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a_o authoritative_a guide_n and_o leader_n of_o all_o christian_n which_o they_o pretend_v their_o church_n to_o be_v they_o do_v not_o in_o their_o projection_n for_o proselyte_n go_v to_o they_o and_o enter_v into_o dispute_n about_o transubsubstantiation_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n adoration_n of_o image_n or_o the_o like_a no_o nor_o yet_o about_o the_o pope_n infallibility_n but_o suppose_v themselves_o to_o be_v great_o advantage_v by_o the_o difference_n in_o religion_n that_o be_v among_o we_o which_o usual_o they_o enlarge_v upon_o without_o either_o truth_n or_o modesty_n under_o a_o concealment_n of_o great_a difference_n among_o themselves_o they_o insist_v only_o on_o the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o guide_n which_o they_o pretend_v their_o church_n alone_o to_o be_v hereby_o have_v they_o prevail_v on_o many_o who_o on_o one_o account_n or_o other_o do_v think_v themselves_o unmeet_a any_o long_o to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o salvation_n and_o when_o once_o they_o have_v prevail_v herein_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o horrid_a nothing_o so_o wicked_a that_o they_o can_v impose_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o proselyte_n they_o will_v not_o now_o scruple_n or_o stick_v at_o all_o at_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o will_v have_v dread_v to_o have_v think_v of_o whilst_o they_o have_v the_o care_n of_o themselves_o in_o any_o measure_n upon_o they_o not_o one_o man_n of_o a_o thousand_o who_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o soul_n in_o charge_n that_o he_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o and_o for_o himself_o will_v venture_v on_o those_o way_n and_o practice_n which_o they_o will_v with_o great_a satisfaction_n rush_v into_o under_o their_o conduct_n 2._o because_o of_o the_o strange_a way_n they_o have_v late_o take_v to_o put_v this_o pretence_n into_o use_n and_o practice_n and_o to_o take_v we_o all_o under_o their_o conduct_n pretend_v unto_o the_o guidance_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n they_o have_v attempt_v to_o take_v we_o into_o their_o power_n as_o unto_o our_o life_n liberty_n law_n and_o all_o other_o our_o concernment_n in_o this_o world_n which_o whosoever_o do_v unlawful_o forfeit_v all_o his_o own_o and_o a_o sufficient_a indication_n it_o be_v of_o what_o guidance_n we_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v withal_o when_o way_n be_v to_o be_v make_v unto_o it_o by_o fire_n confusion_n blood_n massacre_n and_o sedition_n shall_v there_o be_v a_o school_n erect_v pretend_v unto_o a_o easy_a certain_a way_n of_o teach_v all_o science_n divine_a and_o humane_a shall_v it_o pretend_v a_o grant_n that_o nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n shall_v be_v teach_v or_o learn_v but_o in_o and_o by_o it_o yet_o if_o i_o see_v the_o post_n of_o the_o house_n hang_v like_o shambles_n with_o the_o limb_n of_o slaughter_a person_n if_o the_o ground_n about_o it_o be_v strew_v with_o the_o bone_n and_o ash_n of_o man_n burn_v to_o death_n here_o lie_v one_o strangle_v there_o another_o stab_v a_o three_o poison_v all_o for_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o either_o because_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o teach_n thereof_o or_o will_v not_o learn_v thing_n foolish_a and_o wicked_a i_o shall_v avoid_v such_o a_o school_n and_o its_o power_n so_o far_o as_o i_o be_v able_a but_o yet_o because_o there_o have_v of_o late_a among_o we_o a_o great_a accession_n be_v make_v real_o unto_o this_o guidance_n by_o person_n former_o profess_v the_o protestant_a religion_n i_o shall_v a_o little_a inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o have_v be_v bring_v about_o and_o i_o shall_v not_o fear_v to_o say_v that_o as_o unto_o the_o most_o of_o they_o who_o have_v relinquish_v the_o protestant_a religion_n they_o be_v these_o that_o follow_v 1._o a_o profound_a ignorance_n of_o the_o internal_a power_n of_o religion_n with_o a_o utter_a want_n of_o all_o experience_n of_o they_o in_o themselves_o make_v they_o a_o easy_a prey_n to_o seducer_n person_n who_o have_v never_o have_v any_o concernment_n in_o religion_n beyond_o the_o outside_n solemnity_n of_o it_o with_o some_o notion_n and_o opinion_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v easy_o toss_v to_o and_o fro_o from_o one_o religion_n unto_o another_o or_o unto_o none_o at_o all_o through_o the_o cunning_a slight_n of_o man_n who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v when_o man_n have_v only_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o power_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o uncertain_a accident_n whether_o they_o persevere_v in_o that_o profession_n or_o no._n there_o be_v internal_a power_n of_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v efficacious_a on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o enlighten_v they_o to_o purify_v they_o and_o give_v they_o liberty_n from_o the_o adverse_a power_n of_o darkness_n vanity_n and_o bondage_n unto_o sin_n where_o man_n have_v experience_n of_o they_o in_o their_o own_o heart_n there_o and_o there_o alone_o if_o a_o vigorous_a impression_n unto_o the_o contrary_n do_v befall_v they_o will_v they_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n the_o success_n of_o our_o roman_a emissary_n be_v confine_v almost_o unto_o that_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o under_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n have_v be_v total_o ignorant_a of_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o the_o truth_n contain_v therein_o 2._o wickedness_n of_o life_n take_v shelter_n in_o the_o promise_v of_o eternal_a security_n which_o that_o church_n with_o presumptuous_a confidence_n tender_v unto_o all_o that_o will_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o her_o conduct_n though_o in_o the_o last_o moment_n of_o their_o life_n gain_v they_o a_o multitude_n of_o proselyte_n this_o engine_n they_o apply_v unto_o many_o when_o they_o be_v leave_v the_o world_n
