Selected quad for the lemma: nature_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
nature_n civility_n country_n great_a 19 3 2.0856 3 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A34538 The kingdom of God among men a tract of the sound state of religion, or that Christianity which is described in the holy Scriptures and of the things that make for the security and increase thereof in the world, designing its more ample diffusion among the professed Christians of all sorts and its surer propagation to future ages : with The point of church-unity and schism discuss'd / by John Corbet. Corbet, John, 1620-1680. 1679 (1679) Wing C6258; ESTC R23940 125,145 296

There are 13 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

after_o the_o long_a night_n of_o popery_n unlearned_a and_o barbarous_a time_n be_v note_v among_o the_o cause_n of_o deprave_a religion_n with_o multiply_v superstitious_a absurdity_n and_o deformity_n indeed_o that_o great_a mystery_n of_o iniquity_n the_o romish_a synagogue_n be_v favour_v by_o many_o wise_a and_o learned_a one_o but_o the_o interest_n of_o great_a power_n and_o wealth_n and_o other_o carnal_a allurement_n engage_v they_o to_o uphold_v that_o babel_n and_o so_o to_o detain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o unrighteousness_n the_o papal_a kingdom_n of_o darkness_n have_v ample_o provide_v for_o a_o eminent_a measure_n of_o learning_n in_o their_o superior_a clergy_n and_o certain_a religious_a order_n design_v for_o theological_a controversy_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o roman●aith_n ●aith_z be_v necessitate_v thereunto_o by_o the_o learnedness_n of_o the_o present_a age._n but_o for_o the_o vulgar_a priest_n who_o daily_o converse_v with_o the_o common_a people_n that_o be_v ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a it_o matter_n not_o how_o little_a knowledge_n they_o have_v and_o the_o grandee_n care_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v conversant_a in_o learned_a book_n no_o not_o in_o their_o own_o bellarmine_n as_o for_o the_o laity_n it_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o that_o church_n that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n a_o corrupt_a ecclesiastical_a state_n uphold_v for_o worldly_a end_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o desire_v the_o advancement_n of_o learn_v any_o further_a than_o be_v requisite_a to_o defend_v it_o sel●_n against_o learned_a adversary_n and_o to_o hold_v the_o vulgar_a in_o admiration_n of_o it_o it_o will_v hau●_n the_o people_n whole_o to_o trust_v their_o teacher_n and_o it_o be_v not_o well_o relish_v when_o learned_a gentle_a man_n of_o the_o laity_n be_v exact_a and_o studious_a i●_n theological_a inquiry_n the_o support_n and_o reward_n of_o learning_n may_v be_v so_o inordinate_o apportion_v and_o confe●…_n red_a as_o to_o exalt_v boundless_a ambition_n and_o avari●…_n in_o some_o and_o to_o nourish_v a_o dronish_a idleness_n and_o epicurism_n in_o other_o and_o to_o cast_v the_o residue●…_n and_o those_o the_o great_a number_n into_o ignoranc●_n beggary_n baseness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naught●…_n ness_n such_o a_o disposition_n of_o thing_n beside_o th●…_n ruin_n of_o religion_n will_v in_o the_o ruin_n there●…_n bury_v learning_n itself_o as_o it_o have_v do_v in_o for_o mer_fw-fr age_n if_o the_o industry_n of_o some_o be_v n●…_n keep_v wake_v by_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n a●…_n among_o another_o sort_n of_o men._n but_o whatsoever_o abuse_n corrupt_v that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v excellent_a the_o support_v of_o learning_n be_v always_o necessary_a in_o the_o true_a church_n and_o to_o settle_v a_o way_n for_o a_o perpetual_a succession_n of_o wise_a and_o learned_a guide_n of_o the_o flock_n in_o this_o entire_a and_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o build_v the_o same_o on_o a_o rock_n the_o spirit_n of_o this_o profession_n be_v sober_a solid_a and_o serious_a be_v happy_a in_o dispose_v towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o much_o perfection_n in_o all_o profitable_a science_n and_o especial_o towards_o that_o which_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o useful_a in_o human_a affair_n to_o wit_n solid_a and_o deep_a judgement_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o child_n of_o true_a wisdom_n stand_v upon_o the_o vantage_n ground_n and_o the_o scope_n of_o their_o business_n direct_v they_o to_o excel_v in_o the_o more_o substantial_a part_n of_o learning_n which_o perfect_v reason_n and_o fall_v in_o with_o practice_n and_o make_v they_o able_a effectual_o to_o converse_v with_o man_n both_o in_o religious_a and_o civil_a matter_n these_o do_v not_o spend_v their_o day_n in_o a_o cloister_n live_v to_o themselves_o alone_o but_o be_v seasonable_o call_v forth_o to_o sacred_a or_o civil_a function_n and_o so_o by_o study_n in_o conjunction_n with_o practice_n and_o experience_n they_o become_v more_o perfect_a in_o science_n the_o same_o intent_n and_o purpose_n direct_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o their_o acquisition_n and_o to_o have_v their_o learning_n at_o command_n and_o manageable_a for_o present_a business_n chap._n xxi_o the_o general_a civility_n or_o common_a honesty_n of_o a_o nation_n make_v it_o more_o general_o receptive_a of_o real_a christianity_n or_o godliness_n religion_n have_v considerateness_n and_o soberness_n in_o its_o nature_n have_v great_a advantage_n by_o the_o sober_a and_o serious_a temper_n of_o a_o nation_n city_n or_o country_n where_o its_o advancement_n and_o propagation_n be_v design_v civility_n be_v a_o good_a preparative_n to_o piety_n and_o experience_n witness_v that_o among_o the_o serious_a &_o temperate_a sort_n of_o people_n and_o in_o the_o most_o civilise_a place_n religion_n take_v best_a and_o that_o it_o take_v least_o in_o those_o place_n where_o debauchery_n and_o sensuality_n reign_v in_o those_o of_o the_o high_a rank_n and_o a_o heathen-like_a rudeness_n and_o stupidity_n seize_v the_o common_a multitude_n wherefore_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o spirit_n or_o interest_n lead_v they_o to_o uphold_v a_o corrupt_a and_o carnal_a church-state_n seek_v to_o gratify_v the_o most_o sensual_a and_o vicious_a part_n of_o a_o nation_n because_o they_o can_v so_o easy_o gain_v the_o considerate_a and_o soberminded_a who_o be_v more_o inquisitive_a into_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o different_a party_n and_o look_v more_o than_o other_o into_o the_o inside_n of_o man_n devotion_n a_o nation_n may_v be_v general_o bring_v to_o civil_a conversation_n and_o the_o external_a part_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o restrain_v of_o filthy_a lewdness_n gross_a excess_n and_o rudeness_n best_o comport_v with_o the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n the_o security_n of_o the_o estate_n and_o the_o quietness_n of_o the_o mind_n therefore_o when_o it_o be_v in_o use_n it_o be_v no_o burden_n but_o a_o ease_n even_o to_o unregenerate_a nature_n and_o so_o may_v pass_v general_o among_o a_o people_n likewise_o natural_a man_n be_v convince_v and_o awaken_v will_v easy_o observe_v religious_a duty_n so_o far_o as_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o natural_a conscience_n do_v require_v the_o conversation_n of_o the_o pious_a be_v exemplary_a and_o of_o great_a authority_n especial_o when_o their_o strictness_n and_o seriousness_n be_v temper_v with_o the_o amiable_a virtue_n of_o meekness_n and_o moderation_n by_o this_o they_o may_v do_v much_o towards_o the_o civilise_n of_o those_o that_o live_v about_o they_o and_o to_o conciliate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n towards_o they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o good_a thought_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o harshness_n of_o some_o rigid_a honest_a man_n may_v exasperate_v and_o beget_v hatred_n in_o some_o who_o condescension_n and_o sweetness_n of_o conversation_n may_v have_v gain_v or_o at_o least_o mollify_v likewise_o by_o a_o discreet_a and_o seasonable_a use_n of_o christian_n liberty_n in_o the_o temperate_a enjoyment_n of_o outward_a comfort_n in_o harmless_a recreation_n and_o sober_a cheerfulness_n in_o honest_a company_n the_o religious_a may_v bring_v over_o other_o to_o a_o friendly_a converse_n with_o they_o and_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o more_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a pollution_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o shun_v a_o excessive_a reservedness_n and_o austerity_n so_o they_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o too_o great_a compliance_n with_o other_o in_o carnal_a liberty_n upon_o pretence_n of_o a_o friendly_a converse_n with_o they_o they_o may_v not_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o recreation_n fruitless_a visit_n merry_a meeting_n and_o the_o like_a exercise_n wherein_o there_o be_v enough_o of_o idleness_n and_o vanity_n even_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o dissoluteness_n or_o gross_a immorallity_n for_o by_o such_o a_o trade_n of_o life_n they_o will_v lose_v themselves_o in_o a_o sober_a kind_n of_o epicurism_n or_o sensuality_n under_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o they_o will_v harden_v other_o in_o their_o loose_a walk_n or_o make_v they_o think_v that_o professor_n be_v but_o as_o other_o man_n except_o in_o a_o name_n and_o outward_a form_n wherefore_o they_o may_v be_v sociable_a no_o otherwise_o than_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v they_o make_v religion_n their_o business_n and_o walk_v circumspect_o and_o redeem_v their_o time_n from_o vanity_n for_o the_o serious_a duty_n of_o their_o general_n and_o particular_a calling_n it_o may_v be_v further_o note_v that_o whatsoever_o promote_v knowledge_n among_o the_o mean_a sort_n promote_v civility_n likewise_o where_o a_o people_n be_v general_o settle_v in_o a_o way_n of_o industry_n and_o frugality_n and_o those_o of_o high_a extract_n or_o education_n be_v bend_v unto_o exercise_n true_o noble_a and_o worthy_a that_o nation_n will_v be_v dispose_v to_o a_o more_o considerate_a and_o apprehensive_a habit_n of_o mind_n and_o to_o a_o more_o
our_o head_n be_v by_o custom_n take_v for_o irreverence_n and_o incivility_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v avoid_v as_o offensive_a all_o matter_n of_o necessary_a decency_n be_v in_o their_o general_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o particular_n to_o be_v order_v by_o human_a prudence_n all_o natural_a expression_n of_o devotion_n as_o kneel_v and_o lift_v up_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o eye_n in_o prayer_n be_v allow_v by_o all_o sort_n we_o call_v they_o natural_a because_o nature_n itself_o teach_v to_o use_v they_o without_o any_o positive_a institution_n divine_a or_o human_a and_o a_o rational_a man_n by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n be_v direct_v to_o use_v they_o yet_o not_o without_o some_o government_n and_o discretion_n for_o herein_o nature_n itself_o be_v subject_a to_o some_o variety_n and_o be_v in_o part_n determine_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o custom_n of_o several_a age_n and_o country_n as_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o prostration_n of_o the_o body_n in_o the_o act_n of_o adoration_n in_o the_o wear_n of_o sackcloth_n and_o rent_v of_o clothes_n in_o time_n of_o great_a humiliation_n which_o in_o former_a age_n be_v suitable_a and_o that_o according_a to_o nature_n but_o not_o now_o adays_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o variation_n of_o custom_n and_o i_o suppose_v that_o in_o this_o sense_n st._n paul_n speak_v against_o wear_v of_o long_a hair_n as_o contrary_a to_o nature_n but_o there_o have_v be_v much_o controversy_n about_o such_o ceremony_n as_o contribute_v nothing_o to_o the_o aforesaid_a necessary_a decency_n and_o be_v no_o natural_a nor_o civil_a and_o customary_a expression_n of_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n but_o be_v of_o human_a institution_n and_o of_o a_o mystical_a and_o mere_o institute_v signification_n and_o make_v visible_a state_v sign_n of_o god_n honour_n and_o the_o immediate_a expression_n of_o our_o observance_n of_o he_o and_o obligation_n to_o he_o and_o by_o some_o suppose_a to_o be_v not_o mere_a circumstance_n but_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o yet_o more_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v design_v in_o their_o use_n for_o that_o significancy_n and_o moral_a efficacy_n that_o belong_v to_o sacrament_n and_o make_v no_o less_o than_o the_o symbal_n of_o our_o christianity_n it_o lie_v not_o on_o i_o to_o determine_v on_o either_o side_n in_o this_o controversy_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o apprehend_v this_o that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o danger_n nor_o damage_n to_o be_v spare_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v at_o least_o doubtful_a and_o unnecessary_a have_v turn_v to_o endless_a strife_n and_o scandal_n between_o those_o that_o own_o the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o same_o church_n communion_n likewise_o it_o can_v do_v no_o hurt_n to_o reform_a christianity_n not_o to_o insist_v on_o that_o latitude_n in_o devise_a rite_n of_o worship_n that_o will_v acquit_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o ceremony_n use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o superstition_n and_o which_o make_v way_n for_o the_o oppress_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o sink_n of_o religion_n under_o a_o luggage_n of_o unprofitable_a institution_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n necessary_a and_o command_v of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v not_o command_v and_o to_o damn_v any_o thing_n as_o forbid_v by_o he_o which_o he_o have_v leave_v indifferent_a and_o to_o dread_v leave_v god_n shall_v not_o be_v please_v unless_o we_o do_v something_n which_o we_o need_v not_o do_v and_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v displease_v when_o we_o do_v something_n not_o forbid_v be_v no_o doubt_n the_o crime_n of_o superstition_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o that_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v no_o less_o superstition_n to_o feign_v god_n to_o be_v please_v with_o man_n vain_a invention_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v not_o enjoin_v or_o observe_v as_o divine_a precept_n and_o this_o also_o be_v to_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o who_o be_v the_o great_a controler_n of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o usurper_n upon_o his_o authority_n they_o that_o fear_v to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v allow_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v forbid_v or_o they_o that_o presume_v to_o add_v their_o own_o invention_n for_o the_o better_n of_o his_o service_n and_o make_v the_o omission_n thereof_o as_o criminal_a as_o the_o neglect_n of_o divine_a ordinance_n doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o more_o tolerable_a superstition_n to_o be_v over_o solicitous_a and_o scrupulous_a about_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n than_o to_o be_v over-confident_a and_o vehement_a in_o the_o unwarrantable_a or_o questionable_a tradition_n of_o man_n human_a