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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
doctrine_n holy_a scripture_n tradition_n 3,735 5 9.1394 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A40082 Libertas evangelica, or, A discourse of Christian liberty being a farther pursuance of the argument of the design of Christianity / by Edward Fowler ... Fowler, Edward, 1632-1714. 1680 (1680) Wing F1709; ESTC R15452 145,080 382

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pray_v not_o for_o the_o world_n john_n 17._o 9_o from_o whence_o some_o will_v infer_v that_o sure_o he_o will_v not_o shed_v his_o precious_a blood_n for_o those_o on_o who_o he_o will_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o bestow_v a_o prayer_n but_o it_o be_v apparent_a his_o meaning_n be_v that_o at_o that_o time_n he_o peculiar_o pray_v for_o his_o disciple_n they_o only_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o context_n be_v mean_v by_o those_o that_o his_o father_n have_v give_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o afterward_o ver_fw-la 20._o he_o proceed_v to_o pray_v for_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v on_o he_o through_o their_o word_n and_o at_o his_o death_n he_o pray_v for_o his_o very_a crucifier_n and_o that_o he_o can_v not_o refuse_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o world_n be_v apparent_a from_o ver_fw-la 21._o where_o he_o pray_v that_o believer_n may_v be_v one_o in_o he_o and_o his_o father_n for_o this_o reason_n that_o the_o world_n may_v believe_v that_o he_o have_v send_v he_o or_o may_v be_v 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of_o their_o sentiment_n about_o this_o matter_n viz._n that_o of_o s._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 23._o you_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n be_v not_o you_o the_o servant_n of_o men._n that_o be_v say_v the_o former_a party_n you_o be_v redeem_a by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o all_o mere_o humane_a law_n from_o all_o such_o observance_n as_o be_v only_o of_o man_n impose_v which_o neither_o natural_a light_n nor_o any_o divine_a law_n have_v make_v necessary_a but_o have_v leave_v we_o free_a to_o and_o the_o latter_a party_n say_v the_o meaning_n be_v you_o be_v redeem_a by_o christ_n blood_n from_o all_o mere_o humane_a imposition_n which_o respect_v religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n as_o be_v aware_a that_o the_o other_o exposition_n be_v too_o too_o extravagant_a but_o these_o two_o party_n be_v equal_o out_o in_o their_o application_n of_o this_o text_n to_o their_o several_a purpose_n nor_o will_v it_o do_v the_o least_o service_n to_o 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may_v be_v easy_o mistake_v when_o we_o undertake_v to_o determine_v of_o the_o fitness_n of_o they_o thus_o have_v with_o submission_n to_o my_o superior_n offer_v my_o opinion_n about_o this_o weighty_a argument_n in_o the_o forego_n proposition_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v be_v censure_v as_o immodest_a if_o i_o also_o add_v that_o i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o governor_n may_v avoid_v the_o two_o extreme_n in_o reference_n to_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v call_v by_o have_v a_o constant_a regard_n to_o such_o like_a rule_n and_o that_o the_o govern_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n by_o do_v the_o like_a may_v understand_v without_o much_o difficulty_n within_o what_o bound_n they_o ought_v to_o confine_v themselves_o in_o crave_v of_o their_o governor_n or_o expect_v from_o they_o this_o kind_n of_o liberty_n but_o i_o think_v it_o seasonable_a to_o suggest_v this_o one_o thing_n more_o to_o these_o that_o they_o will_v so_o behave_v themselves_o that_o those_o who_o have_v power_n to_o grant_v it_o as_o far_o as_o be_v sit_v may_v not_o be_v tempt_v to_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n only_o adapt_v to_o the_o serve_v of_o interest_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n be_v the_o more_o incline_v to_o a_o total_a refuse_v of_o any_o such_o liberty_n i_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n give_v to_o what_o be_v so_o common_o not_o without_o ground_n say_v viz._n when_o it_o be_v man_n temporal_a interest_n to_o plead_v for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n than_o they_o be_v zealous_a for_o it_o but_o the_o table_n be_v no_o soon_o turn_v but_o who_o like_o they_o against_o it_o be_v we_o as_o honest_a as_o we_o shall_v be_v we_o shall_v be_v more_o fix_v and_o constant_a and_o not_o so_o vary_v in_o our_o principle_n as_o our_o circumstance_n vary_v we_o shall_v not_o in_o one_o circumstance_n build_v what_o before_o we_o destroy_v and_o in_o another_o destroy_v