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declare_v as_o st_n paul_n do_v that_o every_o soul_n even_o the_o great_a apostle_n as_o st._n chrysostome_n interpret_v he_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o it_o be_v a_o religion_n which_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n but_o jesus_n christ_n no_o other_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o his_o word_n no_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n but_o his_o death_n no_o purgatory_n but_o his_o blood_n nor_o any_o merit_n but_o his_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n a_o religion_n therefore_o which_o have_v little_a of_o outward_a pomp_n and_o show_n but_o much_o of_o inward_a substance_n life_n and_o power_n which_o ordain_v few_o ceremony_n but_o minister_n abundant_a instruction_n and_o consolation_n which_o attribute_v little_a to_o distinction_n of_o meat_n but_o prescribe_v fast_v and_o
in_o humane_a reason_n they_o can_v by_o no_o other_o mean_n be_v remedy_v than_o by_o the_o special_a hand_n of_o heaven_n which_o we_o come_v therefore_o here_o to_o implore_v in_o a_o particular_a blessing_n upon_o the_o consultation_n and_o endeavour_n of_o the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o in_o defeat_v the_o wicked_a counsel_n and_o device_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o unite_n the_o heart_n of_o all_o his_o majesty_n loyal_a protestant_a subject_n but_o these_o great_a blessing_n we_o can_v reasonable_o hope_v to_o obtain_v no_o not_o by_o our_o fast_n and_o humiliation_n and_o prayer_n unless_o we_o endeavour_v a_o true_a reconciliation_n with_o god_n by_o be_v unfeigned_o penitent_a and_o resolve_v to_o forsake_v those_o sin_n which_o we_o ourselves_o confess_v have_v bring_v we_o into_o such_o distress_n and_o perplexity_n as_o nothing_o else_o can_v remedy_v now_o in_o order_n unto_o this_o as_o i_o excite_v you_o on_o the_o last_o day_n of_o solemn_a fast_n 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great_a deal_n of_o bustle_n and_o stir_v about_o religion_n for_o which_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v mighty_o concern_v but_o the_o inward_a life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o be_v general_o want_v which_o we_o do_v not_o love_v to_o be_v trouble_v withal_o nay_o we_o can_v scarce_o say_v so_o much_o of_o our_o people_n as_o god_n do_v of_o judah_n in_o the_o first_o lesson_n for_o evening_n prayer_n lviii_o isai_n 2._o they_o seek_v i_o daily_o and_o delight_n to_o know_v my_o way_n as_o a_o nation_n that_o do_v righteousness_n and_o forsake_v not_o the_o ordinance_n of_o their_o god_n etc._n etc._n which_o alas_o we_o have_v most_o open_o desert_v though_o this_o be_v far_o short_a we_o find_v in_o that_o chapter_n of_o make_v they_o a_o acceptable_a nation_n to_o he_o at_o the_o best_a we_o must_v confess_v we_o be_v fall_v asleep_a and_o grow_v very_o slothful_a as_o our_o saviour_n here_o suppose_v ver_fw-la 2._o they_o of_o sardis_n to_o have_v be_v and_o there_o be_v so_o great_a and_o universal_a a_o decay_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o goodness_n among_o we_o that_o we_o be_v in_o apparent_a danger_n to_o lose_v the_o small_a remainder_n of_o it_o something_o good_a there_o be_v still_o leave_v in_o this_o church_n as_o there_o be_v in_o that_o but_o far_o from_o that_o entire_a and_o complete_a obedience_n which_o our_o lord_n expect_v from_o we_o as_o will_v appear_v by_o consider_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o for_o our_o recovery_n to_o a_o better_a condition_n and_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n which_o our_o lord_n here_o require_v of_o they_o in_o my_o text_n and_o be_v incumbent_a upon_o every_o one_o of_o we_o as_o our_o necessary_a duty_n if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v from_o our_o present_a danger_n first_o to_o remember_v what_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v second_o to_o hold_v it_o fast_o three_o to_o repent_v of_o their_o forgetfulness_n i_o suppose_v their_o looseness_n and_o indifferency_n in_o their_o religion_n i_o shall_v treat_v of_o they_o all_o in_o the_o order_n wherein_o they_o stand_v and_o consider_v they_o both_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o that_o church_n to_o who_o they_o be_v first_o deliver_v and_o then_o with_o respect_n to_o we_o who_o have_v no_o less_o need_n of_o such_o admonition_n i._o the_o first_o of_o they_o suppose_v that_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v some_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o entertain_v with_o belief_n and_o have_v hear_v it_o also_o often_o since_o inculcate_v and_o press_v so_o i_o understand_v the_o word_n by_o those_o pastor_n who_o be_v set_v over_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n or_o those_o who_o first_o deliver_v the_o truth_n unto_o they_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o which_o i_o must_v not_o here_o speak_v at_o large_a but_o only_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v that_o way_n of_o serve_v god_n which_o be_v prescribe_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o we_o now_o read_v what_o they_o then_o