the_o best_a and_o most_o warrantable_a notion_n we_o can_v have_v of_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o be_v a_o form_n of_o government_n which_o christ_n have_v leave_v to_o the_o world_n for_o those_o that_o will_v be_v of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n that_o by_o agreement_n of_o submission_n to_o those_o rule_n prescribe_v a_o company_n of_o faithful_a professor_n may_v perfect_o join_v themselves_o together_o into_o a_o comfortable_a society_n and_o communion_n for_o man_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o creature_n give_v to_o society_n fit_v by_o nature_n and_o by_o his_o ingenious_a disposition_n be_v incline_v to_o it_o now_o every_o company_n or_o society_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o well-being_n of_o man_n must_v for_o that_o end_n have_v a_o frame_n of_o polity_n a_o model_n of_o government_n from_o just_a law_n deliberate_o agree_v upon_o and_o wise_o constitute_v and_o set_v over_o it_o and_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o every_o wise_a government_n be_v 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what_o he_o see_v be_v necessary_a for_o our_o salvation_n and_o we_o be_v to_o apply_v ourselves_o in_o reason_n to_o they_o according_o but_o some_o thing_n be_v natural_a such_o as_o by_o disquisition_n of_o reason_n may_v be_v discern_v and_o conclude_v as_o that_o god_n the_o first_o infinite_a be_v be_v a_o spirit_n that_o he_o be_v but_o one_o and_o to_o be_v worship_v etc._n etc._n that_o our_o neighbour_n be_v to_o be_v love_v edify_v comfort_v and_o what_o we_o will_v that_o other_o etc._n etc._n and_o christ_n come_v not_o to_o destroy_v this_o law_n but_o to_o fulfil_v it_o these_o rule_n natural_a and_o rational_a be_v afresh_o establish_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o last_o dispensation_n and_o by_o a_o new_a publication_n revive_v for_o morality_n and_o man_n comfortable_a conversation_n these_o be_v reasonable_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o our_o treatise_n respect_v not_o only_o single_a person_n but_o society_n and_o several_a direction_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o order_v man_n conversation_n in_o society_n for_o public_a good_a to_o show_v that_o governor_n by_o these_o rule_n must_v be_v appoint_v over_o society_n be_v the_o next_o considerable_a sect_n iii_o 3._o no_o soon_o can_v mankind_n multiply_v unto_o that_o number_n that_o may_v admit_v of_o society_n or_o communion_n but_o have_v they_o continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o innocence_n superiority_n and_o inferiority_n dominion_n and_o subjection_n will_v have_v be_v find_v among_o they_o adam_n the_o first_o father_n of_o all_o mankind_n from_o priority_n of_o nature_n and_o existence_n from_o power_n wisdom_n and_o experience_n that_o be_v eminent_o in_o he_o from_o the_o protection_n his_o posterity_n have_v from_o he_o and_o their_o dependence_n upon_o he_o have_v be_v absolute_a monarch_n ruler_n and_o judge_n over_o all_o that_o descend_v from_o he_o and_o with_o this_o authority_n of_o rule_n cain_n be_v invest_v when_o abel_n desire_n be_v to_o be_v towards_o he_o and_o cain_n be_v to_o rule_v over_o he_o and_o when_o in_o every_o family_n there_o be_v a_o guide_n one_o father_n one_o master_n to_o be_v honour_v and_o obey_v that_o in_o many_o family_n unite_v in_o society_n there_o shall_v be_v one_o supreme_a moderator_n to_o rule_n be_v natural_a and_o necessary_a and_o that_o can_v be_v unlawful_a among_o man_n on_o earth_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o be_v among_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n where_o there_o be_v throne_n principality_n power_n and_o dominion_n the_o high_a in_o the_o order_n rule_v subordinate_o under_o god_n without_o tyrannical_a insult_a and_o the_o low_a subject_n without_o murmur_v or_o oppose_v regere_fw-la &_o regi_fw-la necessarium_fw-la est_fw-la to_o govern_v and_o be_v govern_v be_v necessary_a and_o natural_a neither_o beauty_n nor_o be_v of_o this_o glorious_a universe_n can_v subsist_v or_o continue_v without_o order_n unless_o some_o part_n do_v rule_n and_o some_o obey_v unless_o one_o be_v chief_a to_o command_v other_o that_o belong_v to_o it_o consider_v that_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n have_v thus_o order_v every_o thing_n in_o our_o body_n one_o head_n over_o the_o member_n in_o our_o soul_n one_o understanding_n over_o the_o other_o faculty_n in_o the_o visible_a heaven_n one_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n over_o all_o the_o star_n over_o the_o whole_a system_a of_o creature_n heaven_n and_o earth_n visible_a and_o invisible_a one_o god_n rule_v over_o all_o and_o if_o no_o superiority_n be_v settle_v over_o a_o company_n associate_v by_o heirship_n or_o descent_n of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v ruler_n elect_v and_o judge_n appoint_v to_o determine_v controversy_n and_o preserve_v peace_n without_o which_o the_o happiness_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o society_n can_v never_o be_v promote_v for_o if_o every_o man_n opinion_n or_o will_n be_v suffer_v arbitrary_o
but_o with_o all_o thy_o strength_n this_o must_v relate_v to_o man._n for_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o visible_a christian_a be_v demonstrable_a to_o man_n by_o outward_a action_n when_o strength_n exert_v itself_o by_o do_v what_o be_v command_v omission_n therefore_o of_o a_o visible_a exercise_n of_o piety_n must_v be_v conclude_v in_o reason_n a_o sin_n of_o the_o great_a size_n since_o it_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o great_a commandment_n again_o transgression_n of_o a_o general_a comprehensive_a law_n of_o piety_n be_v great_a than_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o single_a particular_a law_n that_o command_v a_o single_a duty_n but_o omission_n of_o uniformity_n prescribe_v be_v a_o transgression_n of_o a_o general_a comprehensive_a law_n of_o piety_n faith_n comprehend_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a obedience_n and_o what_o do_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n in_o a_o visible_a church_n to_o say_v he_o have_v faith_n if_o he_o have_v no_o work_n and_o do_v not_o make_v his_o faith_n appear_v by_o confession_n if_o we_o know_v we_o must_v acknowledge_v if_o we_o believe_v we_o must_v speak_v he_o that_o offend_v in_o this_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o jam._n 2.14_o and_o if_o offend_v against_o a_o particular_a prohibitive_a law_n of_o charity_n render_v a_o man_n guilty_a of_o transgress_v every_o part_n of_o that_o law_n how_o much_o more_o if_o a_o man_n offend_v a_o comprehensive_a law_n of_o piety_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n such_o a_o person_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o to_o have_v deny_v the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n so_o if_o any_o man_n will_v ask_v what_o be_v the_o name_n of_o this_o sin_n it_o must_v be_v answer_v legion_n for_o they_o be_v many_o when_o most_o of_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o first_o table_n be_v open_o transgress_v by_o this_o wilful_a omission_n and_o if_o deliberate_o consider_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o these_o sin_n of_o wilful_a omission_n or_o recusancy_n of_o obedience_n to_o 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because_o such_o sin_n be_v indiscernible_a to_o man_n but_o when_o profaneness_n and_o impiety_n be_v manifest_a by_o a_o wilful_a recusancy_n such_o sin_n go_v before_o man_n