discern_v they_o but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n of_o which_o all_o true_a minister_n be_v the_o minister_n on_o account_n of_o which_o alone_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o they_o be_v due_a their_o bring_v that_o word_n in_o its_o own_o life_n evidence_n and_o power_n be_v their_o best_a commission_n quest_n but_o how_o be_v they_o most_o orderly_o install_v into_o so_o high_a a_o function_n answ_n christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v ascend_v up_o on_o high_a and_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n take_v it_o upon_o he_o as_o his_o supreme_a care_n to_o thrust_v forth_o labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n the_o several_a congregation_n of_o christian_n observe_v ministerial_a ability_n and_o meetness_n to_o teach_v call_v out_o to_o such_o to_o help_v they_o and_o herein_o in_o the_o cessation_n of_o extraordinary_a gift_n the_o school_n of_o learning_n and_o religious_a education_n like_o the_o school_n of_o 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pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o when_o great_a defection_n have_v prevail_v upon_o it_o summon_v it_o to_o reformation_n by_o some_o raise_v up_o among_o those_o officer_n and_o who_o he_o send_v out_o as_o such_o to_o reform_v and_o recover_v his_o church_n yet_o still_o all_o this_o power_n be_v in_o and_o according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o no_o other_o and_o so_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v the_o knowledge_n judgement_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v join_v in_o all_o the_o officer_n do_v as_o have_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o key_n also_o because_o they_o have_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o understanding_n open_v and_o apply_v of_o which_o to_o particular_a case_n the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o key_n rest_v the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o the_o brethren_n or_o whole_a church_n be_v together_o please_v and_o together_o join_v in_o that_o famous_a conciliary_a epistle_n act_v 15._o 22._o quest_n i_o 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the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o authorise_v by_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n general_o of_o beneficence_n or_o do_v good_a and_o in_o some_o but_o spare_v instance_n of_o infliction_n of_o bodily_a pain_n or_o death_n quest_n do_v the_o apostle_n never_o err_v in_o their_o administration_n answ_n whenever_o that_o infallible_a guidance_n be_v not_o present_a to_o they_o they_o may_v err_v as_o be_v before_o observe_v in_o the_o apostle_n peter_n miscarriage_n which_o no_o doubt_n be_v record_v to_o show_v their_o power_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o but_o in_o the_o divine_a spirit_n act_v by_o they_o that_o none_o in_o after-age_n may_v pretend_v to_o dictate_v as_o their_o successor_n have_v not_o their_o power_n and_o yet_o require_v obedience_n as_o if_o they_o have_v it_o whereas_o even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o may_v err_v and_o so_o lose_v their_o power_n if_o never_o so_o little_o desert_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o what_o they_o consign_v over_o to_o 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revelation_n commit_v to_o they_o to_o commit_v the_o same_o to_o other_o by_o direction_n from_o the_o same_o spirit_n who_o give_v they_o discern_v to_o who_o to_o entrust_v it_o till_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n be_v seal_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n else_o they_o own_v themselves_o compresbyter_n as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n style_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n with_o presbyter_n quest_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v we_o be_v to_o conclude_v that_o the_o whole_a power_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n be_v retain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n answ_n it_o be_v so_o for_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n be_v the_o only_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n which_o glory_n he_o will_v not_o give_v to_o another_o whatever_o power_n can_v be_v suppose_v resident_a in_o the_o whole_a church_n together_o be_v no_o other_o than_o in_o that_o word_n of_o truth_n public_o 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new_a testament_n to_o obey_v superior_a minister_n or_o bishop_n command_v to_o christian_n to_o obey_v inferior_a minister_n or_o ordinary_a presbyter_n as_o inferior_a minister_n with_o respect_n to_o superior_a minister_n and_o those_o superior_a minister_n as_o superior_n we_o must_v find_v the_o apostle_n distinguish_v ordinary_a presbyter_n as_o inferior_a minister_n with_o respect_n to_o superior_a minister_n and_o those_o superior_a minister_n as_o superior_n as_o we_o find_v he_o distinguish_v civil_a magistrate_n into_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a and_o governor_n as_o those_o that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o 2._o see_v it_o be_v very_o clear_a and_o apparent_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o distant_a from_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o to_o constitute_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o make_v a_o great_a figure_n without_o as_o great_a a_o use_n or_o end_v and_o that_o christ_n have_v not_o give_v power_n to_o his_o ruler_n to_o command_v
of_o belief_n and_o practice_v agreeable_a thereunto_o such_o a_o one_o i_o say_v christianity_n suppose_v to_o have_v a_o right_a to_o common_a protection_n of_o magistrate_n and_o the_o law_n of_o humaniâ—y_n while_o he_o endeavour_v to_o approve_v himself_o to_o god_n at_o who_o tribunal_n he_o must_v appear_v to_o who_o as_o his_o own_o master_n he_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v no_o man_n have_v power_n to_o judge_n another_o servant_n in_o this_o case_n 12._o rom._n 14._o 4_o 10_o 12._o now_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v with_o submission_n to_o better_a instruction_n to_o give_v great_a reason_n that_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n christian_n religion_n bottom_n upon_o and_o presume_v to_o itself_o that_o perfect_a conformity_n in_o a_o man_n principle_n to_o natural_a religion_n so_o far_o as_o principle_n or_o be_v as_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o religion_n be_v in_o debate_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a guard_n according_a to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o divine_a ordination_n upon_o it_o against_o the_o enmity_n despite_n and_o injury_n of_o private_a person_n and_o against_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o punitive_a justice_n of_o magistrate_n however_o a_o man_n in_o other_o particular_n distingâ—ishes_v himself_o for_o conscience_n sake_n towards_o god_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v first_o insist_v upon_o those_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o i_o suppose_v fix_v upon_o this_o foundation_n and_o then_o argue_v it_o by_o reason_n with_o respect_n to_o all_o â—ncountring_v objection_n the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n to_o timothy_n i_o exhort_v first_o of_o all_o that_o prayer_n supplication_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_o â—e_v etc._n 1_o tim_n 2._o 1_o etc._n etc._n make_v for_o king_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o we_o may_v live_v peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n this_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n contain_v two_o thing_n 1._o the_o duty_n the_o apostle_n enjoin_v viz._n the_o make_n of_o prayer_n supplication_n intercession_n and_o not_o they_o only_o but_o give_v of_o thanks_o and_o for_o all_o man_n and_o not_o only_o but_o eminent_o for_o king_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n now_o in_o that_o the_o apostle_n injoin_v give_v of_o thanks_o it_o argue_v though_o he_o do_v not_o exclude_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v the_o only_a matter_n of_o the_o prayer_n shall_v be_v the_o conversion_n of_o those_o pray_v for_o for_o there_o be_v then_o no_o conversion_n of_o prince_n nor_o so_o general_a conversion_n of_o private_a person_n as_o shall_v be_v express_v by_o all_o man_n there_o can_v be_v no_o matter_n for_o thanksgiving_n but_o that_o which_o be_v main_o in_o the_o apostle_n eye_n be_v that_o christian_n shall_v concern_v themselves_o in_o all_o the_o happiness_n and_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n both_o by_o supplication_n prayer_n and_o intercession_n that_o be_v with_o all_o the_o earnestness_n and_o heartiness_n signify_v in_o that_o accumulation_n of_o expression_n and_o also_o by_o thanksgiving_n for_o the_o mercy_n they_o enjoy_v and_o in_o eminent_a manner_n for_o king_n and_o those_o in_o eminency_n who_o be_v the_o trustee_n and_o depositary_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v know_v to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a with_o the_o true_a natural_a and_o excellent_a religion_n of_o mankind_n and_o a_o fair_a rational_a inducement_n offer_v to_o embrace_v it_o 2._o the_o advantage_n the_o apostle_n express_v as_o arise_v from_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n that_o man_n in_o general_a and_o prince_n in_o special_a be_v convince_v of_o their_o right_n by_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o two_o main_a part_n of_o natural_a religion_n piety_n towards_o god_n love_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o universal_a good_a may_v afford_v to_o christian_n the_o right_n and_o due_n of_o godliness_n and_o grave_a honourable_a sober_a deportment_n among_o man_n that_o be_v peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n not_o break_v out_o into_o injury_n and_o violation_n of_o common_a protection_n and_o humanity_n because_o they_o be_v christian_n from_o hence_o then_o i_o observe_v the_o main_a foundation_n of_o right_a to_o peace_n and_o quietness_n be_v godliness_n and_o honourableness_n of_o manner_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o immorality_n and_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o all_o man_n and_o prince_n be_v most_o natural_o to_o be_v understand_v for_o the_o tranquibity_n and_o flourish_a state_n of_o community_n in_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n justice_n and_o soberness_n though_o i_o doubt_v not_o they_o add_v that_o they_o may_v by_o conversion_n be_v not_o only_o almost_o but_o altogether_o christian_n and_o not_o only_o not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o that_o they_o may_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o the_o west_n from_o the_o north_n and_o the_o south_n and_o sit_v