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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n worship_n worship_v zeal_n 45 3 7.7789 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A23658 Catholicism, or, Several enquiries touching visible church-membership, church-communion, the nature of schism, and the usefulness of natural constitutions for the furtherance of religion by W.A. Allen, William, d. 1686. 1683 (1683) Wing A1055; ESTC R502 134,503 424

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in_o the_o union_n of_o the_o head_n and_o member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o for_o they_o be_v unite_v by_o the_o quicken_a power_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o abide_v both_o in_o the_o head_n and_o all_o the_o member_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v touch_v the_o invisible_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n as_o invisible_a it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o discern_v whence_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o many_o who_o be_v real_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o vible_a be_v yet_o no_o more_o but_o such_o and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a and_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o such_o a_o inward_a change_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o all_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o reference_n to_o sin_n and_o duty_n good_a and_o evil_n as_o be_v make_v by_o a_o vigorous_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o mighty_a motive_n of_o it_o and_o by_o a_o serious_a and_o frequent_a consideration_n of_o they_o and_o how_o a_o man_n be_v own_o self_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o in_o point_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n according_a as_o he_o yield_v up_o himself_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o or_o refuse_v to_o do_v so_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o such_o who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v visible_a may_v yet_o in_o some_o sort_n real_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v touch_v christ_n his_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n yea_o touch_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n by_o his_o suffering_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o these_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n believe_v and_o undissemble_o profess_v to_o believe_v otherwise_o concern_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n than_o profess_a infidel_n do_v though_o not_o so_o serious_o and_o effectual_o as_o the_o true_o regenerate_v we_o can_v say_v they_o proper_o dissemble_v who_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o can_v say_v their_o word_n be_v know_o contrary_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o thought_n in_o such_o a_o profession_n we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o some_o seafaring_a man_n otherwise_o vicious_a in_o their_o life_n yet_o when_o take_v captive_a by_o infidel_n will_v endure_v any_o hardship_n rather_o than_o be_v draw_v to_o say_v they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o be_v a_o good_a evidence_n that_o they_o do_v in_o some_o sense_n real_o believe_v it_o though_o perhaps_o not_o so_o effectual_o as_o the_o true_o regenerate_v do_v there_o be_v many_o in_o our_o saviour_n day_n of_o who_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n who_o faith_n yet_o be_v not_o powerful_a enough_o to_o regenerate_v they_o and_o such_o be_v simon_n magus_n also_o and_o such_o be_v those_o who_o as_o st._n james_n suppose_v have_v faith_n and_o yet_o not_o justify_v by_o it_o it_o be_v alone_o and_o but_o a_o dead_a faith_n and_o such_o faith_n be_v the_o faith_n as_o may_v just_o be_v fear_v of_o many_o at_o this_o day_n who_o be_v christian_n by_o profession_n and_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n nay_o far_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o this_o faith_n of_o they_o in_o conjunction_n with_o some_o external_a motive_n may_v produce_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n so_o that_o they_o may_v do_v most_o of_o the_o external_a act_n of_o religion_n which_o regenerate_v man_n do_v they_o may_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o baptism_n and_o worship_v he_o only_o and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n they_o may_v open_o own_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o with_o zeal_n dispute_v for_o they_o they_o may_v frequent_v the_o ordinance_n of_o public_a worship_n such_o as_o prayer_n hear_v the_o word_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o may_v observe_v the_o lord_n day_n they_o may_v be_v free_a from_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n do_v many_o act_n of_o justice_n in_o their_o deal_n with_o man_n and_o give_v alm_n also_o they_o may_v be_v thus_o outward_o righteous_a and_o external_o religious_a and_o yet_o be_v unrenewed_a as_o touch_v the_o inward_a man_n they_o may_v for_o all_o this_o be_v full_a of_o envy_n malice_n hatred_n and_o revengeful_a thought_n of_o emulation_n wrath_n and_o pride_n of_o ambition_n covetousness_n and_o inordinate_a affection_n which_o be_v sin_n of_o that_o sort_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o such_o as_o exclude_v man_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o while_o they_o remain_v thus_o unrenew_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o will_n what_o ever_o faith_n or_o repenting_n they_o may_v otherwise_o have_v or_o whatever_o their_o outward_a performance_n may_v be_v yet_o they_o fall_v short_a of_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n for_o want_v of_o that_o inward_a renovation_n that_o invisible_o unite_v man_n to_o christ_n but_o yet_o though_o this_o external_a christianity_n forementioned_a will_v not_o make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a yet_o it_o will_v evidence_n and_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a and_o continue_v they_o in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n though_o but_o partial_a indeed_o a_o external_a performance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o baptism_n by_o which_o they_o have_v their_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o by_o which_o their_o external_a relation_n to_o god_n in_o a_o religious_a sense_n be_v first_o constitute_v it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o external_a christianity_n that_o such_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n who_o yet_o be_v but_o unfruitful_a branch_n john_n 15._o devoid_a of_o that_o fruit_n which_o be_v call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o consist_v of_o those_o internal_a qualification_n describe_v in_o gal._n 5.22_o 23._o and_o their_o be_v in_o christ_n signify_v a_o external_a union_n between_o they_o which_o be_v make_v by_o external_a christianity_n and_o in_o such_o a_o external_a respect_n the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n who_o do_v not_o violate_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o by_o run_v into_o idolatry_n be_v say_v to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v another_o word_n which_o signify_v their_o be_v join_v or_o unite_v to_o he_o which_o can_v be_v understand_v but_o of_o a_o external_a union_n by_o external_a religion_n in_o reference_n to_o many_o of_o they_o at_o least_o thus_o in_o deut._n 4.3_o 4._o it_o be_v say_v all_o the_o man_n that_o follow_v baal-peor_a the_o lord_n thy_o god_n have_v destroy_v they_o from_o among_o you_o but_o you_o that_o do_v cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n be_v alive_a every_o one_o of_o you_o this_o day_n where_o we_o see_v their_o continue_v to_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o ordinance_n without_o follow_v baal-peor_a as_o some_o other_o do_v be_v call_v their_o cleave_v unto_o god_n and_o by_o that_o they_o continue_v their_o relation_n unto_o god_n uninterrupted_a but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o say_v more_o in_o the_o next_o inquiry_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v visible_a christianity_n that_o make_v man_n to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o invisible_a christianity_n which_o make_v they_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a those_o that_o have_v visible_a christianity_n be_v thereby_o difference_v from_o the_o infidel_n and_o idolatrous_a world_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o by_o their_o have_n no_o more_o they_o be_v difference_v from_o the_o invisible_a church_n on_o the_o other_o and_o thereby_o set_v in_o a_o middle_a state_n between_o both_o and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n query_n viii_o whither_o man_n be_v no_o otherwise_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a than_o as_o they_o be_v repute_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n whether_o call_v independent_o or_o anabaptist_n have_v be_v wont_v strong_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o negative_a of_o this_o question_n that_o man_n be_v not_o otherwise_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a than_o as_o they_o be_v repute_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a and_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n that_o they_o refuse_v to_o admit_v any_o to_o church-communion_n but_o such_o in_o who_o in_o their_o judgement_n be_v find_v evidence_n or_o sign_n of_o invisible_a church-membership_n or_o save_a grace_n that_o none_o but_o such_o have_v right_a to_o
