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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
doctrine_n church_n particular_a visible_a 2,392 5 9.3271 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62129 A gentleman's religion in three parts : the 1st contains the principles of natural religion, the 2d. and 3d. the doctrins of Christianity both as to faith and practice : with an appendix wherein it is proved that nothing contrary to our reason can possibly be the object of our belief, but that it is no just exception against some of the doctrins of Christianity that they are above our reason. Synge, Edward, 1659-1741. 1698 (1698) Wing S6380; ESTC R24078 100,488 452

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give_v to_o they_o or_o that_o such_o opposition_n may_v soon_o be_v suppress_v and_o overrule_v by_o the_o power_n and_o reputation_n of_o such_o prevail_a men._n from_o all_o which_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o though_o the_o general_a tradition_n or_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v a_o good_a help_n yet_o it_o may_v not_o always_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n to_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o entire_a and_o unaltered_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n xxiii_o other_o there_o be_v who_o tell_v i_o that_o to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a and_o entire_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n i_o must_v apply_v myself_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o the_o book_n common_o call_v the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o because_o i_o look_v upon_o this_o to_o be_v the_o right_a way_n i_o shall_v brief_o and_o plain_o deliver_v my_o thought_n in_o relation_n to_o these_o book_n and_o first_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o it_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o greek_a toegue_n have_v be_v ever_o universal_o own_v by_o all_o christian_n as_o contain_v a_o true_a though_o some_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o full_a account_v of_o the_o life_n and_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o notorious_a and_o so_o universal_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o can_v find_v the_o least_o ground_n or_o reason_n to_o question_v it_o now_o the_o history_n and_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n be_v so_o well_o know_v unto_o the_o first_o christian_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n and_o they_o be_v so_o ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o ever_o they_o will_v so_o ready_o and_o universal_o receive_v and_o own_v such_o a_o book_n if_o it_o have_v contain_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o which_o be_v dissonant_n from_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o be_v confess_v indeed_o that_o some_o of_o those_o book_n which_o make_v up_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n that_o of_o st._n james_n the_o second_o of_o st._n peter_n that_o of_o st._n judas_n the_o second_o and_o three_o of_o st._n john_n and_o the_o revelation_n be_v not_o so_o soon_o and_o so_o universal_o receive_v throughout_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o which_o apparent_o be_v not_o that_o these_o book_n contain_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o contrary_a to_o what_o be_v deliver_v it_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o he_o that_o read_v the_o whole_a will_v plain_o find_v that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a complete_a agreement_n between_o they_o the_o only_a seem_a discord_n of_o st._n paul_n justification_n by_o faith_n and_o st._n james_n justification_n by_o work_n be_v exact_o and_o full_o reconcile_v by_o consider_v that_o st._n paul_n mean_v no_o other_o faith_n but_o such_o as_o work_v by_o love_n gal._n 5._o 6._o and_o st._n james_n no_o other_o work_n but_o such_o as_o proceed_v from_o faith_n jam._n 2._o 22._o but_o because_o it_o be_v not_o at_o first_o universal_o know_v who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o which_o abundant_o show_v the_o care_n and_o caution_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o not_o be_v hasty_a to_o receive_v and_o admit_v any_o book_n as_o authentic_a record_n of_o their_o doctrine_n without_o very_o good_a warrant_n for_o so_o do_v and_o therefore_o since_o these_o same_o book_n be_v in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n after_o receive_v and_o own_a to_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o can_v but_o from_o thence_o conclude_v that_o those_o church_n which_o at_o the_o first_o doubt_v concern_v those_o book_n do_v soon_o receive_v most_o full_a and_o ample_a satisfaction_n in_o that_o matter_n from_o those_o who_o have_v before_o receive_v they_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o it_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n do_v contain_v a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n xxiv_o that_o innumerable_a copy_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n disperse_v through_o all_o place_n where_o christianity_n be_v plant_v that_o it_o have_v heen_n at_o different_a time_n and_o in_o very_o distant_a place_n translate_v into_o all_o or_o almost_o all_o language_n and_o that_o copy_n both_o of_o the_o original_a and_o many_o of_o the_o several_a translation_n have_v be_v preserve_v with_o much_o care_n in_o a_o great_a many_o distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v allow_v by_o all_o and_o deny_v by_o none_o from_o whence_o i_o think_v we_o may_v gather_v first_o that_o where_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o greek_a copy_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v agree_v in_o the_o very_a same_o word_n there_o we_o have_v undoubted_o the_o true_a and_o authentic_a word_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o although_o some_o mistake_v might_n creep_v into_o some_o copy_n either_o through_o the_o wickedness_n or_o negligence_n of_o some_o particular_a man_n yet_o where_o so_o many_o copy_n of_o a_o book_n have_v be_v so_o careful_o preserve_v and_o in_o such_o distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o selfsame_a error_n in_o any_o expression_n shall_v ever_o be_v propagate_v through_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o second_o that_o where_o the_o word_n or_o expression_n of_o divers_a greek_a copy_n do_v differ_v one_o from_o another_o yet_o if_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v be_v exact_o the_o same_o in_o all_o or_o almost_o all_o there_o we_o have_v certain_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o mean_v of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o apprehend_v that_o a_o transcriber_n may_v by_o a_o small_a mistake_n put_v one_o word_n or_o expression_n of_o the_o same_o signification_n in_o stead_n of_o another_o but_o that_o the_o same_o sense_n shall_v be_v punctual_o preserve_v in_o all_o or_o almost_o all_o copies_n be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v except_o it_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n deliver_v from_o the_o beginning_n three_o that_o if_o there_o may_v be_v find_v any_o different_a readins_n in_o divers_a copy_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o disagree_v in_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o in_o word_n which_o scarce_o ever_o happen_v in_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v account_v a_o material_a point_n of_o religion_n than_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o fit_a and_o proper_a to_o admit_v of_o that_o read_n and_o sense_n which_o best_o agree_v with_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o whole_a with_o the_o ancient_a and_o best_a esteem_a translation_n and_o with_o the_o evident_a principle_n of_o sound_a reason_n and_o if_o any_o place_n be_v so_o obscure_a as_o that_o none_o of_o these_o way_n will_v afford_v any_o light_n into_o its_o mean_v than_o i_o think_v that_o no_o stress_n ought_v to_o be_v lay_v upon_o it_o in_o any_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n xxv_o but_o some_o will_v demand_v how_o be_v we_o sure_a of_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v even_o of_o those_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n about_o