to_o those_o that_o be_v abroad_o for_o the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o body_n if_o they_o be_v thorough_o and_o full_o handle_v as_o from_o our_o author_n they_o may_v be_v will_v meet_v direct_o and_o in_o a_o right_a order_n with_o the_o three_o main_a and_o original_a cause_n of_o our_o disorderlinesse_n and_o distract_a condition_n to_o show_v the_o spiritual_a way_n of_o reform_v the_o same_o wherein_o if_o we_o shall_v agree_v to_o walk_v unanimous_o as_o no_o doubt_n we_o will_v we_o may_v undoubted_o also_o believe_v thar_z by_o this_o union_n we_o shall_v to_o all_o our_o adversary_n become_v not_o only_o invincible_a but_o irresistible_a to_o work_v the_o overthrow_n of_o satan_n kingdom_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v also_o concern_v this_o point_n of_o reformation_n which_o be_v to_o be_v advance_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o which_o the_o faithful_a ministry_n of_o this_o land_n be_v bind_v to_o endeavour_v by_o the_o tenor_n of_o their_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n who_o have_v put_v the_o mean_n of_o this_o in_o our_o hand_n to_o be_v effect_v and_o now_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o the_o last_o thing_n which_o i_o mention_v whereunto_o we_o be_v engage_v and_o whereunto_o this_o body_n of_o divinity_n will_v be_v effectual_a be_v to_o concur_v with_o foreign_a protestant_n in_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o assist_v they_o against_o the_o common_a enemy_n thereof_o this_o concurrence_n and_o assistance_n be_v a_o engagement_n that_o do_v lie_v close_o to_o we_o than_o i_o find_v it_o apprehend_v by_o many_o therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v unto_o those_o that_o be_v conscionable_a in_o matter_n of_o public_a concernment_n not_o so_o much_o what_o help_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o cause_n by_o this_o mean_n for_o that_o may_v be_v clear_o see_v by_o what_o be_v say_v already_o but_o what_o the_o obligation_n be_v which_o shall_v make_v we_o concur_v with_o foreign_a protestant_n to_o uphold_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o cause_n as_o con_v cern_v the_o assistance_n which_o this_o work_n will_v yield_v unto_o the_o cause_n if_o we_o will_v add_v any_o thing_n to_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v already_o concern_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o profession_n which_o it_o will_v help_v to_o uphold_v and_o concern_v the_o reformation_n of_o disorder_n which_o it_o will_v help_v to_o take_v away_o we_o may_v consider_v two_o thing_n first_o what_o proper_o the_o common_a cause_n be_v second_o what_o it_o be_v that_o weaken_v our_o hand_n in_o prosecute_a of_o it_o if_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o protestant_n be_v make_v any_o thing_n else_o then_o the_o propagate_a of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v attest_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o kingdom_n and_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n may_v take_v place_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o man_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n it_o be_v foul_o mistake_v for_o all_o that_o we_o have_v protest_v for_o in_o former_a time_n against_o popery_n be_v this_o that_o we_o will_v not_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o dictate_v of_o other_o man_n to_o believe_v and_o practice_v upon_o implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n what_o they_o prescribe_v to_o we_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o that_o in_o such_o matter_n we_o will_v know_o rely_v only_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v thereof_o and_o as_o we_o be_v bind_v still_o to_o continue_v this_o profession_n against_o popery_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n so_o in_o these_o distract_a time_n especial_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o add_v a_o further_a protestation_n to_o clear_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o profession_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n which_o be_v this_o that_o as_o we_o think_v it_o not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o give_v up_o our_o faith_n to_o other_o man_n so_o we_o conceive_v it_o neither_o acceptable_a to_o god_n nor_o safe_a for_o we_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o own_o imagination_n alone_o to_o believe_v and_o practise_v singular_o and_o by_o ourselves_o whatever_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v in_o our_o own_o private_a conceit_n fancy_n to_o be_v right_a but_o that_o we_o will_v rational_o