in_o scripture_n as_o join_v together_o in_o one_o society_n or_o body_n which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o which_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o chief_a or_o head_n and_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o live_v in_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o under_o those_o law_n and_o constitution_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o but_o not_o that_o i_o can_v find_v in_o scripture_n oblige_v to_o join_v with_o or_o submit_v to_o any_o one_o person_n as_o the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o visible_a head_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o earth_n for_o if_o christ_n have_v appoint_v any_o such_o person_n as_o his_o deputy_n upon_o earth_n he_o must_v either_o have_v declare_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n with_o great_a plainness_n and_o evidence_n or_o else_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o find_v fault_n with_o any_o man_n for_o be_v mistake_v in_o it_o whereas_o the_o argument_n which_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n bring_v to_o prove_v either_o that_o such_o a_o vicar_n there_o must_v be_v or_o that_o st._n peter_n the_o apostle_n be_v the_o man_n or_o that_o the_o pope_n or_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o not_o the_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n be_v the_o successor_n of_o st._n peter_n both_o in_o his_o bishopric_n and_o authority_n be_v all_o so_o weak_a and_o precarious_a so_o force_v and_o perplex_v and_o so_o full_o confute_v by_o the_o protestant_a divine_n that_o nothing_o in_o my_o opinion_n but_o blindness_n of_o understanding_n or_o worldly_a interest_n can_v prevail_v with_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n still_o to_o insist_v upon_o they_o now_o that_o christ_n institute_v but_o one_o church_n in_o which_o all_o true_a believer_n and_o good_a liver_n be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v comprise_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o although_o through_o the_o mistake_v and_o perverseness_n of_o man_n this_o church_n be_v rend_v and_o divide_v into_o opposite_a and_o contend_v part_n and_o party_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o according_a to_o its_o true_a and_o primitive_a constitution_n it_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v one_o as_o a_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n by_o its_o law_n and_o constitution_n be_v but_o one_o society_n although_o there_o may_v arise_v faction_n and_o different_a interest_n in_o it_o nor_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v esteem_v as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o god_n who_o be_v not_o ready_a and_o willing_a according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o power_n and_o knowledge_n to_o maintain_v the_o unity_n of_o it_o and_o that_o upon_o those_o very_a term_n and_o none_o other_o which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v as_o near_o as_o possible_o he_o can_v find_v and_o apprehend_v they_o moreover_o that_o all_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n on_o which_o christ_n have_v found_v the_o church_n and_o by_o which_o he_o will_v have_v it_o regulate_v be_v exact_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o sound_a morality_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o doubt_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v true_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v holy_a although_o every_o particular_a member_n thereof_o have_v both_o his_o frailty_n and_o his_o sin_n which_o yet_o he_o must_v repent_v of_o and_o so_o become_v holy_a as_o the_o church_n be_v holy_a or_o else_o he_o violate_v one_o of_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a law_n and_o so_o become_v as_o it_o be_v a_o outlaw_n of_o the_o church_n and_o forfeit_v his_o part_n in_o all_o the_o privilege_n that_o belong_v unto_o that_o society_n and_o whereas_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n do_v enjoy_v more_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o have_v great_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n on_o the_o score_n of_o their_o be_v god_n choose_a and_o peculiar_a people_n than_o any_o or_o all_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o contrary_a now_o look_v upon_o all_o as_o equal_o entitle_v unto_o god_n favour_n and_o the_o advantage_n thereon_o depend_v who_o take_v care_v due_o to_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o it_o so_o that_o whereas_o former_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o choose_a people_n of_o god_n may_v have_v be_v say_v to_o be_v particular_a as_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n limit_v