church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o pubican_n that_o be_v excommunicate_v he_o now_o for_o what_o fault_n he_o be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_a they_o be_v set_v down_o v_o 15._o moreover_o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o etc._n etc._n so_o it_o be_v a_o scandalous_a trespass_n wherein_o the_o offender_n do_v persist_v and_o remain_v obstinate_a on_o which_o according_a to_o christ_n rule_n excommunication_n shall_v strick_v now_o sure_o it_o be_v there_o be_v many_o error_n not_o contrary_a to_o fundamental_a truth_n such_o as_o many_o point_n of_o arminianism_n antinomianism_n etc._n etc._n which_o yet_o persist_v in_o be_v scandalous_a both_o to_o particular_a christian_n and_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o christ_n rule_n excommunication_n shall_v strick_v upon_o other_o error_n than_o those_o contrary_n to_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o assertion_n three_o neither_o can_v we_o assent_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v on_o no_o other_o error_n but_o those_o contrary_n to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o of_o what_o be_v present_o say_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v against_o every_o scandalous_a sin_n do_v against_o a_o brother_n or_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o offender_n do_v persist_v and_o remain_v obstinate_a but_o also_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n whereby_o they_o maintain_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v on_o no_o other_o error_n but_o these_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o publisher_n of_o these_o error_n follow_v or_o the_o like_a against_o fundamental_a truth_n shall_v not_o be_v censure_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o impostor_n a_o deceiver_n that_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o free_a grace_n say_v according_a to_o that_o rule_n such_o heretic_n shall_v not_o be_v censure_v no_o not_o ecclesiastical_o because_o these_o error_n be_v not_o against_o nature_n light_n but_o scripture_n light_v only_o for_o nature_n light_n teach_v not_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o these_o error_n this_o much_o for_o church_n toleration_n but_o as_o say_v be_v concern_v this_o be_v not_o the_o present_a contraversy_n the_o main_a question_n than_o be_v concern_v state_n toleration_n concern_v which_o some_o do_v affirm_v that_o whatever_o the_o church_n may_v do_v in_o inflict_v church_n censure_n on_o heretic_n maintainer_n of_o heterodox_n opinion_n yet_o say_v they_o no_o civil_a punishment_n such_o as_o death_n imprisonment_n mulct_n or_o fine_n shall_v be_v inflict_v on_o any_o error_n or_o blaspheme_n whatsoever_o provide_v the_o maintainer_n of_o they_o carry_v themselves_o peaceable_o do_v not_o trouble_v the_o state_n or_o do_v evil_a against_o the_o commonwealth_n in_o civil_a thing_n we_o again_o on_o the_o contrary_n do_v hold_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o every_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o suppress_v adultery_n fornication_n sedition_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o bind_v to_o suppress_v error_n and_o blasphemy_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a truth_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o all_o error_n contrary_a to_o other_o point_n of_o truth_n now_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o this_o question_n and_o free_v it_o from_o some_o odious_a imputation_n that_o may_v be_v cast_v upon_o it_o before_o we_o come_v to_o argument_n we_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o assertion_n first_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v heretic_n at_o the_o first_o step_n pain_n shall_v first_o be_v take_v to_o inform_v they_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n be_v antecedent_n and_o their_o labour_n be_v to_o convince_v gainsayer_n so_o this_o must_v go_v before_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n they_o must_v be_v find_v obstinate_a before_o the_o magistrate_n meddle_v with_o they_o or_o punish_v they_o civil_o especial_o if_o their_o error_n be_v not_o horrid_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o nature_n light_n in_o such_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v so_o much_o forbearance_n second_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o error_n and_o heresy_n be_v to_o get_v alike_o punishment_n but_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o guilt_n that_o be_v in_o they_o even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o sin_n commit_v against_o the_o second_o table_n murder_n be_v a_o more_o heinous_a fault_n than_o fornication_n and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v it_o more_o high_o even_o so_o be_v it_o in_o sin_n do_v against_o the_o first_o table_n blasphemy_n do_v against_o god_n or_o a_o deny_v of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o high_a sin_n than_o worship_v of_o the_o true_a god_n after_o a_o false_a manner_n and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v it_o more_o severe_o three_o as_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o error_n and_o heresy_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o like_a punishment_n so_o neither_o do_v we_o say_v that_o every_o one_o that_o maintain_v the_o same_o error_n be_v to_o be_v alike_o punish_v for_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v seducer_n or_o drawer_n on_o of_o other_o to_o error_n disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n ringleader_n there_o be_v other_o again_o that_o be_v only_o seduce_v and_o draw_v away_o to_o error_n and_o these_o last_o although_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v tolerate_v yet_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v more_o spare_o towards_o they_o so_o second_o there_o be_v some_o root_v in_o error_n confirm_v in_o it_o who_o will_v not_o hear_v instruction_n there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o be_v seek_v light_n who_o way_n evidence_v they_o to_o be_v conscientious_a only_o for_o the_o time_n they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o in_o humility_n seek_v after_o light_n and_o these_o last_o the_o magistrate_n as_o all_o other_o christian_n be_v to_o bear_v much_o with_o according_a to_o rom._n 15._o 1._o we_o then_o that_o be_v strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a etc._n etc._n now_o this_o be_v say_v to_o clear_v the_o question_n we_o come_v