it_o be_v god_n own_o attestation_n i_o have_v show_v before_o §_o 66._o i_o have_v open_v the_o validity_n of_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o first_o church_n certain_a testimony_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n both_o of_o they_o have_v a_o threefold_a certainty_n moral_a natural_a and_o supernatural_a in_o all_o which_o i_o have_v suppose_v that_o such_o a_o testimony_n the_o church_n have_v indeed_o give_v down_o to_o their_o posterity_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o remain_v last_o to_o be_v here_o prove_v §_o 67._o the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v be_v deliver_v we_o down_o from_o the_o first_o church_n by_o all_o these_o follow_a way_n of_o history_n 1._o by_o deliver_v to_o we_o the_o same_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o their_o hand_n themselves_o as_o certain_a truth_n and_o deliver_v down_o as_o such_o to_o we_o even_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o that_o believe_v their_o word_n believe_v their_o write_n and_o have_v tell_v we_o their_o belief_n by_o preserve_v they_o for_o posterity_n as_o sacred_a verity_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o life_n and_o death_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v contain_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o history_n of_o their_o preach_a and_o miracle_n as_o luke_n be_v a_o eye-witness_n of_o or_o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o who_o be_v common_o paul_n companion_n by_o which_o we_o may_v partly_o judge_v of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o if_o the_o church_n have_v not_o believe_v all_o these_o they_o will_v not_o have_v deliver_v they_o as_o the_o infallible_a write_n of_o the_o inspire_a apostle_n to_o their_o posterity_n §_o 68_o 2._o the_o very_a successive_a be_v of_o christian_n and_o church_n be_v the_o full_a history_n that_o they_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o make_v they_o christian_n and_o church_n which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n a_o christian_a be_v nothing_o else_o but_o one_o that_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n resurrection_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n as_o certain_a truth_n by_o the_o preach_n and_o miracle_n of_o his_o great_a witness_n the_o apostle_n so_o many_o christian_n as_o there_o ever_o be_v so_o many_o believer_n of_o these_o thing_n there_o have_v be_v it_o be_v this_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n that_o make_v they_o christian_n and_o plant_v these_o church_n and_o if_o any_o man_n think_v it_o questionable_a whether_o there_o have_v be_v christian_n ever_o since_o christ_n time_n in_o the_o world_n all_o history_n will_v satisfy_v he_o roman_z mahometan_a jewish_a and_o christian_a without_o any_o one_o dissent_v voice_n pliny_n suetonius_n tacitus_n marcellinus_n eunapius_n lucian_n and_o porphyry_n and_o julian_n and_o all_o such_o enemy_n may_v convince_v he_o he_o shall_v read_v the_o history_n of_o their_o suffering_n which_o will_v tell_v he_o that_o certain_o such_o a_o sort_n of_o person_n there_o be_v then_o in_o the_o world_n §_o 69._o 3._o the_o succession_n of_o pastor_n and_o preacher_n in_o all_o generation_n be_v another_o proof_n for_o it_o be_v their_o office_n to_o read_v public_o and_o preach_v this_o same_o scripture_n to_o the_o church_n and_o world_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o a_o succession_n of_o pastor_n in_o this_o one_o city_n or_o that_o or_o by_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a way_n of_o ordination_n have_v nothing_o here_o to_o do_v with_o that_o but_o that_o a_o certain_a succession_n there_o have_v be_v since_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v past_a question_n for_o 1._o else_o there_o have_v be_v no_o particular_a church_n 2._o nor_o no_o baptism_n 3._o nor_o no_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n 4._o nor_o no_o synod_n or_o discipline_n but_o this_o be_v not_o deny_v §_o 70._o 4._o the_o continuance_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o kernel_n or_o sum_n of_o all_o christianity_n prove_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n for_o all_o christian_n in_o baptism_n be_v baptize_v into_o the_o vow_a belief_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o father_n §_o 71._o 5._o the_o deliver_v down_o of_o the_o three_o breviate_v symbol_n of_o faith_n desire_n and_o duty_n the_o creed_n lord_n prayer_n and_o decalogue_n be_v the_o church_n delivery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o that_o which_o