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church_n catholic_n communion_n sound_a 2,706 5 9.7321 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A34538 The kingdom of God among men a tract of the sound state of religion, or that Christianity which is described in the holy Scriptures and of the things that make for the security and increase thereof in the world, designing its more ample diffusion among the professed Christians of all sorts and its surer propagation to future ages : with The point of church-unity and schism discuss'd / by John Corbet. Corbet, John, 1620-1680. 1679 (1679) Wing C6258; ESTC R23940 125,145 296

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there_o be_v a_o real_a hazard_n of_o a_o great_a mischief_n and_o in_o hasty_a attempt_n of_o change_n thing_n may_v be_v carry_v on_o beyond_o the_o commendable_a end_n design_v even_o to_o its_o utter_a ruin_n for_o common_o man_n be_v not_o master_n of_o what_o they_o get_v in_o such_o precipitate_a way_n chap._n xxviii_o consideration_n tend_v to_o a_o due_a enlargement_n and_o unity_n in_o church-communion_n a_o unhappy_a kind_n of_o controversy_n about_o form_n of_o divine_a worship_n ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o qualification_n of_o church_n member_n have_v be_v the_o calamity_n of_o our_o time_n the_o difference_n in_o these_o point_n have_v make_v a_o sad_a breach_n upon_o church_n unity_n and_o divide_v brethren_n of_o the_o same_o reform_a profession_n both_o in_o affection_n and_o interest_n and_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o much_o misery_n in_o regard_v whereof_o some_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o a_o amicable_a condescension_n among_o brethren_n and_o for_o 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sinful_a weakness_n
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to_o
the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n among_o man_n a_o tract_n of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n or_o that_o christianity_n which_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o the_o security_n and_o increase_n thereof_o in_o the_o world_n design_v its_o more_o ample_a diffusion_n among_o profess_a christian_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o its_o sure_a propagation_n to_o future_a age_n with_o the_o point_n of_o church-unity_n and_o schism_n discuss_v by_o john_n corbet_n london_n print_v for_o thomas_n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n at_o the_o low_a end_n of_o cheapside_n 1679._o the_o preface_n a_o disquisition_n concern_v religion_n and_o the_o state_n ecclesiastical_a wherein_o several_a party_n be_v vehement_o carry_v divers_a way_n whether_o right_a or_o wrong_n according_a to_o their_o different_a interest_n or_o apprehension_n be_v apt_a to_o stir_v up_o jealousy_n and_o to_o meet_v with_o prejudice_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o therefore_o have_v need_n be_v manage_v as_o advise_o as_o sincere_o it_o be_v humble_o crave_v that_o the_o present_a management_n thereof_o may_v find_v a_o favourable_a reception_n so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v in_o itself_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o own_o sincerity_n and_o sobriety_n this_o treatise_n be_v not_o frame_v for_o a_o present_a occasion_n or_o any_o temporary_a design_n but_o insist_o upon_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o church_n universal_o and_o perpetual_o it_o aim_v at_o the_o advancement_n of_o mere_a christianity_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o common_a concernment_n thereof_o it_o leave_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o appropriate_a to_o the_o several_a party_n and_o persuasion_n to_o stand_v or_o fall_v it_o engage_v not_o in_o the_o controversy_n of_o these_o time_n touch_v form_n of_o church_n government_n but_o in_o any_o form_n such_o depravation_n or_o deficiency_n be_v blame_v as_o hinder_v the_o power_n purity_n unity_n stability_n or_o amplitude_n of_o religion_n nothing_o prejudicial_a to_o government_n to_o the_o right_n of_o superior_n and_o civil_a pre-eminences_a or_o to_o decency_n unity_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n be_v here_o suggest_v sedition_n and_o faction_n be_v evict_v to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o this_o interest_n which_o can_v hold_v its_o own_o only_a in_o those_o way_n that_o make_v for_o the_o common_a good_a both_o of_o ruler_n and_o subject_n our_o design_n carry_v no_o other_o danger_n than_o the_o more_o ample_a diffusion_n of_o true_a christianity_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n among_o man_n of_o all_o degree_n and_o the_o sure_a propagation_n thereof_o to_o future_a age_n here_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o vital_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o can_v be_v remove_v and_o here_o be_v other_o thing_n of_o conscientious_a or_o prudent_a consideration_n and_o let_v these_o so_o far_o pass_v as_o they_o be_v find_v clear_a and_o cogent_a i_o have_v rather_o be_v charge_v with_o any_o defect_n or_o weakness_n than_o with_o uncharitableness_n and_o therefore_o be_o ready_a to_o renounce_v every_o line_n and_o every_o expression_n in_o this_o book_n that_o can_v stand_v with_o true_a christian_a charity_n in_o the_o utmost_a extent_n thereof_o let_v it_o not_o be_v take_v amiss_o that_o to_o obviate_v suspicion_n or_o prejudice_n i_o declare_v myself_o in_o the_o thing_n here_o follow_v i_o be_o one_o age_v in_o the_o ministry_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o age_n and_o experience_n be_o not_o eager_a for_o any_o party_n but_o mellow_v with_o charity_n towards_o real_a christian_n of_o all_o party_n i_o have_v vehement_o desire_v the_o union_n of_o the_o more_o moderate_a dissenter_n with_o the_o establish_v order_n by_o reasonable_a accommodation_n as_o for_o other_o that_o remain_v dissatisfy_v about_o such_o union_n yet_o believe_v and_o live_v as_o christian_n i_o do_v as_o earnest_o desire_v a_o indulgence_n for_o they_o within_o such_o limit_n as_o may_v stand_v with_o public_a peace_n and_o safety_n though_o i_o be_o cast_v into_o the_o state_n of_o nonconformity_n yet_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n under_o the_o present_a ecclesiastical_a government_n if_o i_o be_v make_v capable_a thereof_o by_o the_o relaxation_n of_o some_o injunction_n my_o principle_n be_v for_o a_o close_n with_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o laudable_a in_o any_o establish_v government_n and_o for_o a_o bear_n with_o thing_n that_o be_v tolerable_a and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n will_v direct_v they_o to_o turn_v away_o from_o such_o principle_n order_n or_o practice_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o ruin_n or_o the_o great_a endanger_n of_o any_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n that_o retain_v they_o while_o the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v maintain_v the_o content_n chap._n i._n the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o character_n of_o true_a christian_n chap._n ii_o of_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o christian_a religion_n viz._n holy_a doctrine_n chap._n iii_o the_o order_n of_o divine_a worship_n suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n chap._n iu._n the_o due_a dispensation_n of_o god_n word_n or_o public_a preach_v chap._n v._o the_o due_a performance_n of_o public_a prayer_n chap._n vi_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n chap._n vii_o religious_a family-government_n chap._n viii_o private_a mutual_a exhortation_n pious_a discourse_n and_o edify_v conversation_n chap._n ix_o the_o prevalence_n of_o true_a religion_n or_o real_a godliness_n in_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o a_o nation_n chap._n x._o christian_a unity_n and_o concord_n chap._n xi_o a_o good_a frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n chap._n xii_o of_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o first_o externalness_n and_o formality_n chap._n xiii_o the_o sectarian_n and_o fanatical_a degeneration_n chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o way_n of_o preserve_a religion_n uncorrupt_a chap._n xv._n the_o enmity_n of_o the_o world_n against_o real_a godliness_n and_o the_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n cast_v upon_o it_o consider_v chap._n xvi_o religion_n main_a strength_n next_o under_o the_o power_n of_o god_n lie_v in_o its_o own_o intrinsic_a excellency_n chap._n xvii_o religion_n may_v be_v advance_v by_o human_a prudence_n what_o way_n and_o method_n it_o can_v admit_v in_o order_n to_o its_o advancement_n chap._n xviii_o the_o interest_n of_o true_a religion_n lie_v much_o in_o its_o venerable_a estimation_n among_o man_n chap._n xix_o the_o most_o ample_a diffusion_n of_o the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n be_v a_o sure_a mean_n of_o promote_a true_a religion_n chap._n xx._n the_o advantage_n of_o human_a learning_n to_o the_o same_o end_n chap._n xxi_o the_o general_a civility_n or_o common_a honesty_n of_o a_o nation_n make_v it_o more_o general_o receptive_a of_o real_a christianity_n or_o godliness_n chap._n xxii_o the_o increase_n of_o religion_n be_v promote_v by_o be_v make_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v passable_a among_o man_n chap._n xxiii_o the_o observe_v of_o a_o due_a latitude_n in_o religion_n make_v for_o the_o security_n and_o increase_n thereof_o chap._n xxiv_o the_o care_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o prevent_v and_o cure_v the_o evil_a of_o fanatical_a and_o sectarian_n error_n chap._n xxv_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n by_o make_v it_o national_a and_o the_o settle_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n chap._n xxvi_o of_o submission_n to_o thing_n impose_v by_o lawful_a authority_n chap._n xxvii_o the_o sure_a and_o safe_a way_n of_o seek_v reformation_n chap._n xxviii_o consideration_n tend_v to_o a_o due_a enlargement_n and_o unity_n in_o church-communion_n chap._n xxix_o whether_o the_o purity_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n be_v lessen_v by_o amplitude_n and_o comprehensiveness_n chap._n xxx_o factious_a usurpation_n be_v destructive_a to_o religion_n interest_n chap._n xxxi_o of_o lead_v and_o follow_v and_o of_o combination_n chap._n xxxii_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o high_a power_n in_o promote_a the_o religionsness_n of_o their_o people_n chap._n xxxiii_o the_o church_n true_a interest_n to_o be_v pursue_v by_o ecclesiastical_a person_n the_o conclusion_n a_o book_n entitle_v the_o interest_n of_o england_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o two_o part_n former_o publish_v by_o the_o same_o author_n pag._n 7._o lin_v 3._o read_v service_n pag._n 19_o l._n 11._o read_v whereas_o pag._n 27._o l._n 24._o read_v so_o pag._n 28._o l._n 14._o read_v be_v pag._n 29._o l._n 14._o read_v regardable_a pag._n 31._o l._n 16._o read_v this_o ib._n l._n 18._o read_v apposite_a pag._n 39_o l._n 14._o read_v be_v able_a to_o make_v pag._n 41._o l._n 31._o read_v affect_v pag._n 53._o l._n 19_o read_v for_o the_o pag._n 59_o l._n 5._o read_v face_n of_o pag._n 60._o l._n 12._o read_v exercise_n pag._n 67._o l._n 3._o read_v religion_n pag._n 71._o l._n
