yield_v more_o easy_o to_o the_o antecedent_n argument_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o that_o church_n but_o if_o the_o doctrine_n for_o which_o she_o vouch_v this_o authority_n do_v upon_o the_o most_o impartial_a trial_n that_o i_o can_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v worldly_a unscriptural_a or_o contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n then_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o her_o pretence_n more_o severe_o than_o in_o the_o former_a case_n and_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o such_o doctrine_n may_v be_v teach_v by_o man_n pretend_v to_o inspiration_n or_o infallibility_n which_o will_v justify_v a_o man_n in_o reject_v that_o pretence_n out_o of_o hand_n and_o trouble_v himself_o no_o more_o about_o it_o if_o a_o physician_n of_o never_o so_o great_a name_n shall_v tell_v i_o that_o he_o will_v infallible_o cure_v my_o disease_n and_o then_o prescribe_v a_o dose_n of_o arsenic_n i_o think_v reason_n will_v advise_v rather_o to_o question_v his_o infallibility_n because_o he_o go_v thus_o mad_o to_o work_v than_o to_o take_v his_o poison_n because_o he_o promise_v a_o infallible_a cure_n now_o if_o i_o be_o not_o to_o do_v violence_n to_o my_o own_o understanding_n in_o thing_n that_o concern_v my_o bodily_a health_n much_o less_o shall_v i_o do_v the_o same_o in_o thing_n that_o regard_v my_o everlasting_a state_n and_o they_o be_v a_o strange_a sort_n of_o man_n who_o will_v allow_v people_n the_o liberty_n of_o use_v their_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v for_o the_o security_n of_o their_o worldly_a interest_n but_o will_v have_v they_o be_v lead_v in_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o religion_n and_o eternity_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o for_o to_o judge_v aright_o and_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v our_o high_a concernment_n be_v the_o principal_a end_n for_o which_o we_o have_v reason_n and_o be_v creature_n of_o judgement_n and_o choice_n and_o they_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o a_o man_n to_o walk_v abroad_o with_o his_o eye_n open_a as_o that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o he_o to_o take_v upon_o himself_o to_o judge_v as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n or_o not_o §_o 2._o if_o we_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o answer_v the_o second_o question_n 2._o whether_o a_o liberty_n of_o examine_v and_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n do_v mischief_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o to_o affirm_v this_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o it_o have_v be_v much_o better_o in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o prevail_a of_o truth_n that_o man_n have_v be_v near_o to_o stock_n and_o stone_n than_o endue_v with_o natural_a ability_n of_o judge_v and_o natural_a propension_n to_o use_v those_o ability_n which_o i_o think_v will_v be_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o maker_n for_o certain_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o man_n to_o have_v want_v the_o faculty_n of_o judge_v and_o prove_v if_o it_o be_v so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v it_o much_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v against_o her_o interest_n for_o man_n to_o examine_v her_o doctrine_n and_o use_v their_o reason_n about_o it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o the_o liberty_n of_o examination_n and_o judgement_n in_o order_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o cause_v heresy_n and_o schism_n but_o the_o not_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o this_o liberty_n i._n e._n mens_fw-la enter_v upon_o this_o work_n with_o pride_n and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o worldly_a interest_n their_o want_n of_o care_n and_o diligence_n and_o of_o prove_v thing_n sufficient_o their_o take_v up_o opinion_n without_o reasonable_a examination_n and_o then_o seek_v for_o pretence_n to_o colour_v their_o obstinacy_n the_o lust_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n be_v against_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n but_o not_o the_o use_n of_o that_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o divine_a part_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o restrain_v and_o govern_v our_o inferior_a faculty_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o if_o few_o or_o none_o trouble_v themselves_o at_o all_o to_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n there_o will_v be_v no_o heresy_n but_o it_o be_v true_a too_o that_o if_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o judge_v of_o these_o thing_n at_o all_o there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o heresy_n and_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o religion_n at_o