and_o direct_v i_o where_o and_o how_o to_o seek_v for_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o it_o it_o follow_v now_o that_o i_o shall_v put_v this_o speculation_n into_o practice_n that_o i_o will_v search_v the_o scripture_n with_o all_o the_o diligence_n i_o can_v and_o set_v my_o mind_n with_o all_o its_o faculty_n on_o work_n to_o find_v out_o as_o much_o as_o i_o be_o able_a of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o i_o may_v the_o better_o conform_v myself_o unto_o it_o this_o with_o god_n help_n i_o design_v speedy_o to_o do_v and_o the_o result_n of_o my_o thought_n shall_v be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n if_o what_o i_o here_o write_v prove_v acceptable_a but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o think_v it_o not_o improper_a here_o to_o add_v some_o general_a consideration_n which_o may_v serve_v as_o rule_n and_o guide_n to_o i_o or_o to_o any_o other_o person_n who_o shall_v set_v himself_o upon_o such_o a_o enquiry_n to_o direct_v our_o judgement_n aright_o to_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o all_o mistake_v about_o it_o xl._n first_o then_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v calculate_v for_o man_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o satisfy_v and_o convince_v every_o sober_a man_n who_o serious_o consider_v the_o argument_n on_o which_o it_o rely_v and_o be_v not_o lead_v astray_o by_o passion_n by_o prejudice_n or_o worldly_a interest_n that_o this_o be_v so_o appear_v very_o evident_o from_o hence_o because_o both_o jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v appeal_v to_o the_o common_a reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n to_o judge_v of_o what_o they_o teach_v yea_o and_o why_o even_o of_o yourselves_o judge_v you_o not_o what_o be_v right_a say_v jesus_n luk._n 12._o 57_o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a say_v st._n paul_n 1_o thes_n 5._o 21._o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o say_v st._n peter_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n say_v st._n john_n 1_o joh._n 4._o 1._o hence_o than_o i_o conclude_v that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o christian_a religion_n which_o contradict_v the_o clear_a and_o evident_a principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n for_o otherwise_o a_o rational_a man_n can_v not_o be_v a_o christian_n see_v §_o 33._o xli_o second_o it_o appear_v plain_a to_o i_o that_o christian_a religion_n be_v calculate_v not_o only_o nor_o chief_o for_o man_n of_o great_a and_o deep_a learning_n but_o also_o for_o those_o of_o ordinary_a plain_a and_o mean_a capacity_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o necessary_a in_o christianity_n but_o what_o may_v be_v as_o well_o understand_v by_o every_o ordinary_a illiterate_a man_n as_o by_o the_o great_a scholar_n if_o this_o be_v not_o 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christian_n i_o confess_v indeed_o that_o as_o thing_n stand_v at_o this_o time_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v high_o convenient_a that_o the_o teacher_n and_o preacher_n of_o christianity_n shall_v be_v competent_o skill_v in_o humane_a learning_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o defend_v their_o religion_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o it_o against_o those_o who_o use_v so_o much_o art_n and_o skill_n either_o to_o corrupt_v or_o oppose_v it_o but_o where_o a_o man_n set_v up_o not_o for_o a_o teacher_n but_o only_o for_o a_o true_a believer_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o scholarship_n but_o only_o of_o a_o plain_a and_o sober_a understanding_n to_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o all_o necessary_a instruction_n for_o a_o good_a christian_n or_o else_o why_o shall_v the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v so_o particular_o to_o the_o poor_a matth._n 11._o 5._o who_o be_v common_o illiterate_a and_o how_o shall_v the_o poor_a in_o this_o world_n become_v so_o rich_a of_o faith_n as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o jam._n 2._o 5._o from_o whence_o i_o think_v i_o may_v conclude_v that_o all_o such_o doctrine_n the_o understanding_n and_o proof_n whereof_o depend_v either_o on_o the_o subtle_a spcculation_n of_o humane_a philosophy_n or_o the_o nicety_n and_o criticism_n of_o grammatical_a learning_n or_o the_o curious_a knowledge_n of_o history_n and_o antiquity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v as_o necessary_a part_n of_o christianity_n xlii_o