what_o we_o before_o build_v and_o so_o declare_v amid_o all_o our_o stir_n and_o noise_n about_o 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the_o world_n and_o be_v in_o those_o part_n of_o it_o where_o his_o gospel_n be_v receive_v chap._n xvi_o the_o three_o inference_n from_o our_o notion_n of_o christian_a liberty_n viz._n that_o popery_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n in_o the_o world_n thereunto_o where_o it_o be_v show_v first_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n rob_v those_o who_o be_v subject_a to_o she_o of_o that_o natural_a liberty_n which_o necessary_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v man_n viz._n that_o which_o consist_v in_o the_o free_a use_n of_o their_o understand_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o she_o will_v not_o permit_v man_n to_o examine_v either_o her_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o yet_o to_o receive_v the_o holy_a scripture_n themselves_o otherwise_o than_o upon_o her_o authority_n the_o wickedness_n of_o this_o expose_v in_o two_o particular_n the_o allege_v of_o scripture_n for_o it_o show_v to_o be_v the_o gross_a absurdity_n their_o great_a text_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o speak_v to_o her_o tyranny_n over_o man_n mind_n further_o show_v have_v now_o speak_v to_o all_o the_o false_a notion_n of_o christian_a liberty_n that_o i_o know_v of_o and_o discover_v the_o intolerable_a mischievousness_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o falsity_n i_o proceed_v to_o another_o inference_n from_o our_o notion_n thereof_o namely_o three_o that_o popery_n be_v a_o religion_n if_o i_o honour_v it_o not_o too_o much_o in_o call_v it_o so_o that_o be_v the_o great_a enemy_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o christian_a liberty_n shall_v all_o the_o wicked_a wit_n in_o the_o world_n meet_v together_o to_o consult_v and_o complot_n how_o to_o banish_v out_o of_o it_o this_o liberty_n they_o can_v not_o devise_v more_o effectual_a mean_n for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o than_o those_o which_o be_v pitch_v upon_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o here_o we_o will_v show_v first_o that_o she_o rob_v those_o who_o subject_a themselves_o to_o she_o of_o that_o natural_a liberty_n which_o necessary_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v man_n or_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o much_o more_o second_o that_o she_o rob_v they_o of_o that_o liberty_n which_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v here_o to_o instate_v we_o in_o first_o that_o she_o rob_v those_o who_o subject_a themselves_o to_o she_o of_o that_o natural_a liberty_n which_o necessary_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o man_n or_o reasonable_a creature_n there_o be_v no_o liberty_n so_o essential_a to_o humane_a nature_n or_o so_o much_o its_o inviolable_a right_n as_o that_o which_o consist_v in_o the_o free_a use_n of_o our_o understanding_n but_o a_o papist_n be_v miserable_o tie_v up_o and_o enslave_v here_o and_o that_o in_o those_o matter_n wherein_o it_o be_v of_o infinite_o the_o great_a importance_n and_o concernment_n to_o he_o that_o his_o mind_n shall_v be_v free_a namely_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v such_o a_o necessary_a influence_n into_o the_o welfare_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o notwithstanding_o that_o injunction_n of_o s._n paul_n 1_o thes._n 5._o 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o that_o of_o s._n john_n 1_o epist._n 4._o 1._o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n this_o church_n deny_v to_o her_o child_n all_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n at_o least_o except_o in_o this_o one_o point_n the_o choice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o guide_n which_o have_v choose_v they_o must_v follow_v she_o blindfold_o all_o their_o life_n after_o they_o must_v be_v implicit_a believer_n and_o implicit_a chooser_n she_o will_v 〈◊〉_d and_o believe_v for_o they_o all_o their●●dgment_n ●●dgment_z and_o faith_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o h●rs_n as_o be_v if_o you_o will_v believe_v she_o 〈◊〉_d and_o uncapable_a of_o be_v either_o deceiu●●_n 〈◊〉_d self_n or_o of_o deceive_v other_o and_o therefore_o to_o take_v our_o saviour_n 〈◊〉_d to_o 〈◊〉_d th●_n scripture_n except_o for_o the_o forementioned_a one_o thing_n nay_o for_o that_o too_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v anon_o be_v to_o put_v a_o affront_n upon_o her_o authority_n and_o the_o berean_o who_o be_v so_o high_o commend_v for_o so_o do_v be_v guilty_a of_o great_a sauciness_n and_o high_a presumption_n and_o she_o take_v the_o most_o successful_a course_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o