and_o carnal_a interest_n to_o false_a way_n and_o vain_a invention_n for_o which_o cause_n it_o behoove_v the_o zealous_a religionist_n to_o be_v careful_a even_o to_o jealousy_n that_o he_o be_v not_o impose_v upon_o by_o himself_o or_o other_o and_o in_o this_o care_n hearty_o and_o entire_o to_o resign_v and_o conform_v himself_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o such_o resignation_n and_o conformity_n he_o secure_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o what_o in_o he_o lie_v the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v here_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o be_v write_v in_o nature_n be_v god_n law_n as_o well_o as_o what_o be_v write_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o natural_a revelation_n as_o well_o as_o supernatural_a be_v divine_a and_o whatsoever_o be_v know_v of_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v to_o be_v own_v in_o both_o though_o in_o the_o latter_a it_o have_v appear_v more_o abundant_o because_o therein_o be_v give_v we_o a_o full_a instruction_n in_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n kingdom_n which_o in_o the_o other_o be_v not_o give_v for_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v not_o be_v know_v by_o nature_n and_o in_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v know_v thereby_o the_o light_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o glimmer_a and_o not_o easy_o able_a to_o fix_v the_o heart_n therein_o not_o so_o much_o for_o want_v of_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n as_o from_o the_o pravity_n of_o our_o mind_n reason_n be_v lay_v asleep_a and_o all_o our_o faculty_n be_v sink_v into_o the_o brutish_a life_n what_o be_v the_o utmost_a capacity_n of_o that_o light_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v hard_o for_o we_o to_o define_v and_o though_o it_o be_v harsh_a to_o determine_v that_o they_o be_v all_o utter_o and_o universal_o forsake_v of_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a both_o by_o scripture_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o gentile_n that_o gentilism_n be_v a_o very_a forlorn_a state_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v the_o high_a favour_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o church_n in_o supernatural_a revelation_n by_o which_o he_o have_v not_o only_o instruct_v we_o in_o thing_n supernatural_a not_o otherwise_o to_o be_v know_v in_o this_o life_n but_o also_o more_o perfect_o in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n now_o transcribe_v into_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o religion_n or_o morality_n that_o may_v not_o be_v find_v therein_o beside_o the_o law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o nature_n and_o scripture_n what_o certain_a and_o stable_a rule_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o conversation_n have_v the_o church_n to_o walk_v by_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n or_o consent_n in_o mere_a or_o all_o tradition_n or_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n or_o the_o ancient_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v so_o evident_a as_o need_v no_o confirmation_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o acquiescence_n or_o accord_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o any_o visible_a universal_a supreme_a power_n for_o whereas_o all_o christian_n acknowledge_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o neither_o do_v nor_o ever_o do_v nor_o will_v unanimous_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n in_o be_v and_o the_o main_a body_n of_o they_o that_o maintain_v such_o a_o catholic_n supremacy_n can_v agree_v in_o what_o subject_n the_o same_o reside_v whether_o in_o the_o pope_n or_o a_o general_n council_n and_o as_o several_a pope_n so_o have_v several_a council_n of_o equal_a amplitude_n and_o authority_n often_o cross_v one_o another_o and_o consequent_o some_o of_o both_o kind_n must_v needs_o have_v err_v and_o it_o still_o remain_v a_o controversy_n undeterminable_a which_o council_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o which_o to_o be_v reject_v unless_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n hitherto_o disagree_v herein_o will_v be_v bind_v up_o by_o the_o resolve_n of_o one_o party_n that_o can_v bring_v no_o better_a proof_n than_o their_o own_o pretend_a infallibility_n to_o all_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n true_o so_o call_v or_o a_o representative_a of_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v never_o yet_o congregat_v wherefore_o let_v the_o faithful_a rest_n upon_o the_o old_a right_a foundation_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o infallibility_n be_v unquestionable_a such_o be_v the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o for_o this_o end_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v safe_a in_o divine_a matter_n not_o to_o be_v venturous_a without_o its_o warrant_n they_o best_o secure_v themselves_o from_o error_n who_o keep_v to_o that_o rule_n which_o be_v both_o perfect_a and_o infallible_a some_o pretend_v to_o lay_v open_a the_o folly_n of_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v puritanism_n affirm_v that_o the_o mystery_n thereof_o lie_v in_o this_o principle_n that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v authorize_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n indeed_o there_o be_v those_o of_o that_o denomination_n who_o disallow_v whatsoever_o institute_v worship_n be_v not_o so_o authorize_v but_o they_o be_v not_o so_o ignorant_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o all_o particular_a circumstance_n belong_v to_o divine_a worship_n which_o admit_v of_o endless_a variation_n be_v define_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n such_o as_o be_v those_o natural_a and_o civil_a circumstance_n without_o which_o action_n be_v not_o performable_a but_o they_o suppose_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o these_o matter_n such_o as_o time_n place_n method_n furniture_n etc._n etc._n and_o those_o ordinance_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o take_v for_o part_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v make_v direct_a and_o immediate_a sign_n of_o honour_n give_v to_o god_n by_o their_o use_n and_o all_o of_o this_o kind_a some_o do_v judge_n or_o at_o least_o suspect_v to_o be_v unlawful_a that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n appointment_n my_o design_n oblige_v i_o to_o shun_v the_o intangle_a of_o this_o discourse_n with_o controversy_n and_o therefore_o i_o write_v not_o either_o for_o or_o against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o uncommanded_a worship_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o to_o show_v that_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n be_v more_o safe_a by_o acquiescence_n in_o that_o only_a which_o god_n have_v prescribe_v than_o by_o addition_n of_o new_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n devise_v by_o man_n who_o even_o the_o best_a of_o they_o may_v too_o easy_o