the_o church_n of_o rome_n no_o safe_a guide_n or_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o no_o rational_a man_n who_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o own_o eternal_a salvation_n can_v give_v himself_o up_o unto_o the_o conduct_n of_o that_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o john_n owen_n d._n d._n jerem._n 7._o 4_o 9_o 10._o trust_v you_o not_o in_o lie_v word_n say_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v these_o will_v you_o steal_v murder_n and_o commit_v adultery_n and_o swear_v false_o and_o burn_v incense_n unto_o baal_n and_o walk_v after_o other_o god_n who_o you_o know_v not_o and_o come_v and_o stand_v before_o i_o in_o this_o house_n which_o be_v call_v by_o my_o name_n london_n print_v for_o nathaniel_n ponder_n at_o the_o peacock_n in_o the_o poultry_n over_o against_o the_o stock_n market_n 1679._o imprimatur_fw-la march_v 5._o 1679._o preface_n the_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v the_o subject_a and_o substance_n of_o two_o sermon_n preach_v unto_o a_o private_a congregation_n the_o author_n of_o they_o have_v no_o design_n or_o purpose_n ever_o to_o have_v make_v they_o public_a the_o importunity_n of_o many_o who_o judge_v they_o may_v be_v of_o use_n unto_o other_o because_o they_o find_v they_o so_o unto_o themselves_o give_v occasion_n unto_o this_o publication_n of_o they_o yet_o have_v they_o not_o so_o prevail_v but_o that_o he_o judge_v it_o be_v neither_o unmeet_a for_o he_o nor_o unseasonable_a for_o other_o in_o publico_fw-la discrimine_fw-la omnis_fw-la homo_fw-la mile_n est_fw-la no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v forbid_v to_o bring_v his_o bucket_n to_o help_v allay_v the_o flame_n of_o a_o rage_a fire_n and_o it_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o only_a guide_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v here_o examine_v a_o work_n which_o a_o concurrence_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o circumstance_n render_v seasonable_a for_o as_o this_o pretence_n be_v the_o sole_a foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a papacy_n with_o all_o the_o power_n and_o secular_a advantage_n that_o it_o have_v obtain_v unto_o itself_o so_o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o give_v countenance_n and_o warranty_n unto_o the_o factor_n and_o agent_n of_o that_o church_n to_o design_n and_o prepetrate_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v destructive_a of_o all_o that_o be_v praiseworthy_a or_o desirable_a among_o mankind_n and_o unspeakable_o scandalous_a unto_o christian_a religion_n remove_v the_o sand_n or_o rubbish_n hereof_o and_o the_o whole_a fabric_n will_v dissolve_v of_o itself_o and_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n this_o small_a discourse_n be_v a_o attempt_n unto_o that_o end_n who_o success_n be_v humble_o recommend_v unto_o the_o care_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n if_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v any_o severity_n of_o expression_n use_v towards_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o reader_n be_v to_o consider_v that_o hard_a thing_n can_v well_o be_v represent_v in_o soft_a and_o pliant_a word_n and_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n find_v but_o what_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o severity_n from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o be_v express_v there_o be_v no_o unblamable_a excess_n however_o the_o author_n be_v one_o who_o hearty_o desire_v and_o pray_v for_o the_o outward_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o all_o man_n in_o this_o world_n who_o principle_n will_v allow_v they_o to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o other_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n no_o safe_a guide_n the_o foundation_n of_o the_o small_a ensue_a discourse_n shall_v be_v lay_v in_o a_o position_n wherein_o as_o i_o suppose_v person_n of_o all_o sort_n who_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o thing_n treat_v about_o be_v agree_v namely_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o betake_v himself_o into_o some_o guide_n or_o conduct_v that_o may_v safe_o lead_v he_o unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o christian_a obedience_n the_o nature_n of_o religion_n the_o state_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n in_o this_o world_n with_o the_o eternal_a importance_n of_o a_o safe_a unerring_a guidance_n in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a do_v require_v that_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o diligence_n and_o prudence_n be_v use_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o this_o guide_n no_o man_n of_o himself_o be_v sufficient_a by_o his_o own_o reason_n alâ—ne_v