Selected quad for the lemma: spirit_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
spirit_n	church_n	scripture_n	word_n	7,625	5	4.5069	3	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A97109	The vanitie of the present churches, and vncertainty of their preaching, discovered. Wherein the pretended immediate teaching of the spirit, is denyed, and the all-sufficiency of the Scriptures teaching, is maintained. With, a new and true method of reading thereof, for the peace of the mind, and rule of life.	Walwyn, William, 1600-1681, attributed name.	1649 (1649)	Wing W693A; Thomason E1367_1; ESTC R210498	20,838	55

do_v you_o not_o tremble_v when_o you_o consider_v it_o to_o think_v that_o you_o shall_v so_o frequent_o practise_v so_o gross_a a_o imposture_n as_o open_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o your_o eronious_a doubtful_a uncertain_a conception_n for_o what_o other_o be_v your_o sermon_n shall_v be_v hear_v and_o receive_v as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o ever_o live_v god_n what_o great_a impiety_n nay_o blasphemy_n then_o to_o call_v man_n word_n god_n word_n to_o counterfeit_v a_o preacher_n a_o evangelist_n a_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o deliver_v a_o word_n a_o message_n a_o gospel_n mix_v and_o make_v up_o of_o opinion_n and_o conjecture_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o true_a real_a word_n of_o the_o ever_o live_v god_n what_o be_v this_o but_o even_o to_o debase_v belie_v and_o offer_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o advance_v your_o own_o false_a honour_n and_o repute_v among_o man_n consider_v this_o serioussy_n all_o you_o that_o be_v captivate_v with_o the_o charm_n of_o these_o sophister_n that_o be_v entangle_v in_o their_o form_n of_o godliness_n that_o be_v draw_v into_o their_o imaginary_a church_n that_o be_v delude_v into_o a_o opinion_n that_o they_o be_v pastor_n feeder_n preacher_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v so_o true_a to_o god_n who_o honour_n lie_v at_o stake_n to_o yourselves_o who_o peace_n and_o comfort_n lie_v at_o stake_n and_o to_o your_o neighbour_n who_o good_a name_n lie_v at_o stake_n also_o as_o to_o make_v a_o clear_a examination_n whether_o these_o pretend_a pastor_n &_o church_n be_v teach_v immediate_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o not_o as_o they_o pretend_v try_v they_o by_o the_o word_n they_o preach_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v however_o they_o have_v prepossess_v you_o to_o the_o contrary_a that_o neither_o they_o nor_o yourselves_o have_v any_o understanding_n at_o all_o of_o such_o divine_a or_o heavenly_a thing_n as_o bring_v peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holyghost_n by_o any_o other_o way_n or_o mean_n but_o only_o and_o sole_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o neither_o they_o nor_o yourselves_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o they_o have_v long_o persuade_v you_o and_o whereby_o chief_o they_o delude_v you_o into_o a_o belief_n that_o they_o be_v true_a pastor_n and_o your_o church_n true_a church_n of_o christ_n for_o judge_v you_o have_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o they_o pretend_v will_v they_o need_v as_o they_o do_v when_o they_o have_v resolve_v to_o speak_v to_o you_o from_o a_o text_n of_o scripture_n to_o go_v sit_v in_o their_o study_n three_o or_o four_o day_n together_o turn_v over_o those_o author_n that_o have_v write_v thereupon_o and_o beat_v their_o own_o brain_n to_o find_v out_o the_o meaning_n and_o true_a intent_n thereof_o no_o certain_o have_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o can_v in_o a_o instant_n in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n inform_v they_o the_o meaning_n of_o his_o own_o writing_n they_o will_v not_o need_v to_o be_v study_v seven_z ten_o or_o twenty_o year_n to_o understand_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v so_o too_o be_v as_o far_o to_o seek_v as_o they_o be_v at_o first_o for_o any_o express_a certainty_n therein_o for_o do_v but_o observe_v that_o when_o they_o have_v for_o some_o year_n preach_v up_o a_o doctrine_n they_o be_v many_o time_n