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be_v carry_v &_o as_o high_a in_o repute_n as_o it_o be_v &_o have_v long_a time_n be_v have_v no_o foundation_n but_o in_o the_o weak_a credulity_n of_o man_n for_o if_o man_n but_o once_o consider_v it_o their_o sermon_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v but_o as_o common_a discourse_n full_a of_o mistake_n error_n and_o at_o the_o least_o altogether_o uncertain_a and_o that_o all_o their_o preach_n and_o praying_n be_v only_o for_o money_n and_o that_o their_o great_a skill_n and_o labour_n be_v to_o hold_v man_n ever_o in_o suspense_n and_o upon_o pretence_n of_o truth_n to_o give_v they_o a_o bastard_n scholastic_a knowledge_n which_o only_o serve_v to_o make_v man_n proud_a wrangle_a sophister_n and_o disputer_n vain_a boaster_n talker_n busybody_n censurer_n pharisee_n wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o despise_v other_o void_a of_o all_o true_a piety_n
the_o vanity_n of_o the_o present_a church_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o preach_v discover_v wherein_o the_o pretend_a immediate_a teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v deny_v and_o the_o all-sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n teach_v be_v maintain_v with_o a_o new_a and_o true_a method_n of_o read_v thereof_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o rule_v of_o life_n gal._n 6._o 15._o 16_o for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n peace_n be_v on_o they_o etc._n etc._n london_n print_v by_o j._n clow_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v in_o cornhill_n and_o popes-head-alley_n 1649._o to_o the_o reader_n although_o i_o dissent_v from_o some_o thing_n in_o this_o treatise_n and_o other_o thing_n seème_v dark_a and_o doubtful_a to_o i_o yet_o there_o be_v many_o plain_a clear_a and_o evident_a truth_n of_o great_a use_n to_o all_o christian_n therefore_o that_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v manifest_a to_o all_o and_o that_o all_o believer_n and_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n may_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o may_v edify_v the_o whole_a body_n in_o love_n and_o in_o all_o their_o doctrine_n and_o conversation_n hold_v forth_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_a word_n the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o that_o one_o necessary_a thing_n faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o be_v by_o the_o gospel_n the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n preach_v unto_o we_o and_o that_o error_n may_v be_v discover_v reprove_v and_o correct_v and_o if_o possible_a that_o the_o guilty_a may_v be_v convince_v and_o reform_v therefore_o i_o say_v to_o this_o epistle_n and_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n february_n 23._o 1648-49_a imprimatur_fw-la theodore_n jennings_n the_o vanity_n of_o the_o present_a church_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o preach_v discover_v etc._n etc._n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o commendable_a among_o man_n than_o a_o true_a correspondency_n between_o the_o heart_n the_o tongue_n &_o the_o hand_n so_o no_o thing_n be_v more_o lovely_a among_o christian_n then_o that_o the_o conscience_n the_o profession_n and_o the_o practice_n do_v universal_o agree_v &_o though_o something_o be_v allowable_a unto_o frailty_n yet_o when_o the_o defect_n or_o discord_n be_v continue_v and_o that_o to_o the_o reproach_n of_o christianity_n in_o general_a and_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o humane_a society_n then_o certain_o a_o reproof_n be_v not_o only_o requisite_a but_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o a_o sin_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o so_o those_o who_o this_o discourse_n now_o deem_v worthy_a of_o reproof_n do_v seem_v to_o judge_v when_o they_o condemn_v the_o persecute_v practice_n of_o the_o new_a raise_v presbyter_n who_o position_n and_o profession_n whilst_o they_o be_v persecute_v by_o the_o bishop_n do_v clear_o hold_v forth_o a_o full_a and_o complete_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o just_o and_o true_o do_v the_o independent_n reprove_v they_o as_o their_o many_o book_n of_o that_o subject_a do_v sufficient_o testify_v their_o reproof_n be_v sharp_a and_o their_o reply_n drive_v home_o whereby_o they_o put_v the_o question_n of_o the_o utmost_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n out_o of_o all_o question_n account_v nothing_o more_o base_a or_o mis-beseeming_a a_o christian_n then_o to_o question_n or_o vex_v or_o reproach_v any_o man_n for_o his_o judgement_n or_o practice_n touch_v matter_n of_o religion_n and_o incite_v all_o man_n to_o peace_n unity_n love_n and_o true_a friendship_n though_o of_o never_o so_o many_o several_a opinion_n or_o different_a way_n in_o religion_n by_o which_o their_o ingenuity_n they_o as_o the_o puritan_n presbyter_n have_v do_v before_o they_o gain_v abundance_n of_o love_n and_o respect_n from_o all_o man_n their_o congregation_n multiply_v and_o in_o conclusion_n obtain_v much_o countenance_n from_o authority_n which_o they_o no_o soon_o taste_v but_o instant_o some_o of_o they_o begin_v to_o pride_n themselves_o and_o to_o despise_v other_o and_o to_o reproach_n and_o villisie_n all_o such_o as_o upon_o trial_n and_o examination_n of_o their_o church_n their_o pastor_n and_o sermon_n find_v all_o to_o be_v but_o feign_a imitation_n nothing_o real_a or_o substantial_a forsake_v their_o society_n and_o thereupon_o as_o