in_o search_v for_o truth_n we_o must_v implore_v his_o help_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n who_o word_n be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o who_o spirit_n be_v the_o guide_n into_o truth_n that_o he_o will_v free_v our_o mind_n from_o all_o prejudices_fw-la and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o from_o every_o thing_n which_o obstruct_v a_o right_a understanding_n if_o we_o lack_v wisdom_n we_o must_v ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o now_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o all_o that_o read_v these_o paper_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v to_o the_o unspeakable_a advantage_n of_o god_n church_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n if_o all_o that_o profess_v christianity_n have_v inquire_v into_o the_o controversy_n of_o religion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o with_o these_o disposition_n that_o i_o have_v recommend_v and_o therefore_o i_o do_v the_o more_o earnest_o desire_v they_o to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o their_o breast_n and_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o ask_v themselves_o if_o they_o have_v in_o this_o manner_n seek_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n with_o a_o mind_n thus_o prepare_v with_o impartiality_n and_o diligence_n and_o constant_a prayer_n for_o god_n blessing_n and_o direction_n §_o 8._o iv._o my_o next_o business_n be_v to_o offer_v some_o consideration_n to_o persuade_v our_o people_n to_o a_o honest_a and_o impartial_a trial_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n this_o indeed_o can_v be_v do_v by_o all_o with_o equal_a advantage_n because_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o man_n ability_n but_o something_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o all_o and_o every_o one_o be_v to_o do_v what_o he_o can_v and_o god_n expect_v no_o more_o if_o we_o choose_v a_o way_n of_o religion_n at_o random_n or_o without_o honest_a care_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n we_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o delusion_n because_o there_o be_v false_a religion_n and_o damnable_a error_n in_o the_o world_n say_v st._n john_n try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n there_o be_v danger_n of_o run_v into_o grievous_a error_n in_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n if_o christian_n be_v not_o careful_a to_o examine_v thing_n and_o sure_o the_o danger_n be_v great_a in_o this_o corrupt_a age_n and_o this_o extremely-divided_n state_n of_o christendom_n it_o often_o happen_v also_o i_o doubt_v for_o the_o most_o part_n that_o seducer_n be_v more_o diligent_a and_o wise_a to_o propagate_v error_n than_o good_a man_n be_v to_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o the_o truth_n the_o former_a be_v evermore_o too_o hard_o for_o the_o latter_a in_o confidence_n peremptoriness_n threaten_v of_o damnation_n magnificent_a and_o lofty_a pretence_n and_o where_o the_o case_n call_v for_o it_o in_o artificial_a address_n and_o insinuation_n and_o this_o make_v our_o danger_n the_o great_a if_o we_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o try_v before_o we_o trust_v nay_o if_o we_o be_v secure_a from_o impostor_n yet_o because_o no_o man_n be_v infallible_a we_o shall_v not_o surrender_v up_o our_o belief_n whole_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o man_n but_o judge_n of_o his_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v because_o there_o can_v be_v a_o strong_a ground_n for_o our_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n than_o that_o god_n have_v say_v it_o we_o be_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a how_o we_o receive_v a_o opinion_n for_o which_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v multiply_v one_o upon_o another_o i._n e._n we_o must_v see_v whether_o they_o do_v indeed_o prove_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n for_o otherwise_o we_o may_v by_o the_o pretence_n of_o so_o great_a authority_n be_v the_o more_o fasten_v in_o some_o dangerous_a error_n we_o be_v expose_v to_o manifest_a hazard_n if_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o admire_v a_o man_n for_o bring_v much_o scripture_n to_o serve_v his_o purpose_n but_o not_o to_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o see_v whether_o those_o passage_n of_o holy_a writ_n be_v pertinent_o apply_v or_o not_o to_o this_o i_o must_v add_v that_o the_o error_n we_o may_v fall_v into_o for_o want_v of_o enquiry_n and_o examination_n may_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o our_o own_o soul_n some_o there_o be_v that_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o if_o we_o be_v in_o their_o way_n they_o may_v wrest_v they_o to_o we_o too_o we_o may_v inconsiderate_o take_v up_o principle_n that_o will_v by_o degree_n debauch_v our_o conscience_n and_o reconcile_v we_o to_o wicked_a practice_n and_o in_o many_o instance_n eat_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n sin_n and_o duty_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n by_o consider_v thing_n as_o impartial_o and_o judicious_o as_o we_o can_v we_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v secure_a from_o run_v into_o great_a error_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o true_a religion_n will_v become_v more_o plain_a to_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o they_o which_o will_v reward_v our_o endeavour_n with_o great_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o next_o to_o the_o delight_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n gain_v by_o do_v what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n there_o be_v no_o pleasure_n more_o pure_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o best_a part_n of_o our_o nature_n than_o that_o which_o arise_v from_o a_o improve_a knowledge_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o have_v well_o weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o persuasion_n we_o shall_v adhere_v more_o steadfast_o to_o that_o truth_n which_o we_o have_v learn_v and_o not_o be_v easy_o unsettle_a by_o the_o sophistry_n or_o the_o confidence_n of_o ill_a man_n be_v prepare_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sound_a reason_n in_o the_o former_a and_o no_o just_a cause_n for_o the_o latter_a and_o when_o seducer_n perceive_v that_o we_o have_v inquire_v too_o far_o into_o thing_n to_o