worshipper_n of_o baal_n only_o sure_o have_v any_o of_o god_n client_n secret_o shroud_v himself_o among_o those_o idolater_n his_o blood_n have_v be_v upon_o his_o own_o head_n brief_o then_o iâ—_n you_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o keep_v yourself_o in_o a_o safe_a condition_n for_o your_o soul_n let_v i_o lay_v upon_o you_o the_o charge_n which_o moses_n enforce_v upon_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o case_n of_o corah_n insurrection_n depart_v i_o pray_v you_o from_o the_o tent_n of_o these_o wicked_a man_n and_o touch_v nothing_o of_o they_o lest_o you_o be_v consume_v in_o all_o their_o sin_n numb_a 16._o 26._o the_o latter_a i_o must_v answer_v affirmative_o if_o the_o ordinance_n be_v holy_a why_o shall_v you_o not_o take_v your_o part_n of_o they_o it_o be_v a_o unjust_a niceness_n to_o abridge_v yourself_o of_o a_o blessing_n for_o another_o man_n unworthiness_n doubtless_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o separation_n of_o the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a the_o neglect_n whereof_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o those_o who_o in_o duty_n it_o concern_v to_o perform_v it_o but_o where_o this_o be_v not_o according_o do_v shall_v i_o suffer_v for_o another_o offence_n my_o own_o sin_n may_v just_o keep_v i_o off_o from_o god_n table_n if_o another_o man_n may_v do_v so_o too_o i_o appropriate_a the_o guilt_n of_o his_o sin_n to_o my_o own_o wrong_n sure_o it_o argue_v but_o small_a appetite_n to_o these_o heavenly_a viand_n if_o you_o can_v be_v put_v off_o with_o a_o pretence_n of_o other_o fault_n judge_v of_o the_o spiritual_a repast_n by_o this_o earthly_a be_v you_o thorough_o hungry_a will_v you_o refrain_v from_o your_o meat_n because_o one_o of_o the_o guest_n have_v a_o pair_n of_o foul_a hand_n that_o may_v be_v a_o just_a eyesore_n to_o you_o but_o no_o reason_n why_o you_o shall_v forbear_v wholesome_a dish_n carve_v you_o for_o yourself_o and_o look_v to_o your_o own_o trencher_n he_o feed_v for_o himself_o not_o for_o you_o sin_n be_v the_o uncleanness_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o cleave_v close_a to_o it_o than_o any_o outward_a nastiness_n can_v to_o the_o skin_n to_o feed_v thus_o foul_a than_o be_v doubtless_o unwholesome_a to_o himself_o it_o can_v be_v no_o hurt_n to_o you_o but_o you_o be_v ready_a to_o strain_v the_o comparison_n high_o to_o your_o own_o advantage_n say_v that_o one_o of_o the_o guest_n have_v a_o plague-fore_a run_v upon_o he_o shall_v i_o then_o think_v it_o safe_a to_o sit_v at_o the_o table_n with_o he_o now_o sin_n be_v of_o a_o pestilent_a nature_n spread_v its_o infection_n to_o other_o beside_o its_o own_o subject_a therefore_o it_o be_v meet_v we_o keep_v aloof_o from_o the_o danger_n of_o his_o contagion_n true_a there_o be_v sin_n of_o a_o contagious_a nature_n apt_a to_o diffuse_v their_o venom_n to_o other_o as_o there_o be_v other_o some_o who_o evil_a be_v intrinsical_v to_o the_o owner_n but_o these_o infect_v by_o way_n of_o evil_a counsel_n or_o example_n or_o familiar_a conversation_n not_o by_o way_n of_o a_o mere_a extemporary_a presence_n of_o the_o person_n by_o spread_v of_o their_o corruption_n to_o those_o that_o be_v take_v with_o they_o not_o by_o scatter_v abroad_o any_o guilt_n to_o those_o that_o abhor_v they_o well_o do_v our_o saviour_n know_v how_o deadly_a a_o infection_n have_v seize_v on_o the_o soul_n of_o judas_n yet_o he_o drive_v he_o not_o from_o his_o board_n lest_o his_o sin_n shall_v taint_v the_o disciple_n the_o spirit_n that_o write_v to_o the_o seven_o asian_a church_n rev._n 2._o 20_o 21_o 22._o see_v and_o profess_v to_o see_v the_o horrible_a infection_n spread_v among_o the_o thyatirian_o by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o wicked_a practice_n of_o their_o jesebell_n yet_o all_o that_o he_o enjoin_v the_o godly_a party_n be_v to_o hold_v their_o own_o have_v no_o fellowship_n say_v the_o apostle_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n eph._n 5._o 11._o loe_o he_o will_v not_o have_v we_o partake_v in_o evil_a he_o do_v not_o forbid_v we_o to_o partake_v with_o a_o evil_a man_n in_o good_a work_n however_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o wish_v and_o endeavour_n in_o our_o place_n that_o all_o the_o congregation_n may_v be_v holy_a and_o it_o be_v a_o comfortable_a thing_n to_o join_v with_o those_o that_o be_v true_o conscionable_a and_o careful_o observant_a of_o their_o way_n in_o the_o immediate_a service_n of_o our_o god_n yet_o where_o there_o be_v neglect_n in_o the_o overseer_n and_o boldness_n