they_o ought_v to_o ascend_v up_o thither_o for_o establish_v of_o any_o doctrine_n which_o must_v have_v power_n and_o authority_n among_o christian_n and_o yet_o have_v we_o depart_v insensible_o from_o this_o principle_n we_o have_v quit_v this_o save_a tenet_n by_o attribute_v to_o man_n that_o which_o be_v not_o due_a but_o to_o god_n alone_o we_o have_v make_v such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v mere_o humane_a to_o pass_v crowd_v among_o those_o which_o be_v hand_v down_o to_o we_o from_o god_n just_o as_o they_o put_v off_o false_a money_n by_o make_v it_o glister_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v and_o then_o mix_v it_o among_o such_o as_o be_v currant_n coin_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v suspect_v this_o be_v it_o that_o have_v give_v scope_n to_o contention_n and_o afterward_o be_v the_o grand_a cause_n of_o division_n some_o have_v be_v of_o opinion_n that_o whatsoever_o specious_a pretence_n and_o whatsoever_o plausible_a name_n have_v be_v give_v to_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o most_o famous_a assembly_n be_v all_o this_o while_n but_o humane_a sentiment_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v examine_v before_o they_o be_v receive_v they_o say_v that_o they_o be_v but_o particular_a man_n who_o have_v propose_v their_o opinion_n in_o these_o assembly_n that_o many_o time_n in_o these_o occasion_n it_o be_v the_o credit_n readiness_n of_o wit_n eloquence_n or_o some_o force_n of_o argument_n more_o specious_a than_o solid_a which_o make_v these_o opinion_n pass_v for_o article_n of_o faith_n that_o those_o particular_a person_n who_o compose_v these_o assembly_n may_v be_v mistake_v notwithstanding_o all_o their_o light_n and_o knowledge_n that_o by_o consequence_n a_o company_n of_o they_o how_o numerous_a soever_o they_o be_v be_v subject_a to_o defect_n and_o to_o the_o error_n of_o the_o member_n whereof_o they_o be_v compose_v last_o that_o the_o very_a diversity_n which_o be_v sometime_o sound_a in_o the_o decision_n make_v by_o they_o justify_v enough_o their_o opinion_n and_o make_v we_o see_v that_o all_o these_o decision_n be_v subject_a to_o trial_n other_o who_o be_v of_o a_o different_a sense_n maintain_v that_o without_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o council_n we_o shall_v have_v but_o a_o imperfect_a rule_n of_o our_o belief_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v not_o comprehend_v all_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v we_o in_o the_o church_n that_o there_o be_v also_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o have_v need_n of_o explain_v and_o interpretation_n that_o on_o these_o occasion_n there_o be_v none_o to_o who_o we_o can_v have_v better_a recourse_n than_o to_o the_o church_n to_o who_o god_n have_v promise_v the_o ordinary_a conduct_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o the_o church_n can_v make_v her_o voice_n be_v better_a understand_v and_o declare_v to_o we_o her_o sense_n in_o a_o fashion_n more_o authentic_a than_o when_o she_o be_v represent_v and_o as_o it_o be_v unite_v in_o these_o solemn_a assembly_n they_o be_v persuade_v that_o when_o such_o a_o assembly_n be_v lawful_o gather_v it_o do_v of_o right_o enjoy_v a_o infallibility_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o it_o be_v god_n himself_o who_o speak_v as_o much_o in_o one_o as_o the_o other_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n both_o one_o and_o the_o other_o agree_v in_o this_o point_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v infallible_a that_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o sovereign_a rule_n of_o all_o holiness_n the_o latter_a also_o pretend_v that_o although_o they_o plead_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o authority_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n they_o find_v argument_n enough_o in_o the_o scripture_n for_o maintain_v their_o doctrine_n and_o confound_v of_o error_n but_o let_v we_o for_o the_o present_a lay_v by_o this_o controversy_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o return_v back_o to_o that_o principle_n which_o all_o agree_v upon_o it_o may_v be_v we_o may_v draw_v rule_n and_o direction_n enough_o from_o thence_o so_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o enter_v upon_o this_o other_o dispute_n which_o shall_v be_v more_o particular_o examine_v in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n let_v we_o therefore_o only_o hear_v what_o tertullian_n say_v upon_o this_o subject_a apolog._n chap._n 47._o where_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o division_n which_o he_o see_v in_o his_o time_n about_o christian_a religion_n he_o say_v that_o those_o who_o have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n have_v in_o the_o do_v it_o violate_v their_o faith_n to_o jesus_n christ_n for_o he_o it_o be_v that_o have_v teach_v we_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n which_o he_o cause_v to_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o by_o those_o holy_a man_n who_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o receive_v his_o divine_a instruction_n that_o all_o which_o be_v not_o conformable_a to_o that_o rule_n have_v be_v invent_v by_o new_a doctor_n who_o come_v not_o till_o after_o those_o bless_a disciple_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o this_o manner_n have_v this_o worthy_a man_n ascend_v up_o to_o the_o very_a fountain_n head_n of_o this_o evil_a and_o discover_v the_o original_a of_o those_o miserable_a division_n and_o st._n augustin_n in_o that_o remarkable_a passage_n against_o maximin_n the_o arrian_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o say_v he_o all_o prejudices_fw-la which_o we_o may_v conceive_v i_o from_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o thou_o from_o that_o of_o arimini_fw-la let_v we_o both_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v no_o partial_a witness_n but_o be_v as_o well_o common_a to_o one_o as_o to_o the_o other_o therefore_o as_o when_o a_o man_n have_v once_o give_v way_n to_o some_o dangerous_a principle_n what_o care_v soever_o he_o take_v to_o avoid_v the_o ill_a consequence_n thereof_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o fall_v insensible_o upon_o they_o likewise_o whatsoever_o corrective_a may_v be_v bring_v for_o the_o take_v away_o from_o the_o antimony_n its_o malignant_a quality_n there_o shall_v nevertheless_o break_v forth_o some_o ill_a effect_n of_o it_o so_o this_o doctrine_n be_v once_o settle_v that_o man_n must_v be_v consult_v and_o follow_v concern_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n we_o do_v give_v they_o by_o little_a and_o little_a a_o authority_n which_o appertain_v only_o to_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o the_o consequence_n of_o which_o be_v that_o we_o become_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o acquiesce_v blind_o on_o whatsoever_o the_o caprichio_n of_o man_n can_v invent_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n every_o one_o believe_v himself_o to_o have_v as_o much_o right_n herein_o as_o his_o companion_n every_o one_o endeavour_n to_o make_v his_o particular_a opinion_n pass_v for_o essential_a truth_n every_o one_o condemn_v as_o heretic_n and_o as_o people_n out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n all_o those_o who_o do_v not_o submit_v themselves_o absolute_o to_o their_o rule_n in_o brief_a every_o one_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a church_n but_o that_o which_o receive_v the_o opinion_n which_o he_o have_v promote_v to_o who_o alone_o belong_v the_o right_a of_o govern_v all_o that_o which_o concern_v religion_n and_o although_o many_o make_v a_o difficulty_n of_o attribute_v infallibility_n to_o the_o church_n nevertheless_o they_o hold_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o these_o decision_n at_o least_o if_o they_o themselves_o can_v pass_v for_o decider_n all_o which_o have_v much_o contribute_v to_o the_o form_n of_o division_n and_o to_o the_o foment_v it_o after_o it_o be_v kindle_v chap._n iu._n that_o the_o dislike_n which_o have_v be_v have_v at_o the_o simplicity_n of_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v a_o occasion_n that_o man_n have_v give_v it_o a_o different_a aspect_n from_o that_o which_o it_o have_v in_o its_o beginning_n i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o christian_n who_o will_v not_o agree_v with_o i_o that_o christianity_n be_v never_o more_o pure_a more_o holy_a and_o more_o proper_a to_o induce_v its_o professor_n to_o virtue_n than_o in_o its_o birth_n that_o be_v a_o time_n wherein_o the_o save_a principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v only_o receive_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o from_o those_o holy_a man_n who_o he_o have_v inspire_v this_o be_v the_o true_a golden_a age_n of_o the_o church_n abound_v in_o saint_n in_o confessor_n and_o in_o martyr_n and_o i_o believe_v that_o this_o truth_n will_v also_o be_v grant_v i_o that_o then_o at_o that_o time_n when_o christian_a religion_n be_v so_o pure_a and_o exempt_a from_o error_n its_o doctrine_n be_v also_o most_o simple_a and_o most_o naked_a it_o be_v free_a from_o all_o those_o subtle_a question_n which_o some_o cause_v to_o be_v stat_v up_o in_o the_o succeed_v
