for_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n but_o in_o a_o pretend_a sinless_a perfection_n they_o deny_v any_o necessiy_a of_o the_o special_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o conversion_n and_o sanctification_n say_v pamphlet_n i_o charge_v not_o every_o particular_a quaker_n with_o all_o these_o error_n for_o many_o understand_v not_o what_o they_o hold_v but_o mention_v what_o i_o find_v assert_v in_o their_o print_a pamphlet_n the_o light_n within_o they_o be_v sufficient_a hereunto_o and_o scoff_n at_o they_o that_o pray_v for_o more_o bid_v they_o heed_n that_o only_o and_o it_o will_v lead_v they_o from_o sin_n to_o god_n sabbath_n and_o sacrament_n and_o all_o institute_v worship_n they_o cast_v off_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n last_o judgement_n heaven_n and_o hell_n they_o turn_v into_o allegory_n etc._n etc._n these_o and_o other_o thing_n consider_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o plain_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n &_o therefore_o christian_n can_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o that_o way_n thus_o where_o difference_n be_v in_o point_n destructive_a to_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n and_o against_o the_o essential_o of_o faith_n worship_n and_o obedience_n there_o can_v be_v no_o closure_n and_o agreement_n but_o a_o total_a withdraw_n be_v necessary_a so_o far_o as_o civil_a relation_n and_o office_n will_v permit_v we_o come_v next_o to_o consider_v these_o other_o persuasion_n and_o party_n among_o we_o that_o agree_v in_o all_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o salvation_n yet_o differ_v in_o thing_n that_o be_v less_o necessary_a though_o some_o be_v of_o great_a and_o some_o of_o less_o moment_n than_o other_o these_o difference_n be_v either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o â—n_a matter_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n in_o poiâ—ts_n oâ—_n doctrine_n we_o have_v arminian_o antinomian_o etc._n etc._n in_o matter_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n we_o have_v anabaptist_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v sound_n in_o the_o main_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n but_o err_v only_o in_o the_o point_n of_o baptism_n independent_o presbyterian_o etc._n etc._n now_o about_o these_o differ_a way_n take_v these_o brief_a direction_n suitable_a to_o those_o general_a rule_n before_o lay_v down_o 1._o account_v they_o all_o as_o christian_n if_o they_o be_v serious_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o their_o life_n answerable_a let_v not_o any_o evil_a representation_n of_o their_o opinion_n or_o wave_n or_o odious_a and_o invidious_a consequence_n draw_v from_o their_o principle_n but_o disow_v by_o they_o so_o far_o alienate_v your_o heart_n from_o they_o as_o not_o to_o account_v they_o christian_n &_o brethren_n see_v they_o retain_v the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n and_o hold_v the_o head_n christ_n though_o they_o build_v on_o the_o precious_a foundation_n wood_n hay_o stubble_n who_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n free_a from_o error_n what_o church_n or_o person_n upon_o earth_n 2._o have_v the_o great_a respect_n and_o the_o most_o intimate_a friendship_n for_o those_o in_o who_o principle_n be_v great_a purity_n that_o come_v nigh_a the_o rule_n and_o who_o most_o follow_v after_o peace_n &_o holiness_n and_o lay_v out_o themselves_o more_o to_o promote_v the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n than_o their_o private_a persuasion_n but_o as_o for_o they_o who_o with_o the_o wild_a fire_n of_o their_o zeal_n will_v set_v the_o church_n on_o a_o flame_n and_o be_v more_o for_o make_v proselyte_n for_o their_o own_o way_n then_o for_o seek_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o edification_n and_o salvation_n of_o soul_n avoid_v they_o 3._o if_o god_n cast_v your_o lot_n into_o these_o place_n or_o country_n where_o those_o profession_n or_o way_n be_v set_v up_o &_o you_o can_v enjoy_v that_o way_n of_o serve_v god_n that_o you_o approve_v as_o most_o pure_a it_o be_v a_o unqueâ—â—inable_a duty_n to_o hold_v communion_n there_o in_o france_n &_o holland_n with_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o germany_n with_o the_o lutheran_n &_o in_o other_o country_n with_o those_o other_o persuasion_n before_o name_v provide_v the_o condition_n of_o thy_o communion_n be_v not_o to_o give_v thy_o allowance_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a but_o in_o that_o particular_a thou_o may_v be_v forbear_v communion_n with_o such_o church_n where_o many_o corruption_n and_o abuse_n be_v if_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o essential_o of_o worship_n be_v preserve_v ought_v to_o be_v maintain_v with_o a_o due_a care_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o only_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o such_o a_o church_n else_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v enjoin_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o the_o corruption_n find_v there_o and_o the_o novatian_o donatist_n and_o other_o in_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v unjust_o tax_v for_o withdraw_v from_o her_o communion_n for_o laxness_n of_o discipline_n or_o other_o corruption_n which_o they_o apprehend_v to_o be_v therein_o this_o duty_n our_o church_n of_o england_n have_v teach_v by_o she_o own_o practice_n who_o have_v ever_o own_v the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n for_o sister-churche_n &_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n though_o differ_v from_o she_o in_o some_o matter_n of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n chap._n viii_o wherein_o the_o great_a controversy_n of_o communion_n with_o or_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v discuss_v a_o view_n of_o what_o be_v therein_o praiseworthy_a and_o what_o be_v disallowable_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o scruple_n communion_n direction_n suit_v thereunto_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o those_o different_a way_n and_o persuasion_n find_v among_o private_a person_n without_o and_o against_o the_o own_n and_o approbation_n of_o authority_n and_o give_v advice_n in_o reference_n to_o they_o we_o be_v next_o to_o consider_v of_o that_o proâ—ession_n public_o set_v up_o by_o authority_n and_o â—hat_n have_v the_o civil_a sanction_n of_o the_o law_n of_o â—his_fw-la land_n no_o sober_a person_n can_v gainsay_v but_o this_o deserve_v a_o most_o serious_a and_o impartial_a consideration_n partly_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o those_o in_o authority_n to_o who_o god_n have_v commit_v the_o