Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n church_n faith_n infallibility_n 1,857 5 11.4967 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A54098 An address to Protestants upon the present conjuncture in II parts / by a Protestant, William Penn. Penn, William, 1644-1718. 1679 (1679) Wing P1248; ESTC R15359 141,914 254

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visible_a church_n but_o to_o proceed_v to_o those_o scripture_n that_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o humane_a authority_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v one_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v irreconcilable_a to_o implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n he_o that_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o 10._o this_o general_a rule_n respect_v no_o person_n it_o be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o all_o believer_n such_o have_v no_o need_n to_o go_v to_o rome_n nor_o winefried_n well_o to_o the_o shrine_n of_o saint_n the_o priest_n nor_o the_o church_n for_o a_o proof_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o have_v a_o evidence_n near_o home_n they_o have_v the_o witness_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o hope_n in_o themselves_o it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v a_o private_a judge_n but_o as_o it_o happen_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n set_v up_o of_o all_o thing_n i_o confess_v most_o destructive_a to_o papacy_n no_o doubt_n for_o here_o be_v a_o judge_n in_o every_o man_n that_o sincere_o believe_v to_o who_o he_o must_v stand_v and_o fall_v in_o this_o and_o the_o other_o world_n for_o say_v the_o same_o apostle_n if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n beloved_n if_o our_o 21._o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n the_o witness_n in_o ourselves_o discharge_v we_o the_o spirit_n bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o wear_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o son_n 16._o of_o the_o true_a church_n not_o she_o that_o have_v fat_v herself_o with_o the_o flesh_n of_o saint_n and_o die_v her_o garment_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n who_o have_v merchandize_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n but_o of_o that_o church_n who_o be_v crown_v with_o star_n and_o clothe_v with_o the_o sun_n and_o have_v the_o moon_n under_o her_o foot_n a_o church_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o 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he_o have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o he_o be_v no_o reprobate_n his_o heart_n condemn_v he_o not_o to_o which_o i_o will_v add_v another_o passage_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n but_o let_v 5._o every_o man_n prove_v his_o own_o work_n then_o shall_v he_o have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o alone_o and_o not_o in_o another_o for_o every_o man_n shall_v bear_v his_o own_o burden_n here_o every_o man_n be_v enjoin_v to_o turn_v inquisitor_n upon_o himself_o and_o the_o reason_n render_v show_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o thing_n because_o my_o rejoice_v must_v be_v in_o myself_o alone_o and_o not_o in_o another_o i_o stand_v and_o fall_v to_o no_o man_n such_o as_o i_o sow_v i_o must_v reap_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n if_o paul_n say_v true_a man_n pardon_n be_v vain_a and_o their_o
those_o that_o persecute_v for_o religion_n be_v irreligious_a two_o the_o next_o cause_n of_o persecution_n be_v the_o gross_a but_o general_n mistake_v which_o people_n be_v under_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n &_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o lamentable_a worldliness_n of_o man_n mind_n have_v put_v they_o upon_o those_o carnal_a construction_n which_o have_v make_v way_n for_o all_o the_o external_a coercion_n and_o violence_n use_v by_o bad_a and_o suffer_v by_o good_a man_n on_o the_o score_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o no_o wonder_n if_o ordinary_a person_n tumble_v upon_o this_o construction_n when_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n show_v themselves_o so_o ill_o read_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o kingdom_n that_o after_o all_o the_o intimacy_n they_o have_v have_v with_o he_o they_o resrain_v not_o to_o ask_v when_o shall_v the_o kingdom_n be_v restore_v to_o israel_n they_o look_v abroad_o have_v a_o worldly_a idea_n in_o their_o mind_n jew_n like_v they_o wait_v for_o external_a deliverance_n from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o roman_n rather_o than_o a_o internal_a salvation_n from_o the_o dominion_n of_o satan_n and_o interpret_v that_o to_o worldly_a loss_n and_o freedom_n which_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o loss_n and_o redemption_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o jesus_n teach_v they_o better_a thing_n yet_o so_o as_o not_o to_o deny_v or_o flat_o discourage_v and_o rebuke_v they_o that_o though_o true_a may_v have_v be_v more_o than_o they_o can_v have_v bor●_n therefore_o he_o wind_v off_o with_o they_o upon_o the_o time_n and_o the_o season_n of_o the_o thing_n know_v that_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v better_o teach_v and_o satisfy_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o kingdom_n unto_o which_o he_o refer_v they_o when_o the_o spirit_n 16._o of_o truth_n come_v it_o shall_v lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n have_v be_v before_o observe_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v so_o great_a that_o all_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n must_v allow_v it_o upon_o christ_n principle_n for_o say_v he_o than_o will_v my_o servant_n fight_v for_o i_o true_o imply_v that_o because_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v evident_o set_v up_o and_o maintain_v by_o worldly_a force_n and_o that_o he_o will_v have_v no_o worldly_a force_n use_v in_o the_o business_n of_o his_o kingdom_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n consequently_n those_o that_o attempt_n to_o set_v up_o his_o kingdom_n by_o worldly_a force_n or_o make_v that_o their_o pretence_n to_o use_v it_o be_v none_o of_o his_o servant_n they_o be_v true_o but_o man_n of_o this_o world_n such_o as_o seek_v a_o earthly_a and_o not_o a_o heavenly_a kingdom_n themselves_o and_o not_o christ_n jesus_n where_o by_o the_o way_n let_v i_o observe_v that_o though_o the_o jew_n to_o engage_v pilate_n the_o more_o easy_o to_o their_o side_n impeach_v christ_n of_o be_v a_o e●●e_a my_o to_o caesar_n they_o be_v enemy_n and_o he_o a_o friend_n to_o caesar_n for_o he_o come_v to_o reform_v the_o life_n of_o man_n to_o make_v they_o better_a subject_n to_o obey_v caesar_n not_o for_o fear_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n so_o will_v caesar_n provinec_n have_v be_v easy_a and_o safe_a but_o the_o jew_n will_v have_v have_v he_o caesar_n enemy_n one_o that_o shall_v have_v forcible_o rescue_v they_o from_o caesar_n power_n they_o wait_v for_o a_o captain_n general_n to_o begin_v the_o revolt_n and_o with_o a_o high_a hand_n to_o over_o bear_v and_o captive_a caesar_n as_o he_o have_v do_v they_o and_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o his_o appearance_n be_v to_o another_o end_n they_o therefore_o reject_v he_o their_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o this_o but_o to_o return_v christ_n tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o he_o have_v choose_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n how_o not_o to_o converse_v or_o live_v bodily_a in_o it_o no_o such_o matter_n but_o he_o have_v choose_v or_o single_v they_o from_o the_o nature_n spirit_n glory_n policy_n and_o pomp_n of_o this_o world_n how_o person_n so_o qualify_v can_v make_v a_o worldly_a church_n or_o kingdom_n unless_o they_o desert_n christ_n doctrine_n be_v past_o my_o skill_n to_o tell_v