or_o a_o bad_a religion_n when_o yet_o christian_n be_v under_o the_o fiery_a trial_n when_o they_o be_v continual_o under_o persecution_n for_o their_o religion_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v righteousness_n because_o able_a to_o justify_v itself_o to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n when_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o deny_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o their_o subjection_n to_o the_o high_a power_n as_o not_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v christian_n at_o their_o command_n what_o then_o do_v this_o largeness_n frankness_n and_o freedom_n of_o expression_n mean_a on_o the_o part_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v subject_n and_o that_o not_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o â—onsâ—ience_n sake_n and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o when_o yet_o they_o be_v present_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o holy_a profession_n of_o christianity_n to_o deny_v subjection_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o great_a command_n of_o magistracy_n in_o religion_n on_o the_o part_n of_o magistrate_n that_o 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lie_v against_o man_n from_o the_o violation_n of_o natural_a religion_n their_o peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n be_v the_o just_a right_n of_o their_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n praise_v security_n a_o state_n out_o of_o fear_n be_v due_a to_o they_o as_o well-doer_n as_o to_o those_o that_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a many_o other_o be_v the_o expression_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o apostolic_a write_n look_v this_o way_n that_o the_o great_a letter_n of_o commendation_n to_o mankind_n in_o general_n concern_v person_n and_o their_o way_n in_o religion_n so_o far_o as_o the_o thing_n come_v under_o their_o judicature_n be_v the_o intrinsic_a and_o real_a goodness_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o life_n at_o the_o beam_n of_o natural_a conscience_n this_o be_v the_o royal_a law_n every_o one_o be_v to_o fulfil_v in_o these_o thing_n 18._o jam._n 2._o 8._o rom._n 14._o 18._o we_o must_v serve_v christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n thus_o they_o must_v adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n thus_o they_o must_v take_v care_n against_o the_o name_n 1._o 1_o tim._n 6._o 1._o of_o god_n be_v blaspheme_v thus_o they_o must_v put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n 16._o â—_o pet._n 2._o 15._o &_o 3._o 16._o of_o foolish_a man_n and_o make_v they_o ashamed_a now_o it_o be_v true_a all_o the_o severity_n of_o profession_n and_o life_n according_a to_o natural_a religion_n will_v not_o justify_v the_o truth_n or_o goodness_n of_o a_o assume_v religion_n as_o reveal_v from_o god_n as_o of_o the_o sober_a moral_a heathen_a jew_n turk_n papist_n or_o any_o master_n of_o sect_n of_o most_o unblameable_a life_n among_o protestant_n that_o be_v to_o be_v try_v in_o a_o consistory_n proper_a to_o it_o the_o argument_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o be_v reveal_v be_v to_o be_v weigh_v the_o nature_n scope_n and_o tendency_n of_o it_o and_o all_o its_o principle_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o at_o last_o it_o stand_v at_o god_n judgment-seat_n where_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v judge_v but_o thus_o the_o argument_n be_v the_o more_o enforce_v that_o where_o there_o be_v the_o testimonial_n of_o natural_a religion_n fair_o write_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o any_o religion_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o though_o we_o be_v not_o nor_o may_v have_v reason_n to_o be_v induce_v by_o the_o motive_n of_o credibility_n it_o give_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n or_o seek_v everlasting_a happiness_n in_o it_o yet_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o humanity_n in_o allow_v peaceable_a life_n be_v to_o be_v give_v they_o have_v thus_o far_o insist_v upon_o scripture_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n i_o come_v now_o to_o argue_v it_o by_o reason_n and_o under_o every_o argument_n to_o observe_v the_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o it_o argum._n 1._o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o argue_v from_o the_o great_a excellency_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o acceptableness_n of_o it_o to_o god_n that_o therefore_o since_o it_o be_v also_o general_a religion_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o common_a peace_n in_o religion_n we_o ought_v to_o allow_v the_o hospitableness_n of_o humanity_n to_o all_o that_o profess_v it_o and_o dogmatise_v nothing_o but_o what_o upon_o due_a hear_n and_o discourse_n they_o offer_v to_o make_v out_o consistent_a and_o fair_o agree_v with_o it_o for_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a even_o upon_o a_o violent_a suspicion_n of_o the_o contrary_a to_o inquire_v hear_v and_o receive_v reason_n if_o it_o can_v be_v give_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o altar_n of_o testimony_n we_o read_v of_o joshua_n 22._o 10._o god_n make_v the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o magnificency_n of_o it_o at_o the_o first_o to_o entertain_v man_n of_o this_o general_a and_o excellent_a religion_n and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n say_v as_o in_o revival_n of_o what_o have_v be_v
then_o call_v out_o of_o every_o nation_n convert_v into_o particular_a society_n and_o congregation_n i_o shall_v make_v a_o essay_n to_o level_v the_o line_n of_o they_o to_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n as_o they_o be_v unite_v into_o such_o conspicuous_a and_o illustrious_a body_n of_o mankind_n with_o their_o principality_n so_o form_v so_o compact_v and_o not_o only_o a_o diffuse_v catholic_n church_n or_o small_a and_o invisible_a congregational_a church_n 1._o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n can_v no_o way_n attain_v that_o greatness_n which_o it_o be_v prophesy_v and_o foretell_v it_o shall_v attain_v if_o it_o do_v not_o allow_v nation_n as_o nation_n to_o associate_v themselves_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o if_o it_o only_o give_v right_o to_o private_a and_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n and_o a_o diffusive_a church_n that_o can_v no_o way_n congregate_v which_o though_o great_a in_o its_o spiritual_a union_n yet_o arise_v to_o no_o visible_a greatness_n but_o 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greatness_n yet_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n compare_v the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o prince_n over_o nation_n with_o other_o sovereignty_n and_o prefer_v he_o not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o heavenliness_n and_o eternity_n of_o it_o but_o as_o it_o obtain_v a_o interest_n and_o command_n in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v a_o government_n over_o nation_n as_o nation_n over_o the_o law_n and_o principality_n of_o nation_n and_o not_o of_o one_o only_a but_o many_o nation_n not_o indeed_o in_o the_o way_n of_o worldly_a power_n but_o divine_a persuasion_n evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n virtue_n of_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n be_v the_o sceptre_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o weapon_n of_o this_o power_n and_o this_o mountain_n shall_v grow_v great_a and_o great_a till_o all_o the_o prophecy_n be_v exact_o fulfil_v in_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o low_a subjection_n of_o all_o kingdom_n to_o he_o the_o great_a mountain_n disappear_v and_o become_v nothing_o before_o he_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o nation_n be_v come_v into_o he_o thus_o it_o be_v a_o mountain_n set_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n not_o only_o in_o the_o eminency_n of_o its_o doctrine_n but_o the_o profess_a subjection_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v mountain_n to_o it_o for_o his_o truth_n meekness_n and_o righteousness_n sake_n but_o if_o nation_n receive_v and_o flow_v into_o christianity_n sink_v it_o present_o into_o particular_a private_a assembly_n as_o it_o be_v while_n under_o persecution_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o no_o more_o public_a honour_n than_o at_o such_o time_n the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n shall_v not_o be_v above_o the_o hill_n but_o shade_v by_o they_o and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o christianity_n itself_o for_o the_o supremacy_n stand_v aloft_o but_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n retire_v into_o privacy_n yea_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n which_o after_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n be_v only_o in_o christ_n must_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v exalt_v as_o be_v everywhere_o signify_v that_o it_o must_v be_v abate_v and_o bring_v low_o by_o the_o depression_n and_o fall_v down_o of_o the_o mosaic_a frame_n for_o than_o it_o be_v settle_v upon_o one_o of_o the_o principality_n of_o the_o world_n and_o though_o it_o be_v now_o more_o diffuse_v yet_o if_o it_o not_o only_o be_v not_o but_o aught_o upon_o its_o own_o principle_n to_o be_v establish_v in_o and_o upon_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o a_o nation_n it_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v have_v such_o a_o eminency_n as_o among_o the_o jew_n when_o it_o have_v the_o awfulness_n and_o majestickness_n of_o a_o kingdom_n devote_v to_o that_o true_a worship_n make_v it_o thereby_o of_o much_o great_a notice_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o religion_n may_v be_v national_a even_o as_o nation_n themselves_o be_v unite_v in_o a_o way_n of_o order_n so_o must_v national_a religion_n also_o be_v by_o order_n compose_v into_o its_o nationalness_n and_o this_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o right_a reason_n but_o let_v this_o be_v no_o pretence_n to_o that_o tyranny_n in_o christian_a religion_n that_o great_a usurpation_n of_o popery_n for_o it_o be_v a_o sacrilegious_a displace_v the_o honour_n from_o christ_n upon_o oftentimes_o a_o most_o unworthy_a mortal_n those_o prince_n than_o that_o be_v minores_fw-la coronae_fw-la that_o lessen_v themselves_o by_o give_v their_o kingdom_n and_o power_n to_o the_o beast_n must_v needs_o diminish_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o profession_n of_o christianity_n see_v they_o have_v so_o far_o strip_v themselves_o of_o their_o principality_n that_o they_o have_v they_o not_o to_o dedicate_v to_o christ_n the_o retain_v their_o honour_n unvouch_v unviolate_a by_o any_o creature_n and_o present_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n a_o supremacy_n unprostitute_v be_v the_o true_a glory_n do_v by_o christian_a prince_n to_o christianity_n 2._o if_o there_o be_v not_o the_o liberty_n allow_v to_o nation_n to_o espouse_v christianity_n to_o their_o government_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o honour_n to_o themselves_o of_o be_v religious_a and_o christian_n as_o nation_n the_o condition_n of_o nation_n be_v worse_a than_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n for_o now_o people_n as_o in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o nation_n may_v not_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o have_v the_o lord_n for_o their_o god_n they_o may_v not_o crown_v themselves_o with_o the_o chief_a glory_n of_o nation_n viz._n true_a religion_n moses_n we_o know_v often_o magnify_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o themselves_o in_o this_o particular_a viz._n the_o excellency_n of_o their_o religion_n he_o use_v it_o as_o a_o great_a argument_n that_o god_n love_v the_o nation_n he_o tell_v they_o it_o be_v their_o wisdom_n and_o honour_n before_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o who_o have_v reason_n to_o defer_v to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o wise_a nation_n a_o understand_a people_n that_o have_v such_o etc._n deut._n 4._o 8_o etc._n etc._n statute_n and_o judgement_n now_o see_v christian_a religion_n have_v the_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o wisdom_n truth_n and_o goodness_n not_o only_o so_o superior_a to_o all_o the_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n as_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n but_o much_o superior_a to_o that_o under_o administration_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n itself_o among_o the_o jew_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o nation_n to_o enfranchise_v it_o as_o the_o public_a national_a religion_n by_o the_o same_o authority_n whereby_o they_o make_v valid_a any_o other_o law_n or_o act_n so_o as_o to_o become_v the_o act_n of_o the_o public_a and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v those_o many_o expression_n of_o ephes_n 6._o eph._n 2._o 14._o c._n 3._o 6._o 2._o 14._o c._n 3._o 6._o break_v down_o the_o partition_n wall_n and_o admit_v all_o nation_n to_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o body_n together_o be_v intend_v not_o only_o to_o signify_v that_o they_o may_v unite_v in_o lesser_a congregation_n but_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o national_a association_n else_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v into_o the_o same_o freedom_n and_o immunity_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v nor_o can_v egypt_n and_o assyria_n be_v so_o equal_a with_o israel_n that_o israel_n shall_v be_v but_o a_o three_o with_o they_o who_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n shall_v bless_v all_o alike_o with_o no_o more_o variation_n than_o egypt_n my_o people_n assyria_n the_o work_n of_o my_o hand_n and_o israel_n my_o inheritance_n isa_n 19_o we_o may_v find_v christianity_n intend_v to_o embrace_v all_o
be_v infamous_a malefactor_n malcontent_n under_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o sage_a government_n or_o wit_n ill_o employ_v that_o lampoon_n it_o 6._o let_v we_o continual_o look_v to_o jesus_n who_o in_o himself_o subdue_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o scandal_n keep_v steady_a and_o uniform_a obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o do_v always_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v please_v to_o it_o though_o scandal_n of_o all_o sort_n press_v in_o on_o every_o side_n who_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o 6._o phil._n 2._o 6._o god_n think_v it_o not_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n yet_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n but_o take_v on_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n and_o be_v find_v in_o fashion_n as_o a_o man_n he_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a to_o death_n even_o to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n hereby_o even_o by_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o profound_a humility_n of_o his_o obedience_n he_o have_v not_o only_o do_v that_o honour_n give_v that_o glory_n to_o the_o divine_a sovereignty_n and_o righteousness_n the_o glory_n of_o that_o supreme_a authority_n as_o have_v make_v recompense_n for_o all_o the_o scandal_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n so_o far_o as_o that_o sovereignty_n or_o righteousness_n be_v absolute_o concern_v whether_o any_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o or_o not_o but_o have_v also_o make_v atonement_n perfect_a atonement_n and_o reconciliation_n for_o all_o that_o do_v believe_v in_o and_o obey_v he_o into_o a_o share_n of_o which_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n the_o holy_a angelical_a nature_n immediate_o enter_v according_a to_o their_o state_n even_o from_o the_o time_n he_o be_v declare_v the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n through_o his_o obedience_n and_o meditaion_n adore_v and_o apply_v to_o they_o have_v persevere_v free_a from_o scandal_n by_o which_o so_o great_a a_o part_n fall_v upon_o account_n of_o which_o when_o the_o first_o beget_v come_v into_o the_o 6._o heb._n 1._o 6._o world_n all_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n worship_v he_o the_o virtue_n from_o himself_o as_o the_o exemplar_n as_o the_o first-born_a among_o many_o brethren_n 29._o rom._n 8._o 29._o to_o who_o image_n they_o be_v predestinate_v to_o be_v conform_v do_v by_o degree_n extirpate_v all_o the_o very_a remain_v of_o scandal_n in_o his_o church_n and_o he_o present_v it_o without_o blame_n spot_n wrinkle_n blemish_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n even_o by_o real_a and_o efficacious_a operation_n before_o the_o eye_n of_o glory_n his_o example_n always_o stand_v before_o they_o as_o the_o most_o absolute_a and_o sublime_a pattern_n to_o which_o they_o daily_o be_v exercise_v in_o fashion_v themselves_o thus_o our_o lord_n do_v every_o way_n dissolve_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o deliver_v they_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o scandal_n be_v all_o their_o life_n time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n by_o destroy_v scandal_n and_o he_o that_o have_v the_o great_a power_n of_o it_o the_o devil_n 7._o this_o shall_v make_v heaven_n desirable_a to_o we_o where_o no_o scandal_n dwell_v nor_o any_o more_o since_o the_o angel_n of_o scandal_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o it_o can_v so_o much_o as_o once_o enter_v where_o there_o be_v perfect_a light_n without_o any_o variation_n or_o shadow_n of_o turn_v the_o holy_a one_o there_o be_v vex_v with_o scandal_n wiles_n no_o more_o with_o the_o wiles_n of_o the_o god_n or_o minister_n of_o scandal_n or_o those_o that_o by_o his_o stratagem_n be_v make_v any_o way_n serviceable_a to_o it_o 8._o it_o make_v hell_n more_o dreadful_a the_o seat_n and_o centre_n the_o fund_z of_o scandal_n where_o all_o the_o good_a principle_n man_n have_v have_v or_o seem_v to_o have_v while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o world_n or_o the_o church_n the_o best_a state_n of_o this_o world_n and_o their_o temporary_a good_a action_n be_v all_o swallow_v up_o and_o by_o the_o great_a power_n of_o scandal_n turn_v all_o into_o itself_o wherein_o all_o the_o temporary_a partial_a righteous_a man_n of_o this_o world_n who_o be_v scandalise_v as_o to_o the_o main_a the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n and_o his_o child_n turn_v their_o best_a thing_n now_o into_o a_o sort_n of_o splendida_fw-la peccata_fw-la better_a complexioned_a sin_n have_v then_o all_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v take_v from_o they_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o great_a stumble_v block_n the_o eternal_a loss_n of_o god_n they_o turn_v from_o all_o their_o righteousness_n and_o all_o that_o they_o have_v do_v be_v not_o remember_v to_o they_o any_o more_o for_o ever_o they_o sink_v into_o that_o unpardonable_a blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v a_o irreconcilable_a enmity_n to_o what_o be_v know_v to_o be_v of_o god_n undeniable_o of_o he_o and_o that_o enmity_n express_v in_o the_o proper_a language_n of_o scandal_n blasphemy_n and_o be_v never_o forgive_v whether_o commit_v in_o this_o world_n or_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v now_o what_o be_v there_o more_o dreadful_a to_o the_o mind_n that_o have_v any_o thing_n remain_v of_o a_o ingenuous_a sense_n towards_o god_n that_o have_v but_o so_o much_o love_n and_o reverence_n towards_o he_o though_o too_o faint_a for_o true_a save_a grace_n as_o will_v answer_v a_o profession_n of_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o will_v be_v horrible_o afraid_a at_o the_o supposition_n of_o such_o a_o hatred_n of_o god_n such_o a_o blasphemy_n of_o he_o and_o so_o of_o hell_n on_o this_o account_n that_o every_o sin_n boil_v up_o there_o into_o this_o height_n of_o scandal_n 9_o we_o be_v dreadful_o warn_v from_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o scandal_n either_o through_o design_n or_o through_o great_a fall_n and_o miscarriage_n in_o our_o religious_a course_n this_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v care_n of_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o world_n in_o general_n but_o especial_o towards_o the_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n strong_a christian_n be_v most_o out_o of_o our_o danger_n who_o grieve_v or_o have_v a_o just_a zeal_n against_o our_o scandal_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n themselves_o grow_v strong_a and_o strong_a as_o tree_n that_o cast_v their_o root_n the_o deep_a for_o be_v assail_v with_o the_o wind_n but_o the_o little_a one_o be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o tender_a concern_v because_o they_o need_v it_o most_o while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n if_o any_o receive_v scandal_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v so_o they_o create_v it_o to_o themselves_o we_o must_v let_v they_o alone_o but_o in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o we_o can_v save_v a_o soul_n from_o scandal_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o recompense_n we_o save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o hide_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n a_o glorious_a reward_n without_o any_o more_o and_o herein_o let_v we_o always_o remember_v we_o have_v a_o eminent_a seat_n of_o doctrine_n not_o to_o scandalize_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n a_o doctrine_n prepare_v on_o purpose_n for_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n concern_v indifferent_n one_o of_o the_o eminent_a seat_n of_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o more_o particular_o in_o relation_n to_o scandal_n and_o therefore_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v light_o regard_v to_o conclude_v all_o that_o we_o may_v neither_o give_v nor_o receive_v scandal_n three_o thing_n be_v most_o necessary_a to_o which_o i_o shall_v subjoin_v great_a counsel_n of_o scripture_n in_o each_o case_n 1._o that_o we_o have_v our_o judgement_n well_o settle_v within_o ourselves_o in_o all_o the_o substantial_o and_o necessary_a point_n of_o true_a religion_n upon_o a_o divine_a and_o not_o a_o humane_a assurance_n only_o that_o in_o that_o part_n we_o may_v neither_o offend_v nor_o receive_v offence_n for_o which_o solomon_n advice_n be_v our_o great_a security_n bow_v down_o 7._o prov._n 22._o 7._o thy_o ear_n to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o apply_v thy_o heart_n to_o my_o knowledge_n for_o it_o be_v a_o pleasant_a thing_n if_o thou_o keep_v they_o within_o thou_o they_o shall_v withal_o be_v fit_v in_o thy_o lip_n that_o thy_o trust_n may_v be_v in_o the_o lord_n i_o have_v make_v know_v to_o thou_o this_o day_n even_o to_o thou_o have_v i_o not_o write_v to_o thou_o excellent_a thing_n in_o counsel_n and_o knowledge_n that_o i_o may_v make_v the_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n that_o thou_o may_v answer_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n to_o they_o that_o send_v unto_o thou_o or_o those_o admonition_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n that_o we_o henceforth_o be_v no_o more_o as_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n and_o cunning_a
the_o principle_n of_o protestant_a truth_n and_o peace_n in_o four_o treatise_n viz._n the_o true_a state_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o freedom_n from_o penal_a law_n and_o church-censure_n the_o obligation_n to_o national_a true_a religion_n the_o nature_n of_o scandal_n particular_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o indifferent_a thing_n a_o catholic_n catechism_n show_v the_o true_a ground_n upon_o which_o the_o catholic_n religion_n be_v ascertain_v zech._n 8._o 19_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o peace_n by_o tho._n beverley_n rector_n of_o lilley_n in_o hertfordshire_n london_n print_v for_o tho._n parkhurst_n and_o will._n miller_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n and_o the_o acorn_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1683._o to_o the_o reader_n i_o have_v very_o sad_o observe_v the_o great_a distress_n of_o humane_a affair_n through_o miscarriage_n every_o way_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n for_o while_o the_o power_n of_o this_o world_n and_o ecclesiastic_a jurisdiction_n take_v it_o for_o their_o right_n to_o impose_v by_o severe_a penalty_n and_o dreadful_a censure_n what_o they_o think_v fit_a under_o so_o great_a a_o name_n they_o yet_o neither_o can_v assure_v any_o one_o they_o be_v not_o or_o do_v not_o use_v to_o be_v mistake_v in_o their_o recommendation_n or_o that_o all_o their_o authority_n or_o power_n shall_v excuse_v and_o acquit_v those_o that_o obey_v they_o when_o they_o appear_v before_o god_n tribunal_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o judgement_n or_o conscience_n shall_v have_v any_o repose_n here_o on_o the_o other_o side_n some_o not_o only_o out_o of_o recoil_v for_o self-preservation_n or_o out_o of_o design_n but_o from_o furious_a wild_a principle_n have_v break_v out_o into_o public_a disturbance_n to_o make_v room_n for_o what_o they_o have_v proclaim_v as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n to_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o true_a religion_n the_o imbrue_v their_o hand_n very_o horrid_o in_o blood_n and_o the_o seem_a justification_n of_o utmost_a rigour_n against_o any_o pretence_n of_o religion_n except_o according_a to_o law_n beside_o all_o this_o private_a feud_n and_o animosity_n vehement_a and_o angry_a dispute_n be_v every_o where_o clamorous_a and_o people_n hereupon_o in_o great_a amuse_n what_o they_o shall_v believe_v or_o do_v now_o since_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n all_o these_o evil_n be_v foresee_v by_o god_n there_o be_v as_o little_a doubt_n that_o there_o be_v sure_a remedy_n provide_v against_o they_o i_o have_v then_o upon_o the_o whole_a this_o account_n to_o give_v the_o reader_n that_o the_o observation_n of_o so_o many_o counter-cries_a of_o opinion_n such_o great_a exasperation_n in_o man_n affection_n such_o complaint_n of_o oppression_n of_o conscience_n by_o undue_a law_n such_o recrimination_n of_o faction_n sedition_n fanaticism_n not_o only_o among_o christian_n but_o among_o protestant_a christian_n and_o of_o the_o same_o common_a national_a interest_n move_v i_o to_o seek_v retirement_n to_o some_o rock_n of_o certainty_n that_o i_o may_v be_v at_o perfect_a peace_n upon_o in_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o judgement_n and_o composure_n of_o affection_n and_o have_v find_v natural_a religion_n as_o certain_a as_o our_o faculty_n and_o fundamental_a christianity_n in_o most_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o immediate_a certainty_n as_o natural_a in_o all_o thing_n after_o due_a exploration_n of_o the_o same_o final_a certainty_n i_o be_o so_o far_o at_o peace_n in_o my_o judgement_n as_o to_o have_v no_o doubt_n what_o be_v truth_n in_o relation_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n if_o ten_o thousand_o more_o of_o opinion_n encompass_v i_o round_o about_o so_o far_o at_o peace_n in_o my_o affection_n as_o not_o to_o be_v in_o commotion_n with_o any_o man_n that_o give_v testimony_n to_o christian_a charity_n that_o he_o be_v a_o strict_a observer_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o fundamental_a christianity_n one_o essential_a rule_n of_o both_o which_o be_v love_n peace_n and_o mercy_n to_o all_o that_o be_v centre_v in_o this_o natural_a christian_a religion_n though_o they_o may_v adjoyn_v or_o refuse_v some_o eccentrick_a placit_n that_o do_v not_o harm_v the_o foundation_n last_o i_o be_o assure_v this_o very_a natural_a religion_n espouse_v by_o christianity_n well_o consider_v and_o observe_v will_v disarm_v