Selected quad for the lemma: judgement_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
judgement_n according_a law_n lord_n 3,386 5 3.9125 3 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A27637 The principles of Protestant truth and peace in four treatises : viz. the true state of liberty of conscience, in freedom from penal laws and church-censures, the obligations to national true religion, the nature of scandal, paricularly as it relates to indifferent things, a Catholick catechism, shewing the true grounds upon which the Catholick religion is ascertained / by Tho. Beverley ... Beverley, Thomas. 1683 (1683) Wing B2188A; ESTC R12543 325,863 502

There are 11 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

have_v not_o so_o immediate_a a_o respect_n to_o he_o as_o godliness_n or_o religion_n be_v more_o under_o humane_a legislation_n in_o the_o particular_a adjustment_n to_o the_o general_n ends._n but_o both_o the_o inward_a court_n of_o religion_n or_o divine_a truth_n and_o worship_n itself_o and_o the_o outward_a court_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n be_v within_o such_o limitation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n therein_o not_o prescribe_v by_o god_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o freedom_n of_o every_o man_n by_o god_n and_o no_o power_n of_o prescription_n ought_v to_o come_v there_o that_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v either_o encumber_a by_o unnecessary_a observance_n or_o in_o danger_n to_o mistake_v they_o as_o have_v any_o influence_n into_o his_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v any_o and_o can_v indeed_o have_v none_o that_o be_v good_a nor_o last_o be_v in_o doubt_n whether_o he_o do_v not_o displease_v god_n in_o add_v to_o his_o worship_n but_o if_o a_o man_n can_v see_v his_o freedom_n in_o all_o these_o it_o be_v serve_v out_o of_o love_n and_o be_v make_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n and_o go_v to_o the_o utmost_a he_o can_v in_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n if_o a_o man_n can_v see_v his_o freedom_n but_o doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n he_o be_v under_o as_o severe_a a_o prohibition_n of_o compliance_n against_o his_o doubt_n as_o in_o other_o case_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o sentence_n be_v positive_a he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v in_o do_v the_o indifferent_a thing_n he_o doubt_v of_o and_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n or_o assurance_n it_o be_v please_v to_o god_n or_o not_o displease_v to_o he_o be_v sin_n quest_n but_o this_o doubt_n may_v extend_v to_o civil_a thing_n and_o indifference_n there_o or_o to_o those_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n and_o grandeur_n of_o supreme_a power_n god_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o answ_n when_o obedience_n be_v enforce_v in_o such_o thing_n the_o magistrate_n have_v this_o to_o justify_v he_o he_o be_v within_o his_o own_o territory_n give_v he_o by_o god_n he_o require_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n upon_o god_n donation_n but_o in_o religious_a thing_n ●e_n be_v within_o god_n peculiar_a and_o so_o can_v be_v justify_v in_o that_o enforcement_n because_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o peculiarly_a go_n quest_n the_o great_a question_n now_o remain_v what_o be_v subject_n to_o do_v when_o authority_n stamp_v itself_o upon_o false_a religion_n or_o enforce_v indifferent_a thing_n against_o the_o apprehension_n of_o conscience_n concern_v their_o lawfulness_n so_o that_o they_o can_v obey_v but_o with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o that_o have_v be_v already_o open_v answ_n there_o be_v one_o rule_n in_o all_o these_o case_n even_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a law_n of_o injustice_n and_o licentiousness_n when_o sovereign_a power_n so_o err_v in_o government_n shall_v change_v the_o true_a and_o everlasting_a notion_n of_o righteousness_n or_o soberness_n or_o those_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a law_n of_o they_o in_o themselves_o even_o so_o impossible_a it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n shall_v change_v those_o of_o true_a natural_a or_o true_a reveal_v religion_n or_o the_o law_n impose_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n shall_v take_v away_o the_o liberty_n god_n have_v give_v or_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o obey_v against_o doubt_n of_o conscience_n when_o a_o man_n do_v not_o see_v that_o liberty_n that_o therefore_o which_o be_v eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a must_v be_v adhere_v to_o and_o obey_v quest_n how_o then_o be_v there_o a_o subjection_n to_o magistrate_n answ_n the_o subjection_n than_o be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o error_n of_o magistracy_n in_o case_n of_o justice_n or_o soberness_n 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 into_o a_o rebellion_n will_v enter_v into_o open_a hostility_n against_o it_o and_o so_o the_o end_n of_o government_n in_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o humane_a society_n be_v quite_o lose_v so_o that_o till_o any_o principality_n sit_v on_o the_o seat_n of_o government_n be_v so_o bad_a as_o to_o retain_v less_o of_o the_o use_v and_o end_v of_o government_n than_o they_o destroy_v and_o it_o can_v be_v make_v apparent_a endeavour_n of_o change_n can_v introduce_v so_o great_a and_o general_a mischief_n or_o that_o even_a anarchy_n itself_o can_v introduce_v great_a mischief_n than_o that_o government_n be_v the_o author_n of_o which_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o few_o instance_n till_o then_o i_o say_v we_o must_v fear_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o king_n and_o not_o meddle_v with_o they_o who_o be_v give_v to_o change_n for_o their_o calamity_n shall_v rise_v sudden_o and_o who_o know_v the_o ruin_n of_o they_o both_o quest_n but_o what_o be_v christian_a subject_n to_o do_v when_o title_n of_o sovereignty_n or_o legislative_a or_o executive_a power_n of_o law_n be_v dispute_v either_o betwixt_o various_a pretension_n of_o prince_n or_o where_o the_o bound_n of_o power_n and_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n and_o the_o liberty_n and_o property_n of_o people_n be_v in_o controversy_n answ_n i_o shall_v no_o more_o intermeddle_v in_o that_o than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n do_v which_o leave_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n of_o nation_n and_o of_o each_o particular_a country_n the_o duty_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o those_o sovereign_a power_n who_o authority_n be_v current_n who_o image_n and_o superscription_n be_v upon_o all_o thing_n public_a the_o power_n that_o be_v in_o be_v be_v to_o be_v obey_v according_a to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n already_o discourse_v that_o be_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o offender_n for_o the_o execute_n judgement_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n for_o the_o secure_n common_a peace_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n intimate_v nothing_o either_o way_n to_o strengthen_v or_o weaken_v the_o claim_n of_o the_o power_n then_o present_a but_o declare_v obedience_n to_o they_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o they_o as_o they_o then_o be_v although_o they_o can_v not_o have_v the_o clear_a of_o title_n christianity_n as_o it_o be_v strict_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o make_v itself_o a_o divider_n over_o man_n nor_o decide_v such_o controversy_n which_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o cognisance_n yet_o it_o subvert_v no_o right_n it_o betray_v no_o liberty_n just_o so_o call_v it_o reverse_v no_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o rescind_v constitution_n and_o compact_n of_o government_n but_o teach_v man_n to_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o preserve_v common_a good_a and_o right_o determinable_a upon_o other_o principle_n only_o this_o the_o more_o clear_a ancient_a and_o indisputable_a the_o title_n of_o prince_n be_v the_o more_o indisputable_a boundary_n betwixt_o prince_n and_o people_n be_v keep_v the_o great_a be_v the_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n of_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a rest_n in_o that_o obedience_n of_o the_o most_o vigorous_a defence_n of_o the_o power_n over_o we_o and_o the_o great_a the_o gild_n of_o any_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o mutiny_n faction_n sedition_n rebellion_n quest_n the_o discourse_n of_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n in_o religion_n have_v bring_v to_o my_o thought_n national_a religion_n and_o a_o national_a church_n wherein_o i_o desire_v your_o instruction_n answ_n i_o can_v but_o apply_v what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o general_a to_o this_o particular_a case_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v to_o your_o satisfaction_n in_o these_o six_o proposition_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o first_o proposition_n i_o be_o to_o be_v instruct_v by_o answ_n it_o be_v this_o that_o to_o join_v in_o true_a religion_n with_o our_o native_a country_n or_o nation_n be_v such_o a_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o can_v be_v reverse_v
and_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o in_o all_o justice_n humanity_n and_o reason_n tend_v to_o peace_n for_o what_o can_v move_v to_o it_o more_o than_o a_o sole_a design_n of_o do_v good_a in_o they_o that_o be_v at_o the_o top_n and_o a_o evident_a assurance_n to_o they_o that_o be_v below_o that_o that_o good_a be_v offer_v to_o they_o and_o continual_o elaborate_v for_o they_o what_o can_v more_o quiet_a and_o addulce_a man_n spirit_n than_o to_o see_v a_o in●ire_a contrivance_n and_o composure_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v all_o for_o the_o elect_v sake_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v 2_o tim._n 2._o 10._o such_o ministerial_a ruler_n be_v therefore_o the_o peculiar_a gift_n of_o 11._o ephes_n 4._o 11._o christ_n and_o speak_v the_o magnificence_n of_o his_o ascension_n they_o be_v give_v for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_a the_o body_n of_o christ_n all_o great_a end_n in_o a_o christian_a computation_n and_o as_o there_o be_v then_o extraordinary_a qualification_n immediate_o give_v by_o christ_n so_o now_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o in_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o divine_a blessing_n upon_o read_v study_n meditation_n to_o which_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o serve_v christ_n in_o the_o ministry_n be_v whole_o to_o give_v themselves_o that_o their_o profit_v may_v appear_v to_o all_o church-preferment_n as_o we_o call_v they_o and_o ecclesiastic_a dignity_n be_v often_o otherwise_o bestow_v and_o serve_v other_o end_n and_o yet_o too_o very_o often_o the_o donors_n design_n these_o excellent_a end_n and_o when_o they_o be_v otherwise_o intend_v yet_o be_v in_o many_o instance_n overrule_v by_o god_n into_o great_a subserviency_n to_o these_o end_n by_o the_o excellent_a ability_n and_o labour_n of_o holy_a and_o learned_a minister_n of_o christianity_n but_o be_v those_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v under_o human_a dispose_n as_o they_o fall_v out_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v his_o great_a one_o even_o his_o true_a minister_n and_o let_v he_o that_o call_v himself_o by_o great_a name_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n see_v that_o he_o make_v they_o good_a by_o his_o service_n and_o ministry_n not_o by_o serve_v table_n i_o understand_v any_o mean_a service_n than_o feed_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n a_o prudent_a governor_n for_o church-order_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n a_o great_a improver_n of_o church-revenue_n however_o good_a they_o may_v be_v in_o their_o kind_n will_v not_o rise_v high_a enough_o nor_o answer_v the_o account_n not_o a_o cunning_a disputer_n a_o witty_a haranguer_n but_o a_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a right_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n