entertain_v and_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o understanding_n and_o practise_v of_o all_o religious_a truth_n offer_v and_o duty_n prescribe_v unto_o we_o therein_o that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o we_o will_v not_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n in_o matter_n of_o outward_a duty_n and_o performance_n contrary_a to_o the_o common_a ground_n of_o reason_n and_o righteous_a order_n among_o man_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o inward_a relation_n towards_o god_n that_o we_o will_v be_v wise_a unto_o sobriety_n conceive_v that_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v most_o answerable_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o age_n and_o to_o the_o spiritual_a state_n of_o holy_a communion_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v settle_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n between_o god_n and_o all_o his_o member_n the_o common_a cause_n of_o protestant_n have_v these_o four_o main_a interest_n in_o christianity_n by_o which_o it_o uphold_v the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o thereby_o be_v distinguishable_a from_o all_o other_o profession_n the_o first_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o scripture_n knowledge_n the_o second_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o three_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o orderly_a walk_n in_o all_o god_n ordinance_n natural_a and_o spiritual_a the_o four_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o reference_n to_o mutual_a edification_n in_o these_o forename_a matter_n these_o interest_n be_v all_o join_v and_o profess_o follow_v that_o be_v open_o own_v without_o offence_n as_o it_o become_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n make_v up_o the_o true_a protestant_a cause_n that_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o if_o any_o one_o of_o these_o be_v not_o follow_v the_o cause_n be_v so_o far_o desert_v as_o it_o be_v neglect_v by_o scripture_n knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a rule_n and_o seed_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n protestant_n be_v beget_v and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o papist_n by_o the_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o heart_n and_o soul_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n protestant_n do_v grow_v up_o in_o christ_n who_o be_v their_o head_n till_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o socinian_o and_o all_o such_o as_o turn_v christianity_n into_o a_o moral_a profession_n of_o a_o new_a kind_n of_o philosophy_n which_o be_v refine_v and_o entertain_v upon_o reveal_v principle_n but_o in_o effect_n nothing_o beside_o or_o above_o humane_a reason_v by_o the_o orderly_o walk_v in_o all_o god_n ordinance_n which_o be_v the_o visible_a body_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n protestant_n stand_n firm_a in_o the_o truth_n to_o bear_v witness_n thereof_o unto_o the_o world_n and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o libertine_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o spiritual_a as_o to_o be_v above_o all_o ordinance_n and_o by_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n which_o be_v the_o activity_n of_o this_o visible_a body_n protestant_n be_v strengthen_v in_o their_o growth_n and_o testimony_n make_v invincible_a against_o their_o adversary_n make_v helpful_a to_o each_o other_o and_o the_o cause_n and_o distinguish_v from_o all_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o singularity_n of_o saintship_n in_o their_o several_a way_n by_o themselves_o alone_o with_o the_o condemnation_n of_o such_o as_o go_v not_o along_o with_o they_o these_o be_v the_o true_a interest_n of_o this_o cause_n as_o it_o be_v subordinate_a unto_o christianity_n and_o christianity_n be_v take_v up_o upon_o none_o other_o ground_n but_o as_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o maintain_v to_o any_o other_o end_n but_o to_o manifest_v the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o kingdom_n unto_o the_o world_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o whole_a observation_n of_o outward_a ordinance_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o mutual_a communion_n which_o be_v the_o two_o latter_a interest_n of_o the_o cause_n must_v rise_v from_o the_o first_o and_o rest_n in_o the_o second_o of_o those_o which_o be_v the_o former_a and_o whatsoever_o design_n practice_n negotiation_n and_o undertake_n be_v say_v to_o be_v for_o christianity_n or_o the_o protestant_a religion_n which_o be_v all_o one_o and_o do_v not_o attend_v to_o advance_v direct_o either_o scripture_n knowledge_n or_o the_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o walk_n under_o ordinance_n or_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n or_o do_v tend_v seem_o