deviate_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o who_o know_v not_o that_o too_o much_o yield_v to_o man_n devise_v form_n and_o right_n which_o have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n make_v way_n for_o the_o departure_n of_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o christendom_n from_o the_o primitive_a christianity_n all_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v clear_o prove_v from_o scripture_n though_o the_o particular_a instance_n thereof_o that_o be_v innumerable_a and_o their_o infinite_o variable_a circumstance_n can_v be_v there_o express_v as_o for_o institute_v worship_n it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o defect_n in_o those_o part_n thereof_o that_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n as_o needs_o to_o be_v make_v up_o by_o the_o human_a addition_n of_o other_o new_a part_n and_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v thing_n mere_o circumstantial_a belong_v to_o it_o which_o be_v necessary_a in_o general_n but_o in_o particular_a not_o determine_v of_o god_n and_o must_v be_v order_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o human_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n none_o that_o know_v what_o they_o say_v in_o magnify_v the_o write_a word_n will_v teach_v the_o people_n not_o to_o rely_v upon_o impartial_a reason_n which_o no_o true_a revelation_n do_v ever_o contradict_v but_o we_o be_v so_o conscious_a of_o the_o weakness_n of_o human_a understanding_n that_o in_o case_n of_o any_o seem_a contrariety_n between_o scripture_n and_o reason_n not_o to_o give_v the_o scripture_n the_o preeminence_n we_o know_v be_v most_o unreasonable_a be_v scripture_n liable_a to_o be_v pervert_v so_o be_v reason_n be_v there_o obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n so_o in_o human_a ratiocination_n much_o more_o whosoever_o can_v apprehend_v right_a reason_n can_v rational_o apprehend_v god_n write_v word_n which_o be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n and_o who_o authentic_a interpretation_n of_o itself_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v by_o rational_a inference_n and_o deduction_n
not_o last_v but_o by_o usual_a and_o easy_a change_n their_o weakness_n be_v discover_v to_o tie_v a_o people_n to_o certain_a little_a rule_n and_o method_n in_o church_n discipline_n that_o be_v general_o displease_v as_o the_o necessary_a term_n of_o church_n privilege_n when_o the_o end_n of_o discipline_n may_v be_v as_o well_o obtain_v without_o they_o be_v at_o the_o best_a but_o the_o vanity_n of_o a_o needless_a trouble_n in_o do_v that_o with_o much_o ado_n which_o may_v be_v do_v with_o less_o and_o it_o may_v occasion_v a_o incurable_a breach_n and_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o whole_a form_n of_o government_n narrow_a and_o uncertain_a boundary_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o arbitrary_a and_o rigid_a rule_n of_o admission_n be_v contrary_a to_o that_o ample_a and_o fix_a church_n state_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o uphold_v and_o propagate_v true_a religion_n the_o faith_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v propagate_v and_o perpetuate_v in_o large_a kingdom_n and_o nation_n by_o encompass_v under_o its_o external_a rule_n and_o order_n the_o multitude_n that_o make_v profession_n though_o they_o may_v faâ—…_n short_a of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o those_o thing_n thaâ—_n accompany_v salvation_n and_o it_o do_v not_o rooâ—_n or_o spread_v in_o any_o sort_n considerable_a in_o a_o region_n where_o the_o order_n of_o admission_n be_v set_v by_o the_o rigid_a and_o narrow_a principle_n of_o a_o small_a party_n and_o the_o general_a multitude_n lie_v open_a as_o waâ—…_n ground_n for_o any_o to_o invade_v or_o occupy_v the_o strength_n and_o security_n of_o the_o protestant_a reformation_n come_v by_o the_o take_n in_o of_o kingdom_n and_o whole_a dominion_n within_o its_o compasâ—_n the_o external_a kingdom_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v much_o wide_a than_o the_o internal_a it_o be_v like_o the_o draw_v net_n that_o gather_v fish_n good_a and_o bad_a and_o like_o a_o corn_n field_n wherein_o wheaâ—…_n and_o tare_n grow_v together_o till_o the_o harvest_n moreover_o the_o increase_n of_o profess_a christian_n make_v way_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o regenerate_a christian_n and_o convert_v to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v general_o make_v out_o of_o the_o mass_n of_o people_n of_o a_o orthodox_n profession_n and_o few_o of_o they_o be_v turn_v immediate_o from_o infidelity_n popery_n or_o any_o heresy_n chap._n xxiv_o the_o care_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o prevent_v and_o cure_v the_o evil_a of_o fanatical_a and_o sectarian_n error_n among_o the_o wiles_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o deprave_v the_o spiritual_a excellency_n of_o pure_a religion_n and_o mighty_o hinder_v its_o advance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n fanatical_a and_o sectarian_n aberration_n be_v not_o the_o least_o if_o these_o folly_n be_v but_o heed_v by_o those_o that_o be_v most_o in_o danger_n before_o they_o be_v engage_v and_o drunken_a with_o error_n it_o be_v in_o great_a part_n a_o antidote_n against_o this_o mischief_n for_o the_o well_o mind_a that_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o of_o easy_a impression_n be_v lead_v aside_o chief_o for_o lack_v of_o attention_n and_o observation_n many_o be_v child_n in_o understanding_n and_o many_o be_v passionate_a and_o inconsiderate_a and_o a_o innate_a levity_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o mind_n be_v very_o common_a it_o behoove_v the_o guide_n of_o the_o flock_n to_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n with_o sober_a principle_n and_o to_o have_v a_o watchful_a eye_n upon_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o any_o pragmatic_n fancy_n that_o feed_v on_o notion_n and_o novelty_n under_o a_o show_n of_o a_o more_o discern_a spirit_n in_o gospel_n mystery_n than_o other_o have_v such_o be_v vanity_n puff_v up_o will_v be_v start_a question_n and_o multiply_a slight_a exception_n against_o the_o receive_a truth_n and_o will_v please_v the_o itch_a ear_n and_o slight_a spirit_n of_o some_o pretender_n to_o godliness_n who_o will_v become_v their_o hasty_a proselyte_n and_o join_v with_o they_o to_o unravel_v one_o thing_n after_o another_o in_o the_o texture_n of_o holy_a doctrine_n and_o by_o the_o repute_n of_o their_o good_a part_n and_o seem_a piety_n may_v stagger_v other_o of_o good_a intention_n but_o weak_a judgement_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n none_o be_v more_o dangerous_a than_o vainglorious_a teacher_n ambitious_a of_o lead_v party_n and_o by_o plausible_a endowment_n furnish_v for_o such_o design_n these_o to_o raise_v their_o own_o fame_n and_o make_v to_o themselves_o a_o devote_a people_n will_v become_v absolute_a sect-master_n and_o those_o that_o close_o with_o they_o they_o hold_v with_o please_a device_n and_o serve_v their_o humour_n that_o they_o may_v serve_v themselves_o of_o they_o