care_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o settle_n of_o it_o in_o their_o dominion_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o they_o think_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o have_v enjoin_v we_o obedience_n to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n partly_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o own_o welfare_n who_o may_v else_o suffer_v the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n and_o have_v need_v to_o see_v to_o it_o if_o we_o obey_v that_o we_o do_v it_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o if_o we_o suffer_v that_o we_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o not_o as_o evil_a doer_n and_o partly_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n that_o we_o do_v not_o groundless_o make_v a_o rent_n therein_o and_o thereby_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o procure_v the_o ruin_n thereof_o for_o all_o division_n tend_v to_o destruction_n it_o will_v therefore_o serious_o be_v inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n for_o christian_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n according_a to_o its_o present_a state_n and_o administration_n or_o whether_o separation_n from_o it_o be_v warrantable_a and_o necessary_a and_o how_o far_o for_o the_o resolve_v of_o which_o question_n we_o shall_v take_v a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v commendable_a in_o the_o say_a church_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o scruple_n communion_n with_o she_o and_o also_o of_o what_o thing_n they_o disallow_v and_o dislike_v in_o she_o and_o then_o cast_v up_o whether_o it_o will_v warrant_v separation_n or_o how_o far_o according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o concord_n we_o have_v proceed_v upon_o with_o those_o of_o the_o other_o profession_n before_o name_v and_o first_o it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o all_o dissenter_n that_o have_v understanding_n and_o sobriety_n in_o they_o but_o that_o here_o be_v to_o be_v find_v 1._o a_o clear_a profession_n of_o all_o those_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v account_v among_o christian_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n yea_o such_o a_o poor_a confession_n of_o other_o point_n of_o a_o secondary_a and_o more_o inferior_a nature_n as_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o a_o great_a purity_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n than_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o here_o also_o be_v the_o christian_a sabbath_n embrace_v with_o much_o great_a honour_n than_o in_o many_o other_o reform_a church_n 2._o homily_n of_o time_n and_o place_n of_o prayer_n part_n 2._o the_o public_a ordinance_n of_o preach_a prayer_n sacrament_n administer_v and_o all_o the_o substantial_o of_o
a_o guide_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n or_o a_o discourse_n direct_v to_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n man_n venture_v their_o salvation_n upon_o seasonable_a for_o these_o time_n wherein_o there_o be_v such_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o way_n of_o religion_n to_o inform_v the_o ignorant_a to_o resolve_v the_o waver_a and_o to_o confirm_v the_o weak_a by_o i._n c._n m._n a._n of_o t._n c._n c._n josh_n 24.15_o and_o if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v whether_o the_o god_n but_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n edinburgh_n print_v by_o andrew_n anderson_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o house_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o cross_n anno_fw-la 1669._o a_o premonition_n to_o the_o reader_n show_v the_o occasion_n and_o intendment_n of_o the_o discourse_n courteous_a reader_n there_o be_v no_o good_a christian_n but_o be_v ready_a upon_o all_o just_a occasion_n to_o express_v his_o sad_a resentment_n of_o the_o woeful_a division_n and_o dangerous_a error_n wherewith_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o these_o kingdom_n have_v be_v for_o many_o year_n past_a and_o still_o be_v so_o distract_v for_o notwithstanding_o that_o our_o civil_a war_n be_v through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n endid_a yet_o our_o religious_a jar_n and_o rent_n be_v not_o heal_v indeed_o how_o can_v any_o pious_a soul_n consider_v the_o great_a dishonour_n do_v thereby_o to_o the_o holy_a name_n of_o god_n the_o reproach_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o great_a scandal_n to_o those_o sometime_o famous_a church_n which_o be_v now_o hereby_o become_v infamous_a through_o the_o world_n yea_o the_o apparent_a ruin_n threaten_v by_o these_o thing_n and_o not_o break_v out_o into_o sad_a lamentation_n for_o the_o same_o sure_o this_o 〈◊〉_d a_o lamentaion_n and_o shall_v be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n and_o although_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o those_o evil_n in_o order_n to_o the_o repair_n and_o heal_v of_o they_o and_o the_o prevent_v the_o public_a ruin_n threaten_v to_o the_o church_n and_o state_n thereby_o belong_v to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o zeal_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o place_n of_o eminency_n and_o be_v vest_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n requisite_a thereunto_o yet_o private_a christian_n in_o a_o low_a station_n and_o capacity_n can_v but_o have_v their_o eye_n upon_o the_o sad_a influence_n those_o â—â—ings_n have_v upon_o their_o dear_a friend_n and_o neighbour_n with_o who_o they_o converse_v and_o in_o their_o behalf_n meditate_v upon_o some_o remedy_n for_o the_o same_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o malignant_a influence_n these_o thing_n have_v on_o the_o common_a sort_n be_v very_o sad_a whilst_o gaze_v on_o those_o sad_a contest_a matter_n of_o religion_n some_o continue_v mere_a sceptic_n ever_o waver_v and_o not_o know_v what_o way_n of_o religion_n to_o choose_v and_o so_o neglect_v to_o be_v of_o any_o some_o be_v profess_v atheist_n or_o profane_a wretch_n other_o be_v seduce_v into_o dangerous_a error_n as_o popery_n socinianism_n quakerism_n etc._n etc._n many_o engage_v in_o contention_n they_o know_v not_o why_o nor_o for_o what_o and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n woeful_o stumble_v in_o their_o profession_n the_o intendment_n of_o these_o paper_n be_v to_o propose_v some_o help_n against_o those_o evil_n and_o to_o guide_v and_o direct_v those_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o miscarry_v through_o occasion_n of_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o way_n find_v a_o among_o we_o wherein_o they_o be_v first_o excite_v to_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n they_o