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
somewhat_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n remember_v therefore_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candelstick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o they_o argue_v thus_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o church_n who_o will_v ruin_v the_o church_n but_o all_o those_o who_o can_v convince_o prove_v their_o regeneration_n will_v ruin_v the_o church_n therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v we_o answer_v that_o the_o last_o part_n of_o their_o argument_n be_v false_a for_o there_o be_v many_o gracious_a person_n keep_v their_o first_o love_n who_o yet_o can_v neither_o satisfy_v themselves_o nor_o other_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o regeneration_n and_o that_o will_v not_o ruin_v the_o church_n second_o we_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o their_o argument_n where_o they_o say_v that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v not_o real_a grace_n will_v ruin_v the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o universal_o true_a for_o then_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o hypocrite_n in_o the_o church_n at_o all_o neither_o know_v nor_o unknown_a for_o hypocrite_n can_v do_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o that_o which_o be_v tend_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n now_o themselves_o will_v not_o say_v that_o all_o hypocrite_n be_v debar_v for_o they_o admit_v some_o such_o and_o scripture_n say_v the_o contrair_a in_o the_o admission_n of_o annanias_n and_o saphira_n and_o so_o some_o must_v be_v admit_v who_o if_o god_n look_v not_o more_o to_o his_o own_o mercy_n than_o to_o their_o meâ—â—t_n and_o more_o to_o the_o respect_n he_o have_v to_o other_o than_o to_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o ruin_v the_o church_n obj._n v._o their_o last_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o 2_o tim_n 3._o 5._o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o from_o such_o turn_n away_o therefore_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v but_o those_o who_o can_v give_v satisfactory_a sign_n of_o their_o regeneration_n for_o answer_v it_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n for_o if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o place_n those_o who_o have_v only_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n he_o tell_v what_o they_o be_v highminded_a etc._n etc._n v_o 4._o and_o in_o the_o 6_o five_o subtle_a heretic_n who_o lead_v away_o the_o simple_a now_o we_o say_v none_o such_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v for_o those_o be_v scandalous_a but_o what_o they_o say_v do_v not_o follow_v for_o many_o can_v give_v satisfactory_a sign_n of_o their_o regeneration_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o gross_a liver_n nor_o scandalous_a nor_o seduce_v heretic_n and_o so_o not_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o from_o who_o paul_n bid_v turn_v away_o and_o thus_o we_o have_v answer_v the_o strong_a of_o their_o objection_n iu_o use._n i._o this_o doctrine_n be_v thus_o clear_v you_o ought_v not_o to_o look_v on_o what_o our_o opposite_n hold_v in_o this_o point_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o small_a moment_n neither_o ought_v you_o to_o suffer_v yourselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v with_o the_o pretence_n of_o strictness_n with_o which_o they_o cover_v it_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n that_o have_v fearful_a consequence_n for_o by_o this_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o best_a church_n that_o ever_o be_v shall_v be_v put_v in_o no_o better_a case_n than_o pagan_n themselves_o to_o live_v without_o all_o ordinance_n their_o child_n without_o baptism_n and_o this_o will_v hold_v off_o many_o who_o have_v true_a grace_n for_o how_o many_o be_v there_o even_o of_o those_o who_o can_v give_v convince_a sign_n of_o grace_n either_o to_o themselves_o or_o other_o by_o this_o rule_n man_n conscience_n shall_v still_o be_v hold_v in_o a_o uncertainty_n whether_o they_o may_v stay_v member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n or_o not_o because_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v satisfy_v whether_o all_o in_o it_o have_v convince_a sign_n of_o grace_n