receive_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o understand_v full_o what_o we_o must_v believe_v and_o do_v to_o be_v save_v now_o as_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o which_o god_n more_o frequent_o ascribe_v the_o sin_n and_o particular_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n than_o their_o forgetfulness_n of_o he_o and_o of_o his_o law_n and_o of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o they_o so_o this_o very_a thing_n stupid_a forgetfulness_n and_o neglect_n of_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deliver_v by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o mighty_a deed_n introduce_v that_o deadness_n in_o religion_n of_o which_o our_o saviour_n complain_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o he_o foresee_v will_v bring_v in_o all_o the_o corruption_n which_o afterward_o follow_v in_o the_o church_n and_o begin_v very_o early_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n for_o there_o arise_v false_a apostle_n and_o false_a prophet_n nay_o direct_a antichrist_n as_o this_o very_a apostle_n sr_n john_n tell_v we_o man_n who_o deny_v the_o only_a lord_n god_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n slight_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o lasciviousness_n nay_o bring_v back_o the_o old_a idolatry_n as_o you_o read_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n of_o this_o book_n vers_fw-la 14.20_o and_o though_o this_o church_n of_o sardis_n be_v not_o charge_v with_o so_o deep_a a_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n as_o those_o of_o pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n yet_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o it_o unless_o they_o take_v this_o advice_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o remember_v better_a than_o they_o have_v do_v what_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v give_v of_o old_a to_o the_o israelite_n to_o prevent_v their_o defection_n from_o he_o in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o book_n of_o deuteronomy_n viij_o 1_o 2_o 18_o etc._n etc._n and_o which_o his_o prophet_n be_v wont_a to_o give_v in_o after_o time_n as_o the_o first_o step_n to_o their_o recovery_n when_o they_o have_v revolt_v from_o god_n their_o saviour_n xlvi_o isai_n 8_o 9_o vi_fw-la mic._n 5._o who_o here_o call_v upon_o his_o church_n in_o like_a manner_n to_o bring_v to_o remembrance_n and_o think_v again_o and_o again_o till_o they_o have_v fix_v it_o in_o their_o mind_n what_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o with_o what_o affection_n also_o they_o have_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n of_o god_n grace_n for_o that_o may_v be_v imply_v in_o the_o particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d how_o you_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v as_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o lapse_v far_o into_o a_o worse_a condition_n and_o lose_v that_o good_a which_o be_v still_o remain_v but_o ready_a to_o die_v among_o they_o this_o the_o apostle_n afterward_o endeavour_v with_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n and_o promise_v as_o we_o read_v in_o st._n peter_n 2._o i_o 12_o 13_o 15._o to_o endeavour_v that_o after_o their_o decease_n they_o may_v have_v those_o thing_n in_o remembrance_n always_o which_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v but_o for_o want_v of_o the_o like_a diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n in_o the_o people_n who_o do_v not_o take_v such_o heed_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v to_o these_o admonition_n the_o christian_a religion_n in_o process_n of_o time_n be_v so_o adulterate_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n fall_v into_o that_o lamentable_a apostasy_n which_o be_v foretell_v and_o describe_v in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o which_o we_o see_v now_o fulfil_v too_o plain_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o those_o of_o its_o
communion_n which_o have_v so_o far_o degenerate_v from_o the_o primitive_a christianity_n such_o be_v the_o mischief_n of_o not_o reflect_v perpetual_o upon_o what_o be_v first_o deliver_v and_o receive_v that_o their_o religion_n look_v more_o like_o the_o old_a paganism_n revive_v in_o a_o new_a shape_n than_o that_o good_a old_a way_n of_o worship_v god_n which_o our_o saviour_n teach_v when_o he_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o they_o be_v still_o plunge_v themselves_o further_o into_o such_o gross_a superstition_n as_o endanger_v the_o very_a be_v of_o christianity_n by_o magnify_v the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o st._n francis_n to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o they_o be_v regard_v more_o than_o christ_n himself_n that_o a_o reformation_n become_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o be_v general_o desire_v as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v by_o man_n of_o the_o great_a note_n in_o these_o part_n of_o christendom_n for_o choice_n learning_n and_o piety_n nay_o in_o that_o very_a council_n which_o they_o themselves_o pack_v to_o hinder_v the_o reformation_n that_o of_o trent_n