in_o the_o intruder_n and_o thereupon_o god_n sacred_a table_n be_v pester_v with_o some_o unworthy_a guest_n it_o be_v not_o for_o you_o upon_o this_o ground_n to_o deprive_v yourself_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n bless_a ordinance_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o unpleasing_a encombrance_n you_o be_v welcome_a and_o may_v be_v happy_a case_n iu._n whether_o vow_n be_v not_o out_o of_o season_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n of_o what_o thing_n they_o may_v be_v make_v how_o far_o they_o oblige_v we_o and_o whether_o and_o how_o far_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o release_n it_o be_v a_o wrongful_a imputation_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o roman_a doctor_n that_o we_o abandon_v all_o vow_n under_o the_o gospel_n they_o well_o see_v that_o we_o allow_v and_o profess_v that_o common_a vow_n as_o lessius_fw-la term_v it_o in_o baptism_n which_o yet_o both_o bellarmine_n and_o he_o with_o other_o of_o their_o consort_n deny_v to_o be_v proper_o such_o it_o be_v true_a that_o as_o infant_n make_v it_o by_o their_o proxy_n there_o may_v seem_v some_o impropriety_n of_o the_o engagement_n as_o to_o their_o person_n but_o if_o the_o party_n christen_v be_v of_o mature_a age_n the_o express_a vow_n be_v make_v absolute_o by_o and_o for_o himself_o beside_o this_o we_o allow_v of_o the_o renovation_n of_o all_o those_o holy_a vow_n relate_v to_o the_o first_o which_o may_v bind_v we_o to_o a_o more_o strict_a obedience_n to_o our_o god_n yet_o more_o though_o we_o do_v not_o now_o allow_v the_o vow_n of_o thing_n in_o their_o nature_n indiffernt_v to_o be_v part_n of_o god_n worship_n as_o they_o be_v former_o under_o the_o law_n yet_o we_o do_v willing_o approve_v of_o they_o as_o good_a help_n and_o furtherance_n to_o we_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o such_o sin_n as_o we_o be_v obnoxious_a unto_o and_o for_o the_o better_a forward_v of_o our_o holy_a obedience_n thus_o the_o charge_n be_v of_o eternal_a use_n psal._n 76._o 11._o vow_v unto_o god_n and_o perform_v it_o not_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o vow_n that_o act_n be_v free_a and_o voluntary_a but_o that_o when_o we_o have_v vow_v we_o be_v strait_o bind_v to_o performance_n it_o be_v with_o we_o for_o our_o vow_n as_o it_o be_v with_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n for_o their_o substance_n while_o it_o remain_v say_v s._n peter_n be_v it_o not_o thy_o own_o act_n 5._o 4._o he_o need_v not_o to_o sell_v it_o he_o need_v not_o to_o give_v it_o but_o if_o he_o will_v give_v he_o may_v not_o reserve_v if_o he_o profess_v to_o give_v all_o it_o be_v death_n to_o save_v some_o he_o lie_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o defalk_v from_o that_o which_o he_o engage_v himself_o to_o bestow_v it_o main_o concern_v we_o therefore_o to_o look_v careful_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o what_o we_o vow_v and_o to_o our_o intention_n in_o vow_v and_o to_o see_v that_o our_o vow_n be_v not_o rash_a and_o unadvised_a of_o thing_n either_o trivial_a or_o unlawful_a or_o impossible_a or_o out_o of_o our_o power_n to_o perform_v for_o every_o vow_n be_v a_o promise_v make_v to_o god_n and_o to_o promise_v unto_o that_o great_a and_o holy_a god_n that_o which_o either_o we_o can_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v what_o be_v it_o other_o than_o to_o mock_v and_o abuse_v that_o sacred_a majesty_n which_o will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a that_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a it_o be_v the_o charge_n to_o this_o purpose_n of_o wise_a solomon_n be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o eccles._n 5._o 2._o your_o vow_n therefore_o must_v be_v either_o of_o thing_n moral_o good_a for_o the_o quicken_a you_o in_o that_o duty_n which_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v or_o of_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o themselves_o the_o refrain_v or_o do_v whereof_o may_v tend_v either_o to_o the_o restraint_n from_o sin_n or_o the_o furtherance_n of_o your_o holy_a obedience_n as_o a_o man_n that_o find_v his_o brain_n weak_a and_o his_o inclination_n too_o strong_a to_o please_a liquor_n bind_v himself_o by_o a_o vow_n to_o drink_v no_o
