inherent_a righteousness_n by_o which_o the_o faithful_a be_v true_o name_v righteous_a not_o only_o before_o man_n but_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o which_o can_v be_v no_o more_o without_o good_a work_n then_o the_o sun_n without_o light_n that_o this_o be_v so_o perfect_a as_o not_o to_o lack_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o righteousness_n nor_o to_o be_v maim_v in_o any_o principal_a part_n thereof_o though_o in_o respect_n of_o degree_n and_o some_o accidental_a part_n it_o be_v imperfect_a that_o the_o faithful_a can_v by_v this_o inherent_a righteousness_n abide_v the_o strict_a trial_n of_o divine_a justice_n but_o they_o be_v acquit_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o their_o deserve_a punishment_n by_o the_o mere_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n that_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v so_o far_o bestow_v on_o believer_n and_o make_v they_o that_o in_o the_o merit_n and_o consideration_n thereof_o they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o condemnation_n of_o hell_n be_v justify_v unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o adopt_a to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n and_o impute_a righteousness_n in_o this_o sense_n can_v be_v gainsay_v that_o no_o faith_n be_v justify_v but_o that_o which_o work_v by_o love_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o good_a work_n that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o everlasting_a life_n be_v faith_n alone_o not_o as_o exclude_v repentance_n and_o new_a obedience_n but_o as_o exclude_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n or_o legal_a covenant_n and_o this_o be_v no_o derogation_n from_o the_o free_a grace_n that_o the_o faithful_a keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o in_o some_o sense_n may_v be_v say_v to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o strictness_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o duty_n without_o reserve_v in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n as_o the_o scripture_n say_v love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n that_o obedience_n every_o way_n perfect_a be_v require_v of_o the_o faithful_a as_o their_o duty_n but_o not_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o eternal_a death_n yet_o under_o that_o penalty_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o sincere_a obedience_n that_o good_a work_n have_v relation_n to_o eternal_a life_n as_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o end_n in_o that_o manner_n as_o the_o seed_n to_o have_a as_o the_o race_n and_o combat_n to_o the_o prize_n as_o the_o work_n to_o the_o reward_n not_o according_a to_o equality_n or_o condignity_n or_o merit_v strict_o so_o call_v but_o according_a to_o free_a compact_n or_o congruity_n that_o the_o faithful_a may_v be_v assure_v of_o their_o own_o justification_n by_o a_o true_a fix_a persuasion_n that_o exclude_v hesitation_n and_o suspense_n and_o cause_v holy_a security_n peace_n and_o joy_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o labour_v for_o such_o assurance_n which_o arise_v partly_o from_o the_o divine_a promise_n and_o partly_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o infeigned_a faith_n that_o though_o godliness_n stand_v not_o in_o absolute_a perfection_n yet_o it_o stand_v in_o that_o integrity_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n a_o indubitable_a evidence_n whereof_o can_v be_v have_v without_o a_o very_a careful_a and_o close_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o continue_v earnest_a endeavour_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o his_o fear_n that_o all_o human_a action_n must_v have_v a_o actual_a or_o habitual_a reference_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o best_a manner_n for_o that_o end_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o power_n of_o divine_a grace_n which_o work_v mighty_o in_o god_n choose_v whosoever_o will_v be_v save_v must_v watch_v and_o pray_v and_o strive_v and_o bestow_v his_o chief_a care_n and_o pain_n therein_o and_o so_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o constant_a exercise_n not_o of_o a_o popish_a outside_n formal_a but_o a_o spiritual_a and_o real_a mortification_n and_o self_n denial_n in_o continual_a dependence_n on_o god_n grace_n who_o work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n in_o the_o position_n aforego_v all_o nice_a obscure_a perplex_a and_o unnecessary_a notion_n be_v avoid_v and_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o gospel_n doctrine_n be_v attend_v this_o simplicity_n and_o plainess_n make_v the_o truth_n much_o more_o intelligible_a and_o less_o controvertible_a where_o a_o multitude_n of_o nice_a term_n and_o notion_n be_v vain_a and_o hurtful_a superfluity_n that_o muffle_v the_o truth_n and_o cloud_v man_n judgement_n and_o multiply_v controversy_n and_o cause_v much_o confusion_n chap._n iii_o the_o due_a order_n of_o gospel_n worship_n forasmuch_o as_o divine_a worship_n be_v the_o first_o and_o near_a act_n of_o piety_n and_o aim_v immediate_o at_o the_o glorify_v of_o god_n name_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o soul_n devote_v to_o he_o the_o due_a order_n thereof_o must_v needs_o be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a concernment_n of_o true_a religion_n whereupon_o such_o a_o order_n thereof_o must_v needs_o be_v most_o desirable_a as_o have_v most_o tendency_n to_o exalt_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n name_n and_o to_o advance_v the_o soul_n pure_a devotion_n and_o doubtless_o that_o have_v most_o tendency_n thereunto_o which_o be_v most_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o will_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o fetch_n of_o man_n wit_n in_o commend_v their_o will-worship_n god_n best_o know_v what_o service_n will_v please_v he_o best_o and_o do_v we_o most_o good_a it_o become_v we_o neither_o to_o contemn_v god_n authority_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o his_o institution_n nor_o to_o control_v his_o wisdom_n in_o the_o addition_n of_o vain_a invention_n and_o this_o will_v bring_v we_o into_o the_o way_n of_o a_o reasonable_a service_n most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o profitable_a to_o ourselves_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n our_o lord_n christ_n be_v to_o establish_v a_o more_o perfect_a way_n than_o what_o have_v be_v before_o lay_v this_o foundation_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_n he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n according_o he_o antiquate_v the_o old_a legal_a form_n great_a in_o outward_a furniture_n and_o visible_a spendor_n but_o comparative_o small_a in_o substance_n and_o inward_a power_n and_o institute_v a_o other_o of_o a_o far_o different_a strain_n wherein_o the_o ritual_n and_o external_o be_v few_o and_o plain_a but_o their_o substance_n and_o inward_a power_n be_v great_a and_o mighty_a and_o when_o he_o abrogate_a former_a thing_n which_o for_o their_o time_n have_v the_o stamp_n of_o divine_a authority_n because_o they_o suit_v not_o with_o the_o gospel_n state_n and_o be_v in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n call_v carnal_a ordinance_n that_o be_v not_o good_a doubtless_o it_o be_v not_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n that_o man_n shall_v erect_v new_a frame_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v after_o the_o similitude_n of_o those_o old_a thing_n that_o be_v pass_v away_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n after_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n as_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n which_o be_v worship_v and_o best_a fit_v to_o glorify_v he_o as_o god_n indeed_o so_o it_o be_v also_o most_o efficacious_a to_o make_v the_o worshipper_n more_o know_v in_o religion_n more_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a in_o spirit_n and_o conversation_n and_o every_o way_n more_o perfect_a in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n irreverence_n rudeness_n sordidness_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o negligence_n in_o the_o outward_a service_n of_o god_n be_v not_o here_o commend_v under_o the_o simplicity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o gospel_n worship_n due_a regard_n must_v be_v have_v to_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o decency_n the_o neglect_n whereof_o will_v render_v the_o service_n undecent_a such_o as_o be_v convenient_a place_n of_o assemble_v common_o call_v church_n comely_a furniture_n and_o convenient_a utensil_n therein_o a_o grave_a habit_n not_o of_o special_a sanctity_n but_o of_o civil_a decency_n for_o a_o minister_n all_o which_o shall_v not_o be_v vile_a and_o beggarly_a but_o graceful_a and_o seemly_a likewise_o a_o well_o compose_v countenance_n and_o reverend_a gesture_n be_v requisite_a in_o all_o that_o present_v themselves_o before_o the_o lord_n sit_v or_o loll_v or_o cover_v the_o head_n or_o have_v the_o hat_n halfway_n on_o in_o prayer_n be_v among_o we_o unseemly_o except_o natural_a infirmity_n call_v for_o indulgence_n herein_o but_o laugh_v talk_a gaze_v about_o in_o our_o attendance_n on_o religious_a exercise_n be_v no_o better_a than_o profaneness_n and_o to_o come_v into_o the_o congregation_n walk_v with_o our_o hat_n on_o
man_n stupid_a and_o foolish_a that_o they_o may_v the_o better_a lord_n it_o over_o they_o as_o besot_v vassal_n it_o can_v invite_v or_o engage_v any_o to_o its_o side_n by_o carnal_a allurement_n and_o provision_n make_v for_o â—he_n lust_n of_o men._n the_o make_n of_o such_o provision_n will_v extinguish_v its_o life_n and_o power_n and_o bring_v forth_o a_o spurious_a carnal_a brood_n that_o always_o with_o deadly_a hatred_n pursue_v its_o true_a professor_n it_o can_v lift_v up_o itself_o by_o serve_v the_o design_n and_o lust_n of_o earthly_a potentate_n though_o it_o â—ives_n they_o their_o due_a honour_n to_o the_o full_a yet_o it_o tempt_v they_o not_o by_o flattery_n to_o think_v of_o themselves_o above_o what_o they_o be_v nor_o do_v it_o proâ—itute_v its_o sacred_a rule_n to_o patronize_v any_o enormity_n in_o their_o conversation_n or_o political_a administration_n it_o can_v subdue_v a_o people_n and_o hold_v they_o unâ—er_o by_o arm_a violence_n and_o usurpation_n for_o his_o be_v to_o subvert_v itself_o and_o undermine_v its_o â—wn_n foundation_n which_o be_v truth_n meekness_n and_o â—â—ghteousness_n it_o seek_v not_o by_o any_o irregular_a motion_n to_o perâ—rb_v a_o settle_a state_n though_o adverse_a and_o injurious_a to_o it_o it_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o recesses_n 〈◊〉_d wicked_a policy_n its_o principle_n will_v not_o bear_v 〈◊〉_d out_o in_o the_o cunning_a and_o close_a way_n of_o dishonâ—…_n sty_n it_o abhor_v such_o engagement_n as_o draw_v oâ—…_n necessity_n of_o proceed_v in_o unrighteous_a or_o daâ—…_n gerous_a counsel_n and_o especial_o such_o iniquiâ—…_n as_o will_v not_o pass_v away_o in_o a_o transient_a action_n but_o will_v hold_v up_o a_o last_a usurpation_n or_o iâ—…_n jury_n to_o its_o perpetual_a reproach_n and_o repugnanâ—…_n to_o itself_o it_o neither_o have_v nor_o in_o human_a judgement_n 〈◊〉_d like_a to_o have_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o arm_n of_o flesâ—…_n or_o worldly_a puissance_n for_o its_o intrinsic_a and_o aâ—…_n bide_v strength_n until_o it_o come_v in_o a_o more_o exâ—…_n tensive_a power_n and_o more_o ample_a victory_n that_o have_v be_v yet_o manifest_v in_o the_o world_n thâ—…_n mutable_a advantage_n of_o certain_a time_n and_o occaâ—…_n zion_n be_v but_o loose_a and_o hollow_a ground_n and_o nâ—…_n settle_a foundation_n for_o it_o to_o build_v upon_o it_o be_v not_o further_v by_o a_o course_n of_o subtlety_n and_o of_o intricate_a and_o cloudy_a project_n which_o be_v get_v suspicion_n of_o evil_n but_o by_o a_o openess_n a_o frankness_n of_o deal_n in_o all_o certainty_n and_o clearness_n for_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n anâ—…_n regular_a and_o certain_a as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o heâ—…_n when_fw-mi or_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o celestial_a body_n whatsoever_o degree_n of_o obliquity_n or_o uncertainty_n happen_v to_o it_o be_v only_o extrinsical_a proceed_n from_o man_n corruption_n and_o frailty_n who_o neâ—…_n there_o be_v can_v be_v here_o absolute_o exact_a and_o perfect_a in_o it_o it_o reject_v the_o fury_n of_o passion_n bitterness_n clamour_n wrath_n tumult_n and_o all_o outrage_n in_o a_o word_n it_o can_v admit_v nothing_o that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o entire_a honesty_n and_o it_o be_v not_o weaken_v by_o this_o strictness_n for_o truth_n be_v great_a and_o powerful_a and_o by_o a_o weak_a and_o gentle_a yet_o sound_a and_o solid_a manifestation_n of_o itself_o it_o maintain_v a_o conquest_n answerable_a to_o its_o own_o