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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
authority_n church_n infallibility_n infallible_a 2,837 5 9.9103 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A30350 Four discourses delivered to the clergy of the Diocess of Sarum ... by the Right Reverend Father in God, Gilbert, Lord Bishop of Sarum. Burnet, Gilbert, 1643-1715. 1694 (1694) Wing B5793; ESTC R202023 160,531 125

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four_o discourse_n deliver_v to_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o sarum_n concern_v i._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n ii_o the_o divinity_n and_o death_n of_o christ._n iii_o the_o infallibility_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n iv._o the_o obligation_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n gilbert_n lord_n bishop_n of_o sarum_n london_n print_v for_o richard_n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxciv_o imprimatur_fw-la jo._n cant_n jan._n 22._o 1693_o 4._o to_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o sarum_n my_o reverend_n and_o dear_a brethren_n these_o discourse_n be_v at_o first_o prepare_v for_o you_o and_o be_v deliver_v to_o you_o among_o a_o great_a many_o more_o on_o other_o subject_n on_o several_a occasion_n they_o be_v so_o well_o receive_v by_o you_o that_o many_o of_o you_o desire_v that_o you_o may_v have_v they_o copy_v 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which_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o the_o church_n be_v total_o reverse_v all_o these_o be_v such_o lawful_a and_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la against_o they_o that_o they_o must_v needs_o fortify_v a_o man_n in_o opposition_n to_o any_o such_o pretension_n till_o it_o be_v very_o plain_o prove_v these_o character_n agree_v so_o very_o ill_o with_o infallibility_n that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o believe_v they_o can_v be_v together_o since_o for_o above_o 800_o year_n together_o the_o papacy_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v by_o their_o own_o writer_n be_v perhaps_o the_o worst_a succession_n of_o man_n that_o can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o history_n and_o it_o will_v seem_v strange_a if_o god_n have_v lodge_v such_o wonderful_a power_n with_o such_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o have_v take_v so_o little_a care_n of_o they_o to_o make_v they_o look_v like_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o that_o authority_n we_o do_v plain_o see_v that_o the_o primitive_a church_n even_o when_o they_o enlarge_v their_o papal_a authority_n as_o to_o government_n do_v it_o what_o out_o of_o a_o respect_n to_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n who_o they_o believe_v found_v that_o church_n and_o suffer_v martyrdom_n in_o it_o and_o what_o or_o most_o chief_o out_o of_o their_o regard_n to_o the_o dignity_n of_o that_o city_n it_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o empire_n under_o which_o they_o live_v and_o this_o appear_v by_o their_o give_v the_o same_o privilege_n to_o constantinople_n when_o it_o become_v the_o imperial_a city_n which_o be_v make_v second_o to_o the_o other_o and_o equal_a to_o it_o except_o only_o in_o order_n and_o rank_n but_o as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n though_o still_o the_o regard_n to_o st._n peter_n go_v far_o yet_o when_o liberius_n subscribe_v to_o semiarianism_n it_o be_v never_o pretend_v that_o his_o authority_n have_v in_o any_o thing_n alter_v the_o case_n which_o must_v have_v be_v urge_v if_o he_o have_v be_v believe_v infallible_a the_o case_n of_o honorius_n do_v full_o discover_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o six_o century_n concern_v their_o infallibility_n he_o be_v condemn_v as_o a_o monothelite_n by_o a_o general_n council_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o several_a pope_n who_o do_v by_o name_n condemn_v he_o now_o we_o be_v not_o a_o whit_n concern_v in_o his_o cause_n and_o condemnation_n whether_o it_o be_v just_a or_o not_o and_o whether_o it_o be_v upon_o a_o due_a examination_n or_o not_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o that_o a_o general_n council_n as_o well_o as_o several_a pope_n in_o that_o age_n have_v never_o dream_v of_o infallibility_n otherwise_o they_o can_v not_o have_v condemn_v he_o or_o believe_v he_o capable_a of_o heresy_n this_o may_v be_v bring_v down_o to_o many_o late_a instance_n in_o which_o several_a pope_n have_v be_v charge_v with_o heresy_n one_o shall_v suffice_v they_o have_v pretend_v to_o a_o authority_n from_o christ_n to_o depose_v king_n and_o to_o transfer_v their_o dominion_n to_o other_o this_o they_o have_v not_o only_o do_v by_o force_n and_o violence_n but_o by_o many_o solemn_a decision_n in_o which_o this_o authority_n have_v be_v claim_v as_o found_v on_o several_a passage_n of_o scripture_n not_o forget_v those_o in_o the_o beginning_n not_o in_o the_o beginning_n do_v god_n create_v and_o the_o great_a light_n that_o rule_v the_o day_n these_o with_o many_o more_o they_o have_v urge_v both_o from_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n this_o they_o do_v with_o the_o utmost_a pomp_n of_o solemn_a declaration_n and_o upon_o this_o head_n they_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o war_n some_o few_o writ_n against_o these_o pretension_n but_o the_o pope_n stand_v to_o they_o and_o carry_v they_o on_o in_o a_o course_n of_o five_o or_o six_o century_n with_o all_o possible_a vigour_n and_o during_o those_o age_n this_o doctrine_n grow_v to_o be_v universal_o receive_v by_o the_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a by_o all_o the_o university_n all_o the_o divine_n canonist_n and_o casuist_n not_o one_o single_a person_n dare_v to_o oppose_v so_o strong_a a_o current_n so_o that_o cardinal_n perron_n be_v in_o the_o right_n when_o he_o affirm_v that_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n universal_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o last_o six_o century_n without_o contradiction_n before_o calvin_n day_n and_o those_o few_o that_o seem_v to_o write_v against_o it_o dare_v only_o oppose_v the_o pope_n direct_a power_n in_o temporal_n as_o the_o superior_a lord_n to_o who_o king_n be_v but_o vassal_n but_o dare_v not_o contradict_v his_o authority_n over_o they_o in_o case_n of_o heresy_n this_o then_o be_v so_o public_a and_o uncontested_a a_o point_n as_o it_o shake_v the_o authority_n of_o oral_a tradition_n and_o show_v how_o doctrine_n even_o in_o point_n in_o which_o man_n interest_n do_v strong_o oppose_v they_o can_v get_v into_o the_o church_n though_o not_o derive_v down_o from_o the_o apostle_n so_o it_o total_o destroy_v the_o pope_n pretension_n to_o infallibility_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o such_o as_o think_v this_o to_o be_v simple_o unlawful_a and_o that_o it_o subvert_v the_o order_n which_o god_n have_v settle_v in_o the_o world_n for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o fact_n in_o history_n that_o can_v be_v less_o contest_v than_o that_o the_o pope_n have_v assume_v this_o authority_n and_o that_o they_o have_v vouch_v divine_a warrant_n for_o it_o to_o this_o also_o we_o may_v well_o add_v another_o train_n of_o difficulty_n about_o the_o right_a to_o choose_v this_o pope_n in_o who_o it_o be_v vest_v what_o number_n be_v necessary_a for_o a_o canonical_a election_n and_o how_o far_o simony_n void_v it_o and_o who_o be_v the_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o simony_n or_o in_o the_o case_n of_o different_a election_n who_o shall_v judge_v which_o of_o
the_o two_o pretend_v pope_n be_v true_o choose_v it_o must_v also_o be_v clear_v in_o what_o form_n he_o be_v to_o proceed_v when_o infallibility_n accompany_v his_o decision_n whether_o he_o may_v proceed_v upon_o his_o own_o sense_n or_o with_o the_o advice_n of_o other_o and_o who_o these_o must_v be_v and_o what_o solemnity_n in_o the_o publication_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v he_o speak_v ex_fw-la cathedra_fw-la here_o a_o great_a variety_n of_o difficulty_n arise_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o clear_v to_o we_o before_o we_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o so_o great_a a_o point_n as_o his_o infallibility_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v these_o thing_n make_v out_o by_o a_o divine_a authority_n for_o if_o christ_n have_v make_v a_o special_a grant_n of_o infallibility_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n no_o form_n nor_o rule_n invent_v by_o man_n can_v limit_v that_o these_o may_v be_v rule_v agree_v on_o as_o fit_a to_o be_v observe_v but_o after_o all_o if_o a_o 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concern_v but_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o by_o a_o hint_n seem_v to_o favour_v the_o pretension_n either_o of_o pope_n or_o council_n that_o character_n of_o the_o church_n give_v by_o st._n paul_n that_o it_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n be_v a_o figurative_a form_n of_o speech_n 3.15_o upon_o which_o it_o be_v never_o safe_a to_o build_v much_o less_o to_o lay_v so_o much_o weight_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v a_o description_n that_o the_o jew_n give_v to_o their_o synagogue_n and_o be_v by_o st._n paul_n apply_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o it_o be_v visible_a that_o it_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n it_o be_v only_o a_o enforce_v consideration_n to_o oblige_v timothy_n to_o a_o great_a caution_n in_o his_o behaviour_n there_o it_o have_v visible_o a_o relation_n to_o inscription_n that_o be_v make_v on_o pillar_n but_o what_o ever_o be_v the_o strict_a importance_n of_o the_o phrase_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o phrase_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v bear_v that_o which_o be_v raise_v upon_o it_o some_o reflection_n have_v be_v already_o make_v on_o those_o promise_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o apostle_n that_o the_o spirit_n shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n which_o plain_o relate_v to_o the_o infallible_a conduct_n under_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v put_v but_o from_o these_o word_n themselves_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o infer_v that_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o descend_v to_o any_o after_o they_o they_o relate_v to_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n so_o if_o they_o prove_v any_o thing_n they_o prove_v too_o much_o that_o the_o church_n must_v still_o have_v in_o it_o a_o successive_a inspiration_n it_o be_v urge_v that_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n lead_v we_o to_o conclude_v that_o this_o promise_n be_v still_o to_o continue_v though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o the_o church_n but_o all_o such_o argument_n be_v only_o conjectural_a inference_n and_o be_v at_o best_a but_o probability_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o argue_v from_o they_o and_o therefore_o this_o can_v signify_v nothing_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o which_o st._n matthew_n conclude_v his_o gospel_n lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n infer_v no_o infallibility_n 20._o but_o import_v only_o a_o promise_n of_o assistance_n and_o protection_n which_o be_v a_o necessary_a encouragement_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v send_v out_o upon_o so_o hard_a and_o laborious_a as_o well_o as_o dangerous_a commission_n in_o both_o testament_n by_o god_n be_v with_o any_o by_o his_o walk_n with_o they_o his_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o 5._o his_o never_o leave_v they_o nor_o forsake_v they_o no_o more_o be_v mean_v but_o that_o he_o watch_v over_o they_o that_o he_o direct_v assist_v and_o protect_v they_o and_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o all_o this_o and_o infallibility_n it_o can_v prove_v nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n so_o that_o in_o conclusion_n the_o whole_a matter_n must_v turn_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n to_o st._n peter_n for_o these_o do_v not_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n but_o seem_v to_o belong_v particular_o to_o he_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o hint_n give_v to_o lead_v we_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o his_o successor_n nor_o do_v he_o give_v any_o himself_n when_o he_o be_v write_v his_o second_o epistle_n not_o long_o before_o his_o death_n since_o he_o mention_n a_o revelation_n that_o he_o have_v of_o its_o be_v near_o he_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o in_o those_o last_o warning_n against_o the_o corrupter_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n give_v so_o much_o as_o a_o remote_a intimation_n of_o any_o authority_n that_o he_o be_v to_o leave_v behind_o he_o for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o preserve_v it_o pure_a both_o from_o error_n and_o immorality_n nor_o be_v these_o word_n of_o christ_n so_o much_o as_o pretend_v for_o 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consent_n of_o the_o metropolitan_a yet_o whatever_o may_v be_v do_v in_o subaltern_a body_n where_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v amiss_o may_v be_v rectify_v by_o appeal_n the_o supreme_a and_o last_o resort_v must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o full_a freedom_n in_o which_o christ_n have_v constitute_v his_o church_n it_o must_v be_v further_o consider_v that_o infallibility_n be_v not_o like_o ordinary_a jurisdiction_n or_o legislation_n which_o may_v be_v mould_v according_a to_o the_o convenience_n of_o society_n it_o be_v a_o privilege_n which_o if_o the_o church_n have_v it_o at_o all_o she_o have_v it_o by_o a_o immediate_a grant_n from_o heaven_n and_o so_o she_o must_v enjoy_v and_o apply_v it_o according_a to_o the_o ten_o or_o of_o that_o grant_v and_o she_o can_v expect_v to_o have_v it_o continue_v to_o she_o but_o as_o she_o observe_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o grant_n indeed_o if_o it_o be_v give_v she_o at_o large_a to_o be_v model_v and_o lodge_v as_o she_o please_v there_o 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matter_n of_o discipline_n except_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o they_o will_v be_v content_a to_o part_v with_o that_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v assume_v over_o all_o see_v and_o church_n and_o over_o all_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n we_o can_v see_v reason_n to_o fancy_v that_o they_o will_v ever_o call_v one_o if_o they_o shall_v the_o consent_n of_o all_o sovereign_n must_v likewise_o be_v obtain_v for_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o civil_a authority_n to_o keep_v subject_n within_o the_o prince_n dominion_n they_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o send_v their_o bishop_n and_o divine_n to_o a_o council_n unless_o they_o please_v this_o be_v a_o power_n which_o seem_v to_o belong_v to_o they_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o claim_v it_o and_o very_o probable_o will_v put_v it_o in_o execution_n if_o that_o matter_n come_v to_o be_v contest_v so_o here_o be_v very_o great_a contingency_n to_o be_v conquer_v before_o a_o general_n council_n can_v be_v bring_v together_o now_o 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pretend_v they_o have_v succeed_v and_o who_o style_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o 30._o be_v one_o of_o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o authority_n why_o then_o be_v the_o brethren_n or_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o be_v lay_v christian_n who_o even_o the_o apostle_n though_o inspire_a take_v to_o consult_v and_o judge_v with_o they_o why_o i_o say_v be_v they_o now_o exclude_v it_o be_v also_o probable_a that_o by_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n be_v to_o be_v mean_v those_o to_o who_o that_o name_n be_v afterward_o appropriate_v why_o then_o be_v they_o shut_v out_o in_o a_o word_n if_o by_o a_o divine_a grant_v infallibility_n belong_v to_o a_o general_n council_n we_o have_v a_o just_a right_o to_o ask_v for_o a_o definition_n of_o the_o council_n by_o the_o same_o authority_n otherwise_o we_o may_v ascribe_v infallibility_n to_o those_o to_o who_o god_n never_o mean_v to_o give_v it_o must_v this_o council_n consist_v of_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o though_o this_o be_v both_o unreasonable_a and_o scarce_o possible_a yet_o if_o the_o infallibility_n be_v give_v in_o common_a to_o the_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n than_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o shut_v out_o any_o from_o it_o if_o because_o of_o their_o distance_n their_o age_n or_o their_o poverty_n they_o can_v come_v to_o it_o and_o if_o though_o a_o general_a summons_n be_v pretend_v to_o give_v all_o man_n a_o right_a to_o come_v yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o only_o a_o few_o of_o those_o who_o have_v live_v at_o a_o distance_n have_v come_v even_o in_o the_o best_a age_n those_o few_o will_v either_o be_v man_n of_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o wealth_n of_o heat_n or_o of_o health_n and_o will_v be_v probable_o man_n pick_v out_o