not_o wont_a to_o be_v without_o grievous_a inconvenience_n whether_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o dreadfulness_n or_o their_o dangerous_a insinuation_n it_o be_v the_o great_a mercy_n of_o the_o god_n of_o spirit_n that_o he_o have_v bind_v up_o the_o evil_a angel_n in_o the_o chain_n of_o darkness_n restrain_v they_o from_o those_o frequent_a and_o horrible_a appearance_n which_o they_o will_v otherwise_o make_v to_o the_o terror_n and_o consternation_n of_o his_o weak_a creature_n whensoever_o it_o please_v the_o almighty_a for_o his_o own_o holy_a purpose_n so_o far_o to_o loosen_v or_o lengthen_v the_o chain_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n as_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o exhibit_v themselves_o in_o some_o assume_v shape_n unto_o man_n it_o can_v but_o main_o import_v we_o to_o know_v what_o our_o deportment_n shall_v be_v concern_v they_o doubtless_o to_o hold_v any_o fair_a term_n of_o commerce_n or_o peace_n much_o more_o of_o amity_n and_o familiarity_n with_o they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o to_o profess_v ourselves_o enemy_n to_o god_n for_o such_o a_o irreconcilable_a hostility_n there_o be_v betwixt_o the_o holy_a god_n and_o these_o malignant_a spirit_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o place_n for_o a_o neutrality_n in_o our_o relation_n to_o they_o so_o as_o he_o be_v a_o absolute_a enemy_n to_o the_o one_o that_o bid_v not_o open_a defiance_n to_o the_o other_o as_o therefore_o we_o be_v wont_n by_o our_o silence_n to_o signify_v our_o heart-burn_n against_o any_o person_n in_o that_o we_o abide_v not_o to_o speak_v unto_o those_o who_o we_o hate_v so_o must_v we_o carry_v ourselves_o towards_o evil_a spirit_n and_o if_o they_o begin_v with_o we_o as_o that_o devil_n do_v in_o in_o the_o serpent_n with_o eve_n how_o unsafe_a and_o deadly_a it_o may_v be_v to_o hold_v that_o with_o they_o appear_v in_o that_o first_o example_n of_o their_o onset_n the_o issue_n whereof_o bring_v misery_n and_o mortality_n upon_o all_o mankind_n yet_o then_o be_v our_o first_o parent_n in_o their_o innocency_n and_o all_o earthly_a perfection_n we_o now_o so_o taint_v with_o sin_n that_o satan_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o party_n in_o we_o even_o before_o his_o actual_a temptation_n as_o therefore_o we_o be_v wont_n to_o say_v that_o the_o fort_n that_o yield_v to_o parley_n be_v half_o win_v so_o may_v it_o prove_v with_o we_o if_o we_o shall_v give_v way_n to_o hold_v discourse_n with_o wicked_a spirit_n who_o be_v far_o too_o crafty_a for_o we_o to_o deal_v withal_o have_v so_o evident_a a_o advantage_n of_o we_o both_o in_o nature_n we_o be_v flesh_n and_o blood_n they_o spiritual_a wickedness_n and_o in_o duration_n and_o experience_n we_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o they_o coetaneous_a with_o the_o world_n and_o time_n itself_o if_o you_o tell_v i_o that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o interchange_v some_o speech_n with_o the_o spirit_n who_o he_o eject_v it_o be_v easy_o answer_v that_o this_o act_n of_o his_o be_v never_o intend_v for_o our_o imitation_n since_o his_o omnipotence_n be_v no_o way_n obnoxious_a to_o their_o malice_n our_o weakness_n be_v i_o can_v therefore_o but_o marvel_n at_o the_o boldness_n of_o those_o man_n who_o profess_v no_o small_a degree_n of_o holiness_n have_v dare_v to_o hold_v familiar_a talk_n with_o evil_a spirit_n and_o can_v be_v content_a to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o for_o intelligence_n as_o the_o famous_a jesuit_n in_o our_o time_n pere_fw-fr cotton_n who_o have_v provide_v 50._o question_n to_o be_v propound_v to_o a_o demoniac_a some_o concern_v matter_n of_o learning_n some_o other_o matter_n of_o state_n concern_v the_o than_o french_a king_n and_o the_o king_n of_o england_n and_o have_v they_o write_v down_o under_o his_o own_o hand_n to_o that_o purpose_n be_v question_v concerningit_fw-la answer_v that_o he_o have_v licence_n from_o rome_n to_o tender_v those_o demand_n as_o i_o receive_v it_o upon_o certain_a relation_n from_o the_o learned_a dr._n tilenus_n with_o many_o pregnant_a and_o undeniable_a circumstance_n which_o i_o need_v not_o here_o express_v although_o this_o need_v not_o seem_v strange_a to_o i_o when_o i_o find_v that_o 28._o navarre_n determine_v plain_o that_o when_o evil_a spirit_n be_v present_a not_o by_o our_o invocation_n as_o in_o possess_v body_n it_o be_v lawful_a to_o move_v question_n to_o they_o so_o it_o be_v without_o our_o paayer_n to_o they_o or_o pact_n with_o they_o for_o the_o profit_n of_o other_o yea_o thus_o to_o confer_v with_o they_o even_o out_o of_o vanity_n or_o curiosity_n be_v but_o venial_a at_o the_o most_o thus_o he_o with_o who_o 6_o lessius_fw-la go_v so_o far_o as_o to_o say_v licitum_fw-la est_fw-la petere_fw-la verbo_fw-la à _fw-la diabolo_fw-it ut_fw-la