but_o when_o we_o add_v we_o enslave_v ourselves_o to_o lie_v vanity_n now_o hereunto_o have_v i_o level_v the_o whole_a ensue_a catechism_n or_o discourse_n against_o which_o i_o know_v many_o prejudices_fw-la will_v lie_v except_o full_a consideration_n be_v allow_v i_o know_v too_o many_o thing_n raise_v a_o detestation_n at_o the_o first_o which_o be_v examine_v and_o weigh_v by_o their_o reason_n gain_v not_o only_o the_o discharge_n of_o these_o angry_a passion_n but_o much_o acceptance_n and_o assent_n and_o i_o must_v take_v the_o confidence_n to_o say_v in_o relation_n to_o any_o such_o doubt_n upon_o the_o ensue_a apology_n for_o catholic_n truth_n that_o it_o be_v settle_v upon_o such_o unmoveable_a reason_n and_o weigh_v out_o by_o such_o exact_a attendance_n to_o it_o that_o i_o may_v write_v upon_o it_o without_o immodesty_n loe_o this_o we_o have_v search_v it_o so_o it_o be_v hear_v it_o and_o know_v thou_o it_o for_o thy_o good_a for_o good_a in_o the_o quiet_a and_o most_o peaceable_a course_n of_o christianity_n wherein_o to_o know_v the_o true_a ground_n upon_o which_o it_o rest_v alone_o make_v the_o soul_n both_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o determine_v it_o to_o the_o square_a and_o just_a rule_n of_o that_o holy_a religion_n for_o good_a in_o time_n of_o temptation_n to_o a_o false_a religion_n especial_o that_o which_o call_v itself_o catholic_n for_o the_o true_o instruct_v christian_n in_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o catholic_n be_v even_o impregnable_a against_o that_o delusion_n of_o catholic_n false_o so_o call_v last_o for_o good_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o great_a difference_n and_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o practice_n in_o relation_n to_o lesser_a thing_n pertain_v more_o circumstantial_o or_o doubtful_o to_o true_a religion_n wherein_o the_o rational_a christian_a carry_v it_o as_o inoffensive_o and_o communicative_o as_o he_o can_v with_o all_o centre_n in_o that_o which_o be_v catholic_n as_o to_o his_o faith_n love_n inward_a esteem_n and_o practice_n and_o unmovable_o fix_v there_o detest_a all_o animosity_n and_o much_o more_o rigour_n or_o severity_n towards_o other_o in_o relation_n to_o such_o difference_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o ungenerous_a more_o unchristian_a more_o irreligious_a more_o unworthy_a the_o content_n cap._n i._o of_o the_o perfect_a and_o first_o state_n of_o humane_a nature_n with_o relation_n to_o catholic_n or_o public_a religion_n page_n 1_o cap._n ii_o of_o the_o violation_n of_o this_o catholic_n order_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o mean_v provide_v by_o god_n to_o restore_v it_o 7_o cap._n iii_o of_o the_o vncontroversible_a law_n of_o natural_a religion_n 10_o cap._n iu_o of_o revelation_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o so_o great_a miscarriage_n against_o both_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o revelation_n with_o the_o mean_n of_o cure_n 14_o cap._n v._o of_o the_o public_a or_o divine_a original_a of_o sacred_a write_n or_o scripture_n 23_o cap._n vi_o of_o the_o proof_n of_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o proof_n also_o be_v public_a and_o divine_a 27_o cap._n vii_o of_o the_o public_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n pag._n 36_o cap._n viii_o of_o tradition_n and_o antiquity_n 52_o cap._n ix_o of_o the_o church_n catholic_n 65_o cap._n x._o of_o the_o officer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n 82_o cap._n xi_o of_o every_o man_n obligation_n to_o be_v wise_a for_o himself_o to_o salvation_n 89_o cap._n xii_o of_o schism_n and_o scandal_n 93_o cap._n xiii_o of_o the_o antichurch_n and_o its_o opposition_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o the_o true_a church_n 109_o cap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o national_a religion_n 128_o a_o catholic_n catechism_n cap._n i._n of_o the_o perfect_a and_o first_o state_n of_o humane_a nature_n with_o relation_n to_o catholic_n or_o public_a religion_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o most_o distinguish_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n answ_n catholic_n or_o true_o public_a religion_n for_o it_o be_v the_o all_o the_o whole_a or_o universal_a man_n whoever_o therefore_o have_v vanquish_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o have_v put_v off_o man_n and_o degrade_v himself_o into_o worse_a than_o a_o brute_n quest_n what_o