all_o christian_n have_v believe_v §_o 72._o 6._o the_o constant_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o solemn_a assembly_n and_o set_v apart_o the_o lord_n day_n to_o that_o use_n be_v a_o delivery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o those_o assembly_n all_o profess_a to_o believe_v §_o 73._o 7._o the_o constant_a preach_n and_o read_v of_o these_o same_o scripture_n in_o those_o assembly_n and_o celebrate_v there_o the_o sacrament_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o open_a profess_v their_o belief_n and_o the_o prayer_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n for_o the_o resurrection_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v all_o open_a undeniable_a testimony_n that_o these_o thing_n be_v believe_v by_o those_o church_n §_o 74._o 8._o the_o frequent_a dispute_n which_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n have_v hold_v with_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o christianity_n do_v show_v that_o they_o believe_v all_o these_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n therein_o contain_v §_o 75._o 9_o the_o write_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n their_o apology_n commentary_n history_n devotional_a treatise_n all_o bear_v the_o same_o testimony_n that_o we_o have_v these_o thing_n by_o their_o tradition_n §_o 76._o 10._o the_o confession_n suffering_n and_o martyrdom_n of_o many_o in_o most_o age_n do_v bear_v the_o same_o testimony_n that_o they_o believe_v this_o for_o which_o they_o suffer_v and_o that_o posterity_n receive_v it_o from_o they_o §_o 77._o 11._o the_o decree_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o synod_n or_o council_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n be_v another_o part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o same_o belief_n §_o 78._o 12._o last_o the_o decree_n and_o law_n of_o prince_n concern_v they_o be_v another_o part_n of_o the_o history_n show_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v these_o thing_n §_o 79._o and_o if_o any_o question_n whether_o our_o scripture_n which_o contain_v these_o history_n and_o doctrine_n be_v indeed_o the_o same_o which_o these_o church_n receive_v and_o deliver_v from_o the_o apostle_n he_o may_v easy_o be_v convince_v as_o follow_v §_o 80._o 1._o various_a copy_n of_o it_o in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a text_n be_v very_o quick_o scatter_v about_o the_o world_n and_o be_v yet_o find_v in_o all_o nation_n agree_v in_o all_o material_a passage_n §_o 81._o 2._o these_o scripture_n be_v translate_v into_o many_o language_n of_o which_o there_o be_v yet_o extant_a the_o syriack_n arabic_a ethiopick_n persian_a etc._n etc._n which_o agree_v in_o all_o material_a thing_n §_o 82._o 3._o it_o be_v the_o state_v office_n of_o the_o minister_n in_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o read_v these_o scripture_n open_o to_o the_o people_n and_o preach_v on_o they_o in_o all_o their_o solemn_a assembly_n and_o a_o thing_n so_o public_o maintain_v and_o use_v can_v not_o possible_o be_v alter_v material_o §_o 83._o 4._o all_o private_a christian_n be_v exhort_v to_o read_v and_o use_v the_o same_o scripture_n also_o in_o their_o family_n and_o in_o secret_a §_o 84._o 5._o this_o be_v through_o so_o many_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o they_o can_v all_o agree_v upon_o a_o corruption_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o be_v there_o mention_n in_o any_o history_n of_o any_o attempt_n of_o any_o such_o agreement_n §_o 85._o 6._o if_o they_o will_v have_v meet_v together_o for_o that_o end_n they_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v all_o consent_v because_o they_o be_v of_o so_o many_o mind_n and_o party_n and_o inclination_n §_o 86._o 7._o especial_o when_o all_o christian_n by_o their_o religion_n take_v it_o to_o be_v matter_n of_o damnation_n to_o add_v to_o or_o diminish_v from_o these_o sacred_a write_n as_o be_v the_o inspire_a word_n of_o god_n §_o 87._o 8._o and_o every_o christian_a take_v it_o for_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o the_o charter_n for_o his_o heavenly_a inheritance_n and_o therefore_o will_v certain_o have_v have_v his_o action_n against_o the_o corrupter_n of_o it_o as_o the_o law_n of_o this_o land_n be_v record_v and_o have_v lawyer_n and_o judge_n who_o calling_n be_v continual_o to_o use_v they_o and_o man_n hold_v their_o estate_n and_o safety_n by_o they_o if_o any_o will_v alter_v they_o all_o