nocere_fw-la desinat_fw-la etc._n etc._n it_o be_v lawful_a to_o move_v the_o devil_n in_o word_n to_o cease_v from_o hurt_v so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o do_v by_o way_n of_o deprecation_n or_o in_o a_o friendly_a compliance_n but_o by_o way_n of_o indignation_n a_o distinction_n which_o i_o confess_v pass_v the_o capacity_n of_o my_o apprehension_n who_o have_v not_o the_o wit_n to_o conceive_v how_o a_o man_n can_v move_v without_o imply_v a_o kind_n of_o suit_n and_o how_o any_o suit_n can_v consist_v with_o a_o indignation_n it_o savour_v yet_o of_o a_o more_o heroical_a spirit_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n profess_v to_o teach_v and_o practice_n the_o ejection_n of_o evil_a spirit_n by_o a_o imperious_a way_n of_o command_n have_v commit_v to_o her_o exorcist_n a_o power_n of_o adjuration_n to_o which_o the_o worst_a of_o devil_n must_v be_v subject_a a_o power_n more_o easy_o arrogate_a than_o real_o exercise_v indeed_o this_o overrule_a authority_n be_v eminent_o conspicuous_a not_o only_o in_o the_o select_a twelve_o and_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o return_v from_o their_o embassy_n with_o joy_n luk._n 10._o 17._o that_o the_o devil_n be_v subject_a to_o they_o through_o his_o name_n but_o even_o in_o their_o holy_a successor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n while_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v sensible_o pour_v out_o upon_o man_n but_o if_o they_o will_v be_v still_o challenge_v the_o same_o power_n why_o do_v they_o not_o as_o well_o lay_v claim_v to_o the_o speak_n of_o strange_a tongue_n mar._n 16._o 17._o 18_o to_o the_o supernatural_a cure_n of_o all_o disease_n to_o the_o tread_v on_o serpent_n and_o scorpion_n to_o the_o drink_n of_o poison_n without_o a_o antidote_n and_o if_o they_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v these_o faculty_n above_o their_o reach_n why_o do_v they_o presume_v to_o divide_v the_o spirit_n from_o itself_o arrogate_a to_o themselves_o the_o power_n of_o the_o great_a work_n while_o they_o be_v profess_o defective_a in_o the_o least_o wherein_o sure_o as_o they_o be_v the_o true_a successor_n of_o the_o son_n of_o sceva_n act._n 19_o r3_n 14_o 15_o 16._o who_o will_v be_v adjure_v of_o devil_n by_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n who_o s._n paul_n preach_v so_o they_o can_v look_v for_o no_o other_o entertainment_n than_o they_o find_v from_o those_o demoniac_n which_o be_v to_o be_v baffle_v and_o beat_v and_o wound_v especial_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o foul_a superstition_n and_o gross_a magic_n which_o they_o make_v use_v of_o in_o their_o conjuration_n by_o their_o own_o vainely-devised_n exorcism_n feoff_v a_o supernatural_a virtue_n upon_o drug_n and_o herb_n for_o the_o dispel_v and_o stave_a off_o all_o evil_a spirit_n because_o the_o book_n be_v not_o perhaps_o obvious_a take_v but_o a_o taste_n in_o one_o or_o two_o conventualium_fw-la in_o the_o treasure_n of_o exorcism_n there_o be_v this_o follow_a benediction_n of_o rue_n to_o be_v put_v into_o a_o hallow_a paper_n and_o to_o be_v carry_v about_o you_o and_o smell_v at_o for_o the_o repel_v of_o the_o invasion_n of_o devil_n repellendam_fw-la i_o conjure_v thou_o o_o thou_o creature_n of_o rue_n by_o the_o holy_a lord_n the_o father_n the_o almighty_a and_o eternal_a god_n which_o bring_v forth_o grass_n in_o the_o mountain_n and_o herb_n for_o the_o use_n of_o man_n and_o which_o by_o the_o apostle_n of_o thy_o son_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v teach_v that_o the_o weak_a shall_v eat_v herb_n i_o conjure_v thou_o that_o thou_o be_v bless_v and_o sanctify_v to_o retain_v thâ—s_n invisible_a power_n and_o virtue_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v carry_v thou_o about_o he_o or_o shall_v smell_v to_o thou_o may_v be_v free_a from_o all_o the_o uncleanness_n of_o diabolical_a infatuation_n and_o that_o all_o devil_n and_o all_o witchcraft_n may_v speedy_o fall_v from_o he_o as_o herb_n or_o grass_n of_o the_o earth_n through_o the_o same_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o shall_v come_v to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o world_n by_o fire_n the_o like_a be_v prescribe_v to_o be_v