to_o judgement_n and_o officer_n may_v accuse_v and_o condemn_v such_o notorious_a crime_n just_o and_o warrantable_o and_o sin_n that_o be_v do_v impudent_o and_o shameless_o be_v worse_a sin_n than_o those_o that_o be_v do_v modest_o and_o close_o now_o beastly_a sin_n of_o commission_n be_v commit_v secret_o 1_o thess_n 5.7_o they_o seek_v the_o night_n to_o conceal_v they_o and_o darkness_n to_o cover_v they_o but_o if_o man_n will_v be_v open_o guilty_a of_o their_o abomination_n and_o not_o be_v at_o all_o ashamed_a if_o they_o will_v declare_v and_o publish_v their_o sin_n like_o sodom_n and_o make_v their_o face_n hard_a than_o a_o rock_n and_o refuse_v to_o return_v a_o visitation_n be_v lawful_a and_o justifiable_a upon_o such_o open_a sin_n and_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o just_a that_o will_v not_o take_v vengeance_n upon_o such_o wilful_a transgressor_n a_o second_o aggravation_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v when_o a_o sin_n be_v elective_o and_o voluntary_o commit_v for_o this_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o virtue_n or_o vice_n be_v more_o or_o less_o meritorious_a as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o voluntary_a a_o sin_n must_v be_v great_a that_o be_v upon_o deliberate_a choice_n commit_v than_o that_o which_o be_v do_v upon_o surprisal_n through_o the_o prevalence_n of_o a_o temptation_n sudden_o and_o inconsiderate_o now_o sin_n of_o commission_n have_v many_o of_o these_o excuse_n either_o man_n be_v base_o or_o degenerous_o indulge_v the_o bestial_a part_n and_o so_o be_v transport_v with_o the_o present_a impression_n of_o some_o sweet_a delight_n that_o please_v the_o sense_n which_o admit_v of_o no_o deliberation_n or_o else_o through_o pride_n envy_n malice_n or_o revenge_n which_o will_v be_v satisfy_v man_n have_v hurry_v headlong_o into_o irregular_a attempt_n or_o else_o through_o a_o fawn_a flatter_a compliance_n with_o the_o prevalent_a humour_n of_o the_o time_n man_n have_v be_v mislead_v with_o the_o customary_a practice_n of_o a_o multitude_n and_o have_v press_v like_o beast_n non_fw-la quo_fw-la eundum_fw-la sed_fw-la quaitur_fw-la follow_v bad_a example_n to_o do_v evil_a and_o without_o natural_a affection_n not_o guide_v by_o reason_n have_v fall_v into_o the_o worst_a of_o sin_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n but_o now_o what_o temptation_n or_o excuse_n can_v any_o man_n allege_v or_o pretend_v for_o wilful_a omission_n or_o recusancy_n other_o sinner_n have_v have_v either_o pleasure_n or_o profit_n to_o quicken_v the_o temptation_n and_o make_v it_o more_o active_a and_o more_o prevalent_a but_o what_o fruit_n what_o benefit_n can_v the_o recusant_n allege_v for_o not_o do_v what_o be_v enjoin_v he_o absolute_o choose_v the_o evil_a and_o refuse_v the_o good_a voluntary_o without_o temptation_n sure_o this_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v account_v without_o excuse_n another_o aggravation_n of_o a_o sin_n be_v when_o it_o be_v do_v resolute_o and_o obstinate_o now_o what_o be_v do_v resolute_o and_o constant_o if_o bad_a be_v worse_a than_o what_o be_v do_v uncertain_o and_o contingent_o now_o sin_n of_o commission_n many_o of_o they_o have_v their_o abatement_n and_o weaken_n by_o age_n and_o time_n but_o sin_n of_o omission_n gather_v strength_n by_o continuance_n and_o make_v man_n more_o indispose_v to_o forsake_v they_o for_o sin_n of_o commission_n man_n be_v ashamed_a weary_a of_o they_o and_o forsake_v they_o in_o time_n but_o for_o sin_n of_o omission_n we_o rest_v secure_o and_o delight_n in_o they_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v no_o probability_n man_n shall_v take_v care_n to_o be_v well_o who_o never_o be_v sensible_a they_o be_v sick_a they_o make_v choice_n of_o their_o delusion_n and_o willing_o will_v be_v give_v up_o to_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o abomination_n we_o see_v their_o obstinacy_n and_o resolve_v impenitency_n and_o this_o must_v be_v account_v another_o aggravation_n another_o aggravation_n of_o a_o sin_n may_v be_v if_o it_o be_v against_o a_o promise_n and_o covenant_n solemn_o make_v to_o the_o contrary_n every_o man_n be_v bind_v stare_v pactis_fw-la &_o promissis_fw-la so_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v deny_v but_o a_o wilful_a omission_n of_o duty_n of_o piety_n in_o a_o baptise_a subject_n who_o have_v declare_v and_o signify_v firm_o his_o profession_n of_o holy_a obedience_n to_o the_o faith_n be_v far_o worse_a than_o a_o wilful_a omission_n of_o a_o jew_n or_o infidel_n that_o never_o promise_v observance_n to_o gospel_n rule_n and_o never_o make_v profession_n heb._n 10._o the_o wilful_a sin_n be_v not_o a_o invisible_a but_o a_o visible_a recidivation_n for_o this_o must_v in_o reason_n be_v account_v a_o visible_a and_o interpretative_a apostasy_n draw_v back_o and_o fall_v off_o from_o his_o profession_n declare_v by_o his_o wilful_a omission_n which_o by_o promise_n and_o vow_v he_o have_v engage_v himself_o to_o perform_v and_o what_o sense_n the_o divine_a author_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n have_v of_o this_o sin_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v gather_v from_o this_o ten_o chapter_n the_o holy_a author_n direct_v his_o epistle_n to_o a_o society_n of_o believer_n by_o baptism_n external_o unite_v and_o sanctify_v to_o be_v visible_a member_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n that_o have_v not_o power_n to_o discern_v spirit_n or_o intention_n but_o judge_v they_o may_v of_o external_o word_n or_o action_n he_o write_v therefore_o to_o they_o v._o 23_o 24_o 25._o to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o carriage_n and_o conversation_n that_o be_v sensible_o to_o be_v discern_v in_o their_o religious_a assembly_n that_o they_o do_v not_o decline_v or_o forsake_v assemble_v nor_o in_o those_o assembly_n profession_n of_o faith_n nor_o mutual_a exhortation_n nor_o provocation_n to_o good_a work_n for_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o
be_v public_a so_o must_v it_o be_v 2._o universal_a the_o father_n natural_o care_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o every_o child_n god_n providence_n be_v over_o all_o his_o creature_n for_o their_o good_a and_o it_o be_v the_o care_n of_o his_o deputy_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o all_o their_o subject_n now_o if_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v make_v man_n happy_a as_o it_o be_v prove_v the_o governor_n can_v compass_v his_o end_n which_o be_v to_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o his_o subject_n but_o by_o enjoin_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v universal_a chap._n iu._n our_o governor_n of_o our_o church_n of_o england_n have_v do_v well_o to_o enjoin_v every_o believe_a subject_n a_o open_a profession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o his_o respective_a congregation_n the_o particular_n incident_a to_o this_o head_n be_v four_n i._o we_o be_v to_o consider_v and_o agree_v what_o faith_n be_v ii_o that_o of_o that_o faith_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v profession_n iii_o that_o profession_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v by_o every_o believer_n iv_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o respective_a congregation_n sect_n i._o 1._o our_o governor_n be_v not_o only_o as_o god_n deputy_n under_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o enjoin_v their_o subject_n the_o care_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o deputy_n of_o