malice_n have_v set_v itself_o in_o some_o one_o age_n of_o the_o church_n or_o other_o to_o bear_v it_o down_o and_o god_n wisdom_n have_v still_o overshoot_v satan_n make_v use_n of_o his_o malice_n in_o oppose_a truth_n for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o that_o truth_n which_o he_o intend_v most_o to_o obscure_a and_o darken_v satan_n first_o design_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o beat_v down_o that_o great_a fundamental_a truth_n of_o christ_n divinity_n but_o after_o long_o debate_v this_o truth_n be_v full_o clear_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o several_a worthy_n who_o spirit_n the_o lord_n stir_v up_o in_o these_o age_n to_o mantain_n that_o so_o much_o oppose_v truth_n satan_n therefore_o be_v beat_v off_o this_o strong_a fort_n of_o christianity_n retire_v a_o little_a and_o labour_v next_o to_o bear_v down_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n humanity_n but_o the_o truâ—h_v hereof_o the_o more_o it_o be_v oppose_v grow_v the_o bright_a the_o lord_n make_v light_n break_v up_o convince_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o hot_a debate_n satan_n retire_v a_o little_a further_o yet_o and_o bend_v his_o whole_a force_n in_o the_o follow_a age_n against_o the_o unity_n of_o christ_n person_n and_o next_o against_o the_o distinction_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o satan_n not_o prevail_v this_o way_n either_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o undermine_v christ_n jesus_n in_o all_o his_o office_n 1._o by_o set_v up_o the_o infallibility_n of_o pope_n and_o council_n against_o his_o prophetical_a office_n 2._o the_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n against_o his_o priestly_a office_n 3._o the_o doctrine_n of_o freewill_n and_o power_n of_o it_o in_o man_n conversion_n to_o god_n against_o the_o inward_a part_n of_o his_o kingly_a office_n and_o for_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o it_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o wrest_v the_o sceptre_n of_o christ_n government_n from_o his_o own_o office-bearer_n and_o put_v it_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o pope_n cardinal_n archbishop_n and_o bishop_n but_o after_o long_o contest_v truth_n be_v now_o abundant_o clear_v and_o confirm_v in_o all_o these_o thus_o as_o one_o say_v the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v be_v content_a to_o dispute_v his_o ground_n by_o inch_n with_o the_o devil_n until_o almost_o he_o have_v beat_v he_o out_o of_o all_o only_a satan_n have_v no_o will_n to_o quit_v it_o so_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o he_o be_v now_o give_v his_o last_o and_o sore_a onset_a on_o which_o in_o a_o desperate_a way_n he_o be_v to_o venture_v all_o wherein_o his_o design_n be_v evident_a to_o cast_v all_o in_o a_o confusion_n first_o by_o trample_v under_o foot_n the_o outward_a court_n of_o god_n house_n i_o mean_v the_o constitution_n of_o his_o church_n visible_a by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o rent_v and_o separation_n and_o next_o to_o deprive_v the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a and_o all_o her_o considerable_a member_n of_o all_o government_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n which_o confine_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o key_n within_o the_o narrow_a circuit_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n whereby_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n be_v leave_v as_o so_o many_o small_a boat_n in_o a_o storm_n to_o dash_v one_o against_o another_o have_v no_o intrinsical_a authoritative_a mean_a to_o make_v they_o steer_v a_o even_a course_n without_o rush_v one_o upon_o another_o thus_o satan_n aim_v to_o cast_v all_o in_o confusion_n that_o he_o may_v undo_v all_o what_o in_o former_a age_n he_o can_v not_o do_v in_o destroy_v gospel_n truth_n by_o piecemeal_n and_o one_o by_o one_o he_o intend_v now_o to_o do_v it_o by_o whole_a sale_n and_o all_o at_o once_o for_o if_o once_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o ship_n be_v split_v and_o the_o rudder_n break_v the_o precious_a ware_n contain_v in_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v preserve_v now_o that_o satan_n main_a design_n be_v to_o deface_v these_o truth_n which_o be_v about_o the_o constitution_n and_o government_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o thereby_o all_o may_v be_v cover_v with_o confusion_n appear_v in_o that_o not_o only_o the_o method_n god_n have_v hitherto_o keep_v do_v point_n at_o it_o there_o be_v few_o other_o point_n of_o truth_n to_o clear_v but_o also_o the_o thing_n speak_v for_o itself_o the_o main_a speat_v of_o the_o error_n of_o the_o time_n run_v direct_o contrary_a to_o these_o so_o that_o certain_o as_o god_n intend_v to_o clear_a truth_n in_o these_o so_o it_o be_v not_o the_o least_o part_n of_o satan_n main_a design_n against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o this_o time_n to_o obscure_a truth_n in_o these_o this_o then_o be_v satan_n design_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n give_v some_o direction_n how_o to_o manage_v our_o difference_n so_o as_o not_o to_o further_o this_o main_a design_n nor_o yet_o be_v short_a come_n in_o our_o duty_n against_o it_o of_o which_o direction_n i_o shall_v reckon_v three_o first_o we_o ought_v to_o examine_v opinion_n and_o practice_n even_o though_o by_o we_o conceive_v just_a and_o lawful_a how_o far_o they_o may_v contribute_v for_o furtherance_n of_o that_o design_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n shall_v be_v more_o circumspect_a and_o spare_v at_o least_o in_o meddle_v with_o they_o thus_o the_o apostle_n paul_n gal._n 2._o 3._o will_v not_o circumcise_v titus_n though_o circumcision_n at_o that_o time_n be_v a_o thing_n lawful_a as_o appear_v from_o his_o circumcise_n of_o timothy_n act._n 16._o 3._o much_o about_o the_o same_o time_n and_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o circumcise_v titus_n the_o reason_n be_v v_o 4._o there_o be_v false_a brethren_n present_a who_o will_v have_v take_v advantage_n of_o that_o his_o practice_n to_o confirm_v themselves_o in_o their_o opposition_n to_o that_o truth_n which_o satan_n intend_v most_o to_o bear_v down_o at_o that_o time_n to_o wit_n the_o freedom_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n from_o the_o yoke_n of_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n therefore_o he_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o abstain_v from_o that_o practice_n though_o in_o itself_o lawful_a and_o which_o in_o some_o other_o case_n will_v have_v be_v necessary_a and_o that_o lest_o by_o that_o his_o practice_n he_o shall_v have_v be_v advantageous_a to_o satan_n main_a design_n against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v true_a truth_n remain_v still_o truth_n however_o satan_n abuse_v it_o yet_o see_v all_o grant_n that_o the_o vent_n of_o some_o truth_n at_o sometime_o be_v unseasonable_a and_o so_o for_o that_o time_n may_v be_v forbear_v and_o see_v it_o will_v seem_v that_o nothing_o make_v a_o truth_n more_o unseasonable_a than_o when_o it_o be_v know_v that_o satan_n will_v make_v bad_a use_n of_o it_o for_o bear_v down_o that_o truth_n which_o god_n intend_v main_o to_o clear_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o vent_n of_o such_o a_o truth_n ought_v to_o be_v at_o least_o with_o great_a modesty_n and_o much_o holy_a circumspection_n if_o not_o altogether_o forbear_v for_o that_o time_n for_o application_n of_o this_o direction_n i_o will_v not_o say_v much_o only_o i_o shall_v propose_v it_o to_o your_o serious_a thought_n whether_o or_o not_o the_o late_a proceed_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o supreme_a judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n together_o with_o the_o tenet_n whereupon_o they_o be_v ground_v which_o for_o peace_n cause_n and_o from_o unwillingness_n to_o give_v the_o least_o occasion_n of_o irritation_n i_o forbear_v to_o name_n whether_o or_o not_o i_o say_v these_o even_o suppose_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o practice_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o opinion_n seem_v not_o to_o have_v be_v unseasonable_a for_o the_o time_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v abuse_v for_o lead_v people_n upon_o the_o error_n of_o the_o time_n such_o as_o the_o contempt_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judicatories_n quarrel_v the_o constitution_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o our_o church_n i_o fear_v much_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o people_n not_o acquaint_v with_o subtle_a distinction_n to_o conceive_v that_o any_o corruption_n among_o those_o with_o who_o we_o converse_v can_v make_v civil_a fellowship_n with_o they_o unlawful_a but_o it_o must_v make_v church_n fellowship_n especial_o communion-table_n fellowship_n with_o the_o same_o person_n to_o be_v as_o much_o if_o not_o much_o more_o unlawful_a but_o i_o forbear_v not_o be_v without_o hope_n but_o that_o brethren_n gracious_a and_o wise_a will_v ponder_v what_o they_o hold_v and_o what_o they_o practise_v when_o they_o see_v bad_a use_n make_v of_o it_o beyond_o their_o own_o intention_n and_o purpose_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n further_o i_o shall_v say_v for_o application_n chief_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n and_o it_o be_v this_o such_o practice_n ought_v to_o be_v eschew_v as_o may_v prove_v unjust_a and_o unnecessary_a irritation_n unto_o people_n to_o
light_n break_v out_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o truth_n these_o be_v reason_n why_o heretic_n must_v be_v use_v the_o use_n be_v see_v the_o spirit_n of_o error_n begin_v so_o early_o to_o trouble_v the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n that_o be_v guide_v with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n than_o you_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v that_o error_n shall_v trouble_v the_o church_n now_o when_o there_o be_v not_o such_o infallible_a light_n as_o these_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n be_v a_o bold_a dare_v spirit_n it_o will_v dare_v to_o contradict_v god_n himself_o and_o find_v out_o some_o shift_n to_o cast_v at_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o say_v as_o may_v be_v see_v gen_n 3._o the_o lord_n say_v the_o day_n thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v die_v and_o satan_n contradict_v it_o thou_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v and_o so_o no_o wonder_n there_o be_v such_o impudence_n see_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n now_o as_o to_o cast_v at_o any_o thing_n which_o god_n servant_n say_v see_v satan_n still_o act_v the_o instrument_n of_o error_n use_v 2_o but_o second_o from_o this_o doctrine_n learn_v not_o to_o quarrel_v with_o god_n most_o holy_a and_o wise_a providence_n in_o that_o he_o suffer_v so_o many_o error_n to_o be_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o if_o god_n have_v that_o care_n of_o his_o church_n covenant_n and_o cause_n as_o man_n will_v think_v he_o have_v he_o will_v not_o suffer_v such_o effront_a spirit_n and_o such_o blasphemous_a heretic_n to_o prevail_v and_o to_o outdare_v his_o truth_n but_o that_o be_v to_o quarrel_v the_o lord_n providence_n and_o without_o a_o ground_n he_o who_o furnace_n be_v in_o zion_n can_v make_v all_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o time_n that_o arise_v from_o error_n to_o contribute_v much_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o truth_n by_o this_o mean_v he_o will_v rouse_v up_o his_o people_n to_o study_v truth_n to_o understand_v it_o better_o to_o search_v out_o ground_n for_o it_o and_o that_o be_v one_o advantage_n only_o you_o will_v know_v also_o that_o these_o time_n will_v be_v discover_v time_n they_o will_v discover_v many_o a_o corrupt_a heart_n many_o unstable_a heart_n and_o light_a head_n many_o proud_a spirit_n and_o many_o that_o have_v lust_n lurk_v within_o they_o so_o that_o many_o will_v choose_v that_o religion_n that_o will_v gratify_v their_o lust_n most_o for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o error_n that_o satan_n hatch_n but_o there_o be_v one_o lust_n or_o other_o within_o people_n that_o speak_v for_o it_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ready_a to_o make_v people_n take_v in_o error_n than_o their_o harbour_v of_o unmortified_a lusts._n so_o in_o 2_o timoth_n cap._n 3._o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v carry_v away_o with_o false_a teacher_n say_v in_o the_o 6._o v_o for_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v they_o which_o creep_v into_o house_n and_o lead_v captive_a silly_a woman_n lade_v with_o sin_n lead_v away_o with_o diverse_a lust_n unmortified_a lust_n be_v as_o fuel_n to_o make_v the_o fire_n of_o zeal_n for_o error_n to_o burn_v very_o hot_a in_o people_n bosom_n and_o so_o error_n will_v try_v people_n this_o way_n doct_n v._n next_o observe_v he_o say_v believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n that_o be_v believe_v not_o every_o doctrine_n that_o have_v the_o name_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o fair_a pretence_n put_v upon_o it_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n believe_v they_o not_o from_o this_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o foul_a error_n go_v out_o oftentimes_o under_o fair_a name_n and_o be_v back_v with_o most_o specious_a pretence_n what_o foul_a error_n than_o these_o speak_v of_o here_o the_o deny_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o what_o fair_a name_n than_o the_o spirit_n what_o fair_a pretence_n than_o that_o they_o be_v doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n we_o will_v find_v this_o of_o all_o error_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n for_o the_o most_o part_n coraâ—_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n error_n whereby_o they_o rise_v up_o against_o the_o magistracy_n of_o moses_n and_o preist-hood_n of_o aaron_n have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n for_o it_o you_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o you_o moses_n and_o aaron_n be_v not_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n holy_a and_o jeroboam'_v error_n his_o idolatry_n in_o set_v up_o the_o calf_n at_o dan_n and_o bethel_n have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n 1_o king_n 12._o it_o be_v too_o fair_a for_o you_o etc._n etc._n the_o people_n ease_n and_o the_o public_a good_a be_v the_o thing_n he_o pretend_v though_o his_o design_n be_v far_o otherwise_o and_o so_o these_o that_o urge_v justification_n by_o work_n and_o oppose_v the_o way_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n they_o have_v their_o fair_a pretence_n o_o say_v they_o to_o cast_v off_o work_v from_o justification_n will_v make_v people_n secure_a we_o may_v sin_v that_o grace_n may_v abound_v very_o take_v pretence_n all_o of_o they_o and_o as_o take_v as_o any_o that_o error_n be_v now_o cover_v over_o with_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v from_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o the_o tempter_n present_v error_n under_o fair_a colour_n and_o specious_a pretence_n which_o be_v this_o that_o he_o may_v make_v the_o error_n the_o more_o take_v for_o these_o be_v the_o bait_n he_o put_v on_o the_o hook_n that_o he_o may_v deceive_v and_o catch_v the_o simple_a therefore_o for_o use_v of_o this_o doctrine_n you_o will_v not_o be_v deceive_v with_o fair_a pretence_n or_o ravishinglike_a expression_n that_o error_n may_v be_v faird_v over_o with_o see_v what_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v to_o this_o purpose_n 2_o thess_n cap._n 2_o v_o 2._o where_o speak_v against_o a_o error_n he_o beseech_v they_o by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o be_v not_o soon_o shake_v in_o mind_n or_o trouble_v neither_o by_o spirit_n nor_o by_o word_n nor_o by_o letter_n as_o from_o we_o as_o that_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o hand_n it_o suppose_v that_o the_o spreader_n of_o that_o error_n have_v all_o these_o three_o pretence_n firstâ—_o they_o pretend_v the_o spirit_n that_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n teach_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n accompany_v by_o his_o presence_n in_o their_o spirit_n with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a flash_n and_o rapture_n and_o in-bearings_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o second_o that_o they_o have_v the_o word_n or_o scripture_n to_o allege_v for_o it_o and_o three_o they_o pick_v somewhat_o out_o of_o paul_n letter_n for_o they_o so_o will_v they_o say_v in_o speak_v against_o we_o he_o contradict_v himself_o these_o be_v fair_a pretence_n and_o yet_o say_v paul_n be_v not_o shake_v in_o mind_n with_o they_o so_o say_v i_o you_o will_v guard_v yourself_o against_o the_o fair_a pretence_n which_o error_n may_v have_v and_o look_v not_o only_o to_o the_o out_o side_n but_o to_o the_o inside_n of_o they_o and_o then_o you_o will_v find_v most_o bitter_a serpent_n lurk_v under_o fair_a flower_n as_o for_o example_n the_o mother_n of_o all_o error_n toleration_n have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n for_o it_o viz._n that_o good_a man_n may_v err_v and_o so_o in_o suppress_v error_n you_o may_v suppress_v piety_n a_o fair_a pretence_n but_o it_o have_v afoul_a end_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n blasphemer_n denyer_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n must_v have_v liberty_n to_o vent_v their_o damnable_a error_n if_o so_o be_v that_o they_o can_v but_o pretend_v conscience_n and_o so_o stable_a room_n must_v be_v give_v in_o christ_n church_n to_o every_o unclean_a beast_n that_o ever_o be_v hatch_v in_o hell_n the_o antinomian_a error_n again_o have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n o_o say_v they_o christ_n have_v become_v sin_n for_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v take_v off_o from_o we_o so_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o repent_v for_o it_o for_o to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v to_o repent_v be_v to_o take_v the_o burden_n off_o from_o christ_n back_n and_o to_o put_v it_o on_o our_o own_o these_o be_v specious_a word_n without_o solidity_n but_o they_o contradict_v scripture_n truth_n where_o they_o be_v narrow_o look_v to_o peter_n be_v a_o justify_v person_n and_o yet_o when_o christ_n look_v on_o he_o he_o weep_v bitter_o david_n sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o christ_n have_v take_v the_o burden_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o david_n be_v to_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v correct_v for_o it_o and_o so_o the_o lord_n tell_v he_o that_o the_o sword_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o his_o house_n because_o he_o have_v make_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o blaspheme_n and_o yet_o sin_n be_v not_o lay_v upon_o david_n to_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n for_o it_o only_o he_o must_v get_v
the_o magistrate_n have_v much_o power_n about_o church_n matter_n but_o he_o have_v no_o church-power_n proper_o so_o call_v that_o belong_v only_o to_o christ_n own_o officer_n second_o for_o clear_v of_o the_o question_n take_v this_o assertion_n what_o we_o deny_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n we_o deny_v it_o to_o he_o only_o as_o a_o magistrate_n for_o so_o we_o lay_v it_o down_o in_o the_o conclusion_n to_o be_v prove_v a_o magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n otherwise_o if_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v choose_v a_o elder_a he_o have_v power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v join_v with_o the_o rest_n only_o we_o say_v as_o a_o magistrate_n he_o have_v no_o power_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n ii_o we_o come_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o be_v our_o argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o first_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v no_o warrant_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o 1_o we_o say_v that_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v give_v no_o warrant_n to_o the_o magistrate_n for_o govern_v his_o church_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v from_o all_o these_o place_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o any_o warrant_v give_v to_o any_o of_o church_n government_n there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o any_o of_o they_o only_a mention_n be_v make_v of_o apostle_n minister_n and_o elder_n so_o in_o matth_n 16._o 19_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v be_v give_v to_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o no_o word_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o matth_n 18._o 17._o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o 〈…〉_z be_v etc._n etc._n the_o church_n of_o minister_n and_o elder_n have_v the_o power_n but_o no_o word_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o so_o in_o timoth_n and_o titus_n the_o scope_n of_o which_o epistle_n be_v to_o instruct_v minister_n concern_v the_o right_a way_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n what_o be_v speak_v there_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o and_o to_o minister_n succeed_v to_o they_o but_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v he_o have_v no_o right_a from_o jesus_n christ_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o what_o he_o will_v challenge_v of_o that_o kind_n be_v but_o a_o usurpation_n and_o intrude_a unto_o that_o to_o which_o he_o have_v no_o right_a our_o second_o argument_n be_v if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n government_n belong_v to_o a_o magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n than_o it_o belong_v to_o every_o magistrate_n but_o this_o be_v absurd_a we_o say_v if_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n do_v belong_v to_o a_o magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n then_o it_o shall_v belong_v to_o every_o magistrate_n for_o whatever_o belong_v to_o one_o as_o such_o belong_v to_o all_o such_o now_o this_o have_v many_o absurdity_n follow_v on_o it_o for_o by_o this_o rule_n heathen_a magistrate_n may_v have_v power_n of_o church_n government_n and_o be_v church_n governor_n which_o be_v absurd_a for_o they_o be_v not_o church_n member_n then_o second_o woman_n may_v be_v church_n governor_n for_o they_o may_v be_v magistrate_n in_o some_o case_n and_o yet_o they_o may_v not_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n yea_o three_o by_o this_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o child_n not_o come_v to_o age_n may_v have_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n for_o they_o may_v be_v magistrate_n when_o magistracy_n go_v by_o succession_n now_o child_n can_v have_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n for_o that_o power_n be_v not_o to_o be_v exercise_v by_o deputy_n but_o by_o the_o person_n themselves_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o it_o a_o three_o argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o magistrate_n as_o magistrate_n be_v not_o church_n officer_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n the_o consequence_n be_v clear_a for_o if_o magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n than_o they_o must_v be_v church_n officer_n if_o any_o thing_n make_v a_o man_n a_o church_n officer_n than_o power_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n will_v do_v it_o for_o state_n government_n and_o state_n officer_n be_v relata_fw-la and_o have_v a_o mutual_a relation_n one_o to_o another_o and_o so_o must_v church_n government_n and_o church_n officer_n have_v a_o mutual_a relation_n one_o to_o another_o but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n be_v no_o church_n officer_n and_o that_o because_o among_o all_o that_o roll_n set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n wherein_o christ_n reckon_v up_o his_o officer_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n ephes_n 4._o there_o be_v a_o roll_n verse_n 11._o and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n but_o no_o word_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o in_o rome_n 12_o 6_o 7._o there_o be_v a_o other_o roll_n of_o church_n officer_n but_o no_o word_n of_o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n whether_o prophecy_n let_v we_o prophecy_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o minister_a or_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v etc._n etc._n but_o neither_o in_o this_o place_n or_o any_o other_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n only_o some_o of_o our_o adversary_n mutter_v somewhat_o of_o 1_o cor_n 12._o 28._o that_o by_o government_n there_o mention_v be_v mean_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n but_o it_o be_v easy_o refute_v for_o the_o text_n speak_v evident_o of_o such_o governor_n as_o the_o church_n have_v at_o that_o time_n and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n have_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n nor_o for_o above_o 200_o year_n after_o so_o by_o government_n can_v be_v mean_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n but_o the_o rule_v elder_a who_o be_v often_o speak_v of_o in_o other_o place_n our_o four_o argument_n to_o prove_v this_o point_n be_v that_o the_o church_n do_v enjoy_v full_a power_n of_o government_n within_o herself_o and_o according_o do_v exercise_v it_o near_o 300_o year_n before_o any_o magistrate_n be_v a_o christian_a and_o so_o the_o church_n have_v this_o power_n within_o herself_o yet_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n it_o be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v first_o that_o which_o be_v not_o controvert_v to_o wit_n that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o 300_o year_n after_o christ_n there_o be_v not_o a_o magistrate_n a_o christian_a if_o we_o consider_v second_o that_o all_o this_o time_n the_o church_n have_v full_a power_n of_o church_n government_n within_o herself_o and_o therefore_o paul_n say_v to_o timothy_n 1_o tim_n 4._o 14._o neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o prophecy_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n so_o they_o have_v power_n of_o ordination_n power_n also_o to_o dispense_v censure_n as_o excommunication_n 1_o cor_n 5._o 4_o 5_o when_o you_o be_v gather_v together_o to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o have_v power_n to_o relax_v from_o excommunication_n so_o 2_o cor_n 2_o 6._o where_o paul_n command_v to_o relax_v the_o excommunicate_a man_n from_o that_o sentence_n sufficient_a to_o such_o a_o man_n be_v this_o punishment_n which_o be_v inflict_v of_o many_o v_o 7._o so_o that_o contrariwise_o you_o ought_v rather_o to_o forgive_v he_o etc._n etc._n four_o they_o have_v synod_n meet_v together_o make_v bind_a canon_n to_o guide_v the_o church_n act_n 15._o the_o synod_n of_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n meet_v together_o determine_v a_o controversy_n and_o censure_v those_o who_o have_v trouble_v the_o church_n thus_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v make_v out_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o church_n do_v enjoy_v full_a power_n of_o discipline_n within_o herself_o long_o before_o any_o magistrate_n become_v christian_n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o this_o power_n be_v yet_o in_o the_o church_n hand_n and_o not_o in_o the_o magistrate_n and_o that_o because_o if_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n have_v right_a to_o dispense_v this_o power_n as_o undoubted_o she_o have_v than_o they_o must_v make_v it_o appear_v how_o christ_n take_v this_o right_n from_o she_o and_o
