yield_v more_o easy_o to_o the_o antecedent_n argument_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o that_o church_n but_o if_o the_o doctrine_n for_o which_o she_o vouch_v this_o authority_n do_v upon_o the_o most_o impartial_a trial_n that_o i_o can_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v worldly_a unscriptural_a or_o contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n then_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o her_o pretence_n more_o severe_o than_o in_o the_o former_a case_n and_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o such_o doctrine_n may_v be_v teach_v by_o man_n pretend_v to_o inspiration_n or_o infallibility_n which_o will_v justify_v a_o man_n in_o reject_v that_o pretence_n out_o of_o hand_n and_o trouble_v himself_o no_o more_o about_o it_o if_o a_o physician_n of_o never_o so_o great_a name_n shall_v tell_v i_o that_o he_o will_v infallible_o cure_v my_o disease_n and_o then_o prescribe_v a_o dose_n of_o arsenic_n i_o think_v reason_n will_v advise_v rather_o to_o question_v his_o infallibility_n because_o he_o go_v thus_o mad_o to_o work_v than_o to_o take_v his_o poison_n because_o he_o promise_v a_o infallible_a cure_n now_o if_o i_o be_o not_o to_o do_v violence_n to_o my_o own_o understanding_n in_o thing_n that_o concern_v my_o bodily_a health_n much_o less_o shall_v i_o do_v the_o same_o in_o thing_n that_o regard_v my_o everlasting_a state_n and_o they_o be_v a_o strange_a sort_n of_o man_n who_o will_v allow_v people_n the_o liberty_n of_o use_v their_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v for_o the_o security_n of_o their_o worldly_a interest_n but_o will_v have_v they_o be_v lead_v in_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o religion_n and_o eternity_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o for_o to_o judge_v aright_o and_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v our_o high_a concernment_n be_v the_o principal_a end_n for_o which_o we_o have_v reason_n and_o be_v creature_n of_o judgement_n and_o choice_n and_o they_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o a_o man_n to_o walk_v abroad_o with_o his_o eye_n open_a as_o that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o he_o to_o take_v upon_o himself_o to_o judge_v as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n or_o not_o §_o 2._o if_o we_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o answer_v the_o second_o question_n 2._o whether_o a_o liberty_n of_o examine_v and_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n do_v mischief_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o to_o affirm_v this_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o it_o have_v be_v much_o better_o in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o prevail_a of_o truth_n that_o man_n have_v be_v near_o to_o stock_n and_o stone_n than_o endue_v with_o natural_a ability_n of_o judge_v and_o natural_a propension_n to_o use_v those_o ability_n which_o i_o think_v will_v be_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o maker_n for_o certain_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o man_n to_o have_v want_v the_o faculty_n of_o judge_v and_o prove_v if_o it_o be_v so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v it_o much_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v against_o her_o interest_n for_o man_n to_o examine_v her_o doctrine_n and_o use_v their_o reason_n about_o it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o the_o liberty_n of_o examination_n and_o judgement_n in_o order_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o cause_v heresy_n and_o schism_n but_o the_o not_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o this_o liberty_n i._n e._n mens_fw-la enter_v upon_o this_o work_n with_o pride_n and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o worldly_a interest_n their_o want_n of_o care_n and_o diligence_n and_o of_o prove_v thing_n sufficient_o their_o take_v up_o opinion_n without_o reasonable_a examination_n and_o then_o seek_v for_o pretence_n to_o colour_v their_o obstinacy_n the_o lust_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n be_v against_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n but_o not_o the_o use_n of_o that_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o divine_a part_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o restrain_v and_o govern_v our_o inferior_a faculty_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o if_o few_o or_o none_o trouble_v themselves_o at_o all_o to_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n there_o will_v be_v no_o heresy_n but_o it_o be_v true_a too_o that_o if_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o judge_v of_o these_o thing_n at_o all_o there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o heresy_n and_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o religion_n at_o all_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v heresy_n in_o religion_n but_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o reason_n or_o religion_n be_v therefore_o the_o cause_n of_o heresy_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o say_v this_o as_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o use_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o heresy_n these_o thing_n be_v too_o gross_a to_o need_v a_o confutation_n and_o yet_o this_o pretence_n against_o the_o liberty_n of_o prove_v what_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o in_o religion_n be_v intend_v chief_o against_o private_a and_o ordinary_a person_n but_o not_o against_o the_o public_a guide_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n whereas_o in_o truth_n if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o it_o hold_v more_o strong_o against_o these_o than_o against_o the_o other_o and_o that_o because_o the_o most_o pernicious_a heresy_n that_o ever_o come_v into_o the_o church_n be_v bring_v in_o by_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n and_o if_o this_o pretence_n be_v good_a they_o of_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v forbid_v to_o inquire_v into_o matter_n of_o religion_n because_o if_o they_o fall_v into_o any_o dangerous_a mistake_n their_o authority_n be_v likely_a to_o give_v reputation_n to_o it_o and_o to_o make_v it_o go_v down_o more_o easy_o with_o the_o common_a people_n than_o if_o it_o have_v be_v start_v by_o one_o of_o themselves_o so_o that_o we_o must_v not_o lay_v the_o heresy_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o liberty_n we_o have_v be_v contend_v for_o unless_o we_o will_v be_v content_a to_o exclude_v all_o from_o the_o duty_n of_o prove_v what_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o 〈◊〉_d and_o no_o man_n can_v think_v this_o reasonable_a unless_o he_o 〈◊〉_d all_o religion_n to_o be_v equal_o true_a that_o be_v every_o one_o