christ_n under_o a_o more_o perfect_a law_n reveal_v by_o he_o in_o this_o last_o dispensation_n to_o enjoin_v their_o subject_n the_o right_a exercise_n of_o true_a religion_n prescribe_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o publish_v to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o man_n may_v come_v to_o that_o happiness_n for_o which_o he_o be_v create_v and_o design_v and_o this_o i_o understand_v to_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a notion_n of_o faith_n viz._n the_o true_a religion_n well_o order_v and_o right_o modify_v by_o gospel_n rule_n by_o the_o right_a exercise_n whereof_o we_o worship_v and_o serve_v god_n acceptable_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n for_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o which_o obedience_n baptism_n represent_v our_o profession_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o reasonableness_n not_o only_o of_o the_o duty_n in_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v but_o of_o our_o conformity_n to_o those_o prescription_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o that_o true_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n wherewith_o god_n be_v well_o please_v so_o that_o faith_n be_v the_o gospel_n grace_n that_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v holy_o righteous_o and_o sober_o in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o believe_v be_v a_o comprehensive_a duty_n and_o signify_v not_o only_o a_o tacit_n assent_v to_o evangelical_n rule_n as_o true_a and_o warrantable_a as_o a_o barren_a act_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o a_o firm_a election_n and_o persuasion_n of_o these_o rule_n as_o good_a and_o comfortable_a and_o imply_v a_o firm_a purpose_v and_o resolve_v of_o a_o total_a gospel_n obedience_n i_o hearty_o pity_v and_o bewail_v the_o difference_n and_o distance_n that_o be_v to_o be_v see_v among_o profess_a believer_n in_o this_o nation_n and_o upon_o serious_a consideration_n i_o full_o persuade_v myself_o there_o be_v nothing_o contribute_v more_o to_o the_o be_v and_o continuance_n of_o our_o division_n than_o a_o general_a rashness_n and_o injudiciousness_n when_o man_n run_v away_o with_o some_o sudden_a partial_a notion_n and_o slight_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n of_o great_a necessity_n and_o deserve_a esteem_n in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v not_o serious_o and_o discursive_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n and_o agree_v of_o the_o full_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o as_o they_o import_v to_o instance_n in_o some_o few_o particular_n which_o be_v easy_a for_o any_o to_o observe_v the_o gospel_n most_o say_v they_o high_o esteem_v and_o yet_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o most_o snatch_n and_o run_v away_o with_o it_o as_o a_o promise_n of_o mercy_n but_o never_o regard_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o duty_n and_o direction_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o two_o sacrament_n be_v seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n betwixt_o god_n and_o we_o and_o most_o man_n be_v very_o heedful_a at_o receive_v they_o that_o god_n may_v seal_v to_o they_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o never_o regard_n that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o covenant_n under_o seal_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o god_n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v precious_a and_o its_o shed_v to_o be_v have_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n but_o when_o most_o man_n most_o solemn_o remember_v it_o this_o consideration_n content_v they_o that_o christ_n blood_n be_v shed_v for_o our_o redemption_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o reconcile_v god_n to_o man_n etc._n etc._n when_o we_o shall_v think_v how_o this_o bloodshedding_a be_v that_o man_n may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o be_v redeem_v from_o a_o unclean_a conversation_n and_o by_o this_o sprinkle_n be_v sanctify_v and_o purge_v from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n heb._n 9.13_o 14._o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o just_o value_v and_o admire_v but_o be_v it_o not_o too_o apparent_a man_n be_v take_v up_o with_o gift_n of_o edification_n and_o pass_v by_o gift_n and_o true_a grace_n of_o sanctification_n so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n be_v but_o ready_a in_o a_o scripture_n phrase_n have_v get_v a_o voluble_a tongue_n a_o round_a expression_n etc._n etc._n he_o get_v the_o name_n and_o repute_v of_o a_o saint_n immediate_o but_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o certain_a evidence_n of_o true_a sanctity_n these_o thing_n stand_v by_o neglect_a and_o despise_v i_o may_v instance_n in_o several_a thing_n that_o we_o frame_v the_o same_o consideration_n of_o if_o we_o give_v god_n but_o a_o piece_n of_o a_o duty_n we_o think_v a_o maim_a and_o imperfect_a sacrifice_n will_v content_v he_o and_o expiate_v and_o satisfy_v he_o and_o excuse_v all_o our_o defect_n and_o enormity_n and_o with_o gross_a mistake_n we_o see_v evident_o man_n delude_v and_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o this_o untoward_a generation_n and_o although_o in_o many_o thing_n our_o mistake_n of_o these_o sort_n hasten_v our_o irreligious_a miscarriage_n yet_o in_o nothing_o be_v they_o more_o manifest_a than_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n from_o all_o christian_n that_o make_v any_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n we_o shall_v hear_v these_o pretence_n that_o they_o live_v by_o faith_n walk_v by_o faith_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n be_v save_v by_o faith_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o noise_n we_o hear_v of_o these_o thing_n we_o can_v see_v but_o few_o that_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n or_o have_v a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o full_a meaning_n of_o the_o real_a faith_n in_o christ_n or_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v undeniable_o true_a that_o without_o believe_v that_o supernatural_a truth_n of_o christ_n merit_n for_o our_o pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n there_o can_v be_v no_o peace_n for_o man_n but_o they_o must_v die_v and_o consume_v in_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o transgression_n it_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o christ_n our_o high_a priest_n put_v away_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o but_o when_o christ_n our_o design_a mediator_n be_v king_n and_o prophet_n as_o well_o as_o priest_n it_o be_v not_o bare_o a_o fruitless_a rely_v or_o a_o lazy_a recumbency_n on_o christ_n merit_n as_o our_o priest_n only_o but_o our_o believe_v his_o law_n and_o direction_n he_o leave_v his_o church_n as_o a_o king_n the_o observe_v his_o counsel_n and_o injunction_n he_o give_v as_o a_o prophet_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v up_o that_o faith_n which_o will_v bring_v we_o to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o hope_n which_o be_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v undeniable_o true_a that_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v give_v exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o mercy_n and_o salvation_n upon_o which_o god_n have_v cause_v â—he_n to_o hope_v yet_o when_o these_o promise_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o conditional_a upon_o our_o conformity_n to_o those_o rule_n of_o duty_n that_o be_v prescribe_v unless_o we_o be_v carry_v on_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n require_v that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n we_o can_v be_v rational_o conclude_v to_o have_v that_o faith_n in_o the_o gospel_n in_o we_o which_o will_v certain_o bring_v we_o to_o that_o happiness_n which_o we_o open_o design_n and_o expect_v and_o upon_o a_o serious_a inquiry_n we_o can_v conclude_v any_o of_o the_o theological_a grace_n to_o be_v true_o infuse_v into_o any_o man_n unless_o they_o discover_v
