lord_n jesus_n christ_n whereunto_o you_o be_v now_o call_v through_o the_o mighty_a operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n amen_n i_o receive_v yesternight_o from_o you_o dear_a brother_n s._n and_o fellow-prisoner_n for_o the_o truth_n for_o christ_n gospel_n a_o letter_n wherein_o you_o gentle_o require_v my_o judgement_n concern_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n thereof_o and_o before_o i_o do_v show_v you_o what_o i_o have_v learn_v out_o of_o god_n word_n and_o of_o his_o true_a infallible_a church_n touch_v the_o same_o i_o think_v it_o not_o out_o of_o the_o matter_n first_o to_o declare_v what_o vision_n i_o have_v the_o same_o night_n whilst_o muse_v on_o your_o letter_n i_o fall_v asleep_a know_v that_o god_n do_v not_o without_o cause_n reveal_v to_o his_o people_n who_o have_v their_o mind_n fix_v on_o he_o special_a and_o spiritual_a revelation_n to_o their_o comfort_n as_o a_o taste_n of_o their_o joy_n and_o kingdom_n to_o come_v which_o flesh_n and_o blood_n can_v comprehend_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o sweet_a rest_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o see_v a_o great_a beautiful_a city_n all_o of_o the_o colour_n of_o azure_a and_o white_a four_o square_n in_o a_o marvellous_a beautiful_a composition_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sky_n the_o sight_n whereof_o so_o inward_o comfort_v i_o that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o express_v the_o consolation_n i_o have_v thereof_o yea_o the_o remembrance_n thereof_o cause_v my_o heart_n as_o yet_o to_o leap_v for_o joy_n and_o as_o charity_n be_v no_o churl_n but_o will_v have_v other_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o delight_n some_o thought_n i_o call_v to_o other_o i_o can_v tell_v who_o and_o whilst_o they_o come_v and_o we_o together_o behold_v the_o same_o by_z and_z by_z to_o my_o great_a grief_n it_o vade_v away_o this_o dream_n i_o think_v not_o to_o have_v come_v of_o the_o illusion_n of_o the_o sense_n because_o it_o bring_v with_o it_o so_o much_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o the_o contentation_n of_o your_o request_n as_o he_o wrought_v in_o peter_n to_o satisfy_v cornelius_n therefore_o i_o interpret_v this_o beautiful_a city_n to_o be_v the_o glorious_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o appearance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o sky_n signify_v the_o heavenly_a state_n thereof_o who_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o be_v now_o in_o heaven_n man_n ought_v to_o measure_n and_o judge_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n now_o in_o earth_n for_o as_o the_o prophet_n david_n say_v the_o foundation_n thereof_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a hill_n and_o glorious_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n and_o the_o marvellous_a quadrature_n of_o the_o same_o i_o take_v to_o signify_v the_o universal_a agreement_n in_o the_o same_o and_o that_o all_o the_o church_n here_o militant_a aught_o to_o consent_v to_o the_o primitive_a church_n throughout_o the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o prophet_n affirm_v say_v god_n make_v we_o to_o dwell_v after_o one_o manner_n in_o one_o house_n and_o that_o i_o conceive_v so_o wonderful_a joy_n at_o the_o contemplation_n thereof_o i_o understand_v the_o unspeakable_a joy_n which_o they_o have_v that_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o christ_n primitive_a church_n for_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o peace_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o psalm_n as_o of_o joyful_a person_n be_v the_o dwell_n of_o all_o they_o that_o be_v in_o thou_o and_o that_o i_o call_v other_o to_o the_o fruition_n of_o this_o vision_n and_o to_o behold_v this_o wonderful_a city_n i_o construe_v it_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o vision_n to_o have_v come_v upon_o i_o muse_v on_o your_o letter_n to_o the_o end_n that_o under_o this_o figure_n i_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o move_v you_o with_o many_o other_o to_o behold_v the_o primitive_a church_n in_o all_o your_o opinion_n concern_v faith_n and_o to_o conform_v yourself_o in_o all_o point_n to_o the_o same_o which_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o establishment_n of_o truth_n and_o teach_v the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o have_v with_o a_o great_a fullness_n than_o we_o have_v now_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v declare_v the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n according_a to_o all_o verity_n even_o as_o our_o saviour_n promise_v to_o send_v they_o another_o comforter_n which_o shall_v teach_v they_o all_o truth_n and_o since_o all_o truth_n be_v teach_v and_o reveal_v to_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o be_v our_o mother_n let_v we_o all_o that_o be_v obedient_a child_n of_o god_n submit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o doubtful_a sentence_n of_o the_o scripture_n let_v we_o not_o go_v about_o to_o show_v in_o we_o by_o follow_v any_o private_a man_n interpretation_n upon_o the_o word_n another_o spirit_n than_o they_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v lest_o we_o deceive_v ourselves_o for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n and_o one_o spirit_n which_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o himself_o neither_o otherwise_o now_o teach_v we_o than_o he_o do_v they_o therefore_o let_v we_o believe_v as_o they_o have_v teach_v we_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o they_o according_a as_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n be_v at_o this_o day_n and_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n assure_o will_v be_v with_o we_o and_o deliver_v we_o out_o of_o all_o our_o worldly_a trouble_n and_o misery_n and_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o their_o joy_n and_o bliss_n through_o our_o obedience_n to_o faith_n with_o they_o therefore_o god_n command_v we_o in_o job_n to_o ask_v of_o the_o elder_a generation_n and_o to_o search_v diligent_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o father_n for_o we_o be_v but_o yesterday_n children_n and_o be_v 8._o job_n 8._o ignorant_a and_o our_o day_n be_v like_o a_o shadow_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v thou_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o speak_v to_o thou_o and_o shall_v utter_v word_n from_o their_o heart_n and_o by_o solomon_n we_o be_v 6._o prov._n 6._o command_v not_o to_o reject_v the_o direction_n of_o our_o mother_n the_o lord_n grant_v you_o to_o direct_v your_o step_n in_o all_o thing_n after_o she_o and_o to_o abhor_v contention_n with_o she_o for_o as_o st._n paul_n write_v if_o any_o man_n be_v contentious_a neither_o we_o neither_o the_o 11._o 1_o cor._n 11._o church_n of_o god_n have_v any_o such_o custom_n hitherto_o i_o have_v show_v you_o good_a brother_n s._n my_o judgement_n general_o of_o that_o you_o stand_v in_o doubt_n and_o dissent_v from_o other_o to_o the_o which_o i_o wish_v you_o as_o i_o own_o heart_n to_o be_v comformable_a and_o then_o doubtless_o you_o can_v err_v but_o bold_o may_v be_v glad_a in_o your_o trouble_n and_o triumph_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o your_o death_n that_o you_o shall_v die_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n a_o faithful_a martyr_n and_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o eternal_a glory_n and_o thus_o much_o have_v i_o write_v upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o vision_n before_o god_n unfeigned_a but_o that_o you_o may_v not_o think_v that_o i_o go_v about_o to_o satisfy_v you_o with_o uncertain_a vision_n only_o and_o not_o after_o god_n word_n i_o will_v take_v the_o ground_n of_o your_o letter_n and_o special_o answer_v to_o the_o same_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o infallible_a reason_n deduce_v out_o of_o the_o same_o and_o prove_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n to_o be_v lawful_a commendable_a and_o necessary_a whereof_o you_o seem_v to_o stand_v in_o doubt_n indeed_o if_o you_o look_v upon_o the_o papistical_a synagogue_n only_o which_o have_v corrupt_v god_n word_n by_o false_a interpretation_n and_o have_v pervert_v the_o true_a use_n of_o christ_n sacrament_n you_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v good_a handfast_a of_o your_o opinion_n against_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v of_o more_o antiquity_n and_o have_v his_o beginning_n from_o god_n word_n and_o from_o the_o use_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n it_o must_v not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o abuse_n in_o the_o popish_a church_n be_v neglect_v or_o think_v not_o expedient_a to_o be_v use_v in_o christ_n church_n auxentius_n one_o of_o the_o arrian_n sect_n with_o his_o adherent_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o that_o deny_v the_o baptism_n of_o child_n and_o next_o after_o he_o pelagius_n the_o heretic_n and_o some_o other_o there_o be_v in_o st._n bernard_n time_n as_o it_o do_v appear_v by_o his_o write_n and_o in_o our_o day_n the_o anabaptist_n and_o inordinate_a kind_n of_o man_n stir_v up_o
