Selected quad for the lemma: authority_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
authority_n ancient_a father_n scripture_n 2,104 5 5.3760 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A34538 The kingdom of God among men a tract of the sound state of religion, or that Christianity which is described in the holy Scriptures and of the things that make for the security and increase thereof in the world, designing its more ample diffusion among the professed Christians of all sorts and its surer propagation to future ages : with The point of church-unity and schism discuss'd / by John Corbet. Corbet, John, 1620-1680. 1679 (1679) Wing C6258; ESTC R23940 125,145 296

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and_o carnal_a interest_n to_o false_a way_n and_o vain_a invention_n for_o which_o cause_n it_o behoove_v the_o zealous_a religionist_n to_o be_v careful_a even_o to_o jealousy_n that_o he_o be_v not_o impose_v upon_o by_o himself_o or_o other_o and_o in_o this_o care_n hearty_o and_o entire_o to_o resign_v and_o conform_v himself_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o such_o resignation_n and_o conformity_n he_o secure_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o what_o in_o he_o lie_v the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v here_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o be_v write_v in_o nature_n be_v god_n law_n as_o well_o as_o what_o be_v write_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o natural_a revelation_n as_o well_o as_o supernatural_a be_v divine_a and_o whatsoever_o be_v know_v of_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v 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hurt_n we_o shall_v account_v ourselves_o in_o all_o thing_n indifferent_a perfect_o free_a to_o please_v and_o satisfy_v in_o the_o most_o universal_a manner_n we_o can_v those_o of_o our_o own_o party_n not_o care_v what_o opinion_n or_o custom_n or_o outward_a formality_n the_o romanist_n and_o other_o have_v and_o may_v have_v have_v from_o the_o first_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o word_n popery_n it_o be_v not_o more_o odious_a than_o ambiguous_a among_o protestant_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n some_o that_o will_v speak_v hard_a word_n against_o it_o have_v draw_v it_o into_o so_o extreme_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o to_o place_v it_o in_o little_a more_o than_o a_o secular_a interest_n of_o power_n controvert_v between_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o prince_n and_o prelate_n of_o christendom_n and_o other_o that_o make_v it_o broad_a be_v yet_o very_o tender_a if_o not_o fond_a of_o many_o gross_a corruption_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n some_o have_v extend_v it_o so_o far_o as_o to_o disparage_v thing_n good_a and_o laudable_a and_o requisite_a and_o ignorant_o call_v by_o that_o name_n whatsoever_o they_o fancy_v not_o nevertheless_o those_o useless_a and_o offensive_a thing_n take_v up_o by_o the_o papal_a church_n since_o the_o time_n of_o their_o know_a apostasy_n both_o doctrine_n and_o custom_n and_o that_o be_v they_o more_o peculiar_o may_v just_o be_v call_v popish_a though_o they_o be_v not_o impose_v as_o apostolic_a command_n or_o mean_n of_o obtain_v pardon_n of_o sin_n or_o of_o work_a grace_n why_o shall_v we_o be_v tenacious_a of_o their_o form_n to_o the_o scandal_n of_o those_o of_o our_o own_o belief_n how_o be_v we_o oblige_v or_o concern_v to_o conform_v to_o their_o usage_n more_o than_o they_o be_v to_o we_o have_v they_o any_o authority_n over_o we_o or_o be_v they_o any_o way_n a_o rule_n unto_o we_o be_v not_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o right_a both_o their_o rule_n and_o we_o or_o can_v they_o upbraid_v we_o for_o depart_v from_o they_o in_o these_o at_o least_o unnecessary_a opinion_n and_o custom_n unless_o they_o upbraid_v we_o upon_o those_o ground_n which_o we_o have_v reject_v together_o with_o their_o usurpation_n and_o and_o which_o if_o we_o receive_v again_o we_o must_v quit_v protestancy_n itself_o this_o strive_v to_o come_v so_o near_o they_o whether_o tend_v it_o but_o to_o reduce_v we_o again_o into_o that_o church_n for_o by_o all_o approach_n to_o they_o they_o be_v not_o draw_v one_o step_n towards_o we_o but_o be_v the_o more_o harden_v and_o still_o they_o rest_v unmoveable_a on_o the_o rock_n of_o their_o pretend_a supremacy_n and_o infallibility_n the_o impurity_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n lie_v chief_o in_o its_o superstition_n and_o sensuality_n in_o the_o grosser_n part_n of_o its_o superstition_n be_v manifold_a gross_a idolatry_n and_o any_o way_n of_o symbolise_v with_o idolatry_n which_o be_v spiritual_a whoredom_n shall_v be_v dread_v by_o the_o chaste_a spouse_n of_o chirst_n as_o the_o retain_v of_o such_o image_n as_o have_v be_v and_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v make_v object_n of_o religious_a adoration_n and_o the_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o peculiar_a garb_n and_o fashion_n of_o idolater_n in_o their_o worship_n moreover_o where_o the_o gross_a pollution_n be_v avoid_v if_o their_o pomp_n and_o train_n of_o ceremony_n be_v retain_v they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o take_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o as_o be_v busy_v in_o they_o and_o to_o corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o make_v it_o a_o dead_a work_n and_o carnal_a service_n and_o so_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n will_v decay_v and_o die_v among_o the_o people_n