a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n erastianism_n indepéndency_n and_o separation_n deliver_v in_o some_o sermon_n from_o 1_o joh._n 4._o 1._o preach_v in_o the_o year_n 1652._o to_o which_o be_v add_v four_o sermon_n preach_v on_o several_a occasion_n by_o mr_n james_n fergusson_n late_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o kilwinning_n edinburgh_n print_a by_o george_n mosman_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n in_o the_o parliament-close_a anno_fw-la domini_fw-la mdcxcii_o to_o the_o honourable_a m_n r._n francis_n montgomery_n of_o giffine_n honour_a sir_n so_o soon_o as_o i_o resolve_v upon_o the_o publication_n of_o the_o follow_a paper_n i_o fix_v on_o you_o as_o the_o only_a person_n to_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v address_v and_o indeed_o whether_o i_o look_v on_o the_o author_n or_o on_o myself_o i_o conceive_v i_o be_v many_o way_n oblige_v so_o to_o do_v for_o as_o to_o the_o author_n you_o be_v a_o worthy_a branch_n of_o the_o noble_a and_o ancient_a family_n of_o eglintoun_n whereof_o god_n have_v give_v he_o the_o peculiar_a charge_n and_o oversight_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o his_o ministry_n a_o family_n which_o as_o himself_o somewhere_o testify_v be_v his_o great_a encourager_n in_o go_v about_o all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o function_n with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n and_o for_o which_o he_o have_v send_v up_o many_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n of_o the_o effect_n whereof_o you_o your_o self_n i_o bless_a be_v god_n yet_o a_o live_a instance_n it_o be_v to_o that_o noble_a patriot_n and_o zealous_a instrument_n of_o our_o late_a reformation_n your_o grandfather_n and_o to_o the_o noble_a earl_n your_o father_n than_o lord_n montgomery_n and_o to_o your_o most_o examplar_o pious_a and_o religious_a mother_n that_o the_o author_n do_v dedicate_v his_o exposition_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n and_o ephesian_n and_o as_o all_o who_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o know_v you_o be_v glad_a to_o see_v you_o so_o natural_o trace_v the_o religious_a example_n of_o your_o honourable_a predecessor_n in_o your_o firm_a adhere_n to_o your_o principle_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n your_o encourage_v of_o piety_n and_o person_n pious_a your_o straight_a sincere_a and_o upright_o deportment_n towards_o all_o a_o quality_n as_o eminent_a in_o that_o noble_a earl_n your_o grandfather_n as_o rare_a in_o this_o generation_n so_o i_o nothing_o doubt_v but_o that_o if_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o have_v spare_v the_o author_n to_o publish_v any_o other_o of_o his_o work_n he_o will_v have_v look_v upon_o yourself_o as_o the_o most_o proper_a person_n to_o who_o he_o shall_v present_v they_o as_o for_o myself_o your_o respect_n to_o the_o author_n memory_n with_o your_o undeserved_a kindness_n to_o all_o his_o relation_n and_o to_o myself_o in_o particular_a do_v strong_o oblige_v i_o to_o take_v all_o occasion_n for_o testify_v my_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n and_o i_o presume_v i_o can_v scarce_o give_v you_o a_o more_o acceptable_a testimony_n of_o my_o gratitude_n than_o the_o present_v you_o with_o the_o ensue_a paper_n which_o though_o the_o publication_n be_v posthumou_n yet_o i_o hope_v a_o serious_a perusal_n of_o they_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o supersede_n any_o further_a commendation_n and_o indeed_o my_o near_a relation_n to_o the_o author_n will_v not_o allow_v i_o to_o speak_v either_o of_o he_o or_o his_o work_n what_o perhaps_o other_o might_n and_o therefore_o without_o give_v you_o any_o further_a trouble_n but_o commend_v you_o and_o your_o virtuous_a lady_n to_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o wish_v that_o as_o god_n have_v bless_v you_o with_o a_o hopeful_a offspring_n who_o be_v as_o so_o many_o live_a image_n of_o yourselves_o in_o who_o you_o see_v your_o own_o life_n renew_v &_o who_o by_o their_o good_a inclination_n do_v already_o give_v we_o cause_n to_o expect_v the_o best_a of_o they_o so_o you_o and_o they_o may_v live_v together_o till_o you_o see_v they_o prove_v a_o comfort_n unto_o you_o and_o that_o after_o you_o be_v go_v they_o may_v be_v no_o less_o useful_a in_o their_o generation_n than_o now_o you_o be_v i_o shall_v humble_o crave_v leave_n to_o subscribe_v myself_o in_o all_o duty_n honour_a sir_n your_o most_o oblige_a and_o most_o humble_a servant_n james_n fergusson_n to_o the_o reader_n there_o be_v divers_a year_n past_a since_o the_o reverend_n learned_a and_o pious_a author_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n fall_v a_o sleep_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v go_v to_o receive_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o labour_n from_o the_o chief_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n yet_o we_o have_v in_o his_o memory_n a_o last_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o word_n pro._n 10._o 7._o the_o memory_n of_o the_o just_a be_v bless_v and_o that_o of_o psalm_n 112_o 6_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n their_o memory_n be_v precious_a and_o honourable_a for_o i_o can_v true_o say_v though_o i_o have_v hear_v many_o of_o high_a and_o low_a degree_n speak_v of_o master_n fergusson_n i_o never_o hear_v any_o make_v mention_n of_o he_o but_o with_o honour_n and_o respect_n as_o a_o man_n of_o great_a piety_n and_o learning_n and_o eminent_a for_o prudence_n and_o moderation_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o epistle_n of_o recommendation_n for_o any_o of_o his_o work_n to_o any_o who_o either_o know_v himself_o or_o have_v peruse_v his_o judicious_a and_o pious_a treatise_n publish_v already_o on_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n ephesian_n philippian_n colossian_n and_o thesâ—alonians_n nor_o be_o i_o so_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o imagine_v my_o testimony_n can_v raise_v the_o esteem_n of_o any_o thing_n do_v by_o so_o famous_a and_o worthy_a a_o man_n but_o be_v his_o mediate_v successor_n to_o the_o parish_n of_o kilwinning_n where_o he_o do_v for_o many_o year_n labour_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v desire_v by_o his_o son_n of_o the_o same_o name_n i_o can_v not_o deny_v to_o express_v the_o esteem_n i_o have_v for_o his_o memory_n though_o i_o have_v not_o the_o advantage_n of_o know_v he_o while_o he_o live_v i_o be_o inform_v the_o follow_a discourse_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o divers_a sermon_n deliver_v to_o that_o people_n in_o a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v much_o need_n of_o warn_v it_o be_v after_o that_o through_o a_o boundless_a toleration_n a_o deludge_n of_o error_n have_v break_v in_o upon_o england_n and_o the_o sectarian_n army_n have_v subdue_v scotland_n and_o disperse_v themselves_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o corrupt_a man_n and_o seducer_n among_o they_o do_v endeavour_v to_o pervert_v the_o people_n from_o the_o truth_n then_o it_o be_v anno_o 1652._o when_o this_o worthy_a author_n as_o a_o faithful_a watchman_n give_v to_o his_o flock_n warn_v of_o the_o danger_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o truth_n do_v represent_v to_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o sound_n and_o well-informed_n judgement_n in_o order_n to_o holiness_n and_o salvation_n and_o for_o that_o end_n do_v excite_v and_o direct_v they_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o afterwâ—rd_n for_o their_o further_a instruction_n and_o establishment_n in_o the_o truth_n take_v notice_n of_o some_o particular_a error_n by_o which_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o great_a hazard_n at_o that_o time_n and_o do_v in_o a_o plain_a and_o convince_a way_n refute_v the_o error_n and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n make_v always_o some_o practical_a improvement_n of_o what_o he_o have_v deliver_v although_o the_o reverend_a author_n be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o great_a master_n of_o school-learning_n and_o be_v invite_v to_o be_v professor_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o famous_a university_n of_o glasgow_n which_o yet_o he_o humble_o refuse_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o calculate_v these_o discourse_n for_o the_o school_n or_o court_n but_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o a_o country_n congregation_n wherein_o be_v many_o common_a people_n for_o who_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v entire_o design_v since_o the_o author_n can_v never_o be_v induce_v to_o publish_v they_o in_o his_o own_o time_n he_o have_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n example_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 18_o 19_o that_o he_o choose_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o mean_a and_o he_o have_v a_o peculiar_a faculty_n of_o make_v thing_n intricate_a plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o for_o please_v their_o fancy_n with_o fine_a notion_n or_o their_o ear_n with_o jingling-word_n but_o desire_v to_o have_v their_o judgement_n inform_v and_o their_o conscience_n satisfy_v will_v find_v here_o that_o which_o will_v be_v very_o edify_v for_o his_o
endeavour_n be_v that_o controversy_n be_v clear_o state_v and_o with_o great_a perspicuity_n and_o solidity_n do_v he_o confirm_v the_o truth_n by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o confute_v the_o contrary_a error_n and_o all_o this_o without_o bitterness_n or_o wrath_n but_o with_o such_o calmness_n and_o moderation_n of_o spirit_n wherein_o he_o do_v excel_v so_o that_o as_o i_o be_o inform_v divers_a of_o the_o english_a army_n though_o of_o a_o contrary_a judgement_n do_v resort_v to_o hear_v he_o i_o know_v not_o what_o effect_n his_o teach_v of_o these_o truth_n have_v on_o they_o but_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n these_o of_o his_o own_o flock_n be_v so_o establish_v in_o the_o truth_n that_o not_o one_o of_o they_o be_v seduce_v from_o it_o and_o i_o can_v but_o record_v it_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o commendation_n of_o that_o congregation_n and_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o any_o who_o may_v be_v invite_v to_o be_v their_o pastor_n when_o i_o to_o their_o and_o my_o grief_n be_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o they_o to_o a_o more_o difficult_a post_n i_o say_v i_o can_v but_o record_v it_o that_o as_o that_o congregation_n of_o kilwinning_n have_v since_o the_o reformation_n be_v blessed_v with_o eminent_a learned_a and_o pious_a man_n mr_n glasford_n mr_n bailie_n mr_n fergusson_n and_o mr_n rogirs_n so_o they_o have_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n on_o their_o labour_n be_v keep_v not_o only_o sound_v in_o the_o faith_n but_o unite_v among_o themselves_o when_o other_o have_v be_v woeful_o divide_v and_o they_o have_v always_o show_v a_o great_a love_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o minister_n thereof_o and_o i_o pray_v that_o their_o fruit_n may_v abound_v more_o and_o more_o if_o some_o expression_n concern_v the_o opinion_n of_o independent_o or_o congregational_a man_n seem_v severe_a it_o will_v be_v remember_v that_o the_o author_n do_v not_o speak_v against_o person_n but_o against_o thing_n and_o in_o a_o time_n when_o many_o error_n follow_v that_o division_n about_o church_n government_n and_o the_o debate_n be_v hot_a about_o it_o and_o fear_v that_o it_o shall_v have_v take_v place_n in_o scotland_n but_o consider_v the_o zeal_n these_o of_o new-england_n have_v discover_v against_o error_n and_o their_o unite_a way_n of_o act_v in_o association_n and_o synod_n when_o they_o think_v there_o be_v need_n and_o the_o love_n that_o have_v be_v in_o time_n of_o common_a trial_n and_o the_o late_a essay_n which_o have_v be_v make_v for_o a_o accommodation_n betwixt_o presbyterian_o and_o they_o in_o england_n i_o suppose_v if_o our_o reverend_a author_n have_v live_v until_o this_o time_n he_o will_v have_v conclude_v the_o difference_n may_v be_v so_o lessen_v that_o it_o need_v not_o hinder_v their_o walk_v together_o in_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v agree_v nor_o their_o endeavour_n to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n i_o do_v not_o know_v of_o any_o particular_a design_n of_o publish_v these_o discourse_n now_o when_o they_o have_v be_v keep_v hide_v for_o forty_o year_n but_o that_o the_o author_n son_n have_v long_o delay_v and_o decline_v to_o publish_v they_o though_o frequent_o and_o serious_o advise_v to_o do_v it_o by_o many_o he_o be_v advertise_v that_o some_o will_v publish_v the_o imperfect_a note_n receive_v from_o his_o mouth_n in_o the_o time_n of_o hear_v which_o be_v incorrect_a may_v not_o only_o prejudge_v the_o author_n name_n but_o the_o truth_n and_o other_o edification_n if_o these_o as_o be_v hope_v they_o will_v be_v acceptable_a and_o useful_a what_o yet_o remain_v unprint_v of_o these_o discourse_n may_v see_v the_o light_n in_o due_a time_n there_o be_v here_o subjoin_v four_o sermon_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n which_o the_o publisher_n and_o other_o hope_n may_v be_v find_v of_o good_a use_n and_o may_v make_v way_n for_o the_o communicate_v more_o of_o his_o pious_a and_o judicious_a sermon_n which_o be_v long_v for_o by_o they_o who_o know_v he_o or_o his_o other_o work_n it_o have_v sure_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o church_n have_v it_o please_v god_n to_o have_v spare_v this_o judicious_a and_o pious_a author_n till_o now_o and_o that_o he_o have_v publish_v more_o of_o his_o work_n in_o his_o own_o time_n but_o see_v our_o infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n have_v dispose_v otherwise_o it_o become_v we_o to_o submit_v but_o if_o by_o this_o or_o any_o other_o of_o his_o work_n god_n get_v glory_n and_o the_o church_n be_v edify_v the_o publisher_n will_v rejoice_v and_o bless_v god_n as_o have_v attain_v his_o end_n and_o if_o the_o reader_n peruse_v his_o work_n with_o the_o same_o spirit_n wherewith_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v speak_v and_o write_v i_o be_o confident_a he_o will_v not_o fail_v of_o profit_n now_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n will_v lead_v thou_o and_o all_o his_o people_n into_o all_o truth_n and_o help_v they_o to_o edify_v one_o another_o in_o love_n and_o that_o he_o will_v bless_v his_o church_n with_o truth_n and_o peace_n and_o send_v out_o many_o faithful_a labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n with_o a_o double_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o mr._n fergusson_n and_o other_o eminent_o holy_a man_n who_o then_o live_v shall_v be_v the_o prayer_n of_o christian_a reader_n thy_o soul_n cordial_a wellwisher_n george_n meldrum_n edinburgh_n june_n 1692._o the_o content_n sect_n i._o of_o doctrine_n in_o general_n and_o the_o trial_n thereof_o be_v some_o doctrine_n raise_v from_o the_o text_n introductorie_n to_o the_o main_a purpose_n pag._n 1_o ad_fw-la 26._o doctr._n i._o error_n be_v to_o be_v eschew_v pag._n 3._o doctr._n ii_o orthodoxy_n or_o a_o right_a opinion_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o truth_n be_v as_o much_o to_o be_v stuâ—â—ed_v as_o holiness_n of_o life_n pag._n 5._o doctr._n iii_o as_o at_o all_o time_n so_o chief_o when_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o spread_v of_o error_n there_o be_v most_o need_n that_o love_n shall_v be_v entertain_v betwixt_o pastor_n and_o people_n where_o be_v some_o direction_n for_o a_o minister_n carriage_n in_o order_n to_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o his_o people_n while_o he_o be_v refute_v their_o error_n pag._n 12._o doctr._n iu._n the_o spirit_n of_o error_n begin_v very_o early_o to_o trouble_v the_o church_n where_o be_v some_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o lord_n suffer_v error_n to_o spread_v pag._n 16._o doctr._n v._o the_o foul_a error_n go_v out_o oftentimes_o under_o fair_a name_n and_o be_v back_v with_o most_o specious_a pretence_n pag._n 19_o doctr._n vi_o when_o foul_a error_n be_v hold_v out_o under_o fair_a name_n and_o back_v with_o fair_a pretence_n there_o be_v a_o danger_n lest_o people_n drink_v they_o in_o and_o believe_v they_o where_o be_v 5_o thing_n that_o speak_v this_o hazard_n pag._n 23._o doctr._n vii_o minister_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o clap_v people_n head_n or_o to_o indulge_v they_o in_o this_o inclination_n of_o they_o to_o error_n but_o on_o all_o hazard_n they_o be_v to_o testify_v against_o it_o where_o be_v 3_o reason_n for_o which_o people_n ought_v to_o reverence_v much_o what_o warning_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v give_v by_o minister_n pag._n 28._o doct._n viii_o it_o be_v not_o god_n way_n that_o people_n because_o there_o be_v difference_n about_o religion_n shall_v therefore_o believe_v no_o religion_n where_o be_v 5_o direction_n for_o the_o unlearned_a to_o walk_v by_o in_o order_n to_o difference_n of_o opinion_n among_o the_o learned_a pag._n 31._o doctr._n ix_o how_o fair_a soever_o the_o pretence_n be_v that_o a_o doctrine_n be_v colour_v with_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v upon_o trust_n but_o must_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o trial_n where_o be_v some_o direction_n how_o to_o walk_v betwixt_o popish_a tyranny_n and_o sectarian_n confusion_n pag._n 34._o doctr._n x._o the_o right_a trial_n to_o be_v take_v of_o doctrine_n preach_v or_o any_o otherwise_o vent_v be_v to_o try_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o where_o be_v show_v what_o be_v requisite_a to_o a_o doctrine_n that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 38._o doct._n xi_o there_o be_v many_o doctrine_n pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n which_o yet_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o touchstone_n will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n p._n 44_o sect_n ii_o the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n try_v and_o foundnot_v to_o be_v of_o god_n wherein_o as_o in_o all_o the_o error_n follow_v first_o the_o question_n be_v state_v 2._o argument_n be_v bring_v for_o confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o vindicate_v from_o the_o opposite_n exception_n 3._o the_o opposite_n objection_n be_v answer_v and_o refute_v from_o scripture_n
sail_n so_o the_o root_n of_o korah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n error_n whereby_o they_o labour_v to_o bear_v down_o magistracy_n and_o ministry_n be_v a_o unmortified_a root_n of_o pride_n within_o they_o they_o have_v a_o fair_a pretext_n for_o it_o a_o pretext_n of_o liberty_n be_v not_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n holy_a and_o may_v they_o not_o rule_v as_o well_o as_o you_o a_o fair_a pretext_n indeed_o but_o the_o root_n be_v pride_n they_o can_v not_o endure_v to_o be_v rule_v over_o and_o so_o they_o will_v rule_v themselves_o thus_o when_o jeroboam_n make_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n he_o have_v a_o fair_a pretext_n for_o this_o 1_o king_n 12_o 28_o it_o be_v too_o much_o say_v he_o for_o you_o to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v the_o pretext_n but_o the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v a_o lust_n within_o stir_v he_o up_o to_o secure_a to_o himself_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o his_o own_o and_o this_o ambition_n breed_v fear_n that_o if_o they_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o worship_n his_o power_n will_v quick_o turn_v to_o nothing_o so_o ver_fw-la 27._o if_o this_o people_n go_v up_o to_o do_v sacrifice_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n at_o jerusalem_n then_o shall_v the_o heart_n of_o this_o people_n turn_v again_o unto_o to_o their_o lord_n even_o unto_o rehoboam_n king_n of_o judah_n and_o they_o shall_v kill_v i_o there_o be_v the_o matter_n a_o desire_n of_o reign_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o idolatry_n and_o schism_n a_o unmortified_a lust_n within_o be_v the_o root_n and_o rise_v of_o his_o error_n and_o second_o scripture_n hold_v out_o that_o as_o error_n be_v the_o daughter_n of_o profanity_n so_o it_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o profanity_n as_o it_o rise_v from_o profanity_n so_o it_o tend_v to_o more_o profanity_n christ_n word_n import_v this_o john_n 8._o 31._o then_o say_v jesus_n to_o those_o jew_n which_o believe_v on_o he_o if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n then_o be_v you_o my_o disciple_n indeed_o if_o you_o adhere_v and_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o truth_n then_o shall_v you_o attain_v to_o walk_v as_o my_o disciple_n and_o it_o import_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o if_o you_o drink_v in_o error_n you_o shall_v not_o be_v my_o disciple_n indeed_o and_o so_o as_o profanity_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o error_n so_o it_o be_v also_o the_o daughter_n of_o error_n this_o serve_v to_o clear_v the_o point_n that_o a_o child_n of_o god_n shall_v as_o much_o watch_n and_o guard_n against_o error_n as_o he_o shall_v do_v against_o other_o gross_a sin_n or_o profanity_n of_o life_n for_o use_v this_o doctrine_n serve_v for_o reproof_n first_o to_o those_o who_o will_v have_v toleration_n of_o all_o opinion_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o no_o coercive_a mean_n to_o curb_v error_n and_o that_o because_o say_v they_o it_o may_v curb_v piety_n which_o follow_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o suppress_n of_o fornication_n will_v curb_v piety_n the_o one_o be_v as_o dangerous_a as_o the_o other_o and_o god_n people_n may_v fall_v in_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v as_o well_o curb_v as_o the_o other_o nay_o i_o may_v say_v that_o that_o which_o be_v call_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o most_o capital_a sin_n in_o a_o kingdom_n it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o a_o king_n will_v proclaim_v liberty_n to_o drink_v to_o swear_v to_o whore_n and_o to_o steal_v for_o both_o be_v alike_o evil_a and_o where_o the_o one_o be_v common_o the_o other_o be_v also_o and_o therefore_o to_o proclaim_v liberty_n to_o the_o one_o be_v to_o proclaim_v liberty_n to_o the_o other_o we_o think_v there_o be_v no_o heart_n zealous_a of_o god_n glory_n but_o shall_v abhor_v such_o a_o thought_n as_o this_o use_v 2._o second_o the_o doctrine_n reprove_v those_o who_o think_v opinion_n be_v free_a many_o reason_n thus_o if_o you_o lead_v a_o holy_a life_n it_o matter_n not_o what_o be_v your_o opinion_n whether_o for_o presbytery_n independency_n arminianism_n prelacy_n or_o popery_n your_o soul_n be_v in_o no_o hazard_n if_o you_o be_v keep_v from_o gross_a out_a break_n but_o this_o doctrine_n show_v this_o sort_n of_o reason_v to_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n for_o beside_o that_o error_n speak_v a_o unmortified_a root_n in_o the_o heart_n heresy_n and_o error_n in_o themselves_o be_v damnable_a and_o be_v reckon_v up_o among_o those_o sin_n which_o debar_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n galat._n 5._o verse_n 21._o heretic_n as_o well_o as_o murderer_n be_v exclude_v and_o therefore_o folk_n will_v not_o jest_v and_o play_v with_o matter_n of_o religion_n so_o as_o not_o to_o care_v what_o side_n they_o be_v on_o three_o this_o doctrine_n give_v another_o use_n as_o you_o will_v eschew_v profanity_n of_o life_n so_o beware_v of_o error_n against_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o one_o of_o those_o end_v in_o the_o other_o grant_v the_o error_n pretend_v to_o much_o of_o strictness_n the_o upshot_n or_o issue_n of_o it_o be_v still_o to_o profanity_n and_o therefore_o you_o will_v advise_v well_o when_o tentation_n to_o error_n be_v present_v before_o you_o drink_v in_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o truth_n receive_v if_o you_o will_v not_o have_v it_o read_v in_o the_o looseness_n of_o your_o life_n afterward_o many_o who_o live_v be_v very_o strict_a when_o they_o begin_v first_o to_o change_v their_o way_n be_v in_o a_o short_a time_n lead_v by_o their_o new_a light_n to_o a_o profane_a godless_a life_n use_v 4._o four_o see_v error_n have_v their_o rise_n from_o some_o unmortified_a root_n within_o therefore_o as_o you_o will_v be_v keep_v free_a from_o error_n subdue_v corruption_n within_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o godless_a man_n will_v stand_v out_o best_a against_o error_n but_o it_o will_v prove_v otherwise_o unmortified_a lust_n of_o any_o other_o thing_n will_v prove_v the_o great_a friend_n to_o error_n such_o as_o a_o lust_n of_o pride_n to_o be_v eminent_a of_o covetousness_n to_o get_v your_o arm_n full_a of_o the_o world_n run_v as_o it_o will_v a_o lust_n of_o laziness_n in_o duty_n that_o will_v make_v you_o drink_v in_o that_o error_n that_o cast_v at_o all_o duty_n as_o needless_a so_o for_o a_o antidote_n against_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n whereof_o heresy_n be_v one_o galat._n 5._o verse_n 21._o the_o crucify_a of_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v bring_v as_o one_o doct._n iii_o we_o come_v to_o the_o word_n themselves_o and_o and_o therein_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o the_o style_n beloved_n a_o warm_a and_o kind_o compellation_n the_o point_n we_o be_v to_o raise_v be_v from_o compare_v the_o style_n with_o the_o matter_n which_o the_o apostle_n be_v about_o he_o be_v to_o warn_v they_o to_o beware_v of_o error_n and_o yet_o he_o give_v they_o a_o love_a style_n beloved_n believe_v etc._n etc._n and_o it_o give_v we_o this_o doctrine_n that_o as_o at_o all_o time_n so_o chief_o when_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o spread_v of_o error_n there_o be_v most_o need_n that_o love_n shall_v be_v entertain_v betwixt_o pastor_n and_o people_n so_o we_o find_v paul_n labour_v to_o bear_v in_o himself_o on_o people_n affection_n especial_o in_o galat._n 4._o ver_n 10._o and_o 11._o you_o observe_v day_n and_o month_n etc._n etc._n i_o be_o afraid_a of_o you_o lest_o i_o have_v bestow_v on_o you_o labour_n in_o vain_a there_o he_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o error_n and_o in_o the_o 12_o verse_n he_o bear_v in_o on_o their_o affection_n brethren_n i_o beseech_v you_o be_v as_o i_o be_o for_o i_o be_o as_o you_o be_v you_o have_v not_o injure_v i_o at_o all_o and_o so_o in_o the_o 2_o corinth_n 12._o v._n 16._o through_o the_o whole_a epistle_n he_o have_v be_v speak_v against_o their_o error_n and_o all_o along_o he_o bear_v in_o on_o their_o affection_n especial_o in_o the_o place_n cite_v and_o i_o will_v very_o glad_o spend_v and_o be_v spend_v for_o you_o though_o the_o more_o abundant_o i_o love_v you_o the_o less_o i_o be_v love_v etc._n etc._n abundance_n of_o place_n show_v his_o practice_n to_o have_v be_v this_o way_n the_o reason_n be_v first_o because_o when_o people_n begin_v to_o differ_v they_o be_v ready_a to_o cast_v at_o these_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o chief_o those_o who_o will_v curb_v they_o for_o there_o be_v still_o a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n with_o error_n it_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v contradict_v or_o the_o least_o thing_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o its_o own_o prejudice_n if_o not_o all_o the_o more_o wary_o it_o will_v foam_v and_o rage_n and_o if_o it_o can_v bear_v down_o the_o contrary_a truth_n yet_o it_o will_v
