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You may make a discovery
For the first observe it, you shal find it one as God is one, Unum et verum convertuntur; There is but one way to heaven, many to miss it. It is an unisone with its principles. Erroneous doctrines want no outward harmony, and outward consent; but truth, as it is one in itself, so it works men to one∣nesse, to be of one mind; truth is of a binding up nature.
Truth is comprehended in Purity, Errors are much in outward beauty (like Curtizans little in honesty; Truth is pure in its self and unto us; It is an adversary to all sin, because all sin is an adver∣sary to Jesus Christ and to Gods glory; It is pure likewise in its operations, it sets it self against all basenesse; Titus 1.14, 15. It is truly pure, not coun∣terfeitly pure.
By the efficacy of truth other doctrines add to our Notions, but never meddle with our corrupti∣ons, they swel our heads, but never mend our hearts; they work in the brain, but never meddle with the spirit; increase much wit to talk wel, but con∣veigh little strength to walk close with God. In a word, they never bring grace or peace from Jesus Christ: The truth that comes from God, leadeth to God. It makes the bad good, and the good better. Truth works the heart, not only from grosser, but lesser sins, even the spots of the world; 1 Thes. 5.22. vid. Truth works the heart to a liking of nothing unlike it self, or unbecom∣ing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
By the Antiquity, Id demum verissimum quod an∣tiquissimum;
and truly as it was sometime replyed to those of Rome, that we can look beyond Luther, So may we to the rabble of Heresies in these times, we can look and see the time when they had not a being; indeed they are comparatively but of yester∣day: and it is possible for an easie Herald to drive the pedigree of the Anabaptist, Brownists, Antino∣mians, Pelagians, Socinians, Arians, Antetrini∣tarians, Seekers, &c. and to demonstrate them to be all subservient, although active actors for Scout master general, self-ends or aims, when truth like the Sun hath run its course through all ages, not that all have imbraced it, but some have received it.
By its Simplicity it wil indure handling, it is found; Erroneous doctrine like unfound flesh, or sore eyes, abhors a touch, or the light; and there∣fore is more in private then publick; not that I oppose private duties, but prise them, but resist those that oppose publick Ordinances; For if what any deliver in their private conventions bee good and sound truth, I beseech them let it come to light, Bonum quo communius eo melius; Truth fears no trial; although il faced women would have al glasses broken but such as they have got made to flatter them; Truth put it self upon proof; yea in publick, Veritas non querere argales, especially in days of Liberty of the Gospel, and when truth is pallizadoed with so many oaky fortifications: It is not now accusation enough to be a Christian;
no, be as holy as David, as muke as Moses, as wise as Solomon; walk with God, and be upright before him with Abraham, yea let every man be follow∣ers of Jesus Christ, and injoy his Liberty in the Truths of Iesus Christ; for, blessed be God, there may be some pretences (but no just ground for the least fear of persecution for conscience-sake.
Having found out the truth, I beg heartily of you, yea (more then for my Arrears) to love the truth, do the truth, suffer for the truth, this wil bee a sure boult to keep out all Errors; when Truth is stil stirring in your ears, and Sin ruling in your hearts, you can never do good on it; he must needs have a meek hand to hold fast truth, or foot to stand fast that hath a wicked heart; Hymenaeus let go faith and a good conscience together, 1 Tim. 1.19. Wherefore I beseech you be doing Christi∣ans, as wel as knowing ones; And now should I fal on with the reserve, and shew you the beauty and honour of a resolved spirit for the truths of Iesus Christ; And have given a thorow and thorow charge to the sad, yet bold divisions of these times with my left wing under the prevailing Banner of Love and Unity; and shown you how good a thing it is, for brethren to live in Love and Unity, but I am prevented in managing this onslaught at present, and shal take leave of you, praying you that all things may be done amongst you in love; And
praying for you, That the God of truth would lead you on from this day, and fix and establish you in the Truth. Finally brethren farewel, be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in love and peace, and the God of love and peace shal be with you; yea, now the very God of peace sancti∣fie you all throughout. And now the Lord of peace himself give you peace by all means; The Lord be with you all.