three_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a to_o i_o that_o the_o main_a design_n of_o jesus_n and_o of_o his_o disciple_n who_o he_o send_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v to_o make_v man_n not_o wise_a as_o to_o matter_n of_o speculation_n but_o better_o and_o more_o virtuous_a as_o to_o their_o life_n and_o action_n knowledge_n puff_v up_o but_o charity_n edisi_v say_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 1._o thus_o also_o chap._n 13._o of_o the_o same_o epistle_n he_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o of_o prophecy_n the_o understanding_n of_o all_o mystery_n and_o all_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n be_v of_o no_o value_n before_o god_n without_o charity_n and_o that_o by_o charity_n he_o mean_v a_o life_n lead_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n susficient_o appear_v by_o the_o sequel_n of_o that_o chapter_n the_o same_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o tit._n 2._o 13._o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n for_o what_o end_n to_o make_v they_o more_o wise_a more_o learned_a or_o more_o losty_a in_o their_o speculation_n no_o such_o thing_n but_o teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o to_o omit_v a_o multitude_n of_o text_n which_o may_v be_v allege_v in_o so_o plain_a a_o matter_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v what_o we_o be_v tell_v rom._n 2._o 6_o etc._n etc._n that_o god_n will_v render_v unto_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o it_o be_v our_o deed_n that_o be_v our_o practice_n our_o live_a and_o conversation_n that_o we_o be_v chief_o oblige_v to_o take_v care_n of_o i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o god_n may_v if_o he_o please_v command_v thing_n that_o be_v pure_o ceremonial_a and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o influence_n upon_o virtue_n and_o morality_n as_o undoubted_o he_o do_v unto_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o if_o he_o do_v command_v any_o such_o thing_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o owe_v obedience_n to_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v over_o we_o he_o may_v also_o reveal_v such_o truth_n as_o be_v mere_o speculative_a and_o have_v nothing_o practical_a in_o they_o and_o whosoever_o be_v convince_v of_o any_o such_o revelation_n be_v undoubted_o bind_v to_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o the_o thing_n so_o reveal_v although_o they_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o understanding_n as_o i_o have_v say_v §_o 33._o but_o from_o what_o i_o have_v here_o say_v i_o think_v i_o may_v conclude_v that_o since_o virtue_n and_o morality_n be_v undoubted_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o christianity_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v chief_o regard_v and_o attend_v to_o by_o all_o christian_n nor_o ought_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v pure_o ceremonial_a or_o speculative_a to_o be_v reckon_v as_o a_o necessary_a part_n of_o christian_a religion_n except_o it_o appear_v very_o evident_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v or_o command_v it_o very_o evident_o i_o say_v for_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v conceive_v in_o dark_a and_o doubtful_a expression_n it_o be_v very_o liable_a to_o be_v mistake_v and_o he_o that_o be_v
a_o token_n of_o his_o work_n stamp_v and_o engrave_v this_o his_o mark_n and_o character_n upon_o they_o x._o there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n who_o build_v a_o convenient_a and_o goodly_a structure_n but_o he_o take_v care_n likewise_o to_o keep_v it_o in_o good_a order_n and_o repair_v after_o it_o be_v build_v and_o there_o be_v no_o fabric_n but_o in_o tract_n of_o time_n will_v visible_o decay_v if_o constant_a care_n be_v not_o take_v of_o it_o since_o therefore_o god_n have_v erect_v and_o frame_v this_o goodly_a structure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o since_o in_o so_o long_a a_o time_n there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o decay_n to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o as_o be_v abundant_o prove_v by_o hackwell_n in_o his_o apology_n on_o this_o subject_a i_o conclude_v that_o god_n not_o only_o make_v this_o world_n by_o his_o power_n but_o also_o govern_v it_o by_o his_o providence_n and_o for_o the_o only_a objection_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o any_o force_n against_o god_n providence_n namely_o that_o wicked_a man_n do_v often_o thrive_v