of_o necessity_n be_v outward_o express_v in_o word_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o keep_v their_o thought_n wherein_o their_o worship_n do_v consist_v unite_a and_o join_v together_o and_o since_o word_n not_o understand_v be_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o with_o no_o word_n at_o all_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o language_n wherein_o the_o worship_n of_o any_o church_n or_o congregation_n be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n must_v always_o be_v such_o as_o be_v well_o understand_v by_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o people_n who_o meet_v together_o nor_o do_v even_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n amaze_v i_o more_o than_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n shall_v own_v the_o 14_o chapter_n of_o st._n paul_n first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o have_v all_o their_o public_a service_n every_o where_o perform_v in_o the_o latin_a tongue_n only_o which_o be_v not_o now_o understand_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o any_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n 61._o as_o peace_n and_o unity_n mutual_a love_n and_o good_a agreement_n among_o the_o member_n of_o every_o society_n together_o with_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o all_o that_o be_v transact_v among_o they_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v and_o continuance_n or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o well-being_n of_o the_o society_n itself_o so_o be_v they_o careful_o prescribe_v and_o inculcate_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o thing_n to_o be_v always_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o as_o he_o who_o first_o occasion_n the_o violation_n of_o any_o of_o they_o be_v plain_o guilty_a of_o a_o very_a great_a sin_n so_o in_o all_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o particular_o and_o clear_o determine_v by_o god_n law_n we_o can_v propose_v a_o better_a and_o safe_a rule_n to_o ourselves_o than_o always_o to_o do_v that_o which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o advancement_n and_o preservation_n of_o they_o 62._o if_o some_o certain_a time_n be_v not_o determine_v for_o christian_n to_o meet_v together_o for_o god_n worship_n which_o every_o man_n may_v know_v of_o before_o it_o come_v and_o according_o prepare_v himself_o for_o it_o by_o lay_v aside_o for_o that_o time_n his_o worldly_a business_n disorder_n and_o confusion_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o uncertainty_n must_v needs_o follow_v that_o one_o day_n at_o least_o in_o seven_o be_v express_o require_v by_o god_n under_o the_o mosaic_a law_n to_o be_v sanctify_v and_o set_v a_o part_n for_o his_o service_n be_v beyond_o dispute_n that_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o jewish_a sabbath_n or_o the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o week_n be_v not_o require_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o i_o seem_v very_o evident_a from_o st._n paul_n reckon_n it_o among_o the_o transitory_a shadow_n of_o the_o old_a law_n col._n 2._o 17._o but_o that_o we_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v behindhand_o with_o the_o jew_n in_o set_v apart_o a_o proportion_n of_o our_o time_n for_o god_n service_n i_o think_v will_v follow_v as_o well_o from_o the_o great_a mercy_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o for_o which_o we_o no_o less_o than_o they_o aught_o to_o show_v and_o express_v our_o thankfulness_n as_o also_o from_o that_o general_a rule_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o that_o our_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o that_o according_o one_o day_n in_o seven_o namely_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n which_o in_o scripture_n be_v therefore_o call_v the_o lord_n day_n rev._n 1._o 10._o have_v ever_o be_v so_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o all_o christian_a church_n i_o presume_v will_v be_v deny_v by_o none_o as_o also_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o apostle_n make_v choice_n of_o this_o particular_a day_n be_v in_o remembrance_n of_o our_o saviour_n glorious_a resurrection_n which_o on_o that_o day_n be_v perform_v and_o whereby_o their_o faith_n in_o he_o which_o begin_v to_o waver_v be_v confirm_v and_o raise_v above_o all_o doubt_n or_o diffidence_n now_o since_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v or_o so_o much_o as_o imagine_v why_o this_o day_n shall_v be_v change_v for_o any_o other_o day_n of_o the_o week_n i_o do_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v conclude_v that_o the_o lord_n day_n or_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n aught_o for_o ever_o to_o be_v keep_v holy_a in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o particular_o dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o where_o either_o the_o church_n universal_a or_o any_o particular_a church_n have_v set_v aside_o any_o other_o day_n to_o be_v keep_v holy_a in_o remembrance_n either_o of_o any_o of_o god_n mercy_n to_o we_o or_o of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o any_o of_o his_o choose_a saint_n who_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o their_o life_n