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deceit_n or_o equivocation_n the_o most_o excellent_a write_n in_o the_o world_n to_o which_o not_o only_o no_o other_o write_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v but_o even_o in_o divers_a respect_n not_o comparable_a thereunto_o for_o as_o we_o free_o acknowledge_v that_o their_o authority_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o approbation_n or_o canon_n of_o any_o church_n or_o assembly_n so_o neither_o can_v we_o subject_v they_o to_o the_o fall_v corrupt_a and_o defile_v reason_n of_o man_n and_o therein_o as_o we_o do_v free_o agree_v with_o the_o protestant_n against_o the_o error_n of_o the_o romanist_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o can_v go_v the_o length_n of_o such_o protestant_n as_o make_v their_o authority_n to_o depend_v upon_o any_o virtue_n or_o power_n that_o be_v in_o the_o write_n themselves_o but_o we_o desire_v to_o ascribe_v all_o to_o that_o spirit_n from_o which_o they_o proceed_v we_o confess_v indeed_o there_o want_v not_o a_o majesty_n in_o the_o style_n a_o 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as_o they_o that_o go_v before_o it_o be_v in_o these_o word_n chap._n 1._o sect_n 5._o nevertheless_o our_o full_a persuasion_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o infallible_a truth_n thereof_o be_v from_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n bearing_z witness_n by_o and_o with_o the_o word_n in_o our_o heart_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o seek_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o spirit_n and_o no_o where_o else_o the_o infinite_a jangle_n and_o endless_a contest_v of_o those_o that_o seek_v their_o authority_n elsewhere_o do_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n hereof_o receive_v for_o the_o ancient_n themselves_o even_o of_o the_o first_o century_n be_v not_o as_o one_o among_o themselves_o concern_v they_o while_o some_o of_o they_o reject_a book_n which_o we_o approve_v and_o other_o of_o they_o approve_v those_o which_o some_o of_o we_o reject_v it_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o least_o acquaint_v with_o antiquity_n what_o great_a contest_v be_v concern_v the_o second_o epistle_n of_o peter_n that_o of_o james_n the_o second_o and_o three_o of_o john_n and_o the_o revelation_n which_o many_o even_o very_a ancient_n deny_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o the_o belove_a disciple_n and_o brother_n of_o james_n but_o by_o another_o of_o that_o name_n what_o shall_v then_o become_v of_o christian_n if_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v that_o spirit_n and_o those_o spiritual_a sense_n by_o which_o they_o know_v how_o to_o discern_v the_o true_a from_o the_o false_a it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o christ_n sheep_n indeed_o that_o they_o hear_v his_o voice_n and_o refuse_v that_o of_o a_o stranger_n which_o privilege_n be_v take_v away_o we_o be_v leave_v a_o prey_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o wolf_n §_o ii_o though_o then_o we_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o very_a heavenly_a and_o divine_a writing_n the_o use_n of_o they_o to_o be_v a_o very_a comfortable_a and_o 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fountain_n itself_o and_o have_v find_v it_o there_o we_o sist_z we_o can_v go_v no_o further_o because_o there_o it_o spring_v out_o of_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v inscrutable_a even_o so_o the_o writing_n and_o say_n of_o all_o man_n we_o must_v bring_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o mean_v the_o eternal_a word_n and_o if_o they_o agree_v hereunto_o we_o stand_v there_o for_o this_o word_n always_o proceed_v and_o do_v eternal_o proceed_v from_o god_n in_o and_o by_o which_o the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o unsearchable_a counsel_n and_o will_v conceive_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o then_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o principal_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o what_o be_v above_o speak_v so_o it_o be_v provide_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o proposition_n which_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o argument_n run_v thus_o that_o the_o certainty_n and_o authority_n whereof_o depend_v upon_o another_o and_o which_o be_v receive_v as_o truth_n because_o of_o its_o proceed_n from_o another_o be_v not_o to_o he_o account_v the_o principal_a ground_n and_o origin_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o knowledge_n but_o the_o scripture_n authority_n and_o certainty_n depend_v upon_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v dictate_v and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v receive_v as_o truth_n be_v because_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o the_o principal_a ground_n of_o truth_n to_o confirm_v this_o argument_n i_o add_v the_o school_n maxim_n propter_fw-la quod_fw-la unumquodque_fw-la est_fw-la tale_n illud_fw-la ipsum_fw-la est_fw-la magis_fw-la tale_n which_o maxim_n though_o i_o confess_v it_o do_v not_o hold_v universal_o in_o all_o thing_n yet_o in_o this_o it_o both_o do_v and_o will_v very_o well_o hold_v as_o by_o apply_v it_o as_o we_o have_v
to_o be_v soothe_v up_o and_o lull_v asleep_o in_o thy_o sin_n by_o the_o flatter_a of_o court-parasit_n who_o by_o their_o fawn_a be_v the_o ruin_n of_o many_o prince_n there_o be_v no_o king_n in_o the_o world_n who_o can_v so_o experimental_o testify_v of_o god_n providence_n and_o goodness_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o who_o rule_v so_o many_o free_a people_n so_o many_o true_a christian_n which_o thing_n render_v thy_o government_n more_o honourable_a thyself_o more_o considerable_a than_o the_o accession_n of_o many_o nation_n fill_v with_o slavish_a and_o superstitious_a soul_n thou_o have_v taste_v of_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n thou_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v banish_v thy_o native_a country_n to_o be_v overrule_v as_o well_o as_o to_o rule_v and_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o be_v oppress_v thou_o have_v reason_n to_o know_v how_o hateful_a the_o oppressor_n be_v both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n if_o after_o all_o these_o warning_n and_o advertisement_n thou_o 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not_o so_o much_o mind_v the_o eloquence_n and_o excellency_n of_o speech_n as_o desire_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o efficacy_n and_o operation_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o i_o err_v sometime_o in_o