Selected quad for the lemma: spirit_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n believe_v truth_n word_n 5,302 5 4.1809 3 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A41202 A brief refutation of the errors tolleration, erastianism, independency and separation delivered in some sermons from I Job. 4. I, preach'd in the year 1652 : to which are added four sermons preach'd on several occasions / by Mr. James Fergusson ... Fergusson, James, 1621-1667. 1692 (1692) Wing F777; ESTC R21916 200,444 386

There are 14 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

and_o reason_n 4._o the_o truth_n be_v vindicate_v be_v apply_v to_o a_o practical_a use_n pag._n 47._o sect_n iii_o the_o doctrine_n of_o errastianism_n try_v and_o find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 86._o head_n l._n there_o be_v a_o church_n government_n 〈◊〉_d forth_o in_o scripture_n ibid._n head_n ii_o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n pag._n 103_o sect_n iv._o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n try_v and_o find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 123._o head_n i._o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n officer_n and_o not_o in_o the_o body_n of_o church_n member_n ibid._n head_n ii_o the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o church_n session_n or_o congregational_a eldership_n pag._n 150._o paragr_n i._o there_o be_v a_o plate-form_n of_o the_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n by_o one_o common_a presbytry_n hold_v out_o in_o scripture_n pag._n 152._o paragr_n ii_o there_o be_v a_o plate-form_n of_o government_n by_o synod_n over_o many_o particular_a presbytry_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n pag._n 167._o paragr_n iii_o infertor_fw-la church_n judicatories_n be_v subject_a superior_n pag._n 173_o sect_n v._o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n try_v and_o sound_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 191_o head_n i._o show_v what_o be_v require_v for_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n ibid._n head_n ii_o no_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n or_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o church_n because_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o fellow-worshiper_n pag._n 214_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o synod_n at_o glasgow_n april_n 5._o 1653._o from_o 1_o cor_n 1._o 10._o pag._n 235._o sermon_n second_o preach_v at_o irving_n foom_n psalm_n 51_o 6._o immediate_o before_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n be_v a_o preparation_n sermon_n in_o order_n thereto_o pag._n 287_o sermon_n three_o preach_v at_o kilwinning_n 11_o may_n 1663._o from_o luke_n 7._o 23._o upon_o the_o monday_n immediate_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n pag._n 313._o sermon_n four_o preach_v at_o kilwinning_n from_o act_n 11_o 23._o upon_o the_o monday_n immediate_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n pag._n 340._o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n etc._n etc._n sect_n i._o of_o doctrine_n in_o general_n and_o the_o trial_n thereof_o 1_o john_n ch_z 4._o ver_fw-la 1._o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n the_o body_n of_o this_o epistle_n as_o we_o show_v when_o first_o we_o enter_v upon_o the_o handle_n of_o it_o run_v upon_o three_o head_n the_o first_o be_v upon_o mark_n whereby_o to_o discern_v real_a grace_n to_o wit_n who_o have_v it_o and_o who_o not_o the_o second_o run_v upon_o exhortation_n to_o several_a duty_n of_o sanctification_n chief_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n that_o christian_n will_v love_v they_o that_o love_n god_n love_n grace_n wherever_o they_o see_v it_o the_o three_o head_n whereon_o it_o run_v be_v exhortation_n to_o constancy_n in_o avow_v truth_n against_o error_n in_o this_o four_o chapter_n there_o be_v two_o of_o these_o head_n according_a to_o which_o we_o may_v take_v up_o the_o chapter_n in_o two_o part_n in_o the_o first_o there_o be_v a_o exhortation_n to_o stand_v by_o truth_n and_o to_o beware_v of_o those_o who_o will_v seduce_v people_n from_o it_o and_o that_o to_o ver_fw-la 7._o in_o the_o second_o part_n there_o be_v a_o renew_n of_o the_o former_a exhortation_n to_o love_v the_o brethren_n and_o a_o confirmation_n of_o it_o by_o a_o number_n of_o new_a argument_n to_o the_o end_n both_o which_o have_v be_v handle_v already_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n return_v again_o to_o they_o because_o exhortation_n against_o error_n can_v be_v enough_o inculcate_v and_o therefore_o he_o reiterat_o they_o again_o and_o again_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o chapter_n there_o be_v 1._o a_o exhortation_n 2._o there_o be_v argument_n to_o enforce_v the_o exhortation_n the_o exhortation_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o first_o verse_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n that_o be_v lend_v not_o a_o ear_n to_o every_o point_n of_o doctrine_n cover_v over_o with_o a_o fair_a name_n but_o bring_v every_o doctrine_n to_o the_o touchstone_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n considerable_a in_o this_o exhortation_n first_o there_o be_v the_o compellation_n he_o give_v they_o a_o warm_a and_o kind_o style_n beloved_n and_o then_o second_o there_o be_v the_o exhortation_n itself_o and_o in_o it_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n 1._o what_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v and_o 2._o what_o they_o shall_v do_v for_o the_o first_o what_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n some_o take_v the_o spirit_n here_o for_o preacher_n believe_v not_o every_o preacher_n and_o some_o for_o doctrine_n believe_v not_o every_o doctrine_n but_o both_o may_v well_o be_v join_v together_o thus_o believe_v not_o every_o preacher_n who_o pretend_v the_o spirit_n for_o his_o doctrine_n for_o the_o second_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v it_o be_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n he_o bid_v they_o not_o cast_v at_o all_o doctrine_n because_o there_o be_v some_o error_n vent_v for_o truth_n as_o the_o natural_a heart_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v but_o he_o exhort_v that_o they_o will_v bring_v every_o spirit_n to_o the_o right_a touch_n stone_n thus_o much_o for_o open_v up_o the_o word_n we_o intend_v if_o the_o lord_n give_v we_o liberty_n to_o speak_v somewhat_o large_o on_o this_o verse_n of_o those_o doctrine_n or_o error_n which_o be_v most_o like_a to_o trouble_v our_o church_n therefore_o we_o shall_v raise_v some_o doctrine_n before_o hand_n which_o may_v make_v way_n for_o what_o we_o intend_v doct._n i._n the_o first_o be_v from_o the_o apostle_n dehort_v believer_n from_o false_a doctrine_n by_o many_o argument_n hence_o observe_v that_o christian_n will_v by_o all_o mean_n eschew_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o the_o pure_a truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n particular_o that_o they_o will_v beware_v of_o error_n heresy_n and_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o sort_n hence_o there_o be_v so_o many_o exhortation_n in_o scripture_n to_o stand_v by_o the_o truth_n to_o be_v root_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o eschew_v contrary_a error_n so_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o christian_n to_o be_v guard_v and_o watch_v against_o error_n or_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o truth_n reas_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o error_n be_v a_o sin_n and_o a_o very_a dangerous_a one_o we_o shall_v show_v the_o danger_n of_o it_o in_o three_o thing_n i._o it_o be_v dangerous_a because_o of_o the_o desert_n of_o it_o it_o be_v damnable_a 2_o peter_n 2._o 1._o false_a prophet_n be_v speak_v of_o there_o as_o those_o who_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n that_o be_v high_o condemnable_a we_o shall_v afterwad_v show_v in_o what_o respect_n heresy_n be_v damnable_a 2._o error_n be_v dangerous_a sin_n because_o they_o steal_v subtle_o in_o upon_o people_n and_o people_n do_v too_o ready_o relish_v they_o so_o there_o be_v many_o who_o nature_n abhor_v gross_a sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n as_o fornication_n and_o such_o like_a and_o yet_o the_o devil_n get_v they_o hook_v by_o this_o sin_n of_o error_n nature_n be_v bear_v with_o a_o cry_n against_o gross_a sin_n commit_v against_o the_o second_o table_n and_o so_o natural_o there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o loathe_v in_o people_n at_o they_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o sin_n of_o error_n satan_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o plead_v conscience_n whereas_o he_o intend_v to_o bear_v down_o truth_n so_o the_o sin_n of_o error_n be_v dangerous_a because_o subtle_a 3._o they_o be_v dangerous_a in_o this_o respect_n that_o as_o they_o creep_v easy_o in_o so_o when_o once_o they_o be_v in_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o get_v they_o shut_v to_o the_o door_n again_o and_o that_o because_o delude_a conscience_n plead_v for_o they_o people_n taint_v with_o error_n think_v themselves_o right_a and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v bring_v against_o they_o conscience_n cast_v at_o all_o as_o wrong_v now_o in_o other_o sin_n to_o wit_n such_o as_o be_v against_o the_o second_o table_n although_o affection_n plead_v for_o they_o yet_o usual_o people_n light_n do_v witness_n against_o they_o and_o so_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v more_o hard_a to_o get_v a_o sin_n of_o error_n thrust_v out_o where_o it_o be_v once_o root_v than_o the_o sin_n of_o profanity_n itself_o use_v this_o doctrine_n may_v serve_v to_o fit_v you_o for_o receive_v the_o follow_a doctrine_n which_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o
on_o the_o finger_n to_o make_v he_o more_o warry_a and_o to_o scar_n all_o justify_v person_n in_o time_n come_v from_o do_v the_o like_a we_o may_v so_o run_v through_o all_o the_o error_n of_o the_o time_n as_o that_o of_o independency_n whereby_o power_n be_v deny_v to_o presbytry_n o_o say_v they_o to_o put_v power_n in_o presbytry_n and_o make_v they_o receive_v appeal_n from_o congregation_n it_o be_v to_o tyrannize_v over_o particular_a flock_n and_o therefore_o say_v they_o nothing_o be_v better_a than_o that_o every_o congregation_n have_v complete_a power_n within_o themselves_o and_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o guide_n not_o be_v countable_a to_o any_o judicatory_a above_o they_o but_o only_o to_o christ_n this_o seem_v a_o specious_a bait_n for_o such_o as_o will_v have_v liberty_n but_o when_o it_o be_v due_o ponder_v it_o will_v be_v find_v most_o contrary_a to_o truth_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n if_o a_o particular_a flock_n shall_v err_v and_o if_o one_o shall_v suffer_v wrong_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o particular_a session_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n to_o repair_v the_o oppress_a man_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o err_v congregation_n to_o a_o right_a mind_n and_o how_o far_o this_o be_v derogatory_n to_o jes●s_n christ_n who_o be_v perfect_a in_o all_o his_o house_n any_o man_n may_v judge_v we_o may_v run_v through_o more_o of_o they_o but_o because_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o refute_v these_o error_n by_o themselves_o we_o shall_v insist_v no_o further_o here_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o clear_v the_o point_n that_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n may_v be_v bear_v in_o under_o the_o fair_a pretence_n and_o therefore_o you_o will_v not_o take_v all_o to_o be_v gold_n that_o glister_v take_v not_o all_o for_o truth_n that_o be_v deck_v up_o with_o a_o bundle_n of_o brave_a high_a ravish_a expression_n doct._n 6_o we_o proceed_v believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n say_v he_o he_o speak_v not_o this_o in_o vain_a it_o suppose_v he_o see_v a_o inclination_n in_o they_o to_o believe_v the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n that_o arise_v from_o it_o be_v that_o when_o foul_a error_n be_v hold_v out_o under_o fair_a name_n and_o back_v with_o fair_a pretence_n there_o be_v a_o danger_n lest_o people_n drink_v they_o in_o and_o believe_v they_o for_o john_n see_v that_o hazard_n and_o therefore_o give_v they_o a_o watchword_n so_o in_o the_o 16_o of_o the_o rom._n ver_fw-la 18._o for_o they_o that_o be_v such_o serve_v not_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o their_o own_o belly_n and_o by_o good_a word_n and_o fair_a speech_n deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a their_o bait_n hook_a the_o simple_a before_o they_o be_v aware_a we_o need_v no_o further_a proof_n of_o this_o than_o the_o example_n of_o our_o neighbour_n church_n in_o england_n error_n which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v name_v but_o people_n will_v have_v loathe_v at_o they_o such_o as_o the_o arminian_n error_n against_o free_a grace_n etc._n etc._n yet_o be_v deck_v with_o the_o name_n of_o new_a light_n they_o be_v greedy_o drink_v in_o by_o too_o too_o many_o we_o shall_v give_v some_o reason_n to_o make_v you_o sensible_a of_o this_o hazard_n how_o great_a danger_n there_o be_v when_o error_n be_v in_o spread_a that_o people_n be_v take_v off_o their_o foot_n with_o it_o we_o shall_v point_v at_o four_o or_o five_o thing_n that_o speak_v this_o hazard_n and_o the_o first_o be_v the_o proneness_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o drink_v in_o untruth_n we_o see_v this_o in_o eva_n for_o error_n be_v nature_n brood_n and_o as_o we_o say_v error_n be_v the_o copy_n of_o some_o lust_n and_o therefore_o it_o soon_o infect_v truth_n again_o it_o have_v nothing_o in_o we_o no_o party_n for_o it_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o make_v we_o take_v with_o it_o there_o must_v be_v word_n upon_o word_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n we_o drink_v in_o truth_n slow_o and_o after_o much_o pain_n take_v upon_o we_o we_o be_v but_o to_o begin_v to_o learn_v it_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v quick_a to_o take_v up_o error_n you_o will_v find_v man_n more_o able_a in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o debate_v for_o error_n than_o in_o a_o long_a time_n to_o debate_v for_o truth_n i_o will_v seek_v no_o great_a presumption_n that_o such_o a_o tenant_n be_v a_o error_n than_o this_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v set_v on_o fire_n it_o run_v through_o great_a number_n and_o set_v their_o spirit_n on_o edge_n for_o it_o we_o be_v not_o so_o hot_a for_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o our_o nature_n to_o be_v so_o take_v with_o it_o reason_n 2_o then_o there_o be_v a_o second_o thing_n that_o speak_v this_o hazard_n and_o it_o be_v the_o shallowness_n of_o people_n apprehension_n together_o with_o their_o foolish_a haste_n before_o they_o try_v from_o the_o shallowness_n of_o many_o it_o be_v that_o they_o can_v put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o fair_a pretence_n and_o a_o foul_a error_n that_o be_v hide_v under_o it_o and_o from_o the_o haste_n of_o people_n spirit_n it_o be_v that_o they_o engage_v sudden_o with_o any_o thing_n have_v the_o colour_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v once_o engage_v they_o be_v still_o the_o more_o and_o more_o involve_a these_o two_o lay_v together_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o point_n out_o this_o hazard_n reason_n 3._o we_o may_v add_v a_o three_o and_o this_o be_v desire_n of_o novelty_n in_o people_n speak_v of_o in_o 2_o timoth_n chap_n 4_o v_o 3_o after_o their_o own_o lust_n shall_v they_o heap_v to_o themselves_o teacher_n have_v itch_a ear_n and_o they_o shall_v turn_v away_o etc._n etc._n where_o by_o the_o way_n observe_v that_o lust_n within_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o drink_v in_o error_n from_o without_o but_o the_o thing_n we_o mark_v be_v that_o they_o have_v a_o itch_a ear_n lust_a after_o new_a thing_n and_o this_o come_v from_o their_o little_a practise_v of_o old_a truth_n reas_n 4_o there_o be_v a_o