by_o this_o mean_n sensuality_n the_o concomitant_a of_o idolatry_n and_o all_o gross_a superstition_n be_v likewise_o manifest_v in_o their_o devotion_n of_o the_o israelite_n idolatry_n it_o be_v write_v the_o people_n sit_v down_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o rise_v up_o to_o play_v sensual_a sport_n and_o pastime_n be_v mingle_v with_o the_o devotion_n of_o carnal_a worshipper_n as_o be_v notable_o see_v in_o the_o popish_a festival_n and_o this_o make_v the_o sensual_a part_n of_o man_n addict_v to_o such_o a_o way_n to_o pray_v a_o while_n and_o then_o to_o play_v be_v the_o business_n of_o their_o sacred_a solemnity_n but_o this_o course_n alienates_v the_o mind_n from_o true_a holiness_n and_o tend_v to_o much_o profaneness_n and_o not_o only_o the_o piety_n but_o the_o civility_n of_o a_o nation_n will_v hereby_o much_o abate_v a_o church_n that_o will_v maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o religion_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n have_v need_n have_v its_o solemn_a day_n of_o divine_a service_n distinct_a from_o the_o appoint_a time_n of_o carnal_a sport_n mirth_n and_o jollity_n chap._n xv._n the_o enmity_n of_o the_o world_n against_o godliness_n and_o the_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n cast_v upon_o it_o consider_v the_o security_n and_o increase_n of_o 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number_n distinguish_v from_o the_o world_n by_o his_o own_o mark_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o his_o own_o image_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n to_o discern_v a_o laborious_a lively_a faithful_a ministry_n from_o that_o which_o be_v lazy_a lifeless_a and_o deceitful_a and_o to_o regard_v the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o according_o to_o note_v the_o ignorant_a foolish_a profane_a and_o scandalous_a of_o that_o function_n to_o contemn_v a_o vile_a person_n and_o to_o honour_v they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o serpentine_a seed_n and_o to_o turn_v away_o from_o such_o to_o abhor_v impiety_n and_o to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o wicked_a in_o their_o evil_a deed_n provoke_v a_o evil_a generation_n that_o be_v hereby_o reprove_v and_o judge_v and_o they_o raise_v a_o outcry_n against_o the_o godly_a as_o factious_a unsociable_a despiser_n of_o government_n maker_n of_o party_n and_o enemy_n to_o peace_n to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n precept_n tradition_n and_o custom_n of_o man_n by_o god_n word_n to_o use_v all_o just_a mean_n to_o discern_v his_o will_n and_o to_o choose_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n when_o their_o command_n be_v contrary_a to_o he_o be_v revile_v for_o proud_a perverseness_n contempt_n of_o ancient_a custom_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o superior_n disobedience_n to_o king_n and_o law_n to_o be_v zealous_a for_o god_n honour_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v earnest_a and_o active_a in_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o promote_a piety_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o to_o be_v concern_v for_o god_n interest_n in_o the_o world_n more_o than_o the_o common_a sort_n be_v make_v the_o religious_a to_o seem_v pragmatical_a turbulent_a and_o unpeaceable_a not_o to_o run_v into_o the_o common_a excess_n of_o riot_n nor_o to_o comply_v with_o mad_a mirth_n and_o jollity_n offensive_a gallantry_n or_o any_o extravagancy_n that_o be_v in_o fashion_n be_v account_v stoical_a superciliousness_n and_o morosity_n strictness_n of_o profession_n seriousness_n and_o necessary_a preciseness_n of_o conversation_n seem_v to_o many_o to_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o phariseism_n wherewith_o the_o most_o conscientious_a be_v common_o most_v reproach_v and_o so_o the_o hateful_a name_n of_o christ_n worst_a enemy_n be_v cast_v upon_o his_o true_a and_o faithful_a follower_n wherefore_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o note_v who_o and_o what_o they_o be_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o gospel-history_n that_o the_o pharisee_n be_v a_o strict_a sect_n and_o in_o great_a reputation_n for_o seeming-holiness_n no_o separatist_n from_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o of_o chief_a sway_n therein_o and_o of_o great_a esteem_n among_o the_o ruler_n they_o little_o care_v for_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o place_v perfection_n in_o outward_a work_n and_o in_o ritual_n more_o than_o moral_n and_o chief_o in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v and_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o in_o zeal_n for_o the_o corban_n or_o the_o church_n treasure_n and_o to_o these_o thing_n they_o make_v the_o weighty_a duty_n of_o the_o law_n give_v place_n they_o wear_v broad_a phylactery_n and_o affect_v a_o proud_a reservedness_n and_o formal_a gravity_n those_o fast_n prayer_n and_o alms-deed_n that_o shall_v have_v be_v do_v in_o secret_a they_o make_v a_o show_n of_o open_o to_o be_v see_v of_o men._n they_o will_v be_v count_v rabbi_n and_o own_a for_o absolute_a teach_v master_n and_o leader_n of_o the_o people_n and_o will_v have_v all_o subject_n to_o their_o dictate_v and_o they_o be_v maligner_n and_o opposer_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o true_a israelite_n to_o maintain_v their_o own_o institute_n and_o interest_n now_o for_o our_o part_n we_o have_v no_o need_n nor_o mind_n to_o vindicate_v the_o true_a offspring_n of_o such_o forefather_n it_o concern_v all_o christian_n as_o christ_n