two_o case_n to_o be_v the_o expedient_a against_o scandal_n he_o therefore_o persuade_v the_o not_o eat_v upon_o these_o contingency_n as_o by_o the_o by_o which_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a performance_n for_o christian_a charity_n but_o the_o thing_n he_o be_v whole_o intent_n upon_o be_v that_o great_a doctrine_n of_o not_o scandalize_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n these_o circumstance_n easy_o vanish_v the_o main_a point_n remain_v unmoved_a they_o be_v only_o a_o scheme_n a_o momentany_a and_o transitory_a one_o to_o display_v this_o great_a doctrine_n in_o and_o to_o present_v it_o upon_o when_o these_o thing_n grow_v into_o a_o ritual_a religion_n the_o scheme_n be_v alter_v and_o shift_v they_o grow_v sinful_a and_o be_v condemn_v the_o doctrine_n stand_v yet_o and_o for_o ever_o stand_v firm_a plant_v upon_o they_o object_n 4._o the_o rite_n use_v be_v such_o as_o be_v recommend_v from_o antiquity_n and_o be_v of_o use_n of_o old_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n answ_n allow_v it_o to_o be_v so_o all_o that_o can_v be_v collect_v from_o thence_o be_v but_o example_n wound_v up_o to_o its_o high_a peg_n when_o it_o do_v not_o reach_n christ_n and_o whenever_o it_o do_v not_o reach_v he_o it_o do_v not_o bind_v be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o as_o i_o 1._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 1._o be_o of_o christ_n say_v the_o apostle_n just_a about_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ordinance_n or_o tradition_n those_o concurrence_n all_o every_o where_o always_o must_v begin_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v find_v there_o else_o they_o do_v but_o oblige_v our_o prudence_n not_o our_o conscience_n only_o so_o far_o as_o antiquity_n or_o the_o primitive_a church_n inable_v we_o to_o see_v with_o our_o own_o eye_n the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o determination_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n in_o any_o case_n so_o far_o it_o oblige_v we_o in_o conscience_n all_o else_o be_v but_o the_o deference_n of_o modesty_n and_o due_a regard_n which_o can_v weigh_v against_o scandal_n except_o we_o make_v the_o oracle_n of_o antiquity_n equal_a to_o the_o heavenly_a oracle_n and_o then_o we_o must_v demand_v the_o same_o certainty_n of_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o or_o else_o we_o may_v quick_o run_v into_o the_o great_a of_o scandal_n object_n 5._o the_o command_v of_o lawful_a authority_n take_v away_o the_o indifferency_n and_o make_v necessary_a what_o be_v before_o indifferent_a answ_n the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o all_o thing_n indifferent_a for_o that_o be_v ready_o grant_v if_o in_o all_o circumstance_n they_o be_v indifferent_a nor_o whether_o rite_n be_v indifferent_a thing_n for_o that_o be_v also_o suppose_a to_o be_v grant_v but_o the_o question_n must_v be_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o give_v or_o receive_v scandal_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n see_v that_o may_v indisputable_o fall_v out_o or_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o in_o one_o sort_n of_o indifferent_n as_o well_o as_o other_o else_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n will_v be_v ineffectual_a to_o any_o the_o like_a case_n see_v then_o the_o tribunal_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v high_a than_o of_o any_o of_o the_o supream_n of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o scandal_n be_v cognisable_v only_o before_o he_o and_o that_o whatever_o incur_v sandal_n be_v inseparable_a from_o sin_n against_o god_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o in_o a_o case_n of_o doubt_n from_o which_o a_o man_n can_v acquit_v himself_o he_o can_v obey_v man_n in_o that_o without_o disobey_v god_n who_o have_v declare_v to_o he_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o he_o that_o doubt_v and_o do_v what_o he_o doubt_v of_o be_v damn_v that_o be_v condemn_v within_o himself_o and_o in_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o reason_n in_o such_o a_o case_n must_v be_v the_o same_o as_o in_o a_o case_n of_o obey_v magistrate_n against_o any_o express_a divine_a prohibition_n for_o though_o the_o thing_n doubt_v of_o do_v much_o differ_v if_o it_o be_v indeed_o indifferent_a yet_o the_o prohibition_n be_v as_o plain_a against_o do_v what_o be_v doubt_v of_o and_o what_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n as_o in_o any_o case_n see_v then_o all_o humane_a authority_n must_v lower_v its_o top_n to_o divine_a i_o can_v see_v but_o that_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v god_n peculiar_a for_o we_o speak_v only_o of_o that_o the_o magistrate_n power_n be_v exclude_v in_o case_n of_o real_a doubt_n of_o conscience_n in_o which_o a_o man_n can_v do_v nothing_o but_o he_o run_v into_o god_n danger_n even_o as_o in_o any_o other_o case_n of_o such_o danger_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n and_o what_o be_v offer_v in_o relief_n will_v not_o avail_v viz._n that_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v certain_o a_o duty_n but_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o disobedience_n to_o god_n about_o such_o or_o such_o indifferent_n be_v in_o doubt_n and_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v indeed_o indifferent_a it_o be_v a_o doubt_n upon_o mistake_n and_o then_o there_o be_v a_o disobedience_n to_o god_n in_o a_o undoubted_a rule_n and_o command_v to_o avoid_v it_o in_o a_o case_n not_o only_o of_o doubt_n but_o of_o mistake_n this_o i_o say_v can_v avail_v because_o the_o measure_n be_v not_o to_o be_v draw_v betwixt_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n or_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o betwixt_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n and_o obedience_n to_o that_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o all_o case_n of_o doubt_n which_o be_v as_o clear_v and_o as_o little_a subject_n to_o doubt_v as_o any_o rule_n whatever_o yet_o do_v not_o this_o evacuate_v the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n it_o be_v restrain_v to_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o religion_n and_o in_o doubt_n and_o the_o doubt_v fix_v upon_o a_o grand_a principle_n of_o truth_n nor_o be_v that_o of_o great_a satisfaction_n that_o in_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n there_o be_v so_o many_o degree_n of_o good_a and_o so_o many_o of_o evil_n in_o the_o disobedience_n but_o in_o do_v well_o or_o ill_o concern_v indifferent_n there_o be_v much_o few_o degree_n both_o of_o the_o good_a and_o the_o evil_a therefore_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o so_o great_a a_o morality_n as_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v always_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o our_o do_v well_o in_o indifferent_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o evil_a in_o one_o to_o be_v avoid_v much_o rather_o than_o the_o same_o fear_n in_o the_o other_o the_o reason_n of_o dissatisfaction_n be_v this_o that_o the_o measure_n be_v not_o betwixt_o the_o morality_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o obey_v magistrate_n and_o do_v well_o or_o ill_o about_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o betwixt_o the_o morality_n of_o obey_v god_n in_o one_o of_o his_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a precept_n and_o in_o another_o of_o the_o same_o evidence_n and_o clearness_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o of_o the_o same_o rate_n of_o morality_n see_v obedience_n to_o god_n be_v the_o fundamental_a morality_n if_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o the_o magistrate_n prohibition_n of_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o cup_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n must_v exempt_v from_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o those_o duty_n because_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v a_o moral_a duty_n but_o the_o other_o ceremonial_a but_o it_o be_v out_o of_o measure_n certain_a obedience_n to_o god_n be_v both_o the_o top_n and_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o morality_n and_o although_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v a_o great_a point_n of_o morality_n yet_o obedience_n to_o god_n be_v so_o before_o it_o as_o to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o beside_o if_o obedience_n to_o god_n be_v to_o be_v value_v not_o by_o his_o authority_n but_o by_o weigh_v the_o precept_n themselves_o much_o more_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v estimate_v by_o the_o command_v they_o give_v of_o which_o indifferent_n in_o religion_n will_v never_o be_v make_v out_o to_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v the_o test_n either_o of_o their_o authority_n or_o our_o obedience_n whatever_o unthinking_a man_n have_v say_v therein_o indeed_o among_o the_o divine_a command_n god_n have_v choose_v mercy_n rather_o than_o sacrifice_n honour_v parent_n rather_o than_o corban_n but_o it_o be_v because_o he_o have_v so_o declare_v in_o his_o word_n and_o in_o man_n conscience_n but_o all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v harmonious_o conspire_v and_o subordinate_a themselves_o one_o to_o another_o among_o which_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n and_o preserve_v the_o government_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o nor_o of_o any_o contest_v or_o distance_n of_o unkindness_n between_o themselves_o whoso_o
be_v present_o more_o full_o discourse_v under_o the_o head_n of_o interpretation_n quest_n how_o far_o and_o to_o what_o thing_n do_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n extend_v answ_n to_o all_o thing_n most_o assure_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a life_n or_o to_o the_o true_a perfect_a the_o conscience_n in_o purity_n and_o peace_n whether_o they_o be_v thing_n to_o be_v believe_v as_o the_o spring_n of_o heavenly_a action_n or_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o to_o guidâ—_n the_o practice_n and_o order_v the_o conversation_n aright_o to_o thaâ—_n salvation_n or_o that_o be_v prescribe_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n alâ—_n these_o be_v plain_o write_v or_o by_o just_a consequence_n to_o bâ—_n derive_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o show_v man_n the_o way_n to_o please_v god_n or_o to_o assure_v they_o they_o do_v please_v god_n that_o so_o they_o may_v attain_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n quest_n be_v there_o no_o other_o rule_n of_o religion_n then_o but_o the_o scripture_n embrace_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n answ_n there_o can_v be_v none_o except_o either_o religion_n be_v not_o derive_v whole_o from_o god_n and_o therefore_o not_o so_o catholic_n as_o we_o have_v assert_v it_o or_o except_o any_o other_o record_n of_o religion_n can_v show_v its_o descent_n as_o high_a and_o public_a as_o scripture_n do_v of_o which_o proof_n which_o scripture_n give_v of_o itself_o and_o what_o it_o be_v inquiry_n be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o be_v make_v cap._n vi_o of_o the_o proof_n of_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o proof_n also_o be_v public_a and_o divine_a quest_n what_o kind_n of_o proof_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o record_n as_o scripture_n be_v high_a enough_o to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v so_o divine_a answ_n that_o which_o be_v even_o as_o the_o original_a of_o scripture_n divine_v also_o quest_n why_o must_v the_o proof_n or_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n be_v divine_a answ_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v below_o the_o dignity_n of_o divine_a to_o receive_v its_o principal_a proof_n from_o private_a or_o low_a than_o divine_a or_o public_a 2._o because_o nothing_o but_o divine_a can_v so_o reach_v the_o conscience_n as_o to_o fill_v and_o possess_v it_o with_o satisfactory_a evidence_n in_o so_o great_a a_o concernment_n as_o religion_n nor_o strike_v the_o heart_n with_o those_o great_a effect_n of_o love_n to_o fear_v of_o joy_n in_o scripture_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o essential_a to_o religion_n but_o divine_a when_o you_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n you_o receive_v it_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n 3._o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a what_o be_v true_o divine_a shall_v not_o dart_v the_o ray_n of_o divinity_n as_o all_o other_o thing_n of_o excellency_n send_v out_o the_o beam_n of_o that_o excellency_n they_o have_v and_o thereby_o discover_v themselves_o for_o we_o know_v all_o thing_n especial_o by_o themselves_o the_o light_n remonstrate_v itself_o by_o itself_o the_o genius_n of_o every_o writer_n show_v itself_o first_o by_o itself_o we_o see_v the_o divineness_n of_o creation_n and_o miracle_n by_o themselves_o best_a and_o great_a be_v self-evident_o divine_a and_o whatever_o it_o be_v write_v upon_o be_v evident_o divine_a also_o quest_n how_o do_v scripture_n show_v itself_o thus_o divine_a answ_n by_o a_o majestic_a assumption_n to_o itself_o to_o be_v divine_a it_o speak_v so_o in_o and_o of_o all_o thing_n it_o speak_v and_o as_o it_o please_v effect_n as_o divine_v only_o do_v and_o can_v effect_v and_o be_v the_o best_a and_o great_a record_n of_o truth_n to_o all_o holy_a and_o wise_a mind_n the_o only_a extant_a inviolate_a record_n of_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n be_v scripture_n quest_n be_v ratiocination_n then_o or_o the_o just_a compass_n reason_n go_v to_o be_v neglect_v concern_v scripture_n answ_n by_o no_o mean_n for_o when_o these_o self-evidence_n of_o every_o thing_n have_v strike_v we_o early_o than_o our_o scrutiny_n of_o reason_n and_o its_o inquest_n can_v be_v perform_v about_o they_o that_o they_o may_v neither_o appear_v fancy_n to_o we_o on_o our_o second_o thought_n nor_o we_o run_v into_o mistake_n concern_v they_o by_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n there_o be_v then_o liberty_n for_o reason_n to_o inquire_v further_o and_o assure_v itself_o nor_o will_v the_o evidence_n hereupon_o amount_v to_o less_o than_o divine_a for_o divine_a only_o can_v satisfy_v the_o reason_n that_o rational_o and_o like_o itself_o inquire_v into_o divine_a quest_n what_o then_o be_v the_o great_a assurance_n to_o reason_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o scripture_n answ_n i_o account_v this_o the_o chief_a that_o there_o be_v two_o great_a volume_n the_o book_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n of_o religion_n write_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o engrave_v in_o the_o conscience_n and_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n that_o both_o these_o be_v address_v pure_o to_o the_o mind_n as_o abstract_v from_o sense_n that_o each_o of_o they_o be_v counterpart_v by_o two_o great_a manifestation_n of_o divinity_n to_o sense_n which_o sense_n be_v reason_n incarnate_a or_o mind_n act_v in_o and_o by_o body_n these_o two_o be_v either_o ordinary_a or_o constant_a as_o creation_n conservation_n or_o providence_n or_o extraordinary_a as_o miracle_n that_o each_o of_o they_o have_v also_o two_o executive_a power_n act_v they_o to_o their_o end_n the_o motion_n and_o activity_n of_o reason_n enable_v by_o the_o constant_a concourse_n of_o general_n illumination_n and_o the_o supernatural_a illumination_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o that_o all_o these_o agree_v in_o one_o unite_v with_o and_o fortify_v one_o another_o all_o of_o they_o carry_v the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a presence_n and_o fill_v all_o the_o apprehensiveness_n of_o our_o faculty_n concern_v god_n that_o he_o be_v in_o they_o so_o that_o nothing_o be_v divine_a in_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o contrary_a of_o which_o we_o may_v feel_v or_o scripture_n be_v divine_a quest_n but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v to_o consent_v of_o history_n universal_a tradition_n and_o education_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o scripture_n answ_n all_o that_o can_v be_v desire_v to_o be_v allow_v for_o it_o speak_v the_o absolute_a sovereignty_n of_o god_n in_o make_v use_n of_o who_o and_o what_o he_o please_v in_o introduce_v his_o word_n into_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o contrive_v the_o testimony_n of_o man_n as_o preparatory_a to_o the_o testimony_n from_o himself_o which_o be_v much_o great_a even_o as_o our_o saviour_n receive_v the_o service_n of_o john_n testimony_n but_o have_v much_o high_o or_o as_o reason_n may_v receive_v from_o sense_n some_o accidental_a testimony_n quest_n but_o be_v there_o not_o much_o more_o to_o be_v yield_v to_o the_o rational_a assurance_n that_o such_o historian_n as_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o inspire_a writer_n of_o such_o honesty_n and_o integrity_n will_v not_o prevaricate_v nor_o give_v any_o false_a account_n of_o thing_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o themselves_o or_o our_o saviour_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n or_o of_o their_o divine_a original_a especial_o when_o they_o seal_v all_o these_o with_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n even_o of_o life_n itself_o and_o die_v in_o the_o constant_a affirmation_n of_o they_o which_o remove_v all_o base_a design_n far_o from_o they_o even_o the_o suspicion_n of_o it_o answ_n these_o proof_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o divine_a descent_n of_o scripture_n be_v undoubted_o of_o the_o high_a account_n that_o any_o create_a testimony_n can_v be_v and_o be_v a_o down-weight_n of_o proof_n to_o all_o sober_a reason_n yet_o that_o they_o can_v rise_v above_o the_o value_n of_o john_n baptist_n testimony_n to_o christ_n i_o can_v find_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v remove_v high_a to_o the_o doctrine_n that_o those_o holy_a man_n preach_v and_o write_v the_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o admirable_a contexture_n they_o use_v in_o write_v the_o work_v they_o do_v carry_v the_o evidence_n of_o divinity_n in_o themselves_o and_o apply_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o sense_n of_o true_a believer_n with_o its_o own_o assure_v attestation_n and_o gracious_a operation_n of_o which_o all_o that_o be_v but_o create_v be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o tube_n pipe_n or_o channel_n of_o conveyance_n if_o we_o enter_v it_o into_o a_o compare_n with_o what_o be_v high_a and_o divine_a but_o if_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o proof_n be_v into_o any_o thing_n humane_a there_o may_v be_v mistake_n in_o that_o for_o humane_a at_o its_o