condition_n in_o this_o present_a world_n chap._n xviii_o the_o interest_n of_o true_a religion_n lie_v much_o in_o its_o venerable_a estimation_n among_o men._n a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n nourish_v pride_n and_o sensuality_n and_o yield_v itself_o managable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o man_n after_o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n be_v common_o uphold_v by_o a_o arm_n of_o secular_a power_n which_o by_o way_n of_o its_o own_o it_o can_v make_v sure_a to_o itself_o but_o pure_a religion_n abhor_v base_a compliance_n and_o reside_v in_o the_o hitherto_o lesser_a number_n that_o walk_v in_o the_o narrow_a way_n be_v not_o so_o well_o suit_v for_o a_o settle_a and_o continue_a potency_n in_o that_o kind_n wherefore_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o it_o fail_v of_o a_o assurance_n of_o worldly_a power_n and_o greatness_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o it_o need_v the_o advantage_n of_o venerable_a estimation_n for_o its_o own_o intrinsic_a excellence_n a_o desire_n of_o vain_a glory_n and_o a_o ambitious_a catch_n at_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n be_v opposite_a to_o this_o interest_n and_o destroy_v the_o end_n thereof_o but_o because_o thing_n that_o appear_v not_o be_v of_o the_o same_o reason_n with_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o regard_n of_o influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n christianity_n shall_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v indeed_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a idea_n in_o the_o imagination_n or_o intellect_n but_o a_o wisdom_n and_o power_n that_o may_v be_v practise_v and_o its_o glory_n be_v display_v in_o a_o life_n of_o integrity_n purity_n and_o charity_n by_o the_o brightness_n of_o which_o grace_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n it_o become_v illustrious_a and_o be_v exalt_v over_o all_o the_o learning_n and_o virtue_n and_o potency_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n in_o such_o a_o age_n as_o have_v all_o civil_a discipline_n in_o their_o perfection_n and_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o endanger_v as_o when_o the_o sanctity_n of_o its_o professor_n be_v fall_v or_o expose_v to_o scandal_n eminent_a holiness_n be_v after_o miracle_n the_o next_o great_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v now_o in_o the_o room_n of_o miracle_n and_o its_o influence_n be_v very_o powerful_a wheresoever_o it_o be_v it_o invigorate_v other_o of_o this_o fellowship_n that_o be_v near_o it_o and_o it_o command_v awe_n and_o reverence_n from_o all_o men._n it_o be_v a_o great_a happiness_n when_o person_n endue_v herewith_o be_v in_o proportionable_a number_n fix_v like_o star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n throughout_o the_o firmament_n of_o the_o church_n when_o there_o be_v man_n of_o strong_a part_n much_o prudence_n active_a spirit_n firm_a resolution_n who_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n inflame_v with_o love_n to_o god_n and_o devote_v to_o seek_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v christ_n and_o fit_v thereunto_o by_o real_a mortification_n and_o self-denial_n also_o when_o person_n of_o a_o low_a sphere_n for_o the_o perfection_n of_o nature_n or_o learning_n have_v attain_v to_o a_o large_a measure_n of_o the_o primitive_a spirit_n of_o faith_n love_n meekness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o charity_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v ready_a to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o provoke_v other_o thereunto_o as_o the_o eminent_a piety_n of_o some_o so_o the_o approved_a piety_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o serious_a professor_n import_v exceed_o to_o the_o reputation_n and_o reverence_n of_o true_a religion_n the_o spiritual_a man_n discern_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o natural_a man_n also_o can_v discern_v humility_n chastity_n temperance_n patience_n charity_n integrity_n as_o thing_n moral_o good_a and_o profitable_a to_o man_n and_o by_o â—…ese_n thing_n the_o truth_n be_v vindicate_v and_o mainâ—…ined_v to_o defile_v the_o purity_n of_o this_o professiâ—…_n be_v to_o stain_v its_o glory_n and_o to_o stain_n iâ—s_v glory_n be_v 〈◊〉_d render_v it_o weak_a and_o despicable_a none_o thereâ—…re_o may_v pass_v for_o the_o allow_v disciple_n of_o this_o â—ay_n but_o such_o as_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a from_o 〈◊〉_d foul_a sin_n of_o sensuality_n and_o from_o all_o palpaâ—…_n dishonesty_n howbeit_o the_o lawful_a favour_n â—…d_v assistance_n of_o any_o other_o may_n with_o due_a cauâ—…_n be_v admit_v in_o its_o concernment_n a_o harmless_a life_n if_o barren_a and_o unprofitable_a be_v of_o little_a value_n in_o itself_o and_o also_o of_o little_a force_n to_o advance_v any_o profession_n nay_o a_o fruitless_a life_n be_v scandalous_a and_o unchristian_a they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n herein_o be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bear_v much_o fruit_n so_o shall_v you_o be_v my_o disciple_n the_o root_n of_o such_o fruitfulness_n in_o good_a work_n be_v love_v out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a to_o which_o belong_v those_o praise_n that_o it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n now_o because_o they_o that_o walk_v circumspect_o be_v often_o censure_v by_o the_o loose_a sort_n to_o be_v uncharitable_a it_o do_v the_o more_o concern_v they_o real_o to_o show_v forth_o the_o laudable_a fruit_n of_o charity_n and_o to_o maintain_v all_o good_a work_n before_o man_n though_o not_o to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n and_o to_o hate_v narrowness_n of_o soul_n and_o base_a selfishness_n what_o do_v you_o more_o
her_o own_o estate_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o a_o rational_a conscientious_a and_o true_o pious_a concord_n among_o such_o christian_n as_o know_v and_o care_n what_o they_o believe_v can_v never_o be_v procure_v without_o avoid_v the_o imposition_n of_o thing_n unwritten_a and_o unnecessary_a in_o which_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o man_n of_o sound_a faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n general_o to_o agree_v but_o when_o necessary_a thing_n only_o be_v enjoin_v their_o weight_n and_o truth_n will_v soon_o be_v know_v and_o own_a of_o all_o honest_a mind_n or_o at_o least_o be_v most_o likely_a so_o to_o be_v and_o much_o soon_o and_o easy_a than_o the_o weight_n and_o truth_n of_o little_a and_o doubtful_a thing_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o will_v more_o easy_o move_v with_o joint_a consent_n in_o one_o godly_a order_n the_o matter_n of_o their_o difference_n be_v before_o hand_n take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n this_o moderate_a course_n be_v hold_v the_o union_n of_o unseigned_a faith_n and_o love_n will_v become_v a_o sure_a foundation_n of_o true_a christian_a concord_n with_o sound_a judgement_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o do_v that_o for_o the_o suppress_n of_o schism_n in_o the_o right_a state_n of_o christianity_n which_o implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n do_v in_o false_a corrupt_a and_o antichristian_a state_n here_o it_o be_v main_o requisite_a that_o those_o thing_n that_o most_o promote_v or_o hinder_v the_o new_a birth_n and_o spiritual_a life_n be_v by_o pastor_n and_o people_n universal_o most_v regard_v and_o those_o that_o make_v little_a for_o or_o against_o the_o same_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o of_o little_a moment_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v when_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n be_v due_o prize_v and_o most_o contend_v for_o contention_n about_o little_a thing_n will_v soon_o expire_v and_o if_o this_o course_n be_v take_v hypocrite_n will_v lose_v their_o advantage_n of_o seem_v religious_a by_o zeal_n for_o those_o thing_n wherein_o religion_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o carnal_a design_n and_o interest_n that_o now_o rend_v the_o church_n and_o trouble_v all_o thing_n will_v be_v defeat_v and_o abandon_v moreover_o to_o maintain_v peace_n they_o that_o rule_n have_v need_n consider_v what_o mistake_v and_o weakness_n be_v compatible_a to_o true_a believer_n and_o sometime_o to_o the_o best_a and_o choice_a of_o they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o bear_v too_o hard_o upon_o they_o and_o they_o that_o be_v rule_v must_v consider_v that_o the_o best_a polity_n or_o constitution_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v of_o man_n regulate_v have_v defect_n and_o inconvenience_n and_o affair_n will_v be_v complicate_v and_o therefore_o they_o must_v not_o be_v too_o unyield_a but_o bear_v with_o what_o be_v tolerable_a and_o not_o easy_o remediable_a though_o they_o may_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a do_v a_o sinful_a act_n or_o omit_v a_o duty_n in_o the_o season_n of_o it_o for_o by_o want_n of_o such_o forbearance_n they_o may_v soon_o destroy_v the_o good_a part_n than_o mend_v what_o be_v amiss_o it_o be_v not_o seldom_o in_o such_o case_n that_o man_n seek_v remedy_n that_o prove_v worse_o than_o the_o disease_n if_o the_o heal_n of_o breach_n require_v a_o yield_a or_o recede_v from_o what_o have_v be_v stand_v upon_o it_o shall_v be_v on_o that_o part_n where_o equity_n and_o necessity_n declare_v it_o shall_v be_v it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a for_o every_o christian_n to_o resolve_v what_o be_v right_a in_o many_o opinion_n and_o usage_n as_o for_o those_o in_o power_n to_o omit_v the_o enforce_a of_o they_o unnecessary_a injunction_n may_v easy_o be_v part_v with_o than_o man_n judgement_n can_v be_v alter_v or_o their_o doubt_a conscience_n well_o settle_v this_o tenderness_n and_o forbearance_n be_v no_o lesson_n of_o the_o church_n '_o be_v honour_n and_o power_n and_o a_o little_a diversity_n iâ—_n little_a thing_n can_v rational_o move_v derisiâ—…_n in_o the_o irreligious_a nor_o just_o give_v scandal_n to_o any_o but_o there_o be_v thing_n of_o that_o slightness_n that_o a_o over-precise_a and_o importunate_a unifoâ—_n mity_n in_o they_o may_v occasion_v contempt_n and_o suspicion_n of_o hypocrisy_n or_o superstitious_a folly_n unity_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o trâ—…_n church_n and_o uniformity_n in_o external_a order_n be_v 〈◊〉_d be_v endeavour_v with_o sobriety_n and_o be_v best_a effecteâ—_n by_o cut_v off_o superfluous_a institution_n and_o lay_v ing_z no_o great_a burden_n on_o the_o faithful_a thaâ—_n thing_n necessary_a and_o this_o pacific_a state_n may_v bâ—_n as_o well_o hope_v as_o wish_v for_o if_o the_o guide_n oâ—_n the_o church_n will_v seek_v the_o thing_n of_o christ_n morâ—_n than_o their_o own_o thing_n but_o alas_o the_o usurpation_n and_o imposition_n oâ—_n proud_a and_o selfish_a man_n even_o in_o pretence_n oâ—_n suppress_v schism_n have_v hinder_v christiaâ—_n people_n from_o unite_n in_o the_o true_a centre_n of_o unity_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n as_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o which_o 〈◊〉_d the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o in_o deed_n they_o that_o prevail_v by_o power_n to_o advance_v their_o own_o devise_a way_n and_o crush_v disenter_n may_v make_v a_o desolation_n and_o then_o call_v it_o peace_n anâ—_n union_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o peace_n of_o christ_n kingdoâ—…_n division_n be_v cause_v by_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o weakness_n of_o good_a man_n ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o their_o own_o apprehen_fw-ge zion_n and_o inclination_n and_o not_o consider_v thâ—_n condition_n of_o other_o as_o their_o own_o nor_o mind_v the_o necessity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o lawful_a compliance_n or_o of_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o dissension_n chap._n xi_o a_o good_a frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n the_o promote_a of_o true_a christianity_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n before_o name_v pertain_v to_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n depend_v much_o upon_o a_o good_a frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n undoubted_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v appoint_v spiritual_a officer_n to_o guide_v and_o rule_v his_o church_n and_o in_o the_o government_n thereof_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o divine_a right_n and_o unalterable_a by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o support_n and_o due_a managment_n thereof_o that_o be_v of_o humane_a determination_n as_o to_o the_o particular_n both_o kind_n be_v liable_a to_o depravation_n and_o great_a abuse_n thing_n of_o divine_a right_n may_v be_v corrupt_o manage_v and_o pervert_v to_o wrong_a end_n