be_v christ_n minister_n 5._o in_o appendage_n to_o this_o head_n follow_v the_o five_o account_n of_o the_o peaceable_a intendment_n of_o christianity_n to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v the_o method_n of_o chastise_v correct_v and_o reform_v the_o know_a transgression_n against_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v state_v to_o the_o use_n of_o after-age_n be_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n admonition_n warning_n reproof_n rebuke_n avoid_v reject_v from_o communion_n esteem_v as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n consignation_n over_o to_o divine_a judgement_n all_o these_o of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n fit_v to_o edification_n and_o not_o to_o destruction_n 10._o 2_o cor._n 13._o 10._o to_o touch_v the_o conscience_n to_o affect_v the_o mind_n to_o work_v self_n reflection_n shame_n self-condemnation_n repentance_n and_o amendment_n or_o else_o divine_a judgement_n must_v be_v await_v it_o be_v the_o rational_a as_o well_o as_o christian_a expedient_a of_o purge_v a_o society_n from_o the_o scandal_n of_o offender_n from_o infection_n and_o contagion_n of_o keep_v it_o pure_a and_o honourable_a viz._n to_o disavow_v they_o when_o gentle_a mean_n be_v ineffectual_a it_o be_v a_o most_o natural_a instrument_n for_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o work_v so_o when_o upon_o just_a cause_n and_o by_o a_o unerring_a key_n be_v not_o only_o a_o appeal_n to_o divine_a judgement_n but_o a_o predamnation_n i_o know_v it_o be_v debate_v by_o learned_a man_n whether_o the_o apostolic_a 1._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 2_o 1._o rod_n and_o delivery_n to_o satan_n do_v not_o operate_v by_o corporeal_a infliction_n as_o in_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n and_o possible_o in_o the_o incestuous_a person_n in_o a_o low_a degree_n i_o will_v however_o allow_v it_o do_v or_o may_v yet_o since_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a it_o be_v immediate_o from_o heaven_n much_o more_o convictive_a of_o conscience_n than_o human_a process_n wherein_o be_v often_o find_v much_o of_o mistake_n and_o injustice_n it_o be_v without_o noise_n or_o violence_n nor_o do_v it_o allow_v recrimination_n and_o complaint_n and_o therefore_o much_o more_o fit_a to_o go_v along_o with_o so_o spiritual_a doctrine_n than_o worldly_a judicature_n and_o possible_o necessary_a for_o primitive_a time_n to_o give_v authority_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n new_o set_v out_o in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o still_o here_o be_v none_o of_o that_o barbarous_a hurt_v or_o destroy_v in_o all_o god_n holy_a mountain_n and_o most_o probable_o the_o infliction_n fall_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a offence_n against_o natural_a religion_n 20._o act_n 5._o 1._o act_n 13._o 11._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 5._o 2_o cor._n 12._o 21._o chap._n 13._o 2._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 20._o as_o ananias_n falsehood_n of_o the_o deep_a dye_n elymas_n his_o sorcery_n the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a those_o that_o have_v not_o repent_v of_o their_o fornication_n lasciviousness_n and_o uncleanness_n hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n who_o have_v put_v away_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o then_o break_v out_o into_o blasphemy_n 6._o the_o peacefulness_n of_o christianity_n be_v most_o evident_o see_v in_o its_o deportment_n of_o itself_o towards_o magistracy_n of_o which_o have_v speak_v much_o in_o that_o which_o concern_v natural_a religion_n take_v into_o union_n with_o christian_a i_o shall_v only_o present_v these_o follow_v short_a mention_n of_o particular_n wherein_o christianity_n manifest_o design_n universal_a peace_n under_o this_o head_n 1._o it_o every_o where_o confirm_v and_o assure_v the_o divine_a ordination_n of_o it_o 2._o it_o state_n its_o power_n in_o enforce_v all_o natural_a religion_n and_o goodness_n in_o restrain_v all_o that_o be_v impious_a and_o evil_a 3._o it_o crave_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o to_o have_v justice_n do_v it_o according_a to_o those_o sanction_n nor_o prophecy_n any_o thing_n in_o the_o great_a outward_a happiness_n of_o christianity_n but_o that_o prince_n and_o nation_n shall_v be_v sprinkle_v by_o it_o and_o supreme_a prince_n 15._o isa_n 52._o 15._o become_v its_o nursing-fathers_n 4._o it_o enjoin_v upon_o all_o its_o servant_n and_o professor_n upon_o unjust_a suffering_n to_o return_v nothing_o of_o violence_n but_o blessing_n and_o prayer_n for_o injury_n and_o with_o patience_n to_o resign_v life_n itself_o 5._o it_o interpose_v not_o in_o decide_v the_o bound_n between_o prince_n and_o people_n but_o leave_v that_o to_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o particular_a law_n of_o nation_n compact_n between_o one_o and_o the_o other_o neither_o straighten_n nor_o enlarge_a prerogative_n neither_o swell_v nor_o abate_v power_n nor_o on_o the_o people_n side_n curtail_v or_o stretch_v liberty_n it_o leave_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v dispute_v in_o their_o own_o forum_n to_o be_v debate_v in_o their_o own_o proper_a senate_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n it_o move_v no_o landmark_n either_o way_n it_o tear_v up_o no_o sense_n as_o it_o therefore_o be_v horrible_a injury_n ro_o christianity_n to_o proclaim_v as_o some_o speak_v king_n jesus_n to_o the_o disturb_v earthly_a kingdom_n when_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n so_o be_v it_o a_o huge_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o grand_a extreme_a on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o inconsequence_n to_o argue_v from_o the_o command_v of_o christian_n suffering_n when_o human_a law_n and_o regular_a state-constitution_n adjudge_v they_o to_o such_o how_o unjust_o soever_o then_o indeed_o no_o resistance_n be_v to_o be_v make_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o it_o be_v vast_o inconsequent_a to_o infer_v hence_o any_o man_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n tame_o to_o resign_v those_o right_n even_o those_o religious_a right_n that_o be_v establish_v to_o he_o by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n and_o statute_n of_o a_o nation_n wherein_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o kingdom_n and_o state_n prince_n and_o people_n have_v concur_v for_o christian_a religion_n as_o christian_a religion_n undermine_v no_o law_n whether_o for_o prince_n
great_a community_n and_o that_o patriarchate_n and_o primogeniture_n lose_v itself_o in_o the_o numerousness_n of_o mankind_n reason_n advise_v to_o the_o orderly_a separate_n and_o dedicate_a some_o person_n to_o the_o continual_a attendance_n upon_o sacred_a office_n 3._o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o authoritative_a herein_o as_o person_n of_o great_a sanctity_n wisdom_n attainment_n in_o knowledge_n be_v most_o recommend_v to_o such_o a_o choice_n so_o education_n separation_n to_o read_v meditation_n study_n for_o attainment_n of_o knowledge_n must_v be_v the_o mean_n under_o the_o eye_n of_o natural_a religion_n for_o enable_v person_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o function_n for_o there_o be_v but_o three_o way_n whereby_o person_n can_v be_v suppose_v authorize_v to_o presidency_n in_o divine_a thing_n 1._o by_o parental_a authority_n the_o same_o with_o patriarchal_a 2._o by_o eminency_n of_o part_n and_o gift_n join_v with_o dedication_n of_o themselves_o and_o orderly_a approbation_n to_o public_a office_n 3._o by_o special_a and_o immediate_a appointment_n of_o god_n either_o by_o a_o stand_a law_n as_o in_o the_o levitical_a priesthood_n or_o by_o inspiration_n as_o in_o the_o prophet_n the_o first_o two_o be_v of_o natural_a sanction_n the_o last_o of_o supernatural_a ordination_n and_o so_o far_o as_o appear_v by_o sacred_a record_n no_o one_o of_o they_o exclude_v from_o discourse_n and_o instruction_n of_o even_o a_o public_a character_n those_o that_o have_v eminent_a gift_n and_o inablement_n though_o not_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n as_o elihu_n have_v a_o excellent_a spirit_n equal_v himself_o with_o man_n of_o day_n and_o year_n as_o he_o himself_o speak_v job_n 32._o 7_o 8._o but_o jeroboam'_v make_v priest_n of_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n ●_o 1_o king_n 12._o 3●_n ●_o be_v a_o transgression_n against_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o error_n of_o too_o much_o a_o like_a enormity_n against_o innate_a reason_n to_o bring_v down_o divine_a office_n to_o such_o prepare_a prescription_n as_o the_o most_o uneducated_a undevoted_a undedicate_v person_n to_o knowledge_n study_n meditation_n may_v perform_v so_o that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o trust_v to_o but_o as_o it_o be_v call_v the_o indelible_a character_n of_o ordination_n which_o will_v hardly_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o the_o court_n of_o natural_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o can_v easy_o atone_v they_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o reveal_v religion_n which_o never_o contradict_v or_o so_o much_o as_o dispense_v with_o natural_a on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o clog_v the_o high_o dignify_v person_n in_o this_o ministry_n with_o so_o much_o of_o rule_n and_o business_n as_o hinder_v the_o performance_n of_o these_o divine_a office_n with_o the_o utmost_a effect_n of_o that_o study_n and_o meditation_n before_o speak_v of_o run_v into_o the_o same_o ill_a consequence_n and_o exchange_n a_o religious_a service_n into_o a_o secular_a grandeur_n else_o no_o one_o have_v reason_n to_o envy_v that_o they_o who_o be_v prince_n in_o righteousness_n truth_n and_o peace_n and_o priest_n indeed_o of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n 18._o gen._n 14._o 18._o mediate_a continual_o betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n in_o doctrine_n prayer_n blessing_n and_o praise_n shall_v be_v place_v among_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o people_n and_o so_o i_o have_v run_v through_o those_o thing_n that_o more_o immediate_o concern_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n but_o like_v unto_o 38._o mat._n 22._o 37_o 38._o these_o be_v righteousness_n justice_n mercy_n truth_n sobriety_n temperance_n charity_n humility_n modesty_n patience_n general_a love_n peaceableness_n contain_v ourselves_o within_o our_o own_o bound_n order_n submission_n to_o government_n with_o perfect_a subjection_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o contradict_v obedience_n to_o god_n together_o with_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o speak_v virtue_n goodness_n loveliness_n good_a report_n honour_n esteem_v in_o human_a conversation_n 8._o phil._n 4._o 8._o which_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v come_v under_o the_o observation_n of_o man_n and_o can_v be_v regulate_v by_o law_n so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v come_v into_o palpable_a instance_n be_v worthy_a of_o reward_n and_o encouragement_n and_o the_o contrary_a of_o punishment_n this_o be_v natural_a religion_n and_o it_o stand_v upon_o this_o unmovable_a foundation_n nothing_o be_v more_o true_o religion_n or_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n than_o those_o thing_n which_o do_v most_o perfect_a humane_a nature_n into_o a_o conformity_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a in_o the_o order_n or_o scale_v of_o religious_a excellency_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o real_o good_a the_o more_o substantial_a rational_a solid_o good_a any_o thing_n be_v the_o more_o it_o please_v god_n and_o must_v be_v approve_v of_o 18._o rom._n 14._o 18._o man_n if_o they_o show_v themselves_o man_n thus_o all_o the_o massy_a act_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o man_n godliness_n righteousness_n soberness_n excel_v all_o the_o honour_n pretend_v to_o be_v do_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n praise_n discourse_n of_o he_o o●_n whatever_o of_o that_o sort_n seem_v most_o worthy_a to_o be_v prefer_v which_o without_o the_o other_o become_v a_o