and_o prosper_v whilst_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n be_v oppress_v with_o misery_n it_o be_v most_o easy_o and_o natural_o solve_v by_o suppose_v what_o shall_v anon_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v abundant_a reward_n for_o good_a man_n and_o sufficient_a punishment_n for_o the_o wicked_a to_o be_v distribute_v in_o a_o life_n which_o be_v to_o come_v which_o will_v bring_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v equal_a at_o the_o last_o xi_o every_o parent_n who_o beget_v and_o bring_v up_o a_o child_n every_o master_n who_o feed_v and_o pay_v a_o servant_n every_o prince_n who_o govern_v and_o protect_v his_o subject_n and_o every_o benefactor_n who_o do_v any_o act_n of_o kindness_n for_o another_o may_v very_o reasonable_o and_o do_v always_o expect_v a_o return_n of_o love_n obedience_n and_o gratitude_n in_o due_a proportion_n to_o the_o benefit_n receive_v from_o they_o since_o than_o god_n be_v more_o than_o a_o parent_n to_o we_o for_o he_o make_v we_o and_o our_o parent_n too_o since_o he_o be_v so_o kind_a a_o master_n who_o give_v we_o our_o food_n and_o all_o the_o convenience_n of_o life_n since_o he_o govern_v and_o protect_v we_o by_o his_o overrule_a providence_n more_o effectual_o than_o any_o earthly_a prince_n do_v his_o subject_n and_o last_o since_o he_o be_v our_o great_a and_o supreme_a benefactor_n who_o have_v give_v we_o all_o the_o good_a which_o we_o possess_v and_o enjoy_v i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o he_o expect_v a_o return_n of_o love_n obedience_n and_o gratitude_n from_o we_o i_o will_v not_o say_v proportionable_a to_o the_o benefit_n receive_v from_o he_o for_o that_o perhaps_o may_v exceed_v our_o ability_n but_o proportionable_a unto_o our_o ability_n or_o capacity_n xii_o that_o god_n be_v wise_a and_o powerful_a i_o gather_v from_o his_o work_n which_o i_o contemplate_v in_o the_o visible_a world_n and_o from_o thence_o i_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v sufficient_o punish_v those_o person_n who_o despise_v he_o so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o love_v thank_v and_o obey_v he_o according_a as_o he_o expect_v and_o require_v from_o they_o that_o he_o be_v also_o good_a and_o gracious_a i_o gather_v from_o those_o good_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o relate_v both_o to_o our_o body_n and_o mind_n and_o from_o thence_o i_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v abundant_o reward_v all_o those_o person_n who_o take_v care_n to_o pay_v he_o that_o love_n gratitude_n and_o obedience_n which_o he_o expect_v xiii_o that_o these_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v not_o final_o distribute_v in_o this_o life_n be_v very_o evident_a because_o we_o often_o see_v man_n that_o be_v notorious_o wicked_a enjoy_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o other_o that_o be_v conspicuous_o virtuous_a undergo_v almost_o all_o the_o calamity_n of_o this_o world_n even_o unto_o their_o very_a grave_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o there_o be_v another_o life_n after_o this_o in_o which_o these_o reward_n and_o punishment_n shall_v be_v due_o distribute_v fourteen_o when_o a_o man_n be_v once_o convince_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n to_o who_o there_o be_v a_o service_n due_a and_o that_o there_o be_v reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o be_v dispense_v to_o all_o man_n according_a as_o they_o have_v perform_v or_o neglect_v that_o service_n the_o grand_a enquiry_n that_o every_o man_n be_v concern_v to_o make_v be_v what_o he_o must_v do_v to_o avoid_v these_o punishment_n and_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o these_o reward_n and_o here_o i_o think_v i_o may_v most_o easy_o and_o natural_o make_v these_o follow_a conclusion_n viz._n 1._o he_o who_o do_v what_o god_n require_v from_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v punish_v but_o reward_v 2._o god_n require_v from_o every_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v use_v his_o honest_a endeavour_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o know_v and_o understand_v his_o will_n as_o perfect_o as_o he_o can_v for_o this_o be_v but_o reason_n for_o every_o master_n to_o expect_v from_o his_o servant_n much_o more_o for_o such_o a_o master_n as_o god_n 3._o if_o a_o man_n do_v his_o hearty_a and_o best_a endeavour_n first_o to_o know_v and_o then_o to_o perform_v the_o will_n of_o god_n god_n will_v require_v no_o more_o from_o he_o for_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o