tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o yet_o give_v the_o name_n and_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n to_o the_o father_n to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n how_o far_o each_o of_o these_o be_v distinct_a from_o the_o other_o it_o no_o where_o tell_v we_o only_o that_o each_o of_o they_o be_v god_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n here_o then_o we_o must_v stick_v that_o the_o father_n be_v god_n the_o son_n be_v god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n god_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o three_o god_n but_o one_o god_n and_o must_v conclude_v with_o ourselves_o that_o there_o be_v some_o way_n which_o god_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v to_o we_o perhaps_o because_o we_o be_v not_o now_o capable_a of_o understand_v it_o whereby_o these_o three_o be_v one_o now_o in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n or_o contradiction_n but_o the_o only_a difficulty_n be_v whether_o this_o be_v sufficient_a but_o if_o god_n have_v reveal_v this_o and_o reveal_v no_o more_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o difficulty_n this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o gratify_v man_n curiosity_n or_o to_o answer_v all_o those_o question_n that_o we_o will_v indeed_o be_v glad_a to_o hear_v resolve_v but_o without_o go_v far_o here_o be_v sufficient_a in_o this_o to_o answer_v those_o end_n which_o we_o may_v suppose_v god_n have_v in_o reveal_v it_o for_o 1._o if_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n here_o be_v sufficient_a foundation_n for_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o each_o of_o them_o so_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v not_o as_o our_o author_n represent_v it_o a_o doctrine_n of_o mere_a speculation_n but_o be_v a_o foundation_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a religious_a duty_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n if_o jesus_n christ_n be_v represent_v to_o i_o in_o scripture_n as_o god_n as_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o i_o ought_v then_o to_o worship_v he_o though_o i_o do_v know_v how_o far_o he_o be_v distinct_a from_o the_o father_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o how_o these_o three_o be_v but_o one_o god_n 2._o we_o may_v from_o the_o revelation_n of_o so_o much_o understand_v the_o chief_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n can_v be_v understand_v without_o it_o but_o with_o it_o we_o can_v give_v such_o a_o account_n as_o can_v be_v expect_v of_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o saviour_n person_n that_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n 3.16_o joh._n 1.14_o 1_o tim._n 3.16_o that_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o thence_o of_o the_o great_a love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o we_o who_o though_o he_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n 7._o philip._n 2.6_o 7._o yet_o for_o our_o jakes_n humble_v himself_o even_o to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n we_o have_v hence_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a value_n and_o merit_n of_o his_o suffering_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o great_a in_o such_o a_o person_n who_o when_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n 1.6_o heb._n 1.6_o all_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n be_v to_o worship_n which_o can_v be_v account_v for_o without_o such_o a_o ineffable_a union_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o make_v the_o person_n jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v true_o god_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o this_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o our_o be_v baptise_a in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n of_o which_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o each_o of_o they_o to_o be_v god_n it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o give_v a_o good_a account_n but_o with_o this_o we_o may_v without_o know_v how_o far_o each_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o other_o but_o my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o touch_v upon_o these_o thing_n to_o show_v that_o what_o god_n have_v reveal_v have_v not_o those_o absurdity_n in_o it_o our_o author_n suggest_v and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v all_o the_o wise_a end_n of_o the_o revelation_n perhaps_o as_o much_o as_o if_o we_o have_v be_v tell_v more_o and_o if_o man_n will_v go_v further_o than_o this_o and_o then_o quarrel_v with_o one_o another_o it_o be_v