the_o word_n in_o answar_n to_o this_o i_o have_v already_o show_v §_o 21._o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o know_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n nor_o therefore_o consequent_o to_o know_v the_o true_a mean_v of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o which_o his_o doctrine_n be_v own_v to_o be_v contain_v i_o have_v show_v also_o §_o 22._o that_o though_o general_a tradition_n may_v be_v a_o good_a help_n yet_o may_v it_o not_o always_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n to_o lead_v one_o to_o the_o unaltered_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n nor_o therefore_o consequent_o to_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a interpretation_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n since_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v find_v i_o conclude_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v the_o same_o way_n that_o other_o book_n be_v that_o be_v by_o consider_v the_o sense_n and_o property_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sentence_n and_o the_o ordinary_a figure_n of_o speech_n as_o they_o be_v common_o use_v in_o the_o same_o book_n and_o in_o other_o write_v in_o the_o same_o language_n and_o about_o the_o same_o time_n together_o with_o the_o scope_n drift_n coherence_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o discourse_n to_o which_o end_n every_o man_n that_o be_v learned_a be_v bind_v to_o use_v his_o best_a endeavour_n to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v show_v §_o 14._o be_v oblige_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o learning_n to_o consult_v
tribunal_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o just_o condemn_v by_o the_o magistrate_n thus_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o man_n have_v commit_v theft_n or_o murder_n and_o upon_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n have_v obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n from_o god_n yet_o nevertheless_o if_o such_o a_o person_n be_v accuse_v and_o legal_o convict_v of_o such_o crime_n before_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n he_o not_o only_o may_v but_o aught_o to_o put_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n in_o execution_n agnin_v he_o though_o he_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v ever_o so_o penitent_a that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o terror_n unto_o other_o for_o if_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v every_o malefactor_n by_o a_o pretence_n of_o repentance_n which_o can_v certain_o be_v discover_v by_o any_o but_o god_n may_v escape_v the_o lash_n of_o the_o law_n by_o which_o mean_v all_o wicked_a man_n will_v be_v encourage_v to_o commit_v all_o sort_n of_o crime_n thus_o also_o when_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o conquer_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n we_o read_v how_o they_o send_v spy_n to_o make_v a_o discovery_n of_o the_o land_n that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o invade_v it_o now_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o these_o spy_n do_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o have_v god_n almighty_n warrant_n for_o and_o yet_o if_o they_o have_v be_v take_v by_o any_o of_o the_o canaanitish_a magistrate_n and_o legal_o convict_v of_o their_o design_n who_o doubt_v but_o that_o it_o have_v be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o have_v punish_v they_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o war_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n for_o it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o magistrate_n business_n to_o inquire_v who_o keep_v or_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n extend_v to_o many_o case_n where_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o they_o who_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o thereby_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v upon_o a_o due_a conviction_n to_o be_v punish_v by_o the_o magistrate_n without_o any_o far_a enquiry_n it_o be_v his_o business_n to_o do_v every_o thing_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o weal-public_a provide_v that_o he_o do_v nothing_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a king_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o xxxvi_o but_o five_o it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o whatever_o become_v of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n power_n yet_o this_o doctrine_n which_o here_o be_v teach_v must_v certain_o defeat_v and_o cancel_v all_o that_o authority_n with_o which_o the_o church_n be_v endow_v and_o invest_v for_o though_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v no_o more_o to_o look_v after_o but_o only_o the_o peace_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n yet_o sure_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v commit_v mere_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o how_o can_v the_o church_n call_v any_o man_n to_o a_o account_n for_o any_o sin_n or_o transgression_n when_o a_o man_n may_v plead_v for_o himself_o that_o he_o think_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n which_o plea_n if_o real_o true_a and_o who_o but_o god_n can_v disprove_v it_o be_v sufficient_a according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n to_o justify_v he_o before_o god_n and_o consequent_o to_o indemnify_v he_o from_o all_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n i._n e._n of_o a_o christian_a society_n be_v twofold_a viz._n either_o that_o authority_n wherewith_o it_o be_v invest_v immediate_o by_o god_n or_o that_o which_o be_v confer_v on_o it_o by_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n the_o latter_a of_o these_o be_v a_o civil_a authority_n though_o exercise_v by_o ecclesiastical_a person_n because_o it_o be_v derive_v altogether_o from_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o therefore_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o must_v be_v refer_v to_o what_o be_v but_o now_o say_v touch_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o as_o for_o that_o authority_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n immediate_o by_o god_n it_o be_v evident_o no_o more_o than_o this_o viz._n a_o authority_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o persuade_v man_n every_o where_o to_o receive_v it_o and_o a_o authority_n to_o exclude_v those_o man_n out_o of_o the_o society_n that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o it_o who_o do_v not_o profess_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o live_v according_a to_o the_o christian_a law_n other_o authority_n than_o this_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n by_o god_n and_o nothing_o that_o i_o have_v say_v do_v in_o the_o least_o tend_v to_o abridge_v they_o any_o way_n as_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n the_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o persuade_v man_n to_o embrace_v it_o and_o however_o any_o man_n may_v be_v excuse_v before_o god_n by_o invincible_a ignorance_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suffer_v in_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n if_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o live_v as_o a_o christian_a xxxvii_o six_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o i_o have_v several_a time_n in_o this_o discourse_n make_v use_v of_o a_o distinction_n which_o distinction_n be_v nevertheless_o render_v altogether_o useless_a and_o impertinent_a by_o the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o discourse_n itself_o the_o distinction_n be_v between_o necessary_a matter_n of_o religion_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o necessary_a which_o be_v refer_v to_o ●_o 26._o and_o elsewhere_o but_o if_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v in_o any_o matter_n of_o religion_n any_o far_a than_o to_o do_v his_o best_a endeavour_n from_o thence_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v alike_o necessary_a in_o religion_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v within_o a_o man_n power_n according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n be_v necessary_a for_o he_o and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o