a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o go_v to_o the_o separate_a meeting_n because_o he_o can_v better_o edify_v there_o london_n print_v by_o henry_n hill_n jun._n for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white_a horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o go_v to_o the_o separate_a meeting_n because_o he_o can_v better_o edify_v there_o answer_v it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o make_v this_o plain_a two_o thing_n must_v be_v consider_v first_o what_o sort_n of_o person_n this_o be_v who_o ask_v this_o question_n second_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o edification_n as_o to_o the_o person_n he_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v one_o that_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o he_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o there_o be_v no_o term_n of_o communion_n put_v upon_o he_o but_o which_o he_o can_v comply_v withal_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n natural_a reason_n or_o plain_a consequence_n fetch_v from_o both_o or_o either_o and_o therefore_o he_o who_o think_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n unlawful_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o the_o question_n for_o he_o separate_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o unlawfulness_n and_o not_o edification_n only_o as_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o question_n second_o by_o edification_n be_v mean_v a_o improvement_n of_o his_o spiritual_a condition_n in_o the_o full_a latitude_n whereinsoever_o it_o may_v true_o consist_v whether_o in_o the_o article_n of_o his_o faith_n which_o in_o the_o separate_a congregation_n be_v better_o teach_v more_o clear_o prove_v more_o fit_o apply_v to_o his_o practice_n and_o to_o support_v his_o hope_n of_o heaven_n or_o whether_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n which_o be_v there_o more_o exact_o lay_v down_o and_o more_o strong_o enforce_v upon_o his_o mind_n or_o in_o prayer_n which_o among_o they_o be_v better_o compose_v and_o more_o fervent_o send_v up_o unto_o god_n and_o in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o devotion_n which_o there_o be_v better_o frame_v and_o order_v to_o affect_v his_o soul_n and_o make_v a_o true_o christian_n man_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v explain_v and_o premise_v the_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n will_v be_v find_v true_a if_o we_o consider_v these_o follow_a reason_n 1._o that_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o the_o question_n stand_v be_v false_a viz._n there_o be_v not_o better_a edification_n to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o separate_a meeting_n than_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o how_o apt_a and_o fit_a the_o whole_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v to_o edify_v man_n soul_n 2._o that_o this_o constitution_n be_v well_o use_v and_o manage_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o our_o church_n for_o edification_n the_o first_o will_v be_v manifest_a by_o induction_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o several_a part_n of_o her_o constitution_n reducible_a to_o these_o follow_a head_n 1._o her_o creed_n or_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v those_o which_o our_o dissenter_n themselves_o allow_v which_o be_v full_a and_o plain_a contain_v all_o necessary_n and_o fundamental_o in_o religion_n nothing_o defective_a in_o vital_n or_o integral_n to_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a church_n christ_n that_o found_v his_o church_n best_o know_v what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o her_o be_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o he_o have_v declare_v to_o be_v so_o but_o be_v contain_v in_o her_o creed_n whatever_o be_v fundamental_a for_o we_o to_o know_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v find_v there_o or_o by_o easy_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o they_o will_v we_o know_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o officer_n the_o design_n of_o his_o come_n upon_o earth_n the_o constitution_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o government_n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o his_o law_n the_o time_n of_o account_n and_o retribution_n the_o mighty_a miracle_n and_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o providence_n to_o confirm_v these_o we_o may_v read_v they_o at_o large_a in_o holy_a writ_n and_o find_v wise_o sum_v up_o in_o our_o creed_n who_o article_n to_o help_v the_o memory_n of_o man_n be_v short_a and_o few_o and_o to_o assist_v the_o dulness_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v manifest_a and_o plain_a they_o contain_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o either_o suppose_v before_o or_o include_v in_o or_o follow_v from_o that_o brief_a creed_n the_o character_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n 4.15.5.5_o 1_o john_n 4.15.5.5_o whatever_o be_v any_o way_n reveal_v by_o god_n as_o necessary_a be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n nothing_o that_o be_v nice_a and_o obscure_a fit_a only_a for_o dispute_v and_o wrangle_a be_v bring_v into_o our_o creed_n all_o who_o article_n be_v primitive_a and_o of_o divine_a right_n none_o of_o they_o pure_o speculative_a or_o curious_a but_o plain_a and_o useful_a in_o order_n to_o practice_n natural_o lead_v to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n we_o love_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v true_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a but_o we_o can_v call_v that_o a_o eternal_a truth_n which_o be_v but_o yesterday_o and_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o embrace_v all_o truth_n but_o we_o can_v call_v that_o the_o high_a priest_n which_o be_v but_o the_o fringe_n of_o his_o garment_n we_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o early_a christian_n in_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n think_v sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o they_o be_v very_o secure_a that_o this_o will_v save_v they_o and_o if_o any_o truth_n be_v disguise_v or_o deface_v by_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o descend_a