old_a in_o their_o calm_a mood_n who_o declare_v we_o testify_v to_o all_o 1604._o brownist_n apol_n p._n 7._o an._n 1604._o man_n by_o these_o present_n that_o we_o have_v not_o forsake_v any_o one_o point_n of_o the_o true_a ancient_a apostolic_a faith_n profess_v in_o our_o land_n but_o hold_v the_o same_o ground_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o they_o see_v more_o in_o baily_n dissuasive_a cap._n 2._o p._n 20_o 33._o and_o dr._n stillingfleet_n unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n part_n 1_o §_o 9_o p._n 31._o the_o presbyterian_o if_o i_o may_v so_o call_v they_o for_o distinction_n sake_n do_v own_o it_o so_o mr._n corbet_n the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o sacrament_n by_o 43._o discourse_n §_o 21_o p._n 43._o law_n establish_v be_v hearty_o receive_v by_o the_o nonconformist_n so_o mr._n baxter_n as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 6._o preface_n to_o 5_o disp_n p._n 6._o the_o bishop_n and_o their_o follower_n from_o the_o first_o reformation_n begin_v by_o edw._n 6._o be_v sound_n in_o doctrine_n adhere_v to_o the_o augustan_n method_n express_v now_o in_o the_o article_n and_o homily_n they_o differ_v not_o in_o any_o considerable_a point_n from_o those_o who_o they_o call_v puritan_n the_o like_a be_v affirm_v by_o the_o independent_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o 106._o peace-off_a ing_z p._n 12._o see_v mr._n baxter_n defence_n of_o his_o cure_n part_v 1._o p._n 64._o and_o part_v 2._o p._n 3._o and_o wadsworth_n in_o his_o separation_n yet_o no_o schism_n p._n 60_o 62._o mr._n throughton_n apology_n for_o the_o nonconformist_n cap._n 3._o p._n 106._o england_n declare_v in_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o herein_o what_o be_v pure_o doctrinal_a we_o full_o embrace_v 2._o as_o to_o the_o worship_n they_o own_v it_o for_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n to_o be_v good_a and_o for_o edification_n so_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n as_o mr._n hildersham_n there_o be_v 121._o lecture_n 26._o on_o john_n p._n 121._o nothing_o in_o our_o assembly_n but_o we_o may_v receive_v profit_n by_o it_o etc._n etc._n and_o again_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v in_o god_n public_a worship_n among_o we_o but_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o institution_n ordinance_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o among_o the_o present_a it_o be_v own_v by_o both_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o by_o the_o former_a in_o the_o morning_n exercise_n 91._o continuat_fw-la morning_n exercise_n serm_v 4._o p._n 91._o why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v supposeable_a that_o christian_n may_v be_v move_v by_o reasonable_a consideration_n to_o attend_v the_o public_a form_n the_o substantial_a part_n of_o they_o be_v think_v agreeable_a to_o a_o divine_a institution_n though_o in_o some_o circumstantial_o too_o disagreeable_a so_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o in_o 104._o throughton_n apol._n p._n 104._o private_a meeting_n the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v use_v as_o in_o the_o parish_n church_n only_o some_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n omit_v by_o the_o latter_a we_o know_v full_a well_o that_o we_o 17._o peace-offering_a p._n 17._o differ_v in_o nothing_o from_o the_o whole_a form_n of_o religion_n establish_v in_o england_n but_o only_o in_o some_o few_o thing_n in_o outward_a worship_n but_o i_o shall_v have_v further_a occasion_n to_o treat_v of_o this_o under_o the_o three_o general_n 3._o as_o for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o it_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a and_o for_o substance_n the_o same_o which_o christ_n have_v establish_v so_o mr._n bradshaw_n i_o 16._o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o separation_n p._n 16._o affirm_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o our_o church-assembly_n howsoever_o it_o may_v in_o some_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o execution_n haply_o be_v defective_a in_o some_o place_n be_v for_o the_o substance_n thereof_o that_o very_o same_o ministry_n which_o christ_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n this_o he_o speak_v as_o he_o say_v of_o those_o that_o do_v subscribe_v and_o conform_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o state_n 2._o that_o they_o have_v all_o thing_n necessary_o belong_v to_o their_o office_n so_o the_o grave_n and_o modest_a confutation_n maintain_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o whole_a truth_n of_o god_n word_n 28._o grave_a and_o modest_a confutat_fw-la p._n 28._o and_o nothing_o but_o it_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o of_o public_a prayer_n as_o they_o be_v of_o all_o part_n of_o the_o minister_n office_n prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n so_o they_o be_v all_o appoint_v to_o our_o minister_n by_o the_o law_n 3._o they_o own_o that_o all_o the_o defect_n in_o it_o whether_o in_o their_o call_n or_o administration_n do_v not_o nullify_v the_o office_n thus_o much_o mr._n bradshaw_n do_v contend_v for_o so_o many_o of_o our_o minister_n 37._o unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n p._n 27_o 37._o who_o in_o the_o book_n of_o ordination_n be_v call_v priest_n and_o deacon_n as_o in_o all_o point_n concern_v the_o substance_n of_o their_o ministry_n be_v qualify_v according_a to_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o law_n have_v their_o office_n calling_n adminstration_n and_o maintenance_n for_o the_o substance_n thereof_o ordain_v by_o christ_n and_o yet_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o there_o may_v be_v some_o accidental_a defect_n or_o superfluity_n in_o or_o about_o they_o all_o yet_o such_o as_o do_v not_o or_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o destroy_v the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o any_o of_o they_o this_o be_v maintain_v at_o large_a in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o minister_n in_o old_a england_n etc._n etc._n p._n 86_o 87._o and_o the_o like_a be_v also_o affirm_v even_o by_o those_o of_o the_o 6._o apologet._n narration_n p._n 6._o congregational_a way_n so_o the_o brethren_n in_o their_o apology_n the_o unwarrantable_a power_n in_o church-governor_n do_v never_o work_v in_o any_o of_o we_o any_o other_o thought_n much_o less_o opinion_n but_o that_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o of_o the_o english_a church_n be_v a_o true_a ministry_n so_o mr._n cotton_n the_o 181._o cotton_n infant_n baptism_n p._n 181._o power_n whereby_o the_o minister_n in_o england_n do_v administer_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v either_o spiritual_a and_o proper_a essential_a to_o their_o call_v or_o advantitious_a and_o accidental_a the_o former_a they_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n etc._n etc._n the_o latter_a from_o the_o patron_n who_o present_v or_o the_o bishop_n who_o ordain_v etc._n etc._n whoever_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o see_v their_o ordination_n defend_v may_v consult_v jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la ministerii_fw-la evangelici_fw-la part_n 2_o p._n 12_o 16_o 17_o 25_o etc._n etc._n jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la regim_fw-la eccles_n p._n 264_o etc._n etc._n cawdry_n independency_n a_o great_a schism_n pag._n 116._o and_o his_o defence_n of_o it_o pag._n 35_o 37._o thus_o far_o therefore_o we_o see_v how_o far_o it_o be_v agree_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o its_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o ministry_n but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v what_o the_o church_n be_v they_o own_o thus_o to_o be_v true_a there_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o do_v differ_v the_o presbyterian_o general_o own_v a_o national_a church_n and_o have_v write_v much_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o it_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o book_n quote_v in_o the_o 172._o the_o the_o the_o jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la minist_n evang._n p_o 12_o etc._n etc._n brinsly_n church-remedy_n p_o 41_o 42._o cawdry_n independ_v a_o great_a schism_n p._n 60_o 89_o 172._o margin_n other_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o prudential_a thing_n and_o what_o may_v lawful_o be_v comply_v with_o so_o mr._n tomb_n 3._o tomb_n tomb_n tomb_n theodulia_n or_o just_a defence_n §_o 15_o 16._o preface_n etc._n etc._n 9_o §_o 3._o it_o be_v no_o more_o against_o the_o gospel_n to_o term_v the_o believer_n of_o england_n the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o it_o be_v to_o term_v believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o be_v it_o more_o unfit_a for_o we_o to_o term_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o be_v there_o need_v to_o show_v any_o institution_n of_o our_o lord_n more_o for_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o but_o those_o that_o will_v not_o own_v it_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o respect_n of_o such_o a_o constitution_n or_o that_o speak_v doubtful_o of_o it_o do_v yet_o assert_v as_o much_o of_o the_o parish_n church_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o that_o the_o distribution_n into_o parish_n be_v not_o of_o divine_a but_o humane_a institution_n but_o withal_o its_o thought_n by_o some_o 42._o some_o some_o some_o crofton_n reformation_n not_o separation_n p._n 10._o and_o bethshemesh_n cloud_v p._n 101_o etc._n etc._n cawdrey_n independ_v a_o great_a schism_n p._n 132_o etc._n etc._n church-reformation_n p._n 42._o agreeable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o
p._n 10._o it_o unlawful_a than_o all_o communion_n in_o any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n with_o such_o minister_n be_v unlawful_a and_o so_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o 310._o v._o ball_n be_v trial_n p._n 310._o faithful_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n sin_v in_o hold_v communion_n with_o such_o when_o the_o priest_n be_v dumb_a dog_n that_o can_v not_o bark_v and_o greedy_a dog_n that_o can_v never_o have_v enough_o when_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v lie_n when_o the_o priest_n buy_v and_o sell_v dove_n in_o the_o temple_n etc._n etc._n when_o they_o be_v such_o and_o do_v such_o thing_n they_o be_v ungodly_a minister_n but_o we_o never_o find_v that_o the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v either_o forbear_v themselves_o or_o warn_v the_o faithful_a not_o to_o communicate_v with_o such_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n so_o much_o mr._n nye_n do_v grant_v more_o can_v be_v object_v against_o our_o minister_n 14._o case_n of_o great_a and_o present_a use_n p._n 14._o that_o conform_v than_o may_v against_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o christ_n time_n either_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o doctrine_n which_o be_v load_v with_o tradition_n their_o stand_v which_o be_v not_o according_a to_o law_n their_o life_n which_o be_v vicious_a yet_o christ_n not_o only_o permit_v but_o require_v we_o to_o attend_v the_o truth_n they_o deliver_v second_o they_o plead_v that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v arg._n 2_o communicate_v where_o such_o do_v officiate_v so_o dr._n bryan_n in_o some_o country_n i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v many_o sober_a 313._o dwelling_v with_o god_n p._n 313._o godly_a orthodox_n able_a preacher_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o you_o know_v any_o country_n where_o it_o be_v worse_o this_o be_v attest_v by_o another_o in_o his_o farewell_n sermon_n our_o saviour_n 94._o england_n remembrancer_n serm._n 4._o p._n 94._o christ_n use_v to_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a worship_n in_o