be_v bear_v down_o with_o peremptoriness_n or_o to_o be_v delude_v with_o colour_n they_o will_v be_v discourage_v from_o attempt_v to_o draw_v we_o into_o their_o net_n moreover_o it_o will_v be_v no_o little_a satisfaction_n to_o we_o when_o we_o be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o have_v all_o along_o take_v due_a pain_n to_o inform_v ourselves_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o viz._n those_o which_o regard_v our_o everlasting_a salvation_n and_o that_o the_o error_n into_o which_o we_o may_v have_v fall_v be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o want_v of_o honest_a diligence_n in_o inquire_v after_o the_o truth_n but_o only_o to_o humane_a infirmity_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o can_v have_v the_o conscience_n of_o sincerity_n upon_o good_a ground_n if_o we_o do_v not_o with_o diligence_n apply_v ourselves_o to_o know_v all_o our_o duty_n and_o consequent_o all_o that_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o or_o which_o lead_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o one_o character_n of_o that_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n which_o our_o saviour_n compare_v to_o the_o good_a ground_n be_v to_o understand_v the_o word_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o pharisee_n do_v not_o understand_v be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o of_o their_o father_n the_o devil_n who_o lust_n they_o do_v one_o reason_n why_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n permit_v imposture_n and_o error_n to_o go_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o world_n be_v because_o this_o serve_v to_o make_v a_o more_o evident_a difference_n between_o those_o that_o be_v sincere_a and_o honest_a and_o those_o that_o be_v not_o so_o for_o in_o these_o circumstance_n good_a man_n will_v take_v the_o more_o pain_n to_o distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n while_o the_o insincere_a either_o take_v up_o that_o profession_n which_o serve_v best_a for_o their_o worldly_a end_n or_o take_v occasion_n by_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n about_o religion_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n itself_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o you_o say_v st._n paul_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v that_o by_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o be_v right_o inform_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n qualify_v ourselves_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o life_n and_o show_v that_o we_o be_v dispose_v heavenwards_o and_o desirous_a of_o that_o infinitely-bet_a state_n of_o thing_n where_o darkness_n and_o error_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o for_o one_o great_a part_n of_o the_o reward_n promise_v in_o a_o better_a life_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v know_v divine_a thing_n more_o perfect_o there_o than_o we_o can_v do_v in_o this_o world_n but_o this_o can_v be_v
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
while_o they_o perceive_v it_o not_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n reasonable_a that_o the_o state_n under_o which_o we_o live_v shall_v leave_v we_o lawless_a and_o free_a from_o all_o obligation_n of_o temporal_a penalty_n what_o religion_n we_o profess_v and_o what_o communion_n we_o observe_v for_o the_o most_o dangerous_a pretence_n for_o the_o â—â—â—rying_n on_o of_o seditious_a and_o rebellious_a design_n against_o the_o government_n be_v that_o of_o religion_n and_o a_o few_o man_n that_o mean_v nothing_o but_o their_o own_o greatness_n and_o power_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o manage_v the_o zeal_n of_o a_o superstitious_a multitude_n against_o the_o government_n for_o their_o own_o private_a end_n while_o they_o scorn_v the_o superstition_n of_o their_o follower_n and_o perhaps_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v the_o government_n to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v protect_v by_o the_o law_n and_o then_o to_o provide_v by_o the_o most_o prudent_a method_n that_o no_o other_o be_v profess_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o end_n of_o all_o liberty_n to_o inquire_v and_o judge_v for_o ourselves_o be_v destroy_v if_o at_o last_o we_o must_v conform_v to_o the_o law_n or_o be_v punish_v for_o our_o refusal_n the_o contrary_n will_v be_v easy_o show_v to_o any_o one_o who_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v infinite_o more_o concern_v what_o will_v become_v of_o we_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v than_o in_o our_o present_a fortune_n for_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v error_n which_o authority_n require_v we_o to_o profess_v and_o that_o they_o be_v unlawful_a thing_n which_o it_o require_v we_o to_o do_v in_o divine_a service_n and_o that_o by_o a_o due_a and_o diligent_a examination_n of_o thing_n i_o come_v to_o know_v this_o do_v i_o get_v nothing_o by_o my_o enquiry_n but_o the_o severity_n of_o those_o humane_a law_n that_o be_v against_o i_o do_v not_o i_o obtain_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o have_v honest_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o in_o do_v what_o i_o thereupon_o know_v to_o be_v my_o duty_n if_o i_o do_v hereby_o obtain_v god_n favour_n at_o present_a and_o shall_v obtain_v god_n reward_n in_o a_o better_a life_n be_v not_o this_o worth_a all_o my_o care_n and_o sincerity_n though_o i_o shall_v get_v nothing_o by_o it_o in_o this_o world_n but_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n so_o that_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n impose_v upon_o i_o by_o authority_n though_o i_o know_v beforehand_o that_o be_v it_o right_n or_o wrong_n i_o must_v be_v punish_v by_o man_n if_o i_o receive_v it_o not_o true_a religion_n and_o our_o observation_n to_o profess_v god_n truth_n and_o to_o do_v his_o will_n stand_v indeed_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o nevertheless_o the_o profession_n thereof_o aught_o to_o be_v encourage_v and_o protect_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o by_o consequence_n all_o false_a religion_n shall_v be_v discountenance_v and_o the_o profession_n of_o they_o make_v uneasy_a by_o their_o law_n scripture_n and_o reason_n teach_v we_o that_o they_o no_o less_o than_o parent_n shall_v use_v that_o authority_n for_o god_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o but_o