search_v the_o scripture_n by_o lock_v they_o up_o as_o she_o do_v and_o make_v the_o bible_n so_o scarce_o a_o book_n to_o be_v light_n upon_o where_o she_o have_v power_n enough_o to_o do_v it_o and_o in_o those_o place_n where_o her_o power_n be_v clip_v by_o use_v a_o many_o wicked_a artifices_fw-la to_o keep_v the_o vulgar_a from_o look_v into_o it_o who_o be_v so_o miserable_o impose_v upon_o by_o their_o wretched_a priest_n as_o to_o think_v it_o a_o light_a sin_n to_o be_v drink_v or_o to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o transgress_v many_o a_o express_a law_n of_o god_n than_o to_o cast_v their_o eye_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o well_o aware_a be_v this_o church_n that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o her_o religion_n be_v neither_o to_o be_v find_v there_o nor_o agreeable_a with_o they_o but_o as_o express_o as_o it_o can_v be_v do_v by_o word_n contradict_v by_o they_o and_o as_o you_o may_v not_o examine_v any_o of_o her_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n by_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n the_o scripture_n so_o neither_o which_o be_v but_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n from_o thence_o may_v you_o have_v any_o other_o foundation_n for_o your_o belief_n of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n themselves_o
text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n matth._n 15._o 9_o but_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o that_o which_o be_v condemn_v in_o the_o pharisee_n here_o be_v the_o set_n up_o of_o their_o own_o constitution_n in_o stead_n or_o in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n and_o those_o too_o contrary_a to_o god_n commandment_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o context_n our_o saviour_n say_v vers._n 3_o why_o do_v you_o transgress_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n by_o your_o tradition_n that_o be_v 342._o say_v irenaeus_n upon_o these_o word_n they_o do_v not_o only_o frustrate_v the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o prevarication_n mix_v wine_n with_o water_n but_o they_o also_o set_v their_o law_n in_o opposition_n or_o contradiction_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o so_o they_o do_v appear_v by_o what_o follow_v vers._n 4_o 5_o 6._o for_o god_n command_v say_v honour_v thy_o father_n and_o mother_n etc._n etc._n but_o you_o say_v whosoever_o shall_v say_v to_o his_o father_n or_o his_o mother_n it_o be_v gift_n by_o whatsoever_o thou_o may_v be_v profit_v by_o i_o and_o honour_v not_o his_o father_n or_o mother_n he_o shall_v be_v free_a thus_o have_v you_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v by_o your_o tradition_n and_o then_o next_o follow_v a_o citation_n out_o of_o isaiah_n 29._o 13._o according_a to_o the_o septuagint_n whereof_o these_o word_n be_v part_n viz._n you_o hypocrite_n well_o do_v esaias_n prophesy_v of_o you_o say_v this_o people_n draw_v nigh_o unto_o i_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o honour_v i_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o i_o but_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n we_o will_v also_o consider_v these_o word_n as_o they_o be_v recite_v by_o s._n mark_n chap._n 7._o 7._o with_o the_o verse_n follow_v howbeit_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o 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rabbin_n only_o but_o what_o be_v the_o hypocritical_a and_o wicked_a do_n here_o condemn_v to_o governor_n determine_v of_o external_n circumstance_n of_o administration_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o only_o innocent_a in_o themselves_o but_o also_o not_o set_v up_o in_o the_o place_n of_o or_o justle_a out_o any_o thing_n command_v by_o god_n nor_o yet_o impose_v as_o the_o command_n of_o god_n but_o who_o can_v have_v the_o forehead_n to_o fasten_v such_o high_a presumption_n as_o these_o upon_o our_o church_n but_o i_o proceed_v three_o as_o this_o notion_n of_o christian_a liberty_n be_v a_o infringement_n of_o the_o liberty_n which_o be_v leave_v to_o governor_n so_o be_v it_o also_o great_o injurious_a to_o the_o people_n liberty_n for_o it_o be_v a_o very_o high_o to_o be_v prize_v instance_n of_o the_o people_n liberty_n that_o they_o may_v without_o give_v god_n a_o offence_n conform_v to_o such_o law_n as_o oblige_v they_o only_o to_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o intolerable_a straighten_n and_o confine_v of_o our_o liberty_n it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a grievous_a bondage_n to_o we_o to_o be_v always_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o penalty_n which_o be_v the_o sanction_n of_o such_o law_n and_o to_o other_o manifold_a inconvenience_n