four_o reason_n and_o it_o be_v the_o diversity_n of_o bait_n and_o pretence_n that_o be_v put_v upon_o several_a error_n according_a to_o people_n several_a humour_n so_o subtle_a be_v satan_n that_o he_o put_v a_o bait_n on_o for_o every_o appetit_fw-la there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v pious_o strict_a and_o be_v incline_v so_o to_o be_v both_o towards_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o he_o have_v a_o bait_n to_o catch_v those_o to_o wit_n a_o pretence_n of_o strickness_n which_o the_o error_n of_o separation_n be_v cover_v with_o for_o this_o error_n allow_v church_n fellowship_n with_o none_o but_o these_o that_o have_v a_o real_a evidence_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o it_o be_v a_o way_n think_v they_o to_o shame_v natural_a men._n again_o there_o be_v some_o who_o humour_n be_v for_o looseness_n he_o put_v on_o a_o bait_n to_o gratify_v this_o humour_n also_o let_v they_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o let_v they_o live_v as_o they_o like_v say_v the_o antinomian_a and_o so_o according_a to_o people_n several_a humour_n there_o be_v a_o bait_n put_v on_o by_o the_o devil_n upon_o error_n now_o when_o these_o bait_n and_o people_n humour_n agree_v it_o be_v like_a powder_n and_o fire_n present_o they_o kindle_v reas._n 5_o there_o be_v a_o five_o thing_n which_o speak_v this_o hazard_n and_o it_o be_v this_o the_o lord_n that_o error_n may_v be_v a_o trial_n in_o his_o holy_a justice_n let_v out_o more_o than_o ordinary_a part_n and_o ability_n on_o spreader_n of_o error_n and_o on_o the_o spirit_n of_o people_n when_o they_o be_v take_v with_o it_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o judgement_n to_o themselves_o and_o for_o a_o trial_n unto_o other_o give_v they_o as_o we_o speak_v a_o cast_n of_o their_o craft_n he_o elevate_v they_o above_o their_o ordinary_a sphere_n or_o what_o be_v their_o ordinary_a way_n and_o this_o we_o speak_v not_o without_o scripture_n it_o be_v say_v of_o false_a antichristian_a teacher_n they_o shall_v come_v with_o l●ing_a sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o there_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o error_n which_o he_o foretell_v shall_v accompany_v error_n be_v not_o soon_o shake_v in_o mind_n neither_o by_o spirit_n nor_o by_o word_n etc._n etc._n in_o that_o place_n that_o we_o already_o cite_v 2_o thess_n 2_o 2._o when_o we_o look_v on_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o hope_v we_o have_v make_v out_o the_o point_n viz._n that_o foul_a error_n even_o when_o they_o be_v colour_v with_o fair_a pretence_n there_o be_v a_o danger_n lest_o people_n drink_v they_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v if_o there_o be_v this_o hazard_n than_o you_o will_v be_v afraid_a of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v say_v the_o righteous_a fear_n always_o i_o will_v seek_v no_o clear_a mark_n of_o any_o person_n that_o be_v
least_o not_o such_o a_o ample_a grant_n as_o it_o be_v matth_n 28._o 19_o go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n &c_n &c_n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n it_o do_v not_o exeem_v they_o indeed_o from_o err_v themselves_o but_o the_o promise_n be_v there_o more_o large_o give_v to_o they_o than_o to_o other_o and_o second_o minister_n as_o call_v watch_n man_n have_v the_o charge_n of_o people_n soul_n god_n have_v charge_v they_o with_o they_o which_o he_o have_v not_o charge_v other_o with_o there_o be_v not_o a_o charge_n of_o people_n soul_n lay_v on_o private_a man_n by_o way_n of_o office_n every_o one_o be_v bind_v indeed_o by_o way_n of_o charity_n to_o take_v a_o care_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o contrair_a to_o that_o of_o cain_n be_o i_o my_o brother_n keeper_n but_o beside_o this_o tie_n of_o charity_n lie_v on_o send_v minister_n there_o be_v a_o tie_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o particular_a charge_n so_o that_o place_n act_n 20._o take_v heed_n to_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o special_a charge_n and_o so_o they_o be_v charge_v in_o a_o special_a way_n with_o people_n soul_n then_o there_o be_v a_o three_o reason_n it_o be_v satan_n method_n to_o bring_v in_o error_n on_o people_n by_o cast_v in_o prejudices_fw-la betwixt_o they_o and_o send_v minister_n which_o we_o have_v clear_v sometime_o from_o scripture_n and_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v watch_v against_o lest_o satan_n subtlety_n prevail_v so_o far_o as_o to_o bring_v people_n to_o disrespect_n their_o minister_n for_o if_o that_o be_v once_o gain_v he_o have_v prevail_v very_o much_o doct_n viii_o now_o further_o he_o say_v believe_v no●_n every_o spirit_n but_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o trial_n do_v not_o cast_v at_o all_o but_o try_v the_o spirit_n hence_o take_v this_o doctrine_n it_o be_v not_o god_n way_n that_o people_n because_o there_o be_v difference_n about_o religion_n shall_v therefore_o believe_v no_o religion_n that_o be_v not_o god_n way_n so_o matth_n 16._o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n practice_v christ_n say_v unto_o they_o who_o say_v they_o that_o i_o be_o say_v they_o some_o say_v tha●_n thou_o be_v john_n the_o baptist_n some_o elias_n other_o jeremiah_n or_o one_o of_o the_o prophet_n but_o who_o say_v you_o that_o i_o be_o they_o do_v not_o answer_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o say_v there_o be_v so_o many_o different_a say_n about_o thou_o but_o say_v they_o thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n reas_n so_o people_n be_v not_o to_o cast_v at_o all_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v difference_n about_o it_o and_o that_o because_o first_o that_o be_v to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o devil_n plot_n his_o design_n in_o raise_v up_o error_n about_o religion_n be_v to_o make_v people_n atheist_n so_o as_o not_o to_o care_v for_o any_o religion_n and_o so_o when_o the_o use_n which_o thou_o make_v of_o different_a opinion_n be_v that_o thou_o will_v believe_v none_o thou_o fulfille_v the_o devil_n design_n second_o thou_o make_v use_v of_o god_n providence_n to_o thy_o destruction_n the_o lord_n providence_n in_o raise_v up_o error_n be_v to_o make_v man_n seek_v more_o after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o when_o thou_o make_v that_o use_n of_o it_o to_o cast_v at_o all_o religion_n thou_o mock_v the_o holy_a counsel_n of_o god_n to_o thy_o own_o ruin_n the_o use_v then_o of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v to_o reprove_v those_o of_o this_o stamp_n to_o wit_n profane_v atheistical_a man_n that_o make_v no_o difference_n about_o religion_n but_o this_o let_v churchman_n once_o agree_v among_o themselves_o what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o be_v wrong_a until_o then_o the_o back_n of_o our_o hand_n to_o altogether_o that_o be_v a_o woeful_a way_n indeed_o there_o may_v be_v a_o doubt_n propose_v here_o viz._n what_o else_o shall_v poor_a ignorant_a people_n do_v about_o difference_n in_o religion_n but_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o care_n of_o all_o when_o they_o see_v every_o party_n have_v their_o own_o reason_n strong_a than_o these_o poor_a people_n can_v answer_v i_o answer_v there_o be_v some_o direction_n ground_v on_o scripture_n which_o if_o we_o walk_v by_o may_v bring_v we_o to_o a_o safe_a shore_n amid_o these_o rock_n of_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o for_o difference_n that_o concern_v not_o people_n practice_n i_o will_v not_o have_v people_n trouble_v themselves_o much_o with_o they_o as_o for_o example_n our_o late_a unhappy_a difference_n about_o the_o public_a resolution_n the_o lord_n have_v take_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o away_o so_o i_o will_v not_o have_v any_o trouble_v themselves_o much_o about_o they_o whatever_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n fall_v in_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n that_o when_o the_o occasion_n of_o such_o practice_n be_v remove_v all_o contention_n about_o they_o shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o second_o as_o to_o the_o difference_n wherein_o peoples_n practice_n be_v concern_v take_v these_o rule_n first_o for_o these_o that_o be_v uncontravert_v truth_n make_v conscience_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o which_o will_v help_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o other_o thing_n this_o rule_n christ_n prescrive_v john_n 7._o 17._o say_v he_o if_o any_o man_n do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v something_o that_o thy_o conscience_n be_v clear_a of_o to_o be_v duty_n and_o although_o the_o difference_n of_o opinion_n may_v be_v some_o excuse_n to_o make_v thou_o keep_v off_o from_o these_o thing_n about_o which_o there_o be_v difference_n yet_o how_o be_v thou_o excuse_v for_o neglect_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o thou_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v duty_n as_o prayer_n read_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n second_o we_o will_v know_v whatever_o be_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a way_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o one_o way_n may_v be_v attain_v to_o by_o those_o who_o seek_v humble_o after_o it_o at_o least_o if_o thou_o be_v judge_v thyself_o and_o as_o a_o damn_a bankrupt_a or_o d●vour_n by_o nature_n be_v close_v with_o christ_n and_o draw_v grace_n from_o he_o to_o make_v thou_o holy_a thou_o will_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o as_o much_o of_o these_o thing_n debate_v as_o will_v take_v thou_o home_o to_o heaven_n a_o three_o direction_n be_v that_o you_o shall_v beware_v of_o call_v in_o question_n any_o of_o these_o truth_n that_o once_o have_v be_v seal_v into_o your_o spirit_n by_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o john_n ver_fw-la 8._o look_v to_o yourselves_o that_o we_o lose_v not_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v wrought_v the_o point_n of_o truth_n that_o people_n have_v get_v thus_o seal_v to_o their_o conscience_n shall_v not_o ready_o be_v call_v in_o question_n a_o four_o direction_n be_v this_o that_o in_o seek_v out_o truth_n under_o difference_n we_o shall_v beware_v of_o loftyness_n of_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 32_o it_o be_v say_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n how_o much_o more_o ought_v the_o spirit_n of_o private_a person_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n ambassador_n speak_v in_o his_o court_n this_o be_v not_o as_o if_o we_o will_v make_v minister_n saying_n the_o people_n rule_n to_o walk_v by_o but_o this_o much_o will_v follow_v that_o in_o a_o constitute_v church_n where_o discipline_n be_v exercise_v there_o shall_v be_v that_o humility_n in_o people_n that_o wh●n_a doubt_n arise_v concern_v any_o point_n of_o receive_a truth_n within_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v offer_v their_o judgement_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o to_o the_o prophet_n and_o christ_n court_n to_o be_v try_v before_o they_o lie_v down_o any_o new_a opinion_n as_o a_o solid_a truth_n that_o much_o be_v contain_v under_o this_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n if_o it_o mean_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o doct_n ix_o now_o we_o proceed_v the_o next_o thing_n that_o we_o come_v to_o be_v what_o people_n shall_v do_v try_v the_o spirit_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o trial_n be_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n the_o first_o point_n we_o learn_v be_v that_o how_o fair_a soever_o the_o pretence_n be_v that_o our_o doctrine_n be_v colour_v with_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v upon_o trust_n but_o the_o spirit_n must_v be_v try_v such_o we_o see_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o b●reans_n and_o they_o be_v commend_v for_o it_o they_o will_v not_o take_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n on_o
light_n break_v out_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o truth_n these_o be_v reason_n why_o heretic_n must_v be_v use_v the_o use_n be_v see_v the_o spirit_n of_o error_n begin_v so_o early_o to_o trouble_v the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n that_o be_v guide_v with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n than_o you_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v that_o error_n shall_v trouble_v the_o church_n now_o when_o there_o be_v not_o such_o infallible_a light_n as_o these_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n be_v a_o bold_a dare_v spirit_n it_o will_v dare_v to_o contradict_v god_n himself_o and_o find_v out_o some_o shift_n to_o cast_v at_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o say_v as_o may_v be_v see_v gen_n 3._o the_o lord_n say_v the_o day_n thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v die_v and_o satan_n contradict_v it_o thou_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v and_o so_o no_o wonder_n there_o be_v such_o impudence_n see_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n now_o as_o to_o cast_v at_o any_o thing_n which_o god_n servant_n say_v see_v satan_n still_o act_v the_o instrument_n of_o error_n use_v 2_o but_o second_o from_o this_o doctrine_n learn_v not_o to_o quarrel_v with_o god_n most_o holy_a and_o wise_a providence_n in_o that_o he_o suffer_v so_o many_o error_n to_o be_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o if_o god_n have_v that_o care_n of_o his_o church_n covenant_n and_o cause_n as_o man_n will_v think_v he_o have_v he_o will_v not_o suffer_v such_o effront_a spirit_n and_o such_o blasphemous_a heretic_n to_o prevail_v and_o to_o outdare_v his_o truth_n but_o that_o be_v to_o quarrel_v the_o lord_n providence_n and_o without_o a_o ground_n he_o who_o furnace_n be_v in_o zion_n can_v make_v all_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o time_n that_o arise_v from_o error_n to_o contribute_v much_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o truth_n by_o this_o mean_v he_o will_v rouse_v up_o his_o people_n to_o study_v truth_n to_o understand_v it_o better_o to_o search_v out_o ground_n for_o it_o and_o that_o be_v one_o advantage_n only_o you_o will_v know_v also_o that_o these_o time_n will_v be_v discover_v time_n they_o will_v discover_v many_o a_o corrupt_a heart_n many_o unstable_a heart_n and_o light_a head_n many_o proud_a spirit_n and_o many_o that_o have_v lust_n lurk_v within_o they_o so_o that_o many_o will_v choose_v that_o religion_n that_o will_v gratify_v their_o lust_n most_o for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o error_n that_o satan_n hatch_n but_o there_o be_v one_o lust_n or_o other_o within_o people_n that_o speak_v for_o it_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ready_a to_o make_v people_n take_v in_o error_n than_o their_o harbour_v of_o unmortified_a lusts._n so_o in_o 2_o timoth_n cap._n 3._o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v carry_v away_o with_o false_a teacher_n say_v in_o the_o 6._o v_o for_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v they_o which_o creep_v into_o house_n and_o lead_v captive_a silly_a woman_n lade_v with_o sin_n lead_v away_o with_o diverse_a lust_n unmortified_a lust_n be_v as_o fuel_n to_o make_v the_o fire_n of_o zeal_n for_o error_n to_o burn_v very_o hot_a in_o people_n bosom_n and_o so_o error_n will_v try_v people_n this_o way_n doct_n v._n next_o observe_v he_o say_v believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n that_o be_v believe_v not_o every_o doctrine_n that_o have_v the_o name_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o fair_a pretence_n put_v upon_o it_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n believe_v they_o not_o from_o this_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o foul_a error_n go_v out_o oftentimes_o under_o fair_a name_n and_o be_v back_v with_o most_o specious_a pretence_n what_o foul_a error_n than_o these_o speak_v of_o here_o the_o deny_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o what_o fair_a name_n than_o the_o spirit_n what_o fair_a pretence_n than_o that_o they_o