device_n multiply_v in_o god_n worship_n engender_v to_o much_o vanity_n and_o superstition_n in_o the_o zealous_a observer_n of_o they_o and_o be_v apt_a to_o extinguish_v the_o inward_a life_n of_o godliness_n as_o rank_a weed_n choke_v the_o corn_n and_o they_o be_v common_o make_v a_o cloak_n to_o real_a ungodliness_n and_o if_o some_o of_o they_o be_v first_o introduce_v with_o pious_a intention_n yet_o they_o be_v common_o maintain_v and_o multiply_v to_o serve_v a_o carnal_a interest_n and_o they_o be_v the_o more_o easy_o entertain_v and_o observe_v because_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o the_o flesh_n to_o buy_v out_o the_o inward_a service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n by_o superficial_a bodily_a exercise_n but_o the_o depretiate_a of_o these_o device_n serve_v to_o pluck_v off_o the_o mask_n of_o hypocrisy_n make_v up_o of_o mere_a formality_n and_o to_o invigorate_v the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o true_a religion_n to_o be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o excel_a glory_n of_o the_o gospel_n ministration_n wherewith_o a_o grave_n and_o sober_a decency_n and_o comely_a ornament_n do_v well_o accord_n but_o excessive_a gaudiness_n pompous_a and_o theatrical_a show_n various_a gesticulation_n and_o affect_v posture_n be_v vanity_n too_o much_o detract_n from_o its_o dignity_n and_o spiritual_a majesty_n chap._n iu._n the_o due_a dispensation_n of_o god_n word_n when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n ascend_v up_o on_o high_a he_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n appoint_v and_o furnish_v spiritual_a officer_n for_o the_o service_n of_o his_o kingdom_n some_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a as_o apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n other_o ordinary_n and_o successive_o perpetual_a as_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n wherefore_o the_o interest_n of_o christianity_n lie_v much_o in_o a_o right_a gospel_n ministry_n which_o be_v suitable_a and_o serviceable_a to_o our_o lord_n design_n and_o the_o end_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v a_o ministry_n which_o be_v pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a dispense_n the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n whereby_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o sound_a faith_n and_o true_a holiness_n which_o be_v vigorous_a and_o powerful_a apt_a to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o reach_v the_o heart_n which_o be_v solicitous_a and_o laborious_a travel_v in_o birth_n till_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o the_o hearer_n and_o the_o manchild_n the_o new_a creature_n be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n which_o be_v assiduous_a and_o instant_a in_o preach_v the_o word_n by_o instruction_n reproof_n and_o comfort_n that_o as_o much_o as_o in_o it_o lie_v it_o may_v present_v every_o man_n perfect_a in_o christ_n which_o come_v with_o full_a scripture_n evidence_n and_o cogent_a reason_n with_o solid_a matter_n in_o stile_n and_o language_n not_o negligent_a much_o less_o undecent_a yet_o not_o too_o curious_a and_o elaborate_a but_o free_a vehement_a grave_a serious_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o work_n in_o hand_n which_o be_v not_o to_o tickle_v ear_n but_o to_o break_v open_a the_o heart_n which_o be_v exemplary_a in_o faith_n purity_n charity_n self-denial_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o final_o which_o be_v not_o mercenary_a but_o natural_o care_v for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o accommodate_v itself_o thereunto_o as_o its_o great_a charge_n and_o chief_a concern_v and_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n say_v the_o great_a apostle_n doubtless_o much_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n be_v needful_a in_o a_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o a_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a it_o be_v pre-supposed_n that_o he_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n and_o that_o he_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n which_o he_o be_v to_o impart_v to_o other_o in_o the_o first_o place_n his_o prudence_n will_v be_v concern_v for_o the_o judicious_a management_n of_o the_o dispensation_n commit_v to_o he_o a_o prudent_a dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n will_v take_v care_n to_o deliver_v nothing_o to_o other_o but_o what_o be_v very_o intelligible_a to_o himself_o and_o whereof_o he_o can_v make_v good_a sense_n and_o render_v a_o reason_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v it_o he_o do_v not_o
steddiness_n purity_n and_o soberness_n this_o new_a nature_n while_o it_o be_v lodge_v in_o the_o earthly_a tabernacle_n be_v clog_v with_o many_o adverse_a thing_n especial_o the_o relic_n of_o the_o old_a nature_n which_o cause_n much_o vanity_n of_o thought_n indisposedness_n of_o mind_n motion_n to_o evil_a and_o aversation_n from_o good_a and_o sometime_o more_o sensible_a disorder_n of_o affection_n and_o eruption_n of_o unruly_a passion_n and_o aberration_n in_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o same_o divine_a principal_n be_v in_o some_o christian_n more_o firm_a lively_a and_o active_a than_o in_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v habitual_o prevalent_a in_o they_o all_o and_o it_o resist_v and_o overcome_v the_o contrary_a principle_n even_o in_o the_o case_n of_o most_o belove_a sin_n and_o strong_a temptation_n and_o persevere_fw-la in_o earnest_n and_o fearful_a endeavour_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o degree_n of_o sanctity_n be_v obtain_v it_o ascribe_v whole_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n christianity_n be_v know_v what_o it_o be_v it_o may_v easy_o be_v know_v what_o it_o be_v not_o and_o so_o the_o false_a disguise_n of_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v detect_v forasmuch_o as_o it_o look_v far_o high_o than_o the_o temporal_a interest_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o settling_n of_o this_o life_n though_o it_o do_v not_o overlook_v they_o it_o can_v be_v think_v to_o have_v do_v its_o work_n in_o make_v man_n mere_o just-dealer_n good_a neighbour_n and_o profitable_a member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n for_o such_o may_v be_v some_o of_o they_o that_o be_v without_o christ_n without_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n moreover_o it_o can_v lie_v so_o low_a as_o in_o a_o bare_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o observance_n of_o its_o external_a institute_n accompany_v with_o a_o civil_a conversation_n as_o for_o such_o as_o rest_v in_o these_o thing_n what_o be_v they_o more_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n than_o the_o heathen_n that_o know_v he_o not_o and_o wherein_o do_v they_o differ_v from_o they_o except_o in_o a_o dead_a faith_n and_o outward_a form_n take_v up_o by_o education_n tradition_n example_n custom_n of_o the_o country_n and_o other_o such_o like_a motive_n nor_o do_v it_o lie_v in_o unwritten_a doctrine_n and_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n devise_v by_o man_n nor_o yet_o in_o curiosity_n of_o opinion_n or_o accidental_a mode_n of_o worship_n discipline_n or_o church-government_n nor_o in_o one_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o sector_n party_n nor_o in_o mere_a orthodoxality_n all_o which_o be_v rest_v in_o be_v but_o the_o false_a cover_n of_o hypocrite_n it_o be_v not_o the_o lax_n and_o easy_a low_a and_o large_a rule_n by_o which_o libertine_n and_o formalist_n yea_o some_o pretend_a perfectionist_n do_v measure_v their_o own_o righteousness_n who_o assert_v their_o perfectness_n by_o disannul_v or_o lessen_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v not_o any_o kind_n of_o morality_n or_o virtue_n whatsoever_o which_o be_v not_o true_a holiness_n or_o entire_a dedication_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o much_o less_o be_v it_o that_o loose_a and_o jolly_a religion_n of_o the_o sensual_a gang_n who_o keep_v up_o a_o superficial_a devotion_n in_o some_o external_a form_n but_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o real_a irreligion_n and_o profaneness_n and_o bid_v defiance_n to_o a_o circumspect_a walk_n and_o serious_a course_n of_o godliness_n and_o now_o it_o be_v too_o apparent_a what_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o prophess_n the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v christian_n in_o name_n only_o and_o not_o indeed_o their_o alienation_n from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o their_o enmity_n against_o it_o and_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n in_o the_o lust_n thereof_o do_v testify_v that_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n but_o christian_n indeed_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n above_o express_v which_o be_v now_o in_o they_o though_o not_o in_o the_o high_a yet_o in_o a_o prevalent_a degree_n do_v make_v it_o their_o utmost_a end_n to_o know_v love_n honour_n and_o please_v god_n to_o be_v conformable_a to_o he_o and_o to_o have_v the_o fruition_n of_o he_o in_o the_o perfection_n of_o which_o conformity_n and_o fruition_n they_o place_v the_o perfection_n of_o their_o blessedness_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o native_a bondage_n under_o the_o guilt_n and_o power_n of_o sin_n they_o come_v to_o the_o mediator_n jesus_n christ_n and_o rest_n upon_o he_o by_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o merit_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n to_o reconcile_v and_o sanctify_v they_o to_o god_n and_o according_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o he_o as_o their_o absolute_a teacher_n and_o ruler_n &_o all-sufficient_a saviour_n have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o which_o be_v of_o god_n they_o be_v crucify_v to_o the_o honour_n profit_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v their_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n and_o prepare_v for_o suffering_n in_o this_o life_n and_o by_o faith_n overcome_v they_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v the_o directory_n of_o their_o practice_n from_o day_n to_o day_n by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n they_o prove_v their_o own_o work_n and_o come_v to_o the_o light_n thereof_o that_o their_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a to_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n they_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n in_o the_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n of_o his_o appointment_n that_o they_o may_v glorify_v he_o and_o enjoy_v spiritual_a communion_n with_o he_o and_o be_v bless_v of_o he_o especial_o with_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o christ_n and_o as_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n they_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v their_o aim_n care_n and_o exercise_v to_o keep_v conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o to_o render_v to_o all_o their_o due_n both_o in_o their_o public_a and_o private_a capacity_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o love_n towards_o all_o not_o exclude_v enemy_n and_o to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a they_o can_v both_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o man_n but_o those_o that_o fear_n god_n they_o more_o high_o prize_n and_o favour_n the_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n within_o themselves_o they_o know_v feel_o and_o watch_v and_o pray_v and_o strive_v that_o they_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n and_o maintain_v a_o continual_a warfare_n against_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o jesus_n christ_n their_o leader_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o their_o holy_a profession_n with_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n they_o endeavour_v to_o be_v blameless_a and_o harmless_a as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o their_o good_a conversation_n to_o turn_v other_o to_o righteousness_n such_o be_v the_o character_n of_o those_o person_n upon_o who_o soul_n the_o holy_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v impress_v and_o in_o who_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v its_o real_a be_v force_n and_o virtue_n these_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o heavenly_a call_n and_o set_v apart_o for_o god_n to_o do_v he_o service_n in_o the_o present_a world_n and_o afterward_o to_o live_v in_o glory_n with_o he_o for_o ever_o these_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n the_o church_n be_v here_o take_v as_o mystical_a not_o as_o visible_a and_o these_o be_v all_o join_v together_o by_o one_o spirit_n in_o one_o body_n under_o christ_n their_o head_n in_o the_o same_o new_a nature_n have_v one_o rule_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o one_o hope_v of_o their_o call_n these_o be_v a_o great_a multitude_n which_o no_o man_n can_v number_v of_o all_o nation_n and_o kindred_n and_o people_n and_o tongue_n yet_o hitherto_o not_o proportionable_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o they_o continue_v throughout_o all_o age_n but_o in_o great_a or_o lesser_a number_n and_o more_o or_o less_o refine_v from_o superstition_n or_o other_o corruption_n and_o more_o or_o less_o sever_v from_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o antichristian_a state_n according_a to_o the_o brightness_n or_o darkness_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o they_o live_v chap._n ii_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o first_o holy_a doctrine_n the_o advancement_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o have_v its_o beginning_n in_o the_o new_a birth_n be_v the_o great_a end_n propound_v in_o this_o discourse_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o end_n
