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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 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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
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 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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 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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 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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 beast_n to_o dispute_v with_o as_o go_v about_o to_o convince_v they_o and_o if_o all_o man_n be_v thus_o senseless_a it_o be_v impossible_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v serviceable_a to_o instruct_v one_o another_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o to_o abandon_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o scorn_v a_o man_n when_o he_o speak_v consistent_o and_o argue_v clear_o from_o common_a principle_n of_o truth_n be_v such_o a_o wretched_a sort_n of_o unmanliness_n that_o i_o can_v but_o think_v it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n take_v up_o in_o design_n by_o those_o man_n that_o have_v bring_v nonsense_n and_o contradiction_n and_o absurd_a opinion_n into_o religion_n which_o no_o man_n can_v admit_v without_o do_v violence_n to_o his_o own_o
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 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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
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 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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
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 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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
wrong_a way_n while_o they_o never_o use_v that_o liberty_n of_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o persuasion_n to_o which_o the_o church_n so_o vehement_o persuade_v they_o by_o her_o minister_n if_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o when_o a_o man_n set_v himself_o with_o honesty_n and_o diligence_n to_o examine_v the_o case_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v to_o inform_v himself_o aright_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o can_v be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o may_v lawful_o conform_v and_o this_o through_o mere_a weakness_n of_o understanding_n it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o there_o be_v many_o more_o who_o fail_v of_o understand_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o kind_n for_o want_v of_o examination_n and_o inquiry_n and_o through_o the_o prevalency_n of_o prejudice_n and_o passion_n than_o there_o be_v of_o those_o who_o continue_v erroneous_o persuade_v through_o mere_a weakness_n of_o understanding_n but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o in_o perfect_a weakness_n remain_v unconvince_v if_o i_o may_v suppose_v any_o such_o i_o wish_v the_o law_n can_v distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o rest_n and_o that_o they_o can_v be_v know_v by_o some_o visible_a character_n that_o they_o may_v be_v exempt_v from_o undergo_a any_o penalty_n but_o since_o this_o can_v be_v it_o must_v be_v endure_v that_o a_o few_o or_o none_o in_o comparison_n come_v to_o have_v hard_a measure_n by_o mean_n of_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o common_a and_o public_a good_a §_o 4._o have_v premise_v thus_o much_o concern_v this_o subject_n i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o this_o method_n follow_v i._o to_o consider_v in_o what_o case_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v most_o of_o all_o into_o the_o truth_n ii_o to_o show_v how_o or_o by_o what_o rule_n or_o test_n we_o be_v to_o try_v and_o examine_v opinion_n in_o religion_n iii_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v dispose_v and_o qualify_v that_o our_o inquiry_n may_v be_v profitable_a and_o successful_a iv._o to_o lay_v down_o some_o motive_n whereby_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o such_o inquiry_n and_o examination_n v._o to_o consider_v what_o become_v we_o and_o be_v our_o duty_n after_o the_o discovery_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n i._o i_o shall_v consider_v in_o what_o case_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v most_o careful_a in_o make_v inquiry_n after_o the_o truth_n lest_o we_o be_v impose_v upon_o or_o mistake_v all_o inquiry_n about_o religion_n be_v either_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o general_a or_o suppose_v the_o existence_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n whether_o the_o pagan_a or_o the_o jewish_a or_o the_o mahometan_a or_o the_o christian_a or_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v grant_v what_o communion_n of_o man_n profess_v christianity_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v for_o instance_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o dissenter_n who_o separate_v from_o this_o church_n but_o now_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o alike_o needful_a to_o be_v prove_v or_o be_v equal_o proper_a matter_n of_o inqniry_n for_o 1._o every_o man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o know_v all_o the_o false_a way_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o try_v and_o examine_v every_o one_o of_o they_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o most_o man_n that_o they_o well_o consider_v the_o faith_n and_o profession_n to_o which_o they_o have_v be_v educate_v that_o if_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n they_o may_v be_v wellgrounded_n in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v false_a that_o they_o may_v upon_o good_a reason_n depart_v from_o it_o 2._o thing_n that_o be_v self-evident_a need_v not_o