withstand_v the_o murmur_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o a_o rebellious_a people_n free_v we_o from_o the_o slavery_n and_o tyranny_n of_o our_o egyptian_a taskmaster_n bring_v we_o out_o of_o a_o wilderness_n of_o confusion_n and_o place_v we_o within_o the_o prospect_n of_o a_o canaan_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o yet_o to_o his_o lawful_a successor_n the_o mighty_a joshua_n providence_n decree_v the_o full_a possession_n of_o those_o blessing_n which_o he_o the_o lament_a moses_n only_o live_v to_o have_v a_o sight_n of_o and_o what_o may_v we_o not_o promise_v to_o ourselves_o under_o his_o most_o auspicious_a reign_n and_o in_o nothing_o more_o auspicious_a than_o in_o the_o peaceable_a devolution_n of_o the_o crown_n upon_o his_o head_n after_o so_o many_o bold_a and_o wicked_a attempt_n to_o cut_v off_o his_o succession_n this_o seem_v no_o less_o miraculous_a than_o his_o predecessor_n restauration_n may_v his_o subject_n learn_v from_o hence_o that_o king_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n and_o dread_v the_o vengeance_n of_o that_o god_n by_o who_o they_o reign_v may_v they_o never_o forget_v the_o misery_n they_o have_v escape_v nor_o grow_v weary_a of_o the_o benefit_n they_o be_v sure_a to_o enjoy_v under_o his_o wise_a and_o steady_a conduct_n may_v his_o reign_n be_v long_o and_o prosperous_a and_o to_o complete_a his_o happiness_n may_v all_o his_o people_n give_v he_o the_o same_o dutiful_a obedience_n now_o he_o be_v king_n which_o he_o so_o religious_o pay_v to_o his_o sovereign_n when_o he_o be_v the_o high_a of_o subject_n and_o to_o say_v no_o more_o may_v he_o live_v to_o accomplish_v those_o glorious_a thing_n for_o this_o nation_n for_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v design_v by_o that_o special_a providence_n which_o have_v attend_v he_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o have_v now_o place_v he_o on_o the_o imperial_a throne_n 2_o pet._n chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 16._o in_o which_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrest_v as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n the_o clearness_n of_o scripture_n in_o all_o point_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o all_o such_o as_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o believe_v and_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n which_o suit_v very_o well_o with_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o a_o rule_n with_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o propound_v it_o as_o such_o and_o have_v be_v urge_v with_o some_o success_n against_o those_o who_o plead_v a_o necessity_n of_o have_v one_o supreme_a infallible_a judge_n to_o decide_v and_o determine_v all_o controversy_n which_o shall_v happen_v to_o arise_v concern_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n who_o decision_n and_o determination_n say_v they_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o the_o son_n of_o the_o church_n for_o as_o 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into_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o cord_n of_o man_n that_o they_o seem_v rather_o to_o be_v drive_v like_o beast_n and_o act_v like_o puppet_n as_o it_o be_v phrased_a by_o a_o late_a author_n as_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o clearness_n of_o scripture_n have_v prove_v successful_a to_o the_o beat_n down_o the_o pretence_n to_o a_o absolute_a infallibility_n and_o uncontrollable_a sovereignty_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n have_v it_o mighty_o embolden_v the_o patron_n of_o liberty_n not_o only_o to_o despise_v their_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o obedience_n to_o christ_n minister_n who_o he_o notwithstanding_o a_o little_a before_o his_o return_n to_o his_o father_n court_n for_o the_o further_o negotiate_v and_o advance_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n anoint_v and_o ordain_v to_o perform_v the_o apostolical_a office_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n remit_v sin_n inflict_v censure_n ministerial_o confer_v the_o holy_a ghost_n decide_v controversy_n and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n in_o his_o stead_n here_o on_o earth_n till_o his_o second_o come_n but_o likewise_o to_o invade_v their_o function_n usurp_v their_o sacred_a call_v especial_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v in_o preach_v and_o expound_v the_o word_n for_o say_v they_o since_o it_o be_v confess_v the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_o clear_a to_o all_o unprejudiced_a mind_n such_o as_o be_v free_a from_o the_o clog_n of_o passion_n