the_o world_n of_o those_o instrument_n of_o cruelty_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n so_o extreme_o abhor_v by_o it_o whether_o use_v by_o angry_a supreme_a power_n or_o unjust_o take_v up_o by_o seditious_a ambitious_a or_o fanatic_a subject_n which_o cruelty_n man_n be_v say_v to_o borrow_v from_o wild_a beast_n no_o such_o be_v give_v by_o the_o gracious_a author_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o so_o excellent_a a_o nature_n as_o he_o make_v the_o humane_a and_o therefore_o most_o certain_o not_o by_o the_o redeemer_n nor_o his_o religion_n who_o come_v to_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o innocency_n goodness_n and_o peace_n after_o so_o great_a a_o invasion_n of_o barbarity_n and_o cruelty_n now_o have_v find_v this_o satisfaction_n myself_o i_o make_v offer_n of_o it_o if_o it_o may_v be_v the_o same_o to_o other_o ask_v only_o candid_a interpretation_n in_o particular_a management_n the_o main_a principle_n be_v above_o the_o need_n of_o pardon_n or_o the_o fear_n of_o indignation_n although_o the_o discourse_n be_v intend_v much_o short_a be_v not_o distinguish_v in_o the_o body_n of_o it_o into_o chapter_n or_o otherwise_o yet_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v have_v a_o guidance_n into_o the_o main_a design_n of_o it_o i_o have_v prefix_v this_o summary_n of_o head_n of_o discourse_n follow_v each_o other_o the_o content_n the_o introduction_n explain_v the_o text_n and_o show_v the_o merciful_a design_n of_o christianity_n against_o contrary_a appearance_n the_o always_o present_a way_n of_o determine_v doubt_n in_o religion_n 1._o to_o 8._o of_o natural_a religion_n as_o sure_a as_o our_o faculty_n and_o the_o examination_n of_o thing_n by_o it_o 10._o to_o 26._o of_o natural-religion_n unite_v by_o christian_a religion_n to_o and_o with_o itself_o as_o the_o only_a assurance_n and_o test_n of_o reveal_v religion_n and_o of_o the_o little_a value_n of_o ceremony_n in_o religion_n either_o natural_a or_o christian_n 27._o to_o 45._o of_o natural_a religion_n the_o only_a standard_n of_o humane_a penal_a law_n in_o religion_n 45._o to_o 79._o of_o the_o great_a use_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o compose_v and_o decide_v difference_n in_o christian_a religion_n apply_v to_o some_o of_o the_o great_a controversy_n in_o it_o 80_o 82._o of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o peace_n in_o christianity_n itself_o the_o important_a honourable_a business_n give_v as_o one_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o wherein_o it_o engage_v all_o its_o disciple_n several_a way_n produce_v peace_n 88_o to_o 94._o of_o the_o grand_a principle_n of_o the_o union_n of_o christian_n into_o one_o body_n on_o which_o love_n and_o peace_n be_v infallible_o to_o ensue_v 95_o to_o 99_o of_o heresy_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o cut_v off_o from_o that_o union_n exemplify_v in_o popery_n and_o whether_o the_o roman_a society_n be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o schism_n and_o its_o nature_n as_o it_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n 99_o to_o 110._o of_o the_o law_n for_o christian_n be_v embody_a in_o a_o catholic_n church_n in_o particular_a congregation_n or_o church_n and_o the_o order_n of_o both_o to_o national_a christian_n constitution_n of_o the_o great_a value_n the_o word_n of_o god_n give_v to_o public_a national_a religion_n require_v our_o utmost_a attemperation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o it_o consistent_o with_o conscience_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o christianity_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o ministerial_a presidency_n of_o it_o in_o relation_n to_o magistracy_n to_o universal_a goodness_n 121_o to_o 127._o a_o lamentation_n over_o the_o world_n unhappiness_n in_o relation_n to_o so_o excellent_a a_o thing_n as_o religion_n and_o christian_a religion_n 127._o a_o offerture_n for_o the_o amicable_a return_n of_o all_o protestant_n one_o to_o another_o within_o our_o english_a nation_n and_o the_o method_n of_o it_o 136._o errata_fw-la page_z 2_o l._n 28._o r._n action_n p._n 7._o l._n 25._o for_o thus_o r._n that_o p._n 17_o l._n 17._o blot_v they_o p._n 23_o l._n 1_o for_o they_o r._n that_o l._n 5._o for_o itself_o r._n themselves_o p._n 27._o l._n 32._o r._n appellation_n p._n 91._o l._n 37._o for_o they_o r._n that_o p._n 109._o l._n 7._o blot_n why_o l._n 10._o blot_n who_o be_v p._n 1220_o marg._n r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 141._o l._n 7._o r._n do_v isa._n xi_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o the_o wolf_n also_o shall_v dwell_v with_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o leopard_n shall_v lie_v down_o with_o the_o kid_n and_o the_o calf_n and_o the_o young_a lion_n and_o the_o fatle_a together_o and_o a_o little_a child_n shall_v lead_v they_o and_o
fret_v against_o the_o lord_n this_o then_o abate_v nothing_o from_o the_o grand_a importance_n of_o these_o word_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v so_o to_o discourse_n as_o to_o show_v that_o christianity_n lay_v down_o those_o foundation_n of_o unity_n peace_n and_o kindness_n upon_o religious_a account_n as_o be_v sufficient_a in_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o to_o take_v off_o all_o manner_n of_o barbarity_n fierceness_n and_o malignity_n in_o action_n and_o word_n concern_v difference_n in_o religion_n so_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o hurt_v and_o destroy_v but_o what_o be_v just_a and_o deserve_a punishment_n of_o evil_n evil_a true_o and_o real_o so_o and_o not_o different_a religion_n only_o without_o that_o natural_a real_a evil_n much_o less_o different_a apprehension_n in_o the_o same_o religion_n almost_o if_o not_o altogether_o unavoidable_a nor_o shall_v the_o name_n of_o contumacy_n faction_n sedition_n be_v a_o salvo_fw-la or_o shelter_v sufficient_a for_o man_n to_o cover_v their_o cruelty_n under_o direct_v indeed_o against_o different_a sense_n in_o religion_n whatever_o else_o they_o pretend_v and_o if_o the_o true_a measure_n give_v we_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v observe_v and_o pursue_v they_o will_v certain_o and_o effective_o reconcile_v mankind_n in_o general_n and_o christian_n among_o themselves_o in_o particular_a remove_v all_o animosity_n and_o make_v they_o most_o tender_a compassionate_a and_o benign_a one_o towards_o another_o even_o towards_o they_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a truth_n much_o more_o to_o they_o that_o profess_v that_o truth_n with_o themselves_o though_o they_o dissent_v in_o some_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o their_o profession_n to_o do_v it_o with_o modesty_n esteem_v and_o prefer_v one_o another_o in_o honour_n each_o above_o themselves_o even_o then_o when_o they_o can_v in_o their_o particular_a distant_a sentiment_n part_v with_o that_o they_o be_v persuade_v be_v truth_n for_o if_o obstinacy_n contumacy_n pride_n or_o singularity_n shall_v be_v charge_v upon_o one_o another_o by_o each_o differ_a party_n and_o pursue_v with_o penalty_n by_o the_o strong_a and_o these_o faultiness_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o thing_n only_o against_o which_o the_o austerity_n be_v level_v and_o not_o the_o difference_n in_o judgement_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o standard_n to_o judge_n of_o these_o true_o culpable_a thing_n and_o that_o indeed_o deserve_v the_o humane_a severity_n due_a to_o they_o in_o all_o other_o case_n as_o well_o as_o difference_n in_o religion_n if_o any_o other_o but_o god_n who_o know_v man_n heart_n can_v judge_n of_o they_o but_o if_o there_o be_v i_o say_v no_o other_o detection_n of_o they_o but_o this_o that_o the_o one_o dissenter_n can_v come_v over_o in_o judgement_n to_o the_o other_o that_o iâ—_n the_o inferior_a to_o the_o superior_a in_o power_n especial_o the_o case_n be_v still_o the_o same_o that_o all_o must_v come_v to_o one_o opinion_n or_o malign_v one_o another_o still_o continue_v not_o profess_o for_o the_o dissent_n but_o for_o those_o other_o evil_n of_o which_o yet_o that_o dissent_n shall_v be_v the_o only_a proof_n and_o account_v sufficient_a proof_n too_o i_o will_v therefore_o by_o divine_a assistance_n endeavour_v so_o to_o manage_v this_o discourse_n as_o to_o secure_v it_o from_o such_o elusion_n i_o confess_v the_o undertake_n as_o it_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n so_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o whoever_o consider_v what_o have_v continual_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o how_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n have_v be_v entangle_v and_o perplex_v will_v not_o believe_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o rule_n of_o prevention_n in_o nature_n or_o that_o god_n have_v design_v any_o such_o for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o by_o measure_v from_o what_o be_v pass_v to_o future_a expectation_n may_v look_v upon_o any_o discourse_n to_o such_o a_o purpose_n as_o utopian_a and_o imaginary_a see_v the_o christian_a religion_n so_o humble_a peaceable_a modest_a and_o amicable_a and_o that_o have_v the_o only_a true_a rule_n of_o this_o peace_n have_v yet_o be_v so_o unsuccessful_a herein_o that_o as_o at_o the_o first_o it_o be_v the_o butt_n against_o which_o all_o sort_n of_o cruelty_n and_o barbarity_n discharge_v themselves_o in_o the_o confessor_n and_o martyr_n of_o it_o so_o since_o it_o have_v be_v make_v the_o seat_n of_o those_o unholy_a holy_a war_n perpetual_a controversy_n and_o dispute_n carry_v on_o with_o great_a wrath_n and_o clamour_n and_o worse_o than_o that_o a_o kind_n of_o aceldama_n or_o field_n of_o blood_n by_o the_o horrid_a and_o unnatural_a fury_n of_o christian_n one_o against_o another_o but_o to_o conclude_v from_o hence_o true_a religion_n and_o christianity_n have_v not_o a_o fitness_n or_o less_o of_o fitness_n than_o false_a religion_n to_o beget_v in_o man_n mind_n that_o amity_n union_n and_o peace_n speak_v of_o by_o fix_v such_o principle_n and_o fundamental_o as_o christian_n may_v concentre_v upon_o notwithstanding_o their_o various_a sense_n in_o many_o thing_n and_o by_o indue_a they_o with_o such_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n as_o be_v pure_a peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n be_v to_o take_v off_o the_o load_n from_o the_o degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o charge_v it_o upon_o the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n religion_n and_o christian_a religion_n who_o very_a excellency_n be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a reason_n why_o corruption_n and_o all_o the_o malice_n of_o hell_n plant_v themselves_o against_o it_o with_o all_o the_o force_n they_o can_v to_o have_v bar_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o when_o it_o prevail_v against_o those_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o settle_a itself_o then_o to_o adulterate_a debauch_n and_o divide_v it_o which_o attempt_n and_o the_o resistance_n to_o they_o have_v make_v it_o full_a of_o commotion_n and_o noise_n than_o false_a religion_n which_o be_v hold_v in_o peace_n by_o sin_n and_o satan_n as_o their_o entire_a and_o undivided_a territory_n no_o sound_n of_o true_a religion_n come_v in_o there_o be_v not_o that_o reason_n for_o a_o disturbance_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o argument_n of_o moment_n to_o be_v draw_v from_o hence_o against_o the_o christian_a or_o reform_a protestant_a religion_n from_o the_o division_n of_o the_o teacher_n and_o professor_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v demonstrate_v as_o it_o may_v very_o plain_o be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n itself_o it_o then_o remain_v it_o be_v only_o from_o the_o pravity_n of_o man_n and_o design_n of_o satan_n who_o be_v not_o so_o concern_v against_o any_o other_o religion_n not_o feel_v that_o destruction_n from_o any_o but_o it_o thus_o therefore_o the_o wave_n and_o storm_n beat_v more_o vehement_o against_o the_o rock_n of_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v more_o rage_n and_o foam_n and_o froth_n about_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o unquietness_n of_o the_o rock_n which_o be_v always_o firm_a and_o still_o but_o from_o the_o unruliness_n of_o the_o wave_n nor_o be_v the_o dead_a sea_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n or_o a_o total_a ignorance_n in_o religion_n because_o it_o have_v a_o dead_a calm_a upon_o it_o like_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o dead_a man_n more_o safe_a than_o these_o religious_a 3_o rev._n 16._o 3_o commotion_n for_o every_o live_a soul_n die_v in_o that_o there_o be_v certain_a death_n there_o but_o motion_n argue_v life_n and_o tend_v to_o it_o though_o there_o be_v other_o hazard_n appertain_v to_o motion_n yet_o still_o there_o be_v possibility_n of_o life_n a_o fever_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o cure_n compare_v with_o a_o lethargy_n and_o dissent_v if_o well_o and_o christianly_o moderate_v by_o the_o run_n to_o and_o fro_o of_o man_n understanding_n increase_v 4._o dan._n 12._o 4._o knowledge_n maintain_v action_n and_o concern_v in_o divine_a thing_n resine_fw-la doctrine_n and_o profession_n which_o else_o like_o stagnated_a water_n be_v apt_a to_o corrupt_v make_v more_o evident_o appear_v that_o which_o can_v be_v shake_v this_o indeed_o be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n worship_n or_o practise_v for_o though_o by_o opposition_n thâ—y_v also_o be_v much_o fortify_v and_o confirm_v yet_o that_o be_v by_o supreme_a power_n bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a but_o none_o may_v do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v nor_o do_v it_o introduce_v scepticism_n in_o any_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o know_v but_o every_o man_n abound_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n offer_v his_o own_o and_o receive_v the_o reason_n of_o other_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o 21._o 1_o thes_n 5_o 21._o hold_v fast_o what_o he_o find_v best_a with_o all_o toleration_n
of_o matter_n or_o body_n in_o a_o perpetual_a transmutation_n can_v bear_v and_o that_o this_o doctrine_n also_o of_o a_o future_a state_n be_v to_o the_o utmost_a can_v be_v deny_v since_o nothing_o can_v more_o complete_a happiness_n or_o misery_n than_o the_o scripture_n expression_n reach_v to_o but_o i_o insist_v no_o further_o upon_o this_o be_v in_o the_o main_a substance_n of_o it_o in_o my_o account_n of_o it_o a_o fundamental_a point_n of_o natural_a religion_n but_o that_o god_n will_v transact_v this_o judgement_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v indeed_o perfect_a revelation_n and_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o former_a account_n give_v of_o his_o mediatorship_n and_o enhanse_v still_o this_o principle_n as_o to_o its_o great_a certainty_n so_o to_o all_o its_o possible_a height_n since_o god_n in_o humane_a nature_n god_n in_o the_o mediator_n judge_v the_o world_n turn_v about_o with_o great_a consolation_n to_o good_a man_n and_o terror_n to_o evil_a man_n that_o can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o humane_a understanding_n and_o so_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a the_o second_o head_n of_o discourse_n under_o this_o first_o foundation_n of_o universal_a peace_n consent_v in_o natural_a religion_n viz._n that_o christian_a religion_n in_o what_o it_o reveal_v beyond_o natural_a religion_n agree_v yet_o with_o natural_a religion_n and_o be_v recommend_v by_o it_o and_o herein_o i_o have_v insist_v upon_o those_o point_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o be_v true_o christian_a for_o those_o private_a dispute_n among_o christian_n be_v much_o better_o silence_v within_o the_o gate_n of_o christianity_n itself_o in_o that_o way_n wherein_o they_o be_v manage_v and_o therefore_o much_o more_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v declare_v in_o gath_n nor_o publish_v in_o the_o street_n of_o ashkelon_n neither_o indeed_o need_v the_o point_n themselves_o upon_o which_o the_o dispute_n be_v for_o if_o together_o with_o those_o undoubted_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o practice_n as_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o christian_a religion_n wherefrom_o none_o can_v make_v defection_n but_o under_o the_o most_o righteous_a severity_n of_o the_o magistrate_n who_o in_o those_o case_n bear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a i_o say_v if_o together_o with_o these_o the_o substantial_a truth_n and_o institution_n of_o christian_a reveal_v religion_n wherein_o we_o be_v all_o agree_v be_v present_v as_o the_o general_a confession_n or_o profession_n of_o christian_n before_o we_o come_v to_o launch_v out_o into_o particular_a opinion_n or_o mode_n of_o worship_n our_o excellent_a religion_n will_v stand_v much_o more_o like_o a_o city_n set_v on_o a_o hill_n 14._o mat._n 5._o 14._o who_o magnificence_n and_o beauty_n can_v not_o be_v hide_v for_o the_o benefit_n both_o of_o stranger_n and_o its_o own_o citizen_n since_o thing_n so_o great_a so_o excellent_a so_o agreeable_a with_o all_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o man_n mind_n can_v not_o be_v reject_v by_o those_o that_o will_v be_v account_v man_n of_o mind_n soul_n and_o reason_n and_o especial_o there_o can_v upon_o these_o term_n christianity_n offer_v be_v no_o possible_a place_n for_o hurt_v or_o destroy_v christian_n by_o any_o party_n except_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o lay_v aside_o the_o man_n and_o put_v on_o the_o lion_n and_o wolf_n now_o by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v upon_o this_o point_n it_o appear_v three_o sort_n of_o opinion_n whatever_o of_o christianity_n they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o be_v indeed_o the_o injury_n and_o horrible_a scandal_n of_o it_o because_o they_o contradict_v natural_a religion_n which_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o christianity_n 1._o that_o opinion_n which_o adore_v our_o mediator_n as_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n allow_v he_o a_o ubiquitary_a presence_n and_o address_n prayer_n to_o he_o allot_v he_o all_o divine_a honour_n and_o yet_o deny_v he_o coeternal_a god_n with_o the_o father_n for_o this_o bring_v in_o supreme_a worship_n love_n confidence_n in_o more_o than_o the_o one_o god_n it_o clothes_v finite_a with_o infinite_a which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n every_o where_o illustrate_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o this_o great_a evil_n socinianism_n arrianism_n and_o the_o several_a name_n of_o heresy_n of_o that_o alliance_n be_v guilty_a 2._o that_o which_o bring_v in_o image-worship_n prayer_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n which_o suppose_v invisible_a being_n though_o creature_n omniscient_a and_o omnipresent_v as_o god_n that_o in_o all_o place_n man_n may_v lift_v up_o hand_n to_o they_o in_o prayer_n without_o doubt_v of_o their_o be_v lose_v in_o their_o direction_n to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o that_o they_o know_v able_a to_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o they_o and_o further_o which_o be_v not_o the_o least_o of_o the_o idolatry_n it_o give_v they_o the_o honour_n of_o be_v absolute_o knowable_a by_o natural_a light_n in_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o hear_v prayer_n that_o all_o flesh_n may_v come_v to_o they_o viz._n in_o their_o knowledge_n in_o their_o mercy_n in_o their_o power_n all_o which_o must_v be_v absolute_a as_o god_n and_o as_o evident_a to_o reason_v as_o in_o god_n see_v man_n have_v no_o justifiable_a revelation_n to_o any_o such_o purpose_n the_o arto_n latria_fw-la or_o adoration_n of_o the_o bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v of_o the_o same_o family_n now_o however_o these_o thing_n be_v intricate_v by_o various_a pretext_n yet_o as_o the_o spectacle_n in_o the_o last_o especial_o be_v horrid_a to_o sense_n so_o the_o thing_n to_o reason_n and_o natural_a conscience_n and_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v we_o have_v otherwise_o learn_v christ_n who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n neither_o require_v nor_o receive_v worship_n direct_v to_o his_o body_n upon_o any_o such_o pretension_n mark_v 10._o 17._o luke_n 11._o 27._o 28._o john_n 6._o 36._o john_n 20._o 17._o but_o refuse_v it_o except_o when_o at_o sometime_o the_o mighty_a emanation_n of_o his_o divinity_n prostrate_v man_n into_o the_o adoration_n of_o he_o 3._o whatever_o dogme_n or_o sect_n of_o man_n subvert_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o religion_n as_o a_o proteus-thing_n that_o sneak_n into_o all_o shape_n and_o profession_n according_a to_o the_o earthly_a power_n it_o appear_v before_o fear_v man_n rather_o than_o god_n all_o thing_n that_o overturn_v morality_n and_o distinction_n betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a the_o denial_n of_o spirit_n a_o future_a state_n as_o undermine_v the_o very_a life_n and_o be_v of_o the_o almighty_a spirit_n all_o fanatic_a principle_n turn_v religion_n into_o raunterism_n or_o move_v the_o pillar_n of_o humane_a society_n as_o consist_v in_o submission_n to_o principality_n and_o power_n in_o subjection_n to_o law_n civil_a custom_n and_o decency_n all_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o and_o the_o whole_a lineage_n of_o they_o however_o they_o may_v presume_v to_o christianize_v themselves_o be_v a_o just_a abhorrence_n to_o the_o true_a christian_a spirit_n as_o most_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n these_o opinion_n therefore_o now_o name_v be_v exclude_v and_o shut_v out_o of_o that_o universal_a peace_n and_o quietness_n i_o be_o to_o speak_v of_o under_o this_o last_o head_n of_o the_o survey_n of_o natural_a religion_n which_o i_o now_o come_v to_o viz._n the_o three_o thing_n propose_v under_o this_o first_o head_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o upon_o which_o the_o whole_a weight_n of_o it_o rest_v and_o turn_n as_o to_o the_o intention_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v this_o that_o christianity_n suppose_v it_o a_o firm_a ground_n of_o enjoy_v the_o common_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n in_o religion_n that_o a_o man_n receive_v and_o own_v all_o the_o grand_a point_n of_o natural_a religion_n godliness_n righteousness_n soberness_n and_o acknowledge_v it_o his_o duty_n and_o make_v it_o his_o profession_n to_o live_v according_a to_o they_o that_o he_o avow_v no_o principle_n contrary_a hereunto_o though_o he_o believe_v and_o profess_v to_o be_v assure_v of_o some_o other_o divine_a revelation_n in_o order_n to_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n it_o suppose_v a_o man_n that_o in_o all_o his_o discourse_n and_o action_n give_v abundant_a security_n of_o his_o fidelity_n to_o natural_a religion_n a_o man_n that_o be_v no_o idolater_n atheist_n blasphemer_n of_o religion_n impugner_n of_o morality_n that_o observe_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n praise_n and_o religious_a discourse_n shall_v be_v free_a to_o commend_v himself_o to_o god_n in_o what_o he_o think_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n though_o in_o distinction_n from_o other_o who_o he_o no_o way_n disturb_v against_o rule_n of_o reason_n modesty_n peaceableness_n and_o humility_n but_o only_o offer_v the_o apology_n of_o his_o own_o faith_n yet_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n and_o the_o persuasive_n 15._o â—_o pet._n 3._o 15._o
of_o belief_n and_o practice_v agreeable_a thereunto_o such_o a_o one_o i_o say_v christianity_n suppose_v to_o have_v a_o right_a to_o common_a protection_n of_o magistrate_n and_o the_o law_n of_o humaniâ—y_n while_o he_o endeavour_v to_o approve_v himself_o to_o god_n at_o who_o tribunal_n he_o must_v appear_v to_o who_o as_o his_o own_o master_n he_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v no_o man_n have_v power_n to_o judge_n another_o servant_n in_o this_o case_n 12._o rom._n 14._o 4_o 10_o 12._o now_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v with_o submission_n to_o better_a instruction_n to_o give_v great_a reason_n that_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n christian_n religion_n bottom_n upon_o and_o presume_v to_o itself_o that_o perfect_a conformity_n in_o a_o man_n principle_n to_o natural_a religion_n so_o far_o as_o principle_n or_o be_v as_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o religion_n be_v in_o debate_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a guard_n according_a to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o divine_a ordination_n upon_o it_o against_o the_o enmity_n despite_n and_o injury_n of_o private_a person_n and_o against_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o punitive_a justice_n of_o magistrate_n however_o a_o man_n in_o other_o particular_n distingâ—ishes_v himself_o for_o conscience_n sake_n towards_o god_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v first_o insist_v upon_o those_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o i_o suppose_v fix_v upon_o this_o foundation_n and_o then_o argue_v it_o by_o reason_n with_o respect_n to_o all_o â—ncountring_v objection_n the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n to_o timothy_n i_o exhort_v first_o of_o all_o that_o prayer_n supplication_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_o â—e_v etc._n 1_o tim_n 2._o 1_o etc._n etc._n make_v for_o king_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o we_o may_v live_v peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n this_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n contain_v two_o thing_n 1._o the_o duty_n the_o apostle_n enjoin_v viz._n the_o make_n of_o prayer_n supplication_n intercession_n and_o not_o they_o only_o but_o give_v of_o thanks_o and_o for_o all_o man_n and_o not_o only_o but_o eminent_o for_o king_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n now_o in_o that_o the_o apostle_n injoin_v give_v of_o thanks_o it_o argue_v though_o he_o do_v not_o exclude_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v the_o only_a matter_n of_o the_o prayer_n shall_v be_v the_o conversion_n of_o those_o pray_v for_o for_o there_o be_v then_o no_o conversion_n of_o prince_n nor_o so_o general_a conversion_n of_o private_a person_n as_o shall_v be_v express_v by_o all_o man_n there_o can_v be_v no_o matter_n for_o thanksgiving_n but_o that_o which_o be_v main_o in_o the_o apostle_n eye_n be_v that_o christian_n shall_v concern_v themselves_o in_o all_o the_o happiness_n and_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n both_o by_o supplication_n prayer_n and_o intercession_n that_o be_v with_o all_o the_o earnestness_n and_o heartiness_n signify_v in_o that_o accumulation_n of_o expression_n and_o also_o by_o thanksgiving_n for_o the_o mercy_n they_o enjoy_v and_o in_o eminent_a manner_n for_o king_n and_o those_o in_o eminency_n who_o be_v the_o trustee_n and_o depositary_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v know_v to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a with_o the_o true_a natural_a and_o excellent_a religion_n of_o mankind_n and_o a_o fair_a rational_a inducement_n offer_v to_o embrace_v it_o 2._o the_o advantage_n the_o apostle_n express_v as_o arise_v from_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n that_o man_n in_o general_a and_o prince_n in_o special_a be_v convince_v of_o their_o right_n by_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o two_o main_a part_n of_o natural_a religion_n piety_n towards_o god_n love_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o universal_a good_a may_v afford_v to_o christian_n the_o right_n and_o due_n of_o godliness_n and_o grave_a honourable_a sober_a deportment_n among_o man_n that_o