and_o thing_n of_o man_n appointment_n be_v sometime_o not_o only_o ill_o manage_v but_o ill_o ordain_v as_o be_v whole_o incongruous_a and_o perhaps_o pernicious_a to_o the_o right_a end_n of_o government_n now_o a_o good_a polity_n be_v the_o whole_a compage_n of_o thing_n lay_v together_o in_o the_o fabric_n of_o the_o church_n fit_v and_o direct_v to_o promote_v the_o christian_a life_n or_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o to_o prevent_v or_o remedy_v the_o decay_n thereof_o and_o the_o more_o notable_o and_o powerful_o conducible_a it_o be_v to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o excellent_a according_a to_o this_o rule_n it_o have_v most_o regard_n for_o sincere_a christian_n and_o insist_o most_o upon_o their_o encouragement_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o number_n and_o it_o make_v all_o its_o external_a order_n and_o interest_n subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n regenerate_v the_o order_n wherein_o it_o excel_v be_v a_o orderly_a management_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o divine_a command_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o conversation_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o effectual_a for_o the_o obtain_n of_o their_o end_n by_o such_o necessary_a rule_n of_o prudence_n as_o be_v requisite_a in_o all_o human_a action_n it_o prefer_v purity_n and_o spirituality_n before_o external_a pomp_n though_o it_o neglect_v not_o those_o necessary_a decency_n and_o ornament_n that_o shall_v attend_v the_o service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o awful_a regard_n that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v thereto_o and_o the_o reverend_a demeanour_n to_o be_v use_v therein_o it_o provide_v able_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o every_o pastor_n be_v resident_a with_o his_o own_o flock_n and_o that_o he_o due_o feed_v they_o and_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o mercenary_a procure_v at_o the_o cheap_a rate_n it_o provide_v by_o a_o liberal_a maintenance_n worthy_a endowment_n and_o privilege_n for_o that_o meet_a support_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o preserve_v the_o
rash_a with_o their_o mouth_n and_o hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n that_o be_v unmeet_a they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v censure_v for_o their_o error_n moreover_o heighten_v affection_n enlarge_v the_o heart_n and_o open_v the_o mouth_n and_o do_v not_o make_v a_o man_n at_o a_o stand_n for_o want_v of_o word_n indeed_o astonish_a affection_n or_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o spirit_n may_v put_v one_o to_o such_o a_o stand_n but_o that_o rare_o take_v hold_v of_o any_o in_o a_o pubick_a performance_n but_o a_o calm_a admiration_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n and_o seriousness_n and_o earnestness_n of_o address_n to_o he_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o further_a apâ—expressions_n for_o the_o use_n of_o one_o constant_a form_n it_o have_v be_v plead_v that_o a_o stranger_n may_v thereby_o the_o better_a know_v how_o we_o worship_n god_n and_o that_o the_o people_n better_o understand_v and_o remember_v that_o to_o which_o they_o be_v continual_o use_v but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n variety_n and_o newness_n of_o matter_n and_o word_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o quicken_v the_o affection_n and_o perfect_a the_o understanding_n also_o especial_o of_o the_o attentive_a whenas_o under_o the_o constant_a rehearsal_n of_o one_o thing_n the_o faculty_n grow_v flat_a and_o dull_a beside_o in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o liberty_n and_o variety_n the_o prayer_n be_v ordinary_o the_o same_o for_o substance_n in_o the_o main_a the_o vulgar_a apprehension_n and_o memory_n be_v help_v by_o the_o sameness_n of_o the_o main_a substance_n and_o scope_n and_o the_o affection_n be_v raise_v and_o the_o understanding_n further_o edify_v by_o that_o which_o be_v new_a in_o the_o frame_n and_o method_n and_o particular_a matter_n and_o the_o people_n more_o particular_a variable_a concernment_n be_v provide_v for_o by_o a_o more_o peculiar_a accommodation_n and_o respect_n thereto_o as_o occasion_n vary_v and_o by_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n a_o stranger_n may_v be_v sufficient_o ascertain_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o worship_n to_o be_v celebrate_v for_o a_o doctrine_n of_o a_o church_n govern_v its_o worship_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o one_o &_o the_o same_o tenor_n thereof_o will_v pass_v through_o the_o several_a congregation_n of_o a_o nation_n that_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o a_o stint_a form_n yet_o combine_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o order_n and_o when_o all_o be_v say_v that_o management_n and_o performance_n of_o this_o service_n be_v the_o best_a that_o be_v most_o effectual_a to_o make_v the_o comer_n thereunto_o more_o perfect_a in_o knowledge_n more_o devout_a and_o zealous_a towards_o god_n more_o pious_a and_o blameless_a in_o their_o conversation_n and_o every_o way_n more_o perfect_a in_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o it_o will_v be_v so_o acknowledge_v by_o they_o that_o be_v discern_v and_o serious_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o to_o conciliate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n diverse_o affect_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o inconvenience_n and_o to_o obtain_v the_o good_a of_o either_o way_n a_o prescribe_a form_n and_o a_o free_a prayer_n will_v do_v best_a together_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o edification_n chap._n vi_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n be_v pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o pastoral_a authority_n include_v both_o teach_n and_o rule_v and_o imply_v the_o people_n subjection_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n to_o bereave_v the_o church_n of_o discipline_n be_v to_o leave_v it_o unfurnished_v of_o that_o mean_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o orderly_a society_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v to_o turn_v the_o garden_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o pluck_v up_o the_o fence_n thereof_o into_o a_o common_a or_o wilderness_n the_o power_n intrinsical_v to_o this_o office_n be_v not_o secular_a and_o coercive_a by_o temporal_a penalty_n but_o pure_o spiritual_a which_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o authority_n from_o he_o the_o chief_a pastor_n to_o watch_v over_o the_o flock_n to_o encourage_v they_o that_o live_v conformable_o to_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o consolation_n thereof_o and_o to_o warn_v they_o that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o if_o any_o continue_v obstinate_a therein_o to_o declare_v they_o unworthy_a of_o church-communion_n and_o christian_a converse_n and_o to_o require_v the_o faithful_a to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o they_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o they_o may_v be_v humble_v and_o reform_v as_o the_o discipline_n of_o all_o society_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o their_o true_a interest_n and_o and_o chief_a scope_n so_o be_v this_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o the_o christian_a church_n look_v main_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o he_o and_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n for_o which_o end_v it_o be_v ordain_v and_o consequent_o its_o true_a interest_n lie_v in_o the_o conservation_n and_o augmentation_n of_o true_a christianity_n or_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o that_o church_n interest_n which_o be_v elsewhere_o fix_v and_o level_v to_o a_o other_o mark_n appertain_v to_o a_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a state_n set_v up_o in_o the_o room_n and_o pretence_n of_o this_o spiritual_a society_n the_o church_n true_a and_o proper_a excellency_n lie_v not_o in_o worldly_a splendour_n opulency_n and_o power_n nor_o in_o outward_a rite_n and_o formal_a unity_n nor_o in_o the_o stability_n and_o amplitude_n of_o a_o mere_a external_a state_n but_o in_o the_o inward_a light_n and_o life_n in_o the_o unfeigned_a faith_n and_o love_n in_o the_o purity_n and_o spiritual_a unity_n of_o believer_n and_o in_o the_o security_n and_o advancement_n of_o this_o internal_a state_n and_o of_o the_o external_a state_n in_o order_n to_o the_o internal_a wherefore_o the_o right_a end_n of_o discipline_n be_v not_o to_o promote_v temporal_a glory_n and_o opinion_n and_o formality_n thereunto_o subservient_fw-fr but_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o worship_n and_o the_o regeneration_n of_o the_o professor_n thereof_o and_o their_o sincere_a devotion_n godly_a unity_n sobriety_n righteousness_n brotherly-kindness_n and_o common_a charity_n and_o all_o the_o vital_a part_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o keep_v and_o cast_v out_o heresy_n superstition_n profaneness_n unrighteousness_n and_o all_o wicked_a error_n and_o practice_n that_o tend_v to_o frustrate_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n gospel_n as_o also_o to_o prevent_v and_o remedy_v the_o causeless_a tear_v and_o rent_v of_o church_n and_o those_o alienation_n and_o animosity_n among_o christian_n that_o proceed_v only_o from_o the_o will_n and_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o the_o management_n hereof_o to_o this_o right_a end_n be_v of_o far_o great_a consequence_n than_o any_o scrupulosity_n or_o preciseness_n about_o its_o external_a form_n and_o order_n nay_o if_o a_o external_a order_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v primitive_a and_o apostolical_a and_o be_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v to_o enforce_v corrupt_a doctrine_n scandalous_a and_o ensnare_a invention_n and_o imposition_n and_o in_o a_o ceremonial_a strictness_n to_o indulge_v real_a profaneness_n and_o discourage_v true_a godliness_n it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o mystery_n of_o a_o carnal_a state_n under_o a_o spiritual_a name_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v and_o suppress_v the_o power_n thereof_o the_o right_a end_n of_o discipline_n be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v declare_v it_o follow_v that_o its_o proper_a work_n be_v to_o encourage_v godliness_n and_o to_o disgrace_v open_a sin_n according_o be_v right_o manage_v it_o admonish_v the_o unruly_a cast_v out_o the_o obstinate_a and_o restore_v the_o penitent_a about_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v active_a watchful_a and_o vigorous_a what_o severity_n it_o have_v it_o exercise_v in_o correct_v real_a scandal_n and_o gross_a breach_n of_o god_n law_n and_o in_o maintain_v the_o church_n peace_n against_o those_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o it_o care_v little_a for_o those_o matter_n wherein_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o edification_n be_v unconcern_v much_o less_o do_v it_o seek_v to_o quench_v godly_a zeal_n and_o to_o hinder_v the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o true_a godliness_n or_o to_o afflict_v peaceable_a and_o pious_a christian_n by_o any_o needless_a rigour_n chap._n vii_o religious_a family-government_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n the_o solemn_a dedication_n of_o house_n be_v in_o use_n the_o solemnity_n express_v that_o holy_a exercise_n shall_v be_v perform_v in_o it_o and_o that_o the_o household_n shall_v be_v