will_v do_v therein_o according_a to_o their_o prejudicate_a opinion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v possess_v with_o former_o admit_v whence_o be_v it_o therefore_o that_o we_o shall_v take_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o distinction_n but_o from_o the_o moush_n of_o god_n himself_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n true_a it_o be_v we_o find_v not_o any_o passage_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o declare_v in_o formal_a term_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n tell_v we_o we_o may_v establish_v this_o distinction_n by_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n for_o if_o all_o christian_n receive_v as_o unquestionable_a truth_n all_o that_o which_o have_v be_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o unpardonable_a crime_n but_o to_o call_v in_o doubt_n any_o of_o these_o sacred_a oracle_n see_v it_o will_v be_v to_o suspect_v he_o of_o falsehood_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o they_o must_v by_o consequence_n own_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v clear_o propose_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v also_o receive_v by_o a_o general_a consent_n be_v a_o fundamental_a point_n of_o christianity_n they_o must_v acquiesce_v in_o this_o doctrine_n as_o be_v immediate_o issue_v out_o from_o god_n or_o else_o utter_o renounce_v christianity_n whereas_o if_o there_o be_v doctrine_n which_o have_v not_o be_v so_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o they_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o doctor_n to_o interpose_v their_o judgement_n and_o give_v place_n to_o different_a sense_n we_o have_v likewise_o the_o liberty_n of_o examine_v these_o divers_a opinion_n we_o may_v compare_v they_o together_o to_o retain_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v judge_v most_o conformable_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n we_o may_v search_v out_o that_o which_o shall_v agree_v best_a with_o the_o fundamental_a point_n which_o give_v most_o consolation_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o afford_v the_o great_a motive_n to_o piety_n but_o we_o must_v not_o put_v these_o last_o truth_n in_o the_o same_o rank_n with_o the_o first_o nor_o must_v we_o oblige_v christian_n to_o acquiesce_v there_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v receive_v they_o as_o so_o many_o oracle_n deliver_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n without_o any_o mixture_n of_o humane_a infirmity_n whereas_o the_o second_o which_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o discourse_n of_o man_n may_v have_v be_v alter_v by_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o judgement_n they_o may_v be_v taint_v with_o the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o humane_a wit_n and_o these_o be_v those_o truth_n or_o rather_o those_o doctrine_n which_o i_o do_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v fundamental_a otherwise_o we_o shall_v give_v to_o man_n and_o to_o reason_n a_o authority_n which_o appertain_v to_o none_o but_o to_o god_n alone_o and_o his_o word_n and_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v clear_v this_o matter_n by_o example_n which_o may_v make_v it_o both_o know_v and_o understand_v by_o every_o one_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o be_v fundamental_a doctrine_n in_o christianity_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n that_o he_o have_v send_v his_o only_a son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o may_v have_v eternal_a life_n that_o jesus_n christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o arise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o his_o glory_n to_o judge_v both_o the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a and_o such_o other_o truth_n as_o all_o christian_n admit_v of_o as_o be_v most_o distinct_o and_o plain_o teach_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o as_o for_o those_o doctrine_n which_o determine_v the_o order_n of_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n that_o tell_v we_o punctual_o what_o be_v the_o object_n of_o predestination_n that_o expound_v how_o the_o two_o nature_n be_v unite_v in_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o comprehend_v and_o fathom_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n that_o pretend_v to_o discover_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n operate_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n i_o maintain_v that_o although_o the_o learned_a man_n shall_v say_v never_o so_o many_o excellent_a thing_n concern_v these_o matter_n and_o what_o they_o say_v may_v be_v approve_v as_o be_v judge_v reasonable_a they_o must_v not_o nevertheless_o be_v make_v to_o pass_v as_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o god_n word_n they_o ought_v indeed_o to_o be_v receive_v but_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v all_o ready_a to_o quit_v and_o renounce_v they_o in_o case_n any_o one_o shall_v make_v we_o see_v some_o error_n therein_o otherwise_o it_o be_v but_o to_o make_v way_n for_o division_n since_o every_o doctor_n will_v make_v his_o particular_a opinion_n to_o pass_v for_o so_o many_o fundamental_a truth_n and_o will_v reject_v all_o other_o as_o error_n which_o utter_o overthrow_v salvation_n the_o adverse_a party_n will_v not_o be_v less_o zealous_a in_o maintain_v their_o contrary_a opinion_n which_o will_v be_v follow_v by_o a_o lamentable_a separation_n and_o division_n here_o it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v value_v the_o precept_n of_o saint_n paul_n 1_o thes_n 5._o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_n here_o it_o be_v also_o that_o the_o say_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n may_v take_v place_n 1_o cor._n 3._o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sole_a foundation_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n that_o man_n may_v build_v upon_o it_o gold_n silver_n precious_a stone_n wood_n hay_o or_o stubble_n but_o that_o every_o man_n work_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a for_o it_o shall_v be_v try_v by_o fire_n which_o will_v consume_v the_o evil_a work_n although_o the_o worker_n may_v be_v preserve_v let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n hear_v what_o the_o excellent_a author_n of_o that_o treatise_n of_o the_o imitation_n of_o christ_n say_v what_o will_v it_o avail_v thou_o though_o thou_o can_v dispute_v concern_v the_o depth_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n if_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n thou_o shall_v be_v destitute_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o humility_n which_o may_v make_v thou_o acceptable_a to_o the_o trinity_n the_o profound_a discourse_n of_o divine_n make_v not_o a_o man_n more_o holy_a and_o more_o just_a i_o have_v rather_o feel_v the_o true_a effect_n of_o repentance_n than_o know_v how_o to_o give_v a_o definition_n of_o it_o this_o distinction_n be_v settle_v the_o ready_a way_n will_v be_v open_a to_o we_o by_o which_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a