there_o be_v also_o in_o some_o person_n a_o right_a sectarian_n leaven_n which_o be_v evermore_o to_o follow_v peculiar_a opinion_n and_o some_o separate_a party_n in_o religion_n and_o they_o speak_v security_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n by_o be_v of_o such_o a_o opinion_n or_o of_o such_o a_o party_n against_o the_o sectarian_n and_o fanatic_a spirit_n it_o concern_v the_o church_n to_o keep_v a_o continual_a watch_n and_o ward_n but_o not_o so_o as_o to_o imprison_v the_o truth_n to_o lock_v up_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n to_o stifle_v godly_a zeal_n to_o detain_v a_o people_n in_o dead_a and_o dull_a principle_n that_o will_v not_o reach_v to_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o divine_a life_n for_o this_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o prevent_v or_o cure_v a_o frenzy_n by_o cause_v a_o lethargy_n or_o some_o other_o such_o like_a stupidity_n moreover_o a_o superstitious_a formal_a love_n and_o sensual_a way_n of_o religion_n will_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v able_a to_o prevent_v or_o suppress_v this_o evil_a but_o will_v give_v occasion_n to_o its_o rise_n and_o growth_n except_o in_o time_n of_o profound_a ignorance_n and_o silence_n as_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o popish_a darkness_n but_o whensoever_o the_o light_n break_v forth_o and_o the_o people_n see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n will_v not_o admit_v a_o true_a reformation_n but_o persecute_v those_o that_o seek_v it_o then_o be_v many_o in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o this_o opposite_a extreme_a for_o they_o be_v cast_v upon_o it_o both_o by_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o present_a corruption_n and_o by_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n be_v not_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o solid_a truth_n and_o so_o they_o â—un_v hasty_o from_o superstition_n and_o externalness_n into_o delusion_n and_o wild_a fancy_n from_o the_o common_a dissoluteness_n and_o remissness_n of_o those_o that_o call_v themselves_o orthodox_n into_o a_o vain_a boast_n of_o perfection_n from_o the_o usurpation_n of_o proud_a man_n encroach_a upon_o christ_n prerogative_n and_o their_o false_a constrain_a unity_n into_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n and_o from_o a_o wrathful_a zeal_n and_o persecute_v cruelty_n into_o a_o disorderly_a promiscuous_a and_o familistical_a love_n or_o indulgence_n towards_o all_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o church_n state_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o spiritual_a ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o true_o apostolical_a be_v the_o sure_a remedy_n against_o sectarianism_n and_o phanaticism_n true_o so_o call_v when_o the_o church_n abandon_v romish_a tyranny_n and_o superstition_n and_o yet_o be_v settle_v in_o a_o regular_a and_o stable_a polity_n when_o the_o public_a order_n thorough_o promote_v the_o mean_n of_o sound_a knowledge_n and_o incourage_v real_a godliness_n it_o satisfy_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o just_o expect_v in_o a_o gospel_n church_n and_o ministry_n more_o than_o a_o outward_a form_n even_o the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n and_o spiritual_a light_n and_o life_n and_o power_n anâ—_n it_o prevent_v their_o wander_a to_o seek_v after_o it_o iâ—_n the_o devious_a path_n of_o sectary_n it_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n that_o of_o the_o moâ—…_n learned_a able_a and_o judicious_a person_n of_o orthodox_n profession_n there_o be_v many_o eminent_o pious_a who_o authority_n and_o reputation_n may_v bâ—…_n able_a to_o hold_v in_o those_o who_o affection_n anâ—…_n fancy_n be_v apt_a to_o outrun_v their_o judgement_n likewise_o that_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o aâ—…_n call_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n do_v so_o walk_v iâ—…_n the_o light_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n oâ—…_n stumble_v in_o they_o through_o notorious_a pridâ—…_n covetousness_n self-seeking_a inordinate_a sensuality_n or_o the_o vehement_a appearance_n of_o any_o gross_a evil_n for_o the_o weak_a sort_n be_v common_o undo_v by_o offence_n and_o because_o seducer_n be_v very_o active_a and_o spare_v no_o cost_n nor_o travel_n but_o as_o they_o have_v do_v of_o old_a do_v compass_n sea_n and_o land_n to_o gain_v proselyte_n it_o behoove_v the_o pastor_n careful_o to_o keep_v their_o people_n and_o the_o people_n careful_o to_o keep_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o these_o huckster_n the_o
not_o consonant_a to_o right_a reason_n or_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v dart_v into_o their_o mind_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o a_o irradiation_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o that_o any_o may_v presume_v upon_o the_o spirit_n immediate_a help_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o rational_a search_n and_o study_n but_o their_o meaning_n be_v that_o as_o heretofore_o in_o extraordinary_a person_n there_o be_v extraordinary_a inspiration_n so_o there_o have_v be_v be_v and_o always_o shall_v be_v the_o ordinary_a teach_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o regard_n whereof_o it_o be_v style_v in_o scripture_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n which_o teach_v as_o all_o the_o faithful_a stand_n in_o need_n of_o so_o more_o especial_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o this_o divine_a assistance_n do_v elevate_v or_o heighten_v the_o gift_n of_o nature_n and_o learning_n and_o guide_v we_o to_o sound_v reason_v yea_o and_o sometime_o bring_v thing_n into_o the_o mind_n without_o previous_a reason_n yet_o rational_a and_o find_v to_o be_v so_o upon_o due_a scan_n there_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n in_o reason_n that_o st._n paul_n demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n be_v to_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o miraculous_a confirmation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n or_o any_o extraordinary_a gift_n though_o that_o sense_n be_v not_o exclude_v for_o the_o contexture_n of_o his_o discourse_n in_o that_o chapter_n set_v forth_o a_o certain_a faculty_n perceptive_a and_o expressive_a of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n belong_v unto_o spiritual_a man_n as_o such_o and_o they_o be_v no_o fanatic_n that_o to_o this_o day_n own_o the_o more_o common_a interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n namely_o to_o preach_v from_o the_o special_a help_n of_o the_o illuminate_n and_o quicken_a spirit_n with_o a_o lively_a perception_n and_o feel_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v deliver_v but_o whatsoever_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n be_v very_o they_o be_v besot_v with_o reason_n that_o in_o the_o pride_n thereof_o regard_v not_o this_o illumination_n from_o above_o and_o scoff_n at_o those_o that_o look_v after_o it_o to_o preach_v christ_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o dispensation_n