age_n it_o be_v not_o subject_v to_o the_o burdensome_a observation_n of_o so_o many_o ceremony_n which_o be_v as_o strange_a habit_n and_o ornament_n wherewith_o it_o have_v be_v since_o clothe_v there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o we_o two_o sort_n of_o person_n which_o have_v much_o contribute_v to_o this_o evil._n the_o first_o be_v those_o subtle_a spirit_n who_o beside_o their_o own_o natural_a wit_n be_v still_o more_o refine_v in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o philosopher_n the_o second_o be_v such_o as_o be_v please_v at_o some_o show_n and_o appearance_n who_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v able_a to_o quit_v the_o inclination_n which_o the_o world_n have_v inspire_v they_o with_o for_o these_o outward_a thing_n and_o who_o can_v forbear_v the_o have_v some_o esteem_n for_o the_o pomp_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o pagan_a ceremony_n the_o first_o sort_n have_v think_v that_o christian_a religion_n will_v be_v much_o more_o consider_v if_o it_o shall_v contain_v many_o mystery_n which_o 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they_o see_v that_o man_n natural_o do_v love_n that_o which_o please_v the_o sense_n and_o which_o convey_v devotion_n into_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o eye_n and_o ear_n it_o be_v from_o this_o notion_n that_o all_o these_o several_a different_a ceremony_n be_v creep_v in_o among_o we_o which_o we_o see_v practise_v among_o christian_n they_o have_v retain_v jewdaisme_n nay_o more_o they_o have_v bring_v in_o such_o paganism_n as_o they_o have_v deem_v most_o proper_a to_o imprint_v by_o outward_a object_n some_o inward_a motive_n to_o devotion_n and_o zeal_n they_o have_v imagine_v that_o they_o can_v with_o profit_n make_v use_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o other_o abuse_v they_o have_v suppose_v that_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o sanctify_v the_o profane_a vessel_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o bring_v back_o that_o to_o its_o true_a use_n which_o nourish_v the_o pagan_a superstition_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n how_o specious_a soever_o the_o reason_n and_o pretence_n be_v which_o one_o and_o the_o other_o allege_v in_o their_o own_o favour_n these_o be_v they_o who_o have_v give_v the_o first_o stroke_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o union_n of_o the_o church_n for_o if_o at_o first_o they_o have_v religious_o keep_v themselves_o to_o the_o small_a number_n of_o rule_n which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v we_o they_o have_v never_o soparate_v into_o so_o many_o sect_n as_o have_v be_v form_v concern_v such_o question_n as_o the_o curiosity_n of_o man_n have_v cause_v to_o be_v raise_v jesus_n christ_n tell_v we_o that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a to_o bear_v he_o invite_v all_o even_a to_o the_o very_a little_a child_n to_o believe_v in_o he_o which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v if_o the_o faith_n have_v certain_o bring_v with_o it_o all_o those_o abstruse_a rule_n and_o mystery_n which_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o now_o the_o holy_a scriprure_n do_v present_a but_o very_o few_o doctrine_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o exhortation_n to_o virtue_n which_o be_v there_o make_v we_o and_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o give_v we_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o that_o in_o believe_v it_o we_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n john_n 20._o to_o be_v lawful_o baptise_a it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o believe_v from_o the_o heart_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n act_v 8._o saint_n paul_n reduce_v all_o his_o preach_n to_o this_o only_a point_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v crucify_v and_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a act_v 17._o the_o same_o report_n that_o the_o extent_n of_o his_o knowledge_n be_v to_o know_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n require_v not_o more_o of_o he_o that_o will_v approach_v near_o to_o god_n but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o two_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o rewarder_n of_o those_o who_o seek_v after_o he_o and_o st._n james_n make_v pure_a religion_n and_o blameless_a before_o god_n to_o consist_v in_o visit_v the_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a in_o their_o affliction_n