Selected quad for the lemma: religion_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n fancy_n grace_n great_a 25 3 2.0923 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A34538 The kingdom of God among men a tract of the sound state of religion, or that Christianity which is described in the holy Scriptures and of the things that make for the security and increase thereof in the world, designing its more ample diffusion among the professed Christians of all sorts and its surer propagation to future ages : with The point of church-unity and schism discuss'd / by John Corbet. Corbet, John, 1620-1680. 1679 (1679) Wing C6258; ESTC R23940 125,145 296

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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 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that_o there_o be_v a_o
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therein_o but_o intricacy_n and_o obscurity_n be_v a_o bar_n to_o its_o entrance_n and_o entertainment_n hereunto_o a_o easy_a and_o obvious_a method_n evident_a coherence_n and_o plainness_n of_o expression_n conduce_v main_o wherefore_o he_o that_o mind_n what_o he_o have_v to_o do_v be_v not_o careful_a by_o a_o more_o curious_a artifice_n to_o please_v the_o fancy_n of_o some_o itch_a hearer_n but_o have_v most_o regard_n to_o that_o composure_n that_o make_v most_o for_o a_o general_a benefit_n and_o edification_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n as_o he_o will_v not_o multiply_v word_n without_o need_n and_o become_v tedious_a so_o he_o will_v not_o be_v too_o succinct_a and_o close_a and_o by_o that_o mean_n either_o too_o dark_a or_o too_o quick_a to_o inform_v or_o effect_v the_o people_n in_o vulgar_a auditory_n a_o dilate_v of_o the_o matter_n be_v most_o necessary_a so_o that_o idle_a tautology_n and_o prolixity_n be_v avoid_v and_o it_o may_v be_v
have_v hurry_v some_o under_o pretence_n of_o erect_v the_o five_o monarchy_n to_o rend_v and_o tear_v kingdom_n and_o nation_n to_o attempt_v the_o dissolve_v of_o all_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o most_o ready_a way_n to_o subvert_v god_n kingdom_n by_o the_o subversion_n of_o christian_a magistracy_n and_o ministry_n and_o to_o dispossess_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o territory_n it_o have_v gain_v some_o have_v proceed_v so_o far_o in_o the_o pretend_a reign_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o to_o abrogate_v the_o external_a frame_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o turn_v the_o gospel_n history_n into_o mystical_a allegory_n yet_o such_o as_o may_v be_v conceive_v and_o shape_v in_o a_o vulgar_a fancy_n and_o be_v low_a and_o despicable_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n according_a to_o the_o historical_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o worse_o some_o have_v be_v so_o gross_a as_o to_o turn_v into_o a_o allegory_n the_o great_a hope_n of_o our_o christian_a calling_n even_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o so_o pervert_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o a_o mysterious_a infidelity_n and_o apostasy_n from_o jesus_n christ._n yea_o some_o pervert_n the_o high_a expression_n of_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o dwell_v in_o god_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o like_a have_v impious_o talk_v of_o their_o begod_v condition_n and_o blasphemous_o entitle_v the_o most_o high_a and_o holy_a one_o to_o their_o abominable_a extravagancy_n and_o impurity_n and_o beside_o all_o these_o some_o be_v perpetual_a seeker_n have_v no_o fix_v belief_n in_o the_o most_o important_a point_n person_n so_o far_o enlighten_v as_o not_o to_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o high_a way_n than_o the_o common_a dead_a formality_n and_o have_v some_o taste_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o thereby_o raise_v above_o the_o general_a indifferency_n and_o lukewarmness_n unto_o a_o kind_n of_o strictness_n seriousness_n and_o fervour_n of_o spirit_n in_o religion_n yet_o fall_v short_a of_o true_a conversion_n and_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v well_o conceit_v of_o their_o own_o gift_n and_o part_n and_o seem_a grace_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o a_o full_a gale_n of_o fancy_n into_o the_o gulf_n of_o these_o delusion_n and_o a_o tincture_n of_o this_o contagion_n though_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n may_v seize_v on_o some_o who_o stand_v in_o the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n be_v deceive_v by_o a_o show_n of_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n and_o peradventure_o lie_v under_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o some_o ensnare_a occasion_n which_o work_n upon_o the_o remainder_n of_o pride_n levity_n curiosity_n and_o other_o corruption_n which_o the_o present_a imperfect_a state_n leave_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o real_a christian_n and_o some_o of_o these_o may_v soon_o fall_v into_o absurd_a opinion_n than_o many_o that_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n who_o may_v easy_o abide_v among_o the_o orthodox_n either_o because_o they_o do_v not_o concern_v themselves_o in_o religious_a inquiry_n or_o because_o they_o be_v hold_v by_o worldly_a advantage_n which_o stand_v on_o truth_n side_n the_o fancy_n be_v soon_o fill_v with_o notion_n and_o the_o affection_n thereby_o raise_v than_o the_o judgement_n be_v well_o inform_v and_o the_o heart_n establish_v in_o grace_n hence_o proceed_v a_o sickliness_n in_o the_o soul_n appetite_n a_o satiety_n of_o plain_a save_v truth_n and_o of_o sound_a wholesome_a preach_v a_o desire_n of_o novelty_n selfconceitedness_a pragmatical_a confidence_n rash_a censure_n partiality_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n a_o lessen_v of_o the_o pastoral_n authority_n encroachment_n upon_o the_o pastor_n office_n divide_v principle_n and_o practice_n and_o innumerable_a inconvenience_n moreover_o well_o mean_v people_n associate_v in_o a_o strict_a profession_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v sequacious_a of_o some_o lead_a person_n among_o they_o and_o some_o will_v follow_v the_o rest_n for_o company_n and_o the_o high_a pretension_n and_o heighten_a confidence_n of_o enthusiast_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o enchantment_n to_o bewitch_v those_o that_o unwarrantable_o approach_v to_o near_o they_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v predispose_v by_o temper_n or_o complexion_n towards_o enthusiasm_n in_o these_o thing_n man_n forsake_v the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n to_o walk_v by_o false_a light_n and_o to_o follow_v blind_a guide_n the_o holy_a ghost_n bid_v we_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o trial_n and_o leave_v we_o not_o to_o any_o unaccountable_a impulse_n or_o impression_n the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o evangelical_n doctrine_n show_v that_o the_o christian_a spirit_n be_v both_o pure_a and_o peaceable_a that_o it_o do_v not_o divide_v break_v and_o scatter_v a_o christian_a people_n but_o unite_v heal_v and_o settle_v they_o that_o it_o do_v not_o overturn_v church_n and_o civil_a state_n nor_o inflame_v ruler_n against_o subject_n nor_o subject_n against_o ruler_n nor_o dissolve_v magistracy_n and_o ministry_n but_o that_o it_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o child_n and_o the_o disobedient_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o just_a and_o conciliate_v the_o mind_n of_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o all_o degree_n in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n which_o be_v the_o right_a and_o sure_a way_n of_o erect_v god_n kingdom_n it_o do_v not_o cancel_v reason_n but_o maintain_v its_o interest_n in_o religion_n as_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a prop_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o judgement_n and_o soberness_n and_o suppress_v the_o wild_a dominion_n of_o the_o unruly_a imagination_n it_o do_v not_o turn_v man_n from_o humanity_n and_o civil_a behaviour_n unto_o a_o surly_a and_o cynical_a pride_n and_o fanatic_a melancholy_n and_o austerity_n but_o it_o dispose_v they_o to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o human_a life_n and_o civil_a converse_n but_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o offence_n shall_v come_v where_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v break_v forth_o sectarianism_n and_o fanaticism_n be_v the_o devil_n aftergame_n so_o it_o spring_v up_o in_o germany_n upon_o the_o birth_n of_o protestantism_n so_o it_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n upon_o the_o birth_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o gnostic_n and_o such_o like_a sectary_n and_o so_o it_o continue_v in_o our_o time_n these_o irregularity_n and_o extravagancy_n be_v a_o great_a damage_n and_o reproach_n to_o a_o serious_a zealous_a and_o strict_a profession_n and_o it_o be_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v before_o many_o nevertheless_o the_o great_a and_o most_o dangerous_a degeneration_n from_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n lie_v not_o this_o way_n the_o conception_n and_o motion_n of_o fanaticism_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a strain_n though_o in_o a_o delusion_n take_v not_o with_o the_o great_a number_n whether_o of_o high_a or_o low_a degree_n the_o learned_a or_o unlearned_a sort_n and_o in_o case_n it_o seize_v on_o a_o great_a multitude_n it_o may_v trouble_v and_o unsettle_v a_o state_n but_o it_o can_v never_o settle_v itself_o and_o if_o it_o domineer_v a_o while_n its_o tyranny_n can_v hold_v because_o it_o have_v no_o foundation_n and_o it_o can_v never_o obtain_v to_o be_v a_o national_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o stability_n of_o civil_a government_n it_o be_v great_a mischief_n to_o a_o state_n be_v that_o it_o may_v serve_v the_o design_n of_o other_o to_o work_v out_o a_o more_o last_a misery_n for_o which_o cause_n the_o romish_a emissary_n under_o a_o vizor_n have_v overact_a this_o wild_a spirit_n that_o by_o its_o confusion_n and_o anarchy_n they_o may_v make_v way_n to_o introduce_v their_o own_o tyranny_n but_o the_o more_o extensive_a dangerous_a and_o last_a depravation_n of_o christianity_n lie_v on_o the_o same_o side_n with_o popery_n which_o be_v formidable_a indeed_o be_v found_v in_o power_n and_o policy_n and_o suit_v to_o worldly_a interest_n and_o to_o which_o man_n innate_a propension_n do_v general_o more_o incline_v they_o for_o that_o their_o fancy_n and_o affection_n be_v inveagle_v with_o its_o outward_a wealth_n and_o glory_n and_o their_o conscience_n lay_v a_o sleep_n by_o its_o loose_a principle_n and_o lifeless_a form_n of_o devotion_n chap._n fourteen_o the_o way_n of_o preserve_a religion_n uncorrupt_a the_o truth_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n lie_v in_o its_o conformity_n to_o its_o rule_n which_o be_v god_n reveal_v will_n or_o law_n and_o its_o deviation_n from_o it_o be_v its_o depravation_n from_o this_o rule_n man_n be_v easy_o draw_v aside_o be_v entice_v by_o their_o own_o vain_a imagination_n perverse_a inclination_n
