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
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
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
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
doctrine_n deprave_v the_o mind_n and_o beget_v a_o false_a notion_n of_o godliness_n or_o christianity_n when_o regeneration_n or_o true_a conversion_n be_v prevent_v by_o be_v make_v in_o effect_n no_o more_o than_o civility_n join_v with_o a_o dead_a conformity_n to_o the_o exterior_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n when_o religion_n be_v place_v in_o a_o outside_n pharisaical_a holiness_n in_o some_o bodily_a severity_n and_o it_o may_v be_v in_o mere_a form_n and_o empty_a show_n without_o internal_a and_o real_a mortification_n and_o devotion_n when_o the_o exterior_a ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v retain_v but_o use_v after_o another_o manner_n than_o what_o become_v the_o gospel-church_n or_o suit_n the_o end_n of_o gospel-worship_n when_o a_o sapless_a and_o fruitless_a generation_n of_o man_n be_v nourish_v in_o holy_a order_n who_o cherish_v the_o people_n in_o ignorance_n profaneness_n or_o lukewarmness_n who_o show_v they_o a_o way_n to_o heaven_n that_o be_v smooth_a broad_a and_o easy_a to_o the_o flesh_n who_o serve_v or_o at_o least_o spare_v the_o lust_n of_o man_n who_o humour_n the_o vulgar_a sort_n in_o rude_a folly_n who_o give_v absolution_n upon_o formal_a and_o loose_a term_n and_o therewith_o a_o false_a repose_n to_o poor_a delude_a soul_n when_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o churchman_n be_v to_o promote_v superstition_n blind_a devotion_n and_o implicit_a faith_n and_o to_o hold_v people_n in_o the_o chain_n of_o spiritual_a darkness_n and_o in_o the_o please_a bondage_n of_o carnal_a liberty_n their_o conscience_n be_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n secure_v by_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a tenant_n and_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o devout_a observance_n of_o certain_a external_a ordinance_n when_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n be_v contrive_v to_o maintain_v fleshly_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n worldly_a pomp_n and_o power_n and_o the_o chief_a glory_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n lie_v in_o outward_a order_n without_o inward_a life_n and_o spirit_n in_o sacred_a administration_n when_o the_o weapon_n of_o its_o warfare_n be_v not_o spiritual_a but_o carnal_a suitable_a to_o a_o earthly_a and_o sensual_a state_n when_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o master_n upon_o earth_n be_v call_v obedience_n and_o their_o peaceable_a possession_n of_o wealth_n and_o honour_n be_v take_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n when_o concord_n in_o the_o unprofitable_a or_o hurtful_a dictate_v of_o man_n be_v make_v to_o pass_v for_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o the_o constitution_n itself_o the_o general_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n be_v consider_v be_v find_v defective_a for_o the_o true_a end_n of_o government_n and_o le_fw-fr we_o loose_v the_o rain_v of_o deprave_a appetite_n and_o by_o carnal_a allurement_n alienates_v the_o mind_n from_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o turn_v it_o after_o the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o serve_v the_o voluptuosness_n covetousness_n and_o pride_n of_o its_o adherent_n for_o which_o cause_n its_o yoke_n be_v easy_a to_o the_o sensual_a part_n of_o man_n but_o it_o be_v scandalous_a to_o they_o that_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o become_v a_o stepmother_n to_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o conscientious_a when_o these_o and_o the_o like_a thing_n prevail_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v turn_v into_o another_o thing_n than_o what_o it_o be_v indeed_o by_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n who_o serve_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o by_o the_o wisdom_n that_o descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a square_a out_o to_o themselves_o and_o those_o that_o live_v under_o their_o influence_n a_o loose_a form_n of_o christianity_n not_o after_o christ_n but_o after_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n but_o this_o corruption_n be_v more_o or_o less_o enormous_a in_o different_a age_n and_o country_n according_a to_o its_o great_a or_o near_a distance_n from_o the_o time_n and_o mean_n of_o pure_a knowledge_n and_o a_o less_o corrupt_a state_n may_v be_v sever_v from_o that_o which_o be_v more_o gross_o vicious_a and_o impure_a and_o yet_o remain_v a_o degeneration_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n though_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n and_o let_v this_o be_v note_v that_o in_o a_o degenerate_a state_n the_o doctrine_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v so_o far_o retain_v as_o to_o contain_v thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n which_o may_v beget_v and_o preserve_v the_o vital_n of_o christianity_n in_o they_o that_o do_v not_o mingle_v with_o the_o other_o poisonous_a ingredient_n or_o at_o least_o not_o in_o their_o full_a extent_n yea_o the_o degeneration_n may_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o a_o low_a degree_n and_o less_o pernicious_a and_o perhaps_o only_o as_o a_o scab_n upon_o some_o part_n and_o not_o overspread_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o great_a multitude_n therein_o may_v profess_v and_o practise_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n thus_o the_o judaical_a church_n in_o its_o corrupt_a state_n retain_v the_o vital_n of_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o grace_n to_o they_o that_o escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o those_o time_n and_o be_v not_o season_v with_o the_o leaven_n of_o false_a teacher_n chap._n xiii_o the_o sectarian_n and_o fanatical_a degeneration_n the_o other_o deviation_n lie_v more_o out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o carnal_a gospeler_n and_o this_o be_v usual_o style_v sectarian_n whereof_o the_o particular_a by_o path_n be_v numberless_a but_o let_v this_o be_v note_v that_o whatsoever_o way_n swerve_v from_o the_o main_a end_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o sect_n or_o faction_n yea_o though_o it_o spread_v so_o far_o and_o wide_a as_o that_o they_o who_o walk_v therein_o do_v for_o their_o huge_a multitude_n presume_v to_o appropriate_v to_o themselves_o alone_o the_o title_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n wherever_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o party_n bear_v sway_n to_o the_o detriment_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o godliness_n where_o invention_n false_a or_o useless_a be_v make_v the_o necessary_a symbol_n of_o religion_n there_o a_o sectarian_n interest_n bear_v sway_v and_o the_o gain_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n will_v not_o wipe_v off_o the_o blot_n of_o such_o a_o party_n the_o name_n of_o sectary_n may_v fit_v proud_a usurper_n as_o well_o as_o blind_a zealot_n this_o necessary_a proviso_n be_v make_v it_o remain_v to_o speak_v in_o this_o place_n of_o the_o more_o incoherent_a unstable_a and_o ungovernable_a sort_n of_o sect_n the_o root_n of_o the_o evil_a in_o this_o kind_n be_v common_o a_o heighten_a fancy_n and_o complexional_a zeal_n bear_v rule_n instead_o of_o sober_a judgement_n and_o a_o more_o intellectual_a spiritual_a and_o pure_a love_n it_o shall_v suffice_v to_o set_v down_o some_o notable_a instance_n for_o it_o be_v endless_a to_o recount_v they_o all_o some_o have_v be_v so_o far_o transport_v with_o the_o hatred_n of_o church_n tyranny_n and_o persecute_v pride_n and_o cruelty_n that_o they_o mind_v not_o the_o good_a of_o church_n unity_n order_n and_o government_n and_o they_o run_v so_o far_o from_o implicit_a faith_n in_o the_o dictate_v of_o proud_a man_n that_o themselves_o have_v proud_o slight_v the_o church_n directive_n judgement_n and_o all_o pastoral_a authority_n as_o a_o thing_n of_o no_o value_n and_o have_v fierce_o impugn_a it_o as_o opposite_a to_o christian_a liberty_n of_o the_o like_a strain_n be_v they_o that_o upon_o pretence_n of_o high_a attainment_n and_o great_a spirituality_n have_v reject_v external_a ordinance_n as_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o the_o public_a ministry_n and_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n as_o low_a and_o beggarly_a rudiment_n while_o they_o declare_v themselves_o hereby_o to_o be_v carnal_a and_o vain_o puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n some_o through_o abuse_n and_o mistake_v of_o divine_a promise_n concern_v the_o spirit_n teach_v have_v forsake_v the_o sure_a guidance_n of_o god_n law_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o uncertain_a intimation_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o dangerous_a impulse_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n and_o pretend_v immediate_a inspiration_n which_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o delusion_n of_o a_o exalt_a fancy_n and_o sometime_o they_o have_v real_o fall_v under_o satanical_a impression_n because_o there_o be_v the_o fleshly_a wisdom_n of_o the_o carnal_a mind_n that_o be_v enmity_n against_o god_n some_o have_v disclaim_v reason_n itself_o as_o corrupt_v and_o carnal_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n follow_v their_o own_o wilful_a imagination_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o light_n within_o they_o and_o delight_n in_o thing_n irrational_a and_o unintelligible_a and_o render_v themselves_o uncapable_a of_o sound_a instruction_n a_o fanatic_a fury_n
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
not_o last_v but_o by_o usual_a and_o easy_a change_n their_o weakness_n be_v discover_v to_o tie_v a_o people_n to_o certain_a little_a rule_n and_o method_n in_o church_n discipline_n that_o be_v general_o displease_v as_o the_o necessary_a term_n of_o church_n privilege_n when_o the_o end_n of_o discipline_n may_v be_v as_o well_o obtain_v without_o they_o be_v at_o the_o best_a but_o the_o vanity_n of_o a_o needless_a trouble_n in_o do_v that_o with_o much_o ado_n which_o may_v be_v do_v with_o less_o and_o it_o may_v occasion_v a_o incurable_a breach_n and_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o whole_a form_n of_o government_n narrow_a and_o uncertain_a boundary_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o arbitrary_a and_o rigid_a rule_n of_o admission_n be_v contrary_a to_o that_o ample_a and_o fix_a church_n state_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o uphold_v and_o propagate_v true_a religion_n the_o faith_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v propagate_v and_o perpetuate_v in_o large_a kingdom_n and_o nation_n by_o encompass_v under_o its_o external_a rule_n and_o order_n the_o multitude_n that_o make_v profession_n though_o they_o may_v faâ—…_n short_a of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o those_o thing_n thaâ—_n accompany_v salvation_n and_o it_o do_v not_o rooâ—_n or_o spread_v in_o any_o sort_n considerable_a in_o a_o region_n where_o the_o order_n of_o admission_n be_v set_v by_o the_o rigid_a and_o narrow_a principle_n of_o a_o small_a party_n and_o the_o general_a multitude_n lie_v open_a as_o waâ—…_n ground_n for_o any_o to_o invade_v or_o occupy_v the_o strength_n and_o security_n of_o the_o protestant_a reformation_n come_v by_o the_o take_n in_o of_o kingdom_n and_o whole_a dominion_n within_o its_o compasâ—_n the_o external_a kingdom_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v much_o wide_a than_o the_o internal_a it_o be_v like_o the_o draw_v net_n that_o gather_v fish_n good_a and_o bad_a and_o like_o a_o corn_n field_n wherein_o wheaâ—…_n and_o tare_n grow_v together_o till_o the_o harvest_n moreover_o the_o increase_n of_o profess_a christian_n make_v way_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o regenerate_a christian_n and_o convert_v to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v general_o make_v out_o of_o the_o mass_n of_o people_n of_o a_o orthodox_n profession_n and_o few_o of_o they_o be_v turn_v immediate_o from_o infidelity_n popery_n or_o any_o heresy_n 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 among_o the_o wiles_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o deprave_v the_o spiritual_a excellency_n of_o pure_a religion_n and_o mighty_o hinder_v its_o advance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n fanatical_a and_o sectarian_n aberration_n be_v not_o the_o least_o if_o these_o folly_n be_v but_o heed_v by_o those_o that_o be_v most_o in_o danger_n before_o they_o be_v engage_v and_o drunken_a with_o error_n it_o be_v in_o great_a part_n a_o antidote_n against_o this_o mischief_n for_o the_o well_o mind_a that_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o of_o easy_a impression_n be_v lead_v aside_o chief_o for_o lack_v of_o attention_n and_o observation_n many_o be_v child_n in_o understanding_n and_o many_o be_v passionate_a and_o inconsiderate_a and_o a_o innate_a levity_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o mind_n be_v very_o common_a it_o behoove_v the_o guide_n of_o the_o flock_n to_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n with_o sober_a principle_n and_o to_o have_v a_o watchful_a eye_n upon_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o any_o pragmatic_n fancy_n that_o feed_v on_o notion_n and_o novelty_n under_o a_o show_n of_o a_o more_o discern_a spirit_n in_o gospel_n mystery_n than_o other_o have_v such_o be_v vanity_n puff_v up_o will_v be_v start_a question_n and_o multiply_a slight_a exception_n against_o the_o receive_a truth_n and_o will_v please_v the_o itch_a ear_n and_o slight_a spirit_n of_o some_o pretender_n to_o godliness_n who_o will_v become_v their_o hasty_a proselyte_n and_o join_v with_o they_o to_o unravel_v one_o thing_n after_o another_o in_o the_o texture_n of_o holy_a doctrine_n and_o by_o the_o repute_n of_o their_o good_a part_n and_o seem_a piety_n may_v stagger_v other_o of_o good_a intention_n but_o weak_a judgement_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n none_o be_v more_o dangerous_a than_o vainglorious_a teacher_n ambitious_a of_o lead_v party_n and_o by_o plausible_a endowment_n furnish_v for_o such_o design_n these_o to_o raise_v their_o own_o fame_n and_o make_v to_o themselves_o a_o devote_a people_n will_v become_v absolute_a sect-master_n