when_o they_o have_v here_o and_o in_o other_o such_o write_n find_v our_o fundamental_o prove_v let_v they_o hereafter_o excuse_v our_o superstructure_n and_o not_o think_v that_o every_o sermon_n must_v be_v spend_v in_o prove_v our_o christianity_n and_o creed_n in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o book_n i_o give_v you_o no_o testimony_n from_o the_o christian_a write_n or_o authority_n because_o i_o suppose_v the_o reader_n to_o be_v one_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o and_o my_o business_n be_v only_o to_o prove_v natural_a verity_n by_o their_o proper_a evidence_n but_o lest_o any_o shall_v think_v that_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o legible_a in_o nature_n because_o the_o wise_a heathen_n see_v it_o not_o i_o have_v cite_v in_o the_o margin_n their_o attestation_n to_o most_o particular_n to_o show_v that_o indeed_o they_o do_v confess_v the_o same_o though_o less_o distinct_o and_o clear_o than_o they_o may_v have_v do_v as_o i_o have_v plain_o prove_v but_o be_v many_o year_n separate_v from_o my_o book_n i_o be_v force_v to_o do_v this_o part_n less_o exact_o than_o i_o will_v have_v do_v have_v i_o be_v near_o my_o own_o or_o any_o other_o library_n again_o i_o serious_o profess_v that_o i_o be_o so_o confident_a of_o the_o just_a proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o truth_n here_o give_v that_o i_o fear_v nothing_o as_o to_o frustrate_v the_o success_n but_o the_o reader_n be_v incapacity_n through_o half-wittedness_a or_o wickedness_n or_o his_o laziness_n in_o a_o cursory_a and_o negligent_a perusal_n of_o what_o be_v concise_o but_o evident_o propose_v it_o be_v true_a that_o seneca_n say_v magna_fw-la debet_fw-la esse_fw-la eloquentia_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o vitis_fw-la placet_fw-la i_o may_v add_v et_fw-la veritatis_fw-la evidentia_fw-la quae_fw-la caecis_fw-la malignis_fw-la vel_fw-la ignavis_fw-la prodest_fw-la and_o who_o feel_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o hierom_n word_n ad_fw-la paul_n nunquam_fw-la benefit_n quoth_v fit_a praeoccupato_fw-la animo_fw-la be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v its_o glory_n and_o feel_v its_o power_n and_o be_v direct_v by_o it_o to_o everlasting_a blessedness_n this_o be_v his_o end_n who_o be_v octob._n 31._o 1666._o a_o earnest_a desirer_n of_o mankind_n felicity_n richard_n baxter_n to_o the_o hypocrite_n reader_n who_o have_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o andvnbeliever_n it_o be_v the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o you_o that_o you_o be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n and_o in_o a_o land_n where_o christianity_n be_v the_o profess_a religion_n and_o under_o governor_n and_o law_n which_o countenance_n it_o but_o this_o which_o shall_v have_v help_v you_o to_o the_o intelligent_a and_o serious_a entertainment_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v abuse_v by_o you_o to_o detain_v you_o from_o â—t_a you_o have_v content_v yourselves_o to_o have_v religion_n in_o your_o prince_n and_o your_o parent_n precept_n in_o library_n and_o law_n and_o to_o say_v over_o some_o of_o these_o by_o â—ote_n while_o you_o banish_v it_o from_o your_o heart_n and_o life_n if_o not_o also_o from_o your_o sober_a thought_n and_o understanding_n and_o have_v indeed_o no_o religion_n of_o your_o own_o because_o the_o labour_n of_o understanding_n and_o obey_v it_o seem_v too_o dear_a a_o price_n to_o purchase_v it_o you_o â—ve_v think_v it_o most_o serviceable_a to_o your_o quietness_n and_o your_o reputation_n to_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o religion_n of_o your_o parent_n or_o your_o king_n be_v it_o what_o it_o will_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o common_a course_n of_o the_o rude_a and_o irreligious_a rabble_n in_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n o_o that_o i_o may_v be_v your_o effectual_a monitor_n to_o awaken_v you_o to_o consider_v what_o you_o have_v be_v do_v and_o yet_o if_o you_o be_v man_n to_o suffer_v your_o reason_n to_o look_v behind_o you_o within_z you_o and_o before_o you_o and_o serious_o think_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o heaven_n or_o hell_n for_o ever_o and_o prudent_o to_o manage_v your_o own_o concernment_n can_v you_o think_v that_o that_o man_n have_v any_o religion_n who_o have_v no_o god_n or_o have_v he_o indeed_o a_o god_n who_o prefer_v his_o lust_n or_o wealth_n or_o honour_n or_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n before_o he_o or_o that_o be_v not_o devote_v to_o his_o obedience_n and_o his_o love_n be_v he_o a_o god_n that_o be_v not_o better_a than_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o