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presence_n quest_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o church_n answ_n the_o church_n be_v the_o catholic_n congregation_n of_o mankind_n call_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o that_o word_n itself_o and_o which_o be_v call_v itself_o be_v entrust_v to_o call_v other_o to_o the_o sâ—me_a faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o so_o be_v govern_v and_o govern_v according_a to_o it_o by_o daily_a exercise_n in_o and_o according_a to_o that_o word_n quest_n why_o do_v you_o give_v the_o church_n the_o stile_n of_o a_o congregation_n be_v not_o the_o part_n of_o it_o so_o distant_a that_o they_o can_v be_v congregat_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n answ_n they_o 〈…〉_o all_o so_o unite_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o this_o sacred_a word_n and_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o it_o as_o to_o be_v most_o proper_o call_v a_o congregation_n in_o that_o
all_o argument_n that_o truth_n of_o scripture_n and_o so_o persist_v in_o it_o for_o ever_o quest_n can_v then_o the_o church_n fail_v answ_n it_o have_v be_v say_v before_o the_o true_a church_n can_v fail_v for_o the_o true_a church_n be_v as_o have_v be_v describe_v the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o which_o be_v so_o can_v fail_v and_o god_n will_v have_v such_o a_o church_n always_o in_o the_o world_n if_o any_o person_n city_n or_o nation_n that_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o church_n have_v this_o light_n eclipse_v the_o candlestick_n remove_v for_o it_o be_v only_o a_o candlestick_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o light_n and_o the_o pillar_n itself_o shake_v and_o fall_v if_o the_o record_v fix_v to_o it_o be_v take_v away_o and_o the_o palace_n and_o court_n remove_v with_o the_o prince_n who_o be_v always_o with_o his_o truth_n and_o the_o lively_a motion_n of_o it_o so_o much_o truth_n therefore_o and_o active_a display_v of_o it_o so_o much_o a_o church_n in_o any_o place_n and_o the_o truth_n remove_v or_o lie_v dead_a the_o church_n remove_v also_o or_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v in_o that_o place_n quest_n but_o be_v thâ—re_o no_o high_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n answ_n no_o other_o but_o what_o arise_v from_o the_o most_o intimate_a and_o inseparable_a union_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o truth_n truth_n take_v a_o undefailable_a possession_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o wherever_o truth_n in_o that_o fullness_n as_o to_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o happiness_n be_v there_o be_v the_o church_n and_o no_o where_o else_o the_o true_a church_n then_o may_v be_v style_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o high_a sense_n if_o right_o understoo_o that_o be_v truth_n itself_o that_o be_v the_o unmovable_a pillar_n and_o everlasting_a foundation_n have_v so_o close_o band_v the_o church_n with_o itself_o that_o it_o be_v one_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n with_o it_o thus_o the_o church_n may_v be_v both_o the_o building_n and_o the_o rock_n and_o foundation_n to_o succeed_a part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o building_n as_o itself_o rest_v upon_o the_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o truth_n else_o it_o can_v be_v the_o church_n the_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o truth_n to_o the_o still_o succeed_a and_o rise_v church_n as_o it_o be_v one_o with_o truth_n itself_o to_o which_o every_o true_a member_n first_o come_v and_o unite_v and_o therein_o to_o the_o church_n even_o as_o every_o degree_n of_o building_n be_v a_o foundation_n and_o support_v to_o the_o still_o grow_a building_n not_o in_o itself_o but_o as_o it_o be_v sure_o cement_v to_o the_o foundation_n regulate_v by_o it_o and_o partake_v its_o strength_n yet_o if_o it_o swerve_v never_o so_o little_a from_o the_o foundation_n it_o be_v present_o a_o deformity_n and_o the_o more_o it_o swerve_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o itself_o and_o all_o that_o rest_v upon_o it_o quest_n may_v not_o this_o help_n to_o explain_v that_o so_o much_o dispute_v expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o preval_fw-fr against_o it_o answ_n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a if_o it_o may_v give_v any_o light_n to_o it_o and_o hope_v it_o