down_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o which_o the_o freedom_n of_o pprophecy_n under_o the_o caution_n of_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n might_n exceed_o conduce_v on_o which_o account_n the_o apostle_n go_v on_o this_o that_o be_v all_z this_o intercourse_n of_o christian_n prayer_n godliness_n and_o honesty_n and_o all_o man_n magistrate_n especial_o procure_v their_o peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n be_v acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n who_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o by_o this_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n see_v the_o one_o god_n the_o one_o mediator_n author_n of_o the_o one_o natural_a and_o the_o one_o true_a reveal_v religion_n be_v equal_o concern_v in_o all_o a_o second_o place_n be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o relation_n to_o mankind_n in_o general_n complicate_v with_o all_o those_o expression_n of_o both_o the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o paul_n concern_v magistracy_n and_o the_o ordination_n of_o it_o by_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o mankind_n in_o general_n the_o apostle_n make_v this_o challenge_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 13._o and_o who_o be_v he_o that_o will_v harm_v you_o if_o you_o be_v follower_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a plain_o imply_v to_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v good_a aught_o in_o all_o reason_n and_o equity_n to_o secure_a man_n from_o harm_n and_o that_o good_a which_o the_o apostle_n intend_v must_v be_v good_a define_v by_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n to_o be_v good_a for_o else_o christianity_n as_o it_o stand_v distinct_a from_o that_o for_o contrary_a to_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v be_v not_o then_o understand_v to_o be_v good_n all_o judgement_n of_o that_o therefore_o be_v suspend_v whether_o good_a or_o not_o good_a as_o it_o stand_v distinct_a from_o natural_a religion_n the_o undeniable_a presence_n of_o all_o natural_a religion_n and_o power_n of_o it_o over_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v their_o defence_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o left_a from_o injury_n concern_v magistracy_n that_o duumvirate_n of_o apostle_n concur_v that_o ruler_n be_v not_o a_o terror_n to_o good_a work_n but_o to_o the_o evil_n will_v then_o thou_o not_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o power_n say_v the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v 5._o rom._n 13._o 3_o 4_o 5._o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o thou_o shall_v have_v praise_n of_o the_o same_o for_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n to_o thou_o for_o good_a but_o if_o thou_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a be_v afraid_a for_o he_o bear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a for_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a wherefore_o you_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience-sake_n thus_o far_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n speak_v thus_o submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o unto_o governor_n as_o those_o that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o for_o 14_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 13_o 14_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil-doer_n and_o the_o praise_n of_o they_o that_o do_v well_o let_v the_o way_n of_o argue_v use_v by_o these_o two_o apostle_n be_v well_o weigh_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o write_v the_o sense_n of_o magistrate_n concern_v christianity_n the_o obligation_n upon_o christian_n to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o magistrate_n and_o yet_o both_o these_o apostle_n write_v as_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v out_o of_o dispute_n between_o magistrate_n and_o christian_n as_o if_o all_o be_v clear_a and_o fair_a between_o they_o and_o no_o controversy_n whether_o christianity_n be_v true_a or_o false_a a_o good_a
or_o a_o bad_a religion_n when_o yet_o christian_n be_v under_o the_o fiery_a trial_n when_o they_o be_v continual_o under_o persecution_n for_o their_o religion_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v righteousness_n because_o able_a to_o justify_v itself_o to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n when_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o deny_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o their_o subjection_n to_o the_o high_a power_n as_o not_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v christian_n at_o their_o command_n what_o then_o do_v this_o largeness_n frankness_n and_o freedom_n of_o expression_n mean_a on_o the_o part_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v subject_n and_o that_o not_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o â—onsâ—ience_n sake_n and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o when_o yet_o they_o be_v present_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o holy_a profession_n of_o christianity_n to_o deny_v subjection_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o great_a command_n of_o magistracy_n in_o religion_n on_o the_o part_n of_o magistrate_n that_o they_o be_v only_o a_o terror_n to_o evil_a work_n and_o a_o praise_n to_o they_o that_o do_v well_o that_o he_o that_o do_v well_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a when_o upon_o the_o true_a estimate_n of_o christianity_n they_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n how_o can_v all_o this_o be_v reconcile_v but_o by_o reduce_v all_o to_o the_o just_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o divine_a ordination_n fix_v the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o the_o people_n obedience_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n thus_o so_o far_o as_o natural_a religion_n extend_v so_o far_o the_o magistrate_n power_n extend_v here_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o bear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a hither_o be_v the_o people_n obedience_n to_o come_v in_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o conscience_n sake_n these_o be_v the_o ancient_a landmark_n thar_z ought_v not_o to_o be_v remove_v i_o speak_v not_o at_o all_o of_o 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when_o magistrate_n be_v heathen_n and_o enemy_n to_o christian_a religion_n and_o christian_n can_v pay_v they_o no_o obedience_n in_o recede_v from_o christianity_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o point_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v not_o the_o mutual_a obligation_n of_o obedience_n and_o protection_n yet_o there_o be_v still_o a_o common_a centre_n wherein_o even_o in_o religious_a consideration_n the_o protection_n of_o magistrate_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o meet_v and_o that_o uncontroversable_o on_o both_o side_n good_a and_o what_o can_v that_o be_v but_o as_o one_o place_n call_v it_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n another_o good_a work_n another_o do_v well_o this_o then_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o the_o world_n peace_n and_o tranquillity_n universal_a religion_n absolute_a religion_n natural_a religion_n even_o as_o natural_a justice_n universal_a justice_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o transaction_n between_o man_n and_o man_n yet_o if_o magistrate_n will_v inflict_v suffering_n upon_o christian_n 2d_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 2d_o hold_v fast_o their_o profession_n they_o be_v teach_v by_o christianity_n to_o suffer_v patient_o not_o as_o if_o suffering_n be_v due_a to_o they_o but_o that_o justice_n may_v be_v do_v natural_a religion_n may_v be_v maintain_v one_o great_a branch_n of_o which_o be_v uphold_v government_n in_o all_o its_o honour_n and_o plenipotence_n but_o therefore_o in_o testimony_n to_o they_o that_o suffering_n be_v not_o due_a to_o they_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o glory_n shall_v rest_v upon_o they_o even_o as_o in_o all_o undue_a administration_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n where_o humane_a law_n the_o law_n of_o this_o or_o that_o government_n have_v take_v no_o care_n suffering_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o innocent_a but_o their_o appeal_n lie_v above_o the_o conclusion_n than_o be_v this_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o ever_o there_o be_v no_o impeachment_n lie_v against_o man_n from_o the_o violation_n of_o natural_a religion_n their_o peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n be_v the_o just_a right_n of_o their_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n praise_v security_n a_o state_n out_o of_o fear_n be_v due_a to_o they_o as_o well-doer_n as_o to_o those_o that_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a many_o other_o be_v the_o expression_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o apostolic_a write_n look_v this_o way_n that_o the_o great_a letter_n of_o commendation_n to_o mankind_n in_o general_n concern_v person_n and_o their_o way_n in_o religion_n so_o far_o as_o the_o thing_n come_v under_o their_o judicature_n be_v the_o intrinsic_a and_o real_a goodness_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o life_n at_o the_o beam_n of_o natural_a conscience_n this_o be_v the_o royal_a law_n every_o one_o be_v to_o fulfil_v in_o these_o thing_n 18._o jam._n 2._o 8._o rom._n 14._o 18._o we_o must_v serve_v christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n thus_o they_o must_v adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n thus_o they_o must_v take_v care_n against_o the_o name_n 1._o 1_o tim._n 6._o 1._o of_o god_n be_v blaspheme_v thus_o they_o must_v put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n 16._o â—_o pet._n 2._o 15._o &_o 3._o 16._o of_o foolish_a man_n and_o make_v they_o ashamed_a now_o it_o be_v true_a all_o the_o severity_n of_o profession_n and_o life_n according_a to_o natural_a religion_n will_v not_o justify_v the_o truth_n or_o goodness_n of_o a_o assume_v religion_n as_o reveal_v from_o god_n as_o of_o the_o sober_a moral_a heathen_a jew_n turk_n papist_n or_o any_o master_n of_o sect_n of_o most_o unblameable_a life_n among_o protestant_n that_o be_v to_o be_v try_v in_o a_o consistory_n proper_a to_o it_o the_o argument_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o be_v reveal_v be_v to_o be_v weigh_v the_o nature_n scope_n and_o tendency_n of_o it_o and_o all_o its_o principle_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o at_o last_o it_o stand_v at_o god_n judgment-seat_n where_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v judge_v but_o thus_o the_o argument_n be_v the_o more_o enforce_v that_o