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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
faith_n church_n divine_a revelation_n 4,794 5 9.6714 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A34537 The interest of England in the matter of religion the first and second parts : unfolded in the solution of three questions / written by John Corbet. Corbet, John, 1620-1680. 1661 (1661) Wing C6256; ESTC R2461 85,526 278

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behold_v his_o undoubted_a interest_n set_v forth_o to_o his_o hand_n and_o make_v plain_a before_o he_o which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o well_o temper_v and_o compose_v state_n of_o affair_n both_o religious_a and_o civil_a in_o all_o his_o dominion_n by_o the_o abolish_n of_o former_a difference_n and_o the_o reconcile_n of_o all_o reconcileable_a party_n and_o especial_o of_o those_o grand_a party_n which_o if_o make_v one_o do_v upon_o the_o matter_n carry_v the_o whole_a nation_n and_o this_o his_o majesty_n wisdom_n have_v already_o observe_v in_o that_o excellent_a proclamation_n against_o vicious_a debauch_a and_o profane_a person_n in_o these_o word_n that_o the_o reconciliation_n and_o union_n of_o heart_n and_o affection_n can_v only_o with_o god_n blessing_n make_v we_o rejoice_v in_o each_o other_o and_o keep_v our_o enemy_n from_o rejoice_v and_o this_o be_v the_o earnest_a expectation_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o religious_a and_o well_o affect_v to_o public_a tranquillity_n that_o the_o king_n our_o supreme_a head_n and_o governor_n who_o gracious_a disposition_n do_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o cleave_v to_o any_o divide_a part_n of_o his_o subject_n and_o to_o reject_v other_o that_o be_v alike_o loyal_a will_v as_o a_o common_a father_n protect_v and_o cherish_v all_o those_o that_o be_v find_v capable_a and_o worthy_a and_o become_v our_o great_a moderator_n by_o his_o authority_n and_o wisdom_n to_o lessen_v difference_n and_o allay_v animosity_n between_o dissent_v brethren_n which_o already_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a point_n of_o religion_n what_o be_v it_o that_o bring_v home_o his_o majesty_n with_o such_o impetuous_a affection_n &_o impatience_n of_o delay_n even_o in_o those_o as_o well_o as_o other_o who_o must_v needs_o know_v that_o a_o abatement_n of_o their_o particular_a interest_n will_v follow_v what_o be_v it_o i_o say_v but_o a_o clear_a knowledge_n and_o foresight_n that_o all_o will_v run_v to_o rack_n and_o ruin_n 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of_o both_o party_n by_o a_o just_a and_o equal_a accommodation_n be_v not_o in_o itself_o more_o desirable_a and_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o england_n than_o the_o absolute_a exalt_v of_o the_o one_o party_n and_o the_o total_a subversion_n of_o the_o other_o and_o here_o let_v none_o prejudge_v the_o matter_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o name_n presbyterian_a which_o with_o some_o be_v render_v odious_a but_o let_v the_o character_n hereafter_o give_v be_v heedful_o observe_v let_v none_o take_v offence_n at_o the_o name_n of_o prelate_n or_o prelatist_n which_o be_v not_o use_v for_o envy_v but_o for_o distinction_n sake_n moreover_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o first_o inquiry_n be_v propound_v on_o the_o presbyterian_o behalf_n be_v because_o episcopacy_n now_o stand_v on_o the_o rise_a ground_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o advocate_n also_o the_o presbyterian_o aim_v not_o at_o a_o ample_a splendid_a and_o potent_a state_n but_o at_o liberty_n and_o security_n in_o their_o low_a orb_n and_o chief_o because_o they_o be_v by_o some_o misrepresent_v and_o by_o many_o misapprehended_n and_o pre-condemned_n as_o inconsistent_a with_o public_a tranquillity_n in_o church_n or_o state_n section_n v._n as_o concern_v their_o true_a character_n the_o notation_n of_o the_o name_n whereby_o they_o be_v call_v be_v both_o too_o shallow_a and_o too_o narrow_a for_o it_o the_o word_n presbyterian_a have_v not_o sufficient_a depth_n to_o go_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n nor_o breadth_n sufficient_a to_o comprehend_v this_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o form_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n by_o parochial_a and_o classical_a presbytery_n provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n be_v remote_a enough_o from_o their_o main_a cause_n and_o those_o firm_a bond_n that_o make_v they_o eternal_o one_o in_o respect_n whereof_o many_o that_o approve_v a_o regulate_v episcopacy_n will_v be_v find_v of_o their_o number_n for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n and_o the_o height_n of_o prelacy_n or_o hierarchy_n of_o the_o latter_a time_n this_o late_a only_a be_v the_o true_a opposite_a of_o presbytery_n and_o so_o they_o may_v not_o abhor_v to_o be_v name_v in_o several_a respect_n both_o presbyterian_a and_o episcopal_a yet_o not_o prelatical_a some_o of_o they_o commend_v and_o i_o think_v most_o of_o they_o here_o in_o england_n allow_v in_o order_n to_o peace_n episcopum_fw-la praesilem_fw-la non_fw-la principem_fw-la wherefore_o as_o concern_v their_o main_a and_o root_a principle_n they_o admire_v and_o magnify_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o take_v they_o for_o the_o absolute_a perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n without_o the_o supplement_n of_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n yet_o they_o deny_v not_o due_a respect_n and_o reverence_n to_o venerable_a antiquity_n they_o assert_v the_o study_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o all_o christian_n that_o according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n be_v skilful_a in_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n they_o may_v discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o goodness_n may_v be_v able_a to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o yet_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o stand_a gospel_n ministry_n and_o receive_v the_o directive_n authority_n of_o the_o church_n not_o with_o implicit_a faith_n but_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n they_o hold_v the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n necessary_a to_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o hold_v that_o the_o spirit_n bring_v new_a revelation_n but_o that_o he_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o discern_v what_o be_v of_o old_a reveal_v in_o the_o write_a word_n they_o exalt_v divine_a ordinance_n but_o debase_v humane_a invention_n in_o god_n worship_n particular_o ceremony_n proper_o religious_a and_o of_o institute_v mystical_a signification_n yet_o they_o allow_v the_o natural_a expression_n of_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n as_o
not_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n be_v present_a at_o the_o popish_a mass_n because_o he_o wound_v his_o conscience_n by_o impious_a dissimulation_n thereby_o make_v a_o show_n of_o approve_v that_o pretend_a expiatory_a sacrifice_n in_o another_o question_n he_o resolve_v that_o papist_n be_v bind_v to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o english_a divine_a service_n because_o nothing_o occur_v therein_o that_o can_v be_v by_o themselves_o reprove_v in_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o case_n it_o be_v far_o from_o my_o thought_n to_o make_v the_o comparison_n between_o presbyterian_o and_o prelatist_n parallel_v with_o that_o between_o protestant_n and_o papist_n but_o i_o make_v the_o reason_n of_o both_o case_n parallel_v for_o as_o papist_n find_v nothing_o in_o the_o protestant_a liturgy_n according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n impious_a or_o unsound_a in_o like_a manner_n the_o prelatist_n can_v find_v no_o positive_a thing_n in_o the_o propound_a term_n of_o accommodation_n contrary_a to_o divine_v right_a and_o primitive_a practice_n only_o as_o the_o papist_n find_v not_o so_o much_o as_o they_o will_v have_v in_o our_o liturgy_n so_o the_o prelatist_n in_o the_o say_a proposal_n nay_o the_o papist_n have_v better_a colour_n of_o reason_n to_o separate_v from_o our_o public_a service_n because_o although_o they_o find_v nothing_o positive_o unsound_a yet_o according_a to_o the_o roman_a faith_n they_o may_v pretend_v fundamental_a defect_n therein_o as_o