themselves_o by_o their_o operation_n love_n be_v practical_a and_o work_n where_o seat_v a_o care_n of_o keep_v commandment_n hope_n be_v purify_n he_o that_o have_v hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v heavenly_a and_o purify_v himself_o as_o god_n be_v pure_a and_o faith_n itself_o work_v by_o love_n and_o love_n by_o obedience_n this_o then_o be_v that_o precious_a faith_n we_o shall_v contend_v for_o as_o become_v saint_n in_o this_o we_o shall_v strive_v to_o continue_v in_o ground_a and_o settle_v and_o not_o be_v move_v away_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v that_o the_o reader_n may_v easy_o conclude_v what_o we_o plain_o understand_v by_o that_o faith_n which_o the_o ruler_n have_v religious_o enjoin_v and_o the_o subject_n be_v bind_v willing_o to_o maintain_v namely_o a_o sincere_a and_o a_o firm_a purpose_n of_o mind_n of_o adhere_v and_o conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o a_o total_a obedience_n he_o that_o believe_v thus_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a when_o faith_n make_v he_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o evangelical_n commandment_n sect_n ii_o of_o this_o faith_n there_o must_v be_v profession_n natural_o we_o be_v to_o look_v of_o ourselves_o as_o relate_v to_o society_n so_o that_o of_o our_o internal_a piety_n there_o must_v be_v a_o external_a signification_n intend_v not_o only_a god_n glory_n by_o settle_v our_o private_a peace_n but_o by_o promote_a our_o neighbour_n good_a and_o edification_n so_o that_o as_o care_n must_v be_v have_v by_o we_o of_o religion_n so_o of_o its_o exercise_n and_o as_o of_o faith_n so_o of_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v require_v by_o the_o gospel_n evident_o when_o it_o be_v enjoin_v that_o christ_n be_v confess_v before_o man_n that_o all_o that_o by_o baptism_n be_v consecrate_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o waver_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v sometime_o render_v confession_n sometime_o profession_n in_o that_o they_o agree_v either_o of_o they_o it_o be_v frank_o and_o open_o to_o declare_v what_o we_o hold_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o justify_v and_o bear_v witness_n to_o any_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v they_o either_o supernatural_a or_o natural_a privilege_n or_o mercy_n promise_v or_o service_n or_o duty_n enjoin_v yea_o the_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n to_o god_n continual_o that_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o lip_n be_v explain_v by_o a_o holy_a author_n to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d heb._n 13.15_o a_o give_a thanks_o or_o confess_v to_o his_o name_n profession_n of_o faith_n we_o understand_v to_o be_v a_o voluntary_a and_o open_o declare_v amid_o the_o society_n in_o which_o incorporate_v of_o our_o free_a and_o full_a consent_n in_o believe_v the_o gospel_n not_o only_o the_o mercy_n promise_v but_o duty_n enjoin_v and_o that_o we_o assent_n to_o they_o all_o not_o only_o as_o true_a and_o infallible_a but_o also_o as_o good_a and_o comfortable_a and_o a_o declare_v of_o our_o desire_n study_n and_o care_n to_o observe_v they_o according_o a_o express_a signify_v of_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o declare_v of_o our_o resolution_n of_o evangelical_n obedience_n our_o assent_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o true_a religion_n as_o prescribe_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o work_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o whole_o to_o be_v do_v within_o but_o many_o external_o be_v necessary_a and_o essential_a for_o constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n she_o be_v to_o be_v a_o light_n upon_o a_o hill_n every_o believer_n be_v to_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n and_o that_o can_v only_o discern_v external_o therefore_o the_o believer_n outward_a carriage_n and_o deportment_n and_o converse_n must_v be_v so_o order_v like_o light_n to_o the_o enlighten_v and_o warm_v the_o blind_a and_o benumb_a world_n outward_o we_o be_v to_o manage_v ourselves_o as_o we_o may_v direct_v strengthen_v and_o comfort_v our_o neighbour_n poverty_n of_o spirit_n hunger_a and_o thirst_v after_o righteousness_n purity_n of_o heart_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v duty_n of_o the_o first_o rank_n and_o primary_o to_o be_v take_v care_n of_o to_o present_v ourselves_o so_o as_o to_o be_v approve_v by_o our_o god_n these_o ought_v you_o to_o have_v do_v and_o not_o to_o have_v leave_v the_o other_o undo_v for_o there_o be_v many_o external_a duty_n necessary_a for_o communion_n amid_o the_o society_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o must_v not_o be_v omit_v and_o refuse_v as_o preach_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n administer_a and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n meeting_n and_o assemble_v together_o in_o those_o assembly_n mutual_a exhortation_n and_o provocation_n to_o good_a work_n confession_n of_o sin_n of_o thanks_o declare_v resolution_n as_o well_o as_o desire_n of_o holiness_n and_o other_o duty_n all_o comprehend_v in_o profession_n of_o faith_n these_o be_v all_o external_n yea_o be_v all_o gospel_n duty_n and_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n thus_o the_o church_n of_o god_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o meet_v at_o the_o ark_n and_o temple_n in_o jerusalem_n the_o tribe_n go_v up_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o israel_n to_o give_v thanks_o to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o these_o be_v external_n thus_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n unite_v under_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v their_o pray_v preach_v the_o new_a law_n sing_v of_o hymn_n while_o christ_n continue_v on_o earth_n among_o they_o and_o when_o go_v up_o to_o heaven_n they_o continue_v in_o assemble_v and_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n they_o have_v their_o liturgy_n and_o public_a administration_n not_o only_o in_o work_n of_o charity_n but_o work_n of_o piety_n they_o have_v their_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n the_o fruit_n of_o their_o lip_n and_o give_v thanks_o to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o have_v their_o prophesy_v at_o church_n at_o corinth_n and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n they_o have_v vision_n of_o the_o example_n to_o lead_v they_o from_o the_o angel_n both_o in_o earth_n and_o heaven_n neither_o can_v a_o visible_a church_n or_o society_n think_v to_o be_v continue_v without_o open_a profession_n and_o declaration_n and_o in_o the_o gospel_n they_o that_o worship_v god_n in_o their_o spirit_n be_v ready_a to_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o he_o they_o that_o know_v god_n make_v their_o acknowledgement_n they_o that_o believe_v in_o their_o heart_n for_o their_o righteousness_n make_v confession_n with_o their_o mouth_n to_o