i_o mean_v ten_o several_a kingdom_n and_o state_n desire_v both_o by_o their_o ambassador_n and_o prelate_n that_o the_o cup_n in_o the_o holy_a communion_n may_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o people_n from_o who_o it_o have_v be_v sacrilegious_o take_v to_o the_o manifest_a violation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o have_v institute_v it_o in_o both_o kind_n and_o many_o press_v for_o divine_a service_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n the_o want_n of_o which_o be_v another_o palpable_a corruption_n and_o shameless_a abuse_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o many_o desire_v may_v be_v reform_v in_o other_o particular_n but_o nothing_o can_v be_v obtain_v from_o they_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o baffle_v all_o these_o pious_a endeavour_n in_o order_n to_o which_o they_o take_v such_o a_o course_n that_o there_o be_v more_o italian_a bishop_n in_o that_o council_n who_o 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receive_v 3._o and_o among_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o by_o our_o faith_n the_o holy_a scripture_n teach_v we_o this_o as_o plain_o as_o any_o whatsoever_o that_o christian_a people_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o their_o pastor_n the_o guide_n and_o conductor_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n who_o spiritual_a authority_n over_o they_o be_v to_o be_v reverence_v though_o not_o as_o infallible_a yet_o as_o most_o valuable_a not_o to_o be_v follow_v blindfold_a but_o fit_a to_o be_v consult_v on_o all_o occasion_n and_o most_o to_o be_v rely_v on_o in_o dubious_a case_n there_o be_v no_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n more_o undoubted_a than_o this_o that_o a_o pilot_n be_v not_o more_o necessary_a in_o a_o ship_n or_o a_o shepherd_n to_o watch_v over_o the_o flock_n than_o such_o spiritual_a shepherd_n and_o guide_n be_v to_o teach_v direct_a and_o govern_v christ_n church_n and_o that_o among_o other_o mean_n and_o help_n which_o christian_n people_n shall_v use_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n the_o direction_n of_o their_o guide_n be_v the_o chief_a to_o who_o it_o belong_v as_o to_o receive_v man_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n so_o after_o they_o be_v thus_o bear_v again_o to_o breed_v they_o up_o in_o their_o religion_n as_o their_o spiritual_a parent_n to_o expound_v and_o interpret_v to_o they_o the_o holy_a write_n and_o out_o of_o they_o to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a convince_v gainsayer_n correct_v the_o people_n mistake_n reprove_v their_o sin_n stir_v they_o up_o to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n satisfy_v the_o scrupulous_a censure_v the_o contumacious_a absolve_v the_o penitent_a and_o administer_v comfort_n to_o deject_a spirit_n the_o people_n indeed_o aught_o to_o examine_v whether_o the_o thing_n they_o deliver_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o or_o no_o as_o the_o beroean_n do_v and_o be_v commend_v for_o it_o xvii_o act_n and_o conscientious_o to_o discern_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n between_o the_o right_a faith_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n propound_v to_o they_o by_o their_o pastor_n and_o the_o poison_a doctrine_n of_o heretic_n and_o deceiver_n but_o they_o must_v not_o judge_v alone_o without_o their_o direction_n and_o guidance_n nor_o hasty_o conclude_v their_o teacher_n to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n nor_o rash_o dissent_v from_o they_o and_o refuse_v to_o follow_v their_o direction_n but_o rather_o suspect_v themselves_o and_o inquire_v further_o when_o they_o think_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o assent_v to_o they_o and_o in_o the_o issue_n if_o the_o thing_n they_o deliver_v be_v not_o plain_o against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o suspect_v their_o own_o judgement_n rather_o than_o contradict_v those_o who_o god_n without_o all_o doubt_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v their_o instructor_n and_o guide_n by_o which_o principle_n we_o have_v quite_o shut_v out_o the_o roman_a tyranny_n on_o one_o hand_n who_o will_v lead_v the_o people_n blindfold_a whereas_o we_o endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o see_v and_o require_v they_o to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o show_v they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o mislead_v they_o and_o avoid_v also_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o wild_a frantic_a liberty_n of_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v lead_v at_o all_o but_o go_v alone_o and_o guide_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o private_a judgement_n as_o by_o the_o other_o principle_n also_o of_o stick_v to_o the_o scripture_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n we_o have_v cut_v off_o all_o the_o fond_a tradition_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o they_o have_v equal_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o have_v retain_v many_o thing_n of_o ancient_a observation_n which_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a but_o not_o sinful_a for_o peace_n and_o decency_n sake_n because_o we_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v undertake_v