not_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n but_o their_o own_o notion_n which_o they_o quarrel_v about_o but_o to_o return_v now_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o deism_n i_o be_o afraid_a that_o it_o be_v but_o too_o true_a that_o these_o controversy_n have_v be_v a_o prejudice_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o then_o i_o believe_v the_o gild_n of_o this_o must_v light_v chief_o upon_o our_o author_n friend_n the_o socinian_o who_o have_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o expose_v and_o ridicule_n those_o doctrine_n which_o will_v be_v find_v after_o all_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o have_v be_v the_o belief_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n which_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o very_a great_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o must_v be_v a_o mighty_a shock_n to_o christianity_n to_o represent_v those_o thing_n as_o absurd_a and_o contradictory_n which_o have_v be_v for_o so_o long_a the_o common_a faith_n of_o christian_n and_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o have_v any_o great_a opinion_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n and_o have_v hardly_o ever_o yet_o have_v any_o professor_n but_o those_o who_o have_v gross_o misunderstand_v and_o misrepresent_v it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n to_o recriminate_a and_o i_o have_v design_o hitherto_o avoid_v it_o that_o i_o may_v not_o give_v any_o occasion_n to_o quarrel_n of_o which_o god_n know_v the_o world_n be_v but_o too_o full_a already_o god_n in_o mercy_n forgive_v all_o those_o who_o have_v any_o way_n do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o so_o holy_a a_o religion_n and_o grant_v that_o they_o may_v repent_v and_o by_o their_o zeal_n and_o concern_v for_o it_o for_o the_o future_a may_v make_v some_o amends_o for_o the_o mischief_n they_o have_v do_v to_o conclude_v this_o head_n this_o be_v not_o the_o first_o time_n or_o age_n in_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n have_v be_v charge_v with_o absurdity_n yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o it_o still_o continue_v to_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n and_o i_o believe_v be_v still_o like_a to_o be_v so_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o difficulty_n either_o the_o dispute_n of_o its_o friend_n or_o the_o opposition_n of_o its_o enemy_n can_v load_v it_o with_o a_o very_a good_a evidence_n this_o that_o it_o be_v very_o well_o found_v since_o so_o many_o shock_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o overthrow_v it_o and_o methinks_v there_o may_v be_v fetch_v some_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n itself_o from_o the_o opposition_n which_o this_o and_o some_o other_o of_o its_o doctrine_n have_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n none_o of_o its_o enemy_n can_v prove_v any_o absurdity_n or_o contradiction_n in_o they_o but_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o very_o plausible_a and_o take_v or_o very_o apt_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o win_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o we_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n complain_v that_o preach_v up_o christ_n and_o the_o method_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o he_o be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n if_o we_o add_v to_o this_o consideration_n what_o a_o mighty_a prejudice_n the_o world_n common_o have_v against_o receive_v any_o thing_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o such_o mean_a person_n as_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o christianity_n be_v it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o this_o religion_n shall_v ever_o have_v prevail_v unless_o god_n have_v in_o some_o extraordinary_a manner_n concur_v with_o it_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o imagine_v how_o these_o thing_n shall_v ever_o have_v come_v into_o any_o body_n head_n unless_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o but_o beside_o if_o man_n have_v have_v a_o mind_n to_o invent_v they_o will_v have_v think_v of_o something_o more_o plausible_a and_o of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o will_v never_o have_v make_v it_o their_o choice_n to_o preach_v up_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n certain_o nothing_o but_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o can_v ever_o have_v persuade_v a_o few_o mean_a people_n of_o a_o despise_a nation_n to_o think_v of_o convert_v the_o world_n to_o such_o a_o doctrine_n