the_o former_a it_o be_v not_o great_a matter_n for_o i_o act_v not_o here_o the_o grammarian_n or_o the_o orator_n but_o the_o christian_a and_o therefore_o in_o this_o i_o have_v follow_v the_o certain_a rule_n of_o the_o divine_a light_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o make_v a_o end_n what_o i_o have_v write_v be_v write_v not_o to_o feed_v the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n or_o rather_o vain_a pride_n of_o this_o world_n but_o to_o starve_v and_o oppose_v it_o we_o the_o little_a preface_n prefix_v to_o the_o proposition_n do_v show_v which_o with_o the_o title_n of_o they_o be_v as_o follow_v thesis_n theologicae_fw-la to_o the_o clergy_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o unto_o who_o hand_n these_o may_v come_v but_o more_o particular_o to_o the_o doctor_n professor_n and_o 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your_o school_n divinity_n which_o take_v up_o almost_o a_o man_n whole_a life-time_n to_o learn_v bring_v not_o a_o whit_n near_o to_o god_n neither_o make_v any_o man_n less_o wicked_a or_o more_o righteous_a than_o he_o be_v therefore_o have_v god_n lay_v aside_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a and_o the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n and_o have_v choose_v a_o few_o despicable_a and_o unlearned_a instrument_n as_o to_o letter-learning_n as_o he_o do_v fisherman_n of_o old_a to_o publish_v his_o pure_a and_o naked_a truth_n and_o to_o free_v it_o of_o these_o mist_n and_o fog_n wherewith_o the_o clergy_n have_v cloud_v it_o that_o the_o people_n may_v admire_v and_o maintain_v they_o and_o among_o several_a other_o who_o god_n have_v choose_v to_o make_v know_v these_o thing_n see_v i_o also_o have_v receive_v in_o measure_n grace_n to_o be_v a_o dispenser_n of_o the_o same_o gospel_n it_o seem_v good_a unto_o i_o according_a to_o my_o duty_n to_o offer_v unto_o you_o these_o 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life_n eternal_a with_o it_o therefore_o i_o have_v affirm_v and_o that_o true_o that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v no_o otherways_o attain_v and_o that_o none_o have_v any_o true_a ground_n to_o believe_v they_o have_v attain_v it_o who_o have_v it_o not_o by_o this_o revelation_n of_o god_n spirit_n the_o certainty_n of_o which_o truth_n be_v such_o that_o it_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o some_o of_o the_o most_o refine_a and_o famous_a of_o all_o sort_n of_o professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o all_o age_n who_o be_v true_o upright-hearted_n and_o earnest_a seeker_n of_o the_o lord_n however_o state_v under_o the_o disadvantage_n and_o epidemical_a error_n of_o their_o several_a sect_n or_o age_n the_o true_a seed_n in_o they_o have_v be_v answer_v by_o god_n love_n who_o have_v have_v regard_n to_o the_o good_a and_o have_v have_v of_o his_o elect_a one_o among_o all_o who_o find_v a_o distaste_n and_o disgust_n in_o all_o other_o outward_a mean_n even_o in_o the_o very_a 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and_o that_o which_o the_o truth_n itself_o interpret_n itself_o say_v a_o conjecture_n of_o truth_n differ_v from_o the_o truth_n itself_o a_o similitude_n of_o a_o thing_n differ_v from_o the_o thing_n itself_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n that_o be_v acquire_v by_o exercise_n and_o discipline_n and_o another_o thing_n which_o by_o power_n and_o faith_n last_o the_o same_o clemens_n say_v paedag._n truth_n be_v neither_o hard_a to_o be_v arrive_v at_o nor_o be_v it_o impossible_a to_o apprehend_v it_o for_o it_o be_v most_o nigh_o unto_o we_o even_o in_o our_o house_n as_o the_o most_o wise_a moses_n have_v insinuate_v 3._o how_o be_v it_o say_v tertullian_n that_o since_o the_o devil_n always_o work_v and_o stir_v up_o the_o mind_n to_o iniquity_n 1._o that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n shall_v either_o cease_v or_o desist_v to_o act_v since_o for_o this_o end_n the_o lord_n do_v send_v the_o comforter_n that_o because_o human_a weakness_n can_v not_o at_o once_o bear_v all_o thing_n knowledge_n may_v be_v by_o little_a and_o little_o direct_v form_v and_o bring_v to_o perfection_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o vicar_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o have_v many_o thing_n yet_o say_v he_o to_o speak_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v not_o as_o vet_n bear_v they_o but_o when_o that_o spirit_n of_o truth_n shall_v come_v he_o shall_v lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o shall_v teach_v you_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v but_o of_o his_o work_n we_o have_v speak_v above_o what_o be_v then_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o comforter_n but_o that_o discipline_n be_v derive_v and_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v etc._n etc._n 103._o 4._o the_o law_n say_v hierom_n be_v spiritual_a and_o there_o be_v need_n of_o a_o revelation_n to_o understand_v it_o and_o in_o his_o epistle_n 150_o to_o hedibia_n question_v 11._o he_o say_v the_o whole_a epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n needs_o a_o interpretation_n it_o be_v involve_v in_o so_o great_a obscurity_n that_o for_o the_o understanding_n thereof_o we_o need_v the_o help_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o through_o the_o apostle_n dictate_v it_o 5._o so_o great_a thing_n say_v athanasius_n do_v our_o saviour_n daily_o he_o draw_v unto_o piety_n dei_fw-la persuade_v unto_o virtue_n teach_v immortality_n excite_v to_o the_o desire_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n reveal_v knowledge_n from_o the_o father_n inspire_v power_n against_o death_n and_o show_v himself_o unto_o every_o one_o 6._o gregory_n the_o great_a upon_o these_o word_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n say_v gospel_n that_o unless_o the_o same_o spirit_n sit_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o hearer_n in_o vain_a be_v the_o discourse_n of_o the_o doctor_n let_v no_o man_n then_o ascribe_v unto_o the_o man_n that_o teach_v what_o he_o understand_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v for_o unless_o he_o that_o teach_v be_v within_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o doctor_n that_o be_v without_o labour_v in_o vain_a 7._o cyrillas_n alexandrinus_n plain_o affirm_v that_o man_n know_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o no_o otherwise_o than_o they_o who_o taste_v honey_n know_v that_o it_o be_v sweet_a even_o by_o its_o proper_a quality_n 8._o therefore_o say_v bernard_n we_o daily_o exhort_v you_o brethren_n by_o speech_n that_o you_o walk_v the_o way_n