thing_n that_o there_o seem_v nothing_o more_o requisite_a to_o be_v say_v by_o way_n of_o reply_n thereunto_o thus_o much_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v certify_v because_o some_o have_v slight_v mr._n ball_n book_n not_o deem_v it_o worth_a read_n because_o sufficient_o answer_v by_o mr._n cotton_n whereas_o indeed_o this_o book_n may_v serve_v for_o a_o sufficient_a reply_n to_o his_o answer_n chap._n ix_o wherein_o be_v lay_v down_o some_o general_a rule_n of_o caution_n to_o preserve_v christian_n from_o rash_a and_o unjust_a separation_n the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o discourse_n although_o the_o answer_v all_o objection_n and_o satisfy_v every_o scruple_n that_o may_v occur_v about_o this_o point_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n be_v a_o work_n too_o large_a to_o be_v undertake_v in_o these_o paper_n and_o indeed_o needless_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o abundant_a pain_n take_v therein_o by_o those_o writer_n before_o refer_v to_o yet_o because_o i_o may_v not_o leave_v the_o sober_a and_o humble_a christian_a altogether_o without_o help_n that_o be_v desirous_a to_o find_v something_o here_o that_o may_v satisfy_v his_o conscience_n about_o the_o premise_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o general_a rule_n of_o caution_n which_o be_v due_o consider_v and_o improve_v may_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n much_o conduce_v to_o prevent_v or_o heal_v rash_a and_o unjust_a separation_n which_o be_v these_o that_o follow_v 1._o do_v not_o rash_o separate_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v be_v find_v in_o almost_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n both_o in_o former_a and_o latter_a time_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o though_o we_o say_v not_o the_o church_n be_v so_o absolute_o infallible_a that_o it_o can_v err_v in_o the_o least_o particular_a yet_o we_o may_v easy_o defend_v that_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o all_o place_n and_o age_n can_v err_v so_o dangerous_o so_o as_o good_a christian_n ought_v not_o to_o keep_v communion_n with_o she_o but_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v separation_n from_o she_o for_o this_o will_v infer_v that_o she_o have_v whole_o fall_v from_o christ_n and_o her_o bond_n of_o union_n with_o he_o be_v dissolve_v and_o he_o be_v no_o long_o present_v with_o she_o for_o till_o than_o christian_n be_v not_o whole_o to_o separate_v from_o she_o yea_o that_o christ_n have_v no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o so_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n that_o hell_n gate_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o she_o that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o she_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o will_v send_v his_o spirit_n to_o lead_v she_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o it_o shall_v abide_v with_o she_o for_o ever_o which_o promise_v though_o direct_o and_o primary_o they_o be_v make_v to_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v the_o special_a presence_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o guidance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o most_o eminent_a manner_n yet_o be_v make_v to_o they_o for_o the_o behoof_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o shall_v be_v verify_v to_o it_o this_o due_o consider_v will_v much_o prevent_v the_o scandal_n take_v at_o bishop_n at_o form_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n for_o who_o be_v there_o if_o acquaint_v with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n that_o know_v not_o that_o bishop_n even_o in_o a_o superiority_n of_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o other_o minister_n have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n almost_o universal_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o our_o day_n and_o that_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n have_v be_v of_o exceed_v long_a continuance_n in_o the_o christian_a curche_n through_o the_o world_n therefore_o such_o as_o separate_v for_o these_o thing_n now_o must_v have_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o same_o principle_n to_o have_v separate_v from_o almost_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n which_o thing_n how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v need_v not_o much_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o she_o to_o manifest_v the_o same_o 2._o let_v not_o inconvenience_n defect_n addition_n or_o error_n