to_o one_o nation_n or_o people_n now_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v catholic_n that_o be_v to_o say_v universal_a as_o be_v no_o way_n confine_v to_o one_o place_n or_o nation_n all_o people_n be_v equal_o choose_v by_o god_n in_o christ_n who_o will_v receive_v and_o love_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n 41._o in_o those_o several_a revelation_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n unto_o adam_n to_o abraham_n and_o to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v still_o a_o plain_a intimation_n give_v they_o that_o in_o the_o time_n to_o come_v there_o shall_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n arise_v in_o the_o world_n who_o shall_v yet_o more_o clear_o make_v know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n but_o when_o christ_n who_o be_v that_o person_n do_v according_o come_v and_o send_v his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n he_o neither_o suggest_v to_o they_o nor_o they_o unto_o the_o world_n that_o any_o other_o revelation_n be_v ever_o after_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o always_o give_v they_o to_o understand_v that_o god_n have_v in_o the_o gospel_n complete_v and_o finish_v all_o that_o declaration_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o or_o his_o will_n unto_o mankind_n until_o the_o general_a judgement_n and_o dissolution_n of_o the_o world_n if_o therefore_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v give_v i_o no_o manner_n of_o assurance_n of_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o church_n my_o own_o reason_n will_v have_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v i_o conclude_v that_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n will_v so_o order_v the_o matter_n as_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o only_o know_v and_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n shall_v never_o be_v whole_o extinguish_v while_o the_o world_n last_v so_o as_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o new_a revelation_n to_o revive_v and_o restore_v it_o but_o that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o certain_a company_n of_o man_n evident_o conspicuous_a to_o the_o world_n teach_v and_o profess_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n without_o any_o error_n or_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n be_v what_o i_o can_v no_o where_n find_v promise_v or_o foretell_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o any_o of_o his_o apostle_n on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v several_a passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o do_v plain_o seem_v to_o foretell_v that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n most_o pernicious_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n shall_v prevail_v and_o take_v place_n even_o among_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v but_o light_o compare_v the_o state_n of_o christianity_n for_o several_a century_n before_o the_o reformation_n with_o that_o draught_n of_o it_o which_o be_v leave_v we_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n must_v if_o he_o be_v impartial_a i_o think_v be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o prediction_n 42._o whether_o or_o no_o god_n have_v or_o do_v at_o any_o time_n communicate_v or_o bestow_v any_o extraordinary_a grace_n or_o assistance_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v no_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o altogether_o stranger_n unto_o that_o revelation_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o be_v a_o question_n which_o the_o virtuous_a life_n and_o heroic_a action_n of_o some_o brave_a heathen_n make_v it_o hard_o positive_o to_o determine_v in_o the_o negative_a but_o that_o he_o will_v give_v so_o much_o grace_n and_o strength_n to_o every_o one_o who_o shall_v become_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n as_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o their_o own_o sufficient_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o eternal_a happiness_n by_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o require_v on_o their_o part_n to_o be_v do_v be_v what_o i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o who_o do_v but_o in_o general_n consider_v the_o mercy_n and_o love_n which_o god_n design_v even_o unto_o all_o man_n but_o more_o especial_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o send_v our_o saviour_n christ_n jesus_n into_o the_o world_n although_o there_o be_v not_o any_o particular_a promise_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o this_o grace_n and_o ability_n to_o do_v good_a be_v in_o scripture_n ascribe_v unto_o the_o ministry_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o true_a believer_n be_v plain_a and_o general_o own_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o that_o this_o