age_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v it_o whenever_o it_o be_v make_v clear_a and_o restore_v to_o its_o former_a shape_n and_o complexion_n we_o cast_v out_o obstinacy_n and_o perverseness_n out_o of_o our_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o niceness_n out_o of_o our_o creed_n that_o creed_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v the_o saint_n martyr_n and_o confessor_n the_o wife_n and_o good_a man_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a day_n of_o christianity_n believe_v and_o be_v secure_a of_o heaven_n by_o it_o and_o therefore_o add_v no_o more_o that_o faith_n this_o church_n maintain_v which_o will_v sufficient_o and_o effectual_o edify_v the_o soul_n of_o men._n 2._o the_o necessity_n she_o lay_v upon_o a_o good_a life_n and_o work_n for_o this_o be_v the_o solemn_a intention_n of_o all_o religion_n our_o creed_n our_o prayer_n our_o sacrament_n and_o discipline_n and_o all_o devotion_n her_o creed_n be_v such_o that_o all_o its_o article_n so_o direct_o or_o by_o natural_a consequence_n lead_v unto_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n that_o no_o man_n can_v firm_o believe_v they_o but_o they_o must_v ordinary_o influence_n his_o manner_n and_o better_a his_o conversation_n and_o if_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o creed_n his_o life_n be_v not_o mend_v he_o either_o ignorant_o and_o gross_o mistake_v their_o consequence_n or_o be_v wilful_o desperate_a our_o church_n public_o declare_v that_o without_o preparatory_a virtue_n no_o act_n of_o devotion_n however_o set_v off_o with_o zeal_n and_o passion_n be_v please_v unto_o god_n and_o if_o obedience_n be_v want_v afterward_o be_v but_o scene_n and_o show_n such_o a_o faith_n she_o lay_v down_o as_o fundamental_a to_o salvation_n which_o rest_v not_o in_o the_o brain_n and_o story_n in_o magnify_v and_o praise_v in_o sigh_v and_o repeat_v but_o in_o the_o production_n of_o mercy_n charity_n and_o justice_n and_o such_o excellent_a virtue_n she_o make_v no_o debate_n between_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n nor_o argue_v nice_o about_o the_o preference_n nor_o dispute_v critical_o the_o mode_n how_o joint_o they_o become_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n but_o plain_o determin_n that_o without_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n she_o not_o only_o keep_v to_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n but_o to_o a_o conversation_n of_o equal_a firmness_n and_o solidity_n her_o festival_n be_v to_o commemorate_v the_o virtue_n of_o excellent_a man_n and_o to_o recommend_v they_o as_o precedent_n for_o imitation_n her_o ceremony_n which_o be_v principal_o design_v for_o decency_n may_v also_o remind_v we_o of_o those_o virtue_n which_o become_v the_o worshipper_n of_o god_n her_o collect_v and_o petition_n be_v
church_n with_o their_o different_a name_n and_o title_n not_o for_o lustre_n and_o greatness_n and_o secular_a purpose_n but_o for_o suppression_n of_o vice_n the_o maintain_n of_o faith_n peace_n order_n and_o all_o virtue_n the_o true_a edification_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o if_o those_o vice_n be_v not_o reprove_v and_o chastise_v which_o fall_v under_o her_o cognizance_n it_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o her_o power_n but_o because_o by_o other_o way_n ill_o restrain_v unnecessary_a division_n from_o her_o hinder_v der_fw-ge discipline_n upon_o offender_n and_o so_o they_o hinder_v that_o edification_n which_o they_o contend_v for_o this_o government_n be_v not_o modern_a particular_a or_o pure_o humane_a but_o apostolical_a primitive_a and_o universal_a to_o time_n as_o well_o as_o place_n till_o some_o private_a person_n for_o number_n learning_n or_o piety_n not_o to_o be_v equal_v to_o the_o good_a man_n of_o old_a who_o defend_v it_o and_o obey_v it_o and_o suffer_v for_o it_o out_o of_o some_o mistake_n of_o humane_a frailty_n and_o passion_n or_o bear_v down_o with_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o time_n begin_v to_o change_v it_o and_o declaim_v against_o it_o though_o so_o very_o fit_a and_o proper_a to_o promote_v christanity_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o general_a account_n of_o that_o edification_n that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o that_o church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v a_o more_o particular_a one_o will_v be_v too_o long_o for_o this_o discourse_n but_o thus_o much_o must_v be_v say_v that_o examine_v all_o her_o particular_a part_n and_o office_n you_o will_v find_v none_o of_o they_o light_n or_o superstitious_a novel_a or_o too_o numerous_a ill_o dispose_v or_o uncouth_a improper_a or_o burdensome_a no_o just_a cause_n for_o any_o to_o revolt_v from_o her_o communion_n but_o consider_v the_o present_a circumstance_n of_o christianity_n and_o man_n the_o best_a constitute_v church_n in_o the_o world_n 14.3_o heb._n 6.1.2_o pet._n 3.18_o rom._n 15.2.1_o cor._n 14.3_o if_o therefore_o edification_n be_v go_v on_o to_o perfection_n or_o grow_v in_o grace_n if_o it_o be_v do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n if_o it_o be_v to_o make_v plain_a the_o great_a thing_n in_o religion_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n or_o whatever_o the_o import_n of_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o faith_n or_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o church_n who_o constitution_n be_v apt_a and_o fit_a to_o do_v all_o this_o and_o st._n judas_n seem_v to_o tell_v we_o that_o true_a edification_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o common_a building_n 19_o verse_n 19_o but_o those_o who_o keep_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n build_v up_o themselves_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o honest_a christian_a with_o great_a assurance_n may_v expect_v the_o grace_n and_o blessing_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o divine_a spirit_n who_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o who_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o they_o who_o divide_v from_o the_o body_n and_o have_v great_a hope_n of_o edification_n from_o their_o teacher_n than_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n from_o apollo_n that_o water_n than_o from_o