and_o those_o that_o close_o with_o they_o they_o hold_v with_o please_a device_n and_o serve_v their_o humour_n that_o they_o may_v serve_v themselves_o of_o they_o there_o be_v also_o in_o some_o person_n a_o right_a sectarian_n leaven_n which_o be_v evermore_o to_o follow_v peculiar_a opinion_n and_o some_o separate_a party_n in_o religion_n and_o they_o speak_v security_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n by_o be_v of_o such_o a_o opinion_n or_o of_o such_o a_o party_n against_o the_o sectarian_n and_o fanatic_a spirit_n it_o concern_v the_o church_n to_o keep_v a_o continual_a watch_n and_o ward_n but_o not_o so_o as_o to_o imprison_v the_o truth_n to_o lock_v up_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n to_o stifle_v godly_a zeal_n to_o detain_v a_o people_n in_o dead_a and_o dull_a principle_n that_o will_v not_o reach_v to_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o divine_a life_n for_o this_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o prevent_v or_o cure_v a_o frenzy_n by_o cause_v a_o lethargy_n or_o some_o other_o such_o like_a stupidity_n moreover_o a_o superstitious_a formal_a love_n and_o sensual_a way_n of_o religion_n will_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v able_a to_o prevent_v or_o suppress_v this_o evil_a but_o will_v give_v occasion_n to_o its_o rise_n and_o growth_n except_o in_o time_n of_o profound_a ignorance_n and_o silence_n as_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o popish_a darkness_n but_o whensoever_o the_o light_n break_v forth_o and_o the_o people_n see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n will_v not_o admit_v a_o true_a reformation_n but_o persecute_v those_o that_o seek_v it_o then_o be_v many_o in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o this_o opposite_a extreme_a for_o they_o be_v cast_v upon_o it_o both_o by_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o present_a corruption_n and_o by_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n be_v not_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o solid_a truth_n and_o so_o they_o â—un_v hasty_o from_o superstition_n and_o externalness_n into_o delusion_n and_o wild_a fancy_n from_o the_o common_a dissoluteness_n and_o remissness_n of_o those_o that_o call_v themselves_o orthodox_n into_o a_o vain_a boast_n of_o perfection_n from_o the_o usurpation_n of_o proud_a man_n encroach_a upon_o christ_n prerogative_n and_o their_o false_a constrain_a unity_n into_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n and_o from_o a_o wrathful_a zeal_n and_o persecute_v cruelty_n into_o a_o disorderly_a promiscuous_a and_o familistical_a love_n or_o indulgence_n towards_o all_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o church_n state_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o spiritual_a ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o true_o apostolical_a be_v the_o sure_a remedy_n against_o sectarianism_n and_o phanaticism_n true_o so_o call_v when_o the_o church_n abandon_v romish_a tyranny_n and_o superstition_n and_o yet_o be_v settle_v in_o a_o regular_a and_o stable_a polity_n when_o the_o public_a order_n thorough_o promote_v the_o mean_n of_o sound_a knowledge_n and_o incourage_v real_a godliness_n it_o satisfy_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o just_o expect_v in_o a_o gospel_n church_n and_o ministry_n more_o than_o a_o outward_a form_n even_o the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n and_o spiritual_a light_n and_o life_n and_o power_n anâ—_n it_o prevent_v their_o wander_a to_o seek_v after_o it_o iâ—_n the_o devious_a path_n of_o sectary_n it_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n that_o of_o the_o moâ—…_n learned_a able_a and_o judicious_a person_n of_o orthodox_n profession_n there_o be_v many_o eminent_o pious_a who_o authority_n and_o reputation_n may_v bâ—…_n able_a to_o hold_v in_o those_o who_o affection_n anâ—…_n fancy_n be_v apt_a to_o outrun_v their_o judgement_n likewise_o that_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o aâ—…_n call_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n do_v so_o walk_v iâ—…_n the_o light_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n oâ—…_n stumble_v in_o they_o through_o notorious_a pridâ—…_n covetousness_n self-seeking_a inordinate_a sensuality_n or_o the_o vehement_a appearance_n of_o any_o gross_a evil_n for_o the_o weak_a sort_n be_v common_o undo_v by_o offence_n and_o because_o seducer_n be_v very_o active_a and_o spare_v no_o cost_n nor_o travel_n but_o as_o they_o have_v do_v of_o old_a do_v compass_n sea_n and_o land_n to_o gain_v proselyte_n it_o behoove_v the_o pastor_n careful_o to_o keep_v their_o people_n and_o the_o people_n careful_o to_o keep_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o these_o huckster_n the_o
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
the_o spirit_n among_o christian_n be_v witness_v maintain_v and_o strengthen_v by_o their_o holy_a communion_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o but_o be_v darken_v weaken_a and_o lessen_v by_o their_o uncharitable_a dissension_n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o unity_n here_o commend_v be_v primary_o that_o of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o internal_a and_o invisible_a state_n or_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n have_v in_o themselves_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v charge_v to_o keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n but_o concord_n in_o any_o external_a order_n with_o a_o vital_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o holy_a soul_n his_o live_a member_n be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o new_a nature_n and_o divine_a life_n secondary_o it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o external_a and_o visible_a state_n which_o be_v consequent_a and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o internal_a and_o stand_v in_o the_o profession_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o profess_a observation_n of_o the_o duty_n arise_v from_o it_o where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o credible_a profession_n of_o faith_n unfeigned_a and_o true_a holiness_n there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o a_o sensual_a earthly_a generation_n of_o man_n who_o be_v apparent_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o by_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v of_o god_n have_v little_a cause_n to_o glory_n in_o their_o adhere_n to_o a_o external_a church_n order_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v holy_a love_n which_o be_v unself_v and_o impartial_a be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o this_o unity_n without_o which_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a thing_n as_o the_o body_n without_o the_o soul_n be_v dead_a and_o this_o love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n that_o cement_n that_o hold_v altogether_o in_o this_o mystical_a society_n for_o this_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o several_a member_n dispose_v they_o to_o look_v not_o to_o their_o own_o thing_n but_o also_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o other_o and_o not_o to_o the_o undue_a advancement_n of_o a_o party_n but_o to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a body_n whosoever_o want_v this_o love_n have_v no_o vital_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o no_o part_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n the_o church_n be_v much_o more_o ennoble_v strengthen_v and_o every_o way_n bless_v by_o the_o communion_n of_o holy_a love_n among_o all_o its_o live_a member_n or_o real_a christian_n than_o by_o a_o outside_n uniformity_n in_o the_o minute_n circumstance_n or_o accidental_a mode_n of_o religion_n by_o this_o love_n it_o be_v more_o beautiful_a and_o lovely_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o intelligent_a beholder_n than_o by_o outward_a pomp_n and_o ornament_n or_o any_o worldly_a splendour_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a whether_o catholic_n or_o particular_a may_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o threefold_a respect_n or_o in_o three_o very_a different_a point_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a point_n thereof_o be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o all_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o second_o and_o next_o in_o account_n be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n that_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church-worship_n ministry_n and_o discipline_n consider_v as_o of_o christ_n institution_n and_o abstract_v from_o all_o thing_n superad_v by_o man_n the_o three_o and_o low_a point_n be_v in_o those_o extrinsical_a and_o accidental_a form_n and_o order_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la but_o leave_v in_o specie_fw-la to_o human_a determination_n of_o these_o several_a point_n of_o unity_n there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o different_a valuation_n according_a to_o their_o different_a value_n our_o first_o and_o chief_a regard_n be_v due_a to_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a point_n which_o respect_v christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o next_o regard_n be_v due_a to_o that_o which_o be_v next_o in_o value_n that_o which_o respect_v the_o very_a constitution_n or_o frame_n of_o a_o church_n and_o regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o that_o also_o which_o respect_v the_o accidental_n of_o religion_n yet_o in_o its_o due_a place_n and_o not_o before_o thing_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o worth_n thing_n be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n and_o importance_n to_o the_o church_n good_a estate_n and_o a_o great_a or_o lesser_a stress_n must_v be_v lay_v upon_o unity_n in_o they_o as_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v of_o great_a or_o lesser_a moment_n the_o rule_n or_o law_n of_o church_n unity_n be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n whosoever_o keep_v that_o unity_n which_o have_v god_n word_n for_o its_o rule_n keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o whosoever_o boast_v of_o a_o unity_n that_o be_v not_o square_v by_o this_o rule_n his_o boast_n be_v but_o vain_a a_o hypothesis_n that_o nothing_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v lawful_a but_o what_o be_v express_o prescribe_v in_o scripture_n be_v by_o some_o false_o ascribe_v to_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o scripture_n sufficiency_n and_o perfection_n for_o the_o regulate_v of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o religion_n god_n in_o his_o word_n have_v prescribe_v all_o those_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v to_o he_o he_o have_v likewise_o therein_o institute_v those_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o administrator_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n in_o church_n assembly_n and_o have_v define_v the_o authority_n and_o duty_n of_o those_o officer_n and_o all_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n as_o for_o the_o circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n belong_v to_o all_o the_o thing_n aforesaid_a he_o have_v lay_v down_o general_a rule_n for_o the_o regulation_n thereof_o the_o particular_n be_v both_o needless_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v enumerate_v and_o define_v in_o this_o point_n god_n have_v declare_v his_o mind_n deut._n 4._o 2._o you_o shall_v not_o add_v unto_o the_o word_n which_o i_o command_v you_o neither_o shall_v you_o diminish_v aught_o from_o it_o deut._n 12._o 32._o what_o soever_o thing_n i_o command_v you_o observe_v to_o do_v it_o thou_o shall_v not_o add_v thereto_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o the_o prohibition_n be_v not_o mere_o of_o alter_v the_o rule_n god_n write_a word_n by_o addition_n or_o diminution_n but_o of_o do_v more_o or_o less_o than_o the_o rule_n require_v as_o the_o precept_n be_v not_o of_o preserve_v the_o rule_n but_o of_o observe_v what_o be_v command_v in_o it_o such_o human_a institution_n in_o divine_a worship_n as_o be_v in_o mere_a subserviency_n to_o divine_a institution_n for_o the_o necessary_a and_o convenient_a modify_n and_o order_v thereof_o be_v not_o proper_o addition_n to_o god_n commandment_n for_o they_o be_v of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n end_n and_o use_v with_o the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v command_v but_o of_o mere_a circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n belong_v to_o those_o thing_n and_o these_o circumstantial_o be_v in_o genere_fw-la necessary_a to_o the_o performance_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o be_v general_o command_v in_o the_o word_n though_o not_o in_o particular_a but_o be_v to_o be_v determine_v in_o specie_fw-la by_o those_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o such_o determination_n belong_v they_o that_o assert_v and_o stand_v to_o this_o only_a rule_n provide_v best_a for_o the_o unity_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o reject_v whatsoever_o they_o find_v contrary_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o be_v more_o easy_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o acceptable_a worship_n and_o all_o warrantable_a obedience_n they_o lay_v the_o great_a weight_n on_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a worth_n and_o moment_n they_o careful_o regard_v all_o divine_a institution_n and_o whatsoever_o god_n have_v command_v and_o they_o maintain_v love_n and_o peace_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n towards_o one_o another_o in_o the_o more_o inconsiderable_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o practice_n those_o thing_n that_o be_v leave_v to_o human_a determination_n the_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o elder_n do_v ancient_o determine_v for_o their_o own_o particular_a church_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o natural_o convenient_a that_o they_o who_o be_v the_o administrator_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o have_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o people_n in_o divine_a worship_n and_o know_v best_a what_o be_v most_o expedient_a for_o their_o own_o society_n shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o determination_n of_o necessary_a circumstance_n within_o their_o
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