all_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v heresy_n in_o religion_n but_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o 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be_v forbid_v to_o inquire_v into_o matter_n of_o religion_n because_o if_o they_o fall_v into_o any_o dangerous_a mistake_n their_o authority_n be_v likely_a to_o give_v reputation_n to_o it_o and_o to_o make_v it_o go_v down_o more_o easy_o with_o the_o common_a people_n than_o if_o it_o have_v be_v start_v by_o one_o of_o themselves_o so_o that_o we_o must_v not_o lay_v the_o heresy_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o liberty_n we_o have_v be_v contend_v for_o unless_o we_o will_v be_v content_a to_o exclude_v all_o from_o the_o duty_n of_o prove_v what_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o 〈◊〉_d and_o no_o man_n can_v think_v this_o reasonable_a unless_o he_o 〈◊〉_d all_o religion_n to_o be_v equal_o true_a that_o be_v every_o one_o to_o be_v alike_o false_a and_o he_o that_o believe_v this_o need_v not_o care_v what_o heresy_n he_o be_v of_o §_o 3._o 3._o but_o if_o every_o man_n have_v a_o just_a liberty_n and_o right_a to_o examine_v for_o himself_o be_v not_o this_o a_o good_a reason_n for_o toleration_n or_o for_o the_o universal_a liberty_n of_o practise_v according_a to_o a_o man_n conscience_n or_o persuasion_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v liberty_n of_o enquiry_n if_o after_o all_o i_o must_v be_v conclude_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o my_o superior_n or_o else_o suffer_v under_o those_o law_n by_o which_o they_o provide_v for_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o every_o man_n right_a and_o duty_n to_o judge_v for_o himself_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o good_a reason_n for_o toleration_n unless_o it_o be_v also_o apparent_a that_o every_o man_n use_v that_o right_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v i._n e._n with_o industry_n deliberation_n and_o impartiality_n if_o all_o man_n be_v sincere_a and_o will_v examine_v without_o prejudice_n without_o that_o bias_n to_o one_o side_n which_o be_v make_v by_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o worldly_a interest_n if_o they_o all_o intend_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v do_v their_o duty_n then_o doubtless_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o all_o shall_v enjoy_v a_o undisturbed_a liberty_n of_o practice_n according_a to_o their_o judgement_n for_o than_o no_o man_n will_v err_v in_o thing_n plain_a and_o necessary_a to_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n for_o our_o lord_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n but_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v that_o hypocrisy_n in_o the_o world_n whereof_o man_n be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o so_o long_o as_o all_o those_o vice_n also_o reign_v which_o insensible_o corrupt_v the_o judgement_n and_o make_v man_n disloyal_a to_o the_o truth_n
have_v mislead_v they_o four_o we_o shall_v not_o easy_o believe_v those_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n who_o will_v keep_v we_o from_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n by_o fair_a way_n of_o trial_n and_o will_v affright_v we_o into_o a_o implicit_a faith_n by_o pronounce_v damnation_n against_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o way_n if_o man_n use_v violence_n or_o subtlety_n to_o hinder_v we_o from_o judge_v for_o ourselves_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o a_o bad_a cause_n which_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o trial_n i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o this_o reach_v the_o roman_a church_n which_o forbid_v the_o laity_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n unless_o some_o one_o layman_n have_v that_o special_a favour_n grant_v he_o of_o leave_n so_o to_o do_v from_o his_o ordinary_n who_o common_o be_v wise_a enough_o not_o to_o give_v this_o licence_n but_o where_o he_o be_v sure_a the_o party_n be_v fast_o enough_o 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the_o people_n from_o harken_v to_o any_o thing_n we_o can_v say_v to_o they_o and_o to_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o conclude_v against_o we_o without_o think_v it_o to_o any_o purpose_n to_o examine_v what_o be_v offer_v on_o both_o side_n they_o that_o have_v a_o good_a cause_n need_v not_o use_v those_o disingenuous_a art_n they_o will_v not_o fright_v man_n from_o consider_v what_o their_o adversary_n say_v by_o denounce_v damnation_n against_o they_o nor_o forbid_v they_o to_o read_v their_o book_n but_o rather_o encourage_v they_o to_o do_v so_o that_o they_o may_v see_v the_o difference_n between_o truth_n and_o error_n between_o reason_n and_o sophistry_n with_o their_o own_o eye_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o wellgrounded_n