help_v on_o their_o own_o and_o other_o salvation_n thus_o by_o precedent_n of_o saint_n on_o earth_n and_o angel_n in_o heaven_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n do_v lead_v his_o church_n as_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n direct_v it_o not_o only_o to_o religion_n but_o its_o exercise_n nor_o the_o gospel_n only_o to_o faith_n but_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n that_o every_o member_n unite_v to_o that_o visible_a society_n of_o believer_n must_v hold_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o there_o be_v the_o next_o particular_a the_o injunction_n of_o what_o both_o nature_n and_o the_o gospel_n direct_v we_o unto_o be_v not_o unlawful_a but_o necessary_a and_o both_o require_v that_o of_o our_o faith_n we_o shall_v make_v profession_n and_o it_o be_v very_o good_a that_o ruler_n from_o their_o subject_n require_v the_o same_o sect_n iii_o every_o particular_a believe_a subject_a aught_o to_o be_v enjoin_v to_o this_o open_a profession_n of_o faith_n profession_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o essential_a of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o none_o can_v be_v conclude_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o do_v not_o make_v profession_n of_o faith_n the_o visible_a church_n be_v not_o a_o company_n but_o a_o society_n and_o what_o make_v the_o society_n a_o church_n be_v profession_n of_o faith_n every_o one_o be_v to_o evidence_n himself_o of_o this_o society_n if_o he_o will_v claim_v right_a to_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o society_n he_o must_v perform_v the_o office_n and_o duty_n and_o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o society_n a_o minister_n may_v gather_v a_o company_n but_o he_o can_v gather_v a_o church_n nor_o make_v they_o to_o be_v so_o by_o his_o own_o single_a confession_n every_o man_n that_o will_v approve_v himself_o of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o only_o give_v a_o tacit_n but_o a_o express_a consent_n by_o a_o open_a profession_n this_o be_v necessary_a for_o constitute_v every_o man_n in_o church-membership_a and_o this_o be_v rational_o require_v and_o enjoin_v of_o christian_a governor_n to_o their_o believe_a subject_n for_o
and_o inconvenient_a which_o will_v render_v their_o life_n wretched_a and_o miserable_a but_o also_o at_o the_o compass_n and_o enjoin_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o pleasant_a which_o make_v their_o life_n happy_a and_o comfortable_a for_o these_o two_o distinct_a end_n there_o must_v be_v two_o distinct_a sort_n of_o law_n some_o prohibitive_a forbid_v and_o restrain_v transgression_n which_o be_v the_o way_n to_o divert_v evil_n fear_v some_o preceptive_a by_o conform_v to_o which_o law_n the_o people_n may_v attain_v the_o good_a design_v and_o propound_v and_o because_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v bare_o with_o escape_n of_o evil_a and_o misery_n but_o with_o obtain_v a_o confluence_n of_o blessing_n which_o may_v minister_v some_o competency_n of_o content_a to_o he_o in_o this_o his_o present_a condition_n therefore_o he_o be_v to_o make_v it_o his_o business_n not_o only_o to_o respect_v the_o law_n prohibitive_a but_o those_o that_o be_v preceptive_a be_v to_o be_v regard_v especial_o and_o when_o we_o observe_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n do_v not_o only_o depend_v upon_o the_o love_n and_o comfort_n communicate_v from_o his_o neighbour_n but_o upon_o the_o favour_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n hence_o it_o must_v evident_o appear_v that_o as_o man_n in_o a_o society_n aught_o to_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o law_n of_o honesty_n that_o he_o live_v quiet_o and_o comfortable_o with_o his_o neighbour_n so_o be_v he_o to_o regard_v the_o rule_n that_o direct_v he_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a piety_n which_o will_v make_v he_o to_o walk_v acceptable_o before_o his_o god_n and_o the_o preceptive_a law_n that_o concern_v piety_n ought_v primary_o to_o be_v regard_v because_o the_o conform_v to_o they_o will_v bring_v upon_o he_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n now_o we_o be_v to_o agree_v to_o understand_v that_o our_o present_a discourse_n relate_v to_o law_n of_o this_o sort_n viz._n preceptive_a law_n of_o piety_n that_o be_v wise_o and_o pious_o order_v by_o our_o governor_n according_a to_o gospel_n rule_n that_o command_v the_o decent_a and_o reverend_a attendance_n and_o joint_a concurrence_n of_o every_o believe_a subject_n of_o england_n in_o the_o uniform_a exercise_n of_o religion_n as_o in_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n be_v order_v and_o prescribe_v these_o preceptive_a rule_n of_o uniform_a worship_n as_o in_o our_o liturgy_n the_o people_n be_v direct_v be_v the_o law_n by_o we_o intend_v and_o aught_o by_o believe_v subject_n of_o england_n principal_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o conformity_n to_o such_o law_n ought_v to_o be_v observe_v according_o for_o as_o a_o negative_a happiness_n will_v not_o content_v we_o no_o more_o ought_v a_o negative_a holiness_n so_o a_o believer_n care_n must_v be_v to_o be_v true_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a the_o holy_a soul_n that_o intend_v a_o thorough_a sanctification_n rest_v not_o satisfy_v that_o he_o be_v not_o vicious_a when_o he_o know_v his_o be_v virtuous_a and_o true_o religious_a be_v that_o which_o will_v please_v his_o god_n for_o to_o cease_v from_o evil_a of_o sin_n only_o will_v keep_v we_o from_o evil_a of_o punishment_n and_o judgement_n which_o be_v threaten_v but_o to_o do_v well_o be_v that_o which_o will_v bring_v we_o to_o good_a and_o to_o the_o mercy_n and_o blessing_n promise_v conformity_n then_o to_o preceptive_a rule_n of_o piety_n be_v necessary_a for_o our_o comfort_n and_o well-being_n and_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a duty_n of_o a_o english_a christian_n and_o the_o fashion_v and_o frame_v of_o his_o word_n and_o action_n according_a to_o the_o canon_n and_o line_n in_o our_o liturgy_n prescribe_v and_o direct_v be_v that_o conformity_n we_o now_o understand_v that_o our_o converse_v and_o demeanour_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v accommodate_o order_v and_o commensurate_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o liturgy_n that_o none_o of_o the_o line_n or_o lineament_n be_v careless_o pretermit_v that_o upon_o our_o private_a fancy_n no_o tumour_n or_o exuberancy_n be_v add_v superstitious_o that_o we_o admit_v of_o neither_o excess_n or_o defect_n that_o may_v spoil_v that_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n whereby_o we_o may_v represent_v a_o exact_a symmetry_n of_o part_n according_a to_o that_o exquisite_a original_a and_o copy_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o this_o i_o mean_v by_o that_o conformity_n we_o be_v to_o attend_v and_o heed_n happy_a shall_v we_o be_v if_o a_o people_n once_o in_o such_o a_o case_n yea_o bless_v shall_v we_o be_v if_o we_o can_v thus_o decent_o worship_n our_o god_n sect_n ii_o wilful_a omission_n or_o recusancy_n of_o this_o conformity_n be_v a_o sin_n or_o disobedience_n there_o be_v two_o great_a mistake_n that_o our_o pharisaical_a fiduciaries_n be_v eminent_o guilty_a of_o about_o omission_n one_o be_v that_o omission_n of_o carnal_a sin_n probibit_v present_v they_o saint_n and_o be_v all_o the_o virtue_n by_o they_o desire_v the_o other_o be_v that_o the_o omission_n of_o external_a duty_n of_o piety_n that_o be_v command_v be_v no_o sin_n and_o