yield_v more_o easy_o to_o the_o antecedent_n argument_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o that_o church_n but_o if_o the_o doctrine_n for_o which_o she_o vouch_v this_o authority_n do_v upon_o the_o most_o impartial_a trial_n that_o i_o can_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v worldly_a unscriptural_a or_o contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n then_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o her_o pretence_n more_o severe_o than_o in_o the_o former_a case_n and_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o such_o doctrine_n may_v be_v teach_v by_o man_n pretend_v to_o inspiration_n or_o infallibility_n which_o will_v justify_v a_o man_n in_o reject_v that_o pretence_n out_o of_o hand_n and_o trouble_v himself_o no_o more_o about_o it_o if_o a_o physician_n of_o never_o so_o great_a name_n shall_v tell_v i_o that_o he_o will_v infallible_o cure_v my_o disease_n and_o then_o prescribe_v a_o dose_n of_o arsenic_n i_o think_v reason_n will_v advise_v rather_o to_o question_v his_o infallibility_n because_o he_o go_v thus_o mad_o to_o work_v than_o to_o take_v his_o poison_n because_o he_o promise_v a_o infallible_a cure_n now_o if_o i_o be_o not_o to_o do_v violence_n to_o my_o own_o understanding_n in_o thing_n that_o concern_v my_o bodily_a health_n much_o less_o shall_v i_o do_v the_o same_o in_o thing_n that_o regard_v my_o everlasting_a state_n and_o they_o be_v a_o strange_a sort_n of_o man_n who_o will_v allow_v people_n the_o liberty_n of_o use_v their_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v for_o the_o security_n of_o their_o worldly_a interest_n but_o will_v have_v they_o be_v lead_v in_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o religion_n and_o eternity_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o for_o to_o judge_v aright_o and_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v our_o high_a concernment_n be_v the_o principal_a end_n for_o which_o we_o have_v reason_n and_o be_v creature_n of_o judgement_n and_o choice_n and_o they_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o a_o man_n to_o walk_v abroad_o with_o his_o eye_n open_a as_o that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o he_o to_o take_v upon_o himself_o to_o judge_v as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n or_o not_o §_o 2._o if_o we_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o answer_v the_o second_o question_n 2._o whether_o a_o liberty_n of_o examine_v and_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n do_v mischief_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o to_o affirm_v this_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o it_o have_v be_v much_o better_o in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o prevail_a of_o truth_n that_o man_n have_v be_v near_o to_o stock_n and_o stone_n than_o endue_v with_o natural_a ability_n of_o judge_v and_o natural_a propension_n to_o use_v those_o ability_n which_o i_o think_v will_v be_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o maker_n for_o certain_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o man_n to_o have_v want_v the_o faculty_n of_o judge_v and_o prove_v if_o it_o be_v so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v it_o much_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v against_o her_o interest_n for_o man_n to_o examine_v her_o doctrine_n and_o use_v their_o reason_n about_o it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o the_o liberty_n of_o examination_n and_o judgement_n in_o order_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o cause_v heresy_n and_o schism_n but_o the_o not_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o this_o liberty_n i._n e._n mens_fw-la enter_v upon_o this_o work_n with_o pride_n and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o worldly_a interest_n their_o want_n of_o care_n and_o diligence_n and_o of_o prove_v thing_n 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be_v forbid_v to_o inquire_v into_o matter_n of_o religion_n because_o if_o they_o fall_v into_o any_o dangerous_a mistake_n their_o authority_n be_v likely_a to_o give_v reputation_n to_o it_o and_o to_o make_v it_o go_v down_o more_o easy_o with_o the_o common_a people_n than_o if_o it_o have_v be_v start_v by_o one_o of_o themselves_o so_o that_o we_o must_v not_o lay_v the_o heresy_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o liberty_n we_o have_v be_v contend_v for_o unless_o we_o will_v be_v content_a to_o exclude_v all_o from_o the_o duty_n of_o prove_v what_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o 〈◊〉_d and_o no_o man_n can_v think_v this_o reasonable_a unless_o he_o 〈◊〉_d all_o religion_n to_o be_v equal_o true_a that_o be_v every_o one_o to_o be_v alike_o false_a and_o he_o that_o believe_v this_o need_v not_o care_v what_o heresy_n he_o be_v of_o §_o 3._o 3._o but_o if_o every_o man_n have_v a_o just_a liberty_n and_o right_a to_o examine_v for_o himself_o