reflection_n upon_o a_o pamphlet_n entitle_v a_o account_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o deism_n in_o england_n reflection_n upon_o a_o pamphlet_n entitle_v a_o account_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o deism_n in_o england_n together_o with_o some_o consideration_n about_o the_o christian_a religion_n qui_fw-la bonâ_fw-la fide_fw-la colit_fw-la deos_fw-la amat_fw-la &_o sacerdotes_fw-la stat._n epist_n dedic_n in_o v._o lib._n sylu._n london_n print_v for_o john_n newton_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n over-against_o the_o inner-temple-gate_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1696._o reflection_n upon_o a_o pamphlet_n entitle_v a_o account_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o deism_n in_o england_n it_o have_v now_o for_o a_o great_a while_n be_v the_o complaint_n of_o good_a man_n that_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n grow_v mighty_o among_o we_o which_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a melancholy_a consideration_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a be_v but_o too_o true_a do_v not_o the_o profane_a and_o blasphemous_a discourse_n which_o one_o be_v often_o force_v to_o hear_v sufficient_o show_v this_o the_o air_n and_o humour_n of_o the_o age_n be_v so_o very_o different_a from_o that_o seriousness_n plainness_n and_o simplicity_n which_o a_o through_o belief_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v inspire_v man_n with_o that_o one_o who_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o difference_n can_v easy_o imagine_v that_o this_o religion_n be_v so_o general_o believe_v as_o it_o be_v profess_v add_v to_o this_o the_o great_a corruption_n of_o manner_n the_o great_a difficulty_n there_o be_v to_o breed_v up_o young_a people_n sober_o and_o virtuous_o or_o to_o find_v those_o of_o riper_n year_n who_o be_v man_n of_o honesty_n integrity_n and_o public_a spirit_n to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o service_n of_o their_o country_n now_o when_o a_o nation_n be_v so_o much_o corrupt_v as_o we_o be_v at_o present_a it_o can_v hardly_o proceed_v but_o from_o one_o of_o these_o two_o cause_n either_o first_o from_o a_o corruption_n in_o their_o religion_n by_o make_v that_o consist_v in_o outward_a observation_n or_o give_v man_n hope_n to_o please_v god_n and_o get_v to_o heaven_n by_o some_o other_o method_n beside_o real_a holiness_n and_o a_o care_n of_o their_o life_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o conscience_n be_v leave_v loose_a in_o that_o respect_n or_o else_o second_o from_o a_o disbelief_n of_o the_o religion_n itself_o for_o though_o some_o man_n make_v a_o shift_n to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v a_o uneasy_a thing_n to_o go_v against_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o a_o general_a corruption_n of_o manner_n can_v hardly_o be_v without_o one_o of_o these_o two_o cause_n which_o leave_v man_n at_o liberty_n to_o indulge_v themselves_o without_o disturbance_n from_o it_o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o make_v that_o consist_v in_o outward_a observation_n or_o give_v man_n hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n by_o any_o other_o method_n but_o real_a holiness_n of_o life_n it_o be_v what_o can_v be_v charge_v upon_o the_o present_a age_n or_o church_n wherein_o whatever_o zeal_n may_v have_v be_v show_v upon_o other_o account_n for_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a yet_o it_o have_v always_o be_v plain_o teach_v that_o nothing_o but_o inward_a piety_n can_v recommend_v we_o to_o god_n or_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o he_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o get_v to_o heaven_n without_o the_o real_a reformation_n of_o our_o life_n and_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v show_v so_o distinct_o plain_o and_o clear_o both_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o superstitious_a observation_n of_o popery_n and_o to_o some_o popular_a error_n about_o religion_n among_o ourselves_o that_o perhaps_o no_o age_n can_v show_v the_o like_a as_o may_v appear_v to_o any_o that_o have_v be_v but_o a_o little_a conversant_a in_o the_o sermon_n and_o book_n that_o have_v be_v publish_v by_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o i_o believe_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o loose_a people_n have_v make_v infidelity_n their_o resuge_n be_v because_o it_o have_v be_v so_o clear_o show_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n for_o such_o person_n from_o our_o religion_n which_o they_o will_v not_o so_o easy_o have_v leave_v have_v we_o have_v but_o any_o trick_n to_o save_v they_o and_o let_v they_o