the_o want_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n but_o the_o prelatist_n can_v here_o allege_v no_o such_o thing_n the_o suppose_a defect_n and_o omission_n be_v only_o in_o thing_n remote_a from_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n for_o we_o trust_v the_o great_a number_n of_o they_o do_v not_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n without_o a_o prelate_n have_v sole_a jurisdiction_n over_o the_o clergy_n that_o there_o be_v no_o ministry_n but_o what_o be_v ordain_v by_o such_o a_o prelate_n that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a divine_a service_n where_o the_o common-prayer_n book_n be_v not_o use_v and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o acceptable_a worship_n without_o humane_a mystical_a ceremony_n let_v they_o that_o have_v take_v up_o such_o opinion_n sad_o consider_v whether_o they_o be_v lead_v therein_o by_o conscience_n or_o by_o humour_n and_o design_n section_n xxviii_o the_o great_a show_n of_o reason_n oppose_v this_o moderation_n be_v a_o pretend_a fixation_n in_o religion_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o a_o show_n and_o colour_n that_o religion_n be_v a_o thing_n unmoveable_a all_o that_o be_v true_o religious_a do_v from_o the_o heart_n acknowledge_v and_o for_o the_o immobility_n thereof_o none_o contend_v more_o earnest_o than_o the_o presbyterian_o but_o they_o fix_v its_o unmovable_a state_n in_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n and_o they_o continual_o cry_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n against_o humane_a tradition_n and_o invention_n in_o one_o extreme_a and_o against_o enthusiasm_n in_o the_o other_o upon_o occasion_n of_o any_o aberration_n in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n they_o recall_v we_o to_o the_o primitive_a rule_n and_o pattern_n and_o what_o be_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n that_o deliver_v they_o to_o the_o church_n that_o sacred_a rule_n they_o willing_o suffer_v not_o to_o be_v captivate_v in_o its_o interpretation_n by_o the_o church_n infallibility_n as_o do_v the_o papist_n nor_o by_o proud_a and_o arrogant_a reason_n as_o the_o socinian_o nor_o by_o impulse_n and_o imagination_n as_o the_o euthusiast_n but_o they_o maintain_v it_o in_o its_o full_a authority_n to_o interpret_v itself_o who_o authentic_a interpretation_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v by_o rational_a inference_n and_o deduction_n wherein_o we_o make_v use_v of_o reason_n not_o as_o a_o argument_n but_o as_o instrument_n as_o for_o the_o decree_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n what_o rightful_a authority_n do_v make_v they_o as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n that_o alter_v not_o must_v thing_n be_v enact_v by_o the_o church_n once_o and_o for_o ever_o and_o whether_o they_o be_v little_a or_o great_a clear_a or_o doubtful_a necessary_a or_o superfluous_a must_v they_o be_v hold_v unquestionable_a and_o indisputable_a sure_o this_o be_v to_o idolise_v humane_a constitution_n and_o to_o equalise_v they_o with_o divine_a and_o to_o lead_v the_o people_n to_o a_o blind_a implicit_a faith_n and_o a_o neglect_n of_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o upon_o this_o ground_n those_o large_a church_n as_o the_o roman_a grecian_a aethiopick_n armenian_n indian_a and_o the_o rest_n be_v obstinate_o divide_v for_o many_o age_n from_o each_o other_o and_o hold_v to_o this_o principle_n of_o unalterable_a tradition_n and_o constitution_n they_o will_v be_v divide_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n have_v not_o all_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n and_o decree_n a_o beginning_n and_o that_o at_o sundry_a time_n 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the_o flock_n from_o wander_v unless_o they_o hedge_v they_o in_o by_o unchangeable_a canon_n
be_v one_o with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n unless_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n and_o abandon_v all_o protestantism_n section_n xxxiv_o whereupon_o all_o approach_n and_o motion_n towards_o rome_n be_v dangerous_a for_o popish_a agent_n will_v easy_o overact_v the_o reconciler_n &_o peradventure_o lead_v they_o whither_o they_o will_v not_o if_o we_o walk_v on_o the_o brink_n we_o may_v soon_o fall_v into_o the_o pit_n although_o it_o stand_v not_o with_o christian_a charity_n to_o disclaim_v agreement_n upon_o reasonable_a term_n with_o any_o that_o be_v name_v christian_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o a_o pure_a church_n to_o incorporate_v with_o a_o church_n defile_v with_o such_o abomination_n beside_o as_o to_o reason_n of_o state_n enmity_n with_o rome_n have_v be_v repute_v the_o stability_n of_o england_n concern_v which_o the_o duke_n of_o rhoan_n have_v deliver_v this_o maxim_n that_o beside_o the_o interest_n which_o the_o king_n of_o england_n have_v common_a with_o all_o prince_n he_o have_v yet_o one_o particular_a which_o be_v that_o he_o ought_v thorough_o to_o acquire_v the_o advancement_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n even_o with_o as_o much_o zeal_n as_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n appear_v protector_n of_o the_o catholic_n indeed_o that_o scarlet-coloured_n whore_n have_v this_o bewitch_a ingredient_n in_o the_o cup_n of_o her_o fornication_n that_o she_o dispose_v subject_n to_o security_n and_o blind_a obedience_n and_o exalt_v prince_n unto_o absolute_a dominion_n but_o against_o this_o poison_n a_o sovereign_a antidote_n be_v give_v by_o a_o judicious_a writer_n that_o this_o prove_v that_o subject_n be_v more_o miserable_a not_o that_o prince_n be_v more_o absolute_a among_o papist_n forasmuch_o as_o where_o the_o pope_n prevail_v there_o be_v a_o co-domination_n and_o rivalty_n in_o rule_n and_o this_o protestant_a prince_n be_v free_v from_o and_o whereas_o popery_n have_v be_v ever_o infamous_a for_o excommunicate_v murder_a depose_v prince_n the_o protestant_a religion_n aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o that_o the_o king_n prerogative_n and_o popular_a liberty_n may_v be_v even_o balance_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o be_v true_a of_o protestantism_n but_o puritanism_n lead_v to_o sedition_n rebeliion_n anarchy_n let_v the_o world_n know_v that_o puritanism_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o sound_a protestantism_n do_v abhor_v these_o crime_n and_o defy_v the_o charge_n thereof_o the_o people_n that_o be_v call_v puritan_n and_o now_o presbyterian_o have_v have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o politician_n and_o sectary_n in_o those_o pernicious_a way_n but_o their_o principle_n be_v for_o subjection_n to_o prince_n though_o they_o be_v heretic_n or_o infidel_n and_o if_o they_o differ_v herein_o from_o the_o prelatical_a protestant_n it_o be_v only_o that_o they_o plead_v for_o liberty_n settle_v by_o know_a law_n and_o fundamental_a constitution_n section_n xxxv_o from_o the_o reason_n aforego_v we_o conclude_v that_o protestantism_n will_v best_o consist_v in_o the_o middle_a way_n by_o reduce_v prelacy_n to_o the_o ancient_a synodical_a government_n or_o moderate_a episcopacy_n and_o this_o be_v a_o bless_a work_n worthy_a of_o a_o pacific_a king_n w_z the_o respect_n to_o his_o honour_n &_o service_n who_o title_n be_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n herein_o his_o majesty_n with_o god_n help_n may_v over-rule_v without_o difficulty_n or_o hazard_n he_o need_v not_o say_v of_o those_o that_o be_v averse_a as_o david_n sometime_o do_v of_o the_o son_n of_o zerviah_n that_o they_o be_v too_o hard_o for_o he_o prelacy_n be_v not_o popular_a but_o moderate_a episcopacy_n be_v and_o the_o more_o because_o it_o be_v a_o heal_a expedient_a for_o our_o break_a time_n the_o bishop_n depend_v entire_o on_o the_o king_n but_o he_o have_v no_o dependence_n on_o they_o no_o need_n of_o advantage_n from_o they_o what_o if_o some_o interest_v person_n be_v discontent_v the_o sober_a of_o the_o nation_n both_o episcopal_a and_o presbyterian_a will_v have_v great_a contentment_n in_o the_o king_n prudence_n and_o moderation_n his_o majesty_n be_v a_o prince_n by_o nature_n he_o be_v our_o native_a king_n and_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o english_a nation_n and_o may_v govern_v as_o he_o please_v without_o fear_n or_o hazard_n by_o continue_v to_o show_v himself_o a_o common_a