warn_v the_o disciple_n to_o beware_v of_o this_o leaven_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v something_o of_o phariseism_n may_v be_v find_v among_o some_o of_o all_o party_n as_o self-confidence_n vainglory_n self-praise_n censoriousness_n arrogance_n partiality_n perverseness_n of_o conscience_n or_o strain_v at_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v of_o camel_n and_o peradventure_o those_o that_o most_o object_n it_o to_o other_o may_v be_v most_o deep_o infect_v with_o it_o themselves_o but_o however_o it_o concern_v all_o sort_n to_o beware_v of_o it_o and_o do_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a to_o purge_v it_o out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o every_o christian_a shall_v strive_v to_o keep_v himself_o from_o any_o smatch_n of_o it_o see_v it_o be_v so_o unsavoury_a to_o christ._n it_o be_v thus_o very_o discernible_a from_o the_o manifold_a misapprehension_n of_o the_o way_n itself_o how_o godliness_n fall_v under_o the_o hard_a thought_n and_o speech_n of_o the_o mistake_v world_n but_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n and_o if_o godliness_n itself_o by_o misapprehension_n become_v a_o rock_n of_o offence_n no_o wonder_n the_o world_n be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o false_a pretender_n and_o at_o the_o real_a fault_n and_o weakness_n of_o sincere_a professor_n but_o christ_n have_v say_v bless_a be_v he_o that_o be_v not_o offend_v in_o i_o undoubted_o the_o make_n of_o a_o high_a profession_n do_v not_o exempt_v any_o from_o a_o just_a conviction_n and_o reproof_n that_o hypocrite_n shall_v be_v detect_v and_o the_o scandalous_a fault_n even_o of_o sincere_a christian_n note_v be_v the_o interest_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o charity_n both_o towards_o they_o that_o give_v offence_n and_o towards_o they_o that_o take_v it_o to_o their_o hurt_n require_v such_o discovery_n the_o godly_a lay_n to_o heart_n no_o evil_n more_o than_o the_o scandal_n of_o professor_n and_o they_o know_v they_o be_v most_o concern_v to_o take_v heed_n lest_o any_o root_n of_o bitterness_n bear_v gall_n or_o wormwood_n shall_v spring_v up_o among_o they_o and_o those_o that_o sin_n before_o all_o their_o discipline_n be_v to_o rebuke_v before_o all_o that_o other_o may_v fear_v but_o the_o great_a mischief_n be_v that_o some_o so_o speak_v and_o write_v of_o hypocrite_n and_o offence_n as_o to_o reproach_v godliness_n itself_o and_o bring_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o into_o disgrace_n when_o they_o take_v notice_n of_o any_o thing_n amiss_o in_o man_n profess_v godliness_n whether_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a or_o false_a or_o the_o scandal_n be_v in_o reality_n or_o appearance_n only_o they_o present_o say_v these_o be_v your_o professor_n they_o be_v all_o such_o and_o the_o whole_a pack_n afford_v no_o better_a the_o real_a or_o seem_a hypocrisy_n pride_n covetousness_n unrighteousness_n uncharitableness_n selfishness_n of_o some_o be_v cast_v upon_o all_o from_o some_o instance_n of_o aberration_n they_o argue_v against_o a_o godly_a tenor_n of_o conversation_n and_o deny_v sincerity_n where_o they_o see_v a_o fall_a short_a of_o perfection_n they_o disparage_v a_o serious_a and_o circumspect_a course_n of_o life_n by_o pretend_v it_o may_v be_v but_o a_o mere_a guise_n or_o show_v there_o may_v be_v lurk_a vice_n and_o they_o who_o have_v escape_v gross_a sensuality_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o spiritual_a sin_n as_o pride_n and_o envy_n and_o so_o they_o ground_n their_o detraction_n upon_o supposition_n and_o surmise_n of_o what_o may_v be_v though_o not_o appear_v they_o inveigh_v against_o hypocrisy_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o harden_v the_o vicious_a in_o their_o debauchery_n and_o they_o encourage_v libertine_n in_o idleness_n and_o excess_n of_o vanity_n by_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o precisian_n may_v do_v worse_o those_o godly_a exercise_n that_o lie_v out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n as_o to_o instance_n in_o holy_a conference_n they_o bring_v into_o contempt_n by_o object_v a_o unseasonable_a and_o preposterous_a use_n thereof_o or_o the_o impertinency_n and_o weakness_n of_o some_o therein_o they_o censure_v inordinate_a transport_v of_o zeal_n and_o whimsy_n in_o religion_n more_o bitter_o than_o lewdness_n outrage_n gross_a impiety_n and_o dare_a wickedness_n of_o dissolute_a person_n they_o will_v burden_v the_o soberminded_n that_o be_v zealous_a for_o their_o god_n with_o the_o inexcusable_a madness_n of_o some_o intemperate_a zealot_n the_o fail_n of_o the_o religious_a they_o aggravate_v above_o measure_n and_o particular_o some_o passionate_a disorder_n that_o be_v common_o complexional_a and_o have_v less_o of_o the_o will_n and_o consequent_o of_o sinful_a malignity_n in_o they_o than_o many_o sin_n that_o make_v lesser_a noise_n and_o raise_v less_o clamour_n and_o they_o magnify_v the_o eveness_n moderation_n mildness_n and_o other_o humanity_n of_o loose_a or_o lukewarm_a person_n for_o the_o true_a christian_a spirit_n they_o upbraid_v the_o godly_a with_o their_o solemn_a confession_n and_o