expect_v and_o with_o his_o goodness_n to_o require_v any_o more_o from_o a_o man_n than_o what_o he_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v i._n e._n any_o more_o than_o his_o best_a and_o most_o hearty_a endeavour_n xv._o there_o be_v in_o the_o general_n but_o two_o way_n of_o find_v out_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o one_o be_v by_o the_o use_n of_o our_o natural_a reason_n and_o understanding_n the_o other_o be_v by_o attend_v to_o that_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o will_n to_z the_o world_n here_o then_o i_o conclude_v i_o must_v make_v it_o my_o business_n first_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o this_o revelation_n and_o then_o to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o and_o my_o reason_n together_o in_o order_n to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v god_n will._n xvi_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n in_o galilee_n in_o the_o time_n of_o tiberius_n caesar_n the_o roman_a empetor_n that_o he_o have_v a_o company_n of_o poor_a man_n for_o his_o disciple_n that_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n go_v about_o the_o country_n of_o judea_n teach_v and_o preach_v that_o he_o be_v put_v to_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n after_o the_o roman_a manner_n under_o pontius_n pilate_n the_o roman_a governor_n of_o judea_n that_o after_o his_o death_n his_o disciple_n go_v about_o into_o all_o or_o most_o part_n of_o the_o then_o know_a world_n teach_v and_o preach_v that_o this_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o go_v into_o heaven_n that_o in_o a_o few_o year_n they_o convert_v a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o people_n in_o all_o place_n to_o this_o belief_n that_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o belief_n be_v call_v christian_n that_o they_o be_v most_o cruel_o persecute_v and_o many_o thousand_o of_o they_o put_v to_o death_n and_o that_o with_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o be_v christian_n that_o these_o persecution_n be_v several_a time_n renew_v aga_v they_o for_o the_o space_n of_o about_o three_o hundred_o year_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o that_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n daily_o increase_v and_o that_o not_o only_a idiot_n and_o unlearned_a man_n but_o great_a scholar_n and_o philosopher_n be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n all_o this_o be_v mere_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v never_o yet_o deny_v by_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o indeed_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o abundant_o testify_v by_o the_o history_n and_o other_o write_n of_o those_o time_n and_o have_v be_v so_o general_o receive_v for_o truth_n as_o well_o by_o the_o opposer_n as_o believer_n of_o christianity_n by_o a_o constant_a universal_a and_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n from_o those_o day_n even_o unto_o this_o time_n that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o or_o of_o all_o the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n as_o of_o this_o now_o since_o all_o man_n general_o have_v a_o strong_a inclination_n to_o retain_v and_o stick_v to_o that_o religion_n whatever_o it_o be_v in_o which_o both_o they_o and_o their_o father_n have_v be_v bring_v up_o and_o no_o less_o a_o aversion_n to_o all_o causeless_a innovation_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n moreover_o since_o all_o man_n without_o
to_o be_v a_o person_n wonderful_a a_o counsellor_n the_o mighty_a god_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o who_o government_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n and_o unto_o who_o the_o gather_n of_o the_o nation_n shall_v be_v now_o although_o there_o may_v some_o difficulty_n be_v start_v as_o to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o some_o of_o those_o and_o such_o like_a prophecy_n which_o do_v occur_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n consider_v how_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v enemy_n to_o christianity_n have_v endeavour_v to_o obscure_v and_o perplex_v they_o yet_o if_o we_o do_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v evident_o a_o fair_a consonant_a and_o reasonable_a application_n of_o all_o these_o prediction_n to_o be_v make_v unto_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o nor_o ever_o be_v any_o other_o person_n to_o who_o they_o can_v be_v apply_v beside_o