of_o a_o thousand_o to_o show_v unto_o man_n his_o uprightness_n and_o the_o soundness_n of_o his_o repentance_n ver_fw-la 24._o then_o be_v god_n gracious_a unto_o he_o and_o say_v deliver_v he_o from_o go_v down_o into_o the_o pit_n i_o have_v find_v a_o ransom_n etc._n etc._n ver_fw-la 26._o he_o shall_v pray_v unto_o god_n and_o he_o will_v be_v favourable_a unto_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v see_v his_o face_n with_o joy_n in_o case_n of_o some_o dangerous_a sickness_n of_o the_o body_n we_o trust_v not_o our_o own_o skill_n nor_o some_o ignorant_a quacksalvers_a but_o seek_v to_o a_o learned_a and_o experience_a physician_n for_o the_o prescription_n of_o some_o sure_a remedy_n whereas_o if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o a_o sore_a finger_n or_o a_o toothache_n we_o care_v only_o to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o own_o receipt_n and_o so_o in_o civil_a quarrel_n if_o it_o be_v only_o some_o sleight_n brabble_n we_o think_v to_o compose_v it_o alone_o but_o if_o it_o be_v some_o main_a question_n import_v our_o free_a hold_n we_o be_v glad_a to_o wait_v on_o the_o stair_n of_o some_o judicious_a lawyer_n and_o to_o fee_v he_o for_o advice_n how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o thus_o in_o the_o perilous_a condition_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o part_n far_o more_o precious_a than_o its_o earthly_a tabernacle_n so_o the_o disease_n whereto_o it_o be_v subject_a be_v infinite_o more_o dangerous_a and_o deadly_a be_v your_o heart_n therefore_o embroil_v within_o you_o with_o the_o guilt_n of_o some_o heinous_a sin_n labour_n what_o you_o may_v to_o make_v your_o peace_n with_o heaven_n humble_v yourself_o unto_o the_o dust_n before_o the_o majesty_n who_o you_o have_v offend_v beat_v your_o guilty_a breast_n water_n your_o cheek_n with_o your_o tear_n &_o cry_v mighty_o to_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n for_o a_o gracious_a remission_n but_o if_o after_o all_o these_o penitent_a endeavour_n you_o find_v your_o soul_n still_o unquiet_a and_o not_o sufficient_o apprehensive_a of_o a_o free_a and_o full_a forgiveness_n betake_v yourself_o to_o god_n faithful_a agent_n for_o peace_n run_v to_o your_o ghostly_a physician_n lay_v your_o bosom_n open_a before_o he_o flatter_v not_o your_o own_o condition_n let_v neither_o fear_n nor_o shame_n stay_v his_o hand_n from_o probe_v and_o search_v the_o wound_n to_o the_o bottom_n and_o that_o be_v do_v make_v careful_a use_n of_o such_o spiritual_a application_n as_o shall_v be_v by_o he_o administer_v to_o you_o this_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o a_o perfect_a recovery_n and_o fullness_n of_o comfort_n but_o you_o easy_o grant_v that_o there_o may_v be_v very_o wholesome_a use_n of_o the_o ghostly_a counsel_n of_o your_o minister_n in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o trouble_a soul_n but_o you_o doubt_v of_o the_o validity_n and_o power_n of_o his_o absolution_n concern_v which_o it_o be_v a_o just_a question_n of_o the_o scribe_n in_o the_o gospel_n who_o can_v forgive_v sin_n but_o god_n only_o mar._n 2._o 6._o our_o saviour_n therefore_o to_o prove_v that_o he_o have_v this_o power_n argue_v it_o from_o his_o divine_a omnipotence_n he_o only_o have_v authority_n to_o forgive_v sin_n ver_fw-la 7._o that_o can_v say_v to_o the_o decrepit_a paralytic_n arise_v take_v up_o thy_o bed_n and_o walk_v ver_fw-la 9_o none_o but_o a_o god_n can_v by_o his_o command_n effect_v this_o he_o be_v therefore_o the_o true_a god_n that_o may_v absolute_o say_v thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o ver_fw-la 10._o indeed_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o against_o god_n only_o be_v our_o sin_n commit_v against_o man_n only_o in_o the_o relation_n that_o man_n have_v to_o god_n he_o only_o can_v know_v the_o depth_n of_o the_o malignity_n of_o sin_n who_o only_o know_v the_o soul_n wherein_o it_o be_v forge_v he_o only_o who_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o god_n of_o spirit_n can_v punish_v the_o soul_n for_o sin_v he_o only_o that_o be_v infinite_a can_v doom_n the_o sinful_a soul_n to_o infinite_a torment_n he_o only_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v that_o can_v release_v the_o guilty_a soul_n from_o sin_n and_o punishment_n if_o therefore_o man_n or_o angel_n shall_v challenge_v to_o himself_o this_o absolute_a power_n to_o forgive_v sin_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v yet_o withal_o it_o must_v be_v yield_v that_o the_o bless_a son_n of_o god_n speak_v not_o those_o word_n of_o his_o last_o commission_n in_o vain_a who_o be_v soever_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o soever_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v john_n 20._o 23._o neither_o be_v they_o speak_v to_o the_o then_o present_a apostle_n only_o but_o in_o they_o to_o all_o their_o faithful_a