practice_v that_o which_o they_o teach_v but_o by_o their_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n they_o do_v dishonour_n god_n rom._n 2._o 21_o 22_o 23._o and_o the_o gentile_n to_o who_o together_o with_o the_o jew_n the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v and_o be_v reveal_v shall_v be_v condemn_v because_o they_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n joh._n 3._o 19_o and_o he_o that_o may_v know_v all_o mystery_n may_v yet_o want_v charity_n and_o be_v nothing_o as_o to_o the_o happiness_n and_o life_n of_o god_n but_o although_o all_o this_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n may_v be_v void_a of_o the_o practice_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o come_v short_a of_o happiness_n yet_o it_o may_v also_o through_o the_o practice_n of_o truth_n become_v effectual_a unto_o happiness_n if_o god_n make_v it_o fruitful_a which_o he_o do_v according_a to_o his_o own_o pleasure_n in_o give_v save_a faith_n whereby_o the_o heart_n be_v purify_v that_o it_o may_v become_v obedient_a to_o all_o his_o will_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o soul_n partake_v of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o become_v true_o happy_a this_o knowledge_n than_o do_v not_o otherwise_o make_v we_o happy_a but_o as_o it_o bring_v we_o unto_o this_o estate_n as_o for_o the_o other_o knowledge_n of_o god_n truth_n which_o follow_v upon_o our_o union_n with_o he_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o truth_n which_o it_o have_v receive_v unto_o life_n and_o a_o enlargement_n thereof_o by_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o his_o power_n for_o christ_n do_v give_v we_o two_o promise_n to_o that_o effect_n the_o first_o be_v that_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o obedience_n we_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o clear_n of_o doubt_n concern_v intellectual_a matter_n for_o joh_n 7_o v._o 17._o he_o say_v if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o and_o the_o second_o be_v that_o upon_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n both_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n will_v manifest_v unto_o the_o soul_n which_o love_v they_o their_o presence_n in_o love_n for_o christ_n say_v joh._n 14._o 21_o 23._o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o manifest_v my_o love_n unto_o he_o and_o if_o any_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o here_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n presence_n which_o be_v both_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o life_n unto_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o consequent_a of_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o that_o of_o st_n john_n 1_o epist_n chap._n 5._o 20._o and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a and_o we_o be_v in_o he_o that_o be_v true_a even_o in_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o eternal_a life_n this_o be_v a_o reflexive_a knowledge_n from_o god_n upon_o ourselves_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o as_o our_o happiness_n and_o so_o be_v that_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 14._o we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n so_o then_o we_o see_v that_o all_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v the_o object_n of_o contemplation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o preparative_a to_o or_o a_o consequent_a of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o action_n the_o practical_a truth_n than_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n to_o be_v heed_v for_o to_o it_o the_o theoretical_a be_v either_o subservient_fw-fr and_o subordinate_a or_o a_o necessary_a and_o infallible_a effect_n the_o apostle_n make_v this_o evident_a by_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o ministry_n which_o tit._n 1._o 1._o he_o say_v be_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v after_o godliness_n intimate_v clear_o that_o as_o his_o apostle-ship_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o beget_v faith_n in_o the_o elect_n by_o their_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n so_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n be_v appoint_v to_o beget_v the_o life_n of_o godliness_n in_o believer_n therefore_o as_o the_o end_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o apostleship_n be_v the_o