father_n for_o there_o be_v none_o other_o upon_o who_o the_o inrest_n of_o england_n can_v bottom_v itself_o but_o our_o gracious_a dread_n sovereign_a king_n charles_n who_o house_n and_o kingdom_n let_v the_o most_o high_a establish_v throughout_o all_o generation_n he_o have_v all_o heart_n that_o be_v of_o sober_a principle_n earnest_o wait_v upon_o he_o longing_n and_o pant_v after_o his_o moderation_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o begin_v expression_n thereof_o and_o of_o which_o the_o presbyterian_o have_v have_v so_o great_a expectation_n that_o they_o wish_v he_o be_v both_o king_n lord_n and_o commons_o as_o to_o the_o settle_n of_o this_o grand_a affair_n section_n xxxvi_o the_o excessive_a dominion_n of_o the_o hierarchy_n with_o the_o rigorous_a imposition_n of_o humane_a ceremony_n be_v account_v much_o of_o the_o malady_n of_o former_a time_n which_o end_v in_o those_o deadly_a convulsion_n of_o church_n and_o state_n do_v we_o here_o reproach_v our_o mother_n the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o no_o wise_a this_o national_a church_n consist_v of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n combine_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o substance_n of_o divine_a worship_n according_a to_o god_n holy_a word_n but_o if_o the_o church_n be_v take_v in_o a_o more_o restrain_a sense_n for_o the_o clergy_n or_o ministry_n yet_o so_o the_o hierarchy_n be_v not_o the_o church_n either_o formal_o or_o virtual_o when_o as_o according_a to_o camden_n report_n there_o be_v in_o england_n above_o nine_o thousand_o four_o hundred_o ecclesiastical_a promotion_n how_o come_v all_o the_o interest_n and_o virtue_n of_o such_o a_o numerous_a clergy_n to_o be_v gather_v up_o in_o six_o and_o twenty_o bishop_n with_o their_o respective_a dean_n and_o chapter_n and_o archdeacon_n and_o can_v the_o selfsame_a state_n and_o frame_n of_o ecclesiastic_n be_v now_o revive_v after_o so_o great_a and_o long_o continue_a alteration_n by_o which_o the_o anti-prelatical_a party_n be_v exceed_o increase_v and_o strengthen_v machiavelli_n who_o reason_n in_o thing_n political_a may_v challenge_v regard_n give_v these_o two_o direction_n to_o a_o prince_n to_o be_v alike_o observe_v for_o secure_v his_o hereditary_a dominion_n first_o that_o he_o do_v not_o transgress_v the_o institution_n of_o his_o ancestor_n second_o that_o he_o serve_v the_o time_n according_a to_o new_a occasion_n by_o which_o if_o a_o prince_n be_v induce_v with_o ordinary_a diligence_n in_o action_n he_o will_v preserve_v himself_o in_o his_o principality_n his_o majesty_n return_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o kingly_a power_n after_o a_o long_a interruption_n in_o government_n and_o great_a alteration_n in_o the_o state_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a and_o he_o have_v this_o happy_a advantage_n present_v itself_o to_o his_o hand_n that_o he_o may_v give_v general_a satisfaction_n by_o retain_v the_o ancient_a episcopal_a government_n with_o some_o necessary_a variation_n conformable_a to_o these_o time_n in_o abate_v the_o excess_n of_o former_a thing_n and_o qualify_a the_o same_o with_o some_o temperate_a ingredient_n certain_o it_o concern_v a_o hereditary_a prince_n as_o to_o maintain_v the_o ancient_a constitution_n so_o to_o redress_v ancient_a grievance_n and_o to_o cure_v inveterate_a malady_n the_o party_n dissatisfy_v in_o former_a thing_n be_v not_o a_o company_n of_o precipitate_a mutineer_n but_o a_o parliament_n of_o judicious_a and_o conscientious_a person_n and_o their_o adherent_n who_o for_o the_o major_a part_n never_o intend_v to_o dissolve_v the_o government_n but_o have_v to_o their_o power_n endeavour_v and_o contrive_v the_o settle_n of_o these_o nation_n on_o their_o ancient_a basis_n section_n xxxvii_o moreover_o this_o dissatisfaction_n in_o the_o old_a frame_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n be_v not_o a_o novelty_n of_o these_o time_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o prudent_a consideration_n touch_v the_o better_a pacification_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n present_v to_o king_n james_n by_o that_o most_o learned_a lord_n verulam_n sometime_o lord_n chancellor_n of_o england_n who_o be_v no_o presbyterian_a nor_o enemy_n to_o episcopacy_n in_o which_o be_v these_o passage_n there_o be_v two_o circumstance_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o bishop_n wherein_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v never_o be_v satisfy_v the_o one_o the_o sole_a exercise_n of_o their_o authority_n the_o other_o the_o deputation_n of_o their_o authority_n for_o the_o first_o the_o bishop_n give_v order_n alone_o excommunicate_v alone_o judge_v alone_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n almost_o without_o example_n in_o government_n and_o therefore_o not_o unlikely_a to_o have_v creep_v in_o in_o
such_o a_o harmony_n of_o affection_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o lay_v aside_o of_o all_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n will_v not_o cause_v any_o defect_n in_o the_o state_n ecclesiastical_a what_o then_o be_v the_o root_n of_o these_o mischief_n of_o division_n be_v it_o the_o perpetual_a hatred_n between_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n or_o be_v it_o a_o uncharitable_a and_o froward_a spirit_n of_o opposition_n by_o reason_n of_o irritated_a animosity_n and_o deep_a suspicion_n or_o jealousy_n or_o be_v it_o some_o temporary_a carnal_a design_n it_o be_v first_o inquire_v whether_o the_o root_n hereof_o be_v the_o perpetual_a hatred_n between_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n section_n xi_o nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a from_o scripture_n and_o experience_n then_o that_o a_o form_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n may_v be_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o zeal_n embrace_v and_o the_o power_n thereof_o hate_v and_o impugn_a by_o the_o same_o person_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v zealous_a &_o exact_a in_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yet_o their_o hatred_n of_o the_o power_n of_o that_o religion_n appear_v by_o their_o obstinate_a reject_v and_o persecute_v of_o christ_n and_o those_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o many_o do_v embrace_v a_o form_n of_o the_o christian_a verity_n in_o the_o general_a doctrine_n and_o in_o some_o plausible_a yet_o superficial_a practice_n nevertheless_o they_o can_v abide_v the_o genuine_a and_o spiritual_a explication_n and_o close_a application_n of_o the_o same_o verity_n lead_v to_o the_o life_n and_o power_n thereof_o now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o difference_n that_o those_o of_o the_o one_o persuasion_n only_o do_v urge_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o of_o a_o holy_a and_o circumspect_a walk_v in_o all_o christian_n and_o to_o that_o end_n seek_v the_o advancement_n of_o such_o a_o ministry_n as_o with_o bless_a paul_n travel_v in_o birth_n till_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o the_o hearer_n and_o such_o as_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a enter_v to_o the_o divide_v of_o the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o discover_v the_o secret_a rottenness_n and_o destroy_v the_o self-confidence_n of_o the_o deceitful_a heart_n and_o drive_v the_o soul_n out_o of_o self_n to_o draw_v it_o to_o christ_n such_o a_o ministry_n as_o be_v assiduous_a and_o instant_a in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n by_o instruction_n reproof_n and_o comfort_n and_o in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o the_o pastoral_n duty_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 and_o if_o those_o of_o the_o other_o persuasion_n account_v the_o urge_n of_o these_o thing_n severe_a foolishness_n peevishness_n pride_n hypocrisy_n affect_a singularity_n and_o suppose_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n common_a and_o easy_a and_o according_o seek_v the_o advancement_n of_o such_o a_o ministry_n that_o be_v more_o smooth_a and_o plausible_a then_o search_v and_o faithful_a more_o slack_a and_o cold_a in_o the_o public_a dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o in_o private_a admonition_n indulge_v the_o people_n corruption_n and_o general_o temporize_v with_o their_o carnal_a spirit_n i_o say_v if_o the_o case_n be_v