be_v peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n not_o break_v out_o into_o injury_n and_o violation_n of_o common_a protection_n and_o humanity_n because_o they_o be_v christian_n from_o hence_o then_o i_o observe_v the_o main_a foundation_n of_o right_a to_o peace_n and_o quietness_n be_v godliness_n and_o honourableness_n of_o manner_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o immorality_n and_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o all_o man_n and_o prince_n be_v most_o natural_o to_o be_v understand_v for_o the_o tranquibity_n and_o flourish_a state_n of_o community_n in_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n justice_n and_o soberness_n though_o i_o doubt_v not_o they_o add_v that_o they_o may_v by_o conversion_n be_v not_o only_o almost_o but_o altogether_o christian_n and_o not_o only_o not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o that_o they_o may_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o the_o west_n from_o the_o north_n and_o the_o south_n and_o sit_v down_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o which_o the_o freedom_n of_o pprophecy_n under_o the_o caution_n of_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n might_n exceed_o conduce_v on_o which_o account_n the_o apostle_n go_v on_o this_o that_o be_v all_z this_o intercourse_n of_o christian_n prayer_n godliness_n and_o honesty_n and_o all_o man_n magistrate_n especial_o procure_v their_o peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n be_v acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n who_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o by_o this_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n see_v the_o one_o god_n the_o one_o mediator_n author_n of_o the_o one_o natural_a and_o the_o one_o true_a reveal_v religion_n be_v equal_o concern_v in_o all_o a_o second_o place_n be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o relation_n to_o mankind_n in_o general_n complicate_v with_o all_o those_o expression_n of_o both_o the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o paul_n concern_v magistracy_n and_o the_o ordination_n of_o it_o by_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o mankind_n in_o general_n the_o apostle_n make_v this_o challenge_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 13._o and_o who_o be_v he_o that_o will_v harm_v you_o if_o you_o be_v follower_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a plain_o imply_v to_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v good_a aught_o in_o all_o reason_n and_o equity_n to_o secure_a man_n from_o harm_n and_o that_o good_a which_o the_o apostle_n intend_v must_v be_v good_a define_v by_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n to_o be_v good_a for_o else_o christianity_n as_o it_o stand_v distinct_a from_o that_o for_o contrary_a to_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v be_v not_o then_o understand_v to_o be_v good_n all_o judgement_n of_o that_o therefore_o be_v suspend_v whether_o good_a or_o not_o good_a as_o it_o stand_v distinct_a from_o natural_a religion_n the_o undeniable_a presence_n of_o all_o natural_a religion_n and_o power_n of_o it_o over_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v their_o defence_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o left_a from_o injury_n concern_v magistracy_n that_o duumvirate_n of_o apostle_n concur_v that_o ruler_n be_v not_o a_o terror_n to_o good_a work_n but_o to_o the_o evil_n will_v then_o thou_o not_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o power_n say_v the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v 5._o rom._n 13._o 3_o 4_o 5._o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o thou_o shall_v have_v praise_n of_o the_o same_o for_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n to_o thou_o for_o good_a but_o if_o thou_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a be_v afraid_a for_o he_o bear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a for_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a wherefore_o you_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience-sake_n thus_o far_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n speak_v thus_o submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o unto_o governor_n as_o those_o that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o for_o 14_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 13_o 14_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil-doer_n and_o the_o praise_n of_o they_o that_o do_v well_o let_v the_o way_n of_o argue_v use_v by_o these_o two_o apostle_n be_v well_o weigh_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o write_v the_o sense_n of_o magistrate_n concern_v christianity_n the_o obligation_n upon_o christian_n to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o magistrate_n and_o yet_o both_o these_o apostle_n write_v as_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v out_o of_o dispute_n between_o magistrate_n and_o christian_n as_o if_o all_o be_v clear_a and_o fair_a between_o they_o and_o no_o controversy_n whether_o christianity_n be_v true_a or_o false_a a_o good_a
right_n of_o earthly_a power_n not_o the_o retrench_a any_o of_o the_o freedom_n of_o natural_a religion_n not_o the_o impose_v any_o thing_n beside_o and_o beyond_o it_o by_o power_n or_o penalty_n not_o the_o forbid_a of_o reformation_n of_o any_o corruption_n invade_v it_o not_o the_o embargo_a any_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n consist_v with_o or_o perfect_a natural_a religion_n as_o all_o true_o such_o do_v only_o the_o power_n of_o require_v all_o to_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o punishment_n of_o those_o that_o disobey_v natural_a law_n but_o it_o may_v be_v further_o say_v god_n intend_v christianity_n shall_v be_v bring_v in_o not_o by_o might_n not_o by_o power_n but_o by_o tâ—e_v spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o believer_n in_o it_o shall_v seal_v it_o not_o with_o pleasure_n honour_n and_o outward_a advantage_n accrue_v to_o they_o by_o it_o but_o with_o their_o blood_n and_o suffering_n this_o be_v also_o most_o true_a it_o appear_v god_n do_v so_o intend_v but_o still_o if_o magistrate_n be_v entrust_v by_o god_n with_o make_v religion_n legal_a or_o not_o legal_a by_o their_o seal_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o divine_a ordination_n of_o magistracy_n be_v dishonour_v and_o debase_v by_o he_o that_o appoint_v it_o in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o take_a notice_n of_o in_o so_o great_a a_o affair_n of_o the_o divine_a kingdom_n and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v judge_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o real_a injury_n do_v to_o power_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o christian_n be_v on_o that_o account_n just_a for_o who_o can_v know_v that_o for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n god_n have_v suspend_v that_o suppose_a ordination_n of_o he_o viz._n that_o no_o religion_n shall_v be_v bring_v into_o any_o state_n or_o kingdom_n that_o have_v not_o first_o the_o favour_n and_o licence_n of_o the_o law_n and_o magistrate_n of_o that_o state_n and_o kingdom_n but_o now_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o state_v rule_n that_o beyond_o natural_a religion_n the_o magistrate_n power_n extend_v not_o but_o that_o be_v secure_v there_o be_v a_o freedom_n to_o subject_n of_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o wherein_o they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o god_n as_o of_o their_o body_n life_n or_o estate_n in_o private_a concern_v or_o as_o a_o philosopher_n have_v of_o choose_v what_o he_o think_v the_o best_a system_v and_o from_o the_o best_a author_n and_o that_o man_n may_v free_o reason_v herein_o still_o within_o the_o confinement_n of_o natural_a religion_n reverence_n of_o god_n and_o all_o just_a deference_n to_o man_n and_o than_o christian_a religion_n have_v a_o legal_a entrance_n offer_v no_o disregard_n to_o magistracy_n but_o take_v natural_a freedom_n to_o offer_v itself_o wherein_o its_o way_n be_v so_o prepare_v it_o than_o open_v itself_o with_o all_o that_o divine_a power_n and_o authority_n that_o can_v be_v refuse_v but_o under_o the_o great_a peril_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n thus_o proportionable_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o concern_v the_o reformation_n of_o christianity_n from_o popery_n we_o then_o that_o be_v christian_n and_o protestant_a christian_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o keep_v that_o door_n of_o the_o just_a and_o lawful_a propagation_n of_o religion_n not_o contrariant_n to_o natural_a religion_n as_o open_a as_o we_o can_v and_o to_o grant_v a_o quiet_a comprehensive_a of_o all_o offer_n that_o can_v be_v make_v keep_v within_o rule_n of_o natural_a religion_n reason_n and_o prudence_n it_o seem_v less_o hazard_n to_o admit_v those_o inconvenience_n attendant_a upon_o this_o liberty_n that_o through_o humane_a corruption_n run_v round_o with_o every_o thing_n than_o those_o great_a mischief_n of_o have_v christian_n or_o protestant_a religion_n violent_o keep_v out_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v that_o there_o be_v obligation_n lie_v upon_o man_n precedent_a to_o any_o right_n of_o humane_a authority_n viz._n of_o duty_n to_o god_n in_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n of_o the_o profession_n confession_n and_o publication_n of_o true_a religion_n however_o man_n forbid_v or_o scorn_v it_o of_o rational_a communication_n of_o truth_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o 12._o act._n 4._o 12._o can_v but_o speak_v the_o thing_n we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v of_o charity_n to_o man_n soul_n in_o not_o conceal_v the_o tiding_n of_o salvation_n the_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n for_o certain_o david_n express_v himself_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n when_o he_o say_v i_o have_v preach_v righteousness_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n i_o have_v not_o refrain_v my_o lip_n oh_o lord_n thou_o 10_o psal_n 40._o 9_o 10_o know_v i_o have_v not_o hide_v thy_o righteousness_n in_o my_o heart_n i_o have_v declare_v thy_o faithfulness_n and_o thy_o salvation_n i_o have_v not_o conceal_v thy_o lovingkindness_n and_o thy_o truth_n from_o the_o great_a congregation_n and_o moses_n when_o he_o say_v give_v ear_n oh_o you_o heaven_n and_o 3_o deut._n 32._o 1_o 2_o 3_o i_o will_v speak_v and_o hear_v oh_o earth_n the_o word_n of_o my_o mouth_n my_o doctrine_n shall_v drop_v as_o the_o rain_n my_o speech_n shall_v distil_v as_o the_o dew_n because_o i_o will_v publish_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n ascribe_v you_o greatness_n to_o our_o god_n yet_o from_o hence_o i_o do_v not_o suppose_v any_o man_n bind_v to_o go_v and_o preach_v to_o the_o great_a turk_n either_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n against_o any_o of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o that_o tyranny_n or_o folly_n of_o that_o superstition_n or_o the_o just_a and_o holy_a law_n and_o truth_n of_o christianity_n instead_o of_o his_o worse_a than_o aâ—ile_n alcoran_n every_o man_n be_v to_o measure_v his_o commission_n and_o the_o enablement_n he_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n for_o his_o work_n and_o not_o to_o venture_v upon_o thing_n beyond_o his_o line_n for_o even_o the_o apostle_n know_v their_o measure_n the_o measure_n of_o the_o rule_n distribute_v they_o by_o god_n a_o measure_n reach_v so_o far_o beyond_o which_o they_o do_v not_o stretch_v themselves_o in_o that_o famous_a place_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 13._o every_o man_n may_v compute_v the_o probable_a account_n his_o service_n will_v turn_v to_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n christ_n teach_v he_o to_o forbear_v when_o it_o be_v certain_a before_o hand_n his_o pearl_n will_v be_v tread_v under_o foot_n and_o himself_o 6._o mat._n 7._o 6._o rend_v and_o so_o i_o have_v finish_v what_o i_o think_v necessary_a to_o be_v speak_v upon_o this_o three_o argument_n and_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o four_o argum._n 4._o natural_a religion_n may_v well_o be_v the_o cement_n of_o universal_a peace_n since_o whatever_o can_v comport_v with_o the_o good_a of_o the_o universe_n or_o community_n be_v secure_v by_o it_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o community_n be_v charge_v with_o it_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o particular_a person_n the_o orderly_a posture_n of_o every_o man_n in_o his_o station_n and_o rank_n the_o just_a deference_n to_o magistracy_n and_o public_a authority_n the_o security_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o quiet_n the_o advancement_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o divine_a revelation_n now_o in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o i_o will_v consider_v what_o objection_n may_v be_v make_v against_o allow_v freedom_n in_o religion_n upon_o natural_a religion_n secure_v and_o the_o answer_n to_o they_o object_n 1._o every_o false_a religion_n or_o refusal_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o a_o nation_n not_o vindicate_v by_o due_a severity_n upon_o offender_n be_v a_o offence_n against_o the_o divine_a majesty_n of_o a_o national_a gild_n and_o bring_v down_o national_a judgement_n answer_n the_o government_n of_o conscience_n be_v god_n peculiar_a no_o earthly_a power_n shall_v be_v charge_v with_o the_o obliquity_n and_o error_n of_o it_o any_o more_o than_o with_o the_o secret_a sin_n of_o man_n that_o be_v not_o know_v or_o those_o distemper_n of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n which_o come_v into_o no_o palpable_a instance_n can_v neither_o be_v convict_v nor_o sentence_v by_o man_n now_o mistake_v of_o man_n in_o religion_n not_o cognisable_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o error_n of_o conscience_n and_o so_o be_v proper_o leave_v to_o god_n judgment-seat_n and_o the_o magistrate_n stand_v free_a it_o be_v therefore_o very_o observable_a prince_n be_v call_v nursing-fathers_n and_o queen_n nursing-mothers_n signify_v not_o a_o 23._o isa_n 49._o 23._o commanding-power_n but_o a_o tender_a insinuate_a cherish_v the_o encouragement_n from_o they_o that_o such_o a_o appellative_a carry_v with_o it_o in_o those_o that_o declare_v it_o in_o those_o that_o be_v to_o receive_v it_o the_o magistrate_n discharge_v this_o honourable_a trust_n may_v acquit_v himself_o and_o the_o community_n
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have_v deliver_v their_o own_o soul_n that_o which_o be_v of_o their_o free_a judgement_n and_o arbitrement_n as_o proper_a to_o they_o as_o to_z family_n and_o person_n to_o dispose_v of_o their_o own_o they_o have_v place_v as_o they_o think_v upon_o due_a consideration_n most_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n but_o to_o deprive_v man_n of_o their_o native_a right_n or_o to_o punish_v they_o in_o their_o person_n or_o estate_n who_o be_v not_o offender_n against_o natural_a religion_n for_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o mind_n of_o which_o they_o have_v only_o a_o humane_a judgement_n be_v not_o a_o power_n wherewith_o they_o think_v themselves_o invest_v of_o god_n and_o so_o forbear_v it_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o nation_n of_o man_n a_o nation_n of_o christian_n a_o virtuous_a a_o honourable_a government_n and_o more_o hopeful_a to_o propagate_v true_a christianity_n than_o that_o which_o write_v its_o law_n in_o blood_n and_o this_o be_v to_o rule_v over_o man_n and_o not_o over_o beast_n bind_v up_o as_o man_n shall_v be_v with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n in_o natural_a religion_n in_o what_o be_v beyond_o that_o as_o revealed_z from_o god_n with_o band_n of_o love_n to_o serve_v the_o public_a blessed_n be_v the_o people_n who_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n bless_v be_v that_o people_n who_o god_n be_v thus_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n object_n 2._o what_o peace_n can_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n among_o private_a and_o particular_a person_n while_o there_o be_v several_a opinion_n in_o religion_n how_o many_o dispute_n and_o calumny_n and_o invective_n be_v continual_o fly_v up_o and_o down_o by_o reason_n of_o difference_n in_o religion_n and_o how_o much_o better_o be_v all_o compel_v into_o union_n answer_n all_o these_o evil_n be_v but_o so_o many_o argument_n of_o deprave_a nature_n which_o create_v its_o own_o occasion_n out_o of_o every_o thing_n and_o if_o the_o mischief_n of_o 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in_o its_o language_n in_o great_a case_n as_o st._n paul_n against_o the_o bigot_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o we_o must_v also_o consider_v the_o infallible_a spirit_n that_o guide_v sacred_a writer_n who_o alone_o know_v how_o to_o direct_v those_o sharp_a arrow_n and_o what_o effect_n they_o shall_v take_v object_n 3._o this_o clip_v off_o the_o royalty_n and_o prerogative_n of_o prince_n if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o command_n of_o man_n sentiment_n or_o at_o least_o of_o their_o outward_a action_n and_o practice_n in_o religion_n ans_fw-fr the_o unjust_a enlargement_n of_o earthly_a power_n into_o the_o divine_a sanctuary_n have_v be_v always_o fatal_a to_o prince_n vzziah_n rude_a entrance_n into_o it_o be_v punish_v by_o god_n with_o infamous_a leprosy_n herod_n let_v that_o sacrilegious_a acclamation_n it_o be_v 23_o 1_o chron._n 28._o 18_o 19_o act._n 12._o 22_o 23_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o god_n not_o of_o a_o man_n sink_v into_o he_o be_v present_o revenge_v with_o a_o dreadful_a hand_n of_o judgement_n humane_a power_n be_v safe_a keep_v itself_o within_o the_o verge_n of_o divine_a institution_n beyond_o that_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v great_a yet_o it_o become_v only_o like_o a_o swell_a wall_n the_o big_a it_o be_v the_o more_o ready_a to_o fall_v or_o a_o totter_a fence_n expatiate_v to_o ruin_v their_o honour_n be_v great_a in_o be_v nursing-fathers_n if_o god_n have_v intend_v civil_a magistracy_n to_o govern_v in_o any_o religion_n but_o natural_a they_o shall_v have_v have_v as_o certain_a rule_n to_o act_v by_o as_o they_o have_v in_o natural_a religion_n beside_o what_o be_v the_o good_a of_o be_v great_a master_n in_o religion_n except_o in_o that_o wherein_o god_n have_v show_v every_o man_n what_o be_v good_a see_v the_o great_a judgement_n wait_v for_o such_o thus_o the_o apostle_n james_n james_n 3._o 1._o my_o brethren_n be_v not_o many_o master_n imposer_n or_o prescriber_n in_o religion_n that_o be_v do_v not_o affect_v it_o know_v we_o shall_v receive_v a_o great_a judgement_n object_n 4._o but_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o govern_v with_o any_o security_n if_o governor_n hold_v not_o the_o reins_o of_o man_n conscience_n if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o helm_n that_o turn_v about_o so_o great_a body_n of_o people_n which_o way_n soever_o they_o that_o have_v that_o pylotry_n please_v with_o what_o vigour_n and_o courage_n be_v man_n animate_v while_o the_o principle_n and_o reward_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o eye_n if_o therefore_o the_o prince_n rule_v not_o in_o these_o his_o command_n be_v but_o cypher_n answer_v 1_o religion_n be_v too_o great_a and_o noble_a a_o thing_n to_o be_v but_o a_o expedient_a of_o government_n 2._o the_o history_n of_o christianity_n assure_v we_o no_o prince_n have_v have_v more_o obedient_a subject_n a_o more_o valiant_a soldiery_n than_o heathen_a prince_n of_o christian_n true_a religion_n know_v its_o obligation_n to_o government_n and_o pursue_v the_o law_n of_o it_o though_o that_o government_n have_v stand_v distinct_a from_o that_o true_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o standing-rule_n of_o christian_n object_n 5._o but_o what_o tumult_n faction_n sedition_n have_v be_v raise_v under_o religious_a pretence_n when_o subject_n have_v not_o yield_v themselves_o to_o the_o empire_n of_o prince_n in_o religion_n answ_n these_o evil_n as_o they_o be_v false_o pretend_v by_o man_n of_o turbulence_n to_o be_v for_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n so_o they_o be_v unjust_o charge_v upon_o it_o there_o can_v be_v therefore_o no_o severity_n too_o great_a upon_o those_o that_o so_o abuse_v so_o excellent_a a_o thing_n but_o the_o sâ—mâ—_n care_n that_o secure_v against_o ambition_n sedition_n rebellion_n in_o one_o shape_n will_v do_v it_o in_o another_o without_o take_v away_o lawful_a liberty_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o remedy_n so_o specific_a against_o the_o great_a hypocrisy_n of_o cover_a rebellion_n with_o religion_n faction_n with_o faith_n as_o the_o severe_a regiment_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o indisputable_a law_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o allowance_n of_o the_o great_a toleration_n in_o what_o no_o way_n contradict_v that_o for_o then_o be_v the_o artifice_n strong_a when_o it_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o oppression_n of_o man_n conscience_n so_o great_a a_o illegality_n against_o natural_a principle_n take_v away_o severe_a imposition_n and_o what_o have_v such_o politician_n to_o work_v upon_o object_n 6._o but_o what_o a_o hydra_n a_o many-headed_a monster_n of_o opinion_n will_v religion_n become_v by_o such_o a_o toleration_n answ_n 1._o severe_a natural_a religion_n enforce_v and_o strict_o pursue_v will_v so_o rebate_v man_n corruption_n beside_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o divine_a blâ—ssing_n accompany_v so_o virtuous_a a_o government_n that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o much_o great_a retrenchment_n of_o opinion_n than_o can_v be_v
understand_v the_o excellent_a wisdom_n gravity_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o man_n especial_o ennoble_v with_o christianity_n will_v bring_v most_o of_o man_n except_o extreme_o bad_a or_o wild_a into_o a_o admiration_n of_o its_o excellency_n that_o even_o ingenuous_a shame_n together_o with_o general_a prudence_n will_v compose_v they_o against_o fugitive_n inconstant_a changeable_a giddy_a opinion_n man_n be_v not_o so_o intractable_a as_o they_o be_v think_v to_o these_o awful_a law_n if_o wise_o propose_v the_o worst_a and_o wild_a part_n will_v become_v in_o every_o man_n sense_n due_a subject_n for_o rigour_n who_o so_o much_o reason_n and_o fair_a inducement_n will_v not_o prevail_v upon_o steelly_a unfruitful_a unsatisfactory_a ceremony_n loose_a principle_n and_o practice_n the_o want_n of_o that_o great_a presence_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o iron_n hand_n instead_o of_o it_o make_v man_n atheistick_a sceptic_a and_o fanatic_a ever_o teem_v into_o vain_a opinion_n for_o want_v of_o solid_a goodness_n to_o rest_v upon_o but_o however_o sinful_a degenerate_a man_n will_v be_v bad_a every_o way_n uniformity_n beget_v loathsome_a ignorance_n and_o formality_n that_o which_o be_v best_a in_o itself_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v viz._n that_o free_a air_n and_o light_n in_o which_o man_n may_v try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a though_o evil_o adhere_v to_o that_o as_o to_o all_o good_a thing_n argum._n 5._o to_o conclude_v true_a natural_a religion_n have_v a_o set_v of_o such_o self-evident_a principle_n that_o it_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o name_v they_o and_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v observe_v and_o obey_v universal_a peace_n and_o quietness_n can_v not_o fail_v to_o result_v from_o they_o 1._o that_o every_o man_n have_v the_o due_a care_n of_o his_o soul_n commit_v to_o himself_o so_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o apology_n for_o he_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o other_o whether_o church_n magistrate_n or_o public_a teacher_n mislead_v he_o it_o may_v be_v some_o abatement_n of_o condemnation_n to_o he_o and_o increase_v to_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o 18._o ezek._n 3._o 18._o deliver_v he_o he_o shall_v die_v in_o his_o sin_n though_o his_o blood_n shall_v be_v require_v at_o the_o watchman_n hand_n what_o reason_n then_o can_v there_o be_v or_o how_o can_v it_o be_v account_v for_o to_o compel_v that_o man_n with_o force_n to_o take_v that_o way_n he_o judge_v dangerous_a or_o drive_v he_o from_o what_o he_o think_v best_o for_o his_o soul_n to_o advise_v persuade_v reason_v he_o be_v commendable_a and_o charitable_a it_o be_v good_a for_o he_o to_o make_v the_o best_a inquiry_n and_o take_v the_o best_a advice_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v force_v against_o his_o own_o sense_n be_v unnatural_a and_o barbarous_a see_v he_o must_v be_v wise_a for_o himself_o or_o if_o he_o scorn_v he_o 12._o prov._n 9_o 12._o alone_o must_v bear_v it_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o case_n not_o evident_o good_a or_o evil_n by_o nature_n law_n in_o they_o there_o be_v no_o excuse_n against_o impression_n of_o absolute_a authority_n now_o how_o much_o will_v this_o tend_v to_o peace_n if_o it_o have_v its_o due_a observance_n 2._o that_o humane_a nature_n shall_v do_v all_o the_o good_a kindness_n and_o ease_v it_o can_v to_o itself_o in_o every_o particular_a member_n and_o remove_v all_o the_o evil_a discomfort_n and_o mischief_n it_o can_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o no_o severity_n except_o in_o case_n plain_o destructive_a to_o general_a humanity_n can_v be_v tolerable_a to_o true_a humanity_n if_o this_o be_v man_n rule_n who_o will_v hurt_v or_o destroy_v in_o the_o world_n 3._o that_o in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o a_o man_n can_v without_o infinite_a hazard_n do_v it_o he_o shall_v unite_v himself_o with_o the_o great_a community_n with_o lawful_a governor_n with_o nation_n and_o most_o comprehensive_a congregation_n of_o christian_n see_v that_o be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n who_o will_v have_v all_o nation_n to_o 11._o rom._n 15._o 9_o 10_o 11._o serve_v he_o all_o people_n to_o praise_v he_o it_o be_v most_o humane_a and_o christian_n it_o be_v also_o most_o a_o man_n interest_n most_o safe_a and_o secure_a to_o himself_o 4._o that_o wherein_o a_o man_n find_v himself_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o differ_v from_o any_o man_n much_o more_o from_o a_o community_n he_o shall_v deport_v himself_o with_o all_o meekness_n humility_n modesty_n love_n and_o charity_n that_o he_o may_v demonstrate_v it_o be_v true_o his_o judgement_n and_o sense_n of_o conscience_n and_o not_o perverse_a humour_n that_o make_v he_o differ_v that_o he_o be_v still_o a_o most_o lively_a feel_a member_n in_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n and_o christian_n that_o in_o all_o thing_n except_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n interest_n too_o vast_a to_o be_v compound_v for_o he_o prefer_v the_o public_a before_o himself_o such_o a_o one_o can_v neither_o harm_n nor_o deserve_v to_o be_v harm_v i_o have_v now_o dispatch_v what_o i_o intend_v concern_v this_o first_o foundation_n of_o even_o universal_a peace_n recommend_v by_o christian_a religion_n viz._n the_o general_a unity_n and_o uniformity_n there_o will_v be_v in_o natural_a religion_n if_o man_n will_v show_v themselves_o man_n i_o will_v only_o by_o way_n of_o conclusion_n reflect_v upon_o the_o usefulness_n of_o so_o great_a a_o point_n 1._o it_o justify_v the_o great_a creator_n of_o all_o who_o have_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n amid_o this_o great_a deordination_n of_o his_o rational_a creature_n that_o he_o be_v yet_o a_o faithful_a creator_n see_v he_o have_v carve_v into_o their_o very_a being_n such_o a_o law_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n that_o if_o they_o