himself_o and_o since_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o one_o but_o god_n to_o foretell_v a_o thing_n with_o so_o many_o circumstance_n so_o long_o before_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v i_o think_v i_o may_v very_o well_o from_o hence_o conclude_v not_o only_o against_o the_o jew_n who_o acknowledge_v but_o also_o against_o all_o other_o who_o may_v perhaps_o at_o first_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n be_v the_o christ_n or_o messiah_n who_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o send_v into_o the_o world_n and_o if_o to_o this_o we_o add_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o the_o transcendent_a goodness_n of_o his_o doctrine_n of_o which_o see_v part_n 1_o §_o 19_o i_o think_v the_o argument_n will_v have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o demonstration_n 37._o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o find_v such_o thing_n speak_v of_o christ_n as_o do_v plain_o show_v he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a man_n in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o sin_n only_o except_v other_o expression_n also_o i_o find_v frequent_o apply_v to_o he_o which_o can_v possible_o agree_v to_o any_o man_n or_o create_v be_v whatsoever_o but_o only_o unto_o god_n as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v §_o 22._o and_o although_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a distinction_n make_v between_o his_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n yet_o be_v he_o always_o speak_v of_o but_o as_o one_o person_n here_o than_o i_o know_v not_o better_a how_o to_o express_v my_o sentiment_n than_o by_o say_v that_o in_o the_o one_o and_o single_a person_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o conjunction_n of_o both_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n and_o consequent_o that_o christ_n be_v real_o and_o true_o both_o god_n and_o man._n and_o if_o the_o same_o objection_n be_v make_v against_o this_o doctrine_n as_o be_v against_o that_o of_o the_o trinity_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v very_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v apprehend_v i_o shall_v also_o return_v the_o same_o answer_n as_o i_o have_v already_o do_v to_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o §_o 23._o to_o which_o i_o refer_v my_o reader_n 38._o he_o who_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n to_o be_v sure_o will_v allow_v of_o his_o eternal_a existence_n as_o to_o his_o divine_a nature_n and_o as_o to_o what_o concern_v his_o humane_a nature_n that_o he_o be_v conceive_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o that_o after_o some_o year_n spend_v in_o preach_v and_o do_v good_a he_o be_v through_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o at_o their_o vehement_a desire_n condemn_v by_o pilate_n the_o roman_a governor_n to_o be_v crucify_v which_o be_v according_o do_v and_o a_o spear_n thrust_v into_o his_o side_n that_o be_v dead_a he_o be_v bury_v and_o lay_v in_o the_o sepulchre_n unto_o the_o three_o day_n upon_o which_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o aster_n several_a time_n converse_v with_o his_o disciple_n for_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n that_o he_o be_v visible_o take_v up_o from_o they_o and_o receive_v into_o heaven_n unto_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a glory_n where_o he_o be_v our_o perpetual_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n all_o this_o i_o say_v be_v so_o evident_o and_o without_o controversy_n testify_v by_o his_o disciple_n who_o veracity_n i_o have_v assert_v part_n 1_o §_o 19_o and_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o authority_n i_o have_v prove_v part_n 1._o §_o 23._o &c_n &c_n that_o no_o reasonable_a man_n i_o think_v can_v now_o deny_v or_o so_o much_o as_o doubt_v of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o although_o there_o be_v one_o or_o two_o passage_n of_o scripture_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v infer_v that_o christ_n before_o his_o resurrection_n do_v descend_v into_o hell_n yet_o will_v i_o not_o venture_v nor_o do_v i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o determine_v whether_o by_o the_o word_n hell_n be_v mean_v the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a only_o or_o the_o place_n of_o the_o damn_a or_o if_o the_o latter_a signification_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v for_o what_o end_n and_o purpose_n it_o be_v that_o he_o descend_v