the_o presbyter_n have_v use_v they_o so_o deal_v the_o independent_a with_o these_o and_o all_o that_o any_o way_n adhere_v unto_o these_o raise_v nickname_n and_o bitter_a invective_n reproach_n against_o they_o spare_v neither_o art_n nor_o pain_n to_o make_v they_o odious_a to_o other_o and_o their_o life_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o burden_n to_o themselves_o and_o though_o reason_n have_v be_v offer_v and_o conference_n desire_v that_o they_o may_v see_v their_o error_n and_o forbear_v to_o deal_v thus_o contrary_a to_o their_o positive_a own_a and_o declare_v principle_n yet_o have_v they_o persist_v therein_o and_o go_v on_o still_o without_o â—easing_v manifest_v a_o most_o destructive_a and_o persecute_v disposition_n not_o only_o towards_o these_o but_o towards_o many_o other_o who_o they_o now_o as_o complete_a judge_n of_o other_o man_n conscience_n judge_v to_o be_v erroneous_a or_o heretical_a and_o seem_v to_o have_v place_v their_o felicity_n in_o the_o ruin_n of_o those_o who_o their_o own_o conscience_n can_v deny_v to_o have_v be_v instrumental_a in_o their_o preservation_n and_o who_o have_v not_o think_v their_o life_n too_o precious_a to_o purchase_v they_o that_o freedom_n which_o now_o they_o enjoy_v and_o therefore_o it_o have_v be_v conceive_v not_o only_o just_a but_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o publish_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o impartial_a people_n both_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o other_o this_o their_o hard_a measure_n and_o unthankful_a usage_n of_o a_o harmless_a well-meaning_a people_n and_o withal_o to_o discover_v to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v conscientious_a the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o emptiness_n of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o glory_n and_o to_o let_v all_o those_o who_o be_v wilful_a or_o mere_a politician_n among_o they_o bear_v their_o shame_n open_o and_o since_o they_o be_v proof_n against_o their_o conscience_n and_o can_v take_v up_o and_o lay_v down_o principle_n profession_n and_o practice_n too_o as_o stand_v most_o with_o their_o advantage_n and_o like_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o worst_a estate_n make_v no_o reckon_n of_o oppress_v all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o tribe_n it_o be_v but_o equal_a that_o such_o shall_v bear_v their_o mark_n in_o their_o forehead_n that_o all_o man_n may_v be_v warn_v from_o converse_v with_o such_o deceiver_n and_o if_o any_o tartness_n appear_v herein_o they_o be_v the_o occasion_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o they_o deserve_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o we_o have_v herein_o also_o endeavour_v to_o support_v the_o weak_a and_o by_o establish_v they_o upon_o the_o sure_a foundation_n of_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n incline_v they_o to_o give_v ear_n thereunto_o as_o unto_o the_o only_a true_a infallible_a teacher_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o our_o time_n and_o by_o direct_v they_o in_o a_o brief_a and_o plain_a method_n in_o the_o read_n thereof_o how_o to_o attain_v to_o that_o one_o necessary_a doctrine_n and_o main_a design_n intend_v therein_o unto_o man_n for_o his_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a comfort_n to_o which_o end_n that_o we_o may_v neither_o seem_v to_o wrong_v the_o one_o sort_n nor_o to_o delude_v the_o other_o and_o for_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o all_o that_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v concern_v herein_o we_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v most_o palpable_o evident_a that_o you_o of_o the_o independent_a congregationall_a or_o of_o any_o churchway_n whatsoever_o have_v not_o that_o true_a essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n to_o be_v find_v among_o you_o which_o only_o can_v distinguish_v the_o true_a from_o the_o false_a and_o without_o which_o a_o true_a church_n can_v be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o the_o scripture_n sense_n be_v such_o only_a as_o wherein_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n be_v pure_o and_o infallible_o preach_v that_o be_v the_o mark_n now_o though_o it_o have_v be_v usual_a among_o you_o in_o your_o prayer_n to_o desire_v of_o god_n that_o your_o auditor_n may_v give_v ear_n to_o the_o word_n that_o you_o preach_v not_o as_o unto_o the_o word_n of_o a_o mortal_a man_n but_o as_o unto_o the_o word_n of_o the_o ever_o live_v god_n and_o this_o too_o with_o such_o solemn_a countenance_n lift_v up_o eye_n and_o earnestness_n of_o expression_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o sin_n for_o man_n to_o doubt_v it_o though_o this_o have_v be_v your_o course_n