to_o be_v alike_o false_a and_o he_o that_o believe_v this_o need_v not_o care_v what_o heresy_n he_o be_v of_o §_o 3._o 3._o but_o if_o every_o man_n have_v a_o just_a liberty_n and_o right_a to_o examine_v for_o himself_o be_v not_o this_o a_o good_a reason_n for_o toleration_n or_o for_o the_o universal_a liberty_n of_o practise_v according_a to_o a_o man_n conscience_n or_o persuasion_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v liberty_n of_o enquiry_n if_o after_o all_o i_o must_v be_v conclude_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o my_o superior_n or_o else_o suffer_v under_o those_o law_n by_o which_o they_o provide_v for_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o every_o man_n right_a and_o duty_n to_o judge_v for_o himself_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o good_a reason_n for_o toleration_n unless_o it_o be_v also_o apparent_a that_o every_o man_n use_v that_o right_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v i._n e._n with_o industry_n deliberation_n and_o impartiality_n if_o all_o man_n be_v sincere_a and_o will_v examine_v without_o prejudice_n without_o that_o bias_n to_o one_o side_n which_o be_v make_v by_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o worldly_a interest_n if_o they_o all_o intend_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v do_v their_o duty_n then_o doubtless_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o all_o shall_v enjoy_v a_o undisturbed_a liberty_n of_o practice_n according_a to_o their_o judgement_n for_o than_o no_o man_n will_v err_v in_o thing_n plain_a and_o necessary_a to_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n for_o our_o lord_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n but_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v that_o hypocrisy_n in_o the_o world_n whereof_o man_n be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o so_o long_o as_o all_o those_o vice_n also_o reign_v which_o insensible_o corrupt_v the_o judgement_n and_o make_v man_n disloyal_a to_o the_o truth_n
a_o persuasive_a to_o a_o ingenuous_a trial_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n london_n print_v for_o tho._n basset_n at_o the_o george_n near_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1685._o a_o persuasive_a to_o a_o ingenuous_a trial_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n §_o 1._o the_o great_a reason_n why_o they_o be_v few_o in_o comparison_n who_o come_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n and_o a_o wellgrounded_n persuasion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o many_o who_o make_v a_o due_a inquiry_n into_o they_o be_v this_o do_v more_o general_o there_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o ignorance_n and_o error_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o opinion_n and_o sect_n as_o there_o be_v and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o fail_v of_o know_v the_o truth_n for_o want_v of_o due_a endeavour_n to_o find_v it_o out_o some_o there_o be_v who_o want_n ability_n or_o opportunity_n to_o inquire_v other_o who_o want_v neither_o do_v utter_o neglect_v it_o and_o will_v not_o apply_v their_o mind_n to_o it_o at_o all_o a_o three_o sort_n make_v but_o a_o very_a imperfect_a search_n after_o truth_n and_o so_o all_o ignorance_n or_o mistake_n in_o thing_n of_o moment_n that_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n or_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v attribute_v either_o to_o want_v of_o power_n and_o mean_n to_o inquire_v after_o truth_n or_o to_o unwillingness_n and_o perfect_a negligence_n where_o it_o may_v be_v seek_v and_o attain_v to_o or_o to_o laziness_n inactivity_n and_o partiality_n in_o seek_v it_o to_o the_o first_o sort_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o reckon_v idiot_n who_o want_v a_o competent_a measure_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n wherewith_o to_o judge_v but_o those_o also_o that_o have_v the_o same_o common_a natural_a gift_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o other_o be_v yet_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o outward_a circumstance_n keep_v almost_o invincible_o ignorant_a have_v very_o little_a or_o no_o occasion_n give_v they_o to_o inquire_v into_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v know_v they_o better_o and_o thousand_o who_o sit_v in_o pagan_a or_o mahometan_a or_o popish_a darkness_n be_v thus_o detain_v in_o gross_a error_n and_o remediless_a ignorance_n as_o the_o case_n at_o present_a stand_v with_o they_o but_o bless_v be_v god_n this_o be_v not_o our_o case_n who_o live_v in_o such_o a_o time_n and_o place_n as_o put_v no_o man_n under_o circumstance_n of_o incurable_a ignorance_n as_o for_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o have_v plentiful_a mean_n and_o fair_a opportunity_n of_o be_v better_o inform_v but_o utter_o neglect_v to_o use_v they_o they_o be_v either_o such_o who_o remain_v under_o the_o power_n of_o those_o false_a principle_n which_o be_v instill_v into_o they_o in_o their_o education_n or_o who_o blind_o follow_v err_a guide_n who_o person_n they_o have_v in_o admiration_n resolve_v never_o to_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o a_o free_a and_o impartial_a use_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n concern_v those_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v in_o their_o own_o opinion_n wise_o and_o safe_o take_v upon_o trust_n it_o happen_v likewise_o very_a often_o that_o man_n be_v lead_v away_o by_o lofty_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o the_o extravagant_a opinion_n they_o have_v of_o themselves_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o attempt_v such_o a_o ingenuous_a examination_n of_o thing_n as_o imply_v a_o possibility_n of_o their_o be_v deceive_v but_o i_o believe_v they_o be_v more_o who_o take_v up_o opinion_n and_o engage_v in_o party_n for_o worldly_a end_n and_o carnal_a interest_n and_o these_o of_o all_o other_o be_v far_a from_o inquire_v &_o conviction_n because_o it_o be_v a_o great_a uneasiness_n to_o a_o man_n mind_n to_o find_v himself_o mistake_v in_o those_o opinion_n which_o be_v for_o his_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n in_o this_o world_n and_o most_o the_o power_n of_o custom_n strengthen_v all_o these_o cause_n of_o obstinacy_n in_o neglect_v to_o inquire_v man_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o quit_v the_o persuasion_n they_o have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n entertain_v but_o have_v rather_o keep_v where_o they_o be_v without_o trouble_v themselves_o to_o begin_v all_o anew_o and_o to_o inquire_v whether_o they_o have_v not_o be_v all_o along_o deceive_v and_o where_o most_o of_o these_o obstruction_n meet_v together_o as_o they_o often_o do_v in_o the_o same_o person_n if_o he_o be_v not_o