may_v for_o the_o apostle_n peter_n make_v that_o confession_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n not_o singular_a but_o represent_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o apostle_n and_o christian_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o and_o by_o that_o truth_n he_o confess_v be_v both_o part_n of_o the_o building_n upon_o that_o rock_n and_o as_o unite_z with_o that_o rock_n he_o become_v rock_n itself_o upon_o which_o succeee_a christian_n be_v to_o be_v build_v the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n foundation_n and_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n twelve_o foundation_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o cornerstone_n in_o who_o alone_o the_o whole_a building_n even_o the_o apostolic_a foundation_n itself_o rise_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n quest_n be_v there_o not_o a_o good_a security_n then_o in_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o church_n to_o those_o that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o building_n before_o we_o answ_n no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o we_o join_v ourselves_o by_o their_o ministry_n to_o that_o foundation_n itself_o which_o always_o lie_v sure_a upon_o which_o they_o themselves_o must_v alone_o rest_v if_o the_o true_a church_n for_o by_o place_v ourselves_o not_o upon_o they_o but_o upon_o that_o common_a foundation_n we_o be_v adjust_v to_o the_o whole_a building_n that_o be_v before_o we_o that_o lie_v regular_a with_o that_o foundation_n by_o the_o care_n of_o he_o who_o be_v both_o the_o foundation_n cornerstone_n and_o be_v also_o he_o that_o build_v all_o thing_n even_o god_n in_o christ_n quest_n we_o must_v then_o seek_v to_o find_v the_o truth_n by_o itself_o and_o then_o the_o church_n by_o that_o truth_n and_o not_o the_o church_n by_o itself_o and_o then_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o church_n answ_n very_o true_a for_o god_n have_v so_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n establish_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n truth_n can_v give_v many_o assurance_n of_o itself_o to_o we_o by_o itself_o so_o suit_v to_o our_o faculty_n the_o church_n can_v give_v we_o none_o but_o by_o its_o agreement_n with_o truth_n reveal_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o can_v not_o have_v know_v such_o a_o congregation_n as_o the_o church_n at_o all_o to_o be_v much_o less_o which_o it_o be_v but_o by_o that_o word_n manifest_v itself_o in_o our_o conscience_n and_o so_o distinguish_v to_o we_o the_o true_a church_n among_o the_o many_o association_n in_o the_o world_n each_o call_n to_o we_o as_o have_v the_o best_a religion_n among_o themselves_o even_o the_o true_a apostle_n themselves_o can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o and_o false_a apostle_n try_v and_o find_v liar_n no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o this_o truth_n view_v and_o consider_v single_o and_o distinct_o by_o itself_o quest_n but_o when_o we_o have_v find_v the_o church_n by_o the_o truth_n may_v we_o not_o then_o deliver_v up_o ourselves_o whole_o to_o the_o church_n as_o so_o unite_v to_o truth_n answ_n no_o by_o no_o mean_n we_o can_v never_o so_o deliver_v up_o ourselves_o nor_o will_v the_o true_a church_n desire_v any_o such_o thing_n of_o we_o see_v its_o office_n be_v not_o to_o hold_v out_o itself_o but_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o do_v any_o thing_n else_o it_o act_v not_o as_o a_o church_n but_o as_o any_o other_o ordinary_a society_n and_o on_o no_o other_o term_n can_v we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o it_o for_o the_o very_a attempt_n to_o hold_v out_o as_o a_o church_n any_o law_n of_o its_o own_o aught_o to_o enter_v we_o into_o a_o jealousy_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v as_o a_o church_n the_o pillar_n and_o rest_n of_o divine_a truth_n only_o quest_n what_o reason_n be_v there_o of_o such_o a_o jealousy_n when_o once_o we_o have_v find_v it_o a_o church_n by_o the_o truth_n it_o hold_v out_o answ_n because_o a_o church_n that_o have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n may_v several_a way_n decline_v from_o its_o state_n quest_n how_o then_o can_v it_o he_o say_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o answ_n that_o prophetic_a promise_n do_v not_o secure_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n with_o