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
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
know_v not_o whether_o shall_v prosper_v this_o or_o that_o or_o whether_o they_o shall_v be_v alike_o good_a whatsoever_o scornful_a or_o careless_a man_n conceit_n hereof_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v make_v it_o praiseworthy_a and_o precious_a the_o tongue_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o choice_a silver_n and_o the_o lip_n of_o the_o righteous_a feed_v many_o and_o to_o good_a heart_n this_o practice_n will_v not_o be_v burdensome_a for_o they_o will_v recreate_v their_o mind_n herewith_o as_o a_o holy_a divertisement_n and_o serious_a pastime_n while_o other_o spend_v their_o leisure_n in_o that_o mirth_n and_o laughter_n which_o the_o wise_a man_n call_v madness_n chap._n ix_o the_o prevalence_n of_o religion_n or_o real_a godliness_n in_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o a_o nation_n in_o christian_a state_n and_o kingdom_n religion_n be_v god_n interest_n aught_o to_o have_v the_o preeminence_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o its_o preeminence_n be_v no_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o right_n of_o the_o high_a power_n but_o their_o establishment_n god_n alone_o have_v a_o underive_v and_o unlimited_a empire_n over_o man_n his_o creature_n the_o people_n be_v primary_o god_n subject_n and_o then_o be_v subject_a to_o prince_n as_o to_o his_o vicegerent_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o be_v the_o grand_a interest_n both_o of_o prince_n and_o people_n none_o can_v doubt_v that_o god_n have_v make_v his_o own_o glory_n and_o man_n salvation_n the_o supreme_a end_n of_o government_n and_o subjection_n and_o consequent_o that_o be_v the_o best_a policy_n which_o give_v these_o end_n the_o high_a place_n and_o make_v temporal_a advantage_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n subordinate_a thereunto_o and_o this_o require_v that_o the_o constitution_n give_v the_o high_a regard_n to_o god_n law_n and_o maintain_v their_o authority_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a public_a administration_n tend_v to_o the_o promote_a of_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o to_o the_o suppress_n of_o all_o unrighteous_a and_o impious_a practice_n as_o it_o be_v the_o church_n duty_n and_o honour_n to_o teach_v and_o command_v her_o child_n to_o do_v whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v so_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n and_o chief_a glory_n of_o the_o magistrate_n who_o be_v god_n minister_n to_o defend_v the_o faith_n and_o uphold_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o further_a the_o most_o lively_a and_o powerful_a dispensation_n of_o they_o and_o to_o encourage_v and_o command_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n write_v in_o nature_n or_o scripture_n in_o subserviency_n hereunto_o his_o power_n be_v to_o determine_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v requisite_a in_o general_n but_o in_o particular_a be_v leave_v undetermined_a of_o god_n and_o therefore_o call_v indifferent_a and_o be_v to_o be_v order_v by_o human_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o for_o these_o end_v the_o chief_a magistrate_n have_v a_o supremacy_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a but_o it_o be_v no_o diminution_n of_o his_o authority_n to_o remove_v from_o it_o thing_n unnecessary_a unprofitablen_a and_o offensive_a in_o their_o use_n and_o for_o their_o doubtful_a nature_n apt_a to_o perplex_v the_o subject_n conscience_n and_o he_o be_v the_o general_a bishop_n of_o his_o dominion_n in_o a_o political_a sense_n without_o any_o encroachment_n upon_o that_o authority_n wherewith_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o the_o church_n have_v invest_v spiritual_a pastor_n as_o he_o be_v such_o a_o officer_n it_o be_v worthy_a of_o his_o chief_a care_n to_o provide_v and_o send_v forth_o able_a and_o faithful_a dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n that_o may_v teach_v the_o people_n the_o good_a knowledge_n of_o god_n after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o good_a king_n jehoshaphat_n and_o to_o see_v that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v the_o cure_n of_o soul_n be_v resident_a with_o his_o flock_n and_o constant_o instruct_v they_o by_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o catechise_v they_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v pluralist_n to_o seize_v upon_o several_a congregation_n as_o a_o prey_n to_o fleece_v but_o not_o to_o feed_v they_o to_o encourage_v laborious_a minister_n that_o watch_n for_o the_o people_n soul_n as_o those_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n and_o strict_o to_o enjoin_v the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n which_o be_v sanctify_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n by_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n in_o settle_v this_o as_o all_o other_o ordinance_n pertain_v to_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o so_o have_v continue_v in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o place_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o by_o as_o unquestionable_a tradition_n as_o the_o scripture_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o of_o little_a moment_n to_o suppress_v or_o at_o least_o to_o bring_v into_o disgrace_n whatsoever_o custom_n serve_v for_o nought_o but_o to_o feed_v inordinate_a sensuality_n and_o to_o make_v those_o that_o use_v they_o profane_v vicious_a and_o licentious_a there_o be_v frequent_v show_v and_o pastime_n well_o know_v that_o increase_n unto_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o may_v be_v call_v the_o devil_n ordinance_n those_o that_o wish_v well_o to_o piety_n have_v a_o ill_a part_n to_o act_v when_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o defend_v some_o exercise_n from_o which_o a_o extreem_v abuse_n be_v inseparable_a and_o which_o be_v make_v a_o trade_n of_o gain_n arise_v from_o the_o impurity_n and_o profaneness_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v incorrigible_a and_o can_v admit_v no_o reformation_n the_o piety_n of_o any_o nation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o formality_n and_o opinion_n and_o uniformity_n in_o little_a thing_n but_o by_o substantial_a devotion_n by_o solid_a zeal_n in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o main_a concern_v of_o religion_n by_o righteousness_n of_o life_n by_o sobriety_n purity_n modesty_n by_o peace_n and_o concord_n with_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o those_o difference_n that_o shall_v not_o and_o need_v not_o make_v breach_n among_o brethren_n by_o dutifulness_n in_o all_o relation_n by_o industry_n frugality_n and_o by_o abound_a charity_n that_o be_v full_a of_o good_a work_n happy_a be_v that_o state_n where_o religious_a influence_n be_v predominant_a where_o the_o pious_a and_o prudent_a bear_n sway_n not_o by_o intrusion_n but_o by_o lawful_a admission_n also_o where_o it_o arise_v to_o that_o strength_n as_o to_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o the_o affection_n and_o interest_n of_o a_o nation_n not_o by_o set_v up_o the_o faction_n of_o a_o few_o but_o by_o make_v the_o generality_n or_o at_o least_o the_o great_a number_n of_o considerable_a man_n some_o of_o they_o true_o regenerate_v christian_n and_o the_o rest_n orderly_o and_o well_o affect_v one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v out_o of_o question_n that_o it_o be_v more_o desirable_a that_o religiousness_n shall_v be_v in_o fashion_n than_o open_a dissoluteness_n and_o profaneness_n for_o uncontrolled_a profaneness_n will_v run_v down_o all_o religion_n but_o when_o those_o that_o reach_v not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n indeed_o come_v so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v up_o a_o outward_a garb_n thereof_o it_o be_v a_o great_a external_a advantage_n to_o true_a religion_n and_o show_v its_o prevalent_a influence_n on_o the_o public_a state_n if_o any_o shall_v demur_v upon_o this_o assertion_n by_o make_v it_o a_o question_n whether_o phariseim_n or_o profaneness_n be_v the_o worse_a evil_n let_v he_o know_v first_o that_o profane_a and_o dissolute_a christian_n be_v notorious_a hypocrite_n for_o profess_v to_o know_v god_n when_o in_o work_v they_o deny_v he_o beside_o phariseism_n be_v not_o simple_a insincerity_n but_o a_o compound_n hypocrisy_n wherein_o malignity_n and_o enmity_n against_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v the_o chief_a ingredient_n it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o strict_a externalness_n that_o seek_v to_o destroy_v the_o inward_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o it_o pretend_v to_o own_o i_o have_v no_o list_n to_o say_v that_o such_o malignity_n be_v less_o mischievous_a than_o filthy_a lewdness_n or_o debauchery_n but_o the_o garb_n of_o strict_a profession_n here_o mention_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o church_n good_a though_o we_o must_v continual_o and_o strict_o charge_v all_o man_n to_o beware_v of_o rest_v in_o it_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n chap._n x._o christian_n unity_n and_o concord_n all_o faithful_a christian_n be_v member_n of_o one_o mystical_a body_n have_v all_o one_o spirit_n one_o lord_n and_o head_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n and_o one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o they_o all_o one_o hope_n of_o their_o call_v and_o one_o heaven_n to_o receive_v they_o all_o
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
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
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 roman●aith_n ●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 sel●_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 hau●_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 i●_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 confe●…_n red_a as_o to_o exalt_v boundless_a ambition_n and_o avari●…_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 residue●…_n and_o those_o the_o great_a number_n into_o ignoranc●_n beggary_n baseness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naught●…_n ness_n such_o a_o disposition_n of_o thing_n beside_o th●…_n ruin_n of_o religion_n will_v in_o the_o ruin_n there●…_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 n●…_n keep_v wake_v by_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n a●…_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