confidence_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o there_o be_v this_o sign_n of_o a_o good_a cause_n apparent_o discernible_a in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o this_o church_n both_o to_o their_o friend_n and_o enemy_n they_o desire_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o to_o consider_v impartial_o what_o be_v say_v for_o we_o and_o against_o we_o and_o whatever_o guide_v of_o a_o party_n do_v otherwise_o they_o give_v just_a cause_n to_o those_o that_o follow_v they_o to_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n so_o much_o the_o more_o by_o how_o much_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o have_v they_o examine_v it_o be_v a_o bad_a sign_n when_o man_n be_v loath_a to_o have_v their_o opinion_n see_v in_o the_o day_n but_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v thus_o i_o have_v show_v in_o what_o case_n we_o be_v most_o concern_v to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o that_o undertake_v to_o inftruct_v and_o guide_v we_o §_o 5._o ii_o because_o the_o duty_n of_o prove_v all_o thing_n suppose_v certain_a rule_n and_o test_n by_o which_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o try_v i_o proceed_v to_o show_v what_o they_o be_v now_o it_o be_v very_o certain_a that_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o try_v doctrine_n for_o our_o own_o satisfaction_n about_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o those_o want_n of_o argument_n by_o which_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o persuasion_n to_o other_o for_o their_o satisfaction_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o those_o rule_n must_v be_v common_a to_o i_o and_o to_o other_o man_n who_o i_o will_v also_o guide_v so_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o truth_n to_o which_o i_o have_v attain_v and_o they_o be_v these_o three_o 1._o reason_n which_o be_v a_o common_a rule_n to_o all_o man_n 2._o scripture_n which_o be_v a_o common_a rule_n to_o all_o christian_n 3._o antiquity_n or_o the_o uniform_a judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v a_o common_a rule_n to_o those_o who_o be_v verse_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n the_o two_o former_a rule_n be_v the_o principal_a and_o most_o necessary_a and_o we_o be_v safe_a if_o our_o persuasion_n in_o religion_n will_v bear_v the_o test_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o withal_o those_o rule_n be_v near_o at_o hand_n for_o every_o man_n use_n among_o we_o but_o the_o last_o rule_n be_v also_o of_o good_a use_n to_o those_o that_o can_v use_v it_o for_o their_o own_o confirmation_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayers_a but_o more_o particular_o 1._o by_o reason_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o faculty_n by_o which_o we_o be_v man_n and_o can_v compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o and_o argue_v and_o conclude_v etc._n etc._n for_o this_o be_v that_o natural_a power_n by_o which_o we_o use_v any_o kind_n of_o rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n but_o i_o understand_v by_o it_o those_o common_a truth_n which_o be_v natural_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o which_o we_o give_v a_o ready_a assent_n without_o any_o need_n of_o have_v they_o prove_v by_o any_o thing_n else_o for_o by_o these_o fundamental_a truth_n we_o be_v to_o prove_v all_o thing_n else_o and_o if_o there_o be_v none_o such_o we_o can_v prove_v nothing_o and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o that_o nothing_o can_v make_v itself_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o common_a sense_n be_v to_o be_v trust_v that_o god_n be_v a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a that_o the_o good_a be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o the_o evil_a to_o be_v refuse_v and_o that_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a and_o the_o like_a now_o whatever_o be_v by_o true_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o such_o principle_n be_v thereby_o prove_v to_o be_v true_a and_o whatsoever_o be_v repugnant_a to_o they_o or_o can_v be_v disprove_v by_o they_o be_v false_a they_o be_v the_o forementioned_a proposition_n with_o other_o as_o self-evident_a as_o they_o which_o make_v up_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o of_o reason_n and_o i_o mention_v this_o rule_n in_o the_o first_o place_n because_o it_o must_v be_v presuppose_v to_o all_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o inquire_v after_o truth_n and_o without_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v in_o it_o insomuch_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deduce_v from_o mere_a natural_a reason_n but_o depend_v upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v at_o last_o resolve_v into_o a_o rational_a act_n and_o rely_v upon_o this_o natural_a principle_n that_o god_n can_v lie_v wherefore_o they_o that_o