that_o follow_v upon_o disobey_v they_o christian_n liberty_n according_a to_o this_o notion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v worthy_a of_o our_o saviour_n purchase_n that_o it_o be_v infinite_o more_o desirable_a to_o be_v without_o it_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o extreme_o mischievous_a consequence_n which_o follow_v upon_o quarrel_v with_o authority_n about_o harmless_a matter_n which_o have_v not_o the_o least_o ill_a influence_n upon_o our_o soul_n whereby_o not_o only_o those_o who_o refuse_v obedience_n be_v expose_v in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o family_n to_o great_a evil_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a but_o also_o the_o whole_a community_n the_o church_n and_o state_n too_o by_o their_o mean_n this_o we_o all_o know_v at_o this_o day_n by_o very_o sad_a experience_n this_o i_o say_v be_v such_o a_o liberty_n as_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o lamentable_a mischief_n both_o public_a and_o private_a but_o i_o be_o whole_o to_o seek_v what_o good_a can_v possible_o accrue_v thereby_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v safe_o warrant_v it_o to_o be_v no_o liberty_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n procurement_n but_o the_o contrary_n if_o we_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n we_o shall_v be_v very_o certain_a that_o whatsoever_o do_v no_o way_n tend_v to_o the_o deprave_v of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o bring_v we_o into_o bondage_n to_o sin_n which_o we_o have_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o only_a opposite_a to_o our_o grand_a christian_a liberty_n can_v be_v unlawful_a to_o we_o christian_n because_o not_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o ultimate_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o make_v we_o free_a from_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n to_o which_o design_n we_o have_v show_v all_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n and_o i_o may_v add_v doctrine_n too_o be_v subservient_fw-fr and_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o may_v be_v as_o sure_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v apt_a to_o hinder_v the_o promote_a of_o this_o design_n must_v needs_o be_v unlawful_a lawful_a under_o the_o gospel_n as_o all_o that_o be_v not_o blind_a or_o do_v not_o shut_v their_o eye_n may_v easy_o see_v this_o same_o pretend_a christian_a liberty_n most_o sad_o do_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o apparent_a than_o that_o obedience_n to_o authority_n in_o all_o thing_n not_o forbid_v by_o the_o divine_a law_n do_v mighty_o conduce_v to_o the_o promote_a of_o peace_n love_n humility_n self-denial_n and_o the_o like_a great_a christian_a virtue_n but_o disobedience_n in_o such_o matter_n do_v as_o much_o occasion_n the_o gratify_n of_o those_o devilish_a lust_n pride_n uncharitableness_n contention_n wrath_n sedition_n etc._n etc._n four_o those_o that_o pretend_v it_o to_o be_v such_o a_o violation_n of_o christian_a liberty_n to_o be_v oblige_v by_o man_n law_n to_o thing_n indifferent_a if_o they_o will_v be_v true_a to_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o principle_n must_v not_o only_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o the_o injunction_n of_o such_o thing_n but_o to_o the_o prohibition_n also_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o must_v not_o do_v such_o as_o be_v command_v to_o be_v do_v so_o they_o must_v do_v such_o as_o be_v command_v to_o be_v forbear_v for_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o infringement_n of_o our_o liberty_n to_o have_v indifferent_a thing_n forbid_v we_o as_o to_o have_v they_o impose_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v asleep_o no_o less_o entrenchment_n upon_o it_o to_o be_v tie_v up_o from_o what_o we_o may_v antecedent_o to_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n do_v as_o to_o be_v command_v what_o we_o may_v omit_v so_o that_o if_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o dissenter_n now_o refuse_v to_o do_v because_o command_v shall_v hereafter_o be_v forbid_v by_o authority_n they_o will_v be_v oblige_v in_o order_n to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n to_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o zealous_a for_o they_o as_o now_o they_o be_v against_o they_o nor_o be_v they_o so_o honest_a as_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v but_o false_a to_o this_o their_o principle_n and_o shameful_o betray_v their_o liberty_n in_o so_o patient_o submit_v when_o time_n be_v to_o the_o severe_a prohibition_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v by_o a_o usurp_v power_n too_o what_o a_o strange_a liberty_n be_v this_o which_o in_o its_o natural_a consequence_n tend_v to_o make_v people_n so_o humoursom_a cross-grained_a and_o opposite_a to_o government_n sure_o it_o can_v be_v christian_a but_o the_o most_o unchristian_a liberty_n if_o this_o free_a deal_v shall_v