and_o transmit_v it_o so_o confirm_v down_o unto_o we_o or_o as_o day_n of_o fast_v or_o abstinence_n in_o order_n to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n since_o in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o god_n law_n nor_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o may_v be_v well_o consistent_a with_o and_o serviceable_a to_o true_a piety_n it_o will_v follow_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v §_o 61._o that_o every_o member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o keep_v and_o observe_v these_o same_o other_o holy_a day_n so_o far_o as_o no_o way_n to_o give_v scandal_n disturb_v the_o order_n or_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n which_o have_v establish_v they_o 63._o order_n and_o decency_n necessary_o require_v that_o all_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o determine_v by_o his_o own_o law_n shall_v be_v so_o settle_v by_o the_o church_n as_o that_o all_o confusion_n and_o unseemliness_n therein_o may_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a be_v avoid_v but_o care_n on_o the_o other_o side_n ought_v ever_o to_o be_v take_v that_o modes_n and_o ceremony_n be_v not_o so_o multiply_v as_o to_o become_v uneasy_a and_o burdensome_a or_o distract_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n now_o there_o be_v no_o such_o fix_a and_o demonstrable_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n but_o what_o will_v have_v a_o different_a relish_n with_o different_a man_n according_a to_o their_o several_a education_n and_o custom_n to_o which_o they_o may_v have_v be_v use_v it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a for_o any_o church_n so_o to_o regulate_v these_o external_a matter_n as_o to_o please_v every_o man_n fancy_n and_o give_v disgust_n to_o none_o for_o what_o some_o may_v think_v to_o be_v but_o decent_a other_o may_v take_v to_o be_v too_o formal_a or_o pompous_a and_o what_o these_o may_v apprehend_v to_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o christianity_n another_o sort_n may_v look_v on_o as_o mean_v and_o jejune_n as_o therefore_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o act_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o her_o prudence_n so_o since_o every_o man_n can_v expect_v to_o have_v his_o particular_a fancy_n in_o these_o thing_n please_v and_o gratify_v it_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o each_o private_a christian_a so_o far_o to_o comply_v with_o every_o such_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n where_o he_o dwell_v provide_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o which_o be_v sinful_a as_o not_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n or_o disturb_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n on_o that_o account_n but_o if_o any_o church_n shall_v offer_v to_o impose_v any_o ceremony_n or_o practice_n whatsoever_o which_o god_n have_v not_o prescribe_v and_o which_o therefore_o be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a not_o for_o decency_n and_o order_n but_o as_o thing_n in_o themselves_o holy_a or_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o some_o of_o old_a will_v have_v do_v by_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n with_o such_o imposition_n as_o these_o no_n christian_n ought_v at_o all_o to_o comply_v nor_o suffer_v his_o religion_n or_o conscience_n to_o be_v thus_o burden_a but_o every_o man_n must_v stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o pretend_v or_o use_v this_o liberty_n as_o a_o cloak_n of_o maliciousness_n 64._o since_o different_a opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v general_o apt_a to_o beget_v dissension_n and_o animosity_n between_o those_o who_o entertain_v they_o as_o our_o daily_a experience_n do_v abundant_o testify_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o church_n and_o every_o private_a christian_n endeavour_n that_o all_o man_n may_v become_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o judgement_n or_o at_o least_o that_o there_o may_v be_v as_o few_o difference_n among_o they_o as_o
and_o direct_v i_o where_o and_o how_o to_o seek_v for_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o it_o it_o follow_v now_o that_o i_o shall_v put_v this_o speculation_n into_o practice_n that_o i_o will_v search_v the_o scripture_n with_o all_o the_o diligence_n i_o can_v and_o set_v my_o mind_n with_o all_o its_o faculty_n on_o work_n to_o find_v out_o as_o much_o as_o i_o be_o able_a of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o i_o may_v the_o better_o conform_v myself_o unto_o it_o this_o with_o god_n help_n i_o design_v speedy_o to_o do_v and_o the_o result_n of_o my_o thought_n shall_v be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n if_o what_o i_o here_o write_v prove_v acceptable_a but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o think_v it_o not_o improper_a here_o to_o add_v some_o general_a consideration_n which_o may_v serve_v as_o rule_n and_o guide_n to_o i_o or_o to_o any_o other_o person_n who_o shall_v set_v himself_o upon_o such_o a_o enquiry_n to_o direct_v our_o judgement_n aright_o to_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o all_o mistake_v about_o it_o xl._n first_o then_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v