of_o the_o heart_n 84._o and_o that_o your_o soul_n be_v always_o in_o your_o hand_n that_o he_o may_v hear_v what_o the_o lord_n say_v in_o you_o and_o again_o upon_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n let_v he_o that_o glori_v glory_n in_o the_o lord_n with_o which_o threefold_a vice_n say_v he_o all_o sort_n of_o religious_a man_n be_v less_o or_o more_o dangerous_o affect_v because_o they_o do_v not_o so_o diligent_o attend_v with_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o what_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o flatter_v none_o inward_o speak_v this_o be_v the_o very_a basis_n and_o main_a foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o 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and_o therefore_o to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n to_o see_v god_n be_v to_o know_v and_o hear_v the_o spirit_n by_o the_o spirit_n alone_a god_n be_v know_v and_o perceive_v which_o also_o the_o more_o serious_a to_o this_o day_n do_v acknowledge_v even_o all_o such_o who_o satisfy_v themselves_o not_o with_o the_o superfice_n of_o religion_n and_o use_v it_o not_o as_o a_o cover_n or_o art_n yea_o all_o these_o who_o apply_v themselves_o effectual_o to_o christianity_n and_o be_v not_o satisfy_v until_o they_o have_v find_v its_o effectual_a work_n upon_o their_o heart_n redeem_v they_o from_o sin_n do_v feel_v that_o no_o knowledge_n effectual_o prevail_v to_o the_o produce_v of_o this_o but_o that_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o warm_a influence_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o from_o the_o comfortable_a shining_n of_o his_o light_n upon_o their_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o to_o this_o purpose_n a_o late_a modern_a author_n say_v well_o videlicer_n doctor_n smith_n of_o cambridge_n in_o his_o select_a discourse_n to_o seek_v our_o divinity_n mere_o in_o book_n and_o write_n be_v to_o seek_v the_o live_n among_o the_o dead_a we_o do_v but_o in_o vain_a many_o time_n seek_v god_n in_o these_o where_o his_o truth_n be_v too_o often_o not_o so_o much_o enshrine_v as_o entomb_v intra_fw-la te_fw-la quaere_fw-la deum_fw-la seek_v god_n within_o thy_o own_o soul_n he_o be_v best_o discern_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o plotinus_n phrase_v it_o by_o a_o intellectual_a touch_n of_o he_o we_o must_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n and_o hear_v with_o our_o ear_n and_o our_o hand_n must_v handle_v the_o word_n of_o life_n to_o express_v it_o in_o st._n john_n be_v word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n the_o soul_n itself_o have_v its_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o the_o body_n and_o therefore_o david_n
herewith_o nay_o certain_o obedience_n be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n and_o it_o be_v not_o our_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a simple_o that_o please_v god_n but_o that_o good_a which_o he_o will_v thus_o to_o do_v every_o member_n have_v its_o particular_a place_n in_o the_o body_n as_o the_o apostle_n show_v 1_o cor._n 12._o if_o then_o i_o be_v the_o foot_n shall_v offer_v to_o exercise_v the_o office_n of_o the_o hand_n or_o be_v the_o hand_n that_o of_o the_o tongue_n my_o service_n will_v be_v troublesome_a and_o not_o acceptable_a and_o instead_o of_o help_v the_o body_n i_o shall_v make_v a_o schism_n in_o it_o so_o that_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o another_o to_o do_v may_v be_v sinful_a to_o i_o for_o as_o master_n will_v have_v their_o servant_n to_o obey_v they_o according_a to_o their_o good_a pleasure_n not_o only_o in_o blind_o do_v that_o which_o may_v seem_v to_o they_o to_o tend_v to_o their_o master_n profit_n whereby_o it_o may_v chance_v the_o master_n have_v business_n both_o in_o the_o field_n and_o in_o the_o house_n that_o the_o servant_n that_o know_v not_o his_o master_n will_n may_v go_v to_o the_o field_n when_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o master_n he_o shall_v stay_v and_o do_v the_o business_n of_o the_o house_n will_v not_o this_o servant_n then_o deserve_v a_o reproof_n for_o not_o answer_v his_o master_n mind_n and_o what_o master_n be_v so_o sottish_a and_o careless_a as_o have_v many_o servant_n leave_v they_o in_o such_o disorder_n as_o not_o to_o assign_v each_o his_o particular_a station_n and_o not_o only_o the_o general_a term_n of_o do_v that_o which_o be_v profitable_a which_o will_v leave_v they_o in_o various_a doubt_n and_o no_o doubt_n end_n in_o confusion_n shall_v we_o then_o dare_v to_o ascribe_v unto_o christ_n in_o the_o order_n of_o his_o church_n and_o servant_n that_o which_o in_o man_n may_v just_o be_v account_v disorder_n and_o confusion_n the_o apostle_n show_v this_o distinction_n well_o rom._n c._n 12._o v._n 6_o 8._o have_v then_o gift_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v we_o whether_o prophecy_n let_v we_o prophecy_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o ministring_n or_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v or_o he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n now_o what_o scripture_n rule_n show_v i_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o exhort_v rather_o than_o prophesy_v or_o to_o minister_v rather_o than_o teach_v surely_n none_o at_o all_o many_o more_o difficulty_n of_o this_o kind_n occur_v in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian._n moreover_o that_o which_o of_o all_o thing_n be_v most_o needful_a for_o he_o to_o know_v to_o wit_n whether_o he_o real_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o heir_n of_o salvation_n or_o no_o the_o scripture_n can_v give_v he_o no_o certainty_n in_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o he_o that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v exceed_o desirable_a and_o comfortable_a all_o do_v unanimous_o acknowledge_v beside_o that_o it_o be_v especial_o command_v 2_o cor._n 13._o v._n 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v yourselves_o know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n and_o 2_o pet._n 1.10_o wherefore_o the_o rather_o brethren_n give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a now_o i_o say_v what_o scripture_n rule_n can_v assure_v i_o that_o i_o have_v true_a faith_n that_o my_o call_n and_o election_n be_v sure_a if_o it_o be_v say_v by_o compare_v the_o scripture_n mark_n of_o true_a faith_n with_o i_o i_o demand_v wherewith_o shall_v i_o make_v this_o observation_n what_o shall_v ascertain_v i_o that_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v it_o can_v be_v the_o scripture_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n under_o debate_n if_o