man_n stupid_a and_o foolish_a that_o they_o may_v the_o better_a lord_n it_o over_o they_o as_o besot_v vassal_n it_o can_v invite_v or_o engage_v any_o to_o its_o side_n by_o carnal_a allurement_n and_o provision_n make_v for_o â—he_n lust_n of_o men._n the_o make_n of_o such_o provision_n will_v extinguish_v its_o life_n and_o power_n and_o bring_v forth_o a_o spurious_a carnal_a brood_n that_o always_o with_o deadly_a hatred_n pursue_v its_o true_a professor_n it_o can_v lift_v up_o itself_o by_o serve_v the_o design_n and_o lust_n of_o earthly_a potentate_n though_o it_o â—ives_n they_o their_o due_a honour_n to_o the_o full_a yet_o it_o tempt_v they_o not_o by_o flattery_n to_o think_v of_o themselves_o above_o what_o they_o be_v nor_o do_v it_o proâ—itute_v its_o sacred_a rule_n to_o patronize_v any_o enormity_n in_o their_o conversation_n or_o political_a administration_n it_o can_v subdue_v a_o people_n and_o hold_v they_o unâ—er_o by_o arm_a violence_n and_o usurpation_n for_o his_o be_v to_o subvert_v itself_o and_o undermine_v its_o â—wn_n foundation_n which_o be_v truth_n meekness_n and_o â—â—ghteousness_n it_o seek_v not_o by_o any_o irregular_a motion_n to_o perâ—rb_v a_o settle_a state_n though_o adverse_a and_o injurious_a to_o it_o it_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o recesses_n 〈◊〉_d wicked_a policy_n its_o principle_n will_v not_o bear_v 〈◊〉_d out_o in_o the_o cunning_a and_o close_a way_n of_o dishonâ—…_n sty_n it_o abhor_v such_o engagement_n as_o draw_v oâ—…_n necessity_n of_o proceed_v in_o unrighteous_a or_o daâ—…_n gerous_a counsel_n and_o especial_o such_o iniquiâ—…_n as_o will_v not_o pass_v away_o in_o a_o transient_a action_n but_o will_v hold_v up_o a_o last_a usurpation_n or_o iâ—…_n jury_n to_o its_o perpetual_a reproach_n and_o repugnanâ—…_n to_o itself_o it_o neither_o have_v nor_o in_o human_a judgement_n 〈◊〉_d like_a to_o have_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o arm_n of_o flesâ—…_n or_o worldly_a puissance_n for_o its_o intrinsic_a and_o aâ—…_n bide_v strength_n until_o it_o come_v in_o a_o more_o exâ—…_n tensive_a power_n and_o more_o ample_a victory_n that_o have_v be_v yet_o manifest_v in_o the_o world_n thâ—…_n mutable_a advantage_n of_o certain_a time_n and_o occaâ—…_n zion_n be_v but_o loose_a and_o hollow_a ground_n and_o nâ—…_n settle_a foundation_n for_o it_o to_o build_v upon_o it_o be_v not_o further_v by_o a_o course_n of_o subtlety_n and_o of_o intricate_a and_o cloudy_a project_n which_o be_v get_v suspicion_n of_o evil_n but_o by_o a_o openess_n a_o frankness_n of_o deal_n in_o all_o certainty_n and_o clearness_n for_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n anâ—…_n regular_a and_o certain_a as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o heâ—…_n when_fw-mi or_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o celestial_a body_n whatsoever_o degree_n of_o obliquity_n or_o uncertainty_n happen_v to_o it_o be_v only_o extrinsical_a proceed_n from_o man_n corruption_n and_o frailty_n who_o neâ—…_n there_o be_v can_v be_v here_o absolute_o exact_a and_o perfect_a in_o it_o it_o reject_v the_o fury_n of_o passion_n bitterness_n clamour_n wrath_n tumult_n and_o all_o outrage_n in_o a_o word_n it_o can_v admit_v nothing_o that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o entire_a honesty_n and_o it_o be_v not_o weaken_v by_o this_o strictness_n for_o truth_n be_v great_a and_o powerful_a and_o by_o a_o weak_a and_o gentle_a yet_o sound_a and_o solid_a manifestation_n of_o itself_o it_o maintain_v a_o conquest_n answerable_a to_o its_o own_o condition_n in_o this_o present_a world_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 men._n a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n nourish_v pride_n and_o sensuality_n and_o yield_v itself_o managable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o man_n after_o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n be_v common_o uphold_v by_o a_o arm_n of_o secular_a power_n which_o by_o way_n of_o its_o own_o it_o can_v make_v sure_a to_o itself_o but_o pure_a religion_n abhor_v base_a compliance_n and_o reside_v in_o the_o hitherto_o lesser_a number_n that_o walk_v in_o the_o narrow_a way_n be_v not_o so_o well_o suit_v for_o a_o settle_a and_o continue_a potency_n in_o that_o kind_n wherefore_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o it_o fail_v of_o a_o assurance_n of_o worldly_a power_n and_o greatness_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o it_o need_v the_o advantage_n of_o venerable_a estimation_n for_o its_o own_o intrinsic_a excellence_n a_o desire_n of_o vain_a glory_n and_o a_o ambitious_a catch_n at_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n be_v opposite_a to_o this_o interest_n and_o destroy_v the_o end_n thereof_o but_o because_o thing_n that_o appear_v not_o be_v of_o the_o same_o reason_n with_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o regard_n of_o influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n christianity_n shall_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v indeed_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a idea_n in_o the_o imagination_n or_o intellect_n but_o a_o wisdom_n and_o power_n that_o may_v be_v practise_v and_o its_o glory_n be_v display_v in_o a_o life_n of_o integrity_n purity_n and_o charity_n by_o the_o brightness_n of_o which_o grace_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n it_o become_v illustrious_a and_o be_v exalt_v over_o all_o the_o learning_n and_o virtue_n and_o potency_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n in_o such_o a_o age_n as_o have_v all_o civil_a discipline_n in_o their_o perfection_n and_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o endanger_v as_o when_o the_o sanctity_n of_o its_o professor_n be_v fall_v or_o expose_v to_o scandal_n eminent_a holiness_n be_v after_o miracle_n the_o next_o great_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v now_o