trifle_n with_o holy_a thing_n he_o shun_v vanity_n and_o curiosity_n and_o do_v not_o ramble_v into_o impertinence_n and_o care_v not_o to_o utter_v any_o thing_n for_o ostentation_n he_o have_v in_o his_o eye_n the_o end_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o the_o usefulness_n and_o importance_n of_o what_o he_o have_v to_o communicate_v that_o as_o it_o say_v of_o the_o scripture_n from_o whence_o he_o take_v it_o it_o may_v be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o it_o may_v come_v home_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n and_o be_v fit_a to_o raise_v their_o attention_n by_o their_o own_o concernment_n in_o it_o he_o consider_v withal_o what_o the_o hearer_n can_v best_o receive_v that_o be_v not_o what_o the_o flesh_n can_v well_o digest_v for_o then_o the_o most_o necessary_a truth_n must_v be_v forbear_v but_o that_o which_o carry_v its_o own_o evidence_n to_o that_o it_o must_v be_v own_v or_o the_o gainsayers_a must_v be_v self-condemned_n and_o this_o be_v to_o prepare_v man_n mind_n and_o to_o make_v way_n for_o such_o hard_a saying_n and_o strict_a precept_n as_o must_v be_v manifest_v in_o due_a season_n moreover_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o word_n itself_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o in_o all_o reason_n that_o be_v to_o be_v most_o esteem_v such_o which_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v effectual_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v ordain_v it_o which_o be_v to_o open_v man_n eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v through_o faith_n in_o christ._n that_o kind_n of_o preach_v that_o have_v most_o tendency_n to_o convince_v direct_a and_o move_v towards_o this_o end_n be_v without_o controversy_n the_o most_o powerful_a the_o press_v of_o doctrine_n with_o solid_a and_o cogent_a reason_n provide_v they_o be_v make_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o hearer_n appertain_v to_o this_o manner_n of_o preach_v and_o in_o a_o chief_a point_n therein_o strong_a reason_n may_v be_v so_o deliver_v as_o to_o be_v too_o hard_a and_o strong_a for_o plain_a people_n to_o receive_v and_o digest_v it_o here_o condescension_n be_v a_o great_a duty_n and_o perspicuity_n a_o great_a gift_n but_o the_o bare_a evidence_n of_o reason_n do_v not_o all_o for_o to_o gain_v the_o will_n which_o be_v the_o man_n beside_o the_o judgement_n the_o fancy_n and_o affection_n have_v need_n be_v gain_v we_o find_v it_o the_o condescension_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o word_n to_o deal_v very_o much_o with_o these_o low_a faculty_n which_o belong_v not_o to_o brute_n only_o but_o to_o man_n also_o it_o be_v not_o brutish_a but_o human_a to_o be_v move_v by_o they_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o judgement_n even_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o prudent_a man_n be_v find_v to_o take_v no_o small_a impression_n from_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o most_o proper_a way_n of_o solicit_v and_o exciting_a they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v much_o less_o contemn_v now_o dry_a reason_n though_o strong_a enough_o be_v not_o so_o fit_a to_o take_v the_o affection_n or_o raise_v the_o fancy_n wherefore_o some_o other_o help_n among_o which_o there_o be_v comparative_o little_a thing_n be_v herein_o use_v as_o familiar_a expression_n apt_a similitude_n expostulation_n lively_a representation_n and_o such_o like_a to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v a_o voluble_a tongue_n a_o move_a tone_n and_o take_v gesture_n and_o though_o much_o noise_n and_o action_n make_v not_o a_o powerful_a preacher_n yet_o earnestness_n of_o speech_n and_o elevation_n of_o the_o voice_n be_v not_o of_o little_a force_n and_o especial_o with_o vulgar_a hearer_n who_o be_v the_o great_a number_n in_o most_o auditory_n be_v very_o regarnable_a and_o true_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o business_n require_v due_a fervour_n shall_v the_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o death_n eternal_a be_v deliver_v without_o feeling_n as_o by_o man_n half_o asleep_a and_o people_n drowsiness_n do_v no_o less_o require_v it_o yea_o possible_o the_o apprehension_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o common_a people_n may_v better_o be_v rouse_v up_o by_o a_o somewhat_o boisterous_a way_n of_o excitation_n which_o for_o this_o reason_n shall_v not_o displease_v the_o learned_a or_o most_o judicious_a sort_n who_o be_v in_o this_o case_n to_o consider_v not_o what_o will_v most_o affect_v themselves_o but_o the_o great_a multitude_n who_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o help_n and_o who_o soul_n be_v not_o less_o precious_a nor_o redeem_v with_o a_o lesser_a price_n than_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o great_a scholar_n and_o sage_n of_o this_o world_n indeed_o much_o judgement_n and_o and_o circumspection_n be_v here_o call_v for_o that_o all_o rudeness_n and_o homeliness_n of_o expression_n all_o curiosity_n levity_n and_o loathsome_a affectation_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o undecency_n be_v avoid_v and_o that_o what_o be_v comely_a and_o congruous_a and_o apt_a to_o convince_v and_o move_v be_v use_v and_o that_o nothing_o be_v overstrain_v and_o in_o this_o matter_n self-distrust_n if_o not_o too_o excessive_a will_v do_v better_a than_o self-confidence_n and_o conceitedness_n here_o it_o shall_v be_v consider_v that_o very_o worthy_a man_n may_v have_v some_o indecency_n in_o voice_n and_o gesture_n which_o they_o can_v well_o remedy_v and_o other_o who_o be_v very_o useful_a and_o who_o service_n in_o god_n church_n can_v not_o be_v well_o spare_v may_v be_v liable_a to_o some_o lesser_a mistake_n and_o incongruity_n in_o expression_n which_o critical_a hearer_n may_v discern_v yet_o they_o hinder_v not_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n and_o withal_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v who_o work_n they_o do_v that_o aggravate_v such_o weakness_n to_o make_v sport_n for_o themselves_o and_o other_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o for_o they_o that_o pour_v out_o scorn_n upon_o the_o most_o pious_a serious_a solid_n and_o profitable_a kind_n of_o preach_v and_o make_v ridiculous_a representation_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n because_o it_o suit_v not_o their_o seem_a wisdom_n i_o be_o rather_o incline_v to_o lament_v their_o folly_n then_o to_o emulate_v their_o wit_n or_o envy_v their_o applause_n with_o some_o man_n we_o read_v that_o the_o wise_a preacher_n seek_v out_o acceptable_a word_n that_o be_v word_n please_v to_o edification_n that_o will_v reach_v home_o and_o be_v pierce_v as_o goad_n and_o nail_n the_o preacher_n inward_a feel_n of_o what_o he_o speak_v have_v a_o secret_a force_n to_o cause_v his_o word_n to_o be_v feel_v by_o other_o and_o what_o come_v from_o the_o heart_n be_v apt_a to_o go_v to_o the_o heart_n by_o a_o sympathy_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o that_o any_o shall_v speak_v of_o see_v and_o feel_v in_o some_o sort_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o god_n word_n will_v not_o seem_v strange_a to_o they_o who_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a the_o powerful_a dispense_n of_o the_o word_n depend_v chief_o on_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n though_o both_o natural_a and_o acquire_v part_n and_o the_o industrious_a exercise_n thereof_o be_v likewise_o necessary_a for_o which_o cause_n the_o spiritual_a man_n have_v unspeakable_a advantage_n of_o the_o mere_o natural_a man_n in_o this_o service_n the_o special_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o he_o and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o he_o cause_v he_o to_o speak_v in_o a_o strain_n more_o apposite_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o form_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n yea_o such_o illumination_n and_o conviction_n and_o taste_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n as_o proceed_v from_o a_o more_o common_a or_o less_o than_o regenerate_a grace_n will_v do_v more_o in_o this_o business_n with_o less_o ability_n of_o art_n and_o nature_n than_o far_o great_a ability_n in_o those_o kind_n can_v do_v by_o themselves_o alone_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n hereof_o and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o that_o he_o who_o have_v some_o savour_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n shall_v speak_v more_o savory_o of_o they_o than_o he_o can_v to_o who_o they_o be_v tasteless_a or_o unsavoury_a wherefore_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a kind_n of_o preach_v not_o indeed_o opposite_a to_o rational_a nor_o take_v so_o to_o be_v by_o any_o that_o talk_v of_o it_o with_o understanding_n though_o the_o assertor_n of_o it_o have_v be_v abusive_o personate_v as_o hold_v such_o a_o dotage_n they_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o spirit_n show_v any_o thing_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o divine_a matter_n which_o be_v
not_o consonant_a to_o right_a reason_n or_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v dart_v into_o their_o mind_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o a_o irradiation_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o that_o any_o may_v presume_v upon_o the_o spirit_n immediate_a help_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o rational_a search_n and_o study_n but_o their_o meaning_n be_v that_o as_o heretofore_o in_o extraordinary_a person_n there_o be_v extraordinary_a inspiration_n so_o there_o have_v be_v be_v and_o always_o shall_v be_v the_o ordinary_a teach_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o regard_n whereof_o it_o be_v style_v in_o scripture_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n which_o teach_v as_o all_o the_o faithful_a stand_n in_o need_n of_o so_o more_o especial_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o this_o divine_a assistance_n do_v elevate_v or_o heighten_v the_o gift_n of_o nature_n and_o learning_n and_o guide_v we_o to_o sound_v reason_v yea_o and_o sometime_o bring_v thing_n into_o the_o mind_n without_o previous_a reason_n yet_o rational_a and_o find_v to_o be_v so_o upon_o due_a scan_n there_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n in_o reason_n that_o st._n paul_n demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n be_v to_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o miraculous_a confirmation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n or_o any_o extraordinary_a gift_n though_o that_o sense_n be_v not_o exclude_v for_o the_o contexture_n of_o his_o discourse_n in_o that_o chapter_n set_v forth_o a_o certain_a faculty_n perceptive_a and_o expressive_a of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n belong_v unto_o spiritual_a man_n as_o such_o and_o they_o be_v no_o fanatic_n that_o to_o this_o day_n own_o the_o more_o common_a interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n namely_o to_o preach_v from_o the_o special_a help_n of_o the_o illuminate_n and_o quicken_a spirit_n with_o a_o lively_a perception_n and_o feel_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v deliver_v but_o whatsoever_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n be_v very_o they_o be_v besot_v with_o reason_n that_o in_o the_o pride_n thereof_o regard_v not_o this_o illumination_n from_o above_o and_o scoff_n at_o those_o that_o look_v after_o it_o to_o preach_v christ_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o dispensation_n and_o to_o preach_v moral_a duty_n be_v not_o extraneous_a to_o the_o preach_v of_o christ_n but_o comprise_v under_o it_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o morality_n in_o its_o best_a estate_n as_o it_o be_v vulgar_o take_v for_o temperance_n and_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n and_o other_o virtue_n of_o that_o rank_n as_o proceed_v from_o a_o mere_o natural_a principle_n which_o a_o aristotle_n may_v describe_v in_o his_o ethic_n be_v far_o below_o christianity_n for_o it_o be_v find_v in_o many_o that_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o lead_v mere_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o world_n but_o this_o name_n may_v be_v give_v to_o some_o high_a thing_n as_o first_o to_o the_o whole_a observation_n of_o god_n moral_a law_n found_v in_o our_o creation_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o outward_a work_n after_o a_o common_a manner_n performable_a by_o the_o unregenerate_a but_o in_o a_o duemannerfrom_o a_o right_a principle_n to_o a_o right_a end_n that_o be_v from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n unto_o his_o glory_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a part_n but_o not_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n nor_o indeed_o the_o whole_a of_o morality_n take_v not_o vulgar_o but_o theological_o and_o that_o in_o its_o full_a extent_n for_o so_o take_v it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o action_n to_o god_n and_o his_o law_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o main_a part_n thereof_o indeed_o to_o preach_v christ_n be_v to_o preach_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n and_o more_o especial_o those_o duty_n that_o be_v consequent_a to_o and_o found_v in_o our_o redemption_n as_o also_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o duty_n for_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n to_o himself_o and_o according_o have_v ordain_v the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n by_o which_o there_o be_v make_v know_v the_o lapse_v and_o lose_v estate_n of_o mankind_n the_o abundant_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o their_o recovery_n remission_n of_o sin_n and_o free_a justification_n through_o his_o righteousness_n regeneration_n and_o inward_a sanctification_n the_o inhabitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o believer_n and_o their_o mystical_a union_n with_o christ_n their_o live_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o he_o and_o derive_v of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o strength_n from_o he_o and_o grow_v up_o into_o he_o till_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o their_o spiritual_a warfare_n and_o conflict_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n within_o they_o their_o temptation_n desertion_n and_o renew_a consolation_n and_o the_o earnest_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v unto_o they_o sure_o these_o be_v fit_a subject_n to_o behand_o lead_v by_o a_o gospel_n preacher_n though_o the_o preach_a of_o these_o matter_n or_o of_o many_o of_o they_o be_v by_o some_o call_v cant_v and_o phrase_n divinity_n yet_o they_o be_v the_o sacred_a expression_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o scripture_n and_o dare_v any_o say_v they_o be_v but_o a_o sound_n of_o word_n without_o matter_n agreeable_a to_o the_o style_n no_o they_o be_v real_a and_o deep_a mystery_n and_o intelligible_a to_o they_o that_o obey_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v hearty_o here_o assert_v and_o earnest_o contend_v for_o that_o the_o gospel_n call_v we_o as_o much_o to_o virtue_n as_o to_o glory_v and_o that_o its_o true_a intent_n be_v to_o reduce_v we_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n yet_o withal_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n therein_o be_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n the_o all-fulness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o mighty_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o wonderfulness_n of_o salvation_n through_o he_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o we_o may_v glory_v not_o in_o ourselves_o but_o in_o he_o who_o of_o god_n be_v make_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n and_o indeed_o who_o do_v more_o powerful_o and_o successful_o preach_v christian_n duty_n than_o they_o that_o most_o insist_v on_o this_o unspeakable_a grace_n and_o lay_v open_a the_o treasure_n thereof_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o to_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o love_n towards_o he_o not_o imaginary_a and_o conceit_a but_o real_a and_o substantial_a make_v good_a by_o a_o entire_a subjection_n to_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o doctrine_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o of_o good_a work_n be_v to_o be_v sound_v together_o in_o our_o pulpit_n what_o christ_n have_v do_v for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o save_v we_o the_o pain_n of_o a_o continual_a mortification_n and_o of_o the_o agony_n to_o be_v endure_v therein_o and_o of_o aspire_v to_o the_o most_o perfect_a state_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v attainable_a we_o be_v to_o live_v as_o strict_o as_o if_o we_o be_v to_o be_v save_v by_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o own_o obedience_n and_o indeed_o none_o lead_v more_o holy_a life_n than_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v find_v in_o christ_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v all_o that_o they_o can_v rely_v whole_o upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o he_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o gospel_n mystery_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o mere_a phrase_n nor_o be_v new_a matter_n always_o bring_v with_o new_a form_n of_o speech_n nor_o be_v people_n much_o the_o wise_a by_o have_v their_o head_n fill_v with_o they_o there_o be_v empty_a sound_n and_o term_n unintelligible_a swell_a word_n with_o windy_a notion_n expression_n that_o seem_v to_o draw_v deep_a who_o meaning_n be_v but_o shallow_a there_o be_v a_o solicitous_a state_v of_o point_n with_o a_o seem_a exactness_n that_o be_v indeed_o weak_a and_o injudicious_a and_o a_o niceness_n in_o distinguish_v which_o be_v but_o frivolous_a many_o controversy_n much_o agitate_a be_v but_o a_o strife_n of_o word_n and_o too_o great_a stress_n be_v often_o lay_v upon_o little_a fancy_n and_o a_o great_a mischief_n there_o be_v that_o in_o cloudy_a language_n pernicious_a doctrine_n take_v shelter_n and_o dangerous_a sect_n be_v know_v to_o hide_v themselves_o in_o this_o covert_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o do_v his_o work_n right_o will_v know_v the_o true_a significancy_n and_o import_n of_o what_o he_o utter_v he_o vent_v not_o mere_a word_n but_o sound_a matter_n and_o good_a substance_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v feed_v with_o solid_a sense_n and_o not_o with_o phrase_n howbeit_o as_o touch_v expression_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a