his_o time_n notwithstanding_o such_o formalist_n and_o superstitious_a one_o as_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n do_v officiate_v in_o it_o three_o they_o say_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o minister_n be_v arg._n 3_o not_o they_o nor_o do_v bring_v any_o detriment_n to_o they_o though_o they_o communicate_v with_o he_o so_o mr._n baxter_n a_o minister_n personal_a fault_n may_v damn_v himself_o 114._o câ—ristian_n directory_n p._n 747._o &_o cure_n p._n 113_o 114._o and_o must_v be_v matter_n of_o lamentation_n to_o the_o church_n who_o ought_v to_o do_v their_o best_a to_o reform_v they_o or_o get_v better_o by_o any_o lawful_a mean_n but_o in_o case_n they_o can_v his_o sin_n be_v none_o of_o they_o nor_o do_v it_o make_v his_o administration_n null_n or_o ineffectual_a nor_o will_v it_o allow_v you_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o worship_n which_o he_o administer_v so_o the_o minister_n send_v to_o oxford_n do_v assert_v some_o evil_a man_n may_v and_o always_o have_v de_fw-fr 27._o account_v give_v to_o the_o parliament_n p._n 27._o facto_fw-la be_v officer_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o such_o man_n do_v not_o null_a or_o evacuate_v their_o ministerial_a act_n for_o our_o saviour_n will_v have_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n hear_v while_o they_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o ministration_n in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v not_o invalid_a and_o that_o the_o people_n suffer_v not_o by_o it_o they_o further_o prove_v 1._o because_o they_o officiate_v not_o in_o their_o own_o name_n so_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n it_o have_v evermore_o be_v hold_v for_o a_o truth_n 11._o letter_n of_o the_o minister_n p._n 11._o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o although_o sometime_o the_o evil_n have_v chief_a authority_n in_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o do_v not_o the_o same_o in_o their_o own_o name_n but_o in_o christ_n and_o minister_v by_o his_o commission_n and_o authority_n we_o may_v use_v their_o ministry_n both_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n neither_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o christ_n ordinance_n take_v away_o by_o their_o wickedness_n 2._o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o ordinance_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o their_o goodness_n but_o god_n promise_n so_o mr._n rogers_n say_v of_o prayer_n if_o this_o burden_n of_n bad_a minister_n 223._o tract_n 3._o p._n 223._o must_v be_v bear_v i_o ask_v if_o among_o many_o sweet_a liberty_n we_o enjoy_v we_o may_v not_o join_v in_o prayer_n with_o they_o if_o we_o can_v pray_v in_o faith_n see_v their_o unworthiness_n can_v withhold_v the_o fruit_n of_o god_n promise_n from_o we_o which_o be_v to_o one_o kind_n of_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o another_o so_o say_v mr._n cradacot_n of_o the_o word_n take_v heed_n say_v he_o of_o be_v leaven_v with_o prejudice_n 23._o farewell_o sermon_n vol._n 3._o p._n 22_o 23._o against_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n because_o of_o the_o misdemeanour_n or_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o minister_n it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o convert_v not_o the_o person_n of_o the_o dispenser_n or_o speaker_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v but_o to_o be_v esteem_v so_o long_o as_o they_o fail_v not_o of_o the_o substance_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n i_o conceive_v it_o be_v a_o rare_a thing_n for_o unconverted_a minister_n to_o convert_v and_o yet_o we_o must_v remember_v not_o to_o tie_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n to_o the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o a_o minister_n person_n so_o when_o it_o be_v 14._o case_n of_o great_a and_o present_a use_n p._n 14._o object_v how_o can_v we_o expect_v a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o labour_n of_o such_o though_o they_o preach_v truth_n mr._n nye_n reply_v answ_n 1._o the_o mixture_n in_o sermon_n be_v near_a the_o irregularity_n of_o their_o call_v next_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o conversation_n further_a from_o their_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o have_v less_o efficacy_n at_o such_o a_o distance_n to_o prejudice_v it_o answ_n 2._o it_o be_v god_n word_n and_o not_o their_o own_o they_o preach_v etc._n etc._n 3._o that_o if_o person_n themselves_o do_v believe_v and_o be_v sincere_a they_o be_v notwithstanding_o such_o a_o ministry_n accept_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o faithful_a elkanah_n say_v one_o 94._o england_n remembrancer_n serm._n 4._o p._n 94._o be_v please_v to_o god_n even_o when_o hophni_n and_o phineas_n be_v priest_n from_o all_o which_o we_o find_v some_o declare_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o they_o will_v communicate_v so_o a_o learned_a person_n the_o people_n prejudices_fw-la 133._o bonasus_n vapulans_fw-la p._n 133._o against_o the_o liturgy_n be_v ground_v for_o the_o most_o part_n upon_o the_o wicked_a life_n of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o most_o constant_a reader_n and_o frequenter_n of_o it_o doubtless_o the_o author_n if_o he_o have_v consider_v this_o will_v rather_o have_v say_v that_o they_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o wicked_a life_n of_o some_o of_o those_o that_o read_v and_o frequent_v it_o i_o shall_v never_o upon_o that_o account_n cease_v to_o join_v in_o prayer_n and_o to_o hear_v sermon_n other_o we_o find_v exhort_v their_o auditor_n to_o attend_v even_o upon_o such_o so_o mr._n fairclough_n in_o his_o farewel-sermon_n get_v all_o 125._o pastor_n legacy_n p._n 125._o good_a from_o show_v all_o duty_n to_o he_o that_o follow_v if_o he_o shall_v be_v weak_a or_o evil_a yet_o while_o he_o preach_v truth_n while_o he_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n hear_v he_o serious_o and_o carry_v yourselves_o towards_o he_o as_o become_v a_o people_n to_o their_o minister_n i_o have_v thus_o far_o consider_v the_o case_n of_o scandalous_a minister_n because_o many_o make_v it_o a_o objection_n as_o well_o those_o that_o be_v not_o concern_v as_o those_o that_o be_v otherwise_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o england_n be_v never_o better_o provide_v with_o a_o learned_a and_o pious_a ministry_n than_o at_o present_a who_o have_v as_o good_a understanding_n 23._o nonconformist_n plea_n for_o conformist_n p._n 12_o &_o 23._o preach_v as_o good_a doctrine_n do_v as_o much_o good_a by_o their_o preach_v as_o any_o other_o as_o a_o late_a writer_n do_v confess_v but_o though_o many_o congregation_n be_v well_o supply_v with_o a_o pious_a able_a and_o industrious_a ministry_n yet_o there_o be_v few_o or_o none_o but_o what_o have_v some_o more_o or_o less_o among_o the_o laity_n that_o be_v as_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v receive_v into_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n or_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n in_o worship_n which_o
evil_a thing_n in_o compliance_n with_o it_o my_o judgement_n be_v as_o we_o have_v say_v the_o guide_n of_o my_o action_n but_o it_o may_v through_o my_o negligence_n be_v so_o far_o misguide_v itself_o as_o that_o if_o i_o follow_v it_o it_o will_v lead_v i_o into_o the_o most_o horrid_a crime_n in_o the_o world_n and_o will_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n or_o justification_n of_o my_o action_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o say_v that_o indeed_o herein_o i_o do_v but_o act_n according_a to_o my_o persuasion_n no_o very_o i_o may_v as_o certain_o be_v damn_v without_o repentance_n for_o act_v according_a to_o my_o judgement_n in_o some_o case_n where_o it_o be_v mistake_v as_o i_o shall_v be_v for_o act_v contrary_a to_o it_o in_o other_o case_n where_o it_o be_v right_o inform_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a it_o be_v not_o my_o judgement_n or_o persuasion_n that_o make_v good_a or_o evil_a right_a or_o wrong_n justice_n or_o injustice_n virtue_n or_o vice_n but_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o and_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n under_o that_o command_v or_o forbid_v thing_n that_o make_v they_o so_o if_o the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o action_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o man_n opinion_n and_o persuasion_n then_o good_a and_o evil_a duty_n and_o sin_n will_v be_v the_o most_o various_a uncertain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o will_v change_v their_o nature_n as_o often_o as_o man_n change_v their_o opinion_n and_o that_o which_o to_o day_n be_v a_o virtue_n to_o morrow_n will_v be_v a_o crime_n and_o that_o which_o in_o one_o man_n will_v be_v a_o heroical_o good_a action_n will_v in_o another_o man_n be_v a_o prodigious_a piece_n of_o villainy_n though_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o action_n itself_o or_o in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o man_n that_o do_v it_o save_v only_o the_o difference_n of_o opinion_n but_o such_o consequence_n as_o these_o be_v intolerable_a nor_o indeed_o do_v man_n either_o talk_v or_o think_v after_o this_o manner_n every_o man_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o good_a or_o evil_a lawful_a or_o unlawful_a mean_v some_o certain_a fix_a thing_n which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o that_o action_n be_v good_a and_o a_o duty_n which_o be_v either_o so_o in_o itself_o or_o make_v so_o by_o some_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o action_n be_v evil_a and_o a_o sin_n that_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n in_o either_o of_o these_o way_n so_o that_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o to_o alter_v the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o will_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o oblige_v to_o do_v some_o action_n and_o to_o forbear_v other_o whatever_o our_o judgement_n concern_v they_o be_v and_o consequent_o we_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n if_o in_o these_o instance_n we_o act_n contrary_a to_o this_o obligation_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o shall_v happen_v that_o we_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o we_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o thus_o be_v our_o proposition_n full_o prove_v but_o then_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o