much_o more_o to_o revile_v and_o rail_v at_o their_o authority_n and_o yet_o some_o have_v proceed_v thus_o far_o in_o their_o opposition_n to_o they_o nay_o deny_v they_o have_v any_o authority_n at_o all_o the_o woeful_a effect_n of_o which_o we_o see_v as_o in_o other_o thing_n so_o in_o the_o division_n that_o be_v among_o we_o which_o have_v open_v a_o gap_n for_o popery_n and_o we_o all_o fear_n will_v bring_v it_o in_o but_o we_o will_v not_o see_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v that_o all_o those_o division_n have_v spring_v from_o this_o other_o cause_n and_o still_o be_v maintain_v and_o widen_v by_o the_o general_a contempt_n of_o those_o who_o guidance_n ought_v to_o be_v religious_o observe_v which_o if_o we_o will_v not_o regard_v as_o god_n command_v we_o we_o shall_v inevitable_o run_v ourselves_o out_o of_o our_o religion_n for_o our_o division_n which_o this_o day_n we_o come_v to_o lament_v we_o all_o confess_v will_v do_v the_o business_n if_o they_o be_v not_o cure_v 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adhere_v unto_o they_o in_o hearty_a love_n and_o esteem_v of_o they_o for_o their_o work_n sake_n there_o will_v be_v a_o marvellous_a increase_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n and_o goodness_n without_o that_o strife_n and_o contention_n which_o now_o blast_v they_o both_o 3._o but_o if_o prince_n do_v not_o make_v such_o good_a choice_n as_o they_o ought_v of_o spiritual_a governor_n or_o if_o those_o spiritual_a governor_n by_o their_o negligence_n ordain_v worse_a inferior_a minister_n yet_o the_o authority_n of_o order_v or_o reform_v thing_n do_v not_o by_o devolution_n come_v to_o the_o people_n nor_o will_v this_o justify_v their_o disobedience_n to_o they_o but_o their_o christian_a duty_n be_v as_o manifest_v in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o any_o other_o which_o lie_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o they_o ought_v to_o fall_v the_o more_o earnest_o to_o their_o prayer_n both_o for_o their_o king_n and_o for_o all_o in_o authority_n under_o he_o especial_o their_o spiritual_a pastor_n the_o scripture_n enjoin_v both_o and_o the_o gross_a neglect_n of_o both_o be_v one_o cause_n thing_n be_v no_o better_o among_o we_o what_o other_o meaning_n be_v there_o of_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n two_o 1_o 2._o i_o will_v that_o supplication_n etc._n etc._n be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o in_o authority_n that_o we_o may_v lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n and_o why_o do_v the_o same_o apostle_n frequent_o desire_v the_o church_n will_v be_v help_v by_o prayer_n for_o he_o who_o need_v they_o less_o than_o we_o do_v but_o to_o teach_v all_o christian_n how_o earnest_o they_o shall_v recommend_v those_o to_o god_n guidance_n who_o be_v to_o guide_v they_o read_v 2_o cor._n i_o 11._o vi_fw-la ephes_n 19_o and_o other_o place_n and_o if_o they_o find_v that_o their_o prayer_n be_v ineffectual_a there_o be_v no_o amendment_n in_o those_o that_o shall_v take_v care_n of_o they_o their_o duty_n second_o be_v to_o examine_v serious_o and_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o cause_n why_o they_o can_v prevail_v and_o a_o little_a consideration_n will_v teach_v they_o that_o in_o all_o likelihood_n it_o proceed_v from_o their_o own_o sin_n who_o deserve_v no_o better_a governor_n and_o pastor_n for_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n to_o the_o second_o lesson_n for_o evening_n prayer_n lix_o isai_n 1_o 2._o the_o lord_n hand_n be_v not_o shorten_v that_o he_o can_v save_v neither_o his_o ear_n heavy_a that_o he_o can_v hear_v but_o your_o iniquity_n have_v separate_v between_o you_o and_o your_o god_n and_o your_o sin_n have_v hide_v his_o face_n from_o you_o that_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v and_o for_o what_o sin_n do_v you_o think_v it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o we_o in_o this_o nation_n and_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o this_o people_n than_o their_o disesteem_a of_o christ_n minister_n even_o of_o the_o best_a of_o they_o their_o contempt_n of_o their_o office_n their_o proneness_n to_o disobedience_n nay_o their_o scurrility_n and_o scoff_v at_o all_o spiritual_a authority_n and_o such_o like_a sin_n express_o forbid_v in_o god_n holy_a word_n with_o which_o this_o church_n alas_o abound_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o with_o supplication_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o they_o all_o be_v more_o forward_o to_o find_v fault_n if_o not_o to_o rail_v and_o revile_v than_o to_o beseech_v god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n to_o give_v they_o pastor_n after_o his_o own_o heart_n or_o to_o examine_v their_o own_o conscience_n how_o they_o have_v provoke_v god_n by_o their_o unprofitableness_n at_o least_o under_o the_o best_a mean_n of_o grace_n that_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o 4._o but_o let_v we_o suppose_v further_o that_o the_o governor_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o