our_o head_n be_v by_o custom_n take_v for_o irreverence_n and_o incivility_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v avoid_v as_o offensive_a all_o matter_n of_o necessary_a decency_n be_v in_o their_o general_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o particular_n to_o be_v order_v by_o human_a prudence_n all_o natural_a expression_n of_o devotion_n as_o kneel_v and_o lift_v up_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o eye_n in_o prayer_n be_v allow_v by_o all_o sort_n we_o call_v they_o natural_a because_o nature_n itself_o teach_v to_o use_v they_o without_o any_o positive_a institution_n divine_a or_o human_a and_o a_o rational_a man_n by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n be_v direct_v to_o use_v they_o yet_o not_o without_o some_o government_n and_o discretion_n for_o herein_o nature_n itself_o be_v subject_a to_o some_o variety_n and_o be_v in_o part_n determine_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o custom_n of_o several_a age_n and_o country_n as_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o prostration_n of_o the_o body_n in_o the_o act_n of_o adoration_n in_o the_o wear_n of_o sackcloth_n and_o rent_v of_o clothes_n in_o time_n of_o great_a humiliation_n which_o in_o former_a age_n be_v suitable_a and_o that_o according_a to_o nature_n but_o not_o now_o adays_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o variation_n of_o custom_n and_o i_o suppose_v that_o in_o this_o sense_n st._n paul_n speak_v against_o wear_v of_o long_a hair_n as_o contrary_a to_o nature_n but_o there_o have_v be_v much_o controversy_n about_o such_o ceremony_n as_o contribute_v nothing_o to_o the_o aforesaid_a necessary_a decency_n and_o be_v no_o natural_a nor_o civil_a and_o customary_a expression_n of_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n but_o be_v of_o human_a institution_n and_o of_o a_o mystical_a and_o mere_o institute_v signification_n and_o make_v visible_a state_v sign_n of_o god_n honour_n and_o the_o immediate_a expression_n of_o our_o observance_n of_o he_o and_o obligation_n to_o he_o and_o by_o some_o suppose_a to_o be_v not_o mere_a circumstance_n but_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o yet_o more_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v design_v in_o their_o use_n for_o that_o significancy_n and_o moral_a efficacy_n that_o belong_v to_o sacrament_n and_o make_v no_o less_o than_o the_o symbal_n of_o our_o christianity_n it_o lie_v not_o on_o i_o to_o determine_v on_o either_o side_n in_o this_o controversy_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o apprehend_v this_o that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o danger_n nor_o damage_n to_o be_v spare_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v at_o least_o doubtful_a and_o unnecessary_a have_v turn_v to_o endless_a strife_n and_o scandal_n between_o those_o that_o own_o the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o same_o church_n communion_n likewise_o it_o can_v do_v no_o hurt_n to_o reform_a christianity_n not_o to_o insist_v on_o that_o latitude_n in_o devise_a rite_n of_o worship_n that_o will_v acquit_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o ceremony_n use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o superstition_n and_o which_o make_v way_n for_o the_o oppress_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o sink_n of_o religion_n under_o a_o luggage_n of_o unprofitable_a institution_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n necessary_a and_o command_v of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v not_o command_v and_o to_o damn_v any_o thing_n as_o forbid_v by_o he_o which_o he_o have_v leave_v indifferent_a and_o to_o dread_v leave_v god_n shall_v not_o be_v please_v unless_o we_o do_v something_n which_o we_o need_v not_o do_v and_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v displease_v when_o we_o do_v something_n not_o forbid_v be_v no_o doubt_n the_o crime_n of_o superstition_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o that_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v no_o less_o superstition_n to_o feign_v god_n to_o be_v please_v with_o man_n vain_a invention_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v not_o enjoin_v or_o observe_v as_o divine_a precept_n and_o this_o also_o be_v to_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o who_o be_v the_o great_a controler_n of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o usurper_n upon_o his_o authority_n they_o that_o fear_v to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v allow_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v forbid_v or_o they_o that_o presume_v to_o add_v their_o own_o invention_n for_o the_o better_n of_o his_o service_n and_o make_v the_o omission_n thereof_o as_o criminal_a as_o the_o neglect_n of_o divine_a ordinance_n doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o more_o tolerable_a superstition_n to_o be_v over_o solicitous_a and_o scrupulous_a about_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n than_o to_o be_v over-confident_a and_o vehement_a in_o the_o unwarrantable_a or_o questionable_a tradition_n of_o man_n human_a device_n multiply_v in_o god_n worship_n engender_v to_o much_o vanity_n and_o superstition_n in_o the_o zealous_a observer_n of_o they_o and_o be_v apt_a to_o extinguish_v the_o inward_a life_n of_o godliness_n as_o rank_a weed_n choke_v the_o corn_n and_o they_o be_v common_o make_v a_o cloak_n to_o real_a ungodliness_n and_o if_o some_o of_o they_o be_v first_o introduce_v with_o pious_a intention_n yet_o they_o be_v common_o maintain_v and_o multiply_v to_o serve_v a_o carnal_a interest_n and_o they_o be_v the_o more_o easy_o entertain_v and_o observe_v because_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o the_o flesh_n to_o buy_v out_o the_o inward_a service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n by_o superficial_a bodily_a exercise_n but_o the_o depretiate_a of_o these_o device_n serve_v to_o pluck_v off_o the_o mask_n of_o hypocrisy_n make_v up_o of_o mere_a formality_n and_o to_o invigorate_v the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o true_a religion_n to_o be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o excel_a glory_n of_o the_o gospel_n ministration_n wherewith_o a_o grave_n and_o sober_a decency_n and_o comely_a ornament_n do_v well_o accord_n but_o excessive_a gaudiness_n pompous_a and_o theatrical_a show_n various_a gesticulation_n and_o affect_v posture_n be_v vanity_n too_o much_o detract_n from_o its_o dignity_n and_o spiritual_a majesty_n chap._n iu._n the_o due_a dispensation_n of_o god_n word_n when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n ascend_v up_o on_o high_a he_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n appoint_v and_o furnish_v spiritual_a officer_n for_o the_o service_n of_o his_o kingdom_n some_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a as_o apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n other_o ordinary_n and_o successive_o perpetual_a as_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n wherefore_o the_o interest_n of_o christianity_n lie_v much_o in_o a_o right_a gospel_n ministry_n which_o be_v suitable_a and_o serviceable_a to_o our_o lord_n design_n and_o the_o end_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v a_o ministry_n which_o be_v pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a dispense_n the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n whereby_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o sound_a faith_n and_o true_a holiness_n which_o be_v vigorous_a and_o powerful_a apt_a to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o reach_v the_o heart_n which_o be_v solicitous_a and_o laborious_a travel_v in_o birth_n till_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o the_o hearer_n and_o the_o manchild_n the_o new_a creature_n be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n which_o be_v assiduous_a and_o instant_a in_o preach_v the_o word_n by_o instruction_n reproof_n and_o comfort_n that_o as_o much_o as_o in_o it_o lie_v it_o may_v present_v every_o man_n perfect_a in_o christ_n which_o come_v with_o full_a scripture_n evidence_n and_o cogent_a reason_n with_o solid_a matter_n in_o stile_n and_o language_n not_o negligent_a much_o less_o undecent_a yet_o not_o too_o curious_a and_o elaborate_a but_o free_a vehement_a grave_a serious_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o work_n in_o hand_n which_o be_v not_o to_o tickle_v ear_n but_o to_o break_v open_a the_o heart_n which_o be_v exemplary_a in_o faith_n purity_n charity_n self-denial_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o final_o which_o be_v not_o mercenary_a but_o natural_o care_v for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o accommodate_v itself_o thereunto_o as_o its_o great_a charge_n and_o chief_a concern_v and_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n say_v the_o great_a apostle_n doubtless_o much_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n be_v needful_a in_o a_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o a_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a it_o be_v pre-supposed_n that_o he_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n and_o that_o he_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n which_o he_o be_v to_o impart_v to_o other_o in_o the_o first_o place_n his_o prudence_n will_v be_v concern_v for_o the_o judicious_a management_n of_o the_o dispensation_n commit_v to_o he_o a_o prudent_a dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n will_v take_v care_n to_o deliver_v nothing_o to_o other_o but_o what_o be_v very_o intelligible_a to_o himself_o and_o whereof_o he_o can_v make_v good_a sense_n and_o render_v a_o reason_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v it_o he_o do_v not_o
either_o hand_n for_o it_o be_v very_o discernible_a that_o the_o antipathy_n against_o either_o way_n be_v main_o cause_v by_o the_o animosity_n and_o mutual_a opposition_n between_o the_o party_n of_o different_a persuasion_n and_o inclination_n in_o this_o matter_n they_o be_v too_o weak_a and_o ill-advised_n at_o least_o if_o not_o humorous_a and_o self-conceited_a that_o reject_v all_o sett-form_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o suppress_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n in_o ourselves_o or_o other_o be_v to_o sin_n against_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o to_o hinder_v much_o good_a the_o use_n of_o a_o set-form_n without_o a_o imperious_a restraint_n of_o prayer_n thereto_o will_v obviate_v the_o objection_n of_o stint_v the_o spirit_n which_o mean_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o purpose_n in_o that_o phrase_n a_o suppress_n or_o undue_a restrain_v of_o this_o spiritual_a gift_n against_o which_o a_o caution_n be_v here_o give_v in_o our_o address_n to_o the_o great_a god_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o look_v well_o both_o to_o thought_n and_o word_n that_o in_o both_o he_o may_v be_v sanctify_v by_o we_o and_o glorify_v as_o god_n indeed_o and_o in_o our_o public_a address_n to_o he_o a_o more_o special_a care_n must_v be_v have_v that_o nothing_o be_v utter_v before_o he_o that_o be_v unmeet_a to_o be_v offer_v to_o his_o dreadful_a majesty_n rude_a clownish_a and_o homely_a expression_n as_o also_o quibble_v jingle_a and_o all_o levity_n and_o trifle_n be_v very_o loathsome_a in_o preach_v but_o in_o prayer_n much_o more_o affectation_n of_o word_n curiosity_n and_o politeness_n become_v not_o the_o weightiness_n and_o awfulness_n of_o this_o duty_n yea_o abruptness_n obscurity_n and_o all_o incongruity_n of_o speak_v be_v to_o be_v shun_v herein_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a and_o that_o only_o be_v to_o be_v use_v which_o be_v plain_a clear_a seemly_a weighty_a savoury_a and_o affectionate_a in_o like_a manner_n all_o indecency_n of_o voice_n and_o gesture_n be_v to_o be_v watch_v against_o as_o a_o offensive_a thing_n and_o apt_a to_o expose_v the_o service_n to_o the_o derision_n of_o proud_a scorner_n yet_o a_o seasonable_a elevation_n of_o the_o voice_n or_o other_o apt_a expression_n of_o earnestness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v count_v rudeness_n sometime_o a_o worthy_a man_n may_v not_o be_v aware_a of_o some_o uncomeliness_n in_o his_o tone_n or_o in_o the_o posture_n of_o his_o countenance_n or_o some_o other_o bodily_a gesture_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o fervour_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o duty_n join_v with_o inadvertency_n towards_o those_o exterior_a and_o lesser_a thing_n and_o sometime_o a_o ill_a habit_n or_o custom_n be_v not_o easy_o break_v off_o these_o inconvenience_n be_v prevent_v or_o redress_v by_o a_o wariness_n of_o disposition_n and_o a_o moderate_a self-distrust_n and_o the_o actual_a observation_n of_o what_o be_v graceful_a or_o uncomely_a in_o other_o prayer_n be_v a_o holy_a converse_n with_o god_n wherein_o a_o humble_a confidence_n and_o sonlike_a freedom_n of_o spirit_n with_o he_o be_v acceptable_a yet_o withal_o it_o call_v for_o the_o great_a prostration_n of_o soul_n and_o the_o deep_a reverence_n and_o subjection_n wherefore_o humble_o to_o expostulate_v with_o god_n be_v no_o sauciness_n the_o whole_a current_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o saint_n in_o scripture_n do_v warrant_v it_o and_o that_o not_o only_o now_o and_o then_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n indeed_o our_o ordinary_n concern_v with_o god_n be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o safety_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n the_o pardon_v of_o our_o great_a and_o numberless_a offence_n the_o subdue_a of_o inveterate_a corruption_n our_o escape_n of_o many_o deadly_a danger_n our_o victory_n over_o the_o adverse_a world_n the_o powerful_a presence_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n as_o also_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n and_o of_o the_o world_n in_o general_n that_o poor_a soul_n may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o translate_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n all_o which_o be_v of_o the_o high_a moment_n and_o of_o themselves_o exceed_v difficult_a though_o to_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a and_o they_o all_o require_v vehemence_n and_o importunity_n not_o as_o if_o god_n need_v to_o be_v move_v or_o stir_v up_o but_o that_o we_o may_v declare_v ourselves_o due_o affect_v howbeit_o