which_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a my_o word_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n or_o thy_o seed_n seed_n for_o ever_o but_o it_o be_v yet_o further_o true_a the_o true_a seed_n the_o holy_a seed_n the_o substance_n of_o the_o church_n can_v never_o utter_o and_o final_o fail_v in_o any_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o for_o if_o it_o can_v it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o violation_n of_o our_o saviour_n truth_n in_o that_o declaration_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n or_o force_v that_o immortal_a retrograde_a into_o mortality_n even_o that_o most_o dreadful_a one_o of_o the_o second_o death_n for_o which_o a_o succession_n of_o other_o and_o in_o the_o same_o danger_n be_v but_o a_o faint_a salvo_n though_o it_o go_v on_o so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n quest_n who_o be_v this_o true_a church_n in_o every_o age_n and_o place_n answ_n they_o which_o be_v by_o true_a save_v faith_n unite_v to_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o rock_n of_o eternity_n and_o be_v so_o found_v upon_o he_o be_v pillar_n
answ_n they_o be_v all_o hereby_o establish_v for_o they_o be_v the_o ordination_n of_o god_n to_o this_o very_a purpose_n to_o make_v man_n see_v to_o bring_v they_o light_n to_o clear_a thing_n to_o they_o that_o by_o the_o awaken_n their_o judgement_n the_o summon_n and_o collect_v their_o principle_n they_o may_v see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n the_o holy_a spirit_n gracious_o adjoin_v itself_o to_o their_o ministry_n they_o have_v no_o dominion_n over_o their_o faith_n but_o be_v helper_n of_o their_o joy_n that_o be_v they_o facilitate_v and_o make_v pleasant_a the_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n of_o religion_n and_o they_o rule_v by_o exhort_v admonish_a rebuke_v comfort_v and_o even_o command_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n on_o account_n of_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v and_o high_o esteem_v for_o their_o work_n sake_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o no_o man_n be_v exclude_v from_o his_o own_o office_n to_o himself_o for_o every_o particular_a christian_a be_v in_o some_o sense_n a_o congregation_n and_o preacher_n to_o himself_o as_o solomon_n his_o conscience_n have_v the_o key_n bind_v and_o lose_v within_o itself_o nay_o christian_n be_v not_o exclude_v from_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n when_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n on_o their_o side_n they_o may_v plead_v and_o reason_n with_o their_o mother_n hos_n 2._o 2._o when_o they_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o their_o teacher_n or_o the_o ruler_n rule_v not_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o that_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n even_o rule_v their_o ruler_n and_o prove_v the_o more_o noble_a organ_n of_o the_o church_n when_o those_o that_o shall_v rule_v it_o be_v as_o the_o idol_n eye_n that_o see_v not_o ear_n that_o hear_v not_o or_o as_o the_o idol_n shepherd_n a_o blâ—st_n be_v upon_o their_o right_a hand_n and_o right-eye_n that_o their_o arm_n be_v clean_o dry_v up_o and_o their_o eye_n utter_o darken_v the_o most_o naked_a unfurnished_a christian_a with_o outward_a accomplishment_n that_o yet_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v among_o the_o prophet_n in_o such_o a_o time_n of_o necessity_n cap._n xii_o of_o schism_n and_o scandal_n quest_n from_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n of_o the_o church_n i_o conceive_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o schism_n may_v be_v deduce_v i_o desire_v you_o therefore_o to_o explain_v what_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o schism_n be_v answ_n the_o question_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n follow_v very_o pertinent_o upon_o the_o right_a settlement_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n now_o the_o whole_a be_v of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o its_o union_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o love_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n and_o that_o it_o receive_v all_o its_o member_n into_o union_n with_o itself_o by_o their_o be_v first_o unite_v as_o itself_o be_v schism_n which_o be_v division_n must_v needs_o in_o its_o strict_a and_o most_o formal_a notion_n be_v a_o division_n from_o that_o