authority_n and_o reverend_a esteem_n of_o their_o person_n and_o office_n yet_o it_o regulate_v the_o same_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o prevent_v ambition_n avarice_n sensuality_n idleness_n haughtiness_n that_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n may_v not_o be_v encourage_v to_o aspire_v to_o its_o promotion_n and_o that_o good_a man_n may_v not_o degenerate_a and_o that_o the_o sacred_a name_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v hold_v by_o a_o society_n of_o man_n not_o carnal_a but_o true_o spiritual_a it_o be_v constitute_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o secure_v a_o succession_n of_o wise_a and_o godly_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n from_o age_n to_o age_n which_o be_v the_o sure_a mean_n of_o the_o church_n perpetual_a good_a estate_n it_o be_v not_o frame_v to_o uphold_v thing_n only_o serviceable_a to_o a_o carnal_a interest_n but_o to_o enforce_v thing_n acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o profitable_a to_o man_n and_o to_o suppress_v whatsoever_o tend_v to_o defeat_v the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o disgrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o to_o reform_v abuse_n impartial_o and_o effectual_o according_a to_o the_o true_a end_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n which_o be_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n it_o enlarge_v the_o power_n of_o do_v good_a and_o restrain_v the_o power_n of_o hurt_v as_o much_o as_o the_o end_n of_o government_n will_v permit_v such_o restraint_n according_o its_o great_a severity_n take_v hold_v of_o the_o worst_a man_n and_o the_o best_a be_v leave_v most_o at_o liberty_n and_o secure_a from_o unnecessary_a molestation_n it_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o satisfy_n of_o the_o just_a and_o reasonable_a demand_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v a_o choice_n and_o tender_a thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o intangle_a and_o perplex_v the_o same_o unnecessary_o it_o make_v the_o pastor_n government_n true_o pastoral_a that_o be_v not_o imperious_a and_o violent_a but_o paternal_a proceed_v by_o exhortation_n and_o doctrine_n and_o gentle_a instruction_n and_o love_n and_o when_o correction_n be_v necessary_a by_o the_o rod_n of_o discipline_n it_o aim_v at_o the_o form_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o govern_n of_o their_o conversation_n by_o good_a and_o sound_a principle_n and_o to_o make_v they_o aâ—…_n much_o as_o may_v be_v a_o law_n to_o themselves_o yet_o aâ—…_n suppose_v the_o exceed_a pravity_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n iâ—…_n leave_v not_o the_o safety_n of_o religion_n mere_o to_o man_n good_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n buâ—…_n by_o due_a restraint_n curb_v the_o remainder_n oâ—…_n man_n perverseness_n it_o seek_v not_o to_o debase_v the_o people_n and_o the_o press_v their_o faculty_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o easy_o lead_v captive_a by_o politic_a man_n at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o to_o ennoble_v they_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o to_o advance_v their_o understanding_n to_o the_o best_a improvement_n and_o according_o it_o take_v care_n that_o they_o may_v be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o faith_n and_o godliness_n in_o a_o word_n it_o will_v make_v even_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a of_o they_o not_o brutus_n buâ—_n man_n and_o not_o mere_a natural_a man_n but_o christian_n or_o spiritual_a men._n the_o subject_n here_o describe_v have_v different_a degree_n of_o excellency_n as_o it_o be_v more_o or_o less_o answerable_a to_o its_o rule_n and_o available_a to_o its_o end_n but_o notwithstanding_o divers_a defect_n and_o error_n if_o that_o which_o be_v wholesome_a and_o good_a be_v predominant_a it_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o good_a constitution_n yet_o the_o best_a be_v most_o desirable_a of_o such_o consequence_n be_v the_o structure_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n that_o if_o it_o be_v naught_o it_o have_v a_o continual_a evil_a influence_n on_o all_o church_n affair_n and_o pervert_v the_o whole_a course_n thereof_o and_o the_o make_n of_o many_o particular_a good_a law_n or_o rule_n will_v not_o help_v it_o for_o in_o that_o case_n they_o be_v render_v almost_o useless_a it_o be_v notable_o observe_v by_o a_o person_n of_o eminent_a worth_n church_n government_n be_v a_o fort_n or_o castle_n if_o traitor_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n get_v the_o possession_n of_o it_o it_o be_v desirable_a that_o the_o castle_n be_v ruin_v and_o the_o christian_a religion_n leave_v to_o support_v itself_o by_o the_o innate_a evidence_n of_o its_o own_o truth_n than_o be_v forcible_o maintain_v for_o contrary_a end_n and_o prove_v a_o mystery_n of_o ungodliness_n and_o tyranny_n chap._n xii_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o first_o externalness_n and_o formality_n every_o kind_n of_o excellency_n in_o the_o present_a world_n have_v its_o counterfeit_n or_o false_a resemblance_n which_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n be_v the_o depravation_n or_o degeneration_n thereof_o and_o so_o the_o true_a religion_n have_v its_o degeneration_n which_o be_v destructive_a to_o it_o yet_o in_o this_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n be_v easy_o mistake_v and_o exalt_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o dead_a image_n of_o christianity_n without_o the_o inward_a life_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o work_v thereof_o be_v dead_a work_n be_v not_o wrought_v in_o god_n it_o be_v the_o dominion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o unmortified_a lust_n under_o pretence_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o zeal_n of_o some_o unnecessary_a opinion_n and_o unprofitable_a observance_n receive_v sometime_o from_o a_o more_o peculiar_a and_o private_a fancy_n sometime_o from_o the_o general_a custom_n and_o tradition_n or_o at_o the_o best_a a_o zeal_n of_o orthodoxality_n when_o that_o form_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n be_v not_o obey_v from_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o self-chosen_a godliness_n and_o not_o of_o god_n make_v take_v up_o to_o delude_v the_o conscience_n and_o lift_v up_o the_o soul_n with_o high_a but_o ill-grounded_a hope_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n to_o excuse_v it_o from_o that_o which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n the_o renounce_n of_o the_o carnal_a life_n and_o all_o worldly_a lust_n and_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n love_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n and_o a_o life_n of_o purity_n goodness_n and_o impartial_a righteousness_n the_o best_a of_o it_o be_v but_o a_o gloss_n or_o varnish_n of_o superficial_a religiousness_n accompany_v with_o a_o dead_a kind_n of_o morality_n which_o have_v its_o rise_n from_o education_n or_o from_o complexion_n otherwise_o call_v good_a nature_n but_o spring_v not_o from_o the_o root_n of_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o a_o live_a faith_n in_o jesus_n christ._n the_o several_a imposture_n disguise_n and_o false_a pretence_n by_o which_o man_n delude_v themselves_o and_o abuse_v the_o world_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v almost_o numberless_a yet_o they_o general_o fall_v into_o one_o of_o these_o two_o main_a current_n of_o religious_a aberration_n either_o the_o political_a popular_a and_o broad_a way_n of_o externalness_n and_o customariness_n or_o the_o devious_a path_n of_o sectarian_n dissetledness_n and_o extravagancy_n the_o more_o ample_a degeneration_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o mere_o formal_a external_a and_o political_a state_n thereof_o that_o have_v prevail_v far_o and_o near_o over_o the_o christian_a world_n this_o externalness_n be_v very_o plausible_a and_o specious_a but_o very_o consistent_a and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n accompany_v with_o a_o large_a indulgence_n to_o the_o flesh_n and_o with_o much_o licentiousness_n of_o principle_n and_o practice_n and_o it_o cast_v the_o mind_n into_o a_o deep_a forgetfulness_n of_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o substantial_a in_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o common_a road_n and_o broad_a way_n because_o most_o obvious_a and_o easy_a to_o the_o carnal_a spirit_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o have_v some_o conscience_n of_o religion_n glad_o take_v up_o with_o a_o form_n that_o with_o more_o security_n and_o peace_n they_o may_v deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o as_o also_o because_o it_o seem_v most_o serviceable_a to_o superior_n for_o shape_a and_o sway_v the_o conscience_n of_o inferior_n to_o their_o will_n and_o to_o the_o end_n by_o they_o design_v according_o as_o it_o get_v ground_n it_o erect_v a_o frame_n of_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o show_n of_o piety_n unity_n and_o order_n but_o be_v real_o a_o engine_n devise_v to_o destroy_v whatsoever_o may_v be_v true_o call_v by_o those_o lovely_a name_n when_o man_n false_a and_o vain_a invention_n rule_v instead_o of_o god_n oracle_n when_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v mingle_v with_o such_o doctrine_n institution_n and_o observance_n as_o corrupt_v the_o purity_n enervate_a the_o power_n and_o frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o the_o misapprehension_n or_o misapplication_n of_o true_a
and_o carnal_a interest_n to_o false_a way_n and_o vain_a invention_n for_o which_o cause_n it_o behoove_v the_o zealous_a religionist_n to_o be_v careful_a even_o to_o jealousy_n that_o he_o be_v not_o impose_v upon_o by_o himself_o or_o other_o and_o in_o this_o care_n hearty_o and_o entire_o to_o resign_v and_o conform_v himself_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o such_o resignation_n and_o conformity_n he_o secure_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o what_o in_o he_o lie_v the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v here_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o be_v write_v in_o nature_n be_v god_n law_n as_o well_o as_o what_o be_v write_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o natural_a revelation_n as_o well_o as_o supernatural_a be_v divine_a and_o whatsoever_o be_v know_v of_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v to_o be_v own_v in_o both_o though_o in_o the_o latter_a it_o have_v appear_v more_o abundant_o because_o therein_o be_v give_v we_o a_o full_a instruction_n in_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n kingdom_n which_o in_o the_o other_o be_v not_o give_v for_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v not_o be_v know_v by_o nature_n and_o in_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v know_v thereby_o the_o light_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o glimmer_a and_o not_o easy_o able_a to_o fix_v the_o heart_n therein_o not_o so_o much_o for_o want_v of_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n as_o from_o the_o pravity_n of_o our_o mind_n reason_n be_v lay_v asleep_a and_o all_o our_o faculty_n be_v sink_v into_o the_o brutish_a life_n what_o be_v the_o utmost_a capacity_n of_o that_o light_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v hard_o for_o we_o to_o define_v and_o though_o it_o be_v harsh_a to_o determine_v that_o they_o be_v all_o utter_o and_o universal_o forsake_v of_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a both_o by_o scripture_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o gentile_n that_o gentilism_n be_v a_o very_a forlorn_a state_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v the_o high_a favour_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o church_n in_o supernatural_a revelation_n by_o which_o he_o have_v not_o only_o instruct_v we_o in_o thing_n supernatural_a not_o otherwise_o to_o be_v know_v in_o this_o life_n but_o also_o more_o perfect_o in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n now_o transcribe_v into_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o religion_n or_o morality_n that_o may_v not_o be_v find_v therein_o beside_o the_o law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o nature_n and_o scripture_n what_o certain_a and_o stable_a rule_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o conversation_n have_v the_o church_n to_o walk_v by_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n or_o consent_n in_o mere_a or_o all_o tradition_n or_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n or_o the_o ancient_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v so_o evident_a as_o need_v no_o confirmation_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o acquiescence_n or_o accord_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o any_o visible_a universal_a supreme_a power_n for_o whereas_o all_o christian_n acknowledge_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o neither_o do_v nor_o ever_o do_v nor_o will_v unanimous_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n in_o be_v and_o the_o main_a body_n of_o they_o that_o maintain_v such_o a_o catholic_n supremacy_n can_v agree_v in_o what_o subject_n the_o same_o reside_v whether_o in_o the_o pope_n or_o a_o general_n council_n and_o as_o several_a pope_n so_o have_v several_a council_n of_o equal_a amplitude_n and_o authority_n often_o cross_v one_o another_o and_o consequent_o some_o of_o both_o kind_n must_v needs_o have_v err_v and_o it_o still_o remain_v a_o controversy_n undeterminable_a which_o council_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o which_o to_o be_v reject_v unless_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n hitherto_o disagree_v herein_o will_v be_v bind_v up_o by_o the_o resolve_n of_o one_o party_n that_o can_v bring_v no_o better_a proof_n than_o their_o own_o pretend_a infallibility_n to_o all_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n true_o so_o call_v or_o a_o representative_a of_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v never_o yet_o congregat_v