do_v you_o mean_v by_o religion_n answ_n by_o religion_n i_o mean_v a_o close_o bind_v or_o unite_n ourselves_o to_o and_o with_o god_n the_o supreme_a be_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o according_a to_o his_o excellent_a nature_n and_o attribute_n in_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o seek_v his_o grace_n and_o favour_n according_a to_o all_o his_o divine_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o in_o so_o do_v we_o be_v join_v and_o join_v ourselves_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o same_o religious_a service_n perform_v by_o all_o quest_n why_o do_v you_o call_v it_o catholic_n or_o true_o public_a religion_n answ_n because_o god_n to_o who_o we_o proper_o and_o first_o unite_v in_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o public_a and_o universal_a be_v in_o who_o all_o holy_a spirit_n unite_v one_o with_o another_o and_o from_o who_o whoever_o separate_v separate_v also_o from_o all_o good_a spirit_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o the_o only_a dangerous_a schism_n 2._o because_o the_o one_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n our_o lord_n the_o one_o mediator_n will_v have_v all_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o as_o the_o catholic_n truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o have_v therefore_o reconcile_v and_o recapitulate_v all_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n into_o one_o catholic_n body_n in_o himself_o the_o catholic_n head_n 3._o because_o god_n manifestation_n of_o himself_o be_v the_o only_a true_a public_a authentic_a record_n of_o this_o religion_n and_o all_o other_o not_o derive_v from_o hence_o be_v private_a and_o false_a and_o the_o meeting_n set_v up_o to_o celebrate_v any_o other_o religion_n than_o thus_o manifest_v be_v indeed_o the_o close_a schismatical_a conventicle_n for_o none_o can_v be_v public_a assembly_n where_o god_n the_o supreme_o public_a and_o all_o holy_a spirit_n withdraw_v with_o he_o be_v not_o and_o all_o be_v public_a though_o but_o of_o two_o or_o three_o where_o god_n the_o public_a itself_o and_o in_o who_o the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o saint_n meet_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o quest_n whence_o do_v you_o take_v occasion_n to_o call_v that_o public_a or_o catholic_n that_o be_v divine_a answ_n from_o the_o apostle_n peter_n who_o when_o he_o be_v assert_v concern_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n prophecy_n affirm_v it_o a_o principle_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n and_o that_o he_o may_v demonstrate_v it_o can_v be_v private_a he_o avow_v the_o original_a to_o be_v divine_a now_o the_o plain_a opposite_a to_o private_a be_v public_a in_o that_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o oppose_v public_a but_o divine_a to_o private_a it_o be_v plain_a in_o his_o sense_n divine_a be_v the_o only_a public_a and_o whatever_o be_v true_o public_a be_v divine_a and_o all_o else_o private_a quest_n how_o therefore_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v private_a to_o oppose_v it_o to_o public_a or_o divine_a answ_n idiotick_a or_o private_a be_v apply_v to_o person_n who_o knowledge_n be_v very_o narrow_a and_o strait_a and_o they_o have_v cognisance_n of_o nothing_o beyond_o their_o little_a own_a 2._o to_o those_o that_o have_v no_o public_a character_n of_o office_n or_o magistracy_n and_o last_o to_o such_o who_o care_n interest_n and_o concern_v be_v confine_v to_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o even_o thus_o private_a be_v just_o affix_v to_o all_o except_o only_o to_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o derive_v from_o he_o no_o create_a knowledge_n either_o angelic_a or_o humane_a be_v comprehensive_a enough_o to_o be_v the_o fountain_n no_o power_n or_o authority_n be_v supreme_a or_o vast_a enough_o to_o enact_v nor_o be_v any_o care_n or_o concern_v for_o the_o world_n of_o soul_n large_a or_o receptive_a enough_o to_o ordain_v a_o catholic_n religion_n lead_v to_o a_o common_a salvation_n but_o he_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o whole_a family_n of_o spirit_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n quest_n what_o evidence_n of_o this_o be_v there_o answ_n it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o result_n of_o reason_n that_o whoever_o consider_v it_o can_v deny_v it_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n all_o who_o have_v pretend_v to_o found_v a_o religion_n have_v pretend_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o derive_v and_o receive_v it_o from_o god_n for_o who_o can_v know_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v but_o the_o divine_a mind_n and_o spirit_n that_o know_v and_o search_v itself_o the_o spring_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o so_o first_o to_o be_v know_v or_o what_o authority_n can_v prescribe_v without_o