and_o in_o keep_v themselves_o from_o be_v defile_v by_o this_o world_n as_o if_o they_o will_v have_v say_v that_o the_o principal_a design_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o bend_v all_o one_o study_n to_o sanctity_n to_o purity_n and_o to_o charity_n the_o creed_n of_o the_o apostle_n contain_v whatsoever_o be_v essential_a in_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o what_o that_o teach_v we_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o consolation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n let_v we_o but_o examine_v all_o the_o apology_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n write_v on_o purpose_n to_o discover_v their_o opinion_n in_o religion_n they_o justify_v all_o that_o which_o i_o assert_v they_o comprehend_v but_o a_o very_a few_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o concern_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o lord_n his_o birth_n life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o have_v defend_v themselves_o from_o the_o accusation_n which_o be_v bring_v against_o they_o that_o they_o have_v resist_v the_o strong_a temptation_n and_o sustain_v with_o courage_n the_o most_o violent_a persecution_n if_o they_o have_v continue_v in_o that_o course_n and_o have_v not_o consult_v the_o school_n of_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o religion_n there_o have_v be_v no_o change_n make_v then_o have_v there_o be_v no_o separation_n in_o christianity_n if_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n have_v not_o be_v ambitious_a to_o mix_v his_o own_o with_o the_o divine_a oracle_n the_o church_n will_v have_v still_o be_v in_o its_o innocency_n and_o in_o its_o purity_n such_o be_v all_o these_o new_a opinion_n which_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n have_v separate_v man_n spirit_n and_o cause_v this_o unhappy_a division_n and_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n and_o of_o the_o outward_a show_n of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o have_v consider_v they_o as_o simple_a ornament_n which_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o religion_n if_o they_o have_v not_o multiply_v they_o to_o so_o vast_a a_o number_n if_o herein_o they_o have_v keep_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o practice_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n they_o have_v have_v no_o occasion_n for_o any_o contest_v concern_v these_o thing_n and_o every_o one_o may_v have_v easy_o find_v wherewithal_o to_o be_v satisfy_v but_o since_o they_o have_v without_o measure_n increase_v the_o number_n of_o ceremony_n so_o that_o they_o have_v not_o leave_v christian_n the_o liberty_n of_o make_v the_o least_o step_n in_o religion_n without_o uphold_v it_o by_o some_o ceremony_n they_o have_v put_v thing_n to_o a_o trial_n every_o one_o have_v pretend_v to_o have_v a_o right_a to_o speak_v his_o sense_n thereof_o which_o have_v make_v many_o to_o separate_v and_o give_v occasion_n of_o division_n chap._n v._o that_o many_o do_v make_v use_n of_o religion_n to_o serve_v their_o particular_a interest_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o temporrl_n life_n the_o great_a evil_n which_o reign_v in_o society_n be_v that_o a_o right_a distinction_n have_v never_o be_v make_v between_o the_o solid_a and_o true_a good_n and_o those_o which_o have_v no_o foundation_n but_o in_o the_o imagination_n of_o man._n we_o often_o prefer_v a_o worldly_a interest_n before_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v sometime_o also_o after_o a_o most_o wicked_a and_o detestable_a manner_n there_o be_v those_o who_o make_v religion_n and_o a_o appearance_n of_o devotion_n serve_v for_o the_o obtain_n or_o preserve_v some_o temporal_a and_o pass_o good_a insomuch_o that_o as_o it_o be_v
undertake_v the_o cure_n after_o have_v make_v know_v the_o extent_n the_o depth_n and_o the_o consequence_n find_v out_o the_o cause_n and_o trace_v they_o up_o to_o their_o very_a source_n order_n direct_v we_o to_o come_v to_o the_o remedy_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o cure_v thereof_o but_o before_o we_o propose_v they_o it_o will_v not_o be_v at_o all_o from_o the_o purpose_n to_o say_v something_o of_o those_o which_o hitherto_o have_v be_v unprofitable_o employ_v therein_o and_o i_o do_v not_o wonder_v that_o we_o can_v never_o yet_o see_v any_o success_n of_o whatsoever_o have_v be_v do_v for_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o so_o great_a disorder_n man_n have_v always_o build_v upon_o