and_o to_o preach_v moral_a duty_n be_v not_o extraneous_a to_o the_o preach_v of_o christ_n but_o comprise_v under_o it_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o morality_n in_o its_o best_a estate_n as_o it_o be_v vulgar_o take_v for_o temperance_n and_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n and_o other_o virtue_n of_o that_o rank_n as_o proceed_v from_o a_o mere_o natural_a principle_n which_o a_o aristotle_n may_v describe_v in_o his_o ethic_n be_v far_o below_o christianity_n for_o it_o be_v find_v in_o many_o that_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o lead_v mere_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o world_n but_o this_o name_n may_v be_v give_v to_o some_o high_a thing_n as_o first_o to_o the_o whole_a observation_n of_o god_n moral_a law_n found_v in_o our_o creation_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o outward_a work_n after_o a_o common_a manner_n performable_a by_o the_o unregenerate_a but_o in_o a_o duemannerfrom_o a_o right_a principle_n to_o a_o right_a end_n that_o be_v from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n unto_o his_o glory_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a part_n but_o not_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n nor_o indeed_o the_o whole_a of_o morality_n take_v not_o vulgar_o but_o theological_o and_o that_o in_o its_o full_a extent_n for_o so_o take_v it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o action_n to_o god_n and_o his_o law_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o main_a part_n thereof_o indeed_o to_o preach_v christ_n be_v to_o preach_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n and_o more_o especial_o those_o duty_n that_o be_v consequent_a to_o and_o found_v in_o our_o redemption_n as_o also_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o duty_n for_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n to_o himself_o and_o according_o have_v ordain_v the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n by_o which_o there_o be_v make_v know_v the_o lapse_v and_o lose_v estate_n of_o mankind_n the_o abundant_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o their_o recovery_n remission_n of_o sin_n and_o free_a justification_n through_o his_o righteousness_n regeneration_n and_o inward_a sanctification_n the_o inhabitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o believer_n and_o their_o mystical_a union_n with_o christ_n their_o live_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o he_o and_o derive_v of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o strength_n from_o he_o and_o grow_v up_o into_o he_o till_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o their_o spiritual_a warfare_n and_o conflict_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n within_o they_o their_o temptation_n desertion_n and_o renew_a consolation_n and_o the_o earnest_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v unto_o they_o sure_o these_o be_v fit_a subject_n to_o behand_o lead_v by_o a_o gospel_n preacher_n though_o the_o preach_a of_o these_o matter_n or_o of_o many_o of_o they_o be_v by_o some_o call_v cant_v and_o phrase_n divinity_n yet_o they_o be_v the_o sacred_a expression_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o scripture_n and_o dare_v any_o say_v they_o be_v but_o a_o sound_n of_o word_n without_o matter_n agreeable_a to_o the_o style_n no_o they_o be_v real_a and_o deep_a mystery_n and_o intelligible_a to_o they_o that_o obey_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v hearty_o here_o assert_v and_o earnest_o contend_v for_o that_o the_o gospel_n call_v we_o as_o much_o to_o virtue_n as_o to_o glory_v and_o that_o its_o true_a intent_n be_v to_o reduce_v we_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n yet_o withal_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n therein_o be_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n the_o all-fulness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o mighty_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o wonderfulness_n of_o salvation_n through_o he_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o we_o may_v glory_v not_o in_o ourselves_o but_o in_o he_o who_o of_o god_n be_v make_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n and_o indeed_o who_o do_v more_o powerful_o and_o successful_o preach_v christian_n duty_n than_o they_o that_o most_o insist_v on_o this_o unspeakable_a grace_n and_o lay_v open_a the_o treasure_n thereof_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o to_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o love_n towards_o he_o not_o imaginary_a and_o conceit_a but_o real_a and_o substantial_a make_v good_a by_o a_o entire_a subjection_n to_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o doctrine_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o of_o good_a work_n be_v to_o be_v sound_v together_o in_o our_o pulpit_n what_o christ_n have_v do_v for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o save_v we_o the_o pain_n of_o a_o continual_a mortification_n and_o of_o the_o agony_n to_o be_v endure_v therein_o and_o of_o aspire_v to_o the_o most_o perfect_a state_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v attainable_a we_o be_v to_o live_v as_o strict_o as_o if_o we_o be_v to_o be_v save_v by_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o own_o obedience_n and_o indeed_o none_o lead_v more_o holy_a life_n than_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v find_v in_o christ_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v all_o that_o they_o can_v rely_v whole_o upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o he_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o gospel_n mystery_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o mere_a phrase_n nor_o be_v new_a matter_n always_o bring_v with_o new_a form_n of_o speech_n nor_o be_v people_n much_o the_o wise_a by_o have_v their_o head_n fill_v with_o they_o there_o be_v empty_a sound_n and_o term_n unintelligible_a swell_a word_n with_o windy_a notion_n expression_n that_o seem_v to_o draw_v deep_a who_o meaning_n be_v but_o shallow_a there_o be_v a_o solicitous_a state_v of_o point_n with_o a_o seem_a exactness_n that_o be_v indeed_o weak_a and_o injudicious_a and_o a_o niceness_n in_o distinguish_v which_o be_v but_o frivolous_a many_o controversy_n much_o agitate_a be_v but_o a_o strife_n of_o word_n and_o too_o great_a stress_n be_v often_o lay_v upon_o little_a fancy_n and_o a_o great_a mischief_n there_o be_v that_o in_o cloudy_a language_n pernicious_a doctrine_n take_v shelter_n and_o dangerous_a sect_n be_v know_v to_o hide_v themselves_o in_o this_o covert_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o do_v his_o work_n right_o will_v know_v the_o true_a significancy_n and_o import_n of_o what_o he_o utter_v he_o vent_v not_o mere_a word_n but_o sound_a matter_n and_o good_a substance_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v feed_v with_o solid_a sense_n and_o not_o with_o phrase_n howbeit_o as_o touch_v expression_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a