venture_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o and_o be_v inform_v how_o to_o do_v it_o endeavour_n be_v use_v to_o fix_v and_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o duty_n threrof_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n which_o have_v be_v own_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o church_n in_o all_o place_n and_o age_n and_o to_o persuade_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v they_o as_o that_o whereupon_o their_o eternal_a safety_n depend_v then_o our_o discourse_n descend_v to_o point_n of_o a_o secondary_a and_o inferior_a nature_n that_o be_v controvert_v among_o wise_a and_o godly_a christian_n and_o direction_n be_v lay_v down_o how_o to_o find_v out_o the_o right_n and_o safe_a way_n for_o faith_n and_o practice_n in_o such_o thing_n especial_o when_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o hold_v forth_o a_o profession_n of_o ourselves_o therein_o wherewith_o be_v show_v also_o what_o tenderness_n and_o respect_n be_v to_o be_v use_v towards_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o those_o thing_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o carry_v it_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n with_o those_o that_o err_v fundemental_o and_o subvert_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n all_o which_o counsel_v be_v evidence_v to_o be_v good_a and_o wholesome_a will_v manifest_o declare_v those_o to_o be_v the_o most_o approve_a and_o judicious_a christian_n who_o under_o all_o those_o great_a change_n and_o revolution_n which_o have_v be_v among_o we_o of_o latter_a time_n have_v especial_o exercise_v their_o zeal_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o fundament_n all_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o practice_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n as_o also_o for_o the_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o love_n and_o union_n among_o christian_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o have_v show_v great_a moderation_n and_o condescension_n towards_o those_o that_o differ_v in_o controvert_v point_n of_o a_o low_a nature_n even_o to_o a_o degree_n of_o compliance_n also_o with_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o time_n in_o some_o thing_n which_o seem_v in_o themselves_o less_o desirable_a and_o inconvenient_a provide_v in_o their_o conscience_n they_o judge_v they_o not_o to_o be_v sinful_a if_o conduce_v to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o salvation_n of_o soul_n indeed_o this_o will_v be_v judge_v by_o some_o rash_a and_o censorious_a spirit_n to_o be_v hypocrisy_n time-serving_a ere_fw-we self-seeking_a and_o such_o person_n may_v be_v brand_v for_o temporizer_n turn-coat_n or_o apostate_n or_o what_o not_o but_o when_o thing_n shall_v be_v consider_v in_o calmness_n and_o sobriety_n such_o will_v be_v find_v the_o great_a friend_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o such_o action_n most_o consonant_a to_o scripture_n command_v and_o to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o saint_n record_v therein_o whereas_o such_o as_o be_v find_v depart_v from_o any_o fundamental_a and_o general_o confess_v point_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n these_o imputation_n may_v be_v more_o warrantable_o charge_v upon_o they_o reader_n let_v these_o sad_a and_o woeful_a difference_n error_n and_o debate_n provoke_v thou_o to_o examine_v the_o ground_n thy_o profession_n be_v build_v upon_o to_o study_v more_o the_o verity_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v better_o establish_v therein_o to_o understand_v believe_v love_n and_o obey_v the_o great_a and_o necessary_a principle_n thereof_o humble_o to_o seek_v of_o god_n the_o discovery_n of_o his_o mind_n in_o thing_n more_o dark_a and_o controvert_v and_o to_o exercise_v more_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n or_o practice_n with_o thou_o therein_o and_o then_o thou_o will_v be_v secure_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o those_o evil_n yea_o they_o will_v prove_v advantageous_a to_o thy_o great_a good_a although_o intend_v by_o satan_n for_o thy_o hurt_n to_o help_v thou_o herein_o be_v the_o intendment_n and_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n in_o order_n whereunto_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v humble_o implore_v to_o go_v along_o with_o the_o same_o the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n chap._n 1._o religion_n the_o grand_a concernment_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n great_a difference_n about_o it_o necessity_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o deliberate_a choose_n one_o religion_n a_o proposition_n lay_v down_o which_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n page_n 1._o chap._n 2._o show_v wherein_o this_o wise_a choose_v once_o religion_n stand_v and_o what_o act_n concur_v thereunto_o page_n 5._o chap._n 3._o consideration_n evidence_v it_o a_o principal_a point_n of_o wisdom_n for_o a_o man_n to_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n he_o profess_v in_o the_o world_n and_o venture_v his_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o page_n 13_o chap._n 4._o wherein_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v insist_v upon_o and_o direction_n give_v how_o to_o choose_v the_o true_a religion_n among_o so_o many_o as_o be_v in_o the_o world_n all_o other_o religion_n be_v
wisdom_n be_v it_o to_o make_v a_o good_a choice_n 4._o because_o else_o if_o one_o shall_v happen_v on_o the_o true_a religion_n he_o will_v never_o be_v true_a unto_o it_o unless_o he_o take_v it_o up_o on_o such_o a_o right_a choice_n as_o before_o be_v speak_v of_o we_o can_v be_v serious_a christian_n nor_o through_o christian_n but_o by_o half_n only_a nor_o constant_a hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n without_o this_o right_a choice_n 1._o not_o serious_a christian_n such_o as_o take_v up_o a_o religion_n they_o know_v not_o what_o and_o on_o ground_n they_o know_v not_o why_o will_v be_v but_o sleighty_a and_o formal_a in_o it_o a_o little_a of_o outside_n profession_n they_o may_v have_v but_o the_o power_n of_o it_o will_v be_v want_v thus_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o christian_n that_o take_v not_o up_o religion_n on_o a_o wise_a choice_n understand_v what_o it_o be_v and_o discern_v the_o verity_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v profess_v in_o the_o country_n where_o they_o live_v enjoin_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o commend_v by_o the_o example_n of_o other_o who_o they_o esteem_v wise_a and_o holy_a alack_o how_o formal_a and_o sleighty_a be_v they_o therein_o not_o consider_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o