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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
church_n build_v peter_n rock_n 30,238 5 9.7701 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A27586 A Catholick catechism shewing the impossibility the Catholick religion should be varied to the degree of a thought, from the measures left sealed by the apostles, without the loss of truth, and therefore the impossibility popery, or whatever else is not found in Scripture, should be Catholick : composed to the capacity of the meanest that will but consider, that they may know and be ready upon unmovable reasons, to give an apologie or defensive answer for the Catholick religion, if they are indeed of it, and be secured from temptation in times of danger. Beverley, Thomas. 1683 (1683) Wing B2128; ESTC R37094 96,192 164

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all_o argument_n that_o truth_n of_o scripture_n and_o so_o persist_v in_o it_o for_o ever_o quest_n can_v then_o the_o church_n fail_v answ_n it_o have_v be_v say_v before_o the_o true_a church_n can_v fail_v for_o the_o true_a church_n be_v as_o have_v be_v describe_v the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o which_o be_v so_o can_v fail_v and_o god_n will_v have_v such_o a_o church_n always_o in_o the_o world_n if_o any_o person_n city_n or_o nation_n that_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o church_n have_v this_o light_n eclipse_v the_o candlestick_n remove_v for_o it_o be_v only_o a_o candlestick_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o light_n and_o the_o pillar_n itself_o shake_v and_o fall_v if_o the_o record_v fix_v to_o it_o be_v take_v away_o and_o the_o palace_n and_o court_n remove_v with_o the_o prince_n who_o be_v always_o with_o his_o truth_n and_o the_o lively_a motion_n of_o it_o so_o much_o truth_n therefore_o and_o active_a display_v of_o 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himself_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o how_o do_v this_o actuate_v scripture_n answ_n it_o mean_v nothing_o but_o the_o perpetuity_n and_o continuation_n of_o truth_n with_o the_o church_n establish_v itself_o by_o all_o that_o firmness_n of_o divine_a evidence_n and_o reason_n and_o on_o those_o very_a security_n take_v possession_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o ark_n of_o its_o strength_n where_o itself_o or_o the_o god_n that_o be_v truth_n itself_o place_v the_o sole_n of_o his_o foot_n as_o on_o his_o unmovable_a footstool_n for_o ever_o of_o which_o the_o ark_n in_o the_o holy_a be_v a_o type_n the_o footstool_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o mercy_n the_o secure_a repository_n of_o the_o table_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o ark_n of_o testimony_n over_o which_o the_o shecinah_n or_o glory_n appear_v as_o enthrone_v attend_v with_o cherubim_n and_o set_v its_o foot_n upon_o it_o the_o place_n of_o my_o throne_n and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o sole_n of_o my_o foot_n ezek._n 43._o 7._o for_o thus_o the_o true_a church_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v be_v the_o unchangeable_a rest_n of_o truth_n it_o adhere_v to_o truth_n it_o buy_v the_o truth_n and_o never_o sell_v it_o truth_n dwell_v with_o it_o for_o ever_o god_n never_o suffer_v it_o to_o apostatise_v from_o truth_n but_o by_o the_o constant_a hold_v of_o the_o judgement_n and_o retain_v the_o love_n and_o zeal_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o those_o that_o be_v indeed_o his_o church_n he_o have_v settle_v his_o word_n in_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n even_o as_o it_o be_v for_o ever_o settle_v in_o heaven_n the_o church_n therefore_o actuate_v scripture_n by_o find_v out_o reason_n debate_v enforce_v defend_v by_o
god_n concern_v the_o state_n and_o action_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n and_o the_o transaction_n in_o heaven_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o he_o than_o that_o pronounce_v agreeable_o with_o that_o word_n pronounce_v as_o heaven_n do_v and_o will_v pronounce_v heaven_n bind_v what_o he_o bind_v and_o lose_v what_o he_o lose_v because_o he_o speak_v the_o voice_n of_o heaven_n in_o both_o case_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o bind_v or_o loose_v except_o in_o the_o power_n of_o this_o word_n and_o according_a to_o it_o in_o its_o virtue_n in_o its_o truth_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o end_n to_o the_o glory_n to_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o christ_n to_o bind_v any_o single_a christian_a by_o excommunication_n and_o not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n be_v as_o much_o a_o brutum_fw-la fulmen_fw-la a_o thunder_n to_o no_o purpose_n a_o causeless_a curse_n that_o shall_v not_o