sober_a and_o regular_a course_n of_o life_n but_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n be_v corrupt_v and_o tend_v to_o general_a debauchedness_n when_o those_o of_o high_a rank_n and_o quality_n live_v in_o idleness_n and_o sensual_a excess_n and_o have_v a_o proportionable_a number_n of_o the_o mean_a sort_n wait_v upon_o they_o in_o much_o idleness_n for_o the_o service_n of_o those_o lust_n and_o vanity_n this_o course_n will_v vitiate_v the_o whole_a mass_n of_o a_o people_n do_v not_o some_o powerful_a opposite_a mean_n preserve_v some_o part_n more_o entire_a and_o sound_a in_o moral_n now_o a_o order_n and_o frame_v of_o thing_n settle_v for_o frugality_n be_v not_o unworthy_a of_o a_o generous_a nation_n it_o be_v a_o noble_a thing_n for_o person_n of_o high_a birth_n and_o breed_n to_o improve_v their_o part_n and_o wealth_n and_o leisure_n in_o useful_a and_o liberal_a study_n and_o exercise_n whereby_o something_o may_v be_v add_v either_o to_o their_o own_o fortune_n or_o to_o the_o common_a stock_n and_o treasure_n of_o mankind_n where_o this_o considerate_a and_o sober_a disposition_n of_o a_o people_n be_v affect_v it_o shall_v be_v esteem_v a_o great_a happiness_n and_o worthy_a of_o the_o best_a improvement_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n discreet_a and_o well_o mind_a person_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v discourage_v or_o disoblige_v if_o they_o can_v be_v raise_v to_o a_o high_a pitch_n it_o be_v better_a to_o keep_v they_o where_o they_o be_v than_o by_o any_o matter_n of_o disgust_n to_o occasion_v they_o to_o fall_v back_o first_o to_o disrelish_v then_o to_o loath_a and_o oppose_v a_o strict_a profession_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 such_o be_v the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n that_o a_o necessity_n of_o be_v singular_a lie_n upon_o those_o that_o embrace_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o because_o all_o singularity_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o disgust_v and_o censure_n it_o concern_v they_o to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v not_o humorous_a and_o affect_v but_o necessary_a and_o conscientious_a and_o so_o to_o shun_v all_o affectation_n of_o odd_a conceit_n and_o practice_n or_o any_o unnecessary_a reservedness_n the_o mere_a depart_n from_o evil_n and_o the_o impartial_a discharge_n of_o duty_n will_v set_v they_o too_o much_o alone_a and_o aloof_o off_o from_o too_o too_o many_o and_o true_o it_o be_v the_o grief_n of_o sincere_a and_o humble_a mind_n that_o they_o can_v have_v no_o more_o company_n in_o the_o way_n that_o be_v call_v holy_a but_o the_o humour_n of_o needless_a singularity_n have_v a_o snatch_n of_o pharisaical_a leaven_n in_o it_o to_o be_v affable_a and_o of_o easy_a access_n and_o free_a in_o harmless_a compliance_n avail_v much_o to_o remove_v or_o lessen_v prejudice_n it_o be_v not_o of_o little_a moment_n to_o discern_v and_o keep_v the_o right_a path_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o conformity_n to_o the_o decent_a civility_n of_o this_o world_n to_o be_v solicitous_a and_o exact_a about_o idle_a and_o tedious_a curiosity_n of_o habit_n gesture_n and_o complemental_a converse_n to_o run_v with_o the_o foremost_a after_o new_a garb_n and_o fashion_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o purity_n gravity_n and_o moderate_a severity_n of_o true_a religion_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o neglect_v the_o decency_n of_o the_o age_n be_v take_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o sordid_a or_o a_o peevish_a humour_n a_o mediocrity_n in_o such_o thing_n be_v most_o acceptable_a and_o advantageous_a the_o truth_n be_v the_o extravagancy_n of_o our_o time_n have_v tempt_v some_o to_o strain_n christian_n liberty_n beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o soberness_n and_o there_o be_v need_n that_o some_o check_n be_v give_v to_o this_o excess_n of_o vanity_n nevertheless_o the_o other_o extreem_n will_v gain_v no_o honour_n morosity_n true_o so_o call_v be_v very_o offensive_a and_o be_v indeed_o but_o a_o severe_a and_o serious_a folly_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o all_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o strain_n guarb_n or_o humour_n in_o these_o indifferent_a matter_n pertain_v to_o human_a life_n wherein_o be_v find_v so_o great_a diversity_n among_o virtuous_a and_o worthy_a person_n the_o more_o free_a gentile_a and_o cheerful_a may_v not_o despise_v they_o that_o be_v more_o rich_a reserve_v and_o solemn_a in_o their_o behaviour_n nor_o may_v these_o judge_v the_o other_o for_o godliness_n stand_v on_o neither_o side_n but_o be_v indifferent_a towards_o both_o and_o importunate_a zeal_n and_o strictness_n about_o thing_n of_o indifferent_a or_o doubtful_a interpretation_n do_v ofttimes_o great_a disservice_n to_o religion_n and_o hinder_v that_o reception_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v give_v to_o it_o when_o too_o great_a a_o stir_n be_v make_v about_o little_a matter_n man_n of_o loose_a principle_n will_v suggest_v against_o all_o godly_a care_n and_o strictness_n as_o needless_a scrupulosity_n and_o preciseness_n and_o the_o urge_n of_o some_o hard_a thing_n as_o indispensable_a duty_n upon_o weak_a and_o uncertain_a ground_n have_v alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o some_o from_o that_o course_n of_o life_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o faithful_a in_o christ_n have_v their_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n as_o be_v redeem_v from_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n and_o have_v jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o the_o mother_n of_o they_o all_o nevertheless_o as_o yet_o they_o dwell_v upon_o earth_n and_o converse_v with_o natural_a man_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o speak_v and_o act_v in_o such_o a_o strain_n as_o if_o they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o world_n provide_v they_o deny_v no_o principle_n of_o faith_n it_o behoove_v they_o to_o show_v themselves_o in_o nothing_o estrange_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o human_a reason_n and_o moral_a prudence_n according_a to_o man_n upon_o earth_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n to_o act_v as_o citizen_n of_o this_o world_n though_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o heavenly_a spirit_n and_o conversation_n which_o be_v their_o life_n indeed_o they_o must_v walk_v as_o fellow_n citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n now_o in_o glory_n i_o urge_v this_o the_o rather_o because_o they_o be_v by_o scornful_a man_n number_v among_o fanatic_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n in_o all_o public_a affair_n they_o must_v consider_v what_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n with_o bear_n they_o must_v be_v discreet_a and_o temperate_a in_o their_o encounter_n with_o people_n vanity_n especial_o inveterate_a custom_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n they_o shall_v approve_v themselves_o fit_a and_o able_a for_o the_o service_n of_o human_a society_n this_o will_v make_v they_o appear_v considerable_a and_o befool_v and_o shame_v those_o that_o slight_a they_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o christ_n between_o bond_n and_o free_a high_a and_o low_a rich_a and_o poor_a but_o they_o be_v all_o one_o in_o he_o wherefore_o the_o scripture_n say_v let_v the_o brother_n of_o low_a degree_n rejoice_v in_o that_o he_o be_v exalt_v but_o the_o rich_a man_n that_o he_o be_v make_v low_o and_o according_o it_o testify_v against_o the_o have_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o respect_n of_o person_n howbeit_o this_o indistinction_n of_o person_n respect_v privilege_n that_o be_v mere_o spiritual_a to_o which_o there_o be_v no_o inequality_n of_o right_n upon_o any_o civil_a pre-eminence_n but_o in_o all_o civil_a privilege_n christianity_n maintain_v the_o different_a right_n of_o the_o several_a rank_n of_o man_n and_o enjoin_v we_o to_o render_v honour_n to_o who_o honour_n be_v due_a and_o there_o be_v more_o in_o it_o than_o a_o mere_a gracefulness_n of_o behaviour_n or_o pleasingness_n of_o humane_a conversation_n for_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o maintain_v government_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o world_n in_o order_n religion_n therefore_o do_v not_o countenance_v a_o level_a humour_n nor_o any_o insolence_n and_o irreverence_n towards_o superior_n but_o condemn_v their_o pride_n and_o folly_n that_o presume_v to_o ●arry_v it_o in_o that_o sort_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o equality_n in_o christ_n or_o a_o conceit_n of_o their_o own_o pre-eminence_n in_o he_o above_o other_o the_o profession_n of_o godliness_n can_v be_v more_o prejudice_v than_o by_o such_o a_o spirit_n and_o behaviour_n discern_v in_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o it_o the_o mighty_a the_o noble_a and_o the_o wealthy_a will_v not_o endure_v to_o be_v confront_v by_o mean_a person_n but_o be_v tempt_v to_o hate_n and_o crush_v that_o profession_n which_o they_o think_v make_v man_n forget_v those_o distance_n and_o due_a observance_n which_o civility_n call_v for_o but_o religion_n be_v make_v more_o passable_a and_o acceptable_a especial_o with_o those_o at_o the_o upper_a end_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o discretion_n and_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 fa●…_n short_a of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o those_o thing_n tha●_n accompany_v salvation_n and_o it_o do_v not_o roo●_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 wa●…_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 compas●_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 whea●…_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 ●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 an●_n it_o prevent_v their_o wander_a to_o seek_v after_o it_o i●_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 mo●…_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 b●…_n able_a to_o hold_v in_o those_o who_o affection_n an●…_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 a●…_n call_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n do_v so_o walk_v i●…_n the_o light_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n o●…_n stumble_v in_o they_o through_o notorious_a prid●…_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