to_o be_v examine_v for_o no_o argument_n can_v make_v they_o plain_o to_o we_o than_o they_o be_v already_o we_o may_v without_o any_o hesitation_n assent_v to_o such_o principle_n as_o these_o that_o god_n can_v lie_v that_o man_n ought_v to_o observe_v fidelity_n and_o justice_n to_o one_o another_o and_o the_o like_a if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o principle_n that_o need_v no_o prove_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o prove_v any_o thing_n and_o the_o more_o plain_a any_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o the_o less_o need_n there_o be_v to_o examine_v it_o if_o i_o be_o tell_v that_o white_a be_v black_a i_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o disprove_v it_o because_o the_o thing_n be_v evident_o false_a of_o itself_o and_o i_o can_v use_v no_o argument_n that_o can_v make_v the_o matter_n plain_o than_o it_o be_v at_o first_o in_o like_a manner_n if_o any_o man_n pretend_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o vice_n and_o virtue_n but_o in_o name_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v equal_o lawful_a this_o shall_v not_o put_v i_o to_o the_o trouble_n of_o examine_v the_o thing_n because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n any_o man_n be_v to_o be_v excuse_v that_o dismiss_v the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n without_o take_v much_o pain_n about_o it_o because_o upon_o a_o very_a little_a consideration_n there_o appear_v so_o many_o gross_a contradiction_n and_o inconsistency_n in_o it_o that_o i_o can_v have_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n be_v true_a than_o i_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o be_v false_a 3._o some_o thing_n be_v hardly_o worth_a the_o examine_n and_o it_o signify_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o understand_v the_o right_a side_n of_o the_o question_n if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o immaculate_a conception_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v true_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a a_o quarter_n of_o the_o pain_n they_o have_v take_v about_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n true_a that_o a_o infallible_a live_a judge_n be_v necessary_a upon_o earth_n and_o that_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o all_o controversy_n in_o religion_n since_o all_o such_o controversy_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v decide_v some_o of_o they_o be_v of_o so_o little_o concern_v to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n if_o they_o remain_v controversy_n to_o the_o world_n end_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o use_v our_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n in_o all_o those_o case_n wherein_o it_o will_v be_v dangerous_a to_o be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o in_o these_o four_o first_o when_o any_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n will_v gain_v we_o over_o to_o their_o way_n by_o lofty_a and_o extraordinary_a pretence_n second_o when_o doctrine_n be_v propound_v to_o we_o with_o considerable_a authority_n which_o seem_v to_o encourage_v licentiousness_n and_o to_o render_v all_o care_n of_o live_v well_o needless_a three_o when_o we_o be_v tempt_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o establish_a church_n where_o we_o live_v or_o if_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o it_o four_o when_o opinion_n in_o religion_n be_v propound_v to_o we_o by_o those_o that_o will_v get_v we_o to_o yield_v up_o our_o judgement_n whole_o unto_o they_o and_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o keep_v we_o from_o examine_v they_o a_o prudent_a man_n will_v examine_v in_o all_o these_o case_n first_o when_o man_n make_v extraordinary_a pretence_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o which_o i_o have_v already_o show_v with_o reference_n to_o that_o pretence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o infallibility_n and_o the_o like_a be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o work_v miracle_n or_o that_o talk_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n by_o inspiration_n and_o of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a illumination_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o childish_a thing_n to_o be_v fright_v with_o big_a word_n from_o look_v what_o be_v under_o they_o but_o a_o very_a dangerous_a sort_n of_o cowardice_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o call_v those_o thing_n into_o question_n which_o be_v set_v off_o with_o such_o highflown_a pretence_n for_o from_o hence_o it_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n enthusiasm_n and_o imposture_n have_v prevail_v so_o much_o in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o we_o shall_v believe_v man_n the_o more_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n upon_o which_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o less_o that_o be_v for_o magnify_v themselves_o and_o yet_o if_o this_o have_v not_o be_v common_a mahomet_n have_v not_o impose_v upon_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o christendom_n nor_o our_o enthusiast_n upon_o so_o many_o people_n in_o england_n as_o they_o have_v i_o will_v not_o be_v backward_o to_o give_v that_o man_n a_o hear_n that_o