force_v to_o preach_v it_o down_o again_o as_o you_o well_o know_v most_o of_o they_o have_v do_v and_o that_o in_o very_o material_a point_n as_o for_o instance_n be_v they_o not_o one_o while_n zealous_a for_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n another_o while_n for_o the_o baptise_v of_o believer_n only_o and_o then_o again_o for_o no_o baptism_n at_o all_o for_o want_v of_o a_o true_a ministry_n do_v not_o the_o pastor_n differ_v among_o themselves_o and_o contention_n arise_v not_o only_o between_o church_n and_o church_n but_o in_o every_o church_n within_o itself_o be_v there_o not_o some_o that_o for_o many_o year_n have_v preach_v up_o election_n and_o reprobation_n and_o afterward_o have_v as_o much_o preach_v it_o down_o and_o cry_v up_o general_a redemption_n and_o that_o man_n have_v free_a will_n or_o a_o negative_a voice_n in_o his_o salvation_n and_o this_o in_o a_o church_n gather_v and_o teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o they_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v and_o those_o who_o by_o pray_v and_o preach_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la will_v be_v think_v to_o have_v yet_o a_o more_o immediate_a teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n how_o extreme_o be_v they_o to_o seek_v in_o the_o ready_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n what_o weak_a and_o indisgested_a matter_n issue_v from_o they_o be_v too_o easy_o discern_v yea_o what_o contradiction_n they_o huddle_n one_o in_o the_o neck_n of_o another_o though_o through_o confidence_n in_o the_o speaker_n and_o superstition_n in_o the_o hearer_n all_o pass_v for_o currant_n truth_n but_o consider_v can_v it_o be_v of_o the_o true_a spirit_n to_o produce_v uncertain_a doctrine_n if_o the_o trumpet_n give_v a_o uncertain_a sound_n who_o can_v prepare_v himself_o to_o the_o battle_n so_o if_o the_o preacher_n preach_v uncertain_o how_o can_v he_o affirm_v his_o word_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o how_o from_o such_o doubtfulness_n can_v true_a faith_n be_v beget_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o hearer_n be_v not_o a_o church_n found_v upon_o such_o uncertainty_n found_v upon_o the_o sand_n and_o build_v up_o with_o hay_n &_o stubble_n not_o able_a to_o stand_v the_o least_o blast_n of_o a_o reasonable_a opposition_n and_o will_v you_o that_o have_v conscience_n towards_o god_n any_o long_o be_v instrument_n in_o this_o mock_n of_o he_o and_o by_o your_o countenance_n thereof_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o this_o strong_a delusion_n what_o do_v the_o pope_n and_o his_o clergy_n more_o than_o belie_v themselves_o and_o blaspheam_n god_n in_o say_v they_o have_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n whilst_o by_o their_o lie_a miracle_n by_o their_o art_n and_o sophistry_n they_o lead_v the_o poor_a delude_a people_n in_o the_o great_a error_n for_o maintenance_n of_o their_o own_o pride_n covetousness_n and_o luxury_n the_o bishop_n they_o come_v and_o by_o pretence_n of_o the_o true_a spirit_n discover_v abundance_n of_o fault_n in_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o clergy_n and_o make_v show_v of_o great_a reformation_n but_o advance_v only_o themselves_o and_o their_o uncertain_a doctrine_n for_o their_o own_o ambitious_a end_n only_o without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o good_a of_o man_n then_o come_v the_o presbyter_n and_o they_o cry_v out_o against_o common-prayer_n that_o be_v faulty_a enough_o and_o study_v sermon_n as_o stinter_n and_o suppressor_n of_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o they_o be_v no_o soon_o in_o the_o chair_n and_o their_o prayer_n &_o preach_n examine_v but_o they_o also_o be_v find_v to_o differ_v one_o with_o another_o to_o contradict_v themselves_o &_o to_o mind_n only_o their_o own_o honour_n and_o profit_n and_o to_o be_v possess_v as_o both_o the_o former_a with_o a_o persecute_v spirit_n which_o be_v abhor_v of_o god_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o all_o his_o true_a minister_n and_o apostle_n then_o come_v the_o independent_o and_o pretend_v to_o erect_v a_o holy_a pure_a and_o undefiled_a