wherefore_o let_v the_o faithful_a rest_n upon_o the_o old_a right_a foundation_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o infallibility_n be_v unquestionable_a such_o be_v the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o for_o this_o end_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v safe_a in_o divine_a matter_n not_o to_o be_v venturous_a without_o its_o warrant_n they_o best_o secure_v themselves_o from_o error_n who_o keep_v to_o that_o rule_n which_o be_v both_o perfect_a and_o infallible_a some_o pretend_v to_o lay_v open_a the_o folly_n of_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v puritanism_n affirm_v that_o the_o mystery_n thereof_o lie_v in_o this_o principle_n that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v authorize_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n indeed_o there_o be_v those_o of_o that_o denomination_n who_o disallow_v whatsoever_o institute_v worship_n be_v not_o so_o authorize_v but_o they_o be_v not_o so_o ignorant_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o all_o particular_a circumstance_n belong_v to_o divine_a worship_n which_o admit_v of_o endless_a variation_n be_v define_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n such_o as_o be_v those_o natural_a and_o civil_a circumstance_n without_o which_o action_n be_v not_o performable_a but_o they_o suppose_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o these_o matter_n such_o as_o time_n place_n method_n furniture_n etc._n etc._n and_o those_o ordinance_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o take_v for_o part_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v make_v direct_a and_o immediate_a sign_n of_o honour_n give_v to_o god_n by_o their_o use_n and_o all_o of_o this_o kind_a some_o do_v judge_n or_o at_o least_o suspect_v to_o be_v unlawful_a that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n appointment_n my_o design_n oblige_v i_o to_o shun_v the_o intangle_a of_o this_o discourse_n with_o controversy_n and_o therefore_o i_o write_v not_o either_o for_o or_o against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o uncommanded_a worship_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o to_o show_v that_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n be_v more_o safe_a by_o acquiescence_n in_o that_o only_a which_o god_n have_v prescribe_v than_o by_o addition_n of_o new_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n devise_v by_o man_n who_o even_o the_o best_a of_o they_o may_v too_o easy_o deviate_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o who_o know_v not_o that_o too_o much_o yield_v to_o man_n devise_v form_n and_o right_n which_o have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n make_v way_n for_o the_o departure_n of_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o christendom_n from_o the_o primitive_a christianity_n all_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v clear_o prove_v from_o scripture_n though_o the_o particular_a instance_n thereof_o that_o be_v innumerable_a and_o their_o infinite_o variable_a circumstance_n can_v be_v there_o express_v as_o for_o institute_v worship_n it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o defect_n in_o those_o part_n thereof_o that_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n as_o needs_o to_o be_v make_v up_o by_o the_o human_a addition_n of_o other_o new_a part_n and_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v thing_n mere_o circumstantial_a belong_v to_o it_o which_o be_v necessary_a in_o general_n but_o in_o particular_a not_o determine_v of_o god_n and_o must_v be_v order_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o human_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n none_o that_o know_v what_o they_o say_v in_o magnify_v the_o write_a word_n will_v teach_v the_o people_n not_o to_o rely_v upon_o impartial_a reason_n which_o no_o true_a revelation_n do_v ever_o contradict_v but_o we_o be_v so_o conscious_a of_o the_o weakness_n of_o human_a understanding_n that_o in_o case_n of_o any_o seem_a contrariety_n between_o scripture_n and_o reason_n not_o to_o give_v the_o scripture_n the_o preeminence_n we_o know_v be_v most_o unreasonable_a be_v scripture_n liable_a to_o be_v pervert_v so_o be_v reason_n be_v there_o obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n so_o in_o human_a ratiocination_n much_o more_o whosoever_o can_v apprehend_v right_a reason_n can_v rational_o apprehend_v god_n write_v word_n which_o be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n and_o who_o authentic_a interpretation_n of_o itself_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v by_o rational_a inference_n and_o deduction_n
and_o though_o we_o may_v not_o please_v they_o in_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a yet_o we_o may_v in_o that_o which_o be_v lawful_a but_o less_o edify_v and_o so_o we_o may_v let_v go_v some_o good_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n rather_o than_o omit_v the_o whole_a service_n here_o be_v indeed_o a_o sinful_a defect_n yet_o not_o on_o our_o part_n but_o on_o they_o who_o urge_v the_o way_n that_o be_v less_o edify_a and_o refuse_v the_o better_a the_o exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n be_v a_o mean_n and_o not_o the_o end_n must_v be_v govern_v by_o rule_n of_o prudence_n among_o which_o this_o be_v a_o chief_a one_o that_o the_o mean_n must_v not_o be_v assert_v so_o stiff_o as_o to_o endanger_v or_o destroy_v the_o end_n the_o exercise_n of_o spiritual_a authority_n be_v necessary_o more_o regulate_v by_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o a_o state_n that_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n than_o in_o a_o state_n that_o either_o persecute_v or_o disregard_v it_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o spiritual_a power_n be_v radical_o the_o same_o in_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n may_v not_o be_v more_o restrain_v in_o some_o and_o let_v forth_o to_o a_o large_a extent_n in_o other_o upon_o prudential_a ground_n provide_v it_o be_v not_o enlarge_v in_o some_o to_o a_o exorbitancy_n and_o streighten_v in_o other_o to_o a_o extreme_a deficiency_n likewise_o if_o there_o be_v a_o dissent_n or_o doubt_v about_o a_o superiority_n or_o pre-eminence_n of_o spiritual_a power_n in_o some_o distinct_a ecclesiastical_a office_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v how_o far_o submission_n may_v be_v yield_v to_o a_o power_n objective_o ecclesiastical_a but_o formal_o political_a derive_v from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o seat_v in_o ecclesiastical_a person_n by_o temporal_a law_n last_o in_o reference_n to_o thing_n impose_v there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o a_o quiet_a submission_n and_o a_o approve_v free_a choice_n it_o may_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o subject_n to_o do_v that_o which_o may_v be_v the_o sin_n of_o governor_n to_o command_v for_o in_o the_o same_o thing_n wherein_o governor_n refuse_v the_o better_a way_n subject_n may_v do_v their_o part_n and_o choose_v the_o best_a way_n they_o can_v if_o these_o consideration_n or_o other_o of_o the_o like_a catholic_n tendency_n be_v find_v allowable_a and_o will_v pass_v among_o brethren_n of_o different_a judgement_n they_o may_v prevent_v and_o heal_v many_o breach_n and_o unite_v dissenter_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o love_n and_o afford_v unto_o such_o as_o have_v be_v entangle_v a_o more_o free_a scope_n and_o large_a capacity_n for_o public_a aim_n and_o action_n chap._n xxix_o whether_o the_o purity_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n be_v lessen_v by_o amplitude_n and_o comprehensiveness_n a_o doubt_n may_v arise_v in_o this_o place_n whether_o it_o ben_fw-mi ot_fw-mi safe_o to_o make_v the_o church-door_n narrow_a and_o to_o keep_v a_o strict_a guard_n upon_o the_o entrance_n into_o it_o and_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o exact_a purity_n that_o religion_n may_v continue_v uncorrupt_a and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o defile_v nor_o its_o interest_n ravish_v by_o stranger_n in_o resolve_v this_o doubt_n i_o forget_v not_o that_o the_o way_n be_v narrow_a and_o the_o gate_n be_v straight_o that_o lead_v unto_o life_n but_o self-denial_n and_o real_a mortification_n and_o a_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n and_o not_o strictness_n of_o opinion_n in_o church_n order_n be_v this_o narrow_a way_n and_o straight_a gate_n and_o our_o salvation_n lie_v upon_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o not_o upon_o church_n purity_n beside_o god_n have_v make_v the_o gate_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n much_o wide_a than_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n and_o church_n discipline_n can_v be_v set_v in_o that_o strictness_n in_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v for_o doctrine_n direct_o judge_v the_o heart_n and_o require_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n but_o discipline_n judge_v only_o the_o exterior_a conversation_n and_o must_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o credibility_n of_o profession_n in_o walk_v by_o rigid_a rule_n of_o discipline_n though_o with_o a_o aim_n to_o advance_v purity_n we_o may_v easy_o shut_v out_o those_o who_o christ_n have_v take_v in_o true_a piety_n may_v be_v find_v in_o many_o who_o retain_v such_o thing_n as_o some_o godly_a christian_n judge_v erroneous_a or_o superstitious_a and_o godly_a sincerity_n may_v be_v find_v in_o many_o who_o some_o of_o great_a zeal_n but_o too_o censorious_a may_v judge_v to_o be_v but_o formalist_n it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o neglect_v sober_a and_o serious_a people_n though_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o profession_n who_o conform_v to_o god_n ordinance_n and_o regard_v a_o sound_a ministry_n and_o show_v themselves_o teachable_a lest_o we_o reject_v those_o that_o will_v help_v to_o uphold_v and_o honour_v religion_n more_o than_o many_o who_o will_v put_v themselves_o forward_o among_o the_o strict_a sort_n but_o indeed_o be_v either_o carnal_a projector_n or_o busy_a body_n or_o froward_a and_o fickle_a person_n and_o a_o stain_n to_o the_o profession_n in_o which_o they_o seem_v to_o glory_n this_o narrowness_n of_o church-communion_n and_o other_o reservedness_n of_o some_o strict_a professor_n tend_v neither_o to_o the_o increase_n nor_o stability_n of_o pure_a religion_n zealous_a christian_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o good_a leaven_n like_o that_o in_o the_o gospel_n parable_n which_o if_o keep_v alone_o be_v of_o no_o efficacy_n but_o be_v diffuse_v will_v season_v the_o whole_a lump_n if_o they_o sever_v themselves_o into_o distinct_a visible_a society_n from_o the_o body_n of_o a_o nation_n profess_v the_o true_a religion_n their_o virtue_n can_v spread_v far_o but_o they_o leaven_n the_o whole_a mass_n of_o people_n by_o be_v diffuse_v throughout_o the_o whole_a and_o then_o they_o gain_v reverence_n and_o reputation_n and_o by_o their_o example_n profane_a and_o dissolute_a person_n may_v be_v convince_v and_o much_o reform_v and_o among_o those_o that_o walk_v orderly_a many_o may_v be_v carry_v on_o from_o common_a to_o save_v grace_n hereunto_o may_v be_v add_v this_o inestimable_a benefit_n to_o wit_n the_o apparent_a hope_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o true_a religion_n to_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v which_o otherwise_o be_v unfixed_a may_v in_o time_n wear_v away_o and_o fail_v in_o such_o a_o nation_n furthermore_o sincere_a christian_n be_v comparative_o but_o a_o little_a flock_n and_o of_o that_o little_a flock_n the_o great_a number_n be_v of_o low_a capacity_n and_o very_o defective_a in_o political_a prudence_n and_o if_o they_o be_v whole_o leave_v to_o govern_v themselves_o in_o separate_a society_n they_o may_v easy_o be_v ensnare_v into_o party_n and_o breach_n and_o manifold_a inconvenience_n indeed_o those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v best_a able_a to_o govern_v themselves_o be_v most_o convince_v of_o the_o need_n of_o public_a government_n wherefore_o it_o be_v the_o security_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o live_v under_o a_o public_a and_o fix_a rule_n and_o order_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v embody_a with_o a_o nation_n if_o it_o may_v be_v in_o one_o way_n of_o communion_n chap._n xxx_o factious_a usurpation_n be_v destructive_a to_o religion_n interest_n religion_n be_v by_o the_o maligner_n of_o it_o too_o often_o call_v faction_n but_o the_o name_n be_v not_o more_o reproachful_a than_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v hurtful_a to_o it_o and_o the_o prudent_a promoter_n of_o it_o will_v avoid_v factious_a usurpation_n and_o all_o such_o way_n as_o will_v turn_v to_o a_o general_a grievance_n but_o if_o any_o number_n of_o man_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o profession_n shall_v seek_v the_o engross_n of_o profit_n and_o preferment_n within_o themselves_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v religious_a and_o the_o assume_v of_o such_o power_n as_o can_v be_v maintain_v but_o by_o injury_n or_o disregard_n real_o or_o in_o appearance_n offer_v to_o all_o other_o and_o shall_v so_o act_v in_o civil_a affair_n as_o if_o they_o only_o be_v the_o people_n and_o think_v to_o do_v this_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n they_o will_v much_o mistake_v their_o way_n for_o beside_o the_o iniquity_n of_o this_o practice_n the_o vanity_n and_o weakness_n of_o it_o be_v manifest_a the_o intrinsic_a and_o permanent_a strength_n of_o strict_a religion_n must_v be_v well_o consider_v for_o that_o which_o be_v adventitious_a be_v very_o mutable_a and_o may_v be_v soon_o turn_v against_o it_o occasional_a advantage_n may_v sudden_o raise_v it_o up_o to_o reputation_n and_o power_n among_o man_n and_o as_o sudden_o leave_v it_o to_o sink_v and_o fall_v again_o wherefore_o its_o friend_n and_o follower_n may_v