spiritual_a strain_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o which_o as_o come_v from_o life_n and_o spirit_n be_v better_a discern_v than_o describe_v there_o be_v a_o speak_v not_o in_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v and_o though_o this_o more_o eminent_o take_v place_n in_o the_o apostle_n and_o such_o other_o extraordinary_a person_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o restrain_v it_o to_o they_o alone_o st._n paul_n may_v well_o be_v understand_v to_o speak_v of_o this_o as_o a_o gift_n receive_v by_o they_o that_o have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o which_o be_v of_o god_n and_o as_o something_o suit_v to_o the_o perception_n and_o taste_n of_o all_o spiritual_a man_n it_o do_v not_o exclude_v the_o use_n of_o human_a wisdom_n though_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n sway_n in_o chief_a for_o no_o doubt_n even_o paul_n human_a learning_n and_o prudence_n be_v herein_o serviceable_a though_o in_o subserviency_n to_o the_o influence_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n this_o spirituality_n of_o expression_n be_v conformable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n though_o not_o confine_v to_o the_o word_n thereof_o sure_o the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n can_v be_v better_a handle_v than_o in_o those_o term_n in_o which_o they_o be_v first_o deliver_v to_o wit_n in_o scripture_n expression_n or_o other_o consonant_n thereto_o solid_o and_o pertinent_o use_v and_o to_o call_v this_o cant_v savour_v to_o much_o of_o that_o spirit_n to_o which_o holy_a language_n be_v unsavoury_a without_o controversy_n the_o strong_a reason_n be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o gain_v the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o embrace_v true_a religion_n for_o that_o which_o cross_v sensuality_n selfishness_n and_o all_o the_o deprave_a appetite_n of_o our_o lapse_v nature_n as_o religion_n do_v must_v needs_o have_v its_o great_a strength_n next_o under_o the_o power_n of_o divine_a grace_n in_o the_o force_n of_o right_a reason_n but_o care_n and_o skill_n be_v requisite_a that_o it_o be_v so_o prepare_v offer_v and_o set_v home_o that_o it_o may_v be_v suitable_a to_o they_o that_o shall_v receive_v it_o and_o that_o the_o cogency_n thereof_o may_v so_o reach_v unto_o and_o fasten_v upon_o their_o judgement_n as_o to_o gain_v their_o will_n philosophical_a ratiocination_n be_v too_o remote_a not_o only_o from_o low_a and_o dull_a capacity_n but_o also_o from_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o that_o be_v competent_o apprehensive_a and_o intelligent_a and_o so_o be_v too_o much_o estrange_v from_o they_o they_o do_v not_o touch_v they_o to_o the_o quick_a a_o familiar_a natural_a plain_a and_o obvious_a way_n of_o reason_v come_v home_o to_o all_o man_n and_o be_v most_o feel_v at_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o by_o scholar_n themselves_o though_o their_o intellect_n may_v be_v more_o delight_v in_o more_o accurate_a or_o reserve_a speculation_n scriptural_a preach_v be_v indeed_o the_o most_o rational_a as_o come_v with_o such_o reason_n as_o be_v of_o great_a force_n with_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n for_o god_n write_v word_n be_v a_o treasure_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n that_o thorough_o furnish_v the_o man_n of_o god_n beside_o the_o infallible_a testimony_n thereof_o have_v more_o authority_n than_o philosophical_a reason_n though_o sound_n and_o true_a can_v have_v upon_o christian_a hearer_n and_o it_o peirce_v deep_a and_o stick_v close_o and_o argument_n take_v and_o word_n speak_v from_o scripture_n wherewith_o the_o people_n converse_v daily_o be_v more_o easy_o apprehend_v and_o retain_v and_o so_o be_v more_o instructive_a and_o every_o way_n more_o useful_a than_o other_o reason_n though_o numerous_a citation_n of_o sentence_n out_o of_o human_a author_n be_v a_o unprofitable_a kind_n of_o ostentation_n yet_o the_o sentence_n of_o holy_a writ_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o our_o christian_a hope_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o be_v most_o effectual_a to_o edification_n and_o whosoever_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v reason_n in_o divine_a matter_n be_v to_o make_v a_o rational_a use_n of_o scripture_n and_o if_o any_o quote_v it_o impertinent_o and_o absurd_o it_o be_v through_o defect_n of_o reason_n and_o they_o will_v be_v as_o injudicious_a in_o their_o sermon_n without_o those_o quotation_n but_o nice_a and_o haughty_a wit_n most_o cavil_v without_o cause_n and_o charge_v profitable_a preacher_n with_o injudiciousness_n mere_o through_o their_o own_o vain_a curiosity_n and_o inconsiderateness_n scripture_n quotation_n be_v sometime_o use_v by_o way_n of_o allusion_n or_o for_o illustration_n not_o for_o strict_a proof_n and_o that_o which_o be_v bring_v for_o proof_n if_o it_o be_v not_o full_a and_o cogent_a yet_o it_o may_v add_v some_o weight_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o abuse_v beside_o if_o a_o passage_n be_v use_v in_o a_o sound_n and_o pious_a though_o not_o in_o its_o proper_a sense_n it_o be_v pardonable_a it_o be_v fit_a indeed_o that_o in_o cite_v text_n we_o know_v their_o true_a import_n and_o go_v more_o by_o weight_n than_o number_n shun_v impertinency_n and_o superfluity_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o unfit_a to_o note_v that_o all_o sound_n and_o good_a preacher_n be_v not_o alike_o judicious_a and_o those_o that_o be_v very_o solid_a may_v be_v guilty_a of_o some_o oversight_n and_o it_o be_v a_o bad_a matter_n that_o their_o ministry_n which_o god_n have_v own_v and_o honour_v with_o good_a success_n in_o his_o service_n shall_v be_v set_v at_o nought_o for_o a_o few_o mistake_n perhaps_o more_o pretend_v than_o real_a about_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o scripture_n when_o it_o be_v not_o apply_v otherwise_o than_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n will_v bear_v and_o nothing_o be_v defend_v but_o know_v truth_n i_o have_v know_v a_o pious_a but_o strange_o mistake_v sense_n of_o a_o scripture_n sentence_n cast_v into_o the_o mind_n and_o there_o fix_v to_o have_v be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o seriousness_n in_o religion_n to_o one_o that_o afterward_o live_v and_o die_v a_o godly_a christian._n now_o that_o which_o be_v causal_n in_o this_o conversion_n be_v the_o godly_a truth_n itself_o which_o be_v write_v in_o god_n word_n and_o the_o mistake_n it_o to_o lie_v in_o such_o a_o sentence_n where_o it_o do_v not_o be_v but_o accidental_a be_v no_o hindrance_n i_o do_v in_o no_o wise_a countenance_n the_o irrational_a use_n of_o scripture_n but_o be_o sensible_a of_o the_o importance_n of_o good_a judgement_n and_o due_a care_n about_o the_o sense_n thereof_o yet_o i_o can_v approve_v the_o scornful_a haughtiness_n of_o some_o man_n who_o deride_z godly_a person_n well_o instruct_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o have_v nothing_o but_o word_n and_o phrase_n and_o senseless_a notion_n either_o because_o they_o come_v short_a of_o scholarlike_o exactness_n or_o because_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o a_o more_o evangelicall_n and_o spiritual_a strain_n than_o these_o can_v well_o bear_v in_o speak_v the_o best_a use_n of_o art_n be_v to_o speak_v to_o best_a purpose_n and_o for_o that_o end_n in_o divine_a matter_n to_o speak_v with_o great_a majesty_n and_o authority_n and_o this_o be_v do_v not_o by_o ostentation_n of_o wit_n by_o puerile_a and_o effeminate_a rhetorication_n by_o a_o rhapsody_n of_o flaunt_a word_n by_o starch_a speech_n by_o cadency_n of_o sound_n or_o any_o too_o elaborate_a politeness_n that_o please_v the_o shallow_a fancy_n but_o by_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n set_v forth_o in_o a_o masculine_a and_o unaffected_a eloquence_n that_o have_v power_n over_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o be_v tough_a and_o knotty_a piece_n perspicuity_n be_v a_o great_a virtue_n and_o felicity_n in_o discourse_n for_o hereby_o what_o be_v offer_v gain_n attention_n and_o enter_v the_o mind_n and_o abide_v therein_o but_o intricacy_n and_o obscurity_n be_v a_o bar_n to_o its_o entrance_n and_o entertainment_n hereunto_o a_o easy_a and_o obvious_a method_n evident_a coherence_n and_o plainness_n of_o expression_n conduce_v main_o wherefore_o he_o that_o mind_n what_o he_o have_v to_o do_v be_v not_o careful_a by_o a_o more_o curious_a artifice_n to_o please_v the_o fancy_n of_o some_o itch_a hearer_n but_o have_v most_o regard_n to_o that_o composure_n that_o make_v most_o for_o a_o general_a benefit_n and_o edification_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n as_o he_o will_v not_o multiply_v word_n without_o need_n and_o become_v tedious_a so_o he_o will_v not_o be_v too_o succinct_a and_o close_a and_o by_o that_o mean_n either_o too_o dark_a or_o too_o quick_a to_o inform_v or_o effect_v the_o people_n in_o vulgar_a auditory_n a_o dilate_v of_o the_o matter_n be_v most_o necessary_a so_o that_o idle_a tautology_n and_o prolixity_n be_v avoid_v and_o it_o may_v be_v
their_o union_n and_o fellowship_n be_v chief_o mystical_a and_o invisible_a their_o unity_n be_v far_o great_a than_o what_o outward_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n and_o sometime_o than_o what_o themselves_o can_v discern_v among_o themselves_o in_o particular_a by_o reason_n of_o many_o inferior_a yet_o very_o disquiet_v difference_n and_o discord_n nevertheless_o it_o behoove_v they_o to_o provide_v that_o it_o may_v appear_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v what_o it_o be_v indeed_o and_o that_o it_o be_v conspicuous_a and_o illustrious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n by_o their_o walk_n in_o love_n and_o peace_n unity_n be_v the_o church_n strength_n and_o beauty_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o a_o argument_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n it_o make_v religion_n lovely_a and_o draw_v forth_o blessing_n &_o praise_n from_o the_o beholder_n of_o it_o and_o win_v the_o world_n to_o a_o love_n and_o reverence_n of_o that_o piety_n which_o make_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o to_o live_v in_o brotherly_a kindness_n and_o mutual_a charity_n but_o division_n be_v the_o church_n weakness_n and_o deformity_n the_o reproach_n of_o christian_n and_o a_o scandal_n against_o christianity_n and_o a_o objection_n put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o infidel_n against_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v unto_o many_o in_o the_o present_a divide_a state_n of_o religion_n each_o party_n be_v apt_a to_o appropriate_v godliness_n to_o themselves_o or_o at_o least_o to_o carry_v it_o towards_o other_o as_o if_o they_o do_v so_o and_o they_o that_o be_v loud_a in_o accuse_v dissenter_n of_o uncharitableness_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v themselves_o as_o uncharitable_a as_o any_o other_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n have_v a_o peculiar_a people_n distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o by_o a_o peculiar_a character_n but_o it_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o party_n of_o this_o or_o that_o persuasion_n or_o denomination_n that_o be_v narrow_a than_o mere_a christianity_n and_o all_o true_a christian_n be_v to_o receive_v one_o a_o other_o as_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o indeed_o the_o best_a christian_n be_v to_o be_v best_a esteem_v and_o their_o fellowship_n be_v most_o desire_a but_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v sever_v from_o the_o universality_n and_o in_o a_o strict_a combination_n set_v up_o as_o divide_a party_n it_o tend_v to_o the_o church_n ruin_n for_o a_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o can_v stand_v and_o if_o the_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o body_n forsake_v the_o rest_n the_o whole_a must_v needs_o die_v christian_n concord_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o aggregation_n of_o thing_n inconsistent_a as_o the_o fellowship_n of_o righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n the_o communion_n of_o light_n with_o darkness_n the_o concord_n of_o christ_n with_o belial_n to_o set_v up_o unity_n against_o piety_n be_v a_o conspiracy_n against_o christ_n who_o be_v king_n of_o righteousness_n and_o to_o pretend_v piety_n against_o unity_n be_v to_o oppose_v christ_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n who_o kingdom_n be_v the_o reign_n of_o love_n in_o the_o soul_n holiness_n and_o peace_n must_v kiss_v each_o other_o and_o as_o inseparable_a companion_n walk_v together_o it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v charge_v to_o keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n but_o concord_n in_o any_o external_a order_n without_o fellowship_n in_o the_o divine_a life_n be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o new_a nature_n and_o to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o same_o holy_a way_n this_o be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o great_a compliance_n in_o matter_n of_o mere_a external_a order_n and_o consequent_o much_o more_o regardable_a in_o our_o estimation_n and_o reception_n of_o person_n though_o to_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n be_v not_o of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o to_o be_v join_v in_o one_o spirit_n yet_o it_o must_v not_o be_v count_v a_o small_a matter_n the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v much_o concern_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o