great_a god_n that_o make_v they_o and_o redeem_v they_o be_v concern_v therein_o and_o that_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n depend_v on_o it_o whereas_o such_o as_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n out_o of_o knowledge_n and_o discern_a serve_v god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o strength_n and_o soul_n they_o rest_v not_o in_o the_o former_a but_o labour_n in_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n religion_n be_v their_o main_a business_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o nor_o through_o christian_n but_o only_o by_o the_o half_n as_o agrippa_n almost_o persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n they_o will_v follow_v christ_n a_o little_a way_n and_o perform_v some_o of_o the_o outside_n and_o easy_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o 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meet_v with_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n the_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n he_o will_v go_v throughstitch_n will_v follow_v god_n full_o and_o will_v be_v altogether_o a_o christian_a 3._o not_o constant_a but_o turn_v away_o from_o it_o upon_o every_o temptation_n such_o be_v ever_o waver_v and_o halt_v betwixt_o two_o as_o the_o israelite_n of_o old_a betwixt_o jehovah_n and_o baal_n if_o heresy_n seducement_n and_o the_o power_n of_o delusion_n come_v among_o such_o how_o do_v they_o turn_v away_o from_o that_o religion_n they_o have_v embrace_v by_o company_n and_o turn_v runnagado_n or_o if_o the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n scorch_v they_o they_o wither_v away_o because_o they_o have_v no_o root_n mat_n 13._o we_o have_v have_v too_o sad_a experience_n of_o this_o among_o the_o giddy_a unstable_a sort_n of_o christian_n in_o our_o time_n when_o god_n have_v let_v loose_a error_n and_o heresy_n among_o we_o to_o try_v who_o be_v sound_a and_o sincere_a and_o who_o not_o how_o many_o be_v carry_v away_o as_o with_o a_o flood_n and_o if_o popery_n shall_v prevail_v again_o or_o mahometanism_n through_o the_o conquer_a sword_n of_o the_o turk_n one_o may_v tremble_v to_o think_v whither_o such_o ungrounded_a christian_n may_v be_v carry_v whereas_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o christian_n that_o take_v up_o his_o religion_n on_o good_a ground_n through_o a_o wise_a choice_n know_v what_o and_o in_o who_o he_o have_v believe_v will_v through_o grace_n stand_v strong_o as_o the_o house_n build_v upon_o the_o rock_n mat._n 7._o when_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o the_o wave_n beat_v he_o stand_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o such_o therefore_o we_o see_v what_o a_o great_a point_n of_o wisdom_n it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n he_o take_v up_o else_o he_o will_v not_o be_v true_a unto_o it_o he_o will_v not_o be_v a_o serious_a christian_a nor_o a_o thorough_a nor_o a_o constant_a christian_a and_o then_o as_o good_a be_v none_o at_o all_o it_o will_v nothing_o avail_v they_o unto_o salvation_n to_o embrace_v the_o true_a religion_n no_o more_o than_o it_o do_v profit_v the_o israelite_n of_o old_a to_o have_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n among_o they_o or_o the_o philistines_n to_o have_v the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o they_o it_o will_v but_o increase_v their_o condemnation_n these_o consideration_n be_v sufficient_a without_o insist_v upon_o any_o other_o to_o evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o our_o proposition_n and_o to_o commend_v to_o we_o this_o great_a duty_n viz._n the_o wise_a choose_n of_o that_o religion_n we_o profess_v in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o mean_v to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o and_o to_o venture_v our_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o chap._n four_o wherein_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v insist_v on_o and_o direction_n give_v how_o to_o choose_v the_o true_a religion_n among_o so_o many_o as_o be_v in_o the_o world_n all_o other_o religion_n be_v reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v evidence_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n we_o be_v now_o come_v to_o the_o practical_a part_n of_o our_o discourse_n to_o show_v how_o this_o may_v be_v reduce_v into_o action_n that_o we_o have_v be_v treat_v on_o but_o in_o word_n hitherto_o let_v every_o one_o that_o god_n have_v give_v the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n unto_o be_v induce_v to_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n he_o venture_v his_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o this_o discourse_n be_v intend_v only_o for_o such_o as_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v of_o some_o religion_n and_o will_v not_o live_v as_o atheist_n as_o for_o they_o that_o will_v not_o be_v of_o any_o religion_n at_o all_o but_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n only_o live_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o work_v and_o sleap_v and_o mind_n their_o sensual_a pleasure_n they_o degenerate_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o be_v even_o turn_v unto_o beast_n foolish_a be_v they_o and_o ignorant_a to_o use_v the_o psalmist_n word_n psal_n 73._o and_o even_o in_o this_o point_n as_o beast_n as_o far_o below_o man_n as_o nabuchadnezzar_n be_v when_o he_o do_v eat_v grass_n as_o the_o ox_n and_o couch_v among_o the_o beast_n for_o such_o violate_v the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n which_o have_v teach_v all_o nation_n however_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a to_o take_v up_o some_o profession_n of_o religion_n they_o transgress_v also_o the_o write_a law_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v give_v in_o his_o word_n and_o will_v judge_v man_n by_o at_o the_o last_o day_n which_o require_v solemn_a worship_n and_o service_n from_o the_o son_n of_o man_n they_o bring_v themselves_o direct_o under_o the_o curse_n or_o imprecation_n jer._n 10.25_o pour_v out_o thy_o fury_n upon_o the_o heathen_a and_o upon_o the_o family_n that_o call_v not_o on_o thy_o name_n the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v turn_v into_o hell_n with_o all_o the_o nation_n that_o forget_v god_n psalm_n 9.17_o as_o they_o say_v to_o god_n now_o depart_v from_o we_o we_o will_v not_o know_v thy_o way_n so_o they_o shall_v hear_v god_n say_v to_o they_o short_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v etc._n etc._n nor_o do_v i_o speak_v to_o such_o base_a and_o low_a spirit_n as_o take_v up_o their_o religion_n on_o trust_n from_o other_o and_o pin_n their_o faith_n upon_o the_o sleeve_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o have_v subject_v their_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n upon_o account_n of_o any_o worldly_a or_o corrupt_a interest_n but_o to_o such_o noble_a spirit_n as_o with_o the_o berean_o will_v take_v pain_n to_o fearch_v the_o scripture_n and_o use_v all_o god_n appoint_v mean_n to_o inform_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v