undissembled_a belief_n be_v that_o i_o doubt_v not_o which_o philip_n require_v of_o the_o eunuch_n when_o he_o say_v if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v be_v baptise_a and_o the_o eunuch_n answer_n upon_o which_o he_o be_v baptise_a by_o philip_n do_v intimate_v so_o much_o when_o he_o only_o say_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o more_o than_o this_o i_o conceive_v can_v be_v due_o infer_v from_o those_o word_n of_o philip_n to_o the_o eunuch_n for_o the_o reason_n i_o have_v already_o give_v these_o be_v the_o principal_a text_n make_v use_v of_o to_o countenance_v the_o opinion_n which_o i_o have_v in_o this_o inquiry_n oppose_v there_o be_v objection_n or_o plea_n draw_v from_o some_o other_o which_o be_v well_o answer_v by_o mr._n thomas_n lamb_n as_o some_o of_o these_o i_o have_v insist_v on_o also_o be_v in_o his_o fresh_a suit_n against_o independency_n and_o thus_o upon_o our_o inquiry_n we_o have_v find_v as_o i_o conceive_v that_o other_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o scripture_n account_n and_o so_o in_o god_n account_n by_o who_o inspiration_n the_o scripture_n be_v write_v than_o those_o which_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a or_o they_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o for_o almighty_a god_n as_o have_v be_v show_v account_v and_o ow_v such_o to_o be_v his_o people_n in_o distinction_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n that_o have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o though_o otherwise_o they_o or_o many_o of_o they_o be_v far_o from_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a and_o if_o god_n esteem_v of_o they_o as_o such_o then_o so_o must_v his_o servant_n likewise_o and_o if_o the_o scripture_n account_v they_o such_o it_o will_v become_v we_o to_o do_v so_o too_o who_o profess_v to_o make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o judgement_n after_o that_o upon_o our_o inquiry_n we_o have_v find_v thing_n thus_o let_v not_o any_o man_n now_o say_v that_o by_o this_o doctrine_n we_o confound_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n with_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o this_o will_v but_o reflect_v after_o a_o unseemly_a manner_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o thus_o number_v bad_a man_n as_o well_o as_o good_a to_o be_v of_o his_o visible_a church_n as_o external_o relate_v to_o he_o and_z as_o worshipper_n of_o he_o secret_n hypocrite_n belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v more_o visible_o such_o and_o yet_o none_o deny_v but_o that_o many_o such_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n nor_o do_v they_o count_v this_o a_o confound_a god_n kingdom_n with_o the_o devil_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o visible_a and_o invisible_a kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o god_n have_v he_o but_o those_o hypocrite_n whether_o secret_a or_o more_o open_a which_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n though_o they_o be_v in_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n yet_o must_v be_v reckon_v to_o be_v not_o of_o his_o visible_a but_o of_o his_o invisible_a kingdom_n so_o that_o the_o hypothesis_n i_o seek_v to_o establish_v do_v not_o at_o all_o tend_v to_o confound_v god_n visible_a kingdom_n and_o the_o devil_n visible_a kingdom_n one_o with_o another_o much_o less_o their_o invisible_a kingdom_n for_o those_o be_v not_o in_o scripture_n reckon_v to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o profess_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o he_o only_o and_o jesus_n christ_n as_o his_o son_n and_o only_a mediator_n though_o otherwise_o bad_a but_o such_o as_o worship_v idol_n other_o god_n and_o other_o mediator_n in_o do_v of_o which_o they_o do_v in_o effect_n worship_v the_o devil_n who_o be_v the_o founder_n of_o such_o worship_n those_o kingdom_n or_o nation_n be_v in_o scripture_n count_v of_o the_o devil_n kingdom_n or_o dominion_n in_o which_o his_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n idol-worship_n and_o the_o rite_n of_o that_o worship_n be_v establish_v by_o public_a authority_n as_o the_o religion_n of_o those_o nation_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n be_v count_v god_n kingdom_n in_o which_o the_o word_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v by_o public_a authority_n own_a and_o establish_v as_o the_o religion_n of_o those_o nation_n thus_o when_o idol_n worship_n be_v put_v down_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o several_a territory_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n by_o the_o first_o christian_n emperor_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n establish_v by_o public_a authority_n as_o the_o religion_n of_o those_o nation_n than_o the_o devil_n be_v say_v to_o be_v cast_v down_o and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o christ_n to_o be_v come_v rev._n 12.9_o 10._o and_o again_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v say_v to_o become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n when_o idol-worship_n which_o be_v devilish_a worship_n be_v reject_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o kingdom_n revel_v 11.15_o not_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o hypocrite_n or_o carnal_a professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o these_o kingdom_n when_o they_o be_v thus_o become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n but_o though_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o true_a christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v own_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o government_n or_o roll_a power_n of_o those_o kingdom_n and_o so_o long_o as_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n be_v for_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o idolatrous_a and_o antichristian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n they_o be_v account_v to_o belong_v to_o god_n visible_a kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n and_o not_o the_o devil_n however_o many_o of_o those_o inhabitant_n may_v belong_v to_o the_o invisible_a kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o thus_o those_o be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o god_n kingdom_n by_o our_o saviour_n who_o yet_o at_o last_o shall_v be_v cast_v out_o into_o outer_a darkness_n mat._n 8.12_o but_o of_o this_o more_o afterward_o query_n ix_o whither_o god_n have_v grant_v any_o right_n to_o church-priviledge_n to_o those_o who_o be_v only_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a but_o not_o as_o invisible_a that_o such_o have_v right_a to_o they_o before_o man_n unless_o they_o be_v just_o deprive_v of_o they_o by_o church-censure_n those_o will_v grant_v who_o yet_o deny_v that_o they_o have_v any_o right_n to_o they_o by_o god_n allowance_n but_o our_o present_a enquiry_n be_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o right_n by_o god_n allowance_n and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o we_o now_o suppose_v we_o find_v to_o be_v so_o in_o our_o former_a enquiry_n viz._n that_o god_n himself_o do_v own_o very_a many_o such_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a which_o yet_o be_v not_o at_o all_o of_o it_o as_o invisible_a than_o it_o will_v be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o he_o do_v allow_v they_o a_o share_n in_o the_o external_a and_o temporary_a privilege_n of_o that_o relation_n except_o in_o those_o case_n wherein_o he_o himself_o have_v make_v a_o exception_n for_o otherwise_o god_n by_o confer_v on_o they_o the_o privilege_n of_o relation_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o church_n have_v confer_v upon_o they_o a_o right_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o that_o relation_n so_o far_o as_o the_o relation_n itself_o extend_v for_o the_o relation_n and_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o relation_n go_v together_o except_o in_o case_n of_o forfeiture_n by_o miscarriage_n the_o union_n of_o part_n do_v of_o itself_o infer_v right_a to_o communion_n with_o they_o in_o thing_n common_a to_o the_o whole_a the_o right_a of_o those_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o visible_a church-priviledge_n do_v arise_v i_o conceive_v from_o that_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o in_o baptism_n by_o which_o they_o engage_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o people_n as_o god_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n have_v engage_v himself_o to_o be_v their_o god_n on_o that_o condition_n now_o for_o aught_o that_o appear_v from_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o contrary_a so_o far_o as_o they_o perform_v covenant_n with_o god_n in_o be_v a_o people_n unto_o he_o so_o far_o he_o own_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o so_o far_o as_o he_o do_v so_o he_o allow_v they_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o people_n which_o be_v a_o share_n in_o his_o household_n fare_n and_o in_o the_o provision_n for_o his_o family_n which_o be_v his_o word_n and_o ordinance_n if_o they_o worship_v no_o other_o god_n and_o hold_v the_o head_n christ_n jesus_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o own_o his_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n and_o worship_n god_n in_o