authority_n and_o reverend_a esteem_n of_o their_o person_n and_o office_n yet_o it_o regulate_v the_o same_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o prevent_v ambition_n avarice_n sensuality_n idleness_n haughtiness_n that_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n may_v not_o be_v encourage_v to_o aspire_v to_o its_o promotion_n and_o that_o good_a man_n may_v not_o degenerate_a and_o that_o the_o sacred_a name_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v hold_v by_o a_o society_n of_o man_n not_o carnal_a but_o true_o spiritual_a it_o be_v constitute_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o secure_v a_o succession_n of_o wise_a and_o godly_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n from_o age_n to_o age_n which_o be_v the_o sure_a mean_n of_o the_o church_n perpetual_a good_a estate_n it_o be_v not_o frame_v to_o uphold_v thing_n only_o serviceable_a to_o a_o carnal_a interest_n but_o to_o enforce_v thing_n acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o profitable_a to_o man_n and_o to_o suppress_v whatsoever_o tend_v to_o defeat_v the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o disgrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o to_o reform_v abuse_n impartial_o and_o effectual_o according_a to_o the_o true_a end_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n which_o be_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n it_o enlarge_v the_o power_n of_o do_v good_a and_o restrain_v the_o power_n of_o hurt_v as_o much_o as_o the_o end_n of_o government_n will_v permit_v such_o restraint_n according_o its_o great_a severity_n take_v hold_v of_o the_o worst_a man_n and_o the_o best_a be_v leave_v most_o at_o liberty_n and_o secure_a from_o unnecessary_a molestation_n it_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o satisfy_n of_o the_o just_a and_o reasonable_a demand_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v a_o choice_n and_o tender_a thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o intangle_a and_o perplex_v the_o same_o unnecessary_o it_o make_v the_o pastor_n government_n true_o pastoral_a that_o be_v not_o imperious_a and_o violent_a but_o paternal_a proceed_v by_o exhortation_n and_o doctrine_n and_o gentle_a instruction_n and_o love_n and_o when_o correction_n be_v necessary_a by_o the_o rod_n of_o discipline_n it_o aim_v at_o the_o form_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o govern_n of_o their_o conversation_n by_o good_a and_o sound_a principle_n and_o to_o make_v they_o aâ—…_n much_o as_o may_v be_v a_o law_n to_o themselves_o yet_o aâ—…_n suppose_v the_o exceed_a pravity_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n iâ—…_n leave_v not_o the_o safety_n of_o religion_n mere_o to_o man_n good_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n buâ—…_n by_o due_a restraint_n curb_v the_o remainder_n oâ—…_n man_n perverseness_n it_o seek_v not_o to_o debase_v the_o people_n and_o the_o press_v their_o faculty_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o easy_o lead_v captive_a by_o politic_a man_n at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o to_o ennoble_v they_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o to_o advance_v their_o understanding_n to_o the_o best_a improvement_n and_o according_o it_o take_v care_n that_o they_o may_v be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o faith_n and_o godliness_n in_o a_o word_n it_o will_v make_v even_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a of_o they_o not_o brutus_n buâ—_n man_n and_o not_o mere_a natural_a man_n but_o christian_n or_o spiritual_a men._n the_o subject_n here_o describe_v have_v different_a degree_n of_o excellency_n as_o it_o be_v more_o or_o less_o answerable_a to_o its_o rule_n and_o available_a to_o its_o end_n but_o notwithstanding_o divers_a defect_n and_o error_n if_o that_o which_o be_v wholesome_a and_o good_a be_v predominant_a it_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o good_a constitution_n yet_o the_o best_a be_v most_o desirable_a of_o such_o consequence_n be_v the_o structure_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n that_o if_o it_o be_v naught_o it_o have_v a_o continual_a evil_a influence_n on_o all_o church_n affair_n and_o pervert_v the_o whole_a course_n thereof_o and_o the_o make_n of_o many_o particular_a good_a law_n or_o rule_n will_v not_o help_v it_o for_o in_o that_o case_n they_o be_v render_v almost_o useless_a it_o be_v notable_o observe_v by_o a_o person_n of_o eminent_a worth_n church_n government_n be_v a_o fort_n or_o castle_n if_o traitor_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n get_v the_o possession_n of_o it_o it_o be_v desirable_a that_o the_o castle_n be_v ruin_v and_o the_o christian_a religion_n leave_v to_o support_v itself_o by_o the_o innate_a evidence_n of_o its_o own_o truth_n than_o be_v forcible_o maintain_v for_o contrary_a end_n and_o prove_v a_o mystery_n of_o ungodliness_n and_o tyranny_n chap._n xii_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o first_o externalness_n and_o formality_n every_o kind_n of_o excellency_n in_o the_o present_a world_n have_v its_o counterfeit_n or_o false_a resemblance_n which_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n be_v the_o depravation_n or_o degeneration_n thereof_o and_o so_o the_o true_a religion_n have_v its_o degeneration_n which_o be_v destructive_a to_o it_o yet_o in_o this_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n be_v easy_o mistake_v and_o exalt_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o dead_a image_n of_o christianity_n without_o the_o inward_a life_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o work_v thereof_o be_v dead_a work_n be_v not_o wrought_v in_o god_n it_o be_v the_o dominion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o unmortified_a lust_n under_o pretence_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o zeal_n of_o some_o unnecessary_a opinion_n and_o unprofitable_a observance_n receive_v sometime_o from_o a_o more_o peculiar_a and_o private_a fancy_n sometime_o from_o the_o general_a custom_n and_o tradition_n or_o at_o the_o best_a a_o zeal_n of_o orthodoxality_n when_o that_o form_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n be_v not_o obey_v from_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o self-chosen_a godliness_n and_o not_o of_o god_n make_v take_v up_o to_o delude_v the_o conscience_n and_o lift_v up_o the_o soul_n with_o high_a but_o ill-grounded_a hope_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n to_o excuse_v it_o from_o that_o which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n the_o renounce_n of_o the_o carnal_a life_n and_o all_o worldly_a lust_n and_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n love_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n and_o a_o life_n of_o purity_n goodness_n and_o impartial_a righteousness_n the_o best_a of_o it_o be_v but_o a_o gloss_n or_o varnish_n of_o superficial_a religiousness_n accompany_v with_o a_o dead_a kind_n of_o morality_n which_o have_v its_o rise_n from_o education_n or_o from_o complexion_n otherwise_o call_v good_a nature_n but_o spring_v not_o