time_n as_o the_o present_a case_n require_v as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o housholder_n will_v direct_v he_o how_o far_o to_o bear_v with_o fault_n and_o weakness_n in_o his_o family_n so_o the_o magistrate_n by_o wisdom_n will_v discern_v what_o may_v be_v bear_v with_o in_o his_o commonwealth_n so_o far_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o true_a and_o just_a end_n of_o government_n chap._n xxxiii_o the_o church_n true_a interest_n to_o be_v pursue_v by_o ecclesiastical_a person_n nothing_o be_v more_o precious_a and_o among_o christian_n nothing_o shall_v be_v more_o value_v than_o the_o good_a of_o god_n church_n for_o it_o be_v christ_n and_o god_n great_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o misery_n be_v that_o the_o church_n name_n be_v abuse_v and_o its_o interest_n mistake_v most_o perverse_o for_o none_o have_v more_o pretend_v for_o the_o church_n than_o they_o who_o business_n be_v to_o get_v and_o keep_v worldly_a pomp_n and_o power_n with_o carnal_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n and_o to_o make_v law_n and_o rule_n serviceable_a to_o these_o end_n and_o to_o corrupt_v the_o mind_n and_o debauch_v the_o life_n of_o man_n that_o they_o may_v bring_v they_o into_o blind_a obedience_n to_o such_o law_n and_o maintain_v their_o worldly_a dominion_n over_o christ_n heritage_n and_o who_o value_n all_o man_n howsoever_o qualify_v as_o they_o stand_v affect_v to_o their_o estate_n and_o according_o stick_v not_o to_o reject_v the_o eminent_o good_a and_o to_o receive_v the_o notorious_o bad_a in_o the_o romish_a church_n all_o this_o be_v palpable_a now_o let_v these_o be_v call_v the_o church_n by_o they_o that_o list_v to_o give_v that_o name_n to_o a_o state_n of_o pride_n and_o luxury_n of_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n of_o carnal_a and_o devilish_a policy_n under_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o people_n be_v betray_v to_o everlasting_a perdition_n wherefore_o those_o in_o the_o ministry_n that_o be_v solicitous_a of_o the_o church_n welfare_n shall_v state_n the_o interest_n thereof_o aright_o which_o indeed_o be_v not_o for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o the_o carnal_a mind_n but_o for_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o divine_a life_n in_o man_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o mystical_a society_n of_o regenerate_v person_n unite_v in_o christ_n their_o head_n by_o his_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o they_o and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o visible_a society_n of_o person_n external_o own_v such_o a_o internal_a state_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o promote_v and_o propagate_v the_o sound_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v the_o people_n of_o their_o charge_n real_o good_a and_o to_o advance_v they_o what_o they_o can_v in_o grace_n and_o wisdom_n according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n and_o to_o deal_v with_o they_o in_o meekness_n and_o love_n and_o to_o walk_v before_o they_o as_o example_n of_o all_o purity_n and_o goodness_n and_o to_o be_v more_o sensible_a and_o solicitous_a about_o the_o corruption_n and_o sinful_a disorder_n than_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v more_o zealous_a for_o god_n honour_n and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n than_o for_o their_o own_o honour_n wealth_n or_o power_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o seek_v the_o thing_n of_o christ_n more_o than_o their_o own_o thing_n the_o minister_n that_o discharge_v their_o office_n well_o be_v in_o scripture_n declare_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n and_o that_o they_o be_v endow_v with_o honourable_a settle_a maintenance_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o support_n of_o a_o religion_n that_o for_o its_o excellency_n require_v to_o be_v support_v by_o the_o help_n of_o excellent_a gift_n as_o learning_n eloquence_n and_o prudence_n not_o now_o to_o be_v obtain_v by_o miracle_n but_o in_o the_o ordinary_a use_n of_o mean_n with_o much_o cost_n and_o labour_n and_o questionless_a the_o withdraw_n of_o these_o support_v tend_v to_o the_o church_n ruin_n nevertheless_o a_o inordinate_a and_o licentious_a collation_n and_o accumulation_n of_o preferment_n make_v for_o the_o service_n of_o covetousness_n ambition_n and_o deprave_a appetite_n and_o for_o the_o decay_n of_o sobriety_n vigilancy_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o pastor_n be_v no_o less_o dangerous_a this_o exorbitancy_n after_o the_o roman_a empire_n become_v christian_n allure_v and_o bring_v in_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n who_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n and_o give_v they_o advantage_n by_o carnal_a art_n to_o possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o chief_a seat_n of_o power_n in_o the_o church_n by_o which_o mean_v religion_n degenerate_v into_o externalness_n and_o carnality_n and_o that_o which_o be_v then_o name_v the_o church_n be_v at_o length_n turn_v into_o a_o worldly_a state_n which_o grow_v more_o and_o more_o corrupt_a till_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v fulfil_v in_o it_o where_o christianity_n have_v recover_v itself_o out_o of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o late_a time_n and_o knowledge_n be_v general_o diffuse_v among_o the_o people_n the_o sufficiency_n industry_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n will_v be_v inquire_v after_o negligence_n in_o their_o administration_n and_o irregularity_n in_o their_o life_n will_v not_o pass_v without_o note_v the_o ignorant_a idle_a and_o scandalous_a will_v fall_v into_o contempt_n outward_a formality_n will_v be_v no_o cover_n as_o in_o dark_a time_n they_o be_v distinctive_a habit_n and_o reverend_a title_n alone_o will_v not_o procure_v veneration_n the_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n will_v sink_v and_o fall_v without_o remedy_n if_o real_a worth_n do_v not_o uphold_v it_o in_o such_o time_n man_n will_v not_o be_v to_o learn_v that_o a_o arm_n of_o flesh_n do_v not_o constitute_v a_o christian_a church_n and_o that_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o prove_v one_o party_n to_o be_v orthodox_n and_o the_o rest_n heretical_a or_o schismatical_a external_n violence_n which_o be_v the_o common_a support_n of_o false_a religion_n will_v in_o this_o case_n do_v little_a good_a but_o it_o will_v render_v they_o that_o call_v for_o it_o the_o more_o odious_a and_o more_o discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o cause_n wherefore_o the_o clergy_n must_v resolve_v to_o do_v worthy_o and_o fulfil_v their_o ministry_n or_o they_o must_v extinguish_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v extinguish_v they_o but_o if_o as_o faithful_a shepherd_n they_o watch_v over_o the_o flock_n and_o tender_a the_o state_n thereof_o if_o they_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o teach_v with_o meekness_n and_o patience_n if_o they_o pity_v and_o succour_v the_o weak_a and_o heal_v that_o which_o be_v lame_a that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n if_o they_o use_v the_o rod_n of_o discipline_n with_o judgement_n and_o paternal_a affection_n if_o they_o discard_v and_o lay_v by_o man_n unprofitable_a institute_n and_o maintain_v all_o divine_a ordinance_n in_o their_o due_a honour_n and_o chief_o urge_v the_o observance_n of_o the_o indispensable_a command_n of_o god_n and_o turn_v man_n from_o externalness_n and_o make_v it_o their_o chief_a aim_n that_o christ_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n may_v reign_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o profess_a christian_n then_o shall_v they_o magnify_v their_o office_n and_o establish_v their_o authority_n and_o hold_v their_o flock_n in_o a_o unfeigned_a reverence_n and_o submission_n as_o feel_v the_o force_n of_o the_o ministerial_a warfare_n in_o their_o conscience_n and_o the_o inferior_a difference_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o cause_v disgust_n or_o aversation_n or_o break_v those_o strong_a bond_n of_o the_o people_n sincere_a regard_n towards_o their_o pastor_n but_o they_o will_v rather_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o love_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n the_o conclusion_n no_o great_a thing_n can_v fall_v under_o the_o consideration_n of_o mankind_n than_o the_o security_n and_o increase_n of_o true_a religion_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n among_o man_n and_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n depend_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v as_o far_o above_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o their_o politic_a administration_n all_o secular_a affair_n and_o philosophical_a speculation_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n a_o inquiry_n into_o the_o sound_a state_n and_o true_a interest_n thereof_o be_v a_o contemplation_n worthy_a of_o the_o great_a mind_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a honour_n of_o the_o high_a power_n it_o be_v the_o royal_a interest_n of_o that_o potentate_n who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o of_o that_o bless_a society_n which_o be_v incorporate_v under_o he_o their_o lord_n and_o head_n and_o who_o that_o in_o any_o degree_n have_v true_o know_v the_o felicity_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o hope_n for_o a_o
the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n among_o man_n a_o tract_n of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n or_o that_o christianity_n which_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o the_o security_n and_o increase_n thereof_o in_o the_o world_n design_v its_o more_o ample_a diffusion_n among_o profess_a christian_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o its_o sure_a propagation_n to_o future_a age_n with_o the_o point_n of_o church-unity_n and_o schism_n discuss_v by_o john_n corbet_n london_n print_v for_o thomas_n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n at_o the_o low_a end_n of_o cheapside_n 1679._o the_o preface_n a_o disquisition_n concern_v religion_n and_o the_o state_n ecclesiastical_a wherein_o several_a party_n be_v vehement_o carry_v divers_a way_n whether_o right_a or_o wrong_n according_a to_o their_o different_a interest_n or_o apprehension_n be_v apt_a to_o stir_v up_o jealousy_n and_o to_o meet_v with_o prejudice_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o therefore_o have_v need_n be_v manage_v as_o advise_o as_o sincere_o it_o be_v humble_o crave_v that_o the_o present_a management_n thereof_o may_v find_v a_o favourable_a reception_n so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v in_o itself_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o own_o sincerity_n and_o sobriety_n this_o treatise_n be_v not_o frame_v for_o a_o present_a occasion_n or_o any_o temporary_a design_n but_o insist_o upon_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o church_n universal_o and_o perpetual_o it_o aim_v at_o the_o advancement_n of_o mere_a christianity_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o common_a concernment_n thereof_o it_o leave_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o appropriate_a to_o the_o several_a party_n and_o persuasion_n to_o stand_v or_o fall_v it_o engage_v not_o in_o the_o controversy_n of_o these_o time_n touch_v form_n of_o church_n government_n but_o in_o any_o form_n such_o depravation_n or_o deficiency_n be_v blame_v as_o hinder_v the_o power_n purity_n unity_n stability_n or_o amplitude_n of_o religion_n nothing_o prejudicial_a to_o government_n to_o the_o right_n of_o superior_n and_o civil_a pre-eminences_a or_o to_o decency_n unity_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n be_v here_o suggest_v sedition_n and_o faction_n be_v evict_v to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o this_o interest_n which_o can_v hold_v its_o own_o only_a in_o those_o way_n that_o make_v for_o the_o common_a good_a both_o of_o ruler_n and_o subject_n our_o design_n carry_v no_o other_o danger_n than_o the_o more_o ample_a diffusion_n of_o true_a christianity_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n among_o man_n of_o all_o degree_n and_o the_o sure_a propagation_n thereof_o to_o future_a age_n here_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o vital_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o can_v be_v remove_v and_o here_o be_v other_o thing_n of_o conscientious_a or_o prudent_a consideration_n and_o let_v these_o so_o far_o pass_v as_o they_o be_v find_v clear_a and_o cogent_a i_o have_v rather_o be_v charge_v with_o any_o defect_n or_o weakness_n than_o with_o uncharitableness_n and_o therefore_o be_o ready_a to_o renounce_v every_o line_n and_o every_o expression_n in_o this_o book_n that_o can_v stand_v with_o true_a christian_a charity_n in_o the_o utmost_a extent_n thereof_o let_v it_o not_o be_v take_v amiss_o that_o to_o obviate_v suspicion_n or_o prejudice_n i_o declare_v myself_o in_o the_o thing_n here_o follow_v i_o be_o one_o age_v in_o the_o ministry_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o age_n and_o experience_n be_o not_o eager_a for_o any_o party_n but_o mellow_v with_o charity_n towards_o real_a christian_n of_o all_o party_n i_o have_v vehement_o desire_v the_o union_n of_o the_o more_o moderate_a dissenter_n with_o the_o establish_v order_n by_o reasonable_a accommodation_n as_o for_o other_o that_o remain_v dissatisfy_v about_o such_o union_n yet_o believe_v and_o live_v as_o christian_n i_o do_v as_o earnest_o desire_v a_o indulgence_n for_o they_o within_o such_o limit_n as_o may_v stand_v with_o public_a peace_n and_o safety_n though_o i_o be_o cast_v into_o the_o state_n of_o nonconformity_n yet_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n under_o the_o present_a ecclesiastical_a government_n if_o i_o be_v make_v capable_a thereof_o by_o the_o relaxation_n of_o some_o injunction_n my_o principle_n be_v for_o a_o close_n with_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o laudable_a in_o any_o establish_v government_n and_o for_o a_o bear_n with_o thing_n that_o be_v tolerable_a and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n will_v direct_v they_o to_o turn_v away_o from_o such_o principle_n order_n or_o practice_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o ruin_n or_o the_o great_a endanger_n of_o any_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n that_o retain_v they_o while_o the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v maintain_v the_o content_n chap._n i._n the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o character_n of_o true_a christian_n chap._n ii_o of_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o christian_a religion_n viz._n holy_a doctrine_n chap._n iii_o the_o order_n of_o divine_a worship_n suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n chap._n iu._n the_o due_a dispensation_n of_o god_n word_n or_o public_a preach_v chap._n v._o the_o due_a performance_n of_o public_a prayer_n chap._n vi_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n chap._n vii_o religious_a family-government_n chap._n viii_o private_a mutual_a exhortation_n pious_a discourse_n and_o edify_v conversation_n chap._n ix_o the_o prevalence_n of_o true_a religion_n or_o real_a godliness_n in_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o a_o nation_n chap._n x._o christian_a unity_n and_o concord_n chap._n xi_o a_o good_a frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n chap._n xii_o of_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o first_o externalness_n and_o formality_n chap._n xiii_o the_o sectarian_n and_o fanatical_a degeneration_n chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o way_n of_o preserve_a religion_n uncorrupt_a chap._n xv._n the_o enmity_n of_o the_o world_n against_o real_a godliness_n and_o the_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n cast_v upon_o it_o consider_v chap._n xvi_o religion_n main_a strength_n next_o under_o the_o power_n of_o god_n lie_v in_o its_o own_o intrinsic_a excellency_n chap._n xvii_o religion_n may_v be_v advance_v by_o human_a prudence_n what_o way_n and_o method_n it_o can_v admit_v in_o order_n to_o its_o advancement_n chap._n xviii_o the_o interest_n of_o true_a religion_n lie_v much_o in_o its_o venerable_a estimation_n among_o man_n chap._n xix_o the_o most_o ample_a diffusion_n of_o the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n be_v a_o sure_a mean_n of_o promote_a true_a religion_n chap._n xx._n the_o advantage_n of_o human_a learning_n to_o the_o same_o end_n chap._n xxi_o the_o general_a civility_n or_o common_a honesty_n of_o a_o nation_n make_v it_o more_o general_o receptive_a of_o real_a christianity_n or_o godliness_n chap._n xxii_o the_o increase_n of_o religion_n be_v promote_v by_o be_v make_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v passable_a among_o man_n chap._n xxiii_o the_o observe_v of_o a_o due_a latitude_n in_o religion_n make_v for_o the_o security_n and_o increase_n thereof_o chap._n xxiv_o the_o care_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o prevent_v and_o cure_v the_o evil_a of_o fanatical_a and_o sectarian_n error_n chap._n xxv_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n by_o make_v it_o national_a and_o the_o settle_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n chap._n xxvi_o of_o submission_n to_o thing_n impose_v by_o lawful_a authority_n chap._n xxvii_o the_o sure_a and_o safe_a way_n of_o seek_v reformation_n chap._n xxviii_o consideration_n tend_v to_o a_o due_a enlargement_n and_o unity_n in_o church-communion_n chap._n xxix_o whether_o the_o purity_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n be_v lessen_v by_o amplitude_n and_o comprehensiveness_n chap._n xxx_o factious_a usurpation_n be_v destructive_a to_o religion_n interest_n chap._n xxxi_o of_o lead_v and_o follow_v and_o of_o combination_n chap._n xxxii_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o high_a power_n in_o promote_a the_o religionsness_n of_o their_o people_n chap._n xxxiii_o the_o church_n true_a interest_n to_o be_v pursue_v by_o ecclesiastical_a person_n the_o conclusion_n a_o book_n entitle_v the_o interest_n of_o england_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o two_o part_n former_o publish_v by_o the_o same_o author_n pag._n 7._o lin_v 3._o read_v service_n pag._n 19_o l._n 11._o read_v whereas_o pag._n 27._o l._n 24._o read_v so_o pag._n 28._o l._n 14._o read_v be_v pag._n 29._o l._n 14._o read_v regardable_a pag._n 31._o l._n 16._o read_v this_o ib._n l._n 18._o read_v apposite_a pag._n 39_o l._n 14._o read_v be_v able_a to_o make_v pag._n 41._o l._n 31._o read_v affect_v pag._n 53._o l._n 19_o read_v for_o the_o pag._n 59_o l._n 5._o read_v face_n of_o pag._n 60._o l._n 12._o read_v exercise_n pag._n 67._o l._n 3._o read_v religion_n pag._n 71._o l._n
12._o read_v sacrament_n pag._n 77._o l._n 3._o read_v condescension_n pag._n 96._o l._n 22._o read_v oral_a pag._n 99_o l._n 2._o read_v rite_n pag._n 116._o l._n 13._o read_v abase_v ib._n l._n 25._o read_v note_v pag._n 117._o l._n 25._o read_v transform_v it_o into_o pag._n 121._o l._n 21._o read_v levities_n pag._n 144._o l._n 21._o read_v exalt_v pag._n 149._o l._n 20._o read_v effect_v pag._n 150._o l._n 20._o read_v smatch_n pag._n 157._o l._n 13._o read_v exercise_n pag._n 162._o l._n 7._o read_v vain_o pag._n 163._o l._n 11._o deal_n love_n pag._n 167._o l._n 9_o read_v concern_v pag._n 171._o l._n 3._o read_v enemy_n ib._n l._n 9_o read_v regulation_n ib._n l._n 19_o read_v and_o pag._n 189._o l._n 6._o read_v be_v not_o pag._n 202._o l._n 22._o read_v and_o be_v withal_o a_o tract_n of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n etc._n etc._n chap._n i._n the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o character_n of_o true_a christian_n the_o name_n and_o title_n by_o which_o real_a christian_n be_v in_o holy_a scripture_n distinguish_v from_o other_o man_n be_v not_o mean_a and_o common_a but_o high_a and_o excellent_a as_o a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n the_o first-fruit_n of_o god_n creature_n the_o household_n of_o god_n child_n of_o light_n child_n of_o wisdom_n heir_n of_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n and_o the_o title_n of_o saint_n be_v one_o of_o their_o ordinary_a appellation_n doubtless_o the_o true_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o other_o lie_v not_o in_o mere_a name_n but_o in_o some_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o quality_n and_o condition_n thereby_o signify_v and_o so_o much_o be_v abundant_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o several_a expression_n of_o christianity_n as_o the_o regeneration_n the_o new_a creation_n a_o transformation_n in_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o mind_n a_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o life_n of_o god_n conformity_n to_o the_o image_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o such_o like_a thus_o from_o the_o scripture_n style_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o true_a christianity_n be_v of_o a_o other_o nature_n than_o that_o carnal_a formal_a and_o lifeless_a profession_n with_o which_o multitude_n confident_o take_v up_o and_o that_o in_o its_o true_a professor_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v find_v something_o of_o a_o high_a strain_n and_o noble_a kind_n and_o which_o indeed_o make_v they_o meet_v for_o that_o holy_a and_o bless_a state_n to_o come_v unto_o which_o it_o lead_v they_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o excellent_a name_n and_o nature_n the_o regenerate_a state_n and_o divine_a life_n which_o be_v begin_v in_o the_o new_a birth_n wherein_o the_o soul_n retain_v the_o same_o natural_a faculty_n be_v change_v from_o a_o carnal_a into_o a_o spiritual_a frame_n by_o the_o sanctify_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n in_o this_o change_n the_o mind_n be_v illuminate_v unto_o a_o effectual_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v after_o godliness_n as_o contain_v the_o high_a good_a and_o appear_v in_o such_o evidence_n as_o make_v earthly_a thing_n to_o be_v see_v what_o they_o be_v indeed_o but_o as_o dross_n and_o dung_n in_o comparison_n thereof_o the_o will_n be_v draw_v by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o truth_n acknowledge_v to_o a_o absolute_a conversion_n and_o adhesion_n to_o god_n as_o the_o great_a and_o ultimate_a object_n of_o the_o soul_n love_v desire_v joy_n reverence_n observance_n acquiescence_n zeal_n and_o entire_a devotion_n in_o this_o absolute_a conversion_n to_o god_n be_v include_v the_o renounce_n of_o all_o self_n dependence_n and_o of_o that_o perverse_a self-seeking_a which_o follow_v the_o lapse_v state_n and_o a_o unlimited_a self_n resignation_n to_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a self-seeking_a and_o self-love_n for_o god_n have_v make_v our_o felicity_n immutable_o coherent_a with_o his_o glory_n but_o subordinate_a thereunto_o a_o true_a convert_n turn_v from_o poor_a empty_a nothing_o self_n to_o the_o infinite_a god_n exchange_n insufficiency_n poverty_n vanity_n and_o misery_n for_o immensity_n almightiness_n all-sufficiency_n and_o infinite_a fullness_n and_o so_o he_o lose_v self_n as_o it_o be_v a_o sorry_a thing_n and_o a_o wretched_a idol_n and_o find_v the_o bless_a god_n and_o self-eternal_o bless_v in_o he_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o fall_v away_o from_o god_n and_o can_v be_v bring_v back_o to_o he_o but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o redeemer_n and_o reconciler_n our_o religion_n stand_v also_o in_o the_o sensible_a knowledge_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o our_o deplorable_a state_n under_o the_o power_n and_o guilt_n thereof_o with_o a_o humiliation_n suitable_a thereunto_o and_o in_o a_o lively_a faith_n towards_o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n make_v man_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o to_o redeem_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o death_n to_o a_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n which_o faith_n be_v the_o worthy_a receive_n of_o he_o in_o the_o full_a capacity_n of_o a_o redeemer_n the_o entire_a and_o hearty_a acceptance_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o he_o the_o soul_n resignation_n to_o he_o to_o be_v conduct_v to_o god_n by_o he_o and_o the_o secure_n of_o all_o that_o be_v hope_v for_o in_o his_o hand_n with_o a_o affiance_n in_o his_o all-sufficiency_n and_o fidelity_n this_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n for_o through_o faith_n we_o love_v god_n because_o he_o love_v we_o first_o and_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o through_o faith_n we_o resolve_v that_o if_o god_n so_o love_v we_o than_o ought_v we_o also_o to_o love_v one_o another_o and_o this_o love_n eminent_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o moral_a honesty_n towards_o man_n as_o truth_n justice_n mercy_n peaceableness_n kindness_n faithfulness_n humility_n meekness_n modesty_n and_o towards_o inferior_n moderation_n equity_n and_o condescension_n and_o towards_o superior_n reverence_n and_o submission_n christianity_n be_v a_o root_n of_o true_a goodness_n that_o bring_v forth_o its_o fruit_n in_o due_a season_n in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o internal_a and_o immediate_a act_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o love_n which_o may_v be_v call_v radical_a duty_n as_o lie_v next_o the_o root_n then_o the_o inseparable_a effect_n thereof_o such_o as_o be_v holy_a meditation_n and_o prayer_n among_o the_o act_n of_o devotion_n towards_o god_n and_o among_o the_o act_n of_o charity_n towards_o man_n justice_n fidelity_n mercy_n which_o be_v call_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o further_o it_o shoot_v forth_o into_o a_o universal_a regard_n of_o god_n commandment_n in_o all_o particularity_n not_o slight_v the_o low_a or_o remote_a duty_n which_o indeed_o can_v be_v slight_v without_o the_o contempt_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o enjoin_v the_o great_a and_o most_o important_a the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n that_o guide_v in_o a_o perfect_a way_n it_o set_v right_o the_o superior_a govern_v faculty_n and_o hold_v the_o inferior_a under_o the_o command_n and_o government_n of_o the_o superior_a it_o awaken_v reason_n to_o attend_v to_o the_o soul_n great_a concernment_n to_o mind_v the_o danger_n of_o temptation_n the_o madness_n of_o deprave_a affection_n and_o the_o mischief_n and_o banefulness_n of_o all_o sin_n it_o be_v no_o inconsiderate_a licentious_a presumptuous_a dissolute_a spirit_n but_o strict_a circumspect_a and_o self_n suspicious_a solid_a serious_a and_o universal_o conscientious_a it_o be_v pure_a grave_n sober_a shun_v every_o unseemly_a speech_n all_o foolish_a and_o light_a behaviour_n and_o much_o more_o that_o which_o have_v a_o filthy_a savour_n and_o smell_n rank_a of_o impurity_n and_o dishonesty_n it_o watch_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o animal_n life_n and_o sensitive_a appetite_n and_o curb_v they_o when_o they_o be_v extravigant_a and_o renounce_v whatsoever_o thing_n tend_v to_o vitiate_v the_o soul_n and_o work_v it_o below_o its_o spiritual_a happiness_n it_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o patience_n and_o of_o true_a rational_a courage_n and_o of_o resolve_a submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o be_v above_o worldly_a riches_n and_o poverty_n and_o glory_n and_o ignominy_n and_o fleshly_a pain_n and_o pleasure_n but_o self-conceit_n excessive_a self_n estimation_n asperity_n towards_o other_o and_o domineer_a cruelty_n over_o conscience_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o abovementioned_a and_o commend_a strictness_n and_o severity_n for_o as_o it_o hate_v flattery_n and_o base_a compliance_n with_o other_o in_o profaneness_n or_o lukewarmness_n so_o it_o be_v ever_o qualify_v with_o meekness_n lowliness_n of_o mind_n peaceableness_n patience_n that_o it_o may_v gain_v upon_o other_o and_o win_v they_o to_o its_o own_o advisedness_n