the_o cow_n and_o the_o bear_n shall_v feed_v their_o young_a one_o shall_v lie_v down_o together_o and_o the_o lion_n shall_v eat_v straw_n like_o the_o ox_n and_o the_o suck_a child_n shall_v play_v on_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o asp_z and_o the_o wean_a child_n shall_v put_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o cockatrice_n den_fw-mi they_o shall_v not_o hurt_v nor_o destroy_v in_o all_o my_o holy_a mountain_n for_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o water_n cover_v the_o sea_n this_o context_n be_v a_o high_a and_o eloquent_a declaration_n of_o the_o excellent_a peaceable_a and_o benign_a temper_n that_o christianity_n introduce_v into_o the_o world_n under_o the_o emblem_n of_o a_o general_a pacification_n between_o the_o mighty_a and_o the_o weak_a the_o arm_a and_o unarm_v the_o noxious_a and_o innocent_a the_o oppressive_a and_o oppress_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o whether_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o description_n rise_v out_o of_o the_o rule_n and_o principle_n who_o natural_a and_o genuine_a effect_n where_o ever_o they_o take_v will_v be_v such_o as_o be_v here_o draw_v out_o or_o whether_o it_o be_v also_o a_o prophecy_n of_o what_o shall_v in_o some_o time_n at_o least_o come_v universal_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o noble_a experiment_n of_o true_a christianity_n in_o the_o world_n as_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v there_o shall_v and_o so_o whether_o the_o effect_n shall_v be_v throughout_o to_o conversion_n and_o the_o true_o christian_a change_n or_o whether_o it_o shall_v only_o smooth_a and_o polish_v many_o man_n who_o have_v not_o the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n within_o but_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a in_o such_o a_o land_n of_o light_a to_o deal_v 10._o isa_n 26._o 10._o perverse_o and_o not_o to_o behold_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o transcendent_a goodness_n and_o grace_n he_o appear_v in_o both_o in_o the_o command_v and_o great_a exemplar_n of_o yet_o so_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o multitude_n of_o sincere_a convert_v to_o that_o state_n however_o we_o expound_v either_o of_o these_o they_o be_v both_o alike_o to_o the_o discourse_n intend_v it_o be_v undoubted_a that_o christanity_n always_o lay_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n give_v the_o command_n and_o urge_v the_o precept_n inspire_v the_o temper_n here_o describe_v and_o do_v most_o effective_o in_o all_o time_n upon_o many_o though_o few_o comparative_o and_o in_o all_o reasonable_a hope_n shall_v upon_o the_o generality_n in_o some_o time_n so_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n that_o all_o that_o belluine_n ferocious_a and_o savage_a temper_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v put_v off_o and_o proscribe_v the_o world_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v either_o true_o change_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o universal_o so_o far_o convince_v by_o high_a consideration_n and_o over_o come_v light_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v cover_v the_o earth_n as_o water_n do_v the_o sea_n that_o at_o least_o they_o will_v not_o discover_v that_o leonine_n and_o wolvish_a temper_n that_o cruelty_n and_o venom_n so_o natural_a to_o man_n heart_n in_o this_o sinful_a and_o degenerate_a state_n and_o this_o extend_v not_o only_o to_o the_o supersede_v the_o cruelty_n of_o action_n oppression_n spoil_v of_o good_n imprisonment_n massacre_n martyrdom_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o torture_n but_o to_o the_o take_v away_o that_o poison_n of_o asp_n that_o be_v in_o man_n lip_n the_o lion-like_a tooth_n of_o slander_n and_o invective_n the_o sword_n and_o knife_n of_o cruel_a mock_n and_o revile_n man_n offer_v one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o management_n of_o religious_a controversy_n for_o these_o thing_n the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v understand_v with_o respect_n to_o religion_n as_o man_n be_v upon_o their_o hatred_n to_o true_a religion_n or_o the_o mutual_a difference_n in_o it_o become_v lion_n leopard_n and_o tiger_n in_o their_o execution_n cockatrice_n asp_n and_o scorpion_n in_o their_o bitter_a word_n and_o anathema_n all_o which_o according_a to_o the_o influence_n of_o christianity_n upon_o man_n mind_n declare_v in_o this_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o world_n except_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n alone_o which_o will_v be_v cause_n of_o man_n eternal_a damnation_n at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n if_o the_o infliction_n be_v spiritual_a or_o such_o iniquity_n as_o god_n have_v indeed_o command_v to_o be_v punish_v by_o a_o judge_n in_o this_o world_n if_o the_o sentence_n be_v temporal_a of_o such_o a_o change_n as_o be_v here_o set_v out_o the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v a_o great_a and_o remarkable_a instance_n who_o conversion_n as_o it_o have_v be_v think_v a_o prophetic_a pattern_n of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o it_o may_v be_v as_o well_o think_v of_o this_o happy_a transmutation_n of_o the_o world_n most_o probable_o concurrent_a with_o it_o if_o either_o be_v universal_a as_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_v for_o he_o be_v take_v in_o the_o very_a manner_n of_o a_o fierce_a and_o wild_a beast_n breathe_v out_o threaten_n and_o slaughter_n against_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o immediate_o 1._o act_n 9_o 1._o turn_v into_o a_o meek_a merciful_a tender_a and_o compassionate_a lamb_n over_o who_o at_o his_o conversion_n there_o shine_v a_o light_n round_o about_o he_o in_o resemblance_n of_o this_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o shall_v cover_v the_o earth_n at_o the_o brightness_n of_o which_o they_o that_o journey_v with_o he_o stand_v speechless_a which_o may_v allegorise_v the_o make_n tame_a even_o those_o in_o such_o a_o day_n of_o divine_a appearance_n that_o be_v no_o true_a convert_v now_o this_o apostle_n as_o we_o know_v ever_o after_o breathe_v nothing_o but_o the_o love_n meekness_n and_o gentleness_n of_o christ_n in_o himself_o and_o offer_v in_o all_o his_o writing_n to_o inspire_v it_o into_o other_o as_o we_o shall_v have_v abundant_a occasion_n in_o the_o progress_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o observe_v severe_a in_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v irreconcilable_a with_o this_o excellent_a christian_a spirit_n object_n before_o i_o pass_v on_o i_o shall_v only_o remove_v one_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v a_o very_a great_a one_o viz._n that_o our_o saviour_n say_v by_o way_n of_o surprise_n upon_o any_o such_o expectation_n suppose_v you_o that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o send_v or_o give_v peace_n on_o the_o earth_n think_v not_o so_o i_o come_v not_o to_o send_v peace_n on_o the_o earth_n i_o etc._n mat_n 10._o 3_o 4._o etc._n etc._n luke_n 12._o 51._o etc._n etc._n tell_v you_o nay_o but_o rather_o division_n and_o a_o sword_n and_o a_o fire_n for_o i_o be_o come_v to_o set_v a_o man_n at_o variance_n etc._n etc._n and_o from_o henceforth_o there_o shall_v be_v five_o in_o one_o house_n divide_v three_o against_o two_o and_o two_o against_o three_o etc._n etc._n answ_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v our_o saviour_n in_o this_o place_n speak_v neither_o his_o own_o intention_n and_o design_n nor_o the_o proper_a tendency_n and_o rational_a effect_n of_o his_o doctrine_n for_o in_o that_o sense_n he_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n attempt_v to_o imitate_v the_o fiery_a zealot_n spirit_n you_o know_v not_o what_o spirit_n you_o be_v of_o for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o in_o a_o chariot_n of_o fire_n to_o destroy_v all_o that_o will_v not_o be_v of_o his_o religion_n for_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o luk._n 9_o 55_o 56._o in_o this_o place_n therefore_o he_o only_o signify_v what_o will_v arise_v through_o the_o great_a corruption_n of_o man_n who_o lust_n and_o passion_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o swell_v and_o rage_v at_o so_o excellent_a a_o doctrine_n so_o destructive_a to_o sin_n and_o to_o all_o false_a religion_n defend_v by_o long_a possession_n and_o ancient_a tradition_n and_o compose_v for_o the_o patronage_n of_o man_n lust_n hence_o man_n will_v be_v implacable_o set_v against_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v be_v divide_v with_o extreme_a hate_n from_o those_o that_o espouse_v it_o as_o their_o chief_a interest_n and_o happiness_n and_o not_o be_v draw_v to_o apostatise_v from_o it_o though_o it_o gather_v upon_o they_o the_o spite_n and_o rabid_v inclination_n of_o the_o world_n in_o general_n and_o of_o their_o near_a relation_n in_o particular_a indeed_o the_o profane_a and_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n be_v wont_a to_o cry_v out_o against_o religion_n on_o such_o occasion_n as_o if_o it_o wrought_v all_o the_o mischief_n in_o such_o case_n when_o it_o be_v their_o own_o wickedness_n that_o trouble_v thing_n as_o solomon_n say_v the_o foolishness_n of_o man_n pervert_v his_o way_n and_o then_o his_o heart_n
to_o god_n yea_o if_o it_o be_v but_o pure_a true_a natural_a worship_n he_o will_v not_o deny_v to_o join_v in_o it_o when_o no_o better_o can_v be_v have_v and_o therein_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v any_o advantage_n to_o improve_v that_o little_a to_o such_o great_a purpose_n as_o st._n paul_n do_v the_o altar_n to_o the_o unknown_a god_n at_o athens_n last_o in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o association_n he_o consider_v some_o universal_a and_o undeniable_a practice_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v yet_o not_o pertain_v to_o the_o essential_o of_o christian_a worship_n in_o themselves_o but_o either_o to_o natural_a order_n and_o decency_n or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o decency_n observe_v in_o such_o part_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o christian_n so_o meet_v and_o most_o free_o comply_v with_o they_o some_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v observe_v ordain_v as_o such_o by_o the_o apostle_n such_o as_o he_o ordain_v in_o all_o church_n 1._o that_o of_o every_o man_n walk_v as_o god_n have_v call_v he_o in_o circumcision_n or_o uncircumcision_n bond_n or_o free_n and_o esteem_v neither_o state_n any_o prejudice_n upon_o his_o christianity_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 17_o 18._o 2._o that_o of_o woman_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 34._o 3._o that_o of_o prophet_n speak_v one_o by_o one_o and_o not_o in_o confusion_n and_o a_o medley_n of_o voice_n in_o a_o know_a tongve_n with_o interpretation_n v._o 5._o these_o pertain_v to_o natural_a decency_n and_o order_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o which_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o so_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 33_o 40._o 2._o decency_n proper_a to_o such_o age_n of_o the_o world_n or_o to_o such_o part_n of_o the_o world_n so_o i_o esteem_v those_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v man_n and_o woman_n pray_v cover_v or_o uncover_v wear_v their_o hair_n shear_v or_o unshorn_a and_o in_o such_o case_n the_o custom_n of_o church_n determine_v they_o or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v no_o custom_n to_o be_v contentious_a concern_v they_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 16._o such_o rule_n of_o contestable_a order_n and_o decency_n as_o these_o a_o christian_a wise_a and_o sober_a always_o and_o most_o ncessary_o acknowledge_v ceremonial_n and_o ritual_n beyond_o these_o he_o suffer_v to_o have_v no_o ascendent_n over_o he_o if_o for_o other_o reason_n he_o use_v they_o as_o if_o he_o use_v they_o not_o now_o such_o a_o person_n as_o this_o and_o such_o a_o one_o christianity_n teach_v every_o man_n to_o be_v i_o bold_o affirm_v concern_v he_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n he_o be_v no_o schismatic_a he_o be_v no_o boute-fen_n in_o society_n nor_o be_v he_o as_o some_o may_v mistake_v he_o any_o ambidexter_n in_o religion_n no_o more_o than_o the_o apostle_n who_o become_v to_o the_o jew_n to_o they_o under_o the_o law_n to_o they_o without_o law_n to_o the_o weak_a such_o as_o themselves_o that_o he_o may_v by_o all_o mean_n save_o some_o to_o allow_v no_o latitude_n in_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o veer_fw-mi to_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a be_v starchedness_n and_o not_o constancy_n even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o st._n austyn_n who_o avow_v the_o great_a indifferency_n and_o freedom_n from_o rite_n have_v any_o power_n over_o he_o and_o so_o i_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o three_o head_n concern_v the_o peace_n christianity_n design_n viz._n christian_n imbody_v themselves_o into_o society_n i_o come_v now_o to_o a_o four_o head_n show_v how_o christianity_n have_v provide_v for_o peace_n and_o quiet_a within_o its_o own_o gate_n and_o wall_n and_o that_o be_v this_o 4._o the_o ministerial_a presidency_n our_o saviour_n have_v ordain_v in_o and_o for_o the_o conduct_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v such_o as_o plain_o demonstrate_v he_o do_v not_o intend_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o strive_v or_o a_o cry_n or_o a_o clamorous_a lift_v up_o the_o voice_n in_o tâ—e_v 1._o mat._n 12._o 19_o 20._o thes_n 5._o 12._o heb._n 13._o 7._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 1._o street_n for_o his_o kingdom_n that_o the_o bruise_a reed_n shall_v be_v break_v or_o the_o smoke_a flax_n quench_v for_o his_o sake_n for_o though_o this_o ministry_n be_v frequent_o style_v a_o be_v over_o christian_n a_o rule_n over_o they_o a_o eldership_n a_o eminency_n and_o such_o like_a way_n of_o speak_v as_o carry_v superiority_n and_o submission_n obedience_n