church_n by_o another_o he_o design_v to_o expose_v they_o to_o scandal_n and_o scorn_n he_o forbid_v man_n and_o woman_n to_o meet_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n or_o bishop_n to_o visit_v woman_n or_o woman_n to_o come_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o their_o school_n and_o appoint_v that_o woman_n only_o shall_v instruct_v woman_n he_o also_o forbid_v their_o hold_a assembly_n within_o city_n and_o order_v they_o to_o meet_v in_o the_o open_a field_n some_o church_n be_v pull_v down_o by_o his_o order_n 8._o and_o other_o be_v shut_v up_o and_o his_o first_o success_n make_v he_o resolve_v on_o a_o general_a persecution_n for_o not_o only_a eusebius_n but_o both_o socrates_n sozeman_n 3._o and_o several_a other_o writer_n do_v all_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o general_a persecution_n begin_v but_o that_o there_o be_v visible_a step_n make_v towards_o it_o when_o all_o this_o be_v represent_v to_o constantine_n he_o be_v much_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o resolve_v to_o help_v the_o oppress_a and_o think_v it_o be_v a_o pious_a and_o holy_a action_n to_o save_v a_o mulitude_n by_o the_o destroy_n of_o one_o person_n for_o he_o see_v no_o other_o way_n be_v leave_v to_o relieve_v the_o oppress_a 〈◊〉_d and_o his_o engage_v in_o a_o war_n with_o licinius_n be_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o east_n that_o be_v licinius_n own_o subject_n ascribe_v to_o a_o immediate_a conduct_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n 8._o it_o be_v true_a eutropius_n put_v this_o upon_o constantine_n ambition_n and_o his_o aspire_a to_o be_v the_o single_a monarch_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v also_o insinuate_v by_o aurelius_n victor_n affectans_fw-la and_o more_o full_o set_v out_o by_o zosimus_n who_o hatred_n both_o of_o constantine_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n break_v out_o into_o so_o many_o partiality_n unbecoming_a a_o historian_n and_o engage_v he_o into_o so_o many_o story_n that_o be_v evident_o false_a that_o little_a regard_n be_v due_a to_o any_o thing_n he_o say_v i_o will_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o the_o war_n that_o follow_v only_o i_o must_v observe_v that_o though_o constantine_n as_o the_o senior_a emperor_n have_v the_o precedence_n of_o licinius_n yet_o he_o have_v no_o sort_n of_o authority_n over_o he_o so_o here_o two_o prince_n both_o equal_o sovereign_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n colleague_n and_o brothers-in-law_n for_o licinius_n have_v marry_v constantine_n sister_n be_v engage_v in_o a_o war_n the_o quarrel_n be_v not_o a_o general_a persecution_n but_o such_o step_n make_v as_o do_v plain_o discover_v there_o be_v one_o intend_v a_o peace_n soon_o after_o follow_v the_o cement_n of_o it_o be_v the_o declare_v licinius_n son_n licinian_n caesar_n who_o be_v then_o 21_o year_n of_o age_n this_o put_v he_o in_o the_o succession_n but_o a_o second_o rupture_n follow_v quick_o after_o that_o licinius_n hatred_n to_o the_o christian_n be_v rather_o increase_v than_o abate_v since_o he_o observe_v that_o they_o all_o love_v constantine_n this_o prove_v fatal_a to_o licinius_n for_o he_o be_v total_o defeat_v at_o andrianople_n the_o 3d_o of_o july_n 324._o and_o after_o some_o fruitless_a attempt_n he_o be_v force_v to_o put_v himself_o in_o constantine_n hand_n on_o the_o 18_o of_o september_n follow_v whereupon_o he_o be_v send_v to_o live_v a_o private_a man_n at_o thessalonica_n but_o constantine_n understand_v that_o he_o can_v not_o rest_v order_v he_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o year_n 325._o now_o we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o see_v what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o this_o transaction_n i_o confess_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o take_v it_o single_o from_o eusebius_n for_o he_o be_v rather_o a_o perpetual_a encomiast_n of_o constantine_n than_o his_o historian_n but_o we_o have_v a_o much_o more_o certain_a and_o authentical_a authority_n for_o this_o constantine_n in_o the_o same_o year_n in_o which_o he_o have_v put_v licinius_n to_o death_n and_o have_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o lucinian_n though_o but_o a_o year_n before_o make_v caesar_n by_o his_o own_o act_n call_v the_o first_o general_n council_n to_o meet_v at_o nice_a 12._o for_o in_o his_o speech_n to_o they_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v give_v order_n to_o call_v they_o together_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v overcome_v the_o tyranny_n the_o council_n make_v no_o exception_n to_o constantine_n as_o a_o invader_n they_o do_v neither_o inquire_v after_o lucinian_n nor_o complain_v of_o licinius_n fate_n on_o the_o contrary_a when_o constantine_n come_v in_o and_o harangn_v they_o eustathius_n of_o antioch_n do_v entertain_v he_o with_o a_o panegyric_n full_a of_o high_a commendation_n and_o another_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v make_v by_o eusebius_n blessing_n almighty_n god_n upon_o his_o account_n which_o speech_n pronounce_v in_o full_a council_n 11._o be_v at_o least_o a_o strong_a presumption_n that_o they_o all_o approve_a of_o the_o war_n and_o rejoice_v in_o i●_n the_o deliverance_n this_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a from_o the_o 11_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n in_o which_o they_o reflect_v upon_o the_o late_a tyranny_n of_o licinius_n which_o show_v that_o though_o his_o death_n and_o the_o ruin_n of_o his_o family_n must_v have_v natural_o give_v some_o compassion_n for_o one_o that_o be_v then_o scarce_o cold_a and_o that_o have_v so_o late_o be_v their_o prince_n for_o almost_o that_o whole_a council_n consist_v of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v the_o bishop_n in_o his_o share_n of_o the_o empire_n yet_o they_o consider_v the_o danger_n they_o and_o their_o religion_n have_v be_v in_o under_o he_o and_o their_o deliverance_n by_o constantine_n as_o vast_o superior_a to_o their_o tie_n to_o he_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a joy_n over_o the_o whole_a east_n upon_o the_o success_n of_o constantine_n the_o have_v adhere_v to_o licinius_n and_o take_v part_n with_o he_o in_o the_o war_n though_o he_o be_v then_o actual_o their_o prince_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o scandal_n and_o infamy_n that_o constantine_n in_o a_o letter_n which_o he_o write_v to_o the_o nicomedian_n against_o ensebius_n their_o bishop_n 20._o reproach_n he_o with_o this_o that_o he_o have_v be_v always_o in_o licinius_n council_n and_o secret_n that_o he_o have_v all_o along_o stick_v to_o he_o and_o have_v treat_v himself_o with_o reproach_n that_o he_o have_v employ_v spy_n to_o procure_v intelligence_n to_o licinius_n and_o that_o he_o have_v give_v he_o all_o sort_n of_o assistance_n except_o the_o bear_n of_o arm_n for_o he_o all_o which_o constantine_n affirm_v he_o be_v ready_a to_o prove_v by_o some_o priest_n and_o deacon_n who_o have_v adhere_v to_o eusebius_n and_o who_o he_o have_v take_v prisoner_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o one_o of_o its_o best_a age_n and_o of_o the_o first_o general_n council_n be_v of_o a_o deliverance_n procure_v by_o one_o 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then_o all_o company_n of_o man_n that_o lodge_v themselves_o in_o any_o authority_n and_o more_o particular_o those_o who_o manage_n man_n conscience_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n have_v be_v too_o often_o observe_v to_o enlarge_v their_o power_n and_o to_o make_v the_o most_o of_o they_o they_o can_v and_o that_o by_o their_o mean_n religion_n have_v be_v often_o and_o much_o corrupt_v the_o world_n have_v from_o hence_o a_o right_a to_o exact_v very_o full_a proof_n before_o they_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o believe_v any_o such_o body_n of_o man_n to_o be_v exempt_v from_o error_n this_o will_v yet_o appear_v the_o more_o evident_a if_o that_o very_a body_n in_o which_o this_o infallibility_n be_v suppose_v to_o dwell_v have_v manifest_o corrupt_v the_o moral_n and_o the_o order_n or_o discipline_n of_o this_o religion_n if_o they_o have_v fill_v the_o world_n with_o fable_n if_o they_o have_v fall_v under_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o have_v be_v overrun_v with_o vice_n and_o 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a_o vain_a thing_n to_o prove_v that_o this_o must_v be_v in_o the_o church_n because_o otherwise_o a_o great_a many_o absurdity_n must_v needs_o follow_v if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o it_o when_o it_o be_v once_o prove_v that_o god_n have_v give_v it_o to_o his_o church_n we_o shall_v very_o willing_o yield_v that_o he_o have_v very_o good_a reason_n for_o it_o since_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o power_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o employ_v to_o very_o bad_a purpose_n certain_o be_v not_o to_o be_v give_v but_o for_o very_o good_a one_o but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a preposterous_a way_n to_o argue_v that_o god_n must_v have_v do_v such_o a_o thing_n because_o we_o fancy_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o prevent_v some_o great_a evil_n or_o to_o procure_v some_o very_a great_a good_n for_o this_o be_v only_o to_o pretend_v to_o prove_v that_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v do_v somewhat_o that_o he_o have_v not_o do_v unless_o they_o can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n prove_v that_o god_n have_v do_v it_o this_o be_v to_o conclude_v that_o his_o way_n must_v be_v as_o we_o be_v and_o that_o his_o thought_n must_v be_v as_o our_o thought_n we_o may_v at_o this_o rate_n prove_v as_o well_o that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v have_v appear_v much_o soon_o than_o he_o do_v have_v show_v his_o miracle_n and_o even_o his_o body_n after_o his_o resurrection_n more_o public_o than_o he_o do_v this_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v have_v be_v preach_v to_o many_o nation_n yet_o in_o paganism_n and_o this_o will_v rather_o with_o a_o advantage_n in_o the_o argument_n prove_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o sin_n leave_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o perish_v in_o his_o sin_n and_o so_o be_v damn_v for_o they_o it_o will_v require_v no_o great_a art_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o these_o be_v much_o more_o dreadful_a thing_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v much_o more_o contrary_a to_o god_n nature_n to_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n and_o to_o his_o church_n but_o indeed_o if_o we_o will_v give_v ourselves_o scope_n upon_o this_o argument_n to_o fancy_v that_o god_n must_v do_v every_o thing_n which_o we_o imagine_v will_v be_v very_o convenient_a we_o shall_v soon_o frame_v a_o idea_n both_o of_o his_o creation_n and_o his_o providence_n that_o be_v whole_o different_a from_o what_o we_o perceive_v it_o to_o be_v we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o so_o vast_a a_o thought_n as_o to_o take_v in_o a_o scheme_n of_o those_o great_a design_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o eternal_a mind_n and_o that_o be_v scatter_v in_o a_o seem_a confusion_n through_o his_o work_n and_o way_n but_o be_v beautiful_a and_o orderly_a as_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o idea_n we_o can_v say_v what_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o whole_a nor_o what_o be_v the_o proper_a method_n of_o bring_v about_o the_o one_o or_o of_o divert_v the_o other_o so_o to_o conclude_v the_o argue_v that_o christ_n have_v deal_v ill_o with_o his_o church_n if_o he_o have_v not_o make_v her_o infallible_a unless_o it_o be_v make_v out_o that_o he_o have_v do_v it_o be_v only_o a_o reproach_v he_o with_o this_o that_o he_o have_v not_o do_v that_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v and_o that_o he_o have_v not_o be_v faithful_a in_o discharge_v the_o trust_n commit_v to_o he_o of_o his_o father_n therefore_o all_o these_o be_v false_a way_n of_o argue_v which_o can_v work_v on_o any_o but_o such_o as_o measure_n god_n by_o themselves_o the_o argument_n if_o true_a be_v infinite_a and_o have_v no_o bound_n it_o do_v seem_v to_o agree_v much_o better_a with_o the_o jewish_a oeconomy_n that_o a_o infallibility_n shall_v have_v be_v lodge_v among_o they_o their_o