christ_n the_o chief_a husbandman_n who_o give_v the_o increase_n 2._o this_o constitution_n be_v use_v and_o manage_v in_o the_o best_a way_n by_o the_o pastor_n of_o our_o church_n to_o edify_v the_o soul_n of_o men._n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v strict_a command_n under_o great_a panalty_n lay_v upon_o the_o pastor_n of_o our_o church_n to_o do_v this_o who_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o their_o own_o freedom_n and_o private_a judgement_n or_o the_o source_n only_o of_o common_a christianity_n upon_o they_o thus_o to_o improve_v man_n soul_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n but_o have_v temporal_a mulct_n and_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n hold_v over_o they_o to_o keep_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n that_o when_o they_o do_v inform_v or_o direct_v their_o flock_n about_o their_o blief_n they_o shall_v keep_v to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n or_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n or_o when_o they_o persuade_v to_o practice_n their_o rule_n and_o proposition_n must_v be_v according_a to_o godliness_n that_o whenever_o they_o exhort_v or_o rebuke_v preach_v or_o pray_v whenever_o they_o direct_v or_o answer_v the_o scruple_n of_o man_n mind_n in_o the_o whole_a execrise_n and_o compass_n of_o their_o ministry_n they_o be_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o creed_n to_o regard_v mercy_n and_o justice_n the_o standard_n of_o good_a manner_n in_o short_a to_o preserve_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n with_o substantial_a devotion_n which_o will_v to_o the_o purpose_n edify_v man_n soul_n and_o effectual_o save_v they_o 2._o that_o these_o command_n be_v obey_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o our_o church_n and_o they_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o it_o to_o edification_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o we_o appeal_v to_o good_a man_n and_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n who_o have_v honesty_n and_o judgement_n to_o confess_v this_o truth_n and_o with_o gratitude_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v lead_v they_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n cure_v their_o ignorance_n and_o reform_v their_o life_n and_o upon_o good_a ground_n give_v they_o a_o assurance_n of_o heaven_n to_o say_v such_o as_o these_o be_v prejudice_v and_o want_v sincerity_n and_o knowledge_n to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n be_v only_o to_o prove_v what_o we_o just_o suspect_v that_o they_o want_v true_a edification_n among_o themselves_o and_o shall_v be_v better_o teach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o charity_n our_o protestant_a neighbour_n impartial_a judge_n will_v give_v their_o testimony_n to_o this_o truth_n who_o have_v own_a and_o commend_v the_o government_n of_o this_o church_n condemn_v the_o separation_n magnify_v the_o prudence_n piety_n and_o work_v of_o her_o governor_n and_o pastor_n and_o wish_v that_o they_o and_o their_o charge_n be_v under_o such_o a_o discipline_n and_o translate_v many_o of_o their_o pious_a and_o learned_a work_n to_o edify_v and_o save_v their_o people_n 117_o the_o unreason-ableness_a of_o separation_n p._n 117_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n themselves_o at_o least_o in_o the_o good_a mood_n and_o out_o of_o the_o heat_n of_o dispute_n give_v their_o consent_n to_o this_o that_o the_o instruction_n and_o discourse_n of_o our_o pastor_n from_o their_o pulpit_n be_v solid_a learned_a affectionate_a and_o pious_a and_o their_o only_a crime_n be_v that_o sometime_o they_o be_v too_o well_o study_v and_o too_o good_a if_o in_o the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o english_a clergy_n some_o few_o may_v be_v lazy_a one_o particular_a person_n may_v clothe_v his_o doctrine_n in_o too_o gay_a a_o dress_n another_o talk_v scholastical_o above_o the_o capacity_n of_o his_o hearer_n a_o three_o too_o dull_o a_o four_o too_o nice_o and_o opinionative_o and_o here_o and_o there_o a_o pastor_n answer_v not_o the_o true_a design_n of_o preach_v to_o inform_v man_n mind_n to_o guide_v their_o conscience_n and_o move_v their_o affection_n what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o general_a charge_n that_o no_o edification_n so_o good_a be_v to_o be_v have_v as_o in_o the_o separate_a meeting_n the_o pretend_a cause_n of_o their_o separation_n for_o it_o be_v no_o more_o a_o true_a cause_n than_o want_v of_o accommodation_n or_o room_n in_o church_n for_o some_o to_o separate_v where_o good_a edification_n and_o conveniency_n too_o may_v be_v easy_o have_v and_o since_o they_o compel_v our_o pastor_n to_o speak_v well_o of_o themselves_o by_o their_o detraction_n and_o speak_v ill_o of_o they_o they_o must_v glad_o suffer_v they_o as_o fool_n 11.19_o â—_o cor._n 11.19_o bold_o to_o say_v that_o since_o the_o reformation_n and_o many_o hundred_o year_n before_o there_o have_v not_o be_v a_o clergy_n so_o learned_a and_o pious_a so_o prudent_a and_o painful_a and_o every_o way_n industrious_a to_o edify_v and_o save_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o now_o be_v in_o the_o english_a church_n the_o second_o argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o answer_n be_v that_o those_o that_o usual_o make_v this_o pretence_n for_o separation_n do_v common_o mistake_v better_a edification_n we_o have_v prove_v already_o that_o good_a and_o sufficient_a edification_n to_o save_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o english_a church_n for_o if_o teach_v plain_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o lay_v down_o clear_o rule_v of_o manner_n use_v well_o compose_v prayer_n and_o proper_a administration_n of_o sacrament_n be_v not_o good_a and_o sufficient_a edification_n i_o know_v not_o what_o edification_n mean_v it_o