flattery_n of_o god_n only_o next_o discourse_n of_o his_o word_n and_o will_n in_o order_n to_o learn_v obedience_n be_v of_o high_a account_n than_o prayer_n for_o he_o that_o 9_o prov._n 28._o 9_o turn_v away_o his_o ear_n from_o hear_v the_o law_n his_o prayer_n shall_v be_v a_o abomination_n yet_o prayer_n and_o praise_n be_v much_o more_o acceptable_a than_o sacrifice_n there_o may_v be_v now_o a_o solemn_a appeal_n make_v to_o all_o the_o world_n whether_o christian_a religion_n be_v defective_a in_o one_o single_a point_n of_o this_o true_a natural_a religion_n at_o the_o high_a and_o full_a dimension_n of_o it_o possible_a to_o be_v conceive_v here_o be_v the_o height_n and_o depth_n the_o breadth_n and_o length_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n concern_v god_n concern_v good_a and_o evil_n concern_v reward_n and_o punishment_n according_a to_o the_o most_o sober_a sedate_v judgement_n of_o mankind_n the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o world_n the_o most_o ready_a accusation_n and_o defence_n all_o man_n make_v in_o point_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o their_o treaty_n and_o debate_v one_o with_o another_o according_a to_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o most_o wise_a learned_a and_o virtuous_a of_o the_o philosopher_n the_o best_a of_o lawgiver_n if_o then_o there_o be_v the_o most_o wise_a the_o most_o good_a the_o most_o virtuous_a that_o ever_o be_v in_o nature_n find_v in_o christian_a religion_n abate_v nothing_o but_o positive_a law_n topical_a religion_n rite_n and_o custom_n what_o a_o foundation_n of_o peace_n quietness_n and_o happy_a state_n may_v a_o consent_n but_o in_o this_o natural_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v fair_o extant_a in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v and_o what_o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o christian_a verity_n will_v such_o a_o acceptance_n of_o natural_a undeniable_a religion_n from_o it_o be_v when_o just_a as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n those_o 8._o act_n 2._o 8._o several_a sort_n of_o people_n hear_v the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n each_o in_o their_o own_o language_n so_o in_o christianity_n every_o one_o find_v what_o ever_o they_o can_v think_v except_v their_o own_o particular_a rite_n most_o general_o true_o and_o valuable_o good_a and_o that_o upon_o deep_a consideration_n strict_a examination_n and_o even_o uncontroversable_a certainty_n and_o how_o benign_a and_o compassionate_a might_n mankind_n be_v to_o itself_o if_o summon_v together_o these_o true_o excellent_a notion_n and_o frame_v its_o religious_a law_n according_a to_o they_o they_o exact_v a_o severe_a conformity_n in_o all_o that_o be_v thus_o virtuous_a and_o good_a and_o allow_v a_o benign_a freedom_n of_o offering_n and_o receive_v the_o best_a account_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o further_a revelation_n from_o god_n forbear_v injury_n violence_n and_o blood_n and_o then_o also_o it_o will_v soon_o appear_v what_o a_o indisputable_a title_n that_o only_o excellent_a religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v to_o be_v the_o true_o catholic_n religion_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o so_o far_o to_o set_v it_o at_o peace_n now_o though_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o expect_v this_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v till_o a_o spirit_n be_v pour_v out_o from_o on_o high_a and_o these_o river_n of_o truth_n break_v out_o in_o the_o wilderness_n till_o the_o great_a prophecy_n of_o scripture_n look_v to_o a_o better_a state_n of_o the_o world_n come_v to_o be_v fulfil_v yet_o still_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o nor_o do_v it_o diminish_v the_o reasonableness_n or_o silence_v the_o offer_n of_o the_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v not_o likely_a
testament_n the_o apocalypse_n foretell_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o very_a state_n of_o kingdom_n become_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o christ_n all_o these_o thing_n argue_v a_o great_a encouragement_n of_o nation_n receive_v and_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o nation_n even_o as_o family_n may_v and_o aught_o as_o family_n and_o though_o it_o be_v undoubted_o the_o great_a honour_n and_o glory_n of_o nation_n to_o come_v as_o near_o and_o as_o exact_a and_o close_a as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o law_n and_o order_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o government_n as_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o their_o national_a christianity_n yet_o because_o there_o will_v and_o general_o fall_v out_o to_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o national_a custom_n in_o such_o public_a administration_n a_o comprimise_n of_o they_o to_o the_o law_n and_o government_n of_o nation_n hence_o it_o also_o come_v to_o pass_v there_o may_v be_v a_o dissatisfaction_n in_o many_o of_o the_o subject_n of_o such_o nation_n to_o comply_v with_o their_o national_a constitution_n of_o religion_n hence_o there_o be_v apt_a to_o arise_v discomposure_n and_o disquiet_n if_o prince_n or_o power_n exceed_v that_o exercise_n of_o power_n allot_v to_o they_o by_o god_n as_o we_o have_v before_o discourse_v and_o also_o by_o the_o very_a essential_a constitution_n of_o christianity_n see_v christ_n have_v make_v none_o lord_n of_o his_o people_n faith_n or_o divine_a worship_n and_o prince_n be_v no_o more_o than_o nursing-fathers_n the_o quiet_a therefore_o and_o peace_n of_o nation_n be_v most_o advance_v by_o set_v up_o nothing_o in_o christianity_n but_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o yield_v the_o tender_a and_o open_v the_o most_o bountiful_a hand_n to_o the_o professor_n and_o minister_n of_o essential_a christianity_n cover_v all_o the_o faulty_a division_n of_o christian_n with_o their_o royal_a and_o compassionate_a purple_a this_o be_v most_o princely_a generous_a and_o great_a this_o be_v most_o exalt_v of_o christianity_n itself_o but_o if_o this_o can_v be_v obtain_v the_o next_o best_n and_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o as_o i_o have_v already_o make_v out_o but_o just_o be_v that_o no_o native_a right_n and_o liberty_n be_v defaulk_v nor_o punitive_a oppression_n inflict_v but_o that_o the_o honorary_a reward_n of_o nation_n and_o prince_n be_v adjudge_v to_o man_n who_o be_v of_o the_o public_a sentiment_n in_o their_o administration_n in_o christian_a religion_n and_o this_o indeed_o can_v be_v except_v to_o it_o be_v the_o right_n of_o national_a power_n to_o dispose_v of_o their_o own_o according_a to_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n yet_o be_v there_o still_o a_o obligation_n upon_o christian_a subject_n beyond_o these_o consideration_n to_o examine_v all_o thing_n with_o the_o great_a prejudice_n for_o and_o on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o national_a sense_n especial_o when_o they_o find_v the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n secure_a and_o in_o safety_n and_o beside_o their_o private_a adjustment_n of_o christian_a performance_n in_o particular_a society_n according_a to_o the_o exacter_n rule_v of_o christianity_n as_o they_o be_v judge_n for_o themselves_o to_o encourage_v also_o promote_v and_o as_o far_o as_o possible_o they_o can_v communicate_v with_o national_a religion_n put_v the_o fair_a and_o kind_a interpretation_n and_o hope_v upon_o all_o thing_n tolerate_v all_o that_o can_v without_o disobedience_n to_o god_n be_v tolerate_v observe_v rite_n and_o custom_n of_o nation_n as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v with_o security_n from_o vain_a worship_v of_o god_n by_o the_o commandment_n of_o man_n both_o because_o of_o the_o honour_n christianity_n give_v to_o magistracy_n according_a to_o natural_a sanction_n and_o also_o and_o more_o especial_o because_o of_o the_o esteem_n christianity_n have_v of_o a_o public_a and_o national_a religion_n let_v i_o then_o resume_v upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o it_o plain_o appear_v christianity_n notwithstanding_o the_o freedom_n it_o allow_v to_o every_o man_n conscientious_a sentiment_n be_v no_o enemy_n but_o a_o friend_n 1._o to_o society_n 2._o to_o the_o order_n and_o peace_n that_o bound_v society_n yea_o and_o strict_o command_v they_o and_o have_v give_v positive_a institution_n for_o they_o 1._o for_o first_o it_o unite_v all_o its_o true_a disciple_n in_o that_o common_a ample_a universal_a centre_n of_o love_n peace_n and_o order_n god_n and_o christ_n to_o who_o the_o first_o dedication_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v make_v and_o in_o who_o it_o always_o rest_v 2._o it_o unite_v they_o with_o that_o most_o public_a wise_a rational_a and_o most_o holy_a assembly_n under_o heaven_n the_o catholic_n church_n even_o all_o that_o be_v that_o one_o body_n act_v by_o that_o one_o spirit_n unite_v in_o one_o hope_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n in_o all_o which_o every_o christian_a be_v one_o with_o the_o whole_a desire_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o increase_n of_o that_o one_o body_n the_o advancement_n of_o that_o one_o faith_n communicate_v in_o the_o prayer_n and_o praise_n of_o that_o one_o body_n sorrow_n in_o its_o affliction_n minister_n to_o its_o necessity_n and_o if_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v communicate_v in_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o service_n with_o any_o member_n of_o it_o and_o value_v not_o their_o particular_a rite_n as_o any_o obstruction_n while_o they_o agree_v in_o essential_o and_o indeed_o every_o christian_n shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o drop_v that_o mantle_n of_o ceremony_n as_o he_o please_v when_o he_o ascend_v in_o holy_a offering_n of_o himself●o_o ●o_z god_n 3._o 〈◊〉_d to_o particular_a society_n or_o church_n of_o christian_n in_o whi●●_n the_o essential_o of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v preserve_v uncorrupted_a and_o so_o they_o must_v be_v or_o else_o such_o society_n deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o church_n and_o when_o they_o be_v in_o such_o a_o neighbourhood_n to_o the_o true_a christian_a that_o he_o may_v free_o enjoy_v his_o choice_n he_o consider_v these_o two_o both_o recommend_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1._o private_a particular_a congregation_n that_o can_v conform_v to_o public_a settlement_n such_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o first_o church_n when_o christianity_n have_v no_o public_a allowance_n such_o may_v be_v still_o 2._o the_o most_o public_a settlement_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o wherein_o he_o may_v do_v it_o he_o use_v both_o promiscuous_o wherein_o he_o must_v divide_v he_o consider_v upon_o the_o balance_n of_o his_o most_o humble_a and_o impartial_a judgement_n which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o public_a edification_n as_o well_o as_o his_o own_o and_o so_o as_o not_o to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v if_o he_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v more_o particular_a as_o best_o according_a to_o his_o sentiment_n he_o be_v yet_o careful_a to_o do_v all_o he_o do_v with_o the_o great_a vigour_n of_o charity_n inoffensiveness_n and_o desire_v of_o promote_a of_o that_o public_a worship_n as_o it_o contain_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n if_o according_a to_o the_o sincere_a sense_n of_o his_o mind_n he_o prefer_v the_o public_a appointment_n either_o as_o public_a and_o in_o that_o regard_n overweigh_a small_a doubt_n and_o so_o take_v the_o best_a advantage_n afford_v therein_o as_o to_o all_o the_o duty_n particular_a congregation_n seem_v most_o adapt_v to_o or_o that_o the_o whole_a composure_n of_o the_o public_a be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o sentiment_n he_o consider_v the_o more_o private_a as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o can_v be_v severe_a to_o the_o retirer_n thereto_o know_v every_o man_n have_v the_o proper_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o what_o essential_o christianity_n consist_v in_o and_o therefore_o will_v not_o forcible_o hale_v any_o into_o the_o public_a but_o remonstrate_v to_o they_o as_o he_o see_v reason_n with_o mild_a and_o christian_a argument_n the_o disadvantage_n of_o separate_n from_o it_o beyond_o plain_a necessity_n 4._o in_o the_o difference_n of_o judgement_n of_o public_a society_n and_o private_a in_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o or_o the_o difference_n of_o private_a among_o themselves_o the_o true_a christian_a still_o keep_v himself_o upon_o that_o love_n mercy_n and_o peace_n christianity_n teach_v he_o and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o diversity_n consider_v the_o high_a tie_n worth_n and_o value_n of_o those_o unity_n wherein_o they_o all_o meet_v 5._o if_o a_o christian_a fall_n into_o such_o place_n where_o the_o essential_o be_v corrupt_v he_o esteem_v religious_a solitude_n the_o best_a communion_n yet_o refuse_v not_o to_o improve_v any_o thing_n of_o truth_n he_o can_v extract_v from_o such_o corruption_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o part_n of_o public_a worship_n not_o so_o adulterate_v but_o to_o admit_v a_o possible_a separation_n in_o the_o exigence_n of_o present_a service_n