beget_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n nor_o be_v he_o warrant_v to_o teach_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o that_o end_n and_o effect_v so_o the_o end_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o true_a knowledge_n be_v the_o life_n of_o godliness_n nor_o be_v any_o knowledge_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n warrantable_a or_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v account_v a_o truth_n which_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o this_o end_n and_o effect_n godliness_n therefore_o which_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o intellectual_a truth_n for_o whatsoever_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o proportionate_a subordinate_a and_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o production_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o divine_a truth_n for_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n be_v in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o none_o other_o truth_n but_o of_o that_o which_o be_v after_o godliness_n from_o all_o which_o we_o shall_v infer_v this_o conclusion_n that_o the_o study_n of_o practical_a divinity_n be_v of_o far_o great_a concernment_n unto_o all_o and_o far_o more_o to_o be_v heed_v esteem_v and_o entertain_v in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n then_o the_o study_n of_o contemplative_a mystery_n and_o notion_n of_o divinity_n whereupon_o controversal_a matter_n be_v ordinary_o attendant_n and_o see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o body_n and_o systeme_n of_o theoretical_a and_o controversal_a matter_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o easy_a task_n to_o any_o man_n to_o reckon_v they_o all_o up_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o complete_a body_n or_o systeme_n of_o practical_a divinity_n find_v in_o all_o the_o church_n whereunto_o we_o see_v nevertheless_o that_o all_o theoretical_a truth_n ought_v to_o be_v refer_v &_o direct_v as_o to_o their_o end_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o therein_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a defect_n and_o that_o much_o be_v want_v hereby_o to_o the_o increase_n of_o public_a edification_n to_o the_o supply_n of_o spiritual_a consolation_n and_o to_o the_o settlement_n of_o a_o sound_a reformation_n in_o all_o the_o church_n which_o may_v be_v remedy_v by_o a_o body_n of_o this_o nature_n now_o by_o this_o which_o we_o call_v a_o body_n of_o divinity_n be_v mean_v a_o full_a collection_n and_o a_o orderly_a disposition_n of_o all_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v after_o godliness_n under_o several_a distinct_a head_n and_o matter_n to_o the_o end_n that_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_o instruct_v and_o thorough_o furnish_v with_o sufficient_a help_n and_o direction_n which_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n may_v not_o only_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n but_o able_a also_o to_o work_v all_o his_o work_n in_o god_n and_o concern_v this_o body_n see_v i_o be_o entrust_v and_o conscionable_o oblige_v as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n to_o solicit_v the_o same_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v able_a to_o contribute_v their_o talent_n to_o make_v it_o up_o i_o conceive_v it_o may_v be_v a_o advantage_n to_o the_o work_n to_o offer_v up_o the_o part_n thereof_o unto_o their_o consideration_n that_o the_o number_n of_o task_n be_v distinguish_v and_o know_v such_o as_o god_n shall_v enable_v and_o stir_v up_o to_o manifest_v his_o truth_n and_o to_o join_v with_o other_o in_o complete_n this_o work_n may_v know_v what_o task_n to_o choose_v and_o how_o to_o concur_v with_o each_o other_o in_o elaborate_n the_o same_o i_o shall_v therefore_o with_o due_a respect_n unto_o better_a judgement_n offer_v these_o follow_a thought_n unto_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v undertaker_n in_o this_o work_n first_o i_o lay_v this_o fundamental_a rule_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o of_o every_o part_n of_o the_o work_n viz._n that_o the_o number_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o part_n of_o this_o body_n shall_v be_v make_v suitable_a and_o proportionate_a to_o the_o end_n thereof_o that_o as_o nothing_o shall_v be_v