be_v doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n we_o will_v find_v this_o of_o all_o error_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n for_o the_o most_o part_n cora●_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n error_n whereby_o they_o rise_v up_o against_o the_o magistracy_n of_o moses_n and_o preist-hood_n of_o aaron_n have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n for_o it_o you_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o you_o moses_n and_o aaron_n be_v not_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n holy_a and_o jeroboam'_v error_n his_o idolatry_n in_o set_v up_o the_o calf_n at_o dan_n and_o bethel_n have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n 1_o king_n 12._o it_o be_v too_o fair_a for_o you_o etc._n etc._n the_o people_n ease_n and_o the_o public_a good_a be_v the_o thing_n he_o pretend_v though_o his_o design_n be_v far_o otherwise_o and_o so_o these_o that_o urge_v justification_n by_o work_n and_o oppose_v the_o way_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n they_o have_v their_o fair_a pretence_n o_o say_v they_o to_o cast_v off_o work_v from_o justification_n will_v make_v people_n secure_a we_o may_v sin_v that_o grace_n may_v abound_v very_o take_v pretence_n all_o of_o they_o and_o as_o take_v as_o any_o that_o error_n be_v now_o cover_v over_o with_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v from_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o the_o tempter_n present_v error_n under_o fair_a colour_n and_o specious_a pretence_n which_o be_v this_o that_o he_o may_v make_v the_o error_n the_o more_o take_v for_o these_o be_v the_o bait_n he_o put_v on_o the_o hook_n that_o he_o may_v deceive_v and_o catch_v the_o simple_a therefore_o for_o use_v of_o this_o doctrine_n you_o will_v not_o be_v deceive_v with_o fair_a pretence_n or_o ravishinglike_a expression_n that_o error_n may_v be_v faird_v over_o with_o see_v what_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v to_o this_o purpose_n 2_o thess_n cap._n 2_o v_o 2._o where_o speak_v against_o a_o error_n he_o beseech_v they_o by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o be_v not_o soon_o shake_v in_o mind_n or_o trouble_v neither_o by_o spirit_n nor_o by_o word_n nor_o by_o letter_n as_o from_o we_o as_o that_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o hand_n it_o suppose_v that_o the_o spreader_n of_o that_o error_n have_v all_o these_o three_o pretence_n first●_o they_o pretend_v the_o spirit_n that_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n teach_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n accompany_v by_o his_o presence_n in_o their_o spirit_n with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a flash_n and_o rapture_n and_o in-bearings_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o second_o that_o they_o have_v the_o word_n or_o scripture_n to_o allege_v for_o it_o and_o three_o they_o pick_v somewhat_o out_o of_o paul_n letter_n for_o they_o so_o will_v they_o say_v in_o speak_v against_o we_o he_o contradict_v himself_o these_o be_v fair_a pretence_n and_o yet_o say_v paul_n be_v not_o shake_v in_o mind_n with_o they_o so_o say_v i_o you_o will_v guard_v yourself_o against_o the_o fair_a pretence_n which_o error_n may_v have_v and_o look_v not_o only_o to_o the_o out_o side_n but_o to_o the_o inside_n of_o they_o and_o then_o you_o will_v find_v most_o bitter_a serpent_n lurk_v under_o fair_a flower_n as_o for_o example_n the_o mother_n of_o all_o error_n toleration_n have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n for_o it_o viz._n that_o good_a man_n may_v err_v and_o so_o in_o suppress_v error_n you_o may_v suppress_v piety_n a_o fair_a pretence_n but_o it_o have_v afoul_a end_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n blasphemer_n denyer_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n must_v have_v liberty_n to_o vent_v their_o damnable_a error_n if_o so_o be_v that_o they_o can_v but_o pretend_v conscience_n and_o so_o stable_a room_n must_v be_v give_v in_o christ_n church_n to_o every_o unclean_a beast_n that_o ever_o be_v hatch_v in_o hell_n the_o antinomian_a error_n again_o have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n o_o say_v they_o christ_n have_v become_v sin_n for_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v take_v off_o from_o we_o so_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o repent_v for_o it_o for_o to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v to_o repent_v be_v to_o take_v the_o burden_n off_o from_o christ_n back_n and_o to_o put_v it_o on_o our_o own_o these_o be_v specious_a word_n without_o solidity_n but_o they_o contradict_v scripture_n truth_n where_o they_o be_v narrow_o look_v to_o peter_n be_v a_o justify_v person_n and_o yet_o when_o christ_n look_v on_o he_o he_o weep_v bitter_o david_n sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o christ_n have_v take_v the_o burden_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o david_n be_v to_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v correct_v for_o it_o and_o so_o the_o lord_n tell_v he_o that_o the_o sword_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o his_o house_n because_o he_o have_v make_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o blaspheme_n and_o yet_o sin_n be_v not_o lay_v upon_o david_n to_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n for_o it_o only_o he_o must_v get_v
like_a to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o snare_n than_o that_o they_o think_v themselves_o so_o stout_a and_o steadfast_a that_o no_o error_n will_v gain_v upon_o they_o and_o i_o will_v think_v it_o a_o evidence_n very_o good_a when_o people_n be_v afraid_a of_o themselves_o and_o do_v humble_a themselves_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o be_v employ_v christ_n daily_o to_o bear_v they_o through_o for_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o fear_v always_o only_o remember_v that_o this_o fear_n will_v be_v of_o the_o right_a stamp_n and_o for_o clear_v this_o we_o shall_v point_v at_o three_o or_o four_o thing_n wherein_o this_o holy_a fear_n do_v consist_v special_o with_o reference_n to_o error_n first_o where_o ●his_v fear_n be_v there_o will_v be_v a_o labour_a to_o root_v truth_n in_o the_o heart_n you_o know_v when_o people_n be_v afraid_a of_o lose_v any_o thing_n that_o they_o will_v labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v sure_a of_o it_o a_o man_n that_o have_v this_o holy_a fear_n over_o himself_o lest_o he_o be_v ensnare_v with_o error_n will_v study_v to_o get_v truth_n root_v in_o the_o heart_n prov_n 2._o 16._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v of_o hide_v of_o understanding_n put_v it_o in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o heart_n a_o second_o thing_n accompany_v this_o fear_n be_v a_o forecast_v what_o truth_n may_v cost_v you_o there_o will_v be_v a_o forecast_v of_o this_o and_o a_o take_v a_o essay_n of_o the_o cross_n before_o hand_n and_o this_o for_o fear_v lest_o that_o to_o eschew_v suffer_v you_o quite_o the_o truth_n if_o the_o trial_n come_v on_o you_o unexpected_o paul_n while_o he_o be_v exhort_v the_o disciple_n to_o steadfastness_n inform_v they_o that_o through_o much_o tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n act_v 14._o 22._o then_o there_o be_v a_o three_o thing_n accompany_v this_o holy_a fear_n and_o that_o be_v a_o fear_n to_o venture_v on_o temptation_n to_o error_n except_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n put_v to_o it_o of_o necessity_n and_o this_o fear_n rise_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n to_o engage_v with_o or_o stand_v the_o shock_n against_o temptation_n this_o be_v employ_v in_o that_o direction_n which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n give_v 2_o timoth_n 3_o 5._o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o v_a 6._o for_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v they_o which_o creep_v into_o house_n when_o a_o man_n be_v sensible_a of_o his_o own_o weakness_n the_o fear_n of_o his_o be_v ensnare_v will_v keep_v he_o from_o walk_v among_o snare_n a_o four_o thing_n accompany_v this_o holy_a fear_n be_v that_o though_o you_o find_v these_o truth_n you_o have_v have_v once_o seal_v to_o your_o spirit_n begin_v to_o be_v question_v and_o that_o you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o answer_v what_o be_v bring_v against_o they_o and_o so_o perchance_o your_o judgement_n may_v incline_v to_o think_v that_o what_o you_o think_v once_o to_o be_v truth_n be_v now_o error_n yet_o where_o this_o holy_a fear_n be_v you_o will_v rather_o suspect_v your_o own_o want_n of_o knowledge_n to_o discern_v than_o any_o way_n suspect_v the_o truth_n to_o be_v untruth_n and_o it_o will_v make_v you_o at_o least_o abstain_v from_o venture_v even_o on_o that_o which_o your_o light_a point_n out_o for_o the_o time_n now_o by_o these_o you_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o fearlessness_n that_o make_v people_n to_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o it_o be_v this_o when_o it_o make_v thou_o so_o inconcerned_a that_o thou_o never_o labour_n to_o get_v truth_n bring_v low_a than_o thy_o head_n when_o thou_o never_o cast_v a_o account_n what_o truth_n may_v stand_v thou_o when_o thou_o be_v so_o confident_a of_o thy_o own_o wit_n and_o knowledge_n that_o thou_o will_v venture_v uncalled_a to_o dispute_v with_o sectarian_n spirit_n or_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v bear_v in_o as_o truth_n contrary_a to_o what_o thou_o have_v maintain_v as_o a_o truth_n before_o and_o contrary_a to_o thy_o covenant_n engagement_n thou_o grippe_v present_o to_o it_o without_o once_o suspect_v that_o thy_o own_o shallow_a understanding_n may_v be_v deceive_v this_o i_o say●_n speak_v a_o fearlesness_n that_o border_n neigh_v unto_o error_n doct_n vii_o the_o doctrine_n that_o follow_v next_o from_o these_o word_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n be_v that_o minister_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o clap_v people_n head_n or_o indulge_v they_o in_o this_o inclination_n of_o they_o to_o error_n they_o be_v not_o to_o humour_v they_o in_o it_o but_o on_o all_o hazard_n they_o be_v to_o testify_v against_o it_o therefore_o say_v john_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n so_o also_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v very_o sharp_o inveigh_v against_o people_n when_o they_o be_v beginning_n to_o tamper_v with_o error_n and_o lest_o people_n shall_v say_v paul_n and_o john_n be_v apostle_n and_o know_v what_o be_v error_n and_o what_o be_v truth_n be_v guide_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o may_v stout_o testify_v against_o error_n but_o for_o other_o ordinary_a minister_n they_o may_v err_v as_o well_o as_o other_o people_n and_o so_o it_o be_v ill_o reason_v from_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o what_o minister_n may_v now_o do_v therefore_o to_o clear_v this_o we_o shall_v give_v a_o place_n where_o paul_n bind_v it_o as_o duty_n on_o every_o ordinary_a minister_n to_o to_o testify_v against_o error_n in_o the_o act_n ch_z 20._o v._n 28._o therefore_o take_v heed_n unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o the_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 29._o verse_n he_o give_v a_o instance_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o flock_n for_o i_o know_v this_o that_o after_o my_o depart_n shall_v grievous_a wolf_n enter_v in_o among_o you_o not_o spare_v the_o flock_n verse_n 30._o also_o of_o your_o own_o self_n shall_v man_n arise_v etc._n etc._n so_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o all_o ordinary_a preacher_n to_o watch_v over_o their_o people_n lest_o they_o be_v seduce_v with_o error_n and_o that_o because_o first_o of_o that_o which_o we_o speak_v of_o before_o that_o error_n in_o the_o point_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v as_o much_o eschew_v by_o people_n as_o other_o particular_a sin_n and_o therefore_o minister_n be_v bind_v to_o guard_v people_n against_o it_o and_o second_o truth_n be_v a_o precious_a jewel_n and_o therefore_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n they_o ought_v to_o contend_v for_o it_o and_o three_o the_o soul_n of_o people_n ought_v to_o be_v precious_a to_o minister_n and_o therefore_o minister_n ought_v to_o watch_v over_o they_o they_o ought_v to_o guard_v they_o against_o error_n because_o as_o other_o sin_n so_o error_n be_v a_o damnable_a soul-destroying_a sin_n and_o therefore_o as_o minister_n love_v truth_n and_o soul_n commit_v to_o they_o so_o they_o must_v watch_v over_o the_o people_n and_o guard_v they_o against_o error_n use_v i._o this_o show_v the_o great_a task_n lie_v upon_o minister_n at_o every_o time_n but_o chief_o in_o a_o err_v time_n we_o speak_v somewhat_o of_o this_o before_o how_o difficult_a it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o meddle_v with_o reprove_v of_o error_n more_o difficile_a than_o to_o reprove_v profanity_n because_o a_o profane_a man_n conscience_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o way_n and_o therefore_o however_o he_o may_v be_v displease_v with_o free_a preach_v against_o his_o sin_n yet_o his_o conscience_n clear_v the_o minister_n and_o thus_o he_o keep_v he_o at_o least_o at_o some_o reverence_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o a_o soul_n take_v with_o error_n the_o misinform_a conscience_n speak_v for_o it_o and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v speak_v against_o he_o he_o cast_v at_o it_o as_o error_n and_o untruth_n and_o ready_o the_o man_n that_o speak_v it_o may_v lose_v respect_n for_o his_o pain_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n bind_v it_o on_o minister_n to_o speak_v against_o it_o use_v 2._o but_o second_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o minister_n be_v bind_v to_o reprove_v error_n and_o testify_v against_o it_o then_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o take_v the_o word_n of_o reproof_n from_o they_o we_o mean_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o bind_v as_o what_o minister_n say_v shall_v be_v the_o bible_n but_o this_o much_o we_o say_v that_o people_n shall_v presume_v as_o much_o on_o they_o as_o another_o to_o ask_v council_n from_o they_o as_o much_o as_o from_o another_o and_o to_o respect_v they_o as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o the_o public_a minister_n have_v a_o promise_n which_o private_a man_n have_v not_o at_o
