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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
A62129 A gentleman's religion in three parts : the 1st contains the principles of natural religion, the 2d. and 3d. the doctrins of Christianity both as to faith and practice : with an appendix wherein it is proved that nothing contrary to our reason can possibly be the object of our belief, but that it is no just exception against some of the doctrins of Christianity that they are above our reason. Synge, Edward, 1659-1741. 1698 (1698) Wing S6380; ESTC R24078 100,488 452

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ought_v to_o be_v lay_v upon_o it_o in_o any_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n xxv_o but_o some_o will_v demand_v how_o be_v we_o sure_a of_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v even_o of_o those_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n about_o the_o word_n in_o answar_n to_o this_o i_o have_v already_o show_v §_o 21._o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o know_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n nor_o therefore_o consequent_o to_o know_v the_o true_a mean_v of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o which_o his_o doctrine_n be_v own_v to_o be_v contain_v i_o have_v show_v also_o §_o 22._o that_o though_o general_a tradition_n may_v be_v a_o good_a help_n yet_o may_v it_o not_o always_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n to_o lead_v one_o to_o the_o unaltered_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n nor_o therefore_o consequent_o to_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a interpretation_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n since_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v find_v i_o conclude_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v the_o same_o way_n that_o other_o book_n be_v that_o be_v by_o consider_v the_o sense_n and_o property_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sentence_n and_o the_o ordinary_a figure_n of_o speech_n as_o they_o be_v common_o use_v in_o the_o same_o book_n and_o in_o other_o write_v in_o the_o same_o language_n and_o about_o the_o same_o time_n together_o with_o the_o scope_n drift_n coherence_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o discourse_n to_o which_o end_n every_o man_n that_o be_v learned_a be_v bind_v to_o use_v his_o best_a endeavour_n to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v show_v §_o 14._o be_v oblige_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o learning_n to_o consult_v
tribunal_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o just_o condemn_v by_o the_o magistrate_n thus_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o man_n have_v commit_v theft_n or_o murder_n and_o upon_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n have_v obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n from_o god_n yet_o nevertheless_o if_o such_o a_o person_n be_v accuse_v and_o legal_o convict_v of_o such_o crime_n before_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n he_o not_o only_o may_v but_o aught_o to_o put_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n in_o execution_n agnin_v he_o though_o he_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v ever_o so_o penitent_a that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o terror_n unto_o other_o for_o if_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v every_o malefactor_n by_o a_o pretence_n of_o repentance_n which_o can_v certain_o be_v discover_v by_o any_o but_o god_n may_v escape_v the_o lash_n of_o the_o law_n by_o which_o mean_v all_o wicked_a man_n will_v be_v encourage_v to_o commit_v all_o sort_n of_o crime_n thus_o also_o when_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o conquer_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n we_o read_v how_o they_o send_v spy_n to_o make_v a_o discovery_n of_o the_o land_n that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o invade_v it_o now_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o these_o spy_n do_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o have_v god_n almighty_n warrant_n for_o and_o yet_o if_o they_o have_v be_v take_v by_o any_o of_o the_o canaanitish_a magistrate_n and_o legal_o convict_v of_o their_o design_n who_o doubt_v but_o that_o it_o have_v be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o have_v punish_v they_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o war_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n for_o it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o magistrate_n business_n to_o inquire_v who_o keep_v or_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n extend_v to_o many_o case_n where_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o they_o who_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o thereby_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v upon_o a_o due_a conviction_n to_o be_v punish_v by_o the_o magistrate_n without_o any_o far_a enquiry_n it_o be_v his_o business_n to_o do_v every_o thing_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o weal-public_a provide_v that_o he_o do_v nothing_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a