even_o the_o best_a thing_n may_v be_v overdo_v and_o this_o over_n be_v the_o mar_n thereof_o if_o in_o the_o expostulation_n of_o prayer_n man_n shall_v utter_v perverse_a or_o frivolous_a thing_n or_o speak_v absurd_o dare_o or_o irreverent_o they_o be_v high_o culpable_a and_o guilty_a of_o abuse_v the_o most_o holy_a thing_n and_o of_o contemn_v the_o most_o glorious_a and_o fearful_a name_n of_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n our_o freedom_n of_o access_n to_o god_n and_o converse_n with_o he_o must_v not_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o irreverent_a and_o presumptuous_a familiarity_n those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o rashness_n be_v worthy_a of_o great_a rebuke_n but_o iknow_a well_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o lukewarmness_n and_o profaneness_n do_v usual_o cast_v reproach_n and_o scorn_n upon_o that_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n that_o well_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o labour_n to_o make_v the_o most_o accceptable_a and_o profitable_a kind_n of_o prayer_n to_o seem_v ridiculous_a it_o be_v against_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o present_a age_n bring_v up_o under_o such_o eminent_a advantage_n for_o ministerial_a ability_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v to_o god_n in_o good_a and_o solid_a sense_n in_o a_o orderly_a method_n and_o in_o affective_a grave_a and_o seemly_a language_n as_o become_v the_o solemnity_n of_o god_n worship_n experience_n will_v justify_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o serious_a pious_a and_o painful_a preacher_n in_o general_a though_o the_o captious_a and_o curious_a and_o such_o as_o love_v to_o cavil_v have_v find_v fault_n and_o despise_v the_o profitable_a endeavour_n of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v own_v beside_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v commit_v in_o this_o matter_n proceed_v more_o from_o inadvertency_n and_o imprudence_n than_o from_o insufficiency_n and_o may_v be_v correct_v by_o care_n and_o causion_n and_o good_a advice_n and_o it_o be_v no_o vanity_n to_o suppose_v such_o a_o competency_n of_o prudence_n easy_o attainable_a by_o all_o those_o that_o be_v competent_o qualify_v for_o this_o office_n indeed_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o that_o some_o will_v be_v less_o able_a and_o less_o perfect_a than_o other_o in_o this_o performance_n and_o that_o the_o same_o person_n may_v not_o be_v alike_o perfect_a therein_o at_o all_o time_n nevertheless_o there_o be_v no_o such_o want_n of_o security_n that_o the_o church_n service_n will_v be_v well_o perform_v if_o any_o prayer_n be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n beside_o a_o prescribe_a form_n for_o who_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o person_n of_o competent_a ability_n and_o prudence_n may_v upon_o due_a encouragement_n be_v spread_v throughout_o a_o nation_n in_o such_o a_o age_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n and_o to_o say_v otherwise_o be_v to_o disparage_v the_o reform_a religion_n and_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o doubt_n but_o that_o a_o able_a minister_n may_v make_v use_n either_o of_o a_o precomposed_a or_o of_o a_o immediate_o conceive_a form_n of_o word_n yet_o in_o this_o matter_n there_o be_v great_a diversity_n of_o judgement_n and_o affection_n even_o unto_o much_o prejudice_n and_o opposition_n but_o the_o same_o mind_n may_v well_o be_v conciliate_v to_o both_o way_n if_o right_o order_v the_o question_n be_v here_o suppose_a to_o be_v of_o the_o outward_a mode_n in_o which_o two_o thing_n be_v main_o to_o be_v regard_v to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v reverend_a and_o affective_a such_o as_o be_v best_a persuade_v of_o a_o precompose_n form_n and_o find_v it_o expedient_a for_o they_o doubtless_o may_v right_o manage_v it_o to_o the_o edify_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o for_o which_o end_n they_o must_v needs_o in_o some_o part_n thereof_o make_v use_n of_o occasional_a variation_n and_o enlargement_n though_o premeditate_v as_o mind_v the_o more_o particular_a requiry_n of_o several_a time_n and_o occasion_n but_o other_o by_o a_o habit_n of_o ready_a utterance_n and_o much_o exercise_n be_v well_o prepare_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o immediate_a conception_n of_o their_o mind_n in_o proper_a and_o decent_a word_n and_o can_v do_v it_o without_o any_o strain_n of_o invention_n and_o with_o much_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n no_o more_o be_v here_o speak_v that_o what_o impartial_a man_n will_v grant_v and_o why_o shall_v any_o forbid_v they_o that_o be_v thus_o qualify_v to_o use_v their_o gift_n but_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v
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
holy_a in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o christianity_n the_o scripture_n make_v mention_n of_o church_n that_o be_v in_o particular_a house_n teach_v that_o christian_a family_n shall_v resemble_v church_n for_o piety_n and_o godly_a order_n by_o family-godliness_n religion_n thrive_v exceed_o and_o decay_v as_o much_o by_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o by_o domestic_a instruction_n knowledge_n be_v much_o increase_v for_o this_o private_a particular_a teach_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v more_o heed_v than_o that_o which_o be_v public_a and_o general_a and_o person_n be_v hereby_o prepare_v to_o attend_v with_o profit_n upon_o the_o public_a preach_v good_a principle_n be_v infuse_v and_o impression_n of_o good_a be_v make_v upon_o those_o that_o live_v under_o such_o government_n and_o where_o much_o may_v not_o be_v wrought_v at_o present_a towards_o conversion_n something_o may_v stick_v upon_o they_o which_o may_v afterward_o appear_v when_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n shall_v visit_v they_o more_o powerful_o moreover_o national_a and_o church_n reformation_n shall_v here_o begin_v nation_n will_v be_v wicked_a and_o church_n corrupt_v while_o family_n remain_v disorder_v but_o by_o the_o reformation_n of_o these_o lesser_a society_n the_o large_a be_v easy_o reform_v as_o the_o whole_a street_n be_v make_v clean_o where_o every_o one_o will_v sweep_v his_o own_o door_n which_o be_v but_o a_o easy_a task_n it_o be_v most_o desirable_a that_o house_n of_o eminent_a person_n be_v exemplary_a in_o this_o kind_n as_o it_o appear_v king_n david_n be_v by_o that_o profession_n i_o will_v walk_v within_o my_o house_n with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n i_o will_v not_o know_v a_o wicked_a person_n he_o that_o walk_v in_o a_o perfect_a way_n shall_v serve_v i_o but_o it_o be_v lamentable_a that_o in_o so_o many_o family_n of_o profess_a christian_n of_o high_a and_o low_a degree_n wickedness_n carry_v it_o with_o a_o high_a hand_n in_o drunkenness_n swear_v curse_a open_a profanation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n in_o hatred_n of_o godliness_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o that_o in_o many_o other_o free_a from_o debauchedness_n and_o open_a lewdness_n there_o be_v no_o face_n religion_n no_o divine_a worship_n perform_v no_o godly_a discipline_n no_o instruction_n in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n observe_v shall_v any_o profess_v subjection_n to_o god_n maintain_v under_o his_o charge_n and_o government_n a_o open_a rebellion_n against_o god_n or_o at_o least_o a_o total_a neglect_n of_o he_o shall_v not_o god_n rule_v where_o his_o servant_n rule_v wherefore_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o christian_a householder_n in_o their_o several_a house_n to_o offer_v prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n daily_o both_o morning_n and_o evening_n as_o the_o daily_a sacrifice_n to_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n day_n in_o prayer_n sing_v of_o psalm_n read_v the_o scripture_n and_o other_o holy_a book_n in_o repeat_v sermon_n instruct_v child_n and_o servant_n and_o in_o take_v account_n of_o their_o diligence_n and_o proficiency_n under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o this_o to_o be_v do_v not_o formal_o and_o customary_o but_o conscientious_o in_o good_a carnest_n and_o to_o good_a effect_n it_o be_v their_o charge_n also_o to_o hold_v a_o prudent_a hand_n over_o child_n in_o their_o minority_n and_o not_o to_o indulge_v they_o in_o a_o course_n of_o idleness_n sensual_a pleasure_n or_o any_o inordinate_a liberty_n also_o to_o make_v intercession_n to_o god_n for_o those_o under_o their_o tuition_n to_o allow_v servant_n time_n for_o secret_a duty_n last_o to_o purge_v their_o family_n of_o sinful_a disorder_n and_o to_o remove_v scandal_n as_o careful_o as_o the_o israelite_n cleanse_v their_o house_n from_o leaven_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o passover_n as_o the_o religious_a care_n of_o superior_n so_o the_o submission_n and_o teachableness_n of_o inferior_n be_v enjoin_v child_n servant_n and_o sojourner_n in_o godly_a family_n be_v come_v into_o the_o lord_n heritage_n and_o portion_n and_o under_o his_o special_a protection_n and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n shall_v not_o think_v it_o a_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n to_o live_v under_o such_o a_o discipline_n and_o to_o be_v hold_v unto_o such_o exercy_n but_o shall_v improve_v the_o advantage_n and_o be_v follower_n of_o whatsoever_o be_v good_a and_o praiseworthy_a and_o whatsoever_o imperfection_n they_o find_v therein_o they_o shall_v not_o malignant_o aggravate_v the_o same_o but_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o good_a and_o consider_v the_o defect_n as_o the_o remainder_n of_o human_a weakness_n chap._n viii_o private_a mutual_a exhortation_n pious_a discourse_n and_o edify_a conversation_n it_o be_v also_o of_o great_a advantage_n when_o christian_a people_n be_v enure_v in_o the_o way_n of_o religious_a converse_n and_o discourse_n for_o edification_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o propagate_v the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o keep_v themselves_o in_o spiritual_a life_n and_o vigour_n and_o daily_o build_v up_o one_o another_o on_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n advance_v heaven-ward_n and_o it_o be_v as_o comely_a as_o advantageous_a the_o royal_a prophet_n understand_v what_o be_v seemly_a and_o worthy_a of_o he_o in_o his_o conversation_n and_o he_o say_v i_o will_v talk_v of_o thy_o commandment_n before_o prince_n and_o not_o be_v ashamed_a be_v it_o not_o seemly_a for_o those_o that_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n above_o and_o for_o fellowtravell_n r_v towards_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n to_o mention_v the_o affair_n of_o their_o own_o country_n it_o be_v also_o sweet_a and_o lovely_a a_o partake_n of_o that_o grace_n that_o be_v pour_v into_o christ_n lip_n and_o it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o all_o such_o as_o savour_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n yea_o be_v not_o convert_v bind_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o seek_v the_o conversion_n of_o other_o we_o have_v receive_v this_o holy_a commandment_n let_v no_o corrupt_a communication_n proceed_v out_o of_o your_o mouth_n but_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o the_o use_n of_o edify_v that_o it_o may_v administer_v grace_n to_o the_o hearer_n indeed_o holy_a language_n proceed_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o scandalous_a person_n or_o detect_v hypocrite_n be_v disgrace_v and_o lose_v its_o savour_n if_o affectation_n and_o vanity_n appear_v therein_o it_o have_v not_o so_o sweet_a a_o relish_n but_o this_o can_v be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o gracious_a word_n which_o holy_a and_o humble_a man_n of_o inoffensive_a life_n speak_v feel_o from_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o those_o that_o judge_v they_o hypocrite_n god_n will_v judge_v moreover_o honest_a mind_n may_v be_v sometime_o guilty_a of_o imprudence_n and_o thereby_o occasion_v some_o disgust_n and_o make_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o wholesome_a to_o be_v unacceptable_a and_o ineffectual_a nevertheless_o it_o be_v a_o bad_a matter_n for_o any_o one_o from_o the_o baseness_n of_o some_o hypocrite_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o good_a christian_n to_o take_v occasion_n of_o pour_v out_o contempt_n upon_o this_o godly_a practice_n yea_o whosoever_o give_v a_o check_n to_o it_o upon_o pretence_n of_o its_o unseasonableness_n and_o impertinency_n at_o some_o time_n be_v not_o well_o advise_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o true_a religion_n because_o for_o one_o that_o be_v overforward_a herein_o a_o hundred_o be_v too_o backward_o and_o that_o among_o the_o wise_a and_o able_a who_o may_v reap_v a_o harvest_n of_o much_o good_a if_o they_o be_v not_o too_o rich_a or_o sluggish_a the_o most_o have_v need_v rather_o of_o the_o spur_n than_o the_o bridle_n in_o this_o case_n wherefore_o discretion_n will_v mind_v the_o season_n in_o which_o every_o thing_n be_v beautiful_a and_o not_o inconsiderate_o force_v discourse_n and_o run_v on_o therein_o when_o it_o will_v not_o be_v entertain_v as_o in_o the_o set_a time_n of_o other_o man_n sport_n or_o business_n nor_o will_v it_o press_v any_o beyond_o due_a measure_n and_o what_o they_o can_v well_o receive_v lest_o that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v precious_a become_v nauseous_a or_o untastfull_a opportunity_n and_o leisure_n will_v sufficient_o offer_v itself_o for_o set_v and_o solemn_a conference_n and_o beside_o this_o there_o will_v be_v room_n almost_o continual_o to_o put_v in_o by_o the_o by_o a_o word_n that_o may_v take_v effect_n how_o forcible_a be_v right_a word_n it_o have_v sometime_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o short_a say_v occasional_o let_v fall_v upon_o a_o prepare_a mind_n have_v enter_v deep_a and_o stick_v close_o yea_o that_o which_o take_v not_o much_o at_o present_a may_v be_v remember_v and_o have_v its_o effect_n after_o a_o long_a time_n and_o then_o be_v matter_n of_o much_o blessing_n and_o praise_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o wise_a preacher_n look_v this_o way_n in_o the_o morning_n sow_v thy_o seed_n in_o the_o evening_n withhold_v not_o thy_o hand_n for_o thou_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
