of_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o come_v more_o particular_o to_o give_v answer_n 1._o many_o of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v name_v as_o find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o national_a church_n be_v not_o yet_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o church_n as_o national_a in_o general_a but_o of_o that_o particular_a national_a church_n and_o typical_a of_o thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o exposition_n of_o they_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o more_o particular_o that_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o temple_n the_o high_a priest_n the_o holy_a of_o holies_n the_o altar_n the_o sacrifice_n the_o solemn_a feast_n with_o such_o like_a serve_v only_o as_o shadow_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o the_o want_n of_o they_o argue_v nothing_o against_o national_a religion_n 2._o those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o typical_a or_o who_o main_a and_o sole_a intention_n be_v not_o to_o adorn_v and_o complete_a that_o whole_a frame_n but_o rest_v upon_o universal_a principle_n of_o reason_n truth_n and_o duty_n can_v never_o be_v abrogate_a but_o be_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v national_a hope_v in_o god_n and_o be_v oblige_v in_o our_o duty_n even_o as_o they_o be_v thus_o the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n and_o people_n towards_o true_a religion_n of_o public_a instruction_n of_o public_a minister_n of_o religion_n of_o care_n for_o place_n of_o meeting_n for_o divine_a worship_n throughout_o a_o nation_n continue_v still_o and_o need_v no_o new_a command_n in_o the_o gospel_n 3._o as_o to_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o church_n by_o draw_v christian_n into_o particular_a private_a society_n it_o amount_v but_o to_o thus_o much_o that_o christ_n the_o lord_n of_o tâ—e_v church_n do_v not_o find_v his_o church_n universal_a as_o necessary_o diffuse_v itself_o into_o nation_n nor_o can_v it_o in_o reason_n be_v so_o for_o see_v it_o be_v in_o divine_a providence_n for_o great_a and_o weighty_a reason_n of_o which_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a now_o to_o speak_v intend_a and_o order_v that_o hundred_o of_o year_n shall_v pass_v over_o christianity_n ere_o it_o have_v the_o favour_n and_o protection_n of_o supreme_a christian_a magistrate_n there_o must_v have_v be_v for_o that_o space_n no_o religion_n or_o church_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o form_n but_o national_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n therefore_o though_o it_o be_v in_o those_o day_n within_o nation_n city_n town_n and_o village_n yet_o of_o low_a stature_n in_o comparison_n of_o national_a religion_n till_o the_o reign_n of_o christian_a emperor_n considerable_a indeed_o in_o itself_o and_o its_o diffusion_n through_o so_o much_o of_o the_o world_n but_o not_o acknowledge_v by_o law_n or_o government_n till_o long_o after_o its_o first_o entrance_n and_o at_o all_o time_n upon_o the_o change_n of_o a_o christian_a magistracy_n into_o a_o pagan_a a_o apostate_n a_o heretical_a or_o idolatrous_a succession_n or_o the_o complex_fw-la of_o all_o antichristianism_n which_o early_o invade_v the_o church_n and_o even_o cover_v and_o obscure_v it_o in_o succession_n of_o time_n the_o church_n of_o necessity_n must_v fall_v back_o into_o such_o a_o low_a state_n and_o subsist_v upon_o its_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o its_o own_o prudential_a accommodation_n to_o the_o state_n of_o time_n without_o the_o magistrate_n care_v and_o protection_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o take_v care_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v of_o absolute_a divine_a institution_n which_o be_v found_v in_o that_o promise_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o to_o which_o belong_v primary_o all_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a expression_n of_o scripture_n to_o which_o be_v give_v original_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n to_o propagate_v promote_v build_v up_o and_o strengthen_v it_o and_o shall_v by_o 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etc._n etc._n express_o fix_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o divine_a presence_n in_o the_o small_a part_n of_o this_o church_n where_o but_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n he_o have_v assure_v he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v hence_o evident_a the_o whole_a neighbour_a discourse_n centre_n in_o the_o least_o assembly_n agree_v in_o christian_a religion_n for_o though_o it_o suppose_v first_o a_o great_a number_n the_o church_n and_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n be_v contradistinguish_v yet_o as_o it_o be_v in_o prospect_n of_o the_o great_a fewness_n upon_o some_o exigency_n of_o christian_n practise_v the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n together_o it_o bring_v down_o the_o promise_n of_o audience_n in_o their_o appeal_n to_o heaven_n and_o presence_n with_o their_o whole_a worship_n and_o service_n to_o the_o small_a number_n not_o by_o way_n of_o limitation_n to_o but_o encouragement_n of_o so_o small_a a_o number_n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a the_o very_a same_o declaration_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o soever_o sin_n you_o remit_v or_o bind_v by_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v stand_v good_a in_o heaven_n the_o very_a same_o be_v say_v here_o to_o the_o small_a society_n of_o christian_n as_o to_o their_o judgement_n and_o determination_n upon_o their_o own_o member_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o offence_n that_o fall_v out_o among_o themselves_o have_v the_o same_o doctrine_n to_o proceed_v he_o commit_v to_o they_o even_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o church_n be_v pillar_n and_o rock_n of_o truth_n even_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a minister_n and_o either_o or_o all_o be_v no_o more_o but_o praecones_fw-la each_o in_o their_o kind_n or_o publisher_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n declare_v in_o his_o word_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n pitch_v upon_o so_o small_a a_o number_n of_o christian_n agree_v be_v certain_o this_o because_o he_o will_v appoint_v no_o other_o form_n to_o his_o church_n than_o such_o as_o can_v live_v as_o can_v subsist_v under_o any_o civil_a government_n whatever_o whether_o friendly_a or_o unfriendly_a to_o it_o he_o give_v it_o no_o other_o shape_n but_o what_o it_o may_v attain_v and_o keep_v under_o any_o state_n of_o civil_a law_n under_o any_o enmity_n it_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v most_o necessary_a because_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o one_o nation_n as_o the_o jewish_a be_v who_o god_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n single_v out_o and_o manage_v to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n by_o a_o mighty_a power_n and_o outstretch_v arm_n and_o conserve_v by_o the_o same_o rule_v it_o with_o a_o immediate_a sensible_a presence_n after_o he_o have_v form_v it_o by_o precise_a law_n and_o settle_v the_o just_a bound_n of_o all_o officer_n in_o their_o office_n and_o appoint_v they_o the_o place_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o whereas_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v indifferent_a to_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n it_o do_v as_o it_o make_v its_o progress_n convert_v certain_a number_n to_o itself_o at_o first_o which_o have_v no_o privilege_n of_o humane_a law_n or_o power_n but_o the_o edge_n of_o all_o turn_v against_o it_o so_o that_o the_o form_n of_o church_n be_v compose_v to_o all_o the_o vicissitude_n of_o providence_n they_o be_v to_o undergo_v and_o that_o in_o all_o reason_n must_v be_v in_o case_n of_o necessity_n the_o very_a lest_o of_o society_n of_o christian_n two_o or_o two_o or_o three_o as_o our_o saviour_n significant_o point_v upon_o small_a society_n for_o such_o be_v most_o fit_v to_o the_o worst_a of_o condition_n that_o can_v befall_v lesser_a and_o single_a body_n move_v every_o way_n
king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o yet_o there_o extraordinary_a minister_n in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n preserve_v the_o just_a right_n of_o sovereignty_n thus_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ought_v by_o ordinary_a minister_n to_o be_v faithful_o declare_v by_o those_o who_o be_v call_v to_o do_v it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o declare_v it_o have_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o sovereignty_n above_o all_o earthly_a sovereignty_n both_o with_o prince_n and_o subject_n and_o yet_o the_o publisher_n of_o it_o and_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v publish_v stand_v in_o their_o just_a distance_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n pay_v the_o homage_n due_a to_o sovereignty_n by_o obedience_n active_a wherein_o they_o be_v not_o countermand_v by_o god_n or_o by_o submission_n to_o penal_a law_n and_o decree_v make_v against_o they_o by_o the_o supreme_a legislative_a power_n of_o a_o nation_n wherein_o they_o can_v obey_v god_n and_o the_o power_n at_o 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yet_o even_o then_o their_o authority_n in_o religion_n be_v from_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a truth_n even_o as_o afterward_o in_o moses_n samuel_n david_n and_o solomon_n who_o be_v both_o supreme_a prince_n and_o immediate_o commissioned_n by_o god_n as_o prophet_n for_o wherever_o man_n be_v depute_a by_o god_n either_o as_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a minister_n of_o his_o truth_n the_o authority_n be_v not_o in_o man_n but_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n evidence_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o therefore_o the_o patriarchal_a both_o power_n and_o holiness_n expire_v and_o the_o revolt_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n from_o true_a religion_n grow_v great_a god_n begin_v to_o instruct_v his_o church_n by_o messenger_n send_v on_o purpose_n and_o separate_v betwixt_o prince_n and_o prophet_n yea_o even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o so_o sacred_a a_o priesthood_n establish_v by_o god_n himself_o among_o the_o jew_n he_o teach_v his_o church_n very_o often_o by_o prophet_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o immediate_a character_n and_o last_o by_o the_o apostle_n found_v the_o christian_a church_n without_o any_o consultation_n with_o or_o concurrence_n of_o the_o power_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o those_o apostle_n teach_v all_o subjection_n to_o those_o very_a power_n until_o the_o whole_a be_v settle_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n consent_v with_o which_o be_v now_o the_o only_a credential_n of_o a_o teacher_n appoint_v by_o god_n however_o he_o be_v ordinate_v by_o men._n quest_n what_o be_v to_o be_v infer_v from_o hence_o answ_n especial_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o independent_a upon_o all_o humane_a sovereignty_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v accept_v only_o upon_o trial_n by_o its_o own_o evidence_n and_o not_o by_o those_o of_o humane_a authority_n this_o treasure_n be_v therefore_o for_o the_o most_o part_n entrust_v to_o earthen_a vessel_n not_o only_o to_o man_n but_o to_o the_o man_n of_o unguarded_a condition_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n and_o evidence_n of_o divine_a truth_n may_v be_v more_o apparent_o as_o it_o always_o be_v in_o itself_o of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man._n quest_n what_o other_o reason_n may_v there_o be_v of_o separate_v the_o administration_n of_o divine_a truth_n from_o that_o of_o princely_a government_n answ_n because_o each_o administration_n require_v the_o whole_a attendance_n of_o those_o engage_v in_o either_o except_o they_o be_v at_o least_o immediate_o inspire_v it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o magistrate_n he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n attend_v continual_o on_o this_o very_a thing_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n â—t_a be_v say_v take_v heed_n to_o the_o ministry_n thou_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o thou_o fulfil_v it_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v to_o exhortation_n to_o doctrine_n give_v thyself_o whole_o to_o they_o make_v full_a proof_n of_o thy_o ministry_n be_v instant_a preach_v the_o word_n in_o season_n out_o of_o season_n or_o without_o season_n public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n quest_n i_o desire_v you_o now_o to_o apply_v your_o discourse_n to_o the_o administration_n of_o sovereign_a power_n in_o model_v and_o circumstantiate_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n what_o their_o power_n give_v they_o by_o god_n therein_o be_v answ_n that_o i_o may_v give_v you_o a_o answer_n in_o that_o i_o must_v observe_v our_o saviour_n distinction_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o his_o charge_n that_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n be_v render_v to_o he_o and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n be_v render_v to_o caesar_n now_o none_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n be_v his_o first_o but_o they_o be_v first_o god_n and_o give_v to_o caesar_n by_o god_n god_n then_o have_v entrust_v caesar_n with_o the_o render_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n to_o god_n that_o be_v to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o obedience_n due_a to_o god_n according_a to_o godliness_n righteousness_n and_o soberness_n may_v by_o the_o make_n of_o good_a law_n and_o by_o the_o vigorous_a execution_n of_o they_o be_v give_v to_o god_n and_o also_o that_o the_o good_a intend_a to_o whole_a humane_a nature_n may_v be_v preserve_v to_o it_o as_o a_o service_n of_o great_a acceptance_n with_o god_n for_o every_o governor_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n for_o good_a to_o every_o man_n he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n for_o public_a good_a but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n all_o these_o supreme_a notion_n be_v so_o god_n that_o they_o must_v not_o be_v change_v by_o magistrate_n or_o their_o law_n but_o must_v be_v render_v entire_o to_o he_o as_o he_o give_v they_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o not_o adulterate_v or_o embase_v and_o especial_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o concern_v god_n himself_o more_o immediate_o as_o in_o the_o purity_n spirituality_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o divineness_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o word_n the_o service_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o whatever_o he_o have_v herein_o reserve_v to_o himself_o all_o these_o be_v so_o his_o that_o no_o caesar_n have_v any_o power_n in_o or_o over_o they_o to_o add_v or_o diminish_v or_o make_v the_o least_o alteration_n so_o that_o though_o they_o may_v have_v great_a power_n in_o many_o thing_n relate_v to_o religion_n to_o the_o accommodation_n of_o the_o most_o external_n exercise_n of_o it_o to_o government_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o nation_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o very_a religious_a action_n themselves_o and_o the_o management_n of_o they_o they_o must_v be_v close_o confine_v to_o god_n manifestation_n of_o himself_o how_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v and_o to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o moddel_n and_o decent_o to_o circumstantiate_v that_o worship_n and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v render_v to_o god_n perfect_o according_a to_o his_o own_o pattern_n and_o the_o magistrate_n care_n be_v that_o it_o be_v so_o render_v if_o in_o thing_n evident_a to_o nature_n light_n the_o magistrate_n law_n have_v place_n if_o only_o to_o be_v know_v by_o revelation_n the_o magistrate_n power_n can_v rise_v above_o the_o mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n that_o be_v instruction_n produce_v faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o not_o compulsory_a law_n see_v natural_a reason_n may_v be_v oblige_v but_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n now_o these_o thing_n god_n have_v by_o the_o prerogative_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n reserve_v to_o himself_o and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v render_v to_o god_n distinct_a from_o the_o thing_n of_o caesar_n that_o be_v from_o all_o civil_a thing_n give_v by_o god_n to_o caesar_n and_o so_o to_o be_v render_v to_o caesar_n yea_o even_o distinct_a from_o the_o appendant_a law_n for_o the_o secure_n justice_n and_o soberness_n which_o though_o they_o be_v god_n yet_o
for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n we_o may_v be_v oblige_v to_o forsake_v not_o only_o our_o country_n but_o our_o father_n house_n and_o to_o unite_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n found_v in_o that_o true_a religion_n yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o must_v own_v all_o that_o be_v divine_a rational_a true_a weresoever_o we_o find_v it_o much_o more_o in_o our_o native_a country_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a propagate_v true_a religion_n upon_o it_o for_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v judge_v in_o this_o world_n with_o our_o nation_n but_o shall_v rise_v with_o it_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n in_o the_o same_o station_n or_o lott_n wherein_o we_o be_v place_v in_o this_o world_n according_a to_o our_o do_v good_a in_o it_o we_o shall_v receive_v our_o reward_n with_o those_o of_o it_o that_o be_v save_v who_o shall_v then_o survive_v in_o glory_n and_o become_v as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o whole_a nation_n the_o perish_a part_n be_v lose_v as_o we_o therefore_o desire_v the_o prosperity_n of_o it_o in_o this_o world_n so_o ought_v we_o to_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_v the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o as_o many_o of_o it_o as_o we_o can_v by_o join_v with_o they_o and_o engage_v they_o in_o true_a religion_n quest_n i_o desire_v your_o second_o proposition_n answ_n it_o be_v this_o that_o in_o a_o political_a sense_n national_a religion_n be_v when_o magistrate_n and_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n join_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o establish_v it_o by_o law_n and_o devote_v to_o it_o the_o most_o public_a advantage_n that_o the_o largeness_n and_o grandeur_n of_o such_o a_o nation_n have_v in_o their_o power_n fix_v character_n of_o civil_a honour_n and_o ample_a condition_n upon_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o communicate_v to_o they_o magistratical_a power_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o external_n defence_n honour_n and_o provision_n for_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v national_a all_o which_o 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ratify_v and_o require_v of_o all_o who_o it_o entrust_v as_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n under_o its_o approbation_n and_o maintenance_n to_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n so_o comprise_v and_o public_o to_o declare_v it_o by_o use_v they_o as_o be_v appoint_v but_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v to_o put_v limit_n upon_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n first_o entrust_v by_o christ_n who_o be_v both_o in_o prayer_n preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o all_o mean_n of_o instruction_n to_o search_v into_o all_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n instruction_n reproof_n and_o to_o pray_v with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n according_a to_o the_o particular_a occasion_n and_o in_o that_o abundance_n and_o liberality_n of_o the_o divine_a oracle_n that_o they_o themselves_o may_v speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o all_o their_o service_n may_v be_v matter_n of_o bounty_n from_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o not_o of_o constraint_n and_o necessity_n as_o impose_v for_o how_o shall_v they_o then_o as_o every_o good_a scribe_n instruct_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n bring_v out_o of_o their_o treasure_n thing_n new_a and_o old_a or_o like_o the_o good_a housholder_n that_o have_v make_v provision_n and_o lay_v up_o in_o store_n to_o that_o end_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n solomon_n example_n be_v great_a according_a to_o which_o the_o preacher_n ought_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o to_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n and_o give_v good_a heed_n and_o seek_v to_o find_v out_o acceptable_a word_n that_o may_v be_v as_o goad_n and_o nail_n not_o blunt_v with_o common_a use_n quest_n i_o now_o desire_v your_o four_o proposition_n answ_n the_o benefit_n of_o national_a religion_n establish_v by_o law_n be_v that_o every_o subject_a of_o that_o nation_n have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o true_a religion_n so_o establish_v and_o may_v claim_v his_o interest_n and_o property_n in_o it_o as_o in_o all_o thing_n else_o legal_o due_a to_o he_o and_o be_v not_o oblige_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o passive_a obedience_n to_o desert_n or_o relinquish_v his_o right_n in_o it_o any_o more_o than_o his_o righteous_a claim_n or_o title_n to_o any_o thing_n else_o he_o enjoy_v by_o law_n and_o yet_o trangress_v no_o rule_n of_o christianity_n but_o have_v the_o same_o obligation_n to_o defend_v that_o his_o right_n as_o any_o other_o right_o whatever_o so_o far_o as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n enable_v he_o nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o resistance_n to_o government_n in_o so_o do_v even_o as_o there_o can_v be_v none_o but_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o trust_n of_o subordinate_a magistrate_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o law_n in_o the_o point_n of_o true_a religion_n as_o in_o all_o other_o case_n and_o of_o the_o supreme_a legislative_a power_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o foresee_v danger_n and_o prevent_v they_o 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to_o salvation_n not_o forcible_o except_o when_o natural_a religion_n be_v violate_v because_o patient_a instruction_n counsel_n and_o ratiocination_n be_v the_o divine_a method_n in_o give_v and_o work_v faith_n quest_n i_o now_o expect_v the_o last_o proposition_n answ_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o the_o last_o and_o therein_o conclude_v this_o whole_a enquiry_n and_o instruction_n and_o it_o be_v this_o the_o true_a religion_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o nation_n or_o city_n do_v overtop_v all_o the_o false_a and_o private_a religion_n in_o it_o and_o become_v in_o the_o sacred_a register_n the_o national_a religion_n in_o the_o sacred_a map_n the_o christian_n of_o achaia_n be_v achaia_n itself_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v the_o city_n themselves_o and_o whatever_o lesser_a difference_n or_o division_n this_o or_o that_o name_n of_o distinction_n may_v seem_v to_o make_v in_o national_a religion_n yet_o the_o true_a substantial_a religion_n in_o all_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v one_o national_a religion_n and_o become_v one_o rod_n and_o sceptre_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o nation_n be_v as_o one_o national_a tribe_n and_o church_n for_o let_v man_n do_v what_o they_o can_v against_o it_o true_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v the_o only_a public_a religion_n and_o no_o separation_n of_o man_n from_o it_o however_o call_v public_a can_v make_v it_o private_a so_o in_o what_o place_n soever_o it_o be_v it_o shall_v have_v the_o most_o public_a character_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o all_o those_o that_o sincere_o profess_v it_o shall_v be_v one_o true_a public_a religion_n and_o those_o little_a difference_n shall_v not_o cleave_v it_o into_o more_o than_o one_o without_o the_o change_n of_o true_a religion_n itself_o there_o can_v be_v a_o schism_n of_o a_o deep_a sense_n in_o it_o if_o bitterness_n and_o animosity_n censoriousness_n and_o the_o persecute_v spirit_n be_v away_o god_n will_v gracious_o interpret_v scruple_n on_o one_o side_n to_o a_o jealousy_n for_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n the_o freedom_n of_o the_o other_o to_o a_o desire_n to_o propagate_v it_o under_o the_o favour_n of_o law_n and_o thereby_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v most_o good_n in_o heaven_n they_o now_o be_v all_o one_o and_o shall_v be_v one_o and_o the_o envy_n strife_n and_o contention_n which_o the_o good_a lord_n pardon_v shall_v be_v utter_o abolish_v this_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o true_a religion_n of_o public_a divine_a religion_n now_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n that_o bring_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a our_o lord_n jesus_n that_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n make_v his_o church_n and_o his_o church_n in_o this_o nation_n perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n to_o do_v his_o will_n work_v in_o it_o that_o which_o be_v well_o please_v in_o his_o sight_n through_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la page_n 36._o l._n 20._o for_o scale_n read_v seal_v p._n 70._o l._n 9_o r._n record_n