to_o advance_v any_o one_o of_o these_o without_o a_o reference_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n they_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v false_a deceitful_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o cause_n and_o truth_n of_o christianity_n therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o acknowledge_v none_o to_o be_v a_o servant_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v a_o true_a protestant_n but_o he_o who_o walk_v by_o this_o rule_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o upon_o such_o be_v peace_n and_o upon_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n as_o for_o i_o i_o shall_v by_o god_n grace_n never_o entertain_v any_o design_n and_o practice_n or_o favour_v any_o motion_n and_o pretence_n which_o be_v undertake_v and_o prosecute_v with_o subtlety_n or_o with_o a_o strong_a hand_n against_o the_o person_n of_o a_o party_n disagree_v from_o judgement_n upon_o this_o ground_n because_o they_o favour_v not_o my_o way_n but_o i_o shall_v make_v the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o forename_a interest_n as_o by_o spiritual_a mean_n and_o way_n they_o be_v approvable_a to_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o rational_a man_n the_o open_a and_o only_o rule_v of_o my_o walk_n in_o this_o cause_n and_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v find_v i_o stray_v from_o this_o path_n and_o show_v i_o that_o i_o be_o not_o in_o it_o he_o will_v oblige_v i_o to_o thank_v he_o for_o convert_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n hitherto_o i_o have_v give_v you_o my_o sense_n of_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o protestant_n now_o i_o shall_v add_v a_o word_n or_o two_o concern_v that_o which_o i_o suppose_v do_v weaken_v our_o hand_n in_o prosecute_a of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v partly_o a_o ordinary_a mistake_n partly_o a_o universal_a neglect_n of_o duty_n in_o the_o actor_n for_o it_o the_o mistake_n be_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o most_o meaning_n well_o to_o the_o protestant_a cause_n as_o they_o do_v understand_v it_o act_n all_o rather_o against_o the_o adversary_n thereof_o then_o for_o the_o cause_n itself_o second_o that_o when_o they_o act_v so_o they_o take_v up_o no_o rule_n of_o reason_n and_o moderation_n in_o deal_v with_o adversary_n for_o their_o good_a or_o upon_o ground_n of_o justice_n but_o give_v way_n to_o passion_n and_o hatred_n and_o all_o that_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v hurtful_a to_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v advantageous_a to_o themselves_o both_o which_o be_v course_n altogether_o preposterous_a unto_o christianity_n for_o the_o true_a way_n of_o advance_v christianity_n be_v not_o destructive_a but_o edificative_a that_o be_v do_v not_o intend_v to_o overthrow_v and_o build_v at_o leisure_n afterward_o as_o the_o method_n of_o some_o be_v but_o it_o do_v intend_v to_o build_v first_fw-mi christ_n kingdom_n that_o thereby_o it_o may_v overthrow_v the_o frame_n of_o satan_n policy_n for_o it_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o truth_n that_o by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o light_n it_o may_v dispel_v error_n and_o darkness_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v than_o it_o proceed_v to_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o way_n of_o unrighteousness_n first_o it_o bring_v our_o thought_n unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n that_o then_o every_o strong_a hold_n of_o satan_n and_o every_o imagination_n and_o high_a thing_n which_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n may_v be_v cast_v down_o for_o except_o we_o bring_v christ_n with_o we_o and_o set_v he_o a_o work_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n that_o be_v in_o the_o snare_n of_o satan_n and_o lead_v captive_a at_o his_o pleasure_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o bind_v the_o strong_a man_n that_o have_v possession_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o far_o less_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o spoil_v he_o of_o his_o good_n which_o be_v the_o lust_n and_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o flesh_n whereby_o he_o do_v act_n self_n will_v in_o they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o way_n then_o of_o christianity_n be_v more_o direct_o positive_a then_o negative_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o mistake_n to_o think_v that_o the_o refute_v and_o oppose_v of_o adversary_n be_v the_o main_a business_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v prosecute_v in_o these_o time_n but_o a_o far_o great_a mistake_v it_o be_v to_o think_v that_o by_o make_v the_o way_n of_o our_o adversary_n odious_a or_o by_o vex_v their_o person_n and_o prejudging_a they_o any_o way_n by_o hook_n or_o crook_n as_o we_o use_v to_o say_v in_o the_o freedom_n and_o