world_n or_o that_o be_v not_o great_a than_o a_o mortal_a man_n or_o be_v not_o full_o sufficient_a for_o you_o do_v you_o know_v what_o you_o do_v when_o you_o own_v your_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o covenant_n which_o be_v when_o you_o usurp_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o join_v in_o visible_a communion_n in_o the_o church_n do_v you_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o to_o renounce_v the_o flesh_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o give_v up_o yourselves_o to_o a_o saviour_n and_o a_o sanctifier_n or_o can_v you_o think_v while_o you_o be_v awake_a and_o sober_a that_o perfidiousness_n will_v save_v you_o and_o be_v take_v by_o god_n instead_o of_o christianity_n will_v god_n accept_v you_o for_o a_o perjure_a profession_n to_o be_v that_o and_o do_v that_o which_o never_o come_v into_o your_o heart_n be_v hypocrisy_n a_o virtue_n and_o will_n lie_v bring_v a_o man_n to_o heaven_n christianity_n be_v such_o a_o believe_v in_o christ_n to_o bring_v we_o unto_o god_n and_o everlasting_a glory_n as_o make_v the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o thankful_a obedience_n its_o employment_n and_o a_o heavenly_a mind_n and_o life_n to_o be_v its_o constitution_n and_o its_o trade_n and_o the_o mercy_n of_o this_o life_n to_o be_v but_o our_o travelling-helps_a and_o provision_n for_o a_o better_a and_o the_o interest_n of_o fleshly_a lust_n to_o be_v esteem_v but_o as_o dross_n and_o dung_n be_v this_o the_o life_n which_o you_o live_v or_o which_o you_o hate_v i_o beseech_v you_o sir_n as_o you_o regard_v the_o reputation_n of_o your_o reason_n tell_v we_o why_o you_o will_v profess_v a_o religion_n which_o you_o abhor_v or_o why_o will_v you_o abhor_v a_o religion_n which_o you_o profess_v why_o will_v you_o glory_n in_o the_o part_n of_o a_o parrot_n or_o a_o ape_n to_o say_v over_o a_o few_o word_n or_o move_v your_o body_n while_o you_o detest_v the_o humane_a part_n to_o know_v and_o love_n and_o live_v to_o god_n do_v you_o live_v only_o to_o treasure_n up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n who_o will_v render_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o deed_n rom._n 2.5_o 6._o do_v you_o profess_v yourselves_o christian_n only_o for_o self-condemnation_n to_o be_v witness_n against_o yourselves_o in_o judgement_n that_o you_o wilful_o live_v unchristian_a life_n what_o be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n that_o you_o be_v so_o averse_a to_o as_o to_o be_v serious_o that_o which_o you_o profess_v yourselves_o to_o be_v who_o hate_v you_o more_o than_o those_o that_o be_v that_o in_o heart_n and_o life_n which_o you_o call_v yourselves_o in_o customary_a word_n or_o that_o be_v serious_a in_o the_o religion_n which_o you_o say_v yourselves_o you_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o read_v matth._n 23.29_o 30_o 31._o why_o do_v you_o honour_v the_o dead_a saint_n and_o abhor_v the_o live_n and_o will_v make_v more_o martyr_n while_o you_o keep_v festival_n of_o commemoration_n of_o those_o that_o other_o make_v quae_fw-la est_fw-la illa_fw-la justitia_fw-la sanctos_fw-la colere_fw-la &_o sanctitatem_fw-la contemnere_fw-la primus_fw-la gradus_fw-la pietatis_fw-la est_fw-la sanctitatem_fw-la diligere_fw-la chrysost_n in_o matth._n 24._o christ_n have_v not_o more_o bitter_a enemy_n in_o the_o world_n than_o some_o of_o you_o who_o wear_v his_o livery_n turk_n and_o heathen_n be_v more_o gentle_a to_o true_a christian_n and_o have_v shed_v less_o of_o their_o blood_n than_o hypocrite_n christian_n have_v do_v the_o zeal_n of_o the_o pharisee_n consume_v many_o who_o the_o clemency_n of_o the_o roman_n will_v else_o have_v spare_v be_v it_o know_v to_o all_o the_o infidel_n world_n who_o detest_v christianity_n because_o of_o your_o wickedness_n that_o you_o be_v none_o of_o we_o christ_n renounce_v you_o matth._n 7.22_o 23._o and_o we_o renounce_v you_o they_o may_v as_o well_o hate_v philosophy_n because_o some_o vagrant_a sot_n have_v call_v themselves_o philosopher_n or_o have_v sail_v with_o aristotle_n or_o plato_n in_o the_o same_o ship_n they_o may_v as_o well_o hate_v physic_n because_o many_o ignorant_a woman_n and_o mountebank_n have_v profess_v it_o they_o may_v as_o well_o reproach_n