come_v as_o for_o the_o pope_n to_o excommunicate_v whole_a protestant_a church_n quest_n what_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n answ_n it_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n in_o a_o neighbourhood_n or_o number_n of_o christian_n communicate_v one_o with_o another_o ordinary_o even_o as_o the_o whole_a cotholick_a church_n will_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a communicate_v with_o itself_o in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n exact_o according_a the_o to_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n wherein_o this_o be_v the_o distinguish_a character_n of_o the_o true_a church_n that_o its_o communion_n be_v not_o with_o itself_o primary_o but_o ●ts_v communion_n be_v so_o with_o itself_o as_o to_o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n principal_o as_o the_o fountainhead_n centre_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o communion_n and_o therein_o it_o hold_v out_o and_o invite_v to_o its_o communion_n cap._n x._o of_o the_o officer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n quest_n can_v there_o be_v either_o a_o orderly_a or_o a_o effectual_a actuation_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o church_n as_o a_o congregation_n without_o distinct_a and_o separate_a office_n and_o officer_n that_o may_v attend_v continual_o on_o this_o very_a thing_n answ_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o assembly_n without_o order_n will_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o assembly_n and_o fall_v into_o a_o confusion_n or_o rude_a multitude_n all_o wise_a and_o prudent_a assembly_n have_v always_o have_v elder_n to_o preside_v over_o they_o and_o our_o lord_n have_v ordain_v such_o to_o moderate_v throughout_o his_o congregation_n or_o church_n to_o conduct_v all_o the_o public_a service_n of_o religion_n for_o all_o thing_n therein_o be_v actual_o administer_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n the_o noble_a organical_a part_n of_o the_o church_n like_o those_o sense_n that_o attend_v upon_o the_o understanding_n most_o immediate_o see_v eye_n and_o hear_v ear_n so_o these_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v most_o fit_v engage_v and_o provoke_v hereunto_o they_o be_v even_o according_a to_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n separate_v to_o their_o office_n and_o unto_o all_o preparation_n for_o they_o by_o read_v and_o meditation_n as_o to_o their_o proper_a call_v and_o business_n of_o life_n see_v they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a inablement_n or_o excitation_n to_o their_o service_n quest_n what_o title_n or_o character_n do_v the_o new_a testament_n place_n upon_o these_o officer_n answ_n those_o that_o we_o have_v especial_a respect_n to_o for_o in_o the_o deacon_n if_o strict_o take_v we_o be_v less_o concern_v receive_v denomination_n either_o from_o their_o work_n and_o service_n or_o from_o that_o honour_n and_o estimation_n due_a to_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o such_o a_o service_n from_o their_o work_n they_o be_v style_v apostle_n evangelist_n pastor_n teacher_n minister_n servant_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n also_o from_o the_o estimation_n and_o honour_n due_a to_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o work_n and_o the_o authority_n it_o ought_v to_o carry_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o christian_n they_o be_v style_v bishop_n elder_n ruler_n guide_n and_o ensample_n as_o also_o ambassador_n and_o the_o work_n and_o the_o honour_n do_v so_o enclose_v one_o another_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v separate_v and_o be_v in_o their_o institution_n the_o measure_n one_o of_o another_o extend_v both_o to_o obedience_n and_o support_v of_o they_o in_o their_o work_n and_o the_o title_n be_v so_o prepare_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v change_v for_o any_o other_o nor_o the_o scripture-language_n herein_o to_o be_v alter_v for_o any_o word_n not_o import_v the_o same_o proper_a sense_n quest_n how_o shall_v the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v that_o there_o may_v be_v that_o obedience_n and_o submission_n pay_v to_o they_o that_o be_v command_v answ_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o discern_v they_o but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n of_o which_o all_o true_a minister_n be_v the_o minister_n on_o account_n of_o which_o alone_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o they_o be_v due_a their_o bring_v that_o word_n in_o its_o own_o life_n evidence_n and_o power_n be_v their_o best_a commission_n quest_n but_o how_o be_v they_o most_o orderly_o install_v into_o so_o high_a a_o function_n answ_n christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v