Selected quad for the lemma: scripture_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
scripture_n according_a church_n father_n 2,430 5 4.8831 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A27637 The principles of Protestant truth and peace in four treatises : viz. the true state of liberty of conscience, in freedom from penal laws and church-censures, the obligations to national true religion, the nature of scandal, paricularly as it relates to indifferent things, a Catholick catechism, shewing the true grounds upon which the Catholick religion is ascertained / by Tho. Beverley ... Beverley, Thomas. 1683 (1683) Wing B2188A; ESTC R12543 325,863 502

There are 12 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

can_v we_o have_v of_o it_o quest_n but_o how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o there_o must_v be_v tradition_n see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o thing_n speak_v and_o do_v more_o than_o the_o scripture_n contain_v or_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v contain_v if_o they_o be_v all_o write_v these_o then_o be_v know_v in_o the_o first_o time_n have_v be_v conserve_v by_o tradition_n tradition_n make_v valuable_a by_o those_o of_o honourable_a name_n among_o christian_n and_o their_o discourse_n of_o christianity_n answ_n grant_v such_o thing_n so_o preserve_v suppose_v they_o the_o action_n and_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o yet_o if_o not_o write_v by_o inspire_a penman_n they_o be_v not_o recommend_v as_o obligatory_a upon_o after-age_n for_o whatever_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o may_v believe_v and_o have_v eternal_a life_n be_v so_o write_v and_o that_o not_o only_o just_a so_o much_o as_o may_v serve_v necessity_n for_o that_o the_o one_o gospel_n of_o st._n jo●●_n may_v serve_v to_o that_o itself_o witness_v but_o also_o be_v matter_n of_o bounty_n and_o abundance_n so_o that_o out_o of_o that_o great_a world_n of_o truth_n than_o our_o world_n can_v receive_v there_o be_v so_o much_o select_v as_o be_v bountiful_o sufficient_a and_o abundant_a to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n of_o clearness_n certainty_n enforcement_n upon_o the_o affection_n variety_n continual_a exercise_n and_o delight_n that_o so_o every_o christian_n may_v be_v thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n to_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n as_o for_o all_o that_o christ_n do_v and_o speak_v or_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v or_o do_v by_o infallible_a guidance_n and_o immediate_a assistance_n if_o it_o be_v not_o write_v a_o veil_n be_v draw_v over_o it_o and_o a_o cloud_n have_v receive_v it_o out_o of_o our_o sight_n it_o be_v a_o secret_a thing_n that_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o but_o be_v seal_v up_o from_o we_o like_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o thunder_v utter_v in_o the_o revelation_n and_o indeed_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n seem_v to_o have_v deal_v with_o all_o such_o say_n or_o action_n as_o with_o the_o body_n of_o moses_n all_o monument_n of_o worth_n and_o certainty_n after_o scripture_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o be_v conceal_v from_o we_o there_o be_v a_o great_a darkness_n upon_o the_o history_n of_o that_o time_n lest_o we_o shall_v superstitious_o venerate_v in_o place_n of_o that_o which_o be_v divine_o write_v and_o preserve_v to_o we_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o prepare_v for_o our_o learning_n and_o so_o to_o we_o but_o as_o a_o body_n not_o divine_o inspire_v that_o be_v a_o body_n without_o a_o soul_n all_o too_o fierce_a dispute_n about_o they_o be_v therefore_o raise_v only_o by_o satan_n the_o enemy_n of_o light_n and_o truth_n to_o no_o other_o purpose_n than_o that_o about_o the_o body_n of_o moses_n that_o be_v to_o find_v a_o occasion_n of_o superstition_n and_o silent_o to_o whisper_v scripture_n be_v not_o sufficient_a and_o yet_o we_o see_v with_o what_o a_o eager_a zeal_n man_n be_v set_v upon_o such_o researche_n not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o proportion_n of_o manna_n allow_v by_o god_n but_o even_o as_o the_o israelite_n that_o gather_v much_o have_v nothing_o over_o so_o may_v it_o be_v true_o say_v of_o those_o that_o will_v abound_v beyond_o scripture_n in_o that_o which_o pertain_v to_o the_o true_a guidance_n of_o conscience_n that_o they_o have_v nothing_o over_o and_o what_o they_o will_v needs_o keep_v as_o such_o corrupt_v quest_n be_v there_o reason_n sufficient_a to_o support_v this_o sentiment_n answ_n this_o great_a reason_n if_o we_o have_v undoubted_a but_o not_o inspire_v history_n of_o that_o time_n it_o can_v not_o be_v like_o the_o evangelistick_a history_n or_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o we_o we_o shall_v in_o some_o thing_n want_v the_o application_n and_o direction_n to_o our_o use_n dictate_v by_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o other_o the_o unerring_a censure_n of_o even_a apostolic_a action_n as_o in_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n galat._n 2._o 11._o now_o because_o our_o conscience_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v draw_v into_o subjection_n to_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a reputation_n and_o yet_o there_o will_v be_v no_o divine_a authority_n to_o draw_v they_o nor_o infallible_a authority_n to_o support_v they_o in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v the_o absolute_a will_n of_o god_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o subjection_n god_n have_v therefore_o in_o his_o providence_n leave_v that_o time_n so_o much_o in_o the_o dark_a that_o we_o may_v trust_v in_o his_o write_a word_n only_o for_o separate_v immediate_a divine_a presence_n from_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o there_o remain_v nothing_o at_o the_o high_a but_o the_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n of_o understanding_n and_o good_a man_n apply_v general_a rule_n to_o particular_a case_n time_n place_n and_o event_n as_o they_o for_o that_o time_n can_v best_o judge_v and_o yet_o beside_o the_o variation_n of_o circumstance_n in_o every_o age_n they_o themselves_o be_v as_o man_n subject_n to_o mistake_n as_o nathan_n about_o david_n building_n the_o temple_n as_o paul_n assay_v to_o go_v into_o bythinia_n to_o like_o passion_n with_o other_o man_n as_o in_o the_o contention_n betwixt_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n to_o like_o temptation_n as_o in_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o peter_n before_o refer_v to_o all_o they_o do_v and_o say_v not_o shine_v with_o immediate_a light_n from_o heaven_n must_v be_v try_v in_o the_o light_n of_o what_o themselves_o together_o with_o all_o the_o other_o penman_n of_o scripture_n have_v write_v they_o themselves_o therefore_o act_v or_o speak_v by_o way_n of_o prudence_n or_o general_a assistance_n must_v be_v try_v by_o themselves_o act_v or_o speak_v according_a to_o revelation_n and_o special_a assistance_n in_o which_o only_o they_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v authoritative_a quest_n but_o it_o still_o remain_v there_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o so_o sit_v for_o vulgar_a knowledge_n and_o so_o be_v secrete_v into_o tradition_n apart_o from_o scripture_n and_o that_o tradition_n deposit_v with_o trusty_a man_n who_o shall_v successive_o so_o deposit_v it_o that_o it_o may_v at_o convenient_a season_n be_v bring_v forth_o as_o goliah_n sword_n from_o behind_o the_o ephod_n answ_n none_o like_o it_o indeed_o to_o serve_v a_o purpose_n but_o to_o satisfy_v reason_n and_o conscience_n nothing_o so_o improper_a for_o first_o let_v these_o traditionary_n give_v clear_a exposition_n and_o such_o as_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v acquiesce_v in_o of_o the_o prophetic_a or_o otherwise_o dark_a place_n of_o scripture_n if_o they_o can_v do_v that_o where_o be_v the_o wisdom_n above_o the_o vulgar_a and_o why_o do_v not_o tradition_n without_o scripture_n enclose_v those_o mysterious_a vision_n of_o the_o revelation_n from_o popular_a inspection_n but_o the_o thing_n tradition_n be_v employ_v indeed_o in_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o nature_n either_o the_o prelation_n of_o man_n in_o church-office_n and_o dignity_n or_o some_o rite_n of_o worship_n that_o shall_v change_v devotion_n into_o superstition_n or_o lull_v it_o into_o ignorance_n or_o some_o canon_n that_o turn_v religion_n into_o trade_n or_o doctrine_n suit_v to_o that_o end_n or_o which_o serve_v to_o all_o such_o purpose_n a_o tradition_n to_o call_v back_o all_o scripture_n out_o of_o the_o write_a word_n into_o oral_a tradition_n by_o lock_v it_o up_o in_o a_o tongue_n unknown_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n and_o yet_o if_o there_o be_v any_o seem_o pure_a or_o more_o contemplational_a tradition_n see_v they_o be_v not_o enrol_v into_o scripture_n they_o must_v as_o have_v be_v say_v give_v such_o evidence_n of_o themselves_o as_o divine_a revelation_n have_v or_o be_v at_o their_o high_a but_o enthusiasm_n and_o fanaticism_n quest_n but_o what_o esteem_n be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o the_o write_n and_o iransaction_n of_o the_o ancient_n who_o we_o call_v father_n doctor_n of_o the_o church_n man_n of_o eminent_a holiness_n great_a ability_n confessor_n and_o martyr_n of_o christianity_n answ_n it_o may_v be_v easy_o judge_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v already_o that_o they_o must_v be_v bring_v to_o scripture_n lay_v at_o its_o foot_n and_o submit_v to_o its_o acceptance_n whether_o according_a to_o its_o true_a sense_n or_o not_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n when_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o upon_o they_o can_v not_o exceed_v humane_a how_o much_o less_o can_v any_o of_o a_o low_a class_n pretend_v the_o father_n therefore_o have_v so_o great_a a_o awe_n of_o scripture_n that_o they_o do_v not_o assume_v any_o thing_n to_o themselves_o or_o their_o write_n or_o yield_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o person_n or_o write_n of_o those_o of_o the_o same_o time_n with_o they_o but_o