honour_n and_o high_a esteem_n be_v require_v of_o christian_n as_o of_o a_o under_o degree_n to_o that_o high_a order_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o designation_n of_o the_o whole_a office_n be_v whole_o for_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o watch_v for_o soul_n that_o they_o may_v 17._o heb._n 13._o 17._o give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o with_o joy_n for_o the_o good_a success_n of_o have_v guide_v they_o to_o salvation_n the_o honour_n and_o esteem_n be_v for_o their_o work_n sake_n it_o be_v a_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n it_o be_v no_o dominion_n or_o lordship_n over_o man_n person_n or_o 17._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o estate_n nor_o over_o their_o faith_n or_o conscience_n but_o as_o they_o offer_v divine_a command_n all_o their_o superiority_n be_v in_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o grandeur_n or_o imperiousness_n but_o use_v service_n ministry_n and_o work_v that_o express_v this_o precedency_n not_o as_o have_v dominion_n over_o your_o faith_n but_o helper_n of_o your_o joy_n say_v the_o apostle_n paul_n not_o as_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o as_o ensample_n of_o the_o flock_n say_v the_o apostle_n peter_n but_o above_o all_o aught_o that_o of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o chief_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n to_o be_v remark_v to_o this_o purpose_n 25._o mat._n 20._o 25._o etc._n etc._n mark_v 10._o 42_o etc._n etc._n luk._n 22_o 25._o have_v describe_v the_o great_a assumption_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o chief_n of_o this_o world_n he_o express_o warn_v and_o declare_v to_o his_o disciple_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a greatness_n so_o to_o assume_v but_o if_o any_o one_o will_v be_v account_v great_a or_o chief_a among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christianity_n it_o must_v be_v his_o service_n his_o plâ—in_a service_n his_o ministry_n that_o must_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o advance_v he_o indeed_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o the_o purpose_n if_o our_o saviour_n intend_v no_o more_o than_o this_o let_v such_o a_o man_n that_o love_v preeminency_n under_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n let_v he_o be_v turn_v down_o into_o the_o low_a class_n among_o the_o disciple_n of_o low_a and_o mean_a account_n as_o a_o just_a recompense_n of_o his_o ambition_n but_o it_o be_v altogether_o most_o probable_a our_o saviour_n intend_v a_o more_o kind_a sense_n to_o represent_v the_o great_a serviceableness_n of_o all_o those_o of_o more_o eminent_a character_n in_o his_o kingdom_n it_o be_v their_o public_a use_n that_o recommend_v they_o to_o grandieur_fw-fr in_o it_o for_o this_o he_o exemplify_v in_o himself_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o be_v minisire_v to_o to_o be_v attend_v upon_o and_o serve_v in_o state_n but_o to_o minister_v to_o give_v his_o life_n a_o ransom_n for_o many_o they_o who_o witness_v a_o good_a confession_n who_o can_v be_v instant_a in_o season_n out_o of_o season_n who_o can_v instruct_v public_o and_o 31._o act._n 20._o 19_o 31._o from_o house_n to_o house_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o teach_v who_o can_v serve_v tâ—e_v lord_n in_o tâ—e_v salvation_n of_o soul_n with_o many_o tear_n and_o prayer_n day_n and_o night_n and_o seal_v their_o ministry_n with_o their_o blood_n they_o be_v the_o great_a one_o in_o the_o account_n of_o christianity_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o detract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o figure_n bishop_n or_o any_o in_o ecclesiastical_a dignity_n make_v by_o the_o favour_n of_o prince_n who_o as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v may_v dispose_v what_o be_v their_o own_o as_o they_o measure_v themselves_o from_o the_o donation_n of_o mâ—n_z to_o their_o superiority_n over_o man_n from_o the_o favour_n of_o prince_n and_o law_n to_o the_o government_n they_o place_v they_o in_o over_o other_o of_o their_o subject_n so_o they_o be_v great_a and_o honourable_a and_o may_v exercise_v authority_n secular_a authority_n stand_v indeed_o upon_o that_o foot_n though_o call_v spiritual_a and_o very_o reasonable_o and_o just_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o greatness_n proper_a to_o christ_n kingdom_n that_o lie_v whole_o in_o service_n in_o condescension_n in_o application_n to_o man_n soul_n as_o they_o measure_v from_o christ_n to_o christian_n this_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o christian_a greatness_n
evil_n nor_o find_v it_o so_o mix_v with_o the_o good_a as_o to_o admit_v of_o no_o separation_n and_o what_o be_v want_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v and_o command_v do_v not_o necessitate_v the_o total_a departure_n from_o that_o public_a worship_n when_o the_o very_a institution_n be_v not_o change_v by_o that_o want_n for_o the_o true_a christian_a may_v make_v up_o that_o want_n in_o privater_a duty_n thus_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n speak_v often_o to_o 16._o mal._n 3._o 16._o one_o another_o without_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o free_a use_n grant_v by_o christ_n of_o all_o thing_n indifferent_a or_o a_o freedom_n on_o each_o side_n to_o do_v oâ—_n not_o to_o do_v where_o no_o moral_a evil_n adhere_v or_o disobedience_n to_o some_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n attend_v either_o part_n if_o then_o religion_n be_v not_o draw_v out_o of_o those_o necessary_a thing_n wherein_o divine_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o truth_n have_v place_v it_o and_o tradition_n thereupon_o become_v doctrine_n which_o constant_o carry_v along_o a_o reject_v the_o command_n of_o god_n or_o a_o low_a esteem_n of_o they_o for_o those_o tradition_n sake_n if_o there_o be_v no_o moral_a evil_n or_o indecency_n nor_o that_o a_o too_o great_a cumber_v be_v draw_v upon_o religious_a act_n every_o thing_n be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n leave_v to_o its_o own_o indifferency_n as_o reason_n invite_v or_o persuade_v on_o either_o side_n to_o the_o do_v or_o not_o do_v all_o which_o set_v man_n free_a from_o a_o jewish_a yoke_n in_o these_o case_n and_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a liberty_n eat_v or_o not_o eat_v keep_v a_o day_n or_o not_o keep_v it_o buy_v in_o a_o market_n and_o go_v to_o a_o feast_n without_o ask_v any_o question_n for_o conscience_n sake_n without_o fear_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o moral_a defilement_n in_o those_o thing_n that_o other_o man_n sin_n defile_v only_o to_o themselves_o if_o we_o keep_v ourselves_o pure_a be_v plain_o the_o liberty_n christ_n have_v publish_v to_o we_o every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v pure_a and_o not_o to_o be_v reject_v but_o receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n no_o sin_n of_o man_n can_v pollute_v it_o to_o any_o but_o himself_o and_o this_o consideration_n may_v state_n to_o we_o the_o whole_a matter_n that_o relate_v to_o order_n and_o decency_n that_o order_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o nature_n itself_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v write_v with_o a_o sunbeam_n upon_o thing_n themselves_o be_v out_o of_o all_o dispute_n god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o not_o of_o the_o contrary_a confusion_n or_o indecency_n that_o order_n which_o be_v the_o prudential_a contrivance_n of_o man_n though_o not_o the_o same_o in_o all_o place_n time_n and_o to_o all_o person_n as_o the_o former_a yet_o aught_o to_o be_v cheerful_o comply_v with_o as_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o national_a union_n in_o and_o administration_n of_o public_a religion_n both_o as_o to_o officer_n and_o thing_n see_v nothing_o can_v be_v settle_v without_o order_n according_o we_o find_v the_o wise_a and_o pious_a governor_n among_o the_o jew_n take_v care_n and_o the_o people_n submit_v to_o such_o ordination_n and_o all_o under_o divine_a approbation_n the_o order_n that_o be_v mere_o of_o humane_a position_n and_o arbitration_n move_v the_o great_a doubt_n stand_v in_o thing_n that_o have_v only_o the_o thin_a pretext_n of_o antiquity_n to_o give_v they_o some_o venerableness_n or_o that_o they_o be_v usage_n already_o in_o be_v or_o that_o they_o add_v the_o imaginary_a decency_n that_o ceremony_n set_v out_o humane_a action_n with_o now_o as_o to_o this_o they_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o impose_v be_v equal_o to_o weigh_v the_o value_n of_o religion_n itself_o and_o what_o that_o may_v suffer_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o order_n and_o a_o great_a account_n lie_v upon_o they_o before_o god_n but_o for_o those_o that_o be_v under_o subjection_n i_o add_v further_o as_o to_o this_o sort_n of_o order_n i_o can_v only_o say_v this_o that_o suppose_v it_o no_o way_n turn_v into_o doctrine_n as_o the_o pharisees_n not_o eat_v with_o unwashen_n hand_n but_o declare_v against_o as_o such_o the_o consequence_n of_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v be_v to_o be_v balance_v and_o so_o the_o practice_n of_o every_o conscientious_a man_n to_o be_v determine_v on_o one_o side_n stand_v the_o freedom_n of_o use_v this_o order_n as_o a_o advantage_n to_o do_v good_a the_o consideration_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o nation_n the_o national_a defence_n make_v more_o unite_v against_o false_a religion_n at_o the_o price_n of_o conformity_n to_o those_o more_o arbitrary_a imposition_n on_o the_o other_o side_n stand_v a_o just_a fear_n for_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n be_v either_o obscure_a or_o the_o freedom_n of_o it_o encumber_a or_o for_o the_o reputation_n of_o religion_n which_o often_o suffer_v by_o those_o unnecessary_a adherency_n as_o if_o they_o enter_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n itself_o i_o must_v yet_o allow_v the_o preference_n in_o my_o own_o judgement_n to_o that_o side_n by_o which_o national_a religion_n be_v most_o serve_v but_o with_o the_o full_a persuasion_n that_o god_n receive_v both_o if_o over-bit_a zeal_n on_o either_o side_n be_v not_o offensive_a to_o he_o and_o with_o the_o concession_n that_o national_a religion_n be_v more_o happy_a if_o more_o free_a but_o if_o love_v adjust_a to_o each_o their_o due_a allowance_n the_o service_n of_o both_o will_v be_v find_v with_o great_a acceptance_n in_o the_o common_a national_a religion_n as_o i_o doubt_v not_o their_o hand_n will_v be_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o against_o the_o invasion_n of_o a_o national_a false_a religion_n but_o if_o any_o be_v overrigid_a or_o severe_a on_o either_o part_n they_o may_v receive_v the_o full_a reward_n of_o their_o own_o society_n or_o party_n but_o they_o lessen_v the_o high_a recompense_n of_o do_v the_o most_o public_a good_a the_o strict_a law_n either_o this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o man_n own_o make_n and_o exact_v so_o from_o they_o only_o they_o have_v their_o reward_n who_o be_v zealous_a beyond_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o matter_n from_o all_o that_o have_v now_o be_v say_v under_o this_o rule_n i_o collect_v 1._o that_o they_o that_o can_v agree_v to_o the_o public_o encourage_v constitution_n of_o a_o nation_n shall_v yet_o point_v their_o worship_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v towards_o it_o they_o shall_v comply_v with_o all_o that_o be_v good_a in_o it_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v be_v receive_v without_o launch_v beyond_o their_o judgement_n thus_o christianity_n be_v make_v as_o public_a in_o all_o place_n by_o the_o apostle_n as_o they_o can_v by_o adjoin_v it_o to_o any_o principle_n of_o truth_n or_o to_o the_o natural_a sense_n of_o religion_n they_o find_v any_o where_o st._n paul_n give_v solemn_a thanks_o to_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o that_o sail_v with_o he_o though_o a_o bad_a sort_n of_o man_n thus_o he_o preach_v the_o true_a god_n and_o christ_n at_o atkens_n upon_o their_o inscription_n to_o the_o unknown_a god_n upon_o the_o fundamental_o of_o national_a theology_n upon_o the_o wise_a say_n of_o a_o poet_n of_o their_o own_o he_o think_v it_o best_a to_o acknowledge_v all_o that_o be_v good_a in_o the_o most_o faulty_a state_n of_o religion_n as_o a_o advantage_n to_o convince_v what_o be_v bad_a and_o disagree_v to_o that_o good_a and_o gain_v man_n to_o unite_v with_o that_o whole_a element_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n with_o which_o any_o spark_n kindle_v in_o they_o already_o be_v so_o close_o ally_v as_o to_o gain_v they_o to_o the_o whole_a how_o much_o near_o then_o and_o close_o may_v christian_n and_o of_o the_o reform_a christianity_n fall_v in_o one_o with_o another_o if_o we_o value_v what_o we_o agree_v in_o at_o a_o high_a rate_n as_o certain_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v than_o what_o we_o differ_v about_o 2._o the_o way_n to_o make_v national_a religion_n most_o national_a be_v by_o comprehend_v all_o the_o difference_n that_o can_v be_v reconcile_v with_o true_a religion_n while_o they_o that_o dissent_v in_o some_o thing_n receive_v one_o another_o with_o a_o good_a peaceable_a holy_a and_o public_a temper_n of_o mind_n as_o the_o great_a argument_n and_o inducement_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v all_o pray_v for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o holy_a service_n of_o all_o that_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n distinguish_v christian_n but_o immediate_o unite_v they_o again_o both_v they_o and_o we_o they_o and_o
our_o religious_a action_n and_o service_n to_o god_n and_o the_o contrary_n be_v a_o evil._n 3._o of_o the_o same_o account_n be_v that_o euschemonia_n or_o decency_n of_o religious_a action_n require_v by_o god_n before_o himself_o and_o before_o the_o holy_a angel_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n every_o man_n pray_v with_o his_o head_n uncoverd_v dishonour_v his_o head_n every_o woman_n pray_v so_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o cover_n on_o her_o head_n because_o of_o the_o angel_n such_o a_o distinction_n of_o sex_n be_v found_v in_o nature_n and_o in_o what_o be_v beyond_o nature_n the_o grave_a custom_n of_o age_n and_o place_n carry_v a_o great_a weight_n of_o determination_n 4._o the_o most_o indifferent_a circumstance_n that_o yet_o most_o necessary_o attend_v all_o serious_a and_o important_a humane_a action_n and_o therefore_o religious_a action_n when_o once_o determine_v by_o the_o prudence_n and_o mature_a consideration_n of_o those_o that_o have_v great_a right_n to_o determine_v therein_o as_o time_n place_n and_o general_a order_n of_o public_a worship_n become_v however_o indifferent_a in_o themselves_o yet_o above_o indifferent_a in_o their_o observation_n because_o the_o undue_a change_n of_o they_o be_v not_o only_a levity_n but_o approach_v to_o frenzy_n and_o now_o i_o have_v so_o far_o settle_v the_o nature_n of_o indifferent_n that_o i_o think_v no_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n can_v make_v a_o alteration_n in_o any_o more_o than_o in_o those_o eternal_a law_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n i_o come_v therefore_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n in_o the_o platform_n i_o have_v give_v of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_v viz._n 2._o to_o inquire_v how_o scandal_n invade_v these_o so_o innocent_a indifferency_n when_o they_o come_v into_o a_o relation_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o very_a ground_n or_o advantage_n of_o its_o entry_n be_v through_o this_o very_a relation_n to_o religion_n for_o therein_o be_v the_o very_a centre_n of_o scandal_n as_o a_o corruption_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n there_o be_v its_o great_a power_n and_o sting_n to_o disorder_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n and_o the_o more_o any_o thing_n come_v into_o that_o consideration_n the_o more_o efficacious_a be_v scandal_n upon_o it_o if_o not_o wary_o prevent_v and_o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o most_o christian_n policy_n to_o leave_v all_o thing_n without_o the_o line_n of_o religion_n or_o religious_a worship_n that_o can_v be_v spare_v and_o be_v not_o of_o necessary_a use_n to_o it_o to_o