calculate_v for_o man_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o satisfy_v and_o convince_v every_o sober_a man_n who_o serious_o consider_v the_o argument_n on_o which_o it_o rely_v and_o be_v not_o lead_v astray_o by_o passion_n by_o prejudice_n or_o worldly_a interest_n that_o this_o be_v so_o appear_v very_o evident_o from_o hence_o because_o both_o jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v appeal_v to_o the_o common_a reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n to_o judge_v of_o what_o they_o teach_v yea_o and_o why_o even_o of_o yourselves_o judge_v you_o not_o what_o be_v right_a say_v jesus_n luk._n 12._o 57_o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a say_v st._n paul_n 1_o thes_n 5._o 21._o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o say_v st._n peter_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n say_v st._n john_n 1_o joh._n 4._o 1._o hence_o than_o i_o conclude_v that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o christian_a religion_n which_o contradict_v the_o clear_a and_o evident_a principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n for_o otherwise_o a_o rational_a man_n can_v not_o be_v a_o christian_n see_v §_o 33._o xli_o second_o it_o appear_v plain_a to_o i_o that_o christian_a religion_n be_v calculate_v not_o only_o nor_o chief_o for_o man_n of_o great_a and_o deep_a learning_n but_o also_o for_o those_o of_o ordinary_a plain_a and_o mean_a capacity_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o necessary_a in_o christianity_n but_o what_o may_v be_v as_o well_o understand_v by_o every_o ordinary_a illiterate_a man_n as_o by_o the_o great_a scholar_n if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o it_o will_v not_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o unlearned_a man_n to_o be_v as_o good_a a_o christian_n as_o one_o that_o be_v learned_a whereas_o the_o contrary_a be_v most_o apparent_o declare_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n say_v jesus_n matth._n 11._o 25._o to_o which_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n do_v exact_o agree_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 19_o to_o verse_n 7._o of_o the_o second_o chapter_n and_o the_o same_o st._n paul_n give_v we_o a_o caution_n that_o philosophy_n shall_v not_o corrupt_v our_o christianity_n col._n 2._o 8._o and_o warn_v timothy_n against_o science_n false_o so_o call_v 2_o tim._n 6._o 20._o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o intimate_v throughout_o the_o whole_a bible_n that_o philosophy_n or_o any_o other_o humane_a learning_n will_v qualify_v a_o man_n ever_o the_o better_a to_o become_v a_o christian_n i_o confess_v indeed_o that_o as_o thing_n stand_v at_o this_o time_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v high_o convenient_a that_o the_o teacher_n and_o preacher_n of_o christianity_n shall_v be_v competent_o skill_v in_o humane_a learning_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o defend_v their_o religion_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o it_o against_o those_o who_o use_v so_o much_o art_n and_o skill_n either_o to_o corrupt_v or_o oppose_v it_o but_o where_o a_o man_n set_v up_o not_o for_o a_o teacher_n but_o only_o for_o a_o true_a believer_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o scholarship_n but_o only_o of_o a_o plain_a and_o sober_a understanding_n to_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o all_o necessary_a instruction_n for_o a_o good_a christian_n or_o else_o why_o shall_v the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v so_o particular_o to_o the_o poor_a matth._n 11._o 5._o who_o be_v common_o illiterate_a and_o how_o shall_v the_o poor_a in_o this_o world_n become_v so_o rich_a of_o faith_n as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o jam._n 2._o 5._o from_o whence_o i_o think_v i_o may_v conclude_v that_o all_o such_o doctrine_n the_o understanding_n and_o proof_n whereof_o depend_v either_o on_o the_o subtle_a spcculation_n of_o humane_a philosophy_n or_o the_o nicety_n and_o criticism_n of_o grammatical_a learning_n or_o the_o curious_a knowledge_n of_o history_n and_o antiquity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v as_o necessary_a part_n of_o christianity_n xlii_o three_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a to_o i_o that_o the_o main_a design_n of_o jesus_n and_o of_o his_o disciple_n who_o he_o send_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v to_o make_v man_n not_o wise_a as_o to_o matter_n of_o speculation_n but_o better_o and_o more_o virtuous_a as_o to_o their_o life_n and_o action_n knowledge_n puff_v up_o but_o charity_n edisi_v say_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 1._o thus_o also_o chap._n 13._o of_o the_o same_o epistle_n he_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o of_o prophecy_n the_o understanding_n of_o all_o mystery_n and_o all_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n be_v of_o no_o value_n before_o god_n without_o charity_n and_o that_o by_o charity_n he_o mean_v a_o life_n lead_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n susficient_o appear_v by_o the_o sequel_n of_o that_o chapter_n the_o same_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o tit._n 2._o 13._o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n