there_o be_v a_o real_a hazard_n of_o a_o great_a mischief_n and_o in_o hasty_a attempt_n of_o change_n thing_n may_v be_v carry_v on_o beyond_o the_o commendable_a end_n design_v even_o to_o its_o utter_a ruin_n for_o common_o man_n be_v not_o master_n of_o what_o they_o get_v in_o such_o precipitate_a way_n chap._n xxviii_o consideration_n tend_v to_o a_o due_a enlargement_n and_o unity_n in_o church-communion_n a_o unhappy_a kind_n of_o controversy_n about_o form_n of_o divine_a worship_n ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o qualification_n of_o church_n member_n have_v be_v the_o calamity_n of_o our_o time_n the_o difference_n in_o these_o point_n have_v make_v a_o sad_a breach_n upon_o church_n unity_n and_o divide_v brethren_n of_o the_o same_o reform_a profession_n both_o in_o affection_n and_o interest_n and_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o much_o misery_n in_o regard_v whereof_o some_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o a_o amicable_a condescension_n among_o brethren_n and_o for_o humble_a submission_n to_o superior_n be_v here_o propound_v for_o consideration_n but_o not_o as_o peremptory_a resolve_n though_o many_o or_o most_o of_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o carry_v their_o own_o evidence_n yet_o it_o become_v one_o who_o be_v sensible_a of_o human_a weakness_n and_o of_o his_o own_o meaness_n to_o write_v modest_o in_o these_o point_n about_o which_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o apprehension_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o particular_a christian_n and_o church_n one_o with_o another_o as_o member_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o restrain_v our_o fellowship_n to_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o church_n so_o as_o to_o withhold_v it_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n our_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v as_o well_o in_o religious_a worship_n as_o in_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n as_o there_o be_v one_o faith_n so_o one_o baptism_n and_o one_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n though_o we_o can_v at_o once_o local_o communicate_v with_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o external_a worship_n because_o it_o can_v possible_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n yet_o according_a to_o our_o capacity_n and_o opportunity_n we_o be_v so_o to_o communicate_v with_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o and_o not_o unwarrantable_o withdraw_v from_o any_o and_o this_o be_v a_o virtual_a communicate_v with_o the_o whole_a church_n discipline_n and_o government_n as_o to_o the_o particular_a form_n thereof_o have_v much_o more_o obscurity_n than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n and_o be_v much_o more_o controvert_v among_o the_o godly_a learned_a and_o in_o more_o dark_a and_o doubtful_a point_n humility_z charity_n and_o good_a discretion_n teach_v mutual_a forbearance_n in_o ecclesiastical_a regiment_n all_o church_n member_n be_v not_o so_o concern_v as_o church_n guide_v and_o pastor_n be_v christ_n have_v not_o leave_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o so_o loose_a a_o posture_n as_o to_o give_v a_o liberty_n of_o leave_v or_o choose_v the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n according_a to_o our_o own_o affection_n without_o regard_n to_o order_n a_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v a_o body_n politic_a can_v subsist_v without_o rule_n of_o stable_a policy_n her_o censure_n and_o judgement_n ought_v to_o be_v clear_a certain_a and_o uniform_a or_o of_o the_o same_o tenor_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o proceed_v upon_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o evidence_n as_o at_o the_o most_o be_v but_o conjectural_a and_o of_o variable_a apprehension_n our_o arbitrary_a conjecture_n of_o a_o other_o regeneration_n be_v but_o a_o uncertain_a way_n of_o admission_n to_o sacred_a privilege_n wherein_o no_o uniform_a judgement_n can_v be_v hold_v between_o several_a church_n nor_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n nor_o by_o the_o same_o person_n with_o himself_o at_o several_a time_n for_o man_n apprehension_n about_o the_o spiritual_a estate_n of_o other_o be_v exceed_o different_a and_o inconstant_a but_o whether_o a_o person_n make_v a_o credible_a profession_n or_o be_v competent_o know_v or_o gross_o ignorant_a whether_o he_o be_v scandalous_a or_o walk_v orderly_o be_v capable_a of_o certain_a evidence_n and_o of_o constant_a regular_a proceed_n thereupon_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o of_o these_o two_o either_o to_o proceed_v with_o man_n according_a to_o our_o private_a hope_n and_o fear_n about_o their_o internal_a state_n or_o according_a to_o state_v rule_n and_o certain_a evidence_n be_v the_o sure_a way_n to_o preserve_v the_o church_n in_o peace_n and_o to_o propagate_v true_a piety_n also_o whether_o person_n passable_a by_o such_o public_a rule_n can_v in_o ecclesiastical_a trial_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v ungodly_a or_o to_o make_v a_o false_a profession_n whatsoever_o our_o private_a fear_n be_v concern_v they_o and_o if_o their_o profession_n be_v not_o prove_v false_a whether_o it_o be_v not_o to_o pass_v for_o credible_a in_o that_o trial_n human_a law_n and_o public_a judgement_n presume_v they_o to_o be_v good_a that_o be_v not_o evict_v to_o be_v bad_a private_a familiarity_n be_v at_o every_o one_o choice_n but_o our_o church-communion_n be_v a_o public_a matter_n must_v be_v govern_v by_o public_a and_o common_a rule_n and_o not_o by_o private_a will_n if_o a_o church_n impose_v such_o law_n of_o her_o communion_n as_o infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o do_v that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o abstain_v from_o her_o communion_n so_o far_o as_o those_o unlawful_a term_n extend_v church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n have_v their_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o manner_n yet_o the_o godly_a do_v not_o separate_v from_o they_o for_o those_o corruption_n nor_o be_v command_v so_o to_o do_v indeed_o they_o be_v command_v to_o come_v out_o of_o babylon_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o separate_v from_o idolatrous_a heretical_a antichristian_a society_n yet_o in_o suggest_v this_o i_o do_v not_o encourage_v to_o a_o state_v communion_n in_o such_o church_n as_o have_v no_o other_o minister_n place_v in_o they_o than_o such_o as_o be_v altogether_o unfit_a to_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o soul_n commit_v to_o they_o that_o be_v who_o be_v unable_a to_o teach_v or_o teach_v corrupt_o either_o teach_v pernicious_a doctrine_n or_o abuse_v mishandle_v and_o misapply_v sound_a doctrine_n to_o encourage_v the_o ungodly_a and_o discourage_v the_o godly_a for_o the_o scripture_n bid_v we_o beware_v of_o blind_a guide_n and_o false_a prophet_n by_o continue_v in_o church-communion_n we_o partake_v not_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o which_o we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o redress_v nor_o be_v we_o make_v guilty_a by_o their_o leaven_n if_o it_o do_v not_o infect_v we_o and_o profane_a person_n be_v no_o more_o countenance_v by_o our_o presence_n than_o those_o lewd_a priest_n the_o son_n of_o eli_n be_v by_o the_o people_n come_v to_o sacrifice_n in_o communicate_v in_o holy_a thing_n we_o have_v internal_a communion_n only_o with_o the_o faithful_a and_o as_o for_o the_o mere_a external_a communion_n it_o be_v with_o those_o that_o have_v as_o yet_o a_o outward_a stand_n in_o christ_n till_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n or_o due_a order_n of_o discipline_n when_o a_o minister_n have_v do_v his_o part_n to_o keep_v off_o the_o unworthy_a in_o the_o dspense_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o such_o he_o be_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n mere_o passive_a so_o that_o their_o unworthy_a participation_n can_v be_v impute_v to_o he_o nor_o in_o such_o a_o administration_n be_v a_o practical_a lie_n or_o any_o falsehood_n utter_v for_o the_o sacrament_n seal_v the_o mercy_n of_o the_o covenant_n not_o irrespective_o but_o conditional_o and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o application_n must_v be_v so_o understand_v if_o we_o have_v not_o power_n to_o separate_v a_o obstinate_a scandalous_a offender_n from_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o withdraw_a of_o ourselves_o from_o he_o be_v a_o excommunication_n in_o some_o degree_n and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o be_v hereby_o in_o part_n obtain_v when_o minister_n and_o people_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o their_o place_n without_o usurpation_n of_o further_a power_n than_o they_o have_v warrant_n for_o than_o all_o will_v be_v though_o not_o so_o well_o as_o it_o may_v yet_o as_o it_o can_v be_v at_o present_a of_o several_a mode_n and_o method_n of_o public_a action_n prudence_n make_v choice_n not_o always_o of_o what_o be_v simple_o best_a but_o of_o that_o which_o be_v most_o passable_a if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o disorderly_a as_o to_o mar_v the_o substance_n or_o frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o a_o administration_n in_o sacred_a adminstration_n we_o may_v yield_v without_o sin_n to_o other_o sinful_a weakness_n