ascend_v up_o on_o high_a and_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n take_v it_o upon_o he_o as_o his_o supreme_a care_n to_o thrust_v forth_o labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n the_o several_a congregation_n of_o christian_n observe_v ministerial_a ability_n and_o meetness_n to_o teach_v call_v out_o to_o such_o to_o help_v they_o and_o herein_o in_o the_o cessation_n of_o extraordinary_a gift_n the_o school_n of_o learning_n and_o religious_a education_n like_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n do_v best_a prepare_v and_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n before_o they_o do_v most_o orderly_o recommend_v to_o choice_n and_o acceptance_n in_o the_o great_a service_n such_o as_o be_v scribe_n instruct_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o commit_v to_o they_o the_o charge_n of_o teach_v other_o for_o in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o act_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o preside_v with_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o congregation_n quest_n be_v the_o lord_n christ_n please_v then_o to_o act_v general_o by_o the_o elder_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n general_o and_o ordinary_o he_o do_v so_o the_o officer_n be_v therefore_o more_o particular_o entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o the_o key_n even_o as_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v thus_o eminent_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n our_o lord_n found_v his_o church_n and_o so_o edify_v and_o build_v it_o up_o in_o after-age_n by_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o when_o great_a defection_n have_v prevail_v upon_o it_o summon_v it_o to_o reformation_n by_o some_o raise_v up_o among_o those_o officer_n and_o who_o he_o send_v out_o as_o such_o to_o reform_v and_o recover_v his_o church_n yet_o still_o all_o this_o power_n be_v in_o and_o according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o no_o other_o and_o so_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v the_o knowledge_n judgement_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v join_v in_o all_o the_o officer_n do_v as_o have_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o key_n also_o because_o they_o have_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o understanding_n open_v and_o apply_v of_o which_o to_o particular_a case_n the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o key_n rest_v the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o the_o brethren_n or_o whole_a church_n be_v together_o please_v and_o together_o join_v in_o that_o famous_a conciliary_a epistle_n act_v 15._o 22._o quest_n i_o desire_v your_o more_o full_a explanation_n of_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o power_n accompany_v it_o answ_n i_o will_v very_o willing_o do_v as_o you_o desire_v and_o begin_v with_o the_o apostle_n quest_n wherein_o stand_v their_o power_n answ_n it_o stand_v in_o their_o preach_v act_v direct_v govern_v by_o that_o immediate_a and_o infallible_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o write_v and_o seal_v scripture_n and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v so_o guard_v every_o way_n that_o they_o can_v turn_v neither_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a in_o any_o thing_n wherein_o they_o exercise_v this_o power_n quest_n how_o be_v this_o power_n justify_v answ_n by_o the_o divineness_n substantial_a goodness_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o their_o prescription_n propose_v in_o all_o the_o method_n of_o
man_n conscience_n beyond_o the_o valuableness_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o prudence_n and_o order_n except_o undeniable_a holiness_n industry_n and_o improve_v understanding_n recommend_v any_o person_n to_o such_o eminency_n for_o eminency_n and_o be_v tall_a than_o other_o in_o those_o qualification_n will_v make_v any_o person_n a_o bishop_n in_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o one_o whether_o so_o ordinate_v or_o not_o and_o can_v make_v he_o that_o be_v a_o dwarf_n in_o these_o true_o a_o bishop_n however_o for_o order_n sake_n he_o may_v stand_v in_o the_o place_n of_o that_o figure_n he_o that_o excel_v in_o his_o knowledge_n of_o obedience_n to_o zeal_n for_o and_o authority_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n see_v that_o word_n convey_v all_o this_o kind_n of_o power_n from_o itself_o must_v needs_o have_v more_o of_o that_o kind_n of_o power_n so_o convey_v than_o other_o for_o the_o more_o pure_o this_o word_n be_v understand_v and_o preach_v the_o more_o power_n go_v out_o of_o it_o and_o along_o with_o those_o that_o display_v it_o and_o so_o they_o become_v pastor_n of_o a_o high_a character_n whether_o