thither_o only_o i_o conclude_v certain_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n there_o because_o i_o do_v not_o find_v the_o least_o intimation_n throughout_o the_o scripture_n of_o any_o suffering_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o do_v or_o be_v to_o endure_v beyond_o the_o shed_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o yield_v up_o his_o life_n upon_o the_o cross_n 39_o what_o god_n may_v have_v do_v have_v he_o so_o please_v without_o any_o other_o consideration_n but_o only_o by_o virture_n of_o his_o own_o absolute_a authority_n if_o he_o have_v rather_o choose_v to_o do_v it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o consideration_n of_o that_o obedience_n which_o he_o perform_v and_o those_o suffering_n which_o he_o undergo_v who_o shall_v dare_v to_o find_v fault_n with_o he_o or_o pretend_v to_o be_v wise_a than_o he_o now_o that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n that_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o we_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o make_v we_o the_o offer_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n be_v so_o plain_o declare_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o and_o since_o i_o find_v god_n send_v of_o christ_n to_o be_v set_v forth_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o his_o love_n not_o to_o some_o few_o particular_a person_n only_o but_o even_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o since_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v die_v for_o all_o and_o to_o have_v be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n without_o any_o exception_n i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o all_o man_n who_o ever_o be_v or_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v may_v have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v the_o better_a for_o christ_n and_o his_o suffering_n if_o through_o their_o own_o default_n they_o have_v not_o or_o shall_v not_o forfeit_v that_o benefit_n which_o be_v design_v they_o and_o as_o it_o be_v not_o dispute_v but_o that_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n who_o by_o faith_n foresee_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n have_v a_o share_n in_o that_o redemption_n which_o he_o wrought_v although_o they_o die_v before_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n so_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v to_o stand_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n that_o even_o those_o person_n who_o never_o hear_v any_o thing_n of_o christ_n may_v yet_o for_o his_o sake_n find_v mercy_n from_o god_n because_o god_n who_o perfect_o know_v the_o most_o secret_a inclination_n of_o all_o heart_n may_v clear_o foresee_v that_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v propose_v and_o offer_v unto_o they_o they_o will_v have_v own_v he_o and_o submit_v unto_o his_o gospel_n which_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n and_o for_o which_o reason_n he_o declare_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v a_o mild_a doom_n than_o chorazin_n and_o bethsaida_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n mat._n 11._o 21_o 22._o and_o how_o far_o this_o may_v extend_v to_o all_o such_o as_o labour_v under_o very_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la although_o not_o strict_o invincible_a i_o think_v that_o god_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a judge_n 40._o but_o however_o god_n may_v think_v fit_a to_o deal_v with_o those_o who_o be_v either_o ignorant_a of_o or_o strong_o prejudice_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o proceed_n with_o true_a believer_n be_v plain_o enough_o declare_v all_o those_o who_o receive_v and_o own_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o so_o many_o separate_a person_n each_o of_o they_o believe_v such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n but_o be_v always_o represent_v