only_o negligent_a but_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o their_o authority_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o the_o people_n by_o enjoin_v thing_n which_o they_o take_v to_o be_v unlawful_a yet_o this_o will_v not_o warrant_v their_o contempt_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o their_o cast_v off_o all_o obedience_n to_o they_o but_o two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v whether_o they_o be_v certain_a the_o command_v of_o their_o governor_n be_v unlawful_a or_o they_o only_o fear_v they_o be_v in_o the_o first_o case_n indeed_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v obey_v in_o such_o thing_n but_o by_o the_o people_n care_n to_o obey_v in_o all_o other_o which_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v lawful_a they_o ought_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v only_a respect_n to_o god_n which_o make_v they_o not_o comply_v in_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o they_o to_o be_v apparent_o unlawful_a and_o so_o unity_n in_o most_o thing_n be_v preserve_v they_o will_v be_v the_o easy_a bring_v to_o see_v their_o error_n on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o but_o in_o the_o other_o case_n when_o they_o be_v not_o certain_a the_o thing_n command_v be_v unlawful_a which_o be_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o all_o our_o division_n but_o only_o suspect_v they_o to_o be_v so_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v reason_n that_o the_o people_n shall_v not_o disobey_v a_o certain_a command_n of_o god_n which_o require_v they_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o governor_n when_o they_o be_v not_o certain_a there_o be_v a_o cause_n for_o their_o refusal_n the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v allow_v they_o be_v humble_o to_o desire_v those_o law_n may_v be_v alter_v or_o if_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v the_o proper_a judge_n of_o such_o matter_n can_v think_v it_o safe_a to_o make_v such_o alteration_n as_o be_v desire_v then_o bare_o to_o suspend_v their_o obedience_n in_o what_o they_o fear_v be_v unlawful_a till_o they_o can_v be_v better_o
satisfy_v but_o fear_v withal_o it_o may_v prove_v a_o sin_n not_o to_o obey_v to_o use_v all_o mean_n for_o satisfaction_n not_o absolute_o deny_v obedience_n much_o less_o revile_v their_o injunction_n or_o make_v violent_a opposition_n to_o they_o which_o common_o end_v in_o wrest_v all_o authority_n out_o of_o their_o pastor_n hand_n but_o mere_o not_o do_v for_o the_o present_a what_o be_v enjoin_v modest_o entreat_v their_o forbearance_n in_o such_o matter_n or_o if_o it_o can_v be_v obtain_v peaceable_o and_o patient_o submit_v to_o their_o censure_n which_o sure_a will_v not_o be_v heavy_a upon_o such_o humble_a modest_a and_o true_o conscientious_a christian_n if_o they_o shall_v god_n will_v judge_v such_o governor_n for_o their_o unreasonable_a severity_n but_o there_o will_v rather_o be_v way_n find_v out_o to_o make_v up_o the_o difference_n without_o take_v their_o pastor_n power_n from_o they_o and_o govern_v themselves_o as_o they_o please_v for_o god_n i_o be_o confident_a will_v enlighten_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o to_o see_v either_o their_o error_n in_o enjoin_v or_o in_o not_o obey_v 5._o and_o this_o that_o i_o have_v say_v be_v the_o least_o that_o can_v be_v mean_v in_o such_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o these_o 1_o thess_n v._o 12_o 13._o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n to_o know_v that_o be_v to_o love_v they_o which_o labour_n among_o you_o and_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o admonish_v you_o and_o to_o esteem_v they_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n and_o to_o be_v at_o peace_n among_o yourselves_o which_o they_o can_v not_o fail_v to_o be_v as_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v close_o to_o their_o spiritual_a instructor_n and_o governor_n and_o xiii_o heb._n 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n etc._n etc._n and_o 1_o pet._n v._o 5._o likewise_o you_o young_a submit_v yourselves_o unto_o the_o elder_n where_o first_o observe_v the_o name_n give_v to_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n viz._n elder_n which_o import_v a_o office_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o language_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o here_o in_o st._n peter_n imply_v so_o high_a a_o authority_n in_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v more_o danger_n of_o its_o grow_v too_o imperious_a than_o of_o its_o be_v slight_v and_o disobey_v for_o he_o require_v the_o elder_n to_o feed_v that_o be_v govern_v as_o well_o as_o teach_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n not_o as_o lord_n of_o god_n heritage_n but_o be_v ensample_n to_o the_o flock_n ver_fw-la 2_o 3._o which_o caution_n against_o domineer_a and_o lording_n it_o as_o we_o speak_v have_v be_v idle_a if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o the_o obedience_n due_a and_o pay_v then_o to_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o may_v easy_o grow_v extravagant_a