succour_v mighty_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n his_o mind_n be_v bar_v up_o for_o ever_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n a_o three_o sort_n miss_v of_o the_o truth_n not_o that_o they_o make_v no_o inquiry_n but_o because_o they_o do_v this_o very_o imperfect_o and_o superficial_o and_o that_o either_o through_o sloth_n and_o laziness_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o take_v that_o pain_n and_o care_n which_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n or_o through_o partiality_n whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o examine_v and_o 〈◊〉_d only_o or_o chiesly_a what_o be_v offer_v in_o favour_n of_o their_o own_o side_n and_o make_v it_o the_o great_a end_n of_o their_o search_n not_o to_o follow_v what_o shall_v appear_v to_o be_v true_a upon_o inquiry_n but_o to_o be_v confirm_v in_o their_o present_a persuasion_n and_o because_o diligence_n and_o honesty_n be_v very_o necessary_a disposition_n in_o order_n to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n in_o religion_n no_o wonder_n that_o they_o who_o inquire_v without_o these_o advantage_n be_v rather_o harden_v in_o error_n than_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n now_o these_o be_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n and_o since_o they_o all_o centre_n in_o want_n of_o due_a inquiry_n i_o shall_v set_v myself_o to_o excite_v all_o sort_n of_o people_n who_o be_v not_o make_v incapable_a by_o natural_a weakness_n of_o understanding_n to_o prove_v and_o examine_v thing_n which_o concern_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o christian_n with_o that_o diligence_n and_o ingenuity_n which_o become_v reasonable_a creature_n and_o though_o i_o know_v it_o be_v a_o hard_a task_n that_o i_o be_o undertake_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o corrupt_a interest_n of_o man_n which_o i_o must_v encounter_v yet_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o advice_n can_v be_v more_o rational_a than_o this_o that_o we_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o use_v our_o reason_n which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o lay_v up_o the_o common_a talon_n of_o our_o nature_n in_o a_o napkin_n for_o god_n have_v endue_v we_o with_o faculty_n whereby_o we_o can_v discern_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n and_o moreover_o with_o a_o natural_a desire_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n so_o that_o the_o use_n of_o these_o faculty_n be_v inexcusable_o neglect_v and_o this_o desire_n be_v foul_o corrupt_v and_o debase_v if_o we_o be_v easy_o impose_v upon_o in_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n god_n in_o our_o creation_n have_v enable_v and_o incline_v we_o to_o seek_v the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n and_o therefore_o to_o neglect_v this_o be_v to_o abuse_v the_o first_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o to_o sin_n against_o nature_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v every_o man_n care_n to_o find_v out_o that_o truth_n which_o concern_v religion_n and_o another_o life_n 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v every_o man_n great_a interest_n we_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d most_o diligence_n there_o where_o to_o be_v deceive_v be_v of_o most_o dangerous_a consequence_n but_o because_o there_o be_v some_o plausible_a pretence_n against_o a_o due_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v prepare_v my_o way_n by_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v those_o prejudices_fw-la that_o lie_v against_o it_o and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o i_o shall_v consider_v these_o three_o question_n 1._o whether_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o private_a man_n to_o leave_v they_o to_o use_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n 2._o whether_o a_o general_a liberty_n of_o examine_v and_o judge_v in_o those_o thing_n do_v mischief_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n 3._o whether_o if_o every_o one_o have_v a_o just_a right_o to_o examine_v for_o himself_o this_o be_v not_o a_o good_a reason_n for_o toleration_n or_o the_o universal_a liberty_n of_o practise_v according_a to_o a_o man_n conscience_n or_o persuasion_n after_o examination_n §_o 2._o 1._o whether_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o private_a man_n to_o allow_v they_o the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n now_o to_o leave_v man_n whole_o to_o themselves_o
in_o this_o business_n without_o direct_v they_o to_o use_v the_o best_a help_n they_o can_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n be_v very_o dangerous_a indeed_o and_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v contend_v for_o this_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n in_o behalf_n of_o christian_a people_n or_o of_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o for_o this_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o advise_v they_o to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o as_o to_o conclude_v for_o themselves_o before_o they_o have_v take_v any_o pain_n to_o judge_v for_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o judge_v who_o refuse_v the_o mean_n without_o which_o they_o can_v make_v no_o trial_n now_o the_o assistance_n of_o man_n of_o great_a knowledge_n and_o ability_n than_o themselves_o have_v be_v one_o very_o necessary_a mean_n by_o which_o private_a and_o unlearned_a person_n be_v to_o examine_v and_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o god_n have_v not_o only_o give_v we_o ability_n to_o find_v out_o some_o truth_n by_o ourselves_o but_o also_o to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o other_o offer_v to_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v appoint_v governor_n and_o guide_n of_o soul_n that_o be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n and_o to_o instruct_v christian_a people_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o one_o part_n of_o their_o work_n be_v to_o enable_v they_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o i_o pet._n 3._o 15._o which_o i_o conceive_v they_o can_v do_v without_o inform_v and_o help_v they_o to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o so_o that_o liberty_n of_o examine_v in_o order_n to_o private_a judgement_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n exclude_v advise_v with_o and_o harken_v to_o man_n of_o great_a skill_n and_o ability_n than_o ourselves_o especial_o to_o the_o public_a guide_n of_o soul_n but_o rather_o make_v it_o necessary_a so_o to_o do_v this_o be_v one_o mean_n of_o god_n appointment_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o inform_v ourselves_o and_o i_o grant_v that_o without_o very_o good_a and_o clear_a reason_n we_o be_v not_o to_o