to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o so_o monstrous_a a_o seduction_n answ_n they_o lose_v their_o place_n in_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a write_v in_o heaven_n and_o forfeit_v it_o from_o all_o their_o posterity_n quest_n but_o do_v these_o excommunicate_a spirit_n prevail_v upon_o our_o first_o parent_n to_o become_v absolute_o and_o immediate_o of_o their_o separation_n answ_n no_o for_o god_n clothe_v himself_o in_o his_o son_n with_o the_o compassion_n of_o a_o mediator_n and_o redeemer_n lay_v hold_v upon_o humane_a nature_n as_o the_o head_n of_o its_o recovery_n in_o that_o very_a nature_n certain_o reconcile_a his_o own_o seed_n the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n or_o his_o church_n into_o a_o state_n more_o catholic_n than_o the_o first_o he_o god-man_n be_v so_o inseparable_o unite_v with_o it_o and_o with_o a_o redundance_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o mankind_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o 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exact_o suit_v to_o our_o recovery_n out_o of_o that_o miserable_a estate_n with_o which_o god_n immediate_o succour_v our_o first_o parent_n against_o despair_n for_o that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o promise_n in_o relief_n against_o satan_n take_v possession_n of_o man_n as_o his_o spoil_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n a_o everlasting_a enmity_n be_v immediate_o kindle_v between_o they_o quest_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a superintendent_n mission_v or_o send_v in_o the_o son_n name_n to_o negotiate_v our_o return_n to_o and_o preserve_v ourselves_o in_o the_o true_a catholic_n religion_n answ_n the_o divine_a spirit_n alone_o conduct_v we_o by_o heavenly_a assistance_n enlighten_v we_o in_o the_o uncorrupted_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n by_o reveal_v and_o assure_v to_o we_o reveal_v religion_n by_o its_o intimate_v union_n with_o natural_a and_o enable_v we_o to_o cut_v the_o line_n of_o the_o one_o run_v into_o the_o other_o with_o innumerable_a maze_n of_o union_n sometime_o prepare_v we_o for_o reveal_v religion_n by_o natural_a always_o to_o the_o true_a natural_a by_o reveal_v and_o so_o confirm_v they_o to_o we_o by_o one_o another_o quest_n you_o have_v make_v no_o mention_n of_o creation_n providence_n evidence_n of_o divine_a presence_n and_o miracle_n what_o place_v they_o have_v in_o the_o renewal_n of_o man_n state_n towards_o god_n by_o the_o redeemer_n answ_n these_o be_v all_o in_o the_o very_a same_o place_n they_o be_v in_o the_o first_o settlement_n attend_v the_o doctrine_n and_o divine_a law_n they_o be_v to_o seal_v with_o assurance_n they_o be_v divine_a and_o give_v the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o that_o law_n in_o the_o power_n majesty_n rectitude_n and_o order_n they_o themselves_o carry_v and_o so_o testify_v of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n of_o what_o excellency_n it_o be_v and_o that_o even_o before_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v embody_a and_o minister_v to_o by_o his_o sense_n quest_n how_o shall_v there_o be_v a_o distinction_n betwixt_o miracle_n and_o lie_a wonder_n that_o impose_v on_o man_n answ_n there_o can_v be_v no_o counterfeit_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n the_o universal_a miracle_n and_o all_o true_a divine_a miracle_n be_v like_o they_o general_o in_o their_o beneficence_n to_o the_o world_n beside_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o come_v along_o with_o manifest_o distinguish_v they_o cap._n iii_o of_o the_o uncontroversible_a law_n of_o natural_a religion_n quest_n there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o of_o account_n give_v in_o general_a of_o public_a and_o catholic_n religion_n show_v that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v from_o god_n it_o be_v now_o necessary_a to_o enter_v into_o a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n and_o first_o