to_o be_v his_o own_o guide_n they_o who_o think_v themselves_o wise_a have_v attempt_v so_o to_o be_v have_v wax_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n have_v be_v darken_v rom._n 1._o 21._o the_o warning_n and_o instruction_n give_v by_o solomon_n do_v principal_o respect_v this_o case_n he_o that_o trust_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n be_v a_o fool_n but_o whoso_o walk_v wise_o shall_v be_v deliver_v prov._n 28._o 26._o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o and_o adherence_n unto_o such_o a_o guide_n be_v eminent_o necessary_a when_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n and_o division_n among_o man_n about_o religion_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v manage_v in_o way_n and_o by_o mean_n not_o only_o scandalous_a unto_o religion_n itself_o but_o pernicious_a unto_o humane_a society_n in_o their_o consequent_n when_o man_n not_o only_o say_v and_o contend_v that_o here_o be_v christ_n and_o lo_o there_o be_v christ_n matth._n 24._o 23._o but_o also_o on_o the_o account_n of_o these_o difference_n engage_v into_o way_n and_o practice_n ruinous_a unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o destructive_a unto_o all_o that_o be_v praise_v worthy_a in_o this_o world_n those_o who_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o choose_v and_o adhere_v unto_o a_o faithful_a guide_n and_o conduct_n be_v no_o less_o defective_a in_o wisdom_n than_o negligent_a in_o their_o duty_n be_v a_o man_n in_o a_o wilderness_n where_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o cross_a path_n all_o pretend_v to_o lead_v unto_o a_o inhabit_a city_n whither_o he_o must_v go_v or_o perish_v if_o he_o see_v man_n not_o only_o contend_v some_o for_o one_o way_n some_o for_o another_o but_o kill_v and_o destroy_v one_o another_o about_o the_o preference_n of_o the_o several_a way_n they_o esteem_v best_a and_o safe_a he_o deserve_v to_o wander_v and_o perish_v if_o he_o refuse_v a_o guide_n that_o be_v tender_v unto_o he_o with_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o ready_a in_o our_o present_a case_n shall_v be_v immedate_o evince_v the_o difference_n in_o religion_n that_o be_v at_o present_a among_o we_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o such_o as_o comparative_o be_v of_o small_a moment_n as_o unto_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n the_o measure_n of_o these_o difference_n be_v that_o which_o way_n soever_o they_o be_v determine_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n they_o neither_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n nor_o obstruct_v the_o due_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n for_o this_o be_v our_o great_a duty_n with_o respect_n unto_o doctrine_n in_o religion_n that_o we_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v so_o small_a as_o that_o it_o can_v be_v pretend_v that_o they_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n yet_o if_o they_o hinder_v they_o in_o their_o operation_n and_o due_a exercise_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v pernicious_a unto_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o in_o who_o they_o have_v that_o effect_n but_o such_o difference_n which_o comply_v with_o this_o measure_n tend_v unto_o nothing_o in_o themselves_o that_o be_v obstructive_a unto_o the_o glory_n or_o power_n of_o religion_n whatever_o they_o may_v be_v press_v and_o wrest_v unto_o by_o the_o lust_n prejudices_fw-la and_o carnal_a interest_n of_o man_n for_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o be_v take_v from_o they_o for_o severe_a thought_n concern_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o they_o who_o so_o differ_v as_o unto_o their_o interest_n in_o present_a grace_n and_o future_a glory_n to_o live_v in_o a_o neglect_n of_o love_n in_o all_o the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o it_o towards_o such_o on_o any_o pretence_n to_o design_v their_o hurt_n and_o evil_a be_v to_o live_v in_o open_a contradiction_n unto_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n such_o severe_a thought_n be_v the_o principal_a cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o all_o pernicious_a evil_n in_o religion_n especial_o those_o which_o be_v most_o scandalous_a unto_o it_o and_o most_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o good_a of_o mankind_n which_o christian_a religion_n be_v design_v to_o promote_v for_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o that_o pass_n among_o the_o generality_n
of_o christian_n that_o when_o once_o person_n begin_v to_o damn_v other_o in_o their_o mind_n for_o their_o dissent_n from_o they_o they_o judge_v themselves_o at_o liberty_n and_o count_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o do_v they_o all_o the_o mischief_n they_o can_v in_o this_o world_n they_o first_o make_v themselves_o their_o judge_n that_o they_o must_v go_v to_o hell_n and_o then_o will_v be_v their_o executioner_n to_o send_v they_o thither_o as_o fast_o as_o they_o can_v whether_o this_o be_v a_o representation_n of_o christ_n or_o of_o the_o devil_n be_v not_o hard_a to_o determine_v sure_o i_o be_o it_o be_v not_o compliant_a with_o the_o advice_n give_v unto_o all_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n of_o a_o attendance_n whereunto_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 24_o 25_o 26._o 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 in_o meekness_n instruct_v