cry_v down_o reason_n as_o if_o it_o be_v at_o no_o hand_n to_o be_v trust_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o call_v it_o carnal_a blind_a and_o foolish_a reason_n and_o suchlike_a vile_a name_n if_o they_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n they_o be_v incapable_a of_o search_v after_o truth_n themselves_o and_o of_o receive_v any_o satisfaction_n from_o other_o while_o they_o be_v in_o this_o humour_n i_o may_v as_o well_o take_v a_o beast_n to_o dispute_v with_o as_o go_v about_o to_o convince_v they_o and_o if_o all_o man_n be_v thus_o senseless_a it_o be_v impossible_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v serviceable_a to_o instruct_v one_o another_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o to_o abandon_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o scorn_v a_o man_n when_o he_o speak_v consistent_o and_o argue_v clear_o from_o common_a principle_n of_o truth_n be_v such_o a_o wretched_a sort_n of_o unmanliness_n that_o i_o can_v but_o think_v it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n take_v up_o in_o design_n by_o those_o man_n that_o have_v bring_v nonsense_n and_o contradiction_n and_o absurd_a opinion_n into_o religion_n which_o no_o man_n can_v admit_v without_o do_v violence_n to_o his_o own_o
scripture_n that_o belong_v to_o a_o discourse_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n and_o scope_n of_o that_o discourse_n to_o which_o it_o belong_v this_o rule_n as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o to_o observe_v so_o it_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v urge_v upon_o man_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o interpret_v place_n that_o be_v not_o of_o themselves_o plain_a by_o those_o opinion_n that_o they_o be_v already_o possess_v with_o a_o belief_n of_o but_o for_o which_o they_o have_v little_a ground_n beside_o the_o mere_a sound_n of_o some_o text_n which_o at_o first_o hear_v seem_v to_o be_v of_o their_o side_n but_o which_o if_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o design_n of_o the_o holy_a writer_n in_o that_o chapter_n or_o book_n will_v be_v find_v to_o mean_v quite_o another_o thing_n all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v beside_o of_o this_o rule_n be_v that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o many_o place_n that_o be_v not_o of_o themselves_o plain_a will_v be_v remove_v by_o observe_v it_o for_o 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very_o often_o lose_v our_o labour_n and_o fall_v into_o mistake_n of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o qualify_v a_o man_n for_o receive_v truth_n when_o propound_v with_o sufficient_a evidence_n or_o to_o find_v it_o out_o by_o his_o own_o search_n there_o must_v be_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o a_o prepare_a mind_n 2._o competent_a diligence_n 3._o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o that_o diligence_n 1._o a_o prepare_a mind_n which_o our_o saviour_n call_v a_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n now_o this_o consist_v in_o humility_n ingenuity_n and_o sincerity_n humility_n be_v necessary_a because_o overween_v and_o self-concit_a make_v a_o man_n apt_a to_o despise_v what_o those_o of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n can_v say_v for_o themselves_o before_o their_o argument_n be_v consider_v and_o in_o general_a to_o neglect_v that_o help_n which_o may_v be_v have_v by_o the_o advice_n and_o reason_n of_o other_o so_o likewise_o vainglory_n fix_v a_o man_n in_o a_o error_n he_o have_v once_o defend_v and_o while_o he_o be_v unwilling_a to_o acknowledge_v a_o mistake_n he_o strain_v all_o his_o wit_n to_o delude_v himself_o into_o a_o strong_a belief_n of_o it_o and_o of_o his_o ability_n to_o defend_v it_o in_o controversy_n he_o be_v desirous_a of_o victory_n and_o will_v fain_o be_v think_v somebody_o and_o therefore_o he_o study_v more_o to_o expose_v a_o adversary_n than_o to_o inform_v himself_o and_o if_o he_o be_v yet_o to_o choose_v his_o side_n of_o a_o question_n he_o take_v the_o wrong_a one_o if_o it_o be_v more_o fashionable_a than_o the_o right_n therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_n whosoever_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o a_o little_a child_n i._n e._n with_o a_o meek_a and_o pliable_a spirit_n shall_v not_o enter_v therein_o again_o say_v he_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n intimate_v that_o they_o will_v be_v easy_o convince_v who_o be_v of_o tractable_a and_o humble_a mind_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v concern_v the_o pharisee_n that_o they_o reject_v he_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o his_o sheep_n i._n e._n because_o of_o their_o haughty_a and_o inflexible_a disposition_n prejudice_n be_v apt_a to_o bar_v the_o mind_n against_o conviction_n as_o well_o as_o pride_n and_o therefore_o to_o humility_n