not_o to_o run_v with_o the_o foremost_a but_o to_o proceed_v in_o such_o manner_n and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o stand_n in_o necessary_a ●_z may_v require_v and_o as_o the_o more_o considerate_a pa●…_n of_o man_n will_v justify_v to_o be_v discreet_a and_o honest_a but_o above_o all_o to_o endeavour_v by_o a_o godly_a and_o blameless_a life_n to_o make_v it_o manifest_a that_o conscience_n have_v be_v due_o satisfy_v and_o not_o trifle●_n with_o in_o doubtful_a matter_n and_o difficult_a time_n th●_n all_o good_a man_n shall_v keep_v the_o same_o latitude_n of_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o all_o wisdom_n for_o th●_n true_a interest_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v wish_v b●…_n not_o expect_v for_o some_o will_v be_v more_o other_o less_o enlarge_v by_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o apprehension_n also_o some_o by_o their_o natural_a disposition_n be_v more_o timorous_a or_o more_o comply_v other_o again_o be_v more_o hardy_a and_o less_o flexible_a or_o mor●_n reserve_v and_o resolute_a in_o their_o opinion_n many_o be_v injudicious_a and_o the_o best_a have_v their_o passion_n and_o some_o lie_n under_o disadvantage_n that_o may_v bias_n the_o judgement_n this_o or_o that_o way_n where_o th●_n matter_n be_v somewhat_o disputable_a other_o ma●_n have_v weighty_a reason_n either_o for_o assent_n or_o di●…_n send_v though_o not_o obvious_a and_o perhaps_o not_o 〈◊〉_d expedient_a to_o be_v declare_v man_n case_n bein●_n so_o exceed_o various_a they_o must_v needs_o vary●…_n practice_n some_o inconvenience_n but_o no_o d●_n structive_a mischief_n will_v follow_v this_o diversity_n it_o do_v not_o as_o one_o will_v think_v it_o shall_v not_o disunite_v affection_n for_o then_o these_o several_a pa●…ties_n or_o persuasion_n rather_o be_v one_o in_o their_o main_a cause_n and_o may_v with_o one_o spirit_n though_o walk_v in_o several_a path_n carry_v on_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o it_o if_o religion_n be_v but_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o faction_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o worldly_a interest_n the_o asserter_n thereof_o may_v lose_v or_o lessen_v it_o by_o take_v such_o several_a way_n but_o it_o depend_v not_o upon_o party_n and_o their_o design_n nor_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o such_o engagement_n but_o in_o itself_o perfect_o free_a from_o they_o therefore_o it_o be_v advance_v in_o any_o way_n that_o give_v it_o liberty_n and_o opportunity_n to_o display_v itself_o to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o own_o truth_n and_o goodness_n chap._n xxvii_o the_o sure_a and_o safe_a way_n of_o seek_v reformation_n when_o a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v inveterate_a or_o deep_o root_v in_o a_o nation_n ●he_v work_n of_o pious_a man_n be_v convince_o to_o reprove_v that_o corruption_n by_o the_o light_n of_o holy_a doctrine_n and_o of_o holy_a walk_n and_o to_o propagate_v and_o press_v home_o with_o zeal_n the_o great_a and_o unquestionable_a truth_n of_o christianity_n but_o to_o ●e_v more_o silent_a and_o spare_v in_o matter_n more_o con●overted_v and_o of_o less_o importance_n the_o vehement_a ●rging_n whereof_o will_v not_o convince_v the_o world_n nor_o silence_v the_o adversary_n likewise_o by_o humble_a address_n to_o the_o high_a power_n in_o a_o fit_a season_n they_o may_v seek_v the_o redress_n of_o such_o enormity_n as_o be_v evident_o scandalous_a absurd_a and_o odious_a and_o yet_o perhaps_o the_o chief_a prop_n of_o that_o corrupt_a state_n for_o this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o scandal_n or_o hazard_n and_o much_o be_v do_v if_o it_o take_v effect_n clamorous_a contest_v about_o doubtful_a form_n and_o custom_n and_o in_o comparison_n but_o by_o matter_n do_v serve_v to_o animate_v the_o opposite_a party_n and_o afford_v they_o matter_n to_o work_v upon_o but_o the_o vigorous_a maintenance_n of_o the_o vital_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o detect_n of_o gross_a abuse_n bear_v they_o down_o it_o be_v time_n that_o ripen_v all_o thing_n and_o every_o thing_n in_o its_o season_n be_v beautiful_a and_o successful_a then_o the_o redress_n of_o evil_n will_v run_v in_o its_o prepare_a channel_n and_o a_o plain_a path_n will_v be_v find_v through_o passage_n former_o inaccessible_a and_o then_o ruler_n themselves_o may_v see_v what_o one_o of_o deep_a judgement_n observe_v that_o when_o time_n of_o course_n alter_v thing_n to_o the_o worse_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n have_v need_n alter_v they_o to_o the_o better_a they_o may_v find_v the_o necessity_n and_o utility_n of_o reformation_n and_o by_o their_o authority_n make_v it_o warrantable_a if_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n walk_v in_o sober_a counsel_n and_o sure_a way_n and_o follow_v the_o truth_n in_o peace_n and_o love_n and_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o common_a good_a they_o retain_v their_o innocence_n and_o maintain_v their_o honour_n which_o be_v their_o sure_a interest_n and_o shall_v be_v find_v though_o the_o few_o number_n to_o have_v a_o considerable_a influence_n upon_o the_o public_a state_n both_o religious_a and_o civil_a affair_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v carry_v in_o extreme_n for_o which_o cause_n reformation_n common_o be_v suspect_v and_o their_o credit_n be_v much_o impair_v in_o avoid_v superstition_n some_o have_v run_v into_o rudeness_n and_o undecency_n in_o divine_a worship_n the_o natural_a expression_n ofreverence_n and_o devout_a affection_n and_o thing_n necessary_a to_o decency_n and_o order_n shall_v be_v observe_v careful_o by_o those_o that_o turn_v away_o from_o superstitious_a vanity_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o a_o well_o inform_v conscience_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o sound_a mind_n do_v guide_v and_o rule_v they_o and_o that_o their_o principle_n be_v no_o way_n defective_a but_o sufficient_a and_o ample_a unto_o all_o regular_a devotion_n these_o necessary_a decency_n and_o natural_a expression_n of_o devotion_n be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o all_o intelligent_a person_n and_o the_o mode_n of_o civil_a reverence_n and_o seriousness_n in_o use_n among_o we_o do_v much_o guide_n herein_o a_o compliance_n with_o sober_a and_o grave_a solemnity_n affect_v by_o a_o nation_n in_o general_n help_v to_o procure_v a_o good_a esteem_n and_o to_o get_v ground_n among_o they_o whereas_o opposition_n and_o singularity_n may_v beget_v a_o general_a dislike_n man_n do_v but_o misspend_v their_o zeal_n in_o oppose_v prevalent_a custom_n that_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o good_a life_n among_o other_o thing_n i_o may_v instance_n in_o religious_a performance_n at_o funeral_n which_o may_v well_o be_v order_v without_o superstition_n or_o any_o other_o abuse_n and_o improve_v to_o the_o people_n benefit_n who_o be_v then_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o house_n of_o mourning_n some_o church_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o false_a worshipper_n to_o prevent_v all_o superstition_n have_v forbid_v the_o make_n of_o prayer_n or_o sermon_n at_o the_o interment_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n several_a church_n may_v have_v their_o peculiar_a reason_n and_o according_o their_o different_a order_n as_o concern_v heathenish_a pastime_n and_o vanity_n sometime_o affect_v by_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a and_o perhaps_o countenance_v by_o some_o of_o high_a degree_n for_o end_n well_o know_v they_o tend_v indeed_o unto_o much_o profaneness_n and_o may_v trouble_v the_o mind_n and_o stir_v the_o zeal_n of_o good_a man_n nevertheless_o when_o the_o power_n of_o reform_v be_v beyond_o their_o line_n it_o suffice_v that_o the_o weighty_a and_o unquestionable_a matter_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v constant_o inculcate_v upon_o the_o people_n and_o the_o spread_a of_o sound_a knowledge_n endeavour_v both_o by_o public_a doctrine_n and_o by_o private_a instruction_n and_o those_o humorous_a foolery_n which_o opposition_n often_o heighten_v will_v soon_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n by_o contempt_n and_o silence_n in_o a_o happy_a season_n when_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n have_v a_o potent_a influence_n upon_o a_o nation_n the_o lay_n of_o a_o good_a foundation_n for_o time_n to_o come_v be_v main_o to_o be_v regard_v a_o opportunity_n in_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v lose_v not_o only_o by_o a_o sluggish_a neglect_n but_o also_o by_o a_o impetuous_a overstrain_v of_o it_o it_o be_v overstrain_v when_o thing_n be_v carry_v forth_o beyond_o what_o a_o nation_n will_v ever_o bear_v it_o may_v be_v more_o advisable_a to_o stop_v at_o moderate_a reformation_n than_o to_o proceed_v to_o such_o extreme_a alteration_n as_o must_v needs_o stand_v in_o opposion_n if_o so_o be_v they_o can_v so_o stand_v to_o a_o contrary_a fix_a inclination_n general_o prevail_v the_o consequent_n of_o such_o proceed_n need_v not_o to_o be_v here_o discourse_v beside_o the_o more_o healthful_a state_n of_o religion_n may_v stand_v not_o in_o a_o total_a change_n of_o thing_n long_o in_o use_n but_o in_o reform_v the_o abuse_n thereof_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v mind_v that_o sometime_o in_o cure_v a_o lesser_a evil_n
and_o though_o we_o may_v not_o please_v they_o in_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a yet_o we_o may_v in_o that_o which_o be_v lawful_a but_o less_o edify_v and_o so_o we_o may_v let_v go_v some_o good_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n rather_o than_o omit_v the_o whole_a service_n here_o be_v indeed_o a_o sinful_a defect_n yet_o not_o on_o our_o part_n but_o on_o they_o who_o urge_v the_o way_n that_o be_v less_o edify_a and_o refuse_v the_o better_a the_o exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n be_v a_o mean_n and_o not_o the_o end_n must_v be_v govern_v by_o rule_n of_o prudence_n among_o which_o this_o be_v a_o chief_a one_o that_o the_o mean_n must_v not_o be_v assert_v so_o stiff_o as_o to_o endanger_v or_o destroy_v the_o end_n the_o exercise_n of_o spiritual_a authority_n be_v necessary_o more_o regulate_v by_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o a_o state_n that_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n than_o in_o a_o state_n that_o either_o persecute_v or_o disregard_v it_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o spiritual_a power_n be_v radical_o the_o same_o in_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n may_v not_o be_v more_o restrain_v in_o some_o and_o let_v forth_o to_o a_o large_a extent_n in_o other_o upon_o prudential_a ground_n provide_v it_o be_v not_o enlarge_v in_o some_o to_o a_o exorbitancy_n and_o streighten_v in_o other_o to_o a_o extreme_a deficiency_n likewise_o if_o there_o be_v a_o dissent_n or_o doubt_v about_o a_o superiority_n or_o pre-eminence_n of_o spiritual_a power_n in_o some_o distinct_a ecclesiastical_a office_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v how_o far_o submission_n may_v be_v yield_v to_o a_o power_n objective_o ecclesiastical_a but_o formal_o political_a derive_v from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o seat_v in_o ecclesiastical_a person_n by_o temporal_a law_n last_o in_o reference_n to_o thing_n impose_v there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o a_o quiet_a submission_n and_o a_o approve_v free_a choice_n it_o may_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o subject_n to_o do_v that_o which_o may_v be_v the_o sin_n of_o governor_n to_o command_v for_o in_o the_o same_o thing_n wherein_o governor_n refuse_v the_o better_a way_n