be_v not_o this_o a_o good_a reason_n for_o toleration_n or_o for_o the_o universal_a liberty_n of_o practise_v according_a to_o a_o man_n conscience_n or_o persuasion_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v liberty_n of_o enquiry_n if_o after_o all_o i_o must_v be_v conclude_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o my_o superior_n or_o else_o suffer_v under_o those_o law_n by_o which_o they_o provide_v for_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o every_o man_n right_a and_o duty_n to_o judge_v for_o himself_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o good_a reason_n for_o toleration_n unless_o it_o be_v also_o apparent_a that_o every_o man_n use_v that_o right_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v i._n e._n with_o industry_n deliberation_n and_o impartiality_n if_o all_o man_n be_v sincere_a and_o will_v examine_v without_o prejudice_n without_o that_o bias_n to_o one_o side_n which_o be_v make_v by_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o worldly_a interest_n if_o they_o all_o intend_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v do_v their_o duty_n then_o doubtless_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o all_o shall_v enjoy_v a_o undisturbed_a liberty_n of_o practice_n according_a to_o their_o judgement_n for_o than_o no_o man_n will_v err_v in_o thing_n plain_a and_o necessary_a to_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n for_o our_o lord_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n but_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v that_o hypocrisy_n in_o the_o world_n whereof_o man_n be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o so_o long_o as_o all_o those_o vice_n also_o reign_v which_o insensible_o corrupt_v the_o judgement_n and_o make_v man_n disloyal_a to_o the_o truth_n
while_o they_o perceive_v it_o not_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n reasonable_a that_o the_o state_n under_o which_o we_o live_v shall_v leave_v we_o lawless_a and_o free_a from_o all_o obligation_n of_o temporal_a penalty_n what_o religion_n we_o profess_v and_o what_o communion_n we_o observe_v for_o the_o most_o dangerous_a pretence_n for_o the_o â—â—â—rying_n on_o of_o seditious_a and_o rebellious_a design_n against_o the_o government_n be_v that_o of_o religion_n and_o a_o few_o man_n that_o mean_v nothing_o but_o their_o own_o greatness_n and_o power_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o manage_v the_o zeal_n of_o a_o superstitious_a multitude_n against_o the_o government_n for_o their_o own_o private_a end_n while_o they_o scorn_v the_o superstition_n of_o their_o follower_n and_o perhaps_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v the_o government_n to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v protect_v by_o the_o law_n and_o then_o to_o provide_v by_o the_o most_o prudent_a method_n that_o no_o other_o be_v profess_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o end_n of_o all_o liberty_n to_o inquire_v and_o judge_v for_o ourselves_o be_v destroy_v if_o at_o last_o we_o must_v conform_v to_o the_o law_n or_o be_v punish_v for_o our_o refusal_n the_o contrary_n will_v be_v easy_o show_v to_o any_o one_o who_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v infinite_o more_o concern_v what_o will_v become_v of_o we_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v than_o in_o our_o present_a fortune_n for_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v error_n which_o authority_n require_v we_o to_o profess_v and_o that_o they_o be_v unlawful_a thing_n which_o it_o require_v we_o to_o do_v in_o divine_a service_n and_o that_o by_o a_o due_a and_o diligent_a examination_n of_o thing_n i_o come_v to_o know_v this_o do_v i_o get_v nothing_o by_o my_o enquiry_n but_o the_o severity_n of_o those_o humane_a law_n that_o be_v against_o i_o do_v not_o i_o obtain_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o have_v honest_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o in_o do_v what_o i_o thereupon_o know_v to_o be_v my_o duty_n if_o i_o do_v hereby_o obtain_v god_n favour_n at_o present_a and_o shall_v obtain_v god_n reward_n in_o a_o better_a life_n be_v not_o this_o worth_a all_o my_o care_n and_o sincerity_n though_o i_o shall_v get_v nothing_o by_o it_o in_o this_o world_n but_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n so_o that_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n impose_v upon_o i_o by_o authority_n though_o i_o know_v beforehand_o that_o be_v it_o right_n or_o wrong_n i_o must_v be_v punish_v by_o man_n if_o i_o receive_v it_o not_o true_a religion_n and_o our_o observation_n to_o profess_v god_n truth_n and_o to_o do_v his_o will_n stand_v indeed_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o nevertheless_o the_o profession_n thereof_o aught_o to_o be_v encourage_v and_o protect_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o by_o consequence_n all_o false_a religion_n shall_v be_v