to_o argument_n to_o make_v out_o this_o truth_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o suppress_v and_o punish_v error_n heresy_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o punish_v adultery_n theft_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n the_o first_o argument_n we_o bring_v be_v from_o the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o which_o we_o form_v a_o argument_n thus_o if_o it_o be_v the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n than_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o like_a but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n therefore_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o like_a for_o confirm_v of_o this_o argument_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v make_v out_o first_o that_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n and_o heresy_n second_o as_o it_o be_v their_o practice_n so_o their_o practice_n herein_o be_v approven_v of_o god_n otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o bind_v unto_o other_o for_o king_n and_o magistrate_n do_v several_a thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v not_o approven_v and_o so_o not_o bind_v unto_o we_o now_o the_o first_o thing_n than_o we_o be_v to_o clear_v be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o abraham_n practice_n genes_n 18._o 19_o for_o i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v justice_n and_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n second_o with_o jacob_n who_o be_v a_o magistrate_n in_o his_o own_o family_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o employ_v his_o power_n to_o suppress_v false_a religion_n in_o the_o 35_o of_o gen._n vers_fw-la 2._o then_o jacob_n say_v unto_o his_o household_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v with_o he_o put_v away_o the_o strange_a god_n that_o be_v among_o you_o
immediate_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n the_o three_o sermon_n luke_n 7._o 23._o and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o me._n belove_a in_o the_o lord_n that_o place_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v unto_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n have_v have_v its_o accomplishment_n in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o no_o age_n more_o than_o in_o this_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o way_n of_o work_v both_o with_o church_n and_o particular_a soul_n have_v be_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o rock_n of_o offence_n to_o many_o yea_o more_o and_o more_o be_v stumble_v still_o what_o through_o one_o occasion_n or_o other_o many_o who_o once_o do_v seem_v to_o run_v well_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n have_v either_o already_o take_v up_o or_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o take_v up_o such_o a_o halt_n as_o christ_n may_v be_v conceive_v to_o say_v to_o those_o very_a few_o who_o seem_v resolve_v to_o follow_v he_o through_o better_a and_o worse_o as_o once_o he_o say_v joh._n 6._o 67._o unto_o the_o twelve_o when_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n go_v back_o and_o walk_v no_o more_o with_o he_o will_v you_o also_o go_v away_o i_o have_v therefore_o choose_v this_o text_n to_o speak_v from_o now_o immediate_o after_o have_v engage_v yourselves_o to_o walk_v in_o christ_n way_n that_o thereby_o you_o may_v guard_v against_o that_o woeful_a common_a evil_n of_o be_v offend_v in_o christ_n or_o of_o stumble_v and_o take_v up_o a_o halt_n in_o his_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o stumble_a block_n and_o rock_n of_o offence_n you_o may_v meet_v with_o for_o blessed_n be_v he_o say_v christ_n whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o the_o word_n be_v a_o part_n of_o christ_n answer_n to_o that_o question_n propound_v to_o he_o by_o two_o of_o john_n disciple_n at_o john_n desire_n verse_n 20._o art_n thou_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v or_o look_v we_o for_o another_o you_o may_v wonder_v that_o john_n who_o know_v christ_n so_o well_o shall_v have_v move_v such_o a_o question_n but_o the_o answer_n be_v first_o though_o soul_n know_v christ_n never_o so_o well_o they_o will_v desire_v and_o have_v need_n to_o know_v he_o better_o and_o to_o get_v what_o knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o he_o confirm_v to_o they_o especial_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n for_o john_n be_v now_o in_o prison_n and_o two_o they_o will_v desire_v that_o other_o may_v know_v he_o also_o for_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o go_v before_o that_o john_n propound_v this_o question_n for_o his_o disciple_n satisfaction_n and_o to_o satisfy_v their_o doubt_n more_o than_o his_o own_o christ_n answer_n have_v two_o part_n 1._o he_o bid_v they_o show_v john_n what_o they_o see_v he_o do_v verse_n 22._o tell_v john_n say_v he_o what_o thing_n you_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v how_o that_o the_o blind_a see_v the_o lame_a walk_n the_o leper_n be_v cleanse_v the_o deaf_a hear_v the_o dead_a be_v raise_v to_o the_o poor_a the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v if_o you_o ask_v what_o make_v this_o to_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o question_n i_o answer_v it_o make_v much_o for_o it_o show_v he_o be_v do_v that_o which_o scripture_n foretell_v the_o messiah_n will_v do_v isai._n 35._o 5_o 6._o and_o therefore_o he_o behove_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n 2._o in_o their_o word_n he_o answer_v a_o main_a objection_n against_o this_o truth_n take_v from_o christ_n own_o low_a condition_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o follower_n which_o make_v many_o bear_n off_o he_o for_o they_o expect_v a_o glorious_a messiah_n a_o great_a earthly_a monarch_n and_o because_o christ_n be_v but_o obscure_a and_o mean_a therefore_o they_o stumble_v and_o be_v offend_v in_o he_o to_o this_o christ_n answer_v blessed_n be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v or_o scandalize_v in_o i_o the_o word_n render_v here_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o traveller_n who_o have_v dash_v their_o foot_n or_o leg_n at_o some_o stone_n or_o block_n in_o the_o way_n do_v stumble_v or_o take_v up_o a_o halt_n so_o as_o they_o can_v go_v no_o further_o at_o least_o advance_v not_o so_o quick_o in_o the_o way_n as_o they_o do_v and_o second_o while_o he_o say_v offend_v in_o i_o take_v this_o first_o active_o and_o so_o the_o meaning_n be_v they_o shall_v not_o