and_o carnal_a interest_n to_o false_a way_n and_o vain_a invention_n for_o which_o cause_n it_o behoove_v the_o zealous_a religionist_n to_o be_v careful_a even_o to_o jealousy_n that_o he_o be_v not_o impose_v upon_o by_o himself_o or_o other_o and_o in_o this_o care_n hearty_o and_o entire_o to_o resign_v and_o conform_v himself_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o such_o resignation_n and_o conformity_n he_o secure_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o what_o in_o he_o lie_v the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v here_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o be_v write_v in_o nature_n be_v god_n law_n as_o well_o as_o what_o be_v write_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o natural_a revelation_n as_o well_o as_o supernatural_a be_v divine_a and_o whatsoever_o be_v know_v of_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v to_o be_v own_v in_o both_o though_o in_o the_o latter_a it_o have_v appear_v more_o abundant_o because_o therein_o be_v give_v we_o a_o full_a instruction_n in_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n kingdom_n which_o in_o the_o other_o be_v not_o give_v for_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v not_o be_v know_v by_o nature_n and_o in_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v know_v thereby_o the_o light_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o glimmer_a and_o not_o easy_o able_a to_o fix_v the_o heart_n therein_o not_o so_o much_o for_o want_v of_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n as_o from_o the_o pravity_n of_o our_o mind_n reason_n be_v lay_v asleep_a and_o all_o our_o faculty_n be_v sink_v into_o the_o brutish_a life_n what_o be_v the_o utmost_a capacity_n of_o that_o light_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v hard_o for_o we_o to_o define_v and_o though_o it_o be_v harsh_a to_o determine_v that_o they_o be_v all_o utter_o and_o universal_o forsake_v of_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a both_o by_o scripture_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o gentile_n that_o gentilism_n be_v a_o very_a forlorn_a state_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v the_o high_a favour_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o church_n in_o supernatural_a revelation_n by_o which_o he_o have_v not_o only_o instruct_v we_o in_o thing_n supernatural_a not_o otherwise_o to_o be_v know_v in_o this_o life_n but_o also_o more_o perfect_o in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n now_o transcribe_v into_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o religion_n or_o morality_n that_o may_v not_o be_v find_v therein_o beside_o the_o law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o nature_n and_o scripture_n what_o certain_a and_o stable_a rule_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o conversation_n have_v the_o church_n to_o walk_v by_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n or_o consent_n in_o mere_a or_o all_o tradition_n or_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n or_o the_o ancient_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v so_o evident_a as_o need_v no_o confirmation_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o acquiescence_n or_o accord_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o any_o visible_a universal_a supreme_a power_n for_o whereas_o all_o christian_n acknowledge_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o neither_o do_v nor_o ever_o do_v nor_o will_v unanimous_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n in_o be_v and_o the_o main_a body_n of_o they_o that_o maintain_v such_o a_o catholic_n supremacy_n can_v agree_v in_o what_o subject_n the_o same_o reside_v whether_o in_o the_o pope_n or_o a_o general_n council_n and_o as_o several_a pope_n so_o have_v several_a council_n of_o equal_a amplitude_n and_o authority_n often_o cross_v one_o another_o and_o consequent_o some_o of_o both_o kind_n must_v needs_o have_v err_v and_o it_o still_o remain_v a_o controversy_n undeterminable_a which_o council_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o which_o to_o be_v reject_v unless_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n hitherto_o disagree_v herein_o will_v be_v bind_v up_o by_o the_o resolve_n of_o one_o party_n that_o can_v bring_v no_o better_a proof_n than_o their_o own_o pretend_a infallibility_n to_o all_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n true_o so_o call_v or_o a_o representative_a of_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v never_o yet_o congregat_v wherefore_o let_v the_o faithful_a rest_n upon_o the_o old_a right_a foundation_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o infallibility_n be_v unquestionable_a such_o be_v the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o for_o this_o end_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v safe_a in_o divine_a matter_n not_o to_o be_v venturous_a without_o its_o warrant_n they_o best_o secure_v themselves_o from_o error_n who_o keep_v to_o that_o rule_n which_o be_v both_o perfect_a and_o infallible_a some_o pretend_v to_o lay_v open_a the_o folly_n of_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v puritanism_n affirm_v that_o the_o mystery_n thereof_o lie_v in_o this_o principle_n that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v authorize_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n indeed_o there_o be_v those_o of_o that_o denomination_n who_o disallow_v whatsoever_o institute_v worship_n be_v not_o so_o authorize_v but_o they_o be_v not_o so_o ignorant_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o all_o particular_a circumstance_n belong_v to_o divine_a worship_n which_o admit_v of_o endless_a variation_n be_v define_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n such_o as_o be_v those_o natural_a and_o civil_a circumstance_n without_o which_o action_n be_v not_o performable_a but_o they_o suppose_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o these_o matter_n such_o as_o time_n place_n method_n furniture_n etc._n etc._n and_o those_o ordinance_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o take_v for_o part_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v make_v direct_a and_o immediate_a sign_n of_o honour_n give_v to_o god_n by_o their_o use_n and_o all_o of_o this_o kind_a some_o do_v judge_n or_o at_o least_o suspect_v to_o be_v unlawful_a that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n appointment_n my_o design_n oblige_v i_o to_o shun_v the_o intangle_a of_o this_o discourse_n with_o controversy_n and_o therefore_o i_o write_v not_o either_o for_o or_o against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o uncommanded_a worship_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o to_o show_v that_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n be_v more_o safe_a by_o acquiescence_n in_o that_o only_a which_o god_n have_v prescribe_v than_o by_o addition_n of_o new_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n devise_v by_o man_n who_o even_o the_o best_a of_o they_o may_v too_o easy_o deviate_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o who_o know_v not_o that_o too_o much_o yield_v to_o man_n devise_v form_n and_o right_n which_o have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n make_v way_n for_o the_o departure_n of_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o christendom_n from_o the_o primitive_a christianity_n all_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v clear_o prove_v from_o scripture_n though_o the_o particular_a instance_n thereof_o that_o be_v innumerable_a and_o their_o infinite_o variable_a circumstance_n can_v be_v there_o express_v as_o for_o institute_v worship_n it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o defect_n in_o those_o part_n thereof_o that_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n as_o needs_o to_o be_v make_v up_o by_o the_o human_a addition_n of_o other_o new_a part_n and_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v thing_n mere_o circumstantial_a belong_v to_o it_o which_o be_v necessary_a in_o general_n but_o in_o particular_a not_o determine_v of_o god_n and_o must_v be_v order_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o human_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n none_o that_o know_v what_o they_o say_v in_o magnify_v the_o write_a word_n will_v teach_v the_o people_n not_o to_o rely_v upon_o impartial_a reason_n which_o no_o true_a revelation_n do_v ever_o contradict_v but_o we_o be_v so_o conscious_a of_o the_o weakness_n of_o human_a understanding_n that_o in_o case_n of_o any_o seem_a contrariety_n between_o scripture_n and_o reason_n not_o to_o give_v the_o scripture_n the_o preeminence_n we_o know_v be_v most_o unreasonable_a be_v scripture_n liable_a to_o be_v pervert_v so_o be_v reason_n be_v there_o obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n so_o in_o human_a ratiocination_n much_o more_o whosoever_o can_v apprehend_v right_a reason_n can_v rational_o apprehend_v god_n write_v word_n which_o be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n and_o who_o authentic_a interpretation_n of_o itself_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v by_o rational_a inference_n and_o deduction_n
that_o be_v reprove_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o the_o world_n that_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o love_n darkness_n hate_v the_o light_n by_o which_o it_o be_v condemn_v not_o only_o with_o a_o hatred_n of_o aversation_n but_o of_o hostile_a persecution_n nevertheless_o the_o unregenerate_a sort_n of_o man_n in_o general_a can_v and_o will_v not_o abandon_v all_o sense_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o deep_o imprint_v in_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o form_n whereof_o may_v be_v acceptable_a even_o to_o corrupt_v nature_n wherefore_o they_o own_o the_o name_n while_o they_o hate_v the_o thing_n and_o keep_v up_o a_o show_n and_o form_n thereof_o while_o they_o deny_v the_o truth_n and_o power_n and_o have_v a_o false_a apprehension_n of_o christ_n they_o adore_v he_o while_o they_o trample_v upon_o his_o present_a member_n that_o real_o bear_v his_o image_n and_o have_v a_o false_a idea_n of_o godliness_n they_o honour_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o former_a age_n while_o they_o vilify_v those_o of_o their_o own_o time_n in_o who_o godliness_n real_o exist_v which_o show_v that_o if_o christ_n and_o the_o former_a saint_n be_v now_o on_o the_o earth_n to_o appear_v what_o they_o be_v indeed_o they_o will_v be_v no_o less_o hate_v and_o scorn_v than_o the_o faithful_a that_o be_v now_o live_v the_o manifold_a way_n of_o destruction_n and_o misery_n wherein_o the_o wicked_a walk_n though_o contradictory_n to_o each_o other_o do_v all_o conspire_v in_o this_o enmity_n and_o godliness_n be_v put_v to_o conflict_n not_o with_o one_o sort_n of_o enemy_n but_o with_o the_o various_a corrupt_a party_n of_o the_o divide_a carnal_a world_n yet_o worldly_a interest_n often_o make_v their_o advantage_n of_o christianity_n and_o have_v their_o design_n upon_o it_o and_o complicate_v themselves_o with_o it_o in_o some_o external_a and_o accidential_a engagement_n for_o a_o season_n and_o then_o the_o enmity_n be_v restrain_v and_o not_o a_o few_o that_o fall_v short_a of_o regeneration_n may_v be_v so_o illuminate_v and_o wrought_v upon_o as_o not_o only_o to_o cease_v from_o malignancy_n and_o hostility_n against_o it_o but_o to_o promote_v and_o strengthen_v its_o external_a interest_n but_o for_o all_o this_o the_o serpentine_a nature_n have_v hitherto_o be_v more_o predominant_a in_o this_o low_a world_n and_o god_n kingdom_n have_v have_v far_o great_a opposition_n than_o assistance_n from_o the_o power_n thereof_o now_o we_o be_v note_v the_o injury_n and_o despite_n that_o be_v do_v to_o godliness_n the_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n heap_v on_o the_o serious_a professor_n of_o it_o to_o render_v they_o hateful_a and_o contemptible_a require_v some_o animadversion_n their_o adversary_n set_v they_o forth_o as_o proud_a froward_a stubborn_a false_a rash_a fierce_a petulant_a sullen_a fanatical_a hypocritical_a censorious_a pragmatical_a unruly_a schismatical_a seditious_a unpeaceable_a presumptuous_a selfish_a and_o such_o like_a if_o we_o will_v judge_v right_o of_o these_o imputation_n we_o be_v to_o mind_v many_o thing_n viz._n the_o intrusion_n of_o hypocrite_n the_o multitude_n of_o half_n convert_v the_o great_a weakness_n of_o grace_n and_o defect_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o sincere_a christian_n and_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o best_a and_o chief_a of_o they_o it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o fault_n real_a or_o seem_a be_v more_o remarkable_a in_o strict_a professor_n than_o in_o any_o other_o as_o spot_n in_o a_o white_a garment_n also_o that_o the_o common_a malignity_n will_v aggravate_v the_o same_o above_o measure_n likewise_o that_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v charge_v with_o be_v they_o true_o charge_v be_v not_o peculiar_o they_o but_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o world_n in_o general_a and_o that_o some_o degree_n thereof_o be_v find_v in_o all_o in_o who_o human_a weakness_n be_v find_v and_o that_o they_o be_v less_o and_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n in_o this_o party_n of_o man_n than_o in_o any_o other_o add_v hereunto_o that_o the_o fault_n of_o some_o be_v common_o object_v against_o all_o and_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n not_o yet_o make_v perfect_a be_v cast_v upon_o that_o holy_a and_o perfect_a way_n which_o condemn_v those_o sin_n and_o have_v break_v the_o dominion_n of_o they_o moreover_o when_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o general_n have_v renounce_v palpable_a dishonesty_n injustice_n filthy_a lewdness_n wantonness_n intemperance_n luxury_n and_o other_o gross_a pollution_n of_o the_o world_n they_o be_v burden_v according_a to_o the_o true_a method_n of_o calumniation_n with_o matter_n of_o suspicion_n or_o evil_a surmise_n as_o hypocrisy_n selfconceitedness_a fancicalness_n and_o secret_a pride_n thing_n most_o belong_v to_o the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o with_o spiritual_a wickedness_n as_o envy_n malice_n bitterness_n vainglory_n ambition_n self-admiration_n and_o contempt_n of_o other_o thing_n of_o more_o close_a and_o covert_a nature_n and_o as_o not_o easy_o prove_v so_o not_o