steddiness_n purity_n and_o soberness_n this_o new_a nature_n while_o it_o be_v lodge_v in_o the_o earthly_a tabernacle_n be_v clog_v with_o many_o adverse_a thing_n especial_o the_o relic_n of_o the_o old_a nature_n which_o cause_n much_o vanity_n of_o thought_n indisposedness_n of_o mind_n motion_n to_o evil_a and_o aversation_n from_o good_a and_o sometime_o more_o sensible_a disorder_n of_o affection_n and_o eruption_n of_o unruly_a passion_n and_o aberration_n in_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o same_o divine_a principal_n be_v in_o some_o christian_n more_o firm_a lively_a and_o active_a than_o in_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v habitual_o prevalent_a in_o they_o all_o and_o it_o resist_v and_o overcome_v the_o contrary_a principle_n even_o in_o the_o case_n of_o most_o belove_a sin_n and_o strong_a temptation_n and_o persevere_fw-la in_o earnest_n and_o fearful_a endeavour_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o degree_n of_o sanctity_n be_v obtain_v it_o ascribe_v whole_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n christianity_n be_v know_v what_o it_o be_v it_o may_v easy_o be_v know_v what_o it_o be_v not_o and_o so_o the_o false_a disguise_n of_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v detect_v forasmuch_o as_o it_o look_v far_o high_o than_o the_o temporal_a interest_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o settling_n of_o this_o life_n though_o it_o do_v not_o overlook_v they_o it_o can_v be_v think_v to_o have_v do_v its_o work_n in_o make_v man_n mere_o just-dealer_n good_a neighbour_n and_o profitable_a member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n for_o such_o may_v be_v some_o of_o they_o that_o be_v without_o christ_n without_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n moreover_o it_o can_v lie_v so_o low_a as_o in_o a_o bare_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o observance_n of_o its_o external_a institute_n accompany_v with_o a_o civil_a conversation_n as_o for_o such_o as_o rest_v in_o these_o thing_n what_o be_v they_o more_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n than_o the_o heathen_n that_o know_v he_o not_o and_o wherein_o do_v they_o differ_v from_o they_o except_o in_o a_o dead_a faith_n and_o outward_a form_n take_v up_o by_o education_n tradition_n example_n custom_n of_o the_o country_n and_o other_o such_o like_a motive_n nor_o do_v it_o lie_v in_o unwritten_a doctrine_n and_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n devise_v by_o man_n nor_o yet_o in_o curiosity_n of_o opinion_n or_o accidental_a mode_n of_o worship_n discipline_n or_o church-government_n nor_o in_o one_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o sector_n party_n nor_o in_o mere_a orthodoxality_n all_o which_o be_v rest_v in_o be_v but_o the_o false_a cover_n of_o hypocrite_n it_o be_v not_o the_o lax_n and_o easy_a low_a and_o large_a rule_n by_o which_o libertine_n and_o formalist_n yea_o some_o pretend_a perfectionist_n do_v measure_v their_o own_o righteousness_n who_o assert_v their_o perfectness_n by_o disannul_v or_o lessen_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v not_o any_o kind_n of_o morality_n or_o virtue_n whatsoever_o which_o be_v not_o true_a holiness_n or_o entire_a dedication_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o much_o less_o be_v it_o that_o loose_a and_o jolly_a religion_n of_o the_o sensual_a gang_n who_o keep_v up_o a_o superficial_a devotion_n in_o some_o external_a form_n but_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o real_a irreligion_n and_o profaneness_n and_o bid_v defiance_n to_o a_o circumspect_a walk_n and_o serious_a course_n of_o godliness_n and_o now_o it_o be_v too_o apparent_a what_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o prophess_n the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v christian_n in_o name_n only_o and_o not_o indeed_o their_o alienation_n from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o their_o enmity_n against_o it_o and_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n in_o the_o lust_n thereof_o do_v testify_v that_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n but_o christian_n indeed_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n above_o express_v which_o be_v now_o in_o they_o though_o not_o in_o the_o high_a yet_o in_o a_o prevalent_a degree_n do_v make_v it_o their_o utmost_a end_n to_o know_v love_n honour_n and_o please_v god_n to_o be_v conformable_a to_o he_o and_o to_o have_v the_o fruition_n of_o he_o in_o the_o perfection_n of_o which_o conformity_n and_o fruition_n they_o place_v the_o perfection_n of_o their_o blessedness_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o native_a bondage_n under_o the_o guilt_n and_o power_n of_o sin_n they_o come_v to_o the_o mediator_n jesus_n christ_n and_o rest_n upon_o he_o by_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o merit_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n to_o reconcile_v and_o sanctify_v they_o to_o god_n and_o according_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o he_o as_o their_o absolute_a teacher_n and_o ruler_n &_o all-sufficient_a saviour_n have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o which_o be_v of_o god_n they_o be_v crucify_v to_o the_o honour_n profit_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v their_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n and_o prepare_v for_o suffering_n in_o this_o life_n and_o by_o faith_n overcome_v they_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v the_o directory_n of_o their_o practice_n from_o day_n to_o day_n by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n they_o prove_v their_o own_o work_n and_o come_v to_o the_o light_n thereof_o that_o their_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a to_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n they_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n in_o the_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n of_o his_o appointment_n that_o they_o may_v glorify_v he_o and_o enjoy_v spiritual_a communion_n with_o he_o and_o be_v bless_v of_o he_o especial_o with_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o christ_n and_o as_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n they_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v their_o aim_n care_n and_o exercise_v to_o keep_v conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o to_o render_v to_o all_o their_o due_n both_o in_o their_o public_a and_o private_a capacity_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o love_n towards_o all_o not_o exclude_v enemy_n and_o to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a they_o can_v both_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o man_n but_o those_o that_o fear_n god_n they_o more_o high_o prize_n and_o favour_n the_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n within_o themselves_o they_o know_v feel_o and_o watch_v and_o pray_v and_o strive_v that_o they_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n and_o maintain_v a_o continual_a warfare_n against_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o jesus_n christ_n their_o leader_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o their_o holy_a profession_n with_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n they_o endeavour_v to_o be_v blameless_a and_o harmless_a as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o their_o good_a conversation_n to_o turn_v other_o to_o righteousness_n such_o be_v the_o character_n of_o those_o person_n upon_o who_o soul_n the_o holy_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v impress_v and_o in_o who_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v its_o real_a be_v force_n and_o virtue_n these_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o heavenly_a call_n and_o set_v apart_o for_o god_n to_o do_v he_o service_n in_o the_o present_a world_n and_o afterward_o to_o live_v in_o glory_n with_o he_o for_o ever_o these_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n the_o church_n be_v here_o take_v as_o mystical_a not_o as_o visible_a and_o these_o be_v all_o join_v together_o by_o one_o spirit_n in_o one_o body_n under_o christ_n their_o head_n in_o the_o same_o new_a nature_n have_v one_o rule_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o one_o hope_v of_o their_o call_n these_o be_v a_o great_a multitude_n which_o no_o man_n can_v number_v of_o all_o nation_n and_o kindred_n and_o people_n and_o tongue_n yet_o hitherto_o not_o proportionable_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o they_o continue_v throughout_o all_o age_n but_o in_o great_a or_o lesser_a number_n and_o more_o or_o less_o refine_v from_o superstition_n or_o other_o corruption_n and_o more_o or_o less_o sever_v from_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o antichristian_a state_n according_a to_o the_o brightness_n or_o darkness_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o they_o live_v chap._n ii_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o first_o holy_a doctrine_n the_o advancement_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o have_v its_o beginning_n in_o the_o new_a birth_n be_v the_o great_a end_n propound_v in_o this_o discourse_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o end_n
rash_a with_o their_o mouth_n and_o hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n that_o be_v unmeet_a they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v censure_v for_o their_o error_n moreover_o heighten_v affection_n enlarge_v the_o heart_n and_o open_v the_o mouth_n and_o do_v not_o make_v a_o man_n at_o a_o stand_n for_o want_v of_o word_n indeed_o astonish_a affection_n or_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o spirit_n may_v put_v one_o to_o such_o a_o stand_n but_o that_o rare_o take_v hold_v of_o any_o in_o a_o pubick_a performance_n but_o a_o calm_a admiration_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n and_o seriousness_n and_o earnestness_n of_o address_n to_o he_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o further_a apâ—expressions_n for_o the_o use_n of_o one_o constant_a form_n it_o have_v be_v plead_v that_o a_o stranger_n may_v thereby_o the_o better_a know_v how_o we_o worship_n god_n and_o that_o the_o people_n better_o understand_v and_o remember_v that_o to_o which_o they_o be_v continual_o use_v but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n variety_n and_o newness_n of_o matter_n and_o word_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o quicken_v the_o affection_n and_o perfect_a the_o understanding_n also_o especial_o of_o the_o attentive_a whenas_o under_o the_o constant_a rehearsal_n of_o one_o thing_n the_o faculty_n grow_v flat_a and_o dull_a beside_o in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o liberty_n and_o variety_n the_o prayer_n be_v ordinary_o the_o same_o for_o substance_n in_o the_o main_a the_o vulgar_a apprehension_n and_o memory_n be_v help_v by_o the_o sameness_n of_o the_o main_a substance_n and_o scope_n and_o the_o affection_n be_v raise_v and_o the_o understanding_n further_o edify_v by_o that_o which_o be_v new_a in_o the_o frame_n and_o method_n and_o particular_a matter_n and_o the_o people_n more_o particular_a variable_a concernment_n be_v provide_v for_o by_o a_o more_o peculiar_a accommodation_n and_o respect_n thereto_o as_o occasion_n vary_v and_o by_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n a_o stranger_n may_v be_v sufficient_o ascertain_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o worship_n to_o be_v celebrate_v for_o a_o doctrine_n of_o a_o church_n govern_v its_o worship_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o one_o &_o the_o same_o tenor_n thereof_o will_v pass_v through_o the_o several_a congregation_n of_o a_o nation_n that_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o a_o stint_a form_n yet_o combine_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o order_n and_o when_o all_o be_v say_v that_o management_n and_o performance_n of_o this_o service_n be_v the_o best_a that_o be_v most_o effectual_a to_o make_v the_o comer_n thereunto_o more_o perfect_a in_o knowledge_n more_o devout_a and_o zealous_a towards_o god_n more_o pious_a and_o blameless_a in_o their_o conversation_n and_o every_o way_n more_o perfect_a in_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o it_o will_v be_v so_o acknowledge_v by_o they_o that_o be_v discern_v and_o serious_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o to_o conciliate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n diverse_o affect_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o inconvenience_n and_o to_o obtain_v the_o good_a of_o either_o way_n a_o prescribe_a form_n and_o a_o free_a prayer_n will_v do_v best_a together_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o edification_n chap._n vi_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n be_v pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o pastoral_a authority_n include_v both_o teach_n and_o rule_v and_o imply_v the_o people_n subjection_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n to_o bereave_v the_o church_n of_o discipline_n be_v to_o leave_v it_o unfurnished_v of_o that_o mean_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o orderly_a society_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v to_o turn_v the_o garden_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o pluck_v up_o the_o fence_n thereof_o into_o a_o common_a or_o wilderness_n the_o power_n intrinsical_v to_o this_o office_n be_v not_o secular_a and_o coercive_a by_o temporal_a penalty_n but_o pure_o spiritual_a which_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o authority_n from_o he_o the_o chief_a pastor_n to_o watch_v over_o the_o flock_n to_o encourage_v they_o that_o live_v conformable_o to_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o consolation_n thereof_o and_o to_o warn_v they_o that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o if_o any_o continue_v obstinate_a therein_o to_o declare_v they_o unworthy_a of_o church-communion_n and_o christian_a converse_n and_o to_o require_v the_o faithful_a to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o they_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o they_o may_v be_v humble_v and_o reform_v as_o the_o discipline_n of_o all_o society_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o their_o true_a interest_n and_o and_o chief_a scope_n so_o be_v this_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o the_o christian_a church_n look_v main_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o he_o and_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n for_o which_o end_v it_o be_v ordain_v and_o consequent_o its_o true_a interest_n lie_v in_o the_o conservation_n and_o augmentation_n of_o true_a christianity_n or_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o that_o church_n interest_n which_o be_v elsewhere_o fix_v and_o level_v to_o a_o other_o mark_n appertain_v to_o a_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a state_n set_v up_o in_o the_o room_n and_o pretence_n of_o this_o spiritual_a society_n the_o church_n true_a and_o proper_a excellency_n lie_v not_o in_o worldly_a splendour_n opulency_n and_o power_n nor_o in_o outward_a rite_n and_o formal_a unity_n nor_o in_o the_o stability_n and_o amplitude_n of_o a_o mere_a external_a state_n but_o in_o the_o inward_a light_n and_o life_n in_o the_o unfeigned_a faith_n and_o love_n in_o the_o purity_n and_o spiritual_a unity_n of_o believer_n and_o in_o the_o security_n and_o advancement_n of_o this_o internal_a state_n and_o of_o the_o external_a state_n in_o order_n to_o the_o internal_a wherefore_o the_o right_a end_n of_o discipline_n be_v not_o to_o promote_v temporal_a glory_n and_o opinion_n and_o formality_n thereunto_o subservient_fw-fr but_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o worship_n and_o the_o regeneration_n of_o the_o professor_n thereof_o and_o their_o sincere_a devotion_n godly_a unity_n sobriety_n righteousness_n brotherly-kindness_n and_o common_a charity_n and_o all_o the_o vital_a part_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o keep_v and_o cast_v out_o heresy_n superstition_n profaneness_n unrighteousness_n and_o all_o wicked_a error_n and_o practice_n that_o tend_v to_o frustrate_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n gospel_n as_o also_o to_o prevent_v and_o remedy_v the_o causeless_a tear_v and_o rent_v of_o church_n and_o those_o alienation_n and_o animosity_n among_o christian_n that_o proceed_v only_o from_o the_o will_n and_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o the_o management_n hereof_o to_o this_o right_a end_n be_v of_o far_o great_a consequence_n than_o any_o scrupulosity_n or_o preciseness_n about_o its_o external_a form_n and_o order_n nay_o if_o a_o external_a order_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v primitive_a and_o apostolical_a and_o be_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v to_o enforce_v corrupt_a doctrine_n scandalous_a and_o ensnare_a invention_n and_o imposition_n and_o in_o a_o ceremonial_a strictness_n to_o indulge_v real_a profaneness_n and_o discourage_v true_a godliness_n it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o mystery_n of_o a_o carnal_a state_n under_o a_o spiritual_a name_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v and_o suppress_v the_o power_n thereof_o the_o right_a end_n of_o discipline_n be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v declare_v it_o follow_v that_o its_o proper_a work_n be_v to_o encourage_v godliness_n and_o to_o disgrace_v open_a sin_n according_o be_v right_o manage_v it_o admonish_v the_o unruly_a cast_v out_o the_o obstinate_a and_o restore_v the_o penitent_a about_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v active_a watchful_a and_o vigorous_a what_o severity_n it_o have_v it_o exercise_v in_o correct_v real_a scandal_n and_o gross_a breach_n of_o god_n law_n and_o in_o maintain_v the_o church_n peace_n against_o those_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o it_o care_v little_a for_o those_o matter_n wherein_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o edification_n be_v unconcern_v much_o less_o do_v it_o seek_v to_o quench_v godly_a zeal_n and_o to_o hinder_v the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o true_a godliness_n or_o to_o afflict_v peaceable_a and_o pious_a christian_n by_o any_o needless_a rigour_n chap._n vii_o religious_a family-government_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n the_o solemn_a dedication_n of_o house_n be_v in_o use_n the_o solemnity_n express_v that_o holy_a exercise_n shall_v be_v perform_v in_o it_o and_o that_o the_o household_n shall_v be_v
their_o union_n and_o fellowship_n be_v chief_o mystical_a and_o invisible_a their_o unity_n be_v far_o great_a than_o what_o outward_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n and_o sometime_o than_o what_o themselves_o can_v discern_v among_o themselves_o in_o particular_a by_o reason_n of_o many_o inferior_a yet_o very_o disquiet_v difference_n and_o discord_n nevertheless_o it_o behoove_v they_o to_o provide_v that_o it_o may_v appear_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v what_o it_o be_v indeed_o and_o that_o it_o be_v conspicuous_a and_o illustrious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n by_o their_o walk_n in_o love_n and_o peace_n unity_n be_v the_o church_n strength_n and_o beauty_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o a_o argument_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n it_o make_v religion_n lovely_a and_o draw_v forth_o blessing_n &_o praise_n from_o the_o beholder_n of_o it_o and_o win_v the_o world_n to_o a_o love_n and_o reverence_n of_o that_o piety_n which_o make_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o to_o live_v in_o brotherly_a kindness_n and_o mutual_a charity_n but_o division_n be_v the_o church_n weakness_n and_o deformity_n the_o reproach_n of_o christian_n and_o a_o scandal_n against_o christianity_n and_o a_o objection_n put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o infidel_n against_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v unto_o many_o in_o the_o present_a divide_a state_n of_o religion_n each_o party_n be_v apt_a to_o appropriate_v godliness_n to_o themselves_o or_o at_o least_o to_o carry_v it_o towards_o other_o as_o if_o they_o do_v so_o and_o they_o that_o be_v loud_a in_o accuse_v dissenter_n of_o uncharitableness_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v themselves_o as_o uncharitable_a as_o any_o other_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n have_v a_o peculiar_a people_n distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o by_o a_o peculiar_a character_n but_o it_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o party_n of_o this_o or_o that_o persuasion_n or_o denomination_n that_o be_v narrow_a than_o mere_a christianity_n and_o all_o true_a christian_n be_v to_o receive_v one_o a_o other_o as_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o indeed_o the_o best_a christian_n be_v to_o be_v best_a esteem_v and_o their_o fellowship_n be_v most_o desire_a but_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v sever_v from_o the_o universality_n and_o in_o a_o strict_a combination_n set_v up_o as_o divide_a party_n it_o tend_v to_o the_o church_n ruin_n for_o a_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o can_v stand_v and_o if_o the_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o body_n forsake_v the_o rest_n the_o whole_a must_v needs_o die_v christian_n concord_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o aggregation_n of_o thing_n inconsistent_a as_o the_o fellowship_n of_o righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n the_o communion_n of_o light_n with_o darkness_n the_o concord_n of_o christ_n with_o belial_n to_o set_v up_o unity_n against_o piety_n be_v a_o conspiracy_n against_o christ_n who_o be_v king_n of_o righteousness_n and_o to_o pretend_v piety_n against_o unity_n be_v to_o oppose_v christ_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n who_o kingdom_n be_v the_o reign_n of_o love_n in_o the_o soul_n holiness_n and_o peace_n must_v kiss_v each_o other_o and_o as_o inseparable_a companion_n walk_v together_o it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v charge_v to_o keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n but_o concord_n in_o any_o external_a order_n without_o fellowship_n in_o the_o divine_a life_n be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o new_a nature_n and_o to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o same_o holy_a way_n this_o be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o great_a compliance_n in_o matter_n of_o mere_a external_a order_n and_o consequent_o much_o more_o regardable_a in_o our_o estimation_n and_o reception_n of_o person_n though_o to_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n be_v not_o of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o to_o be_v join_v in_o one_o spirit_n yet_o it_o must_v not_o be_v count_v a_o small_a matter_n the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v much_o concern_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o church_n communion_n it_o will_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o some_o difficulty_n for_o they_o to_o live_v together_o in_o love_n who_o one_o church_n can_v hold_v church_n division_n common_o divide_v affection_n and_o draw_v man_n into_o party_n and_o divide_a interest_n and_o make_v they_o seek_v to_o strengthen_v their_o own_o party_n by_o weaken_v all_o other_o to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o general_n for_o which_o cause_n the_o unchurch_a of_o church_n and_o renounce_v of_o communion_n with_o they_o that_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o sacrament_n and_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o divine_a worship_n shall_v be_v dread_v by_o all_o sober_a christian_n yea_o all_o unnecessary_a distance_n shall_v be_v avoid_v lest_o they_o lead_v to_o great_a alienation_n and_o direct_a enmity_n and_o opposition_n those_o church_n that_o can_v hold_v local_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o by_o reason_n of_o difference_n that_o destroy_v not_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n shall_v yet_o maintain_v a_o dear_a and_o tender_a christian_a love_n one_o to_o another_o and_o profess_v their_o own_n of_o each_o other_o as_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o shall_v agree_v together_o upon_o certain_a just_a and_o equal_a rule_n for_o the_o management_n of_o their_o unavoidable_a difference_n so_o as_o may_v lest_o prejudice_n charity_n and_o common_a good_a and_o least_o harden_v the_o ungodly_a and_o grieve_v the_o weak_a or_o dishonour_n god_n or_o hinder_v the_o success_n of_o common_a great_a and_o necessary_a truth_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n amicable_o promote_a the_o common_a cause_n of_o christianity_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o in_o which_o they_o be_v agree_v and_o open_v their_o disagreement_n to_o the_o people_n as_o little_a as_o they_o can_v schism_n be_v a_o unwarrantable_a separation_n from_o or_o division_n in_o a_o church_n and_o without_o controversy_n it_o be_v a_o heinous_a sin_n and_o to_o be_v detest_v both_o for_o its_o exceed_a sinfulness_n and_o woeful_a consequent_n but_o it_o have_v be_v so_o disguise_v and_o the_o odious_a name_n have_v be_v so_o confuse_o cast_v abroad_o and_o so_o unreasonable_o and_o malicious_o misapply_v that_o it_o be_v too_o slight_o think_v of_o where_o it_o shall_v be_v sad_o lay_v to_o heart_n for_o it_o be_v common_a with_o the_o strong_a party_n be_v it_o right_n or_o wrong_n to_o call_v themselves_o the_o church_n and_o to_o have_v no_o better_a name_n for_o other_o than_o schismatic_n and_o so_o the_o reproach_n be_v but_o contemn_v by_o they_o that_o suffer_v it_o and_o the_o sin_n itself_o be_v too_o little_o fear_v on_o all_o side_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o temporal_a law_n nor_o secular_a power_n nor_o any_o prevalence_n of_o strength_n or_o interest_n that_o make_v a_o church_n and_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n will_v excuse_v they_o from_o schism_n that_o act_n uncharitable_o against_o their_o brethren_n and_o obstruct_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o godliness_n nor_o be_v they_o forthwith_o to_o be_v count_v schismatic_n who_o can_v in_o all_o point_n observe_v the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o can_v neglect_v to_o yield_v their_o help_n to_o the_o save_n of_o soul_n that_o will_v otherwise_o want_v due_a mean_n of_o salvation_n when_o god_n have_v call_v they_o to_o that_o service_n with_o a_o woe_n unto_o they_o if_o they_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n for_o as_o much_o as_o all_o must_v dread_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n true_o so_o call_v let_v it_o be_v well_o consider_v that_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o schismatical_a imposition_n as_o the_o people_n be_v to_o shun_v schismatical_a recusancy_n and_o disobedience_n as_o well_o the_o pastor_n wisdom_n as_o the_o people_n due_a submission_n be_v here_o importunate_o call_v for_o when_o superior_n know_v how_o to_o command_v and_o inferior_n how_o to_o obey_v thing_n will_v go_v as_o well_o as_o may_v be_v hope_v for_o in_o this_o our_o imperfect_a state_n here_o upon_o earth_n as_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v best_a assure_v by_o suppress_v all_o conscientious_a inquiry_n into_o its_o decree_n so_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v most_o secure_v by_o the_o most_o perfect_a exercise_n of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o upright_a conscience_n in_o all_o its_o adherent_n that_o church_n that_o claim_v to_o herself_o a_o infallibility_n or_o challenge_n and_o obtain_v from_o her_o partaker_n a_o implicit_a faith_n in_o her_o determination_n without_o further_a enquiry_n need_v not_o fear_v the_o break_n of_o the_o bond_n of_o her_o peace_n if_o she_o multiply_v constitution_n and_o impose_v any_o devise_a doctrine_n and_o ordinance_n suitable_a to_o