discountenance_v and_o the_o profession_n of_o they_o make_v uneasy_a by_o their_o law_n scripture_n and_o reason_n teach_v we_o that_o they_o no_o less_o than_o parent_n shall_v use_v that_o authority_n for_o god_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o but_o if_o they_o for_o want_v of_o sincere_a trial_n and_o examination_n do_v themselves_o establish_v iniquity_n or_o heresy_n by_o a_o law_n and_o turn_v the_o edge_n of_o their_o power_n against_o the_o true_a religion_n they_o must_v answer_v it_o to_o god_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n who_o have_v show_v they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o he_o require_v of_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n persecution_n distinguish_v between_o the_o sincere_a and_o the_o hypocrite_n and_o as_o the_o insincere_a study_n how_o to_o perplex_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o avoid_v the_o conviction_n that_o be_v upon_o their_o mind_n and_o to_o reconcile_v their_o apostasy_n to_o their_o credit_n and_o conscience_n so_o the_o honest_a inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n more_o diligent_o and_o be_v desirous_a to_o strengthen_v themselves_o under_o suffering_n by_o a_o full_a assurance_n that_o they_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n they_o search_v into_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o persuasion_n more_o narrow_o than_o if_o they_o have_v never_o come_v under_o this_o temptation_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o true_a doctrine_n come_v to_o be_v propound_v to_o the_o world_n with_o the_o advantage_n of_o strong_a argument_n and_o those_o better_o manage_v than_o if_o it_o have_v never_o meet_v with_o opposition_n but_o if_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o the_o penalty_n of_o nonconformity_n be_v strict_o require_v this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v man_n from_o inquire_v that_o it_o lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o a_o great_a many_o to_o consider_v thing_n impartial_o who_o otherwise_o will_v never_o have_v look_v but_o upon_o one_o side_n of_o the_o question_n i_o mean_v all_o those_o who_o either_o wantonness_n and_o self-conceit_n or_o faction_n and_o worldly_a interest_n or_o the_o undue_a admiration_n of_o man_n person_n and_o the_o like_a will_v have_v hold_v under_o a_o constant_a prejudice_n against_o reason_n and_o truth_n a_o carnal_a argument_n for_o a_o good_a cause_n be_v very_o often_o a_o wholesome_a mean_n to_o remove_v a_o carnal_a prejudice_n against_o it_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n can_v hardly_o be_v better_o use_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n than_o to_o make_v such_o a_o difference_n between_o the_o observer_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o the_o dissenter_n from_o they_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v very_o hard_a for_o any_o man_n to_o lie_v under_o a_o worldly_a temptation_n to_o dissent_v sufficient_a to_o recompense_v the_o damage_n he_o must_v undergo_v this_o will_v make_v a_o great_a many_o impartial_a in_o weigh_v the_o objection_n against_o conformity_n with_o the_o argument_n and_o answer_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o by_o degree_n bring_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o at_o length_n to_o a_o sincere_a love_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o false_a maxim_n that_o force_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n make_v hypocrite_n but_o not_o true_a convert_v for_o sometime_o it_o cure_v hypocrisy_n very_o often_o ignorance_n and_o partiality_n and_o that_o be_v a_o good_a degree_n towards_o conversion_n and_o yet_o this_o will_v not_o justify_v the_o put_n of_o man_n to_o death_n for_o mere_a difference_n in_o religion_n the_o least_o degree_n of_o severity_n which_o will_v do_v the_o business_n be_v great_a enough_o the_o supreme_a power_n shall_v consider_v their_o subject_n in_o these_o case_n as_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a father_n will_v consider_v his_o own_o child_n who_o if_o he_o have_v power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n over_o they_o will_v not_o kill_v his_o misbelieve_a son_n and_o yet_o will_v try_v to_o reduce_v he_o by_o worldly_a discipline_n and_o drive_v he_o to_o consideration_n by_o the_o sensible_a effect_n of_o his_o displeasure_n the_o moderation_n of_o the_o english_a law_n for_o uniformity_n be_v visible_a to_o all_o disinterest_v person_n and_o though_o the_o unevenness_n of_o their_o execution_n have_v render_v they_o less_o effectual_a yet_o there_o be_v several_a who_o have_v cause_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o be_v compel_v to_o come_v to_o our_o church_n and_o to_o consider_v the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o some_o impartiality_n whereas_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o absolute_a toleration_n their_o ignorance_n and_o