visible_a church_n only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a also_o can_v be_v for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o such_o gift_n and_o such_o common_a grace_n as_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o a_o man_n own_o salvation_n may_v yet_o be_v very_o useful_a for_o the_o maintain_n and_o defend_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n against_o adversary_n and_o for_o the_o instruct_n other_o in_o it_o and_o for_o the_o persuade_v they_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n i_o suppose_v why_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o he_o rejoice_v and_o will_v rejoice_v that_o christ_n be_v preach_v though_o it_o be_v but_o insincere_o by_o some_o as_o well_o as_o for_o be_v preach_v in_o truth_n by_o other_o phil._n 1.18_o for_o the_o more_o man_n of_o part_n and_o learning_n and_o of_o interest_n among_o man_n the_o christian_a religion_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n have_v to_o assert_v and_o defend_v it_o and_o the_o more_o there_o be_v of_o other_o to_o abet_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o it_o though_o many_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v main_o influence_v therein_o by_o motive_n of_o secular_a honour_n and_o interest_n the_o more_o credit_n in_o general_n and_o the_o more_o reputation_n it_o will_v have_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o further_a it_o will_v spread_v as_o we_o see_v on_o the_o contrary_a the_o more_o popery_n have_v have_v man_n of_o part_n and_o learning_n and_o of_o interest_n otherwise_o to_o promote_v and_o propagate_v it_o the_o more_o and_o the_o far_o it_o have_v spread_v and_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o other_o error_n and_o heresy_n as_o that_o of_o arianism_n when_o time_n be_v there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o the_o more_o good_a man_n be_v back_v in_o their_o promulge_v sound_a and_o save_a doctrine_n by_o man_n of_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n that_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o doctrine_n and_o substance_n of_o worship_n though_o they_o shall_v not_o in_o all_o respect_n be_v so_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a as_o the_o other_o be_v the_o more_o christian_n religion_n gain_v among_o man_n and_o if_o all_o such_o as_o these_o shall_v be_v make_v enemy_n to_o the_o church_n by_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v of_o it_o the_o church_n power_n of_o propagate_a the_o christian_a religion_n will_v quick_o be_v thereby_o exceed_o weaken_v and_o the_o propagation_n thereof_o great_o obstruct_v we_o have_v not_o now_o miracle_n the_o extraordinary_a mean_n by_o which_o christianity_n be_v at_o first_o propagate_v without_o which_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a the_o unbelieved_n and_o blind_a world_n will_v have_v be_v reconcile_v to_o it_o upon_o account_n of_o its_o own_o intrinsic_a excellency_n and_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v now_o the_o more_o need_n of_o the_o help_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o propagate_v the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_o of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o visible_a likewise_o but_o also_o of_o those_o who_o be_v but_o only_o of_o the_o visible_a the_o success_n in_o propagate_a the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o moral_a goodness_n of_o the_o instrrument_n by_o who_o it_o be_v do_v but_o so_o much_o upon_o its_o own_o goodness_n that_o if_o that_o be_v but_o sufficient_o discover_v though_o but_o by_o man_n defective_a in_o their_o moral_n it_o be_v yet_o able_a to_o commend_v itself_o very_o much_o unto_o the_o choice_n of_o man_n if_o they_o have_v stand_v in_o my_o counsel_n and_o have_v cause_v my_o people_n to_o hear_v my_o word_n than_o they_o shall_v have_v turn_v they_o from_o their_o evil_a way_n say_v god_n concern_v the_o false_a prophet_n jer._n 23.22_o it_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n upon_o this_o account_n to_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christian_a parent_n and_o to_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o by_o parent_n too_o much_o stranger_n to_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o of_o zion_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v this_o and_o that_o man_n be_v bear_v in_o she_o the_o lord_n shall_v count_v when_o he_o write_v up_o the_o people_n that_o this_o man_n be_v bear_v there_o psal_n 87.5_o 6._o how_o many_o worthy_a child_n have_v the_o church_n have_v and_o of_o great_a use_n in_o it_o who_o yet_o have_v be_v bear_v of_o parent_n of_o but_o small_a account_n for_o religion_n so_o that_o such_o man_n be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o the_o propagate_a of_o true_o religious_a man_n and_o by_o they_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o if_o such_o man_n as_o these_o have_v be_v deprive_v of_o chureh_n education_n by_o their_o parent_n be_v deprive_v of_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o church_n in_o all_o probability_n will_v have_v be_v deprive_v of_o such_o useful_a member_n as_o these_o prove_v to_o be_v for_o the_o propagate_a of_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n 3._o another_o reason_n may_v be_v because_o to_o take_v other_o into_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o such_o as_o be_v or_o be_v credible_o repute_v to_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a tend_v much_o more_o to_o the_o security_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o exclude_v all_o such_o will_v do_v for_o be_v it_o not_o for_o those_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a over_o and_o beside_o such_o as_o be_v of_o it_o as_o invisible_a those_o which_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a will_v be_v in_o much_o more_o danger_n than_o now_o they_o be_v of_o be_v devour_v by_o those_o numerous_a enemy_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o world_n christ_n flock_n be_v but_o a_o little_a flock_n comparative_o and_o there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o find_v the_o narrow_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n as_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o and_o so_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o also_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a that_o of_o four_o sort_n of_o hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v but_o one_o that_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o in_o another_o place_n that_o among_o the_o many_o that_o be_v call_v there_o be_v but_o few_o choose_v now_o then_o if_o when_o with_o the_o help_n of_o those_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o invisible_a which_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o be_v far_o the_o great_a number_n those_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n have_v enough_o to_o do_v to_o subsist_v in_o the_o world_n without_o be_v root_v out_o of_o it_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n as_o we_o see_v they_o have_v what_o can_v we_o think_v will_v become_v of_o they_o but_o ruin_n without_o a_o stand_a miracle_n to_o secure_v they_o if_o those_o who_o be_v but_o only_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v make_v enemy_n also_o to_o those_o of_o the_o invisible_a as_o doubtless_o they_o will_v if_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v reject_v by_o they_o as_o none_o of_o christ_n church_n on_o earth_n how_o unable_a will_v they_o be_v to_o defend_v themselves_o against_o the_o popish_a party_n in_o the_o world_n if_o they_o be_v not_o assist_v by_o those_o who_o be_v but_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a or_o how_o unable_a will_v they_o be_v to_o defend_v themselves_o against_o all_o those_o that_o be_v enemy_n to_o christianity_n both_o name_n and_o thing_n if_o the_o bulk_n and_o body_n of_o man_n which_o be_v christian_n only_o in_o outward_a form_n and_o profession_n do_v not_o stand_v as_o a_o screen_n between_o they_o and_o those_o enemy_n our_o saviour_n have_v declare_v that_o the_o wheat_n will_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v root_v up_o if_o the_o tare_n shall_v for_o the_o present_a be_v gather_v out_o of_o it_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n will_v have_v both_o to_o grow_v together_o till_o the_o harvest_n mat._n 13._o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o intend_v hereby_o no_o more_o do_v i_o by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v to_o put_v a_o bar_n against_o purge_v the_o church_n of_o capital_a offender_n by_o discipline_n and_o therefore_o by_o tare_n its_o probable_a he_o mean_v carnal_a gospeler_n that_o yet_o be_v not_o obnoxious_a to_o excommunication_n such_o as_o the_o thorny-ground_n hearer_n in_o who_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o pleafure_n of_o this_o life_n choke_v the_o word_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o which_o they_o profess_v so_o that_o it_o bring_v forth_o in_o they_o no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v any_o far_o i_o must_v remove_v a_o objection_n which_o otherwise_o lie_v against_o the_o use_n which_o i_o here_o make_v of_o this_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o objection_n be_v this_o that_o this_o parable_n make_v nothing_o against_o gather_v
be_v bear_v who_o shall_v arise_v and_o declare_v they_o to_o their_o child_n psal_n 78.5_o 6._o those_o prophecy_n forementioned_a concern_v nation_n be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n refer_v to_o time_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o event_n of_o they_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v will_v show_v that_o they_o foretell_v christian_a nation_n their_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n national_o or_o in_o the_o course_n of_o national_a government_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o event_n which_o answer_v to_o divine_a prediction_n be_v i_o think_v the_o best_a and_o most_o approve_a exposition_n of_o those_o prophecy_n when_o they_o be_v fulfil_v and_o the_o best_a measure_n which_o can_v be_v take_v for_o the_o understanding_n of_o they_o two_o thing_n then_o will_v be_v inquire_v into_o touch_v the_o event_n we_o speak_v of_o 1._o what_o and_o which_o they_o be_v which_o we_o may_v reasonable_o pitch_v upon_o for_o those_o event_n 2._o how_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v from_o some_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o those_o event_n of_o providence_n which_o we_o shall_v pitch_v upon_o be_v indeed_o of_o that_o sort_n and_o kind_n which_o the_o prophecy_n we_o speak_v of_o point_n we_o to_o i._o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o we_o have_v very_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o those_o national_a reformation_n from_o paganism_n and_o judaisme_n and_o those_o national_a reformation_n from_o popery_n which_o have_v be_v make_v in_o the_o world_n since_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v first_o set_v on_o foot_n and_o which_o shall_v yet_o far_o be_v make_v be_v those_o very_a event_n or_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o they_o which_o the_o prophecy_n before_o specify_v point_v we_o to_o we_o can_v say_v that_o any_o reformation_n of_o either_o kind_n have_v be_v national_a until_o it_o have_v be_v back_v by_o national_a authority_n it_o be_v true_a there_o have_v be_v great_a multitude_n of_o man_n during_o the_o