reunion_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o one_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o suppose_v that_o we_o must_v have_v a_o strong_a faith_n have_v suppress_v all_o particular_a interest_n which_o have_v no_o regard_n but_o to_o temporal_a thing_n that_o we_o must_v for_o some_o time_n have_v cast_v away_o all_o those_o prejudicate_a opinion_n which_o be_v so_o many_o bar_n and_o hindrance_n of_o agreement_n after_o this_o i_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v adhere_v without_o vary_v to_o the_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n which_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n that_o according_a to_o this_o word_n we_o bear_v one_o with_o the_o other_o in_o the_o divers_a practice_n of_o its_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o in_o the_o different_a use_n of_o its_o ceremony_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o look_v upon_o these_o outward_a thing_n but_o as_o accidental_n to_o religion_n and_o which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v establish_v but_o according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n i_o next_o require_v that_o we_o all_o rest_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o sacred_a history_n leave_v a_o liberty_n to_o learned_a man_n of_o declare_v their_o opinion_n upon_o the_o difficulty_n which_o be_v therein_o meet_v with_o to_o follow_v without_o constraint_n that_o party_n which_o shall_v be_v judge_v most_o reasonable_a that_o we_o read_v not_o the_o prophecy_n and_o prediction_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o with_o humility_n without_o determine_v any_o thing_n as_o by_o authority_n upon_o their_o sense_n and_o the_o time_n of_o their_o accomplishment_n that_o we_o careful_o distinguish_v between_o the_o doctrine_n so_o clear_o establish_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v they_o and_o those_o which_o have_v need_v for_o their_o enlighten_v of_o the_o labour_n and_o meditation_n of_o man_n to_o clear_v they_o that_o we_o admit_v not_o of_o any_o other_o than_o the_o first_o for_o fundamental_o and_o unvariable_a and_o that_o as_o
they_o may_v substitute_v another_o in_o its_o room_n thus_o by_o their_o subtlety_n they_o arm_v the_o secular_a power_n against_o those_o who_o will_v promote_v doctrine_n perchance_o be_v innocent_a or_o better_o found_v than_o they_o chap._n ii_o that_o there_o have_v never_o yet_o be_v make_v a_o true_a distinction_n in_o christian_a religion_n of_o what_o be_v real_o essential_a and_o fundamental_a and_o what_o be_v not_o although_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n may_v be_v diverse_o dispose_v yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o one_o point_n that_o there_o be_v certain_a doctrine_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v essential_a and_o fundamental_a and_o other_o likewise_o of_o less_o importance_n they_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v some_o from_o which_o they_o can_v depart_v without_o do_v a_o manifest_a prejudice_n to_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n and_o that_o there_o be_v also_o other_o to_o which_o they_o may_v adhere_v without_o wound_v their_o conscience_n but_o there_o can_v never_o yet_o any_o boundary_n be_v agree_v upon_o which_o shall_v be_v establish_v for_o the_o right_n settle_v all_o people_n in_o their_o proper_a and_o natural_a limit_n every_o one_o will_v make_v his_o own_o opinion_n pass_v for_o fundamental_a and_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n whereas_o have_v we_o but_o well_o distinguish_v betwixt_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o doctrine_n have_v we_o but_o lay_v good_a foundation_n to_o keep_v these_o tenet_n hereafter_o from_o be_v confuse_v this_o evil_a of_o which_o we_o complain_v may_v easy_o be_v remedy_v and_o all_o party_n may_v be_v reunited_n as_o i_o undertake_v to_o make_v appear_v to_o you_o in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n who_o do_v not_o evident_o see_v that_o for_o want_v of_o know_v right_o how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o doctrine_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o division_n which_o be_v among_o christian_n be_v observe_v to_o arise_v how_o many_o question_n be_v there_o as_o unprofitable_a as_o curious_a which_o have_v make_v a_o separation_n in_o man_n judgement_n how_o many_o person_n without_o ever_o have_v exam_v or_o understand_v they_o have_v side_v some_o with_o one_o and_o some_o with_o the_o other_o only_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v suspect_v to_o be_v without_o religion_n without_o devotion_n and_o without_o knowledge_n how_o many_o dispute_v likewise_o be_v there_o which_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n than_o certain_a different_a term_n and_o expression_n whilst_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o substance_n and_o make_v all_o their_o quarrel_n but_o about_o word_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o will_v they_o examine_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o contention_n without_o passion_n and_o without_o prejudice_n they_o will_v be_v ashamed_a for_o have_v lose_v so_o much_o time_n and_o express_v so_o much_o heat_n about_o a_o thing_n which_o merit_v it_o not_o every_o one_o know_v how_o many_o dispute_v the_o subject_n of_o grace_n have_v cause_v among_o the_o roman_a catholic_n it_o be_v well_o know_v with_o what_o ardour_n the_o defender_n of_o a_o irrespective_a science_n which_o they_o attribute_v to_o god_n have_v maintain_v their_o doctrine_n against_o those_o who_o establish_v a_o absolute_a decree_n this_o be_v that_o which_o have_v form_v two_o party_n among_o their_o doctor_n this_o difference_n have_v continue_v and_o be_v renew_v in_o our_o time_n betwixt_o the_o jansenist_n and_o the_o jesuit_n although_o under_o other_o term_n there_o be_v no_o person_n ignorant_a unto_o what_o a_o degree_n of_o division_n they_o have_v come_v about_o this_o business_n and_o the_o strange_a consequence_n which_o be_v apprehend_v from_o it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n how_o a_o new_a doctor_n who_o have_v cause_v the_o memoires_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v print_v maintain_v that_o all_o the_o difference_n be_v but_o only_o in_o word_n he_o undertake_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o it_o by_o show_v that_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o foundation_n and_o be_v all_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o st._n augustin_n fulgentius_n st._n thomas_n aquinas_n all_o the_o school_n man_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n if_o it_o be_v so_o who_o will_v not_o suspect_v that_o the_o like_a thing_n may_v not_o possible_o have_v happen_v in_o many_o other_o point_n wherein_o to_o our_o misfortune_n different_a opinion_n have_v make_v a_o separation_n and_o division_n i_o place_n in_o the_o rank_n of_o question_n which_o be_v not_o essential_a and_o fundamental_a in_o religion_n such_o as_o be_v make_v about_o the_o business_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o ceremony_n institute_v for_o rule_v the_o exterior_a part_n of_o its_o worship_n for_o how_o much_o stir_n have_v be_v make_v concern_v those_o thing_n which_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n than_o the_o general_a rule_n propose_v by_o st._n paul_n namely_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v with_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v sufficient_a thersore_n that_o in_o these_o matter_n we_o have_v always_o before_o our_o eye_n that_o which_o may_v advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o edify_v his_o church_n for_o indeed_o we_o may_v dress_v in_o a_o different_a manner_n the_o proper_a mean_n for_o obtain_v so_o good_a a_o end_n the_o use_n and_o application_n of_o this_o general_a rule_n may_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o each_o particular_a church_n to_o do_v what_o they_o shall_v judge_v most_o expedient_a according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n time_n disposition_n of_o man_n spirit_n and_o such_o like_a they_o shall_v only_o take_v heed_n of_o introduce_v in_o these_o thing_n some_o practice_n