doctrine_n deprave_v the_o mind_n and_o beget_v a_o false_a notion_n of_o godliness_n or_o christianity_n when_o regeneration_n or_o true_a conversion_n be_v prevent_v by_o be_v make_v in_o effect_n no_o more_o than_o civility_n join_v with_o a_o dead_a conformity_n to_o the_o exterior_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n when_o religion_n be_v place_v in_o a_o outside_n pharisaical_a holiness_n in_o some_o bodily_a severity_n and_o it_o may_v be_v in_o mere_a form_n and_o empty_a show_n without_o internal_a and_o real_a mortification_n and_o devotion_n when_o the_o exterior_a ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v retain_v but_o use_v after_o another_o manner_n than_o what_o become_v the_o gospel-church_n or_o suit_n the_o end_n of_o gospel-worship_n when_o a_o sapless_a and_o fruitless_a generation_n of_o man_n be_v nourish_v in_o holy_a order_n who_o cherish_v the_o people_n in_o ignorance_n profaneness_n or_o lukewarmness_n who_o show_v they_o a_o way_n to_o heaven_n that_o be_v smooth_a broad_a and_o easy_a to_o the_o flesh_n who_o serve_v or_o at_o least_o spare_v the_o lust_n of_o man_n who_o humour_n the_o vulgar_a sort_n in_o rude_a folly_n who_o give_v absolution_n upon_o formal_a and_o loose_a term_n and_o therewith_o a_o false_a repose_n to_o poor_a delude_a soul_n when_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o churchman_n be_v to_o promote_v superstition_n blind_a devotion_n and_o implicit_a faith_n and_o to_o hold_v people_n in_o the_o chain_n of_o spiritual_a darkness_n and_o in_o the_o please_a bondage_n of_o carnal_a liberty_n their_o conscience_n be_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n secure_v by_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a tenant_n and_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o devout_a observance_n of_o certain_a external_a ordinance_n when_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n be_v contrive_v to_o maintain_v fleshly_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n worldly_a pomp_n and_o power_n and_o the_o chief_a glory_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n lie_v in_o outward_a order_n without_o inward_a life_n and_o spirit_n in_o sacred_a administration_n when_o the_o weapon_n of_o its_o warfare_n be_v not_o spiritual_a but_o carnal_a suitable_a to_o a_o earthly_a and_o sensual_a state_n when_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o master_n upon_o earth_n be_v call_v obedience_n and_o their_o peaceable_a possession_n of_o wealth_n and_o honour_n be_v take_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n when_o concord_n in_o the_o unprofitable_a or_o hurtful_a dictate_v of_o man_n be_v make_v to_o pass_v for_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o the_o constitution_n itself_o the_o general_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n be_v consider_v be_v find_v defective_a for_o the_o true_a end_n of_o government_n and_o le_fw-fr we_o loose_v the_o rain_v of_o deprave_a appetite_n and_o by_o carnal_a allurement_n alienates_v the_o mind_n from_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o turn_v it_o after_o the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o serve_v the_o voluptuosness_n covetousness_n and_o pride_n of_o its_o adherent_n for_o which_o cause_n its_o yoke_n be_v easy_a to_o the_o sensual_a part_n of_o man_n but_o it_o be_v scandalous_a to_o they_o that_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o become_v a_o stepmother_n to_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o conscientious_a when_o these_o and_o the_o like_a thing_n prevail_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v turn_v into_o another_o thing_n than_o what_o it_o be_v indeed_o by_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n who_o serve_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o by_o the_o wisdom_n that_o descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a square_a out_o to_o themselves_o and_o those_o that_o live_v under_o their_o influence_n a_o loose_a form_n of_o christianity_n not_o after_o christ_n but_o after_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n but_o this_o corruption_n be_v more_o or_o less_o enormous_a in_o different_a age_n and_o country_n according_a to_o its_o great_a or_o near_a distance_n from_o the_o time_n and_o mean_n of_o pure_a knowledge_n and_o a_o less_o corrupt_a state_n may_v be_v sever_v from_o that_o which_o be_v more_o gross_o vicious_a and_o impure_a and_o yet_o remain_v a_o degeneration_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n though_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n and_o let_v this_o be_v note_v that_o in_o a_o degenerate_a state_n the_o doctrine_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v so_o far_o retain_v as_o to_o contain_v thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n which_o may_v beget_v and_o preserve_v the_o vital_n of_o christianity_n in_o they_o that_o do_v not_o mingle_v with_o the_o other_o poisonous_a ingredient_n or_o at_o least_o not_o in_o their_o full_a extent_n yea_o the_o degeneration_n may_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o a_o low_a degree_n and_o less_o pernicious_a and_o perhaps_o only_o as_o a_o scab_n upon_o some_o part_n and_o not_o overspread_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o great_a multitude_n therein_o may_v profess_v and_o practise_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n thus_o the_o judaical_a church_n in_o its_o corrupt_a state_n retain_v the_o vital_n of_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o grace_n to_o they_o that_o escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o those_o time_n and_o be_v not_o season_v with_o the_o leaven_n of_o false_a teacher_n chap._n xiii_o the_o sectarian_n and_o fanatical_a degeneration_n the_o other_o deviation_n lie_v more_o out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o carnal_a gospeler_n and_o this_o be_v usual_o style_v sectarian_n whereof_o the_o particular_a by_o path_n be_v numberless_a but_o let_v this_o be_v note_v that_o whatsoever_o way_n swerve_v from_o the_o main_a end_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o sect_n or_o faction_n yea_o though_o it_o spread_v so_o far_o and_o wide_a as_o that_o they_o who_o walk_v therein_o do_v for_o their_o huge_a multitude_n presume_v to_o appropriate_v to_o themselves_o alone_o the_o title_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n wherever_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o party_n bear_v sway_n to_o the_o detriment_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o godliness_n where_o invention_n false_a or_o useless_a be_v make_v the_o necessary_a symbol_n of_o religion_n there_o a_o sectarian_n interest_n bear_v sway_v and_o the_o gain_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n will_v not_o wipe_v off_o the_o blot_n of_o such_o a_o party_n the_o name_n of_o sectary_n may_v fit_v proud_a usurper_n as_o well_o as_o blind_a zealot_n this_o necessary_a proviso_n be_v make_v it_o remain_v to_o speak_v in_o this_o place_n of_o the_o more_o incoherent_a unstable_a and_o ungovernable_a sort_n of_o sect_n the_o root_n of_o the_o evil_a in_o this_o kind_n be_v common_o a_o heighten_a fancy_n and_o complexional_a zeal_n bear_v rule_n instead_o of_o sober_a judgement_n and_o a_o more_o intellectual_a spiritual_a and_o pure_a love_n it_o shall_v suffice_v to_o set_v down_o some_o notable_a instance_n for_o it_o be_v endless_a to_o recount_v they_o all_o some_o have_v be_v so_o far_o transport_v with_o the_o hatred_n of_o church_n tyranny_n and_o persecute_v pride_n and_o cruelty_n that_o they_o mind_v not_o the_o good_a of_o church_n unity_n order_n and_o government_n and_o they_o run_v so_o far_o from_o implicit_a faith_n in_o the_o dictate_v of_o proud_a man_n that_o themselves_o have_v proud_o slight_v the_o church_n directive_n judgement_n and_o all_o pastoral_a authority_n as_o a_o thing_n of_o no_o value_n and_o have_v fierce_o impugn_a it_o as_o opposite_a to_o christian_a liberty_n of_o the_o like_a strain_n be_v they_o that_o upon_o pretence_n of_o high_a attainment_n and_o great_a spirituality_n have_v reject_v external_a ordinance_n as_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o the_o public_a ministry_n and_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n as_o low_a and_o beggarly_a rudiment_n while_o they_o declare_v themselves_o hereby_o to_o be_v carnal_a and_o vain_o puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n some_o through_o abuse_n and_o mistake_v of_o divine_a promise_n concern_v the_o spirit_n teach_v have_v forsake_v the_o sure_a guidance_n of_o god_n law_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o uncertain_a intimation_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o dangerous_a impulse_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n and_o pretend_v immediate_a inspiration_n which_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o delusion_n of_o a_o exalt_a fancy_n and_o sometime_o they_o have_v real_o fall_v under_o satanical_a impression_n because_o there_o be_v the_o fleshly_a wisdom_n of_o the_o carnal_a mind_n that_o be_v enmity_n against_o god_n some_o have_v disclaim_v reason_n itself_o as_o corrupt_v and_o carnal_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n follow_v their_o own_o wilful_a imagination_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o light_n within_o they_o and_o delight_n in_o thing_n irrational_a and_o unintelligible_a and_o render_v themselves_o uncapable_a of_o sound_a instruction_n a_o fanatic_a fury_n