stand_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n as_o pagan_a that_o be_v recover_v from_o judaisme_n and_o paganism_n to_o christianity_n and_o there_o be_v many_o famous_a church_n of_o such_o but_o i_o think_v no_o one_o nation_n as_o such_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o all_o that_o time_n though_o out_o of_o many_o kindred_n tongue_n and_o nation_n there_o be_v many_o very_o many_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v but_o nation_n then_o become_v national_o the_o lord_n when_o the_o christian_n in_o they_o be_v own_v as_o such_o and_o require_v to_o behave_v themselves_o as_o such_o by_o the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o roll_a power_n of_o those_o nation_n though_o there_o may_v possible_o be_v many_o in_o those_o nation_n at_o the_o same_o time_n which_o yet_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n 2._o but_o let_v we_o inquire_v in_o the_o second_o place_n what_o assurance_n we_o have_v from_o any_o of_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o those_o national_a reformation_n from_o paganism_n and_o popery_n that_o have_v be_v make_v in_o new_a testament_n time_n and_o which_o shall_v further_o be_v make_v in_o other_o nation_n be_v those_o event_n of_o providence_n which_o the_o prophecy_n touch_v national_a conversion_n point_n at_o and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o observe_v first_o that_o at_o what_o time_n the_o supreme_a power_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n fall_v into_o christian_a hand_n and_o be_v employ_v for_o the_o destruction_n and_o root_n out_o pagan_a idolatry_n and_o for_o the_o set_n up_o and_o establish_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n throughout_o its_o dominion_n then_o it_o be_v that_o this_o kingdom_n or_o dominion_n become_v god_n kingdom_n in_o scripture_n account_n for_o to_o this_o great_a turn_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o approve_a interpreter_n of_o the_o revelation_n do_v that_o joyful_a acclamation_n refer_v which_o we_o have_v set_v down_o in_o chap._n 12.10_o now_o be_v come_v salvation_n and_o strength_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o christ_n at_o which_o time_n also_o the_o great_a dragon_n call_v the_o devil_n and_o satan_n be_v cast_v out_o and_o his_o angel_n with_o he_o ver_fw-la 9_o that_o be_v those_o ruler_n supreme_a and_o subordinate_a who_o have_v till_o then_o do_v his_o work_n in_o promote_a the_o interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n by_o support_v idolatry_n and_o persecute_v christian_n as_o it_o be_v say_v the_o devil_n shall_v cast_v some_o of_o you_o into_o prison_n rev._n 2.10_o but_o be_v not_o god_n kingdom_n come_v into_o the_o empire_n till_o now_o that_o the_o government_n be_v make_v christian_a by_o the_o emperor_n be_v a_o christian_n be_v there_o not_o many_o great_a and_o famous_a christian_a church_n within_o the_o empire_n while_o the_o government_n of_o it_o be_v pagan_a in_o respect_n of_o worship_n why_o yes_o there_o be_v why_o then_o be_v not_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o christ_n say_v to_o be_v come_v till_o the_o government_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n become_v christian_n why_o shall_v this_o song_n now_o be_v come_v salvation_n and_o strength_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o christ_n be_v apply_v to_o this_o great_a turn_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o empire_n rather_o than_o to_o that_o when_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o set_v on_o foot_n in_o it_o and_o many_o christian_a congregation_n erect_v there_o can_v no_o other_o reason_n hereof_o be_v give_v i_o conceive_v but_o that_o all_o the_o while_n the_o government_n of_o the_o empire_n in_o reference_n to_o religion_n be_v engage_v for_o the_o uphold_v of_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n so_o far_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v his_o kingdom_n to_o be_v sure_a it_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v employ_v against_o he_o but_o when_o the_o government_n of_o it_o become_v christian_n and_o engage_v itself_o in_o throw_v down_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n and_o in_o set_v up_o and_o establish_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n then_o and_o from_o that_o time_n in_o this_o scripture_n account_n that_o kingdom_n or_o empire_n become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n though_o many_o of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o it_o continue_v still_o for_o a_o time_n at_o least_o idolater_n as_o to_o their_o profession_n and_o private_a practice_n so_o that_o when_o and_o so_o long_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o empire_n in_o its_o constitution_n in_o reference_n to_o religion_n continue_v idolatrous_a so_o long_o the_o empire_n itself_o be_v not_o own_v for_o god_n kingdom_n though_o there_o be_v many_o christian_a church_n in_o it_o but_o when_o once_o the_o government_n of_o it_o become_v christian_n it_o be_v then_o own_v for_o god_n kingdom_n though_o many_o of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o it_o be_v no_o christian_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v &_o may_v natural_o be_v infer_v that_o in_o scripture_n notion_n kingdom_n be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n kingdom_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o national_a reformation_n from_o idolatry_n and_o false_a worship_n when_o ever_o it_o be_v make_v by_o the_o public_a government_n and_o authority_n of_o such_o nation_n but_o now_o after_o this_o reformation_n from_o paganism_n by_o the_o imperial_a authority_n and_o power_n in_o process_n of_o time_n therecame_v a_o fall_v away_o in_o the_o empire_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o christian_a worship_n unto_o a_o worship_n of_o a_o mix_a nature_n make_v up_o partly_o of_o a_o worship_n give_v to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o partly_o of_o a_o worship_n give_v unto_o creature_n which_o be_v due_a only_a unto_o god_n which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o prevail_a of_o the_o papal_a apostasy_n and_o the_o ten_o king_n mention_v rev._n 17._o into_o who_o hand_n the_o empire_n become_v divide_v give_v their_o power_n and_o strength_n unto_o the_o beast_n for_o the_o support_n of_o this_o impure_a worship_n and_o pagan-like_a superstition_n but_o after_o this_o have_v be_v do_v and_o continue_v in_o for_o several_a hundred_o of_o year_n several_a of_o those_o kingdom_n and_o principality_n which_o have_v before_o give_v their_o power_n and_o strength_n unto_o the_o beast_n fall_v off_o and_o reassume_v that_o power_n and_o strength_n and_o then_o devote_v it_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o reform_v their_o dominion_n from_o popery_n and_o in_o restore_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n throughout_o their_o dominion_n without_o any_o idolatrous_a mixture_n upon_o which_o great_a turn_n of_o affair_n those_o great_a
voice_n in_o heaven_n follow_v say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n rev._n 11.15_o for_o this_o joyful_a acclamation_n be_v here_o bring_v in_o upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o exaltation_n of_o the_o witness_n in_o this_o chapter_n speak_v of_o and_o of_o the_o fall_n of_o a_o ten_o part_n of_o the_o city_n spiritual_o call_v sodom_n and_o egypt_n by_o which_o we_o understand_v that_o the_o fall_n of_o part_n of_o the_o papal_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o the_o rise_n and_o exaltation_n of_o the_o witness_n be_v contemporary_a and_o that_o this_o great_a alteration_n and_o change_n in_o several_a nation_n make_v those_o nation_n which_o be_v but_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n before_o to_o become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n now_o there_o be_v these_o two_o reason_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o this_o resurrection_n of_o the_o witness_n 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of_o prophecy_n this_o reason_n the_o reverend_a dr._n more_o have_v surnish_v i_o with_o in_o his_o appendage_n annex_v to_o his_o exposition_n of_o daniel_n prophecy_n p._n 291._o with_o who_o exposition_n of_o what_o i_o here_o allege_v out_o of_o rev._n 11._o i_o be_o abundant_o satisfy_v as_o i_o find_v it_o in_o the_o foresay_a appendage_n and_o in_o his_o book_n entitle_v the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n unveil_v 2._o the_o matter_n which_o sell_v out_o and_o be_v transact_v in_o and_o by_o that_o reformaton_n do_v exact_o answer_v to_o that_o which_o be_v foretell_v by_o that_o prophecy_n touch_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o popish_a power_n and_o interest_n in_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o pope_n jurisdiction_n for_o then_o there_o be_v a_o political_a resurrection_n of_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o have_v be_v political_o slay_v and_o a_o long_a time_n dead_a for_o cry_v down_o popery_n and_o this_o be_v do_v when_o such_o be_v put_v into_o public_a employment_n in_o all_o reform_a nation_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v a_o political_a slaughter_n of_o thousand_o of_o man_n when_o all_o those_o that_o have_v be_v in_o office_n and_o holy_a order_n in_o their_o church_n be_v put_v down_o in_o all_o those_o nation_n that_o then_o become_v reform_v and_o this_o reason_n methinks_v shall_v convince_v any_o unprejudiced_a man_n that_o our_o first_o happy_a national_a reformation_n from_o popery_n in_o several_a nation_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o that_o prophecy_n touch_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o witness_n we_o speak_v and_o if_o it_o be_v than_o i_o can_v see_v how_o any_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o those_o voice_n in_o heaven_n which_o present_o follow_v thereupon_o do_v declare_v that_o those_o nation_n which_o while_n popish_a be_v but_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n yet_o by_o their_o national_a reformation_n from_o popery_n they_o become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n