church_n communion_n it_o will_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o some_o difficulty_n for_o they_o to_o live_v together_o in_o love_n who_o one_o church_n can_v hold_v church_n division_n common_o divide_v affection_n and_o draw_v man_n into_o party_n and_o divide_a interest_n and_o make_v they_o seek_v to_o strengthen_v their_o own_o party_n by_o weaken_v all_o other_o to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o general_n for_o which_o cause_n the_o unchurch_a of_o church_n and_o renounce_v of_o communion_n with_o they_o that_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o sacrament_n and_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o divine_a worship_n shall_v be_v dread_v by_o all_o sober_a christian_n yea_o all_o unnecessary_a distance_n shall_v be_v avoid_v lest_o they_o lead_v to_o great_a alienation_n and_o direct_a enmity_n and_o opposition_n those_o church_n that_o can_v hold_v local_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o by_o reason_n of_o difference_n that_o destroy_v not_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n shall_v yet_o maintain_v a_o dear_a and_o tender_a christian_a love_n one_o to_o another_o and_o profess_v their_o own_n of_o each_o other_o as_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o shall_v agree_v together_o upon_o certain_a just_a and_o equal_a rule_n for_o the_o management_n of_o their_o unavoidable_a difference_n so_o as_o may_v lest_o prejudice_n charity_n and_o common_a good_a and_o least_o harden_v the_o ungodly_a and_o grieve_v the_o weak_a or_o dishonour_n god_n or_o hinder_v the_o success_n of_o common_a great_a and_o necessary_a truth_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n amicable_o promote_a the_o common_a cause_n of_o christianity_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o in_o which_o they_o be_v agree_v and_o open_v their_o disagreement_n to_o the_o people_n as_o little_a as_o they_o can_v schism_n be_v a_o unwarrantable_a separation_n from_o or_o division_n in_o a_o church_n and_o without_o controversy_n it_o be_v a_o heinous_a sin_n and_o to_o be_v detest_v both_o for_o its_o exceed_a sinfulness_n and_o woeful_a consequent_n but_o it_o have_v be_v so_o disguise_v and_o the_o odious_a name_n have_v be_v so_o confuse_o cast_v abroad_o and_o so_o unreasonable_o and_o malicious_o misapply_v that_o it_o be_v too_o slight_o think_v of_o where_o it_o shall_v be_v sad_o lay_v to_o heart_n for_o it_o be_v common_a with_o the_o strong_a party_n be_v it_o right_n or_o wrong_n to_o call_v themselves_o the_o church_n and_o to_o have_v no_o better_a name_n for_o other_o than_o schismatic_n and_o so_o the_o reproach_n be_v but_o contemn_v by_o they_o that_o suffer_v it_o and_o the_o sin_n itself_o be_v too_o little_o fear_v on_o all_o side_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o temporal_a law_n nor_o secular_a power_n nor_o any_o prevalence_n of_o strength_n or_o interest_n that_o make_v a_o church_n and_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n will_v excuse_v they_o from_o schism_n that_o act_n uncharitable_o against_o their_o brethren_n and_o obstruct_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o godliness_n nor_o be_v they_o forthwith_o to_o be_v count_v schismatic_n who_o can_v in_o all_o point_n observe_v the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o can_v neglect_v to_o yield_v their_o help_n to_o the_o save_n of_o soul_n that_o will_v otherwise_o want_v due_a mean_n of_o salvation_n when_o god_n have_v call_v they_o to_o that_o service_n with_o a_o woe_n unto_o they_o if_o they_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n for_o as_o much_o as_o all_o must_v dread_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n true_o so_o call_v let_v it_o be_v well_o consider_v that_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o schismatical_a imposition_n as_o the_o people_n be_v to_o shun_v schismatical_a recusancy_n and_o disobedience_n as_o well_o the_o pastor_n wisdom_n as_o the_o people_n due_a submission_n be_v here_o importunate_o call_v for_o when_o superior_n know_v how_o to_o command_v and_o inferior_n how_o to_o obey_v thing_n will_v go_v as_o well_o as_o may_v be_v hope_v for_o in_o this_o our_o imperfect_a state_n here_o upon_o earth_n as_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v best_a assure_v by_o suppress_v all_o conscientious_a inquiry_n into_o its_o decree_n so_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v most_o secure_v by_o the_o most_o perfect_a exercise_n of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o upright_a conscience_n in_o all_o its_o adherent_n that_o church_n that_o claim_v to_o herself_o a_o infallibility_n or_o challenge_n and_o obtain_v from_o her_o partaker_n a_o implicit_a faith_n in_o her_o determination_n without_o further_a enquiry_n need_v not_o fear_v the_o break_n of_o the_o bond_n of_o her_o peace_n if_o she_o multiply_v constitution_n and_o impose_v any_o devise_a doctrine_n and_o ordinance_n suitable_a to_o
that_o be_v reprove_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o the_o world_n that_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o love_n darkness_n hate_v the_o light_n by_o which_o it_o be_v condemn_v not_o only_o with_o a_o hatred_n of_o aversation_n but_o of_o hostile_a persecution_n nevertheless_o the_o unregenerate_a sort_n of_o man_n in_o general_a can_v and_o will_v not_o abandon_v all_o sense_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o deep_o imprint_v in_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o form_n whereof_o may_v be_v acceptable_a even_o to_o corrupt_v nature_n wherefore_o they_o own_o the_o name_n while_o they_o hate_v the_o thing_n and_o keep_v up_o a_o show_n and_o form_n thereof_o while_o they_o deny_v the_o truth_n and_o power_n and_o have_v a_o false_a apprehension_n of_o christ_n they_o adore_v he_o while_o they_o trample_v upon_o his_o present_a member_n that_o real_o bear_v his_o image_n and_o have_v a_o false_a idea_n of_o godliness_n they_o honour_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o former_a age_n while_o they_o vilify_v those_o of_o their_o own_o time_n in_o who_o godliness_n real_o exist_v which_o show_v that_o if_o christ_n and_o the_o former_a saint_n be_v now_o on_o the_o earth_n to_o appear_v what_o they_o be_v indeed_o they_o will_v be_v no_o less_o hate_v and_o scorn_v than_o the_o faithful_a that_o be_v now_o live_v the_o manifold_a way_n of_o destruction_n and_o misery_n wherein_o the_o wicked_a walk_n though_o contradictory_n to_o each_o other_o do_v all_o conspire_v in_o this_o enmity_n and_o godliness_n be_v put_v to_o conflict_n not_o with_o one_o sort_n of_o enemy_n but_o with_o the_o various_a corrupt_a party_n of_o the_o divide_a carnal_a world_n yet_o worldly_a interest_n often_o make_v their_o advantage_n of_o christianity_n and_o have_v their_o design_n upon_o it_o and_o complicate_v themselves_o with_o it_o in_o some_o external_a and_o accidential_a engagement_n for_o a_o season_n and_o then_o the_o enmity_n be_v restrain_v and_o not_o a_o few_o that_o fall_v short_a of_o regeneration_n may_v be_v so_o illuminate_v and_o wrought_v upon_o as_o not_o only_o to_o cease_v from_o malignancy_n and_o hostility_n against_o it_o but_o to_o promote_v and_o strengthen_v its_o external_a interest_n but_o for_o all_o this_o the_o serpentine_a nature_n have_v hitherto_o be_v more_o predominant_a in_o this_o low_a world_n and_o god_n kingdom_n have_v have_v far_o great_a opposition_n than_o assistance_n from_o the_o power_n thereof_o now_o we_o be_v note_v the_o injury_n and_o despite_n that_o be_v do_v to_o godliness_n the_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n heap_v on_o the_o serious_a professor_n of_o it_o to_o render_v they_o hateful_a and_o contemptible_a require_v some_o animadversion_n their_o adversary_n set_v they_o forth_o as_o proud_a froward_a stubborn_a false_a rash_a fierce_a petulant_a sullen_a fanatical_a hypocritical_a censorious_a pragmatical_a unruly_a schismatical_a seditious_a unpeaceable_a presumptuous_a selfish_a and_o such_o like_a if_o we_o will_v judge_v right_o of_o these_o imputation_n we_o be_v to_o mind_v many_o thing_n viz._n the_o intrusion_n of_o hypocrite_n the_o multitude_n of_o half_n convert_v the_o great_a weakness_n of_o grace_n and_o defect_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o sincere_a christian_n and_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o best_a and_o chief_a of_o they_o it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o fault_n real_a or_o seem_a be_v more_o remarkable_a in_o strict_a professor_n than_o in_o any_o other_o as_o spot_n in_o a_o white_a garment_n also_o that_o the_o common_a malignity_n will_v aggravate_v the_o same_o above_o measure_n likewise_o that_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v charge_v with_o be_v they_o true_o charge_v be_v not_o peculiar_o they_o but_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o world_n in_o general_a and_o that_o some_o degree_n thereof_o be_v find_v in_o all_o in_o who_o human_a weakness_n be_v find_v and_o that_o they_o be_v less_o and_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n in_o this_o party_n of_o man_n than_o in_o any_o other_o add_v hereunto_o that_o the_o fault_n of_o some_o be_v common_o object_v against_o all_o and_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n not_o yet_o make_v perfect_a be_v cast_v upon_o that_o holy_a and_o perfect_a way_n which_o condemn_v those_o sin_n and_o have_v break_v the_o dominion_n of_o they_o moreover_o when_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o general_n have_v renounce_v palpable_a dishonesty_n injustice_n filthy_a lewdness_n wantonness_n intemperance_n luxury_n and_o other_o gross_a pollution_n of_o the_o world_n they_o be_v burden_v according_a to_o the_o true_a method_n of_o calumniation_n with_o matter_n of_o suspicion_n or_o evil_a surmise_n as_o hypocrisy_n selfconceitedness_a fancicalness_n and_o secret_a pride_n thing_n most_o belong_v to_o the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o with_o spiritual_a wickedness_n as_o envy_n malice_n bitterness_n vainglory_n ambition_n self-admiration_n and_o contempt_n of_o other_o thing_n of_o more_o close_a and_o covert_a nature_n and_o as_o not_o easy_o prove_v so_o not_o easy_o disprove_v where_o they_o be_v object_v or_o with_o the_o ambiguous_a charge_n of_o schism_n faction_n turbulence_n singularity_n peevishness_n perverseness_n obstinacy_n which_o opposite_a party_n be_v continual_o cast_v upon_o each_o other_o fault_n and_o duty_n virtue_n and_o vice_n happen_v to_o be_v call_v by_o these_o name_n and_o in_o this_o method_n of_o of_o accusation_n the_o innocent_a be_v soon_o injure_v than_o clear_v and_o slanderer_n do_v their_o work_n for_o the_o reproach_n be_v bold_o cast_v abroad_o and_o something_o stick_v but_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o obloquy_n and_o calumny_n the_o whole_a world_n may_v be_v challenge_v to_o produce_v a_o instance_n of_o any_o sort_n or_o sect_n of_o man_n that_o have_v exceed_v or_o equal_v the_o serious_a professor_n of_o the_o true_a christianity_n in_o thing_n honest_a and_o just_a and_o comely_a and_o useful_a and_o praiseworthy_a it_o must_v not_o be_v expect_a but_o that_o during_o their_o imperfect_a state_n obliquity_n &_o aberration_n will_v be_v find_v more_o or_o less_o in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o remote_a from_o perfection_n but_o if_o true_a honesty_n and_o virtue_n be_v a_o reality_n and_o not_o a_o empty_a name_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o perish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n it_o exist_v and_o reside_v in_o they_o howbeit_o in_o this_o way_n there_o be_v inevitable_a occasion_n of_o stumble_v not_o give_v but_o take_v and_o such_o fall_n thereat_o as_o do_v err_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o have_v not_o know_v god_n way_n the_o practice_n of_o true_a piety_n lie_v out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n be_v misjudge_v as_o a_o kind_n of_o humorous_a singularity_n to_o speak_v feel_o of_o divine_a thing_n seem_v folly_n or_o mere_a fancy_n to_o they_o who_o have_v no_o knowledge_n or_o taste_n thereof_o in_o themselves_o to_o express_v with_o zeal_n or_o vigour_n such_o thing_n as_o seem_v to_o other_o incredible_a though_o they_o be_v most_o true_a and_o excellent_a be_v take_v for_o madness_n tenderness_n of_o conscience_n strictness_n of_o life_n servour_n of_o devotion_n mortification_n and_o heavenly-mindedness_a be_v by_o sensualist_n formalist_n and_o carnal_a politician_n judge_v by_o their_o own_o measure_n take_v for_o hypocrisy_n design_v the_o applause_n of_o man_n or_o some_o eminency_n and_o advancement_n in_o a_o party_n or_o some_o other_o self-interest_n a_o pious_a regard_n to_o the_o lesser_a as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a command_n of_o the_o law_n and_o a_o dread_n of_o despise_v the_o least_o commandment_n be_v common_o esteem_v peevishness_n and_o needless_a preciseness_n to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o holy_a and_o profane_a the_o zealous_a and_o lukewarm_a the_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o to_o judge_v of_o both_o sort_n as_o they_o be_v be_v a_o great_a offence_n to_o the_o world_n for_o which_o the_o religious_a be_v think_v to_o be_v proud_a boaster_n despiser_n of_o other_o uncharitable_a censorious_a and_o formalist_n be_v magnify_v against_o they_o for_o their_o large_a charity_n towards_o all_o which_o be_v indeed_o no_o charity_n but_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n not_o seldom_o accompany_v with_o bitterness_n towards_o the_o godly_a to_o speak_v as_o the_o scripture_n do_v of_o a_o peculiar_a people_n and_o as_o christ_n himself_o of_o the_o fewness_n of_o god_n choose_v among_o the_o many_o outward_o call_v be_v account_v the_o confine_n of_o godliness_n to_o a_o party_n and_o the_o fancy_v of_o themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a people_n of_o god_n now_o such_o arrogance_n be_v just_o charge_v on_o those_o that_o place_n religion_n in_o narrow_a opinion_n and_o platform_n and_o method_n of_o their_o own_o choose_v and_o judge_v of_o all_o man_n as_o they_o be_v near_o or_o far_o from_o they_o yet_o nothing_o be_v sure_a than_o that_o god_n have_v a_o peculiar_a people_n who_o be_v comparative_o a_o small_a