worship_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n show_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o true_a spirit_n indeed_o plead_v for_o general_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n void_a of_o all_o compulsion_n or_o restriction_n and_o profess_v the_o meekness_n of_o the_o very_a lamb_n of_o christ_n and_o humility_n towards_o all_o man_n who_o now_o can_v have_v suspect_v what_o since_o have_v be_v discover_v namely_o that_o they_o as_o the_o rest_n belie_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n pardon_v the_o harshness_n of_o the_o expression_n it_o be_v for_o god_n cause_n and_o must_v be_v speak_v they_o be_v no_o more_o infallible_o certain_a of_o the_o truth_n they_o raise_v from_o scripture_n then_o any_o of_o those_o who_o they_o so_o much_o condemn_v they_o as_o the_o rest_n pray_v prithee_o and_o do_v all_o for_o money_n and_o without_o it_o they_o do_v nothing_o take_v money_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o bread_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o sand_n mix_v together_o that_o di●_n 〈◊〉_d people_n swallow_v it_o whole_a without_o 〈…〉_o mination_n it_o will_v be_v as_o gravel_n between_o their_o tooth_n and_o they_o will_v 〈◊〉_d it_o out_o of_o their_o mouth_n and_o since_o they_o be_v increase_v in_o number●_n and_o have_v as_o it_o be_v scum_v the_o parish_n congregation_n of_o most_o of_o their_o wealthy_a and_o zealous_a member_n do_v they_o not_o full_o discover_v a_o serpentine_a disposition_n hanker_a after_o persecution_n do_v

therefore_o and_o to_o distribute_v forget_v not_o for_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n god_n be_v well_o please_v whilst_o we_o have_v time_n and_o opportunity_n let_v we_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o man_n let_v we_o all_o strive_v to_o go_v on_o before_o another_o in_o love_n and_o let_v there_o be_v no_o other_o strife_n at_o all_o among_o we_o we_o wish_v with_o all_o our_o soul_n that_o all_o reproach_n despite_n and_o envy_n among_o man_n may_v for_o ever_o cease_v and_o that_o difference_n in_o judgement_n may_v no_o long_o occasion_n difference_n in_o affection_n there_o be_v in_o our_o apprehension_n no_o cause_n at_o all_o but_o that_o all_o man_n go_v in_o their_o several_a way_n of_o serve_v god_n whether_o public_a or_o private_a may_v nevertheless_o be_v free_a to_o communicate_v in_o all_o civil_a office_n of_o love_n and_o true_a friendship_n and_o cordial_o join_v with_o any_o for_o a_o public_a good_a but_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o have_v be_v endeavour_v or_o have_v be_v say_v this_o generation_n of_o congregationall_a man_n shall_v continue_v to_o puff_n and_o swell_v through_o pride_n of_o heart_n &_o to_o lift_v themselves_o up_o into_o the_o chair_n of_o the_o scornful_a and_o as_o the_o man_n in_o peter_n chair_n assume_v a_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n over_o all_o opinion_n and_o way_n not_o own_v by_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v infallible_a judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n make_v no_o scruple_n of_o blast_a man_n good_a name_n and_o reputation_n or_o of_o undo_n of_o who_o family_n thereby_o they_o must_v then_o expect_v to_o be_v tell_v their_o own_o and_o be_v make_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n as_o they_o be_v not_o as_o they_o will_v be_v esteem_v it_o be_v evident_a by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o although_o they_o have_v boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v rich_a and_o increase_v with_o good_n and_o to_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o yet_o they_o be_v as_o the_o lukewarm_a church_n of_o laodicea_n miserable_a &_o wretched_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a and_o for_o all_o their_o big_a and_o swell_a conceit_n of_o part_n of_o gift_n of_o saint-ship_n of_o the_o spirit_n &_o in_o effect_n pharisaical_o cry_v out_o lord_z we_o thank_v thou_o we_o be_v not_o as_o other_o man_n nor_o as_o those_o poor_a publican_n that_o receive_v all_o their_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n from_o the_o scripture_n only_o and_o be_v teach_v only_o