this_o wrong_a foundation_n that_o this_o evil_n be_v of_o itself_o incurable_a and_o that_o therefore_o they_o can_v only_o study_v how_o they_o may_v stop_v the_o course_n of_o its_o most_o pernicious_a symptom_n they_o have_v believe_v it_o be_v but_o like_o go_v about_o to_o save_v a_o sick_a person_n life_n that_o be_v give_v over_o by_o the_o physician_n they_o never_o think_v of_o a_o mean_n of_o reduce_v all_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n into_o one._n they_o have_v imagine_v that_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o opinion_n be_v too_o great_a and_o concern_v matter_n too_o important_a ever_o to_o bring_v it_o about_o that_o all_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o meet_v together_o they_o have_v fancy_v that_o the_o alienation_n of_o man_n mind_n be_v too_o inveterate_a the_o prejudices_fw-la too_o many_o the_o interest_n too_o disserent_fw-la and_o too_o deep_o root_v reasonable_o to_o hope_v that_o either_o one_o or_o other_o will_v make_v the_o first_o advance_v towards_o such_o a_o agreement_n insomuch_o that_o every_o one_o have_v suppose_v it_o be_v enough_o for_o he_o to_o strengthen_v himself_o in_o his_o opinion_n and_o to_o establish_v they_o by_o good_a reason_n and_o to_o weaken_v those_o which_o be_v opposite_a to_o they_o that_o they_o may_v draw_v to_o their_o side_n such_o as_o shall_v reject_v they_o it_o be_v on_o this_o foundation_n that_o all_o those_o have_v hitherto_o work_v to_o who_o god_n have_v bestow_v any_o great_a talent_n and_o who_o have_v have_v any_o name_n in_o divinity_n all_o these_o dispute_n conference_n and_o volume_n of_o controversy_n be_v not_o employ_v but_o to_o this_o end_n viz._n to_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v and_o to_o induce_v other_o to_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o but_o in_o this_o all_o these_o great_a inconvenience_n have_v never_o be_v consider_v that_o those_o very_a same_o who_o write_v and_o who_o dispute_n with_o so_o much_o heat_n and_o subtlety_n be_v many_o time_n we_o much_o bias_v as_o other_o and_o their_o passion_n be_v as_o violent_a as_o those_o in_o vulgar_a person_n that_o ofttimes_o they_o allege_v on_o both_o side_n very_o specious_a reason_n and_o such_o as_o cause_v new_a difficulty_n to_o arise_v of_o which_o they_o can_v easy_o clear_v themselves_o that_o all_o private_a person_n have_v not_o the_o time_n and_o convenience_n requisite_a to_o be_v able_a to_o read_v over_o these_o kind_n of_o write_n and_o hear_v these_o dispute_n that_o of_o those_o likewise_o who_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n to_o apply_v themselves_o hereto_o there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o bring_v not_o some_o strong_a conceit_n in_o favour_n of_o those_o opinion_n which_o they_o have_v follow_v before_o insomuch_o that_o on_o these_o occasion_n we_o see_v but_o few_o who_o give_v not_o all_o the_o applause_n to_o the_o doctor_n of_o their_o communion_n and_o esteem_v not_o the_o other_o as_o consute_v and_o baffle_v teacher_n so_o as_o i_o dare_v bold_o say_v that_o all_o these_o write_n and_o all_o these_o dispute_n be_v far_o off_o from_o produce_v any_o good_a effect_n shall_v but_o cause_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o be_v more_o wed_v to_o their_o opinion_n and_o remove_v they_o further_o off_o from_o any_o sincere_a reconciliation_n let_v we_o say_v then_o with_o saint_n augustine_n epist_n 122._o that_o this_o evil_n have_v more_o need_n of_o tear_n and_o lament_v than_o of_o large_a write_n and_o great_a volume_n many_o time_n the_o discourse_n which_o have_v be_v use_v for_o oblige_v the_o vanquish_a party_n to_o follow_v another_o profession_n have_v serve_v but_o still_o more_o to_o animate_v the_o party_n and_o fortisie_n they_o in_o their_o separation_n therefore_o many_o see_v the_o small_a success_n of_o this_o remedy_n which_o have_v be_v endeavour_v have_v judge_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o change_v their_o method_n and_o work_v the_o cure_n after_o another_o way_n for_o effect_v of_o which_o they_o have_v distinguish_v between_o such_o society_n of_o christian_n who_o they_o have_v believe_v to_o have_v gross_a and_o dangerous_a opinion_n and_o other_o who_o they_o suppose_v not_o to_o lie_v in_o so_o great_a error_n as_o to_o the_o first_o they_o have_v give_v they_o over_o as_o sick_a person_n in_o so_o deplorable_a a_o condition_n that_o their_o disease_n be_v strong_a than_o all_o remedy_n but_o they_o have_v make_v some_o step_n