within_o his_o power_n be_v not_o necessary_a so_o that_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n may_v be_v necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o one_o man_n and_o not_o necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o another_o which_o confound_v the_o distinction_n and_o render_v it_o useless_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o by_o thing_n necessary_a i_o mean_v all_o such_o as_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v within_o his_o power_n such_o as_o be_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v etc._n etc._n by_o thing_n not_o necessary_a i_o mean_v such_o as_o a_o man_n be_v not_o oblige_v so_o much_o as_o to_o search_v after_o the_o lgnorance_n whereof_o shall_v not_o be_v account_v sinful_a before_o god_n although_o it_o may_v have_v be_v in_o a_o man_n power_n to_o have_v know_v they_o such_o be_v a_o great_a many_o curious_a speculation_n which_o divine_n do_v trouble_v themselves_o and_o the_o world_n with_o which_o they_o themselves_o do_v yet_o confess_v be_v not_o necessary_a to_o any_o man_n salvation_n and_o consequent_o which_o a_o man_n be_v no_o more_o oblige_v to_o trouble_v his_o head_n with_o than_o with_o any_o problem_n either_o in_o geometry_n or_o natural_a philosophy_n xxxviii_o seven_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o this_o doctrine_n must_v needs_o encourage_v man_n to_o continue_v in_o their_o ignorance_n and_o not_o to_o take_v any_o care_n or_o pain_n to_o inform_v themselves_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n or_o any_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o for_o why_o shall_v a_o man_n take_v any_o pain_n to_o get_v more_o knowledge_n which_o will_v it_o may_v be_v bring_v trouble_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o when_o ignorance_n be_v no_o manner_n of_o bar_n to_o his_o salvation_n for_o let_v he_o but_o live_v according_a to_o the_o knowledge_n which_o he_o already_o have_v and_o god_n it_o seem_v require_v no_o more_o from_o he_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o for_o a_o man_n to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o knowledge_n will_v not_o serve_v his_o turn_n except_o he_o have_v use_v his_o best_a endeavour_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o know_v and_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o perfect_o as_o he_o can_v as_o i_o have_v show_v all_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v §_o 14._o which_o though_o it_o be_v a_o comfort_n to_o those_o who_o be_v ignorant_a and_o can_v help_v it_o yet_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o encouragement_n or_o excuse_n for_o those_o who_o ignorance_n be_v their_o own_o fault_n or_o neglect_v thirty-nine_o my_o reason_n have_v thus_o bring_v i_o to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n
least_o that_o what_o i_o have_v here_o do_v may_v move_v some_o more_o able_a and_o judicious_a person_n to_o take_v the_o work_n in_o hand_n and_o supply_v those_o defect_n of_o which_o i_o have_v be_v guilty_a the_o continuation_n of_o a_o gentleman_n religion_n be_v the_o second_o part_n 1._o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a authentic_a record_n that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o find_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o they_o do_v express_v divine_a matter_n real_o and_o true_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o deliver_v be_v most-certain_o true_a although_o many_o time_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o understand_v the_o design_n and._n mean_v of_o some_o expression_n and_o passage_n which_o do_v occur_v therein_o i_o think_v it_o indeed_o to_o be_v very_o proper_a that_o man_n of_o any_o reasonable_a learning_n and_o prudence_n shall_v modest_o offer_v their_o thought_n to_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o explain_v of_o such_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o appear_v to_o be_v abstruse_a and_o difficult_a but_o he_o who_o speak_v his_o own_o word_n and_o not_o those_o of_o scripture_n can_v therein_o only_o offer_v his_o own_o apprehension_n to_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o subscribe_v any_o far_a than_o as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o own_o reason_n convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o their_o consonancy_n with_o the_o scripture_n 2._o i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v that_o a_o implicit_a faith_n be_v due_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o challenge_v it_o part_n 1_o §_o 21._o much_o less_o sure_a to_o any_o other_o church_n which_o do_v not_o require_v it_o when_o therefore_o any_o church_n much_o more_o when_o any_o private_a man_n do_v offer_v i_o any_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o own_o word_n i_o think_v i_o ought_v to_o consider_v first_o whether_o what_o they_o say_v be_v intelligible_a for_o though_o we_o may_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n to_o comprehend_v part_v 1_o §_o 33._o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o give_v a_o explicit_a assent_n to_o any_o form_n of_o word_n if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o second_o whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o self-evident_a principle_n of_o reason_n for_o if_o i_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o believe_v it_o part_v 1_o §_o 33._o nor_o must_v any_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v interpret_v above_o the_o level_n of_o plain_a and_o self-evident_a reason_n whatever_o the_o literal_a sense_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v and_o three_o whether_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o any_o solid_a argument_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o scripture_n for_o though_o a_o doctrine_n be_v both_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a yet_o still_o it_o may_v be_v false_a and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v except_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v these_o rule_n i_o have_v endeavour_v strict_o to_o observe_v in_o the_o trial_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o i_o be_o now_o about_o to_o propose_v and_o i_o desire_v my_o reader_n careful_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v offer_v unto_o he_o but_o here_o i_o must_v desire_v he_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o i_o do_v fuppose_v he_o to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o also_o with_o the_o common_a argument_n upon_o which_o the_o several_a party_n of_o christian_n do_v ground_n and_o maintain_v their_o opinion_n and_o therefore_o for_o his_o ease_n as_o well_o as_o my_o own_o i_o shall_v save_v myself_o the_o labour_n of_o mention_v such_o argument_n and_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o be_v usual_o bring_v to_o prove_v those_o point_n which_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o even_o in_o those_o point_n which_o be_v controvert_v between_o different_a party_n i_o shall_v ordinary_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o hint_n at_o some_o of_o those_o text_n and_o argument_n which_o be_v use_v on_o either_o side_n of_o which_o i_o can_v scarce_o suppose_v any_o man_n to_o be_v ignorant_a that_o be_v but_o moderate_o acquaint_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o several_a party_n that_o profess_v it_o 3._o to_o believe_v what_o god_n make_v know_v and_o to_o do_v what_o he_o command_v be_v what_o all_o man_n call_v religion_n but_o thing_n that_o be_v impossible_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n require_v from_o no_o man_n part_n 1_o §_o 14._o when_o therefore_o damnation_n be_v denounce_v in_o scripture_n against_o those_o who_o receive_v not_o the_o gospel_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o they_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o not_o of_o such_o who_o be_v invincible_o ignorant_a either_o for_o want_v of_o capacity_n john_n 9_o 41._o or_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n joh._n 15._o 22._o but_o for_o a_o man_n who_o have_v both_o the_o capacity_n and_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n through_o negligence_n to_o continue_v in_o ignorance_n of_o god_n will_n my_o reason_n tell_v i_o