sensible_a of_o the_o heinous_a nature_n of_o schism_n which_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o ancient_a christian_n have_v paint_v forth_o in_o such_o black_a colour_n though_o other_o think_v our_o division_n in_o the_o church_n be_v no_o more_o than_o variety_n of_o company_n and_o livery_n in_o a_o city_n 4._o what_o great_a discouragement_n this_o be_v to_o a_o honest_a and_o true_o christian_a ministry_n when_o a_o pastor_n of_o our_o church_n shall_v diligent_o and_o faithful_o plain_o and_o devout_o unfold_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o lay_v down_o rule_n for_o practice_n which_o will_v certain_o bring_v he_o to_o heaven_n yet_o his_o flock_n or_o charge_n one_o after_o another_o upon_o pretence_n of_o green_a pasture_n great_a knowledge_n better_a elocution_n delivery_n tone_n or_o the_o like_a to_o be_v have_v elsewhere_o shall_v run_v from_o he_o will_v it_o not_o cool_v his_o zeal_n check_v his_o labour_n and_o affront_v his_o person_n and_o office_n this_o may_v be_v do_v to_o the_o painful_a as_o well_o as_o idle_a to_o the_o judicious_a and_o learned_a as_o well_o as_o imprudent_a and_o ignorant_a pastor_n where_o the_o people_n shall_v have_v liberty_n of_o separation_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o edification_n the_o ill_a effect_n of_o this_o have_v turn_v upon_o their_o own_o minister_n and_o new_a government_n and_o the_o most_o own_o minister_n and_o new_a government_n and_o the_o most_o judiclous_a among_o they_o have_v sad_o complain_v of_o it_o former_o they_o petition_v for_o a_o painful_a and_o preach_a ministry_n but_o this_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n give_v denial_n to_o their_o own_o request_n such_o discouragement_n as_o these_o happen_v severe_o sometime_o to_o the_o best_a of_o pastor_n as_o well_o as_o the_o worst_a and_o they_o have_v no_o cure_n for_o this_o have_v put_v a_o power_n into_o the_o people_n hand_n which_o they_o can_v recall_v for_o neither_o king_n parliament_z bishop_n or_o pastor_n can_v tell_v they_o what_o be_v edification_n so_o well_o as_o themselves_o and_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v so_o treat_v and_o trisle_v with_o who_o derive_v their_o office_n and_o authority_n from_o god_n to_o command_v and_o persuade_v to_o rebuke_n and_o exhort_v and_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o soul_n commit_v to_o they_o for_o fancy_n peevishness_n and_o humour_n to_o be_v scorn_v and_o discountenance_v and_o have_v their_o ministry_n render_v useless_a and_o the_o sheep_n to_o govern_v the_o shepherd_n but_o what_o if_o our_o pastor_n be_v idle_a or_o remiss_a in_o his_o duty_n or_o corrupt_v in_o his_o faith_n and_o teach_v error_n instead_o of_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o we_o have_v no_o mean_n of_o edification_n what_o must_v we_o do_v must_v we_o take_v in_o poison_n for_o food_n or_o not_o be_v say_v at_o all_o to_o be_v sure_a you_o must_v not_o run_v into_o schismatical_a separation_n it_o be_v more_o tolerable_a to_o go_v to_o other_o congregation_n of_o our_o communion_n that_o may_v be_v irregular_a but_o it_o be_v not_o schismatical_a but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n we_o have_v a_o government_n which_o upon_o a_o just_a and_o modest_a complaint_n will_v quicken_v the_o lazy_a and_o negligent_a correct_v the_o heretical_a pastor_n and_o restore_v to_o you_o true_a edification_n that_o this_o discourse_n may_v prevail_v upon_o such_o who_o make_v this_o question_n i_o desire_v to_o recommend_v these_o two_o follow_a thing_n which_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o their_o consideration_n 1._o that_o if_o they_o fancy_v any_o defect_n in_o our_o government_n they_o shall_v not_o hence_o conclude_v that_o they_o have_v not_o sufficient_a edification_n in_o the_o church_n to_o save_v their_o sould._n if_o upon_o a_o nice_a search_n and_o critical_a enquiry_n they_o think_v they_o have_v find_v some_o little_a flaw_n and_o defect_n improper_a phrase_n doubtful_a sense_n and_o some_o small_a omission_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o discipline_n yet_o let_v they_o not_o conclude_v that_o these_o can_v weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o the_o black_a sin_n of_o schism_n and_o separation_n and_o all_o its_o sad_a consequence_n which_o be_v excuse_v by_o nothing_o else_o but_o term_n of_o communion_n plain_o sinful_a have_v not_o divine_a service_n be_v accept_v which_o be_v less_o perfect_a and_o come_v not_o up_o to_o their_o rule_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o hezekiah_n passover_n which_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purification_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n 20._o 2_o chron._n 30.18_o 19_o 20._o yet_o the_o good_a king_n prayer_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o time_n prevail_v with_o god_n to_o heal_v the_o people_n that_o be_v to_o repute_v they_o clean_o and_o well_o prepare_v and_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o devotion_n good_a be_v there_o no_o reverence_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o pious_a author_n of_o our_o service_n and_o reformation_n but_o to_o tell_v they_o they_o must_v divide_v from_o they_o be_v they_o now_o live_v for_o they_o can_v edify_v under_o that_o religion_n and_o government_n for_o which_o they_o die_v be_v there_o or_o will_v there_o over_o be_v any_o government_n in_o the_o church_n so_o well_o frame_v and_o build_v but_o some_o curious_a surveyor_n can_v spy_v out_o some_o disproportion_n or_o ill_a shape_n especial_o if_o assist_v by_o ill_a nature_n emulation_n the_o spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o contention_n which_o be_v ever_o quick_a sight_v abroad_o and_o blind_a at_o home_n the_o difficulty_n of_o know_v what_o be_v utmost_a perfection_n and_o absolute_a purity_n of_o administration_n which_o till_o attain_v these_o man_n think_v they_o be_v not_o to_o rest_v in_o any_o church_n shall_v make_v they_o judge_v candid_o interpret_v fair_o and_o comply_v with_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o sinful_a to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o love_n when_o man_n in_o the_o english_a church_n be_v plain_o teach_v to_o believe_v well_o to_o live_v well_o and_o to_o die_v well_o and_o have_v good_a and_o proper_a office_n to_o serve_v these_o great_a purpose_n in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n what_o can_v they_o desire_v more_o to_o be_v better_o or_o more_o save_v we_o know_v not_o what_o it_o mean_v to_o leave_v such_o a_o communion_n upon_o such_o a_o account_n proceed_v from_o peevishness_n uncharitableness_n or_o some_o ill_a principle_n and_o