towards_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o latter_a they_o have_v offer_v they_o a_o hand_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o make_v they_o hope_n to_o meet_v together_o in_o certain_a term_n and_o expression_n whereon_o they_o shall_v agree_v this_o be_v it_o that_o all_o those_o have_v endeavour_v who_o have_v hitherto_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o reunite_a of_o the_o roman_a catholic_n and_o protestant_n this_o be_v the_o way_n which_o they_o have_v follow_v who_o will_v have_v agree_v the_o lutheran_n with_o the_o calvinist_n and_o these_o again_o with_o the_o arminian_o and_o other_o who_o be_v go_v out_o of_o their_o communion_n and_o yet_o after_o a_o world_n of_o trouble_n and_o writing_n compose_v on_o this_o subject_a these_o design_n have_v prove_v abortive_a and_o these_o essay_n unprofitable_a for_o not_o to_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o distinction_n which_o they_o make_v between_o pernicious_a doctrine_n and_o those_o which_o be_v not_o so_o which_o be_v only_o contrive_v by_o their_o own_o sentiment_n whereby_o they_o be_v already_o pre-engaged_n be_v it_o not_o true_a as_o i_o have_v observe_v in_o the_o preface_n that_o they_o be_v particular_a interest_n that_o have_v slip_v in_o and_o divert_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n from_o a_o design_n where_o another_o end_n be_v pursue_v than_o his_o glory_n as_o also_o that_o they_o have_v rather_o endeavour_v herein_o to_o lull_v a_o sleep_n and_o give_v some_o kind_n of_o present_a ease_n to_o this_o evil_a than_o to_o cure_v it_o perfect_o by_o any_o effectual_a remedy_n there_o have_v be_v make_v a_o certain_a mixture_n of_o doctrine_n and_o a_o composition_n of_o thing_n which_o can_v never_o be_v incorporate_v together_o whereas_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v labour_v to_o purify_v christian_a religion_n and_o separate_v it_o from_o that_o mixture_n of_o all_o strange_a thing_n and_o bring_v it_o back_o to_o its_o first_o simplicity_n indeed_o they_o have_v fail_v herein_o for_o want_v of_o look_v up_o to_o the_o fountain_n head_n of_o this_o evil_a to_o discover_v what_o first_o make_v this_o separation_n among_o christian_n of_o what_o communion_n soever_o they_o be_v we_o ought_v therefore_o since_o it_o be_v so_o to_o find_v out_o a_o mean_n how_o to_o propound_v to_o all_o christian_n in_o general_a something_o wherewith_o to_o satisfy_v they_o in_o the_o overture_n which_o shall_v be_v make_v they_o and_o cause_v they_o all_o to_o understand_v the_o interest_n which_o they_o have_v to_o reunite_v themselves_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o principle_n in_o short_a some_z there_o be_v who_o have_v fancy_v that_o council_n and_o general_a assembly_n may_v put_v a_o good_a period_n to_o this_o evil_a by_o their_o authority_n and_o great_a learning_n but_o many_o time_n interest_n and_o prejudicate_a opinion_n reign_v as_o well_o in_o these_o assembly_n as_o among_o the_o particular_a person_n which_o compose_v they_o for_o we_o ordinary_o see_v that_o these_o kind_n of_o company_n make_v man_n spirit_n more_o obstinate_a in_o their_o first_o sentiment_n and_o cause_v a_o less_o disposition_n to_o a_o agreement_n we_o see_v beside_o that_o these_o same_o assembly_n be_v very_o seldom_o form_v but_o under_o the_o authority_n of_o one_o of_o the_o sect_n of_o christian_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v propose_v therein_o be_v to_o fortify_v they_o the_o more_o against_o other_o and_o to_o fix_v they_o more_o and_o more_o in_o their_o first_o opinion_n this_o be_v that_o which_o have_v cause_v many_o absolute_o to_o reject_v all_o assembly_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o have_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o common_a say_n that_o every_o general_a council_n beget_v a_o war_n therefore_o for_o the_o right_a management_n of_o this_o design_n all_o christian_n general_o shall_v agree_v