pretend_v to_o great_a thing_n in_o teach_v religion_n but_o then_o i_o shall_v be_v something_o forward_o to_o give_v he_o a_o trial_n too_o for_o otherwise_o i_o may_v encourage_v a_o very_a impudent_a hypocrite_n to_o be_v more_o impudent_a still_o and_o to_o play_v upon_o my_o easiness_n till_o i_o have_v swallow_v all_o the_o foolish_a and_o damnable_a opinion_n which_o he_o will_v have_v i_o believe_v for_o his_o own_o advantage_n second_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o doctrine_n that_o seem_v to_o strike_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o morality_n and_o good_a live_n we_o be_v to_o examine_v they_o too_o before_o we_o yield_v our_o assent_n though_o they_o be_v recommend_v by_o man_n of_o name_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o end_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v a_o good_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v suspect_v that_o to_o be_v false_a doctrine_n which_o in_o my_o judgement_n either_o take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n or_o discourage_v man_n from_o endeavour_v to_o attain_v they_o for_o instance_n i_o find_v this_o doctrine_n maintain_v by_o some_o man_n of_o great_a note_n that_o god_n have_v from_o all_o eternity_n absolute_o choose_v some_o man_n to_o salvation_n and_o reprobate_v the_o rest_n without_o respect_n to_o any_o personal_a qualification_n now_o if_o this_o be_v true_a i_o can_v see_v for_o my_o life_n how_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o avoid_n of_o damnation_n depend_v upon_o any_o care_n of_o i_o or_o upon_o any_o thing_n that_o i_o can_v do_v since_o every_o man_n state_n be_v absolute_o overrule_v by_o predestination_n and_o a_o irreversible_a decree_n so_o that_o let_v i_o do_v what_o i_o please_v all_o that_o i_o can_v do_v for_o another_o world_n will_v be_v but_o lose_v labour_n and_o may_v as_o well_o be_v spare_v but_o if_o i_o be_o sensible_a of_o this_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o i_o shall_v not_o rely_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o author_n or_o of_o the_o preacher_n for_o so_o perilous_a a_o doctrine_n but_o because_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o nine_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n i_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o apostle_n myself_o and_o careful_o inquire_v into_o his_o meaning_n in_o that_o place_n by_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n that_o i_o can_v learn_v and_o whoever_o go_v thus_o impartial_o to_o work_v will_v find_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o place_n be_v discourse_v of_o another_o question_n and_o indeed_o upon_o a_o subject_n that_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o this_o question_n of_o absolute_a election_n or_o reprobation_n of_o the_o person_n of_o man_n and_o that_o though_o the_o word_n sound_v that_o way_n to_o a_o man_n that_o be_v already_o prepossess_v yet_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n suspicion_n of_o doctrine_n when_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o so_o good_a a_o reason_n as_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o shall_v cause_v inquiry_n and_o then_o that_o inquiry_n will_v discover_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v he_o that_o will_v be_v a_o libertine_n and_o live_v as_o he_o list_v may_v be_v please_v when_o he_o meet_v with_o any_o pretend_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n that_o will_v excuse_v a_o wicked_a life_n or_o discourage_v virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o he_o will_v rest_v satisfy_v and_o examine_v no_o far_o but_o a_o honest_a mind_n will_v not_o let_v a_o man_n deceive_v himself_o in_o this_o manner_n but_o if_o it_o do_v not_o cause_v he_o to_o reject_v such_o opinion_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o have_v well_o satisfy_v himself_o of_o their_o consequence_n it_o will_v at_o least_o keep_v he_o from_o admit_v they_o till_o he_o have_v try_v they_o every_o way_n that_o he_o can_v three_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v and_o that_o upon_o much_o consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n before_o we_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n 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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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we_o to_o buy_v the_o truth_n intimate_v thereby_o that_o we_o must_v quit_v all_o our_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n and_o our_o carnal_a interest_n in_o prosecute_a of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n we_o must_v be_v in_o mind_n prepare_v to_o believe_v all_o truth_n by_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n let_v what_o will_v come_v of_o it_o in_o this_o world_n have_v our_o heart_n evermore_o fix_v upon_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o be_v more_o necessary_a for_o the_o best_a knowledge_n than_o vastness_n of_o part_n and_o learning_n where_o the_o mind_n be_v thus_o prepare_v there_o will_v be_v little_a need_n to_o press_v the_o two_o remain_a disposition_n whereof_o the_o former_a be_v 2._o competent_a diligence_n error_n be_v sometime_o make_v to_o look_v so_o like_o the_o truth_n that_o a_o superficial_a examination_n will_v not_o serve_v to_o distinguish_v one_o from_o the_o other_o sometime_o the_o 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of_o this_o several_z have_v miscarry_v in_o their_o first_o entrance_n upon_o this_o work_n and_o the_o error_n of_o man_n of_o name_n and_o authority_n have_v be_v propagate_v it_o will_v also_o be_v very_o happy_a for_o this_o church_n and_o for_o themselves_o too_o if_o the_o dissent_v people_n will_v not_o present_o conclude_v that_o what_o they_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o their_o own_o way_n be_v all_o agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n because_o they_o see_v abundance_n of_o scripture_n in_o they_o but_o will_v use_v some_o diligence_n to_o judge_v whether_o that_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v there_o understand_v it_o be_v doubtless_o with_o design_n to_o catch_v such_o slothful_a people_n that_o the_o catechism_n of_o h._n t._n be_v publish_v in_o our_o language_n wherein_o douai_n he_o pretend_v to_o prove_v all_o the_o lewd_a doctrine_n of_o the_o romish_a religion_n by_o text_n of_o scripture_n but_o if_o any_o man_n will_v take_v the_o 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