of_o necessity_n be_v outward_o express_v in_o word_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o keep_v their_o thought_n wherein_o their_o worship_n do_v consist_v unite_a and_o join_v together_o and_o since_o word_n not_o understand_v be_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o with_o no_o word_n at_o all_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o language_n wherein_o the_o worship_n of_o any_o church_n or_o congregation_n be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n must_v always_o be_v such_o as_o be_v well_o understand_v by_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o people_n who_o meet_v together_o nor_o do_v even_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n amaze_v i_o more_o than_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n shall_v own_v the_o 14_o chapter_n of_o st._n paul_n first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o have_v all_o their_o public_a service_n every_o where_o perform_v in_o the_o latin_a tongue_n only_o which_o be_v not_o now_o understand_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o any_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n 61._o as_o peace_n and_o unity_n mutual_a love_n and_o good_a agreement_n among_o the_o member_n of_o every_o society_n together_o with_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o all_o that_o be_v transact_v among_o they_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v and_o continuance_n or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o well-being_n of_o the_o society_n itself_o so_o be_v they_o careful_o prescribe_v and_o inculcate_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o thing_n to_o be_v always_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o as_o he_o who_o first_o occasion_n the_o violation_n of_o any_o of_o they_o be_v plain_o guilty_a of_o a_o very_a great_a sin_n so_o in_o all_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o particular_o and_o clear_o determine_v by_o god_n law_n we_o can_v propose_v a_o better_a and_o safe_a rule_n to_o ourselves_o than_o always_o to_o do_v that_o which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o advancement_n and_o preservation_n of_o they_o 62._o if_o some_o certain_a time_n be_v not_o determine_v for_o christian_n to_o meet_v together_o for_o god_n worship_n which_o every_o man_n may_v know_v of_o before_o it_o come_v and_o according_o prepare_v himself_o for_o it_o by_o lay_v aside_o for_o that_o time_n his_o worldly_a business_n disorder_n and_o confusion_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o uncertainty_n must_v needs_o follow_v that_o one_o day_n at_o least_o in_o seven_o be_v express_o require_v by_o god_n under_o the_o mosaic_a law_n to_o be_v sanctify_v and_o set_v a_o part_n for_o his_o service_n be_v beyond_o dispute_n that_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o jewish_a sabbath_n or_o the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o week_n be_v not_o require_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o i_o seem_v very_o evident_a from_o st._n paul_n reckon_n it_o among_o the_o transitory_a shadow_n of_o the_o old_a law_n col._n 2._o 17._o but_o that_o we_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v behindhand_o with_o the_o jew_n in_o set_v apart_o a_o proportion_n of_o our_o time_n for_o god_n service_n i_o think_v will_v follow_v as_o well_o from_o the_o great_a mercy_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o for_o which_o we_o no_o less_o than_o they_o aught_o to_o show_v and_o express_v our_o thankfulness_n as_o also_o from_o that_o general_a rule_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o that_o our_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o that_o according_o one_o day_n in_o seven_o namely_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n which_o in_o scripture_n be_v therefore_o call_v the_o lord_n day_n rev._n 1._o 10._o have_v ever_o be_v so_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o all_o christian_a church_n i_o presume_v will_v be_v deny_v by_o none_o as_o also_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o apostle_n make_v choice_n of_o this_o particular_a day_n be_v in_o remembrance_n of_o our_o saviour_n glorious_a resurrection_n which_o on_o that_o day_n be_v perform_v and_o whereby_o their_o faith_n in_o he_o which_o begin_v to_o waver_v be_v confirm_v and_o raise_v above_o all_o doubt_n or_o diffidence_n now_o since_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v or_o so_o much_o as_o imagine_v why_o this_o day_n shall_v be_v change_v for_o any_o other_o day_n of_o the_o week_n i_o