thereby_o notwithstanding_o these_o big_a swell_a word_n their_o peacock_n feather_n be_v thus_o pluck_v off_o you_o see_v and_o they_o will_v they_o will_v they_o must_v also_o see_v that_o they_o must_v be_v content_a at_o last_o to_o shake_v hand_n even_o with_o those_o poor_a publican_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v no_o other_o infallible_a teacher_n of_o divine_a thing_n but_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o they_o partake_v no_o more_o of_o the_o spirit_n than_o what_o that_o bless_a word_n of_o the_o spirit_n plant_v in_o they_o and_o if_o their_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v will_v be_v enforce_v to_o forsake_v their_o fall_a church_n unless_o for_o politic_a end_n they_o shall_v stifle_v the_o power_n of_o these_o truth_n within_o they_o choose_v rather_o to_o perish_v in_o the_o rubbish_n then_o to_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v so_o exceed_o mistaen_o which_o will_v prove_v a_o unpardonable_a error_n for_o however_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v err_v yet_o they_o be_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n that_o persist_v in_o error_n after_o the_o discovery_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o who_o conscience_n shall_v be_v full_o inform_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o these_o church_n and_o yet_o for_o any_o end_n shall_v continue_v to_o support_v the_o reputation_n of_o they_o let_v all_o such_o know_v that_o those_o who_o dare_v be_v so_o impious_a as_o to_o stop_v the_o continual_a cry_n of_o their_o conscience_n must_v necessary_o desire_v in_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n who_o vicegerent_n conscience_n be_v which_o be_v the_o most_o sad_a and_o dangerous_a conditon_n that_o man_n can_v fall_v into_o in_o this_o life_n and_o certain_o they_o will_v find_v it_o far_o better_a to_o forsake_v their_o totter_a immaginary_a structure_n confess_v their_o emptiness_n &_o sinful_a imitation_n take_v shame_n unto_o themselves_o and_o give_a glory_n unto_o god_n who_o name_n and_o power_n they_o have_v much_o diminish_v hy_z affirm_v those_o to_o be_v church_n which_o be_v not_o those_o pastor_n and_o preacher_n which_o be_v not_o those_o saint_n which_o be_v not_o his_o bless_a word_n to_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n that_o to_o be_v his_o word_n which_o be_v but_o conjectural_a sermon_n and_o in_o censure_v those_o to_o be_v erroneous_a and_o carnal_a christian_n who_o have_v more_o warrant_v for_o what_o they_o do_v then_o themselves_o and_o then_o by_o a_o more_o considerate_a ingenious_a and_o christian-like_a carriage_n to_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o future_a which_o will_v very_o much_o rejoice_v the_o herrt_n of_o all_o that_o love_n the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o sincerity_n who_o truth_n and_o glory_n will_v be_v advance_v by_o the_o scripture_n when_o all_o the_o rove_a wild_a and_o wander_a imagination_n of_o man_n spirit_n shall_v vanish_v and_o come_v to_o nought_o finis_fw-la feb._n 23._o 1648-49_a imprimatur_fw-la theodore_n jennings_n

syllable_n but_o recite_v some_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o by_o serious_a intention_n have_v imprint_v itself_o in_o their_o mind_n if_o you_o demand_v a_o real_a demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o can_v give_v you_o none_o but_o peradventure_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o you_o must_v await_v god_n time_n and_o he_o will_v enlighten_v you_o that_o their_o spirit_n be_v as_o the_o white_a stone_n in_o the_o revelation_n the_o name_n whereof_o no_o body_n know_v but_o he_o that_o receive_v it_o make_v use_n of_o false_a dark_a and_o mysterious_a scripture_n intend_v for_o another_o end_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v unable_a by_o any_o sound_a argument_n or_o sensible_a demonstration_n to_o manifest_v whereas_o be_v they_o real_o endow_v therewith_o they_o can_v not_o conceal_v it_o nor_o we_o be_v unconvince_v of_o its_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a power_n but_o must_v needs_o bend_v our_o knee_n and_o heart_n in_o acknowledgement_n