in_o the_o room_n of_o miracle_n and_o its_o influence_n be_v very_o powerful_a wheresoever_o it_o be_v it_o invigorate_v other_o of_o this_o fellowship_n that_o be_v near_o it_o and_o it_o command_v awe_n and_o reverence_n from_o all_o men._n it_o be_v a_o great_a happiness_n when_o person_n endue_v herewith_o be_v in_o proportionable_a number_n fix_v like_o star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n throughout_o the_o firmament_n of_o the_o church_n when_o there_o be_v man_n of_o strong_a part_n much_o prudence_n active_a spirit_n firm_a resolution_n who_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n inflame_v with_o love_n to_o god_n and_o devote_v to_o seek_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v christ_n and_o fit_v thereunto_o by_o real_a mortification_n and_o self-denial_n also_o when_o person_n of_o a_o low_a sphere_n for_o the_o perfection_n of_o nature_n or_o learning_n have_v attain_v to_o a_o large_a measure_n of_o the_o primitive_a spirit_n of_o faith_n love_n meekness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o charity_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v ready_a to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o provoke_v other_o thereunto_o as_o the_o eminent_a piety_n of_o some_o so_o the_o approved_a piety_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o serious_a professor_n import_v exceed_o to_o the_o reputation_n and_o reverence_n of_o true_a religion_n the_o spiritual_a man_n discern_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o natural_a man_n also_o can_v discern_v humility_n chastity_n temperance_n patience_n charity_n integrity_n as_o thing_n moral_o good_a and_o profitable_a to_o man_n and_o by_o â—…ese_n thing_n the_o truth_n be_v vindicate_v and_o mainâ—…ined_v to_o defile_v the_o purity_n of_o this_o professiâ—…_n be_v to_o stain_v its_o glory_n and_o to_o stain_n iâ—s_v glory_n be_v 〈◊〉_d render_v it_o weak_a and_o despicable_a none_o thereâ—…re_o may_v pass_v for_o the_o allow_v disciple_n of_o this_o â—ay_n but_o such_o as_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a from_o 〈◊〉_d foul_a sin_n of_o sensuality_n and_o from_o all_o palpaâ—…_n dishonesty_n howbeit_o the_o lawful_a favour_n â—…d_v assistance_n of_o any_o other_o may_n with_o due_a cauâ—…_n be_v admit_v in_o its_o concernment_n a_o harmless_a life_n if_o barren_a and_o unprofitable_a be_v of_o little_a value_n in_o itself_o and_o also_o of_o little_a force_n to_o advance_v any_o profession_n nay_o a_o fruitless_a life_n be_v scandalous_a and_o unchristian_a they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n herein_o be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bear_v much_o fruit_n so_o shall_v you_o be_v my_o disciple_n the_o root_n of_o such_o fruitfulness_n in_o good_a work_n be_v love_v out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a to_o which_o belong_v those_o praise_n that_o it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n now_o because_o they_o that_o walk_v circumspect_o be_v often_o censure_v by_o the_o loose_a sort_n to_o be_v uncharitable_a it_o do_v the_o more_o concern_v they_o real_o to_o show_v forth_o the_o laudable_a fruit_n of_o charity_n and_o to_o maintain_v all_o good_a work_n before_o man_n though_o not_o to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n and_o to_o hate_v narrowness_n of_o soul_n and_o base_a selfishness_n what_o do_v you_o more_o
authority_n and_o reverend_a esteem_n of_o their_o person_n and_o office_n yet_o it_o regulate_v the_o same_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o prevent_v ambition_n avarice_n sensuality_n idleness_n haughtiness_n that_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n may_v not_o be_v encourage_v to_o aspire_v to_o its_o promotion_n and_o that_o good_a man_n may_v not_o degenerate_a and_o that_o the_o sacred_a name_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v hold_v by_o a_o society_n of_o man_n not_o carnal_a but_o true_o spiritual_a it_o be_v constitute_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o secure_v a_o succession_n of_o wise_a and_o godly_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n from_o age_n to_o age_n which_o be_v the_o sure_a mean_n of_o the_o church_n perpetual_a good_a estate_n it_o be_v not_o frame_v to_o uphold_v thing_n only_o serviceable_a to_o a_o carnal_a interest_n but_o to_o enforce_v thing_n acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o profitable_a to_o man_n and_o to_o suppress_v whatsoever_o tend_v to_o defeat_v the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o disgrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o to_o reform_v abuse_n impartial_o and_o effectual_o according_a to_o the_o true_a end_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n which_o be_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n it_o enlarge_v the_o power_n of_o do_v good_a and_o restrain_v the_o power_n of_o hurt_v as_o much_o as_o the_o end_n of_o government_n will_v permit_v such_o restraint_n according_o its_o great_a severity_n take_v hold_v of_o the_o worst_a man_n and_o the_o best_a be_v leave_v most_o at_o liberty_n and_o secure_a from_o unnecessary_a molestation_n it_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o satisfy_n of_o the_o just_a and_o reasonable_a demand_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v a_o choice_n and_o tender_a thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o intangle_a and_o perplex_v the_o same_o unnecessary_o it_o make_v the_o pastor_n government_n true_o pastoral_a that_o be_v not_o imperious_a and_o violent_a but_o paternal_a proceed_v by_o exhortation_n and_o doctrine_n and_o gentle_a instruction_n and_o love_n and_o when_o correction_n be_v necessary_a by_o the_o rod_n of_o discipline_n it_o aim_v at_o the_o form_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o govern_n of_o their_o conversation_n by_o good_a and_o sound_a principle_n and_o to_o make_v