and_o carnal_a interest_n to_o false_a way_n and_o vain_a invention_n for_o which_o cause_n it_o behoove_v the_o zealous_a religionist_n to_o be_v careful_a even_o to_o jealousy_n that_o he_o be_v not_o impose_v upon_o by_o himself_o or_o other_o and_o in_o this_o care_n hearty_o and_o entire_o to_o resign_v and_o conform_v himself_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o such_o resignation_n and_o conformity_n he_o secure_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o what_o in_o he_o lie_v the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v here_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o be_v write_v in_o nature_n be_v god_n law_n as_o well_o as_o what_o be_v write_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o natural_a revelation_n as_o well_o as_o supernatural_a be_v divine_a and_o whatsoever_o be_v know_v of_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v 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practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v so_o evident_a as_o need_v no_o confirmation_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o acquiescence_n or_o accord_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o any_o visible_a universal_a supreme_a power_n for_o whereas_o all_o christian_n acknowledge_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o neither_o do_v nor_o ever_o do_v nor_o will_v unanimous_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n in_o be_v and_o the_o main_a body_n of_o they_o that_o maintain_v such_o a_o catholic_n supremacy_n can_v agree_v in_o what_o subject_n the_o same_o reside_v whether_o in_o the_o pope_n or_o a_o general_n council_n and_o as_o several_a pope_n so_o have_v several_a council_n of_o equal_a amplitude_n and_o authority_n often_o cross_v one_o another_o and_o consequent_o some_o of_o both_o kind_n must_v needs_o have_v err_v and_o it_o still_o remain_v a_o controversy_n undeterminable_a which_o council_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o which_o to_o be_v reject_v unless_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n hitherto_o disagree_v herein_o will_v be_v bind_v up_o by_o the_o resolve_n of_o one_o party_n that_o can_v bring_v no_o better_a proof_n than_o their_o own_o pretend_a infallibility_n to_o all_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n true_o so_o call_v or_o a_o representative_a of_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v never_o yet_o congregat_v wherefore_o let_v the_o faithful_a rest_n upon_o the_o old_a right_a foundation_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o infallibility_n be_v unquestionable_a such_o be_v the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o for_o this_o end_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v safe_a in_o divine_a matter_n not_o to_o be_v venturous_a without_o its_o warrant_n they_o best_o secure_v themselves_o from_o 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form_n and_o right_n which_o have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n make_v way_n for_o the_o departure_n of_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o christendom_n from_o the_o primitive_a christianity_n all_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v clear_o prove_v from_o scripture_n though_o the_o particular_a instance_n thereof_o that_o be_v innumerable_a and_o their_o infinite_o variable_a circumstance_n can_v be_v there_o express_v as_o for_o institute_v worship_n it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o defect_n in_o those_o part_n thereof_o that_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n as_o needs_o to_o be_v make_v up_o by_o the_o human_a addition_n of_o other_o new_a part_n and_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v thing_n mere_o circumstantial_a belong_v to_o it_o which_o be_v necessary_a in_o general_n but_o in_o particular_a not_o determine_v of_o god_n and_o must_v be_v order_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o human_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n none_o that_o know_v what_o they_o say_v in_o magnify_v the_o write_a word_n will_v teach_v the_o people_n not_o to_o rely_v upon_o impartial_a reason_n which_o no_o true_a revelation_n do_v ever_o contradict_v but_o we_o be_v so_o conscious_a of_o the_o weakness_n of_o human_a understanding_n that_o in_o case_n of_o any_o seem_a contrariety_n between_o scripture_n and_o reason_n not_o to_o give_v the_o scripture_n the_o preeminence_n we_o know_v be_v most_o unreasonable_a be_v scripture_n liable_a to_o be_v pervert_v so_o be_v reason_n be_v there_o obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n so_o in_o human_a ratiocination_n much_o more_o whosoever_o can_v apprehend_v right_a reason_n can_v rational_o apprehend_v god_n write_v word_n which_o be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n and_o who_o authentic_a interpretation_n of_o itself_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v by_o rational_a inference_n and_o deduction_n
after_o the_o long_a night_n of_o popery_n unlearned_a and_o barbarous_a time_n be_v note_v among_o the_o cause_n of_o deprave_a religion_n with_o multiply_v superstitious_a absurdity_n and_o deformity_n indeed_o that_o great_a mystery_n of_o iniquity_n the_o romish_a synagogue_n be_v favour_v by_o many_o wise_a and_o learned_a one_o but_o the_o interest_n of_o great_a power_n and_o wealth_n and_o other_o carnal_a allurement_n engage_v they_o to_o uphold_v that_o babel_n and_o so_o to_o detain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o unrighteousness_n the_o papal_a kingdom_n of_o darkness_n have_v ample_o provide_v for_o a_o eminent_a measure_n of_o learning_n in_o their_o superior_a clergy_n and_o certain_a religious_a order_n design_v for_o theological_a controversy_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o roman●aith_n ●aith_z be_v necessitate_v thereunto_o by_o the_o learnedness_n of_o the_o present_a age._n but_o for_o the_o vulgar_a priest_n who_o daily_o converse_v with_o the_o common_a people_n that_o be_v ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a it_o matter_n not_o how_o little_a knowledge_n they_o have_v and_o the_o grandee_n care_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v conversant_a in_o learned_a book_n no_o not_o in_o their_o own_o bellarmine_n as_o for_o the_o laity_n it_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o that_o church_n that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n a_o corrupt_a ecclesiastical_a state_n uphold_v for_o worldly_a end_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o desire_v the_o advancement_n of_o learn_v any_o further_a than_o be_v requisite_a to_o defend_v it_o sel●_n against_o learned_a adversary_n and_o to_o hold_v the_o vulgar_a in_o admiration_n of_o it_o it_o will_v hau●_n the_o people_n whole_o to_o trust_v their_o teacher_n and_o it_o be_v not_o well_o relish_v when_o learned_a gentle_a man_n of_o the_o laity_n be_v exact_a and_o studious_a i●_n theological_a inquiry_n the_o support_n and_o reward_n of_o learning_n may_v be_v so_o inordinate_o apportion_v and_o confe●…_n red_a as_o to_o exalt_v boundless_a ambition_n and_o avari●…_n in_o some_o and_o to_o nourish_v a_o dronish_a idleness_n and_o epicurism_n in_o other_o and_o to_o cast_v the_o residue●…_n and_o those_o the_o great_a number_n into_o ignoranc●_n beggary_n baseness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naught●…_n ness_n such_o a_o disposition_n of_o thing_n beside_o th●…_n ruin_n of_o religion_n will_v in_o the_o ruin_n there●…_n bury_v learning_n itself_o as_o it_o have_v do_v in_o for_o mer_fw-fr age_n if_o the_o industry_n of_o some_o be_v n●…_n keep_v wake_v by_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n a●…_n among_o another_o sort_n of_o men._n but_o whatsoever_o abuse_n corrupt_v that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v excellent_a the_o support_v of_o learning_n be_v always_o necessary_a in_o the_o true_a church_n and_o to_o settle_v a_o way_n for_o a_o perpetual_a succession_n of_o wise_a and_o learned_a guide_n of_o the_o flock_n in_o this_o entire_a and_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o build_v the_o same_o on_o a_o rock_n the_o spirit_n of_o this_o profession_n be_v sober_a solid_a and_o serious_a be_v happy_a in_o dispose_v towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o much_o perfection_n in_o all_o profitable_a science_n and_o especial_o towards_o that_o which_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o useful_a in_o human_a affair_n to_o wit_n solid_a and_o deep_a judgement_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o child_n of_o true_a wisdom_n stand_v upon_o the_o vantage_n ground_n and_o the_o scope_n of_o their_o business_n direct_v they_o to_o excel_v in_o the_o more_o substantial_a part_n of_o learning_n which_o perfect_v reason_n and_o fall_v in_o with_o practice_n and_o make_v they_o able_a effectual_o to_o converse_v with_o man_n both_o in_o religious_a and_o civil_a matter_n these_o do_v not_o spend_v their_o day_n in_o a_o cloister_n live_v to_o themselves_o alone_o but_o be_v seasonable_o call_v forth_o to_o sacred_a or_o civil_a function_n and_o so_o by_o study_n in_o 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place_n where_o debauchery_n and_o sensuality_n reign_v in_o those_o of_o the_o high_a rank_n and_o a_o heathen-like_a rudeness_n and_o stupidity_n seize_v the_o common_a multitude_n wherefore_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o spirit_n or_o interest_n lead_v they_o to_o uphold_v a_o corrupt_a and_o carnal_a church-state_n seek_v to_o gratify_v the_o most_o sensual_a and_o vicious_a part_n of_o a_o nation_n because_o they_o can_v so_o easy_o gain_v the_o considerate_a and_o soberminded_a who_o be_v more_o inquisitive_a into_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o different_a party_n and_o look_v more_o than_o other_o into_o the_o inside_n of_o man_n devotion_n a_o nation_n may_v be_v general_o bring_v to_o civil_a conversation_n and_o the_o external_a part_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o restrain_v of_o filthy_a lewdness_n gross_a excess_n and_o rudeness_n best_o comport_v with_o the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n the_o security_n of_o the_o estate_n and_o the_o quietness_n of_o the_o mind_n therefore_o when_o it_o be_v in_o use_n it_o be_v no_o burden_n but_o a_o ease_n even_o to_o unregenerate_a nature_n and_o so_o may_v pass_v general_o among_o a_o people_n likewise_o natural_a man_n be_v convince_v and_o awaken_v will_v easy_o observe_v religious_a duty_n so_o far_o as_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o natural_a conscience_n do_v require_v the_o conversation_n of_o the_o pious_a be_v exemplary_a and_o of_o great_a authority_n especial_o when_o their_o strictness_n and_o seriousness_n be_v temper_v with_o the_o amiable_a virtue_n of_o meekness_n and_o moderation_n by_o this_o they_o may_v do_v much_o towards_o the_o civilise_n of_o those_o that_o live_v about_o they_o and_o to_o conciliate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n towards_o they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o good_a thought_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o harshness_n of_o some_o rigid_a honest_a man_n may_v exasperate_v and_o beget_v hatred_n in_o some_o who_o condescension_n and_o sweetness_n of_o conversation_n may_v have_v gain_v or_o at_o least_o mollify_v likewise_o by_o a_o discreet_a and_o seasonable_a use_n of_o christian_n liberty_n in_o the_o temperate_a enjoyment_n of_o outward_a comfort_n in_o harmless_a recreation_n and_o sober_a cheerfulness_n in_o honest_a company_n the_o religious_a may_v bring_v over_o other_o to_o a_o friendly_a converse_n with_o they_o and_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o more_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a pollution_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o shun_v a_o excessive_a reservedness_n and_o austerity_n so_o they_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o too_o great_a compliance_n with_o other_o in_o carnal_a liberty_n upon_o pretence_n of_o a_o friendly_a converse_n with_o they_o they_o may_v not_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o recreation_n fruitless_a visit_n merry_a meeting_n and_o the_o like_a exercise_n wherein_o there_o be_v enough_o of_o idleness_n and_o vanity_n even_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o dissoluteness_n or_o gross_a 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worthy_a that_o nation_n will_v be_v dispose_v to_o a_o more_o considerate_a and_o apprehensive_a habit_n of_o mind_n and_o to_o a_o more_o