for_o what_o end_n to_o make_v they_o more_o wise_a more_o learned_a or_o more_o losty_a in_o their_o speculation_n no_o such_o thing_n but_o teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o to_o omit_v a_o multitude_n of_o text_n which_o may_v be_v allege_v in_o so_o plain_a a_o matter_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v what_o we_o be_v tell_v rom._n 2._o 6_o etc._n etc._n that_o god_n will_v render_v unto_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o it_o be_v our_o deed_n that_o be_v our_o practice_n our_o live_a and_o conversation_n that_o we_o be_v chief_o oblige_v to_o take_v care_n of_o i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o god_n may_v if_o he_o please_v command_v thing_n that_o be_v pure_o ceremonial_a and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o influence_n upon_o virtue_n and_o morality_n as_o undoubted_o he_o do_v unto_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o if_o he_o do_v command_v any_o such_o thing_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o owe_v obedience_n to_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v over_o we_o he_o may_v also_o reveal_v such_o truth_n as_o be_v mere_o speculative_a and_o have_v nothing_o practical_a in_o they_o and_o whosoever_o be_v convince_v of_o any_o such_o revelation_n be_v undoubted_o bind_v to_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o the_o thing_n so_o reveal_v although_o they_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o understanding_n as_o i_o have_v say_v §_o 33._o but_o from_o what_o i_o have_v here_o say_v i_o think_v i_o may_v conclude_v that_o since_o virtue_n and_o morality_n be_v undoubted_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o christianity_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v chief_o regard_v and_o attend_v to_o by_o all_o christian_n nor_o ought_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v pure_o ceremonial_a or_o speculative_a to_o be_v reckon_v as_o a_o necessary_a part_n of_o christian_a religion_n except_o it_o appear_v very_o evident_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v or_o command_v it_o very_o evident_o i_o say_v for_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v conceive_v in_o dark_a and_o doubtful_a expression_n it_o be_v very_o liable_a to_o be_v mistake_v and_o he_o that_o be_v
and_o no_o way_n contradictory_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o plain_a and_o sound_a reason_n and_o if_o in_o many_o other_o point_n of_o speculation_n which_o by_o some_o be_v adopt_v into_o religion_n i_o be_o either_o whole_o ignorant_a or_o perhaps_o doubtful_a and_o undetermined_a or_o it_o may_v be_v mistake_v yet_o if_o to_o the_o belief_n which_o i_o have_v here_o profess_v i_o do_v superadd_a a_o virtuous_a and_o christian_a course_n of_o life_n i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o moderate_a christian_n who_o do_v not_o in_o effect_n make_v it_o a_o part_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o be_v uncharitable_a but_o will_v allow_v that_o i_o may_v be_v save_v but_o wherein_o this_o virtuous_a and_o christian_a life_n consist_v and_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n which_o the_o gospel_n oblige_v we_o all_o to_o perform_v whether_o they_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o pure_a morality_n as_o to_o love_n god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n or_o those_o of_o positive_a institution_n as_o to_o be_v baptise_a to_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o three_o and_o last_o part_n of_o this_o small_a work_n to_o which_o therefore_o i_o now_o proceed_v a_o gentleman_n religion_n part_n iii_o 1._o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o consequent_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v reducible_a to_o these_o two_o viz._n to_o abstain_v from_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a according_a to_o his_o ability_n those_o action_n i_o call_v good_a which_o either_o be_v eternal_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o nature_n circumstance_n and_o mutual_a relation_n of_o person_n and_o thing_n and_o therefore_o for_o ever_o to_o be_v approve_v of_o by_o every_o impartial_a rational_a be_v as_o i_o have_v say_v part_n 2._o §_o 18._o for_o which_o we_o must_v appeal_v to_o every_o man_n reason_n as_o we_o do_v to_o his_o eye_n without_o any_o other_o demonstration_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o sun_n shine_v or_o else_o be_v express_o command_v by_o god_n of_o his_o own_o positive_a will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o who_o as_o be_v his_o creature_n we_o all_o owe_v a_o entire_a obedience_n for_o which_o we_o must_v have_v our_o recourse_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n only_o all_o the_o positive_a institution_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n which_o be_v give_v by_o god_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v abrogate_a and_o the_o obligation_n of_o they_o annul_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n although_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o it_o which_o contain_v the_o precept_n and_o rule_n of_o eternal_a good_a and_o evil_n and_o wherein_o the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o