they_o aâ—…_n much_o as_o may_v be_v a_o law_n to_o themselves_o yet_o aâ—…_n suppose_v the_o exceed_a pravity_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n iâ—…_n leave_v not_o the_o safety_n of_o religion_n mere_o to_o man_n good_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n buâ—…_n by_o due_a restraint_n curb_v the_o remainder_n oâ—…_n man_n perverseness_n it_o seek_v not_o to_o debase_v the_o people_n and_o the_o press_v their_o faculty_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o easy_o lead_v captive_a by_o politic_a man_n at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o to_o ennoble_v they_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o to_o advance_v their_o understanding_n to_o the_o best_a improvement_n and_o according_o it_o take_v care_n that_o they_o may_v be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o faith_n and_o godliness_n in_o a_o word_n it_o will_v make_v even_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a of_o they_o not_o brutus_n buâ—_n man_n and_o not_o mere_a natural_a man_n but_o christian_n or_o spiritual_a men._n the_o subject_n here_o describe_v have_v different_a degree_n of_o excellency_n as_o it_o be_v more_o or_o less_o answerable_a to_o its_o rule_n and_o available_a to_o its_o end_n but_o notwithstanding_o divers_a defect_n and_o error_n if_o that_o which_o be_v wholesome_a and_o good_a be_v predominant_a it_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o good_a constitution_n yet_o the_o best_a be_v most_o desirable_a of_o such_o consequence_n be_v the_o structure_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n that_o if_o it_o be_v naught_o it_o have_v a_o continual_a evil_a influence_n on_o all_o church_n affair_n and_o pervert_v the_o whole_a course_n thereof_o and_o the_o make_n of_o many_o particular_a good_a law_n or_o rule_n will_v not_o help_v it_o for_o in_o that_o case_n they_o be_v render_v almost_o useless_a it_o be_v notable_o observe_v by_o a_o person_n of_o eminent_a worth_n church_n government_n be_v a_o fort_n or_o castle_n if_o traitor_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n get_v the_o possession_n of_o it_o it_o be_v desirable_a that_o the_o castle_n be_v ruin_v and_o the_o christian_a religion_n leave_v to_o support_v itself_o by_o the_o innate_a evidence_n of_o its_o own_o truth_n than_o be_v forcible_o maintain_v for_o contrary_a end_n and_o prove_v a_o mystery_n of_o ungodliness_n and_o tyranny_n chap._n xii_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o first_o externalness_n and_o formality_n every_o kind_n of_o excellency_n in_o the_o present_a world_n have_v its_o counterfeit_n or_o false_a resemblance_n which_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n be_v the_o depravation_n or_o degeneration_n thereof_o and_o so_o the_o true_a religion_n have_v its_o degeneration_n which_o be_v destructive_a to_o it_o yet_o in_o this_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n be_v easy_o mistake_v and_o exalt_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o dead_a image_n of_o christianity_n without_o the_o inward_a life_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o work_v thereof_o be_v dead_a work_n be_v not_o wrought_v in_o god_n it_o be_v the_o dominion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o unmortified_a lust_n under_o pretence_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o zeal_n of_o some_o unnecessary_a opinion_n and_o unprofitable_a observance_n receive_v sometime_o from_o a_o more_o peculiar_a and_o private_a fancy_n sometime_o from_o the_o general_a custom_n and_o tradition_n or_o at_o the_o best_a a_o zeal_n of_o orthodoxality_n when_o that_o form_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n be_v not_o obey_v from_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o self-chosen_a godliness_n and_o not_o of_o god_n make_v take_v up_o to_o delude_v the_o conscience_n and_o lift_v up_o the_o soul_n with_o high_a but_o ill-grounded_a hope_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n to_o excuse_v it_o from_o that_o which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n the_o renounce_n of_o the_o carnal_a life_n and_o all_o worldly_a lust_n and_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n love_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n and_o a_o life_n of_o purity_n goodness_n and_o impartial_a righteousness_n the_o best_a of_o it_o be_v but_o a_o gloss_n or_o varnish_n of_o superficial_a religiousness_n accompany_v with_o a_o dead_a kind_n of_o morality_n which_o have_v its_o rise_n from_o education_n or_o from_o complexion_n otherwise_o call_v good_a nature_n but_o spring_v not_o from_o the_o root_n of_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o a_o live_a faith_n in_o jesus_n christ._n the_o several_a imposture_n disguise_n and_o false_a pretence_n by_o which_o man_n delude_v themselves_o and_o abuse_v the_o world_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v almost_o numberless_a yet_o they_o general_o fall_v into_o one_o of_o these_o two_o main_a current_n of_o religious_a aberration_n either_o the_o political_a popular_a and_o broad_a way_n of_o externalness_n and_o customariness_n or_o the_o devious_a path_n of_o sectarian_n dissetledness_n and_o extravagancy_n the_o more_o ample_a degeneration_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o mere_o formal_a external_a and_o political_a state_n thereof_o that_o have_v prevail_v far_o and_o near_o over_o the_o christian_a world_n this_o externalness_n be_v very_o plausible_a and_o specious_a but_o very_o consistent_a and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n accompany_v with_o a_o large_a indulgence_n to_o the_o flesh_n and_o with_o much_o licentiousness_n of_o principle_n and_o practice_n and_o it_o cast_v the_o mind_n into_o a_o deep_a forgetfulness_n of_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o substantial_a in_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o