those_o fundamental_a and_o catholic_n truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n about_o which_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n among_o we_o and_o let_v they_o be_v so_o believe_v that_o they_o influence_n their_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o sanctify_v they_o and_o also_o that_o they_o will_v conscionable_o practice_v those_o know_v and_o confess_v duty_n that_o all_o be_v agree_v in_o and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o cause_n to_o question_v their_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o it_o be_v unseasonable_a to_o be_v contend_v violent_o about_o disputable_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o external_a form_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o such_o like_a question_n about_o thing_n not_o so_o clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n noâ—_n embrace_v so_o general_o by_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o church_n nor_o indeed_o easy_a to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o the_o weak_a sort_n of_o professor_n whilst_o those_o weighty_a thing_n before_o name_v be_v neglect_v and_o disregard_v such_o will_v hardly_o evade_v the_o imputation_n of_o hypocrisy_n be_v so_o like_o the_o pharisee_n that_o tithe_v mint_n annise_v and_o cummin_n and_o neglect_v the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n chap._n vi_o other_o direction_n in_o point_n of_o a_o secondary_a nature_n that_o be_v not_o so_o clear_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n nor_o unanimous_o receive_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o be_v problematical_a and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n to_o be_v of_o the_o one_o or_o other_o persuasion_n how_o to_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n in_o such_o a_o case_n four_o rule_n about_o this_o but_o what_o be_v not_o the_o least_o truth_n of_o religion_n worth_n contend_v for_o and_o the_o small_a circumstantial_o of_o faith_n or_o worship_n do_v not_o god_n stand_v upon_o small_a matter_n in_o his_o service_n yes_o very_o in_o their_o due_a place_n and_o after_o a_o christian_a manner_n we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o inquire_v after_o they_o when_o we_o have_v yield_v that_o faith_n and_o obedience_n that_o be_v due_a to_o the_o great_a and_o more_o necessary_a point_n of_o salvation_n we_o be_v then_o to_o study_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o other_o thing_n of_o a_o secondary_a and_o more_o inferior_a nature_n nor_o be_v the_o most_o minute_n truth_n to_o be_v despise_v or_o neglect_v by_o we_o that_o therefore_o we_o may_v make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o the_o true_a and_o right_a way_n in_o such_o circumstantial_a and_o less_o necessary_a point_n as_o true_o pious_a and_o wife_n christian_n differ_v in_o which_o be_v marter_n non_fw-la fideì_n sed_fw-la questìonum_fw-la 23._o aug_n de_fw-fr peccat_fw-la orig_n chap._n 23._o as_o st._n augustine_n speak_v not_o proper_o point_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n but_o problematical_a and_o disputable_a in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o be_v necessitate_v to_o be_v of_o the_o one_o or_o other_o persuasion_n i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o give_v some_o direction_n about_o they_o for_o which_o end_n observe_v these_o few_o rule_n which_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o we_o herein_o 1._o humh_o seek_v god_n by_o daily_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o make_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n know_v to_o you_o herein_o lean_v not_o to_o your_o own_o understanding_n and_o wisdom_n but_o confess_v how_o weak_a you_o be_v and_o full_a of_o error_n and_o darkness_n beseech_v he_o to_o take_v away_o the_o vail_n from_o before_o your_o eye_n to_o give_v you_o understanding_n and_o teach_v you_o good_a judgement_n and_o knowledge_n that_o what_o you_o see_v not_o he_o will_v teach_v you_o and_o wherein_o you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v he_o will_v reveal_v the_o truth_n unto_o you_o plead_v his_o promise_n of_o lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v reveal_v his_o secret_n to_o such_o as_o fear_v he_o and_o guide_v the_o meek_a in_o the_o way_n and_o lead_v you_o by_o his_o spirit_n hang_v upon_o the_o lord_n daily_o for_o his_o guidance_n in_o such_o difficult_a case_n as_o you_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o 2._o search_v the_o scripture_n john_n 5.39_o and_o look_v well_o to_o they_o they_o be_v your_o chard_n and_o compass_n to_o steer_v your_o course_n by_o try_v all_o thing_n by_o they_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n take_v nothing_o on_o trust_n from_o man_n for_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v err_v i_o think_v there_o be_v hardly_o any_o error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o corruption_n in_o worship_n but_o have_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n by_o follow_v the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o repute_a godly_a man_n more_o than_o the_o scripture_n when_o a_o peter_n shall_v judaize_v and_o not_o walk_v upright_o he_o may_v not_o only_o seduce_v by_o his_o example_n many_o ordinary_a christian_n but_o a_o barnabas_n also_o may_v be_v carry_v away_o from_o the_o truth_n by_o his_o dissimulation_n gal._n 2._o hold_v close_o therefore_o to_o the_o scripture_n those_o infallible_a oracle_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o inquire_v daily_o into_o they_o 3_o if_o yet_o after_o prayer_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n we_o find_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n insome_a opinion_n or_o practice_n because_o it_o be_v but_o dark_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n or_o at_o least_o through_o the_o darkness_n of_o mind_n in_o godly_a man_n who_o can_v so_o well_o discern_v it_o then_o observe_v this_o further_a rule_n there_o be_v some_o general_a criteria_fw-la or_o mark_n whereby_o we_o may_v discern_v any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o may_v thereby_o try_v any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n when_o we_o can_v not_o so_o clear_o see_v they_o in_o the_o particular_n viz._n 1_o such_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n