king_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o xxxvi_o but_o five_o it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o whatever_o become_v of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n power_n yet_o this_o doctrine_n which_o here_o be_v teach_v must_v certain_o defeat_v and_o cancel_v all_o that_o authority_n with_o which_o the_o church_n be_v endow_v and_o invest_v for_o though_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v no_o more_o to_o look_v after_o but_o only_o the_o peace_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n yet_o sure_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v commit_v mere_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o how_o can_v the_o church_n call_v any_o man_n to_o a_o account_n for_o any_o sin_n or_o transgression_n when_o a_o man_n may_v plead_v for_o himself_o that_o he_o think_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n which_o plea_n if_o real_o true_a and_o who_o but_o god_n can_v disprove_v it_o be_v sufficient_a according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n to_o justify_v he_o before_o god_n and_o consequent_o to_o indemnify_v he_o from_o all_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n i._n e._n of_o a_o christian_a society_n be_v twofold_a viz._n either_o that_o authority_n wherewith_o it_o be_v invest_v immediate_o by_o god_n or_o that_o which_o be_v confer_v on_o it_o by_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n the_o latter_a of_o these_o be_v a_o civil_a authority_n though_o exercise_v by_o ecclesiastical_a person_n because_o it_o be_v derive_v altogether_o from_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o therefore_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o must_v be_v refer_v to_o what_o be_v but_o now_o say_v touch_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o as_o for_o that_o authority_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n immediate_o by_o god_n it_o be_v evident_o no_o more_o than_o this_o viz._n a_o authority_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o persuade_v man_n every_o where_o to_o receive_v it_o and_o a_o authority_n to_o exclude_v those_o man_n out_o of_o the_o society_n that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o it_o who_o do_v not_o profess_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o live_v according_a to_o the_o christian_a law_n other_o authority_n than_o this_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n by_o god_n and_o nothing_o that_o i_o have_v say_v do_v in_o the_o least_o tend_v to_o abridge_v they_o any_o way_n as_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n the_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o persuade_v man_n to_o embrace_v it_o and_o however_o any_o man_n may_v be_v excuse_v before_o god_n by_o invincible_a ignorance_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suffer_v in_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n if_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o live_v as_o a_o christian_a xxxvii_o six_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o i_o have_v several_a time_n in_o this_o discourse_n make_v use_v of_o a_o distinction_n which_o distinction_n be_v nevertheless_o render_v altogether_o useless_a and_o impertinent_a by_o the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o discourse_n itself_o the_o distinction_n be_v between_o necessary_a matter_n of_o religion_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o necessary_a which_o be_v refer_v to_o ●_o 26._o and_o elsewhere_o but_o if_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v in_o any_o matter_n of_o religion_n any_o far_a than_o to_o do_v his_o best_a endeavour_n from_o thence_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v alike_o necessary_a in_o religion_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v within_o a_o man_n power_n according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n be_v necessary_a for_o he_o and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o within_o his_o power_n be_v not_o necessary_a so_o that_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n may_v be_v necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o one_o man_n and_o not_o necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o another_o which_o confound_v the_o distinction_n and_o render_v it_o useless_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o by_o thing_n necessary_a i_o mean_v all_o such_o as_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v within_o his_o power_n such_o as_o be_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v etc._n etc._n by_o thing_n not_o necessary_a i_o mean_v such_o as_o a_o man_n be_v not_o oblige_v so_o much_o as_o to_o search_v after_o the_o lgnorance_n whereof_o shall_v not_o be_v account_v sinful_a before_o god_n although_o it_o may_v have_v be_v in_o a_o man_n power_n to_o have_v know_v they_o such_o be_v a_o great_a many_o curious_a speculation_n which_o divine_n do_v trouble_v themselves_o and_o the_o world_n with_o which_o they_o themselves_o do_v yet_o confess_v be_v not_o necessary_a to_o any_o man_n salvation_n and_o consequent_o which_o a_o man_n be_v no_o more_o oblige_v to_o trouble_v his_o head_n with_o than_o with_o any_o problem_n either_o in_o geometry_n