if_o they_o for_o want_v of_o sincere_a trial_n and_o examination_n do_v themselves_o establish_v iniquity_n or_o heresy_n by_o a_o law_n and_o turn_v the_o edge_n of_o their_o power_n against_o the_o true_a religion_n they_o must_v answer_v it_o to_o god_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n who_o have_v show_v they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o he_o require_v of_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n persecution_n distinguish_v between_o the_o sincere_a and_o the_o hypocrite_n and_o as_o the_o insincere_a study_n how_o to_o perplex_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o avoid_v the_o conviction_n that_o be_v upon_o their_o mind_n and_o to_o reconcile_v their_o apostasy_n to_o their_o credit_n and_o conscience_n so_o the_o honest_a inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n more_o diligent_o and_o be_v desirous_a to_o strengthen_v themselves_o under_o suffering_n by_o a_o full_a assurance_n that_o they_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n they_o search_v into_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o persuasion_n more_o narrow_o than_o if_o they_o have_v never_o come_v under_o this_o temptation_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o true_a doctrine_n come_v to_o be_v propound_v to_o the_o world_n with_o the_o advantage_n of_o strong_a argument_n and_o those_o better_o manage_v than_o if_o it_o have_v never_o meet_v with_o opposition_n but_o if_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o the_o penalty_n of_o nonconformity_n be_v strict_o require_v this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v man_n from_o inquire_v that_o it_o lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o a_o great_a many_o to_o consider_v thing_n impartial_o who_o otherwise_o will_v never_o have_v look_v but_o upon_o one_o side_n of_o the_o question_n i_o mean_v all_o those_o who_o either_o wantonness_n and_o self-conceit_n or_o faction_n and_o worldly_a interest_n or_o the_o undue_a admiration_n of_o man_n person_n and_o the_o like_a will_v have_v hold_v under_o a_o constant_a prejudice_n against_o reason_n and_o truth_n a_o carnal_a argument_n for_o a_o good_a cause_n be_v very_o often_o a_o wholesome_a mean_n to_o remove_v a_o carnal_a prejudice_n against_o it_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n can_v hardly_o be_v better_o use_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n than_o to_o make_v such_o a_o difference_n between_o the_o observer_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o the_o dissenter_n from_o they_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v very_o hard_a for_o any_o man_n to_o lie_v under_o a_o worldly_a temptation_n to_o dissent_v sufficient_a to_o recompense_v the_o damage_n he_o must_v undergo_v this_o will_v make_v a_o great_a many_o impartial_a in_o weigh_v the_o objection_n against_o conformity_n with_o the_o argument_n and_o answer_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o by_o degree_n bring_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o at_o length_n to_o a_o sincere_a love_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o false_a maxim_n that_o force_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n make_v hypocrite_n but_o not_o true_a convert_v for_o sometime_o it_o cure_v hypocrisy_n very_o often_o ignorance_n and_o partiality_n and_o that_o be_v a_o good_a degree_n towards_o conversion_n and_o yet_o this_o will_v not_o justify_v the_o put_n of_o man_n to_o death_n for_o mere_a difference_n in_o religion_n the_o least_o degree_n of_o severity_n which_o will_v do_v the_o business_n be_v great_a enough_o the_o supreme_a power_n shall_v consider_v their_o subject_n in_o these_o case_n as_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a father_n will_v consider_v his_o own_o child_n who_o if_o he_o have_v power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n over_o they_o will_v not_o kill_v his_o misbelieve_a son_n and_o yet_o will_v try_v to_o reduce_v he_o by_o worldly_a discipline_n and_o drive_v he_o to_o consideration_n by_o the_o sensible_a effect_n of_o his_o displeasure_n the_o moderation_n of_o the_o english_a law_n for_o uniformity_n be_v visible_a to_o all_o disinterest_v person_n and_o though_o the_o unevenness_n of_o their_o execution_n have_v render_v they_o less_o effectual_a yet_o there_o be_v several_a who_o have_v cause_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o be_v compel_v to_o come_v to_o our_o church_n and_o to_o consider_v the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o some_o impartiality_n whereas_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o absolute_a toleration_n their_o ignorance_n and_o prejudices_fw-la may_v have_v lead_v they_o they_o know_v not_o whither_o the_o church_n of_o england_n cause_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v public_o read_v and_o put_v they_o into_o the_o people_n hand_n and_o desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o that_o every_o one_o will_v diligent_o and_o impartial_o consider_v the_o case_n between_o she_o and_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o she_o and_o it_o be_v no_o absurd_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o this_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n which_o she_o allow_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o english_a law_n that_o require_v conformity_n of_o all_o since_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v for_o those_o law_n some_o man_n have_v never_o attain_v to_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n but_o have_v still_o be_v hold_v in_o bondage_n to_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o error_n 〈…〉_z that_o they_o make_v the_o great_a noise_n for_o liberty_n of_o practice_n according_a to_o their_o judgement_n who_o have_v make_v little_a or_o no_o use_n of_o their_o judgement_n in_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o bad_a true_a and_o false_a they_o demand_v one_o liberty_n while_o they_o make_v no_o use_n of_o another_o the_o liberty_n of_o be_v undisturbed_a and_o licentious_a in_o a_o