from_o the_o root_n of_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o a_o live_a faith_n in_o jesus_n christ._n the_o several_a imposture_n disguise_n and_o false_a pretence_n by_o which_o man_n delude_v themselves_o and_o abuse_v the_o world_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v almost_o numberless_a yet_o they_o general_o fall_v into_o one_o of_o these_o two_o main_a current_n of_o religious_a aberration_n either_o the_o political_a popular_a and_o broad_a way_n of_o externalness_n and_o customariness_n or_o the_o devious_a path_n of_o sectarian_n dissetledness_n and_o extravagancy_n the_o more_o ample_a degeneration_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o mere_o formal_a external_a and_o political_a state_n thereof_o that_o have_v prevail_v far_o and_o near_o over_o the_o christian_a world_n this_o externalness_n be_v very_o plausible_a and_o specious_a but_o very_o consistent_a and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n accompany_v with_o a_o large_a indulgence_n to_o the_o flesh_n and_o with_o much_o licentiousness_n of_o principle_n and_o practice_n and_o it_o cast_v the_o mind_n into_o a_o deep_a forgetfulness_n of_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o substantial_a in_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o common_a road_n and_o broad_a way_n because_o most_o obvious_a and_o easy_a to_o the_o carnal_a spirit_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o have_v some_o conscience_n of_o religion_n glad_o take_v up_o with_o a_o form_n that_o with_o more_o security_n and_o peace_n they_o may_v deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o as_o also_o because_o it_o seem_v most_o serviceable_a to_o superior_n for_o shape_a and_o sway_v the_o conscience_n of_o inferior_n to_o their_o will_n and_o to_o the_o end_n by_o they_o design_v according_o as_o it_o get_v ground_n it_o erect_v a_o frame_n of_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o show_n of_o piety_n unity_n and_o order_n but_o be_v real_o a_o engine_n devise_v to_o destroy_v whatsoever_o may_v be_v true_o call_v by_o those_o lovely_a name_n when_o man_n false_a and_o vain_a invention_n rule_v instead_o of_o god_n oracle_n when_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v mingle_v with_o such_o doctrine_n institution_n and_o observance_n as_o corrupt_v the_o purity_n enervate_a the_o power_n and_o frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o the_o misapprehension_n or_o misapplication_n of_o true_a
not_o to_o run_v with_o the_o foremost_a but_o to_o proceed_v in_o such_o manner_n and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o stand_n in_o necessary_a â—_z may_v require_v and_o as_o the_o more_o considerate_a paâ—…_n of_o man_n will_v justify_v to_o be_v discreet_a and_o honest_a but_o above_o all_o to_o endeavour_v by_o a_o godly_a and_o blameless_a life_n to_o make_v it_o manifest_a that_o conscience_n have_v be_v due_o satisfy_v and_o not_o trifleâ—_n with_o in_o doubtful_a matter_n and_o difficult_a time_n thâ—_n all_o good_a man_n shall_v keep_v the_o same_o latitude_n of_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o all_o wisdom_n for_o thâ—_n true_a interest_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v wish_v bâ—…_n not_o expect_v for_o some_o will_v be_v more_o other_o less_o enlarge_v by_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o apprehension_n also_o some_o by_o their_o natural_a disposition_n be_v more_o timorous_a or_o more_o comply_v other_o again_o be_v more_o hardy_a and_o less_o flexible_a or_o morâ—_n reserve_v and_o resolute_a in_o their_o opinion_n many_o be_v injudicious_a and_o the_o best_a have_v their_o passion_n and_o some_o lie_n under_o disadvantage_n that_o may_v bias_n the_o judgement_n this_o or_o that_o way_n where_o thâ—_n matter_n be_v somewhat_o disputable_a other_o maâ—_n have_v weighty_a reason_n either_o for_o assent_n or_o diâ—…_n send_v though_o not_o obvious_a and_o perhaps_o not_o 〈◊〉_d expedient_a to_o be_v declare_v man_n case_n beinâ—_n so_o exceed_o various_a they_o must_v needs_o varyâ—…_n practice_n some_o inconvenience_n but_o no_o dâ—_n structive_a mischief_n will_v follow_v this_o diversity_n it_o do_v not_o as_o one_o will_v think_v it_o shall_v not_o disunite_v affection_n for_o then_o these_o several_a paâ—…ties_n or_o persuasion_n rather_o be_v one_o in_o their_o main_a cause_n and_o may_v with_o one_o spirit_n though_o walk_v in_o several_a path_n carry_v on_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o it_o if_o religion_n be_v but_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o faction_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o worldly_a interest_n the_o asserter_n thereof_o may_v lose_v or_o lessen_v it_o by_o take_v such_o several_a way_n but_o it_o depend_v not_o upon_o party_n and_o their_o design_n nor_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o such_o engagement_n but_o in_o itself_o perfect_o free_a from_o they_o therefore_o it_o be_v advance_v in_o any_o way_n that_o give_v it_o liberty_n and_o opportunity_n to_o display_v itself_o to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o own_o truth_n and_o goodness_n chap._n xxvii_o the_o sure_a and_o safe_a way_n of_o seek_v reformation_n when_o a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v inveterate_a or_o deep_o root_v in_o a_o nation_n â—he_v work_n of_o pious_a man_n be_v convince_o to_o reprove_v that_o corruption_n by_o the_o light_n of_o holy_a doctrine_n and_o of_o holy_a walk_n and_o to_o propagate_v and_o press_v home_o with_o zeal_n the_o great_a and_o unquestionable_a truth_n of_o christianity_n but_o to_o â—e_v more_o silent_a and_o spare_v in_o matter_n more_o conâ—overted_v and_o of_o less_o importance_n the_o vehement_a â—rging_n whereof_o will_v not_o convince_v the_o world_n nor_o silence_v the_o adversary_n likewise_o by_o humble_a address_n to_o the_o high_a power_n in_o a_o fit_a season_n they_o may_v seek_v the_o redress_n of_o such_o enormity_n as_o be_v evident_o scandalous_a absurd_a and_o odious_a and_o yet_o perhaps_o the_o chief_a prop_n of_o that_o corrupt_a state_n for_o this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o scandal_n or_o hazard_n and_o much_o be_v do_v if_o it_o take_v effect_n clamorous_a contest_v about_o doubtful_a form_n and_o custom_n and_o in_o comparison_n but_o by_o matter_n do_v serve_v to_o animate_v the_o opposite_a party_n and_o afford_v they_o matter_n to_o work_v upon_o but_o the_o vigorous_a maintenance_n of_o the_o vital_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o detect_n of_o gross_a abuse_n bear_v they_o down_o it_o be_v time_n that_o ripen_v all_o thing_n and_o every_o thing_n in_o its_o season_n be_v beautiful_a and_o successful_a then_o the_o redress_n of_o evil_n will_v run_v in_o its_o prepare_a channel_n and_o a_o plain_a path_n will_v be_v find_v through_o passage_n former_o inaccessible_a and_o then_o ruler_n themselves_o may_v see_v what_o one_o of_o deep_a judgement_n observe_v that_o when_o time_n of_o course_n alter_v thing_n to_o the_o worse_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n have_v need_n alter_v they_o to_o the_o better_a