as_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o but_o agree_v and_o correspond_v with_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o first_o principle_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n or_o analogy_n of_o faith_n rom._n 12.6_o they_o be_v of_o god_n receive_v and_o embrace_v they_o but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o consonant_a thereunto_o then_o reject_v they_o 2_o such_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n as_o tend_v to_o holiness_n tit._n 1.2_o doctrine_n according_a to_o godliness_n they_o be_v of_o god_n for_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o holiness_n follow_v they_o but_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o looseness_n and_o profaneness_n be_v to_o be_v shun_v as_o not_o of_o god_n this_o mark_n discover_v the_o evil_a of_o such_o opinion_n as_o teach_v man_n to_o cast_v off_o sabbath_n ordinance_n scripture_n family_n and_o closet_n devotion_n and_o other_o libertine_n principle_n yet_o here_o beware_v on_o the_o contrary_a of_o a_o pretend_a holiness_n above_o what_o be_v write_v of_o be_v righteous_a over_o much_o above_z and_z beyond_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o monkish_a or_o solitary_a live_n among_o the_o papist_n of_o their_o pretend_a holy_a order_n vow_n etc._n etc._n and_o among_o other_o it_o have_v cause_v separation_n superstition_n and_o many_o other_o irregular_a act_n 3_o such_o doctrine_n and_o way_n as_o tend_v not_o to_o division_n and_o faction_n but_o to_o peace_n love_n and_o union_n among_o such_o as_o fear_v god_n those_o be_v of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v follow_v by_o we_o 1_o cor._n 1.10_o phil._n 2.1_o 2._o eph._n 4.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o but_o the_o contrary_a to_o be_v shun_v and_o avoid_v rom._n 16.17_o 4_o such_o thing_n as_o tend_v to_o edification_n and_o to_o further_a the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 14.26_o rom._n 14.19_o but_o those_o thing_n that_o minister_v question_n and_o cause_n strife_n and_o contention_n rather_o than_o godly_a edify_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v 1_o tim._n 1.4_o 5._o 5_o such_o opinion_n and_o practice_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o set_n up_o his_o righteousness_n and_o grace_n and_o to_o the_o humble_v and_o debase_v of_o man_n and_o cast_v he_o down_o from_o all_o high_a thought_n of_o his_o own_o excellency_n and_o ability_n they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o from_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 1._o a_o fin_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v these_o general_a criteria_fw-la or_o mark_n may_v be_v some_o guide_n to_o find_v out_o the_o right_n and_o safe_a way_n in_o some_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n that_o you_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o because_o you_o can_v read_v they_o so_o plain_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rule_n 4_o after_o you_o have_v thus_o do_v the_o utmost_a you_o be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o these_o controvert_v
be_v branch_v into_o these_o two_o 1._o the_o way_n &_o profession_n which_o be_v public_o own_a by_o authority_n and_o have_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n for_o its_o sanction_n 2._o those_o persuasion_n or_o way_n that_o be_v take_v up_o by_o private_a person_n conâ—â—ary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n for_o these_o latter_a begin_v there_o first_o they_o be_v as_o exceed_v many_o so_o of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n some_o retain_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n and_o duty_n of_o christianity_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n and_o differ_v only_o in_o lesser_a matter_n controvert_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n other_o that_o overthrow_v the_o very_a foundation_n itself_o those_o that_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n and_o differ_v about_o point_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n be_v too_o many_o in_o which_o rank_n we_o shall_v place_v the_o papist_n first_o of_o all_o because_o most_o considerable_a and_o above_o all_o other_o most_o 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also_o of_o such_o gross_a idolatry_n and_o superstitious_a foppery_n etc._n etc._n this_o i_o say_v be_v such_o a_o religion_n that_o none_o that_o love_v their_o salvation_n shall_v close_v with_o this_o babylon_n we_o shall_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o lest_o we_o communicate_v in_o her_o plague_n as_o say_v the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n revel_v 18_o 4._o come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o plague_n the_o ground_n of_o our_o withdraw_n from_o that_o religion_n be_v 1._o their_o many_o dangerous_a error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n overthrow_v direct_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christiantie_n to_o instance_n in_o some_o their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n over-throweth_a the_o truth_n of_o christ_n humane_a nature_n their_o proper_a sacrifice_n his_o only_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n offer_v once_o for_o all_o their_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n plain_o destroy_v the_o merin_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o multitude_n of_o mediator_n among_o they_o deny_v that_o only_a mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n jesus_n christ_n 1_o tim._n 2.5_o their_o sacrifice_a priest_n overthrow_v christ_n priestly_a office_n their_o vilify_n the_o scripture_n and_o set_v up_o their_o unwritten_a tradition_n to_o be_v receive_v with_o equal_a reverence_n with_o they_o etc._n etc._n overthrow_v christ_n prophetical_a office_n the_o kingly_a office_n of_o christ_n be_v overthrow_v by_o the_o pope_n usurpation_n dispense_n with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o set_v up_o other_o law_n of_o his_o own_o devise_v and_o lording_n it_o over_o the_o conscience_n of_o men._n the_o great_a article_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o free_a justification_n through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v overthrow_v by_o their_o pardon_n indulgence_n and_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n and_o humane_a satisfaction_n 2._o their_o abominable_a idolatry_n in_o point_n of_o worship_n as_o angel-worship_n saint-worship_n relique-worship_n image-worship_n etc._n etc._n 3._o their_o profane_a sacrilege_n rob_v the_o people_n of_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o cup_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n nay_o almost_o