take_v occasion_n of_o stumble_v from_o any_o thing_n in_o christ_n or_o in_o his_o way_n 2._o it_o may_v be_v take_v passive_o so_o as_o to_o point_v out_o the_o way_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o stumble_v nor_o take_v up_o a_o halt_n in_o for_o there_o be_v some_o way_n to_o wit_n every_o sinful_a course_n and_o way_n that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o people_n to_o stumble_v in_o and_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o but_o this_o way_n wherein_o we_o shall_v not_o stumble_v be_v christ_n himself_o and_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n prescribe_v by_o he_o bless_a be_v he_o say_v christ_n who_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v happy_a be_v that_o man_n who_o take_v not_o occasion_n from_o i_o or_o any_o thing_n in_o my_o way_n to_o stumble_v or_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o i_o and_o that_o course_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n wherein_o i_o have_v command_v he_o to_o walk_v the_o word_n be_v but_o one_o entire_a proposition_n and_o sentence_n i_o need_v not_o therefore_o spend_v time_n in_o divide_v they_o but_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o doctrine_n first_o the_o lord_n apply_v the_o general_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o himself_o in_o particular_a show_v they_o be_v verify_v in_o he_o for_o the_o word_n in_o i_o have_v in_o they_o a_o direct_a answer_n to_o the_o question_v propound_v by_o john_n disciple_n and_o show_v the_o messiah_n be_v come_v and_o that_o he_o be_v that_o messiah_n whence_o we_o may_v mark_v that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n who_o be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n bring_v up_o in_o nazareth_n and_o crucify_a in_o jerusalem_n be_v that_o very_o same_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v and_o promise_v to_o the_o father_n we_o may_v observe_v 2_o that_o before_o he_o give_v this_o answer_n that_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n who_o they_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o not_o to_o stumble_v at_o he_o do_v first_o prove_v by_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v so_o while_o he_o hid_n john_n disciple_n tell_v their_o master_n he_o be_v do_v such_o miraculous_a work_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v foreshow_v none_o but_o christ_n shall_v do_v whence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o all_o question_n and_o debate_n about_o religion_n shall_v be_v determine_v from_o scripture_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n for_o here_o when_o a_o question_n arise_v among_o john_n disciple_n if_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n neither_o john_n the_o baptist_n than_o who_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a prophet_n among_o these_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o woman_n yea_o nor_o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v great_a than_o he_o do_v take_v it_o upon_o they_o to_o determine_v in_o it_o but_o john_n send_v they_o to_o christ_n and_o christ_n send_v they_o to_o the_o scripture_n for_o a_o solution_n thus_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n say_v the_o lord_n isai._n 8._o 20._o if_o they_o do_v not_o speak_v according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o rule_n have_v be_v the_o inlet_a to_o humane_a tradition_n without_o and_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n both_o in_o worship_n and_o government_n in_o the_o antichristian_a church_n and_o if_o this_o rule_n once_o be_v lay_v aside_o there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n of_o humane_a ceremony_n until_o all_o that_o trash_n which_o be_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v bring_v in_o upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o if_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o man_n can_v make_v way_n for_o one_o it_o may_v also_o make_v way_n for_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o pass_v those_o the_o two_o follow_a doctrine_n be_v these_o that_o i_o intend_v most_o to_o insist_v upon_o and_o both_o of_o they_o be_v employ_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v many_o stumble_a block_n in_o christ_n way_n whereat_z people_z be_v apt_a to_o offend_v take_v up_o a_o halt_n and_o stumble_v and_o yet_o second_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n which_o ought_v to_o make_v we_o stumble_v for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o stumble_a block_n christ_n need_v not_o so_o much_o guard_n against_o they_o and_o by_o his_o guard_n against_o they_o he_o
least_o not_o such_o a_o ample_a grant_n as_o it_o be_v matth_n 28._o 19_o go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n &c_n &c_n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n it_o do_v not_o exeem_v they_o indeed_o from_o err_v themselves_o but_o the_o promise_n be_v there_o more_o large_o give_v to_o they_o than_o to_o other_o and_o second_o minister_n as_o call_v watch_n man_n have_v the_o charge_n of_o people_n soul_n god_n have_v charge_v they_o with_o they_o which_o he_o have_v not_o charge_v other_o with_o there_o be_v not_o a_o charge_n of_o people_n soul_n lay_v on_o private_a man_n by_o way_n of_o office_n every_o one_o be_v bind_v indeed_o by_o way_n of_o charity_n to_o take_v a_o care_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o contrair_a to_o that_o of_o cain_n be_o i_o my_o brother_n keeper_n but_o beside_o this_o tie_n of_o charity_n lie_v on_o send_v minister_n there_o be_v a_o tie_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o particular_a charge_n so_o that_o place_n act_n 20._o take_v heed_n to_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o special_a charge_n and_o so_o they_o be_v charge_v in_o a_o special_a way_n with_o people_n soul_n then_o there_o be_v a_o three_o reason_n it_o be_v satan_n method_n to_o bring_v in_o error_n on_o people_n by_o cast_v in_o prejudices_fw-la betwixt_o they_o and_o send_v minister_n which_o we_o have_v clear_v sometime_o from_o scripture_n and_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v watch_v against_o lest_o satan_n subtlety_n prevail_v so_o far_o as_o to_o bring_v people_n to_o disrespect_n their_o minister_n for_o if_o that_o be_v once_o gain_v he_o have_v prevail_v very_o much_o doct_n viii_o now_o further_o he_o say_v believe_v noâ—_n every_o spirit_n but_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o trial_n do_v not_o cast_v at_o all_o but_o try_v