be_v recommend_v by_o it_o in_o what_o it_o reveal_v beyond_o it_o 1._o the_o first_o thing_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o even_o as_o natural_a religion_n conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o world_n peace_n that_o it_o be_v natural_a substantial_a and_o not_o ceremonial_a so_o do_v it_o also_o recommend_v christian_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o consist_v in_o ceremony_n that_o it_o have_v no_o more_o in_o number_n than_o there_o be_v find_v in_o innocency_n there_o be_v the_o tree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n the_o not_o eat_v of_o which_o be_v a_o symbol_n of_o universal_a obedience_n there_o be_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n a_o sacrament_n seal_v the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n 9_o gen_n 2._o 9_o there_o be_v the_o seven_o day_n sabbath_n a_o day_n of_o solemn_a converse_n with_o god_n and_o meditation_n of_o his_o work_n found_v upon_o his_o rest_n from_o creation_n and_o a_o pledge_n of_o everlasting_a rest_n with_o god_n 3._o gen._n 2._o 2_o 3._o in_o christianity_n there_o be_v baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n enter_v into_o on_o god_n part_n and_o we_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o full_a communication_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o christian_a sabbath_n a_o day_n dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o creator-redeemer_n give_v natural_a rest_n to_o body_n religious_a festival_n to_o soul_n in_o holy_a employment_n and_o action_n ground_v on_o his_o resurrection_n and_o sit_v down_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o majesty_n on_o high_a call_v by_o express_a title_n the_o lord_n day_n as_o the_o eucharist_n the_o lord_n supper_n and_o a_o pawn_n of_o the_o eternal_a sabbatism_n with_o our_o lord_n in_o glory_n now_o these_o be_v so_o few_o so_o easy_a so_o familiar_a so_o near_o natural_a so_o intelligible_a that_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o institutor_n and_o founder_n of_o they_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o ceremony_n or_o that_o his_o servant_n shall_v waste_v their_o time_n or_o spirit_n in_o observe_v they_o or_o employ_v their_o understanding_n in_o find_v out_o a_o rationale_n for_o they_o although_o in_o condescension_n to_o man_n sojourn_v in_o flesh_n and_o blood_n he_o give_v such_o symbol_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o presence_n and_o so_o in_o the_o fewness_n the_o easiness_n the_o intelligibleness_n there_o be_v a_o testimony_n to_o they_o from_o natural_a religion_n which_o else_o be_v unconcern_v in_o all_o the_o religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o that_o proof_n they_o can_v make_v of_o themselves_o either_o as_o enjoin_v by_o god_n or_o as_o the_o result_v of_o humane_a prudence_n or_o national_a decency_n further_o it_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o they_o for_o natural_a and_o ceremonial_a substantial_a and_o ceremonial_a be_v oppose_v one_o to_o another_o this_o then_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o natural_a and_o christian_a religion_n which_o indeed_o be_v not_o two_o but_o one_o that_o they_o have_v least_o of_o shade_n the_o dark_a any_o religion_n be_v the_o more_o be_v the_o ceremony_n like_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o evening_n stretch_v out_o the_o clear_a the_o religion_n the_o near_a the_o perfection_n of_o heaven_n where_o there_o be_v no_o shadow_n at_o all_o the_o less_o be_v the_o ceremony_n like_o the_o shade_n of_o a_o high_a noon_n in_o the_o summer_n solstice_n the_o deprave_a heart_n of_o man_n be_v so_o easy_o bewitch_v with_o form_n and_o foppery_n call_v they_o significant_a ceremony_n like_o say_v to_o the_o dumb_a stone_n awake_v arise_v and_o teach_v or_o to_o their_o staff_n declare_v to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v trust_v lest_o seek_v 12._o hab._n 2._o 19_o hosea_n 4._o 12._o a_o shady_a devotion_n of_o ceremony_n under_o the_o disguise_n of_o a_o solemn_a one_o as_o the_o pagan_n choose_v wood_n and_o grove_n for_o their_o sacred_a performance_n it_o lose_v itself_o in_o the_o thicket_n not_o know_v where_o it_o be_v and_o in_o the_o end_n the_o true_a religion_n also_o i_o can_v see_v what_o religion_n or_o devotion_n except_o that_o which_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o and_o which_o can_v be_v good_a no_o more_o than_o the_o heart_n that_o use_v it_o can_v suffer_v by_o be_v easy_a of_o access_n familiar_a unencumbr_v the_o most_o plain_a free_a intelligible_a institution_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v at_o length_n corrupt_v into_o the_o idolatrous_a mass_n by_o be_v make_v horrid_a as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d religion_n by_o be_v solid_a and_o substantial_a be_v best_a secure_v from_o the_o stroke_n of_o the_o atheist_n who_o accuse_v it_o of_o trick_n and_o design_n for_o when_o there_o be_v find_v ceremonial_a cover_n like_o pious_a fraud_n over_o it_o and_o they_o easy_o yield_v to_o attack_v as_o of_o no_o value_n the_o atheist_n present_o challenge_v all_o the_o rest_n by_o proportion_n and_o render_v it_o suspicious_a it_o be_v best_a secure_v against_o the_o schismatic_n and_o unquiet_a spirit_n that_o be_v true_o so_o for_o he_o have_v something_o in_o unnecessary_a ceremony_n to_o fasten_v on_o and_z move_z trouble_n by_o it_o be_v kind_a to_o the_o more_o modest_a scrupulous_a person_n who_o be_v upon_o great_a reason_n afraid_a of_o humane_a addition_n to_o divine_a worship_n ceremony_n can_v add_v nothing_o to_o the_o true_o wise_a and_o generous_o religious_a person_n who_o love_v religion_n for_o itself_o and_o need_v not_o the_o childish_a and_o fantastic_a gaudery_n or_o gaiety_n of_o ceremony_n to_o inamor_v he_o of_o religion_n he_o love_v it_o for_o its_o true_a worth_n for_o its_o native_a beauty_n and_o substantial_a excellency_n it_o be_v therefore_o only_o fit_v to_o the_o hypochondriack_a devotionist_n who_o love_v religion_n in_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o set_v solemn_a dress_n or_o to_o the_o empty_a formalist_n that_o must_v have_v it_o so_o adorn_v or_o recommend_v or_o to_o vulgar_a unlearned_a and_o irrational_a mind_n who_o must_v be_v catch_v with_o show_n and_o pompous_a appearance_n and_o keep_v in_o amuse_n that_o they_o may_v be_v somewhat_o intent_n in_o religious_a excercise_n but_o with_o this_o disadvantage_n that_o they_o seldom_o pierce_v further_o than_o this_o surface_n or_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o religion_n itself_o and_o when_o at_o any_o time_n these_o thing_n happen_v to_o be_v expose_v they_o become_v the_o scorn_n and_o hate_v of_o such_o person_n so_o that_o they_o deal_v rude_o with_o they_o but_o now_o substantial_a massive_a religion_n yield_v not_o to_o such_o sort_n of_o attack_n but_o like_o rock_n resist_v support_v with_o its_o own_o substance_n bear_v upon_o its_o own_o truth_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v rather_o choose_v as_o he_o say_v to_o have_v my_o soul_n among_o the_o wise_a rational_o religious_a philosopher_n if_o such_o can_v be_v find_v then_o with_o any_o religion_n that_o this_o day_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n not_o except_v the_o romish_a that_o have_v deturpate_v and_o dishonour_v the_o only_a excellent_a religion_n and_o as_o it_o be_v romish_n be_v the_o worse_o because_o it_o be_v christian_a next_o to_o those_o ponderous_a self-great_a and_o infinite_o rational_a principle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n i_o shall_v choose_v to_o rest_v only_o in_o the_o undoubted_a principle_n and_o maxim_n of_o natural_a religion_n so_o excellent_a that_o christianity_n have_v not_o lose_v one_o of_o they_o but_o so_o gather_v up_o the_o fragment_n that_o no_o one_o thing_n can_v be_v lose_v as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v beside_o this_o natural_a this_o christian_a religion_n i_o know_v nothing_o but_o all_o subjection_n to_o principality_n and_o power_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n in_o 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and_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o in_o all_o justice_n humanity_n and_o reason_n tend_v to_o peace_n for_o what_o can_v move_v to_o it_o more_o than_o a_o sole_a design_n of_o do_v good_a in_o they_o that_o be_v at_o the_o top_n and_o a_o evident_a assurance_n to_o they_o that_o be_v below_o that_o that_o good_a be_v offer_v to_o they_o and_o continual_o elaborate_v for_o they_o what_o can_v more_o quiet_a and_o addulce_a man_n spirit_n than_o to_o see_v a_o inâ—ire_a contrivance_n and_o composure_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v all_o for_o the_o elect_v sake_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v 2_o tim._n 2._o 10._o such_o ministerial_a ruler_n be_v therefore_o the_o peculiar_a gift_n of_o 11._o ephes_n 4._o 11._o christ_n and_o speak_v the_o magnificence_n of_o his_o ascension_n they_o be_v give_v for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_a the_o body_n of_o christ_n all_o great_a 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that_o be_v the_o method_n of_o chastise_v correct_v and_o reform_v the_o know_a transgression_n against_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v state_v to_o the_o use_n of_o after-age_n be_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n admonition_n warning_n reproof_n rebuke_n avoid_v reject_v from_o communion_n esteem_v as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n consignation_n over_o to_o divine_a judgement_n all_o these_o of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n fit_v to_o edification_n and_o not_o to_o destruction_n 10._o 2_o cor._n 13._o 10._o to_o touch_v the_o conscience_n to_o affect_v the_o mind_n to_o work_v self_n reflection_n shame_n self-condemnation_n repentance_n and_o amendment_n or_o else_o divine_a judgement_n must_v be_v await_v it_o be_v the_o rational_a as_o well_o as_o christian_a expedient_a of_o purge_v a_o society_n from_o the_o scandal_n of_o offender_n from_o infection_n and_o contagion_n of_o keep_v it_o pure_a and_o honourable_a viz._n to_o disavow_v they_o when_o gentle_a mean_n be_v ineffectual_a it_o be_v a_o most_o natural_a instrument_n for_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o work_v so_o when_o upon_o just_a cause_n and_o by_o a_o unerring_a key_n be_v not_o only_o a_o appeal_n to_o divine_a judgement_n but_o a_o predamnation_n i_o know_v it_o be_v debate_v by_o learned_a man_n whether_o the_o apostolic_a 1._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 2_o 1._o rod_n and_o delivery_n to_o satan_n do_v not_o operate_v by_o corporeal_a infliction_n as_o in_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n and_o possible_o in_o the_o incestuous_a person_n in_o a_o low_a degree_n i_o will_v however_o allow_v it_o do_v or_o may_v yet_o since_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a it_o be_v immediate_o from_o heaven_n much_o more_o convictive_a of_o conscience_n than_o human_a process_n wherein_o be_v often_o find_v much_o of_o mistake_n and_o injustice_n it_o be_v without_o noise_n or_o violence_n nor_o do_v it_o allow_v recrimination_n and_o complaint_n and_o therefore_o much_o more_o fit_a to_o go_v along_o with_o so_o spiritual_a doctrine_n than_o worldly_a judicature_n and_o possible_o necessary_a for_o primitive_a time_n to_o give_v authority_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n new_o set_v out_o in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o still_o here_o be_v none_o of_o that_o barbarous_a hurt_v or_o destroy_v in_o all_o god_n holy_a mountain_n and_o most_o probable_o the_o infliction_n fall_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a offence_n against_o natural_a religion_n 20._o act_n 5._o 1._o act_n 13._o 11._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 5._o 2_o cor._n 12._o 21._o chap._n 13._o 2._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 20._o as_o ananias_n falsehood_n of_o the_o deep_a dye_n elymas_n his_o sorcery_n the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a those_o that_o have_v not_o repent_v of_o their_o fornication_n lasciviousness_n and_o uncleanness_n hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n who_o have_v put_v away_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o then_o break_v out_o into_o blasphemy_n 6._o the_o peacefulness_n of_o christianity_n be_v most_o evident_o see_v in_o its_o deportment_n of_o itself_o towards_o magistracy_n of_o which_o have_v speak_v much_o in_o that_o which_o concern_v natural_a religion_n take_v into_o union_n with_o christian_a i_o shall_v only_o present_v these_o follow_v short_a mention_n of_o particular_n wherein_o christianity_n manifest_o design_n universal_a peace_n under_o this_o head_n 1._o it_o every_o where_o confirm_v and_o assure_v the_o divine_a ordination_n of_o it_o 2._o it_o state_n its_o power_n in_o enforce_v all_o natural_a religion_n and_o goodness_n in_o restrain_v all_o that_o be_v impious_a and_o evil_a 3._o it_o crave_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o to_o have_v justice_n do_v it_o according_a to_o those_o sanction_n nor_o prophecy_n any_o thing_n in_o the_o great_a outward_a happiness_n of_o christianity_n but_o that_o prince_n and_o nation_n shall_v be_v sprinkle_v by_o it_o and_o supreme_a prince_n 15._o isa_n 52._o 15._o become_v its_o nursing-fathers_n 4._o it_o enjoin_v upon_o all_o its_o servant_n and_o professor_n upon_o unjust_a suffering_n to_o return_v nothing_o of_o violence_n but_o blessing_n and_o prayer_n for_o injury_n and_o with_o patience_n to_o resign_v life_n itself_o 5._o it_o interpose_v not_o in_o decide_v the_o bound_n between_o prince_n and_o people_n but_o leave_v that_o to_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o particular_a law_n of_o nation_n compact_n between_o one_o and_o the_o other_o neither_o straighten_n nor_o enlarge_a prerogative_n neither_o swell_v nor_o abate_v power_n nor_o on_o the_o people_n side_n curtail_v or_o stretch_v liberty_n it_o leave_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v dispute_v in_o their_o own_o forum_n to_o be_v debate_v in_o their_o own_o proper_a senate_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n it_o move_v no_o landmark_n either_o way_n it_o tear_v up_o no_o sense_n as_o it_o therefore_o be_v horrible_a injury_n ro_o christianity_n to_o proclaim_v as_o some_o speak_v king_n jesus_n to_o the_o disturb_v earthly_a kingdom_n when_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n so_o be_v it_o a_o huge_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o grand_a extreme_a on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o inconsequence_n to_o argue_v from_o the_o command_v of_o christian_n suffering_n when_o human_a law_n and_o regular_a state-constitution_n adjudge_v they_o to_o such_o how_o unjust_o soever_o then_o indeed_o no_o resistance_n be_v to_o be_v make_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o it_o be_v vast_o inconsequent_a to_o infer_v hence_o any_o man_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n tame_o to_o resign_v those_o right_n even_o those_o religious_a right_n that_o be_v establish_v to_o he_o by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n and_o statute_n of_o a_o nation_n wherein_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o kingdom_n and_o state_n prince_n and_o people_n have_v concur_v for_o christian_a religion_n as_o christian_a religion_n undermine_v no_o law_n whether_o for_o prince_n
of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o that_o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o this_o must_v be_v first_o because_o as_o righteousness_n and_o duty_n be_v before_o sin_n so_o blessing_n and_o favour_n be_v before_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n yet_o wrath_n be_v a_o more_o certain_a demonstration_n of_o absolute_a duty_n violate_v than_o favour_n be_v of_o absolute_a duty_n observe_v because_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v more_o at_o liberty_n than_o his_o wrath_n which_o always_o depend_v on_o strict_a justice_n all_o which_o amount_v to_o the_o full_a proof_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o national_a religion_n from_o this_o prayer_n see_v national_a irreligion_n be_v so_o near_o the_o curse_n of_o divine_a fury_n and_o revenge_n have_v thus_o far_o consider_v national_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v found_v argum._n 2_o in_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o inviolable_a duty_n to_o god_n i_o come_v second_o to_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n and_o unquestionable_a rationality_n of_o the_o divine_a ordination_n among_o the_o jew_n when_o by_o a_o prerogative_n of_o power_n and_o goodness_n god_n will_v secure_v the_o true_a religion_n after_o the_o nation_n have_v so_o corrupt_v themselves_o and_o that_o he_o have_v now_o begin_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o suffer_v they_o to_o walk_v after_o their_o own_o way_n he_o find_v his_o worship_n as_o it_o be_v anew_o first_o in_o abraham_n family_n and_o from_o thence_o commence_v it_o into_o a_o national_a state_n even_o as_o he_o do_v the_o family_n wherein_o he_o have_v place_v it_o and_o that_o for_o the_o very_a sake_n of_o his_o true_a worship_n which_o family_n and_o nation_n have_v indeed_o many_o peculiar_o in_o its_o religious_a constitution_n such_o as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o as_o i_o shall_v after_o account_v for_o they_o yet_o in_o the_o general_n it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o fitness_n and_o agreeableness_n of_o that_o model_n of_o humane_a society_n to_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o acceptableness_n to_o god_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o devote_v but_o because_o we_o may_v think_v this_o choose_n of_o abraham_n family_n and_o the_o nation_n rise_v from_o it_o be_v a_o interdict_v upon_o any_o other_o family_n or_o nation_n to_o institute_v a_o public_a national_a religion_n any_o other_o way_n than_o as_o they_o proselyte_v themselves_o to_o that_o one_o nation_n and_o family_n it_o be_v very_o observable_a there_o be_v elsewhere_o the_o footstep_n of_o national_a and_o family_n religion_n though_o more_o rare_a in_o that_o very_a time_n as_o in_o melchisedeck_v who_o be_v king_n of_o salem_n of_o peace_n and_o righteousness_n and_o priest_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n so_o incorporate_n religion_n with_o his_o government_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n so_o that_o the_o erect_v a_o national_a religion_n among_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o supersede_n the_o obligation_n of_o any_o of_o the_o nation_n to_o the_o national_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o in_o judgement_n past_o our_o find_v out_o he_o so_o overlook_v they_o as_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o for_o he_o never_o leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o worship_v by_o give_v they_o fruitful_a time_n and_o season_n and_o fill_v their_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n he_o be_v never_o far_o from_o they_o in_o that_o he_o give_v they_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o he_o they_o live_v move_v and_o have_v their_o being_n so_o that_o they_o wâ—re_v without_o excuse_n when_o at_o any_o time_n his_o wrath_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o they_o for_o not_o glorify_v he_o as_o god_n and_o be_v thankful_a belshazzar_n and_o his_o nation_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o god_n for_o not_o glorify_v that_o god_n in_o who_o hand_n be_v his_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o his_o way_n beside_o those_o of_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v near_o the_o jew_n be_v allow_v to_o unite_v themselves_o to_o the_o jewish_a national_a religion_n when_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v grow_v so_o dark_a and_o obsolete_a among_o themselves_o and_o though_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o stranger_n yet_o god_n assure_v they_o a_o place_n in_o his_o sanctuary_n but_o because_o there_o be_v not_o provision_n enough_o for_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o nation_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o that_o religion_n it_o be_v certain_o at_o all_o time_n lawful_a and_o please_a to_o god_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v national_o dedicate_v themselves_o to_o the_o true_a jekovah_n though_o eminent_o know_v then_o to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o give_v reason_n always_o to_o his_o wrath_n against_o they_o whenever_o he_o please_v to_o execute_v it_o but_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o three_o argument_n of_o near_a concernment_n to_o we_o the_o three_o argument_n i_o derive_v from_o the_o favour_n of_o christian_a religion_n argum._n 3_o to_o national_a religion_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o several_a proof_n 1._o christianity_n repeal_v none_o of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o be_v found_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n if_o therefore_o national_a religion_n be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o essential_a duty_n towards_o god_n if_o it_o be_v the_o reasonable_a service_n of_o nation_n it_o be_v certain_a christianity_n do_v not_o remove_v it_o but_o restore_v and_o exalt_v it_o to_o the_o great_a perfection_n christ_n come_v not_o to_o dissolve_v any_o of_o those_o law_n but_o to_o fulfil_v they_o that_o be_v to_o restore_v the_o doctrine_n to_o its_o just_a integrity_n where_o it_o be_v false_o gloss_a upon_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v want_v in_o the_o former_a revelation_n of_o it_o to_o superadd_a what_o may_v render_v it_o most_o complete_a 2._o of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v the_o second_o proof_n that_o if_o god_n not_o only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o type_n and_o shadow_n which_o be_v useful_a for_o that_o state_n of_o the_o church_n but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o real_a goodness_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o pitch_v upon_o the_o national_a form_n of_o religion_n by_o his_o immediate_a revelation_n to_o abraham_n and_o moses_n as_o i_o have_v already_o argue_v it_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v reverse_v by_o christ_n it_o remain_v therefore_o among_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v for_o our_o admonition_n and_o learning_n on_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v 3._o christianity_n vouch_v itself_o a_o religion_n of_o the_o most_o public_a spirit_n and_o intention_n and_o come_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o high_a conduct_n of_o god_n to_o open_v all_o passage_n for_o truth_n and_o divine_a knowledge_n among_o man_n as_o innumerable_a place_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n assure_v we_o so_o that_o the_o gospel_n most_o evident_o design_n itself_o to_o be_v free_a and_o public_a as_o the_o heaven_n as_o the_o light_n of_o it_o and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n may_v well_o be_v apply_v to_o it_o the_o line_n of_o it_o be_v go_v throughout_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o its_o word_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o far_o therefore_o as_o naturalness_n and_o publiqueness_n agree_v so_o far_o the_o thing_n be_v undeniable_a 4._o many_o expression_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o go_v before_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o follow_v after_o have_v a_o particular_a favour_n for_o national_a religion_n to_o name_v some_o of_o a_o multitude_n christ_n shall_v sprinkle_v many_o nation_n he_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n go_v make_v disciple_n of_o all_o nation_n all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n the_o apostle_n magnify_v himself_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o nation_n he_o compare_v himself_o with_o the_o holy_a priesthood_n while_o by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n he_o be_v negotiate_v in_o the_o offer_n up_o the_o nation_n a_o sacrifice_n consecrate_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o great_a sacrifice_n that_o be_v ever_o offer_v to_o god_n except_o that_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n offer_v himself_o and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a instance_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n resemble_v with_o the_o priesthood_n of_o the_o law_n or_o clothe_v with_o that_o denomination_n of_o priestliness_n use_n have_v appropriate_v to_o it_o and_o that_o to_o no_o other_o office_n but_o of_o preach_v to_o conversion_n rom._n 15._o 16._o but_o because_o i_o know_v the_o proof_n from_o these_o scripture_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v retrench_v by_o expound_v they_o of_o the_o diffusion_n of_o christianity_n into_o the_o catholic_n church_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o
have_v not_o so_o immediate_a a_o respect_n to_o he_o as_o godliness_n or_o religion_n be_v more_o under_o humane_a legislation_n in_o the_o particular_a adjustment_n to_o the_o general_n ends._n but_o both_o the_o inward_a court_n of_o religion_n or_o divine_a truth_n and_o worship_n itself_o and_o the_o outward_a court_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n be_v within_o such_o limitation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n therein_o not_o prescribe_v by_o god_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o freedom_n of_o every_o man_n by_o god_n and_o no_o power_n of_o prescription_n ought_v to_o come_v there_o that_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v either_o encumber_a by_o unnecessary_a observance_n or_o in_o danger_n to_o mistake_v they_o as_o have_v any_o influence_n into_o his_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v any_o and_o can_v indeed_o have_v none_o that_o be_v good_a nor_o last_o be_v in_o doubt_n whether_o he_o do_v not_o displease_v god_n in_o add_v to_o his_o worship_n but_o if_o a_o man_n can_v see_v his_o freedom_n in_o all_o these_o it_o be_v serve_v out_o of_o love_n and_o be_v make_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n and_o go_v to_o the_o utmost_a he_o can_v in_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n if_o a_o man_n can_v see_v his_o freedom_n but_o doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n he_o be_v under_o as_o severe_a a_o prohibition_n of_o compliance_n against_o his_o doubt_n as_o in_o other_o case_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o sentence_n be_v positive_a he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v in_o do_v the_o indifferent_a thing_n he_o doubt_v of_o and_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n or_o assurance_n it_o be_v please_v to_o god_n or_o not_o displease_v to_o he_o be_v sin_n quest_n but_o this_o doubt_n may_v extend_v to_o civil_a thing_n and_o indifference_n there_o or_o to_o those_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n and_o grandeur_n of_o supreme_a power_n god_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o answ_n when_o obedience_n be_v enforce_v in_o such_o thing_n the_o magistrate_n have_v this_o to_o justify_v he_o he_o be_v within_o his_o own_o territory_n give_v he_o by_o god_n he_o require_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n upon_o god_n donation_n but_o in_o religious_a thing_n â—e_n be_v within_o god_n peculiar_a and_o so_o can_v be_v justify_v in_o that_o enforcement_n because_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o peculiarly_a go_n quest_n the_o great_a question_n now_o remain_v what_o be_v subject_n to_o do_v when_o authority_n stamp_v itself_o upon_o false_a religion_n or_o enforce_v indifferent_a thing_n against_o the_o apprehension_n of_o conscience_n concern_v their_o lawfulness_n so_o that_o they_o can_v obey_v but_o with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o that_o have_v be_v already_o open_v answ_n there_o be_v one_o rule_n in_o all_o these_o case_n even_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a law_n of_o injustice_n and_o licentiousness_n when_o sovereign_a power_n so_o err_v in_o government_n shall_v change_v the_o true_a and_o everlasting_a notion_n of_o righteousness_n or_o soberness_n or_o those_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a law_n of_o they_o in_o themselves_o even_o so_o impossible_a it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n shall_v change_v those_o of_o true_a natural_a or_o true_a reveal_v religion_n or_o the_o law_n impose_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n shall_v take_v away_o the_o liberty_n god_n have_v give_v or_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o obey_v against_o doubt_n of_o conscience_n when_o a_o man_n do_v not_o see_v that_o liberty_n that_o therefore_o which_o be_v eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a must_v be_v adhere_v to_o and_o obey_v quest_n how_o then_o be_v there_o a_o subjection_n to_o magistrate_n answ_n the_o subjection_n than_o be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o error_n of_o magistracy_n in_o case_n of_o justice_n or_o soberness_n not_o to_o resist_v the_o power_n vindicate_v its_o command_n by_o suffering_n and_o penalty_n upon_o those_o that_o can_v active_o obey_v wherein_o religion_n justice_n or_o soberness_n be_v contradict_v which_o be_v god_n and_o must_v be_v render_v to_o he_o according_a to_o themselves_o who_o be_v able_a to_o make_v they_o recompense_v who_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n as_o he_o please_v in_o this_o world_n or_o most_o certain_o