on_o the_o finger_n to_o make_v he_o more_o warry_a and_o to_o scar_n all_o justify_v person_n in_o time_n come_v from_o do_v the_o like_a we_o may_v so_o run_v through_o all_o the_o error_n of_o the_o time_n as_o that_o of_o independency_n whereby_o power_n be_v deny_v to_o presbytry_n o_o say_v they_o to_o put_v power_n in_o presbytry_n and_o make_v they_o receive_v appeal_n from_o congregation_n it_o be_v to_o tyrannize_v over_o particular_a flock_n and_o therefore_o say_v they_o nothing_o be_v better_a than_o that_o every_o congregation_n have_v complete_a power_n within_o themselves_o and_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o guide_n not_o be_v countable_a to_o any_o judicatory_a above_o they_o but_o only_o to_o christ_n this_o seem_v a_o specious_a bait_n for_o such_o as_o will_v have_v liberty_n but_o when_o it_o be_v due_o ponder_v it_o will_v be_v find_v most_o contrary_a to_o truth_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n if_o a_o particular_a flock_n shall_v err_v and_o if_o one_o shall_v suffer_v wrong_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o particular_a session_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n to_o repair_v the_o oppress_a man_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o err_v congregation_n to_o a_o right_a mind_n and_o how_o far_o this_o be_v derogatory_n to_o jesâ—s_n christ_n who_o be_v perfect_a in_o all_o his_o house_n any_o man_n may_v judge_v we_o may_v run_v through_o more_o of_o they_o but_o because_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o refute_v these_o error_n by_o themselves_o we_o shall_v insist_v no_o further_o here_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o clear_v the_o point_n that_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n may_v be_v bear_v in_o under_o the_o fair_a pretence_n and_o therefore_o you_o will_v not_o take_v all_o to_o be_v gold_n that_o glister_v take_v not_o all_o for_o truth_n that_o be_v deck_v up_o with_o a_o bundle_n of_o brave_a high_a ravish_a expression_n doct._n 6_o we_o proceed_v believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n say_v he_o he_o speak_v not_o this_o in_o vain_a it_o suppose_v he_o see_v a_o inclination_n in_o they_o to_o believe_v the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n that_o arise_v from_o it_o be_v that_o when_o foul_a error_n be_v hold_v out_o under_o fair_a name_n and_o back_v with_o fair_a pretence_n there_o be_v a_o danger_n lest_o people_n drink_v they_o in_o and_o believe_v they_o for_o john_n see_v that_o hazard_n and_o therefore_o give_v they_o a_o watchword_n so_o in_o the_o 16_o of_o the_o rom._n ver_fw-la 18._o for_o they_o that_o be_v such_o serve_v not_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o their_o own_o belly_n and_o by_o good_a word_n and_o fair_a speech_n deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a their_o bait_n hook_a the_o simple_a before_o they_o be_v aware_a we_o need_v no_o further_a proof_n of_o this_o than_o the_o example_n of_o our_o neighbour_n church_n in_o england_n error_n which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v name_v but_o people_n will_v have_v loathe_v at_o they_o such_o as_o the_o arminian_n error_n against_o free_a grace_n etc._n etc._n yet_o be_v deck_v with_o the_o name_n of_o new_a light_n they_o be_v greedy_o drink_v in_o by_o too_o too_o many_o we_o shall_v give_v some_o reason_n to_o make_v you_o sensible_a of_o this_o hazard_n how_o great_a danger_n there_o be_v when_o error_n be_v in_o spread_a that_o people_n be_v take_v off_o their_o foot_n with_o it_o we_o shall_v point_v at_o four_o or_o five_o thing_n that_o speak_v this_o hazard_n and_o the_o first_o be_v the_o proneness_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o drink_v in_o untruth_n we_o see_v this_o in_o eva_n for_o error_n be_v nature_n brood_n and_o as_o we_o say_v error_n be_v the_o copy_n of_o some_o lust_n and_o therefore_o it_o soon_o infect_v truth_n again_o it_o have_v nothing_o in_o we_o no_o party_n for_o it_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o make_v we_o take_v with_o it_o there_o must_v be_v word_n upon_o word_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n we_o drink_v in_o truth_n slow_o and_o after_o much_o pain_n take_v upon_o we_o we_o be_v but_o to_o begin_v to_o learn_v it_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v quick_a to_o take_v up_o error_n you_o will_v find_v man_n more_o able_a in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o debate_v for_o error_n than_o in_o a_o long_a time_n to_o debate_v for_o truth_n i_o will_v seek_v no_o great_a presumption_n that_o such_o a_o tenant_n be_v a_o error_n than_o this_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v set_v on_o fire_n it_o run_v through_o great_a number_n and_o set_v their_o spirit_n on_o edge_n for_o it_o we_o be_v not_o so_o hot_a for_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o our_o nature_n to_o be_v so_o take_v with_o it_o reason_n 2_o then_o there_o be_v a_o second_o thing_n that_o speak_v this_o hazard_n and_o it_o be_v the_o shallowness_n of_o people_n apprehension_n together_o with_o their_o foolish_a haste_n before_o they_o try_v from_o the_o shallowness_n of_o many_o it_o be_v that_o they_o can_v put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o fair_a pretence_n and_o a_o foul_a error_n that_o be_v hide_v under_o it_o and_o from_o the_o haste_n of_o people_n spirit_n it_o be_v that_o they_o engage_v sudden_o with_o any_o thing_n have_v the_o colour_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v once_o engage_v they_o be_v still_o the_o more_o and_o more_o involve_a these_o two_o lay_v together_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o point_n out_o this_o hazard_n reason_n 3._o we_o may_v add_v a_o three_o and_o this_o be_v desire_n of_o novelty_n in_o people_n speak_v of_o in_o 2_o timoth_n chap_n 4_o v_o 3_o after_o their_o own_o lust_n shall_v they_o heap_v to_o themselves_o teacher_n have_v itch_a ear_n and_o they_o shall_v turn_v away_o etc._n etc._n where_o by_o the_o way_n observe_v that_o lust_n within_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o drink_v in_o error_n from_o without_o but_o the_o thing_n we_o mark_v be_v that_o they_o have_v a_o itch_a ear_n lust_a after_o new_a thing_n and_o this_o come_v from_o their_o little_a practise_v of_o old_a truth_n reas_n 4_o there_o be_v a_o four_o reason_n and_o it_o be_v the_o diversity_n of_o bait_n and_o pretence_n that_o be_v put_v upon_o several_a error_n according_a to_o people_n several_a humour_n so_o subtle_a be_v satan_n that_o he_o put_v a_o bait_n on_o for_o every_o appetit_fw-la there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v pious_o strict_a and_o be_v incline_v so_o to_o be_v both_o towards_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o he_o have_v a_o bait_n to_o catch_v those_o to_o wit_n a_o pretence_n of_o strickness_n which_o the_o error_n of_o separation_n be_v cover_v with_o for_o this_o error_n allow_v church_n fellowship_n with_o none_o but_o these_o that_o have_v a_o real_a evidence_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o it_o be_v a_o way_n think_v they_o to_o shame_v natural_a men._n again_o there_o be_v some_o who_o humour_n be_v for_o looseness_n he_o put_v on_o a_o bait_n to_o gratify_v this_o humour_n also_o let_v they_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o let_v they_o live_v as_o they_o like_v say_v the_o antinomian_a and_o so_o according_a to_o people_n several_a humour_n there_o be_v a_o bait_n put_v on_o by_o the_o devil_n upon_o error_n now_o when_o these_o bait_n and_o people_n humour_n agree_v it_o be_v like_a powder_n and_o fire_n present_o they_o kindle_v reas._n 5_o there_o be_v a_o five_o thing_n which_o speak_v this_o hazard_n and_o it_o be_v this_o the_o lord_n that_o error_n may_v be_v a_o trial_n in_o his_o holy_a justice_n let_v out_o more_o than_o ordinary_a part_n and_o ability_n on_o spreader_n of_o error_n and_o on_o the_o spirit_n of_o people_n when_o they_o be_v take_v with_o it_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o judgement_n to_o themselves_o and_o for_o a_o trial_n unto_o other_o give_v they_o as_o we_o speak_v a_o cast_n of_o their_o craft_n he_o elevate_v they_o above_o their_o ordinary_a sphere_n or_o what_o be_v their_o ordinary_a way_n and_o this_o we_o speak_v not_o without_o scripture_n it_o be_v say_v of_o false_a antichristian_a teacher_n they_o shall_v come_v with_o lâ—ing_a sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o there_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o error_n which_o he_o foretell_v shall_v accompany_v error_n be_v not_o soon_o shake_v in_o mind_n neither_o by_o spirit_n nor_o by_o word_n etc._n etc._n in_o that_o place_n that_o we_o already_o cite_v 2_o thess_n 2_o 2._o when_o we_o look_v on_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o hope_v we_o have_v make_v out_o the_o point_n viz._n that_o foul_a error_n even_o when_o they_o be_v colour_v with_o fair_a pretence_n there_o be_v a_o danger_n lest_o people_n drink_v they_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v if_o there_o be_v this_o hazard_n than_o you_o will_v be_v afraid_a of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v say_v the_o righteous_a fear_n always_o i_o will_v seek_v no_o clear_a mark_n of_o any_o person_n that_o be_v
like_a to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o snare_n than_o that_o they_o think_v themselves_o so_o stout_a and_o steadfast_a that_o no_o error_n will_v gain_v upon_o they_o and_o i_o will_v think_v it_o a_o evidence_n very_o good_a when_o people_n be_v afraid_a of_o themselves_o and_o do_v humble_a themselves_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o be_v employ_v christ_n daily_o to_o bear_v they_o through_o for_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o fear_v always_o only_o remember_v that_o this_o fear_n will_v be_v of_o the_o right_a stamp_n and_o for_o clear_v this_o we_o shall_v point_v at_o three_o or_o four_o thing_n wherein_o this_o holy_a fear_n do_v consist_v special_o with_o reference_n to_o error_n first_o where_o â—his_v fear_n be_v there_o will_v be_v a_o labour_a to_o root_v truth_n in_o the_o heart_n you_o know_v when_o people_n be_v afraid_a of_o lose_v any_o thing_n that_o they_o will_v labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v sure_a of_o it_o a_o man_n that_o have_v this_o holy_a fear_n over_o himself_o lest_o he_o be_v ensnare_v with_o error_n will_v study_v to_o get_v truth_n root_v in_o the_o heart_n prov_n 2._o 16._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v of_o hide_v of_o understanding_n put_v it_o in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o heart_n a_o second_o thing_n accompany_v this_o fear_n be_v a_o forecast_v what_o truth_n may_v cost_v you_o there_o will_v be_v a_o forecast_v of_o this_o and_o a_o take_v a_o essay_n of_o the_o cross_n before_o hand_n and_o this_o for_o fear_v lest_o that_o to_o eschew_v suffer_v you_o quite_o the_o truth_n if_o the_o trial_n come_v on_o you_o unexpected_o paul_n while_o he_o be_v exhort_v the_o disciple_n to_o steadfastness_n inform_v they_o that_o through_o much_o tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n act_v 14._o 22._o then_o there_o be_v a_o three_o thing_n accompany_v this_o holy_a fear_n and_o that_o be_v a_o fear_n to_o venture_v on_o temptation_n to_o error_n except_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n put_v to_o it_o of_o necessity_n and_o this_o fear_n rise_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n to_o engage_v with_o or_o stand_v the_o shock_n against_o temptation_n this_o be_v employ_v in_o that_o direction_n which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n give_v 2_o timoth_n 3_o 5._o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o v_a 6._o for_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v they_o which_o creep_v into_o house_n when_o a_o man_n be_v sensible_a of_o his_o own_o weakness_n the_o fear_n of_o his_o be_v ensnare_v will_v keep_v he_o from_o walk_v among_o snare_n a_o four_o thing_n accompany_v this_o holy_a fear_n be_v that_o though_o you_o find_v these_o truth_n you_o have_v have_v once_o seal_v to_o your_o spirit_n begin_v to_o be_v question_v and_o that_o you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o answer_v what_o be_v bring_v against_o they_o and_o so_o perchance_o your_o judgement_n may_v incline_v to_o think_v that_o what_o you_o think_v once_o to_o be_v truth_n be_v now_o error_n yet_o where_o this_o holy_a fear_n be_v you_o will_v rather_o suspect_v your_o own_o want_n of_o knowledge_n to_o discern_v than_o any_o way_n suspect_v the_o truth_n to_o be_v untruth_n and_o it_o will_v make_v you_o at_o least_o abstain_v from_o venture_v even_o on_o that_o which_o your_o light_a point_n out_o for_o the_o time_n now_o by_o these_o you_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o fearlessness_n that_o make_v people_n to_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o it_o be_v this_o when_o it_o make_v thou_o so_o inconcerned_a that_o thou_o never_o labour_n to_o get_v truth_n bring_v low_a than_o thy_o head_n when_o thou_o never_o cast_v a_o account_n what_o truth_n may_v stand_v thou_o when_o thou_o be_v so_o confident_a of_o thy_o own_o wit_n and_o knowledge_n that_o thou_o will_v venture_v uncalled_a to_o dispute_v with_o sectarian_n spirit_n or_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v bear_v in_o as_o truth_n contrary_a to_o what_o thou_o have_v maintain_v as_o a_o truth_n before_o and_o contrary_a to_o thy_o covenant_n engagement_n thou_o grippe_v present_o to_o it_o without_o once_o suspect_v that_o thy_o own_o shallow_a understanding_n may_v be_v deceive_v this_o i_o sayâ—_n speak_v a_o fearlesness_n that_o border_n neigh_v unto_o error_n doct_n vii_o the_o doctrine_n that_o follow_v next_o from_o these_o word_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n be_v that_o minister_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o clap_v people_n head_n or_o indulge_v they_o in_o this_o inclination_n of_o they_o to_o error_n they_o be_v not_o to_o humour_v they_o in_o it_o but_o on_o all_o hazard_n they_o be_v to_o testify_v against_o it_o therefore_o say_v john_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n so_o also_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v very_o sharp_o inveigh_v against_o people_n when_o they_o be_v beginning_n to_o tamper_v with_o error_n and_o lest_o people_n shall_v say_v paul_n and_o john_n be_v apostle_n and_o know_v what_o be_v error_n and_o what_o be_v truth_n be_v guide_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o may_v stout_o testify_v against_o error_n but_o for_o other_o ordinary_a minister_n they_o may_v err_v as_o well_o as_o other_o people_n and_o so_o it_o be_v ill_o reason_v from_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o what_o minister_n may_v now_o do_v therefore_o to_o clear_v this_o we_o shall_v give_v a_o place_n where_o paul_n bind_v it_o as_o duty_n on_o every_o ordinary_a minister_n to_o to_o testify_v against_o error_n in_o the_o act_n ch_z 20._o v._n 28._o therefore_o take_v heed_n unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o the_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 29._o verse_n he_o give_v a_o instance_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o flock_n for_o i_o know_v this_o that_o after_o my_o depart_n shall_v grievous_a wolf_n enter_v in_o among_o you_o not_o spare_v the_o flock_n verse_n 30._o also_o of_o your_o own_o self_n shall_v man_n arise_v etc._n etc._n so_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o all_o ordinary_a preacher_n to_o watch_v over_o their_o people_n lest_o they_o be_v seduce_v with_o error_n and_o that_o because_o first_o of_o that_o which_o we_o speak_v of_o before_o that_o error_n in_o the_o point_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v as_o much_o eschew_v by_o people_n as_o other_o particular_a sin_n and_o therefore_o minister_n be_v bind_v to_o guard_v people_n against_o it_o and_o second_o truth_n be_v a_o precious_a jewel_n and_o therefore_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n they_o ought_v to_o contend_v for_o it_o and_o three_o the_o soul_n of_o people_n ought_v to_o be_v precious_a to_o minister_n and_o therefore_o minister_n ought_v to_o watch_v over_o they_o they_o ought_v to_o guard_v they_o against_o error_n because_o as_o other_o sin_n so_o error_n be_v a_o damnable_a soul-destroying_a sin_n and_o therefore_o as_o minister_n love_v truth_n and_o soul_n commit_v to_o they_o so_o they_o must_v watch_v over_o the_o people_n and_o guard_v they_o against_o error_n use_v i._o this_o show_v the_o great_a task_n lie_v upon_o minister_n at_o every_o time_n but_o chief_o in_o a_o err_v time_n we_o speak_v somewhat_o of_o this_o before_o how_o difficult_a it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o meddle_v with_o reprove_v of_o error_n more_o difficile_a than_o to_o reprove_v profanity_n because_o a_o profane_a man_n conscience_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o way_n and_o therefore_o however_o he_o may_v be_v displease_v with_o free_a preach_v against_o his_o sin_n yet_o his_o conscience_n clear_v the_o minister_n and_o thus_o he_o keep_v he_o at_o least_o at_o some_o reverence_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o a_o soul_n take_v with_o error_n the_o misinform_a conscience_n speak_v for_o it_o and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v speak_v against_o he_o he_o cast_v at_o it_o as_o error_n and_o untruth_n and_o ready_o the_o man_n that_o speak_v it_o may_v lose_v respect_n for_o his_o pain_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n bind_v it_o on_o minister_n to_o speak_v against_o it_o use_v 2._o but_o second_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o minister_n be_v bind_v to_o reprove_v error_n and_o testify_v against_o it_o then_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o take_v the_o word_n of_o reproof_n from_o they_o we_o mean_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o bind_v as_o what_o minister_n say_v shall_v be_v the_o bible_n but_o this_o much_o we_o say_v that_o people_n shall_v presume_v as_o much_o on_o they_o as_o another_o to_o ask_v council_n from_o they_o as_o much_o as_o from_o another_o and_o to_o respect_v they_o as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o the_o public_a minister_n have_v a_o promise_n which_o private_a man_n have_v not_o at_o
antinomian_o that_o tend_v to_o profanity_n of_o life_n can_v be_v of_o god_n second_o that_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o god_n tend_v to_o exalt_v christ._n john_n 16._o 15._o speak_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n he_o say_v he_o shall_v take_v of_o i_o and_o shall_v show_v it_o unto_o you_o and_o so_o that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n i_o mean_v their_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n be_v not_o of_o god_n three_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v of_o god_n humble_v man_n as_o error_n do_v fill_v man_n with_o pride_n thus_o those_o sectary_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o judas_n be_v call_v lofty_a and_o so_o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n be_v not_o of_o god_n because_o whatever_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o strickness_n that_o it_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o there_o be_v a_o overweening_a conceit_n of_o the_o man_n self_n and_o undervalue_v of_o other_o that_o cleave_v to_o this_o error_n and_o second_o it_o make_v people_n orderly_o in_o stand_v for_o it_o so_o be_v it_o say_v of_o christ_n his_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v in_o the_o street_n now_o these_o mark_n as_o we_o have_v say_v do_v but_o usual_o follow_v for_o because_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n even_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o god_n may_v want_v these_o property_n and_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n may_v have_v a_o show_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o first_o mark_n to_o wit_n the_o word_n be_v the_o adequate_a rule_n so_o that_o all_o doctrine_n ought_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o whatever_o be_v the_o show_v any_o doctrine_n have_v whether_o of_o holiness_n exalt_v christ_n and_o free_a grace_n whatever_o show_v it_o have_v of_o humility_n and_o orderly_a carriage_n in_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o in_o their_o avow_n of_o it_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n viz._n the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n doct_n xi_o we_o come_v now_o to_o our_o main_a design_n to_o wit_v the_o refutation_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n of_o the_o time_n the_o ground_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n be_v take_v from_o the_o follow_a doctrine_n which_o be_v evident_o import_v in_o the_o word_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v many_o doctrine_n pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n which_o yet_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o touchstone_n will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n for_o while_o he_o bid_v we_o try_v the_o spirit_n whither_o they_o be_v of_o god_n he_o evident_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v some_o spirit_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n will_v be_v sound_a faulty_a and_o not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n i_o shall_v god_n willing_a give_v instance_n of_o this_o and_o according_o make_v it_o out_o upon_o the_o most_o take_v dangerous_a and_o most_o erroneous_a doctrine_n of_o the_o time_n particular_o upon_o those_o follow_v first_o the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n second_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n three_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n four_o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n five_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ordinary_a preach_v by_o unsent_a man_n six_o the_o doctrine_n of_o antinomianism_n and_o last_o the_o doctrine_n of_o anabaptism_n in_o all_o which_o we_o shall_v with_o the_o lord_n assistance_n make_v it_o appear_v here_o that_o however_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v doctrine_n warrant_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o warrant_v in_o a_o word_n we_o shall_v show_v they_o be_v not_o of_o god_n sect_n ii_o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n we_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n of_o all_o opinion_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v much_o cry_v up_o among_o sectary_n and_o a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v very_o take_v what_o think_v people_n if_o they_o get_v leave_v to_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o need_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o what_o other_o do_v our_o purpose_n be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o doctrine_n though_o it_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o for_o this_o end_n we_o have_v read_v these_o place_n of_o scripture_n whereupon_o we_o be_v to_o ground_v the_o most_o of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v against_o this_o error_n scripture_n i_o begin_v to_o refute_v this_o error_n of_o toleration_n first_o because_o it_o be_v the_o sectary_n main_a refuge_n it_o be_v their_o holy_a of_o holys_n wherein_o they_o shelter_v themselves_o in_o their_o gross_a error_n what_o say_v they_o it_o be_v our_o conscience_n and_o who_o dare_v meddle_v with_o conscience_n but_o the_o god_n of_o conscience_n second_o we_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o begin_v with_o it_o first_o because_o of_o all_o other_o error_n it_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a in_o so_o far_o as_o other_o error_n do_v only_o evert_v these_o particular_a truth_n of_o scripture_n to_o which_o they_o be_v contrary_a but_o by_o this_o one_o error_n this_o monster_n of_o toleration_n way_n be_v make_v to_o evert_v all_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o set_n up_o all_o error_n contrary_a to_o every_o jote_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o power_n on_o earth_n to_o hinder_v it_o or_o take_v order_n with_o it_o in_o prosecute_n of_o this_o we_o shall_v follow_v this_o method_n first_o we_o shall_v clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o we_o shall_v bring_v our_o argument_n for_o confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o vindicate_v they_o from_o the_o adversary_n exception_n three_o we_o shall_v bring_v forth_o their_o argument_n and_o shall_v refute_v they_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o four_o we_o shall_v apply_v the_o whole_a to_o some_o practical_a use_n first_o for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n what_o a_o thing_n this_o toleration_n be_v that_o we_o labour_v to_o refute_v there_o be_v a_o twofold_a toleration_n of_o error_n there_o be_v a_o church_n toleration_n and_o a_o state_n toleration_n a_o church_n toleration_n be_v that_o whereby_o it_o be_v plead_v that_o error_n and_o heresy_n shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o be_v vent_v and_o go_v free_a even_o from_o church_n censure_n such_o as_o suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n or_o excommunication_n there_o be_v but_o few_o sectary_n of_o any_o note_n that_o plead_v for_o toleration_n in_o this_o latitude_n and_o that_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_a against_o it_o paul_n say_v a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v therefore_o they_o be_v content_v that_o church-censure_n such_o as_o excommunication_n be_v inflict_v on_o heretic_n provide_v first_o that_o they_o be_v free_a from_o civil_a censure_n second_o that_o excommunication_n be_v inflict_v for_o no_o error_n but_o for_o these_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a point_n of_o truth_n or_o as_o some_o say_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n upon_o these_o and_o no_o other_o will_v they_o have_v excommunication_n to_o strike_v though_o this_o be_v not_o the_o main_a question_n which_o we_o be_v to_o insist_v upon_o yet_o we_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o assertion_n contrary_a to_o their_o doctrine_n even_o in_o this_o point_n and_o first_o we_o do_v not_o see_v what_o reason_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o exeem_v heretic_n from_o civil_a censure_n but_o the_o same_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o exeem_v they_o from_o church_n censure_v also_o if_o conscience_n as_o they_o say_v be_v free_a from_o the_o one_o what_o reason_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o the_o other_o also_o and_o if_o fear_v of_o civil_a censure_n against_o those_o who_o err_v do_v as_o they_o say_v enforce_v the_o conscience_n and_o make_v people_n hypocrite_n we_o see_v not_o but_o the_o fear_n of_o church_n censure_n may_v do_v the_o same_o or_o if_o notwithstanding_o of_o church_n censure_n the_o conscience_n be_v not_o force_v the_o service_n not_o constrain_v which_o they_o grant_v then_o notwithstanding_o of_o civil_a censure_n it_o be_v not_o force_v or_o the_o service_n constrain_v either_o and_o so_o from_o their_o own_o ground_n this_o vast_a toleration_n of_o error_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n second_o we_o can_v assent_v to_o that_o which_o they_o affirm_v that_o excommunication_n be_v not_o to_o be_v inflict_v for_o any_o error_n but_o these_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o because_o christ_n give_v we_o a_o rule_n upon_o what_o fault_n excommunication_n shall_v strict_a to_o wit_n on_o every_o scandalous_a fault_n do_v against_o a_o brother_n or_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o offender_n persist_v obstinate_a and_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v so_o matth._n 18._o 17._o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o
consult_v with_o for_o know_v what_o be_v heresy_n what_o not_o isâ—_n 8._o 20._o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n etc._n etc._n and_o for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o rule_n to_o person_n that_o they_o may_v know_v who_o be_v the_o heretic_n we_o never_o read_v that_o they_o consult_v vrim_fw-he and_o thummim_n but_o use_v a_o judicial_a process_n against_o the_o person_n challenge_v and_o prove_v the_o fact_n by_o witness_n so_o deut._n 17._o 4._o there_o must_v be_v a_o scandal_n of_o idolatry_n upon_o the_o man_n challenge_v and_o if_o it_o be_v tell_v thou_o and_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o it_o and_o inquire_v diligent_o etc._n etc._n and_o it_o must_v be_v prove_v on_o he_o by_o witness_n verse_n 6._o as_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o witness_n or_o three_o witness_n shall_v he_o that_o be_v worthy_a of_o death_n he_o put_v to_o death_n they_o except_o four_o that_o in_o the_o infancy_n and_o nonage_n of_o the_o church_n god_n type_v out_o thing_n spiritual_a by_o thing_n earthly_a and_o so_o those_o punishment_n be_v type_n of_o spiritual_a censure_n excommunication_n and_o hell_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n we_o answer_v first_o excommunication_n and_o damnation_n be_v thing_n present_a to_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o so_o they_o have_v no_o type_n of_o they_o second_o this_o be_v to_o turn_v scripture_n to_o allegory_n and_o by_o this_o same_o reason_n we_o may_v cast_v at_o punishment_n of_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n as_o be_v type_n of_o spiritual_a censure_n hell_n and_o damnation_n and_o there_o be_v as_o much_o ground_n for_o affirm_v the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o this_o much_o for_o argument_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o shall_v next_o hint_n at_o some_o argument_n from_o the_o new_a testament_n first_o if_o so_o be_v that_o it_o be_v unusual_a for_o magistrate_n to_o meddle_v with_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n then_o certain_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n shall_v have_v use_v this_o legal_a defence_n when_o the_o magistrate_n call_v they_o before_o he_o to_o answer_v about_o their_o doctrine_n they_o will_v have_v say_v you_o have_v no_o place_n to_o challenge_v we_o for_o our_o profession_n for_o matter_n of_o opinion_n be_v free_a but_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v that_o they_o decline_v the_o judge_n or_o use_v any_o such_o defence_n for_o sure_a christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n will_v have_v leave_v no_o lawful_a mean_v unessay_v there_o be_v a_o second_o argument_n take_v from_o rom._n 13._o 4._o where_o speak_v of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n the_o apostle_n say_v for_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n to_o thou_o far_o good_a but_o if_o thou_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a be_v afraid_a there_o be_v set_v down_o the_o object_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v set_v down_o indefinite_o upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a and_o therefore_o if_o heretic_n maintainer_n of_o fall_n worship_n be_v doer_n of_o evil_a they_o fall_v under_o the_o magistrate_n power_n now_o that_o spreader_n of_o heresy_n be_v doer_n of_o evil_a we_o do_v prove_v in_o the_o second_o doctrine_n raise_v from_o this_o verse_n where_o we_o show_v that_o heresy_n and_o error_n be_v as_o much_o to_o be_v eschew_v as_o adultery_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n and_o the_o magistrate_n as_o magistrate_n shall_v put_v forth_o his_o zeal_n against_o they_o as_o much_o and_o all_o the_o place_n command_v zeal_n against_o error_n which_o be_v not_o few_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n prove_v this_o for_o they_o bind_v every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o place_n the_o minister_n according_a to_o his_o place_n and_o the_o magistrate_n according_a to_o he_o there_o be_v one_o exception_n they_o make_v much_o of_o against_o this_o argument_n and_o it_o be_v this_o say_v they_o by_o doer_n of_o evil_a can_v be_v mean_v these_o that_o be_v take_v with_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n and_o that_o because_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o evil_a that_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o verse_n but_o if_o thou_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a be_v afraid_a it_o be_v a_o evil_a say_v they_o that_o any_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o have_v need_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o magistrate_n because_o of_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o mean_v the_o evil_a of_o error_n and_o heresy_n against_o christian_a truth_n for_o the_o magistrate_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o senate_n who_o themselves_o be_v enemy_n to_o christian_a religion_n and_o so_o none_o need_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o they_o for_o spread_a error_n but_o rather_o for_o mantain_v truth_n and_o therefore_o the_o doer_n of_o evil_a here_o mean_v must_v be_v the_o controveener_n of_o the_o emperor_n civil_a law_n and_o not_o heretic_n and_o such_o like_a for_o answer_v this_o exception_n be_v ground_v on_o a_o wrong_a supposition_n for_o by_o the_o magistrate_n be_v here_o mean_v not_o only_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n but_o all_o magistrate_n in_o general_a do_v their_o duty_n as_o they_o ought_v paul_n indeed_o take_v occasion_n from_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n to_o speak_v here_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o magistrate_n and_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o several_a circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n we_o shall_v mark_v one_o of_o they_o from_o the_o first_o word_n of_o the_o text_n for_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n to_o thou_o now_o sure_o it_o be_v this_o must_v be_v mean_v of_o magistrate_n in_o general_a and_o not_o astrict_v only_o to_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n he_o not_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n unto_o every_o one_o who_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o scripture_n there_o be_v another_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n prove_v this_o in_o the_o 3_o vâ—rse_n for_o ruler_n be_v not_o a_o terror_n to_o good_a work_n now_o sure_a this_o must_v be_v expound_v of_o the_o office_n of_o magistracy_n in_o general_n and_o of_o that_o which_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v and_o not_o of_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n who_o then_o be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v a_o terror_n unto_o many_o good_a work_n not_o only_o unto_o christian_a but_o also_o unto_o moral_a virtue_n we_o shall_v give_v you_o only_o another_o argument_n short_o take_v from_o that_o prophecy_n revel_v 17._o 16._o a_o prophecy_n tâ—at_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n shall_v bring_v down_o the_o antichrist_n and_o that_o error_n of_o the_o roman_a religion_n as_o a_o most_o acceptable_a work_n to_o god_n and_o so_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n be_v not_o bind_v up_o from_o punish_v error_n and_o heresy_n against_o the_o first_o table_n no_o more_o than_o from_o punish_v other_o sin_n do_v against_o the_o second_o table_n and_o this_o much_o for_o our_o argument_n bring_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o three_o place_n we_o promise_v to_o bring_v forth_o some_o of_o their_o argument_n and_o solve_v they_o herein_o we_o need_v not_o spend_v much_o time_n for_o this_o be_v truth_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o say_v against_o it_o which_o be_v truth_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o nimble_a spirit_n to_o propone_v argument_n which_o every_o one_o can_v answer_v we_o shall_v stay_v a_o little_a on_o this_o three_o point_n also_o the_o first_o thing_n they_o object_n be_v this_o if_o so_o be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o magistrate_n duty_n to_o punish_v error_n and_o heresy_n than_o jesus_n christ_n will_v have_v reprove_v the_o jew_n for_o tollerate_v the_o pharisee_n and_o saducee_n but_o so_o it_o be_v he_o never_o reprove_v the_o jew_n for_o so_o do_v nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n be_v record_v by_o any_o of_o the_o evangelist_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v first_o that_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o reprove_v the_o jew_n because_o it_o be_v not_o write_v for_o john_n say_v chap._n 20._o 30._o he_o do_v speak_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o write_v so_o it_o follow_v not_o but_o second_o we_o say_v although_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o reprove_v they_o yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o their_o neglect_n be_v not_o a_o sin_n for_o first_o by_o that_o reason_n we_o may_v say_v that_o the_o mgistrate_n shall_v not_o punish_v theft_n because_o christ_n speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n neither_o second_o reprove_v he_o the_o church_n for_o not_o censure_v they_o and_o yet_o it_o follow_v not_o but_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v censure_v that_o way_n and_o three_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n before_o and_o four_o it_o will_v have_v be_v for_o no_o purpose_n to_o have_v stire_v up_o the_o magistrate_n to_o this_o duty_n then_o for_o the_o sectary_n