to_o doctrine_n and_o instruction_n it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n and_o instruction_n it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n perfect_a in_o that_o as_o well_o as_o in_o reproof_n use_v this_o reprove_v first_o the_o papist_n they_o cast_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o will_v have_v their_o tradition_n and_o their_o po●es_n decree_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n but_o of_o this_o enough_o already_o in_o the_o precede_a doctrine_n in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o reprove_v the_o sectary_n some_o whereof_o reprove_v the_o word_n they_o will_v have_v a_o high_a trial_n and_o rule_n to_o examine_v by_o and_o it_o be_v the_o inbear_n of_o god_n spirit_n say_v they_o he_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o can_v he_o bear_v in_o a_o lie_n but_o say_v we_o how_o know_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n except_o they_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o word_n so_o the_o word_n be_v the_o rule_n yea_o and_o the_o last_o rule_n but_o here_o be_v a_o doubt_n which_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o this_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a task_n may_v some_o say_v for_o poor_a ignorant_a people_n to_o try_v doctrine_n by_o the_o word_n the_o word_n itself_o be_v obscure_a and_o every_o one_o pretend_v the_o word_n all_o party_n will_v say_v that_o they_o have_v the_o word_n and_o so_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o we_o to_o know_v what_o be_v of_o god_n and_o what_o not_o if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o rule_n but_o the_o word_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v very_o true_a there_o be_v very_o few_o sectary_n who_o will_v not_o pretend_v the_o word_n and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o you_o may_v cast_v by_o the_o word_n but_o second_o we_o say_v although_o the_o word_n be_v in_o some_o place_n obscure_a and_o although_o man_n of_o opinion_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n as_o light_n be_v to_o darkness_n may_v every_o one_o of_o they_o wrest_v the_o word_n yet_o there_o be_v as_o much_o of_o the_o word_n clear_a if_o it_o be_v right_o study_v as_o will_v make_v a_o man_n know_v what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o be_v wrong_a hence_o that_o epithet_n give_v to_o the_o word_n the_o word_n of_o the_o lora_n be_v a_o lamp_n to_o direct_v thy_o path_n the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o unfit_o compare_v to_o a_o sea_n wherein_o elephant_n i._n e._n man_n of_o great_a part_n and_o learning_n may_v swim_v and_o ready_o lose_v their_o fect_n how_o great_a soever_o their_o part_n be_v if_o they_o rely_v upon_o they_o and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o a_o shallow_a calm_a run_a stream_n wherein_o lamb_n that_o be_v man_n of_o mean_a gift_n may_v wade_v and_o find_v out_o god_n mind_n in_o it_o if_o they_o be_v humble_a and_o take_v god_n way_n for_o search_v of_o it_o but_o say_v you_o what_o be_v that_o way_n of_o god_n wherein_o people_n may_v hope_v so_o as_o not_o to_o miscarry_v in_o the_o search_n out_o of_o god_n mind_n in_o his_o word_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o we_o shall_v give_v several_a direction_n first_o a_o man_n that_o will_v not_o mistake_v god_n mind_n in_o his_o word_n shall_v be_v a_o diligent_a reader_n of_o it_o act_n 17._o 11._o and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v their_o daily_a task_n and_o second_o read_v of_o the_o word_n shall_v have_v prayer_n go_v along_v with_o it_o prov_n 2._o 3._o yea_o if_o thou_o cry_v after_o knowledge_n and_o lift_a up_o thy_o voice_n for_o understanding_n ver_fw-la 4._o if_o thou_o seek_v she_o as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n then_o etc._n etc._n this_o cry_n and_o seek_v be_v certain_o in_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o mean_n when_o people_n join_v prayer_n with_o the_o read_n of_o the_o word_n they_o will_v more_o ready_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n mind_n than_o a_o man_n that_o take_v no_o more_o with_o he_o but_o his_o own_o natural_a part_n three_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v read_v with_o meditation_n psal_n 1._o 2._o in_o his_o law_n do_v he_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n and_o four_o with_o self-denial_n prov._n 3._o 5._o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o lean_v not_o to_o thy_o own_o understanding_n we_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o word_n with_o a_o deep_a sense_n on_o we_o of_o our_o own_o ignorance_n to_o seek_v light_n from_o it_o there_o be_v several_a other_o direction_n how_o people_n may_v be_v lead_v to_o get_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n we_o shall_v speak_v of_o some_o first_o obscure_a place_n be_v compare_v with_o these_o that_o be_v more_o clear_a will_v be_v clear_a also_o there_o be_v some_o place_n obscure_a but_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v so_o gracious_o condescend_v in_o contrive_v the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v other_o place_n to_o make_v they_o clear_a so_o there_o be_v a_o obscure_a place_n we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n which_o at_o first_o seem_v to_o sound_a as_o if_o people_n need_v not_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o law_n but_o there_o be_v another_o place_n that_o clear_o show_v how_o we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ._n they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o the_o law_n but_o not_o from_o the_o direction_n of_o it_o second_o in_o obscure_a and_o dark_a place_n of_o scripture_n on_o which_o man_n according_a to_o their_o several_a conception_n will_v father_n several_a sense_n the_o meaning_n that_o agree_v most_o with_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v take_v this_o be_v that_o which_o paul_n call_v the_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n so_o there_o be_v a_o place_n controvert_v he_o lay_v on_o he_o the_o iniquity_n of_o we_o all_o say_v the_o antinomian_o all_o our_o sin_n be_v lay_v on_o christ_n and_o so_o do_v what_o we_o will_v we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o seek_v pardon_n or_o mourn_v for_o t●em_n for_o our_o sin_n be_v lay_v on_o he_o and_o so_o we_o have_v none_o now_o this_o gloss_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a current_n of_o scripture_n which_o hold_v out_o that_o believer_n have_v sin_n in_o they_o a_o body_n of_o death_n 1_o john_n 1_o 8._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o it_o hold_v out_o believer_n at_o their_o best_a condition_n as_o mourn_v for_o sin_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n rom._n 7._o psalm_n 25._o 11._o so_o that_o this_o antinomian_a sense_n can_v be_v right_a because_o it_o be_v contrar_n to_o the_o whole_a current_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o lay_n of_o our_o iniquity_n on_o he_o must_v be_v the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o our_o iniquity_n and_o not_o the_o be_v of_o sin_n itself_o which_o be_v bind_v upon_o christ_n so_o another_o place_n the_o promoter_n of_o toleration_n plead_v from_o be_v that_o in_o phil._n 3_o 15._o that_o counsel_n that_o paul_n give_v let_v we_o therefore_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o say_v they_o there_o be_v toleration_n whatever_o be_v people_n difference_n let_v they_o walk_v according_a to_o their_o light_n we_o say_v again_o that_o what_o paul_n say_v of_o mutual_a forbearance_n must_v not_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o error_n but_o it_o must_v only_o be_v apply_v to_o these_o that_o be_v error_n of_o infirmity_n as_o rome_n 15._o 1._o we_o then_o that_o be_v strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o not_o to_o please_v ourselves_o and_o that_o the_o opposite_a meaning_n can_v be_v right_a because_o it_o be_v contrair_a to_o the_o current_n of_o many_o other_o scripture_n which_o command_v heretic_n to_o be_v excommunicate_a a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o bid_v they_o god_n speed_n so_o this_o be_v another_o way_n to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o much_o now_o for_o direction_n to_o help_v you_o in_o the_o study_n of_o god_n word_n that_o you_o may_v attain_v to_o know_v god_n mind_n in_o it_o and_o so_o to_o know_v whether_o a_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o we_o think_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o these_o other_o mark_n which_o do_v not_o infer_v necessary_o a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v follow_v on_o such_o a_o doctrine_n but_o the_o time_n be_v now_o end_v i_o shall_v only_o name_v they_o first_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v of_o god_n will_v have_v holiness_n follow_v upon_o it_o and_o so_o that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o
labour_v to_o bear_v down_o he_o that_o speak_v it_o so_o heretic_n be_v call_v murmurer_n complainer_n judas_n verse_n 16._o so_o a_o minister_n in_o reprove_v error_n will_v guard_n against_o this_o danger_n lest_o he_o do_v more_o hurt_n than_o profit_n and_o all_o the_o issue_n of_o his_o pain_n be_v to_o work_v a_o prejudice_n against_o himself_o and_o second_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v the_o more_o strong_a consider_v the_o evil_a that_o come_v by_o prejudice_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o make_v people_n run_v fast_o headlong_o into_o error_n than_o prejudice_n against_o faithful_a pastor_n therefore_o this_o have_v be_v the_o devil_n method_n first_o to_o bear_v down_o the_o ministry_n by_o make_v the_o people_n first_o cast_v at_o one_o then_o at_o another_o and_o so_o at_o all_o that_o their_o ear_n be_v once_o stop_v with_o prejudice_n at_o what_o minister_n say_v their_o ear_n may_v be_v bore_v to_o let_v in_o any_o error_n that_o the_o devil_n or_o his_o instrument_n please_v to_o vent_v therefore_o a_o minister_n will_v make_v it_o his_o study_n so_o to_o behave_v himself_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o prejudice_n give_v by_o he_o but_o that_o all_o his_o carriage_n may_v savour_v of_o a_o resolution_n to_o entertain_v love_n now_o because_o our_o fear_n be_v that_o error_n may_v spread_v and_o that_o if_o the_o lord_n give_v we_o leave_v we_o intend_v from_o this_o verse_n to_o speak_v to_o the_o most_o infect_v error_n we_o shall_v solve_v this_o question_n what_o a_o minister_n be_v to_o do_v for_o entertain_v love_n for_o clear_v of_o this_o we_o shall_v first_o show_v what_o he_o be_v not_o to_o do_v he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v silent_a at_o error_n for_o fear_v of_o irritate_v and_o lose_v affection_n that_o be_v not_o love_n consider_v what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o error_n it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o we_o will_v not_o reprove_v a_o loose_a liver_n for_o fear_n of_o anger_v he_o second_o neither_o be_v he_o to_o speak_v against_o they_o in_o a_o cold-rife_a manner_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a whether_o they_o return_v to_o a_o right_a judgement_n or_o not_o no_o he_o must_v as_o he_o will_v be_v faithful_a to_o god_n aggravate_v the_o evil_n of_o error_n to_o the_o utmost_a declare_v its_o hazard_n denounce_v what_o scripture_n pronounce_v against_o it_o whether_o it_o anger_v they_o or_o not_o better_a anger_n and_o loose_v they_o than_o anger_n god_n what_o then_o must_v he_o do_v answer_v as_o in_o other_o sin_n he_o must_v first_o reprove_v they_o levit._n 19_o ver_fw-la 17._o and_o second_o so_o reprove_v as_o it_o may_v argue_v love_n to_o the_o person_n reprove_v judas_n ver_fw-la 23._o only_o there_o will_v be_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o reprove_v of_o error_n and_o other_o sin_n other_o sin_n may_v be_v inveigh_v against_o without_o pain_n to_o convince_v the_o person_n reprove_v that_o such_o be_v sin_n nature_n be_v bear_v with_o a_o cry_n against_o such_o but_o error_n have_v a_o err_a conscience_n to_o stand_v up_o in_o its_o behalf_n therefore_o the_o most_o of_o a_o minister_n work_v will_v be_v in_o convince_a from_o the_o word_n that_o the_o thing_n he_o hold_v be_v error_n otherwise_o to_o inveigh_v against_o what_o he_o hold_v without_o this_o will_v harden_v he_o more_o he_o will_v look_v on_o it_o as_o the_o man_n passion_n and_o that_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n against_o what_o he_o hold_v 2._o in_o deal_v with_o err_a person_n there_o will_v be_v a_o difference_n put_v betwixt_o seducer_n and_o those_o who_o be_v seduce_v those_o who_o be_v root_v in_o error_n and_o those_o who_o be_v only_a doubter_n so_o judas_n verse_n 23._o for_o use_v you_o may_v see_v from_o this_o what_o a_o great_a task_n minister_n have_v and_o how_o great_a need_n of_o help_n there_o be_v from_o people_n to_o minister_n in_o err_v time_n in_o some_o respect_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o deal_v with_o one_o man_n taint_v with_o error_n than_o with_o twice_o so_o many_o profane_a liver_n a_o profane_a man_n conscience_n must_v ready_o say_v the_o same_o that_o we_o say_v and_o so_o keep_v we_o at_o reverence_n but_o a_o err_a man_n conscience_n speak_v against_o we_o take_v we_o to_o err_v and_o so_o ready_o can_v endure_v we_o and_o yet_o we_o must_v speak_v venture_v in_o god_n strength_n but_o there_o be_v need_v so_o to_o speak_v least_o in_o speak_v we_o lose_v more_o than_o we_o gain_v the_o next_o thing_n that_o follow_v be_v the_o exhortation_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n that_o be_v do_v not_o credit_v every_o doctrine_n that_o have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n or_o every_o preacher_n that_o pretend_v the_o name_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o this_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n begin_v very_o early_o to_o trouble_v the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o the_o apostle_n be_v yet_o live_v there_o be_v even_o then_o some_o who_o contradict_v they_o to_o their_o very_a face_n so_o the_o averrer_n of_o circumcision_n justification_n by_o work_n denier_n of_o the_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n reas_n 1._o the_o reason_n be_v first_o because_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n be_v shameless_a it_o will_v affront_v the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n for_o it_o be_v nature_n brood_n and_o credit_n be_v so_o engage_v in_o it_o that_o it_o trample_v upon_o all_o that_o will_v bear_v it_o under_o if_o a_o apostle_n be_v speak_v a_o sectarian_n spirit_n will_v outdare_v he_o it_o be_v a_o affront_v and_o malapert_a spirit_n second_o the_o lord_n see_v it_o fit_v that_o in_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o church_n his_o people_n shall_v be_v try_v by_o err_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v have_v the_o primitive_a time_n trouble_v with_o they_o also_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o less_o trouble_v see_v that_o even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v not_o free_v from_o such_o like_a perplexity_n as_o to_o have_v to_o do_v with_o spirit_n of_o error_n but_o there_o be_v a_o other_o reason_n why_o the_o lord_n suffer_v his_o church_n both_o in_o former_a time_n and_o in_o latter_a time_n to_o be_v trouble_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n set_v down_o in_o the_o 1_o corinth_n 11._o verse_n 19_o for_o there_o must_v be_v also_o heresy_n among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a among_o you_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n there_o be_v a_o must_v be_v put_v upon_o it_o now_o this_o be_v not_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n but_o a_o necessity_n or_o a_o must_v be_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o god_n most_o wise_a decree_n to_o permit_v wise_a decree_n to_o permit_v and_o suffer_v those_o thing_n for_o most_o wise_a end_n and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o he_o permitt_v they_o to_o be_v be_v first_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o person_n and_o second_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o truth_n first_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o person_n this_o end_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o verse_n cite_v heresy_n and_o heretic_n must_v be_v that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a among_o you_o the_o spirit_n of_o heresy_n let_v loose_a have_v a_o discover_v efficacy_n with_o it_o it_o discover_v who_o be_v of_o a_o humble_a frame_n of_o spirit_n and_o who_o be_v proud_a lofty_a conceity_n and_o of_o a_o selfish_a spirit_n it_o discover_v who_o be_v light_a weak_a and_o easy_o carry_v away_o with_o any_o thing_n unstable_a mind_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o who_o be_v more_o solid_a and_o balance_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o sobriety_n and_o solid_a wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o it_o discover_v these_o who_o have_v put_v a_o price_n on_o truth_n that_o they_o will_v buy_v it_o but_o will_v on_o no_o term_n sell_v it_o and_o also_o discover_v those_o who_o have_v put_v no_o price_n upon_o it_o or_o that_o will_v suffer_v little_a for_o it_o that_o be_v the_o first_o end_n why_o heretic_n must_v be_v to_o discover_v person_n and_o try_v they_o and_o second_o heretic_n in_o the_o lord_n wise_a providence_n tend_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o make_n of_o they_o bright_a and_o clear_a they_o scour_v truth_n so_o to_o speak_v so_o that_o the_o disput_n of_o heretic_n and_o vent_v of_o error_n make_v truth_n the_o bright_a the_o more_o debate_v there_o be_v betwixt_o these_o two_o error_n grow_v the_o black_a and_o truth_n the_o clear_a when_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o have_v a_o truth_n clear_v and_o root_v in_o his_o people_n spirit_n he_o do_v in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n take_v this_o way_n a_o strange_a way_n indeed_o and_o yet_o make_v much_o for_o the_o purpose_n he_o will_v let_v some_o error_n arise_v to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n through_o occasion_n whereof_o more_o