common_a road_n and_o broad_a way_n because_o most_o obvious_a and_o easy_a to_o the_o carnal_a spirit_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o have_v some_o conscience_n of_o religion_n glad_o take_v up_o with_o a_o form_n that_o with_o more_o security_n and_o peace_n they_o may_v deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o as_o also_o because_o it_o seem_v most_o serviceable_a to_o superior_n for_o shape_a and_o sway_v the_o conscience_n of_o inferior_n to_o their_o will_n and_o to_o the_o end_n by_o they_o design_v according_o as_o it_o get_v ground_n it_o erect_v a_o frame_n of_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o show_n of_o piety_n unity_n and_o order_n but_o be_v real_o a_o engine_n devise_v to_o destroy_v whatsoever_o may_v be_v true_o call_v by_o those_o lovely_a name_n when_o man_n false_a and_o vain_a invention_n rule_v instead_o of_o god_n oracle_n when_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v mingle_v with_o such_o doctrine_n institution_n and_o observance_n as_o corrupt_v the_o purity_n enervate_a the_o power_n and_o frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o the_o misapprehension_n or_o misapplication_n of_o true_a
vicious_a excess_n and_o sensual_a pollution_n yea_o all_o offensive_a levite_n and_o unchristian_a irregularity_n and_o all_o fellowship_n therewith_o yet_o morosity_n and_o sourness_n of_o spirit_n it_o by_o no_o mean_n approve_v but_o serenity_n of_o disposition_n and_o freeness_n and_o sweetness_n of_o conversation_n be_v both_o command_v and_o cause_v by_o it_o it_o reach_v the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o awe_v the_o conscience_n it_o forbid_v the_o inward_a motion_n of_o intemperance_n and_o injustice_n it_o condemn_v and_o loathe_v hypocrisy_n and_o make_v all_o external_a work_n to_o be_v nothing_o without_o sincerity_n it_o make_v sincere_a love_n the_o principle_n and_o place_v it_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o whole_a behaviour_n towards_o other_o and_o therefore_o prompt_v and_o powerful_o engage_v to_o mutual_a succour_n in_o the_o time_n of_o need_n it_o maintain_v a_o charity_n unknown_a to_o the_o infidel_n world_n and_o which_o be_v a_o virtue_n peculiar_a to_o it_o in_o the_o great_a vigour_n and_o extent_n it_o enjoin_v the_o love_n of_o enemy_n it_o exalt_v humility_n meekness_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n as_o chief_a virtue_n which_o be_v contemn_v by_o the_o pride_n of_o moral_a heathen_n and_o therefore_o it_o make_v man_n just_a and_o peaceable_a and_o yet_o withal_o it_o have_v the_o best_a ground_n of_o true_a fortitude_n and_o magnanimity_n and_o therefore_o damn_v that_o pusillanimity_n and_o foolish_a softness_n of_o disposition_n which_o betray_v truth_n and_o virtue_n self-denial_n be_v one_o of_o its_o grand_a precept_n without_o which_o none_o can_v live_v under_o its_o discipline_n and_o so_o it_o overrule_v and_o control_v that_o selfishness_n which_o be_v the_o arch-rebel_n against_o god_n and_o the_o root_n of_o all_o mischief_n and_o turn_v the_o world_n upside_o down_o it_o teach_v man_n to_o live_v above_o the_o honour_n and_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n and_o take_v off_o the_o heart_n from_o they_o its_o principle_n most_o entire_o accord_v with_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o high_a power_n it_o declare_v their_o authority_n to_o be_v from_o god_n as_o they_o be_v his_o vicegerent_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o rule_v in_o subordination_n to_o he_o according_a to_o his_o law_n and_o it_o awe_v the_o conscience_n of_o subject_n to_o obdience_n if_o ruler_n command_v any_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o forbid_v subject_n to_o perform_v such-commands_a yet_o withal_o oblige_v to_o submit_v with_o patience_n to_o the_o unjust_a penalty_n of_o non-performance_n and_o to_o avoid_v mutiny_n and_o rebellion_n it_o also_o teach_v the_o people_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n to_o receive_v the_o church_n directive_n with_o their_o own_o discretive_a judgement_n and_o so_o not_o to_o derogate_v from_o the_o just_a authority_n of_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o chief_a strength_n of_o all_o just_a government_n and_o society_n the_o truth_n be_v it_o do_v hedge_n in_o with_o thorn_n the_o lust_n of_o man_n as_o pride_n malice_n revenge_n covetousness_n and_o sensuality_n but_o it_o secure_v and_o enlarge_v their_o wholesome_a comfort_n and_o enjoyment_n their_o propriety_n immunity_n and_o all_o just_a privilege_n it_o advance_v righteousness_n temperance_n beneficience_n and_o all_o other_o duty_n appertain_v to_o mankind_n wherever_o it_o root_n and_o spread_v it_o make_v no_o small_a part_n of_o the_o prudence_n courage_n industry_n and_o frugality_n and_o by_o consequence_n of_o the_o wealth_n and_o strength_n of_o a_o nation_n there_o be_v no_o aggregation_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n wherein_o appear_v more_o of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a to_o man_n than_o be_v find_v where_o the_o influence_n of_o this_o profession_n become_v predominant_a whether_o in_o a_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n or_o city_n or_o family_n the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o power_n of_o love_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n which_o give_v great_a advantage_n for_o prudence_n soberness_n steddiness_n of_o conversation_n the_o seriousness_n and_o gravity_n of_o this_o way_n dispose_v not_o to_o futil_o talk_v childish_a credulity_n easiness_n and_o rashness_n but_o to_o a_o considerate_a freeness_n and_o direct_a deal_n with_o a_o generous_a caution_n and_o reservedness_n in_o due_a season_n though_o its_o follower_n can_v link_v themselves_o to_o faction_n and_o serve_v all_o time_n and_o occasion_n and_o go_v along_o with_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n