what_o it_o be_v that_o remain_v certain_a and_o evident_o public_a or_o that_o be_v of_o god_n in_o the_o law_n write_v upon_o man_n heart_n answ_n whatever_o be_v indeed_o write_v in_o man_n heart_n must_v certain_o be_v from_o god_n see_v no_o create_v hand_n can_v write_v there_o the_o hand_n that_o make_v can_v alone_o ingrave_n it_o quest_n how_o then_o shall_v we_o make_v a_o judgement_n what_o be_v write_v upon_o the_o heart_n answ_n that_o which_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v and_o amid_o all_o the_o difference_n in_o religion_n fall_v under_o no_o variation_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v place_v there_o by_o that_o supreme_a hand_n that_o alike_o fashion_v all_o man_n heart_n and_o especial_o see_v to_o this_o universal_a acknowledgement_n there_o be_v no_o temptation_n from_o the_o sensual_a and_o worst_a part_n of_o man_n it_o be_v against_o its_o interest_n but_o it_o spring_v from_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a part_n most_o unconcerned_a in_o this_o world_n or_o any_o of_o the_o brutish_a pleasure_n of_o it_o quest_n what_o principle_n do_v you_o account_v thus_o to_o be_v of_o natural_a religion_n answ_n i_o account_v these_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n the_o great_a and_o best_a of_o being_n that_o govern_v the_o world_n that_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v adore_v and_o worship_v by_o man_n and_o that_o he_o take_v notice_n when_o he_o be_v so_o worship_v or_o neglect_v and_o that_o with_o favour_n or_o displeasure_n that_o there_o be_v a_o distinction_n betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a settle_v by_o the_o unchangeable_a law_n of_o god_n that_o god_n be_v himself_o so_o good_a be_v please_v in_o man_n do_v well_o and_o reward_v it_o and_o displease_v when_o man_n do_v ill_a and_o punish_v it_o that_o man_n have_v a_o conscience_n viz._n a_o knowledge_n of_o and_o government_n of_o their_o own_o action_n with_o approbation_n of_o they_o if_o good_a and_o dislike_n if_o bad._n that_o there_o be_v reward_n and_o punishment_n beyond_o this_o life_n that_o therefore_o the_o notion_n of_o virtue_n righteousness_n temperance_n soberness_n beneficence_n and_o the_o contrary_a vice_n be_v of_o unchangeable_a truth_n and_o the_o action_n flow_v from_o they_o of_o the_o same_o notion_n that_o god_n be_v both_o the_o judge_n and_o observer_n of_o they_o now_o and_o will_v be_v so_o in_o the_o future_a state_n that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o bounty_n to_o sinful_a man_n there_o be_v forgiveness_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v fear_v and_o that_o he_o thereby_o lead_v man_n to_o repentance_n that_o upon_o all_o account_n solemn_a worship_n of_o he_o by_o prayer_n praise_n honourable_a discourse_n of_o he_o of_o all_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o return_v to_o he_o after_o our_o fall_n be_v most_o due_a from_o humane_a nature_n and_o according_a to_o the_o sociable_a nature_n of_o man_n in_o public_a association_n quest_n do_v you_o believe_v these_o so_o close_o to_o and_o inseparable_a from_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n answ_n i_o be_o full_o assure_v so_o and_o that_o these_o and_o all_o the_o immediate_a genuine_a and_o natural_a deduction_n from_o they_o be_v so_o near_o ally_v with_o humane_a nature_n and_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v in_o no_o part_n of_o it_o want_v however_o overcome_v but_o where_o extreme_a barbarity_n and_o brutishness_n in_o all_o thing_n else_o make_v it_o plain_a such_o people_n can_v weigh_v against_o the_o wise_a society_n of_o mankind_n in_o who_o the_o more_o vigorous_a effort_n of_o reason_n show_v themselves_o quest_n but_o will_v you_o have_v man_n rest_n in_o natural_a principle_n without_o revelation_n answ_n no_o by_o no_o mean_n for_o if_o adam_n in_o paradise_n have_v revelation_n to_o make_v his_o state_n towards_o god_n consummate_v how_o much_o more_o man_n fall_v in_o who_o all_o natural_a light_n be_v but_o glimmer_a and_o obscure_a heavenly_a object_n at_o so_o great_a a_o remove_n by_o his_o be_v sink_v down_o so_o low_a from_o they_o and_o the_o mist_n and_o fog_n of_o this_o earth_n so_o prevalent_a upon_o he_o in_o the_o great_a