be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n beside_o all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o do_v require_v we_o diligent_o to_o seek_v after_o knowledge_n 4._o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v sufficient_o to_o be_v prove_v from_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o observation_n but_o full_o to_o comprehend_v his_o nature_n or_o declare_v in_o all_o point_n what_o he_o be_v be_v by_o all_o allow_a to_o be_v impossible_a to_o we_o 5._o that_o god_n never_o have_v a_o beginning_n i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o conclude_v part_n 1_o §_o 6._o and_o if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v not_o tell_v i_o that_o he_o be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a yet_o my_o own_o reason_n will_v have_v infer_v that_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o decay_n nor_o ever_o shall_v have_v a_o end_v 6._o the_o nature_n of_o every_o material_a be_v seem_v necessary_o to_o imply_v a_o possibility_n of_o have_v its_o part_n disjoin_v and_o separate_v one_o from_o another_o and_o consequent_o of_o be_v dissolve_v and_o destroy_v and_o theresore_n i_o conclude_v that_o the_o eternal_a god_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o matter_n and_o that_o be_v which_o be_v intelligent_a and_o do_v not_o consist_v of_o any_o material_a part_n i_o call_v a_o spirit_n and_o this_o be_v what_o i_o mean_v when_o i_o say_v that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n as_o for_o those_o expression_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o such_o like_a which_o do_v occur_v sometime_o in_o scripture_n and_o seem_v to_o imply_v bodily_a part_n it_o be_v manifest_o obvious_a that_o they_o must_v be_v pure_o metaphorical_a 7._o our_o experience_n do_v sufficient_o testify_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v visible_a to_o we_o be_v ever_o material_a since_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o matter_n i_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v invisible_a to_o mortal_a eye_n as_o the_o scripture_n positive_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v and_o all_o those_o text_n which_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v be_v see_v by_o man_n i_o think_v must_v of_o necessity_n be_v interpret_v some_o other_o way_n viz._n either_o 1._o of_o a_o angel_n appear_v in_o a_o glorious_a and_o majestatick_a manner_n or_o 2._o of_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n assume_v a_o bodily_a appearance_n as_o after_o he_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o or_o 3._o of_o some_o visible_a and_o extraordinary_a sign_n and_o token_n that_o the_o invisible_a god_n be_v there_o present_a in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n or_o 4._o of_o those_o mystical_a and_o hieroglyphical_a representation_n which_o god_n have_v sometime_o be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o not_o to_o the_o sense_n but_o to_o the_o imagination_n and_o understanding_n of_o his_o prophet_n in_o their_o extatick_a dream_n and_o vision_n 8._o among_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o can_v conceive_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v i._n e._n to_o imply_v no_o contradiction_n i_o can_v find_v nothing_o which_o to_o i_o appear_v more_o difficult_a than_o what_o god_n have_v already_o do_v in_o the_o structure_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o god_n can_v do_v whatsoever_o in_o its_o self_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v what_o i_o mean_v when_o i_o say_v that_o he_o be_v almighty_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o one_o sure_a who_o will_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v do_v such_o thing_n as_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o attribute_n 9_o that_o god_n who_o make_v all_o thing_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n appear_v to_o
seem_v but_o a_o slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a thing_n yet_o since_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v express_o appoint_v and_o command_v it_o and_o since_o his_o apostle_n be_v always_o most_o careful_a to_o perform_v it_o insomuch_o that_o even_o they_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o heaven_n be_v yet_o require_v to_o be_v baptise_a in_o order_n to_o become_v visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o ceremony_n i_o think_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v leave_v off_o or_o discontinue_v although_o whether_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o dip_v the_o body_n under_o the_o water_n or_o by_o sprinkle_v the_o water_n upon_o it_o to_o i_o seem_v to_o be_v altogether_o indifferent_a and_o to_o be_v regulate_v only_o by_o prudence_n or_o the_o custom_n of_o particular_a place_n for_o neither_o do_v the_o word_n baptise_v signify_v any_o more_o than_o to_o wash_v which_o may_v be_v do_v either_o way_n nor_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n dip_v all_o those_o who_o they_o baptize_v moreover_o since_o sprinkle_v as_o well_o as_o dip_v may_v sufficient_o denote_v the_o wash_n and_o cleanse_v of_o the_o soul_n from_o sin_n and_o since_o baptism_n be_v not_o express_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n determine_v to_o either_o of_o these_o way_n to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o the_o other_o i_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v leave_v the_o matter_n so_o far_o indifferent_a to_o we_o and_o to_o be_v order_v according_a to_o prudence_n as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n direct_v and_o as_o long_o as_o the_o substance_n and_o design_n of_o his_o command_n be_v careful_o retain_v i_o see_v no_o necessity_n of_o be_v so_o very_o solicitous_a about_o a_o circumstance_n of_o it_o except_o it_o can_v evident_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o determine_v it_o 53._o since_o than_o baptism_n be_v as_o the_o entrance_n or_o door_n of_o admittance_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o they_o and_o they_o only_a who_o be_v due_o qualify_v to_o be_v member_n of_o his_o church_n be_v fit_a to_o have_v baptism_n administer_v to_o they_o if_o any_o person_n have_v be_v bring_v up_o out_o of_o the_o chucrh_n until_o he_o come_v to_o year_n of_o understanding_n and_o knowledge_n he_o be_v then_o and_o only_o then_o qualify_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n when_o have_v repent_v of_o all_o his_o former_a sin_n he_o believe_v and_o own_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o receive_v and_o profess_v that_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v teach_v and_o authorize_v and_o oblige_v himself_o to_o live_v according_a to_o all_o those_o law_n and_o rule_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v to_o we_o this_o be_v the_o very_a condition_n which_o our_o saviour_n indespensable_o require_v from_o his_o church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o according_a as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o perform_v it_o but_o if_o a_o child_n be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n or_o be_v so_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christian_a guardian_n as_o that_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o bring_v he_o up_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o they_o do_v promise_n and_o engage_v so_o to_o educate_v he_o such_o a_o child_n as_o this_o even_o before_o he_o come_v to_o any_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v yet_o qualify_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o presumption_n that_o he_o will_v perform_v what_o god_n require_v from_o he_o when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o so_o to_o continue_v if_o by_o apostasy_n or_o wickedness_n he_o do_v not_o in_o process_n of_o time_n separate_v himself_o again_o from_o it_o for_o this_o beyond_o dispute_n be_v the_o case_n of_o in_o sant_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n who_o at_o eight_o day_n old_a if_o male_n be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a and_o thereby_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o within_o his_o covenant_n if_o they_o be_v either_o the_o son_n or_o servant_n bear_v in_o the_o house_n of_o believe_v person_n