depart_v from_o their_o doctrine_n but_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n to_o presume_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v dangerous_a to_o private_a person_n to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v what_o their_o guide_n teach_v they_o to_o believe_v or_o to_o do_v this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n understand_v unless_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o follow_v our_o guide_n like_o man_n that_o have_v reason_n and_o not_o like_o beast_n that_o have_v none_o it_o be_v at_o any_o time_n as_o safe_a to_o follow_v a_o guide_n with_o our_o eye_n open_a as_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v blindfolded_a and_o then_o to_o follow_v he_o by_o a_o string_n god_n have_v refer_v we_o to_o guide_n heb._n 13._o 17._o but_o yet_o he_o have_v trust_v we_o to_o ourselves_o too_o and_o we_o be_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n otherwise_o we_o may_v follow_v guide_n that_o want_v guide_n themselves_o and_o if_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a both_o fall_n into_o the_o ditch_n to_o say_v that_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n with_o the_o best_a endeavour_n and_o mean_n that_o we_o have_v in_o our_o power_n be_v the_o way_n to_o be_v mistake_v be_v to_o reproach_v our_o own_o reason_n and_o god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o since_o as_o it_o seem_v the_o more_o we_o exercise_v and_o improve_v our_o reason_n the_o more_o likely_a we_o be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o to_o deceive_v and_o abuse_v ourselves_o at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n seducer_n shall_v answer_v for_o those_o who_o they_o have_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n be_v strong_o oblige_v that_o they_o do_v not_o through_o wilfulness_n or_o negligence_n mislead_v we_o but_o if_o they_o mislead_v we_o in_o thing_n that_o touch_v our_o eternal_a state_n i_o do_v not_o sin_v that_o all_o the_o blame_n will_v lie_v upon_o they_o but_o rather_o that_o we_o also_o shall_v answer_v for_o it_o ourselves_o otherwise_o why_o shall_v our_o saviour_n say_v why_o of_o yourselves_o do_v you_o not_o judge_v that_o which_o be_v right_a luke_n 12._o 57_o and_o st._n john_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n 1_o joh._n 4._o 1._o and_o st._n paul_n prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 1_o thess_n 5._o 21._o and_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o 2_o thess_n 2._o 3._o again_o if_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o permit_v man_n to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o that_o sense_n wherein_o i_o contend_v for_o it_o than_o these_o be_v not_o wholesome_a but_o very_o dangerous_a exhortation_n and_o yet_o if_o a_o church_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o infallible_a guide_n in_o religion_n can_v make_v it_o out_o clear_o and_o plain_o that_o she_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v without_o much_o examination_n of_o her_o particular_a doctrine_n receive_v they_o as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n but_o then_o i_o must_v have_v strong_a argument_n to_o assure_v i_o that_o she_o be_v infallible_a than_o those_o which_o at_o present_a make_v i_o certain_a that_o she_o be_v actual_o deceive_v for_o to_o submit_v to_o a_o pretend_a infallible_a authority_n without_o know_v why_o i_o do_v so_o be_v to_o put_v it_o into_o the_o power_n of_o other_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v to_o lead_v i_o into_o the_o most_o damnable_a error_n and_o to_o call_v virtue_n vice_n and_o vice_n virtue_n therefore_o they_o must_v be_v very_o convince_a reason_n upon_o which_o i_o be_o to_o believe_v that_o of_o my_o guide_n which_o be_v once_o admit_v i_o must_v take_v his_o bare_a word_n afterward_o for_o all_o thing_n else_o i_o think_v none_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n will_v deny_v this_o and_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o for_o my_o own_o safety_n i_o be_o to_o use_v my_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n as_o severe_o as_o i_o can_v before_o i_o admit_v this_o fundamental_a article_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o this_o will_v amount_v to_o what_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v dangerous_a for_o man_n to_o use_v their_o own_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a for_o they_o not_o to_o do_v so_o since_o otherwise_o they_o be_v likely_a to_o follow_v man_n of_o the_o great_a confidence_n as_o they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v who_o have_v the_o least_o reason_n for_o it_o beside_o if_o i_o be_o lead_v into_o error_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o church_n that_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o infallibility_n i_o may_v hope_v to_o recover_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n more_o than_o if_o she_o pretend_v and_o i_o believe_v her_o infallible_a for_o such_o a_o church_n will_v not_o so_o ready_o deny_v i_o the_o mean_n of_o examine_v her_o doctrine_n and_o so_o i_o may_v be_v able_a to_o discover_v the_o error_n myself_o if_o not_o i_o have_v this_o comfort_n at_o least_o that_o my_o guide_n be_v not_o engage_v to_o contend_v that_o they_o be_v infallible_a be_v themselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o detect_v their_o own_o mistake_n and_o will_v more_o easy_o come_v off_o from_o it_o but_o they_o that_o pretend_v to_o infallibility_n be_v stake_v down_o to_o their_o opinion_n and_o though_o their_o cause_n be_v never_o so_o bad_a they_o be_v engage_v to_o serve_v it_o and_o therefore_o this_o pretence_n be_v so_o far_o from_o discharge_v i_o of_o the_o pain_n of_o use_v my_o own_o judgement_n and_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o i_o make_v the_o most_o foolish_a venture_v in_o the_o world_n if_o i_o do_v not_o use_v my_o reason_n as_o strict_o as_o i_o can_v in_o examine_v that_o very_a pretence_n before_o i_o admit_v it_o and_o though_o a_o church_n claim_n to_o infallibility_n be_v in_o itself_o never_o so_o just_a and_o wellgrounded_n it_o be_v to_o i_o but_o a_o pretence_n till_o i_o understand_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v any_o man_n blame_v i_o if_o before_o i_o be_o convince_v of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o that_o church_n i_o take_v those_o particular_a doctrine_n into_o consideration_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o this_o account_n that_o i_o may_v this_o way_n also_o judge_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o that_o pretence_n for_o it_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o that_o man_n will_v be_v think_v infallible_a if_o i_o find_v the_o doctrine_n they_o will_v put_v off_o with_o such_o authority_n to_o be_v indeed_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a rational_a and_o scriptural_a tend_v to_o the_o reformation_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n this_o will_v incline_v i_o to_o