it_o be_v say_v my_o own_o heart_n how_o unfit_a a_o judge_n be_v it_o in_o its_o own_o case_n and_o how_o like_o to_o be_v partial_a especial_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o unrenewed_a do_v not_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o it_o be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n i_o find_v the_o promise_n i_o find_v the_o threaten_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o who_o tell_v i_o that_o the_o one_o belong_v to_o i_o more_o than_o the_o other_o the_o scripture_n give_v i_o a_o mere_a declaration_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o make_v no_o application_n so_o that_o the_o assumption_n must_v be_v of_o my_o own_o make_n thus_o as_o for_o example_n i_o find_v this_o proposition_n in_o the_o scripture_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v thence_o i_o draw_v this_o assumption_n but_o i_o robert_n believe_v therefore_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o minor_a be_v of_o my_o own_o make_n not_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o a_o humane_a conclusion_n not_o a_o divine_a position_n so_o that_o by_o my_o faith_n and_o assurance_n here_o be_v not_o build_v upon_o a_o scripture_n position_n but_o upon_o a_o humane_a principle_n which_o unless_o i_o be_v sure_a of_o elsewhere_o the_o scripture_n give_v i_o no_o certainty_n in_o the_o matter_n again_o if_o i_o shall_v pursue_v the_o argument_n further_o and_o seek_v a_o new_a medium_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o same_o difficulty_n will_v occur_v thus_o he_o that_o have_v the_o true_a and_o certain_a mark_n of_o true_a faith_n have_v true_a faith_n but_o i_o have_v those_o mark_n therefore_o i_o have_v true_a faith_n for_o the_o assumption_n be_v still_o here_o of_o my_o own_o make_n and_o be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o conclusion_n can_v be_v no_o better_o since_o it_o still_o follow_v the_o weak_a proposition_n this_o be_v indeed_o so_o pungent_a that_o the_o best_a of_o protestant_n who_o plead_v for_o this_o assurance_n ascribe_v it_o to_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o calvin_n in_o that_o large_a citation_n cite_v in_o the_o former_a proposition_n so_o that_o not_o to_o seek_v further_o into_o the_o write_n of_o the_o primitive_a protestant_n which_o be_v full_a of_o such_o expression_n even_o the_o westminster_n confession_n of_o faith_n affirm_v chap._n 18._o sect_n 12._o this_o certainty_n be_v not_o bear_v conjecture_n and_o probable_a persuasion_n ground_v upon_o fallible_a hope_n but_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o faith_n found_v upon_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n the_o inward_a evidence_n of_o these_o grace_n unto_o which_o these_o promise_n be_v make_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n witness_v to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n which_o spirit_n be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n whereby_o we_o be_v seal_v to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n moreover_o the_o scripture_n itself_o wherein_o we_o be_v so_o earnest_o press_v to_o seek_v after_o this_o assurance_n do_v not_o at_o all_o affirm_v itself_o a_o rule_n sufficient_a to_o give_v it_o but_o whole_o ascribe_v it_o to_o the_o spirit_n as_o rom._n 8.16_o the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n 1_o joh._n 4.13_o hereby_o do_v we_o know_v that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o 5.6_o and_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o bear_v witness_v because_o the_o spirit_n be_v truth_n §_o iu._n last_o that_o can_v be_v the_o only_a principle_n nor_o chief_a rule_n which_o do_v not_o universal_o reach_v every_o individual_a that_o need_v it_o to_o produce_v the_o necessary_a effect_n and_o from_o the_o use_n of_o which_o either_o by_o some_o innocent_a and_o sinless_a defect_n or_o natural_a yet_o harmless_a and_o blameless_a imperfection_n many_o who_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o may_v without_o absurdity_n yea_o with_o great_a probability_n be_v account_v oft_o he_o elect_v be_v necessary_o exclude_v and_o that_o either_o whole_o or_o at_o least_o from_o the_o immediate_a use_n thereof_o but_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o frequent_o concern_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o case_n of_o deaf_a people_n child_n and_o idiot_n who_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v we_o then_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v without_o any_o rule_n to_o god-ward_o or_o that_o they_o be_v all_o damn_a as_o such_o a_o opinion_n be_v in_o itself_o very_o absurd_a and_o inconsistent_a both_o with_o the_o justice_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n so_o i_o know_v no_o sound_a reason_n can_v be_v allege_v for_o it_o now_o if_o we_o may_v suppose_v any_o such_o to_o be_v under_o the_o new_a covenant_n dispensation_n as_o i_o know_v none_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o we_o may_v suppose_v it_o without_o any_o absurdity_n we_o
heavenly_a mansion_n which_o together_o do_v make_v up_o the_o one_o catholic_n church_n concern_v which_o there_o be_v so_o much_o controversy_n out_o of_o which_o church_n we_o free_o acknowledge_v there_o can_v be_v no_o salvation_n because_o under_o this_o church_n and_o its_o denomination_n be_v comprehend_v all_o and_o as_o many_o of_o whatsoever_o nation_n kindred_n tongue_n or_o people_n they_o be_v though_o outward_o stranger_n and_o remote_a from_o those_o who_o profess_v christ_n and_o christianity_n in_o word_n and_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o become_v obedient_a to_o the_o holy_a light_n and_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n so_o as_o to_o become_v sanctify_v by_o it_o and_o cleanse_v from_o the_o evil_n of_o their_o way_n for_o this_o be_v the_o universal_a or_o catholic_n spirit_n by_o which_o many_o be_v call_v from_o all_o the_o four_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob._n by_o this_o the_o secret_a life_n and_o virtue_n of_o jesus_n be_v convey_v into_o many_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o even_o as_o by_o the_o blood_n that_o run_v into_o the_o vein_n and_o artery_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n the_o life_n be_v convey_v from_o the_o head_n and_o heart_n unto_o the_o extreme_a part_n there_o may_v be_v member_n therefore_o of_o this_o catholic_n church_n both_o among_o heathen_n turk_n jew_n and_o all_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o christian_n man_n and_o woman_n of_o integrity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n who_o though_o blind_v in_o