truth_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v one_o and_o so_o from_o the_o love_n consequent_a upon_o such_o a_o union_n quest_n what_o be_v that_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o which_o the_o church_n be_v one_o answ_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n or_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o law_n and_o command_n in_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v quest_n how_o be_v the_o love_n of_o the_o church_n unite_v in_o these_o answ_n it_o be_v a_o love_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o hereby_o we_o know_v we_o love_v the_o brethren_n when_o we_o love_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n john_n epist_n 2._o no_o love_n how_o great_a soever_o be_v christian-love_n nor_o union_n how_o close_o soever_o christian-union_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v the_o schism_n that_o be_v a_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n must_v be_v a_o disunion_n from_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o love_n spring_v from_o that_o faith_n and_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o any_o other_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o church_n quest_n how_o do_v schism_n differ_v from_o heresy_n answ_n heresy_n in_o the_o high_a sense_n and_o worst_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v a_o disunion_n from_o truth_n in_o some_o fundamental_a and_o grand_a concernment_n of_o religion_n either_o in_o the_o doctrine_n or_o command_v of_o god_n so_o that_o a_o man_n be_v subvert_v and_o sin_v and_o must_v needs_o be_v condemn_v of_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o assembly_n of_o truth_n both_o by_o himself_o and_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o that_o both_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o christian-love_n he_o be_v so_o separate_v schism_n be_v a_o disunion_n in_o some_o less_o momentous_a part_n of_o this_o truth_n under_o a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o great_a moment_n than_o there_o be_v indeed_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o disunion_n and_o a_o proportionable_a abatement_n of_o christian_a love_n arise_v from_o it_o all_o heresy_n therefore_o include_v schism_n but_o all_o schism_n do_v not_o rise_v up_o to_o heresy_n quest_n be_v these_o the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n according_a to_o its_o use_n of_o those_o word_n answ_n they_o be_v most_o agreeable_a with_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o the_o word_n be_v not_o so_o set_v solemn_a and_o formal_a in_o scripture_n as_o afterward_o in_o ecclesiastic_a writer_n for_o dichostasyes_n or_o division_n into_o two_o or_o more_o party_n and_o contention_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n use_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o schism_n and_o heresy_n sometimes_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o a_o sect_n or_o division_n though_o that_o be_v remarkable_o use_v in_o its_o worst_a sense_n by_o both_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o peter_n quest_n be_v every_o different_a apprehension_n and_o practise_v ensue_a upon_o it_o though_o distant_a from_o truth_n immediate_o to_o be_v condemn_v of_o schism_n answ_n by_o no_o mean_n if_o it_o be_v a_o modest_a and_o humble_a distrust_n and_o suspension_n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o command_v of_o god_n in_o some_o thing_n of_o small_a moment_n and_o doubtful_a yea_o though_o it_o come_v to_o a_o positive_a determination_n so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n judgement_n and_o yet_o erroneous_a can_v at_o the_o present_a discern_v it_o can_v be_v brand_v as_o schism_n if_o there_o be_v no_o stress_n lay_v upon_o the_o thing_n beyond_o its_o desert_n if_o the_o union_n in_o the_o great_a and_o clear_a truth_n and_o command_n remain_v firm_a and_o the_o love_n due_a to_o such_o a_o union_n with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v sincere_a and_o fervent_a yea_o even_a dissent_n in_o great_a point_n thus_o qualify_v and_o free_a from_o ill_a practice_n have_v not_o be_v rigid_o censure_v for_o heresy_n quest_n be_v there_o no_o danger_n then_o of_o run_v into_o schism_n if_o there_o be_v a_o union_n with_o truth_n answ_n in_o this_o sense_n only_o when_o the_o weakness_n or_o misapprehension_n of_o other_o be_v rate_v against_o they_o beyond_o their_o merit_n and_o without_o regard_n to_o