either_o hand_n for_o it_o be_v very_o discernible_a that_o the_o antipathy_n against_o either_o way_n be_v main_o cause_v by_o the_o animosity_n and_o mutual_a opposition_n between_o the_o party_n of_o different_a persuasion_n and_o inclination_n in_o this_o matter_n they_o be_v too_o weak_a and_o ill-advised_n at_o least_o if_o not_o humorous_a and_o self-conceited_a that_o reject_v all_o sett-form_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o suppress_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n in_o ourselves_o or_o other_o be_v to_o sin_n against_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o to_o hinder_v much_o good_a the_o use_n of_o a_o set-form_n without_o a_o imperious_a restraint_n of_o prayer_n thereto_o will_v obviate_v the_o objection_n of_o stint_v the_o spirit_n which_o mean_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o purpose_n in_o that_o phrase_n a_o suppress_n or_o undue_a restrain_v of_o this_o spiritual_a gift_n against_o which_o a_o caution_n be_v here_o give_v in_o our_o address_n to_o the_o great_a god_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o look_v well_o both_o to_o thought_n and_o word_n that_o in_o both_o he_o may_v be_v sanctify_v by_o we_o and_o glorify_v as_o god_n indeed_o and_o in_o our_o public_a address_n to_o he_o a_o more_o special_a care_n must_v be_v have_v that_o nothing_o be_v utter_v before_o he_o that_o be_v unmeet_a to_o be_v offer_v to_o his_o dreadful_a majesty_n rude_a clownish_a and_o homely_a expression_n as_o also_o quibble_v jingle_a and_o all_o levity_n and_o trifle_n be_v very_o loathsome_a in_o preach_v but_o in_o prayer_n much_o more_o affectation_n of_o word_n curiosity_n and_o politeness_n become_v not_o the_o weightiness_n and_o awfulness_n of_o this_o duty_n yea_o abruptness_n obscurity_n and_o all_o incongruity_n of_o speak_v be_v to_o be_v shun_v herein_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a and_o that_o only_o be_v to_o be_v use_v which_o be_v plain_a clear_a seemly_a weighty_a savoury_a and_o affectionate_a in_o like_a manner_n all_o indecency_n of_o voice_n and_o gesture_n be_v to_o be_v watch_v against_o as_o a_o offensive_a thing_n and_o apt_a to_o expose_v the_o service_n to_o the_o derision_n of_o proud_a scorner_n yet_o a_o seasonable_a elevation_n of_o the_o voice_n or_o other_o apt_a expression_n of_o earnestness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v count_v rudeness_n sometime_o a_o worthy_a man_n may_v not_o be_v aware_a of_o some_o uncomeliness_n in_o his_o tone_n or_o in_o the_o posture_n of_o his_o countenance_n or_o some_o other_o bodily_a gesture_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o fervour_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o duty_n join_v with_o inadvertency_n towards_o those_o exterior_a and_o lesser_a thing_n and_o sometime_o a_o ill_a habit_n or_o custom_n be_v not_o easy_o break_v off_o these_o inconvenience_n be_v prevent_v or_o redress_v by_o a_o wariness_n of_o disposition_n and_o a_o moderate_a self-distrust_n and_o the_o actual_a observation_n of_o what_o be_v graceful_a or_o uncomely_a in_o other_o prayer_n be_v a_o holy_a converse_n with_o god_n wherein_o a_o humble_a confidence_n and_o sonlike_a freedom_n of_o spirit_n with_o he_o be_v acceptable_a yet_o withal_o it_o call_v for_o the_o great_a prostration_n of_o soul_n and_o the_o deep_a reverence_n and_o subjection_n wherefore_o humble_o to_o expostulate_v with_o god_n be_v no_o sauciness_n the_o whole_a current_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o saint_n in_o scripture_n do_v warrant_v it_o and_o that_o not_o only_o now_o and_o then_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n indeed_o our_o ordinary_n concern_v with_o god_n be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o safety_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n the_o pardon_v of_o our_o great_a and_o numberless_a offence_n the_o subdue_a of_o inveterate_a corruption_n our_o escape_n of_o many_o deadly_a danger_n our_o victory_n over_o the_o adverse_a world_n the_o powerful_a presence_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n as_o also_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n and_o of_o the_o world_n in_o general_n that_o poor_a soul_n may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o translate_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n all_o which_o be_v of_o the_o high_a moment_n and_o of_o themselves_o exceed_v difficult_a though_o to_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a and_o they_o all_o require_v vehemence_n and_o importunity_n not_o as_o if_o god_n need_v to_o be_v move_v or_o stir_v up_o but_o that_o we_o may_v declare_v ourselves_o due_o affect_v howbeit_o even_o the_o best_a thing_n may_v be_v overdo_v and_o this_o over_n be_v the_o mar_n thereof_o if_o in_o the_o expostulation_n of_o prayer_n man_n shall_v utter_v perverse_a or_o frivolous_a thing_n or_o speak_v absurd_o dare_o or_o irreverent_o they_o be_v high_o culpable_a and_o guilty_a of_o abuse_v the_o most_o holy_a thing_n and_o of_o contemn_v the_o most_o glorious_a and_o fearful_a name_n of_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n our_o freedom_n of_o access_n to_o god_n and_o converse_n with_o he_o must_v not_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o irreverent_a and_o presumptuous_a familiarity_n those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o rashness_n be_v worthy_a of_o great_a rebuke_n but_o iknow_a well_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o lukewarmness_n and_o profaneness_n do_v usual_o cast_v reproach_n and_o scorn_n upon_o that_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n that_o well_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o labour_n to_o make_v the_o most_o accceptable_a and_o profitable_a kind_n of_o prayer_n to_o seem_v ridiculous_a it_o be_v against_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o present_a age_n bring_v up_o under_o such_o eminent_a advantage_n for_o ministerial_a ability_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v to_o god_n in_o good_a and_o solid_a sense_n in_o a_o orderly_a method_n and_o in_o affective_a grave_a and_o seemly_a language_n as_o become_v the_o solemnity_n of_o god_n worship_n experience_n will_v justify_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o serious_a pious_a and_o painful_a preacher_n in_o general_a though_o the_o captious_a and_o curious_a and_o such_o as_o love_v to_o cavil_v have_v find_v fault_n and_o despise_v the_o profitable_a endeavour_n of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v own_v beside_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v commit_v in_o this_o matter_n proceed_v more_o from_o inadvertency_n and_o imprudence_n than_o from_o insufficiency_n and_o may_v be_v correct_v by_o care_n and_o causion_n and_o good_a advice_n and_o it_o be_v no_o vanity_n to_o suppose_v such_o a_o competency_n of_o prudence_n easy_o attainable_a by_o all_o those_o that_o be_v competent_o qualify_v for_o this_o office_n indeed_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o that_o some_o will_v be_v less_o able_a and_o less_o perfect_a than_o other_o in_o this_o performance_n and_o that_o the_o same_o person_n may_v not_o be_v alike_o perfect_a therein_o at_o all_o time_n nevertheless_o there_o be_v no_o such_o want_n of_o security_n that_o the_o