_o be_v dead_a such_o as_o jupiter_n juno_n saturn_n etc._n etc._n yea_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n their_o own_o poet_n have_v brand_v they_o with_o black_a note_n of_o infamy_n for_o adultery_n theft_n murder_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v god_n just_a judgement_n as_o the_o apostle_n observe_v rom._n 1._o to_o give_v they_o up_o to_o such_o delusion_n to_o worship_v such_o god_n because_o when_o they_o know_v the_o true_a god_n they_o do_v not_o glorify_v he_o as_o god_n many_o of_o their_o own_o religion_n be_v convince_v they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o right_n and_o therefore_o cicero_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr naturâ_fw-la deorum_fw-la say_v i_o will_v i_o can_v as_o well_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o convince_v other_o to_o be_v false_a 2._o for_o mahometanism_n though_o it_o have_v spread_v far_o over_o the_o world_n yea_o further_o than_o christianity_n be_v spread_v at_o this_o day_n yet_o it_o be_v most_o easy_a to_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v a_o false_a religion_n their_o prophet_n be_v a_o deceiver_n and_o a_o very_a flagitious_a person_n and_o wrought_v no_o miracle_n their_o koran_n be_v most_o barbarous_a and_o without_o sense_n their_o doctrine_n impure_a as_o well_o as_o their_o life_n their_o religion_n promise_v a_o carnal_a paradise_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v full_a of_o sensual_a pleasure_n not_o spiritual_a and_o suitable_a to_o rational_a immortal_a soul_n it_o be_v propagate_v in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o sword_n and_o maintain_v by_o ignorance_n and_o suppress_v all_o humane_a learning_n 3._o for_o judaisme_n the_o three_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v indeed_o of_o god_n confirm_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o it_o be_v to_o continue_v for_o a_o time_n till_o christ_n come_v of_o who_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n witness_n abundant_o then_o at_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n it_o be_v to_o be_v abolish_v heb_fw-mi 9.10_o their_o whole_a worship_n &_o ceremony_n have_v respect_n to_o he_o on_o who_o because_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v but_o reject_v and_o crucify_v he_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o uttermost_a they_o and_o their_o temple_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o worship_n of_o it_o abrogate_a and_o to_o this_o day_n so_o continue_v 4_o it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n or_o else_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o indeed_o be_v witness_v to_o both_o in_o mahomet_n alcoran_n and_o in_o the_o jewish_a old_a testament_n which_o speak_v full_o of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o birth_n and_o parentage_n with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n his_o death_n resurrection_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v confirm_v by_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o real_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o this_o religion_n heb._n 2.4_o by_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n of_o propagation_n of_o it_o by_o weak_a and_o unlearned_a man_n by_o who_o preach_v it_o soon_o overspread_v the_o world_n and_o
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
reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v evidence_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n page_n 23._o chap._n 5._o further_a direction_n how_o to_o choose_v the_o right_n and_o safe_a way_n among_o such_o diversity_n of_o sect_n and_o opinion_n as_o be_v among_o christian_n a_o discovery_n of_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o practical_a duty_n of_o godliness_n general_o embrace_v by_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n with_o advice_n in_o reference_n unto_o they_o page_n 30_o chap._n 6._o other_o direction_n in_o point_n of_o a_o secundary_a nature_n that_o be_v not_o so_o clear_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n nor_o unanimous_o receive_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o be_v problemaical_a and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n to_o be_v of_o the_o one_o or_o other_o persuasion_n how_o to_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n in_o such_o a_o case_n 4._o rule_n about_o this_o page_n 41_o chap._n 7._o a_o close_a application_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n with_o particular_a advice_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o different_a way_n and_o profession_n find_v among_o we_o pag._n 50._o chap._n 8._o wherein_o the_o great_a controversy_n of_o communion_n with_o or_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v discuss_v a_o