to_o do_v from_o that_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o day_n and_o have_v also_o actuate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o those_o fundamental_o of_o it_o according_a as_o its_o interest_n have_v lead_v it_o in_o some_o age_n more_o in_o some_o less_o as_o shall_v be_v present_o more_o discover_v quest_n have_v then_o the_o scripture_n those_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n and_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o doctor_n upon_o they_o in_o such_o a_o length_n of_o time_n with_o what_o reason_n can_v it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o anti_n or_o antichristian-church_n answ_n with_o very_o great_a reason_n because_o by_o a_o multitude_n of_o addition_n foul_a idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a corruption_n and_o false_a interpretation_n upon_o the_o scripture_n the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n and_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o ancient_n shameful_o interpolate_v and_o by_o spurious_a write_n under_o their_o name_n despite_v it_o have_v turn_v whole_a christianity_n into_o a_o very_a contrary_a thing_n to_o itself_o while_o therefore_o it_o hold_v those_o point_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o record_n of_o it_o in_o veneration_n and_o yet_o support_v all_o its_o falsehood_n thereby_o it_o become_v perfect_o a_o antichurch_n or_o antichristian_a it_o have_v in_o regard_n of_o those_o article_n of_o truth_n it_o hold_v and_o actuate_v so_o much_o as_o to_o have_v the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o christian_a and_o yet_o have_v they_o so_o falsify_v corrupt_v and_o change_v from_o themselves_o it_o become_v a_o mock-church_n a_o mock-christianity_n that_o be_v a_o antichurch_n and_o anti-christian_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o true-church_n and_o true-christianity_n and_o as_o to_o its_o actuation_n of_o truth_n it_o have_v so_o actuate_v truth_n as_o to_o actuate_v by_o truth_n its_o own_o falsehood_n and_o lie_v upon_o truth_n quest_n how_o then_o do_v it_o rise_v to_o such_o a_o eminency_n and_o pretence_n of_o be_v catholic_n and_o public_a answ_n the_o many_o concurrence_n of_o divine_a providence_n under_o his_o deep_a and_o unsearchable_a judgement_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o relation_n to_o that_o state_n he_o have_v appoint_v for_o his_o church_n i_o leave_v to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n and_o roman_a empire_n in_o those_o time_n by_o which_o may_v be_v understand_v how_o the_o papacy_n take_v the_o advantage_n to_o exalt_v itself_o not_o only_o above_o the_o episcopal_a chair_n then_o in_o a_o ambitious_a contest_v for_o supremacy_n but_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n that_o be_v the_o imperial_a power_n itself_o and_o so_o set_v its_o foot_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o christian_a prince_n throughout_o the_o world_n till_o the_o great_a cheat_n begin_v to_o be_v detect_v and_o all_o this_o by_z and_o upon_o pretence_n of_o be_v the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o head_n of_o the_o catholic_n that_o be_v the_o roman-church_n quest_n these_o thing_n i_o confess_v not_o so_o convenient_a to_o my_o inquiry_n i_o desire_v only_o to_o know_v how_o in_o the_o middle_n of_o so_o many_o horrible_a corruption_n this_o antichurch_n can_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o vaunt_v itself_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n answ_n take_v the_o utmost_a benefit_n of_o its_o antiquity_n in_o the_o christian-faith_n and_o fundamental_o of_o it_o and_o especial_o of_o the_o conspicuousness_n and_o famousness_n of_o its_o state_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o corruption_n grow_v up_o by_o degree_n and_o not_o so_o observable_o as_o at_o once_o for_o papal_a rome_n be_v not_o build_v in_o a_o day_n it_o usurp_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o its_o own_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n in_o its_o infallibility_n the_o key_n of_o power_n in_o open_v and_o shut_v heaven_n gate_n so_o as_o that_o in_o the_o darkness_n then_o overspread_v the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n ignorance_n the_o mother_n of_o false-devotion_n so_o bewitch_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o they_o all_o wonder_v after_o the_o roman-state_n as_o new_o model_v under_o the_o beast_n arm_v with_o two_o horn_n like_o those_o of_o a_o lamb_n counterfeit_v power_n from_o christ_n the_o lamb_n but_o that_o speak_v as_o a_o dragon_n pursue_v all_o be_v pretend_o christian_n decree_n with_o the_o extreme_a salvageness_n of_o any_o of_o the_o great_a earthly_a tyrant_n but_o all_o under_o a_o mask_n of_o the_o catholic_n apostolic_a church_n by_o which_o fascination_n of_o zeal_n to_o the_o most_o excellent_a religion_n though_o so_o vitiate_v prince_n and_o people_n surrender_v their_o power_n to_o this_o great_a sorceress_n use_v at_o once_o all_o the_o fraud_n and_o cheat_n of_o false-prophesie_n and_o the_o art_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o most_o design_v universal_a monarchy_n thus_o while_o this_o antichurch_n steal_v into_o power_n by_o the_o best_a appearance_n of_o true-religion_n and_o secure_v it_o by_o all_o the_o blandishment_n of_o a_o meretricious_a religion_n it_o find_v itself_o so_o strong_a as_o to_o force_v its_o false-religion_n by_o its_o power_n and_o use_v both_o together_o raise_v the_o grandeur_n of_o both_o a_o secular_a and_o spiritual_a tyranny_n to_o such_o a_o height_n quest_n but_o how_o do_v the_o true-church_n in_o this_o time_n actuate_v truth_n or_o agree_v with_o those_o character_n of_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n answ_n it_o be_v by_o the_o might_n and_o prevalency_n of_o this_o secular_a and_o spiritual_a tyranny_n so_o suppress_v that_o it_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n know_v only_o to_o god_n who_o reserve_v a_o number_n to_o himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o great_a a_o defection_n wherein_o that_o promise_n be_v make_v good_a the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n expose_v and_o actuate_a truth_n pure_a from_o those_o corruption_n be_v hardly_o and_o very_o hardly_o to_o be_v find_v in_o history_n in_o any_o of_o the_o line_n and_o motion_n of_o it_o in_o the_o most_o dark_a and_o dolesom_a period_n of_o that_o defection_n quest_n how_o be_v it_o with_o the_o true-church_n recover_v itself_o from_o this_o great_a darkness_n answ_n god_n raise_v up_o by_o extraordinary_a measure_n of_o though_o but_o a_o ordinary_a presence_n such_o who_o by_o indefatigable_a search_n into_o his_o truth_n and_o word_n and_o those_o record_n of_o christianity_n that_o antichurch_n be_v concern_v to_o preserve_v because_o as_o be_v say_v it_o can_v not_o without_o so_o much_o of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o antichurch_n and_o by_o bold_a publication_n of_o it_o shake_v so_o that_o enchant_a city_n that_o a_o ten_o part_n of_o it_o fall_v and_o by_o the_o great_a contrivance_n of_o providence_n even_o the_o chief_a of_o that_o antichurch_n be_v force_v by_o way_n of_o repercussion_n to_o raise_v great_a light_n by_o endeavour_n to_o defend_v themselves_o from_o scripture_n antiquity_n and_o reason_n by_o the_o summons_n of_o all_o that_o learning_n wit_n and_o industry_n can_v levy_v in_o their_o defence_n so_o that_o they_o be_v necessitate_v to_o awaken_v out_o of_o that_o barbarity_n and_o ignorance_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v so_o long_o drown_v and_o to_o actuate_v even_o truth_n more_o fierce_o that_o they_o may_v together_o with_o it_o make_v as_o potent_a and_o prevalent_a as_o they_o can_v and_o give_v countenance_n to_o those_o great_a falsehood_n they_o have_v interweave_v with_o it_o from_o all_o which_o break_v out_o such_o a_o light_n in_o the_o world_n that_o prince_n rouse_v themselves_o and_o no_o long_o crouch_v down_o under_o such_o a_o intoxicated_a servitude_n which_o have_v long_o gall_v and_o pinch_v they_o but_o that_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o rid_v themselves_o from_o it_o till_o the_o sorcery_n be_v lay_v bare_a which_o still_o give_v great_a scope_n for_o the_o display_v of_o truth_n quest_n can_v the_o scripture_n be_v inconscious_a or_o silent_a concern_v so_o great_a revolution_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o these_o answ_n it_o be_v in_o all_o true_a reason_n most_o impossible_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a argument_n that_o those_o great_a place_n of_o scripture_n that_o do_v so_o notorious_o agree_v to_o such_o a_o purpose_n as_o the_o discovery_n of_o this_o antichristian_a state_n be_v just_o apply_v to_o it_o by_o protestant_a interpreter_n quest_n if_o you_o please_v point_v i_o to_o the_o chief_a of_o those_o place_n you_o refer_v to_o answ_n i_o will_v do_v it_o very_o brief_o as_o be_v too_o large_a for_o the_o present_a purpose_n to_o enumerate_v many_o or_o enlarge_v upon_o any_o of_o they_o but_o what_o more_o proper_a to_o delineate_v such_o a_o state_n than_o the_o apostasy_n the_o apostle_n describe_v 2_o thess_n 2._o 3._o and_o 1_o timoth._n 1._o 4._o or_o than_o the_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n revel_v 12._o 14._o the_o witness_n prophesy_v