so_o that_o the_o capacity_n that_o christian_n stand_v in_o to_o christ_n be_v spiritual_a and_o not_o worldly_a or_o carnal_a and_o therefore_o not_o carnal_a or_o worldly_a but_o spiritual_a method_n and_o weapon_n only_o be_v to_o be_v use_v to_o inform_v or_o reclaim_v such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a or_o disobedinent_a and_o if_o we_o will_v give_v ancient_a story_n credit_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o worldly_a weapon_n be_v never_o employ_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n till_o the_o become_v worldly_a and_o so_o cease_v to_o be_v true_o christian_n but_o why_o shall_v i_o say_v the_o church_n the_o most_o abuse_a word_n in_o the_o world_n her_o leader_n have_v teach_v she_o to_o e●●_n and_o that_o of_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a in_o point_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n that_o the_o church_n herself_o his_o ever_n believe_v as_o the_o clergy_n that_o be_v the_o priest_n believe_v since_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n have_v practise_v distinction_n from_o and_o superiority_n upon_o the_o laity_n he_o that_o will_v peruse_v the_o ecclesiastical_a story_n deliver_v we_o by_o eusebius_n pamphili_n secrate_v scholasticn_n evagrius_n ruffinus_n sozomen_n etc._n etc._n will_v find_v but_o too_o many_o and_o sad_a instance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o in_o short_a peoples_n apprehend_v the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v visible_a and_o worldly_a like_o other_o society_n and_o government_n have_v think_v it_o not_o only_o to_o be_v lawful_a but_o necessary_a to_o use_v the_o art_n and_o force_n of_o this_o world_n to_o support_v that_o church_n and_o kingdom_n especial_o since_o this_o interest_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v embody_v with_o that_o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o from_o that_o time_n he_o have_v be_v make_v custos_fw-la utriusque_fw-la tabulae_fw-la and_o such_o as_o offend_v though_o about_o church_n matter_n have_v be_v repute_v transgressor_n against_o the_o state_n and_o consequent_o the_o state_n interest_v in_o punish_v the_o offence_n whereas_o have_v christian_n remain_v in_o their_o primitive_a simplicity_n and_o purity_n in_o the_o self-denying_a patient_a and_o suffer_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n christianity_n have_v stand_v in_o holy_a live_n not_o in_o worldly_a regiment_n and_o its_o compulsion_n will_v have_v be_v love_n its_o arm_n reason_n and_o truth_n and_o its_o utmost_a rigour_n even_o to_o obstinate_a enemy_n or_o apostate_n but_o renounce_v of_o their_o communion_n and_o that_o not_o till_o much_o forbearance_n have_v be_v use_v to_o they_o to_o sum_v up_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n stand_v in_o outward_a bodily_a and_o civil_a matter_n and_o here_o the_o law_n and_o power_n of_o man_n reich_n and_o be_v effectual_a but_o the_o kingdom_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n stand_v not_o in_o bodily_a exercise_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v profit_n little_a nor_o in_o time_n nor_o place_n but_o in_o faith_n and_o that_o worship_n which_o christ_n tell_v we_o be_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n to_o this_o no_o worldly_a compulsion_n can_v bring_v or_o force_v man_n it_o be_v only_o the_o power_n of_o that_o king_n of_o righteousness_n who_o kingdom_n be_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n of_o the_o just_a and_o he_o rule_v by_o the_o law_n of_o his_o own_o free_a spirit_n which_o like_o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o as_o without_o this_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n no_o man_n can_v be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n or_o kingdom_n so_o neither_o be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o command_v or_o give_v it_o and_o consequent_o all_o worldly_a force_n employ_v to_o make_v man_n member_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o kingdom_n be_v unnatural_a and_o ineffectual_a i_o can_v be_v very_o large_a upon_o this_o point_n for_o it_o be_v very_o fruitful_a and_o so_o much_o the_o cause_n of_o persecution_n that_o if_o there_o be_v never_o another_o to_o be_v assign_v this_o be_v enough_o for_o upon_o due_a consideration_n it_o must_v needs_o meet_v with_o every_o man_n judgement_n and_o experience_n i_o will_v here_o add_v the_o sense_n of_o memorable_a hale_n of_o eton_n upon_o this_o subject_n when_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o act_n after_o his_o resurrection_n be_v discourse_v to_o his_o disciple_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n they_o present_o break_v forth_o into_o this_o 155._o question_n will_v thou_o now_o restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n certain_o this_o question_n betray_v their_o
between_o arminius_n and_o episcopius_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o remonstrant_n and_o gomarus_n sibrandus_fw-la etc._n etc._n for_o the_o predestinarian_o distract_a holland_n not_o a_o little_a and_o have_v a_o ill_a influence_n upon_o the_o affair_n of_o england_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o church_n but_o the_o mournfull_a part_n of_o that_o history_n be_v the_o ill_a usage_n martinius_n cr●cius_n the_o bishop_n of_o landaff_n and_o other_o have_v who_o though_o they_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v sound_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o those_o time_n which_o general_o follow_v the_o judgement_n of_o calvin_n as_o to_o the_o mean_a point_n controvert_v yet_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o appear_v moderate_a in_o their_o behaviour_n gentle_a in_o their_o word_n and_o for_o accommodation_n in_o some_o particular_n with_o the_o remonstrator_n or_o free_a willer_n gomarus_n and_o his_o follower_n not_o observe_v that_o gravity_n of_o the_o assembly_n the_o rule_n of_o debate_n and_o least_o of_o all_o the_o meekness_n of_o christian_a communion_n fall_v foul_a of_o their_o brethren_n reproach_v their_o tenderness_n and_o begin_v to_o fix_v treachery_n upon_o their_o sober_a endeavour_n of_o accommodation_n as_o if_o they_o intend_v to_o execute_v as_o well_o as_o maintain_v their_o reprobation_n and_o blow_v up_o their_o friend_n rather_o than_o not_o destroy_v their_o adversary_n but_o if_o we_o will_v yet_o rise_v high_o in_o our_o enquiry_n and_o view_v the_o mischief_n of_o early_o time_n the_o four_o and_o five_o century_n after_o christ_n will_v furnish_v we_o with_o instance_n enough_o we_o can_v possible_o forget_v the_o heavy_a life_n some_o man_n make_v about_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n day_n as_o if_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n have_v be_v in_o jeopardy_n for_o so_o far_o be_v they_o degenerate_v from_o the_o love_n and_o meekness_n of_o christianity_n that_o about_o keep_v of_o a_o day_n which_o perhaps_o be_v no_o part_n but_o to_o be_v sure_a no_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o fall_v to_o piece_n reproach_v revile_v and_o hate_v one_o another_o a_o day_n be_v more_o than_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o end_n of_o day_n and_o victory_n over_o brethren_n better_o than_o the_o peace_n and_o concord_n of_o the_o church_n the_o great_a command_n of_o jesus_n but_o the_o remarkable_a and_o tragical_a story_n of_o alexander_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n and_o arius_n his_o priest_n in_o their_o know_a debate_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o existence_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o the_o lamentable_a consequence_n thereof_o as_o all_o writer_n upon_o that_o subject_n have_v relate_v witness_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o say_v the_o bishop_n curiosity_n &_o the_o niceness_n of_o arius_n the_o presumption_n of_o the_o one_o to_o expound_v beyond_o