church_n service_n will_v be_v well_o perform_v if_o any_o prayer_n be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n beside_o a_o prescribe_a form_n for_o who_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o person_n of_o competent_a ability_n and_o prudence_n may_v upon_o due_a encouragement_n be_v spread_v throughout_o a_o nation_n in_o such_o a_o age_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n and_o to_o say_v otherwise_o be_v to_o disparage_v the_o reform_a religion_n and_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o doubt_n but_o that_o a_o able_a minister_n may_v make_v use_n either_o of_o a_o precomposed_a or_o of_o a_o immediate_o conceive_a form_n of_o word_n yet_o in_o this_o matter_n there_o be_v great_a diversity_n of_o judgement_n and_o affection_n even_o unto_o much_o prejudice_n and_o opposition_n but_o the_o same_o mind_n may_v well_o be_v conciliate_v to_o both_o way_n if_o right_o order_v the_o question_n be_v here_o suppose_a to_o be_v of_o the_o outward_a mode_n in_o which_o two_o thing_n be_v main_o to_o be_v regard_v to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v reverend_a and_o affective_a such_o as_o be_v best_a persuade_v of_o a_o precompose_n form_n and_o find_v it_o expedient_a for_o they_o doubtless_o may_v right_o manage_v it_o to_o the_o edify_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o for_o which_o end_n they_o must_v needs_o in_o some_o part_n thereof_o make_v use_n of_o occasional_a variation_n and_o enlargement_n though_o premeditate_v as_o mind_v the_o more_o particular_a requiry_n of_o several_a time_n and_o occasion_n but_o other_o by_o a_o habit_n of_o ready_a utterance_n and_o much_o exercise_n be_v well_o prepare_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o immediate_a conception_n of_o their_o mind_n in_o proper_a and_o decent_a word_n and_o can_v do_v it_o without_o any_o strain_n of_o invention_n and_o with_o much_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n no_o more_o be_v here_o speak_v that_o what_o impartial_a man_n will_v grant_v and_o why_o shall_v any_o forbid_v they_o that_o be_v thus_o qualify_v to_o use_v their_o gift_n but_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v
their_o union_n and_o fellowship_n be_v chief_o mystical_a and_o invisible_a their_o unity_n be_v far_o great_a than_o what_o outward_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n and_o sometime_o than_o what_o themselves_o can_v discern_v among_o themselves_o in_o particular_a by_o reason_n of_o many_o inferior_a yet_o very_o disquiet_v difference_n and_o discord_n nevertheless_o it_o behoove_v they_o to_o provide_v that_o it_o may_v appear_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v what_o it_o be_v indeed_o and_o that_o it_o be_v conspicuous_a and_o illustrious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n by_o their_o walk_n in_o love_n and_o peace_n unity_n be_v the_o church_n strength_n and_o beauty_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o a_o argument_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n it_o make_v religion_n lovely_a and_o draw_v forth_o blessing_n &_o praise_n from_o the_o beholder_n of_o it_o and_o win_v the_o world_n to_o a_o love_n and_o reverence_n of_o that_o piety_n which_o make_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o to_o live_v in_o brotherly_a kindness_n and_o mutual_a charity_n but_o division_n be_v the_o church_n weakness_n and_o deformity_n the_o reproach_n of_o christian_n and_o a_o scandal_n against_o christianity_n and_o a_o objection_n put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o infidel_n against_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v unto_o many_o in_o the_o present_a divide_a state_n of_o religion_n each_o party_n be_v apt_a to_o appropriate_v godliness_n to_o themselves_o or_o at_o least_o to_o carry_v it_o towards_o other_o as_o if_o they_o do_v so_o and_o they_o that_o be_v loud_a in_o accuse_v dissenter_n of_o uncharitableness_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v themselves_o as_o uncharitable_a as_o any_o other_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n have_v a_o peculiar_a people_n distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o by_o a_o peculiar_a character_n but_o it_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o party_n of_o this_o or_o that_o persuasion_n or_o denomination_n that_o be_v narrow_a than_o mere_a christianity_n and_o all_o true_a christian_n be_v to_o receive_v one_o a_o other_o as_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o indeed_o the_o best_a christian_n be_v to_o be_v best_a esteem_v and_o their_o fellowship_n be_v most_o desire_a but_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v sever_v from_o the_o universality_n and_o in_o a_o strict_a combination_n set_v up_o as_o divide_a party_n it_o tend_v to_o the_o church_n ruin_n for_o a_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o can_v stand_v and_o if_o the_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o body_n forsake_v the_o rest_n the_o whole_a must_v needs_o die_v christian_n concord_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o aggregation_n of_o thing_n inconsistent_a as_o the_o fellowship_n of_o righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n the_o communion_n of_o light_n with_o darkness_n the_o concord_n of_o christ_n with_o belial_n to_o set_v up_o unity_n against_o piety_n be_v a_o conspiracy_n against_o christ_n who_o be_v king_n of_o righteousness_n and_o to_o pretend_v piety_n against_o unity_n be_v to_o oppose_v christ_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n who_o kingdom_n be_v the_o reign_n of_o love_n in_o the_o soul_n holiness_n and_o peace_n must_v kiss_v each_o other_o and_o as_o inseparable_a companion_n walk_v together_o it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v charge_v to_o keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n but_o concord_n in_o any_o external_a order_n without_o fellowship_n in_o the_o divine_a life_n be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o new_a nature_n and_o to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o same_o holy_a way_n this_o be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o great_a compliance_n in_o matter_n of_o mere_a external_a order_n and_o consequent_o much_o more_o regardable_a in_o our_o estimation_n and_o reception_n of_o person_n though_o to_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n be_v not_o of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o to_o be_v join_v in_o one_o spirit_n yet_o it_o must_v not_o be_v count_v a_o small_a matter_n the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v much_o concern_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o church_n communion_n it_o will_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o some_o difficulty_n for_o they_o to_o live_v together_o in_o love_n who_o one_o church_n can_v hold_v church_n division_n common_o divide_v affection_n and_o draw_v man_n into_o party_n and_o divide_a interest_n and_o make_v they_o seek_v to_o strengthen_v their_o own_o party_n by_o weaken_v all_o other_o to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o general_n for_o which_o cause_n the_o unchurch_a of_o church_n and_o renounce_v of_o communion_n with_o they_o that_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o sacrament_n and_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o divine_a worship_n shall_v be_v dread_v by_o all_o sober_a christian_n yea_o all_o unnecessary_a distance_n shall_v be_v avoid_v lest_o they_o lead_v to_o great_a alienation_n and_o direct_a enmity_n and_o opposition_n those_o church_n that_o can_v hold_v local_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o by_o reason_n of_o difference_n that_o destroy_v not_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n shall_v yet_o maintain_v a_o dear_a and_o tender_a christian_a love_n one_o to_o another_o and_o profess_v their_o own_n of_o each_o other_o as_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o shall_v agree_v together_o upon_o certain_a just_a and_o equal_a rule_n for_o the_o management_n of_o their_o unavoidable_a difference_n so_o as_o may_v lest_o prejudice_n charity_n and_o common_a good_a and_o least_o harden_v the_o ungodly_a and_o grieve_v the_o weak_a or_o dishonour_n god_n or_o hinder_v the_o success_n of_o common_a great_a and_o necessary_a