and_o interest_n why_o shall_v these_o pretend_a minister_n of_o christ_n take_v so_o much_o upon_o they_o be_v not_o all_o the_o congregation_n holy_a and_o learned_a as_o well_o as_o they_o be_v they_o the_o only_a temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o do_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n reside_v sole_o in_o their_o breast_n during_o the_o dispensation_n of_o moses_n it_o be_v confess_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o aaron_n all_o along_o under_o the_o legal_a oeconomy_n the_o priest_n lip_n do_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o likewise_o during_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o prophet_n there_o be_v a_o appropriate_a ministry_n but_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o different_a under_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v make_v clear_a discovery_n of_o himself_o and_o pour_v out_o more_o liberal_o of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v doubtful_a typical_a and_o mysterious_a the_o prophecy_n be_v industrious_o couch_v under_o dark_a parable_n and_o deliver_v in_o obscure_a say_n but_o then_o the_o light_n the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v universal_a it_o be_v likewise_o so_o clear_a that_o any_o one_o that_o run_v may_v read_v why_o then_o shall_v we_o not_o assert_v that_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o since_o we_o have_v a_o command_n to_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n why_o shall_v we_o pin_v our_o faith_n upon_o other_o man_n sleeve_n thus_o these_o man_n under_o the_o goodly_a pretence_n of_o christian_a liberty_n become_v enslave_v to_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o conceitedness_n plead_v the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o prejudice_n of_o christ_n own_o ambassador_n urge_v for_o their_o own_o private_a conception_n clearness_n of_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o confusion_n and_o pry_v so_o long_o into_o the_o doctrine_n of_o theology_n till_o at_o length_n they_o light_v on_o those_o hide_a mystery_n which_o they_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrest_v unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n the_o way_n thus_o prepare_v my_o text_n yet_o lead_v i_o into_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o that_o the_o clearness_n of_o scripture_n do_v no_o way_n lessen_v the_o authority_n or_o take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o spiritual_a guide_n 2._o that_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a in_o themselves_o yet_o private_a man_n abandon_v their_o lawful_a guide_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o corrupt_a fancy_n may_v deprave_v and_o distort_v they_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 3._o that_o for_o prevent_v mistake_v from_o rise_v and_o suppress_v error_n when_o rise_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o private_a man_n to_o submit_v their_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v constitute_v to_o be_v their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o governor_n unless_o it_o manifest_o appear_v that_o such_o determination_n be_v contrary_a to_o god_n word_n i._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o that_o the_o clearness_n of_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n for_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o self-evident_a as_o be_v pretend_v then_o may_v man_n with_o great_a security_n rely_v on_o the_o direction_n of_o their_o guide_n and_o they_o have_v the_o less_o reason_n to_o suspect_v their_o conduct_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o themselves_o be_v judges_n they_o can_v be_v mistake_v if_o they_o sincere_o attend_v they_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o law_n
within_o her_o governor_n all_o triumphant_a without_o they_o have_v not_o deface_v her_o innocent_a beauty_n and_o make_v her_o militant_a in_o the_o worst_a of_o sense_n however_o they_o can_v no_o way_n be_v excuse_v who_o think_v they_o can_v never_o be_v secure_a from_o papal_a supremacy_n but_o by_o demolish_n the_o evangelical_n hierarchy_n and_o introduce_v a_o presbyterian_a parity_n into_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o to_o avoid_v the_o necessity_n of_o have_v a_o infallible_a judge_n leave_v every_o private_a prepossess_v fancy_n to_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o scripture_n whereby_o man_n be_v often_o bewilder_v in_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o error_n seduce_v into_o those_o by-path_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n for_o