conveniency_n of_o profess_v their_o tenet_n we_o shall_v profit_v our_o cause_n or_o gain_n much_o upon_o or_o against_o they_o no_o sure_o for_o this_o be_v a_o far_o great_a mistake_v then_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a practice_n which_o be_v most_o common_o follow_v by_o those_o who_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o cause_n but_o this_o way_n can_v porsible_o prove_v successful_a because_o it_o do_v quite_o mistake_v the_o interest_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o walk_v orderly_o before_o god_n and_o man_n and_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n which_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n owe_v to_o each_o other_o and_o if_o we_o aim_v not_o at_o this_o even_a towards_o our_o adversary_n to_o bring_v they_o hereunto_o we_o deal_v not_o with_o they_o as_o christian_n ought_v to_o do_v but_o forsake_v our_o profession_n now_o it_o be_v neither_o the_o convince_a they_o of_o their_o particular_a error_n without_o further_a instruction_n nor_o the_o lay_v open_a of_o their_o shame_n nor_o the_o vex_v of_o their_o spirit_n by_o trouble_v their_o person_n or_o stop_v their_o profession_n that_o will_v bring_v they_o to_o any_o of_o these_o holy_a duty_n which_o uphold_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n but_o this_o way_n of_o deal_n will_v rather_o set_v they_o further_o off_o in_o their_o affection_n both_o from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o from_o we_o so_o that_o when_o we_o shall_v offer_v they_o mean_v tend_v direct_o to_o that_o which_o be_v true_o their_o way_n to_o life_n they_o will_v reject_v the_o same_o only_o because_o they_o come_v from_o that_o hand_n which_o have_v make_v itself_o utter_o hateful_a unto_o they_o these_o mistake_v weaken_v the_o cause_n great_o but_o the_o universal_a neglect_n which_o be_v in_o two_o main_a thing_n do_v it_o far_o more_o the_o first_o be_v the_o neglect_n of_o duty_n in_o use_v spiritual_a mean_n and_o in_o a_o spiritual_a way_n towards_o dissenter_n the_o second_o be_v the_o neglect_n of_o brotherly_a communion_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o last_o point_n of_o the_o main_a interest_n of_o the_o cause_n the_o first_o neglect_n which_o be_v of_o the_o mean_n suitable_a to_o the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o cause_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o forename_a mistake_n which_o indeed_o make_v some_o professor_n manage_v protestancy_n as_o a_o state_n religion_n rather_o than_o a_o true_a profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o they_o take_v their_o strength_n chief_o against_o dissenter_n from_o state-authority_n and_o practice_n subordinate_a thereunto_o in_o a_o worldly_a way_n of_o policy_n rather_o than_o from_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o because_o many_o of_o the_o active_a man_n who_o have_v part_n and_o so_o love_v to_o appear_v in_o the_o front_n and_o to_o take_v matter_n upon_o they_o have_v be_v bias_v this_o way_n some_o for_o one_o some_o for_o another_o interest_n of_o state_n make_v themselves_o and_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n subservient_fw-fr thereunto_o therefore_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o befool_v they_o in_o their_o counsel_n and_o to_o suffer_v statan_n to_o set_v instrument_n a-work_o who_o have_v out_o act_v they_o in_o all_o these_o way_n but_o if_o they_o have_v walk_v by_o faith_n in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n within_o their_o own_o sphere_n &_o not_o according_a to_o worldly_a wisdom_n if_o they_o have_v in_o a_o cause_n of_o christianity_n make_v use_v of_o none_o other_o mean_v but_o of_o those_o which_o christ_n have_v use_v and_o sanctify_v unto_o they_o and_o in_o that_o way_n by_o which_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n have_v show_v we_o they_o shall_v be_v use_v they_o shall_v not_o have_v miscarry_v as_o they_o have_v do_v by_o trust_v to_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n nor_o can_v satan_n either_o have_v overreach_v they_o in_o their_o counsel_n or_o stop_v they_o in_o their_o proceed_n which_v now_o he_o have_v be_v able_a to_o do_v because_o he_o be_v of_o old_a master_n of_o the_o trade_n of_o policy_n and_o power_n which_o they_o of_o late_a as_o young_a prentice_n be_v beginning_n to_o take_v up_o and_o this_o