view_n of_o what_o be_v therein_o praiseworthy_a and_o of_o what_o be_v disallowable_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o scruple_n communion_n with_o she_o direction_n suit_v thereunto_o page_n 81_o chap_n 9_o wherein_o be_v lay_v down_o some_o general_a rule_n of_o caution_n to_o preserve_v christian_n from_o rash_a and_o unjust_a separation_n the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o discourse_n page_n 89._o chap._n 1._o religion_n the_o grand_a concernment_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n great_a difference_n about_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o deliberate_a choose_v once_o religion_n the_o counsel_n of_o joshua_n to_o the_o israelite_n apply_v to_o we_o a_o proposition_n lay_v down_o which_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n the_o business_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o grand_a concernment_n that_o all_o of_o we_o be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o mind_n and_o therefore_o god_n have_v in_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o man_n nature_n lay_v so_o deep_a a_o impression_n thereof_o in_o we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o nation_n so_o barbarous_a and_o inhuman_a but_o do_v place_n this_o among_o the_o great_a matter_n that_o they_o judge_v themselves_o to_o be_v interress_v in_o insomuch_o as_o some_o observe_v religion_n be_v more_o proper_a to_o man_n then_o reason_n all_o man_n and_o only_a man_n have_v a_o smatch_n of_o religion_n whereas_o some_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v find_v in_o many_o beast_n lactant._n de_fw-fr ira_fw-la dei_fw-la solus_fw-la home_n sapientia_fw-la instructus_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la religionem_fw-la solus_fw-la intelligat_fw-la &_o hac_fw-la est_fw-la hominis_fw-la atque_fw-la bruterum_fw-la vel_fw-la pracipua_fw-la vel_fw-la sola_fw-la distantia_fw-la but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n all_o do_v profess_v themselves_o interest_v in_o so_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o the_o world_n man_n be_v at_o great_a difference_n about_o some_o take_v up_o one_o religion_n and_o some_o another_o as_o please_v themselves_o best_a yea_o each_o nation_n almost_o have_v choose_v a_o peculiar_a deity_n as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n one_o serve_v baal_n another_o dagon_n other_o moloch_n or_o ashtaroth_n &c_n &c_n some_o worship_v the_o sun_n other_o the_o moon_n or_o star_n and_o almost_o every_o creature_n whence_o they_o receive_v any_o benefit_n and_o some_o have_v not_o be_v want_v that_o have_v adore_v the_o devil_n himself_o how_o great_o then_o do_v it_o behoove_v every_o one_o to_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o that_o god_n he_o intend_v to_o serve_v and_o of_o that_o religion_n he_o mean_v to_o profess_v in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o that_o he_o may_v first_o choose_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o true_a god_n and_o then_o cleave_v to_o he_o with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n as_o barnabas_n exhort_v act_v 11.23_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o of_o the_o great_a importance_n thereof_o man_n eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n depend_v on_o the_o right_a knowing_z and_z acknowledge_v god_n and_o serve_v he_o or_o his_o mistake_n about_o it_o according_a to_o the_o witness_n of_o christ_n himself_n john_n 17.3_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v so_o as_o to_o acknowledge_v unto_o godliness_n thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n &_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v we_o read_v in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o israelite_n the_o vanity_n of_o man_n nature_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n though_o no_o nation_n under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n have_v great_a discovery_n of_o the_o true_a god_n than_o they_o have_v both_o by_o his_o word_n and_o oracle_n instruct_v they_o from_o heaven_n and_o give_v they_o his_o law_n on_o mount_n sinai_n and_o teach_v they_o by_o his_o prophet_n the_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o that_o law_n as_o also_o by_o his_o mighty_a work_n bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n by_o his_o outstretch_v arm_n work_v sign_n and_o wonder_n divide_v the_o red-sea_n give_v they_o water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n and_o bread_n and_o flesh_n from_o heaven_n in_o a_o wilderness_n and_o guide_v they_o by_o a_o cloud_n of_o smoke_n and_o a_o pillar_n of_o fire_n yet_o how_o apt_a be_v they_o to_o turn_v away_o from_o god_n and_o to_o worship_v other_o god_n even_o of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o canaanites_n who_o