successor_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n it_o can_v therefore_o but_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o power_n leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n minister_n both_o to_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n neither_o be_v this_o power_n give_v only_o to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o censure_n to_o be_v inflict_v or_o relax_v by_o they_o but_o to_o all_o god_n faithful_a minister_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n a_o power_n not_o sovereign_a and_o absolute_a but_o limit_v &_o ministerial_a for_o either_o quiet_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o penitent_a or_o further_o aggravate_v the_o conscience_n of_o sin_n and_o terror_n of_o judgement_n to_o the_o obstinate_a and_o rebellious_a neither_o be_v this_o only_a by_o way_n of_o a_o bare_a verbal_a declaration_n which_o may_v proceed_v from_o any_o other_o lip_n but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o operative_a and_o effectual_a application_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o delegate_v or_o commissionary_a authority_n which_o be_v by_o christ_n entrust_v with_o they_o for_o certain_o our_o saviour_n mean_v in_o these_o word_n to_o confer_v somewhat_o upon_o his_o minister_n more_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v capable_a to_o receive_v or_o perform_v the_o absolution_n therefore_o of_o a_o authorize_v person_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o efficacy_n then_o of_o any_o private_a man_n how_o learned_a or_o holy_a soever_o since_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o institution_n and_o commission_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n from_o which_o all_o power_n and_o virtue_n be_v derive_v to_o all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o we_o may_v well_o say_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v in_o this_o case_n do_v by_o god_n minister_n the_o key_n not_o err_v be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n it_o can_v therefore_o but_o be_v a_o great_a comfort_n and_o cordial_a assurance_n to_o the_o penitent_a soul_n to_o hear_v the_o messenger_n of_o god_n after_o a_o careful_a inquisition_n into_o his_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o true_a fight_n of_o his_o repentance_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n pronounce_v to_o he_o the_o full_a remission_n of_o all_o his_o sin_n and_o if_o either_o the_o blessing_n or_o curse_n of_o a_o father_n go_v deep_o with_o we_o then_o of_o any_o other_o whosoever_o although_o but_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o private_a affection_n without_o any_o warrant_n from_o above_o how_o forcible_a shall_v we_o esteem_v the_o not_o so_o much_o apprecatory_a as_o declaratory_a benediction_n of_o our_o spiritual_a father_n send_v to_o we_o out_o of_o heaven_n although_o therefore_o you_o may_v perhaps_o through_o god_n goodness_n attain_v to_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o resolution_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v yourself_o satisfaction_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o your_o soul_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v amiss_o out_o of_o a_o abundant_a caution_n to_o take_v god_n minister_v along_o with_o you_o and_o make_v he_o of_o your_o spiritual_a counsel_n to_o unbosom_v yourself_o to_o he_o free_o for_o his_o fatherly_a advice_n and_o concurrence_n the_o neglect_n whereof_o through_o a_o kind_n of_o either_o strangeness_n of_o misconceit_n be_v certain_o not_o asleep_o little_a disadvantageous_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o many_o good_a christian_n the_o romish_a laity_n make_v either_o oracle_n or_o idol_n of_o their_o ghostly_a father_n if_o we_o make_v cipher_n of_o we_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o we_o be_v more_o injurious_a to_o they_o or_o ourselves_o we_o go_v not_o about_o to_o rack_v your_o conscience_n to_o a_o force_a and_o exquisite_a confession_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o a_o no-remission_n but_o we_o persuade_v you_o for_o your_o own_o good_a to_o be_v more_o intimate_a with_o and_o less_o reserve_v from_o those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o you_o for_o your_o direction_n comfort_n salvation_n case_n x._o whither_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o man_n that_o be_v not_o a_o profess_a divine_a that_o be_v as_o we_o for_o distinction_n be_v wont_a to_o call_v he_o for_o a_o laic_a person_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n
