in_o one_o way_n and_o help_v to_o prevent_v manifold_a mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o dissension_n and_o multiformity_n be_v apt_a to_o introduce_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o difference_n in_o worship_n be_v apt_a to_o breed_v distance_n and_o alienation_n in_o affection_n and_o from_o thence_o arise_v animosity_n and_o spiritual_a feud_n and_o perverse_a dispute_n so_o that_o i_o have_v not_o a_o word_n to_o speak_v against_o a_o religious_a uniformity_n in_o that_o which_o be_v excellent_a and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o go_v hand_n in_o hand_n with_o the_o divine_a institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o do_v not_o entrench_v upon_o his_o royal_a prerogative_n psal_n 133.1_o behold_v how_o good_a and_o how_o pleasant_a it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n o_o the_o abundant_a benefit_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n as_o the_o content_n of_o the_o psalm_n seem_v to_o explain_v that_o passage_n psal_n 122.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o i_o be_v glad_a when_o they_o say_v unto_o i_o let_v we_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o foot_n shall_v stand_v within_o thy_o gate_n o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n be_v build_v as_o a_o city_n that_o be_v compact_v together_o whither_o the_o tribe_n go_v up_o the_o tribe_n of_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o testimony_n of_o israel_n to_o give_v thanks_o unto_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n psal_n 42.4_o when_o i_o remember_v these_o thing_n i_o pour_v out_o my_o soul_n in_o i_o for_o i_o have_v go_v with_o the_o multitude_n i_o go_v with_o they_o to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n with_o the_o voice_n of_o joy_n and_o praise_n with_o a_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o keep_v holiday_n for_o such_o unite_a society_n and_o combination_n of_o believer_n god_n have_v in_o store_n a_o peculiar_a blessing_n and_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v among_o they_o with_o his_o especial_a favour_n and_o presence_n for_o the_o lord_n love_v the_o gate_n of_o zion_n more_o than_o all_o the_o dwelling_n of_o jacob_n psal_n 87.2_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v mention_v as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a evangelical_a mercy_n promise_v to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o further_a grace_n and_o mercy_n jer._n 32.39_o and_o i_o will_v give_v they_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n that_o they_o may_v fear_v i_o for_o ever_o for_o the_o good_a of_o they_o and_o of_o their_o child_n after_o they_o 3._o but_o when_o a_o people_n unite_v and_o join_v together_o in_o what_o be_v sinful_a if_o their_o uniformity_n consist_v in_o the_o joint_n and_o unanimous_a practice_n of_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n or_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v contradictious_a to_o the_o law_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o such_o case_n it_o become_v exceed_o sinful_a and_o detestable_a and_o a_o very_a great_a provocation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n this_o kind_n of_o uniformity_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o grand_a conspiracy_n against_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n a_o close_o compact_a rebellion_n against_o the_o king_n of_o king_n thus_o the_o pharisee_n and_o all_o the_o jew_n do_v uniform_o practice_v their_o superstitious_a wash_n and_o other_o ceremonious_a observance_n receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o the_o elder_n there_o be_v no_o schism_n or_o division_n among_o they_o about_o such_o matter_n mark_v 7.3_o but_o what_o say_v our_o saviour_n in_o the_o case_n see_v mat._n 15.9_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o again_o v._o 13_o 14._o every_o plant_n which_o my_o heavenly_a father_n have_v not_o plant_v shall_v be_v root_v up_o let_v they_o alone_o they_o be_v blind_a leader_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o if_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a both_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n such_o a_o kind_n of_o unity_n be_v that_o of_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o the_o people_n in_o their_o martyr_v of_o stephen_n they_o run_v upon_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o accord_n they_o be_v all_o link_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n act._n 7.57_o and_o that_o of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o ruler_n that_o set_v themselves_o and_o take_v counsel_n together_o against_o the_o lord_n and_o against_o his_o christ_n psal_n 2.2_o 3._o and_o in_o this_o case_n we_o must_v say_v as_o the_o patriarch_n jacob_n gen._n 49.6_o o_o my_o soul_n come_v not_o thou_o into_o their_o secret_n unto_o their_o assembly_n my_o honour_n be_v thou_o not_o unite_v i_o must_v not_o do_v evil_a to_o bring_v about_o uniformity_n nor_o unite_v with_o any_o in_o that_o which_o be_v sinful_a 4._o last_o observe_v under_o this_o head_n that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o settle_v and_o compass_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o uniformity_n as_o be_v enjoin_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o please_v unto_o he_o be_v to_o keep_v exact_o close_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o make_v addition_n thereunto_o and_o not_o to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v here_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o prevent_v schism_n and_o division_n and_o the_o break_v a_o sunder_o into_o sect_n and_o party_n when_o we_o keep_v up_o to_o this_o one_o uniform_a and_o perfect_a rule_n of_o worship_n my_o brethren_n if_o person_n be_v guide_v by_o traditton_n and_o impose_v upon_o man_n conscience_n humane_a invention_n and_o tradition_n that_o be_v a_o most_o sovereign_a way_n to_o perpetuate_v schism_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n if_o person_n will_v load_v the_o spirit_n of_o their_o brethren_n with_o their_o burdensome_a ceremony_n under_o whatever_o pretext_n of_o decency_n or_o uniformity_n they_o be_v press_v if_o they_o will_v force_v man_n conscience_n to_o stoop_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o canon_n here_o be_v a_o sure_a way_n to_o cause_n separation_n and_o division_n without_o remedy_n but_o if_o you_o will_v indeed_o attain_v to_o such_o uniformity_n as_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n isa_n 8.20_o tradition_n be_v multiform_a and_o canon_n of_o counsel_n be_v multiform_a vain_a custom_n urge_v under_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n be_v multiform_a and_o therefore_o will_v undoubted_o produce_v variance_n and_o strife_n and_o multiformity_n beside_o come_v into_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n without_o the_o stamp_n of_o divine_a authority_n they_o want_v a_o power_n and_o energy_n to_o settle_v the_o conscience_n there_o be_v no_o firm_a foot_n where_o a_o christian_a may_v tread_v in_o fuch_n case_n without_o danger_n or_o fear_v of_o prick_v his_o foot_n among_o briar_n and_o thorn_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v uniform_a and_o at_o perfect_a peace_n with_o itself_o and_o lay_v a_o sure_a foundation_n whereon_o to_o bottom_v in_o all_o soul-concernments_a and_o hereupon_o must_v you_o build_v all_o your_o superstructure_n in_o order_n to_o the_o erect_n and_o set_v up_o of_o uniformity_n among_o christian_n this_o be_v very_o plain_a from_o former_a and_o latter_a woeful_a experience_n look_v into_o primitive_a