that_o law_n consist_v be_v not_o only_o abet_v and_o confirm_v but_o also_o very_o much_o improve_v by_o he_o and_o such_o action_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o good_a that_o be_v to_o say_v either_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n or_o else_o positive_o forbid_v by_o god_n i_o call_v evil_a i_o be_o indeed_o of_o opinion_n that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n whereby_o some_o thing_n which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v be_v indifferent_a be_v enjoin_v or_o forbid_v but_o also_o either_o in_o particular_a or_o at_o least_o in_o general_n a_o sufficient_a account_n of_o all_o those_o action_n which_o be_v eternal_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v do_v or_o avoid_v by_o we_o and_o this_o design_v by_o almighty_a god_n for_o the_o direction_n and_o instruction_n of_o those_o man_n who_o have_v not_o ability_n to_o dive_v into_o and_o discover_v those_o thing_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o describe_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a it_o may_v be_v enough_o for_o i_o to_o collect_v the_o precept_n and_o prohibition_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o to_o vouch_v no_o other_o authority_n or_o reason_n but_o his_o will_n for_o they_o but_o because_o every_o man_n duty_n will_v probable_o make_v the_o great_a impression_n upon_o his_o mind_n when_o he_o be_v satisfy_v as_o to_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o convince_v of_o its_o obligation_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v as_o i_o proceed_v first_o to_o infer_v as_o much_o of_o our_o duty_n as_o i_o can_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n and_o then_o to_o superadd_a where_o there_o be_v occasion_n what_o god_n have_v positive_o ordain_v and_o command_v as_o to_o any_o point_n and_o this_o with_o the_o same_o conciseness_n that_o i_o have_v observe_v in_o my_o second_o part_n neither_o enlarge_n upon_o those_o argument_n nor_o recite_v those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o i_o suppose_v my_o reader_n to_o be_v able_a to_o call_v to_o mind_n upon_o the_o least_o hint_n of_o they_o 2._o to_o begin_v then_o since_o god_n be_v the_o most_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a be_v in_o himself_o and_o so_o love_a and_o beneficent_a to_o we_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v he_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n that_o possible_o we_o can_v and_o true_a and_o complete_a love_n as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o one_o person_n exert_v towards_o another_o as_o its_o object_n consist_v in_o a_o unseigned_a desire_n first_o of_o always_o do_v what_o may_v be_v true_o grateful_a and_o acceptable_a to_o the_o person_n belove_v and_o second_o of_o enjoy_v and_o be_v with_o he_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v the_o more_o ardent_a and_o zealous_a we_o be_v in_o our_o love_n to_o god_n the_o better_a undoubted_o it_o be_v and_o we_o shall_v strive_v to_o engage_v our_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o our_o reason_n and_o our_o will_n unto_o he_o from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v all_o thing_n but_o yet_o this_o love_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v or_o judge_v of_o by_o the_o earnestness_n of_o those_o sudden_a motion_n which_o sometime_o may_v arise_v within_o we_o upon_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n excellency_n and_o goodness_n because_o to_o be_v thus_o passionate_o affect_v be_v not_o whole_o in_o our_o power_n and_o sometime_o lest_o so_o when_o we_o most_o earnest_o desire_v it_o but_o the_o true_a and_o certain_a way_n of_o judge_v whether_o we_o love_v god_n or_o not_o be_v by_o examine_v whether_o we_o be_v steadfast_a in_o our_o resolution_n and_o according_o diligent_a in_o our_o endeavour_n constant_o to_o obey_v he_o and_o keep_v all_o his_o commandment_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o please_v and_o consequent_o to_o enjoy_v and_o for_o ever_o be_v with_o he_o and_o where_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v thus_o firm_o root_v in_o the_o will_n and_o bring_v forth_o plenty_n of_o fruit_n in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n it_o be_v certain_o nevertheless_o acceptable_a to_o he_o although_o it_o do_v not_o so_o passionate_o move_v our_o affection_n as_o we_o can_v wish_v or_o desire_v and_o as_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o almighty_a god_n be_v derive_v from_o and_o do_v depend_v upon_o that_o of_o love_v of_o he_o or_o rather_o indeed_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o so_o be_v it_o very_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o same_o forementioned_a rule_n that_o be_v to_o say_v not_o so_o much_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o inward_a impulse_n upon_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o under_o our_o command_n as_o by_o the_o steady_a agreeableness_n of_o our_o will_n and_o action_n unto_o all_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v right_a and_o good_a 3._o since_o god_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a and_o consequent_o the_o most_o worthy_a of_o all_o being_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v