cut_v off_o all_o broad_a phylactery_n on_o that_o very_a account_n that_o scandal_n be_v so_o attempt_v and_o invade_v and_o nothing_o safe_a from_o its_o assault_n even_o as_o indefensible_a building_n in_o a_o garrison_n be_v pull_v down_o and_o slight_v lest_o the_o enemy_n make_v advantage_n of_o they_o to_o cover_v himself_o encumber_v religion_n with_o indifferent_n more_o than_o needs_o must_v be_v but_o so_o many_o shelter_n for_o scandal_n scandal_n then_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n be_v a_o occasion_n take_v upon_o they_o as_o they_o stand_v in_o that_o relation_n to_o act_v under_o some_o pretence_n contrary_a to_o any_o of_o the_o great_a principle_n or_o law_n of_o religion_n indifferent_a thing_n be_v bring_v into_o a_o relation_n to_o religion_n 1._o by_o some_o appointment_n of_o god_n who_o alone_o have_v right_o to_o do_v it_o exalt_v indifferent_a thing_n into_o a_o goodness_n above_o their_o nature_n or_o for_o wise_a purpose_n depress_v they_o below_o their_o nature_n which_o appointment_n cease_v and_o expire_a they_o return_v each_o of_o they_o into_o their_o own_o natural_a indifferency_n and_o be_v alike_o good_a and_o clean_a and_o upon_o the_o just_a level_n of_o their_o first_o creation_n of_o themselves_o be_v nothing_o to_o religion_n especial_o as_o it_o be_v perfect_v in_o christianity_n this_o be_v the_o case_n the_o apostle_n treat_v upon_o to_o the_o roman_n there_o be_v a_o law_n of_o god_n by_o moses_n distinguish_v day_n and_o meat_n this_o law_n be_v out_o date_v by_o christ_n all_o thing_n hereupon_o return_v into_o their_o original_a state_n of_o equal_a goodness_n and_o cleanness_n and_o be_v whole_o alike_o as_o to_o any_o religious_a account_n of_o they_o to_o all_o that_o understand_v the_o abolish_n of_o that_o law_n which_o at_o that_o time_n be_v but_o beginning_n 2._o indifferent_n be_v bring_v into_o a_o relation_n to_o religion_n by_o man_n idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a transmutation_n of_o they_o out_o of_o their_o nature_n either_o above_o or_o below_o themselves_o which_o be_v great_o abominable_a to_o god_n as_o injurious_a to_o his_o sole_a right_n and_o very_o destructive_a to_o man_n soul_n debauch_n these_o indifferent_n into_o great_a impurity_n to_o all_o that_o with_o design_n and_o resolution_n will_v understand_v and_o use_v they_o so_o change_v to_o they_o that_o be_v unbelieving_a and_o defile_v be_v nothing_o pure_a but_o even_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v 15._o tit._n 1._o 15._o but_o be_v understand_v aright_o and_o according_a to_o their_o nature_n they_o return_v to_o their_o own_o innocency_n and_o purity_n that_o be_v the_o purity_n of_o their_o creation_n and_o disposition_n by_o god_n for_o to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a and_o to_o a_o indifferency_n every_o way_n in_o relation_n to_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o case_n the_o apostle_n reason_n upon_o to_o the_o corinth_n the_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n the_o idol_n temple_n be_v most_o impure_a to_o the_o idolater_n and_o superstition_n yet_o the_o idol_n can_v not_o expulse_v god_n right_a nor_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o his_o creation_n this_o be_v most_o ample_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel-state_n of_o thing_n they_o that_o understand_v this_o have_v a_o most_o lawful_a and_o free_a use_n of_o those_o very_a place_n and_o meat_n that_o be_v so_o pollute_v by_o the_o gentile_n so_o that_o whether_o they_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v it_o be_v all_o alike_o in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o upon_o any_o religious_a account_n 3._o indifferent_a thing_n may_v be_v make_v appurtenance_n to_o religion_n without_o be_v extravasated_a from_o their_o own_o nature_n of_o indifferency_n by_o be_v put_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o ecclesiastic_a or_o civil_a ruler_n into_o a_o constant_a concomitancy_n or_o attendance_n upon_o such_o or_o such_o religious_a service_n sole_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o that_o humane_a significancy_n decency_n and_o order_n the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o clothe_v all_o its_o action_n with_o just_o as_o in_o all_o instalment_n of_o magistrate_n in_o court_n of_o judicature_n in_o proceed_n of_o justice_n in_o all_o the_o grandeur_n of_o humane_a action_n there_o be_v some_o rite_n formality_n or_o ceremony_n man_n find_v out_o that_o give_v order_n life_n and_o grace_n to_o the_o carriage_n of_o they_o even_o so_o in_o religious_a service_n it_o be_v suppose_v they_o have_v the_o same_o liberty_n god_n be_v not_o so_o rigorous_a as_o to_o deny_v it_o to_o they_o they_o may_v appoint_v some_o thing_n of_o a_o mere_a humane_a significancy_n for_o edification_n which_o remain_v still_o perfect_a indifferent_n and_o only_o wait_v upon_o religion_n and_o preserve_v discipline_n and_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v impose_v and_o pin_v so_o fast_o to_o religion_n that_o all_o must_v be_v observe_v together_o no_o public_a ordinance_n may_v be_v enjoy_v with_o allowance_n and_o approbation_n without_o they_o now_o whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o liberty_n grant_v by_o god_n to_o man_n to_o adjoyn_v any_o thing_n to_o his_o worship_n especial_o so_o as_o to_o be_v make_v the_o public_a standard_n be_v more_o than_o the_o wise_a can_v i_o doubt_v resolve_v in_o the_o affirmative_a to_o satisfaction_n there_o be_v so_o many_o appearance_n from_o scripture_n from_o sound_a reason_n against_o any_o more_o than_o be_v command_v by_o god_n himself_o or_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n order_n or_o decency_n so_o as_o to_o offer_v itself_o to_o every_o sober_a man._n but_o allow_v to_o these_o institution_n of_o man_n all_o the_o privilege_n of_o indifferent_n of_o these_o seal_a indifferent_n declare_v so_o by_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o you_o allow_v no_o more_o for_o more_o can_v be_v allow_v except_o you_o change_v they_o into_o doctrine_n which_o make_v they_o worse_o allow_v that_o they_o be_v the_o weak_a who_o do_v not_o understand_v their_o full_a freedom_n herein_o than_o it_o follow_v he_o that_o use_v they_o not_o must_v not_o indeed_o think_v himself_o the_o better_a for_o not_o use_v they_o but_o still_o he_o have_v liberty_n as_o in_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o itself_o not_o to_o use_v they_o and_o he_o ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o use_v they_o with_o doubt_n and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o appear_v unlawful_a to_o he_o for_o than_o come_v upon_o he_o that_o thunderbolt_n of_o the_o
new-converted_n christian_n may_v relapse_n into_o by_o eat_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n at_o the_o idol_n feast_n yet_o the_o main_a point_n be_v eat_v with_o offence_n with_o a_o conscience_n not_o satisfy_v the_o meat_n that_o be_v pure_a in_o themselves_o but_o to_o they_o appear_v impure_a as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o much_o different_a sharpness_n of_o style_n the_o apostle_n use_v in_o the_o danger_n of_o idolatry_n and_o the_o case_n of_o the_o doubt_v conscience_n the_o immediate_a principle_n offend_v against_o be_v then_o the_o government_n conscience_n ought_v to_o have_v over_o man_n appoint_v it_o by_o god_n against_o which_o nothing_o humane_a aught_o to_o prevail_v nor_o can_v do_v but_o with_o the_o great_a mischief_n of_o scandal_n beside_o this_o there_o be_v some_o other_o rule_n or_o principle_n of_o truth_n guide_v conscience_n and_o press_v upon_o it_o in_o case_n of_o scandal_n for_o conscience_n be_v not_o to_o guide_v a_o man_n but_o as_o it_o represent_v to_o he_o some_o truth_n to_o guide_v itself_o and_o he_o by_o else_o as_o when_o the_o blind_a lead_n the_o blind_a both_o will_v fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n and_o when_o this_o principle_n that_o press_v hard_a upon_o conscience_n and_o to_o which_o conscience_n defer_v itself_o be_v overbear_v than_o a_o man_n be_v scandalize_v the_o principle_n conscience_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o roman_n have_v lie_v hard_o upon_o it_o be_v this_o whatever_o god_n have_v forbid_v once_o as_o unclean_a be_v unclean_a and_o be_v so_o long_o unclean_a till_o we_o know_v that_o prohibition_n be_v remove_v the_o weak_a christian_a do_v not_o believe_v the_o forbid_v some_o meat_n as_o unclean_a be_v remove_v yet_o by_o the_o countenance_n of_o example_n in_o the_o strong_a christian_n they_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o eat_v while_o conscience_n be_v unsatisfied_a and_o so_o be_v scandalize_v conscience_n in_o the_o corinth_n have_v this_o principle_n look_v it_o full_a in_o the_o face_n to_o eat_v in_o a_o idol_n right_o in_o honour_n to_o idol_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o god_n the_o weak_a christian_a abhor_v idol_n or_o to_o eat_v in_o honour_n of_o they_o do_v not_o as_o yet_o understand_v there_o can_v be_v a_o separation_n betwixt_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o idol_n and_o the_o meat_n or_o the_o temple_n where_o he_o be_v worship_v yet_o embolden_v by_o see_v the_o strong_a sit_v at_o meat_n in_o a_o idol_n temple_n they_o eat_v and_o be_v inward_o affright_v at_o the_o unclean_a meat_n they_o eat_v they_o eat_v with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n the_o meat_n as_o offer_v to_o the_o idol_n through_o the_o force_n of_o example_n that_o be_v abhor_v indeed_o the_o idol_n and_o his_o meat_n but_o withal_o fear_v it_o as_o a_o evil_a and_o look_v upon_o the_o meat_n as_o impure_a because_o sacrifice_v to_o a_o idol_n in_o both_o these_o case_n the_o apostle_n level_v against_o the_o use_n of_o liberty_n in_o the_o strong_a against_o impose_v by_o way_n of_o example_n to_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o weak_a so_o tender_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o offer_v but_o the_o low_a rule_n of_o compulsion_n in_o these_o case_n the_o imposer_n then_o though_o but_o by_o example_n be_v he_o that_o scandalise_n the_o complier_n against_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n instruct_v not_o by_o truth_n and_o reason_n satisfy_v he_o but_o by_o example_n lead_v he_o be_v the_o scandalize_v thing_n be_v thus_o state_v let_v we_o observe_v the_o scandal_n itself_o how_o it_o work_v in_o this_o case_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o act_n of_o high_a disobedience_n commit_v against_o god_n and_o his_o authority_n represent_v by_o conscience_n both_o in_o that_o conscience_n depute_v by_o god_n be_v depose_v and_o example_n set_v up_o in_o its_o place_n as_o also_o that_o a_o divine_a law_n upon_o conscience_n itself_o suppose_v to_o continue_v in_o force_n be_v violate_v for_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v indeed_o antiquate_v yet_o if_o conscience_n know_v not_o it_o be_v so_o it_o can_v act_v of_o faith_n and_o full_a persuasion_n and_o so_o sin_n 2._o conscience_n be_v hereupon_o grieve_v wound_a and_o lose_v its_o due_a comfort_n 3._o this_o beget_v a_o flatness_n and_o formality_n in_o all_o religious_a service_n 4._o a_o lukewarmness_n to_o religion_n in_o general_a thus_o a_o man_n be_v weaken_v by_o his_o stumble_v and_o fall_v he_o lie_v prostrate_a in_o all_o religious_a power_n 5._o conscience_n lose_v its_o due_a vigour_n and_o exercise_n of_o authority_n 6._o there_o be_v danger_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n itself_o or_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n 7._o hereupon_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v lose_v and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n to_o be_v destroy_v and_o he_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v to_o perish_v if_o not_o recover_v by_o repentance_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o corinth_n now_o to_o bring_v this_o to_o the_o balance_n with_o imposition_n in_o ceremony_n or_o indifferent_n in_o aftertime_n first_o suppose_v the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o many_o christian_n deep_o engage_v and_o lock_v in_o this_o principle_n that_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n no_o man_n may_v add_v or_o diminish_v so_o much_o as_o to_o a_o point_n beyond_o divine_a institution_n and_o the_o most_o natural_a circumstance_n and_o necessary_a adherency_n of_o all_o solemn_a and_o grave_a humane_a action_n that_o there_o must_v be_v nothing_o of_o humane_a device_n for_o edification_n or_o significancy_n but_o what_o be_v prescribe_v and_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o this_o be_v a_o safe_a position_n consider_v both_o the_o stream_n of_o scripture_n sound_a reason_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n how_o much_o mischief_n have_v come_v steal_v up_o from_o ceremony_n as_o high_a as_o to_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n but_o let_v we_o withal_o allow_v that_o though_o no_o man_n can_v be_v the_o better_a for_o use_v these_o indifferent_n nor_o the_o worse_a for_o not_o use_v they_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o liberty_n to_o use_v they_o without_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o use_v they_o if_o a_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n concern_v they_o it_o must_v remain_v yet_o that_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n every_o man_n that_o use_v they_o and_o doubt_n of_o their_o lawfulness_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o forename_a principle_n be_v condemn_v in_o the_o use_v they_o because_o not_o of_o faith_n and_o so_o subject_a to_o all_o the_o just-now-recounted_n mischief_n of_o scandal_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o that_o use_v they_o so_o as_o to_o press_v those_o that_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v to_o a_o conformity_n by_o his_o example_n if_o it_o be_v no_o more_o much_o more_o if_o by_o despising_n censure_n vexation_n penalty_n he_o do_v not_o walk_v charitable_o he_o sin_n against_o christian_n wound_n their_o weak_a conscience_n and_o so_o sin_n against_o christ_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o for_o his_o ceremony_n the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v destroy_v and_o he_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v perish_v if_o not_o save_v by_o repentance_n now_o how_o high_a do_v this_o rise_n up_o to_o the_o woe_n christ_n denounce_v on_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v for_o it_o can_v but_o be_v suppose_v there_o be_v many_o that_o be_v wrought_v upon_o against_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n to_o such_o a_o conformity_n as_o wherein_o they_o can_v but_o condemn_v themselves_o wherein_o they_o seem_v to_o allow_v themselves_o or_o do_v indeed_o allow_v themselves_o so_o far_o as_o the_o outward_a act_n reach_v who_o can_v doubt_v but_o in_o these_o day_n there_o be_v such_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n yea_o happy_a be_v many_o of_o those_o that_o conform_v if_o they_o do_v not_o condemn_v themselves_o wherein_o they_o allow_v themselves_o and_o carry_v the_o mischief_n of_o their_o scandal_n within_o themselves_o silent_o from_o other_o and_o often_o secret_o from_o themselves_o and_o even_o where_o man_n stand_v out_o against_o all_o pressure_n upon_o they_o and_o will_v not_o receive_v this_o dint_n of_o scandal_n yet_o it_o be_v still_o a_o scandal_n offer_v while_o unaccept_v all_o this_o now_o seem_v so_o strong_a against_o impose_v in_o thing_n of_o indifferency_n for_o fear_v of_o scandal_n in_o they_o that_o it_o be_v wonder_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o imposition_n know_v in_o such_o thing_n among_o christian_n for_o fear_n of_o scandal_n and_o yet_o in_o these_o very_a thing_n of_o indifferency_n scandal_n have_v run_v like_o wildfire_n bluster_v and_o roar_v like_o a_o tempest_n in_o these_o of_o all_o thing_n to_o choose_v and_o that_o in_o all_o age_n within_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o even_o under_o protestancy_n itself_o but_o i_o aâ—_n to_o consider_v scandal_n in_o a_o second_o rank_n viz._n of_o