notwithstanding_o that_o beam_n of_o divine_a light_n which_o shine_v so_o bright_a in_o the_o scripture_n it_o seem_v some_o man_n have_v eye_n either_o so_o weak_a as_o to_o be_v dazzle_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o it_o or_o else_o so_o blind_a with_o pride_n or_o malice_n as_o not_o to_o perceive_v it_o for_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a man_n wrest_v unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o therefore_o the_o unlearned_a shall_v do_v well_o to_o consult_v their_o teacher_n the_o unstable_a those_o that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o faith_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o my_o second_o general_a consideration_n that_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a in_o themselves_o yet_o private_a man_n abandon_v their_o guide_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o corrupt_a fancy_n may_v deprave_v and_o distort_v they_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n who_o those_o wrester_n be_v or_o what_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v wherewith_o st._n peter_n charge_v the_o epistle_n of_o his_o belove_a brother_n paul_n i_o shall_v not_o strict_o inquire_v the_o apostle_n have_v pass_v they_o over_o in_o a_o profound_a silence_n it_o will_v be_v difficult_a at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n exact_o to_o define_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o either_o the_o gnostick_n or_o cerinthian_a heretic_n be_v here_o chief_o aim_v at_o who_o upon_o a_o mistake_n of_o some_o prediction_n become_v the_o founder_n of_o a_o temporal_a dominion_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n wherein_o his_o follower_n in_o their_o new_a jerusalem_n shall_v wallow_v in_o sensual_a lust_n and_o pleasure_n spend_v the_o space_n of_o a_o thousand_o year_n as_o in_o a_o nuptial_a festivity_n and_o enjoy_v the_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n in_o as_o ample_a and_o exquisite_a a_o manner_n as_o the_o most_o epicurean_a soul_n can_v effect_v or_o covet_v a_o fancy_n in_o its_o first_o original_a mere_o jewish_n afterward_o entertain_v by_o some_o judaize_v christian_n and_o final_o rather_o rectify_v than_o abandon_v by_o some_o of_o the_o father_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o if_o those_o sublime_a wit_n who_o have_v all_o the_o learning_n which_o either_o jerusalem_n athens_n or_o rome_n can_v boast_v be_v nevertheless_o mistake_v in_o their_o exposition_n of_o some_o abstruse_a text_n of_o scripture_n whilst_o they_o deliver_v their_o opinion_n but_o as_o private_a doctor_n what_o wonder_n if_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrest_v they_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n that_o they_o have_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la do_v this_o be_v manifest_a since_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o instance_n in_o any_o one_o century_n which_o be_v not_o either_o chargeable_a with_o new_a heresy_n or_o the_o revive_n and_o improve_n of_o old_a and_o the_o most_o extravagant_a opinion_n which_o ever_o yet_o see_v the_o light_n have_v still_o shroud_v themselves_o under_o the_o patronage_n of_o holy_a writ_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o shall_v we_o condemn_v the_o scripture_n of_o sin_n shall_v we_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o themselves_o either_o productive_a of_o error_n or_o not_o a_o sufficient_a storehouse_n of_o truth_n god_n forbid_v the_o scripture_n be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a but_o private_a man_n wrest_v they_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o this_o they_o do_v first_o by_o their_o ignorance_n second_o by_o their_o instability_n i._n first_o by_o their_o ignorance_n where_o it_o will_v be_v present_o object_v that_o ignorance_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o error_n or_o impiety_n that_o in_o a_o sober_a sense_n it_o be_v true_o the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v give_v in_o by_o tertullian_n as_o the_o prime_a cause_n of_o heresy_n none_o be_v great_a tormentor_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o philosopher_n for_o which_o reason_n they_o be_v brand_v by_o the_o same_o author_n with_o the_o title_n of_o arch-heretic_n particular_o the_o valentinian_n heresy_n concern_v the_o portentous_a production_n of_o the_o god_n come_v from_o the_o platonist_n marcion_n vnconcerned_a and_o lazy_a god_n be_v first_o set_v up_o by_o the_o stoic_n the_o mortality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o epicurean_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o flesh_n of_o the_o