subject_n may_v do_v their_o part_n and_o choose_v the_o best_a way_n they_o can_v if_o these_o consideration_n or_o other_o of_o the_o like_a catholic_n tendency_n be_v find_v allowable_a and_o will_v pass_v among_o brethren_n of_o different_a judgement_n they_o may_v prevent_v and_o heal_v many_o breach_n and_o unite_v dissenter_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o love_n and_o afford_v unto_o such_o as_o have_v be_v entangle_v a_o more_o free_a scope_n and_o large_a capacity_n for_o public_a aim_n and_o action_n chap._n xxix_o whether_o the_o purity_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n be_v lessen_v by_o amplitude_n and_o comprehensiveness_n a_o doubt_n may_v arise_v in_o this_o place_n whether_o it_o ben_fw-mi ot_fw-mi safe_o to_o make_v the_o church-door_n narrow_a and_o to_o keep_v a_o strict_a guard_n upon_o the_o entrance_n into_o it_o and_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o exact_a purity_n that_o religion_n may_v continue_v uncorrupt_a and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o defile_v nor_o its_o interest_n ravish_v by_o stranger_n in_o resolve_v this_o doubt_n i_o forget_v not_o that_o the_o way_n be_v narrow_a and_o the_o gate_n be_v straight_o that_o lead_v unto_o life_n but_o self-denial_n and_o real_a mortification_n and_o a_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n and_o not_o strictness_n of_o opinion_n in_o church_n order_n be_v this_o narrow_a way_n and_o straight_a gate_n and_o our_o salvation_n lie_v upon_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o not_o upon_o church_n purity_n beside_o god_n have_v make_v the_o gate_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n much_o wide_a than_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n and_o church_n discipline_n can_v be_v set_v in_o that_o strictness_n in_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v for_o doctrine_n direct_o judge_v the_o heart_n and_o require_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n but_o discipline_n judge_v only_o the_o exterior_a conversation_n and_o must_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o credibility_n of_o profession_n in_o walk_v by_o rigid_a rule_n of_o discipline_n though_o with_o a_o aim_n to_o advance_v purity_n we_o may_v easy_o shut_v out_o those_o who_o christ_n have_v take_v in_o true_a piety_n may_v be_v find_v in_o many_o who_o retain_v such_o thing_n as_o some_o godly_a christian_n judge_v erroneous_a or_o superstitious_a and_o godly_a sincerity_n may_v be_v find_v in_o many_o who_o some_o of_o great_a zeal_n but_o too_o censorious_a may_v judge_v to_o be_v but_o formalist_n it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o neglect_v sober_a and_o serious_a people_n though_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o profession_n who_o conform_v to_o god_n ordinance_n and_o regard_v a_o sound_a ministry_n and_o show_v themselves_o teachable_a lest_o we_o reject_v those_o that_o will_v help_v to_o uphold_v and_o honour_v religion_n more_o than_o many_o who_o will_v put_v themselves_o forward_o among_o the_o strict_a sort_n but_o indeed_o be_v either_o carnal_a projector_n or_o busy_a body_n or_o froward_a and_o fickle_a person_n and_o a_o stain_n to_o the_o profession_n in_o which_o they_o seem_v to_o glory_n this_o narrowness_n of_o church-communion_n and_o other_o reservedness_n of_o some_o strict_a professor_n tend_v neither_o to_o the_o increase_n nor_o stability_n of_o pure_a religion_n zealous_a christian_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o good_a leaven_n like_o that_o in_o the_o gospel_n parable_n which_o if_o keep_v alone_o be_v of_o no_o efficacy_n but_o be_v diffuse_v will_v season_v the_o whole_a lump_n if_o they_o sever_v themselves_o into_o distinct_a visible_a society_n from_o the_o body_n of_o a_o nation_n profess_v the_o true_a religion_n their_o virtue_n can_v spread_v far_o but_o they_o leaven_n the_o whole_a mass_n of_o people_n by_o be_v diffuse_v throughout_o the_o whole_a and_o then_o they_o gain_v reverence_n and_o reputation_n and_o by_o their_o example_n profane_a and_o dissolute_a person_n may_v be_v convince_v and_o much_o reform_v and_o among_o those_o that_o walk_v orderly_a many_o may_v be_v carry_v on_o from_o common_a to_o save_v grace_n hereunto_o may_v be_v add_v this_o inestimable_a benefit_n to_o wit_n the_o apparent_a hope_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o true_a religion_n to_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v which_o otherwise_o be_v unfixed_a may_v in_o time_n wear_v away_o and_o fail_v in_o such_o a_o nation_n furthermore_o sincere_a christian_n be_v comparative_o but_o a_o little_a flock_n and_o of_o that_o little_a flock_n the_o great_a number_n be_v of_o low_a capacity_n and_o very_o defective_a in_o political_a prudence_n and_o if_o they_o be_v whole_o leave_v to_o govern_v themselves_o in_o separate_a society_n they_o may_v easy_o be_v ensnare_v into_o party_n and_o breach_n and_o manifold_a inconvenience_n indeed_o those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v best_a able_a to_o govern_v themselves_o be_v most_o convince_v of_o the_o need_n of_o public_a government_n wherefore_o it_o be_v the_o security_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o live_v under_o a_o public_a and_o fix_a rule_n and_o order_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v embody_a with_o a_o nation_n if_o it_o may_v be_v in_o one_o way_n of_o communion_n chap._n xxx_o factious_a usurpation_n be_v destructive_a to_o religion_n interest_n religion_n be_v by_o the_o maligner_n of_o it_o too_o often_o call_v faction_n but_o the_o name_n be_v not_o more_o reproachful_a than_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v hurtful_a to_o it_o and_o the_o prudent_a promoter_n of_o it_o will_v avoid_v factious_a usurpation_n and_o all_o such_o way_n as_o will_v turn_v to_o a_o general_a grievance_n but_o if_o any_o number_n of_o man_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o profession_n shall_v seek_v the_o engross_n of_o profit_n and_o preferment_n within_o themselves_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v religious_a and_o the_o assume_v of_o such_o power_n as_o can_v be_v maintain_v but_o by_o injury_n or_o disregard_n real_o or_o in_o appearance_n offer_v to_o all_o other_o and_o shall_v so_o act_v in_o civil_a affair_n as_o if_o they_o only_o be_v the_o people_n and_o think_v to_o do_v this_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n they_o will_v much_o mistake_v their_o way_n for_o beside_o the_o iniquity_n of_o this_o practice_n the_o vanity_n and_o weakness_n of_o it_o be_v manifest_a the_o intrinsic_a and_o permanent_a strength_n of_o strict_a religion_n must_v be_v well_o consider_v for_o that_o which_o be_v adventitious_a be_v very_o mutable_a and_o may_v be_v soon_o turn_v against_o it_o occasional_a advantage_n may_v sudden_o raise_v it_o up_o to_o reputation_n and_o power_n among_o man_n and_o as_o sudden_o leave_v it_o to_o sink_v and_o fall_v again_o wherefore_o its_o friend_n and_o follower_n may_v
well_o reckon_v that_o they_o have_v make_v the_o most_o of_o their_o advantage_n when_o they_o can_v secure_v its_o interest_n in_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n a_o firm_a liberty_n and_o security_n found_v in_o a_o national_a interest_n be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o regenerate_a christian_n than_o a_o entire_a potency_n to_o themselves_o alone_o for_o they_o will_v scarce_o well_o comport_v with_o so_o great_a a_o weight_n of_o power_n hypocrite_n for_o carnal_a end_n will_v addict_v themselves_o to_o their_o party_n and_o overact_v they_o the_o sincere_a will_v prove_v but_o man_n corruption_n will_v appear_v and_o miscarriage_n will_v mar_v their_o reputation_n which_o be_v not_o their_o least_o support_n hereunto_o may_v be_v add_v many_o incongruity_n that_o will_v happen_v to_o they_o the_o gallantry_n and_o splendour_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v no_o help_n to_o that_o humble_a and_o contrite_a frame_n of_o spirit_n and_o real_a mortification_n and_o holy_a walk_n and_o heavenly_a mindedness_n which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o christianity_n the_o various_a and_o versatile_a way_n of_o worldly_a policy_n turn_v to_o innumerable_a occasion_n be_v not_o very_o passable_a to_o true_o tender_a conscience_n beside_o if_o the_o power_n be_v enclose_v within_o these_o narrow_a limit_n many_o of_o low_a birth_n and_o breed_n must_v needs_o be_v lift_v up_o both_o to_o the_o envy_n of_o the_o exclude_v party_n and_o the_o disesteem_v of_o magistracy_n and_o person_n of_o low_a condition_n be_v raise_v above_o their_o own_o sphere_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v easy_o tempt_v to_o think_v more_o high_o of_o themselves_o than_o they_o ought_v to_o think_v and_o to_o grow_v busy_a peevish_a and_o rigid_a in_o needless_a matter_n which_o will_v provoke_v a_o people_n and_o fire_n their_o spirit_n and_o though_o the_o rage_n be_v pen_v up_o for_o a_o season_n within_o their_o breast_n it_o will_v at_o length_n break_v out_o into_o a_o flame_n the_o power_n of_o christianity_n as_o to_o human_a strength_n be_v best_a establish_v and_o extend_v by_o lean_v upon_o some_o common_a interest_n with_o which_o it_o fall_v in_o as_o the_o vine_n be_v bear_v up_o and_o spread_v abroad_o by_o the_o support_n of_o a_o wall_n or_o frame_n it_o be_v therefore_o most_o suitable_a to_o the_o term_n upon_o which_o it_o stand_v in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v in_o a_o complex_fw-la state_n with_o some_o other_o just_a large_a and_o stable_a interest_n such_o as_o be_v the_o common_a peace_n and_o safety_n both_o of_o prince_n and_o people_n and_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o wise_a profession_n it_o lead_v its_o follower_n in_o safe_a and_o right_a path_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o wait_v therein_o with_o patience_n the_o nature_n of_o its_o interest_n will_v bear_v such_o patient_a wait_n for_o it_o be_v not_o carnal_a consist_v of_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n which_o may_v call_v for_o a_o eager_a and_o quick_a pursuit_n and_o dare_a interprize_n but_o it_o be_v the_o uphold_v of_o such_o a_o cause_n as_o need_v not_o fear_v a_o sink_a if_o it_o catch_v not_o hold_v of_o every_o sudden_a offer_n that_o be_v not_o clear_a in_o regard_n of_o conscience_n or_o prudence_n but_o by_o a_o unchangeable_a reason_n it_o endure_v throughout_o all_o age_n and_o if_o it_o fall_v it_o shall_v rise_v again_o it_o need_v not_o the_o make_n of_o party_n and_o draw_v people_n to_o its_o side_n by_o a_o pragmatical_a importunity_n nor_o to_o enter_v into_o any_o suspect_a way_n but_o wheresoever_o it_o be_v manage_v like_o itself_o in_o righteous_a and_o prudent_a counsel_n it_o make_v the_o fair_a progress_n and_o of_o long_a continuance_n the_o reason_n aforego_v do_v hold_v in_o due_a proportion_n against_o the_o engross_n of_o privilege_n in_o particular_a in_o corporate_a society_n and_o the_o make_n of_o party_n to_o