or_o natural_a philosophy_n xxxviii_o seven_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o this_o doctrine_n must_v needs_o encourage_v man_n to_o continue_v in_o their_o ignorance_n and_o not_o to_o take_v any_o care_n or_o pain_n to_o inform_v themselves_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n or_o any_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o for_o why_o shall_v a_o man_n take_v any_o pain_n to_o get_v more_o knowledge_n which_o will_v it_o may_v be_v bring_v trouble_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o when_o ignorance_n be_v no_o manner_n of_o bar_n to_o his_o salvation_n for_o let_v he_o but_o live_v according_a to_o the_o knowledge_n which_o he_o already_o have_v and_o god_n it_o seem_v require_v no_o more_o from_o he_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o for_o a_o man_n to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o knowledge_n will_v not_o serve_v his_o turn_n except_o he_o have_v use_v his_o best_a endeavour_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o know_v and_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o perfect_o as_o he_o can_v as_o i_o have_v show_v all_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v §_o 14._o which_o though_o it_o be_v a_o comfort_n to_o those_o who_o be_v ignorant_a and_o can_v help_v it_o yet_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o encouragement_n or_o excuse_n for_o those_o who_o ignorance_n be_v their_o own_o fault_n or_o neglect_v thirty-nine_o my_o reason_n have_v thus_o bring_v i_o to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n
in_o scripture_n as_o join_v together_o in_o one_o society_n or_o body_n which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o which_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o chief_a or_o head_n and_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o live_v in_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o under_o those_o law_n and_o constitution_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o but_o not_o that_o i_o can_v find_v in_o scripture_n oblige_v to_o join_v with_o or_o submit_v to_o any_o one_o person_n as_o the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o visible_a head_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o earth_n for_o if_o christ_n have_v appoint_v any_o such_o person_n as_o his_o deputy_n upon_o earth_n he_o must_v either_o have_v declare_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n with_o great_a plainness_n and_o evidence_n or_o else_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o find_v fault_n with_o any_o man_n for_o be_v mistake_v in_o it_o whereas_o the_o argument_n which_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n bring_v to_o prove_v either_o that_o such_o a_o vicar_n there_o must_v be_v or_o that_o st._n peter_n the_o apostle_n be_v the_o man_n or_o that_o the_o pope_n or_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o not_o the_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n be_v the_o successor_n of_o st._n peter_n both_o in_o his_o bishopric_n and_o authority_n be_v all_o so_o weak_a and_o precarious_a so_o force_v and_o perplex_v and_o so_o full_o confute_v by_o the_o protestant_a divine_n that_o nothing_o in_o my_o opinion_n but_o blindness_n of_o understanding_n or_o worldly_a interest_n can_v prevail_v with_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n still_o to_o insist_v upon_o they_o now_o that_o christ_n institute_v but_o one_o church_n in_o which_o all_o true_a believer_n and_o good_a liver_n be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v comprise_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o although_o through_o the_o mistake_v and_o perverseness_n of_o man_n this_o church_n be_v rend_v and_o divide_v into_o opposite_a and_o contend_v part_n and_o party_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o according_a to_o its_o true_a and_o primitive_a constitution_n it_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v one_o as_o a_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n by_o its_o law_n and_o constitution_n be_v but_o one_o society_n although_o there_o may_v arise_v faction_n and_o different_a interest_n in_o it_o nor_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v esteem_v as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o god_n who_o be_v not_o ready_a and_o willing_a according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o power_n and_o knowledge_n to_o maintain_v the_o unity_n of_o it_o and_o that_o upon_o those_o very_a term_n and_o none_o other_o which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v as_o near_o as_o possible_o he_o can_v find_v and_o apprehend_v they_o moreover_o that_o all_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n on_o which_o christ_n have_v found_v the_o church_n and_o by_o which_o he_o will_v have_v it_o regulate_v be_v exact_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o sound_a morality_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o doubt_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v true_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v holy_a although_o every_o particular_a member_n thereof_o have_v both_o his_o frailty_n and_o his_o sin_n which_o yet_o he_o