such_o be_v the_o reverence_n they_o have_v to_o their_o person_n and_o deference_n to_o their_o judgement_n and_o submission_n to_o their_o authority_n for_o the_o word_n submit_v you_o may_v observe_v further_o be_v the_o very_a same_o whereby_o he_o express_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n ver_fw-la 13._o the_o obedience_n he_o will_v have_v they_o give_v to_o king_n and_o those_o in_o authority_n under_o they_o and_o therefore_o can_v signify_v less_o than_o that_o their_o direction_n ought_v to_o be_v follow_v and_o the_o flock_v rule_v by_o their_o order_n in_o all_o thing_n where_o god_n have_v not_o order_v otherways_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v afraid_a to_o offend_v they_o by_o disobedience_n and_o much_o more_o by_o shake_v off_o subjection_n to_o they_o and_o deny_v their_o authority_n 6._o which_o include_v in_o it_o a_o power_n of_o ordain_v and_o constitute_v the_o manner_n of_o perform_v the_o service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o word_n which_o require_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 40._o the_o thing_n themselves_o to_o be_v do_v which_o that_o place_n speak_v of_o be_v many_o of_o they_o specify_v in_o that_o very_a chapter_n and_o the_o rest_n in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o decent_a manner_n form_n and_o order_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v do_v be_v not_o where_o particular_o define_v there_o and_o therefore_o though_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o precept_n no_o body_n have_v power_n to_o form_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n new_a object_n of_o worship_n new_a sacrament_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v abuse_v her_o power_n yet_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n be_v thus_o prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n the_o order_n disposition_n form_n and_o manner_n of_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v leave_v hereby_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o can_v indeed_o enact_v into_o law_n bind_v by_o civil_a penalty_n yet_o no_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o who_o that_o power_n belong_v ever_o deny_v they_o a_o directive_n power_n in_o make_v rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o at_o any_o time_n make_v they_o without_o they_o but_o always_o take_v their_o advice_n in_o such_o matter_n for_o who_o so_o well_o able_a to_o tell_v as_o they_o what_o be_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o scripture_n profitable_a for_o their_o flock_n and_o agreeable_a to_o what_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o always_o teach_v and_o it_o be_v as_o undoubted_a a_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n as_o any_o other_o that_o where_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v not_o give_v particular_a direction_n for_o the_o decent_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n they_o call_v for_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v for_o all_o case_n time_n and_o country_n there_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n who_o the_o holy_a scripture_n appoint_v to_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n be_v to_o draw_v up_o order_n and_o rule_n agreeable_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n which_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o observe_v and_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o interpret_v the_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n before_o mention_v in_o this_o manner_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v first_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d decent_o or_o honest_o after_o a_o comely_a beseem_a fashion_n with_o such_o rite_n as_o will_v procure_v veneration_n to_o holy_a thing_n at_o least_o secure_a the_o service_n of_o god_n from_o contempt_n and_o promote_v devotion_n in_o the_o people_n and_o the_o way_n to_o have_v thing_n do_v with_o such_o gravity_n as_o this_o word_n import_v be_v next_o to_o do_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o order_n or_o by_o the_o deliberate_a appointment_n of_o those_o who_o have_v authority_n to_o ordain_v such_o rite_n as_o will_v become_v holy_a action_n a_o example_n of_o which_o we_o have_v in_o that_o very_a chapter_n ver_fw-la 32._o where_o even_o such_o as_o have_v extraordinary_a spiritual_a gist_n be_v require_v to_o submit_v to_o this_o order_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n he_o say_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v there_o be_v such_o a_o subordination_n in_o that_o order_n of_o man_n that_o when_o one_o be_v prophesy_v he_o be_v to_o cease_v if_o a_o superior_a prophet_n command_v he_o silence_n which_o among_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n may_v silence_v those_o who_o question_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a governor_n of_o our_o church_n because_o of_o their_o superiority_n over_o other_o minister_n or_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o modest_a in_o this_o thing_n to_o say_v only_o this_o that_o christ_n sure_o do_v not_o leave_v his_o church_n without_o a_o government_n