which_o may_v be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o any_o of_o the_o essential_a and_o fundamental_a doctrine_n some_o require_v that_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v equal_a and_o other_o will_v have_v a_o superiority_n and_o inferiority_n among_o they_o some_o be_v for_o a_o outward_a pomp_n in_o the_o church_n and_o other_o will_v have_v a_o great_a plainness_n some_o believe_v that_o the_o ornament_n of_o the_o place_n of_o devotion_n breed_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o exercise_n and_o other_o think_v that_o the_o meanness_n of_o the_o place_n take_v off_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o faithful_a from_o material_a carnal_a thing_n to_o lift_v they_o upward_o to_o those_o which_o be_v celestial_a and_o divine_a some_o love_n music_n and_o the_o sound_n of_o melodious_a instrument_n in_o divine_a service_n and_o other_o say_v that_o it_o disturb_v the_o mind_n and_o carry_v away_o the_o devotion_n which_o shall_v be_v fix_v in_o those_o holy_a place_n some_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o ministry_n their_o train_n and_o outward_a pomp_n gain_v they_o the_o veneration_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v apt_a otherwise_o to_o despise_v they_o other_o judge_v that_o the_o poverty_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n do_v better_a accord_n with_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o produce_v more_o save_a effect_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n than_o all_o worldly_a splendour_n it_o be_v in_o these_o kind_n of_o question_n and_o difference_n that_o i_o shall_v let_v you_o see_v we_o shall_v bear_v one_o with_o another_o for_o i_o hold_v that_o there_o may_v happen_v occasion_n where_o one_o of_o these_o practice_n may_v be_v most_o expedient_a and_o most_o edify_a and_o other_o or_o that_o which_o be_v opposite_a to_o it_o may_v likewise_o prove_v of_o very_o great_a benefit_n always_o provide_v that_o order_n and_o decency_n be_v preserve_v thus_o must_v there_o be_v a_o mutual_a toleration_n among_o christian_n and_o a_o charitable_a and_o brotherly_o support_v one_o towards_o another_o chap._n iii_o that_o man_n have_v depart_v from_o the_o true_a fundamental_o of_o christian_a religion_n to_o take_v up_o other_o which_o have_v nothing_o of_o solidity_n in_o they_o and_o which_o put_v these_o division_n among_o them_o it_o be_v a_o general_a opinion_n among_o all_o christian_n that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n alone_o that_o we_o must_v receive_v the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n they_o agree_v also_o in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v in_o his_o word_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o those_o two_o thing_n be_v comprise_v and_o that_o it_o be_v from_o thence_o as_o from_o two_o fountain_n that_o they_o must_v be_v draw_v down_o to_o we_o the_o council_n themselves_o namely_o those_o which_o be_v call_v general_n and_o to_o which_o some_o christian_n do_v attribute_n as_o much_o authority_n and_o infallibility_n as_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n confirm_v this_o truth_n for_o they_o have_v never_o undertake_v to_o decide_v any_o point_n of_o religion_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o have_v conclude_v that_o
happen_v and_o that_o which_o it_o report_v to_o we_o as_o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v follow_v the_o distinction_n make_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n of_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o must_v first_o examine_v what_o it_o declare_v to_o we_o as_o truth_n which_o the_o true_a believer_n ought_v to_o receive_v by_o faith_n these_o be_v not_o all_o of_o a_o like_a nature_n and_o must_v also_o be_v careful_o distinguish_v to_o take_v away_o likewise_o all_o cause_n of_o contention_n among_o christian_n i_o believe_v therefore_o they_o may_v all_o be_v bring_v under_o these_o three_o head_n as_o first_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o set_v the_o conscience_n at_o rest_n and_o procure_v its_o salvation_n second_o the_o historical_a narration_n which_o the_o scripture_n make_v we_o of_o many_o thing_n that_o have_v happen_v as_o well_o in_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o universe_n as_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o old_a and_o new_a covenant_n three_o the_o prediction_n there_o make_v as_o of_o thing_n which_o must_v happen_v and_o whereof_o we_o see_v not_o yet_o the_o accomplishment_n this_o be_v conclude_v we_o shall_v general_o recerve_v as_o unquestionable_a truth_n whatsoever_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n wherein_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o shall_v not_o neither_o can_v they_o give_v any_o matter_n of_o contention_n much_o less_o of_o division_n as_o for_o example_n the_o historical_a relation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v such_o that_o all_o christian_n general_o receive_v â—â—â—m_n as_o certain_a and_o indubitable_a and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o diversity_n of_o opimon_n upon_o any_o difficulty_n of_o chronology_n that_o shall_v not_o cause_v a_o separation_n in_o the_o church_n the_o opinion_n may_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o particular_a person_n to_o follow_v therein_o what_o they_o shall_v judge_v most_o probable_a i_o say_v the_o same_o of_o interpretation_n which_o may_v be_v give_v to_o some_o obscure_a passage_n which_o shall_v not_o cause_v any_o division_n be_v the_o diversity_n never_o so_o great_a which_o be_v there_o meet_v with_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sole_a occasion_n for_o allow_v it_o and_o that_o be_v when_o a_o particular_a interpretation_n overthrow_v some_o one_o of_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n or_o that_o they_o will_v make_v it_o to_o pass_v as_o issue_v out_o from_o the_o very_a mouth_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o all_o these_o interpretation_n be_v but_o so_o many_o attempt_n of_o man_n wit_n which_o may_v fail_v insomuch_o that_o we_o shall_v leave_v to_o every_o one_o the_o liberty_n of_o examine_v they_o to_o receive_v they_o afterward_o or_o to_o reject_v they_o without_o prejudice_n to_o salvation_n and_o without_o break_v the_o union_n which_o be_v have_v with_o those_o of_o contrary_a opinion_n as_o to_o what_o concern_v suture_a prediction_n neither_o aught_o these_o to_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o any_o division_n it_o may_v suffice_v we_o be_v all_o in_o general_n persuade_v that_o whatsoever_o have_v be_v foretell_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v have_v its_o accomplishment_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o obstacle_n which_o intersere_fw-la it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o first_o cause_n absolute_o dispose_v of_o second_o cause_n will_v bring_v about_o its_o design_n in_o despite_n of_o all_o resistance_n of_o the_o creature_n this_o hinder_v not_o from_o advance_v our_o thought_n high_a search_v into_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o pprophecy_n and_o make_v our_o conjecture_n of_o the_o time_n of_o its_o execution_n we_o shall_v in_o this_o give_v liberty_n to_o certain_a particular_a person_n especial_o when_o these_o kind_n of_o meditation_n may_v contribute_v to_o the_o consolation_n of_o true_a believer_n and_o to_o excite_v they_o more_o to_o sanctity_n it_o be_v in_o this_o i_o make_v that_o happiness_n consist_v which_o the_o book_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n attribute_n to_o those_o who_o read_v it_o careful_o and_o understand_v it_o but_o he_o who_o will_v apply_v himself_o to_o this_o study_n must_v not_o do_v it_o but_o with_o great_a precaution_n here_o it_o be_v that_o much_o strictness_n must_v be_v observe_v and_o principal_o not_o the_o least_o stir_v be_v make_v but_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o deep_a humility_n he_o must_v on_o all_o occasion_n distrust_v himself_o but_o more_o in_o this_o than_o any_o other_o for_o although_o these_o oracle_n be_v not_o conceive_v in_o ambiguous_a term_n as_o those_o of_o the_o pagan_n be_v yet_o be_v they_o propose_v in_o obscure_a