they_o ought_v to_o ascend_v up_o thither_o for_o establish_v of_o any_o doctrine_n which_o must_v have_v power_n and_o authority_n among_o christian_n and_o yet_o have_v we_o depart_v insensible_o from_o this_o principle_n we_o have_v quit_v this_o save_a tenet_n by_o attribute_v to_o man_n that_o which_o be_v not_o due_a but_o to_o god_n alone_o we_o have_v make_v such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v mere_o humane_a to_o pass_v crowd_v among_o those_o which_o be_v hand_v down_o to_o we_o from_o god_n just_o as_o they_o put_v off_o false_a money_n by_o make_v it_o glister_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v and_o then_o mix_v it_o among_o such_o as_o be_v currant_n coin_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v suspect_v this_o be_v it_o that_o have_v give_v scope_n to_o contention_n and_o afterward_o be_v the_o grand_a cause_n of_o division_n some_o have_v be_v of_o opinion_n that_o whatsoever_o specious_a pretence_n and_o whatsoever_o plausible_a name_n have_v be_v give_v to_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o 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likewise_o whatsoever_o corrective_a may_v be_v bring_v for_o the_o take_v away_o from_o the_o antimony_n its_o malignant_a quality_n there_o shall_v nevertheless_o break_v forth_o some_o ill_a effect_n of_o it_o so_o this_o doctrine_n be_v once_o settle_v that_o man_n must_v be_v consult_v and_o follow_v concern_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n we_o do_v give_v they_o by_o little_a and_o little_a a_o authority_n which_o appertain_v only_o to_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o the_o consequence_n of_o which_o be_v that_o we_o become_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o acquiesce_v blind_o on_o whatsoever_o the_o caprichio_n of_o man_n can_v invent_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n every_o one_o believe_v himself_o to_o have_v as_o much_o right_n herein_o as_o his_o companion_n every_o one_o endeavour_n to_o make_v his_o particular_a opinion_n pass_v for_o essential_a truth_n every_o one_o condemn_v as_o heretic_n and_o as_o people_n out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n all_o those_o who_o do_v not_o submit_v themselves_o absolute_o to_o their_o rule_n in_o brief_a every_o one_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a church_n but_o that_o which_o receive_v the_o opinion_n which_o he_o have_v promote_v to_o who_o alone_o belong_v the_o right_a of_o govern_v all_o that_o which_o concern_v religion_n and_o although_o many_o make_v a_o difficulty_n of_o attribute_v infallibility_n to_o the_o church_n nevertheless_o they_o hold_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o these_o decision_n at_o least_o if_o they_o themselves_o can_v pass_v for_o decider_n all_o which_o have_v much_o contribute_v to_o the_o form_n of_o division_n and_o to_o the_o foment_v it_o after_o it_o be_v kindle_v chap._n iu._n that_o the_o dislike_n which_o have_v be_v have_v at_o the_o simplicity_n of_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v a_o occasion_n that_o man_n have_v give_v it_o a_o different_a aspect_n from_o that_o which_o it_o have_v in_o its_o beginning_n i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o 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will_v do_v therein_o according_a to_o their_o prejudicate_a opinion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v possess_v with_o former_o admit_v whence_o be_v it_o therefore_o that_o we_o shall_v take_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o distinction_n but_o from_o the_o moush_n of_o god_n himself_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n true_a it_o be_v we_o find_v not_o any_o passage_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o declare_v in_o formal_a term_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n tell_v we_o we_o may_v establish_v this_o distinction_n by_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n for_o if_o all_o christian_n receive_v as_o unquestionable_a truth_n all_o that_o which_o have_v be_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o unpardonable_a crime_n but_o to_o call_v in_o doubt_n any_o of_o these_o sacred_a oracle_n see_v it_o will_v be_v to_o suspect_v he_o of_o falsehood_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o they_o must_v by_o consequence_n own_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v clear_o propose_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v also_o receive_v by_o a_o general_a consent_n be_v a_o fundamental_a point_n of_o christianity_n they_o must_v acquiesce_v in_o this_o doctrine_n as_o be_v immediate_o issue_v out_o from_o god_n or_o else_o utter_o renounce_v christianity_n whereas_o if_o there_o be_v doctrine_n which_o have_v not_o be_v so_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o they_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o doctor_n to_o interpose_v their_o judgement_n and_o give_v place_n to_o different_a