thereof_o if_o we_o urge_v the_o scripture_n against_o they_o they_o tell_v we_o the_o letter_n kill_v abuse_v and_o that_o so_o gross_o that_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o uphold_v their_o own_o vain_a imagination_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a then_o that_o by_o letter_n in_o that_o place_n of_o the_o roman_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o law_n and_o by_o spirit_n the_o gospel_n and_o if_o man_n do_v not_o too_o much_o idolise_v their_o own_o fancy_n it_o will_v soon_o appear_v that_o now_o in_o our_o time_n we_o have_v no_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n eph._n 1._o 13._o not_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n 1_o thes_n 2._o ver_fw-la 13._o which_o be_v not_o yea_o and_o nay_o but_o yea_o 2_o cor._n 1._o ver_fw-la 18_o 19_o 20._o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o abide_v for_o ever_o be_v it_o not_o strange_a that_o our_o pretend_a preacher_n of_o all_o sort_n shall_v so_o far_o prevail_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o to_o draw_v they_o from_o give_v ear_n to_o what_o this_o word_n of_o truth_n plain_o and_o evident_o hold_v forth_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o direction_n of_o their_o life_n and_o take_v up_o their_o time_n and_o thought_n whole_o or_o principal_o with_o their_o uncertain_a &_o fallible_a sermon_n make_v they_o in_o effect_n forsake_v these_o live_a fountain_n and_o dig_v to_o themselves_o break_v cistern_n that_o can_v hold_v no_o water_n nay_o a_o wonderful_a thing_n it_o be_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v receive_v for_o a_o currant_n truth_n that_o this_o the_o great_a blessing_n the_o world_n know_v this_o word_n of_o the_o ever_o live_v god_n shall_v now_o come_v to_o be_v esteem_v but_o as_o a_o dead_a letter_n this_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o force_v itself_o into_o our_o dead_a natural_a understanding_n plant_n itself_o there_o make_v we_o one_o with_o it_o and_o form_n we_o new_a this_o regenerate_a word_n this_o immortal_a seed_n shall_v be_v so_o undervalue_v as_o to_o pass_v but_o as_o a_o dead_a letter_n time_n be_v that_o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o england_n when_o our_o forefather_n will_v have_v give_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o many_o of_o they_o give_v up_o their_o life_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v part_v with_o the_o small_a part_n of_o this_o precious_a word_n translate_v into_o english_a by_o the_o first_o sincere_a professor_n of_o true_a christian_a doctrine_n but_o then_o godliness_n be_v esteem_v the_o great_a gain_n and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o learning_n be_v not_o arrive_v to_o so_o much_o impudence_n as_o to_o make_v a_o gain_n of_o godliness_n to_o make_v a_o trade_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o become_v rich_a by_o pretend_a preach_v nor_o wean_v they_o the_o people_n from_o the_o scripture_n to_o give_v ear_n to_o their_o notion_n and_o opinion_n tell_v they_o they_o have_v the_o spirit_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n but_o invite_v and_o persuade_v all_o man_n to_o a_o diligent_a consideration_n of_o the_o true_a scope_n and_o intent_n of_o they_o neither_o do_v they_o prefer_v the_o understanding_n of_o man_n with_o difficult_a point_n or_o obscure_a doctrine_n but_o as_o luther_n insist_v altogether_o upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o free_a justification_n by_o christ_n alone_o and_o in_o way_n of_o thankfulness_n for_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n invite_v all_o man_n to_o live_v righteous_o godly_a and_o sober_o in_o this_o present_a world_n therein_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o very_a end_n scope_n and_o main_a design_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v that_o unum_fw-la necessarium_fw-la and_o which_o if_o people_n do_v right_o and_o serious_o mind_n they_o will_v not_o so_o easy_o be_v draw_v to_o follow_v such_o teacher_n or_o to_o give_v ear_n to_o such_o sermon_n whereby_o they_o be_v always_o learning_n but_o never_o come_v to_o the_o 