unnecessary_a thing_n if_o they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o unlawful_a nor_o of_o mischievous_a consequence_n may_v be_v of_o god_n allow_v as_o to_o the_o submitter_n thereupon_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n who_o mere_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o unnecessary_a thing_n yet_o lawful_a as_o to_o their_o use_n though_o wrongful_o urge_v upon_o they_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o their_o ministerial_a station_n where_o thing_n be_v well_o settle_v as_o to_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n and_o the_o end_n of_o church_n order_n and_o when_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o require_v to_o justify_v the_o impose_v of_o such_o unnecessary_n here_o i_o speak_v of_o contumacious_a refuser_n who_o will_v rather_o make_v a_o breach_n than_o yield_v but_o refuser_n out_o of_o conscience_n believe_v or_o with_o appearance_n of_o reason_n suspect_v the_o say_v lawful_a thing_n to_o be_v unlawful_a be_v either_o accquit_v from_o schism_n or_o guilty_a but_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n and_o much_o less_o culpable_a than_o the_o imposer_n who_o may_v well_o forbear_v to_o impose_v be_v it_o here_o note_a that_o when_o superior_n sin_n in_o command_v a_o thing_n exempt_a from_o their_o authority_n it_o may_v be_v the_o subject_n duty_n to_o observe_v the_o thing_n command_v in_o this_o case_n the_o say_a observance_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n for_o that_o can_v arise_v only_o from_o the_o ruler_n authority_n to_o command_v but_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o prudence_n equity_n and_o charity_n and_o it_o be_v good_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o end_n sake_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o obedience_n though_o not_o to_o the_o earthly_a ruler_n yet_o to_o god_n who_o command_v we_o to_o follow_v peace_n and_o maintain_v unity_n in_o all_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v no_o slight_a matter_n to_o act_v against_o conscience_n rational_o doubt_v or_o suspect_v a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n rom._n 14._o 5._o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o mind_n v_o 14._o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v unclean_a ver_fw-la 23._o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n the_o command_n of_o ruler_n be_v no_o good_a security_n for_o act_v against_o a_o rational_a doubt_a conscience_n when_o i_o be_o in_o doubt_n touch_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v i_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o be_v on_o the_o safe_a side_n by_o comply_v with_o ruler_n for_o though_o in_o general_a obedience_n to_o ruler_n be_v a_o certain_a duty_n yet_o in_o the_o particular_a doubt_a case_n i_o can_v be_v certain_a that_o my_o compliance_n be_v right_a and_o warrantable_a obedience_n and_o not_o a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n be_v it_o plain_a that_o i_o ought_v to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o ruler_n in_o thing_n that_o have_v god_n allowance_n so_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o obey_v their_o command_n in_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v forbid_v moreover_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o act_v against_o my_o own_o conscience_n which_o as_o be_v the_o discerner_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v i_o be_v of_o right_a the_o immediate_a director_n of_o my_o action_n indeed_o my_o conscience_n can_v alter_v god_n law_n or_o make_v that_o which_o god_n have_v make_v my_o duty_n to_o be_v not_o my_o duty_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o act_v in_o disconformity_n to_o its_o direction_n see_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v always_o in_o conjunction_n with_o faith_n and_o holiness_n to_o which_o the_o unity_n of_o external_a order_n be_v always_o to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr it_o follow_v that_o when_o unity_n of_o external_a order_n do_v not_o tend_v to_o advance_v but_o hinder_v sound_a faith_n and_o true_a holiness_n than_o a_o false_a unity_n be_v set_v up_o and_o the_o true_a unity_n be_v abandon_v and_o division_n and_o offence_n be_v cause_v and_o it_o be_v no_o schism_n but_o a_o duty_n not_o to_o adhere_v to_o a_o unity_n of_o external_a order_n so_o set_v and_o urge_v as_o that_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n or_o notable_a detriment_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o church_n order_n the_o mean_n be_v good_a in_o reference_n to_o their_o end_n and_o must_v never_o be_v use_v in_o a_o way_n destructive_a to_o it_o of_o the_o hindrance_n of_o the_o say_a end_n there_o be_v these_o follow_a instance_n here_o lay_v down_o in_o general_a without_o intendment_n of_o particular_a application_n to_o any_o church_n now_o in_o be_v which_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v by_o that_o rule_n by_o which_o all_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v 1._o when_o a_o church_n or_o church_n a_o congregation_n or_o congregation_n have_v a_o establishment_n of_o external_a polity_n and_o a_o ordain_a ministry_n and_o a_o form_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o be_v destitute_a of_o such_o minister_n as_o be_v qualify_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n and_o be_v burden_v with_o such_o as_o be_v altogether_o unfit_a to_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o soul_n commit_v to_o they_o who_o be_v either_o unable_a to_o teach_v or_o teach_v corrupt_o either_o teach_v corrupt_a doctrine_n or_o abuse_v mishandle_v and_o misapply_v sound_a doctrine_n to_o encourage_v the_o ungodly_a and_o discourage_v the_o godly_a 2._o where_o there_o be_v some_o minister_n able_a and_o apt_a to_o teach_v and_o due_o qualify_v but_o their_o number_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a proportionable_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o people_n and_o there_o be_v multitude_n that_o can_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o their_o ministry_n so_o that_o if_o they_o have_v no_o more_o place_v among_o they_o than_o those_o few_o they_o have_v in_o effect_n none_o 3._o where_o sincere_a christian_n or_o credible_a professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o a_o establish_a church_n by_o wrong_a sentence_n or_o be_v debar_v from_o its_o communion_n by_o unlawful_a term_n enjoin_v they_o or_o unnecessary_a term_n which_o be_v to_o they_o unlawful_a by_o real_a doubt_n of_o conscience_n and_o which_o christ_n have_v not_o authorize_v ruler_n to_o enjoin_v as_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n 4._o when_o minister_n who_o christ_n have_v furnish_v and_o call_v be_v drive_v out_o of_o their_o public_a station_n by_o unlawful_a term_n enjoin_v or_o by_o term_n unnecessary_a and_o to_o they_o unlawful_a by_o real_a doubt_n of_o conscience_n and_o which_o christ_n have_v not_o authorize_v ruler_n to_o enjoin_v as_o term_n of_o the_o public_a ministry_n upon_o the_o case_n here_o mention_v i_o inquire_v whether_o the_o say_v minister_n and_o people_n may_v not_o draw_v together_o into_o new_a congregation_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o the_o determination_n of_o man_n may_v be_v a_o perpetual_a bar_n to_o true_a visible_a christian_n it_o may_v be_v to_o multitude_n of_o they_o against_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o most_o important_a privilege_n to_o which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o right_n yea_o suppose_v their_o conscience_n be_v culpable_o weak_a in_o scruple_v thing_n impose_v yet_o they_o may_v suffer_v wrong_a by_o such_o a_o excess_n of_o punishment_n as_o so_o great_a a_o deprivation_n and_o christ_n do_v not_o reject_v they_o for_o such_o weakness_n let_v it_o be_v also_o consider_v whether_o such_o injure_a as_o christian_n be_v wrongful_o exclude_v from_o god_n ordinance_n and_o such_o neglect_a soul_n as_o be_v leave_v destitute_a of_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n may_v lawful_o be_v desert_v by_o christ_n minister_n shall_v not_o the_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n endeavour_n to_o supply_v what_o be_v lack_v to_o such_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o rigourousness_n or_o negligence_n of_o other_o if_o it_o be_v say_v we_o may_v not_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v nor_o break_v the_o law_n of_o unity_n for_o such_o respect_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o do_v evil_a but_o a_o good_a work_n and_o a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o here_o be_v no_o breach_n of_o unity_n that_o be_v of_o god_n make_v or_o allow_v the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o save_a soul_n be_v incomparable_o more_o precious_a than_o uniformity_n in_o external_a accidental_a order_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v unwarrantable_o enjoin_v and_o attend_v with_o such_o evil_a consequent_n if_o within_o any_o local_a bound_n assign_v for_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n of_o any_o ecclesiastic_a the_o people_n be_v leave_v destitude_v of_o competent_a provision_n for_o their_o soul_n it_o be_v no_o intrusion_n or_o breach_n of_o unity_n if_o a_o other_o pastor_n perform_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n within_o
unity_n the_o confuse_a noise_n about_o schism_n and_o the_o unjust_a imputation_n thereof_o that_o be_v common_o make_v have_v great_o disorder_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o some_o have_v be_v thereby_o sway_v to_o a_o absolute_a compliance_n with_o the_o most_o numerous_a or_o the_o most_o prevail_a party_n other_o discern_v the_o abuse_n of_o this_o name_n but_o forget_v that_o there_o be_v something_o true_o so_o call_v have_v make_v light_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o be_v indeed_o of_o a_o heinous_a nature_n i_o have_v be_v engage_v in_o this_o disquisition_n by_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o schism_n and_o a_o earnest_a care_n of_o keep_v myself_o from_o the_o real_a guilt_n thereof_o and_o what_o be_v here_o write_v i_o willing_o submit_v to_o a_o grave_n and_o just_a examination_n errare_fw-la possum_fw-la haereticus_fw-la schismaticus_fw-la esse_fw-la nolo_fw-la i_o be_o liable_a to_o error_n as_o other_o be_v but_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o be_o no_o wilful_a schismatic_a it_o be_v common_o give_v to_o man_n to_o pass_v a_o severe_a judgement_n upon_o every_o dissent_n from_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o order_n whereupon_o as_o that_o have_v have_v the_o character_n of_o schism_n stamp_v upon_o it_o which_o be_v not_o such_o indeed_o so_o that_o which_o be_v schism_n in_o a_o low_a and_o tolerable_a degree_n have_v be_v aggravate_v to_o the_o high_a and_o prosecute_v against_o all_o rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o charity_n to_o make_v a_o equal_a judgement_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n in_o person_n or_o party_n the_o degree_n of_o the_o schism_n be_v due_o to_o be_v consider_v our_o saviour_n teach_v that_o revile_v language_n contemptuous_a word_n and_o rash_a anger_n be_v breach_n of_o the_o six_o commandment_n yet_o in_o degree_n of_o guilt_n they_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o the_o act_n of_o wilful_a murder_n and_o indeed_o in_o the_o kind_n of_o delinquency_n here_o treat_v of_o there_o be_v as_o great_a difference_n of_o degree_n as_o of_o any_o other_o kind_n the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o be_v necessitate_v to_o a_o noncompliance_n in_o some_o lawful_a thing_n by_o they_o hold_v unlawful_a yet_o seek_v union_n will_v glad_o embrace_v a_o reasonable_a accommodation_n be_v much_o