or_o not_o now_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o opposite_n be_v that_o if_o the_o rule_n be_v not_o keep_v conscientious_o christian_n ought_v to_o separate_a by_o this_o rule_n a_o insupportable_a burden_n be_v put_v on_o christian_n not_o only_o to_o examine_v themselves_o but_o also_o the_o inward_a state_n of_o other_o by_o this_o rule_n all_o the_o church_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o prophet_n christ_n apostle_n or_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n have_v be_v in_o the_o mist_n all_o live_a and_o die_v without_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o so_o without_o baptism_n and_o so_o as_o pagan_n as_o also_o this_o show_n of_o strictness_n beyond_o whatever_o god_n have_v command_v do_v ever_o end_v in_o looseness_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o separatist_n present_v practice_v for_o what_o ever_o they_o speak_v against_o the_o looseness_n of_o other_o church_n that_o we_o be_v but_o a_o mixture_n of_o drunkard_n and_o loose_a profane_a liver_n yet_o there_o be_v as_o great_a looseness_n in_o their_o own_o church_n as_o in_o any_o other_o for_o they_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o admit_v heretic_n covetous_a vain_a proud_a boaster_n almost_o of_o all_o sort_n if_o so_o be_v they_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o principle_n against_o presbyterian_o this_o rule_n put_v man_n in_o a_o overween_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o other_o be_v nothing_o to_o they_o all_o be_v unclean_a or_o at_o best_o but_o civil_a natural_a moral_a man_n but_o they_o be_v the_o godly_a saint_n and_o what_o not_o now_o that_o doctrine_n which_o in_o its_o natural_a consequence_n put_v people_n to_o overvalue_v themselves_o and_o undervalue_v other_o be_v certain_o not_o of_o god_n this_o rule_n of_o they_o make_v way_n for_o infinite_a jangle_n and_o carry_v on_o of_o self_n interest_n under_o pretence_n of_o holiness_n for_o when_o the_o rule_n be_v that_o which_o every_o particular_a man_n think_v sign_n of_o grace_n such_o be_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o best_a that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v apply_v to_o all_o alike_o to_o some_o they_o will_v be_v too_o strict_a to_o other_o more_o lax_n as_o affection_n carry_v until_o at_o last_o they_o think_v all_o good_a enough_o who_o be_v for_o their_o way_n and_o all_o other_o but_o natural_a worldly_a and_o carnal_a who_o be_v not_o so_o i_o may_v say_v that_o this_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o unhappy_a doctrine_n that_o ever_o the_o devil_n hatch_v for_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o satan_n have_v carry_v on_o his_o design_n main_o these_o year_n by_o past_a many_o such_o deceiver_n cry_v up_o strictness_n whereby_o they_o have_v make_v themselves_o to_o be_v respect_v by_o some_o and_o terrible_a to_o other_o while_o under_o this_o pretence_n they_o have_v bear_v down_o christ_n truth_n and_o holiness_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o countenance_v looseness_n nor_o to_o give_v a_o dash_n to_o holy_a strictness_n it_o be_v our_o sin_n and_o we_o be_v plague_v for_o it_o that_o we_o have_v not_o walk_v according_a to_o our_o rule_n yet_o i_o love_v no_o further_o strictness_n than_o what_o christ_n command_v let_v we_o stretch_v out_o our_o arm_n to_o invite_v sinner_n to_o give_v outward_a obedience_n and_o then_o when_o they_o be_v in_o let_v we_o hew_v they_o with_o the_o word_n and_o discipline_n this_o be_v christ_n way_n and_o his_o apostle_n way_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v so_o when_o separatist_n say_v to_o you_o that_o there_o be_v such_o sinful_a mixture_n in_o your_o church_n that_o a_o honest_a man_n be_v pollute_v to_o come_v among_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v better_a to_o stay_v in_o your_o chamber_n with_o a_o few_o of_o a_o gracious_a temper_n and_o let_v the_o rest_v run_v to_o the_o devil_n tell_v they_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n make_v no_o such_o separation_n and_o you_o desire_v to_o be_v no_o strict_a than_o they_o be_v only_o this_o be_v not_o to_o plead_v for_o our_o come_n short_a of_o christ_n rule_n in_o our_o practice_n that_o scandal_n be_v too_o easy_o pass_v that_o so_o many_o ignorant_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v