peace_n and_o welfare_n and_o to_o punish_v offender_n and_o transgressor_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o gild_n and_o can_v no_o more_o be_v impeach_v in_o that_o procedure_n than_o in_o any_o the_o most_o undoubted_a function_n or_o right_n of_o government_n whatever_o quest_n i_o must_v desire_v to_o be_v guide_v in_o my_o thought_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o governor_n in_o reveal_v religion_n answ_n beside_o the_o legislative_a and_o vindictive_a power_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n in_o natural_a religion_n there_o be_v that_o divine_a stamp_n of_o authority_n god_n have_v engrave_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o beside_o their_o law_n they_o recommend_v religion_n by_o the_o very_a representation_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o presence_n they_o bear_v and_o have_v not_o only_o the_o more_o remote_a authority_n of_o a_o prince_n but_o the_o near_a most_o natural_a and_o kind_o authority_n of_o a_o father_n on_o account_n of_o which_o solomon_n as_o a_o king_n so_o often_o speak_v hear_v o_o you_o child_n the_o instruction_n of_o a_o father_n and_o as_o have_v all_o parental_a affection_n in_o himself_o forsake_v not_o say_v he_o the_o law_n of_o a_o mother_n the_o care_n of_o all_o mean_n for_o instruction_n and_o propagation_n of_o religion_n be_v most_o proper_a to_o government_n and_o all_o these_o administration_n in_o religion_n run_v not_o only_o through_o all_o point_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o that_o ampleness_n before_o express_v but_o do_v most_o genuine_o and_o free_o stream_n through_o all_o point_n of_o reveal_v truth_n and_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n nothing_o be_v more_o princely_a and_o paternal_a than_o the_o utmost_a providence_n and_o influence_n of_o prince_n and_o sovereign_a state_n herein_o wherein_o they_o fulfil_v the_o prophecy_n of_o king_n be_v nurse_n father_n and_o queen_n nurse_n mother_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n between_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n natural_a religion_n be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o may_v certain_o be_v find_v there_o however_o it_o come_v to_o be_v know_v clear_o and_o true_o only_o by_o revelation_n and_o so_o may_v be_v absolute_o command_v but_o reveal_v religion_n be_v record_v by_o faith_n and_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v command_v but_o must_v be_v expect_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o instruction_n but_o if_o any_o man_n profess_v to_o believe_v reveal_v religion_n to_o have_v receive_v it_o as_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o god_n it_o be_v then_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n he_o shall_v deport_v himself_o in_o it_o and_o towards_o it_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n nebuchadnezzer_n darius_n and_o the_o king_n of_o nineveh_n their_o law_n be_v right_o ground_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n concern_v the_o true_a god_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o 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 o●_n jesus_n christ_n we_o find_v no_o track_n of_o humane_a power_n b●●●ll_o be_v do_v by_o instrument_n fit_v from_o heaven_n naked_a of_o ●ll_o humane_a authority_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o th●_n 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n till_o prince_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 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 it_o may_v be_v make_v the_o clear_a will_v you_o give_v the_o distinction_n between_o sovereign_a power_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o be_v both_o call_v ruler_n they_o be_v both_o call_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n answ_n this_o be_v indeed_o most_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v as_o tend_v much_o to_o illustrate_v this_o whole_a matter_n 1._o the_o power_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n lie_v whole_o and_o entire_o in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o minister_v without_o which_o their_o person_n be_v invest_v with_o no_o power_n or_o authority_n at_o all_o but_o there_o be_v a_o sacred_a character_n upon_o sovereign_a power_n and_o their_o very_a person_n so_o that_o reverence_n prostration_n obeisance_n honourable_a title_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n be_v due_a to_o they_o even_o when_o their_o command_n in_o some_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a can_v be_v obey_v as_o appear_v every_o where_n in_o scripture_n 2._o the_o authority_n power_n and_o majesty_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n remain_v inviolable_a and_o not_o to_o be_v invade_v by_o any_o no_o not_o by_o those_o who_o have_v commission_n to_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o temporal_a power_n in_o order_n to_o spiritual_n confer_v by_o christ_n or_o ordain_v to_o his_o minister_n to_o create_v a_o civil-spiritual_a power_n within_o a_o civil_a and_o to_o rencontre_v it_o but_o prince_n be_v in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n within_o their_o own_o dominion_n under_o god_n and_o according_a to_o his_o appointment_n supreme_a governor_n so_o contrary_a be_v scripture_n to_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o antichurch_n herein_o all_o religious_a prince_n guide_v themselves_o by_o god_n word_n have_v great_a power_n and_o authority_n not_o only_o by_o that_o word_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o authority_n and_o majesty_n god_n have_v clothe_v they_o with_o as_o his_o vicegerent_n to_o direct_v and_o govern_v according_a to_o truth_n wherein_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v please_v often_o to_o be_v so_o immediate_o present_a with_o they_o that_o a_o divine_a sentence_n be_v in_o the_o king_n lip_n that_o they_o may_v direct_v according_a to_o truth_n and_o in_o all_o truth_n they_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v not_o only_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n but_o for_o that_o authority_n sake_n also_o god_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o 3._o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n lose_v their_o power_n by_o err_v from_o truth_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o of_o what_o authority_n be_v the_o false_a prophet_n or_o the_o false_a teacher_n but_o prince_n and_o sovereign_a power_n have_v a_o power_n though_o misapply_v to_o vindicate_v their_o authority_n upon_o those_o that_o can_v obey_v they_o except_o they_o shall_v disobey_v god_n to_o obey_v magistrate_n which_o none_o dare_v assert_v that_o acknowledge_v god_n in_o which_o power_n magistrate_n must_v not_o be_v resist_v even_o while_o they_o cause_v man_n to_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n 4._o the_o admonition_n excommunication_n anathema_n of_o church_n ruler_n have_v no_o force_n when_o not_o ground_v upon_o divine_a truth_n nor_o aught_o to_o make_v impression_n upon_o conscience_n but_o to_o be_v reject_v with_o disdain_n but_o the_o penal_a sentence_n and_o vindictive_a decree_n of_o sovereign_a power_n have_v their_o effect_n so_o far_o even_o when_o they_o be_v unjust_a as_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o ordination_n of_o power_n appoint_v by_o god_n though_o use_v to_o a_o wrong_a purpose_n where_o the_o word_n of_o a_o king_n be_v there_o be_v power_n and_o his_o wrath_n be_v as_o the_o roar_a of_o a_o lion_n and_o it_o be_v so_o appoint_v by_o god_n against_o such_o a_o supreme_a executive_a power_n arm_v with_o the_o supreme_a legislative_a power_n of_o a_o nation_n there_o be_v no_o rise_n up_o no_o remedy_n but_o appeal_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o tear_n quest_n this_o whole_a account_n may_v be_v much_o illustrate_v if_o it_o be_v declare_v on_o the_o other_o side_n what_o obedience_n be_v due_a to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n whether_o extraordinary_a as_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n or_o ordinary_a as_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n even_o when_o supreme_a magistrate_n command_v the_o contrary_a answ_n the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v of_o so_o supreme_a authority_n that_o though_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o be_v of_o no_o authority_n separate_v from_o that_o word_n yet_o the_o word_n and_o ●●uth_n o●_n god_n of_o which_o they_o be_v ambassador_n be_v much_o high●●_n 〈◊〉_d ●he_v king_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o there_o be_v no_o compare_n between_o th●_n one_o and_o the_o other_o god_n therefore_o raise_v up_o extraordinary_o what_o messenger_n he_o please_v and_o send_v they_o with_o what_o message_n he_o think_v good_a to_o what_o prince_n or_o magistrate_n soever_o because_o immediate_o 〈◊〉_d god_n the_o
we_o whatever_a small_a distinction_n make_v the_o they_o and_o the_o we_o be_v both_o one_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n we_o ought_v therefore_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o all_o so_o unite_v though_o not_o bind_v up_o in_o the_o same_o form_n with_o we_o for_o a_o gracious_a audience_n and_o reception_n of_o their_o and_o our_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o union_n in_o the_o main_a may_v convey_v all_o our_o service_n into_o one_o before_o god_n where_o indeed_o if_o they_o be_v as_o he_o require_v they_o meet_v strip_v of_o all_o their_o outward_a circumstance_n form_n and_o ceremony_n faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v alone_o able_a to_o mount_v thither_o with_o they_o and_o service_n so_o raise_v can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v spare_v for_o small_a difference_n in_o a_o national_a religious_a interest_n for_o the_o angel_n of_o all_o such_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o our_o father_n in_o heaven_n if_o darius_n though_o a_o heathen_a prince_n have_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o virtue_n 10_o ezr._n 6._o 10_o of_o that_o true_a religion_n he_o be_v not_o of_o as_o to_o engage_v those_o of_o so_o great_a difference_n from_o he_o in_o their_o sense_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o son_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o who_o be_v all_o of_o the_o same_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n and_o know_v the_o force_n and_o energy_n of_o it_o by_o great_a act_n of_o favour_n to_o one_o another_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o can_v be_v whole_o one_o yet_o all_o join_v in_o pray_v for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o one_o another_o service_n and_o the_o service_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n whereof_o we_o be_v not_o only_o civil_a but_o religious_a member_n and_o if_o