offend_v any_o i_o shall_v be_v sorry_a for_o it_o but_o must_v withal_o take_v leave_n to_o tell_v the_o offend_v that_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o exceed_v great_a weakness_n not_o to_o say_v worse_o to_o be_v angry_a with_o those_o who_o endeavour_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o our_o dangerous_a mistake_v but_o such_o be_v the_o fate_n of_o conscientious_a oppose_a popular_a and_o prevail_a error_n that_o it_o seldom_o meet_v with_o better_a success_n than_o kindle_v the_o passion_n and_o sharpen_v the_o tongue_n and_o pen_n too_o of_o those_o who_o be_v most_o oblige_v to_o be_v thankful_a for_o it_o but_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n but_o however_o it_o be_v take_v it_o be_v never_o more_o seasonable_a nor_o ever_o scarce_o so_o necessary_a to_o do_v our_o utmost_a towards_o the_o rectify_v of_o people_n apprehension_n about_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n when_o our_o contention_n and_o animosity_n about_o little_a thing_n most_o thing_n very_o little_a in_o themselves_o and_o so_o great_a a_o defection_n from_o our_o church_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v no_o where_o condemn_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v oppose_v by_o any_o express_a or_o plain_a text_n but_o by_o exceed_o labour_v and_o far_o fetch_v consequence_n have_v give_v our_o adversary_n such_o advantage_n against_o we_o and_o do_v they_o far_o great_a service_n than_o all_o their_o open_a attempt_n or_o secret_a wicked_a plot_n and_o conspiracy_n through_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o have_v hitherto_o do_v god_n almighty_a grant_n that_o that_o say_n be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o we_o ere_o long_o which_o be_v use_v of_o our_o predecessor_n the_o britain_n when_o their_o intestine_a quarrel_n have_v occasion_v their_o be_v vanquish_v by_o the_o roman_n viz._n dum_fw-la singuli_fw-la pugnant_fw-la vniversi_fw-la vincuntur_fw-la while_o they_o several_o contend_v and_o quarrel_v with_o one_o another_o they_o be_v all_o overcome_v by_o a_o common_a enemy_n i_o must_v confess_v when_o i_o consider_v what_o excellent_a treatise_n have_v of_o late_o be_v publish_v fraught_v with_o unanswerable_a and_o the_o most_o convince_a and_o affect_v argument_n to_o persuade_v our_o brethren_n of_o the_o separation_n to_o ease_v we_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o our_o fear_n of_o popery_n or_o confusion_n by_o return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n wherein_o most_o of_o they_o be_v baptise_a and_o when_o withal_o i_o observe_v what_o little_a success_n those_o treatise_n have_v have_v i_o have_v as_o faint_a hope_n as_o can_v be_v that_o so_o small_a a_o endeavour_n as_o this_o shall_v do_v any_o service_n but_o however_o it_o be_v some_o satisfaction_n to_o my_o mind_n to_o express_v my_o good_a will._n but_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o some_o that_o we_o may_v thank_v the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o ever_o the_o pope_n be_v again_o our_o master_n and_o particular_o that_o principle_n of_o she_o we_o have_v be_v now_o defend_v viz._n that_o impose_v of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v no_o violation_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o that_o this_o principle_n will_v open_v a_o door_n to_o popish_a conformity_n if_o we_o shall_v be_v once_o more_o so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o be_v bring_v into_o subjection_n to_o the_o roman_a yoke_n to_o these_o i_o reply_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o it_o be_v unconceivable_a how_o any_o thing_n but_o malice_n or_o the_o thick_a ignorance_n can_v charge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o popish_a religion_n for_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o notorious_a than_o that_o almost_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o have_v either_o heretofore_o or_o of_o late_o be_v make_v against_o popery_n have_v be_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o other_o clergy_n of_o this_o church_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o what_o the_o separate_a party_n have_v do_v though_o not_o upon_o that_o design_n to_o promote_v popery_n which_o will_v be_v as_o large_a as_o unpleasant_a a_o theme_n to_o insist_v on_o what_o have_v they_o do_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n against_o popery_n have_v they_o all_o of_o they_o put_v together_o do_v the_o half_a quarter_n part_n of_o