her_o own_o estate_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o a_o rational_a conscientious_a and_o true_o pious_a concord_n among_o such_o christian_n as_o know_v and_o care_n what_o they_o believe_v can_v never_o be_v procure_v without_o avoid_v the_o imposition_n of_o thing_n unwritten_a and_o unnecessary_a in_o which_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o man_n of_o sound_a faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n general_o to_o agree_v but_o when_o necessary_a thing_n only_o be_v enjoin_v their_o weight_n and_o truth_n will_v soon_o be_v know_v and_o own_a of_o all_o honest_a mind_n or_o at_o least_o be_v most_o likely_a so_o to_o be_v and_o much_o soon_o and_o easy_a than_o the_o weight_n and_o truth_n of_o little_a and_o doubtful_a thing_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o will_v more_o easy_o move_v with_o joint_a consent_n in_o one_o godly_a order_n the_o matter_n of_o their_o difference_n be_v before_o hand_n take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n this_o moderate_a course_n be_v hold_v the_o union_n of_o unseigned_a faith_n and_o love_n will_v become_v a_o sure_a foundation_n of_o true_a christian_a concord_n with_o sound_a judgement_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o do_v that_o for_o the_o suppress_n of_o schism_n in_o the_o right_a state_n of_o christianity_n which_o implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n do_v in_o false_a corrupt_a and_o antichristian_a state_n here_o it_o be_v main_o requisite_a that_o those_o thing_n that_o most_o promote_v or_o hinder_v the_o new_a birth_n and_o spiritual_a life_n be_v by_o pastor_n and_o people_n universal_o most_v regard_v and_o those_o that_o make_v little_a for_o or_o against_o the_o same_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o of_o little_a moment_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v when_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n be_v due_o prize_v and_o most_o contend_v for_o contention_n about_o little_a thing_n will_v soon_o expire_v and_o if_o this_o course_n be_v take_v hypocrite_n will_v lose_v their_o advantage_n of_o seem_v religious_a by_o zeal_n for_o those_o thing_n wherein_o religion_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o carnal_a design_n and_o interest_n that_o now_o rend_v the_o church_n and_o trouble_v all_o thing_n will_v be_v defeat_v and_o abandon_v moreover_o to_o maintain_v peace_n they_o that_o rule_n have_v need_n consider_v what_o mistake_v and_o weakness_n be_v compatible_a to_o true_a believer_n and_o sometime_o to_o the_o best_a and_o choice_a of_o they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o bear_v too_o hard_o upon_o they_o and_o they_o that_o be_v rule_v must_v consider_v that_o the_o best_a polity_n or_o constitution_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v of_o man_n regulate_v have_v defect_n and_o inconvenience_n and_o affair_n will_v be_v complicate_v and_o therefore_o they_o must_v not_o be_v too_o unyield_a but_o bear_v with_o what_o be_v tolerable_a and_o not_o easy_o remediable_a though_o they_o may_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a do_v a_o sinful_a act_n or_o omit_v a_o duty_n in_o the_o season_n of_o it_o for_o by_o want_n of_o such_o forbearance_n they_o may_v soon_o destroy_v the_o good_a part_n than_o mend_v what_o be_v amiss_o it_o be_v not_o seldom_o in_o such_o case_n that_o man_n seek_v remedy_n that_o prove_v worse_o than_o the_o disease_n if_o the_o heal_n of_o breach_n require_v a_o yield_a or_o recede_v from_o what_o have_v be_v stand_v upon_o it_o shall_v be_v on_o that_o part_n where_o equity_n and_o necessity_n declare_v it_o shall_v be_v it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a for_o every_o christian_n to_o resolve_v what_o be_v right_a in_o many_o opinion_n and_o usage_n as_o for_o those_o in_o power_n to_o omit_v the_o enforce_a of_o they_o unnecessary_a injunction_n may_v easy_o be_v part_v with_o than_o man_n judgement_n can_v be_v alter_v or_o their_o doubt_a conscience_n well_o settle_v this_o tenderness_n and_o forbearance_n be_v no_o lesson_n of_o the_o church_n '_o be_v honour_n and_o power_n and_o a_o little_a diversity_n iâ—_n little_a thing_n can_v rational_o move_v derisiâ—…_n in_o the_o irreligious_a nor_o just_o give_v scandal_n to_o any_o but_o there_o be_v thing_n of_o that_o slightness_n that_o a_o over-precise_a and_o importunate_a unifoâ—_n mity_n in_o they_o may_v occasion_v contempt_n and_o suspicion_n of_o hypocrisy_n or_o superstitious_a folly_n unity_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o trâ—…_n church_n and_o uniformity_n in_o external_a order_n be_v 〈◊〉_d be_v endeavour_v with_o sobriety_n and_o be_v best_a effecteâ—_n by_o cut_v off_o superfluous_a institution_n and_o lay_v ing_z no_o great_a burden_n on_o the_o faithful_a thaâ—_n thing_n necessary_a and_o this_o pacific_a state_n may_v bâ—_n as_o well_o hope_v as_o wish_v for_o if_o the_o guide_n oâ—_n the_o church_n will_v seek_v the_o thing_n of_o christ_n morâ—_n than_o their_o own_o thing_n but_o alas_o the_o usurpation_n and_o imposition_n oâ—_n proud_a and_o selfish_a man_n even_o in_o pretence_n oâ—_n suppress_v schism_n have_v hinder_v christiaâ—_n people_n from_o unite_n in_o the_o true_a centre_n of_o unity_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n as_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o which_o 〈◊〉_d the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o in_o deed_n they_o that_o prevail_v by_o power_n to_o advance_v their_o own_o devise_a way_n and_o crush_v disenter_n may_v make_v a_o desolation_n and_o then_o call_v it_o peace_n anâ—_n union_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o peace_n of_o christ_n kingdoâ—…_n division_n be_v cause_v by_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o weakness_n of_o good_a man_n ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o their_o own_o apprehen_fw-ge zion_n and_o inclination_n and_o not_o consider_v thâ—_n condition_n of_o other_o as_o their_o own_o nor_o mind_v the_o necessity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o lawful_a compliance_n or_o of_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o dissension_n chap._n xi_o a_o good_a frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n the_o promote_a of_o true_a christianity_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n before_o name_v pertain_v to_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n depend_v much_o upon_o a_o good_a frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n undoubted_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v appoint_v spiritual_a officer_n to_o guide_v and_o rule_v his_o church_n and_o in_o the_o government_n thereof_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o divine_a right_n and_o unalterable_a by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o support_n and_o due_a managment_n thereof_o that_o be_v of_o humane_a determination_n as_o to_o the_o particular_n both_o kind_n be_v liable_a to_o depravation_n and_o great_a abuse_n thing_n of_o divine_a right_n may_v be_v corrupt_o manage_v and_o pervert_v to_o wrong_a end_n and_o thing_n of_o man_n appointment_n be_v sometime_o not_o only_o ill_o manage_v but_o ill_o ordain_v as_o be_v whole_o incongruous_a and_o perhaps_o pernicious_a to_o the_o right_a end_n of_o government_n now_o a_o good_a polity_n be_v the_o whole_a compage_n of_o thing_n lay_v together_o in_o the_o fabric_n of_o the_o church_n fit_v and_o direct_v to_o promote_v the_o christian_a life_n or_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o to_o prevent_v or_o remedy_v the_o decay_n thereof_o and_o the_o more_o notable_o and_o powerful_o conducible_a it_o be_v to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o excellent_a according_a to_o this_o rule_n it_o have_v most_o regard_n for_o sincere_a christian_n and_o insist_o most_o upon_o their_o encouragement_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o number_n and_o it_o make_v all_o its_o external_a order_n and_o interest_n subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n regenerate_v the_o order_n wherein_o it_o excel_v be_v a_o orderly_a management_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o divine_a command_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o conversation_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o effectual_a for_o the_o obtain_n of_o their_o end_n by_o such_o necessary_a rule_n of_o prudence_n as_o be_v requisite_a in_o all_o human_a action_n it_o prefer_v purity_n and_o spirituality_n before_o external_a pomp_n though_o it_o neglect_v not_o those_o necessary_a decency_n and_o ornament_n that_o shall_v attend_v the_o service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o awful_a regard_n that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v thereto_o and_o the_o reverend_a demeanour_n to_o be_v use_v therein_o it_o provide_v able_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o every_o pastor_n be_v resident_a with_o his_o own_o flock_n and_o that_o he_o due_o feed_v they_o and_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o mercenary_a procure_v at_o the_o cheap_a rate_n it_o provide_v by_o a_o liberal_a maintenance_n worthy_a endowment_n and_o privilege_n for_o that_o meet_a support_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o preserve_v the_o
communion_n with_o they_o all_o as_o far_o as_o catholic_n principle_n will_v give_v leave_n in_o pursue_v the_o end_n of_o this_o interest_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o private_a or_o unauthorized_a person_n enter_v into_o such_o state_v combination_n and_o correspondence_n as_o the_o jesuit_n and_o other_o order_n under_o the_o papacy_n have_v settle_v in_o their_o society_n throughout_o the_o world_n for_o all_o pious_a christian_n be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o have_v one_o spirit_n touch_v the_o main_a of_o this_o design_n and_o be_v incline_v to_o pursue_v the_o same_o with_o one_o accord_n and_o indeed_o so_o it_o be_v that_o only_o the_o sincere_a friend_n of_o truth_n man_n of_o upright_a heart_n and_o humble_a spirit_n and_o honest_a life_n will_v observe_v and_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o this_o interest_n and_o it_o suffice_v if_o they_o keep_v close_o to_o their_o common_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n and_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o know_v the_o present_a state_n of_o god_n israel_n and_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o each_o other_o as_o opportunity_n of_o converse_n offer_v itself_o and_o so_o govern_v themselves_o and_o carry_v on_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n by_o such_o honest_a and_o harmless_a mean_n as_o need_v not_o shun_v the_o light_n but_o may_v stand_v before_o the_o face_n of_o all_o opposer_n chap._n xxxii_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o high_a power_n in_o promote_a the_o religiousness_n of_o their_o people_n the_o advancement_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o high_a power_n if_o to_o maintain_v god_n honour_n and_o man_n chief_a good_a be_v their_o interest_n and_o if_o the_o defy_v of_o god_n and_o the_o utter_a undo_n of_o man_n be_v against_o it_o yea_o if_o the_o tranquillity_n and_o peace_n of_o governor_n and_o the_o stability_n of_o government_n be_v regard_v human_a wisdom_n will_v direct_v to_o promote_v that_o way_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man._n godliness_n include_v prudence_n justice_n temperance_n fortitude_n and_o all_o goodness_n it_o be_v a_o internal_a law_n effectual_o subdue_a they_o that_o have_v it_o to_o all_o external_a law_n that_o be_v just_a and_o good_a and_o the_o example_n of_o it_o go_v far_o to_o the_o better_n of_o many_o other_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o humanity_n it_o be_v regular_a and_o harmonious_a in_o every_o part_n it_o lead_v to_o order_n peace_n and_o unity_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o inconsistent_a with_o right_a policy_n it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o true_a wisdom_n and_o apt_a to_o take_v most_o among_o the_o serious_a and_o well_o advise_v part_n of_o the_o people_n and_o when_o it_o have_v take_v hold_n of_o they_o it_o make_v they_o wise_a and_o serious_a more_o abundant_o it_o correct_v rash_a rugged_a wrathful_a and_o fierce_a nature_n and_o to_o say_v the_o least_o whatsoever_o turbulence_n may_v afterward_o remain_v in_o such_o it_o make_v they_o of_o far_o more_o sedate_n and_o castigate_v spirit_n than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v and_o though_o it_o do_v not_o forthwith_o exterminate_v yet_o it_o so_o debilitates_fw-la all_o complexional_a distemper_n that_o they_o can_v break_v forth_o into_o a_o course_n of_o mischief_n and_o ordinary_o it_o work_v a_o evident_a notable_a change_n of_o so_o great_a force_n be_v a_o attentive_a and_o active_a conscience_n over_o all_o human_a passion_n and_o doubtless_o it_o be_v the_o strong_a bond_n to_o hold_v subject_n in_o obedience_n to_o their_o governor_n for_o the_o conscientious_a be_v hold_v in_o by_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o dread_n of_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v beside_o the_o sense_n of_o man_n wrath_n which_o they_o have_v in_o common_a with_o all_o considerate_a person_n wherefore_o it_o be_v clear_o the_o prince_n interest_n that_o his_o subject_n universal_o if_o it_o can_v be_v shall_v be_v religious_a and_o consequent_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o government_n to_o endeavour_v it_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v attainable_a and_o if_o he_o will_v bring_v they_o to_o such_o a_o state_n he_o be_v to_o take_v care_n to_o exalt_v god_n immediate_a sovereignty_n over_o their_o consciency_n and_o under_o that_o sovereignty_n to_o hold_v they_o in_o subjection_n to_o himself_o for_o where_o conscience_n be_v not_o preserve_v in_o its_o awful_a regard_n to_o god_n law_n as_o its_o supreme_a rule_n true_a religion_n be_v extinguish_v and_o they_o be_v the_o patron_n of_o irreligion_n who_o propagate_v such_o principle_n as_o tend_v to_o alienate_v the_o conscience_n from_o its_o true_a sovereign_n and_o proprietor_n and_o either_o to_o make_v it_o servile_a to_o those_o who_o have_v no_o just_a dominion_n over_o it_o or_o to_o debauch_v it_o into_o searedness_n or_o dead_a security_n one_o way_n most_o needful_a and_o advantageous_a for_o preserve_v god_n authority_n over_o conscience_n be_v most_o effectual_o to_o bind_v god_n law_n upon_o the_o people_n and_o to_o order_v what_o thing_n else_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o due_a observation_n thereof_o and_o to_o lay_v no_o other_o yoke_n upon_o they_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n and_o as_o this_o way_n import_v much_o to_o the_o sincerity_n and_o reality_n of_o religion_n so_o it_o do_v no_o less_o to_o the_o keep_n of_o religious_a mind_n in_o unity_n for_o in_o what_o centre_n will_v the_o judicious_o conscientious_a unite_v if_o not_o in_o the_o reveal_v mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v apprehend_v by_o they_o will_v the_o injunction_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n better_a resolve_v the_o doubt_n of_o such_o man_n or_o silence_v their_o dispute_n this_o be_v not_o urge_v to_o prove_v that_o superior_n can_v enjoin_v nothing_o in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v particular_o before_o enjoin_v of_o god_n or_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o inferior_n be_v not_o bind_v by_o their_o command_n in_o subordination_n to_o god_n command_n but_o only_o that_o they_o take_v the_o best_a course_n for_o the_o unfeigned_a piety_n and_o true_o christian_a concord_n of_o their_o people_n that_o by_o their_o injunction_n seek_v main_o to_o promote_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o add_v no_o more_o of_o their_o own_o than_o what_o be_v clear_o necessary_a thereunto_o and_o what_o more_o just_a and_o prudent_a course_n than_o to_o forbear_v thing_n that_o be_v unnecessary_a and_o unserviceable_a to_o the_o promote_a of_o truth_n and_o peace_n yet_o with_o a_o perplexity_n and_o a_o stumble_a block_n a_o easy_a inlet_n to_o all_o dissolute_a or_o ductile_a spirit_n and_o a_o bar_n against_o many_o of_o know_a sincerity_n and_o to_o use_v that_o moderation_n in_o the_o public_a rule_n and_o standard_n which_o take_v away_o or_o exceed_o lessen_v dissent_n and_o consequent_o the_o occasion_n of_o dissension_n the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n forbid_v christian_a magistrate_n to_o destroy_v sincere_a christian_n for_o their_o little_a difference_n and_o narrow_a principle_n in_o form_n of_o church_n order_n and_o no_o reason_n of_o state_n will_v oblige_v they_o to_o that_o severity_n how_o importunate_o soever_o some_o interest_v man_n may_v urge_v it_o judicious_a charity_n or_o a_o prudent_a indulgence_n towards_o such_o can_v undermine_v religion_n or_o the_o civil_a state_n and_o a_o sound_a ecclesiastical_a polity_n set_v for_o the_o increase_n of_o true_a godliness_n will_v receive_v no_o damage_n by_o it_o but_o it_o will_v rather_o gain_v upon_o those_o dissenter_n and_o if_o their_o scruple_n be_v not_o remove_v it_o shall_v abide_v firm_a and_o stable_a and_o grow_v in_o strength_n by_o the_o reputation_n of_o its_o own_o goodness_n and_o sufficiency_n in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o hazard_v or_o impair_v by_o this_o charity_n and_o forbearance_n the_o high_a power_n by_o grant_v some_o limit_a liberty_n do_v more_o universal_o protect_v the_o faithful_a and_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o competition_n with_o the_o advancement_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v able_a and_o wise_a enough_o to_o provide_v against_o any_o dangerous_a inconvenience_n the_o bound_n and_o rule_n of_o this_o indulgence_n be_v not_o so_o undiscoverable_a as_o to_o make_v it_o a_o vain_a proposal_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o idle_a demand_n of_o those_o that_o require_v a_o enumeration_n of_o all_o particular_n than_o which_o nothing_o more_o or_o less_o may_v be_v tolerate_v in_o any_o case_n all_o particularity_n in_o any_o human_a affair_n be_v not_o easy_a nor_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v at_o one_o view_n nor_o be_v they_o so_o fix_v but_o they_o may_v admit_v considerable_a variation_n according_a to_o the_o different_a state_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v general_a rule_n of_o prudence_n that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a indication_n of_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v at_o any_o
the_o thing_n here_o principal_o look_v after_o be_v the_o receive_n and_o propagate_a of_o holy_a doctrine_n draw_v out_o of_o the_o pure_a fountain_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n the_o right_a administration_n of_o true_a gospel_n worship_n by_o which_o god_n be_v glorify_v as_o god_n and_o the_o worshipper_n be_v make_v more_o godly_a the_o due_a preach_v of_o god_n word_n and_o dispensation_n of_o other_o divine_a ordinance_n by_o personslawful_o call_v thereunto_o for_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n and_o edification_n of_o convert_n holy_a discipline_n true_o and_o faithful_o administer_v by_o the_o pastor_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n require_v and_o the_o state_n thereof_o will_v bear_v religious_a family_n government_n private_a mutual_a exhortation_n pious_a conference_n and_o profitable_a conversation_n the_o predominant_a influence_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o a_o nation_n yet_o without_o usurpation_n or_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o civil_a right_n of_o any_o especial_o of_o the_o high_a power_n the_o unity_n of_o christian_n and_o their_o mutual_a charity_n conspicuous_a and_o illustrious_a and_o last_o in_o order_n to_o all_o these_o intent_n a_o good_a frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n holy_a doctrine_n be_v the_o incorruptible_a seed_n of_o regeneration_n by_o which_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v beget_v it_o be_v not_o here_o intend_v to_o represent_v a_o perfect_a scheme_n thereof_o for_o it_o suffice_v to_o signify_v that_o extract_v thereof_o from_o holy_a scripture_n be_v draw_v out_o in_o the_o ancient_a catholic_a creed_n and_o in_o the_o harmonious_a confession_n of_o the_o present_a reform_a church_n nevertheless_o our_o design_n require_v the_o observation_n of_o some_o most_o important_a thing_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n as_o that_o there_o be_v first_o a_o earnest_n and_o hearty_a belief_n of_o the_o existence_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o government_n of_o mankind_n by_o law_n congruous_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o human_a soul_n and_o of_o a_o life_n of_o retribution_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n 2_o right_o apprehension_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o attribute_n more_o especial_o of_o his_o holiness_n comprehend_v as_o well_o his_o purity_n and_o justice_n as_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n that_o as_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o procure_v his_o creature_n happiness_n and_o refuse_v none_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o so_o that_o he_o can_v deny_v himself_o and_o that_o he_o receive_v note_n but_o upon_o term_n agreeable_a to_o his_o holiness_n 3_o a_o idea_n of_o godliness_n in_o themind_n not_o as_o shape_v by_o any_o private_a conception_n but_o as_o express_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o workmanship_n it_o be_v that_o christianity_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n may_v be_v the_o same_o with_o christianity_n in_o the_o scripture_n 4._o the_o receive_n of_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n not_o as_o allegorize_v in_o the_o fancy_n of_o some_o enthusiast_n wherein_o it_o vanish_v to_o nothing_o but_o as_o verisied_a in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n wherein_o it_o become_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n and_o so_o not_o to_o sever_v the_o internal_a spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o its_o external_a frame_n the_o basis_n whereof_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n last_o soundness_n of_o judgement_n in_o those_o great_a gospel_n verity_n that_o be_v write_v for_o the_o exalt_v of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o true_a godliness_n and_o the_o encourage_v of_o the_o godly_a in_o opposition_n to_o ungracious_a ungodly_a and_o uncomfortable_a error_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v these_o follow_a truth_n that_o the_o study_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o all_o christian_n that_o according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n be_v skilful_a in_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n they_o may_v discern_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o offer_v to_o god_n a_o reasonable_a service_n according_a to_o his_o revealed_z will_n that_o internal_a illumination_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o that_o regard_n not_o inspire_v new_a revelation_n but_o enable_v to_o discern_v saving_o what_o be_v already_o reveal_v in_o nature_n and_o scripture_n that_o man_n be_v create_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o that_o in_o this_o state_n he_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o self-determining_a principle_n call_v freewill_n and_o thereby_o make_v capable_a of_o abide_v holy_a and_o happy_a or_o of_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o misery_n according_a to_o his_o own_o choice_n and_o that_o god_n leave_v he_o to_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o own_o choice_n have_v give_v he_o whatsoever_o power_n or_o assistance_n be_v necessary_a to_o his_o stand_n that_o the_o first_o man_n be_v set_v in_o this_o capacity_n fall_v from_o god_n and_o it_o please_v god_n not_o to_o annihilate_v he_o nor_o to_o prevent_v his_o propagate_a of_o a_o issue_n in_o the_o same_o fall_v state_n which_o will_v follow_v upon_o his_o fall_n but_o leave_v the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n to_o pass_v according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n be_v now_o fall_v that_o by_o the_o sin_n of_o adam_n all_o man_n be_v make_v sinner_n and_o corrupt_v in_o their_o whole_a nature_n and_o be_v under_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o liable_a to_o eternal_a condemnation_n and_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o wicked_a bent_n of_o their_o own_o will_n be_v continual_o add_v to_o their_o original_a sin_n a_o heap_n of_o actual_a transgression_n and_o so_o be_v of_o themselves_o in_o a_o miserable_a and_o helpless_a condition_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o his_o full_a intention_n and_o his_o father_n commandment_n have_v make_v propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o far_o as_o thereby_o to_o procure_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o salvation_n of_o soul_n to_o all_o that_o do_v unfeigned_o believe_v and_o repent_v that_o man_n be_v dead_a in_o sin_n can_v be_v quicken_v to_o the_o divine_a life_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n grace_n raise_v he_o above_o the_o impotency_n of_o lapse_v nature_n that_o the_o culpable_a impotency_n of_o lapse_v nature_n to_o save_v good_a lie_v in_o the_o fix_a full_a aversation_n of_o the_o will_n by_o a_o deplorable_a obstinacy_n nill_v that_o good_a to_o which_o the_o natural_a faculty_n can_v reach_v and_o aught_o to_o incline_v as_o to_o their_o due_a object_n that_o the_o root_n of_o godliness_n lie_v in_o regeneration_n and_o inward_a sanctification_n that_o god_n call_v some_o by_o the_o help_n of_o that_o special_a grace_n which_o infallible_o effect_v their_o conversion_n and_o adhesion_n to_o he_o without_o any_o impeachment_n of_o the_o natural_a liberty_n of_o the_o will_n that_o whatsoever_o god_n do_v in_o time_n and_o in_o whatsoever_o order_n he_o do_v it_o he_o decree_v from_o eternity_n to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o in_o the_o same_o order_n and_o so_o he_o decree_v from_o eternity_n to_o give_v that_o special_a grace_n to_o some_o and_o by_o it_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o glory_n which_o decree_n be_v eternal_a election_n to_o which_o be_v opposite_a the_o pure_a negative_a of_o nonelection_n as_o for_o preordination_n to_o everlasting_a punishment_n it_o pass_v not_o upon_o any_o but_o on_o the_o foresight_n and_o consideration_n of_o their_o final_a abode_n in_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n that_o the_o more_o common_a conviction_n inclination_n and_o endeavour_n towards_o god_n in_o person_n unregenerate_a be_v good_a in_o their_o degree_n and_o the_o ordinary_a preparative_n to_o a_o save_a change_n and_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o divine_a grace_n which_o be_v call_v common_a that_o deligent_fw-la seek_v after_o god_n by_o the_o help_n of_o common_a grace_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a it_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o some_o further_a attainment_n towards_o the_o soul_n recovery_n and_o it_o be_v regard_v of_o god_n in_o its_o degree_n and_o god_n do_v not_o deny_v man_n further_a degree_n of_o help_n till_o they_o refuse_v to_o follow_v after_o he_o by_o not_o use_v the_o help_n already_o give_v they_o and_o by_o resist_v his_o further_a aid_n that_o god_n have_v make_v all_o man_n savable_a and_o though_o he_o do_v not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o will_v the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o all_o yet_o he_o will_v it_o so_o far_o and_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o encourage_v the_o diligent_a in_o their_o endeavour_n and_o to_o convict_v the_o careless_a of_o be_v inexcusable_a despiser_n of_o his_o grace_n towards_o they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o