divide_v itself_o from_o the_o rest_n cause_v schism_n or_o contention_n in_o the_o body_n or_o make_v a_o rent_n unnecessary_o in_o any_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v a_o part_n 28.22_o §_o 4._o but_o when_o party_n and_o sect_n do_v trouble_v the_o church_n we_o must_v still_o hold_v to_o our_o mere_a christianity_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v call_v by_o no_o other_o name_n than_o christian_n with_o the_o epithet_n of_o sincerity_n and_o if_o man_n will_v put_v the_o name_n of_o a_o party_n or_o sect_n upon_o we_o for_o hold_v to_o christianity_n only_o against_o all_o corrupt_a sect_n we_o must_v hold_v on_o our_o way_n and_o bear_v their_o obloquy_n 3._o §_o 5._o what_o christianity_n be_v may_v be_v know_v 1._o most_o summary_o in_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n in_o which_o we_o be_v by_o solemnisation_n make_v christian_n in_o which_o renounce_v the_o flesh_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n we_o give_v up_o ourselves_o devote_o to_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o our_o creator_n redeemer_n and_o sanctifier_n 2._o by_o the_o ancient_a summary_n rule_v of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n the_o creed_n the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o the_o decalogue_n 3._o integral_o in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o record_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 40._o §_o 6._o but_o there_o be_v many_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n which_o scripture_n do_v not_o particular_o determine_v of_o but_o only_o give_v general_a rule_n for_o the_o determination_n of_o they_o as_o what_o chapter_n shall_v be_v read_v what_o text_n preach_v on_o what_o translation_n use_v what_o meeter_n or_o tune_n of_o psalm_n what_o time_n what_o place_n what_o seat_n or_o pulpit_n or_o cup_n or_o other_o utensil_n what_o vesture_n gesture_n etc._n etc._n whether_o we_o shall_v use_v note_n for_o memory_n in_o preach_v what_o method_n we_o shall_v preach_v in_o whether_o we_o shall_v pray_v in_o the_o same_o word_n often_o or_o in_o various_a with_o a_o book_n or_o without_o with_o many_o other_o in_o all_o which_o the_o people_n must_v have_v a_o obediential_a respect_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o lawful_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n §_o 7._o differ_v opinion_n or_o practice_n about_o thing_n indifferent_a 17._o no_o nor_o about_o the_o mere_a integral_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v not_o essential_o do_v not_o make_v man_n of_o different_a religion_n or_o church_n universal_o consider_v §_o 8._o nothing_o will_v warrant_v we_o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n as_o no_o church_n but_o the_o want_n of_o something_o essential_a to_o a_o church_n §_o 9_o 5._o the_o essential_a or_o constitutive_a part_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n or_o universal_a be_v christ_n the_o head_n and_o all_o christian_n as_o the_o member_n §_o 10._o all_o sincere_a and_o sanctify_a christian_n be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n mystical_a invisible_a or_o regenerate_v and_o all_o professor_n of_o sincere_a christianity_n that_o be_v all_o baptise_a person_n not_o apostatise_v nor_o excommunicate_a be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a which_o be_v integrate_v of_o the_o particular_a church_n §_o 11._o it_o be_v essential_a to_o particular_a political_a church_n 13._o that_o they_o be_v constitute_v of_o true_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o of_o flock_n of_o baptise_a or_o profess_a christian_n unite_v in_o these_o relation_n for_o holy_a communion_n in_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o several_a member_n §_o 12._o it_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o true_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n 8.1_o to_o be_v in_o office_n that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o obligation_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o subordination_n to_o he_o in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o his_o office_n prophetical_a priestly_a and_o kingly_a that_o be_v to_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o stand_v between_o they_o and_o god_n in_o worship_n and_o to_o guide_v or_o or_o govern_v they_o by_o the_o paternal_a exercise_n of_o the_o key_n of_o his_o church_n §_o 13._o he_o that_o do_v not_o nullify_v or_o unchurch_n a_o church_n may_v lawful_o remove_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o and_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a or_o that_o which_o be_v most_o suit_v to_o his_o own_o edification_n if_o he_o be_v a_o freeman_n 26._o §_o 14._o but_o in_o case_n of_o such_o choice_n or_o personal_a removal_n the_o interest_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o of_o religion_n in_o common_a must_v be_v first_o take_v into_o consideration_n by_o