be_v so_o undeniable_o evident_a to_o any_o that_o will_v trace_v public_a proceed_n in_o some_o actor_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n that_o i_o be_o for_o my_o brethren_n sake_n ashamed_a to_o speak_v of_o it_o any_o more_o and_o shall_v therefore_o turn_v my_o back_n upon_o particular_n to_o cover_v they_o with_o silence_n as_o my_o father_n nakedness_n nor_o shall_v i_o mention_v any_o more_o of_o this_o neglect_n in_o the_o general_n lest_o i_o shall_v seem_v either_o to_o reproach_v those_o with_o their_o fail_n who_o by_o admonition_n may_v be_v reclaim_v from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n or_o to_o furnish_v the_o adversary_n with_o matter_n of_o contempt_n against_o the_o cause_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o frailty_n who_o manage_n the_o same_o the_o other_o neglect_n which_o be_v of_o brotherly_a communion_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n both_o among_o ourselves_o at_o home_n and_o towards_o the_o church_n abroad_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o obstruction_n to_o the_o way_n of_o gospel-edification_n for_o if_o brotherly_a communion_n be_v not_o neglect_v all_o the_o former_a mistake_n and_o neglect_n may_v be_v remedy_v by_o common_a advice_n but_o because_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o lay_v to_o heart_n no_o remedy_n can_v either_o be_v apply_v or_o be_v offer_v become_v effectual_a for_o now_o although_o some_o can_v discern_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o misery_n and_o know_v where_o the_o remedy_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o how_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o yet_o because_o our_o spiritual_a gift_n be_v like_o dead_a man_n bone_n scatter_v at_o the_o grave_n mouth_n disjointed_a wither_a bury_v within_o every_o man_n particular_a breast_n without_o life_n and_o without_o coherence_n for_o the_o action_n of_o life_n therefore_o we_o be_v unserviceable_a one_o to_o another_o nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o common_a cure_n apply_v to_o common_a disease_n for_o as_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n can_v otherwise_o be_v edisied_a then_o by_o itself_o through_o love_n when_o every_o joint_n suppli_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n that_o which_o make_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o body_n so_o the_o evil_n and_o distemper_n of_o the_o part_n which_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o whole_a can_v otherwise_o be_v take_v away_o but_o by_o the_o spiritual_a communion_n of_o gift_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o grace_n from_o one_o member_n to_o another_o for_o which_o cause_n i_o have_v make_v it_o my_o work_n for_o these_o many_o year_n to_o solicit_v the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o continue_v still_o in_o so_o do_v where_o ever_o i_o can_v get_v any_o opportunity_n to_o represent_v the_o necessity_n thereof_o and_o although_o my_o earnest_n and_o constant_a solicitation_n have_v not_o be_v so_o effectual_a as_o i_o can_v wish_v yet_o i_o must_v bless_v god_n that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v altogether_o without_o effect_n for_o although_o there_o be_v not_o much_o appear_v outward_o yet_o some_o ground_n be_v lay_v which_o i_o be_o confident_a the_o gate_n of_o hell_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o shake_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o most_o man_n be_v yet_o full_a of_o their_o own_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o consider_v not_o what_o be_v suggest_v or_o may_v be_v suggest_v by_o other_o most_o man_n be_v full_a of_o their_o own_o strength_n and_o many_o of_o those_o that_o preach_v self-denial_n unto_o other_o practice_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n lest_o of_o it_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o they_o look_v not_o out_o for_o mutual_a supply_n of_o strength_n from_o the_o brotherly_a communion_n of_o grace_n but_o all_o man_n almost_o do_v please_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o way_n so_o that_o they_o regard_v no_o man_n furtherthen_n he_o do_v come_v up_o and_o follow_v the_o way_n of_o their_o particular_a choose_n because_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n and_o practice_n that_o be_v free_a from_o all_o we_o shall_v become_v servant_n unto_o all_o 1_o cor._n 9_o 19_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_v not_o at_o all_o regard_v i_o say_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o yet_o thing_n be_v so_o but_o when_o he_o who_o be_v now_o in_o action_n shall_v have_v accomplish_v to_o scatter_v the_o holy_a people_n dan._n 12._o 17._o so_o that_o none_o of_o that_o strength_n which_o worldly-wise_a man_n have_v hitherto_o put_v their_o confidence_n in_o shall_v be_v either_o shut_v up_o or_o leave_v any_o more_o with_o they_o deut._n 32._o 