they_o not_o daily_a 〈◊〉_d their_o venom_n private_o and_o public_o against_o any_o that_o either_o separate_v from_o they_o or_o join_v not_o with_o theâ—_n and_o that_o in_o as_o foul_a aspersion_n as_o ever_o the_o 〈◊〉_d utter_v against_o luther_n the_o bishop_n against_o 〈◊〉_d puritan_n or_o the_o presbyter_n against_o the_o independent_o be_v they_o not_o high_a and_o skilful_a in_o rail_v make_o who_o they_o please_v atheist_n antiscripturists_a autinomians_n anti-magistrats_a polligamist_n seeker_n or_o what_o they_o will_v and_o can_v these_o proceed_v from_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o god_n or_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n judge_v impartial_o you_o that_o be_v yet_o untainted_a in_o your_o conscience_n go_v on_o in_o this_o churchway_n as_o deceive_v and_o not_o deceiver_n whether_o you_o can_v offer_v more_o despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n then_o by_o your_o presence_n and_o society_n to_o justify_v this_o delusion_n or_o to_o uphold_v this_o new_a idol_n this_o apple_n of_o sodom_n seem_v only_o fair_a to_o the_o eye_n but_o touch_v it_o and_o it_o fall_v to_o powder_n to_o the_o very_a earth_n be_v nought_o but_o earth_n like_o dagon_n before_o the_o ark_n have_v neither_o hand_n nor_o foot_n but_o to_o discern_v eye_n be_v a_o mere_a useless_a lump_n a_o idol_n which_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o let_v none_o who_o mind_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n uphold_v it_o any_o long_o it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v believe_v the_o infinite_a evil_n which_o come_v to_o the_o world_n by_o this_o false_a supposition_n and_o assumption_n of_o these_o church_n of_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o be_v teach_v immediate_o thereby_o for_o by_o occasion_n thereof_o no_o soon_o do_v any_o one_o embrace_v any_o opinion_n pretend_v to_o religion_n and_o begin_v to_o be_v fortify_v therein_o and_o that_o after_o frequent_a hear_n prayer_n fast_v or_o humiliation_n he_o continue_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n but_o present_o he_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o declare_v to_o all_o the_o world_n what_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o he_o call_v his_o own_o imagination_n have_v make_v know_v unto_o he_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o at_o present_a the_o world_n abound_v with_o such_o variety_n of_o opinion_n concern_v life_n and_o salvation_n that_o many_o a_o sincere_a heat_n seek_v for_o peace_n and_o rest_n therein_o be_v keep_v in_o perpetual_a suspense_n and_o doubtfulness_n whereby_o their_o life_n become_v a_o very_a burden_n to_o they_o and_o many_o sad_a and_o woeful_a effect_n follow_v thereupon_o some_o by_o their_o confidence_n and_o extremity_n of_o zeal_n and_o diligence_n get_v their_o opinion_n how_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n soever_o they_o be_v into_o half_a the_o people_n of_o a_o town_n village_n and_o parish_n and_o then_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o wrangle_v envy_n malice_n and_o backbiting_a one_o another_o to_o the_o extreme_a prejudice_n and_o unquietness_n of_o the_o place_n some_o of_o they_o cry_v up_o their_o own_o experience_n and_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n within_o they_o affirm_v that_o they_o speak_v not_o from_o book_n or_o scripture_n write_v in_o ink_n and_o paper_n and_o in_o letter_n and_o syllable_n but_o from_o the_o inward_a suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n induce_v multitude_n to_o neglect_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o give_v credit_n only_o to_o their_o wild_a notion_n and_o opinion_n and_o though_o they_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o plain_a expression_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o yet_o be_v they_o satisfy_v that_o they_o only_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o all_o other_o christian_n in_o error_n not_o examine_v their_o opinion_n by_o the_o text_n but_o urge_v that_o the_o text_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v by_o their_o opinion_n and_o experience_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o esteem_n of_o some_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o as_o small_a value_n as_o the_o service_n book_n and_o to_o speak_v of_o a_o christ_n crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v carnal_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o and_o those_o not_o a_o few_o maintain_v there_o be_v no_o sin_n no_o evil_a no_o difference_n of_o thing_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v good_a be_v one_o and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v god_n and_o that_o to_o see_v or_o judge_v any_o otherwise_o be_v for_o want_v of_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o this_o though_o it_o quite_o contradict_v the_o whole_a tenor_n and_o plain_a open_a scope_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o genesis_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o revelation_n yet_o pass_v it_o for_o currant_n and_o get_v ground_n in_o all_o place_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o man_n will_v neither_o stir_v nor_o undertake_v any_o thing_n of_o any_o nature_n civil_a or_o natural_a but_o as_o they_o be_v prompt_v thereunto_o as_o they_o imagine_v by_o the_o spirit_n or_o as_o some_o phrase_n it_o by_o the_o drawing_n forth_o of_o the_o father_n take_v all_o their_o inclination_n like_n or_o disliking_n to_o be_v immediate_o from_o god_n whereby_o gross_a neglect_n and_o fail_n to_o say_v no_o more_o come_v to_o be_v excuse_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o express_o put_v upon_o god_n score_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o after_o extreme_a fast_n and_o continuance_n in_o prayer_n beyond_o what_o their_o body_n can_v bear_v extent_n of_o mind_n and_o intention_n of_o apprehension_n have_v real_o believe_v they_o have_v see_v christ_n stand_v by_o they_o and_o hear_v he_o vocal_o speak_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o have_v see_v a_o light_n wave_v about_o their_o bed_n all_o the_o night_n long_o at_o other_o time_n a_o black_a darkness_n intermix_v and_o in_o these_o ecstasy_n as_o they_o call_v they_o but_o