the_o spirit_n hence_o take_v this_o doctrine_n it_o be_v not_o god_n way_n that_o people_n because_o there_o be_v difference_n about_o religion_n shall_v therefore_o believe_v no_o religion_n that_o be_v not_o god_n way_n so_o matth_n 16._o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n practice_v christ_n say_v unto_o they_o who_o say_v they_o that_o i_o be_o say_v they_o some_o say_v thaâ—_n thou_o be_v john_n the_o baptist_n some_o elias_n other_o jeremiah_n or_o one_o of_o the_o prophet_n but_o who_o say_v you_o that_o i_o be_o they_o do_v not_o answer_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o say_v there_o be_v so_o many_o different_a say_n about_o thou_o but_o say_v they_o thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n reas_n so_o people_n be_v not_o to_o cast_v at_o all_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v difference_n about_o it_o and_o that_o because_o first_o that_o be_v to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o devil_n plot_n his_o design_n in_o raise_v up_o error_n about_o religion_n be_v to_o make_v people_n atheist_n so_o as_o not_o to_o care_v for_o any_o religion_n and_o so_o when_o the_o use_n which_o thou_o make_v of_o different_a opinion_n be_v that_o thou_o will_v believe_v none_o thou_o fulfille_v the_o devil_n design_n second_o thou_o make_v use_v of_o god_n providence_n to_o thy_o destruction_n the_o lord_n providence_n in_o raise_v up_o error_n be_v to_o make_v man_n seek_v more_o after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o when_o thou_o make_v that_o use_n of_o it_o to_o cast_v at_o all_o religion_n thou_o mock_v the_o holy_a counsel_n of_o god_n to_o thy_o own_o ruin_n the_o use_v then_o of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v to_o reprove_v those_o of_o this_o stamp_n to_o wit_n profane_v atheistical_a man_n that_o make_v no_o difference_n about_o religion_n but_o this_o let_v churchman_n once_o agree_v among_o themselves_o what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o be_v wrong_a until_o then_o the_o back_n of_o our_o hand_n to_o altogether_o that_o be_v a_o woeful_a way_n indeed_o there_o may_v be_v a_o doubt_n propose_v here_o viz._n what_o else_o shall_v poor_a ignorant_a people_n do_v about_o difference_n in_o religion_n but_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o care_n of_o all_o when_o they_o see_v every_o party_n have_v their_o own_o reason_n strong_a than_o these_o poor_a people_n can_v answer_v i_o answer_v there_o be_v some_o direction_n ground_v on_o scripture_n which_o if_o we_o walk_v by_o may_v bring_v we_o to_o a_o safe_a shore_n amid_o these_o rock_n of_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o for_o difference_n that_o concern_v not_o people_n practice_n i_o will_v not_o have_v people_n trouble_v themselves_o much_o with_o they_o as_o for_o example_n our_o late_a unhappy_a difference_n about_o the_o public_a resolution_n the_o lord_n have_v take_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o away_o so_o i_o will_v not_o have_v any_o trouble_v themselves_o much_o about_o they_o whatever_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n fall_v in_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n that_o when_o the_o occasion_n of_o such_o practice_n be_v remove_v all_o contention_n about_o they_o shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o second_o as_o to_o the_o difference_n wherein_o peoples_n practice_n be_v concern_v take_v these_o rule_n first_o for_o these_o that_o be_v uncontravert_v truth_n make_v conscience_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o which_o will_v help_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o other_o thing_n this_o rule_n christ_n prescrive_v john_n 7._o 17._o say_v he_o if_o any_o man_n do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v something_o that_o thy_o conscience_n be_v clear_a of_o to_o be_v duty_n and_o although_o the_o difference_n of_o opinion_n may_v be_v some_o excuse_n to_o make_v thou_o keep_v off_o from_o these_o thing_n about_o which_o there_o be_v difference_n yet_o how_o be_v thou_o excuse_v for_o neglect_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o thou_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v duty_n as_o prayer_n read_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n second_o we_o will_v know_v whatever_o be_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a way_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o one_o way_n may_v be_v attain_v to_o by_o those_o who_o seek_v humble_o after_o it_o at_o least_o if_o thou_o be_v judge_v thyself_o and_o as_o a_o damn_a bankrupt_a or_o dâ—vour_n by_o nature_n be_v close_v with_o christ_n and_o draw_v grace_n from_o he_o to_o make_v thou_o holy_a thou_o will_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o as_o much_o of_o these_o thing_n debate_v as_o will_v take_v thou_o home_o to_o heaven_n a_o three_o direction_n be_v that_o you_o shall_v beware_v of_o call_v in_o question_n any_o of_o these_o truth_n that_o once_o have_v be_v seal_v into_o your_o spirit_n by_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o john_n ver_fw-la 8._o look_v to_o yourselves_o that_o we_o lose_v not_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v wrought_v the_o point_n of_o truth_n that_o people_n have_v get_v thus_o seal_v to_o their_o conscience_n shall_v not_o ready_o be_v call_v in_o question_n a_o four_o direction_n be_v this_o that_o in_o seek_v out_o truth_n under_o difference_n we_o shall_v beware_v of_o loftyness_n of_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 32_o it_o be_v say_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n how_o much_o more_o ought_v the_o spirit_n of_o private_a person_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n ambassador_n speak_v in_o his_o court_n this_o be_v not_o as_o if_o we_o will_v make_v minister_n saying_n the_o people_n rule_n to_o walk_v by_o but_o this_o much_o will_v follow_v that_o in_o a_o constitute_v church_n where_o discipline_n be_v exercise_v there_o shall_v be_v that_o humility_n in_o people_n that_o whâ—n_a doubt_n arise_v concern_v any_o point_n of_o receive_a truth_n within_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v offer_v their_o judgement_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o to_o the_o prophet_n and_o christ_n court_n to_o be_v try_v before_o they_o lie_v down_o any_o new_a opinion_n as_o a_o solid_a truth_n that_o much_o be_v contain_v under_o this_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n if_o it_o mean_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o doct_n ix_o now_o we_o proceed_v the_o next_o thing_n that_o we_o come_v to_o be_v what_o people_n shall_v do_v try_v the_o spirit_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o trial_n be_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n the_o first_o point_n we_o learn_v be_v that_o how_o fair_a soever_o the_o pretence_n be_v that_o our_o doctrine_n be_v colour_v with_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v upon_o trust_n but_o the_o spirit_n must_v be_v try_v such_o we_o see_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o bâ—reans_n and_o they_o be_v commend_v for_o it_o they_o will_v not_o take_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n on_o