agree_v in_o a_o three_o agree_v also_o together_o if_o therefore_o we_o all_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o our_o sovereign_a rule_n may_v we_o not_o probable_o hope_v that_o we_o may_v be_v reunited_n in_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v but_o dependence_n on_o that_o especial_o if_o after_o we_o have_v cast_v away_o from_o we_o all_o our_o passion_n and_o prejudicate_a opinion_n we_o bring_v only_o with_o we_o a_o true_a zeal_n and_o a_o ardent_a charity_n moreover_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o these_o holy_a scripture_n be_v divine_a that_o it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v infallible_a and_o that_o it_o be_v perfect_o holy_a we_o shall_v without_o doubt_n conclude_v that_o it_o be_v our_o sovereign_a rule_n that_o it_o prescribe_v to_o we_o what_o we_o shall_v all_o believe_v and_o receive_v for_o our_o salvation_n and_o as_o this_o word_n express_o forbid_v we_o to_o add_v diminish_v or_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o doctrine_n which_o it_o lay_v open_a to_o we_o we_o shall_v look_v upon_o all_o other_o doctrine_n receive_v in_o any_o other_o society_n of_o christian_n we_o very_o suspicious_a we_o shall_v not_o receive_v they_o tili_fw-la after_o a_o careful_a examination_n of_o they_o and_o upon_o sure_a condition_n how_o specious_a soever_o the_o pretence_n be_v under_o which_o they_o will_v make_v they_o pass_v to_o we_o although_o they_o shall_v give_v they_o to_o we_o mere_o as_o explication_n illustration_n and_o consequence_n draw_v from_o this_o word_n we_o shall_v however_o look_v upon_o they_o but_o as_o essay_n of_o man_n wit_n who_o infirmity_n appear_v in_o all_o his_o action_n all_o his_o meditation_n his_o application_n his_o reason_v his_o humility_n his_o prayer_n and_o his_o fast_n can_v hinder_v but_o that_o there_o will_v remain_v still_o great_a weakness_n of_o flesh_n which_o will_v render_v he_o liable_a to_o contempt_n and_o error_n there_o be_v none_o but_o god_n only_o who_o be_v able_a to_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o god_n because_o there_o be_v none_o but_o god_n who_o know_v god_n as_o a_o excellent_a author_n of_o our_o time_n have_v very_o well_o express_v what_o man_n say_v of_o he_o be_v but_o babble_v whatsoever_o they_o bring_v thither_o of_o their_o own_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o doubtful_a de_fw-fr divinis_fw-la etiam_fw-la vera_fw-la dicere_fw-la periculosum_fw-la est_fw-la we_o must_v go_v to_o the_o very_a truth_n itself_o and_o ascend_v up_o to_o the_o fountain_n head_n we_o must_v suspect_v all_o the_o water_n which_o have_v not_o pass_v through_o this_o channel_n although_o they_o appear_v never_o so_o excellent_a oh_o that_o we_o have_v but_o make_v know_v with_o a_o little_a diligence_n among_o christian_n the_o value_n of_o this_o important_a principle_n as_o we_o have_v sow_o the_o seed_n of_o division_n that_o we_o have_v avoid_v unprofitable_a question_n and_o dispute_n and_o have_v make_v christian_a religion_n easy_a and_o intelligible_a as_o careful_o as_o particular_a doctor_n have_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o liberty_n of_o expound_v this_o scripture_n every_o one_o give_v it_o the_o sense_n which_o his_o genius_n or_o rather_o his_o capricious_a fancy_n or_o interest_n suggest_v to_o he_o every_o one_o have_v draw_v the_o consequence_n from_o it_o which_o must_v favour_v his_o inclination_n nay_o and_o without_o stick_v there_o every_o one_o have_v endeavour_v to_o give_v to_o these_o consequence_n a_o authority_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o the_o original_a from_o whence_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v draw_v they_o in_o this_o very_a manner_n have_v we_o see_v dispute_n and_o contention_n arise_v also_o heresy_n schism_n division_n and_o different_a communion_n every_o society_n have_v make_v his_o particular_a confession_n which_o they_o pretend_v aught_o to_o be_v of_o as_o great_a authority_n as_o the_o very_a creed_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o thus_o as_o this_o practice_n have_v strengthen_v itself_o in_o the_o church_n after_o the_o same_o rate_n also_o have_v division_n be_v strengthen_v and_o augment_v it_o be_v therefore_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o establish_n a_o good_a peace_n in_o the_o church_n to_o reject_v all_o invention_n of_o man_n and_o 〈◊〉_d to_o lend_v a_o ear_n but_o to_o god_n only_o speak_v in_o his_o word_n it_o be_v thus_o that_o the_o great_a person_n have_v practise_v who_o live_v in_o the_o most_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n they_o have_v ever_o confine_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o to_o the_o only_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o of_o our_o salvation_n chap._n iu._n the_o three_o mean_n right_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n propound_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o true_a christian_n and_o what_o regard_v only_o the_o outward_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o ceremony_n this_o sacred_a word_n which_o