we_o be_v true_o religious_a shall_v be_v so_o account_v with_o god_n yet_o with_o the_o abatement_n of_o our_o sinful_a difference_n and_o division_n how_o shall_v we_o therefore_o unite_v that_o we_o may_v lose_v none_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v wrought_v but_o may_v receive_v a_o full_a reward_n rule_n 6._o it_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o our_o nation_n that_o if_o any_o man_n tru●y_o understand_v consider_v and_o pronounce_v of_o our_o national_a religion_n it_o stand_v in_o the_o scripture_n make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n in_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n repentance_n love_n of_o god_n fear_v of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n all_o act_n of_o justice_n love_n mercy_n compassion_n true_a sincere_a preach_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n prayer_n use_v of_o sacrament_n the_o lordsday_n religious_a discourse_n &_o conference_n catechetical_a instruction_n and_o education_n of_o youth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n restraint_n of_o atheism_n irreligion_n intemperance_n and_o sensuality_n general_o and_o throughout_o the_o nation_n compulsion_n of_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o man_n to_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n and_o his_o worship_n for_o what_o be_v hypocrisy_n in_o they_o may_v turn_v to_o the_o salvation_n of_o good_a man_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o say_v again_o that_o be_v true_o our_o national_a religion_n all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o order_n decency_n outward_a form_n or_o mode_n be_v but_o the_o vehicle_n the_o conveyance_n of_o that_o true_a religion_n if_o the_o main_a end_n of_o which_o be_v obtain_v viz._n that_o these_o religious_a act_n be_v perform_v but_o with_o that_o peace_n and_o freedom_n from_o confusion_n confusion_n destructive_a of_o all_o public_a action_n and_o with_o that_o honourableness_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o every_o nation_n and_o this_o nation_n particular_o in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o religious_a worship_n it_o be_v enough_o and_o whatever_o on_o these_o account_n be_v command_v in_o our_o national_a religion_n i_o free_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v as_o reconcilable_a with_o these_o character_n forbear_v such_o who_o though_o agree_v in_o all_o main_a thing_n upon_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o understand_v they_o so_o can_v acquiesce_v in_o they_o as_o so_o who_o deserve_v compassion_n these_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v no_o partition-wall_n in_o our_o national_a worship_v of_o god_n one_o with_o another_o nor_o can_v they_o without_o great_a rigour_n and_o censor_n ousness_n very_o evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v condemn_v in_o those_o who_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o substantial_a national_a religion_n the_o publickness_n and_o more_o universal_a benefit_n of_o it_o wherein_o they_o be_v most_o true_o zealous_a pay_v obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o they_o rule_n 7._o let_v we_o all_o strive_v labour_n preach_v hear_v and_o pray_v and_o even_o suffer_v in_o the_o reformation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o endeavour_n to_o reform_v all_o other_o according_a to_o the_o most_o excellent_a rule_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n profess_v in_o this_o kingdom_n as_o our_o national_a religion_n that_o it_o may_v be_v find_v to_o praise_n honour_n and_o glory_n at_o the_o appear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v think_v worthy_a to_o stand_v before_o the_o son_n of_o man_n at_o his_o come_n before_o who_o nothing_o but_o the_o gold_n and_o precious_a stone_n of_o substantial_a truth_n and_o goodness_n can_v stand_v all_o else_o will_v be_v burn_v off_o as_o hay_o and_o chaff_n by_o the_o fire_n of_o that_o day_n and_o they_o that_o have_v be_v hot_a and_o contentious_a for_o they_o be_v save_v only_o as_o by_o fire_n with_o difficulty_n and_o loss_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o our_o union_n and_o love_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n may_v be_v to_o we_o a_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o presence_n of_o his_o protection_n and_o blessing_n that_o neither_o our_o candlestick_n may_v be_v remove_v nor_o our_o nation_n the_o present_a place_n of_o it_o be_v take_v away_o for_o general_o both_o be_v remove_v one_o with_o the_o other_o or_o soon_o after_o one_o another_o rule_n 8._o let_v no_o man_n be_v discourage_v from_o the_o most_o zealous_a affectionate_a join_v himself_o to_o and_o promote_a national_a religion_n because_o o●_n that_o veneration_n due_a to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o church_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n for_o a_o nation_n unite_v in_o true_a christian_a religion_n differ_v no_o more_o in_o the_o strict_a notion_n from_o a_o church_n than_o a_o body_n of_o man_n unite_v and_o consecrate_v to_o god_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n differ_v from_o a_o society_n unite_v and_o consecrate_v to_o god_n according_a to_o a_o institution_n that_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o institution_n plant_v in_o nature_n differ_v from_o a_o institution_n give_v by_o revelation_n for_o one_o be_v the_o appointment_n of_o god_n of_o old_a from_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o humane_a society_n the_o other_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o inability_n of_o it_o to_o its_o end_n a_o institution_n therefore_o do_v not_o repeal_v a_o natural_a law_n but_o take_v care_n it_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v and_o complete_v in_o its_o chief_a end_n israel_n be_v a_o church_n to_o god_n be_v so_o devote_v to_o he_o by_o his_o own_o institution_n and_o it_o be_v a_o holy_a nation_n according_a to_o the_o original_a 6._o exod._n 19_o 6._o law_n be_v elevate_v by_o the_o institution_n to_o its_o true_a perfection_n as_o a_o nation_n the_o christian_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n peter_n write_v as_o they_o be_v a_o church_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n so_o they_o be_v a_o holy_a nation_n as_o he_o style_v they_o succeed_v into_o the_o place_n of_o that_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n consecrate_a to_o god_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n upon_o nation_n though_o but_o stranger_n scatter_v abroad_o yet_o to_o show_v the_o 1●_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 1●_n great_a value_n god_n have_v of_o a_o nation_n devote_v to_o he_o they_o be_v style_v a_o holy_a nation_n the_o institution_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o seat_n 9_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 9_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n make_v a_o nation_n unite_v in_o that_o true_a religion_n both_o a_o church_n as_o that_o catholic_n church_n have_v thereby_o a_o residence_n in_o it_o and_o much_o more_o than_o those_o forementioned_a scatter_a jew_n a_o holy_a nation_n as_o it_o be_v national_o resign_v up_o to_o god_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n make_v perfect_a by_o the_o institution_n where_o then_o a_o nation_n be_v unite_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o purity_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o holy_a rule_n of_o practice_n the_o catholic_n love_n of_o all_o christian_n baptise_a into_o the_o same_o body_n make_v to_o drink_v into_o that_o one_o spirit_n in_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n minister_a the_o same_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n infallible_o deliver_v and_o seal_v with_o miracle_n all_o
its_o own_o depth_n the_o spirit_n to_o who_o be_v know_v all_o its_o own_o design_n from_o the_o first_o foundation_n or_o beginning_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o high_a stone_n in_o the_o structure_n or_o end_v of_o it_o the_o top_n be_v know_v to_o it_o in_o the_o very_a bottom_n the_o end_n in_o the_o beginning_n that_o therefore_o which_o be_v see_v to_o man_n only_o in_o the_o rudiment_n or_o foundation_n and_o seem_v to_o mean_v no_o more_o appear_v at_o that_o very_a time_n to_o he_o in_o the_o compliment_n and_o he_o apply_v it_o to_o that_o compliment_n as_o certain_o and_o just_o as_o they_o do_v to_o the_o first_o rudiment_n or_o foundation_n as_o out_o of_o egypt_n have_v i_o call_v my_o son_n be_v as_o true_o apply_v to_o christ_n come_n out_o of_o egypt_n be_v then_o come_v to_o its_o perfection_n of_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o israel_n come_v out_o of_o egypt_n in_o the_o first_o rudiment_n and_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o true_o mean_v the_o last_o as_o the_o first_o though_o none_o can_v know_v its_o sense_n but_o itself_o till_o itself_o reveal_v it_o quest_n how_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v the_o true_a key_n of_o interpretation_n commit_v to_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n answ_n by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o justify_v the_o first_o writer_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v commissioned_n by_o god_n great_a and_o weighty_a truth_n holy_a heavenly_a become_v god_n as_o the_o author_n such_o speech_n as_o none_o beside_o the_o writer_n of_o scripture_n ever_o speak_v all_o of_o a_o piece_n with_o former_a scripture_n miracle_n mighty_a efficacy_n upon_o conscience_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n the_o abolish_n of_o sin_n the_o end_v design_v in_o all_o the_o remove_v all_o low_a form_n and_o ceremony_n for_o the_o time_n be_v into_o a_o most_o high_a spiritual_n substantial_a religion_n true_a peace_n of_o conscience_n introduce_v these_o with_o innumerable_a other_o concur_v in_o any_o interpretation_n of_o former_a scripture_n that_o can_v not_o else_o be_v find_v out_o in_o its_o full_a mean_v do_v both_o enlighten_v former_a scripture_n and_o enlarge_v it_o into_o further_a and_o more_o scripture_n