circumstantial_a cause_v you_o to_o withdraw_v communion_n whole_o from_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o substantial_a duty_n of_o god_n worship_n where_o the_o essential_o be_v preserve_v though_o some_o lesser_a evil_n may_v be_v find_v do_v not_o utter_o refuse_v communion_n there_o the_o lord_n jesus_n will_v not_o reject_v such_o church_n therefore_o do_v not_o you_o 24._o ames_n eas_fw-la lib_fw-la 4._o cap_n 24._o this_o have_v pass_v for_o good_a divinity_n general_o among_o nonconformist_n who_o acknowledge_v communion_n may_v be_v maintain_v where_o some_o divine_a institution_n be_v want_v and_o some_o humane_a additament_n mere_o extrinsical_a be_v join_v to_o divine_a worship_n 3.12_o commis_fw-la paper_n p._n 3.12_o they_o say_v that_o where_o the_o substantial_o of_o worship_n be_v preserve_v 2.15_o bayne_n on_o eph_n 2.15_o though_o the_o external_a form_n and_o mode_n be_v more_o inconvenient_a disorderly_a and_o defective_a 35._o hilders_n on_o ps_n 51._o lect._n 35._o yet_o it_o be_v lawful_a yea_o a_o duty_n to_o offer_v such_o worship_n to_o god_n rather_o than_o none_o at_o all_o that_o what_o ever_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o reform_v it_o shall_v be_v our_o zeal_n and_o piety_n to_o tolerate_v and_o with_o patience_n to_o bear_v &_o in_o such_o church_n there_o may_v be_v more_o cause_n to_o rejoice_v then_o to_o grieve_v indeed_o the_o contrary_a practice_n will_v lead_v to_o separation_n from_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n for_o which_o of_o they_o all_o be_v perfect_a 3._o as_o christian_n shall_v fly_v from_o what_o be_v real_o idolatry_n will-worship_n antichristianism_n popery_n etc._n etc._n so_o let_v they_o not_o be_v affright_v with_o those_o name_n when_o impose_v on_o thing_n without_o good_a ground_n lest_o they_o be_v scare_v from_o necessary_a duty_n and_o worship_n for_o these_o terrify_a name_n have_v be_v abusive_o apply_v to_o deter_v weak_a people_n from_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n e._n g._n idolatry_n will-worship_n imagery_n have_v be_v charge_v upon_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o they_o have_v be_v censure_v to_o be_v forbid_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n but_o what_o christian_n not_o prepossess_v beforehand_o with_o prejudice_n against_o they_o can_v find_v they_o therein_o condemn_v or_o in_o any_o of_o the_o commentary_n of_o the_o prophet_n or_o apostle_n or_o in_o any_o exposition_n of_o ancient_a or_o modern_a writer_n till_o some_o few_o of_o latter_a time_n may_v not_o any_o simple_a plain_a heart_a christian_n to_o who_o apprehension_n the_o scripture_n be_v suit_v in_o all_o necessary_a duty_n psal_n 19.7_o profess_v he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o see_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o find_v set_v form_n not_o only_o use_v and_o prescribe_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o also_o in_o the_o new_a he_o find_v jesus_n christ_n give_v a_o form_n to_o his_o disciple_n as_o john_n do_v to_o he_o and_o how_o can_v he_o then_o resent_v those_o charge_n of_o imagery_n idolatry_n superstition_n but_o as_o mere_a scare-crow_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o charge_n of_o popery_n draw_v up_o by_o some_o against_o the_o present_a form_n of_o prayer_n by_o law_n establish_v that_o they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o mass_n book_n be_v popish_a prayer_n etc._n etc._n which_o affright_v some_o poor_a weak_a christian_n they_o be_v afraid_a to_o come_v near_o they_o when_o as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o 1._o they_o be_v compile_v by_o sundry_a godly_a man_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n some_o of_o they_o afterward_o martyr_n in_o queen_n marys_n day_n &_o be_v ever_o high_o value_v by_o they_o 2._o the_o papist_n have_v ever_o have_v they_o in_o detestation_n queen_n mary_n be_v report_v to_o have_v raze_v they_o out_o of_o the_o parliament_n record_n so_o as_o it_o can_v not_o till_o some_o have_v late_a act_n pass_v be_v well_o know_v which_o be_v the_o authorize_v book_n and_o harding_n their_o great_a champion_n say_v of_o it_o in_o his_o dispute_n with_o bishop_n jewel_n on_o art_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o service_n as_o their_o good_a catholic_n can_v join_v with_o we_o in_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n but_o because_o say_v he_o many_o necessary_a thing_n be_v want_v in_o it_o and_o many_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o the_o faith_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n 3._o popery_n can_v return_v upon_o we_o whilst_o the_o say_a common-prayer-book_n be_v keep_v unaltered_a how_o can_v their_o proper_a sacrifice_n communion_n in_o one_o kind_n prayer_n to_o saint_n etc._n etc._n come_v in_o whilst_o this_o be_v keep_v up_o and_o observe_v and_o as_o for_o the_o take_v these_o prayer_n out_o of_o the_o