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the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o have_v so_o love_v he_o and_o constrain_v he_o to_o walk_v in_o love_n as_o christ_n have_v love_v so_o that_o after_o this_o all_o the_o care_n will_v be_v how_o to_o advance_v the_o gospel_n by_o make_v our_o light_n to_o shine_v forth_o before_o man_n that_o other_o see_v our_o good_a work_n may_v glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o this_o be_v no_o profitable_a way_n for_o any_o of_o our_o pretend_a preacher_n this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o soon_o learned_a for_o if_o man_n once_o come_v to_o know_v that_o this_o short_a lesson_n be_v sufficient_a what_o will_v they_o regard_v either_o print_a discourse_n or_o sermon_n and_o if_o once_o they_o find_v they_o also_o full_a of_o uncertainty_n contradiction_n and_o unnecessary_a thing_n they_o will_v not_o part_v with_o their_o money_n for_o such_o trash_n when_o they_o may_v go_v to_o the_o two_o breast_n of_o christ_n himself_o free_o at_o all_o time_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o buy_v this_o sweet_a milk_n and_o honey_n without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n and_o if_o man_n and_o woman_n come_v once_o to_o understand_v this_o they_o will_v not_o cumber_v themselves_o with_o many_o thing_n but_o possess_v this_o unvalluable_a truth_n will_v ever_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o declare_v unto_o other_o this_o bless_a one_o necessary_a comfortable_a way_n and_o that_o not_o by_o preach_v or_o long_o set_v speech_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o deceive_v but_o by_o conference_n and_o mutual_a debate_n one_o with_o another_o the_o best_a way_n for_o attain_v a_o right_a understanding_n far_o excel_v that_o which_o be_v call_v preach_v but_o then_o how_o shall_v demetrius_n and_o the_o craftsman_n live_v even_o by_o some_o lawful_a call_n this_o be_v the_o most_o palpable_o delusive_a of_o any_o in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o all_o man_n do_v not_o discern_v and_o avoid_v it_o it_o be_v so_o as_o cunning_o as_o it_o be_v carry_v &_o as_o high_a in_o repute_n as_o it_o be_v &_o have_v long_a time_n be_v have_v no_o foundation_n but_o in_o the_o weak_a credulity_n of_o man_n for_o if_o man_n but_o once_o consider_v it_o their_o sermon_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v but_o as_o common_a discourse_n full_a of_o mistake_n error_n and_o at_o the_o least_o altogether_o uncertain_a and_o that_o all_o their_o preach_n and_o praying_n be_v only_o for_o money_n and_o that_o their_o great_a skill_n and_o labour_n be_v to_o hold_v man_n ever_o in_o suspense_n and_o upon_o pretence_n of_o truth_n to_o give_v they_o a_o bastard_n scholastic_a knowledge_n which_o only_o serve_v to_o make_v man_n proud_a wrangle_a sophister_n and_o disputer_n vain_a boaster_n talker_n busybody_n censurer_n pharisee_n wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o despise_v other_o void_a of_o all_o true_a piety_n

the_o vanity_n of_o the_o present_a church_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o preach_v discover_v wherein_o the_o pretend_a immediate_a teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v deny_v and_o the_o all-sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n teach_v be_v maintain_v with_o a_o new_a and_o true_a method_n of_o read_v thereof_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o rule_v of_o life_n gal._n 6._o 15._o 16_o for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n peace_n be_v on_o they_o etc._n etc._n london_n print_v by_o j._n clow_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v in_o cornhill_n and_o popes-head-alley_n 1649._o to_o the_o reader_n although_o i_o dissent_v from_o some_o thing_n in_o this_o treatise_n and_o other_o thing_n seème_v dark_a and_o doubtful_a to_o i_o yet_o there_o be_v many_o plain_a clear_a and_o evident_a truth_n of_o great_a use_n to_o all_o christian_n therefore_o that_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v manifest_a to_o all_o and_o that_o all_o believer_n and_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n may_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o