enjoy_v their_o sin_n together_o and_o therefore_o we_o see_v that_o most_o of_o our_o debauch_a people_n take_v this_o way_n contrary_a to_o what_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o some_o other_o country_n where_o people_n of_o as_o ill_a moral_n as_o they_o yet_o speak_v with_o reverence_n and_o respect_n about_o their_o religion_n of_o which_o difference_n i_o can_v think_v of_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o this_o that_o the_o one_o have_v no_o hope_n from_o his_o religion_n and_o therefore_o treat_v it_o according_o the_o other_o have_v still_o some_o reserve_v in_o his_o eye_n that_o may_v stand_v he_o in_o stead_n after_o a_o wicked_a life_n absolution_n and_o extreme_a unction_n or_o at_o most_o some_o money_n for_o mass_n when_o he_o be_v dead_a and_o upon_o this_o account_n his_o ill_a moral_n often_o increase_v his_o zeal_n for_o his_o religion_n and_o set_v he_o upon_o endeavour_v by_o that_o to_o make_v god_n what_o amends_o he_o can_v for_o those_o sin_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o enjoy_v the_o effect_n i_o believe_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v quite_o contrary_a with_o serious_a and_o consider_v person_n who_o among_o we_o can_v but_o have_v a_o reverence_n for_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o see_v so_o worthy_a of_o god_n which_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o little_a trick_n or_o outward_a observation_n but_o in_o solid_a and_o substantial_a goodness_n such_o as_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o tend_v to_o make_v we_o pious_a and_o holy_a and_o as_o like_o god_n as_o may_v be_v consider_v person_n will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o have_v a_o reverence_n for_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o this_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n such_o person_n if_o they_o live_v in_o country_n where_o this_o be_v degenerate_v into_o outward_a useless_a observation_n where_o man_n may_v get_v their_o sin_n pardon_v and_o make_v their_o peace_n with_o god_n by_o such_o thing_n as_o even_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v have_v no_o regard_n to_o no_o wonder_n if_o they_o can_v esteem_v it_o and_o if_o they_o have_v opportunity_n to_o know_v nothing_o of_o christianity_n but_o as_o it_o be_v thus_o practise_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o if_o they_o do_v fall_v into_o deism_n as_o our_o traveller_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a common_a thing_n among_o such_o person_n in_o italy_n and_o some_o other_o country_n there_o have_v late_o appear_v a_o pamphlet_n which_o pretend_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o deism_n in_o england_n that_o be_v indeed_o the_o title_n of_o it_o but_o i_o believe_v not_o the_o author_n design_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v have_v no_o other_o aim_n but_o to_o say_v as_o many_o ugly_a thing_n as_o he_o can_v against_o the_o present_a establish_v church_n and_o clergy_n whether_o the_o author_n be_v a_o christian_n or_o no_o i_o shall_v not_o pretend_v to_o determine_v i_o will_v willing_o suppose_v he_o be_v since_o he_o seem_v to_o say_v so_o but_o i_o believe_v he_o himself_o will_v not_o deny_v that_o he_o have_v more_o zeal_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o he_o have_v for_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o if_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n i_o will_v leave_v it_o upon_o his_o conscience_n how_o he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o answer_v it_o to_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o shall_v with_o such_o aggravate_v circumstance_n and_o so_o much_o virulence_n expose_v that_o to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n which_o he_o himself_o say_v common_o make_v man_n deist_n and_o yet_o be_v at_o so_o very_o little_a pain_n to_o give_v any_o antidote_n against_o it_o it_o look_v as_o if_o he_o be_v uneasy_a that_o such_o good_a argument_n against_o christianity_n shall_v lie_v hide_v only_o among_o his_o club_n of_o atheist_n and_o deist_n and_o that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o try_v how_o many_o proselyte_n they_o be_v like_a to_o gain_v by_o be_v expose_v to_o public_a view_n our_o author_n design_n be_v only_o to_o expose_v christianity_n or_o else_o expose_v the_o clergy_n which_o i_o rather_o believe_v we_o can_v expect_v a_o full_a account_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o deism_n from_o he_o i_o shall_v therefore_o first_o in_o short_a take_v notice_n of_o what_o i_o judge_v to_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o it_o and_o then_o consider_v those_o assign_v by_o his_o author_n 1._o the_o great_a and_o chief_a cause_n of_o deism_n at_o present_a be_v the_o general_a corruption_n of_o manner_n