but_o if_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o witness_n shall_v refer_v unto_o another_o time_n and_o turn_n and_o not_o to_o that_o of_o the_o first_o national_a reformation_n from_o popery_n yet_o that_o say_n the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n upon_o the_o occasion_n there_o forego_v will_v no_o less_o serve_v to_o prove_v that_o nation_n by_o their_o national_a reformation_n from_o popery_n become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n than_o it_o will_v in_o case_n that_o prophecy_n have_v refer_v unto_o the_o first_o national_a reformation_n from_o popery_n for_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o witness_n the_o earthquake_n the_o fall_n of_o a_o ten_o part_n of_o the_o city_n and_o political_a slaughter_n of_o seven_o thousand_o of_o name_n of_o man_n must_v needs_o import_v a_o great_a alteration_n of_o affair_n and_o national_a reformation_n wheresoever_o and_o whensoever_o they_o fall_v out_o be_v it_o soon_o or_o late_a because_o upon_o it_o we_o see_v some_o of_o those_o nation_n which_o be_v but_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n before_o do_v then_o become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o if_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n indefinite_o become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n by_o be_v reform_v from_o popery_n or_o paganism_n so_o as_o to_o make_v the_o right_a christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n the_o religion_n of_o those_o nation_n by_o national_a authority_n then_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o all_o nation_n which_o be_v so_o reform_v at_o any_o time_n and_o consequent_o of_o those_o which_o lead_v the_o way_n and_o have_v be_v first_o in_o such_o reformation_n and_o thus_o our_o proof_n appear_v every_o way_n pregnant_a to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n then_o when_o we_o find_v that_o in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n in_o point_n of_o fact_n that_o as_o fast_o as_o the_o sovereign_n and_o supreme_a power_n in_o each_o nation_n have_v fall_v into_o orthodox_n christian_n hand_n so_o fast_o those_o nation_n have_v become_v reform_v from_o paganism_n or_o popery_n by_o the_o govern_n power_n of_o those_o nation_n and_o when_o we_o find_v again_o that_o by_o such_o reformation_n those_o nation_n have_v become_v god_n kingdom_n as_o contradistinguish_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n great_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v these_o to_o be_v the_o very_a and_o true_a event_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o such_o ancient_a prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n as_o those_o which_o foretell_v that_o many_o nation_n shall_v be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v his_o people_n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n after_o christianity_n begin_v before_o it_o become_v national_a by_o national_a authority_n as_o it_o be_v long_o after_o abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n become_v the_o people_n of_o god_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n before_o they_o and_o their_o religion_n become_v national_a and_o as_o the_o one_o be_v in_o bondage_n four_o hundred_o year_n under_o the_o egyptian_a tyranny_n so_o be_v the_o christian_n three_o hundred_o year_n under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o pagan_a roman_a emperor_n before_o they_o and_o their_o religion_n become_v national_a by_o national_a authothority_n but_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o worship_n as_o reform_v have_v since_o the_o reformation_n be_v carry_v on_o principal_o in_o a_o national_a way_n so_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o it_o will_v be_v carry_v on_o far_a and_o more_o nation_n come_v to_o be_v reform_v from_o popery_n infidelity_n and_o paganism_n until_o at_o last_o that_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o the_o angel_n by_o daniel_n come_v to_o be_v fulfil_v which_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o kingdom_n and_o dominion_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a who_o kingdom_n be_v a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o all_o dominion_n or_o ruler_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n shall_v serve_v and_o obey_v he_o dan._n 7.27_o and_o that_o also_o in_o psal_n 72_o 11._o all_o king_n shall_v fall_v down_o before_o he_o all_o nation_n shall_v serve_v he_o and_o now_o from_o what_o have_v be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o foresay_a prophecy_n of_o st._n john_n rev._n 11._o we_o may_v brief_o observe_v these_o two_o or_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o notwithstanding_o any_o lesser_a defect_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o government_n ecclesiastical_a in_o any_o of_o the_o national_a reformation_n from_o popery_n which_o have_v be_v make_v yet_o after_o and_o because_o such_o reformation_n have_v be_v make_v those_o nation_n be_v in_o scripture_n account_v esteem_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n as_o oppose_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n which_o seem_v to_o
i_o to_o fall_v somewhat_o hard_o upon_o such_o as_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n establish_v in_o such_o nation_n by_o national_a authority_n in_o a_o way_n of_o national_a reformation_n and_o on_o those_o more_o especial_o who_o separate_a from_o that_o worship_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n because_o enjoin_v by_o national_a authority_n it_o likewise_o fall_v hard_a upon_o they_o also_o who_o disesteem_v or_o less_o esteem_v a_o national_a ministry_n because_o it_o be_v national_a or_o make_v such_o according_a to_o a_o national_a establishment_n these_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o almighty_a god_n of_o another_o when_o he_o esteem_v nation_n to_o be_v join_v to_o he_o and_o to_o be_v his_o people_n by_o that_o for_o which_o they_o separate_v their_o pretence_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o for_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n be_v carry_v on_o only_o in_o a_o free_a congregational_a way_n in_o great_a or_o lesser_a voluntary_a association_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o now_o seem_v very_o inconsiderable_a because_o what_o be_v do_v in_o that_o kind_n then_o be_v do_v by_o way_n of_o necessity_n because_o they_o have_v not_o opportunity_n of_o a_o better_a not_o but_o that_o they_o long_v for_o and_o pray_v for_o such_o king_n as_o will_v use_v their_o authority_n and_o power_n for_o the_o propagation_n and_o furtherance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o they_o esteem_v it_o no_o small_a favour_n from_o god_n when_o at_o last_o they_o obtain_v it_o in_o constantine_n a_o christian_a cesar_n who_o use_v that_o power_n of_o he_o for_o the_o establish_n the_o christian_a religion_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o for_o the_o order_n and_o regulate_v many_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o more_o commodious_a and_o orderly_o carry_v on_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o people_n of_o god_n then_o existent_a in_o the_o empire_n be_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n express_v themselves_o thus_o upon_o that_o occasion_n now_o be_v come_v salvation_n and_o strength_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o christ_n as_o i_o show_v before_o rev._n 12.10_o 2._o it_o may_v be_v just_o question_v whether_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n for_o man_n to_o dispute_v against_o the_o be_v of_o a_o national_a church_n in_o new_a testament_n time_n consider_v that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n nation_n reform_v from_o paganism_n and_o popery_n be_v style_v god_n kingdom_n and_o consider_v likewise_o that_o the_o scripture_n style_v the_o same_o people_n and_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n sometime_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o sometime_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v seem_v no_o more_o improper_a to_o call_v a_o christian_a nation_n a_o church_n of_o god_n than_o it_o be_v to_o call_v it_o a_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o yet_o the_o scripture_n style_v so_o 3._o it_o may_v be_v observe_v yet_o far_o that_o the_o kingdom_n or_o nation_n which_o have_v be_v reform_v from_o popery_n be_v before_o such_o reformation_n be_v make_v but_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n notwithstanding_o much_o of_o what_o pertain_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v then_o own_v and_o profess_v in_o they_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o who_o the_o book_n of_o revelation_n be_v indict_v we_o see_v style_v they_o so_o in_o their_o unreformed_a state_n the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v become_v etc._n etc._n yet_o they_o then_o in_o their_o unreformed_a state_n worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n they_o own_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o use_v the_o same_o creed_n which_o the_o reform_a churches_n themselves_o use_v and_o yet_o we_o see_v they_o be_v in_o that_o state_n style_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n when_o as_o under_o their_o reform_a state_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n like_a as_o almighty_a god_n for_o the_o like_a reason_n esteem_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v be_v his_o own_o church_n and_o people_n but_o as_o ethiopian_n unto_o he_o amos_n 9.7_o and_o tell_v they_o by_o another_o prophet_n you_o be_v not_o my_o people_n and_o i_o will_v not_o be_v your_o god_n hos_n 1.10_o for_o though_o they_o have_v his_o ordinance_n among_o they_o and_o boast_v of_o their_o temple-worship_n cry_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v these_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o burn_v incense_n unto_o baal_n and_o walk_v after_o other_o god_n jer._n 7._o they_o divide_v their_o worship_n between_o the_o true_a god_n and_o baal_n and_o do_v swear_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o