so_o between_o they_o i_o can_v proceed_v no_o further_o for_o in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o propose_v way_n of_o accommodation_n be_v to_o make_v proposal_n of_o peace_n to_o party_n divide_v by_o a_o everlasting_a enmity_n but_o god_n forbid_v that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o difference_n shall_v be_v so_o deplorable_a we_o trust_v that_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o have_v so_o learned_a christ_n as_o to_o exalt_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o or_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o it_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n disavow_v with_o detestation_n we_o take_v it_o for_o a_o principle_n or_o groundwork_n whereon_o to_o bottom_v our_o whole_a design_n the_o king_n declare_v that_o the_o profession_n and_o desire_n of_o all_o those_o of_o either_o persuasion_n with_o who_o he_o have_v confer_v be_v the_o same_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o piety_n and_o true_a godliness_n let_v the_o joint_a pursuance_n of_o these_o profession_n and_o desire_n set_v both_o party_n agree_v especial_o since_o his_o majesty_n have_v thus_o declare_v in_o these_o gracious_a word_n our_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v to_o promote_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n to_o encourage_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n both_o public_a and_o private_a and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o lord_n day_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o holy_a exercise_n without_o unnecessary_a divertisement_n and_o that_o insufficient_a negligent_a and_o scandalous_a minister_n may_v not_o be_v promote_v in_o the_o church_n be_v a_o uncharitable_a and_o froward_a spirit_n of_o opposition_n by_o reason_n of_o irritated_a animosity_n and_o deep_a suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n the_o root_n of_o these_o discord_n section_n xii_o we_o fear_v indeed_o that_o too_o much_o tartness_n if_o not_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n keep_v the_o breach_n open_a difference_n of_o long_a continuance_n and_o settle_a prejudices_fw-la do_fw-mi choke_v the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v formerly_z the_o current_n of_o occasion_n run_v along_o to_o aggravate_v these_o difference_n and_o to_o exasperate_v these_o passion_n let_v we_o now_o at_o length_n take_v hold_v of_o the_o right_a mean_n to_o stop_v this_o current_n of_o contention_n remove_v the_o occasion_n lay_v aside_o controvert_v matter_n whereof_o there_o will_v be_v no_o miss_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n let_v form_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n be_v so_o cut_v out_o that_o they_o may_v not_o pinch_v and_o gall_v the_o conscience_n of_o either_o party_n as_o it_o may_v be_v do_v by_o man_n of_o sober_a and_o charitable_a judgement_n without_o any_o impeachment_n of_o such_o order_n and_o decency_n as_o agree_v with_o the_o simplicity_n and_o spiritual_a glory_n of_o gospel_n administration_n so_o after_o a_o while_n the_o froward_a humour_n that_o work_v on_o both_o side_n will_v spend_v and_o lose_v itself_o yea_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o some_o spirit_n now_o exulcerate_v through_o these_o distemper_n will_v not_o prove_v incurable_a or_o implacable_a after_o a_o little_a experience_n of_o such_o proper_a heal_a remedy_n both_o side_n will_v find_v themselves_o brethren_n that_o have_v mistake_v one_o another_o and_o forsake_v their_o common_a interest_n section_n xiii_o most_o serious_a thought_n of_o heart_n have_v often_o lead_v i_o to_o contemplate_v and_o lament_v the_o peculiar_a calamity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o these_o dominion_n that_o from_o time_n to_o time_n it_o have_v be_v afflict_v with_o the_o most_o unhappy_a kind_n of_o controversy_n for_o they_o come_v not_o near_o the_o foundation_n nevertheless_o they_o be_v very_o pernicious_a and_o destructive_a they_o consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o speculation_n as_o practice_n and_o particular_o their_o immediate_a influence_n be_v upon_o the_o church_n interest_n and_o inevitable_o make_v a_o breach_n in_o church-unity_n for_o ecclesiastical_a office_n and_o church_n privilege_n and_o communion_n of_o worship_n both_o in_o former_a and_o latter_a time_n have_v be_v enclose_v with_o such_o form_n and_o rite_n and_o other_o needless_a rigour_n that_o the_o way_n thereunto_o be_v keep_v shut_v against_o many_o that_o have_v receive_v with_o the_o heart_n that_o common_a faith_n which_o be_v once_o give_v to_o the_o saint_n hence_o proceed_v despise_v and_o judge_v one_o another_o and_o deep_a censure_n alienation_n and_o separation_n which_o will_v undo_v any_o society_n of_o whatsoever_o profession_n the_o papist_n notwithstanding_o their_o great_a boast_n of_o unity_n be_v much_o more_o divide_v within_o themselves_o than_o any_o protestant_n from_o each_o other_o for_o the_o rent_n go_v through_o the_o main_a foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n with_o they_o the_o head_n cornerstone_n or_o rather_o the_o adequate_a foundation_n be_v their_o church_n infallibility_n but_o where_o to_o place_v this_o pretend_a infallibility_n they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n agree_v for_o upon_o the_o matter_n one_o half_a of_o they_o place_n it_o in_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o other_o in_o a_o general_a council_n if_o you_o ask_v how_o then_o do_v that_o vast_a building_n hang_v together_o how_o do_v that_o babylonish_n kingdom_n stand_v sure_o they_o have_v the_o skill_n to_o make_v that_o great_a point_n of_o difference_n a_o matter_n of_o speculation_n more_o than_o of_o practice_n and_o they_o holdfast_v two_o main_a practical_a thing_n which_o do_v hold_v both_o in_o one_o namely_o the_o hierarchy_n under_o the_o headship_n of_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o mass._n they_o be_v all_o one_o both_o
inveterate_a malice_n by_o good_a turn_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o true_a say_n but_o pervert_v by_o mis-application_n in_o this_o case_n to_o judge_v right_o of_o thing_n that_o differ_v let_v a_o prince_n consider_v diligent_o whether_o the_o present_a averseness_n proceed_v from_o root_a principle_n and_o a_o fix_a interest_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o security_n of_o his_o estate_n or_o from_o the_o pressure_n of_o the_o grieve_a party_n in_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o the_o necessary_a prop_n of_o his_o power_n and_o without_o which_o his_o greatness_n may_v well_o consist_v and_o let_v he_o never_o question_v the_o gain_n of_o such_o a_o people_n who_o principle_n and_o design_n be_v not_o against_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a interest_n of_o his_o estate_n whatsoever_o their_o present_a distemper_n be_v for_o the_o grievance_n be_v redress_v time_n will_v wear_v out_o those_o distemper_n and_o in_o that_o case_n a_o people_n will_v not_o less_o value_v their_o prince_n because_o he_o yield_v to_o they_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o own_o concernment_n for_o they_o will_v not_o judge_v it_o a_o force_v yield_v because_o that_o proceed_v from_o force_n which_o be_v yield_v for_o present_a necessity_n and_o against_o the_o main_a interest_n but_o they_o will_v cleave_v to_o he_o the_o more_o by_o discern_v that_o his_o and_o their_o good_a do_v agree_v in_o one_o for_o it_o make_v they_o hope_v that_o he_o will_v seek_v their_o good_a as_o his_o own_o when_o governor_n resent_v the_o non-compliances_a of_o a_o party_n their_o best_a remedy_n be_v to_o remove_v the_o occasion_n when_o it_o may_v be_v do_v without_o cross_v the_o interest_n of_o state_n or_o maxim_n of_o government_n then_o will_v the_o honest-minded_n be_v mollify_v and_o mould_v and_o towards_o the_o residue_n of_o obstinate_a person_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o severity_n will_v be_v use_v more_o successful_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o ruler_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o lessen_v offence_n and_o to_o contract_v the_o number_n of_o offender_n for_o where_o there_o be_v many_o sufferer_n upon_o a_o religious_a account_n whether_o in_o truth_n or_o pretence_n there_o will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o glory_n in_o suffer_v