something_o in_o their_o understanding_n and_o perhaps_o burden_a with_o the_o superstition_n and_o formality_n of_o the_o several_a sect_n in_o which_o they_o be_v ingross_v yet_o be_v upright_o in_o their_o heart_n before_o the_o lord_n chief_o aim_v and_o labour_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o iniquity_n and_o love_v to_o follow_v righteousness_n be_v by_o the_o secret_a touch_n of_o this_o holy_a light_n in_o their_o soul_n inlve_v and_o quicken_v thereby_o secret_o unite_v to_o god_n and_o there_o through_o become_v true_a member_n of_o this_o catholic_n church_n now_o the_o church_n in_o this_o respect_n have_v be_v in_o be_v in_o all_o generation_n for_o god_n never_o want_v some_o such_o witness_n for_o he_o though_o many_o time_n slight_v and_o not_o much_o observe_v by_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o this_o church_n though_o still_o in_o be_v have_v be_v oftentimes_o as_o it_o be_v invisible_a in_o that_o it_o have_v not_o come_v under_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n be_v as_o say_v the_o scripture_n jer._n 3.14_o one_o of_o a_o city_n and_o two_o of_o a_o family_n and_o yet_o though_o the_o church_n thus_o consider_v may_v be_v as_o it_o be_v hide_v from_o wicked_a man_n as_o not_o then_o gather_v into_o a_o visible_a fellowship_n yea_o and_o not_o observe_v even_o by_o some_o that_o be_v member_n of_o it_o yet_o may_v there_o notwithstanding_o many_o belong_v to_o it_o as_o when_o elias_n complain_v he_o be_v leave_v alone_o 1_o king_n 19.18_o god_n answer_v unto_o he_o i_o have_v reserve_v to_o myself_o seven_o thousand_o man_n who_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o the_o image_n of_o baal_n whence_o the_o apostle_n argue_v rom._n 11._o the_o be_v of_o a_o remnant_n in_o his_o day_n §_o iii_o second_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o it_o signify_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o person_n gather_v by_o god_n spirit_n and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o of_o his_o servant_n raise_v up_o for_o that_o end_n unto_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o true_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n who_o through_o their_o heart_n be_v unite_v by_o the_o same_o love_n and_o their_o understanding_n inform_v in_o the_o same_o truth_n gather_v meet_v and_o assemble_v together_o to_o wait_v upon_o god_n to_o worship_v he_o and_o to_o bear_v a_o joint_a testimony_n for_o the_o truth_n against_o error_n suffer_v for_o the_o same_o and_o so_o become_v through_o this_o fellowship_n as_o one_o family_n and_o household_n in_o certain_a respect_n do_v each_o of_o they_o watch_v over_o teach_v instruct_v and_o care_n for_o one_o another_o according_a to_o their_o several_a measure_n and_o attainment_n such_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n gather_v by_o the_o apostle_n whereof_o we_o have_v divers_a mention_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o as_o to_o the_o visibility_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o respect_n there_o have_v be_v a_o great_a interruption_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o apostasy_n as_o shall_v hereafter_o appear_v §_o iv._o to_o be_v a_o member_n then_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n there_o be_v need_n of_o the_o inward_a call_n of_o god_n by_o his_o light_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o a_o be_v leaven_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o so_o as_o to_o forsake_v unrighteousness_n and_o be_v turn_v to_o righteousness_n and_o in_o the_o inwardness_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o be_v cut_v out_o of_o the_o wild-olive-tree_n of_o our_o own_o first_o fall_v nature_n and_o ingraft_v into_o christ_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v in_o those_o who_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o history_n god_n not_o have_v please_v to_o make_v they_o partaker_n thereof_o as_o in_o the_o v._o and_o vi_o proposition_n have_v already_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n as_o this_o inward_a work_n be_v indispensible_o necessary_a so_o be_v also_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o and_o belief_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o those_o holy_a truth_n deliver_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o scripture_n see_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n do_v answer_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n even_o as_o face_n answer_v face_n in_o a_o glass_n hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o holiness_n and_o forsake_v iniquity_n be_v necessary_a in_o every_o respect_n to_o the_o be_v a_o member_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o outward_a profession_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a gather_v church_n but_o not_o to_o the_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n yet_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a where_o god_n afford_v the_o opportunity_n of_o know_v it_o the_o outward_a testimony_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v where_o it_o be_v present_v and_o reveal_v the_o sum_n whereof_o have_v upon_o other_o occasion_n be_v already_o prove_v §_o v._o but_o contrary_a hereunto_o the_o devil_n that_o work_v and_o have_v wrought_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n have_v teach_v his_o follower_n to_o affirm_v that_o no_o man_n however_o holy_a be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n without_o the_o outward_a profession_n and_o that_o he_o be_v initiate_v thereunto_o by_o some_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o again_o that_o man_n who_o have_v this_o outward_a profession_n though_o inward_o unholy_a may_v be_v member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n yea_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o esteem_v this_o be_v plain_o to_o put_v light_n for_o darkness_n and_o darkness_n for_o light_n as_o if_o god_n have_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o word_n than_o action_n and_o be_v more_o please_v with_o vain_a profession_n than_o with_o real_a holiness_n but_o these_o thing_n i_o have_v sufficient_o refute_v heretofore_o only_o from_o hence_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o upon_o this_o false_a and_o rot_a foundation_n antichrist_n have_v build_v his_o babylonish_n structure_n and_o the_o antichristian_a church_n in_o the_o apostasy_n have_v hereby_o rear_v herself_o up_o to_o that_o height_n and_o grandeur_n she_o have_v attain_v so_o as_o to_o exalt_v herself_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n and_o sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n