prejudices_fw-la may_v have_v lead_v they_o they_o know_v not_o whither_o the_o church_n of_o england_n cause_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v public_o read_v and_o put_v they_o into_o the_o people_n hand_n and_o desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o that_o every_o one_o will_v diligent_o and_o impartial_o consider_v the_o case_n between_o she_o and_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o she_o and_o it_o be_v no_o absurd_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o this_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n which_o she_o allow_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o english_a law_n that_o require_v conformity_n of_o all_o since_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v for_o those_o law_n some_o man_n have_v never_o attain_v to_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n but_o have_v still_o be_v hold_v in_o bondage_n to_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o error_n 〈…〉_z that_o they_o make_v the_o great_a noise_n for_o liberty_n of_o practice_n according_a to_o their_o judgement_n who_o have_v make_v little_a or_o no_o use_n of_o their_o judgement_n in_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o bad_a true_a and_o false_a they_o demand_v one_o liberty_n while_o they_o make_v no_o use_n of_o another_o the_o liberty_n of_o be_v undisturbed_a and_o licentious_a in_o a_o
wrong_a way_n while_o they_o never_o use_v that_o liberty_n of_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o persuasion_n to_o which_o the_o church_n so_o vehement_o persuade_v they_o by_o her_o minister_n if_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o when_o a_o man_n set_v himself_o with_o honesty_n and_o diligence_n to_o examine_v the_o case_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v to_o inform_v himself_o aright_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o can_v be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o may_v lawful_o conform_v and_o this_o through_o mere_a weakness_n of_o understanding_n it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o there_o be_v many_o more_o who_o fail_v of_o understand_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o kind_n for_o want_v of_o examination_n and_o inquiry_n and_o through_o the_o prevalency_n of_o prejudice_n and_o passion_n than_o there_o be_v of_o those_o who_o continue_v erroneous_o persuade_v 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and_o for_o this_o reason_n any_o man_n be_v to_o be_v excuse_v that_o dismiss_v the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n without_o take_v much_o pain_n about_o it_o because_o upon_o a_o very_a little_a consideration_n there_o appear_v so_o many_o gross_a contradiction_n and_o inconsistency_n in_o it_o that_o i_o can_v have_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n be_v true_a than_o i_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o be_v false_a 3._o some_o thing_n be_v hardly_o worth_a the_o examine_n and_o it_o signify_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o understand_v the_o right_a side_n of_o the_o question_n if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o immaculate_a conception_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v true_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a a_o quarter_n of_o the_o pain_n they_o have_v take_v about_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n true_a that_o a_o infallible_a live_a judge_n be_v necessary_a upon_o earth_n and_o that_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o all_o controversy_n in_o religion_n since_o all_o such_o controversy_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v decide_v some_o of_o they_o be_v of_o so_o little_o concern_v to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n if_o they_o remain_v controversy_n to_o the_o world_n end_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o use_v our_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n in_o all_o those_o case_n wherein_o it_o will_v be_v dangerous_a to_o be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o in_o these_o four_o first_o when_o any_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n will_v gain_v we_o over_o to_o their_o way_n by_o lofty_a and_o extraordinary_a pretence_n second_o when_o doctrine_n be_v propound_v to_o we_o with_o considerable_a authority_n which_o seem_v to_o encourage_v licentiousness_n and_o to_o render_v all_o care_n of_o live_v well_o needless_a three_o when_o we_o be_v tempt_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o establish_a church_n where_o we_o live_v or_o if_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o 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scripture_n that_o belong_v to_o a_o discourse_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n and_o scope_n of_o that_o discourse_n to_o which_o it_o belong_v this_o rule_n as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o to_o observe_v