we_o must_v add_v ingenuity_n and_o sincerity_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v qualify_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o suggestion_n of_o prejudice_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o force_n of_o good_a reason_n on_o the_o other_o ingenuity_n be_v oppose_v to_o those_o prejudices_fw-la that_o be_v either_o unavoidable_o contract_v or_o take_v up_o through_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n be_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n or_o converse_v altogether_o with_o our_o own_o party_n man_n be_v general_o prepossess_v with_o great_a favour_n to_o those_o opinion_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v all_o along_o train_v up_o and_o which_o have_v be_v instill_v into_o they_o by_o all_o that_o they_o have_v converse_v with_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v meet_a inquirer_n after_o truth_n if_o we_o want_v the_o ingenuity_n of_o suspect_v ourselves_o on_o this_o side_n and_o try_v those_o persuasion_n in_o which_o we_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o with_o the_o great_a impartiality_n and_o severity_n some_o man_n be_v prejudice_v by_o a_o unaccountable_a inclination_n towards_o a_o opinion_n or_o a_o antipathy_n against_o it_o and_o these_o aught_o the_o more_o careful_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o warmth_n of_o their_o imagination_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o force_n of_o argument_n on_o the_o other_o and_o not_o to_o take_v a_o passionate_a fondness_n for_o a_o conclusion_n or_o a_o aversion_n from_o it_o to_o be_v a_o reason_n one_o way_n or_o other_o it_o be_v very_o incident_a to_o weak_a mind_n to_o prejudg_v in_o favour_n of_o
while_o they_o perceive_v it_o not_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n reasonable_a that_o the_o state_n under_o which_o we_o live_v shall_v leave_v we_o lawless_a and_o free_a from_o all_o obligation_n of_o temporal_a penalty_n what_o religion_n we_o profess_v and_o what_o communion_n we_o observe_v for_o the_o most_o dangerous_a pretence_n for_o the_o â—â—â—rying_n on_o of_o seditious_a and_o rebellious_a design_n against_o the_o government_n be_v that_o of_o religion_n and_o a_o few_o man_n that_o mean_v nothing_o but_o their_o own_o greatness_n and_o power_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o manage_v the_o zeal_n of_o a_o superstitious_a multitude_n against_o the_o government_n for_o their_o own_o private_a end_n while_o they_o scorn_v the_o superstition_n of_o their_o follower_n and_o perhaps_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v the_o government_n to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v protect_v by_o the_o law_n and_o 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obtain_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o have_v honest_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o in_o do_v what_o i_o thereupon_o know_v to_o be_v my_o duty_n if_o i_o do_v hereby_o obtain_v god_n favour_n at_o present_a and_o shall_v obtain_v god_n reward_n in_o a_o better_a life_n be_v not_o this_o worth_a all_o my_o care_n and_o sincerity_n though_o i_o shall_v get_v nothing_o by_o it_o in_o this_o world_n but_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n so_o that_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n impose_v upon_o i_o by_o authority_n though_o i_o know_v beforehand_o that_o be_v it_o right_n or_o wrong_n i_o must_v be_v punish_v by_o man_n if_o i_o receive_v it_o not_o true_a religion_n and_o our_o observation_n to_o profess_v god_n truth_n and_o to_o do_v his_o will_n stand_v indeed_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o nevertheless_o the_o profession_n thereof_o aught_o to_o be_v encourage_v and_o protect_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o by_o consequence_n all_o false_a religion_n shall_v be_v discountenance_v and_o the_o profession_n of_o they_o make_v uneasy_a by_o their_o law_n scripture_n and_o reason_n teach_v we_o that_o they_o no_o less_o than_o parent_n shall_v use_v that_o authority_n for_o god_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o but_o if_o they_o for_o want_v of_o sincere_a trial_n and_o examination_n do_v themselves_o establish_v iniquity_n or_o heresy_n by_o a_o law_n and_o turn_v the_o edge_n of_o their_o power_n against_o the_o true_a religion_n they_o must_v answer_v it_o to_o god_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n who_o have_v show_v they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o he_o require_v of_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n persecution_n distinguish_v between_o the_o sincere_a and_o the_o hypocrite_n and_o as_o the_o insincere_a study_n how_o to_o perplex_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o avoid_v the_o conviction_n that_o be_v upon_o their_o mind_n and_o to_o reconcile_v their_o apostasy_n to_o their_o