under_o a_o duty_n and_o obligation_n which_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o before_o god_n and_o the_o congregation_n also_o to_o discharge_v himself_o in_o namely_o all_o the_o duty_n pertain_v to_o a_o member_n of_o that_o particular_a congregation_n or_o paroch_n to_o which_o he_o come_v although_o he_o swear_v not_o such_o a_o oath_n we_o say_v second_o he_o may_v also_o swear_v to_o do_v these_o duty_n but_o three_o to_o bind_v this_o on_o all_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o take_v such_o a_o oath_n so_o as_o if_o they_o take_v it_o not_o they_o be_v not_o church_n member_n we_o say_v it_o be_v will_n worship_n not_o command_v by_o god_n either_o by_o practice_n or_o precept_n in_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n we_o may_v easy_o prove_v that_o jesus_n christ_n never_o take_v this_o way_n to_o gather_v a_o visible_a church_n but_o the_o main_a difference_n be_v the_o four_o and_o that_o be_v concern_v those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v or_o receive_v member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a or_o who_o they_o be_v that_o have_v right_a to_o these_o outward_a privilege_n we_o speak_v of_o that_o which_o they_o hold_v in_o this_o point_n be_v that_o they_o will_v have_v all_o visible_a church_n dissolve_v and_o then_o church_n gather_v out_o of_o these_o wherein_o none_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v or_o admit_v to_o partake_v of_o church_n privilege_n so_o as_o to_o be_v under_o the_o care_n of_o minister_n admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n but_o those_o who_o have_v evident_a positive_a sign_n of_o grace_n and_o these_o not_o only_o evident_a to_o the_o minister_n and_o a_o few_o more_o but_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o congregation_n so_o that_o every_o one_o in_o the_o congregation_n must_v be_v convince_v so_o far_o as_o man_n can_v attain_v unto_o that_o he_o have_v grace_n or_o else_o he_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o which_o rule_n they_o model_n congregation_n but_o there_o be_v never_o a_o congregation_n since_o christ_n be_v on_o the_o earth_n so_o constitute_v except_o their_o own_o for_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o will_v cast_v out_o the_o two_o part_n and_o of_o some_o congregation_n leave_v ten_o part_n and_o take_v but_o the_o eleven_o leave_v all_o the_o rest_n as_o pagan_n without_o baptise_v their_o child_n or_o admit_v themselves_o to_o any_o church_n privilege_n this_o be_v what_o they_o hold_v as_o for_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o church_n and_o that_o which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n take_v those_o assertion_n first_o we_o hold_v that_o every_o man_n indeed_o that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n ought_v to_o have_v grace_n so_o that_o he_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n if_o he_o have_v it_o not_o and_o all_o the_o privilege_n he_o enjoy_v will_v do_v he_o no_o good_a without_o it_o we_o say_v in_o this_o respect_n all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v grace_n but_o to_o say_v that_o they_o so_o ought_v to_o have_v grace_n that_o none_o of_o they_o must_v be_v admit_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a without_o it_o this_o we_o deny_v it_o be_v ill_o reason_v from_o unanswerableness_n to_o a_o obligation_n to_o a_o forfeiture_n of_o privilege_n for_o every_o man_n that_o be_v a_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o have_v grace_n so_o as_o he_o sin_n against_o god_n if_o he_o have_v it_o not_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o lawful_a magistrate_n and_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o magistrate_n although_o he_o have_v not_o grace_n second_o we_o do_v willing_o grant_v that_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n and_o admit_v of_o people_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n our_o practice_n come_v far_o short_a of_o the_o rule_n there_o be_v not_o that_o care_n take_v to_o purge_v out_o scandalous_a person_n as_o shall_v be_v our_o practice_n be_v indeed_o short_a of_o the_o rule_n but_o our_o rule_n which_o we_o shall_v hold_v out_o as_o we_o shall_v prove_v be_v good_n to_o know_v then_o what_o be_v the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o we_o shall_v admit_v man_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n first_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v admit_v to_o some_o privilege_n only_o and_o not_o to_o all_o as_o to_o baptism_n and_o these_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n incompleat_o they_o be_v member_n but_o not_o so_o full_o and_o those_o be_v infant_n that_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o church_n visible_a they_o be_v member_n although_o not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n now_o betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o separatist_n herein_o to_o wit_n whether_o infant_n shall_v be_v baptise_a there_o be_v no_o difference_n second_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o privilege_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o those_o be_v member_n complete_o and_o full_o and_o concern_v those_o the_o dispute_n be_v who_o be_v those_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o mantain_n as_o we_o hear_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v but_o those_o that_o can_v give_v evident_a sign_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o within_o the_o church_n we_o hold_v first_o that_o if_o it_o be_v know_v that_o man_n be_v baptise_a and_o second_o if_o they_o be_v free_a of_o scandal_n and_o three_o if_o they_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v some_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v in_o a_o man_n we_o