not_o last_v but_o by_o usual_a and_o easy_a change_n their_o weakness_n be_v discover_v to_o tie_v a_o people_n to_o certain_a little_a rule_n and_o method_n in_o church_n discipline_n that_o be_v general_o displease_v as_o the_o necessary_a term_n of_o church_n privilege_n when_o the_o end_n of_o discipline_n may_v be_v as_o well_o obtain_v without_o they_o be_v at_o the_o best_a but_o the_o vanity_n of_o a_o needless_a trouble_n in_o do_v that_o with_o much_o ado_n which_o may_v be_v do_v with_o less_o and_o it_o may_v occasion_v a_o incurable_a breach_n and_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o whole_a form_n of_o government_n narrow_a and_o uncertain_a boundary_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o arbitrary_a and_o rigid_a rule_n of_o admission_n be_v contrary_a to_o that_o ample_a and_o fix_a church_n state_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o uphold_v and_o propagate_v true_a religion_n the_o faith_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v propagate_v and_o perpetuate_v in_o large_a kingdom_n and_o nation_n by_o encompass_v under_o its_o external_a rule_n and_o order_n the_o multitude_n that_o make_v profession_n though_o they_o may_v fa●…_n short_a of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o those_o thing_n tha●_n accompany_v salvation_n and_o it_o do_v not_o roo●_n or_o spread_v in_o any_o sort_n considerable_a in_o a_o region_n where_o the_o order_n of_o admission_n be_v set_v by_o the_o rigid_a and_o narrow_a principle_n of_o a_o small_a party_n and_o the_o general_a multitude_n lie_v open_a as_o wa●…_n ground_n for_o any_o to_o invade_v or_o occupy_v the_o strength_n and_o security_n of_o the_o protestant_a reformation_n come_v by_o the_o take_n in_o of_o kingdom_n and_o whole_a dominion_n within_o its_o compas●_n the_o external_a kingdom_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v much_o wide_a than_o the_o internal_a it_o be_v like_o the_o draw_v net_n that_o gather_v fish_n good_a and_o bad_a and_o like_o a_o corn_n field_n wherein_o whea●…_n and_o tare_n grow_v together_o till_o the_o harvest_n moreover_o the_o increase_n of_o profess_a christian_n make_v way_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o regenerate_a christian_n and_o convert_v to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v general_o make_v out_o of_o the_o mass_n of_o people_n of_o a_o orthodox_n profession_n and_o few_o of_o they_o be_v turn_v immediate_o from_o infidelity_n popery_n or_o any_o heresy_n chap._n xxiv_o the_o care_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o prevent_v and_o cure_v the_o evil_a of_o fanatical_a and_o sectarian_n error_n among_o the_o wiles_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o deprave_v the_o spiritual_a excellency_n of_o pure_a religion_n and_o mighty_o hinder_v its_o advance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n fanatical_a and_o sectarian_n aberration_n be_v not_o the_o least_o if_o these_o folly_n be_v but_o heed_v by_o those_o that_o be_v most_o in_o danger_n before_o they_o be_v engage_v and_o drunken_a with_o error_n it_o be_v in_o great_a part_n a_o antidote_n against_o this_o mischief_n for_o the_o well_o mind_a that_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o of_o easy_a impression_n be_v lead_v aside_o chief_o for_o lack_v of_o attention_n and_o observation_n many_o be_v child_n in_o understanding_n and_o many_o be_v passionate_a and_o inconsiderate_a and_o a_o innate_a levity_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o mind_n be_v very_o common_a it_o behoove_v the_o guide_n of_o the_o flock_n to_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n with_o sober_a principle_n and_o to_o have_v a_o watchful_a eye_n upon_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o any_o pragmatic_n fancy_n that_o feed_v on_o notion_n and_o novelty_n under_o a_o show_n of_o a_o more_o discern_a spirit_n in_o gospel_n mystery_n than_o other_o have_v such_o be_v vanity_n puff_v up_o will_v be_v start_a question_n and_o multiply_a slight_a exception_n against_o the_o receive_a truth_n and_o will_v please_v the_o itch_a ear_n and_o slight_a spirit_n of_o some_o pretender_n to_o godliness_n who_o will_v become_v their_o hasty_a proselyte_n and_o join_v with_o they_o to_o unravel_v one_o thing_n after_o another_o in_o the_o texture_n of_o holy_a doctrine_n and_o by_o the_o repute_n of_o their_o good_a part_n and_o seem_a piety_n may_v stagger_v other_o of_o good_a intention_n but_o weak_a judgement_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n none_o be_v more_o dangerous_a than_o vainglorious_a teacher_n ambitious_a of_o lead_v party_n and_o by_o plausible_a endowment_n furnish_v for_o such_o design_n these_o to_o raise_v their_o own_o fame_n and_o make_v to_o themselves_o a_o devote_a people_n will_v become_v absolute_a sect-master_n and_o those_o that_o close_o with_o they_o they_o hold_v with_o please_a device_n and_o serve_v their_o humour_n that_o they_o may_v serve_v themselves_o of_o they_o there_o be_v also_o in_o some_o person_n a_o right_a sectarian_n leaven_n which_o be_v evermore_o to_o follow_v peculiar_a opinion_n and_o some_o separate_a party_n in_o religion_n and_o they_o speak_v security_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n by_o be_v of_o such_o a_o opinion_n or_o of_o such_o a_o party_n against_o the_o sectarian_n and_o fanatic_a spirit_n it_o concern_v the_o church_n to_o keep_v a_o continual_a watch_n and_o ward_n but_o not_o so_o as_o to_o imprison_v the_o truth_n to_o lock_v up_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n to_o stifle_v godly_a zeal_n to_o detain_v a_o people_n in_o dead_a and_o dull_a principle_n that_o will_v not_o reach_v to_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o divine_a life_n for_o this_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o prevent_v or_o cure_v a_o frenzy_n by_o cause_v a_o lethargy_n or_o some_o other_o such_o like_a stupidity_n moreover_o a_o superstitious_a formal_a love_n and_o sensual_a way_n of_o religion_n will_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v able_a to_o prevent_v or_o suppress_v this_o evil_a but_o will_v give_v occasion_n to_o its_o rise_n and_o growth_n except_o in_o time_n of_o profound_a ignorance_n and_o silence_n as_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o popish_a darkness_n but_o whensoever_o the_o light_n break_v forth_o and_o the_o people_n see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n will_v not_o admit_v a_o true_a reformation_n but_o persecute_v those_o that_o seek_v it_o then_o be_v many_o in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o this_o opposite_a extreme_a for_o they_o be_v cast_v upon_o it_o both_o by_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o present_a corruption_n and_o by_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n be_v not_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o solid_a truth_n and_o so_o they_o ●un_v hasty_o from_o superstition_n and_o externalness_n into_o delusion_n and_o wild_a fancy_n from_o the_o common_a dissoluteness_n and_o remissness_n of_o those_o that_o call_v themselves_o orthodox_n into_o a_o vain_a boast_n of_o perfection_n from_o the_o usurpation_n of_o proud_a man_n encroach_a upon_o christ_n prerogative_n and_o their_o false_a constrain_a unity_n into_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n and_o from_o a_o wrathful_a zeal_n and_o persecute_v cruelty_n into_o a_o disorderly_a promiscuous_a and_o familistical_a love_n or_o indulgence_n towards_o all_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o church_n state_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o spiritual_a ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o true_o apostolical_a be_v the_o sure_a remedy_n against_o sectarianism_n and_o phanaticism_n true_o so_o call_v when_o the_o church_n abandon_v romish_a tyranny_n and_o superstition_n and_o yet_o be_v settle_v in_o a_o regular_a and_o stable_a polity_n when_o the_o public_a order_n thorough_o promote_v the_o mean_n of_o sound_a knowledge_n and_o incourage_v real_a godliness_n it_o satisfy_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o just_o expect_v in_o a_o gospel_n church_n and_o ministry_n more_o than_o a_o outward_a form_n even_o the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n and_o spiritual_a light_n and_o life_n and_o power_n an●_n it_o prevent_v their_o wander_a to_o seek_v after_o it_o i●_n the_o devious_a path_n of_o sectary_n it_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n that_o of_o the_o mo●…_n learned_a able_a and_o judicious_a person_n of_o orthodox_n profession_n there_o be_v many_o eminent_o pious_a who_o authority_n and_o reputation_n may_v b●…_n able_a to_o hold_v in_o those_o who_o affection_n an●…_n fancy_n be_v apt_a to_o outrun_v their_o judgement_n likewise_o that_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o a●…_n call_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n do_v so_o walk_v i●…_n the_o light_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n o●…_n stumble_v in_o they_o through_o notorious_a prid●…_n covetousness_n self-seeking_a inordinate_a sensuality_n or_o the_o vehement_a appearance_n of_o any_o gross_a evil_n for_o the_o weak_a sort_n be_v common_o undo_v by_o offence_n and_o because_o seducer_n be_v very_o active_a and_o spare_v no_o cost_n nor_o travel_n but_o as_o they_o have_v do_v of_o old_a do_v compass_n sea_n and_o land_n to_o gain_v proselyte_n it_o behoove_v the_o pastor_n careful_o to_o keep_v their_o people_n and_o the_o people_n careful_o to_o keep_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o these_o huckster_n the_o