sense_n we_o have_v likewise_o the_o liberty_n of_o examine_v these_o divers_a opinion_n we_o may_v compare_v they_o together_o to_o retain_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v judge_v most_o conformable_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n we_o may_v search_v out_o that_o which_o shall_v agree_v best_a with_o the_o fundamental_a point_n which_o give_v most_o 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the_o end_n we_o may_v clear_v this_o matter_n by_o example_n which_o may_v make_v it_o both_o know_v and_o understand_v by_o every_o one_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o be_v fundamental_a doctrine_n in_o christianity_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n that_o he_o have_v send_v his_o only_a son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o may_v have_v eternal_a life_n that_o jesus_n christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o arise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o his_o glory_n to_o judge_v both_o the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a and_o such_o other_o truth_n as_o all_o christian_n admit_v of_o as_o be_v most_o distinct_o and_o plain_o teach_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o as_o for_o those_o doctrine_n which_o determine_v the_o order_n of_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n that_o tell_v we_o punctual_o what_o be_v the_o object_n of_o predestination_n that_o expound_v how_o the_o two_o nature_n be_v unite_v in_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o comprehend_v and_o fathom_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n that_o pretend_v to_o discover_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n operate_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n i_o maintain_v that_o although_o the_o learned_a man_n shall_v say_v never_o so_o many_o excellent_a thing_n concern_v these_o matter_n and_o what_o they_o say_v may_v be_v approve_v as_o be_v judge_v reasonable_a they_o must_v not_o nevertheless_o be_v make_v to_o pass_v as_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o god_n word_n they_o ought_v indeed_o to_o be_v receive_v but_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v all_o ready_a to_o quit_v and_o renounce_v they_o in_o case_n any_o one_o shall_v make_v we_o see_v some_o error_n therein_o otherwise_o it_o be_v but_o to_o make_v way_n for_o division_n since_o every_o doctor_n will_v make_v his_o particular_a opinion_n to_o pass_v for_o so_o many_o fundamental_a truth_n and_o will_v reject_v all_o other_o as_o error_n which_o utter_o overthrow_v salvation_n the_o adverse_a party_n will_v not_o be_v less_o zealous_a in_o maintain_v their_o contrary_a opinion_n which_o will_v be_v follow_v by_o a_o lamentable_a separation_n and_o division_n here_o it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v value_v the_o precept_n of_o saint_n paul_n 1_o thes_n 5._o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_n here_o it_o be_v also_o that_o the_o say_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n may_v take_v place_n 1_o cor._n 3._o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sole_a foundation_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n that_o man_n may_v build_v upon_o it_o gold_n silver_n precious_a stone_n wood_n hay_o or_o stubble_n but_o that_o every_o man_n work_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a for_o it_o shall_v be_v try_v by_o fire_n which_o will_v consume_v the_o evil_a work_n although_o the_o worker_n may_v be_v preserve_v let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n hear_v what_o the_o excellent_a author_n of_o that_o treatise_n of_o the_o imitation_n of_o christ_n say_v what_o will_v it_o avail_v thou_o though_o thou_o can_v dispute_v concern_v the_o depth_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n if_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n thou_o shall_v be_v destitute_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o humility_n which_o may_v make_v thou_o acceptable_a to_o the_o trinity_n the_o profound_a discourse_n of_o divine_n make_v not_o a_o man_n more_o holy_a and_o more_o just_a i_o have_v rather_o feel_v the_o true_a effect_n of_o repentance_n than_o know_v how_o to_o give_v a_o definition_n of_o it_o this_o distinction_n be_v settle_v the_o ready_a way_n will_v be_v open_a to_o we_o by_o which_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a reunion_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o one_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o suppose_v that_o we_o must_v have_v a_o strong_a faith_n have_v suppress_v all_o particular_a interest_n which_o have_v no_o regard_n but_o to_o temporal_a thing_n that_o we_o must_v for_o some_o time_n have_v cast_v away_o all_o those_o prejudicate_a opinion_n which_o be_v so_o many_o bar_n and_o hindrance_n of_o agreement_n after_o this_o i_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v adhere_v without_o vary_v to_o