must_v repent_v of_o and_o so_o become_v holy_a as_o the_o church_n be_v holy_a or_o else_o he_o violate_v one_o of_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a law_n and_o so_o become_v as_o it_o be_v a_o outlaw_n of_o the_o church_n and_o forfeit_v his_o part_n in_o all_o the_o privilege_n that_o belong_v unto_o that_o society_n and_o whereas_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n do_v enjoy_v more_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o have_v great_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n on_o the_o score_n of_o their_o be_v god_n choose_a and_o peculiar_a people_n than_o any_o or_o all_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o contrary_a now_o look_v upon_o all_o as_o equal_o entitle_v unto_o god_n favour_n and_o the_o advantage_n thereon_o depend_v who_o take_v care_v due_o to_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o it_o so_o that_o whereas_o former_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o choose_a people_n of_o god_n may_v have_v be_v say_v to_o be_v particular_a as_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n limit_v to_o one_o nation_n or_o people_n now_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v catholic_n that_o be_v to_o say_v universal_a as_o be_v no_o way_n confine_v to_o one_o place_n or_o nation_n all_o people_n be_v equal_o choose_v by_o god_n in_o christ_n who_o will_v receive_v and_o love_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n 41._o in_o those_o several_a revelation_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n unto_o adam_n to_o abraham_n and_o to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v still_o a_o plain_a intimation_n give_v they_o that_o in_o the_o time_n to_o come_v there_o shall_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n arise_v in_o the_o world_n who_o shall_v yet_o more_o clear_o make_v know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n but_o when_o christ_n who_o be_v that_o person_n do_v according_o come_v and_o send_v his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n he_o neither_o suggest_v to_o they_o nor_o they_o unto_o the_o world_n that_o any_o other_o revelation_n be_v ever_o after_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o always_o give_v they_o to_o understand_v that_o god_n have_v in_o the_o gospel_n complete_v and_o finish_v all_o that_o declaration_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o or_o his_o will_n unto_o mankind_n until_o the_o general_a judgement_n and_o dissolution_n of_o the_o world_n if_o therefore_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v give_v i_o no_o manner_n of_o assurance_n of_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o church_n my_o own_o reason_n will_v have_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v i_o conclude_v that_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n will_v so_o order_v the_o matter_n as_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o only_o know_v and_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n shall_v never_o be_v whole_o extinguish_v while_o the_o world_n last_v so_o as_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o new_a revelation_n to_o revive_v and_o restore_v it_o but_o that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o certain_a company_n of_o man_n evident_o conspicuous_a to_o the_o world_n teach_v and_o profess_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n without_o any_o error_n or_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n be_v what_o i_o can_v no_o where_n find_v promise_v or_o foretell_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o any_o of_o his_o apostle_n on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v several_a passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o do_v plain_o seem_v to_o foretell_v that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n most_o pernicious_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n shall_v prevail_v and_o take_v place_n even_o among_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v but_o light_o compare_v the_o state_n of_o christianity_n for_o several_a century_n before_o the_o reformation_n with_o that_o draught_n of_o it_o which_o be_v leave_v we_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n must_v if_o he_o be_v impartial_a i_o think_v be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o prediction_n 42._o whether_o or_o no_o god_n have_v or_o do_v at_o any_o time_n communicate_v or_o bestow_v any_o extraordinary_a grace_n or_o assistance_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v no_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o altogether_o stranger_n unto_o that_o revelation_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o be_v a_o question_n which_o the_o virtuous_a life_n and_o heroic_a action_n of_o some_o brave_a heathen_n make_v it_o hard_o positive_o to_o determine_v in_o the_o negative_a but_o that_o he_o will_v give_v so_o much_o grace_n and_o strength_n to_o every_o one_o who_o shall_v become_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n as_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o their_o own_o sufficient_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o eternal_a happiness_n by_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o require_v on_o their_o part_n to_o be_v do_v be_v what_o i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o who_o do_v but_o in_o general_n consider_v the_o mercy_n and_o love_n which_o god_n design_v even_o unto_o all_o man_n but_o more_o especial_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o send_v our_o saviour_n christ_n jesus_n into_o the_o world_n although_o there_o be_v not_o any_o particular_a promise_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o this_o grace_n and_o ability_n to_o do_v good_a be_v in_o scripture_n ascribe_v unto_o the_o ministry_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o true_a believer_n be_v plain_a and_o general_o own_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o that_o this_o