communion_n with_o they_o all_o as_o far_o as_o catholic_n principle_n will_v give_v leave_n in_o pursue_v the_o end_n of_o this_o interest_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o private_a or_o unauthorized_a person_n enter_v into_o such_o state_v combination_n and_o correspondence_n as_o the_o jesuit_n and_o other_o order_n under_o the_o papacy_n have_v settle_v in_o their_o society_n throughout_o the_o world_n for_o all_o pious_a christian_n be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o have_v one_o spirit_n touch_v the_o main_a of_o this_o design_n and_o be_v incline_v to_o pursue_v the_o same_o with_o one_o accord_n and_o indeed_o so_o it_o be_v that_o only_o the_o sincere_a friend_n of_o truth_n man_n of_o upright_a heart_n and_o humble_a spirit_n and_o honest_a life_n will_v observe_v and_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o this_o interest_n and_o it_o suffice_v if_o they_o keep_v close_o to_o their_o common_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n and_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o know_v the_o present_a state_n of_o god_n israel_n and_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o each_o other_o as_o opportunity_n of_o converse_n offer_v itself_o and_o so_o govern_v themselves_o and_o carry_v on_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n by_o such_o honest_a and_o harmless_a mean_n as_o need_v not_o shun_v the_o light_n but_o may_v stand_v before_o the_o face_n of_o all_o opposer_n chap._n xxxii_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o high_a power_n in_o promote_a the_o religiousness_n of_o their_o people_n the_o advancement_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o high_a power_n if_o to_o maintain_v god_n honour_n and_o man_n chief_a good_a be_v their_o interest_n and_o if_o the_o defy_v of_o god_n and_o the_o utter_a undo_n of_o man_n be_v against_o it_o yea_o if_o the_o tranquillity_n and_o peace_n of_o governor_n and_o the_o stability_n of_o government_n be_v regard_v human_a wisdom_n will_v direct_v to_o promote_v that_o way_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man._n godliness_n include_v prudence_n justice_n temperance_n fortitude_n and_o all_o goodness_n it_o be_v a_o internal_a law_n effectual_o subdue_a they_o that_o have_v it_o to_o all_o external_a law_n that_o be_v just_a and_o good_a and_o the_o example_n of_o it_o go_v far_o to_o the_o better_n of_o many_o other_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o humanity_n it_o be_v regular_a and_o harmonious_a in_o every_o part_n it_o lead_v to_o order_n peace_n and_o unity_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o inconsistent_a with_o right_a policy_n it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o true_a wisdom_n and_o apt_a to_o take_v most_o among_o the_o serious_a and_o well_o advise_v part_n of_o the_o people_n and_o when_o it_o have_v take_v hold_n of_o they_o it_o make_v they_o wise_a and_o serious_a more_o abundant_o it_o correct_v rash_a rugged_a wrathful_a and_o fierce_a nature_n and_o to_o say_v the_o least_o whatsoever_o turbulence_n may_v afterward_o remain_v in_o such_o it_o make_v they_o of_o far_o more_o sedate_n and_o castigate_v spirit_n than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v and_o though_o it_o do_v not_o forthwith_o exterminate_v yet_o it_o so_o debilitates_fw-la all_o complexional_a distemper_n that_o they_o can_v break_v forth_o into_o a_o course_n of_o mischief_n and_o ordinary_o it_o work_v a_o evident_a notable_a change_n of_o so_o great_a force_n be_v a_o attentive_a and_o active_a conscience_n over_o all_o human_a passion_n and_o doubtless_o it_o be_v the_o strong_a bond_n to_o hold_v subject_n in_o obedience_n to_o their_o governor_n for_o the_o conscientious_a be_v hold_v in_o by_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o dread_n of_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v beside_o the_o sense_n of_o man_n wrath_n which_o they_o have_v in_o common_a with_o all_o considerate_a person_n wherefore_o it_o be_v clear_o the_o prince_n interest_n that_o his_o subject_n universal_o if_o it_o can_v be_v shall_v be_v religious_a and_o consequent_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o government_n to_o endeavour_v it_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v attainable_a and_o if_o he_o will_v bring_v they_o to_o such_o a_o state_n he_o be_v to_o take_v care_n to_o exalt_v god_n immediate_a sovereignty_n over_o their_o consciency_n and_o under_o that_o sovereignty_n to_o hold_v they_o in_o subjection_n to_o himself_o for_o where_o conscience_n be_v not_o preserve_v in_o its_o awful_a regard_n to_o god_n law_n as_o its_o supreme_a rule_n true_a religion_n be_v extinguish_v and_o they_o be_v the_o patron_n of_o irreligion_n who_o propagate_v such_o principle_n as_o tend_v to_o alienate_v the_o conscience_n from_o its_o true_a sovereign_n and_o proprietor_n and_o either_o to_o make_v it_o servile_a to_o those_o who_o have_v no_o just_a dominion_n over_o it_o or_o to_o debauch_v it_o into_o searedness_n or_o dead_a security_n one_o way_n most_o needful_a and_o advantageous_a for_o preserve_v god_n authority_n over_o conscience_n be_v most_o effectual_o to_o bind_v god_n law_n upon_o the_o people_n and_o to_o order_v what_o thing_n else_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o due_a observation_n thereof_o and_o to_o lay_v no_o other_o yoke_n upon_o they_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n and_o as_o this_o way_n import_v much_o to_o the_o sincerity_n and_o reality_n of_o religion_n so_o it_o do_v no_o less_o to_o the_o keep_n of_o religious_a mind_n in_o unity_n for_o in_o what_o centre_n will_v the_o judicious_o conscientious_a unite_v if_o not_o in_o the_o reveal_v mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v apprehend_v by_o they_o will_v the_o injunction_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n better_a resolve_v the_o doubt_n of_o such_o man_n or_o silence_v their_o dispute_n this_o be_v not_o urge_v to_o prove_v that_o superior_n can_v enjoin_v nothing_o in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v particular_o before_o enjoin_v of_o god_n or_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o inferior_n be_v not_o bind_v by_o their_o command_n in_o subordination_n to_o god_n command_n but_o only_o that_o they_o take_v the_o best_a course_n for_o the_o unfeigned_a piety_n and_o true_o christian_a concord_n of_o their_o people_n that_o by_o their_o injunction_n seek_v main_o to_o promote_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o add_v no_o more_o of_o their_o own_o than_o what_o be_v clear_o necessary_a thereunto_o and_o what_o more_o just_a and_o prudent_a course_n than_o to_o forbear_v thing_n that_o be_v unnecessary_a and_o unserviceable_a to_o the_o promote_a of_o truth_n and_o peace_n yet_o with_o a_o perplexity_n and_o a_o stumble_a block_n a_o easy_a inlet_n to_o all_o dissolute_a or_o ductile_a spirit_n and_o a_o bar_n against_o many_o of_o know_a sincerity_n and_o to_o use_v that_o moderation_n in_o the_o public_a rule_n and_o standard_n which_o take_v away_o or_o exceed_o lessen_v dissent_n and_o consequent_o the_o occasion_n of_o dissension_n the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n forbid_v christian_a magistrate_n to_o destroy_v sincere_a christian_n for_o their_o little_a difference_n and_o narrow_a principle_n in_o form_n of_o church_n order_n and_o no_o reason_n of_o state_n will_v oblige_v they_o to_o that_o severity_n how_o importunate_o soever_o some_o interest_v man_n may_v urge_v it_o judicious_a charity_n or_o a_o prudent_a indulgence_n towards_o such_o can_v undermine_v religion_n or_o the_o civil_a state_n and_o a_o sound_a ecclesiastical_a polity_n set_v for_o the_o increase_n of_o true_a godliness_n will_v receive_v no_o damage_n by_o it_o but_o it_o will_v rather_o gain_v upon_o those_o dissenter_n and_o if_o their_o scruple_n be_v not_o remove_v it_o shall_v abide_v firm_a and_o stable_a and_o grow_v in_o strength_n by_o the_o reputation_n of_o its_o own_o goodness_n and_o sufficiency_n in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o hazard_v or_o impair_v by_o this_o charity_n and_o forbearance_n the_o high_a power_n by_o grant_v some_o limit_a liberty_n do_v more_o universal_o protect_v the_o faithful_a and_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o competition_n with_o the_o advancement_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v able_a and_o wise_a enough_o to_o provide_v against_o any_o dangerous_a inconvenience_n the_o bound_n and_o rule_n of_o this_o indulgence_n be_v not_o so_o undiscoverable_a as_o to_o make_v it_o a_o vain_a proposal_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o idle_a demand_n of_o those_o that_o require_v a_o enumeration_n of_o all_o particular_n than_o which_o nothing_o more_o or_o less_o may_v be_v tolerate_v in_o any_o case_n all_o particularity_n in_o any_o human_a affair_n be_v not_o easy_a nor_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v at_o one_o view_n nor_o be_v they_o so_o fix_v but_o they_o may_v admit_v considerable_a variation_n according_a to_o the_o different_a state_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v general_a rule_n of_o prudence_n that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a indication_n of_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v at_o any_o
lot_n of_o inheritance_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o do_v not_o value_v the_o concern_v thereof_o above_o all_o his_o chief_a joy_n that_o be_v but_o of_o this_o world_n a_o zeal_n for_o the_o common_a faith_n and_o a_o constrane_n love_n to_o all_o the_o faithful_a have_v excite_v a_o very_a mean_a and_o weak_a one_o to_o do_v what_o he_o be_v able_a on_o this_o important_a subject_n impartial_o search_v after_o their_o common_a good_a let_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o society_n one_o of_o who_o name_n be_v counsellor_n deliver_v his_o flock_n from_o all_o dangerous_a and_o disadvantageous_a error_n and_o from_o wander_v in_o break_a party_n by_o unstable_a and_o divide_a counsel_n and_o show_v they_o gracious_o the_o right_a way_n of_o maintain_v a_o consistency_n among_o themselves_o and_o of_o gain_v upon_o the_o reconcilable_a part_n of_o man_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o this_o prince_n and_o leader_n be_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n who_o banner_n be_v love_n let_v his_o people_n every_o where_o be_v act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o show_v forth_o the_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n in_o all_o good_a conversation_n with_o humility_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a have_v this_o principle_n deep_o imprint_v in_o they_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n the_o point_n of_o church-unity_n and_o schism_n discuss_v chap._n i._n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o polity_n the_o church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a commonwealth_n which_o according_a to_o its_o primary_n and_o invisible_a state_n be_v a_o society_n of_o regenerate_a person_n who_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n christ_n their_o head_n and_o one_o to_o another_o as_o fellow_n member_n by_o a_o mystical_a union_n through_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o adopt_v to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o according_a to_o its_o secondary_a and_o visible_a state_n it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o person_n profess_v christianity_n or_o regeration_n and_o external_o join_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o the_o symbal_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o external_a privilege_n thereunto_o belong_v there_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n which_o according_a to_o the_o invisible_a form_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o true_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o according_a to_o its_o visible_a form_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o visible_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n or_o believer_n according_a to_o human_a judgement_n this_o church_n have_v one_o head_n and_o supreme_a lord_n even_o christ_n and_o one_o