in_o their_o design_n throughout_o yet_o they_o shall_v not_o fail_v of_o interest_n in_o a_o nation_n not_o whole_o vitiate_v nor_o be_v it_o hard_o for_o they_o to_o maintain_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o public_a state_n if_o they_o accommodate_v themselves_o to_o serve_v it_o so_o far_o as_o conscience_n and_o prudence_n lead_v they_o considerate_a man_n will_v not_o contemn_v they_o and_o they_o that_o own_o they_o shall_v know_v where_o to_o find_v they_o and_o in_o pursue_v good_a design_n shall_v find_v they_o fast_o friend_n religion_n do_v not_o cast_v man_n down_o into_o stupidity_n pusillanimity_n or_o sluggish_a neglect_n of_o opportunity_n but_o erect_v they_o to_o a_o prudent_a and_o temperate_a vigour_n of_o spirit_n and_o regular_a activity_n whereby_o they_o become_v fit_a for_o the_o affair_n of_o human_a life_n in_o a_o high_a or_o low_a sphere_n according_a to_o their_o different_a capacity_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 though_o true_a religion_n stand_v by_o a_o unchangeable_a law_n and_o depend_v not_o upon_o the_o mutable_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o vary_v not_o according_a to_o their_o variation_n nor_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a policy_n of_o secular_a kingdom_n nevertheless_o its_o affair_n may_v be_v much_o advance_v by_o prudence_n and_o disadvantage_v by_o indiscretion_n there_o be_v a_o lawful_a use_n of_o human_a policy_n be_v refine_v from_o hypocrisy_n and_o all_o iniquity_n the_o author_n of_o this_o profession_n the_o holy_a and_o just_a one_o in_o who_o mouth_n be_v no_o guile_n advise_v his_o disciple_n to_o be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n and_o harmless_a as_o dove_n st._n paul_n one_o of_o his_o chief_a minister_n be_v attentive_a to_o all_o the_o method_n of_o gain_v people_n and_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n that_o he_o may_v win_v some_o and_o he_o be_v bold_a to_o tell_v some_o that_o be_v crafty_a he_o catch_v they_o with_o guile_n but_o it_o be_v the_o guile_n of_o abound_a charity_n and_o self-denial_n manage_v with_o prudence_n for_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o save_n of_o soul_n in_o secular_a kingdom_n the_o reason_n of_o state_n be_v lock_v up_o from_o the_o common_a view_n but_o the_o maxim_n and_o method_n of_o this_o interest_n may_v with_o great_a advantage_n be_v disclose_v as_o well_o to_o alien_n and_o enemy_n as_o to_o friend_n and_o fellow-citizen_n for_o by_o this_o discovery_n the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n who_o through_o their_o own_o misapprehension_n or_o other_o malicious_a suggestion_n be_v sometime_o turn_v against_o it_o may_v become_v more_o propense_a and_o indulgent_a towards_o it_o and_o the_o more_o sober_a part_n of_o man_n may_v be_v incline_v to_o favour_v it_o and_o great_a number_n both_o of_o high_a and_o low_a degree_n may_v be_v bring_v entire_o to_o close_v with_o it_o when_o they_o shall_v behold_v the_o goodness_n and_o usefulness_n the_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n of_o its_o principle_n as_o for_o the_o enemy_n counterwork_a we_o need_v not_o dread_v it_o for_o the_o stratagem_n of_o this_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a and_o can_v be_v counterwrought_a with_o carnal_a stratagem_n it_o remain_v therefore_o as_o the_o business_n of_o this_o inquiry_n to_o consider_v how_o we_o may_v improve_v the_o intrinsical_a and_o innate_a advantage_n before_o mention_v and_o to_o gain_v all_o extrinsical_a and_o adventitious_a one_o that_o may_v be_v make_v and_o to_o make_v thâ—_n most_o of_o they_o all_o for_o the_o design_a end_n but_o due_a care_n must_v be_v have_v that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n or_o human_a policy_n have_v not_o too_o great_a 〈◊〉_d stroke_n for_o many_o be_v the_o art_n and_o methodâ—…_n that_o serve_v secular_a interest_n which_o the_o sincerity_n and_o purity_n of_o true_a religion_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n admit_v it_o can_v establish_v itself_o in_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n nor_o murder_v the_o innocent_a for_o its_o own_o security_n nor_o hold_v people_n in_o subjection_n by_o the_o horror_n of_o a_o spanish_a inquisition_n which_o be_v not_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o spiritual_a jerusalem_n but_o of_o babylon_n it_o can_v make_v use_n of_o such_o imposture_n as_o be_v use_v to_o uphold_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n and_o which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o those_o church_n politician_n that_o make_v
faith_n in_o christ_n or_o to_o the_o profitable_a use_n of_o those_o ordinance_n whereof_o they_o will_v partake_v or_o by_o public_a trial_n can_v be_v evict_v in_o their_o deed_n to_o deny_v christ_n to_o who_o they_o profess_v subjection_n or_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o scandalous_a enormity_n or_o disobedience_n as_o be_v reproachful_a to_o the_o christian_a name_n it_o be_v likewise_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o discipline_n be_v a_o work_n of_o time_n and_o that_o people_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v on_o by_o degree_n when_o they_o have_v lie_v long_o undisciplined_a for_o a_o nation_n be_v not_o bear_v in_o a_o day_n right_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n grate_v hard_a upon_o man_n corruption_n and_o stir_v up_o many_o nemy_n likewise_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v often_o jealous_a of_o it_o lest_o it_o shall_v move_v eccentric_a to_o their_o motion_n therefore_o be_v a_o tender_a point_n it_o require_v so_o much_o caution_n as_o nothing_o more_o cogent_n reason_n persuade_v those_o that_o be_v herein_o concern_v most_o willing_o to_o put_v themselves_o under_o the_o regulation_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o to_o contain_v themselves_o within_o