and_o who_o as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n be_v express_o say_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n which_o be_v but_o another_o expression_n for_o become_v of_o his_o church_n and_o no_o one_o sure_o will_v offer_v to_o say_v that_o the_o case_n of_o infant_n be_v make_v worse_a than_o it_o be_v by_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n especial_o since_o he_o have_v express_o command_v that_o little_a child_n shall_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o not_o be_v forbid_v for_o that_o of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o not_o only_o adult_a person_n who_o make_v a_o due_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n but_o also_o such_o infant_n as_o be_v in_o a_o way_n of_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v without_o any_o obstacle_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n 54._o there_o be_v some_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o seem_v plain_o to_o suggest_v to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a custom_n with_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o all_o such_o as_o have_v be_v baptise_a which_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v undoubted_o accompany_v with_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o order_n to_o their_o receive_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n but_o that_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n positive_o prescribe_v and_o command_v i_o do_v not_o find_v clear_o prove_v and_o therefore_o although_o i_o dare_v not_o hasty_o condemn_v those_o particular_a church_n where_o this_o same_o custom_n be_v disuse_v or_o intermit_v yet_o since_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o order_n to_o the_o lead_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o obtain_v eternal_a happiness_n be_v for_o ever_o continue_v unto_o the_o church_n as_o i_o have_v say_v part_n 2._o §_o 42._o and_o therefore_o ought_v ever_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o although_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n and_o speak_v of_o all_o language_n without_o learn_v they_o be_v cease_v from_o among_o we_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n upon_o person_n that_o have_v be_v baptize_v together_o with_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o their_o growth_n and_o continuance_n in_o grace_n which_o be_v common_o call_v confirmation_n be_v a_o prudent_a and_o godly_a custom_n and_o ever_o fit_a to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n 55._o as_o every_o particular_a man_n whatsoever_o be_v oblige_v in_o his_o own_o private_a person_n to_o honour_n and_o worship_n god_n so_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n incorporate_v for_o the_o better_a serve_v of_o god_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o do_v the_o same_o in_o she_o associate_v capacity_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o assemble_v together_o for_o his_o worship_n and_o because_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v disperse_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n the_o universal_a church_n therefore_o lie_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o subdivide_v itself_o into_o particular_a church_n and_o those_o again_o into_o particular_a congregation_n according_a as_o they_o find_v to_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o the_o pursue_v that_o same_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v so_o incorporate_v moreover_o since_o all_o these_o particular_a church_n and_o congregation_n be_v still_o or_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o part_n and_o member_n of_o that_o one_o catholic_n church_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o found_v it_o follow_v that_o none_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o constitute_v or_o act_v any_o thing_n among_o themselves_o which_o may_v give_v a_o just_a occasiou_n for_o the_o break_n of_o that_o union_n and_o concord_n which_o he_o design_v and_o have_v command_v always_o to_o be_v maintain_v among_o they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a matter_n ought_v every_v where_o so_o to_o be_v order_v as_o that_o if_o a_o member_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n shall_v travel_v into_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n he_o may_v meet_v with_o nothing_o in_o any_o christian_a congregation_n where_o he_o come_v which_o just_o shall_v be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o he_o from_o assemble_v or_o communicate_v with_o it_o 56._o the_o particular_a act_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o these_o christian_a assembly_n be_v all_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n in_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o their_o incorporation_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o each_o man_n eternal_a salvation_n which_o be_v the_o end_n that_o every_o christian_n be_v suppose_v to_o pursue_v all_o which_o be_v
reducible_a to_o these_o two_o head_n viz._n devotion_n towards_o god_n which_o include_v confession_n of_o sin_n prayer_n for_o all_o thing_n necessary_a both_o for_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o praise_v of_o god_n as_o well_o for_o his_o own_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n as_o for_o his_o love_n and_o beneficence_n to_o all_o mankind_n and_o 2._o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v assemble_v which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o read_v and_o explain_v the_o holy_a scripture_n catechise_v preach_a etc._n etc._n but_o there_o be_v one_o act_n of_o devotion_n towards_o god_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o such_o public_a assembly_n which_o be_v common_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o the_o holy_a communion_n of_o which_o it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o say_v something_o more_o particular_o because_o it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n altogether_o of_o positive_a institution_n as_o well_o as_o baptism_n of_o which_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v 57_o as_o our_o saviour_n death_n and_o passion_n which_o he_o undergo_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v ever_o out_o of_o gratitude_n be_v remember_v by_o we_o in_o the_o most_o emphatical_a and_o affect_a manner_n so_o except_o we_o have_v every_o one_o of_o we_o a_o share_n and_o interest_n in_o that_o atonement_n which_o he_o thereby_o make_v to_o god_n for_o we_o we_o can_v by_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n in_o order_n then_o to_o both_o these_o end_v he_o himself_o before_o his_o death_n appoint_v it_o as_o a_o perpetual_a ordinance_n for_o ever_o to_o be_v continue_v in_o his_o church_n that_o bread_n shall_v be_v bless_v break_a and_o eat_v and_o a_o cup_n also_o bless_v distribute_v and_o drink_v in_o such_o assembly_n as_o shall_v meet_v together_o in_o his_o name_n not_o only_o as_o a_o remembrance_n of_o his_o suffering_n for_o we_o which_o be_v thereby_o show_v forth_o and_o represent_v but_o also_o as_o the_o communion_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o exhibition_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n unto_o and_o the_o participation_n of_o they_o by_o all_o faithful_a and_o good_a christian_n to_o say_v with_o the_o roman_a church_n that_o the_o substance_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v bless_v or_o consecrate_v in_o this_o ordinance_n be_v transubstantiate_v or_o turn_v into_o the_o very_a real_a substance_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o that_o that_o very_o same_o body_n of_o he_o which_o be_v crucify_v and_o that_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v be_v whole_o and_o entire_o receive_v into_o the_o bodily_a mouth_n and_o swallow_v down_o by_o every_o communicant_a do_v not_o only_o draw_v after_o it_o such_o monstrous_a absurdity_n as_o no_o man_n i_o think_v without_o renounce_v his_o reason_n can_v digest_v nor_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o any_o passage_n of_o scripture_n interpret_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n which_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o part_n 1_o §_o 25._o and_o 33._o but_o be_v also_o