to_o christianity_n and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o from_o such_o eminent_a witness_n answ_n no_o doubt_n there_o do_v both_o to_o christianity_n in_o particular_a and_o to_o all_o religion_n virtue_n and_o goodness_n in_o general_a but_o yet_o neither_o their_o write_n nor_o practice_n can_v in_o any_o wise_a become_v scripture_n to_o we_o they_o all_o lead_n to_o scripture_n and_o aught_o to_o do_v so_o they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v see_v and_o reflect_v in_o scripture_n light_n and_o from_o thence_o they_o receive_v their_o lustre_n for_o though_o they_o be_v a_o subordinate_a testimony_n as_o have_v be_v say_v yet_o christian_a religion_n have_v great_a testimony_n and_o first_o enable_v they_o to_o give_v a_o valuable_a testimony_n to_o itself_o by_o communicate_v so_o great_a knowledge_n and_o worth_n to_o they_o and_o beside_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n be_v so_o voluminous_a as_o not_o to_o be_v read_v over_o by_o the_o 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that_o which_o be_v confess_o divine_a the_o great_a use_n of_o council_n be_v therefore_o so_o to_o debate_v and_o bring_v thing_n to_o a_o result_n by_o a_o confluence_n of_o wisdom_n and_o learning_n that_o we_o may_v see_v divine_a truth_n in_o their_o own_o light_n in_o scripture_n light_n to_o hold_v out_o which_o they_o be_v but_o ministerial_o employ_v and_o not_o to_o impose_v upon_o any_o under_o the_o name_n of_o public_a for_o that_o alone_o be_v public_a that_o be_v divine_a all_o comparison_n of_o private_n among_o themselves_o must_v needs_o be_v lose_v in_o this_o public_a before_o which_o the_o great_a name_n of_o public_a be_v but_o as_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o bucket_n and_o the_o small_a dust_n of_o the_o balance_n and_o the_o union_n with_o that_o true_a public_a make_v the_o most_o private_a a_o public_a and_o separation_n from_o it_o the_o most_o seem_o public_a a_o most_o idiottal_n private_a and_o it_o be_v very_o happy_a if_o the_o experiment_n hereof_o be_v not_o too_o evident_a in_o the_o council_n that_o have_v be_v how_o little_a number_n of_o itself_o can_v contribute_v to_o true_o public_a or_o divine_a yet_o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o mean_n be_v withal_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o ordain_v by_o god_n cap._n ix_o of_o the_o church-catholick_n quest_n scripture_n the_o public_a record_n of_o catholic_n religion_n be_v thus_o far_o establâ—â—â—â—â—_n and_o secure_v both_o by_o internal_a character_n and_o external_n care_n of_o providence_n it_o still_o remain_v necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v some_o state_v ordination_n of_o god_n for_o the_o actuate_a this_o record_n to_o its_o several_a purpose_n and_o ends._n 1._o because_o divine_a revelation_n 〈◊〉_d now_o finish_v its_o measure_n there_o can_v be_v expect_v 〈◊〉_d immediate_a motion_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v vouchsafe_v by_o god_n â—n_v his_o extraordinary_a presence_n but_o all_o be_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o and_o display_v in_o scripture_n 2._o scripture_n yet_o be_v but_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o record_n it_o will_v lie_v still_o and_o unmoved_a and_o as_o it_o be_v dead_a if_o not_o produce_v and_o apply_v even_o as_o other_o law_n and_o record_n do_v that_o be_v not_o continual_o execute_v to_o their_o proper_a use_v be_v their_o virtue_n never_o so_o great_a if_o so_o execute_v what_o therefore_o be_v that_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o cessation_n of_o immediate_a presence_n for_o the_o expose_v this_o record_n to_o its_o universal_a notice_n and_o for_o the_o apply_v it_o daily_o to_o its_o great_a purpose_n which_o be_v the_o execute_v it_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v execute_v in_o this_o world_n answ_n god_n have_v by_o his_o extraordinary_a minister_n who_o he_o give_v his_o divine_a revelation_n and_o word_n first_o found_v the_o church_n and_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o that_o revelation_n exalt_v it_o to_o be_v serviceable_a to_o this_o great_a end_n and_o so_o to_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o immediate_a presence_n quest_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o church_n answ_n the_o church_n be_v the_o catholic_n congregation_n of_o mankind_n call_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o that_o word_n itself_o and_o which_o be_v call_v itself_o be_v entrust_v to_o call_v other_o to_o the_o sâ—me_a faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o so_o be_v govern_v and_o govern_v according_a to_o it_o by_o daily_a exercise_n in_o and_o according_a to_o that_o word_n quest_n why_o do_v you_o give_v the_o church_n the_o stile_n of_o a_o congregation_n be_v not_o the_o part_n of_o it_o so_o distant_a that_o they_o can_v be_v congregat_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n answ_n they_o 〈…〉_o all_o so_o unite_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o this_o sacred_a word_n and_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o it_o as_o to_o be_v most_o proper_o call_v a_o congregation_n in_o that_o