different_a from_o they_o who_o upon_o choice_n and_o wilful_o sever_v themselves_o because_o they_o love_v to_o be_v sever_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o desire_n and_o seek_v the_o conformity_n of_o other_o and_o will_v glad_o have_v fellowship_n with_o they_o yet_o through_o misguide_a zeal_n be_v approver_n of_o such_o unnecessary_a imposition_n as_o hinder_v the_o conform_v of_o many_o be_v much_o different_a from_o they_o who_o design_v the_o extrusion_n of_o other_o contrive_v the_o intangle_a of_o they_o by_o needless_a rigour_n many_o other_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v to_o express_v the_o great_a disparity_n of_o case_n in_o point_n of_o schism_n all_o which_o may_v teach_v we_o in_o the_o estimate_n that_o we_o be_v to_o make_v thereof_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o honest_a mind_n that_o by_o mistake_n be_v draw_v into_o division_n and_o those_o that_o out_o of_o their_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o evil_a design_n do_v wilful_o cause_v division_n in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o consider_v one_o another_o as_o subject_a to_o the_o like_a error_n and_o passion_n we_o shall_v not_o judge_v too_o severe_o as_o we_o will_v not_o be_v so_o judge_v there_o be_v many_o example_n of_o schismatical_a animosity_n and_o perversness_n into_o which_o in_o the_o ancient_a time_n such_o person_n have_v fall_v as_o be_v otherwise_o worthy_o esteem_v in_o the_o church_n cyril_n with_o the_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o ephesine_fw-la council_n too_o rash_o depose_v john_n of_o antioch_n and_o his_o party_n of_o bishop_n upon_o a_o quarrel_n that_o arise_v between_o they_o and_o john_n with_o his_o adherent_n return_v to_o antioch_n do_v more_o rash_o depose_v cyril_n and_o his_o party_n and_o yet_o both_o party_n be_v orthodox_n and_o in_o the_o issue_n join_v in_o the_o condemnation_n of_o nestorius_n but_o the_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o disorderly_a and_o injurious_a proceed_n of_o so_o venerable_a a_o person_n as_o epiphanius_n against_o so_o worthy_a a_o person_n as_o chrysostom_n to_o which_o he_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o that_o incendiary_n theophilus_n of_o alexandria_n the_o say_v epiphanius_n go_v to_o constantinople_n and_o in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o city_n hold_v a_o sacred_a communion_n and_o ordain_v a_o deacon_n and_o when_o he_o have_v enter_v the_o city_n in_o a_o public_a church_n he_o read_v the_o decree_n make_v by_o himself_o and_o some_o other_o in_o the_o condemnation_n of_o origen_n book_n and_o excommunicate_v dioscurus_n and_o his_o brethren_n call_v the_o long_a monk_n worthy_a and_o orthodox_n man_n persecute_v by_o the_o anthromorphites_n and_o all_o this_o he_o do_v without_o and_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o chrysostom_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o place_n and_o in_o contempt_n of_o he_o i_o may_v further_a instance_n in_o the_o long_o continue_a division_n between_o paulinus_n and_o meletius_n with_o their_o party_n at_o antioch_n though_o both_o of_o they_o be_v of_o the_o nicene_n faith_n likewise_o in_o the_o long_o continue_a separation_n make_v from_o the_o church_n of_o constantinople_n by_o the_o follower_n of_o chrysostom_n after_o his_o banishment_n because_o they_o be_v exasperate_v by_o the_o injury_n do_v to_o their_o worthy_a patriarch_n these_o weakness_n in_o good_a man_n of_o old_a time_n i_o observe_v not_o to_o dishonour_v they_o but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v thereby_o warn_v to_o be_v more_o charitable_a and_o less_o censorious_a towards_o one_o another_o in_o case_n of_o the_o like_a weakness_n and_o disorder_n and_o to_o be_v solicitous_a to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o to_o prevent_v discord_n among_o all_o those_o that_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n and_o for_o this_o end_n to_o be_v more_o careful_a in_o avoid_v unreasonable_a opposition_n unwarrantable_a imposition_n and_o all_o causeless_a exasperation_n true_a holiness_n be_v the_o basis_n of_o true_a unity_n for_o by_o it_o the_o faithful_a cleave_v to_o god_n and_o one_o to_o another_o in_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o be_v incline_v to_o receive_v one_o another_o on_o those_o term_n on_o which_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o all_o and_o by_o it_o they_o be_v turn_v from_o that_o divide_v selfishness_n which_o draw_v man_n into_o several_a or_o opposite_a way_n according_a to_o their_o several_a or_o opposite_a end_n let_v not_o a_o carnal_a worldly_a interest_n in_o a_o church_n state_n be_v set_v up_o against_o holiness_n and_o unity_n let_v the_o increase_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a be_v seek_v in_o order_n to_o the_o increase_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o mystical_a let_v no_o one_o party_n be_v lift_v up_o against_o the_o common_a peace_n of_o sound_a believer_n and_o let_v not_o any_o part_n of_o the_o legitimate_a child_n of_o christ_n family_n be_v eject_v or_o harass_v upon_o the_o instigation_n of_o other_o but_o let_v the_o steward_n in_o the_o family_n carry_v it_o equal_o and_o so_o gratify_v one_o part_n in_o their_o desire_a order_n that_o the_o other_o part_n be_v not_o oppress_v let_v not_o they_o be_v still_o vex_v who_o will_v be_v glad_a of_o tolerable_a term_n with_o their_o brethren_n in_o church-governor_n let_v the_o power_n of_o do_v good_a be_v enlarge_v and_o the_o power_n of_o do_v hurt_v restrain_v as_o much_o as_o will_v stand_v with_o the_o necessary_a end_n of_o government_n let_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n commend_v itself_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n let_v the_o edge_n of_o it_o be_v turn_v the_o right_a way_n and_o its_o vigour_n be_v put_v forth_o not_o about_o little_a formality_n but_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n zeal_n in_o substantial_o and_o charitable_a forbearance_n in_o circumstantial_o be_v the_o way_n to_o gain_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o understand_v the_o true_a end_n of_o church-government_n and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v religious_a indeed_o let_v the_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v and_o snare_n of_o division_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o let_v controvert_v unnecessary_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n discord_n will_v be_v inevitable_a where_o the_o term_n of_o concord_n remain_v a_o difficulty_n insuperable_a the_o conscientious_a that_o be_v willing_a to_o bid_v high_a for_o peace_n can_v resign_v their_o conscience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o humility_n and_o soberness_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n out_o of_o reverence_n to_o their_o superior_n they_o can_v help_v themselves_o
our_o head_n be_v by_o custom_n take_v for_o irreverence_n and_o incivility_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v avoid_v as_o offensive_a all_o matter_n of_o necessary_a decency_n be_v in_o their_o general_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o particular_n to_o be_v order_v by_o human_a prudence_n all_o natural_a expression_n of_o devotion_n as_o kneel_v and_o lift_v up_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o eye_n in_o prayer_n be_v allow_v by_o all_o sort_n we_o call_v they_o natural_a because_o nature_n itself_o teach_v to_o use_v they_o without_o any_o positive_a institution_n divine_a or_o human_a and_o a_o rational_a man_n by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n be_v direct_v to_o use_v they_o yet_o not_o without_o some_o government_n and_o discretion_n for_o herein_o nature_n itself_o be_v subject_a to_o some_o variety_n and_o be_v in_o part_n determine_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o custom_n of_o several_a age_n and_o country_n as_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o prostration_n of_o the_o body_n in_o the_o act_n of_o adoration_n in_o the_o wear_n of_o sackcloth_n and_o rent_v of_o clothes_n in_o time_n of_o great_a humiliation_n which_o in_o former_a age_n be_v suitable_a and_o that_o according_a to_o nature_n but_o not_o now_o adays_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o variation_n of_o custom_n and_o i_o suppose_v that_o in_o this_o sense_n st._n paul_n speak_v against_o wear_v of_o long_a hair_n as_o contrary_a to_o nature_n but_o there_o have_v be_v much_o controversy_n about_o such_o ceremony_n as_o contribute_v nothing_o to_o the_o aforesaid_a necessary_a decency_n and_o be_v no_o natural_a nor_o civil_a and_o customary_a expression_n of_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n but_o be_v of_o human_a institution_n and_o of_o a_o mystical_a and_o mere_o institute_v signification_n and_o make_v visible_a state_v sign_n of_o god_n honour_n and_o the_o immediate_a expression_n of_o our_o observance_n of_o he_o and_o obligation_n to_o he_o and_o by_o some_o suppose_a to_o be_v not_o mere_a circumstance_n but_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o yet_o more_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v design_v in_o their_o use_n for_o that_o significancy_n and_o moral_a efficacy_n that_o belong_v to_o sacrament_n and_o make_v no_o less_o than_o the_o symbal_n of_o our_o christianity_n it_o lie_v not_o on_o i_o to_o determine_v on_o either_o side_n in_o this_o controversy_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o apprehend_v this_o that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o danger_n nor_o damage_n to_o be_v spare_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v at_o least_o doubtful_a and_o unnecessary_a have_v turn_v to_o endless_a strife_n and_o scandal_n between_o those_o that_o own_o the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o same_o church_n communion_n likewise_o it_o can_v do_v no_o hurt_n to_o reform_a christianity_n not_o to_o insist_v on_o that_o latitude_n in_o devise_a rite_n of_o worship_n that_o will_v acquit_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o ceremony_n use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o superstition_n and_o which_o make_v way_n for_o the_o oppress_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o sink_n of_o religion_n under_o a_o luggage_n of_o unprofitable_a institution_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n necessary_a and_o command_v of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v not_o command_v and_o to_o damn_v any_o thing_n as_o forbid_v by_o he_o which_o he_o have_v leave_v indifferent_a and_o to_o dread_v leave_v god_n shall_v not_o be_v please_v unless_o we_o do_v something_n which_o we_o need_v not_o do_v and_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v displease_v when_o we_o do_v something_n not_o forbid_v be_v no_o doubt_n the_o crime_n of_o superstition_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o that_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v no_o less_o superstition_n to_o feign_v god_n to_o be_v please_v with_o man_n vain_a invention_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v not_o enjoin_v or_o observe_v as_o divine_a precept_n and_o this_o also_o be_v to_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o who_o be_v the_o great_a controler_n of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o usurper_n upon_o his_o authority_n they_o that_o fear_v to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v allow_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v forbid_v or_o they_o that_o presume_v to_o add_v their_o own_o invention_n for_o the_o better_n of_o his_o service_n and_o make_v the_o omission_n thereof_o as_o criminal_a as_o the_o neglect_n of_o divine_a ordinance_n doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o more_o tolerable_a superstition_n to_o be_v over_o solicitous_a and_o scrupulous_a about_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n than_o to_o be_v over-confident_a and_o vehement_a in_o the_o unwarrantable_a or_o questionable_a tradition_n of_o man_n human_a device_n multiply_v in_o god_n worship_n engender_v to_o much_o vanity_n and_o superstition_n in_o the_o zealous_a observer_n of_o they_o and_o be_v apt_a to_o extinguish_v the_o inward_a life_n of_o godliness_n as_o rank_a weed_n choke_v the_o corn_n and_o they_o be_v common_o make_v a_o cloak_n to_o real_a ungodliness_n and_o if_o some_o of_o they_o be_v first_o introduce_v with_o pious_a intention_n yet_o they_o be_v common_o maintain_v and_o multiply_v to_o serve_v a_o carnal_a interest_n and_o they_o be_v the_o more_o easy_o entertain_v and_o observe_v because_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o the_o flesh_n to_o buy_v out_o the_o inward_a service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n by_o superficial_a bodily_a exercise_n but_o the_o depretiate_a of_o these_o device_n serve_v to_o pluck_v off_o the_o mask_n