truth_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n amicable_o promote_a the_o common_a cause_n of_o christianity_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o in_o which_o they_o be_v agree_v and_o open_v their_o disagreement_n to_o the_o people_n as_o little_a as_o they_o can_v schism_n be_v a_o unwarrantable_a separation_n from_o or_o division_n in_o a_o church_n and_o without_o controversy_n it_o be_v a_o heinous_a sin_n and_o to_o be_v detest_v both_o for_o its_o exceed_a sinfulness_n and_o woeful_a consequent_n but_o it_o have_v be_v so_o disguise_v and_o the_o odious_a name_n have_v be_v so_o confuse_o cast_v abroad_o and_o so_o unreasonable_o and_o malicious_o misapply_v that_o it_o be_v too_o slight_o think_v of_o where_o it_o shall_v be_v sad_o lay_v to_o heart_n for_o it_o be_v common_a with_o the_o strong_a party_n be_v it_o right_n or_o wrong_n to_o call_v themselves_o the_o church_n and_o to_o have_v no_o better_a name_n for_o other_o than_o schismatic_n and_o so_o the_o reproach_n be_v but_o contemn_v by_o they_o that_o suffer_v it_o and_o the_o sin_n itself_o be_v too_o little_o fear_v on_o all_o side_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o temporal_a law_n nor_o secular_a power_n nor_o any_o prevalence_n of_o strength_n or_o interest_n that_o make_v a_o church_n and_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n will_v excuse_v they_o from_o schism_n that_o act_n uncharitable_o against_o their_o brethren_n and_o obstruct_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o godliness_n nor_o be_v they_o forthwith_o to_o be_v count_v schismatic_n who_o can_v in_o all_o point_n observe_v the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o can_v neglect_v to_o yield_v their_o help_n to_o the_o save_n of_o soul_n that_o will_v otherwise_o want_v due_a mean_n of_o salvation_n when_o god_n have_v call_v they_o to_o that_o service_n with_o a_o woe_n unto_o they_o if_o they_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n for_o as_o much_o as_o all_o must_v dread_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n true_o so_o call_v let_v it_o be_v well_o consider_v that_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o schismatical_a imposition_n as_o the_o people_n be_v to_o shun_v schismatical_a recusancy_n and_o disobedience_n as_o well_o the_o pastor_n wisdom_n as_o the_o people_n due_a submission_n be_v here_o importunate_o call_v for_o when_o superior_n know_v how_o to_o command_v and_o inferior_n how_o to_o obey_v thing_n will_v go_v as_o well_o as_o may_v be_v hope_v for_o in_o this_o our_o imperfect_a state_n here_o upon_o earth_n as_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v best_a assure_v by_o suppress_v all_o conscientious_a inquiry_n into_o its_o decree_n so_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v most_o secure_v by_o the_o most_o perfect_a exercise_n of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o upright_a conscience_n in_o all_o its_o adherent_n that_o church_n that_o claim_v to_o herself_o a_o infallibility_n or_o challenge_n and_o obtain_v from_o her_o partaker_n a_o implicit_a faith_n in_o her_o determination_n without_o further_a enquiry_n need_v not_o fear_v the_o break_n of_o the_o bond_n of_o her_o peace_n if_o she_o multiply_v constitution_n and_o impose_v any_o devise_a doctrine_n and_o ordinance_n suitable_a to_o
authority_n and_o reverend_a esteem_n of_o their_o person_n and_o office_n yet_o it_o regulate_v the_o same_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o prevent_v ambition_n avarice_n sensuality_n idleness_n haughtiness_n that_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n may_v not_o be_v encourage_v to_o aspire_v to_o its_o promotion_n and_o that_o good_a man_n may_v not_o degenerate_a and_o that_o the_o sacred_a name_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v hold_v by_o a_o society_n of_o man_n not_o carnal_a but_o true_o spiritual_a it_o be_v constitute_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o secure_v a_o succession_n of_o wise_a and_o godly_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n from_o age_n to_o age_n which_o be_v the_o sure_a mean_n of_o the_o church_n perpetual_a good_a estate_n it_o be_v not_o frame_v to_o uphold_v thing_n only_o serviceable_a to_o a_o carnal_a interest_n but_o to_o enforce_v thing_n acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o profitable_a to_o man_n and_o to_o suppress_v whatsoever_o tend_v to_o defeat_v the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o disgrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o to_o reform_v abuse_n impartial_o and_o effectual_o according_a to_o the_o true_a end_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n which_o be_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n it_o enlarge_v the_o power_n of_o do_v good_a and_o restrain_v the_o power_n of_o hurt_v as_o much_o as_o the_o end_n of_o government_n will_v permit_v such_o restraint_n according_o its_o great_a severity_n take_v hold_v of_o the_o worst_a man_n and_o the_o best_a be_v leave_v most_o at_o liberty_n and_o secure_a from_o unnecessary_a molestation_n it_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o satisfy_n of_o the_o just_a and_o reasonable_a demand_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v a_o choice_n and_o tender_a thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o intangle_a and_o perplex_v the_o same_o unnecessary_o it_o make_v the_o pastor_n government_n true_o pastoral_a that_o be_v not_o imperious_a and_o violent_a but_o paternal_a proceed_v by_o exhortation_n and_o doctrine_n and_o gentle_a instruction_n and_o love_n and_o when_o correction_n be_v necessary_a by_o the_o rod_n of_o discipline_n it_o aim_v at_o the_o form_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o govern_n of_o their_o conversation_n by_o good_a and_o sound_a principle_n and_o to_o make_v they_o aâ—…_n much_o as_o may_v be_v a_o law_n to_o themselves_o yet_o aâ—…_n suppose_v the_o exceed_a pravity_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n iâ—…_n leave_v not_o the_o safety_n of_o religion_n mere_o to_o man_n good_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n buâ—…_n by_o due_a restraint_n curb_v the_o remainder_n oâ—…_n man_n perverseness_n it_o seek_v not_o to_o debase_v the_o people_n and_o the_o press_v their_o faculty_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o easy_o lead_v captive_a by_o politic_a man_n at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o to_o ennoble_v they_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o to_o advance_v their_o understanding_n to_o the_o best_a improvement_n and_o according_o it_o take_v care_n that_o they_o may_v be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o faith_n and_o godliness_n in_o a_o word_n it_o will_v make_v even_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a of_o they_o not_o brutus_n buâ—_n man_n and_o not_o mere_a natural_a man_n but_o christian_n or_o spiritual_a men._n the_o subject_n here_o describe_v have_v different_a degree_n of_o excellency_n as_o it_o be_v more_o or_o less_o answerable_a to_o its_o rule_n and_o available_a to_o its_o end_n but_o notwithstanding_o divers_a defect_n and_o error_n if_o that_o which_o be_v wholesome_a and_o good_a be_v predominant_a it_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o good_a constitution_n yet_o the_o best_a be_v most_o desirable_a of_o such_o consequence_n be_v the_o structure_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n that_o if_o it_o be_v naught_o it_o have_v a_o continual_a evil_a influence_n on_o all_o church_n affair_n and_o pervert_v the_o whole_a course_n thereof_o and_o the_o make_n of_o many_o particular_a good_a law_n or_o rule_n will_v not_o help_v it_o for_o in_o that_o case_n they_o be_v render_v almost_o useless_a it_o be_v notable_o observe_v by_o a_o person_n of_o eminent_a worth_n church_n government_n be_v a_o fort_n or_o castle_n if_o traitor_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n get_v the_o possession_n of_o it_o it_o be_v desirable_a that_o the_o castle_n be_v ruin_v and_o the_o christian_a religion_n leave_v to_o support_v itself_o by_o the_o innate_a evidence_n of_o its_o own_o truth_n than_o be_v forcible_o maintain_v for_o contrary_a end_n and_o prove_v a_o mystery_n of_o ungodliness_n and_o tyranny_n chap._n xii_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o first_o externalness_n and_o formality_n every_o