those_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o if_o god_n peradventure_o will_v give_v they_o repentance_n to_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o they_o may_v recover_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v take_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o will._n hence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o have_v a_o strong_a inclination_n to_o oppress_v and_o destroy_v other_o man_n which_o their_o interest_n prompt_v they_o unto_o do_v endeavour_n to_o make_v every_o the_o least_o dissent_n from_o themselves_o on_o one_o pretence_n or_o other_o by_o sophistical_a argument_n and_o strain_a consequence_n to_o be_v a_o fundamental_a error_n and_o such_o as_o make_v they_o incapable_a of_o life_n eternal_a but_o no_o man_n can_v give_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o their_o disintrest_n in_o christian_a religion_n of_o their_o unacquaintedness_n with_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o it_o wherein_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v and_o what_o be_v of_o real_a price_n with_o god_n than_o those_o who_o be_v so_o mind_v bless_a be_v god_n that_o christ_n will_v not_o leave_v his_o seat_n of_o judgement_n unto_o such_o person_n neither_o here_o nor_o hereafter_o but_o such_o difference_n as_o those_o mention_v will_v probable_o continue_v among_o christian_n so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o this_o world_n for_o although_o all_o those_o among_o who_o these_o difference_n be_v do_v choose_v the_o same_o guide_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n equal_o hear_v and_o understand_v his_o voice_n perfection_n in_o light_n and_o knowledge_n be_v require_v unto_o a_o perfect_a agreement_n in_o all_o the_o conception_n of_o our_o mind_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n wherefore_o it_o be_v reserve_v for_o heaven_n where_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v imperfect_a shall_v be_v do_v away_o here_o we_o have_v different_a measure_n we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o therefore_o prophesy_v in_o part_n rom._n 13._o 9_o it_o be_v love_n or_o charity_n alone_o that_o supply_v this_o defect_n and_o give_v such_o a_o harmony_n unto_o the_o different_a part_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o church_n as_o render_v they_o all_o useful_a and_o the_o whole_a beautiful_a 1_o cor._n 13._o col._n 3._o 14._o but_o these_o be_v not_o the_o difference_n which_o at_o present_a i_o intend_v there_o be_v those_o which_o in_o their_o nature_n be_v of_o great_a importance_n such_o as_o be_v about_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christian_a faith_n worship_n and_o obedience_n such_o as_o upon_o who_o determination_n the_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v depend_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o they_o be_v such_o also_o which_o on_o that_o wretched_a mannagement_n of_o religious_a concern_v that_o late_a age_n have_v embrace_v have_v a_o influence_n into_o the_o peace_n or_o disturbance_n of_o humane_a society_n the_o tranquillity_n the_o liberty_n and_o life_n of_o man_n yea_o they_o be_v by_o some_o promote_v and_o pursue_v by_o all_o way_n of_o fraud_n and_o violence_n with_o that_o height_n of_o impiety_n as_o be_v utter_o destructive_a of_o all_o religion_n many_o we_o have_v who_o plead_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n which_o may_v be_v allow_v they_o if_o they_o please_v themselves_o will_v they_o not_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o christian_a religion_n abhor_v but_o this_o be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o their_o claim_n they_o will_v also_o be_v the_o only_a christian_n all_o other_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o however_o false_o so_o call_v be_v only_o a_o drove_n of_o unbeliever_n haste_v unto_o hell_n now_o although_o this_o be_v intolerable_a presumption_n yet_o because_o they_o hurt_v none_o by_o it_o but_o themselves_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v awaken_v from_o this_o please_a dream_n they_o may_v be_v suffer_v to_o sleep_v on_o but_o they_o rest_v not_o here_o these_o christian_n who_o only_o be_v so_o and_o so_o alone_o know_v true_o what_o be_v in_o christian_a religion_n will_v do_v such_o thing_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o it_o will_v perpetrate_v such_o execrable_a crime_n avow_v they_o to_o be_v the_o dictate_v and_o command_v of_o that_o religion_n that_o if_o man_n be_v not_o sure_a that_o their_o former_a pretence_n be_v presumptuous_o false_a it_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a warranty_n for_o they_o whereon_o to_o question_v the_o whole_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o these_o difference_n in_o religion_n which_o abound_v among_o we_o wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v not_o contribute_v unto_o that_o intolerable_a scandal_n against_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o religion_n it_o teach_v be_v pernicious_a to_o the_o peace_n of_o mankind_n and_o all_o that_o be_v praise_v worthy_a in_o the_o world_n which_o must_v be_v account_v for_o if_o we_o have_v any_o care_n about_o our_o own_o eternal_a salvation_n we_o ought_v to_o use_v our_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o arrive_v unto_o a_o safe_a conduct_n through_o all_o these_o difficulty_n this_o be_v our_o present_a case_n there_o be_v such_o difference_n in_o and_o