that_o service_n in_o this_o kind_n that_o one_o excellent_a dean_n of_o our_o church_n have_v do_v true_o i_o much_o doubt_v it_o and_o i_o think_v i_o may_v adventure_v to_o say_v that_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n together_o can_v hardly_o show_v of_o their_o own_o so_o many_o learned_a and_o judicious_a treatise_n against_o the_o body_n and_o the_o several_a part_n of_o popery_n as_o our_o single_a church_n can_v show_v of_o hers._fw-la again_o be_v any_o thing_n better_o know_v than_o that_o the_o priest_n and_o jesuit_n and_o popish_a faction_n do_v at_o this_o time_n spit_v all_o their_o venom_n and_o bend_v all_o their_o force_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o indeed_o always_o have_v do_v this_o show_v that_o they_o be_v well_o aware_a though_o so_o many_o among_o ourselves_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v it_o but_o will_v have_v the_o world_n think_v the_o direct_o contrary_a that_o our_o church_n be_v the_o most_o formidable_a of_o all_o their_o adversary_n in_o short_a who_o need_v argument_n to_o convince_v he_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v at_o present_a our_o only_a bulwark_n against_o popery_n as_o ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n she_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o our_o brethren_n beyond_o sea_n to_o be_v the_o strong_a and_o most_o impregnable_a upon_o several_a account_n but_o second_o as_o to_o this_o principle_n of_o our_o church_n that_o impose_v of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v no_o violation_n of_o christian_a liberty_n it_o be_v a_o most_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a furmise_n that_o it_o shall_v in_o the_o least_o befriend_v popery_n those_o little_a understand_v what_o popery_n mean_v that_o think_v thus_o for_o first_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_o demonstrable_a than_o that_o many_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v impose_v by_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v far_o from_o be_v indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o the_o gross_a corruption_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o which_o be_v far_o more_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n as_o be_v darkness_n to_o light_n i_o have_v give_v a_o catalogue_n in_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n of_o the_o chief_a of_o these_o 17._o with_o remark_n upon_o they_o and_o thither_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n that_o need_v satisfaction_n second_o other_o of_o her_o imposition_n which_o be_v indifferent_a in_o themselves_o be_v make_v to_o change_v their_o nature_n by_o the_o notion_n under_o which_o they_o be_v enjoin_v by_o she_o that_o church_n enjoin_v no_o indifferent_a thing_n as_o such_o as_o we_o do_v all_o she_o impose_v as_o appear_v by_o she_o 34_o the_o article_n but_o as_o make_v necessary_a by_o divine_a authority_n she_o pretend_v to_o the_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o all_o her_o decree_n and_o constitution_n and_o therefore_o expect_v your_o receive_v they_o as_o you_o do_v the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o a_o divine_a faith_n and_o the_o selfsame_a awful_a regard_n and_o reverence_n i_o may_v add_v too_o that_o several_a of_o her_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v impose_v under_o a_o most_o superstitious_a notion_n either_o as_o sacrament_n convey_v grace_n or_o as_o have_v some_o special_a virtue_n in_o they_o to_o atone_v the_o divine_a majesty_n or_o to_o scare_v away_o the_o devil_n etc._n etc._n three_o it_o be_v my_o opinion_n too_o that_o though_o their_o ceremony_n be_v never_o so_o innocent_a in_o themselves_o yet_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o do_v make_v they_o in_o the_o lump_n to_o cease_v to_o be_v indifferent_a my_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v unconceivable_a to_o i_o but_o that_o so_o great_a a_o number_n must_v needs_o so_o employ_v the_o mind_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v intent_n thereupon_o and_o consequent_o must_v frustrate_v at_o least_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o design_n of_o worship_n but_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o a_o papist_n who_o can_v be_v thorough_o so_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n of_o exercise_v the_o mind_n in_o divine_a worship_n for_o his_o holy_a mother_n have_v teach_v he_o this_o mad_a and_o impious_a doctrine_n that_o the_o sacrament_n confer_v grace_n ex_fw-la opere_fw-la operato_fw-la from_o the_o work_n do_v and_o so_o be_v difference_v from_o those_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o confer_v grace_n ex_fw-la opere_fw-la operantis_fw-la from_o the_o work_n of_o the_o doer_n as_o also_o that_o a_o mere_a general_a