as_o god_n for_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n gather_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n soon_o after_o beginning_n to_o decay_v as_o to_o the_o inward_a life_n come_v to_o be_v overgrow_v with_o several_a error_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n to_o be_v leaven_v with_o the_o old_a spirit_n and_o conversation_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o it_o please_v god_n for_o some_o century_n to_o preserve_v that_o life_n in_o many_o who_o he_o embolden_v with_o zeal_n to_o stand_v and_o suffer_v for_o his_o name_n through_o the_o ten_o persecution_n but_o these_o be_v over_o the_o meekness_n gentleness_n love_n long-suffering_a goodness_n and_o temperance_n of_o christianity_n come_v to_o be_v lose_v for_o after_o that_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o earth_n come_v to_o take_v upon_o they_o that_o profession_n and_o that_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n but_o rather_o become_v a_o mean_n to_o
we_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o ignorance_n provide_v always_o they_o do_v not_o seek_v to_o obtrude_v they_o upon_o other_o nor_o judge_v such_o as_o found_v themselves_o deliver_v or_o that_o they_o do_v not_o pertinacious_o adhere_v to_o they_o for_o we_o certain_o know_v that_o the_o day_n be_v dawn_v in_o which_o god_n have_v arisen_a and_o have_v dismiss_v all_o those_o ceremony_n and_o rite_n and_o be_v only_o to_o be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o that_o he_o appear_v to_o they_o who_o wait_v upon_o he_o and_o that_o to_o seek_v god_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v with_o marry_o at_o the_o sepulchre_n to_o seek_v the_o live_n among_o the_o dead_a for_o we_o know_v that_o he_o be_v arisen_a and_o reveal_v in_o spirit_n lead_v his_o child_n out_o of_o these_o rudiment_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v with_o he_o in_o his_o light_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n the_o fourteen_o proposition_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o matter_n pure_o religious_a and_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n since_o god_n have_v assume_v to_o himself_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o the_o conscience_n who_o alone_o can_v right_o instruct_v and_o govern_v it_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o whosoever_o 3.10_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o authority_n or_o principality_n they_o bear_v in_o the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n to_o force_v the_o conscience_n of_o other_o and_o therefore_o all_o kill_a banish_v fine_v imprison_a and_o other_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v inflict_v upon_o man_n for_o the_o alone_a exercise_n of_o their_o conscience_n or_o difference_n in_o worship_n or_o opinion_n proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o cain_n the_o murderer_n and_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o truth_n provide_v always_o that_o no_o man_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n prejudice_n his_o neighbour_n in_o this_o life_n or_o estate_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n destructive_a to_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o humane_a society_n in_o which_o case_n the_o law_n be_v for_o the_o transgressor_n and_o justice_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v upon_o all_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n §_o i._o liberty_n of_o conscience_n from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v be_v of_o late_a year_n so_o large_o and_o learned_o handle_v that_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v but_o to_o be_v brief_a in_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v that_o few_o have_v walk_v answerable_o to_o this_o principle_n each_o plead_n it_o for_o themselves_o but_o scarce_o allow_v it_o to_o other_o as_o hereafter_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n more_o at_o length_n to_o observe_v it_o will_v be_v fit_a in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o clear_v of_o mistake_n to_o say_v something_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n that_o what_o follow_v may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_o understand_v by_o conscience_n then_o as_o in_o the_o explanation_n of_o the_o 5_o and_o 6_o proposition_n i_o have_v observe_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o understanding_n be_v possess_v with_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsity_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o though_o it_o may_v be_v false_a or_o evil_a upon_o the_o matter_n yet_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v go_v against_o his_o persuasion_n or_o conscience_n he_o shall_v commit_v a_o sin_n because_o what_o a_o man_n do_v contrary_a to_o his_o faith_n though_o his_o faith_n be_v wrong_a be_v no_o way_n acceptable_a to_o god_n hence_o the_o apostle_n say_v whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o he_o that_o doubt_v 14.23_o be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v though_o the_o thing_n may_v have_v be_v lawful_a to_o another_o and_o that_o this_o doubt_v to_o eat_v some_o kind_n of_o meat_n since_o all_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v good_a and_o for_o the_o use_n of_o man_n if_o receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n may_v be_v a_o superstition_n or_o at_o lest_o a_o weakness_n which_o be_v better_o remove_v hence_o ames_n de_fw-fr cas._n cons._n say_v the_o conscience_n although_o err_v do_v evermore_o bind_v so_o as_o that_o he_o sin_v who_o do_v contrary_a to_o his_o conscience_n because_o he_o do_v contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n although_o not_o material_o and_o true_o yet_o formal_o and_o interpretative_o so_o the_o question_n be_v first_o whether_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o force_v man_n in_o thing_n religious_a to_o do_v contrary_a to_o their_o conscience_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o to_o punish_v they_o in_o their_o good_n liberty_n or_o life_n this_o we_o hold_v in_o the_o negative_a but_o second_o as_o we_o will_v have_v the_o magistrate_n avoid_v this_o extreme_a of_o encroach_a upon_o man_n conscience_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o be_v far_o from_o join_v with_o or_o strengthen_v such_o libertine_n as_o will_v stretch_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o their_o neighbour_n or_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o humane_a society_n we_o understand_v therefore_o by_o matter_n of_o conscience_n such_o as_o