the_o great_a truth_n they_o agree_v in_o and_o the_o love_n due_a to_o they_o upon_o union_n in_o those_o great_a truth_n be_v withdraw_v or_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n in_o endeavour_v to_o restore_v the_o err_v christian_a deny_v this_o may_v be_v just_o esteem_v like_o schism_n as_o it_o recede_v from_o the_o just_a value_n of_o great_a truth_n and_o from_o the_o charity_n of_o christian_n upon_o union_n in_o they_o but_o no_o man_n be_v to_o espouse_v any_o man_n error_n or_o to_o receive_v even_o truth_n by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n for_o fear_v of_o schism_n in_o thing_n that_o carry_v not_o a_o broad_a evidence_n of_o divine_a truth_n there_o be_v great_a scope_n for_o modest_a suspension_n and_o even_o dissent_v without_o imputation_n of_o schism_n for_o truth_n of_o magnitude_n either_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n practice_n or_o discipline_n be_v too_o bright_a to_o be_v refuse_v by_o sincere_a and_o honest_a mind_n after_o due_a admonition_n quest_n wherein_o lie_v then_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o schism_n answ_n that_o schism_n and_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o may_v better_o be_v understand_v i_o will_v set_v before_o you_o the_o several_a instance_n of_o schism_n in_o scripture_n and_o the_o evil_n note_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o each_o of_o they_o 1._o the_o first_o sort_n of_o schism_n be_v the_o disunion_n in_o the_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o bring_v in_o upon_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o judaique_a rite_n to_o concur_v with_o it_o this_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n rom._n
in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o be_v confine_v within_o the_o monarchy_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o nothing_o to_o be_v impose_v or_o forbid_v but_o according_a to_o that_o so_o it_o do_v every_o where_o disinterest_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_v or_o intermeddle_v in_o civil_a government_n or_o thing_n pertain_v to_o it_o it_o suppose_v civil_a power_n will_v oblige_v to_o and_o determine_v indifferency_n in_o civil_a thing_n this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n as_o they_o please_v and_o therein_o exercise_v a_o lordship_n but_o christ_n have_v declare_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o his_o disciple_n do_v yet_o command_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n all_o obedience_n to_o these_o principality_n and_o power_n even_o thus_o command_v if_o not_o against_o god_n command_n direct_o so_o that_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n the_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v only_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o its_o rule_n and_o duty_n but_o can_v have_v no_o more_o relief_n against_o 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one_o of_o the_o polity_n of_o this_o world_n by_o canon_n and_o constitution_n of_o its_o own_o not_o found_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o introduce_v on_o other_o pretence_n and_o that_o if_o christian_n do_v not_o submit_v to_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v account_v schismatic_n and_o excommunicate_v as_o heathen_n if_o they_o do_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n thus_o ordain_v in_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o all_o this_o by_o the_o charter_n of_o the_o key_n or_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v or_o loose_v be_v as_o gross_a a_o forgery_n as_o popery_n have_v any_o in_o this_o point_n indeed_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o whole_a church_n shall_v by_o proper_a way_n and_o mean_n find_v out_o by_o christ_n be_v model_v into_o one_o universal_a uniformity_n of_o government_n and_o ceremony_n see_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v but_o one_o and_o that_o the_o roman_a suppose_v it_o have_v not_o so_o gross_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n may_v soon_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o it_o and_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n the_o head_n of_o the_o unity_n than_o any_o other_o it_o be_v the_o first_o imperial_a city_n that_o be_v famous_a for_o christianity_n but_o how_o little_a uniformity_n be_v to_o christ_n or_o his_o kingdom_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v not_o