the_o evidence_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o text_n and_o the_o captious_a humour_n of_o the_o other_o that_o will_v not_o bate_v the_o bishop_n any_o thing_n for_o his_o age_n or_o the_o rank_n he_o hold_v in_o the_o church_n but_o logical_o exact_v the_o utmost_a farthing_n of_o the_o reckon_a begin_v the_o ●ray_n which_o as_o it_o become_v the_o perplexity_n of_o church_n and_o state_n some_o age_n so_o it_o rage_v to_o blood_n and_o those_o that_o have_v be_v persecute_v like_o sheep_n by_o the_o heathen_a not_o long_o before_o turn_v wolf_n now_o to_o each_o other_o and_o make_v sport_n for_o the_o infidel_n do_v their_o work_n nay_o so_o much_o more_o christian_a be_v themistius_n the_o philosopher_n that_o in_o his_o oration_n call_v consul_n he_o commend_v and_o advise_v the_o emperor_n jovianus_n to_o exercise_n moderation_n and_o to_o give_v that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n which_o profess_v christian_n refuse_v to_o do_v to_o each_o other_o who_o seem_v to_o think_v they_o never_o do_v god_n better_a service_n than_o in_o sacrifice_v one_o another_o for_o religion_n do_v we_o due_o reflect_v upon_o the_o unnatural_a heat_n division_n and_o excommunication_n among_o they_o the_o many_o council_n that_o be_v call_v the_o strong_a and_o tedious_a debate_n hold_v the_o translation_n of_o see_v the_o anathemas_n the_o banishment_n war_n sacking_n fire_n and_o bloodshed_n that_o follow_v this_o unnatural_a division_n that_o spring_v from_o so_o nice_a a_o controversy_n one_o will_v very_o believe_v no_o less_o than_o that_o religion_n itself_o have_v be_v in_o utmost_a hazard_n that_o judaisme_n or_o paganism_n be_v overrun_v christianity_n and_o not_o that_o all_o this_o stir_n have_v be_v make_v about_o a_o jota_n for_o the_o whole_a question_n be_v whether_o homousia_n or_o homoiusia_n shall_v be_v receive_v for_o faith_n in_o which_o the_o difference_n be_v but_o the_o single_a letter_n 1_o certain_o we_o must_v do_v violence_n to_o our_o understanding_n if_o we_o can_v think_v that_o these_o man_n be_v follower_n of_o that_o jesus_n that_o love_v his_o enemy_n &_o give_v his_o blood_n for_o the_o world_n who_o hate_v their_o brethren_n and_o shed_v one_o another_o blood_n for_o opinion_n the_o heathen-philosopher_n never_o be_v so_o barbarous_a in_o their_o difference_n but_o how_o easy_o may_v all_o these_o confusion_n have_v be_v prevent_v if_o their_o faith_n about_o christ_n have_v be_v deliver_v in_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n since_o all_o side_n pretend_v to_o believe_v the_o text_n and_o why_o shall_v any_o man_n presume_v to_o be_v wise_a than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o god_n and_o christ_n shall_v be_v want_v to_o express_v or_o discover_v their_o own_o mind_n or_o that_o the_o word_n use_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v have_v that_o shortness_n ambiguity_n or_o obliquity_n in_o they_o that_o our_o frail_a capacity_n shall_v be_v need_v to_o make_v they_o more_o easy_a proper_a and_o intelligible_a but_o that_o we_o shall_v scarce_o deliver_v any_o one_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o scripture-term_n and_o yet_o make_v such_o act_v the_o rule_n and_o bond_n of_o christian_a communion_n be_v in_o my_o judgement_n a_o offence_n heinous_a against_o god_n and_o holy_a scripture_n and_o very_o injurious_a to_o christian_a charity_n and_o fellowship_n who_o can_v express_v any_o man_n mind_n so_o full_o as_o himself_o and_o shall_v we_o allow_v that_o liberty_n to_o our_o 21._o self_n and_o refuse_v it_o to_o god_n the_o scripture_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n say_v the_o apostle_n peter_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o can_v speak_v better_a or_o express_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n plain_o than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o scripture_n be_v the_o great_a record_n of_o truth_n that_o which_o all_o these_o party_n in_o controversy_n agree_v to_o be_v the_o declare_v mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n they_o unanimous_o say_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o profess_v as_o such_o if_o this_o be_v true_a in_o what_o language_n can_v we_o so_o safe_o and_o proper_o declare_v our_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n therein_o contain_v orexpress_v those_o truth_n as_o in_o the_o very_a language_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o i_o can_v see_v how_o those_o person_n can_v be_v excuse_v in_o the_o day_n of_o god_n judgement_n who_o make_v man_n heterodox_n or_o heretical_a for_o refuse_v to_o subscribe_v their_o article_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v not_o in_o scripture-term_n who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n offer_v to_o declare_v their_o belief_n of_o god_n christ_n spirit_n man_n lap_n or_o fall_v repentance_n sanctification_n justification_n salvation_n resurrection_n and_o eternal_a recompense_n in_o the_o language_n of_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v preposterous_a and_o a_o contradiction_n that_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o deliver_v their_o faith_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o language_n of_o truth_n shall_v not_o be_v repute_v true_a believer_n nor_o their_o faith_n admit_v for_o this_o be_v to_o say_v that_o therefore_o their_o faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v because_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o language_n of_o that_o very_a truth_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o that_o faith_n for_o which_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o which_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n conclude_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o believe_v it_o seem_v then_o we_o must_v not_o express_v our_o belief_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n but_o our_o own_o nor_o be_v the_o scripture_n a_o creed_n plain_a or_o proper_a enough_o to_o declare_v a_o true_a believer_n or_o a_o orthodox_n christian_n be_v not_o thing_n come_v to_o a_o sad_a pass_n that_o to_o refuse_v any_o other_o term_n than_o those_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v give_v we_o and_o which_o be_v confess_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n or_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n be_v to_o expose_v a_o man_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o be_v unsound_a in_o the_o faith_n &_o unfit_a for_o christian-communion_n will_v
man_n the_o second_o adam_n with_o his_o holy_a life_n and_o work_n so_o shall_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o spirit_n shine_v through_o we_o which_o be_v love_n joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a patience_n gentleness_n 23._o faith_n meekness_n temperance_n for_o they_o that_o be_v christ_n have_v crucify_a the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n they_o hear_v his_o voice_n that_o lead_v they_o out_o of_o the_o concupiscency_n 27._o of_o this_o vile_a world_n and_o they_o follow_v he_o and_o he_o give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n and_o a_o stranger_n they_o will_v not_o follow_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n make_v up_o this_o stranger_n and_o those_o that_o be_v carry_v away_o by_o this_o stranger_n be_v in_o a_o unreconciled_a state_n to_o god_n and_o so_o die_a must_v inevitable_o perish_v well_o then_o will_v be_v true_a christian_n have_v we_o faith_n then_o let_v we_o take_v the_o advice_n of_o that_o good_a man_n 11._o peter_n let_v we_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly-kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly-kindness_n charity_n for_o say_v he_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o you_o and_o abound_v they_o make_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v neither_o be_v barren_a nor_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o