interrupt_v the_o settle_a order_n of_o promotion_n and_o to_o keep_v back_o person_n legal_o entitle_v that_o the_o religious_a alone_o may_v be_v promote_v such_o practice_n make_v sad_a breach_n and_o upon_o change_n of_o affair_n will_v turn_v to_o the_o great_a detriment_n if_o not_o the_o depression_n of_o the_o party_n so_o advance_v chap._n xxxi_o of_o lead_v and_o follow_v and_o of_o combination_n god_n providence_n use_v to_o dispose_v into_o all_o quarter_n some_o man_n not_o only_o of_o know_a integrity_n but_o eminent_a for_o wisdom_n and_o reputation_n who_o see_v more_o than_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o good_a man_n and_o be_v able_a and_o meet_a to_o give_v advice_n like_o those_o child_n of_o issachar_n man_n that_o have_v understand_v of_o the_o time_n to_o know_v what_o israel_n ought_v to_o do_v these_o be_v much_o the_o stay_n of_o this_o profession_n and_o by_o their_o influence_n keep_v thing_n right_a and_o preserve_v the_o weak_a sort_n from_o manifold_a aberration_n it_o be_v suppose_v that_o they_o seek_v not_o their_o own_o glory_n in_o be_v make_v head_n of_o party_n but_o that_o in_o sincerity_n and_o self-denial_n they_o follow_v truth_n and_o peace_n and_o use_v their_o authority_n and_o ability_n to_o promote_v a_o catholic_n interest_n and_o true_a concord_n among_o all_o christian_n nevertheless_o sometime_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prudent_a fail_n and_o counsel_n be_v hide_v from_o they_o it_o please_v the_o only_a wise_a god_n sometime_o to_o permit_v strange_a resolve_n to_o proceed_v from_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n that_o our_o main_a stress_n of_o hope_n may_v rest_v upon_o he_o alone_o and_o on_o his_o infallible_a word_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o become_v the_o absolute_a disciple_n of_o any_o master_n upon_o earth_n one_o or_o two_o eminent_a man_n in_o a_o country_n though_o wise_a and_o faithful_a may_v not_o be_v follow_v as_o it_o be_v by_o implicit_a faith_n which_o may_v lead_v into_o great_a mistake_n it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v many_o discreet_a person_n though_o not_o of_o eminent_a ability_n who_o it_o may_v become_v to_o hear_v and_o reverence_v their_o eminent_a man_n yet_o to_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n that_o be_v to_o judge_v by_o their_o own_o reason_n in_o this_o matter_n there_o be_v two_o extreme_n either_o to_o be_v too_o morose_a or_o too_o sequacious_a the_o one_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o sullen_a pride_n and_o self-conceit_n the_o other_o of_o pusillanimity_n temerity_n and_o such_o like_a weakness_n and_o both_o tend_v to_o make_v breach_n and_o lead_v into_o party_n we_o may_v have_v the_o person_n of_o worthy_a man_n in_o due_a veneration_n but_o not_o in_o excessive_a admiration_n avoid_v precipitate_a leader_n for_o though_o the_o service_n of_o hot_a spirit_n may_v be_v sometime_o prosperous_a yet_o in_o this_o temperate_a cause_n their_o conduct_n be_v pernicious_a and_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o avoid_v such_o leader_n as_o care_v not_o or_o at_o least_o consider_v not_o what_o they_o do_v against_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o christianity_n to_o advance_v a_o particular_a form_n or_o party_n but_o above_o all_o beware_v of_o such_o person_n who_o apparent_a worldly_a interest_n lead_v they_o to_o adhere_v to_o some_o divide_a party_n &_o to_o cherish_v faction_n if_o much_o be_v commit_v into_o such_o hand_n we_o shall_v be_v lead_v into_o a_o wrong_a course_n or_o disable_v to_o follow_v the_o right_n though_o we_o see_v it_o plain_a before_o we_o yea_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v enthral_v to_o the_o service_n of_o a_o faction_n and_o be_v leave_v with_o disgrace_n enough_o when_o man_n have_v serve_v their_o turn_n of_o it_o a_o people_n of_o honest_a zeal_n may_v easy_o be_v over-credulous_a of_o great_a and_o powerful_a man_n that_o pretend_v to_o favour_v religion_n and_o take_v it_o into_o their_o patronage_n yet_o the_o more_o discern_a sort_n will_v look_v to_o it_o that_o while_o grandee_n retain_v they_o with_o such_o favour_n and_o friendship_n they_o overact_v they_o not_o to_o the_o dishonour_n and_o damage_n of_o this_o profession_n which_o be_v more_o worthy_a than_o to_o be_v hold_v in_o vassalage_n and_o make_v to_o lackey_n after_o corrupt_a design_n and_o more_o noble_a than_o to_o bear_v such_o indignity_n it_o be_v good_a for_o the_o young_a sort_n of_o professor_n to_o reverence_v the_o ancient_a and_o more_o experience_a and_o for_o all_o sort_n in_o their_o choice_n of_o guide_n and_o pattern_n to_o prefer_v solid_a judgement_n with_o integrity_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n before_o take_v part_n heat_n of_o zeal_n and_o high_a affection_n amid_o diversity_n of_o party_n and_o persuasion_n it_o be_v safe_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o generality_n of_o serious_a and_o pious_a christian_n and_o yet_o to_o receive_v with_o love_n the_o several_a disagree_a party_n who_o for_o the_o main_a walk_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o have_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
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
than_o other_o say_v the_o author_n of_o our_o profession_n when_o the_o religious_a apparent_o excel_v the_o choice_a part_n of_o unregenerate_a man_n then_o be_v wisdom_n apparent_o justify_v of_o her_o child_n natural_a man_n may_v have_v some_o amiable_a virtue_n by_o which_o they_o aim_v to_o commend_v themselves_o both_o to_o god_n and_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o other_o matter_n of_o no_o less_o manifest_a and_o necessary_a concernment_n they_o be_v licentious_a and_o remiss_a but_o the_o true_a christian_a make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a piety_n cause_v a_o intirene●…_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o good_a life_n so_o be_v due_o improve_v and_o stir_v up_o it_o will_v cause_v they_o that_o have_v it_o not_o only_o to_o acquit_v themselves_o in_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v acceptable_a and_o praiseworthy_a among_o the_o mere_o virtuous_a part_n of_o man_n but_o also_o to_o perform_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v far_o above_o they_o and_o both_o a_o wonder_n and_o a_o reproof_n unto_o they_o religion_n have_v a_o good_a savour_n among_o all_o man_n by_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o all_o relative_a duty_n and_o nothing_o render_v it_o more_o unsavoury_a than_o the_o violate_v of_o those_o bond_n and_o the_o non-performance_n of_o those_o due_n which_o arise_v from_o natural_a or_o civil_a relation_n for_o these_o thing_n be_v our_o proper_a sphere_n our_o daily_a walk_n and_o constant_a business_n wherein_o we_o be_v most_o accountable_a to_o god_n and_o useful_a to_o man_n industry_n and_o providence_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n conduce_v to_o reputation_n but_o idleness_n and_o improvidence_n be_v very_o scandalous_a upon_o this_o account_n godliness_n be_v sometime_o reproach_v by_o occasion_n of_o some_o idle_a pretender_n and_o other_o that_o be_v pious_a but_o inconsiderate_a and_o imprudent_a religious_a exercise_n must_v be_v attend_v seasonable_o and_o in_o due_a order_n idle_a and_o careless_a person_n that_o wander_v from_o their_o calling_n how_o full_a soever_o of_o good_a word_n must_v be_v number_v among_o those_o that_o walk_v disorderly_a when_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o temporal_a well_o be_v and_o so_o indulgent_a to_o the_o present_a necessity_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v a_o great_a shame_n to_o expose_v it_o to_o contempt_n and_o prejudice_n by_o such_o perverseness_n or_o improvidence_n as_o if_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o industry_n and_o prudence_n in_o the_o necessary_a concernment_n of_o this_o world_n in_o like_a manner_n a_o discreet_a and_o moderate_a use_n of_o riches_n a_o generous_a frugality_n and_o frugal_a liberality_n avoid_v fordo_v covetousness_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o vain_a ostentation_n and_o deliciousness_n on_o the_o other_o be_v of_o good_a report_n and_o gain_n esteem_v but_o to_o live_v either_o too_o narrow_o or_o too_o profuse_o taint_v a_o man_n reputation_n and_o derogate_v from_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o profession_n to_o be_v constant_a or_o always_o the_o same_o be_v a_o noble_a property_n and_o be_v have_v in_o much_o honour_n and_o hereunto_o true_a christianity_n give_v the_o great_a adnantage_n it_o be_v main_a principle_n be_v evident_a and_o unchangeable_a with_o the_o allowance_n of_o prudential_a accommodation_n according_a to_o time_n and_o place_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a it_o be_v a_o chief_a point_n of_o wisdom_n to_o bring_v our_o might_n and_o main_a to_o the_o great_a &_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n and_o to_o watch_v with_o jealousy_n against_o every_o devise_n of_o man_n that_o will_v undermine_v they_o but_o to_o be_v more_o cautious_a and_o spare_v in_o point_n of_o less_o importance_n yet_o the_o occasion_n of_o much_o contest_v among_o they_o that_o own_o the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n we_o be_v ill_o advise_v if_o we_o lay_v our_o main_a stock_n where_o our_o main_a interest_n be_v not_o touch_v several_a matter_n touch_v religion_n have_v be_v carry_v in_o a_o vicissitude_n according_a to_o the_o change_n of_o time_n and_o yet_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n not_o alter_v it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o fix_v a_o necessity_n upon_o such_o thing_n from_o which_o the_o urgency_n of_o aftertime_n may_v enforce_v we_o to_o drawback_n unless_o we_o will_v desert_v our_o station_n before_o we_o have_v a_o discharge_n from_o our_o master_n in_o heaven_n the_o espouse_v of_o some_o controvert_v form_n and_o doctrine_n may_v end_v in_o a_o divorce_n dishonourable_a enough_o although_o it_o be_v conscientious_a and_o the_o reproach_n hereof_o may_v be_v aggravate_v by_o the_o pretend_a constancy_n of_o other_o in_o erroneous_a way_n when_o it_o be_v indeed_o no_o other_o than_o the_o pertinacy_n of_o a_o selfish_a mind_n or_o a_o adhere_n to_o a_o worldly_a interest_n when_o there_o be_v a_o liberty_n some_o form_n may_v be_v safe_o choose_v as_o most_o advantageous_a and_o yet_o not_o assert_v to_o be_v the_o only_a necessary_a and_o again_o some_o other_o may_v be_v lay_v aside_o as_o inconvenient_a and_o yet_o not_o damn_v as_o impious_a or_o simple_o evil_a the_o parent_n of_o true_a constancy_n be_v godly_a wisdom_n have_v the_o sure_a foundation_n of_o evident_a and_o unchangeable_a truth_n with_o a_o just_a latitude_n in_o thing_n not_o determine_v by_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n and_o so_o there_o may_v ordinary_o happen_v to_o the_o same_o man_n some_o diversity_n of_o practice_n at_o different_a time_n that_o deserve_v not_o the_o brand_n