all_o tolerable_a limitation_n prescribe_v by_o he_o i_o mean_v such_o as_o defeat_v not_o the_o end_n of_o discipline_n and_o by_o clear_a and_o moderate_a act_n within_o their_o own_o sphere_n to_o render_v their_o office_n less_o invidious_a chap._n xxvi_o of_o submission_n to_o thing_n impose_v by_o lawful_a authority_n whosoever_o due_o prize_v the_o public_a peace_n of_o his_o own_o liberty_n for_o public_a service_n will_v consider_v the_o utmost_a lawful_a boundary_a of_o submission_n to_o thing_n impose_v by_o lawful_a authority_n that_o nothing_o possible_a to_o be_v do_v be_v leave_v undo_v but_o what_o be_v sinful_a â—…s_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n impossible_a we_o may_v not_o â—…ie_v for_o god_n nothing_o erroneous_a may_v be_v assert_v nothing_o simple_o evil_a may_v be_v admit_v in_o our_o own_o practice_n but_o in_o a_o establish_a church_n not_o infect_v with_o heresy_n or_o idolatry_n nor_o defective_a in_o any_o vital_a part_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v duty_n to_o bear_v with_o much_o that_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v amiss_o in_o other_o practice_n to_o which_o we_o make_v not_o ourselves_o accessary_a by_o neglect_v any_o mean_n of_o redress_n within_o our_o power_n and_o call_v yea_o be_v constrain_v by_o other_o rigour_n we_o may_v stoop_v to_o the_o use_n of_o some_o thing_n which_o profit_n little_a if_o they_o be_v not_o simple_o evil_a nor_o by_o a_o evil_a consequent_a destructive_a to_o the_o main_a service_n to_o which_o they_o be_v superad_v the_o yoke_n of_o such_o subjection_n may_v cause_v grief_n of_o heart_n but_o do_v not_o wound_v the_o conscience_n indifferent_a thing_n be_v not_o make_v unlawful_a mere_o by_o be_v enjoin_v and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o some_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o specie_fw-la shall_v be_v determine_v for_o order_n sake_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o thing_n not_o in_o themselves_o unlawful_a may_v some_o time_n be_v so_o pernicious_a in_o their_o consequent_n aâ—_n by_o a_o vehement_a appearance_n of_o evil_a to_o draw_v other_o into_o sin_n and_o by_o a_o strong_a tendency_n to_o evil_n to_o lead_v and_o settle_v they_o in_o a_o way_n that_o be_v not_o good_a i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o the_o latitude_n of_o conformity_n to_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a be_v unlimited_a ruler_n have_v receive_v their_o power_n of_o enjoin_v and_o subject_n their_o liberty_n of_o conform_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n in_o a_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n we_o be_v lead_v on_o to_o consider_v whether_o the_o scandal_n of_o compliance_n with_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o themselves_o but_o of_o harmful_a consequence_n be_v not_o of_o lesser_a moment_n than_o the_o scandal_n and_o misery_n that_o may_v follow_v upon_o noncompliance_n though_o of_o thing_n simple_o evil_a neither_o may_v be_v choose_v yet_o of_o thing_n evil_a only_o in_o their_o consequent_n either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o inevitable_o come_v upon_o we_o that_o must_v be_v choose_v upon_o which_o the_o lesser_a evil_n follow_v peradventure_o the_o scandal_n of_o submission_n may_v be_v overballance_v by_o the_o apparent_a consequence_n of_o a_o more_o important_a good_a by_o which_o also_o it_o may_v in_o time_n be_v quite_o remove_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o prudent_a must_v herein_o direct_v their_o way_n though_o the_o ruler_n be_v judge_n of_o what_o rule_v he_o be_v to_o prescribe_v yet_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o subject_a be_v to_o judge_v with_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n whether_o those_o rule_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o so_o whether_o his_o conformity_n thereto_o be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a otherwise_o he_o must_v act_v upon_o blind_a obedience_n and_o may_v be_v excuse_v in_o do_v thing_n either_o simple_o evil_a or_o pernicious_a in_o their_o consequent_n a_o general_a certainty_n that_o ruler_n must_v be_v obey_v in_o lawful_a thing_n be_v no_o security_n to_o the_o conscience_n for_o obedience_n to_o this_o or_o that_o injunction_n when_o we_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v for_o we_o can_v be_v sure_o that_o obedience_n in_o this_o case_n be_v a_o duty_n and_o not_o a_o sin_n because_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o obey_v in_o thing_n unlawful_a and_o such_o the_o thing_n now_o in_o question_n be_v or_o may_v be_v for_o aught_o that_o we_o discern_v and_o our_o ignorance_n can_v change_v god_n law_n therefore_o the_o doubtfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o make_v the_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n likewise_o doubtful_a and_o perhaps_o the_o danger_n may_v be_v great_a on_o the_o part_n of_o obey_v than_o refuse_v for_o possible_o the_o injunction_n of_o a_o heinous_a sin_n may_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o in_o this_o straight_o we_o apprehend_v it_o more_o unsafe_a and_o less_o excusable_a to_o choose_v the_o great_a before_o the_o lesser_a sin_n on_o which_o side_n soever_o it_o be_v though_o indeed_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o choose_v neither_o indeed_o it_o be_v much_o easy_a for_o ruler_n to_o relax_v the_o strictness_n of_o many_o injunction_n about_o matter_n of_o suppose_a convenience_n than_o for_o subject_n to_o be_v enlarge_v from_o the_o strictness_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o bless_v be_v they_o that_o consider_v conscience_n and_o load_v it_o not_o with_o needless_a burden_n but_o seek_v to_o relieve_v it_o iâ—_n its_o distress_n and_o as_o this_o forbearance_n and_o tenderness_n iâ—_n superior_n be_v the_o praise_n of_o their_o government_n and_o advance_v peace_n and_o concord_n