quest_n if_o then_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o interpret_n the_o old_a testament_n by_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n rest_v without_o measure_n on_o our_o saviour_n and_o in_o full_a measure_n on_o the_o apostle_n discover_v that_o sense_n in_o the_o ancient_a scripture_n which_o be_v indeed_o deposit_v there_o but_o can_v not_o be_v unlock_v by_o any_o create_a wisdom_n it_o will_v follow_v thence_o that_o it_o be_v a_o unnecessary_a labour_n of_o many_o worthy_a expositor_n of_o scripture_n to_o press_v too_o hard_o in_o every_o quotation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o find_v in_o the_o new_a for_o a_o free_a and_o full_a confession_n of_o all_o that_o sense_n it_o there_o express_v as_o if_o it_o can_v natural_o arise_v from_o so_o many_o word_n and_o syllable_n so_o put_v together_o have_v power_n and_o virtue_n by_o themselves_o to_o signify_v so_o high_a since_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v a_o reach_n in_o they_o which_o none_o can_v grasp_v or_o fathom_n but_o itself_o and_o contrive_v that_o sense_n so_o into_o word_n as_o none_o can_v summon_v it_o but_o itself_o and_o that_o it_o rest_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o bring_v it_o to_o light_n and_o reveal_v it_o into_o new_a and_o high_a scripture_n and_o that_o it_o appear_v as_o undeniable_o they_o do_v so_o as_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n itself_o be_v scripture_n answ_n the_o industry_n of_o such_o worthy_a person_n be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v to_o trace_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o old_a as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o go_v but_o if_o they_o can_v give_v satisfaction_n to_o cavil_v atheist_n or_o infidel_n or_o to_o the_o scruple_n of_o good_a man_n it_o still_o remain_v a_o just_a ground_n of_o satisfaction_n the_o spirit_n that_o carry_v by_o a_o almighty_a hand_n the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n carry_v those_o penman_n of_o the_o new_a by_o the_o same_o also_o and_o from_o one_o single_a glance_n of_o its_o mean_v that_o itself_o with_o divine_a artifice_n have_v leave_v draw_v there_o it_o derive_v that_o full_a face_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o new_a to_o be_v its_o sense_n in_o the_o old_a than_o that_o samson_n riddle_v in_o the_o exposition_n shall_v be_v his_o sense_n in_o the_o dark_a cover_n of_o it_o in_o word_n that_o can_v not_o else_o import_v it_o he_o that_o create_v the_o word_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o even_o then_o inspire_v they_o with_o that_o divine_a sense_n as_o with_o life_n may_v yet_o suffer_v it_o to_o lie_v entomb_v in_o they_o till_o itself_o that_o entrust_v it_o there_o give_v it_o a_o resurrection_n in_o the_o new_a quest_n but_o will_v you_o have_v none_o undertake_v in_o the_o interpret_n or_o expound_v scripture_n except_o by_o inspiration_n or_o the_o evidence_n of_o immediate_a divine_a presence_n where_o either_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o express_v as_o to_o be_v its_o own_o undoubted_a interpreter_n or_o the_o interpretation_n deduce_v as_o evident_o as_o any_o consequence_n by_o reason_n answ_n far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o discourage_v or_o lessen_v such_o undertake_n i_o rather_o wish_v all_o the_o lord_n people_n thus_o far_o prophet_n to_o search_v the_o mean_v of_o scripture_n with_o all_o the_o help_n and_o advantage_n they_o can_v attain_v and_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n all_o those_o who_o have_v any_o part_n of_o the_o prophetic_a office_n upon_o they_o will_v read_v and_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n to_o themselves_o and_o other_o quest_n but_o how_o be_v such_o interpretation_n consistent_a with_o the_o apostle_n so_o great_a assertion_n that_o scripture_n be_v not_o of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n answ_n first_o interpretation_n guide_v itself_o by_o the_o plain_a evident_a and_o self-interpreting_a oracle_n of_o scripture_n in_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n display_v a_o body_n of_o divine_a public_a truth_n which_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o darkness_n inattendence_n and_o inconsideration_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o very_a professor_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o much_o more_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a indisposedness_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o scripture_n need_v such_o constant_a display_v by_o applicatory_a interpretation_n and_o a_o distinct_a office_n to_o attend_v continual_o on_o this_o very_a thing_n and_o yet_o the_o main_a concernment_n of_o such_o interpretation_n lie_v in_o what_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o when_o open_v and_o apply_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v doubt_v of_o as_o scripture_n sense_n 2._o such_o interpretation_n as_o may_v be_v private_a in_o regard_n of_o its_o derivation_n of_o any_o doctrine_n from_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a place_n of_o scripture_n yet_o keep_v itself_o to_o the_o analogy_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a sense_n in_o other_o place_n do_v still_o maintain_v the_o free_a and_o public_a course_n of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n 3._o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n thus_o guide_v itself_o according_a to_o the_o evident_a sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o its_o clear_a part_n and_o take_v that_o as_o a_o clew_n into_o the_o more_o abstruse_a part_n of_o scripture_n necessary_o encounter_v much_o sound_n and_o excellent_a truth_n near_o ally_v to_o public_a and_o divine_a in_o all_o knowledge_n natural_a historical_a chronological_n moral_a political_n pertain_v to_o language_n and_o eloquence_n which_o make_v the_o world_n more_o lightsome_a and_o less_o subject_a to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n how_o great_a a_o light_n of_o all_o learning_n have_v break_v out_o from_o the_o very_a endeavour_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n of_o light_n the_o high_a honour_n and_o venerable_a estimation_n of_o scripture_n the_o much_o ascertain_v true_a public_a religion_n and_o the_o universal_a good_a 4._o many_o great_a truth_n and_o undoubted_o divine_a in_o themselves_o that_o be_v more_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o those_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o have_v not_o please_v the_o public_a wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n to_o give_v such_o assurance_n of_o they_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o that_o acknowledge_v the_o sacred_a authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o yet_o may_v present_v very_o large_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v assist_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n into_o the_o great_a scripture-reason_n in_o such_o point_n though_o but_o particular_o for_o
themselves_o they_o may_v then_o taste_v the_o graciousness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gratefulness_n of_o truth_n in_o they_o without_o impose_v on_o any_o other_o who_o can_v see_v by_o their_o light_n 5._o yea_o even_o in_o thing_n controvert_v between_o holy_a wise_a and_o good_a man_n in_o interpret_n scripture_n each_o part_n of_o the_o controversy_n when_o both_o can_v be_v reconcile_v in_o their_o sense_n yet_o support_v and_o make_v strong_a to_o their_o faith_n some_o grand_a evident_a principle_n of_o divine_a and_o public_a truth_n in_o which_o both_o side_n meet_v and_o be_v firm_o unite_v and_o to_o which_o each_o reconcile_v their_o own_o opinion_n wherein_o they_o seem_v to_o differ_v from_o such_o principle_n or_o from_o one_o another_o and_o leave_v a_o middle_a in_o which_o they_o may_v meet_v one_o another_o and_o wherein_o person_n unconcern_v in_o their_o controversy_n rest_v upon_o which_o agitation_n yet_o follow_v great_a illustration_n and_o confirmation_n of_o such_o grand_a principle_n and_o enlargement_n of_o knowledge_n by_o the_o very_a traverse_n of_o dispute_n among_o man_n sincere_o affect_v to_o truth_n and_o who_o search_n into_o it_o without_o the_o love_n of_o contention_n without_o bitterness_n and_o animosity_n but_o humble_o modest_o and_o with_o largeness_n of_o mind_n towards_o those_o that_o dissent_n from_o they_o 6._o god_n the_o friend_n of_o universal_a knowledge_n allow_v the_o soul_n gratification_n of_o itself_o with_o probable_a sentiment_n restrain_v within_o due_a bound_n that_o may_v grow_v from_o scripture-interpretation_n 7._o and_o last_o pardon_n the_o infirmity_n adhere_v to_o humane_a transaction_n in_o this_o most_o necessary_a duty_n of_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o overrule_v such_o miscarriage_n yea_o and_o even_o the_o more_o malevolent_a distemper_n of_o man_n herein_o some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o good_a and_o make_v they_o oftentimes_o servant_n to_o some_o great_a point_n of_o truth_n quest_n all_o this_o that_o have_v be_v describe_v i_o confess_v agree_v with_o so_o public_a and_o catholic_n a_o record_n as_o scripture_n be_v a_o record_n wherein_o every_o one_o that_o come_v to_o it_o may_v search_v his_o own_o interest_n and_o concern_v in_o it_o and_o improve_v it_o to_o the_o utmost_a a_o record_n that_o offer_v and_o expose_v itself_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o close_o inquire_v into_o by_o all_o but_o how_o be_v it_o secure_v from_o a_o multitude_n of_o private_a interpretation_n when_o so_o many_o interpretation_n acknowledged_o private_a continual_o pass_v upon_o it_o answ_n herein_o it_o be_v secure_a 1._o that_o scripture_n be_v not_o of_o any_o interpretation_n but_o it_o be_v own_o native_a sense_n it_o be_v not_o under_o the_o power_n of_o any_o other_o it_o stand_v free_a and_o clear_a far_o above_o all_o interpretation_n of_o man_n to_o be_v consider_v by_o any_o one_o in_o itself_o and_o not_o under_o such_o interpretation_n such_o interpretation_n do_v not_o become_v scripture_n nor_o bind_v any_o one_o