which_o have_v be_v to_o leave_v no_o church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v incredible_a the_o whole_a church_n pastor_n and_o people_n shall_v agree_v to_o change_v his_o government_n without_o any_o contradiction_n that_o we_o can_v find_v into_o this_o which_o we_o have_v if_o this_o be_v not_o it_o which_o he_o leave_v and_o that_o i_o think_v have_v be_v as_o little_a nay_o less_o question_v as_o any_o point_n of_o christianity_n which_o must_v needs_o weigh_v much_o with_o all_o considerate_a mind_n 7._o who_o likewise_o can_v but_o grant_v that_o thing_n be_v thus_o order_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n minister_n those_o constitution_n in_o all_o reason_n aught_o to_o be_v obey_v by_o those_o who_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o and_o not_o leave_v at_o liberty_n whether_o the_o people_n will_v observe_v they_o or_o no._n this_o be_v most_o judicious_o handle_v by_o mr_n calvin_n in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n of_o the_o four_o book_n of_o his_o institution_n which_o be_v well_o worth_a the_o
read_n by_o every_o body_n particular_o from_o the_o 27_o section_n to_o the_o end_n where_o he_o bid_v those_o who_o gainsay_v this_o and_o make_v opposition_n to_o it_o consider_v how_o they_o will_v approve_v their_o moroseness_n to_o god_n for_o we_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n of_o contend_v neither_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 8._o if_o we_o be_v real_o desirous_a then_o to_o make_v peace_n and_o restore_v unity_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v now_o so_o necessary_a that_o we_o be_v undo_v without_o it_o this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n wherein_o we_o ought_v all_o to_o unite_v in_o repent_v of_o the_o breach_n which_o have_v be_v make_v among_o we_o by_o slight_v our_o guide_n by_o cast_v off_o the_o government_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o despise_v nay_o revile_v their_o order_n i_o know_v how_o difficult_a it_o be_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o this_o because_o they_o throw_v the_o guilt_n off_o from_o themselves_o and_o so_o confident_o lay_v it_o all_o upon_o their_o governor_n that_o it_o be_v now_o general_o take_v for_o grant_v without_o any_o doubt_n they_o be_v in_o fault_n not_o the_o people_n who_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o they_o but_o a_o very_a little_a humility_n and_o modesty_n not_o to_o say_v common_a fence_n may_v teach_v we_o to_o make_v the_o favourable_a presumption_n on_o the_o side_n of_o authority_n and_o dispose_v the_o people_n to_o think_v it_o be_v more_o likely_a that_o they_o be_v mistake_v than_o their_o guide_n who_o ought_v indeed_o to_o have_v nothing_o so_o much_o in_o their_o thought_n as_o how_o to_o do_v service_n to_o christ_n honour_n to_o his_o religion_n good_a to_o soul_n by_o promote_a sincere_a piety_n and_o if_o they_o have_v be_v negligent_a in_o this_o deep_o to_o humble_v themselves_o before_o god_n and_o study_v to_o be_v ensample_n to_o the_o flock_n of_o serious_a repentance_n but_o if_o they_o fail_v in_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o people_n can_v never_o give_v a_o good_a account_n of_o their_o throw_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o obedience_n to_o they_o spurn_v at_o their_o authority_n and_o separate_v from_o communion_n with_o they_o the_o mischievous_a effect_n of_o which_o if_o nothing_o else_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o move_v they_o to_o repentance_n that_o be_v first_o to_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a for_o the_o breach_n they_o have_v make_v and_o reflect_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o original_n of_o all_o our_o misery_n and_o then_o beseech_v god_n most_o earnest_o to_o forgive_v it_o especial_o that_o open_a jest_n nay_o scoff_a which_o have_v be_v so_o rife_o among_o we_o at_o all_o spiritual_a authority_n which_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o serious_o acknowledge_v and_o resolve_v to_o reverence_n so_o as_o to_o be_v advise_v by_o they_o and_o take_v great_a heed_n to_o their_o counsel_n and_o resolution_n to_o weigh_v they_o considerate_o and_o not_o light_o and_o hasty_o to_o depart_v from_o they_o much_o less_o rise_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o they_o but_o when_o you_o be_v force_v by_o god_n command_n as_o you_o think_v to_o decline_v obedience_n in_o any_o particular_a injunction_n to_o be_v the_o more_o careful_a in_o observe_v the_o rest_n against_o which_o you_o have_v no_o exception_n and_o still_o to_o reverence_v their_o person_n and_o their_o authority_n when_o you_o can_v observe_v their_o command_n to_o speak_v well_o of_o they_o and_o peaceable_o to_o dissent_v from_o they_o remember_v that_o if_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o mistake_v you_o be_v much_o more_o and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v wise_a in_o your_o own_o conceit_n but_o to_o think_v sober_o of_o yourselves_o as_o you_o ought_v to_o think_v 9_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o peace_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o i_o