society_n of_o mankind_n it_o declare_v itself_o a_o religion_n that_o love_v they_o and_z as_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o testify_v the_o divine_a approbation_n of_o and_o the_o near_a resemblance_n between_o those_o civil_a and_o political_a union_n one_o with_o another_o found_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o that_o religious_a union_n which_o by_o the_o very_a same_o law_n of_o nature_n follow_v they_o as_o so_o unite_v christianity_n keep_v to_o the_o very_a same_o tenor_n of_o union_n it_o find_v any_o where_o and_o twine_v as_o close_v about_o the_o city_n neighbourhood_n and_o family_n make_v ready_a to_o its_o hand_n by_o civil_a association_n as_o it_o can_v not_o call_v man_n out_o to_o wilderness_n mountain_n or_o wood_n to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v abide_v in_o desert_n and_o solitude_n when_o persecution_n do_v not_o drive_v and_o force_v they_o out_o but_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v denominate_v from_o those_o city_n and_o region_n where_o they_o be_v plant_v as_o the_o church_n of_o ephe●●●●_n 2._o 2_o cor_fw-la 9_o 2._o cori●th_n judaea_n galatia_n macedonia_n etc._n etc._n yea_o the_o christi●●_n of_o achaia_n be_v call_v by_o the_o apostle_n achaia_n as_o if_o christianity_n be_v there_o become_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o country_n and_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v call_v those_o very_a city_n where_o they_o be_v seat_v 1●_n rev._n 1._o 1●_n wherein_o it_o be_v observable_a the_o church_n of_o city_n be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o or_o in_o each_o city_n as_o one_o though_o it_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n certain_a they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o more_o congregation_n for_o their_o numerousness_n yet_o they_o be_v still_o call_v one_o because_o the_o city_n be_v one_o but_o the_o region_n not_o be_v so_o unite_v in_o government_n neighbourhood_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o civil_a union_n the_o distribution_n of_o church_n easy_o follow_v the_o distinction_n easy_o supposable_a in_o their_o civil_a state_n in_o region_n therefore_o we_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o centre_n of_o union_n not_o in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o distance_n too_o great_a for_o coagmentation_n into_o one_o nor_o in_o the_o law_n and_o government_n at_o least_o with_o any_o respect_n of_o order_n towards_o religion_n they_o be_v therefore_o call_v church_n and_o not_o one_o church_n as_o they_o be_v without_o any_o exception_n in_o city_n even_o where_o the_o apostle_n name_v particular_a church_n in_o the_o house_n within_o those_o city_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o city_n itself_o they_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o one_o church_n of_o that_o city_n now_o all_o this_o speak_v the_o care_n christian_n religion_n use_v not_o to_o disturb_v but_o to_o conform_v to_o civil_a society_n and_o therefore_o especial_o to_o national_a the_o chief_a of_o those_o society_n and_o so_o i_o close_o this_o three_o argument_n for_o national_a religion_n derive_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o christian_a religion_n national_a religion_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o consideration_n in_o respect_n argum._n 4_o to_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o the_o wrath_n and_o fury_n of_o god_n upon_o those_o nation_n that_o know_v he_o not_o that_o call_v not_o on_o his_o name_n be_v to_o be_v take_v at_o the_o full_a extent_n and_o duration_n in_o this_o world_n in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o so_o the_o happiness_n of_o nation_n who_o have_v the_o lord_n for_o their_o god_n that_o have_v the_o everlasting_a arm_n under_o and_o about_o they_o spread_v itself_o not_o only_o upon_o time_n but_o upon_o eternity_n it_o be_v indeed_o general_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o nation_n be_v only_o judge_v as_o nation_n in_o this_o world_n yet_o if_o we_o close_o examine_v we_o shall_v find_v both_o in_o scripture_n and_o reason_n very_o valuable_a ground_n to_o believe_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n shall_v not_o only_o pass_v upon_o person_n single_a but_o in_o their_o community_n as_o they_o be_v lock_v in_o with_o their_o association_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o very_a period_n of_o time_n and_o the_o generation_n into_o which_o the_o community_n and_o association_n have_v be_v distribute_v so_o that_o not_o only_o the_o people_n of_o every_o nation_n come_v into_o judgement_n together_o but_o the_o people_n of_o every_o generation_n of_o this_o or_o that_o nation_n come_v distinct_o into_o judgement_n together_o beside_o those_o peculiarity_n of_o sin_n or_o grace_n wherein_o every_o man_n be_v individual_a to_o himself_o and_o no_o stranger_n intermeddle_v but_o he_o prove_v and_o enjoy_v his_o own_o work_n alone_o or_o bear_v his_o own_o burden_n there_o be_v also_o man_n interwoven_a action_n either_o good_a or_o bad_a wherein_o the_o community_n knot_n of_o society_n neighbourhood_n concurrence_n with_o the_o nation_n conformity_n with_o the_o age_n and_o generation_n shall_v be_v exact_o compare_v and_o weigh_v in_o the_o eternal_a judgement_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o frequent_a in_o the_o scripture_n than_o thus_o to_o represent_v the_o carriage_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n the_o nation_n whole_a as_o nation_n that_o forget_v god_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o hell_n and_o egypt_n and_o 12._o ezek._n 32._o 18_o etc._n etc._n rom_n 2_o 12._o all_o its_o company_n all_o its_o host_n lie_v together_o the_o other_o nation_n with_o their_o multitude_n every_o one_o in_o their_o proper_a sort_n the_o uncircumcision_n and_o those_o without_o law_n be_v judge_v by_o themselves_o the_o circumcision_n and_o those_o under_o the_o law_n by_o themselves_o distinct_o our_o saviour_n speak_v o●_n sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n the_o man_n of_o nineveh_n tyre_n aend_v sidon_n chorazin_n bethsaida_n and_o capernaum_n come_v into_o judgement_n in_o that_o union_n in_o that_o community_n wherein_o they_o be_v embody_v here_o in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o man_n of_o that_o generation_n as_o they_o be_v that_o generation_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a that_o the_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n be_v with_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o distinction_n of_o nation_n because_o beside_o what_o other_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v the_o union_n of_o all_o bless_a person_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o of_o happy_a spirit_n one_o to_o another_o be_v so_o infinite_o great_a as_o to_o swallow_v up_o all_o distinction_n so_o that_o there_o be_v neither_o jew_n nor_o gentile_a scythian_n nor_o barbarian_a but_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o and_o so_o far_o as_o there_o be_v any_o such_o national_a distinction_n our_o lord_n be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n in_o who_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v the_o bosom_n of_o abraham_n the_o table_n of_o everlasting_a life_n at_o which_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n sit_v down_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n the_o israel_n of_o god_n be_v the_o capital_a expression_n of_o happiness_n but_o still_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o think_v the_o distinction_n of_o nation_n be_v not_o so_o lose_v but_o that_o the_o holy_a seed_n be_v as_o the_o substance_n of_o every_o nation_n in_o which_o it_o be_v for_o ever_o as_o it_o be_v by_o itself_o conserve_v a_o seed_n serve_v god_n in_o every_o age_n which_o be_v account_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o generation_n at_o that_o time_n and_o when_o god_n write_v down_o the_o people_n in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n he_o write_v they_o as_o under_o the_o head_n of_o such_o a_o nation_n this_o or_o that_o man_n be_v bear_v there_o although_o they_o be_v all_o enroll_v as_o citizen_n of_o that_o common_a city_n of_o zion_n the_o city_n of_o david_n from_o who_o our_o lord_n spring_v and_o though_o all_o christian_n be_v one_o holy_a nation_n yet_o it_o be_v say_v of_o some_o very_a glorious_a and_o happy_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o i_o will_v not_o undertake_v to_o determine_v that_o after_o the_o distinct_a seal_v of_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o each_o tribe_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o innumerable_a company_n not_o in_o a_o confusion_n but_o in_o a_o distinction_n so_o as_o to_o be_v know_v to_o be_v of_o all_o nation_n kindred_n people_n and_o tongue_n all_o the_o nation_n of_o they_o that_o be_v save_v be_v also_o mention_v in_o the_o same_o mystical_a book_n as_o keep_v under_o that_o distinction_n the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o his_o corinthian_n and_o thessalonian_o as_o certain_a he_o shall_v meet_v they_o under_o those_o very_a name_n at_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n he_o pray_v for_o israel_n as_o a_o nation_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v he_o discourse_v their_o fall_v away_o and_o recovery_n in_o a_o national_a way_n for_o many_o particular_a israelite_n be_v then_o call_v and_o save_v but_o not_o in_o a_o national_a way_n as_o he_o insist_o beside_o all_o these_o fair_a