and_o soon_o or_o late_a it_o may_v turn_v to_o the_o ruler_n detriment_n section_n xxxii_o another_o great_a impediment_n of_o public_a concord_n be_v a_o erroneous_a confidence_n in_o the_o more_o numerous_a party_n that_o they_o need_v not_o seek_v nor_o mind_v the_o way_n of_o peace_n for_o they_o reckon_v themselves_o sure_a to_o carry_v it_o by_o the_o major_a vote_n in_o all_o council_n and_o convention_n they_o see_v wind_n and_o tide_n serve_v they_o but_o they_o who_o consider_v but_o few_o thing_n do_v make_v a_o sudden_a judgement_n which_o common_o fall_v short_a great_a prosperity_n ofttimes_o blind_v the_o wise_a as_o well_o as_o fool_n and_o great_a advantage_n divert_v the_o mind_n from_o hee_v many_o important_a circumstance_n of_o a_o business_n that_o the_o judgement_n make_v concern_v it_o be_v most_o imperfect_a wherefore_o in_o the_o present_a case_n it_o shall_v be_v mind_v that_o the_o dissent_v party_n be_v not_o small_a that_o it_o be_v not_o make_v up_o of_o the_o rabble_n multitude_n nor_o yet_o of_o phanatique_a spirit_n but_o of_o honest_a and_o sober_a people_n who_o act_n from_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n and_o can_v render_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o practice_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o conscience_n with_o as_o much_o discretion_n as_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o nation_n that_o the_o instance_n which_o they_o make_v do_v not_o concern_v by-matter_n and_o mutable_a occasion_n but_o matter_n of_o conscience_n that_o will_v never_o cease_v nor_o vary_v that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o party_n far_o distant_a but_o very_o near_o i_o mean_v not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o place_n for_o so_o the_o papist_n that_o live_v among_o we_o can_v be_v far_o from_o we_o but_o of_o agreement_n in_o principle_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o can_v be_v well_o sever_v nor_o keep_v in_o a_o divide_a state_n nor_o yet_o be_v root_v out_o but_o they_o will_v grow_v up_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n profess_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o in_o many_o deliberation_n they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o put_v thing_n to_o a_o stand_n and_o in_o debate_n of_o great_a consequence_n to_o lead_v the_o indifferent_a sort_n of_o man_n and_o also_o many_o temperate_a spirit_n of_o the_o other_o persuasion_n by_o the_o apparent_a equity_n of_o their_o proposal_n all_o these_o thing_n and_o more_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n do_v challenge_v a_o due_a regard_n from_o those_o that_o will_v see_v through_o a_o business_n and_o make_v a_o perfect_a judgement_n beside_o the_o judicious_a shall_v consider_v not_o only_o the_o bulk_n and_o corpse_n of_o a_o party_n but_o what_o spirit_n do_v quicken_v they_o and_o with_o what_o vivacity_n and_o constancy_n their_o motion_n do_v proceed_v and_o their_o interest_n be_v pursue_v it_o come_v also_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o this_o inquiry_n to_o know_v the_o intrinsic_a strength_n of_o the_o hierarchy_n and_o what_o they_o can_v do_v when_o they_o stand_v by_o themselves_o alone_o for_o their_o adventitious_a strength_n may_v fail_v they_o we_o need_v not_o tell_v they_o that_o on_o their_o side_n at_o present_a the_o advantage_n be_v very_o great_a yet_o haply_o it_o may_v appear_v in_o show_n great_a than_o it_o be_v indeed_o though_o the_o english_a nation_n appear_v to_o affect_v a_o state_v order_n in_o the_o church_n nevertheless_o they_o may_v not_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o the_o hierarchy_n nor_o yet_o be_v conscious_a thereof_o upon_o the_o late_a great_a revolution_n the_o multitude_n do_v easy_o run_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o a_o other_o think_v they_o can_v run_v too_o far_o from_o those_o trouble_n and_o discomposure_n which_o last_o oppress_v they_o but_o as_o the_o prudent_a ponder_v their_o path_n at_o present_a so_o the_o passionate_a multitude_n may_v at_o length_n know_v where_o they_o be_v and_o discern_v alike_o the_o evil_n of_o both_o extreme_n many_o that_o be_v lift_v up_o may_v give_v offence_n and_o fall_v under_o great_a displeasure_n they_o that_o be_v cast_v down_o may_v be_v better_o advise_v by_o their_o suffering_n and_o remove_v the_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v and_o so_o become_v if_o not_o endear_v yet_o inoffensive_a to_o the_o nation_n such_o vicissitude_n of_o love_n and_o hatred_n do_v happen_v in_o every_o age_n and_o there_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n under_o the_o sun_n section_n xxxiii_o another_o obstacle_n in_o the_o way_n of_o this_o conjunction_n be_v a_o opinion_n of_o many_o that_o the_o sure_a and_o only_o mean_v of_o prevent_a schism_n and_o maintain_v unity_n in_o the_o church_n be_v by_o multiply_v ceremonial_a injunction_n and_o canon_n by_o require_v full_a conformity_n to_o controvert_v form_n which_o may_v well_o be_v spare_v by_o exact_v not_o only_a submission_n of_o practice_n but_o assent_n of_o judgement_n declare_v by_o subscription_n to_o all_o particular_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n in_o every_o jot_n and_o tittle_n thereof_o but_o in_o very_a deed_n this_o be_v the_o sure_a way_n of_o endless_a dissension_n among_o a_o people_n that_o be_v not_o bottom_v on_o this_o principle_n of_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v this_o kind_n of_o impose_v have_v discompose_v all_o christendom_n and_o rend_v the_o several_a church_n from_o each_o other_o and_o make_v the_o rent_n incurable_a it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o upon_o this_o account_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o foul_a schism_n that_o be_v ever_o make_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n it_o be_v a_o notable_a say_n of_o chillingworth_n not_o protestant_n for_o reject_v but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o impose_v on_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n doctrine_n unwritten_a and_o unnecessary_a and_o for_o disturb_v the_o church_n peace_n and_o divide_v unity_n in_o such_o matter_n be_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n presumptuous_a and_o schismatical_a god_n be_v jealous_a for_o his_o worship_n and_o conscience_n well_o inform_v and_o due_o tender_a be_v likewise_o jealous_a concern_v it_o lest_o they_o shall_v provoke_v god_n to_o jealousy_n mind_n true_o religious_a do_v set_v a_o high_a price_n on_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o will_v expose_v all_o to_o sale_n rather_o than_o cross_v their_o principle_n wherefore_o if_o in_o matter_n of_o perpetual_a controversy_n between_o godly_a wise_a person_n the_o church_n shall_v make_v peremptory_a decree_n and_o severe_a injunction_n it_o must_v needs_o dissolve_v the_o band_n of_o unity_n but_o the_o best_a and_o sure_a mean_n of_o prevent_v and_o suppress_v schism_n be_v to_o prevent_v corrupt_a administration_n and_o real_a scandal_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a and_o seasonable_o to_o reform_v abuse_n and_o not_o to_o interpose_v in_o