wrong_a way_n while_o they_o never_o use_v that_o liberty_n of_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o persuasion_n to_o which_o the_o church_n so_o vehement_o persuade_v they_o by_o her_o minister_n if_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o when_o a_o man_n set_v himself_o with_o honesty_n and_o diligence_n to_o examine_v the_o case_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v to_o inform_v himself_o aright_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o can_v be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o may_v lawful_o conform_v and_o this_o through_o mere_a weakness_n of_o understanding_n it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o there_o be_v many_o more_o who_o fail_v of_o understand_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o kind_n for_o want_v of_o examination_n and_o inquiry_n and_o through_o the_o prevalency_n of_o prejudice_n and_o passion_n than_o there_o be_v of_o those_o who_o continue_v erroneous_o persuade_v through_o mere_a weakness_n of_o understanding_n but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o in_o perfect_a weakness_n remain_v unconvince_v if_o i_o may_v suppose_v any_o such_o i_o wish_v the_o law_n can_v distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o rest_n and_o that_o they_o can_v be_v know_v by_o some_o visible_a character_n that_o they_o may_v be_v exempt_v from_o undergo_a any_o penalty_n but_o since_o this_o can_v be_v it_o must_v be_v endure_v that_o a_o few_o or_o none_o in_o comparison_n come_v to_o have_v hard_a measure_n by_o mean_n of_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o common_a and_o public_a good_a §_o 4._o have_v premise_v thus_o much_o concern_v this_o subject_n i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o this_o method_n follow_v i._o to_o consider_v in_o what_o case_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v most_o of_o all_o into_o the_o truth_n ii_o to_o show_v how_o or_o by_o what_o rule_n or_o test_n we_o be_v to_o try_v and_o examine_v opinion_n in_o religion_n iii_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v dispose_v and_o qualify_v that_o our_o inquiry_n may_v be_v profitable_a and_o successful_a iv._o to_o lay_v down_o some_o motive_n whereby_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o such_o inquiry_n and_o examination_n v._o to_o consider_v what_o become_v we_o and_o be_v our_o duty_n after_o the_o discovery_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n i._o i_o shall_v consider_v in_o what_o case_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v most_o careful_a in_o make_v inquiry_n after_o the_o truth_n lest_o we_o be_v impose_v upon_o or_o mistake_v all_o inquiry_n about_o religion_n be_v either_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o general_a or_o suppose_v the_o existence_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n whether_o the_o pagan_a or_o the_o jewish_a or_o the_o mahometan_a or_o the_o christian_a or_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v grant_v what_o communion_n of_o man_n profess_v christianity_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v for_o instance_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o dissenter_n who_o separate_v from_o this_o church_n but_o now_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o alike_o needful_a to_o be_v prove_v or_o be_v equal_o proper_a matter_n of_o inqniry_n for_o 1._o every_o man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o know_v all_o the_o false_a way_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o try_v and_o examine_v every_o one_o of_o they_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o most_o man_n that_o they_o well_o consider_v the_o faith_n and_o profession_n to_o which_o they_o have_v be_v educate_v that_o if_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n they_o may_v be_v wellgrounded_n in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v false_a that_o they_o may_v upon_o good_a reason_n depart_v from_o it_o 2._o thing_n that_o be_v self-evident_a need_v not_o to_o be_v examine_v for_o no_o argument_n can_v make_v they_o plain_o to_o we_o than_o they_o be_v already_o we_o may_v without_o any_o hesitation_n assent_v to_o such_o principle_n as_o these_o that_o god_n can_v lie_v that_o man_n ought_v to_o observe_v fidelity_n and_o justice_n to_o one_o another_o and_o the_o like_a if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o principle_n that_o need_v no_o prove_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o prove_v any_o thing_n and_o the_o more_o plain_a any_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o the_o less_o need_n there_o be_v to_o examine_v it_o if_o i_o be_o tell_v that_o white_a be_v black_a i_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o disprove_v it_o because_o the_o thing_n be_v evident_o false_a of_o itself_o and_o i_o can_v use_v no_o argument_n that_o can_v make_v the_o matter_n plain_o than_o it_o be_v at_o first_o in_o like_a manner_n if_o any_o man_n pretend_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o vice_n and_o virtue_n but_o in_o name_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v equal_o lawful_a this_o shall_v not_o put_v i_o to_o the_o trouble_n of_o examine_v the_o thing_n because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n any_o man_n be_v to_o be_v excuse_v that_o dismiss_v the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n without_o take_v much_o pain_n about_o it_o because_o upon_o a_o very_a little_a consideration_n there_o appear_v so_o many_o gross_a contradiction_n and_o inconsistency_n in_o it_o that_o i_o can_v have_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n be_v true_a than_o i_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o be_v false_a 3._o some_o thing_n be_v hardly_o worth_a the_o examine_n and_o it_o signify_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o understand_v the_o right_a side_n of_o the_o question_n if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o immaculate_a conception_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v true_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a a_o quarter_n of_o the_o pain_n they_o have_v take_v about_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n true_a that_o a_o infallible_a live_a judge_n be_v necessary_a upon_o earth_n and_o that_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o all_o controversy_n in_o religion_n since_o all_o such_o controversy_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v decide_v some_o of_o they_o be_v of_o so_o little_o concern_v to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n if_o they_o remain_v