no_o happiness_n to_o any_o but_o to_o those_o that_o be_v lover_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n here_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o point_n with_o one_o consideration_n more_o that_o at_o this_o time_n we_o have_v very_o considerable_a advantage_n and_o opportunity_n towards_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o present_a controversy_n among_o we_o we_o of_o this_o church_n be_v persuade_v that_o papist_n and_o other_o sectary_n do_v causeless_o divide_v from_o our_o communion_n and_o grievous_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o endanger_v their_o own_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o disturb_v the_o quiet_a of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o separation_n from_o it_o and_o their_o combination_n against_o it_o and_o therefore_o some_o pain_n have_v be_v take_v more_o than_o ordinary_a to_o show_v they_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n by_o go_v through_o the_o several_a point_n upon_o which_o they_o pretend_v to_o justify_v their_o do_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a as_o i_o have_v show_v already_o that_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n they_o be_v mighty_o concern_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o neglect_v so_o fair_a a_o opportunity_n of_o examine_v thing_n as_o be_v now_o offer_v they_o they_o will_v have_v the_o more_o to_o answer_v for_o another_o day_n the_o several_a controversy_n between_o this_o church_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o dissenter_n and_o the_o recusant_n on_o the_o other_o be_v state_v and_o argue_v in_o a_o plain_a and_o familiar_a way_n and_o bring_v down_o for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o ordinary_a reader_n and_o therefore_o let_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o look_v to_o it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o either_o in_o obstinacy_n or_o in_o laziness_n or_o for_o worldly_a interest_n put_v away_o the_o truth_n from_o themselves_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o sorry_a if_o our_o endeavour_n shall_v have_v no_o other_o effect_n than_o to_o make_v they_o more_o inexcusable_a at_o last_o it_o will_v be_v our_o grief_n but_o it_o will_v be_v their_o condemnation_n §_o 9_o v._o when_o after_o due_a examination_n we_o have_v settle_v ourselves_o upon_o true_a ground_n whether_o in_o keep_v our_o first_o persuasion_n or_o in_o change_v they_o if_o we_o find_v they_o be_v wrong_a for_o better_a we_o must_v remember_v that_o there_o be_v duty_n incumbent_a upon_o we_o grow_v from_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v gain_v 1._o we_o be_v to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o the_o truth_n we_o have_v learn_v when_o we_o see_v how_o miserable_o some_o man_n be_v mistake_v and_o delude_v in_o thing_n that_o be_v both_o plain_a enough_o and_o of_o great_a moment_n we_o shall_v not_o insult_v over_o they_o and_o grow_v into_o self-conceit_n but_o into_o humility_n and_o gratitude_n to_o god_n acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v of_o his_o grace_n and_o goodness_n that_o we_o be_v not_o lead_v away_o into_o the_o same_o delusion_n we_o be_v indeed_o to_o thank_v he_o for_o all_o thing_n that_o contribute_v towards_o our_o escape_n or_o recovery_n if_o we_o have_v a_o better_a natural_a apprehension_n and_o judgement_n than_o some_o other_o who_o be_v it_o that_o make_v the_o difference_n if_o we_o have_v a_o good_a education_n and_o be_v put_v into_o a_o right_a way_n at_o first_o it_o be_v god_n that_o choose_v those_o happy_a circumstance_n for_o we_o if_o we_o have_v recover_v from_o any_o way_n of_o dangerous_a error_n in_o which_o we_o be_v breed_v up_o the_o conversation_n the_o friend_n the_o book_n and_o all_o other_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o come_v to_o be_v better_o inform_v be_v minister_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n and_o that_o degree_n of_o a_o good_a mind_n which_o either_o prompt_v we_o to_o inquire_v or_o prepare_v we_o to_o do_v it_o with_o success_n be_v likewise_o from_o his_o grace_n final_o it_o be_v his_o blessing_n that_o crown_v all_o for_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v from_o above_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n so_o that_o in_o effect_n god_n be_v to_o have_v all_o the_o praise_n and_o if_o we_o make_v it_o our_o business_n humble_o and_o thankful_o to_o acknowledge_v all_o his_o goodness_n in_o that_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o which_o we_o have_v attain_v we_o shall_v reap_v this_o great_a advantage_n and_o comfort_v thereby_o that_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o providence_n he_o will_v communicate_v to_o we_o more_o and_o more_o knowledge_n if_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o we_o or_o at_o least_o that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o fall_v into_o any_o dangerous_a error_n for_o we_o be_v not_o safe_a from_o damnable_a error_n mere_o because_o we_o believe_v the_o truth_n at_o present_a our_o perseverance_n in_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v forfeit_v by_o nothing_o soon_o than_o by_o pride_n and_o ingratitude_n for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o if_o by_o the_o impiety_n of_o neglect_v to_o acknowledge_v god_n in_o those_o blessing_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o we_o shall_v provoke_v he_o to_o leave_v we_o to_o ourselves_o our_o judgement_n though_o they_o be_v set_v right_o at_o present_a will_v easy_o be_v deprave_v and_o corrupt_v by_o vicious_a affection_n and_o by_o degree_n we_o may_v fall_v from_o one_o delusion_n to_o another_o till_o we_o come_v to_o believe_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o those_o man_n who_o we_o be_v once_o apt_a to_o scorn_v or_o to_o pity_v for_o their_o stupidity_n and_o blindness_n now_o the_o way_n be_v very_o plain_a by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o express_v our_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v gain_v we_o must_v do_v this_o in_o our_o daily_a prayer_n if_o we_o will_v show_v ourselves_o grateful_a in_o any_o proportion_n to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o benefit_n we_o have_v receive_v we_o be_v to_o thank_v god_n for_o the_o least_o of_o his_o mercy_n because_o we_o be_v less_o than_o the_o least_o and_o therefore_o for_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o the_o outward_a man_n that_o we_o be_v not_o blind_a or_o lame_a that_o we_o have_v not_o distort_v limb_n or_o a_o deform_a shape_n but_o be_v it_o not_o a_o more_o valuable_a blessing_n still_o to_o have_v a_o mind_n clear_a from_o all_o foul_a and_o monstrous_a error_n endue_v with_o soundness_n of_o judgement_n and_o