god_n cast_v out_o before_o they_o a_o pregnant_a instance_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o business_n of_o the_o golden_a calf_n though_o but_o forty_o day_n before_o they_o hear_v the_o law_n proclaim_v in_o the_o great_a solemnity_n that_o ever_o be_v even_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n with_o thunder_n lightning_n and_o earthquake_n which_o wrought_v such_o plyableness_n in_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o profess_v whatever_o the_o lord_n shall_v speak_v to_o they_o that_o that_o they_o will_v do_v deut._n 5.27_o yet_o when_o moses_n be_v but_o a_o while_n withdraw_v from_o they_o upon_o the_o mount_n they_o quick_o turn_v and_o make_v they_o a_o calf_n to_o worship_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o egypt_n this_o be_v observe_v by_o joshua_n his_o successor_n he_o become_v jealous_a over_o they_o with_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n and_o be_v fearful_a that_o when_o he_o be_v go_v from_o they_o they_o shall_v do_v the_o like_a he_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o to_o bind_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o strong_a bond_n josh_n 24._o he_o bid_v they_o verse_n 15._o choose_v deliberate_o what_o god_n they_o will_v serve_v direct_v they_o by_o his_o own_o example_n and_o then_o when_o they_o have_v deliberate_o choose_v jehovah_n for_o their_o god_n he_o bind_v they_o unto_o he_o by_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n verse_n 25._o and_o set_v up_o a_o last_a remembrance_n of_o it_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o do_v show_v what_o a_o spirit_n there_o be_v in_o we_o even_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n in_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n as_o well_o as_o in_o they_o former_o as_o the_o apostle_n show_v heb._n 3.12_o though_o we_o have_v as_o full_a discovery_n of_o god_n as_o they_o have_v and_o great_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n by_o gospel-light_n to_o know_v god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n yet_o our_o heart_n be_v equal_o fickle_a and_o ready_a to_o forsake_v god_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n tax_v the_o galathian_o to_o turn_v to_o another_o gospel_n and_o another_o christ_n than_o we_o have_v receive_v yea_o to_o another_o god_n the_o world_n our_o lust_n or_o satan_n to_o serve_v they_o more_o than_o the_o true_a god_n therefore_o this_o counsel_n of_o joshua_n may_v be_v as_o seasonable_a to_o we_o now_o as_o to_o they_o former_o viz._n to_o choose_v deliberate_o and_o serious_o what_o god_n we_o will_v serve_v and_o then_o to_o resolve_v to_o cleave_v unto_o he_o for_o ever_o or_o wise_o to_o choose_v that_o religion_n we_o will_v profess_v in_o the_o world_n and_o venture_v our_o salvation_n upon_o and_o then_o to_o labour_v to_o be_v establish_v and_o fix_v therein_o so_o as_o by_o no_o storm_n of_o temptation_n we_o be_v remove_v the_o urge_n of_o this_o counsel_n upon_o unsettled_a and_o waver_a soul_n be_v the_o intendment_n and_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n suit_v to_o these_o fluctuate_a and_o shake_v time_n it_o may_v be_v contract_v into_o this_o ensue_a proposition_n which_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o dilate_v on_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n viz_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a point_n of_o wisdom_n for_o a_o man_n to_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n he_o mean_v to_o take_v
take_v such_o root_n that_o the_o power_n craft_n and_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n can_v root_v it_o out_o it_o be_v evidence_v by_o the_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o its_o doctrine_n by_o the_o sublimity_n of_o the_o mystery_n reveal_v in_o it_o wherein_o the_o high_a wisdom_n of_o god_n shine_v forth_o by_o the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n &_o punishment_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n appear_v in_o the_o serious_a professor_n of_o it_o such_o a_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n as_o be_v no_o where_o else_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o the_o design_n it_o have_v to_o glorify_v god_n and_o to_o humble_a man_n etc._n etc._n by_o these_o and_o the_o like_a evidence_n the_o weak_a may_v easy_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n of_o all_o other_o in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o be_v direct_v to_o make_v choice_n thereof_o chap._n v._n further_a direction_n how_o to_o choose_v the_o right_n 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and_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a yet_o know_v that_o there_o be_v some_o fundamental_a and_o catholic_n verity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d