our_o sin_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v plead_v for_o this_o for_o the_o first_o head_n of_o separation_n head_n ii_o no_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n or_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o church_n because_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o fellow-worshiper_n we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o second_o head_n concern_v separation_n from_o true_a church_n and_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o they_o because_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o fellow-worshiper_n i._o that_o which_o our_o adversary_n hold_v concern_v this_o be_v that_o the_o presence_n of_o wicked_a man_n at_o ordinance_n do_v defile_v the_o ordinance_n to_o the_o godly_a therefore_o say_v they_o where_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o corruption_n in_o a_o church_n
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 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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 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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 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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
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 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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 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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
care_n about_o the_o heart_n than_o if_o you_o have_v none_o but_o as_o to_o your_o accquit_v yourselves_o in_o this_o particular_a of_o make_v your_o great_a work_n lie_v about_o the_o heart_n and_o inward_a part_n try_v yourselves_o but_o by_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o what_o be_v your_o care_n to_o restrain_v and_o mortify_v heart_n sin_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o high_a conceit_n of_o yourselves_o and_o your_o envy_v of_o the_o good_a of_o other_o because_o it_o overshadow_v you_o the_o sin_n of_o fret_v and_o repine_v under_o cross_a dispensation_n of_o not_o reverence_v god_n in_o and_o be_v content_v with_o your_o lott_n try_v i_o say_v what_o your_o care_n and_o endeavour_n be_v to_o mortify_v these_o and_o such_o like_a heart_n sin_n 2._o try_v what_o conscience_n you_o make_v to_o discharge_v inward_a and_o spiritual_a duty_n which_o require_v only_o the_o inward_a man_n to_o be_v act_v in_o they_o as_o the_o duty_n of_o 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ground_n if_o you_o will_v have_v what_o you_o do_v about_o your_o preparation_n accept_v of_o by_o god_n let_v your_o great_a work_n lie_v about_o your_o heart_n how_o to_o get_v it_o bring_v to_o duty_n and_o wrought_v up_o to_o some_o good_a frame_n for_o the_o lord_n desire_v main_o the_o inward_a part_n and_o where_o your_o backward_a dead_a and_o lumpish_a heart_n will_v not_o move_v or_o drive_v for_o you_o beseech_v the_o lord_n to_o draw_v they_o and_o make_v they_o willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n but_o now_o last_o i_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a here_o condescend_v on_o as_o a_o necessary_a ingredient_n for_o make_v our_o performance_n acceptable_a and_o savoury_a viz._n the_o grace_n of_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n behold_v thou_o desire_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n and_o it_o give_v we_o this_o doctrine_n that_o the_o grace_n of_o sincerity_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o make_v our_o duty_n acceptable_a to_o god_n it_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o the_o lord_n will_v accept_v even_o very_o little_a where_o it_o be_v when_o heâ—l_v reject_v much_o where_o it_o be_v want_v we_o will_v see_v both_o these_o if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o scripture_n verdict_n of_o two_o king_n of_o judah_n the_o first_o be_v asa_n he_o be_v guilty_a in_o many_o thing_n there_o be_v very_o visible_a defect_n in_o he_o trary_a to_o that_o which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n require_v as_o particular_o he_o cause_v imprison_v the_o prophet_n who_o reprove_v he_o 2_o chron_n 16_o 10._o he_o do_v not_o remove_v the_o superstitious_a high_a place_n and_o yet_o see_v what_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n