charter_n and_o system_n of_o law_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o member_n that_o be_v free_a denizen_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n and_o one_o form_n of_o admission_n or_o solemn_a initiation_n for_o its_o member_n and_o one_o kind_n of_o ministry_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n this_o church_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o its_o own_o fundamental_a constitution_n or_o of_o the_o law_n and_o officer_n and_o administration_n intrinsical_o belong_v to_o it_o but_o have_v receive_v all_o these_o from_o christ_n its_o head_n king_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o be_v limit_v by_o he_o in_o they_o all_o nevertheless_o it_o have_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o its_o act_n that_o be_v according_a to_o its_o several_a part_n a_o power_n of_o make_v secondary_a law_n or_o canon_n either_o to_o impress_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n upon_o its_o member_n or_o to_o regulate_v circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n in_o religion_n by_o determine_v thing_n necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la not_o determine_v of_o christ_n in_o specie_fw-la as_o the_o scripture_n set_v forth_o one_o catholic_n church_n so_o also_o many_o particular_a church_n as_o so_o many_o political_a society_n distinct_a from_o each_o other_o yet_o all_o compact_a together_o as_o part_n of_o that_o one_o ample_a society_n the_o catholic_n church_n each_o of_o these_o particular_a church_n have_v their_o proper_a elder_n or_o elder_n pastor_n or_o pastor_n have_v authority_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v they_o in_o christ_n name_n a_o ecclesiastical_a order_n of_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n that_o be_v not_o bishop_n be_v not_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n for_o all_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n be_v of_o a_o sacred_a order_n in_o the_o gospel_n church_n that_o be_v any_o where_o mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v therein_o set_v forth_o as_o bishop_n true_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v and_o be_v no_o where_o set_v forth_o as_o less_o than_o bishop_n these_o elder_n or_o bishop_n be_v personal_o to_o superintend_v all_o their_o flock_n and_o there_o be_v no_o grant_n from_o christ_n to_o discharge_v the_o same_o by_o delegate_n or_o substitute_n a_o distinction_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o a_o superiority_n of_o the_o former_a over_o the_o latter_a be_v after_o the_o scripture_n time_n ancient_o and_o general_o receive_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o diversity_n of_o order_n or_o office_n essential_o different_a but_o of_o degree_n in_o the_o same_o office_n the_o essential_a nature_n whereof_o be_v in_o both_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v a_o bishop_n not_o of_o a_o multitude_n of_o church_n but_o of_o one_o state_v ecclesiastical_a society_n or_o single_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o immediate_a pastor_n and_o he_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o immediate_a pastor_n towards_o they_o all_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o not_o by_o delegate_n and_o substitute_n and_o he_o govern_v not_o alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o presbyter_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v the_o precedent_n though_o several_a city_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n have_v their_o different_a municipal_a law_n and_o privilege_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o charter_n yet_o particular_a church_n have_v no_o divine_a law_n and_o privilege_n diverse_a from_o each_o other_o but_o the_o same_o 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or_o town_n and_o the_o adjacent_a village_n who_o may_v and_o do_v personal_o meet_v together_o both_o for_o worship_n and_o discipline_n all_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o local_a precinct_n be_v most_o convenient_o bring_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o state_v church_n that_o there_o may_v be_v the_o great_a union_n among_o they_o and_o that_o the_o occasion_n of_o straggle_a and_o run_v into_o several_a party_n may_v be_v avoid_v yet_o this_o local_a partition_n of_o church_n be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o invariable_a but_o if_o there_o be_v some_o insuperable_a impediment_n thereof_o the_o partition_n must_v be_v make_v as_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n will_v admit_v no_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n can_v by_o divine_a right_n or_o warrant_v claim_v any_o assign_a circuit_n of_o ground_n as_o his_o propriety_n for_o ecclesiastical_a government_n as_o a_o prince_n claim_v certain_a territory_n as_o his_o propriety_n for_o civil_a government_n so_o that_o no_o other_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n may_v without_o his_o licence_n do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o within_o that_o circuit_n it_o be_v not_o the_o conjunction_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n with_o the_o generality_n or_o the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o people_n that_o of_o itself_o declare_v the_o only_a rightful_a pastor_n or_o true_a church_n within_o this_o or_o that_o circuit_n for_o many_o cause_n may_v require_v and_o justify_v the_o be_v of_o other_o church_n therein_o see_v particular_a church_n be_v so_o many_o integral_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o each_o other_o help_v in_o thing_n that_o concern_v they_o joint_o and_o several_o and_o they_o have_v all_o a_o influence_n on_o each_o other_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n lead_v they_o to_o association_n or_o combination_n great_a and_o lesser_a according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o the_o orderly_a state_n that_o be_v requisite_a in_o all_o association_n do_v natural_o require_v some_o regular_a
the_o spirit_n among_o christian_n be_v witness_v maintain_v and_o strengthen_v by_o their_o holy_a communion_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o but_o be_v darken_v weaken_a and_o lessen_v by_o their_o uncharitable_a dissension_n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o unity_n here_o commend_v be_v primary_o that_o of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o internal_a and_o invisible_a state_n or_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n have_v in_o themselves_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v charge_v to_o keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n but_o concord_n in_o any_o external_a order_n with_o a_o vital_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o holy_a soul_n his_o live_a member_n be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o new_a nature_n and_o divine_a life_n secondary_o it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o external_a and_o visible_a 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the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a whether_o catholic_n or_o particular_a may_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o threefold_a respect_n or_o in_o three_o very_a different_a point_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a point_n thereof_o be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o all_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o second_o and_o next_o in_o account_n be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n that_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church-worship_n ministry_n and_o discipline_n consider_v as_o of_o christ_n institution_n and_o abstract_v from_o all_o thing_n superad_v by_o man_n the_o three_o and_o low_a point_n be_v in_o those_o extrinsical_a and_o accidental_a form_n and_o order_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la but_o leave_v in_o specie_fw-la to_o human_a determination_n of_o these_o several_a point_n of_o unity_n there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o different_a valuation_n according_a to_o their_o different_a value_n our_o first_o and_o chief_a regard_n be_v due_a to_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a point_n which_o respect_v christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o next_o regard_n be_v due_a to_o that_o which_o be_v next_o in_o value_n that_o which_o respect_v the_o very_a constitution_n or_o frame_n of_o a_o church_n and_o regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o that_o also_o which_o respect_v the_o accidental_n of_o religion_n yet_o in_o its_o due_a place_n and_o not_o before_o thing_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o worth_n thing_n be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n and_o importance_n to_o the_o church_n good_a estate_n and_o a_o great_a or_o lesser_a stress_n must_v be_v lay_v upon_o unity_n in_o they_o as_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v of_o great_a or_o lesser_a moment_n the_o rule_n or_o law_n of_o church_n unity_n be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n whosoever_o keep_v that_o unity_n which_o have_v god_n word_n for_o its_o rule_n keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o whosoever_o boast_v of_o a_o unity_n that_o be_v not_o square_v by_o this_o rule_n his_o boast_n be_v but_o vain_a a_o hypothesis_n that_o nothing_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v lawful_a but_o what_o be_v express_o prescribe_v in_o scripture_n be_v by_o some_o false_o ascribe_v to_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o scripture_n sufficiency_n and_o perfection_n for_o the_o regulate_v of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o religion_n god_n in_o his_o word_n have_v prescribe_v all_o those_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v to_o he_o he_o have_v likewise_o therein_o institute_v those_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o administrator_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n in_o church_n assembly_n and_o have_v define_v the_o authority_n and_o duty_n of_o those_o officer_n and_o all_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n as_o for_o the_o circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n belong_v to_o all_o the_o thing_n aforesaid_a he_o have_v lay_v down_o general_a rule_n for_o the_o regulation_n thereof_o the_o particular_n be_v both_o needless_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v enumerate_v and_o define_v in_o this_o point_n god_n have_v declare_v his_o mind_n deut._n 4._o 2._o you_o shall_v not_o add_v unto_o the_o word_n which_o i_o command_v you_o neither_o shall_v you_o diminish_v aught_o from_o it_o deut._n 12._o 32._o what_o soever_o thing_n i_o command_v you_o observe_v to_o do_v it_o thou_o shall_v not_o add_v thereto_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o the_o prohibition_n be_v not_o mere_o of_o alter_v the_o rule_n god_n write_a word_n by_o addition_n or_o diminution_n but_o of_o do_v more_o or_o less_o than_o the_o rule_n require_v