will_v but_o show_v themselves_o man_n will_v have_v preserve_v they_o from_o the_o great_a error_n of_o vnderderstanding_n and_o practice_n and_o as_o a_o compass_n will_v steer_v they_o in_o the_o wide_a and_o disorderly_a sea_n wherein_o they_o now_o sail_v by_o this_o inward_a infallible_a guide_n if_o right_o excite_v to_o give_v its_o sense_n and_o due_o apply_v they_o may_v find_v true_a religion_n in_o this_o babel_n of_o language_n concern_v it_o and_o though_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o in_o the_o event_n through_o man_n great_a corruption_n but_o not_o in_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n almost_o impossible_a without_o divine_a illumination_n so_o to_o excite_v and_o apply_v it_o yet_o there_o it_o be_v even_o within_o man_n so_o to_o be_v excite_v and_o apply_v and_o it_o be_v man_n corruption_n only_o and_o wickedness_n that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o more_o use_n 2._o to_o we_o christian_n have_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o divine_a illumination_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o hopeful_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o use_n of_o this_o natural_a law_n be_v much_o more_o visible_a and_o indeed_o chief_o we_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o and_o of_o such_o discourse_n as_o this_o upon_o it_o and_o our_o guilt_n more_o than_o twofold_a if_o we_o do_v not_o find_v it_o to_o we_o it_o may_v appear_v how_o inflexible_a a_o rule_n it_o be_v how_o excellent_a the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v we_o may_v in_o every_o thing_n see_v by_o it_o what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v indeed_o of_o value_n among_o all_o our_o division_n what_o be_v that_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n we_o shall_v be_v always_o in_o a_o agony_n for_o and_o what_o we_o may_v allow_v and_o condescend_v to_o those_o various_a sentiment_n that_o be_v and_o will_v be_v as_o various_a as_o aspect_n the_o beauty_n and_o even_a harmony_n of_o humanity_n and_o christianity_n be_v not_o make_v up_o of_o uniformity_n in_o such_o thing_n but_o unity_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n be_v the_o true_a beauty_n the_o true_a melody_n here_o all_o will_v be_v a_o dead_a calm_a 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this_o chapter_n with_o a_o exhortation_n etc._n ver._n 1_o etc._n etc._n to_o rejoice_v in_o god_n and_o in_o that_o excellent_a state_n of_o christianity_n into_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v immediate_o have_v his_o eye_n upon_o the_o legalist_n that_o trouble_v those_o clear_a water_n and_o damp_v the_o joy_n of_o christian_n a_o point_n he_o be_v much_o upon_o and_o very_o safe_a for_o they_o often_o to_o hear_v have_v as_o i_o say_v his_o eye_n upon_o those_o legalist_n who_o indeed_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n and_o encounter_v the_o main_a design_n of_o it_o as_o he_o by_o the_o apostolic_a spirit_n discern_o know_v he_o cautious_a christian_n against_o they_o under_z very_o black_a character_n dog_n of_o rabid_v and_o rend_a spirit_n evil_a worker_n design_v 2._o ver._n 2._o against_o the_o good_a the_o gospel_n introduce_v disguise_v themselves_o under_o the_o venerable_a name_n of_o the_o circumcision_n when_o they_o be_v quite_o another_o thing_n viz._n the_o concision_n a_o 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in_o strict_a combination_n one_o with_o neither_o this_o peace_n be_v the_o close_a rest_n of_o the_o part_n by_o which_o every_o one_o adhere_v with_o great_a kindness_n to_o each_o other_o and_o desire_v of_o self-preservation_n in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o so_o all_o the_o part_n seek_v the_o commodious_a situation_n each_o of_o other_o and_o abhor_v the_o disturbance_n the_o disease_n of_o any_o and_o because_o this_o peace_n can_v procure_v or_o conserve_v itself_o see_v it_o be_v not_o a_o dull_a sluggish_a rest_n but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o motion_n and_o action_n love_n be_v as_o i_o may_v call_v it_o the_o divine_a archaeus_n that_o divine_a spirit_n of_o nature_n the_o great_a instrument_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o supreme_a author_n of_o this_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o love_n run_v every_o way_n pry_v into_o all_o the_o cause_n of_o division_n and_o remove_v they_o see_v into_o all_o the_o way_n of_o conciliate_a and_o effectual_o pursue_v they_o this_o be_v that_o love_n that_o edify_v the_o body_n it_o take_v off_o all_o the_o asperity_n and_o roughness_n of_o the_o part_n those_o particular_a sharp_a angularity_n of_o opinion_n reduce_v they_o to_o a_o square_a to_o a_o figure_n fit_v one_o to_o another_o and_o then_o cement_v and_o tie_v they_o one_o to_o another_o till_o they_o grow_v into_o a_o spiritual_a temple_n what_o incomparable_a virtue_n to_o this_o purpose_n do_v the_o apostle_n at_o large_a and_o with_o great_a speciality_n express_v in_o that_o divine_a treatise_n of_o love_n 1_o cor._n 13._o all_o knowledge_n without_o 1._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 1._o this_o be_v nothing_o of_o what_o sort_n soever_o it_o be_v that_o only_o puff_v up_o and_o swell_v man_n as_o if_o they_o themselves_o be_v all_o as_o if_o they_o can_v themselves_o be_v a_o entire_a temple_n a_o spiritual_a building_n alone_o the_o understanding_n all_o mystery_n it_o make_v a_o man_n look_v to_o himself_o like_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o 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of_o the_o same_o rationality_n this_o be_v the_o one_o spirit_n into_o which_o all_o be_v make_v to_o drink_v and_o so_o be_v this_o one_o body_n for_o without_o this_o they_o will_v be_v indeed_o but_o as_o so_o many_o single_a stone_n or_o scatter_a part_n else_o too_o their_o union_n be_v no_o other_o than_o dull_a and_o stupid_a but_o now_o all_o the_o part_n feel_v throughout_o in_o this_o centre_n of_o one_o spirit_n 3._o one_o hope_n of_o our_o call_v the_o same_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n mansion_n of_o this_o same_o house_n of_o our_o father_n be_v the_o one_o hope_v of_o christian_n unto_o which_o the_o gospel_n alike_o call_v they_o they_o then_o who_o be_v to_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o eternal_a blessedness_n and_o to_o be_v one_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v for_o ever_o with_o what_o unconcernedness_n in_o little_a trifle_n shall_v they_o aspire_v to_o that_o glory_n together_o with_o unexpressible_a indearedness_n 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acknowledgement_n of_o he_o 5._o one_o faith_n the_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n which_o they_o believe_v even_o the_o substantial_a principle_n as_o i_o name_v they_o in_o the_o last_o head_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o a_o solid_a band_n of_o agreement_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o live_n and_o like_o precious_a save_v act_n of_o their_o soul_n wherewith_o 1._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 1._o they_o believe_v these_o alike_o precious_a principle_n faith_n that_o work_v by_o love_n love_n to_o god_n and_o love_n to_o all_o christian_n 6._o gal._n 5._o 6._o love_n be_v the_o very_a natural_a breath_n of_o that_o life_n of_o faith_n 6._o one_o baptism_n one_o open_a profession_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n christian_n make_v to_o salvation_n with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n from_o under_o one_o end_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o other_o general_o seal_v with_o the_o same_o sacramental_a rite_n baptism_n comprehend_v all_o the_o institute_v rite_n of_o christianity_n a_o voice_n of_o confession_n as_o the_o voice_n of_o thunder_n so_o high_a as_o to_o still_o and_o quiet_a all_o the_o small_a murmur_n and_o jar_n of_o division_n rite_n so_o solemn_a and_o great_a as_o to_o make_v void_a and_o vain_a all_o other_o ceremony_n as_o note_n of_o distinction_n 7._o one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o through_z 6._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 6._o all_z in_o you_o all_o to_o we_o christian_n there_o be_v one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o in_o he_o this_o grand_a unite_n principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v more_o near_o condescend_v to_o we_o in_o christianity_n and_o the_o bounty_n of_o the_o creator_n in_o and_o through_o the_o redeemer_n flow_v with_o a_o infinite_a redundancy_n in_o and_o through_o and_o over_o all_o
to_o god_n yea_o if_o it_o be_v but_o pure_a true_a natural_a worship_n he_o will_v not_o deny_v to_o join_v in_o it_o when_o no_o better_o can_v be_v have_v and_o therein_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v any_o advantage_n to_o improve_v that_o little_a to_o such_o great_a purpose_n as_o st._n paul_n do_v the_o altar_n to_o the_o unknown_a god_n at_o athens_n last_o in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o association_n he_o consider_v some_o universal_a and_o undeniable_a practice_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v yet_o not_o pertain_v to_o the_o essential_o of_o christian_a worship_n in_o themselves_o but_o either_o to_o natural_a order_n and_o decency_n or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o decency_n observe_v in_o such_o part_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o christian_n so_o meet_v and_o most_o free_o comply_v with_o they_o some_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v observe_v ordain_v as_o such_o by_o the_o apostle_n such_o as_o he_o ordain_v in_o all_o church_n 1._o that_o of_o every_o man_n walk_v as_o 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latitude_n in_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o veer_fw-mi to_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a be_v starchedness_n and_o not_o constancy_n even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o st._n austyn_n who_o avow_v the_o great_a indifferency_n and_o freedom_n from_o rite_n have_v any_o power_n over_o he_o and_o so_o i_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o three_o head_n concern_v the_o peace_n christianity_n design_n viz._n christian_n imbody_v themselves_o into_o society_n i_o come_v now_o to_o a_o four_o head_n show_v how_o christianity_n have_v provide_v for_o peace_n and_o quiet_a within_o its_o own_o gate_n and_o wall_n and_o that_o be_v this_o 4._o the_o ministerial_a presidency_n our_o saviour_n have_v ordain_v in_o and_o for_o the_o conduct_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v such_o as_o plain_o demonstrate_v he_o do_v not_o intend_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o strive_v or_o a_o cry_n or_o a_o clamorous_a lift_v up_o the_o voice_n in_o tâ—e_v 1._o mat._n 12._o 19_o 20._o thes_n 5._o 12._o heb._n 13._o 7._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 1._o street_n for_o his_o kingdom_n that_o the_o bruise_a reed_n shall_v be_v break_v or_o the_o smoke_a flax_n quench_v for_o his_o sake_n for_o though_o this_o ministry_n be_v frequent_o style_v a_o be_v over_o christian_n a_o rule_n over_o they_o a_o eldership_n a_o eminency_n and_o such_o like_a way_n of_o speak_v as_o carry_v superiority_n and_o submission_n obedience_n honour_n and_o high_a esteem_n be_v require_v of_o christian_n as_o of_o a_o under_o degree_n to_o that_o high_a order_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o designation_n of_o the_o whole_a office_n be_v whole_o for_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o watch_v for_o soul_n that_o they_o may_v 17._o heb._n 13._o 17._o give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o with_o joy_n for_o the_o good_a success_n of_o have_v guide_v they_o to_o salvation_n the_o honour_n and_o esteem_n be_v for_o their_o work_n sake_n it_o be_v a_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n it_o be_v no_o dominion_n or_o lordship_n over_o man_n person_n or_o 17._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o estate_n nor_o over_o their_o faith_n or_o conscience_n but_o as_o they_o offer_v divine_a command_n all_o their_o superiority_n be_v in_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o grandeur_n or_o imperiousness_n but_o use_v service_n ministry_n and_o work_v that_o express_v this_o precedency_n not_o as_o have_v dominion_n over_o your_o faith_n but_o helper_n of_o your_o joy_n say_v the_o apostle_n paul_n not_o as_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o as_o ensample_n of_o the_o flock_n say_v the_o apostle_n peter_n but_o above_o all_o aught_o that_o of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o chief_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n to_o be_v remark_v to_o this_o purpose_n 25._o mat._n 20._o 25._o etc._n etc._n mark_v 10._o 42_o etc._n etc._n luk._n 22_o 25._o have_v describe_v the_o great_a assumption_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o chief_n of_o this_o world_n he_o express_o warn_v and_o declare_v to_o his_o disciple_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a greatness_n so_o to_o assume_v but_o if_o any_o one_o will_v be_v account_v great_a or_o chief_a among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christianity_n it_o must_v be_v his_o service_n his_o plâ—in_a service_n his_o ministry_n that_o must_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o advance_v he_o indeed_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o the_o purpose_n if_o our_o saviour_n intend_v no_o more_o than_o this_o let_v such_o a_o man_n that_o love_v preeminency_n under_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n let_v he_o be_v turn_v down_o into_o the_o low_a class_n among_o the_o disciple_n of_o low_a and_o mean_a account_n as_o a_o just_a recompense_n of_o his_o ambition_n but_o it_o be_v altogether_o most_o probable_a our_o saviour_n intend_v a_o more_o kind_a sense_n to_o represent_v the_o great_a serviceableness_n of_o all_o those_o of_o more_o eminent_a character_n in_o his_o kingdom_n it_o be_v their_o public_a use_n that_o recommend_v they_o to_o grandieur_fw-fr in_o it_o for_o this_o he_o exemplify_v in_o himself_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o be_v minisire_v to_o to_o be_v attend_v upon_o and_o serve_v in_o state_n but_o to_o minister_v to_o give_v his_o life_n a_o ransom_n for_o many_o they_o who_o witness_v a_o good_a confession_n who_o can_v be_v instant_a in_o season_n out_o of_o season_n who_o can_v instruct_v public_o and_o 31._o act._n 20._o 19_o 31._o from_o house_n to_o house_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o teach_v who_o can_v serve_v tâ—e_v lord_n in_o tâ—e_v salvation_n of_o soul_n with_o many_o tear_n and_o prayer_n day_n and_o night_n and_o seal_v their_o ministry_n with_o their_o blood_n they_o be_v the_o great_a one_o in_o the_o account_n of_o christianity_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o detract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o figure_n bishop_n or_o any_o in_o ecclesiastical_a dignity_n make_v by_o the_o favour_n of_o prince_n who_o as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v may_v dispose_v what_o be_v their_o own_o as_o they_o measure_v themselves_o from_o the_o donation_n of_o mâ—n_z to_o their_o superiority_n over_o man_n from_o the_o favour_n of_o prince_n and_o law_n to_o the_o government_n they_o place_v they_o in_o over_o other_o of_o their_o subject_n so_o they_o be_v great_a and_o honourable_a and_o may_v exercise_v authority_n secular_a authority_n stand_v indeed_o upon_o that_o foot_n though_o call_v spiritual_a and_o very_o reasonable_o and_o just_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o greatness_n proper_a to_o christ_n kingdom_n that_o lie_v whole_o in_o service_n in_o condescension_n in_o application_n to_o man_n soul_n as_o they_o measure_v from_o christ_n to_o christian_n this_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o christian_a greatness_n
prerogative_n or_o people_n liberty_n but_o leave_v every_o thing_n as_o it_o find_v they_o to_o their_o own_o just_a right_n according_a to_o law_n and_o if_o itself_o come_v to_o be_v one_o of_o those_o right_n it_o do_v not_o repeal_n from_o any_o the_o legal_a right_n of_o itself_o which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o sure_a rule_n that_o a_o religion_n can_v guide_v itself_o by_o not_o to_o disturb_v but_o to_o extend_v peace_n to_o the_o world_n the_o prince_n the_o people_n be_v for_o it_o or_o any_o thing_n it_o teach_v or_o do_v most_o secure_a of_o their_o own_o interest_n though_o it_o fall_v out_o oftentimes_o to_o the_o great_a suffering_n of_o its_o servant_n in_o all_o worldly_a interest_n even_o loss_n of_o life_n itself_o and_o that_o with_o all_o circumstance_n of_o painful_a die_a which_o yet_o it_o be_v able_a to_o recompense_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a that_o better_a resurrection_n there_o remain_v nothing_o to_o complete_a this_o whole_a discourse_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o foundation_n of_o peace_n it_o lay_v but_o the_o universal_a goodness_n holiness_n â—urity_n mercy_n and_o all_o the_o most_o generous_a fruit_n of_o thâ—se_a it_o be_v so_o concern_v in_o and_o enjoin_v with_o so_o much_o absoluteness_n the_o heavenly_a and_o eternal_a glory_n it_o direct_v the_o earnestness_n zeal_n and_o high_a ardour_n of_o all_o christian_n upon_o so_o that_o while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o well-doing_n seek_v honour_n glory_n and_o immortality_n they_o have_v all_o the_o argument_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n work_v within_o they_o and_o govern_v all_o their_o outward_a action_n but_o i_o have_v so_o every_o way_n prevent_v myself_o in_o this_o part_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o further_o pursue_v it_o but_o recollect_v this_o whole_a discourse_v into_o the_o conclusion_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o carry_v upon_o this_o very_a sad_a and_o melancholy_a contemplation_n the_o so_o great_a and_o nice_a preparation_n of_o natural_a religion_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o the_o world_n how_o monstrous_o unsuccesful_a have_v it_o be_v among_o man_n what_o great_a heat_n and_o disquiet_n have_v difference_n in_o religion_n be_v still_o both_o the_o true_a and_o unpretended_a occasion_n and_o the_o pretend_a only_o and_o counterfeit_a cause_n of_o in_o the_o world_n what_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n what_o slaughter_v and_o massacre_n what_o exquisite_a torment_n and_o artifices_fw-la of_o barbarity_n have_v be_v call_v for_o contrive_v and_o execute_v in_o this_o quarrel_n on_o one_o side_n man_n have_v make_v religion_n a_o cover_n and_o shelter_v for_o sedition_n rebellion_n commotion_n and_o change_n of_o government_n perfect_o against_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o it_o on_o the_o other_o side_n worldly_a power_n have_v charge_v all_o offer_n of_o a_o religion_n never_o so_o true_a never_o so_o peaceable_a as_o if_o it_o be_v bring_v out_o the_o engine_n of_o destruction_n for_o the_o blow_v up_o state_n and_o therefore_o judge_v most_o reasonable_a the_o author_n and_o proselyte_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v pursue_v with_o severe_a punishment_n and_o without_o any_o relation_n to_o these_o concernment_n the_o very_a different_a apprehension_n in_o religion_n have_v be_v think_v worthy_a of_o the_o extreme_a hate_n and_o most_o barbarous_a persecution_n of_o rack_n wheel_n and_o torture_n as_o if_o man_n have_v destine_v one_o another_o to_o hell_n in_o another_o world_n on_o these_o account_n think_v it_o but_o fit_a the_o hell_n shall_v be_v begin_v here_o or_o else_o which_o have_v be_v sometime_o a_o pretence_n for_o this_o savage_a method_n they_o will_v pull_v they_o with_o violence_n indeed_o out_o of_o that_o fire_n or_o save_v they_o from_o those_o flame_n yet_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n cruel_o force_v they_o thereby_o into_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o judge_n now_o how_o contrary_a this_o be_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a rational_a or_o christian_a religion_n i_o have_v all_o along_o show_v but_o however_o multitude_n of_o the_o votary_n of_o religion_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a have_v with_o incredible_a patience_n and_o oftentimes_o with_o joy_n and_o triumph_v embrace_v their_o suffering_n and_o glory_v in_o their_o death_n and_o torment_n esteem_v their_o pain_n martyrdom_n a_o name_n of_o honour_n in_o this_o world_n and_o of_o great_a expectation_n in_o the_o world_n future_a so_o that_o a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o story_n be_v fill_v up_o with_o great_a undertake_n upon_o account_n of_o religion_n with_o the_o severity_n of_o law_n against_o any_o thing_n strange_a or_o innovate_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o nation_n and_o the_o martyrology_n of_o those_o that_o have_v suffer_v for_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v now_o if_o a_o man_n value_v and_o estimate_n thing_n by_o this_o world_n peace_n happiness_n and_o quiet_a he_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o praise_v and_o applaud_v atheism_n and_o irreligion_n and_o wish_v there_o never_o have_v be_v the_o name_n or_o notion_n of_o any_o other_o in_o the_o world_n to_o give_v origin_n to_o so_o much_o mischief_n and_o injumanity_n especial_o consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n the_o most_o excellent_a tender_a religion_n most_o compassionate_a of_o humane_a nature_n most_o clear_a intelligible_a rational_a virtuous_a free_a from_o ceremony_n most_o alien_n from_o superstition_n most_o modest_a and_o humble_a most_o submissive_a to_o government_n at_o its_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o world_n endure_v the_o whole_a weight_n and_o body_n of_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n against_o it_o be_v sow_o in_o the_o blood_n and_o grow_v up_o as_o from_o the_o grave_n of_o the_o confessor_n and_o martyr_n of_o it_o be_v first_o found_v in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o author_n though_o he_o indeed_o give_v proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o last_o issue_n of_o it_o in_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n and_o since_o it_o have_v possess_v itself_o of_o the_o acknowledgement_n and_o authority_n of_o throne_n prince_n law_n and_o government_n baptise_a whole_a nation_n into_o its_o profession_n it_o have_v be_v most_o strange_o pervert_v from_o its_o whole_a design_n and_o intention_n into_o the_o same_o instrument_n of_o ambition_n and_o cruelty_n upon_o the_o various_a account_n and_o occasion_n that_o church-history_n and_o other_o chronology_n swell_v and_o labour_n in_o the_o relation_n of_o yea_o even_o small_a and_o valueless_a thing_n if_o weigh_v upon_o its_o own_o just_a balance_n have_v yet_o give_v fury_n to_o the_o great_a animosity_n and_o dissension_n which_o have_v not_o be_v wash_v off_o but_o in_o a_o ocean_n of_o blood_n in_o sum_n this_o of_o all_o religion_n have_v be_v first_o most_o persecute_a hate_a and_o oppose_v by_o grandee_n and_o chief_n of_o the_o world_n in_o its_o first_o approach_n to_o the_o world_n and_o since_o by_o the_o several_a dissension_n within_o itself_o be_v the_o field_n of_o blood_n make_v use_v of_o sometime_o by_o design_n sometime_o by_o angry_a power_n but_o so_o as_o that_o the_o pure_a and_o most_o sincere_a professor_n have_v be_v most_o dye_v in_o their_o own_o gore_n so_o that_o by_o the_o same_o standard_n of_o worldly_a interest_n next_o to_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n antichristianism_n or_o denial_n of_o christian_a religion_n will_v seem_v next_o to_o be_v choose_v but_o when_o we_o more_o wise_o and_o just_o apprise_v the_o mighty_a and_o unconquerable_a reason_n for_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o the_o particular_a vast_a and_o momentous_a argument_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o true_a christian_a religion_n it_o must_v needs_o lead_v we_o to_o other_o much_o more_o serious_a and_o reconcile_a consideration_n and_o who_o that_o be_v a_o grave_a thinker_n have_v be_v first_o put_v into_o a_o amaze_n then_o into_o the_o most_o melt_a and_o relent_a commiseration_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v so_o unhappy_a in_o that_o wherein_o its_o great_a happiness_n consist_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o deplorable_a instance_n of_o rage_n and_o even_o hellish_a cruelty_n that_o can_v be_v draw_v out_o or_o express_v in_o any_o suitable_a and_o condecent_fw-la language_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o that_o religion_n that_o profess_v every_o where_n of_o itself_o it_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o even_o then_o when_o the_o mistake_a zealot_n of_o it_o will_v have_v have_v fire_n from_o heaven_n in_o a_o present_a revenge_n upon_o those_o that_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o most_o compassionate_a founder_n of_o it_o the_o great_a lover_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n who_o i_o say_v that_o ponder_v these_o thing_n will_v not_o set_v himself_o to_o find_v out_o the_o cause_n of_o these_o evil_n and_o sad_o bethink_v himself_o how_o they_o shall_v so_o general_o fall_v out_o among_o christian_n themselves_o and_o indeed_o he_o