aggravation_n of_o sin_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o with_o their_o acknowledgement_n and_o bewail_v of_o such_o scandal_n before_o the_o world_n as_o have_v be_v give_v by_o some_o among_o they_o as_o also_o with_o their_o public_a testimony_n against_o error_n and_o corruption_n that_o have_v rise_v in_o their_o time_n and_o so_o they_o reproach_n they_o for_o their_o humility_n sincerity_n and_o impartiality_n in_o abuse_v themselves_o and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o condemn_a sin_n where_o ever_o they_o find_v it_o they_o scoff_v at_o those_o that_o speak_v of_o communion_n with_o god_n spiritual_a experience_n desertion_n and_o the_o like_a matter_n and_o use_v in_o scorn_n scriptural_a word_n and_o phrase_n and_o other_o holy_a expression_n use_v by_o the_o religious_a and_o profane_v the_o term_n of_o holy_a godly_a saint_n sanctify_a by_o the_o use_n thereof_o in_o scandalous_a irony_n and_o so_o they_o make_v sport_n for_o profane_a man_n and_o harden_v they_o in_o their_o irreligion_n they_o will_v render_v holy_a thing_n contemptible_a by_o nothing_o some_o little_a oversight_n and_o indecency_n most_o involuntary_a in_o those_o that_o perform_v the_o same_o as_o perhaps_o in_o the_o preacher_n tone_n or_o gesture_n and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o easy_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o licentious_a wit_n to_o play_v upon_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o sacred_a thing_n and_o to_o make_v the_o most_o acceptable_a service_n of_o god_n and_o his_o choice_a servant_n seem_v ridiculous_a these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o many_o vile_a and_o wretched_a way_n of_o disgrace_v true_a religion_n and_o i_o will_v add_v one_o more_o to_o wit_n that_o madness_n of_o opposition_n on_o what_o side_n soever_o it_o be_v which_o to_o make_v a_o different_a party_n odious_a will_v not_o fear_v to_o expose_v godliness_n itself_o to_o the_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n of_o they_o that_o scorn_v all_o religious_a party_n sure_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o be_v a_o hater_n reviler_n and_o scorner_n of_o person_n and_o thing_n dear_a to_o god_n and_o precious_a in_o his_o sight_n what_o be_v it_o to_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n if_o this_o be_v not_o wherefore_o he_o do_v no_o ill_a service_n that_o detect_v this_o perilous_a folly_n and_o man_n will_v easy_o shun_v such_o mistake_n and_o prejudice_n as_o make_v they_o misjudge_v and_o condemn_v the_o pious_a if_o they_o will_v but_o deal_v fair_o and_o exercise_v the_o same_o equity_n and_o candour_n towards_o they_o which_o be_v due_a to_o all_o sort_n and_o which_o towards_o themselves_o all_o do_v just_o challenge_v but_o godliness_n will_v be_v still_o godliness_n let_v presumptuous_a wit_n employ_v their_o tongue_n and_o pen_n to_o transform_v into_o never_o so_o ugly_a shape_n invective_n sarcasm_n odious_a and_o ridiculous_a tale_n and_o story_n scenial_a representation_n and_o disguise_n will_v not_o confound_v it_o nor_o sink_v its_o authority_n and_o reputation_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o fair_a cover_n and_o best_a contrive_a apology_n the_o most_o notable_a and_o advantageous_a policy_n will_v not_o make_v corrupt_a thing_n savoury_a nor_o insipid_a thing_n relishable_a nor_o little_a empty_a thing_n great_a and_o weighty_a nor_o uphold_v the_o estimation_n of_o a_o degenerate_a carnal_a outside_n lifeless_a state_n of_o religion_n where_o better_a thing_n be_v know_v the_o wit_n of_o man_n may_v adorn_v or_o palliate_v any_o folly_n and_o deform_v true_a wisdom_n but_o in_o a_o lucid_a region_n where_o knowledge_n be_v diffuse_v wisdom_n will_v show_v itself_o and_o the_o folly_n of_o fool_n can_v be_v hide_v but_o let_v the_o religious_a know_v that_o it_o behoove_v they_o to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o suffer_v not_o so_o many_o thing_n in_o vain_a for_o these_o indignity_n may_v do_v they_o more_o good_a than_o the_o vain_a applause_n of_o man_n if_o their_o enemy_n give_v they_o advantage_n as_o indeed_o they_o do_v for_o the_o learning_n of_o more_o wisdom_n sobriety_n and_o circumspection_n let_v they_o receive_v it_o it_o be_v pity_n they_o shall_v not_o make_v the_o most_o of_o such_o harsh_a instruction_n what_o manner_n of_o person_n shall_v they_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n that_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v there_o may_v not_o be_v that_o woe_n to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n and_o that_o with_o well_o do_v they_o may_v put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a man_n more_o especial_o they_o shall_v do_v their_o uttermost_a to_o shun_v even_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o sin_n more_o peculiar_o charge_v upon_o they_o as_o hypocrisy_n pride_n wildness_n of_o fancy_n affect_a singularity_n and_o self-flattery_n and_o to_o be_v adorn_v with_o a_o conspicuous_a sincerity_n humility_n and_o charity_n and_o whatsoever_o contumely_n they_o endure_v let_v they_o by_o no_o mean_n retaliate_v in_o the_o same_o kind_n remember_v their_o bless_a lord_n who_o be_v revile_v revile_v not_o again_o but_o commit_v himself_o to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o wickedness_n come_v from_o the_o wicked_a scurrility_n petulancy_n bitterness_n and_o all_o intemperate_a language_n be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o their_o adversary_n than_o to_o they_o and_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o fling_n of_o witty_a sarcasm_n bite_a jeer_n and_o scoff_v and_o rail_a word_n against_o a_o party_n do_v vex_v and_o gall_v more_o than_o hurt_n or_o break_v they_o and_o provoke_v but_o not_o convince_v they_o and_o serve_v indeed_o to_o feed_v a_o humour_n and_o make_v sport_n and_o do_v some_o present_a feat_n but_o do_v not_o carry_v the_o main_a cause_n or_o prevail_v in_o the_o end_n but_o turn_v rather_o to_o the_o damage_n and_o blemish_n of_o those_o for_o who_o service_n they_o be_v design_v chap._n xvi_o religion_n main_a strength_n next_o under_o the_o power_n of_o god_n lie_v in_o its_o own_o intrinisick_n excellency_n the_o propagate_a of_o true_a christianity_n and_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n agreeable_a thereunto_o against_o the_o enmity_n of_o the_o adverse_a world_n be_v worthy_a of_o the_o utmost_a endeavour_n of_o all_o pious_a man_n and_o to_o search_v into_o the_o right_a way_n and_o mean_n thereof_o be_v a_o necessary_a and_o noble_a speculation_n but_o it_o must_v first_o be_v know_v that_o its_o stability_n and_o victory_n in_o the_o world_n depend_v primary_o upon_o the_o wisdom_n truth_n and_o power_n of_o god_n engage_v for_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v fall_v by_o the_o power_n and_o policy_n of_o adversary_n nor_o sink_v and_o lose_v itself_o by_o the_o weakness_n or_o defectibility_n of_o its_o professor_n but_o it_o remain_v firm_a and_o sure_a and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o next_o after_o the_o power_n of_o god_n its_o main_a strength_n be_v its_o own_o intrinsic_a excellency_n it_o be_v uphold_v chief_o by_o its_o own_o principle_n which_o be_v man_n perfection_n and_o place_v our_o nature_n in_o its_o due_a state_n and_o put_v both_o person_n and_o society_n into_o the_o only_a right_a frame_n and_o reduce_v all_o thing_n into_o their_o own_o place_n and_o order_n they_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o of_o iniquity_n impurity_n vanity_n or_o unfitness_n but_o be_v perfect_o holy_a just_a and_o good_a and_o give_v unto_o god_n his_o due_a and_o unto_o man_n they_o and_o that_o upon_o the_o most_o excellent_a ground_n that_o can_v be_v lay_v as_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n our_o conformity_n to_o he_o our_o fellowship_n with_o he_o our_o reward_n from_o he_o and_o in_o he_o and_o all_o in_o and_o through_o a_o mediator_n who_o be_v god_n and_o man_n in_o one_o person_n and_o the_o head_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a who_o be_v his_o body_n the_o godly_a practice_n conformable_a to_o these_o principle_n be_v from_o a_o cause_n that_o fail_v not_o to_o wit_n the_o inhabitation_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n though_o true_a christianity_n be_v far_o above_o the_o strain_n and_o reach_v of_o mere_a nature_n yet_o it_o be_v practicable_a by_o divine_a grace_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o imperfect_a state_n of_o its_o professor_n it_o fail_v not_o of_o its_o end_n which_o be_v to_o bring_v into_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n the_o fruition_n of_o god_n and_o everlasting_a glory_n yea_o it_o do_v effect_v great_a and_o excellent_a thing_n in_o the_o present_a world_n its_o rule_n be_v pure_a and_o perfect_a its_o motive_n be_v great_a and_o high_a and_o of_o indubitable_a verity_n they_o that_o live_v after_o it_o be_v a_o law_n to_o themselves_o and_o a_o awe_n to_o other_o no_o other_o institution_n philosophical_a or_o religious_a be_v so_o powerful_a to_o restrain_v inordinate_a affection_n and_o to_o settle_v the_o mind_n and_o affair_n of_o man_n in_o the_o great_a peace_n and_o order_n as_o far_o as_o human_a imperfection_n can_v arrive_v it_o deny_v all_o
state_n as_o a_o jewel_n that_o have_v its_o great_a lustre_n by_o the_o bright_a light_n be_v maintain_v by_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n in_o bright_a time_n the_o imposture_n and_o carnal_a design_n of_o devise_v doctrine_n and_o superstitious_a vanity_n will_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o the_o hypocrisy_n be_v detect_v the_o merchandise_n thereof_o will_v be_v quite_o mar_v in_o such_o time_n even_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n will_v expect_v from_o those_o in_o sacred_a function_n at_o least_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o sober_a righteous_a and_o godly_a conversation_n with_o diligence_n in_o holy_a administration_n then_o the_o enemy_n of_o real_a sanctity_n be_v put_v to_o hard_a shift_n and_o force_v to_o appear_v either_o in_o some_o colour_n of_o truth_n or_o in_o the_o shame_n of_o their_o own_o nakedness_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o follower_n of_o truth_n make_v it_o their_o special_a interest_n as_o thorough_o to_o promote_v the_o most_o ample_a diffusion_n and_o universal_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n among_o all_o rank_n and_o sort_n of_o man_n as_o the_o adverse_a partly_o seek_v to_o oppose_v and_o debase_v it_o we_o do_v not_o hereby_o mean_v a_o intermeddle_v in_o difficult_a matter_n a_o smattering_n in_o controversy_n and_o certain_a curiosity_n of_o opinion_n a_o store_n of_o unnecessary_a notion_n and_o of_o mere_a word_n and_o phrase_n which_o thing_n be_v common_o erroneous_a and_o at_o the_o best_a but_o injudicious_a and_o puff_v up_o the_o half-witted_a and_o self-conceited_a and_o make_v they_o troublesome_a to_o themselves_o and_o other_o but_o that_o which_o be_v here_o commend_v for_o a_o universal_a increase_n and_o propagation_n be_v to_o understand_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o essential_a truth_n of_o christianity_n to_o see_v their_o evidence_n to_o judge_v right_o of_o their_o weight_n and_o worth_n and_o to_o view_v their_o coherence_n and_o beside_o these_o to_o know_v so_o much_o of_o other_o truth_n as_o the_o different_a capacity_n of_o man_n will_v enable_v they_o for_o the_o better_n of_o their_o knowledge_n in_o the_o essential_o the_o mean_n of_o diffuse_v this_o light_n be_v well_o know_v as_o the_o constant_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o due_a form_n of_o cathechism_n the_o strict_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n repetition_n of_o sermon_n ●…ious_a conference_n read_v the_o word_n and_o prayer_n in_o family_n profitable_a communication_n among_o neighbour-christians_a in_o their_o daily_a converse_n the_o spread_a of_o practical_a book_n write_v by_o man_n of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o minister_n private_a application_n to_o those_o of_o their_o own_o charge_n with_o prudence_n and_o meekness_n for_o the_o same_o end_n that_o main_a principle_n of_o protestanism_n the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n as_o belong_v to_o all_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v assert_v and_o ●…indicated_v against_o that_o popish_a and_o brutish_a do●…trine_n of_o implicit_a faith_n in_o the_o church_n de●…rminations_n this_o be_v not_o to_o subject_a matter_n of_o ●aith_n to_o a_o private_a spirit_n but_o to_o refer_v they_o to_o ●…e_v divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o ●…e_v apprehend_v in_o the_o due_a and_o right_a use_n of_o ●eason_n which_o be_v a_o public_a and_o evident_a thing_n ●…d_n lie_v open_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o men._n and_o to_o man_n of_o sober_a mind_n serious_a for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o current_n of_o scripture_n be_v easy_o discernible_a moreover_o the_o general_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n lie_v much_o in_o the_o ingenuous_a education_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o common_a people_n in_o opposition_n to_o sordidness_n slavery_n and_o brutish_a rudeness_n though_o some_o look_n upon_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n with_o contempt_n and_o seem_v to_o value_v they_o no_o more_o than_o brute_n animal_n and_o think_v it_o enough_o that_o their_o governor_n understand_v and_o consider_v for_o they_o and_o not_o they_o for_o themselves_o yet_o christ_n have_v shed_v his_o blood_n as_o much_o for_o the_o redemption_n of_o that_o sort_n as_o of_o the_o noble_a and_o mighty_a and_o prudent_a and_o he_o have_v make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n and_o in_o the_o privilege_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o kingdom_n as_o for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n cast_v the_o advantage_n on_o the_o poor_a and_o mean_a side_n not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a be_v call_v be_v the_o observation_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n james_n witness_v that_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n rich_a in_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o those_o who_o god_n have_v choose_v must_v needs_o be_v instruct_v in_o his_o will._n that_o reasonable_a service_n that_o he_o require_v none_o can_v perform_v without_o knowledge_n ignorance_n be_v opposite_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o true_a christian_a piety_n which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o where_o it_o be_v not_o receive_v with_o understanding_n this_o general_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n have_v fall_v under_o a_o great_a suspicion_n of_o evil_n and_o it_o may_v be_v under_o the_o jealousy_n of_o ruler_n as_o dispose_v man_n to_o sedition_n rebellion_n heresy_n and_o schism_n but_o how_o great_a a_o reproach_n be_v hereby_o cast_v upon_o human_a nature_n or_o political_a government_n or_o both_o that_o the_o more_o rational_o apprehensive_a the_o body_n of_o a_o people_n be_v they_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o ungovernable_a as_o if_o government_n can_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o proper_a dignity_n and_o felicity_n of_o human_a nature_n what_o manner_n of_o civil_a state_n be_v that_o which_o degrade_v the_o subject_n from_o man_n to_o beast_n for_o a_o more_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o they_o what_o manner_n of_o christian_a church_n be_v that_o which_o to_o prevent_v heresy_n and_o schism_n take_v order_n that_o its_o member_n be_v no_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o unchristian_a inhuman_a policy_n in_o church_n or_o state_n the_o foundation_n whereof_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o people_n ignorance_n as_o for_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o ruler_n it_o be_v not_o weaken_v but_o strengthen_v by_o their_o people_n knowledge_n which_o in_o its_o right_n and_o proper_a tendency_n make_v they_o more_o conscientious_a and_o however_o more_o circumspect_a and_o considerate_a and_o consequent_o more_o easy_o manageable_a by_o a_o just_a and_o prudent_a government_n but_o gross_a ignorance_n tend_v to_o make_v they_o barbarous_a and_o belluine_a and_o in_o their_o mutiny_n and_o discontent_n uncounsellable_n and_o untameable_a and_o therefore_o very_o incongruous_a to_o a_o state_n govern_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n or_o humanity_n chap._n xx._n the_o advantage_n of_o human_a learning_n to_o the_o same_o end_n though_o religion_n rest_v not_o on_o human_a learning_n as_o its_o main_a support_n yet_o it_o seek_v and_o claim_v the_o necessary_a help_n thereof_o those_o who_o god_n design_n for_o eminent_a service_n he_o endue_v with_o eminent_a gift_n either_o by_o mean_n or_o miracle_n and_o he_o give_v every_o entrust_v servant_n a_o measure_n answerable_a to_o his_o degree_n the_o apostle_n who_o lay_v the_o foundation_n be_v wise_a master-builder_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o wisdom_n shall_v die_v with_o they_o when_o he_o settle_v his_o church_n to_o endure_v throughout_o all_o age_n and_o promise_v to_o be_v with_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v say_v indeed_o that_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o god_n be_v strong_a than_o men._n but_o that_o which_o be_v so_o call_v be_v not_o foolishness_n and_o weakness_n indeed_o but_o only_o so_o account_v by_o the_o pride_n of_o carnal_a wisdom_n in_o this_o learned_a age_n the_o antichristian_a state_n in_o christendom_n be_v force_v to_o advance_v learning_n in_o its_o own_o defence_n and_o now_o without_o learning_n either_o divine_o inspire_v or_o acquire_v by_o mean_n we_o can_v defend_v ourselves_o against_o it_o wherefore_o to_o destroy_v the_o support_n of_o learning_n be_v the_o way_n to_o subvert_v religion_n yea_o though_o we_o be_v not_o engage_v by_o such_o strength_n of_o the_o adversary_n to_o provide_v for_o our_o own_o defence_n yet_o solid_a human_a learning_n do_v of_o itself_o notable_o advance_v divine_a truth_n the_o learning_n that_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o world_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n apparent_o make_v way_n for_o that_o sudden_a and_o ample_a spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o revive_v thereof_o after_o a_o universal_a decay_n no_o less_o apparent_o make_v way_n for_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o this_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n