time_n what_o a_o stir_n be_v there_o in_o the_o church_n about_o the_o keep_n of_o easter_n what_o tumult_n bicker_n and_o heartburning_n both_o here_o in_o britain_n and_o in_o many_o other_o part_n why_o because_o they_o have_v recourse_n to_o tradition_n and_o rest_v thereupon_o and_o endeavour_v to_o impose_v one_o upon_o another_o their_o own_o private_a sentiment_n and_o practice_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n will_v quick_o have_v end_v the_o controversy_n when_o division_n be_v rise_v up_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n particular_o in_o the_o point_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n what_o mean_n do_v s._n paul_n make_v use_n of_o that_o the_o strife_n may_v cease_v he_o put_v they_o in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o bring_v they_o close_o to_o the_o first_o institution_n for_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o which_o also_o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o 1_o cor._n 11.23_o mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o keep_v up_o sir_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o let_v they_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n obj._n all_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v pretender_n to_o scripture_n even_o such_o as_o rest_v and_o pervert_v it_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n the_o vile_a heretic_n will_v father_n their_o erroneous_a doctrine_n upon_o the_o word_n and_o profess_v to_o deduce_v they_o from_o thence_o how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v rational_o expect_v unity_n and_o concord_n in_o the_o church_n by_o this_o mean_n see_v the_o most_o notorious_a heretic_n will_v have_v this_o pretext_n they_o will_v shelter_v their_o
belief_n may_v not_o rest_v upon_o the_o bare_a opinion_n of_o man_n but_o upon_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v not_o only_o i_o acknowledge_v these_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o practice_v this_o and_o the_o other_o duty_n because_o man_n have_v persuade_v i_o but_o because_o i_o find_v they_o contain_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o will_v and_o that_o herein_o by_o the_o ministry_n i_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v reveal_v and_o prescribe_v who_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n upon_o who_o live_a word_n i_o bottom_n my_o trust_n and_o confidence_n thus_o do_v the_o noble_a beraean_n and_o therefore_o many_o of_o they_o be_v convert_v and_o save_o wrought_v upon_o they_o do_v not_o take_v matter_n upon_o trust_n no_o not_o from_o paul_n and_o silas_n but_o they_o will_v see_v whether_o they_o teach_v they_o faithful_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o above_o and_o mark_v the_o note_n of_o excellency_n or_o asterisk_n that_o be_v set_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o their_o head_n and_o the_o bless_a issue_n of_o their_o enquiry_n act_v 17.11_o 12._o these_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o in_o thessalonica_n in_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o therefore_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v do_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o receive_v information_n of_o truth_n but_o examine_v whether_o they_o be_v indeed_o of_o heavenly_a extraction_n search_v the_o scripture_n jo._n 5.39_o they_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o sure_a doctrinal_a foundation_n whereupon_o our_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v bottom_v eph._n 2.20_o you_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n that_o i_o may_v awaken_v you_o to_o heedfulness_n in_o this_o regard_n let_v i_o beseech_v you_o to_o study_v thorough_o these_o three_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o if_o your_o faith_n be_v not_o bottom_v upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n even_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o can_v amount_v no_o high_o than_o a_o humane_a faith_n it_o can_v be_v a_o divine_a faith_n which_o receive_v mat_n whole_o upon_o trust_n from_o the_o dictate_v of_o man_n for_o sir_n the_o nature_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o diversify_v by_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o truth_n that_o be_v believe_v but_o by_o the_o ground_n whereupon_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v believe_v then_o be_v it_o a_o humane_a faith_n when_o build_v upon_o humane_a testimony_n and_o then_o be_v it_o divine_a faith_n when_o the_o testimony_n be_v divine_a whereupon_o credence_n be_v give_v else_o a_o man_n may_v receive_v spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a truth_n divine_a doctrine_n by_o a_o mere_a common_a faith_n a_o humane_a faith_n when_o he_o take_v they_o whole_o upon_o trust_n from_o the_o credit_n of_o man_n if_o you_o will_v see_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o these_o two_o that_o text_n be_v full_a by_o way_n of_o illustration_n jo._n 4.39_o 40_o 41_o 42._o and_o many_o of_o the_o samaritan_n of_o that_o city_n believe_v on_o he_o for_o the_o say_n of_o the_o woman_n which_o testify_v he_o tell_v i_o all_o that_o ever_o i_o do_v and_o many_o more_o believe_v because_o of_o his_o own_o word_n and_o say_v unto_o the_o woman_n now_o we_o believe_v not_o because_o of_o thy_o say_n for_o we_o have_v hear_v he_o ourselves_o and_o know_v that_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n see_v also_o 1_o thes_n 2.13_o 2._o if_o you_o do_v not_o search_v into_o the_o word_n and_o bottom_n your_o belief_n thereon_o you_o can_v never_o be_v steadfast_a and_o settle_a in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o in_o any_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n you_o will_v be_v still_o in_o a_o waver_a inconstant_a condition_n and_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v turn_v aside_o from_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v apparent_a because_o the_o dictate_v of_o man_n be_v variable_a and_o inconstant_a one_o man_n may_v press_v upon_o you_o this_o as_o a_o point_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o another_o may_v possible_o instruct_v you_o in_o the_o contrary_a as_o a_o truth_n nay_o the_o same_o person_n at_o different_a season_n may_v vent_v doctrine_n of_o a_o different_a nature_n to_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n they_o be_v altogether_o light_a than_o vanity_n and_o therefore_o if_o you_o build_v your_o faith_n upon_o their_o opinion_n you_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v leave_v at_o great_a uncertainty_n but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v fix_v and_o permanent_a always_o consonant_a and_o agreeable_a unto_o itself_o there_o you_o may_v rest_v as_o upon_o a_o rock_n that_o can_v never_o be_v move_v for_o every_o word_n of_o god_n be_v pure_a prov._n 30.5_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a word_n as_o silver_n try_v in_o a_o furnace_n of_o earth_n purify_v seven_o time_n psal_n 12.6_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o mistake_n and_o error_n but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v never_o deceive_v you_o that_o can_v be_v mistake_v 3._o unless_o you_o try_v doctrine_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o bottom_n your_o faith_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n you_o do_v not_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n in_o believe_v unless_o you_o take_v it_o upon_o his_o word_n and_o receive_v it_o as_o proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n you_o do_v not_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o believe_v the_o