we_o have_v say_v be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o the_o church_n subsistence_n and_o of_o the_o union_n of_o its_o member_n offer_v we_o three_o sort_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v learn_v by_o us._n it_o declare_v to_o we_o first_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o for_o obtain_v salvation_n and_o eternal_a life_n it_o teach_v we_o next_o what_o relate_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o discipline_n and_o in_o the_o outward_a practice_n of_o its_o ceremony_n and_o last_o it_o give_v we_o save_v precept_n which_o serve_v for_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o life_n and_o manner_n not_o only_o to_o be_v the_o outward_a guide_n of_o our_o action_n and_o of_o our_o word_n but_o also_o of_o our_o affection_n inclination_n and_o most_o secret_a motion_n of_o our_o soul_n this_o distinction_n be_v well_o establish_v and_o all_o its_o member_n true_o consider_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o in_o the_o right_a management_n hereof_o there_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n of_o quarrel_v unless_o it_o be_v about_o the_o rule_n propose_v to_o our_o faith_n for_o as_o to_o what_o concern_v the_o precept_n of_o virtue_n they_o be_v so_o clear_o lay_v open_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o in_o they_o there_o can_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o controversy_n all_o christian_n know_v that_o god_n will_v be_v most_o high_o love_v and_o adore_v all_o agree_v that_o we_o must_v honour_v father_n and_o mother_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n all_o accord_n in_o this_o point_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n forbid_v murder_n adultery_n lie_v etc._n etc._n all_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o law_n be_v not_o mere_o establish_v to_o rule_v the_o outward_a form_n of_o man_n in_o society_n but_o that_o they_o oblige_v we_o to_o conform_v the_o most_o secret_a thought_n and_o inclination_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o the_o purity_n and_o sanctity_n which_o they_o command_v after_o this_o we_o need_v not_o any_o other_o rule_n than_o that_o abridgement_n of_o the_o law_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o admirable_a precept_n to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o affection_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o the_o observation_n which_o may_v be_v make_v from_o hence_o will_v rule_v as_o every_o one_o may_v perceive_v all_o our_o action_n insomuch_o that_o no_o person_n can_v desire_n any_o thing_n more_o for_o the_o live_n holy_o and_o just_o i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o there_o have_v be_v certain_a doctor_n former_o among_o christian_n who_o by_o their_o interpretation_n have_v go_v aside_o from_o the_o strict_a observation_n of_o these_o law_n but_o they_o have_v not_o only_o want_v the_o approbation_n of_o other_o as_o well_o of_o their_o own_o communion_n as_o stranger_n but_o also_o they_o themselves_o have_v always_o make_v profession_n of_o acquiesce_v as_o other_o in_o these_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a rule_n they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o weaken_v they_o by_o their_o interpretation_n they_o only_o soothe_v man_n conscience_n with_o a_o favourable_a sense_n which_o they_o give_v to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o particular_a action_n behold_v here_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a article_n of_o faith_n nay_o i_o dare_v say_v the_o most_o important_a and_o wherein_o consist_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o religion_n which_o can_v give_v no_o cause_n of_o division_n as_o to_o the_o rule_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n relate_v to_o its_o discipline_n and_o to_o its_o ceremony_n it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v so_o often_o give_v occasion_n of_o dispute_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o separation_n and_o division_n if_o the_o holy_a penman_n have_v punctual_o prescribe_v and_o order_v every_o thing_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o matter_n we_o shall_v be_v oblige_v indispensible_o to_o observe_v they_o and_o we_o shall_v