credit_n and_o conscience_n so_o the_o honest_a inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n more_o diligent_o and_o be_v desirous_a to_o strengthen_v themselves_o under_o suffering_n by_o a_o full_a assurance_n that_o they_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n they_o search_v into_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o persuasion_n more_o narrow_o than_o if_o they_o have_v never_o come_v under_o this_o temptation_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o true_a doctrine_n come_v to_o be_v propound_v to_o the_o world_n with_o the_o advantage_n of_o strong_a argument_n and_o those_o better_o manage_v than_o if_o it_o have_v never_o meet_v with_o opposition_n but_o if_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o the_o penalty_n of_o nonconformity_n be_v strict_o require_v this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v man_n from_o inquire_v that_o it_o lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o a_o great_a many_o to_o consider_v thing_n impartial_o who_o otherwise_o will_v never_o have_v look_v but_o upon_o one_o side_n of_o the_o question_n i_o mean_v all_o those_o who_o either_o wantonness_n and_o self-conceit_n or_o faction_n and_o worldly_a interest_n or_o the_o undue_a admiration_n of_o man_n person_n and_o the_o like_a will_v have_v hold_v under_o a_o constant_a prejudice_n against_o reason_n and_o truth_n a_o carnal_a argument_n for_o a_o good_a cause_n be_v very_o often_o a_o wholesome_a mean_n to_o remove_v a_o carnal_a prejudice_n against_o it_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n can_v hardly_o be_v better_o use_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n than_o to_o make_v such_o a_o difference_n between_o the_o observer_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o the_o dissenter_n from_o they_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v very_o hard_a for_o any_o man_n to_o lie_v under_o a_o worldly_a temptation_n to_o dissent_v sufficient_a to_o recompense_v the_o damage_n he_o must_v undergo_v this_o will_v make_v a_o great_a many_o impartial_a in_o weigh_v the_o objection_n against_o conformity_n with_o the_o argument_n and_o answer_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o by_o degree_n bring_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o at_o length_n to_o a_o sincere_a love_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o false_a maxim_n that_o force_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n make_v hypocrite_n but_o not_o true_a convert_v for_o sometime_o it_o cure_v hypocrisy_n very_o often_o ignorance_n and_o partiality_n and_o that_o be_v a_o good_a degree_n towards_o conversion_n and_o yet_o this_o will_v not_o justify_v the_o put_n of_o man_n to_o death_n for_o mere_a difference_n in_o religion_n the_o least_o degree_n of_o severity_n which_o will_v do_v the_o business_n be_v great_a enough_o the_o supreme_a power_n shall_v consider_v their_o subject_n in_o these_o case_n as_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a father_n will_v consider_v his_o own_o child_n who_o if_o he_o have_v power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n over_o they_o will_v not_o kill_v his_o misbelieve_a son_n and_o yet_o will_v try_v to_o reduce_v he_o by_o worldly_a discipline_n and_o drive_v he_o to_o consideration_n by_o the_o sensible_a effect_n of_o his_o displeasure_n the_o moderation_n of_o the_o english_a law_n for_o uniformity_n be_v visible_a to_o all_o disinterest_v person_n and_o though_o the_o unevenness_n of_o their_o execution_n have_v render_v they_o less_o effectual_a yet_o there_o be_v several_a who_o have_v cause_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o be_v compel_v to_o come_v to_o our_o church_n and_o to_o consider_v the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o some_o impartiality_n whereas_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o absolute_a toleration_n their_o ignorance_n and_o prejudices_fw-la may_v have_v lead_v they_o they_o know_v not_o whither_o the_o church_n of_o england_n cause_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v public_o read_v and_o put_v they_o into_o the_o people_n hand_n and_o desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o that_o every_o one_o will_v diligent_o and_o impartial_o consider_v the_o case_n between_o she_o and_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o she_o and_o it_o be_v no_o absurd_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o this_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n which_o she_o allow_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o english_a law_n that_o require_v conformity_n of_o all_o since_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v for_o those_o law_n some_o man_n have_v never_o attain_v to_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n but_o have_v still_o be_v hold_v in_o bondage_n to_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o error_n 〈…〉_z that_o they_o make_v the_o great_a noise_n for_o liberty_n of_o practice_n according_a to_o their_o judgement_n who_o have_v make_v little_a or_o no_o use_n of_o their_o judgement_n in_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o bad_a true_a and_o false_a they_o demand_v one_o liberty_n while_o they_o make_v no_o use_n of_o another_o the_o liberty_n of_o be_v undisturbed_a and_o licentious_a in_o a_o