so_o do_v moderation_n and_o a_o submissive_a disposition_n commend_v inferior_n and_o much_o advantage_n their_o godly_a zeal_n for_o it_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o clamourous_a man_n it_o obviate_v the_o ensnare_a design_n of_o adversary_n and_o it_o give_v great_a boldness_n in_o contend_v for_o weighty_a matter_n howbeit_o sometime_o that_o submission_n which_o all_o circumstance_n consider_v both_o prudencâ—_n and_o upright_a conscience_n declare_v necessary_a may_v be_v liable_a to_o a_o reproach_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o temporize_v the_o truth_n be_v a_o minister_n reputation_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v that_o be_v loath_a it_o shall_v suffer_v shipwreck_n and_o a_o appearance_n or_o suspicion_n of_o time-serving_a do_v great_o endanger_v it_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v forbear_v some_o compliance_n which_o he_o clear_o foresee_v will_n bring_v he_o into_o a_o vehement_a suspicion_n thereof_o in_o charity_n it_o shall_v be_v take_v not_o for_o a_o undue_a valuation_n of_o his_o own_o credit_n but_o for_o a_o tender_a regard_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o a_o exalt_a party_n shall_v set_v themselves_o to_o profligate_v the_o credit_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bring_v under_o by_o constrain_a they_o to_o such_o compliance_n they_o have_v more_o regard_n to_o their_o own_o particular_a triumph_n than_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o common_a faith_n and_o all_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v by_o this_o mean_v expose_v to_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o irriligious_a as_o if_o it_o be_v mere_a hypocrisy_n and_o matter_n of_o interest_n on_o all_o side_n as_o for_o inferior_n in_o this_o case_n they_o be_v in_o a_o strait_a between_o too_o and_o which_o way_n can_v they_o turn_v themselves_o â—o_o avoid-all_a inconvenience_n for_o the_o same_o â—_z that_o reproach_n they_o as_o temporize_v will_v in_o case_n of_o non-submission_n clamour_n against_o they_o as_o humorous_a and_o factious_a herein_o i_o shall_v offer_v the_o apt_a remedy_n i_o know_v â—amely_o neither_o in_o word_n nor_o deed_n to_o abandon_v or_o disow_v the_o truth_n and_o in_o these_o burdensome_a yet_o not_o unlawful_a compliance_n
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
time_n as_o the_o present_a case_n require_v as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o housholder_n will_v direct_v he_o how_o far_o to_o bear_v with_o fault_n and_o weakness_n in_o his_o family_n so_o the_o magistrate_n by_o wisdom_n will_v discern_v what_o may_v be_v bear_v with_o in_o his_o commonwealth_n so_o far_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o true_a and_o just_a end_n of_o government_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 nothing_o be_v more_o precious_a and_o among_o christian_n nothing_o shall_v be_v more_o value_v than_o the_o good_a of_o god_n church_n for_o it_o be_v christ_n and_o god_n great_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o misery_n be_v that_o the_o church_n name_n be_v abuse_v and_o its_o interest_n mistake_v most_o perverse_o for_o none_o have_v more_o pretend_v for_o the_o church_n than_o they_o who_o business_n be_v to_o get_v and_o keep_v worldly_a pomp_n and_o power_n with_o carnal_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n and_o to_o make_v law_n and_o rule_n serviceable_a to_o these_o end_n and_o to_o corrupt_v the_o mind_n and_o debauch_v the_o life_n of_o man_n that_o they_o may_v bring_v they_o into_o blind_a obedience_n to_o such_o law_n and_o maintain_v their_o worldly_a dominion_n over_o christ_n heritage_n and_o who_o value_n all_o man_n howsoever_o qualify_v as_o they_o stand_v affect_v to_o their_o estate_n and_o according_o stick_v not_o to_o reject_v the_o eminent_o good_a and_o to_o receive_v the_o notorious_o bad_a in_o the_o romish_a church_n all_o this_o be_v palpable_a now_o let_v these_o be_v call_v the_o church_n by_o they_o that_o list_v to_o give_v that_o name_n to_o a_o state_n of_o pride_n and_o luxury_n of_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n of_o carnal_a and_o devilish_a policy_n under_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o people_n be_v betray_v to_o everlasting_a perdition_n wherefore_o those_o in_o the_o ministry_n that_o be_v solicitous_a of_o the_o church_n welfare_n shall_v state_n the_o interest_n thereof_o aright_o which_o indeed_o be_v not_o for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o the_o carnal_a mind_n but_o for_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o divine_a life_n in_o man_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o mystical_a society_n of_o regenerate_v person_n unite_v in_o christ_n their_o head_n by_o his_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o they_o and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o visible_a society_n of_o person_n external_o own_v such_o a_o internal_a state_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o promote_v and_o propagate_v the_o sound_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v the_o people_n of_o their_o charge_n real_o good_a and_o to_o advance_v they_o what_o they_o can_v in_o grace_n and_o wisdom_n according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n and_o to_o deal_v with_o they_o in_o meekness_n and_o love_n and_o to_o walk_v before_o they_o as_o example_n of_o all_o purity_n and_o goodness_n and_o to_o be_v more_o sensible_a and_o solicitous_a about_o the_o corruption_n and_o sinful_a disorder_n than_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v more_o zealous_a for_o god_n honour_n and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n than_o for_o their_o own_o honour_n wealth_n or_o power_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o seek_v the_o thing_n of_o christ_n more_o than_o their_o own_o thing_n the_o