indeed_o feverish_a distemper_n they_o have_v be_v bid_v as_o they_o think_v to_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n abhor_v and_o yet_o can_v never_o rest_v till_o they_o have_v do_v they_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o presume_v to_o be_v so_o gode_v with_o god_n and_o chri_v with_o christ_n as_o they_o affirm_v they_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o upon_o the_o earth_n that_o they_o be_v ever_o well_o and_o that_o pain_n be_v not_o pain_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v nothing_o and_o nothing_o all_o thing_n and_o glory_n that_o they_o be_v contradiction_n prophesy_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v as_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n name_v the_o time_n the_o very_a day_n see_v it_o false_a and_o yet_o profess_v it_o true_a in_o a_o sense_n and_o be_v believe_v write_v book_n of_o the_o german_n mad_a man_n divinity_n of_o the_o occurrence_n and_o success_n of_o the_o present_a distraction_n in_o such_o unheatd_v off_o expression_n concern_v king_n parliament_z and_o all_o party_n that_o to_o a_o man_n that_o give_v good_a heed_n to_o the_o scripture_n nothing_o appear_v more_o irreligious_a yet_o through_o the_o general_a supposition_n of_o the_o immediate_a teach_n 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and_o the_o epistle_n of_o john_n &_o the_o revelat._n to_o st._n john_n but_o we_o must_v still_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v very_o many_o thing_n in_o they_o all_o which_o we_o apprehend_v not_o full_o we_o read_v of_o apostle_n evangelist_n prophet_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o of_o the_o order_n and_o regulate_v of_o church_n and_o of_o gift_n give_v to_o all_o these_o from_o on_o high_a but_o not_o so_o plain_o express_v as_o to_o leave_v the_o conscientious_a without_o dispute_n and_o difference_n thereupon_o nor_o so_o collect_v into_o any_o one_o book_n as_o to_o convince_v that_o god_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n so_o exact_o enjoin_v church_n government_n as_o he_o do_v under_o the_o law_n where_o moses_n be_v express_o command_v to_o write_v particular_o all_o that_o be_v require_v not_o leave_v out_o so_o much_o as_o candlestick_n snuffer_n or_o besom_n and_o when_o we_o come_v to_o compare_v the_o church_n or_o their_o pastor_n and_o their_o ability_n of_o our_o time_n with_o those_o we_o read_v of_o or_o the_o infallible_a power_n by_o which_o they_o speak_v with_o the_o uncertain_a doctrine_n of_o we_o alas_o we_o must_v lay_v our_o hand_n upon_o our_o mouth_n and_o hide_v our_o face_n as_o child_n use_v to_o do_v when_o they_o be_v discover_v by_o people_n of_o understanding_n at_o their_o childish_a imitation_n of_o christen_n and_o feast_n where_o in_o a_o low_a and_o miserable_a weak_a form_n they_o counterfeit_v thing_n real_a so_o that_o if_o we_o shall_v deal_v plain_o with_o ourselves_o we_o must_v confess_v we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o hence_o only_o be_v our_o rejoice_v that_o we_o undoubted_o know_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a and_o know_v he_o account_n all_o thing_n as_o loss_n and_o
dung_n in_o comparison_n of_o he_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v find_v in_o he_o not_o have_v our_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n in_o he_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a scripture_n to_o we_o be_v as_o the_o field_n mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o the_o jewel_n for_o which_o the_o wise_a merchant_n sell_v all_o that_o ever_o he_o have_v to_o purchase_v it_o and_o true_o if_o the_o trader_n in_o divine_a thing_n true_o consider_v this_o how_o learned_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o art_n and_o science_n in_o all_o kind_n of_o readins_n and_o language_n and_o how_o mighty_a and_o skilful_a soever_o they_o will_v be_v think_v in_o the_o exposition_n open_v and_o interpretation_n of_o all_o place_n of_o scripture_n when_o they_o come_v to_o cast_v up_o their_o account_n possible_o nay_o certain_o if_o they_o be_v serious_a therein_o they_o will_v account_v all_o as_o nothing_o for_o this_o pearl_n which_o pass_v value_n they_o will_v sell_v all_o to_o purchase_v it_o and_o rejoice_v exceed_o in_o the_o exchange_n as_o the_o most_o profitable_a that_o ever_o they_o make_v and_o this_o certain_o will_v be_v do_v frequent_o by_o all_o who_o with_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n read_v the_o scripture_n be_v they_o not_o keep_v from_o it_o by_o fase_n teacher_n who_o hold_v they_o in_o suspense_n for_o their_o own_o advantage_n ever_o raise_v and_o start_v new_a question_n and_o new_a opinion_n whereby_o man_n be_v ever_o learning_n but_o never_o at_o rest_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o one_o necessary_a truth_n but_o be_v toss_v too_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o all_o by_o give_v ear_n to_o those_o that_o call_v themselves_o preacher_n but_o be_v not_o that_o pretend_v to_o expound_v the_o scripture_n when_o as_o they_o raise_v nothing_o but_o doubt_n and_o darken_v they_o that_o say_v they_o interpret_v when_o they_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o meaning_n be_v altogether_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a in_o all_o they_o do_v and_o therefore_o much_o more_o happy_a be_v they_o who_o read_v with_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o only_o read_v and_o considerate_o lay_v to_o heart_n give_v no_o ear_n to_o these_o charmer_n