of_o a_o high_a order_n or_o not_o cap._n xi_o of_o every_o man_n obligation_n to_o be_v wise_a for_o himself_o to_o salvation_n quest_n according_a to_o all_o the_o precedent_a account_n of_o the_o church_n it_o seem_v not_o only_o reasonable_a but_o most_o necessary_a every_o man_n shall_v be_v wise_a for_o himself_o unto_o salvation_n answ_n it_o be_v certain_o so_o for_o every_o man_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n to_o which_o purpose_n he_o be_v to_o apply_v his_o mind_n to_o search_v for_o true_a wisdom_n as_o for_o silver_n and_o to_o seek_v for_o it_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n quest_n how_o shall_v man_n of_o so_o great_a disadvantage_n to_o such_o high_a thing_n be_v enable_v to_o judge_n answ_n wisdom_n assume_v most_o just_o to_o itself_o to_o be_v of_o so_o high_a value_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v think_v it_o worth_a his_o while_n to_o labour_n and_o travel_v herein_o and_o to_o they_o that_o do_v so_o it_o have_v promise_v the_o most_o certain_a success_n even_o the_o pour_v out_o its_o spirit_n to_o they_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v understand_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n be_v not_o of_o such_o difficulty_n but_o that_o they_o be_v attainable_a in_o the_o use_n of_o right_a mean_n under_o so_o great_a promise_n quest_n what_o be_v those_o right_a mean_n answ_n bow_v down_o our_o ear_n to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a that_o be_v of_o those_o that_o by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n have_v be_v wise_a and_o write_v their_o wisdom_n for_o future_a age_n and_o by_o apply_v our_o heart_n to_o divine_a knowledge_n upon_o which_o they_o come_v to_o be_v inlay_v within_o we_o and_o to_o be_v fit_v to_o our_o lip_n to_o be_v agreeable_a and_o well_o match_v to_o our_o discourse_n and_o not_o like_o a_o parable_n in_o a_o fool_n mouth_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o these_o thing_n speak_v and_o write_v to_o the_o learned_a and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v know_v for_o the_o people_n and_o the_o people_n put_v their_o trust_n in_o they_o answ_n no_o they_o be_v write_v to_o thou_o even_o to_o thou_o that_o be_v to_o every_o one_o that_o they_o may_v have_v their_o trust_n only_o in_o god_n that_o be_v find_v the_o rock_n of_o divine_a veracity_n and_o infallibility_n and_o have_v no_o need_n to_o trust_v in_o man_n but_o to_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n either_o to_o those_o that_o advise_v with_o they_o as_o friend_n or_o challenge_v they_o as_o enemy_n quest_n if_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v undoubted_o much_o more_o so_o of_o the_o new_a answ_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o as_o a_o high_a and_o more_o intellectual_a state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o much_o free_a and_o clear_a in_o its_o notion_n of_o truth_n the_o apostle_n discourse_v christian_n as_o no_o christian_n if_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_n as_o wise_a man_n what_o they_o say_v if_o they_o be_v not_o man_n in_o understanding_n if_o they_o attain_v not_o to_o the_o state_n of_o teacher_n by_o skill_n in_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n and_o have_v sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v by_o a_o intellectual_a and_o spiritual_a gust_n thing_n good_a and_o evil_a if_o they_o can_v give_v a_o apology_n or_o defence_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o that_o be_v of_o their_o christianity_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v they_o a_o rational_a account_n of_o it_o quest_n but_o in_o thing_n of_o perplexity_n and_o doubt_v be_v not_o christian_n bind_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o teacher_n answ_n if_o they_o can_v receive_v and_o digest_v their_o reason_n and_o take_v in_o the_o light_n they_o judge_v by_o so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o their_o own_o else_o if_o they_o can_v find_v their_o reason_n nor_o acquit_v themselves_o from_o doubt_n they_o must_v suspend_v for_o a_o christian_n be_v command_v by_o his_o lord_n to_o call_v no_o man_n upon_o earth_n master_n or_o father_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o answ_n it_o be_v this_o very_a thing_n that_o we_o shall_v receive_v nothing_o as_o doctrine_n or_o indisputable_a truth_n or_o precept_n upon_o any_o man_n word_n that_o do_v not_o offer_v such_o reason_n and_o authority_n from_o god_n and_o his_o word_n that_o we_o ourselves_o see_v reason_n not_o to_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n quest_n but_o be_v it_o not_o say_v that_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o watch_v for_o our_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o the_o