may_v add_v all_o succeed_a pastor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o which_o i_o think_v good_a to_o remember_v you_o and_o to_o call_v you_o to_o repentance_n for_o depart_v from_o it_o and_o to_o exhort_v all_o people_n to_o return_v into_o it_o as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o our_o preservation_n and_o of_o make_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o god_n please_v to_o continue_v it_o effectual_a for_o our_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v amiss_o among_o we_o for_o as_o no_o kingdom_n can_v stand_v without_o religion_n so_o no_o religion_n can_v stand_v long_o no_o not_o this_o excellent_a religion_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v and_o i_o have_v brief_o describe_v without_o a_o due_a esteem_n of_o and_o regard_n to_o its_o minister_n in_o obedience_n to_o who_o even_o they_o who_o can_v comply_v with_o all_o public_a order_n will_v find_v more_o true_a comfort_n and_o more_o favour_n also_o with_o god_n and_o man_n than_o in_o any_o other_o way_n whatsoever_o but_o here_o be_v the_o mischief_n that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a error_n of_o mankind_n to_o seek_v that_o for_o off_o which_o as_o the_o lord_n tell_v his_o people_n be_v near_o at_o hand_n within_o they_o even_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o in_o their_o mouth_n if_o they_o will_v be_v but_o doer_n of_o his_o word_n and_o not_o hearer_n only_o they_o hunt_v up_o and_o down_o for_o remedy_n of_o their_o distraction_n but_o will_v not_o mind_v the_o obvious_a cure_n which_o be_v lay_v before_o they_o by_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o holy_a scripture_n where_o it_o shine_v clear_o enough_o if_o man_n passion_n do_v not_o eclipse_v it_o from_o they_o which_o be_v now_o so_o great_a and_o violent_a that_o it_o be_v a_o singular_a happiness_n if_o any_o person_n in_o this_o turbulent_a age_n can_v see_v the_o divine_a truth_n himself_o in_o point_n of_o great_a moment_n but_o to_o cause_v other_o to_o see_v it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o difficulty_n that_o there_o be_v small_a hope_n of_o it_o whilst_o they_o suffer_v their_o foul_a affection_n and_o passion_n like_o a_o steam_n from_o a_o great_a many_o dunghill_n to_o overcast_v the_o face_n of_o heaven_n whence_o light_n shall_v come_v into_o their_o soul_n and_o evaporate_v that_o inward_a filth_n which_o be_v lodge_v in_o their_o heart_n in_o abusive_a language_n as_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o choke_v the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o breathe_v in_o other_o mouth_n who_o breast_n god_n have_v inspire_v with_o his_o grace_n 10._o but_o this_o must_v not_o discourage_v god_n minister_n nor_o hinder_v they_o from_o assert_v their_o authority_n which_o be_v to_o rule_v the_o people_n and_o not_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o they_o to_o which_o course_n if_o we_o will_v not_o submit_v when_o god_n himself_o so_o plain_o direct_v to_o it_o all_o the_o way_n which_o humane_a policy_n can_v invent_v will_v prove_v ineffectual_a and_o never_o make_v a_o last_a union_n and_o peace_n among_o we_o if_o they_o make_v any_o at_o all_o but_o after_o man_n ill_a affection_n which_o they_o will_v not_o root_v out_o have_v be_v lay_v asleep_a and_o suppress_v for_o a_o time_n they_o will_v awake_v and_o break_v out_o again_o with_o the_o great_a violence_n and_o make_v worse_a disorder_n till_o with_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n our_o religion_n itself_o be_v bring_v into_o such_o contempt_n that_o as_o a_o punishment_n for_o our_o disobedience_n to_o just_a authority_n we_o fall_v under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o those_o who_o will_v use_v no_o moderation_n that_o be_v the_o heavy_a judgement_n i_o tell_v you_o in_o my_o last_o fast-sermon_n threaten_v before_o the_o late_a war_n by_o a_o great_a and_o holy_a divine_a of_o this_o church_n some_o of_o who_o word_n i_o have_v use_v now_o and_o then_o in_o this_o discourse_n for_o this_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n unto_o and_o contempt_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o whether_o this_o sin_n be_v not_o increase_v and_o grow_v more_o audacious_a since_o that_o time_n and_o consequent_o our_o danger_n great_a i_o leave_v you_o to_o consider_v and_o judge_v only_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o they_o who_o stand_v divide_v from_o we_o complain_v of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o we_o find_v to_o their_o shame_n and_o grief_n as_o a_o eminent_a man_n among_o they_o express_v it_o etc._n it_o mr._n baxter_n sacril_n desert_n p._n 103._o etc._n etc._n that_o we_o be_v endanger_v by_o division_n principal_o because_o the_o self-conceited_a part_n of_o the_o religious_a people_n will_v not_o be_v rule_v by_o their_o pastor_n but_o must_v have_v their_o way_n and_o will_v needs_o be_v ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o the_o effect_n of_o which_o he_o tell_v they_o be_v this_o you_o have_v make_v more_o papist_n than_o ever_o you_o or_o we_o be_v like_a to_o recover_v it_o be_v you_o that_o tempt_v they_o to_o use_v fire_n and_o