trust_n act_n 17._o 11._o these_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o in_o thessalonica_n in_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whither_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o they_o will_v not_o take_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n on_o trust_n and_o this_o be_v a_o command_n give_v by_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o thess_n 1_o epistle_n ch_z 5._o v._n 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n after_o he_o have_v say_v despise_v not_o prophecying_n so_o that_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o trial_n whatever_o be_v their_o fair_a pretence_n reas_n the_o reason_n be_v first_o because_o foul_a error_n may_v be_v colour_v over_o with_o fair_a pretence_n and_o second_o the_o scripture_n say_v all_o man_n be_v liar_n that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o man_n may_v err_v and_o therefore_o word_n can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o divine_a faith_n for_o faith_n must_v have_v a_o infallible_a ground_n as_o ephes_n 2._o 20._o and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n the_o word_n preach_v by_o they_o and_o dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n use_v this_o doctrine_n reprove_v first_o the_o papist_n that_o will_v have_v nothing_o try_v that_o come_v from_o the_o church_n but_o all_o take_v upon_o trust_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o many_o swallow_v such_o monster_n of_o absurdity_n as_o the_o error_n of_o transubstantiation_n purgatory_n merit_n male_a and_o such_o like_a for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n but_o because_o their_o church_n say_v so_o but_o this_o doctrine_n hold_v out_o another_o duty_n that_o who_o ever_o hear_v any_o doctrine_n propon_v by_o one_o or_o other_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o pass_v their_o judgement_n on_o it_o try_v the_o spirit_n now_o that_o we_o may_v walk_v betwixt_o extreme_n the_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n who_o set_v up_o tyranny_n and_o these_o sectary_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n who_o set_v up_o confusion_n we_o will_v know_v there_o be_v a_o twofold_a judgement_n to_o be_v pass_v on_o doctrine_n public_a judgement_n and_o private_a judgement_n public_a judgement_n again_o be_v either_o peremptory_o absolute_a or_o limit_v a_o public_a peremptory_a judgement_n be_v that_o which_o bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o obey_v simple_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v and_o none_o have_v this_o judgement_n but_o god_n himself_o second_o there_o be_v a_o public_a judgement_n which_o be_v limit_v and_o this_o be_v a_o public_a declare_v and_o hold_v out_o that_o which_o be_v find_v to_o be_v god_n mind_n in_o his_o word_n which_o do_v not_o bind_v absolute_o but_o in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n and_o this_o judgement_n belong_v to_o public_a church_n judicatories_n meet_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n they_o be_v like_o the_o lyon-herauld_n set_v forth_o to_o proclaim_v the_o royal_a act_n if_o he_o proclaim_v that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o principal_a act_n it_o bind_v but_o if_o he_o add_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o own_o it_o bind_v not_o next_o there_o be_v a_o private_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o this_o belong_v to_o every_o christian_a every_o man_n in_o relation_n to_o his_o own_o practice_n be_v bind_v to_o pass_v sentence_n on_o what_o be_v hold_v out_o to_o he_o by_o other_o that_o if_o it_o be_v right_a he_o may_v embrace_v it_o but_o if_o wrong_a he_o may_v reject_v it_o but_o his_o private_a judgement_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o other_o now_o this_o private_a judgement_n or_o this_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n be_v necessary_a because_o all_o man_n may_v err_v council_n may_v err_v synod_n etc._n etc._n and_o second_o their_o error_n will_v not_o excuse_v private_a christian_n to_o follow_v they_o in_o their_o error_n say_v christ_n when_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a both_o fall_n into_o the_o ditch_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o private_a person_n to_o try_v what_o they_o hear_v and_o this_o much_o for_o guard_v against_o the_o popish_a tyranny_n but_o least_o this_o doctrine_n be_v abuse_v to_o cast_v at_o all_o public_a church_n judicatory_n we_o shall_v next_o speak_v somewhat_o to_o guard_v against_o sectarian_n confusion_n first_o although_o public_a church_n judicatory_n have_v not_o power_n to_o bind_v conscience_n yet_o when_o man_n be_v in_o a_o doubt_n concern_v a_o point_n of_o truth_n their_o judgement_n ought_v to_o have_v more_o weight_n than_o the_o judgement_n of_o private_a man_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o there_o be_v more_o gift_n exercise_v together_o but_o main_o because_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n annex_v to_o the_o commission_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o public_a church_n judicatory_n matth._n 18._o 20._o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o second_o from_o this_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o loathness_n to_o differ_v from_o public_a church_n judicatory_n a_o man_n ground_n will_v be_v well_o examine_v l●st_v if_o differ_v from_o these_o judicatories_n they_o also_o differ_v from_o truth_n and_o three_o when_o they_o differ_v they_o be_v to_o bear_v they_o at_o reverence_n although_o in_o such_o a_o point_n they_o shall_v err_v yet_o for_o their_o authority_n they_o be_v to_o be_v reverence_v this_o much_o be_v grant_v by_o we_o to_o church_n judicatories_n but_o no_o further_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n use_v 2._o it_o reprove_v those_o who_o be_v lazy_a and_o can_v endure_v the_o trouble_n of_o try_v what_o they_o hear_v but_o take_v thing_n on_o trust_n and_o have_v no_o more_o but_o such_o a_o man_n authority_n he_o be_v of_o that_o way_n and_o opinion_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v fire_n and_o flint_n tooth_n and_o nail_n for_o it_o as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o it_o we_o have_v see_v much_o of_o this_o in_o the_o unhappy_a difference_n that_o have_v fall_v out_o in_o our_o time_n which_o i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n to_o speak_v much_o of_o and_o therefore_o we_o proceed_v to_o another_o doctrine_n doct._n x._o the_o next_o thing_n then_o that_o we_o observe_v be_v from_o what_o he_o say_v try_v etc._n etc._n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o trial_n the_o doctrine_n be_v this_o that_o the_o right_a trial_n of_o doctrine_n be_v to_o try_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o this_o point_n put_v we_o to_o give_v mark_n whereby_o it_o shall_v be_v know_v what_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n and_o what_o doctrine_n be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o here_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o two_o thing_n first_o we_o shall_v show_v what_o be_v the_o mark_n that_o necessary_o infer_v a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o second_o we_o shall_v speak_v of_o other_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o infer_v necessary_o a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n follow_v upon_o such_o a_o doctrine_n for_o the_o first_o that_o which_o make_v doctrine_n necessary_o to_o be_v of_o god_n be_v if_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n so_o when_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v act_n 17._o the_o rule_n they_o go_v by_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o paul_n doctrine_n be_v the_o scripture_n and_o this_o be_v isa●a's_n rule_n chap._n 8._o ver_fw-la 20._o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n etc._n etc._n he_o will_v have_v all_o doctrine_n try_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o the_o word_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o that_o doctrine_n which_o have_v the_o word_n for_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o whatever_o doctrine_n have_v not_o the_o word_n for_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n all_o spirit_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n himself_o must_v be_v try_v that_o way_n and_o that_o because_o the_o word_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n i_o give_v only_o two_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o clear_v the_o perfection_n of_o this_o rule_n first_o the_o heavy_a plague_n pronounce_v against_o those_o who_o add_v to_o this_o rule_n the_o word_n be_v so_o perfect_a that_o if_o a_o angel_n shall_v come_v and_o pretend_v a_o pure_a rule_n let_v he_o be_v say_v paul_n anathema_n gal._n 1._o 8._o there_o be_v another_o place_n which_o prove_v the_o perfection_n of_o this_o rule_n according_a to_o this_o point_n in_o hand_n 2_o timoth._n 3._o 16_o 17._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a etc._n etc._n so_o there_o be_v as_o much_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o may_v make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o this_o in_o relation_n
antinomian_o that_o tend_v to_o profanity_n of_o life_n can_v be_v of_o god_n second_o that_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o god_n tend_v to_o exalt_v christ._n john_n 16._o 15._o speak_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n he_o say_v he_o shall_v take_v of_o i_o and_o shall_v show_v it_o unto_o you_o and_o so_o that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n i_o mean_v their_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n be_v not_o of_o god_n three_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v of_o god_n humble_v man_n as_o error_n do_v fill_v man_n with_o pride_n thus_o those_o sectary_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o judas_n be_v call_v lofty_a and_o so_o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n be_v not_o of_o god_n because_o whatever_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o strickness_n that_o it_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o there_o be_v a_o overweening_a conceit_n of_o the_o man_n self_n and_o undervalue_v of_o other_o that_o cleave_v to_o this_o error_n and_o second_o it_o make_v people_n orderly_o in_o stand_v for_o it_o so_o be_v it_o say_v of_o christ_n his_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v in_o the_o street_n now_o these_o mark_n as_o we_o have_v say_v do_v but_o usual_o follow_v for_o because_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n even_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o god_n may_v want_v these_o property_n and_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n may_v have_v a_o show_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o first_o mark_n to_o wit_n the_o word_n be_v the_o adequate_a rule_n so_o that_o all_o doctrine_n ought_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o whatever_o be_v the_o show_v any_o doctrine_n have_v whether_o of_o holiness_n exalt_v christ_n and_o free_a grace_n whatever_o show_v it_o have_v of_o humility_n and_o orderly_a carriage_n in_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o in_o their_o avow_n of_o it_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n viz._n the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n doct_n xi_o we_o come_v now_o to_o our_o main_a design_n to_o wit_v the_o refutation_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n of_o the_o time_n the_o ground_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n be_v take_v from_o the_o follow_a doctrine_n which_o be_v evident_o import_v in_o the_o word_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v many_o doctrine_n pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n which_o yet_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o touchstone_n will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n for_o while_o he_o bid_v we_o try_v the_o spirit_n whither_o they_o be_v of_o god_n he_o evident_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v some_o spirit_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n will_v be_v sound_a faulty_a and_o not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n i_o shall_v god_n willing_a give_v instance_n of_o this_o and_o according_o make_v it_o out_o upon_o the_o most_o take_v dangerous_a and_o most_o erroneous_a doctrine_n of_o the_o time_n particular_o upon_o those_o follow_v first_o the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n second_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n three_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n four_o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n five_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ordinary_a preach_v by_o unsent_a man_n six_o the_o doctrine_n of_o antinomianism_n and_o last_o the_o doctrine_n of_o anabaptism_n in_o all_o which_o we_o shall_v with_o the_o lord_n assistance_n make_v it_o appear_v here_o that_o however_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v doctrine_n warrant_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o warrant_v in_o a_o word_n we_o shall_v show_v they_o be_v not_o of_o god_n sect_n ii_o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n we_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n of_o all_o opinion_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v much_o cry_v up_o among_o sectary_n and_o a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v very_o take_v what_o think_v people_n if_o they_o get_v leave_v to_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o need_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o what_o other_o do_v our_o purpose_n be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o doctrine_n though_o it_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o for_o this_o end_n we_o have_v read_v these_o place_n of_o scripture_n whereupon_o we_o be_v to_o ground_v the_o most_o of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v against_o this_o error_n scripture_n i_o begin_v to_o refute_v this_o error_n of_o toleration_n first_o because_o it_o be_v the_o sectary_n main_a refuge_n it_o be_v their_o holy_a of_o holys_n wherein_o they_o shelter_v themselves_o in_o their_o gross_a error_n what_o say_v they_o it_o be_v our_o conscience_n and_o who_o dare_v meddle_v with_o conscience_n but_o the_o god_n of_o conscience_n second_o we_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o begin_v with_o it_o first_o because_o of_o all_o other_o error_n it_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a in_o so_o far_o as_o other_o error_n do_v only_o evert_v these_o particular_a truth_n of_o scripture_n to_o which_o they_o be_v contrary_a but_o by_o this_o one_o error_n this_o monster_n of_o toleration_n way_n be_v make_v to_o evert_v all_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o set_n up_o all_o error_n contrary_a to_o every_o jote_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o power_n on_o earth_n to_o hinder_v it_o or_o take_v order_n with_o it_o in_o prosecute_n of_o this_o we_o shall_v follow_v this_o method_n first_o we_o shall_v clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o we_o shall_v bring_v our_o argument_n for_o confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o vindicate_v they_o from_o the_o adversary_n exception_n three_o we_o shall_v bring_v forth_o their_o argument_n and_o shall_v refute_v they_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o four_o we_o shall_v apply_v the_o whole_a to_o some_o practical_a use_n first_o for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n what_o a_o thing_n this_o toleration_n be_v that_o we_o labour_v to_o refute_v there_o be_v a_o twofold_a toleration_n of_o error_n there_o be_v a_o church_n toleration_n and_o a_o state_n