division_n about_o religion_n among_o we_o the_o mannagement_n of_o they_o be_v grow_v incurable_o scandalous_a and_o perilous_a our_o enquiry_n be_v what_o guide_n or_o conduct_v a_o man_n that_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n that_o will_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o that_o will_v please_v god_n here_o and_o come_v unto_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o hereafter_o aught_o to_o betake_v himself_o and_o firm_o adhere_v unto_o as_o that_o which_o will_v safe_o lead_v and_o direct_v he_o unto_o all_o these_o end_n for_o if_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a both_o will_v fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n two_o thing_n be_v plead_v to_o be_v this_o safe_a and_o infallible_a guide_n to_o have_v that_o conduct_v commit_v unto_o they_o which_o every_o one_o who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o salvation_n be_v oblige_v to_o betake_v himself_o unto_o the_o first_o be_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n she_o it_o be_v who_o at_o this_o time_n lay_v a_o most_o vehement_a claim_n to_o be_v the_o only_a authoritative_a infallible_a guide_n of_o all_o christian_n as_o unto_o their_o faith_n worship_n and_o obedience_n we_o inquire_v not_o after_o a_o ministerial_a guide_n and_o the_o benefit_n which_o we_o may_v receive_v thereby_o this_o they_o regard_v not_o as_o that_o which_o leave_v man_n the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o use_v of_o all_o divine_a aid_n and_o assistance_n as_o unto_o the_o information_n direction_n and_o determination_n of_o their_o mind_n in_o all_o that_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o practice_v in_o religion_n but_o such_o a_o guidance_n as_o whereunto_o by_o virtue_n of_o its_o authority_n and_o infallibility_n we_o be_v entire_o and_o absolute_o to_o resign_v our_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n what_o ever_o it_o lead_v we_o unto_o be_v that_o which_o this_o church_n claim_v and_o without_o which_o she_o be_v nothing_o nor_o can_v stand_v one_o moment_n this_o be_v that_o which_o those_o who_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o church_n at_o present_a do_v whole_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o the_o promotion_n of_o decline_v what_o lie_v in_o they_o all_o other_o difference_n and_o controversy_n between_o they_o and_o we_o such_o a_o guide_n they_o say_v there_o must_v be_v of_o all_o christian_n and_o this_o guide_n be_v their_o church_n and_o they_o do_v wise_o consult_v their_o own_o interest_n therein_o for_o if_o they_o can_v once_o gain_v this_o point_n all_o other_o thing_n which_o they_o aim_v at_o will_v follow_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n and_o they_o may_v satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o their_o heart_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n wherefore_o this_o claim_n of_o they_o consist_v of_o these_o three_o part_n or_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o that_o
this_o pretence_n for_o 1._o all_o believer_n be_v command_v themselves_o to_o examine_v and_o try_v all_o false_a teacher_n prophet_n and_o spirit_n that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n doctrine_n subvert_v the_o faith_n and_o endanger_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o absolute_a universal_a resignation_n of_o themselves_o unto_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v claim_v by_o it_o see_v 1_o joh._n 4._o 1_o 2_o 3._o 2._o they_o be_v direct_v unto_o the_o way_n means_n and_o rule_n whereby_o they_o must_v make_v this_o trial_n and_o come_v unto_o the_o final_a determination_n in_o their_o own_o mind_n isa._n 8._o 20._o 2_o pet._n 1._o v._n 19_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o this_o also_o be_v diametrical_o opposite_a unto_o that_o resignation_n of_o themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o it_o require_v of_o they_o 3._o they_o have_v a_o guide_v promise_v unto_o they_o to_o give_v they_o a_o understanding_n of_o the_o rule_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o make_v a_o right_a and_o safe_a determination_n thereon_o joh_n 16._o 13._o 1_o joh._n 2_o 26_o 27._o these_o thing_n be_v consistent_a with_o a_o ministerial_a guide_n such_o as_o be_v find_v in_o all_o true_a church_n wherein_o none_o pretend_v to_o be_v lord_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o only_a helper_n of_o our_o joy_n but_o with_o a_o supreme_a authoritative_a guide_n require_v a_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n unto_o itself_o they_o be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o our_o case_n and_o this_o be_v the_o determination_n of_o it_o give_v we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n diversity_n and_o division_n in_o principle_n opinion_n and_o practice_n in_o religion_n be_v suppose_v unto_o as_o great_a a_o height_n as_o they_o can_v beat_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n teacher_n speak_v perverse_a thing_n departure_n from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n teacher_n not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n turn_v away_o man_n ear_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o turn_v they_o unto_o fable_n false_a teacher_n bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o many_o follow_v their_o pernicious_a way_n spirit_n of_o false_a prophet_n go_v out_o in_o the_o world_n the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v