under_o the_o curse_n fix_v on_o those_o that_o add_v to_o scripture_n or_o take_v from_o it_o these_o interpretation_n may_v be_v add_v to_o or_o take_v from_o according_a as_o man_n see_v reason_n of_o scripture_n preponderate_v one_o way_n or_o other_o this_o be_v the_o freedom_n of_o scripture_n to_o suffer_v all_o due_a approach_n to_o its_o sense_n this_o be_v its_o most_o severe_a constancy_n to_o refuse_v all_o but_o it_o be_v own_o true_a sense_n 2._o as_o scripture_n be_v not_o of_o any_o interpretation_n but_o it_o be_v own_o native_a sense_n so_o its_o sense_n be_v of_o no_o other_o evidence_n but_o of_o spiritual_a divine_a and_o true_o rational_a evidence_n so_o that_o if_o any_o man_n do_v not_o bring_v such_o proof_n of_o scripture_n sense_n as_o agree_v with_o scripture_n way_n of_o evidence_v itself_o and_o scripture_n way_n be_v not_o that_o of_o private_a authority_n or_o humane_a imposition_n but_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o presence_n his_o interpretation_n however_o true_a yet_o do_v not_o bind_v as_o it_o be_v his_o interpretation_n or_o upon_o any_o other_o recommendation_n but_o scripture_n proper_a way_n of_o recommend_v itself_o i_o speak_v as_o to_o wise_a man_n judge_v you_o what_o i_o say_v quest_n what_o then_o be_v that_o private_a interpretation_n the_o apostle_n remonstrate_v against_o answ_n all_o interpretation_n that_o bring_v no_o credential_n from_o evident_a scripture-sense_n nor_o from_o heaven_n of_o immediate_a inspiration_n much_o more_o if_o false_a or_o mean_v and_o impossible_a to_o be_v so_o derive_v and_o yet_o will_v impale_v and_o enclose_v scripture_n within_o itself_o and_o impose_v itself_o upon_o the_o conscience_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o and_o so_o bring_v they_o under_o bondage_n that_o which_o forbid_v man_n to_o interpret_v for_o themselves_o though_o with_o utmost_a industry_n and_o all_o the_o assistance_n they_o can_v use_v and_o the_o imploring_n of_o divine_a assistance_n that_o which_o give_v out_o private_a oracle_n at_o pleasure_n and_o too_o often_o most_o false_a one_o as_o if_o they_o be_v scripture_n and_o for_o its_o own_o private_a sake_n will_v lock_v scripture_n from_o the_o possibility_n of_o be_v interpret_v even_o by_o itself_o sequester_v it_o into_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n from_o great_a multitude_n of_o all_o nation_n profess_v jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v indeed_o private_a interpretation_n and_o add_v to_o scripture_n make_v another_o scripture_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o another_o and_o thus_o be_v all_o low_a degree_n of_o this_o tyranny_n to_o be_v estimate_v according_a to_o their_o several_a graduation_n in_o it_o impose_v upon_o man_n as_o from_o some_o scriptural_a authority_n what_o be_v not_o of_o the_o true_a excellency_n spirit_n and_o high_a descent_n of_o scripture_n nor_o manifest_v in_o man_n conscience_n as_o scripture_n manifest_v itself_o quest_n be_v it_o not_o then_o necessary_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o confusion_n arise_v from_o the_o variousness_n and_o incertainty_n of_o every_o man_n interpret_n for_o himself_o and_o without_o certain_a divine_a evidence_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o infallible_a public_a interpreter_n so_o divine_o assist_v as_o you_o describe_v and_o be_v it_o not_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o see_v we_o can_v suppose_v god_n be_v want_v to_o his_o church_n in_o such_o a_o necessary_a answ_n 1._o scripture_n itself_o be_v such_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n it_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n both_o clear_a and_o certain_a to_o all_o but_o the_o self_n condemn_v heretic_n or_o ignorant_a 2._o when_o there_o come_v such_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n bear_v the_o seal_n of_o such_o credential_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v we_o will_v receive_v he_o till_o such_o a_o interpreter_n so_o arm_v come_v to_o we_o we_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o his_o pretence_n to_o infallibility_n but_o all_o that_o receive_v he_o be_v destroy_v by_o he_o when_o he_o bring_v falsehood_n for_o truth_n under_o so_o great_a a_o title_n so_o that_o he_o become_v more_o an_o apollyon_n or_o destroyer_n of_o the_o church_n than_o a_o open_a enemy_n can_v be_v quest_n must_v we_o not_o then_o necessary_o suppose_v great_a tract_n of_o scripture_n lie_v like_o unknown_a land_n for_o want_v of_o public_a interpretation_n answ_n that_o there_o may_v be_v so_o can_v be_v deny_v in_o controvert_v or_o prophetic_a part_n of_o scripture_n yet_o that_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o communicate_v much_o useful_a knowledge_n relate_v to_o they_o be_v most_o evident_a and_o most_o thankful_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o his_o goodness_n and_o bounty_n quest_n what_o expectation_n be_v there_o of_o a_o full_a and_o certain_a public_a interpretation_n of_o all_o such_o scripture_n answ_n it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o season_n which_o the_o father_n have_v put_v in_o his_o own_o power_n but_o most_o probable_o at_o the_o time_n of_o fulfil_v the_o great_a prophecy_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o shall_v be_v such_o extraordinary_a effusion_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o shall_v expedite_v all_o doubt_n and_o make_v every_o thing_n clear_a the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v not_o reserve_v for_o heaven_n to_o adorn_v the_o absolute_a state_n of_o perfection_n there_o quest_n see_v by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v how_o incongruous_a private_a interpretation_n be_v to_o public_a scripture_n or_o that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v trust_v with_o the_o one_o and_o not_o with_o the_o other_o what_o account_v therefore_o can_v be_v give_v of_o translation_n may_v not_o they_o bring_v in_o a_o private_a interpretation_n upon_o scripture_n if_o not_o perform_v by_o a_o immediate_a divine_a assistance_n answ_n even_o as_o in_o the_o safe_a conveyance_n of_o scripture_n itself_o and_o preserve_v it_o pure_a from_o gross_a falsification_n so_o in_o translation_n we_o must_v leave_v
according_a to_o the_o undeniable_a sense_n of_o scripture_n quest_n but_o the_o nearness_n of_o these_o father_n to_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n must_v needs_o enable_v they_o either_o from_o what_o they_o themselves_o receive_v warm_a from_o their_o lip_n or_o from_o what_o they_o have_v from_o other_o not_o quite_o cold_a to_o know_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n discipline_n manner_n of_o life_n purpose_n their_o sense_n of_o the_o scope_n and_o mean_v of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o so_o to_o deliver_v it_o to_o after-age_n answ_n whatever_o they_o have_v speak_v or_o write_v give_v we_o more_o light_a and_o advantage_n to_o understand_v and_o behold_v scripture_n in_o its_o own_o light_n aught_o from_o they_o or_o from_o any_o other_o to_o be_v accept_v with_o great_a regard_n but_o if_o it_o do_v not_o thus_o it_o can_v be_v accept_v even_o from_o the_o writer_n of_o scripture_n themselves_o upon_o a_o single_a or_o divide_a authority_n they_o be_v so_o bound_v by_o the_o very_a thing_n and_o word_n they_o themselves_o have_v once_o speak_v and_o write_v by_o the_o holy-ghost_n that_o all_o the_o deference_n to_o their_o knowledge_n in_o divine_a thing_n above_o other_o be_v to_o be_v make_v reasonable_a in_o the_o clear_a expound_v what_o themselves_o and_o other_o have_v write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o to_o be_v discern_v in_o the_o very_a write_n themselves_o and_o not_o to_o be_v draw_v oracular_o out_o of_o their_o breast_n when_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v not_o upon_o they_o for_o he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a i._n e._n that_o god_n vouchsafe_v inspiration_n to_o or_o pretend_v to_o it_o must_v acknowledge_v all_o that_o be_v either_o true_o write_v or_o speak_v by_o the_o same_o inspiration_n to_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 37._o and_o as_o for_o the_o newness_n freshness_n and_o life_n of_o truth_n give_v by_o divine_a revelation_n god_n gracious_o provide_v it_o shall_v remain_v as_o revelation_n leave_v it_o and_o the_o evidence_n it_o have_v do_v so_o appear_v with_o it_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n divine_a never_o lose_v of_o its_o life_n nor_o abate_v of_o its_o vigour_n what_o it_o be_v so_o many_o age_n ago_o that_o it_o abide_v now_o what_o the_o holy-ghost_n speak_v so_o many_o age_n ago_o that_o it_o speak_v now_o as_o warm_o as_o then_o all_o divine_a truth_n give_v be_v after_o the_o power_n of_o a_o endless_a life_n the_o eternal_a increated_a spirit_n live_v in_o it_o and_o give_v divine_a quickness_n to_o it_o it_o be_v yesterday_o to_o day_n the_o same_o for_o ever_o and_o so_o breathe_v its_o own_o sense_n in_o scripture_n by_o the_o ordinary_a assistance_n it_o vouchsafe_v to_o holy_a humble_a and_o diligent_a waiter_n upon_o he_o in_o this_o even_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o first_o age_n though_o the_o extraordinary_a motion_n be_v withdraw_v quest_n but_o still_o the_o gift_n and_o endowment_n of_o those_o eminent_a man_n with_o all_o the_o light_n truth_n grace_n learning_n and_o reason_n they_o shine_v to_o we_o with_o aught_o to_o be_v esteem_v and_o improve_v answ_n yes_o doubtless_o for_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a be_v of_o virtue_n and_o deserve_a praise_n they_o be_v public_a and_o of_o god_n wherever_o they_o be_v find_v and_o whatever_o there_o be_v in_o these_o elder_n in_o their_o nearness_n to_o the_o first_o time_n their_o holiness_n their_o suffering_n their_o great_a learning_n their_o encounter_n of_o paganism_n their_o apology_n for_o christianity_n their_o heavenliness_n their_o contempt_n of_o this_o world_n all_o be_v a_o donation_n and_o a_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o they_o to_o his_o church_n and_o mankind_n in_o general_n quest_n and_o do_v