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VOL. II.

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DISCOURSE XXV.

That those who are truly Religious will be delivered from all dangerous errors about Religion.

PHIL. iii. 15, 16.

Let as many of us therefore as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded God fhall reveal even this unto you.

Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the fame rule, let us mind the fame things.

T

He fubftance of these words may be gathered up in these four propofitions.

I. There is that in religion, which is neceffary and determined; fixt and immutable, clear and perfpicuous; about which good men, they who are of growth and proficiency in religion, do not differ. As many as are perfect are thus minded.

II. There is alfo in religion that which is not fo neceffary, and immutable, clear and plain, in which good men may happen to be otherwife minded one than another; or otherwife than ought to be. If any be otherwife minded.

III. There is reafon to think that God will bring out of particular mistake him that is right in the main. God fhall reveal even this unto you. A

VOL. II.

IV. They

IV. They who agree in the main, but differ in other particulars, ought nevertheless to hold together as if they were in all things agreed. To walk by the fame rule, to mind the fame things.

I. There is that in religion which is neceffary and determined; fixt, and immutable; clear, and perfpicuous; about which good men, those that are perfect, i. e. who are of growth and proficiency, or are sincere and honest, do not differ. The great, momentous, and weighty things of religion, are fuch wherein there is univerfal confent, and agreement. Good men do not differ in things that are 1. Perfectly agreeable to the divine nature : or, 2. In things that are perfectly agreeable to human nature. 1. The great materials of natural light and 2. The great articles of christian faith.

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II. There is also in religion that which is not fo neceffary and immutable; fo clear and plain; in which good men may happen to be otherwise minded, one than another; or otherwife than ought to be. If any be otherwife minded.

Here we may note,

First, The causes and occafions of error and mistake in these things.

Secondly, The preservatives, and fecurity, against the danger of it.

First, The causes and occafions of error and mistake, are these.

1. The creature's fallibility.

2. Accidental prejudices from education; converfe: common fense: ftrong imagination : melancholick temper: weakness of parts, and (which

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