truth_n if_o you_o receive_v the_o matter_n of_o religion_n only_o upon_o the_o dictate_v of_o man_n you_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o give_v it_o unto_o they_o for_o this_o be_v a_o special_a part_n of_o our_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o one_o of_o the_o peculiar_a prerogative_n which_o he_o do_v challenge_v unto_o himself_o that_o we_o give_v up_o our_o judgement_n absolute_o unto_o his_o guidance_n and_o yield_v perfect_a credence_n unto_o his_o word_n jo._n 4.20.21_o our_o father_n be_v worship_v in_o this_o mountain_n and_o you_o say_v that_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o place_n where_o man_n ought_v to_o worship_n jesus_n say_v unto_o she_o woman_n believe_v i_o etc._n etc._n q._n d._n you_o be_v apt_a to_o pin_v your_o faith_n upon_o the_o sleeve_n of_o your_o father_n whereas_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o glorious_a royalty_n incredulitas_fw-la royalty_n magnus_fw-la dei_fw-la cultus_fw-la fides_fw-la magna_fw-la in_o deum_fw-la blasphemia_fw-la incredulitas_fw-la which_o appertain_v unto_o i_o who_o be_o the_o christ_n to_o have_v the_o absolute_a command_n of_o your_o faith_n you_o must_v try_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o your_o father_n and_o all_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v estimate_v according_a to_o their_o consonancy_n unto_o my_o word_n as_o in_o performance_n of_o duty_n we_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n which_o be_v when_o we_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o it_o be_v command_v to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o so_o in_o our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v give_v unto_o god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n which_o be_v when_o we_o believe_v what_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o lord_n because_o we_o know_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o it_o be_v say_v of_o abraham_n rom._n 4.20_o he_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n through_o unbelief_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n why_o sir_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n when_o we_o set_v to_o our_o seal_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o godliness_n because_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n believe_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n those_o faithful_a amanuensis_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2._o take_v heed_n of_o be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o multitude_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n wherein_o it_o be_v place_v and_o whereunto_o they_o confine_v it_o for_o common_o people_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v too_o narrow_a and_o short_a upon_o this_o account_n q._n wherein_o do_v the_o multitude_n for_o the_o most_o part_n place_v their_o religion_n ans_fw-fr i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o sieve_n thing_n 1._o the_o generality_n of_o people_n place_n the_o whole_a of_o their_o religion_n in_o the_o reform_n and_o order_v their_o life_n and_o action_n but_o they_o seldom_o or_o never_o think_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o sanctify_v their_o
of_o the_o way_n that_o they_o may_v give_v themselves_o up_o free_o to_o lasciviousness_n to_o commit_v iniquity_n with_o greediness_n it_o be_v the_o very_a principle_n which_o s._n paul_n mention_v to_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o impenitent_a and_o which_o he_o rebuke_n with_o such_o vehemency_n and_o holy_a indignation_n rom._n 9.18_o 19_o he_o have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v thou_o will_v say_v then_o unto_o i_o why_o do_v he_o yet_o find_v fault_n for_o who_o have_v resist_v his_o will_n as_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v our_o salvation_n we_o see_v depend_v whole_o on_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n if_o he_o have_v decree_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n we_o shall_v get_v thither_o however_o we_o demean_v ourselves_o and_o if_o god_n have_v decree_v we_o to_o condemnation_n we_o shall_v be_v condemn_v whatever_o pain_n we_o take_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o strict_a way_n of_o religion_n for_o his_o will_n be_v arbitrary_a and_o unchangeable_a such_o as_o can_v be_v resist_v my_o brethren_n these_o corrupt_a reason_n must_v be_v silence_v else_o they_o will_v cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o all_o vigorous_a endeavour_n to_o please_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o be_v find_v faithful_a unto_o he_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n prescience_n and_o decree_n be_v no_o countenancer_n of_o slothfulness_n no_o enemy_n to_o godliness_n but_o a_o promoter_n thereof_o if_o right_o weigh_v and_o consider_v it_o mighty_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n 2_o tim_n 1.9_o to_o empty_v a_o man_n of_o himself_o and_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o proud_a carnal_a gloriation_n and_o boast_v 1_o cor._n 4.7_o to_o quicken_v and_o provoke_v we_o to_o diligence_n and_o exactness_n in_o the_o work_n of_o piety_n that_o thereby_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o we_o be_v a_o choose_a people_n who_o god_n have_v call_v according_a to_o his_o purpose_n 1_o thes_n 1.4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o therefore_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o those_o sin-advancing_a and_o soul-ruining_a reason_n and_o to_o set_v your_o spirit_n right_a in_o this_o particular_a let_v these_o four_o contrary_a principle_n be_v well_o settle_v and_o fasten_v in_o your_o soul_n 1._o who_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o salvation_n as_o the_o end_n he_o have_v appoint_v to_o regeneration_n and_o universal_a obedience_n in_o the_o life_n as_o the_o mean_n lead_v to_o that_o end_n who_o he_o have_v predestinate_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o have_v predestinate_v to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n rom._n 8.29_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o inseparable_o connect_v together_o in_o god_n decree_n that_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v part_v god_n have_v not_o determine_v to_o conduct_v such_o or_o such_o to_o eternal_a life_n though_o they_o live_v in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o lie_v pollute_v in_o their_o blood_n if_o any_o plead_v form_v such_o apprehension_n let_v they_o know_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o scripture_n doctrine_n of_o god_n decree_n but_o a_o wicked_a slur_n and_o aspersion_n whereby_o the_o adversary_n of_o free_a grace_n endeavour_v to_o bring_v up_o a_o evil_a report_n upon_o the_o truth_n the_o scripture_n doctrine_n be_v this_o that_o who_o god_n purpose_v to_o save_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v he_o do_v purpose_n to_o sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v from_o all_o their_o filthiness_n and_o to_o guide_v they_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n what_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a if_o ungodly_a man_n have_v not_o a_o mind_n wilful_o to_o pervert_v the_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o thes_n 2.13_o 14._o god_n have_v from_o the_o beginning_n choose_v you_o to_o salvation_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n whereunto_o he_o have_v call_v you_o by_o our_o gospel_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n therefore_o brethren_n stand_v fast_o and_o hold_v the_o tradition_n which_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v