these_o doubtful_a eexpositor_n these_o mocke-preacher_n with_o their_o trumpery_n sermon_n stuff_v with_o naught_o but_o uncertainty_n and_o fantastic_a doctrine_n which_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n conscience_n prove_v like_o a_o break_a reed_n that_o instead_o of_o help_n further_a wound_n nor_o let_v any_o man_n henchforth_o wonder_v whence_o so_o many_o several_a and_o strange_a opinion_n shall_v arise_v by_o which_o the_o world_n become_v even_o rend_v and_o tear_v in_o piece_n it_o be_v from_o this_o kind_n of_o preachng_n and_o false_a exposition_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v so_o in_o more_o ancient_a time_n with_o the_o law_n and_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o petrus_n cunaeus_n the_o republ._n lib._n 2._o chap._n 17._o bring_v to_o light_v affirm_v that_o howsoever_o the_o law_n be_v read_v among_o they_o in_o the_o former_a time_n either_o in_o puplicke_a or_o in_o private_a yet_o the_o bare_a text_n be_v only_o read_v without_o gloss_n or_o descant_n interpretatio_fw-la magistrorum_fw-la nulla_fw-la commentatio_fw-la nulla_fw-la but_o in_o the_o second_o temple_n when_o there_o be_v no_o prophet_n than_o do_v the_o scribe_n and_o doctor_n mock_v prophet_n as_o our_o mock_n preacher_n begin_v to_o comment_n and_o make_v their_o several_a exposition_n on_o the_o holy_a text_n exit_fw-la quo_fw-la natae_fw-la disputationes_fw-la &_o sententiae_fw-la contrariae_fw-la from_o whence_o say_v he_o spring_v up_o debate_n and_o doubtful_a disputation_n and_o most_o probable_a it_o be_v say_v another_o upon_o he_o that_o from_o this_o liberty_n of_o interpretation_n spring_v up_o diversity_n of_o judgement_n from_o whence_o arise_v the_o several_a sect_n of_o pharise_n essee_n and_o saducee_n who_o by_o their_o difference_n of_o opinion_n do_v distract_v the_o multitude_n and_o condemn_v one_o another_o even_o so_o in_o these_o time_n when_o as_o there_o be_v no_o true_a apostle_n evaugelist_n prophet_n pastor_n or_o teacher_n endow_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a as_o all_o true_a one_o be_v by_o which_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o god_n aright_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayer_n and_o to_o say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n thus_o speak_v the_o lord_n and_o not_o i_o and_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v in_o the_o absence_n of_o these_o be_v creep_v in_o swarm_n of_o locust_n false_a teacher_n man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n make_v merchandise_n of_o the_o bless_a word_n of_o truth_n and_o for_o that_o wicked_a end_n dress_v it_o up_o in_o what_o shape_n their_o art_n or_o rehtorick_n can_v devise_v and_o upon_o pretence_n of_o exposition_n raise_v thousand_o of_o doubt_n and_o dispute_v write_v million_o of_o book_n and_o preach_v innumerable_a sermon_n whereby_o the_o people_n be_v divide_v and_o subdivide_v into_o faction_n sect_n and_o party_n and_o whereby_o the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o direct_v only_o to_o peace_n and_o love_n be_v most_o unthankful_o make_v use_n of_o as_o a_o firebrand_n of_o quarrel_n and_o dissension_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o poor_a innocent_a dove_n that_o desire_v to_o enjoy_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o mind_n in_o this_o vnum_fw-la necessarium_fw-la that_o little_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n crucify_v and_o to_o walk_v in_o love_n ever_o worship_v god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o truth_n disintangled_n from_o all_o form_n as_o thing_n he_o find_v uncertain_a disengaged_n from_o all_o false_a church_n and_o can_v find_v a_o true_a one_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n give_v thanks_o and_o dare_v not_o pray_v but_o for_o what_o he_o needs_o nor_o join_v with_o any_o where_o he_o be_v not_o before_o agree_v what_o to_o ask_v this_o innocent_a dove_n find_v not_o a_o place_n to_o rest_v his_o foot_n in_o but_o be_v become_v the_o game_n of_o these_o bird_n of_o prey_n these_o raven_n vulture_n and_o harpy_n o_o that_o all_o ingenious_a man_n will_v lay_v these_o thing_n to_o heart_n that_o they_o will_v look_v more_o exact_o into_o these_o church_n more_o bold_o &_o firm_o try_v examine_v &_o weigh_v they_o in_o the_o balance_n that_o they_o will_v shake_v off_o that_o veil_n of_o superstition_n and_o reverend_a respect_n to_o man_n person_n whereby_o they_o be_v overawe_v into_o a_o high_a esteem_n of_o mere_a vanity_n empty_a shell_n without_o kernel_n empty_a cloud_n that_o hold_v no_o water_n that_o they_o will_v consider_v how_o extreme_o partial_a they_o be_v in_o judge_v of_o thing_n for_o who_o be_v he_o that_o do_v not_o exceed_o condemn_v the_o impudence_n of_o simon_n magus_n in_o offer_v to_o buy_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n with_o money_n purposely_o to_o have_v make_v a_o gain_n thereof_o and_o yet_o can_v daily_o see_v man_n counterfeit_v the_o have_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o pretend_v to_o preach_v and_o to_o pray_v by_o it_o when_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o have_v it_o not_o and_o yet_o be_v no_o whit_n trouble_v at_o this_o though_o they_o see_v it_o do_v also_o even_o for_o filthy_a luchre_n vain_a glory_n or_o other_o vile_a respect_n as_o he_o intend_v but_o all_o be_v not_o a_o like_a guilty_a many_o through_o weakness_n and_o a_o preposterous_a zeal_n be_v carry_v with_o the_o stream_n and_o current_n of_o the_o time_n and_o many_o there_o