in_o their_o patrimony_n say_v bucer_n then_o in_o their_o opinion_n beside_o they_o may_v undergo_v the_o heavy_a charge_n of_o apostasy_n lasco_n ep._n to_o jo_n a_o lasco_n and_o desert_v the_o truth_n and_o change_v their_o religion_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o deterr_v many_o from_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o sobriety_n but_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v it_o be_v no_o discharge_n for_o the_o wise_a holy_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n to_o retract_v in_o some_o controversal_a opinion_n or_o practice_n augustine_n who_o be_v esteem_v the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o father_n write_v several_a book_n of_o retractation_n and_o i_o to_o ruffinus_n say_v never_o blush_v man_n to_o change_v thy_o opinion_n for_o neither_o you_o nor_o i_o nor_o any_o person_n live_v be_v of_o so_o great_a authority_n as_o to_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v that_o they_o have_v err_v and_o as_o for_o the_o charge_n of_o apostasy_n and_o change_v your_o religion_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o be_v it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o affirm_v this_o for_o if_o you_o search_v the_o scripture_n apostasy_n be_v a_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o main_a fundamental_a confess_v doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o duty_n of_o godliness_n into_o manifest_a heresy_n or_o wickedness_n not_o the_o change_a a_o man_n judgement_n or_o practice_n in_o some_o point_v disputable_a among_o the_o godly_a and_o orthodox_n say_v mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o catholic_n unity_n be_v it_o know_v to_o all_o the_o papist_n in_o the_o world_n that_o our_o religion_n be_v not_o change_v at_o all_o our_o worship_n be_v the_o same_o whether_o within_o book_n or_o without_o our_o prayer_n be_v the_o same_o for_o matter_n with_o those_o in_o the_o common_a prayer_n book_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v one_o day_n use_v the_o common_a prayer_n book_n and_o another_o day_n forbear_v it_o i_o shall_v not_o change_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v be_v part_n of_o his_o worship_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o a_o book_n or_o out_o of_o it_o be_v no_o part_n at_o all_o but_o a_o mode_n or_o circumstance_n which_o may_v be_v alter_v as_o occasion_n serve_v elsewhere_o the_o same_o learned_a and_o pious_a person_n show_v what_o yield_v in_o thing_n lawful_a the_o scripture_n recommend_v to_o we_o from_o the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n 488._o five_o disp_n p._n 488._o when_o he_o circumcise_v timothy_n act_n 16.3_o and_o when_o he_o take_v the_o man_n and_o purify_a himself_o with_o they_o in_o the_o temple_n to_o signify_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o day_n of_o purification_n etc._n etc._n act._n 21.26_o 27._o so_o also_o from_o what_o he_o say_v 1_o cor._n 9.19_o 20._o i_o be_o make_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n that_o i_o may_v by_o all_o mean_n save_o some_o and_o this_o i_o do_v for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n xi_o i_o add_v but_o one_o rule_n of_o caution_n more_o against_o a_o very_a common_a but_o dangerous_a mistake_n which_o be_v a_o occasion_n to_o many_o of_o run_v in_o to_o error_n and_o heresy_n as_o well_o as_o into_o schism_n and_o separation_n viz._n take_v heed_n of_o set_v up_o your_o own_o apprehension_n and_o conceit_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n about_o controvert_v point_n as_o infallible_a oracle_n that_o you_o trust_v so_o confident_o to_o that_o you_o will_v endanger_v the_o church_n peace_n and_o your_o own_o safety_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o they_o where_o you_o have_v not_o all_o those_o necessary_a help_n and_o mean_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o find_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n therein_o some_o that_o have_v their_o mind_n forestalled_n with_o a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n get_v a_o bible_n into_o their_o hand_n present_o conceive_v what_o ever_o they_o meet_v withal_o to_o make_v for_o their_o opinion_n and_o begin_v