interpose_v at_o all_o but_o leave_v christian_n free_a and_o intend_v they_o shall_v be_v free_a appear_v in_o the_o ununiform_a unity_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o evangelist_n concern_v his_o life_n doctrine_n death_n and_o resurrection_n to_o suppose_v therefore_o the_o church_n to_o be_v in_o this_o manner_n uniformed_a by_o the_o prudence_n of_o its_o governor_n be_v to_o turn_v it_o so_o far_o into_o a_o civil_a state_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o it_o into_o lay-elders_a cap._n xiii_o of_o the_o antichurch_n and_o its_o opposition_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o the_o true_a church_n quest_n be_v there_o not_o a_o antichurch_n or_o antichristian-church_n that_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o true-church_n answ_n there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v so_o for_o many_o age_n and_o that_o have_v take_v upon_o it_o in_o the_o most_o public_a way_n to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n quest_n with_o what_o advantage_n have_v it_o be_v arm_v thus_o to_o take_v upon_o itself_o at_o all_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n answ_n it_o have_v rise_v out_o of_o the_o true_a ancient_a apostolic_a church_n that_o receive_v the_o true_a christianity_n from_o the_o apostle_n at_o rome_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o which_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n witness_n rom._n 1._o 8._o be_v speak_v of_o throughout_o the_o world_n it_o have_v retain_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n the_o write_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o apostolical_a man_n and_o so_o have_v continue_v to_o do_v from_o that_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o day_n and_o have_v also_o actuate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o those_o fundamental_o of_o it_o according_a as_o its_o interest_n have_v lead_v it_o in_o some_o age_n more_o in_o some_o less_o as_o shall_v be_v present_o more_o discover_v quest_n have_v then_o the_o scripture_n those_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n and_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o doctor_n upon_o they_o in_o such_o a_o length_n of_o time_n with_o what_o reason_n can_v it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o anti_n or_o antichristian-church_n answ_n with_o very_o great_a reason_n because_o by_o a_o multitude_n of_o addition_n foul_a idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a corruption_n and_o false_a interpretation_n upon_o the_o scripture_n the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n and_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o ancient_n shameful_o interpolate_v and_o by_o spurious_a write_n under_o their_o name_n despite_v it_o have_v turn_v whole_a christianity_n into_o a_o very_a contrary_a thing_n to_o itself_o while_o therefore_o it_o hold_v those_o point_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o record_n of_o it_o in_o veneration_n and_o yet_o support_v all_o its_o falsehood_n thereby_o it_o become_v perfect_o a_o antichurch_n or_o antichristian_a it_o have_v in_o regard_n of_o those_o article_n of_o truth_n it_o hold_v and_o actuate_v so_o much_o as_o to_o have_v the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o christian_a and_o yet_o have_v they_o so_o falsify_v corrupt_v and_o change_v from_o themselves_o it_o become_v a_o mock-church_n a_o mock-christianity_n that_o be_v a_o antichurch_n and_o anti-christian_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o true-church_n and_o true-christianity_n and_o as_o to_o its_o actuation_n of_o truth_n it_o have_v so_o actuate_v truth_n as_o to_o actuate_v by_o truth_n its_o own_o falsehood_n and_o lie_v upon_o truth_n quest_n how_o then_o do_v it_o rise_v to_o such_o a_o eminency_n and_o pretence_n of_o be_v catholic_n and_o public_a answ_n the_o many_o concurrence_n of_o divine_a providence_n under_o his_o deep_a and_o unsearchable_a judgement_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o relation_n to_o that_o state_n he_o have_v appoint_v for_o his_o church_n i_o leave_v to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n and_o roman_a empire_n in_o those_o time_n by_o which_o may_v be_v understand_v how_o the_o papacy_n take_v the_o advantage_n to_o exalt_v itself_o not_o only_o above_o the_o episcopal_a chair_n then_o in_o a_o ambitious_a contest_v for_o supremacy_n