direct_o contrary_a even_o to_o the_o letter_n as_o well_o as_o mean_v of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o which_o the_o bread_n in_o this_o holy_a institution_n be_v plain_o call_v bread_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n the_o wine_n must_v still_o remain_v wine_n as_o to_o its_o natural_a substance_n even_o after_o the_o blessing_n or_o consecration_n of_o it_o as_o therefore_o i_o must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o receive_v by_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n after_o that_o manner_n which_o they_o of_o rome_n do_v define_v so_o must_v it_o also_o follow_v that_o their_o worship_v of_o the_o host_n and_o pretend_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mass_n together_o with_o their_o deprive_v the_o laity_n of_o the_o cup_n which_o beside_o other_o absurdity_n do_v whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v none_o other_o than_o mere_a human_a and_o unlawful_a invention_n and_o practice_n but_o since_o a_o man_n may_v then_o be_v say_v true_o to_o receive_v and_o partake_v of_o any_o thing_n though_o at_o never_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o he_o when_o he_o have_v a_o real_a interest_n in_o it_o and_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o as_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o estate_n and_o reap_v the_o profit_n of_o it_o though_o it_o lie_v in_o a_o far_o distant_a country_n i_o do_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o the_o way_n whereby_o we_o do_v receive_v or_o communicate_v in_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o this_o ordinance_n be_v by_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o those_o benefit_n which_o by_o the_o crucify_a of_o his_o body_n and_o the_o shed_n of_o his_o blood_n do_v accrue_v to_o we_o and_o that_o whosoever_o eat_v of_o this_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o this_o cup_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o christ_n have_v appoint_v have_v thereby_o assure_o a_o share_n of_o those_o benefit_n hold_v forth_o and_o convey_v unto_o he_o 58._o how_o often_o this_o ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v practise_v and_o repeat_v in_o every_o congregation_n be_v not_o express_o determine_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o can_v only_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o but_o common_a reason_n will_v tell_v we_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o often_o at_o least_o as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o preserve_v a_o fresh_a and_o lively_a remembrance_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n this_o be_v one_o main_a end_n of_o its_o first_o institution_n and_o so_o often_o therefore_o ought_v every_o christian_a who_o be_v arrive_v to_o year_n of_o understanding_n for_o such_o only_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o remembrance_n of_o another_o to_o come_v and_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o for_o to_o contemn_v or_o neglect_v this_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o such_o a_o peculiar_a end_n argue_v a_o great_a slight_a and_o disregard_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n beside_o the_o disobedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o therefore_o be_v just_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o very_a great_a and_o heinous_a sin_n 59_o as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a affront_n and_o even_o a_o mock_v of_o god_n for_o a_o man_n to_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o in_o any_o of_o his_o ordinance_n without_o a_o sincere_a and_o well-meaning_a heart_n for_o which_o reason_n hypocrisy_n in_o scripture_n be_v represent_v as_o most_o odious_a and_o the_o prayer_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n whilst_o he_o continue_v such_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o god_n so_o do_v he_o seem_v to_o resent_v such_o a_o practice_n in_o no_o instance_n more_o than_o in_o this_o of_o the_o holy_a communion_n of_o which_o he_o who_o eats_z and_o drink_v unworthy_o be_v expess_o say_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v quilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o which_o expression_n although_o they_o be_v different_o interpret_v by_o divers_a person_n yet_o in_o whatever_o sense_n we_o take_v they_o they_o do_v abundant_o show_v that_o god_n be_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n offend_v with_o those_o who_o any_o way_n profane_v this_o sacred_a institution_n it_o therefore_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o aught_o very_o much_o to_o be_v the_o concern_v of_o every_o christian_a first_o to_o examine_v himself_o and_o to_o make_v the_o best_a trial_n and_o enquiry_n that_o he_o can_v whether_o he_o be_v true_o sincere_a in_o his_o resolution_n of_o serve_v and_o obey_v god_n faithful_o all_o his_o life-long_a for_o any_o person_n who_o be_v thus_o dispose_v and_o none_o other_o be_v ever_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o then_o with_o devotion_n and_o reverence_n suitable_a unto_o such_o sincerity_n to_o come_v and_o eat_v of_o this_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o this_o cup_n that_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n he_o may_v not_o neglect_v what_o christ_n have_v command_v and_o require_v so_o on_o the_o other_o he_o may_v not_o incur_v the_o penalty_n which_o be_v threaten_v to_o a_o unworthy_a receiver_n 60._o he_o that_o worship_v or_o pray_v to_o god_n by_o himself_o alone_o may_v do_v it_o as_o well_o by_o offer_v up_o only_o the_o inward_a thought_n and_o desire_n of_o his_o mind_n which_o be_v clear_o see_v and_o know_v unto_o god_n as_o by_o express_v himself_o outward_o by_o word_n which_o though_o even_o in_o our_o private_a devotion_n they_o may_v be_v very_o proper_a to_o keep_v our_o mind_n intent_n upon_o what_o we_o be_v about_o yet_o be_v no_o way_n necessary_a to_o inform_v god_n of_o what_o we_o think_v or_o wish_v for_o but_o when_o a_o society_n of_o man_n do_v meet_a to_o join_v together_o in_o god_n worship_n their_o devotion_n must_v
of_o necessity_n be_v outward_o express_v in_o word_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o keep_v their_o thought_n wherein_o their_o worship_n do_v consist_v unite_a and_o join_v together_o and_o since_o word_n not_o understand_v be_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o with_o no_o word_n at_o all_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o language_n wherein_o the_o worship_n of_o any_o church_n or_o congregation_n be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n must_v always_o be_v such_o as_o be_v well_o understand_v by_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o people_n who_o meet_v together_o nor_o do_v even_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n amaze_v i_o more_o than_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n shall_v own_v the_o 14_o chapter_n of_o st._n paul_n first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o have_v all_o their_o public_a service_n every_o where_o perform_v in_o the_o latin_a tongue_n only_o which_o be_v not_o now_o understand_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o any_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n 61._o as_o peace_n and_o unity_n mutual_a love_n and_o good_a agreement_n among_o the_o member_n of_o every_o society_n together_o with_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o all_o that_o be_v transact_v among_o they_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v and_o continuance_n or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o well-being_n of_o the_o society_n itself_o so_o be_v they_o careful_o prescribe_v and_o inculcate_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o thing_n to_o be_v always_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o as_o he_o who_o first_o occasion_n the_o violation_n of_o any_o of_o they_o be_v plain_o guilty_a of_o a_o very_a great_a sin_n so_o in_o all_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o particular_o and_o clear_o determine_v by_o god_n law_n we_o can_v propose_v a_o better_a and_o safe_a rule_n to_o ourselves_o than_o always_o to_o do_v that_o which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o