be_v possible_a when_o therefore_o any_o religious_a dispute_n arise_v whereby_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n be_v like_a to_o be_v endanger_v it_o be_v free_a and_o proper_a for_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n which_o shall_v hinder_v either_o the_o church_n universal_a or_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o even_o any_o prudent_a man_n whatsoever_o to_o declare_v and_o publish_v their_o sense_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o debate_n but_o as_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o determination_n of_o any_o church_n or_o party_n whatsoever_o any_o far_a than_o he_o be_v convince_v and_o satisfy_v of_o its_o agreement_n with_o reason_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n part_v 2._o §_o 1_o and_o 2._o so_o be_v not_o any_o man_n bind_v to_o oppose_v or_o dispute_v even_o against_o a_o error_n itself_o except_o there_o be_v something_o in_o it_o which_o be_v injurious_a to_o christian_a faith_n or_o practice_n and_o consequent_o which_o may_v prove_v pernicious_a to_o man_n salvation_n and_o therefore_o if_o such_o a_o mistake_n which_o may_v have_v prevail_v in_o any_o church_n can_v well_o be_v rectify_v without_o endanger_v the_o breach_n of_o peace_n and_o charity_n because_o they_o who_o hold_v it_o it_o may_v be_v be_v obstinate_o wed_v to_o it_o i_o think_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o we_o all_o to_o be_v very_o tender_a in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o to_o permit_v every_o man_n free_o to_o abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n until_o such_o time_n as_o god_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o clear_a sight_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n on_o the_o account_n of_o any_o error_n that_o be_v not_o damnable_a and_o much_o less_o on_o account_n only_o of_o such_o term_n or_o expression_n as_o be_v but_o abstruse_a or_o of_o doubtful_a signification_n for_o otherwise_o since_o the_o apprehension_n of_o man_n be_v so_o very_o different_a especial_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v remote_a from_o our_o sense_n be_v matter_n only_o of_o rational_a speculation_n if_o difference_n of_o opinion_n upon_o such_o theological_a question_n as_o do_v not_o immediate_o concern_v our_o salvation_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o separation_n in_o point_n of_o communion_n there_o will_v soon_o be_v probable_o almost_o as_o many_o church_n as_o man_n in_o the_o world_n but_o if_o any_o church_n shall_v require_v from_o a_o man_n either_o to_o comply_v with_o or_o practice_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o only_o against_o his_o fancy_n in_o point_n of_o decency_n or_o convenience_n but_o also_o against_o his_o conscience_n in_o point_n of_o lawfulness_n or_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v silent_a and_o not_o oppose_v but_o also_o explicit_o profess_v the_o belief_n of_o any_o such_o doctrine_n as_o he_o judge_n to_o be_v false_a however_o innocent_a the_o belief_n of_o they_o may_v be_v to_o they_o who_o think_v they_o true_a and_o if_o such_o a_o church_n shall_v refuse_v and_o deny_v her_o communion_n to_o all_o those_o who_o will_v not_o join_v with_o she_o upon_o these_o term_n we_o must_v rather_o be_v content_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o such_o a_o church_n communion_n than_o to_o purchase_v it_o by_o solemn_o tell_v a_o down_o right_a lie_n before_o god_n and_o the_o world_n or_o by_o the_o violation_n of_o any_o other_o of_o god_n command_n for_o if_o we_o offer_v to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o st._n paul_n have_v declare_v we_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n 65._o for_o the_o due_a regulation_n of_o every_o society_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o have_v a_o power_n somewhere_o or_o other_o vest_v in_o it_o over_o its_o own_o member_n either_o to_o compel_v they_o to_o live_v orderly_o according_a to_o its_o law_n and_o constitution_n or_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v disobedient_a and_o refractory_a and_o will_v not_o upon_o due_a admonition_n be_v reclaim_v whole_o to_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o community_n for_o otherwise_o if_o the_o member_n of_o any_o society_n may_v at_o their_o pleasure_n break_v its_o constitution_n and_o violate_v its_o law_n without_o control_n this_o will_v be_v whole_o to_o pull_v down_o the_o enclosure_n and_o lay_v all_o open_a and_o common_a as_o before_o and_o consequent_o in_o effect_n to_o dissolve_v the_o society_n itself_o and_o according_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v the_o church_n a_o power_n to_o admonish_v and_o rebuke_v those_o who_o give_v any_o scandal_n by_o their_o ungodly_a and_o unruly_a behaviour_n and_o if_o upon_o this_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v and_o reform_v of_o reject_v and_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o her_o communion_n which_o authority_n must_v ever_o be_v exercise_v with_o due_a mildness_n and_o caution_n for_o the_o edification_n and_o not_o with_o heat_n and_o fury_n