the_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n which_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n that_o according_a to_o this_o word_n we_o bear_v one_o with_o the_o other_o in_o the_o divers_a practice_n of_o its_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o in_o the_o different_a use_n of_o its_o ceremony_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o look_v upon_o these_o outward_a thing_n but_o as_o accidental_n to_o religion_n and_o which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v establish_v but_o according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n i_o next_o require_v that_o we_o all_o rest_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o sacred_a history_n leave_v a_o liberty_n to_o learned_a man_n of_o declare_v their_o opinion_n upon_o the_o difficulty_n which_o be_v therein_o meet_v with_o to_o follow_v without_o constraint_n that_o party_n which_o shall_v be_v judge_v most_o reasonable_a that_o we_o read_v not_o the_o prophecy_n and_o prediction_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o with_o humility_n without_o determine_v any_o thing_n as_o by_o authority_n upon_o their_o sense_n and_o the_o time_n of_o their_o accomplishment_n that_o we_o careful_o distinguish_v between_o the_o doctrine_n so_o clear_o establish_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v they_o and_o those_o which_o have_v need_v for_o their_o enlighten_v of_o the_o labour_n and_o meditation_n of_o man_n to_o clear_v they_o that_o we_o admit_v not_o of_o any_o other_o than_o the_o first_o for_o fundamental_o and_o unvariable_a and_o that_o as_o
happen_v and_o that_o which_o it_o report_v to_o we_o as_o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v follow_v the_o distinction_n make_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n of_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o must_v first_o examine_v what_o it_o declare_v to_o we_o as_o truth_n which_o the_o true_a believer_n ought_v to_o receive_v by_o faith_n these_o be_v not_o all_o of_o a_o like_a nature_n and_o must_v also_o be_v careful_o distinguish_v to_o take_v away_o likewise_o all_o cause_n of_o contention_n among_o christian_n i_o believe_v therefore_o they_o may_v all_o be_v bring_v under_o these_o three_o head_n as_o first_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o set_v the_o conscience_n at_o rest_n and_o procure_v its_o salvation_n second_o the_o historical_a narration_n which_o the_o scripture_n make_v we_o of_o many_o thing_n that_o have_v happen_v as_o well_o in_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o order_n 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follow_v therein_o what_o they_o shall_v judge_v most_o probable_a i_o say_v the_o same_o of_o interpretation_n which_o may_v be_v give_v to_o some_o obscure_a passage_n which_o shall_v not_o cause_v any_o division_n be_v the_o diversity_n never_o so_o great_a which_o be_v there_o meet_v with_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sole_a occasion_n for_o allow_v it_o and_o that_o be_v when_o a_o particular_a interpretation_n overthrow_v some_o one_o of_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n or_o that_o they_o will_v make_v it_o to_o pass_v as_o issue_v out_o from_o the_o very_a mouth_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o all_o these_o interpretation_n be_v but_o so_o many_o attempt_n of_o man_n wit_n which_o may_v fail_v insomuch_o that_o we_o shall_v leave_v to_o every_o one_o the_o liberty_n of_o examine_v they_o to_o receive_v they_o afterward_o or_o to_o reject_v they_o without_o prejudice_n to_o salvation_n and_o without_o break_v the_o union_n which_o be_v have_v with_o those_o of_o contrary_a opinion_n as_o to_o what_o concern_v suture_a prediction_n neither_o aught_o these_o to_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o any_o division_n it_o may_v suffice_v we_o be_v all_o in_o general_n persuade_v that_o whatsoever_o have_v be_v foretell_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v have_v its_o accomplishment_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o obstacle_n which_o intersere_fw-la it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o first_o cause_n absolute_o dispose_v of_o second_o cause_n will_v bring_v about_o its_o design_n in_o despite_n of_o all_o resistance_n of_o the_o creature_n this_o hinder_v not_o from_o advance_v our_o thought_n high_a search_v into_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o pprophecy_n and_o make_v our_o conjecture_n of_o the_o time_n of_o its_o execution_n we_o shall_v in_o this_o give_v liberty_n to_o certain_a particular_a person_n especial_o when_o these_o kind_n of_o meditation_n may_v contribute_v to_o the_o consolation_n of_o true_a believer_n and_o to_o excite_v they_o more_o to_o sanctity_n it_o be_v in_o this_o i_o make_v that_o happiness_n consist_v which_o the_o book_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n attribute_n to_o those_o who_o read_v it_o careful_o and_o understand_v it_o but_o he_o who_o