inducement_n f●om_a scripture_n there_o be_v the_o same_o urgency_n of_o reason_n for_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n pass_v upon_o man_n as_o in_o nation_n and_o lesser_a community_n as_o upon_o their_o single_a person_n for_o else_o their_o action_n can_v never_o be_v judge_v the_o very_a compliance_n with_o the_o custom_n of_o nation_n with_o the_o sway_n of_o such_o a_o age_n and_o time_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o many_o sin_n and_o the_o sinful_a way_n of_o man_n be_v so_o lock_v into_o one_o another_o that_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o give_v sentence_n upon_o all_o thing_n most_o righteous_o comprehend_v they_o together_o even_o as_o the_o fall_v angel_n the_o old_a world_n be_v judge_v together_o and_o in_o common_a in_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n be_v give_v a_o pre-appeatance_a of_o the_o final_a seven_o judas_n seven_o judgement_n upon_o the_o world_n for_o the_o apostle_n tell●_n we_o they_o be_v set_v forth_o for_o a_o ensample_n and_o that_o they_o suffer_v the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n and_o we_o know_v they_o suffer_v in_o their_o community_n corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n with_o all_o their_o company_n be_v involve_v as_o in_o the_o sin_n so_o in_o the_o punishment_n and_o there_o be_v no_o separation_n except_o where_o repentance_n and_o that_o with_o great_a difficulty_n have_v make_v it_o so_o on_o the_o happy_a side_n of_o thing_n religious_a nation_n and_o community_n encourage_v and_o assist_v one_o another_o in_o act_n of_o love_n service_n and_o duty_n to_o god_n in_o virtue_n and_o all_o goodness_n and_o enfold_v their_o piety_n mutual_o so_o that_o on_o neither_o side_n the_o recompense_n of_o mercy_n or_o justice_n can_v be_v proportion_v but_o as_o in_o community_n 2._o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o last_o judgement_n pass_v upon_o nation_n as_o nation_n as_o for_o its_o pass_v upon_o private_a person_n as_o private_a person_n for_o let_v any_o one_o survey_a history_n and_o he_o shall_v find_v nation_n as_o nation_n have_v escape_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n as_o much_o as_o single_a person_n and_o the_o same_o sort_n of_o revolution_n change_n and_o final_a period_n have_v befall_v nation_n profess_v god_n and_o christ_n as_o those_o that_o have_v be_v enemy_n to_o such_o profession_n as_o be_v most_o apparent_a in_o a_o compare_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o christian_a nation_n yea_o general_o those_o that_o have_v be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n have_v be_v most_o speedy_o punish_v as_o those_o that_o god_n have_v most_o especial_o know_v of_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o prophet_n hab●kkuk's_n first_o chapter_n be_v spend_v upon_o this_o very_a subject_n of_o that_o wicked_a nation_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n so_o prosperous_a above_o the_o jew_n describe_v in_o many_o elegant_a similitude_n and_o vehement_o expostulate_v from_o the_o twelve_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n whoever_o shall_v consider_v the_o ancient_a roman_n or_o the_o papacy_n or_o the_o turkish_a empire_n since_o the_o rise_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o to_o judge_v nation_n as_o nati●●●_n at_o last_o appertain_v as_o much_o to_o the_o paramount_n sovereignty_n o●●●vine_a justice_n and_o more_o than_o single_a person_n nation_n that_o have_v be_v so_o great_a and_o formidable_a and_o prince_n swell_v with_o the_o height_n of_o pride_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n shall_v in_o all_o reason_n stand_v in_o those_o very_a appearance_n at_o his_o tribunal_n with_o their_o wise_a senate_n mighty_a captain_n army_n and_o multitude_n about_o they_o and_o so_o be_v sentence_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n the_o only_a potentate_n the_o king_n of_o king_n lord_n of_o lord_n and_o prince_n of_o prince_n even_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o humane_a native_a else_o they_o will_v not_o be_v judge_v at_o all_o as_o nation_n for_o here_o neither_o love_n nor_o hatred_n can_v be_v know_v any_o more_o to_o nation_n than_o to_o single_a person_n by_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o we_o there_o be_v often_o one_o event_n to_o all_o to_o the_o righteous_a and_o merciful_a and_o to_o the_o unjust_a and_o tyrannic_a nation_n to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o unclean_a people_n to_o they_o that_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o to_o they_o that_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n there_o be_v as_o many_o instance_n of_o the_o severity_n of_o god_n against_o private_a particular_a wicked_a person_n as_o against_o such_o prince_n nation_n or_o particular_a age_n and_o of_o his_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n to_o the_o one_o as_o to_o the_o other_o there_o be_v as_o great_a example_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o private_a particular_a good_a man_n as_o to_o pious_a nation_n and_o government_n and_o of_o his_o severe_a correction_n upon_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o the_o piety_n therefore_o and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o nation_n according_a to_o their_o particular_a generation_n equal_o wait_v for_o the_o last_o day_n even_o as_o of_o single_a person_n for_o though_o there_o be_v period_n judgement_n set_v to_o itself_o and_o when_o sin_n be_v come_v to_o its_o height_n judgement_n stay_v no_o long_o yet_o this_o without_o a_o future_a judgement_n will_v not_o give_v satisfaction_n for_o the_o age_n of_o prosperity_n and_o greatness_n the_o many_o signal_n victory_n the_o stupendous_a grandeur_n many_o very_a bad_a nation_n and_o their_o prince_n have_v arrive_v at_o and_o continue_v in_o before_o the_o final_a calamity_n have_v overtake_v they_o any_o more_o than_o die_v at_o last_o with_o great_a circumstance_n of_o pain_n and_o horror_n answer_v for_o the_o worldly_a prosperity_n of_o many_o a_o wicked_a man_n if_o after_o death_n there_o be_v no_o judgement_n so_o that_o especial_o as_o to_o particular_a generation_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o nation_n as_o of_o particular_a person_n 3._o if_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v as_o public_o transact_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o to_o be_v set_v upon_o as_o open_v and_o universal_a a_o theatre_n as_o they_o be_v act_v upon_o here_o and_o that_o before_o the_o congregation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n at_o that_o day_n there_o be_v not_o so_o great_a reason_n for_o a_o universal_a judgement_n the_o privat●●udgment_n of_o soul_n may_v suffice_v nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d scripture_n shall_v lay_v so_o great_a weight_n upon_o the_o resurrection_n and_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o very_a same_o body_n at_o least_o as_o to_o the_o principal_a part_n and_o so_o as_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o same_o person_n why_o thus_o if_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v present_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n relation_n community_n and_o the_o most_o notorious_a appearance_n wherein_o they_o converse_v and_o whereby_o they_o be_v most_o know_v in_o the_o world_n let_v this_o then_o be_v grant_v and_o it_o will_v rise_v up_o to_o state_n governor_n senate_n prince_n their_o law_n and_o transaction_n with_o the_o temper_n of_o their_o time_n and_o indeed_o this_o set_a person_n their_o place_n of_o habitation_n their_o nation_n their_o time_n together_o must_v needs_o break_v out_o with_o the_o great_a lustre_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o supremacy_n of_o divine_a judgement_n when_o every_o thing_n shall_v be_v call_v to_o account_v and_o represent_v over_o again_o just_a as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o world_n thing_n high_a and_o low_a public_a and_o private_a national_a and_o personal_a but_o without_o this_o all_o will_v be_v dark_a private_a obscure_a and_o imperfect_a notwithstanding_o the_o gather_v all_o together_o to_o that_o tribunal_n for_o very_o momentous_a cause_n circumstance_n aggravation_n or_o extenuation_n of_o good_a or_o evil_a can_v not_o be_v understand_v the_o pride_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n will_v not_o be_v sufficient_o humble_v and_o abase_v nor_o despise_a goodness_n enough_o raise_v and_o honour_v and_o so_o will_v amount_v to_o little_o more_o than_o a_o private_a judgement_n as_o i_o say_v before_o but_o scripture_n every_o where_o instruct_v we_o it_o be_v the_o very_a design_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o show_v and_o present_v the_o whole_a scene_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o se●_n the_o balance_n of_o they_o even_o in_o all_o particular_n it_o be_v the_o day_n not_o only_o of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n but_o of_o the_o manifestation_n of_o it_o every_o thing_n be_v then_o compose_v to_o show_v and_o manifestation_n it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n who_o god_n will_v then_o show_v in_o the_o high_a glory_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n and_o so_o that_o his_o low_a despise_v humble_a and_o crucify_a state_n shall_v also_o be_v see_v and_o the_o glory_n triumph_n over_o it_o to_o the_o utter_a confusion_n and_o wail_v of_o
all_o that_o pierce_v he_o who_o very_a own_o eye_n shall_v see_v he_o as_o so_o pierce_v by_o they_o it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o man_n in_o their_o body_n of_o nation_n in_o their_o national_a capacity_n of_o all_o man_n and_o thing_n in_o their_o restitution_n for_o it_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o regeneration_n mat._n 19_o 28._o to_o their_o former_a state_n that_o religion_n and_o piety_n may_v receive_v its_o recompense_n of_o glory_n that_o irreligion_n and_o wickedness_n may_v have_v its_o just_a reward_n of_o shame_n and_o punishment_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a circumstance_n wherein_o each_o be_v see_v and_o know_v and_o shall_v then_o be_v remember_v to_o ●ave_n stand_v here_o in_o the_o world_n though_o for_o the_o generality_n very_o different_a from_o the_o esteem_n and_o disesteem_v they_o then_o find_v last_o this_o representation_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v the_o most_o lively_a feeling_n and_o sensible_a engagement_n to_o speedy_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n that_o our_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o when_o the_o time_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o re-enlivening_a all_o thing_n shall_v come_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o will_v not_o take_v great_a care_n that_o when_o they_o be_v 19_o act_n 3_o 19_o seek_v for_o they_o may_v not_o be_v find_v who_o will_v not_o desire_v and_o so_o use_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o appear_v in_o glory_n and_o not_o under_o shame_n and_o contempt_n this_o be_v also_o among_o the_o strong_a argument_n upon_o the_o most_o honourable_a personage_n and_o governor_n of_o a_o nation_n yea_o upon_o all_o that_o love_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o nation_n and_o desire_v the_o glory_n of_o it_o with_o the_o true_a public_a spirit_n to_o mind_v the_o promotion_n of_o sincere_a religion_n piety_n and_o goodness_n in_o themselves_o together_o with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o people_n time_n and_o government_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v since_o if_o they_o desire_v their_o nation_n renown_n in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o their_o management_n in_o it_o may_v be_v transmit_v fair_a in_o chronicle_n that_o they_o may_v live_v high_a in_o story_n how_o much_o more_o must_v they_o if_o at_o all_o serious_a desire_n to_o m●ke_v a_o honourable_a figure_n in_o that_o most_o illustrious_a representation_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n and_o the_o eternal_a record_n of_o all_o thing_n they_o and_o their_o country_n together_o according_a to_o the_o station_n and_o relation_n wherein_o they_o have_v stand_v to_o it_o and_o the_o love_n they_o have_v bear_v to_o it_o and_o certain_o every_o good_a man_n desire_v by_o a_o immutable_a instinct_n by_o a_o law_n of_o goodness_n within_o himself_o to_o be_v good_a in_o a_o community_n and_o to_o be_v save_v in_o their_o salvation_n which_o he_o earnest_o aspire_v to_o in_o and_o with_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o in_o and_o with_o that_o yea_o though_o he_o be_v so_o low_a or_o mean_a in_o his_o fortune_n ability_n or_o discourse_n as_o not_o to_o be_v in_o any_o advantage_n for_o propagate_a true_a religion_n y●●_n he_o have_v a_o inward_a force_n to_o it_o and_o as_o every_o good_a man_n rise_v in_o his_o stature_n and_o condition_n and_o influence_n in_o the_o nation_n to_o which_o he_o belong_v so_o in_o his_o service_n to_o the_o public_a religion_n but_o especial_o every_o eminent_a great_a true_o religious_a person_n of_o a_o public_a character_n and_o a_o lover_n of_o his_o nation_n have_v a_o most_o vehement_a and_o ardent_a desire_n not_o only_o of_o his_o own_o salvation_n but_o of_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o nation_n of_o as_o many_o and_o great_a number_n of_o as_o universal_a a_o body_n of_o it_o as_o may_v be_v moses_n be_v so_o high_a in_o this_o that_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v blot_v out_o of_o god_n book_n of_o 32._o exod._n 32._o 32._o favour_n that_o he_o rather_o than_o his_o nation_n shall_v and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n for_o israel_n his_o national_a kindred_n wish_v to_o be_v anathema_n from_o christ_n the_o scruple_n of_o either_o of_o which_o i_o