hold_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v although_o he_o can_v give_v evident_a sign_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o he_o to_o all._n and_o this_o be_v the_o controversy_n ii_o now_o we_o come_v to_o prove_v that_o which_o we_o hold_v by_o argument_n the_o first_o be_v john_n the_o baptist_n do_v not_o follow_v this_o rule_n of_o they_o in_o receive_v member_n to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o right_a rule_n that_o john_n the_o baptist_n do_v not_o follow_v this_o rule_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v luke_n 3_o wherein_o consider_v who_o it_o be_v who_o john_n baptise_a v_o 21._o now_o when_o all_o the_o people_n be_v baptise_a etc._n etc._n it_o be_v all_o the_o people_n consider_v second_o what_o he_o require_v of_o this_o people_n before_o he_o baptise_v they_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o the_o precede_a word_n that_o he_o seek_v no_o more_o than_o that_o they_o will_v be_v convince_v that_o they_o be_v wrong_v before_o and_o second_o profess_v a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o amend_v so_o we_o find_v in_o v_o 10._o and_o the_o people_n ask_v he_o say_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v and_o the_o publican_n in_o the_o 12._o five_o do_v the_o same_o who_o yet_o be_v but_o course_n men._n and_o in_o the_o 14_o five_o the_o soldier_n likewise_o demand_v of_o he_o say_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v now_o these_o question_n import_v this_o much_o that_o they_o be_v convince_v they_o be_v wrong_v and_o profess_v at_o least_o a_o desire_n to_o become_v better_a and_o according_o john_n instruct_v they_o thus_o and_o thus_o you_o shall_v do_v and_o without_o more_o ado_n in_o five_o 21._o he_o baptise_n they_o now_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o john_n can_v have_v get_v positive_a sign_n from_o every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o convince_v he_o that_o they_o have_v real_a grace_n far_o less_o that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o multitude_n can_v have_v be_v persuade_v in_o conscience_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o grace_n in_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o the_o rule_n of_o admit_v man_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n can_v be_v this_o that_o every_o one_o to_o be_v admit_v shall_v have_v evident_a sign_n of_o grace_n satisfactory_a to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o john_n seek_v not_o this_o of_o those_o who_o he_o receive_v it_o be_v true_a he_o fall_v very_o sharp_o on_o the_o scribe_n matth._n 3_o five_o 7_o o_o generation_n of_o viper_n who_o have_v warn_v you_o to_o flee_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a when_o he_o have_v rebuke_v they_o as_o ill_o as_o they_o be_v before_o see_v now_o they_o profess_v a_o desire_n to_o amend_v he_o baptise_n they_o in_o five_o 11._o i_o indeed_o baptise_v you_o with_o water_n &c_n &c_n the_o same_o you_o who_o he_o speak_v to_o in_o v_o 7._o as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o connexion_n of_o every_o verse_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o be_v baptise_a we_o shall_v once_o for_o all_o clear_a that_o baptism_n seal_v up_o a_o man_n
that_o the_o apostle_n john_n be_v there_o speak_v of_o whorish_a rome_n and_o be_v command_v all_o god_n people_n to_o separate_a from_o the_o antichristian_a church_n now_o let_v any_o judge_n if_o that_o be_v not_o loose_a reason_v we_o be_v command_v to_o separate_a from_o rome_n who_o have_v overturn_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n worship_n the_o creature_n instead_o of_o the_o creator_n therefore_o we_o be_v to_o separate_a from_o christ_n true_a and_o pure_a church_n and_o god_n worship_n in_o they_o if_o so_o be_v profane_a man_n be_v keep_v in_o they_o it_o be_v a_o senseless_a consequence_n obj._n iii_o their_o three_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n be_v take_v from_o 1_o cor_fw-la â—_o 11._o but_o now_o i_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o not_o to_o keep_v company_n etc._n etc._n say_v they_o we_o be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v our_o ordinary_a meat_n with_o wicked_a man_n and_o far_o more_o we_o be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o they_o to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o shame_n of_o christian_a church_n and_o our_o sin_n that_o scandalous_a and_o ignorant_a person_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o when_o they_o be_v admit_v partly_o through_o the_o neglect_n of_o minister_n and_o partly_o through_o abound_a corruption_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o every_o private_a christian_a be_v to_o cast_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o church_n because_o wicked_a man_n be_v admit_v as_o to_o this_o place_n here_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v true_a every_o tender_a christian_n be_v forbid_v to_o use_v familiar_a society_n with_o fornicator_n but_o it_o be_v not_o simple_o forbid_v as_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a at_o all_o time_n to_o eat_v with_o they_o for_o even_o paul_n himself_o eat_v with_o heathen_n act_n 27._o 35._o so_o the_o thing_n here_o forbid_v be_v that_o the_o lord_n people_n shall_v not_o use_v intimate_fw-la society_n with_o wicked_a man_n yet_o so_o as_o when_o they_o can_v get_v it_o eschew_v it_o be_v lawful_a both_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o they_o as_o put_v the_o case_n we_o can_v not_o get_v it_o otherwise_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o eat_v with_o they_o follow_v paul_n practice_n and_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n if_o it_o be_v in_o minister_n power_n to_o hold_v they_o back_o if_o they_o do_v it_o it_o be_v well_o if_o not_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o private_a christian_n who_o have_v no_o power_n to_o debarr_v they_o and_o so_o can_v get_v eat_v with_o they_o eschew_v without_o neglect_v of_o a_o duty_n be_v bind_v to_o separate_a obj._n iu._n their_o four_o objection_n be_v from_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5._o 6_o know_v you_o not_o that_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n scandalous_a man_n infect_v the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n be_v infect_v infect_v the_o worship_n and_o so_o if_o i_o come_v to_o the_o worship_n it_o be_v infect_v to_o i_o and_o i_o do_v sin_n now_o this_o be_v a_o consequence_n far_o from_o paul_n word_n a_o little_a