do_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v conclude_v that_o the_o lord_n day_n or_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n aught_o for_o ever_o to_o be_v keep_v holy_a in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o particular_o dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o where_o either_o the_o church_n universal_a or_o any_o particular_a church_n have_v set_v aside_o any_o other_o day_n to_o be_v keep_v holy_a in_o remembrance_n either_o of_o any_o of_o god_n mercy_n to_o we_o or_o of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o any_o of_o his_o choose_a saint_n who_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o their_o life_n and_o transmit_v it_o so_o confirm_v down_o unto_o we_o or_o as_o day_n of_o fast_v or_o abstinence_n in_o order_n to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n since_o in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o god_n law_n nor_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o may_v be_v well_o consistent_a with_o and_o serviceable_a to_o true_a piety_n it_o will_v follow_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v §_o 61._o that_o every_o member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o keep_v and_o observe_v these_o same_o other_o holy_a day_n so_o far_o as_o no_o way_n to_o give_v scandal_n disturb_v the_o order_n or_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n which_o have_v establish_v they_o 63._o order_n and_o decency_n necessary_o require_v that_o all_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o determine_v by_o his_o own_o law_n shall_v be_v so_o settle_v by_o the_o church_n as_o that_o all_o confusion_n and_o unseemliness_n therein_o may_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a be_v avoid_v but_o care_n on_o the_o other_o side_n ought_v ever_o to_o be_v take_v that_o modes_n and_o ceremony_n be_v not_o so_o multiply_v as_o to_o become_v uneasy_a and_o burdensome_a or_o distract_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n now_o there_o be_v no_o such_o fix_a and_o demonstrable_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n but_o what_o will_v have_v a_o different_a relish_n with_o different_a man_n according_a to_o their_o several_a education_n and_o custom_n to_o which_o they_o may_v have_v be_v use_v it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a for_o any_o church_n so_o to_o regulate_v these_o external_a matter_n as_o to_o please_v every_o man_n fancy_n and_o give_v disgust_n to_o none_o for_o what_o some_o may_v think_v to_o be_v but_o decent_a other_o may_v take_v to_o be_v too_o formal_a or_o pompous_a and_o what_o these_o may_v apprehend_v to_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o christianity_n another_o sort_n may_v look_v on_o as_o mean_v and_o jejune_n as_o therefore_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o act_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o her_o prudence_n so_o since_o every_o man_n can_v expect_v to_o have_v his_o particular_a fancy_n in_o these_o thing_n please_v and_o gratify_v it_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o each_o private_a christian_a so_o far_o to_o comply_v with_o every_o such_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n where_o he_o dwell_v provide_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o which_o be_v sinful_a as_o not_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n or_o disturb_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n on_o that_o account_n but_o if_o any_o church_n shall_v offer_v to_o impose_v any_o ceremony_n or_o practice_n whatsoever_o which_o god_n have_v not_o prescribe_v and_o which_o therefore_o be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a not_o for_o decency_n and_o order_n but_o as_o thing_n in_o themselves_o holy_a or_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o some_o of_o old_a will_v have_v do_v by_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n with_o such_o imposition_n as_o these_o no_n christian_n ought_v at_o all_o to_o comply_v nor_o suffer_v his_o religion_n or_o conscience_n to_o be_v thus_o burden_a but_o every_o man_n must_v stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o pretend_v or_o use_v this_o liberty_n as_o a_o cloak_n of_o maliciousness_n 64._o since_o different_a opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v general_o apt_a to_o beget_v dissension_n and_o animosity_n between_o those_o who_o entertain_v they_o as_o our_o daily_a experience_n do_v abundant_o testify_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o church_n and_o every_o private_a christian_n endeavour_n that_o all_o man_n may_v become_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o judgement_n or_o at_o least_o that_o there_o may_v be_v as_o few_o difference_n among_o they_o as_o