they_o may_v find_v the_o necessity_n and_o utility_n of_o reformation_n and_o by_o their_o authority_n make_v it_o warrantable_a if_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n walk_v in_o sober_a counsel_n and_o sure_a way_n and_o follow_v the_o truth_n in_o peace_n and_o love_n and_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o common_a good_a they_o retain_v their_o innocence_n and_o maintain_v their_o honour_n which_o be_v their_o sure_a interest_n and_o shall_v be_v find_v though_o the_o few_o number_n to_o have_v a_o considerable_a influence_n upon_o the_o public_a state_n both_o religious_a and_o civil_a affair_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v carry_v in_o extreme_n for_o which_o cause_n reformation_n common_o be_v suspect_v and_o their_o credit_n be_v much_o impair_v in_o avoid_v superstition_n some_o have_v run_v into_o rudeness_n and_o undecency_n in_o divine_a worship_n the_o natural_a expression_n ofreverence_n and_o devout_a affection_n and_o thing_n necessary_a to_o decency_n and_o order_n shall_v be_v observe_v careful_o by_o those_o that_o turn_v away_o from_o superstitious_a vanity_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o a_o well_o inform_v conscience_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o sound_a mind_n do_v guide_v and_o rule_v they_o and_o that_o their_o principle_n be_v no_o way_n defective_a but_o sufficient_a and_o ample_a unto_o all_o regular_a devotion_n these_o necessary_a decency_n and_o natural_a expression_n of_o devotion_n be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o all_o intelligent_a person_n and_o the_o mode_n of_o civil_a reverence_n and_o seriousness_n in_o use_n among_o we_o do_v much_o guide_n herein_o a_o compliance_n with_o sober_a and_o grave_a solemnity_n affect_v by_o a_o nation_n in_o general_n help_v to_o procure_v a_o good_a esteem_n and_o to_o get_v ground_n among_o they_o whereas_o opposition_n and_o singularity_n may_v beget_v a_o general_a dislike_n man_n do_v but_o misspend_v their_o zeal_n in_o oppose_v prevalent_a custom_n that_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o good_a life_n among_o other_o thing_n i_o may_v instance_n in_o religious_a performance_n at_o funeral_n which_o may_v well_o be_v order_v without_o superstition_n or_o any_o other_o abuse_n and_o improve_v to_o the_o people_n benefit_n who_o be_v then_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o house_n of_o mourning_n some_o church_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o false_a worshipper_n to_o prevent_v all_o superstition_n have_v forbid_v the_o make_n of_o prayer_n or_o sermon_n at_o the_o interment_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n several_a church_n may_v have_v their_o peculiar_a reason_n and_o according_o their_o different_a order_n as_o concern_v heathenish_a pastime_n and_o vanity_n sometime_o affect_v by_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a and_o perhaps_o countenance_v by_o some_o of_o high_a degree_n for_o end_n well_o know_v they_o tend_v indeed_o unto_o much_o profaneness_n and_o may_v trouble_v the_o mind_n and_o stir_v the_o zeal_n of_o good_a man_n nevertheless_o when_o the_o power_n of_o reform_v be_v beyond_o their_o line_n it_o suffice_v that_o the_o weighty_a and_o unquestionable_a matter_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v constant_o inculcate_v upon_o the_o people_n and_o the_o spread_a of_o sound_a knowledge_n endeavour_v both_o by_o public_a doctrine_n and_o by_o private_a instruction_n and_o those_o humorous_a foolery_n which_o opposition_n often_o heighten_v will_v soon_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n by_o contempt_n and_o silence_n in_o a_o happy_a season_n when_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n have_v a_o potent_a influence_n upon_o a_o nation_n the_o lay_n of_o a_o good_a foundation_n for_o time_n to_o come_v be_v main_o to_o be_v regard_v a_o opportunity_n in_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v lose_v not_o only_o by_o a_o sluggish_a neglect_n but_o also_o by_o a_o impetuous_a overstrain_v of_o it_o it_o be_v overstrain_v when_o thing_n be_v carry_v forth_o beyond_o what_o a_o nation_n will_v ever_o bear_v it_o may_v be_v more_o advisable_a to_o stop_v at_o moderate_a reformation_n than_o to_o proceed_v to_o such_o extreme_a alteration_n as_o must_v needs_o stand_v in_o opposion_n if_o so_o be_v they_o can_v so_o stand_v to_o a_o contrary_a fix_a inclination_n general_o prevail_v the_o consequent_n of_o such_o proceed_n need_v not_o to_o be_v here_o discourse_v beside_o the_o more_o healthful_a state_n of_o religion_n may_v stand_v not_o in_o a_o total_a change_n of_o thing_n long_o in_o use_n but_o in_o reform_v the_o abuse_n thereof_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v mind_v that_o sometime_o in_o cure_v a_o lesser_a evil_n
there_o be_v a_o real_a hazard_n of_o a_o great_a mischief_n and_o in_o hasty_a attempt_n of_o change_n thing_n may_v be_v carry_v on_o beyond_o the_o commendable_a end_n design_v even_o to_o its_o utter_a ruin_n for_o common_o man_n be_v not_o master_n of_o what_o they_o get_v in_o such_o precipitate_a way_n chap._n xxviii_o consideration_n tend_v to_o a_o due_a enlargement_n and_o unity_n in_o church-communion_n a_o unhappy_a kind_n of_o controversy_n about_o form_n of_o divine_a worship_n ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o qualification_n of_o church_n member_n have_v be_v the_o calamity_n of_o our_o time_n the_o difference_n in_o these_o point_n have_v make_v a_o sad_a breach_n upon_o church_n unity_n and_o divide_v brethren_n of_o the_o same_o reform_a profession_n both_o in_o affection_n and_o interest_n and_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o much_o misery_n in_o regard_v whereof_o some_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o a_o amicable_a condescension_n among_o brethren_n and_o for_o humble_a submission_n to_o superior_n be_v here_o propound_v for_o consideration_n but_o not_o as_o peremptory_a resolve_n though_o many_o or_o most_o of_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o carry_v their_o own_o evidence_n yet_o it_o become_v one_o who_o be_v sensible_a of_o human_a weakness_n and_o of_o his_o own_o meaness_n to_o write_v modest_o in_o these_o point_n about_o which_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o apprehension_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o particular_a christian_n and_o church_n one_o with_o another_o as_o member_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o restrain_v our_o fellowship_n to_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o church_n so_o as_o to_o withhold_v it_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n our_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v as_o well_o in_o religious_a worship_n as_o in_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n as_o there_o be_v one_o faith_n so_o one_o baptism_n and_o one_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n though_o we_o can_v at_o once_o local_o communicate_v with_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o external_a worship_n because_o it_o can_v