replenish_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n do_v not_o this_o therefore_o call_v for_o particular_a acknowledgement_n and_o thanks_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o express_v our_o thankfulness_n by_o better_a obedience_n and_o by_o improve_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o piety_n as_o we_o have_v improve_v in_o knowledge_n otherwise_o we_o receive_v this_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a knowledge_n conduce_v to_o a_o man_n true_a happiness_n by_o lead_v he_o to_o do_v well_o but_o if_o he_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n by_o increase_a knowledge_n he_o do_v but_o increase_v sorrow_n and_o that_o because_o he_o increase_v his_o guilt_n but_o that_o which_o i_o chief_o intend_v here_o be_v this_o that_o god_n by_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o more_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n have_v lay_v upon_o we_o a_o great_a obligation_n in_o general_a to_o love_v he_o more_o perfect_o and_o to_o perform_v his_o will_n in_o all_o thing_n more_o ready_o and_o cheerful_o than_o we_o have_v do_v and_o this_o be_v true_a thankfulness_n if_o because_o god_n have_v lead_v we_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o some_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o heretofore_o we_o do_v more_o hearty_o perform_v those_o plain_a duty_n and_o obey_v those_o divine_a rule_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a before_o final_o it_o be_v a_o principal_a expression_n of_o our_o gratitude_n to_o god_n for_o be_v enlighten_v and_o undeceive_v ourselves_o to_o be_v charitable_o helpful_a for_o the_o undeceive_n of_o other_o and_o lead_v they_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o truth_n into_o which_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n and_o grace_n have_v lead_v we_o for_o god_n be_v never_o more_o please_v with_o we_o than_o when_o we_o do_v good_a one_o unto_o another_o and_o therefore_o our_o charity_n to_o our_o mistake_a brethren_n be_v the_o most_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n of_o praise_n that_o we_o can_v offer_v to_o he_o but_o this_o be_v so_o considerable_a a_o thing_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o go_v by_o itself_o for_o one_o remarkable_a use_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o have_v gain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n wherefore_o 2._o let_v we_o consider_v how_o we_o be_v after_o this_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o to_o other_o i_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o that_o in_o gratitude_n to_o god_n we_o be_v to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o recover_v those_o to_o who_o we_o have_v opportunity_n to_o
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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 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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 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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
have_v mislead_v they_o four_o we_o shall_v not_o easy_o believe_v those_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n who_o will_v keep_v we_o from_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n by_o fair_a way_n of_o trial_n and_o will_v affright_v we_o into_o a_o implicit_a faith_n by_o pronounce_v damnation_n against_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o way_n if_o man_n use_v violence_n or_o subtlety_n to_o hinder_v we_o from_o judge_v for_o ourselves_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o a_o bad_a cause_n which_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o trial_n i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o this_o reach_v the_o roman_a church_n which_o forbid_v the_o laity_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n unless_o some_o one_o layman_n have_v that_o special_a favour_n grant_v he_o of_o leave_n so_o to_o do_v from_o his_o ordinary_n who_o common_o be_v wise_a enough_o not_o to_o give_v this_o licence_n but_o where_o he_o be_v sure_a the_o party_n be_v fast_o enough_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o church_n those_o of_o the_o separate_a congregation_n best_o know_v what_o art_n be_v use_v to_o keep_v the_o people_n that_o go_v that_o way_n from_o inform_v themselves_o by_o read_v our_o book_n or_o discourse_v with_o our_o minister_n about_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n between_o they_o and_o we_o but_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o all_o of_o they_o some_o of_o their_o leader_n teach_v they_o to_o pity_v our_o ignorance_n and_o want_v of_o illumination_n alas_o poor_a wretch_n that_o we_o be_v we_o know_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n we_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n thus_o they_o use_v to_o represent_v we_o they_o take_v all_o the_o good_a name_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o themselves_o and_o leave_v the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v upon_o his_o enemy_n to_o we_o now_o this_o be_v but_o a_o cunning_a and_o indirect_a way_n to_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o harken_v to_o any_o thing_n we_o can_v say_v to_o they_o and_o to_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o conclude_v against_o we_o without_o think_v it_o to_o any_o purpose_n to_o examine_v what_o be_v offer_v on_o both_o side_n they_o that_o have_v a_o good_a cause_n need_v not_o use_v those_o disingenuous_a art_n they_o will_v not_o fright_v man_n from_o consider_v what_o their_o adversary_n say_v by_o denounce_v damnation_n against_o they_o nor_o forbid_v they_o to_o read_v their_o book_n but_o rather_o encourage_v they_o to_o do_v so_o that_o they_o may_v see_v the_o difference_n between_o truth_n and_o error_n between_o reason_n and_o sophistry_n with_o their_o own_o eye_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o wellgrounded_n confidence_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o there_o be_v this_o sign_n of_o a_o good_a cause_n apparent_o discernible_a in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o this_o church_n both_o to_o their_o friend_n and_o enemy_n they_o desire_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o to_o consider_v impartial_o what_o be_v say_v for_o we_o and_o against_o we_o and_o whatever_o guide_v of_o a_o party_n do_v otherwise_o they_o give_v just_a cause_n to_o those_o that_o follow_v they_o