be_v pure_o out_o of_o nothing_o may_v with_o much_o show_n of_o religion_n be_v doubt_v as_o also_o whether_o mere_a matter_n alone_o without_o any_o other_o agent_n or_o efficient_a cause_n can_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o work_v itself_o into_o any_o different_a species_n or_o form_n but_o this_o appear_v as_o certain_a as_o any_o thing_n can_v can_v be_v that_o where_o there_o be_v neither_o any_o agent_n or_o efficent_a cause_n to_o work_v nor_o any_o matter_n or_o subject_a to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o there_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o any_o thing_n ever_o to_o be_v produce_v into_o be_v since_o therefore_o i_o find_v that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o actual_o have_v a_o be_v and_o existence_n i_o conclude_v that_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n there_o must_v be_v something_o or_o other_o which_o have_v be_v from_o all_o eternity_n and_o never_o have_v a_o beginning_n for_o otherwise_o if_o we_o suppose_v that_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o nothing_o at_o all_o do_v exist_v it_o follow_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o it_o will_v be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n ever_o shall_v be_v produce_v into_o existence_n vi_o since_o of_o necessity_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v something_o to_o have_v be_v eternal_a i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o the_o eternity_n of_o such_o a_o be_v as_o god_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v be_v much_o more_o probable_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v believe_v than_o the_o eternity_n of_o such_o a_o be_v as_o i_o see_v this_o world_n to_o be_v for_o when_o i_o go_v about_o to_o convince_v a_o nation_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n i_o mean_v in_o the_o like_a posture_n that_o now_o it_o be_v in_o there_o do_v occur_v to_o my_o mind_n such_o difficulty_n or_o rather_o impossibility_n as_o i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v digest_v for_o he_o that_o affirm_v the_o world_n as_o now_o it_o stand_v to_o have_v be_v eternal_a must_v of_o necessity_n grant_v that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o eternal_a succession_n of_o man_n beast_n and_o vegetable_n and_o that_o to_o a_o number_n actual_o infinite_a for_o if_o the_o number_n be_v not_o infinite_a how_o can_v the_o succession_n have_v be_v eternal_a and_o yet_o a_o number_n actual_o infinite_a to_o i_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n for_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_a can_v be_v make_v big_a whereas_o there_o be_v no_o number_n but_o may_v be_v make_v big_a by_o the_o addition_n of_o unit_n again_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v affirm_v that_o a_o infinite_a number_n be_v no_o contradiction_n and_o that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o succession_n of_o such_o a_o number_n of_o being_n in_o the_o world_n then_o thus_o i_o argue_v that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o succession_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o man_n beast_n etc._n etc._n then_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n there_o have_v be_v also_o a_o succession_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o day_n and_o night_n and_o if_o so_o then_o likewise_o of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o year_n too_o for_o if_o the_o number_n of_o year_n can_v be_v limit_v so_o can_v that_o of_o day_n too_o since_o every_o year_n contain_v just_a such_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o day_n now_o this_o i_o suppose_v must_v be_v grant_v i_o that_o infinite_a number_n be_v equal_a for_o if_o one_o number_n be_v less_o than_o another_o how_o can_v it_o be_v infinite_a and_o if_o so_o than_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o in_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n the_o number_n of_o year_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o number_n of_o day_n which_o be_v absurd_a because_o every_o year_n contain_v in_o its_o self_n a_o number_n of_o 365_o day_n these_o difficulty_n or_o rather_o impossibility_n i_o say_v do_v make_v the_o notion_n of_o the_o world_n eternity_n i_o mean_v as_o the_o world_n now_o be_v to_o appear_v to_o i_o as_o a_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a supposition_n but_o then_o as_o to_o god_n although_o i_o confess_v it_o to_o be_v difficult_a and_o perhaps_o impossible_a for_o man_n to_o comprehend_v the_o manner_n how_o he_o be_v or_o can_v be_v eternal_a without_o beginning_n yet_o since_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v so_o uncontrollable_o evident_a that_o something_o be_v