controversy_n to_o the_o world_n end_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o use_v our_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n in_o all_o those_o case_n wherein_o it_o will_v be_v dangerous_a to_o be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o in_o these_o four_o first_o when_o any_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n will_v gain_v we_o over_o to_o their_o way_n by_o lofty_a and_o extraordinary_a pretence_n second_o when_o doctrine_n be_v propound_v to_o we_o with_o considerable_a authority_n which_o seem_v to_o encourage_v licentiousness_n and_o to_o render_v all_o care_n of_o live_v well_o needless_a three_o when_o we_o be_v tempt_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o establish_a church_n where_o we_o live_v or_o if_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o it_o four_o when_o opinion_n in_o religion_n be_v propound_v to_o we_o by_o those_o that_o will_v get_v we_o to_o yield_v up_o our_o judgement_n whole_o unto_o they_o and_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o keep_v we_o from_o examine_v they_o a_o prudent_a man_n will_v examine_v in_o all_o these_o case_n first_o when_o man_n make_v extraordinary_a pretence_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o which_o i_o have_v already_o show_v with_o reference_n to_o that_o pretence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o infallibility_n and_o the_o like_a be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o work_v miracle_n or_o that_o talk_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n by_o inspiration_n and_o of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a illumination_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o childish_a thing_n to_o be_v fright_v with_o big_a word_n from_o look_v what_o be_v under_o they_o but_o a_o very_a dangerous_a sort_n of_o cowardice_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o call_v those_o thing_n into_o question_n which_o be_v set_v off_o with_o such_o highflown_a pretence_n for_o from_o hence_o it_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n enthusiasm_n and_o imposture_n have_v prevail_v so_o much_o in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o we_o shall_v believe_v man_n the_o more_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n upon_o which_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o less_o that_o be_v for_o magnify_v themselves_o and_o yet_o if_o this_o have_v not_o be_v common_a mahomet_n have_v not_o impose_v upon_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o christendom_n nor_o our_o enthusiast_n upon_o so_o many_o people_n in_o england_n as_o they_o have_v i_o will_v not_o be_v backward_o to_o give_v that_o man_n a_o hear_n that_o
pretend_v to_o great_a thing_n in_o teach_v religion_n but_o then_o i_o shall_v be_v something_o forward_o to_o give_v he_o a_o trial_n too_o for_o otherwise_o i_o may_v encourage_v a_o very_a impudent_a hypocrite_n to_o be_v more_o impudent_a still_o and_o to_o play_v upon_o my_o easiness_n till_o i_o have_v swallow_v all_o the_o foolish_a and_o damnable_a opinion_n which_o he_o will_v have_v i_o believe_v for_o his_o own_o advantage_n second_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o doctrine_n that_o seem_v to_o strike_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o morality_n and_o good_a live_n we_o be_v to_o examine_v they_o too_o before_o we_o yield_v our_o assent_n though_o they_o be_v recommend_v by_o man_n of_o name_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o end_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v a_o good_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v suspect_v that_o to_o be_v false_a doctrine_n which_o in_o my_o judgement_n either_o take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n or_o discourage_v man_n 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preacher_n for_o so_o perilous_a a_o doctrine_n but_o because_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o nine_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n i_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o apostle_n myself_o and_o careful_o inquire_v into_o his_o meaning_n in_o that_o place_n by_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n that_o i_o can_v learn_v and_o whoever_o go_v thus_o impartial_o to_o work_v will_v find_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o place_n be_v discourse_v of_o another_o question_n and_o indeed_o upon_o a_o subject_n that_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o this_o question_n of_o absolute_a election_n or_o reprobation_n of_o the_o person_n of_o man_n and_o that_o though_o the_o word_n sound_v that_o way_n to_o a_o man_n that_o be_v already_o prepossess_v yet_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n suspicion_n of_o doctrine_n when_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o so_o good_a a_o reason_n as_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o shall_v cause_v inquiry_n and_o then_o that_o inquiry_n will_v discover_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v he_o that_o will_v be_v a_o libertine_n and_o live_v as_o he_o list_v may_v be_v please_v when_o he_o meet_v with_o any_o pretend_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n that_o will_v excuse_v a_o wicked_a life_n or_o discourage_v virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o he_o will_v rest_v satisfy_v and_o examine_v no_o far_o but_o a_o honest_a mind_n will_v not_o let_v a_o man_n deceive_v himself_o in_o this_o manner_n but_o if_o it_o do_v not_o cause_v he_o to_o reject_v such_o opinion_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o have_v well_o satisfy_v himself_o of_o their_o consequence_n it_o will_v at_o least_o keep_v he_o from_o admit_v they_o till_o he_o have_v try_v they_o every_o way_n that_o he_o can_v three_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v and_o that_o upon_o much_o consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n before_o we_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n where_o we_o live_v for_o whatever_o some_o man_n may_v think_v of_o it_o this_o be_v a_o business_n of_o so_o weighty_a a_o nature_n and_o consequence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v resolve_v upon_o or_o continue_v in_o till_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o that_o upon_o most_o plain_a and_o evident_a reason_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o case_n in_o which_o a_o christian_a ought_v not_o to_o go_v rash_o to_o work_v this_o be_v one_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o so_o many_o among_o we_o pretend_v to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n shall_v make_v so_o light_a a_o matter_n as_o they_o plain_o do_v of_o run_v into_o separate_a congregation_n it_o be_v very_o notorious_a when_o one_o discourse_n the_o point_n with_o