immediate_o relate_v betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n or_o man_n and_o man_n that_o be_v under_o the_o same_o persuasion_n as_o to_o meet_v together_o and_o worship_n god_n in_o that_o way_n which_o they_o judge_v be_v most_o acceptable_a unto_o he_o and_o not_o to_o encroach_v upon_o or_o seek_v to_o force_v their_o neighbour_n otherwise_o than_o by_o reason_n or_o such_o other_o mean_n as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n use_v viz._n preach_v and_o instruct_v such_o as_o will_v hear_v and_o receive_v it_o but_o not_o at_o all_o for_o man_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o conscience_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o moral_a and_o perpetual_a statute_n general_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o christian_n in_o which_o case_n the_o magistrate_n may_v very_o lawful_o use_v his_o authority_n as_o on_o those_o who_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n make_v it_o a_o principle_n to_o kill_v and_o destroy_v all_o the_o wicked_a id_fw-la est_fw-la all_z that_o differ_v from_o they_o that_o they_o to_o wit_n the_o saint_n may_v rule_v and_o that_o therefore_o seek_v to_o make_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o will_v force_v their_o neighbour_n to_o share_v their_o estate_n with_o they_o and_o many_o such_o wild_a notion_n as_o be_v report_v of_o the_o anabaptist_n of_o munster_n which_o evident_o appear_v to_o proceed_v from_o pride_n and_o covetousness_n and_o not_o from_o purity_n or_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v sufficient_o guard_v against_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o proposition_n but_o the_o liberty_n we_o lay_v claim_v to_o be_v such_o as_o the_o primitive_a church_n just_o seek_v under_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n to_o wit_n for_o man_n of_o sobriety_n honesty_n and_o a_o peaceable_a conversation_n to_o enjoy_v the_o liberty_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o among_o themselves_o and_o to_o admit_v among_o they_o such_o as_o by_o their_o persuasion_n and_o influence_n come_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o same_o truth_n with_o they_o without_o be_v therefore_o molest_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n three_o though_o we_o will_v not_o have_v man_n hurt_v in_o their_o temporal_n nor_o rob_v of_o their_o privilege_n as_o man_n and_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n because_o of_o their_o inward_a persuasion_n yet_o we_o be_v far_o from_o judge_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n there_o shall_v not_o be_v censure_n exercise_v against_o such_o as_o fall_v into_o error_n as_o well_o as_o such_o as_o commit_v open_a evil_n and_o therefore_o we_o believe_v it_o may_v be_v very_o lawful_a for_o a_o christian_a church_n if_o she_o find_v any_o of_o her_o member_n fall_v into_o any_o error_n after_o due_a admonition_n and_o instruction_n according_a to_o gospel_n order_n if_o she_o find_v they_o pertinacious_a to_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o her_o fellowship_n by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o denude_v they_o of_o these_o privilege_n which_o they_o have_v as_o fellow-member_n but_o not_o to_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o the_o world_n by_o the_o temporal_a sword_n or_o rob_v they_o of_o their_o common_a privilege_n as_o man_n see_v they_o enjoy_v not_o these_o as_o christian_n or_o under_o such_o a_o fellowship_n but_o as_o man_n and_o member_n of_o the_o creation_n hence_o chrysostom_n say_v well_o de_fw-fr anath_n we_o must_v condemn_v and_o reprove_v the_o evil_a doctrine_n that_o proceed_v from_o heretic_n but_o spare_v the_o man_n and_o pray_v for_o their_o salvation_n §_o ii_o but_o that_o no_o man_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o power_n or_o principality_n he_o have_v in_o the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n have_v power_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v apparent_a because_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v the_o seat_n and_o throne_n of_o god_n in_o he_o of_o
suffer_v for_o no_o man_n that_o will_v persecute_v another_o for_o his_o conscience_n will_v suffer_v for_o his_o own_o if_o he_o can_v avoid_v it_o see_v his_o principle_n oblige_v he_o if_o he_o have_v power_n by_o force_n to_o establish_v that_o which_o he_o judge_n be_v the_o truth_n and_o so_o to_o force_v other_o to_o it_o therefore_o i_o judge_v it_o meet_v for_o the_o information_n of_o the_o nation_n brief_o to_o add_v something_o in_o this_o place_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a christian_a suffering_n whereunto_o a_o very_a faithful_a testimony_n have_v be_v bear_v by_o god_n witness_n which_o he_o have_v raise_v up_o in_o this_o age_n beyond_o what_o have_v be_v general_o know_v or_o practise_v for_o these_o many_o generation_n yea_o since_o the_o apostasy_n take_v place_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n here_o in_o any_o wise_a to_o derogate_v from_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o protestant_a martyr_n who_o i_o believe_v to_o have_v walk_v in_o faithfulness_n towards_o god_n according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o light_n in_o that_o day_n appear_v and_o of_o which_o many_o be_v utter_a enemy_n to_o persecution_n as_o by_o their_o testimony_n ugainst_a it_o may_v be_v make_v appear_v but_o the_o true_a faithful_a and_o christian_a suffering_n be_v for_o man_n to_o profess_v what_o they_o be_v persuade_v be_v right_n and_o so_o practice_n and_o perform_v their_o worship_n towards_o god_n as_o be_v their_o true_a right_n so_o to_o do_v and_o neither_o to_o do_v more_o in_o that_o because_o of_o outward_a encouragement_n from_o man_n nor_o any_o whit_n less_o because_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o their_o law_n and_o act_n against_o it_o thus_o for_o a_o christian_a man_n to_o vindicate_v his_o just_a liberty_n with_o so_o much_o boldness_n and_o yet_o innocency_n will_v in_o due_a time_n though_o through_o blood_n purchase_v peace_n as_o this_o age_n have_v in_o some_o measure_n experience_v and_o many_o be_v witness_n of_o it_o which_o yet_o shall_v be_v more_o apparent_a to_o the_o world_n as_o truth_n take_v place_n in_o the_o earth_n but_o they_o great_o sin_n against_o this_o excellent_a rule_n that_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n do_v not_o profess_v their_o own_o way_n so_o much_o as_o they_o will_v if_o it_o be_v otherways_o and_o yet_o when_o they_o can_v get_v the_o magistrate_n upon_o their_o side_n not_o only_o stretch_v their_o own_o liberty_n to_o the_o utmost_a but_o seek_v to_o