as_o the_o precept_n be_v not_o of_o preserve_v the_o rule_n but_o of_o observe_v what_o be_v command_v in_o it_o such_o human_a institution_n in_o divine_a worship_n as_o be_v in_o mere_a subserviency_n to_o divine_a institution_n for_o the_o necessary_a and_o convenient_a modify_n and_o order_v thereof_o be_v not_o proper_o addition_n to_o god_n commandment_n for_o they_o be_v of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n end_n and_o use_v with_o the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v command_v but_o of_o mere_a circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n belong_v to_o those_o thing_n and_o these_o circumstantial_o be_v in_o genere_fw-la necessary_a to_o the_o performance_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o be_v general_o command_v in_o the_o word_n though_o not_o in_o particular_a but_o be_v to_o be_v determine_v in_o specie_fw-la by_o those_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o such_o determination_n belong_v they_o that_o assert_v and_o stand_v to_o this_o only_a rule_n provide_v best_a for_o the_o unity_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o reject_v whatsoever_o they_o find_v contrary_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o be_v more_o easy_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o acceptable_a worship_n and_o all_o warrantable_a obedience_n they_o lay_v the_o great_a weight_n on_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a worth_n and_o moment_n they_o careful_o regard_v all_o divine_a institution_n and_o whatsoever_o god_n have_v command_v and_o they_o maintain_v love_n and_o peace_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n towards_o one_o another_o in_o the_o more_o inconsiderable_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o practice_n those_o thing_n that_o be_v leave_v to_o human_a determination_n the_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o elder_n do_v ancient_o determine_v for_o their_o own_o particular_a church_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o natural_o convenient_a that_o they_o who_o be_v the_o administrator_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o have_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o people_n in_o divine_a worship_n and_o know_v best_a what_o be_v most_o expedient_a for_o their_o own_o society_n shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o determination_n of_o necessary_a circumstance_n within_o their_o
chief_a point_n thereof_o be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o high_a violation_n thereof_o and_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o schism_n lie_v in_o deny_v or_o enormous_o violate_v the_o say_a essential_o or_o weighty_a matter_n and_o it_o be_v direct_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o not_o of_o particular_a church_n only_o not_o only_o particular_a person_n but_o church_n yea_o a_o large_a combination_n of_o church_n bear_v the_o christian_a name_n may_v in_o their_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o other_o avow_a practice_n great_o violate_v the_o essential_o or_o very_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n and_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o enormous_a breach_n of_o unity_n it_o be_v no_o schism_n to_o withdraw_v or_o depart_v from_o any_o the_o large_a combination_n or_o collective_a body_n of_o church_n though_o for_o their_o amplitude_n they_o presume_v to_o style_v their_o combination_n the_o catholic_n church_n that_o maintain_v and_o avow_v any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n which_o direct_o or_o by_o near_a and_o palpable_a consequence_n overthrow_v the_o say_v essential_o the_o next_o point_n of_o external_a unity_n be_v about_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o public_a worship_n the_o ministry_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o of_o christ_n institution_n the_o next_o chief_a point_n of_o schism_n be_v the_o breach_n hereof_o and_o this_o may_v be_v either_o against_o the_o catholic_n or_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o such_o schism_n against_o the_o state_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n there_o be_v these_o instance_n 1._o when_o any_o one_o part_n of_o profess_a christian_n how_o numerous_a soever_o combine_v by_o any_o other_o term_n of_o catholic_n unity_n than_o what_o christ_n have_v make_v account_v themselves_o the_o only_a catholic_n church_n exclude_v all_o person_n and_o church_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o combination_n 2._o when_o a_o false_a catholic_n unity_n be_v devise_v or_o contend_v for_o viz._n a_o devise_a unity_n of_o government_n for_o the_o catholic_n church_n under_o one_o terrene_a head_n personal_a or_o collective_a assume_v a_o proper_a govern_v power_n over_o all_o christian_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n 3._o when_o there_o be_v a_o utter_a disow_v of_o most_o of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o have_v no_o true_a church_n state_n no_o not_o the_o essential_o thereof_o and_o a_o utter_a break_v off_o from_o communion_n with_o they_o according_o of_o schism_n against_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o point_n of_o its_o church_n state_n there_o be_v these_o instance_n 1._o the_o renounce_n of_o a_o true_a church_n as_o no_o church_n although_o it_o be_v much_o corrupt_v much_o more_o if_o it_o be_v a_o pure_a church_n though_o somewhat_o faulty_a 2._o a_o utter_a refuse_v of_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o a_o true_a church_n when_o we_o may_v have_v communion_n with_o it_o either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n without_o our_o personal_a sin_n of_o commission_n or_o omission_n 3._o the_o cause_v of_o any_o division_n or_o distemper_n in_o the_o state_n or_o frame_n of_o a_o true_a church_n contrary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o it_o be_v no_o schism_n to_o disow_v a_o corrupt_a frame_n of_o polity_n supervenient_a to_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o combination_n of_o church_n like_o a_o leprosy_n in_o the_o body_n that_o do_v gross_o deprave_v they_o and_o in_o great_a part_n frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o their_o constitution_n the_o last_o and_o low_a point_n of_o external_a unity_n lie_v in_o the_o accidental_a mode_n of_o religion_n and_o matter_n of_o mere_a order_n extrinsic_a to_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church-state_n the_o violation_n thereof_o be_v the_o least_o and_o low_a point_n of_o schism_n i_o mean_v in_o itself_o consider_v and_o not_o in_o such_o aggravate_v circumstance_n as_o it_o may_v be_v in_o those_o accidental_a form_n and_o order_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la but_o leave_v in_o specie_fw-la to_o human_a determination_n be_v allow_v of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o prudence_n and_o charity_n for_o peace_n and_o edification_n and_o according_o they_o be_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o consequent_o it_o be_v one_o point_n of_o schism_n to_o make_v a_o division_n from_o or_o in_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o accountal_a of_o accident_n form_n and_o order_n so_o determine_v according_a to_o god_n allowance_n but_o if_o any_o of_o the_o accidental_n be_v unlawful_a and_o the_o maintain_n or_o practise_v thereof_o be_v impose_v upon_o we_o as_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n it_o be_v no_o schism_n but_o duty_n to_o abstain_v from_o communion_n in_o that_o case_n for_o explicit_o and_o personal_o to_o own_o error_n and_o corruption_n even_o in_o small_a point_n be_v evil_n in_o itself_o which_o must_v not_o be_v commit_v that_o good_a may_v come_v in_o this_o case_n not_o he_o that_o withdraw_v but_o he_o that_o impose_v cause_v the_o division_n and_o this_o hold_v of_o thing_n sinful_a either_o in_o themselves_o or_o by_o just_a consequence_n and_o herein_o he_o that_o be_v to_o act_v be_v to_o discern_v and_o judge_v for_o his_o own_o practice_n whether_o the_o thing_n impose_v be_v such_o for_o god_n law_n suppose_v we_o rational_a creature_n able_a to_o discern_v its_o meaning_n and_o to_o apply_v it_o for_o the_o regulate_v of_o our_o own_o action_n else_o the_o law_n be_v give_v we_o in_o vain_a submission_n and_o reverence_n towards_o superior_n oblige_v no_o man_n to_o resign_v his_o understanding_n to_o their_o determination_n or_o in_o compliance_n with_o they_o to_o violate_v his_o own_o conscience_n person_n meek_a humble_a peaceable_a and_o thorough_o conscientious_a and_o of_o competent_a judgement_n may_v not_o be_v able_a by_o their_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a search_n to_o see_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o thing_n enjoin_v and_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n if_o they_o shall_v thereupon_o be_v declare_v contumacious_a see_v there_o be_v several_a point_n of_o unity_n the_o valuation_n whereof_o be_v to_o be_v make_v according_a to_o their_o different_a value_n man_n judgement_n and_o estimation_n of_o unity_n and_o schism_n be_v very_o preposterous_a who_o lie_v the_o great_a stress_n on_o those_o point_n that_o be_v of_o least_o moment_n and_o raise_v thing_n of_o the_o low_a rank_n to_o the_o high_a in_o their_o valuation_n and_o set_v light_n by_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o high_a value_n as_o indeed_o they_o do_v who_o set_v light_n by_o soundness_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o conscientious_a observance_n of_o divine_a institution_n where_o there_o be_v not_o also_o unanimity_n and_o uniformity_n in_o unscriptural_a doctrine_n and_o human_a ceremony_n and_o they_o that_o make_v such_o a_o estimate_n of_o thing_n and_o deal_v with_o minister_n according_o do_v therein_o little_o advance_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v it_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o church_n unity_n a_o breach_n be_v make_v upon_o it_o when_o other_o bound_n thereof_o be_v set_v than_o this_o rule_n allow_v a_o instance_n hereof_o be_v the_o devise_v of_o other_o term_n of_o church-communion_n and_o ministerial_a liberty_n than_o god_n have_v command_v or_o allow_v in_o his_o word_n to_o be_v make_v the_o term_n thereof_o also_o any_o cast_n or_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o ministry_n such_o as_o god_n word_n do_v not_o exclude_v from_o either_o but_o signify_v to_o be_v qualify_v and_o call_v thereunto_o god_n do_v not_o allow_v on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o imposer_n such_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n or_o ministerial_a station_n as_o be_v neither_o scriptural_a nor_o necessary_a to_o peace_n and_o edification_n nor_o be_v any_o part_n of_o that_o necessary_a order_n and_o decency_n without_o which_o the_o service_n of_o god_n will_v be_v undecent_a nor_o be_v in_o any_o regard_n so_o necessary_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o for_o a_o great_a benefit_n and_o the_o avoid_n of_o a_o great_a mischief_n and_o they_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o schism_n that_o urge_v such_o unscriptural_a and_o unnecessary_a thing_n unto_o a_o breach_n in_o the_o church_n such_o imposer_n be_v not_o only_o a_o occasion_n of_o the_o breach_n that_o follow_v but_o a_o culpable_a cause_n thereof_o because_o they_o impose_v without_o and_o against_o christ_n warrant_n who_o will_v not_o have_v his_o church_n to_o be_v burden_v nor_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o servant_n entangle_v with_o thing_n unnecessary_a nevertheless_o such_o unscriptural_a or_o