so_o it_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v urge_v upon_o man_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o interpret_v place_n that_o be_v not_o of_o themselves_o plain_a by_o those_o opinion_n that_o they_o be_v already_o possess_v with_o a_o belief_n of_o but_o for_o which_o they_o have_v little_a ground_n beside_o the_o mere_a sound_n of_o some_o text_n which_o at_o first_o hear_v seem_v to_o be_v of_o their_o side_n but_o which_o if_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o design_n of_o the_o holy_a writer_n in_o that_o chapter_n or_o book_n will_v be_v find_v to_o mean_v quite_o another_o thing_n all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v beside_o of_o this_o rule_n be_v that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o many_o place_n that_o be_v not_o of_o themselves_o plain_a will_v be_v remove_v by_o observe_v it_o for_o 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show_v what_o order_n and_o discipline_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n for_o confirm_v we_o in_o point_n of_o faith_n ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n but_o which_o have_v be_v dispute_v and_o oppose_v by_o heretic_n and_o likewise_o for_o confute_v those_o gross_a error_n in_o belief_n or_o practice_n which_o of_o late_a day_n have_v be_v bring_v in_o among_o christian_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o how_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o this_o rule_n i_o shall_v not_o etc._n here_o direct_v because_o this_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o a_o excellent_a discourse_n already_o publish_v and_o thus_o much_o concern_v rule_n whereby_o to_o try_v opinion_n in_o religion_n §_o 7._o iii_o the_o disposition_n wherewith_o we_o be_v to_o search_v for_o the_o truth_n by_o these_o mean_n be_v also_o of_o necessary_a consideration_n for_o whatever_o other_o advantage_n we_o have_v if_o we_o be_v great_o defective_a in_o these_o we_o shall_v very_o often_o lose_v our_o labour_n and_o fall_v into_o mistake_n of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o qualify_v a_o man_n for_o receive_v truth_n when_o propound_v with_o sufficient_a evidence_n or_o to_o find_v it_o out_o by_o his_o own_o search_n there_o must_v be_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o a_o prepare_a mind_n 2._o competent_a diligence_n 3._o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o that_o diligence_n 1._o a_o prepare_a mind_n which_o our_o saviour_n call_v a_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n now_o this_o consist_v in_o humility_n ingenuity_n and_o sincerity_n humility_n be_v necessary_a because_o overween_v and_o self-concit_a make_v a_o man_n apt_a to_o despise_v what_o those_o of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n can_v say_v for_o themselves_o before_o their_o argument_n be_v consider_v and_o in_o general_a to_o neglect_v that_o help_n which_o may_v be_v have_v by_o the_o advice_n and_o reason_n of_o other_o so_o likewise_o vainglory_n fix_v a_o man_n in_o a_o error_n he_o have_v once_o defend_v and_o while_o he_o be_v unwilling_a to_o acknowledge_v a_o mistake_n he_o strain_v all_o his_o wit_n to_o delude_v himself_o into_o a_o strong_a belief_n of_o it_o and_o of_o his_o ability_n to_o defend_v it_o in_o controversy_n he_o be_v desirous_a of_o victory_n and_o will_v fain_o be_v think_v somebody_o and_o therefore_o he_o study_v more_o to_o expose_v a_o adversary_n than_o to_o inform_v himself_o and_o if_o he_o be_v yet_o to_o choose_v his_o side_n of_o a_o question_n he_o take_v the_o wrong_a one_o if_o it_o be_v more_o fashionable_a than_o the_o right_n therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_n whosoever_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o a_o little_a child_n i._n e._n with_o a_o meek_a and_o pliable_a spirit_n shall_v not_o enter_v therein_o again_o say_v he_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n intimate_v that_o they_o will_v be_v easy_o convince_v who_o be_v of_o tractable_a and_o humble_a mind_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v concern_v the_o pharisee_n that_o they_o reject_v he_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o his_o sheep_n i._n e._n because_o of_o their_o haughty_a and_o inflexible_a disposition_n prejudice_n be_v apt_a to_o bar_v the_o mind_n against_o conviction_n as_o well_o as_o pride_n and_o therefore_o to_o humility_n we_o must_v add_v ingenuity_n and_o sincerity_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v qualify_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o suggestion_n of_o prejudice_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o force_n of_o good_a reason_n on_o the_o other_o ingenuity_n be_v oppose_v to_o those_o prejudices_fw-la that_o be_v either_o unavoidable_o contract_v or_o take_v up_o through_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n be_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n or_o converse_v altogether_o