be_v who_o have_v run_v themselves_o quite_o out_o of_o breath_n in_o search_v after_o peace_n and_o rest_n in_o the_o various_a way_n of_o these_o church_n and_o from_o one_o church_n way_n to_o another_o but_o find_v none_o to_o comfort_v they_o nothing_o to_o establish_v they_o confess_v that_o instead_o of_o real_a ordinance_n they_o find_v only_a name_n instead_o of_o power_n in_o they_o they_o find_v only_a form_n fashion_n likeness_n and_o imitation_n mere_a picture_n and_o image_n without_o life_n altogether_o dead_a and_o comfortless_o and_o be_v hold_v up_o mere_o by_o the_o power_n of_o art_n craft_n and_o policy_n of_o man_n not_o without_o the_o countenance_n of_o corrupt_a authority_n &_o oppressive_a statesman_n who_o find_v it_o as_o it_o have_v ever_o prove_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o divide_v the_o people_n make_v use_n thereof_o to_o their_o wicked_a and_o tyrannous_a end_n but_o god_n in_o these_o time_n have_v have_v instrument_n to_o lay_v all_o kind_n of_o delusion_n open_a so_o that_o henceforth_o if_o man_n continue_v in_o these_o evil_a way_n they_o be_v altogether_o inexcusable_a neither_o will_v man_n ever_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o quietness_n one_o with_o another_o so_o long_o as_o this_o veil_n of_o false_a counterfeit_n preach_v remain_v
before_o their_o eye_n nor_o until_o the_o mock_v church_n be_v overturn_v and_o lay_v flat_a for_o so_o long_o as_o man_n flatter_v themselves_o in_o those_o vain_a way_n and_o puff_n themselves_o up_o with_o vain_a thought_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o way_n well_o please_v to_o god_n because_o they_o be_v in_o a_o church_n way_n as_o they_o call_v it_o or_o because_o they_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v long_o together_o which_o they_o call_v preach_v they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n regardless_o of_o store_v their_o mind_n with_o truth_n real_a christian_a virtue_n little_a or_o nothing_o care_v either_o for_o public_a justice_n peace_n or_o freedom_n among_o man_n but_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o endless_a dispute_n in_o condemn_v and_o censure_v those_o that_o be_v contrary_a mind_v whereby_o nothing_o but_o heat_n and_o discontent_n be_v engender_v backbiting_a and_o snarl_v at_o all_o that_o oppose_v they_o will_v neither_o buy_v nor_o sell_v with_o they_o if_o they_o can_v choose_v nor_o give_v they_o so_o much_o as_o a_o good_a look_n but_o on_o all_o occasion_n be_v ready_a to_o censure_n one_o to_o be_v carnal_a another_o erroneous_a one_o a_o atheist_n another_o a_o heretic_n a_o sectary_n schismatic_n a_o blasphemer_n a_o man_n not_o worthy_a to_o live_v though_o they_o have_v nothing_o whereof_o to_o accuse_v he_o which_o in_o the_o true_a scripture_n sense_n will_v bear_v the_o title_n of_o a_o offence_n but_o be_v stir_v in_o their_o spirit_n against_o he_o because_o happy_o he_o speak_v against_o their_o churchway_n and_o frequent_o show_v the_o vanity_n and_o emptiness_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o glory_n and_o by_o which_o they_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o other_o man_n so_o that_o it_o be_v much_o better_o for_o the_o commonwealth_n that_o all_o man_n mind_n be_v set_v at_o liberty_n from_o these_o entanglement_n that_o so_o there_o may_v be_v a_o end_n of_o wrangle_v about_o shadow_n for_o if_o man_n be_v once_o free_a from_o this_o church-bondage_n they_o will_v by_o read_v the_o scripture_n with_o such_o like_a consideration_n as_o be_v before_o express_v soon_o come_v to_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v the_o intent_n &_o substantial_a scope_n thereof_o and_o become_v substantial_a christian_n full_o fraught_v with_o true_a christian_a virtue_n and_o real_a godliness_n which_o will_v incline_v they_o to_o a_o tenderness_n of_o spirit_n towards_o all_o those_o they_o see_v in_o any_o error_n make_v they_o to_o compassionate_a man_n fail_n and_o infirmity_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o help_v the_o distress_a and_o any_o way_n afflict_v it_o will_v enlarge_v their_o heart_n towards_o all_o man_n make_v they_o like_o unto_o our_o heavenly_a father_n who_o cause_v his_o sun_n to_o shine_v on_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a that_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o man_n certain_o be_v we_o all_o busy_v only_o in_o those_o short_a necessary_a truth_n we_o shall_v soon_o become_v practical_a christian_n and_o take_v more_o pleasure_n in_o feed_v the_o hungry_a clothing_n the_o naked_a visit_v and_o comfort_v of_o the_o sick_a relieve_v the_o age_a weak_a and_o impotent_a in_o deliver_v of_o prisoner_n support_v of_o poor_a family_n or_o in_o free_v a_o common_a wealth_n from_o all_o tyrant_n oppressor_n and_o deceiver_n the_o author_n and_o promoter_n of_o all_o corruption_n and_o superstition_n thereby_o manifest_v our_o universal_a love_n to_o all_o mankind_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n opinion_n society_n or_o church_n doubtless_o there_o be_v no_o way_n like_o unto_o this_o to_o adorn_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n man_n and_o woman_n so_o exercise_v themselves_o and_o persevere_v therein_o may_v possible_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o saint_n but_o for_o man_n to_o assume_v that_o title_n for_o be_v a_o presbyter_n a_o independent_a brownist_n anabaptist_n or_o for_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o opinion_n or_o of_o this_o or_o that_o form_n of_o worship_n or_o for_o