will_v do_v therein_o according_a to_o their_o prejudicate_a opinion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v possess_v with_o former_o admit_v whence_o be_v it_o therefore_o that_o we_o shall_v take_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o distinction_n but_o from_o the_o moush_n of_o god_n himself_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n true_a it_o be_v we_o find_v not_o any_o passage_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o declare_v in_o formal_a term_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n tell_v we_o we_o may_v establish_v this_o distinction_n by_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n for_o if_o all_o christian_n receive_v as_o unquestionable_a truth_n all_o that_o which_o have_v be_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o unpardonable_a crime_n but_o to_o call_v in_o doubt_n any_o of_o these_o sacred_a oracle_n see_v it_o will_v be_v to_o suspect_v he_o of_o falsehood_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o they_o must_v by_o consequence_n own_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v clear_o propose_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v also_o receive_v by_o a_o general_a consent_n be_v a_o fundamental_a point_n of_o christianity_n they_o must_v acquiesce_v in_o this_o doctrine_n as_o be_v immediate_o issue_v out_o from_o god_n or_o else_o utter_o renounce_v christianity_n whereas_o if_o there_o be_v doctrine_n which_o have_v not_o be_v so_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o they_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o doctor_n to_o interpose_v their_o judgement_n and_o give_v place_n to_o different_a sense_n we_o have_v likewise_o the_o liberty_n of_o examine_v these_o divers_a opinion_n we_o may_v compare_v they_o together_o to_o retain_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v judge_v most_o conformable_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n we_o may_v search_v out_o that_o which_o shall_v agree_v best_a with_o the_o fundamental_a point_n which_o give_v most_o consolation_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o afford_v the_o great_a motive_n to_o piety_n but_o we_o must_v not_o put_v these_o last_o truth_n in_o the_o same_o rank_n with_o the_o first_o nor_o must_v we_o oblige_v christian_n to_o acquiesce_v there_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v receive_v they_o as_o so_o many_o oracle_n deliver_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n without_o any_o mixture_n of_o humane_a infirmity_n whereas_o the_o second_o which_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o discourse_n of_o man_n may_v have_v be_v alter_v by_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o judgement_n they_o may_v be_v taint_v with_o the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o humane_a wit_n and_o these_o be_v those_o truth_n or_o rather_o those_o doctrine_n which_o i_o do_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v fundamental_a otherwise_o we_o shall_v give_v to_o man_n and_o to_o reason_n a_o authority_n which_o appertain_v to_o none_o but_o to_o god_n alone_o and_o his_o word_n and_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v clear_v this_o matter_n by_o example_n which_o may_v make_v it_o both_o know_v and_o understand_v by_o every_o one_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o be_v fundamental_a doctrine_n in_o christianity_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n that_o he_o have_v send_v his_o only_a son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o may_v have_v eternal_a life_n that_o jesus_n christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o arise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o his_o glory_n to_o judge_v both_o the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a and_o such_o other_o truth_n as_o all_o christian_n admit_v of_o as_o be_v most_o distinct_o and_o plain_o teach_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o as_o for_o those_o doctrine_n which_o determine_v the_o order_n of_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n that_o tell_v we_o punctual_o what_o be_v the_o object_n of_o predestination_n that_o expound_v how_o the_o two_o nature_n be_v unite_v in_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o comprehend_v and_o fathom_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n that_o pretend_v to_o discover_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n operate_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n i_o maintain_v that_o although_o the_o learned_a man_n shall_v say_v never_o so_o many_o excellent_a thing_n concern_v these_o matter_n and_o what_o they_o say_v may_v be_v approve_v as_o be_v judge_v reasonable_a they_o must_v not_o nevertheless_o be_v make_v to_o