so_o eternal_a though_o the_o manner_n how_o be_v to_o i_o incomprehensible_a i_o find_v no_o other_o scruple_n or_o difficulty_n in_o admit_v the_o eternity_n of_o god_n for_o though_o it_o seem_v contrary_a to_o all_o reason_n to_o affirm_v a_o eternal_a succession_n of_o divers_a thing_n one_o after_o another_o without_o a_o beginning_n yet_o i_o can_v find_v no_o manner_n of_o repugnancy_n in_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v one_o immutable_a be_v i._n e._n god_n which_o never_o begin_v to_o be_v vii_o whether_o the_o matter_n of_o which_o this_o visible_a world_n be_v frame_v have_v exi_v from_o all_o eternity_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n be_v a_o question_n which_o reason_n alone_o i_o think_v can_v never_o determine_v but_o when_o i_o contemplate_v and_o consider_v the_o great_a variety_n order_n beauty_n and_o usefulness_n which_o do_v evident_o appear_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o they_o be_v place_v together_o and_o answer_v one_o another_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o its_o part_n be_v contrive_v frame_v and_o fashion_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o powerful_a be_v who_o we_o call_v god_n as_o when_o i_o see_v a_o curious_a clock_n or_o engine_n i_o present_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v make_v and_o contrive_v by_o some_o artist_n and_o shall_v laugh_v at_o that_o man_n who_o will_v offer_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v form_v and_o fashion_v only_o by_o chance_n viii_o that_o miracle_n i._n e._n wonderful_a work_n surpass_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n and_o power_n of_o art_n have_v be_v wrought_v for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o i_o shall_v take_v for_o grant_v at_o present_a because_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v prove_v beyond_o any_o just_a exception_n in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o from_o thence_o i_o think_v i_o may_v most_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v superior_a to_o nature_n who_o can_v command_v and_o control_v it_o as_o he_o please_v i._n e._n in_o other_o term_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n ix_o the_o history_n of_o all_o age_n and_o traveller_n into_o all_o country_n do_v universal_o concur_v in_o this_o testimony_n that_o there_o be_v no_o nation_n or_o people_n whether_o learned_a or_o unlearned_a but_o what_o do_v own_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o those_o few_o person_n who_o have_v presume_v to_o deny_v it_o have_v ever_o be_v look_v on_o as_o prodigy_n and_o monster_n of_o mankind_n furthermore_o even_o those_o few_o who_o have_v deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n have_v ever_o beeen_n man_n of_o such_o debauch_a and_o profligate_v life_n that_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o first_o have_v wish_v that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o god_n to_o punish_v they_o and_o then_o without_o any_o other_o ground_n or_o reason_n have_v believe_v or_o rather_o pretend_v to_o believe_v what_o they_o have_v wish_v for_o it_o be_v almost_o ever_o observe_v that_o when_o debauch_a and_o atheistical_a person_n do_v draw_v near_o to_o death_n they_o do_v either_o re-renounce_a their_o atheism_n own_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o make_v supplication_n to_o he_o or_o at_o least_o have_v their_o mind_n possess_v with_o such_o doubt_n and_o fear_n as_o plain_o show_v that_o they_o have_v still_o a_o strong_a suspicion_n that_o there_o likely_a may_v be_v a_o god_n for_o aught_o they_o know_v who_o will_v call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n for_o all_o their_o wickedness_n since_o then_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n both_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a and_o all_o nation_n of_o man_n both_o civil_a and_o barbarous_a have_v always_o own_v the_o be_v of_o god_n since_o his_o be_v have_v never_o be_v deny_v but_o by_o very_a few_o indeed_o since_o that_o denial_n have_v rather_o proceed_v from_o their_o wish_n and_o desire_n than_o from_o their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o last_o since_o they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a whole_o to_o extinguish_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n although_o they_o have_v earnest_o endeavour_v it_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n in_o man_n be_v neither_o the_o effect_n of_o chance_n because_o it_o be_v universal_a nor_o of_o ignorance_n because_o it_o possess_v the_o most_o learned_a nor_o of_o state-policy_n because_o it_o be_v receive_v among_o the_o most_o barbarous_a and_o uncivilise_v people_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o have_v make_v all_o man_n and_o have_v as_o