to_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n so_o much_o the_o more_o by_o how_o much_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o have_v they_o examine_v it_o be_v a_o bad_a sign_n when_o man_n be_v loath_a to_o have_v their_o opinion_n see_v in_o the_o day_n but_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v thus_o i_o have_v show_v in_o what_o case_n we_o be_v most_o concern_v to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o that_o undertake_v to_o inftruct_v and_o guide_v we_o §_o 5._o ii_o because_o the_o duty_n of_o prove_v all_o thing_n suppose_v certain_a rule_n and_o test_n by_o which_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o try_v i_o proceed_v to_o show_v what_o they_o be_v now_o it_o be_v very_o certain_a that_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o try_v doctrine_n for_o our_o own_o satisfaction_n about_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o those_o want_n of_o argument_n by_o which_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o persuasion_n to_o other_o for_o their_o satisfaction_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o those_o rule_n must_v be_v common_a to_o i_o and_o to_o other_o man_n who_o i_o will_v also_o guide_v so_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o truth_n to_o which_o i_o have_v attain_v and_o they_o be_v these_o three_o 1._o reason_n which_o be_v a_o common_a rule_n to_o all_o man_n 2._o scripture_n which_o be_v a_o common_a rule_n to_o all_o christian_n 3._o antiquity_n or_o the_o uniform_a judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v a_o common_a rule_n to_o those_o who_o be_v verse_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n the_o two_o former_a rule_n be_v the_o principal_a and_o most_o necessary_a and_o we_o be_v safe_a if_o our_o persuasion_n in_o religion_n will_v bear_v the_o test_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o withal_o those_o rule_n be_v near_o at_o hand_n for_o every_o man_n use_n among_o we_o but_o the_o last_o rule_n be_v also_o of_o good_a use_n to_o those_o that_o can_v use_v it_o for_o their_o own_o confirmation_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayers_a but_o more_o particular_o 1._o by_o reason_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o faculty_n by_o which_o we_o be_v man_n and_o can_v compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o and_o argue_v and_o conclude_v etc._n etc._n for_o this_o be_v that_o natural_a power_n by_o which_o we_o use_v any_o kind_n of_o rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n but_o i_o understand_v by_o it_o those_o common_a truth_n which_o be_v natural_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o which_o we_o give_v a_o ready_a assent_n without_o any_o need_n of_o have_v they_o prove_v by_o any_o thing_n else_o for_o by_o these_o fundamental_a truth_n we_o be_v to_o prove_v all_o thing_n else_o and_o if_o there_o be_v none_o such_o we_o can_v prove_v nothing_o and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o that_o nothing_o can_v make_v itself_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o common_a sense_n be_v to_o be_v trust_v that_o god_n be_v a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a that_o the_o good_a be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o the_o evil_a to_o be_v refuse_v and_o that_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a and_o the_o like_a now_o whatever_o be_v by_o true_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o such_o principle_n be_v thereby_o prove_v to_o be_v true_a and_o whatsoever_o be_v repugnant_a to_o they_o or_o can_v be_v disprove_v by_o they_o be_v false_a they_o be_v the_o forementioned_a proposition_n with_o other_o as_o self-evident_a as_o they_o which_o make_v up_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o of_o reason_n and_o i_o mention_v this_o rule_n in_o the_o first_o place_n because_o it_o must_v be_v presuppose_v to_o all_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o inquire_v after_o truth_n and_o without_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v in_o it_o insomuch_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deduce_v from_o mere_a natural_a reason_n but_o depend_v upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v at_o last_o resolve_v into_o a_o rational_a act_n and_o rely_v upon_o this_o natural_a principle_n that_o god_n can_v lie_v wherefore_o they_o that_o cry_v down_o reason_n as_o if_o it_o be_v at_o no_o hand_n to_o be_v trust_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o call_v it_o carnal_a blind_a and_o foolish_a reason_n and_o suchlike_a vile_a name_n if_o they_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n they_o be_v incapable_a of_o search_v after_o truth_n themselves_o and_o of_o receive_v any_o satisfaction_n from_o other_o while_o they_o be_v in_o this_o humour_n i_o may_v as_o well_o take_v a_o 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understanding_n for_o when_o hypocrite_n have_v for_o their_o worldly_a interest_n debauch_a religion_n in_o this_o manner_n they_o know_v that_o the_o mean_a people_n will_v never_o swallow_v their_o gross_a absurdity_n unless_o they_o can_v first_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o trust_v their_o own_o eye_n or_o to_o hearken_v to_o any_o discourse_n from_o principle_n of_o reason_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o clear_a and_o strong_a and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o merit_n to_o believe_v thing_n incredible_a and_o to_o stick_v to_o a_o conclusion_n the_o fast_o the_o more_o impossible_a it_o seem_v to_o be_v true_a but_o by_o the_o way_n if_o reason_n be_v one_o and_o that_o the_o first_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v for_o ourselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o i_o shall_v make_v bold_a to_o say_v it_o be_v i_o shall_v vehement_o suspect_v without_o far_a examination_n that_o they_o know_v their_o opinion_n to_o be_v very_o foolish_a who_o at_o first_o dash_n renounce_v the_o most_o general_a and_o necessary_a rule_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v try_v i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o because_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o all_o the_o world_n over_o reason_n be_v therefore_o the_o most_o public_a rule_n and_o test_n whereby_o to_o judge_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n and_o therefore_o if_o a_o council_n define_v thing_n in_o