same_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o surrender_v our_o judgement_n to_o they_o how_o can_v they_o give_v a_o account_n answ_n they_o that_o rule_n over_o we_o watch_v for_o our_o soul_n and_o must_v give_v a_o account_n as_o ezekiel_n prophet_n and_o watchman_n by_z giving_z warn_v lay_v truth_n before_o we_o offer_v the_o sincere_a word_n of_o god_n in_o all_o case_n the_o success_n of_o which_o upon_o soul_n convert_v and_o save_v be_v their_o crown_n and_o glory_n and_o their_o unsuccess_n look_v like_o a_o sorrow_n to_o see_v those_o soul_n lose_v for_o who_o they_o labour_v in_o vain_a and_o spend_v their_o strength_n upon_o they_o for_o nought_o yet_o so_o that_o if_o they_o have_v be_v faithful_a though_o without_o success_n their_o reward_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o their_o work_n with_o god_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o every_o man_n be_v so_o to_o account_v for_o his_o own_o soul_n that_o the_o very_a success_n be_v not_o a_o blind_a obedience_n to_o ruler_n but_o as_o be_v say_v a_o receive_v the_o word_n not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o these_o watchman_n neglect_v their_o duty_n or_o seduce_v instead_o of_o teach_v man_n be_v to_o apply_v to_o better_a mean_n afford_v by_o god_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o still_o die_v in_o their_o iniquity_n and_o follow_v their_o blind_a leader_n fall_v into_o the_o pit_n which_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a argument_n that_o we_o may_v trust_v in_o no_o man_n but_o in_o god_n only_o for_o if_o a_o implicit_a faith_n can_v be_v a_o save_a faith_n it_o shall_v save_v those_o that_o follow_v such_o guide_n though_o they_o themselves_o be_v just_o condemn_v in_o not_o discharge_v their_o trust_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n to_o be_v trust_v at_o a_o high_a rate_n than_o thus_o answ_n no_o there_o be_v such_o evident_a mark_n of_o divine_a doctrine_n always_o give_v by_o god_n to_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v love_n and_o obey_v he_o that_o even_o the_o very_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v 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that_o no_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n can_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o religion_n but_o look_v monstrous_a and_o horrid_a only_o so_o far_o as_o it_o borrow_v some_o or_o more_o of_o the_o grand_a principle_n of_o our_o true_a religion_n nor_o can_v be_v at_o all_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a but_o be_v vain_a and_o ridiculous_a if_o it_o receive_v no_o ballast_n from_o true-religion_n that_o then_o which_o be_v account_v for_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v remember_v i_o shall_v especial_o apply_v myself_o to_o ascertain_v true_a christianity_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o false_a or_o popish_a christianity_n by_o that_o which_o will_v much_o ascertain_v all_o true_a religion_n also_o in_o general_n and_o difference_n it_o from_o all_o false_a religion_n quest_n i_o much_o desire_n to_o have_v some_o such_o test_n as_o you_o seem_v to_o intimate_v and_o promise_v answ_n i_o can_v furnish_v you_o with_o a_o better_a sure_a and_o more_o lively_a than_o that_o emblem_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n represent_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n by_o a_o foursquare_a city_n the_o length_n and_o the_o breadth_n and_o the_o height_n of_o which_o be_v equal_a the_o wall_n and_o the_o gate_n and_o the_o city_n itself_o amount_v to_o so_o many_o square_n solid_a furlong_n all_o exact_o regulate_v by_o the_o number_n twelve_o all_o of_o massy-gold_n and_o most_o precious_a pearil_n rev._n 21._o quest_n the_o very_a general_n view_n of_o so_o rich_a a_o emblem_n much_o affect_v i_o but_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o lead_v i_o into_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o each_o particular_a purpose_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n what_o be_o i_o to_o understand_v by_o the_o city_n answ_n it_o be_v evident_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n that_o be_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n the_o true_a church_n seat_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n paul_n assure_v we_o the_o christian_a church_n so_o spirit_v with_o true_a christianity_n be_v jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o the_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a jerusalem_n which_o be_v free_a and_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o if_o true_a christian_n gal._n 4._o 26._o quest_n what_o do_v you_o understand_v by_o the_o foundation_n the_o wall_n the_o gate_n the_o city_n itself_o answ_n i_o be_o not_o bold_a or_o curious_a in_o pursue_v