malcham_n zeph._n 1.5_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o god_n say_v of_o they_o by_o his_o prophet_n they_o be_v unto_o i_o as_o a_o speckled_a bird_n of_o a_o religion_n of_o several_a colour_n jer._n 12.9_o for_o this_o spiritual_a whoredom_n especial_o it_o be_v that_o almighty_a god_n who_o have_v once_o espouse_v that_o people_n to_o himself_o give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n at_o last_o break_v up_o house_n turn_v they_o out_o of_o door_n and_o send_v they_o out_o of_o his_o land_n until_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o reform_v and_o if_o we_o compare_v these_o thing_n with_o the_o spiritual_a whoredom_n wherewith_o mystical_a babylon_n be_v charge_v and_o for_o which_o with_o other_o heinous_a crime_n she_o be_v threaten_v in_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n it_o will_v not_o be_v at_o all_o hard_a to_o conceive_v why_o nation_n while_o popish_a be_v style_v and_o esteem_v but_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o this_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o be_v argument_n enough_o to_o prevail_v with_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o be_v disow_v by_o god_n to_o be_v none_o or_o to_o become_v none_o of_o their_o communion_n who_o be_v thus_o disow_v by_o he_o and_o thus_o we_o have_v see_v how_o both_o from_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o from_o divine_a revelation_n also_o the_o great_a expediency_n at_o least_o of_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o way_n of_o national_a establishment_n be_v warrant_v and_o approve_v of_o this_o than_o may_v be_v a_o caution_n to_o man_n who_o live_v in_o any_o such_o reform_a nation_n as_o we_o have_v discourse_v of_o and_o as_o we_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o act_v in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a or_o pertain_v to_o church_n communion_n as_o if_o they_o live_v in_o a_o popish_a or_o pagan_a nation_n by_o disow_v and_o by_o separate_v from_o the_o national_a way_n of_o worship_n lest_o thereby_o they_o discountenance_v and_o disparage_v what_o god_n approve_v of_o and_o disown_n that_o for_o which_o god_n own_v such_o a_o nation_n for_o his_o kingdom_n it_o be_v true_a the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o live_v in_o pagan_a country_n and_o those_o since_o which_o have_v live_v in_o popish_a have_v be_v necessitate_v in_o duty_n to_o be_v separate_a in_o their_o christian_a communion_n from_o their_o national_a worship_n as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o be_v idolater_n but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o false_a worship_n and_o defect_n in_o that_o which_o be_v true_a the_o best_a church_n constitution_n and_o the_o best_a church_n administration_n which_o have_v man_n not_o divine_o inspire_v for_o the_o order_n of_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o humane_a defect_n and_o if_o humane_a defect_n even_o in_o god_n worship_n be_v not_o to_o be_v endure_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n itself_o there_o can_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o church_n communion_n be_v enjoy_v among_o christian_n because_o we_o can_v say_v there_o be_v any_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n in_o which_o we_o be_v without_o defect_n but_o then_o the_o question_n will_v be_v what_o defect_n be_v to_o be_v endure_v in_o god_n worship_n rather_o than_o communion_n in_o it_o shall_v be_v forsake_v and_o what_o be_v intolerable_a and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v decline_v and_o here_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o impossible_a warrantable_o to_o determine_v any_o defect_n intolerable_a which_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o worship_n and_o make_v it_o become_v false_a worship_n that_o do_v not_o destroy_v or_o defeat_v the_o end_n for_o which_o true_a worship_n serve_v who_o be_v he_o that_o will_v undertake_v to_o determine_v for_o what_o defect_n which_o
be_v consistent_a with_o god_n true_a worship_n communion_n in_o that_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v decline_v but_o then_o the_o next_o question_n will_v be_v how_o we_o shall_v know_v what_o worship_n be_v true_a and_o what_o be_v false_a and_o so_o what_o worship_n it_o be_v that_o communion_n in_o it_o be_v to_o be_v decline_v and_o what_o not_o now_o that_o be_v false_a worship_n which_o be_v give_v to_o a_o wrong_a object_n or_o to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o god_n and_o that_o again_o be_v false_a worship_n though_o give_v to_o god_n the_o right_a object_n when_o that_o which_o be_v not_o true_a matter_n of_o worship_n be_v give_v to_o he_o as_o matter_n of_o worship_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v when_o worship_n be_v false_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n worship_n be_v then_o false_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n when_o that_o be_v perform_v to_o god_n as_o require_v by_o he_o which_o be_v not_o so_o for_o so_o we_o be_v teach_v mat._n 15.9_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n that_o be_v a_o vain_a or_o false_a worship_n when_o humane_a ordinance_n be_v impose_v and_o observe_v as_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o add_v to_o his_o word_n also_o which_o be_v forbid_v deut._n 4.2_o but_o then_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o these_o and_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n in_o or_o about_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o nor_o use_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o be_v command_v by_o god_n but_o profess_o use_v as_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o only_o as_o matter_n of_o humane_a prudence_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n can_v just_o be_v charge_v to_o be_v false_a worship_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n likewise_o between_o the_o essence_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o accident_n of_o it_o between_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o external_a administration_n there_o be_v not_o the_o liberty_n of_o vary_v in_o the_o one_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o other_o as_o for_o instance_n we_o be_v not_o leave_v at_o like_a liberty_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o object_n and_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n as_o we_o be_v in_o the_o external_a manner_n of_o address_n nor_o limit_v by_o expressness_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o one_o as_o we_o be_v in_o the_o other_o we_o be_v express_o command_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v express_a direction_n for_o all_o the_o substantial_a part_n or_o matter_n of_o prayer_n as_o confession_n supplication_n petition_n thanksgiving_n and_o intercession_n but_o whether_o in_o a_o set_a form_n or_o without_o whether_o with_o the_o use_n of_o a_o book_n or_o without_o whether_o in_o one_o or_o more_o prayer_n at_o a_o time_n or_o whether_o kneel_v or_o stand_v be_v not_o determine_v but_o in_o these_o we_o be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o use_v or_o choose_v as_o circumstance_n shall_v direct_v or_o require_v and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v concern_v other_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o ordinance_n themselves_o be_v particular_o command_v but_o so_o be_v not_o several_a circumstance_n relate_v to_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o they_o but_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n of_o church_n guide_n and_o governor_n under_o general_a rule_n and_o although_o one_o way_n of_o external_a administration_n of_o worship_n may_v be_v better_o than_o another_o and_o that_o may_v be_v choose_v as_o best_a by_o such_o as_o have_v power_n of_o choose_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o best_o in_o itself_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o it_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o worship_n itself_o nor_o defeat_v the_o end_n and_o use_n to_o which_o a_o external_a administration_n serve_v it_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v due_o esteem_v to_o be_v false_a worship_n the_o worst_a that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o such_o a_o administration_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o simple_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o but_o only_o inferior_a in_o goodness_n unto_o the_o best_a be_v only_o this_o that_o it_o be_v inexpedient_a when_o a_o better_a may_v have_v be_v have_v if_o they_o have_v think_v so_o by_o who_o the_o choice_n be_v make_v now_o suppose_v then_o that_o when_o the_o happy_a work_n of_o national_a reformation_n from_o popery_n be_v lay_v and_o begin_v by_o the_o great_a instrument_n of_o it_o who_o memory_n be_v bless_v and_o name_n precious_a to_o good_a man_n suppose_v i_o say_v they_o may_v possible_o have_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o betterness_n of_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o external_a manner_n and_o form_n of_o administration_n of_o public_a worship_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o such_o thing_n do_v not_o amount_v unto_o any_o false_a worship_n but_o be_v only_a imperfection_n in_o the_o true_a the_o question_n will_v be_v whether_o it_o be_v prudent_a and_o become_a good_a man_n in_o this_o case_n to_o seek_v amendment_n of_o those_o suppose_a defect_n in_o any_o other_o way_n than_o in_o the_o same_o national_a course_n of_o proceed_v by_o which_o the_o reformation_n be_v first_o wrought_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v 1._o because_o god_n have_v own_v this_o way_n of_o reformation_n by_o declare_v nation_n upon_o account_n of_o it_o to_o be_v his_o kingdom_n which_o we_o can_v say_v he_o have_v do_v upon_o account_n of_o any_o reformation_n wrought_v in_o they_o any_o other_o way_n without_o this_o 2._o because_o when_o such_o a_o reformation_n be_v attempt_v in_o a_o nation_n already_o reform_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o reformation_n establish_v by_o law_n