where_o there_o be_v the_o testimonial_n of_o natural_a religion_n fair_o write_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o any_o religion_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o though_o we_o be_v not_o nor_o may_v have_v reason_n to_o be_v induce_v by_o the_o motive_n of_o credibility_n it_o give_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n or_o seek_v everlasting_a happiness_n in_o it_o yet_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o humanity_n in_o allow_v peaceable_a life_n be_v to_o be_v give_v they_o have_v thus_o far_o insist_v upon_o scripture_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n i_o come_v now_o to_o argue_v it_o by_o reason_n and_o under_o every_o argument_n to_o observe_v the_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o it_o argum._n 1._o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o argue_v from_o the_o great_a excellency_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o acceptableness_n of_o it_o to_o god_n that_o therefore_o since_o it_o be_v also_o general_a religion_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o common_a peace_n in_o religion_n we_o ought_v to_o allow_v the_o hospitableness_n of_o humanity_n to_o all_o that_o profess_v it_o and_o dogmatise_v nothing_o but_o what_o upon_o due_a hear_n and_o discourse_n they_o offer_v to_o make_v out_o consistent_a and_o fair_o agree_v with_o it_o for_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a even_o upon_o a_o violent_a suspicion_n of_o the_o contrary_a to_o inquire_v hear_v and_o receive_v reason_n if_o it_o can_v be_v give_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o altar_n of_o testimony_n we_o read_v of_o joshua_n 22._o 10._o god_n make_v the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o magnificency_n of_o it_o at_o the_o first_o to_o entertain_v man_n of_o this_o general_a and_o excellent_a religion_n and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n say_v as_o in_o revival_n of_o what_o have_v be_v
that_o man_n be_v otherwise_o guilty_a in_o not_o receive_v the_o faith_n we_o offer_v they_o be_v only_o this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o 3._o if_o this_o punish_a man_n for_o not_o receive_v a_o reveal_v religion_n be_v only_o for_o not_o receive_v substantial_a christian_a religion_n it_o be_v the_o more_o tolerable_a though_o as_o i_o have_v say_v not_o desirable_a to_o any_o true_a christian_a protestant_n but_o when_o it_o be_v stretch_v out_o to_o false_a religion_n to_o every_o nice_a opinion_n ceremony_n or_o mode_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v a_o burden_n mankind_n can_v never_o bear_v be_v most_o intolerable_a and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o this_o second_o argument_n argum._n 3._o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o three_o argument_n justify_v natural_a religion_n to_o be_v the_o term_n of_o universal_a peace_n and_o concord_n so_o far_o that_o if_o that_o be_v secure_v man_n shall_v acquiesce_v in_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o in_o thing_n that_o concern_v religion_n magistrate_n allow_v common_a protection_n and_o people_n the_o common_a benevolence_n of_o humanity_n as_o upon_o a_o rule_v and_o determine_v case_n that_o reason_n and_o truth_n ought_v to_o have_v according_a to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n a_o through_o fare_n in_o the_o world_n free_a as_o the_o air_n and_o light_n and_o that_o by_o a_o ordinance_n as_o early_o as_o of_o the_o day_n before_o i_o argue_v this_o i_o premise_v that_o all_o religious_a freedom_n be_v under_o the_o entire_a acknowledgement_n of_o prince_n within_o their_o own_o dominion_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n as_o well_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a in_o the_o very_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n supreme_a moderator_n and_o governor_n as_o also_o that_o it_o be_v more_o desirable_a all_o thing_n of_o a_o religious_a concern_v shall_v have_v the_o countenance_n encouragement_n and_o example_n of_o authority_n and_o the_o symphony_n of_o community_n yet_o still_o with_o this_o condition_n it_o be_v the_o birthright_n of_o every_o man_n to_o be_v avowed_o and_o public_o religious_a according_a to_o those_o rule_n he_o believer_n agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a will_n natural_a religion_n be_v judg._n and_o that_o this_o be_v according_a to_o the_o very_a institution_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o law_n of_o subjection_n to_o magistracy_n or_o be_v a_o commodious_a and_o agreeable_a member_n of_o a_o community_n for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o natural_a freedom_n there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v since_o that_o general_a corruption_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o man_n ordinary_o to_o reduce_v himself_o and_o induce_v other_o to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o their_o open_a profession_n of_o god_n to_o true_a and_o regular_a thought_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n his_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o the_o way_n of_o please_v he_o in_o order_n to_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o for_o it_o often_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o world_n that_o magistrate_n and_o people_n sit_v in_o their_o idol-temple_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n guard_v with_o their_o law_n for_o uniformity_n environ_v with_o their_o own_o canon_n and_o constitution_n and_o threaten_v severe_a penalty_n to_o any_o disturber_n though_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o bless_v god_n our_o line_n be_v fall_v in_o pleasant_a place_n yea_o we_o have_v a_o goodly_a inheritance_n of_o religion_n by_o our_o law_n which_o very_o much_o bribe_v our_o judgement_n of_o the_o duresse_n of_o imposition_n in_o religion_n because_o we_o only_o consider_v it_o in_o ceremony_n impose_v and_o do_v not_o turn_v ourselves_o to_o behold_v the_o abomination_n in_o other_o nation_n not_o only_o commit_v but_o frame_v by_o a_o law_n but_o imposition_n be_v imposition_n in_o the_o least_o thing_n in_o religion_n not_o natural_a and_o open_v the_o way_n to_o it_o in_o the_o great_a if_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o before_o hand_n take_v care_n of_o by_o such_o a_o immunity_n reserve_v to_o humane_a nature_n notwithstanding_o government_n and_o subjection_n to_o ruler_n that_o most_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o piety_n towards_o god_n issue_v itself_o in_o declaration_n of_o his_o name_n truth_n and_o glory_n in_o charity_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n who_o case_n though_o not_o themselves_o cry_v out_o as_o the_o man_n of_o macedonia_n in_o paul_n be_v vision_n come_v and_o help_v we_o must_v lie_v still_o as_o a_o talon_n 9_o act._n 16._o 9_o hide_v in_o a_o napkin_n and_o bury_v in_o the_o earth_n or_o must_v encounter_v and_o fall_v foul_a with_o another_o law_n of_o nature_n viz._n of_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n in_o their_o religious_a law_n but_o if_o their_o right_n to_o command_v only_o in_o and_o according_a to_o natural_a religion_n the_o best_a most_o honourable_a and_o safe_a command_n that_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o deposit_v with_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v hold_v the_o golden_a reign_n of_o godliness_n righteousness_n soberness_n far_o great_a than_o of_o ceremony_n and_o safe_a than_o of_o reveal_v religion_n a_o chariot_n too_o divine_a for_o man_n to_o govern_v if_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o case_n man_n need_v not_o cloister_a religion_n in_o their_o breast_n for_o fear_n of_o violate_v so_o awful_a a_o sanction_n as_o that_o of_o magistracy_n nor_o while_o they_o confess_v it_o neither_o afraid_a nor_o ashamed_a of_o the_o public_a discountenance_n do_v any_o thing_n injurious_a to_o divine_a disposition_n of_o power_n to_o ruler_n if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a natural_a legal_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o relation_n to_o religion_n and_o magistrate_n and_o the_o very_a ordination_n of_o god_n in_o creation_n concern_v they_o this_o further_a grand_a inconvenience_n will_v follow_v that_o the_o most_o excellent_a religion_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n so_o careful_a of_o all_o just_a right_n and_o duty_n divide_v to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o reserve_v to_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n yet_o that_o 25._o luk._n 20._o 25._o this_o religion_n come_v in_o as_o it_o be_v tread_v upon_o the_o neck_n of_o prince_n and_o their_o law_n and_o disacknowledge_v that_o power_n entrust_v with_o they_o by_o god_n the_o power_n of_o first_o decree_v religion_n though_o it_o be_v allow_v he_o intend_v only_o the_o true_a religion_n for_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a christian_a religion_n come_v into_o the_o world_n against_o the_o will_n of_o all_o humane_a power_n i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v say_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o immediate_a commission_n from_o heaven_n of_o which_o miracle_n be_v their_o credential_n can_v not_o in_o the_o least_o violate_v humane_a power_n which_o fall_v before_o the_o divine_a as_o the_o low_a magistrate_n among_o we_o before_o the_o supreme_a i_o confess_v this_o be_v most_o true_a yet_o still_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v what_o great_a care_n god_n have_v of_o his_o moral_n natural_a fundamental_a constitution_n and_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v believe_v he_o will_v in_o so_o weighty_a a_o concern_n as_o christianity_n have_v so_o far_o neglect_v his_o ordinance_n of_o magistracy_n as_o not_o at_o first_o to_o have_v present_v that_o doctrine_n and_o the_o miraculous_a evidence_n of_o it_o to_o the_o vicegerent_n of_o his_o power_n here_o upon_o earth_n that_o at_o least_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o peremptory_a refusal_n before_o their_o deputation_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v wave_v by_o god_n i_o can_v therefore_o account_v the_o supremacy_n of_o divine_a power_n above_o humane_a the_o chief_a reason_n that_o god_n take_v no_o more_o notice_n not_o of_o magistrate_n only_o but_o of_o magistracy_n itself_o when_o he_o bring_v in_o the_o first_o beget_v and_o his_o religion_n into_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o say_v let_v all_o these_o angel_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n worship_v he_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o see_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o can_v but_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o be_v under_o their_o proper_a jurisdiction_n how_o cautious_a our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o offend_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o tribute_n though_o he_o as_o a_o son_n over_o the_o temple_n or_o supreme_a prince_n be_v free_a yet_o 24._o mat._n 17._o 24._o he_o wrought_v a_o miracle_n on_o purpose_n to_o defray_v it_o beside_o the_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o outlast_v the_o immediate_a commission_n of_o the_o apostleship_n and_o miracle_n and_o to_o survive_v in_o ordinary_a preach_n and_o discourse_n while_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n be_v yet_o enemy_n to_o it_o what_o then_o do_v this_o argue_v but_o that_o the_o enforce_n of_o true_a pure_a natural_a religion_n only_o be_v the_o