be_v so_o overcome_v by_o the_o man_n of_o labour_n and_o learning_n that_o even_o the_o church_n that_o boast_v of_o infallibility_n will_v have_v make_v a_o small_a progress_n without_o their_o endeavour_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o imagine_v that_o a_o religion_n which_o we_o feel_v to_o be_v so_o hard_a in_o practice_n shall_v be_v make_v so_o easy_a in_o the_o speculative_a part_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o no_o danger_n and_o need_v no_o industry_n to_o understand_v it_o a_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v indeed_o pretend_a that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v thereby_o guide_v into_o all_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v personal_o to_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v inspire_a and_o so_o be_v infallible_o guide_v which_o appear_v more_o plain_o from_o the_o follow_a word_n 13._o and_o he_o shall_v show_v you_o thing_n to_o come_v that_o be_v clear_o a_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n to_o which_o since_o no_o body_n of_o man_n can_v now_o pretend_v they_o can_v claim_v the_o other_o neither_o for_o both_o must_v go_v together_o according_a to_o the_o force_n of_o those_o work_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n from_o those_o word_n to_o conclude_v that_o this_o any_o more_o than_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o descend_v to_o other_o after_o they_o or_o if_o any_o will_n through_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n think_v that_o this_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n why_o shall_v it_o not_o belong_v to_o every_o christian_a and_o not_o be_v confine_v to_o any_o body_n or_o succession_n of_o man_n especial_o since_o those_o who_o think_v that_o the_o same_o parity_n will_v hold_v as_o to_o the_o other_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n promise_v there_o of_o its_o dwell_n in_o they_o of_o bring_v thing_n to_o their_o remembrance_n of_o give_v they_o confort_n peace_n joy_n and_o victory_n over_o the_o world_n and_o that_o these_o do_v descend_v to_o other_o after_o the_o 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be_v forgive_v they_o since_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o notion_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v perish_v who_o be_v do_v all_o he_o can_v in_o order_n to_o his_o salvation_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o error_n do_v disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n beyond_o what_o be_v to_o be_v apprehend_v from_o sin_n error_n run_v man_n into_o party_n and_o out_o of_o those_o faction_n do_v arise_v which_o break_v not_o only_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o quiet_a of_o civil_a society_n whereas_o sin_n do_v only_a harm_n to_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o or_o to_o a_o few_o who_o may_v be_v corrupt_v by_o their_o ill_a example_n but_o to_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v answer_v that_o sin_n do_v natural_o much_o more_o mischief_n to_o mankind_n than_o error_n he_o that_o err_v if_o he_o be_v not_o immoral_a with_o it_o be_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a in_o his_o error_n therefore_o still_o the_o great_a mischief_n be_v from_o sin_n which_o corrupt_v man_n nature_n through_o its_o own_o influence_n and_o the_o mischief_n that_o error_n do_v procure_v arise_v chief_o from_o the_o pretension_n to_o infallibility_n or_o something_o that_o be_v near_o akin_a to_o it_o for_o if_o man_n be_v suffer_v to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o error_n with_o the_o same_o undisturbed_a quiet_n that_o they_o have_v for_o most_o of_o their_o sin_n they_o will_v probable_o be_v much_o quiet_a in_o they_o since_o sin_n of_o its_o nature_n be_v a_o much_o fierce_a thing_n than_o a_o point_n of_o speculation_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v but_o if_o man_n apprehend_v inquisition_n or_o other_o misery_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o opinion_n than_o they_o stand_v together_o and_o combine_v for_o their_o own_o defence_n and_o preservation_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o error_n themselves_o but_o from_o the_o method_n of_o treat_v they_o that_o all_o those_o convulsion_n have_v arisen_a which_o have_v so_o violent_o shake_v church_n and_o kingdom_n but_o the_o last_o and_o main_a thing_n that_o be_v urge_v on_o this_o head_n be_v that_o no_o private_a understanding_n be_v strong_a enough_o to_o find_v out_o truth_n in_o all_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v a_o indecent_a and_o a_o insolent_a thing_n for_o private_a man_n for_o tradesman_n perhaps_o or_o for_o woman_n to_o pretend_v to_o expound_v scripture_n or_o to_o judge_v in_o point_n of_o religion_n this_o feed_v pride_n and_o self-conceit_n beyond_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v whereas_o a_o spirit_n of_o submission_n and_o humility_n of_o think_v other_o particular_o superior_n wise_a than_o ourselves_o have_v so_o great_a a_o resemblance_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o seem_v to_o agree_v so_o well_o with_o the_o design_n of_o this_o religion_n that_o we_o must_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o it_o this_o be_v indeed_o specious_a but_o after_o all_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o god_n have_v make_v we_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o our_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n must_v determine_v we_o whether_o we_o will_v or_o not_o and_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o god_n will_v make_v we_o as_o he_o have_v do_v and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n so_o limit_v our_o faculty_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o natural_o love_v freedom_n and_o we_o believe_v thing_n the_o more_o firm_o the_o more_o profound_o we_o have_v inquire_v into_o they_o when_o we_o come_v to_o be_v once_o full_o satisfy_v about_o they_o when_o we_o find_v ourselves_o oft_o call_v on_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o search_v they_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n when_o we_o see_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v direct_v to_o whole_a church_n to_o all_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o christian_n when_o so_o much_o of_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o style_n of_o one_o that_o argue_v that_o descend_v from_o that_o apostolical_a authority_n by_o which_o he_o may_v have_v command_v those_o he_o write_v to_o to_o receive_v and_o rest_v in_o his_o decision_n and_o that_o lay_v thing_n in_o their_o natural_a connexion_n and_o consequence_n before_o those_o he_o write_v to_o we_o see_v in_o that_o such_o a_o appeal_n to_o their_o reason_n and_o that_o even_o in_o the_o age_n of_o miracle_n in_o which_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o character_n of_o the_o divine_a commission_n that_o render_v the_o apostle_n infallible_a when_o i_o say_v this_o appeal_n be_v make_v to_o their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n at_o that_o time_n it_o seem_v much_o more_o reasonable_a that_o in_o the_o succeed_a age_n man_n shall_v have_v a_o right_a to_o employ_v their_o faculty_n in_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n and_o examine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n here_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o every_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n and_o see_v if_o this_o reason_n for_o authority_n and_o infallibility_n be_v not_o then_o as_o strong_a to_o keep_v he_o in_o judaisme_n there_o be_v a_o controversy_n between_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o sanhedrim_n whether_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n or_o not_o a_o decision_n of_o this_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o be_v make_v from_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v the_o messiah_n which_o be_v urge_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o rabbi_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n put_v other_o sense_n on_o these_o now_o what_o be_v a_o private_a jew_n to_o do_v must_v he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o judge_v so_o intricate_a a_o controversy_n must_v he_o pretend_v to_o be_v wise_a than_o all_o the_o doctor_n
of_o their_o law_n or_o the_o conveyer_n of_o their_o tradition_n to_o they_o must_v he_o set_v up_o his_o skill_n and_o reason_n above_o they_o thus_o we_o see_v that_o if_o this_o reason_v be_v true_a it_o be_v found_v on_o maxim_n that_o be_v equal_o true_a at_o all_o time_n than_o it_o be_v as_o true_a at_o that_o time_n as_o it_o be_v now_o it_o be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o say_v that_o the_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v give_v they_o such_o power_n that_o the_o people_n be_v upon_o that_o account_n bind_v to_o believe_v they_o rather_o than_o their_o teacher_n for_o one_o part_n of_o the_o debate_n be_v both_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o the_o consequence_n that_o arise_v from_o they_o so_o the_o appeal_n according_a to_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v do_v still_o lie_v to_o their_o sanhedrim_n in_o a_o word_n in_o such_o matter_n every_o man_n must_v judge_v for_o himself_o and_o every_o man_n must_v answer_v to_o god_n for_o the_o judgement_n that_o he_o have_v make_v he_o judge_v for_o no_o body_n else_o but_o for_o himself_o he_o and_o he_o only_o can_v be_v the_o judge_n and_o if_o he_o use_v a_o due_a degree_n of_o industry_n and_o free_v himself_o from_o every_o corrupt_a bias_n from_o pride_n vainglory_n and_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n or_o the_o pursue_v any_o ill_a end_n under_o those_o appearance_n of_o search_v for_o truth_n and_o the_o adhere_n to_o it_o he_o be_v do_v the_o best_a thing_n which_o according_a to_o that_o nature_n of_o which_o god_n have_v make_v he_o he_o can_v do_v and_o so_o he_o may_v reasenable_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v succeed_v in_o it_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o pride_n in_o this_o for_o a_o man_n to_o think_v according_a to_o his_o own_o understanding_n no_o more_o than_o to_o see_v with_o his_o own_o eye_n his_o humility_n ought_v to_o make_v he_o slow_a and_o cautious_a modest_a and_o fearful_a but_o no_o humility_n can_v oblige_v he_o to_o think_v otherwise_o than_o he_o feel_v he_o must_v needs_o think_v among_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n heresy_n or_o sect_n be_v reckon_v as_o one_o sort_n and_o species_n now_o by_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o appetite_n of_o a_o vicious_a and_o deprave_a nature_n the_o meaning_n therefore_o of_o reckon_a heresy_n among_o these_o be_v this_o 20._o that_o when_o a_o man_n out_o of_o a_o bad_a disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o on_o ill_a design_n choose_v to_o to_o be_v of_o a_o party_n he_o than_o be_v a_o heretic_n but_o he_o that_o in_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n go_v into_o persuasion_n from_o a_o overcome_a sense_n of_o their_o truth_n can_v be_v one_o because_o he_o do_v not_o choose_v his_o persuasion_n out_o of_o a_o previous_a ill_a design_n but_o be_v of_o it_o not_o out_o of_o choice_n but_o necessity_n since_o his_o understanding_n in_o which_o those_o matter_n may_v be_v various_o represent_v offer_v they_o so_o to_o he_o that_o he_o must_v believe_v they_o to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o which_o he_o apprehend_v they_o if_o upon_o this_o principle_n there_o happen_v to_o be_v many_o sect_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o woe_n that_o christ_n leave_v upon_o the_o world_n by_o reason_n of_o offence_n and_o scandal_n for_o he_o forsaw_v that_o they_o must_v needs_o come_v god_n have_v make_v this_o present_a scene_n of_o life_n to_o be_v neither_o regular_a nor_o secure_a the_o strange_a folly_n and_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n must_v have_v their_o influence_n on_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o they_o have_v on_o all_o other_o thing_n god_n have_v reserve_v a_o fullness_n of_o light_n and_o of_o unerring_a knowledge_n to_o another_o state_n here_o we_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a but_o have_v light_n enough_o if_o we_o have_v honest_a mind_n to_o use_v and_o improve_v it_o aright_o to_o guide_v we_o thither_o and_o that_o be_v the_o utmost_a share_n that_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v design_v 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adhere_v blind_o to_o the_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o be_v breed_v then_o jew_n heathan_n and_o mahometan_n must_v continue_v still_o where_o they_o be_v if_o this_o have_v be_v the_o maxim_n of_o all_o time_n christianity_n have_v never_o get_v into_o the_o world_n if_o then_o man_n be_v allow_v to_o examine_v thing_n they_o must_v have_v very_o good_a reason_n give_v they_o for_o it_o before_o they_o can_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infallibility_n among_o man_n their_o own_o reason_n and_o observation_n offer_v so_o much_o against_o it_o that_o without_o very_o clear_a ground_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o receive_v it_o now_o the_o reason_n to_o persuade_v it_o must_v be_v draw_v either_o from_o scripture_n or_o from_o outward_a visible_a character_n that_o evidence_n it_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v urge_v by_o these_o man_n because_o the_o scripture_n as_o they_o teach_v have_v their_o authority_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v first_o prove_v for_o the_o church_n can_v give_v a_o authority_n to_o a_o book_n and_o then_o prove_v its_o own_o authority_n by_o that_o book_n this_o be_v plain_o to_o prove_v the_o church_n by_o her_o own_o testimony_n which_o be_v manifest_o absurd_a it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o she_o affirm_v it_o immediate_o or_o if_o she_o affirm_v it_o by_o affirm_v a_o book_n in_o which_o it_o be_v contain_v here_o a_o circle_n be_v make_v to_o run_v for_o ever_o round_o in_o why_o do_v you_o believe_v the_o church_n because_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v it_o and_o why_o do_v you_o believe_v the_o scripture_n because_o the_o church_n affirm_v they_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o they_o may_v urge_v the_o scripture_n for_o this_o very_o pertinent_o against_o we_o who_o acknowledge_v their_o authority_n but_o i_o be_o now_o consider_v upon_o what_o ground_n a_o man_n be_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o state_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o resolve_v it_o into_o principle_n in_o this_o a_o order_n must_v be_v fix_v and_o in_o the_o progress_n of_o it_o every_o step_n that_o be_v make_v must_v be_v prove_v without_o any_o relation_n to_o that_o which_o be_v afterward_o to_o be_v prove_v out_o of_o that_o and_o therefore_o either_o the_o church_n or_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v first_o prove_v and_o then_o other_o thing_n must_v be_v prove_v out_o of_o that_o which_o be_v once_o fix_v and_o make_v good_a but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n if_o we_o shall_v suffer_v they_o to_o bring_v proof_n from_o scripture_n how_o shall_v it_o he_o prove_v that_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o they_o be_v that_o which_o make_v for_o infallibility_n other_o sense_n may_v be_v give_v to_o they_o which_o may_v both_o agree_v to_o the_o grammatical_a construction_n of_o the_o word_n to_o the_o contexture_n of_o the_o discourse_n and_o to_o the_o phraseology_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o shall_v then_o decide_v this_o matter_n it_o be_v 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sacrament_n to_o salvation_n and_o all_o parent_n have_v natural_o a_o very_a tender_a concern_v for_o their_o child_n nothing_o but_o a_o absolute_a authority_n against_o which_o no_o man_n dare_v so_o much_o as_o whisper_v can_v have_v bring_v the_o world_n to_o have_v part_v with_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o carry_v this_o to_o many_o other_o instance_n and_o to_o show_v that_o not_o only_o ritual_a tradition_n but_o doctrinal_a one_o such_o as_o be_v find_v on_o explanation_n of_o passage_n of_o scripture_n have_v vary_v it_o be_v perhaps_o too_o invidious_a to_o send_v man_n to_o petavius_n to_o find_v in_o he_o how_o much_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o several_a age_n have_v vary_v in_o the_o great_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n it_o be_v no_o less_o certain_a that_o origen_n lay_v down_o a_o scheme_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o man_n will_n and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o come_v to_o be_v so_o universal_o receive_v by_o the_o greek_a 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strengthen_n from_o aquinas_n and_o the_o schoolman_n that_o follow_v he_o and_o yet_o at_o the_o time_n that_o luther_n and_o calvin_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n build_v much_o upon_o st._n augustine_n authority_n almost_o all_o all_o that_o write_v against_o they_o argue_v