i_o think_v the_o corrupt_a so_o holy_a a_o riligion_n and_o take_v away_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o lay_v great_a stress_n upon_o little_a matter_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o true_a piety_n to_o be_v so_o very_o ill_a a_o thing_n that_o i_o shall_v most_o hearty_o join_v with_o our_o author_n in_o be_v angry_a with_o any_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o but_o before_o he_o be_v too_o hasty_a with_o charge_v the_o present_a church_n with_o it_o i_o desire_v he_o will_v with_o i_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n do_v ever_o declare_v more_o express_o against_o all_o superstition_n of_o this_o kind_n than_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v do_v and_o none_o ever_o teach_v people_n their_o duty_n more_o clear_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o than_o be_v do_v in_o our_o church_n we_o be_v teach_v no_o way_n to_o please_v god_n but_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o no_o way_n to_o get_v our_o sin_n pardon_v but_o to_o repent_v and_o forsake_v they_o the_o ceremony_n enjoin_v in_o our_o church_n be_v very_o few_o design_v only_o for_o the_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n with_o a_o express_a declaration_n of_o their_o be_v in_o themselves_o thing_n indifferent_a no_o otherwise_o good_a but_o as_o they_o be_v expression_n of_o our_o reverence_n or_o tend_v to_o public_a order_n now_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o though_o man_n look_v upon_o thing_n to_o be_v never_o so_o indifferent_a yet_o by_o a_o unreasonable_a opposition_n they_o may_v be_v force_v to_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n about_o they_o and_o a_o great_a than_o they_o do_v about_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o they_o judge_v much_o more_o necessary_a but_o which_o no_o body_n gainsay_v or_o contradict_v and_o this_o be_v what_o common_o happen_v in_o a_o thousand_o other_o case_n beside_o this_o that_o man_n be_v force_v in_o their_o own_o defence_n to_o make_v a_o stir_n about_o what_o they_o shall_v otherwise_o take_v little_a notice_n of_o if_o man_n will_v cry_v out_o against_o indifferent_a matter_n as_o popish_a and_o antichristian_a it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o they_o who_o use_v they_o shall_v lie_v quiet_o under_o such_o a_o censure_n have_v themselves_o and_o the_o church_n they_o be_v member_n of_o bespattered_a and_o their_o people_n draw_v away_o from_o they_o without_o say_v any_o thing_n for_o fear_v of_o make_v a_o stir_v about_o indifferent_a matter_n 2._o i_o desire_v he_o will_v consider_v that_o though_o the_o thing_n themselves_o in_o contest_v be_v indeed_o of_o no_o great_a consequence_n yet_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v contest_v be_v and_o if_o these_o be_v take_v into_o the_o account_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o the_o controversy_n and_o heat_n be_v about_o indifferent_a matter_n the_o principle_n upon_o which_o these_o disput_n have_v be_v carry_v on_o be_v such_o as_o must_v have_v make_v they_o separatist_n from_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n we_o ever_o hear_v or_o read_v of_o and_o from_o all_o that_o be_v ever_o like_a to_o be_v and_o if_o peace_n and_o love_n and_o unity_n be_v desirable_a thing_n and_o christian_a duty_n these_o be_v not_o indifferent_a matter_n to_o name_v but_o this_o one_o among_o many_o other_o of_o their_o principle_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n that_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a become_v unlawful_a by_o be_v command_v now_o if_o this_o be_v true_a there_o must_v be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o christian_a society_n which_o never_o will_v be_v able_a to_o subsist_v without_o some_o rule_n and_o order_n not_o immediate_o command_v by_o god_n but_o such_o as_o in_o discretion_n they_o see_v proper_a therefore_o such_o a_o point_n as_o that_o be_v of_o consequence_n and_o must_v not_o be_v give_v up_o unless_o we_o will_v give_v up_o all_o peace_n and_o quiet_v and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n 3._o i_o desire_v he_o will_v consider_v that_o though_o ceremony_n be_v thing_n indifferent_a yet_o disobedience_n to_o the_o lawful_a command_n of_o superior_n be_v not_o and_o schism_n be_v not_o and_o so_o many_o ill_a consequence_n as_o have_v come_v from_o that_o among_o we_o may_v very_o easy_o raise_v a_o heat_n much_o above_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n