he_o that_o will_v right_o judge_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o fact_n §_o 15._o if_o a_o church_n which_o in_o all_o other_o respect_n be_v pure_a and_o best_a will_v impose_v any_o sin_n upon_o all_o that_o will_v have_v local_a communion_n with_o it_o 3.8_o though_o we_o must_v not_o separate_v from_o that_o church_n as_o no_o church_n yet_o must_v we_o not_o commit_v that_o sin_n but_o patient_o suffer_v they_o to_o exclude_v we_o from_o their_o communion_n §_o 16._o true_a heresy_n that_o be_v a_o error_n contradictory_n to_o a_o essential_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n if_o it_o be_v serious_o and_o real_o hold_v 2._o so_o that_o the_o contrary_a truth_n be_v not_o hold_v serious_o and_o real_o do_v nullify_v the_o christianity_n of_o he_o that_o hold_v it_o and_o the_o church-state_n of_o that_o congregation_n which_o so_o profess_v it_o but_o so_o do_v not_o that_o fundamental_a error_n which_o be_v hold_v but_o in_o word_n through_o ignorance_n think_v it_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o contrary_a truth_n while_o that_o truth_n be_v not_o deny_v but_o hold_v majore_fw-la fide_fw-la 244._o so_o that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o if_o they_o do_v discern_v the_o contradiction_n they_o will_v rather_o forsake_v the_o error_n than_o the_o truth_n but_o of_o this_o more_o elsewhere_o chap._n fourteen_o consectary_n ii_o pa._n of_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o promote_v it_o and_o its_o enemy_n and_o impediment_n in_o the_o world_n so_o great_a and_o common_a be_v the_o enmity_n against_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o against_o the_o life_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o hypocrite_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o the_o guilty_a will_v not_o bear_v the_o detection_n of_o their_o guilt_n and_o therefore_o the_o reader_n must_v excuse_v i_o for_o pass_v over_o the_o one_o half_a of_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_n because_o they_o that_o need_v it_o can_v suffer_v it_o §_o 1._o 33._o every_o true_a christian_a prefer_v the_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o religion_n before_o all_o worldly_a interest_n of_o his_o own_o or_o any_o other_o for_o he_o that_o set_v himself_o or_o any_o thing_n above_o his_o god_n have_v indeed_o no_o god_n for_o if_o he_o be_v not_o maximus_n sapientissimus_fw-la optimus_fw-la great_a wise_a and_o best_a he_o be_v not_o god_n and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o real_o take_v as_o such_o he_o be_v not_o take_v for_o their_o god_n and_o he_o that_o have_v no_o god_n have_v no_o religion_n and_o he_o that_o have_v no_o religion_n be_v no_o christian_a and_o if_o he_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n he_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n §_o 2._o 1.12.14_o though_o we_o must_v prefer_v the_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n above_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o soul_n yet_o must_v we_o never_o set_v they_o in_o competition_n or_o opposition_n but_o in_o a_o due_a conjunction_n though_o not_o in_o a_o equality_n i_o add_v this_o to_o warn_v man_n of_o some_o common_a dangerous_a error_n in_o this_o point_n some_o think_v that_o if_o they_o do_v but_o feel_v themselves_o more_o move_v with_o another_o minister_n preach_v or_o more_o edify_v with_o another_o way_n of_o discipline_n they_o may_v present_o withdraw_v themselves_o to_o that_o minister_n or_o discipline_n without_o regard_n to_o the_o unity_n and_o good_a of_o the_o church_n where_o they_o be_v or_o whatever_o public_a evil_n follow_v it_o whereas_o he_o that_o seem_v to_o deny_v even_o to_o his_o soul_n some_o present_a edification_n for_o the_o public_a good_a shall_v find_v that_o even_o this_o will_v turn_v to_o his_o great_a edification_n and_o some_o on_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a have_v get_v a_o conceit_n that_o till_o they_o can_v find_v that_o they_o can_v be_v content_a to_o be_v damn_v for_o christ_n if_o god_n will_v so_o have_v it_o they_o be_v not_o sincere_a which_o be_v a_o case_n that_o no_o christian_n shall_v put_v to_o his_o own_o heart_n be_v such_o as_o god_n never_o put_v to_o any_o man_n all_o the_o trial_n that_o god_n put_v we_o to_o be_v but_o whether_o we_o can_v deny_v this_o transitory_a life_n and_o the_o vanity_n