of_o time_n serve_v which_o be_v often_o too_o rash_o object_v for_o the_o same_o fix_a principle_n of_o knowledge_n and_o integrity_n will_v direct_v to_o this_o way_n or_o method_n of_o a_o sacred_a action_n at_o one_o time_n and_o at_o another_o time_n to_o that_o which_o be_v far_o different_a yea_o and_o when_o it_o can_v be_v avoid_v to_o a_o submit_v to_o what_o have_v sometime_o be_v reject_v i_o mean_v reject_v not_o as_o in_o itself_o unlawful_a but_o as_o inconvenient_a or_o less_o profitable_a when_o we_o be_v at_o liberty_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o take_v the_o best_a way_n but_o when_o confine_v we_o must_v do_v as_o well_o as_o we_o may_v in_o that_o state_n and_o the_o submission_n signify_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o simple_a lawfulness_n but_o not_o of_o the_o comparative_a goodness_n or_o desirableness_n of_o the_o thing_n impose_v since_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v give_v his_o church_n a_o legacy_n of_o peace_n in_o he_o with_o tribulation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o suffer_v with_o reputation_n be_v not_o of_o little_a moment_n it_o sometime_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o that_o inevitable_o that_o the_o godly_a suffer_v much_o in_o such_o case_n which_o the_o loose_a sort_n account_n nicety_n and_o needless_a scruple_n in_o which_o case_n their_o suffering_n be_v precious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o high_o value_v the_o jot_n and_o tittle_n of_o his_o law_n but_o they_o be_v not_o so_o honourable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n but_o when_o their_o cause_n be_v so_o unquestionable_a that_o all_o sober_a spirit_n of_o orthodox_n belief_n must_v needs_o regard_v it_o their_o suffering_n have_v much_o more_o glory_n and_o all_o the_o faithful_a will_v be_v more_o constant_a and_o uniform_a in_o adhere_v to_o such_o a_o cause_n howbeit_o if_o they_o suffer_v for_o conscience_n sake_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o world_n account_v nicety_n yet_o a_o upright_a and_o prudent_a walk_v with_o a_o peaceable_a spirit_n submissive_a in_o thing_n clear_o indifferent_a and_o bear_v with_o other_o intolerable_a difference_n will_v be_v a_o ample_a defence_n unto_o they_o and_o gain_v respect_n and_o peradventure_o mollify_v those_o that_o do_v the_o injury_n furthermore_o let_v it_o be_v here_o note_v that_o to_o the_o sufferer_n it_o be_v no_o less_o honourable_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o immorality_n malignity_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o carnal_a christian_n than_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o any_o article_n thereof_o in_o opposition_n to_o infidel_n heretic_n or_o blasphemer_n for_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o practice_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v of_o less_o regard_n yet_o this_o kind_n of_o suffer_v be_v more_o dishonourable_a to_o christ_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o persecutor_n who_o be_v his_o profess_a servant_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v more_o grievous_a to_o the_o persecute_a than_o if_o they_o suffer_v from_o those_o that_o disow_v his_o name_n or_o be_v his_o more_o avow_a enemy_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 false_a and_o corrupt_a way_n bear_v sway_n by_o a_o people_n ignorance_n but_o religion_n in_o its_o right_n and_o sound_a
state_n as_o a_o jewel_n that_o have_v its_o great_a lustre_n by_o the_o bright_a light_n be_v maintain_v by_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n in_o bright_a time_n the_o imposture_n and_o carnal_a design_n of_o devise_v doctrine_n and_o superstitious_a vanity_n will_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o the_o hypocrisy_n be_v detect_v the_o merchandise_n thereof_o will_v be_v quite_o mar_v in_o such_o time_n even_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n will_v expect_v from_o those_o in_o sacred_a function_n at_o least_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o sober_a righteous_a and_o godly_a conversation_n with_o diligence_n in_o holy_a administration_n then_o the_o enemy_n of_o real_a sanctity_n be_v put_v to_o hard_a shift_n and_o force_v to_o appear_v either_o in_o some_o colour_n of_o truth_n or_o in_o the_o shame_n of_o their_o own_o nakedness_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o follower_n of_o truth_n make_v it_o their_o special_a interest_n as_o thorough_o to_o promote_v the_o most_o ample_a diffusion_n and_o universal_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n among_o all_o rank_n and_o sort_n of_o man_n as_o the_o adverse_a partly_o seek_v to_o oppose_v and_o debase_v it_o we_o do_v not_o hereby_o mean_v a_o intermeddle_v in_o difficult_a matter_n a_o smattering_n in_o controversy_n and_o certain_a curiosity_n of_o opinion_n a_o store_n of_o unnecessary_a notion_n and_o of_o mere_a word_n and_o phrase_n which_o thing_n be_v common_o erroneous_a and_o at_o the_o best_a but_o injudicious_a and_o puff_v up_o the_o half-witted_a and_o self-conceited_a and_o make_v they_o troublesome_a to_o themselves_o and_o other_o but_o that_o which_o be_v here_o commend_v for_o a_o universal_a increase_n and_o propagation_n be_v to_o understand_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o essential_a truth_n of_o christianity_n to_o see_v their_o evidence_n to_o judge_v right_o of_o their_o weight_n and_o worth_n and_o to_o view_v their_o coherence_n and_o beside_o these_o to_o know_v so_o much_o of_o other_o truth_n as_o the_o different_a capacity_n of_o man_n will_v enable_v they_o for_o the_o better_n of_o their_o knowledge_n in_o the_o essential_o the_o mean_n of_o diffuse_v this_o light_n be_v well_o know_v as_o the_o constant_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o due_a form_n of_o cathechism_n the_o strict_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n repetition_n of_o sermon_n ●…ious_a conference_n read_v the_o word_n and_o prayer_n in_o family_n profitable_a communication_n among_o neighbour-christians_a in_o their_o daily_a converse_n the_o spread_a of_o practical_a book_n write_v by_o man_n of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o minister_n private_a application_n to_o those_o of_o their_o own_o charge_n with_o prudence_n and_o meekness_n for_o the_o same_o end_n that_o main_a principle_n of_o protestanism_n the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n as_o belong_v to_o all_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v assert_v and_o ●…indicated_v against_o that_o popish_a and_o brutish_a do●…trine_n of_o implicit_a faith_n in_o the_o church_n de●…rminations_n this_o be_v not_o to_o subject_a matter_n of_o ●aith_n to_o a_o private_a spirit_n but_o to_o refer_v they_o to_o ●…e_v divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o ●…e_v apprehend_v in_o the_o due_a and_o right_a use_n of_o ●eason_n which_o be_v a_o public_a and_o evident_a thing_n ●…d_n lie_v open_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o men._n and_o to_o man_n of_o sober_a mind_n serious_a for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o current_n of_o scripture_n be_v easy_o discernible_a moreover_o the_o general_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n lie_v much_o in_o the_o ingenuous_a education_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o common_a people_n in_o opposition_n to_o sordidness_n slavery_n and_o brutish_a rudeness_n though_o some_o look_n upon_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n with_o contempt_n and_o seem_v to_o value_v they_o no_o more_o than_o brute_n animal_n and_o think_v it_o enough_o that_o their_o governor_n understand_v and_o consider_v for_o they_o and_o not_o they_o for_o themselves_o yet_o christ_n have_v shed_v his_o blood_n as_o much_o for_o the_o redemption_n of_o that_o sort_n as_o of_o the_o noble_a and_o mighty_a and_o prudent_a and_o he_o have_v make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n and_o in_o the_o privilege_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o kingdom_n as_o for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n cast_v the_o advantage_n on_o the_o poor_a and_o mean_a side_n not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a be_v call_v be_v the_o observation_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n james_n witness_v that_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n rich_a in_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o those_o who_o god_n have_v choose_v must_v needs_o be_v instruct_v in_o his_o will._n that_o reasonable_a service_n that_o he_o require_v none_o can_v perform_v without_o knowledge_n ignorance_n be_v opposite_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o true_a christian_a piety_n which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o where_o it_o be_v not_o receive_v with_o understanding_n this_o general_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n have_v fall_v under_o a_o great_a suspicion_n of_o evil_n and_o it_o may_v be_v under_o the_o jealousy_n of_o ruler_n as_o dispose_v man_n to_o sedition_n rebellion_n heresy_n and_o schism_n but_o how_o great_a a_o reproach_n be_v hereby_o cast_v upon_o human_a nature_n or_o political_a government_n or_o both_o that_o the_o more_o rational_o apprehensive_a the_o body_n of_o a_o people_n be_v they_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o ungovernable_a as_o if_o government_n can_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o proper_a dignity_n and_o felicity_n of_o human_a nature_n what_o manner_n of_o civil_a state_n be_v that_o which_o degrade_v the_o subject_n from_o man_n to_o beast_n for_o a_o more_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o they_o what_o manner_n of_o christian_a church_n be_v that_o which_o to_o prevent_v heresy_n and_o schism_n take_v order_n that_o its_o member_n be_v no_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o unchristian_a inhuman_a policy_n in_o church_n or_o state_n the_o foundation_n whereof_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o people_n ignorance_n as_o for_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o ruler_n it_o be_v not_o weaken_v but_o strengthen_v by_o their_o people_n knowledge_n which_o in_o its_o right_n and_o proper_a tendency_n make_v they_o more_o conscientious_a and_o however_o more_o circumspect_a and_o considerate_a and_o consequent_o more_o easy_o manageable_a by_o a_o just_a and_o prudent_a government_n but_o gross_a ignorance_n tend_v to_o make_v they_o barbarous_a and_o belluine_a and_o in_o their_o mutiny_n and_o discontent_n uncounsellable_n and_o untameable_a and_o therefore_o very_o incongruous_a to_o a_o state_n govern_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n or_o humanity_n chap._n xx._n the_o advantage_n of_o human_a learning_n to_o the_o same_o end_n though_o religion_n rest_v not_o on_o human_a learning_n as_o its_o main_a support_n yet_o it_o seek_v and_o claim_v the_o necessary_a help_n thereof_o those_o who_o god_n design_n for_o