leaven_n say_v he_o leaven_v etc._n etc._n therefore_o cast_v out_o the_o incestous_a man_n but_o he_o do_v not_o say_v if_o he_o be_v not_o put_v out_o cast_v out_o yourselves_o as_o for_o that_o they_o say_v that_o profane_a man_n infect_v the_o worship_n it_o be_v without_o ground_n it_o be_v true_a profane_a man_n ofttimes_o infect_v these_o among_o who_o they_o live_v but_o they_o do_v not_o infect_v the_o worship_n for_o the_o way_n that_o profane_a man_n infect_v these_o among_o who_o they_o live_v be_v not_o physical_a as_o the_o pest_n infect_v every_o thing_n it_o touch_v but_o they_o infect_v by_o their_o evil_a example_n and_o so_o a_o profane_a man_n may_v infect_v another_o man_n but_o by_o his_o evil_a example_n can_v infect_v the_o worship_n because_o the_o worship_n be_v not_o carry_v away_o with_o evil_a example_n as_o a_o man_n be_v and_o so_o if_o i_o can_v keep_v myself_o from_o follow_v their_o example_n the_o worship_n be_v pure_a and_o clean_a to_o i_o obj._n v._o their_o last_o objection_n be_v say_v they_o my_o come_n to_o the_o table_n with_o they_o be_v a_o countenance_v of_o they_o in_o their_o profanation_n of_o the_o holy_a thing_n so_o i_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n &_o say_v amen_o to_o what_o they_o do_v and_o therefore_o better_a for_o i_o to_o withdraw_v we_o answer_v this_o be_v a_o plausible_a argument_n to_o deter_v people_n that_o be_v tender_a but_o when_o try_v it_o will_v be_v find_v weak_a for_o if_o so_o be_v this_o argument_n do_v hold_v for_o separate_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n it_o will_v conclude_v also_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o hear_v preach_v with_o they_o for_o our_o hear_n preach_a with_o they_o be_v a_o countenance_v of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o our_o come_n to_o the_o sacrament_n with_o they_o and_o the_o wicked_a man_n profane_v the_o holy_a thing_n in_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o and_o by_o this_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v have_v be_v pollute_v which_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o speak_v by_o his_o preach_v to_o profane_a multitude_n for_o in_o that_o he_o countenance_v they_o therefore_o second_o for_o a_o more_o full_a answer_n we_o say_v worship_v with_o they_o be_v not_o a_o consent_n to_o their_o sin_n except_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o hold_v they_o out_o but_o not_o otherwise_o thou_o do_v say_v amen_o to_o what_o they_o do_v profess_v that_o they_o be_v serve_v god_n do_v the_o command_v duty_n but_o not_o to_o their_o hypocritical_a way_n in_o do_v of_o it_o do_v christ_n say_v amen_n to_o the_o pharisee_n way_n of_o hear_v although_o he_o preach_v to_o they_o so_o neither_o do_v thou_o but_o as_o be_v already_o say_v thou_o approve_v of_o they_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v the_o command_a duty_n but_o that_o it_o be_v do_v impenitent_o thou_o by_o thy_o join_v in_o the_o worship_n approve_v it_o not_o this_o for_o their_o objection_n iv._o for_o use_v our_o first_o be_v this_o to_o regrate_a that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o occasion_n give_v to_o this_o error_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o may_v regrate_a that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n profane_a and_o wicked_a and_o that_o people_n walk_v not_o like_o their_o holy_a call_v we_o may_v regrate_a that_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n minister_n and_o elder_n do_v not_o purge_v out_o scandalous_a person_n do_v not_o labour_v to_o find_v they_o and_o censure_v they_o and_o debarr_v they_o from_o communion_n but_o most_o of_o all_o it_o be_v to_o be_v regret_v that_o many_o of_o those_o who_o shall_v purge_v out_o other_o their_o life_n be_v such_o that_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v purge_v out_o as_o scandalous_a themselves_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n threaten_v to_o rent_n the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v let_v man_n arise_v among_o ourselves_o under_o pretence_n of_o pious_a strictness_n to_o cast_v at_o our_o worship_n we_o behove_v to_o say_v just_o be_v the_o lord_n although_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v no_o excuse_n but_o a_o fearful_a sin_n to_o they_o who_o by_o their_o carriage_n rent_n and_o undo_v the_o church_n because_o of_o some_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o it_o use_v ii_o the_o second_o use_n be_v that_o you_o will_v not_o think_v all_o alike_o guilty_a that_o may_v incline_v to_o this_o error_n of_o separate_n from_o lawful_a worship_n because_o of_o wicked_a man_n be_v admit_v to_o it_o it_o be_v true_a there_o may_v be_v some_o pious_o strict_a that_o upon_o the_o one_o hand_n loath_a at_o that_o which_o be_v good_a when_o they_o can_v get_v it_o but_o in_o wicked_a man_n company_n and_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n because_o they_o can_v live_v without_o the_o ordinance_n therefore_o they_o incline_v to_o make_v up_o a_o little_o church_n of_o good_a man_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o devil_n take_v advantage_n of_o their_o zeal_n to_o make_v they_o dishonour_n god_n by_o run_v to_o the_o other_o extreme_a now_o although_o the_o humour_n of_o such_o shall_v not_o be_v give_v way_n to_o yet_o those_o who_o incline_v this_o way_n from_o a_o desire_n of_o strictness_n be_v much_o to_o be_v pity_v but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v so_o of_o the_o ringleader_n of_o this_o error_n it_o have_v be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o such_o have_v be_v more_o carry_v on_o by_o a_o conceit_n of_o their_o own_o holiness_n than_o any_o true_a love_n to_o holiness_n itself_o it_o have_v be_v usual_o find_v in_o heady_a man_n who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o make_v a_o rupture_n in_o tâ—e_v church_n that_o