but_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n that_o be_v the_o imperial_a power_n itself_o and_o so_o set_v its_o foot_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o christian_a prince_n throughout_o the_o world_n till_o the_o great_a cheat_n begin_v to_o be_v detect_v and_o all_o this_o by_z and_o upon_o pretence_n of_o be_v the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o head_n of_o the_o catholic_n that_o be_v the_o roman-church_n quest_n these_o thing_n i_o confess_v not_o so_o convenient_a to_o my_o inquiry_n i_o desire_v only_o to_o know_v how_o in_o the_o middle_n of_o so_o many_o horrible_a corruption_n this_o antichurch_n can_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o vaunt_v itself_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n answ_n take_v the_o utmost_a benefit_n of_o its_o antiquity_n in_o the_o christian-faith_n and_o fundamental_o of_o it_o and_o especial_o of_o the_o conspicuousness_n and_o famousness_n of_o its_o state_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o corruption_n grow_v up_o by_o degree_n and_o not_o so_o observable_o as_o at_o once_o for_o papal_a rome_n be_v not_o build_v in_o a_o day_n it_o usurp_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o its_o own_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n in_o its_o infallibility_n the_o key_n of_o power_n in_o open_v and_o shut_v heaven_n gate_n so_o as_o that_o in_o the_o darkness_n then_o overspread_v
that_o no_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n can_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o religion_n but_o look_v monstrous_a and_o horrid_a only_o so_o far_o as_o it_o borrow_v some_o or_o more_o of_o the_o grand_a principle_n of_o our_o true_a religion_n nor_o can_v be_v at_o all_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a but_o be_v vain_a and_o ridiculous_a if_o it_o receive_v no_o ballast_n from_o true-religion_n that_o then_o which_o be_v account_v for_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v remember_v i_o shall_v especial_o apply_v myself_o to_o ascertain_v true_a christianity_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o false_a or_o popish_a christianity_n by_o that_o which_o will_v much_o ascertain_v all_o true_a religion_n also_o in_o general_n and_o difference_n it_o from_o all_o false_a religion_n quest_n i_o much_o desire_n to_o have_v some_o such_o test_n as_o you_o seem_v to_o intimate_v and_o promise_v answ_n i_o can_v furnish_v you_o with_o a_o better_a sure_a and_o more_o lively_a than_o that_o emblem_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n represent_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n by_o a_o foursquare_a city_n the_o length_n and_o the_o breadth_n and_o the_o height_n of_o which_o be_v equal_a the_o wall_n and_o the_o gate_n and_o the_o city_n itself_o amount_v to_o so_o many_o square_n solid_a furlong_n all_o exact_o regulate_v by_o the_o number_n twelve_o all_o of_o massy-gold_n and_o most_o precious_a pearil_n rev._n 21._o quest_n the_o very_a general_n view_n of_o so_o rich_a a_o emblem_n much_o affect_v i_o but_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o lead_v i_o into_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o each_o particular_a purpose_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n what_o be_o i_o to_o understand_v by_o the_o city_n answ_n it_o be_v evident_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n that_o be_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n the_o true_a church_n seat_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n paul_n assure_v we_o the_o christian_a church_n so_o spirit_v with_o true_a christianity_n be_v jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o the_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a jerusalem_n which_o be_v free_a and_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o if_o true_a christian_n gal._n 4._o 26._o quest_n what_o do_v you_o understand_v by_o the_o foundation_n the_o wall_n the_o gate_n the_o city_n itself_o answ_n i_o be_o not_o bold_a or_o curious_a in_o pursue_v emblem_n too_o close_o but_o understand_v in_o general_a by_o the_o whole_a of_o all_o these_o the_o doctrine_n the_o worship_n the_o rule_n of_o life_n the_o discipline_n of_o the_o true_a church_n quest_n what_o be_v we_o direct_v to_o by_o all_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o number_n twelve_o answ_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a the_o twelve_o apostle_n of_o the_o