and_o dark_a expression_n they_o be_v such_o hide_a mystery_n and_o so_o profound_a that_o they_o can_v scarce_o be_v faâ—…omed_v when_o prediction_n be_v accomplish_v they_o change_v their_o nature_n and_o become_v history_n easy_a to_o be_v understand_v but_o before_o the_o event_n they_o must_v be_v look_v upon_o with_o that_o profound_a respect_n as_o cause_n natural_o a_o silence_n but_o yet_o if_o any_o think_v they_o have_v espy_v some_o light_n they_o may_v utter_v their_o thought_n with_o modesty_n and_o shall_v rather_o propose_v it_o as_o a_o conjecture_n than_o as_o a_o certain_a doctrine_n for_o true_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o dangerous_a nor_o so_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o desire_n of_o make_v pass_v our_o sense_n upon_o thing_n foretell_v for_o constant_a truth_n there_o need_v but_o a_o force_a opinion_n of_o these_o prophecy_n to_o stir_v up_o a_o whole_a nation_n to_o tumult_n to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o state_n and_o ruin_v the_o unity_n which_o shall_v be_v among_o christian_n the_o example_n of_o this_o be_v as_o well_o know_v as_o they_o be_v dreadful_a to_o consider_v there_o may_v some_o kind_n of_o parallel_n be_v make_v between_o this_o reflection_n and_o those_o dangerous_a obstinate_a opinion_n whereof_o we_o have_v already_o make_v mention_n and_o which_o must_v be_v entire_o cast_v away_o to_o attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a intelligence_n in_o christianity_n chap._n vi_o five_o advice_n touch_v the_o mystery_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o we_o must_v believe_v as_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o concern_v the_o distinction_n which_o must_v be_v make_v of_o they_o after_o have_v consider_v methodical_o of_o what_o the_o word_n of_o god_n teach_v we_o touch_v the_o rite_n ceremony_n and_o outward_a order_n of_o the_o church_n as_o also_o the_o history_n and_o prophecy_n which_o it_o contain_v after_o have_v show_v that_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o matter_n of_o contention_n among_o christian_n i_o have_v nothing_o less_o to_o examine_v but_o what_o concern_v the_o rule_n comprehend_v the_o holy_a mystery_n of_o christianity_n which_o believer_n shall_v own_v and_o receive_v for_o their_o salvation_n and_o because_o it_o be_v a_o most_o important_a matter_n it_o must_v be_v clear_o open_v and_o explain_v to_o remove_v whatsoever_o may_v give_v any_o occasion_n of_o contention_n and_o procure_v herein_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o rest_n a_o reconciliation_n of_o all_o christian_a society_n i_o can_v now_o absolute_o disapprove_v the_o distinction_n which_o all_o doctor_n make_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o of_o which_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v if_o i_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v in_o religion_n some_o important_a precept_n essential_a fundamental_a and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n i_o acknowledge_v therein_o also_o other_o less_o important_a which_o may_v be_v let_v alone_o as_o where_o some_o error_n may_v slip_v in_o yet_o this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o prejudice_v our_o salvation_n â—â—e_v peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o church_n but_o what_o i_o can_v approve_v of_o in_o this_o be_v the_o application_n which_o these_o doctor_n make_v of_o this_o distinction_n to_o their_o cause_n they_o common_o fall_v concern_v this_o matter_n into_o the_o same_o fault_n which_o have_v be_v observe_v namely_o their_o prejudicate_a opinion_n and_o particular_a interest_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n bear_v sway_n in_o the_o judgement_n which_o they_o make_v of_o what_o be_v fundamental_a and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o that_o they_o will_v oblige_v all_o who_o enter_v into_o their_o communion_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o humane_a doctrine_n as_o if_o they_o be_v so_o many_o fundamental_a point_n they_o oblige_v man_n also_o to_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n which_o agree_v not_o with_o they_o as_o if_o they_o tend_v to_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n although_o they_o may_v not_o be_v so_o prejudicial_a as_o they_o will_v make_v they_o believe_v for_o who_o have_v authority_n of_o fix_v that_o which_o be_v fundamental_a and_o distinguish_v it_o from_o that_o which_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n every_o society_n
other_o those_o who_o will_v enter_v into_o this_o holy_a communion_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o powerful_a mean_n to_o attain_v to_o this_o end_n and_o which_o deserve_v more_o important_a consideration_n i_o reserve_v it_o to_o a_o particular_a treatise_n if_o this_o first_o work_n still_o be_v favourable_o entertain_v chap._n viii_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n and_o difficulty_n which_o may_v be_v form_v against_o this_o design_n there_o can_v be_v no_o advantage_n propose_v which_o meet_v not_o with_o its_o difficulty_n we_o can_v fetch_v gold_n out_o of_o a_o mine_n but_o with_o much_o trouble_n the_o earth_n be_v not_o make_v fertile_a but_o when_o it_o be_v dig_v and_o plough_v with_o great_a care_n and_o the_o success_n of_o the_o most_o admirable_a enter_v prize_n be_v not_o obtain_v but_o by_o surmount_v with_o industry_n all_o the_o obstacle_n which_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o this_o trouble_n we_o have_v in_o attain_v thâ—se_a most_o excellent_a good_n be_v that_o which_o contribute_v much_o to_o their_o glory_n it_o be_v a_o poor_a common_a virtue_n which_o find_v no_o resistance_n in_o its_o operation_n the_o praise_n of_o heroic_a virtue_n consist_v in_o the_o conquer_a of_o great_a difficulty_n so_o that_o this_o project_n will_v be_v less_o admirable_a than_o it_o be_v if_o it_o can_v be_v effect_v without_o pain_n and_o if_o the_o execution_n thereof_o be_v easy_a but_o what_o objection_n may_v be_v make_v to_o this_o and_o difficulty_n meet_v with_o herein_o will_v be_v altogether_o such_o as_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v easy_o able_a to_o answer_v the_o one_o and_o remedy_n the_o other_o some_o will_v present_o say_v that_o to_o attempt_v this_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n to_o go_v about_o to_o hinder_v a_o effect_n which_o must_v necessary_o happen_v that_o it_o be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v undertake_v to_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o the_o star_n and_o hinder_v the_o revolution_n of_o the_o season_n that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v foretell_v there_o shall_v be_v heresy_n dissension_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o this_o be_v permit_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o make_v evident_a the_o zeal_n and_o constancy_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n insomuch_o that_o it_o will_v be_v to_o strive_v against_o the_o eternal_a decree_n and_o rule_v appoint_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n to_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v the_o division_n or_o dissension_n among_o christian_n but_o for_o satisfy_v this_o objection_n beside_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o point_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o treatise_n there_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n to_o consider_v which_o be_v that_o this_o prediction_n be_v not_o only_o ground_v upon_o a_o decree_n of_o god_n for_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n which_o shall_v happen_v in_o his_o church_n but_o upon_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o evil_a disposition_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v cause_n of_o the_o disunion_n and_o that_o hinder_v we_o not_o from_o labour_v to_o remedy_v this_o cause_n and_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o these_o deplorable_a effect_n so_o that_o what_o jesus_n christ_n have_v foretell_v we_o of_o the_o fire_n which_o he_o be_v come_v to_o kindle_v in_o the_o earth_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o his_o gospel_n hinder_v not_o his_o servant_n from_o â—â—â—â—â—ng_n