it_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o we_o do_v not_o thus_o lay_v it_o down_o that_o every_o mistake_n of_o judgement_n about_o good_a or_o evil_a do_v involve_v a_o man_n in_o sin_n if_o he_o act_n according_a to_o that_o mistake_n but_o only_o thus_o the_o mistake_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n may_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o as_o it_o will_v be_v a_o a_o sin_n in_o he_o to_o act_n against_o it_o so_o it_o will_v likewise_o be_v sin_n to_o act_n according_a to_o it_o it_o be_v not_o every_o error_n in_o moral_n that_o bring_v a_o man_n under_o the_o necessity_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o pursue_v it_o in_o his_o action_n a_o man_n conscience_n may_v mistake_v its_o rule_n in_o a_o hundred_o instance_n and_o yet_o he_o may_v safe_o enough_o act_n according_a to_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o man_n may_v entertain_v a_o great_a many_o mistake_v and_o false_a notion_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o act_n according_a to_o they_o too_o and_o yet_o in_o such_o action_n he_o shall_v not_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n now_o this_o that_o i_o say_v hold_v chief_o in_o these_o two_o inslance_n for_o example_n in_o the_o first_o place_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v command_v by_o god_n which_o yet_o indeed_o be_v not_o but_o neither_o be_v it_o forbid_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o retire_v himself_o from_o his_o business_n seven_o time_n or_o three_o time_n a_o day_n for_o the_o purpose_n of_o devotion_n or_o to_o give_v half_a of_o his_o yearly_o income_n to_o pious_a and_o charitable_a use_n if_o he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o prejudice_n to_o his_o family_n now_o in_o this_o case_n he_o be_v certain_o mistake_v in_o his_o duty_n for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o bind_v he_o up_o to_o such_o measure_n in_o either_o of_o these_o instance_n but_o yet_o because_o god_n have_v not_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n lay_v any_o command_n upon_o he_o to_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v certain_a he_o may_v in_o both_o these_o instance_n act_n according_a to_o this_o mistake_n without_o any_o gild_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o so_o long_o as_o that_o mistake_n continue_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o act_n according_o again_o in_o the_o second_o place_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n law_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o but_o neither_o be_v it_o command_v as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o man_n think_v that_o he_o ought_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o meat_n that_o be_v strangle_v or_o have_v blood_n in_o they_o or_o if_o he_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o play_n at_o card_n or_o die_n or_o that_o it_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n word_n to_o let_v out_o money_n at_o interest_n why_o in_o all_o these_o case_n he_o may_v follow_v his_o opinion_n though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a one_o without_o sin_n nay_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v it_o because_o it_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n however_o his_o conscience_n be_v mistake_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o though_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n about_o these_o matter_n yet_o since_o god_n have_v not_o by_o any_o law_n forbid_v these_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n follow_v upon_o act_v according_a to_o such_o a_o mistake_n but_o then_o in_o other_o case_n where_o a_o man_n mistake_n happen_v to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o that_o he_o can_v act_n according_a to_o his_o conscience_n but_o he_o transgress_v some_o law_n of_o god_n by_o which_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o a_o man_n look_v upon_o that_o as_o a_o lawful_a action_n or_o as_o a_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v forbid_v or_o look_v upon_o that_o as_o a_o sin_n or_o at_o least_o a_o indifferent_a action_n which_o god_n have_v command_v here_o it_o be_v that_o the_o mistake_n become_v dangerous_a and_o in_o such_o case_n the_o man_n be_v bring_v into_o that_o sad_a dilemma_n we_o have_v be_v represent_v viz._n that_o if_o he_o act_n according_a to_o his_o persuasion_n he_o transgress_v god_n law_n and_o so_o be_v a_o sinner_n upon_o that_o account_n if_o he_o act_v against_o his_o persuasion_n than_o he_o be_v self_n condemn_v and_o very_o guilty_a before_o god_n upon_o that_o account_n well_o but_o be_v there_o no_o avoid_n of_o this_o must_v it_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o constant_a universal_a truth_n that_o in_o all_o case_n where_o a_o man_n judgement_n happen_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o duty_n command_v or_o forbid_v a_o action_n he_o must_v of_o necessity_n sin_n whether_o he_o act_n or_o not_o act_n according_a to_o that_o judgement_n if_o indeed_o he_o act_n against_o his_o conscience_n it_o be_v ready_o grant_v he_o sin_n but_o it_o seem_v very_o hard_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v when_o he_o act_v according_a to_o it_o especial_o when_o he_o be_v perfect_o ignorant_a of_o or_o mistake_v in_o the_o law_n against_o which_o he_o offend_v this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o occur_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o for_o the_o untie_n it_o i_o lay_v down_o this_o three_o general_a proposition_n viz._n that_o the_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o in_o this_o case_n of_o a_o man_n follow_v a_o mistake_a judgement_n be_v the_o culpableness_n or_o inculpableness_n the_o faultiness_n or_o innocence_n of_o the_o mistake_n
yet_o they_o help_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o all_o those_o who_o thus_o proceed_v be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o so_o do_v suppose_v that_o the_o case_n wherein_o they_o thus_o act_n be_v a_o case_n of_o pure_a doubt_n and_o there_o be_v no_o persuasion_n on_o either_o side_n and_o withal_o that_o the_o man_n who_o thus_o proceed_v be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n with_o his_o proceed_n the_o truth_n be_v when_o all_o be_v say_v every_o man_n in_o doubtful_a case_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o discretion_n and_o if_o he_o act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a reason_n he_o have_v he_o be_v not_o culpable_a though_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o measure_n these_o be_v all_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v to_o be_v give_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o double_a doubt_n and_o i_o think_v no_o body_n can_v object_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o i_o be_o sensible_a of_o another_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v and_o that_o be_v why_o i_o do_v mention_n they_o at_o all_o since_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n for_o who_o this_o discourse_n be_v intend_v they_o seem_v altogether_o unpracticable_a for_o how_o few_o be_v there_o who_o be_v competent_a judge_n of_o these_o different_a degree_n of_o probability_n or_o sinfulness_n in_o a_o action_n that_o we_o here_o talk_v of_o and_o much_o less_o be_v capable_a of_o so_o balance_v these_o thing_n one_o with_o another_o as_o to_o be_v able_a from_o thence_o to_o form_v a_o good_a judgement_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v give_v at_o all_o for_o the_o determine_a man_n in_o doubtful_a case_n we_o must_v give_v these_o because_o we_o can_v give_v no_o other_o these_o be_v the_o only_a principle_n that_o man_n have_v to_o govern_v their_o action_n by_o in_o these_o case_n and_o i_o trust_v also_o they_o will_v not_o be_v whole_o useless_a to_o the_o most_o ordinary_a capacity_n for_o the_o purpose_v they_o be_v intend_v because_o all_o may_v hereby_o at_o least_o learn_v thus_o much_o viz._n what_o method_n they_o be_v to_o proceed_v by_o for_o the_o guidance_n of_o their_o action_n in_o doubtful_a case_n and_o though_o they_o may_v have_v false_a notion_n of_o the_o danger_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o particular_a sin_n and_o so_o may_v sometime_o make_v false_a application_n of_o these_o rule_n to_o their_o own_o case_n yet_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o their_o justification_n as_o i_o say_v before_o that_o they_o have_v reason_v as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v since_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o act_n in_o doubtful_a case_n according_a to_o what_o be_v best_a and_o most_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a that_o they_o do_v endeavour_v it_o but_o to_o render_v these_o rule_n about_o a_o double_a doubt_n more_o intelligible_a and_o more_o useful_a i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o give_v my_o reader_n a_o specimen_fw-la both_o how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o particular_a case_n and_o likewise_o when_o they_o be_v apply_v what_o light_n they_o give_v to_o a_o man_n for_o the_o choose_n his_o way_n in_o any_o doubtful_a case_n he_o happen_v to_o be_v engage_v in_o and_o since_o it_o will_v take_v up_o too_o much_o room_n to_o give_v every_o particular_a rule_n a_o several_a instance_n i_o shall_v pitch_v upon_o one_o case_n under_o which_o i_o may_v consider_v all_o the_o variety_n of_o a_o double_a doubt_n i_o have_v now_o represent_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v that_o celebrate_a case_n of_o the_o sacrament_n than_o which_o we_o have_v not_o a_o great_a or_o a_o more_o frequent_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o doubt_n in_o any_o case_n among_o we_o and_o because_o i_o will_v not_o by_o the_o discussion_n of_o this_o case_n divert_v my_o reader_n against_o his_o will_n from_o the_o main_a argument_n i_o have_v take_v care_n to_o have_v it_o so_o mark_v in_o the_o print_n that_o every_o one_o may_v without_o trouble_n if_o he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o read_v it_o pass_v it_o over_o as_o a_o long_a parenthesis_n and_o go_v on_o to_o the_o next_o point_n this_o be_v the_o case_n here_o be_v a_o man_n that_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o take_v all_o opportunity_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n or_o at_o least_o to_o take_v they_o frequent_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n such_o be_v his_o condition_n that_o he_o be_v constant_o under_o great_a fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o his_o be_v unqualify_v for_o it_o and_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n unworthy_o he_o know_v to_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o grievous_a notorious_a sin_n lie_v upon_o his_o conscience_n unrepented_a of_o much_o less_o that_o he_o be_v engage_v in_o some_o vicious_a course_n which_o he_o be_v unwilling_a that_o his_o new_a vow_n at_o his_o approach_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n shall_v divorce_v he_o from_o for_o indeed_o he_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o live_v honest_o and_o to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man._n but_o this_o be_v the_o case_n he_o be_v not_o so_o devout_a a_o christian_n nor_o live_v so_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a a_o life_n as_o he_o think_v become_v the_o partaker_n of_o such_o heavenly_a food_n or_o perhaps_o he_o can_v bring_v himself_o to_o so_o feel_v a_o sense_n and_o contrition_n for_o his_o past_a sin_n or_o such_o ardour_n of_o love_n and_o devotion_n to_o our_o saviour_n as_o he_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o every_o worthy_a communicant_a aught_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o or_o perhaps_o he_o want_v faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n not_o be_v able_a to_o apply_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o passion_n so_o comfortable_o to_o his_o own_o heart_n as_o he_o think_v he_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o perhaps_o in_o the_o last_o place_n his_o mind_n be_v so_o haunt_v with_o a_o company_n of_o idle_a and_o naughty_a fancy_n especial_o when_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o serious_a that_o he_o think_v it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a profanation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o he_o to_o come_v to_o it_o in_o such_o circumstance_n these_o or_o such_o like_a be_v the_o thing_n that_o trouble_v he_o and_o though_o he_o have_v several_a time_n endeavour_v to_o put_v himself_o into_o a_o better_a condition_n yet_o he_o can_v never_o satisfy_v himself_o nor_o get_v over_o these_o difficulty_n what_o now_o must_v this_o man_n do_v he_o will_v fain_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n as_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o do_v it_o but_o he_o dare_v not_o receive_v it_o as_o look_v upon_o himself_o to_o be_v unqualify_v for_o it_o if_o he_o do_v not_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n he_o deny_v his_o attendance_n on_o the_o most_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o doubt_v he_o sin_n on_o that_o account_n if_o he_o do_v come_v he_o doubt_v he_o approach_v unworthy_o and_o so_o sin_n upon_o that_o account_n it_o be_v here_o to_o be_v remember_v that_o the_o question_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o this_o what_o course_n the_o man_n be_v to_o take_v for_o the_o cure_v or_o remove_v his_o doubtfulness_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o so_o he_o may_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n with_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o own_o mind_n but_o this_o suppose_v the_o man_n after_o all_o his_o endeavour_n can_v cure_v or_o remove_v his_o doubt_n what_o he_o must_v do_v must_v he_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n or_o must_v he_o forbear_v one_o of_o they_o he_o must_v do_v and_o yet_o which_o of_o they_o soever_o he_o choose_v he_o fear_v he_o sin_n if_o the_o former_a have_v be_v the_o question_n the_o resolution_n of_o it_o will_v have_v be_v thus_o that_o the_o man_n be_v to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n he_o can_v to_o get_v better_a instruction_n and_o information_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o the_o christian_a sacrament_n and_o about_o the_o quality_n and_o disposition_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o fit_v a_o man_n for_o it_o particular_o those_o of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n for_o it_o be_v the_o man_n ignorance_n or_o mistake_v about_o these_o thing_n that_o make_v he_o pass_v so_o hard_a a_o censure_n upon_o himself_o and_o so_o occasion_n all_o the_o doubtfulness_n in_o this_o case_n if_o he_o once_o come_v right_o to_o understand_v these_o point_n his_o doubt_n will_v of_o themselves_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o the_o man_n will_v be_v perfect_o satisfy_v that_o as_o his_o case_n be_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v such_o as_o i_o have_v now_o represent_v he_o may_v without_o any_o fear_n or_o scruple_n in_o the_o world_n at_o any_o time_n approach_v to_o the_o holy_a
and_o have_v use_v our_o best_a endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o how_o the_o law_n of_o god_n stand_v as_o to_o that_o matter_n there_o the_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n be_v to_o over-rule_v our_o doubt_n but_o further_a to_o show_v what_o little_a force_n there_o be_v in_o this_o argument_n which_o indeed_o have_v make_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o noise_n we_o will_v try_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o make_v as_o much_o against_o our_o adversary_n if_o they_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o put_v the_o case_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o make_v against_o we_o when_o they_o put_v the_o case_n let_v we_o suppose_v therefore_o as_o before_o that_o a_o israelite_n be_v very_o doubtful_a whether_o jehovah_n or_o baal_n be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o let_v we_o suppose_v likewise_o as_o we_o reasonable_o may_v that_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n make_v a_o law_n that_o all_o the_o temple_n and_o altar_n of_o baal_n shall_v be_v demolish_v and_o that_o jehovah_n only_o shall_v be_v worship_v what_o advice_n now_o will_v they_o give_v to_o the_o doubt_a man_n in_o this_o case_n will_v they_o say_v that_o he_o must_v comply_v with_o the_o king_n law_n and_o worship_n jehovah_n only_o while_o yet_o he_o be_v doubtful_a in_o his_o own_o mind_n whether_o baal_n be_v not_o the_o true_a god_n why_o this_o be_v against_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o give_v away_o the_o cause_n to_o we_o but_o will_v they_o then_o say_v that_o while_o this_o doubt_n remain_v the_o man_n must_v not_o obey_v authority_n in_o worship_v jehovah_n only_o but_o he_o must_v either_o worship_n baal_n and_o not_o jehovah_n or_o both_o baal_n and_o jehovah_n together_o why_o this_o be_v indeed_o agreeable_a to_o their_o principle_n but_o then_o i_o appeal_v to_o my_o reader_n whether_o according_a to_o their_o way_n of_o resolve_v of_o doubt_n a_o man_n be_v not_o as_o necessary_o engage_v in_o idolatry_n and_o other_o grievous_a sin_n as_o he_o be_v by_o our_o way_n so_o that_o you_o see_v this_o argument_n conclude_v as_o strong_o against_o they_o as_o against_o we_o but_o in_o truth_n it_o conclude_v nothing_o either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o but_o be_v whole_o foreign_a to_o the_o question_n as_o i_o show_v in_o my_o state_v of_o it_o whither_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n the_o second_o argument_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o limitation_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v put_v to_o the_o obedience_n we_o be_v to_o pay_v to_o our_o governor_n and_o it_o may_v be_v form_v thus_o god_n have_v not_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n absolute_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n but_o only_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o his_o law_n so_o that_o where_o ever_o we_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o the_o command_v of_o our_o superior_a be_v lawful_a or_o no_o we_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v as_o much_o uncertain_a whether_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o if_o so_o how_o can_v you_o say_v that_o it_o be_v any_o more_o our_o duty_n to_o obey_v they_o than_o to_o disobey_v they_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o though_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v his_o superior_n any_o far_o than_o they_o command_v lawful_a thing_n yet_o when_o ever_o it_o happen_v that_o they_o command_v such_o thing_n as_o we_o equal_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o there_o be_v so_o many_o weighty_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v why_o a_o man_n shall_v obey_v rather_o than_o disobey_v in_o that_o case_n as_o will_v persuade_v any_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n to_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o obey_v and_o for_o those_o reason_n i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o the_o five_o particular_n i_o before_o insist_v on_o the_o three_o and_o indeed_o the_o principal_a argument_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o last_o verse_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n from_o whence_o they_o thus_o argue_v if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o those_o christian_n that_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o to_o eat_v any_o food_n though_o in_o itself_o lawful_a to_o be_v eat_v so_o long_o as_o they_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o then_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n it_o must_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o other_o action_n so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v a_o doubt_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v not_o the_o magistrate_n command_v that_o action_n that_o will_v make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o we_o to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o our_o point_n and_o i_o shall_v give_v it_o a_o full_a and_o a_o just_a discussion_n because_o in_o truth_n if_o we_o come_v clear_o off_o from_o this_o text_n of_o st._n paul_n not_o only_o all_o that_o be_v say_v against_o obey_v authority_n with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n will_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o likewise_o most_o of_o the_o difficulty_n which_o entangle_v and_o perplex_v the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o other_o matter_n will_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n remove_v but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o a_o particular_a discussion_n of_o this_o text_n with_o reference_n to_o our_o present_a controversy_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o premise_v some_o general_a account_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o