whether_o by_o word_n or_o our_o epistle_n 1_o pet._n 1.3_o elect_a according_o to_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n the_o father_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o obedience_n and_o sprinkle_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n rom._n 8.30_o mereover_o who_o he_o do_v predestinate_a they_o he_o also_o call_v and_o and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o he_o also_o justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o he_o also_o glorify_v mark_v it_o where_o the_o lord_n have_v decree_v glorification_n for_o the_o end_n he_o have_v decree_v conversion_n and_o holiness_n and_o evangelical_a obedience_n as_o the_o necessary_a mean_n to_o lead_v thither_o and_o what_o god_n have_v join_v together_o let_v no_o sinner_n be_v so_o â—ardy_a as_o to_o pluck_v asunder_o 2._o the_o rule_n for_o guidance_n of_o our_o conversation_n at_o which_o we_o be_v to_o take_v counsel_n for_o direction_n in_o all_o our_o action_n be_v not_o god_n will_v of_o purpose_n what_o he_o have_v determine_v to_o do_v but_o his_o will_n of_o precept_n what_o he_o have_v appoint_v in_o his_o law_n and_o statute_n to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o our_o work_n lie_v in_o the_o diligent_a observation_n of_o his_o commandment_n his_o counsel_n be_v secret_n reserve_v in_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o bosom_n till_o by_o the_o uprightness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o integrity_n of_o our_o life_n we_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o we_o be_v choose_v of_o god_n a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o hand_n in_o bring_v about_o much_o of_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o wicked_a rebel_n in_o so_o do_v act._n 2.23_o so_o that_o i_o say_v our_o business_n consist_v in_o harken_v to_o his_o law_n and_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o the_o dictate_v and_o injunction_n of_o the_o same_o deut._n 29.29_o the_o secret_a thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n but_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v belong_v unto_o we_o and_o to_o our_o child_n for_o ever_o that_o we_o may_v do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n 3._o settle_v this_o as_o a_o principle_n in_o your_o heart_n that_o it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o egregious_a folly_n and_o sottishness_n to_o be_v more_o earnest_a and_o heedful_a in_o the_o preserve_n our_o body_n than_o in_o the_o save_v our_o soul_n and_o to_o venture_v our_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v in_o such_o a_o bottom_n wherein_o we_o will_v not_o venture_v to_o put_v ourselves_o as_o to_o the_o transitory_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n this_o very_a consideration_n if_o thorough_o lay_v to_o heart_n will_v sufficient_o show_v we_o the_o weakness_n and_o gross_a stupidity_n of_o the_o multitude_n in_o their_o reason_n for_o none_o of_o they_o will_v be_v persuade_v thus_o to_o argue_v the_o case_n in_o respect_n to_o their_o bodily_a health_n and_o outward_a estate_n my_o belove_a as_o god_n have_v predetermine_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o man_n salvation_n so_o he_o have_v fore_o ordain_v all_o thing_n that_o come_v to_o pass_v there_o be_v not_o the_o small_a concernment_n that_o befall_v any_o of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n but_o it_o fall_v under_o the_o compass_n of_o god_n decree_n eph._n 1.11_o be_v predestinate_v according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o he_o who_o work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n now_o take_v the_o profane_v sinner_n and_o he_o will_v not_o plead_v after_o this_o fashion_n in_o relation_n to_o his_o outward_a man_n and_o earthly_a comfort_n when_o a_o wicked_a man_n be_v bind_v upon_o the_o bed_n of_o sickness_n he_o will_v not_o say_v if_o god_n have_v purpose_v i_o shall_v have_v ease_n of_o my_o pain_n than_o i_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v it_o however_o disorderly_o i_o be_o if_o god_n have_v decree_v to_o recover_v i_o i_o shall_v recover_v though_o i_o neglect_v the_o mean_n and_o if_o not_o all_o my_o care_n and_o endeavour_n be_v to_o no_o effect_n no_o but_o say_v he_o send_v for_o the_o physician_n give_v i_o this_o potion_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o my_o distemper_n and_o that_o cordial_a which_o be_v of_o use_n to_o strengthen_v nature_n for_o i_o must_v use_v the_o mean_n of_o health_n if_o ever_o i_o will_v expect_v the_o blessing_n of_o health_n take_v a_o unconverted_a sinner_n in_o his_o trade_n and_o traffic_v he_o will_v not_o thus_o reason_v the_o case_n if_o god_n have_v purpose_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v rich_a than_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v however_o idle_a and_o negligent_a i_o be_o in_o my_o call_n and_o
conversation_n deal_v faithful_o with_o their_o soul_n by_o meekness_n of_o reproof_n and_o admonition_n as_o there_o be_v occasion_n often_o provoke_v and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n that_o so_o they_o may_v bear_v you_o company_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n let_v i_o give_v you_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o jeremy_n in_o this_o case_n jer._n 15.19_o let_v they_o return_v unto_o thou_o but_o return_v not_o thou_o unto_o they_o but_o perhaps_o you_o will_v object_n and_o say_v this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o a_o minister_n yea_o my_o brethren_n and_o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o every_o particular_a christian_a also_o what_o in_o they_o be_v to_o render_v the_o way_n of_o god_n lovely_a and_o amiable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o other_o and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o win_v they_o over_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o a_o effectual_a closure_n with_o those_o way_n prov._n 11.30_o he_o that_o win_v soul_n be_v wise_a jam._n 5.19_o 20._o brethren_n if_o any_o of_o you_o do_v err_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o one_o convert_v he_o any_o one_o this_o be_v a_o work_n to_o be_v mind_v by_o every_o one_o of_o you_o without_o exception_n let_v he_o know_v that_o he_o which_o convert_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n shall_v save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o shall_v hide_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n so_o we_o be_v come_v to_o the_o close_a of_o the_o second_o head_n of_o enquiry_n concern_v the_o influence_n which_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o multitude_n have_v to_o incline_v a_o man_n or_o woman_n to_o do_v evil_a sect_n iv_o qu._n 3._o in_o what_o case_n especial_o do_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v most_o cautious_a and_o circumspect_a upon_o this_o account_n that_o we_o be_v not_o draw_v to_o evil_a by_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o multitude_n ans_fw-fr for_o satisfaction_n to_o this_o enquiry_n you_o must_v well_o observe_v and_o remember_v that_o this_o caution_n be_v needful_a in_o every_o case_n and_o do_v oblige_v we_o to_o be_v circumspect_a in_o every_o respect_n to_o keep_v a_o strict_a eye_n of_o jealousy_n upon_o ourselves_o at_o every_o turn_n that_o we_o be_v not_o ensnare_v or_o draw_v aside_o into_o sin_n by_o follow_v a_o multitude_n the_o counsel_n be_v deliver_v indefinite_o without_o limitation_n to_o time_n person_n or_o case_n and_o be_v equipollent_a to_o a_o universal_a prohibition_n for_o as_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v not_o add_v we_o must_v