according_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n but_o those_o of_o louvain_n and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o dominican_n and_o augustinian_n do_v so_o maintain_v st._n augustine_n and_o aquinas_n doctrine_n that_o though_o it_o be_v not_o like_v because_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v too_o near_o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v condemn_v as_o heretic_n yet_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n seem_v still_o to_o stick_v to_o st._n austin_n since_o that_o time_n the_o jesuit_n order_n who_o though_o they_o at_o first_o set_v up_o for_o st._n augustine_n doctrine_n yet_o since_o have_v change_v their_o mind_n and_o take_v themselves_o to_o the_o other_o side_n have_v by_o their_o influence_n both_o at_o rome_n and_o in_o other_o court_n so_o change_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o church_n that_o it_o be_v plain_a though_o st._n augustine_n name_n be_v too_o great_a to_o be_v open_o disparage_v yet_o they_o be_v now_o general_o in_o the_o contrary_a hypothesis_n this_o i_o only_o instance_n to_o show_v that_o in_o speculative_a point_n it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o make_v multitude_n go_v from_o one_o opinion_n to_o another_o and_o to_o alter_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o bring_v one_o age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o think_v otherwise_o than_o another_o do_v but_o after_o all_o oral_a tradition_n can_v be_v set_v up_o as_o the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n much_o less_o as_o the_o live_n and_o speak_v judge_n it_o be_v no_o real_a be_v nor_o do_v we_o know_v where_o to_o find_v it_o the_o tradition_n of_o one_o body_n among_o they_o differ_v from_o another_o as_o in_o the_o point_n of_o the_o immaculate_a conception_n 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to_o put_v a_o man_n in_o the_o way_n to_o end_v all_o controversy_n in_o this_o a_o private_a judgement_n must_v again_o come_v in_o for_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v a_o rule_n to_o judge_v controversy_n by_o it_o can_v never_o be_v pretend_v that_o it_o be_v the_o live_n and_o speak_v judge_n that_o must_v determine_v they_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o two_o more_o receive_v opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o one_o put_v it_o in_o a_o general_n council_n and_o the_o other_o put_v it_o in_o the_o pope_n and_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o pretend_v that_o the_o church_n representative_a be_v in_o they_o as_o for_o the_o pretence_n of_o some_o who_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o three_o party_n and_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v in_o a_o council_n confirm_v by_o the_o pope_n this_o be_v only_o a_o plausible_a way_n of_o put_v it_o whole_o in_o the_o pope_n for_o if_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o council_n have_v no_o infallibility_n in_o they_o till_o the_o pope_n consent_n and_o approbation_n be_v give_v then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o all_o the_o infallibility_n be_v in_o he_o and_o that_o he_o only_o choose_v to_o exert_v it_o in_o that_o solemn_a way_n for_o either_o christ_n give_v it_o to_o st._n peter_n and_o his_o successor_n or_o he_o give_v it_o not_o if_o he_o give_v it_o not_o that_o pretention_n be_v out_o of_o door_n if_o he_o give_v it_o to_o they_o we_o plain_o see_v no_o limitation_n in_o the_o grant_n and_o whatsoever_o rule_n or_o method_n may_v have_v become_v authorize_v by_o practice_n and_o custom_n they_o be_v only_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n but_o can_v never_o be_v suppose_v to_o limit_v christ_n grant_n or_o to_o give_v any_o share_n of_o it_o to_o other_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o object_v here_o that_o as_o some_o constitution_n our_o own_o in_o particular_a be_v so_o frame_v that_o the_o legislative_a authority_n though_o it_o flow_v only_o from_o the_o king_n yet_o be_v limit_v to_o such_o a_o method_n that_o it_o can_v be_v exert_v but_o with_o the_o concurrence_n of_o lord_n and_o commons_o so_o it_o may_v be_v also_o in_o the_o church_n and_o thus_o the_o pope_n can_v only_o use_v his_o infallibility_n in_o concurrence_n with_o a_o general_n council_n or_o at_o least_o that_o both_o together_o be_v infallible_a but_o though_o human_a society_n may_v model_n themselves_o as_o to_o their_o legislation_n which_o way_n they_o will_v this_o will_v only_o prove_v that_o as_o to_o the_o government_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n she_o may_v put_v herself_o into_o such_o a_o method_n as_o may_v be_v think_v most_o regular_a and_o expedient_a and_o thus_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a limit_v the_o bishop_n of_o a_o province_n to_o do_v nothing_o without_o the_o
no_o wonder_n if_o he_o raise_v the_o authority_n and_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n to_o a_o vast_a height_n yet_o after_o all_o these_o be_v not_o his_o settle_a thought_n for_o he_o go_v off_o from_o they_o whensoever_o he_o have_v a_o eye_n on_o his_o dispute_n against_o the_o pelagian_n for_o the_o system_v which_o he_o have_v frame_v in_o those_o point_n can_v not_o bear_v with_o any_o other_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o of_o the_o person_n predestinate_v to_o who_o all_o the_o promise_v belong_v and_o thus_o whatever_o he_o himself_o assert_v in_o his_o zeal_n against_o the_o donatist_n come_v to_o be_v throw_v down_o when_o the_o pelagian_n be_v in_o his_o view_n so_o we_o see_v from_o hence_o how_o much_o deference_n be_v due_a to_o his_o authority_n in_o this_o point_n the_o last_o head_n relate_v to_o this_o whole_a matter_n be_v to_o explain_v in_o what_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v what_o it_o be_v both_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o discipline_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o every_o body_n of_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o study_v to_o maintain_v its_o own_o order_n and_o quiet_v and_o must_v be_v authorize_v to_o preserve_v it_o otherwise_o it_o can_v long_o continue_v to_o be_v one_o body_n this_o bind_v the_o body_n of_o christian_n yet_o much_o more_o who_o be_v strict_o charge_v to_o love_v one_o another_o to_o worship_n god_n with_o one_o heart_n and_o mouth_n to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o judgement_n to_o assemble_v themselves_o together_o and_o to_o withdraw_v from_o all_o such_o as_o cause_v division_n or_o corrupt_v the_o great_a trust_n of_o the_o faith_n commit_v to_o their_o keep_n it_o must_v be_v therefore_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bind_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n to_o observe_v when_o any_o begin_v to_o broach_v new_a opinion_n that_o they_o may_v confirm_v the_o weak_a and_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayer_n which_o as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v during_o their_o own_o life_n so_o by_o the_o charge_n that_o they_o give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o their_o epistle_n and_o more_o full_o by_o those_o give_v to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n it_o appear_v that_o a_o main_a part_n of_o their_o care_n and_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v employ_v that_o way_n when_o therefore_o any_o new_a doctrine_n be_v start_v or_o when_o there_o arise_v dispute_n about_o any_o part_n of_o religion_n the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o consider_v whether_o or_o not_o it_o be_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o any_o great_a consequence_n in_o which_o the_o faith_n or_o life_n of_o man_n may_v be_v concern_v if_o the_o point_n be_v not_o of_o a_o great_a importance_n it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o wisdom_n to_o connive_v at_o lesser_a matter_n and_o to_o leave_v man_n to_o a_o just_a freedom_n in_o thing_n where_o that_o freedom_n be_v not_o like_a to_o do_v hurt_v only_o even_o there_o care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v to_o keep_v man_n in_o temper_n that_o they_o become_v not_o too_o keen_a in_o the_o management_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o that_o they_o neither_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o state_n upon_o that_o account_n if_o the_o matter_n appear_v to_o be_v great_a either_o in_o themselves_o or_o in_o the_o consequence_n that_o be_v like_a to_o follow_v upon_o they_o than_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o consider_v they_o with_o a_o equal_a and_o impartial_a mind_n they_o ought_v to_o here_o party_n full_o and_o weigh_v their_o argument_n careful_o they_o ought_v to_o examine_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o best_a time_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o those_o head_n and_o final_o to_o give_v sentence_n in_o which_o two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v the_o one_o be_v that_o great_a regard_n be_v due_a to_o a_o decision_n make_v by_o a_o body_n of_o man_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v act_v without_o prejudice_n or_o interest_n for_o i_o confess_v it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o maintain_v such_o a_o respect_n for_o a_o company_n in_o which_o matter_n be_v carry_v with_o so_o much_o artifice_n and_o intrigue_n as_o even_o cardinal_n palavicini_n represent_v in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n where_o bishop_n be_v caress_v or_o threaten_v well_o pay_v or_o ill_o use_v as_o they_o give_v their_o voice_n such_o a_o proceed_n as_o this_o will_v rather_o inflame_v than_o allay_v the_o opposition_n but_o a_o fair_a and_o equitable_a a_o just_a and_o calm_a way_n of_o examine_v matter_n of_o dispute_n will_v natural_o beget_v a_o respect_n even_o in_o such_o as_o can_v yield_v a_o submission_n to_o their_o decree_n after_o all_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v to_o a_o blind_a submission_n unless_o we_o suppose_v a_o infallibility_n to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o private_a man_n owe_v to_o public_a decision_n when_o decent_o make_v a_o due_a respect_n they_o ought_v to_o distrust_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o examine_v the_o matter_n more_o accurate_o but_o if_o they_o be_v still_o convince_v that_o the_o decision_n be_v wrong_a they_o be_v bind_v to_o persist_v in_o their_o own_o thought_n only_o they_o ought_v to_o oppose_v modest_o to_o consider_v well_o the_o importance_n of_o order_n and_o peace_n and_o whether_o their_o opinion_n even_o suppose_v it_o true_a be_v worth_a the_o noise_n that_o may_v be_v make_v about_o it_o or_o the_o disorder_n that_o may_v follow_v upon_o it_o after_o all_o if_o they_o be_v still_o convince_v that_o their_o opinion_n be_v true_a and_o that_o they_o relate_v to_o the_o indispensible_a duty_n of_o religion_n or_o the_o necessary_a article_n of_o christianity_n they_o must_v go_v on_o as_o they_o will_v answer_v it_o to_o god_n upon_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o their_o conviction_n so_o that_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n may_v have_v very_o good_a 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exclude_v all_o other_o doctrine_n and_o the_o favourer_n of_o they_o from_o be_v of_o their_o body_n or_o from_o bear_v any_o office_n in_o it_o so_o that_o though_o such_o decision_n do_v not_o enter_v into_o man_n conscience_n nor_o bind_v they_o further_o than_o as_o they_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o reason_n and_o authority_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v found_v yet_o they_o may_v have_v a_o vast_a influence_n on_o the_o order_n and_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n as_o to_o ritual_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v many_o little_a circumstance_n and_o decency_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o order_n of_o religious_a assembly_n and_o their_o administration_n and_o that_o in_o these_o the_o pastor_n of_o a_o church_n by_o the_o natural_a right_o that_o all_o society_n have_v to_o keep_v themselves_o in_o order_n must_v have_v a_o power_n to_o determine_v all_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n this_o become_v yet_o clear_a in_o the_o christian_a society_n from_o the_o rule_n that_o the_o apostle_n give_v to_o the_o church_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o order_n and_o for_o the_o end_n of_o edification_n and_o peace_n there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o rule_v lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o sacrament_n or_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o many_o circumstance_n do_v not_o belong_v now_o either_o these_o must_v be_v all_o leave_v to_o every_o man_n liberty_n which_o must_v needs_o create_v a_o jar_a disagreement_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o body_n that_o will_v both_o breed_v confusion_n and_o look_v very_o ridiculous_a and_o absurd_a or_o there_o must_v be_v a_o authority_n in_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o meet_v together_o and_o to_o settle_v these_o by_o mutual_a consent_n
all_o the_o great_a body_n of_o those_o who_o divide_v from_o our_o constitution_n have_v some_o ritual_n of_o their_o own_o so_o the_o dispute_n in_o this_o must_v only_o be_v concern_v the_o degree_n and_o extent_n of_o this_o power_n for_o if_o any_o authority_n be_v allow_v it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o fix_v any_o other_o bound_n to_o it_o but_o this_o that_o it_o must_v not_o invade_v the_o divine_a authority_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n beyond_o the_o rule_n and_o limit_n set_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o there_o be_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n the_o ground_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v must_v carry_v it_o to_o every_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v unlawful_a bare_a unfitness_n though_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o consideration_n of_o great_a weight_n when_o such_o thing_n be_v deliberate_v about_o yet_o when_o they_o be_v once_o conclude_v can_v be_v no_o reason_n for_o disobey_v they_o since_o the_o fitness_n of_o order_n and_o the_o decency_n of_o unity_n and_o obedience_n be_v certain_o of_o much_o more_o value_n than_o any_o special_a unfitness_n that_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o any_o particular_a instance_n so_o that_o one_o of_o these_o two_o must_v be_v admit_v either_o that_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v no_o sort_n of_o authority_n even_o in_o the_o small_a circumstance_n but_o be_v limit_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o can_v only_o execute_v they_o strict_o and_o not_o go_v beyond_o they_o in_o a_o title_n or_o this_o authority_n must_v go_v to_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a on_o that_o i_o will_v dwell_v no_o long_o here_o the_o full_a discussion_n of_o this_o matter_n belong_v to_o another_o discourse_n it_o be_v a_o natural_a consequence_n of_o the_o authority_n give_v to_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o have_v declare_v and_o fix_v their_o doctrine_n and_o have_v settle_v rule_n for_o their_o ritual_n may_v excommunicate_v such_o as_o either_o do_v not_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o be_v a_o main_a part_n of_o their_o doctrine_n or_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o constitution_n of_o their_o society_n excommunication_n in_o the_o strictness_n of_o thing_n be_v only_o the_o church_n refuse_v to_o receive_v a_o person_n into_o her_o communion_n now_o as_o every_o