be_v not_o at_o all_o fear_v but_o as_o pure_a as_o this_o generation_n may_v seem_v in_o their_o own_o eye_n yet_o in_o neither_o case_n can_v they_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v cleanse_v from_o their_o wickedness_n when_o from_o the_o first_o mistake_n they_o swell_v with_o pride_n and_o from_o the_o second_o mistake_n they_o must_v disdain_v humility_n they_o say_v they_o be_v not_o open_a blasphemer_n nor_o riotous_a nor_o thief_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o murderer_n and_o we_o may_v believe_v they_o yet_o while_o this_o negative_a holiness_n content_v they_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o account_v themselves_o righteous_a and_o despise_v other_o thus_o they_o choose_v easy_a duty_n and_o neglect_v the_o great_a advance_v one_o to_o the_o suppress_n of_o another_o and_z without_o regret_n secure_o pass_v by_o obedience_n to_o preceptive_a rule_n and_o with_o a_o partial_a and_o piecemeal_n conformity_n they_o deceive_v themselves_o but_o we_o have_v otherwise_o learned_a the_o mind_n of_o christ_n for_o in_o reason_n when_o virtue_n lie_v in_o medio_fw-la and_o be_v only_o a_o straight_a line_n and_o tendency_n to_o happiness_n as_o morality_n teach_v we_o the_o defect_n as_o well_o as_o the_o excess_n will_v keep_v we_o from_o ever_o come_v at_o this_o end_n and_o when_o every_o believer_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n that_o expect_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o divinity_n teach_v we_o certain_o bare_a unholiness_n uncharitableness_n infidelity_n unpeacableness_n that_o be_v but_o cessation_n and_o suspension_n of_o those_o due_a act_n that_o be_v command_v and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v leave_v undo_v can_v content_v any_o true_a believer_n for_o no_o person_n be_v he_o either_o child_n servant_z or_o subject_a if_o he_o neglect_v to_o do_v what_o he_o be_v enjoin_v but_o be_v just_o look_v upon_o as_o disobedient_a to_o he_o that_o know_v to_o do_v good_a and_o do_v it_o not_o to_o he_o it_o be_v sin_n jam._n 4.17_o but_o when_o omission_n arrive_v at_o that_o height_n to_o be_v wilful_a it_o become_v that_o sin_n we_o will_v have_v notify_v and_o avoid_v when_o man_n declare_v their_o love_n and_o choice_n by_o a_o open_a and_o continue_a separation_n from_o holy_a exercise_n as_o command_v such_o wilful_a omission_n be_v right_o call_v recusancy_n be_v a_o open_a and_o declare_v refusal_n of_o do_v that_o service_n and_o holy_a duty_n they_o be_v command_v and_o if_o serious_o consider_v i_o know_v not_o how_o our_o officer_n in_o our_o several_a parish_n can_v be_v excuse_v or_o acquit_v of_o the_o guilt_n of_o perjury_n when_o of_o forty_o person_n that_o wilful_o omit_v and_o despise_v the_o divine_a service_n and_o sacrament_n they_o can_v in_o their_o return_v at_o assize_n or_o session_n find_v one_o open_a recusant_n when_o certain_o a_o wilful_a omission_n or_o recusancy_n of_o due_a obedience_n deserve_v both_o sentence_n and_o punishment_n when_o it_o be_v a_o heinous_a sin_n and_o disobedience_n sect_n iii_o wilful_a omission_n or_o recusancy_n of_o conformity_n to_o these_o law_n be_v a_o heinous_a sin_n and_o disobedience_n so_o much_o the_o noble_a the_o law_n fix_v and_o establish_v be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a the_o sin_n and_o the_o more_o grievous_a the_o transgression_n of_o that_o law_n now_o conformity_n to_o the_o first_o and_o great_a law_n of_o piety_n be_v a_o noble_a virtue_n than_o conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n and_o aversion_n from_o that_o conformity_n must_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n because_o than_o we_o turn_v away_o from_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_o better_a than_o man_n or_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n be_v to_o love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n these_o must_v respect_v god_n indeed_o
of_o we_o wrath_n emulation_n bitterness_n clamour_n evil_o speak_v whisper_a backbiting_a and_o detraction_n lie_v and_o slander_v etc._n etc._n all_o these_o sin_n and_o miscarriage_n be_v but_o the_o numerous_a and_o unlucky_a offspring_n of_o recusancy_n and_o wilful_a separation_n that_o i_o can_v but_o in_o anguish_n of_o spirit_n cry_v out_o curse_v be_v the_o womb_n of_o schism_n that_o bear_v these_o thing_n and_o the_o pap_n that_o have_v give_v they_o suck_v for_o these_o thing_n sake_n if_o not_o repent_v of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n must_v hasten_v upon_o we_o as_o wilful_a child_n of_o disobedience_n neither_o have_v this_o detestable_a sin_n make_v we_o thus_o miserable_a among_o ourselves_o but_o have_v render_v we_o unhappy_a among_o other_o nation_n when_o it_o have_v bring_v a_o dis-repute_n of_o we_o and_o a_o disesteem_n of_o our_o religion_n almost_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n turk_n heathen_n pagan_n jew_n not_o only_o contemn_v but_o blaspheme_v our_o church_n and_o faith_n because_o of_o the_o division_n and_o dissension_n of_o our_o professor_n and_o when_o the_o concord_n of_o professor_n uniformity_n preserve_v the_o beauty_n and_o loveliness_n of_o a_o church_n which_o attract_v all_o man_n admiration_n and_o affection_n undoubted_o division_n and_o faction_n must_v bring_v that_o deformity_n upon_o any_o nation_n which_o must_v make_v it_o loathe_v and_o abhor_v and_o how_o can_v we_o in_o reason_n expect_v that_o other_o shall_v desire_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o we_o who_o be_v not_o unite_v among_o ourselves_o we_o can_v never_o hope_v but_o they_o that_o be_v without_o will_v shun_v we_o as_o infectious_a as_o long_o as_o this_o deadly_a disease_n cleave_v close_o unto_o we_o i_o hear_v the_o sad_a complaint_n of_o my_o countrymens_n fear_n that_o popery_n be_v like_a to_o be_v bring_v in_o among_o we_o and_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v my_o fear_n also_o for_o while_o we_o wilful_o maintain_v division_n and_o separation_n among_o we_o unquestionable_o we_o contribute_v to_o the_o utmost_a to_o that_o which_o we_o fear_v to_o fall_v upon_o we_o and_o the_o way_n have_v not_o be_v make_v more_o plain_a this_o hundred_o year_n for_o the_o return_n of_o popery_n than_o we_o have_v late_o make_v it_o by_o our_o division_n the_o papist_n and_o jesuit_n very_o well_o know_v they_o can_v never_o set_v up_o their_o own_o church_n till_o they_o have_v pull_v down_o we_o which_o alone_o stand_v in_o competition_n for_o precedence_n and_o outvie_v they_o and_o to_o destroy_v this_o our_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v the_o best_a order_v in_o the_o world_n by_o our_o schism_n and_o sect_n we_o lend_v our_o help_a hand_n most_o effectual_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o we_o be_v run_v into_o that_o bondage_n we_o pretend_v to_o abominate_a while_o we_o endeavour_v to_o destroy_v uniformity_n as_o it_o be_v prescribe_v for_o out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n there_o be_v no_o ordinary_a way_n of_o salvation_n and_o there_o be_v no_o keep_v up_o the_o face_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n without_o uniformity_n if_o therefore_o we_o wilful_o persist_v by_o our_o schism_n to_o destroy_v uniformity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n when_o there_o be_v none_o to_o be_v find_v in_o our_o separate_a congregation_n what_o remain_v but_o we_o must_v willing_o run_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v all_o these_o thing_n perpend_v it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o wilful_a recusancy_n