that_o manner_n that_o i_o must_v forsake_v right_a reason_n to_o follow_v its_o definition_n when_o i_o make_v this_o plain_a this_o be_v not_o oppose_v a_o private_a spirit_n to_o a_o public_a judgement_n but_o appeal_n from_o a_o less_o public_a judgement_n to_o the_o most_o public_a sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n §_o 6._o 2._o as_o reason_n be_v a_o rule_n to_o all_o man_n so_o be_v scripture_n a_o rule_n to_o all_o christian_n at_o least_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o and_o all_o pretend_v to_o make_v 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true_a than_o we_o be_v that_o that_o doctrine_n be_v false_a there_o be_v some_o other_o doctrine_n maintain_v by_o man_n of_o name_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o have_v no_o better_a ground_n for_o than_o obscure_a text_n interpret_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o religion_n this_o caution_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v mind_v in_o the_o first_o place_n 2._o we_o must_v put_v no_o sense_n upon_o a_o difficult_a place_n which_o contradict_v the_o great_a end_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o whole_a bible_n now_o that_o be_v to_o work_v faith_n in_o man_n and_o thereby_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o doctrine_n do_v natural_o tend_v to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o the_o care_n of_o holy_a live_n by_o nourish_v they_o in_o foolish_a presumption_n or_o drive_v they_o to_o miserable_a despair_n can_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o doctrine_n can_v be_v 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or_o in_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v any_o thing_n from_o it_o that_o we_o shall_v compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n and_o the_o obscure_a place_n with_o those_o that_o be_v plain_a not_o to_o interpret_v the_o plain_a by_o the_o obscure_a which_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o rule_n of_o discourse_n but_o the_o obscure_a by_o the_o plain_a especial_o because_o the_o plain_a place_n contain_v thing_n that_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o believe_v by_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v without_o great_a danger_n forsake_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v as_o every_o man_n in_o effect_n do_v who_o take_v a_o difficult_a place_n in_o a_o sense_n contrary_a to_o that_o doctrine_n in_o a_o word_n the_o scripture_n be_v our_o rule_n principal_o where_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o the_o
their_o opinion_n who_o person_n they_o admire_v and_o most_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o not_o to_o hear_v with_o any_o patience_n a_o argument_n against_o they_o such_o a_o precious_a man_n say_v this_o or_o that_o and_o therefore_o no_o body_n must_v say_v otherwise_o but_o it_o be_v at_o once_o disingenuous_a and_o silly_a to_o entertain_v such_o a_o opinion_n of_o any_o man_n as_o to_o take_v all_o that_o he_o say_v for_o gospel_n for_o the_o best_a man_n be_v fallible_a and_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o hypocrite_n to_o make_v himself_o pass_v for_o a_o saint_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o ordinary_a people_n and_o therefore_o man_n may_v be_v lead_v into_o great_a error_n who_o judgement_n be_v captivate_v in_o this_o manner_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o prejudice_n which_o arise_v from_o conceive_v hard_a thing_n of_o man_n person_n which_o a_o ingenuous_a man_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n yield_v to_o but_o will_v consider_v what_o another_o say_v though_o he_o do_v not_o 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truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n by_o which_o he_o stand_v condemn_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o be_v uneasy_a to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o for_o his_o interest_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o fool_n say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n the_o worldly_a interest_n of_o man_n do_v strange_o bias_n and_o fashion_n their_o judgement_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n never_o enough_o to_o be_v admire_v that_o so_o many_o man_n of_o part_n and_o learning_n shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o those_o pitiful_a ground_n upon_o which_o they_o maintain_v the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o pope_n the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n the_o half_a communion_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o the_o like_a but_o that_o those_o thing_n do_v notorious_o serve_v the_o wealth_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n if_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o go_v to_o a_o conventicle_n for_o the_o get_n of_o a_o rich_a fortune_n or_o the_o 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do_v this_o good_a office_n and_o that_o because_o god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o lord_n say_v to_o peter_n when_o thou_o be_v convert_v strengthen_v thy_o brethren_n and_o if_o those_o who_o be_v not_o thorough_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v far_o instruct_v there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o endeavour_v to_o recover_v those_o that_o be_v quite_o out_o of_o the_o way_n therefore_o if_o any_o of_o our_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n or_o other_o who_o at_o any_o time_n we_o have_v a_o good_a opportunity_n of_o instruct_v remain_v under_o those_o error_n that_o we_o have_v forsake_v and_o have_v discern_v good_a cause_n to_o forsake_v we_o must_v remember_v that_o though_o it_o be_v chief_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o disposal_n of_o god_n that_o we_o come_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n yet_o it_o be_v also_o by_o humane_a mean_n by_o converse_v with_o 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our_o brother_n from_o if_o he_o do_v not_o take_v information_n and_o receive_v instruction_n as_o fast_o as_o we_o do_v we_o must_v not_o present_o grow_v into_o passion_n for_o some_o mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la be_v great_a and_o strong_a than_o other_o and_o all_o man_n have_v not_o the_o same_o capacity_n of_o understanding_n and_o quickness_n of_o apprehension_n and_o therefore_o more_o time_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v