private_a man_n be_v the_o master_n of_o his_o own_o action_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o every_o body_n of_o man_n must_v also_o be_v the_o master_n of_o they_o and_o thus_o though_o excommunication_n in_o some_o respect_n be_v declaratory_a it_o be_v a_o solemn_a denunciation_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o person_n who_o live_v in_o a_o open_a violation_n of_o some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o its_o law_n so_o it_o be_v also_o a_o authoritative_a act_n by_o which_o a_o church_n refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o such_o a_o person_n in_o this_o it_o be_v true_a church_n ought_v to_o make_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o large_a and_o extensive_a as_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o order_n but_o after_o all_o they_o have_v a_o power_n over_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o action_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v likewise_o clothe_v with_o a_o power_n to_o communicate_v with_o other_o person_n or_o not_o to_o do_v it_o as_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n in_o which_o great_a difference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v between_o this_o power_n in_o itself_o and_o the_o use_n and_o management_n of_o it_o for_o any_o abuse_n whether_o true_a or_o only_o pretend_v though_o they_o may_v well_o be_v urge_v to_o procure_v a_o proper_a reformation_n of_o they_o yet_o can_v be_v allege_v against_o the_o power_n itself_o which_o be_v both_o just_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v not_o so_o very_o clear_a to_o state_n the_o subordination_n in_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v put_v under_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o how_o far_o all_o act_n of_o church_n power_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n and_o policy_n of_o those_o state_n to_o which_o the_o several_a church_n do_v belong_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v a_o christian_a or_o not_o do_v not_o at_o all_o alter_v the_o case_n that_o have_v only_o a_o relation_n to_o his_o own_o salvation_n for_o his_o authority_n be_v the_o same_o whatever_o his_o belief_n may_v be_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n his_o design_n to_o protect_v or_o to_o destroy_v religion_n alter_v the_o case_n more_o sensible_o for_o the_o regard_v to_o that_o protection_n and_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n that_o follow_v upon_o it_o together_o with_o the_o breach_n and_o disorder_n that_o may_v follow_v upon_o a_o ill_a understanding_n between_o church_n and_o state_n be_v matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o mere_a prudence_n which_o may_v give_v perhaps_o too_o strong_a a_o bias_n to_o carnal_a fear_n and_o policy_n but_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n which_o oblige_v the_o church_n to_o study_v to_o preserve_v that_o order_n and_o protection_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a blessing_n of_o the_o society_n and_o a_o main_a instrument_n of_o do_v much_o good_a great_a difference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v between_o a_o authority_n that_o act_n with_o a_o visible_a design_n to_o destroy_v religion_n and_o another_o that_o intend_v to_o protect_v it_o but_o that_o err_v in_o its_o conduct_n and_o do_v often_o restrain_v the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o impose_v hard_a and_o uneasy_a thing_n certain_o in_o the_o latter_a much_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v with_o that_o may_v be_v otherwise_o uneasy_a because_o the_o main_n be_v still_o safe_a and_o private_a slip_n when_o endure_v and_o submit_v to_o can_v never_o be_v compare_v to_o those_o public_a disorder_n that_o a_o rigid_a maintain_n of_o that_o which_o be_v perhaps_o in_o itself_o good_a must_v occasion_n but_o when_o the_o design_n be_v plain_a and_o that_o the_o conduct_v of_o the_o civil_a power_n go_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o any_o main_a article_n of_o it_o than_o the_o body_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o state_n ought_v to_o fortify_v themselves_o by_o maintain_v their_o order_n and_o their_o other_o rule_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o preservation_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n have_v any_o authority_n to_o act_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o state_n but_o mere_o in_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o religion_n that_o she_o profess_v be_v plain_a and_o positive_a so_o that_o the_o question_n come_v to_o be_v real_o this_o whether_o be_v it_o better_a to_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n there_o the_o rule_n be_v clear_a and_o the_o decision_n be_v soon_o make_v so_o when_o the_o church_n act_v mere_o in_o obedience_n to_o rule_n and_o law_n lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n such_o as_o in_o declare_v the_o doctrine_n in_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n and_o maintain_v the_o settle_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n she_o be_v upon_o a_o sure_a bottom_n and_o must_v cast_v herself_o upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n whatever_o may_v happen_v and_o still_o obey_v god_n but_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o have_v arisen_a out_o of_o ancient_a custom_n and_o canon_n in_o every_o thing_n where_o she_o have_v not_o a_o law_n of_o god_n to_o support_v she_o i_o do_v not_o see_v any_o power_n she_o have_v to_o act_v in_o opposition_n to_o law_n and_o to_o the_o supreme_a civil_a authority_n in_o this_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v no_o small_a argument_n who_o be_v sanhedrin_n that_o be_v a_o civil_a court_n and_o the_o head_n of_o their_o state_n do_v give_v rule_n and_o order_n which_o their_o priest_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v when_o not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o be_v sure_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o it_o be_v never_o censure_v nor_o reprove_v by_o he_o nor_o by_o the_o apostle_n the_o argument_n be_v also_o strong_a that_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o time_n that_o she_o first_o have_v the_o protection_n of_o the_o civil_a authority_n till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o papal_a domination_n in_o which_o we_o find_v the_o emperor_n all_o along_o make_v law_n concern_v all_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n we_o find_v they_o receive_v appeal_n in_o all_o church_n matter_n which_o they_o appoint_v such_o bishop_n as_o happen_v to_o be_v about_o their_o court_n to_o examine_v this_o be_v like_o our_o court_n of_o delegate_n for_o the_o bishop_n who_o judge_v those_o matter_n do_v not_o act_v according_a to_o canon_n or_o by_o the_o ecclesiastical_a
authority_n which_o have_v put_v the_o church_n in_o a_o state_v line_n of_o subordination_n according_a to_o the_o division_n of_o the_o province_n of_o the_o empire_n they_o act_v only_o by_o a_o imperial_a authority_n so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v bishop_n they_o act_v by_o the_o emperor_n commission_n such_o authority_n as_o these_o draw_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v at_o least_o strong_a inducement_n to_o believe_v this_o to_o be_v true_a but_o the_o argument_n that_o seem_v to_o determine_v it_o be_v that_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v two_o different_a authority_n that_o may_v happen_v to_o contradict_v one_o another_o this_o be_v a_o strange_a distraction_n in_o man_n thought_n and_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o god_n have_v put_v they_o under_o such_o a_o divide_a authority_n for_o all_o temporal_n will_v easy_o be_v fetch_v within_o a_o in_o ordine_fw-la ad_fw-la spiritualia_fw-la since_o then_o every_o soul_n be_v bind_v under_o the_o hazard_n of_o damnation_n to_o obey_v the_o supreme_a power_n we_o must_v be_v bind_v to_o obey_v their_o law_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o only_a limitation_n that_o this_o can_v admit_v of_o that_o settle_v this_o whole_a matter_n which_o otherwise_o must_v be_v ravel_v out_o into_o vast_a intricacy_n and_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v for_o certain_a that_o the_o rule_n for_o man_n obedience_n must_v be_v distinct_a and_o fix_a to_o conclude_v this_o whole_a matter_n the_o best_a and_o sure_a way_n for_o preserve_v the_o order_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o its_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n be_v for_o the_o clergy_n to_o live_v and_o labour_v so_o to_o be_v so_o humble_a and_o modest_a so_o self-denied_n and_o heavenly-minded_n that_o from_o thence_o the_o laity_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o see_v that_o whatsoever_o power_n they_o have_v will_v be_v employ_v for_o the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a this_o will_v make_v they_o to_o be_v less_o jealous_a and_o more_o submissive_a and_o this_o will_v secure_v to_o they_o most_o common_o the_o protection_n and_o encouragement_n which_o they_o may_v expect_v from_o the_o civil_a power_n who_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o have_v regard_n to_o their_o clergy_n according_a to_o the_o esteem_n which_o they_o observe_v their_o other_o subject_n have_v for_o they_o discourse_n iu._n concern_v the_o obligation_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o concern_v the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o church_n and_o indeed_o the_o quiet_a and_o good_a government_n of_o mankind_n more_o than_o right_o to_o understand_v our_o obligation_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n in_o which_o we_o be_v bear_v or_o which_o be_v the_o main_a body_n of_o that_o society_n of_o christian_n among_o who_o we_o live_v the_o extreme_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v dangerous_a on_o both_o hand_n a_o lazy_a compliance_n with_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v uppermost_a because_o of_o the_o law_n and_o advantage_n that_o may_v be_v on_o its_o side_n and_o a_o implicit_a believe_v and_o receive_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o happen_v to_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o do_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n depress_v our_o faculty_n render_v we_o so_o easy_a to_o every_o form_n in_o religion_n that_o we_o become_v at_o last_o indifferent_a to_o all_o and_o concern_v in_o none_o it_o make_v way_n for_o tyranny_n in_o those_o that_o govern_v and_o sink_v those_o that_o be_v govern_v into_o a_o sottish_a stupidity_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n a_o wanton_a cavil_v at_o every_o thing_n thebreaking_a of_o a_o establish_v order_n the_o make_v division_n and_o the_o draw_v of_o party_n the_o quarrel_v about_o nice_a point_n of_o speculation_n or_o some_o lesser_a matter_n in_o ritual_n do_v occasion_n much_o passion_n and_o animosity_n they_o take_v man_n much_o off_o from_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n they_o divide_v christian_n from_o one_o another_o and_o sharpen_v they_o against_o one_o another_o all_o which_o be_v evil_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n in_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o consequence_n that_o it_o will_v be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o find_v so_o true_a a_o mean_a in_o this_o matter_n that_o in_o it_o we_o may_v avoid_v the_o mischief_n of_o both_o extreme_n the_o foundation_n then_o to_o be_v lay_v here_o be_v first_o to_o consider_v the_o natural_a obligation_n that_o all_o man_n who_o be_v unite_v by_o any_o common_a bond_n come_v under_o to_o maintain_v a_o cordial_a affection_n and_o a_o mutual_a good_a understanding_n among_o themselves_o both_o as_o it_o be_v a_o instrument_n to_o preserve_v and_o strengthen_v their_o body_n and_o as_o it_o make_v such_o a_o body_n of_o man_n easy_a and_o happy_a but_o this_o that_o be_v a_o consideration_n common_a to_o all_o joint_a body_n of_o man_n become_v much_o strong_a in_o the_o christian_a religion_n one_o of_o its_o main_a design_n be_v to_o knit_v man_n heart_n to_o one_o another_o by_o a_o tenderness_n of_o brotherly_a kindness_n and_o charity_n our_o saviour_n have_v make_v this_o the_o distinction_n 35._o by_o which_o all_o the_o world_n may_v know_v who_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o who_o be_v not_o so_o and_o all_o his_o apostle_n have_v in_o every_o one_o of_o their_o epistle_n not_o except_v the_o short_a press_v this_o in_o such_o a_o variety_n of_o copious_a and_o most_o earnest_a direction_n that_o whosoever_o read_v the_o new_a testament_n careful_o must_v see_v that_o this_o be_v enlarge_v on_o beyond_o all_o the_o other_o duty_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o press_v in_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a word_n and_o with_o the_o most_o enforce_v consideration_n possible_a the_o chief_a of_o all_o be_v the_o love_n which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o bear_v to_o we_o in_o imitation_n of_o which_o he_o have_v require_v we_o to_o love_v one_o another_o to_o love_v enemy_n to_o pass_v by_o and_o to_o forgive_v injury_n do_v good_a for_o evil_n to_o relieve_v the_o necessitous_a and_o have_v bowel_n of_o compassion_n for_o all_o man_n this_o be_v a_o main_a part_n of_o the_o glory_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o advance_v this_o and_o to_o endear_v we_o to_o one_o another_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o pray_v with_o and_o for_o one_o another_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o assemble_v ourselves_o together_o that_o by_o our_o see_v of_o one_o another_o and_o meet_v in_o the_o same_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n our_o love_n and_o union_n may_v become_v strong_a and_o more_o firm_o cement_v sacrament_n be_v sacred_a rite_n institute_v not_o only_o to_o maintain_v our_o devotion_n towards_o god_n as_o act_n of_o homage_n and_o solemn_a vow_n make_v to_o he_o but_o likewise_o as_o bond_n to_o knit_v we_o together_o as_o well_o as_o to_o unite_v we_o to_o our_o head_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a confirmation_n of_o all_o this_o that_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o last_o and_o long_a prayer_n to_o the_o father_n when_o he_o be_v intercede_v for_o his_o church_n have_v repeat_v this_o prayer_n so_o often_o no_o less_o than_o five_o time_n 23._o in_o no_o very_a long_a prayer_n that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o and_o be_v keep_v and_o make_v perfect_a in_o one_o and_o the_o unity_n pray_v for_o be_v so_o sublime_a that_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o that_o unconceivable_a unity_n or_o union_n that_o be_v between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o by_o this_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n 23._o that_o the_o world_n may_v believe_v that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v he_o more_o need_v not_o be_v say_v upon_o this_o head_n to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o maintain_v a_o entire_a union_n among_o its_o member_n and_o that_o the_o chief_a mean_a of_o do_v this_o be_v their_o unite_n themselves_o in_o the_o same_o act_n of_o worship_n now_o the_o only_a question_n that_o will_v remain_v will_v be_v how_o far_o must_v this_o go_v and_o the_o only_a answer_n that_o can_v be_v make_v to_o it_o be_v that_o it_o must_v go_v till_o the_o body_n in_o which_o we_o happen_v to_o be_v engage_v impose_v unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n on_o its_o member_n in_o that_o case_n we_o must_v remember_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n and_o that_o we_o must_v seek_v peace_n and_o truth_n since_o a_o union_n on_o unlawful_a term_n be_v a_o combination_n against_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o be_v no_o piece_n of_o christian_a charity_n this_o will_v be_v agree_v to_o on_o all_o hand_n in_o the_o general_a so_o i_o will_v go_v