whole_a stream_n of_o philosopher_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o wise_a not_o many_o noble_a be_v choose_v caution_n his_o proselyte_n against_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n and_o conclude_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n foolishness_n with_o god_n wherefore_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unlearned_a in_o this_o place_n we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v idiot_n and_o those_o who_o never_o know_v letter_n but_o we_o must_v understand_v those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v instruct_v by_o the_o master_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n the_o nolentes_fw-la discere_fw-la those_o who_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n which_o alone_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o their_o learning_n like_o julian_n only_o qualify_v they_o to_o deride_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a god_n and_o by_o their_o wisdom_n they_o become_v the_o more_o formidable_a enemy_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n thus_o if_o lucifer_n the_o son_n of_o the_o morning_n fall_v from_o his_o allegiance_n whole_a legion_n of_o the_o heavenly_a host_n be_v involve_v in_o the_o rebellion_n that_o heresy_n spread_v like_o the_o contagion_n of_o a_o leprosy_n which_o have_v a_o arrius_n for_o its_o founder_n and_o a_o constantius_n for_o its_o promoter_n and_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n owe_v as_o well_o its_o monstrous_a birth_n as_o its_o fatal_a increase_n to_o the_o malice_n and_o cunning_a of_o a_o apostate_n jew_n and_o a_o renegado_n christian_n and_o to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o but_o of_o a_o far_o more_o modern_a date_n and_o therefore_o of_o more_o dangerous_a consequence_n that_o unhappy_a man_n socinus_n a_o person_n otherwise_o of_o singular_a wit_n and_o learning_n but_o be_v in_o this_o sense_n unlearned_a i._n e._n have_v entertain_v so_o slender_a a_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o date_n a_o general_a defection_n from_o the_o very_a death_n of_o the_o apostle_n upon_o this_o persuasion_n think_v it_o not_o robbery_n to_o make_v himself_o equal_a to_o the_o most_o ecumenical_a council_n to_o contradict_v the_o most_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n and_o from_o this_o contempt_n of_o his_o mother_n to_o proceed_v to_o that_o dare_a pitch_n of_o impiety_n as_o to_o deny_v even_o the_o lord_n that_o buy_v he_o so_o dangerous_a be_v it_o for_o private_a man_n to_o rely_v sole_o upon_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o scripture_n or_o to_o measure_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o godhead_n his_o consubstantiality_n with_o the_o father_n by_o the_o scantling_n of_o humane_a reason_n cedat_fw-la curiositas_fw-la fidei_fw-la gloria_fw-la saluti_fw-la be_v the_o advice_n of_o as_o great_a a_o wit_n as_o any_o age_n have_v breed_v our_o curiosity_n must_v give_v place_n to_o our_o faith_n the_o thirst_n of_o temporal_a glory_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n it_o be_v true_a by_o our_o reason_n we_o be_v first_o dispose_v to_o be_v christian_n for_o no_o creature_n beneath_o the_o rational_a be_v capable_a of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o when_o once_o we_o have_v give_v up_o our_o name_n to_o christ_n it_o be_v by_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v save_v but_o if_o we_o assent_v to_o no_o doctrine_n but_o such_o as_o our_o reason_n full_o comprehend_v this_o be_v no_o long_a faith_n but_o science_n and_o so_o we_o may_v continue_v infidel_n whilst_o we_o go_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o christian_n and_o since_o we_o live_v in_o such_o a_o know_a age_n wherein_o all_o captivate_a the_o understanding_n though_o it_o be_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n be_v make_v the_o subject_n of_o grievance_n and_o complaint_n and_o
be_v appoint_v to_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n i._o and_o that_o which_o first_o entitle_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o a_o superiority_n over_o their_o subject_n be_v that_o special_a ordination_n and_o commission_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n in_o all_o necessary_a truth_n and_o that_o charge_v which_o he_o have_v lay_v upon_o other_o to_o obey_v they_o if_o any_o one_o list_v to_o see_v their_o commission_n he_o may_v find_v it_o record_v in_o any_o of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n i_o shall_v exhibit_v it_o as_o it_o be_v exemplify_v matt._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o and_o jesus_n