attention_n in_o say_v their_o prayer_n and_o number_v they_o over_o be_v as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a and_o if_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o we_o need_v not_o mind_v our_o prayer_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o blame_v those_o of_o they_o who_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o understand_v they_o nor_o yet_o their_o church_n for_o enjoin_v the_o say_v they_o in_o a_o language_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o her_o child_n be_v ignorant_a of_o as_o if_o she_o design_v in_o so_o do_v to_o put_v a_o affront_n upon_o s._n paul_n who_o have_v teach_v we_o in_o the_o most_o express_a term_n the_o quite_o contrary_a doctrine_n in_o the_o 14_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n our_o notion_n of_o christian_a liberty_n be_v so_o very_o far_o from_o befriend_v popery_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a it_o shall_v have_v a_o great_a enemy_n in_o that_o it_o so_o high_o conduce_v to_o the_o advance_n of_o the_o true_a spirit_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o perfect_a rid_v our_o mind_n of_o those_o two_o as_o great_a friend_n to_o popery_n as_o pest_n to_o religion_n and_o even_o humane_a society_n viz._n superstition_n and_o fanaticism_n i_o mean_v by_o these_o two_o a_o base_a unworthy_a apprehension_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o a_o blind_a irrational_a heady_a zeal_n if_o it_o be_v say_v after_o all_o that_o suppose_v the_o two_o notion_n of_o christian_a liberty_n which_o we_o have_v now_o declare_v our_o sense_n 〈◊〉_d be_v never_o so_o false_a yet_o we_o be_v notwithstanding_o too_o confine_v in_o our_o notion_n in_o ●hat_n christian_n liberty_n do_v not_o only_o consi_v in_o freedom_n from_o the_o dominion_n of_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o other_o sad_a consequent_n of_o it_o ●ut_v also_o in_o our_o freedom_n as_o to_o all_o thing_n afan_n indifferent_a nature_n to_o or_o from_o which_o ●e_n be_v not_o determine_v as_o by_o any_o divine_a 〈◊〉_d neither_o by_o any_o humane_a law_n if_o this_o ●say_n be_v object_v our_o answer_n in_o one_o ●ord_n be_v this_o this_o be_v not_o christian_n but_o ●his_fw-la be_v natural_a liberty_n that_o of_o s._n paul●ving_v ●ving_z be_v in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o reference_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n as_o great_a a_o truth_n as_o it_o have_v be_v since_o our_o saviour_n ●ime_n and_o in_o reference_n to_o christian_n viz._n where_o no_o law_n be_v there_o be_v no_o transgression_n chap._n fourteen_o a_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n whether_o the_o prescribe_v of_o form_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o encroachment_n upon_o christian_a liberty_n wherein_o it_o be_v show_v that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o stifle_a of_o the_o spirit_n or_o restrain_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o what_o in_o prayer_n be_v not_o as_o also_o what_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o be_v occasion_v a_o answer_n to_o another_o question_n viz._n whether_o a_o ability_n for_o preach_v be_v proper_o a_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n what_o have_v be_v last_o discourse_v give_v i_o occasion_n to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o impose_v of_o a_o liturgy_n or_o form_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o encroachment_n upon_o christian_a liberty_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v if_o that_o principle_n take_v up_o by_o very_a many_o among_o we_o be_v a_o true_a one_o viz._n that_o this_o be_v a_o stifle_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o a_o restrain_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o one_o of_o his_o gift_n if_o this_o be_v so_o i_o say_v it_o can_v be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o very_a great_a invasion_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o a_o far_o great_a than_o the_o mere_a oblige_a man_n to_o thing_n indifferent_a for_o as_o s._n paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 7._o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o therefore_o for_o christian_n to_o be_v limit_v in_o do_v good_a by_o a_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o rob_v they_o of_o that_o liberty_n which_o christ_n in_o send_v he_o design_v to_o give_v they_o by_o the_o way_n it_o shall_v be_v no_o part_n of_o my_o reply_n to_o say_v that_o only_o the_o minister_n be_v here_o concern_v not_o at_o all_o the_o people_n for_o although_o a_o conceive_a prayer_n of_o the_o minister_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o prescribe_a form_n to_o those_o that_o