themselves_o have_v the_o power_n that_o be_v of_o it_o and_o last_o the_o jew_n at_o this_o time_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o civil_a punishment_n in_o their_o hand_n but_o the_o roman_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o punish_v there_o be_v a_o second_o objection_n which_o they_o bring_v from_o the_o apostle_n paul_n word_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o philipp_n 3._o 15._o where_n speak_v of_o difference_n among_o christian_n he_o say_v let_v we_o therefore_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a â—e_v thus_o mind_v and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o say_v they_o we_o see_v what_o be_v paul_n judgement_n that_o notwithstanding_o of_o difference_n there_o shall_v be_v heart_n wal_a or_o unite_n and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v not_o be_v stire_v up_o to_o censure_v those_o who_o err._n to_o this_o we_o answer_v paul_n speak_v nothing_o there_o of_o state_n toleration_n for_o then_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v not_o for_o christ_n but_o of_o church_n toleration_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o meekness_n and_o tenderness_n which_o christ_n servant_n shall_v have_v in_o inflict_v of_o church_n censure_n for_o fear_v of_o break_v love_n second_o he_o command_v not_o all_o error_n to_o be_v thus_o tolerate_v for_o so_o he_o shall_v contradict_v himself_o in_o another_o place_n where_o he_o say_v a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v and_o three_o paul_n limit_n that_o toleration_n that_o he_o will_v have_v here_o and_o that_o in_o two_o thing_n first_o as_o to_o the_o time_n how_o long_o god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o and_o second_o he_o suppose_v the_o person_n differ_v from_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o they_o in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v not_o according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o so_o make_v no_o separation_n now_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o those_o who_o remain_v obstinate_a in_o their_o error_n shall_v be_v still_o tolerate_v and_o that_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o strick_v on_o they_o at_o all_o chief_o if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o error_n as_o cause_n rent_n and_o schism_n for_o he_o say_v take_v heed_n to_o those_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n and_o avoid_v they_o rom._n 16._o 17._o their_o three_o objection_n be_v that_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o way_n the_o apostle_n take_v with_o those_o that_o err_v their_o way_n be_v to_o watch_v against_o they_o that_o err_v act_v 20._o 29._o for_o i_o know_v this_o that_o after_o my_o depart_n shall_v grievous_a wolf_n enter_v in_o among_o you_o not_o spare_v the_o flock_n verse_n 31._o therefore_o watch_n that_o which_o the_o apostle_n command_v be_v to_o watch_v against_o they_o and_o in_o rom._n 16._o 17._o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n and_o avoid_v they_o and_o in_o the_o 2_o timoth_n 2._o 24._o it_o be_v say_v and_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v not_o strive_v but_o be_v gentle_a unto_o all_o man_n apt_a to_o teach_v patient_a now_o say_v they_o this_o be_v a_o far_a other_o way_n than_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n against_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o we_o this_o savour_v not_o of_o the_o meek_a spirit_n of_o christ._n i_o answer_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o minister_n to_o watch_v against_o error_n and_o that_o be_v one_o mean_a for_o suppress_v of_o error_n and_o heresy_n but_o one_o mean_a destroy_v not_o another_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o this_o which_o be_v in_o controversy_n be_v not_o another_o mean_a also_o neither_o be_v it_o contrary_a to_o that_o meekness_n command_v to_o wait_v on_o they_o more_o than_o to_o deliver_v to_o satan_n or_o to_o curse_n and_o excommunicate_a apostate_n with_o that_o great_a curse_n call_v anathema_n maranatha_n 1_o cor._n 16._o 22._o they_o may_v as_o well_o say_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o christ_n meek_a spirit_n to_o establish_v the_o sword_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n according_a to_o rome_n 13._o 4._o for_o punish_v sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n and_o so_o under_o this_o pretence_n adulteter_n murderer_n seducer_n thief_n and_o all_o shall_v go_v free_a unpunished_a but_o they_o do_v far_o mistake_v the_o meekness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n christ_n meekness_n be_v not_o to_o let_v people_n live_v in_o their_o sin_n to_o let_v vile_a heretic_n trample_v on_o truth_n destroy_v soul_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n bind_v up_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n that_o he_o dare_v not_o hinder_v it_o this_o be_v a_o disrespect_n to_o truth_n and_o cruelty_n to_o poor_a soul_n in_o danger_n to_o be_v carry_v away_o which_o our_o lord_n be_v very_o tender_a of_o there_o be_v a_o four_o objection_n from_o matth._n 13._o 24._o take_a from_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o tare_n where_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o man_n that_o sow_v wheat_n and_o the_o wicked_a one_o come_v and_o sow_n his_o tare_n among_o it_o and_o both_o be_v bid_v let_v grow_v till_o the_o harvest_n now_o say_v they_o by_o these_o tare_n be_v mean_v heretic_n therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n we_o answer_v if_o they_o astrict_n the_o word_n tare_n to_o heretic_n in_o this_o sense_n that_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n shall_v not_o be_v use_v against_o they_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o may_v say_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v dispute_v against_o for_o that_o be_v a_o pluck_n up_o of_o they_o also_o second_o we_o answer_v that_o by_o the_o tare_n that_o be_v command_v here_o to_o be_v suffer_v let_v grow_v up_o to_o the_o harvest_n be_v no_o more_o mean_v heretic_n than_o other_o scandalous_a liver_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v make_v out_o from_o christ_n expond_v the_o parable_n verse_n 41_o and_o they_o shall_v gather_v out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n all_o thing_n that_o offend_v now_o heretic_n be_v not_o all_o thing_n that_o offend_v other_o scandalous_a liver_n offend_v also_o three_o by_o the_o tare_n be_v mean_v they_o that_o do_v iniquity_n vers_fw-la 41._o now_o other_o beside_o heretic_n be_v such_o and_o four_o if_o by_o the_o tare_n be_v here_o mean_v heretic_n then_o by_o the_o wheat_n be_v mean_v only_o the_o orthodox_n and_o so_o every_o man_n that_o be_v orthodox_n shall_v shine_v forth_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n vers_fw-la 43_o but_o there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v orthodox_n who_o yet_o be_v evil_a liver_n and_o so_o will_v never_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o by_o the_o wheat_n must_v only_o be_v mean_v the_o true_o regenerate_v and_o so_o by_o the_o tare_n must_v not_o only_o be_v mean_v heretic_n but_o all_o other_o evil-doer_n and_o further_o by_o this_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o heretic_n shall_v not_o be_v excommunicate_a for_o that_o be_v a_o root_n out_o but_o what_o can_v be_v mean_v by_o the_o tare_n then_o for_o whatever_o be_v mean_v by_o they_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o by_o this_o parable_n verse_n 30_o they_o shall_v be_v tolerate_v and_o to_o say_v that_o all_o vile_a scandalous_a person_n shall_v be_v tolerate_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o that_o only_a heretic_n shall_v be_v tolerate_v answer_v if_o we_o narrow_o observe_v christ_n exposition_n of_o the_o parable_n we_o will_v find_v that_o part_n where_o he_o bid_v let_v both_o grow_v together_o until_o the_o harvest_n be_v not_o expon_v although_o he_o expone_fw-la the_o rest_n which_o doubtless_o he_o will_v not_o have_v omit_v if_o it_o have_v be_v his_o mind_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v build_v any_o doctrine_n of_o this_o kind_n on_o it_o therefore_o we_o say_v this_o be_v not_o christ_n meaning_n that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n how_o godless_a and_o scandalous_a soever_o let_v alone_o for_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n but_o that_o christ_n be_v to_o show_v that_o when_o all_o pain_n be_v take_v by_o christ_n officer_n for_o purge_v the_o church_n yet_o there_o will_v be_v always_o some_o hypocrite_n in_o it_o and_o it_o be_v christ_n mind_n though_o he_o have_v give_v order_n to_o censure_v scandalous_a offender_n yet_o that_o his_o servant_n shall_v not_o press_v after_o such_o a_o separation_n of_o the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a as_o to_o have_v all_o the_o weed_n and_o wicked_a in_o heart_n to_o be_v cast_v out_o lest_o when_o they_o gather_v out_o the_o graceless_a tare_n they_o shall_v root_v out_o also_o the_o gracious_a wheat_n with_o they_o object_n 5._o there_o be_v a_o five_o objection_n from_o luk_n 9_o 54_o where_o christ_n reprove_v james_n and_o john_n for_o seek_v fire_n to_o come_v down_o from_o
of_o god_n to_o commit_v the_o great_a affair_n of_o his_o house_n to_o those_o who_o he_o have_v not_o qualify_v to_o that_o purpose_n beside_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v that_o ever_o he_o trust_v any_o with_o those_o thing_n but_o he_o promise_v they_o furniture_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n enable_v they_o according_o so_o when_o he_o send_v forth_o moses_n jeremiah_n isaiah_n etc._n etc._n he_o give_v they_o furniture_n and_o when_o he_o send_v out_o the_o apostle_n he_o furnish_v they_o for_o that_o end_n so_o john_n 20._o 21_o then_o say_v jesus_n to_o they_o again_o peace_n be_v unto_o you_o as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o even_o so_o send_v i_o you_o there_o be_v the_o commission_n give_v they_o and_o upon_o the_o back_n of_o this_o in_o v_o 22._o and_o when_o he_o have_v say_v this_o he_o breathe_v on_o they_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v the_o furniture_n and_o so_o do_v he_o to_o minister_n who_o he_o entrust_v with_o this_o power_n he_o promise_v they_o furniture_n matth_n 28_o 20_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n there_o a_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o to_o the_o minister_n as_o appear_v from_o these_o follow_a word_n even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o these_o promise_n can_v not_o be_v full_o verify_v in_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v to_o die_v within_o a_o little_a but_o in_o minister_n their_o successor_n to_o the_o world_n end_n now_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a he_o have_v neither_o make_v such_o promise_n to_o every_o particular_a believer_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n neither_o do_v he_o perform_v they_o unto_o they_o what_o be_v every_o believer_n furnish_v with_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n prudence_n and_o wisdom_n that_o be_v require_v for_o the_o right_a manage_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o church_n government_n yea_o god_n do_v not_o require_v it_o of_o they_o and_o so_o certain_o it_o stand_v not_o with_o his_o wisdom_n to_o have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o believer_n this_o for_o ouâ—_n three_o argument_n our_o four_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o so_o be_v that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n belong_v to_o church_n member_n than_o it_o belong_v to_o they_o either_o as_o they_o be_v gift_v for_o it_o and_o choose_v out_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o if_o so_o than_o we_o have_v our_o intent_n for_o then_o all_o be_v not_o church_n governor_n but_o only_o those_o who_o be_v gift_v and_o choose_v and_o so_o church_n officer_n or_o it_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o believer_n or_o church_n member_n and_o if_o so_o than_o it_o belong_v to_o all_o for_o every_o one_o be_v a_o church_n member_n as_o well_o as_o another_o and_o every_o one_o that_o have_v faith_n be_v a_o believer_n as_o well_o as_o another_o and_o whatever_o privilege_n flow_v from_o faith_n belong_v to_o every_o believer_n the_o mean_a as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a so_o if_o the_o right_n of_o church_n government_n be_v ground_v on_o faith_n and_o grace_n than_o every_o believer_n and_o none_o but_o believer_n shall_v have_v the_o right_n of_o it_o from_o whence_o shall_v follow_v many_o absurdity_n as_o that_o child_n as_o well_o as_o parent_n the_o simple_a as_o well_o as_o the_o wise_a woman_n as_o well_o as_o man_n may_v preach_v administrate_n the_o sacrament_n lay_v on_o hand_n in_o ordain_v the_o minister_n sit_v in_o session_n inflict_v censure_n excommunicate_a and_o what_o not_o second_o then_o none_o but_o believer_n shall_v have_v right_a to_o church_n government_n so_o none_o have_v power_n to_o baptise_v censure_n etc._n etc._n but_o they_o that_o have_v grace_n and_o upon_o this_o people_n shall_v have_v reason_n to_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v right_o baptize_v or_o not_o because_o they_o know_v not_o if_o the_o minister_n who_o baptize_v they_o have_v grace_n or_o not_o and_o if_o he_o want_v grace_n he_o have_v no_o power_n of_o church_n government_n by_o this_o doctrine_n and_o so_o no_o power_n to_o baptise_v we_o bring_v a_o five_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v this_o private_a christian_n be_v in_o no_o place_n of_o scripture_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v church_n governor_n there_o be_v no_o name_n nor_o title_n give_v to_o they_o import_v this_o power_n to_o be_v in_o they_o as_o be_v give_v to_o church_n officer_n 1_o tim_n 5._o 17._o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n and_o 1_o corinth_n 12._o 28._o and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n etc._n etc._n but_o no_o title_n of_o that_o kind_n be_v give_v to_o private_a christian_n yea_o they_o be_v set_v down_o plain_o under_o name_n in_o opposition_n to_o governor_n as_o the_o flock_n to_o overseer_n act_n 20._o 28._o take_v heed_n tberefore_o unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o the_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n etc._n etc._n yea_o and_o be_v command_v to_o honour_n obey_v submit_v to_o their_o governor_n set_v over_o they_o and_o distinct_a from_o they_o hebr_n 13._o 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o etc._n etc._n now_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o imagine_v that_o christ_n shall_v have_v entrust_v they_o with_o high_a power_n of_o government_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o the_o style_v he_o give_v they_o there_o be_v nothing_o import_v of_o that_o power_n but_o much_o of_o their_o subjection_n sure_o he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o with_o officer_n as_o we_o have_v show_v and_o let_v any_o discover_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n a_o six_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o if_o so_o be_v that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v give_v but_o only_o to_o some_o than_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o all_o but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v only_o give_v to_o some_o therefore_o not_o to_o all_o church_n member_n the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n can_v be_v deny_v for_o the_o second_o that_o it_o be_v only_o give_v to_o some_o see_v those_o proof_n that_o limit_v this_o power_n only_o to_o some_o as_o ephes_n 4._o 11._o and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n some_o and_o therefore_o not_o all_o 1_o cor_n 12._o 28._o which_o we_o cite_v before_o and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n there_o be_v but_o some_o that_o he_o have_v set_v for_o govern_v his_o house_n and_o therefore_o not_o all_o and_o heb_n 13_o 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o etc._n etc._n tim_n 5._o 17._o as_o be_v likewise_o before_o cite_v there_o be_v some_o then_o that_o rule_n to_o who_o the_o rest_n ought_v to_o submit_v and_o so_o all_o be_v not_o ruler_n there_o be_v a_o seven_o argument_n for_o clear_v the_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o power_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o set_v down_o rule_n and_o limit_n to_o order_v it_o by_o in_o his_o word_n be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o he_o have_v set_v down_o no_o rule_n how_o to_o direct_v the_o manage_n of_o church_n power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o church-member_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o argument_n that_o whatever_o power_n be_v appoint_v of_o god_n he_o have_v set_v down_o rule_n how_o to_o order_v it_o be_v very_o clear_a as_o we_o may_v prove_v by_o the_o enumeration_n of_o lawful_a power_n he_o have_v set_v down_o rule_n how_o to_o regulate_v the_o power_n of_o a_o king_n that_o he_o play_v not_o the_o tyrant_n he_o have_v set_v down_o rule_n to_o regulate_v the_o power_n of_o master_n parent_n by_o so_o the_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n officer_n be_v regulate_v that_o they_o rule_v with_o diligence_n rom._n 12._o 8._o and_o so_o through_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o he_o have_v set_v down_o no_o rule_n to_o order_v church_n government_n by_o in_o the_o hand_n particular_a believer_n for_o in_o no_o place_n of_o the_o word_n will_v such_o rule_n be_v find_v you_o that_o be_v the_o flock_n govern_v the_o pastor_n and_o feed_v they_o watch_v over_o the_o people_n of_o god_n lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o direction_n give_v to_o private_a christian_n and_o therefore_o this_o pretend_a power_n be_v not_o of_o god_n our_o last_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o so_o be_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n do_v belong_v to_o every_o
church-member_n then_o every_o church-member_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o attend_v all_o church_n judicatories_n to_o wait_v on_o the_o decide_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a question_n but_o what_o inevitable_a confusion_n will_v follow_v on_o this_o how_o long_a time_n will_v it_o take_v to_o inform_v people_n about_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n how_o tedious_a will_v it_o be_v to_o hear_v every_o man_n judgement_n to_o the_o point_n and_o what_o distraction_n will_v it_o be_v to_o people_n calling_n this_o certain_o will_v bring_v great_a confusion_n and_o so_o such_o a_o power_n as_o this_o can_v be_v from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n these_o be_v now_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n iii_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o shall_v answer_v their_o argument_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n the_o first_o they_o use_v be_v ground_v on_o coloss._n 4._o 17._o a_o command_n there_o be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o believer_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o minister_n say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o the_o ministry_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o this_o they_o infer_v that_o people_n have_v power_n to_o censure_v their_o minister_n and_o so_o have_v church_n authority_n we_o answer_v they_o make_v much_o of_o this_o argument_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v little_a worth_n for_o they_o build_v their_o power_n to_o censure_n upon_o this_o that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o say_v a_o poor_a reason_n so_o matth._n 18._o 17._o say_v to_o the_o church_n or_o tell_v the_o church_n it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v here_o use_v but_o to_o infer_v from_o this_o that_o one_o man_n have_v authority_n over_o the_o church_n be_v very_o ridiculous_a sure_o if_o he_o have_v command_v a_o judicial_a act_n of_o authority_n he_o will_v have_v say_v command_n and_o charge_n archippus_n with_o all_o authority_n as_o in_o the_o like_a case_n he_o speak_v to_o timothy_n but_o as_o we_o show_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n private_a christian_n have_v power_n to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o yea_o their_o pastor_n but_o this_o do_v not_o import_v any_o power_n of_o church-government_n over_o other_o else_o woman_n who_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v power_n of_o church-government_n to_o make_v church_n canon_n censure_n and_o ordain_v their_o minister_n for_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v as_o occasion_n offer_v obj._n 2._o a_o second_o argument_n they_o bring_v from_o act._n 11._o 1._o when_o peter_n come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n verse_n 3._o the_o people_n challenge_v he_o say_v thou_o wente_v in_o to_o man_n uncircumcised_a and_o do_v eat_v with_o they_o and_o verse_n 4_o he_o begins_z to_o clear_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o rehearse_v the_o matter_n from_o the_o beginning_n etc._n etc._n and_o from_o this_o they_o reason_n thus_o that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o call_v peter_n to_o a_o account_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o censure_n for_o scandal_n it_o be_v answer_v first_o beside_o the_o people_n there_o be_v apostle_n and_o brethren_n there_o verse_n 1_o second_o we_o answer_v it_o do_v not_o follow_v because_o peter_n purge_v himself_o of_o a_o scandal_n unjust_o lay_v upon_o he_o that_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o censure_v he_o for_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o clear_v himself_o to_o another_o christian_a of_o that_o which_o he_o be_v stumble_v within_o his_o carriage_n yet_o one_o private_a christian_a have_v not_o church_n power_n over_o another_o to_o censure_n so_o peter_n be_v bind_v to_o clear_v himself_o before_o any_o one_o of_o they_o and_o if_o he_o have_v do_v wrong_a to_o take_v with_o it_o but_o that_o that_o one_o can_v not_o be_v a_o church_n judicatory_a have_v power_n to_o inflict_v censure_n on_o peter_n our_o opposite_n themselves_o will_v grant_v obj._n 3_o a_o three_o argument_n they_o bring_v against_o the_o truth_n be_v from_o revel_n 2._o 14._o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n here_o be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o after_o he_o have_v commend_v they_o for_o their_o doctrine_n he_o reprove_v they_o for_o not_o exercise_v discipline_n against_o these_o heretic_n to_o wit_n balaam_n jesabel_n and_o the_o nicolattan_n now_o from_o this_o they_o argue_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v reprove_v here_o for_o not_o execute_v discipline_n against_o these_o heretic_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o do_v it_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v reprove_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o but_o that_o all_o be_v reprove_v they_o prove_v from_o vers_fw-la 13._o and_o its_o connection_n with_o the_o 14._o say_v they_o these_o who_o be_v commend_v in_o the_o 13._o be_v rebuke_v in_o the_o 14_o verse_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v etc._n etc._n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o not_o only_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n but_o all_o the_o people_n dwell_v where_o satan_n seat_n be_v therefore_o they_o all_o be_v reprove_v answer_v it_o follow_v well_o that_o they_o be_v all_o reprove_v for_o one_o fault_n but_o not_o that_o they_o be_v accessary_a to_o it_o after_o one_o and_o the_o same_o way_n it_o be_v the_o ruler_n part_v judicial_o to_o cast_v out_o these_o vile_a heretic_n it_o be_v the_o people_n part_n to_o have_v stir_v up_o the_o ruler_n to_o it_o now_o because_o these_o be_v neglect_v on_o both_o hand_n both_o have_v their_o own_o guilt_n and_o so_o both_o reprove_v for_o their_o respective_a guilt_n the_o people_n be_v reprove_v for_o not_o mourn_v to_o god_n for_o the_o tollerate_v such_o like_a abomination_n and_o their_o not_o stir_v up_o the_o ruler_n to_o take_v course_n with_o they_o but_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v reprove_v for_o not_o sit_v down_o in_o the_o judicatory_a and_o inflict_a censure_n themselves_o that_o be_v the_o ruler_n fault_n and_o therefore_o we_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v all_o rebuke_v for_o their_o accession_n to_o that_o guilt_n in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o we_o clear_v it_o thus_o doubtless_o the_o teacher_n do_v not_o teach_v against_o these_o vile_a heretic_n now_o there_o be_v woman_n there_o and_o yet_o sure_o they_o be_v not_o rebuke_v for_o not_o preach_v against_o they_o for_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v silent_a in_o the_o church_n so_o their_o fault_n as_o of_o all_o other_o church_n member_n be_v of_o another_o kind_n to_o wit_n their_o not_o mourn_v nor_o stir_v up_o the_o officer_n and_o so_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o mourn_v stir_v other_o up_o to_o their_o duty_n which_o we_o grant_v but_o not_o to_o exercise_v the_o power_n themselves_o for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v reprove_v for_o obj._n 4._o the_o four_o objection_n be_v ground_v on_o mat_n 18_o 17_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n whence_o say_v they_o the_o power_n of_o church_n censure_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n but_o so_o it_o be_v church_n officer_n be_v never_o call_v the_o church_n neither_o can_v they_o be_v so_o call_v without_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n censure_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n we_o answer_v this_o argument_n will_v make_v more_o against_o they_o than_o we_o and_o that_o because_o they_o grant_v that_o neither_o woman_n nor_o child_n have_v hand_n in_o church_n government_n but_o only_o profess_v man_n now_o they_o shall_v get_v no_o place_n in_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o man_n assemble_v without_o woman_n and_o child_n second_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o spare_o give_v to_o officer_n without_o the_o people_n yet_o we_o say_v 1._o it_o be_v give_v they_o in_o some_o place_n as_o for_o example_n act_v 18._o 22._o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n when_o he_o have_v land_v at_o caesarea_n and_o go_v up_o and_o salute_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n now_o by_o the_o church_n here_o certain_o can_v be_v mean_v the_o body_n of_o professor_n which_o do_v amount_v to_o many_o thousand_o of_o people_n as_o shall_v appear_v from_o act_n 21._o 20._o in_o its_o own_o time_n so_o by_o the_o church_n must_v be_v mean_v the_o chief_a man_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o paul_n have_v so_o short_a time_n to_o stay_v he_o see_v they_o but_o at_o the_o by_o can_v