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in_o that_o famous_a conciliary_a epistle_n act_v 15._o 22._o quest_n i_o desire_v your_o more_o full_a explanation_n of_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o power_n accompany_v it_o answ_n i_o will_v very_o willing_o do_v as_o you_o desire_v and_o begin_v with_o the_o apostle_n quest_n wherein_o stand_v their_o power_n answ_n it_o stand_v in_o their_o preach_v act_v direct_v govern_v by_o that_o immediate_a and_o infallible_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o write_v and_o seal_v scripture_n and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v so_o guard_v every_o way_n that_o they_o can_v turn_v neither_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a in_o any_o thing_n wherein_o they_o exercise_v this_o power_n quest_n how_o be_v this_o power_n justify_v answ_n by_o the_o divineness_n substantial_a goodness_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o their_o prescription_n propose_v in_o all_o the_o method_n of_o
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it_o and_o along_o with_o those_o that_o display_v it_o and_o so_o they_o become_v pastor_n of_o a_o high_a character_n whether_o of_o a_o high_a order_n or_o not_o cap._n xi_o of_o every_o man_n obligation_n to_o be_v wise_a for_o himself_o to_o salvation_n quest_n according_a to_o all_o the_o precedent_a account_n of_o the_o church_n it_o seem_v not_o only_o reasonable_a but_o most_o necessary_a every_o man_n shall_v be_v wise_a for_o himself_o unto_o salvation_n answ_n it_o be_v certain_o so_o for_o every_o man_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n to_o which_o purpose_n he_o be_v to_o apply_v his_o mind_n to_o search_v for_o true_a wisdom_n as_o for_o silver_n and_o to_o seek_v for_o it_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n quest_n how_o shall_v man_n of_o so_o great_a disadvantage_n to_o such_o high_a thing_n be_v enable_v to_o judge_n answ_n wisdom_n assume_v most_o just_o to_o itself_o to_o be_v of_o so_o high_a value_n that_o every_o 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not_o like_o a_o parable_n in_o a_o fool_n mouth_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o these_o thing_n speak_v and_o write_v to_o the_o learned_a and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v know_v for_o the_o people_n and_o the_o people_n put_v their_o trust_n in_o they_o answ_n no_o they_o be_v write_v to_o thou_o even_o to_o thou_o that_o be_v to_o every_o one_o that_o they_o may_v have_v their_o trust_n only_o in_o god_n that_o be_v find_v the_o rock_n of_o divine_a veracity_n and_o infallibility_n and_o have_v no_o need_n to_o trust_v in_o man_n but_o to_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n either_o to_o those_o that_o advise_v with_o they_o as_o friend_n or_o challenge_v they_o as_o enemy_n quest_n if_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v undoubted_o much_o more_o so_o of_o the_o new_a answ_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o as_o a_o high_a and_o more_o intellectual_a state_n 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as_o to_o make_v it_o their_o own_o else_o if_o they_o can_v find_v their_o reason_n nor_o acquit_v themselves_o from_o doubt_n they_o must_v suspend_v for_o a_o christian_n be_v command_v by_o his_o lord_n to_o call_v no_o man_n upon_o earth_n master_n or_o father_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o answ_n it_o be_v this_o very_a thing_n that_o we_o shall_v receive_v nothing_o as_o doctrine_n or_o indisputable_a truth_n or_o precept_n upon_o any_o man_n word_n that_o do_v not_o offer_v such_o reason_n and_o authority_n from_o god_n and_o his_o word_n that_o we_o ourselves_o see_v reason_n not_o to_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n quest_n but_o be_v it_o not_o say_v that_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o watch_v for_o our_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o the_o same_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o