he_o that_o lack_v these_o thing_n be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v far_o off_o and_o have_v forget_v that_o he_o be_v purge_v from_o his_o old_a sin_n wherefore_o the_o rather_o brethren_n give_v diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a for_o if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o shall_v never_o fall_v for_o so_o a_o entrance_n shall_v be_v minister_v unto_o you_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o four_o great_a ecclesiastical_a evil_n be_v 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and_o christian_n and_o yet_o i_o can_v wish_v nothing_o of_o these_o two_o ill_a principle_n have_v find_v any_o place_n among_o we_o that_o call_v ourselves_o protestant_n for_o to_o they_o be_v proper_o owe_v most_o of_o that_o ignorance_n superstition_n idolatry_n animosity_n persecution_n and_o bloodshed_n that_o have_v be_v among_o christian_n since_o the_o christian_a profession_n have_v grow_v to_o any_o power_n in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v consider_v they_o several_o respect_v we_o and_o in_o their_o due_a order_n with_o as_o much_o brevity_n as_o well_o i_o can_v that_o humane_a authority_n have_v be_v prefer_v above_o reason_n and_o truth_n that_o be_v that_o the_o apprehension_n interpretation_n conclusion_n and_o injunction_n of_o man_n have_v be_v repute_v the_o great_a necessary_n or_o essential_o to_o salvation_n and_o christian_n comm●ion_n insomuch_o as_o a_o sober_a and_o reasonable_a dissent_n have_v be_v too_o often_o overrule_v not_o by_o weight_n of_o argument_n or_o evidence_n of_o truth_n but_o by_o the_o power_n and_o number_n of_o man_n in_o ecclesiastical_a office_n and_o dignity_n be_v that_o i_o may_v say_v modest_o in_o some_o degree_n true_a among_o we_o the_o first_o church_n evil_a reprehend_v in_o this_o discourse_n may_v begin_v the_o proof_n and_o give_v the_o first_o witness_n upon_o this_o part_n of_o the_o charge_n viz._n that_o opinion_n have_v be_v ma●●_n article_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o construction_n and_o conclusion_n of_o man_n from_o sacred_a write_v and_o not_o the_o text_n itself_o have_v be_v enjoin_v &_o impose_v as_o essential_a to_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o external_n christian_n communion_n insomuch_o as_o no_o reason_n scripture_n or_o pure_a antiquity_n have_v suffer_v to_o prevail_v against_o such_o determination_n and_o too_o often_o not_o enough_o to_o excuse_v those_o that_o have_v plead_v for_o a_o conscientious_a dissent_n from_o they_o the_o author_n of_o they_o either_o rest_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n or_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o example_n of_o age_n less_o pure_a and_o clear_a i_o conscientious_o refuse_v to_o name_v party_n because_o i_o be_o tender_a of_o give_v the_o least_o offence_n but_o upon_o a_o just_a observance_n of_o those_o revolution_n of_o protestancy_n that_o have_v be_v among_o we_o we_o may_v see_v with_o what_o stiffness_n not_o to_o say_v obstinacy_n several_a model_n of_o religion_n and_o draught_n of_o creed_n have_v be_v contend_v for_o i_o will_v beseech_v every_o party_n in_o christ_n name_n to_o look_v into_o itself_o for_o i_o do_v it_o because_o such_o be_v best_a able_a if_o they_o will_v be_v impartial_a and_o put_v no_o cheat_n upon_o themselves_o to_o make_v the_o application_n however_o i_o will_v name_v those_o point_n about_o which_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o have_v be_v so_o positive_a of_o god_n as_o to_o his_o prescience_n and_o predetermination_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o his_o nature_n and_o personality_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o his_o death_n and_o intercession_n of_o free_a will_n and_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o work_n of_o perseverance_n and_o fall_v away_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n and_o last_o of_o the_o dignity_n and_o power_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o if_o man_n please_v but_o to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o cast_v their_o eye_n upon_o the_o scripture_n if_o they_o will_v but_o use_v the_o light_n that_o god_n have_v afford_v they_o and_o bring_v such_o debate_n and_o result_v to_o the_o test_n of_o that_o light_n and_o the_o sound_a form_n of_o word_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v preserve_v among_o we_o i_o need_v not_o take_v the_o employment_n upon_o i_o of_o point_v to_o humane_a authority_n among_o the_o several_a party_n of_o protestant_n as_o to_o these_o point_n nothing_o will_v be_v clear_a for_o it_o be_v about_o the_o mean_v of_o this_o and_o the_o intention_n of_o that_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o contest_v have_v be_v and_o be_v and_o how_o to_o maintain_v and_o propagate_v those_o conceit_n so_o that_o the_o fall_v out_o be_v in_o the_o wood_n of_o our_o own_o opinion_n and_o there_o the_o contention_n be_v kindle_v that_o consume_v all_o about_o our_o ear_n o_o that_o we_o will_v be_v but_o impartial_a and_o see_v our_o overplus_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o retrench_v that_o redancy_n or_o keep_v it_o modest_o for_o it_o be_v a_o horrid_a thing_n that_o we_o protestant_n shall_v assume_v a_o power_n of_o range_v our_o apprehension_n with_o the_o text_n and_o injoin_v our_o imagination_n for_o indispensible_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o christian_a communion_n but_o the_o next_o proof_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o humane_a authority_n among_o we_o protestant_n be_v the_o great_a power_n and_o sway_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o the_o people_n reliance_n upon_o they_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o way_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n this_o be_v such_o plain_a fact_n that_o almost_o every_o parish_n prove_v it_o be_v not_o prophecy_n once_o the_o church_n now_o engross_v by_o they_o and_o whole_o in_o their_o hand_n who_o dare_v public_o preach_v or_o pray_v that_o be_v not_o of_o that_o class_n or_o order_n have_v not_o they_o only_o the_o key_n in_o keep_v may_v any_o body_n else_o pretend_v to_o the_o power_n of_o absolution_n or_o excommunication_n muchless_a to_o constitute_v minister_n be_v not_o all_o church_n rite_n and_o privilege_n in_o their_o custody_n do_v it_o they_o make_v it_o their_o proper_a inheritance_n nay_o so_o much_o large_a be_v their_o empire_n then_o caesar_n that_o only_o they_o begin_v with_o birth_n and_o end_n with_o burial_n man_n must_v pay_v they_o for_o come_v in_o and_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o pay_v for_o die_v be_v hard_a thus_o their_o profit_n run_v to_o the_o grave_a and_o that_o which_o be_v