be_v able_a to_o pray_v and_o preach_v as_o they_o call_v it_o three_o or_o four_o hour_n together_o vent_v their_o own_o uncertain_a notion_n and_o conjecture_n or_o for_o look_v more_o sad_o and_o solemn_o then_o other_o people_n or_o for_o dress_v themselves_o after_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n or_o for_o pretend_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n though_o they_o be_v ever_o to_o seek_v about_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o for_o suck_v in_o and_o sigh_v out_o reproach_n and_o slander_n against_o their_o neighbour_n proceed_v from_o mere_a pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o mind_n when_o as_o the_o best_a of_o these_o put_v altogether_o amount_v not_o to_o so_o much_o towards_o the_o make_n of_o a_o true_a saint_n as_o one_o merciful_a tender_a heart_a compassionate_a act_n for_o christ_n sake_n do_v and_o therefore_o those_o who_o will_v true_o honour_v god_n let_v they_o not_o think_v that_o he_o will_v be_v flatter_v with_o word_n or_o be_v serve_v with_o lip_n service_n with_o that_o which_o co_v little_a or_o nothing_o but_o let_v they_o resolve_v that_o he_o expect_v to_o be_v serve_v with_o no_o less_o than_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n withal_o our_o might_n and_o with_o all_o our_o strength_n to_o be_v honour_v both_o in_o our_o body_n and_o in_o our_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v he_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o man_n be_v first_o to_o know_v and_o understand_v before_o they_o can_v become_v practical_a christian_n and_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o full_a as_o to_o necessary_a knowledge_n yet_o the_o error_n of_o weak_a and_o perverse_a teacher_n do_v so_o abound_v that_o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a thing_n to_o escape_v they_o and_o to_o fall_v into_o a_o profitable_a method_n of_o read_v and_o meditation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n wherein_o may_v the_o consideration_n aforemention_v prove_v as_o profitable_a as_o they_o be_v conscionable_o intend_v but_o doubtless_o the_o best_a way_n to_o perfect_a knowledge_n be_v and_o will_v be_v by_o endeavour_v after_o meeting_n of_o people_n to_o confer_v and_o discourse_v together_o in_o a_o discreet_a quiet_a and_o well_o order_v way_n upon_o necessary_a point_n only_o the_o way_n of_o preach_v or_o long_o set_v speech_n be_v subject_a to_o abundance_n of_o error_n and_o inconvenience_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v happy_a that_o all_o wel-meaning_n people_n will_v serious_o set_v themselves_o to_o procure_v frequent_a and_o full_a meeting_n for_o increase_v of_o knowledge_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n and_o no_o long_o to_o depend_v either_o on_o the_o public_a or_o congregationall_a sermon_n for_o information_n of_o their_o understanding_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o serve_v rather_o to_o dignify_v the_o speaker_n and_o to_o sway_v the_o hearer_n into_o what_o they_o please_v then_o to_o any_o just_a or_o necessary_a end_n and_o as_o every_o one_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n let_v they_o know_v that_o god_n have_v not_o vouchsafe_v his_o word_n unto_o we_o to_o make_v we_o talker_n or_o discourser_n only_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o many_o know_a people_n be_v who_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o arrive_v to_o a_o good_a measure_n of_o understanding_n and_o be_v thereby_o free_v from_o the_o burden_n and_o oppression_n which_o error_n and_o superstition_n have_v bring_v into_o their_o conscience_n instead_o of_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o the_o same_o by_o diligence_n in_o the_o way_n of_o do_v good_a they_o become_v careless_a turn_v the_o goodness_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o his_o word_n to_o idleness_n if_o not_o to_o wantonness_n not_o care_v what_o become_v of_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o time_n or_o other_o man_n suffering_n but_o ever_o after_o live_v as_o in_o a_o please_a dream_n these_o who_o ever_o they_o be_v be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o most_o unworthy_a of_o man_n because_o the_o most_o ungrateful_a the_o most_o opposite_a to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o be_v the_o vile_a of_o creature_n because_o slothful_a christian_n the_o best_a thing_n be_v the_o worst_a if_o once_o corrupt_v and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v very_o good_a for_o every_o one_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o he_o and_o to_o keep_v it_o alive_a by_o continual_a practice_n upon_o all_o occasion_n practice_n in_o good_a and_o just_a and_o charitable_a thing_n be_v that_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n be_v most_o delight_v so_o that_o if_o any_o propose_n to_o themselves_o any_o happiness_n here_o in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v only_o in_o do_v of_o good_a the_o more_o good_a the_o better_a content_v and_o the_o great_a the_o happiness_n man_n be_v in_o nothing_o like_o unto_o god_n but_o in_o do_v good_a nothing_o be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n nothing_o be_v more_o pleasant_a to_o conscience_n his_o vicegerent_n in_o we_o to_o do_v good_a