pretend_v to_o great_a thing_n in_o teach_v religion_n but_o then_o i_o shall_v be_v something_o forward_o to_o give_v he_o a_o trial_n too_o for_o otherwise_o i_o may_v encourage_v a_o very_a impudent_a hypocrite_n to_o be_v more_o impudent_a still_o and_o to_o play_v upon_o my_o easiness_n till_o i_o have_v swallow_v all_o the_o foolish_a and_o damnable_a opinion_n which_o he_o will_v have_v i_o believe_v for_o his_o own_o advantage_n second_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o doctrine_n that_o seem_v to_o strike_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o morality_n and_o good_a live_n we_o be_v to_o examine_v they_o too_o before_o we_o yield_v our_o assent_n though_o they_o be_v recommend_v by_o man_n of_o name_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o end_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v a_o good_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v suspect_v that_o to_o be_v false_a doctrine_n which_o in_o my_o judgement_n either_o take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n or_o discourage_v man_n from_o endeavour_v to_o attain_v they_o for_o instance_n i_o find_v this_o doctrine_n maintain_v by_o some_o man_n of_o great_a note_n that_o god_n have_v from_o all_o eternity_n absolute_o choose_v some_o man_n to_o salvation_n and_o reprobate_v the_o rest_n without_o respect_n to_o any_o personal_a qualification_n now_o if_o this_o be_v true_a i_o can_v see_v for_o my_o life_n how_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o avoid_n of_o damnation_n depend_v upon_o any_o care_n of_o i_o or_o upon_o any_o thing_n that_o i_o can_v do_v since_o every_o man_n state_n be_v absolute_o overrule_v by_o predestination_n and_o a_o irreversible_a decree_n so_o that_o let_v i_o do_v what_o i_o please_v all_o that_o i_o can_v do_v for_o another_o world_n will_v be_v but_o lose_v labour_n and_o may_v as_o well_o be_v spare_v but_o if_o i_o be_o sensible_a of_o this_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o i_o shall_v not_o rely_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o author_n or_o of_o the_o preacher_n for_o so_o perilous_a a_o doctrine_n but_o because_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o nine_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n i_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o apostle_n myself_o and_o careful_o inquire_v into_o his_o meaning_n in_o that_o place_n by_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n that_o i_o can_v learn_v and_o whoever_o go_v thus_o impartial_o to_o work_v will_v find_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o place_n be_v discourse_v of_o another_o question_n and_o indeed_o upon_o a_o subject_n that_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o this_o question_n of_o absolute_a election_n or_o reprobation_n of_o the_o person_n of_o man_n and_o that_o though_o the_o word_n sound_v that_o way_n to_o a_o man_n that_o be_v already_o prepossess_v yet_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n suspicion_n of_o doctrine_n when_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o so_o good_a a_o reason_n as_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o shall_v cause_v inquiry_n and_o then_o that_o inquiry_n will_v discover_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v he_o that_o will_v be_v a_o libertine_n and_o live_v as_o he_o list_v may_v be_v please_v when_o he_o meet_v with_o any_o pretend_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n that_o will_v excuse_v a_o wicked_a life_n or_o discourage_v virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o he_o will_v rest_v satisfy_v and_o examine_v no_o far_o but_o a_o honest_a mind_n will_v not_o let_v a_o man_n deceive_v himself_o in_o this_o manner_n but_o if_o it_o do_v not_o cause_v he_o to_o reject_v such_o opinion_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o have_v well_o satisfy_v himself_o of_o their_o consequence_n it_o will_v at_o least_o keep_v he_o from_o admit_v they_o till_o he_o have_v try_v they_o every_o way_n that_o he_o can_v three_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v and_o that_o upon_o much_o consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n before_o we_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n where_o we_o live_v for_o whatever_o some_o man_n may_v think_v of_o it_o this_o be_v a_o business_n of_o so_o weighty_a a_o nature_n and_o consequence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v