wisdom_n and_o goodness_n yet_o it_o be_v speak_v to_o we_o in_o the_o plain_a language_n as_o if_o god_n carry_v it_o as_o prince_n do_v in_o their_o magnificence_n who_o glory_n be_v in_o their_o great_a court_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o attendant_n and_o people_n spectator_n admirer_n and_o tributary_n to_o their_o lustre_n 2._o i_o argue_v to_o the_o publickness_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o good_a it_o do_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n it_o be_v from_o hence_o the_o great_a wisdom_n to_o win_v soul_n and_o they_o that_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n shall_v shine_v as_o the_o star_n now_o the_o offer_n of_o true_a religion_n to_o they_o that_o have_v it_o not_o before_o the_o persuasion_n of_o it_o upon_o those_o that_o have_v not_o yet_o obey_v it_o tend_v to_o their_o conversion_n repentance_n to_o their_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n they_o therefore_o that_o have_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n use_v all_o mean_n out_o of_o love_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o propagate_v they_o to_o other_o which_o be_v best_a do_v by_o all_o public_a act_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o original_a law_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n it_o be_v so_o enoch_n the_o seven_o from_o adam_n prophesy_v public_o the_o lord_n come_v with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n noah_n be_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n this_o be_v the_o great_a zeal_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o first_o time_n further_o it_o strengthen_v confirm_v and_o inflame_v religion_n among_o those_o that_o be_v the_o joint_a professor_n public_a religion_n be_v the_o great_a glory_n and_o security_n of_o religion_n itself_o mutual_o warm_v and_o assist_v itself_o in_o all_o its_o several_a part_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o as_o iron_n sharpen_v iron_n so_o be_v the_o countenance_n of_o a_o man_n to_o his_o friend_n herein_o how_o much_o more_o lively_a be_v religion_n probable_a to_o be_v in_o a_o religious_a than_o a_o atheistick_a and_o barbarous_a country_n nor_o do_v god_n afford_v those_o divine_a heat_n to_o those_o that_o withdraw_v from_o assembly_n in_o religion_n except_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n however_o he_o may_v supply_v in_o extraordinary_a exigence_n without_o which_o woe_n to_o he_o that_o be_v alone_o in_o religion_n if_o he_o fall_v he_o have_v not_o any_o to_o help_v he_o up_o and_o how_o can_v one_o be_v warm_a alone_o if_o one_o prevail_v against_o he_o he_o want_v a_o second_o to_o withstand_v together_o with_o he_o and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o threefold_a cord_n that_o be_v not_o easy_o break_v every_o thing_n in_o nature_n endeavour_n towards_o community_n or_o universal_a unity_n as_o its_o own_o strength_n and_o security_n even_o the_o devil_n retain_v so_o much_o of_o first_o nature_n as_o to_o knit_v in_o a_o community_n and_o false_a christianity_n imitate_v the_o true_a in_o a_o pretence_n to_o universality_n though_o a_o most_o destructive_a one_o like_o that_o of_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n who_o aspire_v to_o universal_a monarchy_n but_o it_o be_v in_o sin_n and_o death_n but_o this_o do_v not_o disparage_v true_a religion_n move_v to_o a_o universality_n of_o truth_n peace_n and_o life_n for_o evermore_o 3._o the_o blessing_n and_o acceptance_n that_o religion_n receive_v from_o the_o divine_a majesty_n be_v much_o great_a for_o the_o publickness_n of_o it_o even_o in_o this_o sense_n two_o be_v better_o than_o one_o for_o they_o have_v a_o good_a reward_n for_o their_o labour_n in_o thss_a sense_n their_o complicate_v service_n be_v more_o forcible_a their_o threefold_a cord_n be_v not_o easy_o break_v not_o that_o god_n be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o any_o change_n in_o himself_o or_o his_o government_n by_o the_o service_n of_o his_o creature_n though_o in_o a_o multitude_n but_o he_o be_v please_v to_o found_v the_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n of_o his_o own_o most_o bountiful_a recompense_n in_o the_o draw_v near_o of_o their_o great_a number_n for_o as_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o communicate_v himself_o more_o free_o he_o do_v it_o to_o a_o multitude_n of_o creature_n so_o he_o delight_v in_o receive_v back_o the_o glory_n of_o have_v thus_o communicate_v himself_o from_o a_o multitude_n also_o and_o as_o there_o be_v more_o of_o himself_o in_o more_o of_o his_o creature_n whether_o of_o several_a sort_n or_o of_o the_o same_o so_o there_o be_v more_o of_o his_o blessing_n in_o their_o approach_n to_o he_o he_o that_o do_v not_o only_o weigh_v the_o mountain_n in_o scale_n but_o comprehend_v the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o a_o measure_n take_v notice_n of_o those_o prayer_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o people_n that_o make_v the_o crowd_n and_o throng_n in_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n he_o accept_v the_o pair_n of_o turtle_n dove_n the_o two_o mite_n when_o it_o be_v the_o all_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o reward_v it_o this_o be_v the_o policy_n of_o nineveh_n natural_a religion_n to_o unite_v their_o force_n in_o humiliation_n fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o to_o take_v advantage_n of_o join_v the_o mute_a desire_n of_o the_o beast_n that_o have_v a_o voice_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n abraham_n servant_n make_v the_o camel_n kneel_v down_o while_o he_o pray_v to_o god_n thus_o in_o thanksgiving_n it_o be_v david_n art_n to_o gather_v up_o all_o the_o praise_n even_o of_o the_o low_a of_o the_o creature_n that_o can_v so_o mean_o give_v they_o and_o inspire_v they_o with_o his_o own_o reason_n make_v they_o as_o it_o be_v to_o follow_v his_o harp_n and_o unite_v in_o his_o own_o hallelujah_n thus_o he_o serve_v himself_o of_o they_o that_o make_v by_o they_o a_o great_a present_n of_o glory_n to_o god_n he_o may_v receive_v the_o great_a blessing_n from_o he_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o good_a effect_n of_o christian_a charity_n in_o cause_v a_o abundance_n of_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n david_n say_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o people_n will_v compass_v god_n about_o add_v this_o prayer_n therefore_o for_o their_o sake_n return_v thou_o on_o high_a now_o all_o these_o expression_n report_v to_o we_o a_o great_a force_n in_o the_o publickness_n of_o religious_a duty_n we_o know_v it_o be_v only_o from_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o this_o publickness_n with_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o nature_n and_o his_o holy_a ordination_n who_o love_v his_o saint_n and_o know_v their_o approach_n to_o he_o be_v a_o approach_n to_o their_o life_n and_o happiness_n and_o because_o he_o love_v all_o his_o saint_n and_o creature_n the_o more_o of_o they_o in_o conjunction_n draw_v near_o to_o he_o the_o more_o of_o his_o tender_a mercy_n have_v the_o occasion_n to_o spread_v themselves_o for_o else_o all_o the_o nation_n be_v to_o god_n but_o as_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o bucket_n and_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o balance_n all_o their_o service_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o he_o for_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o burn_v before_o he_o he_o humble_v himself_o to_o behold_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o those_o on_o earth_n he_o with_o great_a delight_n yet_o look_v to_o one_o that_o be_v of_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o that_o tremble_v at_o his_o word_n as_o one_o day_n and_o a_o thousand_o year_n be_v both_o alike_o to_o the_o infinity_o of_o god_n so_o be_v a_o thousand_o person_n and_o but_o one_o as_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o to_o save_v with_o many_o or_o few_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v entreat_v by_o they_o in_o prayer_n or_o accept_v their_o praise_n but_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o divine_a manifestation_n in_o his_o love_n and_o bounty_n so_o he_o be_v please_v to_o see_v his_o servant_n draw_v near_o to_o he_o in_o a_o union_n of_o love_n among_o themselves_o and_o every_o one_o have_v a_o claim_n to_o his_o favour_n who_o be_v all_o goodness_n the_o unite_a claim_n be_v strong_a he_o hear_v even_o the_o raven_n that_o cry_v for_o they_o be_v his_o creature_n if_o any_o man_n therefore_o can_v intwist_v their_o cry_n with_o his_o own_o in_o a_o general_a scarcity_n he_o make_v his_o own_o so_o much_o the_o strong_a he_o than_o that_o join_v the_o prayer_n and_o desire_n of_o many_o with_o his_o own_o double_v still_o the_o strength_n as_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o apostle_n so_o often_o and_o earnest_o desire_v the_o help_n of_o prayer_n and_o this_o may_v answer_v what_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o good_a man_n join_v with_o public_a and_o promiscuous_a assembly_n wherein_o be_v so_o many_o ignorant_a and_o bad_a man_n that_o by_o their_o sin_n ignorance_n and_o folly_n rather_o obstruct_v the_o effect_n and_o acceptance_n of_o good_a man_n join_v with_o they_o so_o that_o
of_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o come_v more_o particular_o to_o give_v answer_n 1._o many_o of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v name_v as_o find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o national_a church_n be_v not_o yet_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o church_n as_o national_a in_o general_a but_o of_o that_o particular_a national_a church_n and_o typical_a of_o thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o exposition_n of_o they_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o more_o particular_o that_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o temple_n the_o high_a priest_n the_o holy_a of_o holies_n the_o altar_n the_o sacrifice_n the_o solemn_a feast_n with_o such_o like_a serve_v only_o as_o shadow_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o the_o want_n of_o they_o argue_v nothing_o against_o national_a religion_n 2._o those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o typical_a or_o who_o main_a and_o sole_a intention_n be_v not_o to_o adorn_v and_o complete_a that_o whole_a frame_n but_o rest_v upon_o universal_a principle_n of_o reason_n truth_n and_o duty_n can_v never_o be_v abrogate_a but_o be_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v national_a hope_v in_o god_n and_o be_v oblige_v in_o our_o duty_n even_o as_o they_o be_v thus_o the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n and_o people_n towards_o true_a religion_n of_o public_a instruction_n of_o public_a minister_n of_o religion_n of_o care_n for_o place_n of_o meeting_n for_o divine_a worship_n throughout_o a_o nation_n continue_v still_o and_o need_v no_o new_a command_n in_o the_o gospel_n 3._o as_o to_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o church_n by_o draw_v christian_n into_o particular_a private_a society_n it_o amount_v but_o to_o thus_o much_o that_o christ_n the_o lord_n of_o tâ—e_v church_n do_v not_o find_v his_o church_n universal_a as_o necessary_o diffuse_v itself_o into_o nation_n nor_o can_v it_o in_o reason_n be_v so_o for_o see_v it_o be_v in_o divine_a providence_n for_o great_a and_o weighty_a reason_n of_o which_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a now_o to_o speak_v intend_a and_o order_v that_o hundred_o of_o year_n shall_v pass_v over_o christianity_n ere_o it_o have_v the_o favour_n and_o protection_n of_o supreme_a christian_a magistrate_n there_o must_v have_v be_v for_o that_o space_n no_o religion_n or_o church_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o form_n but_o national_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n therefore_o though_o it_o be_v in_o those_o day_n within_o nation_n city_n town_n and_o village_n yet_o of_o low_a stature_n in_o comparison_n of_o national_a religion_n till_o the_o reign_n of_o christian_a emperor_n considerable_a indeed_o in_o itself_o and_o its_o diffusion_n through_o so_o much_o of_o the_o world_n but_o not_o acknowledge_v by_o law_n or_o government_n till_o long_o after_o its_o first_o entrance_n and_o at_o all_o time_n upon_o the_o change_n of_o a_o christian_a magistracy_n into_o a_o pagan_a a_o apostate_n a_o heretical_a or_o idolatrous_a succession_n or_o the_o complex_fw-la of_o all_o antichristianism_n which_o early_o invade_v the_o church_n and_o even_o cover_v and_o obscure_v it_o in_o succession_n of_o time_n the_o church_n of_o necessity_n must_v fall_v back_o into_o such_o a_o low_a state_n and_o subsist_v upon_o its_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o its_o own_o prudential_a accommodation_n to_o the_o state_n of_o time_n without_o the_o magistrate_n care_v and_o protection_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o take_v care_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v of_o absolute_a divine_a institution_n which_o be_v found_v in_o that_o promise_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o to_o which_o belong_v primary_o all_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a expression_n of_o scripture_n to_o which_o be_v give_v original_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n to_o propagate_v promote_v build_v up_o and_o strengthen_v it_o and_o shall_v by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n ascension_n far_o above_o all_o heaven_n be_v certain_o continue_v to_o it_o till_o we_o all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n to_o the_o full_a measure_n and_o stature_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o member_n all_o other_o society_n of_o christian_n be_v but_o little_a image_n and_o representation_n of_o this_o in_o these_o its_o excellency_n and_o the_o more_o they_o participate_v of_o it_o the_o more_o true_o be_v they_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o because_o this_o be_v too_o diffuse_v for_o one_o model_n for_o one_o frame_n to_o comprehend_v there_o be_v therefore_o allowance_n give_v by_o christ_n for_o lesser_a association_n of_o this_o catholic_n church_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o because_o of_o the_o discountenance_n of_o nation_n and_o worldly_a power_n at_o first_o and_o since_o upon_o true_a christianity_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o matth._n 15._o 18_o etc._n etc._n express_o fix_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o divine_a presence_n in_o the_o small_a part_n of_o this_o church_n where_o but_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n he_o have_v assure_v he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v hence_o evident_a the_o whole_a neighbour_a discourse_n centre_n in_o the_o least_o assembly_n agree_v in_o christian_a religion_n for_o though_o it_o suppose_v first_o a_o great_a number_n the_o church_n and_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n be_v contradistinguish_v yet_o as_o it_o be_v in_o prospect_n of_o the_o great_a fewness_n upon_o some_o exigency_n of_o christian_n practise_v the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n together_o it_o bring_v down_o the_o promise_n of_o audience_n in_o their_o appeal_n to_o heaven_n and_o presence_n with_o their_o whole_a worship_n and_o service_n to_o the_o small_a number_n not_o by_o way_n of_o limitation_n to_o but_o encouragement_n of_o so_o small_a a_o number_n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a the_o very_a same_o declaration_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o soever_o sin_n you_o remit_v or_o bind_v by_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v stand_v good_a in_o heaven_n the_o very_a same_o be_v say_v here_o to_o the_o small_a society_n of_o christian_n as_o to_o their_o judgement_n and_o determination_n upon_o their_o own_o member_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o offence_n that_o fall_v out_o among_o themselves_o have_v the_o same_o doctrine_n to_o proceed_v he_o commit_v to_o they_o even_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o church_n be_v pillar_n and_o rock_n of_o truth_n even_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a minister_n and_o either_o or_o all_o be_v no_o more_o but_o praecones_fw-la each_o in_o their_o kind_n or_o publisher_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n declare_v in_o his_o word_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n pitch_v upon_o so_o small_a a_o number_n of_o christian_n agree_v be_v certain_o this_o because_o he_o will_v appoint_v no_o other_o form_n to_o his_o church_n than_o such_o as_o can_v live_v as_o can_v subsist_v under_o any_o civil_a government_n whatever_o whether_o friendly_a or_o unfriendly_a to_o it_o he_o give_v it_o no_o other_o shape_n but_o what_o it_o may_v attain_v and_o keep_v under_o any_o state_n of_o civil_a law_n under_o any_o enmity_n it_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v most_o necessary_a because_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o one_o nation_n as_o the_o jewish_a be_v who_o god_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n single_v out_o and_o manage_v to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n by_o a_o mighty_a power_n and_o outstretch_v arm_n and_o conserve_v by_o the_o same_o rule_v it_o with_o a_o immediate_a sensible_a presence_n after_o he_o have_v form_v it_o by_o precise_a law_n and_o settle_v the_o just_a bound_n of_o all_o officer_n in_o their_o office_n and_o appoint_v they_o the_o place_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o whereas_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v indifferent_a to_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n it_o do_v as_o it_o make_v its_o progress_n convert_v certain_a number_n to_o itself_o at_o first_o which_o have_v no_o privilege_n of_o humane_a law_n or_o power_n but_o the_o edge_n of_o all_o turn_v against_o it_o so_o that_o the_o form_n of_o church_n be_v compose_v to_o all_o the_o vicissitude_n of_o providence_n they_o be_v to_o undergo_v and_o that_o in_o all_o reason_n must_v be_v in_o case_n of_o necessity_n the_o very_a lest_o of_o society_n of_o christian_n two_o or_o two_o or_o three_o as_o our_o saviour_n significant_o point_v upon_o small_a society_n for_o such_o be_v most_o fit_v to_o the_o worst_a of_o condition_n that_o can_v befall_v lesser_a and_o single_a body_n move_v every_o way_n
and_o shift_v for_o the_o gain_v opportunity_n for_o the_o assemble_v themselves_o and_o preserve_v their_o relation_n one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o mutual_a duty_n much_o more_o easy_o than_o any_o great_a association_n can_v for_o our_o saviour_n intend_v all_o for_o use_n not_o for_o form_n he_o mind_v not_o nominal_a titular_a bishop_n and_o church_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v plead_v the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o small_a number_n of_o christian_n may_v agree_v and_o associate_v and_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o presence_n but_o now_o that_o this_o appointment_n be_v in_o bar_n of_o great_a society_n of_o christian_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v grant_v for_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a our_o saviour_n design_v all_o thing_n under_o the_o gosplel_n shall_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o thing_n now_o according_a to_o that_o the_o first_o end_n of_o all_o society_n be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o more_o than_o solitude_n this_o desire_n of_o enjoy_v true_a religion_n in_o society_n extend_v itself_o from_o the_o least_o of_o society_n to_o the_o great_a that_o be_v not_o too_o great_a for_o the_o end_n of_o society_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o as_o he_o give_v no_o frame_n of_o positive_a law_n or_o worship_n no_o pedagogy_n of_o precept_n so_o no_o institution_n of_o bound_v church_n but_o that_o in_o case_n of_o strait_n and_o exigency_n his_o true_a religion_n may_v be_v administer_v in_o the_o very_o small_a of_o society_n with_o confidence_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o presence_n when_o it_o have_v freedom_n it_o may_v enlarge_v itself_o further_o and_o further_o and_o if_o it_o have_v favour_n of_o nation_n and_o government_n ascend_v to_o the_o great_a yet_o with_o this_o reserve_n that_o if_o in_o any_o time_n or_o place_n national_a christianity_n vary_v from_o the_o true_a original_a christianity_n as_o often_o it_o have_v be_v sound_a to_o do_v so_o that_o it_o can_v even_o in_o substantial_a thing_n be_v consent_v in_o with_o a_o pure_a conscience_n privater_a congregation_n even_o to_o the_o most_o particular_a be_v always_o ready_a for_o christian_n to_o retire_v into_o for_o so_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n allow_v where_o the_o public_a be_v not_o safe_a and_o yet_o when_o the_o whole_a be_v not_o corrupt_v nor_o liberty_n of_o join_v without_o commixture_n with_o those_o corruption_n deny_v there_o may_v yet_o be_v there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o separation_n thus_o the_o great_a society_n be_v not_o in_o bar_n of_o the_o least_o when_o true_a religion_n require_v they_o thus_o the_o least_o be_v not_o in_o bar_n of_o the_o great_a when_o christianity_n be_v at_o full_a freedom_n for_o it_o be_v close_o ally_v with_o that_o wisdom_n whereby_o king_n ought_v to_o reign_v and_o prince_n to_o decree_v justice_n by_o which_o prince_n 16._o prov._n 8._o 15_o 16._o ought_v to_o rule_v and_o noble_n yea_o all_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o that_o wisdom_n which_o rejoice_v in_o the_o habitable_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v its_o delight_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n i_o have_v therefore_o before_o observe_v that_o christian_a religion_n at_o the_o very_a first_o join_v itself_o as_o near_o as_o it_o can_v to_o all_o humane_a society_n make_v ready_a to_o it_o as_o family_n village_n region_n and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o rage_n of_o persecution_n will_v permit_v christian_a society_n unite_a themselves_o unto_o distant_a and_o national_a correspondency_n among_o themselves_o now_o it_o have_v be_v so_o unhappy_a indeed_o with_o the_o world_n that_o in_o few_o instance_n there_o have_v be_v a_o good_a state_n of_o national_a religion_n to_o yield_v a_o full_a conscientious_a compliance_n with_o yet_o this_o will_v no_o more_o argue_v against_o the_o thing_n itself_o than_o it_o do_v against_o any_o other_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a ordination_n of_o god_n or_o against_o the_o jewish_a church_n so_o immediate_o govern_v by_o god_n and_o yet_o so_o often_o and_o so_o notorious_o corrupt_v in_o judah_n and_o more_o general_o in_o the_o ten_o tribe_n and_o yet_o to_o show_v how_o to_o the_o very_a utmost_a without_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a we_o ought_v to_o join_v with_o any_o that_o be_v good_a in_o a_o nation_n and_o with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a in_o national_a religion_n when_o elijah_n have_v as_o it_o be_v desert_v his_o place_n and_o the_o good_a influence_n his_o be_v in_o public_a may_v have_v have_v and_o that_o god_n find_v he_o alone_o he_o do_v by_o way_n of_o reproof_n ask_v he_o what_o he_o do_v alone_o in_o 9_o 1_o king_n 19_o 9_o the_o wilderness_n and_o inform_v he_o of_o a_o great_a number_n that_o have_v not_o bow_v to_o baal_n than_o he_o know_v of_o with_o who_o he_o may_v join_v himself_o if_o corruption_n will_v argue_v against_o any_o good_a appointment_n or_o ordination_n of_o god_n it_o will_v argue_v against_o church_n of_o the_o very_a first_o form_n or_o constitution_n those_o church_n in_o the_o revelation_n who_o corruption_n be_v severe_o tax_v and_o threaten_v yet_o be_v without_o any_o censure_n as_o to_o their_o constitution_n and_o while_o separation_n from_o those_o church_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o intimate_v yet_o a_o separation_n from_o impurity_n be_v high_o commend_v and_o promise_a reward_n those_o name_n 4._o rev._n 3._o 4._o in_o sardis_n that_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n be_v assure_v they_o shall_v walk_v with_o christ_n in_o white_a for_o he_o judge_v they_o worthy_a from_o whence_o i_o conclude_v no_o form_n of_o church_n can_v recommend_v thing_n disagree_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n how_o true_o form_v soever_o those_o church_n be_v for_o church_n be_v constitute_v for_o join_v in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n not_o in_o those_o that_o be_v not_o and_o yet_o separation_n from_o corruption_n do_v not_o necessitate_v separation_n from_o church_n while_o there_o be_v any_o part_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o worship_n preserve_v pure_a to_o unite_v in_o so_o great_a be_v the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o all_o sincere_o religious_a to_o make_v true_a religion_n as_o public_a as_o they_o can_v in_o the_o several_a society_n that_o be_v find_v to_o engraft_v it_o upon_o now_o that_o every_o society_n that_o be_v the_o feat_n of_o true_a christian_a religion_n be_v in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n a_o church_n i_o allow_v and_o therefore_o will_v brief_o inquire_v into_o the_o scripture-notion_n of_o a_o church_n and_o i_o find_v the_o original_a word_n take_v out_o of_o the_o septuagint_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o translate_v the_o hebrew_n kahal_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o our_o translator_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o general_o render_v congregation_n although_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n what_o be_v in_o the_o quotation_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o render_v church_n so_o that_o from_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v very_o plain_a as_o the_o universal_a or_o national_a assembly_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o church_n as_o by_o st._n stephen_n act_v 7._o 38._o where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n so_o the_o universal_a assembly_n of_o christian_n consider_v as_o in_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v call_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v the_o congregation_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n as_o holy_a record_n be_v the_o scripture_n or_o write_n and_o the_o volume_n of_o scripture_n the_o bible_n or_o book_n as_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o evangil_n or_o gospel_n so_o the_o church_n be_v the_o congregation_n and_o as_o lesser_a congregation_n of_o that_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o do_v not_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a body_n be_v call_v the_o congregation_n or_o church_n even_o so_o lesser_a society_n of_o christian_n be_v call_v the_o congregation_n or_o church_n in_o allusion_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n say_v if_o two_o or_o three_o be_v importance_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o word_n of_o like_a importance_n gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o so_o that_o the_o universal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o christian_n see_v only_o together_o by_o god_n and_o particular_a assembly_n of_o christian_n that_o meet_v together_o under_o each_o other_o eye_n be_v in_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n church_n even_o as_o the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n when_o they_o be_v all_o under_o