party_n which_o can_v be_v root_v out_o but_o will_v be_v always_o considerable_a either_o as_o friend_n or_o enemy_n especial_o when_o those_o term_n do_v comprise_v some_o part_n of_o their_o victory_n that_o shall_v accept_v they_o let_v the_o episcopal_a clergy_n observe_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o time_n that_o they_o may_v right_o comprehend_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o own_o hope_n the_o english_a be_v a_o generous_a nation_n and_o as_o they_o delight_v in_o the_o majesty_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o king_n so_o also_o in_o the_o splendid_a condition_n of_o subordinate_a governor_n that_o their_o manner_n of_o live_v be_v in_o some_o sort_n conformable_a to_o the_o dignity_n and_o opulency_n of_o the_o nation_n according_o they_o seem_v to_o take_v pleasure_n that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n be_v uphold_v by_o a_o fair_a revenue_n and_o competent_a dignity_n yet_o with_o moderation_n for_o if_o the_o clergy_n do_v rise_v to_o princely_a or_o lordly_a wealth_n and_o power_n they_o may_v become_v the_o envy_n of_o the_o nobility_n and_o gentry_n let_v they_o remember_v they_o stand_v by_o grace_n not_o by_o their_o own_o strength_n but_o by_o their_o prince_n his_o favour_n the_o nation_n in_o general_n may_v be_v take_v with_o a_o grave_n and_o masculine_a decency_n in_o all_o sacred_a thing_n suitable_a to_o their_o spiritual_a majesty_n but_o i_o make_v a_o question_n whether_o in_o this_o noontide_a of_o the_o gospel_n they_o will_v fall_v in_o love_n with_o excessive_a gaudiness_n pompous_a show_n and_o various_a affect_a gesture_n in_o sacred_a administration_n and_o not_o rather_o esteem_v they_o vanity_n too_o much_o detract_n from_o the_o dignity_n and_o purity_n of_o gospel-worship_n in_o this_o noontide_a of_o the_o gospel_n the_o bishop_n can_v magnify_v their_o office_n but_o by_o other_o course_n than_o what_o be_v take_v in_o former_a and_o dark_a time_n mere_a formality_n will_v no_o long_o dazzle_v our_o eye_n we_o shall_v think_v they_o have_v work_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n then_o to_o look_v only_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o outward_a form_n and_o rite_n ann_n ceremony_n they_o must_v make_v a_o near_a approach_n to_o the_o presbyterian_a practice_n in_o the_o constant_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o strict_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n in_o keep_v a_o true_a watch_n over_o the_o flock_n and_o in_o correct_v the_o real_a scandal_n that_o break_v forth_o in_o man_n conversation_n and_o if_o they_o walk_v in_o these_o path_n the_o prelatist_n and_o presbyterian_o will_v not_o be_v far_o asunder_o perhaps_o the_o friend_n of_o prelacy_n may_v imagine_v that_o in_o this_o coalition_n presbytery_n may_v at_o length_n undermine_v episcopacy_n but_o reason_n show_v that_o episcopacy_n will_v stand_v more_o firm_a in_o conjunction_n with_o presbytery_n then_o by_o itself_o alone_o in_o the_o body_n natural_a there_o be_v some_o predominant_a humour_n as_o sanguine_a choleric_a melancholy_a or_o phlegmatic_a yet_o none_o of_o these_o do_v subsist_v alone_o without_o the_o mixture_n of_o the_o rest_n in_o a_o due_a temperament_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o body_n ecclesiastical_a may_v be_v of_o several_a complexion_n or_o constitution_n as_o episcopal_a or_o presbyterial_a according_a to_o the_o predominant_a quality_n now_o if_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n will_v become_v more_o firm_a and_o stable_a by_o the_o superintendency_n of_o one_o grave_a precedent_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o all_o presbytery_n there_o appear_v some_o episcopacy_n either_o formal_a or_o virtual_a so_o a_o episcopal_a church_n may_v be_v judge_v more_o firm_a and_o stable_a by_o a_o bishop_n superintendency_n in_o consociation_n with_o assistant_n presbyter_n and_o to_o remove_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o encroachment_n of_o presbytery_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v that_o episcopacy_n if_o it_o contain_v itself_o within_o moderate_a bound_n will_v be_v always_o in_o this_o national_a church_n the_o predominant_a quality_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o discourse_n let_v i_o offer_v these_o few_o essay_n concern_v the_o path_n of_o peace_n section_n xlv_o the_o glorify_v and_o please_v of_o the_o high_a potentate_n and_o universal_a monarch_n and_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o immortal_a precious_a soul_n be_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o bless_a end_n of_o government_n let_v his_o majesty_n reign_n be_v happy_a and_o glorious_a in_o attain_v these_o end_n a_o christian_a king_n esteem_v it_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o regal_a power_n to_o hold_v and_o manage_v it_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v a_o protector_n of_o the_o true_a church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o lamb_n wife_n for_o who_o redemption_n christ_n die_v and_o for_o who_o gather_v and_o perfect_v the_o world_n be_v continue_v it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o this_o true_a church_n to_o make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o life_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o power_n and_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o walk_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n in_o spiritual_a mortification_n and_o crucifixion_n to_o the_o world_n to_o study_v holiness_n in_o sincerity_n to_o strive_v to_o advance_v it_o in_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o to_o have_v influence_n upon_o other_o unto_o sound_a knowledge_n faith_n humility_n godliness_n justice_n temperance_n charity_n the_o true_a church_n lie_v in_o the_o middle_n between_o two_o extreme_n formalist_n and_o fanatic_n they_o be_v of_o circumspect_a and_o regular_a walk_n no_o way_n forward_o in_o attempt_v or_o desire_v alteration_n in_o a_o civil_a state_n a_o prince_n do_v hold_v they_o in_o obedience_n under_o a_o double_a bond_n for_o they_o know_v they_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n indeed_o we_o will_v not_o conceal_v that_o in_o lawful_a way_n they_o assert_v that_o liberty_n which_o be_v settle_v by_o the_o know_a law_n and_o fundamental_a constitution_n the_o maintain_v whereof_o be_v the_o princ_n as_o much_o as_o the_o people_n safety_n section_n xlvi_o that_o be_v the_o happy_a polity_n that_o be_v found_v in_o true_a religion_n and_o most_o full_o suit_v to_o man_n everlasting_a concernment_n it_o great_o behove_v governor_n to_o mark_v and_o avoid_v those_o thing_n which_o bring_v religion_n into_o contempt_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n the_o many_o various_a sect_n and_o absurd_a opinion_n and_o fancy_n and_o pretend_a revelation_n of_o these_o latter_a time_n have_v much_o lessen_v the_o reverence_n of_o religion_n in_o england_n this_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o much_o observe_v and_o decry_v by_o the_o present_a time_n there_o be_v another_o evil_n no_o less_o injurious_a to_o the_o honour_n and_o estimation_n of_o christian_a piety_n to_o wit_n ceremonial_a strictness_n with_o real_a profaneness_n or_o at_o the_o most_o but_o lukewarmness_n in_o the_o real_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o papacy_n by_o occasion_n whereof_o atheist_n have_v so_o abound_v in_o italy_n machiavelli_n observe_v in_o his_o time_n that_o christianity_n be_v no_o where_o less_o honour_v then_o in_o rome_n which_o be_v the_o pretend_a head_n thereof_o let_v this_o evil_n be_v see_v prevent_v and_o remedy_v that_o the_o sacred_a name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v give_v to_o a_o society_n not_o carnal_a but_o true_o spiritual_a according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n which_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n section_n xlvii_o it_o be_v the_o pre-eminence_n of_o his_o majesty_n as_o general_a bishop_n of_o the_o land_n for_o so_o he_o be_v in_o a_o political_a sense_n to_o visit_v his_o people_n of_o all_o rank_n by_o his_o prudent_a inspection_n and_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o his_o chief_a care_n and_o search_v to_o know_v whether_o every_o pastor_n be_v resident_a with_o his_o own_o flock_n and_o do_v constant_o on_o every_o sabbath_n teach_v they_o the_o good_a knowledge_n of_o god_n what_o pluralist_n do_v seize_v upon_o several_a congregation_n thrust_v or_o bar_v out_o laborious_a minister_n and_o leave_v the_o sheep_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o who_o be_v a_o mere_a mercenary_a and_o care_v not_o for_o they_o whether_o preach_v in_o cathedral_n church_n be_v more_o frequent_a since_o the_o revive_n of_o dean_n and_o chapter_n then_o before_o when_o those_o place_n be_v supply_v by_o one_o or_o two_o stipendiary_a minister_n whether_o the_o precinct_n of_o cathedral_n be_v the_o pure_a part_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o the_o pure_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n as_o in_o reason_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o his_o majesty_n superintendency_n there_o be_v