emblem_n too_o close_o but_o understand_v in_o general_a by_o the_o whole_a of_o all_o these_o the_o doctrine_n the_o worship_n the_o rule_n of_o life_n the_o discipline_n of_o the_o true_a church_n quest_n what_o be_v we_o direct_v to_o by_o all_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o number_n twelve_o answ_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a the_o twelve_o apostle_n of_o the_o lamb_n give_v the_o honour_n to_o the_o number_n twelve_o for_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n that_o be_v the_o truth_n minister_v infallible_o by_o they_o be_v the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o true_a christian_a church_n be_v build_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o 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forget_v the_o city_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o lie_a foursquare_n and_o be_v solid_a square_a measure_n for_o so_o it_o must_v be_v if_o the_o length_n breadth_n and_o height_n be_v all_o equal_a answ_n i_o do_v not_o at_o all_o forget_v it_o but_o suffer_v your_o question_n to_o lead_v through_o all_o i_o less_o design_v that_o they_o may_v come_v to_o the_o principal_a character_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o true_a church_n so_o exact_o adequate_a to_o one_o another_o quest_n will_v you_o then_o more_o full_o explain_v this_o similitude_n answ_n that_o i_o may_v the_o better_a do_v it_o i_o must_v repeat_v it_o from_o the_o very_a ground_n and_o bottom_n of_o it_o which_o be_v that_o god_n make_v use_v as_o he_o please_v of_o all_o the_o knowledge_n and_o science_n ●hat_n be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o minister_v to_o divine_a knowledge_n ●●_o which_o he_o principal_o intend_v to_o instruct_v as_o be_v most_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o all_o of_o what_o 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continue_v what_o they_o just_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o true_a religion_n be_v thereupon_o present_v to_o we_o under_o exact_a number_n and_o measure_n fall_v in_o one_o with_o another_o the_o number_n twelve_o multiply_v into_o a_o square_a cube_n of_o twelve_o thousand_o furlong_n and_o as_o the_o foursquare_n figure_n do_v so_o bind_v and_o be_v so_o compact_v with_o itself_o that_o it_o can_v receive_v the_o least_o addition_n but_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o its_o square_n nor_o the_o least_o diminution_n but_o under_o the_o same_o forfeiture_n thus_o true_a religion_n be_v so_o perfect_o itself_o that_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v add_v to_o nor_o diminish_v from_o but_o with_o a_o proportionable_a loss_n of_o itself_o god_n be_v please_v upon_o this_o account_n to_o choose_v this_o figure_n for_o the_o altar_n under_o the_o law_n for_o the_o breastplate_n of_o judgement_n this_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o solomon_n oracle_n how_o far_o the_o measure_n in_o ezekiel_n agree_v i_o 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in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o be_v confine_v within_o the_o monarchy_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o nothing_o to_o be_v impose_v or_o forbid_v but_o according_a to_o that_o so_o it_o do_v every_o where_o disinterest_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_v or_o intermeddle_v in_o civil_a government_n or_o thing_n pertain_v to_o it_o it_o suppose_v civil_a power_n will_v oblige_v to_o and_o determine_v indifferency_n in_o civil_a thing_n this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n as_o they_o please_v and_o therein_o exercise_v a_o lordship_n but_o christ_n have_v declare_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o his_o disciple_n do_v yet_o command_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n all_o obedience_n to_o these_o principality_n and_o power_n even_o thus_o command_v if_o not_o against_o god_n command_n direct_o so_o that_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n the_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v only_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o its_o rule_n and_o duty_n but_o can_v have_v no_o more_o relief_n against_o 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one_o of_o the_o polity_n of_o this_o world_n by_o canon_n and_o constitution_n of_o its_o own_o not_o found_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o introduce_v on_o other_o pretence_n and_o that_o if_o christian_n do_v not_o submit_v to_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v account_v schismatic_n and_o excommunicate_v as_o heathen_n if_o they_o do_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n thus_o ordain_v in_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o all_o this_o by_o the_o charter_n of_o the_o key_n