be_v presumptuous_a and_o unwarrantable_a cry_v ever_o down_o by_o counsel_n and_o father_n as_o unlawful_a as_o that_o which_o lie_v in_o the_o midway_n betwixt_o magic_n and_o imposture_n and_o partake_v not_o a_o little_a of_o both_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o weapon_n for_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o wound_n though_o many_o mile_n distant_a wherein_o how_o confident_a soever_o some_o intelligent_a man_n have_v be_v doubtless_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o of_o nature_n since_o in_o all_o natural_a agence_n there_o must_v necessary_o be_v a_o contraction_n either_o real_a or_o virtual_a here_o in_o such_o a_o interval_n none_o can_v be_v neither_o can_v the_o efficacy_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o salve_n since_o some_o other_o have_v undertake_v and_o do_v the_o cure_n by_o a_o more_o homely_a and_o familiar_a ointment_n it_o be_v the_o ill-bestowed_a faith_n of_o the_o agent_n that_o draw_v on_o the_o success_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o invisible_a physician_n calm_v of_o tempest_n and_o drive_v away_o devil_n by_o ring_v of_o bell_n hallow_v for_o that_o purpose_n remedy_n of_o witchery_n by_o heat_n of_o iron_n or_o apply_v of_o cross_n i_o can_v cloy_v you_o with_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n wherewith_o satan_n beguile_v the_o simple_a upon_o these_o two_o misgrounded_n principle_n 1._o that_o in_o all_o experience_n they_o have_v find_v such_o effect_n follow_v upon_o the_o use_n and_o practice_v of_o such_o mean_n which_o indeed_o can_v be_v deny_v charm_n and_o spell_n common_o be_v no_o less_o unfailing_a in_o their_o work_n than_o the_o best_a natural_a remedy_n doubtless_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o most_o skilful_a artist_n and_o can_v do_v feat_n beyond_o all_o mortal_a power_n but_o god_n bless_v we_o from_o employ_v he_o 2_o king_n 1._o 3_o be_v it_o not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n in_o israel_n that_o we_o go_v to_o inquire_v of_o baalzebub_a the_o god_n of_o ekron_n 2._o that_o there_o may_v be_v hide_v cause_n in_o nature_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o such_o effect_n which_o they_o know_v not_o neither_o can_v give_v any_o reason_n of_o their_o operation_n whereof_o yet_o we_o do_v common_o make_v use_n without_o any_o scruple_n and_o why_o may_v not_o these_o be_v range_v under_o the_o same_o head_n which_o they_o have_v use_v with_o no_o other_o but_o good_a meaning_n without_o the_o least_o intention_n of_o reference_n to_o any_o malignant_a power_n in_o answer_n whereto_o i_o must_v tell_v they_o that_o their_o best_a plea_n be_v ignorance_n which_o may_v abate_v the_o sin_n but_o not_o excuse_v it_o there_o be_v indeed_o deep_a secret_n in_o nature_n who_o bottom_n we_o can_v dive_v into_o as_o those_o wonder_n of_o the_o loadstone_n a_o piece_n outward_o contemptible_a yet_o of_o such_o force_n as_o approach_v near_o to_o a_o miracle_n and_o many_o other_o strange_a sympathy_n and_o antipathy_n in_o several_a creature_n in_o which_o rank_n may_v be_v set_v the_o bleed_a of_o the_o dead_a at_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o murderer_n and_o some_o act_n do_v for_o the_o discovery_n of_o witchcraft_n both_o in_o this_o and_o our_o neighbour_n kingdom_n but_o withal_o though_o there_o be_v secret_n in_o nature_n which_o we_o know_v not_o how_o she_o work_v yet_o we_o know_v there_o be_v work_n which_o be_v well_o know_v that_o she_o can_v do_v how_o far_o her_o power_n can_v extend_v be_v not_o hard_a to_o determine_v and_o those_o effect_n which_o be_v beyond_o this_o as_o in_o the_o forementioned_a particular_n we_o know_v whither_o to_o ascribe_v let_v it_o be_v therefore_o the_o care_n and_o wisdom_n of_o christian_n to_o look_v upon_o what_o ground_n they_o go_v while_o they_o have_v god_n and_o nature_n for_o their_o warrant_n they_o may_v walk_v safe_o but_o where_o these_o leave_v they_o the_o way_n lead_v down_o to_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n case_n iii_o whether_o reserve_v my_o conscience_n to_o myself_o i_o may_v be_v present_a at_o a_o idolatrous_a devotion_n or_o whether_o in_o the_o lawful_a service_n of_o god_n i_o may_v communicate_v with_o wicked_a person_n the_o question_n be_v double_a both_o of_o they_o of_o great_a importance_n the_o former_a i_o must_v answer_v negative_o your_o presence_n be_v unlawful_a upon_o a_o double_a ground_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o scandal_n of_o sin_n if_o you_o partake_v in_o the_o idolatry_n of_o scandal_n if_o you_o