deceency_n and_o beauty_n as_o may_v carry_v on_o the_o order_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o since_o some_o action_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o very_a natural_a tendency_n to_o give_v good_a impression_n and_o to_o raise_v a_o seriousness_n and_o awe_n for_o divine_a performance_n these_o may_v be_v also_o appoint_v by_o those_o who_o be_v to_o feed_v teach_v and_o guide_v their_o people_n we_o see_v the_o jew_n though_o their_o religion_n seem_v to_o have_v in_o it_o a_o sufficient_a share_n of_o ritual_n do_v add_v a_o great_a many_o ceremony_n to_o those_o which_o moses_n give_v they_o they_o have_v in_o their_o pascal-supper_n a_o thick_a sauce_n of_o date_n almond_n and_o fig_n pound_v together_o and_o wrought_v up_o into_o the_o form_n of_o clay_n to_o remember_v they_o of_o the_o clay_n of_o which_o their_o father_n have_v make_v brick_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n observe_v this_o paschal-supper_n with_o the_o same_o addition_n for_o this_o be_v probable_o the_o sauce_n into_o which_o judas_n dip_v the_o sop._n they_o have_v likewise_o a_o form_n of_o initiate_a proselyte_n into_o their_o religion_n by_o baptism_n not_o mention_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o after_o this_o paschal-supper_n the_o table_n be_v spread_v a_o second_o time_n and_o nothing_o but_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v set_v on_o it_o yet_o though_o these_o two_o last_o mention_v be_v rite_n add_v by_o they_o to_o the_o divine_a institution_n our_o saviour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o condemn_v they_o for_o those_o addition_n that_o he_o take_v these_o and_o hallow_a they_o to_o be_v the_o two_o foederal_n rite_n of_o his_o own_o religion_n nor_o do_v he_o so_o much_o blame_v the_o pharisee_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o those_o rite_n which_o tradition_n have_v hand_v down_o to_o they_o as_o because_o they_o set_v that_o value_n on_o they_o as_o to_o make_v the_o law_n of_o god_n of_o no_o effect_n upon_o their_o account_n when_o those_o voluntary_a assume_v ceremony_n be_v prefer_v by_o they_o to_o the_o moral_a law_n itself_o so_o that_o the_o overvalue_a of_o ritual_n and_o the_o imagine_v that_o by_o they_o compensation_n can_v be_v make_v to_o god_n for_o the_o weghty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n i'faith_o justice_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v indeed_o severe_o reprimand_v by_o our_o saviour_n but_o the_o bare_a observance_n of_o they_o be_v no_o where_o censure_v by_o he_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o whole_a service_n of_o the_o synagogue_n be_v only_o a_o human_a institution_n no_o print_n of_o any_o divine_a precept_n appear_v for_o it_o in_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n yet_o our_o saviour_n come_v to_o their_o synagogue_n and_o bear_v a_o share_n in_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v perform_v there_o a_o feast_n be_v institute_v by_o the_o maccabee_n in_o commemoration_n of_o their_o have_v purge_v the_o temple_n from_o idolatry_n which_o be_v observe_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n be_v full_a of_o allusion_n to_o some_o form_n and_o rite_n which_o be_v their_o practise_a by_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o worship_n though_o no_o where_o institute_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v also_o some_o precept_n give_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n about_o ritual_a matter_n which_o be_v now_o take_v away_o only_o by_o disuse_n that_o be_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o have_v discontinue_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o such_o be_v the_o decree_n that_o the_o apostle_n with_o the_o rest_n at_o jerusalem_n make_v against_o the_o eat_n of_o meat_n strangle_v 9_o or_o offer_v to_o idol_n or_o of_o blood_n which_o as_o they_o be_v join_v with_o fornication_n so_o the_o prohibition_n of_o they_o be_v reckon_v among_o necessary_a thing_n yet_o these_o be_v now_o no_o more_o consider_v as_o forbid_v that_o prohibition_n be_v look_v on_o either_o as_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o precept_n which_o they_o believe_v be_v give_v to_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n or_o as_o a_o direction_n to_o keep_v the_o christian_n at_o a_o due_a distance_n from_o all_o compliance_n with_o the_o gentile_n in_o their_o idolatrous_a practice_n and_o now_o that_o all_o regard_v to_o the_o jew_n have_v cease_v with_o god_n reject_v they_o from_o be_v his_o people_n at_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o danger_n of_o come_v too_o near_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v likewise_o at_o a_o end_n we_o live_v no_o more_o among_o heathenish_a idolater_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n prohibit_v by_o that_o decree_n not_o be_v evil_a in_o themselves_o when_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o prohibition_n cease_v all_o man_n reckon_v that_o the_o prohibition_n must_v be_v at_o a_o end_n here_o then_o the_o authority_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n seem_v to_o be_v strong_a even_o in_o bar_n to_o a_o apostolical_a decree_n and_o none_o of_o those_o body_n that_o be_v offend_v at_o our_o ritual_n have_v revive_v this_o so_o at_o least_o this_o argument_n be_v of_o force_n against_o those_o who_o do_v it_o not_o for_o certain_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o authority_n be_v necessary_a to_o take_v away_o a_o practice_n that_o have_v the_o face_n of_o a_o plain_a commandment_n in_o scripture_n enjoin_v it_o than_o for_o add_v such_o rite_n as_o be_v recommend_v by_o new_a emergency_n to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v the_o practice_n and_o rule_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n concern_v deaconess_n phoebe_n and_o other_o be_v mention_v that_o serve_v in_o that_o function_n st._n paul_n also_o in_o the_o rule_n that_o he_o give_v concern_v the_o age_n the_o qualification_n and_o the_o function_n of_o the_o widow_n seem_v plain_o to_o mean_v they_o and_o we_o do_v certain_o know_v 5.9_o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o instruction_n and_o about_o the_o baptism_n of_o such_o woman_n as_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n but_o when_o afterward_o some_o scandal_n rise_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a prohibit_v the_o clergy_n to_o keep_v any_o woman_n that_o be_v not_o very_o near_o relate_v to_o they_o in_o their_o house_n so_o in_o the_o five_o century_n upon_o some_o public_a scandal_n give_v by_o they_o we_o find_v that_o as_o they_o be_v put_v down_o in_o the_o western_a church_n by_o several_a provincial_a synod_n so_o they_o insensible_o wear_v out_o of_o the_o greek_a church_n and_o yet_o none_o in_o our_o day_n have_v endeavour_v to_o revive_v this_o institution_n the_o kiss_n of_o peace_n be_v likewise_o use_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o be_v mention_v in_o their_o epistle_n yet_o that_o rite_n be_v perhaps_o make_v use_n of_o by_o profane_a scoffer_n 16._o to_o represent_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o christian_n as_o too_o licentious_a for_o the_o black_a and_o unjust_a imputation_n cast_v on_o their_o meeting_n seem_v to_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n but_o this_o 16.20_o it_o wear_v out_o of_o practice_n and_o i_o do_v not_o hear_v that_o any_o in_o our_o day_n have_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v it_o again_o in_o use_n 13.12_o we_o see_v likewise_o that_o they_o have_v love-feast_n before_o the_o eucharist_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o jew_n and_o though_o st._n paul_n complain_v of_o some_o abuse_n in_o this_o practice_n 11.21_o he_o do_v not_o condemn_v it_o nor_o order_n it_o to_o be_v let_v fall_n yet_o it_o wear_v out_o and_o be_v not_o now_o offer_v to_o be_v revive_v by_o any_o among_o we_o thus_o we_o see_v that_o as_o to_o matter_n that_o be_v express_o mention_v in_o scripture_n with_o warrant_n that_o seem_v to_o impose_v they_o as_o stand_v rule_n upon_o succeed_a age_n the_o abuse_n or_o unfitness_n which_o afterward_o appear_v in_o they_o be_v think_v sufficient_a reason_n for_o depart_v from_o they_o to_o these_o instance_n another_o may_v be_v add_v that_o must_v needs_o press_v all_o that_o differ_v from_o we_o one_o body_n only_o except_v very_o much_o we_o know_v that_o the_o first_o ritual_a of_o baptism_n be_v by_o go_v into_o the_o water_n and_o be_v lay_v as_o dead_a backward_o all-along_a in_o they_o and_o then_o the_o person_n baptize_v be_v raise_v up_o again_o and_o so_o they_o come_v out_o of_o they_o this_o be_v not_o only_o mention_v by_o st._n paul_n but_o in_o two_o different_a place_n he_o give_v a_o mystical_a signification_n of_o this_o rite_n that_o it_o signify_v our_o be_v bury_v with_o christ_n in_o baptism_n and_o our_o be_v raise_v up_o with_o he_o to_o a_o new_a life_n 5._o so_o that_o the_o phrase_n of_o rise_v with_o christ_n and_o so_o put_v on_o christ_n as_o oft_o as_o they_o occur_v do_v plain_o relate_v to_o this_o 12._o and_o yet_o partly_o out_o of_o modesty_n partly_o in_o regard_n to_o the_o tenderness_n of_o
infant_n and_o the_o coldness_n of_o these_o climate_n since_o such_o a_o manner_n may_v endanger_v their_o life_n and_o we_o know_v that_o god_n love_v mercy_n better_o than_o sacrifice_n this_o form_n of_o baptise_v be_v as_o little_o use_v by_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o we_o as_o by_o ourselves_o if_o we_o consider_v only_o the_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o regard_v the_o subsequent_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n we_o see_v reason_n enough_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o wash_n of_o foot_n shall_v be_v keep_v up_o in_o the_o church_n we_o have_v our_o saviour_n practice_n for_o it_o 15._o and_o word_n that_o seem_v to_o import_v a_o obligation_n on_o we_o to_o wash_v one_o another_o foot_n together_o with_o the_o moral_a use_n and_o signification_n of_o it_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o teach_v we_o humility_n from_o all_o these_o thing_n this_o inference_n seem_v just_a that_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o who_o divide_v from_o we_o the_o church_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v a_o authority_n to_o adjust_a the_o form_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o those_o part_n of_o they_o that_o be_v mere_o ritual_a to_o the_o taste_n to_o the_o exigency_n and_o conveniency_n of_o the_o several_a age_n and_o climate_n i_o say_v in_o thing_n that_o be_v mere_o ritual_a for_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o these_o instance_n can_v justify_v a_o church_n that_o shall_v alter_v any_o main_a part_n of_o a_o foederal_n rite_n institute_v by_o christ_n such_o as_o the_o give_v the_o chalice_n in_o the_o sacrament_n since_o this_o institution_n be_v deliver_v with_o so_o particular_a a_o solemnity_n and_o in_o express_a word_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v continue_v till_o christ_n second_o come_v and_o the_o cup_n be_v give_v as_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n in_o his_o blood_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n which_o therefore_o all_o be_v require_v to_o drink_v we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o in_o matter_n that_o be_v mere_o ritual_a unless_o we_o suppose_v that_o charm_n be_v tie_v to_o particular_a rite_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o design_n in_o they_o but_o to_o secure_v some_o good_a purpose_n or_o to_o keep_v off_o some_o bad_a practice_n by_o those_o outwork_n if_o then_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n do_v so_o alter_v that_o what_o be_v good_a in_o one_o age_n be_v liable_a to_o abuse_v mistake_v or_o superstition_n in_o another_o there_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o power_n in_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o alter_v or_o add_v as_o they_o see_v real_a occasion_n or_o good_a warrant_n for_o it_o outward_a appearance_n work_v much_o on_o mankind_n thing_n that_o look_v light_a must_v dissipate_v man_n thought_n as_o much_o as_o grave_a method_n do_v recollect_v they_o dance_v in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n will_v look_v very_o wild_a now_o but_o in_o other_o age_n it_o have_v a_o better_a effect_n since_o therefore_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o last_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v spread_v to_o very_o different_a climate_n and_o since_o there_o be_v no_o special_a rubric_n of_o form_n digest_v in_o it_o since_o there_o be_v also_o no_o limitation_n put_v upon_o the_o church_n in_o this_o point_n but_o rule_n be_v give_v that_o sound_n very_o much_o to_o the_o contrary_a of_o do_v all_o thing_n that_o tend_v to_o order_n edification_n and_o peace_n 19_o this_o great_a prejudice_n seem_v to_o be_v full_o take_v off_o and_o answer_v nor_o do_v such_o institution_n lead_v to_o superstition_n but_o rather_o to_o the_o contrary_n 40._o superstition_n in_o its_o strict_a notion_n be_v a_o baseness_n of_o mind_n that_o make_v we_o fear_v without_o cause_n and_o overvalue_v thing_n too_o much_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v more_o in_o they_o than_o real_o there_o be_v if_o thing_n that_o be_v ritual_a be_v unalterable_a there_o may_v be_v from_o thence_o more_o occasion_n give_v to_o superstition_n according_a to_o the_o conceit_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o think_v that_o their_o rite_n be_v unalterable_a come_v to_o fancy_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v a_o real_a value_n in_o they_o which_o upon_o their_o own_o account_n render_v man_n the_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n superstition_n be_v more_o effectual_o beat_v down_o by_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o alterableness_n of_o all_o external_a form_n according_a to_o the_o different_a exigency_n of_o time_n and_o place_n since_o this_o show_v that_o rite_n be_v only_a matter_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n which_o have_v no_o real_a value_n in_o they_o because_o they_o be_v alterable_a if_o any_o grow_v superstitious_a in_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o this_o be_v a_o abuse_n to_o which_o all_o thing_n even_o the_o most_o sacred_a the_o sacrament_n themselves_o be_v liable_a it_o can_v as_o little_a be_v say_v that_o these_o rule_n in_o ritual_a matter_n be_v imposition_n on_o our_o christian_a liberty_n they_o be_v rather_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o main_a part_n of_o it_o 1._o which_o be_v our_o not_o be_v tie_v up_o so_o strict_o by_o a_o law_n of_o commandment_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o notion_n of_o liberty_n as_o it_o be_v state_v by_o st._n paul_n be_v the_o exemption_n under_o which_o christian_n be_v bring_v from_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n for_o those_o who_o assert_v the_o stand_a obligation_n of_o that_o law_n be_v bring_v christian_n under_o a_o heavy_a yoke_n in_o opposition_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n assert_v their_o liberty_n but_o it_o be_v likewise_o a_o true_a piece_n of_o liberty_n and_o a_o very_a necessary_a one_o for_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n