state_n as_o a_o jewel_n that_o have_v its_o great_a lustre_n by_o the_o bright_a light_n be_v maintain_v by_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n in_o bright_a time_n the_o imposture_n and_o carnal_a design_n of_o devise_v doctrine_n and_o superstitious_a vanity_n will_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o the_o hypocrisy_n be_v detect_v the_o merchandise_n thereof_o will_v be_v quite_o mar_v in_o such_o time_n even_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n will_v expect_v from_o those_o in_o sacred_a function_n at_o least_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o sober_a righteous_a and_o godly_a conversation_n with_o diligence_n in_o holy_a administration_n then_o the_o enemy_n of_o real_a sanctity_n be_v put_v to_o hard_a shift_n and_o force_v to_o appear_v either_o in_o some_o colour_n of_o truth_n or_o in_o the_o shame_n of_o their_o own_o nakedness_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o follower_n of_o truth_n make_v it_o their_o special_a interest_n as_o thorough_o to_o promote_v the_o most_o ample_a diffusion_n and_o universal_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n among_o all_o rank_n and_o sort_n of_o man_n as_o the_o adverse_a partly_o seek_v to_o oppose_v and_o debase_v it_o we_o do_v not_o hereby_o mean_v a_o intermeddle_v in_o difficult_a matter_n a_o smattering_n in_o controversy_n and_o certain_a curiosity_n of_o opinion_n a_o store_n of_o unnecessary_a notion_n and_o of_o mere_a word_n and_o phrase_n which_o thing_n be_v common_o erroneous_a and_o at_o the_o best_a but_o injudicious_a and_o puff_v up_o the_o half-witted_a and_o self-conceited_a and_o make_v they_o troublesome_a to_o themselves_o and_o other_o but_o that_o which_o be_v here_o commend_v for_o a_o universal_a increase_n and_o propagation_n be_v to_o understand_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o essential_a truth_n of_o christianity_n to_o see_v their_o evidence_n to_o judge_v right_o of_o their_o weight_n and_o worth_n and_o to_o view_v their_o coherence_n and_o beside_o these_o to_o know_v so_o much_o of_o other_o truth_n as_o the_o different_a capacity_n of_o man_n will_v enable_v they_o for_o the_o better_n of_o their_o knowledge_n in_o the_o essential_o the_o mean_n of_o diffuse_v this_o light_n be_v well_o know_v as_o the_o constant_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o due_a form_n of_o cathechism_n the_o strict_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n repetition_n of_o sermon_n ●…ious_a conference_n read_v the_o word_n and_o prayer_n in_o family_n profitable_a communication_n among_o neighbour-christians_a in_o their_o daily_a converse_n the_o spread_a of_o practical_a book_n write_v by_o man_n of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o minister_n private_a application_n to_o those_o of_o their_o own_o charge_n with_o prudence_n and_o meekness_n for_o the_o same_o end_n that_o main_a principle_n of_o protestanism_n the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n as_o belong_v to_o all_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v assert_v and_o ●…indicated_v against_o that_o popish_a and_o brutish_a do●…trine_n of_o implicit_a faith_n in_o the_o church_n de●…rminations_n this_o be_v not_o to_o subject_a matter_n of_o ●aith_n to_o a_o private_a spirit_n but_o to_o refer_v they_o to_o ●…e_v divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o ●…e_v apprehend_v in_o the_o due_a and_o right_a use_n of_o ●eason_n which_o be_v a_o public_a and_o evident_a thing_n ●…d_n lie_v open_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o men._n and_o to_o man_n of_o sober_a mind_n serious_a for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o current_n of_o scripture_n be_v easy_o discernible_a moreover_o the_o general_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n lie_v much_o in_o the_o ingenuous_a education_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o common_a people_n in_o opposition_n to_o sordidness_n slavery_n and_o brutish_a rudeness_n though_o some_o look_n upon_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n with_o contempt_n and_o seem_v to_o value_v they_o no_o more_o than_o brute_n animal_n and_o think_v it_o enough_o that_o their_o governor_n understand_v and_o consider_v for_o they_o and_o not_o they_o for_o themselves_o yet_o christ_n have_v shed_v his_o blood_n as_o much_o for_o the_o redemption_n of_o that_o sort_n as_o of_o the_o noble_a and_o mighty_a and_o prudent_a and_o he_o have_v make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n and_o in_o the_o privilege_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o kingdom_n as_o for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n cast_v the_o advantage_n on_o the_o poor_a and_o mean_a side_n not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a be_v call_v be_v the_o observation_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n james_n witness_v that_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n rich_a in_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o those_o who_o god_n have_v choose_v must_v needs_o be_v instruct_v in_o his_o will._n that_o reasonable_a service_n that_o he_o require_v none_o can_v perform_v without_o knowledge_n ignorance_n be_v opposite_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o true_a christian_a piety_n which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o where_o it_o be_v not_o receive_v with_o understanding_n this_o general_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n have_v fall_v under_o a_o great_a suspicion_n of_o evil_n and_o it_o may_v be_v under_o the_o jealousy_n of_o ruler_n as_o dispose_v man_n to_o sedition_n rebellion_n heresy_n and_o schism_n but_o how_o great_a a_o reproach_n be_v hereby_o cast_v upon_o human_a nature_n or_o political_a government_n or_o both_o that_o the_o more_o rational_o apprehensive_a the_o body_n of_o a_o people_n be_v they_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o ungovernable_a