beside_o all_o these_o pretext_n and_o excuse_n of_o stumble_v on_o this_o account_n may_v be_v easy_o answer_v for_o though_o it_o have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o god_n servant_n even_o when_o they_o have_v suffer_v for_o righteousness_n to_o be_v suffer_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n as_o evil_a doer_n yet_o in_o that_o case_n man_n must_v think_v it_o enough_o that_o they_o approve_v themselves_o unto_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o day_n come_v when_o their_o integrity_n shall_v be_v bring_v forth_o as_o the_o light_n 1_o cor_n 4_o 3_o with_o i_o say_v the_o apostle_n it_o be_v a_o very_a small_a thing_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v judge_v of_o you_o or_o of_o man_n judgement_n he_o that_o judge_v i_o be_v the_o lord_n again_o none_o ever_o suffer_v that_o for_o he_o which_o he_o do_v suffer_v for_o they_o he_o take_v nothing_o from_o man_n but_o what_o he_o have_v first_o give_v unto_o they_o neither_o put_v he_o they_o to_o more_o than_o what_o he_o do_v fit_a and_o strengthen_v they_o for_o it_o hold_v constant_o in_o the_o mount_n the_o lord_n will_v be_v see_v and_o 1_o pet_n 4._o 14._o if_o you_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n happy_a be_v you_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n rest_v on_o you_o and_o when_o people_n be_v put_v to_o the_o outmost_a of_o what_o can_v be_v expect_v even_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o pay_v of_o their_o debt_n a_o little_a soon_o for_o once_o die_v they_o must_v and_o though_o they_o shall_v shift_v the_o matter_n at_o that_o time_n how_o quick_o may_v god_n take_v their_o life_n from_o they_o another_o way_n possible_o in_o a_o long_a linger_a and_o pine_v sickness_n with_o great_a torment_n and_o a_o gnaw_a worm_n of_o conscience_n beside_o and_o for_o any_o loss_n of_o good_n land_n and_o inheritance_n that_o either_o people_n themselves_o or_o other_o of_o their_o relation_n may_v sustain_v by_o cleave_v to_o christ_n way_n in_o a_o suffer_a time_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v value_v to_o the_o loss_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o countenance_n which_o can_v but_o follow_v if_o man_n do_v otherwise_o god_n peace_n and_o favour_n the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n list_v up_o be_v that_o hundred_o fold_n more_o than_o house_n brethren_n sister_n child_n and_o land_n which_o a_o man_n who_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n shall_v receive_v even_o now_o in_o this_o life_n as_o our_o saviour_n teach_v mark_n 10._o 29_o 30._o so_o beside_o that_o god_n have_v a_o thousand_o way_n to_o make_v up_o to_o man_n any_o loss_n of_o that_o kind_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o no_o man_n who_o set_v his_o face_n towards_o heaven_n shall_v want_v a_o competency_n for_o carry_v he_o there_o and_o when_o a_o man_n be_v once_o there_o he_o need_v no_o more_o matth_n 6._o 33_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o and_o many_o thing_n may_v fall_v out_o that_o may_v impoverish_v you_o in_o which_o you_o will_v neither_o have_v that_o honour_n nor_o satistisfaction_n which_o attend_v the_o christian_n loss_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o though_o cede_v for_o a_o little_a may_v put_v a_o storm_n of_o trouble_n by_o yet_o he_o that_o be_v not_o faithful_a in_o the_o little_a will_v never_o be_v faithful_a in_o that_o which_o be_v more_o and_o it_o be_v satan_n policy_n at_o all_o time_n to_o draw_v out_o the_o cause_n of_o suffering_n to_o small_a thing_n as_o moses_n hoof_n mordecart_n beck_n and_o daniel_n open_v of_o his_o window_n in_o which_o case_n to_o wit_n the_o case_n of_o confession_n even_o small_a thing_n become_v great_a from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v abundant_o clear_a there_o be_v no_o real_a reason_n why_o any_o shall_v stumble_v at_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n because_o of_o peresecution_n or_o a_o suffer_a lot_n which_o usual_o do_v attend_v it_o but_o a_o nine_o and_o last_o thing_n which_o make_v people_n ready_a to_o stumble_v at_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n and_o not_o only_o at_o one_o piece_n of_o his_o way_n but_o the_o whole_a bulk_n of_o godliness_n and_o turn_v perfect_a atheist_n be_v the_o temporize_a temper_n of_o minister_n when_o alas_o so_o much_o the_o more_o be_v our_o shame_n it_o be_v usual_o observe_v the_o generality_n of_o minister_n almost_o of_o all_o country_n be_v of_o that_o religion_n and_o way_n which_o be_v most_o in_o credit_n and_o which_o the_o sway_n of_o the_o court_n run_v most_o for_o thus_o among_o papist_n almost_o all_o be_v papist_n in_o sweden_n and_o denmark_n almost_o all_o be_v lutheran_n and_o here_o with_o we_o and_o in_o france_n and_o holland_n almost_o all_o be_v calvinist_n and_o that_o which_o increase_v the_o scandal_n and_o rock_n of_o offence_n be_v when_o it_o be_v observe_v they_o easy_o turn_v their_o tongue_n to_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o all_o time_n foreward_o cry_v up_o such_o a_o way_n the_o one_o year_n when_o the_o rule_v power_n be_v for_o it_o and_o not_o only_o cry_v it_o up_o but_o engage_v their_o credit_n and_o conscience_n by_o the_o most_o solemn_a tie_v which_o can_v be_v imagine_v among_o man_n to_o promote_v it_o and_o press_v with_o all_o the_o most_o serious_a vehemency_n that_o man_n can_v use_v upon_o the_o lord_n people_n to_o do_v the_o like_a and_o yet_o when_o time_n change_v and_o that_o they_o perceive_v the_o promote_a of_o such_o a_o way_n do_v not_o make_v for_o their_o worldly_a interest_n they_o will_v cry_v it_o as_o much_o down_o again_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n to_o be_v have_v either_o to_o god_n conscience_n or_o credit_n but_o only_o to_o people_n interest_n and_o stand_v thus_o in_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a a_o godly_a prince_n all_o the_o minister_n almost_o be_v orthodox_n again_o in_o his_o son_n constantius_n his_o day_n almost_o all_o of_o they_o even_o the_o same_o man_n who_o have_v be_v at_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o condemn_v the_o arian_n heresy_n turn_v arian_n hence_o it_o be_v then_o say_v vnus_fw-la athanasius_n contra_fw-la totum_fw-la mundum_fw-la and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o that_o age_n so_o have_v it_o be_v almost_o ever_o since_o the_o sway_n of_o the_o court_n and_o ruling_n power_n of_o the_o time_n have_v carry_v with_o it_o the_o generality_n of_o minister_n too_o great_a a_o length_n to_o say_v and_o unsay_v as_o they_o do_v enjoin_v they_o this_o i_o grant_v be_v indeed_o a_o rock_n which_o of_o any_o other_o have_v in_o it_o most_o of_o offence_n a_o rock_n whereon_o many_o a_o soul_n have_v make_v shipwreck_n and_o if_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n do_v not_o preserve_v his_o own_o elect_n it_o be_v a_o world_n wonder_n if_o it_o do_v not_o banish_v all_o sense_n of_o religion_n out_o of_o the_o world_n make_v all_o flesh_n turn_v irreligious_a atheist_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v 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