come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o say_v all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o word_n there_o be_v these_o three_o thing_n considerable_a 1._o that_o christ_n commission_v his_o disciple_n immediate_o after_o he_o have_v proclaim_v himself_o omnipotent_a 2._o that_o this_o commission_n imply_v it_o to_o be_v christ_n will_n that_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v obey_v they_o 3._o that_o he_o promise_v to_o be_v with_o they_o and_o their_o successor_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o there_o can_v be_v a_o full_a instance_n of_o the_o perverseness_n of_o some_o man_n who_o to_o evacuate_v and_o overthrow_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n will_v needs_o confine_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o some_o period_n of_o time_n short_a of_o the_o final_a dissolution_n of_o all_o thing_n when_o time_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o eternity_n if_o not_o contrary_a to_o the_o grammatical_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o at_o least_o to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o of_o the_o ambassador_n of_o earthly_a potentate_n ever_o receive_v so_o ample_a a_o commission_n the_o person_n commission_v be_v omnipotent_a the_o commission_n be_v universal_a in_o respect_n of_o person_n time_n and_o place_n it_o be_v direct_v to_o all_o the_o nation_n and_o to_o continue_v throughout_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o for_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o they_o be_v empowr_v from_o above_o wheresoever_o they_o come_v they_o constitute_v a_o spiritual_a government_n and_o they_o have_v full_a power_n to_o enact_v such_o law_n as_o they_o think_v tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o their_o master_n kingdom_n and_o they_o do_v with_o authority_n and_o not_o by_o way_n of_o counsel_n only_o as_o some_o will_v have_v determine_v such_o controversy_n as_o arise_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o all_o along_o their_o spiritual_a progress_n if_o any_o city_n refuse_v to_o receive_v they_o or_o their_o doctrine_n they_o shake_v off_o the_o dust_n off_o their_o foot_n against_o it_o as_o a_o direful_a presage_v of_o some_o ensue_a judgement_n as_o the_o next_o word_n manifest_o declare_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o sodom_n and_o gomorrha_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o that_o city_n wretched_a city_n how_o have_v thy_o disobedience_n ascertain_v and_o aggrandize_v thy_o ruin_n the_o lewd_a inhabitant_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrha_n shall_v find_v more_o favour_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o thy_o citizen_n most_o true_a it_o be_v their_o power_n be_v pure_o spiritual_a christ_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n do_v not_o commission_n general_n to_o destroy_v but_o send_v forth_o apostle_n to_o convert_v the_o nation_n by_o declare_v his_o law_n and_o denounce_v his_o judgement_n but_o then_o they_o have_v no_o coercive_a power_n of_o the_o sword_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o magistrate_n to_o inflict_v the_o judgement_n which_o they_o denounce_v but_o as_o they_o because_o live_v under_o heathen_a power_n leave_v the_o event_n of_o their_o spiritual_a censure_n sole_o to_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n which_o they_o who_o escape_v in_o this_o world_n be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o next_o so_o be_v it_o still_o unless_o king_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o show_v themselves_o nurse_n father_n to_o the_o church_n to_o enforce_v spiritual_a censure_n by_o corporal_a penalty_n and_o adjudge_v those_o unworthy_a the_o protection_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o realm_n who_o be_v just_o deprive_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n be_v something_o else_o than_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n since_o there_o be_v a_o church_n before_o the_o commonwealth_n become_v christian_a and_o neither_o the_o leviathan_n nor_o any_o of_o his_o disciple_n have_v yet_o be_v able_a to_o show_v how_o or_o when_o the_o church_n forfeit_v her_o antecedent_n right_o and_o that_o though_o the_o governor_n thereof_o may_v challenge_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n distinct_a yet_o no_o way_n opposite_a to_o the_o civil_a the_o shield_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o clash_n with_o the_o sword_n of_o justice_n and_o maugre_o the_o design_n of_o those_o who_o have_v evil_a will_n at_o zion_n this_o be_v not_o to_o erect_v imperium_fw-la in_o