know_v not_o whether_o shall_v prosper_v this_o or_o that_o or_o whether_o they_o shall_v be_v alike_o good_a whatsoever_o scornful_a or_o careless_a man_n conceit_n hereof_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v make_v it_o praiseworthy_a and_o precious_a the_o tongue_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o choice_a silver_n and_o the_o lip_n of_o the_o righteous_a feed_v many_o and_o to_o good_a heart_n this_o practice_n will_v not_o be_v burdensome_a for_o they_o will_v recreate_v their_o mind_n herewith_o as_o a_o holy_a divertisement_n and_o serious_a pastime_n while_o other_o spend_v their_o leisure_n in_o that_o mirth_n and_o laughter_n which_o the_o wise_a man_n call_v madness_n chap._n ix_o the_o prevalence_n of_o religion_n or_o real_a godliness_n in_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o a_o nation_n in_o christian_a state_n and_o kingdom_n religion_n be_v god_n interest_n aught_o to_o have_v the_o preeminence_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o its_o preeminence_n be_v no_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o right_n of_o the_o high_a power_n but_o their_o establishment_n god_n alone_o have_v a_o underive_v and_o unlimited_a empire_n over_o man_n his_o creature_n the_o people_n be_v primary_o god_n subject_n and_o then_o be_v subject_a to_o prince_n as_o to_o his_o vicegerent_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o be_v the_o grand_a interest_n both_o of_o prince_n and_o people_n none_o can_v doubt_v that_o god_n have_v make_v his_o own_o glory_n and_o man_n salvation_n the_o supreme_a end_n of_o government_n and_o subjection_n and_o consequent_o that_o be_v the_o best_a policy_n which_o give_v these_o end_n the_o high_a place_n and_o make_v temporal_a advantage_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n subordinate_a thereunto_o and_o this_o require_v that_o the_o constitution_n give_v the_o high_a regard_n to_o god_n law_n and_o maintain_v their_o authority_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a public_a administration_n tend_v to_o the_o promote_a of_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o to_o the_o suppress_n of_o all_o unrighteous_a and_o impious_a practice_n as_o it_o be_v the_o church_n duty_n and_o honour_n to_o teach_v and_o command_v her_o child_n to_o do_v whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v so_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n and_o chief_a glory_n of_o the_o magistrate_n who_o be_v god_n minister_n to_o defend_v the_o faith_n and_o uphold_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o further_a the_o most_o lively_a and_o powerful_a dispensation_n of_o they_o and_o to_o encourage_v and_o command_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n write_v in_o nature_n or_o scripture_n in_o subserviency_n hereunto_o his_o power_n be_v to_o determine_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v requisite_a in_o general_n but_o in_o particular_a be_v leave_v undetermined_a of_o god_n and_o therefore_o call_v indifferent_a and_o be_v to_o be_v order_v by_o human_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o for_o these_o end_v the_o chief_a magistrate_n have_v a_o supremacy_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a but_o it_o be_v no_o diminution_n of_o his_o authority_n to_o remove_v from_o it_o thing_n unnecessary_a unprofitablen_a and_o offensive_a in_o their_o use_n and_o for_o their_o doubtful_a nature_n apt_a to_o perplex_v the_o subject_n conscience_n and_o he_o be_v the_o general_a bishop_n of_o his_o dominion_n in_o a_o political_a sense_n without_o any_o encroachment_n upon_o that_o authority_n wherewith_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o the_o church_n have_v invest_v spiritual_a pastor_n as_o he_o be_v such_o a_o officer_n it_o be_v worthy_a of_o his_o chief_a care_n to_o provide_v and_o send_v forth_o able_a and_o faithful_a dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n that_o may_v teach_v the_o people_n the_o good_a knowledge_n of_o god_n after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o good_a king_n jehoshaphat_n and_o to_o see_v that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v the_o cure_n of_o soul_n be_v resident_a with_o his_o flock_n and_o constant_o instruct_v they_o by_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o catechise_v they_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v pluralist_n to_o seize_v upon_o several_a congregation_n as_o a_o prey_n to_o fleece_v but_o not_o to_o feed_v they_o to_o encourage_v laborious_a minister_n that_o watch_n for_o the_o people_n soul_n as_o those_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n and_o strict_o to_o enjoin_v the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n which_o be_v sanctify_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n by_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n in_o settle_v this_o as_o all_o other_o ordinance_n pertain_v to_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o so_o have_v continue_v in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o place_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o by_o as_o unquestionable_a tradition_n as_o the_o scripture_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o of_o little_a moment_n to_o suppress_v or_o at_o least_o to_o bring_v into_o disgrace_n whatsoever_o custom_n serve_v for_o nought_o but_o to_o feed_v inordinate_a sensuality_n and_o to_o make_v those_o that_o use_v they_o profane_v vicious_a and_o licentious_a there_o be_v frequent_v show_v and_o pastime_n well_o know_v that_o increase_n unto_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o may_v be_v call_v the_o devil_n ordinance_n those_o that_o wish_v well_o to_o piety_n have_v a_o ill_a part_n to_o act_v when_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o defend_v some_o exercise_n from_o which_o a_o extreem_v abuse_n be_v inseparable_a and_o which_o be_v make_v a_o trade_n of_o gain_n arise_v from_o the_o impurity_n and_o profaneness_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v incorrigible_a and_o can_v admit_v no_o reformation_n the_o piety_n of_o any_o nation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o formality_n and_o opinion_n and_o uniformity_n in_o little_a thing_n but_o by_o substantial_a devotion_n by_o solid_a zeal_n in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o main_a concern_v of_o religion_n by_o righteousness_n of_o life_n by_o sobriety_n purity_n modesty_n by_o peace_n and_o concord_n with_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o those_o difference_n that_o shall_v not_o and_o need_v not_o make_v breach_n among_o brethren_n by_o dutifulness_n in_o all_o relation_n by_o industry_n frugality_n and_o by_o abound_a charity_n that_o be_v full_a of_o good_a work_n happy_a be_v that_o state_n where_o religious_a influence_n be_v predominant_a where_o the_o pious_a and_o prudent_a bear_n sway_n not_o by_o intrusion_n but_o by_o lawful_a admission_n also_o where_o it_o arise_v to_o that_o strength_n as_o to_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o the_o affection_n and_o interest_n of_o a_o nation_n not_o by_o set_v up_o the_o faction_n of_o a_o few_o but_o by_o make_v the_o generality_n or_o at_o least_o the_o great_a number_n of_o considerable_a man_n some_o of_o they_o true_o regenerate_v christian_n and_o the_o rest_n orderly_o and_o well_o affect_v one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v out_o of_o question_n that_o it_o be_v more_o desirable_a that_o religiousness_n shall_v be_v in_o fashion_n than_o open_a dissoluteness_n and_o profaneness_n for_o uncontrolled_a profaneness_n will_v run_v down_o all_o religion_n but_o when_o those_o that_o reach_v not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n indeed_o come_v so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v up_o a_o outward_a garb_n thereof_o it_o be_v a_o great_a external_a advantage_n to_o true_a religion_n and_o show_v its_o prevalent_a influence_n on_o the_o public_a state_n if_o any_o shall_v demur_v upon_o this_o assertion_n by_o make_v it_o a_o question_n whether_o phariseim_n or_o profaneness_n be_v the_o worse_a evil_n let_v he_o know_v first_o that_o profane_a and_o dissolute_a christian_n be_v notorious_a hypocrite_n for_o profess_v to_o know_v god_n when_o in_o work_v they_o deny_v he_o beside_o phariseism_n be_v not_o simple_a insincerity_n but_o a_o compound_n hypocrisy_n wherein_o malignity_n and_o enmity_n against_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v the_o chief_a ingredient_n it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o strict_a externalness_n that_o seek_v to_o destroy_v the_o inward_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o it_o pretend_v to_o own_o i_o have_v no_o list_n to_o say_v that_o such_o malignity_n be_v less_o mischievous_a than_o filthy_a lewdness_n or_o debauchery_n but_o the_o garb_n of_o strict_a profession_n here_o mention_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o church_n good_a though_o we_o must_v continual_o and_o strict_o charge_v all_o man_n to_o beware_v of_o rest_v in_o it_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n chap._n x._o christian_n unity_n and_o concord_n all_o faithful_a christian_n be_v member_n of_o one_o mystical_a body_n have_v all_o one_o spirit_n one_o lord_n and_o head_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n and_o one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o they_o all_o one_o hope_n of_o their_o call_v and_o one_o heaven_n to_o receive_v they_o all_o
authority_n and_o reverend_a esteem_n of_o their_o person_n and_o office_n yet_o it_o regulate_v the_o same_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o prevent_v ambition_n avarice_n sensuality_n idleness_n haughtiness_n that_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n may_v not_o be_v encourage_v to_o aspire_v to_o its_o promotion_n and_o that_o good_a man_n may_v not_o degenerate_a and_o that_o the_o sacred_a name_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v hold_v by_o a_o society_n of_o man_n not_o carnal_a but_o true_o spiritual_a it_o be_v constitute_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o secure_v a_o succession_n of_o wise_a and_o godly_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n from_o age_n to_o age_n which_o be_v the_o sure_a mean_n of_o the_o church_n perpetual_a good_a estate_n it_o be_v not_o frame_v to_o uphold_v thing_n only_o serviceable_a to_o a_o carnal_a interest_n but_o to_o enforce_v thing_n acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o profitable_a to_o man_n and_o to_o suppress_v whatsoever_o tend_v to_o defeat_v the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o disgrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o to_o reform_v abuse_n impartial_o and_o effectual_o according_a to_o the_o true_a end_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n which_o be_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n it_o enlarge_v the_o power_n of_o do_v good_a and_o restrain_v the_o power_n of_o hurt_v as_o much_o as_o the_o end_n of_o government_n will_v permit_v such_o restraint_n according_o its_o great_a severity_n take_v hold_v of_o the_o worst_a man_n and_o the_o best_a be_v leave_v most_o at_o liberty_n and_o secure_a from_o unnecessary_a molestation_n it_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o satisfy_n of_o the_o just_a and_o reasonable_a demand_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v a_o choice_n and_o tender_a thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o intangle_a and_o perplex_v the_o same_o unnecessary_o it_o make_v the_o pastor_n government_n true_o pastoral_a that_o be_v not_o imperious_a and_o violent_a but_o paternal_a proceed_v by_o exhortation_n and_o doctrine_n and_o gentle_a instruction_n and_o love_n and_o when_o correction_n be_v necessary_a by_o the_o rod_n of_o discipline_n it_o aim_v at_o the_o form_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o govern_n of_o their_o conversation_n by_o good_a and_o sound_a principle_n and_o to_o make_v they_o aâ—…_n much_o as_o may_v be_v a_o law_n to_o themselves_o yet_o aâ—…_n suppose_v the_o exceed_a pravity_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n iâ—…_n leave_v not_o the_o safety_n of_o religion_n mere_o to_o man_n good_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n buâ—…_n by_o due_a restraint_n curb_v the_o remainder_n oâ—…_n man_n perverseness_n it_o seek_v not_o to_o debase_v the_o people_n and_o the_o press_v their_o faculty_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o easy_o lead_v captive_a by_o politic_a man_n at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o to_o ennoble_v they_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o to_o advance_v their_o understanding_n to_o the_o best_a improvement_n and_o according_o it_o take_v care_n that_o they_o may_v be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o faith_n and_o godliness_n in_o a_o word_n it_o will_v make_v even_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a of_o they_o not_o brutus_n buâ—_n man_n and_o not_o mere_a natural_a man_n but_o christian_n or_o spiritual_a men._n the_o subject_n here_o describe_v have_v different_a degree_n of_o excellency_n as_o it_o be_v more_o or_o less_o answerable_a to_o its_o rule_n and_o available_a to_o its_o end_n but_o notwithstanding_o divers_a defect_n and_o error_n if_o that_o which_o be_v wholesome_a and_o good_a be_v predominant_a it_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o good_a constitution_n yet_o the_o best_a be_v most_o desirable_a of_o such_o consequence_n be_v the_o structure_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n that_o if_o it_o be_v naught_o it_o have_v a_o continual_a evil_a influence_n on_o all_o church_n affair_n and_o pervert_v the_o whole_a course_n thereof_o and_o the_o make_n of_o many_o particular_a good_a law_n or_o rule_n will_v not_o help_v it_o for_o in_o that_o case_n they_o be_v render_v almost_o useless_a it_o be_v notable_o observe_v by_o a_o person_n of_o eminent_a worth_n church_n government_n be_v a_o fort_n or_o castle_n if_o traitor_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n get_v the_o possession_n of_o it_o it_o be_v desirable_a that_o the_o castle_n be_v ruin_v and_o the_o christian_a religion_n leave_v to_o support_v itself_o by_o the_o innate_a evidence_n of_o its_o own_o truth_n than_o be_v forcible_o maintain_v for_o contrary_a end_n and_o prove_v a_o mystery_n of_o ungodliness_n and_o tyranny_n chap._n xii_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o first_o externalness_n and_o formality_n every_o kind_n of_o excellency_n in_o the_o present_a world_n have_v its_o counterfeit_n or_o false_a resemblance_n which_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n be_v the_o depravation_n or_o degeneration_n thereof_o and_o so_o the_o true_a religion_n have_v its_o degeneration_n which_o be_v destructive_a to_o it_o yet_o in_o this_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n be_v easy_o mistake_v and_o exalt_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o dead_a image_n of_o christianity_n without_o the_o inward_a life_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o work_v thereof_o be_v dead_a work_n be_v not_o wrought_v in_o god_n it_o be_v the_o dominion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o unmortified_a lust_n under_o pretence_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o zeal_n of_o some_o unnecessary_a opinion_n and_o unprofitable_a observance_n receive_v sometime_o from_o a_o more_o peculiar_a and_o private_a fancy_n sometime_o from_o the_o general_a custom_n and_o tradition_n or_o at_o the_o best_a a_o zeal_n of_o orthodoxality_n when_o that_o form_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n be_v not_o obey_v from_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o self-chosen_a godliness_n and_o not_o of_o god_n make_v take_v up_o to_o delude_v the_o conscience_n and_o lift_v up_o the_o soul_n with_o high_a but_o ill-grounded_a hope_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n to_o excuse_v it_o from_o that_o which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n the_o renounce_n of_o the_o carnal_a life_n and_o all_o worldly_a lust_n and_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n love_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n and_o a_o life_n of_o purity_n goodness_n and_o impartial_a righteousness_n the_o best_a of_o it_o be_v but_o a_o gloss_n or_o varnish_n of_o superficial_a religiousness_n accompany_v with_o a_o dead_a kind_n of_o morality_n which_o have_v its_o rise_n from_o education_n or_o from_o complexion_n otherwise_o call_v good_a nature_n but_o spring_v not_o from_o the_o root_n of_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o a_o live_a faith_n in_o jesus_n christ._n the_o several_a imposture_n disguise_n and_o false_a pretence_n by_o which_o man_n delude_v themselves_o and_o abuse_v the_o world_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v almost_o numberless_a yet_o they_o general_o fall_v into_o one_o of_o these_o two_o main_a current_n of_o religious_a aberration_n either_o the_o political_a popular_a and_o broad_a way_n of_o externalness_n and_o customariness_n or_o the_o devious_a path_n of_o sectarian_n dissetledness_n and_o extravagancy_n the_o more_o ample_a degeneration_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o mere_o formal_a external_a and_o political_a state_n thereof_o that_o have_v prevail_v far_o and_o near_o over_o the_o christian_a world_n this_o externalness_n be_v very_o plausible_a and_o specious_a but_o very_o consistent_a and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n accompany_v with_o a_o large_a indulgence_n to_o the_o flesh_n and_o with_o much_o licentiousness_n of_o principle_n and_o practice_n and_o it_o cast_v the_o mind_n into_o a_o deep_a forgetfulness_n of_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o substantial_a in_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o common_a road_n and_o broad_a way_n because_o most_o obvious_a and_o easy_a to_o the_o carnal_a spirit_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o have_v some_o conscience_n of_o religion_n glad_o take_v up_o with_o a_o form_n that_o with_o more_o security_n and_o peace_n they_o may_v deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o as_o also_o because_o it_o seem_v most_o serviceable_a to_o superior_n for_o shape_a and_o sway_v the_o conscience_n of_o inferior_n to_o their_o will_n and_o to_o the_o end_n by_o they_o design_v according_o as_o it_o get_v ground_n it_o erect_v a_o frame_n of_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o show_n of_o piety_n unity_n and_o order_n but_o be_v real_o a_o engine_n devise_v to_o destroy_v whatsoever_o may_v be_v true_o call_v by_o those_o lovely_a name_n when_o man_n false_a and_o vain_a invention_n rule_v instead_o of_o god_n oracle_n when_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v mingle_v with_o such_o doctrine_n institution_n and_o observance_n as_o corrupt_v the_o purity_n enervate_a the_o power_n and_o frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o the_o misapprehension_n or_o misapplication_n of_o true_a
have_v hurry_v some_o under_o pretence_n of_o erect_v the_o five_o monarchy_n to_o rend_v and_o tear_v kingdom_n and_o nation_n to_o attempt_v the_o dissolve_v of_o all_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o most_o ready_a way_n to_o subvert_v god_n kingdom_n by_o the_o subversion_n of_o christian_a magistracy_n and_o ministry_n and_o to_o dispossess_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o territory_n it_o have_v gain_v some_o have_v proceed_v so_o far_o in_o the_o pretend_a reign_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o to_o abrogate_v the_o external_a frame_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o turn_v the_o gospel_n history_n into_o mystical_a allegory_n yet_o such_o as_o may_v be_v conceive_v and_o shape_v in_o a_o vulgar_a fancy_n and_o be_v low_a and_o despicable_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n according_a to_o the_o historical_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o worse_o some_o have_v be_v so_o gross_a as_o to_o turn_v into_o a_o allegory_n the_o great_a hope_n of_o our_o christian_a calling_n even_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o so_o pervert_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o a_o mysterious_a infidelity_n and_o apostasy_n from_o jesus_n christ._n yea_o some_o pervert_n the_o high_a expression_n of_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o dwell_v in_o god_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o like_a have_v impious_o talk_v of_o their_o begod_v condition_n and_o blasphemous_o entitle_v the_o most_o high_a and_o holy_a one_o to_o their_o abominable_a extravagancy_n and_o impurity_n and_o beside_o all_o these_o some_o be_v perpetual_a seeker_n have_v no_o fix_v belief_n in_o the_o most_o important_a point_n person_n so_o far_o enlighten_v as_o not_o to_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o high_a way_n than_o the_o common_a dead_a formality_n and_o have_v some_o taste_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o thereby_o raise_v above_o the_o general_a indifferency_n and_o lukewarmness_n unto_o a_o kind_n of_o strictness_n seriousness_n and_o fervour_n of_o spirit_n in_o religion_n yet_o fall_v short_a of_o true_a conversion_n and_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v well_o conceit_v of_o their_o own_o gift_n and_o part_n and_o seem_a grace_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o a_o full_a gale_n of_o fancy_n into_o the_o gulf_n of_o these_o delusion_n and_o a_o tincture_n of_o this_o contagion_n though_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n may_v seize_v on_o some_o who_o stand_v in_o the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n be_v deceive_v by_o a_o show_n of_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n and_o peradventure_o lie_v under_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o some_o ensnare_a occasion_n which_o work_n upon_o the_o remainder_n of_o pride_n levity_n curiosity_n and_o other_o corruption_n which_o the_o present_a imperfect_a state_n leave_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o real_a christian_n and_o some_o of_o these_o may_v soon_o fall_v into_o absurd_a opinion_n than_o many_o that_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n who_o may_v easy_o abide_v among_o the_o orthodox_n either_o because_o they_o do_v not_o concern_v themselves_o in_o religious_a inquiry_n or_o because_o they_o be_v hold_v by_o worldly_a advantage_n which_o stand_v on_o truth_n side_n the_o fancy_n be_v soon_o fill_v with_o notion_n and_o the_o affection_n thereby_o raise_v than_o the_o judgement_n be_v well_o inform_v and_o the_o heart_n establish_v in_o grace_n hence_o proceed_v a_o sickliness_n in_o the_o soul_n appetite_n a_o satiety_n of_o plain_a save_v truth_n and_o of_o sound_a wholesome_a preach_v a_o desire_n of_o novelty_n selfconceitedness_a pragmatical_a confidence_n rash_a censure_n partiality_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n a_o lessen_v of_o the_o pastoral_n authority_n encroachment_n upon_o the_o pastor_n office_n divide_v principle_n and_o practice_n and_o innumerable_a inconvenience_n moreover_o well_o mean_v people_n associate_v in_o a_o strict_a profession_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v sequacious_a of_o some_o lead_a person_n among_o they_o and_o some_o will_v follow_v the_o rest_n for_o company_n and_o the_o high_a pretension_n and_o heighten_a confidence_n of_o enthusiast_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o enchantment_n to_o bewitch_v those_o that_o unwarrantable_o approach_v to_o near_o they_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v