and_o more_o patience_n be_v to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o recovery_n of_o one_o man_n than_o may_v be_v needful_a in_o the_o case_n of_o another_o and_o because_o nothing_o put_v a_o slow_a or_o a_o prejudice_v man_n more_o backward_o than_o rough_a and_o bitter_a discourse_n therefore_o more_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n and_o patience_n be_v requisite_a in_o deal_v with_o he_o than_o if_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o one_o of_o better_a wit_n or_o less_o prejudice_n when_o we_o will_v bring_v a_o man_n to_o the_o truth_n we_o must_v avoid_v all_o thing_n that_o 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ground_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o afraid_a of_o the_o reproach_n and_o accusation_n of_o those_o who_o error_n thou_o have_v leave_v no_o not_o though_o your_o dependence_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n upon_o they_o or_o your_o expectation_n of_o worldly_a advantage_n from_o they_o be_v never_o so_o great_a consider_v that_o thy_o salvation_n lie_v at_o stake_n and_o that_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o god_n love_n be_v not_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o their_o favour_n and_o that_o you_o be_v now_o to_o show_v that_o you_o do_v not_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n tell_v they_o that_o you_o will_v be_v still_o glad_a of_o their_o friendship_n but_o that_o you_o can_v purchase_v it_o at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n as_o to_o sin_n against_o god_n for_o it_o either_o by_o renounce_v that_o which_o you_o be_v thorough_o convince_v be_v god_n truth_n or_o by_o go_v contrary_a to_o a_o conscience_n well_o inform_v of_o your_o duty_n let_v they_o know_v that_o you_o have_v be_v at_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o discover_v the_o truth_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o more_o than_o they_o have_v be_v at_o that_o you_o value_v that_o knowledge_n of_o your_o duty_n to_o which_o the_o grace_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v lead_v you_o at_o a_o more_o just_a rate_n than_o to_o sacrifice_v it_o to_o every_o worldly_a interest_n and_o that_o the_o industry_n you_o have_v use_v to_o inform_v yourself_o aright_o will_v turn_v to_o a_o very_a evil_a account_n if_o after_o all_o you_o shall_v play_v the_o hypocrite_n when_o we_o have_v the_o truth_n our_o loin_n must_v be_v gird_v about_o with_o it_o we_o must_v love_v it_o hearty_o profess_v it_o sincere_o and_o contend_v for_o it_o earnest_o and_o practice_v it_o honest_o when_o we_o have_v buy_v the_o truth_n by_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n we_o we_o must_v not_o sell_v it_o for_o the_o gain_n of_o worldly_a wealth_n or_o honour_n or_o any_o other_o secular_a advantage_n no_o not_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o our_o life_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a finis_fw-la a_o catalogue_n of_o several_a tract_n write_v by_o some_o divine_n in_o and_o about_o the_o city_n of_o london_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n 1._o a_o persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n 3._o a_o letter_n to_o anonymus_fw-la in_o answer_n to_o his_o three_o letter_n to_o dr._n sherlock_n about_o church-communion_n 4._o the_o case_n of_o lay-communion_n 5._o the_o case_n of_o mix_a communion_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_a from_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o promiscuous_a congregation_n and_o mix_a communion_n 6._o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n propose_v and_o state_v 7._o a_o vindication_n of_o it_o 8._o a_o discourse_n of_o conscience_n 9_o a_o discourse_n about_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n 10._o some_o consideration_n about_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n 11._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n resolve_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o two_o part_n 12._o a_o answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n objection_n against_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 13._o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n symbolise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 14._o a_o defence_n of_o it_o 15._o the_o case_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o five_o question_n 16._o the_o case_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n 17._o a_o persuasive_a to_o frequent_v communion_n in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n 18._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n state_v and_o resolve_v in_o two_o part_n 29._o a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n 20._o a_o discourse_n of_o profit_v by_o sermon_n and_o of_o go_v to_o hear_v where_o man_n think_v they_o can_v profit_v most_o 21._o a_o argument_n to_o union_n take_v from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o those_o dissenter_n in_o england_n who_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n 22._o a_o serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n relate_v to_o the_o late_a case_n about_o conformity_n recommend_v to_o the_o present_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n against_o popery_n these_o 1._o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n make_v by_o the_o papist_n ask_v of_o we_o the_o question_n where_o 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ecclesiastical_a polity_n guillim_n heraldry_n bishop_n sanderson_n sermon_n mezaray_n history_n of_o france_n dr._n howell_n history_n of_o the_o world_n in_o 2_o vol._n dr._n littleton_n dictionary_n complete_a clerk_n dr._n sherlock_n sermon_n on_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o plot._n medicina_fw-la curiosa_fw-la miege_n french_a dictionary_n willis_n london_n tract_n of_o physic_n bishop_n wilkin_n sermon_n principle_n and_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n bishop_n land_n devotion_n ☞_o all_o the_o work_n new_o print_v of_o doctor_n john_n lightfoot_n in_o two_o volume_n in_o folio_n illustrate_v with_o map_n and_o several_a table_n to_o the_o whole_a with_o some_o thing_n never_o before_o print_v phil._n 2._o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 24._o 1_o cor_fw-la 4._o 7._o rom._n 12._o 2._o discourse_v about_o tradition_n show_v etc._n etc._n abridgement_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n print_v at_o douai_n