to_o have_v among_o they_o a_o power_n of_o of_o use_v or_o forbear_v to_o use_v such_o external_a thing_n as_o do_v either_o advance_v or_o obstruct_v the_o main_a end_n of_o religion_n that_o some_o church_n may_v abuse_v and_o that_o other_o have_v abuse_v this_o authority_n by_o carry_v it_o too_o far_o and_o impose_v too_o great_a a_o load_n of_o external_a performance_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v the_o number_n of_o they_o may_v become_v a_o vast_a burden_n and_o a_o distraction_n rather_o than_o a_o help_n towards_o the_o main_a design_n of_o religion_n ludicrous_a rite_n beget_v profaneness_n and_o pompous_a one_o and_o undue_a gaity_n but_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o abuse_n in_o the_o extent_n of_o a_o authority_n can_v justify_v the_o quarrel_v at_o a_o few_o rite_n when_o it_o be_v visible_a there_o be_v no_o disposition_n to_o swell_v or_o increase_v they_o if_o every_o year_n be_v produce_v some_o new_a rite_n or_o other_o there_o may_v be_v good_a ground_n to_o fear_v that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o such_o imposition_n but_o this_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o our_o circumstance_n it_o be_v also_o a_o question_n whether_o in_o case_n that_o there_o be_v indeed_o too_o many_o rite_n enjoin_v every_o one_o of_o which_o be_v innocent_a in_o itself_o so_o that_o no_o special_a objection_n lie_v against_o any_o one_o but_o against_o they_o all_o as_o too_o many_o whether_o i_o say_v in_o such_o a_o case_n private_a person_n be_v not_o oblige_v rather_o to_o bear_v their_o burden_n than_o by_o shake_v it_o off_o to_o rend_v the_o body_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n it_o seem_v they_o ought_v rather_o to_o bear_v it_o the_o ruler_n of_o a_o church_n have_v indeed_o much_o to_o answer_v for_o who_o press_v she_o too_o hard_a with_o burden_n that_o be_v both_o useless_a and_o heavy_a to_o be_v bear_v but_o the_o obligation_n to_o peace_n seem_v to_o conter-ballance_n this_o inexpediency_n for_o though_o private_a person_n must_v judge_v for_o themselves_o whether_o thing_n require_v of_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a and_o must_v act_v according_o yet_o expediency_n or_o inexpediency_n be_v only_o to_o take_v place_n in_o case_n in_o which_o they_o be_v entire_o at_o their_o own_o disposal_n and_o where_o the_o rule_n of_o prudence_n or_o charity_n can_v only_o determine_v they_o but_o where_o the_o quiet_a and_o order_n of_o the_o body_n be_v concern_v public_a order_n and_o determination_n be_v interpose_v they_o be_v not_o to_o depart_v from_o those_o upon_o their_o conceive_v they_o inexpedient_a for_o it_o be_v certain_o more_o inexpedient_a and_o mischievous_a to_o break_v public_a order_n than_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v to_o practise_v any_o rite_n which_o perhaps_o if_o leave_v free_a to_o we_o may_v seem_v not_o expedient_a and_o be_v better_o let_v alone_o the_o expediency_n of_o form_n and_o rite_n be_v a_o very_a proper_a subject_n of_o public_a consultation_n and_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o will_v have_v much_o to_o answer_v for_o to_o god_n if_o they_o do_v not_o weigh_v this_o together_o with_o all_o that_o counterbalance_n it_o very_o critical_o but_o
one_o another_o in_o such_o case_n the_o one_o be_v not_o to_o set_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o another_o man_n way_n 13._o that_o be_v not_o to_o use_v our_o liberty_n in_o such_o instance_n or_o on_o such_o occasion_n as_o may_v draw_v other_o man_n to_o act_v in_o imitation_n of_o we_o against_o their_o own_o conscience_n this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o give_v scandal_n or_o the_o lay_v a_o trap_n in_o the_o way_n of_o another_o by_o which_o he_o may_v fall_v or_o be_v catch_v and_o this_o every_o man_n be_v to_o avoid_v when_o it_o be_v free_a for_o he_o to_o act_v or_o not_o as_o he_o please_v for_o in_o that_o case_n only_o he_o be_v under_o this_o obligation_n and_o caution_n since_o otherwise_o if_o he_o be_v determine_v by_o any_o law_n divine_a or_o humane_a he_o must_v go_v on_o and_o do_v his_o duty_n without_o consider_v what_o consequence_n may_v happen_v upon_o it_o for_o which_o he_o be_v not_o accountable_a since_o he_o be_v not_o at_o liberty_n to_o dispose_v of_o himself_o but_o be_v conclude_v by_o a_o high_a authority_n the_o other_o rule_n be_v that_o we_o ought_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o avoid_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v grieve_v other_o christian_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v walk_v uncharitable_o 15._o since_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v such_o regard_n even_o to_o the_o tenderness_n and_o weakness_n of_o our_o brethren_n as_o not_o to_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v wound_v or_o trouble_v they_o still_o under_o the_o former_a supposition_n that_o we_o be_v full_o at_o our_o own_o liberty_n and_o under_o no_o law_n nor_o obligation_n to_o the_o contrary_n these_o be_v the_o rule_v lay_v down_o by_o st._n paul_n which_o when_o well_o consider_v and_o right_o understand_v will_v give_v a_o great_a light_n into_o this_o whole_a controversy_n by_o these_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o may_v have_v assume_v a_o high_a strain_n of_o authority_n yet_o have_v great_a regard_n to_o the_o frailty_n of_o those_o they_o govern_v and_o although_o most_o of_o these_o position_n and_o rule_n do_v suppose_v man_n to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o a_o unrestrained_a liberty_n so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o our_o case_n in_o which_o law_n and_o constitution_n have_v already_o determine_v we_o yet_o they_o ought_v still_o to_o have_v great_a weight_n with_o those_o that_o be_v not_o conclude_v by_o law_n and_o all_o such_o as_o may_v have_v the_o make_n or_o review_v of_o law_n under_o their_o care_n and_o deliberation_n but_o i_o have_v open_v this_o matter_n more_o full_o than_o be_v perhaps_o necessary_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n which_o only_o require_v that_o i_o shall_v clear_v some_o passage_n in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n that_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o point_n now_o under_o examination_n though_o they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o belong_v to_o they_o since_o all_o that_o be_v in_o st._n paul_n relate_v only_o to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v entire_o leave_v to_o man_n own_o liberty_n and_o in_o which_o it_o be_v free_a to_o they_o to_o act_v which_o way_n soever_o they_o please_v which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o applicable_a to_o establish_v rule_n settle_v by_o law_n and_o recommend_v by_o ancient_a practice_n it_o be_v true_a that_o no_o age_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n can_v make_v law_n for_o succeed_a age_n since_o the_o pastor_n of_o every_o age_n have_v the_o same_o authority_n that_o the_o pastor_n of_o any_o precedent_a age_n have_v after_o the_o time_n of_o inspiration_n whatever_o be_v do_v in_o a_o former_a age_n may_v be_v alter_v in_o a_o subsequent_a one_o and_o therefore_o all_o those_o rule_n of_o the_o subordination_n of_o church_n one_o to_o another_o be_v take_v from_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n europe_n be_v now_o total_o mould_v into_o another_o frame_n be_v now_o at_o the_o discretion_n of_o prince_n to_o cotinue_v or_o change_v they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n and_o all_o the_o ritual_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o age_n to_o alter_v or_o continue_v they_o as_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n but_o till_o they_o be_v alter_v they_o bind_v not_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o authority_n that_o former_a age_n have_v over_o the_o present_a but_o because_o the_o present_a age_n by_o not_o repeal_n former_a rule_n and_o canon_n do_v tacit_o and_o interpretative_o confirm_v and_o renew_v they_o for_o if_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o present_a age_n in_o concurrence_n with_o and_o a_o due_a subordination_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n have_v a_o authority_n to_o make_v law_n or_o canon_n in_o such_o matter_n they_o have_v likewise_o a_o power_n to_o continue_v such_o as_o be_v make_v in_o any_o former_a age_n and_o they_o be_v presume_v and_o in_o law_n take_v to_o do_v that_o till_o they_o repeal_v they_o i_o have_v now_o go_v through_o the_o general_a plea_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o our_o constitution_n from_o general_a topic_n and_o have_v i_o hope_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o force_n in_o any_o part_n of_o it_o i_o come_v next_o to_o consider_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v object_v more_o special_o to_o several_a particular_n in_o our_o constitution_n they_o except_z to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n because_o of_o the_o different_a rank_n of_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n use_v bishop_n and_o priest_n so_o promiscuous_o that_o from_o thence_o it_o seem_v reasonable_a to_o infer_v that_o they_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o function_n and_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o two_o rank_n bishop_n and_o diacon_n in_o the_o church_n but_o those_o who_o object_n this_o have_v real_o among_o they_o but_o one_o function_n and_o order_n since_o they_o have_v no_o diacon_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o st._n paul_n epistle_n who_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o man_n dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n out_o of_o which_o as_o any_o serve_v well_o in_o it_o they_o be_v advance_v to_o a_o superior_a degree_n and_o be_v ever_o esteem_v a_o sacred_a order_n of_o men._n there_o be_v none_o such_o among_o those_o who_o urge_v this_o matter_n against_o we_o the_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o name_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o office_n the_o same_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v sometime_o deacon_n or_o minister_n and_o so_o be_v their_o companion_n in_o labour_n for_o the_o term_n diacon_n 25._o signify_v any_o one_o that_o minister_v it_o be_v not_o then_o appropriate_v to_o the_o low_a order_n no_o more_o than_o presbyter_n be_v to_o the_o second_o for_o the_o apostle_n call_v themselves_o sometime_o deacon_n so_o that_o from_o hence_o a_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v as_o well_o to_o prove_v that_o deacon_n be_v equal_a in_o rank_a to_o the_o high_a order_n of_o bishop_n we_o plain_o see_v that_o god_n settle_v three_o order_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o jewish_a temple_n we_o see_v also_o in_o their_o synagogue_n that_o there_o be_v three_o different_a rank_n take_v probable_o from_o the_o model_n of_o the_o temple_n 3.2_o we_o see_v our_o saviour_n choose_v twelve_o apostle_n and_o afterward_o seventy_o disciple_n have_v in_o that_o no_o doubt_n a_o regard_n both_o to_o the_o number_n of_o their_o tribe_n and_o of_o their_o sanhedrin_n we_o plain_o see_v that_o during_o the_o apostle_n life_n the_o govern_n and_o order_v of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o they_o yet_o they_o constitute_v some_o in_o their_o name_n to_o govern_v a_o large_a extent_n of_o church_n and_o by_o their_o epistle_n to_o these_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v those_o church_n and_o of_o ordain_v new_a officer_n in_o they_o belong_v to_o they_o they_o be_v the_o person_n to_o who_o that_o trust_n be_v commit_v with_o solemn_a charge_n give_v they_o for_o it_o by_o the_o apostle_n we_o plain_o see_v two_o distinct_a order_n of_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n as_o two_o sacred_a function_n that_o be_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o we_o find_v by_o the_o short_a epistle_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o revelation_n that_o there_o be_v one_o man_n who_o have_v the_o immediate_a charge_n of_o those_o church_n to_o who_o every_o thing_n relate_v to_o they_o be_v address_v as_o to_o a_o person_n that_o be_v accountable_a for_o the_o rest_n and_o that_o by_o consequence_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v a_o authority_n over_o they_o we_o see_v immediate_o after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o all_o the_o church_n be_v cast_v into_o one_o mould_n of_o bishop_n priest_n and_o diacon_n this_o take_a place_n every_o where_o and_o that_o at_o a_o time_n when_o no_o meeting_n of_o the_o clergy_n can_v be_v hold_v to_o establish_v any_o such_o form_n and_o that_o no_o
law_n of_o prince_n be_v make_v to_o enact_v it_o and_o no_o man_n of_o authority_n can_v so_o early_o and_o so_o universal_o have_v bring_v such_o a_o change_n into_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o tempt_v any_o to_o affect_v pre-eminence_n labour_n and_o suffering_n be_v all_o that_o then_o follow_v this_o superior_a rank_n and_o yet_o within_o less_o than_o one_o century_n after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o do_v plain_o see_v that_o this_o be_v the_o constitution_n even_o of_o those_o church_n that_o have_v be_v gather_v and_o settle_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o among_o who_o so_o visible_a a_o thing_n as_o the_o order_n in_o which_o they_o have_v put_v the_o church_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v soon_o forget_v and_o this_o be_v not_o complain_v of_o by_o the_o sect_n of_o those_o day_n particular_o the_o montanist_n that_o have_v so_o fair_a a_o appearance_n by_o their_o pray_n and_o fast_v so_o much_o that_o not_o only_a tertullian_n be_v draw_v away_o by_o it_o but_o even_o the_o church_n seem_v to_o have_v take_v a_o tincture_n from_o some_o of_o their_o method_n whether_o in_o imitation_n of_o they_o or_o on_o design_n to_o outdo_v they_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o determine_v yet_o nothing_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v ever_o object_v as_o if_o the_o church_n have_v by_o the_o authority_n give_v to_o bishop_n depart_v from_o the_o apostolical_a custom_n now_o i_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o a_o bare_a practice_n though_o very_o ancient_a such_o as_o the_o give_v the_o eucharist_n to_o infant_n without_o a_o colour_n for_o it_o in_o scripture_n ought_v not_o to_o conclude_v we_o but_o when_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n in_o scripture_n that_o look_v favourable_o to_o a_o thing_n though_o the_o proof_n from_o the_o word_n alone_o shall_v not_o seem_v full_a and_o positive_a and_o when_o the_o first_o write_n and_o clear_a practice_n of_o the_o age_n that_o immediate_o follow_v confirm_v such_o a_o exposition_n than_o we_o have_v all_o that_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o pretend_v to_o for_o give_v a_o fix_a and_o determinate_a sense_n to_o such_o passage_n from_o all_o this_o than_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o we_o be_v now_o upon_o the_o same_o constitution_n as_o to_o the_o main_a on_o which_o the_o apostle_n settle_v the_o church_n and_o that_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n that_o a_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o distinction_n of_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n be_v settle_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o be_v relate_v to_o by_o many_o place_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o division_n of_o the_o world_n into_o diocese_n large_a or_o narrow_a as_o well_o as_o of_o parish_n some_o be_v excessive_o large_a and_o other_o