will_v apply_v himself_o to_o this_o study_n must_v not_o do_v it_o but_o with_o great_a precaution_n here_o it_o be_v that_o much_o strictness_n must_v be_v observe_v and_o principal_o not_o the_o least_o stir_v be_v make_v but_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o deep_a humility_n he_o must_v on_o all_o occasion_n distrust_v himself_o but_o more_o in_o this_o than_o any_o other_o for_o although_o these_o oracle_n be_v not_o conceive_v in_o ambiguous_a term_n as_o those_o of_o the_o pagan_n be_v yet_o be_v they_o propose_v in_o obscure_a and_o dark_a expression_n they_o be_v such_o hide_a mystery_n and_o so_o profound_a that_o they_o can_v scarce_o be_v faâ—…omed_v when_o prediction_n be_v accomplish_v they_o change_v their_o nature_n and_o become_v history_n easy_a to_o be_v understand_v but_o before_o the_o event_n they_o must_v be_v look_v upon_o with_o that_o profound_a respect_n as_o cause_n natural_o a_o silence_n but_o yet_o if_o any_o think_v they_o have_v espy_v some_o light_n they_o may_v utter_v their_o thought_n with_o modesty_n and_o shall_v rather_o propose_v it_o as_o a_o conjecture_n than_o as_o a_o certain_a doctrine_n for_o true_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o dangerous_a nor_o so_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o desire_n of_o make_v pass_v our_o sense_n upon_o thing_n foretell_v for_o constant_a truth_n there_o need_v but_o a_o force_a opinion_n of_o these_o prophecy_n to_o stir_v up_o a_o whole_a nation_n to_o tumult_n to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o state_n and_o ruin_v the_o unity_n which_o shall_v be_v among_o christian_n the_o example_n of_o this_o be_v as_o well_o know_v as_o they_o be_v dreadful_a to_o consider_v there_o may_v some_o kind_n of_o parallel_n be_v make_v between_o this_o reflection_n and_o those_o dangerous_a obstinate_a opinion_n whereof_o we_o have_v already_o make_v mention_n and_o which_o must_v be_v entire_o cast_v away_o to_o attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a intelligence_n in_o christianity_n chap._n vi_o five_o advice_n touch_v the_o mystery_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o we_o must_v believe_v as_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o concern_v the_o distinction_n which_o must_v be_v make_v of_o they_o after_o have_v consider_v methodical_o of_o what_o the_o word_n of_o god_n teach_v we_o touch_v the_o rite_n ceremony_n and_o outward_a order_n of_o the_o church_n as_o also_o the_o history_n and_o prophecy_n which_o it_o contain_v after_o have_v show_v that_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o matter_n of_o contention_n among_o christian_n i_o have_v nothing_o less_o to_o examine_v but_o what_o concern_v the_o rule_n comprehend_v the_o holy_a mystery_n of_o christianity_n which_o believer_n shall_v own_v and_o receive_v for_o their_o salvation_n and_o because_o it_o be_v a_o most_o important_a matter_n it_o must_v be_v clear_o open_v and_o explain_v to_o remove_v whatsoever_o may_v give_v any_o occasion_n of_o contention_n and_o procure_v herein_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o rest_n a_o reconciliation_n of_o all_o christian_a society_n i_o can_v now_o absolute_o disapprove_v the_o distinction_n which_o all_o doctor_n make_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o of_o which_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v if_o i_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v in_o religion_n some_o important_a precept_n essential_a fundamental_a and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n i_o acknowledge_v therein_o also_o other_o less_o important_a which_o may_v be_v let_v alone_o as_o where_o some_o error_n may_v slip_v in_o yet_o this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o prejudice_v our_o salvation_n â—â—e_v peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o church_n but_o what_o i_o can_v approve_v of_o in_o this_o be_v the_o application_n which_o these_o doctor_n make_v of_o this_o distinction_n to_o their_o cause_n they_o common_o fall_v concern_v this_o matter_n into_o the_o same_o fault_n which_o have_v be_v observe_v namely_o their_o prejudicate_a opinion_n and_o particular_a interest_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n bear_v sway_n in_o the_o judgement_n which_o they_o make_v of_o what_o be_v fundamental_a and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o that_o they_o will_v oblige_v all_o who_o enter_v into_o their_o communion_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o humane_a doctrine_n as_o if_o they_o be_v so_o many_o fundamental_a point_n they_o oblige_v man_n also_o to_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n which_o agree_v not_o with_o they_o as_o if_o they_o tend_v to_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n although_o they_o may_v not_o be_v so_o prejudicial_a as_o they_o will_v make_v they_o believe_v for_o who_o have_v authority_n of_o fix_v that_o which_o be_v fundamental_a and_o distinguish_v it_o from_o that_o which_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n every_o society_n