state_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o church_n as_o to_o this_o purpose_n no_o union_n can_v be_v there_o as_o of_o one_o actual_o incorporate_a body_n except_o it_o be_v under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o supreme_a ruler_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v no_o agreement_n about_o one_o and_o the_o same_o supreme_a representative_a under_o who_o authority_n we_o may_v stand_v for_o the_o present_a but_o one_o part_n stand_v for_o its_o authority_n another_o be_v contrary_a unto_o it_o or_o set_v up_o another_o against_o it_o in_o this_o case_n the_o matter_n be_v clear_a there_o be_v no_o complete_a union_n but_o a_o fix_a schism_n or_o at_o the_o best_a a_o strong_a tendency_n unto_o it_o a_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v eye_v be_v if_o so_o our_o union_n must_v be_v under_o one_o supreme_a representative_a than_o such_o way_n of_o union_n will_v do_v no_o good_a as_o carry_v not_o along_v the_o body_n a_o union_n if_o not_o with_o the_o body_n instead_o of_o heal_v do_v widen_v the_o rent_n a_o resolution_n or_o desire_n to_o unite_v with_o a_o few_o not_o care_v for_o the_o rest_n will_v not_o produce_v a_o union_n i_o mean_v of_o the_o church_n although_o it_o may_v be_v of_o a_o strong_a party_n in_o the_o church_n these_o few_o will_v possible_o as_o glad_o unite_v as_o other_o will_v have_v they_o if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_o a_o strengthen_n of_o the_o breach_n four_o yet_o a_o part_n ought_v to_o labour_v with_o the_o body_n for_o condescend_v as_o low_a as_o warrantable_o can_v be_v for_o peace_n sake_n only_o a_o caveat_n must_v be_v here_o they_o be_v so_o to_o deal_v with_o the_o body_n to_o condescend_v for_o union_n as_o to_o beware_v of_o make_v a_o new_a rupture_n in_o the_o body_n upon_o their_o not_o grant_v for_o that_o be_v in_o a_o desperate_a way_n to_o make_v a_o new_a rent_n because_o other_o will_v not_o take_v our_o way_n for_o remove_v of_o the_o old_a five_o if_o we_o desire_v a_o hearty_a cordial_a union_n it_o will_v be_v endeavour_v without_o rub_v upon_o the_o credit_n 1._o of_o person_n 2._o of_o party_n 3._o of_o ordinance_n if_o the_o credit_n of_o all_o can_v be_v hold_v up_o it_o be_v well_o he_o be_v no_o friend_n to_o union_n that_o will_v endeavour_v the_o contrair_a but_o if_o some_o must_v suffer_v love_n to_o the_o public_a and_o zeal_n for_o god_n will_v teach_v that_o the_o former_a be_v to_o yield_v to_o the_o latter_a viz._n person_n to_o party_n and_o the_o credit_n both_o of_o person_n and_o party_n yea_o and_o of_o both_o party_n themselves_o if_o need_v be_v be_v to_o stoop_v for_o uphold_v the_o authority_n of_o divine_a ordinance_n a_o little_a of_o this_o self-denial_n will_v do_v much_o good_a but_o how_o little_a of_o it_o be_v there_o to_o be_v find_v six_o divide_v principle_n and_o such_o as_o tend_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o obstruct_v union_n shall_v be_v abandon_v there_o be_v one_o principle_n often_o speak_v of_o by_o some_o and_o now_o make_v more_o public_a which_o if_o maintain_v in_o our_o judgement_n will_v close_v the_o door_n upon_o union_n in_o haste_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o sit_v in_o a_o assembly_n with_o those_o who_o have_v enact_v persecution_n against_o the_o godly_a and_o this_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o propounder_n &_o as_o it_o be_v express_o though_o injurious_o apply_v by_o they_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o join_v in_o any_o assembly_n make_v up_o for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o those_o who_o act_v in_o and_o approve_a of_o our_o late_a controvert_v assembly_n now_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o join_v in_o a_o assembly_n make_v up_o for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o such_o why_o not_o also_o unlawful_a to_o join_v in_o a_o synod_n or_o in_o a_o presbytry_n likewise_o make_v up_o of_o such_o yea_o and_o to_o join_v at_o a_o communion_n table_n where_o the_o most_o part_n be_v such_o and_o indeed_o some_o of_o the_o people_n chief_o draw_v out_o their_o principle_n to_o this_o full_a length_n a_o principle_n which_o to_o say_v no_o worse_o of_o it_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a throat_n of_o peace_n and_o if_o stand_v to_o make_v it_o desperate_a and_o so_o i_o hope_v be_v and_o will_v be_v disow_v by_o all_o who_o cordial_o pretend_v to_o peace_n and_o union_n in_o the_o church_n these_o i_o conceive_v and_o many_o more_o shall_v be_v eye_v by_o we_o in_o our_o aim_v at_o union_n if_o we_o will_v have_v our_o endeavour_n effectual_a but_o because_o a_o complete_a union_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n be_v not_o to_o be_v so_o soon_o expect_v i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n give_v two_o direction_n for_o manage_v our_o difference_n so_o as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v have_v less_o hurt_n by_o they_o at_o least_o the_o first_o direction_n be_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o guard_v against_o these_o tentation_n which_o our_o stand_a division_n may_v ready_o make_v way_n for_o whereof_o i_o shall_v mention_v three_o the_o first_o tentation_n be_v this_o a_o oversight_n of_o every_o other_o fault_n almost_o whether_o in_o minister_n or_o professor_n provide_v they_o be_v true_a to_o the_o party_n a_o party_n be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n and_o in_o nothing_o more_o dangerous_a than_o in_o this_o that_o it_o drive_v man_n if_o not_o all_o the_o more_o tender_a to_o take_v fidelity_n unto_o the_o party_n to_o be_v the_o prime_n if_o not_o the_o only_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o badge_n of_o honesty_n and_o incline_v they_o to_o look_v on_o all_o other_o thing_n whether_o corrupt_a principle_n or_o loose_a practice_n as_o excusable_a infirmity_n a_o woeful_a tentation_n and_o destructive_a both_o to_o truth_n and_o piety_n and_o therefore_o ought_v so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o be_v guard_v against_o on_o both_o hand_n a_o second_o tentation_n be_v the_o secret_a wish_v after_o and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o slip_v one_o of_o another_o a_o evil_a so_o woeful_a that_o david_n complain_v to_o god_n of_o it_o even_o in_o his_o avow_a enemy_n ps._n 38._o 16._o when_o my_o foot_n slip_v they_o magnify_v themselves_o against_o i_o and_o jeremiah_n complain_v of_o it_o in_o his_o false_a friend_n ch._n 20._o v._n 10._o they_o watch_v for_o my_o halt_n and_o yet_o a_o evil_a that_o even_o good_a man_n if_o once_o engage_v in_o party_n will_v have_v a_o battle_n with_o a_o three_o tentation_n upon_o our_o stand_v divide_v and_o which_o be_v also_o to_o be_v guard_v against_o be_v a_o bend_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o outmost_a of_o light_n and_o possible_o beyond_o it_o for_o strengthen_v of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o do_v of_o these_o thing_n in_o relation_n to_o these_o who_o now_o rule_n which_o not_o long_o since_o we_o will_v have_v abhor_v both_o in_o ourselves_o and_o other_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o as_o gift_n blind_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o wise_a exod._n 23._o so_o the_o seem_a advantage_n unto_o that_o which_o we_o conceive_v truth_n may_v draw_v out_o somewhat_o like_o a_o approbation_n to_o such_o like_a work_n from_o those_o of_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o if_o these_o do_v approve_v it_o be_v the_o less_o matter_n think_v we_o that_o other_o do_v disapprove_v but_o we_o ought_v to_o remember_v there_o be_v other_o to_o sift_v our_o action_n foreign_a church_n abroad_o our_o own_o conscience_n be_v sober_a and_o settle_a and_o above_o all_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all._n a_o second_o direction_n for_o manage_v our_o difference_n be_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o other_o as_o to_o take_v our_o eye_n off_o from_o guard_v against_o that_o which_o be_v satan_n main_a design_n against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o this_o time_n satan_n do_v as_o a_o subtle_a warrior_n labour_n to_o raise_v a_o mutiny_n among_o the_o force_n which_o shall_v oppose_v he_o that_o while_o they_o be_v wrangle_v one_o with_o another_o he_o may_v carry_v his_o point_n without_o stroke_n of_o sword_n be_v to_o insist_v a_o little_a on_o this_o direction_n i_o shall_v first_o speak_v to_o what_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v satan_n main_a design_n against_o the_o church_n at_o this_o time_n 2_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o direction_n to_o manage_v our_o difference_n so_o as_o not_o to_o further_o this_o his_o main_a design_n nor_o yet_o to_o be_v short-coming_a in_o our_o duty_n against_o it_o and_o first_o for_o take_v up_o what_o be_v satan_n great_a design_n we_o shall_v in_o a_o word_n or_o two_o lay_v before_o you_o a_o wonderful_a contexture_n as_o it_o be_v of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o satan_n malice_n since_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n even_o until_o now_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n almost_o but_o satan_n
cast_v themselves_o headlong_o upon_o the_o error_n of_o the_o time_n i_o do_v not_o love_v that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v of_o purpose_n to_o make_v people_n as_o we_o say_v kith_n or_o appear_v in_o their_o colour_n i_o mean_v to_o bring_v out_o these_o practice_n the_o seed_n whereof_o thou_o conceive_v to_o be_v already_o within_o which_o at_o the_o best_a be_v to_o cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o blind_a i_o may_v reckon_v several_a practice_n which_o be_v not_o only_o irritate_v but_o also_o in_o themselves_o sinful_a such_o as_o promiscuous_a admission_n of_o clean_a and_o unclean_a to_o the_o lord_n table_n little_a pain_n take_v by_o minister_n to_o instruct_v people_n with_o knowledge_n show_v much_o of_o passion_n but_o little_a of_o reason_n against_o error_n there_o be_v many_o who_o zeal_n be_v honest_o fervent_a against_o error_n and_o confusion_n who_o yet_o by_o these_o and_o such_o as_o these_o be_v not_o a_o little_a indirect_o instrumental_a to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o it_o our_o second_o direction_n how_o to_o manage_v our_o difference_n so_o as_o not_o to_o further_o satan_n main_a design_n be_v that_o all_o especial_o minister_n will_v beware_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n do_v prove_v and_o by_o constant_a observation_n have_v prove_v forerunner_n of_o error_n and_o confusion_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v reckon_v three_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v eschew_v be_v unscriptural_a expression_n while_o speak_v of_o thing_n religious_a as_o case_n of_o conscience_n exercise_n of_o mind_n and_o scripture_n truth_n a_o affect_a way_n of_o bring_v forth_o old_a truth_n in_o new_a and_o uncouth_a phrase_n high_a soar_a notion_n serve_v more_o to_o astonish_v than_o inform_v the_o hearer_n paul_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o bid_v hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n and_o not_o only_o of_o sound_a doctrine_n it_o be_v calvin_n observation_n in_o his_o time_n and_o severall_n since_o that_o those_o who_o coin_n new_a word_n and_o strange_a expression_n tend_v only_o to_o amuse_v the_o hearer_n be_v in_o hazard_n to_o be_v carry_v away_o themselves_o and_o to_o carry_v other_o with_o they_o unto_o some_o new_a and_o dangerous_a opinion_n 2._o you_o must_v beware_v lest_o a_o disgust_n of_o old_a truth_n spread_v among_o the_o people_n together_o with_o a_o itch_a after_o new_a thing_n new_a opinion_n new_a case_n new_a fellowship_n new_a teacher_n ye'll_o find_v 2_o tim._n 4._o 3_o 4._o that_o itch_a ear_n in_o people_n go_v before_o the_o turn_n the_o ear_n from_o the_o truth_n for_o prevent_v whereof_o minister_n shall_v be_v much_o in_o the_o inculcate_a of_o old_a soulsaving_a and_o soul-humbling_a truth_n and_o for_o keep_v these_o still_o fresh_a and_o savoury_a much_o of_o the_o need_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v press_v to_o a_o soul-hungring_a for_o christ_n every_o bitter_a thing_n be_v sweet_a but_o a_o soul_n full_a of_o conceit_n loathe_v the_o hony-comb_n a_o three_o thing_n predispose_v to_o error_n and_o so_o to_o be_v guard_v against_o be_v the_o undervalue_v of_o the_o ministry_n it_o have_v be_v satan_n method_n in_o draw_v on_o people_n towards_o error_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o no_o time_n more_o than_o these_o of_o late_a first_o to_o make_v they_o despise_v their_o faithful_a minister_n that_o once_o get_v the_o ear_n stop_v by_o prejudice_n against_o these_o he_o may_v get_v the_o more_o ready_a access_n for_o his_o emissary_n to_o infect_v they_o with_o damnable_a error_n it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o a_o reverend_a writer_n of_o late_a speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n that_o the_o galatian_n be_v easy_o seduce_v so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v make_v to_o disgust_n paul_n their_o faithful_a teacher_n this_o much_o for_o the_o second_o direction_n for_o manage_v of_o our_o difference_n so_o as_o not_o to_o come_v short_a in_o defence_n of_o these_o truth_n which_o satan_n be_v labour_v most_o to_o deface_v our_o three_o direction_n be_v to_o be_v watchful_a over_o the_o first_o budding_n of_o error_n that_o way_n there_o be_v some_o lesser_a error_n whereby_o satan_n scour_v the_o field_n and_o make_v way_n for_o these_o great_a one_o which_o he_o main_o intend_v whereof_o as_o to_o the_o present_a case_n i_o shall_v mention_v some_o concern_v which_o whatever_o we_o may_v speak_v from_o our_o own_o knowledge_n of_o the_o propensity_n of_o several_n towards_o some_o of_o they_o yet_o i_o shall_v rather_o choice_n to_o speak_v of_o they_o in_o the_o abstract_n as_o such_o that_o if_o people_n shall_v be_v take_v with_o they_o will_v make_v way_n for_o that_o confusion_n which_o satan_n main_o aim_v at_o error_n 1._o the_o first_o whereof_o be_v that_o no_o man_n true_o godly_a aught_o to_o be_v censure_v for_o opinion_n or_o practice_n which_o we_o conceive_v he_o ow_v or_o practise_v from_o ground_n of_o conscience_n though_o his_o opinion_n or_o practice_n tend_v never_o so_o evident_o to_o the_o rent_v of_o the_o church_n error_n 2._o second_o that_o the_o presence_n of_o scandalous_a person_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n defile_v the_o ordinance_n unto_o all_o who_o communicate_v know_v such_o to_o be_v there_o error_n 3._o three_o that_o a_o minister_n scandalous_a though_o not_o judicial_o prove_v such_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n so_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o receive_v either_o word_n or_o sacrament_n at_o his_o hand_n or_o to_o join_v in_o discipline_n with_o he_o error_n 4._o four_o that_o there_o be_v no_o special_a tie_n upon_o people_n to_o countenance_v the_o ordinance_n in_o that_o congregation_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n but_o a_o liberty_n leave_v to_o go_v constant_o where_o they_o may_v be_v most_o edify_v though_o with_o the_o discouragement_n of_o those_o who_o hand_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o strengthen_v i_o have_v only_o mention_v these_o tenet_n without_o refutation_n be_v confident_a that_o none_o of_o christ_n minister_n to_o who_o herein_o i_o main_o speak_v will_v own_v they_o only_o i_o shall_v point_v at_o three_o thing_n minister_n shall_v make_v conscience_n of_o as_o their_o duty_n in_o relation_n to_o these_o or_o such_o like_a first_o as_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o watch_v against_o profanity_n and_o scandal_n upon_o the_o one_o hand_n so_o to_o be_v learning_n where_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n vent_v itself_o either_o in_o practice_n or_o contentious_a reason_v second_o we_o shall_v not_o think_v light_o of_o such_o when_o they_o do_v appear_v and_o that_o because_o 1._o they_o do_v evident_o make_v way_n for_o satan_n great_a design_n in_o these_o time_n which_o be_v to_o cover_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n with_o confusion_n 2._o because_o that_o however_o possible_o such_o do_v not_o reflect_v so_o much_o upon_o our_o own_o ministry_n as_o upon_o other_o who_o we_o may_v conceive_v have_v just_o procure_v their_o own_o grief_n yet_o a_o year_n or_o two_o may_v lay_v they_o down_o at_o the_o door_n of_o he_o who_o think_v himself_o for_o the_o time_n at_o great_a distance_n from_o they_o and_o that_o with_o so_o much_o the_o more_o weight_n as_o that_o he_o do_v not_o resent_v these_o evil_n soon_o 3._o such_o will_v not_o be_v think_v of_o light_o because_o experience_n show_v that_o the_o simple_a oversee_n of_o such_o be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o root_v they_o out_o but_o rather_o to_o make_v they_o take_v strength_n and_o therefore_o the_o three_o thing_n that_o minister_n shall_v make_v conscience_n of_o in_o relation_n to_o such_o be_v to_o set_v about_o the_o cure_v of_o they_o wherein_o you_o be_v to_o eye_n two_o caveat_n 1._o as_o you_o will_v thrive_v so_o set_v about_o the_o cure_n of_o one_o evil_a as_o not_o to_o neglect_v another_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v approven_v if_o any_o such_o be_v who_o in_o their_o reproof_n bend_v themselves_o whole_o against_o error_n but_o little_a against_o profanity_n and_o vice_n neither_o be_v they_o to_o be_v approven_v if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o who_o pass_v over_o the_o reproof_n of_o error_n whole_o because_o the_o person_n to_o be_v reprove_v will_v hardly_o take_v with_o it_o or_o that_o profane_a man_n will_v take_v occasion_n to_o mock_v at_o piety_n because_o of_o it_o these_o thing_n require_v indeed_o that_o the_o duty_n be_v wise_o and_o tender_o do_v but_o not_o that_o it_o be_v leave_v altogether_o undo_v a_o second_o caveat_n to_o be_v eye_v be_v your_o cure_n shall_v be_v more_o in_o convince_v argument_n than_o in_o bitter_a reproof_n else_o it_o will_v be_v take_v but_o for_o the_o vent_n of_o passion_n and_o that_o you_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v in_o reason_n which_o will_v make_v the_o disease_n worse_o this_o much_o for_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o our_o last_n use._n the_o three_o shall_v be_v some_o consideration_n to_o the_o people_n especial_o for_o
itself_o be_v express_v by_o the_o word_n truth_n behold_v thou_o desire_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o be_v not_o mean_v truth_n in_o the_o judgement_n oppose_v to_o error_n nor_o truth_n in_o people_n word_n oppose_v to_o the_o sin_n of_o lie_v and_o speak_v untruth_n but_o it_o be_v truth_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n call_v here_o truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o sincerity_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n for_o so_o be_v this_o grace_n often_o express_v in_o scripture_n isai._n 38._o 3._o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n say_v hezekiah_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a upright_o or_o sincere_a heart_n and_o ephes._n 6._o 14_o have_v their_o loin_n gird_v about_o with_o truth_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v with_o sincerity_n and_o single-heartedness_n this_o then_o be_v that_o truth_n which_o god_n require_v as_o a_o necessary_a season_v ingredient_n in_o all_o duty_n and_o especial_o in_o all_o religious_a performance_n and_o which_o david_n here_o hold_v out_o with_o a_o behold_v as_o the_o thing_n which_o above_o any_o other_o thing_n he_o have_v aim_v at_o and_o yet_o will_v aim_v more_o at_o in_o his_o penitential_a address_n unto_o god_n we_o have_v then_o in_o the_o word_n 1._o a_o note_n of_o attention_n behold_v which_o david_n prefix_v to_o that_o which_o he_o be_v to_o say_v i_o call_v it_o a_o note_n of_o attention_n for_o that_o be_v the_o use_n it_o serve_v for_o in_o this_o place_n as_o i_o shall_v clear_v afterward_o 2._o there_o be_v that_o which_o he_o subjoin_v to_o this_o behold_v the_o lord_n complacency_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o sincerity_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o as_o that_o without_o which_o his_o present_a address_n can_v not_o be_v savoury_a or_o acceptable_a to_o god_n thou_o desire_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n i_o shall_v observe_v two_o thing_n in_o general_n before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o particular_n of_o the_o text._n 1_o from_o this_o david_n hold_v out_o the_o rule_n he_o have_v walk_v by_o and_o be_v to_o walk_v by_o for_o make_v his_o present_a address_n to_o god_n in_o confess_v of_o sin_n and_o plead_v hard_o for_o pardon_n acceptable_a hence_o take_v this_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o do_v somewhat_o of_o command_a duty_n but_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o do_v what_o we_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n acceptable_o david_n not_o only_o confess_v sin_n and_o plead_v for_o pardon_n but_o he_o aim_v to_o do_v it_o in_o truth_n that_o so_o he_o may_v do_v it_o acceptable_o for_o while_o he_o say_v god_n do_v desire_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n it_o be_v evident_o employ_v that_o he_o aim_v to_o have_v it_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o this_o because_o if_o the_o thing_n we_o do_v be_v not_o do_v acceptable_o and_o in_o the_o right_a manner_n though_o the_o thing_n do_v be_v never_o so_o good_a in_o itself_o the_o do_v of_o it_o be_v but_o lose_a labour_n unto_o we_o thus_o though_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o command_a duty_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o offer_v up_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n yet_o when_o people_n make_v not_o conscience_n to_o discharge_v this_o duty_n in_o the_o right_a manner_n all_o they_o do_v be_v to_o as_o little_a purpose_n as_o if_o they_o have_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o hence_o isai._n 1._o 11._o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n yea_o the_o more_o excellent_a any_o duty_n be_v in_o itself_o and_o the_o great_a good_a be_v to_o be_v have_v by_o go_v about_o any_o duty_n in_o a_o right_n and_o acceptable_a manner_n the_o great_a be_v the_o hurt_a and_o damnage_v which_o we_o incur_v by_o it_o when_o we_o advert_v not_o how_o we_o do_v it_o and_o when_o without_o take_v heed_n to_o our_o foot_n we_o rush_v forward_o to_o it_o and_o carry_v ourselves_o but_o careless_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o we_o be_v employ_v about_o it_o what_o more_o excellent_a comfortable_a and_o soul_n edify_v ordinance_n be_v there_o than_o this_o of_o a_o communion_n which_o through_o god_n mercy_n you_o have_v yet_o the_o liberty_n of_o approach_v unto_o be_v it_o not_o a_o feast_n of_o fat_a thing_n of_o wine_n on_o the_o lees_n well_o refine_v wherein_o we_o feast_v with_o christ_n and_o upon_o christ_n his_o break_a body_n be_v meat_n indeed_o the_o most_o excellent_a that_o heaven_n or_o earth_n can_v afford_v and_o yet_o say_v paul_n if_o you_o come_v not_o to_o this_o ordinance_n in_o the_o right_a manner_n if_o you_o set_v not_o yourselves_o so_o to_o go_v about_o it_o as_o that_o you_o may_v be_v accept_v in_o your_o work_n if_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v unworthy_o without_o previous_a examination_n of_o yourselves_o you_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n and_o judgement_n to_o yourselves_o not_o only_o shall_v your_o table_n prove_v a_o snare_n but_o your_o meat_n be_v turn_v into_o poison_n and_o therefore_o consider_v this_o in_o the_o entry_n and_o labour_n to_o have_v it_o imprint_v on_o your_o heart_n that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o come_v rush_v forward_o to_o your_o work_n not_o consider_v how_o you_o come_v your_o come_v aught_o to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n give_v eccles._n 5._o 1._o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n as_o at_o all_o time_n so_o especial_o when_o you_o approach_v unto_o such_o a_o dreadful_a ordinance_n a_o this_o be_v whereof_o the_o advantage_n be_v so_o great_a if_o you_o come_v right_o and_o the_o hurt_n and_o hazard_v so_o unspeakable_o great_a if_o you_o come_v wrong_a but_o second_o observe_v yet_o in_o general_n that_o in_o go_v about_o command_v duty_n in_o some_o measure_n acceptable_o you_o ought_v now_o and_o then_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o manner_n and_o way_n of_o your_o discharge_n of_o duty_n even_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n when_o you_o be_v about_o it_o for_o so_o do_v david_n here_o he_o cast_v a_o eye_n upon_o the_o right_a manner_n how_o he_o shall_v have_v pray_v to_o wit_n in_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n even_o in_o the_o very_a midst_n of_o his_o prayer_n while_o he_o say_v unto_o god_n behold_v thou_o desire_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n and_o thus_o christ_n in_o luke_n 8._o 18._o say_v unto_o his_o disciple_n in_o the_o very_a mean_a time_n they_o be_v hear_v take_v heed_n therefore_o how_o you_o hear_v and_o sure_o our_o heart_n do_v oft_o turn_v formal_a vain_a wander_a and_o lumpish_a or_o heavy_a in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n because_o we_o do_v not_o serious_o mind_v how_o sinful_a shameful_a and_o unseemly_o it_o be_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o a_o check_n of_o this_o kind_n in_o time_n and_o seasonable_o to_o a_o vain_a stray_v and_o wander_a heart_n will_v do_v much_o through_o god_n blessing_n to_o make_v it_o halt_v david_n do_v this_o oft_o especial_o psal._n 43._o 5._o where_o he_o turn_v his_o speech_n from_o god_n and_o give_v himself_o a_o rebuke_n and_o check_v for_o the_o present_a unsuitable_a frame_n of_o heart_n wherein_o he_o then_o be_v why_o be_v thouca_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n say_v he_o and_o why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v in_o i_o hope_v thou_o in_o god_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o this_o reflect_v upon_o the_o manner_n and_o way_n how_o you_o discharge_v duty_n even_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n when_o you_o be_v about_o it_o be_v useful_a when_o you_o find_v your_o heart_n out_o of_o frame_n a_o serious_a timous_a check_n give_v unto_o it_o will_v prove_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v it_o beside_o if_o upon_o your_o reflect_v thus_o you_o find_v matter_n tolerable_o right_a and_o your_o heart_n in_o such_o a_o frame_n for_o the_o main_n as_o the_o lord_n require_v it_o will_v furnish_v you_o with_o matter_n of_o boldness_n courage_n and_o confidence_n as_o here_o it_o do_v david_n who_o have_v find_v somewhat_o of_o this_o truth_n and_o this_o upright_a and_o sincere_a frame_n of_o heart_n in_o his_o own_o inward_a part_n he_o takes_z ground_n of_o confidence_n from_o that_o to_o expect_v that_o god_n who_o have_v give_v he_o this_o can_v also_o give_v he_o more_o in_o the_o hide_a part_n say_v he_o thou_o shall_v make_v i_o to_o know_v wisdom_n for_o use_v this_o do_v short_o speak_v two_o thing_n 1._o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v a_o work_n not_o of_o the_o outward_a man_n only_o but_o also_o and_o main_o of_o the_o inward_a man_n the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n must_v be_v exercise_v in_o it_o if_o so_o be_v go_v right_o about_o it_o and_o that_o many_o way_n and_o this_o be_v one_o way_n the_o heart_n must_v be_v exercise_v by_o reflect_v now_o