in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o absolute_a legislative_a and_o executive_a power_n in_o every_o community_n thus_o fix_v and_o unmoveable_a and_o accountable_a only_o to_o god_n the_o restless_a love_n of_o change_n will_v be_v always_o disturb_v and_o call_v to_o account_v government_n and_o every_o man_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v a_o lawgiver_n and_o a_o justicy_a or_o indeed_o to_o be_v licentious_a and_o inordinate_a and_o as_o they_o can_v consult_v and_o together_o collect_v themselves_o into_o a_o rebellion_n will_v enter_v into_o open_a hostility_n against_o it_o and_o so_o the_o end_n of_o government_n in_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o humane_a society_n be_v quite_o lose_v so_o that_o till_o any_o principality_n sit_v on_o the_o seat_n of_o government_n be_v so_o bad_a as_o to_o retain_v less_o of_o the_o use_v and_o end_v of_o government_n than_o they_o destroy_v and_o it_o can_v be_v make_v apparent_a endeavour_n of_o change_n can_v introduce_v so_o great_a and_o general_a mischief_n or_o that_o even_a anarchy_n itself_o can_v introduce_v great_a mischief_n than_o that_o government_n be_v the_o author_n of_o which_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o few_o instance_n till_o then_o i_o say_v we_o must_v fear_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o king_n and_o not_o meddle_v with_o they_o who_o be_v give_v to_o change_n for_o their_o calamity_n shall_v rise_v sudden_o and_o who_o know_v the_o ruin_n of_o they_o both_o quest_n but_o what_o be_v christian_a subject_n to_o do_v when_o title_n of_o sovereignty_n or_o legislative_a or_o executive_a power_n of_o law_n be_v dispute_v either_o betwixt_o various_a pretension_n of_o prince_n or_o where_o the_o bound_n of_o power_n and_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n and_o the_o liberty_n and_o property_n of_o people_n be_v in_o controversy_n answ_n i_o shall_v no_o more_o intermeddle_v in_o that_o than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n do_v which_o leave_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n of_o nation_n and_o of_o each_o particular_a country_n the_o duty_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o those_o sovereign_a power_n who_o authority_n be_v current_n who_o image_n and_o superscription_n be_v upon_o all_o thing_n public_a the_o power_n that_o be_v in_o be_v be_v to_o be_v obey_v according_a to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n already_o discourse_v that_o be_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o offender_n for_o the_o execute_n judgement_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n for_o the_o secure_n common_a peace_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n intimate_v nothing_o either_o way_n to_o strengthen_v or_o weaken_v the_o claim_n of_o the_o power_n then_o present_a but_o declare_v obedience_n to_o they_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o they_o as_o they_o then_o be_v although_o they_o can_v not_o have_v the_o clear_a of_o title_n christianity_n as_o it_o be_v strict_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o make_v itself_o a_o divider_n over_o man_n nor_o decide_v such_o controversy_n which_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o cognisance_n yet_o it_o subvert_v no_o right_n it_o betray_v no_o liberty_n just_o so_o call_v it_o reverse_v no_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o rescind_v constitution_n and_o compact_n of_o government_n but_o teach_v man_n to_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o preserve_v common_a good_a and_o right_o determinable_a upon_o other_o principle_n only_o this_o the_o more_o clear_a ancient_a and_o indisputable_a the_o title_n of_o prince_n be_v the_o more_o indisputable_a boundary_n betwixt_o prince_n and_o people_n be_v keep_v the_o great_a be_v the_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n of_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a rest_n in_o that_o obedience_n of_o the_o most_o vigorous_a defence_n of_o the_o power_n over_o we_o and_o the_o great_a the_o gild_n of_o any_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o mutiny_n faction_n sedition_n rebellion_n quest_n the_o discourse_n of_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n in_o religion_n have_v bring_v to_o my_o thought_n national_a religion_n and_o a_o national_a church_n wherein_o i_o desire_v your_o instruction_n answ_n i_o can_v but_o apply_v what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o general_a to_o this_o particular_a case_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v to_o your_o satisfaction_n in_o these_o six_o proposition_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o first_o proposition_n i_o be_o to_o be_v instruct_v by_o answ_n it_o be_v this_o that_o to_o join_v in_o true_a religion_n with_o our_o native_a country_n or_o nation_n be_v such_o a_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o can_v be_v reverse_v
by_o faith_n and_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v to_o make_v the_o way_n and_o not_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n that_o be_v to_o cut_v it_o christianity_n substantial_a fundamental_a christianity_n have_v the_o best_a claim_n to_o the_o edict_n of_o principality_n and_o power_n for_o it_o there_o be_v no_o other_o revelation_n except_o that_o in_o the_o world_n but_o what_o be_v counterfeit_a and_o spurious_a no_o other_o religion_n so_o inducible_a upon_o true_o natural_a principle_n and_o in_o christianity_n it_o be_v the_o substantial_a christianity_n not_o every_o nice_a dispute_n or_o definition_n much_o less_o additional_a mode_n or_o ceremony_n that_o have_v this_o claim_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o such_o a_o claim_n i_o make_v doubt_n whether_o ever_o any_o sober_a christian_n will_v wish_v christianity_n propagate_v with_o force_n much_o less_o with_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n like_o the_o popish_a conversion_n of_o the_o indian_n i_o believe_v no_o true_a christian_n no_o true_o protestant_a christian_n ever_o do_v desire_v it_o or_o think_v it_o agree_v with_o christianity_n and_o let_v not_o the_o compulsory_a law_n of_o jewish_a religion_n plead_v a_o coerciveness_n for_o the_o christian_a upon_o the_o reason_n that_o a_o better_a religion_n more_o deserve_v it_o for_o first_o the_o better_a the_o religion_n the_o better_a method_n of_o introduce_v and_o recommend_v it_o be_v desirable_a as_o much_o therefore_o as_o instruction_n excel_v brutish_a force_n as_o much_o as_o sincere_a compliance_n of_o judgement_n reason_n and_o understanding_n excel_v hypocrisy_n and_o feign_a conformity_n as_o much_o as_o divine_a impulse_n and_o suasion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n excel_v the_o power_n of_o law_n enforce_v with_o penalty_n or_o be_v of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o prince_n for_o mode_n compliment_n or_o preferment_n so_o much_o aught_o the_o way_n of_o introduce_v man_n into_o the_o most_o excellent_a religion_n of_o christianity_n exceed_v and_o surpass_v all_o other_o way_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v to_o draw_v man_n to_o any_o mean_a religion_n than_o it_o and_o as_o much_o easy_a may_v be_v the_o effect_n in_o natural_a religion_n man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v draw_v into_o it_o they_o be_v create_v with_o it_o they_o be_v and_o must_v be_v of_o it_o and_o be_v only_o punish_v for_o not_o act_v suitable_a to_o it_o in_o reveal_v religion_n their_o own_o judgement_n and_o choice_n move_v by_o suitable_a argument_n both_o enter_v and_o retain_v they_o in_o it_o though_o as_o i_o have_v before_o observe_v the_o case_n of_o the_o apostate_n from_o main_a christianity_n argue_v a_o offence_n against_o natural_a religion_n may_v be_v of_o a_o different_a consideration_n further_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n the_o immediate_a government_n of_o god_n that_o live_v as_o a_o prince_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o make_v their_o case_n different_a from_o any_o other_o that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n their_o message_n from_o heaven_n be_v so_o immediate_a and_o distinct_a their_o consultation_n in_o case_n of_o doubt_n with_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v so_o near_o at_o hand_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o all_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a that_o the_o sensibleness_n of_o they_o equal_v the_o very_a assurance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o objection_n that_o i_o can_v foresee_v against_o this_o argument_n lie_v these_o two_o way_n if_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n in_o multitude_n of_o person_n yea_o in_o nation_n concern_v these_o law_n and_o yet_o how_o much_o less_o be_v the_o obedience_n pay_v to_o they_o and_o last_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o concord_n and_o agreement_n in_o they_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o brief_o rejoin_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o notwithstanding_o this_o there_o always_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v such_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n righteousness_n reasonableness_n and_o naturalness_n of_o these_o religious_a principle_n that_o no_o more_o can_v they_o be_v banish_v out_o of_o humane_a nature_n than_o the_o notion_n of_o health_n beauty_n happiness_n can_v be_v extinguish_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o disease_n variation_n from_o the_o exact_a model_n of_o beauty_n and_o last_o the_o vnhappiness_n misery_n and_o complaint_n so_o universal_a in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v not_o any_o example_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o any_o of_o these_o in_o this_o world_n and_o very_o great_a and_o general_a deficiency_n from_o they_o yet_o the_o notion_n of_o every_o one_o be_v whole_a and_o entire_a and_o such_o representation_n and_o approach_n to_o what_o we_o mean_v in_o they_o be_v so_o visible_a as_o to_o take_v away_o all_o doubt_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o of_o the_o desirableness_n of_o they_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o natural_a religion_n 2._o the_o whole_a disadvantage_n then_o of_o natural_a religion_n object_v must_v be_v impute_v to_o the_o miserable_a depravation_n of_o mankind_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n so_o lose_v their_o effect_n as_o even_o to_o seem_v to_o lose_v themselves_o yet_o still_o they_o remain_v and_o so_o remain_v as_o to_o require_v and_o even_o exact_v their_o acknowledgement_n and_o so_o demand_v that_o due_a effect_n and_o that_o so_o powerful_o that_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o demand_n press_v home_o can_v be_v deny_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o natural_a religion_n 2._o object_n it_o may_v be_v object_v fâ—r_o the_o enforcement_n of_o reveal_v religion_n by_o severity_n that_o when_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v before_o man_n as_o of_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n lie_v in_o a_o straight_a and_o even_a line_n from_o natural_a religion_n to_o it_o it_o can_v only_o be_v the_o brutishness_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o which_o may_v be_v just_o punish_v as_o against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o interpretation_n of_o punishment_n shall_v be_v not_o as_o intend_v to_o compel_v they_o into_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o to_o chastise_v their_o beastlike_a senslesness_n or_o obstinacy_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o will_v reinforce_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o main_a of_o the_o objection_n there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o difference_n between_o natural_n that_o will_v certain_o rise_v up_o at_o earnest_n and_o vehement_a summons_n be_v within_o already_o though_o they_o may_v lie_v hide_v and_o deep_a and_o what_o be_v pure_o from_o without_o and_o must_v enter_v through_o those_o multiform_a meander_v twist_a and_o twine_v passage_n of_o man_n understanding_n and_o intellectual_a belief_n through_o variety_n of_o temper_n education_n principle_n man_n have_v most_o converse_v with_o and_o rivet_v their_o whole_a soul_n into_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o but_o god_n alone_o who_o search_v the_o heart_n to_o know_v where_o the_o guilty_a obstruction_n lie_v when_o the_o screw_v of_o truth_n and_o the_o receptacle_n of_o man_n mind_n do_v not_o reciprocate_v and_o answer_v one_o another_o where_o the_o key_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o ward_n of_o man_n thought_n so_o dissent_v as_o not_o to_o be_v reconcile_v so_o that_o this_o must_v be_v leave_v for_o ever_o as_o to_o divine_a omnipotency_n in_o the_o efficacy_n so_o to_o the_o divine_a judgement_n where_o the_o fault_n be_v of_o man_n not_o receive_v what_o be_v so_o gracious_o offer_v from_o heaven_n 2._o therefore_o to_o pretend_v to_o judge_n obstinacy_n or_o insensibleness_n or_o whatever_o other_o faulty_a reason_n we_o have_v prepare_v of_o man_n not_o receive_v the_o religion_n we_o will_v impose_v be_v to_o assume_v divine_a prerogative_n to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o become_v judge_n in_o his_o peculiar_a court_n or_o to_o contrive_v a_o artifice_n to_o cheat_v a_o acknowledge_a principle_n viz._n not_o compel_v reveal_v religion_n of_o its_o due_a obedience_n and_o last_o to_o clothe_v innocent_a person_n for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v with_o the_o sambenito_n paint_v with_o devil_n or_o beast_n skin_n wherein_o they_o may_v appear_v guilty_a with_o the_o disguise_n we_o have_v put_v upon_o they_o though_o out_o of_o that_o they_o can_v with_o charity_n be_v conclude_v nocent_a or_o guilty_a of_o those_o particular_n we_o charge_v they_o with_o all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v when_o the_o offence_n and_o the_o particular_a offence_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o in_o this_o case_n to_o say_v there_o be_v some_o offence_n without_o special_a matter_n charge_v against_o natural_a law_n be_v not_o as_o evident_a as_o in_o any_o other_o case_n of_o humane_a judicature_n and_o where_o the_o only_a proof_n
that_o man_n be_v otherwise_o guilty_a in_o not_o receive_v the_o faith_n we_o offer_v they_o be_v only_o this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o 3._o if_o this_o punish_a man_n for_o not_o receive_v a_o reveal_v religion_n be_v only_o for_o not_o receive_v substantial_a christian_a religion_n it_o be_v the_o more_o tolerable_a though_o as_o i_o have_v say_v not_o desirable_a to_o any_o true_a christian_a protestant_n but_o when_o it_o be_v stretch_v out_o to_o false_a religion_n to_o every_o nice_a opinion_n ceremony_n or_o mode_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v a_o burden_n mankind_n can_v never_o bear_v be_v most_o intolerable_a and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o this_o second_o argument_n argum._n 3._o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o three_o argument_n justify_v natural_a religion_n to_o be_v the_o term_n of_o universal_a peace_n and_o concord_n so_o far_o that_o if_o that_o be_v secure_v man_n shall_v acquiesce_v in_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o in_o thing_n that_o concern_v religion_n magistrate_n allow_v common_a protection_n and_o people_n the_o common_a benevolence_n of_o humanity_n as_o upon_o a_o rule_v and_o determine_v case_n that_o reason_n and_o truth_n ought_v to_o have_v according_a to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n a_o through_o fare_n in_o the_o world_n free_a as_o the_o air_n and_o light_n and_o that_o by_o a_o ordinance_n as_o early_o as_o of_o the_o day_n before_o i_o argue_v this_o i_o premise_v that_o all_o religious_a freedom_n be_v under_o the_o entire_a acknowledgement_n of_o prince_n within_o their_o own_o dominion_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n as_o well_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a in_o the_o very_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n supreme_a moderator_n and_o governor_n as_o also_o that_o it_o be_v more_o desirable_a all_o thing_n of_o a_o religious_a concern_v shall_v have_v the_o countenance_n encouragement_n and_o example_n of_o authority_n and_o the_o symphony_n of_o community_n yet_o still_o with_o this_o condition_n it_o be_v the_o birthright_n of_o every_o man_n to_o be_v avowed_o and_o public_o religious_a according_a to_o those_o rule_n he_o believer_n agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a will_n natural_a religion_n be_v judg._n and_o that_o this_o be_v according_a to_o the_o very_a institution_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o law_n of_o subjection_n to_o magistracy_n or_o be_v a_o commodious_a and_o agreeable_a member_n of_o a_o community_n for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o natural_a freedom_n there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v since_o that_o general_a corruption_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o man_n ordinary_o to_o reduce_v himself_o and_o induce_v other_o to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o their_o open_a profession_n of_o god_n to_o true_a and_o regular_a thought_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n his_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o the_o way_n of_o please_v he_o in_o order_n to_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o for_o it_o often_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o world_n that_o magistrate_n and_o people_n sit_v in_o their_o idol-temple_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n guard_v with_o their_o law_n for_o uniformity_n environ_v with_o their_o own_o canon_n and_o constitution_n and_o threaten_v severe_a penalty_n to_o any_o disturber_n though_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o bless_v god_n our_o line_n be_v fall_v in_o pleasant_a place_n yea_o we_o have_v a_o goodly_a inheritance_n of_o religion_n by_o our_o law_n which_o very_o much_o bribe_v our_o judgement_n of_o the_o duresse_n of_o imposition_n in_o religion_n because_o we_o only_o consider_v it_o in_o ceremony_n impose_v and_o do_v not_o turn_v ourselves_o to_o behold_v the_o abomination_n in_o other_o nation_n not_o only_o commit_v but_o frame_v by_o a_o law_n but_o imposition_n be_v imposition_n in_o the_o least_o thing_n in_o religion_n not_o natural_a and_o open_v the_o way_n to_o it_o in_o the_o great_a if_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o before_o hand_n take_v care_n of_o by_o such_o a_o immunity_n reserve_v to_o humane_a nature_n notwithstanding_o government_n and_o subjection_n to_o ruler_n that_o most_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o piety_n towards_o god_n issue_v itself_o in_o declaration_n of_o his_o name_n truth_n and_o glory_n in_o charity_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n who_o case_n though_o not_o themselves_o cry_v out_o as_o the_o man_n of_o macedonia_n in_o paul_n be_v vision_n come_v and_o help_v we_o must_v lie_v still_o as_o a_o talon_n 9_o act._n 16._o 9_o hide_v in_o a_o napkin_n and_o bury_v in_o the_o earth_n or_o must_v encounter_v and_o fall_v foul_a with_o another_o law_n of_o nature_n viz._n of_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n in_o their_o religious_a law_n but_o if_o their_o right_n to_o command_v only_o in_o and_o according_a to_o natural_a religion_n the_o best_a most_o honourable_a and_o safe_a command_n that_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o deposit_v with_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v hold_v the_o golden_a reign_n of_o godliness_n righteousness_n soberness_n far_o great_a than_o of_o ceremony_n and_o safe_a than_o of_o reveal_v religion_n a_o chariot_n too_o divine_a for_o man_n to_o govern_v if_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o case_n man_n need_v not_o cloister_a religion_n in_o their_o breast_n for_o fear_n of_o violate_v so_o awful_a a_o sanction_n as_o that_o of_o magistracy_n nor_o while_o they_o confess_v it_o neither_o afraid_a nor_o ashamed_a of_o the_o public_a discountenance_n do_v any_o thing_n injurious_a to_o divine_a disposition_n of_o power_n to_o ruler_n if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a natural_a legal_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o relation_n to_o religion_n and_o magistrate_n and_o the_o very_a ordination_n of_o god_n in_o creation_n concern_v they_o this_o further_a grand_a inconvenience_n will_v follow_v that_o the_o most_o excellent_a religion_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n so_o careful_a of_o all_o just_a right_n and_o duty_n divide_v to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o reserve_v to_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n yet_o that_o 25._o luk._n 20._o 25._o this_o religion_n come_v in_o as_o it_o be_v tread_v upon_o the_o neck_n of_o prince_n and_o their_o law_n and_o disacknowledge_v that_o power_n entrust_v with_o they_o by_o god_n the_o power_n of_o first_o decree_v religion_n though_o it_o be_v allow_v he_o intend_v only_o the_o true_a religion_n for_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a christian_a religion_n come_v into_o the_o world_n against_o the_o will_n of_o all_o humane_a power_n i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v say_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o immediate_a commission_n from_o heaven_n of_o which_o miracle_n be_v their_o credential_n can_v not_o in_o the_o least_o violate_v humane_a power_n which_o fall_v before_o the_o divine_a as_o the_o low_a magistrate_n among_o we_o before_o the_o supreme_a i_o confess_v this_o be_v most_o true_a yet_o still_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v what_o great_a care_n god_n have_v of_o his_o moral_n natural_a fundamental_a constitution_n and_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v believe_v he_o will_v in_o so_o weighty_a a_o concern_n as_o christianity_n have_v so_o far_o neglect_v his_o ordinance_n of_o magistracy_n as_o not_o at_o first_o to_o have_v present_v that_o doctrine_n and_o the_o miraculous_a evidence_n of_o it_o to_o the_o vicegerent_n of_o his_o power_n here_o upon_o earth_n that_o at_o least_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o peremptory_a refusal_n before_o their_o deputation_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v wave_v by_o god_n i_o can_v therefore_o account_v the_o supremacy_n of_o divine_a power_n above_o humane_a the_o chief_a reason_n that_o god_n take_v no_o more_o notice_n not_o of_o magistrate_n only_o but_o of_o magistracy_n itself_o when_o he_o bring_v in_o the_o first_o beget_v and_o his_o religion_n into_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o say_v let_v all_o these_o angel_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n worship_v he_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o see_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o can_v but_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o be_v under_o their_o proper_a jurisdiction_n how_o cautious_a our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o offend_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o tribute_n though_o he_o as_o a_o son_n over_o the_o temple_n or_o supreme_a prince_n be_v free_a yet_o 24._o mat._n 17._o 24._o he_o wrought_v a_o miracle_n on_o purpose_n to_o defray_v it_o beside_o the_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o outlast_v the_o immediate_a commission_n of_o the_o apostleship_n and_o miracle_n and_o to_o survive_v in_o ordinary_a preach_n and_o discourse_n while_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n be_v yet_o enemy_n to_o it_o what_o then_o do_v this_o argue_v but_o that_o the_o enforce_n of_o true_a pure_a natural_a religion_n only_o be_v the_o