establish_v the_o same_o by_o deny_v it_o to_o other_o but_o of_o this_o excellent_a patience_n and_o suffering_n the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o scorn_n call_v quaker_n have_v give_v a_o manifest_a proof_n for_o so_o soon_o as_o god_n reveal_v his_o truth_n among_o they_o without_o regard_n to_o all_o opposition_n or_o what_o they_o may_v meet_v with_o they_o go_v up_o and_o down_o as_o they_o be_v move_v of_o the_o lord_n preach_v and_o propagate_a the_o truth_n in_o market-place_n highway_n street_n and_o public_a temple_n though_o daily_o beat_v whip_v bruise_a hale_v and_o imprison_v therefore_o and_o when_o there_o be_v any_o where_o a_o church_n or_o assembly_n gather_v they_o teach_v they_o to_o keep_v their_o meeting_n open_o and_o not_o to_o shut_v the_o door_n nor_o do_v it_o by_o stealth_n that_o all_o may_v know_v it_o and_o who_o will_v may_v enter_v and_o as_o hereby_o all_o just_a occasion_n of_o fear_n of_o plot_v against_o the_o government_n be_v full_o remove_v so_o this_o their_o courage_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o not_o give_v over_o their_o meeting_n together_o but_o more_o especial_o the_o presence_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o the_o meeting_n be_v terrible_a to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o persecutor_n do_v so_o weary_a out_o the_o malice_n of_o their_o adversary_n that_o oftentime_o they_o be_v force_v to_o leave_v their_o work_n undo_v for_o when_o they_o come_v to_o break_v up_o a_o meeting_n they_o be_v force_v to_o take_v every_o individual_a out_o by_o force_n they_o not_o be_v free_a to_o give_v up_o their_o liberty_n by_o dissolve_v at_o their_o command_n and_o when_o they_o be_v hale_v out_o unless_o they_o be_v keep_v forth_o by_o violence_n they_o present_o return_v peaceable_o to_o their_o place_n yea_o when_o sometime_o the_o magistrate_n have_v pull_v down_o their_o meeting-house_n they_o have_v meet_v the_o next_o day_n open_o upon_o the_o rubbish_n and_o so_o by_o innocency_n keep_v their_o possession_n and_o ground_n be_v proper_o their_o own_o and_o their_o right_n to_o meet_v and_o worship_n god_n be_v not_o forfeit_v to_o any_o so_o that_o when_o arm_a man_n have_v come_v to_o dissolve_v they_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o do_v it_o unless_o they_o have_v kill_v every_o one_o for_o they_o stand_v so_o close_o together_o that_o no_o force_n can_v move_v any_o one_o to_o stir_v until_o violent_o pull_v down_o so_o that_o when_o the_o malice_n of_o their_o opposer_n stir_v they_o to_o take_v shovel_n and_o throw_v the_o rubbish_n upon_o they_o there_o they_o stand_v unmoved_a be_v willing_a if_o the_o lord_n shall_v so_o permit_v to_o have_v be_v there_o bury_v alive_a witness_v for_o he_o as_o this_o patient_a but_o yet_o courageous_a way_n of_o suffering_n make_v the_o persecutor_n work_v very_o heavy_a and_o wearisome_a unto_o they_o so_o the_o courage_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o sufferer_n use_v no_o resistance_n nor_o bring_v any_o weapon_n to_o defend_v themselves_o nor_o seek_v any_o way_n revenge_n upon_o such_o occasion_n do_v secret_o smite_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o persecutor_n and_o make_v their_o charriot-wheel_n go_v on_o heavy_o thus_o after_o much_o and_o many_o kind_n of_o suffering_n thus_o patient_o bear_v which_o to_o rehearse_v will_v make_v a_o volumn_n of_o itself_o which_o may_v in_o due_a time_n be_v publish_v to_o the_o nation_n for_o we_o have_v they_o upon_o record_n a_o kind_a of_o negative_a liberty_n have_v be_v obtain_v so_o that_o at_o present_a for_o the_o most_o part_n we_o meet_v together_o without_o disturbance_n from_o the_o magistrate_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a most_o protestant_n when_o they_o have_v not_o the_o allowance_n and_o tolerance_n of_o the_o magistrate_n meet_v only_o in_o secret_a and_o hide_v their_o testimony_n and_o if_o they_o be_v discover_v if_o there_o be_v any_o probability_n of_o make_v their_o escape_n by_o force_n though_o it_o be_v by_o cut_v off_o those_o that_o seek_v they_o out_o they_o will_v do_v it_o whereby_o they_o lose_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o suffering_n by_o not_o appear_v as_o the_o innocent_a follower_n of_o christ_n nor_o have_v a_o testimony_n of_o their_o harmlesness_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o pursuer_n their_o fury_n by_o such_o resistance_n be_v the_o more_o kindle_v against_o they_o as_o to_o this_o last_o part_n of_o resist_v such_o as_o persecute_v they_o they_o can_v lay_v claim_n to_o no_o precept_n from_o christ_n nor_o any_o example_n of_o he_o or_o his_o apostle_n approve_v obj._n but_o as_o to_o the_o first_o part_n for_o flee_v and_o meet_v secret_o and_o not_o open_o testify_v for_o the_o truth_n they_o usual_o object_v that_o say_n of_o christ_n matth._n 10.23_o when_o they_o persecute_v you_o in_o this_o city_n flee_v you_o into_o another_o and_o act_v 9.4_o that_o the_o disciple_n meet_v secret_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o act_v 9.25_o that_o paul_n be_v let_v out_o of_o damascus_n in_o a_o basket_n down_o by_o the_o wall_n answ._n to_o all_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o as_o to_o that_o say_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o question_n if_o it_o have_v any_o further_a relation_n than_o to_o that_o particular_a message_n with_o which_o he_o send_v they_o to_o the_o jew_n yea_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o word_n seem_v express_o to_o hold_v forth_o so_o much_o for_o you_o shall_v not_o have_v go_v over_o the_o city_n of_o juda_n till_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v come_v now_o a_o particular_a practice_n or_o command_v for_o a_o particular_a time_n will_v not_o serve_v for_o a_o precedent_n to_o any_o at_o this_o day_n to_o shun_v the_o cross_n of_o christ._n but_o suppose_v this_o precept_n to_o reach_v further_o it_o must_v be_v so_o understand_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o only_o according_a as_o the_o spirit_n give_v liberty_n else_o no_o man_n that_o can_v flee_v may_v suffer_v persecution_n how_o then_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n john_n and_o peter_n flee_v when_o they_o be_v the_o first_o time_n persecute_v at_o jerusalem_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n go_v the_o next_o day_n after_o they_o be_v discharge_v by_o the_o council_n and_o preach_v bold_o to_o the_o people_n but_o indeed_o many_o be_v but_o too_o capable_a to_o stretch_v such_o say_n as_o these_o for_o self_n preservation_n and_o therefore_o have_v great_a ground_n to_o fear_v when_o they_o interpret_v they_o