malice_n charity_n be_v not_o envious_a but_o envy_n reign_v particular_o in_o division_n where_o each_o party_n respect_v the_o obligation_n of_o their_o proper_a interest_n charity_n be_v not_o insolent_a nor_o puff_v up_o with_o glory_n whereas_o division_n be_v fierce_a proud_a and_o insupportable_a it_o inspire_v those_o who_o possess_v it_o with_o a_o desire_n to_o abase_v and_o oppress_v other_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o they_o may_v raise_v up_o themselves_o and_o rule_n without_o competitor_n charity_n seek_v not_o its_o own_o end_n be_v not_o dispiteful_a and_o think_v no_o evil_a these_o ill_a quality_n be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o division_n in_o which_o it_o have_v no_o other_o end_n than_o the_o advancement_n of_o its_o own_o party_n to_o the_o detriment_n of_o all_o other_o charity_n rejoice_v not_o in_o injustice_n but_o altogether_o in_o the_o truth_n division_n oppress_v the_o truth_n and_o be_v never_o please_v but_o with_o unrighteousness_n and_o violence_n charity_n endure_v believe_v hope_n and_o bear_v all_o thing_n division_n cause_v suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n to_o arise_v give_v ill_a interpretation_n to_o action_n and_o even_o to_o the_o most_o innocent_a word_n and_o drive_v we_o into_o passion_n and_o impatience_n into_o murmur_v and_o extravagance_n and_o to_o draw_v the_o last_o line_n to_o this_o parallel_n god_n grant_v that_o as_o charity_n never_o fail_v but_o be_v maintain_v in_o the_o very_a ruin_n of_o all_o that_o which_o be_v most_o glorious_a and_o most_o firm_a in_o society_n so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o contrary_n that_o we_o may_v quick_o see_v this_o unhappy_a division_n utter_o decay_v and_o cease_v by_o a_o perfect_a unite_n of_o all_o christian_n chap._n iu._n the_o three_o effect_n of_o this_o division_n that_o it_o make_v man_n irreligious_a and_o cause_n atheism_n in_o all_o division_n which_o tear_n in_o piece_n kingdom_n and_o monarchy_n each_o side_n at_o the_o first_o do_v boast_v by_o their_o manifestoes_fw-it and_o declaration_n that_o they_o take_v not_o up_o arm_n but_o for_o the_o public_a good_a and_o for_o maintain_v the_o crown_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o although_o those_o party_n be_v so_o contrary_a and_o averse_a that_o their_o sword_n be_v draw_v and_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o decide_v their_o quarrel_n yet_o both_o of_o they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o allege_v in_o their_o vindication_n the_o justice_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o interest_n of_o their_o sovereign_n whilst_o in_o the_o end_n all_o tend_v to_o the_o utter_a subversion_n of_o the_o state_n and_o total_a change_n of_o the_o government_n and_o it_o will_v many_o time_n happen_v in_o these_o contest_v that_o the_o most_o mutinous_a and_o most_o seditious_a do_v make_v themselves_o master_n of_o sovereign_a authority_n so_o be_v it_o ordinary_o see_v that_o in_o the_o division_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n every_o one_o protest_v that_o no_o other_o argument_n or_o interest_n persuade_v he_o to_o follow_v the_o religion_n that_o he_o embrace_v but_o the_o real_a love_n of_o truth_n and_o desire_v of_o his_o salvation_n all_o those_o who_o will_v be_v the_o promoter_n and_o spreader_n of_o some_o new_a opinion_n show_v a_o extraordinary_a devotion_n and_o zeal_n at_o the_o beginning_n but_o by_o little_a and_o little_a all_o that_o degenerate_v and_o all_o the_o overture_n which_o division_n make_v serve_v but_o as_o so_o many_o door_n by_o which_o at_o last_o impiety_n irreligion_n and_o atheism_n do_v slip_v in_o it_o be_v amid_o these_o difference_n that_o we_o common_o see_v some_o new_a religion_n thrust_v in_o itself_o among_o we_o which_o differ_v but_o very_o little_a from_o the_o disclaim_n of_o all_o religion_n just_o so_o be_v it_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o divers_a sect_n which_o heretofore_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o mahomet_n have_v take_v such_o foot_n in_o the_o world_n every_o one_o know_v how_o wide_o the_o division_n of_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n be_v at_o that_o time_n and_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v but_o that_o the_o great_a diversity_n of_o judgement_n and_o religion_n which_o we_o see_v at_o present_a in_o christianity_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o coldness_n and_o want_n of_o devotion_n among_o we_o in_o what_o we_o call_v christian_a society_n insomuch_o that_o piety_n and_o religion_n seem_v only_o to_o be_v leave_v in_o full_a authority_n among_o woman_n and_o the_o vulgar_a this_o evil_n arise_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n either_o can_v or_o will_v not_o give_v themselves_o the_o trouble_n of_o search_v into_o these_o different_a opinion_n to_o