because_o god_n to_o who_o we_o proper_o and_o first_o unite_v in_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o public_a and_o universal_a be_v in_o who_o all_o holy_a spirit_n unite_v one_o with_o another_o and_o from_o who_o whoever_o separate_v separate_v also_o from_o all_o good_a spirit_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o the_o only_a dangerous_a schism_n 2._o because_o the_o one_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n our_o lord_n the_o one_o mediator_n will_v have_v all_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o as_o the_o catholic_n truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o have_v therefore_o reconcile_v and_o recapitulate_v all_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n into_o one_o catholic_n body_n in_o himself_o the_o catholic_n head_n 3._o because_o god_n manifestation_n of_o himself_o be_v the_o only_a true_a public_a authentic_a record_n of_o this_o religion_n and_o all_o other_o not_o derive_v from_o hence_o be_v private_a and_o false_a and_o the_o meeting_n set_v up_o to_o celebrate_v any_o other_o religion_n than_o thus_o manifest_v be_v indeed_o the_o close_a schismatical_a conventicle_n for_o none_o can_v be_v public_a assembly_n where_o god_n the_o supreme_o public_a and_o all_o holy_a spirit_n withdraw_v with_o he_o be_v not_o and_o all_o be_v public_a though_o but_o of_o two_o or_o three_o where_o god_n the_o public_a itself_o and_o in_o who_o the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o saint_n meet_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o quest_n whence_o do_v you_o take_v occasion_n to_o call_v that_o public_a or_o catholic_n that_o be_v divine_a answ_n from_o the_o apostle_n peter_n who_o when_o he_o be_v assert_v concern_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n prophecy_n affirm_v it_o a_o principle_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n and_o that_o he_o may_v demonstrate_v it_o can_v be_v private_a he_o avow_v the_o original_a to_o be_v divine_a now_o the_o plain_a opposite_a to_o private_a be_v public_a in_o that_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o oppose_v public_a but_o divine_a to_o private_a it_o be_v plain_a in_o his_o sense_n divine_a be_v the_o only_a public_a and_o whatever_o be_v true_o public_a be_v divine_a and_o all_o else_o private_a quest_n how_o therefore_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v private_a to_o oppose_v it_o to_o public_a or_o divine_a answ_n idiotick_a or_o private_a be_v apply_v to_o person_n who_o knowledge_n be_v very_o narrow_a and_o strait_a and_o they_o have_v cognisance_n of_o nothing_o beyond_o their_o little_a own_a 2._o to_o those_o that_o have_v no_o public_a character_n of_o office_n or_o magistracy_n and_o last_o to_o such_o who_o care_n interest_n and_o concern_v be_v confine_v to_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o even_o thus_o private_a be_v just_o affix_v to_o all_o except_o only_o to_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o derive_v from_o he_o no_o create_a knowledge_n either_o angelic_a or_o humane_a be_v comprehensive_a enough_o to_o be_v the_o fountain_n no_o power_n or_o authority_n be_v supreme_a or_o vast_a enough_o to_o enact_v nor_o be_v any_o care_n or_o concern_v for_o the_o world_n of_o soul_n large_a or_o receptive_a enough_o to_o ordain_v a_o catholic_n religion_n lead_v to_o a_o common_a salvation_n but_o he_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o whole_a family_n of_o spirit_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n quest_n what_o evidence_n of_o this_o be_v there_o answ_n it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o result_n of_o reason_n that_o whoever_o consider_v it_o can_v deny_v it_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n all_o who_o have_v pretend_v to_o found_v a_o religion_n have_v pretend_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o derive_v and_o receive_v it_o from_o god_n for_o who_o can_v know_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v but_o the_o divine_a mind_n and_o spirit_n that_o know_v and_o search_v itself_o the_o spring_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o so_o first_o to_o be_v know_v or_o what_o authority_n can_v prescribe_v without_o much_o less_o against_o omnipotency_n or_o who_o can_v spread_v tender_a mercy_n over_o all_o the_o creation_n but_o the_o faithful_a creator_n himself_o all_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o true_o catholic_n public_a religion_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o record_v god_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o man_n of_o this_o catholic_n public_a religion_n answ_n they_o be_v two_o the_o law_n engrave_v upon_o man_n heart_n justify_v and_o seal_v by_o the_o constant_a miracle_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n that_o carry_v semblable_a line_n of_o all_o that_o be_v write_v upon_o man_n heart_n for_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o man_n for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o to_o they_o for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n the_o work_n that_o god_n command_v man_n to_o do_v 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find_v the_o truth_n by_o itself_o and_o then_o the_o church_n by_o that_o truth_n and_o not_o the_o church_n by_o itself_o and_o then_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o church_n answ_n very_o true_a for_o god_n have_v so_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n establish_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n truth_n can_v give_v many_o assurance_n of_o itself_o to_o we_o by_o itself_o so_o suit_v to_o our_o faculty_n the_o church_n can_v give_v we_o none_o but_o by_o its_o agreement_n with_o truth_n reveal_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o can_v not_o have_v know_v such_o a_o congregation_n as_o the_o church_n at_o all_o to_o be_v much_o less_o which_o it_o be_v but_o by_o that_o word_n manifest_v itself_o in_o our_o conscience_n and_o so_o distinguish_v to_o we_o the_o true_a church_n among_o the_o many_o association_n in_o the_o world_n each_o call_n to_o we_o as_o have_v the_o best_a religion_n among_o themselves_o even_o the_o true_a apostle_n themselves_o can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o and_o 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they_o captive_a with_o the_o rest_n though_o in_o different_a basket_n as_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n represent_v quest_n how_o do_v they_o survive_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o displace_v and_o deject_a candlestick_n answ_n they_o be_v either_o call_v out_o to_o a_o zealous_a appearance_n and_o suffer_v for_o truth_n or_o sometime_o retire_v into_o corner_n like_o the_o seven_o thousand_o in_o israel_n or_o the_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o they_o can_v appear_v like_o a_o church_n offer_v those_o public_a notice_n of_o divine_a truth_n a_o church_n be_v design_v for_o quest_n how_o be_v a_o visible_a profession_n lose_v from_o particular_a person_n answ_n it_o be_v too_o often_o throw_v up_o by_o apostasy_n or_o profaneness_n or_o dwindle_v into_o a_o very_a spiritless_a form_n but_o very_o often_o a_o profession_n without_o the_o power_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o work_n of_o iniquity_n it_o may_v pass_v out_o of_o this_o world_n like_o a_o lamp_n burn_v but_o be_v find_v to_o burn_v only_o in_o a_o small_a temporary_a light_n without_o oil_n in_o the_o vessel_n a_o plenitude_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n shut_v out_o every_o lust_n it_o become_v a_o lamp_n put_v out_o in_o utter_a darkness_n quest_n what_o be_v to_o be_v infer_v from_o all_o this_o answ_n that_o there_o be_v no_o trust_n but_o in_o the_o lord_n himself_o the_o truth_n itself_o by_o which_o at_o all_o time_n the_o church_n that_o be_v indeed_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o wherein_o it_o be_v so_o will_v be_v know_v to_o we_o and_o in_o unite_n to_o truth_n we_o be_v unite_v to_o that_o quest_n there_o remain_v one_o thing_n yet_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v its_o power_n of_o govern_v even_o as_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n under_o what_o notion_n i_o beseech_v you_o be_v that_o government_n express_v in_o scripture_n answ_n that_o power_n be_v by_o our_o saviour_n represent_v under_o the_o mataphor_n of_o key_n and_o the_o use_v of_o those_o key_n in_o open_v and_o shut_v or_o in_o bind_v and_o lose_v quest_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n hereof_o answ_n the_o meaning_n be_v plain_o this_o when_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v by_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n inquire_v into_o all_o the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o word_n of_o god_n it_o have_v in_o and_o according_a to_o that_o word_n and_o only_o so_o a_o power_n of_o application_n of_o that_o doctrine_n to_o particular_a case_n bind_v man_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o gild_n and_o fear_v of_o damnation_n in_o such_o or_o such_o sin_n and_o a_o impenitent_a continuance_n in_o they_o or_o of_o absolve_v and_o assure_v man_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o acceptance_n in_o a_o holy_a course_n of_o life_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o of_o pardon_n upon_o repentance_n after_o fall_n into_o sin_n and_o disobedience_n and_o so_o of_o declare_v and_o pronounce_v upon_o man_n as_o to_o their_o present_a state_n in_o the_o church_n by_o excommunication_n or_o absolution_n all_o these_o be_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o loose_v according_a to_o what_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o parallel_a word_n who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v mean_v still_o according_a to_o his_o word_n the_o polestar_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o direct_v all_o their_o motion_n who_o claim_v any_o such_o power_n for_o only_o where_o it_o be_v declare_v according_a to_o the_o word_n be_v it_o that_o what_o be_v bind_v on_o earth_n be_v also_o bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o what_o be_v loose_v on_o earth_n be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n there_o be_v a_o invariable_a agreement_n between_o what_o be_v publish_v from_o heaven_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o state_n and_o action_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n and_o the_o transaction_n in_o heaven_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o he_o than_o that_o pronounce_v agreeable_o with_o that_o word_n pronounce_v as_o heaven_n do_v and_o will_v pronounce_v heaven_n bind_v what_o he_o bind_v and_o lose_v what_o he_o lose_v because_o he_o speak_v the_o voice_n of_o heaven_n in_o both_o case_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o bind_v or_o loose_v except_o in_o the_o power_n of_o this_o word_n and_o according_a to_o it_o in_o its_o virtue_n in_o its_o truth_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o end_n to_o the_o glory_n to_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o christ_n to_o bind_v any_o single_a christian_a by_o excommunication_n and_o not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n be_v as_o much_o a_o brutum_fw-la fulmen_fw-la a_o thunder_n to_o no_o purpose_n a_o causeless_a curse_n that_o shall_v not_o come_v as_o for_o the_o pope_n to_o excommunicate_v whole_a protestant_a church_n quest_n what_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n answ_n it_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n in_o a_o neighbourhood_n or_o number_n of_o christian_n communicate_v one_o with_o another_o ordinary_o even_o as_o the_o whole_a cotholick_a church_n will_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a communicate_v with_o itself_o in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n exact_o according_a the_o to_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n wherein_o this_o be_v the_o distinguish_a character_n of_o the_o true_a church_n that_o its_o communion_n be_v not_o with_o itself_o primary_o but_o its_o communion_n be_v so_o with_o itself_o as_o to_o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n principal_o as_o the_o fountainhead_n centre_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o communion_n and_o therein_o it_o hold_v out_o and_o invite_v to_o its_o communion_n cap._n x._o of_o the_o officer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n quest_n can_v there_o be_v either_o a_o orderly_a or_o a_o effectual_a actuation_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o church_n as_o a_o congregation_n without_o distinct_a and_o separate_a office_n and_o officer_n that_o may_v attend_v continual_o on_o this_o very_a thing_n answ_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o assembly_n without_o order_n will_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o assembly_n and_o fall_v into_o a_o confusion_n or_o rude_a multitude_n all_o wise_a and_o prudent_a assembly_n have_v always_o have_v elder_n to_o preside_v over_o they_o and_o our_o lord_n have_v ordain_v such_o to_o moderate_v throughout_o his_o congregation_n or_o church_n to_o conduct_v all_o the_o public_a service_n of_o religion_n for_o all_o thing_n therein_o be_v actual_o administer_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n the_o noble_a organical_a part_n of_o the_o church_n like_o those_o sense_n that_o attend_v upon_o the_o understanding_n most_o immediate_o see_v eye_n and_o hear_v ear_n so_o these_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v most_o fit_v engage_v and_o provoke_v hereunto_o they_o be_v even_o according_a to_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n separate_v to_o their_o office_n and_o unto_o all_o preparation_n for_o they_o by_o read_v and_o meditation_n as_o to_o their_o proper_a call_v and_o business_n of_o life_n see_v they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a inablement_n or_o excitation_n to_o their_o service_n quest_n what_o title_n or_o character_n do_v the_o new_a testament_n place_n upon_o these_o officer_n answ_n those_o that_o we_o have_v especial_a respect_n to_o for_o in_o the_o deacon_n if_o strict_o take_v we_o be_v less_o concern_v receive_v denomination_n either_o from_o their_o work_n and_o service_n or_o from_o that_o honour_n and_o estimation_n due_a to_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o such_o a_o service_n from_o their_o work_n they_o be_v style_v apostle_n evangelist_n pastor_n teacher_n minister_n servant_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n also_o from_o the_o estimation_n and_o honour_n due_a to_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o work_n and_o the_o authority_n it_o ought_v to_o carry_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o christian_n they_o be_v style_v bishop_n elder_n ruler_n guide_n and_o ensample_n as_o also_o ambassador_n and_o the_o work_n and_o the_o honour_n do_v so_o enclose_v one_o another_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v separate_v and_o be_v in_o their_o institution_n the_o measure_n one_o of_o another_o extend_v both_o to_o obedience_n and_o support_v of_o they_o in_o their_o work_n and_o the_o title_n be_v so_o prepare_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v change_v for_o any_o other_o nor_o the_o scripture_n language_n herein_o to_o be_v alter_v for_o any_o word_n not_o import_v the_o same_o proper_a sense_n quest_n how_o shall_v the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v that_o there_o may_v be_v that_o obedience_n and_o submission_n pay_v to_o they_o that_o be_v command_v answ_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o