of_o hypocrisy_n make_v up_o of_o mere_a formality_n and_o to_o invigorate_v the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o true_a religion_n to_o be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o excel_a glory_n of_o the_o gospel_n ministration_n wherewith_o a_o grave_n and_o sober_a decency_n and_o comely_a ornament_n do_v well_o accord_n but_o excessive_a gaudiness_n pompous_a and_o theatrical_a show_n various_a gesticulation_n and_o affect_v posture_n be_v vanity_n too_o much_o detract_n from_o its_o dignity_n and_o spiritual_a majesty_n chap._n iu._n the_o due_a dispensation_n of_o god_n word_n when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n ascend_v up_o on_o high_a he_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n appoint_v and_o furnish_v spiritual_a officer_n for_o the_o service_n of_o his_o kingdom_n some_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a as_o apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n other_o ordinary_n and_o successive_o perpetual_a as_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n wherefore_o the_o interest_n of_o christianity_n lie_v much_o in_o a_o right_a gospel_n ministry_n which_o be_v suitable_a and_o serviceable_a to_o our_o lord_n design_n and_o the_o end_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v a_o ministry_n which_o be_v pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a dispense_n the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n whereby_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o sound_a faith_n and_o true_a holiness_n which_o be_v vigorous_a and_o powerful_a apt_a to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o reach_v the_o heart_n which_o be_v solicitous_a and_o laborious_a travel_v in_o birth_n till_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o the_o hearer_n and_o the_o manchild_n the_o new_a creature_n be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n which_o be_v assiduous_a and_o instant_a in_o preach_v the_o word_n by_o instruction_n reproof_n and_o comfort_n that_o as_o much_o as_o in_o it_o lie_v it_o may_v present_v every_o man_n perfect_a in_o christ_n which_o come_v with_o full_a scripture_n evidence_n and_o cogent_a reason_n with_o solid_a matter_n in_o stile_n and_o language_n not_o negligent_a much_o less_o undecent_a yet_o not_o too_o curious_a and_o elaborate_a but_o free_a vehement_a grave_a serious_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o work_n in_o hand_n which_o be_v not_o to_o tickle_v ear_n but_o to_o break_v open_a the_o heart_n which_o be_v exemplary_a in_o faith_n purity_n charity_n self-denial_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o final_o which_o be_v not_o mercenary_a but_o natural_o care_v for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o accommodate_v itself_o thereunto_o as_o its_o great_a charge_n and_o chief_a concern_v and_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n say_v the_o great_a apostle_n doubtless_o much_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n be_v needful_a in_o a_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o a_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a it_o be_v pre-supposed_n that_o he_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n and_o that_o he_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n which_o he_o be_v to_o impart_v to_o other_o in_o the_o first_o place_n his_o prudence_n will_v be_v concern_v for_o the_o judicious_a management_n of_o the_o dispensation_n commit_v to_o he_o a_o prudent_a dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n will_v take_v care_n to_o deliver_v nothing_o to_o other_o but_o what_o be_v very_o intelligible_a to_o himself_o and_o whereof_o he_o can_v make_v good_a sense_n and_o render_v a_o reason_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v it_o he_o do_v not_o
trifle_n with_o holy_a thing_n he_o shun_v vanity_n and_o curiosity_n and_o do_v not_o ramble_v into_o impertinence_n and_o care_v not_o to_o utter_v any_o thing_n for_o ostentation_n he_o have_v in_o his_o eye_n the_o end_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o the_o usefulness_n and_o importance_n of_o what_o he_o have_v to_o communicate_v that_o as_o it_o say_v of_o the_o scripture_n from_o whence_o he_o take_v it_o it_o may_v be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o it_o may_v come_v home_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n and_o be_v fit_a to_o raise_v their_o attention_n by_o their_o own_o concernment_n in_o it_o he_o consider_v withal_o what_o the_o hearer_n can_v best_o receive_v that_o be_v not_o what_o the_o flesh_n can_v well_o digest_v for_o then_o the_o most_o necessary_a truth_n must_v be_v forbear_v but_o that_o which_o carry_v its_o own_o evidence_n to_o that_o it_o must_v be_v own_v or_o the_o gainsayers_a must_v be_v self-condemned_n and_o this_o be_v to_o prepare_v man_n mind_n and_o to_o make_v way_n for_o such_o hard_a saying_n and_o strict_a precept_n as_o must_v be_v manifest_v in_o due_a season_n moreover_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o word_n itself_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o in_o all_o reason_n that_o be_v to_o be_v most_o esteem_v such_o which_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v effectual_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v ordain_v it_o which_o be_v to_o open_v man_n eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v through_o faith_n in_o christ._n that_o kind_n of_o preach_v that_o have_v most_o tendency_n to_o convince_v direct_a and_o move_v towards_o this_o end_n be_v without_o controversy_n the_o most_o powerful_a the_o press_v of_o doctrine_n with_o solid_a and_o cogent_a reason_n provide_v they_o be_v make_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o hearer_n appertain_v to_o this_o manner_n of_o preach_v and_o in_o a_o chief_a point_n therein_o strong_a reason_n may_v be_v so_o deliver_v as_o to_o be_v too_o hard_a and_o strong_a for_o plain_a people_n to_o receive_v and_o digest_v it_o here_o condescension_n be_v a_o great_a duty_n and_o perspicuity_n a_o great_a gift_n but_o the_o bare_a evidence_n of_o reason_n do_v not_o all_o for_o to_o gain_v the_o will_n which_o be_v the_o man_n beside_o the_o judgement_n the_o fancy_n and_o affection_n have_v need_n be_v gain_v we_o find_v it_o the_o condescension_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o word_n to_o deal_v very_o much_o with_o these_o low_a faculty_n which_o belong_v not_o to_o brute_n only_o but_o to_o man_n also_o it_o be_v not_o brutish_a but_o human_a to_o be_v move_v by_o they_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o judgement_n even_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o prudent_a man_n be_v find_v to_o take_v no_o small_a impression_n from_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o most_o proper_a way_n of_o solicit_v and_o exciting_a they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v much_o less_o contemn_v now_o dry_a reason_n though_o strong_a enough_o be_v not_o so_o fit_a to_o take_v the_o affection_n or_o raise_v the_o fancy_n wherefore_o some_o other_o help_n among_o which_o there_o be_v comparative_o little_a thing_n be_v herein_o use_v as_o familiar_a expression_n apt_a similitude_n expostulation_n lively_a representation_n and_o such_o like_a to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v a_o voluble_a tongue_n a_o move_a tone_n and_o take_v gesture_n and_o though_o much_o noise_n and_o action_n make_v not_o a_o powerful_a preacher_n yet_o earnestness_n of_o speech_n and_o elevation_n of_o the_o voice_n be_v not_o of_o little_a force_n and_o especial_o with_o vulgar_a hearer_n who_o be_v the_o great_a number_n in_o most_o auditory_n be_v very_o regarnable_a and_o true_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o business_n require_v due_a fervour_n shall_v the_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o death_n eternal_a be_v deliver_v without_o feeling_n as_o by_o man_n half_o asleep_a and_o people_n drowsiness_n do_v no_o less_o require_v it_o yea_o possible_o the_o apprehension_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o common_a people_n may_v better_o be_v rouse_v up_o by_o a_o somewhat_o boisterous_a way_n of_o excitation_n which_o for_o this_o reason_n shall_v not_o displease_v the_o learned_a or_o most_o judicious_a sort_n who_o be_v in_o this_o case_n to_o consider_v not_o what_o will_v most_o affect_v themselves_o but_o the_o great_a multitude_n who_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o help_n and_o who_o soul_n be_v not_o less_o precious_a nor_o redeem_v with_o a_o lesser_a price_n than_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o great_a scholar_n and_o sage_n of_o this_o world_n indeed_o much_o judgement_n and_o and_o circumspection_n be_v here_o call_v for_o that_o all_o rudeness_n and_o homeliness_n of_o expression_n all_o curiosity_n levity_n and_o loathsome_a affectation_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o undecency_n be_v avoid_v and_o that_o what_o be_v comely_a and_o congruous_a and_o apt_a to_o convince_v and_o move_v be_v use_v and_o that_o nothing_o be_v overstrain_v and_o in_o this_o matter_n self-distrust_n if_o not_o too_o excessive_a will_v do_v better_a than_o self-confidence_n and_o conceitedness_n here_o it_o shall_v be_v consider_v that_o very_o worthy_a man_n may_v have_v some_o indecency_n in_o voice_n and_o gesture_n which_o they_o can_v well_o remedy_v and_o other_o who_o be_v very_o useful_a and_o who_o service_n in_o god_n church_n can_v not_o be_v well_o spare_v may_v be_v liable_a to_o some_o lesser_a mistake_n and_o incongruity_n in_o expression_n which_o critical_a hearer_n may_v discern_v yet_o they_o hinder_v not_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n and_o withal_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v who_o work_n they_o do_v that_o aggravate_v such_o weakness_n to_o make_v sport_n for_o themselves_o and_o other_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o for_o they_o that_o pour_v out_o scorn_n upon_o the_o most_o pious_a serious_a solid_n and_o profitable_a kind_n of_o preach_v and_o make_v ridiculous_a representation_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n because_o it_o suit_v not_o their_o seem_a wisdom_n i_o be_o rather_o incline_v to_o lament_v their_o folly_n then_o to_o emulate_v their_o wit_n or_o envy_v their_o applause_n with_o some_o man_n we_o read_v that_o the_o wise_a preacher_n seek_v out_o acceptable_a word_n that_o be_v word_n please_v to_o edification_n that_o will_v reach_v home_o and_o be_v pierce_v as_o goad_n and_o nail_n the_o preacher_n inward_a feel_n of_o what_o he_o speak_v have_v a_o secret_a force_n to_o cause_v his_o word_n to_o be_v feel_v by_o other_o and_o what_o come_v from_o the_o heart_n be_v apt_a to_o go_v to_o the_o heart_n by_o a_o sympathy_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o that_o any_o shall_v speak_v of_o see_v and_o feel_v in_o some_o sort_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o god_n word_n will_v not_o seem_v strange_a to_o they_o who_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a the_o powerful_a dispense_n of_o the_o word_n depend_v chief_o on_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n though_o both_o natural_a and_o acquire_v part_n and_o the_o industrious_a exercise_n thereof_o be_v likewise_o necessary_a for_o which_o cause_n the_o spiritual_a man_n have_v unspeakable_a advantage_n of_o the_o mere_o natural_a man_n in_o this_o service_n the_o special_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o he_o and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o he_o cause_v he_o to_o speak_v in_o a_o strain_n more_o apposite_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o form_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n yea_o such_o illumination_n and_o conviction_n and_o taste_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n as_o proceed_v from_o a_o more_o common_a or_o less_o than_o regenerate_a grace_n will_v do_v more_o in_o this_o business_n with_o less_o ability_n of_o art_n and_o nature_n than_o far_o great_a ability_n in_o those_o kind_n can_v do_v by_o themselves_o alone_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n hereof_o and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o that_o he_o who_o have_v some_o savour_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n shall_v speak_v more_o savory_o of_o they_o than_o he_o can_v to_o who_o they_o be_v tasteless_a or_o unsavoury_a wherefore_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a kind_n of_o preach_v not_o indeed_o opposite_a to_o rational_a nor_o take_v so_o to_o be_v by_o any_o that_o talk_v of_o it_o with_o understanding_n though_o the_o assertor_n of_o it_o have_v be_v abusive_o personate_v as_o hold_v such_o a_o dotage_n they_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o spirit_n show_v any_o thing_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o divine_a matter_n which_o be_v