testament_n the_o apocalypse_n foretell_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o very_a state_n of_o kingdom_n become_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o christ_n all_o these_o thing_n argue_v a_o great_a encouragement_n of_o nation_n receive_v and_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o nation_n even_o as_o family_n may_v and_o aught_o as_o family_n and_o though_o it_o be_v undoubted_o the_o great_a honour_n and_o glory_n of_o nation_n to_o come_v as_o near_o and_o as_o exact_a and_o close_a as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o law_n and_o order_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o government_n as_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o their_o national_a christianity_n yet_o because_o there_o will_v and_o general_o fall_v out_o to_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o national_a custom_n in_o such_o public_a administration_n a_o comprimise_n of_o they_o to_o the_o law_n and_o government_n of_o nation_n hence_o it_o also_o come_v to_o pass_v there_o may_v be_v a_o dissatisfaction_n in_o many_o of_o the_o subject_n of_o such_o nation_n to_o comply_v with_o their_o national_a constitution_n of_o religion_n hence_o there_o be_v apt_a to_o arise_v discomposure_n and_o disquiet_n if_o prince_n or_o power_n exceed_v that_o exercise_n of_o power_n allot_v to_o they_o by_o god_n as_o we_o have_v before_o discourse_v and_o also_o by_o the_o very_a essential_a constitution_n of_o christianity_n see_v christ_n have_v make_v none_o lord_n of_o his_o people_n faith_n or_o divine_a worship_n and_o prince_n be_v no_o more_o than_o nursing-fathers_n the_o quiet_a therefore_o and_o peace_n of_o nation_n be_v most_o advance_v by_o set_v up_o nothing_o in_o christianity_n but_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o yield_v the_o tender_a and_o open_v the_o most_o bountiful_a hand_n to_o the_o professor_n and_o minister_n of_o essential_a christianity_n cover_v all_o the_o faulty_a division_n of_o christian_n with_o their_o royal_a and_o compassionate_a purple_a this_o be_v most_o princely_a generous_a and_o great_a this_o be_v most_o exalt_v of_o christianity_n itself_o but_o if_o this_o can_v be_v obtain_v the_o next_o best_n and_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o as_o i_o have_v already_o make_v out_o but_o just_o be_v that_o no_o native_a right_n and_o liberty_n be_v defaulk_v nor_o punitive_a oppression_n inflict_v but_o that_o the_o honorary_a reward_n of_o nation_n and_o prince_n be_v adjudge_v to_o man_n who_o be_v of_o the_o public_a sentiment_n in_o their_o administration_n in_o christian_a religion_n and_o this_o indeed_o can_v be_v except_v to_o it_o be_v the_o right_n of_o national_a power_n to_o dispose_v of_o their_o own_o according_a to_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n yet_o be_v there_o still_o a_o obligation_n upon_o christian_a subject_n beyond_o these_o consideration_n to_o examine_v all_o thing_n with_o the_o great_a prejudice_n for_o and_o on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o national_a sense_n especial_o when_o they_o find_v the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n secure_a and_o in_o safety_n and_o beside_o their_o private_a adjustment_n of_o christian_a performance_n in_o particular_a society_n according_a to_o the_o exacter_n rule_v of_o christianity_n as_o they_o be_v judge_n for_o themselves_o to_o encourage_v also_o promote_v and_o as_o far_o as_o possible_o they_o can_v communicate_v with_o national_a religion_n put_v the_o fair_a and_o kind_a interpretation_n and_o hope_v upon_o all_o thing_n tolerate_v all_o that_o can_v without_o disobedience_n to_o god_n be_v tolerate_v observe_v rite_n and_o custom_n of_o nation_n as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v with_o security_n from_o vain_a worship_v of_o god_n by_o the_o commandment_n of_o man_n both_o because_o of_o the_o honour_n christianity_n give_v to_o magistracy_n according_a to_o natural_a sanction_n and_o also_o and_o more_o especial_o because_o of_o the_o esteem_n christianity_n have_v of_o a_o public_a and_o national_a religion_n let_v i_o then_o resume_v upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o it_o plain_o appear_v christianity_n notwithstanding_o the_o freedom_n it_o allow_v to_o every_o man_n conscientious_a sentiment_n be_v no_o enemy_n but_o a_o friend_n 1._o to_o society_n 2._o to_o the_o order_n and_o peace_n that_o bound_v society_n yea_o and_o strict_o command_v they_o and_o have_v give_v positive_a institution_n for_o they_o 1._o for_o first_o it_o unite_v all_o its_o true_a disciple_n in_o that_o common_a ample_a universal_a centre_n of_o love_n peace_n and_o order_n god_n and_o christ_n to_o who_o the_o first_o dedication_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v make_v and_o in_o who_o it_o always_o rest_v 2._o it_o unite_v they_o with_o that_o most_o public_a wise_a rational_a and_o most_o holy_a assembly_n under_o heaven_n the_o catholic_n church_n even_o all_o that_o be_v that_o one_o body_n act_v by_o that_o one_o spirit_n unite_v in_o one_o hope_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n in_o all_o which_o every_o christian_a be_v one_o with_o the_o whole_a desire_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o increase_n of_o that_o one_o body_n the_o advancement_n of_o that_o one_o faith_n communicate_v in_o the_o prayer_n and_o praise_n of_o that_o one_o body_n sorrow_n in_o its_o affliction_n minister_n to_o its_o necessity_n and_o if_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v communicate_v in_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o service_n with_o any_o member_n of_o it_o and_o value_v not_o their_o particular_a rite_n as_o any_o obstruction_n while_o they_o agree_v in_o essential_o and_o indeed_o every_o christian_n shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o drop_v that_o mantle_n of_o ceremony_n as_o he_o please_v when_o he_o ascend_v in_o holy_a offering_n of_o himselfâ—o_o â—o_z god_n 3._o 〈◊〉_d to_o particular_a society_n or_o church_n of_o christian_n in_o whiâ—â—_n the_o essential_o of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v preserve_v uncorrupted_a and_o so_o they_o must_v be_v or_o else_o such_o society_n deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o church_n and_o when_o they_o be_v in_o such_o a_o neighbourhood_n to_o the_o true_a christian_a that_o he_o may_v free_o enjoy_v his_o choice_n he_o consider_v these_o two_o both_o recommend_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1._o private_a particular_a congregation_n that_o can_v conform_v to_o public_a settlement_n such_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o first_o church_n when_o christianity_n have_v no_o public_a allowance_n such_o may_v be_v still_o 2._o the_o most_o public_a settlement_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o wherein_o he_o may_v do_v it_o he_o use_v both_o promiscuous_o wherein_o he_o must_v divide_v he_o consider_v upon_o the_o balance_n of_o his_o most_o humble_a and_o impartial_a judgement_n which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o public_a edification_n as_o well_o as_o his_o own_o and_o so_o as_o not_o to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v if_o he_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v more_o particular_a as_o best_o according_a to_o his_o sentiment_n he_o be_v yet_o careful_a to_o do_v all_o he_o do_v with_o the_o great_a vigour_n of_o charity_n inoffensiveness_n and_o desire_v of_o promote_a of_o that_o public_a worship_n as_o it_o contain_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n if_o according_a to_o the_o sincere_a sense_n of_o his_o mind_n he_o prefer_v the_o public_a appointment_n either_o as_o public_a and_o in_o that_o regard_n overweigh_a small_a doubt_n and_o so_o take_v the_o best_a advantage_n afford_v therein_o as_o to_o all_o the_o duty_n particular_a congregation_n seem_v most_o adapt_v to_o or_o that_o the_o whole_a composure_n of_o the_o public_a be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o sentiment_n he_o consider_v the_o more_o private_a as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o can_v be_v severe_a to_o the_o retirer_n thereto_o know_v every_o man_n have_v the_o proper_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o what_o essential_o christianity_n consist_v in_o and_o therefore_o will_v not_o forcible_o hale_v any_o into_o the_o public_a but_o remonstrate_v to_o they_o as_o he_o see_v reason_n with_o mild_a and_o christian_a argument_n the_o disadvantage_n of_o separate_n from_o it_o beyond_o plain_a necessity_n 4._o in_o the_o difference_n of_o judgement_n of_o public_a society_n and_o private_a in_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o or_o the_o difference_n of_o private_a among_o themselves_o the_o true_a christian_a still_o keep_v himself_o upon_o that_o love_n mercy_n and_o peace_n christianity_n teach_v he_o and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o diversity_n consider_v the_o high_a tie_n worth_n and_o value_n of_o those_o unity_n wherein_o they_o all_o meet_v 5._o if_o a_o christian_a fall_n into_o such_o place_n where_o the_o essential_o be_v corrupt_v he_o esteem_v religious_a solitude_n the_o best_a communion_n yet_o refuse_v not_o to_o improve_v any_o thing_n of_o truth_n he_o can_v extract_v from_o such_o corruption_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o part_n of_o public_a worship_n not_o so_o adulterate_v but_o to_o admit_v a_o possible_a separation_n in_o the_o exigence_n of_o present_a service_n
prerogative_n or_o people_n liberty_n but_o leave_v every_o thing_n as_o it_o find_v they_o to_o their_o own_o just_a right_n according_a to_o law_n and_o if_o itself_o come_v to_o be_v one_o of_o those_o right_n it_o do_v not_o repeal_n from_o any_o the_o legal_a right_n of_o itself_o which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o sure_a rule_n that_o a_o religion_n can_v guide_v itself_o by_o not_o to_o disturb_v but_o to_o extend_v peace_n to_o the_o world_n the_o prince_n the_o people_n be_v for_o it_o or_o any_o thing_n it_o teach_v or_o do_v most_o secure_a of_o their_o own_o interest_n though_o it_o fall_v out_o oftentimes_o to_o the_o great_a suffering_n of_o its_o servant_n in_o all_o worldly_a interest_n even_o loss_n of_o life_n itself_o and_o that_o with_o all_o circumstance_n of_o painful_a die_a which_o yet_o it_o be_v able_a to_o recompense_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a that_o better_a resurrection_n there_o remain_v nothing_o to_o complete_a this_o whole_a discourse_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o foundation_n of_o peace_n it_o lay_v but_o the_o universal_a goodness_n holiness_n â—urity_n mercy_n and_o all_o the_o most_o generous_a fruit_n of_o thâ—se_a it_o be_v so_o concern_v in_o and_o enjoin_v with_o so_o much_o absoluteness_n the_o heavenly_a and_o eternal_a glory_n it_o direct_v the_o earnestness_n zeal_n and_o high_a ardour_n of_o all_o christian_n upon_o so_o that_o while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o well-doing_n seek_v honour_n glory_n and_o immortality_n they_o have_v all_o the_o argument_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n work_v within_o they_o and_o govern_v all_o their_o outward_a action_n but_o i_o have_v so_o every_o way_n prevent_v myself_o in_o this_o part_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o further_o pursue_v it_o but_o recollect_v this_o whole_a discourse_v into_o the_o conclusion_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o carry_v upon_o this_o very_a sad_a and_o melancholy_a contemplation_n the_o so_o great_a and_o nice_a preparation_n of_o natural_a religion_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o the_o world_n how_o monstrous_o unsuccesful_a have_v it_o be_v among_o man_n what_o great_a heat_n and_o disquiet_n have_v difference_n in_o religion_n be_v still_o both_o the_o true_a and_o unpretended_a occasion_n and_o the_o pretend_a only_o and_o counterfeit_a cause_n of_o in_o the_o world_n what_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n what_o slaughter_v and_o massacre_n what_o exquisite_a torment_n and_o artifices_fw-la of_o barbarity_n have_v be_v call_v for_o contrive_v and_o execute_v in_o this_o quarrel_n on_o one_o side_n man_n have_v make_v religion_n a_o cover_n and_o shelter_v for_o sedition_n rebellion_n commotion_n and_o change_n of_o government_n perfect_o against_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o it_o on_o the_o other_o side_n worldly_a power_n have_v charge_v all_o offer_n of_o a_o religion_n never_o so_o true_a never_o so_o peaceable_a as_o if_o it_o be_v bring_v out_o the_o engine_n of_o destruction_n for_o the_o blow_v up_o state_n and_o therefore_o judge_v most_o reasonable_a the_o author_n and_o proselyte_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v pursue_v with_o severe_a punishment_n and_o without_o any_o relation_n to_o these_o concernment_n the_o very_a different_a apprehension_n in_o religion_n have_v be_v think_v worthy_a of_o the_o extreme_a hate_n and_o most_o barbarous_a persecution_n of_o rack_n wheel_n and_o torture_n as_o if_o man_n have_v destine_v one_o another_o to_o hell_n in_o another_o world_n on_o these_o account_n think_v it_o but_o fit_a the_o hell_n shall_v be_v begin_v here_o or_o else_o which_o have_v be_v sometime_o a_o pretence_n for_o this_o savage_a method_n they_o will_v pull_v they_o with_o violence_n indeed_o out_o of_o that_o fire_n or_o save_v they_o from_o those_o flame_n yet_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n cruel_o force_v they_o thereby_o into_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o judge_n now_o how_o contrary_a this_o be_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a rational_a or_o christian_a religion_n i_o have_v all_o along_o show_v but_o however_o multitude_n of_o the_o votary_n of_o religion_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a have_v with_o incredible_a patience_n and_o oftentimes_o with_o joy_n and_o triumph_v embrace_v their_o suffering_n and_o glory_v in_o their_o death_n and_o torment_n esteem_v their_o pain_n martyrdom_n a_o name_n of_o honour_n in_o this_o world_n and_o of_o great_a expectation_n in_o the_o world_n future_a so_o that_o a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o story_n be_v fill_v up_o with_o great_a undertake_n upon_o account_n of_o religion_n with_o the_o severity_n of_o law_n against_o any_o thing_n strange_a or_o innovate_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o nation_n and_o the_o martyrology_n of_o those_o that_o have_v suffer_v for_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v now_o if_o a_o man_n value_v and_o estimate_n thing_n by_o this_o world_n peace_n happiness_n and_o quiet_a he_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o praise_v and_o applaud_v atheism_n and_o irreligion_n and_o wish_v there_o never_o have_v be_v the_o name_n or_o notion_n of_o any_o other_o in_o the_o world_n to_o give_v origin_n to_o so_o much_o mischief_n and_o injumanity_n especial_o consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n the_o most_o excellent_a tender_a religion_n most_o compassionate_a of_o humane_a nature_n most_o clear_a intelligible_a rational_a virtuous_a free_a from_o ceremony_n most_o alien_n from_o superstition_n most_o modest_a and_o humble_a most_o submissive_a to_o government_n at_o its_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o world_n endure_v the_o whole_a weight_n and_o body_n of_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n against_o it_o be_v sow_o in_o the_o blood_n and_o grow_v up_o as_o from_o the_o grave_n of_o the_o confessor_n and_o martyr_n of_o it_o be_v first_o found_v in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o author_n though_o he_o indeed_o give_v proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o last_o issue_n of_o it_o in_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n and_o since_o it_o have_v possess_v itself_o of_o the_o acknowledgement_n and_o authority_n of_o throne_n prince_n law_n and_o government_n baptise_a whole_a nation_n into_o its_o profession_n it_o have_v be_v most_o strange_o pervert_v from_o its_o whole_a design_n and_o intention_n into_o the_o same_o instrument_n of_o ambition_n and_o cruelty_n upon_o the_o various_a account_n and_o occasion_n that_o church-history_n and_o other_o chronology_n swell_v and_o labour_n in_o the_o relation_n of_o yea_o even_o small_a and_o valueless_a thing_n if_o weigh_v upon_o its_o own_o just_a balance_n have_v yet_o give_v fury_n to_o the_o great_a animosity_n and_o dissension_n which_o have_v not_o be_v wash_v off_o but_o in_o a_o ocean_n of_o blood_n in_o sum_n this_o of_o all_o religion_n have_v be_v first_o most_o persecute_a hate_a and_o oppose_v by_o grandee_n and_o chief_n of_o the_o world_n in_o its_o first_o approach_n to_o the_o world_n and_o since_o by_o the_o several_a dissension_n within_o itself_o be_v the_o field_n of_o blood_n make_v use_v of_o sometime_o by_o design_n sometime_o by_o angry_a power_n but_o so_o as_o that_o the_o pure_a and_o most_o sincere_a professor_n have_v be_v most_o dye_v in_o their_o own_o gore_n so_o that_o by_o the_o same_o standard_n of_o worldly_a interest_n next_o to_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n antichristianism_n or_o denial_n of_o christian_a religion_n will_v seem_v next_o to_o be_v choose_v but_o when_o we_o more_o wise_o and_o just_o apprise_v the_o mighty_a and_o unconquerable_a reason_n for_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o the_o particular_a vast_a and_o momentous_a argument_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o true_a christian_a religion_n it_o must_v needs_o lead_v we_o to_o other_o much_o more_o serious_a and_o reconcile_a consideration_n and_o who_o that_o be_v a_o grave_a thinker_n have_v be_v first_o put_v into_o a_o amaze_n then_o into_o the_o most_o melt_a and_o relent_a commiseration_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v so_o unhappy_a in_o that_o wherein_o its_o great_a happiness_n consist_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o deplorable_a instance_n of_o rage_n and_o even_o hellish_a cruelty_n that_o can_v be_v draw_v out_o or_o express_v in_o any_o suitable_a and_o condecent_fw-la language_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o that_o religion_n that_o profess_v every_o where_n of_o itself_o it_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o even_o then_o when_o the_o mistake_a zealot_n of_o it_o will_v have_v have_v fire_n from_o heaven_n in_o a_o present_a revenge_n upon_o those_o that_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o most_o compassionate_a founder_n of_o it_o the_o great_a lover_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n who_o i_o say_v that_o ponder_v these_o thing_n will_v not_o set_v himself_o to_o find_v out_o the_o cause_n of_o these_o evil_n and_o sad_o bethink_v himself_o how_o they_o shall_v so_o general_o fall_v out_o among_o christian_n themselves_o and_o indeed_o he_o
our_o love_n in_o our_o sympathy_n in_o our_o bowel_n of_o affection_n in_o our_o care_n for_o the_o body_n though_o we_o be_v not_o all_o of_o a_o aspect_n of_o a_o figure_n of_o a_o size_n in_o our_o membership_n yet_o still_o be_v we_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n in_o particular_a and_o be_v so_o we_o be_v the_o israel_n of_o god_n upon_o who_o be_v peace_n and_o mercy_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n and_o if_o we_o ought_v as_o certain_o we_o ought_v so_o to_o pray_v with_o what_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n with_o what_o appearance_n of_o christianity_n can_v we_o move_v against_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o fellow-member_n or_o not_o contribute_v to_o their_o ease_n to_o their_o self-enjoyment_n to_o the_o comfort_n of_o each_o other_o condition_n so_o that_o if_o one_o member_n be_v honour_v all_o the_o member_n may_v rejoice_v with_o it_o if_o one_o member_n suffer_v all_o the_o member_n may_v suffer_v with_o it_o and_o send_v in_o to_o its_o relief_n and_o support_n our_o defect_n herein_o disturb_v the_o peace_n not_o minister_a to_o the_o merciful_a support_n of_o one_o another_o will_v be_v find_v another_o sort_n of_o schism_n but_o of_o far_o deep_a gild_n than_o that_o so_o much_o cry_v out_o of_o not_o conform_v to_o one_o another_o indifferent_n but_o above_o all_o the_o raven_a of_o the_o evening_n wolf_n the_o roar_n of_o the_o lion_n the_o poison_n and_o venom_n of_o the_o asp_n and_o cokatrice_n '_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o our_o mountain_n if_o we_o will_v have_v it_o account_v the_o holy_a mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o on_o all_o side_n we_o shall_v open_v the_o door_n and_o sluice_n that_o the_o stream_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n may_v run_v every_o way_n till_o it_o cover_v our_o land_n as_o the_o water_n do_v the_o sea_n the_o end_n true_a religion_n the_o interest_n of_o nation_n or_o national_a religion_n demonstrate_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o nation_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 79._o 6._o &_o jer._n 10._o 25._o pour_v out_o thy_o wrath_n fury_n upon_o the_o heathen_a nation_n that_o have_v not_o know_v thou_o and_o upon_o the_o kingdom_n family_n that_o have_v not_o call_v on_o thy_o name_n this_o prayer_n double_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o weight_n of_o it_o the_o safety_n to_o man_n it_o shall_v be_v well_o know_v and_o the_o certainty_n of_o its_o effect_n contain_v a_o strong_a assertion_n of_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o 32._o phil._n 3._o 2._o gen._n 41._o 32._o and_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o nation_n to_o national_a true_a religion_n for_o see_v according_a to_o a_o grand_a rule_n in_o god_n administration_n of_o the_o world_n nation_n that_o have_v no_o national_a religion_n and_o who_o nationalness_n therefore_o become_v heathenism_n and_o be_v so_o brand_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o so_o nation_n in_o scripture_n very_o often_o signify_v heathen_a that_o be_v nation_n without_o true_a religion_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o wrath_n and_o fury_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o it_o do_v not_o only_o follow_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o contrary_n that_o national_a true_a religion_n or_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n have_v a_o strong_a order_n to_o and_o connexion_n with_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o as_o the_o positive_a proposition_n be_v the_o prime_n and_o original_n and_o give_v ground_n to_o and_o contain_v within_o itself_o the_o privative_a so_o do_v this_o proposition_n that_o god_n anger_n and_o fury_n be_v at_o all_o time_n ready_a against_o those_o that_o do_v not_o know_v he_o that_o do_v not_o call_v upon_o he_o as_o join_v in_o a_o national_a body_n or_o society_n be_v the_o privative_a owe_v itself_o to_o the_o other_o be_v the_o positive_a as_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o make_v out_o in_o the_o argue_v this_o point_n at_o the_o present_a it_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o observe_v that_o these_o two_o holy_a man_n the_o composer_n of_o this_o psalm_n and_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n except_o as_o some_o think_v they_o be_v both_o one_o desire_v the_o destruction_n of_o those_o heathen_a enemy_n under_o who_o oppression_n their_o own_o people_n which_o at_o that_o time_n comprehend_v the_o church_n of_o god_n then_o groan_v and_o pray_v in_o spirit_n for_o it_o rely_v and_o rest_v the_o whole_a weight_n of_o their_o prayer_n upon_o this_o principle_n of_o great_a truth_n and_o consequence_n in_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o as_o family_n as_o nation_n as_o kingdom_n for_o so_o all_o community_n be_v comprehend_v they_o do_v not_o know_v nor_o call_v upon_o god_n that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o therefore_o be_v most_o just_o subject_a to_o his_o fierce_a displeasure_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v couch_v under_o this_o though_o indeed_o before_o it_o that_o the_o people_n that_o do_v know_v and_o call_v upon_o the_o true_a god_n have_v a_o title_n to_o his_o savour_n and_o vindication_n of_o they_o in_o all_o their_o distress_n while_o they_o be_v consider_v as_o so_o know_v and_o call_v upon_o he_o and_o not_o contradict_v it_o by_o their_o action_n the_o context_n therefore_o go_v on_o argue_v with_o god_n on_o this_o point_n they_o have_v devour_v jacob_n in_o who_o quarrel_n and_o rescue_n god_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v and_o see_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n and_o his_o wrath_n burn_v to_o the_o low_a hell_n both_o his_o wrath_n and_o his_o favour_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o their_o extent_n even_o to_o everlasting_a age_n all_o which_o will_v ground_v the_o proposition_n which_o i_o main_o intend_v in_o this_o discourse_n that_o national_a true_a religion_n be_v the_o great_a security_n strength_n and_o defence_n of_o a_o nation_n against_o the_o divine_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n and_o give_v the_o sure_a claim_n to_o his_o favour_n blessing_n and_o protection_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v because_o it_o be_v a_o observation_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v most_o close_o unite_v in_o and_o pursue_v to_o the_o utmost_a by_o all_o wise_a nation_n and_o by_o all_o the_o several_a part_n and_o member_n of_o a_o nation_n for_o it_o be_v their_o first_o and_o high_a 15._o psal_n 33._o i2_n &_o 144._o 15._o interest_n blessed_n be_v the_o nâ—tion_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n yea_o happy_a be_v the_o people_n who_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n who_o have_v jehovah_n thus_o for_o their_o god_n and_o this_o very_a consideration_n shall_v reconcile_v all_o difference_n in_o national_a religion_n that_o can_v be_v compose_v without_o loss_n of_o that_o truth_n and_o corruption_n of_o those_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o give_v denomination_n to_o true_a national_a religion_n this_o shall_v incline_v those_o that_o be_v above_o to_o the_o great_a condescension_n and_o those_o that_o be_v beneath_o to_o the_o most_o free_a compliance_n possible_a if_o they_o value_v religion_n and_o love_v their_o nation_n that_o at_o least_o there_o may_v be_v union_n in_o national_a religion_n if_o there_o can_v be_v perfect_a uniformity_n for_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o upon_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o this_o point_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o national_a religion_n suppose_v it_o always_o the_o true_a be_v the_o happy_a model_n of_o union_n in_o religion_n of_o any_o upon_o earth_n and_o most_o please_a to_o god_n except_o that_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o union_n be_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o truth_n worship_n and_o practice_v but_o come_v under_o no_o other_o form_n or_o model_n proper_o take_v but_o except_o this_o there_o be_v none_o so_o perfect_a to_o the_o end_n and_o glory_n of_o religion_n so_o adequate_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o publickness_n of_o religion_n so_o encourage_v and_o advantageous_a to_o the_o practice_n so_o reconcileable_a with_o the_o peace_n of_o religion_n and_o nation_n so_o preventive_a of_o the_o endless_a division_n and_o subdivision_n humane_a nature_n be_v apt_a to_o fall_v into_o when_o it_o yield_v up_o itself_o to_o a_o scrupulosity_n and_o disputatiousness_n about_o external_n and_o form_n in_o religion_n i_o say_v again_o i_o be_o persuade_v no_o man_n can_v serve_v god_n with_o great_a acceptableness_n nor_o be_v religious_a to_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o religion_n than_o by_o join_v with_o the_o nation_n or_o supreme_a civil_a incorporation_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n so_o far_o as_o he_o can_v be_v permit_v to_o do_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n i_o say_v as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v upon_o these_o account_n if_o not_o throughout_o and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v great_a and_o valuable_a proof_n from_o