advancement_n and_o preservation_n of_o they_o 62._o if_o some_o certain_a time_n be_v not_o determine_v for_o christian_n to_o meet_v together_o for_o god_n worship_n which_o every_o man_n may_v know_v of_o before_o it_o come_v and_o according_o prepare_v himself_o for_o it_o by_o lay_v aside_o for_o that_o time_n his_o worldly_a business_n disorder_n and_o confusion_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o uncertainty_n must_v needs_o follow_v that_o one_o day_n at_o least_o in_o seven_o be_v express_o require_v by_o god_n under_o the_o mosaic_a law_n to_o be_v sanctify_v and_o set_v a_o part_n for_o his_o service_n be_v beyond_o dispute_n that_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o jewish_a sabbath_n or_o the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o week_n be_v not_o require_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o i_o seem_v very_o evident_a from_o st._n paul_n reckon_n it_o among_o the_o transitory_a shadow_n of_o the_o old_a law_n col._n 2._o 17._o but_o that_o we_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v behindhand_o with_o the_o jew_n in_o set_v apart_o a_o proportion_n of_o our_o time_n for_o god_n service_n i_o think_v will_v follow_v as_o well_o from_o the_o great_a mercy_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o for_o which_o we_o no_o less_o than_o they_o aught_o to_o show_v and_o express_v our_o thankfulness_n as_o also_o from_o that_o general_a rule_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o that_o our_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o that_o according_o one_o day_n in_o seven_o namely_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n which_o in_o scripture_n be_v therefore_o call_v the_o lord_n day_n rev._n 1._o 10._o have_v ever_o be_v so_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o all_o christian_a church_n i_o presume_v will_v be_v deny_v by_o none_o as_o also_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o apostle_n make_v choice_n of_o this_o particular_a day_n be_v in_o remembrance_n of_o our_o saviour_n glorious_a resurrection_n which_o on_o that_o day_n be_v perform_v and_o whereby_o their_o faith_n in_o he_o which_o begin_v to_o waver_v be_v confirm_v and_o raise_v above_o all_o doubt_n or_o diffidence_n now_o since_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v or_o so_o much_o as_o imagine_v why_o this_o day_n shall_v be_v change_v for_o any_o other_o day_n of_o the_o week_n i_o do_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v conclude_v that_o the_o lord_n day_n or_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n aught_o for_o ever_o to_o be_v keep_v holy_a in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o particular_o dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o where_o either_o the_o church_n universal_a or_o any_o particular_a church_n have_v set_v aside_o any_o other_o day_n to_o be_v keep_v holy_a in_o remembrance_n either_o of_o any_o of_o god_n mercy_n to_o we_o or_o of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o any_o of_o his_o choose_a saint_n who_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o their_o life_n and_o transmit_v it_o so_o confirm_v down_o unto_o we_o or_o as_o day_n of_o fast_v or_o abstinence_n in_o order_n to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n since_o in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o god_n law_n nor_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o may_v be_v well_o consistent_a with_o and_o serviceable_a to_o true_a piety_n it_o will_v follow_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v §_o 61._o that_o every_o member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o keep_v and_o observe_v these_o same_o other_o holy_a day_n so_o far_o as_o no_o way_n to_o give_v scandal_n disturb_v the_o order_n or_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n which_o have_v establish_v they_o 63._o order_n and_o decency_n necessary_o require_v that_o all_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o determine_v by_o his_o own_o law_n shall_v be_v so_o settle_v by_o the_o church_n as_o that_o all_o confusion_n and_o unseemliness_n therein_o may_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a be_v avoid_v but_o care_n on_o the_o other_o side_n ought_v ever_o to_o be_v take_v that_o modes_n and_o ceremony_n be_v not_o so_o multiply_v as_o to_o become_v uneasy_a and_o burdensome_a or_o distract_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n now_o there_o be_v no_o such_o fix_a and_o demonstrable_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n but_o what_o will_v have_v a_o different_a relish_n with_o different_a man_n according_a to_o their_o several_a education_n and_o custom_n to_o which_o they_o may_v have_v be_v use_v it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a for_o any_o church_n so_o to_o regulate_v these_o external_a matter_n as_o to_o please_v every_o man_n fancy_n and_o give_v disgust_n to_o none_o for_o what_o some_o may_v think_v to_o be_v but_o decent_a other_o may_v take_v to_o be_v too_o formal_a or_o pompous_a and_o what_o these_o may_v apprehend_v to_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o christianity_n another_o sort_n may_v look_v on_o as_o mean_v and_o jejune_n as_o therefore_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o act_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o her_o prudence_n so_o since_o every_o man_n can_v expect_v to_o have_v his_o particular_a fancy_n in_o these_o thing_n please_v and_o gratify_v it_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o each_o private_a christian_a so_o far_o to_o comply_v with_o every_o such_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n where_o he_o dwell_v provide_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o which_o be_v sinful_a as_o not_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n or_o disturb_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n on_o that_o account_n but_o if_o any_o church_n shall_v offer_v to_o impose_v any_o ceremony_n or_o practice_n whatsoever_o which_o god_n have_v not_o prescribe_v and_o which_o therefore_o be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a not_o for_o decency_n and_o order_n but_o as_o thing_n in_o themselves_o holy_a or_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o some_o of_o old_a will_v have_v do_v by_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n with_o such_o imposition_n as_o these_o no_n christian_n ought_v at_o all_o to_o comply_v nor_o suffer_v his_o religion_n or_o conscience_n to_o be_v thus_o burden_a but_o every_o man_n must_v stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o pretend_v or_o use_v this_o liberty_n as_o a_o cloak_n of_o maliciousness_n 64._o since_o different_a opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v general_o apt_a to_o beget_v dissension_n and_o animosity_n between_o those_o who_o entertain_v they_o as_o our_o daily_a experience_n do_v abundant_o testify_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o church_n and_o every_o private_a christian_n endeavour_n that_o all_o man_n may_v become_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o judgement_n or_o at_o least_o that_o there_o may_v be_v as_o few_o difference_n among_o they_o as_o