predispose_v by_o temper_n or_o complexion_n towards_o enthusiasm_n in_o these_o thing_n man_n forsake_v the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n to_o walk_v by_o false_a light_n and_o to_o follow_v blind_a guide_n the_o holy_a ghost_n bid_v we_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o trial_n and_o leave_v we_o not_o to_o any_o unaccountable_a impulse_n or_o impression_n the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o evangelical_n doctrine_n show_v that_o the_o christian_a spirit_n be_v both_o pure_a and_o peaceable_a that_o it_o do_v not_o divide_v break_v and_o scatter_v a_o christian_a people_n but_o unite_v heal_v and_o settle_v they_o that_o it_o do_v not_o overturn_v church_n and_o civil_a state_n nor_o inflame_v ruler_n against_o subject_n nor_o subject_n against_o ruler_n nor_o dissolve_v magistracy_n and_o ministry_n but_o that_o it_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o child_n and_o the_o disobedient_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o just_a and_o conciliate_v the_o mind_n of_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o all_o degree_n in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n which_o be_v the_o right_a and_o sure_a way_n of_o erect_v god_n kingdom_n it_o do_v not_o cancel_v reason_n but_o maintain_v its_o interest_n in_o religion_n as_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a prop_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o judgement_n and_o soberness_n and_o suppress_v the_o wild_a dominion_n of_o the_o unruly_a imagination_n it_o do_v not_o turn_v man_n from_o humanity_n and_o civil_a behaviour_n unto_o a_o surly_a and_o cynical_a pride_n and_o fanatic_a melancholy_n and_o austerity_n but_o it_o dispose_v they_o to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o human_a life_n and_o civil_a converse_n but_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o offence_n shall_v come_v where_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v break_v forth_o sectarianism_n and_o fanaticism_n be_v the_o devil_n aftergame_n so_o it_o spring_v up_o in_o germany_n upon_o the_o birth_n of_o protestantism_n so_o it_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n upon_o the_o birth_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o gnostic_n and_o such_o like_a sectary_n and_o so_o it_o continue_v in_o our_o time_n these_o irregularity_n and_o extravagancy_n be_v a_o great_a damage_n and_o reproach_n to_o a_o serious_a zealous_a and_o strict_a profession_n and_o it_o be_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v before_o many_o nevertheless_o the_o great_a and_o most_o dangerous_a degeneration_n from_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n lie_v not_o this_o way_n the_o conception_n and_o motion_n of_o fanaticism_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a strain_n though_o in_o a_o delusion_n take_v not_o with_o the_o great_a number_n whether_o of_o high_a or_o low_a degree_n the_o learned_a or_o unlearned_a sort_n and_o in_o case_n it_o seize_v on_o a_o great_a multitude_n it_o may_v trouble_v and_o unsettle_v a_o state_n but_o it_o can_v never_o settle_v itself_o and_o if_o it_o domineer_v a_o while_n its_o tyranny_n can_v hold_v because_o it_o have_v no_o foundation_n and_o it_o can_v never_o obtain_v to_o be_v a_o national_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o stability_n of_o civil_a government_n it_o be_v great_a mischief_n to_o a_o state_n be_v that_o it_o may_v serve_v the_o design_n of_o other_o to_o work_v out_o a_o more_o last_a misery_n for_o which_o cause_n the_o romish_a emissary_n under_o a_o vizor_n have_v overact_a this_o wild_a spirit_n that_o by_o its_o confusion_n and_o anarchy_n they_o may_v make_v way_n to_o introduce_v their_o own_o tyranny_n but_o the_o more_o extensive_a dangerous_a and_o last_a depravation_n of_o christianity_n lie_v on_o the_o same_o side_n with_o popery_n which_o be_v formidable_a indeed_o be_v found_v in_o power_n and_o policy_n and_o suit_v to_o worldly_a interest_n and_o to_o which_o man_n innate_a propension_n do_v general_o more_o incline_v they_o for_o that_o their_o fancy_n and_o affection_n be_v inveagle_v with_o its_o outward_a wealth_n and_o glory_n and_o their_o conscience_n lay_v a_o sleep_n by_o its_o loose_a principle_n and_o lifeless_a form_n of_o devotion_n chap._n fourteen_o the_o way_n of_o preserve_a religion_n uncorrupt_a the_o truth_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n lie_v in_o its_o conformity_n to_o its_o rule_n which_o be_v god_n reveal_v will_n or_o law_n and_o its_o deviation_n from_o it_o be_v its_o depravation_n from_o this_o rule_n man_n be_v easy_o draw_v aside_o be_v entice_v by_o their_o own_o vain_a imagination_n perverse_a inclination_n
as_o well_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o rational_a discourse_n whatsoever_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o god_n testimony_n be_v much_o more_o effectual_a than_o the_o argument_n of_o human_a reason_n to_o command_v assent_n and_o quiet_a man_n mind_n and_o appease_v their_o contest_v and_o if_o we_o yield_v not_o our_o controversy_n to_o be_v final_o decide_v by_o this_o sacred_a rule_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v or_o wherein_o shall_v we_o all_o be_v bind_v up_o the_o truth_n be_v when_o man_n seek_v out_o vain_a invention_n to_o please_v their_o own_o fancy_n or_o to_o serve_v their_o own_o end_n and_o find_v their_o devise_a way_n condemn_v by_o god_n word_n then_o they_o fall_v to_o derogate_v from_o its_o authority_n and_o sufficiciency_n and_o talk_n much_o of_o the_o impertinency_n and_o folly_n of_o those_o that_o insist_v upon_o it_o and_o cry_v up_o tradition_n and_o reason_n and_o that_o wisdom_n of_o man_n that_o be_v but_o foolishness_n with_o god_n when_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v as_o well_o as_o they_o shall_v they_o must_v be_v as_o they_o may_v there_o be_v some_o useful_a truth_n and_o practice_n that_o may_v be_v too_o dear_o buy_v if_o purchase_v with_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n and_o the_o hazard_n of_o its_o whole_a estate_n howbeit_o then_o be_v the_o best_a state_n of_o thing_n when_o the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v the_o standardmeasure_n of_o all_o and_o nothing_o be_v retain_v but_o what_o be_v plain_o agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o the_o safety_n of_o pure_a religion_n lie_v in_o as_o through_o a_o reformation_n according_a to_o this_o rule_n as_o the_o time_n will_v bear_v let_v the_o severe_a reason_n that_o be_v impartial_a weigh_v the_o follow_a word_n write_v by_o one_o of_o a_o catholic_n spirit_n and_o true_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o reform_a christianity_n touch_v our_o departure_n from_o rome_n we_o shall_v leave_v upon_o we_o no_o string_n or_o tassel_n of_o our_o ancient_a captivity_n such_o as_o whereby_o they_o may_v take_v hold_n of_o we_o to_o pull_v we_o back_o again_o into_o our_o former_a bondage_n but_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o absolute_o free_a from_o any_o tie_n to_o they_o more_o than_o in_o endeavour_v their_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n which_o we_o know_v so_o experimental_o not_o to_o be_v compass_v by_o needless_a symbolizing_n with_o they_o in_o any_o thing_n i_o conceive_v it_o our_o best_a policy_n studious_o to_o imitate_v they_o in_o nothing_o but_o for_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o think_v rather_o the_o worse_a of_o they_o for_o their_o use_v they_o as_o no_o person_n of_o honour_n will_v willing_o go_v in_o the_o know_a garb_n of_o any_o lewd_a and_o infamous_a person_n whatsoever_o we_o court_v they_o in_o they_o do_v but_o turn_v to_o our_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n and_o be_v more_o harden_v in_o their_o own_o wickedness_n wherefore_o see_v that_o needless_a symbolizing_n with_o they_o do_v they_o no_o good_a but_o hurt_n we_o shall_v account_v ourselves_o in_o all_o thing_n indifferent_a perfect_o free_a to_o please_v and_o satisfy_v in_o the_o most_o universal_a manner_n we_o can_v those_o of_o our_o own_o party_n not_o care_v what_o opinion_n or_o custom_n or_o outward_a formality_n the_o romanist_n and_o other_o have_v and_o may_v have_v have_v from_o the_o first_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o word_n popery_n it_o be_v not_o more_o odious_a than_o ambiguous_a among_o protestant_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n some_o that_o will_v speak_v hard_a word_n against_o it_o have_v draw_v it_o into_o so_o extreme_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o to_o place_v it_o in_o little_a more_o than_o a_o secular_a interest_n of_o power_n controvert_v between_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o prince_n and_o prelate_n of_o christendom_n and_o other_o that_o make_v it_o broad_a be_v yet_o very_o tender_a if_o not_o fond_a of_o many_o gross_a corruption_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n some_o have_v extend_v it_o so_o far_o as_o to_o disparage_v thing_n good_a and_o laudable_a and_o requisite_a and_o ignorant_o call_v by_o that_o name_n whatsoever_o they_o fancy_v not_o nevertheless_o those_o useless_a and_o offensive_a thing_n take_v up_o by_o the_o papal_a church_n since_o the_o time_n of_o their_o know_a apostasy_n both_o doctrine_n and_o custom_n and_o that_o be_v they_o more_o peculiar_o may_v just_o be_v call_v popish_a though_o they_o be_v not_o impose_v as_o apostolic_a command_n or_o mean_n of_o obtain_v pardon_n of_o sin_n or_o of_o work_a grace_n why_o shall_v we_o be_v tenacious_a of_o their_o form_n to_o the_o scandal_n of_o those_o of_o our_o own_o belief_n how_o be_v we_o oblige_v or_o concern_v to_o conform_v to_o their_o usage_n more_o than_o they_o be_v to_o we_o have_v they_o any_o authority_n over_o we_o or_o be_v they_o any_o way_n a_o rule_n unto_o we_o be_v not_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o right_a both_o their_o rule_n and_o we_o or_o can_v they_o upbraid_v we_o for_o depart_v from_o they_o in_o these_o at_o least_o unnecessary_a opinion_n and_o custom_n unless_o they_o upbraid_v we_o upon_o those_o ground_n which_o we_o have_v reject_v together_o with_o their_o usurpation_n and_o and_o which_o if_o we_o receive_v again_o we_o must_v quit_v protestancy_n itself_o this_o strive_v to_o come_v so_o near_o they_o whether_o tend_v it_o but_o to_o reduce_v we_o again_o into_o that_o church_n for_o by_o all_o approach_n to_o they_o they_o be_v not_o draw_v one_o step_n towards_o we_o but_o be_v the_o more_o harden_v and_o still_o they_o rest_v unmoveable_a on_o the_o rock_n of_o their_o pretend_a supremacy_n and_o infallibility_n the_o impurity_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n lie_v chief_o in_o its_o superstition_n and_o sensuality_n in_o the_o grosser_n part_n of_o its_o superstition_n be_v manifold_a gross_a idolatry_n and_o any_o way_n of_o symbolise_v with_o idolatry_n which_o be_v spiritual_a whoredom_n shall_v be_v dread_v by_o the_o chaste_a spouse_n of_o chirst_n as_o the_o retain_v of_o such_o image_n as_o have_v be_v and_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v make_v object_n of_o religious_a adoration_n and_o the_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o peculiar_a garb_n and_o fashion_n of_o idolater_n in_o their_o worship_n moreover_o where_o the_o gross_a pollution_n be_v avoid_v if_o their_o pomp_n and_o train_n of_o ceremony_n be_v retain_v they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o take_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o as_o be_v busy_v in_o they_o and_o to_o corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o make_v it_o a_o dead_a work_n and_o carnal_a service_n and_o so_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n will_v decay_v and_o die_v among_o the_o people_n by_o this_o mean_n sensuality_n the_o concomitant_a of_o idolatry_n and_o all_o gross_a superstition_n be_v likewise_o manifest_v in_o their_o devotion_n of_o the_o israelite_n idolatry_n it_o be_v write_v the_o people_n sit_v down_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o rise_v up_o to_o play_v sensual_a sport_n and_o pastime_n be_v mingle_v with_o the_o devotion_n of_o carnal_a worshipper_n as_o be_v notable_o see_v in_o the_o popish_a festival_n and_o this_o make_v the_o sensual_a part_n of_o man_n addict_v to_o such_o a_o way_n to_o pray_v a_o while_n and_o then_o to_o play_v be_v the_o business_n of_o their_o sacred_a solemnity_n but_o this_o course_n alienates_v the_o mind_n from_o true_a holiness_n and_o tend_v to_o much_o profaneness_n and_o not_o only_o the_o piety_n but_o the_o civility_n of_o a_o nation_n will_v hereby_o much_o abate_v a_o church_n that_o will_v maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o religion_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n have_v need_n have_v its_o solemn_a day_n of_o divine_a service_n distinct_a from_o the_o appoint_a time_n of_o carnal_a sport_n mirth_n and_o jollity_n chap._n xv._n the_o enmity_n of_o the_o world_n against_o godliness_n and_o the_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n cast_v upon_o it_o consider_v the_o security_n and_o increase_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o small_a difficulty_n the_o enmity_n against_o it_o be_v general_a and_o perpetual_a in_o the_o first_o race_n of_o mankind_n it_o break_v forth_o even_o to_o blood_n and_o throughout_o all_o age_n it_o have_v be_v propagate_v &_o that_o with_o great_a rage_n as_o well_o within_o as_o without_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o adverse_a world_n know_v not_o the_o new_a nature_n what_o it_o be_v for_o it_o know_v not_o god_n who_o image_n it_o be_v the_o world_n be_v not_o only_o alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n but_o opposite_a to_o it_o by_o the_o antipathy_n of_o the_o carnal_a life_n and_o so_o not_o only_o want_v the_o true_a relish_n but_o have_v a_o strong_a disrelish_v of_o the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a nature_n moreover_o true_a christianity_n be_v a_o light_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n
number_n distinguish_v from_o the_o world_n by_o his_o own_o mark_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o his_o own_o image_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n to_o discern_v a_o laborious_a lively_a faithful_a ministry_n from_o that_o which_o be_v lazy_a lifeless_a and_o deceitful_a and_o to_o regard_v the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o according_o to_o note_v the_o ignorant_a foolish_a profane_a and_o scandalous_a of_o that_o function_n to_o contemn_v a_o vile_a person_n and_o to_o honour_v they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o serpentine_a seed_n and_o to_o turn_v away_o from_o such_o to_o abhor_v impiety_n and_o to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o wicked_a in_o their_o evil_a deed_n provoke_v a_o evil_a generation_n that_o be_v hereby_o reprove_v and_o judge_v and_o they_o raise_v a_o outcry_n against_o the_o godly_a as_o factious_a unsociable_a despiser_n of_o government_n maker_n of_o party_n and_o enemy_n to_o peace_n to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n precept_n tradition_n and_o custom_n of_o man_n by_o god_n word_n to_o use_v all_o just_a mean_n to_o discern_v his_o will_n and_o to_o choose_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n when_o their_o command_n be_v contrary_a to_o he_o be_v revile_v for_o proud_a perverseness_n contempt_n of_o ancient_a custom_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o superior_n disobedience_n to_o king_n and_o law_n to_o be_v zealous_a for_o god_n honour_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v earnest_a and_o active_a in_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o promote_a piety_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o to_o be_v concern_v for_o god_n interest_n in_o the_o world_n more_o than_o the_o common_a sort_n be_v make_v the_o religious_a to_o seem_v pragmatical_a turbulent_a and_o unpeaceable_a not_o to_o run_v into_o the_o common_a excess_n of_o riot_n nor_o to_o comply_v with_o mad_a mirth_n and_o jollity_n offensive_a gallantry_n or_o any_o extravagancy_n that_o be_v in_o fashion_n be_v account_v stoical_a superciliousness_n and_o morosity_n strictness_n of_o profession_n seriousness_n and_o necessary_a preciseness_n of_o conversation_n seem_v to_o many_o to_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o phariseism_n wherewith_o the_o most_o conscientious_a be_v common_o most_v reproach_v and_o so_o the_o hateful_a name_n of_o christ_n worst_a enemy_n be_v cast_v upon_o his_o true_a and_o faithful_a follower_n wherefore_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o note_v who_o and_o what_o they_o be_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o gospel-history_n that_o the_o pharisee_n be_v a_o strict_a sect_n and_o in_o great_a reputation_n for_o seeming-holiness_n no_o separatist_n from_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o of_o chief_a sway_n therein_o and_o of_o great_a esteem_n among_o the_o ruler_n they_o little_o care_v for_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o place_v perfection_n in_o outward_a work_n and_o in_o ritual_n more_o than_o moral_n and_o chief_o in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v and_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o in_o zeal_n for_o the_o corban_n or_o the_o church_n treasure_n and_o to_o these_o thing_n they_o make_v the_o weighty_a duty_n of_o the_o law_n give_v place_n they_o wear_v broad_a phylactery_n and_o affect_v a_o proud_a reservedness_n and_o formal_a gravity_n those_o fast_n prayer_n and_o alms-deed_n that_o shall_v have_v be_v do_v in_o secret_a they_o make_v a_o show_n of_o open_o to_o be_v see_v of_o men._n they_o will_v be_v count_v rabbi_n and_o own_a for_o absolute_a teach_v master_n and_o leader_n of_o the_o people_n and_o will_v have_v all_o subject_n to_o their_o dictate_v and_o they_o be_v maligner_n and_o opposer_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o true_a israelite_n to_o maintain_v their_o own_o institute_n and_o interest_n now_o for_o our_o part_n we_o have_v no_o need_n nor_o mind_n to_o vindicate_v the_o true_a offspring_n of_o such_o forefather_n it_o concern_v all_o christian_n as_o christ_n warn_v the_o disciple_n to_o beware_v of_o this_o leaven_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v something_o of_o phariseism_n may_v be_v find_v among_o some_o of_o all_o party_n as_o self-confidence_n vainglory_n self-praise_n censoriousness_n arrogance_n partiality_n perverseness_n of_o conscience_n or_o strain_v at_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v of_o camel_n and_o peradventure_o those_o that_o most_o object_n it_o to_o other_o may_v be_v most_o deep_o infect_v with_o it_o themselves_o but_o however_o it_o concern_v all_o sort_n to_o beware_v of_o it_o and_o do_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a to_o purge_v it_o out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o every_o christian_a shall_v strive_v to_o keep_v himself_o from_o any_o smatch_n of_o it_o see_v it_o be_v so_o unsavoury_a to_o christ._n it_o be_v thus_o very_o discernible_a from_o the_o manifold_a misapprehension_n of_o the_o way_n itself_o how_o godliness_n fall_v under_o the_o hard_a thought_n and_o speech_n of_o the_o mistake_v world_n but_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n and_o if_o godliness_n itself_o by_o misapprehension_n become_v a_o rock_n of_o offence_n no_o wonder_n the_o world_n be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o false_a pretender_n and_o at_o the_o real_a fault_n and_o weakness_n of_o sincere_a professor_n but_o christ_n have_v say_v bless_a be_v he_o that_o be_v not_o offend_v in_o i_o undoubted_o the_o make_n of_o a_o high_a profession_n do_v not_o exempt_v any_o from_o a_o just_a conviction_n and_o reproof_n that_o hypocrite_n shall_v be_v detect_v and_o the_o scandalous_a fault_n even_o of_o sincere_a christian_n note_v be_v the_o interest_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o charity_n both_o towards_o they_o that_o give_v offence_n and_o towards_o they_o that_o take_v it_o to_o their_o hurt_n require_v such_o discovery_n the_o godly_a lay_n to_o heart_n no_o evil_n more_o than_o the_o scandal_n of_o professor_n and_o they_o know_v they_o be_v most_o concern_v to_o take_v heed_n lest_o any_o root_n of_o bitterness_n bear_v gall_n or_o wormwood_n shall_v spring_v up_o among_o they_o and_o those_o that_o sin_n before_o all_o their_o discipline_n be_v to_o rebuke_v before_o all_o that_o other_o may_v fear_v but_o the_o great_a mischief_n be_v that_o some_o so_o speak_v and_o write_v of_o hypocrite_n and_o offence_n as_o to_o reproach_v godliness_n itself_o and_o bring_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o into_o disgrace_n when_o they_o take_v notice_n of_o any_o thing_n amiss_o in_o man_n profess_v godliness_n whether_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a or_o false_a or_o the_o scandal_n be_v in_o reality_n or_o appearance_n only_o they_o present_o say_v these_o be_v your_o professor_n they_o be_v all_o such_o and_o the_o whole_a pack_n afford_v no_o better_a the_o real_a or_o seem_a hypocrisy_n pride_n covetousness_n unrighteousness_n uncharitableness_n selfishness_n of_o some_o be_v cast_v upon_o all_o from_o some_o instance_n of_o aberration_n they_o argue_v against_o a_o godly_a tenor_n of_o conversation_n and_o deny_v sincerity_n where_o they_o see_v a_o fall_a short_a of_o perfection_n they_o disparage_v a_o serious_a and_o circumspect_a course_n of_o life_n by_o pretend_v it_o may_v be_v but_o a_o mere_a guise_n or_o show_v there_o may_v be_v lurk_a vice_n and_o they_o who_o have_v escape_v gross_a sensuality_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o spiritual_a sin_n as_o pride_n and_o envy_n and_o so_o they_o ground_n their_o detraction_n upon_o supposition_n and_o surmise_n of_o what_o may_v be_v though_o not_o appear_v they_o inveigh_v against_o hypocrisy_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o harden_v the_o vicious_a in_o their_o debauchery_n and_o they_o encourage_v libertine_n in_o idleness_n and_o excess_n of_o vanity_n by_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o precisian_n may_v do_v worse_o those_o godly_a exercise_n that_o lie_v out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n as_o to_o instance_n in_o holy_a conference_n they_o bring_v into_o contempt_n by_o object_v a_o unseasonable_a and_o preposterous_a use_n thereof_o or_o the_o impertinency_n and_o weakness_n of_o some_o therein_o they_o censure_v inordinate_a transport_v of_o zeal_n and_o whimsy_n in_o religion_n more_o bitter_o than_o lewdness_n outrage_n gross_a impiety_n and_o dare_a wickedness_n of_o dissolute_a person_n they_o will_v burden_v the_o soberminded_n that_o be_v zealous_a for_o their_o god_n with_o the_o inexcusable_a madness_n of_o some_o intemperate_a zealot_n the_o fail_n of_o the_o religious_a they_o aggravate_v above_o measure_n and_o particular_o some_o passionate_a disorder_n that_o be_v common_o complexional_a and_o have_v less_o of_o the_o will_n and_o consequent_o of_o sinful_a malignity_n in_o they_o than_o many_o sin_n that_o make_v lesser_a noise_n and_o raise_v less_o clamour_n and_o they_o magnify_v the_o eveness_n moderation_n mildness_n and_o other_o humanity_n of_o loose_a or_o lukewarm_a person_n for_o the_o true_a christian_a spirit_n they_o upbraid_v the_o godly_a with_o their_o solemn_a confession_n and_o