to_o make_v a_o open_a confession_n of_o his_o sin_n whenever_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o god_n glory_n or_o to_o repair_v any_o public_a scandal_n which_o have_v be_v give_v by_o he_o 67._o that_o almighty_a god_n even_o where_o he_o have_v pardon_v a_o man_n sin_n upon_o his_o true_a repentance_n may_v yet_o on_o the_o score_n of_o those_o very_a sin_n which_o he_o have_v so_o pardon_v lie_v some_o sharp_a and_o severe_a temporal_a affliction_n upon_o the_o penitent_a either_o to_o keep_v he_o more_o effectual_o from_o sin_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v or_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o terror_n to_o other_o or_o for_o many_o other_o reason_n best_o know_v to_o himself_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v dispute_v but_o from_o hence_o to_o infer_v that_o these_o temporal_a affliction_n if_o not_o lay_v on_o we_o in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o be_v undergo_v in_o purgatory_n and_o that_o therefore_o for_o the_o prevent_v they_o it_o be_v fit_a and_o necessary_a that_o penance_n shall_v be_v impose_v by_o way_n of_o satisfaction_n or_o indulgence_n grant_v by_o way_n of_o remission_n and_o all_o this_o without_o any_o warrant_n from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n save_v only_o a_o faint_a and_o force_a consequence_n from_o some_o few_o pervert_v text_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o groundless_a and_o precarious_a that_o it_o amaze_v i_o to_o think_v how_o man_n can_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o gross_o impose_v upon_o and_o whosoever_o shall_v due_o consider_v upon_o what_o weak_a ground_n the_o pope_n and_o his_o prelate_n do_v pretend_v to_o a_o power_n of_o dispense_n and_o distribute_v the_o merit_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o people_n by_o way_n of_o indulgence_n as_o if_o they_o alone_o have_v the_o keep_n of_o that_o treasure_n under_o lock_n and_o key_n and_o to_o which_o though_o infinite_a they_o have_v yet_o add_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o make_v their_o treasure_n more_o abundant_a will_v i_o think_v very_o much_o wonder_n that_o their_o people_n shall_v be_v so_o free_a to_o part_v with_o their_o earthly_a treasure_n in_o purchase_v these_o indulgence_n upon_o no_o better_a security_n 68_o that_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n when_o they_o be_v first_o send_v abroad_o to_o preach_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v anoint_v many_o sick_a person_n with_o oil_n and_o thereby_o miraculous_o heal_v they_o we_o be_v plain_o tell_v by_o st._n mark_n c._n 6._o five_o 13._o and_o that_o in_o this_o they_o do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o christ_n himself_o have_v express_o command_v they_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o probable_a to_o suppose_v moreover_o that_o the_o anoint_v with_o oil_n which_o be_v mention_v by_o st._n james_n c._n 5._o v._n 14._o be_v intend_v for_o the_o very_a same_o purpose_n viz._n the_o raise_n up_o the_o sick_a person_n and_o restore_v he_o to_o health_n be_v as_o apparent_a as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v form_n the_o very_a context_n but_o as_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o this_o anoint_v of_o the_o sick_a be_v appoint_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n as_o a_o stand_n and_o perpetual_a ordinance_n for_o ever_o to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n so_o since_o experience_n show_v that_o the_o miraculous_a effect_n of_o heal_v thereby_o be_v now_o whole_o cease_v i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o practice_n itself_o shall_v be_v any_o long_o continue_v but_o what_o just_a ground_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v have_v from_o either_o of_o these_o or_o any_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o their_o extreme_a unction_n which_o they_o make_v use_v of_o for_o a_o far_o different_a end_n namely_o the_o prepare_v thereby_o of_o person_n who_o be_v past_a hope_n of_o recovery_n for_o their_o passage_n into_o the_o next_o life_n be_v more_o than_o i_o be_o able_a to_o find_v out_o 69._o as_o the_o body_n natural_a will_v be_v but_o a_o confuse_a and_o useless_a lump_n if_o it_o be_v not_o distinguish_v into_o the_o several_a member_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o its_o own_o service_n and_o preservation_n and_o as_o the_o body-politick_a will_v be_v but_o a_o disorderly_a rabble_n if_o there_o be_v not_o magistrate_n settle_v to_o rule_n and_o govern_v and_o ministerial_a officer_n appoint_v to_o perform_v all_o necessary_a function_n in_o and_o about_o it_o so_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n