easy_o disprove_v where_o they_o be_v object_v or_o with_o the_o ambiguous_a charge_n of_o schism_n faction_n turbulence_n singularity_n peevishness_n perverseness_n obstinacy_n which_o opposite_a party_n be_v continual_o cast_v upon_o each_o other_o fault_n and_o duty_n virtue_n and_o vice_n happen_v to_o be_v call_v by_o these_o name_n and_o in_o this_o method_n of_o of_o accusation_n the_o innocent_a be_v soon_o injure_v than_o clear_v and_o slanderer_n do_v their_o work_n for_o the_o reproach_n be_v bold_o cast_v abroad_o and_o something_o stick_v but_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o obloquy_n and_o calumny_n the_o whole_a world_n may_v be_v challenge_v to_o produce_v a_o instance_n of_o any_o sort_n or_o sect_n of_o man_n that_o have_v exceed_v or_o equal_v the_o serious_a professor_n of_o the_o true_a christianity_n in_o thing_n honest_a and_o just_a and_o comely_a and_o useful_a and_o praiseworthy_a it_o must_v not_o be_v expect_a but_o that_o during_o their_o imperfect_a state_n obliquity_n &_o aberration_n will_v be_v find_v more_o or_o less_o in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o remote_a from_o perfection_n but_o if_o true_a honesty_n and_o virtue_n be_v a_o reality_n and_o not_o a_o empty_a name_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o perish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n it_o exist_v and_o reside_v in_o they_o howbeit_o in_o this_o way_n there_o be_v inevitable_a occasion_n of_o stumble_v not_o give_v but_o take_v and_o such_o fall_n thereat_o as_o do_v err_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o have_v not_o know_v god_n way_n the_o practice_n of_o true_a piety_n lie_v out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n be_v misjudge_v as_o a_o kind_n of_o humorous_a singularity_n to_o speak_v feel_o of_o divine_a thing_n seem_v folly_n or_o mere_a fancy_n to_o they_o who_o have_v no_o knowledge_n or_o taste_n thereof_o in_o themselves_o to_o express_v with_o zeal_n or_o vigour_n such_o thing_n as_o seem_v to_o other_o incredible_a though_o they_o be_v most_o true_a and_o excellent_a be_v take_v for_o madness_n tenderness_n of_o conscience_n strictness_n of_o life_n servour_n of_o devotion_n mortification_n and_o heavenly-mindedness_a be_v by_o sensualist_n formalist_n and_o carnal_a politician_n judge_v by_o their_o own_o measure_n take_v for_o hypocrisy_n design_v the_o applause_n of_o man_n or_o some_o eminency_n and_o advancement_n in_o a_o party_n or_o some_o other_o self-interest_n a_o pious_a regard_n to_o the_o lesser_a as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a command_n of_o the_o law_n and_o a_o dread_n of_o despise_v the_o least_o commandment_n be_v common_o esteem_v peevishness_n and_o needless_a preciseness_n to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o holy_a and_o profane_a the_o zealous_a and_o lukewarm_a the_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o to_o judge_v of_o both_o sort_n as_o they_o be_v be_v a_o great_a offence_n to_o the_o world_n for_o which_o the_o religious_a be_v think_v to_o be_v proud_a boaster_n despiser_n of_o other_o uncharitable_a censorious_a and_o formalist_n be_v magnify_v against_o they_o for_o their_o large_a charity_n towards_o all_o which_o be_v indeed_o no_o charity_n but_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n not_o seldom_o accompany_v with_o bitterness_n towards_o the_o godly_a to_o speak_v as_o the_o scripture_n do_v of_o a_o peculiar_a people_n and_o as_o christ_n himself_o of_o the_o fewness_n of_o god_n choose_v among_o the_o many_o outward_o call_v be_v account_v the_o confine_n of_o godliness_n to_o a_o party_n and_o the_o fancy_v of_o themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a people_n of_o god_n now_o such_o arrogance_n be_v just_o charge_v on_o those_o that_o place_n religion_n in_o narrow_a opinion_n and_o platform_n and_o method_n of_o their_o own_o choose_v and_o judge_v of_o all_o man_n as_o they_o be_v near_o or_o far_o from_o they_o yet_o nothing_o be_v sure_a than_o that_o god_n have_v a_o peculiar_a people_n who_o be_v comparative_o a_o small_a
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
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
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
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
chief_a point_n thereof_o be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o high_a violation_n thereof_o and_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o schism_n lie_v in_o deny_v or_o enormous_o violate_v the_o say_a essential_o or_o weighty_a matter_n and_o it_o be_v direct_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o not_o of_o particular_a church_n only_o not_o only_o particular_a person_n but_o church_n yea_o a_o large_a combination_n of_o church_n bear_v the_o christian_a name_n may_v in_o their_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o other_o avow_a practice_n great_o violate_v the_o essential_o or_o very_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n and_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o enormous_a breach_n of_o unity_n it_o be_v no_o schism_n to_o withdraw_v or_o depart_v from_o any_o the_o large_a combination_n or_o collective_a body_n of_o church_n though_o for_o their_o amplitude_n they_o presume_v to_o style_v their_o combination_n the_o catholic_n church_n that_o maintain_v and_o avow_v any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n which_o direct_o or_o by_o near_a and_o palpable_a consequence_n overthrow_v the_o say_v essential_o the_o next_o point_n of_o external_a unity_n be_v about_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o public_a worship_n the_o ministry_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o of_o christ_n institution_n the_o next_o chief_a point_n of_o schism_n be_v the_o breach_n hereof_o and_o this_o may_v be_v either_o against_o the_o catholic_n or_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o such_o schism_n against_o the_o state_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n there_o be_v these_o instance_n 1._o when_o any_o one_o part_n of_o profess_a christian_n how_o numerous_a soever_o combine_v by_o any_o other_o term_n of_o catholic_n unity_n than_o what_o christ_n have_v make_v account_v themselves_o the_o only_a catholic_n church_n exclude_v all_o person_n and_o church_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o combination_n 2._o when_o a_o false_a catholic_n unity_n be_v devise_v or_o contend_v for_o viz._n a_o devise_a unity_n of_o government_n for_o the_o catholic_n church_n under_o one_o terrene_a head_n personal_a or_o collective_a assume_v a_o proper_a govern_v power_n over_o all_o christian_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n 3._o when_o there_o be_v a_o utter_a disow_v of_o most_o of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o have_v no_o true_a church_n state_n no_o not_o the_o essential_o thereof_o and_o a_o utter_a break_v off_o from_o communion_n with_o they_o according_o of_o schism_n against_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o point_n of_o its_o church_n state_n there_o be_v these_o instance_n 1._o the_o renounce_n of_o a_o true_a church_n as_o no_o church_n although_o it_o be_v much_o corrupt_v much_o more_o if_o it_o be_v a_o pure_a church_n though_o somewhat_o faulty_a 2._o a_o utter_a refuse_v of_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o a_o true_a church_n when_o we_o may_v have_v communion_n with_o it_o either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n without_o our_o personal_a sin_n of_o commission_n or_o omission_n 3._o the_o cause_v of_o any_o division_n or_o distemper_n in_o the_o state_n or_o frame_n of_o a_o true_a church_n contrary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o it_o be_v no_o schism_n to_o disow_v a_o corrupt_a frame_n of_o polity_n supervenient_a to_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o combination_n of_o church_n like_o a_o leprosy_n in_o the_o body_n that_o do_v gross_o deprave_v they_o and_o in_o great_a part_n frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o their_o constitution_n the_o last_o and_o low_a point_n of_o external_a unity_n lie_v in_o the_o accidental_a mode_n of_o religion_n and_o matter_n of_o mere_a order_n extrinsic_a to_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church-state_n the_o violation_n thereof_o be_v the_o least_o and_o low_a point_n of_o schism_n i_o mean_v in_o itself_o consider_v and_o not_o in_o such_o aggravate_v circumstance_n as_o it_o may_v be_v in_o those_o accidental_a form_n and_o order_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la but_o leave_v in_o specie_fw-la to_o human_a determination_n be_v allow_v of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o prudence_n and_o charity_n for_o peace_n and_o edification_n and_o according_o they_o be_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o consequent_o it_o be_v one_o point_n of_o schism_n to_o make_v a_o division_n from_o or_o in_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o accountal_a of_o accident_n form_n and_o order_n so_o determine_v according_a to_o god_n allowance_n but_o if_o any_o of_o the_o accidental_n be_v unlawful_a and_o the_o maintain_n or_o practise_v thereof_o be_v impose_v upon_o we_o as_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n it_o be_v no_o schism_n but_o duty_n to_o abstain_v from_o communion_n in_o that_o case_n for_o explicit_o and_o personal_o to_o own_o error_n and_o corruption_n even_o in_o small_a point_n be_v evil_n in_o itself_o which_o must_v not_o be_v commit_v that_o good_a may_v come_v in_o this_o case_n not_o he_o that_o withdraw_v but_o he_o that_o impose_v cause_v the_o division_n and_o this_o hold_v of_o thing_n sinful_a either_o in_o themselves_o or_o by_o just_a consequence_n and_o herein_o he_o that_o be_v to_o act_v be_v to_o discern_v and_o judge_v for_o his_o own_o practice_n whether_o the_o thing_n impose_v be_v such_o for_o god_n law_n suppose_v we_o rational_a creature_n able_a to_o discern_v its_o meaning_n and_o to_o apply_v it_o for_o the_o regulate_v of_o our_o own_o action_n else_o the_o law_n be_v give_v we_o in_o vain_a submission_n and_o reverence_n towards_o superior_n oblige_v no_o man_n to_o resign_v his_o understanding_n to_o their_o determination_n or_o in_o compliance_n with_o they_o to_o violate_v his_o own_o conscience_n person_n meek_a humble_a peaceable_a and_o thorough_o conscientious_a and_o of_o competent_a judgement_n may_v not_o be_v able_a by_o their_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a search_n to_o see_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o thing_n enjoin_v and_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n if_o they_o shall_v thereupon_o be_v declare_v contumacious_a see_v there_o be_v several_a point_n of_o unity_n the_o valuation_n whereof_o be_v to_o be_v make_v according_a to_o their_o different_a value_n man_n judgement_n and_o estimation_n of_o unity_n and_o schism_n be_v very_o preposterous_a who_o lie_v the_o great_a stress_n on_o those_o point_n that_o be_v of_o least_o moment_n and_o raise_v thing_n of_o the_o low_a rank_n to_o the_o high_a in_o their_o valuation_n and_o set_v light_n by_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o high_a value_n as_o indeed_o they_o do_v who_o set_v light_n by_o soundness_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o conscientious_a observance_n of_o divine_a institution_n where_o there_o be_v not_o also_o unanimity_n and_o uniformity_n in_o unscriptural_a doctrine_n and_o human_a ceremony_n and_o they_o that_o make_v such_o a_o estimate_n of_o thing_n and_o deal_v with_o minister_n according_o do_v therein_o little_o advance_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v it_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o church_n unity_n a_o breach_n be_v make_v upon_o it_o when_o other_o bound_n thereof_o be_v set_v than_o this_o rule_n allow_v a_o instance_n hereof_o be_v the_o devise_v of_o other_o term_n of_o church-communion_n and_o ministerial_a liberty_n than_o god_n have_v command_v or_o allow_v in_o his_o word_n to_o be_v make_v the_o term_n thereof_o also_o any_o cast_n or_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o ministry_n such_o as_o god_n word_n do_v not_o exclude_v from_o either_o but_o signify_v to_o be_v qualify_v and_o call_v thereunto_o god_n do_v not_o allow_v on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o imposer_n such_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n or_o ministerial_a station_n as_o be_v neither_o scriptural_a nor_o necessary_a to_o peace_n and_o edification_n nor_o be_v any_o part_n of_o that_o necessary_a order_n and_o decency_n without_o which_o the_o service_n of_o god_n will_v be_v undecent_a nor_o be_v in_o any_o regard_n so_o necessary_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o for_o a_o great_a benefit_n and_o the_o avoid_n of_o a_o great_a mischief_n and_o they_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o schism_n that_o urge_v such_o unscriptural_a and_o unnecessary_a thing_n unto_o a_o breach_n in_o the_o church_n such_o imposer_n be_v not_o only_o a_o occasion_n of_o the_o breach_n that_o follow_v but_o a_o culpable_a cause_n thereof_o because_o they_o impose_v without_o and_o against_o christ_n warrant_n who_o will_v not_o have_v his_o church_n to_o be_v burden_v nor_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o servant_n entangle_v with_o thing_n unnecessary_a nevertheless_o such_o unscriptural_a or_o