surrender_v our_o judgement_n to_o they_o how_o can_v they_o give_v a_o account_n 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of_o god_n and_o if_o these_o watchman_n neglect_v their_o duty_n or_o seduce_v instead_o of_o teach_v man_n be_v to_o apply_v to_o better_a mean_n afford_v by_o god_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o still_o die_v in_o their_o iniquity_n and_o follow_v their_o blind_a leader_n fall_v into_o the_o pit_n which_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a argument_n that_o we_o may_v trust_v in_o no_o man_n but_o in_o god_n only_o for_o if_o a_o implicit_a faith_n can_v be_v a_o save_a faith_n it_o shall_v save_v those_o that_o follow_v such_o guide_n though_o they_o themselves_o be_v just_o condemn_v in_o not_o discharge_v their_o trust_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n to_o be_v trust_v at_o a_o high_a rate_n than_o thus_o answ_n no_o there_o be_v such_o evident_a mark_n of_o divine_a doctrine_n always_o give_v by_o god_n to_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v love_n and_o obey_v he_o that_o even_o the_o very_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v 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image_n of_o the_o most_o high_a in_o their_o vicegerency_n according_a to_o what_o be_v say_v to_o they_o by_o inspire_a wisdom_n i_o have_v say_v you_o be_v god_n and_o son_n of_o the_o most_o high_a quest_n but_o why_o have_v it_o not_o please_v god_n to_o appear_v himself_o in_o this_o authority_n and_o power_n visible_o and_o immediate_o which_o will_v cut_v off_o all_o dispute_n as_o to_o supreme_a right_n and_o maladministration_n which_o do_v now_o often_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o government_n and_o the_o people_n under_o it_o or_o at_o least_o why_o have_v he_o not_o give_v angel_n a_o superiority_n and_o visible_a presidency_n over_o kingdom_n as_o that_o which_o will_v much_o more_o awe_n and_o compose_v the_o world_n answ_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v in_o all_o thing_n appear_v in_o attemper_v thing_n one_o to_o another_o with_o great_a equality_n so_o he_o have_v think_v fit_a in_o infinite_a wisdom_n to_o govern_v man_n by_o men._n he_o have_v commit_v all_o 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purpose_n for_o they_o as_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o those_o many_o rebellion_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n under_o so_o evident_a a_o theocrasie_n or_o so_o immediate_a a_o government_n of_o god_n quest_n be_v the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n only_o in_o those_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a point_n of_o godliness_n righteousness_n and_o soberness_n answ_n because_o under_o the_o two_o latter_a of_o these_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a compass_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o weal_n and_o honour_n of_o nation_n in_o all_o traffic_n and_o commerce_n in_o provision_n for_o safety_n and_o security_n and_o adjust_v of_o law_n to_o all_o these_o end_n there_o must_v be_v a_o vast_a compass_n also_o of_o power_n in_o these_o extend_v to_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n indifferent_a till_o they_o come_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o prince_n and_o power_n but_o then_o by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o be_v observe_v according_a to_o those_o law_n determine_v they_o this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n quest_n but_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o give_v yet_o a_o close_a and_o strict_a account_n of_o the_o power_n of_o sovereign_n in_o religion_n or_o godliness_n be_v the_o main_a point_n of_o of_o the_o present_a enquiry_n answ_n that_o i_o may_v answer_v your_o desire_n i_o must_v consider_v religion_n as_o it_o be_v natural_a religion_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v reveal_v religion_n publish_v by_o extraordinary_a minister_n and_o consign_v to_o after_o age_n by_o inspire_a write_v or_o scripture_n and_o last_o as_o religion_n be_v so_o or_o so_o circumstantiate_v and_o model_v in_o the_o external_n administration_n of_o it_o now_o by_o natural_a religion_n as_o distinguish_v from_o reveal_v religion_n i_o do_v plain_o intend_v that_o religion_n whether_o it_o be_v draw_v out_o by_o the_o mere_a force_n of_o natural_a conscience_n without_o any_o plain_a or_o know_v assistance_n of_o reveal_v