therefore_o and_o to_o distribute_v forget_v not_o for_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n god_n be_v well_o please_v whilst_o we_o have_v time_n and_o opportunity_n let_v we_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o man_n let_v we_o all_o strive_v to_o go_v on_o before_o another_o in_o love_n and_o let_v there_o be_v no_o other_o strife_n at_o all_o among_o we_o we_o wish_v with_o all_o our_o soul_n that_o all_o reproach_n despite_n and_o envy_n among_o man_n may_v for_o ever_o cease_v and_o that_o difference_n in_o judgement_n may_v no_o long_o occasion_n difference_n in_o affection_n there_o be_v in_o our_o apprehension_n no_o cause_n at_o all_o but_o that_o all_o man_n go_v in_o their_o several_a way_n of_o serve_v god_n whether_o public_a or_o private_a may_v nevertheless_o be_v free_a to_o communicate_v in_o all_o civil_a office_n of_o love_n and_o true_a friendship_n and_o cordial_o join_v with_o any_o for_o a_o public_a good_a but_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o have_v be_v endeavour_v or_o have_v be_v say_v this_o generation_n of_o congregationall_a man_n shall_v continue_v to_o puff_n and_o swell_v through_o pride_n of_o heart_n &_o to_o lift_v themselves_o up_o into_o the_o chair_n of_o the_o scornful_a and_o as_o the_o man_n in_o peter_n chair_n assume_v a_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n over_o all_o opinion_n and_o way_n not_o own_v by_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v infallible_a judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n make_v no_o scruple_n of_o blast_a man_n good_a name_n and_o reputation_n or_o of_o undo_n of_o who_o family_n thereby_o they_o must_v then_o expect_v to_o be_v tell_v their_o own_o and_o be_v make_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n as_o they_o be_v not_o as_o they_o will_v be_v esteem_v it_o be_v evident_a by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o although_o they_o have_v boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v rich_a and_o increase_v with_o good_n and_o to_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o yet_o they_o be_v as_o the_o lukewarm_a church_n of_o laodicea_n miserable_a &_o wretched_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a and_o for_o all_o their_o big_a and_o swell_a conceit_n of_o part_n of_o gift_n of_o saint-ship_n of_o the_o spirit_n &_o in_o effect_n pharisaical_o cry_v out_o lord_z we_o thank_v thou_o we_o be_v not_o as_o other_o man_n nor_o as_o those_o poor_a publican_n that_o receive_v all_o their_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n from_o the_o scripture_n only_o and_o be_v teach_v only_o thereby_o notwithstanding_o these_o big_a swell_a word_n their_o peacock_n feather_n be_v thus_o pluck_v off_o you_o see_v and_o they_o will_v they_o will_v they_o must_v also_o see_v that_o they_o must_v be_v content_a at_o last_o to_o shake_v hand_n even_o with_o those_o poor_a publican_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v no_o other_o infallible_a teacher_n of_o divine_a thing_n but_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o they_o partake_v no_o more_o of_o the_o spirit_n than_o what_o that_o bless_a word_n of_o the_o spirit_n plant_v in_o they_o and_o if_o their_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v will_v be_v enforce_v to_o forsake_v their_o fall_a church_n unless_o for_o politic_a end_n they_o shall_v stifle_v the_o power_n of_o these_o truth_n within_o they_o choose_v rather_o to_o perish_v in_o the_o rubbish_n then_o to_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v so_o exceed_o mistaen_o which_o will_v prove_v a_o unpardonable_a error_n for_o however_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v err_v yet_o they_o be_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n that_o persist_v in_o error_n after_o the_o discovery_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o who_o conscience_n shall_v be_v full_o inform_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o these_o church_n and_o yet_o for_o any_o end_n shall_v continue_v to_o support_v the_o reputation_n of_o they_o let_v all_o such_o know_v that_o those_o who_o dare_v be_v so_o impious_a as_o to_o stop_v the_o continual_a cry_n of_o their_o conscience_n must_v necessary_o desire_v in_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n who_o vicegerent_n conscience_n be_v which_o be_v the_o most_o sad_a and_o dangerous_a conditon_n that_o man_n can_v fall_v into_o in_o this_o life_n and_o certain_o they_o will_v find_v it_o far_o better_a to_o forsake_v their_o totter_a immaginary_a structure_n confess_v their_o emptiness_n &_o sinful_a imitation_n take_v shame_n unto_o themselves_o and_o give_a glory_n unto_o god_n who_o name_n and_o power_n they_o have_v much_o diminish_v hy_z affirm_v those_o to_o be_v church_n which_o be_v not_o those_o pastor_n and_o preacher_n which_o be_v not_o those_o saint_n which_o be_v not_o his_o bless_a word_n to_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n that_o to_o be_v his_o word_n which_o be_v but_o conjectural_a sermon_n and_o in_o censure_v those_o to_o be_v erroneous_a and_o carnal_a christian_n who_o have_v more_o warrant_v for_o what_o they_o do_v then_o themselves_o and_o then_o by_o a_o more_o considerate_a ingenious_a and_o christian-like_a carriage_n to_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o future_a which_o will_v very_o much_o rejoice_v the_o herrt_n of_o all_o that_o love_n the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o sincerity_n who_o truth_n and_o glory_n will_v be_v advance_v by_o the_o scripture_n when_o all_o the_o rove_a wild_a and_o wander_a imagination_n of_o man_n spirit_n shall_v vanish_v and_o come_v to_o nought_o finis_fw-la feb._n 23._o 1648-49_a imprimatur_fw-la theodore_n jennings_n