all_o suppose_a and_o foretell_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o case_n and_o state_n of_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v not_o seduce_v that_o our_o soul_n be_v not_o ruin_v we_o be_v command_v ourselves_o to_o try_v and_o examine_v all_o those_o who_o teach_v such_o thing_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n we_o be_v to_o try_v they_o if_o we_o intend_v not_o to_o be_v deceive_v and_o undo_v for_o ever_o unto_o the_o right_a understanding_n hereof_o a_o sure_a and_o faithful_a guide_n be_v promise_v unto_o we_o to_o lead_v we_o unto_o all_o truth_n so_o that_o no_o concernment_n of_o religion_n be_v more_o plain_o state_v and_o as_o unto_o our_o duty_n more_o express_o determine_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o this_o be_v it_o be_v so_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n in_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o john_n the_o apostle_n before_o the_o end_n of_o his_o day_n division_n error_n heresy_n begin_v to_o abound_v in_o christian_a religion_n this_o he_o full_o testify_v chap._n 4._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o and_o epist._n the_o 2._o 7._o according_a unto_o his_o duty_n he_o write_v unto_o believer_n to_o warn_v they_o of_o their_o danger_n with_o reference_n unto_o they_o that_o seduce_v they_o or_o attempt_v so_o to_o do_v chap._n 2._o 26._o and_o he_o write_v unto_o this_o purpose_n unto_o father_n young_a man_n and_o child_n or_o profess_a believer_n of_o all_o sort_n degree_n and_o endowment_n ver_fw-la 12_o 13._o and_o this_o not_o because_o they_o do_v not_o know_v the_o truth_n but_o because_o they_o do_v know_v it_o and_o have_v experience_n of_o its_o power_n ver_fw-la 21._o but_o in_o all_o the_o direction_n he_o give_v they_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v escape_v the_o danger_n they_o be_v expose_v unto_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o word_n any_o intimation_n that_o they_o shall_v betake_v themselves_o unto_o the_o guidance_n of_o this_o or_o that_o or_o any_o church_n much_o less_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o the_o sum_n of_o his_o direction_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v rely_v on_o the_o unction_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o holy_a one_o or_o the_o aid_n and_o supply_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o examination_n and_o trial_n they_o be_v to_o make_v of_o all_o these_o thing_n chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 20_o 27._o but_o to_o preserve_v their_o interest_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o precept_n and_o promise_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o not_o unto_o individual_a believer_n as_o though_o the_o church_n be_v any_o thing_n material_o but_o individual_a believer_n and_o formal_o but_o a_o disposition_n of_o they_o into_o a_o sacred_a order_n for_o their_o edification_n man_n be_v not_o make_v for_o the_o sabbath_n but_o the_o sabbath_n be_v make_v for_o man_n believer_n be_v not_o make_v for_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v make_v for_o believer_n and_o be_v of_o no_o use_n but_o with_o respect_n unto_o their_o edification_n and_o to_o deny_v all_o individual_a person_n to_o be_v the_o first_o object_n of_o all_o gospel_n precept_n and_o promise_n church_n in_o what_o sense_n soever_o you_o take_v they_o be_v so_o only_o as_o they_o be_v directive_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v to_o exempt_v their_o conscience_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n to_o turn_v they_o into_o beast_n and_o to_o overthrow_v the_o gospel_n let_v man_n now_o who_o take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o eternal_a salvation_n place_n themselves_o in_o their_o thought_n in_o that_o condition_n which_o the_o present_a case_n and_o their_o own_o circumstance_n do_v place_n they_o in_o the_o world_n the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v the_o people_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v be_v fill_v with_o different_a apprehension_n principle_n opinion_n and_o practice_n in_o and_o about_o religion_n some_o of_o these_o as_o those_o between_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o protestant_n have_v immediate_a influence_n into_o their_o eternal_a condition_n of_o blessedness_n or_o misery_n as_o both_o party_n contend_v dreadful_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n have_v follow_v and_o be_v like_a to_o follow_v these_o difference_n even_o in_o this_o world_n they_o will_v in_o this_o case_n find_v that_o it_o high_o concern_v they_o to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o be_v not_o deceive_v and_o thereby_o ruin_v eternal_o as_o multitude_n be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o high-minded_a but_o fear_v a_o guide_n be_v that_o which_o they_o be_v to_o look_v after_o that_o may_v carry_v they_o safe_o through_o all_o these_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n two_o immediate_o offer_v themselves_o unto_o they_o tender_v the_o utmost_a assurance_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n the_o one_o be_v the_o pope_n or_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o require_v no_o more_o of_o they_o but_o a_o blind_a submission_n unto_o its_o guidance_n a_o way_n i_o confess_v to_o extricate_v themselves_o and_o to_o deliver_v they_o from_o all_o care_n about_o their_o