as_o if_o government_n can_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o proper_a dignity_n and_o felicity_n of_o human_a nature_n what_o manner_n of_o civil_a state_n be_v that_o which_o degrade_v the_o subject_n from_o man_n to_o beast_n for_o a_o more_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o they_o what_o manner_n of_o christian_a church_n be_v that_o which_o to_o prevent_v heresy_n and_o schism_n take_v order_n that_o its_o member_n be_v no_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o unchristian_a inhuman_a policy_n in_o church_n or_o state_n the_o foundation_n whereof_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o people_n ignorance_n as_o for_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o ruler_n it_o be_v not_o weaken_v but_o strengthen_v by_o their_o people_n knowledge_n which_o in_o its_o right_n and_o proper_a tendency_n make_v they_o more_o conscientious_a and_o however_o more_o circumspect_a and_o considerate_a and_o consequent_o more_o easy_o manageable_a by_o a_o just_a and_o prudent_a government_n but_o gross_a ignorance_n tend_v to_o make_v they_o barbarous_a and_o belluine_a and_o in_o their_o mutiny_n and_o discontent_n uncounsellable_n and_o untameable_a and_o therefore_o very_o incongruous_a to_o a_o state_n govern_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n or_o humanity_n chap._n xx._n the_o advantage_n of_o human_a learning_n to_o the_o same_o end_n though_o religion_n rest_v not_o on_o human_a learning_n as_o its_o main_a support_n yet_o it_o seek_v and_o claim_v the_o necessary_a help_n thereof_o those_o who_o god_n design_n for_o eminent_a service_n he_o endue_v with_o eminent_a gift_n either_o by_o mean_n or_o miracle_n and_o he_o give_v every_o entrust_v servant_n a_o measure_n answerable_a to_o his_o degree_n the_o apostle_n who_o lay_v the_o foundation_n be_v wise_a master-builder_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o wisdom_n shall_v die_v with_o they_o when_o he_o settle_v his_o church_n to_o endure_v throughout_o all_o age_n and_o promise_v to_o be_v with_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v say_v indeed_o that_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o god_n be_v strong_a than_o men._n but_o that_o which_o be_v so_o call_v be_v not_o foolishness_n and_o weakness_n indeed_o but_o only_o so_o account_v by_o the_o pride_n of_o carnal_a wisdom_n in_o this_o learned_a age_n the_o antichristian_a state_n in_o christendom_n be_v force_v to_o advance_v learning_n in_o its_o own_o defence_n and_o now_o without_o learning_n either_o divine_o inspire_v or_o acquire_v by_o mean_n we_o can_v defend_v ourselves_o against_o it_o wherefore_o to_o destroy_v the_o support_n of_o learning_n be_v the_o way_n to_o subvert_v religion_n yea_o though_o we_o be_v not_o engage_v by_o such_o strength_n of_o the_o adversary_n to_o provide_v for_o our_o own_o defence_n yet_o solid_a human_a learning_n do_v of_o itself_o notable_o advance_v divine_a truth_n the_o learning_n that_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o world_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n apparent_o make_v way_n for_o that_o sudden_a and_o ample_a spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o revive_v thereof_o after_o a_o universal_a decay_n no_o less_o apparent_o make_v way_n for_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o this_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n
lot_n of_o inheritance_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o do_v not_o value_v the_o concern_v thereof_o above_o all_o his_o chief_a joy_n that_o be_v but_o of_o this_o world_n a_o zeal_n for_o the_o common_a faith_n and_o a_o constrane_n love_n to_o all_o the_o faithful_a have_v excite_v a_o very_a mean_a and_o weak_a one_o to_o do_v what_o he_o be_v able_a on_o this_o important_a subject_n impartial_o search_v after_o their_o common_a good_a let_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o society_n one_o of_o who_o name_n be_v counsellor_n deliver_v his_o flock_n from_o all_o dangerous_a and_o disadvantageous_a error_n and_o from_o wander_v in_o break_a party_n by_o unstable_a and_o divide_a counsel_n and_o show_v they_o gracious_o the_o right_a way_n of_o maintain_v a_o consistency_n among_o themselves_o and_o of_o gain_v upon_o the_o reconcilable_a part_n of_o man_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o this_o prince_n and_o leader_n be_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n who_o banner_n be_v love_n let_v his_o people_n every_o where_o be_v act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o show_v forth_o the_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n in_o all_o good_a conversation_n with_o humility_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a have_v this_o principle_n deep_o imprint_v in_o they_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n the_o point_n of_o church-unity_n and_o schism_n discuss_v chap._n i._n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o polity_n the_o church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a commonwealth_n which_o according_a to_o its_o primary_n and_o invisible_a state_n be_v a_o society_n of_o regenerate_a person_n who_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n christ_n their_o head_n and_o one_o to_o another_o as_o fellow_n member_n by_o a_o mystical_a union_n through_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o adopt_v to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o according_a to_o its_o secondary_a and_o visible_a state_n it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o person_n profess_v