assure_v we_o and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n which_o be_v there_o record_v confirm_v it_o that_o the_o like_a appointment_n and_o distinction_n of_o office_n be_v no_o less_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n in_o order_n to_o the_o regular_a and_o orderly_a government_n of_o it_o and_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o all_o its_o law_n and_o constitution_n but_o how_o far_o these_o office_n be_v limit_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o how_o far_o leave_v to_o be_v settle_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o church_n according_a as_o circumstance_n may_v render_v it_o convenient_a be_v what_o i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o pronounce_v my_o sentence_n in_o but_o whatever_o polity_n or_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n be_v settle_v and_o acquiesce_v in_o either_o by_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_n or_o by_o that_o of_o any_o nation_n or_o country_n in_o particular_a i_o think_v ought_v quiet_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o by_o every_o one_o who_o will_v be_v a_o member_n of_o such_o respective_a church_n except_o there_o appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v either_o something_o therein_o which_o be_v not_o only_o uncommand_v but_o even_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o else_o something_o want_v which_o god_n require_v and_o therefore_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o in_o all_o church_n nor_o can_v i_o apprehend_v that_o any_o less_o warrant_n can_v be_v sufficient_a for_o break_v or_o endanger_v the_o peace_n or_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o preservation_n of_o which_o be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o earnest_o recommend_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n beside_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o obey_v the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o since_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o certain_a person_n have_v in_o their_o several_a district_n a_o priority_n among_o and_o in_o some_o respect_v a_o superiority_n over_o the_o presbyter_n have_v for_o so_o many_o age_n be_v universal_o settle_v among_o and_o acquiesce_v in_o by_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n i_o can_v find_v how_o they_o can_v be_v excuse_v who_o without_o any_o necessity_n for_o so_o do_v have_v so_o earnest_o set_v themselves_o not_o only_o to_o retrench_v the_o exceffe_n and_o rectify_v the_o abuse_n of_o the_o episcopal_a power_n but_o also_o to_o pull_v down_o and_o whole_o abolish_v the_o very_a order_n itself_o to_o the_o no_o small_a scandal_n of_o those_o who_o think_v that_o so_o universal_a a_o constitution_n every_o where_o take_v place_n even_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n can_v be_v ground_v on_o no_o less_o than_o a_o apostolic_a ordinance_n of_o which_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v some_o not_o obscure_a footstep_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o most_o probable_o in_o conformity_n to_o that_o imparity_n which_o christ_n himself_o establish_v between_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n who_o be_v yet_o both_o commission_v by_o he_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n 70._o how_o far_o a_o case_n of_o necessity_n may_v upon_o some_o occasion_n excuse_n or_o justify_v a_o man_n for_o take_v on_o he_o a_o office_n which_o regular_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o he_o especial_o if_o his_o design_n therein_o be_v true_o honest_a and_o sincere_a i_o know_v not_o but_o no_o man_n certain_o aught_o to_o intrude_v into_o any_o ecclesi_n astical_a function_n or_o exercise_v any_o such_o office_n who_o be_v not_o call_v and_o admit_v thereunto_o by_o the_o lawful_a authority_n and_o according_a to_o the_o establish_a constitution_n of_o the_o society_n for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o careful_o observe_v the_o distinction_n of_o office_n and_o function_n in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o effect_n whole_o take_v away_o and_o a_o wide_a door_n open_v for_o confusion_n and_o anarchy_n but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n good_a care_n ought_v ever_o to_o be_v take_v by_o the_o church_n that_o no_o person_n be_v entrust_v with_o any_o sacred_a office_n but_o such_o as_o be_v due_o qualify_v for_o it_o and_o that_o such_o a_o maintenance_n be_v provide_v and_o settle_v for_o every_o such_o person_n as_o that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v necessitate_v to_o neglect_v the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o his_o function_n by_o be_v constrain_v to_o bestow_v