apostle_n if_o he_o doubt_v and_o yet_o do_v what_o he_o doubt_v of_o he_o be_v condemn_v because_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n he_o that_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n to_o use_v they_o may_v use_v they_o and_o they_o ought_v to_o appear_v of_o that_o value_n to_o he_o that_o he_o can_v give_v god_n thanks_o for_o they_o with_o understanding_n for_o that_o be_v one_o character_n of_o the_o apostle_n indifferent_n and_o a_o severe_a test_n upon_o they_o it_o be_v but_o yet_o he_o must_v not_o think_v himself_o the_o better_a for_o they_o or_o that_o such_o thing_n can_v commend_v he_o to_o god_n he_o must_v not_o use_v they_o to_o the_o scandalize_a the_o weak_a than_o himself_o even_o while_o the_o world_n stand_v that_o be_v while_o the_o reason_n of_o doubt_n can_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o reason_n remain_v and_o he_o must_v allow_v that_o his_o indifferent_n be_v as_o subject_a to_o scandal_n as_o the_o indifferent_n the_o apostle_n discourse_n upon_o be_v and_o if_o the_o very_a reasonably-to_a be-supposed_a scandal_n in_o these_o of_o themselves_o so_o harmless_a indifferent_n be_v well_o consider_v i_o doubt_v there_o will_v be_v find_v a_o great_a and_o wide_a sea_n for_o this_o leviathan_n to_o roll_v itself_o in_o now_o that_o i_o may_v make_v this_o consideration_n more_o orderly_o i_o shall_v distribute_v it_o according_a to_o the_o several_a range_v of_o person_n concern_v and_o endanger_v by_o scandal_n in_o these_o indifferent_n and_o i_o begin_v with_o 1._o those_o that_o comply_v with_o that_o side_n of_o they_o which_o the_o strong_a choose_v that_o be_v the_o use_n of_o they_o because_o this_o be_v immediate_o under_o the_o apostle_n eye_n i_o say_v that_o comply_v but_o be_v not_o full_o persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n now_o the_o apostle_n impute_v their_o compliance_n to_o the_o power_n of_o example_n which_o be_v the_o free_a sort_n of_o compliance_n for_o though_o he_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o despising_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o discourse_n yet_o he_o wave_v that_o imposition_n by_o church-censure_n or_o penalty_n be_v quite_o out_o of_o his_o thought_n he_o arrest_v they_o upon_o example_n the_o most_o ingenuous_a sort_n of_o compulsion_n and_o submit_v to_o it_o the_o most_o spontaneous_a conformity_n yet_o both_o to_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o corinth_n here_o he_o place_v the_o danger_n of_o scandalize_a and_o scandal_n if_o thy_o brother_n say_v he_o be_v grieve_v with_o thy_o meat_n that_o be_v not_o grieve_v that_o thou_o eat_v but_o draw_v to_o eat_v as_o thou_o do_v yet_o not_o persuade_v as_o thou_o be_v and_o so_o receive_v a_o real_a wound_n and_o grief_n in_o his_o conscience_n by_o follow_v thy_o example_n thou_o walk_v not_o charitable_o more_o express_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o the_o corinthian_n if_o any_o man_n see_v thou_o which_o have_v knowledge_n sit_v at_o meat_n in_o a_o idol_n temple_n shall_v not_o the_o conscience_n of_o he_o that_o be_v weak_a be_v edify_v to_o eat_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o idol_n thus_o evident_a it_o be_v example_n be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o very_a word_n point_n to_o now_o in_o that_o he_o lay_v this_o sort_n of_o scandalize_a so_o low_o as_o in_o example_n he_o plant_v his_o argument_n with_o great_a force_n against_o any_o other_o way_n that_o be_v more_o forcible_a than_o example_n here_o then_o be_v the_o scandal_n as_o give_v the_o scandal_n take_v be_v the_o rush_v against_o that_o principle_n of_o religion_n that_o the_o full_a sense_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n and_o what_o be_v to_o he_o of_o faith_n be_v in_o indifferent_a thing_n the_o square_a of_o his_o action_n and_o the_o contrary_n be_v sin_n and_o scandal_n this_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n his_o whole_a discourse_n run_v into_o this_o as_o the_o scandal_n he_o intend_v to_o speak_v of_o to_o the_o corinth_n it_n may_v be_v more_o dispute_n where_o the_o scandal_n lie_v because_o the_o sin_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o relapse_n into_o idolatrous_a eat_n in_o a_o idol_n temple_n the_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o that_o expression_n of_o eat_v with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n as_o offer_v to_o idol_n be_v at_o the_o first_o view_n almost_o enforcive_a of_o that_o sense_n but_o by_o close_a attention_n it_o appear_v much_o otherwise_o for_o i_o observe_v the_o apostle_n upon_o the_o occasion_n discourse_n first_o the_o case_n itself_o in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n in_o chap._n 9_o in_o a_o figure_n transfer_v to_o himself_o he_o treat_v the_o necessary_a retreat_n from_o our_o own_o liberty_n in_o some_o case_n as_o a_o motive_n to_o all_o christian_n to_o do_v the_o same_o in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n he_o discourse_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o idolatry_n itself_o which_o may_v be_v draw_v as_o a_o snare_n upon_o both_o the_o weak_a and_o the_o strong_a by_o often_o converse_v with_o idolater_n and_o their_o rite_n and_o the_o intolerable_a gild_n and_o danger_n of_o that_o make_v forcible_a by_o several_a argument_n and_o then_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o that_o chapter_n resume_v the_o plain_a case_n of_o the_o weak_a who_o not_o understand_v god_n superior_a surmount_n right_o over_o the_o idol_n consider_v only_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o eat_v in_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n and_o believe_v the_o meat_n and_o the_o temple_n irrecoverable_o defile_v by_o it_o they_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n that_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o and_o therefore_o can_v not_o affect_v thing_n themselves_o to_o all_o that_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a and_o know_v that_o god_n right_o overcome_v and_o his_o fill_v all_o thing_n exclude_v all_o other_o and_o their_o right_n become_v a_o nothing_o but_o some_o not_o have_v this_o knowledge_n eat_v in_o a_o temple_n meat_n that_o have_v the_o idol_n superscription_n and_o image_n upon_o they_o as_o they_o think_v not_o in_o any_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n but_o tide_v along_o by_o example_n to_o communicate_v in_o what_o they_o yet_o esteem_v defile_v and_o pollute_v though_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o so_o but_o to_o those_o that_o esteem_v it_o so_o this_o point_n the_o apostle_n plain_o enter_v upon_o chap._n 10._o v._n 23._o go_v off_o from_o that_o of_o idolatry_n in_o these_o word_n all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a etc._n etc._n and_o ver_fw-la 28._o he_o thus_o open_v what_o he_o intend_v if_o any_o man_n as_o in_o a_o fright_n at_o so_o heinous_a a_o thing_n as_o eat_v the_o defile_a meat_n that_o have_v be_v consecrate_v to_o a_o idol_n say_v unto_o you_o this_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n eat_v not_o for_o his_o sake_n that_o show_v it_o and_o for_o his_o conscience-sake_n not_o thy_o own_o that_o be_v scare_v at_o it_o as_o if_o unclean_a in_o itself_o and_o yet_o may_v be_v draw_v to_o eat_v it_o as_o such_o by_o thy_o example_n not_o idolatrous_o but_o with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n and_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n why_o out_o of_o this_o case_n of_o another_o scandal_n a_o man_n may_v eat_v even_o because_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o it_o his_o right_a can_v be_v retrench_v nothing_o can_v be_v make_v unclean_a in_o itself_o that_o be_v god_n the_o very_a same_o be_v give_v for_o not_o eat_v in_o case_n of_o scandal_n the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o it_o that_o be_v we_o be_v not_o tie_v up_o to_o one_o thing_n to_o assert_v god_n right_o in_o that_o only_a that_o we_o must_v needs_o run_v our_o brother_n into_o scandal_n for_o it_o the_o earth_n that_o have_v room_n enough_o and_o the_o fullness_n of_o it_o a_o full_a table_n beside_o that_o suppose_a to_o be_v the_o idol_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o bounty_n to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o all_o acknowledge_v praise_v in_o all_o so_o that_o we_o may_v please_v all_o that_o be_v consult_v their_o true_a good_a and_o give_v no_o scandal_n for_o that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o please_v and_o oppose_v it_o to_o grieve_v and_o wound_v thus_o large_a i_o have_v be_v in_o bring_v the_o case_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o to_o these_o corinthian_n to_o much_o the_o same_o level_n and_o pitch_n except_o the_o meat_n be_v suspect_v foul_a by_o dedication_n to_o a_o idol_n than_o by_o the_o mere_a mosaic_a interdict_v that_o the_o main_a point_n of_o scandal_n may_v be_v settle_v for_o though_o i_o shall_v allow_v just_a consideration_n to_o all_o other_o point_n of_o scandal_n and_o to_o the_o other_o interpretation_n viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n against_o those_o idolatrous_a contamination_n those_o pang_n of_o devotion_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o idol_n the_o tender_a