36._o then_o their_o care_n will_v be_v open_v to_o believe_v these_o suggestion_n and_o acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o christ_n be_v their_o rock_n so_o far_o as_o they_o depend_v upon_o he_o and_o act_v joint_o in_o his_o way_n and_o no_o further_o and_o if_o once_o this_o principle_n be_v entertain_v and_o make_v a_o maxim_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o every_o thing_n they_o will_v find_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v sudden_o appear_v as_o judge_n for_o his_o people_n and_o speedy_o repent_v he_o for_o his_o servant_n but_o till_o we_o leave_v all_o the_o confidence_n which_o by_o our_o own_o device_n we_o have_v choose_v to_o ourselves_o and_o till_o we_o have_v free_v our_o spirit_n from_o the_o delusion_n and_o the_o jealousy_n which_o we_o have_v frame_v unto_o ourselves_o to_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n alone_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o make_v he_o our_o confidence_n and_o our_o fear_n by_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n we_o can_v look_v for_o any_o prosperity_n or_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v appear_v among_o we_o now_o his_o way_n be_v the_o way_n of_o brotherly_a and_o holy_a communion_n to_o maintain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n the_o life_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n and_o whatsoever_o counsel_n we_o follow_v or_o course_n we_o take_v which_o do_v not_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o one_o end_v in_o this_o way_n will_v never_o bring_v any_o comfort_n with_o it_o and_o i_o may_v free_o say_v because_o this_o counsel_n and_o course_n have_v not_o only_o be_v neglect_v by_o all_o but_o flight_v and_o despise_v by_o some_o therefore_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o appear_v among_o we_o thus_o we_o have_v see_v what_o proper_o the_o proâ—â—stant_n cause_n be_v and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o weaken_v our_o hand_n in_o prosecute_a the_o same_o now_o if_o we_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o body_n of_o practical_a divinity_n which_o have_v be_v delineate_v to_o consider_v what_o assistance_n and_o help_n we_o may_v give_v thereby_o unto_o the_o protestant_a cause_n in_o case_n we_o shall_v desire_v to_o concur_v with_o the_o foreign_a church_n of_o christ_n therein_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o shall_v prove_v one_o of_o the_o most_o profitable_a instrument_n that_o can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o maintain_v all_o the_o part_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o that_o hardly_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v set_v on_o foot_n that_o will_v be_v more_o serviceable_a both_o to_o certify_v the_o mistake_n which_o make_v we_o miscarry_v in_o our_o undertake_n for_o christianity_n and_o to_o set_v we_o upon_o the_o duty_n without_o which_o the_o way_n of_o our_o profession_n can_v successful_o be_v prosecute_v for_o if_o you_o reflect_v upon_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o take_v notice_n what_o fitness_n this_o engine_n will_v have_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o you_o shall_v perceive_v that_o both_o by_o the_o property_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n thereof_o and_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o whole_a to_o the_o use_n of_o holy_a communion_n it_o will_v be_v most_o advantageous_a to_o uphold_v the_o profession_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o first_o the_o matter_n thereof_o will_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o complete_a and_o full_a substance_n of_o all_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v substantial_a unto_o christianity_n as_o be_v necessary_a and_o useful_a to_o advance_v scripture_n knowledge_n to_o hold_v forth_o the_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o direct_v all_o man_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o divine_a ordinance_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o several_a vocation_n to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n to_o be_v intend_v in_o our_o profession_n if_o we_o do_v mind_n christanity_n for_o itself_o second_o the_o form_n of_o this_o enginâ—â—â—y_v be_v make_v such_o a_o disposition_n of_o those_o doctrine_n as_o will_v show_v forth_o the_o true_a 〈◊〉_d of_o handle_v scriptural_a truth_n positive_o which_o be_v to_o infer_v from_o know_v and_o undoubted_a principle_n by_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o matter_n know_v to_o the_o conscience_n clear_a and_o undeniable_o conclusion_n