with_o great_a affection_n to_o extinguish_v it_o and_o to_o stay_v the_o great_a burn_v which_o this_o flame_n may_v cause_v moreover_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o 〈…〉_o out_o because_o it_o have_v be_v foretell_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o import_v thus_o much_o that_o it_o shall_v abide_v continual_o be_v it_o not_o enough_o that_o it_o have_v take_v place_n for_o so_o many_o age_n be_v it_o not_o time_n to_o stop_v its_o course_n and_o see_v a_o end_n of_o it_o so_o will_v the_o prophecy_n have_v have_v its_o accomplishment_n in_o our_o father_n day_n and_o we_o shall_v in_o we_o enjoy_v the_o calm_a after_o all_o these_o tempest_n let_v we_o add_v hereunto_o that_o this_o very_a word_n which_o foretell_v we_o these_o division_n make_v we_o also_o hope_v for_o a_o estate_n of_o peace_n and_o quiet_v in_o the_o church_n it_o make_v time_n of_o refreshment_n and_o ease_n to_o succeed_v all_o these_o great_a disturbance_n and_o assure_v we_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o firm_a peace_n in_o the_o earth_n that_o we_o shall_v see_v those_o creature_n which_o be_v the_o great_a enemy_n one_o to_o the_o other_o that_o be_v to_o say_v those_o spirit_n wherein_o be_v the_o most_o contrariety_n dwell_v and_o unite_v together_o who_o know_v but_o that_o we_o may_v live_v to_o enjoy_v those_o happy_a time_n who_o know_v but_o that_o in_o our_o day_n we_o may_v see_v this_o general_a peace_n among_o all_o christian_n and_o i_o dare_v promise_v that_o by_o the_o assistance_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n this_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v if_o our_o sin_n do_v not_o put_v a_o hindrance_n to_o it_o and_o our_o particular_a interest_n more_o sway_v we_o than_o the_o general_a good_a of_o christendom_n it_o must_v be_v say_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o this_o design_n of_o bring_v all_o christian_n to_o acknowledge_v but_o so_o small_a a_o number_n of_o head_n in_o christian_a religion_n approve_v by_o every_o one_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n those_o who_o dispute_v so_o strong_o against_o the_o error_n which_o arise_v in_o their_o time_n those_o who_o condemn_v with_o so_o much_o indignation_n all_o who_o do_v not_o conform_v to_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o lord_n be_v there_o any_o likelihood_n that_o they_o will_v have_v hearken_v to_o these_o proposition_n of_o beat_v with_o one_o another_o and_o a_o charitable_a condescend_v in_o these_o point_n of_o religion_n will_v st._n paul_n have_v listen_v to_o such_o a_o accommodation_n who_o write_v with_o so_o much_o sharpness_n against_o the_o galatian_n who_o have_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v seduce_v by_o certain_a false_a teacher_n will_v st._n john_n who_o refuse_v to_o have_v any_o converse_n with_o heretic_n have_v approve_v of_o this_o overture_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o what_o persuade_v these_o holy_a man_n to_o act_v on_o this_o manner_n be_v that_o they_o regard_v not_o so_o much_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n which_o they_o disapprove_v as_o the_o evil_a disposition_n of_o those_o who_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v those_o ill_a opinion_n they_o well_o see_v that_o what_o these_o person_n be_v about_o to_o contrive_v be_v not_o out_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o simplicity_n and_o humility_n they_o observe_v nothing_o in_o all_o their_o conduct_n but_o particular_a interest_n of_o worldly_a honour_n profit_n authority_n and_o rule_v which_o all_o their_o endeavour_n carry_v they_o to_o these_o now_o be_v motive_n against_o which_o we_o can_v never_o make_v too_o much_o zeal_n and_o indignation_n appear_v but_o we_o see_v they_o deal_v clear_o otherwise_o with_o such_o poor_a people_n as_o have_v be_v seduce_v by_o these_o crafty_a wit_n than_o they_o do_v with_o these_o incendiary_n these_o spirit_n of_o lie_v they_o treat_v those_o with_o mildness_n but_o these_o they_o condemn_v with_o severity_n they_o bear_v with_o the_o first_o and_o have_v charity_n for_o they_o but_o they_o have_v a_o holy_a and_o just_a anger_n for_o the_o second_o they_o allow_v some_o liberty_n to_o the_o former_a but_o grant_v nothing_o to_o the_o latter_a 〈…〉_o also_o how_o st._n paul_n that_o zealous_a 〈◊〉_d of_o god_n be_v not_o afraid_a in_o 〈…〉_o question_n of_o the_o resurrection_n 〈◊〉_d our_o body_n so_o important_a in_o religion_n oâ—_n sâ—â—ing_v a_o great_a value_n on_o this_o holy_a and_o charitable_a bear_n with_o one_o another_o to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v that_o these_o holy_a man_n have_v be_v immediate_o inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o acknowledge_v and_o make_v know_v to_o other_o these_o heavenly_a truth_n and_o this_o be_v so_o they_o may_v condemn_v with_o boldness_n and_o with_o knowledge_n of_o the_o cause_n those_o who_o reject_v the_o truth_n which_o appear_v to_o they_o in_o the_o open_a day_n whereas_o at_o present_a we_o not_o have_v these_o light_n and_o this_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a assistance_n be_v oblige_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o strict_o to_o the_o express_a term_n of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n morcover_v it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o this_o design_n be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n that_o it_o be_v to_o give_v to_o every_o one_o a_o liberty_n of_o have_v what_o opinion_n he_o please_v and_o also_o in_o matter_n of_o importance_n such_o as_o have_v hitherto_o divide_v man_n spirit_n that_o it_o be_v to_o give_v a_o
the_o reunite_a of_o christianity_n or_o the_o manner_n how_o to_o rejoin_v all_o christian_n under_o one_o sole_a confession_n of_o faith_n write_a in_o french_a by_o a_o learned_a protestant_a divine_a and_o now_o english_v by_o p._n a._n gent._n london_n print_a by_o john_n winter_n for_o william_n gilbert_n at_o the_o half_a moon_n in_o saint_n paul_n churchyard_n 1673._o the_o author_n preface_n if_o it_o be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o grief_n to_o all_o true_a christian_n to_o see_v the_o sacred_a religion_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n bring_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o the_o earth_n miserable_o tear_v in_o piece_n by_o so_o many_o several_a sect_n which_o heretofore_o have_v and_o who_o still_o divide_v it_o at_o this_o present_a if_o all_o these_o different_a confession_n of_o faith_n which_o dismember_v the_o spouse_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v extraordinary_o afflict_v all_o pious_a soul_n sure_o these_o pious_a soul_n shall_v conceive_v no_o less_o grief_n at_o this_o that_o hitherto_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o that_o have_v undertake_v to_o apply_v a_o heal_a remedy_n to_o these_o wound_n that_o have_v attempt_v with_o success_n the_o cure_n of_o so_o great_a a_o evil_a it_o seem_v no_o more_o to_o be_v think_v of_o but_o as_o a_o evil_a to_o be_v deplore_v and_o absolute_o incurable_a every_o one_o think_v himself_o straight_o bind_v to_o stick_v to_o his_o old_a principle_n and_o preconceive_a opinion_n every_o one_o flatter_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o thought_n and_o believe_v that_o he_o possess_v the_o truth_n and_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n after_o which_o he_o look_v no_o more_o upon_o other_o but_o with_o some_o kind_n of_o aversion_n or_o at_o least_o with_o pity_n they_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o he_o and_o his_o party_n be_v as_o so_o many_o unfortunate_a creature_n ready_a to_o tumble_v down_o a_o unavoidable_a precipice_n they_o be_v consider_v as_o people_n that_o be_v only_o sit_v to_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o prayer_n which_o be_v offer_v up_o for_o miserable_a wretch_n or_o of_o the_o complaint_n w_z ch_n be_v form_v against_o their_o unhappiness_n neither_o be_v those_o look_v upon_o who_o will_v undertake_v to_o remedy_v this_o but_o as_o idle_a projector_n and_o fantastical_a person_n like_o mountebank_n who_o promise_v the_o cure_n of_o those_o disease_n that_o be_v give_v over_o by_o the_o most_o skilful_a