time_n do_v show_v your_o heart_n be_v woeful_o backward_o to_o hear_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n any_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n but_o see_v the_o thing_n be_v needful_a and_o so_o needful_a as_o that_o all_o your_o other_o pain_n without_o come_v up_o to_o what_o you_o hear_v to_o this_o purpose_n will_v be_v to_o no_o good_a purpose_n therefore_o you_o ought_v to_o bestir_v yourselves_o strive_v in_o earnest_n against_o your_o own_o backwardness_n and_o if_o you_o serious_o set_v yourselves_o to_o strive_v against_o it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o you_o will_v get_v it_o overcome_v at_o least_o in_o part_n this_o much_o for_o the_o note_n of_o attention_n behold_v i_o come_v next_o to_o that_o which_o be_v subjoin_v to_o this_o behold_v viz._n the_o lord_n complacency_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o sincerity_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o as_o that_o without_o which_o david_n present_a address_n can_v not_o be_v savory_n or_o acceptable_a to_o god_n thou_o desire_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n we_o will_v find_v three_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n for_o clear_v what_o it_o be_v which_o make_v our_o performance_n accept_v of_o god_n 1._o in_o general_n it_o be_v somewhat_o which_o god_n desire_v approve_v or_o love_n thou_o desire_v etc._n etc._n 2._o it_o be_v somewhat_o in_o the_o inward_a part_n not_o so_o much_o that_o which_o be_v external_n and_o see_v by_o man_n as_o what_o be_v internal_a and_o know_v only_o to_o god_n and_o the_o man_n be_v own_o self_n 3._o one_o main_a particular_a hereof_o be_v condescend_v on_o to_o wit_n truth_n the_o grace_n of_o sincerity_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o grace_n thou_o desire_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n of_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v so_o to_o speak_v as_o that_o therein_o you_o may_v see_v both_o your_o bypast_a fail_n for_o your_o humiliation_n and_o also_o may_v see_v a_o rule_n to_o which_o you_o ought_v to_o conform_v yourselves_o for_o time_n to_o come_v as_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o duty_n so_o especial_o in_o your_o address_n to_o god_n at_o this_o time_n first_o then_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o go_v about_o command_v duty_n acceptable_o and_o in_o the_o right_a manner_n be_v god_n approbation_n for_o david_n do_v not_o propose_v unto_o himself_o to_o follow_v that_o which_o will_v please_v his_o own_o humour_n or_o the_o humour_n of_o other_o but_o that_o which_o god_n desire_v love_n and_o approve_v of_o behold_v say_v he_o thou_o desire_v truth_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v the_o tâ—ing_n o_o lord_n which_o i_o aim_v at_o be_v that_o which_o thou_o desire_v and_o approve_v thus_o the_o lord_n say_v to_o abraham_n gen._n 17._o 1._o walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v thou_o perfect_a he_o â—_o have_v his_o approbation_n hint_v at_o in_o the_o word_n before_o i_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o walk_a acceptable_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n which_o christ_n himself_n when_o he_o come_v unto_o the_o world_n do_v walk_v by_o psal._n 40._o 6_o 7_o 8_o sacrifice_n and_o offer_v thou_o do_v not_o desire_v then_o say_v l_o lo_o i_o come_v i_o delight_v to_o do_v thy_o will_n o_o my_o god_n and_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o it_o if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o god_n be_v our_o main_a party_n to_o who_o we_o must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o all_o we_o do_v we_o must_v give_v a_o account_n to_o other_o also_o but_o he_o will_v reckon_v with_o we_o when_o all_o other_o have_v do_v with_o we_o 2._o he_o have_v tie_v we_o to_o this_o rule_n and_o will_v reckon_v with_o we_o according_a to_o it_o deut._n 5._o 32._o you_o shall_v observe_v to_o do_v therefore_o as_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n have_v command_v you_o you_o shall_v not_o turn_v aside_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a and_o therefore_o 3._o you_o must_v look_v main_o to_o what_o he_o approve_v or_o disapprove_v else_o all_o you_o do_v will_v be_v to_o no_o good_a purpose_n matth._n 6._o 2._o they_o do_v their_o alm_n that_o they_o may_v have_v glory_n of_o man_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o they_o have_v their_o reward_n this_o aught_o to_o make_v you_o search_v what_o be_v the_o rule_n you_o walk_v by_o and_o to_o which_o you_o labour_v to_o conform_v yourselves_o most_o in_o your_o walk_n and_o for_o your_o more_o easy_a search_n i_o shall_v point_v at_o some_o who_o walk_v not_o by_o this_o rule_n 1._o those_o walk_v not_o by_o this_o rule_n who_o set_v themselves_o to_o come_v up_o in_o their_o way_n not_o to_o what_o god_n desire_v but_o to_o what_o the_o time_n and_o any_o party_n who_o bear_v â—way_n in_o the_o time_n desire_n this_o be_v the_o rule_n which_o the_o pharisee_n will_v have_v have_v all_o in_o their_o time_n to_o walk_v by_o john_n 7._o 48._o have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n say_v they_o or_o of_o the_o pharisee_n believe_v on_o he_o and_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n that_o many_o walk_n by_o in_o all_o time_n they_o know_v no_o other_o religion_n than_o that_o of_o the_o time_n and_o which_o please_v they_o best_a who_o bear_v the_o great_a sway_n so_o that_o if_o such_o shall_v change_v their_o way_n every_o year_n once_o they_o will_v not_o scruple_n much_o to_o change_v it_o as_o oft_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n which_o these_o do_v follow_v who_o god_n do_v threaten_v hos._n 7._o 3._o they_o make_v the_o king_n glad_a with_o their_o wickedness_n and_o the_o prince_n with_o their_o lie_n they_o care_v not_o what_o they_o do_v if_o so_o they_o may_v please_v their_o king_n and_o ruler_n by_o it_o such_o be_v time-servers_a men-pleasers_a and_o so_o can_v be_v god-pleasers_a for_o say_v paul_n if_o i_o yet_o please_v man_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ._n 2._o those_o walk_v not_o by_o this_o rule_n of_o god_n approbation_n and_o desire_n who_o high_a design_n in_o the_o point_n of_o duty_n be_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o other_o and_o who_o great_a enquiry_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o know_v what_o god_n desire_v as_o what_o other_o do_v and_o rest_n upon_o that_o as_o sufficient_a that_o they_o may_v do_v the_o like_a this_o be_v the_o rule_n which_o god_n forbid_v to_o follow_v exod._n 23._o 2._o thou_o shall_v not_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a etc._n etc._n and_o broad_o be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o destruction_n and_o many_o there_o be_v that_o go_v therein_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n which_o many_o follow_v both_o as_o the_o matter_n what_o and_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o do_v it_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o though_o they_o want_v not_o their_o own_o conviction_n and_o challenge_n for_o several_a thing_n they_o themselves_o be_v conscious_a of_o yet_o if_o there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o same_o evil_n with_o themselves_o they_o force_v themselves_o to_o take_v peace_n and_o hold_v on_o because_o there_o be_v many_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o fault_n alas_o that_o be_v but_o a_o very_a poor_a ground_n of_o comfort_n to_o go_v to_o hell_n with_o company_n and_o speak_v but_o very_o little_a zeal_n for_o god_n honour_n else_o the_o more_o thou_o see_v it_o trample_v on_o by_o other_o thou_o will_v be_v the_o more_o tender_a of_o it_o and_o consequent_o the_o more_o common_a any_o sin_n be_v thou_o shall_v hate_v it_o the_o more_o because_o god_n get_v the_o more_o dishonour_n by_o it_o this_o be_v david_n way_n river_n of_o tear_n say_v he_o run_v down_o my_o eye_n because_o of_o the_o wicked_a who_o transgress_v thy_o law_n 3._o those_o walk_v not_o by_o this_o rule_n who_o walk_v only_o by_o that_o which_o their_o own_o carnal_a wit_n and_o natural_a reason_n approve_v how_o many_o be_v they_o who_o though_o they_o can_v but_o know_v that_o god_n in_o his_o word_n require_v more_o exactness_n in_o their_o walk_n yet_o they_o rest_v on_o that_o which_o they_o think_v their_o own_o carnal_a wit_n think_v may_v suffice_v they_o will_v do_v what_o they_o can_v in_o religious_a duty_n which_o indeed_o be_v but_o to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v but_o for_o further_a god_n must_v forgive_v they_o thus_o they_o will_v meddle_v with_o what_o be_v easy_a pleasant_a and_o profitable_a in_o religion_n but_o for_o what_o be_v hurtful_a burden_n some_o or_o may_v bring_v loss_n they_o will_v never_o own_v that_o because_o their_o carnal_a reason_n suggest_v unto_o they_o that_o less_o than_o that_o may_v serve_v the_o turn_n religion_n be_v good_a but_o people_n ought_v not_o to_o impoverish_v or_o destroy_v themselves_o for_o it_o thus_o many_o do_v easy_o dispense_v with_o themselves_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o all_o painful_a hazard_n and_o expensive_a duty_n such_o as_o to_o deal_v their_o bread_n to_o the_o
in_o it_o if_o so_o he_o do_v bewail_v it_o and_o flee_v to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o get_v pardon_n for_o it_o and_o strength_n to_o subdue_v it_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o end_n i_o will_v have_v you_o to_o search_v and_o try_v your_o inlake_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o sincerity_n that_o you_o may_v give_v yourselves_o over_o for_o rotten-hearted_n hypocrite_n but_o that_o you_o may_v bewail_v it_o take_v with_o it_o judge_v yourselves_o for_o it_o flee_v to_o christ_n to_o get_v it_o pardon_v and_o to_o get_v grace_n to_o amend_v it_o and_o your_o make_v this_o use_n of_o your_o foul_a fail_n as_o to_o this_o point_n shall_v be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n that_o though_o there_o have_v be_v much_o unsincerity_n and_o shameless_a hypocrisy_n in_o you_o yet_o you_o be_v no_o real_a hypocrite_n but_o the_o main_a use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v that_o as_o you_o desire_v to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n acceptable_o and_o in_o the_o right_a manner_n so_o deal_v with_o god_n sincere_o and_o in_o truth_n that_o be_v let_v your_o great_a work_n lie_v about_o your_o heart_n and_o inward_a part_n to_o get_v some_o right_a frame_n and_o disposition_n put_v on_o they_o whereof_o i_o speak_v before_o only_o a_o humble_a hunger_a frame_n thirst_v after_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o be_v a_o good_a frame_n at_o such_o a_o time_n again_o let_v your_o come_n flow_v from_o spiritual_a motive_n and_o level_v at_o right_n and_o approven_n end_v but_o especial_o deal_v sincere_o and_o in_o trâ—th_n with_o god_n by_o labour_v to_o be_v that_o indeed_o which_o by_o your_o act_n of_o come_v to_o the_o communion_n you_o give_v yourselves_o out_o for_o now_o you_o give_v yourselves_o out_o for_o many_o thing_n 1._o your_o come_v say_v that_o you_o have_v need_n of_o christ_n and_o must_v be_v at_o he_o and_o therefore_o deal_v sincere_o and_o in_o truth_n with_o christ_n in_o search_v out_o and_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o need_v you_o have_v of_o he_o 2._o your_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n speak_v that_o you_o be_v weary_a of_o your_o old_a master_n and_o have_v a_o real_a mind_n to_o change_v they_o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o deal_v sincere_o and_o in_o truth_n with_o god_n and_o see_v it_o be_v so_o that_o you_o be_v real_o weary_a of_o your_o old_a lust_n which_o former_o enslave_v you_o and_o that_o you_o have_v a_o mind_n indeed_o to_o quit_v they_o 3._o you_o do_v hereby_o give_v out_o that_o you_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o take_v god_n for_o your_o master_n to_o enrol_v yourself_o in_o the_o list_n of_o his_o soldier_n to_o fight_v against_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n your_o own_o flesh_n and_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v a_o enemy_n with_o he_o deal_v in_o truth_n and_o dissemble_v not_o with_o god_n in_o this_o see_v you_o come_v not_o to_o give_v god_n a_o day_n with_o a_o secret_a purpose_n to_o give_v the_o devil_n a_o year_n 4._o you_o do_v hereby_o give_v out_o that_o you_o mind_n to_o close_v with_o christ_n on_o his_o own_o term_n see_v you_o deal_v sincere_o with_o he_o in_o this_o also_o and_o for_o this_o end_n ponder_v well_o and_o think_v on_o the_o term_n before_o hand_n for_o if_o you_o close_v a_o bargain_n with_o he_o on_o his_o own_o term_n and_o so_o deal_v sincere_o and_o in_o truth_n with_o he_o you_o must_v first_o take_v he_o free_o for_o come_v and_o buy_v say_v he_o without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n isai_n 55._o 1._o and_o therefore_o you_o must_v not_o keep_v back_o from_o he_o or_o come_v heartles_o to_o he_o because_o you_o find_v no_o worth_n in_o yourselves_o for_o which_o you_o shall_v be_v belove_v by_o he_o if_o you_o do_v so_o you_o deal_v not_o sincere_o and_o in_o truth_n with_o he_o 2._o if_o you_o take_v he_o on_o his_o own_o term_n and_o so_o deal_v sincere_o with_o he_o you_o must_v take_v he_o whole_o not_o only_o as_o a_o priest_n to_o save_v you_o but_o as_o a_o king_n to_o rule_v in_o you_o if_o you_o mind_v to_o make_v no_o other_o use_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o get_v your_o bypass_a sin_n pardon_v by_o he_o that_o you_o may_v take_v on_o a_o new_a score_n in_o time_n to_o come_v you_o deal_v not_o sincere_o and_o in_o truth_n with_o he_o you_o pretend_v to_o take_v he_o on_o his_o own_o term_n and_o that_o be_v to_o take_v he_o whole_o and_o yet_o you_o will_v not_o take_v he_o as_o a_o king_n to_o rule_v over_o you_o 3._o you_o must_v take_v he_o with_o all_o the_o hazard_n that_o may_v follow_v upon_o your_o take_n of_o he_o you_o must_v take_v he_o with_o a_o resolution_n to_o â—leave_v to_o he_o through_o well_o and_o through_o woe_n aswell_o when_o the_o world_n frown_v upon_o he_o as_o when_o it_o smile_v otherwise_o you_o deal_v not_o sincere_o with_o he_o for_o these_o be_v his_o own_o term_n whereon_o you_o pretend_v to_o close_v with_o he_o if_o any_o man_n say_v he_o will_v be_v my_o disciple_n les_fw-fr he_o deny_v himself_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o and_o last_o you_o must_v take_v he_o irrevocable_o for_o it_o be_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n so_o that_o if_o the_o next_o day_n when_o the_o sensible_a fruit_n of_o a_o communion_n do_v not_o answer_v your_o expectation_n you_o lose_v your_o grip_n and_o quit_v the_o bargain_n you_o do_v not_o deal_v sincere_o and_o in_o truth_n with_o he_o i_o shall_v shut_v up_o all_o i_o have_v say_v by_o give_v some_o motive_n for_o make_v you_o deal_v thus_o sincere_o and_o in_o truth_n with_o he_o know_v 1_o he_o be_v deal_v sincere_o and_o in_o truth_n with_o you_o he_o mind_v indeed_o to_o close_v a_o a_o most_o bless_a bargain_n with_o you_o and_o with_o all_o of_o you_o who_o mind_n to_o take_v he_o at_o his_o word_n and_o to_o give_v he_o credit_n and_o if_o you_o will_v but_o credit_v he_o you_o shall_v find_v from_o experience_n ere_o long_o that_o he_o have_v be_v sincere_a real_a and_o in_o earnest_n with_o you_o and_o to_o the_o end_n you_o may_v trust_v he_o he_o gives_z the_o most_o speak_a evidence_n of_o his_o real_a sincerity_n towards_o you_o which_o can_v be_v give_v before_o you_o take_v a_o trial_n of_o he_o you_o have_v his_o word_n for_o it_o his_o writ_n for_o it_o his_o oath_n for_o it_o and_o you_o shall_v have_v his_o seal_n and_o pledge_v of_o it_o even_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v all_o that_o to_o you_o which_o he_o give_v himself_o out_o for_o so_o that_o i_o may_v well_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v deal_v sincere_o and_o in_o truth_n with_o you_o and_o therefore_o do_v you_o so_o with_o he_o 2._o your_o deal_n thus_o sincere_o and_o in_o truth_n with_o he_o as_o i_o show_v before_o will_v make_v he_o overlook_v your_o many_o other_o fail_n which_o otherwise_o he_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o reckon_v on_o your_o account_n 3._o if_o you_o deal_v not_o sincere_o and_o in_o truth_n with_o he_o now_o it_o be_v a_o venture_n when_o or_o if_o ever_o again_o you_o get_v such_o another_o occasion_n to_o do_v that_o which_o you_o now_o leave_v undo_v many_o of_o we_o have_v often_o at_o such_o time_n deal_v deceitful_o with_o god_n our_o heart_n have_v not_o be_v straight_o before_o he_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o he_o give_v we_o a_o new_a offer_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o be_v come_v or_o go_v he_o shall_v be_v our_o god_n and_o we_o his_o people_n and_o if_o you_o close_v with_o this_o offer_n in_o truth_n and_o on_o his_o own_o term_n you_o shall_v find_v he_o to_o be_v forthcoming_a according_a to_o his_o offer_n but_o if_o you_o shall_v slight_v he_o and_o deal_v deceitful_o with_o he_o seem_v to_o close_v a_o bargain_n with_o he_o when_o real_o you_o do_v it_o not_o it_o be_v a_o venture_n i_o say_v it_o over_o again_o if_o ever_o you_o get_v such_o another_o offer_n the_o shadow_n of_o the_o evening_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o bright_a sunshine_n of_o pure_a ordinance_n we_o have_v hitherto_o enjoy_v seem_v to_o be_v stretch_v out_o upon_o the_o land_n and_o our_o sun_n draw_v towards_o a_o decline_a but_o though_o that_o shall_v not_o be_v yet_o who_o be_v there_o among_o you_o can_v infallible_o promise_v that_o he_o shall_v ever_o see_v another_o communion_n yea_o or_o hear_v any_o number_n of_o sermon_n after_o this_o and_o therefore_o while_o it_o be_v to_o day_n hear_v his_o voice_n and_o harden_v not_o your_o heart_n behold_v now_o this_o very_a present_n now_o be_v the_o acceptable_a time_n and_o the_o day_n of_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v and_o call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o kilwinning_n may_v 11_o 1663._o upon_o the_o monday_n
immediate_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n the_o three_o sermon_n luke_n 7._o 23._o and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o me._n belove_a in_o the_o lord_n that_o place_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v unto_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n have_v have_v its_o accomplishment_n in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o no_o age_n more_o than_o in_o this_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o way_n of_o work_v both_o with_o church_n and_o particular_a soul_n have_v be_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o rock_n of_o offence_n to_o many_o yea_o more_o and_o more_o be_v stumble_v still_o what_o through_o one_o occasion_n or_o other_o many_o who_o once_o do_v seem_v to_o run_v well_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n have_v either_o already_o take_v up_o or_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o take_v up_o such_o a_o halt_n as_o christ_n may_v be_v conceive_v to_o say_v to_o those_o very_a few_o who_o seem_v resolve_v to_o follow_v he_o through_o better_a and_o worse_o as_o once_o he_o say_v joh._n 6._o 67._o unto_o the_o twelve_o when_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n go_v back_o and_o walk_v no_o more_o with_o he_o will_v you_o also_o go_v away_o i_o have_v therefore_o choose_v this_o text_n to_o speak_v from_o now_o immediate_o after_o have_v engage_v yourselves_o to_o walk_v in_o christ_n way_n that_o thereby_o you_o may_v guard_v against_o that_o woeful_a common_a evil_n of_o be_v offend_v in_o christ_n or_o of_o stumble_v and_o take_v up_o a_o halt_n in_o his_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o stumble_a block_n and_o rock_n of_o offence_n you_o may_v meet_v with_o for_o blessed_n be_v he_o say_v christ_n whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o the_o word_n be_v a_o part_n of_o christ_n answer_n to_o that_o question_n propound_v to_o he_o by_o two_o of_o john_n disciple_n at_o john_n desire_n verse_n 20._o art_n thou_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v or_o look_v we_o for_o another_o you_o may_v wonder_v that_o john_n who_o know_v christ_n so_o well_o shall_v have_v move_v such_o a_o question_n but_o the_o answer_n be_v first_o though_o soul_n know_v christ_n never_o so_o well_o they_o will_v desire_v and_o have_v need_n to_o know_v he_o better_o and_o to_o get_v what_o knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o he_o confirm_v to_o they_o especial_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n for_o john_n be_v now_o in_o prison_n and_o two_o they_o will_v desire_v that_o other_o may_v know_v he_o also_o for_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o go_v before_o that_o john_n propound_v this_o question_n for_o his_o disciple_n satisfaction_n and_o to_o satisfy_v their_o doubt_n more_o than_o his_o own_o christ_n answer_n have_v two_o part_n 1._o he_o bid_v they_o show_v john_n what_o they_o see_v he_o do_v verse_n 22._o tell_v john_n say_v he_o what_o thing_n you_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v how_o that_o the_o blind_a see_v the_o lame_a walk_n the_o leper_n be_v cleanse_v the_o deaf_a hear_v the_o dead_a be_v raise_v to_o the_o poor_a the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v if_o you_o ask_v what_o make_v this_o to_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o question_n i_o answer_v it_o make_v much_o for_o it_o show_v he_o be_v do_v that_o which_o scripture_n foretell_v the_o messiah_n will_v do_v isai._n 35._o 5_o 6._o and_o therefore_o he_o behove_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n 2._o in_o their_o word_n he_o answer_v a_o main_a objection_n against_o this_o truth_n take_v from_o christ_n own_o low_a condition_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o follower_n which_o make_v many_o bear_n off_o he_o for_o they_o expect_v a_o glorious_a messiah_n a_o great_a earthly_a monarch_n and_o because_o christ_n be_v but_o obscure_a and_o mean_a therefore_o they_o stumble_v and_o be_v offend_v in_o he_o to_o this_o christ_n answer_v blessed_n be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v or_o scandalize_v in_o i_o the_o word_n render_v here_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o traveller_n who_o have_v dash_v their_o foot_n or_o leg_n at_o some_o stone_n or_o block_n in_o the_o way_n do_v stumble_v or_o take_v up_o a_o halt_n so_o as_o they_o can_v go_v no_o further_o at_o least_o advance_v not_o so_o quick_o in_o the_o way_n as_o they_o do_v and_o second_o while_o he_o say_v offend_v in_o i_o take_v this_o first_o active_o and_o so_o the_o meaning_n be_v they_o shall_v not_o take_v occasion_n of_o stumble_v from_o any_o thing_n in_o christ_n or_o in_o his_o way_n 2._o it_o may_v be_v take_v passive_o so_o as_o to_o point_v out_o the_o way_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o stumble_v nor_o take_v up_o a_o halt_n in_o for_o there_o be_v some_o way_n to_o wit_n every_o sinful_a course_n and_o way_n that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o people_n to_o stumble_v in_o and_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o but_o this_o way_n wherein_o we_o shall_v not_o stumble_v be_v christ_n himself_o and_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n prescribe_v by_o he_o bless_a be_v he_o say_v christ_n who_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v happy_a be_v that_o man_n who_o take_v not_o occasion_n from_o i_o or_o any_o thing_n in_o my_o way_n to_o stumble_v or_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o i_o and_o that_o course_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n wherein_o i_o have_v command_v he_o to_o walk_v the_o word_n be_v but_o one_o entire_a proposition_n and_o sentence_n i_o need_v not_o therefore_o spend_v time_n in_o divide_v they_o but_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o doctrine_n first_o the_o lord_n apply_v the_o general_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o himself_o in_o particular_a show_v they_o be_v verify_v in_o he_o for_o the_o word_n in_o i_o have_v in_o they_o a_o direct_a answer_n to_o the_o question_v propound_v by_o john_n disciple_n and_o show_v the_o messiah_n be_v come_v and_o that_o he_o be_v that_o messiah_n whence_o we_o may_v mark_v that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n who_o be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n bring_v up_o in_o nazareth_n and_o crucify_a in_o jerusalem_n be_v that_o very_o same_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v and_o promise_v to_o the_o father_n we_o may_v observe_v 2_o that_o before_o he_o give_v this_o answer_n that_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n who_o they_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o not_o to_o stumble_v at_o he_o do_v first_o prove_v by_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v so_o while_o he_o hid_n john_n disciple_n tell_v their_o master_n he_o be_v do_v such_o miraculous_a work_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v foreshow_v none_o but_o christ_n shall_v do_v whence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o all_o question_n and_o debate_n about_o religion_n shall_v be_v determine_v from_o scripture_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n for_o here_o when_o a_o question_n arise_v among_o john_n disciple_n if_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n neither_o john_n the_o baptist_n than_o who_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a prophet_n among_o these_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o woman_n yea_o nor_o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v great_a than_o he_o do_v take_v it_o upon_o they_o to_o determine_v in_o it_o but_o john_n send_v they_o to_o christ_n and_o christ_n send_v they_o to_o the_o scripture_n for_o a_o solution_n thus_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n say_v the_o lord_n isai._n 8._o 20._o if_o they_o do_v not_o speak_v according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o rule_n have_v be_v the_o inlet_a to_o humane_a tradition_n without_o and_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n both_o in_o worship_n and_o government_n in_o the_o antichristian_a church_n and_o if_o this_o rule_n once_o be_v lay_v aside_o there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n of_o humane_a ceremony_n until_o all_o that_o trash_n which_o be_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v bring_v in_o upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o if_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o man_n can_v make_v way_n for_o one_o it_o may_v also_o make_v way_n for_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o pass_v those_o the_o two_o follow_a doctrine_n be_v these_o that_o i_o intend_v most_o to_o insist_v upon_o and_o both_o of_o they_o be_v employ_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v many_o stumble_a block_n in_o christ_n way_n whereat_z people_z be_v apt_a to_o offend_v take_v up_o a_o halt_n and_o stumble_v and_o yet_o second_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n which_o ought_v to_o make_v we_o stumble_v for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o stumble_a block_n christ_n need_v not_o so_o much_o guard_n against_o they_o and_o by_o his_o guard_n against_o they_o he_o
the_o courage_n to_o go_v on_o in_o christ_n way_n and_o set_v their_o face_n against_o the_o storm_n of_o reproach_n and_o disgrace_n which_o be_v raise_v up_o with_o such_o like_a work_n but_o notwithstanding_o know_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o stumble_v at_o christ_n or_o his_o way_n for_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n because_o 1._o he_o approve_v no_o such_o scandalous_a outbreaking_n his_o word_n condemn_v they_o in_o all_o and_o in_o none_o more_o than_o in_o his_o follower_n because_o david_n by_o his_o fall_n make_v the_o enemy_n of_o god_n to_o transgress_v therefore_o the_o sword_n never_o depart_v from_o his_o house_n 2._o he_o permit_v such_o offence_n to_o be_v for_o holy_a wise_a and_o just_a reason_n or_o that_o wicked_a man_n may_v thereby_o get_v occasion_n to_o vent_v that_o inward_a spite_n they_o still_o carry_v against_o religion_n and_o godliness_n and_o so_o in_o god_n holy_a justice_n be_v permit_v to_o break_v their_o neck_n upon_o they_o and_o 3._o that_o all_o even_o the_o best_a may_v see_v therein_o their_o own_o weakness_n before_o a_o tentation_n and_o what_o unspeakable_a obligation_n they_o be_v under_o to_o god_n that_o they_o be_v not_o make_v example_n of_o humane_a frailty_n unto_o other_o as_o other_o be_v to_o they_o and_o 4_o that_o all_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o have_v the_o person_n of_o man_n in_o admiration_n to_o love_v truth_n and_o cleave_v unto_o it_o not_o for_o the_o piety_n of_o man_n who_o own_o it_o but_o from_o that_o worth_n that_o be_v in_o truth_n itself_o so_o as_o that_o though_o the_o very_a minister_n themselves_o who_o preach_v it_o shall_v run_v away_o from_o it_o or_o by_o their_o scandalous_a outbreaking_n through_o dirt_n upon_o it_o yet_o you_o may_v still_o adhere_v to_o it_o in_o which_o case_n that_o whereon_o other_o stumble_v and_o break_v their_o neck_n shall_v make_v you_o advance_v the_o fast_o in_o your_o way_n and_o god_n shall_v bring_v you_o meat_n out_o of_o the_o eater_n a_o 6_o thing_n that_o prove_v a_o stumble_a block_n unto_o many_o be_v diversity_n of_o opinion_n there_o be_v so_o many_o religion_n and_o opinion_n about_o religion_n they_o know_v not_o which_o to_o follow_v let_v all_o man_n once_o agree_v among_o themselves_o and_o then_o thy_o i_o will_v choose_v but_o till_o then_o they_o will_v forbear_v and_o so_o in_o effect_n do_v mock_v at_o all_o religion_n but_o neither_o shall_v this_o be_v for_o in_o the_o deep_a wisdom_n of_o god_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a 1_o cor_n 11._o 19_o beside_o it_o lie_v not_o in_o the_o devil_n power_n so_o to_o confound_v matter_n but_o that_o humble_a seeker_n of_o god_n will_v find_v out_o the_o right_a way_n he_o that_o guide_v the_o blind_a in_o a_o way_n they_o know_v not_o will_v lead_v such_o there_o be_v proud_a conceity_n people_n even_o though_o otherwise_o good_a and_o there_o be_v also_o careless_a profane_a people_n that_o be_v such_o as_o look_v upon_o all_o religion_n as_o policy_n who_o be_v most_o like_a among_o such_o uncertainty_n to_o lose_v their_o way_n 7._o people_z be_v ready_a to_o stumble_v at_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n because_o of_o the_o quality_n of_o his_o follower_n it_o be_v the_o poor_a receive_v the_o gospel_n john_n 7._o 48._o have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o of_o the_o pharisee_n believe_v on_o he_o and_o as_o christ_n follower_n be_v of_o the_o poor_a sort_n so_o usual_o the_o cross_n be_v their_o livery_n through_o many_o tribulation_n say_v paul_n they_o must_v enter_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o who_o be_v poor_a sickly_a tender_a despise_v mock_v at_o afflict_v in_o body_n and_o mind_n if_o christ_n follower_n be_v not_o but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o stumble_v at_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n for_o this_o and_o if_o thou_o stumble_v at_o it_o thou_o stumble_v at_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o 1_o cor_n 1._o 27_o have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a and_o the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v mighty_a and_o base_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thing_n which_o be_v despise_v have_v god_n choose_v and_o as_o to_o the_o cross_n they_o get_v no_o more_o of_o it_o than_o what_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o 1._o peter_z 1_o 6_o tho_o for_o a_o season_n if_o need_v be_v you_o be_v in_o heaveness_n it_o be_v needful_a and_o they_o find_v it_o needful_a so_o as_o many_o time_n they_o will_v be_v make_v to_o say_v they_o can_v not_o want_v one_o dram_n of_o it_o beside_o that_o the_o bitter_a cross_n make_v christ_n the_o sweet_a to_o they_o and_o so_o sweet_a as_o to_o furnish_v they_o with_o more_o contentment_n in_o their_o crossed_n condition_n than_o a_o king_n have_v who_o sway_v a_o sceptre_n psalm_n 4._o 6._o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n make_v david_n glad_a etc._n etc._n to_o this_o add_v their_o heaven_n be_v not_o here_o and_o the_o lord_n of_o purpose_n make_v earth_n bitter_a to_o his_o follower_n that_o heaven_n may_v be_v the_o sweet_a when_o it_o come_v 8._o not_o only_o common_a calamity_n from_o god_n but_o bitter_a persecution_n from_o man_n attend_v the_o way_n of_o godliness_n and_o these_o make_v many_o stumble_v and_o take_v up_o a_o halt_n christ_n our_o lord_n matth._n 13._o 21._o speak_v of_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o when_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n by_o and_o by_o they_o be_v offend_v and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o time_n show_v that_o many_o former_o forward_o do_v then_o faint_a neither_o want_v they_o their_o pretend_a reason_n for_o they_o be_v make_v to_o suffer_v as_o evil_a doer_n often_o as_o disloyal_a or_o seditious_a person_n which_o to_o some_o make_v suffering_n more_o terrible_a than_o any_o other_o thing_n again_o they_o will_v but_o faint_v and_o shame_v the_o truth_n when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o think_v it_o better_a to_o quit_v it_o in_o time_n and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v answerable_a to_o god_n to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o lose_v all_o they_o have_v in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o make_v themselves_o and_o posterity_n beggar_n to_o this_o add_v what_o if_o suffering_n shall_v run_v high_o than_o good_n even_o to_o their_o life_n they_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o die_v and_o so_o they_o may_v lose_v their_o soul_n beside_o they_o yield_v but_o in_o a_o little_a but_o quit_v not_o all_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o wisdom_n think_v they_o to_o be_v too_o peremptor_n these_o and_o such_o like_a reason_n make_v many_o stumble_v at_o persecution_n and_o a_o suffer_a lot_n when_o it_o attend_v god_n way_n and_o those_o that_o walk_v in_o it_o but_o there_o be_v as_o little_a cause_n to_o stumble_v at_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n at_o this_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n for_o see_v christ_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n go_v to_o heaven_n through_o a_o sea_n of_o many_o sad_a suffering_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o matter_n unbeseeming_a or_o a_o ground_n of_o stumble_v that_o it_o be_v with_o the_o servant_n as_o it_o be_v with_o their_o lord_n and_o with_o the_o disciple_n as_o it_o be_v with_o their_o master_n christ_n strive_v to_o prevent_v his_o disciple_n stumble_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n john_n 15_o 15._o again_o a_o suffer_a lot_n have_v still_o when_o it_o follow_v christ_n fellower_n make_v christ_n way_n the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n a_o gainer_n it_o have_v ever_o prove_v so_o as_o may_v be_v make_v appear_v both_o from_o scripture_n and_o ecclesiastic_a history_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n phiâ—p_n 1._o 12._o so_o have_v it_o be_v and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v with_o all_o christ_n suffer_a follower_n i_o will_v say_v he_o you_o shall_v understand_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o happen_v unto_o i_o have_v fall_v out_o rather_o to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o ever_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v god_n none-such_a way_n wherein_o none_o can_v follow_v he_o to_o make_v his_o truth_n his_o work_n his_o church_n his_o interest_n thrive_v best_a when_o they_o be_v bear_v down_o most_o as_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n exod_n 1._o 12._o who_o the_o more_o they_o be_v afflict_v the_o more_o they_o multiply_v and_o grow_v and_o therefore_o to_o stumble_v at_o christ_n way_n because_o of_o persecution_n and_o a_o suffer_a lot_n which_o usual_o do_v attend_v it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o break_v our_o neck_n upon_o the_o deep_a and_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n because_o he_o take_v his_o own_o way_n the_o sure_a and_o speedy_a way_n to_o make_v his_o church_n to_o grow_v and_o will_v not_o take_v we_o