kind_n of_o excellency_n in_o the_o present_a world_n have_v its_o counterfeit_n or_o false_a resemblance_n which_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n be_v the_o depravation_n or_o degeneration_n thereof_o and_o so_o the_o true_a religion_n have_v its_o degeneration_n which_o be_v destructive_a to_o it_o yet_o in_o this_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n be_v easy_o mistake_v and_o exalt_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o dead_a image_n of_o christianity_n without_o the_o inward_a life_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o work_v thereof_o be_v dead_a work_n be_v not_o wrought_v in_o god_n it_o be_v the_o dominion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o unmortified_a lust_n under_o pretence_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o zeal_n of_o some_o unnecessary_a opinion_n and_o unprofitable_a observance_n receive_v sometime_o from_o a_o more_o peculiar_a and_o private_a fancy_n sometime_o from_o the_o general_a custom_n and_o tradition_n or_o at_o the_o best_a a_o zeal_n of_o orthodoxality_n when_o that_o form_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n be_v not_o obey_v from_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o self-chosen_a godliness_n and_o not_o of_o god_n make_v take_v up_o to_o delude_v the_o conscience_n and_o lift_v up_o the_o soul_n with_o high_a but_o ill-grounded_a hope_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n to_o excuse_v it_o from_o that_o which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n the_o renounce_n of_o the_o carnal_a life_n and_o all_o worldly_a lust_n and_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n love_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n and_o a_o life_n of_o purity_n goodness_n and_o impartial_a righteousness_n the_o best_a of_o it_o be_v but_o a_o gloss_n or_o varnish_n of_o superficial_a religiousness_n accompany_v with_o a_o dead_a kind_n of_o morality_n which_o have_v its_o rise_n from_o education_n or_o from_o complexion_n otherwise_o call_v good_a nature_n but_o spring_v not_o from_o the_o root_n of_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o a_o live_a faith_n in_o jesus_n christ._n the_o several_a imposture_n disguise_n and_o false_a pretence_n by_o which_o man_n delude_v themselves_o and_o abuse_v the_o world_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v almost_o numberless_a yet_o they_o general_o fall_v into_o one_o of_o these_o two_o main_a current_n of_o religious_a aberration_n either_o the_o political_a popular_a and_o broad_a way_n of_o externalness_n and_o customariness_n or_o the_o devious_a path_n of_o sectarian_n dissetledness_n and_o extravagancy_n the_o more_o ample_a degeneration_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o mere_o formal_a external_a and_o political_a state_n thereof_o that_o have_v prevail_v far_o and_o near_o over_o the_o christian_a world_n this_o externalness_n be_v very_o plausible_a and_o specious_a but_o very_o consistent_a and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n accompany_v with_o a_o large_a indulgence_n to_o the_o flesh_n and_o with_o much_o licentiousness_n of_o principle_n and_o practice_n and_o it_o cast_v the_o mind_n into_o a_o deep_a forgetfulness_n of_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o substantial_a in_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o common_a road_n and_o broad_a way_n because_o most_o obvious_a and_o easy_a to_o the_o carnal_a spirit_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o have_v some_o conscience_n of_o religion_n glad_o take_v up_o with_o a_o form_n that_o with_o more_o security_n and_o peace_n they_o may_v deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o as_o also_o because_o it_o seem_v most_o serviceable_a to_o superior_n for_o shape_a and_o sway_v the_o conscience_n of_o inferior_n to_o their_o will_n and_o to_o the_o end_n by_o they_o design_v according_o as_o it_o get_v ground_n it_o erect_v a_o frame_n of_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o show_n of_o piety_n unity_n and_o order_n but_o be_v real_o a_o engine_n devise_v to_o destroy_v whatsoever_o may_v be_v true_o call_v by_o those_o lovely_a name_n when_o man_n false_a and_o vain_a invention_n rule_v instead_o of_o god_n oracle_n when_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v mingle_v with_o such_o doctrine_n institution_n and_o observance_n as_o corrupt_v the_o purity_n enervate_a the_o power_n and_o frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o the_o misapprehension_n or_o misapplication_n of_o true_a
have_v hurry_v some_o under_o pretence_n of_o erect_v the_o five_o monarchy_n to_o rend_v and_o tear_v kingdom_n and_o nation_n to_o attempt_v the_o dissolve_v of_o all_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o most_o ready_a way_n to_o subvert_v god_n kingdom_n by_o the_o subversion_n of_o christian_a magistracy_n and_o ministry_n and_o to_o dispossess_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o territory_n it_o have_v gain_v some_o have_v proceed_v so_o far_o in_o the_o pretend_a reign_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o to_o abrogate_v the_o external_a frame_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o turn_v the_o gospel_n history_n into_o mystical_a allegory_n yet_o such_o as_o may_v be_v conceive_v and_o shape_v in_o a_o vulgar_a fancy_n and_o be_v low_a and_o despicable_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n according_a to_o the_o historical_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o worse_o some_o have_v be_v so_o gross_a as_o to_o turn_v into_o a_o allegory_n the_o great_a hope_n of_o our_o christian_a calling_n even_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o so_o pervert_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o a_o mysterious_a infidelity_n and_o apostasy_n from_o jesus_n christ._n yea_o some_o pervert_n the_o high_a expression_n of_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o dwell_v in_o god_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o like_a have_v impious_o talk_v of_o their_o begod_v condition_n and_o blasphemous_o entitle_v the_o most_o high_a and_o holy_a one_o to_o their_o abominable_a extravagancy_n and_o impurity_n and_o beside_o all_o these_o some_o be_v perpetual_a seeker_n have_v no_o fix_v belief_n in_o the_o most_o important_a point_n person_n so_o far_o enlighten_v as_o not_o to_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o high_a way_n than_o the_o common_a dead_a formality_n and_o have_v some_o taste_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o thereby_o raise_v above_o the_o general_a indifferency_n and_o lukewarmness_n unto_o a_o kind_n of_o strictness_n seriousness_n and_o fervour_n of_o spirit_n in_o religion_n yet_o fall_v short_a of_o true_a conversion_n and_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v well_o conceit_v of_o their_o own_o gift_n and_o part_n and_o seem_a grace_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o a_o full_a gale_n of_o fancy_n into_o the_o gulf_n of_o these_o delusion_n and_o a_o tincture_n of_o this_o contagion_n though_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n may_v seize_v on_o some_o who_o stand_v in_o the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n be_v deceive_v by_o a_o show_n of_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n and_o peradventure_o lie_v under_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o some_o ensnare_a occasion_n which_o work_n upon_o the_o remainder_n of_o pride_n levity_n curiosity_n and_o other_o corruption_n which_o the_o present_a imperfect_a state_n leave_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o real_a christian_n and_o some_o of_o these_o may_v soon_o fall_v into_o absurd_a opinion_n than_o many_o that_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n who_o may_v easy_o abide_v among_o the_o orthodox_n either_o because_o they_o do_v not_o concern_v themselves_o in_o religious_a inquiry_n or_o because_o they_o be_v hold_v by_o worldly_a advantage_n which_o stand_v on_o truth_n side_n the_o fancy_n be_v soon_o fill_v with_o notion_n and_o the_o affection_n thereby_o raise_v than_o the_o judgement_n be_v well_o inform_v and_o the_o heart_n establish_v in_o grace_n hence_o proceed_v a_o sickliness_n in_o the_o soul_n appetite_n a_o satiety_n of_o plain_a save_v truth_n and_o of_o sound_a wholesome_a preach_v