ordinary_a reader_n that_o so_o understand_v before_o hand_n the_o case_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o expression_n he_o here_o use_v they_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o go_v along_o with_o we_o first_o therefore_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n ii_o of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o doubt_v in_o this_o text._n iii_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n iu._n what_o be_v mean_v by_o be_v damn_a or_o condemn_v for_o so_o do_v first_o as_o to_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v undoubted_o the_o case_n of_o those_o jewish_a christian_n that_o be_v not_o so_o full_o instruct_v in_o their_o christian_a liberty_n but_o that_o they_o still_o believe_v all_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n concern_v the_o observation_n of_o day_n and_o the_o difference_n of_o meat_n to_o be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o to_o oblige_v their_o conscience_n or_o at_o least_o they_o mighty_o doubt_v whether_o they_o do_v or_o not_o so_o that_o whereas_o other_o christian_n who_o be_v better_o instruct_v make_v no_o scruple_n of_o eat_v any_o kind_n of_o food_n though_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n these_o man_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o forbear_v such_o kind_n of_o meat_n because_o they_o be_v persuade_v or_o at_o least_o it_o appear_v more_o probable_a to_o they_o than_o otherwise_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v so_o to_o do_v that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o st._n paul_n here_o style_v the_o weak_a christian_n appear_v from_o several_a passage_n of_o this_o chapter_n nor_o i_o think_v be_v it_o much_o question_v by_o any_o as_o for_o what_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o second_o verse_n concern_v their_o abstain_v from_o flesh_n altogether_o and_o only_o eat_v herb_n which_o will_v make_v one_o think_v that_o it_o be_v not_o pure_o their_o respect_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o some_o other_o thing_n which_o make_v they_o thus_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o meat_n because_o by_o that_o law_n they_o be_v no_o more_o tie_v from_o flesh_n except_v only_a swines-flesh_n and_o a_o few_o other_o sort_n than_o they_o be_v from_o herb_n st._n chrysostome_n have_v well_o obviate_v this_o difficulty_n in_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o case_n of_o those_o christian_n there_o be_v say_v he_o several_a of_o the_o believe_a jew_n who_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n even_o after_o their_o christianity_n do_v still_o retain_v the_o observation_n of_o meat_n not_o dare_v whole_o to_o throw_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o law_n these_o now_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v out_o and_o reproach_v by_o the_o other_o christian_n for_o thus_o abstain_v from_o swines-flesh_n and_o the_o like_a upon_o account_n of_o conscience_n choose_v to_o eat_v no_o flesh_n at_o all_o but_o to_o feed_v altogether_o upon_o herb_n that_o so_o this_o way_n of_o live_v of_o they_o may_v pass_v rather_o for_o a_o kind_n of_o fast_a or_o religious_a abstinence_n than_o for_o a_o legal_a observance_n thus_o st._n chrysostome_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n theodoret_n and_o
uncleanness_n to_o be_v so_o concern_v about_o little_a thing_n whilst_o we_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o the_o great_a be_v the_o most_o evident_a sign_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o a_o false_a christian_n and_o have_v it_o not_o often_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n that_o such_o a_o mighty_a scrupulosity_n about_o our_o duty_n have_v prove_v a_o very_a successful_a way_n of_o grow_v great_a or_o raise_v a_o estate_n by_o give_v man_n so_o fair_a a_o opportunity_n of_o impose_v upon_o the_o credulous_a and_o unwary_a so_o that_o i_o have_v know_v it_o advise_v as_o a_o useful_a caution_n to_o those_o who_o will_v live_v in_o the_o world_n always_o to_o stand_v upon_o your_o guard_n and_o look_v to_o your_o pocket_n when_o you_o deal_v with_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o great_a tenderness_n and_o exactness_n than_o other_o undoubted_o sober_a and_o honest_a christian_n general_o do_v 3._o where_o person_n be_v true_o honest_a and_o mean_a well_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o troublesome_a and_o vexatious_a than_o such_o unreasonable_a scruple_n about_o thing_n lawful_a this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o intolerable_a disturbance_n to_o a_o man_n mind_n and_o breed_v great_a anxiety_n and_o inquietude_n when_o person_n be_v continual_o shiver_v and_o tremble_v lest_o by_o every_o thing_n they_o do_v they_o incur_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o it_o certain_o disable_v a_o man_n from_o perform_v his_o necessary_a duty_n he_o be_v likely_a to_o make_v but_o a_o slow_a progress_n in_o his_o journey_n who_o instead_o of_o go_v on_o cheerful_o in_o his_o way_n be_v frequent_o at_o a_o stand_n doubt_v which_o foot_n he_o shall_v set_v forward_o or_o what_o particular_a path_n he_o shall_v choose_v this_o rob_v man_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o that_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o they_o may_v otherwise_o find_v in_o religion_n whilst_o they_o be_v daily_o perplex_v themselves_o with_o untie_v knot_n which_o themselves_o only_o have_v fasten_v scruple_n about_o thing_n indifferent_a when_o once_o we_o attend_v to_o and_o entertain_v they_o like_o the_o plague_n of_o fly_n among_o the_o egyptian_n will_v be_v constant_o buzz_v in_o our_o ear_n and_o torment_v we_o with_o their_o impertinency_n till_o at_o length_n we_o come_v to_o distrust_v every_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o belong_v to_o ordinary_a civility_n no_o recreation_n we_o can_v use_v no_o clothes_n we_o can_v wear_v no_o discourse_n we_o can_v hold_v with_o other_o no_o conversation_n we_o can_v maintain_v or_o business_n which_o we_o transact_v in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o shall_v raise_v some_o trifle_a objection_n or_o scruple_n about_o it_o which_o will_v make_v our_o condition_n continual_o uneasy_a and_o restless_a for_o 4._o these_o scruple_n be_v infinite_a and_o endless_a for_o be_v ground_v upon_o some_o very_a little_a and_o inconsiderable_a reason_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v but_o some_o small_a exception_n may_v be_v start_v against_o it_o which_o may_v soon_o puzzle_v and_o confound_v the_o more_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o christian_n thus_o he_o that_o scruple_n a_o minister_n officiate_a in_o a_o white_a garment_n may_v easy_o be_v bring_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o fitness_n of_o his_o do_v it_o in_o black_a and_o then_o he_o proceed_v against_o any_o solemn_a distinct_a habit_n and_o at_o last_o against_o the_o office_n of_o minister_n itself_o and_o tell_v you_o all_o god_n people_n be_v holy_a and_o that_o all_o christian_n be_v a_o royal_a priesthood_n and_o we_o have_v no_o need_n of_o teacher_n for_o we_o be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n from_o scruple_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n after_o baptism_n man_n have_v soon_o come_v to_o question_v infant_n baptism_n itself_o they_o have_v at_o first_o perchance_o dislike_v only_o some_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n of_o humane_a appointment_n but_o thence_o they_o have_v go_v on_o to_o deny_v all_o outward_a bodily_a reverence_n and_o think_v it_o not_o expedient_a to_o pull_v off_o their_o hat_n in_o church_n than_o not_o to_o do_v it_o before_o magistrate_n at_o last_o not_o at_o all_o and_o thus_o by_o give_v place_n to_o such_o little_a scruple_n they_o become_v afraid_a of_o speak_v look_a or_o do_v any_o thing_n like_o other_o men._n this_o be_v notorious_a among_o we_o those_o who_o have_v take_v offence_n at_o some_o thing_n in_o our_o church_n and_o have_v thereupon_o separate_v from_o we_o and_o associt_v themselves_o with_o a_o pure_a congregation_n have_v soon_o dislike_v something_o among_o they_o also_o and_o then_o they_o will_v reform_v themselves_o far_a and_o after_o that_o refine_v themselves_o more_o still_o till_o at_o last_o they_o have_v sink_v down_o either_o into_o quakerism_n popery_n or_o atheism_n this_o do_v not_o only_o now_o and_o then_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n but_o be_v the_o probable_a effect_n of_o embrace_v and_o cherish_v such_o scruple_n that_o man_n go_v on_o scruple_v one_o thing_n after_o another_o till_o at_o length_n they_o doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n 5._o last_o this_o needless_a scruple_v of_o lawful_a thing_n have_v do_v unspeakable_a mischief_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n especial_o to_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n a_o church_n reform_v according_a to_o the_o most_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a pattern_n by_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a rule_n in_o which_o even_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o sober_a and_o most_o considerable_a of_o our_o dissenter_n nothing_o be_v require_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n that_o be_v sinful_a yet_o how_o be_v she_o rend_v and_o tear_v mangle_a and_o divide_v how_o have_v she_o be_v assault_v undermine_v and_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v the_o second_o time_n overthrow_v upon_o the_o account_n only_o of_o habit_n and_o gesture_n and_o particular_a form_n rite_n and_o modes_n of_o discipline_n and_o worship_n with_o which_o some_o man_n be_v not_o well_o satisfy_v or_o please_v which_o they_o judge_v may_v be_v better_o do_v and_o order_v another_o way_n or_o which_o they_o rather_o will_v have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n that_o every_o man_n may_v do_v therein_o according_a to_o his_o own_o discretion_n or_o opinion_n in_o the_o great_a and_o necessary_a truth_n of_o religion_n we_o all_o profess_v to_o be_v agree_v we_o all_o worship_n the_o same_o god_n believe_v in_o the_o same_o lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v the_o same_o baptism_n the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o hope_n the_o same_o common_a interest_n our_o sacrament_n as_o to_o the_o main_a be_v right_o administer_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n institution_n our_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o there_o be_v some_o constitution_n