physician_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o many_o have_v study_v to_o find_v out_o a_o mean_n of_o according_a some_o of_o these_o sect_n to_o reunite_v certain_a person_n together_o who_o have_v be_v engage_v in_o they_o and_o who_o on_o this_o account_n have_v reciprocal_o entertain_v most_o implacable_a feud_n against_o each_o other_o there_o have_v be_v divers_a write_n publish_v for_o endeavour_v a_o accommodation_n between_o the_o roman_a catholic_n &_o protestant_n they_o have_v attempt_v to_o reconcile_v those_o of_o the_o confession_n of_o ausburg_n vulgar_o style_v lutheran_n with_o those_o other_o call_v calvinist_n but_o there_o have_v common_o be_v other_o interest_n than_o those_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n intermix_v in_o these_o enterprise_n it_o have_v rather_o be_v by_o a_o principle_n of_o policy_n than_o by_o any_o motive_n of_o conscience_n and_o desire_v of_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n that_o these_o design_n have_v be_v set_v on_o foot_n whence_o it_o have_v happen_v that_o god_n have_v turn_v his_o blessing_n from_o they_o and_o make_v the_o success_n not_o to_o answer_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o design_n some_o likewise_o not_o aim_v at_o any_o thing_n herein_o more_o than_o how_o they_o may_v make_v one_fw-mi asier_n passage_n &_o more_o plausible_a revolt_n from_o one_o communion_n to_o another_o have_v only_o study_v to_o weaken_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o former_a opinion_n and_o strengthen_v that_o of_o their_o new_a one_o which_o they_o have_v a_o intention_n to_o embrace_v there_o be_v also_o this_o in_o it_o that_o man_n do_v not_o ordinary_o attempt_v but_o to_o remedy_v some_o effect_n without_o ascend_v up_o to_o the_o principal_a cause_n and_o only_a source_n of_o all_o this_o evil_a just_o like_o those_o ignorant_a physician_n who_o unskilful_o labour_v to_o cure_v some_o of_o the_o symptom_n of_o disease_n without_o apply_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o grand_a original_a cause_n on_o the_o cure_n whereof_o depend_v all_o its_o consequence_n there_o be_v a_o preface_n of_o a_o book_n print_v some_o year_n since_o in_o the_o low_a country_n which_o touch_v this_o matter_n and_o seem_v to_o aim_v at_o a_o general_a reconciliation_n of_o all_o christian_n by_o mean_n of_o a_o charitable_a allowance_n and_o and_o a_o mutual_a toleration_n but_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v but_o by_o the_o by_o that_o the_o author_n treat_v upon_o this_o important_a subject_n it_o seem_v that_o not_o have_v ascend_v up_o to_o the_o spring_n head_n of_o all_o these_o division_n he_o have_v not_o contrive_v any_o proper_a way_n for_o the_o reconciliation_n which_o he_o propose_v nor_o have_v right_o distinguish_v between_o what_o be_v fundamental_a in_o christian_a religion_n and_o what_o be_v not_o to_o let_v we_o see_v last_o of_o all_o in_o what_o thing_n we_o shall_v have_v this_o charity_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o we_o reject_v also_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v most_o important_a towards_o the_o attain_n to_o so_o good_a a_o end_n whilst_o we_o refuse_v to_o disengage_v ourselves_o from_o whatsoever_o may_v render_v it_o unfruitful_a as_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n it_o be_v in_o the_o search_n of_o this_o that_o i_o have_v for_o some_o year_n since_o apply_v myself_o to_o so_o diligent_a and_o serious_a meditation_n i_o utter_o cast_v off_o at_o the_o instant_n all_o former_a opinion_n of_o my_o own_o and_o prejudices_fw-la against_o other_o which_o may_v be_v any_o obstacle_n to_o i_o in_o so_o laudable_a a_o design_n i_o disengage_v myself_o for_o a_o time_n of_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o of_o any_o communion_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v singular_a and_o which_o separate_v itself_o from_o other_o and_o i_o believe_v that_o in_o examine_v careful_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o all_o agree_v i_o may_v discern_v with_o a_o more_o disintere_v eye_n that_o which_o will_v be_v for_o the_o common_a good_a i_o then_o consider_v with_o the_o great_a exactness_n that_o i_o be_v able_a the_o nature_n greatness_n and_o lamentable_a effect_n of_o this_o miserable_a division_n of_o christian_n i_o observe_v at_o the_o same_o time_n how_o inestimable_a will_v all_o those_o good_n and_o all_o those_o advantage_n be_v which_o will_v arise_v from_o their_o reunite_a into_o one_o &_o the_o same_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o reconciliation_n of_o their_o mind_n into_o the_o same_o communion_n after_o that_o i_o diligent_o consider_v with_o a_o entire_a apply_v my_o mind_n what_o can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o deplorable_a a_o misfortune_n i_o have_v ascend_v the_o best_a i_o can_v to_o the_o very_a fountain_n head_n of_o this_o evil_a where_o i_o suppose_v i_o have_v make_v some_o discovery_n which_o without_o question_n will_v be_v relish_v by_o those_o who_o shall_v look_v upon_o they_o without_o interest_n in_o short_a i_o be_o very_o persuade_v that_o after_o all_o my_o endeavour_n nay_o continual_a prayer_n have_v be_v hear_v by_o the_o goodness_n and_o bounty_n of_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n i_o hope_v that_o through_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o the_o true_a and_o only_a remedy_n of_o this_o evil_a that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o sole_a mean_n of_o reconcile_a together_o all_o those_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o who_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v comprise_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v deliver_v to_o we_o from_o god_n and_o that_o it_o contain_v what_o we_o shall_v know_v believe_v and_o do_v for_o our_o salvation_n so_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o shall_v religious_o reunite_v in_o those_o matter_n which_o it_o prescribe_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o ready_a way_n of_o attain_v to_o the_o mark_n which_o it_o propose_v to_o we_o at_o least_o i_o may_v with_o truth_n say_v that_o since_o that_o very_a time_n i_o have_v find_v for_o my_o own_o part_n a_o great_a calmness_n of_o spirit_n i_o have_v not_o any_o more_o since_o that_o look_v upon_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o be_v difficult_a knotty_a charge_v and_o encumber_a with_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o subtle_a question_n critical_a and_o unprofitable_a notion_n these_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o have_v make_v it_o to_o pass_v unknown_a have_v utter_o disfigure_v its_o natural_a beauty_n this_o be_v it_o that_o have_v give_v it_o a_o face_n altogether_o new_a and_o strange_a and_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o if_o saint_n paul_n
opinion_n beget_v a_o strange_a prejudice_n in_o certain_a spirit_n for_o there_o be_v many_o who_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v that_o truth_n be_v so_o evident_a and_o perceivable_a by_o all_o where_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o it_o shine_v as_o the_o sun_n which_o dim_v the_o light_n of_o all_o the_o other_o star_n wherefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o if_o christian_a religion_n contain_v those_o save_a truth_n that_o come_v from_o god_n be_v bring_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n and_o attend_v with_o glory_n and_o miracle_n it_o will_v immediate_o obscure_v with_o its_o splendour_n all_o seem_a truth_n which_o strive_v to_o have_v a_o counterfeit_a luster_n to_o resemble_v it_o when_o therefore_o they_o see_v that_o every_o one_o of_o these_o different_a opinion_n uphold_v itself_o by_o such_o probable_a reason_n that_o many_o be_v stagger_v at_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o they_o can_v be_v persuade_v that_o this_o gold_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o earth_n because_o it_o do_v not_o immediate_o discover_v they_o its_o glister_a light_n and_o as_o they_o can_v conceive_v that_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o remain_v one_o moment_n in_o suspense_n of_o separate_a truth_n from_o falsehood_n and_o error_n they_o forsake_v