do_v not_o write_v this_o to_o a_o private_a brother_n or_o in_o some_o special_a case_n but_o to_o the_o church_n as_o a_o general_n and_o stand_a truth_n and_o therefore_o now_o as_o authentic_a and_o proper_a as_o then_o and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a i_o can_v see_v how_o any_o or_o even_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v still_o but_o brethren_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o one_o voluntary_a communion_n and_o profession_n can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n impose_v upon_o they_o and_o escape_v the_o reproof_n of_o this_o scripture_n for_o all_o society_n be_v to_o govern_v themselves_o according_a to_o their_o institution_n and_o first_o principle_n of_o union_n where_o there_o be_v violence_n upon_o this_o part_n tyranny_n and_o not_o order_n be_v introduce_v now_o since_o persuasion_n and_o conviction_n begin_v all_o true_a christian_a society_n all_o christian_a society_n must_v uphold_v themselves_o upon_o the_o same_o free_a bottom_n or_o they_o turn_v antichristian_a i_o beseech_v you_o here_o let_v we_o examine_v ourselves_o faithful_o and_o i_o be_o of_o belief_n that_o something_o of_o this_o will_v yet_o appear_v among_o we_o that_o show_v great_a reverence_n to_o that_o free_a name_n but_o to_o make_v good_a their_o unreasonable_a conceit_n of_o church_n authority_n they_o object_n christ_n word_n go_v tell_v the_o church_n that_o be_v say_v they_o the_o church_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o guide_v of_o faith_n whatever_o the_o church_n agree_v upon_o and_o require_v your_o assent_n to_o and_o faith_n in_o that_o you_o must_v necessary_o believe_v but_o though_o as_o before_o it_o be_v confess_v in_o a_o sense_n we_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v yet_o not_o because_o she_o so_o believe_v but_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o she_o herself_o do_v so_o believe_v because_o none_o can_v true_o believe_v as_o she_o believe_v but_o must_v so_o do_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n and_o motive_n for_o which_o they_o believe_v that_o first_o make_v up_o that_o christian_a church_n to_o talk_v of_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o guide_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o contradict_v scripture_n and_o justle_v christ_n out_o of_o the_o office_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o he_o and_o his_o spirit_n he_o be_v give_v to_o his_o church_n a_o head_n that_o be_v a_o counsellor_n a_o ruler_n a_o judge_n 14._o and_o be_v call_v a_o lawgiver_n and_o say_v the_o apostle_n the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o he_o be_v wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n to_o the_o church_n apostolic_a and_o be_v so_o to_o his_o own_o church_n all_o the_o world_n over_o beside_o it_o be_v absurd_a that_o the_o church_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n and_o guide_n of_o faith_n for_o as_o such_o she_o must_v be_v she_o own_o rule_n and_o guide_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o member_n be_v that_o of_o the_o church_n which_o can_v be_v but_o what_o then_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o christ_n word_n go_v tell_v the_o church_n very_o well_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o about_o faith_n but_o injury_n that_o christ_n speak_v and_o the_o place_n explain_v itself_o which_o be_v this_o 18._o moreover_o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_n against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o here_o be_v wrong_a not_o religion_n injustice_n not_o faith_n or_o conscience_n concern_v as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o to_o maintain_v their_o church_n power_n if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n the_o matter_n &_o manner_n of_o which_o passage_v eliver_v by_o christ_n show_v that_o he_o intend_v not_o to_o set_v up_o church_n power_n about_o faith_n and_o worship_n unto_o which_o all_o must_v bow_v even_o without_o if_o not_o against_o conviction_n the_o word_n trespass_n and_o fault_n prove_v abundant_o that_o he_o only_o mean_v private_a and_o personal_a injury_n and_o that_o not_o only_o from_o the_o undeniable_a signification_n and_o use_n of_o the_o word_n trespass_n and_o fault_n but_o from_o the_o way_n christ_n command_v for_o accommodation_n viz._n that_o the_o person_n wrong_v do_v speak_v to_o he_o that_o commit_v the_o injury_n alone_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v that_o he_o take_v one_o or_o two_o with_o he_o but_o no_o man_n can_v think_v that_o if_o it_o relate_v to_o faith_n &_o worship_n i_o ought_v to_o receive_v the_o judgement_n of_o one_o or_o two_o or_o three_o against_o my_o own_o this_o have_v not_o be_v the_o practice_n at_o least_o not_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o most_o degenerate_v church_n since_o the_o primitive_a time_n for_o most_o if_o not_o all_o agree_v that_o nothing_o below_o the_o church_n can_v detemine_a about_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o even_o many_o with_o reason_n can_v go_v so_o far_o yet_o christ_n seem_v to_o fix_v a_o blame_n upon_o he_o that_o comply_v not_o with_o the_o person_n he_o have_v offend_v but_o more_o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n after_o one_o or_o two_o have_v also_o entreat_v he_o therefore_o it_o can_v relate_v to_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n but_o personal_a and_o private_a injury_n which_o be_v yet_o clear_a from_o this_o part_n of_o christ_n saying_n viz._n that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v which_o 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break_v all_o their_o fallacy_n to_o piece_n and_o decide_v the_o business_n beyond_o all_o contradiction_n between_o those_o that_o stand_v upon_o the_o spirit_n within_o and_o the_o scripture_n without_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o such_o as_o mere_o rest_v upon_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n for_o if_o in_o a_o arbitration_n i_o be_o not_o bind_v to_o be_v of_o the_o arbitrator_n mind_n though_o for_o peace_n sake_n i_o submit_v to_o their_o award_n and_o that_o the_o church_n power_n in_o this_o place_n controvert_v relate_v only_o to_o external_a and_o personal_a trespass_n injury_n or_o injustice_n as_o the_o place_n itself_o plain_o prove_v there_o can_v be_v no_o sense_n reason_n or_o modesty_n in_o the_o earth_n on_o the_o part_n of_o those_o high_a church_n man_n who_o
for_o i_o to_o judge_v that_o this_o man_n do_v rash_o and_o unadvised_o if_o he_o shall_v arise_v and_o contradict_v be_v not_o the_o spirit_n able_a to_o reveal_v somewhat_o to_o he_o which_o he_o have_v hide_v from_o thou_o now_o if_o the_o spirit_n have_v reveal_v somewhat_o to_o he_o and_o to_o that_o end_n reveal_v it_o that_o he_o may_v contradict_v that_o by_o his_o mean_n the_o thing_n may_v be_v reveal_v to_o the_o church_n shall_v i_o say_v that_o he_o have_v do_v rash_o in_o obey_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o if_o thou_o think_v otherwise_o very_o thou_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o author_n and_o teacher_n of_o this_o knowledge_n but_o that_o all_o the_o praise_n thereof_o be_v due_a to_o study_n watch_n and_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n and_o if_o this_o be_v thy_o judgement_n i_o tell_v thou_o again_o that_o thou_o be_v not_o only_o unworthy_a to_o be_v the_o sole_a speaker_n but_o worthy_a rather_o to_o be_v the_o only_a person_n not_o permit_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o congregation_n and_o that_o thou_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v that_o the_o most_o unlearned_a aught_o to_o be_v allow_v to_o speak_v consider_v god_n will_v have_v himself_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v the_o author_n of_o his_o own_o gift_n he_o will_v not_o have_v his_o praise_n attribute_v unto_o our_o study_n or_o wit_n but_o unto_o himself_o but_o if_o the_o man_n that_o have_v spend_v all_o his_o life_n in_o study_n speak_v wise_o it_o be_v not_o attribute_v to_o god_n but_o to_o study_v in_o word_n perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v attribute_v to_o god_n yet_o not_o without_o a_o vehement_a reluctancy_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o say_v god_n will_v not_o abide_v but_o if_o so_o be_v thou_o shall_v hear_v a_o wise_a word_n come_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o some_o unlearned_a person_n thou_o must_v needs_o whether_o thou_o will_v or_o no_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o so_o when_o god_n be_v mind_v to_o give_v unto_o israel_n a_o victory_n against_o the_o midianite_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o gideon_n and_o gideon_n have_v gather_v together_o thirty_o thousand_o man_n lest_o the_o israelite_n shall_v boast_v that_o they_o have_v get_v the_o victory_n by_o their_o own_o strength_n and_o not_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n which_o may_v have_v be_v conceive_v if_o gidean_a have_v fight_v with_o so_o numerous_a a_o