which_o respect_v chief_o outward_a order_n and_o the_o decent_a performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n against_o which_o man_n have_v receive_v strange_a prejudices_fw-la on_o the_o account_n of_o they_o have_v raise_v a_o mighty_a noise_n and_o clamour_n against_o the_o church_n and_o have_v open_o separate_v from_o its_o communion_n as_o if_o by_o renounce_v of_o popery_n we_o have_v only_o exchange_v one_o idolatrous_a service_n for_o another_o about_o these_o skirt_n and_o border_n the_o dress_n and_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v all_o our_o quarrel_a and_o contention_n and_o these_o difference_n have_v proceed_v to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o to_o beget_v immortal_a feud_n and_o animosity_n to_o break_v and_o crumble_v we_o into_o little_a party_n and_o fraction_n whereby_o mutual_a edification_n be_v hinder_v our_o common_a religion_n suffer_v reproach_n the_o enemy_n of_o it_o be_v strengthen_v and_o encourage_v public_a peace_n endanger_v and_o brotherly_a love_n the_o badge_n of_o christ_n disciple_n quite_o lose_v among_o we_o and_o the_o continuance_n of_o these_o miserable_a distraction_n among_o we_o upon_o such_o frivolous_a account_n if_o compare_v with_o the_o interest_n of_o peace_n and_o charity_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o sad_a consideration_n to_o all_o lively_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o forebode_n great_a evil_n impendent_a over_o our_o church_n and_o state_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v fight_v more_o successful_o against_o religion_n under_o the_o mask_n of_o a_o zealous_a reformer_n than_o under_o any_o other_o disguise_n whatever_o the_o grand_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n have_v by_o various_a way_n and_o mean_v all_o along_o contrive_v and_o endeavour_v to_o defeat_v the_o design_n of_o heaven_n for_o the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o as_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v in_o several_a age_n of_o the_o world_n manifest_v itself_o for_o the_o encourage_n and_o promote_a of_o true_a righteousness_n and_o holiness_n so_o have_v the_o devil_n always_o be_v at_o work_n to_o oppose_v what_o he_o can_v find_v most_o proper_a for_o the_o hinder_v the_o good_a effect_n of_o god_n kindness_n towards_o we_o when_o the_o fullness_n
have_v be_v lessen_v with_o the_o character_n of_o dull_a honest_a and_o moral_a man_n fit_a only_o for_o catechist_n and_o christian_n of_o the_o low_a form_n tickle_v but_o their_o imagination_n with_o conjectural_a discourse_n about_o the_o situation_n of_o paradise_n of_o old_a or_o hell_n now_o and_o you_o be_v a_o sound_a divine_a than_o he_o that_o only_o draw_v wholesome_a conclusion_n from_o adam_n prevarication_n to_o caution_n you_o against_o sin_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n or_o how_o to_o avoid_v those_o dismal_a flame_n where_o ever_o they_o be_v and_o other_o have_v be_v silly_a and_o fantastic_a in_o admire_v those_o who_o have_v prattle_v about_o the_o length_n of_o the_o sword_n that_o guard_v paradise_n or_o how_o the_o spirit_n above_o pass_n eternity_n away_o and_o scorn_v he_o who_o in_o plain_a method_n chalk_v they_o out_o the_o way_n that_o will_v lead_v they_o to_o heaven_n the_o ancient_a gnostic_n because_o they_o 4._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 4._o make_v a_o mixture_n of_o the_o jewish_a fable_n and_o genealogy_n of_o their_o lilith_a and_o behemoth_n and_o fetch_v in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o god_n out_o of_o orpheus_n and_o philistion_n two_o great_a divine_n in_o the_o pagan_a religion_n into_o plain_a christianity_n think_v themselves_o the_o most_o know_a man_n of_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n and_o heaven_n and_o wonder_v how_o only_a faith_n upon_o jesus_n and_o keep_v of_o the_o command_n can_v be_v know_v of_o god_n or_o wisdom_n from_o above_o the_o wrangling_n of_o the_o school_n with_o their_o fine_a distinction_n and_o barbarous_a term_n fit_a for_o magic_n than_o christianity_n by_o their_o disciple_n have_v be_v prize_v for_o great_a and_o precious_a truth_n and_o enthusiastic_a rapture_n and_o slight_n make_v once_o the_o brain_n to_o swim_v have_v snatch_v the_o hearer_n beyond_o themselves_o and_o then_o think_v they_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n and_o the_o more_o dark_a and_o obscure_a the_o doctrine_n have_v be_v the_o great_a illumination_n it_o be_v esteem_v and_o call_v a_o noonday_n think_v which_o be_v a_o midnight_n dream_n such_o thing_n as_o these_o pass_n with_o too_o many_o for_o save_v truth_n a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v ignorant_a in_o their_o head_n and_o corrupt_v in_o their_o practice_n espouse_v to_o party_n and_o interest_n have_v constitution_n and_o passion_n fit_a for_o these_o they_o ready_o swallow_v they_o down_o the_o apostle_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o tell_v 3._o 2_o tim._n 4._o 3._o we_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o they_o will_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n but_o after_o their_o own_o lust_n shall_v they_o heap_v to_o themselves_o teacher_n have_v itch_a ear_n cause_v by_o some_o disease_n of_o vice_n within_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v cure_v by_o good_a physic_n but_o only_o scratch_v and_o gratify_v and_o if_o the_o food_n though_o wholesome_a and_o good_a be_v not_o to_o their_o palate_n and_o fancy_n they_o complain_v of_o hunger_n and_o starve_v these_o and_o many_o more_o be_v the_o instance_n of_o a_o weak_a and_o sickly_a nature_n crave_v only_o nice_a and_o curious_a thing_n for_o spiritual_a meat_n and_o keck_v at_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n plain_a and_o substantial_a truth_n that_o it_o may_v grow_v thereby_o to_o give_v therefore_o a_o liberty_n to_o every_o man_n to_o run_v from_o a_o establish_a church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o better_a edification_n which_o be_v so_o often_o and_o easy_o mistake_v be_v to_o direct_v man_n into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o be_v dangerous_a and_o sinful_a and_o when_o once_o the_o gap_n be_v open_a where_o will_n especial_o the_o vulgar_a stop_n may_v we_o not_o add_v that_o this_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n be_v very_o fit_a to_o disguise_v and_o colour_v other_o vice_n when_o controversy_n have_v unhappy_o rise_v from_o a_o unjust_a denial_n of_o the_o minister_n right_n and_o due_n or_o the_o accident_n of_o civil_a conversation_n they_o make_v the_o ministry_n that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o good_a before_o to_o be_v call_v dull_a and_o mean_a and_o better_a must_v be_v seek_v elsewhere_o while_o only_a revenge_n or_o covetousness_n be_v at_o the_o bottom_n wander_v report_n or_o their_o own_o lavish_a tongue_n and_o censorious_a temper_n have_v call_v some_o pastor_n covetous_a or_o intemperate_a or_o brand_v they_o with_o other_o vice_n and_o then_o cry_v out_o they_o can_v edify_v in_o such_o a_o church_n and_o so_o make_v one_o fault_n help_v out_o another_o and_o defamation_n must_v excuse_v their_o schism_n 2._o in_o take_v the_o opinion_n of_o party_n for_o undoubted_a truth_n essential_a to_o salvation_n when_o man_n have_v once_o wed_v a_o party_n and_o the_o opinion_n peculiar_a to_o it_o they_o magnify_v and_o propagate_v they_o grow_v furious_a for_o their_o defence_n and_o call_v they_o the_o best_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o these_o be_v not_o abet_v and_o cry_v up_o by_o the_o pastor_n of_o our_o church_n or_o they_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o explication_n and_o distinction_n of_o they_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o teach_v they_o do_v not_o improve_v their_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o their_o separation_n because_o the_o notion_n or_o explication_n of_o faith_n and_o spirit_n church_n and_o grace_n justification_n regeneration_n conversion_n adoption_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v general_o different_a in_o our_o church_n from_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n they_o therefore_o cry_v we_o destroy_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o instead_o of_o be_v edify_v they_o find_v themselves_o weaken_v in_o their_o christian_n faith_n though_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o all_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o their_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o they_o by_o natural_a consequence_n lessen_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o give_v security_n to_o lazy_a sinner_n a_o strange_a sort_n of_o edification_n for_o though_o our_o charity_n be_v not_o so_o narrow_a as_o to_o think_v every_o man_n a_o vicious_a person_n who_o be_v thus_o mistake_v in_o his_o conclusion_n yet_o however_o this_o alter_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o opinion_n and_o their_o consequence_n and_o who_o know_v how_o far_o man_n of_o ill_a principle_n do_v improve_v they_o such_o be_v the_o perverse_a and_o angry_a temper_n of_o many_o about_o their_o own_o opinion_n no_o way_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n wherein_o wise_a man_n and_o good_a man_n may_v differ_v which_o be_v not_o state_v by_o authority_n and_o may_v not_o be_v determine_v till_o elias_n come_v yet_o if_o these_o be_v not_o insist_v on_o and_o press_v with_o vehemency_n the_o great_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v omit_v and_o truth_n be_v want_v to_o their_o perfection_n and_o if_o once_o the_o people_n be_v possess_v with_o opinion_n and_o notion_n they_o grow_v fierce_a about_o they_o and_o call_v they_o salvation-truth_n and_o run_v headlong_o into_o a_o sea_n of_o disorder_n and_o tumult_n for_o their_o defence_n the_o disciple_n of_o the_o five_o monarchy_n the_o pretender_n to_o the_o spirit_n the_o enemy_n of_o child_n baptism_n think_v themselves_o wrong_v and_o the_o gospel_n hide_v if_o casual_o they_o hear_v you_o make_v interpretation_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o divine_a institution_n different_a from_o their_o lewd_a sense_n and_o many_o question_n when_o determine_v after_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o labour_n and_o passion_n and_o expense_n of_o time_n may_v improve_v our_o knowledge_n but_o not_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a life_n the_o only_a edification_n the_o early_a and_o best_a christian_n think_v themselves_o mighty_a saint_n and_o secure_a of_o heaven_n if_o they_o only_o know_v jesus_n and_o the_o resurrection_n in_o their_o full_a extent_n and_o the_o world_n be_v such_o ill_a judge_n about_o any_o other_o edification_n it_o will_v be_v well_o if_o they_o return_v to_o this_o good_a old_a way_n and_o rest_v satisfy_v there_o lest_o they_o take_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n rhetoric_n or_o subtlety_n secular_a interest_n or_o conjecture_n for_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o temple_n to_o support_v their_o faith_n and_o so_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o edification_n break_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o obedience_n to_o our_o governor_n the_o great_a thing_n of_o religion_n 3._o in_o take_v sudden_a heat_n and_o warmth_n for_o true_a edification_n when_o melt_v tone_n affectionate_a expression_n solemn_a look_n and_o behaviour_n passion_n and_o vehemency_n and_o other_o art_n have_v play_v upon_o the_o fancy_n and_o put_v their_o constitution_n into_o different_a motion_n some_o have_v though_o themselves_o so_o strange_o edify_v as_o though_o it_o be_v the_o impulse_n and_o powerful_a act_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o
serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n relate_v to_o the_o late_a case_n about_o conformity_n recommend_v to_o the_o present_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 1._o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n make_v by_o the_o papist_n ask_v of_o we_o the_o question_n where_o be_v our_o religion_n before_o luther_n 2._o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v a_o serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n etc._n etc._n recommend_v to_o the_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o offering_n friendly_a advice_n and_o counsel_n especial_o in_o great_a and_o important_a case_n be_v though_o often_o a_o thankless_a yet_o a_o very_a charitable_a office_n a_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o the_o best_a inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o high_o conducive_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n and_o consequent_o need_v no_o apology_n to_o introduce_v it_o we_o live_v it_o be_v true_a in_o a_o illnatured_n and_o censorious_a age_n wherein_o it_o be_v rare_a to_o find_v any_o one_o who_o will_v not_o take_v with_o the_o lefthand_n what_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o with_o the_o right_n but_o i_o be_o not_o discourage_v from_o this_o attempt_n by_o the_o peevishness_n and_o frowardness_n of_o many_o that_o differ_v from_o we_o remember_v that_o all_o honest_a undertake_n and_o such_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v be_v under_o the_o more_o peculiar_a conduct_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n which_o can_v and_o will_v succeed_v and_o prosper_v they_o to_o a_o happy_a issue_n if_o man_n own_o obstinacy_n and_o perverseness_n do_v not_o put_v a_o bar_n in_o the_o way_n to_o hinder_v it_o i_o do_v therefore_o beseech_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n with_o all_o the_o earnestness_n that_o become_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o much_o importance_n and_o with_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o tenderness_n that_o become_v a_o christian_n that_o they_o will_v suffer_v the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n and_o due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o request_n and_o advice_n that_o be_v here_o plain_o lay_v before_o they_o which_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v find_v such_o as_o carry_v their_o own_o light_n and_o evidence_n along_o with_o they_o i._o and_o first_o we_o beg_v of_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v about_o those_o matter_n which_o be_v allege_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o separation_n this_o one_o will_v think_v be_v as_o needless_a as_o it_o be_v a_o modest_a and_o reasonable_a request_n for_o do_v ever_o any_o man_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n except_v lie_v claim_v to_o infallibility_n do_v not_o the_o woeful_a infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n the_o weakness_n and_o short-sightedness_n of_o our_o understanding_n the_o daily_a experience_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o lamentable_a failures_n we_o observe_v in_o other_o sufficient_o convince_v we_o how_o prone_a we_o be_v to_o error_n and_o mistake_v but_o though_o this_o be_v grant_v and_o own_v on_o all_o hand_n yet_o in_o practice_n we_o frequent_o find_v man_n act_v by_o other_o measure_n for_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o in_o the_o most_o controvert_v case_n bear_v up_o themselves_o with_o as_o much_o confidence_n and_o assurance_n censure_v other_o with_o as_o magisterial_a a_o boldness_n condemn_v the_o thing_n enjoin_v by_o our_o church_n with_o as_o positive_a and_o peremptory_a a_o determination_n as_o if_o they_o be_v infallible_o sure_a that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o all_o other_o in_o the_o wrong_n that_o differ_v from_o they_o the_o early_a prepossession_n of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n the_o powerful_a prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n a_o implicit_a and_o unexamined_a belief_n of_o what_o their_o guide_n and_o leader_n teach_v they_o have_v a_o strange_a force_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o that_o in_o effect_n they_o no_o more_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o cause_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o than_o they_o question_v the_o article_n of_o their_o creed_n wherefore_o i_o do_v once_o and_o again_o entreat_v they_o that_o lay_v aside_o all_o pride_n partiality_n and_o self-conceit_n they_o will_v not_o think_v more_o high_o of_o themselves_o and_o of_o their_o own_o way_n than_o they_o ought_v to_o think_v especial_o remember_v that_o the_o matter_n contend_v about_o be_v confess_o disputable_a and_o that_o they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o case_n seem_v otherwise_o to_o other_o who_o may_v at_o least_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v as_o wise_a man_n and_o as_o competent_a judge_n as_o themselves_o truth_n make_v the_o easy_a entrance_n into_o modest_a and_o humble_a mind_n the_o meek_a will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n the_o meek_n will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n never_o rest_v upon_o a_o proud_a man._n ii_o second_o we_o beg_v of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v serious_o and_o impartial_o weigh_v and_o consider_v as_o well_o what_o be_v say_v on_o the_o one_o side_n as_o on_o the_o other_o this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o justice_n that_o every_o one_o owe_v to_o truth_n and_o which_o indeed_o every_o man_n owe_v to_o himself_o that_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v to_o take_v up_o with_o prejudices_fw-la which_o education_n or_o long_a custom_n have_v instill_v into_o he_o or_o wherein_o any_o other_o art_n or_o method_n have_v engage_v he_o without_o strict_o inquire_v whether_o those_o prejudices_fw-la stand_v upon_o a_o firm_a foundation_n be_v to_o see_v only_o on_o one_o side_n to_o bind_v up_o one_o self_n in_o the_o judgement_n or_o opinion_n of_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o divinely-inspired_n and_o infallible_a or_o pertinacious_o to_o adhere_v to_o any_o party_n of_o man_n how_o plausible_a and_o specious_a soever_o their_o pretence_n may_v be_v without_o examine_v their_o ground_n and_o endeavour_v to_o know_v what_o be_v say_v against_o they_o be_v to_o choose_v a_o persuasion_n at_o a_o peradventure_o and_o it_o be_v great_a odds_o whether_o such_o a_o one_o be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o all_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n we_o ought_v to_o keep_v a_o ear_n open_a for_o one_o side_n of_o the_o controversy_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o not_o to_o think_v we_o have_v do_v enough_o till_o without_o favour_n or_o prejudice_n and_o to_o the_o best_a of_o our_o understanding_n we_o have_v hear_v try_v and_o judge_v the_o reason_n bring_v as_o well_o for_o as_o against_o it_o and_o till_o this_o be_v do_v i_o see_v not_o with_o what_o pretence_n of_o reason_n man_n can_v talk_v so_o much_o of_o their_o scruple_n or_o plead_v for_o favour_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o dissatisfaction_n conscience_n true_o tender_a be_v willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o embrace_v all_o opportunity_n of_o resolution_n &_o be_v ready_a to_o kiss_v the_o hand_n that_o will_v bring_v they_o better_o information_n and_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o neglect_v much_o less_o thrust_v from_o they_o the_o mean_n that_o may_v ease_v they_o of_o their_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n we_o just_o blame_v it_o in_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o in_o a_o manner_n they_o resign_v up_o their_o understanding_n to_o their_o guide_n and_o confessor_n and_o be_v not_o suffer_v to_o be_v true_o acquain_v with_o the_o protestant_a principle_n and_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o reformation_n nor_o to_o read_v any_o of_o the_o book_n that_o be_v write_v for_o their_o conviction_n without_o a_o special_a and_o peculiar_a licence_n whether_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o separation_n be_v under_o any_o such_o spiritual_a discipline_n i_o know_v not_o sure_o i_o be_o it_o look_v very_o odd_o that_o so_o many_o of_o they_o be_v no_o more_o concern_v to_o understand_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o her_o constitution_n that_o so_o few_o of_o they_o care_n to_o confer_v with_o those_o that_o be_v able_a to_o instruct_v they_o but_o cry_v out_o they_o be_v satisfy_v already_o nay_o some_o of_o they_o to_o my_o knowledge_n when_o desire_a to_o propose_v their_o scruple_n in_o order_n to_o the_o give_v they_o satisfaction_n have_v plain_o and_o absolute_o refuse_v to_o do_v it_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o such_o person_n have_v ever_o read_v and_o examine_v what_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v to_o say_v for_o herself_o be_v there_o not_o many_o that_o not_o only_a scruple_n but_o rail_v at_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n that_o yet_o never_o hear_v it_o nor_o perhaps_o ever_o read_v it_o in_o all_o their_o life_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o what_o they_o know_v not_o i_o can_v tell_v what_o be_v how_o many_o incomparable_a book_n