toleration_n a_o church_n toleration_n be_v that_o whereby_o it_o be_v plead_v that_o error_n and_o heresy_n shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o be_v vent_v and_o go_v free_a even_o from_o church_n censure_n such_o as_o suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n or_o excommunication_n there_o be_v but_o few_o sectary_n of_o any_o note_n that_o plead_v for_o toleration_n in_o this_o latitude_n and_o that_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_a against_o it_o paul_n say_v a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v therefore_o they_o be_v content_v that_o church-censure_n such_o as_o excommunication_n be_v inflict_v on_o heretic_n provide_v first_o that_o they_o be_v free_a from_o civil_a censure_n second_o that_o excommunication_n be_v inflict_v for_o no_o error_n but_o for_o these_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a point_n of_o truth_n or_o as_o some_o say_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n upon_o these_o and_o no_o other_o will_v they_o have_v excommunication_n to_o strike_v though_o this_o be_v not_o the_o main_a question_n which_o we_o be_v to_o insist_v upon_o yet_o we_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o assertion_n contrary_a to_o their_o doctrine_n even_o in_o this_o point_n and_o first_o we_o do_v not_o see_v what_o reason_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o exeem_v heretic_n from_o civil_a censure_n but_o the_o same_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o exeem_v they_o from_o church_n censure_v also_o if_o conscience_n as_o they_o say_v be_v free_a from_o the_o one_o what_o reason_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o the_o other_o also_o and_o if_o fear_v of_o civil_a censure_n against_o those_o who_o err_v do_v as_o they_o say_v enforce_v the_o conscience_n and_o make_v people_n hypocrite_n we_o see_v not_o but_o the_o fear_n of_o church_n censure_n may_v do_v the_o same_o or_o if_o notwithstanding_o of_o church_n censure_n the_o conscience_n be_v not_o force_v the_o service_n not_o constrain_v which_o they_o grant_v then_o notwithstanding_o of_o civil_a censure_n it_o be_v not_o force_v or_o the_o service_n constrain_v either_o and_o so_o from_o their_o own_o ground_n this_o vast_a toleration_n of_o error_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n second_o we_o can_v assent_v to_o that_o which_o they_o affirm_v that_o excommunication_n be_v not_o to_o be_v inflict_v for_o any_o error_n but_o these_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o because_o christ_n give_v we_o a_o rule_n upon_o what_o fault_n excommunication_n shall_v strict_a to_o wit_n on_o every_o scandalous_a fault_n do_v against_o a_o brother_n or_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o offender_n persist_v obstinate_a and_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v so_o matth._n 18._o 17._o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o
ground_v yourself_o in_o this_o truth_n it_o may_v cost_v you_o much_o and_o though_o it_o shall_v stand_v you_o never_o so_o much_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o avow_n christ_n himself_o suffer_v on_o this_o account_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v and_o other_o of_o his_o servant_n have_v think_v it_o their_o glory_n to_o be_v call_v unto_o suffer_v for_o it_o who_o be_o i_o sai_z master_z welsh_z that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o call_v i_o to_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o glad_a thing_n but_o also_o to_o be_v a_o sufferer_n for_o his_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n to_o wittness_v that_o good_a confession_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o that_o his_o church_n be_v a_o most_o free_a kingdom_n yea_o as_o free_a as_o any_o kingdom_n under_o heaven_n that_o she_o be_v free_a in_o her_o government_n from_o all_o other_o jurisdiction_n on_o earth_n except_o only_a christ_n we_o be_v wait_v say_v he_o with_o joyfulness_n to_o leave_v the_o last_o testimony_n of_o our_o blood_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n if_o it_o will_v please_v our_o god_n to_o be_v so_o favourable_a as_o to_o honour_v we_o with_o that_o dignity_n thus_o he._n and_o who_o know_v how_o soon_o he_o may_v honour_v some_o of_o we_o with_o that_o dignity_n a_o dignity_n indeed_o to_o suffer_v for_o the_o royal_a crown_n and_o diadem_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n sect_n iu._n a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n head_n i._o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n officer_n and_o not_o in_o the_o body_n of_o church-member_n the_o day_n bypass_a we_o speak_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n and_o show_v you_o that_o however_o it_o have_v many_o fair_a pretence_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o of_o god_n we_o be_v now_o with_o the_o lord_n assistance_n to_o speak_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n you_o remember_v when_o we_o enter_v on_o these_o controversy_n about_o church_n government_n we_o show_v you_o there_o be_v four_o point_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o make_v good_a the_o first_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n a_o way_n for_o the_o govern_n and_o rule_v of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n king_n or_o parliament_n to_o establish_v what_o way_n of_o government_n they_o please_v the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n establish_v in_o his_o word_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o be_v execute_v by_o he_o their_o two_o point_n we_o have_v make_v good_a in_o our_o former_a disput_n against_o erastianism_n the_o three_o point_n of_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v not_o commit_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v his_o church_n unto_o the_o body_n of_o believer_n to_o the_o community_n of_o church_n member_n but_o have_v establish_v it_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n the_o four_o point_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o promise_v to_o prove_v be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v not_o give_v particular_a eldership_n and_o church_n session_n the_o supreme_a power_n of_o church_n government_n in_o their_o hand_n so_o as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n but_o that_o they_o be_v subject_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o superior_a church_n judicatory_n such_o as_o presbytry_n synod_n and_o general_a assembly_n these_o two_o last_o point_n we_o be_v to_o make_v out_o in_o refute_v this_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n this_o error_n of_o independency_n above_o all_o other_o we_o may_v call_v a_o fountain_n error_n it_o be_v the_o sluice_n whereby_o a_o entrance_n be_v make_v to_o all_o other_o error_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o this_o be_v the_o error_n whereby_o the_o most_o part_n of_o those_o that_o have_v fall_v from_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n these_o year_n by_o past_a have_v be_v first_o hook_v they_o first_o turn_v independent_o yet_o rest_v not_o long_o there_o but_o proceed_v from_o evil_a to_o worse_o our_o scope_n shall_v be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o the_o former_a point_n to_o show_v that_o however_o it_o have_v many_o fair_a pretence_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n it_o will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n there_o be_v two_o main_a head_n of_o this_o error_n of_o independency_n opposite_a to_o the_o two_o last_o point_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o promise_v to_o make_v out_o the_o first_o be_v that_o whereby_o they_o affirm_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n unto_o all_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o be_v not_o minister_n or_o elder_n to_o the_o community_n of_o believer_n as_o they_o call_v it_o the_o second_o head_n of_o their_o error_n be_v this_o they_o do_v affirm_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v entrust_v particular_a congregation_n eldership_n or_o church_n session_n with_o the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n government_n on_o earth_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o judicatory_a above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n as_o for_o the_o first_o head_n of_o their_o error_n which_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v against_o at_o this_o time_n therein_o they_o have_v different_a opinion_n among_o themselves_o some_o affirm_v that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o church_n member_n the_o community_n of_o believer_n without_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n yea_o a_o power_n over_o they_o to_o ordain_v they_o censure_n depose_v they_o and_o inflict_v all_o other_o church_n censure_n other_o give_v they_o this_o power_n conjunct_o with_o the_o church_n officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n second_o some_o give_v only_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v to_o the_o church_n member_n but_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n they_o allow_v it_o to_o the_o elder_n yet_o so_o as_o to_o the_o people_n depute_n to_o who_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n other_o give_v the_o people_n not_o only_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n but_o also_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o government_n so_o that_o the_o people_n may_v sit_v down_o in_o church_n judicatory_n themselves_o enact_v church_n canon_n inflict_v church_n censure_n etc._n etc._n three_o some_o give_v they_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n only_o in_o some_o thing_n as_o the_o excercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o make_v church_n canon_n and_o inflict_v church_n censure_n but_o not_o to_o preach_v other_o give_v they_o a_o full_a exercise_n of_o authority_n to_o do_v all_o we_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o these_o lay_v down_o this_o conclusion_n which_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o make_v good_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o solid_a reason_n to_o wit_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o church_n member_n or_o to_o private_a christian_n either_o the_o power_n or_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n neither_o in_o whole_a nor_o in_o part_n but_o have_v entrust_v it_o whole_o to_o his_o own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n i_o prosecute_a this_o point_n we_o shall_v follow_v forth_o the_o former_a method_n first_o we_o shall_v clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o bring_v argument_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o three_o we_o shall_v propone_v and_o answer_v their_o argument_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o four_o we_o shall_v shall_v apply_v the_o whole_a to_o some_o use_n i._o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n th●a_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o we_o do_v grant_v to_o private_a christian_n and_o what_o we_o deny_v several_a distinction_n will_v be_v give_v first_o there_o be_v difference_n betwixt_o church_n power_n or_o authority_n and_o christian_a privilege_n we_o do_v grant_v several_a christian_a privilege_n to_o private_a christian_n but_o these_o do_v not_o infer_v any_o church_n power_n or_o authority_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n as_o for_o example_n we_o do_v grant_v to_o the_o people_n a_o power_n of_o elect_v their_o own_o officer_n minister_n or_o elder_n we_o grant_v to_o they_o a_o power_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n i_o e_o they_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v blind_o what_o minister_n say_v but_o have_v a_o power_n to_o try_v what_o they_o say_v in_o relation_n to_o their_o practice_n to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n upon_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n or_o not_o we_o grant_v these_o privilege_n to_o the_o people_n but_o none_o of_o they_o do_v
infer_v any_o church_n power_n which_o we_o clear_v in_o both_o first_o the_o people_n power_n in_o elect_v their_o minister_n do_v not_o infer_v any_o power_n of_o church_n government_n in_o they_o and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o people_n election_n or_o their_o choice_n that_o make_v the_o minister_n to_o be_v a_o minister_n or_o give_v he_o authority_n to_o exercise_n the_o ministerial_a call_n but_o it_o be_v the_o act_n of_o ordination_n by_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o be_v church_n officer_n that_o make_v the_o man_n the_o minister_n and_o give_v he_o authority_n we_o shall_v find_v this_o act_v 6_o 3._o where_o the_o people_n election_n and_o ordination_n by_o church_n officer_n be_v clear_o distinguish_v wherefore_o brethren_n say_v the_o apostle_n look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n there_o be_v the_o people_n election_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n there_o be_v the_o church_n officer_n part_n though_o the_o people_n look_v they_o out_o and_o choice_n they_o that_o give_v they_o not_o the_o power_n of_o their_o call_n until_o the_o church_n officer_n appoint_v and_o ordain_v they_o second_o the_o power_n of_o try_v the_o spirit_n do_v not_o infer_v any_o such_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o government_n in_o the_o people_n otherwise_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o the_o people_n of_o berea_n who_o do_v try_v paul_n doctrine_n act._n 17._o 11._o and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o word_n whetber_v those_o thing_n be_v so_o have_v authority_n over_o paul_n which_o none_o will_v affirm_v a_o second_o distinction_n to_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v this_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o those_o to_o who_o the_o authority_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v give_v and_o those_o for_o who_o or_o for_o who_o good_a it_o be_v give_v although_o we_o deny_v that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v give_v to_o private_a believer_n yet_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v give_v for_o they_o so_o all_o ordinance_n be_v give_v for_o the_o good_a of_o believer_n as_o it_o be_v ephes_n 4._o 11._o and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangilist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o this_o respect_n 1_o cor_n 3._o 21_o 22._o all_o be_v say_v to_o be_v they_o for_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollos_n or_o cephas_n or_o the_o world_n or_o life_n or_o death_n or_o thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v all_o be_v you_o i._n e._n give_v for_o their_o good_a but_o hence_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o church_n discipline_n be_v give_v for_o they_o that_o therefore_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o it_o for_o in_o this_o respect_n paul_n be_v give_v to_o every_o particular_a believe_a woman_n and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o woman_n have_v paul_n authority_n and_o so_o the_o body_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o this_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n although_o the_o power_n be_v give_v for_o their_o good_a a_o three_o thing_n for_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n we_o do_v willing_o grant_v to_o private_a christian_n power_n to_o admonish_v exhort_v in_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o charity_n and_o this_o they_o may_v extend_v even_o to_o minister_n say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o thy_o ministry_n but_o this_o liberty_n to_o admonish_v by_o way_n of_o charity_n do_v not_o import_v any_o church_n power_n in_o they_o over_o those_o who_o they_o rebuke_v no_o more_o than_o paul_n rebuke_v of_o peter_n gal_n 2._o 14._o do_v infer_v a_o power_n in_o paul_n above_o peter_n so_o you_o see_v what_o we_o do_v grant_v to_o private_a christian_n and_o what_o we_o deny_v the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o give_v they_o any_o power_n of_o church_n government_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n