of_o conformity_n or_o schism_n be_v not_o only_o a_o heinous_a but_o a_o hurtful_a sin_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o within_o we_o it_o render_v we_o disesteem_v and_o contemn_v by_o those_o without_o we_o it_o contribute_v to_o the_o introduction_n and_o prevalency_n of_o popery_n into_o the_o nation_n and_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a sin_n to_o man_n themselves_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o when_o it_o render_v they_o liable_a to_o the_o just_a condemnation_n both_o of_o man_n and_o god_n we_o be_v most_o affect_v with_o those_o evil_n that_o most_o near_o touch_v ourselves_o consider_v then_o thy_o own_o dangerous_a condition_n who_o ever_o thou_o be_v that_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o thou_o persiste_v in_o thy_o wilful_a disobedience_n and_o what_o must_v follow_v by_o the_o just_a judgement_n both_o of_o man_n and_o god_n thou_o be_v guilty_a at_o the_o fair_a of_o the_o dreadful_a sin_n of_o schism_n by_o thy_o voluntary_a departure_n and_o wilful_a separation_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o visible_a church_n whereof_o once_o a_o member_n a_o sin_n by_o st._n paul_n brand_v with_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o carnality_n 1_o cor._n 3.3_o be_v you_o not_o carnal_a walk_v you_o not_o as_o man_n and_o rom._n 16.17_o 18._o the_o same_o apostle_n direct_v the_o believe_a brethren_n to_o set_v this_o note_n and_o remark_n upon_o such_o as_o cause_v and_o maintain_v division_n they_o be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o serve_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v their_o fair_a speech_n and_o smooth_a action_n in_o this_o case_n can_v not_o acquit_v but_o condemn_v they_o whilst_o both_o of_o they_o be_v use_v with_o this_o end_n by_o they_o to_o deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a and_o pervert_v their_o practice_n from_o the_o uniform_a communion_n of_o a_o believe_a society_n it_o be_v sad_a but_o true_a that_o such_o from_o believer_n censure_v and_o judgement_n if_o they_o will_v be_v direct_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o persuade_v must_v lose_v the_o reputation_n of_o be_v christian_n and_o be_v mark_v and_o note_v for_o such_o as_o be_v not_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o further_o if_o it_o be_v question_v whether_o continue_v wilful_o in_o a_o manifest_a sin_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o not_o certain_o upon_o serious_a inquiry_n it_o must_v be_v determine_v affirmative_o and_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v upon_o the_o reason_n foremention_v that_o wilful_a omission_n of_o the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o piety_n be_v a_o open_a sin_n and_o such_o a_o sin_n as_o withdraw_v man_n from_o the_o kindly_a operation_n of_o grace_n and_o make_v god_n withhold_v and_o turn_v away_o his_o spirit_n from_o a_o people_n who_o wait_v to_o be_v gracious_a to_o his_o servant_n usual_o while_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o holiness_n this_o despise_n of_o holy_a duty_n put_v a_o contempt_n and_o offer_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o certain_o the_o consequence_n of_o that_o sin_n be_v sad_a enough_o that_o make_v god_n withhold_v his_o spirit_n from_o man_n such_o draw_v back_o to_o perdition_n by_o their_o visible_a recidivation_n the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o this_o sin_n in_o probability_n will_v be_v dreadful_a as_o you_o have_v hear_v among_o man_n and_o there_o will_v be_v a_o sad_a issue_n of_o this_o sin_n from_o the_o just_a god_n who_o not_o only_o will_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n but_o will_v manifest_v his_o displeasure_n by_o his_o wrath_n which_o will_v come_v upon_o the_o wilful_a child_n of_o disobedience_n and_o good_a it_o will_v be_v for_o this_o sinner_n in_o time_n to_o consider_v that_o although_o he_o may_v possible_o escape_v the_o condemn_a judgement_n of_o fallible_a man_n yet_o he_o can_v warrantable_o promise_v himself_o to_o escape_v in_o another_o day_n the_o condemnation_n of_o christ_n sin_n of_o omission_n that_o be_v obstinate_o for_o the_o most_o part_n persist_v in_o will_v fare_v worse_o than_o sin_n of_o commission_n that_o ofttimes_o be_v repent_v of_o and_o will_v meet_v with_o a_o more_o severe_a sentence_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n be_v clear_o discover_v unto_o we_o in_o this_o particular_a matt._n 25.41_o when_o as_o accurse_a they_o shall_v hear_v that_o fearful_a discedite_fw-la depart_v you_o into_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o the_o sin_n he_o charge_v they_o with_o and_o sentence_v they_o for_o be_v a_o wilful_a omission_n of_o act_n of_o charity_n for_o i_o be_v a_o hungry_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o meat_n thirsty_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o drink_n naked_a and_o you_o clothe_v i_o not_o etc._n etc._n now_o if_o for_o wilful_a omission_n of_o such_o act_n of_o charity_n sinner_n shall_v hear_v that_o fearful_a item_fw-la maledicti_fw-la how_o just_o may_v they_o hear_v the_o like_a dreadful_a sentence_n for_o omission_n of_o act_n of_o piety_n you_o have_v not_o worship_v mein_fw-ge the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n you_o have_v not_o speak_v to_o my_o praise_n to_o make_v my_o name_n glorious_a you_o have_v not_o hold_v fast_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o your_o faith_n etc._n etc._n for_o great_a sin_n there_o can_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v a_o lesser_a sentence_n or_o easy_a punishment_n from_o the_o most_o just_a judge_n for_o sin_v thus_o
reproach_n and_o defame_v the_o just_a determination_n of_o emendatory_a punishment_n upon_o recusancy_n and_o wilful_a omission_n of_o necessary_a duty_n which_o be_v a_o open_a sin_n with_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o persecution_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o blaspheme_v the_o ruler_n and_o officer_n if_o they_o threaten_v these_o penalty_n much_o more_o if_o they_o execute_v they_o as_o cruel_a tyrannous_a and_o antichristian_a i_o confess_v willing_o man_n that_o have_v not_o quite_o obliterated_a the_o divine_a image_n have_v bowel_n of_o mercy_n be_v full_a of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n and_o pugnat_fw-la cum_fw-la natura_fw-la hominis_fw-la dolore_fw-la quâ_fw-la dolour_n satiari_fw-la for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v full_a of_o malice_n and_o to_o contrive_v with_o malicious_a intention_n to_o torment_n and_o endeavour_v to_o destroy_v his_o neighbour_n be_v unnatural_a and_o unchristian_a it_o be_v a_o sin_n but_o thus_o unreasonable_o and_o false_o have_v they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o blast_v the_o repute_n of_o a_o harmless_a and_o necessary_a duty_n with_o a_o bad_a name_n when_o punishment_n be_v threaten_v by_o the_o pious_a ruler_n with_o the_o design_n of_o people_n amendment_n and_o safety_n not_o their_o torment_n or_o destruction_n no_o man_n intend_v his_o beast_n shall_v run_v into_o the_o ditch_n or_o hedge_n of_o thorn_n wherewith_o he_o encompass_v his_o ground_n but_o design_n only_o they_o may_v feed_v safe_o within_o due_a bound_n it_o be_v peevish_a and_o ill-natured_a for_o they_o to_o clamour_n of_o persecution_n when_o their_o extravagance_n be_v limit_v and_o safety_n endeavour_v but_o so_o it_o be_v some_o froward_a temper_n when_o any_o way_n constrain_v to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o restrain_v from_o