be_v down_o right_a schism_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v schism_n in_o the_o world_n bring_v but_o a_o honest_a sincere_a and_o teachable_a mind_n and_o it_o will_v find_v improvement_n and_o advantage_n in_o office_n and_o administration_n full_a of_o spot_n and_o blemish_n far_o than_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o find_v in_o the_o english_a church_n but_o if_o the_o mind_n be_v by_o ass_v by_o a_o party_n or_o corrupt_v by_o design_n if_o be_v pallate_n be_v vitiate_a the_o best_a food_n be_v course_n and_o insipid_a to_o it_o 2._o let_v edification_n be_v place_v in_o the_o substantial_a thing_n of_o religion_n some_o revolt_n from_o our_o church_n for_o thing_n wherein_o the_o pastor_n be_v sole_o concern_v and_o other_o for_o thing_n of_o decency_n and_o indifferency_n but_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o concern_v the_o case_n of_o edification_n that_o a_o right_a faith_n and_o a_o honest_a conversation_n be_v not_o teach_v in_o our_o church_n be_v only_o a_o scandal_n cast_v upon_o she_o to_o plead_v for_o their_o unjust_a separation_n for_o after_o she_o have_v plain_o and_o distinct_o teach_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v prove_v before_o with_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o zeal_n she_o command_v and_o press_v justice_n humility_n mercy_n and_o every_o virtue_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o true_a christian_a life_n and_o both_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n these_o and_o these_o alone_a do_v true_o edify_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o be_v plain_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o our_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n our_o church_n ceremony_n and_o discipline_n and_o all_o other_o part_n in_o religion_n be_v in_o order_n to_o and_o minister_v unto_o faith_n their_o head_n that_o work_v by_o love_n and_o the_o near_o these_o approach_n unto_o and_o the_o great_a service_n they_o do_v to_o this_o design_n the_o great_a degree_n they_o have_v in_o religion_n and_o more_o value_n be_v set_v upon_o they_o this_o be_v that_o religion_n which_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v of_o in_o his_o paradise_n and_o innocency_n noah_n and_o his_o posterity_n in_o their_o precept_n and_o pious_a man_n in_o different_a country_n before_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n thus_o serve_v god_n and_o the_o scope_n and_o aim_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n with_o its_o temple_n and_o utensil_n its_o figure_n and_o ceremony_n be_v to_o discipline_n and_o teach_v man_n thus_o to_o be_v good_a with_o allowance_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o people_n and_o the_o time_n they_o live_v in_o and_o the_o best_a and_o most_o know_a pagan_n
for_o grace_n to_o subdue_v our_o folly_n and_o to_o fortify_v our_o resolution_n for_o holiness_n her_o discipline_n be_v to_o lash_v the_o sturdy_a into_o sobriety_n and_o goodness_n and_o her_o homily_n be_v plain_o and_o smart_o to_o declare_v against_o the_o gross_a act_n of_o impiety_n and_o to_o persuade_v a_o true_a christian_a deportment_n in_o word_n and_o deed_n and_o her_o whole_a constitution_n aim_v at_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o teach_v man_n to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a she_o flatter_v and_o lull_v no_o man_n asleep_a in_o vice_n but_o tell_v all_o secure_a sinner_n plain_o that_o they_o do_v not_o pray_v nor_o receive_v aright_o that_o they_o be_v not_o absolve_v that_o their_o person_n be_v not_o justify_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o true_a hope_n of_o heaven_n except_o they_o purify_v themselves_o and_o be_v real_o just_a and_o good_a she_o neither_o use_v nor_o allow_v any_o nice_a distinction_n in_o plain_a duty_n to_o baffle_v our_o obedience_n nor_o suffer_v a_o cunning_a head_n to_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o a_o wicked_a heart_n and_o teach_v man_n learned_o to_o sin_n but_o urge_v plain_a virtue_n lay_v down_o distinct_o in_o holy_a writ_n and_o teach_v by_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n without_o call_v they_o mean_a duty_n or_o ordinary_a morality_n to_o be_v the_o great_a ornament_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o faith_n she_o set_v no_o abstruse_a and_o fantastic_a character_n nor_o any_o mark_n who_o truth_n must_v be_v fetch_v in_o by_o long_a deduction_n and_o consequence_n for_o man_n to_o judge_v by_o whether_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v or_o no_o but_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n which_o the_o philosopher_n and_o mean_a christian_a can_v easy_o judge_v of_o the_o civil_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v edify_v by_o such_o a_o church_n press_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n not_o only_o thereby_o enforce_v peace_n and_o justice_n pity_n and_o tenderness_n humility_n and_o kindness_n one_o towards_o another_o but_o she_o make_v king_n safe_a and_o subject_n more_o secure_a condemn_v both_o tyranny_n and_o disobedience_n parent_n more_o obey_v and_o subject_n more_o love_v command_v equal_o bowel_n and_o affection_n and_o duty_n and_o honour_n master_n and_o servant_n husband_n and_o wife_n and_o all_o relation_n be_v keep_v in_o their_o just_a bound_n and_o privilege_n with_o other_o church_n we_o make_v good_a work_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o think_v ourselves_o more_o modest_a and_o secure_a in_o take_v away_o arrogance_n and_o merit_n and_o advance_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n with_o other_o man_n we_o cry_v up_o faith_n but_o not_o a_o hungry_a and_o a_o starve_a one_o but_o what_o be_v fruitful_a of_o good_a work_n and_o so_o have_v all_o that_o other_o contend_v for_o with_o great_a modesty_n and_o security_n 3._o how_o fit_o this_o church_n be_v constitute_v to_o excite_v true_a devotion_n when_o we_o make_v our_o address_n unto_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v worthy_a and_o reverend_a conception_n of_o his_o nature_n a_o true_a sense_n and_o plain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o of_o the_o want_v and_o necessity_n for_o which_o we_o pray_v to_o be_v supply_v all_o which_o our_o church_n to_o