all_o part_n of_o the_o true_a church_n who_o sin_n you_o remit_v be_v remit_v etc._n etc._n viz_o by_o solemn_a declaration_n out_o of_o and_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n even_o to_o the_o utmost_a distance_n wherein_o any_o rational_a possibility_n of_o extend_v such_o remonstrance_n and_o declaration_n with_o success_n and_o effect_n can_v be_v find_v there_o be_v not_o only_a power_n but_o a_o incumbent_a duty_n to_o do_v it_o this_o union_n now_o be_v of_o uncontrollable_a divine_a right_n thus_o much_o of_o national_a religion_n a_o national_a church_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v deny_v to_o a_o christian_a nation_n see_v to_o be_v thus_o of_o the_o church_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n every_o man_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v certain_o add_v to_o this_o church_n the_o entrance_n into_o which_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n be_v by_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n by_o a_o serious_a profession_n and_o this_o be_v that_o catholic_n church_n that_o compreheâ—ds_v all_o lesser_a union_n but_o exclude_v or_o deny_v none_o much_o less_o can_v be_v exclude_v by_o any_o as_o therefore_o every_o one_o must_v be_v of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o nation_n ought_v to_o be_v christian_a nation_n and_o protect_v that_o profession_n so_o this_o very_a catholic_n church_n in_o every_o nation_n where_o it_o be_v true_o find_v carry_v with_o it_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o as_o a_o nation_n be_v by_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o civil_a union_n denominate_v a_o nation_n so_o the_o union_n of_o christian_n must_v be_v the_o church_n in_o that_o nation_n for_o it_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n in_o its_o universal_a diffusion_n run_v through_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a nation_n and_o all_o the_o virtue_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o it_o and_o if_o any_o one_o deny_v this_o he_o deny_v the_o catholic_n church_n of_o great_a moment_n than_o any_o particular_a church_n can_v be_v 2._o all_o the_o close_a and_o most_o constant_a exercise_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o christian_n be_v to_o exercise_v one_o with_o another_o that_o can_v be_v exercise_v but_o in_o society_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v all_o part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n prayer_n preach_v sacrament_n which_o be_v indeed_o or_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o same_o for_o nature_n throughout_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n but_o must_v be_v actual_o perform_v in_o particular_a society_n now_o these_o church_n may_v be_v solemn_o erect_v and_o constitute_v by_o agreement_n but_o they_o be_v also_o found_v and_o even_o grow_v out_o of_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o the_o close_a neighbourhood_n of_o christian_n one_o with_o another_o they_o have_v continual_a knowledge_n of_o and_o acquaintance_n one_o with_o another_o and_o thereby_o daily_a opportunity_n of_o agree_v in_o that_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o common_a profession_n all_o these_o engage_v and_o also_o incline_v they_o to_o unite_v whether_o in_o great_a family_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o church_n in_o the_o family_n of_o christian_n or_o in_o village_n or_o in_o great_a congregation_n of_o city_n one_o or_o more_o still_o the_o obligation_n be_v unavoidable_a the_o necessity_n of_o duty_n that_o lie_v upon_o christian_n to_o perform_v these_o act_n of_o worship_n in_o society_n and_o the_o law_n that_o be_v upon_o all_o society_n and_o society_n must_v needs_o grow_v out_o of_o this_o frequent_a conversation_n to_o dedicate_v itself_o to_o god_n make_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o from_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o christian_n shall_v arise_v particular_a church_n and_o who_o then_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o union_n and_o further_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o union_n of_o a_o nation_n agree_v with_o itself_o as_o in_o the_o same_o government_n 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one_o with_o another_o which_o faith_n be_v keep_v from_o fail_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o they_o all_o that_o be_v true_o of_o it_o but_o because_o there_o must_v be_v yet_o a_o more_o particular_a understanding_n that_o christian_n have_v one_o with_o another_o that_o they_o may_v join_v in_o the_o same_o religious_a act_n and_o mutual_o assist_v one_o another_o in_o they_o therefore_o the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n upon_o earth_n though_o it_o be_v the_o great_a the_o most_o religious_a society_n the_o most_o strong_o band_v and_o cement_v yet_o be_v not_o sufficient_a because_o there_o be_v not_o that_o consciousness_n or_o mutual_a knowledge_n of_o and_o consent_n in_o one_o another_o faith_n and_o worship_n in_o distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o glorify_v god_n and_o christ_n in_o particular_a church_n this_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n too_o why_o the_o church-triumphant_a though_o inseparable_o unite_v with_o the_o 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evil_n nor_o find_v it_o so_o mix_v with_o the_o good_a as_o to_o admit_v of_o no_o separation_n and_o what_o be_v want_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v and_o command_v do_v not_o necessitate_v the_o total_a departure_n from_o that_o public_a worship_n when_o the_o very_a institution_n be_v not_o change_v by_o that_o want_n for_o the_o true_a christian_a may_v make_v up_o that_o want_n in_o privater_a duty_n thus_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n speak_v often_o to_o 16._o mal._n 3._o 16._o one_o another_o without_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o free_a use_n grant_v by_o christ_n of_o all_o thing_n indifferent_a or_o a_o freedom_n on_o each_o side_n to_o do_v oâ—_n not_o to_o do_v where_o no_o moral_a evil_n adhere_v or_o disobedience_n to_o some_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n attend_v either_o part_n if_o then_o religion_n be_v not_o draw_v out_o of_o those_o necessary_a thing_n wherein_o divine_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o truth_n have_v place_v it_o and_o tradition_n thereupon_o become_v doctrine_n which_o constant_o carry_v along_o a_o reject_v the_o command_n of_o god_n or_o a_o low_a esteem_n of_o they_o for_o those_o tradition_n sake_n if_o there_o be_v no_o moral_a evil_n or_o indecency_n nor_o that_o a_o too_o great_a cumber_v be_v draw_v upon_o religious_a act_n every_o thing_n be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n leave_v to_o its_o own_o indifferency_n as_o reason_n invite_v or_o persuade_v on_o either_o side_n to_o the_o do_v or_o not_o do_v all_o which_o set_v man_n free_a from_o a_o jewish_a yoke_n in_o these_o case_n and_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a liberty_n eat_v or_o not_o eat_v keep_v a_o day_n or_o not_o keep_v it_o buy_v in_o a_o market_n and_o go_v to_o a_o feast_n without_o ask_v any_o question_n for_o conscience_n sake_n without_o fear_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o moral_a defilement_n in_o those_o thing_n that_o other_o man_n sin_n defile_v only_o to_o themselves_o if_o we_o keep_v ourselves_o pure_a be_v plain_o the_o liberty_n christ_n have_v publish_v to_o we_o every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v pure_a and_o not_o to_o be_v reject_v but_o receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n no_o sin_n of_o man_n can_v pollute_v it_o to_o any_o but_o himself_o and_o this_o consideration_n may_v state_n to_o we_o the_o whole_a matter_n that_o relate_v to_o order_n and_o decency_n that_o order_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o nature_n itself_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v write_v with_o a_o sunbeam_n upon_o thing_n themselves_o be_v out_o of_o all_o dispute_n god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o not_o of_o the_o contrary_a confusion_n or_o indecency_n that_o order_n which_o be_v the_o prudential_a contrivance_n of_o man_n though_o not_o the_o same_o in_o all_o place_n time_n and_o to_o all_o person_n as_o the_o former_a yet_o aught_o to_o be_v cheerful_o comply_v with_o as_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o national_a union_n in_o and_o administration_n of_o public_a religion_n both_o as_o to_o officer_n and_o thing_n see_v nothing_o can_v be_v settle_v without_o order_n according_o we_o find_v the_o wise_a and_o pious_a governor_n among_o the_o jew_n take_v care_n and_o the_o people_n submit_v to_o such_o ordination_n and_o all_o under_o divine_a approbation_n the_o order_n that_o be_v mere_o of_o humane_a position_n and_o arbitration_n move_v the_o great_a doubt_n stand_v in_o thing_n that_o have_v only_o the_o thin_a pretext_n of_o antiquity_n to_o give_v they_o some_o venerableness_n or_o that_o they_o be_v usage_n already_o in_o be_v or_o that_o they_o add_v the_o imaginary_a decency_n that_o ceremony_n set_v out_o humane_a action_n with_o now_o as_o to_o this_o they_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o impose_v be_v equal_o to_o weigh_v the_o value_n of_o religion_n itself_o and_o what_o that_o may_v suffer_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o order_n and_o a_o great_a account_n lie_v upon_o they_o before_o god_n but_o for_o those_o that_o be_v under_o subjection_n i_o add_v further_o as_o to_o this_o sort_n of_o order_n i_o can_v only_o say_v this_o that_o suppose_v it_o no_o way_n turn_v into_o doctrine_n as_o the_o pharisees_n not_o eat_v with_o unwashen_n hand_n but_o declare_v against_o as_o such_o the_o consequence_n of_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v be_v to_o be_v balance_v and_o so_o the_o practice_n of_o every_o conscientious_a man_n to_o be_v determine_v on_o one_o side_n stand_v the_o freedom_n of_o use_v this_o order_n as_o a_o advantage_n to_o do_v good_a the_o consideration_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o nation_n the_o national_a defence_n make_v more_o unite_v against_o false_a religion_n at_o the_o price_n of_o conformity_n to_o those_o more_o arbitrary_a imposition_n on_o the_o other_o side_n stand_v a_o just_a fear_n for_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n be_v either_o obscure_a or_o the_o freedom_n of_o it_o encumber_a or_o for_o the_o reputation_n of_o religion_n which_o often_o suffer_v by_o those_o unnecessary_a adherency_n as_o if_o they_o enter_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n itself_o i_o must_v yet_o allow_v the_o preference_n in_o my_o own_o judgement_n to_o that_o side_n by_o which_o national_a religion_n be_v most_o serve_v but_o with_o the_o full_a persuasion_n that_o god_n receive_v both_o if_o over-bit_a zeal_n on_o either_o side_n be_v not_o offensive_a to_o he_o and_o with_o the_o concession_n that_o national_a religion_n be_v more_o happy_a if_o more_o free_a but_o if_o love_v adjust_a to_o each_o their_o due_a allowance_n the_o service_n of_o both_o will_v be_v find_v with_o great_a acceptance_n in_o the_o common_a national_a religion_n as_o i_o doubt_v not_o their_o hand_n will_v be_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o against_o the_o invasion_n of_o a_o national_a false_a religion_n but_o if_o any_o be_v overrigid_a or_o severe_a on_o either_o part_n they_o may_v receive_v the_o full_a reward_n of_o their_o own_o society_n or_o party_n but_o they_o lessen_v the_o high_a recompense_n of_o do_v the_o most_o public_a good_a the_o strict_a law_n either_o this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o man_n own_o make_n and_o exact_v so_o from_o they_o only_o they_o have_v their_o reward_n who_o be_v zealous_a beyond_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o matter_n from_o all_o that_o have_v now_o be_v say_v under_o this_o rule_n i_o collect_v 1._o that_o they_o that_o can_v agree_v to_o the_o public_o encourage_v constitution_n of_o a_o nation_n shall_v yet_o point_v their_o worship_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v towards_o it_o they_o shall_v comply_v with_o all_o that_o be_v good_a in_o it_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v be_v receive_v without_o launch_v beyond_o their_o judgement_n thus_o christianity_n be_v make_v as_o public_a in_o all_o place_n by_o the_o apostle_n as_o they_o can_v by_o adjoin_v it_o to_o any_o principle_n of_o truth_n or_o to_o the_o natural_a sense_n of_o religion_n they_o find_v any_o where_o st._n paul_n give_v solemn_a thanks_o to_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o that_o sail_v with_o he_o though_o a_o bad_a sort_n of_o man_n thus_o he_o preach_v the_o true_a god_n and_o christ_n at_o atkens_n upon_o their_o inscription_n to_o the_o unknown_a god_n upon_o the_o fundamental_o of_o national_a theology_n upon_o the_o wise_a say_n of_o a_o poet_n of_o their_o own_o he_o think_v it_o best_a to_o acknowledge_v all_o that_o be_v good_a in_o the_o most_o faulty_a state_n of_o religion_n as_o a_o advantage_n to_o convince_v what_o be_v bad_a and_o disagree_v to_o that_o good_a and_o gain_v man_n to_o unite_v with_o that_o whole_a element_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n with_o which_o any_o spark_n kindle_v in_o they_o already_o be_v so_o close_o ally_v as_o to_o gain_v they_o to_o the_o whole_a how_o much_o near_o then_o and_o close_o may_v christian_n and_o of_o the_o reform_a christianity_n fall_v in_o one_o with_o another_o if_o we_o value_v what_o we_o agree_v in_o at_o a_o high_a rate_n as_o certain_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v than_o what_o we_o differ_v about_o 2._o the_o way_n to_o make_v national_a religion_n most_o national_a be_v by_o comprehend_v all_o the_o difference_n that_o can_v be_v reconcile_v with_o true_a religion_n while_o they_o that_o dissent_v in_o some_o thing_n receive_v one_o another_o with_o a_o good_a peaceable_a holy_a and_o public_a temper_n of_o mind_n as_o the_o great_a argument_n and_o inducement_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v all_o pray_v for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o holy_a service_n of_o all_o that_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n distinguish_v christian_n but_o immediate_o unite_v they_o again_o both_v they_o and_o we_o they_o and_o
which_o be_v mark_n of_o segregation_n from_o false_a church_n or_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n false_o so_o call_v here_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n in_o a_o nation_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n and_o here_o be_v the_o holy_a nation_n according_a to_o both_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o institution_n so_o again_o where_o a_o nation_n bring_v home_o religion_n into_o the_o most_o particular_a national_a district_v or_o division_n as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n for_o particular_a church_n here_o be_v a_o nation_n of_o church_n which_o in_o regard_n they_o all_o consent_n in_o one_o national_a union_n be_v without_o any_o impropriety_n style_v a_o national_a church_n and_o every_o such_o society_n be_v both_o a_o holy_a society_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n devote_v to_o god_n and_o a_o church-society_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n direct_v and_o perfect_v that_o law_n of_o nature_n now_o the_o institution_n of_o particular_a church_n by_o christ_n i_o understand_v to_o be_v that_o where_o he_o say_v if_o two_o or_o three_o agree_v and_o be_v gather_v or_o enchurch_v in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o wherein_o he_o do_v not_o only_o encourage_v the_o small_a number_n in_o case_n of_o exigency_n or_o necessity_n but_o couch_v some_o rule_n whereby_o much_o great_a number_n whether_o of_o christian_n in_o separation_n from_o civil_a society_n or_o unite_v according_a to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v form_v as_o first_o in_o all_o except_v the_o universality_n that_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o which_o each_o particular_a must_v therefore_o partake_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o church_n 2._o in_o a_o number_n proportionable_a to_o edification_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christian_a religion_n 3._o in_o the_o humility_n modesty_n and_o unaspiringness_n of_o christianity_n for_o he_o that_o institute_v his_o church_n in_o such_o small_a number_n and_o those_o not_o force_v but_o agree_v project_v nothing_o by_o that_o institution_n for_o domination_n or_o grandieur_fw-fr 4._o in_o the_o simplicity_n and_o plainness_n christian_n religion_n profess_v for_o church_n institute_v in_o such_o a_o paucity_n of_o member_n be_v never_o design_v to_o be_v court_n of_o forensick_a business_n nor_o capable_a of_o subordinate_v themselves_o so_o as_o that_o their_o member_n shall_v be_v fatigue_v with_o long_a and_o tedious_a suit_n and_o appeal_n remove_v from_o one_o part_n to_o another_o worse_o than_o go_v to_o law_n before_o unbeliever_n as_o the_o romish_a tyranny_n have_v contrive_v whereas_o our_o saviour_n method_n for_o complaint_n and_o admonition_n in_o case_n of_o scandal_n for_o reconciliation_n in_o case_n of_o repentance_n or_o severe_a discipline_n in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n be_v natural_a easy_a and_o speedy_a as_o be_v plain_a 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be_v as_o wide_a bring_v it_o into_o particular_a society_n and_o particular_a church_n will_v be_v as_o many_o as_o numerous_a as_o they_o a_o church-state_n be_v indeed_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n the_o church-catholick_n be_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o universe_n because_o there_o be_v fall_v angel_n unholy_a and_o unhappy_a because_o there_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o same_o state_n but_o this_o be_v only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o happiness_n consequent_a upon_o it_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o separation_n and_o this_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n agree_v in_o thus_o particular_a church_n whenever_o they_o be_v a_o separation_n from_o particular_a society_n it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o its_o due_a administration_n restore_v that_o and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o institution_n become_v both_o one_o then_o a_o nation_n and_o a_o national_a church_n coalesce_v into_o one_o then_o 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of_o great_a corruption_n what_o retreat_v from_o the_o evil_n and_o yet_o join_v in_o all_o that_o be_v good_a be_v visible_a in_o their_o practice_n what_o kind_n of_o division_n the_o good_a and_o approve_a corinthian_n make_v from_o the_o misdemeanour_n 19_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 19_o of_o the_o bad_a without_o forsake_v the_o church_n that_o we_o may_v imitate_v their_o example_n and_o continue_v to_o do_v the_o great_a service_n to_o the_o church_n or_o nation_n we_o be_v member_n of_o neither_o silence_v our_o due_a resentment_n of_o evil_a in_o our_o place_n and_o station_n nor_o rend_v ourselves_o from_o that_o body_n we_o be_v of_o but_o that_o all_o our_o thing_n 14._o 1_o cor._n 16._o 14._o may_v be_v do_v in_o charity_n rule_n 9_o in_o the_o last_o place_n let_v we_o not_o think_v nation_n and_o other_o incorporation_n of_o mankind_n slide_v away_o with_o this_o world_n and_o be_v whole_o lose_v in_o the_o future_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o only_o
corruption_n they_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o spark_n and_o have_v only_o this_o at_o god_n hand_n to_o lie_v down_o in_o sorrow_n beside_o that_o god_n in_o just_a displeasure_n send_v down_o upon_o they_o the_o revenge_n of_o a_o abuse_a and_o injure_a power_n and_o godhead_n now_o all_o this_o express_v the_o height_n both_o of_o the_o deception_n and_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n 4._o the_o four_o great_a principle_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o absolute_a and_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o holiness_n both_o in_o heart_n and_o life_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n against_o which_o 24._o heb._n 12._o 24._o there_o lie_v no_o such_o scandal_n or_o cause_n of_o offence_n as_o inward_a and_o inherent_a lust_n and_o inordinate_a appetite_n which_o be_v obstinate_o set_v to_o obtain_v its_o satisfaction_n and_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v tame_v but_o by_o beinâ—_n cut_v off_o though_o it_o be_v the_o right_a hand_n or_o right_a foot_n or_o even_o the_o right_a eye_n the_o love_n of_o god_n 43._o mark_v 9_o 43._o and_o his_o law_n be_v the_o best_a security_n against_o this_o scandal_n and_o daily_a mortification_n and_o crucifixion_n of_o the_o old_a man_n with_o 22._o ephes_n 4._o 22._o its_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n pretence_n from_o reason_n or_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n there_o can_v be_v none_o in_o this_o case_n to_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v either_o christianity_n or_o morality_n but_o man_n be_v carry_v down_o the_o violent_a stream_n of_o ungoverned_a passion_n and_o that_o fall_v into_o the_o wide_a sea_n of_o general_a corruption_n and_o bad_a example_n which_o look_v most_o like_a a_o authority_n there_o be_v the_o palliation_n and_o excuse_n of_o sin_n which_o may_v serve_v in_o a_o time_n of_o peace_n and_o carnal_a security_n but_o can_v so_o delude_v conscience_n as_o to_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a sense_n scandal_n the_o continual_a practice_n of_o sin_n harden_v the_o heart_n sear_n benumb_v and_o stupefy_v all_o inward_a sense_n and_o cancel_v the_o awe_n of_o those_o engrave_v law_n and_o reveal_v command_n of_o god_n for_o a_o time_n but_o can_v either_o deny_v their_o just_a power_n or_o challenge_v they_o of_o unreasonableness_n so_o that_o if_o any_o where_o man_n be_v force_v to_o take_v refuge_n at_o the_o atheistick_a denial_n of_o religion_n itself_o or_o to_o blind_a conscience_n with_o superstitious_a act_n which_o seem_v to_o commute_v and_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o sin_n or_o if_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o blind_v their_o eye_n and_o obstruct_v all_o sense_n they_o may_v make_v the_o profession_n of_o true_a religion_n a_o cover_n to_o sin_n as_o they_o that_o cry_v lord_n lord_n and_o 22._o mat._n 7._o 22._o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v we_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o 19_o jer._n 7._o 4._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o christ_n with_o great_a ostentation_n and_o so_o may_v deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n but_o to_o hold_v out_o against_o either_o the_o challenge_n of_o divine_a truth_n or_o of_o their_o own_o reflection_n be_v impossible_a so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n predominant_a lust_n from_o within_o and_o bad_a example_n from_o the_o so_o abound_a iniquity_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n the_o fall_v of_o good_a man_n the_o miscarriage_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o insincere_a professor_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o great_a scandal_n or_o stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o ensnare_v in_o the_o afore-named_n scandal_n but_o although_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o strict_a and_o proper_a scandal_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o very_a centre_n of_o all_o scandal_n in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o for_o then_o a_o man_n be_v indeed_o scandalize_v when_o the_o salt_n of_o divine_a truth_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n can_v have_v no_o power_n nor_o efficacy_n upon_o he_o because_o of_o that_o scandal_n to_o season_v the_o heart_n nor_o govern_v the_o life_n and_o action_n in_o the_o love_n fear_v and_o obedience_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n but_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o understand_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n what_o he_o do_v not_o promise_n by_o profession_n or_o if_o he_o seem_v to_o deny_v any_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o do_v not_o understand_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n the_o extent_n and_o force_n of_o his_o denial_n but_o have_v better_a principle_n that_o be_v a_o antidote_n and_o counterpoison_n to_o any_o mistake_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n he_o be_v not_o scandalize_v with_o the_o great_a mischief_n of_o scandal_n but_o that_o man_n be_v scandalize_v that_o through_o false_a principle_n or_o the_o denial_n of_o true_a one_o want_v their_o power_n and_o virtue_n upon_o his_o affection_n and_o action_n for_o no_o truth_n be_v for_o notion_n sake_n but_o to_o make_v true_o good_a the_o heart_n and_o practice_n the_o very_a confession_n with_o the_o mouth_n be_v to_o recoil_v back_o into_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v that_o better_a and_o to_o move_v forward_o and_o engage_v the_o life_n along_o with_o it_o 5._o it_o be_v a_o grand_a pillar_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o and_o that_o he_o that_o love_v 21._o 1_o john_n 4._o 21._o god_n shall_v love_v his_o brother_n also_o and_o there_o be_v not_o there_o can_v be_v any_o law_n of_o religion_n wherein_o the_o equity_n the_o love_n favour_n and_o compassion_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n towards_o humane_a nature_n do_v more_o evident_o recommend_v itself_o it_o be_v the_o justification_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o man_n his_o philanthropy_n do_v shine_v out_o more_o illustrious_o in_o the_o gospel_n so_o do_v the_o law_n and_o doctrine_n of_o this_o love_n of_o christian_n to_o one_o another_o and_o not_o only_o to_o christian_n but_o to_o all_o man_n and_o in_o this_o as_o of_o great_a concernment_n thâ—_n gospel_n be_v so_o abundant_a and_o its_o discourse_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n that_o it_o be_v make_v another_o hemisphere_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o one_o be_v the_o first_o and_o 39_o mat._n â—1_n 38_o 39_o great_a commandment_n and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a to_o it_o it_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v the_o whole_a law_n it_o be_v irreconcilable_a 9_o rom._n 13._o 8_o 9_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n not_o to_o love_v our_o brother_n it_o be_v 15._o 1_o joh._n 3._o 15._o such_o a_o degree_n of_o murder_n that_o whoever_o be_v guilty_a of_o can_v have_v eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o he_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mark_n 14._o 1_o joh._n 3._o 14._o we_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n so_o many_o be_v the_o argument_n and_o so_o strong_a the_o obligation_n to_o this_o duty_n that_o they_o can_v be_v recount_v all_o may_v be_v sum_v up_o in_o that_o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o now_o that_o this_o love_n be_v fix_v in_o a_o uniformity_n of_o opinion_n or_o point_n of_o outward_a order_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o believe_v for_o beside_o the_o impossibility_n to_o reconcile_v all_o the_o innocent_a variety_n that_o be_v in_o humane_a nature_n though_o it_o be_v christian_a humane_a nature_n in_o their_o sentiment_n and_o election_n in_o these_o thing_n the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v not_o of_o that_o amount_v as_o to_o be_v the_o proper_a rest_n of_o this_o divine_a love_n or_o that_o if_o it_o miss_v these_o pole_n it_o shall_v therefore_o cease_v to_o be_v the_o axis_n upon_o which_o the_o catholic_n society_n of_o christian_n and_o christian_a unity_n turn_n for_o that_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n must_v be_v substantial_a christianity_n itself_o and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a schism_n to_o be_v divide_v in_o affection_n from_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n how_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o understand_v see_v small_a difference_n be_v frequent_o by_o the_o apostle_n consider_v and_o allow_v for_o without_o the_o least_o allowance_n for_o christian_n not_o love_v one_o another_o christianity_n carry_v no_o gall_n even_o towards_o utmost_a stranger_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n much_o less_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v true_o christian_n though_o not_o each_o uniform_a with_o one_o another_o in_o all_o thing_n the_o great_a scandal_n against_o this_o love_n be_v private_a man_n think_v it_o justifiable_a not_o to_o love_v those_o that_o have_v injure_v they_o but_o this_o case_n have_v be_v consider_v