or_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v or_o loose_v be_v as_o gross_a a_o forgery_n as_o popery_n have_v any_o in_o this_o point_n indeed_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o whole_a church_n shall_v by_o proper_a way_n and_o mean_n find_v out_o by_o christ_n be_v model_v into_o one_o universal_a uniformity_n of_o government_n and_o ceremony_n see_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v but_o one_o and_o that_o the_o roman_a suppose_v it_o 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true_a church_n quest_n be_v there_o not_o a_o antichurch_n or_o antichristian-church_n that_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o true-church_n answ_n there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v so_o for_o many_o age_n and_o that_o have_v take_v upon_o it_o in_o the_o most_o public_a way_n to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n quest_n with_o what_o advantage_n have_v it_o be_v arm_v thus_o to_o take_v upon_o itself_o at_o all_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n answ_n it_o have_v rise_v out_o of_o the_o true_a ancient_a apostolic_a church_n that_o receive_v the_o true_a christianity_n from_o the_o apostle_n at_o rome_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o which_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n witness_n rom._n 1._o 8._o be_v speak_v of_o throughout_o the_o world_n it_o have_v retain_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n the_o write_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o apostolical_a man_n and_o so_o 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despite_v it_o have_v turn_v whole_a christianity_n into_o a_o very_a contrary_a thing_n to_o itself_o while_o therefore_o it_o hold_v those_o point_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o record_n of_o it_o in_o veneration_n and_o yet_o support_v all_o its_o falsehood_n thereby_o it_o become_v perfect_o a_o antichurch_n or_o antichristian_a it_o have_v in_o regard_n of_o those_o article_n of_o truth_n it_o hold_v and_o actuate_v so_o much_o as_o to_o have_v the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o christian_a and_o yet_o have_v they_o so_o falsify_v corrupt_v and_o change_v from_o themselves_o it_o become_v a_o mock-church_n a_o mock-christianity_n that_o be_v a_o antichurch_n and_o anti-christian_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o true-church_n and_o true-christianity_n and_o as_o to_o its_o actuation_n of_o truth_n it_o have_v so_o actuate_v truth_n as_o to_o actuate_v by_o truth_n its_o own_o falsehood_n and_o lie_v upon_o truth_n quest_n how_o then_o do_v it_o rise_v to_o such_o a_o eminency_n and_o pretence_n of_o be_v catholic_n and_o public_a answ_n the_o many_o concurrence_n of_o divine_a providence_n under_o his_o deep_a and_o unsearchable_a judgement_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o relation_n to_o that_o state_n he_o have_v appoint_v for_o his_o church_n i_o leave_v to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n and_o roman_a empire_n in_o those_o time_n by_o which_o may_v be_v understand_v how_o the_o papacy_n take_v the_o advantage_n to_o exalt_v itself_o not_o only_o above_o the_o episcopal_a chair_n then_o in_o a_o ambitious_a contest_v for_o supremacy_n but_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n that_o be_v the_o imperial_a power_n itself_o and_o so_o set_v its_o foot_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o christian_a prince_n throughout_o the_o world_n till_o the_o great_a cheat_n begin_v to_o be_v detect_v and_o all_o this_o by_z and_o upon_o pretence_n of_o be_v the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o head_n of_o the_o catholic_n that_o be_v the_o 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wilderness_n revel_v 12._o 14._o the_o witness_n prophesy_v in_o sackcloth_n be_v slay_v and_o lie_v dead_a three_o day_n and_o a_o half_a true_a christianity_n be_v in_o all_o appearance_n extinct_a the_o measure_v the_o altar_n the_o temple_n and_o those_o that_o worship_n in_o it_o signify_v the_o close_a retirement_n of_o pure_a religion_n and_o the_o outward_a court_n leave_v to_o be_v tread_v down_o by_o the_o gentile_n or_o heathen_a christian_n and_o their_o impure_a rite_n and_o worship_n and_o therefore_o exclude_v from_o those_o strict_a measure_n true_a undefiled_a christianity_n be_v enclose_v within_o revel_v 11._o 1._o now_o upon_o all_o these_o representation_n of_o such_o a_o state_n of_o the_o church_n so_o exquisite_o shadow_v and_o resemble_v and_o compare_v with_o that_o deep_a plunge_n and_o immersement_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o popish_a midnight_n who_o can_v but_o believe_v these_o with_o many_o concurrent_a delineation_n in_o 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