join_v with_o he_o as_o to_o the_o confine_v their_o spirit_n yet_o the_o people_n must_v needs_o be_v sufferer_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o minister_n be_v stint_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n since_o it_o be_v design_v for_o their_o profit_n and_o therefore_o upon_o this_o account_n and_o moreover_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o countenance_n they_o will_v thereby_o give_v to_o authority_n in_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o sacrilegious_a usurpation_n of_o power_n over_o minister_n it_o can_v be_v justifiable_a in_o they_o to_o attend_v willing_o upon_o such_o form_n but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o undeceive_n of_o those_o who_o be_v so_o tenacious_a of_o this_o conceit_n that_o a_o prescribe_a liturgy_n be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o a_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o must_v free_o profess_v that_o i_o know_v of_o no_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o we_o have_v warrant_n from_o scripture_n to_o believe_v be_v continue_v to_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n beside_o those_o which_o s._n paul_n call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5._o 22._o where_o he_o say_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v love_n joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n temperance_n these_o and_o the_o like_a christian_a grace_n be_v gift_n which_o the_o spirit_n still_o bestow_v and_o therefore_o call_v grace_n they_o be_v supernatural_a gift_n as_o no_o man_n by_o his_o mere_a natural_a power_n can_v obtain_v they_o but_o only_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v bless_v of_o our_o endeavour_n and_o to_o the_o sincere_a use_n of_o the_o gospel-mean_n the_o spirit_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v his_o blessing_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n these_o bless_a gift_n be_v bestow_v upon_o no_o more_o professor_n of_o christianity_n than_o they_o be_v be_v because_o the_o generality_n of_o such_o be_v miserable_o want_v to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o refuse_v to_o do_v their_o part_n and_o to_o cooperate_v with_o he_o because_o they_o will_v not_o attend_v to_o the_o evidence_n the_o spirit_n have_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o have_v too_o weak_a and_o ineffectual_a a_o belief_n thereof_o because_o they_o will_v not_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o will_v not_o weigh_v well_o and_o lay_v to_o heart_n its_o precept_n with_o the_o infinite_o powerful_a motive_n wherewith_o they_o be_v enforce_v because_o they_o will_v not_o listen_v to_o the_o spirit_n good_a motion_n and_o suggestion_n whereby_o he_o work_v in_o man_n to_o will_n and_o beget_v in_o they_o good_a resolution_n but_o do_v true_o ●●ench_v the_o spirit_n though_o that_o phrase_n be_v use_v in_o reference_n to_o his_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o because_o they_o will_v not_o make_v a_o believe_a application_n to_o he_o for_o his_o powerful_a assistance_n i_o say_v it_o be_v upon_o these_o and_o such_o like_a account_n that_o the_o foremention_v gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v so_o rare_a and_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o be_v honour_v with_o the_o title_n of_o christian_n be_v so_o destitute_a of_o they_o as_o we_o see_v they_o be_v nay_o multitude_n be_v so_o befool_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o their_o soul_n as_o to_o expect_v that_o the_o spirit_n shall_v do_v all_o in_o they_o without_o their_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o shall_v make_v they_o temperate_a righteous_a charitable_a meek_n humble_a and_o submissive_a to_o god_n will_n heavenly-minded_n and_o the_o like_a without_o their_o due_a attendance_n upon_o those_o ordinance_n of_o the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n and_o serious_a consideration_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o themselves_o wherein_o alone_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o expect_v the_o powerful_a work_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n in_o our_o soul_n but_o i_o say_v though_o these_o gift_n be_v observable_a in_o so_o very_a few_o comparative_o the_o account_n whereof_o i_o have_v brief_o touch_v upon_o and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v man_n own_a fault_n that_o they_o be_v not_o very_o common_a yet_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n that_o i_o know_v of_o to_o call_v those_o which_o be_v much_o more_o common_a though_o they_o be_v by_o many_o so_o repute_v gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n notwithstanding_o the_o prophecy_n and_o promise_n of_o so_o