a_o desire_n of_o novelty_n selfconceitedness_a pragmatical_a confidence_n rash_a censure_n partiality_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n a_o lessen_v of_o the_o pastoral_n authority_n encroachment_n upon_o the_o pastor_n office_n divide_v principle_n and_o practice_n and_o innumerable_a inconvenience_n moreover_o well_o mean_v people_n associate_v in_o a_o strict_a profession_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v sequacious_a of_o some_o lead_a person_n among_o they_o and_o some_o will_v follow_v the_o rest_n for_o company_n and_o the_o high_a pretension_n and_o heighten_a confidence_n of_o enthusiast_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o enchantment_n to_o bewitch_v those_o that_o unwarrantable_o approach_v to_o near_o they_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v predispose_v by_o temper_n or_o complexion_n towards_o enthusiasm_n in_o these_o thing_n man_n forsake_v the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n to_o walk_v by_o false_a light_n and_o to_o follow_v blind_a guide_n the_o holy_a ghost_n bid_v we_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o trial_n and_o leave_v we_o not_o to_o any_o unaccountable_a impulse_n or_o impression_n the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o evangelical_n doctrine_n show_v that_o the_o christian_a spirit_n be_v both_o pure_a and_o peaceable_a that_o it_o do_v not_o divide_v break_v and_o scatter_v a_o christian_a people_n but_o unite_v heal_v and_o settle_v they_o that_o it_o do_v not_o overturn_v church_n and_o civil_a state_n nor_o inflame_v ruler_n against_o subject_n nor_o subject_n against_o ruler_n nor_o dissolve_v magistracy_n and_o ministry_n but_o that_o it_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o child_n and_o the_o disobedient_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o just_a and_o conciliate_v the_o mind_n of_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o all_o degree_n in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n which_o be_v the_o right_a and_o sure_a way_n of_o erect_v god_n kingdom_n it_o do_v not_o cancel_v reason_n but_o maintain_v its_o interest_n in_o religion_n as_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a prop_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o judgement_n and_o soberness_n and_o suppress_v the_o wild_a dominion_n of_o the_o unruly_a imagination_n it_o do_v not_o turn_v man_n from_o humanity_n and_o civil_a behaviour_n unto_o a_o surly_a and_o cynical_a pride_n and_o fanatic_a melancholy_n and_o austerity_n but_o it_o dispose_v they_o to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o human_a life_n and_o civil_a converse_n but_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o offence_n shall_v come_v where_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v break_v forth_o sectarianism_n and_o fanaticism_n be_v the_o devil_n aftergame_n so_o it_o spring_v up_o in_o germany_n upon_o the_o birth_n of_o protestantism_n so_o it_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n upon_o the_o birth_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o gnostic_n and_o such_o like_a sectary_n and_o so_o it_o continue_v in_o our_o time_n these_o irregularity_n and_o extravagancy_n be_v a_o great_a damage_n and_o reproach_n to_o a_o serious_a zealous_a and_o strict_a profession_n and_o it_o be_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v before_o many_o nevertheless_o the_o great_a and_o most_o dangerous_a degeneration_n from_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n lie_v not_o this_o way_n the_o conception_n and_o motion_n of_o fanaticism_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a strain_n though_o in_o a_o delusion_n take_v not_o with_o the_o great_a number_n whether_o of_o high_a or_o low_a degree_n the_o learned_a or_o unlearned_a sort_n and_o in_o case_n it_o seize_v on_o a_o great_a multitude_n it_o may_v trouble_v and_o unsettle_v a_o state_n but_o it_o can_v never_o settle_v itself_o and_o if_o it_o domineer_v a_o while_n its_o tyranny_n can_v hold_v because_o it_o have_v no_o foundation_n and_o it_o can_v never_o obtain_v to_o be_v a_o national_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o stability_n of_o civil_a government_n it_o be_v great_a mischief_n to_o a_o state_n be_v that_o it_o may_v serve_v the_o design_n of_o other_o to_o work_v out_o a_o more_o last_a misery_n for_o which_o cause_n the_o romish_a emissary_n under_o a_o vizor_n have_v overact_a this_o wild_a spirit_n that_o by_o its_o confusion_n and_o anarchy_n they_o may_v make_v way_n to_o introduce_v their_o own_o tyranny_n but_o the_o more_o extensive_a dangerous_a and_o last_a depravation_n of_o christianity_n lie_v on_o the_o same_o side_n with_o popery_n which_o be_v formidable_a indeed_o be_v found_v in_o power_n and_o policy_n and_o suit_v to_o worldly_a interest_n and_o to_o which_o man_n innate_a propension_n do_v general_o more_o incline_v they_o for_o that_o their_o fancy_n and_o affection_n be_v inveagle_v with_o its_o outward_a wealth_n and_o glory_n and_o their_o conscience_n lay_v a_o sleep_n by_o its_o loose_a principle_n and_o lifeless_a form_n of_o devotion_n chap._n fourteen_o the_o way_n of_o preserve_a religion_n uncorrupt_a the_o truth_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n lie_v in_o its_o conformity_n to_o its_o rule_n which_o be_v god_n reveal_v will_n or_o law_n and_o its_o deviation_n from_o it_o be_v its_o depravation_n from_o this_o rule_n man_n be_v easy_o draw_v aside_o be_v entice_v by_o their_o own_o vain_a imagination_n perverse_a inclination_n
not_o last_v but_o by_o usual_a and_o easy_a change_n their_o weakness_n be_v discover_v to_o tie_v a_o people_n to_o certain_a little_a rule_n and_o method_n in_o church_n discipline_n that_o be_v general_o displease_v as_o the_o necessary_a term_n of_o church_n privilege_n when_o the_o end_n of_o discipline_n may_v be_v as_o well_o obtain_v without_o they_o be_v at_o the_o best_a but_o the_o vanity_n of_o a_o needless_a trouble_n in_o do_v that_o with_o much_o ado_n which_o may_v be_v do_v with_o less_o and_o it_o may_v occasion_v a_o incurable_a breach_n and_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o whole_a form_n of_o government_n narrow_a and_o uncertain_a boundary_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o arbitrary_a and_o rigid_a rule_n of_o admission_n be_v contrary_a to_o that_o ample_a and_o fix_a church_n state_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o uphold_v and_o propagate_v true_a religion_n the_o faith_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v propagate_v and_o perpetuate_v in_o large_a kingdom_n and_o nation_n by_o encompass_v under_o its_o external_a rule_n and_o order_n the_o multitude_n that_o make_v profession_n though_o they_o may_v faâ—…_n short_a of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o those_o thing_n thaâ—_n accompany_v salvation_n and_o it_o do_v not_o rooâ—_n or_o spread_v in_o any_o sort_n considerable_a in_o a_o region_n where_o the_o order_n of_o admission_n be_v set_v by_o the_o rigid_a and_o narrow_a principle_n of_o a_o small_a party_n and_o the_o general_a multitude_n lie_v open_a as_o waâ—…_n ground_n for_o any_o to_o invade_v or_o occupy_v the_o strength_n and_o security_n of_o the_o protestant_a reformation_n come_v by_o the_o take_n in_o of_o kingdom_n and_o whole_a dominion_n within_o its_o compasâ—_n the_o external_a kingdom_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v much_o wide_a than_o the_o internal_a it_o be_v like_o the_o draw_v net_n that_o gather_v fish_n good_a and_o bad_a and_o like_o a_o corn_n field_n wherein_o wheaâ—…_n and_o tare_n grow_v together_o till_o the_o harvest_n moreover_o the_o increase_n of_o profess_a christian_n make_v way_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o regenerate_a christian_n and_o convert_v to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v general_o make_v out_o of_o the_o mass_n of_o people_n of_o a_o orthodox_n profession_n and_o few_o of_o they_o be_v turn_v immediate_o from_o infidelity_n popery_n or_o any_o heresy_n chap._n xxiv_o the_o care_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o prevent_v and_o cure_v the_o evil_a of_o fanatical_a and_o sectarian_n error_n among_o the_o wiles_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o deprave_v the_o spiritual_a excellency_n of_o pure_a religion_n and_o mighty_o hinder_v its_o