resolve_v upon_o or_o continue_v in_o till_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o that_o upon_o most_o plain_a and_o evident_a reason_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o case_n in_o which_o a_o christian_a ought_v not_o to_o go_v rash_o to_o work_v this_o be_v one_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o so_o many_o among_o we_o pretend_v to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n shall_v make_v so_o light_a a_o matter_n as_o they_o plain_o do_v of_o run_v into_o separate_a congregation_n it_o be_v very_o notorious_a when_o one_o discourse_n the_o point_n with_o they_o that_o they_o never_o inquire_v why_o the_o church-assembly_n be_v to_o be_v forsake_v and_o what_o it_o be_v in_o the_o establish_a form_n of_o worship_n or_o in_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n that_o make_v it_o needful_a for_o a_o honest_a and_o wise_a christian_n to_o depart_v from_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o they_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o very_o little_a consequence_n for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v apply_v themselves_o with_o more_o diligence_n to_o weigh_v it_o in_o all_o the_o particular_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v offer_v some_o reason_n in_o behalf_n of_o such_o inconsiderate_a people_n to_o convince_v they_o how_o bold_a and_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o separate_v from_o this_o church_n of_o england_n unless_o they_o be_v full_o satisfy_v upon_o mature_a examination_n that_o there_o be_v just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n for_o separation_n such_o namely_o as_o will_v make_v they_o sinner_n against_o god_n if_o they_o do_v not_o separate_v 1._o if_o without_o just_a cause_n i_o separate_v from_o this_o church_n i_o do_v wilful_o reject_v the_o great_a blessing_n and_o advantage_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o must_v be_v answerable_a to_o god_n for_o slight_v that_o merciful_a providence_n of_o he_o through_o which_o i_o happen_v to_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v in_o a_o place_n where_o i_o may_v enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o church-communion_n without_o venture_v at_o any_o disorderly_a and_o sinful_a practice_n for_o they_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o small_a blessing_n if_o my_o lot_n have_v be_v cast_v where_o so_o great_a a_o blessing_n do_v as_o it_o be_v lie_v in_o wait_n for_o i_o where_o the_o true_a christian_a doctrine_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n be_v recommend_v to_o i_o by_o public_a authority_n and_o establish_v by_o law_n and_o custom_n and_o defend_v to_o my_o hand_n by_o clear_a and_o strong_a argument_n if_o this_o be_v our_o case_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o my_o separation_n from_o she_o i_o say_v it_o again_o make_v i_o guilty_a of_o a_o stupid_a and_o ungrateful_a contempt_n of_o god_n exceed_v mercy_n in_o dispose_v my_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n so_o to_o my_o advantage_n that_o i_o be_v bear_v baptize_v and_o breed_v in_o a_o place_n where_o the_o truth_n invite_v i_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v i_o before_o i_o make_v one_o step_n towards_o a_o search_n after_o she_o indeed_o to_o be_v baptize_v within_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o to_o have_v be_v bear_v and_o to_o live_v under_o that_o authority_n which_o require_v i_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o no_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v continue_v to_o be_v of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v examine_v thing_n careful_o before_o we_o leave_v it_o or_o take_v up_o a_o resolution_n never_o to_o return_v to_o it_o if_o we_o have_v leave_v it_o already_o because_o if_o there_o be_v no_o just_a reason_n for_o separation_n we_o shall_v have_v the_o more_o to_o answer_v to_o god_n for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n to_o neglect_v search_v after_o the_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o concern_v even_o when_o it_o lie_v a_o great_a way_n off_o from_o a_o man_n but_o it_o be_v much_o more_o inexcusable_a to_o reject_v it_o when_o it_o lie_v at_o our_o door_n 2._o i_o have_v need_n be_v very_o careful_a and_o impartial_a in_o this_o case_n since_o if_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o i_o separate_v be_v not_o real_o weighty_a and_o substantial_a i_o be_o at_o once_o guilty_a of_o throw_v off_o that_o subordination_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o christian_a profession_n require_v and_o of_o contemn_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o my_o superior_n in_o the_o state_n contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o oblige_v i_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o ordinance_n i_o shall_v not_o easy_o be_v