determine_v which_o they_o may_v close_v with_o so_o they_o choose_v rather_o to_o believe_v nothing_o absolute_o than_o to_o be_v always_o in_o suspense_n about_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v as_o the_o great_a diversity_n of_o medicine_n which_o be_v prescribe_v to_o a_o patient_n do_v very_o often_o make_v he_o refuse_v all_o think_v it_o better_a to_o resign_v up_o all_o to_o venture_v at_o once_o rather_o than_o stand_v so_o long_o about_o make_v his_o choice_n of_o the_o remedy_n which_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o some_o go_v towards_o it_o but_o with_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o negligence_n and_o natural_a sloth_n that_o make_v they_o apprehend_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o trouble_n in_o it_o and_o these_o esteem_v it_o better_a to_o suspend_v all_o manner_n of_o action_n than_o undertake_v any_o thing_n that_o require_v so_o much_o care_n and_o intenseness_n of_o thought_n concern_v it_o these_o be_v like_o lazy_a soldier_n who_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v kill_v rather_o than_o they_o will_v courageous_o take_v up_o their_o arm_n and_o stand_v to_o their_o own_o defence_n or_o those_o who_o out_o of_o a_o desperate_a fury_n thrust_v a_o dagger_n into_o their_o own_o breast_n for_o fear_n lest_o their_o enemy_n be_v press_v upon_o they_o to_o do_v it_o there_o be_v other_o who_o dare_v not_o venture_v upon_o this_o trial_n through_o the_o distrust_n which_o they_o have_v of_o themselves_o and_o of_o their_o own_o power_n they_o do_v not_o feel_v themselves_o strong_a enough_o to_o sustain_v such_o a_o weight_n nor_o able_a to_o break_v through_o all_o those_o difficulty_n which_o they_o meet_v with_o this_o oblige_v some_o blind_o to_o follow_v the_o first_o that_o be_v present_v they_o and_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o have_v skill_n herein_o suppose_v they_o be_v in_o a_o good_a condition_n if_o they_o put_v themselves_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o leader_n and_o other_o stand_v newter_n not_o dare_v to_o adhear_v to_o any_o party_n out_o of_o a_o distrust_n which_o they_o have_v of_o all_o such_o as_o offer_v themselves_o to_o they_o and_o this_o it_o be_v that_o cause_v irreligion_n and_o atheism_n yet_o be_v there_o some_o who_o fault_n be_v not_o neglect_v of_o examine_v these_o different_a question_n but_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o indeed_o capable_a of_o it_o such_o be_v all_o peasant_n and_o mechanic_n and_o other_o who_o know_v nothing_o more_o than_o what_o belong_v to_o their_o employment_n and_o who_o be_v take_v out_o of_o that_o be_v as_o if_o they_o be_v in_o a_o unknown_a country_n where_o they_o be_v ignorant_a both_o of_o the_o way_n and_o language_n it_o put_v they_o to_o a_o stand_n as_o though_o they_o have_v neither_o sense_n nor_o motion_n they_o make_v all_o their_o devotion_n and_o all_o the_o service_n which_o they_o shall_v pay_v to_o god_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o well_o observe_v these_o outward_a action_n of_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v train_v up_o witness_v the_o poor_a christian_n of_o muscovia_n all_o who_o religion_n be_v no_o more_o than_o just_a a_o show_n to_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v inform_v of_o their_o belief_n the_o image_n of_o some_o saint_n which_o they_o carry_v about_o with_o they_o and_o other_o also_o who_o think_v that_o if_o they_o know_v but_o how_o to_o make_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n aright_o may_v pass_v for_o very_o good_a christian_n therefore_o if_o instead_o of_o puzel_v ourselves_o about_o so_o many_o question_n and_o controversy_n we_o will_v study_v to_o bring_v back_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o its_o true_a principle_n which_o be_v but_o few_o in_o number_n and_o easy_a for_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n to_o comprehend_v it_o will_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o make_v true_a christian_n who_o will_v know_v what_o be_v real_o essential_a in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o so_o will_v quick_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o true_a piety_n and_o to_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a design_n of_o christian_a religion_n here_o it_o may_v also_o be_v add_v that_o this_o great_a diversity_n of_o