pass_v as_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o god_n word_n they_o ought_v indeed_o to_o be_v receive_v but_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v all_o ready_a to_o quit_v and_o renounce_v they_o in_o case_n any_o one_o shall_v make_v we_o see_v some_o error_n therein_o otherwise_o it_o be_v but_o to_o make_v way_n for_o division_n since_o every_o doctor_n will_v make_v his_o particular_a opinion_n to_o pass_v for_o so_o many_o fundamental_a truth_n and_o will_v reject_v all_o other_o as_o error_n which_o utter_o overthrow_v salvation_n the_o adverse_a party_n will_v not_o be_v less_o zealous_a in_o maintain_v their_o contrary_a opinion_n which_o will_v be_v follow_v by_o a_o lamentable_a separation_n and_o division_n here_o it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v value_v the_o precept_n of_o saint_n paul_n 1_o thes_n 5._o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_n here_o it_o be_v also_o that_o the_o say_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n may_v take_v place_n 1_o cor._n 3._o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sole_a foundation_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n that_o man_n may_v build_v upon_o it_o gold_n silver_n precious_a stone_n wood_n hay_o or_o stubble_n but_o that_o every_o man_n work_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a for_o it_o shall_v be_v try_v by_o fire_n which_o will_v consume_v the_o evil_a work_n although_o the_o worker_n may_v be_v preserve_v let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n hear_v what_o the_o excellent_a author_n of_o that_o treatise_n of_o the_o imitation_n of_o christ_n say_v what_o will_v it_o avail_v thou_o though_o thou_o can_v dispute_v concern_v the_o depth_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n if_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n thou_o shall_v be_v destitute_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o humility_n which_o may_v make_v thou_o acceptable_a to_o the_o trinity_n the_o profound_a discourse_n of_o divine_n make_v not_o a_o man_n more_o holy_a and_o more_o just_a i_o have_v rather_o feel_v the_o true_a effect_n of_o repentance_n than_o know_v how_o to_o give_v a_o definition_n of_o it_o this_o distinction_n be_v settle_v the_o ready_a way_n will_v be_v open_a to_o we_o by_o which_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a reunion_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o one_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o suppose_v that_o we_o must_v have_v a_o strong_a faith_n have_v suppress_v all_o particular_a interest_n which_o have_v no_o regard_n but_o to_o temporal_a thing_n that_o we_o must_v for_o some_o time_n have_v cast_v away_o all_o those_o prejudicate_a opinion_n which_o be_v so_o many_o bar_n and_o hindrance_n of_o agreement_n after_o this_o i_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v adhere_v without_o vary_v to_o the_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n which_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n that_o according_a to_o this_o word_n we_o bear_v one_o with_o the_o other_o in_o the_o divers_a practice_n of_o its_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o in_o the_o different_a use_n of_o its_o ceremony_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o look_v upon_o these_o outward_a thing_n but_o as_o accidental_n to_o religion_n and_o which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v establish_v but_o according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n i_o next_o require_v that_o we_o all_o rest_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o sacred_a history_n leave_v a_o liberty_n to_o learned_a man_n of_o declare_v their_o opinion_n upon_o the_o difficulty_n which_o be_v therein_o meet_v with_o to_o follow_v without_o constraint_n that_o party_n which_o shall_v be_v judge_v most_o reasonable_a that_o we_o read_v not_o the_o prophecy_n and_o prediction_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o with_o humility_n without_o determine_v any_o thing_n as_o by_o authority_n upon_o their_o sense_n and_o the_o time_n of_o their_o accomplishment_n that_o we_o careful_o distinguish_v between_o the_o doctrine_n so_o clear_o establish_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v they_o and_o those_o which_o have_v need_v for_o their_o enlighten_v of_o the_o labour_n and_o meditation_n of_o man_n to_o clear_v they_o that_o we_o admit_v not_o of_o any_o other_o than_o the_o first_o for_o fundamental_o and_o unvariable_a and_o that_o as_o