army_n he_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o have_v above_o three_o hundred_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o victory_n and_o not_o the_o number_n or_o valour_n of_o those_o that_o fight_v now_o beside_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n hereby_o great_a profit_n do_v accrue_v to_o the_o church_n for_o if_o the_o people_n shall_v see_v now_o one_o man_n now_o another_o endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n beyond_o all_o expectation_n many_o will_v thereby_o be_v encourage_v to_o hope_v for_o the_o same_o gift_n if_o they_o shall_v ask_v it_o many_o will_v learn_v and_o profit_n and_o it_o will_v thereby_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o when_o occasion_n shall_v be_v to_o choose_v a_o minister_n the_o church_n shall_v not_o need_v to_o call_v strange_a and_o unknown_a person_n to_o that_o office_n but_o she_o may_v have_v of_o she_o own_o such_o as_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v choose_v man_n who_o conversation_n and_o manner_n be_v sufficient_o know_v and_o when_o the_o number_n of_o such_o as_o be_v able_a to_o prophesy_v shall_v be_v great_a the_o church_n will_v not_o be_v force_v to_o use_v such_o pastor_n as_o from_o their_o very_a childhood_n have_v propose_v to_o themselves_o such_o office_n as_o the_o reward_n of_o their_o study_n and_o addict_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o scripture_n and_o religion_n no_o otherwise_o then_o they_o will_v have_v do_v to_o some_o trade_n whereby_o they_o mean_v in_o time_n to_o get_v their_o live_n so_o that_o a_o man_n can_v expect_v but_o very_o few_o of_o they_o to_o prove_v other_o then_o 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these_o word_n of_o eusebius_n the_o writer_n of_o church_n 9_o affair_n to_o that_o effect_n if_o any_o man_n inspire_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n shall_v speak_v unto_o the_o people_n they_o all_o with_o great_a silence_n fix_v their_o eye_n upon_o he_o give_v such_o attention_n as_o if_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o some_o errand_n from_o heaven_n so_o great_a be_v the_o reverence_n of_o the_o hearer_n such_o order_n be_v see_v among_o the_o minister_n one_o after_o another_o another_o after_o he_o neither_o be_v there_o only_o two_o or_o three_o that_o prophesy_v according_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v but_o to_o all_o be_v give_v to_o speak_v so_o that_o the_o wish_n of_o moses_n seem_v rather_o to_o have_v be_v fulfil_v in_o they_o when_o he_o say_v will_v god_n all_o the_o people_n may_v prophesy_v there_o be_v no_o spleen_n no_o envy_n the_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v dispense_v every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o ability_n contribute_v his_o assistance_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o be_v do_v with_o love_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o they_o strive_v mutual_o to●honour_v each_o other_o and_o every_o one_o to_o prefer_v another_o before_o himself_o but_o to_o the_o end_n this_o common_a prophesy_v may_v be_v profitable_a to_o the_o church_n we_o must_v diligent_o mark_v what_o the_o apostle_n advise_v for_o a_o sure_a thing_n it_o be_v that_o the_o pride_n of_o man_n be_v so_o great_a that_o whatever_o have_v once_o fall_v from_o he_o he_o will_v by_o any_o mean_n have_v it_o stand_v for_o a_o truth_n neither_o can_v he_o suffer_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v infringe_v the_o same_o so_o that_o if_o he_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o judge_v that_o last_o speak_v it_o will_v be_v a_o miracle_n if_o a_o man_n in_o his_o life_n time_n shall_v see_v any_o one_o give_v way_n to_o he_o that_o contradict_v he_o what_o be_v paul_n advice_n therefore_o in_o this_o case_n let_v two_o or_o three_o prophet_n speak_v and_o let_v the_o rest_n judge_n he_o will_v not_o therefore_o have_v the_o same_o person_n to_o be_v party_n and_o judge_n and_o he_o add_v a_o little_a after_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o dissension_n but_o of_o peace_n so_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o any_o man_n have_v speak_v his_o own_o mind_n he_o ought_v to_o rest_v himself_o satisfy_v with_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o not_o obstinate_o to_o make_v no_o end_n of_o contend_v if_o this_o be_v not_o do_v a_o sure_a thing_n it_o be_v there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o strife_n but_o what_o if_o any_o man_n will_v not_o be_v content_a to_o submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o rest_n very_o i_o will_v avouch_v that_o be_v sharp_o admonish_v that_o he_o disturb_v not_o the_o congregation_n and_o that_o he_o go_v not_o against_o the_o command_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o rather_o of_o our_o lord_n command_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o society_n though_o he_o shall_v hold_v the_o prime_a place_n in_o the_o congregation_n the_o people_n likewise_o must_v frequent_o be_v admonish_v that_o liberty_n for_o any_o one_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o congregation_n be_v not_o therefore_o grant_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o end_n every_o one_o shall_v speak_v what_o come_v to_o his_o tongue_n end_n as_o if_o he_o be_v in_o a_o market_n but_o whereas_o he_o give_v liberty_n to_o he_o to_o speak_v to_o who_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v he_o will_v have_v all_o rashness_n and_o impudence_n to_o be_v lay_v aside_o he_o that_o reverence_v not_o the_o church_n of_o god_n let_v
ignorance_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n with_o none_o but_o those_o that_o can_v be_v devout_a upon_o better_a term_n it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o a_o man_n that_o he_o be_v religious_a upon_o reason_n and_o that_o his_o duty_n and_o sacrifice_n be_v not_o blind_a or_o force_v but_o free_a and_o reasonable_a truth_n upon_o knowledge_n though_o vex_v with_o schism_n wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v choose_v before_o ignorant_a religion_n with_o uniformity_n enough_o of_o this_o but_o this_o notion_n of_o a_o infallible_a visible_a judge_n be_v as_o false_a in_o reason_n as_o in_o fact_n for_o first_o it_o take_v away_o the_o use_n of_o every_o man_n reason_n and_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o have_v any_o unless_o he_o be_v such_o a_o interpreter_n and_o such_o a_o judge_n as_o will_v conclude_v we_o by_o conviction_n and_o not_o by_o authority_n that_o will_v be_v the_o most_o welcome_o person_n in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o over-rule_v my_o own_o sight_n to_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o my_o own_o understanding_n say_v black_a be_v white_a and_o that_o two_o and_o three_o make_v ten_o thus_o subjugare_fw-la intellectum_fw-la in_o obsequium_fw-la fidei_fw-la to_o yield_v my_o understanding_n to_o such_o a_o in-evident_a way_n of_o faith_n nay_o which_o be_v worse_o to_o believe_v a_o lie_n for_o so_o it_o be_v to_o they_o to_o who_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v appear_v untrue_a be_v most-unreasonable_a if_o we_o must_v be_v lead_v it_o have_v be_v easy_a and_o better_o for_o we_o to_o have_v be_v bear_v blind_a we_o may_v have_v follow_v then_o the_o dog_n and_o the_o bell_n for_o we_o can_v not_o mend_v ourselves_o but_o to_o see_v and_o to_o be_v lead_v and_o that_o in_o way_n we_o see_v to_o be_v foul_a or_o wrong_n this_o be_v anxious_a here_o lie_v the_o dispute_n and_o true_o here_o the_o question_n may_v fair_o end_v either_o put_v out_o our_o eye_n or_o let_v we_o use_v they_o but_o if_o we_o have_v eye_n for_o our_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o for_o our_o body_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v trust_v any_o man_n or_o man_n against_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n any_o more_o than_o