truth_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o know_v to_o 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prince_n of_o judah_n in_o reveal_v religion_n be_v upon_o the_o so_o unavoidable_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o authority_n in_o and_o with_o those_o law_n the_o so_o many_o repeat_v covenant_n indenture_n and_o engagement_n of_o that_o people_n on_o the_o evident_a appearance_n of_o god_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o those_o law_n but_o in_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n we_o find_v no_o track_n of_o humane_a power_n but_o all_o be_v do_v by_o instrument_n fit_v from_o heaven_n naked_a of_o all_o humane_a authority_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n till_o prince_n and_o people_n agree_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o by_o compulsion_n but_o by_o evidence_n and_o inward_a assurance_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o so_o it_o be_v still_o to_o continue_v quest_n before_o you_o pass_v from_o this_o point_n that_o
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far_o than_o it_o see_v the_o divine_a rule_n before_o it_o not_o in_o thing_n dark_a and_o disputable_a because_o clear_a thing_n be_v only_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n not_o forcible_o except_o when_o natural_a religion_n be_v violate_v because_o patient_a instruction_n counsel_n and_o ratiocination_n be_v the_o divine_a method_n in_o give_v and_o work_v faith_n quest_n i_o now_o expect_v the_o last_o proposition_n answ_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o the_o last_o and_o therein_o conclude_v this_o whole_a enquiry_n and_o instruction_n and_o it_o be_v this_o the_o true_a religion_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o nation_n or_o city_n do_v overtop_v all_o the_o false_a and_o private_a religion_n in_o it_o and_o become_v in_o the_o sacred_a register_n the_o national_a religion_n in_o the_o sacred_a map_n the_o christian_n of_o achaia_n be_v achaia_n itself_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v the_o city_n themselves_o and_o whatever_o lesser_a difference_n or_o division_n this_o 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in_o it_o if_o bitterness_n and_o animosity_n censoriousness_n and_o the_o persecute_v spirit_n be_v away_o god_n will_v gracious_o interpret_v scruple_n on_o one_o side_n to_o a_o jealousy_n for_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n the_o freedom_n of_o the_o other_o to_o a_o desire_n to_o propagate_v it_o under_o the_o favour_n of_o law_n and_o thereby_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v most_o good_n in_o heaven_n they_o now_o be_v all_o one_o and_o shall_v be_v one_o and_o the_o envy_n strife_n and_o contention_n which_o the_o good_a lord_n pardon_v shall_v be_v utter_o abolish_v this_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o true_a religion_n of_o public_a divine_a religion_n now_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n that_o bring_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a our_o lord_n jesus_n that_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n make_v his_o church_n and_o his_o church_n in_o this_o nation_n perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n to_o do_v his_o will_n work_v in_o 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possibility_n those_o holy_a man_n writer_n of_o scripture_n may_v at_o other_o time_n when_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o so_o immediate_o present_a to_o they_o alter_z or_o add_v of_o another_o alloy_n to_o what_o themselves_o have_v be_v the_o instrument_n of_o convey_v from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n or_o may_v not_o pretender_n arise_v and_o give_v out_o false_a scripture_n to_o the_o world_n that_o have_v none_o of_o that_o true_a spirit_n answ_n when_o once_o any_o part_n of_o divine_a testimony_n be_v commit_v to_o write_v it_o become_v a_o boundary_a to_o those_o very_a penman_n much_o more_o to_o all_o other_o that_o they_o be_v always_o conclude_v by_o it_o so_o that_o beside_o the_o dread_a and_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o falsification_n of_o his_o truth_n or_o name_n they_o can_v not_o alter_v any_o thing_n so_o as_o to_o disagree_v with_o what_o they_o have_v before_o speak_v by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n who_o righteous_a judgement_n endure_v for_o 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