with_o our_o own_o party_n man_n be_v general_o prepossess_v with_o great_a favour_n to_o those_o opinion_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v all_o along_o train_v up_o and_o which_o have_v be_v instill_v into_o they_o by_o all_o that_o they_o have_v converse_v with_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v meet_a inquirer_n after_o truth_n if_o we_o want_v the_o ingenuity_n of_o suspect_v ourselves_o on_o this_o side_n and_o try_v those_o persuasion_n in_o which_o we_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o with_o the_o great_a impartiality_n and_o severity_n some_o man_n be_v prejudice_v by_o a_o unaccountable_a inclination_n towards_o a_o opinion_n or_o a_o antipathy_n against_o it_o and_o these_o aught_o the_o more_o careful_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o warmth_n of_o their_o imagination_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o force_n of_o argument_n on_o the_o other_o and_o not_o to_o take_v a_o passionate_a fondness_n for_o a_o conclusion_n or_o a_o aversion_n from_o it_o to_o be_v a_o reason_n one_o way_n or_o other_o it_o be_v very_o incident_a to_o weak_a mind_n to_o prejudg_v in_o favour_n of_o
have_v mislead_v they_o four_o we_o shall_v not_o easy_o believe_v those_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n who_o will_v keep_v we_o from_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n by_o fair_a way_n of_o trial_n and_o will_v affright_v we_o into_o a_o implicit_a faith_n by_o pronounce_v damnation_n against_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o way_n if_o man_n use_v violence_n or_o subtlety_n to_o hinder_v we_o from_o judge_v for_o ourselves_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o a_o bad_a cause_n which_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o trial_n i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o this_o reach_v the_o roman_a church_n which_o forbid_v the_o laity_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n unless_o some_o one_o layman_n have_v that_o special_a favour_n grant_v he_o of_o leave_n so_o to_o do_v from_o his_o ordinary_n who_o common_o be_v wise_a enough_o not_o to_o give_v this_o licence_n but_o where_o he_o be_v sure_a the_o party_n be_v fast_o enough_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o church_n those_o of_o the_o separate_a congregation_n best_o know_v what_o art_n be_v use_v to_o keep_v the_o people_n that_o go_v that_o way_n from_o inform_v themselves_o by_o read_v our_o book_n or_o discourse_v with_o our_o minister_n about_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n between_o they_o and_o we_o but_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o all_o of_o they_o some_o of_o their_o leader_n teach_v they_o to_o pity_v our_o ignorance_n and_o want_v of_o illumination_n alas_o poor_a wretch_n that_o we_o be_v we_o know_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n we_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n thus_o they_o use_v to_o represent_v we_o they_o take_v all_o the_o good_a name_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o themselves_o and_o leave_v the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v upon_o his_o enemy_n to_o we_o now_o this_o be_v but_o a_o cunning_a and_o indirect_a way_n to_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o harken_v to_o any_o thing_n we_o can_v say_v to_o they_o and_o to_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o conclude_v against_o we_o without_o think_v it_o to_o any_o purpose_n to_o examine_v what_o be_v offer_v on_o both_o side_n they_o that_o have_v a_o good_a cause_n need_v not_o use_v those_o disingenuous_a art_n they_o will_v not_o fright_v man_n from_o consider_v what_o their_o adversary_n say_v by_o denounce_v damnation_n against_o they_o nor_o forbid_v they_o to_o read_v their_o book_n but_o rather_o encourage_v they_o to_o do_v so_o that_o they_o may_v see_v the_o difference_n between_o truth_n and_o error_n between_o reason_n and_o sophistry_n with_o their_o own_o eye_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o wellgrounded_n confidence_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o there_o be_v this_o sign_n of_o a_o good_a cause_n apparent_o discernible_a in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o this_o church_n both_o to_o their_o friend_n and_o enemy_n they_o desire_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o to_o consider_v impartial_o what_o be_v say_v for_o we_o and_o against_o we_o and_o whatever_o guide_v of_o a_o party_n do_v otherwise_o they_o give_v just_a cause_n to_o those_o that_o follow_v they_o to_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n so_o much_o the_o more_o by_o how_o much_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o have_v they_o examine_v it_o be_v a_o bad_a sign_n when_o man_n be_v loath_a to_o have_v their_o opinion_n see_v in_o the_o day_n but_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v thus_o i_o have_v show_v in_o what_o