beside_o all_o these_o pretext_n and_o excuse_n of_o stumble_v on_o this_o account_n may_v be_v easy_o answer_v for_o though_o it_o have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o god_n servant_n even_o when_o they_o have_v suffer_v for_o righteousness_n to_o be_v suffer_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n as_o evil_a doer_n yet_o in_o that_o case_n man_n must_v think_v it_o enough_o that_o they_o approve_v themselves_o unto_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o day_n come_v when_o their_o integrity_n shall_v be_v bring_v forth_o as_o the_o light_n 1_o cor_n 4_o 3_o with_o i_o say_v the_o apostle_n it_o be_v a_o very_a small_a thing_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v judge_v of_o you_o or_o of_o man_n judgement_n he_o that_o judge_v i_o be_v the_o lord_n again_o none_o ever_o suffer_v that_o for_o he_o which_o he_o do_v suffer_v for_o they_o he_o take_v nothing_o from_o man_n but_o what_o he_o have_v first_o give_v unto_o they_o neither_o put_v he_o they_o to_o more_o than_o what_o he_o do_v fit_a and_o strengthen_v they_o for_o it_o hold_v constant_o in_o the_o mount_n the_o lord_n will_v be_v see_v and_o 1_o pet_n 4._o 14._o if_o you_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n happy_a be_v you_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n rest_v on_o you_o and_o when_o people_n be_v put_v to_o the_o outmost_a of_o what_o can_v be_v expect_v even_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o pay_v of_o their_o debt_n a_o little_a soon_o for_o once_o die_v they_o must_v and_o though_o they_o shall_v shift_v the_o matter_n at_o that_o time_n how_o quick_o may_v god_n take_v their_o life_n from_o they_o another_o way_n possible_o in_o a_o long_a linger_a and_o pine_v sickness_n with_o great_a torment_n and_o a_o gnaw_a worm_n of_o conscience_n beside_o and_o for_o any_o loss_n of_o good_n land_n and_o inheritance_n that_o either_o people_n themselves_o or_o other_o of_o their_o relation_n may_v sustain_v by_o cleave_v to_o christ_n way_n in_o a_o suffer_a time_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v value_v to_o the_o loss_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o countenance_n which_o can_v but_o follow_v if_o man_n do_v otherwise_o god_n peace_n and_o favour_n the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n list_v up_o be_v that_o hundred_o fold_n more_o than_o house_n brethren_n sister_n child_n and_o land_n which_o a_o man_n who_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n shall_v receive_v even_o now_o in_o this_o life_n as_o our_o saviour_n teach_v mark_n 10._o 29_o 30._o so_o beside_o that_o god_n have_v a_o thousand_o way_n to_o make_v up_o to_o man_n any_o loss_n of_o that_o kind_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o no_o man_n who_o set_v his_o face_n towards_o heaven_n shall_v want_v a_o competency_n for_o carry_v he_o there_o and_o when_o a_o man_n be_v once_o there_o he_o need_v no_o more_o matth_n 6._o 33_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o and_o many_o thing_n may_v fall_v out_o that_o may_v impoverish_v you_o in_o which_o you_o will_v neither_o have_v that_o honour_n nor_o satistisfaction_n which_o attend_v the_o christian_n loss_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o though_o cede_v for_o a_o little_a may_v put_v a_o storm_n of_o trouble_n by_o yet_o he_o that_o be_v not_o faithful_a in_o the_o little_a will_v never_o be_v faithful_a in_o that_o which_o be_v more_o and_o it_o be_v satan_n policy_n at_o all_o time_n to_o draw_v out_o the_o cause_n of_o suffering_n to_o small_a thing_n as_o moses_n hoof_n mordecart_n beck_n and_o daniel_n open_v of_o his_o window_n in_o which_o case_n to_o wit_n the_o case_n of_o confession_n even_o small_a thing_n become_v great_a from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v abundant_o clear_a there_o be_v no_o real_a reason_n why_o any_o shall_v stumble_v at_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n because_o of_o peresecution_n or_o a_o suffer_a lot_n which_o usual_o do_v attend_v it_o but_o a_o nine_o and_o last_o thing_n which_o make_v people_n ready_a to_o stumble_v at_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n and_o not_o only_o at_o one_o piece_n of_o his_o way_n but_o the_o whole_a bulk_n of_o godliness_n and_o turn_v perfect_a atheist_n be_v the_o temporize_a temper_n of_o minister_n when_o alas_o so_o much_o the_o more_o be_v our_o shame_n it_o be_v usual_o observe_v the_o generality_n of_o minister_n almost_o of_o all_o country_n be_v of_o that_o religion_n and_o way_n which_o be_v most_o in_o credit_n and_o which_o the_o sway_n of_o the_o court_n run_v most_o for_o thus_o among_o papist_n almost_o all_o be_v papist_n in_o sweden_n and_o denmark_n almost_o all_o be_v lutheran_n and_o here_o with_o we_o and_o in_o france_n and_o holland_n almost_o all_o be_v calvinist_n and_o that_o which_o increase_v the_o scandal_n and_o rock_n of_o offence_n be_v when_o it_o be_v observe_v they_o easy_o turn_v their_o tongue_n to_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o all_o time_n foreward_o cry_v up_o such_o a_o way_n the_o one_o year_n when_o the_o rule_v power_n be_v for_o it_o and_o not_o only_o cry_v it_o up_o but_o engage_v their_o credit_n and_o conscience_n by_o the_o most_o solemn_a tie_v which_o can_v be_v imagine_v among_o man_n to_o promote_v it_o and_o press_v with_o all_o the_o most_o serious_a vehemency_n that_o man_n can_v use_v upon_o the_o lord_n people_n to_o do_v the_o like_a and_o yet_o when_o time_n change_v and_o that_o they_o perceive_v the_o promote_a of_o such_o a_o way_n do_v not_o make_v for_o their_o worldly_a interest_n they_o will_v cry_v it_o as_o much_o down_o again_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n to_o be_v have_v either_o to_o god_n conscience_n or_o credit_n but_o only_o to_o people_n interest_n and_o stand_v thus_o in_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a a_o godly_a prince_n all_o the_o minister_n almost_o be_v orthodox_n again_o in_o his_o son_n constantius_n his_o day_n almost_o all_o of_o they_o even_o the_o same_o man_n who_o have_v be_v at_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o condemn_v the_o arian_n heresy_n turn_v arian_n hence_o it_o be_v then_o say_v vnus_fw-la athanasius_n contra_fw-la totum_fw-la mundum_fw-la and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o that_o age_n so_o have_v it_o be_v almost_o ever_o since_o the_o sway_n of_o the_o court_n and_o ruling_n power_n of_o the_o time_n have_v carry_v with_o it_o the_o generality_n of_o minister_n too_o great_a a_o length_n to_o say_v and_o unsay_v as_o they_o do_v enjoin_v they_o this_o i_o grant_v be_v indeed_o a_o rock_n which_o of_o any_o other_o have_v in_o it_o most_o of_o offence_n a_o rock_n whereon_o many_o a_o soul_n have_v make_v shipwreck_n and_o if_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n do_v not_o preserve_v his_o own_o elect_n it_o be_v a_o world_n wonder_n if_o it_o do_v not_o banish_v all_o sense_n of_o religion_n out_o of_o the_o world_n make_v all_o flesh_n turn_v irreligious_a atheist_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v furnish_v we_o with_o something_o to_o say_v of_o this_o rock_n also_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o any_o shall_v stumble_v at_o christ_n way_n for_o it_o and_o 1._o because_o both_o scripture_n and_o humane_a history_n do_v show_v that_o though_o it_o have_v be_v so_o almost_o in_o all_o time_n yet_o the_o lord_n have_v guide_v the_o matter_n so_o that_o he_o have_v still_o keep_v a_o church_n to_o himself_o i_o have_v show_v so_o much_o already_o from_o church_n history_n in_o constantine_n time_n and_o for_o scripture_n history_n you_o know_v in_o elijah_n time_n 1_o king_n 19_o 14._o the_o torrent_n of_o defection_n be_v so_o prevalent_a that_o for_o any_o thing_n can_v appear_v to_o such_o a_o sagacious_a man_n as_o elijah_n he_o and_o he_o only_o be_v leave_v alone_o and_o rev._n 3._o 4._o there_o be_v but_o a_o few_o name_n leave_v in_o sardis_n which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n with_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o time_n 2._o this_o may_v also_o contribute_v to_o remove_v stumble_v that_o the_o lord_n among_o all_o the_o most_o general_a defection_n of_o minister_n have_v ever_o keep_v some_o straight_o so_o as_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n be_v not_o leave_v without_o a_o witness_n and_o some_o encouragement_n to_o those_o that_o walk_v in_o it_o in_o achab_n time_n there_o be_v one_o elias_n yea_o several_a other_o though_o elias_n know_v not_o of_o they_o and_o in_o sardis_n there_o be_v a_o few_o name_n at_o least_o who_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n wheâ—_n the_o arian_n so_o far_o prevail_v that_o it_o be_v say_v the_o whole_a world_n groan_v and_o wonder_v at_o itself_o that_o it_o become_v arian_n yet_o there_o
be_v one_o athanasius_n and_o when_o antichrist_n be_v to_o prevail_v it_o be_v show_v rev._n 11._o 3._o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o tyranny_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o torrent_n of_o corruption_n in_o these_o time_n god_n shall_v have_v his_o two_o that_o be_v though_o not_o many_o yet_o some_o few_o witness_n 3._o the_o lord_n in_o his_o deep_a wisdom_n do_v measure_n out_o such_o a_o dispensation_n for_o heighten_v his_o church_n trial_n and_o that_o these_o who_o keep_v their_o garment_n clean_o may_v come_v forth_o as_o gold_n it_o be_v but_o a_o inconsiderable_a trial_n and_o call_v for_o little_a resolution_n to_o stand_v it_o out_o when_o all_o the_o lord_n minister_n speak_v one_o thing_n lift_v up_o their_o voice_n as_o a_o trumpet_n and_o denounce_v the_o dreadful_a judgement_n of_o god_n on_o all_o who_o turn_v their_o back_n on_o truth_n and_o piety_n but_o when_o the_o generality_n of_o minister_n at_o any_o time_n do_v blow_v the_o trumpet_n of_o defection_n from_o the_o lord_n that_o speak_v loyalty_n indeed_o if_o then_o notwithstanding_o such_o defection_n people_n stand_v to_o the_o lord_n banner_n and_o in_o nothing_o be_v move_v from_o it_o and_o that_o because_o the_o trumpet_n give_v a_o uncertain_a sound_n speak_v one_o thing_n one_o day_n and_o another_o thing_n the_o next_o so_o that_o to_o stumble_v at_o christ_n way_n because_o of_o this_o when_o it_o fall_v out_o be_v to_o stumble_v at_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n 4._o therefore_o shall_v no_o man_n stumble_v at_o christ_n nor_o his_o way_n for_o this_o because_o the_o lord_n in_o all_o time_n have_v make_v it_o and_o no_o doubt_n will_v yet_o make_v it_o tend_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o way_n in_o the_o close_a so_o as_o afterward_o time_n grow_v more_o favourable_a the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v thereby_o be_v free_v from_o a_o fleece_n of_o time-servers_a who_o will_v never_o otherways_o have_v discover_v themselves_o beside_o that_o other_o who_o through_o weakness_n have_v turn_v aside_o in_o some_o degreâ—â—_n with_o the_o torrent_n of_o the_o time_n somewhat_o against_o their_o heart_n have_v be_v make_v to_o acknowledge_v their_o weakness_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o so_o make_v up_o by_o their_o repentance_n the_o breach_n they_o have_v make_v on_o god_n way_n by_o their_o fall_n and_o consequent_o for_o any_o to_o stumble_v at_o christ_n way_n because_o of_o this_o be_v to_o break_v their_o neck_n on_o that_o which_o in_o god_n method_n do_v make_v his_o way_n most_o lovely_a in_o the_o close_a there_o be_v other_o two_o point_n yet_o which_o may_v be_v handle_v joint_o as_o the_o former_a the_o one_o express_v the_o other_o employ_v and_o both_o of_o they_o serve_v to_o confirm_v the_o last_o to_o wit_n that_o whatever_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o christ_n way_n we_o shall_v not_o love_v christ_n nor_o his_o way_n the_o less_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n shall_v make_v we_o take_v up_o a_o halt_n in_o his_o way_n much_o less_o turn_v our_o back_n upon_o it_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o happy_a thing_n not_o to_o stumble_v at_o christ_n or_o his_o way_n this_o be_v express_v in_o the_o text._n 2._o the_o man_n who_o be_v offend_v in_o christ_n who_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o he_o because_o of_o stumbling-block_n or_o rock_n of_o offence_n in_o the_o way_n that_o man_n be_v a_o unhappy_a man_n and_o curse_a i_o may_v prosecute_v both_o these_o point_n but_o for_o the_o time_n i_o shall_v forbear_v and_o only_o say_v something_o in_o answer_n to_o a_o needful_a question_n i_o think_v one_o may_v ready_o ask_v what_o i_o call_v christ_n way_n whereat_o we_o shall_v not_o stumble_v for_o there_o be_v man_n and_o party_n of_o several_a way_n there_o be_v papist_n and_o protestant_n sectary_n socinian_n formalist_n anabaptist_n prelatist_n or_o episcopâ—l-men_n presbyterian_o independent_o and_o quaker_n every_o one_o whereof_o have_v their_o own_o way_n about_o religion_n and_o no_o doubt_n all_o of_o they_o will_v call_v their_o own_o way_n christ_n way_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o know_v which_o of_o these_o way_n be_v christ_n way_n indeed_o that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o turn_v our_o back_n upon_o it_o in_o answer_n to_o which_o question_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o the_o time_n i_o can_v enter_v in_o a_o debate_n concern_v what_o be_v right_o or_o wrong_n what_o be_v christ_n what_o be_v not_o christ_n in_o all_o those_o way_n i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o give_v you_o some_o general_a direction_n for_o find_v out_o what_o be_v christ_n way_n amid_o the_o tide_n and_o torrent_n of_o so_o many_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o these_o such_o that_o upon_o the_o one_o hand_n i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o man_n have_v his_o right_a wit_n about_o he_o with_o the_o least_o grain_n of_o piety_n but_o he_o must_v give_v his_o assent_n unto_o they_o and_o yet_o such_o as_o through_o god_n blessing_n be_v right_o improven_v shall_v not_o leave_v you_o without_o a_o guide_n what_o to_o choose_v as_o god_n way_n and_o what_o not_o first_o then_o i_o doubt_v not_o it_o will_v be_v take_v for_o grant_v by_o all._n that_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n whereat_o we_o shall_v not_o stumble_v be_v the_o essentials_n of_o piety_n and_o christianity_n i_o mean_v faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n repentance_n unto_o life_n holiness_n and_o tenderness_n of_o walk_n in_o eschew_v all_o know_a sin_n and_o come_v up_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o know_a duty_n this_o be_v it_o i_o intend_v main_o all_o along_v to_o wit_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o forementioned_a rock_n of_o offence_n you_o will_v not_o turn_v profligate_v profane_a debauch_a and_o irreligious_a atheist_n but_o hold_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o substantial_a piety_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o and_o over_o the_o belly_n of_o all_o 2._o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o it_o be_v but_o a_o loose_a way_n of_o religion_n and_o very_o near_o to_o no_o religion_n at_o all_o for_o a_o man_n to_o pretend_v to_o no_o more_o but_o adhere_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o substantial_a duty_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o fundamental_a truth_n while_o in_o other_o thing_n he_o say_v and_o unsay_v and_o roll_v about_o with_o the_o time_n for_o hereby_o they_o may_v suffer_v the_o devil_n to_o do_v with_o the_o most_o part_n of_o scripture_n what_o he_o please_v for_o truth_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v but_o few_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n have_v so_o provide_v that_o the_o mean_a capacity_n may_v explicit_o comprehend_v they_o and_o all_o of_o they_o see_v they_o can_v be_v save_v without_o they_o but_o though_o there_o be_v some_o few_o truth_n only_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o salvation_n yet_o there_o be_v other_o in_o their_o own_o kind_n also_o necessary_a to_o wit_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o your_o own_o comfort_n and_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v you_o stick_v close_o by_o these_o truth_n once_o know_v they_o to_o be_v truth_n as_o well_o as_o by_o other_o and_o that_o because_o a_o great_a part_n of_o christ_n way_n lie_v in_o a_o man_n adherence_n even_o to_o these_o truth_n to_o wit_n god_n glory_n and_o the_o man_n be_v own_o comfort_n and_o a_o profane_a loose_a and_o indifferent_a spirit_n as_o to_o these_o do_v both_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o in_o god_n just_a judgement_n beget_v in_o progress_n of_o time_n profane_a indifferency_n and_o atheism_n as_o to_o other_o more_o great_a and_o substantial_a truth_n so_o do_v the_o apostle_n paul_n inform_v the_o galatian_n ch._n 5._o 9_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n thus_o than_o the_o great_a question_n be_v to_o know_v which_o be_v christ_n way_n in_o truth_n of_o that_o sort_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o stumble_v at_o it_o for_o which_o in_o the_o first_o place_n take_v paul_n rule_n philipp_n 3._o 16._o nevertheless_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o 2_o john_n 8._o look_v to_o yourselves_o that_o we_o lose_v not_o these_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v wrought_v in_o a_o word_n whatever_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v on_o good_a ground_n to_o be_v christ_n way_n let_v he_o stick_v close_o by_o that_o as_o his_o way_n and_o whatever_o he_o meet_v with_o beware_v of_o do_v any_o thing_n wherein_o his_o own_o heart_n will_v condemn_v he_o i_o say_v this_o because_o there_o be_v some_o truth_n of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n which_o be_v as_o clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n as_o other_o more_o substantial_a truth_n and_o consequent_o a_o man_n may_v as_o much_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o and_o though_o another_o man_n may_v think_v or_o say_v he_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o contrary_a error_n that_o it_o be_v truth_n and_o be_v deceive_v
have_v be_v convert_v and_o endue_v with_o save_v grace_n neither_o do_v grace_n here_o signify_v god_n grace_n inherent_a in_o they_o but_o god_n grace_n and_o free_a favour_n which_o he_o see_v in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o that_o it_o wrought_v so_o powerful_o in_o bring_v a_o great_a many_o to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o who_o there_o doubtless_o be_v many_o sincere_a and_o real_a convert_v though_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o so_o however_o the_o thing_n he_o see_v be_v the_o mighty_a progress_n and_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o occasion_v by_o a_o strong_a and_o cruel_a persecution_n mention_v verse_n 19_o the_o minister_n be_v force_v to_o flee_v from_o their_o flock_n wherever_o they_o go_v they_o preach_v god_n grace_n and_o mighty_a hand_n accompany_v their_o labour_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o thousand_o soul_n this_o be_v the_o grace_n which_o barnabas_n see_v hence_o take_v this_o doctrine_n that_o sad_a persecution_n for_o truth_n do_v frequent_o prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o gospel_n spread_v thus_o it_o be_v act_n 8._o 3._o saul_n make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n enter_v into_o every_o house_n and_o hale_v man_n and_o woman_n commit_v they_o to_o prison_n v_o 4._o therefore_o they_o that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o go_v every_o where_o preach_v the_o word_n even_o as_o far_o as_o phâ—nice_n cyprus_n and_o antioch_n as_o it_o be_v ver_fw-la 19_o of_o this_o chapter_n the_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n occasion_v the_o enlargement_n of_o the_o church_n which_o have_v frequent_o fall_v out_o since_o which_o give_v ground_n to_o that_o true_a and_o ancient_a say_n the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o work_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n thrive_v best_a at_o such_o time_n may_v be_v many_o as_o 1._o people_n ear_n be_v then_o bore_v and_o ready_a to_o drink_v in_o the_o word_n with_o greediness_n because_o than_o they_o have_v little_a other_o comfort_n leave_v they_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n be_v a_o tasty_a sauce_n to_o make_v the_o word_n relish_v psal._n 141._o v_o 6._o when_o their_o judge_n be_v overthrow_v in_o stony_a place_n they_o shall_v hear_v my_o word_n for_o they_o be_v sweet_a 2._o at_o such_o time_n the_o servant_n of_o christ_n be_v more_o diligent_a in_o their_o work_n as_o they_o can_v have_v access_n to_o it_o and_o more_o fervent_a in_o deal_v with_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o a_o blessing_n to_o their_o work_n because_o the_o thrive_a of_o their_o work_n be_v all_o the_o reward_n which_o they_o can_v then_o expect_v and_o 3._o the_o lord_n do_v then_o usual_o countenance_v the_o labour_n of_o his_o servant_n most_o because_o they_o be_v most_o despise_v few_o do_v then_o care_v for_o they_o or_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n take_v this_o way_n both_o to_o hearten_v they_o and_o to_o put_v respect_n upon_o they_o and_o 4._o the_o courageous_a constant_a and_o cheerful_a endure_v of_o hardship_n and_o suffering_n for_o truth_n do_v commend_v that_o truth_n for_o which_o they_o suffer_v unto_o other_o even_o to_o indifferent_a spectator_n and_o make_v they_o inquire_v after_o it_o and_o desirous_a to_o know_v what_o so_o much_o worth_n there_o can_v be_v in_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v for_o application_n haste_v forward_o to_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o text_n only_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o people_n be_v not_o to_o lookupon_o persecution_n and_o a_o suffer_a time_n for_o truth_n whenever_o it_o come_v as_o so_o sad_a so_o dismal_a and_o dreadful_a a_o thing_n for_o this_o at_o least_o may_v be_v expect_v to_o be_v lovely_a in_o it_o the_o same_o truth_n which_o man_n labour_v to_o bear_v down_o shall_v spread_v the_o fast_o and_o the_o further_o and_o that_o this_o be_v so_o the_o follow_a doctrine_n will_v show_v another_o doctrine_n arise_v from_o the_o first_o effect_n this_o sight_n do_v work_v on_o barnabas_n it_o make_v he_o glad_a for_o so_o say_v the_o text_n who_o when_o he_o come_v and_o have_v see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v glad_a the_o doctrine_n be_v this_o that_o the_o gospel_n and_o truth_n do_v spread_v and_o gain_v ground_n among_o people_n be_v matter_n of_o joy_n and_o gladness_n to_o a_o godly_a heart_n though_o the_o time_n be_v otherwise_o never_o so_o sad_a for_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n to_o make_v barnabas_n sad_a at_o this_o time_n if_o we_o consider_v 1._o how_o they_o have_v stone_v the_o first_o martyr_n stephen_n to_o death_n a_o man_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o use_v he_o so_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v the_o most_o notorious_a malefactor_n that_o ever_o the_o earth_n carry_v and_o 2._o the_o prosperous_a state_n of_o the_o church_n enemy_n the_o scribe_n pharisee_n high-priest_n a_o company_n of_o degenerate_a corrupt_a churchman_n who_o at_o that_o time_n do_v sit_v at_o jerusalem_n guide_v all_o thing_n at_o their_o pleasure_n that_o if_o any_o do_v but_o mutter_v against_o their_o state_n and_o dignity_n though_o in_o the_o further_a part_n of_o all_o the_o realm_n their_o hand_n can_v easy_o reach_v they_o they_o need_v no_o more_o but_o hound_n out_o a_o saul_n with_o a_o commission_n if_o it_o be_v to_o damascâ—s_n to_o take_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o bind_v to_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o act_n 9_o 1_o 2._o and_o 3._o if_o you_o consider_v his_o own_o poor_a condition_n and_o that_o of_o other_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n at_o that_o time_n who_o be_v hunt_v from_o corner_n to_o corner_n yea_o from_o kingdom_n to_o kingdom_n these_o and_o many_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v at_o that_o time_n to_o make_v barnabas_n sad_a and_o yet_o this_o make_v he_o take_v all_o in_o the_o better_a part_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n digest_v all_o that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v accompany_v the_o labour_n of_o his_o despise_a servant_n and_o a_o rich_a income_n of_o soul_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o when_o he_o see_v this_o he_o be_v glad_a he_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n so_o transport_v with_o it_o that_o in_o a_o manner_n he_o forget_v stephen_n death_n he_o envy_v not_o the_o prosperous_a state_n of_o the_o church_n enemy_n noâ—_n do_v much_o resent_v his_o own_o hard_a lot_n or_o that_o of_o other_o who_o be_v christ_n faithful_a saint_n and_o servant_n all_o which_o clear_v the_o doctrine_n that_o the_o spread_a of_o truth_n will_v make_v a_o godly_a heart_n glad_a though_o the_o time_n otherwise_o be_v never_o so_o sad_a thus_o be_v it_o with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n philip_n 1._o 12._o the_o thing_n which_o happen_v unto_o i_o say_v he_o mean_v his_o bond_n imprisonment_n and_o other_o harsh_a usage_n have_v fall_v out_o rather_o unto_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereupon_o v_o 18._o he_o break_v out_o what_o then_o notwithstanding_o every_o way_n whether_o in_o pretence_n or_o in_o truth_n christ_n be_v preach_v and_o i_o therein_o do_v rejoice_v yea_o and_o will_v rejoice_v for_o use_v 1._o try_v yourselves_o by_o this_o what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v you_o glad_a be_v it_o the_o thrive_a of_o god_n work_n in_o soul_n the_o down-bearing_a of_o sin_n the_o growth_n of_o piety_n if_o so_o it_o speak_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o barnabas_n temper_n and_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n do_v rather_o make_v the_o sad_a and_o if_o the_o back-going_a of_o god_n work_n the_o destroy_v what_o he_o have_v build_v the_o pluck_n up_o of_o what_o he_o have_v plant_v the_o thrive_a of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n the_o general_a looseness_n of_o the_o time_n if_o i_o say_v these_o thing_n make_v thou_o glad_a it_o speak_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o woeful_a temper_n a_o very_a godless_a heart_n but_o 2._o if_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o will_v make_v a_o godly_a heart_n glaâ—_n in_o the_o sad_a of_o time_n then_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n may_v thrive_v in_o heart_n that_o those_o woeful_a spiritual_a plague_n of_o security_n deadness_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n may_v be_v remove_v and_o the_o gospel_n may_v take_v many_o by_o the_o heart_n who_o never_o hitherto_o know_v the_o power_n of_o it_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o god_n to_o bless_v his_o truth_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o despise_a and_o persecute_v servant_n and_o to_o make_v a_o gracious_a change_n though_o wickedness_n be_v at_o the_o great_a height_n and_o if_o he_o do_v it_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o other_o sadness_n of_o the_o time_n thou_o who_o be_v a_o godly_a heart_n shall_v have_v reason_n to_o be_v glad_a yea_o and_o thou_o shall_v