only_o to_o teach_v the_o observation_n of_o thing_n command_v they_o by_o the_o lord_n himself_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o constant_a disclaimer_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o any_o despotic_a or_o lordlike_o power_n in_o church-ruler_n christ_n express_o compare_v the_o power_n he_o give_v with_o civil_a power_n and_o resolve_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o his_o disciple_n as_o be_v among_o they_o he_o say_v the_o chief_a among_o they_o shall_v be_v minister_n and_o servant_n deliver_v the_o will_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o not_o lord_n themselves_o they_o must_v have_v no_o will_n of_o their_o own_o to_o promulge_v they_o profess_v they_o preach_v jesus_n the_o lord_n and_z themselves_z servants_z for_o jesus_n sake_n servant_n of_o those_o they_o preach_v to_o as_o they_o minister_v to_o they_o the_o divine_a will_n not_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o ensample_n of_o the_o flock_n ambassador_n deliver_v only_o the_o message_n of_o their_o master_n and_o beseech_v man_n but_o if_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v give_v they_o for_o a_o dominion_n how_o great_a will_v it_o be_v 3._o these_o circumstance_n in_o religion_n may_v grow_v so_o bulky_a and_o cumbersome_a and_o make_v such_o a_o medley_n in_o it_o that_o no_o one_o will_v know_v what_o religion_n itself_o be_v 4._o the_o free_a vote_n and_o suffrage_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o receive_v as_o most_o con-decent_a and_o convenient_a be_v that_o more_o abundant_a honour_n god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o mean_a member_n of_o his_o church_n thus_o the_o whole_a affair_n in_o that_o council_n act_v 11._o be_v manage_v by_o not_o only_o the_o apostle_n the_o elder_n but_o the_o brethren_n also_o each_o according_a to_o their_o station_n and_o situation_n in_o the_o body_n the_o church_n for_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o despotique_a power_n what_o be_v command_a by_o christ_n must_v be_v so_o represent_v that_o the_o evidence_n it_o be_v so_o command_v must_v be_v due_o represent_v and_o the_o divine_a authority_n sufficient_o remonstrate_v what_o be_v of_o advice_n and_o conveniency_n must_v be_v carry_v by_o free_a suffrage_n and_o consent_v quest_n but_o still_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n and_o the_o best_a of_o society_n it_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n concern_v society_n and_o what_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o vote_n of_o people_n be_v always_o subject_a to_o turbulence_n and_o confusion_n have_v we_o not_o great_a assurance_n see_v christ_n reverse_a nothing_o natural_a but_o confirm_v it_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n not_o write_v in_o scripture_n but_o leave_v to_o their_o necessity_n and_o expediency_n according_a to_o nature_n law_n and_o so_o what_o be_v near_a to_o monarchick_a be_v far_o from_o confusion_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o among_o they_o the_o bishop_n aught_o to_o determine_v all_o thing_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n answ_n there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a monarchy_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n and_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v no_o other_o nor_o can_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n dictate_v any_o other_o there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v or_o destroy_v and_o there_o need_v not_o any_o more_o master_n for_o more_o will_v certain_o breed_v confusion_n whatever_o therefore_o be_v clear_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o to_o be_v make_v out_o to_o be_v so_o whatever_o be_v the_o evident_a dictate_v of_o nature_n as_o distinction_n of_o sex_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 3._o in_o their_o public_a appearance_n in_o religious_a assembly_n administration_n of_o divine_a service_n in_o a_o know_a language_n 1_o cor._n 14._o v._n 5._o the_o speak_v of_o one_o prophet_n only_o at_o once_o and_o not_o in_o a_o confusion_n of_o voice_n v._o 31._o all_o such_o natural_a order_n and_o decency_n or_o whatever_o be_v of_o indisputable_a decency_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o our_o native_a country_n these_o be_v the_o utmost_a bound_n of_o prescription_n all_o thing_n else_o be_v to_o be_v comprimize_v by_o agreement_n and_o suffrage_n and_o even_o these_o necessary_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v by_o doctrine_n rational_a convicton_n exhortation_n admonition_n rebuke_v and_o even_o charge_v and_o command_v with_o all_o authority_n in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a word_n and_o will_v and_o no_o otherwise_o for_o this_o i_o say_v again_o be_v the_o more_o abundant_a honour_n the_o ruler_n or_o more_o honourable_a member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o invest_v the_o low_a with_o to_o circulate_v with_o they_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o truth_n by_o transfuse_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n they_o have_v that_o they_o as_o live_v wise_a and_o intellectual_a member_n also_o may_v judge_v what_o be_v command_v they_o by_o god_n and_o not_o be_v as_o fool_n or_o lifeless_a member_n for_o what_o blood_n spirit_n and_o life_n be_v in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n the_o very_a same_o freedom_n the_o foot_n have_v to_o represent_v to_o the_o high_a power_n of_o nature_n what_o offend_v it_o and_o be_v immedate_o hear_v the_o very_a same_o power_n the_o low_a member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v to_o remonstrate_v to_o the_o high_a what_o scandalise_v it_o in_o the_o accept_n this_o or_o that_o indifferent_a ceremony_n and_o it_o ought_v as_o feel_o as_o immediate_o to_o be_v hear_v for_o as_o the_o same_o soul_n be_v present_a to_o all_o part_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n so_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n animate_v his_o whole_a body_n the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o fullness_n or_o compliment_n the_o receptacle_n of_o his_o fullness_n the_o fullness_n in_o which_o he_o will_v appear_v full_a and_o complete_a who_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o as_o therefore_o the_o head_n itself_o feel_v by_o this_o spiritual_a union_n so_o be_v the_o eye_n and_o ear_n the_o high_a member_n of_o this_o body_n to_o do_v and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o so_o feel_v it_o argue_v a_o interruption_n between_o they_o and_o the_o head_n itself_o for_o that_o most_o concernful_o reciprocate_v with_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o the_o extreme_a part_n of_o it_o and_o so_o do_v every_o part_n inlve_v by_o he_o also_o if_o there_o be_v no_o intercision_n nor_o obstruction_n betwixt_o it_o and_o the_o head_n quest_n be_v there_o yet_o any_o further_a reason_n against_o a_o power_n in_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o impose_v in_o thing_n of_o indifferency_n under_o the_o name_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n answ_n there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n to_o be_v add_v to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v quest_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o scandal_n answ_n scandal_n be_v a_o subject_a of_o discourse_n of_o too_o large_a a_o compass_n for_o the_o present_a purpose_n but_o as_o it_o be_v strict_o to_o be_v adjust_v to_o it_o it_o may_v be_v thus_o understand_v scandal_n be_v that_o hurt_v and_o grief_n a_o man_n receive_v in_o submit_v either_o to_o humane_a example_n or_o imposition_n in_o thing_n of_o themselves_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n when_o the_o conscience_n be_v in_o doubt_n whether_o that_o which_o be_v require_v to_o be_v do_v be_v not_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o forbid_v by_o he_o or_o that_o which_o be_v require_v to_o be_v omit_v or_o not_o do_v be_v not_o please_v to_o god_n and_o command_v by_o he_o and_o yet_o submit_v itself_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o that_o example_n or_o command_v by_o such_o imposition_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o under_o a_o wound_n of_o conscience_n quest_n when_o the_o thing_n be_v indeed_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n how_o can_v it_o be_v change_v by_o the_o conscience_n be_v in_o doubt_n concern_v it_o answ_n because_o the_o conscience_n be_v that_o complex_fw-la or_o congregat_v power_n of_o the_o soul_n wherein_o be_v preserve_v all_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o rule_n of_o action_n to_o the_o end_n that_o it_o may_v observe_v and_o direct_v how_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o govern_v itself_o and_o square_v all_o its_o action_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o may_v comfort_v or_o check_v the_o soul_n in_o do_v well_o or_o ill_o according_a to_o those_o doctrine_n or_o rule_n wherein_o then_o conscience_n be_v mistake_v and_o misjudge_n either_o way_n against_o that_o which_o be_v command_v by_o god_n or_o for_o that_o which_o be_v forbid_v by_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v do_v but_o to_o reduce_v conscience_n to_o its_o right_a rule_n which_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o
every_o thing_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n but_o in_o thing_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v if_o conscience_n be_v apprehensive_a of_o danger_n any_o way_n this_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n that_o god_n have_v confer_v upon_o conscience_n as_o his_o immediate_a vicegerent_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o carry_v his_o authority_n by_o always_o present_v it_o in_o his_o word_n and_o command_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v suspend_v his_o action_n wherein_o conscience_n be_v not_o satisfy_v and_o at_o rest_n concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o action_n and_o this_o be_v the_o honour_n which_o those_o that_o be_v above_o either_o in_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o understanding_n gift_n or_o grace_n shall_v bestow_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v below_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o either_o by_o their_o authority_n influence_n or_o example_n scandalize_v the_o little_a one_o or_o the_o weak_a that_o be_v so_o either_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o low_a station_n or_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n that_o be_v draw_v they_o into_o the_o sin_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o which_o conscience_n have_v a_o mistrust_n of_o displease_v god_n in_o so_o do_v in_o regard_n that_o it_o both_o weaken_v and_o disable_v conscience_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o trust_v repose_v in_o it_o for_o the_o carry_v on_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o christian_a course_n its_o authority_n be_v violate_v and_o prostrate_v in_o the_o reverence_n due_a to_o it_o and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o comfort_n it_o ought_v to_o minister_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o that_o course_n for_o by_o this_o sort_n of_o scandal_n the_o apostle_n witness_n the_o weak_a christian_a fall_v into_o sin_n his_o conscience_n be_v defile_v be_v wound_v be_v grieve_v be_v make_v weak_a all_o the_o mischief_n of_o which_o the_o value_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v not_o such_o as_o that_o it_o can_v answer_v and_o make_v recompense_n for_o and_o so_o to_o sin_v thus_o against_o the_o