original_o deserve_v but_o after_o all_o i_o will_v not_o undertake_v to_o defend_v either_o the_o wisdom_n or_o the_o piety_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v engage_v in_o these_o unhappy_a controversy_n or_o to_o make_v a_o apology_n for_o heat_n and_o animosity_n both_o side_n i_o be_o afraid_a have_v be_v to_o blame_v and_o have_v too_o much_o follow_v their_o passion_n and_o the_o secret_a influence_n of_o those_o who_o keep_v up_o these_o heat_n to_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_v of_o it_o in_o the_o state_n god_n grant_v that_o both_o side_n may_v be_v wise_a for_o the_o future_a and_o study_v more_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o not_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o soul_n and_o disgrace_v their_o religion_n under_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o it_o one_o thing_n i_o will_v only_o observe_v before_o i_o leave_v this_o matter_n the_o great_a partiality_n of_o this_o author_n who_o when_o a_o controversy_n be_v as_o he_o say_v betwixt_o two_o party_n about_o indifferent_a matter_n blame_v only_o one_o side_n and_o that_o side_n too_o which_o must_v be_v confess_v to_o be_v upon_o the_o defence_n and_o let_v that_o go_v which_o certain_o begin_v the_o fray_n and_o must_v be_v at_o least_o as_o guilty_a in_o make_v a_o great_a stir_n against_o indifferent_a matter_n as_o the_o church_n be_v in_o make_v it_o for_o they_o but_o i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o charge_n which_o he_o lay_v more_o direct_o upon_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o that_o be_v that_o three_o of_o the_o thirty_o nine_o article_n be_v whole_o design_v to_o uphold_v the_o power_n of_o the_o clergy_n over_o the_o people_n but_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o harm_n in_o that_o if_o it_o be_v a_o power_n that_o god_n design_v they_o shall_v have_v which_o methinks_v our_o author_n shall_v have_v consider_v a_o little_a and_o not_o have_v throw_v off_o the_o matter_n so_o abrupt_o as_o if_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o great_a absurdity_n that_o they_o who_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v overseer_n guide_n leader_n pastor_n ruler_n shall_v have_v any_o power_n over_o the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n what_o be_v the_o mean_v of_o that_o precept_n â—_o act_n 20.28_o heb._n 13._o â—_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n obedience_n and_o power_n be_v relative_a term_n 13.17_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o heb._n 13.17_o and_o obedience_n can_v never_o be_v a_o duty_n but_o where_o there_o be_v power_n to_o require_v it_o in_o short_a be_v there_o any_o office_n in_o all_o the_o world_n where_o man_n have_v not_o some_o power_n in_o what_o be_v their_o proper_a business_n but_o our_o author_n think_v the_o whole_a matter_n may_v be_v blow_v away_o by_o a_o hard_a word_n and_o that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o dash_v any_o thing_n if_o he_o can_v but_o call_v it_o priest-craft_n and_o indeed_o that_o be_v so_o hard_a a_o word_n that_o a_o person_n who_o make_v conscience_n of_o what_o he_o speak_v shall_v consider_v well_o before_o he_o pass_v such_o a_o censure_n and_o have_v examine_v well_o whether_o the_o power_n claim_v be_v reasonable_a and_o fit_a and_o such_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o holy_a office_n require_v he_o shall_v have_v look_v into_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n when_o man_n can_v propose_v no_o other_o interest_n by_o be_v bishop_n and_o minister_n but_o only_o have_v a_o great_a crown_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o other_o world_n as_o be_v person_n that_o common_o do_v and_o suffer_v most_o for_o christ_n in_o this_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o little_a consider_v what_o be_v then_o the_o power_n of_o churchman_n which_o whosoever_o know_v will_v hardly_o after_o that_o accuse_v the_o church_n of_o england_n of_o priest-craft_n in_o that_o respect_n he_o do_v not_o name_n which_o the_o three_o article_n be_v he_o find_v fault_n with_o so_o that_o i_o be_o leave_v only_o to_o guess_v and_o in_o truth_n i_o can_v think_v but_o of_o two_o which_o seem_v any_o way_n liable_a to_o the_o censure_n he_o pass_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v like_a he_o may_v mean_v the_o three_o article_n which_o our_o dissenter_n have_v sometime_o find_v fault_n with_o and_o which_o they_o be_v excuse_v from_o subscribe_v in_o the_o act_n of_o toleration_n but_o this_o show_v that_o our_o author_n never_o read_v they_o for_o only_o one_o of_o they_o the_o thirty-fourth_a be_v about_o