you_o will_v 3._o do_v not_o needless_o and_o without_o a_o ground_n call_v in_o question_n the_o reality_n of_o your_o former_a close_n with_o he_o for_o that_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o will_v make_v you_o heartless_a to_o set_v to_o it_o of_o new_a or_o however_o you_o question_v the_o reality_n of_o what_o you_o have_v do_v already_o yet_o see_v that_o in_o no_o term_n you_o question_v your_o right_n to_o close_v with_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o time_n to_o come_v for_o whatever_o thou_o have_v do_v former_o the_o gospel_n offer_n be_v yet_o at_o thy_o door_n and_o a_o command_n from_o god_n unto_o thou_o to_o close_v with_o it_o and_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o do_v it_o in_o earnest_n before_o thy_o need_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a to_o do_v it_o frequent_o and_o in_o earnest_n now_o but_o now_o to_o proceed_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o who_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o cleave_v be_v not_o only_o mean_v the_o lord_n himself_o as_o he_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o promise_n but_o general_o all_o that_o he_o have_v recommend_v to_o our_o care_n as_o a_o evidence_n of_o our_o respect_n to_o he_o thus_o we_o testify_v our_o respect_n to_o absent_a friend_n by_o own_v their_o concern_v and_o interest_n and_o if_o you_o ask_v what_o these_o thing_n be_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v recommend_v to_o our_o care_n i_o answer_v in_o two_o word_n first_o his_o truth_n and_o next_o his_o service_n so_o that_o 1._o you_o be_v to_o cleave_v unto_o and_o continue_v in_o his_o truth_n against_o error_n according_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n judas_n command_v v._o 3_o you_o shall_v earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n to_o wit_n the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n or_o truth_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n 2._o we_o be_v to_o cleave_v to_o and_o continue_v in_o his_o service_n whether_o the_o duty_n of_o immediate_a worship_n we_o shall_v cleave_v to_o these_o against_o superstition_n voluntary_a neglect_n will-worship_n and_o idolatry_n or_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o particular_a calling_n and_o station_n all_o which_o shall_v be_v go_v about_o as_o service_n to_o he_o so_o servant_n be_v to_o do_v their_o service_n with_o good_a will_n as_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o to_o man_n ephes._n 6._o 7._o now_o that_o cleave_v to_o all_o these_o be_v mean_v by_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n appear_v from_o deutr._n 10._o 20._o and_o 30._o 20._o where_n cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v explain_v by_o fear_v the_o lord_n by_o obey_v his_o voice_n by_o serve_v he_o and_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n now_o to_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o each_o of_o these_o 1._o you_o must_v cleave_v to_o and_o continue_v in_o his_o truth_n gaius_n be_v commend_v for_o this_o 3_o joh._n 3._o even_o that_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o prov._n 23._o 23._o we_o be_v bid_v buy_v the_o truth_n and_o sell_v it_o not_o and_o you_o hear_a from_o judas_n you_o shall_v contend_v for_o the_o truth_n for_o error_n contrary_a to_o truth_n be_v of_o a_o damn_v nature_n 2_o peter_n 2._o 1._o they_o be_v call_v damnable_a heresy_n and_o error_n in_o point_n of_o truth_n make_v way_n for_o profanity_n and_o looseness_n of_o life_n a_o sound_a heart_n and_o a_o unsound_a head_n can_v well_o subsist_v therefore_o do_v peter_n 2_o epist._n 3._o 17._o call_v error_n the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a for_o help_v you_o to_o this_o needful_a duty_n of_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n by_o cleave_v to_o his_o truth_n i_o shall_v recommend_v to_o you_o these_o thing_n 1._o beware_v of_o scepticism_n or_o make_v all_o truth_n debateable_a or_o those_o truth_n especial_o which_o may_v bring_v you_o in_o great_a hazard_n to_o confess_v or_o cleave_v to_o this_o be_v down_o right_a contrary_n to_o the_o cleave_v to_o truth_n here_o enjoin_v 2._o do_v not_o undervalue_v any_o truth_n say_v of_o no_o truth_n as_o lot_n say_v of_o zoar_n be_v it_o not_o a_o little_a one_o and_o so_o i_o may_v skip_v from_o it_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o difference_n among_o truth_n some_o great_a truth_n and_o some_o small_a but_o as_o it_o be_v of_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v of_o error_n the_o lesser_a alwise_o do_v make_v way_n for_o the_o great_a and_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n which_o come_v not_o from_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o no_o truth_n which_o you_o shall_v look_v on_o as_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a whether_o you_o think_v so_o or_o otherwise_o of_o it_o beside_o in_o time_n of_o defection_n from_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o usual_a artifice_n of_o persecuter_n to_o extenuate_v those_o truth_n they_o labour_v to_o bear_v down_o as_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o very_a trifle_n when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n their_o own_o practice_n do_v give_v theâ—r_a profession_n the_o lie_n for_o if_o they_o think_v they_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o trifle_n why_o will_v they_o persecute_v mâ—n_z for_o adhere_v to_o they_o beside_o though_o some_o truth_n be_v not_o so_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v though_o he_o think_v otherwise_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v we_o shall_v be_v careless_a of_o all_o such_o thus_o though_o a_o man_n hand_n be_v not_o so_o absolute_o necessary_a but_o he_o may_v live_v without_o it_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o mad_a man_n who_o on_o that_o account_n will_v witting_o and_o willing_o cut_v it_o off_o beside_o a_o error_n in_o some_o truth_n which_o will_v not_o damn_v one_o may_v condemn_v another_o who_o know_v at_o least_o may_v easy_o know_v it_o to_o be_v a_o error_n and_o yet_o will_v live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o it_o without_o repentance_n 3._o you_o ought_v chief_o to_o cleave_v to_o those_o truth_n which_o you_o be_v most_o engage_v to_o own_o either_o by_o god_n seal_v they_o to_o your_o spirit_n or_o by_o catechise_v and_o instruct_v you_o from_o your_o very_a childhood_n in_o they_o so_o that_o you_o be_v put_v out_o of_o all_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o they_o or_o by_o bring_v you_o under_o most_o sacred_a tie_v of_o solemn_a vow_n and_o oath_n to_o maintain_v they_o i_o say_v you_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o your_o duty_n chief_o to_o cleave_v unto_o such_o truth_n 2_o joh._n 8._o look_v to_o yourselves_o that_o we_o lose_v not_o those_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v wrought_v and_o solomon_n say_v it_o be_v not_o safe_a after_o vow_n to_o make_v enquiry_n if_o a_o man_n conscience_n grow_v once_o so_o wide_a as_o to_o let_v such_o truth_n pass_v through_o either_o for_o error_n or_o trifle_n he_o may_v persuade_v himself_o there_o be_v not_o a_o truth_n in_o all_o the_o bible_n if_o he_o be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o that_o he_o will_v stick_v at_o but_o that_o meeting_n with_o a_o press_v suitable_a tentation_n he_o will_v let_v it_o slip_v through_o after_o they_o 4._o we_o be_v to_o cleave_v to_o truth_n not_o only_o by_o retain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o by_o give_v assent_n to_o it_o in_o our_o judgement_n but_o also_o by_o give_v a_o modest_a and_o faithful_a profession_n and_o confession_n of_o that_o truth_n on_o all_o hazard_n when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o it_o this_o be_v command_v 1_o pet_n 3._o 15._o be_v ready_a alwise_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meakness_n and_o fear_n and_o rome_n 10._o 10._o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n this_o be_v necessary_a both_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n truth_n be_v a_o piece_n of_o his_o name_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o confess_v rev_n 2._o 13_o thou_o hold_v fast_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n and_o its_o necessary_a also_o in_o order_n to_o our_o own_o salvation_n for_o whosoever_o say_v our_o saviour_n will_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o confess_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o will_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n this_o now_o as_o upon_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o do_v not_o justify_v unseasonable_a confession_n contrary_a to_o matth_n 7._o 6_o cast_v not_o your_o pearl_n before_o swine_n lest_o they_o trample_v they_o under_o their_o foot_n and_o turn_v again_o and_o rend_v you_o so_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o reprove_v those_o who_o there_fw-mi not_o or_o will_v not_o give_v a_o confession_n of_o the_o truth_n even_o when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o it_o and_o much_o more_o those_o who_o deny_v the_o truth_n either_o express_o or_o interpretatiu_o that_o be_v when_o they_o
labour_v to_o bear_v down_o he_o that_o speak_v it_o so_o heretic_n be_v call_v murmurer_n complainer_n judas_n verse_n 16._o so_o a_o minister_n in_o reprove_v error_n will_v guard_n against_o this_o danger_n lest_o he_o do_v more_o hurt_n than_o profit_n and_o all_o the_o issue_n of_o his_o pain_n be_v to_o work_v a_o prejudice_n against_o himself_o and_o second_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v the_o more_o strong_a consider_v the_o evil_a that_o come_v by_o prejudice_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o make_v people_n run_v fast_o headlong_o into_o error_n than_o prejudice_n against_o faithful_a pastor_n therefore_o this_o have_v be_v the_o devil_n method_n first_o to_o bear_v down_o the_o ministry_n by_o make_v the_o people_n first_o cast_v at_o one_o then_o at_o another_o and_o so_o at_o all_o that_o their_o ear_n be_v once_o stop_v with_o prejudice_n at_o what_o minister_n say_v their_o ear_n may_v be_v bore_v to_o let_v in_o any_o error_n that_o the_o devil_n or_o his_o instrument_n please_v to_o vent_v therefore_o a_o minister_n will_v make_v it_o his_o study_n so_o to_o behave_v himself_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o prejudice_n give_v by_o he_o but_o that_o all_o his_o carriage_n may_v savour_v of_o a_o resolution_n to_o entertain_v love_n now_o because_o our_o fear_n be_v that_o error_n may_v spread_v and_o that_o if_o the_o lord_n give_v we_o leave_v we_o intend_v from_o this_o verse_n to_o speak_v to_o the_o most_o infect_v error_n we_o shall_v solve_v this_o question_n what_o a_o minister_n be_v to_o do_v for_o entertain_v love_n for_o clear_v of_o this_o we_o shall_v first_o show_v what_o he_o be_v not_o to_o do_v he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v silent_a at_o error_n for_o fear_v of_o irritate_v and_o lose_v affection_n that_o be_v not_o love_n consider_v what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o error_n it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o we_o will_v not_o reprove_v a_o loose_a liver_n for_o fear_n of_o anger_v he_o second_o neither_o be_v he_o to_o speak_v against_o they_o in_o a_o cold-rife_a manner_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a whether_o they_o return_v to_o a_o right_a judgement_n or_o not_o no_o he_o must_v as_o he_o will_v be_v faithful_a to_o god_n aggravate_v the_o evil_n of_o error_n to_o the_o utmost_a declare_v its_o hazard_n denounce_v what_o scripture_n pronounce_v against_o it_o whether_o it_o anger_v they_o or_o not_o better_a anger_n and_o loose_v they_o than_o anger_n god_n what_o then_o must_v he_o do_v answer_v as_o in_o other_o sin_n he_o must_v first_o reprove_v they_o levit._n 19_o ver_fw-la 17._o and_o second_o so_o reprove_v as_o it_o may_v argue_v love_n to_o the_o person_n reprove_v judas_n ver_fw-la 23._o only_o there_o will_v be_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o reprove_v of_o error_n and_o other_o sin_n other_o sin_n may_v be_v inveigh_v against_o without_o pain_n to_o convince_v the_o person_n reprove_v that_o such_o be_v sin_n nature_n be_v bear_v with_o a_o cry_n against_o such_o but_o error_n have_v a_o err_a conscience_n to_o stand_v up_o in_o its_o behalf_n therefore_o the_o most_o of_o a_o minister_n work_v will_v be_v in_o convince_a from_o the_o word_n that_o the_o thing_n he_o hold_v be_v error_n otherwise_o to_o inveigh_v against_o what_o he_o hold_v without_o this_o will_v harden_v he_o more_o he_o will_v look_v on_o it_o as_o the_o man_n passion_n and_o that_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n against_o what_o he_o hold_v 2._o in_o deal_v with_o err_a person_n there_o will_v be_v a_o difference_n put_v betwixt_o seducer_n and_o those_o who_o be_v seduce_v those_o who_o be_v root_v in_o error_n and_o those_o who_o be_v only_a doubter_n so_o judas_n verse_n 23._o for_o use_v you_o may_v see_v from_o this_o what_o a_o great_a task_n minister_n have_v and_o how_o great_a need_n of_o help_n there_o be_v from_o people_n to_o minister_n in_o err_v time_n in_o some_o respect_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o deal_v with_o one_o man_n taint_v with_o error_n than_o with_o twice_o so_o many_o profane_a liver_n a_o profane_a man_n conscience_n must_v ready_o say_v the_o same_o that_o we_o say_v and_o so_o keep_v we_o at_o reverence_n but_o a_o err_a man_n conscience_n speak_v against_o we_o take_v we_o to_o err_v and_o so_o ready_o can_v endure_v we_o and_o yet_o we_o must_v speak_v venture_v in_o god_n strength_n but_o there_o be_v need_v so_o to_o speak_v least_o in_o speak_v we_o lose_v more_o than_o we_o gain_v the_o next_o thing_n that_o follow_v be_v the_o exhortation_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n that_o be_v do_v not_o credit_v every_o doctrine_n that_o have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n or_o every_o preacher_n that_o pretend_v the_o name_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o this_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n begin_v very_o early_o to_o trouble_v the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o the_o apostle_n be_v yet_o live_v there_o be_v even_o then_o some_o who_o contradict_v they_o to_o their_o very_a face_n so_o the_o averrer_n of_o circumcision_n justification_n by_o work_n denier_n of_o the_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n reas_n 1._o the_o reason_n be_v first_o because_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n be_v shameless_a it_o will_v affront_v the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n for_o it_o be_v nature_n brood_n and_o credit_n be_v so_o engage_v in_o it_o that_o it_o trample_v upon_o all_o that_o will_v bear_v it_o under_o if_o a_o apostle_n be_v speak_v a_o sectarian_n spirit_n will_v outdare_v he_o it_o be_v a_o affront_v and_o malapert_a spirit_n second_o the_o lord_n see_v it_o fit_v that_o in_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o church_n his_o people_n shall_v be_v try_v by_o err_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v have_v the_o primitive_a time_n trouble_v with_o they_o also_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o less_o trouble_v see_v that_o even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v not_o free_v from_o such_o like_a perplexity_n as_o to_o have_v to_o do_v with_o spirit_n of_o error_n but_o there_o be_v a_o other_o reason_n why_o the_o lord_n suffer_v his_o church_n both_o in_o former_a time_n and_o in_o latter_a time_n to_o be_v trouble_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n set_v down_o in_o the_o 1_o corinth_n 11._o verse_n 19_o for_o there_o must_v be_v also_o heresy_n among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a among_o you_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n there_o be_v a_o must_v be_v put_v upon_o it_o now_o this_o be_v not_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n but_o a_o necessity_n or_o a_o must_v be_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o god_n most_o wise_a decree_n to_o permit_v wise_a decree_n to_o permit_v and_o suffer_v those_o thing_n for_o most_o wise_a end_n and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o he_o permitt_v they_o to_o be_v be_v first_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o person_n and_o second_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o truth_n first_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o person_n this_o end_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o verse_n cite_v heresy_n and_o heretic_n must_v be_v that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a among_o you_o the_o spirit_n of_o heresy_n let_v loose_a have_v a_o discover_v efficacy_n with_o it_o it_o discover_v who_o be_v of_o a_o humble_a frame_n of_o spirit_n and_o who_o be_v proud_a lofty_a conceity_n and_o of_o a_o selfish_a spirit_n it_o discover_v who_o be_v light_a weak_a and_o easy_o carry_v away_o with_o any_o thing_n unstable_a mind_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o who_o be_v more_o solid_a and_o balance_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o sobriety_n and_o solid_a wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o it_o discover_v these_o who_o have_v put_v a_o price_n on_o truth_n that_o they_o will_v buy_v it_o but_o will_v on_o no_o term_n sell_v it_o and_o also_o discover_v those_o who_o have_v put_v no_o price_n upon_o it_o or_o that_o will_v suffer_v little_a for_o it_o that_o be_v the_o first_o end_n why_o heretic_n must_v be_v to_o discover_v person_n and_o try_v they_o and_o second_o heretic_n in_o the_o lord_n wise_a providence_n tend_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o make_n of_o they_o bright_a and_o clear_a they_o scour_v truth_n so_o to_o speak_v so_o that_o the_o disput_n of_o heretic_n and_o vent_v of_o error_n make_v truth_n the_o bright_a the_o more_o debate_v there_o be_v betwixt_o these_o two_o error_n grow_v the_o black_a and_o truth_n the_o clear_a when_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o have_v a_o truth_n clear_v and_o root_v in_o his_o people_n spirit_n he_o do_v in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n take_v this_o way_n a_o strange_a way_n indeed_o and_o yet_o make_v much_o for_o the_o purpose_n he_o will_v let_v some_o error_n arise_v to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n through_o occasion_n whereof_o more_o
and_o then_o upon_o itself_o and_o observe_v its_o own_o present_a frame_n and_o disposition_n how_o it_o come_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n prescrive_v by_o god_n for_o make_v what_o we_o do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n acceptable_a and_o next_o it_o speak_v the_o great_a guilt_n of_o many_o in_o god_n service_n a_o piece_n of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o our_o holy_a thing_n for_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v humble_v that_o many_o time_n wheâ—_n our_o tongue_n be_v busy_a our_o heart_n be_v idle_a when_o our_o outward_a man_n be_v present_a the_o inward_a man_n be_v away_o and_o get_v liberty_n to_o depart_v from_o god_n without_o check_n or_o challenge_v this_o be_v it_o that_o god_n complain_v of_o isai._n 29._o 13._o this_o people_n draw_v near_o i_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o with_o their_o lip_n do_v honour_n i_o but_o have_v remove_v their_o heart_n far_o from_o i_o but_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o word_n in_o particular_a 1._o david_n prefix_v a_o behold_v while_o he_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_o require_v for_o make_v his_o address_n acceptable_a to_o god_n behold_v be_v sometime_o a_o note_n of_o admiration_n prefix_v to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v wonderful_a as_o isai._n 7_o 14._o behold_v a_o virgin_n shall_v conceiveâ—_n and_o bear_v a_o son_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v take_v here_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o thing_n wonderful_a that_o god_n shall_v desire_v or_o delight_n in_o truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n or_o that_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o we_o or_o proceed_v from_o we_o shall_v be_v lovely_a to_o he_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mixture_n of_o unlovely_a sinful_a dross_n in_o every_o thing_n of_o that_o sort_n but_o we_o think_v it_o do_v rather_o serve_v here_o as_o often_o elsewhere_o for_o a_o note_n of_o attention_n only_o take_v it_o so_o you_o must_v consider_v that_o david_n design_n and_o aim_v hereby_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o stir_v up_o god_n as_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o in_o who_o hand_n this_o piece_n of_o scripture_n shall_v come_v to_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o follow_a purpose_n we_o shall_v from_o this_o short_o mark_v two_o thing_n 1._o the_o heart_n even_o of_o the_o best_a have_v need_n of_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o take_v heed_n unto_o what_o be_v the_o lord_n mind_n concern_v the_o right_a and_o acceptable_a manner_n in_o go_v about_o command_v duty_n for_o therefore_o do_v david_n see_v it_o needful_a to_o pluck_v his_o own_o ear_n as_o it_o be_v for_o make_v himself_o more_o attentive_a to_o this_o subject_a by_o prefix_v a_o behold_v a_o note_n of_o attention_n unto_o it_o behold_v thou_o desire_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n the_o truth_n be_v if_o we_o get_v the_o substance_n of_o duty_n go_v about_o we_o be_v ordinary_o too_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v but_o needless_a scrupulosity_n to_o be_v anxious_a about_o the_o manner_n how_o to_o do_v it_o so_o be_v we_o in_o prayer_n so_o be_v we_o in_o hear_v and_o so_o be_v we_o also_o in_o come_v to_o communion_n when_o ever_o occasion_n be_v offer_v and_o a_o outward_a call_n or_o invitation_n give_v we_o to_o come_v there_o be_v none_o almost_o but_o his_o conscience_n will_v challenge_v he_o if_o he_o stay_v aback_o but_o as_o to_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o call_v and_o what_o be_v require_v of_o you_o for_o come_v acceptable_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o see_v with_o what_o a_o careless_a ear_n the_o most_o part_n do_v hear_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o sort_n as_o if_o the_o communion_n be_v a_o charm_n to_o work_v upon_o people_n whether_o they_o be_v fit_v to_o receive_v it_o or_o not_o so_o that_o sermon_n for_o preparation_n do_v serve_v as_o to_o many_o for_o no_o other_o use_n but_o for_o a_o customary_a ceremony_n and_o to_o fill_v up_o so_o much_o time_n these_o necessary_a direction_n which_o be_v give_v you_o to_o come_v in_o the_o right_a manner_n and_o the_o warning_n you_o get_v tell_v you_o how_o dreadful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o come_v wrong_a be_v mind_v no_o long_o by_o the_o most_o part_n than_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o hear_v they_o and_o by_o some_o scarce_o so_o long_o hence_o certain_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o so_o familiar_a with_o the_o heart_n of_o people_n at_o his_o own_o feast_n as_o sometime_o he_o have_v be_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n because_o we_o come_v not_o as_o prepare_v guest_n with_o a_o wedding_n garment_n to_o meet_v with_o he_o yea_o doubtless_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v threaten_v so_o hard_o to_o draw_v his_o table_n and_o to_o suffer_v man_n to_o impose_v upon_o we_o a_o dead_a lifeless_a formal_a way_n of_o worship_n that_o therein_o we_o may_v see_v the_o copy_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n who_o if_o they_o get_v the_o outward_a form_n go_v about_o they_o care_v little_a for_o the_o inward_a life_n power_n and_o substance_n and_o sure_o if_o ever_o it_o come_v to_o this_o as_o god_n know_v how_o soon_o it_o may_v that_o all_o our_o religion_n shall_v consist_v in_o threadbare_a impose_v form_n and_o that_o more_o pain_n be_v take_v by_o minister_n to_o press_v upon_o people_n the_o observance_n of_o these_o form_n than_o the_o very_a life_n and_o substance_n of_o religious_a performance_n we_o must_v justify_v the_o lord_n in_o it_o for_o that_o be_v the_o very_a copy_n of_o our_o formal_a heart_n our_o love_n to_o and_o rest_v on_o formality_n may_v provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o wreathe_v the_o yoke_n of_o a_o dead_a lifeless_a and_o formal_a service_n on_o our_o neck_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o shake_v it_o off_o though_o we_o will_v the_o lord_n ofttimes_o shape_v out_o cross_a dispensation_n in_o the_o public_a according_a to_o these_o sinful_a distemper_n which_o be_v common_a and_o prevalent_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o people_n that_o therein_o they_o may_v see_v the_o unlovely_a representation_n and_o idea_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n jer_n 5._o 31._o he_o will_v suffer_v even_o the_o prophet_n to_o prophesy_v false_o and_o the_o priest_n to_o bear_v rule_n by_o their_o mean_n if_o his_o people_n love_n to_o have_v it_o so_o but_o second_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o your_o dulness_n and_o averseness_n to_o hear_v what_o be_v the_o lord_n mind_n concern_v the_o right_a and_o acceptable_a manner_n of_o go_v about_o command_v duty_n shall_v make_v you_o so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o stir_v up_o yourselves_o to_o give_v diligent_a heed_n unto_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v to_o that_o purpose_n for_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o upstirring_a do_v david_n prefix_v a_o note_n of_o attention_n behold_v to_o the_o purpose_n in_o hand_n 1._o direction_n of_o that_o kind_n be_v needful_a to_o be_v give_v for_o as_o you_o hear_v though_o you_o do_v all_o that_o be_v command_v as_o to_o the_o substance_n and_o matter_n yet_o if_o you_o do_v it_o not_o in_o the_o right_a manner_n all_o you_o do_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n as_o i_o clear_v from_o isaiah_n 1._o 11._o 2_o if_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o such_o direction_n be_v give_v than_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o you_o diligent_o hear_v they_o else_o you_o can_v obey_v they_o ye'l_o but_o leave_v they_o where_o you_o find_v they_o as_o ofttimes_o you_o do_v in_o which_o case_n your_o hear_v they_o do_v but_o aggravate_v your_o guilt_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o they_o 3._o our_o backwardness_n and_o averseness_n to_o hear_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n what_o be_v speak_v to_o that_o purpose_n though_o it_o be_v great_a yet_o be_v not_o such_o but_o if_o it_o be_v wrestle_v against_o and_o manful_o oppose_v it_o may_v be_v overcome_v it_o be_v only_o our_o give_v way_n to_o it_o without_o resistance_n which_o make_v it_o strong_a importunate_a and_o shameless_a when_o our_o set_v our_o self_n serious_o and_o in_o earnest_a to_o wrestle_v against_o it_o will_v make_v it_o to_o cede_fw-la according_a to_o that_o word_n jam._n 4._o 7._o resist_v the_o devil_n and_o he_o will_v flee_v from_o you_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o this_o only_o this_o serve_v in_o place_n of_o a_o preface_n for_o stir_v you_o up_o to_o hear_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n what_o i_o be_o to_o say_v on_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o text_n which_o hold_v out_o the_o lord_n mind_n as_o to_o one_o thing_n at_o least_o concern_v the_o right_a and_o acceptable_a manner_n of_o go_v about_o command_v duty_n and_o especial_o this_o duty_n which_o now_o you_o be_v call_v to_o of_o approach_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n the_o lord_n desire_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n it_o be_v true_a not_o only_o what_o you_o hear_v from_o the_o former_a note_n but_o your_o own_o experience_n at_o such_o