digest_v their_o reason_n and_o take_v in_o the_o light_n they_o judge_v by_o so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o their_o own_o else_o if_o they_o can_v find_v their_o reason_n nor_o acquit_v themselves_o from_o doubt_n they_o must_v suspend_v for_o a_o christian_n be_v command_v by_o his_o lord_n to_o call_v no_o man_n upon_o earth_n master_n or_o father_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o answ_n it_o be_v this_o very_a thing_n that_o we_o shall_v receive_v nothing_o as_o doctrine_n or_o indisputable_a truth_n or_o precept_n upon_o any_o man_n word_n that_o do_v not_o offer_v such_o reason_n and_o authority_n from_o god_n and_o his_o word_n that_o we_o ourselves_o see_v reason_n not_o to_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n quest_n but_o be_v it_o not_o say_v that_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o watch_v for_o our_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o the_o same_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o 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word_n not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o these_o watchman_n neglect_v their_o duty_n or_o seduce_v instead_o of_o teach_v man_n be_v to_o apply_v to_o better_a mean_n afford_v by_o god_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o still_o die_v in_o their_o iniquity_n and_o follow_v their_o blind_a leader_n fall_v into_o the_o pit_n which_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a argument_n that_o we_o may_v trust_v in_o no_o man_n but_o in_o god_n only_o for_o if_o a_o implicit_a faith_n can_v be_v a_o save_a faith_n it_o shall_v save_v those_o that_o follow_v such_o guide_n though_o they_o themselves_o be_v just_o condemn_v in_o not_o discharge_v their_o trust_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n to_o be_v trust_v at_o a_o high_a rate_n than_o thus_o answ_n no_o there_o be_v such_o evident_a mark_n of_o divine_a doctrine_n always_o give_v by_o god_n to_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v love_n and_o obey_v he_o that_o 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bind_v and_o lose_v within_o itself_o nay_o christian_n be_v not_o exclude_v from_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n when_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n on_o their_o side_n they_o may_v plead_v and_o reason_n with_o their_o mother_n hos_n 2._o 2._o when_o they_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o their_o teacher_n or_o the_o ruler_n rule_v not_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o that_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n even_o rule_v their_o ruler_n and_o prove_v the_o more_o noble_a organ_n of_o the_o church_n when_o those_o that_o shall_v rule_v it_o be_v as_o the_o idol_n eye_n that_o see_v not_o ear_n that_o hear_v not_o or_o as_o the_o idol_n shepherd_n a_o blast_n be_v upon_o their_o right_a hand_n and_o right-eye_n that_o their_o arm_n be_v clean_o dry_v up_o and_o their_o eye_n utter_o darken_v the_o most_o naked_a unfurnished_a christian_a with_o outward_a accomplishment_n that_o yet_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v among_o the_o prophet_n in_o such_o a_o time_n of_o necessity_n cap._n xii_o of_o schism_n and_o scandal_n quest_n from_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n of_o the_o church_n i_o conceive_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o schism_n may_v be_v deduce_v i_o desire_v you_o therefore_o to_o explain_v what_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o schism_n be_v answ_n the_o question_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n follow_v very_o pertinent_o upon_o the_o right_a settlement_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n now_o the_o whole_a be_v of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o its_o union_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o love_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n and_o that_o it_o receive_v all_o its_o member_n into_o union_n with_o itself_o by_o their_o be_v first_o unite_v as_o itself_o be_v schism_n which_o be_v division_n must_v needs_o in_o its_o strict_a and_o most_o formal_a notion_n be_v a_o division_n from_o that_o truth_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v one_o and_o so_o from_o the_o love_n consequent_a upon_o such_o a_o union_n quest_n what_o be_v that_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o which_o the_o church_n be_v one_o answ_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n or_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o law_n and_o command_n in_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v quest_n how_o be_v the_o love_n of_o the_o church_n unite_v in_o these_o answ_n it_o be_v a_o love_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o hereby_o we_o know_v we_o love_v the_o brethren_n when_o we_o love_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n john_n epist_n 2._o no_o love_n how_o great_a soever_o be_v christian-love_n nor_o union_n how_o close_o soever_o christian-union_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v the_o schism_n that_o be_v a_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n must_v be_v a_o disunion_n from_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o love_n spring_v from_o that_o faith_n and_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o any_o other_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o church_n quest_n how_o do_v schism_n differ_v from_o heresy_n answ_n heresy_n in_o the_o high_a sense_n and_o worst_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v a_o disunion_n from_o truth_n in_o some_o fundamental_a and_o grand_a concernment_n of_o religion_n either_o in_o the_o doctrine_n or_o command_v of_o god_n so_o that_o a_o man_n be_v subvert_v and_o sin_v and_o must_v needs_o be_v condemn_v of_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o assembly_n of_o truth_n both_o by_o himself_o and_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o that_o both_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o christian-love_n he_o be_v so_o separate_v schism_n be_v a_o disunion_n in_o some_o less_o momentous_a part_n
of_o this_o truth_n under_o a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o great_a moment_n than_o there_o be_v indeed_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o disunion_n and_o a_o proportionable_a abatement_n of_o christian_a love_n arise_v from_o it_o all_o heresy_n therefore_o include_v schism_n but_o all_o schism_n do_v not_o rise_v up_o to_o heresy_n quest_n be_v these_o the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n according_a to_o its_o use_n of_o those_o word_n answ_n they_o be_v most_o agreeable_a with_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o the_o word_n be_v not_o so_o set_v solemn_a and_o formal_a in_o scripture_n as_o afterward_o in_o ecclesiastic_a writer_n for_o dichostasyes_n or_o division_n into_o two_o or_o more_o party_n and_o contention_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n use_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o schism_n and_o heresy_n sometime_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o a_o sect_n or_o division_n though_o that_o be_v remarkable_o use_v in_o its_o worst_a sense_n by_o both_o the_o apostle_n 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rigid_o censure_v for_o heresy_n quest_n be_v there_o no_o danger_n then_o of_o run_v into_o schism_n if_o there_o be_v a_o union_n with_o truth_n answ_n in_o this_o sense_n only_o when_o the_o weakness_n or_o misapprehension_n of_o other_o be_v rate_v against_o they_o beyond_o their_o merit_n and_o without_o regard_n to_o the_o great_a truth_n they_o agree_v in_o and_o the_o love_n due_a to_o they_o upon_o union_n in_o those_o great_a truth_n be_v withdraw_v or_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n in_o endeavour_v to_o restore_v the_o err_v christian_a deny_v this_o may_v be_v just_o esteem_v like_o schism_n as_o it_o recede_v from_o the_o just_a value_n of_o great_a truth_n and_o from_o the_o charity_n of_o christian_n upon_o union_n in_o they_o but_o no_o man_n be_v to_o espouse_v any_o man_n error_n or_o to_o receive_v even_o truth_n by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n for_o fear_v of_o schism_n in_o thing_n that_o carry_v not_o a_o broad_a evidence_n of_o divine_a truth_n there_o be_v great_a scope_n for_o modest_a suspension_n and_o even_o dissent_v without_o imputation_n of_o schism_n for_o truth_n of_o magnitude_n either_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n practice_n or_o discipline_n be_v too_o bright_a to_o be_v refuse_v by_o sincere_a and_o honest_a mind_n after_o due_a admonition_n quest_n wherein_o lie_v then_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o schism_n answ_n that_o schism_n and_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o may_v better_o be_v understand_v i_o will_v set_v before_o you_o the_o several_a instance_n of_o schism_n in_o scripture_n and_o the_o evil_n note_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o each_o of_o they_o 1._o the_o first_o sort_n of_o schism_n be_v the_o disunion_n in_o the_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o bring_v in_o upon_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o judaique_a rite_n to_o concur_v with_o it_o this_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n rom._n 16._o 17._o call_n make_v division_n or_o party_n beside_o or_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n receive_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v that_o it_o lay_v scandal_n before_o man_n and_o draw_v they_o into_o this_o great_a mischief_n that_o instead_o of_o the_o pure_a nourishment_n of_o divine_a truth_n all_o run_v into_o this_o over-beloved_n sentiment_n and_o so_o deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o true_a and_o vigorous_a spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o also_o the_o service_n due_a to_o true_a christianity_n be_v drain_v away_o and_o consume_v upon_o this_o private_a opinion_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o mischief_n of_o all_o falsehood_n in_o religion_n and_o devotion_n in_o thing_n not_o appoint_v by_o god_n who_o only_o can_v prescribe_v what_o be_v true_o fit_v to_o our_o good_a and_o bless_v it_o with_o suitable_a effect_n miscarriage_n from_o divine_a truth_n be_v always_o find_v in_o schism_n with_o this_o mischievous_a consequence_n that_o it_o deceive_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o cloud_n and_o wind_n instead_o of_o truth_n and_o solid_a good_n 2._o a_o second_o kind_n of_o schism_n the_o apostle_n note_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 19_o 20._o be_v the_o disorder_n in_o divine-worship_n in_o that_o great_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n wherein_o they_o that_o be_v reprove_v be_v necessitate_v to_o withdraw_v and_o to_o stand_v apart_o for_o the_o manifest_v themselves_o in_o the_o purity_n of_o that_o worship_n and_o service_n for_o the_o very_a honour_n of_o it_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o schism_n be_v that_o it_o bring_v in_o a_o necessity_n of_o divide_a party_n in_o public_a religion_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o see_v good_a man_n must_v separate_v from_o such_o corruption_n and_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o they_o on_o account_n of_o which_o religion_n itself_o be_v dishonour_v as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o jumble_v of_o sect_n and_o give_v a_o uncertain_a sound_n and_o further_o than_o that_o be_v charge_v as_o if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o sect_n itself_o because_o it_o stand_v by_o itself_o thus_o christianity_n be_v call_v this_o sect_n and_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarenes_n idolatry_n damn_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o a_o heresy_n from_o itself_o and_o the_o false_a church_n charge_v the_o true_o publick-assemble_o with_o schism_n and_o a_o private_a religion_n 3._o another_o degree_n of_o schism_n the_o apostle_n tax_v in_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 11._o c._n 4._o 3._o be_v that_o this_o one_o entire_a profession_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o one_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n they_o think_v aught_o to_o be_v shred_n into_o little_a fraternity_n under_o the_o name_n of_o some_o prime_a minister_n of_o christianity_n or_o even_o under_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n himself_o as_o a_o ordinary_a master_n of_o a_o party_n except_o we_o will_v understand_v that_o those_o approve_a who_o stand_v firm_a in_o christ_n alone_o be_v manifest_v and_o stand_v alone_o by_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o schism_n of_o other_o and_o so_o appear_v as_o be_v say_v before_o like_o a_o schism_n themselves_o thus_o vain_a philosophy_n parcele_v out_o itself_o under_o its_o great_a master_n the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o be_v that_o it_o raise_v feud_n contention_n and_o faction_n as_o if_o this_o one_o integral_a christianity_n can_v have_v distinct_a interest_n and_o some_o engross_v one_o interest_n other_o another_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n thus_o reduce_v this_o schism_n all_o minister_n say_v he_o with_o all_o their_o gift_n grace_n and_o function_n be_v the_o whole_a church_n without_o any_o canton_v other_o than_o that_o order_n and_o conveniency_n require_v the_o more_o constant_a administration_n of_o religion_n in_o certain_a congregation_n with_o their_o elder_n cephas_n the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n be_v the_o corinthian_n though_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n paul_n himself_o and_o not_o only_o the_o church_n minister_n â—ut_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o cargo_n of_o light_n and_o truth_n in_o it_o be_v the_o church_n every_o truth_n every_o ordinance_n every_o minister_n whâ—ther_o of_o truth_n natural_a or_o reveal_v religion_n with_o all_o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o they_o be_v all_o the_o donation_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v and_o no_o minister_n whatever_o and_o christ_n be_v god_n who_o be_v the_o foundation_n centre_n and_o supreme_a head_n of_o this_o unity_n and_o union_n 4._o the_o last_o instance_n of_o schism_n i_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v intimate_v to_o we_o under_o that_o curious_a parable_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 12._o of_o the_o wise_a and_o excellent_a temperament_n betwixt_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n set_v in_o different_a degree_n of_o dignity_n the_o less_o comely_a part_n have_v more_o abundant_a comeliness_n and_o those_o that_o we_o think_v to_o be_v less_o honourable_a on_o these_o we_o bestow_v more_o abundant_a
honour_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o schism_n in_o the_o body_n but_o that_o the_o member_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o care_n one_o for_o another_o under_o this_o elegant_a shade_n the_o apostle_n teach_v that_o a_o neglect_n and_o a_o contemptuous_a overlook_a the_o right_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o low_a and_o less_o honourable_a member_n in_o the_o church_n incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n as_o argue_v the_o want_n of_o that_o compassion_n and_o feellingness_n that_o spring_v from_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n down_o through_o the_o high_a to_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o member_n for_o no_o man_n ever_o hate_v his_o own_o flesh_n even_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a part_n of_o it_o but_o nourish_v and_o cherish_v it_o even_o as_o the_o lord_n the_o church_n they_o therefore_o that_o carry_v the_o great_a grace_n and_o honour_n in_o the_o church_n shall_v invest_v the_o least_o comely_a member_n with_o more_o abundant_a honour_n and_o comeliness_n in_o the_o most_o humble_a christian_a condescension_n and_o kind_a treatment_n cover_v all_o their_o defect_n in_o imitation_n of_o god_n who_o have_v give_v most_o abundant_a honour_n to_o that_o part_n which_o lack_v and_o be_v more_o tender_o careful_a of_o defer_v to_o they_o the_o utmost_a god_n have_v allow_v they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a repine_v and_o discontent_n of_o those_o inferior_a member_n that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o most_o noble_a part_n be_v schismatical_a also_o not_o feel_v the_o glory_n of_o those_o more_o excellent_a member_n as_o their_o own_o glory_n with_o delight_n and_o complacency_n even_o till_o it_o rise_v up_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o head_n christ_n and_o god_n to_o be_v perfect_o unite_v therefore_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o mind_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n god_n have_v speak_v in_o his_o word_n and_o herein_o to_o love_v one_o another_o to_o observe_v the_o same_o pattern_n of_o worship_n give_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o only_a christ_n and_o all_o minister_n to_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n give_v it_o by_o christ_n alike_o so_o far_o as_o god_n give_v we_o opportunity_n to_o enjoy_v they_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o high_a member_n and_o to_o honour_n more_o abundant_o the_o mean_a as_o be_v all_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o temper_v by_o he_o and_o wherein_o we_o can_v in_o this_o