it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o more_o hurt_n will_v be_v do_v thereby_o than_o good_a obtain_v as_o we_o have_v find_v by_o sad_a experience_n in_o this_o nation_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v a_o nation_n come_v to_o be_v divide_v against_o itself_o party_n against_o party_n to_o the_o engender_v disaffection_n envy_v and_o strife_n and_o where_o these_o be_v there_o be_v as_o st._n james_n have_v tell_v we_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n there_o be_v a_o very_a sensible_a decay_n and_o loss_n of_o that_o wherein_o the_o very_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o religion_n in_o man_n lie_v but_o the_o reformation_n in_o the_o external_a part_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v seek_v after_o in_o this_o extraordinary_a way_n be_v in_o thing_n but_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o wherein_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o religion_n in_o man_n be_v little_o concern_v one_o way_n or_o other_o either_o as_o to_o loss_n or_o gain_n and_o therefore_o to_o choose_v to_o seek_v this_o sort_n of_o reformation_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o by_o which_o the_o loss_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v far_o great_a than_o the_o gain_n and_o have_v since_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o be_v a_o thing_n doubtless_o which_o can_v become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o good_a man_n now_o that_o the_o reformation_n in_o the_o external_a part_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v pursue_v in_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o undue_a way_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v in_o thing_n but_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o wherein_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n in_o man_n be_v little_o concern_v one_o way_n or_o other_o as_o to_o loss_n or_o gain_n appear_v by_o this_o viz._n because_o there_o have_v be_v and_o be_v very_o many_o who_o have_v live_v under_o the_o use_n of_o that_o external_a mode_n of_o worship_n without_o any_o such_o reformation_n of_o it_o as_o be_v contend_v for_o in_o who_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v find_v as_o much_o as_o may_v well_o be_v presume_v as_o in_o any_o other_o who_o have_v use_v any_o other_o mode_n of_o worship_n different_a from_o it_o not_o that_o i_o be_o against_o man_n seek_v that_o which_o they_o apprehend_v to_o be_v best_a in_o these_o matter_n provide_v it_o be_v in_o the_o national_a way_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o more_o hurt_n be_v not_o do_v by_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o seek_v it_o than_o good_a can_v be_v acquire_v in_o their_o way_n of_o obtain_v it_o by_o separation_n 3._o it_o be_v become_a rhe_n wisdom_n of_o good_a man_n to_o seek_v the_o amendment_n they_o desire_v by_o comply_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v with_o what_o be_v already_o establish_v because_o by_o so_o do_v and_o by_o seasonable_a and_o humble_a application_n to_o the_o legislative_a power_n of_o the_o nation_n they_o may_v in_o all_o reason_n soon_o obtain_v what_o be_v reasonable_a and_o meet_a to_o be_v grant_v than_o by_o separate_v from_o it_o and_o set_v up_o another_o way_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o one_o be_v apt_a to_o beget_v a_o
or_o their_o do_n more_o to_o accomplish_v it_o than_o the_o law_n or_o government_n under_o which_o they_o be_v allow_v they_o for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o seditious_a i_o conceive_v for_o man_n to_o endeavour_v to_o get_v any_o thing_n amiss_o in_o the_o government_n to_o be_v alter_v in_o a_o regular_a way_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o the_o government_n or_o public_a constitution_n allow_v i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o much_o the_o two_o bond_n the_o one_o of_o peace_n the_o other_o of_o charity_n be_v break_v by_o this_o sort_n of_o division_n which_o be_v accompany_v either_o with_o faction_n or_o sedition_n nor_o how_o great_a the_o schism_n be_v that_o be_v make_v thereby_o but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o division_n of_o this_o kind_n can_v be_v without_o much_o envy_v and_o strife_n and_o where_o these_o be_v there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n as_o st._n james_n have_v tell_v we_o chap._n 3.16_o 4._o another_o sort_n of_o division_n in_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o be_v make_v by_o a_o unjust_a separation_n of_o one_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n from_o another_o in_o the_o business_n of_o their_o communion_n in_o their_o solemn_a worship_n and_o this_o be_v a_o division_n of_o a_o very_a high_a nature_n indeed_o especial_o when_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o division_n before_o insist_v on_o for_o if_o such_o a_o division_n be_v unjust_o make_v it_o be_v point_v blank_a contrary_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o communion_n among_o christian_n which_o be_v teach_v and_o practise_v by_o man_n inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o reference_n both_o to_o solemn_a worship_n and_o christian_a fellowship_n as_o have_v be_v former_o explain_v by_o such_o a_o division_n the_o church_n peace_n be_v break_v with_o a_o high_a hand_n great_a offence_n be_v thereby_o take_v at_o other_o and_o cause_n of_o offence_n give_v to_o they_o and_o a_o wide_a gap_n open_v for_o debate_n strife_n contention_n and_o confusion_n to_o enter_v in_o to_o a_o dreadful_a destruction_n of_o charity_n the_o spirit_n and_o life_n of_o christianity_n without_o which_o faith_n itself_o be_v dead_a and_o all_o other_o religious_a performance_n little_o available_a it_o concern_v we_o great_o therefore_o and_o some_o man_n more_o especial_o very_o diligent_o to_o inquire_v how_o far_o the_o division_n and_o separation_n that_o do_v abound_v in_o our_o day_n and_o in_o this_o nation_n be_v unjust_o or_o just_o make_v to_o do_v which_o i_o do_v not_o know_v a_o more_o compendious_a way_n than_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o national_a constitution_n about_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o the_o power_n of_o give_v be_v to_o it_o and_o how_o far_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v it_o that_o such_o national_a constitution_n as_o have_v be_v make_v in_o several_a nation_n for_o reformation_n from_o popery_n and_o for_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o worship_n in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n have_v be_v so_o far_o approve_v of_o by_o god_n as_o that_o he_o do_v reckon_v and_o esteem_v those_o nation_n his_o kingdom_n upon_o that_o account_n i_o have_v find_v as_o i_o conceive_v in_o our_o twelve_o inquiry_n which_o with_o what_o else_o be_v there_o produce_v and_o argue_v for_o the_o usefulness_n of_o such_o national_a constitution_n i_o take_v to_o be_v ground_n sufficient_a to_o authorise_v a_o national_a authority_n in_o such_o a_o undertake_n now_o when_o ever_o the_o form_n of_o such_o national_a constitution_n be_v undertake_v by_o they_o to_o who_o it_o do_v belong_v they_o must_v needs_o find_v that_o though_o the_o essential_o and_o substance_n of_o all_o divine_a worship_n be_v express_o and_o particular_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n yet_o there_o be_v several_a circumstance_n and_o accident_n of_o worship_n which_o pertain_v to_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o the_o substance_n which_o be_v not_o otherwise_o determine_v in_o scripture_n than_o by_o general_a rule_n as_o that_o edification_n order_n and_o decency_n be_v always_o observe_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o particular_o determine_v and_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n such_o be_v those_o i_o instance_a in_o in_o another_o of_o our_o inquiry_n concern_v prayer_n though_o all_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o it_o be_v determine_v in_o scripture_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o where_o limit_v to_o pray_v with_o a_o set_a form_n nor_o without_o one_o to_o use_v or_o not_o to_o use_v book-prayer_n to_o kneel_v or_o to_o stand_v in_o pray_v nor_o direct_v whether_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n there_o shall_v be_v several_a distinct_a and_o short_a prayer_n use_v for_o several_a thing_n or_o whether_o all_o prayer_n matter_n fit_a for_o a_o public_a assembly_n shall_v be_v comprise_v in_o one_o or_o more_o long_a prayer_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v touch_v several_a external_a circumstance_n that_o be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o public_a worship_n this_o be_v the_o case_n it_o will_v necessary_o fall_v under_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o who_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o form_n a_o public_a constitution_n for_o worship_n which_o of_o these_o will_v tend_v most_o to_o the_o peace_n unity_n and_o edisication_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o decency_n and_o order_n whether_o to_o leave_v all_o aside_o termine_v circumstance_n of_o worship_n to_o every_o one_o choice_n who_o be_v to_o administer_v the_o holy_a thing_n or_o in_o these_o thing_n to_o choose_v for_o they_o and_o to_o determine_v by_o a_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n what_o shall_v be_v observe_v suppose_v we_o then_o that_o upon_o serious_a consideration_n and_o consultation_n they_o come_v to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o to_o leave_v all_o both_o minister_n and_o people_n to_o their_o own_o choice_n in_o such_o undetermined_a circumstance_n in_o god_n public_a worship_n will_v tend_v to_o great_a division_n disorder_n and_o confusion_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o general_a liberty_n and_o that_o then_o we_o shall_v have_v one_o oppose_v another_o in_o their_o different_a way_n and_o make_v of_o party_n one_o against_o another_o to_o endless_a branglement_n and_o to_o the_o eat_v out_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o suppose_v also_o that_o upon_o such_o consideration_n as_o