not_o there_o arise_v great_a evidence_n 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 most_o so_o doubtful_a in_o their_o genuiness_n that_o they_o can_v be_v examine_v but_o with_o great_a labour_n and_o well_o prepare_v judgement_n so_o disputable_a in_o their_o sense_n that_o to_o attain_v a_o certainty_n in_o it_o will_v cut_v off_o time_n from_o the_o great_a employment_n of_o meditation_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n day_n and_o night_n where_o man_n calling_n lie_v otherwise_o so_o that_o to_o receive_v our_o religion_n from_o hence_o be_v of_o too_o remote_a a_o assurance_n to_o any_o one_o much_o more_o to_o those_o who_o have_v not_o book_n and_o study_v for_o their_o profession_n but_o every_o man_n whether_o learned_a or_o unlearned_a be_v concern_v deep_o to_o try_v his_o religion_n with_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o not_o another_o for_o he_o and_o god_n have_v therefore_o provide_v a_o word_n nigh_o he_o even_o in_o his_o mouth_n and_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o have_v also_o take_v care_n by_o stir_v up_o so_o many_o both_o of_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_a christian_n to_o separate_v themselves_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o all_o sacred_a knowledge_n that_o there_o be_v a_o worthy_a exercise_n of_o the_o learned_a world_n herein_o and_o great_a advantage_n arise_v thereby_o for_o universal_a knowledge_n even_o to_o the_o less_o learned_a and_o the_o very_a unlearned_a quest_n but_o do_v the_o father_n themselves_o distinguish_v thus_o their_o own_o and_o one_o another_o write_n from_o scripture_n answ_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a as_o have_v be_v already_o affirm_v they_o put_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o most_o excellent_a monument_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v but_o humane_a whether_o their_o own_o or_o other_o and_o inspire_v page_n else_o clement_n ignatius_n and_o other_o may_v as_o well_o have_v be_v canonize_v by_o they_o as_o what_o be_v from_o they_o come_v down_o to_o we_o for_o sacred_a canon_n itself_o and_o even_o as_o they_o do_v we_o may_v see_v the_o great_a odds_o betwixt_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o as_o we_o adore_v god_n the_o supreme_a author_n so_o the_o sovereign_a preserver_n of_o scripture_n who_o by_o divine_a evidence_n and_o by_o superintend_v providence_n have_v divide_v the_o bind_v of_o scripture_n at_o so_o great_a a_o remove_n from_o all_o the_o write_n in_o the_o world_n whether_o christian_n or_o profane_a the_o apocryphal_a book_n not_o except_v which_o though_o too_o adventurous_o join_v so_o general_o in_o a_o volume_n with_o scripture_n yet_o be_v evident_o disproportion_v in_o the_o majesty_n of_o sense_n and_o divine_a eloquence_n quest_n be_v there_o no_o great_a authority_n of_o the_o first_o council_n answ_n how_o many_o human_n soever_o meet_v they_o can_v make_v up_o divine_a where_o it_o be_v not_o before_o nor_o can_v a_o multitude_n of_o private_n constitute_v a_o public_a divine_a and_o public_a may_v be_v declare_v but_o can_v be_v make_v so_o by_o such_o contribution_n all_o determination_n of_o council_n be_v infinite_o outweigh_v in_o value_n and_o overrule_v in_o authority_n by_o scripture_n indeed_o public_a and_o divine_a quest_n but_o in_o such_o a_o number_n of_o his_o servant_n may_v we_o not_o conclude_v god_n be_v certain_o among_o they_o and_o do_v guide_v they_o answ_n give_v they_o all_o the_o advantage_n that_o can_v be_v give_v and_o either_o we_o must_v say_v they_o be_v infallible_o guide_v and_o then_o we_o must_v receive_v their_o decree_n as_o scripture_n and_o they_o must_v be_v attest_v to_o we_o as_o scripture_n be_v attest_v or_o they_o be_v not_o infallible_o guide_v and_o then_o their_o decree_n must_v be_v try_v as_o all_o fallible_n ought_v to_o be_v by_o a_o rule_n sure_a than_o themselves_o if_o even_o divine_a revelation_n itself_o be_v at_o first_o try_v and_o find_v perfect_a nay_o if_o even_o all_o that_o god_n propose_v to_o we_o as_o from_o himself_o come_v lade_v with_o its_o own_o proper_a evidence_n how_o much_o more_o must_v that_o which_o be_v confess_o humane_a be_v try_v by_o that_o which_o be_v confess_o
foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n quest_n how_o then_o be_v it_o say_v to_o be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o what_o importance_n be_v that_o to_o the_o actuate_a scripture_n answ_n as_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o court_n and_o government_n be_v public_o fix_v that_o every_o one_o may_v know_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o so_o the_o church_n in_o all_o its_o member_n but_o especial_o by_o depute_a minister_n give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o it_o proclaim_v preach_v and_o make_v offer_v of_o the_o most_o public_a notice_n of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n within_o itself_o that_o all_o the_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o family_n may_v be_v continual_o catechise_v and_o build_v up_o therein_o and_o stranger_n have_v opportunity_n to_o know_v if_o they_o will_v apply_v themselves_o to_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v a_o famous_a city_n set_v on_o a_o hill_n that_o can_v be_v hide_v and_o therefore_o its_o law_n constitution_n manner_n can_v but_o in_o all_o reason_n be_v inquire_v of_o by_o all_o that_o do_v so_o much_o as_o pass_v by_o it_o it_o be_v a_o candlestick_n bear_v the_o lofty_a torch_n of_o divine_a truth_n of_o this_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o affix_v to_o they_o the_o roll_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v a_o eminent_a type_n and_o allude_v to_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o therefore_o from_o a_o prince_n come_v forth_o edict_n proclamation_n manifesto_n and_o declaration_n according_a to_o law_n which_o be_v fasten_v to_o public_a pillar_n of_o the_o court_n itself_o and_o all_o open_a and_o conspicuous_a place_n of_o concourse_n so_o be_v there_o in_o the_o church_n the_o most_o advantageous_a publication_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o word_n to_o all_o both_o the_o native_n and_o freeborn_a of_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o ingenuous_a stranger_n that_o will_v hearken_v out_o the_o most_o reasonable_a proposal_n of_o truth_n or_o who_o god_n be_v please_v to_o naturalize_v to_o himself_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o how_o do_v this_o actuate_v scripture_n answ_n it_o mean_v nothing_o but_o the_o perpetuity_n and_o continuation_n of_o truth_n with_o the_o church_n establish_v itself_o by_o all_o that_o firmness_n of_o divine_a evidence_n and_o reason_n and_o on_o those_o very_a security_n take_v possession_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o ark_n of_o its_o strength_n where_o itself_o or_o the_o god_n that_o be_v truth_n itself_o place_v the_o sole_n of_o his_o foot_n as_o on_o his_o unmovable_a footstool_n for_o ever_o of_o which_o the_o ark_n in_o the_o hol●est_n be_v a_o type_n the_o footstool_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o mercy_n the_o secure_a repository_n of_o the_o table_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o ark_n of_o testimony_n over_o which_o the_o shecinah_n or_o glory_n appear_v as_o enthrone_v attend_v with_o cherubim_n and_o set_v its_o foot_n upon_o it_o the_o place_n of_o my_o throne_n and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o sole_n of_o my_o foot_n ezek._n 43._o 7._o for_o thus_o the_o true_a church_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v be_v the_o unchangeable_a rest_n of_o truth_n it_o adhere_v to_o truth_n it_o buy_v the_o truth_n and_o never_o sell_v it_o truth_n dwell_v with_o it_o for_o ever_o god_n never_o suffer_v it_o to_o apostatise_v from_o truth_n but_o by_o the_o constant_a hold_v of_o the_o judgement_n and_o retain_v the_o love_n and_o zeal_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o those_o that_o be_v indeed_o his_o church_n he_o have_v settle_v his_o word_n in_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n even_o as_o it_o be_v for_o ever_o settle_v in_o heaven_n the_o church_n therefore_o actuate_v scripture_n by_o find_v out_o reason_n debate_v enforce_v defend_v by_o all_o argument_n that_o truth_n of_o scripture_n and_o so_o persist_v in_o it_o for_o ever_o quest_n can_v then_o the_o church_n fail_v answ_n it_o have_v be_v say_v before_o the_o true_a church_n can_v fail_v for_o the_o true_a church_n be_v as_o have_v be_v describe_v the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o which_o be_v so_o can_v fail_v and_o god_n will_v have_v such_o a_o church_n always_o in_o the_o world_n if_o any_o person_n city_n or_o nation_n that_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o church_n have_v this_o light_n eclipse_v the_o candlestiks_n remove_v for_o it_o be_v only_o a_o candlestick_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o light_n and_o the_o pillar_n itself_o shake_v and_o fall_v if_o the_o record_v fix_v to_o it_o be_v take_v away_o and_o the_o palace_n and_o court_n remove_v with_o the_o prince_n who_o be_v always_o with_o his_o truth_n and_o the_o lively_a motion_n of_o it_o so_o much_o truth_n therefore_o and_o active_a display_v of_o it_o so_o much_o a_o church_n in_o any_o place_n and_o the_o truth_n remove_v or_o lie_v dead_a the_o church_n remove_v also_o or_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v in_o that_o place_n quest_n but_o be_v there_o no_o high_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n answ_n no_o other_o but_o what_o arise_v from_o the_o most_o intimate_a and_o inseparable_a union_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o truth_n truth_n take_v a_o undefailable_a possession_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o wherever_o truth_n in_o that_o fullness_n as_o to_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o happiness_n be_v there_o be_v the_o church_n and_o no_o where_o else_o the_o true_a church_n then_o may_v be_v style_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o high_a sense_n if_o right_o