as_o unreasonable_o small_a do_v not_o a_o whit_n alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o since_o though_o it_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v that_o parish_n be_v near_o a_o equality_n in_o point_n of_o labour_n and_o cure_n yet_o this_o be_v a_o inconvenience_n that_o we_o must_v bear_v and_o not_o disturb_v the_o church_n by_o seek_v undue_a remedy_n for_o it_o so_o such_o disorder_n as_o a_o length_n of_o time_n a_o corruption_n of_o manner_n a_o change_n of_o government_n and_o civil_a policy_n have_v bring_v into_o a_o constitution_n may_v put_v it_o out_o of_o our_o power_n to_o procure_v the_o redress_n of_o many_o thing_n that_o yet_o will_v as_o little_o warrant_v a_o rent_v the_o body_n or_o divide_v the_o church_n upon_o any_o such_o account_n as_o it_o will_v justify_v the_o lazy_a sloth_n of_o such_o as_o may_v bring_v thing_n to_o a_o better_a state_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o set_v about_o it_o nor_o do_v hearty_o endeavour_v it_o another_o head_n of_o objection_n be_v to_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n in_o general_n as_o a_o stint_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n of_o which_o mention_n be_v often_o make_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o which_o ought_v to_o have_v scope_n give_v to_o it_o since_o it_o be_v a_o mean_a to_o rouse_v up_o and_o quicken_v heavy_a mind_n which_o become_v flat_a when_o accustom_a to_o a_o constant_a form_n of_o word_n that_o render_v both_o the_o clergy_n lazy_a and_o the_o people_n dead_a but_o when_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o every_o man_n word_n become_v a_o form_n to_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v limit_v the_o question_n than_o lie_v natural_o between_o the_o sudden_a conception_n of_o one_o man_n who_o be_v often_o young_a rash_a without_o judgement_n and_o who_o always_o speak_v on_o the_o sudden_a and_o between_o a_o form_n well_o digest_v and_o prepare_v by_o a_o body_n of_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n since_o then_o the_o people_n must_v be_v under_o a_o form_n it_o may_v seem_v much_o more_o reasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v under_o such_o a_o form_n than_o under_o the_o other_o and_o that_o the_o rather_o since_o we_o see_v moses_n david_n and_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a give_v the_o jewish_a church_n so_o many_o form_n both_o for_o prayer_n and_o praise_n we_o know_v that_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n the_o jew_n have_v a_o state_v liturgy_n of_o their_o own_o which_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o blame_v that_o he_o himself_o prescribe_v his_o disciple_n a_o form_n and_o compose_v it_o out_o of_o they_o lay_v together_o so_o many_o petition_n draw_v out_o of_o their_o prayer_n as_o answer_v his_o end_n in_o appoint_v his_o own_o and_o praise_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o sublimest_n act_v of_o worship_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n ought_v to_o arise_v to_o its_o high_a elevation_n it_o be_v not_o easy_o accountable_a why_o so_o much_o excitation_n shall_v be_v require_v in_o prayer_n while_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o be_v still_o flat_a and_o formal_a in_o their_o praise_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o among_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n that_o follow_v the_o wonderful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n one_o be_v that_o man_n be_v inspire_a to_o offer_v up_o such_o prayer_n to_o god_n as_o comprehend_v the_o necessity_n of_o whole_a congregation_n it_o appear_v in_o those_o prayer_n that_o the_o spirit_n in_o he_o that_o pray_v search_v all_o their_o heart_n and_o so_o do_v prompt_v he_o with_o groan_n that_o be_v unutterable_a and_o it_o thus_o appear_v that_o the_o spirit_n 29._o or_o inspiration_n which_o move_v any_o to_o pray_v in_o this_o sort_n search_v all_o thing_n every_o man_n find_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n thus_o open_v together_o with_o suitable_a intercession_n it_o be_v from_o thence_o evident_a that_o this_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v intercession_n for_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o mouth_n and_o word_n of_o the_o inspire_a person_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o those_o word_n of_o pray_v in_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o well_o agree_v with_o every_o thing_n say_v concern_v it_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n if_o we_o in_o these_o day_n shall_v expect_v any_o such_o assistance_n from_o god_n so_o that_o now_o a_o readiness_n of_o new_a or_o tender_a expression_n in_o prayer_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o a_o quickness_n of_o thought_n a_o liveliness_n of_o imagination_n together_o with_o a_o good_a memory_n much_o conversant_a in_o scripture-phrase_n and_o long_o practise_v in_o that_o way_n all_o thing_n by_o a_o long_a use_n grow_v flat_a to_o mind_n that_o be_v not_o serious_o awaken_v but_o extemporary_a prayer_n do_v rather_o kill_v than_o feed_v true_a devotion_n since_o they_o must_v be_v hearken_v to_o as_o discourse_n which_o be_v a_o distraction_n to_o he_o that_o pray_v after_o they_o whereas_o those_o accustom_a to_o set-form_n have_v only_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o their_o devotion_n relate_v to_o in_o their_o view_n so_o they_o be_v certain_o less_o tempt_v to_o distraction_n than_o they_o must_v be_v who_o follow_v the_o other_o way_n those_o sudden_a start_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o mind_n by_o soft_a word_n and_o melt_a image_n of_o thing_n may_v be_v according_a to_o the_o different_a composition_n of_o man_n more_o or_o less_o useful_a to_o they_o in_o their_o secret_a exercise_n but_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v let_v in_o upon_o public_a assembly_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o a_o great_a variety_n of_o temper_n must_v be_v entertain_v only_o with_o such_o devotion_n that_o suit_n with_o all_o their_o condition_n and_o do_v equal_o quadrate_n to_o all_o their_o necessity_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v not_o only_o natural_a but_o necessary_a for_o all_o man_n who_o will_v maintain_v order_n in_o their_o worship_n and_o will_v frame_v it_o in_o so_o diffuse_v a_o extent_n as_o to_o take_v all_o equal_o within_o it_o that_o they_o have_v
christian_n to_o adore_v as_o they_o receive_v it_o now_o in_o a_o course_n of_o many_o age_n this_o difference_n of_o several_a degree_n in_o prayer_n and_o the_o posture_n proper_a to_o they_o be_v quite_o wear_v out_o so_o that_o kneel_v be_v become_v the_o common_a posture_n of_o all_o prayer_n whatsoever_o therefore_o we_o receive_v in_o a_o posture_n of_o prayer_n do_v in_o that_o follow_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o the_o best_a age_n kneel_v be_v a_o matter_n mere_o ritual_a and_o be_v now_o grow_v the_o common_a rite_n express_v our_o humility_n in_o prayer_n we_o do_v not_o depart_v from_o the_o spirit_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n since_o we_o receive_v the_o eucharist_n in_o our_o posture_n of_o prayer_n as_o they_o do_v in_o they_o the_o plausible_a exception_n to_o all_o this_o be_v that_o since_o our_o saviour_n do_v institute_v this_o sacrament_n at_o a_o table_n after_o supper_n it_o be_v a_o needless_a depart_n from_o his_o practice_n and_o the_o pattern_n that_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o to_o receive_v it_o in_o any_o other_o posture_n if_o this_o objection_n have_v any_o force_n it_o shall_v oblige_v we_o to_o receive_v lean_v along_o according_a to_o the_o posture_n of_o sit_v at_o table_n in_o those_o day_n and_o if_o we_o must_v adhere_v to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o institution_n the_o time_n after_o supper_n and_o the_o place_n a_o upper_a room_n will_v be_v as_o obligatory_a upon_o we_o as_o the_o posture_n since_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n and_o value_n but_o to_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o this_o objection_n and_o to_o show_v by_o a_o clear_a parity_n the_o just_a reason_n of_o depart_v from_o our_o saviour_n practice_n in_o this_o particular_a it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o when_o moses_n give_v out_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o paschal_n festivity_n he_o limit_v that_o people_n by_o express_a word_n to_o a_o posture_n they_o be_v to_o eat_v it_o with_o their_o loin_n gird_v and_o their_o shoe_n on_o their_o foot_n with_o staves_z in_o their_o hand_n 11._o thus_o ready_a to_o march_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o institution_n that_o give_v the_o least_o hint_n as_o if_o this_o be_v not_o mean_v to_o be_v a_o last_a precept_n so_o here_o be_v much_o more_o than_o a_o bare_a example_n a_o precept_n give_v in_o very_o plain_a word_n without_o any_o limitation_n of_o time_n and_o yet_o when_o the_o israelite_n be_v settle_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n at_o rest_n and_o no_o more_o oblige_v to_o march_v this_o change_n of_o their_o circumstance_n do_v from_o the_o natural_a suitableness_n of_o thing_n bring_v on_o a_o change_n in_o this_o part_n of_o that_o festivity_n they_o sit_v about_o their_o table_n or_o rather_o lean_v and_o so_o they_o do_v eat_v the_o lamb_n in_o that_o lazy_a posture_n that_o express_v the_o rest_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o and_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o in_o this_o they_o commit_v no_o error_n since_o our_o saviour_n himself_o justify_v their_o practice_n by_o conform_v to_o it_o so_o here_o more_o than_o a_o bare_a practice_n a_o express_a institution_n in_o a_o ritual_a matter_n be_v change_v by_o a_o church_n that_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v much_o more_o tie_v up_o to_o the_o letter_n of_o their_o law_n than_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v yet_o a_o great_a alteration_n in_o their_o circumstance_n make_v they_o conclude_v that_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v alter_v and_o in_o that_o they_o do_v right_a now_o if_o we_o will_v apply_v this_o to_o the_o christian_a passover_n christ_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o humiliation_n and_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n institute_n it_o and_o do_v it_o in_o a_o familiar_a posture_n of_o equality_n with_o his_o disciple_n at_o table_n but_o give_v no_o rule_n how_o as_o to_o that_o particular_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o future_a as_o moses_n have_v do_v afterward_o a_o vast_a change_n happen_v in_o his_o visible_a condition_n he_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o exalt_v up_o into_o heaven_n upon_o this_o change_n therefore_o with_o relation_n to_o his_o human_a nature_n that_o be_v vast_o more_o important_a than_o that_o which_o have_v happenen_v to_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v high_o congruous_a to_o that_o practice_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o which_o the_o first_o christian_n can_v not_o be_v unacquainted_a for_o they_o to_o have_v change_v the_o posture_n from_o the_o appearance_n of_o familiarity_n to_o that_o of_o respect_n and_o to_o have_v bring_v it_o to_o the_o posture_n which_o they_o use_v in_o prayer_n and_o their_o other_o devotion_n and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v object_v to_o our_o posture_n in_o receive_v another_o exception_n some_o have_v to_o our_o administration_n of_o this_o sacrament_n that_o there_o be_v no_o previous_a examination_n of_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v to_o it_o that_o a_o promiscuous_a multitude_n come_v without_o any_o notice_n give_v or_o enquiry_n make_v after_o they_o though_o we_o be_v command_v to_o note_v such_o as_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o they_o 3.14_o that_o they_o may_v be_v ashamed_a nay_o with_o brethren_n that_o be_v christian_n who_o live_v scandalous_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o eat_v to_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v answer_v 5.11_o that_o a_o great_a difference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v between_o a_o church_n that_o lie_v yet_o under_o some_o defect_n which_o she_o lament_v and_o can_v get_v they_o to_o be_v effectual_o supply_v and_o a_o church_n that_o be_v vicious_o faulty_a and_o blamable_a in_o any_o thing_n she_o do_v if_o the_o act_n of_o church-communion_n be_v in_o themselves_o lawful_a and_o good_a so_o that_o particular_a person_n be_v oblige_v to_o nothing_o that_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v unlawful_a it_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n for_o they_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o because_o other_o thing_n be_v not_o do_v which_o perhaps_o be_v fit_v and_o may_v seem_v necessary_a but_o a_o further_a distinction_n be_v to_o be_v make_v between_o thing_n command_v by_o a_o divine_a precept_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v only_o recommend_v by_o the_o practice_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n st._n paul_n do_v only_o prescribe_v this_o that_o every_o man_n examine_v himself_o but_o do_v not_o impose_v it_o upon_o any_o to_o examine_v other_o and_o the_o true_a importance_n of_o the_o word_n render_v examine_v be_v approve_v that_o be_v let_v a_o man_n so_o consider_v himself_o as_o to_o see_v whether_o he_o be_v approve_v of_o by_o his_o own_o conscience_n but_o this_o give_v no_o other_o person_n a_o authority_n to_o search_v into_o examine_v or_o approve_v such_o we_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o rule_n give_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o any_o such_o previous_a enquiry_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a ancient_n 11.28_o and_o be_v upon_o very_a many_o account_v a_o good_a and_o useful_a practice_n so_o to_o do_v but_o how_o criminal_a soever_o a_o defect_n in_o obey_v a_o divine_a law_n may_v be_v it_o can_v be_v no_o such_o matter_n not_o to_o observe_v even_o the_o ancient_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n that_o after_o all_o do_v rest_n only_o upon_o a_o human_a authority_n those_o rule_n concern_v scandalous_a person_n belong_v to_o the_o body_n in_o general_a and_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v error_n and_o male-administrations_a the_o body_n or_o rather_o its_o pastor_n when_o in_o a_o body_n be_v accountable_a for_o that_o and_o not_o the_o the_o individual_n of_o the_o society_n who_o can_v be_v further_o concern_v in_o they_o than_o to_o lament_v such_o defect_n and_o to_o use_v their_o best_a endeavour_n to_o help_v they_o to_o be_v redress_v so_o this_o can_v never_o justify_v a_o separation_n because_o there_o may_v be_v erroneous_a or_o scandalous_a man_n in_o a_o society_n who_o be_v too_o much_o connive_v at_o st._n paul_n find_v great_a fault_n with_o many_o error_n some_o bad_a practice_n and_o scandal_n among_o the_o corinthian_n yet_o though_o in_o one_o case_n he_o thunder_v a_o severe_a sentence_n upon_o a_o more_o eminent_o scandalous_a man_n he_o never_o so_o much_o as_o insinuate_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o body_n shall_v separate_v themselves_o from_o those_o erroneous_a or_o irregular_a man_n on_o the_o contrary_a he_o press_v the_o obligation_n to_o unity_n most_o vehement_o on_o the_o corinthian_n though_o that_o be_v the_o church_n which_o he_o charge_v the_o most_o severe_o of_o all_o other_o both_o with_o error_n disorder_n in_o worship_n and_o scandalous_a practice_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o after_o