well_o reckon_v that_o they_o have_v make_v the_o most_o of_o their_o advantage_n when_o they_o can_v secure_v its_o interest_n in_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n a_o firm_a liberty_n and_o security_n found_v in_o a_o national_a interest_n be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o regenerate_a christian_n than_o a_o entire_a potency_n to_o themselves_o alone_o for_o they_o will_v scarce_o well_o comport_v with_o so_o great_a a_o weight_n of_o power_n hypocrite_n for_o carnal_a end_n will_v addict_v themselves_o to_o their_o party_n and_o overact_v they_o the_o sincere_a will_v prove_v but_o man_n corruption_n will_v appear_v and_o miscarriage_n will_v mar_v their_o reputation_n which_o be_v not_o their_o least_o support_n hereunto_o may_v be_v add_v many_o incongruity_n that_o will_v happen_v to_o they_o the_o gallantry_n and_o splendour_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v no_o help_n to_o that_o humble_a and_o contrite_a frame_n of_o spirit_n and_o real_a mortification_n and_o holy_a walk_n and_o heavenly_a mindedness_n which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o christianity_n the_o various_a and_o versatile_a way_n of_o worldly_a policy_n turn_v to_o innumerable_a occasion_n be_v not_o very_o passable_a to_o true_o tender_a conscience_n beside_o if_o the_o power_n be_v enclose_v within_o these_o narrow_a limit_n many_o of_o low_a birth_n and_o breed_n must_v needs_o be_v lift_v up_o both_o to_o the_o envy_n of_o the_o exclude_v party_n and_o the_o disesteem_v of_o magistracy_n and_o person_n of_o low_a condition_n be_v raise_v above_o their_o own_o sphere_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v easy_o tempt_v to_o think_v more_o high_o of_o themselves_o than_o they_o ought_v to_o think_v and_o to_o grow_v busy_a peevish_a and_o rigid_a in_o needless_a matter_n which_o will_v provoke_v a_o people_n and_o fire_n their_o spirit_n and_o though_o the_o rage_n be_v pen_v up_o for_o a_o season_n within_o their_o breast_n it_o will_v at_o length_n break_v out_o into_o a_o flame_n the_o power_n of_o christianity_n as_o to_o human_a strength_n be_v best_a establish_v and_o extend_v by_o lean_v upon_o some_o common_a interest_n with_o which_o it_o fall_v in_o as_o the_o vine_n be_v bear_v up_o and_o spread_v abroad_o by_o the_o support_n of_o a_o wall_n or_o frame_n it_o be_v therefore_o most_o suitable_a to_o the_o term_n upon_o which_o it_o stand_v in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v in_o a_o complex_fw-la state_n with_o some_o other_o just_a large_a and_o stable_a interest_n such_o as_o be_v the_o common_a peace_n and_o safety_n both_o of_o prince_n and_o people_n and_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o wise_a profession_n it_o lead_v its_o follower_n in_o safe_a and_o right_a path_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o wait_v therein_o with_o patience_n the_o nature_n of_o its_o interest_n will_v bear_v such_o patient_a wait_n for_o it_o be_v not_o carnal_a consist_v of_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n which_o may_v call_v for_o a_o eager_a and_o quick_a pursuit_n and_o dare_a interprize_n but_o it_o be_v the_o uphold_v of_o such_o a_o cause_n as_o need_v not_o fear_v a_o sink_a if_o it_o catch_v not_o hold_v of_o every_o sudden_a offer_n that_o be_v not_o clear_a in_o regard_n of_o conscience_n or_o prudence_n but_o by_o a_o unchangeable_a reason_n it_o endure_v throughout_o all_o age_n and_o if_o it_o fall_v it_o shall_v rise_v again_o it_o need_v not_o the_o make_n of_o party_n and_o draw_v people_n to_o its_o side_n by_o a_o pragmatical_a importunity_n nor_o to_o enter_v into_o any_o suspect_a way_n but_o wheresoever_o it_o be_v manage_v like_o itself_o in_o righteous_a and_o prudent_a counsel_n it_o make_v the_o fair_a progress_n and_o of_o long_a continuance_n the_o reason_n aforego_v do_v hold_v in_o due_a proportion_n against_o the_o engross_n of_o privilege_n in_o particular_a in_o corporate_a society_n and_o the_o make_n of_o party_n to_o interrupt_v the_o settle_a order_n of_o promotion_n and_o to_o keep_v back_o person_n legal_o entitle_v that_o the_o religious_a alone_o may_v be_v promote_v such_o practice_n make_v sad_a breach_n and_o upon_o change_n of_o affair_n will_v turn_v to_o the_o great_a detriment_n if_o not_o the_o depression_n of_o the_o party_n so_o advance_v chap._n xxxi_o of_o lead_v and_o follow_v and_o of_o combination_n god_n providence_n use_v to_o dispose_v into_o all_o quarter_n some_o man_n not_o only_o of_o know_a integrity_n but_o eminent_a for_o wisdom_n and_o reputation_n who_o see_v more_o than_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o good_a man_n and_o be_v able_a and_o meet_a to_o give_v advice_n like_o those_o child_n of_o issachar_n man_n that_o have_v understand_v of_o the_o time_n to_o know_v what_o israel_n ought_v to_o do_v these_o be_v much_o the_o stay_n of_o this_o profession_n and_o by_o their_o influence_n keep_v thing_n right_a and_o preserve_v the_o weak_a sort_n from_o manifold_a aberration_n it_o be_v suppose_v that_o they_o seek_v not_o their_o own_o glory_n in_o be_v make_v head_n of_o party_n but_o that_o in_o sincerity_n and_o self-denial_n they_o follow_v truth_n and_o peace_n and_o use_v their_o authority_n and_o ability_n to_o promote_v a_o catholic_n interest_n and_o true_a concord_n among_o all_o christian_n nevertheless_o sometime_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prudent_a fail_n and_o counsel_n be_v hide_v from_o they_o it_o please_v the_o only_a wise_a god_n sometime_o to_o permit_v strange_a resolve_n to_o proceed_v from_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n that_o our_o main_a stress_n of_o hope_n may_v rest_v upon_o he_o alone_o and_o on_o his_o infallible_a word_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o become_v the_o absolute_a disciple_n of_o any_o master_n upon_o earth_n one_o or_o two_o eminent_a man_n in_o a_o country_n though_o wise_a and_o faithful_a may_v not_o be_v follow_v as_o it_o be_v by_o implicit_a faith_n which_o may_v lead_v into_o great_a mistake_n it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v many_o discreet_a person_n though_o not_o of_o eminent_a ability_n who_o it_o may_v become_v to_o hear_v and_o reverence_v their_o eminent_a man_n yet_o to_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n that_o be_v to_o judge_v by_o their_o own_o reason_n in_o this_o matter_n there_o be_v two_o extreme_n either_o to_o be_v too_o morose_a or_o too_o sequacious_a the_o one_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o sullen_a pride_n and_o self-conceit_n the_o other_o of_o pusillanimity_n temerity_n and_o such_o like_a weakness_n and_o both_o tend_v to_o make_v breach_n and_o lead_v into_o party_n we_o may_v have_v the_o person_n of_o worthy_a man_n in_o due_a veneration_n but_o not_o in_o excessive_a admiration_n avoid_v precipitate_a leader_n for_o though_o the_o service_n of_o hot_a spirit_n may_v be_v sometime_o prosperous_a yet_o in_o this_o temperate_a cause_n their_o conduct_n be_v pernicious_a and_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o avoid_v such_o leader_n as_o care_v not_o or_o at_o least_o consider_v not_o what_o they_o do_v against_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o christianity_n to_o advance_v a_o particular_a form_n or_o party_n but_o above_o all_o beware_v of_o such_o person_n who_o apparent_a worldly_a interest_n lead_v they_o to_o adhere_v to_o some_o divide_a party_n &_o to_o cherish_v faction_n if_o much_o be_v commit_v into_o such_o hand_n we_o shall_v be_v lead_v into_o a_o wrong_a course_n or_o disable_v to_o follow_v the_o right_n though_o we_o see_v it_o plain_a before_o we_o yea_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v enthral_v to_o the_o service_n of_o a_o faction_n and_o be_v leave_v with_o disgrace_n enough_o when_o man_n have_v serve_v their_o turn_n of_o it_o a_o people_n of_o honest_a zeal_n may_v easy_o be_v over-credulous_a of_o great_a and_o powerful_a man_n that_o pretend_v to_o favour_v religion_n and_o take_v it_o into_o their_o patronage_n yet_o the_o more_o discern_a sort_n will_v look_v to_o it_o that_o while_o grandee_n retain_v they_o with_o such_o favour_n and_o friendship_n they_o overact_v they_o not_o to_o the_o dishonour_n and_o damage_n of_o this_o profession_n which_o be_v more_o worthy_a than_o to_o be_v hold_v in_o vassalage_n and_o make_v to_o lackey_n after_o corrupt_a design_n and_o more_o noble_a than_o to_o bear_v such_o indignity_n it_o be_v good_a for_o the_o young_a sort_n of_o professor_n to_o reverence_v the_o ancient_a and_o more_o experience_a and_o for_o all_o sort_n in_o their_o choice_n of_o guide_n and_o pattern_n to_o prefer_v solid_a judgement_n with_o integrity_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n before_o take_v part_n heat_n of_o zeal_n and_o high_a affection_n amid_o diversity_n of_o party_n and_o persuasion_n it_o be_v safe_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o generality_n of_o serious_a and_o pious_a christian_n and_o yet_o to_o receive_v with_o love_n the_o several_a disagree_a party_n who_o for_o the_o main_a walk_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o have_v
lot_n of_o inheritance_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o do_v not_o value_v the_o concern_v thereof_o above_o all_o his_o chief_a joy_n that_o be_v but_o of_o this_o world_n a_o zeal_n for_o the_o common_a faith_n and_o a_o constrane_n love_n to_o all_o the_o faithful_a have_v excite_v a_o very_a mean_a and_o weak_a one_o to_o do_v what_o he_o be_v able_a on_o this_o important_a subject_n impartial_o search_v after_o their_o common_a good_a let_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o society_n one_o of_o who_o name_n be_v counsellor_n deliver_v his_o flock_n from_o all_o dangerous_a and_o disadvantageous_a error_n and_o from_o wander_v in_o break_a party_n by_o unstable_a and_o divide_a counsel_n and_o show_v they_o gracious_o the_o right_a way_n of_o maintain_v a_o consistency_n among_o themselves_o and_o of_o gain_v upon_o the_o reconcilable_a part_n of_o man_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o this_o prince_n and_o leader_n be_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n who_o banner_n be_v love_n let_v his_o people_n every_o where_o be_v act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o show_v forth_o the_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n in_o all_o good_a conversation_n with_o humility_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a have_v this_o principle_n deep_o imprint_v in_o they_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n the_o point_n of_o church-unity_n and_o schism_n discuss_v chap._n i._n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o polity_n the_o church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a commonwealth_n which_o according_a to_o its_o primary_n and_o invisible_a state_n be_v a_o society_n of_o regenerate_a person_n who_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n christ_n their_o head_n and_o one_o to_o another_o as_o fellow_n member_n by_o a_o mystical_a union_n through_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o adopt_v to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o according_a to_o its_o secondary_a and_o visible_a state_n it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o person_n profess_v christianity_n or_o regeration_n and_o external_o join_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o the_o symbal_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o external_a privilege_n thereunto_o belong_v there_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n which_o according_a to_o the_o invisible_a form_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o true_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o according_a to_o its_o visible_a form_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o visible_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n or_o believer_n according_a to_o human_a judgement_n this_o church_n have_v one_o head_n and_o supreme_a lord_n even_o christ_n and_o one_o charter_n and_o system_n of_o law_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o member_n that_o be_v free_a denizen_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n and_o one_o form_n of_o admission_n or_o solemn_a initiation_n for_o its_o member_n and_o one_o kind_n of_o ministry_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n this_o church_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o its_o own_o fundamental_a constitution_n or_o of_o the_o law_n and_o officer_n and_o administration_n intrinsical_o belong_v to_o it_o but_o have_v receive_v all_o these_o from_o christ_n its_o head_n king_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o be_v limit_v by_o he_o in_o they_o all_o nevertheless_o it_o have_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o its_o act_n that_o be_v according_a to_o its_o several_a part_n a_o power_n of_o make_v secondary_a law_n or_o canon_n either_o to_o impress_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n upon_o its_o member_n or_o to_o regulate_v circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n in_o religion_n by_o determine_v thing_n necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la not_o determine_v of_o christ_n in_o specie_fw-la as_o the_o scripture_n