point_v general_o believe_v of_o all_o have_v antiquity_n universality_n and_o consent_n concur_v with_o they_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o foundation_n 1_o cor._n 3.10_o 11._o the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n heb._n 6.1_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1.13_o rom._n 6.17_o the_o proportion_n or_o analogy_n of_o faith_n rom._n 〈◊〉_d 6._o which_o have_v be_v convey_v down_o from_o the_o apostle_n even_o to_o we_o in_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o can_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n ever_o prevail_v so_o far_o as_o to_o extirpate_v they_o and_o these_o be_v such_o confess_v duty_n of_o godliness_n as_o none_o that_o have_v pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n have_v dare_v open_o and_o direct_o to_o gainsay_v now_o these_o be_v the_o point_n that_o have_v great_a influence_n on_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o sanctify_v and_o change_v they_o and_o to_o promote_v the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o rare_o those_o question_n and_o matter_n of_o dispute_n that_o be_v so_o hot_o contest_v about_o and_o these_o avail_n to_o the_o save_v our_o soul_n upon_o our_o hearty_a embrace_n and_o receive_v these_o or_o our_o renounce_n of_o they_o either_o in_o heart_n or_o life_n depend_v our_o salvation_n or_o damnation_n we_o have_v need_v therefore_o to_o set_v our_o heart_n on_o these_o thing_n that_o we_o cordial_o believe_v these_o doctrine_n and_o practice_v those_o duty_n and_o so_o do_v we_o shall_v secure_v our_o eternal_a salvation_n now_o for_o further_a improvement_n of_o this_o advice_n we_o shall_v more_o particular_o inquire_v into_o these_o great_a and_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o duty_n of_o godliness_n and_o lay_v down_o some_o brief_a account_n of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o salvation_n 1._o for_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n not_o that_o i_o undertake_v to_o give_v a_o exact_a account_n hereof_o for_o to_o determine_v this_o say_v a_o learned_a man_n be_v the_o masterpiece_n of_o all_o the_o divine_n in_o christendom_n but_o only_o do_v declare_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v more_o clear_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n have_v be_v general_o embrace_v by_o all_o church_n worthy_a the_o name_n of_o christian_n set_v aside_o controvert_v point_n wherein_o so_o much_o truth_n be_v contain_v as_o be_v join_v with_o holy_a obedience_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o everlasting_a salvation_n this_o be_v premise_v they_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o four_o article_n 1_o concern_v god_n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n of_o a_o infinite_a perfect_a and_o spiritual_a nature_n subsist_v in_o three_o most_o glorious_a person_n the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v the_o maker_n preserver_n &_o governor_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o intend_v his_o own_o glory_n in_o all_o his_o work_n that_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n be_v to_o know_v &_o acknowledge_v this_o god_n to_o fear_v love_n adore_v and_o glorify_v he_o and_o their_o chief_a felicity_n stand_v in_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n in_o full_a conformity_n to_o his_o image_n and_o near_a communion_n with_o he_o and_o in_o no_o earthly_a good_a separate_a from_o he_o this_o be_v one_o article_n of_o religion_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v and_o not_o controvert_v among_o christian_n believe_v this_o thorough_o and_o let_v it_o influence_n your_o heart_n and_o life_n so_o as_o you_o study_v to_o know_v this_o god_n and_o to_o get_v acquaintance_n with_o he_o to_o fear_v love_n and_o serve_v he_o to_o own_v he_o for_o your_o sovereign_a lord_n &_o chief_a good_a 2_o concern_v man_n that_o god_n make_v man_n at_o the_o first_o in_o a_o very_a holy_a &_o happy_a estate_n from_o which_o he_o soon_o fall_v through_o satan_n temptation_n and_o all_o mankind_n become_v plunge_v into_o sin_n and_o misery_n that_o we_o be_v all_o heinous_a offender_n against_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n under_o his_o dreadful_a wrath_n and_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n bar_v out_o of_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n and_o liable_a to_o eternal_a torment_n if_o not_o speedy_o reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o pardon_v and_o by_o renew_v grace_n sanctify_v and_o convert_v which_o neither_o we_o nor_o any_o mere_a creature_n be_v able_a to_o do_v for_o we_o this_o be_v another_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n so_o clear_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o controversy_n