say_v of_o he_o 1_o king_n 15_o 14._o the_o high_a place_n be_v not_o remove_v nevertheless_o asa_n his_o heart_n be_v perfect_a with_o the_o lord_n all_o his_o day_n imply_v that_o because_o he_o be_v a_o sincere_a upright_o heart_a man_n the_o lord_n overlook_v his_o many_o other_o fail_n so_o much_o be_v also_o employ_v in_o hezekiah_n prayer_n and_o the_o answer_v it_o get_v from_o god_n 2_o chron._n 30._o 18._o 19_o the_o good_a lord_n pardon_v every_o one_o that_o prepare_v his_o heart_n to_o seek_v god_n the_o lord_n god_n of_o his_o father_n though_o he_o be_v not_o cleanse_v according_a to_o the_o purification_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o the_o lord_n hearken_v to_o hezekiah_n and_o heal_v the_o people_n the_o other_o be_v king_n amaziah_n 2_o chron_n 25_o 2._o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o not_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n imply_v that_o though_o he_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v right_o and_o good_a yet_o because_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o single_a sincere_a and_o straight_o in_o what_o he_o do_v the_o lord_n do_v not_o regard_v it_o which_o clear_v the_o thing_n i_o say_v before_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o sincerity_n and_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o the_o lord_n will_v accept_v even_o very_o little_a where_o it_o be_v and_o will_v reject_v much_o where_o it_o be_v want_v now_o for_o open_v up_o this_o grace_n of_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n a_o little_a in_o order_n to_o the_o application_n of_o the_o point_n know_v 1_o sincerity_n be_v a_o grace_n which_o look_v main_o to_o the_o inside_n therefore_o it_o be_v here_o call_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o sincere_a man_n a_o israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o guile_n though_o a_o fair_a outside_n may_v please_v onlooker_n because_o they_o see_v no_o further_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o please_v thou_o because_o thou_o know_v it_o will_v not_o please_v god_n he_o desire_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n but_o of_o this_o already_o 2._o sincerity_n and_o truth_n of_o heart_n make_v a_o man_n tongue_n and_o heart_n to_o go_v together_o in_o all_o his_o deportment_n whether_o to_o god_n or_o man_n the_o sincere_a heart_a man_n be_v not_o a_o double_a man_n he_o labour_v to_o be_v that_o in_o effect_n which_o he_o give_v himself_o out_o to_o be_v thus_o 1._o john_n 3._o 18_o truth_n be_v oppose_v to_o â—air_a word_n which_o be_v no_o more_o but_o word_n my_o little_a child_n say_v he_o let_v we_o not_o love_v in_o word_n neither_o in_o tongue_n but_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n imply_v where_o word_n and_o deed_n go_v not_o together_o there_o be_v no_o singleness_n sincerity_n or_o truth_n there_o 3._o sincerity_n aim_v at_o the_o right_a end_n and_o work_n from_o right_a approven_v and_o spiritual_a motive_n the_o apostle_n paul_n philip_n 1._o 15_o 16._o put_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o sincere_a and_o unsincere_a man_n the_o sincere_a man_n work_v out_o of_o love_n and_o good_a will_n to_o christ_n and_o truth_n the_o unsincere_a man_n again_o work_v the_o same_o work_n and_o as_o much_o of_o it_o but_o he_o work_v out_o of_o envy_n and_o strife_n for_o some_o base_a and_o by_o end_n this_o grace_n of_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n make_v a_o man_n look_v not_o only_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o action_n that_o they_o be_v right_o and_o command_a but_o also_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o and_o chief_o that_o they_o be_v from_o spiritual_a motive_n and_o for_o a_o right_a end_n that_o be_v for_o god_n glory_n thy_o own_o salvation_n thy_o neighbour_n good_a and_o edification_n now_o for_o use_n you_o will_v try_v if_o there_o be_v not_o much_o want_n and_o inlake_v of_o this_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n among_o we_o it_o be_v true_a every_o inlake_n and_o fail_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o sincerity_n will_v not_o prove_v a_o man_n to_o be_v unsincere_a as_o every_o act_n of_o hypocrisy_n will_v not_o make_v a_o man_n a_o hypocrite_n if_o so_o he_o do_v not_o countenance_v himself_o
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