do_v but_o seem_v to_o partake_v the_o scandal_n be_v threefold_a you_o confirm_v the_o offender_n in_o their_o sin_n you_o draw_v other_o by_o your_o example_n into_o sin_n you_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o those_o wise_a christian_n that_o be_v the_o sad_a witness_n of_o your_o offence_n the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o have_v full_o determine_v the_o question_n in_o a_o more_o favourable_a case_n the_o heathen_a sacrifice_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v accompany_v in_o imitation_n of_o the_o jewish_a prescribe_v by_o god_n himself_o with_o feast_n the_o owner_n of_o the_o feast_n civil_o invite_v the_o neighbour_n though_o christian_n to_o the_o banquet_n the_o table_n be_v spread_v in_o their_o temple_n the_o christian_a guest_n out_o of_o a_o neighbourly_a society_n go_v sit_z eat_v with_o they_o s._n paul_n cry_v down_o the_o practice_n as_o utter_o unlawful_a yet_o this_o be_v but_o in_o matter_n of_o meat_n which_o sure_o be_v god_n though_o sacrifice_v to_o a_o idol_n how_o much_o more_o must_v it_o hold_v in_o rite_n and_o device_n mere_o either_o humane_a or_o devilish_a i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o of_o the_o christian_a soldier_n in_o the_o primitive_a persecution_n who_o when_o they_o find_v themselves_o by_o a_o ignorant_a mistake_n draw_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o loyalty_n into_o so_o much_o ceremony_n as_o may_v carry_v some_o semblance_n of_o a_o idolatrous_a thurification_n run_v about_o the_o city_n in_o a_o holy_a remorse_n and_o proclaim_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n nor_o how_o little_a it_o excuse_v marcellinus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n from_o a_o heavy_a censure_n that_o he_o can_v say_v he_o do_v but_o for_o company_n cast_v a_o few_o grain_n of_o incense_n into_o the_o fire_n the_o charge_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o thes._n 5._o 22._o be_v full_a and_o peremptory_a that_o we_o shall_v abstain_v from_o every_o appearance_n of_o evil_a it_o be_v a_o poor_a plea_n that_o you_o mention_v of_o the_o example_n of_o naaman_n alas_o a_o ignorant_a pagan_n who_o body_n if_o it_o be_v wash_v from_o his_o leprosy_n yet_o his_o soul_n must_v needs_o be_v still_o foul_a 2_o king_n 5._o 17_o 18_o 19_o yet_o even_o this_o man_n will_v thenceforth_o offer_v neither_o burnt-offering_a nor_o sacrifice_n unto_o any_o other_o god_n but_o unto_o the_o lord_n nor_o upon_o any_o ground_n but_o the_o lord_n peculiar_a and_o will_v therefore_o lade_v two_o mule_n with_o israelitish_n earth_n and_o be_v now_o a_o profess_a convert_n yea_o but_o he_o will_v still_o bow_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o rimmon_n but_o how_o will_v he_o bow_v civil_o only_a not_o religious_o in_o the_o house_n of_o rimmon_n not_o to_o the_o idol_n not_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o false_a deity_n but_o to_o the_o king_n his_o master_n you_o shall_v not_o take_v he_o go_v alone_o under_o that_o idolatrous_a roof_n but_o according_a to_o his_o office_n in_o attendance_n of_o his_o sovereign_n nor_o bow_v there_o but_o to_o support_v the_o arm_n that_o lean_v upon_o he_o and_o if_o upon_o his_o return_n home_o from_o his_o journey_n he_o make_v that_o solemn_a protestation_n to_o his_o syrian_n which_o he_o before_o make_v to_o the_o prophet_n take_v notice_n o_o all_o you_o courtier_n and_o man_n of_o damascus_n that_o naaman_n be_v now_o become_v a_o proselyte_n of_o israel_n that_o he_o will_v serve_v and_o adore_v none_o but_o the_o true_a god_n and_o if_o you_o see_v he_o at_o any_o time_n kneel_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o your_o idol_n rimmon_n know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o do_v in_o any_o devotion_n to_o that_o false_a god_n but_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o service_n to_o his_o royal_a master_n i_o see_v not_o but_o the_o prophet_n may_v well_o bid_v he_o go_v in_o peace_n how_o ever_o that_o ordinary_a and_o formal_a velediction_n to_o a_o syrian_a can_v be_v no_o warrant_n for_o a_o christian_n willing_a dissimulation_n it_o be_v fit_a for_o every_o honest_a man_n to_o seem_v as_o he_o be_v what_o do_v you_o howl_v among_o wolf_n if_o you_o be_v not_o one_o or_o what_o do_v you_o among_o the_o crane_n if_o you_o be_v a_o stork_n it_o be_v the_o charge_n of_o jehu_n when_o he_o pretend_v that_o great_a sacrifice_n to_o baal_n search_v and_o look_v that_o there_o be_v here_o with_o you_o none_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o king_n 10._o 23._o but_o the_o