nothing_o of_o great_a moment_n then_o to_o provide_v that_o the_o order_n and_o frame_n of_o ecclesiastic_n have_v not_o a_o tendency_n to_o make_v the_o superior_a clergy_n proud_a and_o covetous_a and_o the_o inferior_a poor_a and_o vicious_a section_n xlviii_o a_o good_a constitution_n or_o frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n be_v incomparable_o more_o available_a to_o produce_v good_a effect_n then_o good_a canon_n or_o good_a governor_n can_v be_v where_o the_o constitution_n be_v naught_o for_o in_o such_o a_o state_n good_a canon_n and_o good_a governor_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o reform_v abuse_n and_o correct_v scandal_n and_o promote_v the_o true_a end_n of_o church_n discipline_n in_o the_o trent-council_n the_o papalin_n or_o the_o pope_n creature_n hold_v this_o for_o a_o maxim_n that_o the_o decree_n of_o reformation_n can_v not_o diminish_v the_o profit_n of_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n as_o long_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostolic_a see_v be_v not_o impair_v the_o council_n be_v end_v and_o the_o decree_n come_v to_o be_v ratify_v by_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o court_n represent_v their_o loss_n and_o prejudices_fw-la by_o the_o ratification_n and_o the_o pope_n thereby_o perplex_v and_o the_o cardinal_n divide_v in_o their_o opinion_n one_o bishop_n a_o man_n well_o conversant_a in_o court_n affair_n say_v that_o he_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o wonder_n at_o this_o great_a fear_n concern_v the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o decree_n which_o he_o see_v do_v arise_v without_o reason_n for_o that_o law_n have_v no_o power_n but_o what_o be_v give_v they_o by_o he_o that_o govern_v that_o the_o pope_n by_o his_o exposition_n may_v give_v they_o a_o large_a or_o a_o strict_a sense_n yea_o and_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o the_o word_n do_v import_v that_o he_o may_v ordain_v a_o particular_a congregation_n for_o expound_v the_o council_n and_o affectual_o provide_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o allege_v the_o decree_n in_o prejudice_n of_o the_o court_n the_o pope_n be_v satisfy_v with_o these_o reason_n be_v persuade_v that_o it_o will_v fall_v out_o as_o the_o bishop_n have_v say_v and_o so_o the_o decree_n of_o reformation_n prove_v of_o no_o effect_n to_o reform_v the_o enormity_n of_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o new_a law_n and_o decree_n work_v little_a where_o a_o corrupt_a frame_n remain_v still_o in_o force_n if_o in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n good_a man_n promote_v to_o government_n shall_v do_v their_o utmost_a to_o rule_v well_o they_o be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o reform_v the_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o than_o the_o two_o cato_n to_o reform_v the_o roman_a commonwealth_n when_o it_o be_v whole_o corrupt_v and_o out_o of_o frame_n beside_o in_o a_o corrupt_a frame_n of_o polity_n there_o be_v these_o two_o great_a evil_n the_o one_o that_o good_a man_n will_v soon_o degenerate_a the_o other_o that_o bad_a man_n lead_v by_o ambition_n and_o avarice_n will_v by_o art_n proper_a to_o the_o time_n more_o easy_o get_v promotion_n and_o a_o good_a prince_n shall_v see_v it_o and_o not_o know_v how_o to_o help_v it_o that_o polity_n whether_o civil_a or_o eccesiastical_a be_v well_o constitute_v that_o in_o its_o frame_n be_v apt_a to_o bridle_v humane_a desire_n but_o that_o be_v ill_o constitute_v which_o let_v loose_v the_o reins_o to_o appetite_n no_o function_n or_o call_n be_v exempt_v from_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o the_o grandeur_n of_o this_o world_n be_v not_o more_o perilous_a to_o any_o then_o to_o ecclesiastical_a person_n section_n xlix_o it_o be_v a_o singular_a excellency_n in_o any_o frame_n of_o polity_n that_o the_o power_n of_o do_v good_a be_v very_o ample_a and_o that_o a_o power_n to_o hurt_v be_v as_o much_o contract_v and_o restrain_v as_o the_o end_n of_o government_n will_v permit_v and_o very_o no_o wise_a and_o gracious_a person_n will_v willing_o be_v tempt_v with_o a_o power_n to_o hurt_v if_o they_o be_v sufficient_o impower_v to_o do_v good_a without_o it_o beside_o it_o be_v a_o odious_a power_n and_o make_v the_o office_n hateful_a now_o the_o way_n to_o this_o happy_a order_n of_o thing_n be_v obvious_a let_v not_o severe_a law_n and_o canon_n concern_v thing_n disputable_a and_o unnecessary_a which_o may_v ensnare_v the_o conscience_n of_o godly_a orthodox_n and_o peaceable_a person_n remain_v in_o force_n the_o most_o zealous_a assertor_n and_o rigid_a imposer_n of_o ceremony_n acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a part_n of_o worship_n the_o declare_v that_o holiness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v place_v in_o they_o be_v their_o best_a defence_n against_o the_o charge_n of_o will-worship_n therefore_o to_o suspend_v and_o silence_v able_a and_o painful_a minister_n to_o vex_v and_o punish_v other_o godly_a christian_n that_o can_v submit_v to_o those_o ceremony_n be_v to_o procure_v much_o evil_n without_o a_o benefit_n to_o countervail_v it_o a_o power_n of_o do_v much_o harm_n and_o little_a good_a be_v unhappy_o place_v in_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o especial_o in_o christ_n spiritual_a officer_n who_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n word_n have_v receive_v authority_n from_o the_o lord_n for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n section_n l._n the_o most_o renown_a politician_n observe_v that_o those_o kingdom_n republic_n and_o sect_n of_o religion_n subsist_v long_a that_o be_v often_o renew_v or_o bring_v back_o to_o their_o first_o beginning_n for_o the_o beginning_n of_o all_o these_o must_v needs_o contain_v some_o goodness_n in_o they_o by_o mean_n whereof_o they_o rise_v to_o their_o first_o reputation_n and_o increase_n now_o in_o process_n of_o time_n that_o goodness_n will_v be_v overgrow_v by_o corruption_n and_o unless_o something_o happen_v to_o reduce_v it_o to_o the_o just_a mark_n those_o society_n must_v needs_o be_v destroy_v and_o touch_v religion_n he_o prove_v these_o reformation_n necessary_a by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o roman_a religion_n say_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v reduce_v again_o to_o its_o principle_n by_o st._n francis_n and_o st._n dominick_n it_o will_v have_v be_v quite_o deface_v for_o these_o by_o their_o poverty_n and_o imitation_n of_o christ_n life_n make_v a_o new_a impression_n thereof_o in_o man_n mind_n which_o be_v quite_o blot_v out_o thence_o and_o their_o new_a rule_n be_v so_o powerful_a and_o be_v now_o the_o cause_n that_o the_o dishonesty_n of_o the_o prelate_n and_o head_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o ruin_v it_o partly_o by_o their_o live_n in_o poverty_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o credit_n they_o have_v in_o confess_v the_o people_n and_o preach_v to_o they_o indeed_o this_o author_n do_v not_o hit_v the_o mark_n and_o no_o marvel_n touch_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o right_a imitation_n of_o christ_n the_o revive_n whereof_o he_o ascribe_v to_o those_o two_o popish_a saint_n but_o his_o reason_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n be_v solid_a and_o excellent_a and_o his_o instance_n in_o particular_a be_v right_a and_o sound_a be_v apply_v as_o they_o be_v to_o the_o uphold_v of_o the_o popish_a religion_n as_o for_o religion_n true_o christian_n the_o way_n to_o preserve_v it_o in_o its_o power_n and_o glory_n be_v frequent_o to_o reduce_v it_o to_o its_o first_o beginning_n for_o than_o be_v its_o goodness_n most_o eminent_a the_o primitive_a spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o power_n and_o glory_n and_o the_o primitive_a order_n be_v most_o spiritual_a and_o powerful_a let_v christ_n holy_a institution_n let_v apostolical_a precept_n and_o practice_n be_v the_o pattern_n of_o our_o reformation_n what_o sound_a protestant_n will_v deny_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o all_o divine_a institution_n to_o they_o we_o appeal_v by_o they_o will_v we_o stand_v or_o fall_v and_o they_o mention_v no_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v not_o bishop_n rule_v the_o flock_n but_o in_o pursuance_n of_o peace_n touch_v the_o matter_n of_o episcopacy_n the_o moderate_a presbyterian_o be_v willing_a to_o descend_v to_o the_o time_n low_a by_o one_o degree_n and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o age_n next_o follow_v the_o scripture-time_n and_o to_o accept_v what_o they_o do_v present_a unto_o we_o to_o wit_n a_o president-bishop_n rule_v in_o consort_n with_o presbyter_n and_o officer_n not_o of_o a_o other_o order_n then_o presbyter_n but_o of_o a_o high_a degree_n in_o the_o same_o order_n we_o appeal_v to_o those_o time_n concern_v this_o matter_n and_o they_o that_o admire_v and_o almost_o adore_v antiquity_n shall_v not_o deny_v our_o just_a appeal_n and_o wherein_o stand_v the_o power_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a do_v it_o stand_v in_o the_o pompous_a show_n of_o ceremonious_a worship_n with_o the_o