unnecessary_a thing_n if_o they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o unlawful_a nor_o of_o mischievous_a consequence_n may_v be_v of_o god_n allow_v as_o to_o the_o submitter_n thereupon_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n who_o mere_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o unnecessary_a thing_n yet_o lawful_a as_o to_o their_o use_n though_o wrongful_o urge_v upon_o they_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o their_o ministerial_a station_n where_o thing_n be_v well_o settle_v as_o to_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n and_o the_o end_n of_o church_n order_n and_o when_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o require_v to_o justify_v the_o impose_v of_o such_o unnecessary_n here_o i_o speak_v of_o contumacious_a refuser_n who_o will_v rather_o make_v a_o breach_n than_o yield_v but_o refuser_n out_o of_o conscience_n believe_v or_o with_o appearance_n of_o reason_n suspect_v the_o say_v lawful_a thing_n to_o be_v unlawful_a be_v either_o accquit_v from_o schism_n or_o guilty_a but_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n and_o much_o less_o culpable_a than_o the_o imposer_n who_o may_v well_o forbear_v to_o impose_v be_v it_o here_o note_a that_o when_o superior_n sin_n in_o command_v a_o thing_n exempt_a from_o their_o authority_n it_o may_v be_v the_o subject_n duty_n to_o observe_v the_o thing_n command_v in_o this_o case_n the_o say_a observance_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n for_o that_o can_v arise_v only_o from_o the_o ruler_n authority_n to_o command_v but_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o prudence_n equity_n and_o charity_n and_o it_o be_v good_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o end_n sake_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o obedience_n though_o not_o to_o the_o earthly_a ruler_n yet_o to_o god_n who_o command_v we_o to_o follow_v peace_n and_o maintain_v unity_n in_o all_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v no_o slight_a matter_n to_o act_v against_o conscience_n rational_o doubt_v or_o suspect_v a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n rom._n 14._o 5._o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o mind_n v_o 14._o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v unclean_a ver_fw-la 23._o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n the_o command_n of_o ruler_n be_v no_o good_a security_n for_o act_v against_o a_o rational_a doubt_a conscience_n when_o i_o be_o in_o doubt_n touch_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v i_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o be_v on_o the_o safe_a side_n by_o comply_v with_o ruler_n for_o though_o in_o general_a obedience_n to_o ruler_n be_v a_o certain_a duty_n yet_o in_o the_o particular_a doubt_a case_n i_o can_v be_v certain_a that_o my_o compliance_n be_v right_a and_o warrantable_a obedience_n and_o not_o a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n be_v it_o plain_a that_o i_o ought_v to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o ruler_n in_o thing_n that_o have_v god_n allowance_n so_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o obey_v their_o command_n in_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v forbid_v moreover_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o act_v against_o my_o own_o conscience_n which_o as_o be_v the_o discerner_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v i_o be_v of_o right_a the_o immediate_a director_n of_o my_o action_n indeed_o my_o conscience_n can_v alter_v god_n law_n or_o make_v that_o which_o god_n have_v make_v my_o duty_n to_o be_v not_o my_o duty_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o act_v in_o disconformity_n to_o its_o direction_n see_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v always_o in_o conjunction_n with_o faith_n and_o holiness_n to_o which_o the_o unity_n of_o external_a order_n be_v always_o to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr it_o follow_v that_o when_o unity_n of_o external_a order_n do_v not_o tend_v to_o advance_v but_o hinder_v sound_a faith_n and_o true_a holiness_n than_o a_o false_a unity_n be_v set_v up_o and_o the_o true_a unity_n be_v abandon_v and_o division_n and_o offence_n be_v cause_v and_o it_o be_v no_o schism_n but_o a_o duty_n not_o to_o adhere_v to_o a_o unity_n of_o external_a order_n so_o set_v and_o urge_v as_o that_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n or_o notable_a detriment_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o church_n order_n the_o mean_n be_v good_a in_o reference_n to_o their_o end_n and_o must_v never_o be_v use_v in_o a_o way_n destructive_a to_o it_o of_o the_o hindrance_n of_o the_o say_a end_n there_o be_v these_o follow_a instance_n here_o lay_v down_o in_o general_a without_o intendment_n of_o particular_a application_n to_o any_o church_n now_o in_o be_v which_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v by_o that_o rule_n by_o which_o all_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v 1._o when_o a_o church_n or_o church_n a_o congregation_n or_o congregation_n have_v a_o establishment_n of_o external_a polity_n and_o a_o ordain_a ministry_n and_o a_o form_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o be_v destitute_a of_o such_o minister_n as_o be_v qualify_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n and_o be_v burden_v with_o such_o as_o be_v altogether_o unfit_a to_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o soul_n commit_v to_o they_o who_o be_v either_o unable_a to_o teach_v or_o teach_v corrupt_o either_o teach_v corrupt_a doctrine_n or_o abuse_v mishandle_v and_o misapply_v sound_a doctrine_n to_o encourage_v the_o ungodly_a and_o discourage_v the_o godly_a 2._o where_o there_o be_v some_o minister_n able_a and_o apt_a to_o teach_v and_o due_o qualify_v but_o their_o number_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a proportionable_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o people_n and_o there_o be_v multitude_n that_o can_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o their_o ministry_n so_o that_o if_o they_o have_v no_o more_o place_v among_o they_o than_o those_o few_o they_o have_v in_o effect_n none_o 3._o where_o sincere_a christian_n or_o credible_a professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o a_o establish_a church_n by_o wrong_a sentence_n or_o be_v debar_v from_o its_o communion_n by_o unlawful_a term_n enjoin_v they_o or_o unnecessary_a term_n which_o be_v to_o they_o unlawful_a by_o real_a doubt_n of_o conscience_n and_o which_o christ_n have_v not_o authorize_v ruler_n to_o enjoin_v as_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n 4._o when_o minister_n who_o christ_n have_v furnish_v and_o call_v be_v drive_v out_o of_o their_o public_a station_n by_o unlawful_a term_n enjoin_v or_o by_o term_n unnecessary_a and_o to_o they_o unlawful_a by_o real_a doubt_n of_o conscience_n and_o which_o christ_n have_v not_o authorize_v ruler_n to_o enjoin_v as_o term_n of_o the_o public_a ministry_n upon_o the_o case_n here_o mention_v i_o inquire_v whether_o the_o say_v minister_n and_o people_n may_v not_o draw_v together_o into_o new_a congregation_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o the_o determination_n of_o man_n may_v be_v a_o perpetual_a bar_n to_o true_a visible_a christian_n it_o may_v be_v to_o multitude_n of_o they_o against_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o most_o important_a privilege_n to_o which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o right_n yea_o suppose_v their_o conscience_n be_v culpable_o weak_a in_o scruple_v thing_n impose_v yet_o they_o may_v suffer_v wrong_a by_o such_o a_o excess_n of_o punishment_n as_o so_o great_a a_o deprivation_n and_o christ_n do_v not_o reject_v they_o for_o such_o weakness_n let_v it_o be_v also_o consider_v whether_o such_o injure_a as_o christian_n be_v wrongful_o exclude_v from_o god_n ordinance_n and_o such_o neglect_a soul_n as_o be_v leave_v destitute_a of_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n may_v lawful_o be_v desert_v by_o christ_n minister_n shall_v not_o the_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n endeavour_n to_o supply_v what_o be_v lack_v to_o such_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o rigourousness_n or_o negligence_n of_o other_o if_o it_o be_v say_v we_o may_v not_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v nor_o break_v the_o law_n of_o unity_n for_o such_o respect_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o do_v evil_a but_o a_o good_a work_n and_o a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o here_o be_v no_o breach_n of_o unity_n that_o be_v of_o god_n make_v or_o allow_v the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o save_a soul_n be_v incomparable_o more_o precious_a than_o uniformity_n in_o external_a accidental_a order_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v unwarrantable_o enjoin_v and_o attend_v with_o such_o evil_a consequent_n if_o within_o any_o local_a bound_n assign_v for_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n of_o any_o ecclesiastic_a the_o people_n be_v leave_v destitude_v of_o competent_a provision_n for_o their_o soul_n it_o be_v no_o intrusion_n or_o breach_n of_o unity_n if_o a_o other_o pastor_n perform_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n within_o
as_o studious_a of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o concord_n as_o any_o other_o and_o though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o latitude_n of_o judgement_n with_o other_o in_o some_o point_n yet_o they_o have_v a_o right_a catholic_n spirit_n to_o promote_v the_o common_a interest_n of_o religion_n and_o more_o especial_o the_o protestant_n reformation_n and_o dread_v the_o weaken_n and_o shatter_v of_o it_o by_o needless_a division_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o conscience_n will_v allow_v in_o compliance_n with_o the_o injunction_n of_o ruler_n but_o they_o be_v cast_v and_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o establish_v order_n by_o the_o injunction_n of_o some_o term_n which_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o present_a judgement_n they_o can_v not_o comply_v with_o but_o under_o the_o guilt_n of_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n as_o dissemble_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n touch_v church-government_n they_o admit_v the_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v of_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a custom_n in_o the_o time_n of_o ignatius_n yea_o or_o of_o cyprian_a bishop_n usher_n model_n of_o government_n by_o bishop_n and_o archbishop_n with_o their_o presbyter_n be_v by_o some_o of_o they_o present_v to_o the_o king_n majesty_n for_o a_o groundwork_n of_o accommodation_n they_o acknowledge_v the_o king_n ecclesiastical_a supremacy_n according_a to_o the_o oath_n in_o that_o case_n require_v his_o majesty_n in_o his_o gracious_a declaration_n concern_v ecclesiastical_a affair_n give_v a_o testimony_n concern_v the_o minister_n that_o attend_v he_o in_o holland_n in_o these_o word_n viz._n to_o our_o great_a satisfaction_n and_o comfort_n we_o find_v they_o person_n full_a of_o affection_n to_o we_o and_o of_o zeal_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o neither_o enemy_n as_o they_o have_v be_v give_v out_o to_o be_v to_o episcopacy_n or_o liturgy_n but_o modest_o to_o desire_v such_o alteration_n in_o either_o as_o without_o shake_a foundation_n may_v best_o allay_v the_o present_a distemper_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o engage_v that_o they_o will_v not_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o endeavour_v any_o point_n of_o alteration_n in_o its_o government_n by_o rebellious_a sedition_n or_o any_o unlawful_a way_n those_o point_n of_o conformity_n wherein_o they_o be_v dissatisfy_v be_v but_o some_o accidental_n of_o religion_n and_o external_a mode_n and_o the_o declaration_n and_o subscription_n import_v a_o allowance_n of_o all_o and_o every_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o they_o think_v that_o these_o point_n be_v not_o so_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o or_o in_o their_o consequent_n but_o they_o be_v very_o dispensable_a as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o governor_n shall_v see_v cause_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o if_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v yield_v to_o they_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o their_o crave_n that_o which_o i_o have_v to_o say_v be_v that_o reasonable_a man_n will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o reasonable_a concession_n and_o if_o subject_n know_v not_o what_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o ask_v governor_n know_v what_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o give_v by_o grant_v the_o desire_a relaxation_n the_o church_n will_v not_o as_o some_o allege_v be_v self-condemned_n as_o confess_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o her_o injunction_n or_o as_o justify_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o dissenter_n for_o it_o can_v signify_v from_o she_o no_o more_o than_o either_o her_o indulgence_n to_o the_o weak_a or_o her_o moderation_n in_o thing_n less_o necessary_a and_o more_o controvert_v which_o will_v not_o turn_v to_o her_o reproach_n but_o to_o her_o great_a justification_n i_o have_v here_o nothing_o to_o say_v to_o they_o that_o object_n against_o any_o relaxation_n after_o that_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o desire_v not_o our_o conformity_n but_o our_o perpetual_a exclusion_n such_o may_v be_v answer_v in_o due_a season_n and_o i_o have_v here_o nothing_o to_o do_v with_o those_o that_o argue_v against_o we_o from_o politic_a consideration_n respect_v a_o particular_a interest_n too_o narrow_a for_o a_o adequate_a foundation_n of_o church-peace_n and_o christian-concord_n but_o my_o scope_n be_v to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v do_v by_o the_o high_a power_n and_o church_n guide_v for_o the_o heal_n of_o breach_n according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o which_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n i_o have_v make_v particular_a observation_n of_o those_o too_o most_o remarkable_a party_n which_o have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o chief_a instance_n of_o schism_n in_o the_o more_o ancient_a time_n the_o other_o schism_n that_o i_o find_v of_o any_o remark_n in_o those_o time_n be_v raise_v sometime_o by_o person_n cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o crime_n and_o thereupon_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o as_o be_v that_o of_o meletius_n a_o bishop_n in_o egypt_n who_o be_v dispose_v for_o have_v sacrifice_v to_o idol_n sometime_o by_o offence_n unjust_o take_v at_o some_o suppose_a faultiness_n in_o a_o bishop_n as_o be_v that_o of_o a_o orthodox_n party_n in_o antioch_n against_o another_o meletius_n a_o orthodox_n and_o right_n worthy_a bishop_n of_o that_o city_n only_o because_o he_o be_v at_o first_o bring_v in_o by_o the_o arrian_n sometime_o by_o the_o exasperation_n of_o the_o people_n for_o injury_n do_v to_o they_o or_o their_o pastor_n and_o outrage_n commit_v by_o their_o opposite_n as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o johannites_n at_o constantinople_n upon_o the_o banishment_n of_o chrysostom_n and_o sometime_o by_o mere_a animosity_n and_o humour_n of_o discontentment_n as_o be_v that_o of_o lucifer_n a_o bishop_n in_o