and_o a_o forgiuness_n of_o seventy_o seven_o injury_n in_o a_o day_n upon_o acknowledgement_n 4._o mat._n 18._o 22._o luke_n 17._o 4._o and_o repentance_n be_v take_v care_n for_o that_o love_n may_v be_v continue_v the_o forgiuness_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v set_v we_o as_o a_o example_n and_o that_o it_o may_v the_o more_o affect_v we_o the_o odds_o between_o our_o offence_n against_o god_n and_o all_o trespass_n against_o ourselves_o be_v state_v as_o disproportionate_a as_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n to_o a_o hundred_o penny_n but_o however_o man_n think_v they_o may_v just_o not_o love_v where_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o divine_a matter_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o truth_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v general_o but_o the_o great_a scandal_n for_o when_o the_o thing_n that_o christian_n differ_v in_o be_v small_a and_o that_o they_o agree_v in_o great_a and_o momentous_a thing_n it_o be_v evident_a the_o integrity_n honour_n and_o interest_n of_o religion_n shall_v much_o more_o unite_v and_o endear_v than_o little_a interest_n divide_v in_o thing_n that_o be_v evident_o contrary_a to_o divine_a truth_n and_o the_o law_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o just_a denial_n of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o respect_n to_o that_o evil_n he_o travel_v with_o as_o the_o apostle_n john_n the_o great_a minister_n of_o love_n teach_v we_o and_o a_o method_n for_o reformation_n or_o rejection_n as_o our_o saviour_n agreeable_a to_o that_o law_n in_o leviticus_n prescribe_v we_o not_o to_o smother_v our_o 17._o mat._n 18._o 15_o etc._n etc._n leu._n 19_o 17._o hatred_n or_o disgust_n in_o silence_n and_o reserve_v by_o conceal_v the_o fault_n a_o constant_a cause_n and_o store_n for_o our_o anger_n or_o illwill_a but_o to_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o open_a procedure_n that_o either_o our_o misapprehension_n may_v be_v rectify_v or_o the_o person_n reform_v and_o so_o our_o love_n either_o way_n restore_v or_o a_o just_a reason_n appear_v not_o for_o our_o hatred_n but_o for_o our_o limit_v the_o extent_n of_o our_o love_n in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v as_o be_v due_a to_o a_o christian_a but_o to_o a_o publican_n or_o heathen_a who_o be_v still_o the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n but_o not_o of_o that_o kind_n that_o degree_n of_o love_n adjust_a to_o christian_n but_o this_o must_v be_v in_o a_o case_n clear_a and_o evident_a not_o every_o dispute_n the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o great_a design_n of_o it_o be_v the_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n of_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o with_o a_o universal_a favour_n to_o mankind_n and_o this_o be_v preserve_v only_o in_o love_n every_o thing_n then_o that_o cool_v and_o destroy_v love_n under_o a_o show_n of_o just_a and_o right_a be_v a_o scandal_n because_o it_o overthrow_v christianity_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o religion_n of_o love_n and_o make_v a_o man_n of_o great_a name_n pretence_n authority_n in_o the_o church_n a_o nothing_o it_o be_v a_o scandal_n for_o it_o rise_v from_o scandal_n it_o have_v the_o ill_a effect_n of_o scandal_n both_o ensnare_a and_o destroy_v and_o it_o tend_v to_o further_a scandal_n it_o rise_v from_o scandal_n he_o that_o do_v not_o love_n have_v some_o lust_n some_o interest_n of_o profit_n dominion_n or_o pleasure_n that_o he_o serve_v under_o a_o name_n of_o religion_n they_o that_o cause_v division_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d division_n in_o affection_n take_v advantage_n 17._o rom._n 16._o 17._o of_o dissent_n in_o opinion_n these_o serve_v their_o own_o belly_n that_o lust_n which_o they_o cloak_n with_o religion_n that_o base_a interest_n they_o clothe_v and_o cover_v with_o a_o better_a name_n that_o lust_n so_o disguise_v deceive_v they_o and_o enslave_v they_o under_o itself_o this_o move_v to_o further_a scandal_n every_o one_o that_o do_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o humour_n of_o this_o lust_n and_o serve_v it_o he_o appear_v as_o the_o irreligious_a or_o the_o factious_a disorderly_a person_n hereupon_o he_o must_v not_o be_v receive_v or_o continue_v in_o the_o love_n due_a to_o a_o brother_n a_o christian_a though_o the_o case_n be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o true_a christianity_n our_o saviour_n as_o aware_a of_o this_o in_o his_o so_o severe_a caution_n of_o not_o scandalize_a little_o one_o immediate_o subjoin_v those_o dreadful_a precept_n of_o cut_v off_o the_o right_a hand_n etc._n etc._n that_o scandalize_v ourselves_o as_o imply_v they_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o our_o scandalize_a other_o this_o still_o move_v on_o to_o further_a scandal_n scandal_n to_o stranger_n who_o thereupon_o look_v upon_o religion_n as_o austere_n morose_n and_o cruel_a and_o so_o be_v discourage_v from_o come_v in_o to_o it_o scandal_n to_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o little_a one_o in_o christianity_n who_o it_o may_v be_v he_o so_o call_v not_o that_o they_o 4â—_n marc._n 9_o 4â—_n be_v always_o so_o in_o themselves_o when_o yet_o despise_v but_o because_o they_o may_v be_v only_o so_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o those_o that_o despise_v they_o and_o think_v not_o the_o honour_n and_o regard_n owe_v to_o christian_n due_a to_o they_o or_o because_o take_v the_o mean_a in_o christianity_n or_o those_o we_o think_v or_o be_v indeed_o in_o most_o danger_n to_o be_v lose_v our_o saviour_n in_o a_o scheme_n in_o a_o figure_n of_o little_a one_o will_v represent_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o most_o cautious_o and_o tender_o treat_v last_o they_o themselves_o become_v scandalize_v too_o often_o to_o much_o high_a degree_n of_o scandal_n hereby_o even_o against_o those_o thing_n that_o carry_v the_o true_a and_o most_o genuine_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n because_o they_o will_v go_v as_o far_o off_o as_o they_o can_v and_o be_v most_o unlike_a those_o from_o who_o they_o dissent_v in_o some_o thing_n that_o neither_o their_o pray_v their_o preach_a their_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o speak_v must_v be_v accept_v by_o they_o till_o they_o even_o desert_a the_o example_n of_o the_o very_a scripture_n itself_o in_o those_o thing_n and_o come_v too_o near_o burlesque_a the_o sacred_a guise_n of_o they_o or_o at_o least_o what_o be_v so_o near_o unite_v that_o the_o reproach_n that_o fall_v upon_o the_o one_o fall_n upon_o the_o other_o also_o and_o all_o that_o they_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o stand_v far_o enough_o off_o from_o the_o adverse_a purity_n of_o what_o they_o have_v espouse_v who_o opinion_n while_o they_o seem_v to_o strike_v the_o thing_n most_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n be_v the_o sufferer_n too_o often_o but_o he_o that_o love_v his_o brother_n have_v no_o occasion_n of_o this_o 11._o 1_o john_n 2._o 10_o 11._o sort_n of_o stumble_v which_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n because_o as_o his_o soul_n be_v right_o compose_v and_o not_o cloud_v with_o dark_a and_o black_a passion_n so_o he_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o dislike_v any_o thing_n in_o true_a christianity_n out_o of_o hatred_n to_o his_o brother_n who_o profess_v it_o but_o a_o additional_a obligation_n to_o keep_v the_o truth_n entire_a out_o of_o love_n to_o his_o brother_n who_o be_v unite_v in_o it_o with_o himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v hereby_o we_o know_v we_o love_v the_o child_n of_o god_n when_o we_o love_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n when_o our_o love_n to_o they_o engage_v we_o the_o more_o close_o in_o a_o religious_a union_n with_o they_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v ready_a to_o fall_v out_o with_o every_o thing_n that_o he_o be_v for_o and_o know_v not_o at_o what_o he_o stumble_v whether_o it_o be_v true_o of_o god_n and_o christ_n or_o not_o and_o so_o be_v no_o just_a occasion_n of_o stumble_v though_o he_o stumble_v at_o it_o 2._o 1_o john_n 5._o v._n 2._o 6._o the_o government_n and_o authority_n god_n have_v vest_v in_o conscience_n to_o understand_v with_o god_n for_o itself_o and_o the_o soul_n and_o to_o guide_v itself_o according_a to_o his_o command_n who_o be_v its_o only_a father_n and_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v none_o upon_o earth_n beside_o he_o even_o as_o christ_n be_v its_o one_o master_n be_v a_o grand_a principle_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v of_o so_o great_a concernment_n that_o though_o the_o thing_n be_v good_a a_o man_n do_v yet_o if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o upon_o a_o judgement_n a_o sense_n a_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n or_o if_o that_o he_o refuse_v be_v true_o evil_a yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o reject_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n upon_o the_o same_o motive_n neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o arise_v to_o a_o religious_a action_n or_o be_v accept_v with_o god_n as_o do_v in_o his_o fear_n but_o be_v a_o vain_a honour_n of_o he_o
our_o religious_a action_n and_o service_n to_o god_n and_o the_o contrary_n be_v a_o evil._n 3._o of_o the_o same_o account_n be_v that_o euschemonia_n or_o decency_n of_o religious_a action_n require_v by_o god_n before_o himself_o and_o before_o the_o holy_a angel_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n every_o man_n pray_v with_o his_o head_n uncoverd_v dishonour_v his_o head_n every_o woman_n pray_v so_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o cover_n on_o her_o head_n because_o of_o the_o angel_n such_o a_o distinction_n of_o sex_n be_v found_v in_o nature_n and_o in_o what_o be_v beyond_o nature_n the_o grave_a custom_n of_o age_n and_o place_n carry_v a_o great_a weight_n of_o determination_n 4._o the_o most_o indifferent_a circumstance_n that_o yet_o most_o necessary_o attend_v all_o serious_a and_o important_a humane_a action_n and_o therefore_o religious_a action_n when_o once_o determine_v by_o the_o prudence_n and_o mature_a consideration_n of_o those_o that_o have_v great_a right_n to_o determine_v therein_o as_o time_n place_n and_o general_a order_n of_o public_a worship_n become_v however_o indifferent_a in_o themselves_o yet_o above_o indifferent_a in_o their_o observation_n because_o the_o undue_a change_n of_o they_o be_v not_o only_a levity_n but_o approach_v to_o frenzy_n and_o now_o i_o have_v so_o far_o settle_v the_o nature_n of_o indifferent_n that_o i_o think_v no_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n can_v make_v a_o alteration_n in_o any_o more_o than_o in_o those_o eternal_a law_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n i_o come_v therefore_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n in_o the_o platform_n i_o have_v give_v of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_v viz._n 2._o to_o inquire_v how_o scandal_n invade_v these_o so_o innocent_a indifferency_n when_o they_o come_v into_o a_o relation_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o very_a ground_n or_o advantage_n of_o its_o entry_n be_v through_o this_o very_a relation_n to_o religion_n for_o therein_o be_v the_o very_a centre_n of_o scandal_n as_o a_o corruption_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n there_o be_v its_o great_a power_n and_o sting_n to_o disorder_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n and_o the_o more_o any_o thing_n come_v into_o that_o consideration_n the_o more_o efficacious_a be_v scandal_n upon_o it_o if_o not_o wary_o prevent_v and_o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o most_o christian_n policy_n to_o leave_v all_o thing_n without_o the_o line_n of_o religion_n or_o religious_a worship_n that_o can_v be_v spare_v and_o be_v not_o of_o necessary_a use_n to_o it_o to_o cut_v off_o all_o broad_a phylactery_n on_o that_o very_a account_n that_o scandal_n be_v so_o attempt_v and_o invade_v and_o nothing_o safe_a from_o its_o assault_n even_o as_o indefensible_a building_n in_o a_o garrison_n be_v pull_v down_o and_o slight_v lest_o the_o enemy_n make_v advantage_n of_o they_o to_o cover_v himself_o encumber_v religion_n with_o indifferent_n more_o than_o needs_o must_v be_v but_o so_o many_o shelter_n for_o scandal_n scandal_n then_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n be_v a_o occasion_n take_v upon_o they_o as_o they_o stand_v in_o that_o relation_n to_o act_v under_o some_o pretence_n contrary_a to_o any_o of_o the_o great_a principle_n or_o law_n of_o religion_n indifferent_a thing_n be_v bring_v into_o a_o relation_n to_o religion_n 1._o by_o some_o appointment_n of_o god_n who_o alone_o have_v right_o to_o do_v it_o exalt_v indifferent_a thing_n into_o a_o goodness_n above_o their_o nature_n or_o for_o wise_a purpose_n depress_v they_o below_o their_o nature_n which_o appointment_n cease_v and_o expire_a they_o return_v each_o of_o they_o into_o their_o own_o natural_a indifferency_n and_o be_v alike_o good_a and_o clean_a and_o upon_o the_o just_a level_n of_o their_o first_o creation_n of_o themselves_o be_v nothing_o to_o religion_n especial_o as_o it_o be_v perfect_v in_o christianity_n this_o be_v the_o case_n the_o apostle_n treat_v upon_o to_o the_o roman_n there_o be_v a_o law_n of_o god_n by_o moses_n distinguish_v day_n and_o meat_n this_o law_n be_v out_o date_v by_o christ_n all_o thing_n hereupon_o return_v into_o their_o original_a state_n of_o equal_a goodness_n and_o cleanness_n and_o be_v whole_o alike_o as_o to_o any_o religious_a account_n of_o they_o to_o all_o that_o understand_v the_o abolish_n of_o that_o law_n which_o at_o that_o time_n be_v but_o beginning_n 2._o indifferent_n be_v bring_v into_o a_o relation_n to_o religion_n by_o man_n idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a transmutation_n of_o they_o out_o of_o their_o nature_n either_o above_o or_o below_o themselves_o which_o be_v great_o abominable_a to_o god_n as_o injurious_a to_o his_o sole_a right_n and_o very_o destructive_a to_o man_n soul_n debauch_n these_o indifferent_n into_o great_a impurity_n to_o all_o that_o with_o design_n and_o resolution_n will_v understand_v and_o use_v they_o so_o change_v to_o they_o that_o be_v unbelieving_a and_o defile_v be_v nothing_o pure_a but_o even_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v 15._o tit._n 1._o 15._o but_o be_v understand_v aright_o and_o according_a to_o their_o nature_n they_o return_v to_o their_o own_o innocency_n and_o purity_n that_o be_v the_o purity_n of_o their_o creation_n and_o disposition_n by_o god_n for_o to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a and_o to_o a_o indifferency_n every_o way_n in_o relation_n to_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o case_n the_o apostle_n reason_n upon_o to_o the_o corinth_n the_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n the_o idol_n temple_n be_v most_o impure_a to_o the_o idolater_n and_o superstition_n yet_o the_o idol_n can_v not_o expulse_v god_n right_a nor_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o his_o creation_n this_o be_v most_o ample_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel-state_n of_o thing_n they_o that_o understand_v this_o have_v a_o most_o lawful_a and_o free_a use_n of_o those_o very_a place_n and_o meat_n that_o be_v so_o pollute_v by_o the_o gentile_n so_o that_o whether_o they_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v it_o be_v all_o alike_o in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o upon_o any_o religious_a account_n 3._o indifferent_a thing_n may_v be_v make_v appurtenance_n to_o religion_n without_o be_v extravasated_a from_o their_o own_o nature_n of_o indifferency_n by_o be_v put_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o ecclesiastic_a or_o civil_a ruler_n into_o a_o constant_a concomitancy_n or_o attendance_n upon_o such_o or_o such_o religious_a service_n sole_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o that_o humane_a significancy_n decency_n and_o order_n the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o clothe_v all_o its_o action_n with_o just_o as_o in_o all_o instalment_n of_o magistrate_n in_o court_n of_o judicature_n in_o proceed_n of_o justice_n in_o all_o the_o grandeur_n of_o humane_a action_n there_o be_v some_o rite_n formality_n or_o ceremony_n man_n find_v out_o that_o give_v order_n life_n and_o grace_n to_o the_o carriage_n of_o they_o even_o so_o in_o religious_a service_n it_o be_v suppose_v they_o have_v the_o same_o liberty_n god_n be_v not_o so_o rigorous_a as_o to_o deny_v it_o to_o they_o they_o may_v appoint_v some_o thing_n of_o a_o mere_a humane_a significancy_n for_o edification_n which_o remain_v still_o perfect_a indifferent_n and_o only_o wait_v upon_o religion_n and_o preserve_v discipline_n and_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v impose_v and_o pin_v so_o fast_o to_o religion_n that_o all_o must_v be_v observe_v together_o no_o public_a ordinance_n may_v be_v enjoy_v with_o allowance_n and_o approbation_n without_o they_o now_o whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o liberty_n grant_v by_o god_n to_o man_n to_o adjoyn_v any_o thing_n to_o his_o worship_n especial_o so_o as_o to_o be_v make_v the_o public_a standard_n be_v more_o than_o the_o wise_a can_v i_o doubt_v resolve_v in_o the_o affirmative_a to_o satisfaction_n there_o be_v so_o many_o appearance_n from_o scripture_n from_o sound_a reason_n against_o any_o more_o than_o be_v command_v by_o god_n himself_o or_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n order_n or_o decency_n so_o as_o to_o offer_v itself_o to_o every_o sober_a man._n but_o allow_v to_o these_o institution_n of_o man_n all_o the_o privilege_n of_o indifferent_n of_o these_o seal_a indifferent_n declare_v so_o by_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o you_o allow_v no_o more_o for_o more_o can_v be_v allow_v except_o you_o change_v they_o into_o doctrine_n which_o make_v they_o worse_o allow_v that_o they_o be_v the_o weak_a who_o do_v not_o understand_v their_o full_a freedom_n herein_o than_o it_o follow_v he_o that_o use_v they_o not_o must_v not_o indeed_o think_v himself_o the_o better_a for_o not_o use_v they_o but_o still_o he_o have_v liberty_n as_o in_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o itself_o not_o to_o use_v they_o and_o he_o ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o use_v they_o with_o doubt_n and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o appear_v unlawful_a to_o he_o for_o than_o come_v upon_o he_o that_o thunderbolt_n of_o the_o
those_o who_o do_v vehement_o and_o zealous_o fall_v in_o with_o conformity_n to_o these_o imposition_n in_o indifferent_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v scandalize_v and_o that_o very_o deep_o this_o case_n do_v not_o i_o confess_v arise_v out_o of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n except_o by_o the_o other_o interpretation_n of_o the_o scope_n of_o that_o to_o the_o corinth_n which_o give_v it_o not_o only_o as_o if_o compliance_n against_o the_o sentiment_n of_o conscience_n upon_o the_o trust_n of_o example_n be_v the_o sin_n and_o scandal_n but_o that_o the_o weak_a christian_n not_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o strong_a do_v as_o they_o do_v and_o not_o prepossess_v as_o they_o be_v that_o the_o idol_n be_v nothing_o sink_v into_o some_o degree_n at_o least_o of_o idolatrous_a reverence_n and_o worship_n as_o if_o they_o know_v no_o other_o reason_n of_o eat_v in_o a_o idol_n temple_n but_o devotion_n to_o he_o and_o this_o kind_n of_o scandal_n though_o i_o believe_v the_o drift_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v chief_o as_o i_o have_v explain_v it_o yet_o too_o often_o fall_v out_o in_o these_o case_n those_o ceremony_n that_o have_v be_v promote_v into_o divine_a service_n or_o into_o the_o ornament_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o place_n of_o it_o have_v be_v though_o dangerous_o enough_o yet_o not_o so_o ill_o design_v as_o afterward_o abuse_v by_o more_o ignorant_a person_n who_o greedy_a and_o fond_a of_o a_o sensual_a and_o external_a religion_n have_v be_v transport_v upon_o superstition_n and_o sometime_o downright_a idolatry_n and_o this_o often_o note_v in_o scripture_n under_o the_o very_a name_n of_o scandal_n thus_o i_o before_o observe_v in_o the_o case_n of_o gideon_n ephod_n his_o house_n and_o all_o israel_n be_v ensnare_v beyond_o the_o first_o intention_n thus_o in_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n continue_v no_o doubt_n in_o memory_n of_o the_o miracle_n yet_o afterward_o prove_v so_o great_a a_o snare_n that_o they_o burn_v incense_n to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a balaam_n cast_v his_o snare_n at_o first_o in_o a_o less-guilty_a feast_v with_o the_o midianite_n upon_o their_o idol_n sacrifice_n not_o know_v to_o be_v such_o poisonous_a meat_n and_o by_o degree_n toll_v they_o on_o into_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o idolater_n thus_o the_o apostle_n by_o divine_a direction_n condescend_v to_o the_o weakness_n of_o convert-jew_n among_o the_o roman_n on_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a command_n in_o some_o of_o their_o rite_n but_o just_a now_o expire_a degenerate_v afterward_o into_o such_o a_o judaisme_n that_o the_o same_o apostle_n be_v most_o severe_a against_o it_o and_o that_o very_a strength_n of_o the_o corinthian_a christian_n or_o at_o least_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o unknowing_a follow_v their_o example_n become_v afterward_o into_o a_o infamous_a doctrine_n the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o very_a enchant_a seduction_n of_o the_o prophetess_n jezebel_n who_o teach_v the_o people_n of_o christ_n to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n in_o honour_n to_o they_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o picture_n into_o place_n of_o religious_a worship_n suppose_v it_o as_o innocent_a as_o can_v be_v suppose_v at_o first_o yet_o be_v abuse_v speedy_o into_o all_o imaginable_a corruption_n and_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v all_o the_o remonstrance_n concern_v more_o innocent_a rite_n as_o they_o can_v vindicate_v they_o from_o scrupulosity_n on_o one_o side_n so_o can_v preserve_v they_o from_o man_n place_v too_o much_o of_o their_o religion_n in_o they_o on_o the_o other_o whereby_o the_o true_a conscience_n of_o it_o be_v weaken_v the_o virtue_n and_o vigour_n of_o conscience_n in_o thing_n true_o religious_a weaken_a and_o spend_v by_o have_v be_v lay_v out_o unnecessary_o upon_o extern_a observance_n and_o looseness_n of_o life_n like_o fornication_n with_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n break_v in_o upon_o the_o commute_v of_o such_o flattery_n of_o conscience_n for_o substantial_a piety_n as_o the_o jew_n will_v exchange_v new-moon_n and_o oblation_n for_o justice_n and_o mercy_n and_o walk_v humble_o with_o god_n it_o must_v be_v indeed_o acknowledge_v not_o only_o humane_a appointment_n but_o even_o divine_a command_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o injury_n of_o scandal_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n one_o can_v be_v cut_v off_o though_o scandal_n press_v never_o so_o hard_a the_o other_o may_v and_o aught_o for_o in_o all_o thing_n not_o ordain_v by_o god_n the_o principle_n sin_v against_o in_o scandal_n be_v the_o exceed_a purity_n of_o religion_n the_o substantial_a piety_n and_o most_o spiritual_a and_o rational_a worship_n of_o himself_o god_n require_v and_o expect_v by_o his_o word_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n he_o have_v command_v be_v adjust_v to_o those_o end_n even_o as_o he_o provide_v they_o and_o all_o he_o have_v not_o command_v shall_v stand_v off_o or_o at_o least_o be_v present_o supersede_v when_o become_v the_o prey_n of_o scandal_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n scandal_n shelter_n itself_o under_o order_n decency_n or_o edification_n of_o the_o ignorant_a obedience_n to_o authority_n and_o press_v on_o to_o the_o utmost_a under_o they_o 3._o the_o three_o sort_n of_o scandal_n arise_v from_o indifferent_a thing_n upon_o those_o that_o will_v not_o be_v at_o all_o persuade_v to_o a_o compliance_n with_o they_o even_o they_o may_v be_v scandalize_v by_o unlawful_a and_o very_a sinful_a censoriousness_n and_o passion_n place_v too_o much_o of_o their_o sense_n of_o religion_n upon_o their_o dislike_n of_o such_o addition_n to_o divine_a worship_n division_n and_o separation_n on_o both_o side_n from_o the_o publick_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o national_a union_n in_o religion_n beyond_o the_o merit_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o cause_n or_o further_o than_o the_o case_n at_o its_o utmost_a extent_n can_v require_v and_o if_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n be_v such_o as_o the_o endeavour_v notion_n of_o it_o will_v make_v it_o a_o fall_n into_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o schism_n the_o principle_n offend_v against_o in_o this_o sort_n of_o scandal_n be_v that_o great_a love_n of_o christian_n and_o union_n in_o divine_a worship_n in_o truth_n and_o peace_n make_v so_o fundamental_a in_o christianity_n by_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n the_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n lie_v too_o both_o way_n that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o additional_n we_o may_v desert_v those_o much_o high_a consideration_n and_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o love_n and_o union_n and_o our_o obligation_n to_o they_o the_o apostle_n represent_v this_o great_a mischief_n not_o under_o the_o formal_a account_n of_o scandal_n in_o the_o discourse_n to_o the_o roman_n though_o i_o doubt_v not_o he_o after_o refer_v to_o it_o express_o as_o such_o when_o he_o join_v scandal_n and_o division_n together_o but_o 17._o rom._n 16._o 17._o in_o the_o discourse_n itself_o he_o both_o set_v out_o the_o heat_n on_o both_o side_n in_o judge_v and_o despise_v and_o argue_v on_o both_o side_n with_o high_a strength_n of_o divine_a reason_n against_o the_o evil_a both_o way_n and_o this_o be_v certain_a the_o more_o excellent_a our_o religion_n the_o more_o desirable_a our_o public_a worship_n and_o communion_n for_o the_o piety_n rationality_n and_o order_n of_o it_o the_o more_o pure_a our_o national_a church_n and_o association_n in_o religion_n be_v and_o the_o great_a the_o sin_n of_o separation_n the_o more_o do_v the_o apostle_n argument_n against_o scandalize_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o indifferency_n press_v and_o urge_v we_o why_o shall_v our_o good_a be_v think_v evil_a of_o or_o blaspheme_v why_o shall_v our_o public_a worship_n and_o national_a religion_n be_v once_o think_v to_o be_v ceremony_n why_o shall_v our_o communion_n be_v clog_v with_o thing_n of_o no_o great_a avail_n than_o meat_n and_o drink_v why_o shall_v we_o lose_v those_o from_o our_o communion_n who_o own_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o contend_v for_o those_o divine_a thing_n though_o they_o have_v not_o leisure_n and_o freedom_n for_o ceremony_n when_o they_o that_o serve_v god_n in_o they_o though_o they_o can_v join_v in_o lesser_a thing_n yet_o as_o they_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n so_o shall_v be_v approve_v of_o man_n or_o if_o the_o sin_n of_o separation_n be_v so_o great_a and_o even_o schism_n itself_o why_o for_o our_o meat_n for_o our_o indifferent_a thing_n shall_v they_o perish_v for_o who_o christ_n die_v or_o such_o a_o work_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v in_o they_o be_v destroy_v 4._o the_o severity_n passion_n transport_v beyond_o the_o value_v of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o take_v up_o the_o instrument_n of_o cruelty_n can_v be_v without_o scandal_n upon_o the_o imposer_n of_o indifferency_n and_o those_o that_o will_v needs_o be_v