not_o make_v addition_n so_o where_o he_o have_v not_o limit_v we_o must_v not_o set_v bound_n and_o limit_n by_o a_o narrow_a interpretation_n thou_o shall_v not_o follow_v a_o multitude_n i._n e._n not_o any_o multitude_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o wheresoever_o they_o be_v or_o in_o what_o age_n or_o place_n soever_o they_o live_v in_o the_o do_n of_o evil_a nevertheless_o there_o be_v some_o peculiar_a case_n in_o which_o this_o word_n of_o advice_n do_v especial_o concern_v we_o wherein_o we_o be_v more_o than_o usual_o incline_v to_o follow_v the_o multitude_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o watchful_a over_o our_o heart_n that_o they_o do_v not_o turn_v we_o aside_o upon_o this_o temptation_n i_o will_v only_o mention_v six_o 1._o in_o case_n of_o our_o ancestor_n and_o progenitor_n that_o have_v go_v before_o we_o when_o our_o forefather_n have_v general_o take_v any_o corrupt_a way_n there_o be_v a_o great_a addictedness_n in_o their_o posterity_n to_o take_v the_o same_o course_n and_o there_o need_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o caution_n that_o we_o be_v not_o follower_n of_o they_o what!_o will_v some_o say_v shall_v we_o condemn_v our_o forefather_n and_o judge_v ourselves_o wise_a and_o better_a than_o all_o that_o have_v be_v before_o we_o they_o make_v no_o scruple_n of_o such_o and_o such_o action_n they_o worship_v god_n in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o manner_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v more_o scrupulous_a than_o they_o be_v no_o we_o will_v be_v for_o the_o old_a way_n and_o cleave_v to_o that_o religion_n which_o our_o father_n be_v of_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o the_o woman_n of_o sychar_n produce_v in_o her_o discourse_n with_o christ_n to_o countenance_v the_o schismatical_a temple_n on_o mount_n gerizim_n joh._n 4.20_o our_o father_n be_v worship_v in_o this_o mountain_n and_o you_o say_v that_o in_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o place_n where_o man_n ought_v to_o worship_v as_o if_o she_o have_v say_v whatever_o scripture_n you_o may_v bring_v or_o reason_n you_o may_v press_v to_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o at_o jerusalem_n yet_o i_o be_o sure_a our_o father_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n they_o think_v the_o punctilio_n of_o institution_n and_o divine_a appointment_n be_v not_o so_o stiff_o to_o be_v adhere_v unto_o and_o why_o shall_v not_o we_o do_v as_o our_o father_n have_v do_v and_o how_o hot_a be_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n for_o maintain_v and_o uphold_v their_o father_n tradition_n though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v down_o right_a contradiction_n against_o and_o other_o corrupt_a addition_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n see_v how_o they_o plead_v and_o quarrel_v with_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n therein_o mar._n 7.5_o then_o the_o pharisee_n and_o scribe_n ask_v he_o why_o walk_v not_o thy_o disciple_n according_a to_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n but_o eat_v bread_n with_o unwashen_n hand_n q.d._n this_o constitution_n we_o receive_v from_o our_o father_n the_o elder_n of_o former_a generation_n and_o why_o shall_v not_o you_o be_v conclude_v by_o it_o and_o give_v obedience_n thereunto_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o novel_a upstart_a opinion_n something_o may_v be_v say_v against_o it_o but_o it_o have_v continue_v a_o long_a time_n in_o the_o church_n even_o since_o the_o day_n of_o our_o forefather_n to_o set_v you_o right_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o discover_v the_o vanity_n and_o danger_n of_o this_o way_n of_o ratiocination_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o these_o five_o thing_n 1._o it_o be_v one_o end_n of_o the_o death_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n wherein_o all_o those_o be_v sharer_n that_o be_v save_v by_o he_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v his_o people_n from_o the_o vain_a conversation_n receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n that_o he_o may_v bring_v they_o to_o embrace_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o to_o give_v up_o themselves_o entire_o in_o subjection_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o mark_v it_o sir_n have_v you_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n will_v you_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o you_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n by_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o son_n why_o this_o be_v one_o way_n to_o prove_v it_o by_o renounce_v the_o vain_a tradition_n of_o your_o father_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v dissentaneous_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o have_v no_o foot_n in_o the_o word_n as_o christ_n redeem_v god_n peculiar_a people_n from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n that_o their_o person_n may_v be_v accept_v and_o their_o iniquity_n forgive_v and_o as_o he_o redeem_v they_o from_o their_o bondage_n unto_o satan_n that_o their_o nature_n may_v be_v sanctify_v and_o themselves_o set_v apart_o unto_o communion_n with_o god_n so_o he_o redeem_v they_o also_o from_o the_o vain_a practice_n of_o their_o father_n that_o their_o life_n may_v be_v order_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n what_o can_v be_v more_o perspicuous_a and_o evident_a 1_o pet._n 1.18_o 19_o forasmuch_o as_o you_o know_v that_o you_o be_v not_o redeem_v with_o corruptible_a thing_n as_o silver_n and_o gold_n from_o your_o vain_a conversation_n receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o your_o father_n but_o with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o a_o lamb_n without_o blemish_n and_o without_o spot_n 2._o one_o special_a reason_n why_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o give_v forth_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o leave_v his_o will_n upon_o record_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v this_o that_o we_o may_v not_o pin_v our_o faith_n upon_o our_o father_n sleeve_n nor_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o do_v as_o our_o ancestor_n have_v do_v sir_n if_o god_n have_v intend_v the_o tradition_n of_o our_o father_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o direction_n for_o we_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o we_o on_o all_o occasion_n he_o will_v have_v leave_v we_o unto_o they_o and_o not_o have_v signify_v his_o will_n by_o write_v in_o the_o word_n so_o that_o take_v heed_n leave_v you_o frustrate_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o indite_v the_o scripture_n and_o stir_v up_o the_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n to_o