weak_a be_v to_o destroy_v they_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v and_o therefore_o to_o sin_v against_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o those_o weighty_a discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n against_o scandal_n mark_v 18._o and_o of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 4._o and_o 1_o cor._n c._n 8._o and_o cap._n 10._o which_v be_v compare_v give_v great_a light_a one_o to_o another_o quest_n but_o it_o seem_v that_o a_o conscience_n only_o in_o doubt_n may_v be_v settle_v by_o the_o advice_n example_n and_o authority_n of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o elder_n or_o eminent_a member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o doubt_n suppose_v the_o conscience_n incline_v neither_o this_o way_n nor_o that_o way_n in_o itself_o but_o stand_v between_o both_o or_o sometime_o move_v to_o one_o side_n and_o then_o to_o the_o other_o the_o come_n in_o of_o those_o consideration_n take_v from_o the_o example_n and_o authority_n forename_a shall_v give_v a_o over-weight_n to_o that_o side_n on_o which_o they_o fall_v answ_n yet_o on_o purpose_n to_o show_v the_o great_a dignity_n of_o conscience_n and_o its_o government_n without_o which_o approve_v and_o direct_v according_o even_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n want_v the_o just_a compliment_n of_o a_o good_a action_n and_o also_o to_o show_v of_o how_o little_a moment_n in_o christianity_n all_o thing_n be_v not_o under_o a_o divine_a sanction_n the_o whole_a weight_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n be_v hang_v upon_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n a_o conscience_n in_o doubt_n concern_v thing_n indifferent_a when_o urge_v either_o way_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o all_o sinew_n of_o government_n hereby_o cut_v and_o dissolve_v even_o of_o civil_a government_n for_o conscience_n may_v be_v in_o relation_n to_o such_o command_v dissatisfy_v answ_n as_o scripture_n every_o where_o suppose_v the_o whole_a government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o be_v confine_v within_o the_o monarchy_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o nothing_o to_o be_v impose_v or_o forbid_v but_o according_a to_o that_o so_o it_o do_v every_o where_o disinterest_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_v or_o intermeddle_v in_o civil_a government_n or_o thing_n pertain_v to_o it_o it_o suppose_v civil_a power_n will_v oblige_v to_o and_o determine_v indifferency_n in_o civil_a thing_n this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n as_o they_o please_v and_o therein_o exercise_v a_o lordship_n but_o christ_n have_v declare_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o his_o disciple_n do_v yet_o command_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n all_o obedience_n to_o these_o principality_n and_o power_n even_o thus_o command_v if_o not_o against_o god_n command_n direct_o so_o that_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n the_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v only_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o its_o rule_n and_o duty_n but_o can_v have_v no_o more_o relief_n against_o obedience_n to_o civil_a command_n than_o it_o have_v against_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v mistake_v about_o those_o command_n for_o such_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n quest_n there_o appear_v so_o near_o a_o assinity_n in_o the_o command_v concern_v indifferent_a thing_n of_o those_o that_o have_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o command_v of_o those_o that_o have_v civil_a rule_n that_o the_o one_o may_v be_v a_o measure_n for_o the_o other_o or_o wherein_o be_v the_o difference_n especial_o when_o they_o join_v in_o one_o in_o their_o command_n concern_v these_o indifferoncy_n answ_n the_o command_v of_o civil_a authority_n concern_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n deserve_v a_o particular_a consideration_n for_o which_o a_o proper_a place_n shall_v be_v reserve_v but_o that_o the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o political_a regiment_n that_o shall_v set_v up_o for_o itself_o as_o one_o of_o the_o polity_n of_o this_o world_n by_o canon_n and_o constitution_n of_o its_o own_o not_o found_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o introduce_v on_o other_o pretence_n and_o that_o if_o christian_n do_v not_o submit_v to_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v account_v schismatic_n and_o excommunicate_v as_o heathen_n if_o they_o do_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n that_o be_v thâ—_n ruler_n of_o the_o church_n thus_o ordain_v in_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o all_o this_o by_o the_o charter_n of_o the_o key_n or_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v or_o loose_v be_v as_o gross_a a_o forgery_n as_o popery_n have_v any_o in_o this_o point_n indeed_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o whole_a church_n shall_v by_o proper_a way_n and_o mean_n find_v out_o by_o christ_n be_v model_v into_o one_o universal_a uniformity_n of_o government_n and_o ceremony_n see_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v but_o one_o and_o that_o the_o roman_a suppose_v it_o have_v not_o so_o gross_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n may_v soon_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o it_o and_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n the_o head_n of_o the_o unity_n than_o any_o other_o it_o be_v the_o first_o imperial_a city_n that_o be_v famous_a for_o christianity_n but_o how_o little_a uniformity_n be_v to_o christ_n or_o his_o kingdom_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v not_o interpose_v at_o all_o but_o leave_v christian_n free_a and_o intend_v they_o shall_v be_v free_a appear_v in_o the_o ununiform_a unity_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o evangelist_n concern_v his_o life_n doctrine_n death_n and_o resurrection_n to_o suppose_v therefore_o the_o church_n to_o be_v in_o this_o manner_n uniformed_a by_o the_o prudence_n of_o its_o governor_n be_v to_o turn_v it_o so_o far_o into_o a_o civil_a state_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o it_o into_o lay-elders_a cap._n xiii_o of_o the_o antichurch_n and_o its_o opposition_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o the_o true_a church_n quest_n be_v there_o not_o a_o antichurch_n or_o antichristian-church_n that_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o true-church_n answ_n there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v so_o for_o many_o age_n and_o that_o have_v take_v upon_o it_o in_o the_o most_o public_a way_n to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n quest_n with_o what_o advantage_n have_v it_o be_v arm_v thus_o to_o take_v upon_o itself_o at_o all_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n answ_n it_o have_v rise_v out_o of_o the_o true_a ancient_a apostolic_a church_n that_o receive_v the_o true_a christianity_n from_o the_o apostle_n at_o rome_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o which_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n witness_n rom._n 1._o 8._o be_v speak_v of_o throughout_o the_o world_n it_o have_v retain_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n the_o write_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o apostolical_a man_n and_o so_o have_v continue_v
all_o but_o one_o great_a lie_n of_o this_o son_n of_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n the_o image_n of_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n the_o son_n of_o his_o falsehood_n and_o perdition_n contrary_a to_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n in_o truth_n and_o love_n but_o if_o any_o one_o receive_v christianity_n or_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o antichurch_n and_o measure_v they_o in_o and_o by_o themselves_o separate_v true_a christianity_n from_o the_o antichristianism_n and_o retain_v it_o pure_a it_o be_v but_o like_o the_o service_n god_n receive_v from_o the_o false_a prophet_n baalam_n when_o he_o prophesy_v truth_n into_o who_o place_n and_o office_n antichrist_n succeed_v and_o be_v therefore_o style_v the_o false_a prophet_n revel_v 16._o 13._o quest_n what_o then_o can_v this_o pretend_a catholic_n church_n be_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o true_a catholic_n public_a religion_n answ_n it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o upon_o strict_a account_n than_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n the_o pseudocatholick_a antichurch_n in_o a_o damnable_a heresy_n from_o and_o hatred_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v write_v in_o heaven_n unite_v with_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o love_n and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n in_o truth_n and_o love_n in_o a_o hellish_a schism_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o apostolic_a catholic_n church_n of_o which_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n quest_n how_o can_v it_o be_v believe_v that_o so_o great_a a_o lie_n upon_o christianity_n shall_v be_v receive_v by_o so_o large_a a_o proportion_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n or_o that_o person_n of_o so_o vast_a ability_n and_o comprehension_n shall_v so_o deceive_v other_o or_o be_v themselves_o deceive_v answ_n scripture_n have_v take_v all_o the_o care_n possible_a to_o arm_v we_o against_o this_o objection_n which_o be_v indeed_o very_o great_a it_o call_v this_o apostasy_n a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o the_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o revelation_n point_n to_o the_o same_o thing_n upon_o the_o forehead_n of_o this_o adulterous_a church_n be_v write_v mystery_n now_o a_o mystery_n if_o it_o be_v present_o understand_v and_o all_o easy_a and_o plain_a be_v no_o mystery_n it_o have_v the_o energy_n of_o delusion_n in_o cause_v man_n to_o believe_v a_o lie_n it_o be_v the_o whole_a deceit_n of_o unrighteousness_n it_o set_v up_o a_o great_a stage_n of_o counterfeit_n miracle_n that_o it_o vaunt_v upon_o and_o that_o it_o may_v have_v that_o reverend_a face_n of_o antiquity_n to_o deceive_v with_o and_o say_v it_o come_v from_o a_o far-off_a age_n it_o be_v a_o mystery_n that_o be_v then_o at_o work_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n last_o it_o have_v its_o effect_n upon_o they_o that_o may_v be_v christian_n and_o receive_v truth_n but_o not_o the_o chaste_a unprostitute_n love_n of_o truth_n alone_o quest_n but_o it_o seem_v impossible_a that_o any_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o have_v be_v once_o disabused_a shall_v return_v any_o more_o under_o so_o great_a a_o delusion_n answ_n there_o be_v very_o great_a hope_n that_o god_n who_o