and_o spend_v overmuch_o of_o his_o time_n and_o labour_n in_o get_v a_o live_n for_o himself_o and_o his_o family_n 71._o i_o have_v now_o go_v through_o what_o i_o at_o first_o design_v and_o have_v not_o that_o i_o know_v of_o omit_v any_o one_o thing_n which_o i_o can_v judge_v to_o be_v a_o material_a or_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n although_o i_o have_v on_o purpose_n endeavour_v to_o avoid_v the_o use_n of_o some_o word_n which_o do_v frequent_o occur_v in_o all_o or_o most_o system_n of_o divinity_n that_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o have_v so_o do_v be_v not_o that_o i_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o word_n themselves_o but_o because_o i_o will_v have_v my_o reader_n take_v notice_n that_o religion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o term_n of_o art_n or_o form_n of_o expression_n but_o in_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n have_v make_v know_v and_o require_v from_o we_o and_o it_o be_v too_o common_a among_o man_n to_o wrangle_v about_o word_n before_o they_o have_v clear_o fix_v and_o agree_v upon_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o i_o have_v not_o for_o example_n make_v use_v of_o this_o term_n justification_n but_o yet_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o show_v upon_o what_o condition_n a_o sinner_n obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o mercy_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n nor_o have_v i_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o nature_n or_o number_n of_o sacrament_n but_o i_o have_v speak_v what_o i_o think_v may_v be_v necessary_a concern_v baptism_n the_o holy_a communion_n and_o those_o other_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n call_v by_o that_o name_n and_o if_o once_o i_o be_o satisfy_v touch_v any_o thing_n how_o far_o god_n require_v it_o from_o we_o and_o whether_o or_o no_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n i_o can_v see_v why_o i_o shall_v trouble_v myself_o much_o in_o inquire_v whether_o such_o a_o thing_n may_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o sacrament_n or_o not_o which_o to_o i_o seem_v no_o more_o but_o a_o dispute_n about_o the_o meaning_n of_o a_o word_n true_o indeed_o it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n which_o i_o have_v deliver_v part_v 2._o §_o 22._o i_o have_v express_o make_v use_v of_o the_o term_n person_n substance_n etc._n etc._n because_o i_o can_v find_v none_o other_o so_o fit_a and_o proper_a to_o express_v my_o thought_n nor_o dare_v i_o venture_v in_o so_o sublime_a a_o matter_n to_o apply_v new_a word_n to_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o i_o can_v have_v but_o very_o imperfect_a and_o obscure_a conception_n and_o have_v thus_o say_v all_o that_o i_o intend_v upon_o this_o occasion_n i_o free_o submit_v the_o whole_a to_o the_o judgement_n and_o censure_n of_o every_o reader_n leave_v he_o to_o that_o liberty_n which_o i_o myself_o always_o desire_v to_o enjoy_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o retract_v any_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v say_v whensoever_o i_o be_o convince_v that_o i_o have_v be_v therein_o mistake_v book_n print_v for_o richard_n sare_n the_o fable_n of_o aesop_n with_o moral_n and_o reflection_n folio_n erasmus_n colloquy_n in_o english_a 8o._o quevedo_n vision_n 8o._o these_o 3_o by_o sir_n roger_n l'estrange_n the_o genuine_a epistle_n of_o st._n barnabas_n st._n ignatius_n st._n clement_n st._n polycarp_n the_o shepherd_n of_o hermas_n etc._n etc._n translate_v and_o publish_v in_o english_a 8o._o a_o practical_a discourse_n concern_v swear_v 8o._o the_o authority_n of_o christian_a prince_n over_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o convocation_n man_n 8o._o sermon_n on_o several_a occasion_n 4o._o these_o by_o dr._n wake_n epictetus_n moral_n with_o simplicius_n comment_n 8o._o a_o sermon_n preach_v upon_o the_o death_n of_o the_o queen_n both_o by_o mr._n george_n stanhope_n the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o god_n and_o providence_n vindicate_v and_o assert_v 8o._o discourse_n on_o several_a divine_a subject_n 8o._o these_o two_o by_o thomas_n gregory_n lecturer_n of_o fulham_n dr._n gregory_n divine_a antidote_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o heretical_a pamphlet_n entitle_v a_o end_n to_o the_o socinian_n controversy_n 8o._o essay_n upon_o several_a moral_a subjct_n in_o two_o part_n by_o jeremy_n collier_n m._n a._n 8o._o complete_a set_v consist_v of_o 8_o volume_n of_o letter_n write_v by_o a_o turkish_a spy_n who_o live_v 45_o year_n at_o paris_n undiscovered_a give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o principal_a affair_n of_o europe_n 12_o humane_a prudence_n or_o the_o art_n by_o which_o a_o man_n may_v raise_v himself_o and_o fortune_n to_o grandeur_n 12o._o moral_a maxim_n and_o reflection_n write_v in_o french_a by_o the_o duke_n of_o rochfoucault_n now_o english_v 12o._o of_o the_o art_n both_o of_o writing_n and_o judge_v of_o history_n with_o reflection_n upon_o ancient_a as_o well_o as_o modern_a historian_n by_o father_n le_fw-fr moyne_n 12o._o a_o essay_n upon_o reason_n by_o sir_n george_n mackenzie_n 12o._o death_n make_v comfortable_a or_o the_o way_n to_o die_v well_o by_o john_n kettlewel_n 12o._o the_o parson_n counsellor_n or_o the_o law_n of_o tyth_n by_o sir_n simon_n degg_n 8o._o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o bond_n of_o resignation_n 8o._o price_n 6_o d._n a_o answer_n to_o all_o the_o excuse_n and_o pretence_n which_o man_n ordinary_o make_v for_o their_o not_o come_v to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n 8o._o price_n 3_o d._n by_o a_o divine_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n remark_n on_o a_o book_n entitle_v prince_n arthur_n a_o heroic_a poem_n by_o mr._n denis_n 8o._o finis_fw-la a_o appendix_n to_o a_o gentleman_n religion_n in_o which_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o nothing_o contrary_a to_o our_o reason_n can_v possible_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o belief_n but_o that_o it_o be_v no_o just_a exception_n against_o some_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n that_o they_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n london_n print_v for_o r._n sare_n at_o grays-inn-gate_n in_o holbourn_n 1698._o a_o appendix_n to_o a_o gentleman_n religion_n 1._o how_o those_o person_n who_o take_v unto_o themselves_o the_o distinguish_a name_n of_o unitarian_n do_v dissent_n from_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_n of_o whatsoever_o church_n or_o persuasion_n touch_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o need_v not_o here_o offer_v to_o open_v or_o explain_v in_o the_o term_n of_o the_o controversy_n which_o be_v manage_v between_o they_o now_o when_o in_o this_o dispute_v the_o unitarian_n be_v press_v with_o some_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v very_o evident_o to_o make_v against_o they_o beside_o other_o way_n which_o they_o have_v to_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o they_o they_o common_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n controvert_v and_o press_v their_o adversary_n back_o again_o with_o this_o demand_n how_o such_o a_o thing_n can_v possible_o be_v and_o when_o to_o this_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o there_o be_v evident_o no_o contradiction_n to_o sound_a reason_n in_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o and_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o ought_v ot_fw-mi be_fw-mi believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o have_v reveal_v they_o but_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o be_v utter_o above_o and_o altogether_o incomprehensible_a to_o our_o finite_a and_o narrow_a understanding_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v inquire_v after_o in_o return_n to_o this_o there_o be_v some_o who_o maintain_v that_o if_o these_o doctrine_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o reason_n yet_o this_o alone_a be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o reject_v they_o that_o they_o be_v confess_o above_o it_o for_o of_o that_o which_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n say_v they_o we_o can_v form_v no_o true_a conception_n or_o idea_n and_o it_o be_v absurd_a or_o rather_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o which_o he_o can_v clear_o and_o plain_o so_o much_o as_o conceive_v or_o apprehend_v 2._o for_o the_o right_n state_v and_o clear_v of_o this_o whole_a controversy_n i_o have_v give_v such_o hint_n in_o the_o gentleman_n religion_n part_n 1_o sect._n 33._o part_n 2._o 22_o 23_o 37._o as_o i_o think_v to_o be_v most_o fit_a for_o man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n and_o most_o suitable_a to_o that_o brevity_n which_o i_o all_o along_o defign_v but_o in_o this_o appendix_n i_o shall_v address_v myself_o unto_o those_o who_o be_v of_o a_o more_o refine_a understanding_n and_o accustom_v to_o a_o more_o exact_a way_n of_o think_v and_o try_v if_o i_o can_v give_v they_o any_o satisfaction_n in_o a_o matter_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v not_o a_o little_a perplex_v perhaps_o by_o the_o overmuch_a curiosity_n of_o some_o of_o both_o the_o contend_a party_n 3._o that_o our_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v