to_o be_v more_o confident_a than_o a_o hundred_o wise_a and_o more_o discern_a person_n dare_v to_o be_v who_o know_v their_o own_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o the_o mysteriousness_n of_o the_o thing_n controvert_v though_o they_o have_v far_o great_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o they_o this_o carry_v man_n into_o such_o wild_a fancy_n &_o strange_a delusion_n sometime_o as_o bring_v they_o under_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o fanaticism_n a_o name_n which_o be_v too_o unjust_o apply_v to_o other_o more_o sober_a and_o pious_a christian_n though_o the_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a doctrine_n and_o duty_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o plain_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n that_o the_o weak_a christian_n may_v understand_v they_o and_o therefore_o have_v much_o profit_n by_o holy_a and_o humble_a meditation_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n day_n and_o night_n yet_o point_v controvert_v be_v oftentimes_o hide_v from_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o know_v not_o the_o language_n and_o proper_a idiom_n of_o scripture_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n and_o other_o advantage_n of_o learning_n that_o its_o ordinary_o impossible_a they_o shall_v find_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n therein_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a delusion_n to_o think_v that_o the_o spirit_n that_o some_o pretend_v to_o more_o confident_o than_o they_o have_v cause_n shall_v discover_v all_o deep_a mystery_n and_o obscure_a point_n of_o controversy_n to_o those_o that_o have_v but_o ordinary_a understanding_n and_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o outward_a necessary_a mean_n and_o hope_n for_o the_o gain_v knowledge_n thereby_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n teach_v not_o by_o such_o immediate_a enthusiasm_n but_o by_o irradiate_a the_o mind_n and_o elevate_a the_o reason_n that_o be_v exercise_v in_o search_v the_o truth_n in_o all_o god_n appoint_v mean_n and_o do_v also_o help_v the_o weak_a to_o understand_v savoury_o all_o those_o plain_a and_o necessary_a truth_n that_o tend_v to_o godliness_n and_o to_o conform_v their_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o love_n and_o obedience_n of_o they_o it_o be_v more_o become_v weak_a christian_n in_o matter_n disputable_a to_o consult_v with_o the_o write_n of_o able_a and_o learned_a expositor_n that_o have_v all_o those_o advantage_n which_o themselves_o want_v and_o not_o to_o presume_v too_o much_o on_o their_o own_o understanding_n in_o such_o thing_n which_o will_v be_v account_v unsufferable_a presumption_n in_o other_o art_n and_o science_n and_o can_v be_v less_o in_o divinity_n wherein_o the_o great_a mystery_n be_v contain_v other_o rule_n of_o caution_n may_v here_o be_v lay_v down_o which_o to_o avoid_v prolixity_n i_o forbear_v to_o enumerate_v recommend_v the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o sober_a and_o humble_a christian_a as_o great_o conduce_v to_o keep_v he_o from_o the_o by-path_n of_o unjust_a separation_n and_o here_o conclude_v with_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v to_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o all_o nation_n both_o ruler_n and_o people_n to_o mind_v more_o and_o to_o be_v more_o zealous_a for_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o to_o contend_v less_o about_o thing_n not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n necessary_a that_o high_a imposition_n may_v not_o occasion_v violent_a opposition_n nor_o these_o again_o produce_v further_a imposition_n but_o we_o may_v love_v one_o another_o unfeigned_o for_o the_o great_a thing_n we_o be_v unite_v in_o &_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o more_o in_o thing_n wherein_o difference_n be_v tolerable_a and_o all_o may_v seek_v the_o unity_n peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o good_a of_o one_o another_o etc._n etc._n then_o shall_v religion_n flourish_v the_o gospel_n be_v advance_v the_o fame_n of_o god_n be_v honour_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n edify_v and_o all_o may_v walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o which_o let_v every_o good_a christian_a say_v amen_n finis_fw-la