set_v forth_o one_o catholic_n church_n so_o also_o many_o particular_a church_n as_o so_o many_o political_a society_n distinct_a from_o each_o other_o yet_o all_o compact_a together_o as_o part_n of_o that_o one_o ample_a society_n the_o catholic_n church_n each_o of_o these_o particular_a church_n have_v their_o proper_a elder_n or_o elder_n pastor_n or_o pastor_n have_v authority_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v they_o in_o christ_n name_n a_o ecclesiastical_a order_n of_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n that_o be_v not_o bishop_n be_v not_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n for_o all_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n be_v of_o a_o sacred_a order_n in_o the_o gospel_n church_n that_o be_v any_o where_o mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v therein_o set_v forth_o as_o bishop_n true_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v and_o be_v no_o where_o set_v forth_o as_o less_o than_o bishop_n these_o elder_n or_o bishop_n be_v personal_o to_o superintend_v all_o their_o flock_n and_o there_o be_v no_o grant_n from_o christ_n to_o discharge_v the_o same_o by_o delegate_n or_o substitute_n a_o distinction_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o a_o superiority_n of_o the_o former_a over_o the_o latter_a be_v after_o the_o scripture_n time_n ancient_o and_o general_o receive_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o diversity_n of_o order_n or_o office_n essential_o different_a but_o of_o degree_n in_o the_o same_o office_n the_o essential_a nature_n whereof_o be_v in_o both_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v a_o bishop_n not_o of_o a_o multitude_n of_o church_n but_o of_o one_o state_v ecclesiastical_a society_n or_o single_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o immediate_a pastor_n and_o he_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o immediate_a pastor_n towards_o they_o all_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o not_o by_o delegate_n and_o substitute_n and_o he_o govern_v not_o alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o presbyter_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v the_o precedent_n though_o several_a city_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n have_v their_o different_a municipal_a law_n and_o privilege_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o charter_n yet_o particular_a church_n have_v no_o divine_a law_n and_o privilege_n diverse_a from_o each_o other_o but_o the_o same_o in_o common_a to_o they_o all_o because_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o charter_n in_o specie_fw-la from_o christ._n therefore_o each_o of_o they_o have_v the_o same_o power_n of_o government_n within_o themselves_o and_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o make_v man_n member_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v according_a to_o christ_n law_n sufficient_o qualify_v they_o to_o be_v member_n or_o minister_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n to_o which_o they_o have_v a_o due_a and_o orderly_o call_v local_a presential_a communion_n in_o god_n ordinance_n be_v a_o main_a end_n of_o erect_v particular_a church_n they_o shall_v in_o all_o reason_n consist_v of_o person_n who_o by_o their_o cohabitation_n in_o a_o vicinity_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o communion_n and_o there_o may_v not_o be_v a_o great_a local_a distance_n of_o the_o person_n than_o can_v stand_v with_o it_o a_o bishop_n church_n be_v ancient_o make_v up_o of_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n or_o town_n and_o the_o adjacent_a village_n who_o may_v and_o do_v personal_o meet_v together_o both_o for_o worship_n and_o discipline_n all_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o local_a precinct_n be_v most_o convenient_o bring_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o state_v church_n that_o there_o may_v be_v the_o great_a union_n among_o they_o and_o that_o the_o occasion_n of_o straggle_a and_o run_v into_o several_a party_n may_v be_v avoid_v yet_o this_o local_a partition_n of_o church_n be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o invariable_a but_o if_o there_o be_v some_o insuperable_a impediment_n thereof_o the_o partition_n must_v be_v make_v as_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n will_v admit_v no_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n can_v by_o divine_a right_n or_o warrant_v claim_v any_o assign_a circuit_n of_o ground_n as_o his_o propriety_n for_o ecclesiastical_a government_n as_o a_o prince_n claim_v certain_a territory_n as_o his_o propriety_n for_o civil_a government_n so_o that_o no_o other_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n may_v without_o his_o licence_n do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o within_o that_o circuit_n it_o be_v not_o the_o conjunction_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n with_o the_o generality_n or_o the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o people_n that_o of_o itself_o declare_v the_o only_a rightful_a pastor_n or_o true_a church_n within_o this_o or_o that_o circuit_n for_o many_o cause_n may_v require_v and_o justify_v the_o be_v of_o other_o church_n therein_o see_v particular_a church_n be_v so_o many_o integral_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o each_o other_o help_v in_o thing_n that_o concern_v they_o joint_o and_o several_o and_o they_o have_v all_o a_o influence_n on_o each_o other_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n lead_v they_o to_o association_n or_o combination_n great_a and_o lesser_a according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o the_o orderly_a state_n that_o be_v requisite_a in_o all_o association_n do_v natural_o require_v some_o regular_a
the_o spirit_n among_o christian_n be_v witness_v maintain_v and_o strengthen_v by_o their_o holy_a communion_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o but_o be_v darken_v weaken_a and_o lessen_v by_o their_o uncharitable_a dissension_n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o unity_n here_o commend_v be_v primary_o that_o of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o internal_a and_o invisible_a state_n or_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n have_v in_o themselves_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v charge_v to_o keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n but_o concord_n in_o any_o external_a order_n with_o a_o vital_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o holy_a soul_n his_o live_a member_n be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o new_a nature_n and_o divine_a life_n secondary_o it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o external_a and_o visible_a state_n which_o be_v consequent_a and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o internal_a and_o stand_v in_o the_o profession_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o profess_a observation_n of_o the_o duty_n arise_v from_o it_o where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o credible_a profession_n of_o faith_n unfeigned_a and_o true_a holiness_n there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o a_o sensual_a earthly_a generation_n of_o man_n who_o be_v apparent_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o by_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v of_o god_n have_v little_a cause_n to_o glory_n in_o their_o adhere_n to_o a_o external_a church_n order_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v holy_a love_n which_o be_v unself_v and_o impartial_a be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o this_o unity_n without_o which_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a thing_n as_o the_o body_n without_o the_o soul_n be_v dead_a and_o this_o love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n that_o cement_n that_o hold_v altogether_o in_o this_o mystical_a society_n for_o this_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o several_a member_n dispose_v they_o to_o look_v not_o to_o their_o own_o thing_n but_o also_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o other_o and_o not_o to_o the_o undue_a advancement_n of_o a_o party_n but_o to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a body_n whosoever_o want_v this_o love_n have_v no_o vital_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o no_o part_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n the_o church_n be_v much_o more_o ennoble_v strengthen_v and_o every_o way_n bless_v by_o the_o communion_n of_o holy_a love_n among_o all_o its_o live_a member_n or_o real_a christian_n than_o by_o a_o outside_n uniformity_n in_o the_o minute_n circumstance_n or_o accidental_a mode_n of_o religion_n by_o this_o love_n it_o be_v more_o beautiful_a and_o lovely_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o intelligent_a beholder_n than_o by_o outward_a pomp_n and_o ornament_n or_o any_o worldly_a splendour_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a whether_o catholic_n or_o particular_a may_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o threefold_a respect_n or_o in_o three_o very_a different_a point_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a point_n thereof_o be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o all_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o second_o and_o next_o in_o account_n be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n that_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church-worship_n ministry_n and_o discipline_n consider_v as_o of_o christ_n institution_n and_o abstract_v from_o all_o thing_n superad_v by_o man_n the_o three_o and_o low_a point_n be_v in_o those_o extrinsical_a and_o accidental_a form_n and_o order_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la but_o leave_v in_o specie_fw-la to_o human_a determination_n of_o these_o several_a point_n of_o unity_n there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o different_a valuation_n according_a to_o their_o different_a value_n our_o first_o and_o chief_a regard_n be_v due_a to_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a point_n which_o respect_v christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o next_o regard_n be_v due_a to_o that_o which_o be_v next_o in_o value_n that_o which_o respect_v the_o very_a constitution_n or_o frame_n of_o a_o church_n and_o regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o that_o also_o which_o respect_v the_o accidental_n of_o religion_n yet_o in_o its_o due_a place_n and_o not_o before_o thing_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o worth_n thing_n be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n and_o importance_n to_o the_o church_n good_a estate_n and_o a_o great_a or_o lesser_a stress_n must_v be_v lay_v upon_o unity_n in_o they_o as_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v of_o great_a or_o lesser_a moment_n the_o rule_n or_o law_n of_o church_n unity_n be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n whosoever_o keep_v that_o unity_n which_o have_v god_n word_n for_o its_o rule_n keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o whosoever_o boast_v of_o a_o unity_n that_o be_v not_o square_v by_o this_o rule_n his_o boast_n be_v but_o vain_a a_o hypothesis_n that_o nothing_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v lawful_a but_o what_o be_v express_o prescribe_v in_o scripture_n be_v by_o some_o false_o ascribe_v to_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o scripture_n sufficiency_n and_o perfection_n for_o the_o regulate_v of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o religion_n god_n in_o his_o word_n have_v prescribe_v all_o those_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v to_o he_o he_o have_v likewise_o therein_o institute_v those_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o administrator_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n in_o church_n assembly_n and_o have_v define_v the_o authority_n and_o duty_n of_o those_o officer_n and_o all_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n as_o for_o the_o circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n belong_v to_o all_o the_o thing_n aforesaid_a he_o have_v lay_v down_o general_a rule_n for_o the_o regulation_n thereof_o the_o particular_n be_v both_o needless_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v enumerate_v and_o define_v in_o this_o point_n god_n have_v declare_v his_o mind_n deut._n 4._o 2._o you_o shall_v not_o add_v unto_o the_o word_n which_o i_o command_v you_o neither_o shall_v you_o diminish_v aught_o from_o it_o deut._n 12._o 32._o what_o soever_o thing_n i_o command_v you_o observe_v to_o do_v it_o thou_o shall_v not_o add_v thereto_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o the_o prohibition_n be_v not_o mere_o of_o alter_v the_o rule_n god_n write_a word_n by_o addition_n or_o diminution_n but_o of_o do_v more_o or_o less_o than_o the_o rule_n require_v as_o the_o precept_n be_v not_o of_o preserve_v the_o rule_n but_o of_o observe_v what_o be_v command_v in_o it_o such_o human_a institution_n in_o divine_a worship_n as_o be_v in_o mere_a subserviency_n to_o divine_a institution_n for_o the_o necessary_a and_o convenient_a modify_n and_o order_v thereof_o be_v not_o proper_o addition_n to_o god_n commandment_n for_o they_o be_v of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n end_n and_o use_v with_o the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v command_v but_o of_o mere_a circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n belong_v to_o those_o thing_n and_o these_o circumstantial_o be_v in_o genere_fw-la necessary_a to_o the_o performance_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o be_v general_o command_v in_o the_o word_n though_o not_o in_o particular_a but_o be_v to_o be_v determine_v in_o specie_fw-la by_o those_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o such_o determination_n belong_v they_o that_o assert_v and_o stand_v to_o this_o only_a rule_n provide_v best_a for_o the_o unity_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o reject_v whatsoever_o they_o find_v contrary_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o be_v more_o easy_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o acceptable_a worship_n and_o all_o warrantable_a obedience_n they_o lay_v the_o great_a weight_n on_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a worth_n and_o moment_n they_o careful_o regard_v all_o divine_a institution_n and_o whatsoever_o god_n have_v command_v and_o they_o maintain_v love_n and_o peace_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n towards_o one_o another_o in_o the_o more_o inconsiderable_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o practice_n those_o thing_n that_o be_v leave_v to_o human_a determination_n the_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o elder_n do_v ancient_o determine_v for_o their_o own_o particular_a church_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o natural_o convenient_a that_o they_o who_o be_v the_o administrator_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o have_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o people_n in_o divine_a worship_n and_o know_v best_a what_o be_v most_o expedient_a for_o their_o own_o society_n shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o determination_n of_o necessary_a circumstance_n within_o their_o