they_o may_v substitute_v another_o in_o its_o room_n thus_o by_o their_o subtlety_n they_o arm_v the_o secular_a power_n against_o those_o who_o will_v promote_v doctrine_n perchance_o be_v innocent_a or_o better_o found_v than_o they_o chap._n ii_o that_o there_o have_v never_o yet_o be_v make_v a_o true_a distinction_n in_o christian_a religion_n of_o what_o be_v real_o essential_a and_o fundamental_a and_o what_o be_v not_o although_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n may_v be_v diverse_o dispose_v yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o one_o point_n that_o there_o be_v certain_a doctrine_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v essential_a and_o fundamental_a and_o other_o likewise_o of_o less_o importance_n they_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v some_o from_o which_o they_o can_v depart_v without_o do_v a_o manifest_a prejudice_n to_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n and_o that_o there_o be_v also_o other_o to_o which_o they_o may_v 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that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v with_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v sufficient_a thersore_n that_o in_o these_o matter_n we_o have_v always_o before_o our_o eye_n that_o which_o may_v advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o edify_v his_o church_n for_o indeed_o we_o may_v dress_v in_o a_o different_a manner_n the_o proper_a mean_n for_o obtain_v so_o good_a a_o end_n the_o use_n and_o application_n of_o this_o general_a rule_n may_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o each_o particular_a church_n to_o do_v what_o they_o shall_v judge_v most_o expedient_a according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n time_n disposition_n of_o man_n spirit_n and_o such_o like_a they_o shall_v only_o take_v heed_n of_o introduce_v in_o these_o thing_n some_o practice_n which_o may_v be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o any_o of_o the_o essential_a and_o fundamental_a doctrine_n some_o require_v that_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v equal_a and_o other_o will_v have_v a_o superiority_n and_o inferiority_n among_o they_o some_o be_v for_o a_o outward_a pomp_n in_o the_o church_n and_o other_o will_v have_v a_o great_a plainness_n some_o believe_v that_o the_o ornament_n of_o the_o place_n of_o devotion_n breed_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o exercise_n and_o other_o think_v that_o the_o meanness_n of_o the_o place_n take_v off_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o faithful_a from_o material_a carnal_a thing_n to_o lift_v they_o upward_o to_o those_o which_o be_v celestial_a and_o divine_a some_o love_n music_n and_o the_o sound_n of_o melodious_a instrument_n in_o divine_a service_n and_o other_o say_v that_o it_o disturb_v the_o mind_n and_o carry_v away_o the_o devotion_n which_o shall_v be_v fix_v in_o those_o holy_a place_n some_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o ministry_n their_o train_n and_o outward_a pomp_n gain_v they_o the_o veneration_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v apt_a otherwise_o to_o despise_v they_o other_o judge_v that_o the_o poverty_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n do_v better_a accord_n with_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o produce_v more_o save_a effect_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n than_o all_o worldly_a splendour_n it_o be_v in_o these_o kind_n of_o question_n and_o difference_n that_o i_o shall_v let_v you_o see_v we_o shall_v bear_v one_o with_o another_o for_o i_o hold_v that_o there_o may_v happen_v occasion_n where_o one_o of_o these_o practice_n may_v be_v most_o expedient_a and_o most_o edify_a and_o other_o or_o that_o which_o be_v opposite_a to_o it_o may_v likewise_o prove_v of_o very_o great_a benefit_n always_o provide_v that_o order_n and_o decency_n be_v preserve_v thus_o must_v there_o be_v a_o mutual_a toleration_n among_o christian_n and_o a_o charitable_a and_o brotherly_o support_v one_o towards_o another_o chap._n iii_o that_o man_n have_v depart_v from_o the_o true_a fundamental_o of_o christian_a religion_n to_o take_v up_o other_o which_o have_v nothing_o of_o solidity_n in_o they_o and_o which_o put_v these_o division_n among_o them_o it_o be_v a_o general_a opinion_n among_o all_o christian_n that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n alone_o that_o we_o must_v receive_v the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n they_o agree_v also_o in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v in_o his_o word_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o those_o two_o thing_n be_v comprise_v and_o that_o it_o be_v from_o thence_o as_o from_o two_o fountain_n that_o they_o must_v be_v draw_v down_o to_o we_o the_o council_n themselves_o namely_o those_o which_o be_v call_v general_n and_o to_o which_o some_o christian_n do_v attribute_n as_o much_o authority_n and_o infallibility_n as_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n confirm_v this_o truth_n for_o they_o have_v never_o undertake_v to_o decide_v any_o point_n of_o religion_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o have_v conclude_v that_o