perfidious_a as_o cruel_a and_o contentious_a insomuch_o as_o among_o the_o turkish_a mahometan_n and_o the_o indian_a banian_n the_o wickedness_n of_o christian_n be_v the_o grand_a cause_n that_o they_o abhor_v christianity_n and_o it_o keep_v out_o your_o religion_n from_o most_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o proverb_n among_o they_o when_o any_o be_v suspect_v of_o treachery_n what_o do_v you_o think_v i_o be_o a_o christian_n and_o acosta_n witness_v the_o like_a of_o the_o west-indies_n answ_n 1._o every_o man_n know_v that_o the_o vulgar_a rabble_n who_o indeed_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n will_v seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o religion_n which_o be_v most_o for_o their_o worldly_a advantage_n or_o else_o which_o their_o ancestor_n and_o custom_n have_v deliver_v to_o they_o and_o who_o can_v expect_v that_o such_o shall_v live_v as_o christian_n who_o be_v no_o christian_n you_o may_v as_o well_o blame_v man_n because_o image_n do_v not_o labour_v and_o be_v not_o learned_a wise_a and_o virtuous_a we_o never_o take_v all_o for_o christian_n indeed_o who_o for_o carnal_a interest_n or_o custom_n or_o tradition_n take_v up_o the_o bare_a name_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v call_v christian_n rebel_n may_v affect_v the_o name_n of_o loyal_a subject_n and_o thief_n and_o robber_n the_o name_n of_o true_a and_o honest_a man_n shall_v loyalty_n truth_n and_o honesty_n therefore_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o such_o as_o they_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unrighteous_a than_o to_o judge_v of_o christianity_n by_o those_o hypocrite_n who_o christ_n have_v tell_v we_o shall_v be_v condemn_v to_o the_o sore_a punishment_n and_o who_o he_o hate_v above_o all_o sort_n of_o sinner_n what_o if_o julian_n celsus_n porphyry_n or_o any_o of_o these_o objector_n shall_v call_v themselves_o christian_n and_o live_v in_o drunkenness_n cruelty_n perjury_n or_o deceit_n be_v it_o any_o reason_n that_o christ_n shall_v be_v reproach_v for_o their_o crime_n christianity_n be_v not_o a_o dead_a opinion_n or_o name_n but_o a_o active_a heavenly_a principle_n renew_v and_o govern_v heart_n and_o life_n i_o have_v before_o show_v what_o christianity_n be_v 2._o in_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o turk_n and_o other_o infidel_n prince_n the_o christian_n by_o oppression_n be_v keep_v without_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n and_o so_o their_o ignorance_n have_v cause_v they_o to_o degenerate_v for_o the_o great_a part_n into_o a_o sensual_a sottish_a sort_n of_o people_n unlike_a to_o christian_n and_o in_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o moscovite_n tyranny_n have_v set_v up_o a_o jealousy_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o suppress_v preach_v for_o fear_v lest_o preacher_n shall_v injure_v the_o emperor_n and_o in_o the_o west_n the_o usurpation_n and_o tyranny_n of_o the_o papacy_n have_v lock_v up_o the_o scripture_n from_o that_o people_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n that_o they_o know_v no_o more_o what_o christ_n say_v than_o the_o priest_n think_v meet_v to_o tell_v they_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v loosen_v from_o their_o dependence_n on_o the_o roman_a oracle_n and_o thus_o ignorance_n with_o the_o most_o destroy_v christianity_n and_o leave_v man_n but_o the_o shadow_n image_n and_o name_n for_o belief_n be_v a_o intellectual_a act_n and_o a_o sort_n of_o know_v and_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v real_o he_o know_v not_o what_o if_o any_o disciple_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n have_v meet_v with_o such_o teacher_n as_o think_v it_o their_o virtue_n and_o proficiency_n to_o be_v ignorant_a call_v not_o such_o christian_n as_o know_v not_o what_o christianity_n be_v and_o judge_v not_o of_o christ_n doctrine_n by_o they_o that_o never_o read_v or_o hear_v it_o or_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v you_o any_o good_a account_n of_o it_o but_o bless_v be_v the_o lord_n there_o be_v many_o thousand_o better_a christian_n object_n xiii_o but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o ignorant_a rabble_n only_o but_o many_o of_o your_o most_o zealous_a professor_n of_o christianity_n who_o have_v be_v as_o false_a as_o proud_a and_o turbulent_a and_o seditious_a as_o any_o other_o answ_n 1._o that_o the_o true_a genuine_a christian_a 778._o be_v not_o so_o you_o may_v see_v past_a doubt_n by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o there_o be_v thousand_o and_o million_o of_o humble_a holy_a faithful_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o truth_n which_o nothing_o but_o ignorance_n or_o malice_n can_v deny_v 2._o hypocrite_n be_v no_o true_a christian_n what_o