be_v possible_a when_o therefore_o any_o religious_a dispute_n arise_v whereby_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n be_v like_a to_o be_v endanger_v it_o be_v free_a and_o proper_a for_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n which_o shall_v hinder_v either_o the_o church_n universal_a or_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o even_o any_o prudent_a man_n whatsoever_o to_o declare_v and_o publish_v their_o sense_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o debate_n but_o as_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o determination_n of_o any_o church_n or_o party_n whatsoever_o any_o far_a than_o he_o be_v convince_v and_o satisfy_v of_o its_o agreement_n with_o reason_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n part_v 2._o §_o 1_o and_o 2._o so_o be_v not_o any_o man_n bind_v to_o oppose_v or_o dispute_v even_o against_o a_o error_n itself_o except_o there_o be_v something_o in_o it_o which_o be_v injurious_a to_o christian_a faith_n or_o practice_n and_o consequent_o which_o may_v prove_v pernicious_a to_o man_n salvation_n and_o therefore_o if_o such_o a_o mistake_n which_o may_v have_v prevail_v in_o any_o church_n can_v well_o be_v rectify_v without_o endanger_v the_o breach_n of_o peace_n and_o charity_n because_o they_o who_o hold_v it_o it_o may_v be_v be_v obstinate_o wed_v to_o it_o i_o think_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o we_o all_o to_o be_v very_o tender_a in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o to_o permit_v every_o man_n free_o to_o abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n until_o such_o time_n as_o god_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o clear_a sight_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n on_o the_o account_n of_o any_o error_n that_o be_v not_o damnable_a and_o much_o less_o on_o account_n only_o of_o such_o term_n or_o expression_n as_o be_v but_o abstruse_a or_o of_o doubtful_a signification_n for_o otherwise_o since_o the_o apprehension_n of_o man_n be_v so_o very_o different_a especial_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v remote_a from_o our_o sense_n be_v matter_n only_o of_o rational_a speculation_n if_o difference_n of_o opinion_n upon_o such_o theological_a question_n as_o do_v not_o immediate_o concern_v our_o salvation_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o separation_n in_o point_n of_o communion_n there_o will_v soon_o be_v probable_o almost_o as_o many_o church_n as_o man_n in_o the_o world_n but_o if_o any_o church_n shall_v require_v from_o a_o man_n either_o to_o comply_v with_o or_o practice_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o only_o against_o his_o fancy_n in_o point_n of_o decency_n or_o convenience_n but_o also_o against_o his_o conscience_n in_o point_n of_o lawfulness_n or_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v silent_a and_o not_o oppose_v but_o also_o explicit_o profess_v the_o belief_n of_o any_o such_o doctrine_n as_o he_o judge_n to_o be_v false_a however_o innocent_a the_o belief_n of_o they_o may_v be_v to_o they_o who_o think_v they_o true_a and_o if_o such_o a_o church_n shall_v refuse_v and_o deny_v her_o communion_n to_o all_o those_o who_o will_v not_o join_v with_o she_o upon_o these_o term_n we_o must_v rather_o be_v content_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o such_o a_o church_n communion_n than_o to_o purchase_v it_o by_o solemn_o tell_v a_o down_o right_a lie_n before_o god_n and_o the_o world_n or_o by_o the_o violation_n of_o any_o other_o of_o god_n command_n for_o if_o we_o offer_v to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o st._n paul_n have_v declare_v we_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n 65._o for_o the_o due_a regulation_n of_o every_o society_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o have_v a_o power_n somewhere_o or_o other_o vest_v in_o it_o over_o its_o own_o member_n either_o to_o compel_v they_o to_o live_v orderly_o according_a to_o its_o law_n and_o constitution_n or_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v disobedient_a and_o refractory_a and_o will_v not_o upon_o due_a admonition_n be_v reclaim_v whole_o to_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o community_n for_o otherwise_o if_o the_o member_n of_o any_o society_n may_v at_o their_o pleasure_n break_v its_o constitution_n and_o violate_v its_o law_n without_o control_n this_o will_v be_v whole_o to_o pull_v down_o