be_v the_o penman_n thereof_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o certain_a rule_n from_o which_o we_o must_v not_o recede_v for_o as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v in_o the_o case_n of_o justification_n if_o righteousness_n come_v by_o the_o moral_a law_n than_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o will_v hold_v good_a in_o case_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n if_o the_o tradition_n of_o our_o father_n be_v a_o sufficient_a guide_n than_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o lord_n give_v forth_o his_o statute_n and_o testimony_n as_o to_o supply_v the_o deficiency_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n so_o to_o call_v man_n off_o from_o cleave_v to_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o father_n psal_n 78.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o for_o he_o establish_v a_o testimony_n in_o jacob_n and_o appoint_v a_o law_n in_o israel_n which_o he_o command_v our_o father_n that_o they_o shall_v make_v they_o know_v to_o their_o 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which_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n than_o any_o profane_a heathen_a writing_n whatsoever_o for_o the_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2_o pet._n 1.21_o the_o good_a old_a way_n be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o travail_v towards_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o way_n of_o abel_n and_o enoch_n and_o noah_n and_o abraham_n and_o other_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o most-high_a and_o therefore_o when_o peter_n call_v they_o to_o the_o old_a time_n it_o be_v to_o the_o time_n of_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a 1_o pet._n 3.5_o for_o after_o this_o manner_n in_o the_o old_a time_n the_o holy_a woman_n also_o who_o trust_v in_o god_n adorn_v themselves_o be_v in_o subjection_n unto_o their_o own_o husband_n even_o as_o sarah_n obey_v abraham_n the_o good_a old_a way_n sir_n be_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n innocence_n and_o integrity_n obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o will_n which_o can_v plead_v its_o antiquity_n beyond_o that_o of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o a_o novel_a invention_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o comparison_n and_o proceed_v from_o the_o vain_a imagination_n of_o man_n heart_n eccl._n 7.29_o god_n make_v man_n upright_o but_o they_o have_v seek_v out_o many_o invention_n 4._o be_v you_o resolve_v to_o be_v of_o the_o religion_n of_o your_o father_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o their_o way_n whatever_o they_o have_v be_v why_o remember_v this_o be_v the_o very_a weapon_n with_o which_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n fight_v against_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o very_a argument_n which_o they_o press_v against_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n which_o he_o preach_v so_o that_o if_o you_o have_v live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n you_o will_v have_v persecute_v he_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v and_o will_v have_v oppose_v the_o apostle_n and_o seek_v to_o have_v root_v up_o the_o doctrine_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n how_o be_v paul_n principled_a when_o he_o be_v a_o persecutor_n why_o he_o be_v zealous_a against_o any_o thing_n that_o oppose_v the_o tradition_n of_o his_o father_n and_o that_o blind_a zeal_n make_v he_o mad_a against_o the_o church_n gal._n 1.14_o phil._n 3.6_o act._n 26.11_o what_o have_v they_o to_o object_n against_o stephen_n for_o which_o he_o be_v stone_v why_o the_o principal_a article_n of_o his_o charge_n be_v this_o that_o he_o have_v preach_v against_o their_o custom_n act._n 6.14_o 5._o this_o do_v mighty_o enhance_v and_o aggravate_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o a_o sin_n and_o tend_v to_o ripen_v the_o sinner_n for_o destruction_n when_o iniquity_n do_v descend_v from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o and_o person_n continue_v to_o walk_v in_o those_o evil_a course_n wherein_o their_o father_n have_v walk_v for_o we_o shall_v take_v warning_n from_o they_o not_o to_o commit_v the_o like_a abomination_n their_o evil_a action_n shall_v be_v our_o admonition_n to_o keep_v free_a from_o the_o pollution_n wherewith_o they_o be_v defile_v as_o hereditary_a disease_n which_o come_v in_o a_o blood_n and_o by_o descent_n from_o parent_n to_o their_o child_n be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a disease_n so_o hereditary_a sin_n and_o transgression_n be_v the_o most_o destructive_a mark_v how_o nehemiah_n plead_v against_o sabbath-breaking_a on_o this_o account_n neh._n 13.17_o 18._o what_o evil_a thing_n be_v this_o that_o you_o do_v and_o profane_v the_o sabbath_n day_n do_v not_o your_o father_n thus_o and_o do_v not_o our_o god_n bring_v all_o this_o evil_a upon_o we_o and_o upon_o this_o city_n yet_o you_o bring_v more_o wrath_n upon_o israel_n by_o
be_v a_o good_a measure_n of_o resolvedness_n in_o the_o spirit_n to_o stand_v fast_o against_o the_o enticement_n and_o provocation_n of_o some_o particular_a sinner_n much_o more_o when_o a_o christian_a be_v to_o walk_v in_o a_o contrariety_n to_o the_o most_o and_o have_v a_o multitude_n to_o contest_v and_o encounter_v with_o ezra_n 10.4_o be_v of_o good_a courage_n and_o do_v it_o josh_n 1.7_o only_o be_v thou_o strong_a and_o very_o courageous_a that_o thou_o may_v observe_v to_o do_v according_a to_o all_o the_o law_n which_o moses_n my_o servant_n command_v thou_o that_o be_v the_o first_o deduction_n from_o the_o point_n 2._o if_o a_o believer_n must_v not_o act_v after_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o multitude_n than_o hence_o i_o gather_v that_o such_o as_o will_v approve_v themselves_o unto_o god_n and_o not_o deal_v false_o and_o unfaithful_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n they_o must_v be_v man_n of_o singularity_n as_o they_o must_v walk_v regular_o so_o they_o must_v walk_v singular_o in_o a_o way_n by_o themselves_o in_o respect_n to_o abstinence_n from_o sin_n in_o regard_n of_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n they_o be_v not_o permit_v a_o compliance_n with_o the_o great_a number_n of_o man_n in_o any_o indirect_a course_n as_o in_o respect_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o conversion_n and_o sanctification_n though_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n but_o gather_v and_o cull_v and_o choose_v out_o of_o it_o jo._n 15.19_o jo._n 17.16_o so_o must_v it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o their_o practice_n also_o though_o they_o abide_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o they_o must_v not_o be_v conform_v unto_o the_o world_n but_o keep_v themselves_o unspotted_a from_o the_o pollution_n of_o it_o this_o be_v pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n jam._n 1.27_o some_o there_o be_v that_o plead_v against_o holiness_n and_o for_o the_o countenance_v of_o their_o corruption_n what_o will_v you_o have_v we_o to_o be_v singular_a must_v we_o be_v more_o precise_a than_o other_o and_o take_v a_o course_n by_o ourselves_o why_o sir_n if_o you_o will_v be_v christian_n in_o good_a earnest_n and_o follow_v the_o lord_n full_o it_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o god_n require_v and_o expect_v at_o your_o hand_n that_o you_o be_v man_n of_o singularity_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v apart_o he_o that_o be_v godly_a for_o himself_o ps_n 4.3_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d segregavit_fw-la divisit_fw-la signo_fw-la aliquo_fw-la excellenti_fw-la separavit_fw-la he_o have_v put_v a_o remarkable_a difference_n betwixt_o his_o own_o people_n and_o other_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o blessing_n upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o may_v just_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v singular_a in_o their_o carriage_n and_o demeanour_n towards_o he_o i_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o this_o point_n and_o therefore_o must_v take_v liberty_n to_o distinguish_v of_o a_o threefold_a singularity_n there_o be_v a_o 1._o fantastical_a singularity_n 2._o affect_a singularity_n 3._o sober_a singularity_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o fantastical_a singularity_n in_o respect_n of_o opinion_n when_o person_n have_v odd_a crotchet_n and_o fancy_n