have_v command_v his_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o this_o darkness_n will_v interpose_v by_o the_o perpetual_a brightness_n of_o his_o own_o appearance_n and_o by_o that_o divine_a breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n in_o his_o word_n against_o the_o return_n of_o so_o great_a a_o darkness_n this_o set_v aside_o there_o be_v so_o many_o reason_n of_o fear_n and_o such_o possibility_n of_o lay_v a_o train_n of_o cause_n reach_v to_o such_o a_o effect_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o place_n for_o security_n but_o in_o the_o almighty_a providence_n and_o yet_o what_o degree_n of_o that_o deadly_a scourge_n may_v fall_v on_o the_o protestant_a world_n god_n only_o know_v we_o know_v our_o sin_n deserve_v very_o ill_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o great_a security_n under_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o providence_n against_o so_o great_a desolation_n upon_o true_a christian_a religion_n answ_n a_o perfect_a acquiescency_n of_o the_o protestant_a nation_n upon_o the_o foursquare_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o resolvedness_n not_o to_o move_v from_o thence_o for_o as_o a_o foursquare_n never_o remove_v from_o its_o own_o base_a because_o it_o be_v all_o base_a so_o they_o that_o be_v square_v to_o it_o and_o settle_v upon_o it_o never_o move_v for_o it_o always_o bear_v they_o alike_o with_o itself_o and_o by_o its_o own_o justness_n recall_v they_o if_o they_o offer_v to_o wander_v mere_a angry_a prejudice_n against_o this_o or_o that_o false_a religion_n be_v not_o enough_o without_o be_v thus_o ground_v upon_o truth_n entertainment_n of_o truth_n with_o any_o addittament_n will_v secure_v no_o man_n for_o he_o that_o receive_v one_o addition_n may_v receive_v another_o he_o that_o receive_v truth_n lie_v foursquare_n with_o itself_o be_v call_v back_o by_o that_o even_o of_o truth_n he_o that_o add_v one_o to_o it_o and_o make_v it_o odd_a may_v go_v on_o indefinite_o as_o popery_n have_v do_v because_o he_o have_v forsakent_a he_o just_o even_o that_o shall_v stay_v he_o he_o can_v no_o long_o wait_v for_o the_o voice_n of_o truth_n that_o by_o itself_o always_o answer_v itself_o but_o to_o what_o be_v not_o like_o itself_o it_o will_v not_o answer_v but_o discover_v it_o to_o be_v off_o from_o this_o square_n it_o will_v not_o on_o any_o respect_n harken_v to_o any_o thing_n different_a because_o it_o will_v not_o be_v solicit_v to_o move_v from_o itself_o so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a the_o law_n of_o symmetry_n and_o commensuration_n be_v the_o great_a security_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o ascertain_v the_o true_a church_n both_o to_o itself_o and_o all_o beholder_n for_o addition_n to_o religion_n like_o surd_o or_o irrational_a figure_n incommensurable_a to_o the_o rational_a square_n can_v never_o be_v reduce_v to_o this_o foursquare_n of_o truth_n but_o be_v like_o the_o deaf_a adder_n that_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o reason_n charm_v never_o so_o wise_o nor_o can_v they_o ever_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o certainty_n or_o exactness_n with_o themselves_o but_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o day_n another_o to_o morrow_n but_o divine_a truth_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rational_a certain_a express_o itself_o deaf_a indeed_o to_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n the_o same_o for_o ever_o he_o therefore_o that_o daily_o ponder_v meditate_v upon_o have_v a_o just_a measure_n of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o divine_a truth_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o a_o regular_a square_n with_o they_o shall_v know_v the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o god_n all_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n though_o they_o be_v various_a yet_o come_v all_o within_o the_o apostolic_a twelve_o and_o he_o that_o have_v a_o spiritual_a gust_n exercise_v to_o discern_v betwixt_o good_a 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of_o unguarded_a condition_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n and_o evidence_n of_o divine_a truth_n may_v be_v more_o apparent_o as_o it_o always_o be_v in_o itself_o of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man._n quest_n what_o other_o reason_n may_v there_o be_v of_o separate_v the_o administration_n of_o divine_a truth_n from_o that_o of_o princely_a government_n answ_n because_o each_o administration_n require_v the_o whole_a attendance_n of_o those_o engage_v in_o either_o except_o they_o be_v at_o least_o immediate_o inspire_v it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o magistrate_n he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n attend_v continual_o on_o this_o very_a thing_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n â—t_a be_v say_v take_v heed_n to_o the_o ministry_n thou_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o thou_o fulfil_v it_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v to_o exhortation_n to_o doctrine_n give_v thyself_o whole_o to_o they_o make_v full_a proof_n of_o thy_o ministry_n be_v instant_a preach_v the_o word_n in_o season_n out_o of_o season_n or_o without_o season_n public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n quest_n i_o desire_v you_o now_o to_o apply_v your_o discourse_n to_o the_o administration_n of_o sovereign_a power_n in_o model_v and_o circumstantiate_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n what_o their_o power_n give_v they_o by_o god_n therein_o be_v answ_n that_o i_o may_v give_v you_o a_o answer_n in_o that_o i_o must_v observe_v our_o saviour_n distinction_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o his_o charge_n that_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n be_v render_v to_o he_o and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n be_v render_v to_o caesar_n now_o none_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n be_v his_o first_o but_o they_o be_v first_o god_n and_o give_v to_o caesar_n by_o god_n god_n then_o have_v entrust_v caesar_n with_o the_o render_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n to_o god_n that_o be_v to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o obedience_n due_a to_o god_n according_a to_o godliness_n righteousness_n and_o soberness_n may_v by_o the_o make_n of_o good_a law_n and_o by_o the_o vigorous_a execution_n of_o they_o be_v give_v to_o god_n and_o also_o that_o the_o good_a intend_a to_o whole_a humane_a nature_n may_v be_v preserve_v to_o it_o as_o a_o service_n of_o great_a acceptance_n with_o god_n for_o every_o governor_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n for_o good_a to_o every_o man_n he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n for_o public_a good_a but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n all_o these_o supreme_a notion_n be_v so_o god_n that_o they_o must_v not_o be_v change_v by_o magistrate_n or_o their_o law_n but_o must_v be_v render_v entire_o to_o he_o as_o he_o give_v they_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o not_o adulterate_v or_o embase_v and_o especial_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o concern_v god_n himself_o more_o immediate_o as_o in_o the_o purity_n spirituality_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o divineness_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o word_n the_o service_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o whatever_o he_o have_v herein_o reserve_v to_o himself_o all_o these_o be_v so_o his_o that_o no_o caesar_n have_v any_o power_n in_o or_o over_o they_o to_o add_v or_o diminish_v or_o make_v the_o least_o alteration_n so_o that_o though_o they_o may_v have_v great_a power_n in_o many_o thing_n relate_v to_o religion_n to_o the_o accommodation_n of_o the_o most_o external_n exercise_n of_o it_o to_o government_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o nation_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o very_a religious_a action_n themselves_o and_o the_o management_n of_o they_o they_o must_v be_v close_o confine_v to_o god_n manifestation_n of_o himself_o how_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v and_o to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o moddel_n and_o decent_o to_o circumstantiate_v that_o worship_n and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v render_v to_o god_n perfect_o according_a to_o his_o own_o pattern_n and_o the_o magistrate_n care_n be_v that_o it_o be_v so_o render_v if_o in_o thing_n evident_a to_o nature_n light_n the_o magistrate_n law_n have_v place_n if_o only_o to_o be_v know_v by_o revelation_n the_o magistrate_n power_n can_v rise_v above_o the_o mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n that_o be_v instruction_n produce_v faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o not_o compulsory_a law_n see_v natural_a reason_n may_v be_v oblige_v but_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n now_o these_o thing_n god_n have_v by_o the_o prerogative_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n reserve_v to_o himself_o and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v render_v to_o god_n distinct_a from_o the_o thing_n of_o caesar_n that_o be_v from_o all_o civil_a thing_n give_v by_o god_n to_o caesar_n and_o so_o to_o be_v render_v to_o caesar_n yea_o even_o distinct_a from_o the_o appendant_a law_n for_o the_o secure_n justice_n and_o soberness_n which_o though_o they_o be_v god_n yet_o