these_o they_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n to_o determine_v all_o undetermined_a circumstance_n of_o public_a worship_n by_o the_o use_n of_o a_o liturgy_n except_o only_o what_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o pulpit_n as_o that_o which_o tend_v most_o in_o their_o judgement_n to_o peace_n unity_n edification_n order_n and_o decency_n and_o when_o they_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o in_o general_n they_o will_v necessary_o be_v lead_v to_o 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to_o the_o corrupt_a of_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o it_o but_o only_o to_o the_o order_n of_o some_o less_o useful_a circumstance_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o external_a manner_n of_o performance_n of_o that_o worship_n there_o will_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o separate_n from_o communion_n in_o it_o upon_o that_o account_n for_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n which_o be_v every_o lord_n day_n perform_v in_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n according_a to_o our_o liturgy_n be_v oblige_v to_o prove_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n against_o it_o if_o they_o will_v justify_v their_o separation_n from_o it_o either_o first_o that_o the_o worship_n be_v corrupt_a in_o the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o it_o or_o second_o that_o the_o fault_n or_o defect_n in_o the_o external_n manner_n of_o performance_n of_o it_o be_v such_o as_o do_v fall_v short_a of_o and_o
one_o they_o be_v strict_o bind_v up_o by_o particular_a determination_n in_o the_o other_o they_o be_v leave_v more_o at_o large_a to_o govern_v themselves_o to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o understanding_n by_o general_a rule_n and_o the_o different_a circumstance_n under_o which_o christian_n be_v in_o several_a nation_n will_v necessitate_v they_o to_o use_v some_o difference_n in_o practice_n even_o while_o they_o govern_v themselves_o by_o the_o same_o general_a rule_n do_v all_o thing_n to_o edify_v let_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n rule_n in_o your_o heart_n to_o which_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o body_n be_v two_o general_a rule_n and_o christian_n be_v to_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o in_o order_v their_o practice_n the_o same_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n will_v not_o tend_v both_o to_o edification_n and_o to_o peace_n also_o at_o one_o time_n and_o in_o one_o place_n which_o will_v do_v so_o at_o another_o these_o rule_n touch_v edification_n and_o peace_n will_v lead_v a_o man_n to_o do_v otherwise_o in_o his_o communion_n in_o public_a worship_n with_o the_o church_n in_o france_n in_o geneva_n in_o holland_n if_o he_o shall_v sojourn_v in_o these_o place_n than_o he_o do_v while_o he_o be_v here_o in_o england_n and_o observe_v the_o usage_n of_o this_o national_a church_n for_o it_o will_v not_o tend_v to_o peace_n and_o edification_n for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o make_v a_o disturbance_n by_o labour_v to_o set_v on_o foot_n among_o they_o all_o the_o same_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n he_o have_v be_v accustom_v to_o here_o because_o he_o like_v they_o better_o and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o such_o as_o come_v from_o those_o foreign_a church_n to_o sojourn_v here_o or_o in_o any_o other_o reform_a church_n the_o right_a way_n of_o maintain_v true_a catholic_n communion_n be_v to_o refuse_v communion_n with_o no_o church_n in_o any_o country_n that_o be_v orthodox_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o 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excel_v it_o the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v in_o prayer_n be_v better_a and_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n than_o that_o of_o stand_v yet_o that_o do_v not_o make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o pray_v stand_v one_o version_n of_o the_o psalm_n be_v more_o useful_a to_o its_o end_n than_o another_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o join_v with_o those_o who_o use_v that_o which_o be_v less_o useful_a nay_o i_o will_v say_v more_o than_o this_o that_o mode_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v best_a under_o some_o circumstance_n be_v not_o so_o under_o other_o as_o when_o it_o can_v be_v use_v without_o cause_v such_o a_o division_n in_o the_o church_n as_o will_v produce_v most_o pernicious_a effect_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o to_o religion_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o dissenter_n ought_v to_o esteem_v it_o better_a to_o join_v in_o the_o worship_n perform_v by_o the_o liturgy_n than_o in_o that_o perform_v in_o their_o assembly_n under_o the_o ill_a circumstance_n which_o do_v attend_v it_o though_o they_o esteem_v they_o to_o be_v better_a abstract_o consider_v 6._o if_o a_o less_o degree_n of_o usefulness_n in_o the_o external_a manner_n of_o worship_n shall_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o separation_n from_o communion_n in_o it_o where_o it_o be_v use_v our_o church_n division_n will_v be_v irreparable_a and_o beyond_o all_o remedy_n in_o who_o hand_n soever_o the_o order_v the_o external_a circumstance_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_n may_v fall_v be_v they_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o or_o any_o other_o for_o when_o they_o shall_v have_v do_v the_o best_a they_o can_v therein_o there_o will_v be_v other_o who_o will_v find_v out_o some_o circumstantial_a defect_n in_o it_o that_o will_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o perhaps_o according_a to_o truth_n too_o render_v it_o less_o useful_a than_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v there_o be_v such_o a_o difference_n in_o the_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n of_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n themselves_o and_o much_o more_o in_o those_o that_o be_v weak_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a unless_o they_o be_v all_o divine_o inspire_v that_o they_o shall_v all_o agree_v to_o a_o circumstance_n in_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o the_o external_a manner_n of_o worship_n but_o that_o some_o will_v think_v this_o and_o other_o will_v think_v that_o may_v have_v be_v better_o do_v than_o it_o be_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n therefore_o unless_o we_o resolve_v to_o perpetuate_v division_n and_o separation_n to_o take_v up_o with_o the_o best_a external_a way_n and_o manner_n of_o public_a worship_n we_o can_v obtain_v from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o nation_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v competent_o useful_a to_o its_o end_n and_o not_o to_o divide_v and_o separate_v upon_o account_n of_o our_o esteem_v it_o less_o useful_a than_o we_o desire_v for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o the_o best_a wisdom_n that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o nation_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o any_o way_n or_o mean_n of_o cure_v our_o church_n division_n and_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o our_o unchristianlike_a separation_n and_o to_o give_v liberty_n for_o every_o one_o to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o esteem_v best_o be_v far_a of_o all_o from_o work_v such_o a_o rule_n object_n but_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v and_o indeed_o be_v allege_v by_o some_o that_o since_o every_o man_n be_v to_o worship_n and_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o best_a manner_n he_o can_v it_o follow_v that_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v one_o way_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o he_o esteem_v better_a than_o another_o he_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o when_o he_o have_v opportunity_n of_o do_v so_o and_o by_o this_o those_o that_o do_v esteem_v the_o external_a manner_n of_o worship_n use_v in_o separate_a assembly_n to_o be_v better_a than_o that_o perform_v by_o the_o liturgy_n in_o parochial_a congregation_n do_v labour_n to_o defend_v their_o separation_n to_o this_o several_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v say_v 1._o in_o order_v the_o mode_n or_o manner_n of_o public_a worship_n respect_n be_v to_o be_v have_v not_o to_o what_o be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o one_o sort_n of_o man_n only_o but_o to_o what_o be_v useful_a and_o profitable_a for_o the_o whole_a community_n as_o well_o those_o who_o be_v of_o a_o low_a capacity_n as_o those_o of_o a_o high_a as_o well_o those_o who_o desire_v a_o liturgy_n as_o those_o that_o do_v not_o and_o to_o what_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o preserve_v peace_n among_o they_o and_o when_o the_o government_n to_o this_o end_n have_v order_v that_o part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n shall_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o liturgy_n and_o have_v allow_v a_o liberty_n of_o perform_v part_n of_o it_o without_o by_o pulpit_n prayer_n provision_n be_v thereby_o make_v to_o accommodate_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o external_a manner_n of_o worship_n and_o christian_a ingenuity_n and_o charity_n which_o seek_v not_o her_o own_o will_v teach_v man_n to_o be_v content_a that_o other_o shall_v be_v accommodate_v as_o well_o as_o themselves_o in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o may_v rather_o than_o to_o make_v a_o division_n in_o the_o church_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o order_v just_a as_o they_o will_v have_v they_o and_o of_o this_o true_o christian_a strain_n be_v st._n paul_n which_o make_v he_o say_v i_o please_v all_o man_n in_o all_o thing_n not_o seek_v my_o own_o profit_n but_o the_o profit_n of_o many_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v 1_o cor._n 10.33_o and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n from_o age_n to_o age_n that_o it_o be_v best_o for_o the_o church_n all_o thing_n consider_v that_o the_o