of_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n cause_v it_o to_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o language_n the_o vulgar_a understand_v not_o 4._o their_o cruelty_n and_o blood_n shed_v wherein_o rome_n papal_n exceed_v rome_n ethuicall_a 5._o their_o spiritual_a tyranny_n in_o exact_v blind_a obedience_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o philistines_n pull_v out_o the_o eye_n of_o samson_n and_o lead_v he_o whither_o they_o will_v in_o burden_v christian_n with_o innumerable_a ceremony_n and_o superstition_n destroy_v the_o substance_n of_o religion_n 6._o their_o proud_a usurpation_n over_o king_n and_o prince_n 7._o the_o notorious_a schism_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o worse_a than_o that_o of_o the_o novation_n and_o donatist_n of_o old_a whereby_o they_o not_o only_o cast_v off_o the_o reform_a church_n but_o the_o muscovite_n and_o grecian_n in_o europe_n the_o egyptian_a and_o aethiopian_a church_n in_o africa_n &_o all_o these_o great_a company_n of_o christian_n scatter_v all_o over_o asia_n even_o from_o constantinople_n to_o the_o east_n indies_n because_o they_o be_v not_o the_o pope_n subject_n they_o will_v not_o account_v they_o christ_n for_o they_o declare_v determine_v and_o pronounce_v it_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n unto_o salvation_n for_o every_o humane_a creature_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n 8._o add_v hereunto_o their_o unsufferable_a wickedness_n overspread_v that_o church_n and_o their_o allowance_n thereof_o by_o give_v licence_n to_o uncleanness_n sodomy_n prostitute_v pardon_n for_o money_n dispensation_n with_o god_n law_n etc._n etc._n in_o all_o which_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v incorrigible_a pretend_v unerring_a infallibility_n and_o the_o pope_n himself_o will_v be_v supreme_a judge_n alone_o in_o all_o these_o case_n for_o these_o and_o the_o like_a ground_n which_o can_v all_o be_v here_o enumerate_v its_o necessary_a for_o all_o good_a christian_n to_o beware_v of_o popery_n and_o have_v no_o peace_n with_o rome_n till_o she_o return_v to_o her_o ancient_a primitive_a purity_n other_o there_o be_v also_o that_o err_v in_o fundamental_a point_n and_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n as_o antitrinitarians_a anti-scripturists_a arian_n socinian_o etc._n etc._n the_o last_o of_o which_o sect_n be_v esteem_v by_o the_o learned_a the_o very_a sink_v into_o which_o all_o heresy_n of_o former_a and_o latter_a time_n have_v empty_v themselves_o and_o direct_o lead_v man_n to_o mahometanism_n judaisme_n or_o atheism_n these_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n a_o fundamental_a point_n and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o the_o deity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n reject_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n and_o maintain_v justification_n by_o work_n refuse_v such_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n as_o they_o can_v comprehend_v with_o their_o reason_n etc._n etc._n these_o sect_n as_o almost_o all_o church_n former_a and_o latter_a and_o divine_v in_o their_o syncretism_n have_v banish_v out_o of_o the_o line_n of_o christian_a communication_n so_o it_o become_v all_o person_n to_o avoid_v they_o as_o pest_n and_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o have_v no_o followship_n with_o they_o i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o one_o sect_n more_o of_o such_o as_o err_v in_o fundamental_a point_n who_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o want_n of_o learning_n and_o outward_a accomplishment_n be_v contemptible_a yet_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o number_n and_o their_o singular_a obstinancy_n in_o their_o way_n whereby_o they_o amuse_v the_o vulgar_a be_v not_o to_o be_v pass_v by_o viz._n the_o quaker_n although_o quakerism_n can_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o séct_n of_o christian_n but_o rather_o it_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n for_o except_v it_o be_v they_o have_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o mouth_n they_o scarce_o retain_v any_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o light_n in_o all_o man_n they_o extol_v as_o the_o only_a sufficient_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o to_o the_o apparent_a slight_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o preach_a so_o that_o if_o the_o question_n be_v ask_v what_o advantage_n have_v the_o christian_a above_o the_o naked_a indian_a we_o can_v answer_v as_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 3.2_o much_o every_o way_n chief_o because_o unto_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n they_o open_o deny_v the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o to_o his_o humane_a nature_n with_o all_o his_o office_n assign_v to_o he_o by_o his_o father_n they_o utter_o reject_v though_o this_o be_v a_o arcanum_n that_o be_v keep_v hide_v from_o their_o novice_n they_o call_v not_o upon_o god_n in_o the_o name_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o trust_v not_o in_o his_o death_n
worship_n own_a viz._n that_o god_n only_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v &_o no_o creature_n saint_n or_o angel_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v only_o in_o and_o through_o christ_n as_o our_o only_a mediator_n and_o advocate_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n &_o truth_n &_o to_o be_v sanctify_v of_o they_o that_o come_v near_o unto_o he_o 3_o as_o for_o fundamental_a duty_n and_o point_n of_o practice_n here_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o for_o salvation_n of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v he_o and_o obedience_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o the_o then_o commandment_n here_o be_v a_o profess_a renuntiation_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n with_o all_o their_o sinful_a work_n and_o lust_n all_o these_o call_v for_o a_o ingenuous_a and_o candid_a acknowledgement_n how_o will_v our_o forefather_n that_o live_v in_o former_a time_n of_o popery_n have_v rejoice_v to_o have_v see_v such_o thing_n in_o england_n we_o shall_v bresse_v god_n that_o have_v vouchase_v such_o a_o mercy_n to_o we_o honour_v our_o defender_n of_o the_o faith_n under_o who_o protection_n this_o profession_n be_v make_v and_o show_v more_o reverence_n to_o the_o church_n than_o many_o do_v who_o will_v pettish_o slight_v all_o this_o because_o they_o have_v not_o all_o they_o will_v have_v second_o we_o be_v next_o to_o consider_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v dislike_v by_o such_o as_o scruple_n communion_n which_o be_v especial_o reducible_a to_o three_o head_n 1._o