from_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o honour_v he_o with_o the_o great_a honour_n that_o may_v be_v now_o to_o honour_v any_o person_n be_v in_o other_o word_n inward_o to_o esteem_v and_o outward_o to_o show_v our_o respect_n to_o he_o our_o inward_a esteem_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o a_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o be_v and_o attribute_n and_o our_o outward_a respect_n to_o he_o be_v to_o be_v show_v as_o well_o by_o abstain_v from_o all_o action_n which_o may_v savour_v of_o any_o neglect_n or_o irreverence_n towards_o he_o as_o by_o perform_v all_o such_o as_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v suitable_a both_o to_o his_o own_o excellency_n and_o our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o 4._o since_o god_n be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n and_o know_v all_o even_o the_o most_o secret_a thing_n and_o therefore_o can_v possible_o be_v deceive_v or_o impose_v on_o we_o shall_v on_o this_o consideration_n be_v very_o watchful_a and_o careful_a upon_o all_o occasion_n how_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o his_o presence_n and_o
seem_v but_o a_o slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a thing_n yet_o since_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v express_o appoint_v and_o command_v it_o and_o since_o his_o apostle_n be_v always_o most_o careful_a to_o perform_v it_o insomuch_o that_o even_o they_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o heaven_n be_v yet_o require_v to_o be_v baptise_a in_o order_n to_o become_v visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o ceremony_n i_o think_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v leave_v off_o or_o discontinue_v although_o whether_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o dip_v the_o body_n under_o the_o water_n or_o by_o sprinkle_v the_o water_n upon_o it_o to_o i_o seem_v to_o be_v altogether_o indifferent_a and_o to_o be_v regulate_v only_o by_o prudence_n or_o the_o custom_n of_o particular_a place_n for_o neither_o do_v the_o word_n baptise_v signify_v any_o more_o than_o to_o wash_v which_o may_v be_v do_v either_o way_n nor_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n dip_v all_o those_o who_o they_o baptize_v moreover_o since_o sprinkle_v as_o well_o as_o dip_v may_v sufficient_o denote_v the_o wash_n and_o cleanse_v of_o the_o soul_n from_o sin_n and_o since_o baptism_n be_v not_o express_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n determine_v to_o either_o of_o these_o way_n to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o the_o other_o i_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v leave_v the_o matter_n so_o far_o indifferent_a to_o we_o and_o to_o be_v order_v according_a to_o prudence_n as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n direct_v and_o as_o long_o as_o the_o substance_n and_o design_n of_o his_o command_n be_v careful_o retain_v i_o see_v no_o necessity_n of_o be_v so_o very_o solicitous_a about_o a_o circumstance_n of_o it_o except_o it_o can_v evident_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o determine_v it_o 53._o since_o than_o baptism_n be_v as_o the_o entrance_n or_o door_n of_o admittance_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o they_o and_o they_o only_a who_o be_v due_o qualify_v to_o be_v member_n of_o his_o church_n be_v fit_a to_o have_v baptism_n administer_v to_o they_o if_o any_o person_n have_v be_v bring_v up_o out_o of_o the_o chucrh_n until_o he_o come_v to_o year_n of_o understanding_n and_o knowledge_n he_o be_v then_o and_o only_o then_o qualify_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n when_o have_v repent_v of_o all_o his_o former_a sin_n he_o believe_v and_o own_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o receive_v and_o profess_v that_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v teach_v and_o authorize_v and_o oblige_v himself_o to_o live_v according_a to_o all_o those_o law_n and_o rule_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v to_o we_o this_o be_v the_o very_a condition_n which_o our_o saviour_n indespensable_o require_v from_o his_o church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o according_a as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o perform_v it_o but_o if_o a_o child_n be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n or_o be_v so_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christian_a guardian_n as_o that_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o bring_v he_o up_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o they_o do_v promise_n and_o engage_v so_o to_o educate_v he_o such_o a_o child_n as_o this_o even_o before_o he_o come_v to_o any_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v yet_o qualify_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o presumption_n that_o he_o will_v perform_v what_o god_n require_v from_o he_o when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o so_o to_o continue_v if_o by_o apostasy_n or_o wickedness_n he_o do_v not_o in_o process_n of_o time_n separate_v himself_o again_o from_o it_o for_o this_o beyond_o dispute_n be_v the_o case_n of_o in_o sant_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n who_o at_o eight_o day_n old_a if_o