may_v edify_v the_o whole_a body_n in_o love_n and_o in_o all_o their_o doctrine_n and_o conversation_n hold_v forth_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_a word_n the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o that_o one_o necessary_a thing_n faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o be_v by_o the_o gospel_n the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n preach_v unto_o we_o and_o that_o error_n may_v be_v discover_v reprove_v and_o correct_v and_o if_o possible_a that_o the_o guilty_a may_v be_v convince_v and_o reform_v therefore_o i_o say_v to_o this_o epistle_n and_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n february_n 23._o 1648-49_a imprimatur_fw-la theodore_n jennings_n the_o vanity_n of_o the_o present_a church_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o preach_v discover_v etc._n etc._n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o commendable_a among_o man_n than_o a_o true_a correspondency_n between_o the_o heart_n the_o tongue_n &_o the_o hand_n so_o no_o thing_n be_v more_o lovely_a among_o christian_n then_o that_o the_o conscience_n the_o profession_n and_o the_o practice_n do_v universal_o agree_v &_o though_o something_o be_v allowable_a unto_o frailty_n yet_o when_o the_o defect_n or_o discord_n be_v continue_v and_o that_o to_o the_o reproach_n of_o christianity_n in_o general_a and_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o humane_a society_n then_o certain_o a_o reproof_n be_v not_o only_o requisite_a but_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o a_o sin_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o so_o those_o who_o this_o discourse_n now_o deem_v worthy_a of_o reproof_n do_v seem_v to_o judge_v when_o they_o condemn_v the_o persecute_v practice_n of_o the_o new_a raise_v presbyter_n who_o position_n and_o profession_n whilst_o they_o 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and_o respect_n from_o all_o man_n their_o congregation_n multiply_v and_o in_o conclusion_n obtain_v much_o countenance_n from_o authority_n which_o they_o no_o soon_o taste_v but_o instant_o some_o of_o they_o begin_v to_o pride_n themselves_o and_o to_o despise_v other_o and_o to_o reproach_n and_o villisie_n all_o such_o as_o upon_o trial_n and_o examination_n of_o their_o church_n their_o pastor_n and_o sermon_n find_v all_o to_o be_v but_o feign_a imitation_n nothing_o real_a or_o substantial_a forsake_v their_o society_n and_o thereupon_o as_o the_o presbyter_n have_v use_v they_o so_o deal_v the_o independent_a with_o these_o and_o all_o that_o any_o way_n adhere_v unto_o these_o raise_v nickname_n and_o bitter_a invective_n reproach_n against_o they_o spare_v neither_o art_n nor_o pain_n to_o make_v they_o odious_a to_o other_o and_o their_o life_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o burden_n to_o themselves_o and_o though_o reason_n have_v be_v offer_v and_o conference_n desire_v that_o they_o may_v see_v their_o error_n and_o forbear_v to_o deal_v thus_o contrary_a to_o their_o positive_a own_a and_o declare_v principle_n yet_o have_v they_o persist_v therein_o and_o go_v on_o still_o without_o ●easing_v manifest_v a_o most_o destructive_a and_o persecute_v disposition_n not_o only_o towards_o these_o but_o towards_o many_o other_o who_o they_o now_o as_o complete_a judge_n of_o other_o man_n conscience_n judge_v to_o be_v erroneous_a or_o heretical_a and_o seem_v to_o have_v place_v their_o felicity_n in_o the_o ruin_n of_o those_o who_o their_o own_o conscience_n can_v deny_v to_o have_v be_v instrumental_a in_o their_o preservation_n and_o who_o have_v not_o think_v their_o life_n too_o precious_a to_o purchase_v they_o that_o freedom_n which_o now_o they_o enjoy_v and_o therefore_o it_o have_v be_v conceive_v not_o only_o just_a but_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o publish_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o impartial_a people_n both_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o other_o this_o their_o hard_a measure_n and_o unthankful_a usage_n of_o a_o harmless_a well-meaning_a people_n and_o withal_o to_o discover_v to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v