possible_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n yet_o according_a to_o our_o capacity_n and_o opportunity_n we_o be_v so_o to_o communicate_v with_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o and_o not_o unwarrantable_o withdraw_v from_o any_o and_o this_o be_v a_o virtual_a communicate_v with_o the_o whole_a church_n discipline_n and_o government_n as_o to_o the_o particular_a form_n thereof_o have_v much_o more_o obscurity_n than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n and_o be_v much_o more_o controvert_v among_o the_o godly_a learned_a and_o in_o more_o dark_a and_o doubtful_a point_n humility_z charity_n and_o good_a discretion_n teach_v mutual_a forbearance_n in_o ecclesiastical_a regiment_n all_o church_n member_n be_v not_o so_o concern_v as_o church_n guide_v and_o pastor_n be_v christ_n have_v not_o leave_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o so_o loose_a a_o posture_n as_o to_o give_v a_o liberty_n of_o leave_v or_o choose_v the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n according_a to_o our_o own_o affection_n without_o regard_n to_o order_n a_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v a_o body_n politic_a can_v subsist_v without_o rule_n of_o stable_a policy_n her_o censure_n and_o judgement_n ought_v to_o be_v clear_a certain_a and_o uniform_a or_o of_o the_o same_o tenor_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o proceed_v upon_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o evidence_n as_o at_o the_o most_o be_v but_o conjectural_a and_o of_o variable_a apprehension_n our_o arbitrary_a conjecture_n of_o a_o other_o regeneration_n be_v but_o a_o uncertain_a way_n of_o admission_n to_o sacred_a privilege_n wherein_o no_o uniform_a judgement_n can_v be_v hold_v between_o several_a church_n nor_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n nor_o by_o the_o same_o person_n with_o himself_o at_o several_a time_n for_o man_n apprehension_n about_o the_o spiritual_a estate_n of_o other_o be_v exceed_o different_a and_o inconstant_a but_o whether_o a_o person_n make_v a_o credible_a profession_n or_o be_v competent_o know_v or_o gross_o ignorant_a whether_o he_o be_v scandalous_a or_o walk_v orderly_o be_v capable_a of_o certain_a evidence_n and_o of_o constant_a regular_a proceed_n thereupon_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o of_o these_o two_o either_o to_o proceed_v with_o man_n according_a to_o our_o private_a hope_n and_o fear_n about_o their_o internal_a state_n or_o according_a to_o state_v rule_n and_o certain_a evidence_n be_v the_o sure_a way_n to_o preserve_v the_o church_n in_o peace_n and_o to_o propagate_v true_a piety_n also_o whether_o person_n passable_a by_o such_o public_a rule_n can_v in_o ecclesiastical_a trial_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v ungodly_a or_o to_o make_v a_o false_a profession_n whatsoever_o our_o private_a fear_n be_v concern_v they_o and_o if_o their_o profession_n be_v not_o prove_v false_a whether_o it_o be_v not_o to_o pass_v for_o credible_a in_o that_o trial_n human_a law_n and_o public_a judgement_n presume_v they_o to_o be_v good_a that_o be_v not_o evict_v to_o be_v bad_a private_a familiarity_n be_v at_o every_o one_o choice_n but_o our_o church-communion_n be_v a_o public_a matter_n must_v be_v govern_v by_o public_a and_o common_a rule_n and_o not_o by_o private_a will_n if_o a_o church_n impose_v such_o law_n of_o her_o communion_n as_o infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o do_v that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o abstain_v from_o her_o communion_n so_o far_o as_o those_o unlawful_a term_n extend_v church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n have_v their_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o manner_n yet_o the_o godly_a do_v not_o separate_v from_o they_o for_o those_o corruption_n nor_o be_v command_v so_o to_o do_v indeed_o they_o be_v command_v to_o come_v out_o of_o babylon_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o separate_v from_o idolatrous_a heretical_a antichristian_a society_n yet_o in_o suggest_v this_o i_o do_v not_o encourage_v to_o a_o state_v communion_n in_o such_o church_n as_o have_v no_o other_o minister_n place_v in_o they_o than_o such_o as_o be_v altogether_o unfit_a to_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o soul_n commit_v to_o they_o that_o be_v who_o be_v unable_a to_o teach_v or_o teach_v corrupt_o either_o teach_v pernicious_a doctrine_n or_o abuse_v mishandle_v and_o misapply_v sound_a doctrine_n to_o encourage_v the_o ungodly_a and_o discourage_v the_o godly_a for_o the_o scripture_n bid_v we_o beware_v of_o blind_a guide_n and_o false_a prophet_n by_o continue_v in_o church-communion_n we_o partake_v not_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o which_o we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o redress_v nor_o be_v we_o make_v guilty_a by_o their_o leaven_n if_o it_o do_v not_o infect_v we_o and_o profane_a person_n be_v no_o more_o countenance_v by_o our_o presence_n than_o those_o lewd_a priest_n the_o son_n of_o eli_n be_v by_o the_o people_n come_v to_o sacrifice_n in_o communicate_v in_o holy_a thing_n we_o have_v internal_a communion_n only_o with_o the_o faithful_a and_o as_o for_o the_o mere_a external_a communion_n it_o be_v with_o those_o that_o have_v as_o yet_o a_o outward_a stand_n in_o christ_n till_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n or_o due_a order_n of_o discipline_n when_o a_o minister_n have_v do_v his_o part_n to_o keep_v off_o the_o unworthy_a in_o the_o dspense_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o such_o he_o be_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n mere_o passive_a so_o that_o their_o unworthy_a participation_n can_v be_v impute_v to_o he_o nor_o in_o such_o a_o administration_n be_v a_o practical_a lie_n or_o any_o falsehood_n utter_v for_o the_o sacrament_n seal_v the_o mercy_n of_o the_o covenant_n not_o irrespective_o but_o conditional_o and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o application_n must_v be_v so_o understand_v if_o we_o have_v not_o power_n to_o separate_v a_o obstinate_a scandalous_a offender_n from_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o withdraw_a of_o ourselves_o from_o he_o be_v a_o excommunication_n in_o some_o degree_n and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o be_v hereby_o in_o part_n obtain_v when_o minister_n and_o people_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o their_o place_n without_o usurpation_n of_o further_a power_n than_o they_o have_v warrant_n for_o than_o all_o will_v be_v though_o not_o so_o well_o as_o it_o may_v yet_o as_o it_o can_v be_v at_o present_a of_o several_a mode_n and_o method_n of_o public_a action_n prudence_n make_v choice_n not_o always_o of_o what_o be_v simple_o best_a but_o of_o that_o which_o be_v most_o passable_a if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o disorderly_a as_o to_o mar_v the_o substance_n or_o frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o a_o administration_n in_o sacred_a adminstration_n we_o may_v yield_v without_o sin_n to_o other_o sinful_a weakness_n