of_o their_o own_o wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o serious_a and_o sober_a christian_n in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o the_o maintain_n of_o which_o opinion_n they_o sometime_o excessive_o pride_n themselves_o as_o if_o they_o have_v get_v some_o high_a attainment_n than_o the_o rest_n this_o be_v a_o evil_a to_o which_o professor_n of_o godliness_n among_o we_o have_v be_v huge_o addict_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n when_o they_o have_v get_v some_o uncouth_a notion_n or_o expression_n by_o the_o end_n they_o espouse_v its_o interest_n and_o think_v they_o be_v some_o body_n more_o than_o ordinary_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o have_v entertain_v a_o peculiar_a fancy_n of_o their_o own_o contrary_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o all_o sober-minded_n believer_n hereof_o they_o will_v boast_v as_o of_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n this_o sort_n of_o singularity_n common_o proceed_v from_o a_o mixture_n of_o pride_n and_o ignorance_n when_o person_n have_v high_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n have_v little_a clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o godliness_n possible_o they_o have_v some_o loose_a and_o break_a insight_n into_o divine_a truth_n but_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o combination_n as_o they_o be_v connect_v and_o knit_v together_o in_o such_o case_n they_o be_v exceed_o apt_a to_o run_v into_o these_o byway_n of_o their_o own_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o reduce_v it_o unto_o these_o two_o head_n viz._n ignorance_n and_o self_n conceitedness_n 1_o tim._n 6.3_o 4._o if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o and_o consent_v not_o to_o wholesome_a word_n even_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n he_o be_v proud_a know_v nothing_o but_o dote_v about_o question_n and_o strife_n of_o word_n etc._n etc._n in_o reference_n hereunto_o the_o faith_n of_o believer_n be_v the_o common_a faith_n tit._n 1.4_o which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n judas_n 3._o upon_o this_o account_n we_o shall_v labour_v to_o be_v of_o one_o judgement_n that_o with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n we_o may_v glorify_v god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n rom._n 15.5_o 6._o we_o shall_v be_v very_o cautious_a of_o espouse_v any_o singular_a notion_n without_o clear_a warrant_n from_o the_o word_n and_o consult_v the_o apprehension_n of_o godly_a minister_n and_o serious_a christian_n and_o for_o prevention_n of_o this_o singularity_n let_v every_o man_n study_v his_o own_o weakness_n and_o think_v sober_o of_o himself_o lest_o instead_o of_o juno_n he_o embrace_v a_o cloud_n least_o in_o the_o place_n of_o a_o more_o spiritual_a and_o refine_a truth_n he_o fall_v into_o some_o dangerous_a and_o soul-destructive_a error_n and_o the_o rather_o ought_v we_o in_o this_o case_n to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n because_o when_o weak_a christian_n be_v inconsiderate_o catch_v in_o this_o snare_n it_o be_v a_o difficult_a thing_n to_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o it_o they_o think_v it_o concern_v they_o in_o point_n of_o honour_n and_o as_o they_o tender_v their_o reputation_n to_o justify_v and_o maintain_v the_o notion_n which_o they_o have_v avowed_o hold_v and_o profess_v and_o this_o be_v a_o strong_a temptation_n to_o a_o settle_a continuance_n therein_o and_o therefore_o i_o say_v through_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o i_o to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v among_o you_o not_o to_o think_v of_o himself_o more_o high_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v but_o to_o think_v sober_o according_a as_o god_n have_v deal_v to_o every_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o faith_n rom._n 12.3_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o affect_a singularity_n as_o to_o a_o man_n outward_a garb_n and_o ornament_n of_o the_o body_n as_o to_o civil_a salutation_n and_o courteous_a demeanour_n and_o the_o like_a when_o person_n make_v it_o a_o part_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o abstain_v from_o that_o decency_n of_o habit_n or_o gesture_n or_o civility_n of_o expression_n which_o be_v common_o use_v and_o delight_n in_o this_o regard_n to_o act_v in_o a_o mode_n by_o themselves_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o other_o place_n religion_n in_o use_v such_o habit_n and_o gesture_n and_o the_o like_a foolery_n which_o god_n have_v not_o require_v this_o be_v that_o which_o render_v religion_n contemptible_a and_o ridiculous_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o carnal_a people_n and_o make_v they_o think_v it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o kind_n of_o niceness_n as_o to_o such_o toy_n and_o trifle_n so_o the_o pharisee_n of_o old_a neglect_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n judgement_n mercy_n and_o faith_n and_o keep_v a_o great_a ado_n about_o wash_v of_o pot_n and_o cup_n and_o make_v broad_a their_o phylactery_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v to_o hold_v they_o leave_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n to_o follow_v the_o device_n and_o imagination_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n mar._n 7.4_o col._n 2.20_o 21_o 23._o these_o thing_n may_v have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n in_o will-worship_n at_o least_o in_o the_o fancy_n of_o some_o they_o appear_v to_o have_v it_o here_o be_v a_o fair_a pretence_n of_o great_a strictness_n than_o the_o rest_n whereas_o true_a wisdom_n consist_v in_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o do_v his_o commandment_n psal_n 111.10_o that_o wherein_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n differ_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n be_v in_o the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o unblameableness_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o life_n from_o whence_o will_v flow_v
monstrous_a opinion_n under_o the_o protection_n and_o patronage_n of_o the_o scripture_n sol._n this_o be_v a_o trite_a objection_n much_o insist_v on_o by_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o of_o a_o impose_v spirit_n and_o be_v loath_a to_o be_v conclude_v and_o shut_v up_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n within_o the_o limit_n and_o boundary_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o deserve_v to_o be_v answer_v more_o large_o than_o at_o present_a i_o can_v spare_v time_n to_o do_v all_o that_o i_o shall_v speak_v unto_o it_o which_o yet_o may_v sufficient_o discover_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o cavil_n i_o shall_v gather_v into_o five_o head_n 1._o there_o will_v be_v heresy_n maintain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n among_o people_n that_o call_v themselves_o his_o disciple_n and_o servant_n in_o all_o age_n unto_o the_o end_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n that_o will_v fall_v out_o unavoidable_o and_o can_v be_v otherwise_o as_o there_o will_v be_v man_n of_o corrupt_a life_n tare_n mingle_v with_o the_o wheat_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n so_o there_o will_v be_v man_n of_o corrupt_a notion_n and_o doctrine_n that_o speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v away_o disciple_n after_o they_o 1_o cor._n 11.19_o for_o there_o must_v be_v also_o heresy_n among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a among_o you_o mark_v it_o must_v be_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o