help_v our_o devotion_n plain_o set_v down_o describe_v god_n by_o all_o his_o attribute_n of_o just_a wise_a and_o lay_v forth_o the_o vice_n and_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o none_o else_o but_o god_n can_v cure_v our_o need_n when_o her_o son_n be_v to_o pray_v the_o matter_n of_o her_o petition_n be_v not_o nice_a and_o controvert_v trivial_a or_o word_n of_o a_o party_n but_o plain_a and_o substantial_a wherein_o all_o agree_v her_o word_n in_o prayer_n be_v neither_o rustic_a nor_o gay_a the_o whole_a composure_n neither_o too_o tedious_a nor_o too_o short_a decent_o order_v to_o help_v our_o memory_n and_o wander_a thought_n responsal_n and_o short_a collect_v in_o public_a devotion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v her_o fault_n that_o they_o be_v her_o beauty_n and_o prudence_n there_o be_v few_o case_n and_o condition_n of_o humane_a life_n whether_o of_o a_o civil_a or_o spiritual_a nature_n which_o have_v not_o their_o proper_a prayer_n and_o particular_a petition_n for_o they_o at_o least_o as_o be_v proper_a for_o public_a devotion_n when_o we_o return_v our_o thanks_o we_o have_v proper_a office_n to_o inflame_v our_o passion_n to_o quicken_v our_o resentment_n to_o excite_v our_o love_n and_o to_o confirm_v our_o future_a obedience_n the_o best_a instance_n of_o gratitude_n when_o we_o commemorate_v the_o passion_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v a_o service_n fit_a to_o move_v our_o affection_n to_o assist_v our_o faith_n to_o enlarge_v our_o charity_n to_o show_v forth_o and_o exhibit_v christ_n and_o all_o his_o bloody_a suffering_n every_o way_n to_o qualify_v we_o to_o discharge_v that_o great_a duty_n she_o have_v indeed_o nothing_o to_o kindle_v a_o enthusiastic_a heat_n nor_o any_o thing_n that_o savour_v of_o rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n which_o common_o flow_v from_o temper_n or_o fraud_n but_o that_o which_o make_v we_o manly_a devout_a our_o judgement_n still_o guide_v our_o affection_n when_o we_o enter_v first_o into_o religion_n and_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n we_o have_v two_o proper_a office_n baptism_n and_o burial_n full_a of_o devotion_n to_o attend_v those_o purpose_n so_o that_o if_o any_o do_v not_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o communicate_v and_o live_v like_o a_o christian_a it_o be_v not_o because_o the_o service_n to_o promote_v these_o be_v too_o plain_a and_o hungry_a beggarly_a and_o mean_a but_o their_o own_o mind_n be_v not_o fit_o qualify_v before_o they_o use_v they_o bring_v but_o a_o honest_a mind_n to_o these_o part_n of_o devotion_n a_o true_a sense_n of_o god_n sober_a and_o good_a purpose_n and_o affection_n well_o dispose_v that_o which_o be_v plain_a will_v prove_v seraphical_a improve_v our_o judgement_n heighten_v our_o passion_n and_o make_v the_o church_n a_o choir_n of_o angel_n without_o which_o good_a disposition_n our_o devotion_n be_v but_o constitution_n or_o melancholy_a peevishness_n fullenness_n or_o devotion_n to_o a_o party_n a_o sacrifice_n that_o god_n will_v not_o accept_v 4._o her_o order_n and_o discipline_n such_o be_v the_o capacity_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n not_o to_o be_v teach_v only_o by_o naked_a virtue_n a_o natural_a judgement_n or_o a_o immediate_a teach_v of_o god_n but_o by_o ministry_n and_o discipline_n decent_a ceremony_n and_o constitution_n and_o other_o external_a method_n these_o be_v the_o outward_a pale_n and_o guard_n the_o supply_n and_o help_v for_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n our_o church_n have_v fit_v and_o order_v these_o so_o well_o as_o neither_o to_o want_v or_o to_o abound_v not_o to_o make_v religion_n too_o gay_a nor_o leave_v her_o slove_z neither_o rude_a nor_o fantastic_a but_o be_v clothe_v in_o dress_n proper_a to_o a_o manly_a religion_n not_o to_o please_v or_o gratify_v our_o sense_n so_o as_o to_o fix_v there_o but_o to_o serve_v the_o reason_n and_o judgement_n of_o our_o mind_n there_o be_v none_o of_o our_o ceremony_n which_o good_a man_n and_o wise_a man_n have_v not_o judge_v decent_a and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n and_o none_o of_o they_o but_o derive_v themselves_o from_o a_o very_a ancient_a family_n be_v use_v in_o most_o age_n and_o most_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o have_v decency_n antiquity_n and_o usefulness_n to_o plead_v for_o they_o to_o help_v our_o memory_n to_o excite_v our_o affection_n to_o render_v our_o service_n orderly_a and_o comely_a be_v we_o indeed_o all_o soul_n and_o such_o seraphical_a saint_n and_o grow_v man_n as_o we_o make_v ourselves_o we_o may_v then_o plead_v against_o such_o external_a help_n but_o when_o we_o have_v nature_n of_o weakness_n and_o passion_n these_o outward_a help_n may_v be_v call_v very_o convenient_a if_o not_o general_o necessary_a and_o as_o our_o nature_n be_v mix_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n so_o must_v always_o our_o devotion_n be_v here_o and_o such_o god_n expect_v and_o be_v please_v with_o our_o church_n be_v neither_o defective_a in_o power_n and_o discipline_n have_v she_o her_o just_a due_n and_o other_o will_v do_v well_o to_o join_v with_o she_o in_o her_o wish_n that_o they_o may_v be_v restore_v which_o will_v turn_v all_o into_o confusion_n not_o yet_o tyrannical_a want_v of_o authority_n breed_v as_o many_o if_o not_o more_o misery_n than_o tyranny_n or_o too_o much_o power_n both_o of_o they_o severe_a curse_n of_o a_o nation_n but_o her_o government_n like_o her_o clime_n be_v so_o well_o temper_v together_o that_o the_o member_n of_o this_o christian_a society_n may_v not_o be_v dissolute_a or_o rude_a with_o she_o nor_o her_o ruler_n insolent_a be_v constitute_v in_o the_o