but_o have_v entrust_v it_o whole_o to_o his_o own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n this_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n ii_o we_o come_v now_o to_o argument_n for_o clear_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v no_o warrant_n to_o private_a christian_n for_o govern_v his_o house_n or_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o government_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o the_o consequence_n must_v be_v clear_a for_o none_o have_v right_a to_o play_v the_o part_n of_o a_o governor_n in_o christ_n church_n except_o those_o who_o have_v a_o warrant_n in_o his_o word_n for_o it_o now_o that_o private_a christian_n have_v no_o warrant_n in_o his_o word_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n either_o express_o or_o by_o good_a consequence_n either_o by_o precept_n or_o promise_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o this_o that_o in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o word_n this_o power_n be_v deny_v unto_o they_o so_o rome_n 10._o they_o must_v not_o exercise_v the_o power_n of_o preach_v for_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v except_o they_o ●e_v send_v v_o 15._o now_o the_o whole_a community_n of_o believer_n can_v be_v send_v beside_o they_o have_v no_o ability_n to_o discharge_v this_o office_n there_o be_v but_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o that_o can_v convince_v gainsayer_n be_v apt_a to_o teach_v that_o be_v able_a to_o cut_v and_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o and_o so_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o preach_v and_o second_o from_o this_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o administrate_n the_o sacrament_n for_o christ_n jesus_n have_v join_v both_o these_o power_n in_o one_o commission_n he_o give_v no_o power_n to_o any_o to_o aministrate_n the_o sacrament_n but_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v power_n also_o to_o preach_v matth_n 28_o 19_o go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v them-&c_a them-&c_a them-&c_a power_n of_o preach_v and_o administrate_v the_o sacrament_n go_v together_o and_o so_o see_v the_o one_o power_n be_v deny_v to_o they_o the_o other_o must_v be_v deny_v also_o three_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o ordain_v minister_n or_o to_o execute_v any_o other_o act_n of_o church_n jurisdiction_n for_o they_o have_v no_o ability_n to_o try_v minister_n gift_n there_o be_v no_o precept_n command_v they_o to_o do_v it_o there_o be_v no_o practice_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n prove_v that_o ever_o they_o do_v it_o as_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o clear_v in_o answer_v the_o argument_n they_o bring_v for_o it_o and_o so_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o govern_v the_o church_n the_o second_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o they_o whereby_o they_o give_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n to_o private_a christian_n do_v overturn_v the_o order_n establish_v by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o house_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o the_o consequence_n none_o may_v doubt_v of_o for_o nothing_o appoint_v by_o god_n do_v evert_v the_o order_n establish_v by_o himself_o now_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o they_o whereby_o they_o put_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n do_v evert_v the_o order_n appoint_v by_o christ_n be_v clear_a because_o his_o order_n be_v that_o some_o be_v watchman_n some_o watch_v over_o some_o ruler_n some_o to_o submit_v some_o governor_n some_o to_o be_v govern_v some_o shepherd_n some_o the_o flock_n but_o if_o so_o be_v that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v in_o their_o hand_n than_o all_o shall_v be_v overseer_n watchman_n ruler_n governor_n and_o none_o more_o than_o another_o if_o so_o be_v that_o power_n to_o govern_v shall_v flow_v from_o this_o that_o they_o be_v church_n member_n for_o all_o be_v so_o alike_o the_o three_o argument_n we_o bring_v for_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o to_o whosoever_o christ_n jesus_n have_v give_v warrant_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n to_o those_o he_o give_v promise_n of_o suitable_a ability_n for_o discharge_v of_o that_o great_a trust_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o gift_v neither_o promise_n to_o gift_n every_o christian_a nor_o yet_o require_v he_o answerable_a gift_n for_o government_n from_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v give_v they_o no_o warrant_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n that_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n he_o do_v also_o promise_v they_o sufficient_a ability_n for_o their_o trust_n be_v clear_a for_o how_o can_v it_o stand_v with_o the_o wisdom_n
not_o absurd_a for_o in_o our_o parliament_n commissioner_n from_o shire_n be_v judge_n to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n but_o how_o it_o be_v as_o they_o be_v join_v in_o parliament_n not_o by_o themselves_o alone_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n common_a to_o the_o shire_n not_o in_o other_o petty_a particular_a affair_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o they_o be_v elder_n to_o all_o the_o congregation_n indeed_o as_o they_o be_v join_v together_o in_o the_o presbytery_n but_o not_o by_o themselves_o alone_o in_o thing_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o the_o whole_a particular_a congregation_n not_o in_o these_o duty_n belong_v to_o every_o congregation_n in_o particular_a object_n 4._o if_o this_o subordination_n and_o judicatory_a above_o judicatory_a be_v of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v like_a scripture_n will_v have_v speak_v more_o plain_o of_o it_o not_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v draw_v out_o by_o so_o many_o far_o fetch_a consequence_n answer_v we_o have_v already_o give_v sufficient_a warrant_n for_o this_o government_n by_o clear_a consequence_n from_o scripture_n and_o consequence_n from_o scripture_n be_v scripture_n else_o we_o must_v cast_v at_o many_o point_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n but_o scripture_n consequence_n as_o the_o trinity_n and_o change_v of_o the_o sabbath_n yea_o we_o see_v christ_n himself_o ground_v a_o material_a point_n to_o wit_n the_o resurrection_n upon_o scripture_n consequence_n mark_v 12._o 26._o 2._o we_o must_v not_o teach_v god_n how_o to_o set_v down_o his_o mind_n in_o scripture_n we_o perchance_o think_v it_o have_v be_v a_o plain_a way_n to_o have_v cast_v matter_n of_o religion_n to_o so_o many_o head_n by_o which_o mean_v many_o controversy_n shall_v have_v be_v shun_v but_o he_o have_v think_v otherwise_o the_o lord_n in_o wisdom_n have_v scatter_v the_o parcel_n of_o every_o truth_n through_o his_o book_n intermix_v it_o with_o other_o subject_n as_o the_o gold_n be_v in_o the_o mine_n and_o this_o to_o exercise_v his_o people_n in_o search_v out_o his_o mind_n from_o scripture_n iv._o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o come_v to_o make_v some_o use_n of_o what_o be_v say_v and_o the_o first_o use_n be_v this_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o this_o government_n by_o presbytery_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o you_o will_v know_v it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n of_o nought_o we_o be_v contest_v for_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o truth_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o a_o truth_n of_o no_o small_a concernment_n what_o will_v become_v think_v you_o of_o particular_a congregation_n if_o they_o have_v none_o above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n what_o division_n strife_n heresy_n schism_n will_v ensue_v if_o people_n be_v inform_v of_o these_o contest_v that_o have_v fall_v out_o among_o our_o opposite_n themselves_o where_o this_o way_n of_o independency_n be_v follow_v the_o one_o half_a rent_v from_o the_o other_o excommunicate_v one_o another_o it_o may_v make_v moderate_a man_n scar_v at_o it_o but_o we_o need_v se●k_v no_o other_o evidence_n of_o this_o than_o by_o look_v on_o scotland_n and_o england_n these_o year_n by_o past_a in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n presbytery_n can_v not_o be_v set_v up_o independency_n be_v plead_v for_o and_o practise_v and_o what_o be_v become_v of_o it_o satan_n have_v vomit_v out_o a_o flood_n of_o error_n that_o there_o be_v never_o more_o nor_o more_o gross_a in_o any_o time_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n yea_o all_o the_o rot_a grave_n of_o old_a heresy_n be_v dig_v up_o and_o now_o avow_v socinianism_n in_o deny_v christ_n righteousness_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n anabaptism_n in_o deny_v the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n arianism_n in_o deny_v the_o trinity_n and_o many_o other_o such_o like_a yea_o there_o be_v some_o error_n there_o that_o be_v never_o before_o hear_v of_o some_o affirm_v there_o be_v no_o church_n they_o can_v join_v with_o and_o therefore_o they_o turn_v seeker_n some_o be_v above_o all_o preach_a prayer_n and_o all_o ordinance_n and_o all_o these_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o independency_n again_o look_v on_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o scotland_n where_o it_o have_v be_v in_o vigour_n god_n have_v make_v it_o a_o hammer_n for_o batter_v down_o the_o beginning_n of_o error_n so_o that_o these_o twelve_o year_n bypass_v not_o any_o one_o error_n have_v come_v to_o any_o strength_n and_o this_o all_o under_o god_n from_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v his_o institution_n our_o judicatories_n be_v indeed_o terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n though_o indeed_o we_o be_v now_o like_a to_o turn_v contemptible_a god_n himself_o heal_v our_o breach_n second_o guard_n against_o the_o error_n that_o will_v draw_v you_o from_o this_o truth_n if_o you_o can_v carry_v the_o ground_n we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o with_o you_o yet_o you_o may_v remember_v you_o once_o hear_v this_o truth_n confirm_v from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n that_o so_o when_o you_o meet_v with_o temptation_n to_o quit_v it_o you_o may_v advise_v well_o before_o you_o yield_v i_o will_v press_v this_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v the_o butt_n of_o satan_n envy_n the_o thing_n he_o will_v have_v most_o glad_o overthrow_v as_o that_o which_o stand_v most_o in_o his_o way_n for_o so_o long_o as_o it_o stand_v in_o its_o integrity_n we_o may_v in_o the_o lord_n strength_n have_v defy_v the_o devil_n to_o have_v bring_v error_n into_o scotland_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o set_v himself_o to_o brangle_v to_o get_v the_o hedge_n once_o plukt_v up_o that_o so_o the_o wild_a boar_n of_o the_o wilderness_n may_v come_v in_o and_o believe_v i_o there_o be_v nothing_o make_v i_o more_o afraid_a than_o that_o through_o god_n permission_n the_o devil_n shall_v get_v a_o deludge_n of_o error_n bring_v in_o on_o scotland_n because_o those_o who_o have_v be_v entrust_v with_o this_o government_n have_v weaken_v the_o power_n of_o it_o by_o division_n among_o ourselves_o a_o copy_n be_v casten_z how_o that_o erroneous_a spirit_n need_v not_o stand_v much_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o assembly_n when_o they_o will_v cross_v their_o design_n we_o be_v afraid_a yea_o we_o may_v be_v past_a ●ear_n and_o conclude_v that_o presbytery_n synod_n etc._n etc._n have_v lose_v much_o of_o the_o weight_n they_o have_v late_o in_o man_n conscience_n only_o let_v i_o entreat_v you_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o christ_n that_o you_o will_v put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o government_n itself_o and_o the_o person_n who_o be_v entrust_v with_o it_o do_v not_o charge_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o one_o upon_o the_o other_o the_o best_a thing_n that_o be_v may_v be_v abuse_v and_o it_o be_v people_n trial_n to_o put_v difference_n between_o the_o good_a of_o a_o thing_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o it_o the_o government_n be_v good_a and_o of_o god_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o it_o be_v evil_a and_o of_o man_n what_o be_v of_o god_n cleave_v to_o it_o and_o stick_v fast_o by_o it_o what_o be_v from_o man_n corruption_n mourn_v for_o it_o pray_v themselves_o may_v get_v a_o sight_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o you_o shall_v walk_v in_o a_o even_a way_n you_o have_v need_n to_o deal_v with_o god_n to_o ground_v you_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n for_o we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o we_o may_v be_v put_v to_o it_o to_o quit_v they_o only_o remember_v they_o be_v truth_n you_o have_v swear_v to_o maintain_v with_o your_o hand_n lift_v up_o on_o high_a sect_n v._o a_o short_a refutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o separation_n head_n i._o show_v what_o be_v require_v for_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n we_o have_v go_v through_o these_o controversy_n which_o be_v about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n we_o be_v now_o to_o refute_v some_o dangerous_a error_n of_o doctrine_n and_o first_o we_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o error_n of_o separation_n the_o error_n of_o separatist_n be_v many_o but_o we_o shall_v only_o engage_v with_o two_o head_n of_o they_o which_o be_v the_o main_a the_o first_o be_v that_o which_o they_o teach_v concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o who_o it_o be_v that_o shall_v be_v receive_v member_n of_o christ_n visible_a body_n the_o second_o be_v that_o which_o they_o hold_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o sincere_a christian_a viz._n that_o when_o they_o spy_v any_o corruption_n in_o a_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v member_n as_o if_o person_n scandalous_a be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n see_v they_o ought_v all_o to_o be_v gracious_a who_o come_v there_o then_o say_v they_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o keep_v back_o from_o