a_o guide_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n or_o a_o discourse_n direct_v to_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n man_n venture_v their_o salvation_n upon_o seasonable_a for_o these_o time_n wherein_o there_o be_v such_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o way_n of_o religion_n to_o inform_v the_o ignorant_a to_o resolve_v the_o waver_a and_o to_o confirm_v the_o weak_a by_o i._n c._n m._n a._n of_o t._n c._n c._n josh_n 24.15_o and_o if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v whether_o the_o god_n but_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n edinburgh_n print_v by_o andrew_n anderson_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o house_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o cross_n anno_fw-la 1669._o a_o premonition_n to_o the_o reader_n show_v the_o occasion_n and_o intendment_n of_o the_o discourse_n courteous_a reader_n there_o be_v no_o good_a christian_n but_o be_v ready_a upon_o all_o just_a occasion_n to_o express_v his_o sad_a resentment_n of_o the_o woeful_a division_n and_o dangerous_a error_n wherewith_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o these_o kingdom_n have_v be_v for_o many_o year_n past_a and_o still_o be_v so_o distract_v for_o notwithstanding_o that_o our_o civil_a war_n be_v through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n endid_a yet_o our_o religious_a jar_n and_o rent_n be_v not_o heal_v indeed_o how_o can_v any_o pious_a soul_n consider_v the_o great_a dishonour_n do_v thereby_o to_o the_o holy_a name_n of_o god_n the_o reproach_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o great_a scandal_n to_o those_o sometime_o famous_a church_n which_o be_v now_o hereby_o become_v infamous_a through_o the_o world_n yea_o the_o apparent_a ruin_n threaten_v by_o these_o thing_n and_o not_o break_v out_o into_o sad_a lamentation_n for_o the_o same_o sure_o this_o 〈◊〉_d a_o lamentaion_n and_o shall_v be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n and_o although_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o those_o evil_n in_o order_n to_o the_o repair_n and_o heal_v of_o they_o and_o the_o prevent_v the_o public_a ruin_n threaten_v to_o the_o church_n and_o state_n thereby_o belong_v to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o zeal_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o place_n of_o eminency_n and_o be_v vest_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n requisite_a thereunto_o yet_o private_a christian_n in_o a_o low_a station_n and_o capacity_n can_v but_o have_v their_o eye_n upon_o the_o sad_a influence_n those_o â—â—ings_n have_v upon_o their_o dear_a friend_n and_o neighbour_n with_o who_o they_o converse_v and_o in_o their_o behalf_n meditate_v upon_o some_o remedy_n for_o the_o same_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o malignant_a influence_n these_o thing_n have_v on_o the_o common_a sort_n be_v very_o sad_a whilst_o gaze_v on_o those_o sad_a contest_a matter_n of_o religion_n some_o continue_v mere_a sceptic_n ever_o waver_v and_o not_o know_v what_o way_n of_o religion_n to_o choose_v and_o so_o neglect_v to_o be_v of_o any_o some_o be_v profess_v atheist_n or_o profane_a wretch_n other_o be_v seduce_v into_o dangerous_a error_n as_o popery_n socinianism_n quakerism_n etc._n etc._n many_o engage_v in_o contention_n they_o know_v not_o why_o nor_o for_o what_o and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n woeful_o stumble_v in_o their_o profession_n the_o intendment_n of_o these_o paper_n be_v to_o propose_v some_o help_n against_o those_o evil_n and_o to_o guide_v and_o direct_v those_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o miscarry_v through_o occasion_n of_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o way_n find_v a_o among_o we_o wherein_o they_o be_v first_o excite_v to_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n they_o venture_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o and_o be_v inform_v how_o to_o do_v it_o endeavour_n be_v use_v to_o fix_v and_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o duty_n threrof_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n which_o have_v be_v own_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o church_n in_o all_o place_n and_o age_n and_o to_o persuade_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v they_o as_o that_o whereupon_o their_o eternal_a safety_n depend_v then_o our_o discourse_n descend_v to_o point_n of_o a_o secondary_a and_o inferior_a nature_n that_o be_v controvert_v among_o wise_a and_o godly_a christian_n and_o direction_n be_v lay_v down_o how_o to_o find_v out_o the_o right_n and_o safe_a way_n for_o faith_n and_o practice_n in_o such_o thing_n especial_o when_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o hold_v forth_o a_o profession_n of_o ourselves_o