zeal_n soever_o they_o pretend_v there_o be_v a_o zeal_n for_o self_n and_o interest_n which_o be_v oft_o mask_v with_o the_o name_n of_o zeal_n for_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o the_o seem_a but_o the_o real_a christian_a which_o we_o have_v to_o justify_v 3._o it_o be_v common_o a_o few_o young_a unexperienced_a novice_n which_o be_v tempt_v into_o disorder_n but_o christ_n will_v bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n for_o all_o before_o he_o will_v forgive_v and_o save_v they_o look_v into_o the_o scripture_n and_o see_v whether_o it_o do_v not_o disow_v and_o contradict_v every_o fault_n both_o great_a and_o small_a which_o ever_o you_o know_v any_o christian_a commit_v if_o it_o do_v as_o visible_o it_o do_v why_o must_v christ_n be_v blame_v for_o our_o fault_n when_o he_o be_v condemn_v they_o and_o reprove_v we_o and_o cure_v we_o of_o they_o object_n fourteen_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v against_o christianity_n heathen_n and_o infidel_n be_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o great_a prince_n and_o learn_a philosopher_n have_v be_v and_o be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n answ_n 1._o the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o king_n nor_o philosopher_n nor_o wise_a nor_o good_a man_n and_o yet_o that_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o king_n or_o learned_a or_o good_a man_n 2._o the_o most_o of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o know_v what_o christianity_n be_v nor_o ever_o hear_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o they_o be_v not_o christian_n and_o if_o the_o most_o of_o the_o world_n be_v ignorant_a and_o carnal_a and_o such_o as_o have_v subject_v their_o reason_n to_o their_o lust_n no_o wonder_n if_o they_o be_v not_o wise_a 3._o there_o be_v no_o where_o in_o the_o world_n so_o much_o learn_v as_o among_o the_o christian_n experience_n put_v that_o past_a dispute_n with_o those_o that_o have_v any_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o world_n mahomitanism_n can_v endure_v the_o light_n of_o learning_n and_o therefore_o do_v suppress_v or_o sleight_v it_o the_o old_a greek_n and_o roman_n have_v much_o learning_n which_o do_v but_o prepare_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o christianity_n at_o who_o service_n it_o have_v continue_v ever_o since_o but_o barbarous_a ignorance_n have_v over_o spread_v almost_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n even_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o chinenses_n and_o the_o pythagorean_n of_o the_o east_n be_v but_o childishness_n and_o dotage_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o present_a christian_n object_n xv._n for_o all_o that_o you_o say_v when_o we_o hear_v subtle_a arguing_n against_o christianity_n it_o stagger_v we_o and_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o confute_v they_o answ_n that_o be_v indeed_o the_o common_a case_n of_o tempt_v man_n their_o own_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n be_v their_o enemy_n strength_n but_o your_o ignorance_n shall_v be_v lament_v and_o not_o the_o christian_a cause_n accuse_v it_o be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o yourselves_o but_o it_o be_v none_o to_o christ_n do_v your_o duty_n and_o you_o may_v be_v more_o capable_a of_o discern_v the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n object_n xvi_o ibid._n but_o the_o suffering_n which_o attend_v christianity_n be_v so_o great_a that_o we_o can_v bear_v they_o in_o most_o place_n it_o be_v persecute_v by_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n and_o it_o restrain_v we_o from_o our_o pleasure_n and_o put_v we_o upon_o a_o ungrateful_a troublesome_a life_n cap_a and_o we_o be_v not_o soul_n that_o have_v no_o body_n and_o therefore_o can_v sleight_v these_o thing_n answ_n but_o you_o have_v soul_n that_o be_v make_v to_o rule_v your_o body_n and_o be_v more_o worthy_a and_o durable_a than_o they_o and_o be_v your_o soul_n such_o as_o reason_n tell_v you_o they_o shall_v be_v no_o life_n on_o earth_n will_v be_v so_o delectable_a to_o you_o as_o that_o which_o you_o account_v so_o troublesome_a and_o if_o you_o will_v choose_v thing_n perish_v for_o your_o portion_n &_o be_v content_a with_o the_o momentary_a pleasure_n of_o a_o dream_n you_o must_v patient_o undergo_v the_o fruit_n of_o such_o a_o foolish_a choice_n and_o if_o eternal_a glory_n will_v not_o compensate_a what_o ever_o you_o can_v lose_v by_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n or_o by_o the_o cross_n of_o your_o fleshly_a mind_n you_o