state_n of_o the_o church_n come_v up_o to_o the_o exactness_n of_o these_o thing_n yet_o to_o perform_v thus_o in_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o each_o of_o they_o and_o in_o the_o small_a to_o tolerate_v and_o forgive_v one_o another_o these_o be_v our_o security_n and_o certain_a preservation_n from_o schism_n quest_n be_v there_o not_o another_o sort_n of_o schism_n yet_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o answ_n no_o other_o that_o i_o can_v find_v speak_v of_o by_o the_o scripture_n quest_n be_v it_o not_o schism_n when_o the_o church_n or_o that_o 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agree_v a_o desire_n of_o interest_n in_o and_o benefit_n by_o one_o another_o prayer_n and_o a_o joy_n in_o the_o gift_n grace_n and_o spiritual_a ability_n one_o of_o another_o a_o care_n mutual_o to_o impart_v and_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v such_o a_o union_n in_o thing_n command_v by_o god_n shall_v over-rule_v the_o little_a distance_n in_o indifference_n and_o no_o more_o divide_v than_o worship_v god_n in_o different_a congregation_n by_o reason_n of_o distance_n of_o place_n or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n use_v differ_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n in_o different_a country_n and_o place_n quest_n but_o what_o if_o beside_o these_o mere_a and_o simple_a dislocation_n of_o themselves_o and_o use_v or_o non-use_a of_o these_o indifference_n there_o be_v anger_n strife_n emulation_n bitter_a zeal_n in_o one_o against_o another_o as_o be_v general_o and_o usual_o see_v do_v not_o these_o sour_a passion_n beget_v schism_n answ_n wherever_o these_o be_v find_v they_o must_v needs_o amount_v to_o that_o kind_n of_o schism_n that_o christian_n do_v not_o love_v christian_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n since_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o each_o part_n be_v unite_v in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n and_o divine_a command_n upon_o which_o ought_v to_o flow_v from_o the_o love_n every_o sincere_a christian_a have_v to_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o these_o love_v to_o one_o another_o also_o for_o faith_n work_v or_o be_v effectual_a by_o love_n and_o this_o be_v love_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o command_n this_o love_n therefore_o must_v needs_o to_o all_o unite_a in_o these_o mighty_a thing_n wherein_o true_a christian_n be_v unite_v surmount_v the_o disaffection_n that_o arise_v in_o the_o disunion_n about_o tything_n mint_n or_o cummin_n or_o else_o we_o must_v value_v our_o confidence_n in_o small_a thing_n or_o our_o doubt_n about_o they_o above_o the_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o command_n of_o god_n which_o must_v indeed_o needs_o be_v schismatical_a in_o both_o part_n or_o on_o whatever_o part_n it_o â—e_v find_v quest_n but_o see_v these_o contention_n be_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v avoid_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o different_a judgement_n and_o especial_o divers_a practice_n of_o christian_n and_o in_o so_o distinct_a congregation_n and_o that_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o one_o another_o and_o further_o that_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n together_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o universal_a numerous_a or_o at_o least_o as_o free_a and_o mutual_a as_o be_v possible_a in_o regard_n of_o nearness_n of_o place_n one_o to_o another_o for_o that_o it_o be_v most_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n they_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o most_o advantageous_a to_o the_o impart_v spiritual_a gift_n and_o grace_n between_o all_o the_o pastor_n and_o people_n see_v all_o this_o be_v so_o undeniable_a how_o can_v separation_n from_o the_o assembly_n of_o one_o another_o do_v less_o than_o carry_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n answ_n there_o can_v be_v no_o schism_n in_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n without_o add_v or_o diminish_v turn_v to_o the_o right-hand_a or_o to_o the_o left_a for_o therein_o as_o have_v be_v often_o say_v be_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n union_n therein_o alone_o be_v the_o church_n a_o church_n and_o the_o peace_n lie_v enfold_v in_o the_o truth_n the_o more_o than_o the_o consideration_n forenamed_a be_v press_v and_o they_o deserve_v very_o earnest_o to_o be_v press_v the_o more_o absolute_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o stay_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n and_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n or_o which_o be_v as_o true_o the_o command_n of_o god_n the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n nay_o it_o be_v better_a to_o allow_v man_n a_o suspension_n of_o their_o assent_n to_o some_o truth_n and_o of_o their_o compliance_n with_o some_o command_n that_o be_v but_o upon_o the_o outward_a skirt_n and_o march_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o not_o so_o evident_o reveal_v than_o rush_v they_o upon_o a_o precipitate_a belief_n of_o a_o blind_a obedience_n the_o plain_a thing_n and_o those_o be_v always_o the_o most_o necessary_a be_v the_o safe_a to_o pitch_v christian_a communion_n severe_o upon_o quest_n but_o may_v it_o not_o be_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n governor_n by_o christ_n they_o have_v a_o power_n in_o thing_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n to_o interpose_v their_o authority_n aâ—d_v to_o determine_v they_o this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n and_o that_o obedience_n can_v be_v refuse_v without_o schism_n answ_n there_o be_v very_o great_a reason_n against_o any_o such_o supposal_n 1._o the_o apostle_n the_o high_a authority_n under_o christ_n as_o will_v be_v easy_o acknowledge_v have_v commission_n
only_o to_o teach_v the_o observation_n of_o thing_n command_v they_o by_o the_o lord_n himself_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o constant_a disclaimer_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o any_o despotic_a or_o lordlike_o power_n in_o church-ruler_n christ_n express_o compare_v the_o power_n he_o give_v with_o civil_a power_n and_o resolve_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o his_o disciple_n as_o be_v among_o they_o he_o say_v the_o chief_a among_o they_o shall_v be_v minister_n and_o servant_n deliver_v the_o will_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o not_o lord_n themselves_o they_o must_v have_v no_o will_n of_o their_o own_o to_o promulge_v they_o profess_v they_o preach_v jesus_n the_o lord_n and_z themselves_z servants_z for_o jesus_n sake_n servant_n of_o those_o they_o preach_v to_o as_o they_o minister_v to_o they_o the_o divine_a will_n not_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o ensample_n of_o the_o flock_n ambassador_n deliver_v only_o the_o message_n of_o their_o master_n and_o beseech_v man_n but_o if_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v give_v they_o for_o a_o dominion_n how_o great_a will_v it_o be_v 3._o these_o circumstance_n in_o religion_n may_v grow_v so_o bulky_a and_o cumbersome_a and_o make_v such_o a_o medley_n in_o it_o that_o no_o one_o will_v know_v what_o religion_n itself_o be_v 4._o the_o free_a vote_n and_o suffrage_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o receive_v as_o most_o con-decent_a and_o convenient_a be_v that_o more_o abundant_a honour_n god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o mean_a member_n of_o his_o church_n thus_o the_o whole_a affair_n in_o that_o council_n act_v 11._o be_v manage_v by_o not_o only_o the_o apostle_n the_o elder_n but_o the_o brethren_n also_o each_o according_a to_o their_o station_n and_o situation_n in_o the_o body_n the_o church_n for_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o despotique_a power_n what_o be_v command_a by_o christ_n must_v be_v so_o represent_v that_o the_o evidence_n it_o be_v so_o command_v must_v be_v due_o represent_v and_o the_o divine_a authority_n sufficient_o remonstrate_v what_o be_v of_o advice_n and_o conveniency_n must_v be_v carry_v by_o free_a suffrage_n and_o consent_v quest_n but_o still_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n and_o the_o best_a of_o society_n it_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n concern_v society_n and_o what_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o vote_n of_o people_n be_v always_o subject_a to_o turbulence_n and_o confusion_n have_v we_o not_o great_a assurance_n see_v christ_n reverse_a nothing_o natural_a but_o confirm_v it_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n not_o write_v in_o scripture_n but_o leave_v to_o their_o necessity_n and_o expediency_n according_a to_o nature_n law_n and_o so_o what_o be_v near_a to_o monarchick_a be_v far_o from_o confusion_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o among_o they_o the_o bishop_n aught_o to_o determine_v all_o thing_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n answ_n there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a monarchy_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n and_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v no_o other_o nor_o can_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n dictate_v any_o other_o there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v or_o destroy_v and_o there_o need_v not_o any_o more_o master_n for_o more_o will_v certain_o breed_v confusion_n whatever_o therefore_o be_v clear_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o to_o be_v make_v out_o to_o be_v so_o whatever_o be_v the_o evident_a dictate_v of_o nature_n as_o distinction_n of_o sex_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 3._o in_o their_o public_a appearance_n in_o religious_a assembly_n administration_n of_o divine_a service_n in_o a_o know_a language_n 1_o cor._n 14._o v._n 5._o the_o speak_v of_o one_o prophet_n only_o at_o once_o and_o not_o in_o a_o confusion_n of_o voice_n v._o 31._o all_o such_o natural_a order_n and_o decency_n or_o whatever_o be_v of_o indisputable_a decency_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o our_o native_a country_n these_o be_v the_o utmost_a bound_n of_o prescription_n all_o thing_n else_o be_v to_o be_v comprimize_v by_o agreement_n and_o suffrage_n and_o even_o these_o necessary_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v by_o doctrine_n rational_a convicton_n exhortation_n admonition_n rebuke_v and_o even_o charge_v and_o command_v with_o all_o authority_n in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a word_n and_o will_v and_o no_o otherwise_o for_o this_o i_o say_v again_o be_v the_o more_o abundant_a honour_n the_o ruler_n or_o more_o honourable_a member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o invest_v the_o low_a with_o to_o circulate_v with_o they_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o truth_n by_o transfuse_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n they_o have_v that_o they_o as_o live_v wise_a and_o intellectual_a member_n also_o may_v judge_v what_o be_v command_v they_o by_o god_n and_o not_o be_v as_o fool_n or_o lifeless_a member_n for_o what_o blood_n spirit_n and_o life_n be_v in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n the_o very_a same_o freedom_n the_o foot_n have_v to_o represent_v to_o the_o high_a power_n of_o nature_n what_o offend_v it_o and_o be_v immedate_o hear_v the_o very_a same_o power_n the_o low_a member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v to_o remonstrate_v to_o the_o high_a what_o scandalise_v it_o in_o the_o accept_n this_o or_o that_o indifferent_a ceremony_n and_o it_o ought_v as_o feel_o as_o immediate_o to_o be_v hear_v for_o as_o the_o same_o soul_n be_v present_a to_o all_o part_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n so_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n animate_v his_o whole_a body_n the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o fullness_n or_o compliment_n the_o receptacle_n of_o his_o fullness_n the_o fullness_n in_o which_o he_o will_v appear_v full_a and_o complete_a who_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o as_o therefore_o the_o head_n itself_o feel_v by_o this_o spiritual_a union_n so_o be_v the_o eye_n and_o ear_n the_o high_a member_n of_o this_o body_n to_o do_v and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o so_o feel_v it_o argue_v a_o interruption_n between_o they_o and_o the_o head_n itself_o for_o that_o most_o concernful_o reciprocate_v with_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o the_o extreme_a part_n of_o it_o and_o so_o do_v every_o part_n inlve_v by_o he_o also_o if_o there_o be_v no_o intercision_n nor_o obstruction_n betwixt_o it_o and_o the_o head_n quest_n be_v there_o yet_o any_o further_a reason_n against_o a_o power_n in_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o impose_v in_o thing_n of_o indifferency_n under_o the_o name_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n answ_n there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n to_o be_v add_v to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v quest_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o scandal_n answ_n scandal_n be_v a_o subject_a of_o discourse_n of_o too_o large_a a_o compass_n for_o the_o present_a purpose_n but_o as_o it_o be_v strict_o to_o be_v adjust_v to_o it_o it_o may_v be_v thus_o understand_v scandal_n be_v that_o hurt_v and_o grief_n a_o man_n receive_v in_o submit_v either_o to_o humane_a example_n or_o imposition_n in_o thing_n of_o themselves_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n when_o the_o conscience_n be_v in_o doubt_n whether_o that_o which_o be_v require_v to_o be_v do_v be_v not_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o forbid_v by_o he_o or_o that_o which_o be_v require_v to_o be_v omit_v or_o not_o do_v be_v not_o please_v to_o god_n and_o command_v by_o he_o and_o yet_o submit_v itself_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o that_o example_n or_o command_v by_o such_o imposition_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o under_o a_o wound_n of_o conscience_n quest_n when_o the_o thing_n be_v indeed_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n how_o can_v it_o be_v change_v by_o the_o conscience_n be_v in_o doubt_n concern_v it_o answ_n because_o the_o conscience_n be_v that_o complex_fw-la or_o congregat_v power_n of_o the_o soul_n wherein_o be_v preserve_v all_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o rule_n of_o action_n to_o the_o end_n that_o it_o may_v observe_v and_o direct_v how_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o govern_v itself_o and_o square_v all_o its_o action_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o may_v comfort_v or_o check_v the_o soul_n in_o do_v well_o or_o ill_o according_a to_o those_o doctrine_n or_o rule_n wherein_o then_o conscience_n be_v mistake_v and_o misjudge_n either_o way_n against_o that_o which_o be_v command_v by_o god_n or_o for_o that_o which_o be_v forbid_v by_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v do_v but_o to_o reduce_v conscience_n to_o its_o right_a rule_n which_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o
in_o sackcloth_n be_v slay_v and_o lie_v dead_a three_o day_n and_o a_o half_a true_a christianity_n be_v in_o all_o appearance_n extinct_a the_o measure_v the_o altar_n the_o temple_n and_o those_o that_o worship_n in_o it_o signify_v the_o close_a retirement_n of_o pure_a religion_n and_o the_o outward_a court_n leave_v to_o be_v tread_v down_o by_o the_o gentile_n or_o heathen_a christian_n and_o their_o impure_a rite_n and_o worship_n and_o therefore_o exclude_v from_o those_o strict_a measure_n true_a undefiled_a christianity_n be_v enclose_v within_o revel_v 11._o 1â—_n now_o upon_o all_o these_o representation_n of_o such_o a_o state_n of_o the_o church_n so_o exquisite_o shadow_v and_o resemble_v and_o compare_v with_o that_o deep_a plunge_n and_o immersement_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o popish_a midnight_n who_o can_v but_o believe_v these_o with_o many_o concurrent_a delineation_n in_o all_o those_o forecited_a scripture_n be_v on_o purpose_n 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and_o spiritual_a jerusalem_n which_o be_v free_a and_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o if_o true_a christian_n gal._n 4._o 26._o quest_n what_o do_v you_o understand_v by_o the_o foundation_n the_o wall_n the_o gate_n the_o city_n itself_o answ_n i_o be_o not_o bold_a or_o curious_a in_o pursue_v emblem_n too_o close_o but_o understand_v in_o general_a by_o the_o whole_a of_o all_o these_o the_o doctrine_n the_o worship_n the_o rule_n of_o life_n the_o discipline_n of_o the_o true_a church_n quest_n what_o be_v we_o direct_v to_o by_o all_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o number_n twelve_o answ_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a the_o twelve_o apostle_n of_o the_o lamb_n give_v the_o honour_n to_o the_o number_n twelve_o for_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n that_o be_v the_o truth_n minister_v insallible_o by_o they_o be_v the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o true_a christian_a church_n be_v build_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o cornerstone_n and_o so_o to_o show_v true_a 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of_o