therein_o wherewith_o be_v show_v also_o what_o tenderness_n and_o respect_n be_v to_o be_v use_v towards_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o those_o thing_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o carry_v it_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n with_o those_o that_o err_v fundemental_o and_o subvert_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n all_o which_o counsel_v be_v evidence_v to_o be_v good_a and_o wholesome_a will_v manifest_o declare_v those_o to_o be_v the_o most_o approve_a and_o judicious_a christian_n who_o under_o all_o those_o great_a change_n and_o revolution_n which_o have_v be_v among_o we_o of_o latter_a time_n have_v especial_o exercise_v their_o zeal_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o fundament_n all_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o practice_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n as_o also_o for_o the_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o love_n and_o union_n among_o christian_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o have_v show_v great_a moderation_n and_o condescension_n towards_o those_o that_o differ_v in_o controvert_v point_n of_o a_o low_a nature_n even_o to_o a_o degree_n of_o compliance_n also_o with_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o time_n in_o some_o thing_n which_o seem_v in_o themselves_o less_o desirable_a and_o inconvenient_a provide_v in_o their_o conscience_n they_o judge_v they_o not_o to_o be_v sinful_a if_o conduce_v to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o salvation_n of_o soul_n indeed_o this_o will_v be_v judge_v by_o some_o rash_a and_o censorious_a spirit_n to_o be_v hypocrisy_n time-serving_a ere_fw-we self-seeking_a and_o such_o person_n may_v be_v brand_v for_o temporizer_n turn-coat_n or_o apostate_n or_o what_o not_o but_o when_o thing_n shall_v be_v consider_v in_o calmness_n and_o sobriety_n such_o will_v be_v find_v the_o great_a friend_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o such_o action_n most_o consonant_a to_o scripture_n command_v and_o to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o saint_n record_v therein_o whereas_o such_o as_o be_v find_v depart_v from_o any_o fundamental_a and_o general_o confess_v point_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n these_o imputation_n may_v be_v more_o warrantable_o charge_v upon_o they_o reader_n let_v these_o sad_a and_o woeful_a difference_n error_n and_o debate_n provoke_v thou_o to_o examine_v the_o ground_n thy_o profession_n be_v build_v upon_o to_o study_v more_o the_o verity_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v better_o establish_v therein_o to_o understand_v believe_v love_n and_o obey_v the_o great_a and_o necessary_a principle_n thereof_o humble_o to_o seek_v of_o god_n the_o discovery_n of_o his_o mind_n in_o thing_n more_o dark_a and_o controvert_v and_o to_o exercise_v more_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n or_o practice_n with_o thou_o therein_o and_o then_o thou_o will_v be_v secure_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o those_o evil_n yea_o they_o will_v prove_v advantageous_a to_o thy_o great_a good_a although_o intend_v by_o satan_n for_o thy_o hurt_n to_o help_v thou_o herein_o be_v the_o intendment_n and_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n in_o order_n whereunto_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v humble_o implore_v to_o go_v along_o with_o the_o same_o the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n chap._n 1._o religion_n the_o grand_a concernment_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n great_a difference_n about_o it_o necessity_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o deliberate_a choose_n one_o religion_n a_o proposition_n lay_v down_o which_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n page_n 1._o chap._n 2._o show_v wherein_o this_o wise_a choose_v once_o religion_n stand_v and_o what_o act_n concur_v thereunto_o page_n 5._o chap._n 3._o consideration_n evidence_v it_o a_o principal_a point_n of_o wisdom_n for_o a_o man_n to_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n he_o profess_v in_o the_o world_n and_o venture_v his_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o page_n 13_o chap._n 4._o wherein_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v insist_v upon_o and_o direction_n give_v how_o to_o choose_v the_o true_a religion_n among_o so_o many_o as_o be_v in_o the_o world_n all_o other_o religion_n be_v