it_o become_v one_o great_a family_n i_o know_v there_o may_v be_v some_o exception_n from_o this_o description_n of_o a_o nation_n which_o will_v have_v their_o force_n upon_o national_a religion_n also_o as_o it_o result_v from_o it_o for_o sometime_o one_o monarchy_n do_v as_o it_o be_v stride_v over_o more_o nation_n sometime_o one_o city_n or_o free_a town_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o one_o government_n one_o civil_a interest_n independent_a in_o its_o government_n in_o its_o proper_a interest_n upon_o any_o other_o now_o in_o such_o a_o monarchy_n as_o contain_v several_a people_n and_o nation_n under_o it_o it_o do_v not_o proper_o give_v name_n to_o a_o national_a religion_n while_o their_o interest_n law_n conversation_n and_o civil_a commerce_n be_v preserve_v and_o keep_v distinct_a as_o these_o be_v often_o allow_v to_o be_v under_o some_o conquer_a potentacy_n on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o a_o narrow_a compass_n of_o people_n than_o we_o proper_o call_v a_o nation_n viz._n a_o region_n a_o province_n a_o city_n have_v its_o interest_n its_o law_n its_o government_n conversation_n and_o commerce_n entire_a to_o itself_o it_o be_v as_o to_o the_o purpose_n we_o be_v now_o upon_o as_o it_o be_v a_o nation_n the_o sum_n than_o be_v this_o so_o far_o as_o humane_a society_n have_v draw_v any_o people_n or_o family_n into_o a_o close_a and_o more_o compact_a state_n of_o civil_a interest_n necessitude_n one_o to_o another_o and_o government_n run_v up_o to_o the_o high_a point_n of_o government_n in_o that_o compact_a state_n so_o far_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o union_n in_o public_a religion_n draw_v upon_o they_o where_o these_o be_v free_a that_o attendance_n to_o union_n in_o religion_n be_v free_a also_o any_o further_a than_o the_o common_a truth_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o bound_v even_o those_o at_o great_a distance_n and_o union_n one_o with_o another_o for_o thus_o religion_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o unite_v all_o the_o true_a professor_n of_o it_o at_o what_o remove_n soever_o from_o one_o another_o it_o may_v and_o ought_v also_o to_o pass_v upon_o whatever_o bond_n of_o union_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o union_n as_o law_n commerce_n conversation_n common_a safety_n run_v all_o up_o to_o the_o supreme_a government_n over_o that_o conjunction_n to_o graft_v religion_n upon_o all_o else_o be_v but_o consent_n in_o the_o same_o unity_n of_o one_o god_n one_o lord_n one_o spirit_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n which_o make_v the_o catholic_n church_n one_o body_n and_o join_v with_o one_o another_o presential_o in_o the_o same_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n when_o a_o concurrence_n of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a happen_v to_o fall_v out_o as_o can_v be_v suppose_v frequent_a in_o part_n remote_a one_o from_o another_o and_o of_o a_o divers_a lip_n or_o language_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v indeed_o unite_a as_o humane_a nature_n be_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o true_a reason_n and_o thereupon_o a_o readiness_n of_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n to_o correspond_v one_o with_o another_o at_o a_o distance_n or_o confer_v one_o with_o another_o if_o at_o any_o time_n suitable_a concurrence_n favour_v it_o or_o as_o the_o world_n much_o more_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v a_o temple_n build_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n wherein_o all_o good_a man_n meet_v from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o heaven_n to_o the_o other_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o worship_n and_o if_o opportunity_n allow_v in_o the_o same_o actual_a worship_n the_o near_a therefore_o any_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v by_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o nation_n by_o the_o frequency_n of_o traffic_n the_o neareâ—_n the_o more_o frequent_a the_o correspondency_n be_v the_o mutual_a assistance_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o now_o in_o the_o dependency_n and_o interweaving_n of_o all_o civil_a interest_n in_o nation_n there_o be_v not_o only_o those_o voluntary_a and_o contingent_a correspondency_n but_o such_o as_o first_o grow_v out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o bind_v of_o themselves_o to_o common_a true_a religion_n and_o then_o have_v the_o favour_n encouragement_n direction_n obligation_n of_o law_n and_o authority_n run_v like_o the_o same_o spirit_n into_o all_o the_o several_a part_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o recommend_v that_o national_a true_a religion_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o this_o union_n that_o be_v first_o command_v by_o god_n beside_o much_o more_o free_a ordinary_a actual_a meeting_n in_o one_o and_o the_o very_a same_o place_n and_o act_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n allow_v our_o worldly_a calling_n and_o the_o provision_n of_o the_o present_a life_n and_o relation_n and_o therefore_o a_o neighbourhood_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o more_o populous_a of_o city_n or_o town_n or_o the_o more_o infrequent_a of_o village_n have_v the_o conveniency_n of_o more_o solemn_a and_o state_v meeting_n the_o ordinary_a fit_a season_n of_o the_o lordsday_n and_o other_o solemn_a time_n of_o worship_n thereupon_o national_a religion_n be_v general_o exercise_v in_o these_o lesser_a society_n even_o as_o the_o justice_n and_o execution_n of_o law_n and_o national_a authority_n must_v be_v bring_v home_o to_o man_n in_o their_o particular_a country_n and_o town_n and_o not_o rest_n in_o the_o capital_a city_n at_o a_o distance_n from_o their_o daily_a business_n and_o conversation_n and_o yet_o the_o standard_n of_o all_o thing_n national_a be_v general_o preserve_v there_o for_o the_o very_a sake_n of_o union_n even_o so_o of_o national_a religion_n not_o as_o religion_n for_o the_o standard_n of_o that_o be_v scripture_n only_o but_o as_o national_a so_o the_o agreement_n in_o it_o be_v deposit_v with_o all_o other_o national_a acts._n so_o that_o national_a religion_n have_v the_o advantage_n in_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o naturalness_n and_o closeness_n of_o the_o union_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o all_o the_o interest_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o therein_o it_o imitate_v the_o nearness_n and_o closeness_n of_o family_n or_o lesser_a incorporation_n as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o second_o thing_n viz_o the_o illustriousness_n magnificence_n honourableness_n of_o religion_n as_o seat_v in_o large_a body_n but_o especial_o as_o upon_o the_o sovereignty_n and_n supremacy_n of_o the_o great_a incorporation_n of_o mankind_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v further_a that_o all_o this_o do_v most_o effectual_o exclude_v the_o pretence_n of_o a_o universal_a church-monarchy_n as_o hateful_a in_o religion_n as_o a_o universal_a state-monarchy_n in_o politic_n and_o civil_a liberty_n both_o of_o which_o be_v indeed_o tyranny_n the_o imaginary_a benefit_n of_o such_o sort_n of_o union_n be_v infinite_o toilsome_a and_o tedious_a while_o they_o be_v expect_v and_o always_o in_o the_o issue_n find_v impossible_a to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o their_o fruit_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n while_o the_o pretender_n be_v labour_v for_o and_o grasp_a at_o so_o vast_a a_o power_n they_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o the_o lamentable_a effect_n of_o their_o ambition_n and_o do_v indeed_o destroy_v humane_a society_n because_o those_o law_n and_o band_n that_o tie_v it_o together_o be_v so_o overstrained_a fly_v in_o piece_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o christianity_n than_o a_o universal_a head_n of_o religion_n here_o upon_o earth_n except_o christ_n himself_o with_o a_o ubiquity_n of_o holiness_n power_n and_o influence_n come_v down_o to_o reign_v upon_o it_o a_o universal_a union_n be_v indeed_o desirable_a and_o glorious_a if_o there_o be_v a_o omnipresence_n of_o virtue_n answerable_a to_o the_o administration_n but_o that_o be_v too_o great_a for_o any_o creature_n too_o great_a in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n religion_n and_o christian_a religion_n glide_v along_o with_o the_o civil_a union_n they_o find_v prepare_v as_o i_o shall_v present_o evince_v beyond_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o usurpation_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o argument_n from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o national_a religion_n not_o afford_v to_o any_o other_o figure_n of_o union_n in_o it_o the_o first_o argument_n shall_v be_v that_o i_o derive_v from_o this_o prayer_n i_o argum._n 2_o have_v choose_v to_o discourse_v this_o point_n upon_o and_o i_o lay_v it_o thus_o the_o prayer_n in_o which_o holy_a man_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rest_n upon_o some_o great_a pillar_n and_o principle_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o argument_n for_o particular_a case_n in_o which_o they_o pray_v be_v bring_v to_o those_o general_a principle_n by_o a_o understanding_n enlighten_v to_o understand_v in_o a_o humble_a sense_n even_o as_o god_n understand_v
and_o inflame_v with_o a_o holy_a affection_n in_o a_o lowly_a imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a zeal_n wherewith_o god_n perform_v all_o his_o holy_a ordination_n thus_o as_o prince_n they_o have_v power_n with_o god_n because_o they_o offer_v he_o their_o petition_n according_a to_o his_o establish_v rule_n of_o government_n and_o his_o own_o holy_a will_n concern_v the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o pray_v to_o he_o now_o the_o understanding_n these_o rule_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o infallible_a to_o the_o prophet_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n inspire_v by_o he_o but_o to_o we_o in_o ordinary_a by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o law_n of_o true_a and_o right_a reason_n in_o deduction_n from_o that_o word_n and_o in_o which_o word_n and_o the_o deduction_n from_o it_o if_o we_o be_v not_o mistake_v the_o efficacy_n will_v be_v certain_a because_o if_o we_o ask_v according_a to_o his_o will_n we_o be_v sure_o he_o hear_v we_o and_o that_o we_o have_v in_o some_o true_a sense_n the_o petition_n we_o ask_v of_o he_o this_o be_v so_o valuable_a a_o rule_n of_o prayer_n that_o daniel_n though_o so_o great_a a_o man_n of_o vision_n yet_o betake_v himself_o to_o this_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o instruction_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n dan._n 9_o by_o book_n of_o holy_a record_n and_o general_a chronology_n he_o know_v that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n be_v near_o its_o expiration_n and_o so_o set_v himself_o to_o prayer_n and_o be_v crown_v with_o this_o wonderful_a success_n and_o acceptance_n thus_o prayer_n prevail_v with_o god_n and_o yet_o without_o any_o change_n in_o he_o there_o be_v a_o configuration_n or_o concurrence_n of_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o own_o unchangeable_a will_n his_o counsel_n of_o old_a that_o be_v faithfulness_n and_o truth_n be_v remonstrate_v to_o he_o by_o the_o humble_a servant_n desire_v of_o his_o servant_n that_o know_v they_o to_o be_v his_o counsel_n and_o who_o be_v order_v by_o the_o same_o counsel_n to_o inquire_v or_o beseech_v he_o by_o prayer_n according_a to_o they_o and_o therefore_o by_o his_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n he_o draw_v the_o parallel_a line_n to_o his_o own_o intention_n upon_o their_o heart_n desire_n and_o affection_n i_o have_v pursue_v this_o the_o further_a because_o it_o give_v a_o solution_n to_o that_o doubt_n how_o god_n without_o any_o change_n in_o himself_o hear_v prayer_n and_o also_o assure_v we_o this_o prayer_n be_v so_o remarkable_a as_o to_o be_v twice_o use_v in_o the_o same_o word_n most_o certain_o bear_v itself_o upon_o some_o certain_a principle_n from_o which_o we_o may_v argue_v to_o general_a practice_n the_o principle_n it_o rest_v upon_o must_v be_v this_o there_o be_v a_o establish_v order_n betwixt_o the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n his_o fury_n and_o vengeance_n and_o the_o nation_n or_o family_n not_o know_v not_o call_v on_o his_o name_n and_o this_o be_v know_v by_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n his_o wrath_n according_a to_o unchangeable_a law_n be_v always_o prepare_v against_o those_o that_o forsake_v he_o and_o that_o duty_n they_o owe_v to_o he_o as_o nation_n it_o have_v be_v else_o a_o great_a presumption_n upon_o god_n and_o breach_n of_o charity_n to_o the_o nation_n so_o to_o pray_v against_o they_o which_o may_v also_o give_v we_o account_v of_o all_o those_o dreadful_a imprecation_n and_o curse_n david_n and_o other_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n pour_v out_o against_o their_o own_o enemy_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o their_o people_n they_o be_v found_v in_o their_o be_v enemy_n to_o god_n his_o true_a worship_n love_n and_o service_n and_o as_o such_o their_o final_a destruction_n be_v decree_v against_o they_o by_o the_o most_o righteous_a law_n of_o divine_a government_n make_v know_v unto_o those_o holy_a man_n and_o so_o they_o pray_v for_o it_o as_o public_a person_n and_o not_o out_o of_o private_a wrath_n and_o revenge_n but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o main_a argument_n and_o this_o principle_n i_o be_o upon_o that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v against_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v without_o national_a religion_n lie_v deep_a in_o a_o first_o and_o more_o original_a principle_n viz._n there_o be_v a_o obligation_n a_o great_a duty_n lie_v upon_o nation_n as_o nation_n to_o know_v and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n for_o else_o why_o shall_v god_n find_v fault_n why_o shall_v he_o be_v angry_a when_o none_o have_v resist_v his_o will_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a order_n establish_v by_o god_n between_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o a_o people_n and_o their_o public_a true_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o a_o duty_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o duty_n be_v the_o fit_v we_o for_o blessing_n and_o â—avour_n as_o the_o neglect_n and_o transgression_n of_o duty_n can_v be_v without_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n for_o thus_o god_n have_v place_v life_n and_o death_n one_o over_o against_o another_o yet_o so_o that_o life_n and_o blessing_n be_v always_o first_o even_o as_o duty_n be_v always_o before_o sin_n for_o god_n never_o make_v death_n and_o destruction_n even_o as_o he_o never_o can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o sin_n but_o they_o come_v in_o by_o the_o fail_v of_o our_o duty_n and_o so_o of_o that_o life_n and_o blessedness_n entail_v on_o our_o duty_n yet_o the_o obligation_n to_o national_a true_a religion_n be_v much_o more_o evident_a from_o these_o holy_a man_n pray_v down_o wrath_n upon_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o that_o call_v not_o on_o his_o name_n than_o it_o can_v have_v be_v from_o the_o pray_n for_o his_o favour_n to_o they_o that_o do_v know_v he_o and_o that_o do_v call_v on_o his_o name_n because_o his_o favour_n may_v have_v be_v vouchsafe_v upon_o term_n much_o below_o our_o substantial_a and_o inviolable_a duty_n as_o many_o of_o the_o jewish_a rite_n may_v be_v argument_n for_o and_o pledge_n of_o god_n gracious_a regard_n to_o the_o people_n he_o have_v so_o distinguish_v when_o the_o want_n of_o those_o sign_n will_v not_o have_v argue_v to_o the_o effusion_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n there_o be_v no_o natural_a or_o positive_a duty_n lie_v upon_o any_o but_o the_o jew_n to_o such_o observance_n there_o may_v be_v many_o argument_n for_o the_o bounty_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n from_o external_n rite_n appoint_v by_o he_o and_o observe_v by_o his_o people_n though_o indeed_o these_o all_o refer_v to_o their_o essential_a duty_n and_o argue_v nothing_o without_o it_o yet_o the_o contrary_n will_v not_o enforce_v to_o the_o opposite_a degree_n of_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n because_o they_o be_v not_o observe_v when_o no_o substantial_a duty_n be_v violate_v uncircumcision_n that_o keep_v the_o law_n may_v have_v in_o the_o main_a the_o same_o security_n from_o wrath_n with_o circumcision_n that_o keep_v the_o law_n also_o see_v then_o there_o be_v so_o great_a wrath_n against_o those_o that_o know_v not_o god_n that_o call_v not_o on_o his_o name_n it_o assure_v we_o the_o duty_n the_o obligation_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o lie_v deep_a that_o the_o omission_n be_v so_o subject_v to_o the_o divine_a revenge_n and_o it_o be_v in_o this_o a_o society_n without_o religion_n be_v a_o high_a contempt_n of_o god_n a_o make_v flesh_n our_o arm_n and_o depart_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o from_o his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n a_o principality_n without_o a_o inscription_n a_o dedication_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v devote_v be_v like_o the_o build_n a_o tower_n up_o to_o heaven_n a_o sin_n like_o the_o sin_n of_o herod_n when_o he_o let_v that_o sacrilegious_a applause_n sink_v into_o he_o and_o give_v not_o the_o glory_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o subject_n man_n to_o be_v at_o any_o time_n smite_v and_o blast_v by_o god_n who_o have_v say_v those_o that_o honour_v he_o he_o will_v honour_v but_o all_o else_o shall_v be_v light_o esteem_v whether_o nation_n or_o person_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o only_a the_o judgement_n upon_o the_o irreligion_n of_o particular_a person_n of_o particular_a family_n that_o be_v here_o intend_a though_o this_o be_v include_v and_o suppose_v but_o especial_o upon_o the_o irreligion_n of_o society_n knit_v and_o strengthen_v themselves_o without_o the_o true_a god_n upon_o principality_n exalt_v themselves_o and_o not_o by_o and_o with_o the_o almighty_a and_o supreme_a majesty_n on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o there_o be_v a_o duty_n a_o obligation_n of_o be_v public_o religious_a there_o be_v a_o blessing_n upon_o it_o according_a to_o that_o fundamental_a principle_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n
then_o call_v out_o of_o every_o nation_n convert_v into_o particular_a society_n and_o congregation_n i_o shall_v make_v a_o essay_n to_o level_v the_o line_n of_o they_o to_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n as_o they_o be_v unite_v into_o such_o conspicuous_a and_o illustrious_a body_n of_o mankind_n with_o their_o principality_n so_o form_v so_o compact_v and_o not_o only_o a_o diffuse_v catholic_n church_n or_o small_a and_o invisible_a congregational_a church_n 1._o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n can_v no_o way_n attain_v that_o greatness_n which_o it_o be_v prophesy_v and_o foretell_v it_o shall_v attain_v if_o it_o do_v not_o allow_v nation_n as_o nation_n to_o associate_v themselves_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o if_o it_o only_o give_v right_o to_o private_a and_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n and_o a_o diffusive_a church_n that_o can_v no_o way_n congregate_v which_o though_o great_a in_o its_o spiritual_a union_n yet_o arise_v to_o no_o visible_a greatness_n but_o as_o it_o move_v into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n congregate_n itself_o according_a to_o any_o of_o the_o law_n or_o advantage_n of_o humane_a society_n it_o fall_v into_o and_o find_v prepare_v for_o it_o the_o messiah_n then_o can_v never_o as_o be_v prophesy_v of_o he_o have_v his_o portion_n divide_v he_o with_o the_o great_a nor_o divide_v the_o spoil_n with_o the_o strong_a but_o must_v rest_v in_o a_o very_a low_a and_o under-condition_n of_o small_a private_a and_o particular_a assembly_n of_o his_o servant_n profess_v he_o but_o a_o national_a christian_n religion_n a_o religion_n as_o famous_a as_o the_o name_n of_o the_o most_o populous_a city_n and_o the_o great_a prince_n and_o their_o territory_n in_o honour_n to_o the_o lord_n anoint_v must_v not_o be_v allow_v no_o not_o according_o to_o his_o own_o designation_n for_o though_o the_o eminency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o appearance_n of_o god_n with_o it_o do_v infinite_o surmount_v all_o create_a greatness_n yet_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n compare_v the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o prince_n over_o nation_n with_o other_o sovereignty_n and_o prefer_v he_o not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o heavenliness_n and_o eternity_n of_o it_o but_o as_o it_o obtain_v a_o interest_n and_o command_n in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v a_o government_n over_o nation_n as_o nation_n over_o the_o law_n and_o principality_n of_o nation_n and_o not_o of_o one_o only_a but_o many_o nation_n not_o indeed_o in_o the_o way_n of_o worldly_a power_n but_o divine_a persuasion_n evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n virtue_n of_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n be_v the_o sceptre_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o weapon_n of_o this_o power_n and_o this_o mountain_n shall_v grow_v great_a and_o great_a till_o all_o the_o prophecy_n be_v exact_o fulfil_v in_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o low_a subjection_n of_o all_o kingdom_n to_o he_o the_o great_a mountain_n disappear_v and_o become_v nothing_o before_o he_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o nation_n be_v come_v into_o he_o thus_o it_o be_v a_o mountain_n set_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n not_o only_o in_o the_o eminency_n of_o its_o doctrine_n but_o the_o profess_a subjection_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v mountain_n to_o it_o for_o his_o truth_n meekness_n and_o righteousness_n sake_n but_o if_o nation_n receive_v and_o flow_v into_o christianity_n sink_v it_o present_o into_o particular_a private_a assembly_n as_o it_o be_v while_n under_o persecution_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o no_o more_o public_a honour_n than_o at_o such_o time_n the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n shall_v not_o be_v above_o the_o hill_n but_o shade_v by_o they_o and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o christianity_n itself_o for_o the_o supremacy_n stand_v aloft_o but_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n retire_v into_o privacy_n yea_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n which_o after_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n be_v only_o in_o christ_n must_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v exalt_v as_o be_v everywhere_o signify_v that_o it_o must_v be_v abate_v and_o bring_v low_o by_o the_o depression_n and_o fall_v down_o of_o the_o mosaic_a frame_n for_o than_o it_o be_v settle_v upon_o one_o of_o the_o principality_n of_o the_o world_n and_o though_o it_o be_v now_o more_o diffuse_v yet_o if_o it_o not_o only_o be_v not_o but_o aught_o upon_o its_o own_o principle_n to_o be_v establish_v in_o and_o upon_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o a_o nation_n it_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v have_v such_o a_o eminency_n as_o among_o the_o jew_n when_o it_o have_v the_o awfulness_n and_o majestickness_n of_o a_o kingdom_n devote_v to_o that_o true_a worship_n make_v it_o thereby_o of_o much_o great_a notice_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o religion_n may_v be_v national_a even_o as_o nation_n themselves_o be_v unite_v in_o a_o way_n of_o order_n so_o must_v national_a religion_n also_o be_v by_o order_n compose_v into_o its_o nationalness_n and_o this_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o right_a reason_n but_o let_v this_o be_v no_o pretence_n to_o that_o tyranny_n in_o christian_a religion_n that_o great_a usurpation_n of_o popery_n for_o it_o be_v a_o sacrilegious_a displace_v the_o honour_n from_o christ_n upon_o oftentimes_o a_o most_o unworthy_a mortal_n those_o prince_n than_o that_o be_v minores_fw-la coronae_fw-la that_o lessen_v themselves_o by_o give_v their_o kingdom_n and_o power_n to_o the_o beast_n must_v needs_o diminish_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o profession_n of_o christianity_n see_v they_o have_v so_o far_o strip_v themselves_o of_o their_o principality_n that_o they_o have_v they_o not_o to_o dedicate_v to_o christ_n the_o retain_v their_o honour_n unvouch_v unviolate_a by_o any_o creature_n and_o present_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n a_o supremacy_n unprostitute_v be_v the_o true_a glory_n do_v by_o christian_a prince_n to_o christianity_n 2._o if_o there_o be_v not_o the_o liberty_n allow_v to_o nation_n to_o espouse_v christianity_n to_o their_o government_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o honour_n to_o themselves_o of_o be_v religious_a and_o christian_n as_o nation_n the_o condition_n of_o nation_n be_v worse_a than_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n for_o now_o people_n as_o in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o nation_n may_v not_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o have_v the_o lord_n for_o their_o god_n they_o may_v not_o crown_v themselves_o with_o the_o chief_a glory_n of_o nation_n viz._n true_a religion_n moses_n we_o know_v often_o magnify_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o themselves_o in_o this_o particular_a viz._n the_o excellency_n of_o their_o religion_n he_o use_v it_o as_o a_o great_a argument_n that_o god_n love_v the_o nation_n he_o tell_v they_o it_o be_v their_o wisdom_n and_o honour_n before_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o who_o have_v reason_n to_o defer_v to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o wise_a nation_n a_o understand_a people_n that_o have_v such_o etc._n deut._n 4._o 8_o etc._n etc._n statute_n and_o judgement_n now_o see_v christian_a religion_n have_v the_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o wisdom_n truth_n and_o goodness_n not_o only_o so_o superior_a to_o all_o the_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n as_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n but_o much_o superior_a to_o that_o under_o administration_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n itself_o among_o the_o jew_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o nation_n to_o enfranchise_v it_o as_o the_o public_a national_a religion_n by_o the_o same_o authority_n whereby_o they_o make_v valid_a any_o other_o law_n or_o act_n so_o as_o to_o become_v the_o act_n of_o the_o public_a and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v those_o many_o expression_n of_o ephes_n 6._o eph._n 2._o 14._o c._n 3._o 6._o 2._o 14._o c._n 3._o 6._o break_v down_o the_o partition_n wall_n and_o admit_v all_o nation_n to_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o body_n together_o be_v intend_v not_o only_o to_o signify_v that_o they_o may_v unite_v in_o lesser_a congregation_n but_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o national_a association_n else_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v into_o the_o same_o freedom_n and_o immunity_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v nor_o can_v egypt_n and_o assyria_n be_v so_o equal_a with_o israel_n that_o israel_n shall_v be_v but_o a_o three_o with_o they_o who_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n shall_v bless_v all_o alike_o with_o no_o more_o variation_n than_o egypt_n my_o people_n assyria_n the_o work_n of_o my_o hand_n and_o israel_n my_o inheritance_n isa_n 19_o we_o may_v find_v christianity_n intend_v to_o embrace_v all_o