eminent_a service_n he_o endue_v with_o eminent_a gift_n either_o by_o mean_n or_o miracle_n and_o he_o give_v every_o entrust_v servant_n a_o measure_n answerable_a to_o his_o degree_n the_o apostle_n who_o lay_v the_o foundation_n be_v wise_a master-builder_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o wisdom_n shall_v die_v with_o they_o when_o he_o settle_v his_o church_n to_o endure_v throughout_o all_o age_n and_o promise_v to_o be_v with_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v say_v indeed_o that_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o god_n be_v strong_a than_o men._n but_o that_o which_o be_v so_o call_v be_v not_o foolishness_n and_o weakness_n indeed_o but_o only_o so_o account_v by_o the_o pride_n of_o carnal_a wisdom_n in_o this_o learned_a age_n the_o antichristian_a state_n in_o christendom_n be_v force_v to_o advance_v learning_n in_o its_o own_o defence_n and_o now_o without_o learning_n either_o divine_o inspire_v or_o acquire_v by_o mean_n we_o can_v defend_v ourselves_o against_o it_o wherefore_o to_o destroy_v the_o support_n of_o learning_n be_v the_o way_n to_o subvert_v religion_n yea_o though_o we_o be_v not_o engage_v by_o such_o strength_n of_o the_o adversary_n to_o provide_v for_o our_o own_o defence_n yet_o solid_a human_a learning_n do_v of_o itself_o notable_o advance_v divine_a truth_n the_o learning_n that_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o world_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n apparent_o make_v way_n for_o that_o sudden_a and_o ample_a spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o revive_v thereof_o after_o a_o universal_a decay_n no_o less_o apparent_o make_v way_n for_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o this_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n
there_o be_v a_o real_a hazard_n of_o a_o great_a mischief_n and_o in_o hasty_a attempt_n of_o change_n thing_n may_v be_v carry_v on_o beyond_o the_o commendable_a end_n design_v even_o to_o its_o utter_a ruin_n for_o common_o man_n be_v not_o master_n of_o what_o they_o get_v in_o such_o precipitate_a way_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 a_o unhappy_a kind_n of_o controversy_n about_o form_n of_o divine_a worship_n ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o qualification_n of_o church_n member_n have_v be_v the_o calamity_n of_o our_o time_n the_o difference_n in_o these_o point_n have_v make_v a_o sad_a breach_n upon_o church_n unity_n and_o divide_v brethren_n of_o the_o same_o reform_a profession_n both_o in_o affection_n and_o interest_n and_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o much_o misery_n in_o regard_v whereof_o some_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o a_o amicable_a condescension_n among_o brethren_n and_o for_o humble_a submission_n to_o superior_n be_v here_o propound_v for_o consideration_n but_o not_o as_o peremptory_a resolve_n though_o many_o or_o most_o of_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o carry_v their_o own_o evidence_n yet_o it_o become_v one_o who_o be_v sensible_a of_o human_a weakness_n and_o of_o his_o own_o meaness_n to_o write_v modest_o in_o these_o point_n about_o which_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o apprehension_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o particular_a christian_n and_o church_n one_o with_o another_o as_o member_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o restrain_v our_o fellowship_n to_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o church_n so_o as_o to_o withhold_v it_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n our_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v as_o well_o in_o religious_a worship_n as_o in_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n as_o there_o be_v one_o faith_n so_o one_o baptism_n and_o one_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n though_o we_o can_v at_o once_o local_o communicate_v with_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o external_a worship_n because_o it_o can_v possible_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n yet_o according_a to_o our_o capacity_n and_o opportunity_n we_o be_v so_o to_o communicate_v with_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o and_o not_o unwarrantable_o withdraw_v from_o any_o and_o this_o be_v a_o virtual_a communicate_v with_o the_o whole_a church_n discipline_n and_o government_n as_o to_o the_o particular_a form_n thereof_o have_v much_o more_o obscurity_n than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n and_o be_v much_o more_o controvert_v among_o the_o godly_a learned_a and_o in_o more_o dark_a and_o doubtful_a point_n humility_z charity_n and_o good_a discretion_n teach_v mutual_a forbearance_n in_o ecclesiastical_a regiment_n all_o church_n member_n be_v not_o so_o concern_v as_o church_n guide_v and_o pastor_n be_v christ_n have_v not_o leave_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o so_o loose_a a_o posture_n as_o to_o give_v a_o liberty_n of_o leave_v or_o choose_v the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n according_a to_o our_o own_o affection_n without_o regard_n to_o order_n a_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v a_o body_n politic_a can_v subsist_v without_o rule_n of_o stable_a policy_n her_o censure_n and_o judgement_n ought_v to_o be_v clear_a certain_a and_o uniform_a or_o of_o the_o same_o tenor_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o proceed_v upon_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o evidence_n as_o at_o the_o most_o be_v but_o conjectural_a and_o of_o variable_a apprehension_n our_o arbitrary_a conjecture_n of_o a_o other_o regeneration_n be_v but_o a_o uncertain_a way_n of_o admission_n to_o sacred_a privilege_n wherein_o no_o uniform_a judgement_n can_v be_v hold_v between_o several_a church_n nor_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n nor_o by_o the_o same_o person_n with_o himself_o at_o several_a time_n for_o man_n apprehension_n about_o the_o spiritual_a estate_n of_o other_o be_v exceed_o different_a and_o inconstant_a but_o whether_o a_o person_n make_v a_o credible_a profession_n or_o be_v competent_o know_v or_o gross_o ignorant_a whether_o he_o be_v scandalous_a or_o walk_v orderly_o be_v capable_a of_o certain_a evidence_n and_o of_o constant_a regular_a proceed_n thereupon_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o of_o these_o two_o either_o to_o proceed_v with_o man_n according_a to_o our_o private_a hope_n and_o fear_n about_o their_o internal_a state_n or_o according_a to_o state_v rule_n and_o certain_a evidence_n be_v the_o sure_a way_n to_o preserve_v the_o church_n in_o peace_n and_o to_o propagate_v true_a piety_n also_o whether_o person_n passable_a by_o such_o public_a rule_n can_v in_o ecclesiastical_a trial_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v ungodly_a or_o to_o make_v a_o false_a profession_n whatsoever_o our_o private_a fear_n be_v concern_v they_o and_o if_o their_o profession_n be_v not_o prove_v false_a whether_o it_o be_v not_o to_o pass_v for_o credible_a in_o that_o trial_n human_a law_n and_o public_a judgement_n presume_v they_o to_o be_v good_a that_o be_v not_o evict_v to_o be_v bad_a private_a familiarity_n be_v at_o every_o one_o choice_n but_o our_o church-communion_n be_v a_o public_a matter_n must_v be_v govern_v by_o public_a and_o common_a rule_n and_o not_o by_o private_a will_n if_o a_o church_n impose_v such_o law_n of_o her_o communion_n as_o infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o do_v that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o abstain_v from_o her_o communion_n so_o far_o as_o those_o unlawful_a term_n extend_v church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n have_v their_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o manner_n yet_o the_o godly_a do_v not_o separate_v from_o they_o for_o those_o corruption_n nor_o be_v command_v so_o to_o do_v indeed_o they_o be_v command_v to_o come_v out_o of_o babylon_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o separate_v from_o idolatrous_a heretical_a antichristian_a society_n yet_o in_o suggest_v this_o i_o do_v not_o encourage_v to_o a_o state_v communion_n in_o such_o church_n as_o have_v no_o other_o minister_n place_v in_o they_o than_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 that_o be_v who_o be_v unable_a to_o teach_v or_o teach_v corrupt_o either_o teach_v pernicious_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 for_o the_o scripture_n bid_v we_o beware_v of_o blind_a guide_n and_o false_a prophet_n by_o continue_v in_o church-communion_n we_o partake_v not_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o which_o we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o redress_v nor_o be_v we_o make_v guilty_a by_o their_o leaven_n if_o it_o do_v not_o infect_v we_o and_o profane_a person_n be_v no_o more_o countenance_v by_o our_o presence_n than_o those_o lewd_a priest_n the_o son_n of_o eli_n be_v by_o the_o people_n come_v to_o sacrifice_n in_o communicate_v in_o holy_a thing_n we_o have_v internal_a communion_n only_o with_o the_o faithful_a and_o as_o for_o the_o mere_a external_a communion_n it_o be_v with_o those_o that_o have_v as_o yet_o a_o outward_a stand_n in_o christ_n till_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n or_o due_a order_n of_o discipline_n when_o a_o minister_n have_v do_v his_o part_n to_o keep_v off_o the_o unworthy_a in_o the_o dspense_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o such_o he_o be_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n mere_o passive_a so_o that_o their_o unworthy_a participation_n can_v be_v impute_v to_o he_o nor_o in_o such_o a_o administration_n be_v a_o practical_a lie_n or_o any_o falsehood_n utter_v for_o the_o sacrament_n seal_v the_o mercy_n of_o the_o covenant_n not_o irrespective_o but_o conditional_o and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o application_n must_v be_v so_o understand_v if_o we_o have_v not_o power_n to_o separate_v a_o obstinate_a scandalous_a offender_n from_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o withdraw_a of_o ourselves_o from_o he_o be_v a_o excommunication_n in_o some_o degree_n and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o be_v hereby_o in_o part_n obtain_v when_o minister_n and_o people_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o their_o place_n without_o usurpation_n of_o further_a power_n than_o they_o have_v warrant_n for_o than_o all_o will_v be_v though_o not_o so_o well_o as_o it_o may_v yet_o as_o it_o can_v be_v at_o present_a of_o several_a mode_n and_o method_n of_o public_a action_n prudence_n make_v choice_n not_o always_o of_o what_o be_v simple_o best_a but_o of_o that_o which_o be_v most_o passable_a if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o disorderly_a as_o to_o mar_v the_o substance_n or_o frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o a_o administration_n in_o sacred_a adminstration_n we_o may_v yield_v without_o sin_n to_o other_o sinful_a weakness_n