pastor_n guide_n ruler_n etc._n etc._n give_v they_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o no_o more_o than_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n claim_v either_o express_o in_o word_n or_o else_o virtual_o by_o make_v confession_n of_o faith_n to_o instruct_v their_o people_n confess_v vid._n harm_n confess_v and_o which_o they_o expect_v not_o to_o have_v open_o contradict_v by_o any_o that_o live_v within_o their_o communion_n thus_o much_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o first_o article_n about_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o about_o her_o power_n in_o appoint_v rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o word_n have_v for_o some_o time_n sound_v a_o little_a frightful_o in_o england_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la some_o have_v take_v against_o some_o ceremony_n in_o use_n among_o we_o whereas_o have_v that_o article_n be_v express_v in_o some_o other_o word_n it_o be_v probable_a enough_o it_o will_v hardly_o have_v meet_v with_o opposition_n for_o the_o mean_v of_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o as_o god_n have_v make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o those_o that_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o look_v after_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o consequent_o have_v give_v they_o authority_n to_o do_v it_o so_o he_o have_v also_o to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o worship_n that_o it_o be_v do_v in_o such_o a_o decent_a and_o reverend_a manner_n as_o become_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o that_o end_n to_o take_v care_n to_o appoint_v such_o time_n and_o place_n such_o a_o method_n and_o order_n and_o other_o circumstance_n of_o it_o as_o may_v best_o serve_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o whoever_o shall_v open_o break_v such_o good_a order_n establish_v by_o public_a authority_n aught_o to_o be_v rebuke_v open_o as_o one_o that_o offend_v against_o the_o common_a order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o hurt_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o offend_v the_o conscience_n of_o weak_a brethren_n but_o that_o the_o church_n in_o this_o must_v not_o act_v by_o arbitrary_a rule_n appoint_v what_o she_o please_v or_o clog_n christianity_n with_o a_o number_n of_o unprofitable_a ceremony_n but_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v to_o edify_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o as_o far_o as_o our_o author_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o find_v fault_n with_o it_o the_o rest_n be_v in_o opposition_n to_o some_o point_n of_o popery_n not_o needful_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o at_o present_a now_o what_o be_v there_o in_o this_o that_o can_v be_v just_o find_v fault_n with_o have_v god_n make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o those_o that_o be_v ruler_n and_o guide_n in_o the_o church_n to_o look_v after_o his_o worship_n and_o see_v that_o it_o be_v perform_v with_o reverence_n and_o decency_n and_o good_a order_n or_o have_v he_o not_o if_o he_o have_v make_v it_o their_o duty_n he_o have_v give_v they_o authority_n to_o do_v it_o for_o god_n make_v nothing_o to_o be_v any_o man_n duty_n which_o he_o have_v not_o authority_n to_o do_v if_o he_o have_v give_v they_o authority_n to_o do_v it_o he_o have_v by_o that_o make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o other_o people_n to_o comply_v with_o such_o order_n which_o be_v not_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n indeed_o how_o can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v ruler_n and_o guide_n in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v no_o authority_n not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o see_v that_o god_n be_v decent_o serve_v to_o conclude_v this_o head_n this_o be_v a_o power_n which_o by_o what_o appear_v to_o we_o have_v be_v exercise_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a uses_n of_o synod_n both_o of_o national_a and_o general_n have_v be_v to_o regulate_v matter_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o as_o for_o the_o reform_a church_n though_o some_o have_v determine_v more_o and_o some_o few_o of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o god_n worship_n yet_o all_o have_v determine_v some_o and_o consequent_o claim_v a_o right_a to_o do_v it_o as_o much_o as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o pretend_v no_o right_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n but_o so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v not_o contradict_v god_n word_n and_o tend_v to_o edification_n one_o