inducement_n fâ—om_a scripture_n there_o be_v the_o same_o urgency_n of_o reason_n for_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n pass_v upon_o man_n as_o in_o nation_n and_o lesser_a community_n as_o upon_o their_o single_a person_n for_o else_o their_o action_n can_v never_o be_v judge_v the_o very_a compliance_n with_o the_o custom_n of_o nation_n with_o the_o sway_n of_o such_o a_o age_n and_o time_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o many_o sin_n and_o the_o sinful_a way_n of_o man_n be_v so_o lock_v into_o one_o another_o that_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o give_v sentence_n upon_o all_o thing_n most_o righteous_o comprehend_v they_o together_o even_o as_o the_o fall_v angel_n the_o old_a world_n be_v judge_v together_o and_o in_o common_a in_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n be_v give_v a_o pre-appeatance_a of_o the_o final_a seven_o judas_n seven_o judgement_n upon_o the_o world_n for_o the_o apostle_n tellâ—_n we_o they_o be_v set_v forth_o for_o a_o ensample_n and_o that_o they_o suffer_v the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n and_o we_o know_v they_o suffer_v in_o their_o community_n corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n with_o all_o their_o company_n be_v involve_v as_o in_o the_o sin_n so_o in_o the_o punishment_n and_o there_o be_v no_o separation_n except_o where_o repentance_n and_o that_o with_o great_a difficulty_n have_v make_v it_o so_o on_o the_o happy_a side_n of_o thing_n religious_a nation_n and_o community_n encourage_v and_o assist_v one_o another_o in_o act_n of_o love_n service_n and_o duty_n to_o god_n in_o virtue_n and_o all_o goodness_n and_o enfold_v their_o piety_n mutual_o so_o that_o on_o neither_o side_n the_o recompense_n of_o mercy_n or_o justice_n can_v be_v proportion_v but_o as_o in_o community_n 2._o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o last_o judgement_n pass_v upon_o nation_n as_o nation_n as_o for_o its_o pass_v upon_o private_a person_n as_o private_a person_n for_o let_v any_o one_o survey_a history_n and_o he_o shall_v find_v nation_n as_o nation_n have_v escape_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n as_o much_o as_o single_a person_n and_o the_o same_o sort_n of_o revolution_n change_n and_o final_a period_n have_v befall_v nation_n profess_v god_n and_o christ_n as_o those_o that_o have_v be_v enemy_n to_o such_o profession_n as_o be_v most_o apparent_a in_o a_o compare_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o christian_a nation_n yea_o general_o those_o that_o have_v be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n have_v be_v most_o speedy_o punish_v as_o those_o that_o god_n have_v most_o especial_o know_v of_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o prophet_n habâ—kkuk's_n first_o chapter_n be_v spend_v upon_o this_o very_a subject_n of_o that_o wicked_a nation_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n so_o prosperous_a above_o the_o jew_n describe_v in_o many_o elegant_a similitude_n and_o vehement_o expostulate_v from_o the_o twelve_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n whoever_o shall_v consider_v the_o ancient_a roman_n or_o the_o papacy_n or_o the_o turkish_a empire_n since_o the_o rise_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o to_o judge_v nation_n as_o natiâ—â—â—_n at_o last_o appertain_v as_o much_o to_o the_o paramount_n sovereignty_n oâ—â—â—vine_a justice_n and_o more_o than_o single_a person_n nation_n that_o have_v be_v so_o great_a and_o formidable_a and_o prince_n swell_v with_o the_o height_n of_o pride_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n shall_v in_o all_o reason_n stand_v in_o those_o very_a appearance_n at_o his_o tribunal_n with_o their_o wise_a senate_n mighty_a captain_n army_n and_o multitude_n about_o they_o and_o so_o be_v sentence_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n the_o only_a potentate_n the_o king_n of_o king_n lord_n of_o lord_n and_o prince_n of_o prince_n even_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o humane_a native_a else_o they_o will_v not_o be_v judge_v at_o all_o as_o nation_n for_o here_o neither_o love_n nor_o hatred_n can_v be_v know_v any_o more_o to_o nation_n than_o to_o single_a person_n by_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o we_o there_o be_v often_o one_o event_n to_o all_o to_o the_o righteous_a and_o merciful_a and_o to_o the_o unjust_a and_o tyrannic_a nation_n to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o unclean_a people_n to_o they_o that_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o to_o they_o that_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n there_o be_v as_o many_o instance_n of_o the_o severity_n of_o god_n against_o private_a particular_a wicked_a person_n as_o against_o such_o prince_n nation_n or_o particular_a age_n and_o of_o his_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n to_o the_o one_o as_o to_o the_o other_o there_o be_v as_o great_a example_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o private_a particular_a good_a man_n as_o to_o pious_a nation_n and_o government_n and_o of_o his_o severe_a correction_n upon_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o the_o piety_n therefore_o and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o nation_n according_a to_o their_o particular_a generation_n equal_o wait_v for_o the_o last_o day_n even_o as_o of_o single_a person_n for_o though_o there_o be_v period_n judgement_n set_v to_o itself_o and_o when_o sin_n be_v come_v to_o its_o height_n judgement_n stay_v no_o long_o yet_o this_o without_o a_o future_a judgement_n will_v not_o give_v satisfaction_n for_o the_o age_n of_o prosperity_n and_o greatness_n the_o many_o signal_n victory_n the_o stupendous_a grandeur_n many_o very_a bad_a nation_n and_o their_o prince_n have_v arrive_v at_o and_o continue_v in_o before_o the_o final_a calamity_n have_v overtake_v they_o any_o more_o than_o die_v at_o last_o with_o great_a circumstance_n of_o pain_n and_o horror_n answer_v for_o the_o worldly_a prosperity_n of_o many_o a_o wicked_a man_n if_o after_o death_n there_o be_v no_o judgement_n so_o that_o especial_o as_o to_o particular_a generation_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o nation_n as_o of_o particular_a person_n 3._o if_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v as_o public_o transact_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o to_o be_v set_v upon_o as_o open_v and_o universal_a a_o theatre_n as_o they_o be_v act_v upon_o here_o and_o that_o before_o the_o congregation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n at_o that_o day_n there_o be_v not_o so_o great_a reason_n for_o a_o universal_a judgement_n the_o privatâ—â—udgment_n of_o soul_n may_v suffice_v nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d scripture_n shall_v lay_v so_o great_a weight_n upon_o the_o resurrection_n and_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o very_a same_o body_n at_o least_o as_o to_o the_o principal_a part_n and_o so_o as_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o same_o person_n why_o thus_o if_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v present_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n relation_n community_n and_o the_o most_o notorious_a appearance_n wherein_o they_o converse_v and_o whereby_o they_o be_v most_o know_v in_o the_o world_n let_v this_o then_o be_v grant_v and_o it_o will_v rise_v up_o to_o state_n governor_n senate_n prince_n their_o law_n and_o transaction_n with_o the_o temper_n of_o their_o time_n and_o indeed_o this_o set_a person_n their_o place_n of_o habitation_n their_o nation_n their_o time_n together_o must_v needs_o break_v out_o with_o the_o great_a lustre_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o supremacy_n of_o divine_a judgement_n when_o every_o thing_n shall_v be_v call_v to_o account_v and_o represent_v over_o again_o just_a as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o world_n thing_n high_a and_o low_a public_a and_o private_a national_a and_o personal_a but_o without_o this_o all_o will_v be_v dark_a private_a obscure_a and_o imperfect_a notwithstanding_o the_o gather_v all_o together_o to_o that_o tribunal_n for_o very_o momentous_a cause_n circumstance_n aggravation_n or_o extenuation_n of_o good_a or_o evil_a can_v not_o be_v understand_v the_o pride_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n will_v not_o be_v sufficient_o humble_v and_o abase_v nor_o despise_a goodness_n enough_o raise_v and_o honour_v and_o so_o will_v amount_v to_o little_o more_o than_o a_o private_a judgement_n as_o i_o say_v before_o but_o scripture_n every_o where_o instruct_v we_o it_o be_v the_o very_a design_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o show_v and_o present_v the_o whole_a scene_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o seâ—_n the_o balance_n of_o they_o even_o in_o all_o particular_n it_o be_v the_o day_n not_o only_o of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n but_o of_o the_o manifestation_n of_o it_o every_o thing_n be_v then_o compose_v to_o show_v and_o manifestation_n it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n who_o god_n will_v then_o show_v in_o the_o high_a glory_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n and_o so_o that_o his_o low_a despise_v humble_a and_o crucify_a state_n shall_v also_o be_v see_v and_o the_o glory_n triumph_n over_o it_o to_o the_o utter_a confusion_n and_o wail_v of_o
themselves_o as_o well_o as_o person_n wherein_o religion_n have_v prevail_v to_o such_o degree_n as_o to_o be_v call_v national_a be_v conserve_v in_o those_o that_o be_v save_v even_o as_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o angelic_a nature_n be_v conserve_v in_o the_o holy_a and_o elect_a angel_n as_o the_o humane_a nature_n in_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a of_o they_o that_o be_v save_v in_o all_o nation_n as_o in_o isaac_n the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n be_v call_v as_o in_o isaac_n child_n the_o child_n of_o promise_n be_v count_v for_o the_o seed_n thus_o the_o honour_n of_o particular_a etc._n rom._n 9_o 7_o etc._n etc._n nation_n be_v treasure_v up_o in_o the_o elect_a of_o it_o so_o that_o if_o we_o suppose_v a_o nation_n without_o convert_v it_o be_v lose_v as_o to_o happiness_n or_o as_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v as_o the_o tribe_n of_o dan_n have_v no_o name_n among_o those_o etc._n rev._n 7._o 5_o etc._n etc._n seal_a tribe_n to_o which_o we_o have_v relation_n before_o and_o as_o the_o order_n of_o each_o tribe_n be_v dispose_v according_a to_o the_o happy_a memory_n of_o the_o worthy_n of_o every_o tribe_n and_o their_o more_o noble_a act_n in_o or_o for_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o be_v observe_v by_o interpreter_n and_o as_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o glory_n to_o every_o christian_a according_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o service_n that_o abound_v to_o his_o account_n so_o the_o case_n be_v with_o nation_n and_o generation_n the_o more_o and_o more_o eminent_a man_n any_o have_v bring_v forth_o the_o more_o it_o shall_v be_v adorn_v at_o that_o day_n it_o become_v a_o diadem_n and_o crown_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o be_v as_o the_o 5._o isa_n 62._o 3._o 5._o prophet_n express_v it_o as_o a_o bride_n marry_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o her_o son_n so_o that_o the_o last_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o nation_n be_v very_o great_o concern_v in_o their_o common_a faith_n and_o religion_n and_o the_o near_a participation_n they_o have_v be_v capable_a of_o in_o one_o another_o holiness_n and_o piety_n and_o therefore_o the_o more_o they_o can_v do_v to_o enlarge_v and_o increase_v it_o the_o more_o they_o add_v to_o the_o common_a glory_n and_o salvation_n and_o do_v most_o ensure_v their_o own_o on_o the_o other_o side_n although_o there_o be_v a_o lessen_v of_o honour_n to_o a_o nation_n by_o the_o fewness_n of_o those_o that_o be_v save_v and_o in_o the_o many_o of_o those_o that_o perish_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o that_o the_o glory_n be_v counterbalanced_a by_o the_o disadvantage_n for_o there_o be_v a_o much_o high_a account_n of_o glory_n to_o the_o goodness_n grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o excellent_a state_n of_o god_n creation_n in_o the_o elect_a angel_n and_o the_o recover_a part_n of_o mankind_n in_o that_o new_a heaven_n and_o new_a earth_n wherein_o dwell_v righteousness_n than_o there_o be_v depression_n of_o that_o glory_n in_o those_o that_o perish_v and_o their_o contrary_a state_n so_o the_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o angelic_a and_o humane_a nature_n itself_o and_o so_o of_o nation_n be_v more_o conserve_v in_o those_o that_o be_v save_v of_o they_o than_o in_o those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v for_o there_o be_v a_o much_o more_o a_o much_o high_a reign_n of_o righteousness_n and_o life_n assert_v by_o the_o apostle_n than_o of_o 17._o rom._n 5._o 17._o sin_n and_o death_n although_o scripture_n and_o general_a observation_n give_v reason_n to_o fear_v there_o be_v more_o that_o perish_v than_o that_o be_v save_v and_o however_o we_o can_v unfold_v the_o mystery_n of_o it_o this_o then_o stand_v as_o a_o impregnable_a argument_n for_o national_a religion_n if_o it_o conduce_v so_o much_o to_o the_o future_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o â—_z and_o so_o to_o the_o more_o exalt_a glory_n and_o salvation_n of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v zealous_a herein_o and_o both_o these_o in_o a_o more_o national_a visible_a way_n than_o thing_n be_v transact_v before_o our_o eye_n in_o this_o world_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o such_o future_a state_n whether_o at_o the_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n or_o throughout_o eternity_n we_o can_v define_v yet_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v can_v be_v deny_v when_o so_o much_o of_o scripture_n so_o much_o of_o reason_n concur_v in_o it_o and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o irreligion_n of_o nation_n towards_o the_o true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v shall_v be_v revenge_v by_o the_o most_o sensible_a apparent_a infamy_n contempt_n and_o wrath_n from_o heaven_n in_o which_o those_o that_o have_v have_v the_o most_o malignant_a influence_n into_o such_o irreligion_n shall_v have_v a_o double_a measure_n and_o all_o this_o in_o a_o national_a way_n i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v persuade_v more_o to_o national_a religion_n than_o so_o great_a a_o consideration_n and_o so_o i_o finish_v this_o four_o argument_n the_o five_o argument_n for_o national_a religion_n shall_v be_v only_o a_o complication_n argum._n 5_o of_o consequential_a benefit_n flow_v from_o true_a national_a religion_n unite_v in_o which_o may_v indeed_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o persuade_v union_n in_o religion_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a yet_o they_o be_v only_o applicable_a upon_o true_a reason_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n 1._o national_a religion_n contribute_v to_o the_o most_o happy_a state_n peace_n and_o union_n of_o nation_n jâ—rusalem_n by_o virtue_n of_o its_o national_a religion_n as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v be_v as_o a_o city_n compact_v together_o now_o that_o which_o have_v a_o fitness_n and_o aptitude_n by_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n to_o strengthen_v and_o corroborate_v a_o nation_n may_v very_o just_o be_v choose_v by_o it_o for_o its_o own_o conservation_n and_o happiness_n upon_o that_o very_a account_n but_o especial_o when_o it_o be_v subordinate_v to_o better_a reason_n too_o and_o of_o a_o much_o high_a nature_n every_o one_o therefore_o shall_v give_v the_o advantage_n to_o national_a peace_n by_o consent_v in_o national_a religion_n so_o that_o we_o lose_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o national_a peace_n which_o may_v be_v suppose_v too_o to_o rise_v from_o a_o national_a religion_n though_o false_a but_o national_a true_a religion_n be_v a_o mean_v fit_v by_o god_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o nation_n and_o such_o a_o mean_n as_o be_v acceptable_a and_o well_o please_v to_o he_o first_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n for_o unity_n in_o religion_n give_v excellency_n to_o religion_n and_o make_v all_o the_o service_n of_o it_o more_o acceptable_a as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v it_o be_v also_o well_o please_v to_o god_n as_o it_o cement_v the_o peace_n of_o nation_n which_o be_v of_o high_a price_n with_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o christ_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n who_o have_v command_v we_o to_o seek_v peace_n and_o pursue_v it_o to_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a to_o live_v in_o peace_n as_o much_o 133_o 1_o thes_n 4._o 11._o rom._n 12._o 18._o prov._n 6._o 19_o mat._n 5._o 1._o psalm_n 133_o as_o lie_v in_o we_o and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a with_o all_o man_n who_o have_v brand_v the_o sow_a discord_n among_o brethren_n as_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a abomination_n to_o he_o but_o have_v bless_v the_o peacemaker_n own_v they_o as_o his_o child_n he_o have_v make_v truth_n and_o peace_n the_o stability_n of_o any_o time_n these_o be_v the_o pillar_n that_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o he_o have_v set_v the_o nation_n he_o love_v upon_o they_o behold_v how_o good_a and_o how_o pleasant_a it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o live_v thus_o together_o in_o unity_n it_o be_v like_o the_o precious_a ointment_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n where_o it_o be_v find_v the_o lord_n have_v command_v the_o blessing_n even_o life_n for_o evermore_o thus_o religion_n by_o be_v national_a be_v free_v from_o the_o charge_n of_o be_v a_o design_n and_o occasion_n of_o disturbance_n thus_o the_o heart_n of_o prince_n safe_o trust_v in_o it_o thus_o it_o become_v the_o very_a ligament_n and_o sinew_n of_o government_n a_o pia_fw-la mater_fw-la to_o the_o sacredness_n of_o authority_n and_o make_v sovereignty_n easy_a and_o sweet_a both_o to_o prince_n and_o people_n what_o but_o truth_n can_v be_v weigh_v against_o this_o peace_n and_o that_o not_o all_o truth_n but_o truth_n dwell_v so_o near_o the_o essence_n of_o religion_n the_o very_a purity_n of_o divine_a worship_n that_o as_o it_o can_v be_v sell_v nor_o part_v with_o so_o it_o may_v not_o be_v conceal_v a_o man_n may_v not_o have_v it_o to_o himself_o
but_o with_o his_o mouth_n must_v make_v confession_n of_o it_o to_o salvation_n 2._o true_a religion_n become_v national_a have_v the_o desence_n and_o security_n of_o national_a wisdom_n force_n and_o strength_n against_o false_a religion_n and_o its_o force_n and_o endeavour_n to_o expel_v the_o true_a and_o become_v national_a itself_o for_o a_o nation_n divide_v against_o itself_o in_o religion_n how_o can_v its_o religious_a interest_n stand_v when_o though_o the_o main_n be_v agree_v yet_o if_o difference_n of_o a_o under_o nature_n be_v manage_v with_o high_a exasperation_n it_o must_v needs_o endanger_v the_o staple_n religion_n itself_o by_o weaken_v dispirit_v and_o divide_v the_o strength_n that_o shall_v engage_v for_o it_o while_o every_o one_o take_v care_n for_o his_o private_a sentiment_n and_o be_v jealous_a of_o be_v undermine_v or_o oppress_v in_o they_o the_o public_a and_o common_a religion_n can_v be_v environ_v and_o defend_v with_o that_o vigour_n and_o union_n a_o nation_n unite_v in_o protestancy_n be_v the_o great_a bulwark_n against_o popery_n what_o can_v single_a interest_n do_v in_o this_o case_n even_o experience_n teach_v those_o that_o dissent_n from_o one_o another_o in_o many_o thing_n even_o in_o national_a reform_v religion_n to_o acknowledge_v this_o union_n the_o fort-royal_a against_o the_o hostile_a invasion_n of_o popery_n which_o shall_v conciliate_v they_o as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a among_o themselves_o 3._o true_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v national_a secure_v best_a against_o those_o undermine_a enemy_n of_o atheism_n heresy_n enthusiasm_n wild_a and_o monstrous_a opinion_n profaneness_n neglect_v of_o all_o religion_n coldness_n lukewarmness_n which_o take_v shelter_n and_o manage_v their_o defence_n from_o the_o division_n in_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o nation_n settle_v and_o confirm_v into_o avow_a sect_n and_o several_a party_n but_o national_a union_n in_o a_o true_a religion_n strike_v they_o both_o with_o fear_n and_o shame_n 4._o the_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o public_a religion_n as_o before_o declare_v come_v down_o upon_o a_o religious_a nationa_n and_o all_o the_o true_o religious_a part_n of_o it_o both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v according_a to_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o union_n in_o national_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v a_o interest_n far_o great_a than_o that_o of_o trade_n warlike_a defence_n or_o the_o policy_n of_o city_n or_o kingdom_n accurse_a therefore_o be_v that_o irreligion_n or_o disunion_n that_o enfeeble_v it_o he_o that_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n as_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o and_o he_o that_o prodigal_o commit_v waste_v upon_o a_o religious_a principle_n be_v worse_a than_o they_o that_o by_o riotous_a live_n or_o idleness_n do_v their_o part_n to_o impoverish_v a_o nation_n he_o that_o upon_o division_n retire_v from_o the_o public_a religion_n without_o necessity_n take_v his_o interest_n out_o of_o the_o national_a bank_n or_o bottom_n or_o sullen_o let_v it_o lie_v dead_a such_o kind_n of_o partying_n in_o religion_n without_o necessity_n be_v like_o the_o hetaeriae_fw-la or_o cabal_n in_o civil_a government_n consultation_n without_o respect_n to_o the_o public_a and_o so_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o it_o a_o injury_n of_o great_a guilt_n see_v we_o owe_v so_o much_o to_o the_o public_a and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v what_o i_o intend_v in_o the_o argue_v this_o point_n i_o shall_v now_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v object_v to_o it_o as_o a_o occasion_n further_o to_o explain_v this_o whole_a doctrine_n and_o the_o great_a objection_n i_o can_v conceive_v in_o prejudice_n of_o what_o i_o have_v assert_v concern_v national_a religion_n i_o reduce_v to_o these_o follow_v obj._n 1_o when_o god_n give_v the_o great_a instance_n and_o pattern_n of_o national_a religion_n especial_o as_o in_o a_o national_a church_n how_o much_o otherwise_o do_v he_o find_v it_o than_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v derive_v from_o our_o saviour_n institution_n he_o begin_v it_o in_o a_o holy_a root_n that_o sprout_v out_o and_o grow_v and_o flourish_v into_o a_o nation_n holy_a to_o god_n by_o his_o appointment_n they_o meet_v together_o at_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o solemn_a feast_n and_o sacrifice_n as_o public_a ordinance_n the_o priest_n and_o more_o especial_o the_o high-priest_n be_v in_o most_o authorirative_a deputation_n from_o god_n between_o he_o and_o that_o peculiar_a people_n that_o they_o may_v unite_v all_o as_o in_o one._n the_o temple_n altar_n and_o holy_a of_o holies_n be_v as_o the_o common_a centre_n of_o all_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o a_o great_a sin_n it_o be_v to_o have_v multiply_v any_o of_o these_o and_o so_o to_o have_v make_v a_o division_n they_o have_v prophet_n who_o be_v their_o extraordinary_a national_a minister_n their_o office_n and_o sermon_n close_o relate_v to_o the_o general_a state_n last_o their_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v under_o the_o strict_a obligation_n to_o attemper_v their_o government_n and_o administration_n to_o the_o religious_a law_n give_v by_o god_n to_o that_o people_n beside_o all_o this_o they_o have_v the_o levite_n disperse_v through_o their_o city_n and_o village_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o synagogue_n the_o place_n wherein_o they_o assemble_v for_o constant_a exercise_n of_o religion_n but_o now_o what_o a_o silence_n be_v there_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n or_o any_o thing_n like_o they_o with_o relation_n to_o nation_n in_o our_o lord_n appointment_n his_o apostle_n call_v man_n out_o of_o judaisme_n or_o heathenism_n the_o then_o religion_n of_o nation_n into_o private_a and_o particular_a assembly_n call_v church_n under_o pastor_n particular_a to_o they_o without_o any_o rule_n for_o christian_a magistrate_n or_o expectation_n of_o service_n from_o they_o which_o argue_v he_o do_v not_o intend_v national_a church_n or_o if_o he_o do_v by_o the_o prophet_n signify_v any_o such_o it_o be_v not_o intend_v they_o shall_v be_v in_o this_o dark_a and_o cloudy_a state_n wherein_o antichristianism_n have_v so_o prevail_v it_o be_v reserve_v for_o some_o more_o glorious_a state_n of_o the_o church_n some_o more_o eminent_a appearance_n of_o christ_n wherein_o such_o prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v 2._o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v the_o only_a instance_n we_o have_v in_o scripture_n of_o christian_a society_n the_o discourse_n of_o they_o the_o rule_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o be_v all_o fit_v to_o private_a and_o particular_a congregation_n and_o where_o there_o be_v any_o such_o speak_v of_o they_o be_v call_v church_n or_o congregation_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o association_n in_o christian_a religion_n mention_v but_o under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n to_o signify_v christian_n religious_a society_n and_o church_n be_v all_o one_o so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o national_a christian_n religion_n without_o a_o national_a church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n either_o of_o a_o national_a christian_n religion_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o a_o national_a church_n 3._o a_o national_a church_n or_o a_o national_a religion_n must_v depend_v upon_o a_o national_a magistracy_n the_o church_n must_v be_v gather_v in_o they_o the_o religion_n establish_v by_o they_o subject_a to_o their_o law_n and_o penal_a statute_n and_o beyond_o this_o those_o that_o can_v be_v every_o way_n compliant_a with_o the_o whole_a national_a scheme_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o enemy_n to_o or_o disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o government_n of_o the_o nation_n because_o the_o government_n and_o the_o religion_n be_v incorporate_a together_o whereas_o the_o law_n and_o religion_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v all_o in_o he_o and_o depend_v upon_o he_o only_o how_o far_o be_v this_o from_o a_o national_a church_n to_o give_v first_o a_o answer_n to_o these_o objection_n together_o the_o argument_n already_o mention_v do_v mighty_o prevail_v with_o i_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a christianity_n shall_v by_o any_o of_o its_o influence_n so_o much_o as_o suspend_v so_o absolute_a a_o natural_a duty_n upon_o mankind_n as_o this_o viz._n to_o consecrate_v national_a association_n to_o god_n in_o national_a religion_n but_o that_o it_o be_v always_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o people_n to_o unite_v in_o national_a christian_n religion_n or_o that_o the_o redeemer_n of_o mankind_n shall_v cut_v off_o so_o great_a a_o privilege_n of_o nation_n as_o that_o to_o entitle_v themselves_o national_o to_o god_n and_o his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n and_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o only_a true_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n or_o that_o the_o very_a proper_a and_o natural_a glory_n of_o christianity_n to_o make_v disciple_n of_o all_o nation_n may_v not_o at_o all_o time_n be_v endeavour_v by_o every_o particular_a nation_n however_o the_o prophecy_n may_v be_v more_o literal_o fulfil_v hereafter_o in_o the_o purity_n and_o universality_n