will_v not_o dispute_v be_v satisfy_v 3._o rom._n 9_o 3._o they_o express_v a_o high_a and_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o the_o national_a salvation_n and_o which_o in_o a_o degree_n be_v to_o be_v imitate_v by_o the_o best_a man_n therefore_o such_o person_n as_o moses_n paul_n and_o other_o of_o the_o worthy_n of_o nation_n and_o people_n that_o have_v be_v successful_a in_o bring_v many_o to_o righteousness_n and_o happiness_n shall_v have_v as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v rule_v over_o city_n proportionable_a to_o their_o service_n they_o shall_v for_o ever_o be_v exalt_v as_o prince_n over_o their_o people_n in_o eternal_a glory_n even_o as_o the_o apostle_n shall_v sit_v upon_o throne_n judge_v that_o be_v shall_v be_v ruler_n and_o governor_n over_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n those_o that_o have_v not_o be_v successful_a as_o noah_n lot_n esay_n etc._n etc._n that_o have_v yet_o have_v the_o zeal_n the_o public_a spirit_n that_o be_v commensurable_a to_o the_o piety_n religion_n and_o salvation_n of_o their_o whole_a community_n shall_v not_o though_o israel_n be_v not_o gather_v yet_o spend_v their_o strength_n for_o nought_o their_o judgement_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o their_o work_n with_o their_o god_n they_o shall_v be_v glorious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o shall_v 4_o isa_n 49._o 3_o 4_o be_v a_o sweet_a savour_n to_o god_n of_o true_a holiness_n and_o piety_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v even_o as_o in_o they_o that_o be_v save_v the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n shall_v accumulate_v upon_o themselves_o though_o it_o redound_v not_o on_o the_o nation_n god_n make_v they_o of_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a nation_n in_o the_o blessedness_n of_o eternity_n as_o he_o promise_v moses_n if_o he_o will_v have_v be_v content_v with_o the_o destruction_n of_o that_o present_a nation_n of_o israel_n they_o be_v reckon_v as_o a_o nation_n by_o themselves_o and_o not_o of_o that_o community_n that_o perish_v for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o lord_n know_v how_o to_o deliver_v the_o righteous_a out_o of_o temptation_n and_o so_o out_o of_o the_o infamy_n of_o a_o common_a corruption_n and_o especial_o that_o everlasting_a contempt_n and_o reserve_v the_o wicked_a to_o swallow_v it_o whole_o in_o themselves_o their_o reproach_n their_o lord_n will_v return_v upon_o they_o for_o ever_o it_o be_v turn_v off_o from_o himself_o and_o his_o servant_n but_o though_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a wisdom_n in_o the_o divine_a judgement_n in_o rescue_v thus_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o servant_n that_o have_v be_v unsuccessful_a in_o turn_v man_n to_o righteousness_n while_o they_o have_v be_v faithful_a with_o all_o their_o talent_n and_o in_o all_o their_o house_n yet_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o nation_n be_v the_o plain_a and_o manifest_a glory_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o most_o eminent_a servant_n those_o that_o be_v their_o convert_v be_v their_o hope_n now_o and_o their_o joy_n their_o rejoice_v their_o crown_n of_o 20._o 1_o thes_n 2._o 19_o 20._o rejoice_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o jesus_n christ_n at_o his_o come_n in_o that_o day_n only_o thus_o man_n of_o eminency_n in_o holiness_n be_v secure_v against_o loss_n if_o they_o save_v only_o their_o own_o soul_n while_o they_o endeavour_v the_o good_a of_o many_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v they_o be_v crown_v with_o those_o who_o god_n have_v give_v they_o as_o child_n by_o be_v instrument_n of_o their_o conversion_n on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o be_v assure_v of_o their_o reward_n with_o god_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v but_o further_a every_o man_n that_o be_v good_a in_o a_o nation_n though_o his_o interest_n be_v private_a may_v like_o the_o one_o poor_a wise_a man_n have_v do_v all_o he_o can_v to_o save_v a_o city_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o be_v forget_v here_o if_o he_o be_v a_o holy_a good_a man_n he_o will_v not_o be_v lose_v by_o be_v alone_o nor_o oversee_v by_o be_v low_a in_o the_o world_n though_o he_o be_v but_o one_o of_o a_o family_n or_o even_o of_o a_o city_n yet_o god_n will_v bring_v he_o to_o zion_n the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n every_o one_o shall_v with_o daniel_n stand_v in_o his_o own_o lot_n proportionable_a to_o what_o it_o be_v here_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o that_o future_a state_n god_n will_v seek_v his_o sheep_n out_o of_o all_o place_n whither_o they_o have_v be_v drive_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o cloudy_a day_n though_o but_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o flock_n and_o they_o shall_v stand_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n at_o that_o great_a division_n of_o the_o sheep_n from_o the_o goat_n to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a the_o honour_n of_o nation_n
and_o mute_a in_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n or_o neglect_v of_o duty_n upon_o these_o appearance_n and_o who_o can_v say_v herein_o i_o have_v make_v my_o heart_n clean_o i_o be_o pure_a from_o this_o transgression_n so_o far_o have_v he_o be_v scandalize_v and_o endanger_v to_o his_o ruin_n this_o be_v the_o first_o great_a pillar_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o primary_n scandal_n be_v place_v here_o that_o man_n think_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n god_n shall_v have_v so_o much_o love_n fear_v honour_n obedience_n so_o much_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a to_o it_o 2._o even_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v like_a to_o that_o first_o great_a principle_n and_o equal_a to_o it_o both_o because_o the_o whole_a riches_n and_o treasure_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v deposit_v and_o concenter_v in_o it_o so_o that_o he_o have_v not_o the_o 3._o john_n 17._o 3._o father_n nor_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n nor_o the_o eternal_a life_n proceed_v from_o it_o who_o have_v not_o the_o son_n who_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o god_n have_v send_v even_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n so_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o express_a image_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o brightness_n of_o it_o wherever_o it_o be_v reveal_v if_o it_o be_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o god_n of_o the_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o 6._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o mind_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o light_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n 6._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 4_o 6._o of_o god_n shine_v to_o they_o especial_o and_o more_o particular_o that_o great_a attribute_n of_o divine_a mercy_n and_o pardon_v grace_n be_v illustrate_v and_o break_v out_o with_o bright_a and_o warm_a beam_n in_o this_o son_n of_o his_o love_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n who_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n 12._o act_n 4._o 12._o of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o his_o be_v the_o only_a name_n give_v under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n whereby_o they_o can_v be_v save_v this_o indeed_o be_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o assume_v to_o themselves_o as_o the_o only_a master_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o foolishness_n to_o the_o greek_n who_o take_v 16._o isa_n 28._o 16._o upon_o they_o as_o the_o like_a master_n of_o reason_n but_o this_o corner_n stone_n of_o truth_n be_v lay_v so_o sure_a and_o of_o so_o try_v a_o excellency_n 6._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 6._o that_o all_o that_o reject_v and_o spurn_v at_o it_o stumble_v and_o fall_v be_v snare_v and_o break_v they_o be_v false_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o truth_n that_o will_v not_o be_v reconcile_v to_o it_o and_o while_o even_o the_o builder_n refuse_v it_o it_o will_v yet_o rise_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o corner_n 7._o ver_fw-la 7._o it_o have_v now_o surmount_v before_o any_o impartial_a judge_n all_o other_o name_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o that_o to_o strike_v at_o it_o where_o it_o be_v know_v and_o receive_v argue_v a_o disaffection_n and_o be_v scandalize_v at_o religion_n itself_o and_o be_v become_v the_o same_o with_o deny_v god_n providence_n and_o eternal_a judgement_n corrupt_a reason_n and_o lucian-wit_n aim_v at_o religion_n in_o its_o very_a essence_n when_o it_o pretend_v to_o dash_v upon_o that_o and_o if_o when_o it_o seem_v to_o encounter_v with_o god_n own_o administration_n by_o moses_n there_o be_v yet_o such_o a_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o it_o that_o it_o will_v be_v more_o tolerable_a etc._n mat._n 10._o 15._o etc._n etc._n for_o sodam_fw-la and_o gomorrah_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o those_o that_o refuse_v it_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o several_a place_n testify_v how_o much_o great_a will_v the_o condemnation_n be_v now_o when_o it_o have_v so_o perfect_o antiquate_v all_o that_o pretention_n against_o it_o and_o wear_v out_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o elder_a paganism_n and_o yet_o so_o far_o as_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n 25._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 25._o style_v it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o we_o wise_a than_o man_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o god_n strong_a than_o man_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o it_o seem_v the_o easy_a place_n for_o the_o attack_n of_o atheism_n irreligion_n and_o profaneness_n who_o yet_o at_o last_o will_v find_v themselves_o in_o a_o gin_n or_o trap_n when_o they_o think_v they_o have_v gain_v ground_n and_o make_v entrance_n and_o shatter_v to_o piece_n when_o they_o believe_v a_o conquest_n for_o god_n take_v the_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o 20._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 19_o 20._o craftiness_n and_o he_o know_v the_o wise_a thought_n of_o man_n that_o they_o be_v vain_a every_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christ_n be_v 12._o heb._n 3._o 12._o depart_v from_o the_o live_n god_n transaction_n in_o prayer_n or_o public_a discourse_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o divine_a as_o they_o send_v forth_o the_o sweet_a savour_n of_o his_o name_n which_o be_v as_o a_o ointment_n pour_v out_o the_o apostle_n desire_v to_o 8._o 1_o cor._n ●_o 2._o phil._n 3._o 8._o know_v nothing_o but_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a it_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o top_n and_o transcendency_n of_o knowledge_n apostolic_a epistle_n full_a of_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n be_v the_o best_a pattern_n for_o sermon_n much_o exceed_v the_o rationalism_n or_o moralism_n of_o t●●_n wise_a philosophy_n it_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o scandal_n first_o take_v ●nd_n then_o give_v to_o speak_v little_a of_o he_o all_o preach_v be_v not_o give_v the_o savour_n of_o his_o knowledge_n ult_n 2_o cor._n 2._o ult_n and_o if_o it_o have_v not_o life_n to_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v deadly_a a_o symptom_n to_o death_n the_o very_a divert_v though_o to_o other_o part_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n speak_v man_n offend_v in_o he_o when_o they_o do_v not_o find_v he_o and_o express_v he_o the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n in_o all_o the_o bright_a morning_n star_n the_o amen_o and_o though_o a_o battology_n a_o vain_a repetition_n in_o name_v he_o be_v blamable_a yet_o it_o be_v more_o blame_n to_o conceal_v he_o even_o in_o the_o best_a discourse_n of_o his_o religion_n the_o ray_n of_o religion_n be_v pale_a more_o weak_a and_o chill_a as_o they_o fall_v far_a off_o from_o he_o he_o be_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n