imperio_fw-la much_o less_o to_o set_v the_o mitre_n above_o the_o crown_n since_o whatsoever_o power_n be_v here_o challenge_v as_o of_o divine_a right_n be_v pure_o spiritual_a exercise_v to_o spiritual_a end_n and_o purpose_n so_o far_o from_o interfere_v with_o the_o civil_a from_o absolve_a man_n from_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v indispensable_o due_a thereunto_o that_o wheresoever_o it_o take_v place_n it_o abate_v nothing_o of_o that_o natural_a right_n which_o the_o magistrate_n have_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n yet_o herein_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o despise_a king_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v far_o surmount_v all_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o he_o have_v so_o interweave_v the_o concern_v of_o his_o church_n with_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o state_n that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n any_o man_n shall_v dare_v to_o become_v a_o enemy_n to_o his_o kingdom_n he_o must_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o friend_n to_o caesar_n ii_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o submission_n will_v appear_v from_o those_o promise_n of_o assistance_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v to_o they_o but_o not_o to_o other_o without_o they_o much_o less_o to_o other_o against_o they_o and_o those_o be_v illumination_n direction_n and_o power_n illumination_n in_o thing_n obscure_a direction_n in_o thing_n difficult_a power_n to_o encounter_v and_o overcome_v all_o opposition_n and_o this_o may_v be_v one_o reason_n why_o christ_n do_v not_o arm_v his_o disciple_n with_o a_o temporal_a sword_n for_o certain_o he_o who_o have_v all_o power_n give_v he_o in_o heaven_n and_o on_o earth_n may_v have_v do_v it_o if_o he_o have_v please_v because_o he_o furnish_v they_o with_o such_o extraordinary_a virtue_n as_o do_v abundant_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o that_o thus_o they_o who_o can_v raise_v the_o dead_a from_o the_o grave_a need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o gain_v the_o live_n they_o who_o can_v convince_v the_o conscience_n captivate_v the_o understanding_n beat_v down_o the_o imagination_n and_o conquer_v the_o affection_n of_o their_o adversary_n need_v no_o sword_n nor_o spear_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o bloody_a engine_n of_o war_n to_o make_v themselves_o master_n of_o the_o field_n now_o the_o same_o spirit_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n do_v still_o reside_v in_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o do_v not_o equalise_v the_o apostle_n in_o work_v of_o miracle_n diversity_n of_o language_n extent_n of_o jurisdiction_n though_o they_o have_v not_o as_o they_o have_v the_o whole_a world_n for_o their_o diocese_n yet_o be_v they_o still_o bishop_n of_o soul_n pastor_n and_o doctor_n for_o the_o consummation_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o edify_v of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n jesus_n either_o then_o let_v private_a man_n submit_v to_o their_o spiritual_a governor_n exercise_v their_o commission_n according_a to_o god_n word_n or_o else_o let_v they_o warrant_v their_o dissent_n with_o great_a at_o least_o equal_a attestation_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o great_a fear_n of_o any_o danger_n arise_v from_o dissent_v brethren_n iii_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o submission_n will_v appear_v from_o their_o study_n and_o learning_n in_o divine_a matter_n and_o from_o the_o far_o less_o knowledge_n and_o ordinary_a capacity_n in_o other_o the_o apostle_n they_o have_v their_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n either_o from_o a_o
constant_a and_o familiar_a converse_n with_o their_o master_n or_o else_o from_o that_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o he_o vouchsafe_v they_o immediate_o upon_o his_o restauration_n to_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n that_o which_o be_v thus_o wonderful_o bestow_v upon_o they_o their_o successor_n be_v force_v to_o acquire_v by_o hard_a study_n great_a industry_n frequent_a and_o fervent_a address_n to_o the_o fountain_n of_o wisdom_n for_o not_o only_o the_o knowledge_n of_o language_n a_o calmness_n of_o mind_n neither_o ruffle_v with_o the_o storm_n of_o passion_n nor_o distract_v with_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n but_o likewise_o a_o pierce_a judgement_n to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o literal_a and_o figurative_a sense_n to_o weigh_v the_o scope_n and_o coherence_n of_o thing_n to_o compare_v