may_v be_v heat_n of_o fancy_n stir_v up_o of_o humour_n this_o or_o that_o and_o man_n may_v as_o well_o define_v the_o thing_n they_o call_v wit_n as_o what_o edification_n mean_v and_o therefore_o to_o desert_n the_o plain_a and_o great_a duty_n of_o our_o church_n communion_n for_o disputable_a doubtful_a or_o true_o mistake_v edification_n be_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n in_o most_o case_n to_o judge_v what_o be_v better_o or_o best_a be_v very_o hard_a and_o require_v a_o sincere_a and_o consider_a head_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o business_n of_o better_a edification_n which_o be_v so_o easy_o mistake_v especial_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v usual_o ignorant_a of_o such_o nice_a thing_n and_o prejudice_v by_o their_o party_n and_o affection_n and_o be_v mutable_a and_o various_a according_a to_o their_o fancy_n for_o better_a edification_n pure_a administration_n and_o church_n and_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o excellent_a 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plain_a method_n chalk_v they_o out_o the_o way_n that_o will_v lead_v they_o to_o heaven_n 1.4_o 1_o tim._n 1.4_o the_o ancient_a gnostic_n because_o they_o make_v a_o mixture_n of_o the_o jewish_a fable_n and_o genealogy_n of_o their_o lilith_a and_o behemoth_n and_o fetch_v in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o god_n out_o of_o orpheus_n and_o philistion_n two_o great_a divine_n in_o the_o pagan_a religion_n into_o plain_a christianity_n think_v themselves_o the_o most_o know_a man_n of_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n and_o heaven_n and_o wonder_v how_o only_a faith_n upon_o jesus_n and_o keep_v of_o the_o command_n can_v be_v know_v of_o god_n or_o wisdom_n from_o above_o the_o wrangling_n of_o the_o school_n with_o their_o fine_a distinction_n and_o barbarous_a term_n sitter_n for_o magic_n than_o christianity_n by_o their_o disciple_n have_v be_v prize_v for_o great_a and_o precious_a truth_n and_o enthusiastic_a rapture_n and_o flight_n make_v once_o the_o brain_n to_o swim_v have_v snatch_v the_o hearer_n beyond_o themselves_o and_o then_o think_v they_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n and_o the_o more_o dark_a and_o obscure_a the_o doctrine_n have_v be_v the_o great_a illumination_n it_o be_v esteem_v and_o call_v a_o noonday_n think_v which_o be_v a_o midnight_n dream_n such_o thing_n as_o these_o pass_n with_o too_o many_o for_o save_v truth_n a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v ignorant_a in_o their_o head_n and_o corrupt_v in_o their_o practice_n espouse_v to_o party_n and_o interest_n have_v constitution_n and_o passion_n fit_a for_o these_o they_o ready_o swallow_v they_o down_o the_o apostle_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o â—_o 2_o tim._n 4._o â—_o tell_v we_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o they_o will_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n but_o after_o their_o own_o lust_n shall_v they_o heap_v to_o themselves_o teacher_n have_v itch_a ear_n cause_v by_o some_o disease_n of_o vice_n within_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v cure_v by_o good_a physic_n but_o only_o scratch_v and_o gratify_v and_o and_o if_o the_o food_n though_o wholesome_a and_o good_a be_v not_o to_o their_o pallate_n and_o fancy_n they_o complain_v of_o hunger_n and_o starve_v these_o and_o many_o more_o be_v the_o instance_n of_o a_o weak_a and_o sickly_a nature_n crave_v only_o nice_a and_o curious_a thing_n for_o spiritual_a meat_n and_o keck_v at_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n plain_a and_o substantial_a truth_n that_o it_o may_v grow_v thereby_o to_o give_v therefore_o a_o liberty_n to_o every_o man_n to_o run_v from_o a_o establish_a church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o better_a edification_n which_o be_v so_o often_o and_o easy_o mistake_v be_v to_o direct_v man_n into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o be_v dangerous_a and_o sinful_a and_o when_o once_o the_o gap_n be_v open_a where_o will_n especial_o the_o vulgar_a stop_n may_v we_o not_o add_v that_o this_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n be_v very_o sit_v to_o disguise_n and_o colour_v other_o vice_n when_o controversy_n have_v unhappy_o rise_v from_o a_o unjust_a denial_n of_o the_o minister_n right_n and_o due_n or_o the_o accident_n of_o civil_a conversation_n they_o make_v the_o ministry_n that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o good_a before_o to_o be_v call_v dull_a and_o mean_a and_o better_a must_v be_v seek_v elsewhere_o while_o only_a revenge_n or_o covetousness_n be_v at_o the_o bottom_n wander_v report_n or_o their_o own_o lavish_a tongue_n and_o censorious_a temper_n have_v call_v some_o pastor_n covetous_a or_o intemperate_a or_o brand_v they_o with_o other_o vice_n and_o then_o cry_v out_o they_o can_v edify_v in_o such_o a_o church_n and_o so_o make_v one_o fault_n help_v out_o another_o and_o defamation_n must_v excuse_v their_o schism_n 2._o in_o take_v the_o opinion_n of_o party_n for_o undoubted_a truth_n essential_a to_o salvation_n when_o man_n have_v once_o wed_v a_o party_n and_o the_o opinion_n peculiar_a to_o it_o they_o magnify_v and_o propagate_v they_o grow_v surious_a for_o their_o defence_n and_o call_v they_o the_o best_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o these_o be_v not_o abet_v and_o cry_v up_o by_o the_o pastor_n of_o our_o church_n or_o they_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o explication_n and_o distinction_n of_o they_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o teach_v they_o do_v not_o improve_v their_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o their_o separation_n because_o the_o notion_n or_o explication_n of_o faith_n and_o spirit_n church_n and_o grace_n justification_n regeneration_n conversion_n adoption_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v general_o different_a in_o our_o church_n from_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n they_o therefore_o cry_v we_o destroy_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o instead_o of_o be_v edify_v they_o find_v themselves_o weaken_v in_o their_o christian_n faith_n though_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o all_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o their_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o they_o by_o natural_a consequence_n lessen_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o give_v security_n to_o lazy_a sinner_n a_o strange_a sort_n of_o edification_n for_o though_o our_o charity_n be_v not_o so_o narrow_a as_o to_o think_v every_o man_n a_o vicious_a person_n who_o be_v thus_o mistake_v in_o his_o conclusion_n yet_o however_o this_o alter_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o opinion_n and_o their_o consequence_n and_o who_o know_v how_o far_o man_n of_o ill_a principle_n do_v improve_v they_o such_o be_v the_o perverse_a and_o angry_a temper_n of_o many_o about_o their_o own_o opinion_n no_o way_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n wherein_o wise_a man_n and_o good_a man_n may_v differ_v which_o be_v not_o state_v by_o authority_n and_o may_v not_o be_v determine_v till_o elias_n come_v yet_o if_o these_o be_v not_o insist_v on_o and_o press_v with_o vehemency_n