it_o not_o a_o necessity_n of_o precept_n god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n he_o require_v truth_n in_o the_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o integrity_n in_o the_o heart_n he_o call_v for_o soundness_n of_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o fervour_n of_o affection_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o event_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n it_o will_v certain_o be_v so_o and_o the_o lord_n have_v excellent_a end_n to_o accomplish_v thereby_o and_o therefore_o will_v suffer_v error_n to_o be_v vent_v and_o spread_v abroad_o but_o there_o be_v false_a prophet_n also_o among_o the_o people_n even_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v false_a teacher_n among_o you_o who_o privy_o shall_v bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n even_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o and_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o swift_a destruction_n 2_o pet._n 2.1_o see_v also_o 1_o tim._n 4.1_o 2._o act._n 20.30.31_o this_o be_v no_o excuse_n unto_o the_o author_n and_o broacher_n of_o any_o curse_a opinion_n but_o it_o be_v a_o useful_a lesson_n or_o document_n for_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v be_v quicken_v to_o get_v their_o judgement_n principled_a with_o sound_a knowledge_n and_o to_o beware_v lest_o they_o be_v lead_v aside_o from_o the_o way_n by_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o so_o fall_v from_o their_o own_o steadfastness_n that_o be_v pertinent_a on_o this_o account_n which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v as_o to_o scandal_n in_o general_a mat._n 18.7_o wo_n unto_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n heresy_n come_v but_o woe_n to_o that_o man_n by_o who_o the_o offence_n heresy_n come_v 2._o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o think_v ever_o a_o jot_n the_o worse_a of_o religion_n and_o godliness_n because_o of_o the_o heresy_n that_o sometime_o abound_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o shall_v rather_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n have_v foretell_v we_o that_o thus_o it_o will_v be_v and_o we_o see_v it_o verify_v before_o our_o eye_n as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o thessalonian_o that_o no_o man_n may_v be_v move_v by_o his_o affliction_n for_o say_v he_o yourselves_o know_v that_o we_o be_v appoint_v thereunto_o 1_o thes_n 3.3_o and_o v._o 4._o for_o very_o when_o we_o be_v with_o you_o we_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o we_o shall_v suffer_v tribulation_n even_o as_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o you_o know_v so_o may_v i_o speak_v in_o the_o case_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n let_v no_o man_n stumble_v or_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n upon_o this_o account_n let_v not_o your_o faith_n be_v weaken_v nor_o your_o progress_n in_o holiness_n retard_v because_o of_o these_o corrupt_a opinion_n and_o heresy_n for_o yourselves_o know_v that_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n have_v foretell_v of_o these_o thing_n that_o it_o must_v come_v to_o pass_v as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o age_n and_o he_o have_v therefore_o warn_v you_o of_o it_o beforehand_o lest_o you_o shall_v be_v offend_v joh._n 16.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o 3._o when_o we_o speak_v of_o unity_n in_o christian_a fellowship_n and_o uniformity_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n it_o must_v not_o be_v interpret_v of_o union_n and_o combination_n with_o such_o as_o be_v heretic_n it_o must_v not_o be_v take_v as_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v that_o we_o must_v unite_v and_o go_v hand_n in_o hand_n with_o such_o person_n our_o lord_n christ_n have_v leave_v upon_o record_n sufficient_a direction_n in_o this_o case_n how_o to_o purge_v his_o church_n of_o such_o vermin_n and_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o free_a from_o the_o taint_n of_o their_o pollution_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o be_v profane_a and_o disorderly_a in_o their_o conversation_n a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v know_v that_o he_o that_o be_v such_o be_v subvert_v and_o sin_v be_v condemn_v of_o himself_o tit._n 3.10_o 11._o from_o such_o withdraw_v thyself_o 1_o tim._n 6.3_o 4_o 5._o if_o there_o come_v any_o unto_o you_o and_o bring_v not_o this_o doctrine_n receive_v he_o not_o into_o your_o house_n neither_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n 2_o john_n 10._o see_v also_o gal._n 1.9_o rom._n 16.17_o rev._n 2.2_o 20_o 24_o 25._o 4._o but_o then_o as_o to_o sound_v and_o sober_a christian_n let_v this_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o their_o unite_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v clear_o and_o easy_o deduce_v from_o thence_o they_o be_v write_v in_o legible_a character_n that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v they_o and_o why_o shall_v not_o those_o thing_n which_o will_v declare_v a_o man_n a_o sound_a believer_n capacitate_v he_o for_o communion_n with_o believer_n these_o thing_n be_v write_v plain_o as_o with_o the_o pen_n of_o a_o diamond_n and_o inculcate_v frequent_o that_o they_o may_v be_v apprenended_a by_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o saint_n isa_n 45.19_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a in_o a_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v not_o deliver_v dark_o and_o obscure_o they_o be_v not_o fold_v and_o wrap_v up_o in_o intricate_a and_o ambiguous_a sentence_n as_o the_o devil_n oracle_n the_o answer_n of_o false_a god_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v deliver_v in_o cave_n and_o grotto_n and_o corner_n under_o the_o ground_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v set_v forth_o perspicuous_o they_o be_v all_o plain_a to_o he_o that_o understand_v and_o right_a to_o they_o that_o find_v knowledge_n prov._n 8.9_o for_o this_o commandment_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n be_v not_o hide_v neither_o be_v it_o far_o off_o it_o be_v not_o in_o heaven_n that_o thou_o shall_v say_v who_o shall_v go_v up_o for_o we_o to_o heaven_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v hear_v it_o and_o do_v it_o neither_o be_v it_o beyond_o the_o sea_n that_o thou_o shall_v say_v who_o shall_v go_v over_o the_o sea_n for_o we_o and_o bring_v it_o unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v hear_v it_o and_o do_v it_o but_o the_o word_n be_v very_o nigh_o unto_o thou_o in_o thy_o mouth_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n that_o thou_o may_v do_v it_o indeed_o prate_v fool_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v they_o will_v seek_v nodum_fw-la in_o scirpo_fw-la they_o will_v find_v matter_n to_o wrangle_v with_o the_o most_o undeniable_a principle_n but_o the_o foundation-truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v full_o proclaim_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n that_o will_v lend_v their_o ear_n attentive_o to_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o will_v diligent_o study_v divine_a mystery_n and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v under_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n instruction_n to_o guide_v they_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o necessary_a point_n joh._n 16.13_o 1_o joh._n 2.20_o 27._o psal_n 25.12_o 14._o and_o why_o shall_v not_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n unto_o eternal_a life_n hereafter_o unamimous_o join_v together_o in_o the_o service_n of_o