which_o in_o the_o end_n will_v more_o probable_o tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o church_n but_o if_o any_o church_n shall_v go_v beyond_o this_o to_o punish_v or_o persecute_v man_n with_o fire_n and_o sword_n or_o with_o fines_n and_o imprisonment_n only_o for_o be_v of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n from_o and_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o her_z in_o my_o opinion_n she_o herein_o act_v contrary_a to_o that_o mildness_n and_o gentleness_n which_o the_o gospel_n upon_o all_o occasion_n prescribe_v and_o particular_o in_o the_o case_n of_o deal_n with_o those_o who_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o it_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 24._o although_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o can_v be_v deâ—yed_v but_o that_o if_o any_o man_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n or_o religion_n shall_v advance_v such_o doctrine_n or_o do_v such_o act_n as_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o peace_n or_o safety_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n or_o commonwealth_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o punish_v such_o a_o person_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n notwithstanding_o all_o his_o pretence_n for_o if_o the_o plea_n of_o conscience_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o can_v only_o be_v know_v to_o almighty_a god_n be_v sufficient_a to_o save_v any_o malefactor_n from_o punishment_n no_o civil_a society_n can_v ever_o be_v safe_a and_o all_o humane_a law_n and_o magistrate_n will_v be_v whole_o useless_a see_v part_n 1_o §_o 35._o 66_o and_o as_o almighty_a god_n in_o his_o mercy_n be_v please_v not_o to_o cut_v the_o great_a sinner_n off_o from_o all_o hope_n of_o pardon_n but_o be_v ready_a at_o any_o time_n upon_o their_o true_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n to_o receive_v they_o again_o into_o his_o favour_n so_o have_v he_o commit_v unto_o the_o church_n the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n which_o church_n therefore_o according_o aught_o not_o only_o to_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n by_o preach_v admonition_n and_o exhortation_n but_o also_o wherever_o she_o see_v evident_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o it_o in_o any_o person_n of_o which_o yet_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v good_a assurance_n for_o his_o great_a comfort_n and_o ease_v of_o conscience_n to_o remit_v or_o absolve_v he_o from_o his_o sin_n and_o restore_v he_o again_o to_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n of_o christian_a communion_n of_o which_o i_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v deprive_v and_o whatever_o sentence_n of_o thus_o bind_v or_o lose_v remit_v or_o retain_v of_o man_n sin_n be_v due_o and_o regular_o pronounce_v by_o the_o church_n upon_o earth_n our_o saviour_n assure_v we_o it_o shall_v be_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o god_n in_o heaven_n but_o that_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o make_v a_o particular_a confession_n of_o all_o his_o sin_n unto_o any_o other_o person_n except_o god_n in_o order_n to_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o or_o absolution_n from_o they_o as_o i_o no_o where_o find_v it_o assert_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o the_o reason_n which_o the_o roman_a divine_n do_v allege_v for_o it_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o unconcluding_a for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o particular_a confession_n of_o a_o man_n sin_n which_o may_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o most_o harden_a impenitent_a but_o his_o contrition_n and_o the_o visible_a reformation_n of_o his_o life_n which_o may_v sufficient_o appear_v without_o a_o particular_a confession_n that_o only_o can_v enable_v the_o church_n or_o her_o minister_n to_o judge_v whether_o he_o true_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n or_o not_o and_o consequent_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o proper_a object_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o the_o church_n favour_n although_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v be_v very_o proper_a for_o a_o man_n to_o make_v know_v the_o disease_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o a_o prudent_a spiritual_a physician_n that_o he_o may_v have_v his_o advice_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o they_o and_o his_o duty_n also_o