be_v vicious_a will_v cry_v out_o they_o be_v persecute_v and_o afflict_a and_o if_o any_o affliction_n or_o punishment_n do_v follow_v the_o wilful_a transgression_n of_o these_o man_n it_o be_v not_o the_o magistrate_n design_v or_o cause_v but_o their_o own_o choose_n be_v just_o blame_v who_o pull_v tribulation_n upon_o themselves_o by_o the_o error_n of_o their_o own_o way_n again_o when_o ruler_n and_o officer_n by_o agree_v and_o fix_v of_o punishment_n constrain_v man_n through_o object_v inconvenience_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n and_o return_n from_o they_o and_o to_o come_v into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n who_o otherwise_o will_v still_o err_v and_o be_v deceive_v it_o be_v mercy_n of_o the_o ruler_n to_o the_o transgressor_n who_o design_n his_o salvation_n the_o cruelty_n if_o any_o be_v to_o the_o sin_n and_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n to_o design_n its_o destruction_n last_o persecution_n then_o be_v faulty_a and_o blame_v worthy_a when_o it_o be_v for_o well-doing_n only_o when_o man_n be_v hate_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n without_o any_o cause_n when_o man_n be_v industrious_o pursue_v to_o be_v vex_v and_o torment_v for_o walk_v in_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n this_o be_v persecution_n indeed_o to_o be_v complain_v of_o and_o lament_v but_o when_o punishment_n be_v deliberate_o threaten_v and_o inflict_v upon_o open_a disobedience_n and_o wilful_a recusancy_n these_o be_v act_n of_o remunerative_a justice_n a_o nation_n prop_n and_o and_o glory_n and_o deserve_v just_o to_o be_v commend_v it_o be_v injurious_a to_o account_v this_o a_o persecution_n that_o deserve_v to_o be_v condemn_v they_o be_v therefore_o deserve_o account_v malicious_a and_o injurious_a who_o clamour_n against_o the_o just_a determination_n of_o punishment_n by_o pious_a ruler_n against_o open_a transgression_n with_o censure_n of_o a_o culpable_a persecution_n which_o be_v do_v justice_n and_o no_o injury_n be_v mercy_n and_o no_o cruelty_n a_o evidence_n of_o the_o ruler_n design_n of_o his_o subject_n conversion_n and_o salvation_n not_o of_o vexation_n and_o destruction_n which_o if_o it_o do_v happen_v upon_o the_o obstinate_a offender_n he_o pull_v it_o upon_o himself_o by_o his_o own_o choice_n it_o come_v not_o from_o the_o ruler_n intention_n or_o resolution_n another_o objection_n we_o hear_v frequent_o against_o the_o threaten_a and_o determination_n of_o punishment_n by_o christian_a magistrate_n it_o be_v open_o complain_v that_o they_o force_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o righteous_a which_o ought_v to_o have_v its_o liberty_n their_o conscience_n they_o cry_v it_o abroad_o aught_o to_o be_v leave_v free_n but_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o sober_a person_n to_o judge_v whether_o these_o complaint_n of_o greivance_n be_v not_o rather_o fancy_v and_o feign_v than_o possible_a to_o be_v fear_v or_o impose_v but_o some_o there_o be_v that_o fear_n where_o no_o fear_n be_v to_o discourse_v this_o point_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o present_a state_n punishment_n threaten_v by_o our_o governors_n law_n for_o wilful_a recusancy_n be_v twelve_o penny_n for_o one_o sunday_n twenty_o pound_n for_o one_o month_n to_o be_v levy_v by_o distress_n a_o force_n be_v threaten_v upon_o their_o purse_n and_o they_o cry_v out_o a_o force_n be_v offer_v to_o their_o conscience_n which_o be_v impossible_a for_o when_o the_o magistrate_n sword_n and_o power_n can_v reach_v only_o to_o good_n or_o body_n or_o what_o be_v external_a than_o this_o they_o can_v do_v no_o more_o they_o can_v have_v no_o power_n of_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o understanding_n or_o resolution_n of_o the_o will_n or_o any_o thing_n internal_a which_o we_o must_v understand_v by_o conscience_n and_o suppose_v the_o magistrate_n can_v have_v any_o power_n upon_o conscience_n the_o operation_n he_o can_v have_v will_v prove_v but_o moral_a not_o physical_a to_o incline_v it_o not_o to_o force_v it_o neither_o be_v this_o to_o be_v conceive_v feasible_a by_o man_n which_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v do_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o force_n imply_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v of_o thou_o thou_o be_v mere_o passive_a when_o force_v and_o be_v scarce_o to_o be_v imagine_v of_o voluntary_a agent_n who_o be_v active_a and_o be_v say_v to_o do_v what_o they_o do_v themselves_o quicquid_fw-la fit_n de_fw-fr te_fw-fr tu_fw-la non_fw-la facis_fw-la thy_o conclusion_n or_o resolution_n be_v thy_o own_o voluntary_a act._n and_o as_o i_o say_v before_o of_o the_o liberty_n so_o i_o say_v now_o of_o force_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o and_o can_v be_v offer_v to_o conscience_n thy_o conscience_n be_v free_o thou_o own_o and_o can_v be_v force_v and_o if_o force_v be_v upon_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v upon_o external_o only_o it_o can_v be_v upon_o thy_o conscience_n thou_o fear_v and_o cry_v out_o of_o that_o which_o can_v be_v offer_v thou_o namely_o force_v of_o conscience_n and_o thou_o dote_v on_o and_o idolize_v a_o chimaera_n nothing_o what_o thou_o can_v never_o find_v namely_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n thou_o coutende_v for_o as_o thou_o say_v consider_v thou_o have_v not_o full_o express_v thy_o mind_n and_o intendment_n thou_o can_v not_o desire_v or_o contend_v for_o what_o thou_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v there_o be_v something_o else_o thou_o mean_v and_o contend_v for_o and_o real_o that_o thing_n be_v liberty_n of_o action_n licentiousness_n of_o recusancy_n that_o thou_o may_v free_o transgress_v the_o preceptive_a law_n of_o piety_n without_o penalty_n and_o this_o thou_o painte_v and_o gild_a over_o with_o a_o varnish_n and_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n now_o what_o rule_n have_v thou_o that_o direct_v thou_o wilful_o to_o omit_v and_o refuse_v the_o public_a exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o if_o no_o certain_a rule_n thou_o can_v have_v no_o sound_a conscience_n thou_o have_v a_o rule_n that_o forbid_v recusancy_n and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n will_v thou_o pretend_v a_o conscience_n to_o continue_v in_o sin_n if_o thou_o have_v any_o conscience_n in_o what_o thou_o contend_v for_o it_o must_v be_v a_o accuse_v or_o condemn_v one_o and_o well_o it_o be_v if_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n can_v force_v this_o conscience_n from_o thou_o i_o be_o sure_a thou_o desire_v amiss_o to_o have_v liberty_n and_o freedom_n to_o enjoy_v a_o condemn_a conscience_n i_o have_v no_o patience_n to_o persist_v any_o further_a argue_n but_o i_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n not_o to_o desist_v from_o pray_v for_o you_o that_o our_o father_n will_v forgive_v you_o for_o you_o know_v not_o what_o you_o say_v at_o last_o then_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a you_o that_o dissent_v and_o separate_v from_o we_o and_o serious_o consider_v how_o your_o heat_n of_o opposition_n and_o contention_n have_v transport_v you_o to_o the_o vent_n of_o such_o ridiculous_a fancy_n as_o certain_o if_o we_o do_v not_o abjure_v reason_n we_o must_v expect_v to_o see_v they_o sudden_o hiss_v out_o of_o the_o nation_n from_o the_o premise_n then_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o the_o threaten_a and_o determine_v of_o punishment_n against_o recusancy_n be_v mercy_n and_o compassion_n and_o