case_n we_o be_v most_o concern_v to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o that_o undertake_v to_o inftruct_v and_o guide_v we_o §_o 5._o ii_o because_o the_o duty_n of_o prove_v all_o thing_n suppose_v certain_a rule_n and_o test_n by_o which_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o try_v i_o proceed_v to_o show_v what_o they_o be_v now_o it_o be_v very_o certain_a that_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o try_v doctrine_n for_o 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we_o be_v safe_a if_o our_o persuasion_n in_o religion_n will_v bear_v the_o test_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o withal_o those_o rule_n be_v near_o at_o hand_n for_o every_o man_n use_n among_o we_o but_o the_o last_o rule_n be_v also_o of_o good_a use_n to_o those_o that_o can_v use_v it_o for_o their_o own_o confirmation_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayers_a but_o more_o particular_o 1._o by_o reason_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o faculty_n by_o which_o we_o be_v man_n and_o can_v compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o and_o argue_v and_o conclude_v etc._n etc._n for_o this_o be_v that_o natural_a power_n by_o which_o we_o use_v any_o kind_n of_o rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n but_o i_o understand_v by_o it_o those_o common_a truth_n which_o be_v natural_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o which_o we_o give_v a_o ready_a assent_n without_o any_o need_n of_o have_v they_o prove_v by_o any_o thing_n else_o for_o by_o these_o fundamental_a truth_n we_o be_v to_o prove_v all_o thing_n else_o and_o if_o there_o be_v none_o such_o we_o can_v prove_v nothing_o and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o that_o nothing_o can_v make_v itself_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o common_a sense_n be_v to_o be_v trust_v that_o god_n be_v a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a that_o the_o good_a be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o the_o evil_a to_o be_v refuse_v and_o that_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a and_o the_o like_a now_o whatever_o be_v by_o true_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o such_o principle_n be_v thereby_o prove_v to_o be_v true_a and_o whatsoever_o be_v repugnant_a to_o they_o or_o can_v be_v disprove_v by_o they_o be_v false_a they_o be_v the_o forementioned_a proposition_n with_o other_o as_o self-evident_a as_o they_o which_o make_v up_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o of_o reason_n and_o i_o mention_v this_o rule_n in_o the_o first_o place_n because_o it_o must_v be_v presuppose_v to_o all_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o inquire_v after_o truth_n and_o without_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v in_o it_o insomuch_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deduce_v from_o mere_a natural_a reason_n but_o depend_v upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v at_o last_o resolve_v into_o a_o rational_a act_n and_o rely_v upon_o this_o natural_a principle_n that_o god_n can_v lie_v wherefore_o they_o that_o cry_v down_o reason_n as_o if_o it_o be_v at_o no_o hand_n to_o be_v trust_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o call_v it_o carnal_a blind_a and_o foolish_a reason_n and_o suchlike_a vile_a name_n if_o they_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n they_o be_v incapable_a of_o search_v after_o truth_n themselves_o and_o of_o receive_v any_o satisfaction_n from_o other_o while_o they_o be_v in_o this_o humour_n i_o may_v as_o well_o take_v a_o beast_n to_o dispute_v with_o as_o go_v about_o to_o convince_v they_o and_o if_o all_o man_n be_v thus_o senseless_a it_o be_v impossible_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v serviceable_a to_o instruct_v one_o another_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o to_o abandon_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o scorn_v a_o man_n when_o he_o speak_v consistent_o and_o argue_v clear_o from_o common_a principle_n of_o truth_n be_v such_o a_o wretched_a sort_n of_o unmanliness_n that_o i_o can_v but_o think_v it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n take_v up_o in_o design_n by_o those_o man_n that_o have_v bring_v nonsense_n and_o contradiction_n and_o absurd_a opinion_n into_o religion_n which_o no_o man_n can_v admit_v without_o do_v violence_n to_o his_o own_o