lamb_n give_v the_o honour_n to_o the_o number_n twelve_o for_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n that_o be_v the_o truth_n minister_v infallible_o by_o they_o be_v the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o true_a christian_a church_n be_v build_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o cornerstone_n and_o so_o to_o show_v true_a religion_n have_v be_v always_o substantial_o the_o same_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o people_n and_o city_n of_o god_n of_o old_a be_v record_v with_o honour_n as_o expressive_a of_o the_o true_a church_n fix_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o time_n before_o christ_n quest_n why_o be_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a state_n describe_v to_o be_v of_o pure_a gold_n and_o precious_a pearl_n answ_n to_o teach_v we_o by_o sensible_a thing_n the_o transcendent_a purity_n and_o worth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o equal_a purity_n and_o worth_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o of_o a_o most_o transparent_a clearness_n be_v all_o spiritual_a intellectual_a full_a of_o light_n and_o truth_n and_o so_o to_o be_v receive_v and_o enjoy_v by_o purity_n and_o intellectuality_n or_o clear_a understanding_n wisdom_n and_o prudence_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o divine_a revelation_n and_o by_o great_a innocency_n cleanness_n and_o heavenliness_n of_o heart_n affection_n and_o life_n quest_n but_o can_v this_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v here_o upon_o earth_n answ_n this_o be_v the_o certain_a and_o most_o unalterable_a constitution_n and_o designation_n of_o god_n concern_v it_o and_o whoever_o plant_v it_o low_o in_o any_o of_o the_o thing_n before_o name_v viz._n the_o doctrine_n worship_n rule_n of_o life_n or_o discipline_n contradict_v the_o very_a thing_n itself_o or_o degrade_n and_o embase_v it_o though_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v its_o be_v thus_o prepare_v and_o adorn_v as_o a_o bride_n must_v be_v from_o heaven_n in_o some_o just_a season_n appoint_v by_o the_o father_n this_o be_v yet_o always_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n although_o the_o church_n be_v not_o yet_o perfect_v to_o it_o quest_n but_o you_o seem_v to_o have_v forget_v the_o city_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o lie_a foursquare_n and_o be_v solid_a square_a measure_n for_o so_o it_o must_v be_v if_o the_o length_n breadth_n and_o height_n be_v all_o equal_a answ_n i_o do_v not_o at_o all_o forget_v it_o but_o suffer_v your_o question_n to_o lead_v through_o all_o i_o less_o design_v that_o they_o may_v come_v to_o the_o principal_a character_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o true_a church_n so_o exact_o adequate_a to_o one_o another_o quest_n will_v you_o then_o more_o full_o explain_v this_o similitude_n answ_n that_o i_o may_v the_o better_a do_v it_o i_o must_v repeat_v it_o from_o the_o very_a ground_n and_o bottom_n of_o it_o which_o be_v that_o god_n make_v use_v as_o he_o please_v of_o all_o the_o knowledge_n and_o science_n â—hat_n be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o minister_v to_o divine_a knowledge_n â—â—_o which_o he_o principal_o intend_v to_o instruct_v as_o be_v most_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o all_o of_o what_o 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not_o to_o resist_v the_o power_n vindicate_v its_o command_n by_o suffering_n and_o penalty_n upon_o those_o that_o can_v active_o obey_v wherein_o religion_n justice_n or_o soberness_n be_v contradict_v which_o be_v god_n and_o must_v be_v render_v to_o he_o according_a to_o themselves_o who_o be_v able_a to_o make_v they_o recompense_v who_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n as_o he_o please_v in_o this_o world_n or_o most_o certain_o in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o absolute_a legislative_a and_o executive_a power_n in_o every_o community_n thus_o fix_v and_o unmoveable_a and_o accountable_a only_o to_o god_n the_o restless_a love_n of_o change_n will_v be_v always_o disturb_v and_o call_v to_o account_v government_n and_o every_o man_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v a_o lawgiver_n and_o a_o justicy_a or_o indeed_o to_o be_v licentious_a and_o inordinate_a and_o as_o they_o can_v consult_v and_o together_o collect_v themselves_o 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