he_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n he_o recite_v for_o himself_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o decius_n and_o the_o exquisite_a observation_n of_o a_o certain_a severe_a canon_n that_o they_o who_o after_o baptism_n have_v fall_v into_o that_o kind_n of_o sin_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a mystery_n but_o to_o be_v exhort_v to_o repentance_n and_o to_o expect_v the_o hope_n of_o remission_n not_o from_o the_o priest_n but_o from_o god_n who_o have_v power_n to_o forgive_v by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o novatian_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o salvability_n of_o the_o lapse_v or_o other_o that_o have_v fall_v into_o a_o sin_n unto_o death_n but_o only_o refuse_v to_o admit_v they_o to_o sacerdotal_a absolution_n and_o church-communion_n and_o thus_o they_o make_v a_o very_a unwarrantable_a separation_n ground_v upon_o a_o unjust_a rigour_n of_o very_a bad_a consequence_n nevertheless_o their_o error_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n may_v be_v ensnare_v in_o by_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o great_a detestation_n of_o sin_n and_o its_o tendency_n to_o prevent_v the_o lapse_n of_o christian_n into_o idolatry_n and_o to_o make_v they_o more_o resolve_v for_o martyrdom_n and_o by_o as_o credible_a history_n as_o any_o we_o have_v of_o the_o ancient_a time_n they_o be_v report_v to_o have_v have_v among_o they_o man_n eminent_o pious_a and_o some_o famous_a for_o miracle_n they_o unmovable_o adhere_v to_o the_o homousian_a faith_n and_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o it_o together_o with_o the_o orthodox_n suffer_v dreadful_a persecution_n they_o have_v some_o bishop_n remarkable_a for_o wisdom_n and_o godliness_n and_o such_o as_o be_v consult_v with_o by_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n and_o that_o with_o good_a success_n for_o support_v of_o the_o common_a faith_n against_o the_o arrian_n and_o such_o like_a heretic_n under_o a_o certain_a persecution_n wherein_o they_o be_v companion_n of_o the_o self_n same_o suffering_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o catholic_n and_o novatian_o have_v prayer_n together_o in_o the_o novation_n church_n and_o that_o in_o those_o time_n they_o be_v almost_o unite_v if_o the_o novation_n have_v not_o utter_o refuse_v that_o they_o may_v keep_v up_o their_o old_a institute_n yet_o they_o bear_v such_o good_a will_n one_o to_o another_o that_o they_o will_v die_v one_o for_o another_o these_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n be_v report_v of_o they_o by_o socrates_n who_o some_o indeed_o suspect_v to_o have_v be_v addict_v to_o they_o yet_o upon_o no_o other_o ground_n but_o because_o he_o give_v they_o their_o due_n upon_o evident_a proof_n and_o beside_o what_o he_o have_v report_v sosoman_n thus_o testify_v of_o they_o l._n 2._o c._n 30._o that_o when_o other_o sect_n expire_v the_o novatian_o because_o they_o have_v good_a man_n for_o the_o leader_n of_o their_o way_n and_o because_o they_o defend_v the_o same_o doctrine_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v very_o numerous_a from_o the_o beginning_n and_o so_o continue_v and_o suffer_v not_o much_o damage_n by_o constantine_n law_n for_o suppress_v of_o sect_n and_o acesius_n their_o bishop_n be_v much_o favour_v by_o the_o emperor_n for_o the_o integrity_n of_o his_o life_n great_o advantage_v his_o church_n also_o l._n 4._o c._n 19_o he_o report_v the_o great_a amity_n that_o be_v between_o they_o and_o the_o catholic_n in_o a_o time_n of_o common_a persecution_n whether_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n from_o the_o uniformity_n now_o require_v be_v in_o point_n of_o schism_n of_o the_o same_o or_o like_a reason_n with_o the_o above_o mention_v or_o any_o other_o ancient_o repute_v schismatic_n be_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o it_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o dissent_v not_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n but_o only_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n or_o external_a order_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v here_o take_v into_o consideration_n of_o these_o some_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o own_o church-order_n desire_v to_o remain_v as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o sever_a society_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o nullify_v the_o legal_a church_n or_o ministry_n or_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n therein_o perform_v other_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o constitution_n of_o parochial_a church_n and_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o establish_v form_n of_o worship_n will_v glad_o embrace_v a_o freedom_n of_o communicate_v and_o administer_a therein_o upon_o the_o removal_n of_o some_o bar_n that_o lie_v against_o they_o and_o which_o they_o think_v may_v well_o be_v remove_v thereupon_o they_o seek_v a_o accommodation_n and_o union_n by_o a_o sufficient_a comprehensiveness_n in_o the_o public_a constitution_n and_o withal_o a_o reasonable_a indulgence_n towards_o those_o brethren_n who_o for_o the_o straightness_n of_o their_o judgement_n can_v be_v comprehend_v neither_o party_n of_o the_o dissenter_n here_o describe_v can_v be_v charge_v with_o any_o thing_n like_o the_o donatistical_n fury_n before_o express_v if_o austin_n seek_v the_o suppression_n of_o that_o sect_n by_o the_o secular_a power_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o horrible_a outrage_n commit_v by_o they_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v urge_v for_o a_o precedent_n as_o it_o have_v be_v by_o some_o for_o the_o suppression_n of_o man_n sober_a and_o peaceable_a and_o sound_v in_o the_o main_a point_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n nor_o can_v either_o party_n of_o we_o be_v charge_v with_o that_o intolerable_a presumption_n and_o arrogance_n of_o the_o donatist_n in_o confine_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n to_o their_o own_o party_n or_o the_o disannul_n and_o utter_a denounce_v of_o all_o church_n beside_o their_o own_o nor_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o dissatisfaction_n like_o they_o which_o begin_v in_o a_o quarrel_n against_o a_o particular_a bishop_n and_o be_v maintain_v by_o animosity_n against_o those_o that_o will_v not_o condemn_v he_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o another_o manner_n of_o account_n be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o our_o dissent_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o those_o dissenter_n who_o principle_n bind_v they_o up_o to_o persevere_v in_o their_o sever_a society_n seem_v in_o this_o respect_n to_o be_v as_o the_o novatian_o who_o will_v not_o admit_v a_o reunion_n with_o the_o other_o church_n it_o may_v be_v answer_v for_o they_o that_o reason_n have_v be_v offer_v in_o the_o forego_n part_n of_o this_o discourse_n for_o indulgence_n to_o conscientious_a people_n who_o be_v entangle_v by_o the_o narrowness_n of_o their_o principle_n touch_v church-order_n beside_o they_o do_v not_o stand_v off_o upon_o so_o harsh_a and_o rigorous_a a_o point_n as_o the_o novatian_o do_v viz._n the_o utter_a repel_v of_o the_o lapse_v though_o penitent_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o have_v ordinary_o communion_n in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n with_o congregation_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o church_n way_n and_o occasional_o in_o the_o sacrament_n with_o those_o congregation_n where_o they_o apprehend_v a_o care_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n nor_o may_v they_o be_v judge_v so_o irreconcilable_a to_o the_o establish_v order_n but_o that_o the_o holy_a life_n of_o those_o in_o the_o public_a ministry_n and_o their_o lively_a preach_v and_o a_o great_a care_n of_o true_a and_o real_a church-discipline_n may_v do_v much_o to_o their_o recovery_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n why_o may_v not_o these_o be_v upon_o as_o good_a term_n under_o the_o present_a government_n as_o the_o novatian_o be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o their_o time_n church_n history_n report_v that_o they_o be_v cruel_o persecute_v by_o the_o arrian_n emperor_n and_o bishop_n and_o that_o they_o have_v great_a indulgence_n under_o orthodox_n emperor_n and_o with_o many_o catholic_n bishop_n and_o patriarch_n who_o prudent_a and_o moderate_a government_n do_v best_a provide_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o church_n but_o those_o orthodox_n bishop_n who_o take_v from_o they_o their_o church_n and_o estate_n be_v chief_o either_o such_o as_o take_v to_o themselves_o a_o secular_a power_n and_o rule_v imperious_o and_o with_o violence_n or_o such_o as_o with_o their_o zeal_n have_v more_o of_o wrath_n and_o rashness_n than_o of_o meekness_n and_o prudence_n this_o can_v be_v easy_o prove_v in_o the_o particular_a instance_n if_o need_n be_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o all_o nonconformist_n for_o part_v of_o they_o and_o upon_o good_a experiment_n make_v they_o may_v be_v find_v the_o great_a part_n do_v not_o seek_v to_o abide_v in_o a_o sever_a state_n but_o desire_v a_o union_n it_o be_v well_o know_v they_o be_v as_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o schism_n and_o
unity_n the_o confuse_a noise_n about_o schism_n and_o the_o unjust_a imputation_n thereof_o that_o be_v common_o make_v have_v great_o disorder_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o some_o have_v be_v thereby_o sway_v to_o a_o absolute_a compliance_n with_o the_o most_o numerous_a or_o the_o most_o prevail_a party_n other_o discern_v the_o abuse_n of_o this_o name_n but_o forget_v that_o there_o be_v something_o true_o so_o call_v have_v make_v light_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o be_v indeed_o of_o a_o heinous_a nature_n i_o have_v be_v engage_v in_o this_o disquisition_n by_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o schism_n and_o a_o earnest_a care_n of_o keep_v myself_o from_o the_o real_a guilt_n thereof_o and_o what_o be_v here_o write_v i_o willing_o submit_v to_o a_o grave_n and_o just_a examination_n errare_fw-la possum_fw-la haereticus_fw-la schismaticus_fw-la esse_fw-la nolo_fw-la i_o be_o liable_a to_o error_n as_o other_o be_v but_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o be_o no_o wilful_a 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