government_n and_o discipline_n which_o though_o it_o be_v various_a in_o the_o reform_a church_n yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o hold_v mutual_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o as_o sister-churche_n and_o many_o particular_a wise_a and_o godly_a member_n of_o those_o church_n hold_v communion_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n administer_v in_o the_o church_n of_o different_a way_n occasional_o when_o they_o reside_v among_o they_o 2._o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n concern_v which_o some_o disallow_v all_o set_n and_o impose_v form_n whatsoever_o other_o only_o dislike_v the_o form_n by_o law_n establish_v account_v it_o inconvenient_a disorderly_a and_o defective_a and_o reject_v the_o ceremony_n yet_o wise_a and_o sober_a person_n general_o nonconformist_n as_o well_o as_o conformist_n reckon_v external_a form_n and_o mode_n of_o divine_n service_n not_o of_o the_o essential_o of_o worship_n but_o adjunct_n thereunto_o belong_v exercise_n ames_n case_n l._n 4._o c._n 14_o etc._n etc._n 17._o prestons_n daity_n exercise_n e._n g._n the_o essence_n of_o prayer_n lie_v in_o lift_v up_o true_a desire_n to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n in_o the_o elevation_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o mind_n to_o god_n etc._n etc._n word_n be_v but_o the_o outward_a clothing_n of_o these_o desire_n and_o holy_a affection_n or_o the_o chariot_n wherein_o they_o mount_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o for_o the_o ceremony_n use_v in_o england_n they_o be_v utter_o deny_v to_o be_v any_o part_n of_o worship_n and_o declare_v only_o circumstantial_a appendant_o thereunto_o see_v the_o preface_n to_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o canon_n etc._n etc._n 3._o corruption_n in_o manner_n and_o that_o both_o in_o people_n and_o in_o minister_n which_o when_o find_v in_o the_o latter_a make_v the_o offence_n far_o great_a as_o when_o the_o son_n of_o eli_n be_v wicked_a they_o make_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v abhor_v these_o thing_n premise_v we_o shall_v now_o offer_v our_o advice_n in_o this_o great_a controversy_n and_o annex_v such_o reason_n thereto_o as_o shall_v evidence_n it_o both_o safe_a and_o profitable_a we_o lay_v it_o down_o in_o three_o particular_n 1._o to_o beware_v of_o a_o total_a withdraw_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n therein_o whilst_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n and_o essential_o of_o worship_n be_v therein_o maintain_v because_o you_o apprehend_v therein_o some_o corruption_n defect_n addition_n or_o error_n which_o be_v circumstantial_a this_o advice_n though_o it_o may_v be_v urge_v with_o manifold_a argument_n yet_o the_o brevity_n i_o intend_v in_o this_o discourse_n require_v i_o to_o give_v but_o a_o few_o 1._o if_o you_o will_v make_v the_o scripture_n your_o rule_n herein_o you_o may_v see_v so_o clear_a a_o beam_n of_o light_n all_o along_o through_o the_o same_o witness_v hereunto_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n any_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o question_v this_o duty_n consider_v the_o prophet_n and_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v they_o separate_v from_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n or_o teach_v any_o to_o do_v it_o when_o there_o be_v very_o great_a defect_n &_o corruption_n therein_o there_o be_v at_o some_o time_n a_o defect_n of_o some_o solemn_a ordinance_n for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o as_o circumcision_n the_o passeover_n etc._n etc._n some_o monument_n of_o idolatry_n remain_v among_o they_o and_o the_o people_n many_o of_o they_o defile_v therewith_o very_o great_a corruption_n of_o manner_n not_o only_o in_o the_o people_n but_o in_o the_o priest_n as_o in_o eli_n son_n etc._n etc._n yet_o whilst_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v continue_v among_o they_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n or_o practice_n to_o be_v find_v of_o total_a withdraw_n therefrom_o indeed_o the_o godly_a levite_n &_o people_n do_v withdraw_v from_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o jereboam_n calf_n leave_v their_o dwelling_n and_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n 2_o chro._n 11.14_o 16._o but_o no_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o withdraw_a from_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o such_o cause_n as_o be_v before_o name_v about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o state_n of_o that_o church_n be_v great_o corrupt_v by_o many_o degree_n more_o than_o any_o sober_a person_n can_v judge_v the_o present_a church_n in_o this_o nation_n now_o to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o that_o little_a knowledge_n that_o remain_v be_v miserable_o corrupt_v not_o only_o with_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n but_o with_o the_o damnable_a heresy_n of_o the_o sadducee_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n much_o profane_v and_o the_o temple_n pollute_v and_o make_v a_o den_n of_o thief_n a_o multitude_n of_o superstitious_a ceremony_n introduce_v that_o be_v a_o burden_n too_o heavy_a to_o bear_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n subvert_v whilst_o small_a thing_n be_v exact_o mind_v the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n as_o judgement_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v neglect_v a_o general_a over_o spread_v of_o sin_n not_o only_o among_o the_o vulgar_a but_o the_o priest_n themselves_o and_o that_o in_o their_o ministration_n and_o calling_n as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o life_n etc._n etc._n yet_o do_v not_o the_o godly_a withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n for_o the_o same_o we_o read_v that_o simeon_n anna_n and_o other_o continue_v in_o the_o temple_n worship_v god_n daily_o holy_a zachary_n forsake_v not_o his_o priestly_a office_n but_o minister_v in_o his_o course_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o christ_n himself_o be_v circumcise_v and_o present_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o temple_n with_o the_o accustom_a sacrifice_n offer_v for_o he_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n he_o keep_v the_o passeover_n and_o other_o feast_n of_o that_o church_n be_v frequent_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o the_o synagogue_n with_o his_o disciple_n allow_v of_o the_o hear_n of_o those_o that_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n only_o give_v caution_n against_o their_o error_n and_o bad_a life_n send_v divers_a to_o the_o priest_n to_o offer_v their_o accustom_a 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