and_o bless_a be_v he_o in_o these_o day_n even_o in_o these_o day_n whoever_o be_v not_o offend_v in_o he_o 3._o the_o spirituality_n purity_n cleanness_n and_o chasteness_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n dictate_v by_o the_o clear_a and_o sincere_a light_n of_o natural_a conscience_n approve_v by_o divine_a revelation_n or_o found_v institute_v and_o direct_v by_o that_o undoubted_a heavenly_a oracle_n be_v the_o next_o great_a pillar_n of_o truth_n upon_o which_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n be_v settle_v but_o against_o this_o sensual_a and_o defile_a imagination_n have_v in_o all_o age_n raise_v scandal_n and_o so_o befool_v reason_n that_o it_o have_v cast_v down_o many_o wound_a yea_o many_o strong_a man_n in_o their_o intellectual_a endowment_n and_o reputation_n for_o wisdom_n have_v be_v ensnare_v and_o ruin_v by_o it_o it_o have_v be_v the_o renown_n therefore_o of_o those_o prince_n in_o sacred_a story_n that_o have_v have_v the_o religious_a magnanimity_n to_o resist_v the_o charm_n of_o this_o sorceress_n and_o keep_v divine_a worship_n uncorrupted_a in_o who_o glory_n so_o much_o as_o the_o high_a place_n be_v a_o dark_a shade_n and_o eclipse_v they_o though_o it_o have_v fair_a pretence_n idolatry_n and_o superstition_n have_v be_v most_o evident_o brand_v in_o scripture_n for_o the_o most_o wretched_a state_n of_o be_v scandalize_v and_o idol_n for_o the_o most_o abhor_a scandal_n this_o be_v the_o snare_n of_o gideon_n and_o his_o house_n and_o yet_o as_o interpreter_n give_v we_o in_o a_o matter_n as_o innocent_a at_o first_o as_o lay_v up_o the_o ephod_n he_o have_v inquire_v at_o in_o his_o danger_n as_o a_o monument_n of_o gratitude_n for_o his_o victory_n that_o be_v after_o turn_v thus_o into_o a_o scandal_n judge_n 8._o 27._o this_o be_v the_o scandal_n balaam_n teach_v balak_n to_o cast_v before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n these_o be_v the_o wiles_n the_o gin_n and_o trap_n in_o which_o the_o
discern_v they_o but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n of_o which_o all_o true_a minister_n be_v the_o minister_n on_o account_n of_o which_o alone_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o they_o be_v due_a their_o bring_v that_o word_n in_o its_o own_o life_n evidence_n and_o power_n be_v their_o best_a commission_n quest_n but_o how_o be_v they_o most_o orderly_o install_v into_o so_o high_a a_o function_n answ_n christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v ascend_v up_o on_o high_a and_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n take_v it_o upon_o he_o as_o his_o supreme_a care_n to_o thrust_v forth_o labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n the_o several_a congregation_n of_o christian_n observe_v ministerial_a ability_n and_o meetness_n to_o teach_v call_v out_o to_o such_o to_o help_v they_o and_o herein_o in_o the_o cessation_n of_o extraordinary_a gift_n the_o school_n of_o learning_n and_o religious_a education_n like_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n do_v best_a prepare_v and_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n before_o they_o do_v most_o orderly_o recommend_v to_o choice_n and_o acceptance_n in_o the_o great_a service_n such_o as_o be_v scribe_n instruct_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o commit_v to_o they_o the_o charge_n of_o teach_v other_o for_o in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o act_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o preside_v with_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o congregation_n quest_n be_v the_o lord_n christ_n please_v then_o to_o act_v general_o by_o the_o elder_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n general_o and_o ordinary_o he_o do_v so_o the_o officer_n be_v therefore_o more_o particular_o entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o the_o key_n even_o as_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v thus_o eminent_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n our_o lord_n found_v his_o church_n and_o so_o edify_v and_o build_v it_o up_o in_o after-age_n by_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o when_o great_a defection_n have_v prevail_v upon_o it_o summon_v it_o to_o reformation_n by_o some_o raise_v up_o among_o those_o officer_n and_o who_o he_o send_v out_o as_o such_o to_o reform_v and_o recover_v his_o church_n yet_o still_o all_o this_o power_n be_v in_o and_o according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o no_o other_o and_o so_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v the_o knowledge_n judgement_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v join_v in_o all_o the_o officer_n do_v as_o have_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o key_n also_o because_o they_o have_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o understanding_n open_v and_o apply_v of_o which_o to_o particular_a case_n the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o key_n rest_v the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o the_o brethren_n or_o whole_a church_n be_v together_o please_v and_o together_o join_v in_o that_o famous_a conciliary_a epistle_n act_v 15._o 22._o quest_n i_o desire_v your_o more_o full_a explanation_n of_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o power_n accompany_v it_o answ_n i_o will_v very_o willing_o do_v as_o you_o desire_v and_o begin_v with_o the_o apostle_n quest_n wherein_o stand_v their_o power_n answ_n it_o stand_v in_o their_o preach_v act_v direct_v govern_v by_o that_o immediate_a and_o infallible_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o write_v and_o seal_v scripture_n and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v so_o guard_v every_o way_n that_o they_o can_v turn_v neither_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a in_o any_o thing_n wherein_o they_o exercise_v this_o power_n quest_n how_o be_v this_o power_n justify_v answ_n by_o the_o divineness_n substantial_a goodness_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o their_o prescription_n propose_v in_o all_o the_o method_n of_o rational_a discourse_n and_o manifestation_n of_o themselves_o in_o man_n conscience_n witness_v to_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o authorise_v by_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n general_o of_o beneficence_n or_o do_v good_a and_o in_o some_o but_o spare_v instance_n of_o infliction_n of_o bodily_a pain_n or_o death_n quest_n do_v the_o apostle_n never_o err_v in_o their_o administration_n answ_n whenever_o that_o infallible_a guidance_n be_v not_o present_a to_o they_o they_o may_v err_v as_o be_v before_o observe_v in_o the_o apostle_n peter_n miscarriage_n which_o no_o doubt_n be_v record_v to_o show_v their_o power_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o but_o in_o the_o divine_a spirit_n act_v by_o they_o that_o none_o in_o after-age_n may_v pretend_v to_o dictate_v as_o their_o successor_n have_v not_o their_o power_n and_o yet_o require_v obedience_n as_o if_o they_o have_v it_o whereas_o even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o may_v err_v and_o so_o lose_v their_o power_n if_o never_o so_o little_o desert_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o what_o they_o consign_v over_o to_o after-age_n be_v winnow_v from_o every_o thing_n humane_a and_o fallible_a that_o both_o officer_n and_o people_n may_v know_v the_o one_o common_a rule_n by_o which_o one_o be_v to_o govern_v the_o other_o in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v quest_n who_o be_v next_o to_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o office_n and_o power_n answ_n evangelist_n such_o as_o be_v timothy_n and_o titus_n who_o have_v a_o portion_n of_o the_o apostolic_a work_n to_o plant_v and_o settle_v church_n and_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o they_o have_v also_o a_o portion_n of_o their_o power_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o it_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v such_o till_o the_o general_n rule_n be_v full_o settle_v and_o fix_v quest_n be_v not_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n above_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n answ_n they_o be_v in_o this_o great_a point_n of_o difference_n that_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o immediate_n and_o infallible_a revelation_n commit_v to_o they_o to_o commit_v the_o same_o to_o other_o by_o direction_n from_o the_o same_o spirit_n who_o give_v they_o discern_v to_o who_o to_o entrust_v it_o till_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n be_v seal_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n else_o they_o own_v themselves_o compresbyter_n as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n style_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n with_o presbyter_n quest_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v we_o be_v to_o conclude_v that_o the_o whole_a power_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n be_v retain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n answ_n it_o be_v so_o for_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n be_v the_o only_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n which_o glory_n he_o will_v not_o give_v to_o another_o whatever_o power_n can_v be_v suppose_v resident_a in_o the_o whole_a church_n together_o be_v no_o other_o than_o in_o that_o word_n of_o truth_n public_o offer_v by_o it_o the_o apostle_n power_n be_v only_o the_o presence_n of_o that_o word_n to_o they_o by_o the_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o preach_a it_o throughout_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o sound_v the_o christian_a church_n such_o be_v the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o any_o extraordinary_a minister_n under_o they_o the_o and_o constant_a rulership_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n remain_v unmovable_o in_o the_o word_n which_o it_o be_v their_o office_n to_o speak_v quest_n be_v not_o those_o we_o distinguish_o call_v bishop_n successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o preeminency_n they_o have_v over_o other_o pastor_n and_o elder_n answ_n that_o successor_n to_o the_o preeminency_n of_o the_o apostle_n may_v be_v well_o establish_v three_o thing_n be_v necessary_a 1._o that_o there_o be_v find_v and_o produce_v distinct_a command_n give_v in_o scripture_n ●o_o the_o inferior_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o obey_v superior_a minister_n or_o bishop_n command_v to_o christian_n to_o obey_v inferior_a minister_n or_o ordinary_a presbyter_n as_o inferior_a minister_n with_o respect_n to_o superior_a minister_n and_o those_o superior_a minister_n as_o superior_n we_o must_v find_v the_o apostle_n distinguish_v ordinary_a presbyter_n as_o inferior_a minister_n with_o respect_n to_o superior_a minister_n and_o those_o superior_a minister_n as_o superior_n as_o we_o find_v he_o distinguish_v civil_a magistrate_n into_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a and_o governor_n as_o those_o that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o 2._o see_v it_o be_v very_o clear_a and_o apparent_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o distant_a from_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o to_o constitute_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o make_v a_o great_a figure_n without_o as_o great_a a_o use_n or_o end_v and_o that_o christ_n have_v not_o give_v power_n to_o his_o ruler_n to_o command_v