have_v not_o so_o immediate_a a_o respect_n to_o he_o as_o godliness_n or_o religion_n be_v more_o under_o humane_a legislation_n in_o the_o particular_a adjustment_n to_o the_o general_n ends._n but_o both_o the_o inward_a court_n of_o religion_n or_o divine_a truth_n and_o worship_n itself_o and_o the_o outward_a court_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n be_v within_o such_o limitation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n therein_o not_o prescribe_v by_o god_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o freedom_n of_o every_o man_n by_o god_n and_o no_o power_n of_o prescription_n ought_v to_o come_v there_o that_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v either_o encumber_a by_o unnecessary_a observance_n or_o in_o danger_n to_o mistake_v they_o as_o have_v any_o influence_n into_o his_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v any_o and_o can_v indeed_o have_v none_o that_o be_v good_a nor_o last_o be_v in_o doubt_n whether_o he_o do_v not_o displease_v god_n in_o add_v to_o his_o worship_n but_o if_o a_o man_n can_v see_v his_o freedom_n in_o all_o these_o it_o be_v serve_v out_o of_o love_n and_o be_v make_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n and_o go_v to_o the_o utmost_a he_o can_v in_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n if_o a_o man_n can_v see_v his_o freedom_n but_o doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n he_o be_v under_o as_o severe_a a_o prohibition_n of_o compliance_n against_o his_o doubt_n as_o in_o other_o case_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o sentence_n be_v positive_a he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v in_o do_v the_o indifferent_a thing_n he_o doubt_v of_o and_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n or_o assurance_n it_o be_v please_v to_o god_n or_o not_o displease_v to_o he_o be_v sin_n quest_n but_o this_o doubt_n may_v extend_v to_o civil_a thing_n and_o indifference_n there_o or_o to_o those_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n and_o grandeur_n of_o supreme_a power_n god_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o answ_n when_o obedience_n be_v enforce_v in_o such_o thing_n the_o magistrate_n have_v this_o to_o justify_v he_o he_o be_v within_o his_o own_o territory_n give_v he_o by_o god_n he_o require_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n upon_o god_n donation_n but_o in_o religious_a thing_n â—e_n be_v within_o god_n peculiar_a and_o so_o can_v be_v justify_v in_o that_o enforcement_n because_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o peculiarly_a go_n quest_n the_o great_a question_n now_o remain_v what_o be_v subject_n to_o do_v when_o authority_n stamp_v itself_o upon_o false_a religion_n or_o enforce_v indifferent_a thing_n against_o the_o apprehension_n of_o conscience_n concern_v their_o lawfulness_n so_o that_o they_o can_v obey_v but_o with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o that_o have_v be_v already_o open_v answ_n there_o be_v one_o rule_n in_o all_o these_o case_n even_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a law_n of_o injustice_n and_o licentiousness_n when_o sovereign_a power_n so_o err_v in_o government_n shall_v change_v the_o true_a and_o everlasting_a notion_n of_o righteousness_n or_o soberness_n or_o those_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a law_n of_o they_o in_o themselves_o even_o so_o impossible_a it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n shall_v change_v those_o of_o true_a natural_a or_o true_a reveal_v religion_n or_o the_o law_n impose_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n shall_v take_v away_o the_o liberty_n god_n have_v give_v or_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o obey_v against_o doubt_n of_o conscience_n when_o a_o man_n do_v not_o see_v that_o liberty_n that_o therefore_o which_o be_v eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a must_v be_v adhere_v to_o and_o obey_v quest_n how_o then_o be_v there_o a_o subjection_n to_o magistrate_n answ_n the_o subjection_n than_o be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o error_n of_o magistracy_n in_o case_n of_o justice_n or_o soberness_n not_o to_o resist_v the_o power_n vindicate_v its_o command_n by_o suffering_n and_o penalty_n upon_o those_o that_o 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either_o betwixt_o various_a pretension_n of_o prince_n or_o where_o the_o bound_n of_o power_n and_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n and_o the_o liberty_n and_o property_n of_o people_n be_v in_o controversy_n answ_n i_o shall_v no_o more_o intermeddle_v in_o that_o than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n do_v which_o leave_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n of_o nation_n and_o of_o each_o particular_a country_n the_o duty_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o those_o sovereign_a power_n who_o authority_n be_v current_n who_o image_n and_o superscription_n be_v upon_o all_o thing_n public_a the_o power_n that_o be_v in_o be_v be_v to_o be_v obey_v according_a to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n already_o discourse_v that_o be_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o offender_n for_o the_o execute_n judgement_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n for_o the_o secure_n common_a peace_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n intimate_v 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honour_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o schism_n in_o the_o body_n but_o that_o the_o member_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o care_n one_o for_o another_o under_o this_o elegant_a shade_n the_o apostle_n teach_v that_o a_o neglect_n and_o a_o contemptuous_a overlook_a the_o right_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o low_a and_o less_o honourable_a member_n in_o the_o church_n incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n as_o argue_v the_o want_n of_o that_o compassion_n and_o feellingness_n that_o spring_v from_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n down_o through_o the_o high_a to_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o member_n for_o no_o man_n ever_o hate_v his_o own_o flesh_n even_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a part_n of_o it_o but_o nourish_v and_o cherish_v it_o even_o as_o the_o lord_n the_o church_n they_o therefore_o that_o carry_v the_o great_a grace_n and_o honour_n in_o the_o church_n shall_v invest_v the_o least_o comely_a member_n with_o more_o abundant_a honour_n and_o comeliness_n in_o the_o most_o humble_a 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part_n of_o it_o wherewith_o we_o be_v conversant_a prescribe_v indifference_n to_o make_v orderly_a and_o decent_a the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o any_o christian_n separate_v themselves_o into_o particular_a assembly_n to_o pray_v to_o hear_v and_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o admininister_v sacrament_n that_o they_o may_v be_v free_a from_o such_o prescription_n for_o this_o be_v set_v up_o a_o altar_n against_o a_o altar_n and_o one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n against_o another_o what_o can_v it_o then_o be_v but_o most_o notorious_a schism_n and_o so_o esteem_v in_o all_o antiquity_n answ_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v at_o all_o schism_n i_o be_o sure_a if_o thing_n be_v right_o manage_v it_o be_v the_o least_o guilty_a kind_n for_o there_o be_v a_o union_n as_o be_v suppose_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o christ_n if_o there_o be_v that_o value_n and_o love_n for_o one_o another_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o unite_v and_o agree_v a_o desire_n of_o interest_n in_o and_o benefit_n by_o one_o another_o prayer_n and_o a_o joy_n in_o the_o gift_n grace_n and_o spiritual_a ability_n one_o of_o another_o a_o care_n mutual_o to_o impart_v and_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v such_o a_o union_n in_o thing_n command_v by_o god_n shall_v over-rule_v the_o little_a distance_n in_o indifference_n and_o no_o more_o divide_v than_o worship_v god_n in_o different_a congregation_n by_o reason_n of_o distance_n of_o place_n or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n use_v differ_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n in_o different_a country_n and_o place_n quest_n but_o what_o if_o beside_o these_o mere_a and_o simple_a dislocation_n of_o themselves_o and_o use_v or_o non-use_a of_o these_o indifference_n there_o be_v anger_n strife_n emulation_n bitter_a zeal_n in_o one_o against_o another_o as_o be_v general_o and_o usual_o see_v do_v not_o these_o sour_a passion_n beget_v schism_n answ_n wherever_o these_o be_v find_v they_o must_v needs_o amount_v to_o that_o kind_n of_o schism_n that_o christian_n do_v not_o love_v christian_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n since_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o each_o part_n be_v unite_v in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n and_o divine_a command_n upon_o which_o ought_v to_o flow_v from_o the_o love_n every_o sincere_a christian_a have_v to_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o these_o love_v to_o one_o another_o also_o for_o faith_n work_v or_o be_v effectual_a by_o love_n and_o this_o be_v love_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o command_n this_o love_n therefore_o must_v needs_o to_o all_o unite_a in_o these_o mighty_a thing_n wherein_o true_a christian_n be_v unite_v surmount_v the_o disaffection_n that_o arise_v in_o the_o disunion_n about_o tything_n mint_n or_o cummin_n or_o else_o we_o must_v value_v our_o confidence_n in_o small_a thing_n or_o our_o doubt_n about_o they_o above_o the_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o command_n of_o god_n which_o must_v indeed_o needs_o be_v schismatical_a in_o both_o part_n or_o on_o whatever_o part_n it_o â—e_v find_v quest_n but_o see_v these_o contention_n be_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v avoid_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o different_a judgement_n and_o especial_o divers_a practice_n of_o christian_n and_o in_o so_o distinct_a congregation_n and_o that_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o one_o another_o and_o further_o that_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n together_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o universal_a numerous_a or_o at_o least_o as_o free_a and_o mutual_a as_o be_v possible_a in_o regard_n of_o nearness_n of_o place_n one_o to_o another_o for_o that_o it_o be_v most_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n they_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o most_o advantageous_a to_o the_o impart_v spiritual_a gift_n and_o grace_n between_o all_o the_o pastor_n and_o people_n see_v all_o this_o be_v so_o undeniable_a how_o can_v separation_n from_o the_o assembly_n of_o one_o another_o do_v less_o than_o carry_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n answ_n there_o can_v be_v no_o schism_n in_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n without_o add_v or_o diminish_v turn_v to_o the_o right-hand_a or_o to_o the_o left_a for_o therein_o as_o have_v be_v often_o say_v be_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n union_n therein_o alone_o be_v the_o church_n a_o church_n and_o the_o peace_n lie_v enfold_v in_o the_o truth_n the_o more_o than_o the_o consideration_n forenamed_a be_v press_v and_o they_o deserve_v very_o earnest_o to_o be_v press_v the_o more_o absolute_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o stay_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n and_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n or_o which_o be_v as_o true_o the_o command_n of_o god_n the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n nay_o it_o be_v better_a to_o allow_v man_n a_o suspension_n of_o their_o assent_n to_o some_o truth_n and_o of_o their_o compliance_n with_o some_o command_n that_o be_v but_o upon_o the_o outward_a skirt_n and_o 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