the_o enclosure_n and_o lay_v all_o open_a and_o common_a as_o before_o and_o consequent_o in_o effect_n to_o dissolve_v the_o society_n itself_o and_o according_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v the_o church_n a_o power_n to_o admonish_v and_o rebuke_v those_o who_o give_v any_o scandal_n by_o their_o ungodly_a and_o unruly_a behaviour_n and_o if_o upon_o this_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v and_o reform_v of_o reject_v and_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o her_o communion_n which_o authority_n must_v ever_o be_v exercise_v with_o due_a mildness_n and_o caution_n for_o the_o edification_n and_o not_o with_o heat_n and_o fury_n which_o in_o the_o end_n will_v more_o probable_o tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o church_n but_o if_o any_o church_n shall_v go_v beyond_o this_o to_o punish_v or_o persecute_v man_n with_o fire_n and_o sword_n or_o with_o fines_n and_o imprisonment_n only_o for_o be_v of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n from_o and_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o her_z in_o my_o opinion_n she_o herein_o act_v contrary_a to_o that_o mildness_n and_o gentleness_n which_o the_o gospel_n upon_o all_o occasion_n prescribe_v and_o particular_o in_o the_o case_n of_o deal_n with_o those_o who_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o it_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 24._o although_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o can_v be_v de●yed_v but_o that_o if_o any_o man_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n or_o religion_n shall_v advance_v such_o doctrine_n or_o do_v such_o act_n as_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o peace_n or_o safety_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n or_o commonwealth_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o punish_v such_o a_o person_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n notwithstanding_o all_o his_o pretence_n for_o if_o the_o plea_n of_o conscience_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o can_v only_o be_v know_v to_o almighty_a god_n be_v sufficient_a to_o save_v any_o malefactor_n from_o punishment_n no_o civil_a society_n can_v ever_o be_v safe_a and_o all_o humane_a law_n and_o magistrate_n will_v be_v whole_o useless_a see_v part_n 1_o §_o 35._o 66_o and_o as_o almighty_a god_n in_o his_o mercy_n be_v please_v not_o to_o cut_v the_o great_a sinner_n off_o from_o all_o hope_n of_o pardon_n but_o be_v ready_a at_o any_o time_n upon_o their_o true_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n to_o receive_v they_o again_o into_o his_o favour_n so_o have_v he_o commit_v unto_o the_o church_n the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n which_o church_n therefore_o according_o aught_o not_o only_o to_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n by_o preach_v admonition_n and_o exhortation_n but_o also_o wherever_o she_o see_v evident_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o it_o in_o any_o person_n of_o which_o yet_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v good_a assurance_n for_o his_o great_a comfort_n and_o ease_v of_o conscience_n to_o remit_v or_o absolve_v he_o from_o his_o sin_n and_o restore_v he_o again_o to_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n of_o christian_a communion_n of_o which_o i_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v deprive_v and_o whatever_o sentence_n of_o thus_o bind_v or_o lose_v remit_v or_o retain_v of_o man_n sin_n be_v due_o and_o regular_o pronounce_v by_o the_o church_n upon_o earth_n our_o saviour_n assure_v we_o it_o shall_v be_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o god_n in_o heaven_n but_o that_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o make_v a_o particular_a confession_n of_o all_o his_o sin_n unto_o any_o other_o person_n except_o god_n in_o order_n to_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o or_o absolution_n from_o they_o as_o i_o no_o where_o find_v it_o assert_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o the_o reason_n which_o the_o roman_a divine_n do_v allege_v for_o it_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o unconcluding_a for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o particular_a confession_n of_o a_o man_n sin_n which_o may_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o most_o harden_a impenitent_a but_o his_o contrition_n and_o the_o visible_a reformation_n of_o his_o life_n which_o may_v sufficient_o appear_v without_o a_o particular_a confession_n that_o only_o can_v enable_v the_o church_n or_o her_o minister_n to_o judge_v whether_o he_o true_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n or_o not_o and_o consequent_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o proper_a object_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o the_o church_n favour_n although_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v be_v very_o proper_a for_o a_o man_n to_o make_v know_v the_o disease_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o a_o prudent_a spiritual_a physician_n that_o he_o may_v have_v his_o advice_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o they_o and_o his_o duty_n also_o