we_o ought_v to_o confide_v in_o they_o against_o the_o sense_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o body_n where_o be_v the_o poor_a mechanic_n that_o will_v be_v pay_v his_o labour_n in_o brass_n half_a crown_n for_o silver_n by_o either_o pope_n or_o bishop_n and_o can_v we_o be_v so_o brutish_a as_o to_o think_v our_o noble_a part_n void_a of_o distinction_n about_o that_o treasure_n which_o be_v of_o eternal_a moment_n for_o though_o peter_n be_v to_o feed_v the_o sheep_n yet_o the_o sheep_n be_v not_o to_o follow_v peter_n but_o christ_n my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o follow_v i_o and_o a_o stranger_n they_o will_v not_o 27._o follow_v here_o be_v no_o mediator_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o sheep_n nor_o do_v any_o body_n else_o hear_v his_o voice_n for_o they_o but_o they_o hear_v his_o voice_n themselves_o and_o though_o the_o shepherd_n may_v have_v many_o servant_n yet_o he_o only_o be_v their_o shepherd_n and_o they_o be_v only_o the_o sheep_n of_o his_o fold_n but_o there_o be_v three_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o come_v fresh_a into_o my_o remembrance_n that_o be_v very_o pertinent_a to_o the_o present_a occasion_n the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o man_n 19_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n have_v enlighten_v it_o to_o manifest_v unto_o man_n what_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o to_o know_v both_o of_o god_n and_o himself_o here_o be_v no_o need_n of_o wax-candle_n or_o taper_n or_o a_o visible_a guide_n and_o judge_n for_o ●e_n that_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o another_o passage_n be_v this_o be_v you_o follower_n 1._o of_o i_o even_o as_o i_o be_o also_o of_o christ_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o far_o from_o set_v himself_o up_o a_o judge_n over_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n that_o he_o make_v his_o appeal_n to_o they_o concern_v his_o doctrine_n and_o conversation_n bound_v both_o with_o that_o of_o his_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o make_v they_o judge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o conformity_n to_o that_o example_n be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o how_o after_o what_o manner_n what!_o absolute_o without_o examination_n must_v we_o believe_v thou_o without_o any_o trial_n and_o take_v what_o thou_o say_v for_o grant_v without_o any_o more_o to_o do_v no_o such_o thing_n be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o even_o as_o i_o also_o be_o of_o christ_n i_o submit_v myself_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o you_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n and_o all_o man_n and_o church_n be_v to_o be_v thus_o measure_v that_o lie_v claim_n to_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n the_o three_o passage_n be_v in_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o same_o church_n of_o corinth_n it_o be_v this_o therefore_o see_v we_o have_v this_o ministry_n as_o we_o have_v receive_v mercy_n we_o faint_v not_o but_o have_v renounce_v the_o hide_a 2._o thing_n of_o dishonesty_n not_o walk_v in_o craftiness_n nor_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o but_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n commend_v ourselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n here_o be_v the_o utmost_a imposition_n the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o he_o require_v not_o man_n to_o receive_v he_o without_o evidence_n and_o refer_v himself_o to_o that_o of_o their_o own_o conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o make_v christian_n then_o and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o make_v and_o keep_v christian_n now_o conscience_n in_o the_o best_a sense_n have_v ever_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o bond_n upon_o man_n in_o all_o religion_n but_o that_o religion_n which_o under_o pretence_n of_o authority_n will_v supercee_v conscience_n and_o instead_o of_o make_v man_n better_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n make_v they_o worse_o by_o confound_v all_o distinction_n betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o resolve_v all_o into_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o a_o visible_a guide_n and_o judge_n be_v false_a it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o for_o to_o admire_v what_o man_n do_v know_v and_o to_o make_v it_o a_o principle_n not_o to_o inquire_v be_v the_o last_o mark_n of_o folly_n in_o the_o believer_n and_o of_o imposture_n in_o the_o imposer_n to_o be_v short_a a_o christian_n imply_v a_o man_n and_o a_o man_n imply_v conscience_n and_o understanding_n but_o he_o that_o have_v no_o conscience_n not_o understanding_n as_o he_o have_v not_o that_o have_v deliver_v they_o up_o to_o the_o will_n of_o another_o man_n be_v no_o man_n and_o therefore_o no_o christian_a i_o do_v beseech_v you_o protestant_n of_o all_o sort_n to_o consider_v of_o the_o danger_n of_o this_o principle_n with_o respect_n to_o religion_n of_o old'tw_o be_v the_o fool_n that_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n but_o now_o upon_o this_o principle_n man_n must_v be_v make_v fool_n in_o order_n to_o believe_v shall_v folly_n which_o be_v the_o shame_n if_o not_o the_o curse_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a christ_n indeed_o have_v advise_v we_o to_o become_v little_a child_n but_o never_o to_o become_v such_o fool_n for_o as_o the_o proverb_n be_v this_o be_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o nose_n and_o not_o by_o our_o wit_n you_o know_v that_o god_n hate_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o with_o understanding_n also_o say_v the_o apostle_n let_v we_o commend_v that_o testimony_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o let_v they_o have_v the_o gospel_n privilege_n of_o examination_n error_n only_o lose_v upon_o trial._n for_o if_o this_o have_v be_v the_o way_n to_o christianity_n with_o reverence_n be_v it_o speak_v god_n have_v not_o make_v our_o condition_n better_o but_o worse_o for_o this_o translate_v our_o faith_n and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n to_o man_n and_o the_o possibility_n if_o not_o probability_n of_o man_n err_v expose_v we_o to_o great_a insecurity_n than_o before_o for_o where_o i_o never_o trust_v i_o never_o can_v be_v deceive_v but_o if_o i_o must_v abandon_v my_o own_o sense_n and_o judgement_n and_o yield_v myself_o up_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o authority_n of_o another_o to_o say_v no_o more_o of_o the_o blindness_n and_o la_fw-fr neness_n of_o such_o belief_n and_o devotion_n what_o security_n can_v i_o have_v that_o the_o man_n or_o man_n who_o i_o trust_v may_v not_o 〈◊〉_d and_o deceive_v i_o and_o that_o