the_o very_a lest_o thing_n but_o as_o command_v by_o himself_o first_o for_o than_o they_o will_v be_v lord_n which_o he_o plain_o declare_v against_o and_o absolute_o deny_v to_o they_o and_o that_o what_o they_o do_v as_o command_v by_o he_o they_o shall_v do_v so_o in_o duty_n and_o service_n to_o the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o subordinate_o to_o his_o church_n as_o not_o to_o be_v call_v or_o esteem_v benefactor_n for_o their_o service_n so_o that_o it_o must_v be_v evident_a what_o their_o superior_a service_n be_v it_o must_v be_v plain_o express_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o there_o at_o least_o so_o determinate_o set_v down_o as_o to_o be_v deduce_v with_o great_a clearness_n to_o the_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n of_o christian_n and_o distinguish_o from_o the_o service_n of_o other_o subordinate_a ruler_n appoint_v by_o christ_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v wait_v for_o and_o receive_v according_a to_o his_o ordinance_n with_o faith_n and_o obedience_n 3._o see_v christ_n appoint_v none_o to_o a_o eminency_n of_o service_n without_o a_o suitable_a eminency_n of_o ability_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n it_o be_v therefore_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v some_o extraordinary_a promise_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n to_o those_o superior_a minister_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o superiority_n wherein_o they_o may_v above_o any_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n visible_o and_o experimental_o make_v some_o approach_n to_o the_o eminent_a assistance_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n have_v in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o that_o they_o have_v continue_v and_o succeed_v in_o their_o high_a function_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o real_a substantial_a service_n of_o bishop_n to_o christianity_n have_v come_v near_o to_o the_o act_n of_o apostle_n and_o as_o much_o excel_v that_o of_o common_a presbyter_n as_o the_o order_n itself_o be_v suppose_v to_o do_v now_o without_o these_o three_o self_n evident_a concurrent_a mark_n of_o superiority_n secret_a invisible_a character_n be_v of_o no_o signification_n quest_n how_o then_o be_v such_o a_o succession_n of_o bishop_n in_o a_o superiority_n over_o presbyter_n so_o uncontrolable_o deduce_v from_o antiquity_n answ_n beside_o all_o other_o coincident_a account_n there_o be_v this_o to_o be_v give_v after_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v but_o a_o gradual_a cessation_n of_o apostolic_a man_n man_n of_o eminent_a grace_n and_o extraordinary_a gift_n though_o not_o of_o the_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n for_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o write_n of_o scripture_n yet_o of_o more_o immediate_a divine_a assistance_n in_o resemblance_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n supervisal_n over_o they_o and_o care_n for_o they_o and_o also_o for_o the_o further_a propagation_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v but_o new_o set_v out_o have_v not_o arrive_v many_o place_n where_o it_o be_v to_o come_v and_o so_o need_v some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a assistance_n even_o as_o miracle_n do_v not_o immediate_o cease_v no_o more_o do_v these_o personage_n extraordinary_a in_o their_o endowment_n such_o as_o these_o be_v worthy_o in_o a_o degree_n of_o superiority_n over_o those_o that_o have_v not_o the_o same_o miraculous_a inablement_n nor_o knowledge_n as_o yet_o in_o christianity_n afterward_o such_o manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n by_o degree_n retire_v and_o christianity_n have_v fix_v itself_o where_o it_o be_v then_o to_o go_v and_o the_o church_n settle_v the_o best_a account_n of_o the_o continue_a distinction_n between_o those_o that_o be_v upon_o the_o same_o level_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v but_o humane_a prudence_n and_o order_n which_o oblige_v no_o man_n conscience_n beyond_o the_o valuableness_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o prudence_n and_o order_n except_o undeniable_a holiness_n industry_n and_o improve_v understanding_n recommend_v any_o person_n to_o such_o eminency_n for_o eminency_n and_o be_v tall_a than_o other_o in_o those_o qualification_n will_v make_v any_o person_n a_o bishop_n in_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o one_o whether_o so_o ordinate_v or_o not_o and_o can_v make_v he_o that_o be_v a_o dwarf_n in_o these_o true_o a_o bishop_n however_o for_o order_n sake_n he_o may_v stand_v in_o the_o place_n of_o that_o figure_n he_o that_o excel_v in_o his_o knowledge_n of_o obedience_n to_o zeal_n for_o and_o authority_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n see_v that_o word_n convey_v all_o this_o kind_n of_o power_n from_o itself_o must_v needs_o have_v more_o of_o that_o kind_n of_o power_n so_o convey_v than_o other_o for_o the_o more_o pure_o this_o word_n be_v understand_v and_o preach_v the_o more_o power_n go_v out_o of_o it_o and_o along_o with_o those_o that_o display_v it_o and_o so_o they_o become_v pastor_n of_o a_o high_a character_n whether_o of_o a_o high_a order_n or_o not_o cap._n xi_o of_o every_o man_n obligation_n to_o be_v wise_a for_o himself_o to_o salvation_n quest_n according_a to_o all_o the_o precedent_a account_n of_o the_o church_n it_o seem_v not_o only_o reasonable_a but_o most_o necessary_a every_o man_n shall_v be_v wise_a for_o himself_o unto_o salvation_n answ_n it_o be_v certain_o so_o for_o every_o man_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n to_o which_o purpose_n he_o be_v to_o apply_v his_o mind_n to_o search_v for_o true_a wisdom_n as_o for_o silver_n and_o to_o seek_v for_o it_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n quest_n how_o shall_v man_n of_o so_o great_a disadvantage_n to_o such_o high_a thing_n be_v enable_v to_o judge_n answ_n wisdom_n assume_v most_o just_o to_o itself_o to_o be_v of_o so_o high_a value_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v think_v it_o worth_a his_o while_n to_o labour_n and_o travel_v herein_o and_o to_o they_o that_o do_v so_o it_o have_v promise_v the_o most_o certain_a success_n even_o the_o pour_v out_o its_o spirit_n to_o they_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v understand_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n be_v not_o of_o such_o difficulty_n but_o that_o they_o be_v attainable_a in_o the_o use_n of_o right_a mean_n under_o so_o great_a promise_n quest_n what_o be_v those_o right_a mean_n answ_n bow_v down_o our_o ear_n to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a that_o be_v of_o those_o that_o by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n have_v be_v wise_a and_o write_v their_o wisdom_n for_o future_a age_n and_o by_o apply_v our_o heart_n to_o divine_a knowledge_n upon_o which_o they_o come_v to_o be_v inlay_v within_o we_o and_o to_o be_v fit_v to_o our_o lip_n to_o be_v agreeable_a and_o well_o match_v to_o our_o discourse_n and_o not_o like_o a_o parable_n in_o a_o fool_n mouth_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o these_o thing_n speak_v and_o write_v to_o the_o learned_a and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v know_v for_o the_o people_n and_o the_o people_n put_v their_o trust_n in_o they_o answ_n no_o they_o be_v write_v to_o thou_o even_o to_o thou_o that_o be_v to_o every_o one_o that_o they_o may_v have_v their_o trust_n only_o in_o god_n that_o be_v find_v the_o rock_n of_o divine_a veracity_n and_o infallibility_n and_o have_v no_o need_n to_o trust_v in_o man_n ●ut_v to_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n either_o to_o those_o that_o advise_v with_o they_o as_o friend_n or_o challenge_v they_o as_o enemy_n quest_n if_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v undoubted_o much_o more_o so_o of_o the_o new_a answ_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o as_o a_o high_a and_o more_o intellectual_a state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o much_o free_a and_o clear_a in_o its_o notion_n of_o truth_n the_o apostle_n discourse_v christian_n as_o no_o christian_n if_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_n as_o wise_a man_n what_o they_o say_v if_o they_o be_v not_o man_n in_o understanding_n if_o they_o attain_v not_o to_o the_o state_n of_o teacher_n by_o skill_n in_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n and_o have_v sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v by_o a_o intellectual_a and_o spiritual_a gust_n thing_n good_a and_o evil_a if_o they_o can_v give_v a_o apology_n or_o defence_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o that_o be_v of_o their_o christianity_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v they_o a_o rational_a account_n of_o it_o quest_n but_o in_o thing_n of_o perplexity_n and_o doubt_v be_v not_o christian_n bind_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o teacher_n answ_n if_o they_o can_v receive_v and_o
digest_v their_o reason_n and_o take_v in_o the_o light_n they_o judge_v by_o so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o their_o own_o else_o if_o they_o can_v find_v their_o reason_n nor_o acquit_v themselves_o from_o doubt_n they_o must_v suspend_v for_o a_o christian_n be_v command_v by_o his_o lord_n to_o call_v no_o man_n upon_o earth_n master_n or_o father_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o answ_n it_o be_v this_o very_a thing_n that_o we_o shall_v receive_v nothing_o as_o doctrine_n or_o indisputable_a truth_n or_o precept_n upon_o any_o man_n word_n that_o do_v not_o offer_v such_o reason_n and_o authority_n from_o god_n and_o his_o word_n that_o we_o ourselves_o see_v reason_n not_o to_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n quest_n but_o be_v it_o not_o say_v that_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o watch_v for_o our_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o the_o same_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o surrender_v our_o judgement_n to_o they_o how_o can_v they_o give_v a_o account_n answ_n they_o that_o rule_n over_o we_o watch_v for_o our_o soul_n and_o must_v give_v a_o account_n as_o ezekiel_n prophet_n and_o watchman_n by_z giving_z warn_v lay_v truth_n before_o we_o offer_v the_o sincere_a word_n of_o god_n in_o all_o case_n the_o success_n of_o which_o upon_o soul_n convert_v and_o save_v be_v their_o crown_n and_o glory_n and_o their_o unsuccess_n look_v like_o a_o sorrow_n to_o see_v those_o soul_n lose_v for_o who_o they_o labour_v in_o vain_a and_o spend_v their_o strength_n upon_o they_o for_o nought_o yet_o so_o that_o if_o they_o have_v be_v faithful_a though_o without_o success_n their_o reward_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o their_o work_n with_o god_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o every_o man_n be_v so_o to_o account_v for_o his_o own_o soul_n that_o the_o very_a success_n be_v not_o a_o blind_a obedience_n to_o ruler_n but_o as_o be_v say_v a_o receive_v the_o word_n not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o these_o watchman_n neglect_v their_o duty_n or_o seduce_v instead_o of_o teach_v man_n be_v to_o apply_v to_o better_a mean_n afford_v by_o god_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o still_o die_v in_o their_o iniquity_n and_o follow_v their_o blind_a leader_n fall_v into_o the_o pit_n which_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a argument_n that_o we_o may_v trust_v in_o no_o man_n but_o in_o god_n only_o for_o if_o a_o implicit_a faith_n can_v be_v a_o save_a faith_n it_o shall_v save_v those_o that_o follow_v such_o guide_n though_o they_o themselves_o be_v just_o condemn_v in_o not_o discharge_v their_o trust_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n to_o be_v trust_v at_o a_o high_a rate_n than_o thus_o answ_n no_o there_o be_v such_o evident_a mark_n of_o divine_a doctrine_n always_o give_v by_o god_n to_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v love_n and_o obey_v he_o that_o even_o the_o very_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v without_o they_o nor_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o according_a to_o they_o nay_o to_o be_v plain_o anathematise_v if_o they_o vary_v from_o it_o christian_n be_v therefore_o to_o judge_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o the_o thing_n speak_v be_v so_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o undoubted_a principle_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v as_o standard_n to_o all_o that_o come_v after_o beside_o the_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o know_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o all_o humane_a teach_v and_o instruction_n hereby_o take_v away_o and_o what_o become_v of_o the_o ministry_n the_o eldership_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o rule_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 blast_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