christianity_n or_o regeration_n and_o external_o join_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o the_o symbal_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o external_a privilege_n thereunto_o belong_v there_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n which_o according_a to_o the_o invisible_a form_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o true_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o according_a to_o its_o visible_a form_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o visible_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n or_o believer_n according_a to_o human_a judgement_n this_o church_n have_v one_o head_n and_o supreme_a lord_n even_o christ_n and_o one_o charter_n and_o system_n of_o law_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o member_n that_o be_v free_a denizen_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n and_o one_o form_n of_o admission_n or_o solemn_a initiation_n for_o its_o member_n and_o one_o kind_n of_o ministry_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n this_o church_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o its_o own_o fundamental_a constitution_n or_o of_o the_o law_n and_o officer_n and_o administration_n intrinsical_o belong_v to_o it_o but_o have_v receive_v all_o these_o from_o christ_n its_o head_n king_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o be_v limit_v by_o he_o in_o they_o all_o nevertheless_o it_o have_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o its_o act_n that_o be_v according_a to_o its_o several_a part_n a_o power_n of_o make_v secondary_a law_n or_o canon_n either_o to_o impress_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n upon_o its_o member_n or_o to_o regulate_v circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n in_o religion_n by_o determine_v thing_n necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la not_o determine_v of_o christ_n in_o specie_fw-la as_o the_o scripture_n set_v forth_o one_o catholic_n church_n so_o also_o many_o particular_a church_n as_o so_o many_o political_a society_n distinct_a from_o each_o other_o yet_o all_o compact_a together_o as_o part_n of_o that_o one_o ample_a society_n the_o catholic_n church_n each_o of_o these_o particular_a church_n have_v their_o proper_a elder_n or_o elder_n pastor_n or_o pastor_n have_v authority_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v they_o in_o christ_n name_n a_o ecclesiastical_a order_n of_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n that_o be_v not_o bishop_n be_v not_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n for_o all_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n be_v of_o a_o sacred_a order_n in_o the_o gospel_n church_n that_o be_v any_o where_o mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v therein_o set_v forth_o as_o bishop_n true_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v and_o be_v no_o where_o set_v forth_o as_o less_o than_o bishop_n these_o elder_n or_o bishop_n be_v personal_o to_o superintend_v all_o their_o flock_n and_o there_o be_v no_o grant_n from_o christ_n to_o discharge_v the_o same_o by_o delegate_n or_o substitute_n a_o distinction_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o a_o superiority_n of_o the_o former_a over_o the_o latter_a be_v after_o the_o scripture_n time_n ancient_o and_o general_o receive_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o diversity_n of_o order_n or_o office_n essential_o different_a but_o of_o degree_n in_o the_o same_o office_n the_o essential_a nature_n whereof_o be_v in_o both_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v a_o bishop_n not_o of_o a_o multitude_n of_o church_n but_o of_o one_o state_v ecclesiastical_a society_n or_o single_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o immediate_a pastor_n and_o he_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o immediate_a pastor_n towards_o they_o all_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o not_o by_o delegate_n and_o substitute_n and_o he_o govern_v not_o alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o presbyter_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v the_o precedent_n though_o several_a city_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n have_v their_o different_a municipal_a law_n and_o privilege_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o charter_n yet_o particular_a church_n have_v no_o divine_a law_n and_o privilege_n diverse_a from_o each_o other_o but_o the_o same_o in_o common_a to_o they_o all_o because_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o charter_n in_o specie_fw-la from_o christ._n therefore_o each_o of_o they_o have_v the_o same_o power_n of_o government_n within_o themselves_o and_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o make_v man_n member_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v according_a to_o christ_n law_n sufficient_o qualify_v they_o to_o be_v member_n or_o minister_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n to_o which_o they_o have_v a_o due_a and_o orderly_o call_v local_a presential_a communion_n in_o god_n ordinance_n be_v a_o main_a end_n of_o erect_v particular_a church_n they_o shall_v in_o all_o reason_n consist_v of_o person_n who_o by_o their_o cohabitation_n in_o a_o vicinity_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o communion_n and_o there_o may_v not_o be_v a_o great_a local_a distance_n of_o the_o person_n than_o can_v stand_v with_o it_o a_o bishop_n church_n be_v ancient_o make_v up_o of_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n or_o