to_o youthful_a lust_n flee_v they_o by_o all_o mean_n for_o they_o draw_v to_o strife_n to_o heat_n animosity_n envy_n hatred_n and_o persecution_n which_o unbecome_v the_o man_n of_o god_n for_o say_v the_o apostle_n he_o 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 be_v their_o rank_n notion_n opinion_n or_o faith_n what_o it_o will_v he_o must_v not_o be_v fierce_a nor_o censorious_a much_o less_o shall_v he_o persecute_v or_o excite_v caesar_n to_o do_v it_o for_o he_o no_o such_o matter_n he_o must_v be_v apt_a to_o teach_v and_o inform_v the_o ignorant_a and_o in_o case_n it_o succeed_v not_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v outrageous_a or_o go_v about_o to_o whip_v or_o club_n it_o into_o he_o he_o must_v be_v patient_a that_o be_v he_o must_v not_o think_v to_o bend_v thing_n to_o his_o own_o will_n or_o time_n but_o commit_v his_o honest_a edeavour_n to_o god_n blessing_n that_o can_v raise_v of_o the_o stone_n of_o the_o street_n child_n unto_o abraham_n the_o want_n of_o this_o patience_n have_v be_v the_o undo_v of_o all_o but_o some_o will_v object_v o_o but_o it_o be_v not_o ignorance_n it_o be_v obstinacy_n and_o opposition_n hardly_o judge_v my_o friend_n but_o admit_v it_o be_v so_o here_o be_v a_o recipe_n for_o the_o malady_n too_o and_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n prescribe_v observe_v the_o follow_a word_n 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 than_o not_o fine_v plunder_v beat_v stock_v imprison_v banish_v and_o kill_v even_o opposer_n themselves_o for_o religion_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o way_n of_o do_v these_o thing_n with_o gentleness_n patience_n and_o meekness_n which_o i_o confess_v i_o and_o i_o think_v no_o body_n else_o ever_o hear_v of_o but_o as_o the_o apostle_n give_v timothy_n another_o method_n than_o be_v now_o use_v by_o the_o son_n of_o violence_n for_o reclaim_v opposer_n so_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o counsel_n make_v all_o other_o way_n unlawful_a viz._n if_o god_n peradventure_o will_v give_v they_o repentance_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n i_o will_v hereupon_o enter_v the_o list_n with_o a_o persecutor_n be_v repentance_n in_o my_o own_o power_n or_o be_v it_o in_o thou_o to_o give_v i_o the_o apostle_n say_v neither_o it_o be_v god_n gift_n alone_o if_o god_n peradventure_o will_v give_v they_o repentance_n etc._n etc._n since_o repentance_n then_o be_v in_o the_o case_n and_o that_o god_n alone_o can_v give_v it_o of_o what_o use_n be_v violent_a course_n which_o never_o beget_v repentance_n on_o the_o contrary_a they_o have_v rare_o fail_v to_o raise_v prejudice_n and_o beget_v hardness_n but_o be_v this_o the_o evangelical_n rule_n and_o practice_n yes_o that_o it_o be_v oh_o then_o whence_o come_v imposition_n force_n cruelty_n spoil_v of_o good_n imprisonment_n knock_v be_v beat_n bruising_n stocking_n whip_n and_o spill_v of_o blood_n for_o religion_n what_o church_n be_v that_o who_o officer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o clothe_v the_o naked_a as_o that_o they_o strip_v the_o clothe_v from_o feed_v the_o hungry_a that_o they_o take_v their_o bread_n from_o they_o and_o those_o poor_a widow_n and_o helpless_a orphan_n too_o and_o so_o remote_a from_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o imprison_v that_o they_o drag_v away_o their_o bed_n from_o under_o they_o and_o cast_v their_o person_n into_o prison_n for_o conscience_n sake_n nay_o they_o hale_v away_o a_o honest_a man_n from_o a_o meeting_n to_o goal_n at_o read_v a_o while_n since_o not_o permit_v he_o to_o take_v leave_v of_o his_o poor_a wife_n new_o deliver_v and_o in_o a_o die_a condition_n though_o she_o much_o desire_v it_o and_o live_v but_o just_a by_o the_o meeting_n house_n whence_o they_o take_v he_o in_o fine_a what_o be_v they_o that_o for_o no_o other_o cause_o pass_v such_o dreadful_a excommunication_n as_o render_v the_o excommunicant_o little_o better_a than_o outlaw_a person_n subject_v their_o civil_a &_o natural_a right_n to_o their_o pride_n passion_n interest_n or_o revenge_n unless_o they_o will_v purchase_v their_o enjoyment_n at_o the_o dear_a rate_n of_o give_v their_o own_o conscience_n the_o lie_n for_o what_o else_o can_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o conform_v to_o that_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v be_v not_o this_o to_o destroy_v sincere_a man_n and_o make_v and_o save_v hypocrite_n oh_o that_o such_o as_o be_v concern_v will_v sober_o consider_v if_o any_o thing_n be_v so_o scandalous_a to_o true_a religion_n as_o force_v who_o can_v think_v that_o evidence_n good_a that_o be_v extort_a and_o what_o a_o church_n be_v that_o which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o proselyte_n or_o that_o employ_v such_o mean_n to_o make_v they_o it_o be_v base_a coin_n that_o need_v imposition_n to_o make_v it_o current_n but_o true_a metal_n pass_v for_o its_o own_o intrinsic_a value_n o_o where_o be_v that_o christian_a meekness_n patience_n and_o forbearance_n how_o many_o have_v be_v ruin_v that_o be_v never_o exhort_v and_o excommunicate_v before_o they_o be_v once_o admonish_v this_o be_v not_o to_o serve_v god_n but_o worldly_a interest_n it_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o christ_n counsel_n and_o doctrine_n he_o come_v to_o save_v and_o not_o to_o destroy_v nature_n to_o magnify_v his_o grace_n you_o pretend_v to_o hate_v j._n calvin_n unconditional_a reprobation_n yet_o practise_v it_o if_o you_o say_v no_o conformity_n be_v your_o condition_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v as_o unreasonable_a to_o require_v a_o impossibility_n as_o cruel_a to_o dam●_n man_n for_o not_o do_v it_o for_o as_o you_o say_v his_o doctrine_n make_v g●d_v to_o command_v they_o to_o repent_v that_o can_v repent_v and_o yet_o damn_v they_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o so_o you_o enjoin_v man_n to_o relinquish_v their_o present_a faith_n and_o worship_n and_o conform_v to_o you_o which_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o do_v yet_o damn_v they_o in_o a_o temporal_a respect_n if_o they_o refuse_v it_o for_o you_o make_v such_o a_o unavoidable_a dissent_n punishable_a with_o the_o destruction_n of_o man_n liberty_n and_o estate_n you_o have_v better_o leave_v off_o value_v yourselves_o upon_o the_o mercy_n and_o well-natur'dness_a of_o that_o tenet_n of_o the_o universal_a love_n of_o god_n to_o man_n kind_n till_o you_o love_v more_o than_o yourselves_o and_o abominate_a that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n shall_v be_v such_o a_o elect_a to_o the_o civil_a government_n as_o utter_o reprobate_n the_o rest_n as_o you_o pretend_v to_o detest_v the_o like_a injustice_n in_o j._n calvin_n notion_n of_o election_n and_o reprobation_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v this_o help_n on_o atheism_n as_o much_o as_o any_o enormity_n in_o the_o land_n when_o witty_a man_n not_o willing_a to_o take_v pain_n to_o examine_v after_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o religion_n behold_v man_n that_o call_v themselves_o christ_n minister_n and_o the_o apostle_n successor_n and_o follower_n to_o affect_v and_o seek_v government_n and_o yet_o twice_o deny_v it_o when_o they_o go_v to_o receive_v it_o that_o some_o other_o grow_v lordly_a live_v voluptuous_o and_o watch_v after_o the_o big_a preferment_n not_o be_v excite_v by_o most_o service_n for_o god_n but_o earthly_a power_n and_o wealth_n for_o themselves_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n persecute_v man_n of_o more_o self-denial_n for_o matster_n of_o opinion_n about_o faith_n and_o worship_n toward-god_n so_o that_o no_o conformity_n to_o this_o church_n no_o protection_n from_o the_o state_n which_o among_o protestant_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o unreasonable_a first_o because_o they_o by_o these_o course_n implicit_o own_o and_o assume_v the_o high_a infallibility_n and_o perfection_n and_o yet_o deny_v any_o such_o thing_n for_o it_o suppose_v that_o nothing_o be_v true_a nothing_o perfect_a or_o else_o they_o both_o persecute_v man_n to_o embrace_v a_o fallible_a and_o inperfect_a religion_n and_o with_o cruel_a penalty_n provide_v against_o any_o thing_n more_o true_a or_o infallible_a and_o the_o great_a injury_n to_o the_o world_n that_o can_v be_v for_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a endeavour_n to_o frustrate_v all_o those_o excellent_a prophecy_n and_o gracious_a promise_v god_n have_v give_v and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n declare_v of_o the_o latter_a day_n but_o second_o it_o expose_v you_o to_o the_o lash_n and_o scorn_n of_o the_o papist_n unavoidable_o for_o at_o this_o rate_n you_o that_o with_o reason_n think_v it_o ignorance_n and_o irreligion_n in_o the_o papist_n to_o imagine_v himself_o discharge_v in_o god_n account_n by_o believe_v only_o as_o the_o church_n believe_v conceive_v yourselves_o at_o the_o same_o time_n justify_v by_o believe_v only_o as_o a_o few_o of_o your_o own_o doctor_n or_o else_o