one_o place_n with_o another_o to_o illustrate_v obscure_a text_n by_o those_o which_o be_v more_o plain_a to_o consult_v and_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o antiquity_n be_v require_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o do_v not_o only_o contain_v thing_n of_o themselves_o hard_o to_o be_v understand_v but_o moreover_o those_o very_a thing_n be_v render_v more_o difficult_a by_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o cunning_a of_o his_o agent_n the_o enemy_n have_v sow_v such_o a_o prodigious_a quantity_n of_o tare_n that_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a sometime_o to_o find_v out_o the_o wheat_n what_o wonder_v then_o if_o such_o a_o spawn_n of_o monstrous_a opinion_n flow_v from_o the_o scripture_n fall_v either_o into_o profane_a hand_n or_o be_v interpret_v by_o a_o private_a self-conceited_a and_o unruly_a spirit_n if_o st._n paul_n who_o be_v catch_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o be_v even_o oppress_v with_o revelation_n nevertheless_o cry_v out_o as_o well_o for_o the_o difficulty_n as_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o function_n who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n then_o certain_o it_o can_v be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o the_o laity_n however_o quick-sighted_a they_o may_v be_v in_o other_o affair_n to_o suppose_v they_o not_o such_o competent_a judge_n here_o as_o those_o of_o the_o clergy_n be_v and_o indeed_o we_o hear_v of_o very_a few_o though_o never_o such_o despiser_n of_o the_o dull_a clergy_n in_o their_o life-time_n but_o be_v very_o willing_a to_o admit_v of_o their_o advice_n and_o assistance_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v iu._n four_o and_o last_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o submission_n appear_v as_o it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o restore_v peace_n and_o unity_n to_o the_o church_n happiness_n and_o tranquillity_n to_o the_o state_n how_o ineffectual_a the_o several_a project_n of_o comprehension_n toleration_n unwarrantable_a compliance_n have_v prove_v to_o effect_v the_o work_n of_o coalition_n i_o mean_v to_o compose_v those_o difference_n and_o unite_v those_o division_n which_o so_o furious_o rage_n among_o we_o we_o either_o be_v or_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v by_o sad_a experience_n may_v be_v teach_v these_o project_n can_v only_o lay_v claim_n to_o a_o imaginary_a happiness_n and_o however_o plausible_a they_o may_v seem_v in_o the_o notion_n yet_o may_v they_o prove_v dangerous_a in_o the_o practice_n at_o least_o not_o attain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v design_v for_o in_o truth_n as_o well_o may_v we_o expect_v to_o gather_v grape_n from_o thorn_n or_o fig_n from_o thistle_n as_o that_o a_o toleration_n of_o disagreement_n shall_v produce_v the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o peace_n and_o concord_n these_o be_v contrary_n and_o destroy_v each_o other_o now_o what_o other_o expedient_a have_v we_o leave_v but_o the_o restore_a and_o assert_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n that_o so_o they_o who_o will_v neither_o hold_v the_o faith_n nor_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n by_o be_v deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n may_v learn_v at_o least_o not_o to_o blaspheme_v many_o and_o grievous_a be_v the_o guilt_n which_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o exactness_n of_o her_o discipline_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o her_o son_n and_o daughter_n consequent_a upon_o it_o as_o have_v hitherto_o preserve_v she_o from_o ruin_n now_o if_o our_o fear_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o popery_n be_v as_o real_a as_o they_o be_v pretend_v methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o ill_a policy_n to_o learn_v wisdom_n from_o our_o adversary_n for_o that_o which_o preserve_v a_o corrupt_a church_n from_o fall_v in_o all_o likelihood_n will_v make_v a_o pure_a one_o to_o flourish_n however_o we_o be_v little_a the_o better_a for_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o slavery_n of_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o foreign_a superstition_n if_o we_o run_v into_o licentiousness_n infidelity_n and_o irreligion_n at_o home_n for_o who_o be_v so_o blind_a as_o not_o to_o see_v that_o irreverence_n and_o disrespect_n for_o the_o lord_n clergy_n have_v be_v accompany_v with_o a_o manifest_a decay_n of_o piety_n and_o a_o notorious_a contempt_n of_o the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n that_o want_n of_o submission_n to_o the_o just_a and_o