worship_n own_a viz._n that_o god_n only_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v &_o no_o creature_n saint_n or_o angel_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v only_o in_o and_o through_o christ_n as_o our_o only_a mediator_n and_o advocate_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n &_o truth_n &_o to_o be_v sanctify_v of_o they_o that_o come_v near_o unto_o he_o 3_o as_o for_o fundamental_a duty_n and_o point_n of_o practice_n here_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o for_o salvation_n of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v he_o and_o obedience_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o the_o then_o commandment_n here_o be_v a_o profess_a renuntiation_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n with_o all_o their_o sinful_a work_n and_o lust_n all_o these_o call_v for_o a_o ingenuous_a and_o candid_a acknowledgement_n how_o will_v our_o forefather_n that_o live_v in_o former_a time_n of_o popery_n have_v rejoice_v to_o have_v see_v such_o thing_n in_o england_n we_o shall_v bresse_v god_n that_o have_v vouchase_v such_o a_o mercy_n to_o we_o honour_v our_o defender_n of_o the_o faith_n under_o who_o protection_n this_o profession_n be_v make_v and_o show_v more_o reverence_n to_o the_o church_n than_o many_o do_v who_o will_v pettish_o slight_v all_o this_o because_o they_o have_v not_o all_o they_o will_v have_v second_o we_o be_v next_o to_o consider_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v dislike_v by_o such_o as_o scruple_n communion_n which_o be_v especial_o reducible_a to_o three_o head_n 1._o government_n and_o discipline_n which_o though_o it_o be_v various_a in_o the_o reform_a church_n yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o hold_v mutual_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o as_o sister-churche_n and_o many_o particular_a wise_a and_o godly_a member_n of_o those_o church_n hold_v communion_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n administer_v in_o the_o church_n of_o different_a way_n occasional_o when_o they_o reside_v among_o they_o 2._o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n concern_v which_o some_o disallow_v all_o set_n and_o impose_v form_n whatsoever_o other_o only_o dislike_v the_o form_n by_o law_n establish_v account_v it_o inconvenient_a disorderly_a and_o defective_a and_o reject_v the_o ceremony_n yet_o wise_a and_o sober_a person_n general_o nonconformist_n as_o well_o as_o conformist_n reckon_v external_a form_n and_o mode_n of_o divine_n service_n not_o of_o the_o essential_o of_o worship_n but_o adjunct_n thereunto_o belong_v exercise_n ames_n case_n l._n 4._o c._n 14_o etc._n etc._n 17._o prestons_n daity_n exercise_n e._n g._n the_o essence_n of_o prayer_n lie_v in_o lift_v up_o true_a desire_n to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n in_o the_o elevation_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o mind_n to_o god_n etc._n etc._n word_n be_v but_o the_o outward_a clothing_n of_o these_o desire_n and_o holy_a affection_n or_o the_o chariot_n wherein_o they_o mount_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o for_o the_o ceremony_n use_v in_o england_n they_o be_v utter_o deny_v to_o be_v any_o part_n of_o worship_n and_o declare_v only_o circumstantial_a appendant_o thereunto_o see_v the_o preface_n to_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o canon_n etc._n etc._n 3._o corruption_n in_o manner_n and_o that_o both_o in_o people_n and_o in_o minister_n which_o when_o find_v in_o the_o latter_a make_v the_o offence_n far_o great_a as_o when_o the_o son_n of_o eli_n be_v wicked_a they_o make_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v abhor_v these_o thing_n premise_v we_o shall_v now_o offer_v our_o advice_n in_o this_o great_a controversy_n and_o annex_v such_o reason_n thereto_o as_o shall_v evidence_n it_o both_o safe_a and_o profitable_a we_o lay_v it_o down_o in_o three_o particular_n 1._o to_o beware_v of_o a_o total_a withdraw_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n therein_o whilst_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n and_o essential_o of_o worship_n be_v therein_o maintain_v because_o you_o apprehend_v therein_o some_o corruption_n defect_n addition_n or_o error_n which_o be_v circumstantial_a this_o advice_n though_o it_o may_v be_v urge_v with_o manifold_a argument_n yet_o the_o brevity_n i_o intend_v in_o this_o discourse_n require_v i_o to_o give_v but_o a_o few_o 1._o if_o you_o will_v make_v the_o scripture_n your_o rule_n herein_o you_o may_v see_v so_o clear_a a_o beam_n of_o light_n all_o along_o through_o the_o same_o witness_v