aggravation_n of_o sin_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o with_o their_o acknowledgement_n and_o bewail_v of_o such_o scandal_n before_o the_o world_n as_o have_v be_v give_v by_o some_o among_o they_o as_o also_o with_o their_o public_a testimony_n against_o error_n and_o corruption_n that_o have_v rise_v in_o their_o time_n and_o so_o they_o reproach_n they_o for_o their_o humility_n sincerity_n and_o impartiality_n in_o abuse_v themselves_o and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o condemn_a sin_n where_o ever_o they_o find_v it_o they_o scoff_v at_o those_o that_o speak_v of_o communion_n with_o god_n spiritual_a experience_n desertion_n and_o the_o like_a matter_n and_o use_v in_o scorn_n scriptural_a word_n and_o phrase_n and_o other_o holy_a expression_n use_v by_o the_o religious_a and_o profane_v the_o term_n of_o holy_a godly_a saint_n sanctify_a by_o the_o use_n thereof_o in_o scandalous_a irony_n and_o so_o they_o make_v sport_n for_o profane_a man_n and_o harden_v they_o in_o their_o irreligion_n they_o will_v render_v holy_a thing_n contemptible_a by_o nothing_o some_o little_a oversight_n and_o indecency_n most_o involuntary_a in_o those_o that_o perform_v the_o same_o as_o perhaps_o in_o the_o preacher_n tone_n or_o gesture_n and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o easy_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o licentious_a wit_n to_o play_v upon_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o sacred_a thing_n and_o to_o make_v the_o most_o acceptable_a service_n of_o god_n and_o his_o choice_a servant_n seem_v ridiculous_a these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o many_o vile_a and_o wretched_a way_n of_o disgrace_v true_a religion_n and_o i_o will_v add_v one_o more_o to_o wit_n that_o madness_n of_o opposition_n on_o what_o side_n soever_o it_o be_v which_o to_o make_v a_o different_a party_n odious_a will_v not_o fear_v to_o expose_v godliness_n itself_o to_o the_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n of_o they_o that_o scorn_v all_o religious_a party_n sure_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o be_v a_o hater_n reviler_n and_o scorner_n of_o person_n and_o thing_n dear_a to_o god_n and_o precious_a in_o his_o sight_n what_o be_v it_o to_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n if_o this_o be_v not_o wherefore_o he_o do_v no_o ill_a service_n that_o detect_v this_o perilous_a folly_n and_o man_n will_v easy_o shun_v such_o mistake_n and_o prejudice_n as_o make_v they_o misjudge_v and_o condemn_v the_o pious_a if_o they_o will_v but_o deal_v fair_o and_o exercise_v the_o same_o equity_n and_o candour_n towards_o they_o which_o be_v due_a to_o all_o sort_n and_o which_o towards_o themselves_o all_o do_v just_o challenge_v but_o godliness_n will_v be_v still_o godliness_n let_v presumptuous_a wit_n employ_v their_o tongue_n and_o pen_n to_o transform_v into_o never_o so_o ugly_a shape_n invective_n sarcasm_n odious_a and_o ridiculous_a tale_n and_o story_n scenial_a representation_n and_o disguise_n will_v not_o confound_v it_o nor_o sink_v its_o authority_n and_o reputation_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o fair_a cover_n and_o best_a contrive_a apology_n the_o most_o notable_a and_o advantageous_a policy_n will_v not_o make_v corrupt_a thing_n savoury_a nor_o insipid_a thing_n relishable_a nor_o little_a empty_a thing_n great_a and_o weighty_a nor_o uphold_v the_o estimation_n of_o a_o degenerate_a carnal_a outside_n lifeless_a state_n of_o religion_n where_o better_a thing_n be_v know_v the_o wit_n of_o man_n may_v adorn_v or_o palliate_v any_o folly_n and_o deform_v true_a wisdom_n but_o in_o a_o lucid_a region_n where_o knowledge_n be_v diffuse_v wisdom_n will_v show_v itself_o and_o the_o folly_n of_o fool_n can_v be_v hide_v but_o let_v the_o religious_a know_v that_o it_o behoove_v they_o to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o suffer_v not_o so_o many_o thing_n in_o vain_a for_o these_o indignity_n may_v do_v they_o more_o good_a than_o the_o vain_a applause_n of_o man_n if_o their_o enemy_n give_v they_o advantage_n as_o indeed_o they_o do_v for_o the_o learning_n of_o more_o wisdom_n sobriety_n and_o circumspection_n let_v they_o receive_v it_o it_o be_v pity_n they_o shall_v not_o make_v the_o most_o of_o such_o harsh_a instruction_n what_o manner_n of_o person_n shall_v they_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n that_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v there_o may_v not_o be_v that_o woe_n to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n and_o that_o with_o well_o do_v they_o may_v put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a man_n more_o especial_o they_o shall_v do_v their_o uttermost_a to_o shun_v even_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o sin_n more_o peculiar_o charge_v upon_o they_o as_o hypocrisy_n pride_n wildness_n of_o fancy_n affect_a singularity_n and_o self-flattery_n and_o to_o be_v adorn_v with_o a_o conspicuous_a sincerity_n humility_n and_o charity_n and_o whatsoever_o contumely_n they_o endure_v let_v they_o by_o no_o mean_n retaliate_v in_o the_o same_o kind_n remember_v their_o bless_a lord_n who_o be_v revile_v revile_v not_o again_o but_o commit_v himself_o to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o wickedness_n come_v from_o the_o wicked_a scurrility_n petulancy_n bitterness_n and_o all_o intemperate_a language_n be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o their_o adversary_n than_o to_o they_o and_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o fling_n of_o witty_a sarcasm_n bite_a jeer_n and_o scoff_v and_o rail_a word_n against_o a_o party_n do_v vex_v and_o gall_v more_o than_o hurt_n or_o break_v they_o and_o provoke_v but_o not_o convince_v they_o and_o serve_v indeed_o to_o feed_v a_o humour_n and_o make_v sport_n and_o do_v some_o present_a feat_n but_o do_v not_o carry_v the_o main_a cause_n or_o prevail_v in_o the_o end_n but_o turn_v rather_o to_o the_o damage_n and_o blemish_n of_o those_o for_o who_o service_n they_o be_v design_v chap._n xvi_o religion_n main_a strength_n next_o under_o the_o power_n of_o god_n lie_v in_o its_o own_o intrinisick_n excellency_n the_o propagate_a of_o true_a christianity_n and_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n agreeable_a thereunto_o against_o the_o enmity_n of_o the_o adverse_a world_n be_v worthy_a of_o the_o utmost_a endeavour_n of_o all_o pious_a man_n and_o to_o search_v into_o the_o right_a way_n and_o mean_n thereof_o be_v a_o necessary_a and_o noble_a speculation_n but_o it_o must_v first_o be_v know_v that_o its_o stability_n and_o victory_n in_o the_o world_n depend_v primary_o upon_o the_o wisdom_n truth_n and_o power_n of_o god_n engage_v for_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v fall_v by_o the_o power_n and_o policy_n of_o adversary_n nor_o sink_v and_o lose_v itself_o by_o the_o weakness_n or_o defectibility_n of_o its_o professor_n but_o it_o remain_v firm_a and_o sure_a and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o next_o after_o the_o power_n of_o god_n its_o main_a strength_n be_v its_o own_o intrinsic_a excellency_n it_o be_v uphold_v chief_o by_o its_o own_o principle_n which_o be_v man_n perfection_n and_o place_v our_o nature_n in_o its_o due_a state_n and_o put_v both_o person_n and_o society_n into_o the_o only_a right_a frame_n and_o reduce_v all_o thing_n into_o their_o own_o place_n and_o order_n they_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o of_o iniquity_n impurity_n vanity_n or_o unfitness_n but_o be_v perfect_o holy_a just_a and_o good_a and_o give_v unto_o god_n his_o due_a and_o unto_o man_n they_o and_o that_o upon_o the_o most_o excellent_a ground_n that_o can_v be_v lay_v as_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n our_o conformity_n to_o he_o our_o fellowship_n with_o he_o our_o reward_n from_o he_o and_o in_o he_o and_o all_o in_o and_o through_o a_o mediator_n who_o be_v god_n and_o man_n in_o one_o person_n and_o the_o head_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a who_o be_v his_o body_n the_o godly_a practice_n conformable_a to_o these_o principle_n be_v from_o a_o cause_n that_o fail_v not_o to_o wit_n the_o inhabitation_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n though_o true_a christianity_n be_v far_o above_o the_o strain_n and_o reach_v of_o mere_a nature_n yet_o it_o be_v practicable_a by_o divine_a grace_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o imperfect_a state_n of_o its_o professor_n it_o fail_v not_o of_o its_o end_n which_o be_v to_o bring_v into_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n the_o fruition_n of_o god_n and_o everlasting_a glory_n yea_o it_o do_v effect_v great_a and_o excellent_a thing_n in_o the_o present_a world_n its_o rule_n be_v pure_a and_o perfect_a its_o motive_n be_v great_a and_o high_a and_o of_o indubitable_a verity_n they_o that_o live_v after_o it_o be_v a_o law_n to_o themselves_o and_o a_o awe_n to_o other_o no_o other_o institution_n philosophical_a or_o religious_a be_v so_o powerful_a to_o restrain_v inordinate_a affection_n and_o to_o settle_v the_o mind_n and_o affair_n of_o man_n in_o the_o great_a peace_n and_o order_n as_o far_o as_o human_a imperfection_n can_v arrive_v it_o deny_v all_o
vicious_a excess_n and_o sensual_a pollution_n yea_o all_o offensive_a levite_n and_o unchristian_a irregularity_n and_o all_o fellowship_n therewith_o yet_o morosity_n and_o sourness_n of_o spirit_n it_o by_o no_o mean_n approve_v but_o serenity_n of_o disposition_n and_o freeness_n and_o sweetness_n of_o conversation_n be_v both_o command_v and_o cause_v by_o it_o it_o reach_v the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o awe_v the_o conscience_n it_o forbid_v the_o inward_a motion_n of_o intemperance_n and_o injustice_n it_o condemn_v and_o loathe_v hypocrisy_n and_o make_v all_o external_a work_n to_o be_v nothing_o without_o sincerity_n it_o make_v sincere_a love_n the_o principle_n and_o place_v it_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o whole_a behaviour_n towards_o other_o and_o therefore_o prompt_v and_o powerful_o engage_v to_o mutual_a succour_n in_o the_o time_n of_o need_n it_o maintain_v a_o charity_n unknown_a to_o the_o infidel_n world_n and_o which_o be_v a_o virtue_n peculiar_a to_o it_o in_o the_o great_a vigour_n and_o extent_n it_o enjoin_v the_o love_n of_o enemy_n it_o exalt_v humility_n meekness_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n as_o chief_a virtue_n which_o be_v contemn_v by_o the_o pride_n of_o moral_a heathen_n and_o therefore_o it_o make_v man_n just_a and_o peaceable_a and_o yet_o withal_o it_o have_v the_o best_a ground_n of_o true_a fortitude_n and_o magnanimity_n and_o therefore_o damn_v that_o pusillanimity_n and_o foolish_a softness_n of_o disposition_n which_o betray_v truth_n and_o virtue_n self-denial_n be_v one_o of_o its_o grand_a precept_n without_o which_o none_o can_v live_v under_o its_o discipline_n and_o so_o it_o overrule_v and_o control_v that_o selfishness_n which_o be_v the_o arch-rebel_n against_o god_n and_o the_o root_n of_o all_o mischief_n and_o turn_v the_o world_n upside_o down_o it_o teach_v man_n to_o live_v above_o the_o honour_n and_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n and_o take_v off_o the_o heart_n from_o they_o its_o principle_n most_o entire_o accord_v with_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o high_a power_n it_o declare_v their_o authority_n to_o be_v from_o god_n as_o they_o be_v his_o vicegerent_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o rule_v in_o subordination_n to_o he_o according_a to_o his_o law_n and_o it_o awe_v the_o conscience_n of_o subject_n to_o obdience_n if_o ruler_n command_v any_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o forbid_v subject_n to_o perform_v such-commands_a yet_o withal_o oblige_v to_o submit_v with_o patience_n to_o the_o unjust_a penalty_n of_o non-performance_n and_o to_o avoid_v mutiny_n and_o rebellion_n it_o also_o teach_v the_o people_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n to_o receive_v the_o church_n directive_n with_o their_o own_o discretive_a judgement_n and_o so_o not_o to_o derogate_v from_o the_o just_a authority_n of_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o chief_a strength_n of_o all_o just_a government_n and_o society_n the_o truth_n be_v it_o do_v hedge_n in_o with_o thorn_n the_o lust_n of_o man_n as_o pride_n malice_n revenge_n covetousness_n and_o sensuality_n but_o it_o secure_v and_o enlarge_v their_o wholesome_a comfort_n and_o enjoyment_n their_o propriety_n immunity_n and_o all_o just_a privilege_n it_o advance_v righteousness_n temperance_n beneficience_n and_o all_o other_o duty_n appertain_v to_o mankind_n wherever_o it_o root_n and_o spread_v it_o make_v no_o small_a part_n of_o the_o prudence_n courage_n industry_n and_o frugality_n and_o by_o consequence_n of_o the_o wealth_n and_o strength_n of_o a_o nation_n there_o be_v no_o aggregation_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n wherein_o appear_v more_o of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a to_o man_n than_o be_v find_v where_o the_o influence_n of_o this_o profession_n become_v predominant_a whether_o in_o a_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n or_o city_n or_o family_n the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o power_n of_o love_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n which_o give_v great_a advantage_n for_o prudence_n soberness_n steddiness_n of_o conversation_n the_o seriousness_n and_o gravity_n of_o this_o way_n dispose_v not_o to_o futil_o talk_v childish_a credulity_n easiness_n and_o rashness_n but_o to_o a_o considerate_a freeness_n and_o direct_a deal_n with_o a_o generous_a caution_n and_o reservedness_n in_o due_a season_n though_o its_o follower_n can_v link_v themselves_o to_o faction_n and_o serve_v all_o time_n and_o occasion_n and_o go_v along_o with_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n in_o their_o design_n throughout_o yet_o they_o shall_v not_o fail_v of_o interest_n in_o a_o nation_n not_o whole_o vitiate_v nor_o be_v it_o hard_o for_o they_o to_o maintain_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o public_a state_n if_o they_o accommodate_v themselves_o to_o serve_v it_o so_o far_o as_o conscience_n and_o prudence_n lead_v they_o considerate_a man_n will_v not_o contemn_v they_o and_o they_o that_o own_o they_o shall_v know_v where_o to_o find_v they_o and_o in_o pursue_v good_a design_n shall_v find_v they_o fast_o friend_n religion_n do_v not_o cast_v man_n down_o into_o stupidity_n pusillanimity_n or_o sluggish_a neglect_n of_o opportunity_n but_o erect_v they_o to_o a_o prudent_a and_o temperate_a vigour_n of_o spirit_n and_o regular_a activity_n whereby_o they_o become_v fit_a for_o the_o affair_n of_o human_a life_n in_o a_o high_a or_o low_a sphere_n according_a to_o their_o different_a capacity_n chap._n xvii_o religion_n may_v be_v advance_v by_o human_a prudence_n what_o way_n and_o method_n it_o can_v admit_v in_o order_n to_o its_o advancement_n though_o true_a religion_n stand_v by_o a_o unchangeable_a law_n and_o depend_v not_o upon_o the_o mutable_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o vary_v not_o according_a to_o their_o variation_n nor_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a policy_n of_o secular_a kingdom_n nevertheless_o its_o affair_n may_v be_v much_o advance_v by_o prudence_n and_o disadvantage_v by_o indiscretion_n there_o be_v a_o lawful_a use_n of_o human_a policy_n be_v refine_v from_o hypocrisy_n and_o all_o iniquity_n the_o author_n of_o this_o profession_n the_o holy_a and_o just_a one_o in_o who_o mouth_n be_v no_o guile_n advise_v his_o disciple_n to_o be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n and_o harmless_a as_o dove_n st._n paul_n one_o of_o his_o chief_a minister_n be_v attentive_a to_o all_o the_o method_n of_o gain_v people_n and_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n that_o he_o may_v win_v some_o and_o he_o be_v bold_a to_o tell_v some_o that_o be_v crafty_a he_o catch_v they_o with_o guile_n but_o it_o be_v the_o guile_n of_o abound_a charity_n and_o self-denial_n manage_v with_o prudence_n for_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o save_n of_o soul_n in_o secular_a kingdom_n the_o reason_n of_o state_n be_v lock_v up_o from_o the_o common_a view_n but_o the_o maxim_n and_o method_n of_o this_o interest_n may_v with_o great_a advantage_n be_v disclose_v as_o well_o to_o alien_n and_o enemy_n as_o to_o friend_n and_o fellow-citizen_n for_o by_o this_o discovery_n the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n who_o through_o their_o own_o misapprehension_n or_o other_o malicious_a suggestion_n be_v sometime_o turn_v against_o it_o may_v become_v more_o propense_a and_o indulgent_a towards_o it_o and_o the_o more_o sober_a part_n of_o man_n may_v be_v incline_v to_o favour_v it_o and_o great_a number_n both_o of_o high_a and_o low_a degree_n may_v be_v bring_v entire_o to_o close_v with_o it_o when_o they_o shall_v behold_v the_o goodness_n and_o usefulness_n the_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n of_o its_o principle_n as_o for_o the_o enemy_n counterwork_a we_o need_v not_o dread_v it_o for_o the_o stratagem_n of_o this_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a and_o can_v be_v counterwrought_a with_o carnal_a stratagem_n it_o remain_v therefore_o as_o the_o business_n of_o this_o inquiry_n to_o consider_v how_o we_o may_v improve_v the_o intrinsical_a and_o innate_a advantage_n before_o mention_v and_o to_o gain_v all_o extrinsical_a and_o adventitious_a one_o that_o may_v be_v make_v and_o to_o make_v thâ—_n most_o of_o they_o all_o for_o the_o design_a end_n but_o due_a care_n must_v be_v have_v that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n or_o human_a policy_n have_v not_o too_o great_a 〈◊〉_d stroke_n for_o many_o be_v the_o art_n and_o methodâ—…_n that_o serve_v secular_a interest_n which_o the_o sincerity_n and_o purity_n of_o true_a religion_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n admit_v it_o can_v establish_v itself_o in_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n nor_o murder_v the_o innocent_a for_o its_o own_o security_n nor_o hold_v people_n in_o subjection_n by_o the_o horror_n of_o a_o spanish_a inquisition_n which_o be_v not_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o spiritual_a jerusalem_n but_o of_o babylon_n it_o can_v make_v use_n of_o such_o imposture_n as_o be_v use_v to_o uphold_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n and_o which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o those_o church_n politician_n that_o make_v
after_o the_o long_a night_n of_o popery_n unlearned_a and_o barbarous_a time_n be_v note_v among_o the_o cause_n of_o deprave_a religion_n with_o multiply_v superstitious_a absurdity_n and_o deformity_n indeed_o that_o great_a mystery_n of_o iniquity_n the_o romish_a synagogue_n be_v favour_v by_o many_o wise_a and_o learned_a one_o but_o the_o interest_n of_o great_a power_n and_o wealth_n and_o other_o carnal_a allurement_n engage_v they_o to_o uphold_v that_o babel_n and_o so_o to_o detain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o unrighteousness_n the_o papal_a kingdom_n of_o darkness_n have_v ample_o provide_v for_o a_o eminent_a measure_n of_o learning_n in_o their_o superior_a clergy_n and_o certain_a religious_a order_n design_v for_o theological_a controversy_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o romanâ—aith_n â—aith_z be_v necessitate_v thereunto_o by_o the_o learnedness_n of_o the_o present_a age._n but_o for_o the_o vulgar_a priest_n who_o daily_o converse_v with_o the_o common_a people_n that_o be_v ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a it_o matter_n not_o how_o little_a knowledge_n they_o have_v and_o the_o grandee_n care_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v conversant_a in_o learned_a book_n no_o not_o in_o their_o own_o bellarmine_n as_o for_o the_o laity_n it_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o that_o church_n that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n a_o corrupt_a ecclesiastical_a state_n uphold_v for_o worldly_a end_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o desire_v the_o advancement_n of_o learn_v any_o further_a than_o be_v requisite_a to_o defend_v it_o selâ—_n against_o learned_a adversary_n and_o to_o hold_v the_o vulgar_a in_o admiration_n of_o it_o it_o will_v hauâ—_n the_o people_n whole_o to_o trust_v their_o teacher_n and_o it_o be_v not_o well_o relish_v when_o learned_a gentle_a man_n of_o the_o laity_n be_v exact_a and_o studious_a iâ—_n theological_a inquiry_n the_o support_n and_o reward_n of_o learning_n may_v be_v so_o inordinate_o apportion_v and_o confeâ—…_n red_a as_o to_o exalt_v boundless_a ambition_n and_o avariâ—…_n in_o some_o and_o to_o nourish_v a_o dronish_a idleness_n and_o epicurism_n in_o other_o and_o to_o cast_v the_o residueâ—…_n and_o those_o the_o great_a number_n into_o ignorancâ—_n beggary_n baseness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naughtâ—…_n ness_n such_o a_o disposition_n of_o thing_n beside_o thâ—…_n ruin_n of_o religion_n will_v in_o the_o ruin_n thereâ—…_n bury_v learning_n itself_o as_o it_o have_v do_v in_o for_o mer_fw-fr age_n if_o the_o industry_n of_o some_o be_v nâ—…_n keep_v wake_v by_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n aâ—…_n among_o another_o sort_n of_o men._n but_o whatsoever_o abuse_n corrupt_v that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v excellent_a the_o support_v of_o learning_n be_v always_o necessary_a in_o the_o true_a church_n and_o to_o settle_v a_o way_n for_o a_o perpetual_a succession_n of_o wise_a and_o learned_a guide_n of_o the_o flock_n in_o this_o entire_a and_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o build_v the_o same_o on_o a_o rock_n the_o spirit_n of_o this_o profession_n be_v sober_a solid_a and_o serious_a be_v happy_a in_o dispose_v towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o much_o perfection_n in_o all_o profitable_a science_n and_o especial_o towards_o that_o which_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o useful_a in_o human_a affair_n to_o wit_n solid_a and_o deep_a judgement_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o child_n of_o true_a wisdom_n stand_v upon_o the_o vantage_n ground_n and_o the_o scope_n of_o their_o business_n direct_v they_o to_o excel_v in_o the_o more_o substantial_a part_n of_o learning_n which_o perfect_v reason_n and_o fall_v in_o with_o practice_n and_o make_v they_o able_a effectual_o to_o converse_v with_o man_n both_o in_o religious_a and_o civil_a matter_n these_o do_v not_o spend_v their_o day_n in_o a_o cloister_n live_v to_o themselves_o alone_o but_o be_v seasonable_o call_v forth_o to_o sacred_a or_o civil_a function_n and_o so_o by_o study_n in_o conjunction_n with_o practice_n and_o experience_n they_o become_v more_o perfect_a in_o science_n the_o same_o intent_n and_o purpose_n direct_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o their_o acquisition_n and_o to_o have_v their_o learning_n at_o command_n and_o manageable_a for_o present_a business_n chap._n xxi_o the_o general_a civility_n or_o common_a honesty_n of_o a_o nation_n make_v it_o more_o general_o receptive_a of_o real_a christianity_n or_o godliness_n religion_n have_v considerateness_n and_o soberness_n in_o its_o nature_n have_v great_a advantage_n by_o the_o sober_a and_o serious_a temper_n of_o a_o nation_n city_n or_o country_n where_o its_o advancement_n and_o propagation_n be_v design_v civility_n be_v a_o good_a preparative_n to_o piety_n and_o experience_n witness_v that_o among_o the_o serious_a &_o temperate_a sort_n of_o people_n and_o in_o the_o most_o civilise_a place_n religion_n take_v best_a and_o that_o it_o take_v least_o in_o those_o place_n where_o debauchery_n and_o sensuality_n reign_v in_o those_o of_o the_o high_a rank_n and_o a_o heathen-like_a rudeness_n and_o stupidity_n seize_v the_o common_a multitude_n wherefore_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o spirit_n or_o interest_n lead_v they_o to_o uphold_v a_o corrupt_a and_o carnal_a church-state_n seek_v to_o gratify_v the_o most_o sensual_a and_o vicious_a part_n of_o a_o nation_n because_o they_o can_v so_o easy_o gain_v the_o considerate_a and_o soberminded_a who_o be_v more_o inquisitive_a into_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o different_a party_n and_o look_v more_o than_o other_o into_o the_o inside_n of_o man_n devotion_n a_o nation_n may_v be_v general_o bring_v to_o civil_a conversation_n and_o the_o external_a part_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o restrain_v of_o filthy_a lewdness_n gross_a excess_n and_o rudeness_n best_o comport_v with_o the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n the_o security_n of_o the_o estate_n and_o the_o quietness_n of_o the_o mind_n therefore_o when_o it_o be_v in_o use_n it_o be_v no_o burden_n but_o a_o ease_n even_o to_o unregenerate_a nature_n and_o so_o may_v pass_v general_o among_o a_o people_n likewise_o natural_a man_n be_v convince_v and_o awaken_v will_v easy_o observe_v religious_a duty_n so_o far_o as_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o natural_a conscience_n do_v require_v the_o conversation_n of_o the_o pious_a be_v exemplary_a and_o of_o great_a authority_n especial_o when_o their_o strictness_n and_o seriousness_n be_v temper_v with_o the_o amiable_a virtue_n of_o meekness_n and_o moderation_n by_o this_o they_o may_v do_v much_o towards_o the_o civilise_n of_o those_o that_o live_v about_o they_o and_o to_o conciliate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n towards_o they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o good_a thought_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o harshness_n of_o some_o rigid_a honest_a man_n may_v exasperate_v and_o beget_v hatred_n in_o some_o who_o condescension_n and_o sweetness_n of_o conversation_n may_v have_v gain_v or_o at_o least_o mollify_v likewise_o by_o a_o discreet_a and_o seasonable_a use_n of_o christian_n liberty_n in_o the_o temperate_a enjoyment_n of_o outward_a comfort_n in_o harmless_a recreation_n and_o sober_a cheerfulness_n in_o honest_a company_n the_o religious_a may_v bring_v over_o other_o to_o a_o friendly_a converse_n with_o they_o and_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o more_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a pollution_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o shun_v a_o excessive_a reservedness_n and_o austerity_n so_o they_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o too_o great_a compliance_n with_o other_o in_o carnal_a liberty_n upon_o pretence_n of_o a_o friendly_a converse_n with_o they_o they_o may_v not_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o recreation_n fruitless_a visit_n merry_a meeting_n and_o the_o like_a exercise_n wherein_o there_o be_v enough_o of_o idleness_n and_o vanity_n even_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o dissoluteness_n or_o gross_a immorallity_n for_o by_o such_o a_o trade_n of_o life_n they_o will_v lose_v themselves_o in_o a_o sober_a kind_n of_o epicurism_n or_o sensuality_n under_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o they_o will_v harden_v other_o in_o their_o loose_a walk_n or_o make_v they_o think_v that_o professor_n be_v but_o as_o other_o man_n except_o in_o a_o name_n and_o outward_a form_n wherefore_o they_o may_v be_v sociable_a no_o otherwise_o than_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v they_o make_v religion_n their_o business_n and_o walk_v circumspect_o and_o redeem_v their_o time_n from_o vanity_n for_o the_o serious_a duty_n of_o their_o general_n and_o particular_a calling_n it_o may_v be_v further_o note_v that_o whatsoever_o promote_v knowledge_n among_o the_o mean_a sort_n promote_v civility_n likewise_o where_o a_o people_n be_v general_o settle_v in_o a_o way_n of_o industry_n and_o frugality_n and_o those_o of_o high_a extract_n or_o education_n be_v bend_v unto_o exercise_n true_o noble_a and_o worthy_a that_o nation_n will_v be_v dispose_v to_o a_o more_o considerate_a and_o apprehensive_a habit_n of_o mind_n and_o to_o a_o more_o