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sinner_n the_o whole_a platform_n of_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v become_v like_o the_o original_a law_n of_o righteousness_n by_o which_o man_n be_v form_v and_o answer_n to_o it_o in_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o perfection_n as_o therefore_o the_o plot_n of_o restoration_n by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n infold_v it_o within_o itself_o and_o answer_v every_o way_n exact_o to_o it_o so_o that_o very_a law_n and_o doctrine_n of_o holiness_n own_v the_o reconciliation_n and_o atonement_n by_o that_o great_a sacrifice_n as_o equilateral_a to_o itself_o the_o dimension_n of_o one_o be_v find_v correspondent_a in_o the_o other_o and_o each_o to_o be_v try_v one_o by_o the_o other_o so_o great_a a_o sacrifice_n will_v be_v unnecessary_a if_o it_o have_v not_o so_o great_a a_o law_n to_o answer_v so_o great_a a_o law_n can_v be_v answer_v by_o so_o great_a a_o sacrifice_n and_o only_o by_o that_o it_o must_v have_v that_o it_o can_v need_v it_o can_v acknowledge_v no_o other_o so_o then_o the_o one_o may_v be_v measure_v by_o the_o other_o the_o holiness_n purity_n of_o such_o a_o law_n violate_v require_v such_o a_o effectual_a pacification_n and_o purgation_n of_o conscience_n such_o a_o renovation_n as_o christianity_n set_v before_o we_o such_o a_o sacrifice_n such_o a_o renovation_n or_o sanctification_n by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n from_o it_o teach_v we_o what_o a_o excellent_a law_n be_v violate_v so_o often_o therefore_o be_v the_o lamb_n make_v the_o title_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o savour_n so_o oâ—ten_v it_o be_v signal_o record_v in_o the_o revelation_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o lamb_n be_v say_v to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o new-jerusalem_n to_o show_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a sacrifice_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n breathe_v in_o and_o from_o it_o in_o renovation_n and_o sanctification_n 3._o the_o liberty_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v bring_v in_o by_o his_o gospel_n be_v another_o equilateral_a character_n of_o his_o true_a religion_n to_o be_v measure_v by_o each_o of_o the_o former_a and_o it_o also_o measure_v they_o it_o be_v not_o a_o liberty_n from_o holiness_n it_o be_v not_o a_o liberty_n from_o close_a application_n to_o the_o redemption_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o need_v it_o on_o any_o pretence_n whatever_o but_o it_o be_v a_o liberty_n from_o any_o imposition_n that_o be_v ceremonial_a and_o do_v not_o by_o its_o intrinsique_n worth_n and_o goodness_n or_o by_o its_o supreme_a ordination_n from_o god_n centre_n in_o the_o true_a perfection_n of_o the_o mind_n conscience_n and_o whole_a soul_n yea_o whatever_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v the_o jew_n be_v not_o only_o reverse_v but_o despise_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christian_a liberty_n if_o it_o do_v not_o square_a with_o it_o so_o that_o no_o yoke_n of_o ceremonial_a bondage_n be_v lay_v upon_o we_o by_o god_n himself_o that_o which_o have_v be_v be_v take_v away_o and_o a_o yoke_n of_o humane_a imposiing_n be_v under_o the_o gospel-anathema_n the_o doctrine_n of_o godliness_n of_o redemption_n by_o christ_n may_v be_v just_o measure_v by_o the_o true_a perfection_n of_o conscience_n to_o do_v well_o in_o thing_n intrinsical_o good_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v inward_o purge_v and_o atone_v by_o the_o christian_a sacrifice_n do_v also_o true_o measure_v this_o liberty_n for_o on_o one_o side_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n it_o be_v not_o apply_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_n that_o can_v never_o take_v away_o sin_n but_o to_o the_o blood_n offer_v by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n which_o certain_o make_v the_o comer_n thereunto_o perfect_a on_o the_o other_o side_n this_o liberty_n lay_v not_o open_a the_o enclosure_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n nor_o remove_v the_o barrier_n of_o justice_n against_o sin_n if_o not_o satisfy_v and_o atone_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n 4._o last_o that_o which_o answer_v to_o each_o of_o these_o character_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v that_o be_v have_v no_o secular_a interest_n no_o interest_n of_o this_o present_a world_n that_o it_o look_v not_o upon_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v that_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n but_o on_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v that_o be_v eternal_a such_o be_v the_o godliness_n such_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n such_o the_o christian_a liberty_n that_o their_o uses_n and_o end_n be_v too_o great_a and_o large_a to_o centre_n in_o earthly_a thing_n and_o though_o themselves_o be_v the_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o present_a state_n yet_o they_o no_o way_n make_v it_o or_o the_o grandeur_n of_o it_o a_o interest_n but_o seek_v a_o heavenly_a country_n and_o city_n even_o as_o the_o lord_n of_o this_o religion_n say_v my_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n now_o as_o this_o measure_v each_o of_o the_o other_o character_n so_o each_o of_o they_o measure_v it_o such_o a_o transcendent_a holiness_n and_o purity_n can_v alone_o see_v god_n in_o eternal_a habitation_n such_o a_o sacrifice_n alone_o can_v have_v its_o blood_n enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n make_v without_o hand_n have_v obtain_v a_o eternal_a inheritance_n such_o a_o blood_n speak_v alone_o in_o the_o heaven_n better_a thing_n than_o the_o blood_n of_o abel_n a_o conscience_n so_o free_a so_o perfect_v have_v boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a and_o none_o else_o these_o be_v all_o fit_v and_o consecrate_a to_o eternity_n and_o eternity_n to_o they_o light_n and_o trivial_a holiness_n insignificant_a ceremony_n and_o rite_n of_o purgation_n a_o cumber_v of_o external_n observation_n invent_v by_o man_n can_v never_o enter_v within_o the_o veil_n nor_o endure_v for_o ever_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n by_o such_o divine_a thing_n to_o grasp_v at_o this_o world_n and_o a_o patrimony_n on_o earth_n be_v as_o gross_a and_o out_o of_o square_a so_o that_o these_o thing_n exact_o measure_v one_o another_o and_o square_v together_o quest_n how_o be_v the_o foursquare_a city_n or_o the_o true_a church_n adjust_v to_o these_o dimension_n answ_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n i_o before_o mention_v in_o have_v these_o and_o these_o only_a in_o its_o doctrine_n its_o worship_n its_o practice_n and_o obedience_n its_o discipline_n or_o government_n quest_n how_o be_v the_o false_a church_n out_o of_o square_a to_o all_o these_o answ_n in_o that_o retain_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n constitute_v according_a to_o these_o and_o pretend_v a_o imitation_n of_o they_o and_o the_o miracle_n attest_v they_o it_o have_v be_v most_o extravagant_a from_o they_o by_o its_o traditional_a addition_n and_o counterfeit_n of_o they_o every_o of_o which_o be_v a_o violation_n and_o irregularity_n from_o one_o or_o all_o of_o these_o character_n or_o equal_a side_n of_o true_a religion_n a_o great_a lie_n upon_o they_o with_o which_o they_o can_v never_o be_v bring_v to_o agree_v be_v not_o only_o a_o endless_a variation_n from_o but_o a_o flat_a opposition_n to_o they_o and_o a_o despit_v they_o with_o themselves_o so_o strange_o so_o monstrous_o misshapen_v and_o that_o in_o so_o great_a number_n that_o as_o in_o mockage_n to_o the_o many_o excellent_a thing_n our_o saviour_n do_v and_o teach_v so_o many_o that_o if_o they_o be_v all_o write_v the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o will_v be_v write_v even_o so_o if_o all_o the_o numerous_a and_o prodigious_a excursion_n of_o the_o antichristian_a church_n and_o antichrist_n the_o head_n of_o it_o from_o christian_a religion_n by_o its_o indeterminable_a swarm_n of_o new_a piece_n of_o antichristianism_n shall_v be_v write_v the_o whole_a world_n itself_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o contain_v the_o volume_n that_o will_v be_v write_v quest_n but_o do_v not_o the_o profession_n of_o so_o much_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o such_o a_o eminence_n like_o tbe_n city_n upon_o the_o hill_n that_o can_v be_v hide_v give_v it_o the_o reputation_n of_o a_o most_o famous_a church_n if_o not_o the_o catholic_n as_o it_o call_v itself_o answ_n christianity_n so_o abuse_v as_o in_o the_o popish_a religion_n be_v infinite_o the_o more_o dishonour_v for_o the_o eminence_n of_o the_o antichurch_n that_o so_o expose_v it_o and_o it_o be_v only_o the_o eminence_n of_o antichrist_n sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exalt_v himself_o above_o all_o that_o be_v indeed_o and_o true_o god_n in_o his_o church_n and_o show_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v god_n in_o his_o oracle_n wonder_n and_o miracle_n but_o they_o be_v
have_v not_o so_o immediate_a a_o respect_n to_o he_o as_o godliness_n or_o religion_n be_v more_o under_o humane_a legislation_n in_o the_o particular_a adjustment_n to_o the_o general_n ends._n but_o both_o the_o inward_a court_n of_o religion_n or_o divine_a truth_n and_o worship_n itself_o and_o the_o outward_a court_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n be_v within_o such_o limitation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n therein_o not_o prescribe_v by_o god_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o freedom_n of_o every_o man_n by_o god_n and_o no_o power_n of_o prescription_n ought_v to_o come_v there_o that_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v either_o encumber_a by_o unnecessary_a observance_n or_o in_o danger_n to_o mistake_v they_o as_o have_v any_o influence_n into_o his_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v any_o and_o can_v indeed_o have_v none_o that_o be_v good_a nor_o last_o be_v in_o doubt_n whether_o he_o do_v not_o displease_v god_n in_o add_v to_o his_o worship_n but_o if_o a_o man_n can_v see_v his_o freedom_n in_o all_o these_o it_o be_v serve_v out_o of_o love_n and_o be_v make_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n and_o go_v to_o the_o utmost_a he_o can_v in_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n if_o a_o man_n can_v see_v his_o freedom_n but_o doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n he_o be_v under_o as_o severe_a a_o prohibition_n of_o compliance_n against_o his_o doubt_n as_o in_o other_o case_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o sentence_n be_v positive_a he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v in_o do_v the_o indifferent_a thing_n he_o doubt_v of_o and_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n or_o assurance_n it_o be_v please_v to_o god_n or_o not_o displease_v to_o he_o be_v sin_n quest_n but_o this_o doubt_n may_v extend_v to_o civil_a thing_n and_o indifference_n there_o or_o to_o those_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n and_o grandeur_n of_o supreme_a power_n god_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o answ_n when_o obedience_n be_v enforce_v in_o such_o thing_n the_o magistrate_n have_v this_o to_o justify_v he_o he_o be_v within_o his_o own_o territory_n give_v he_o by_o god_n he_o require_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n upon_o god_n donation_n but_o in_o religious_a thing_n â—e_n be_v within_o god_n peculiar_a and_o so_o can_v be_v justify_v in_o that_o enforcement_n because_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o peculiarly_a go_n quest_n the_o great_a question_n now_o remain_v what_o be_v subject_n to_o do_v when_o authority_n stamp_v itself_o upon_o false_a religion_n or_o enforce_v indifferent_a thing_n against_o the_o apprehension_n of_o conscience_n concern_v their_o lawfulness_n so_o that_o they_o can_v obey_v but_o with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o that_o have_v be_v already_o open_v answ_n there_o be_v one_o rule_n in_o all_o these_o case_n even_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a law_n of_o injustice_n and_o licentiousness_n when_o sovereign_a power_n so_o err_v in_o government_n shall_v change_v the_o true_a and_o everlasting_a notion_n of_o righteousness_n or_o soberness_n or_o those_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a law_n of_o they_o in_o themselves_o even_o so_o impossible_a it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n shall_v change_v those_o of_o true_a natural_a or_o true_a reveal_v religion_n or_o the_o law_n impose_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n shall_v take_v away_o the_o liberty_n god_n have_v give_v or_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o obey_v against_o doubt_n of_o conscience_n when_o a_o man_n do_v not_o see_v that_o liberty_n that_o therefore_o which_o be_v eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a must_v be_v adhere_v to_o and_o obey_v quest_n how_o then_o be_v there_o a_o subjection_n to_o magistrate_n answ_n the_o subjection_n than_o be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o error_n of_o magistracy_n in_o case_n of_o justice_n or_o soberness_n not_o to_o resist_v the_o power_n vindicate_v its_o command_n by_o suffering_n and_o penalty_n upon_o those_o that_o can_v active_o obey_v wherein_o religion_n justice_n or_o soberness_n be_v contradict_v which_o be_v god_n and_o must_v be_v render_v to_o he_o according_a to_o themselves_o who_o be_v able_a to_o make_v they_o recompense_v who_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n as_o he_o please_v in_o this_o world_n or_o most_o certain_o in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o absolute_a legislative_a and_o executive_a power_n in_o every_o community_n thus_o fix_v and_o unmoveable_a and_o accountable_a only_o to_o god_n the_o restless_a love_n of_o change_n will_v be_v always_o disturb_v and_o call_v to_o account_v government_n and_o every_o man_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v a_o lawgiver_n and_o a_o justicy_a or_o indeed_o to_o be_v licentious_a and_o inordinate_a and_o as_o they_o can_v consult_v and_o together_o collect_v themselves_o into_o a_o rebellion_n will_v enter_v into_o open_a hostility_n against_o it_o and_o so_o the_o end_n of_o government_n in_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o humane_a society_n be_v quite_o lose_v so_o that_o till_o any_o principality_n sit_v on_o the_o seat_n of_o government_n be_v so_o bad_a as_o to_o retain_v less_o of_o the_o use_v and_o end_v of_o government_n than_o they_o destroy_v and_o it_o can_v be_v make_v apparent_a endeavour_n of_o change_n can_v introduce_v so_o great_a and_o general_a mischief_n or_o that_o even_a anarchy_n itself_o can_v introduce_v great_a mischief_n than_o that_o government_n be_v the_o author_n of_o which_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o few_o instance_n till_o then_o i_o say_v we_o must_v fear_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o king_n and_o not_o meddle_v with_o they_o who_o be_v give_v to_o change_n for_o their_o calamity_n shall_v rise_v sudden_o and_o who_o know_v the_o ruin_n of_o they_o both_o quest_n but_o what_o be_v christian_a subject_n to_o do_v when_o title_n of_o sovereignty_n or_o legislative_a or_o executive_a power_n of_o law_n be_v dispute_v 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