advance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n fanatical_a and_o sectarian_n aberration_n be_v not_o the_o least_o if_o these_o folly_n be_v but_o heed_v by_o those_o that_o be_v most_o in_o danger_n before_o they_o be_v engage_v and_o drunken_a with_o error_n it_o be_v in_o great_a part_n a_o antidote_n against_o this_o mischief_n for_o the_o well_o mind_a that_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o of_o easy_a impression_n be_v lead_v aside_o chief_o for_o lack_v of_o attention_n and_o observation_n many_o be_v child_n in_o understanding_n and_o many_o be_v passionate_a and_o inconsiderate_a and_o a_o innate_a levity_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o mind_n be_v very_o common_a it_o behoove_v the_o guide_n of_o the_o flock_n to_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n with_o sober_a principle_n and_o to_o have_v a_o watchful_a eye_n upon_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o any_o pragmatic_n fancy_n that_o feed_v on_o notion_n and_o novelty_n under_o a_o show_n of_o a_o more_o discern_a spirit_n in_o gospel_n mystery_n than_o other_o have_v such_o be_v vanity_n puff_v up_o will_v be_v start_a question_n and_o multiply_a slight_a exception_n against_o the_o receive_a truth_n and_o will_v please_v the_o itch_a ear_n and_o slight_a spirit_n of_o some_o pretender_n to_o godliness_n who_o will_v become_v their_o hasty_a proselyte_n and_o join_v with_o they_o to_o unravel_v one_o thing_n after_o another_o in_o the_o texture_n of_o holy_a doctrine_n and_o by_o the_o repute_n of_o their_o good_a part_n and_o seem_a piety_n may_v stagger_v other_o of_o good_a intention_n but_o weak_a judgement_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n none_o be_v more_o dangerous_a than_o vainglorious_a teacher_n ambitious_a of_o lead_v party_n and_o by_o plausible_a endowment_n furnish_v for_o such_o design_n these_o to_o raise_v their_o own_o fame_n and_o make_v to_o themselves_o a_o devote_a people_n will_v become_v absolute_a sect-master_n and_o those_o that_o close_o with_o they_o they_o hold_v with_o please_a device_n and_o serve_v their_o humour_n that_o they_o may_v serve_v themselves_o of_o they_o there_o be_v also_o in_o some_o person_n a_o right_a sectarian_n leaven_n which_o be_v evermore_o to_o follow_v peculiar_a opinion_n and_o some_o separate_a party_n in_o religion_n and_o they_o speak_v security_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n by_o be_v of_o such_o a_o opinion_n or_o of_o such_o a_o party_n against_o the_o sectarian_n and_o fanatic_a spirit_n it_o concern_v the_o church_n to_o keep_v a_o continual_a watch_n and_o ward_n but_o not_o so_o as_o to_o imprison_v the_o truth_n to_o lock_v up_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n to_o stifle_v godly_a zeal_n to_o detain_v a_o people_n in_o dead_a and_o dull_a principle_n that_o will_v not_o reach_v to_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o divine_a life_n for_o this_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o prevent_v or_o cure_v a_o frenzy_n by_o cause_v a_o lethargy_n or_o some_o other_o such_o like_a stupidity_n moreover_o a_o superstitious_a formal_a love_n and_o sensual_a way_n of_o religion_n will_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v able_a to_o prevent_v or_o suppress_v this_o evil_a but_o will_v give_v occasion_n to_o its_o rise_n and_o growth_n except_o in_o time_n of_o profound_a ignorance_n and_o silence_n as_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o popish_a darkness_n but_o whensoever_o the_o light_n break_v forth_o and_o the_o people_n see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n will_v not_o admit_v a_o true_a reformation_n but_o persecute_v those_o that_o seek_v it_o then_o be_v many_o in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o this_o opposite_a extreme_a for_o they_o be_v cast_v upon_o it_o both_o by_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o present_a corruption_n and_o by_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n be_v not_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o solid_a truth_n and_o so_o they_o â—un_v hasty_o from_o superstition_n and_o externalness_n into_o delusion_n and_o wild_a fancy_n from_o the_o common_a dissoluteness_n and_o remissness_n of_o those_o that_o call_v themselves_o orthodox_n into_o a_o vain_a boast_n of_o perfection_n from_o the_o usurpation_n of_o proud_a man_n encroach_a upon_o christ_n prerogative_n and_o their_o false_a constrain_a unity_n into_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n and_o from_o a_o wrathful_a zeal_n and_o persecute_v cruelty_n into_o a_o disorderly_a promiscuous_a and_o familistical_a love_n or_o indulgence_n towards_o all_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o church_n state_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o spiritual_a ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o true_o apostolical_a be_v the_o sure_a remedy_n against_o sectarianism_n and_o phanaticism_n true_o so_o call_v when_o the_o church_n abandon_v romish_a tyranny_n and_o superstition_n and_o yet_o be_v settle_v in_o a_o regular_a and_o stable_a polity_n when_o the_o public_a order_n thorough_o promote_v the_o mean_n of_o sound_a knowledge_n and_o incourage_v real_a godliness_n it_o satisfy_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o just_o expect_v in_o a_o gospel_n church_n and_o ministry_n more_o than_o a_o outward_a form_n even_o the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n and_o spiritual_a light_n and_o life_n and_o power_n anâ—_n it_o prevent_v their_o wander_a to_o seek_v after_o it_o iâ—_n the_o devious_a path_n of_o sectary_n it_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n that_o of_o the_o moâ—…_n learned_a able_a and_o judicious_a person_n of_o orthodox_n profession_n there_o be_v many_o eminent_o pious_a who_o authority_n and_o reputation_n may_v bâ—…_n able_a to_o hold_v in_o those_o who_o affection_n anâ—…_n fancy_n be_v apt_a to_o outrun_v their_o judgement_n likewise_o that_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o aâ—…_n call_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n do_v so_o walk_v iâ—…_n the_o light_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n oâ—…_n stumble_v in_o they_o through_o notorious_a pridâ—…_n covetousness_n self-seeking_a inordinate_a sensuality_n or_o the_o vehement_a appearance_n of_o any_o gross_a evil_n for_o the_o weak_a sort_n be_v common_o undo_v by_o offence_n and_o because_o seducer_n be_v very_o active_a and_o spare_v no_o cost_n nor_o travel_n but_o as_o they_o have_v do_v of_o old_a do_v compass_n sea_n and_o land_n to_o gain_v proselyte_n it_o behoove_v the_o pastor_n careful_o to_o keep_v their_o people_n and_o the_o people_n careful_o to_o keep_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o these_o huckster_n the_o
lot_n of_o inheritance_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o do_v not_o value_v the_o concern_v thereof_o above_o all_o his_o chief_a joy_n that_o be_v but_o of_o this_o world_n a_o zeal_n for_o the_o common_a faith_n and_o a_o constrane_n love_n to_o all_o the_o faithful_a have_v excite_v a_o very_a mean_a and_o weak_a one_o to_o do_v what_o he_o be_v able_a on_o this_o important_a subject_n impartial_o search_v after_o their_o common_a good_a let_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o society_n one_o of_o who_o name_n be_v counsellor_n deliver_v his_o flock_n from_o all_o dangerous_a and_o disadvantageous_a error_n and_o from_o wander_v in_o break_a party_n by_o unstable_a and_o divide_a counsel_n and_o show_v they_o gracious_o the_o right_a way_n of_o maintain_v a_o consistency_n among_o themselves_o and_o of_o gain_v upon_o the_o reconcilable_a part_n of_o man_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o this_o prince_n and_o leader_n be_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n who_o banner_n be_v love_n let_v his_o people_n every_o where_o be_v act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o show_v forth_o the_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n in_o all_o good_a conversation_n with_o humility_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a have_v this_o principle_n deep_o imprint_v in_o they_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n the_o point_n of_o church-unity_n and_o schism_n discuss_v chap._n i._n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o polity_n the_o