hereunto_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n any_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o question_v this_o duty_n consider_v the_o prophet_n and_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v they_o separate_v from_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n or_o teach_v any_o to_o do_v it_o when_o there_o be_v very_o great_a defect_n &_o corruption_n therein_o there_o be_v at_o some_o time_n a_o defect_n of_o some_o solemn_a ordinance_n for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o as_o circumcision_n the_o passeover_n etc._n etc._n some_o monument_n of_o idolatry_n remain_v among_o they_o and_o the_o people_n many_o of_o they_o defile_v therewith_o very_o great_a corruption_n of_o manner_n not_o only_o in_o the_o people_n but_o in_o the_o priest_n as_o in_o eli_n son_n etc._n etc._n yet_o whilst_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v continue_v among_o they_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n or_o practice_n to_o be_v find_v of_o total_a withdraw_n therefrom_o indeed_o the_o godly_a levite_n &_o people_n do_v withdraw_v from_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o jereboam_n calf_n leave_v their_o dwelling_n and_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n 2_o chro._n 11.14_o 16._o but_o no_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o withdraw_a from_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o such_o cause_n as_o be_v before_o name_v about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o state_n of_o that_o church_n be_v great_o corrupt_v by_o many_o degree_n more_o than_o any_o sober_a person_n can_v judge_v the_o present_a church_n in_o this_o nation_n now_o to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o that_o little_a knowledge_n that_o remain_v be_v miserable_o corrupt_v not_o only_o with_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n but_o with_o the_o damnable_a heresy_n of_o the_o sadducee_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n much_o profane_v and_o the_o temple_n pollute_v and_o make_v a_o den_n of_o thief_n a_o multitude_n of_o superstitious_a ceremony_n introduce_v that_o be_v a_o burden_n too_o heavy_a to_o bear_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n subvert_v whilst_o small_a thing_n be_v exact_o mind_v the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n as_o judgement_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v neglect_v a_o general_a over_o spread_v of_o sin_n not_o only_o among_o the_o vulgar_a but_o the_o priest_n themselves_o and_o that_o in_o their_o ministration_n and_o calling_n as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o life_n etc._n etc._n yet_o do_v not_o the_o godly_a withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n for_o the_o same_o we_o read_v that_o simeon_n anna_n and_o other_o continue_v in_o the_o temple_n worship_v god_n daily_o holy_a zachary_n forsake_v not_o his_o priestly_a office_n but_o minister_v in_o his_o course_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o christ_n himself_o be_v circumcise_v and_o present_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o temple_n with_o the_o accustom_a sacrifice_n offer_v for_o he_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n he_o keep_v the_o passeover_n and_o other_o feast_n of_o that_o church_n be_v frequent_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o the_o synagogue_n with_o his_o disciple_n allow_v of_o the_o hear_n of_o those_o that_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n only_o give_v caution_n against_o their_o error_n and_o bad_a life_n send_v divers_a to_o the_o priest_n to_o offer_v their_o accustom_a offering_n require_v in_o the_o law_n nor_o do_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n whole_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n nor_o his_o disciple_n after_o he_o until_o the_o jew_n do_v contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v the_o truth_n obstinate_o refuse_v to_o own_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o the_o christ_n and_o persecute_v to_o death_n the_o professor_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n galatia_n etc._n etc._n we_o read_v of_o great_a and_o dangerous_a error_n in_o faith_n grievous_a pollution_n in_o worship_n &_o sad_a miscarriage_n in_o manner_n yet_o concern_v withdraw_v from_o these_o church_n we_o find_v not_o a_o word_n but_o many_o reprehension_n of_o their_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n they_o be_v blame_v for_o as_o well_o as_o some_o thing_n commend_v in_o they_o but_o no_o hint_n of_o separation_n from_o