they_o that_o they_o never_o inquire_v why_o the_o church-assembly_n be_v to_o be_v forsake_v and_o what_o it_o be_v in_o the_o establish_a form_n of_o worship_n or_o in_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n that_o make_v it_o needful_a for_o a_o honest_a and_o wise_a christian_n to_o depart_v from_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o they_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o very_o little_a consequence_n for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v apply_v themselves_o with_o more_o diligence_n to_o weigh_v it_o in_o all_o the_o particular_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v offer_v some_o reason_n in_o behalf_n of_o such_o inconsiderate_a people_n to_o convince_v they_o how_o bold_a and_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o separate_v from_o this_o church_n of_o england_n unless_o they_o be_v full_o satisfy_v upon_o mature_a examination_n that_o there_o be_v just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n for_o separation_n such_o namely_o as_o will_v make_v they_o sinner_n against_o god_n if_o they_o do_v not_o separate_v 1._o if_o without_o just_a cause_n i_o separate_v from_o this_o church_n i_o do_v wilful_o reject_v the_o great_a blessing_n and_o advantage_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o must_v be_v answerable_a to_o god_n for_o slight_v that_o merciful_a providence_n of_o he_o through_o which_o i_o happen_v to_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v in_o a_o place_n where_o i_o may_v enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o church-communion_n without_o venture_v at_o any_o disorderly_a and_o sinful_a practice_n for_o they_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o small_a blessing_n if_o my_o lot_n have_v be_v cast_v where_o so_o great_a a_o blessing_n do_v as_o it_o be_v lie_v in_o wait_n for_o i_o where_o the_o true_a christian_a doctrine_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n be_v recommend_v to_o i_o by_o public_a authority_n and_o establish_v by_o law_n and_o custom_n and_o defend_v to_o my_o hand_n by_o clear_a and_o strong_a argument_n if_o this_o be_v our_o case_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o my_o separation_n from_o she_o i_o say_v it_o again_o make_v i_o guilty_a of_o a_o stupid_a and_o ungrateful_a contempt_n of_o god_n exceed_v mercy_n in_o dispose_v my_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n so_o to_o my_o advantage_n that_o i_o be_v bear_v baptize_v and_o breed_v in_o a_o place_n where_o the_o truth_n invite_v i_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v i_o before_o i_o make_v one_o step_n towards_o a_o search_n after_o she_o indeed_o to_o be_v baptize_v within_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o to_o have_v be_v bear_v and_o to_o live_v under_o that_o authority_n which_o require_v i_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o no_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v continue_v to_o be_v of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v examine_v thing_n careful_o before_o we_o leave_v it_o or_o take_v up_o a_o resolution_n never_o to_o return_v to_o it_o if_o we_o have_v leave_v it_o already_o because_o if_o there_o be_v no_o just_a reason_n for_o separation_n we_o shall_v have_v the_o more_o to_o answer_v to_o god_n for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n to_o neglect_v search_v after_o the_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o concern_v even_o when_o it_o lie_v a_o great_a way_n off_o from_o a_o man_n but_o it_o be_v much_o more_o inexcusable_a to_o reject_v it_o when_o it_o lie_v at_o our_o door_n 2._o i_o have_v need_n be_v very_o careful_a and_o impartial_a in_o this_o case_n since_o if_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o i_o separate_v be_v not_o real_o weighty_a and_o substantial_a i_o be_o at_o once_o guilty_a of_o throw_v off_o that_o subordination_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o christian_a profession_n require_v and_o of_o contemn_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o my_o superior_n in_o the_o state_n contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o oblige_v i_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o ordinance_n i_o shall_v not_o easy_o be_v
meaning_n be_v most_o plain_a and_o evident_a but_o this_o caution_n will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n if_o we_o take_v the_o next_o along_o with_o we_o and_o that_o be_v this_o 4._o in_o try_v opinion_n by_o scripture_n we_o must_v be_v something_o careful_a lest_o we_o mistake_v those_o place_n for_o plain_a which_o indeed_o be_v not_o so_o but_o more_o or_o less_o obscure_a and_o here_o i_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o show_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o the_o plainness_n or_o by_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o text._n a_o text_n be_v then_o plain_a when_o that_o be_v the_o true_a and_o intend_a meaning_n of_o it_o which_o the_o first_o read_v or_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n do_v suggest_v to_o a_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v thus_o plain_a in_o necessary_a point_n especial_o in_o the_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n thereof_o which_o though_o in_o some_o place_n they_o be_v couch_v under_o more_o obscure_a term_n yet_o in_o other_o they_o be_v deliver_v with_o this_o plainness_n a_o text_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v difficult_a when_o we_o do_v not_o hit_v of_o the_o true_a and_o intend_a sense_n upon_o the_o first_o read_v or_o gather_v it_o from_o the_o bare_a surface_n of_o the_o word_n but_o must_v search_v and_o inquire_v far_a to_o know_v it_o and_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o difficult_a text_n in_o scripture_n some_o place_n be_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v that_o upon_o the_o first_o read_v of_o the_o word_n or_o phrase_n no_o tolerable_a or_o intelligible_a sense_n can_v be_v put_v on_o they_o at_o all_o without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o far_a study_n and_o enquiry_n the_o difficult_a place_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v more_o seldom_o pervert_v to_o maintain_v any_o ill_a opinion_n for_o no_o body_n go_v about_o to_o make_v a_o text_n a_o scriptural_a proof_n of_o any_o thing_n without_o he_o first_o determine_v with_o himself_o in_o what_o sense_n to_o take_v it_o and_o as_o for_o the_o hard_a place_n of_o this_o kind_n it_o be_v not_o obvious_a at_o the_o first_o read_v what_o sense_n they_o can_v bear_v a_o man_n can_v well_o offer_v to_o prove_v any_o thing_n by_o they_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o difficult_a text_n be_v those_o which_o be_v take_v by_o themselves_o do_v upon_o the_o first_o sight_n or_o sound_v