church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a commonwealth_n which_o according_a to_o its_o primary_n and_o invisible_a state_n be_v a_o society_n of_o regenerate_a person_n who_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n christ_n their_o head_n and_o one_o to_o another_o as_o fellow_n member_n by_o a_o mystical_a union_n through_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o adopt_v to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o according_a to_o its_o secondary_a and_o visible_a state_n it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o person_n profess_v christianity_n or_o regeration_n and_o external_o join_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o the_o symbal_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o external_a privilege_n thereunto_o belong_v there_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n which_o according_a to_o the_o invisible_a form_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o true_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o according_a to_o its_o visible_a form_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o visible_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n or_o believer_n according_a to_o human_a judgement_n this_o church_n have_v one_o head_n and_o supreme_a lord_n even_o christ_n and_o one_o charter_n and_o system_n of_o law_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o member_n that_o be_v free_a denizen_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n and_o one_o form_n of_o admission_n or_o solemn_a initiation_n for_o its_o member_n and_o one_o kind_n of_o ministry_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n this_o church_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o its_o own_o fundamental_a constitution_n or_o of_o the_o law_n and_o officer_n and_o administration_n intrinsical_o belong_v to_o it_o but_o have_v receive_v all_o these_o from_o christ_n its_o head_n king_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o be_v limit_v by_o he_o in_o they_o all_o nevertheless_o it_o have_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o its_o act_n that_o be_v according_a to_o its_o several_a part_n a_o power_n of_o make_v secondary_a law_n or_o canon_n either_o to_o impress_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n upon_o its_o member_n or_o to_o regulate_v circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n in_o religion_n by_o determine_v thing_n necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la not_o determine_v of_o christ_n in_o specie_fw-la as_o the_o scripture_n set_v forth_o one_o catholic_n church_n so_o also_o many_o particular_a church_n as_o so_o many_o political_a society_n distinct_a from_o each_o other_o yet_o all_o compact_a together_o as_o part_n of_o that_o one_o ample_a society_n the_o catholic_n church_n each_o of_o these_o particular_a church_n have_v their_o proper_a elder_n or_o elder_n pastor_n or_o pastor_n have_v authority_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v they_o in_o christ_n name_n a_o ecclesiastical_a order_n of_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n that_o be_v not_o bishop_n be_v not_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n for_o all_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n be_v of_o a_o sacred_a order_n in_o the_o gospel_n church_n that_o be_v any_o where_o mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v therein_o set_v forth_o as_o bishop_n true_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v and_o be_v no_o where_o set_v forth_o as_o less_o than_o bishop_n these_o elder_n or_o bishop_n be_v personal_o to_o superintend_v all_o their_o flock_n and_o there_o be_v no_o grant_n from_o christ_n to_o discharge_v the_o same_o by_o delegate_n or_o substitute_n a_o distinction_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o a_o superiority_n of_o the_o former_a over_o the_o latter_a be_v after_o the_o scripture_n time_n ancient_o and_o general_o receive_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o diversity_n of_o order_n or_o office_n essential_o different_a but_o of_o degree_n in_o the_o same_o office_n the_o essential_a nature_n whereof_o be_v in_o both_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v a_o bishop_n not_o of_o a_o multitude_n of_o church_n but_o of_o one_o state_v ecclesiastical_a society_n or_o single_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o immediate_a pastor_n and_o he_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o immediate_a pastor_n towards_o they_o all_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o not_o by_o delegate_n and_o substitute_n and_o he_o govern_v not_o alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o presbyter_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v the_o precedent_n though_o several_a city_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n have_v their_o different_a municipal_a law_n and_o privilege_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o charter_n yet_o particular_a church_n have_v no_o divine_a law_n and_o privilege_n diverse_a from_o each_o other_o but_o the_o same_o in_o common_a to_o they_o all_o because_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o charter_n in_o specie_fw-la from_o christ._n therefore_o each_o of_o they_o have_v the_o same_o power_n of_o government_n within_o themselves_o and_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o make_v man_n member_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v according_a to_o christ_n law_n sufficient_o qualify_v they_o to_o be_v member_n or_o minister_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n to_o which_o they_o have_v a_o due_a and_o orderly_o call_v local_a presential_a communion_n in_o god_n ordinance_n be_v a_o main_a end_n of_o erect_v particular_a church_n they_o shall_v in_o all_o reason_n consist_v of_o person_n who_o by_o their_o cohabitation_n in_o a_o vicinity_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o communion_n and_o there_o may_v not_o be_v a_o great_a local_a distance_n of_o the_o person_n than_o can_v stand_v with_o it_o a_o bishop_n church_n be_v ancient_o make_v up_o of_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n or_o town_n and_o the_o adjacent_a village_n who_o may_v and_o do_v personal_o meet_v together_o both_o for_o worship_n and_o discipline_n all_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o local_a precinct_n be_v most_o convenient_o bring_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o state_v church_n that_o there_o may_v be_v the_o great_a union_n among_o they_o and_o that_o the_o occasion_n of_o straggle_a and_o run_v into_o several_a party_n may_v be_v avoid_v yet_o this_o local_a partition_n of_o church_n be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o invariable_a but_o if_o there_o be_v some_o insuperable_a impediment_n thereof_o the_o partition_n must_v be_v make_v as_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n will_v admit_v no_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n can_v by_o divine_a right_n or_o warrant_v claim_v any_o assign_a circuit_n of_o ground_n as_o his_o propriety_n for_o ecclesiastical_a government_n as_o a_o prince_n claim_v certain_a territory_n as_o his_o propriety_n for_o civil_a government_n so_o that_o no_o other_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n may_v without_o his_o licence_n do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o within_o that_o circuit_n it_o be_v not_o the_o conjunction_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n with_o the_o generality_n or_o the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o people_n that_o of_o itself_o declare_v the_o only_a rightful_a pastor_n or_o true_a church_n within_o this_o or_o that_o circuit_n for_o many_o cause_n may_v require_v and_o justify_v the_o be_v of_o other_o church_n therein_o see_v particular_a church_n be_v so_o many_o integral_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o each_o other_o help_v in_o thing_n that_o concern_v they_o joint_o and_o several_o and_o they_o have_v all_o a_o influence_n on_o each_o other_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n lead_v they_o to_o association_n or_o combination_n great_a and_o lesser_a according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o the_o orderly_a state_n that_o be_v requisite_a in_o all_o association_n do_v natural_o require_v some_o regular_a