sardinia_n who_o separate_v from_o eusebius_n bishop_n of_o vertellis_fw-la and_o other_o because_o they_o dislike_v his_o rash_a act_n of_o ordain_v paulinus_n to_o be_v bishop_n of_o antioch_n as_o tend_v to_o perpetuate_v the_o schism_n there_o begin_v touch_v all_o the_o say_a party_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o they_o do_v not_o plead_v that_o any_o opinion_n or_o form_n be_v impose_v on_o they_o to_o which_o their_o conscience_n do_v reluctate_v nor_o do_v they_o desire_v other_o forbearance_n towards_o they_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v bear_v too_o hard_o upon_o they_o but_o they_o themselves_o will_v not_o bear_v with_o other_o in_o that_o which_o they_o suppose_v faulty_a but_o do_v nither_o choose_v whole_o to_o abandon_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o do_v not_o seek_v nor_o care_n for_o accommodation_n with_o they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o at_o least_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o dissenter_n of_o these_o time_n for_o they_o importune_v a_o accommodation_n with_o the_o church_n of_o the_o establish_v order_n and_o for_o peace_n sake_n be_v willing_a to_o bear_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o in_o that_o which_o themselves_o dislike_v or_o doubt_v of_o but_o they_o can_v obtain_v a_o dispensation_n from_o other_o in_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o dispensable_a point_n according_a to_o their_o judgement_n but_o be_v force_v to_o abide_v in_o a_o sever_a state_n unless_o they_o will_v profess_v what_o they_o believe_v not_o or_o practice_n what_o they_o allow_v not_o now_o because_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o antiquity_n be_v much_o insist_v on_o i_o pray_v that_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v whether_o in_o the_o primitive_a or_o ancient_a time_n of_o christianity_n man_n yea_o many_o hundred_o of_o man_n due_o qualify_v for_o the_o ministry_n by_o sound_a faith_n and_o good_a life_n as_o also_o by_o their_o learning_n and_o industry_n and_o offer_v all_o reasonable_a security_n for_o their_o submissive_a and_o peaceable_a demeanour_n be_v or_o will_v have_v be_v cast_v and_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n to_o some_o opinion_n form_n and_o ceremony_n which_o at_o the_o best_a be_v but_o the_o accidental_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n or_o lawfulness_n whereof_o the_o dissenter_n be_v whole_o dissatisfy_v and_o which_o the_o imposer_n judge_v to_o be_v but_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o i_o further_o pray_v that_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o the_o nonconformist_n to_o be_v self-condemned_n in_o conform_v to_o some_o injunction_n against_o their_o conscience_n and_o in_o desert_v the_o ministry_n to_o which_o they_o be_v dedicate_v than_o for_o superior_n either_o by_o some_o relaxation_n to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o conform_v or_o to_o bear_v with_o their_o peaceable_a exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o a_o state_n of_o nonconformity_n while_o some_o of_o their_o injunction_n confine_v they_o to_o that_o state_n chap._n v._n of_o make_v a_o right_a estimate_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n and_o something_o more_o of_o take_v the_o right_a way_n to_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
of_o word_n you_o have_v hear_v brethren_n as_o well_o in_o your_o private_a examination_n and_o in_o the_o exhortation_n and_o holy_a lesson_n take_v out_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o what_o dignity_n and_o how_o great_a importance_n this_o office_n be_v whereto_o you_o be_v call_v that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o messenger_n the_o watchmen_z the_o pastor_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o teach_v to_o premonish_v to_o feed_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o lord_n family_n i_o mention_v my_o ordination_n according_a to_o the_o episcopal_a form_n because_o it_o be_v of_o great_a esteem_n with_o they_o to_o who_o this_o representation_n be_v more_o especial_o tender_v nevertheless_o i_o own_o the_o validity_n of_o presbyterial_a ordination_n and_o judge_v that_o minister_n so_o ordain_v may_v make_v the_o same_o defence_n for_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n in_o the_o same_o case_n that_o be_v here_o represent_v christ_n be_v the_o author_n and_o the_o only_a proper_a giver_n of_o this_o office_n and_o though_o he_o give_v it_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o man_n yet_o not_o by_o they_o as_o give_v the_o office_n but_o as_o instrument_n of_o the_o designation_n or_o of_o the_o solemn_a investiture_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o give_v it_o as_o the_o king_n be_v the_o immediate_a giver_n of_o the_o power_n of_o a_o mayor_n in_o a_o town_n corporate_a when_o he_o give_v it_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o elector_n and_o certain_a officer_n only_o as_o instrument_n of_o the_o designation_n or_o of_o the_o solemn_a investiture_n of_o the_o person_n i_o be_o not_o conscious_a of_o disable_n myself_o to_o the_o sacred_a ministration_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o presbyter_n by_o any_o opinion_n or_o practice_n that_o may_v render_v i_o unfit_a for_o the_o same_o touch_v which_o matter_n i_o humble_o offer_v myself_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o my_o superior_n to_o be_v make_v according_a to_o god_n word_n nothing_o necessary_a to_o authorise_v i_o to_o those_o ministration_n be_v want_v that_o i_o know_v of_o i_o be_o christ_n commissioned_n officer_z and_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o he_o have_v revoke_v the_o authority_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o and_o without_o the_o warrant_n of_o his_o law_n no_o man_n can_v take_v it_o from_o i_o nor_o do_v i_o find_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o office_n or_o the_o declare_a will_n of_o christ_n require_v that_o it_o be_v exercise_v no_o otherwise_o than_o in_o subordination_n to_o a_o disocesan_n bishop_n that_o i_o do_v not_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n under_o the_o regulation_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o diocese_n and_o in_o other_o circumstance_n according_a to_o the_o present_a establish_a order_n the_o cause_n be_v not_o in_o i_o who_o be_o ready_a to_o submit_v thereunto_o but_o a_o bar_n be_v lay_v against_o i_o by_o the_o injunction_n of_o some_o term_n in_o the_o lawfulness_n whereof_o i_o be_o not_o satisfy_v whereof_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o account_n when_o it_o be_v require_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o i_o be_o under_o any_o oath_n or_o promise_n to_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n no_o otherwise_o than_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o bishop_n or_o the_o ordinary_a of_o the_o place_n the_o promise_n make_v at_o my_o ordination_n to_o obey_v my_o ordinary_a and_o other_o chief_a minister_n to_o who_o the_o government_n and_o charge_n over_o i_o be_v commit_v concern_v i_o only_o as_o a_o presbyter_n stand_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o bishop_n or_o ordinary_a as_o one_o of_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o diocese_n or_o other_o peculiar_a jurisdiction_n in_o which_o relation_n i_o do_v not_o now_o stand_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o make_v uncapable_a thereof_o moreover_o in_o whatsoever_o capacity_n i_o now_o stand_v the_o say_a promise_n must_v be_v understand_v either_o limited_o or_o without_o limitation_n if_o limited_o as_o in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o honest_a as_o i_o conceive_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v understand_v than_o i_o be_o not_o bind_v by_o it_o in_o the_o present_a case_n for_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a nor_o honest_a for_o i_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o now_o enjoin_v conformity_n against_o my_o conscience_n or_o in_o case_n of_o such_o necessitate_a noncompliance_n to_o desist_v from_o the_o ministry_n that_o i_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n if_o it_o be_v understand_v without_o limitation_n it_o be_v a_o sinful_a promise_n in_o the_o matter_n thereof_o and_o thereupon_o void_a absolute_a and_o unlimited_a obedience_n to_o man_n may_v not_o be_v promise_v let_v it_o be_v consider_v also_o that_o the_o object_v promise_n can_v not_o bind_v i_o to_o more_o than_o the_o conformity_n then_o require_v but_o since_o my_o ordination_n and_o promise_n then_o make_v the_o state_n of_o conformity_n have_v be_v much_o alter_v by_o the_o injunction_n of_o more_o and_o to_o i_o hard_a term_n than_o former_o be_v enjoin_v when_o i_o be_v ordain_v i_o think_v that_o the_o term_n then_o require_v be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v lawful_o submit_v to_o but_o young_a man_n such_o as_o i_o then_o be_v may_v be_v easy_o draw_v to_o subscribe_v to_o thing_n public_o enjoin_v and_o so_o become_v engage_v before_o they_o have_v well_o consider_v the_o ordainer_n or_o ordainer_n who_o design_v i_o to_o this_o office_n of_o christ_n donation_n and_o not_o they_o can_v not_o by_o any_o act_n of_o they_o lessen_v it_o as_o to_o its_o nature_n or_o essential_a state_n nor_o can_v they_o derogate_v from_o christ_n authority_n over_o i_o and_o the_o obligation_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v upon_o i_o to_o discharge_v the_o office_n with_o which_o he_o have_v entrust_v i_o that_o a_o necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o i_o in_o my_o present_a state_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n i_o be_o full_o persuade_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o soul_n which_o cry_v aloud_o for_o all_o the_o help_n that_o can_v posible_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n minister_n whether_o conformist_n or_o nonconformist_n the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n be_v more_o valuable_a than_o mere_a external_a order_n or_o uniformity_n in_o thing_n accidental_a i_o receive_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o sacrament_n according_a to_o the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o be_o ready_a to_o subscribe_v the_o same_o i_o have_v join_v and_o still_o be_o ready_a to_o join_v with_o the_o legal_o establish_a church_n in_o their_o public_a worship_n the_o matter_n of_o my_o sacred_a ministration_n have_v be_v always_o consonant_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o meddle_v not_o with_o our_o present_a difference_n but_o insist_v on_o the_o great_a and_o necessary_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n i_o design_v not_o the_o promote_a of_o a_o sever_a party_n but_o of_o mere_a christianity_n or_o godliness_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o will_n of_o my_o superior_n as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n and_o to_o return_v to_o my_o ministerial_a station_n in_o the_o establish_v church_n may_v i_o be_v but_o dispense_v with_o in_o the_o injunction_n with_o which_o my_o conscience_n till_o i_o be_v otherwise_o inform_v forbid_v i_o to_o comply_v in_o the_o whole_a of_o my_o dissent_n from_o the_o say_a injunction_n i_o can_v not_o be_v charge_v with_o deny_v any_o thing_n essential_a to_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n or_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n or_o any_o of_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n or_o with_o be_v in_o any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o good_a order_n and_o government_n my_o case_n as_o i_o have_v sincere_o set_v it_o forth_o i_o humble_o represent_v to_o the_o clemency_n of_o my_o governor_n and_o to_o the_o charity_n equity_n and_o â—â—â—â—â—r_n of_o all_o christ_n minister_n and_o people_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d e_o i_o design_n to_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o be_o not_o mistake_v in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o i._o c._n finis_fw-la book_n late_o print_v for_o tho._n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n one_o hundred_o of_o select_a sermon_n upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o tho._n horton_n d._n d._n sermon_n on_o the_o four_o psal._n 42._o psal._n 51._o and_o 63._o psal._n by_o tho._n horton_n d._n d._n a_o complete_a martyrology_n both_o of_o foreign_a and_o english_a martyr_n with_o the_o life_n of_o 26_o modern_a divine_n by_o sam._n clark_n a_o discourse_n of_o actual_a providence_n by_o john_n collings_n d._n d._n a_o exposition_n on_o the_o 5_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o charles_n phelpes_n a_o discourse_n of_o grace_n and_o temptation_n by_o tho._n froysall_n the_o revival_n of_o grace_n sacramental_a reflection_n on_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n as_o testator_n a_o sacrifice_n and_o curse_n by_o john_n hurst_n a_o glimpse_n of_o eternity_n to_o awake_v sinner_n and_o comfort_n saint_n by_o ab._n coley_n which_o be_v the_o church_n or_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n where_o be_v your_o church_n before_o luther_n by_o rich._n baxter_n the_o husbandman_n companion_n or_o meditation_n suitable_a for_o farmer_n in_o order_n to_o spiritualise_v their_o employment_n by_o edward_n bury_n mr._n adam_n exposition_n of_o the_o assemb_v catechism_n show_v its_o harmony_n with_o the_o article_n and_o homily_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o present_a state_n of_o new-england_n with_o the_o history_n of_o their_o war_n with_o the_o indies_n popery_n a_o enemy_n to_o truth_n and_o civil_a government_n by_o jo._n sheldeck_n spell_a book_n for_o child_n by_o tho._n lye_n principal_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o practical_a application_n to_o each_o head_n by_o tho._n gouge_n almost_o christian_n by_o matth._n mead._n godly_a man_n ark_n by_o edmund_n calamy_n heaven_n and_o hell_n on_o earth_n in_o a_o good_a or_o bad_a conscience_n by_o nath._n vincent_n little_a catechism_n for_o child_n with_o short_a history_n which_o may_v both_o please_v and_o profit_v they_o by_o nath._n vincent_n ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o a_o epistle_n prefix_v by_o john_n owen_n d._n d._n this_o author_n have_v late_o publish_v this_o book_n entitle_v 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 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 print_a for_o tho._n parkhurst_n