own_o soul_n easy_a and_o facile_a if_o safe_a the_o other_o be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o the_o promise_a aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o lead_v we_o unto_o the_o understanding_n of_o it_o and_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o it_o but_o in_o this_o way_n it_o be_v require_v of_o man_n that_o they_o make_v use_v of_o their_o own_o reason_n understanding_n judgement_n diligence_n with_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o divine_a assistance_n the_o present_a question_n be_v whether_o of_o these_o two_o guide_n such_o person_n ought_v to_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o i_o be_o on_o the_o consideration_n of_o one_o directive_n reason_n only_o other_o shall_v be_v afterward_o speak_v unto_o and_o this_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n which_o all_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o speak_v in_o his_o name_n express_o suppose_v this_o case_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o before_o lay_v down_o do_v thereon_o frequent_o direct_a and_o command_v we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o latter_a guide_n if_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v save_v and_o do_v no_o where_o no_o not_o once_o on_o a_o supposition_n of_o this_o case_n send_v we_o unto_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o church_n or_o pope_n of_o rome_n or_o any_o other_o church_n whatever_o
wherefore_o for_o man_n to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v inveagle_v their_o soul_n to_o be_v pervert_v and_o their_o faith_n overthrow_v by_o a_o few_o captious_a sophystical_a reason_n of_o man_n of_o perverse_a mind_n pursue_v their_o own_o secular_a interest_n to_o turn_v aside_o from_o the_o commandment_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o so_o plain_a evident_a and_o indisputable_a a_o case_n and_o duty_n be_v such_o a_o folly_n in_o itself_o such_o a_o impiety_n against_o god_n such_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n his_o wisdom_n authority_n and_o care_n as_o must_v be_v eternal_o account_v for_o three_o the_o thing_n for_o the_o most_o part_n which_o this_o pretend_a guide_n propose_v unto_o and_o impose_v on_o the_o conscience_n faith_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o who_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o its_o conduct_n be_v so_o unreasonable_a so_o contrary_a unto_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o very_a first_o notion_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n any_o way_n enlighten_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o direct_o opposite_a unto_o the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o revelation_n of_o himself_o unto_o we_o and_o his_o command_n concern_v our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n astonishable_a how_o they_o shall_v attain_v a_o access_n unto_o they_o who_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o when_o once_o man_n have_v their_o eyâ—s_n bore_v out_o as_o they_o do_v it_o for_o themselves_o in_o the_o resignation_n they_o make_v of_o their_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n unto_o the_o conduct_n of_o this_o church_n they_o must_v grind_v whatever_o be_v bring_v unto_o they_o i_o shall_v brief_o instance_n in_o some_o few_o thing_n of_o this_o sort_n 1._o the_o keep_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o their_o daily_a and_o continual_a use_n i_o speak_v not_o direct_o unto_o they_o who_o be_v bring_v up_o from_o their_o infancy_n in_o that_o church_n know_v nothing_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o the_o bible_n be_v a_o obscure_a dangerous_a book_n unto_o all_o layman_n which_o heretic_n make_v use_v of_o unto_o their_o advantage_n such_o person_n can_v be_v content_v to_o want_v it_o or_o be_v without_o it_o all_o their_o life_n especial_o see_v it_o be_v full_a of_o light_n and_o principle_n inconsistent_a with_o their_o carnal_a lust_n and_o interest_n but_o i_o speak_v of_o such_o who_o many_o of_o they_o like_o timothy_n have_v know_v the_o scripture_n from_o child_n and_o have_v be_v conversant_a in_o they_o have_v have_v some_o experience_n of_o their_o power_n unto_o such_o as_o these_o come_v person_n in_o the_o name_n and_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o this_o pretend_a guide_n and_o a_o compass_n of_o plausible_a word_n they_o will_v use_v fit_a to_o distract_v and_o amuse_v weak_a and_o unstable_a mind_n but_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o what_o they_o say_v in_o this_o case_n be_v cast_v away_o this_o bible_n this_o book_n it_o do_v but_o perplex_v you_o and_o disturb_v your_o mind_n with_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o you_o which_o you_o can_v understand_v and_o be_v therefore_o a_o occasion_n of_o almost_o all_o the_o pernicious_a error_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o any_o such_o person_n be_v ready_a to_o say_v have_v god_n give_v this_o book_n this_o alone_a as_o the_o only_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n unto_o we_o as_o the_o guide_n and_o rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v come_v unto_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o which_o you_o dare_v not_o direct_o deny_v have_v he_o command_v i_o to_o read_v study_v meditate_v and_o be_v conversant_a in_o it_o continual_o have_v i_o find_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o light_n