minister_n that_o discharge_v their_o office_n well_o be_v in_o scripture_n declare_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n and_o that_o they_o be_v endow_v with_o honourable_a settle_a maintenance_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o support_n of_o a_o religion_n that_o for_o its_o excellency_n require_v to_o be_v support_v by_o the_o help_n of_o excellent_a gift_n as_o learning_n eloquence_n and_o prudence_n not_o now_o to_o be_v obtain_v by_o miracle_n but_o in_o the_o ordinary_a use_n of_o mean_n with_o much_o cost_n and_o labour_n and_o questionless_a the_o withdraw_n of_o these_o support_v tend_v to_o the_o church_n ruin_n nevertheless_o a_o inordinate_a and_o licentious_a collation_n and_o accumulation_n of_o preferment_n make_v for_o the_o service_n of_o covetousness_n ambition_n and_o deprave_a appetite_n and_o for_o the_o decay_n of_o sobriety_n vigilancy_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o pastor_n be_v no_o less_o dangerous_a this_o exorbitancy_n after_o the_o roman_a empire_n become_v christian_n allure_v and_o bring_v in_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n who_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n and_o give_v they_o advantage_n by_o carnal_a art_n to_o possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o chief_a seat_n of_o power_n in_o the_o church_n by_o which_o mean_v religion_n degenerate_v into_o externalness_n and_o carnality_n and_o that_o which_o be_v then_o name_v the_o church_n be_v at_o length_n turn_v into_o a_o worldly_a state_n which_o grow_v more_o and_o more_o corrupt_a till_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v fulfil_v in_o it_o where_o christianity_n have_v recover_v itself_o out_o of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o late_a time_n and_o knowledge_n be_v general_o diffuse_v among_o the_o people_n the_o sufficiency_n industry_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n will_v be_v inquire_v after_o negligence_n in_o their_o administration_n and_o irregularity_n in_o their_o life_n will_v not_o pass_v without_o note_v the_o ignorant_a idle_a and_o scandalous_a will_v fall_v into_o contempt_n outward_a formality_n will_v be_v no_o cover_n as_o in_o dark_a time_n they_o be_v distinctive_a habit_n and_o reverend_a title_n alone_o will_v not_o procure_v veneration_n the_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n will_v sink_v and_o fall_v without_o remedy_n if_o real_a worth_n do_v not_o uphold_v it_o in_o such_o time_n man_n will_v not_o be_v to_o learn_v that_o a_o arm_n of_o flesh_n do_v not_o constitute_v a_o christian_a church_n and_o that_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o prove_v one_o party_n to_o be_v orthodox_n and_o the_o rest_n heretical_a or_o schismatical_a external_n violence_n which_o be_v the_o common_a support_n of_o false_a religion_n will_v in_o this_o case_n do_v little_a good_a but_o it_o will_v render_v they_o that_o call_v for_o it_o the_o more_o odious_a and_o more_o discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o cause_n wherefore_o the_o clergy_n must_v resolve_v to_o do_v worthy_o and_o fulfil_v their_o ministry_n or_o they_o must_v extinguish_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v extinguish_v they_o but_o if_o as_o faithful_a shepherd_n they_o watch_v over_o the_o flock_n and_o tender_a the_o state_n thereof_o if_o they_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o teach_v with_o meekness_n and_o patience_n if_o they_o pity_v and_o succour_v the_o weak_a and_o heal_v that_o which_o be_v lame_a that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n if_o they_o use_v the_o rod_n of_o discipline_n with_o judgement_n and_o paternal_a affection_n if_o they_o discard_v and_o lay_v by_o man_n unprofitable_a institute_n and_o maintain_v all_o divine_a ordinance_n in_o their_o due_a honour_n and_o chief_o urge_v the_o observance_n of_o the_o indispensable_a command_n of_o god_n and_o turn_v man_n from_o externalness_n and_o make_v it_o their_o chief_a aim_n that_o christ_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n may_v reign_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o profess_a christian_n then_o shall_v they_o magnify_v their_o office_n and_o establish_v their_o authority_n and_o hold_v their_o flock_n in_o a_o unfeigned_a reverence_n and_o submission_n as_o feel_v the_o force_n of_o the_o ministerial_a warfare_n in_o their_o conscience_n and_o the_o inferior_a difference_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o cause_v disgust_n or_o aversation_n or_o break_v those_o strong_a bond_n of_o the_o people_n sincere_a regard_n towards_o their_o pastor_n but_o they_o will_v rather_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o love_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n the_o conclusion_n no_o great_a thing_n can_v fall_v under_o the_o consideration_n of_o mankind_n than_o the_o security_n and_o increase_n of_o true_a religion_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n among_o man_n and_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n depend_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v as_o far_o above_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o their_o politic_a administration_n all_o secular_a affair_n and_o philosophical_a speculation_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n a_o inquiry_n into_o the_o sound_a state_n and_o true_a interest_n thereof_o be_v a_o contemplation_n worthy_a of_o the_o great_a mind_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a honour_n of_o the_o high_a power_n it_o be_v the_o royal_a interest_n of_o that_o potentate_n who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o of_o that_o bless_a society_n which_o be_v incorporate_v under_o he_o their_o lord_n and_o head_n and_o who_o that_o in_o any_o degree_n have_v true_o know_v the_o felicity_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o hope_n for_o a_o