taskmaster_n under_o they_o can_v be_v without_o scandal_n for_o while_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v zealous_a of_o order_n decency_n uniformity_n they_o sin_n against_o the_o precept_n of_o love_n unity_n mercy_n peace_n and_o exchange_v too_o often_o those_o excellent_a pastoral-stave_n of_o beauty_n and_o band_n for_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o foolish_a shepherd_n 16._o zech._n 11._o 7._o 15_o 16._o that_o extend_v not_o to_o any_o true_a act_n of_o pastoral_a care_n visit_v heal_v feed_v but_o tear_v and_o rend_v last_o bystander_n and_o neuter_n have_v the_o woe_n to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o scandal_n come_v upon_o they_o for_o they_o mis-judge_n of_o the_o excellent_a religion_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o these_o great_a miscarriage_n and_o it_o fall_v under_o their_o misrepute_n as_o if_o it_o stand_v in_o ceremonial_n in_o regard_n of_o who_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o cautious_a that_o the_o good_a of_o christian_n shall_v not_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o as_o if_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v only_o meat_n and_o drink_n for_o whereas_o the_o substantial_o of_o christianity_n justify_v themselves_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o man_n ceremonial_n lead_v to_o atheism_n as_o if_o religion_n be_v but_o the_o craft_n of_o party_n use_v trifle_n for_o interest_n rule_n and_o domination_n and_o difference_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o when_o multiply_v by_o dispute_n about_o these_o indifferent_n bring_v mistrust_n upon_o all_o as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o certain_a last_o the_o heat_n cruelty_n and_o persecution_n use_v on_o these_o account_n can_v but_o look_v very_o strange_a and_o full_a of_o horror_n to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n for_o how_o can_v it_o but_o appear_v prodigy_n and_o portent_n that_o christian_a religion_n that_o count_v upon_o nothing_o but_o persecution_n of_o itself_o in_o the_o world_n shall_v turn_v the_o weapon_n use_v against_o it_o upon_o itself_o as_o have_v be_v most_o notorious_o infamous_a in_o the_o popish_a inhumanities_n or_o what_o stranger_n can_v think_v well_o of_o such_o a_o christianity_n and_o then_o more_o dire_a it_o be_v that_o protestant_a religion_n brand_a popery_n as_o a_o religion_n of_o blood_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o as_o tinctured_a with_o any_o of_o that_o spirit_n and_o that_o any_o of_o these_o evil_n shall_v be_v for_o the_o sake_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o indifferent_n that_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v devise_v by_o man_n that_o be_v not_o equal_a to_o god_n law_n that_o may_v be_v change_v for_o which_o other_o country_n that_o use_v they_o not_o be_v to_o be_v condemn_v whereas_o substantial_a order_n and_o decency_n be_v the_o same_o throughout_o the_o world_n some_o small_a local_a difference_n allow_v for_o this_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o complaint_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o reason_n that_o appear_v to_o dissenter_n against_o they_o be_v great_a and_o weighty_a in_o themselves_o let_v they_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o application_n yet_o a_o great_a reason_n on_o the_o contrary_a to_o any_o thing_n if_o misapprehend_v be_v of_o much_o more_o weight_n than_o a_o very_a slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a reason_n for_o it_o however_o true_a and_o though_o in_o a_o much_o inferior_a cause_n i_o acknowledge_v yet_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o make_v a_o allusion_n to_o that_o unavoidable_a argument_n against_o atheism_n that_o the_o endure_a of_o inconsiderable_a inconvenience_n though_o certain_a be_v much_o more_o eligible_a to_o a_o wise_a man_n than_o the_o adventure_n upon_o intolerable_a and_o endless_a inconveniency_n though_o suppose_v uncertain_a in_o a_o like_a manner_n though_o of_o a_o low_a consequence_n and_o yet_o not_o altogether_o low_o the_o great_a mischief_n of_o scandal_n though_o possible_o upon_o mistake_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hazard_v upon_o suppose_v the_o more_o certain_a little_a inconvenience_n of_o man_n not_o conform_v to_o indifferency_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o equal_a poise_n of_o the_o matter_n i_o shall_v brief_o present_v the_o objection_n against_o indulgence_n to_o dissenter_n in_o indifferency_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o scandal_n and_o the_o answer_n that_o may_v be_v return_v to_o they_o object_n 1._o if_o scandal_n be_v a_o argument_n against_o thing_n we_o must_v go_v out_o of_o all_o thing_n even_o out_o of_o the_o world_n nay_o out_o of_o religion_n itself_o for_o all_o thing_n be_v full_a of_o scandal_n even_o the_o best_a thing_n answ_n it_o will_v be_v yet_o a_o considerable_a service_n do_v to_o the_o world_n the_o christian_a world_n if_o but_o so_o much_o of_o scandal_n be_v defalk_v as_o have_v its_o play_n in_o indifferent_n the_o abatement_n will_v be_v above_o what_o can_v easy_o be_v believe_v if_o all_o that_o have_v swell_v the_o account_n of_o scandal_n from_o indifferent_a thing_n have_v be_v wise_o and_o thrifty_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o entrance_n of_o christianity_n to_o this_o day_n and_o the_o sting_n of_o the_o argument_n why_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v and_o yet_o shall_v be_v so_o be_v that_o they_o be_v but_o indifferent_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o use_n of_o which_o make_v we_o not_o the_o better_a nor_o the_o non-use_a the_o worse_o but_o the_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n be_v incomputable_o great_a so_o that_o the_o advantage_n of_o such_o a_o abatement_n have_v bring_v infinite_a recompense_n with_o usury_n in_o truth_n and_o peace_n for_o that_o little_a profit_n if_o any_o that_o can_v grow_v from_o barren_a and_o dead_a indifferent_n in_o religion_n though_o consider_v as_o separate_v from_o scandal_n object_n 2._o the_o apostle_n himself_o be_v enforce_v to_o change_v his_o voice_n concern_v indulgence_n to_o the_o weak_a in_o the_o judaique_a rite_n and_o to_o vote_v the_o persist_v in_o a_o love_n to_o they_o damnable_a and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n brand_v the_o idolothytes_n concede_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v afterward_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n so_o that_o the_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v so_o masterless_a unruly_a and_o headstrong_a as_o to_o endanger_v main_a concernment_n in_o religion_n if_o not_o reform_v the_o due_a time_n of_o indulgence_n be_v allow_v for_o it_o answ_n the_o mischief_n if_o near_o observe_v always_o grow_v from_o make_v more_o accession_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o religious_a service_n than_o god_n have_v make_v for_o the_o judaize_v in_o the_o galatian_n the_o will-worship_n and_o show_v of_o wisdom_n among_o the_o colossian_n the_o forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n all_o grow_v upon_o the_o same_o root_n even_o the_o idolatry_n and_o luxury_n of_o the_o idolothytes_n come_v not_o from_o a_o wise_a and_o christian_n assert_v god_n right_a above_o the_o idol_n but_o from_o sink_v down_o into_o the_o sensual_a worship_n of_o the_o idol_n by_o a_o daily_a conversation_n at_o his_o table_n in_o his_o temple_n and_o unite_n heathenism_n with_o christianity_n of_o one_o of_o which_o either_o judaisme_n or_o heathenism_n most_o rite_n be_v but_o the_o offspring_n the_o great_a danger_n be_v either_o in_o exalt_v god_n creature_n into_o a_o state_n and_o for_o uses_n and_o end_v above_o what_o he_o ordain_v they_o at_o humane_a pleasure_n and_o arbitrement_n or_o retrench_v the_o liberty_n god_n have_v give_v in_o the_o free_a use_n of_o his_o own_o creature_n for_o every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v good_a and_o nothing_o to_o be_v refuse_v if_o receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n for_o it_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o prayer_n now_o this_o can_v alike_o extend_v to_o the_o sign_n and_o ceremony_n create_v by_o humane_a imagination_n and_o impose_v with_o rigour_n and_o that_o not_o only_o on_o civil_a account_n which_o we_o meddle_v not_o with_o but_o upon_o religious_a where_o god_n be_v only_o supreme_a at_o which_o door_n have_v enter_v all_o the_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n into_o the_o world_n wind_v itself_o by_o lesser_a degree_n and_o so_o mount_v itself_o to_o the_o very_a top_n the_o great_a use_n of_o the_o apostle_n two_o discourse_n be_v therefore_o to_o be_v resolve_v into_o this_o one_o main_a position_n that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o indifferency_n wherein_o the_o use_n or_o non-use_a can_v commend_v we_o to_o god_n we_o shall_v not_o scandalize_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o offer_v scandal_n to_o any_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o which_o it_o be_v due_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o scandal_n run_v in_o the_o industrious_a impose_v and_o bind_v observation_n either_o by_o example_n that_o expect_v conformity_n to_o it_o or_o any_o more_o violent_a influence_n upon_o compliance_n that_o which_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o persuade_v to_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n of_o ritual_a distinction_n of_o day_n or_o meat_n but_o only_o the_o not_o eat_v such_o or_o such_o meat_n happen_v in_o these_o
every_o quarter_n with_o mischief_n how_o much_o better_a than_o be_v it_o that_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n be_v take_v away_o even_o while_o the_o world_n stand_v than_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v keep_v up_o as_o the_o sconce_n of_o scandal_n for_o indifferent_a thing_n let_v not_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v destroy_v nor_o any_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v in_o danger_n to_o perish_v the_o more_o we_o esteem_v our_o church_n our_o religion_n our_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o better_a and_o pure_a they_o be_v the_o more_o it_o be_v pity_v any_o shall_v be_v divide_v from_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o scandalize_v as_o to_o be_v schismatic_n from_o it_o either_o in_o our_o account_n or_o if_o it_o be_v that_o sin_n in_o the_o real_a danger_n of_o it_o and_o of_o perish_v in_o it_o the_o more_o excellent_a our_o church_n be_v the_o more_o the_o apostle_n rule_n take_v hold_v of_o we_o let_v not_o the_o good_a of_o our_o church_n be_v evil_o speak_v of_o as_o if_o it_o be_v ceremonial_a let_v we_o not_o lose_v any_o from_o our_o church_n for_o meat_n and_o drink_v increase_v not_o the_o woe_n of_o scandal_n any_o way_n for_o so_o mean_a thing_n as_o indifferent_n let_v we_o not_o endanger_v ourselves_o into_o the_o woe_n of_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v for_o element_n but_o beside_o all_o these_o consideration_n there_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_a a_o security_n in_o add_v any_o thing_n under_o any_o name_n whatever_o to_o the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n any_o more_o than_o to_o his_o word_n lest_o we_o be_v find_v liar_n to_o he_o mismatch_a with_o it_o what_o will_v not_o endure_v the_o fire_n great_a peace_n have_v they_o that_o 6._o prov._n 30._o 5_o 6._o love_v thy_o law_n o_o lord_n and_o that_o only_a nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o in_o nothing_o will_v they_o offend_v other_o observe_v rite_n that_o have_v be_v divine_a be_v not_o so_o safe_a to_o the_o first_o christian_n have_v to_o do_v with_o rite_n that_o have_v be_v corrupt_v idolatrous_o and_o superstitious_o prove_v very_o fatal_a ceremony_n be_v but_o shadow_n superstition_n easy_o pervade_v that_o little_a thin_a essence_n they_o have_v they_o have_v not_o the_o right_n of_o be_v god_n creation_n to_o bring_v they_o off_o to_o lie_v low_a than_o their_o corruption_n and_o commend_v they_o there_o be_v no_o such_o cause_n to_o be_v overzealous_a of_o such_o thing_n in_o regard_n of_o which_o a_o late_a history_n late_a father_n simmons_n be_v critical_a history_n romanist_n have_v say_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n differ_v little_a from_o the_o romish_a in_o outward_a appearance_n the_o argument_n strike_v all_o way_n if_o our_o constitution_n be_v so_o good_a and_o injure_v not_o at_o all_o by_o ceremony_n let_v we_o as_o christ_n seek_v and_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v those_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o least_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n let_v they_o not_o be_v lose_v for_o ceremony_n the_o love_n and_o compassion_n of_o a_o saviour_n triumph_v towards_o these_o least_o easy_o offend_v narrow-souled_a morose_n suppose_v they_o smoke_v flax_n bruise_a reed_n yet_o despise_v they_o not_o if_o christian_n if_o protestant_n their_o angel_n behold_v the_o face_n of_o the_o father_n of_o christ_n in_o heaven_n let_v they_o not_o be_v offend_v scandalize_v from_o union_n with_o our_o national_a church_n for_o ceremony_n if_o on_o the_o other_o side_n our_o ceremony_n in_o god_n account_n shall_v be_v blemish_n of_o our_o church_n and_o imperfection_n or_o if_o they_o may_v be_v turn_v into_o such_o by_o a_o ignorant_a use_n of_o they_o or_o if_o they_o cause_v division_n and_o scandal_n if_o the_o mischief_n of_o those_o scandal_n fall_v upon_o stranger_n to_o true_a religion_n and_o keep_v they_o at_o distance_n all_o these_o consideration_n weigh_v heavy_a against_o a_o zeal_n for_o they_o but_o if_o none_o of_o these_o can_v be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n yet_o if_o man_n doubt_v concern_v they_o what_o must_v they_o do_v how_o shall_v they_o escape_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n why_o shall_v this_o be_v hazard_v for_o indifferent_n and_o when_o the_o tide_n of_o advantage_n preferment_n public_a approbation_n be_v on_o one_o side_n deprivation_n of_o all_o those_o censure_n and_o penalty_n on_o the_o other_o who_o dare_v answer_n for_o many_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o principle_n much_o more_o venture_v over_o their_o doubt_n and_o yet_o in_o those_o very_a doubt_n have_v the_o apostle_n lay_v his_o doctrine_n or_o last_o woe_n can_v reasonable_o suppose_v man_n will_v stem_v this_o tide_n that_o be_v against_o they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o real_a conscientious_a doubt_n or_o high_a than_o doubt_n to_o contest_v with_o in_o prejudice_n of_o their_o compliance_n upon_o the_o whole_a then_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v impose_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n by_o a_o violent_a example_n much_o more_o by_o severe_a way_n be_v very_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n in_o that_o case_n and_o that_o upon_o reason_n that_o till_o i_o see_v they_o answer_v i_o must_v suppose_v unanswerable_a i_o have_v now_o thus_o far_o discourse_v of_o scandal_n in_o the_o more_o strict_a and_o particular_a case_n scripture_n have_v give_v we_o the_o notice_n of_o but_o in_o the_o remain_a head_n to_o be_v treat_v of_o i_o shall_v consider_v it_o in_o that_o large_a and_o most_o comprehensive_a grasp_v of_o it_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o require_v great_a wisdom_n and_o the_o prepossession_n of_o a_o more_o religious_a prudence_n than_o to_o sit_v and_o count_v the_o charge_n of_o undertake_v serious_a piety_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v bid_v we_o in_o relation_n to_o one_o branch_n of_o scandal_n persecution_n so_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o whole_a negotiation_n of_o scandal_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o great_a both_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o he_o have_v give_v full_a and_o ample_a warning_n before_o hand_n of_o all_o the_o disadvantage_n we_o be_v to_o encounter_v in_o our_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o as_o when_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o shall_v be_v false_a prophet_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n there_o shall_v be_v persecution_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o apostasy_n or_o general_a defection_n from_o true_a symmetral_n christianity_n within_o christianity_n itself_o and_o so_o in_o the_o present_a case_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o scandal_n come_v for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v one_o great_a defence_n against_o the_o evil_n predict_v as_o also_o against_o the_o stagger_a of_o our_o mind_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n itself_o let_v any_o man_n then_o inquire_v and_o search_v this_o thing_n out_o both_o in_o scripture_n and_o close_a reason_n and_o he_o will_v find_v scandal_n must_v come_v though_o he_o may_v at_o first_o think_v religion_n if_o it_o be_v so_o great_a and_o excellent_a as_o be_v give_v out_o of_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v darken_v and_o cloud_v with_o scandal_n but_o stand_v clear_a from_o it_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v any_o way_n liable_a to_o it_o now_o that_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o just_a and_o right_a even_o to_o perfection_n itself_o be_v every_o where_o record_v and_o publish_v of_o it_o wisdom_n speak_v excellent_a thing_n and_o the_o open_v its_o lip_n be_v 6._o prov._n 8._o 6._o right_a thing_n it_o speak_v truth_n and_o wickedness_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o its_o lip_n all_o its_o word_n be_v in_o righteousness_n and_o nothing_o froward_a or_o perverse_a in_o they_o they_o be_v all_o plain_a to_o he_o that_o understand_v and_o right_a to_o they_o that_o find_v knowledge_n the_o righteousness_n of_o thy_o testimony_n be_v everlasting_a give_v i_o understanding_n and_o i_o shall_v live_v god_n precept_n be_v right_o concern_v all_o thing_n and_o secure_a from_o every_o false_a way_n etc._n psal_n 119._o 104._o etc._n etc._n his_o law_n be_v the_o truth_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o lip_n man_n be_v keep_v from_o the_o path_n of_o the_o destroyer_n amid_o all_o the_o scandalize_a 11._o psal_n 17._o 4._o hos_fw-la 14._o 11._o and_o intangle_a work_n of_o man_n the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v all_o right_a if_o man_n have_v but_o right_a foot_n right_a intention_n affection_n and_o motion_n and_o yet_o when_o all_o this_o be_v grant_v let_v any_o man_n cast_v the_o thing_n in_o his_o severe_a thought_n and_o he_o will_v find_v it_o impossible_a as_o thing_n be_v religion_n shall_v be_v free_a from_o scandal_n and_o that_o therefore_o as_o if_o any_o man_n can_v deny_v himself_o he_o can_v be_v christ_n disciple_n so_o if_o
not_o strict_o of_o that_o seed_n with_o immediate_a revelation_n but_o when_o all_o these_o be_v corrupt_v as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n god_n withdraw_v himself_o by_o degree_n as_o the_o glory_n do_v from_o the_o temple_n in_o ezekiel_n till_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v but_o the_o darkness_n of_o tradition_n fearful_o debauch_v false_a deduction_n from_o nature_n light_n and_o worse_o than_o that_o the_o devil_n oracle_n in_o the_o room_n of_o god_n so_o that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o nation_n a_o second_o and_o more_o desperate_a fall_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o jewish_a church_n and_o a_o small_a proselytisme_n to_o that_o only_o except_v quest_n what_o example_n be_v there_o of_o god_n continue_v favour_n to_o any_o part_n of_o mankind_n out_o of_o abraham_n family_n justify_v he_o as_o not_o depart_v from_o man_n till_o they_o depart_v from_o he_o answ_n melchisedek_n no_o descendent_a from_o abraham_n be_v king_n of_o righteousness_n and_o king_n of_o peace_n at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o church_n be_v place_v in_o abraham_n seed_n laban_n be_v not_o whole_o revolt_v from_o true_a religion_n but_o especial_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o esau_n be_v eminent_a instance_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n that_o whole_a book_n of_o job_n testify_v that_o be_v help_v by_o holy_a tradition_n together_o with_o occasional_a revelation_n they_o hold_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n at_o its_o own_o purity_n quest_n how_o long_o do_v the_o nation_n that_o desert_a god_n continue_v under_o that_o dismal_a obscurity_n answ_n till_o that_o bless_a seed_n in_o who_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v bless_v and_o who_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n come_v and_o shine_v as_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n upon_o the_o whole_a world_n quest_n how_o be_v the_o light_n of_o revelation_n convey_v to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o elder_a time_n answ_n in_o divers_a way_n and_o manner_n in_o more_o immediate_a appearance_n in_o vision_n dream_n prophecy_n in_o inward_a illumination_n by_o a_o voice_n in_o all_o which_o there_o be_v when_o ever_o they_o be_v true_o from_o god_n such_o mighty_a evidence_n of_o divinity_n as_o overbalanced_a all_o doubt_n together_o with_o these_o be_v the_o ordinary_a and_o familiar_a instruction_n of_o patriarch_n and_o holy_a man_n ground_v upon_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n quest_n how_o do_v god_n conclude_v his_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o way_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n answ_n by_o speak_v in_o the_o last_o day_n by_o his_o son_n and_o the_o apostle_n immediate_o commissioned_n by_o he_o seal_v up_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n in_o the_o fullness_n and_o compliment_n of_o truth_n quest_n do_v god_n take_v any_o care_n for_o the_o secure_v the_o monument_n of_o his_o truth_n give_v out_o by_o revelation_n answ_n yes_o very_o early_o how_o early_o we_o know_v not_o but_o beyond_o controversy_n in_o the_o first_o form_v the_o jewish_a church_n into_o a_o settle_a body_n he_o begin_v the_o more_o sure_a and_o certain_a way_n of_o commit_v his_o word_n and_o will_n to_o write_v and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o set_v the_o copy_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o continue_v it_o till_o the_o whole_a revelation_n be_v complete_a passant_a revelation_n or_o oral_a tradidition_n not_o be_v sure_a enough_o quest_n wherein_o be_v the_o write_a word_n more_o sure_a than_o the_o word_n in_o pass_a revelation_n or_o tradition_n answ_n the_o word_n commit_v to_o write_v stand_v unalterable_a divine_a providence_n watch_v over_o what_o be_v write_v to_o keep_v it_o the_o same_o all_o covenant_n and_o treaty_n all_o monument_n of_o knowledge_n have_v be_v thus_o secure_v transmit_v into_o all_o part_n and_o consign_v to_o after_o age_n appeal_n in_o case_n of_o doubt_n be_v more_o safe_o make_v to_o what_o be_v write_v and_o every_o one_o concern_v have_v a_o ready_a and_o open_a way_n to_o examine_v and_o in_o all_o case_n to_o be_v resolve_v quest_n have_v all_o nation_n since_o the_o day_n of_o the_o bless_a seed_n be_v communicate_v with_o these_o revelation_n answ_n there_o have_v be_v a_o freedom_n give_v to_o communicate_v they_o and_o a_o right_n in_o all_o nation_n to_o demand_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o grant_v by_o god_n and_o christ_n to_o they_o but_o there_o be_v many_o sad_a account_n to_o be_v give_v why_o this_o universal_a grace_n to_o mankind_n have_v not_o yet_o take_v effect_n 1._o the_o unaccountableness_n of_o the_o method_n of_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o distinguish_a goodness_n even_o when_o thing_n seem_v equal_o dispose_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o one_o as_o of_o another_o 2._o the_o experiment_n make_v upon_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n that_o have_v the_o gospel_n justify_v god_n in_o not_o effectual_o convey_v it_o to_o other_o who_o will_v make_v as_o ill_o a_o use_n of_o it_o the_o idolatry_n superstition_n of_o some_o the_o sottish_a ignorance_n sloth_n and_o neglect_n of_o other_o the_o cruelty_n and_o barbarity_n exercise_v by_o christian_n upon_o one_o another_o and_o the_o unanswerable_a live_n to_o it_o in_o all_o sect_n make_v plain_a the_o great_a perverseness_n of_o our_o degenerate_a nature_n and_o how_o nation_n that_o have_v not_o the_o gospel_n will_v have_v abuse_v it_o if_o they_o have_v have_v it_o 3._o but_o especial_o the_o great_a enmity_n to_o and_o contempt_n of_o the_o heavenly_a doctrine_n great_a nation_n be_v environ_v with_o against_o the_o approach_n of_o it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v come_v within_o their_o notice_n as_o among_o jew_n turk_n and_o pagan_n be_v a_o very_a obvious_a reason_n why_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n free_a promulgation_n quest_n what_o then_o be_v the_o immediate_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o nation_n that_o have_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o guide_v they_o and_o the_o jew_n that_o have_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v be_v the_o one_o great_a enemy_n to_o all_o scripture_n revelation_n and_o the_o other_o to_o the_o new_a testament_n answ_n because_o nation_n that_o have_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n stay_v not_o themselves_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_o divine_a and_o public_a in_o nature_n law_n but_o either_o by_o unnatural_a collection_n and_o miserable_a wrest_n of_o its_o principle_n or_o fly_v to_o false_a and_o dark_a revelation_n fortify_v themselves_o in_o falsehood_n or_o misapply_v truth_n as_o to_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a they_o be_v bemi_v with_o the_o private_a interpretation_n they_o have_v affix_v to_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o see_v the_o clear_a easy_a and_o certain_a train_n of_o the_o same_o public_a and_o divine_a run_v betwixt_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a but_o the_o rudiment_n in_o 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the_o very_a lest_o thing_n but_o as_o command_v by_o himself_o first_o for_o than_o they_o will_v be_v lord_n which_o he_o plain_o declare_v against_o and_o absolute_o deny_v to_o they_o and_o that_o what_o they_o do_v as_o command_v by_o he_o they_o shall_v do_v so_o in_o duty_n and_o service_n to_o the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o subordinate_o to_o his_o church_n as_o not_o to_o be_v call_v or_o esteem_v benefactor_n for_o their_o service_n so_o that_o it_o must_v be_v evident_a what_o their_o superior_a service_n be_v it_o must_v be_v plain_o express_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o there_o at_o least_o so_o determinate_o set_v down_o as_o to_o be_v deduce_v with_o great_a clearness_n to_o the_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n of_o christian_n and_o distinguish_o from_o the_o service_n of_o other_o subordinate_a ruler_n appoint_v by_o christ_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v wait_v for_o and_o receive_v according_a to_o his_o ordinance_n with_o faith_n and_o obedience_n 3._o see_v 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only_o to_o teach_v the_o observation_n of_o thing_n command_v they_o by_o the_o lord_n himself_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o constant_a disclaimer_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o any_o despotic_a or_o lordlike_o power_n in_o church-ruler_n christ_n express_o compare_v the_o power_n he_o give_v with_o civil_a power_n and_o resolve_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o his_o disciple_n as_o be_v among_o they_o he_o say_v the_o chief_a among_o they_o shall_v be_v minister_n and_o servant_n deliver_v the_o will_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o not_o lord_n themselves_o they_o must_v have_v no_o will_n of_o their_o own_o to_o promulge_v they_o profess_v they_o preach_v jesus_n the_o lord_n and_z themselves_z servants_z for_o jesus_n sake_n servant_n of_o those_o they_o preach_v to_o as_o they_o minister_v to_o they_o the_o divine_a will_n not_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o ensample_n of_o the_o flock_n ambassador_n deliver_v only_o the_o message_n of_o their_o master_n and_o beseech_v man_n but_o 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church_n the_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a monarchy_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n and_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v no_o other_o nor_o can_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n dictate_v any_o other_o there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v or_o destroy_v and_o there_o need_v not_o any_o more_o master_n for_o more_o will_v certain_o breed_v confusion_n whatever_o therefore_o be_v clear_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o to_o be_v make_v out_o to_o be_v so_o whatever_o be_v the_o evident_a dictate_v of_o nature_n as_o distinction_n of_o sex_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 3._o in_o their_o public_a appearance_n in_o religious_a assembly_n administration_n of_o divine_a service_n in_o a_o know_a language_n 1_o cor._n 14._o v._n 5._o the_o speak_v of_o one_o prophet_n only_o at_o once_o and_o not_o in_o a_o confusion_n of_o voice_n v._o 31._o all_o such_o natural_a order_n and_o decency_n or_o whatever_o be_v of_o indisputable_a decency_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n 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