town_n and_o the_o adjacent_a village_n who_o may_v and_o do_v personal_o meet_v together_o both_o for_o worship_n and_o discipline_n all_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o local_a precinct_n be_v most_o convenient_o bring_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o state_v church_n that_o there_o may_v be_v the_o great_a union_n among_o they_o and_o that_o the_o occasion_n of_o straggle_a and_o run_v into_o several_a party_n may_v be_v avoid_v yet_o this_o local_a partition_n of_o church_n be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o invariable_a but_o if_o there_o be_v some_o insuperable_a impediment_n thereof_o the_o partition_n must_v be_v make_v as_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n will_v admit_v no_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n can_v by_o divine_a right_n or_o warrant_v claim_v any_o assign_a circuit_n of_o ground_n as_o his_o propriety_n for_o ecclesiastical_a government_n as_o a_o prince_n claim_v certain_a territory_n as_o his_o propriety_n for_o civil_a government_n so_o that_o no_o other_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n may_v without_o his_o licence_n do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o within_o that_o circuit_n it_o be_v not_o the_o conjunction_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n with_o the_o generality_n or_o the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o people_n that_o of_o itself_o declare_v the_o only_a rightful_a pastor_n or_o true_a church_n within_o this_o or_o that_o circuit_n for_o many_o cause_n may_v require_v and_o justify_v the_o be_v of_o other_o church_n therein_o see_v particular_a church_n be_v so_o many_o integral_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o each_o other_o help_v in_o thing_n that_o concern_v they_o joint_o and_o several_o and_o they_o have_v all_o a_o influence_n on_o each_o other_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n lead_v they_o to_o association_n or_o combination_n great_a and_o lesser_a according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o the_o orderly_a state_n that_o be_v requisite_a in_o all_o association_n do_v natural_o require_v some_o regular_a
but_o their_o superior_n may_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n that_o be_v fierce_a and_o violent_a but_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v dovelike_o meek_a and_o harmless_a and_o that_o spirit_n incline_v to_o deal_v tender_o with_o the_o conscience_n of_o inferior_n tenderness_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v or_o expose_v to_o scorn_n because_o some_o may_v false_o pretend_v to_o it_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n be_v compassionate_a towards_o his_o member_n and_o he_o have_v say_v whoso_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n as_o the_o way_n of_o unity_n lie_v much_o in_o the_o wisdom_n equity_n and_o charity_n of_o superior_n so_o in_o the_o humility_n and_o due_a submission_n of_o inferior_n in_o their_o ready_a close_n with_o what_o be_v commendable_a in_o the_o public_a constitution_n in_o their_o bear_n with_o what_o be_v tolerable_a in_o make_v the_o best_a improvement_n of_o what_o be_v therein_o improvable_a for_o their_o own_o and_o other_o edification_n in_o a_o word_n in_o deny_v no_o compliance_n which_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n do_v not_o forbid_v matter_n of_o public_a injunction_n which_o inferior_n stick_v at_o may_v be_v consider_v by_o they_o either_o as_o in_o themselves_o unlawful_a or_o as_o inexpedient_a now_o it_o be_v not_o only_o or_o chief_o the_o inexpediency_n of_o thing_n command_v but_o the_o suppose_a unlawfulness_n of_o divers_a of_o those_o thing_n that_o the_o nonconformist_n general_o stick_v at_o whereof_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o render_v a_o particular_a account_n when_o it_o will_v be_v admit_v howbeit_o a_o question_n may_v arise_v about_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o submission_n to_o thing_n not_o in_o themselves_o unlawful_a but_o inexpedient_a especial_o in_o respect_n of_o scandal_n the_o solution_n whereof_o may_v be_v requisite_a for_o the_o clear_n of_o our_o way_n in_o such_o thing_n upon_o this_o question_n it_o may_v be_v note_v that_o in_o those_o case_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o right_a of_o command_v there_o be_v no_o due_a of_o obedience_n nevertheless_o thing_n unwarrantable_o command_v be_v sometime_o warrantable_o observe_v though_o not_o in_o obedience_n yet_o in_o prudence_n as_o to_o procure_v peace_n and_o to_o show_v a_o readiness_n to_o all_o possible_a compliance_n with_o superior_n moreover_o ruler_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o command_v that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v not_o unlawful_a when_o christian_a charity_n forbid_v to_o do_v it_o in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n by_o reason_n of_o evil_a consequent_n for_o all_o authority_n be_v give_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n likewise_o our_o christian_a liberty_n include_v no_o licence_n to_o do_v that_o act_n at_o the_o command_n of_o ruler_n the_o do_v of_o which_o in_o regard_n of_o circumstance_n be_v uncharitable_a but_o here_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v how_o far_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n do_v extend_v in_o this_o case_n and_o when_o it_o do_v or_o do_v not_o forbid_v my_o observance_n of_o what_o the_o ruler_n have_v unwarrantable_o because_o uncharitable_o command_v true_a charity_n do_v not_o whole_o destroy_v christian_n