pious_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n no_o less_o just_o and_o pious_o ratify_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o king_n and_o state_n have_v give_v birth_n to_o such_o monstrous_a variety_n of_o opinion_n as_o have_v scarce_o leave_v any_o fundamental_a of_o the_o faith_n unquestioned_a if_o not_o deny_v atheism_n creep_v in_o by_o insensible_a degree_n from_o indulge_v too_o great_a a_o latitude_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o now_o in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o let_v every_o man_n serious_o consider_v with_o himself_o the_o heinousness_n and_o danger_n of_o schism_n and_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o obedience_n the_o danger_n of_o schism_n in_o that_o it_o break_v the_o precious_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n alienates_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o member_n thereof_o who_o as_o they_o have_v but_o one_o faith_n so_o they_o shall_v have_v but_o one_o soul_n and_o so_o instead_o of_o love_n joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a forbearance_n meekness_n temperance_n those_o lovely_a fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o adorn_v private_a man_n and_o secure_v the_o public_a peace_n there_o arise_v hatred_n variance_n emulation_n wrath_n strife_n evil_a surmise_v sedition_n heresy_n murder_n those_o ugly_a work_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o dissolve_v the_o bond_n of_o society_n and_o exclude_v man_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n how_o that_o the_o schismatic_a be_v arrest_v with_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n from_o without_o when_o he_o consider_v his_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n against_o those_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v over_o he_o and_o the_o dreadfulness_n of_o the_o church_n censure_n when_o just_o incur_v for_o his_o disobedience_n how_o that_o he_o be_v torment_v with_o sad_a and_o uncomfortable_a reflection_n from_o within_o be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n ever_o learning_n but_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o be_v abandon_v to_o the_o delusion_n of_o a_o private_a spirit_n he_o be_v miserable_o toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n till_o at_o length_n he_o make_v a_o eternal_a shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o bless_a effect_n of_o obedience_n how_o the_o humble_a christian_a by_o a_o happy_a resignation_n of_o his_o judgement_n there_o where_o our_o lord_n seem_v to_o demand_v it_o enjoy_v a_o perpetual_a peace_n and_o freedom_n from_o dispute_n together_o with_o all_o his_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o mystical_a body_n as_o for_o those_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n which_o concern_v his_o salvation_n though_o they_o be_v above_o his_o reason_n yet_o not_o above_o his_o faith_n and_o he_o have_v rather_o rely_v on_o the_o church_n decision_n of_o they_o when_o he_o find_v no_o place_n of_o scripture_n plain_o contrary_a to_o such_o decision_n than_o either_o give_v way_n to_o his_o own_o curiosity_n or_o heed_n to_o the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n leave_v he_o shall_v thereby_o wrest_v they_o to_o his_o own_o destruction_n and_o this_o he_o think_v he_o may_v do_v with_o less_o trouble_n to_o himself_o and_o great_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o he_o continue_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n without_o be_v skilled_a in_o those_o unhappy_a controversy_n in_o which_o the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n have_v involve_v it_o and_o this_o harmony_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n be_v always_o accompany_v with_o a_o entire_a league_n and_o union_n of_o charity_n that_o common_a badge_n by_o which_o christian_n be_v once_o distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o bless_a uniformity_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o service_n whereby_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a in_o some_o sort_n resemble_v the_o saint_n of_o the_o church_n triumphant_a in_o a_o word_n in_o this_o obedience_n the_o humble_a christian_n go_v on_o secure_o and_o cheerful_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n and_o instead_o of_o trouble_v his_o head_n with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o religion_n practise_v those_o plain_a but_o most_o important_a duty_n of_o godliness_n righteousness_n and_o sobriety_n which_o will_v render_v his_o life_n happy_a here_o and_o crown_v he_o with_o eternal_a felicity_n hereafter_o finis_fw-la