of_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o plain_a sense_n and_o meaning_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o that_o sense_n the_o word_n will_v be_v upon_o the_o first_o read_v of_o they_o and_o these_o be_v the_o hard_a place_n in_o god_n word_n which_o be_v most_o pervert_v and_o take_v in_o such_o sense_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n never_o intend_v for_o than_o be_v a_o hard_a place_n like_o to_o be_v wrest_v when_o it_o seem_v plain_a to_o he_o who_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o and_o a_o difficult_a text_n may_v seem_v plain_a to_o he_o who_o for_o want_v of_o study_v and_o consider_v think_v he_o understand_v it_o but_o do_v not_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o some_o difficult_a text_n of_o the_o latter_a sort_n which_o have_v be_v mistake_v for_o plain_a that_o be_v erroneous_o take_v to_o have_v such_o a_o meaning_n as_o they_o appear_v to_o have_v upon_o the_o first_o read_v in_o the_o nine_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n we_o have_v these_o word_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v of_o work_n but_o of_o he_o that_o call_v some_o take_v this_o for_o a_o plain_a place_n and_o therefore_o think_v it_o a_o clear_a scriptural_a truth_n that_o our_o salvation_n be_v not_o at_o all_o of_o our_o work_n but_o only_o proceed_v from_o a_o absolute_a decree_n of_o heaven_n so_o again_o we_o have_v it_o affirm_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o same_o chapter_n it_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o of_o he_o that_o run_v but_o of_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n hence_o some_o think_v it_o be_v plain_a in_o scripture_n that_o what_o we_o do_v signify_v little_a all_o be_v from_o a_o arbitrary_a favour_n of_o god_n again_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 7._o we_o find_v these_o word_n who_o make_v thou_o to_o differ_v from_o another_o from_o the_o sound_n of_o which_o word_n some_o gather_v that_o we_o be_v not_o free_a agent_n in_o our_o own_o conversion_n but_o that_o if_o we_o be_v better_a than_o our_o neighbour_n it_o be_v a_o almighty_a power_n have_v make_v we_o so_o and_o not_o any_o free_a choice_n or_o care_n of_o our_o own_o now_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o we_o mistake_v the_o meaning_n of_o a_o text_n of_o scripture_n if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o plain_v when_o it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o consequent_o in_o this_o case_n we_o can_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v what_o be_v orthodox_n or_o erroneous_a by_o have_v recourse_n to_o any_o scripture_n so_o misapprehend_v but_o how_o can_v i_o know_v when_o a_o place_n be_v but_o seem_o plain_a and_o not_o real_o so_o i._n e._n when_o i_o be_o not_o to_o take_v that_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o place_n which_o i_o may_v apprehend_v upon_o the_o first_o run_v of_o the_o word_n and_o sound_n of_o the_o phrase_n this_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o compare_v place_n together_o and_o go_v by_o this_o rule_n a_o place_n seem_v only_o to_o be_v plain_a but_o be_v not_o when_o it_o be_v uppermost_a sense_n and_o what_o it_o offer_v to_o we_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o place_n undoubted_o plain_a for_o instance_n the_o text_n now_o mention_v may_v seem_v plain_a to_o those_o who_o will_v prove_v their_o erroneous_a persuasion_n to_o be_v scriptural_a truth_n by_o they_o yet_o if_o we_o suppose_v they_o plain_a i._n e._n if_o we_o think_v they_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o that_o sense_n which_o they_o will_v bear_v at_o the_o first_o read_v than_o they_o be_v text_n undeniable_o repugnant_a to_o such_o place_n of_o st._n paul_n as_o all_o must_v believe_v and_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v plain_a for_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v of_o work_n etc._n etc._n in_o another_o place_n he_o give_v we_o this_o plain_a precept_n work_v out_o your_o salvation_n be_v not_o salvation_n of_o work_n and_o 12._o yet_o must_v we_o work_v it_o out_o either_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o true_a in_o the_o sense_n some_o take_v the_o word_n that_o salvation_n be_v not_o of_o work_n or_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a to_o bid_v we_o work_v it_o out_o wherefore_o by_o this_o plain_a place_n work_n out_o your_o salvation_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o the_o other_o place_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v of_o work_n whatsoever_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o may_v be_v it_o can_v have_v this_o meaning_n that_o our_o salvation_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o our_o work_n or_o do_n in_o like_a manner_n whereas_o the_o apostle_n say_v it_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o of_o he_o that_o run_v etc._n etc._n do_v he_o not_o in_o a_o plain_a practical_a discourse_n wherein_o he_o compare_v the_o christian_a life_n to_o a_o race_n exhort_v we_o so_o to_o run_v that_o we_o 24._o may_v obtain_v now_o be_v it_o not_o of_o run_v that_o we_o obtain_v and_o yet_o do_v he_o bid_v we_o so_o run_v that_o we_o may_v obtain_v wherefore_o the_o plain_a precept_n to_o run_v etc._n etc._n evident_o show_v that_o it_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o other_o place_n that_o it_o be_v not_o by_o run_v or_o by_o diligence_n in_o a_o christian_a life_n that_o we_o obtain_v salvation_n 7._o again_o whereas_o he_o ask_v in_o one_o place_n who_o make_v thou_o to_o differ_v from_o another_o he_o also_o exhort_v in_o another_o 2._o be_v not_o conform_v to_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o former_a clause_n can_v be_v that_o the_o righteous_a man_n who_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o his_o neighbour_n do_v nothing_o towards_o the_o make_n of_o that_o difference_n for_o than_o it_o will_v be_v very_o improper_a to_o exhort_v a_o man_n to_o make_v that_o difference_n by_o not_o conform_v to_o the_o world_n final_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o place_n of_o st._n paul_n which_o i_o have_v now_o compare_v can_v be_v all_o of_o they_o plain_o for_o than_o they_o be_v irreconcilable_o repugnant_a to_o one_o another_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o all_o plain_a than_o some_o of_o they_o must_v not_o be_v think_v to_o have_v such_o a_o meaning_n as_o the_o first_o read_v of_o the_o word_n may_v make_v we_o think_v they_o have_v and_o therefore_o in_o judge_a thing_n by_o scripture_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a that_o we_o do_v not_o prove_v or_o disprove_v they_o by_o scripture_n mistake_v for_o plain_a when_o they_o be_v not_o so_o 5._o we_o must_v also_o see_v that_o the_o sense_n wherein_o we_o take_v a_o passage_n of_o