conscientious_a the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o emptiness_n of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o glory_n and_o to_o let_v all_o those_o who_o be_v wilful_a or_o mere_a politician_n among_o they_o bear_v their_o shame_n open_o and_o since_o they_o be_v proof_n against_o their_o conscience_n and_o can_v take_v up_o and_o lay_v down_o principle_n profession_n and_o practice_n too_o as_o stand_v most_o with_o their_o advantage_n and_o like_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o worst_a estate_n make_v no_o reckon_n of_o oppress_v all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o tribe_n it_o be_v but_o equal_a that_o such_o shall_v bear_v their_o mark_n in_o their_o forehead_n that_o all_o man_n may_v be_v warn_v from_o converse_v with_o such_o deceiver_n and_o if_o any_o tartness_n appear_v herein_o they_o be_v the_o occasion_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o they_o deserve_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o we_o have_v herein_o also_o endeavour_v to_o support_v the_o weak_a and_o by_o establish_v they_o upon_o the_o sure_a foundation_n of_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n incline_v they_o to_o give_v ear_n thereunto_o as_o unto_o the_o only_a true_a infallible_a teacher_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o our_o time_n and_o by_o direct_v they_o in_o a_o brief_a and_o plain_a method_n in_o the_o read_n thereof_o how_o to_o attain_v to_o that_o one_o necessary_a doctrine_n and_o main_a design_n intend_v therein_o unto_o man_n for_o his_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a comfort_n to_o which_o end_n that_o we_o may_v neither_o seem_v to_o wrong_v the_o one_o sort_n nor_o to_o delude_v the_o other_o and_o for_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o all_o that_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v concern_v herein_o we_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v most_o palpable_o evident_a that_o you_o of_o the_o independent_a congregationall_a or_o of_o any_o churchway_n whatsoever_o have_v not_o that_o true_a essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n to_o be_v find_v among_o you_o which_o only_o can_v distinguish_v the_o true_a from_o the_o false_a and_o without_o which_o a_o true_a church_n can_v be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o the_o scripture_n sense_n be_v such_o only_a as_o wherein_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n be_v pure_o and_o infallible_o preach_v that_o be_v the_o mark_n now_o though_o it_o have_v be_v usual_a among_o you_o in_o your_o prayer_n to_o desire_v of_o god_n that_o your_o auditor_n may_v give_v ear_n to_o the_o word_n that_o you_o preach_v not_o as_o unto_o the_o word_n of_o a_o mortal_a man_n but_o as_o unto_o the_o word_n of_o the_o ever_o live_v god_n and_o this_o too_o with_o such_o solemn_a countenance_n lift_v up_o eye_n and_o earnestness_n of_o expression_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o sin_n for_o man_n to_o doubt_v it_o though_o this_o have_v be_v your_o course_n

they_o not_o daily_a 〈◊〉_d their_o venom_n private_o and_o public_o against_o any_o that_o either_o separate_v from_o they_o or_o join_v not_o with_o the●_n and_o that_o in_o as_o foul_a aspersion_n as_o ever_o the_o 〈◊〉_d utter_v against_o luther_n the_o bishop_n against_o 〈◊〉_d puritan_n or_o the_o presbyter_n against_o the_o independent_o be_v they_o not_o high_a and_o skilful_a in_o rail_v make_o who_o they_o please_v atheist_n antiscripturists_a autinomians_n anti-magistrats_a polligamist_n seeker_n or_o what_o they_o will_v and_o can_v these_o proceed_v from_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o god_n or_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n judge_v impartial_o you_o that_o be_v yet_o untainted_a in_o your_o conscience_n go_v on_o in_o this_o churchway_n as_o deceive_v and_o not_o deceiver_n whether_o you_o can_v offer_v more_o despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n then_o by_o your_o presence_n and_o society_n to_o justify_v this_o delusion_n or_o to_o uphold_v this_o new_a 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