their_o own_o colour_n how_o will_v you_o have_v a_o man_n who_o spirit_n be_v fill_v with_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o idea_n upon_o which_o he_o be_v already_o fix_v be_v able_a after_o this_o to_o make_v room_n for_o those_o which_o be_v opposite_a to_o they_o although_o they_o be_v real_o more_o effectual_a to_o his_o salvation_n they_o must_v be_v all_o exclude_v to_o compare_v they_o together_o without_o prejudice_n they_o must_v be_v see_v naked_a and_o that_o hold_v which_o shall_v be_v judge_v most_o reasonable_a there_o have_v be_v not_o long_o since_o propose_v in_o philosophy_n a_o excellent_a way_n of_o right_n dispute_v and_o keep_v a_o direct_a course_n for_o search_v out_o the_o truth_n they_o say_v that_o for_o effect_v of_o this_o all_o preconceive_a opinion_n and_o prepossession_n of_o spirit_n must_v be_v absolute_o cast_v away_o that_o then_o they_o must_v not_o take_v up_o any_o but_o the_o most_o plain_a notion_n and_o such_o proposition_n as_o can_v be_v 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that_o these_o prejudices_fw-la and_o strong_a fancy_n of_o our_o own_o opinion_n may_v be_v quit_v which_o bound_v we_o in_o a_o religion_n rather_o by_o false_a appearance_n than_o by_o judgement_n and_o reason_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o some_o boast_n of_o their_o antiquity_n the_o succession_n of_o their_o pastor_n the_o government_n of_o their_o communion_n their_o temporal_a advantage_n the_o riches_n splendour_n and_o magnificence_n of_o their_o temple_n and_o ornament_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o other_o glory_n in_o their_o plainness_n and_o the_o smallness_n of_o their_o number_n the_o contempt_n which_o be_v make_v of_o they_o in_o society_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o the_o world_n can_v relish_v last_o there_o be_v other_o extol_v the_o knowledge_n and_o talent_n of_o their_o doctor_n the_o sanctity_n austerity_n and_o mortification_n of_o their_o votary_n the_o zeal_n of_o their_o martyr_n and_o other_o exterior_a thing_n and_o accidental_n to_o 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and_o for_o our_o end_n than_o our_o salvation_n chap._n iii_o the_o second_o mean_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v for_o our_o direction_n more_o than_o one_o know_v and_o general_o approve_a rule_n for_o all_o christian_n to_o walk_v by_o when_o we_o say_v that_o for_o the_o attain_n to_o a_o perfect_a reunion_n we_o must_v be_v free_a from_o all_o obstinate_a prejudices_fw-la i_o mean_v not_o thereby_o the_o establish_n of_o a_o indifference_n and_o leave_v man_n mind_n in_o a_o suspense_n without_o know_v what_o to_o resolve_v on_o it_o be_v only_a to_o render_v many_o unsure_a foundation_n suspect_v and_o to_o search_v out_o for_o one_o which_o may_v be_v firm_a and_o solid_a and_o which_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v agree_v to_o be_v so_o now_o there_o be_v but_o one_o of_o this_o nature_n and_o that_o be_v the_o sacred_a word_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o servant_n he_o have_v give_v it_o we_o express_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n both_o of_o our_o faith_n and_o all_o our_o action_n in_o what_o concern_v his_o service_n and_o it_o be_v too_o evident_a that_o all_o do_v not_o agree_v on_o other_o matter_n all_o do_v not_o hold_v that_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a all_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o unwritten_a word_n which_o be_v of_o as_o much_o authority_n as_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n all_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o we_o must_v be_v guide_v by_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v dictate_v by_o his_o secret_a motion_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o all_o christian_n without_o exception_n hold_v that_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n must_v be_v hearken_v to_o and_o that_o we_o must_v obey_v he_o without_o any_o restriction_n if_o beside_o this_o there_o shall_v be_v find_v any_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o have_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o draw_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o it_o retain_v a_o doctrine_n so_o pure_a that_o all_o christian_n may_v secure_o receive_v it_o it_o may_v very_o well_o be_v join_v with_o this_o word_n deliver_v to_o we_o from_o god_n and_o such_o in_o my_o opinion_n be_v the_o apostle_n creed_n there_o never_o have_v be_v hitherto_o as_o i_o have_v ever_o hear_v any_o christian_n who_o deny_v to_o entertain_v it_o as_o be_v a_o extract_n and_o compendium_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o that_o have_v be_v well_o practise_v which_o the_o council_n of_o chalceden_n enjoin_v of_o not_o add_v any_o other_o doctrine_n to_o this_o symbol_n we_o have_v never_o see_v christianity_n divide_v into_o so_o many_o sect_n as_o at_o present_v it_o be_v i_o shall_v not_o here_o undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o this_o holy_a write_n as_o have_v â—ow_o only_o to_o do_v with_o christian_n who_o all_o acknowledge_v it_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o i_o may_v possible_o handle_v in_o the_o three_o treatise_n which_o 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