modesty_n of_o its_o professor_n in_o uphold_v civil_a distinction_n and_o degree_n of_o honour_n among_o man_n and_o in_o render_v to_o all_o their_o due_n according_a to_o those_o degree_n chap._n xxiii_o the_o observe_v of_o a_o due_a latitude_n in_o religion_n make_v for_o the_o security_n and_o increase_n thereof_o christianity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o such_o a_o latitude_n as_o to_o take_v in_o heretic_n 〈◊〉_d idolater_n or_o real_a infidel_n because_o they_o arâ—…_n name_v christian_n nor_o be_v it_o shut_v up_o in_o severeâ—…_n party_n distinguish_v by_o certain_a doctrinâ—…_n rite_n and_o platform_n which_o the_o tyranny_n 〈◊〉_d ancient_a tradition_n national_a custom_n politicâ—…_n interest_n or_o passionate_a zeal_n have_v exalt_v but_o it_o incompass_v all_o those_o that_o hold_v christ_n the_o head_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n wherefore_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v set_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v for_o the_o encompass_v of_o all_o true_a christian_n which_o indeed_o make_v for_o its_o most_o fix_a and_o ample_a state_n and_o the_o take_n of_o a_o narrow_a compass_n be_v a_o fundamental_a error_n â—n_v its_o policy_n and_o will_v always_o hinder_v its_o stability_n and_o increase_n the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o of_o any_o other_o society_n lie_v in_o the_o universality_n or_o the_o â—hole_a body_n and_o not_o in_o any_o divide_a or_o subdivide_v part_n thereof_o according_o its_o true_a â—nterest_n lead_v not_o to_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o the_o exalt_v of_o this_o or_o that_o party_n but_o to_o those_o common_a and_o great_a concernment_n that_o uphold_v and_o increase_v the_o whole_a body_n and_o it_o be_v but_o just_a and_o equal_a to_o accommodate_v the_o public_a order_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o party_n not_o in_o what_o their_o several_a design_n and_o humour_n crave_v which_o be_v impossible_a but_o in_o what_o they_o all_o may_v just_o challenge_v by_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o which_o be_v possible_a namely_o that_o their_o consciency_n may_v not_o be_v perplex_v and_o â—…rdened_v with_o thing_n unnecessary_a how_o highâ—…_n soever_o magnify_v by_o some_o one_o party_n they_o that_o seek_v worldly_a wealth_n and_o glory_n 〈◊〉_d a_o church_n state_n think_v it_o as_o good_a to_o yield_v 〈◊〉_d all_o as_o to_o relinguish_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o â—…nstitutions_n for_o although_o they_o know_v that_o moderation_n may_v make_v for_o a_o general_a peace_n and_o for_o the_o last_a good_a of_o a_o christian_a people_n yet_o they_o foresee_v that_o by_o remove_v offence_n and_o reform_v abuse_n they_o shall_v open_v a_o door_n to_o man_n of_o such_o principle_n as_o may_v subvert_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o build_n therefore_o they_o think_v it_o safe_a to_o immure_v themselves_o by_o institution_n suitable_a to_o their_o own_o estate_n and_o to_o adhere_v to_o they_o unalterable_o according_a to_o this_o reason_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n the_o pope_n give_v his_o legate_n instruction_n so_o to_o proceed_v that_o the_o lutheran_n may_v despair_v oâ—_n peace_n without_o a_o total_a submission_n for_o hâ—_n regard_v not_o their_o return_n upon_o such_o termâ—_n as_o will_v diminish_v the_o authority_n and_o revenue_n of_o his_o court_n or_o weaken_v any_o of_o thâ—_n foundation_n of_o papal_a power_n such_o a_o party_n value_v all_o man_n whether_o they_o draw_v near_a tâ—_n they_o or_o keep_v further_o from_o they_o as_o they_o stand_v affect_v to_o the_o interest_n which_o they_o maintain_v but_o true_a religion_n stand_v upon_o another_o bottom_n and_o pursue_v other_o end_n to_o wit_n holiness_n and_o peace_n and_o that_o without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n it_o have_v no_o private_a carnal_a interest_n to_o uphold_v and_o therefore_o need_v not_o such_o carnal_a device_n for_o its_o own_o securitâ—_n and_o advantage_n by_o comprehensiveness_n lose_v nothing_o because_o it_o seek_v not_o greâ—…_n thing_n upon_o earth_n nor_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o anâ—_n faction_n and_o as_o it_o lose_v nothing_o hereby_o sâ—_n it_o gain_v much_o both_o in_o amplitude_n and_o stâ—_n bility_n in_o church_n affair_n those_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v fast_o which_o christ_n our_o lawgiver_n have_v by_o his_o unalterable_a rule_n determine_v and_o make_v necessary_a to_o the_o build_n up_o of_o his_o church_n such_o as_o be_v the_o spiritual_a ordinance_n and_o officer_n of_o his_o institution_n but_o thing_n of_o mere_a human_a determination_n be_v not_o unalterable_a and_o the_o alteration_n thereof_o in_o a_o season_n that_o require_v it_o do_v no_o whit_n weaken_v religion_n or_o darken_v the_o glory_n of_o it_o and_o doubtless_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v more_o regard_v than_o integrity_n of_o life_n and_o ministerial_a ability_n and_o industry_n for_o the_o church_n edification_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a meekness_n and_o charity_n in_o such_o thing_n be_v far_o more_o glorious_a to_o the_o church_n than_o a_o force_a uniformity_n and_o that_o constrain_a rigour_n which_o do_v but_o debase_v man_n judgement_n into_o servility_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o strain_v their_o conscience_n â—ends_v to_o make_v they_o less_o conscientious_a and_o religious_a beside_o the_o say_a moderation_n in_o those_o matter_n wherein_o uniformity_n of_o apprehension_n be_v unnecessary_a and_o impossible_a will_v keep_v the_o church_n in_o a_o better_a consistency_n and_o deliver_v it_o from_o those_o contest_v and_o breach_n which_o may_v end_v â—n_o its_o dissipation_n but_o what_o glory_n or_o safety_n â—s_v there_o in_o a_o public_a order_n that_o be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v make_v the_o subject_n of_o controversy_n more_o than_o the_o rule_n of_o unity_n the_o hindrance_n of_o the_o most_o important_a thing_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v a_o mischief_n that_o always_o follow_v the_o promote_a of_o narrow_a principle_n and_o partial_a interest_n in_o religion_n whereof_o these_o instance_n among_o many_o other_o may_v be_v note_v the_o obstruct_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o public_a ministerial_a service_n to_o be_v give_v to_o minister_n that_o lie_v under_o restraint_n lest_o some_o that_o accept_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v weaken_v in_o their_o sever_a interest_n also_o the_o oppose_a of_o a_o public_a order_n of_o catechise_v the_o people_n in_o the_o uncontroverted_a principle_n of_o religion_n lest_o the_o petty_a liberty_n of_o a_o party_n in_o their_o sever_a way_n shall_v be_v impair_v but_o the_o concern_v of_o any_o particular_a party_n be_v set_v behind_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o christianity_n by_o a_o true_a catholic_n spirit_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o join_v hand_n in_o hand_n with_o any_o that_o seek_v the_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o godliness_n in_o the_o unquestionable_a mean_n thereof_o and_o no_o detriment_n can_v accrue_v by_o concur_v even_o with_o man_n of_o adverse_a principle_n in_o set_v on_o foot_n those_o thing_n receive_v in_o common_a that_o have_v a_o sure_a tendency_n to_o advance_v true_a religion_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v all_o good_a mean_n of_o introduce_v knowledge_n and_o civil_a conversation_n among_o a_o people_n rude_a and_o ignorant_a the_o fix_v of_o divine_a right_n upon_o matter_n of_o mere_a prudence_n and_o the_o damn_v of_o thing_n indifferent_a for_o unlawful_a be_v a_o error_n of_o evil_a consequence_n it_o causeless_o break_v a_o people_n into_o party_n and_o excite_v they_o to_o subvert_v their_o opposite_n and_o the_o opposition_n seem_v unchangeable_a hereby_o public_a affair_n be_v discompose_v the_o cause_n of_o religion_n be_v embroil_v and_o the_o propagation_n thereof_o obstruct_v and_o perhaps_o at_o length_n after_o tedious_a contest_v either_o both_o party_n be_v weary_a of_o endless_a strife_n sit_v down_o in_o silence_n or_o the_o weak_a be_v vanquish_v be_v crush_v or_o yield_v with_o shame_n and_o loss_n into_o the_o snare_n of_o this_o error_n man_n be_v bring_v by_o narrowness_n of_o judgement_n or_o strength_n of_o fancy_n or_o hurry_v of_o prejudice_n drive_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v the_o private_a interest_n of_o lead_v man_n wherefore_o we_o shall_v take_v care_n that_o we_o lay_v no_o bond_n upon_o ourselves_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o neither_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o any_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n have_v bind_v we_o up_o furthermore_o it_o do_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o settlement_n or_o enlargement_n of_o any_o church_n interest_n to_o enter_v into_o such_o religious_a bond_n as_o must_v needs_o conflict_n not_o only_o with_o the_o opposition_n of_o perpetual_a adversary_n but_o also_o with_o the_o dissenting_n and_o dissatisfaction_n of_o friend_n considerable_a for_o number_n and_o quality_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v too_o narrow_a for_o the_o common_a interest_n and_o bias_n too_o strong_o to_o a_o party_n of_o one_o persuasion_n for_o which_o cause_n their_o prevalence_n be_v
common_a remissness_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v deplorable_a sometime_o the_o manner_n of_o opposition_n against_o seducer_n be_v unadvised_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o contend_v for_o truth_n by_o wrath_n and_o clamour_n and_o contumelious_a language_n and_o usage_n inhance_v the_o price_n of_o error_n and_o add_v to_o its_o reputation_n but_o the_o sure_a way_n be_v to_o converse_v much_o with_o our_o plain_a heart_a people_n and_o to_o season_v they_o with_o right_a principle_n and_o to_o detect_v the_o subtle_a method_n of_o deceitful_a worker_n and_o the_o dangerous_a issue_n of_o their_o allurement_n and_o by_o honest_a and_o inoffensive_a application_n to_o prepossess_v those_o hold_n of_o which_o deceiver_n seek_v to_o possess_v themselves_o and_o here_o it_o be_v of_o chief_a importance_n that_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o other_o prudent_a and_o able_a person_n upon_o the_o common_a multitude_n of_o professor_n be_v more_o prevail_a than_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o common_a multitude_n upon_o the_o pastor_n and_o other_o prudent_a leader_n servile_a temporize_a with_o vulgar_a fancy_n degrade_n the_o authority_n and_o wisdom_n of_o prudent_a guide_n and_o lift_v up_o a_o vulgar_a spirit_n and_o will_v bring_v it_o to_o that_o pass_n that_o the_o weak_a and_o most_o inconsiderate_a shall_v sway_v the_o church_n interest_n let_v person_n of_o approve_a worth_n be_v more_o faithful_a and_o noble_a than_o by_o such_o servility_n and_o treachery_n to_o raise_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o weak_a sort_n let_v they_o rather_o commend_v themselves_o by_o their_o know_a integrity_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o by_o be_v ready_a also_o in_o all_o condescension_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v they_o to_o their_o edification_n and_o such_o faithfulness_n be_v the_o sure_a mean_n to_o gain_v they_o love_v and_o honour_n let_v the_o religious_a beware_v of_o seek_v to_o be_v admire_v and_o magnify_v among_o one_o another_o or_o of_o overprize_v each_o other_o esteem_n this_o latter_a seem_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o draw_v peter_n to_o a_o fit_a of_o dissimulation_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o believe_a gentile_n while_o he_o seek_v too_o much_o to_o please_v they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o circumcision_n sometime_o we_o know_v not_o our_o own_o spirit_n it_o be_v good_a to_o beware_v of_o provocation_n like_o to_o be_v give_v or_o take_v upon_o a_o suppose_a affront_n or_o injury_n man_n of_o part_n have_v be_v hurry_v into_o dangerous_a contest_v and_o to_o make_v head_n against_o petty_a passionate_a opposition_n they_o have_v run_v beyond_o their_o own_o thought_n and_o wrought_v strange_a confusion_n discretion_n and_o charity_n seek_v to_o convince_v and_o satisfy_v and_o not_o to_o exasperate_v a_o offend_a brother_n it_o be_v well_o observe_v that_o no_o turbulent_a opinion_n or_o party_n do_v usual_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o church_n neglect_n of_o some_o truth_n or_o duty_n wherefore_o if_o a_o evil_a spirit_n seek_v a_o occasion_n of_o mischief_n reform_v the_o abuse_n and_o so_o prevent_v his_o work_n upon_o the_o simple_a and_o forasmuch_o as_o some_o of_o upright_a heart_n be_v deceive_v with_o a_o fancy_n of_o a_o more_o sublime_a and_o perfect_a way_n may_v pass_v into_o the_o tent_n of_o sectary_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v church_n order_n and_o external_a worship_n a_o compassionate_a regard_n must_v be_v have_v of_o such_o as_o walk_v honest_o and_o retain_v those_o fundamental_a truth_n that_o may_v be_v a_o groundwork_n for_o save_a faith_n and_o godly_a life_n now_o towards_o such_o the_o great_a charity_n be_v exercise_v in_o labour_v to_o remove_v the_o stumbling-block_n of_o their_o error_n and_o to_o make_v it_o plain_a before_o they_o that_o the_o faithful_a who_o communion_n they_o forsake_v contend_v for_o the_o perfection_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o explicit_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o reasonable_a service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o spiritual_a worship_n suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n and_o the_o lively_a use_n of_o holy_a ordinance_n in_o opposition_n to_o unwritten_a tradition_n man_n invention_n implicit_a faith_n ignorant_a devotion_n and_o mere_a formality_n that_o they_o declare_v by_o word_n and_o deed_n against_o the_o iniquity_n and_o impiety_n of_o this_o evil_a world_n and_o therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v they_o that_o they_o insist_v upon_o no_o form_n or_o usage_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v command_v by_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o christ_n or_o be_v necessary_a in_o their_o general_a reason_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o seek_v no_o worldly_a advantage_n or_o advancement_n in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o support_n of_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o god_n ordinary_a providence_n and_o last_o that_o human_a infirmity_n must_v not_o be_v think_v strange_a in_o they_o that_o have_v not_o obtain_v angelical_a perfection_n these_o and_o the_o like_a thing_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a before_o honest_a people_n that_o have_v be_v seduce_v into_o sectarian_n error_n chap._n xxv_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n by_o make_v it_o national_a and_o the_o settle_a interest_n of_o nation_n christs_n little_a flock_n can_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n nor_o retire_v within_o themselves_o alone_o from_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o they_o must_v needs_o remain_v a_o part_n of_o kingdom_n &_o commonwealth_n with_o the_o world_n in_o general_n they_o must_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o the_o power_n that_o be_v will_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o and_o their_o way_n for_o which_o cause_n their_o aim_n and_o action_n as_o far_o as_o their_o sacred_a rule_n allow_v must_v be_v fit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o direct_v unto_o the_o general_a peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o the_o nation_n whereof_o they_o be_v &_o in_o which_o they_o enjoy_v their_o civil_a right_n by_o this_o mean_n religion_n interest_n may_v incorporate_v with_o the_o general_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n &_o run_v in_o the_o same_o channel_n that_o pure_a religion_n may_v take_v root_n and_o spread_v and_o prosper_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o bring_v its_o external_a frame_n to_o the_o consistency_n of_o a_o national_a settlement_n the_o just_a â—aâ—aude_n hereof_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o substantial_o of_o divine_a worship_n and_o thing_n necessary_a to_o church_n unity_n and_o order_n but_o it_o go_v not_o beyond_o these_o and_o be_v fix_v in_o this_o extent_n it_o be_v in_o a_o way_n to_o gain_v beside_o the_o support_n and_o power_n of_o the_o law_n the_o nation_n unstrain_a compliance_n and_o approbation_n as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n ecclesiastical_a tyranny_n be_v a_o root_n of_o bitterness_n always_o bear_v gall_n and_o wormwood_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n unfixedness_n and_o unlimited_a liberty_n consist_v not_o with_o that_o stability_n wherein_o all_o prudent_a governor_n will_v settle_v their_o own_o affair_n as_o also_o with_o that_o general_a tranquillity_n and_o repose_n which_o be_v the_o health_n of_o any_o people_n if_o one_o be_v raise_v to_o empire_n by_o a_o mere_a fanatic_a party_n he_o can_v settle_v himself_o nor_o stand_v upon_o firm_a ground_n till_o he_o wind_v his_o interest_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n and_o turn_v himself_o to_o the_o way_n of_o general_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o same_o intent_n and_o purpose_n it_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n so_o to_o fix_v the_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n as_o not_o to_o set_v a_o perpetual_a bar_n against_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o people_n a_o church_n state_n so_o bar_v though_o it_o be_v assert_v with_o a_o veterane_n army_n and_o can_v enclose_v all_o preferment_n both_o of_o honour_n and_o profit_n within_o itself_o to_o be_v at_o its_o disposal_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o see_v how_o it_o can_v ever_o obtain_v a_o firm_a establishment_n for_o a_o christian_a nation_n in_o general_a be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o bar_v of_o such_o privilege_n as_o be_v suppose_v to_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o christian_n be_v enrage_v and_o likely_a to_o be_v engage_v as_o one_o man_n to_o oppose_v that_o which_o they_o take_v for_o intolerable_a oppression_n or_o if_o they_o care_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v they_o will_v turn_v to_o a_o contrary_a interest_n and_o party_n in_o religion_n or_o to_o infidelity_n barbarism_n atheism_n or_o some_o destructive_a way_n or_o other_o now_o the_o intention_n here_o propound_v may_v take_v effect_n if_o the_o constitution_n shut_v out_o none_o from_o sacred_a and_o spiritual_a privilege_n but_o such_o as_o make_v not_o profession_n of_o true_a christianity_n or_o be_v destitute_a of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o true_a
faith_n in_o christ_n or_o to_o the_o profitable_a use_n of_o those_o ordinance_n whereof_o they_o will_v partake_v or_o by_o public_a trial_n can_v be_v evict_v in_o their_o deed_n to_o deny_v christ_n to_o who_o they_o profess_v subjection_n or_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o scandalous_a enormity_n or_o disobedience_n as_o be_v reproachful_a to_o the_o christian_a name_n it_o be_v likewise_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o discipline_n be_v a_o work_n of_o time_n and_o that_o people_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v on_o by_o degree_n when_o they_o have_v lie_v long_o undisciplined_a for_o a_o nation_n be_v not_o bear_v in_o a_o day_n right_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n grate_v hard_a upon_o man_n corruption_n and_o stir_v up_o many_o nemy_n likewise_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v often_o jealous_a of_o it_o lest_o it_o shall_v move_v eccentric_a to_o their_o motion_n therefore_o be_v a_o tender_a point_n it_o require_v so_o much_o caution_n as_o nothing_o more_o cogent_n reason_n persuade_v those_o that_o be_v herein_o concern_v most_o willing_o to_o put_v themselves_o under_o the_o regulation_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o to_o contain_v themselves_o within_o all_o tolerable_a limitation_n prescribe_v by_o he_o i_o mean_v such_o as_o defeat_v not_o the_o end_n of_o discipline_n and_o by_o clear_a and_o moderate_a act_n within_o their_o own_o sphere_n to_o render_v their_o office_n less_o invidious_a chap._n xxvi_o of_o submission_n to_o thing_n impose_v by_o lawful_a authority_n whosoever_o due_o prize_v the_o public_a peace_n of_o his_o own_o liberty_n for_o public_a service_n will_v consider_v the_o utmost_a lawful_a boundary_a of_o submission_n to_o thing_n impose_v by_o lawful_a authority_n that_o nothing_o possible_a to_o be_v do_v be_v leave_v undo_v but_o what_o be_v sinful_a â—…s_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n impossible_a we_o may_v not_o â—…ie_v for_o god_n nothing_o erroneous_a may_v be_v assert_v nothing_o simple_o evil_a may_v be_v admit_v in_o our_o own_o practice_n but_o in_o a_o establish_a church_n not_o infect_v with_o heresy_n or_o idolatry_n nor_o defective_a in_o any_o vital_a part_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v duty_n to_o bear_v with_o much_o that_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v amiss_o in_o other_o practice_n to_o which_o we_o make_v not_o ourselves_o accessary_a by_o neglect_v any_o mean_n of_o redress_n within_o our_o power_n and_o call_v yea_o be_v constrain_v by_o other_o rigour_n we_o may_v stoop_v to_o the_o use_n of_o some_o thing_n which_o profit_n little_a if_o they_o be_v not_o simple_o evil_a nor_o by_o a_o evil_a consequent_a destructive_a to_o the_o main_a service_n to_o which_o they_o be_v superad_v the_o yoke_n of_o such_o subjection_n may_v cause_v grief_n of_o heart_n but_o do_v not_o wound_v the_o conscience_n indifferent_a thing_n be_v not_o make_v unlawful_a mere_o by_o be_v enjoin_v and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o some_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o specie_fw-la shall_v be_v determine_v for_o order_n sake_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o thing_n not_o in_o themselves_o unlawful_a may_v some_o time_n be_v so_o pernicious_a in_o their_o consequent_n aâ—_n by_o a_o vehement_a appearance_n of_o evil_a to_o draw_v other_o into_o sin_n and_o by_o a_o strong_a tendency_n to_o evil_n to_o lead_v and_o settle_v they_o in_o a_o way_n that_o be_v not_o good_a i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o the_o latitude_n of_o conformity_n to_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a be_v unlimited_a ruler_n have_v receive_v their_o power_n of_o enjoin_v and_o subject_n their_o liberty_n of_o conform_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n in_o a_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n we_o be_v lead_v on_o to_o consider_v whether_o the_o scandal_n of_o compliance_n with_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o themselves_o but_o of_o harmful_a consequence_n be_v not_o of_o lesser_a moment_n than_o the_o scandal_n and_o misery_n that_o may_v follow_v upon_o noncompliance_n though_o of_o thing_n simple_o evil_a neither_o may_v be_v choose_v yet_o of_o thing_n evil_a only_o in_o their_o consequent_n either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o inevitable_o come_v upon_o we_o that_o must_v be_v choose_v upon_o which_o the_o lesser_a evil_n follow_v peradventure_o the_o scandal_n of_o submission_n may_v be_v overballance_v by_o the_o apparent_a consequence_n of_o a_o more_o important_a good_a by_o which_o also_o it_o may_v in_o time_n be_v quite_o remove_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o prudent_a must_v herein_o direct_v their_o way_n though_o the_o ruler_n be_v judge_n of_o what_o rule_v he_o be_v to_o prescribe_v yet_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o subject_a be_v to_o judge_v with_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n whether_o those_o rule_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o so_o whether_o his_o conformity_n thereto_o be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a otherwise_o he_o must_v act_v upon_o blind_a obedience_n and_o may_v be_v excuse_v in_o do_v thing_n either_o simple_o evil_a or_o pernicious_a in_o their_o consequent_n a_o general_a certainty_n that_o ruler_n must_v be_v obey_v in_o lawful_a thing_n be_v no_o security_n to_o the_o conscience_n for_o obedience_n to_o this_o or_o that_o injunction_n when_o we_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v for_o we_o can_v be_v sure_o that_o obedience_n in_o this_o case_n be_v a_o duty_n and_o not_o a_o sin_n because_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o obey_v in_o thing_n unlawful_a and_o such_o the_o thing_n now_o in_o question_n be_v or_o may_v be_v for_o aught_o that_o we_o discern_v and_o our_o ignorance_n can_v change_v god_n law_n therefore_o the_o doubtfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o make_v the_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n likewise_o doubtful_a and_o perhaps_o the_o danger_n may_v be_v great_a on_o the_o part_n of_o obey_v than_o refuse_v for_o possible_o the_o injunction_n of_o a_o heinous_a sin_n may_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o in_o this_o straight_o we_o apprehend_v it_o more_o unsafe_a and_o less_o excusable_a to_o choose_v the_o great_a before_o the_o lesser_a sin_n on_o which_o side_n soever_o it_o be_v though_o indeed_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o choose_v neither_o indeed_o it_o be_v much_o easy_a for_o ruler_n to_o relax_v the_o strictness_n of_o many_o injunction_n about_o matter_n of_o suppose_a convenience_n than_o for_o subject_n to_o be_v enlarge_v from_o the_o strictness_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o bless_v be_v they_o that_o consider_v conscience_n and_o load_v it_o not_o with_o needless_a burden_n but_o seek_v to_o relieve_v it_o iâ—_n its_o distress_n and_o as_o this_o forbearance_n and_o tenderness_n iâ—_n superior_n be_v the_o praise_n of_o their_o government_n and_o advance_v peace_n and_o concord_n so_o do_v moderation_n and_o a_o submissive_a disposition_n commend_v inferior_n and_o much_o advantage_n their_o godly_a zeal_n for_o it_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o clamourous_a man_n it_o obviate_v the_o ensnare_a design_n of_o adversary_n and_o it_o give_v great_a boldness_n in_o contend_v for_o weighty_a matter_n howbeit_o sometime_o that_o submission_n which_o all_o circumstance_n consider_v both_o prudencâ—_n and_o upright_a conscience_n declare_v necessary_a may_v be_v liable_a to_o a_o reproach_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o temporize_v the_o truth_n be_v a_o minister_n reputation_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v that_o be_v loath_a it_o shall_v suffer_v shipwreck_n and_o a_o appearance_n or_o suspicion_n of_o time-serving_a do_v great_o endanger_v it_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v forbear_v some_o compliance_n which_o he_o clear_o foresee_v will_n bring_v he_o into_o a_o vehement_a suspicion_n thereof_o in_o charity_n it_o shall_v be_v take_v not_o for_o a_o undue_a valuation_n of_o his_o own_o credit_n but_o for_o a_o tender_a regard_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o a_o exalt_a party_n shall_v set_v themselves_o to_o profligate_v the_o credit_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bring_v under_o by_o constrain_a they_o to_o such_o compliance_n they_o have_v more_o regard_n to_o their_o own_o particular_a triumph_n than_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o common_a faith_n and_o all_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v by_o this_o mean_v expose_v to_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o irriligious_a as_o if_o it_o be_v mere_a hypocrisy_n and_o matter_n of_o interest_n on_o all_o side_n as_o for_o inferior_n in_o this_o case_n they_o be_v in_o a_o strait_a between_o too_o and_o which_o way_n can_v they_o turn_v themselves_o â—o_o avoid-all_a inconvenience_n for_o the_o same_o â—_z that_o reproach_n they_o as_o temporize_v will_v in_o case_n of_o non-submission_n clamour_n against_o they_o as_o humorous_a and_o factious_a herein_o i_o shall_v offer_v the_o apt_a remedy_n i_o know_v â—amely_o neither_o in_o word_n nor_o deed_n to_o abandon_v or_o disow_v the_o truth_n and_o in_o these_o burdensome_a yet_o not_o unlawful_a compliance_n