think_v such_o a_o religion_n as_o this_o will_v most_o please_v god_n who_o therefore_o in_o some_o measure_n do_v accept_v it_o and_o reward_v it_o with_o great_a discovery_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o cornelius_n the_o queen_n of_o candaces_n treasurer_n 8.27_o act_n 8.27_o and_o other_o who_o have_v not_o the_o law_n 10.4_o act_n 10.4_o be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o messiah_n be_v to_o consist_v 14.17_o rom._n 14.17_o not_o in_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n such_o a_o religion_n as_o this_o edify_v in_o so_o great_a a_o degree_n that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a condition_n and_o qualification_n for_o the_o upper_a world_n where_o though_o other_o great_a part_n of_o religion_n shall_v die_v with_o we_o righteousness_n gratitude_n love_n of_o god_n and_o glorify_a being_n and_o such_o like_a virtue_n be_v of_o a_o eternal_a nature_n shall_v be_v ingredient_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o shall_v live_v with_o we_o for_o ever_o what_o can_v be_v just_o require_v in_o religion_n to_o improve_v man_n soul_n that_o be_v not_o find_v in_o this_o be_v it_o to_o recover_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n now_o deface_v righteousness_n and_o goodness_n proceed_v from_o faith_n their_o root_n will_v make_v we_o true_o good_a be_v it_o to_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a knowledge_n and_o worthy_a conception_n of_o god_n such_o a_o practical_a religion_n as_o this_o best_a prepare_v for_o great_a knowledge_n and_o in_o scripture_n sense_n be_v know_v of_o he_o 2.4_o 1_o john_n 2.4_o be_v it_o religion_n to_o love_n god_n the_o love_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o precept_n submission_n to_o his_o will_n and_o resignation_n to_o his_o providence_n otherwise_o it_o be_v flattery_n and_o fondness_n be_v it_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n to_o bless_v mankind_n here_o and_o edify_v they_o in_o their_o different_a relation_n such_o a_o religion_n as_o this_o in_o our_o church_n will_v do_v all_o that_o and_o make_v the_o world_n a_o paradise_n once_o more_o this_o will_v give_v we_o the_o best_a character_n to_o judge_v by_o whether_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v or_o no_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o all_o other_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o our_o assurance_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n when_o we_o be_v so_o edify_v and_o religious_a we_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o adopt_v accept_v and_o treat_v like_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o have_v our_o wedding_n garment_n on_o our_o proper_a qualification_n for_o the_o state_n of_o heaven_n such_o a_o honest_a principle_n as_o this_o make_v our_o prayer_n to_o be_v hear_v our_o devotion_n to_o be_v regard_v our_o hope_n to_o be_v strengthen_v this_o be_v the_o great_a intention_n of_o christianity_n the_o holy_a of_o holys_n of_o our_o temple_n and_o all_o religion_n such_o a_o religion_n as_o this_o be_v so_o strong_o enjoin_v and_o zealous_o teach_v in_o our_o church_n no_o way_n disguise_v by_o a_o dress_n of_o phrase_n or_o corrupt_v into_o soft_a and_o luscious_a fence_n we_o need_v not_o complain_v for_o want_v of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o edification_n we_o need_v not_o cross_v the_o sea_n or_o run_v into_o private_a corner_n for_o it_o it_o be_v nigh_o we_o even_o at_o our_o door_n in_o the_o establish_a government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n some_o use_n to_o say_v that_o brown_a bread_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v very_o good_a fare_n but_o now_o they_o be_v grow_v as_o nice_a and_o delicate_a about_o religion_n and_o edification_n as_o about_o sauce_n and_o dress_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n it_o be_v a_o know_a age_n i_o wish_v it_o be_v as_o good_a the_o corruption_n of_o it_o do_v not_o arise_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n and_o information_n if_o it_o do_v the_o cure_n be_v near_o let_v they_o value_v that_o church_n and_o government_n that_o have_v all_o thing_n in_o it_o sufficient_a to_o man_n salvation_n let_v they_o not_o think_v so_o light_a of_o schism_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o rule_n and_o discipline_n in_o our_o church_n so_o fit_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o christianity_n let_v they_o not_o cry_v up_o other_o paul_n and_o apollos_n any_o other_o teacher_n make_v division_n among_o we_o than_o this_o church_n have_v allow_v for_o their_o edification_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o spiritual_a edification_n that_o it_o call_v such_o man_n carnal_a 3.4_o 1._o cor._n 3.4_o for_o the_o desire_n of_o any_o other_o nourishment_n beside_o such_o plain_a food_n be_v spiritual_a pride_n and_o wantonness_n and_o they_o pamper_v their_o fancy_n while_o they_o starve_v their_o judgement_n let_v we_o therefore_o stick_v to_o such_o a_o manly_a religion_n one_o great_a part_n of_o which_o be_v to_o preserve_v obedience_n peace_n and_o order_n and_o say_v of_o our_o church_n that_o teach_v it_o as_o the_o disciple_n of_o its_o author_n thou_o be_v he_o and_o we_o seek_v for_o no_o other_o whither_o shall_v we_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n 13._o ephes_n 4.12_o 13._o she_o have_v all_o thing_n in_o she_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_v of_o the_o body_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n that_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o this_o in_o our_o church_n be_v please_v both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o apostle_n 14.18_o rom._n 14.18_o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o men._n finis_fw-la