itself_o be_v express_v by_o the_o word_n truth_n behold_v thou_o desire_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o be_v not_o mean_v truth_n in_o the_o judgement_n oppose_v to_o error_n nor_o truth_n in_o people_n word_n oppose_v to_o the_o sin_n of_o lie_v and_o speak_v untruth_n but_o it_o be_v truth_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n call_v here_o truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o sincerity_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n for_o so_o be_v this_o grace_n often_o express_v in_o scripture_n isai._n 38._o 3._o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n say_v hezekiah_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a upright_o or_o sincere_a heart_n and_o ephes._n 6._o 14_o have_v their_o loin_n gird_v about_o with_o truth_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v with_o sincerity_n and_o single-heartedness_n this_o then_o be_v that_o truth_n which_o god_n require_v as_o a_o necessary_a season_v ingredient_n in_o all_o duty_n and_o especial_o in_o all_o religious_a performance_n and_o which_o david_n here_o hold_v out_o with_o a_o behold_v as_o the_o thing_n which_o above_o any_o other_o thing_n he_o have_v aim_v at_o and_o yet_o will_v aim_v more_o at_o in_o his_o penitential_a address_n unto_o god_n we_o have_v then_o in_o the_o word_n 1._o a_o note_n of_o attention_n behold_v which_o david_n prefix_v to_o that_o which_o he_o be_v to_o say_v i_o call_v it_o a_o note_n of_o attention_n for_o that_o be_v the_o use_n it_o serve_v for_o in_o this_o place_n as_o i_o shall_v clear_v afterward_o 2._o there_o be_v that_o which_o he_o subjoin_v to_o this_o behold_v the_o lord_n complacency_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o sincerity_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o as_o that_o without_o which_o his_o present_a address_n can_v not_o be_v savoury_a or_o acceptable_a to_o god_n thou_o desire_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n i_o shall_v observe_v two_o thing_n in_o general_n before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o particular_n of_o the_o text._n 1_o from_o this_o david_n hold_v out_o the_o rule_n he_o have_v walk_v by_o and_o be_v to_o walk_v by_o for_o make_v his_o present_a address_n to_o god_n in_o confess_v of_o sin_n and_o plead_v hard_o for_o pardon_n acceptable_a hence_o take_v this_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o do_v somewhat_o of_o command_a duty_n but_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o do_v what_o we_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n acceptable_o david_n not_o only_o confess_v sin_n and_o plead_v for_o pardon_n but_o he_o aim_v to_o do_v it_o in_o truth_n that_o so_o he_o may_v do_v it_o acceptable_o for_o while_o he_o say_v god_n do_v desire_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n it_o be_v evident_o employ_v that_o he_o aim_v to_o have_v it_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o this_o because_o if_o the_o thing_n we_o do_v be_v not_o do_v acceptable_o and_o in_o the_o right_a manner_n though_o the_o thing_n do_v be_v never_o so_o good_a in_o itself_o the_o do_v of_o it_o be_v but_o lose_a labour_n unto_o we_o thus_o though_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o command_a duty_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o offer_v up_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n yet_o when_o people_n make_v not_o conscience_n to_o discharge_v this_o duty_n in_o the_o right_a manner_n all_o they_o do_v be_v to_o as_o little_a purpose_n as_o if_o they_o have_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o hence_o isai._n 1._o 11._o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n yea_o the_o more_o excellent_a any_o duty_n be_v in_o itself_o and_o the_o great_a good_a be_v to_o be_v have_v by_o go_v about_o any_o duty_n in_o a_o right_n and_o acceptable_a manner_n the_o great_a be_v the_o hurt_a and_o damnage_v which_o we_o incur_v by_o it_o when_o we_o advert_v not_o how_o we_o do_v it_o and_o when_o without_o take_v heed_n to_o our_o foot_n we_o rush_v forward_o to_o it_o and_o carry_v ourselves_o but_o careless_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o we_o be_v employ_v about_o it_o what_o more_o excellent_a comfortable_a and_o soul_n edify_v ordinance_n be_v there_o than_o this_o of_o a_o communion_n which_o through_o god_n mercy_n you_o have_v yet_o the_o liberty_n of_o approach_v unto_o be_v it_o not_o a_o feast_n of_o fat_a thing_n of_o wine_n on_o the_o lees_n well_o refine_v wherein_o we_o feast_v with_o christ_n and_o upon_o christ_n his_o break_a body_n be_v meat_n indeed_o the_o most_o excellent_a that_o heaven_n or_o earth_n can_v afford_v and_o yet_o say_v paul_n if_o you_o come_v not_o to_o this_o ordinance_n in_o the_o right_a manner_n if_o you_o set_v not_o yourselves_o so_o to_o go_v about_o it_o as_o that_o you_o may_v be_v accept_v in_o your_o work_n if_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v unworthy_o without_o previous_a examination_n of_o yourselves_o you_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n and_o judgement_n to_o yourselves_o not_o only_o shall_v your_o table_n prove_v a_o snare_n but_o your_o meat_n be_v turn_v into_o poison_n and_o therefore_o consider_v this_o in_o the_o entry_n and_o labour_n to_o have_v it_o imprint_v on_o your_o heart_n that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o come_v rush_v forward_o to_o your_o work_n not_o consider_v how_o you_o come_v your_o come_v aught_o to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n give_v eccles._n 5._o 1._o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n as_o at_o all_o time_n so_o especial_o when_o you_o approach_v unto_o such_o a_o dreadful_a ordinance_n a_o this_o be_v whereof_o the_o advantage_n be_v so_o great_a if_o you_o come_v right_o and_o the_o hurt_n and_o hazard_v so_o unspeakable_o great_a if_o you_o come_v wrong_a but_o second_o observe_v yet_o in_o general_n that_o in_o go_v about_o command_v duty_n in_o some_o measure_n acceptable_o you_o ought_v now_o and_o then_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o manner_n and_o way_n of_o your_o discharge_n of_o duty_n even_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n when_o you_o be_v about_o it_o for_o so_o do_v david_n here_o he_o cast_v a_o eye_n upon_o the_o right_a manner_n how_o he_o shall_v have_v pray_v to_o wit_n in_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n even_o in_o the_o very_a midst_n of_o his_o prayer_n while_o he_o say_v unto_o god_n behold_v thou_o desire_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n and_o thus_o christ_n in_o luke_n 8._o 18._o say_v unto_o his_o disciple_n in_o the_o very_a mean_a time_n they_o be_v hear_v take_v heed_n therefore_o how_o you_o hear_v and_o sure_o our_o heart_n do_v oft_o turn_v formal_a vain_a wander_a and_o lumpish_a or_o heavy_a in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n because_o we_o do_v not_o serious_o mind_v how_o sinful_a shameful_a and_o unseemly_o it_o be_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o a_o check_n of_o this_o kind_n in_o time_n and_o seasonable_o to_o a_o vain_a stray_v and_o wander_a heart_n will_v do_v much_o through_o god_n blessing_n to_o make_v it_o halt_v david_n do_v this_o oft_o especial_o psal._n 43._o 5._o where_o he_o turn_v his_o speech_n from_o god_n and_o give_v himself_o a_o rebuke_n and_o check_v for_o the_o present_a unsuitable_a frame_n of_o heart_n wherein_o he_o then_o be_v why_o be_v thouca_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n say_v he_o and_o why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v in_o i_o hope_v thou_o in_o god_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o this_o reflect_v upon_o the_o manner_n and_o way_n how_o you_o discharge_v duty_n even_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n when_o you_o be_v about_o it_o be_v useful_a when_o you_o find_v your_o heart_n out_o of_o frame_n a_o serious_a timous_a check_n give_v unto_o it_o will_v prove_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v it_o beside_o if_o upon_o your_o reflect_v thus_o you_o find_v matter_n tolerable_o right_a and_o your_o heart_n in_o such_o a_o frame_n for_o the_o main_n as_o the_o lord_n require_v it_o will_v furnish_v you_o with_o matter_n of_o boldness_n courage_n and_o confidence_n as_o here_o it_o do_v david_n who_o have_v find_v somewhat_o of_o this_o truth_n and_o this_o upright_a and_o sincere_a frame_n of_o heart_n in_o his_o own_o inward_a part_n he_o takes_z ground_n of_o confidence_n from_o that_o to_o expect_v that_o god_n who_o have_v give_v he_o this_o can_v also_o give_v he_o more_o in_o the_o hide_a part_n say_v he_o thou_o shall_v make_v i_o to_o know_v wisdom_n for_o use_v this_o do_v short_o speak_v two_o thing_n 1._o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v a_o work_n not_o of_o the_o outward_a man_n only_o but_o also_o and_o main_o of_o the_o inward_a man_n the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n must_v be_v exercise_v in_o it_o if_o so_o be_v go_v right_o about_o it_o and_o that_o many_o way_n and_o this_o be_v one_o way_n the_o heart_n must_v be_v exercise_v by_o reflect_v now_o
get_v seek_v the_o more_o of_o peace_n with_o god_n seek_v the_o more_o of_o his_o smileing_n the_o more_o thou_o meet_v with_o of_o man_n frowning_n seek_v the_o more_o warmness_n in_o he_o the_o more_o of_o coldness_n thou_o meet_v with_o from_o man_n seek_v the_o more_o of_o counsel_n and_o direction_n from_o god_n the_o more_o reservedness_n thou_o find_v in_o other_o from_o who_o thou_o be_v wont_a to_o get_v sweet_a counsel_n this_o be_v a_o sweet_a use_n of_o our_o present_a division_n a_o exposition_n of_o sampsons_n riddle_n indeed_o for_o thus_o out_o of_o the_o eater_n shall_v come_v meat_n and_o out_o of_o the_o bitter_a shall_v come_v sweet_a three_o by_o these_o division_n you_o may_v discover_v much_o evil_n in_o your_o spirit_n that_o be_v before_o undiscovered_a what_o a_o deal_n of_o pride_n not_o endure_v to_o be_v oppose_v what_o carnal_a emulation_n at_o the_o good_a of_o other_o what_o rejoy_v at_o their_o slip_n what_o eagerness_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o thing_n of_o little_a worth_n when_o more_o excellent_a be_v neglect_v what_o violent_a eruption_n of_o unmortified_a nature_n bend_v after_o course_n unwarrantable_a for_o make_v of_o our_o point_n good_a except_o grace_n do_v bear_v they_o down_o you_o find_v such_o a_o discovery_n of_o some_o thing_n such_o as_o may_v make_v you_o abase_v yourselves_o before_o god_n four_o our_o present_a division_n may_v confirm_v we_o in_o the_o main_n and_o settle_v we_o more_o than_o ever_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o so_o much_o oppose_v truth_n concern_v the_o government_n of_o christ_n house_n and_o constitution_n of_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o because_o those_o who_o be_v divivide_v and_o oppose_v one_o another_o much_o yet_o for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v agree_v in_o these_o if_o a_o man_n house_n stand_v after_o the_o shake_n of_o many_o strong_a wind_n he_o conclude_v the_o foundation_n be_v good_a this_o be_v a_o strong_a argument_n for_o truth_n that_o our_o division_n faction_n and_o opposition_n one_o against_o another_o do_v not_o shake_v our_o mind_n in_o relation_n to_o it_o five_o our_o present_a division_n may_v be_v a_o spur_n to_o more_o diligence_n in_o deal_v with_o god_n for_o help_v forward_o of_o his_o so_o much_o retard_v work_n he_o be_v a_o unhappy_a man_n who_o when_o the_o ship_n of_o the_o church_n be_v at_o the_o point_n of_o shipwrak_fw-mi will_v not_o use_v violence_n against_o his_o own_o laziness_n and_o improve_v his_o interest_n with_o god_n that_o he_o will_v help_v his_o toss_a church_n at_o a_o dead_a lift_n oh_o that_o there_o be_v more_o of_o this_o use_n the_o generation_n of_o those_o that_o seek_v god_n be_v fall_v asleep_o many_o be_v the_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v use_v to_o rouse_v we_o up_o we_o have_v have_v the_o calm_a voice_n of_o the_o word_n and_o that_o have_v not_o do_v it_o we_o have_v have_v the_o thunderclaps_a of_o sad_a suffering_n from_o without_o and_o that_o have_v not_o do_v it_o and_o now_o the_o earthquake_n of_o heart_n division_n within_o have_v shake_v all_o and_o if_o god_n prevent_v not_o will_v overturn_v all._n and_o if_o this_o awake_v we_o not_o oh_o lord_n what_o will_v thou_o do_v next_o i_o shall_v now_o shut_v up_o all_o with_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_z by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n i_o know_v as_o matter_n now_o stand_v this_o and_o all_o we_o have_v speak_v from_o it_o may_v prove_v but_o thresh_v on_o the_o water_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n by_o we_o intend_v yea_o and_o very_o like_o it_o may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o hightning_n of_o prejudices_fw-la and_o further_a increase_n of_o our_o strife_n and_o if_o so_o be_v i_o be_o at_o a_o point_n what_o to_o answer_v that_o even_o this_o will_v confirm_v unto_o i_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v to_o wit_n that_o our_o division_n be_v a_o evil_a much_o to_o be_v lament_v it_o be_v a_o judicial_a stroke_n in_o so_o far_o as_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v for_o the_o removal_n of_o it_o but_o thereby_o one_o way_n or_o other_o it_o take_v strength_n it_o be_v a_o strong_a fire_n that_o when_o water_n be_v pour_v upon_o it_o blaze_v up_o the_o high_a it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a disease_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n which_o be_v so_o prevalent_a as_o to_o turn_v the_o very_a medicine_n apply_v unto_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o vicious_a humour_n whereby_o the_o disease_n be_v further_o feed_v and_o nourish_v and_o yet_o though_o all_o this_o shall_v be_v which_o god_n avert_v i_o have_v another_o thing_n to_o say_v and_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o my_o comfort_n as_o to_o our_o present_a sad_a stroke_n that_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v find_v out_o the_o way_n to_o make_v god_n and_o man_n one_o when_o they_o be_v at_o variance_n have_v way_n enough_o to_o reconcile_v we_o one_o to_o another_o though_o our_o division_n be_v at_o a_o great_a height_n than_o yet_o they_o be_v come_v to_o and_o if_o he_o have_v pleasure_n in_o we_o he_o will_v make_v we_o one_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v on_o our_o own_o expense_n he_o may_v possible_o do_v it_o by_o send_v we_o to_o one_o common_a goal_n or_o some_o such_o like_a thing_n for_o our_o adhere_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n covenant_n and_o precious_a liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o precious_a trust_n commit_v unto_o we_o by_o he_o and_o transmit_v unto_o we_o by_o our_o zealous_a and_o faithful_a predecessor_n who_o in_o the_o obtain_n and_o preservation_n of_o they_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n if_o he_o have_v pleasure_n in_o we_o he_o will_v make_v we_o unite_v and_o if_o no_o other_o thing_n will_v do_v it_o he_o will_v make_v such_o like_a work_n as_o this_o do_v it_o and_o it_o be_v very_o like_o such_o like_a work_n may_v be_v ere_o long_o for_o shall_v we_o look_v on_o our_o mother_n church_n oppress_v and_o bereave_v of_o these_o privilege_n which_o be_v leave_v unto_o she_o by_o her_o lord_n and_o husband_n in_o his_o latter_a will_n and_o testament_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o way_n competent_a for_o we_o upon_o all_o hazard_n resent_v it_o shall_v strong_a power_n usurp_v upon_o the_o church_n right_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n shall_v we_o by_o our_o mutual_a jangle_n encourage_v they_o to_o go_v on_o in_o this_o woeful_a work_n or_o shall_v we_o resent_v these_o wrong_n the_o less_o or_o secret_o approve_v of_o they_o becasue_v possible_o that_o which_o be_v our_o own_o design_n for_o weaken_v one_o another_o be_v thereby_o promove_v god_n forbid_v now_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n establish_v our_o peace_n with_o himself_o and_o give_v we_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o in_o himself_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o kilwinning_n immediate_o before_o the_o give_n of_o the_o communion_n be_v a_o preparation_n sermon_n in_o order_n thereunto_o the_o second_o sermon_n psalm_n 51._o 6._o behold_v thou_o desire_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n and_o in_o the_o hide_a part_n thou_o shall_v make_v i_o to_o know_v wisdom_n this_o psalm_n be_v one_o of_o david_n penitential_a psalm_n wherein_o his_o conscience_n be_v first_o awake_v and_o make_v sensible_a of_o his_o sin_n he_o plead_v hard_a for_o god_n mercy_n &_o grace_n and_o especial_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n which_o petition_n he_o insist_o upon_o most_o and_o do_v again_o and_o again_o inculcate_v it_o the_o word_n read_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o verse_n hold_v out_o somewhat_o which_o god_n main_o call_v for_o and_o david_n aim_v at_o as_o a_o necessary_a ingredient_n in_o his_o penitential_a address_n unto_o god_n without_o which_o nothing_o he_o can_v do_v in_o any_o duty_n of_o god_n service_n or_o particular_o in_o this_o which_o he_o be_v present_o about_o will_v have_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o which_o be_v obtain_v and_o in_o exercise_n all_o he_o do_v be_v the_o more_o savoury_a and_o therefore_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o it_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o prayer_n and_o present_a exercise_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v both_o mind_n his_o heart_n of_o the_o great_a necessity_n there_o be_v to_o have_v it_o and_o also_o may_v cheer_v up_o his_o weight_v spirit_n somewhat_o in_o confidence_n that_o he_o will_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n in_o his_o present_a address_n see_v he_o have_v something_o of_o that_o necessary_a ingredient_n which_o god_n do_v so_o much_o require_v desire_v and_o accept_v of_o the_o thing_n