one_o view_n be_v by_o st._n stephen_n as_o i_o observe_v call_v the_o church_n and_o the_o congregation_n after_o they_o be_v become_v a_o nation_n though_o they_o can_v not_o all_o then_o meet_v together_o be_v call_v the_o church_n also_o because_o they_o be_v all_o under_o one_o law_n and_o institution_n all_o partaker_n of_o the_o same_o right_n and_o privilege_n and_o so_o indeed_o all_o particular_a church_n of_o christian_n be_v but_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o lesser_a association_n as_o the_o circumference_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o same_o though_o in_o so_o many_o different_a orison_n as_o light_n be_v the_o same_o though_o various_o model_v by_o its_o several_a reception_n as_o the_o ocean_n be_v one_o by_o how_o many_o several_a denomination_n soever_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o shore_n it_o wash_v or_o the_o channel_n or_o other_o situation_n it_o rest_v in_o so_o this_o church_n be_v often_o speak_v of_o as_o one_o church_n and_o as_o several_a church_n as_o the_o sea_n be_v one_o and_o several_a sea_n they_o be_v so_o much_o every_o way_n the_o same_o as_o to_o differ_v only_o in_o the_o universality_n but_o whether_o a_o nation_n unite_v in_o christianity_n may_v be_v call_v a_o national_a church_n have_v many_o dissent_v of_o opinion_n appertain_v to_o it_o and_o not_o possible_a to_o be_v decide_v by_o express_a scripture_n there_o be_v no_o christian_a nation_n under_o heaven_n in_o those_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o it_o be_v write_v i_o shall_v leave_v whole_o in_o the_o middle_n and_o only_o observe_v two_o thing_n concern_v this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o there_o can_v no_o great_a matter_n accrue_v to_o either_o side_n of_o it_o by_o decide_v for_o or_o against_o a_o national_a church_n for_o allow_v a_o national_a church_n or_o if_o you_o will_v a_o congregational_a church_n agree_v in_o any_o thing_n not_o agree_v with_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n or_o if_o either_o of_o they_o want_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o case_n christian_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o retire_v from_o the_o irregularity_n of_o any_o such_o church_n either_o national_a or_o congregational_a that_o they_o may_v be_v pure_a from_o corruption_n in_o the_o second_o case_n christian_n must_v find_v out_o the_o way_n and_o opportunity_n so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a whereby_o they_o may_v perform_v all_o the_o duty_n command_v by_o christ_n though_o they_o separate_v from_o either_o of_o those_o church_n no_o further_o than_o to_o those_o end_n but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o corruption_n in_o the_o main_n or_o a_o defect_n in_o the_o vital_n of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n of_o christ_n in_o either_o notion_n or_o church_n that_o will_v not_o be_v upon_o due_a remonstrance_n reform_v then_o if_o according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n christian_n gather_v into_o assembly_n though_o lesser_a though_o but_o of_o two_o or_o three_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o inconvenience_n of_o rend_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o make_v division_n in_o his_o church_n shall_v condemn_v they_o for_o the_o society_n desert_v be_v not_o his_o church_n but_o the_o society_n that_o do_v desert_n be_v his_o church_n suppose_v it_o retire_v sincere_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o other_o side_n suppose_v a_o national_a church_n not_o of_o the_o ordination_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o under_o that_o name_n or_o notion_n yet_o if_o that_o stand_v good_a which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o every_o nation_n to_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n establish_v in_o nature_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n to_o plant_v true_a christian_a religion_n upon_o its_o national_a union_n it_o will_v be_v still_o every_o christian_n duty_n to_o join_v in_o unite_z himself_z with_o encourage_v and_o promote_v all_o that_o true_a national_a christian_n religion_n and_o not_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o any_o further_a than_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n oblige_v he_o that_o he_o may_v yield_v obedience_n to_o all_o those_o law_n for_o it_o be_v the_o absolute_a duty_n of_o every_o member_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o seek_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o his_o nation_n in_o his_o sphere_n as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v of_o the_o jew_n in_o so_o high_a a_o orb_n when_o he_o profess_v his_o great_a heaviness_n and_o sorrow_n of_o heart_n even_o to_o the_o wish_v himself_o accurse_v from_o christ_n and_o pray_v with_o his_o heart_n desire_v they_o may_v be_v save_v on_o account_n of_o which_o in_o so_o many_o thing_n he_o become_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o jew_n and_o write_v that_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n it_o be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n to_o i_o most_o probable_a it_o be_v he_o that_o he_o may_v make_v good_a all_o those_o great_a profession_n of_o love_n to_o they_o for_o though_o it_o be_v peculiar_o direct_v to_o the_o christian_a hebrew_n yet_o it_o have_v a_o aspect_n upon_o the_o whole_a religion_n and_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o scope_n of_o adjust_v all_o the_o mosaic_a and_o jewish_a law_n to_o the_o gospel-mediation_n make_v plain_a and_o so_o be_v in_o itself_o most_o proper_a for_o the_o conversion_n of_o that_o nation_n as_o a_o nation_n see_v their_o own_a and_o glory_v in_o national_a religion_n true_o understand_v lead_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n just_o now_o to_o have_v be_v their_o national_a religion_n if_o they_o have_v yield_v obedience_n to_o their_o own_o law_n right_o interpret_v now_o if_o national_a religion_n be_v a_o undoubted_a obligation_n upon_o nation_n and_o the_o member_n of_o nation_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v true_a those_o law_n those_o officer_n that_o be_v though_o not_o ordain_v by_o christ_n yet_o not_o contradictory_n to_o his_o ordination_n but_o necessary_a according_a to_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n to_o the_o establish_v true_a religion_n as_o national_a must_v be_v submit_v to_o also_o upon_o the_o account_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o true_a religion_n as_o national_a but_o if_o national_a religion_n wander_v from_o truth_n that_o fundamental_a liberty_n establish_v by_o scripture_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v always_o preserve_v that_o i_o before_o assert_v as_o give_v right_o to_o retire_v from_o all_o society_n not_o unite_v in_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o defection_n from_o it_o but_o for_o the_o further_o justify_v national_a true_a religion_n i_o will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n observe_v from_o scripture_n the_o uses_n and_o great_a end_n of_o church_n and_o see_v how_o far_o national_a religion_n may_v be_v accommodate_v to_o they_o for_o church_n be_v not_o therefore_o appoint_v that_o man_n may_v arbitrary_o and_o fanciful_o choose_v which_o or_o what_o sort_n they_o will_v be_v of_o but_o that_o the_o true_a reason_n and_o purpose_n of_o they_o may_v be_v observe_v and_o comply_v with_o and_o they_o be_v these_o three_o 1._o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o generation_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n however_o disperse_v at_o whatever_o distance_n soever_o remote_a yet_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n prayer_n preach_v praise_v god_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o if_o opportunity_n allow_v and_o invite_v it_o in_o the_o same_o actual_a worship_n and_o at_o all_o time_n close_o compact_v in_o a_o virtual_a and_o mystical_a communion_n with_o one_o another_o the_o same_o spirit_n run_v through_o all_o unite_n all_o to_o christ_n and_o god_n and_o one_o with_o another_o join_v in_o the_o same_o love_n and_o sympathy_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o prosperity_n and_o of_o sorrow_n in_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n one_o of_o another_o and_o with_o all_o readiness_n in_o yield_v the_o fruit_n of_o mutual_a charity_n mercy_n and_o compassion_n from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o the_o other_o every_o true_a christian_a be_v the_o compassionate_a samaritan_n to_o every_o other_o christian_a and_o not_o jewish_o distinguish_v his_o mercy_n to_o his_o own_o sect_n party_n or_o church_n and_o in_o case_n of_o corruption_n and_o defection_n from_o the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v to_o christian_n a_o mutual_a power_n of_o remonstrate_v against_o those_o corruption_n and_o that_o defection_n by_o argue_v expostulate_v censure_v the_o evil_a of_o they_o yea_o and_o authoritative_a denounce_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n upon_o they_o for_o that_o charter_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o true_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o true_a church_n stand_v good_a as_o to_o age_n so_o to_o
all_o part_n of_o the_o true_a church_n who_o sin_n you_o remit_v be_v remit_v etc._n etc._n viz_o by_o solemn_a declaration_n out_o of_o and_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n even_o to_o the_o utmost_a distance_n wherein_o any_o rational_a possibility_n of_o extend_v such_o remonstrance_n and_o declaration_n with_o success_n and_o effect_n can_v be_v find_v there_o be_v not_o only_a power_n but_o a_o incumbent_a duty_n to_o do_v it_o this_o union_n now_o be_v of_o uncontrollable_a divine_a right_n thus_o much_o of_o national_a religion_n a_o national_a church_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v deny_v to_o a_o christian_a nation_n see_v to_o be_v thus_o of_o the_o church_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n every_o man_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v certain_o add_v to_o this_o church_n the_o entrance_n into_o which_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n be_v by_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n by_o a_o 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law_n national_a constitution_n and_o commerce_n in_o a_o more_o frequent_a and_o free_a conversation_n one_o with_o another_o so_o in_o religion_n when_o the_o part_n of_o it_o profess_v the_o same_o true_a religion_n and_o desire_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o most_o public_a way_n they_o can_v or_o who_o can_v deny_v that_o a_o nation_n may_v give_v name_n to_o a_o church_n see_v the_o very_a city_n give_v name_n to_o church_n where_o there_o be_v a_o number_n of_o christian_n act_v together_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n give_v to_o his_o church_n the_o obligation_n to_o true_a religion_n to_o public_a religion_n be_v undeniable_a the_o opportunity_n of_o agreement_n be_v the_o same_o and_o may_v be_v transact_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n all_o other_o national_a agreement_n be_v and_o what_o be_v a_o church_n but_o a_o society_n agree_v in_o all_o act_n of_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o law_n allow_v by_o christ_n have_v no_o other_o form_n but_o that_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n distinguish_v by_o the_o particular_a society_n or_o place_n where_o they_o reside_v i_o acknowledge_v two_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o particular_a by_o the_o nature_n of_o particular_a society_n and_o the_o place_n where_o they_o reside_v church_n 1._o consciousness_n or_o mutual_a knowledge_n of_o person_n and_o their_o worship_n 2._o consent_n this_o our_o saviour_n teach_v in_o that_o expression_n if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v mat._n 18._o and_o indeed_o not_o only_o in_o particular_a church_n but_o even_o in_o the_o catholic_n church_n itself_o these_o thing_n have_v their_o resemblance_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o divine_a spirit_n run_v through_o all_o know_v they_o all_o that_o true_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o one_o for_o another_o and_o by_o their_o true_a faith_n they_o all_o be_v unite_v in_o close_a consent_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n one_o with_o another_o which_o faith_n be_v keep_v from_o fail_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o they_o all_o that_o be_v true_o of_o it_o but_o because_o there_o must_v be_v yet_o a_o more_o particular_a understanding_n that_o christian_n have_v one_o with_o another_o that_o they_o may_v join_v in_o the_o same_o religious_a act_n and_o mutual_o assist_v one_o another_o in_o they_o therefore_o the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n upon_o earth_n though_o it_o be_v the_o great_a the_o most_o religious_a society_n the_o most_o strong_o band_v and_o cement_v yet_o be_v not_o sufficient_a because_o there_o be_v not_o that_o consciousness_n or_o mutual_a knowledge_n of_o and_o consent_n in_o one_o another_o faith_n and_o worship_n in_o distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o glorify_v god_n and_o christ_n in_o particular_a church_n this_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n too_o why_o the_o church-triumphant_a though_o inseparable_o unite_v with_o the_o church-militant_a and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o though_o more_o acceptable_a and_o prevalent_a in_o all_o its_o adoration_n yet_o can_v be_v communicate_v with_o actual_o and_o explicit_o we_o may_v not_o solicit_v such_o a_o communion_n with_o it_o here_o on_o earth_n because_o we_o be_v not_o conscious_a or_o know_v of_o any_o such_o particularity_n in_o their_o state_n or_o action_n as_o shall_v ground_v it_o nor_o be_v we_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v conscious_a of_o any_o of_o our_o particularity_n abraham_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v whole_o ignorant_a who_o we_o be_v when_o we_o pray_v or_o be_v exercise_v religious_o there_o be_v a_o thick_a and_o dark_a veil_n draw_v betwixt_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n as_o to_o such_o particular_a communion_n the_o father_n the_o son_n the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v only_o certain_o and_o particular_o know_v to_o we_o in_o that_o high_a region_n of_o they_o we_o be_v only_o assure_v they_o know_v we_o and_o all_o our_o action_n to_o ascribe_v the_o honour_n to_o any_o other_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n be_v to_o idolise_v they_o as_o well_o as_o to_o thrust_v into_o thing_n we_o have_v not_o see_v or_o know_v thus_o free_o i_o acknowledge_v the_o closeness_n and_o easiness_n of_o society_n of_o mutual_a understanding_n and_o consent_n with_o one_o another_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o particular_a church_n those_o duty_n of_o mutual_a exhortation_n assistance_n counsel_n and_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a reproof_n one_o of_o another_o beside_o the_o constant_a meeting_n in_o public_a worship_n that_o necessary_a severity_n of_o disow_v in_o case_n of_o great_a or_o incorrigible_a offence_n such_o person_n as_o walk_v in_o practice_n contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n not_o be_v possible_a but_o in_o the_o near_a conjunction_n one_o with_o another_o that_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n allow_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o be_v as_o
public_a too_o as_o it_o may_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n towards_o the_o people_n and_o of_o they_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v so_o over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n which_o consist_v in_o watchng_v for_o their_o soul_n as_o those_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o they_o and_o those_o soul_n therefore_o yield_v obedience_n to_o those_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o administer_a of_o which_o be_v style_v a_o ruling_n all_o these_o require_v a_o particular_a presence_n one_o with_o another_o and_o in_o such_o a_o proportion_n of_o number_n one_o to_o another_o that_o the_o principal_a duty_n may_v not_o be_v defeat_v by_o the_o over-number_n but_o that_o the_o service_n of_o all_o one_o to_o another_o may_v extend_v to_o all_o may_v comprehend_v all_o may_v continual_o pass_v and_o re-pass_a between_o all_o and_o in_o which_o all_o may_v continual_o demonstrate_v their_o consent_n and_o agreement_n but_o yet_o all_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v in_o bar_n of_o a_o national_a religion_n see_v that_o a_o nation_n as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v have_v and_o undeniable_o must_v have_v a_o national_a union_n and_o if_o true_a religion_n be_v fix_v there_o and_o carry_v along_o with_o that_o union_n it_o may_v well_o be_v call_v a_o national_a religion_n at_o least_o and_o without_o any_o injury_n a_o national_a church_n the_o agreement_n in_o the_o one_o carry_v also_o a_o agreement_n in_o the_o other_o make_v it_o so_o and_o as_o in_o such_o a_o national_a union_n though_o the_o standard_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o of_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o law_n judicature_n trade_n business_n militarystrength_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v preserve_v in_o capital_a city_n and_o court_n yet_o by_o the_o care_n of_o government_n they_o be_v all_o in_o due_a proportion_n distribute_v as_o the_o blood_n in_o the_o vein_n by_o fit_a channel_n to_o every_o particular_a as_o it_o be_v in_o circuit_n so_o the_o public_a agreement_n in_o religion_n settle_v the_o religious_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n more_o eminent_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o do_v most_o represent_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a in_o it_o yet_o with_o due_a care_n of_o every_o part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o bring_v it_o home_o particular_o to_o they_o and_o make_v the_o mutual_a intercourse_n in_o it_o free_a and_o open_a to_o all_o person_n in_o all_o place_n where_o they_o have_v occasion_n to_o pass_v up_o and_o down_o and_o maintain_v a_o intercourse_n one_o with_o another_o that_o wherever_o they_o be_v or_o have_v occasion_n to_o be_v they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o freedom_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o national_a religion_n to_o which_o at_o all_o time_n they_o give_v a_o know_v and_o even_o conscious_a vote_n that_o agree_v in_o it_o the_o assembly_n be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o view_n under_o a_o sufficiency_n of_o master_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o nation_n together_o and_o as_o national_a union_n do_v not_o swallow_v up_o lesser_a or_o even_o family_n union_n no_o more_o do_v a_o national_a any_o lesser_a church_n or_o religious_a society_n except_o by_o man_n own_o fault_n and_o wherever_o man_n thus_o unite_v come_v in_o the_o nation_n they_o glad_o lie_v hold_v of_o the_o opportunity_n of_o join_v with_o any_o other_o particular_a assembly_n to_o which_o sameness_n of_o language_n and_o manner_n give_v they_o ready_a admission_n beside_o particular_a knowledge_n and_o that_o national_a religion_n can_v be_v so_o very_o particular_a as_o congregational_a be_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o deny_v national_a and_o rest_v whole_o in_o congregational_a than_o it_o be_v to_o deny_v congregational_a and_o rest_n in_o family_n religion_n or_o to_o deny_v family_n and_o rest_n in_o personal_a religion_n because_o these_o be_v each_o close_a than_o other_o 3._o a_o three_o end_n of_o church_n come_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o more_o particular_o enforce_v national_a religion_n and_o justify_v its_o nationality_n viz._n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o illustrious_a famous_a and_o remarkable_a offer_n of_o religion_n to_o notice_n and_o observation_n for_o the_o draw_v in_o and_o congregate_a other_o to_o it_o thus_o a_o church_n be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n or_o seat_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o magnificent_a house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o what_o more_o advantageous_a to_o this_o end_n than_o a_o nation_n unite_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o we_o know_v have_v great_o the_o odds_o of_o particular_a congregation_n in_o this_o illustriousness_n and_o magnificence_n nor_o do_v this_o run_v out_o yet_o to_o the_o build_n the_o babel_n of_o rome_n that_o will_v mount_v up_o as_o a_o tower_n to_o heaven_n or_o as_o too_o ambitious_a pyramid_n that_o be_v often_o rebuke_v with_o lightning_n from_o heaven_n for_o come_v too_o near_o it_o see_v as_o i_o have_v before_o show_v such_o a_o universality_n enforce_v be_v destructive_a to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o public_a religion_n humane_a society_n be_v so_o bound_v by_o nation_n though_o all_o the_o treaty_n of_o nation_n of_o the_o same_o true_a religion_n may_v be_v manage_v to_o give_v it_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o it_o that_o can_v be_v procurate_v in_o such_o treaty_n so_o much_o then_o as_o national_a exceed_v and_o extend_v itself_o beyond_o any_o narrow_a compass_n and_o yet_o rejoin_v itself_o to_o and_o with_o itself_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o particular_a congregation_n so_o much_o do_v it_o partake_v of_o the_o magnificency_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o publickness_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o yet_o return_v into_o the_o closeness_n of_o particular_a church_n with_o themselves_o and_o be_v the_o just_a point_n betwixt_o the_o tyranny_n ambition_n and_o endlesness_n of_o popish_a universality_n and_o put_v christianity_n under_o a_o bed_n or_o bushel_n national_a religion_n and_o national_a union_n in_o it_o be_v as_o a_o city_n set_v upon_o a_o hill_n that_o can_v be_v hide_v as_o a_o candle_n set_v upon_o so_o exalt_v a_o candlestick_n that_o give_v light_a to_o all_o within_o itself_o and_o about_o it_o even_o as_o far_o as_o the_o fame_n of_o that_o nation_n reach_v the_o church_n much_o more_o as_o rising_z up_o into_o a_o national_a state_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o therefore_o though_o we_o may_v be_v in_o some_o regard_n more_o exact_a in_o the_o most_o private_a we_o go_v out_o of_o our_o personal_a religion_n into_o family_n religion_n out_o of_o our_o family_n religion_n into_o congregational_a and_o as_o the_o christian_n at_o first_o most_o probable_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o humane_a society_n go_v out_o of_o congregation_n into_o consociation_n of_o church_n in_o religion_n so_o we_o out_o of_o all_o these_o where_o national_a union_n in_o true_a religion_n allow_v it_o go_v into_o that_o national_a state_n that_o we_o may_v build_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o high_a in_o so_o sensible_a and_o understand_v a_o consent_n and_o union_n in_o it_o so_o public_a a_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n and_o though_o hereby_o it_o be_v as_o a_o net_n that_o draw_v in_o bad_a as_o well_o as_o good_a even_o visible_o and_o apparent_o yet_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o possible_a care_n against_o it_o in_o particular_a congregation_n though_o still_o national_a when_o we_o further_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n of_o corinth_n the_o state_n of_o the_o apocalyptick_a church_n the_o doubt_n will_v not_o be_v so_o cogent_a as_o to_o move_v national_a religion_n out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n the_o only_a remain_a doubt_n be_v that_o thus_o national_a magistracy_n become_v as_o the_o head_n of_o such_o a_o religion_n the_o national_a religion_n be_v gather_v and_o unite_v in_o the_o magistrate_n and_o his_o law_n and_o that_o which_o shall_v only_o be_v unite_v in_o and_o depend_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n become_v subject_a to_o another_o head_n on_o pretence_n of_o which_o magistrate_n have_v be_v attempt_v on_o too_o with_o force_n to_o bring_v their_o power_n to_o true_a religion_n the_o answer_n i_o give_v to_o this_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a in_o three_o head_n 1._o i_o always_o own_o any_o pretence_n take_v from_o exalt_v christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n to_o enforce_v civil_a power_n to_o ratify_v true_a religion_n into_o national_a constitution_n and_o law_n be_v most_o destructive_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n that_o be_v to_o use_v force_n for_o its_o own_o promotion_n and_o utter_o subvert_v government_n see_v private_a person_n may_v under_o this_o shelter_n and_o disguise_n rise_v up_o and_o invade_v and_o disturb_v any_o civil_a state_n or_o government_n whatever_o when_o religion_n be_v our_o birthright_n by_o our_o law_n it_o may_v be_v by_o the_o same_o law_n defend_v when_o it_o be_v not_o prayer_n
we_o whatever_a small_a distinction_n make_v the_o they_o and_o the_o we_o be_v both_o one_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n we_o ought_v therefore_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o all_o so_o unite_v though_o not_o bind_v up_o in_o the_o same_o form_n with_o we_o for_o a_o gracious_a audience_n and_o reception_n of_o their_o and_o our_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o union_n in_o the_o main_a may_v convey_v all_o our_o service_n into_o one_o before_o god_n where_o indeed_o if_o they_o be_v as_o he_o require_v they_o meet_v strip_v of_o all_o their_o outward_a circumstance_n form_n and_o ceremony_n faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v alone_o able_a to_o mount_v thither_o with_o they_o and_o service_n so_o raise_v can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v spare_v for_o small_a difference_n in_o a_o national_a religious_a interest_n for_o the_o angel_n of_o all_o such_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o our_o father_n in_o heaven_n if_o darius_n though_o a_o heathen_a prince_n have_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o virtue_n 10_o ezr._n 6._o 10_o of_o that_o true_a religion_n he_o be_v not_o of_o as_o to_o engage_v those_o of_o so_o great_a difference_n from_o he_o in_o their_o sense_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o son_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o who_o be_v all_o of_o the_o same_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n and_o know_v the_o force_n and_o energy_n of_o it_o by_o great_a act_n of_o favour_n to_o one_o another_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o can_v be_v whole_o one_o yet_o all_o join_v in_o pray_v for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o one_o another_o service_n and_o the_o service_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n whereof_o we_o be_v not_o only_o civil_a but_o religious_a member_n and_o if_o we_o be_v true_o religious_a shall_v be_v so_o account_v with_o god_n yet_o with_o the_o abatement_n of_o our_o sinful_a difference_n and_o division_n how_o shall_v we_o therefore_o unite_v that_o we_o may_v lose_v none_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v wrought_v but_o may_v receive_v a_o full_a reward_n rule_n 6._o it_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o our_o nation_n that_o if_o any_o man_n truâ—y_o understand_v consider_v and_o pronounce_v of_o our_o national_a religion_n it_o stand_v in_o the_o scripture_n make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n in_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n repentance_n love_n of_o god_n fear_v of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n all_o act_n of_o justice_n love_n mercy_n compassion_n true_a sincere_a preach_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n prayer_n use_v of_o sacrament_n the_o lordsday_n religious_a discourse_n &_o conference_n catechetical_a instruction_n and_o education_n of_o youth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n restraint_n of_o atheism_n irreligion_n intemperance_n and_o sensuality_n general_o and_o throughout_o the_o nation_n compulsion_n of_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o man_n to_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n and_o his_o worship_n for_o what_o be_v hypocrisy_n in_o they_o may_v turn_v to_o the_o salvation_n of_o good_a man_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o say_v again_o that_o be_v true_o our_o national_a religion_n all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o order_n decency_n outward_a form_n or_o mode_n be_v but_o the_o vehicle_n the_o conveyance_n of_o that_o true_a religion_n if_o the_o main_a end_n of_o which_o be_v obtain_v viz._n that_o these_o religious_a act_n be_v perform_v but_o with_o that_o peace_n and_o freedom_n from_o confusion_n confusion_n destructive_a of_o all_o public_a action_n and_o with_o that_o honourableness_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o every_o nation_n and_o this_o nation_n particular_o in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o religious_a worship_n it_o be_v enough_o and_o whatever_o on_o these_o account_n be_v command_v in_o our_o national_a religion_n i_o free_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v as_o reconcilable_a with_o these_o character_n forbear_v such_o who_o though_o agree_v in_o all_o main_a thing_n upon_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o understand_v they_o so_o can_v acquiesce_v in_o they_o as_o so_o who_o deserve_v compassion_n these_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v no_o partition-wall_n in_o our_o national_a worship_v of_o god_n one_o with_o another_o nor_o can_v they_o without_o great_a rigour_n and_o censor_n ousness_n very_o evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v condemn_v in_o those_o who_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o substantial_a national_a religion_n the_o publickness_n and_o more_o universal_a benefit_n of_o it_o wherein_o they_o be_v most_o true_o zealous_a pay_v obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o they_o rule_n 7._o let_v we_o all_o strive_v labour_n preach_v hear_v and_o pray_v and_o even_o suffer_v in_o the_o reformation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o endeavour_n to_o reform_v all_o other_o according_a to_o the_o most_o excellent_a rule_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n profess_v in_o this_o kingdom_n as_o our_o national_a religion_n that_o it_o may_v be_v find_v to_o praise_n honour_n and_o glory_n at_o the_o appear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v think_v worthy_a to_o stand_v before_o the_o son_n of_o man_n at_o his_o come_n before_o who_o nothing_o but_o the_o gold_n and_o precious_a stone_n of_o substantial_a truth_n and_o goodness_n can_v stand_v all_o else_o will_v be_v burn_v off_o as_o hay_o and_o chaff_n by_o the_o fire_n of_o that_o day_n and_o they_o that_o have_v be_v hot_a and_o contentious_a for_o they_o be_v save_v only_o as_o by_o fire_n with_o difficulty_n and_o loss_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o our_o union_n and_o love_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n may_v be_v to_o we_o a_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o presence_n of_o his_o protection_n and_o blessing_n that_o neither_o our_o candlestick_n may_v be_v remove_v nor_o our_o nation_n the_o present_a place_n of_o it_o be_v take_v away_o for_o general_o both_o be_v remove_v one_o with_o the_o other_o or_o soon_o after_o one_o another_o rule_n 8._o let_v no_o man_n be_v discourage_v from_o the_o most_o zealous_a affectionate_a join_v himself_o to_o and_o promote_a national_a religion_n because_o oâ—_n that_o veneration_n due_a to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o church_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n for_o a_o nation_n unite_v in_o true_a christian_a religion_n differ_v no_o more_o in_o the_o strict_a notion_n from_o a_o church_n than_o a_o body_n of_o man_n unite_v and_o consecrate_v to_o god_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n differ_v from_o a_o society_n unite_v and_o consecrate_v to_o god_n according_a to_o a_o institution_n that_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o institution_n plant_v in_o nature_n differ_v from_o a_o institution_n give_v by_o revelation_n for_o one_o be_v the_o appointment_n of_o god_n of_o old_a from_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o humane_a society_n the_o other_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o inability_n of_o it_o to_o its_o end_n a_o institution_n therefore_o do_v not_o repeal_v a_o natural_a law_n but_o take_v care_n it_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v and_o complete_v in_o its_o chief_a end_n israel_n be_v a_o church_n to_o god_n be_v so_o devote_v to_o he_o by_o his_o own_o institution_n and_o it_o be_v a_o holy_a nation_n according_a to_o the_o original_a 6._o exod._n 19_o 6._o law_n be_v elevate_v by_o the_o institution_n to_o its_o true_a perfection_n as_o a_o nation_n the_o christian_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n peter_n write_v as_o they_o be_v a_o church_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n so_o they_o be_v a_o holy_a nation_n as_o he_o style_v they_o succeed_v into_o the_o place_n of_o that_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n consecrate_a to_o god_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n upon_o nation_n though_o but_o stranger_n scatter_v abroad_o yet_o to_o show_v the_o 1â—_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 1â—_n great_a value_n god_n have_v of_o a_o nation_n devote_v to_o he_o they_o be_v style_v a_o holy_a nation_n the_o institution_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o seat_n 9_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 9_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n make_v a_o nation_n unite_v in_o that_o true_a religion_n both_o a_o church_n as_o that_o catholic_n church_n have_v thereby_o a_o residence_n in_o it_o and_o much_o more_o than_o those_o forementioned_a scatter_a jew_n a_o holy_a nation_n as_o it_o be_v national_o resign_v up_o to_o god_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n make_v perfect_a by_o the_o institution_n where_o then_o a_o nation_n be_v unite_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o purity_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o holy_a rule_n of_o practice_n the_o catholic_n love_n of_o all_o christian_n baptise_a into_o the_o same_o body_n make_v to_o drink_v into_o that_o one_o spirit_n in_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n minister_a the_o same_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n infallible_o deliver_v and_o seal_v with_o miracle_n all_o
which_o be_v mark_n of_o segregation_n from_o false_a church_n or_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n false_o so_o call_v here_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n in_o a_o nation_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n and_o here_o be_v the_o holy_a nation_n according_a to_o both_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o institution_n so_o again_o where_o a_o nation_n bring_v home_o religion_n into_o the_o most_o particular_a national_a district_v or_o division_n as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n for_o particular_a church_n here_o be_v a_o nation_n of_o church_n which_o in_o regard_n they_o all_o consent_n in_o one_o national_a union_n be_v without_o any_o impropriety_n style_v a_o national_a church_n and_o every_o such_o society_n be_v both_o a_o holy_a society_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n devote_v to_o god_n and_o a_o church-society_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n direct_v and_o perfect_v that_o law_n of_o nature_n now_o the_o institution_n of_o particular_a church_n by_o christ_n i_o understand_v to_o be_v that_o where_o he_o say_v if_o two_o or_o three_o agree_v and_o be_v gather_v or_o enchurch_v in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o wherein_o he_o do_v not_o only_o encourage_v the_o small_a number_n in_o case_n of_o exigency_n or_o necessity_n but_o couch_v some_o rule_n whereby_o much_o great_a number_n whether_o of_o christian_n in_o separation_n from_o civil_a society_n or_o unite_v according_a to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v form_v as_o first_o in_o all_o except_v the_o universality_n that_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o which_o each_o particular_a must_v therefore_o partake_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o church_n 2._o in_o a_o number_n proportionable_a to_o edification_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christian_a religion_n 3._o in_o the_o humility_n modesty_n and_o unaspiringness_n of_o christianity_n for_o he_o that_o institute_v his_o church_n in_o such_o small_a number_n and_o those_o not_o force_v but_o agree_v project_v nothing_o by_o that_o institution_n for_o domination_n or_o grandieur_fw-fr 4._o in_o the_o simplicity_n and_o plainness_n christian_n religion_n profess_v for_o church_n institute_v in_o such_o a_o paucity_n of_o member_n be_v never_o design_v to_o be_v court_n of_o forensick_a business_n nor_o capable_a of_o subordinate_v themselves_o so_o as_o that_o their_o member_n shall_v be_v fatigue_v with_o long_a and_o tedious_a suit_n and_o appeal_n remove_v from_o one_o part_n to_o another_o worse_o than_o go_v to_o law_n before_o unbeliever_n as_o the_o romish_a tyranny_n have_v contrive_v whereas_o our_o saviour_n method_n for_o complaint_n and_o admonition_n in_o case_n of_o scandal_n for_o reconciliation_n in_o case_n of_o repentance_n or_o severe_a discipline_n in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n be_v natural_a easy_a and_o speedy_a as_o be_v plain_a to_o any_o observer_n 5._o christian_n church_n allow_v in_o two_o or_o three_o show_v the_o care_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o proportion_n betwixt_o the_o strength_n and_o gift_n of_o his_o ordinary_a minister_n since_o the_o cessation_n of_o the_o apostolic_a measure_n and_o their_o charge_n and_o trust_v for_o our_o lord_n will_v not_o by_o his_o institution_n give_v any_o reason_n to_o moses_n his_o complaint_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o bear_v this_o great_a people_n thus_o be_v our_o saviour_n institution_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o though_o it_o do_v not_o lay_v any_o absolute_a interdict_v upon_o the_o true_o prudential_a though_o additional_a constitution_n either_o of_o nation_n or_o other_o humane_a society_n proceed_v according_a to_o the_o general_a maxim_n upon_o which_o society_n strengthen_v themselves_o yet_o with_o this_o caution_n that_o what_o be_v so_o do_v may_v not_o enact_v any_o thing_n by_o which_o the_o main_a and_o great_a end_n of_o this_o institution_n shall_v be_v defeat_v however_o that_o the_o institution_n shall_v never_o be_v plead_v but_o stand_v free_a from_o the_o error_n man_n fall_v too_o often_o into_o in_o pursuit_n of_o the_o maxim_n forenamed_a whereby_o they_o will_v aggrandise_v society_n in_o religious_a thing_n or_o make_v it_o comport_v with_o civil_a state_n but_o that_o his_o institution_n shall_v be_v a_o stand_a rule_n first_o to_o avoid_v they_o after_o to_o discover_v and_o reform_v they_o or_o if_o they_o grow_v extreme_a and_o not_o to_o be_v reduce_v as_o in_o popery_n to_o warrant_v a_o withdraw_n from_o they_o but_o to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o our_o purpose_n if_o the_o main_a end_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o particular_a church_n institute_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n be_v obtain_v there_o be_v no_o encounter_n but_o a_o most_o happy_a agreement_n between_o the_o natural_a law_n of_o national_a religion_n and_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n which_o as_o i_o before_o assert_v be_v not_o to_o be_v draw_v into_o a_o desert_n or_o wilderness_n or_o shut_v up_o in_o cell_n and_o cloister_n or_o confine_v to_o one_o point_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o donatist_n will_v have_v have_v the_o true_a church_n but_o be_v to_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o universe_n of_o nation_n and_o city_n as_o the_o very_a place_n of_o the_o candlestick_n or_o church_n from_o which_o in_o just_a indignation_n to_o those_o place_n when_o unworthy_a of_o they_o they_o be_v remove_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o business_n trade_n and_o conversation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o be_v apparent_a by_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n let_v then_o true_a religion_n as_o christianity_n contend_v and_o will_v at_o last_o in_o much_o high_a degree_n overcome_v be_v as_o wide_a as_o the_o universe_n let_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o christ_n and_o the_o universal_a church_n will_v 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that_o it_o therefore_o endeavour_n to_o tack_n and_o join_v itself_o to_o scripture_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o it_o as_o necessary_a to_o complete_a and_o fill_v it_o up_o or_o to_o provide_v something_o more_o requisite_a to_o that_o religion_n that_o scripture_n have_v not_o provide_v for_o 3._o that_o it_o have_v grow_v up_o from_o no_o true_a root_n nor_o rise_v upon_o any_o just_a foundation_n it_o have_v steal_v into_o its_o authority_n and_o reverence_n by_o be_v pass_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n so_o long_o that_o its_o elderliness_n look_v like_o a_o patent_n for_o that_o authority_n and_o reverence_n and_o its_o original_a some_o injudicious_a devotion_n at_o the_o best_a not_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v trace_v it_o come_v to_o be_v suppose_v or_o rather_o superstitious_o to_o be_v suspect_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o at_o length_n like_o a_o long-told_a lie_n assume_v to_o be_v truth_n it_o take_v upon_o itself_o to_o be_v
it_o may_v seem_v better_a if_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n separate_v themselves_o and_o leave_v the_o generality_n of_o a_o nation_n out_o of_o their_o religious_a service_n but_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o as_o the_o ninevite_n and_o abraham'â—_n steward_n serve_v themselves_o of_o the_o beast_n in_o their_o prayer_n and_o david_n serve_v himself_o of_o the_o very_o low_a of_o the_o creature_n in_o his_o praise_n so_o good_a man_n consecrate_v the_o public_a religion_n though_o result_v from_o a_o medley_n of_o worse_a man_n turn_v it_o to_o great_a glory_n to_o god_n advantage_n to_o themselves_o and_o the_o advantage_n of_o those_o worse_a man_n also_o in_o sundry_a respect_n when_o it_o do_v not_o prevail_v to_o their_o conversion_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o figure_n of_o value_n subordinate_v to_o themselves_o cipher_n increase_n sum_v to_o very_o vast_a the_o service_n of_o man_n not_o true_o religious_a be_v not_o so_o acceptable_a 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monkish_a sort_n of_o man_n no_o man_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o public_a upon_o choice_n but_o personage_n as_o of_o the_o most_o divine_a spread_a reason_n so_o of_o a_o public_a wisdom_n grace_n and_o spirit_n contain_v a_o public_a interest_n and_o piety_n within_o their_o own_o breast_n yet_o join_v with_o as_o many_o as_o they_o can_v to_o better_v their_o service_n mutual_o and_o not_o scruple_v union_n with_o they_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v worse_o or_o their_o service_n less_o acceptable_a man_n of_o no_o narrow_a and_o contract_a spirit_n principle_n or_o devotion_n but_o like_o our_o saviour_n converse_n with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n they_o be_v as_o physician_n to_o the_o sick_a help_v to_o the_o weak_a as_o well_o as_o the_o comparion_n of_o all_o that_o fear_n god_n pull_v sinner_n with_o violence_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n convert_v they_o from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n save_v soul_n from_o death_n and_o endeavour_v to_o hide_v the_o multitude_n 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ascendency_n in_o it_o and_o so_o turn_v to_o general_a good_a in_o some_o thirty_o in_o some_o sixty_o in_o some_o a_o hundredfold_a which_o show_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o both_o communicativeness_n and_o singularity_n of_o these_o holy_a man_n communicativeness_n in_o true_a worship_n though_o with_o bad_a man_n singularity_n from_o sin_n and_o false_a worship_n i_o have_v now_o dispatch_v this_o first_o head_n i_o propose_v concern_v the_o publickness_n of_o religion_n in_o general_a i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o head_n that_o this_o publickness_n determine_v itself_o in_o national_a religion_n neither_o stay_v short_a of_o it_o nor_o expatiate_v beyond_o it_o and_o to_o make_v good_a this_o i_o first_o consider_v how_o humane_a society_n rise_v and_o what_o be_v the_o first_o band_n of_o union_n and_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a the_o first_o association_n of_o mankind_n must_v grow_v out_o of_o family_n as_o i_o have_v observe_v the_o law_n of_o humane_a society_n be_v first_o declare_v and_o promulge_v upon_o the_o institution_n of_o marriage_n this_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o family_n family_n of_o all_o great_a association_n of_o man_n here_o also_o must_v begin_v all_o religious_a society_n these_o be_v the_o most_o near_o and_o combine_v here_o therefore_o be_v the_o most_o frequent_a season_n of_o worship_v god_n of_o daily_a praise_n of_o he_o and_o prayer_n to_o he_o the_o example_n of_o it_o we_o find_v in_o abraham_n joshua_n david_n cornelius_n family_n and_o the_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o some_o christian_n at_o the_o first_o this_o domestic_a body_n be_v most_o close_o with_o itself_o and_o more_o easy_o call_v together_o therefore_o the_o first_o seat_n of_o religious_a society_n family_n therefore_o for_o the_o closeness_n nearness_n and_o naturalness_n of_o that_o government_n as_o be_v the_o small_a of_o community_n but_o the_o most_o primitive_a be_v particular_o name_v in_o this_o prayer_n against_o the_o heathen_a and_o make_v another_o expression_n together_o with_o kingdom_n of_o irreligious_a community_n for_o as_o kingdom_n be_v great_a family_n unite_v indeed_o as_o family_n but_o great_a so_o family_n though_o lesser_a be_v yet_o the_o first_o kingdom_n religion_n therefore_o be_v a_o most_o contestable_a duty_n and_o obligation_n in_o those_o lessâ—r_a kingdom_n family_n it_o argue_v to_o the_o same_o obligation_n and_o duty_n in_o those_o great_a family_n kingdom_n and_o the_o religion_n or_o irreligion_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o run_v along_o one_o with_o the_o other_o thus_o god_n first_o eminent_o himself_o found_v religion_n in_o abraham_n family_n and_o so_o commence_v both_o the_o family_n and_o religion_n into_o a_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n religion_n therefore_o rise_v high_a and_o settle_v here_o as_o upon_o the_o most_o advantageous_a eminence_n as_o in_o the_o most_o full_a and_o free_a spread_v community_n call_v nation_n for_o their_o greatness_n and_o numerousness_n kingdom_n for_o their_o majestic_a government_n and_o union_n in_o it_o for_o a_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n be_v a_o part_n of_o mankind_n canton_v indeed_o from_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o wideness_n of_o that_o yet_o into_o a_o large_a compass_n than_o neighbourhood_n town_n or_o city_n and_o be_v general_o enclose_v within_o some_o more_o remarkable_a bound_n of_o place_n as_o sea_n river_n mountain_n unite_v by_o nearness_n of_o manner_n custom_n and_o disposition_n arise_v from_o like_a temperature_n of_o air_n and_o climate_n freedom_n of_o conversation_n and_o commerce_n have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o language_n but_o especial_o as_o under_o the_o same_o civil_a interest_n law_n government_n and_o legislative_a authority_n for_o these_o mutual_a bond_n be_v they_o which_o give_v reason_n to_o national_a religion_n as_o the_o most_o solemn_a instance_n of_o public_a religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n because_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o
and_o divine_a reason_n be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o introduce_v it_o into_o nation_n beyond_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o popish_a antichristian_a ambition_n or_o wild_a and_o curse_a enthusiasm_n with_o all_o their_o savage_a effect_n 2._o where_o there_o be_v national_a religion_n even_o the_o national_a authority_n be_v first_o christianize_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o headship_n no_o foundation_n but_o christ_n and_o his_o law_n take_v place_n upon_o a_o national_a state_n in_o profession_n of_o he_o if_o the_o christianity_n then_o be_v remove_v by_o falsehood_n take_v place_n instead_o of_o truth_n the_o nationalness_n stay_v but_o the_o religion_n the_o candlestick_n be_v remove_v the_o church_n be_v depart_v from_o it_o and_o retire_v where_o it_o may_v be_v enjoy_v in_o its_o own_o truth_n the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o congregation_n as_o it_o be_v national_a the_o headship_n organization_n be_v no_o other_o than_o national_a but_o no_o more_o than_o the_o city_n of_o corinth_n or_o other_o city_n or_o region_n make_v a_o church_n of_o corinth_n or_o those_o other_o church_n no_o more_o do_v national_a law_n or_o magistracy_n make_v the_o national_a religion_n christianity_n if_o receive_v settle_v there_o if_o not_o receive_v or_o afterward_o expulse_v leave_v law_n magistracy_n city_n to_o themselves_o and_o so_o it_o deal_v with_o church_n or_o form_n of_o they_o of_o what_o kind_n soever_o 3._o all_o union_n in_o true_a religion_n be_v free_a rational_a voluntary_a it_o own_v no_o compulsion_n of_o law_n or_o magistracy_n except_o in_o thing_n moral_o good_a or_o evil_n so_o that_o in_o this_o only_o be_v the_o difference_n from_o national_a agreement_n in_o other_o thing_n that_o of_o religion_n be_v voluntary_a and_o by_o consent_n prince_n and_o governor_n may_v be_v nurse_v father_n and_o mother_n by_o honorary_a reward_n and_o encouragement_n they_o may_v give_v all_o freedom_n to_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o protect_v it_o by_o law_n they_o may_v fence_v it_o in_o with_o the_o strict_a observation_n of_o all_o moral_a observance_n they_o may_v offer_v and_o take_v care_n for_o the_o persuasion_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v address_v to_o all_o their_o subject_n many_o such_o demonstration_n of_o their_o love_n to_o true_a religion_n be_v allow_v by_o god_n but_o despotical_o to_o command_v or_o compel_v be_v not_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a christian_a though_o national_a religion_n christ_n kingdom_n not_o be_v of_o this_o world_n refuse_v even_o the_o magistrate_n sword_n much_o more_o that_o of_o private_a force_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o its_o most_o proper_a interest_n our_o saviour_n religion_n hate_v all_o thing_n of_o violence_n and_o cruelty_n it_o be_v not_o of_o its_o spirit_n he_o do_v all_o by_o instrument_n of_o his_o own_o and_o if_o nation_n have_v make_v their_o religion_n yea_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n a_o essential_a of_o their_o government_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n obedience_n to_o and_o the_o good_a opinioof_n that_o government_n be_v a_o low_a and_o lesser_a interest_n than_o truth_n and_o o_o bedience_n to_o christ_n christ_n never_o intend_v christianity_n for_o a_o politic_a engine_n or_o expedient_a yet_o for_o the_o conservation_n of_o government_n in_o its_o full_a right_n there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o concernful_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n than_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o patient_n suffer_v with_o its_o reasonableness_n though_o it_o be_v unhappy_a for_o those_o ruler_n that_o put_v christian_n upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o unhappy_a be_v that_o power_n that_o be_v seal_v to_o with_o martyr_n suffering_n yet_o every_o man_n owe_v to_o god_n a_o strict_a account_n why_o he_o be_v not_o of_o the_o national_a religion_n what_o reason_n counterbalance_v to_o he_o the_o great_a reason_n give_v for_o national_a religion_n and_o therein_o shall_v receive_v his_o sentence_n from_o christ_n if_o any_o upon_o just_a reason_n desert_n a_o congregation_n though_o but_o of_o two_o or_o three_o as_o i_o have_v at_o large_a set_v out_o be_v a_o little_a sanctuary_n reserve_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n with_o a_o faithful_a promise_n of_o his_o presence_n where_o it_o can_v be_v enjoy_v in_o great_a which_o be_v else_o though_o with_o some_o disadvantage_n in_o all_o other_o regard_v to_o be_v prefer_v for_o their_o publickness_n and_o not_o without_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v refrain_v from_o or_o desert_v if_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o of_o weight_n they_o stand_v at_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o schism_n against_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n the_o law_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o malignancy_n of_o it_o to_o draw_v this_o discourse_n now_o to_o a_o conclusion_n let_v i_o subjoin_v some_o rule_n by_o way_n of_o inference_n of_o certain_a good_a effect_n to_o the_o management_n of_o so_o great_a a_o interest_n as_o i_o have_v represent_v national_a religion_n rule_n 1._o that_o the_o religion_n offer_v for_o national_a shall_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o it_o be_v all_o of_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a evidence_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o sound_a reason_n from_o it_o and_o in_o indifferent_n or_o necessary_o adhere_v circumstance_n prepare_v by_o so_o public_a a_o spirit_n as_o to_o project_v least_o of_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n that_o as_o article_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v so_o frame_v as_o to_o beget_v no_o divide_v controversy_n but_o leave_v room_n to_o the_o particular_a judgement_n of_o man_n where_o point_n absolute_o necessary_a be_v secure_v so_o all_o thing_n of_o external_a mode_n or_o form_n shall_v be_v so_o free_o and_o generous_o design_v that_o every_o man_n particular_a apprehension_n may_v be_v most_o at_o liberty_n without_o which_o the_o probability_n of_o the_o national_a religion_n be_v surprise_v rule_n 2._o that_o in_o circumstantial_o of_o religion_n what_o be_v prepare_v and_o settle_v so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v alter_v by_o any_o private_a dispose_n nor_o allow_v to_o any_o private_a choice_n without_o scandal_n to_o the_o public_a every_o man_n shall_v consider_v his_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n on_o one_o side_n as_o on_o the_o other_o to_o preserve_v himself_o from_o scruple_n as_o in_o the_o apostle_n instance_n of_o eat_v there_o be_v liberty_n on_o one_o side_n to_o eat_v all_o thing_n but_o this_o do_v not_o determine_v to_o a_o necessity_n of_o eat_v that_o be_v not_o liberty_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n a_o expediency_n not_o to_o eat_v the_o liberty_n be_v more_o conserve_v in_o not_o eat_v than_o in_o eat_v so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o use_n or_o not_o use_v of_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n where_o then_o as_o to_o the_o case_n we_o be_v now_o upon_o the_o advantage_n for_o public_a religion_n incline_v this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n to_o the_o use_n or_o not_o use_v of_o indifferent_a thing_n it_o be_v our_o great_a liberty_n to_o move_v ourselves_o that_o way_n and_o not_o to_o be_v deter_v with_o the_o suspicion_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o it_o by_o so_o do_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o prophet_n zachariahs_n resolution_n concern_v the_o fast_n wherein_o those_o that_o will_v have_v they_o lay_v down_o and_o other_o will_v keep_v they_o still_o a_o foot_n differ_v he_o first_o show_v they_o of_o no_o value_n with_o god_n then_o bid_v they_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o peace_n zach._n 8._o 10._o for_o though_o outward_a form_n uniformity_n or_o variety_n in_o they_o be_v of_o no_o account_n in_o themselves_o with_o god_n but_o either_o way_n in_o the_o uniformity_n or_o the_o variety_n they_o that_o serve_v god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o yet_o the_o angry_a dissent_n and_o disagreement_n that_o disjoin_a the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o disable_v the_o union_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v like_o the_o cover_n the_o altar_n with_o tear_n of_o complaint_n and_o make_v the_o offering_n unacceptable_a that_o there_o may_v be_v the_o unity_n god_n be_v delight_v in_o without_o uniformity_n be_v plain_a by_o the_o harmony_n of_o the_o evangelist_n in_o their_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n where_o there_o be_v perfect_a unity_n yet_o without_o uniformity_n it_o be_v plain_a too_o by_o a_o consideration_n of_o god_n smell_v a_o savour_n of_o rest_n in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a where_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n yet_o unity_n but_o the_o contention_n and_o quarrel_n that_o often_o arise_v about_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o god_n displeasure_n what_o may_v most_o cure_v they_o be_v then_o most_o to_o be_v desire_v and_o choose_v but_o what_o that_o be_v i_o will_v not_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o prescribe_v