both_o one_o and_o the_o other_o to_o secure_v themselves_o from_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v force_v to_o a_o new_a change_n those_o person_n will_v certain_o refuse_v to_o take_v a_o sum_n of_o money_n if_o offer_v they_o out_o of_o a_o distrust_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o know_v the_o coin_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o discern_v false_a money_n from_o good_a whence_o we_o may_v judge_v how_o great_a the_o prejudice_n be_v which_o this_o division_n bring_v to_o man_n salvation_n a_o unhappy_a design_n that_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o exact_a search_n for_o the_o truth_n destroy_v the_o principal_a effect_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o salvation_n and_o comfort_n of_o soul_n chap._n v._o the_o four_o effect_n of_o division_n that_o it_o keep_v back_o all_o those_o who_o be_v without_o and_o breed_v in_o they_o a_o dislike_n of_o christian_a religion_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o public_a proclamation_n to_o invite_v man_n to_o list_n themselves_o under_o the_o ensign_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o whatsoever_o obstruct_v this_o holy_a summons_n be_v contrary_n to_o the_o intent_n and_o purpose_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o trouble_v the_o establishment_n of_o the_o eternal_a reign_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o this_o same_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a effect_n of_o the_o division_n of_o christian_n those_o who_o be_v without_o the_o bound_n of_o christianity_n as_o turk_n jew_n and_o pagan_n may_v just_o reproach_v we_o with_o the_o want_n of_o a_o true_a understanding_n among_o ourselves_o resolve_v how_o to_o settle_v will_v they_o say_v your_o different_a opinion_n before_o you_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o follow_v you_o first_o unite_v yourselves_o together_o and_o then_o we_o will_v consider_v whether_o or_o no_o we_o shall_v unite_v with_o you_o and_o since_o unity_n and_o verity_n be_v inseparable_a how_o in_o this_o great_a difference_n of_o your_o opinion_n shall_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o you_o will_v propound_v the_o truth_n to_o we_o and_o certain_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a scandal_n to_o our_o religion_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o without_o than_o this_o deplorable_a division_n the_o sieur_n dela_n boulaye_n chap._n 18._o in_o his_o voyage_n to_o the_o levant_n say_v that_o the_o turk_n perceive_v this_o vicious_a excess_n of_o strife_n and_o multitude_n of_o division_n among_o christian_n have_v confirm_v themselves_o by_o this_o mean_n in_o their_o own_o way_n and_o think_v god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o it_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o this_o that_o st._n paul_n say_v rom._n 2._o that_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v despise_v because_o of_o we_o among_o the_o gentile_n and_o yet_o the_o bad_a life_n and_o extravagance_n of_o particular_a person_n do_v not_o bring_v so_o much_o prejudice_n to_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o divident_n of_o opinion_n in_o its_o doctrine_n of_o the_o first_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o these_o be_v but_o the_o fault_n of_o certain_a person_n who_o profession_n be_v not_o answerable_a to_o their_o religion_n that_o that_o may_v be_v innocent_a though_o they_o be_v criminal_a who_o pretend_v to_o follow_v it_o but_o when_o the_o evil_a be_v in_o the_o opinion_n it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o the_o defect_n be_v in_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o so_o that_o they_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o offer_v their_o objection_n against_o it_o and_o to_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o whole_a therefore_o if_o it_o be_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n rather_o than_o the_o deportment_n of_o particular_a person_n that_o must_v draw_v we_o to_o one_o communion_n without_o all_o question_n that_o which_o result_v from_o this_o doctrine_n will_v make_v a_o great_a impression_n upon_o man_n spirit_n than_o that_o which_o only_o regard_v the_o manner_n of_o some_o few_o men._n it_o be_v general_o observe_v that_o thing_n be_v not_o maintain_v but_o by_o the_o aid_n of_o that_o which_o first_o contribute_v to_o their_o production_n the_o same_o influence_n of_o the_o heaven_n which_o make_v those_o seed_n sprout_v up_o that_o the_o earth_n have_v be_v entrust_v with_o serve_v likewise_o to_o raise_v the_o plant_n to_o their_o perfection_n therefore_o some_o ambitious_a and_o unsteady_a brain_n have_v take_v occasion_n by_o the_o division_n of_o christian_n to_o give_v birth_n to_o a_o sect_n which_o have_v utter_o depart_v from_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o christianity_n for_o it_o be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o this_o disunion_n that_o a_o new_a religion_n have_v be_v form_v and_o a_o false_a prophet_n substitute_v in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n who_o alone_o inspire_v all_o the_o true_a prophet_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v such_o division_n continue_v in_o the_o church_n if_o these_o poor_a mislead_a soul_n remain_v confirm_v in_o their_o opinion_n and_o since_o that_o which_o first_o alienate_v they_o from_o we_o still_o remain_v the_o aversion_n which_o they_o have_v to_o our_o mystery_n remain_v likewise_o so_o long_o as_o the_o roman_a army_n be_v well_o unite_v that_o their_o commander_n hold_v a_o perfect_a understanding_n among_o themselves_o and_o their_o soldier_n be_v keep_v in_o a_o true_a obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o their_o order_n other_o nation_n endeavour_v to_o procure_v their_o amity_n with_o great_a eagerness_n they_o esteem_v it_o a_o great_a glory_n to_o enter_v into_o alliance_n with_o this_o people_n and_o many_o have_v make_v no_o difficulty_n to_o receive_v their_o yoke_n to_o who_o dominion_n they_o think_v all_o other_o ought_v to_o submit_v but_o so_o soon_o as_o misunderstanding_n happen_v between_o their_o general_n and_o soldier_n and_o revolt_n in_o the_o subject_n other_o state_n despise_v their_o alliance_n and_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o they_o plain_o see_v that_o they_o be_v not_o invincible_a since_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o division_n just_o so_o our_o disunion_n make_v we_o a_o object_n of_o the_o contempt_n and_o aversion_n of_o all_o other_o people_n after_o this_o can_v we_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o so_o many_o exhortation_n sermon_n and_o write_n which_o have_v pass_v continual_o among_o christian_n shall_v make_v so_o few_o proselyte_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n one_o sermon_n alone_o convert_v many_o thousand_o of_o infidel_n to_o the_o faith_n at_o the_o end_n of_o st._n peter_n sermon_n three_o thousand_o soul_n by_o baptism_n range_v themselves_o under_o the_o standard_n of_o the_o cross_n act._n 2_o it_o be_v also_o at_o this_o time_n that_o all_o christian_n dwell_v together_o with_o one_o common_a accord_n and_o have_v all_o but_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n at_o this_o present_a we_o drive_v back_o by_o our_o division_n those_o who_o we_o invite_v by_o our_o exhortation_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v object_v that_o the_o church_n make_v now_o great_a progress_n in_o the_o indies_n i_o dare_v say_v with_o pardon_n for_o my_o opinion_n that_o these_o poor_a people_n have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o division_n and_o that_o if_o they_o shall_v understand_v they_o their_o zeal_n will_v quick_o wax_v cold_a and_o all_o these_o conquest_n will_v be_v of_o no_o long_a continuance_n when_o the_o protestant_n first_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n so_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v a_o uniformity_n in_o their_o opinion_n they_o make_v marvellous_a progress_n the_o union_n which_o be_v among_o they_o draw_v a_o great_a part_n of_o europe_n to_o their_o profession_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o divide_v themselves_o