male_n be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a and_o thereby_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o within_o his_o covenant_n if_o they_o be_v either_o the_o son_n or_o servant_n bear_v in_o the_o house_n of_o believe_v person_n and_o who_o as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n be_v express_o say_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n which_o be_v but_o another_o expression_n for_o become_v of_o his_o church_n and_o no_o one_o sure_o will_v offer_v to_o say_v that_o the_o case_n of_o infant_n be_v make_v worse_a than_o it_o be_v by_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n especial_o since_o he_o have_v express_o command_v that_o little_a child_n shall_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o not_o be_v forbid_v for_o that_o of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o not_o only_o adult_a person_n who_o make_v a_o due_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n but_o also_o such_o infant_n as_o be_v in_o a_o way_n of_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v without_o any_o obstacle_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n 54._o there_o be_v some_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o seem_v plain_o to_o suggest_v to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a custom_n with_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o all_o such_o as_o have_v be_v baptise_a which_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v undoubted_o accompany_v with_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o order_n to_o their_o receive_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n but_o that_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n positive_o prescribe_v and_o command_v i_o do_v not_o find_v clear_o prove_v and_o therefore_o although_o i_o dare_v not_o hasty_o condemn_v those_o particular_a church_n where_o this_o same_o custom_n be_v disuse_v or_o intermit_v yet_o since_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o order_n to_o the_o lead_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o obtain_v eternal_a happiness_n be_v for_o ever_o continue_v unto_o the_o church_n as_o i_o have_v say_v part_n 2._o §_o 42._o and_o therefore_o ought_v ever_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o although_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n and_o speak_v of_o all_o language_n without_o learn_v they_o be_v cease_v from_o among_o we_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n upon_o person_n that_o have_v be_v baptize_v together_o with_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o their_o growth_n and_o continuance_n in_o grace_n which_o be_v common_o call_v confirmation_n be_v a_o prudent_a and_o godly_a custom_n and_o ever_o fit_a to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n 55._o as_o every_o particular_a man_n whatsoever_o be_v oblige_v in_o his_o own_o private_a person_n to_o honour_n and_o worship_n god_n so_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n incorporate_v for_o the_o better_a serve_v of_o god_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o do_v the_o same_o in_o she_o associate_v capacity_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o assemble_v together_o for_o his_o worship_n and_o because_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v disperse_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n the_o universal_a church_n therefore_o lie_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o subdivide_v itself_o into_o particular_a church_n and_o those_o again_o into_o particular_a congregation_n according_a as_o they_o find_v to_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o the_o pursue_v that_o same_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v so_o incorporate_v moreover_o since_o all_o these_o particular_a church_n and_o congregation_n be_v still_o or_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o part_n and_o member_n of_o that_o one_o catholic_n church_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o found_v it_o follow_v that_o none_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o constitute_v or_o act_v any_o thing_n among_o themselves_o which_o may_v give_v a_o just_a occasiou_n for_o the_o break_n of_o that_o union_n and_o concord_n which_o he_o design_v and_o have_v command_v always_o to_o be_v maintain_v among_o they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a matter_n ought_v every_v where_o so_o to_o be_v order_v as_o that_o if_o a_o member_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n shall_v travel_v into_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n he_o may_v meet_v with_o nothing_o in_o any_o christian_a congregation_n where_o he_o come_v which_o just_o shall_v be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o he_o from_o assemble_v or_o communicate_v with_o it_o 56._o the_o particular_a act_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o these_o christian_a assembly_n be_v all_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n in_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o their_o incorporation_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o each_o man_n eternal_a salvation_n which_o be_v the_o end_n that_o every_o christian_n be_v suppose_v to_o pursue_v all_o which_o be_v