liberty_n though_o it_o regulate_v the_o use_n thereof_o and_o it_o do_v not_o extend_v it_o so_o far_o one_o way_n as_o to_o destroy_v itself_o another_o way_n if_o i_o be_o bind_v up_o from_o do_v every_o indifferent_a thing_n at_o which_o weak_a conscience_n will_v take_v offence_n my_o liberty_n be_v turn_v into_o bondage_n and_o i_o be_o leave_v in_o thraldom_n to_o other_o man_n endless_a scrupulosity_n this_o be_v i_o think_v a_o yoke_n which_o christian_n be_v not_o fit_v nor_o able_a to_o bear_v this_o bondage_n be_v great_a and_o the_o burden_n lie_v heavy_a upon_o i_o if_o by_o reason_n of_o other_o weakness_n i_o must_v be_v bind_v up_o from_o observe_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n at_o the_o command_n of_o ruler_n and_o by_o they_o make_v the_o condition_n of_o my_o liberty_n for_o public_a service_n in_o the_o church_n when_o my_o conscience_n be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o otherwise_o expedient_a for_o i_o to_o do_v it_o as_o for_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o enjoin_v the_o ruler_n must_v look_v to_o that_o be_v some_o displease_v and_o grieve_v that_o i_o do_v it_o as_o many_o or_o more_o may_v be_v displease_v and_o grieve_v if_o i_o do_v it_o not_o do_v some_o take_v occasion_n by_o my_o necessary_a use_n of_o a_o just_a liberty_n to_o embolden_v themselves_o to_o sin_n my_o forbear_n of_o it_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n to_o other_o as_o their_o persist_v in_o some_o troublesome_a error_n to_o their_o own_o and_o other_o spiritual_a damage_n and_o in_o unwarrantable_a noncompliance_n with_o their_o governor_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o my_o liberty_n for_o public_a service_n consequent_a to_o such_o forbearance_n must_v also_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n when_o both_o the_o use_n and_o forbear_v of_o my_o liberty_n be_v clog_v with_o evil_a consequent_n i_o know_v no_o safe_a way_n than_o due_o to_o consider_v of_o what_o moment_n the_o consequent_n be_v on_o either_o side_n and_o to_o incline_v to_o that_o which_o have_v the_o lesser_a evil_n herein_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o prudent_a be_v to_o direct_v his_o way_n upon_o the_o impartial_a view_n of_o all_o circumstance_n which_o come_v under_o his_o prospect_n and_o if_o good_a conscience_n and_o right_a reason_n guide_v by_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n lead_v i_o to_o make_v use_n of_o my_o christian_a liberty_n in_o compliance_n with_o my_o superior_n i_o must_v humble_o and_o charitable_o apply_v myself_o to_o remove_v the_o offence_n that_o some_o take_v by_o clear_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o my_o act_n to_o their_o judgement_n but_o if_o that_o can_v be_v discern_v by_o they_o i_o be_o by_o my_o christian_a good_a behaviour_n to_o make_v it_o evident_a to_o their_o conscience_n what_o in_o i_o lie_v that_o what_o i_o do_v i_o do_v sincere_o and_o faithful_o and_o that_o i_o be_o no_o temporizer_n man-pleas_a and_o self-seek_a i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o that_o high_a say_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v do_v admit_v such_o equitable_a interpretation_n as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n person_n and_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o thing_n declare_v to_o be_v most_o reasonable_a a_o humble_a representation_n of_o my_o own_o case_n touch_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n i_o have_v be_v in_o the_o ministry_n near_o forty_o year_n have_v be_v ordain_v presbyter_n according_a to_o the_o form_n of_o ordination_n use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o be_v call_v to_o this_o sacred_a order_n i_o hold_v myself_o indispensible_o oblige_v to_o the_o work_n thereof_o as_o god_n enable_v i_o and_o give_v i_o opportunity_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n be_v signify_v in_o the_o form_n of_o word_n by_o which_o i_o be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o thereunto_o viz._n receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o sin_n thou_o do_v forgive_v they_o be_v forgive_v and_o who_o sin_n thou_o do_v retain_v they_o be_v retain_v and_o be_v thou_o a_o faithful_a dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a sacrament_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n amen_n the_o former_a part_n of_o these_o word_n be_v use_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o apostle_n in_o confer_v upon_o they_o the_o pastoral_n authority_n full_o prove_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o presbyter_n be_v pastoral_n and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o which_o be_v ordinary_a in_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o which_o they_o have_v successor_n likewise_o this_o church_n do_v then_o appoint_v that_o at_o the_o order_n of_o priest_n or_o presbyter_n certain_a portion_n of_o scripture_n shall_v be_v read_v as_o belong_v to_o their_o office_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o portion_n of_o act._n 20._o which_o relate_v st._n paul_n send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o congregation_n with_o his_o exhortation_n to_o they_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n to_o rule_v the_o congregation_n of_o god_n or_o else_o 1_o tim._n 3._o which_o set_v forth_o the_o office_n and_o due_a qualification_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o afterward_o the_o bishop_n speak_v to_o they_o that_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o office_n of_o priesthood_n in_o this_o form_n