and_o though_o we_o may_v not_o please_v they_o in_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a yet_o we_o may_v in_o that_o which_o be_v lawful_a but_o less_o edify_v and_o so_o we_o may_v let_v go_v some_o good_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n rather_o than_o omit_v the_o whole_a service_n here_o be_v indeed_o a_o sinful_a defect_n yet_o not_o on_o our_o part_n but_o on_o they_o who_o urge_v the_o way_n that_o be_v less_o edify_a and_o refuse_v the_o better_a the_o exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n be_v a_o mean_n and_o not_o the_o end_n must_v be_v govern_v by_o rule_n of_o prudence_n among_o which_o this_o be_v a_o chief_a one_o that_o the_o mean_n must_v not_o be_v assert_v so_o stiff_o as_o to_o endanger_v or_o destroy_v the_o end_n the_o exercise_n of_o spiritual_a authority_n be_v necessary_o more_o regulate_v by_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o a_o state_n that_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n than_o in_o a_o state_n that_o either_o persecute_v or_o disregard_v it_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o spiritual_a power_n be_v radical_o the_o same_o in_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n may_v not_o be_v more_o restrain_v in_o some_o and_o let_v forth_o to_o a_o large_a extent_n in_o other_o upon_o prudential_a ground_n provide_v it_o be_v not_o enlarge_v in_o some_o to_o a_o exorbitancy_n and_o streighten_v in_o other_o to_o a_o extreme_a deficiency_n likewise_o if_o there_o be_v a_o dissent_n or_o doubt_v about_o a_o superiority_n or_o pre-eminence_n of_o spiritual_a power_n in_o some_o distinct_a ecclesiastical_a office_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v how_o far_o submission_n may_v be_v yield_v to_o a_o power_n objective_o ecclesiastical_a but_o formal_o political_a derive_v from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o seat_v in_o ecclesiastical_a person_n by_o temporal_a law_n last_o in_o reference_n to_o thing_n impose_v there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o a_o quiet_a submission_n and_o a_o approve_v free_a choice_n it_o may_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o subject_n to_o do_v that_o which_o may_v be_v the_o sin_n of_o governor_n to_o command_v for_o in_o the_o same_o thing_n wherein_o governor_n refuse_v the_o better_a way_n subject_n may_v do_v their_o part_n and_o choose_v the_o best_a way_n they_o can_v if_o these_o consideration_n or_o other_o of_o the_o like_a catholic_n tendency_n be_v find_v allowable_a and_o will_v pass_v among_o brethren_n of_o different_a judgement_n they_o may_v prevent_v and_o heal_v many_o breach_n and_o unite_v dissenter_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o love_n and_o afford_v unto_o such_o as_o have_v be_v entangle_v a_o more_o free_a scope_n and_o large_a capacity_n for_o public_a aim_n and_o action_n chap._n xxix_o whether_o the_o purity_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n be_v lessen_v by_o amplitude_n and_o comprehensiveness_n a_o doubt_n may_v arise_v in_o this_o place_n whether_o it_o ben_fw-mi ot_fw-mi safe_o to_o make_v the_o church-door_n narrow_a and_o to_o keep_v a_o strict_a guard_n upon_o the_o entrance_n into_o it_o and_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o exact_a purity_n that_o religion_n may_v continue_v uncorrupt_a and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o defile_v nor_o its_o interest_n ravish_v by_o stranger_n in_o resolve_v this_o doubt_n i_o forget_v not_o that_o the_o way_n be_v narrow_a and_o the_o gate_n be_v straight_o that_o lead_v unto_o life_n but_o self-denial_n and_o real_a mortification_n and_o a_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n and_o not_o strictness_n of_o opinion_n in_o church_n order_n be_v this_o narrow_a way_n and_o straight_a gate_n and_o our_o salvation_n lie_v upon_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o not_o upon_o church_n purity_n beside_o god_n have_v make_v the_o gate_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n much_o wide_a than_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n and_o church_n discipline_n can_v be_v set_v in_o that_o strictness_n in_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v for_o doctrine_n direct_o judge_v the_o heart_n and_o require_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n but_o discipline_n judge_v only_o the_o exterior_a conversation_n and_o must_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o credibility_n of_o profession_n in_o walk_v by_o rigid_a rule_n of_o discipline_n though_o with_o a_o aim_n to_o advance_v purity_n we_o may_v easy_o shut_v out_o those_o who_o christ_n have_v take_v in_o true_a piety_n may_v be_v find_v in_o many_o who_o retain_v such_o thing_n as_o some_o godly_a christian_n judge_v erroneous_a or_o superstitious_a and_o godly_a sincerity_n may_v be_v find_v in_o many_o who_o some_o of_o great_a zeal_n but_o too_o censorious_a may_v judge_v to_o be_v but_o formalist_n it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o neglect_v sober_a and_o serious_a people_n though_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o profession_n who_o conform_v to_o god_n ordinance_n and_o regard_v a_o sound_a ministry_n and_o show_v themselves_o teachable_a lest_o we_o reject_v those_o that_o will_v help_v to_o uphold_v and_o honour_v religion_n more_o than_o many_o who_o will_v put_v themselves_o forward_o among_o the_o strict_a sort_n but_o indeed_o be_v either_o carnal_a projector_n or_o busy_a body_n or_o froward_a and_o fickle_a person_n and_o a_o stain_n to_o the_o profession_n in_o which_o they_o seem_v to_o glory_n this_o narrowness_n of_o church-communion_n and_o other_o reservedness_n of_o some_o strict_a professor_n tend_v neither_o to_o the_o increase_n nor_o stability_n of_o pure_a religion_n zealous_a christian_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o good_a leaven_n like_o that_o in_o the_o gospel_n parable_n which_o if_o keep_v alone_o be_v of_o no_o efficacy_n but_o be_v diffuse_v will_v season_v the_o whole_a lump_n if_o they_o sever_v themselves_o into_o distinct_a visible_a society_n from_o the_o body_n of_o a_o nation_n profess_v the_o true_a religion_n their_o virtue_n can_v spread_v far_o but_o they_o leaven_n the_o whole_a mass_n of_o people_n by_o be_v diffuse_v throughout_o the_o whole_a and_o then_o they_o gain_v reverence_n and_o reputation_n and_o by_o their_o example_n profane_a and_o dissolute_a person_n may_v be_v convince_v and_o much_o reform_v and_o among_o those_o that_o walk_v orderly_a many_o may_v be_v carry_v on_o from_o common_a to_o save_v grace_n hereunto_o may_v be_v add_v this_o inestimable_a benefit_n to_o wit_n the_o apparent_a hope_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o true_a religion_n to_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v which_o otherwise_o be_v unfixed_a may_v in_o time_n wear_v away_o and_o fail_v in_o such_o a_o nation_n furthermore_o sincere_a christian_n be_v comparative_o but_o a_o little_a flock_n and_o of_o that_o little_a flock_n the_o great_a number_n be_v of_o low_a capacity_n and_o very_o defective_a in_o political_a prudence_n and_o if_o they_o be_v whole_o leave_v to_o govern_v themselves_o in_o separate_a society_n they_o may_v easy_o be_v ensnare_v into_o party_n and_o breach_n and_o manifold_a inconvenience_n indeed_o those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v best_a able_a to_o govern_v themselves_o be_v most_o convince_v of_o the_o need_n of_o public_a government_n wherefore_o it_o be_v the_o security_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o live_v under_o a_o public_a and_o fix_a rule_n and_o order_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v embody_a with_o a_o nation_n if_o it_o may_v be_v in_o one_o way_n of_o communion_n chap._n xxx_o factious_a usurpation_n be_v destructive_a to_o religion_n interest_n religion_n be_v by_o the_o maligner_n of_o it_o too_o often_o call_v faction_n but_o the_o name_n be_v not_o more_o reproachful_a than_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v hurtful_a to_o it_o and_o the_o prudent_a promoter_n of_o it_o will_v avoid_v factious_a usurpation_n and_o all_o such_o way_n as_o will_v turn_v to_o a_o general_a grievance_n but_o if_o any_o number_n of_o man_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o profession_n shall_v seek_v the_o engross_n of_o profit_n and_o preferment_n within_o themselves_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v religious_a and_o the_o assume_v of_o such_o power_n as_o can_v be_v maintain_v but_o by_o injury_n or_o disregard_n real_o or_o in_o appearance_n offer_v to_o all_o other_o and_o shall_v so_o act_v in_o civil_a affair_n as_o if_o they_o only_o be_v the_o people_n and_o think_v to_o do_v this_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n they_o will_v much_o mistake_v their_o way_n for_o beside_o the_o iniquity_n of_o this_o practice_n the_o vanity_n and_o weakness_n of_o it_o be_v manifest_a the_o intrinsic_a and_o permanent_a strength_n of_o strict_a religion_n must_v be_v well_o consider_v for_o that_o which_o be_v adventitious_a be_v very_o mutable_a and_o may_v be_v soon_o turn_v against_o it_o occasional_a advantage_n may_v sudden_o raise_v it_o up_o to_o reputation_n and_o power_n among_o man_n and_o as_o sudden_o leave_v it_o to_o sink_v and_o fall_v again_o wherefore_o its_o friend_n and_o follower_n may_v
own_o sphere_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v entrust_v of_o god_n with_o the_o care_n of_o religion_n within_o his_o dominion_n and_o have_v a_o civil_a supremacy_n in_o eclesiastical_a affair_n and_o a_o great_a concern_v in_o the_o orderly_a management_n of_o public_a assembly_n he_o be_v authorize_v of_o god_n to_o oversee_v the_o determination_n and_o act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n and_o may_v assume_v to_o himself_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a circumstantial_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o church_n edification_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n keep_v within_o the_o general_n rule_v prescribe_v in_o god_n word_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o church-unity_n that_o be_v according_a to_o god_n word_n it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o subject_n to_o submit_v to_o what_o their_o governor_n have_v determine_v so_o far_o as_o their_o submission_n be_v allowable_a by_o the_o say_a rule_n and_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o governor_n to_o consider_v well_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o their_o determination_n more_o especial_o their_o wisdom_n and_o care_n be_v much_o require_v in_o settle_v the_o right_a bound_n of_o unity_n in_o this_o regard_n the_o term_n of_o admission_n to_o the_o communion_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o the_o declare_a will_n of_o god_n have_v make_v the_o term_n of_o those_o privilege_n and_o which_o will_v shut_v out_o none_o who_o god_n have_v qualify_v for_o and_o call_v to_o the_o same_o the_o set_n of_o other_o boundary_n beside_o the_o iniquity_n thereof_o will_v inevitable_o cause_v division_n the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n assemble_v at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o 28._o writing_n to_o the_o blieve_a gentile_n declare_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o great_a burden_n than_o these_o necessary_a thing_n from_o which_o it_o be_v evident_o infer_v that_o the_o burden_n of_o thing_n unnecessary_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v on_o the_o church_n the_o thing_n enjoin_v by_o that_o assembly_n be_v antecedent_o to_o their_o decree_n either_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o or_o in_o their_o consequent_n according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v make_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o strict_a injunction_n especial_o a_o condition_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o privilege_n aught_o to_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o necessity_n in_o it_o antecedent_n to_o its_o imposition_n symbolical_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n institute_v by_o man_n to_o signify_v grace_n or_o duty_n be_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o general_n be_v leave_v to_o human_a determination_n for_o this_o or_o that_o kind_n thereof_o they_o have_v no_o necessary_a subserviency_n to_o divine_a institution_n they_o be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o necessary_a decency_n and_o order_n in_o divine_a worship_n without_o which_o the_o service_n will_v be_v undecent_a and_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v institute_v or_o rigid_o urge_v in_o any_o time_n or_o place_n whatsoever_o the_o be_v and_o well_o be_v of_o any_o right_o constitute_v church_n of_o christ_n may_v stand_v without_o they_o st._n paul_n resolve_v upon_o the_o case_n of_o use_v or_o refuse_v of_o meat_n and_o the_o observance_n or_o nonobservance_n of_o day_n which_o god_n have_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o of_o eat_v of_o those_o meat_n which_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n rom._n 14._o and_o 1_o cor._n 8._o that_o no_o man_n put_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o his_o brother_n way_n the_o command_n here_o give_v extend_v to_o pastor_n and_o governor_n as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o christian_n and_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o act_n of_o government_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o act_n st._n paul_n be_v a_o church_n governor_n and_o of_o high_a authority_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o use_v his_o own_o liberty_n in_o eat_v flesh_n much_o less_o will_v he_o impose_v in_o thing_n unnecessary_a to_o make_v his_o brother_n to_o offend_v in_o the_o case_n aforemention_v there_o be_v a_o great_a appearance_n of_o reason_n for_o despise_v censure_v or_o offend_v other_o than_o there_o can_v be_v for_o some_o imposition_n now_o in_o question_n among_o we_o viz._n on_o the_o one_o side_n a_o fear_n of_o partake_v in_o idolatry_n or_o of_o eat_v meat_n that_o god_n have_v forbid_v or_o of_o neglect_v day_n that_o god_n have_v command_v as_o they_o think_v on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o fear_n of_o be_v drive_v from_o the_o christian_a liberty_n and_o of_o restore_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n nevertheless_o the_o apostle_n give_v a_o severe_a charge_n against_o censure_v despise_v or_o offend_v other_o of_o different_a persuasion_n in_o those_o case_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o censure_v or_o despise_v one_o another_o much_o more_o be_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n or_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n for_o such_o matter_n the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o church-unity_n evident_o show_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o external_a order_n must_v always_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o may_v be_v require_v no_o further_o than_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o edification_n the_o church_n true_a interest_n lie_v in_o the_o increase_n of_o regenerate_a christian_n who_o be_v her_o true_a and_o live_a member_n and_o in_o their_o mutual_a love_n peace_n and_o concord_n in_o receive_v one_o another_o upon_o those_o term_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v the_o bond_n of_o this_o union_n the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v comprise_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o follow_a unity_n one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o say_v of_o one_o ritual_a or_o set_a form_n of_o sacred_a office_n one_o policy_n or_o model_n of_o rule_n and_o order_n that_o be_v but_o circumstantial_a and_o accidental_a in_o a_o church_n state_n and_o very_o various_a and_o alterable_a while_o the_o church_n abide_v the_o same_o chap._n iii_o of_o schism_n true_o so_o call_v here_o i_o lay_v down_o general_a position_n about_o schism_n without_o make_v application_n thereof_o whether_o these_o position_n be_v right_a or_o wrong_a god_n word_n will_v show_v and_o who_o be_v or_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o they_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n will_v show_v schism_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o of_o that_o church-unity_n which_o be_v of_o god_n make_v or_o approve_v this_o definition_n i_o ground_n on_o the_o aforecited_a text_n mark_v they_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n that_o you_o have_v learn_v separation_n and_o schism_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a extent_n there_o may_v be_v a_o separation_n or_o secession_n where_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n for_o schism_n be_v always_o a_o sin_n but_o separation_n may_v be_v a_o duty_n as_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n moreover_o there_o may_v be_v schism_n where_o there_o be_v no_o separation_n the_o violation_n of_o unity_n or_o the_o cause_v of_o division_n may_v be_v not_o only_o by_o withdraw_v but_o by_o any_o cause_v of_o other_o to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o the_o undue_a cast_n or_o keep_v of_o other_o out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o make_v of_o any_o breach_n in_o religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o look_v back_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o rule_v and_o requisite_n of_o true_a church-unity_n we_o shall_v understand_v the_o true_a nature_n and_o the_o several_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o schism_n as_o holy_a love_n be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o church-unity_n so_o that_o aversation_n and_o opposition_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o love_v be_v that_o which_o animate_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o heart_n root_n of_o it_o whosoever_o maintain_v love_n and_o make_v no_o breach_n therein_o and_o who_o dissent_v or_o withdraw_v from_o a_o church_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o may_v stand_v with_o love_n in_o its_o extent_n be_v no_o schismatic_a the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v primary_o that_o of_o the_o church_n as_o mystical_o the_o breach_n thereof_o lie_v primary_o in_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n spiritual_n much_o more_o in_o be_v opposite_a thereunto_o under_o the_o show_n of_o christianity_n also_o in_o the_o languish_a or_o lessen_v of_o spiritual_a life_n especial_o of_o the_o act_n of_o holy_a love_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v secondary_o that_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a in_o its_o external_a state_n and_o the_o first_o and_o
unity_n the_o confuse_a noise_n about_o schism_n and_o the_o unjust_a imputation_n thereof_o that_o be_v common_o make_v have_v great_o disorder_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o some_o have_v be_v thereby_o sway_v to_o a_o absolute_a compliance_n with_o the_o most_o numerous_a or_o the_o most_o prevail_a party_n other_o discern_v the_o abuse_n of_o this_o name_n but_o forget_v that_o there_o be_v something_o true_o so_o call_v have_v make_v light_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o be_v indeed_o of_o a_o heinous_a nature_n i_o have_v be_v engage_v in_o this_o disquisition_n by_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o schism_n and_o a_o earnest_a care_n of_o keep_v myself_o from_o the_o real_a guilt_n thereof_o and_o what_o be_v here_o write_v i_o willing_o submit_v to_o a_o grave_n and_o just_a examination_n errare_fw-la possum_fw-la haereticus_fw-la schismaticus_fw-la esse_fw-la nolo_fw-la i_o be_o liable_a to_o error_n as_o other_o be_v but_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o be_o no_o wilful_a schismatic_a it_o be_v common_o give_v to_o man_n to_o pass_v a_o severe_a judgement_n upon_o every_o dissent_n from_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o order_n whereupon_o as_o that_o have_v have_v the_o character_n of_o schism_n stamp_v upon_o it_o which_o be_v not_o such_o indeed_o so_o that_o which_o be_v schism_n in_o a_o low_a and_o tolerable_a degree_n have_v be_v aggravate_v to_o the_o high_a and_o prosecute_v against_o all_o rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o charity_n to_o make_v a_o equal_a judgement_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n in_o person_n or_o party_n the_o degree_n of_o the_o schism_n be_v due_o to_o be_v consider_v our_o saviour_n teach_v that_o revile_v language_n contemptuous_a word_n and_o rash_a anger_n be_v breach_n of_o the_o six_o commandment_n yet_o in_o degree_n of_o guilt_n they_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o the_o act_n of_o wilful_a murder_n and_o indeed_o in_o the_o kind_n of_o delinquency_n here_o treat_v of_o there_o be_v as_o great_a difference_n of_o degree_n as_o of_o any_o other_o kind_n the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o be_v necessitate_v to_o a_o noncompliance_n in_o some_o lawful_a thing_n by_o they_o hold_v unlawful_a yet_o seek_v union_n will_v glad_o embrace_v a_o reasonable_a accommodation_n be_v much_o different_a from_o they_o who_o upon_o choice_n and_o wilful_o sever_v themselves_o because_o they_o love_v to_o be_v sever_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o desire_n and_o seek_v the_o conformity_n of_o other_o and_o will_v glad_o have_v fellowship_n with_o they_o yet_o through_o misguide_a zeal_n be_v approver_n of_o such_o unnecessary_a imposition_n as_o hinder_v the_o conform_v of_o many_o be_v much_o different_a from_o they_o who_o design_v the_o extrusion_n of_o other_o contrive_v the_o intangle_a of_o they_o by_o needless_a rigour_n many_o other_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v to_o express_v the_o great_a disparity_n of_o case_n in_o point_n of_o schism_n all_o which_o may_v teach_v we_o in_o the_o estimate_n that_o we_o be_v to_o make_v thereof_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o honest_a mind_n that_o by_o mistake_n be_v draw_v into_o division_n and_o those_o that_o out_o of_o their_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o evil_a design_n do_v wilful_o cause_v division_n in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o consider_v one_o another_o as_o subject_a to_o the_o like_a error_n and_o passion_n we_o shall_v not_o judge_v too_o severe_o as_o we_o will_v not_o be_v so_o judge_v there_o be_v many_o example_n of_o schismatical_a animosity_n and_o perversness_n into_o which_o in_o the_o ancient_a time_n such_o person_n have_v fall_v as_o be_v otherwise_o worthy_o esteem_v in_o the_o church_n cyril_n with_o the_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o ephesine_fw-la council_n too_o rash_o depose_v john_n of_o antioch_n and_o his_o party_n of_o bishop_n upon_o a_o quarrel_n that_o arise_v between_o they_o and_o john_n with_o his_o adherent_n return_v to_o antioch_n do_v more_o rash_o depose_v cyril_n and_o his_o party_n and_o yet_o both_o party_n be_v orthodox_n and_o in_o the_o issue_n join_v in_o the_o condemnation_n of_o nestorius_n but_o the_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o disorderly_a and_o injurious_a proceed_n of_o so_o venerable_a a_o person_n as_o epiphanius_n against_o so_o worthy_a a_o person_n as_o chrysostom_n to_o which_o he_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o that_o incendiary_n theophilus_n of_o alexandria_n the_o say_v epiphanius_n go_v to_o constantinople_n and_o in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o city_n hold_v a_o sacred_a communion_n and_o ordain_v a_o deacon_n and_o when_o he_o have_v enter_v the_o city_n in_o a_o public_a church_n he_o read_v the_o decree_n make_v by_o himself_o and_o some_o other_o in_o the_o condemnation_n of_o origen_n book_n and_o excommunicate_v dioscurus_n and_o his_o brethren_n call_v the_o long_a monk_n worthy_a and_o orthodox_n man_n persecute_v by_o the_o anthromorphites_n and_o all_o this_o he_o do_v without_o and_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o chrysostom_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o place_n and_o in_o contempt_n of_o he_o i_o may_v further_a instance_n in_o the_o long_o continue_a division_n between_o paulinus_n and_o meletius_n with_o their_o party_n at_o antioch_n though_o both_o of_o they_o be_v of_o the_o nicene_n faith_n likewise_o in_o the_o long_o continue_a separation_n make_v from_o the_o church_n of_o constantinople_n by_o the_o follower_n of_o chrysostom_n after_o his_o banishment_n because_o they_o be_v exasperate_v by_o the_o injury_n do_v to_o their_o worthy_a patriarch_n these_o weakness_n in_o good_a man_n of_o old_a time_n i_o observe_v not_o to_o dishonour_v they_o but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v thereby_o warn_v to_o be_v more_o charitable_a and_o less_o censorious_a towards_o one_o another_o in_o case_n of_o the_o like_a weakness_n and_o disorder_n and_o to_o be_v solicitous_a to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o to_o prevent_v discord_n among_o all_o those_o that_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n and_o for_o this_o end_n to_o be_v more_o careful_a in_o avoid_v unreasonable_a opposition_n unwarrantable_a imposition_n and_o all_o causeless_a exasperation_n true_a holiness_n be_v the_o basis_n of_o true_a unity_n for_o by_o it_o the_o faithful_a cleave_v to_o god_n and_o one_o to_o another_o in_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o be_v incline_v to_o receive_v one_o another_o on_o those_o term_n on_o which_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o all_o and_o by_o it_o they_o be_v turn_v from_o that_o divide_v selfishness_n which_o draw_v man_n into_o several_a or_o opposite_a way_n according_a to_o their_o several_a or_o opposite_a end_n let_v not_o a_o carnal_a worldly_a interest_n in_o a_o church_n state_n be_v set_v up_o against_o holiness_n and_o unity_n let_v the_o increase_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a be_v seek_v in_o order_n to_o the_o increase_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o mystical_a let_v no_o one_o party_n be_v lift_v up_o against_o the_o common_a peace_n of_o sound_a believer_n and_o let_v not_o any_o part_n of_o the_o legitimate_a child_n of_o christ_n family_n be_v eject_v or_o harass_v upon_o the_o instigation_n of_o other_o but_o let_v the_o steward_n in_o the_o family_n carry_v it_o equal_o and_o so_o gratify_v one_o part_n in_o their_o desire_a order_n that_o the_o other_o part_n be_v not_o oppress_v let_v not_o they_o be_v still_o vex_v who_o will_v be_v glad_a of_o tolerable_a term_n with_o their_o brethren_n in_o church-governor_n let_v the_o power_n of_o do_v good_a be_v enlarge_v and_o the_o power_n of_o do_v hurt_v restrain_v as_o much_o as_o will_v stand_v with_o the_o necessary_a end_n of_o government_n let_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n commend_v itself_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n let_v the_o edge_n of_o it_o be_v turn_v the_o right_a way_n and_o its_o vigour_n be_v put_v forth_o not_o about_o little_a formality_n but_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n zeal_n in_o substantial_o and_o charitable_a forbearance_n in_o circumstantial_o be_v the_o way_n to_o gain_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o understand_v the_o true_a end_n of_o church-government_n and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v religious_a indeed_o let_v the_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v and_o snare_n of_o division_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o let_v controvert_v unnecessary_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n discord_n will_v be_v inevitable_a where_o the_o term_n of_o concord_n remain_v a_o difficulty_n insuperable_a the_o conscientious_a that_o be_v willing_a to_o bid_v high_a for_o peace_n can_v resign_v their_o conscience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o humility_n and_o soberness_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n out_o of_o reverence_n to_o their_o superior_n they_o can_v help_v themselves_o