glister_a furniture_n thereof_o in_o the_o secular_a dignity_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o high_a rank_n of_o ecclesiastic_n in_o the_o implicit_a faith_n of_o the_o laic_n and_o in_o a_o formal_a uniformity_n in_o the_o outside_n of_o religion_n or_o in_o the_o powerful_a preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o lively_a and_o spiritual_a manner_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o sacrament_n after_o a_o manner_n most_o effectual_a to_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n to_o correct_v all_o contumacious_a disobedience_n against_o the_o know_a law_n of_o christ_n our_o king_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o all_o perform_v in_o a_o comely_a order_n with_o a_o grave_n and_o sober_a decency_n let_v all_o unprejudiced_a mind_n give_v judgement_n which_o of_o these_o two_o different_a state_n of_o religion_n do_v most_o express_a the_o gospel-ministration_n which_o be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v incomparable_o more_o glorious_a and_o powerful_a than_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n with_o all_o its_o outward_a and_o visible_a splendour_n let_v they_o also_o judge_v which_o of_o these_o two_o be_v most_o conformable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n wherein_o the_o christian_a church_n not_o by_o a_o arm_n of_o flesh_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n but_o by_o weapon_n mighty_a through_o god_n as_o the_o evangelical_n doctrine_n and_o discipline_n the_o holiness_n of_o believer_n the_o constancy_n of_o martyr_n overturn_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n where_o satan_n throne_n be_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o learned_a heathen_n the_o counsel_n of_o politician_n the_o potency_n of_o ancient_a custom_n the_o inveterate_a prejudice_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n and_o last_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o devil_n reign_v and_o rage_v in_o they_o all_o wherefore_o let_v we_o mind_n the_o true_a way_n of_o restore_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o its_o primitive_a power_n and_o glory_n section_n li._n it_o be_v a_o happy_a frame_n and_o order_n when_o thing_n be_v settle_v for_o general_a satisfaction_n that_o none_o or_o very_o few_o of_o the_o serious_a people_n desire_v a_o alteration_n but_o all_o or_o most_o of_o they_o dread_v it_o as_o also_o when_o thing_n be_v settle_v for_o stability_n that_o none_o who_o have_v a_o will_n to_o it_o can_v encompass_v a_o alteration_n it_o be_v a_o happy_a thing_n to_o light_v upon_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o this_o satisfaction_n and_o to_o this_o stability_n in_o religion_n the_o way_n of_o general_a satisfaction_n be_v not_o to_o gratify_v the_o humour_n and_o appetite_n of_o one_o or_o more_o party_n but_o to_o secure_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o judicious_a and_o sober_a mind_v in_o general_n for_o such_o on_o all_o side_n will_v sway_v most_o for_o continuance_n and_o if_o they_o be_v satisfy_v intemperate_a and_o unquiet_a spirit_n will_v quick_o be_v out_o of_o breath_n in_o their_o rash_a attempt_n likewise_o the_o way_n of_o stability_n that_o none_o may_v successful_o project_v a_o change_n be_v to_o prevent_v man_n running_n into_o extreme_n on_o either_o hand_n for_o when_o one_o extreme_a prevail_v a_o change_n easy_o follow_v in_o this_o case_n it_o fare_v with_o the_o church_n as_o with_o civil_a state_n a_o principality_n heighten_v into_o tyranny_n tumble_v down_o into_o anarchy_n and_o a_o republic_n too_o much_o cherish_v popular_a extravagancy_n lift_v up_o a_o tyranny_n now_o the_o way_n to_o prevent_v extreme_n be_v either_o to_o choose_v moderate_a spirit_n or_o else_o a_o balance_a number_n of_o the_o opposite_a party_n to_o the_o manage_n of_o public_a affair_n in_o which_o election_n a_o prince_n do_v not_o appear_v as_o a_o neuter_n but_o as_o a_o moderator_n and_o true_a governor_n that_o have_v the_o command_n of_o all_o interest_n section_n lii_o and_o now_o have_v pursue_v peace_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o my_o small_a ability_n in_o these_o pacific_a discourse_n i_o hope_v this_o diligent_a search_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o this_o kind_n will_v not_o be_v judge_v a_o eat_n of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n a_o ambitious_a and_o bold_a inquiry_n into_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v make_v know_v for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o curious_a or_o presumptuous_a intrude_a into_o the_o counsel_n of_o prince_n and_o secret_n of_o government_n but_o a_o modest_a and_o sober_a deliberation_n upon_o thing_n open_a and_o manifest_a and_o of_o public_a inquisition_n and_o discourse_n beside_o it_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a time_n wherein_o there_o be_v great_a thought_n yea_o great_a search_n of_o heart_n in_o man_n of_o all_o degree_n and_o all_o persuasion_n it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o nation_n be_v not_o erect_v a_o new_a kingdom_n nor_o lay_v new_a foundation_n of_o government_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o less_o true_a that_o this_o restauration_n be_v as_o it_o be_v life_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o we_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n begin_v the_o world_n anew_o it_o be_v a_o notable_a epocha_n or_o period_n of_o time_n give_v opportunity_n to_o cut_v off_o excess_n to_o make_v up_o defect_n and_o to_o make_v crooked_a thing_n straight_o before_o we_o be_v fix_v and_o engage_v in_o particular_a way_n from_o which_o though_o never_o so_o incenvenient_a we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o draw_v back_o or_o turn_v aside_o it_o be_v affirm_v by_o one_o of_o pierce_a knowledge_n in_o affair_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v a_o profitable_a order_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n for_o any_o one_o to_o propose_v what_o be_v for_o the_o public_a good_a sure_o the_o kingdom_n can_v suffer_v by_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o mean_a person_n when_o they_o touch_v not_o upon_o the_o fundamental_a constitution_n nor_o disturb_v public_a peace_n and_o order_n this_o discourse_n offer_v no_o disturbance_n to_o such_o form_n and_o order_n as_o have_v attain_v a_o quiet_a state_v posture_n in_o these_o time_n the_o law_n have_v make_v some_o alteration_n in_o thing_n of_o former_a use_n and_o practice_n as_o the_o act_n for_o abolish_n the_o high_a commission_n the_o time_n have_v make_v more_o alteration_n in_o man_n mind_n and_o way_n and_o his_o majesty_n have_v observe_v a_o necessity_n or_o at_o least_o expediency_n of_o some_o alteration_n whereby_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n may_v be_v compose_v and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n establish_v declare_v that_o he_o have_v not_o the_o least_o doubt_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n will_v think_v that_o the_o concession_n make_v by_o he_o to_o allay_v the_o present_a distemper_n be_v very_o just_a and_o reasonable_a last_o the_o scope_n of_o this_o treatise_n do_v justify_v and_o defend_v itself_o whereof_o the_o bare_a narration_n be_v a_o full_a vindication_n for_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v to_o persuade_v a_o turn_n from_o the_o advancement_n of_o a_o partial_a interest_n and_o a_o turn_n to_o the_o obvious_a and_o easy_a way_n of_o give_v general_a satisfaction_n to_o all_o those_o that_o acknowledge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o abide_v in_o her_o communion_n finis_fw-la a_o advertisement_n to_o the_o reader_n there_o be_v late_o print_v twenty_o one_o sermon_n preach_v upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o edward_n reynolds_n d._n in_o divinity_n and_o bishop_n of_o norwich_n in_o quarto_fw-la none_o of_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o his_o large_a volume_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1661._o