thing_n i_o will_v observe_v to_o our_o author_n before_o i_o proceed_v and_o that_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a method_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n among_o we_o be_v not_o only_o appoint_v by_o the_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n but_o by_o the_o civil_a too_o and_o can_v be_v alter_v but_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o therefore_o he_o need_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o any_o excessive_a power_n of_o the_o clergy_n but_o i_o now_o come_v to_o consider_v a_o charge_n of_o a_o much_o high_a nature_n because_o it_o make_v the_o growth_n of_o deism_n to_o come_v from_o those_o doctrine_n which_o person_n that_o read_v the_o scripture_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v notwithstanding_o all_o this_o author_n can_v say_v against_o they_o to_o be_v the_o chief_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o say_v that_o many_o turn_v deist_n from_o the_o impossibility_n of_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n which_o be_v make_v a_o point_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o yet_o be_v in_o itself_o unintelligible_a of_o which_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o have_v no_o notion_n and_o differ_v wide_o among_o themselves_o about_o it_o that_o he_o can_v see_v to_o what_o end_v such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v reveal_v which_o can_v serve_v for_o nothing_o but_o to_o puzzle_v and_o amuse_v but_o can_v neither_o teach_v man_n any_o thing_n nor_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o their_o practice_n these_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n of_o what_o he_o object_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o do_v deserve_v to_o be_v very_o serious_o consider_v but_o because_o several_a person_n have_v design_o write_v upon_o this_o subject_a and_o it_o be_v very_o like_o other_o quick_o may_v again_o i_o shall_v say_v only_o some_o few_o word_n to_o it_o and_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o they_o it_o be_v a_o unhappiness_n in_o all_o controversy_n that_o he_o who_o object_n will_v be_v able_a to_o talk_v general_o more_o plausible_o and_o perhaps_o intelligible_o than_o he_o that_o defend_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o to_o defend_v a_o thing_n well_o a_o man_n must_v have_v a_o clear_a and_o a_o full_a notion_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n but_o a_o little_a and_o a_o superficial_a knowledge_n will_v be_v enough_o to_o find_v out_o difficulty_n but_o this_o do_v not_o hold_v in_o any_o thing_n so_o much_o as_o when_o man_n dispute_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n of_o which_o we_o know_v at_o best_a very_o little_a and_o when_o we_o come_v to_o explain_v ourselves_o must_v talk_v very_o dark_o and_o common_o then_o find_v out_o our_o ignorance_n of_o what_o we_o think_v we_o know_v before_o i_o remember_v tully_n somewhere_o observe_v that_o though_o all_o the_o philosopher_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n yet_o no_o two_o of_o they_o agree_v what_o he_o be_v now_o it_o be_v like_o some_o of_o the_o wit_n of_o those_o time_n may_v from_o thence_o take_v a_o occasion_n to_o laugh_v at_o the_o whole_a matter_n that_o the_o business_n be_v unintelligible_a that_o those_o who_o talk_v most_o of_o god_n do_v not_o agree_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o that_o name_n but_o only_o agree_v in_o a_o word_n which_o every_o man_n put_v a_o different_a sense_n upon_o but_o sober_a and_o consider_a person_n will_v argue_v quite_o another_o way_n that_o though_o they_o can_v not_o tell_v what_o god_n be_v yet_o so_o far_o they_o know_v that_o he_o be_v the_o maker_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n this_o almost_o all_o of_o they_o agree_v in_o and_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o the_o worship_n they_o be_v to_o pay_v he_o and_o as_o for_o the_o contest_v about_o his_o nature_n or_o substance_n or_o essence_n it_o be_v a_o great_a evidence_n that_o man_n be_v full_o convince_v of_o his_o be_v that_o so_o many_o difficulty_n and_o dispute_n can_v never_o beat_v they_o out_o of_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n if_o man_n will_v go_v beyond_o what_o be_v reveal_v have_v very_o great_a difficulty_n in_o it_o but_o if_o man_n will_v content_v themselves_o with_o what_o god_n have_v tell_v we_o of_o the_o matter_n though_o this_o will_v answer_v all_o the_o question_n that_o curiosity_n may_v ask_v yet_o it_o may_v give_v we_o a_o notion_n clear_a enough_o to_o answer_v those_o end_n for_o which_o god_n reveal_v it_o the_o scripture_n plain_o