their_o opinion_n who_o person_n they_o admire_v and_o most_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o not_o to_o hear_v with_o any_o patience_n a_o argument_n against_o they_o such_o a_o precious_a man_n say_v this_o or_o that_o and_o therefore_o no_o body_n must_v say_v otherwise_o but_o it_o be_v at_o once_o disingenuous_a and_o silly_a to_o entertain_v such_o a_o opinion_n of_o any_o man_n as_o to_o take_v all_o that_o he_o say_v for_o gospel_n for_o the_o best_a man_n be_v fallible_a and_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o hypocrite_n to_o make_v himself_o pass_v for_o a_o saint_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o ordinary_a people_n and_o therefore_o man_n may_v be_v lead_v into_o great_a error_n who_o judgement_n be_v captivate_v in_o this_o manner_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o prejudice_n which_o arise_v from_o conceive_v hard_a thing_n of_o man_n person_n which_o a_o ingenuous_a man_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n yield_v to_o but_o will_v consider_v what_o another_o say_v though_o he_o do_v not_o 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that_o when_o they_o be_v get_v together_o they_o hear_v the_o rite_n and_o prayer_n of_o our_o church_n scoff_v at_o and_o call_v by_o vile_a name_n but_o it_o stand_v not_o with_o the_o least_o ingenuity_n to_o run_v away_o with_o prejudice_n against_o thing_n that_o be_v abuse_v and_o laugh_v at_o without_o examine_v whether_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o it_o sincerity_n be_v oppose_v to_o those_o prejudices_fw-la that_o arise_v from_o vicious_a affection_n and_o worldly_a interest_n and_o it_o consist_v in_o a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o a_o vehement_a desire_n to_o know_v it_o for_o that_o end_n and_o this_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a preparation_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n because_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o the_o pervert_n of_o man_n judgement_n by_o the_o inordinacy_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o the_o serve_v of_o a_o corrupt_a interest_n the_o love_n of_o any_o vice_n make_v a_o man_n partial_a and_o insincere_a in_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n by_o which_o he_o stand_v condemn_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o be_v uneasy_a to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o for_o his_o interest_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o fool_n say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n the_o worldly_a interest_n of_o man_n do_v strange_o bias_n and_o fashion_n their_o judgement_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n never_o enough_o to_o be_v admire_v that_o so_o many_o man_n of_o part_n and_o learning_n shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o those_o pitiful_a ground_n upon_o which_o they_o maintain_v the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o pope_n the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n the_o half_a communion_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o the_o like_a but_o that_o those_o thing_n do_v notorious_o serve_v the_o wealth_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n if_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o go_v to_o a_o conventicle_n for_o the_o get_n of_o a_o rich_a fortune_n or_o the_o better_n of_o a_o man_n trade_n a_o little_a enquiry_n will_v for_o the_o most_o part_n serve_v his_o turn_n and_o satisfy_v he_o that_o the_o separation_n be_v lawful_a and_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v just_a a_o man_n ought_v to_o set_v aside_o all_o consideration_n of_o his_o worldly_a interest_n and_o to_o propound_v eternal_a life_n to_o himself_o as_o the_o end_n of_o his_o inquiry_n when_o he_o labour_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n the_o affectation_n of_o popularity_n and_o the_o love_n of_o praise_n and_o flattery_n can_v consist_v with_o a_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o do_v very_o often_o hinder_v the_o attainment_n of_o it_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o check_v their_o vainglorious_a end_n and_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_n how_o can_v you_o believe_v in_o i_o that_o receive_v honour_v one_o of_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o that_o honour_n which_o come_v of_o god_n only_o the_o wise_a man_n exhort_v we_o to_o buy_v the_o truth_n intimate_v thereby_o that_o we_o must_v quit_v all_o our_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n and_o our_o carnal_a interest_n in_o prosecute_a of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n we_o must_v be_v in_o mind_n prepare_v to_o believe_v all_o truth_n by_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n let_v what_o will_v come_v of_o it_o in_o this_o world_n have_v our_o heart_n evermore_o fix_v upon_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o be_v more_o necessary_a for_o the_o best_a knowledge_n than_o vastness_n of_o part_n and_o learning_n where_o the_o mind_n be_v thus_o prepare_v there_o will_v be_v little_a need_n to_o press_v the_o two_o remain_a disposition_n whereof_o the_o former_a be_v 2._o competent_a diligence_n error_n be_v sometime_o make_v to_o look_v so_o like_o the_o truth_n that_o a_o superficial_a examination_n will_v not_o serve_v to_o distinguish_v one_o from_o the_o other_o sometime_o the_o 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