counsel_n and_o consolation_n administer_v by_o it_o in_o my_o own_o soul_n and_o shall_v i_o now_o forsake_v it_o cast_v it_o away_o to_o betake_v myself_o unto_o your_o guidance_n and_o direction_n shall_v i_o forsake_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n all_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o daily_o speak_v unto_o i_o in_o and_o by_o this_o word_n to_o comply_v with_o you_o the_o very_a horror_n of_o the_o proposal_n be_v enough_o to_o secure_v the_o mind_n of_o any_o who_o have_v the_o least_o spark_n of_o spiritual_a light_n or_o grace_n from_o a_o compliance_n with_o it_o wherefore_o whether_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v full_a of_o light_n shine_v like_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n to_o follow_v the_o glimmering_n of_o this_o wander_a meteor_n which_o arise_v out_o of_o a_o horrible_a pit_n and_o there_o will_v end_v be_v leave_v unto_o their_o consideration_n who_o take_v care_n of_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n 2._o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n by_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o tongue_n and_o language_n which_o the_o people_n do_v not_o understand_v be_v another_o of_o their_o proposal_n this_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o attend_v unto_o on_o pain_n of_o damnation_n but_o how_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v more_o contrary_a unto_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o they_o who_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n no_o man_n can_v conceive_v as_o unto_o they_o who_o do_v not_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o hard_a to_o convince_v they_o where_o they_o be_v not_o obstinate_a on_o other_o prejudices_fw-la how_o irrational_a this_o proposal_n be_v how_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o reasonable_a service_n that_o god_n require_v of_o we_o other_o will_v say_v that_o they_o find_v hindrance_n and_o difficulty_n enough_o from_o and_o in_o this_o duty_n from_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o instability_n of_o their_o mind_n the_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n with_o diversion_n from_o outward_a object_n if_o you_o add_v thereunto_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o understand_v a_o word_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v in_o prayer_n and_o they_o know_v well_o enough_o they_o shall_v never_o pray_v at_o all_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v do_v we_o not_o know_v whence_o they_o take_v occasion_n for_o this_o strange_a contrivance_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o what_o advantage_n they_o make_v of_o it_o unto_o themselves_o it_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o admire_v how_o such_o a_o senseless_a imagination_n shall_v befall_v their_o mind_n i_o do_v not_o design_n to_o show_v how_o contrary_a it_o be_v to_o scripture_n precept_n and_o example_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a with_o that_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o on_o all_o account_n what_o a_o abominable_a sacrilege_n it_o be_v so_o to_o rob_v the_o church_n of_o its_o chief_a treasure_n it_o have_v be_v do_v by_o other_o sufficient_o i_o only_o give_v it_o as_o a_o instance_n how_o unmeet_a this_o pretend_a church_n be_v to_o be_v such_o a_o guide_n as_o whereunto_o we_o be_v to_o make_v a_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n in_o all_o concern_v of_o religion_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v make_v they_o who_o have_v any_o regard_n unto_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o reject_v its_o guidance_n with_o more_o detestation_n shall_v they_o accept_v they_o for_o their_o guide_n in_o religion_n who_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n confine_v they_o in_o all_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o use_n of_o a_o language_n that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o instead_o of_o pray_v with_o their_o understanding_n they_o must_v be_v content_a with_o a_o dumb_a show_n with_o posture_n and_o gesture_n with_o altar_n and_o picture_n the_o antic_a act_n of_o a_o priest_n and_o a_o noise_n of_o word_n who_o sense_n they_o know_v not_o at_o all_o if_o a_o man_n will_v seek_v for_o a_o infallible_a guide_n to_o hell_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o find_v one_o more_o likely_a and_o better_o qualify_v unto_o that_o purpose_n than_o be_v this_o church_n of_o rome_n 3._o there_o be_v at_o the_o same_o instant_n propose_v unto_o we_o by_o this_o guide_n the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n with_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n thereon_o depend_v this_o they_o say_v we_o must_v believe_v at_o least_o avow_v that_o we_o do_v believe_v on_o pain_n of_o eternal_a and_o temporal_a destruction_n also_o but_o herein_o they_o require_v of_o we_o that_o on_o the_o mere_a credit_n of_o their_o conduct_n we_o must_v renounce_v the_o use_n of_o our_o sense_n the_o exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o act_n of_o faith_n on_o divine_a revelation_n all_o thing_n whereby_o we_o be_v either_o man_n or_o christian_n that_o we_o may_v become_v blind_a idolater_n but_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v our_o guide_n in_o religion_n do_v thereon_o impose_v this_o monstrous_a imagination_n on_o our_o credulity_n with_o the_o idolatrous_a practice_n