understand_v that_o be_v truth_n itself_o that_o be_v the_o unmovable_a pillar_n and_o everlasting_a foundation_n have_v so_o close_o band_v the_o church_n with_o itself_o that_o it_o be_v one_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n with_o it_o thus_o the_o church_n may_v be_v both_o the_o building_n and_o the_o rock_n and_o foundation_n to_o succeed_a part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o building_n as_o itself_o rest_v upon_o the_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o truth_n else_o it_o can_v be_v the_o church_n the_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o truth_n to_o the_o still_o succeed_a and_o rise_v church_n as_o it_o be_v one_o with_o truth_n itself_o to_o which_o every_o true_a member_n first_o come_v and_o unite_v and_o therein_o to_o the_o church_n even_o as_o every_o degree_n of_o building_n be_v a_o foundation_n and_o support_v to_o the_o still_o grow_a building_n not_o in_o itself_o but_o as_o it_o be_v sure_o cement_v to_o the_o foundation_n regulate_v by_o it_o and_o partake_v its_o strength_n yet_o if_o it_o swerve_v never_o so_o little_a from_o the_o foundation_n it_o be_v present_o a_o deformity_n and_o the_o more_o it_o swerve_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o itself_o and_o all_o that_o rest_v upon_o it_o quest_n may_v not_o this_o help_n to_o explain_v that_o so_o much_o dispute_v expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o preval_fw-fr against_o it_o answ_n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a if_o it_o may_v give_v any_o light_n to_o it_o and_o hope_v it_o may_v for_o the_o apostle_n peter_n make_v that_o confession_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n not_o singular_a but_o represent_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o apostle_n and_o christian_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o and_o by_o that_o truth_n he_o confess_v be_v both_o part_n of_o the_o building_n upon_o that_o rock_n and_o as_o unite_z with_o that_o rock_n he_o become_v rock_n itself_o upon_o which_o succeee_a christian_n be_v to_o be_v build_v the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n foundation_n and_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n twelve_o foundation_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o cornerstone_n in_o who_o alone_o the_o whole_a building_n even_o the_o apostolic_a foundation_n itself_o rise_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n quest_n be_v there_o not_o a_o good_a security_n then_o in_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o church_n to_o those_o that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o building_n before_o we_o answ_n no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o we_o join_v ourselves_o by_o their_o ministry_n to_o that_o foundation_n itself_o which_o always_o lie_v sure_a upon_o which_o they_o themselves_o must_v alone_o rest_v if_o the_o true_a church_n for_o by_o place_v ourselves_o not_o upon_o they_o but_o upon_o that_o common_a foundation_n we_o be_v adjust_v to_o the_o whole_a building_n that_o be_v before_o we_o that_o lie_v regular_a with_o that_o foundation_n by_o the_o care_n of_o he_o who_o be_v both_o the_o foundation_n cornerstone_n and_o be_v also_o he_o that_o build_v all_o thing_n even_o god_n in_o christ_n quest_n we_o must_v then_o seek_v to_o
our_o love_n in_o our_o sympathy_n in_o our_o bowel_n of_o affection_n in_o our_o care_n for_o the_o body_n though_o we_o be_v not_o all_o of_o a_o aspect_n of_o a_o figure_n of_o a_o size_n in_o our_o membership_n yet_o still_o be_v we_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n in_o particular_a and_o be_v so_o we_o be_v the_o israel_n of_o god_n upon_o who_o be_v peace_n and_o mercy_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n and_o if_o we_o ought_v as_o certain_o we_o ought_v so_o to_o pray_v with_o what_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n with_o what_o appearance_n of_o christianity_n can_v we_o move_v against_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o fellow-member_n or_o not_o contribute_v to_o their_o ease_n to_o their_o self-enjoyment_n to_o the_o comfort_n of_o each_o other_o condition_n so_o that_o if_o one_o member_n be_v honour_v all_o the_o member_n may_v rejoice_v with_o it_o if_o one_o member_n suffer_v all_o the_o member_n may_v suffer_v with_o it_o and_o send_v in_o to_o its_o relief_n and_o support_n our_o defect_n herein_o disturb_v the_o peace_n not_o minister_a to_o the_o merciful_a support_n of_o one_o another_o will_v be_v find_v another_o sort_n of_o schism_n but_o of_o far_o deep_a gild_n than_o that_o so_o much_o cry_v out_o of_o not_o conform_v to_o one_o another_o indifferent_n but_o above_o all_o the_o raven_a of_o the_o evening_n wolf_n the_o roar_n of_o the_o lion_n the_o poison_n and_o venom_n of_o the_o asp_n and_o cokatrice_n '_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o our_o mountain_n if_o we_o will_v have_v it_o account_v the_o holy_a mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o on_o all_o side_n we_o shall_v open_v the_o door_n and_o sluice_n that_o the_o stream_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n may_v run_v every_o way_n till_o it_o cover_v our_o land_n as_o the_o water_n do_v the_o sea_n the_o end_n true_a religion_n the_o interest_n of_o nation_n or_o national_a religion_n demonstrate_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o nation_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 79._o 6._o &_o jer._n 10._o 25._o pour_v out_o thy_o wrath_n fury_n upon_o the_o heathen_a nation_n that_o have_v not_o know_v thou_o and_o upon_o the_o kingdom_n family_n that_o have_v not_o call_v on_o thy_o name_n this_o prayer_n double_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o weight_n of_o it_o the_o safety_n to_o man_n it_o shall_v be_v well_o know_v and_o the_o certainty_n of_o its_o effect_n contain_v a_o strong_a assertion_n of_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o 32._o phil._n 3._o 2._o gen._n 41._o 32._o and_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o nation_n to_o national_a true_a religion_n for_o see_v according_a to_o a_o grand_a rule_n in_o god_n administration_n of_o the_o world_n nation_n that_o have_v no_o national_a religion_n and_o who_o nationalness_n therefore_o become_v heathenism_n and_o be_v so_o brand_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o so_o nation_n in_o scripture_n very_o often_o signify_v heathen_a that_o be_v nation_n without_o true_a religion_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o wrath_n and_o fury_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o it_o do_v not_o only_o follow_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o contrary_n that_o national_a true_a religion_n or_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n have_v a_o strong_a order_n to_o and_o connexion_n with_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o as_o the_o positive_a proposition_n be_v the_o prime_n and_o original_n and_o give_v ground_n to_o and_o contain_v within_o itself_o the_o privative_a so_o do_v this_o proposition_n that_o god_n anger_n and_o fury_n be_v at_o all_o time_n ready_a against_o those_o that_o do_v not_o know_v he_o that_o do_v not_o call_v upon_o he_o as_o join_v in_o a_o national_a body_n or_o society_n be_v the_o privative_a owe_v itself_o to_o the_o other_o be_v the_o positive_a as_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o make_v out_o in_o the_o argue_v this_o point_n at_o the_o present_a it_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o observe_v that_o these_o two_o holy_a man_n the_o composer_n of_o this_o psalm_n and_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n except_o as_o some_o think_v they_o be_v both_o one_o desire_v the_o destruction_n of_o those_o heathen_a enemy_n under_o who_o oppression_n their_o own_o people_n which_o at_o that_o time_n comprehend_v the_o church_n of_o god_n then_o groan_v and_o pray_v in_o spirit_n for_o it_o rely_v and_o rest_v the_o whole_a weight_n of_o their_o prayer_n upon_o this_o principle_n of_o great_a truth_n and_o consequence_n in_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o as_o family_n as_o nation_n as_o kingdom_n for_o so_o all_o community_n be_v comprehend_v they_o do_v not_o know_v nor_o call_v upon_o god_n that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o therefore_o be_v most_o just_o subject_a to_o his_o fierce_a displeasure_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v couch_v under_o this_o though_o indeed_o before_o it_o that_o the_o people_n that_o do_v know_v and_o call_v upon_o the_o true_a god_n have_v a_o title_n to_o his_o savour_n and_o vindication_n of_o they_o in_o all_o their_o distress_n while_o they_o be_v consider_v as_o so_o know_v and_o call_v upon_o he_o and_o not_o contradict_v it_o by_o their_o action_n the_o context_n therefore_o go_v on_o argue_v with_o god_n on_o this_o point_n they_o have_v devour_v jacob_n in_o who_o quarrel_n and_o rescue_n god_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v and_o see_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n and_o his_o wrath_n burn_v to_o the_o low_a hell_n both_o his_o wrath_n and_o his_o favour_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o their_o extent_n even_o to_o everlasting_a age_n all_o which_o will_v ground_v the_o proposition_n which_o i_o main_o intend_v in_o this_o discourse_n that_o national_a true_a religion_n be_v the_o great_a security_n strength_n and_o defence_n of_o a_o nation_n against_o the_o divine_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n and_o give_v the_o sure_a claim_n to_o his_o favour_n blessing_n and_o protection_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v because_o it_o be_v a_o observation_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v most_o close_o unite_v in_o and_o pursue_v to_o the_o utmost_a by_o all_o wise_a nation_n and_o by_o all_o the_o several_a part_n and_o member_n of_o a_o nation_n for_o it_o be_v their_o first_o and_o high_a 15._o psal_n 33._o i2_n &_o 144._o 15._o interest_n blessed_n be_v the_o n●tion_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n yea_o happy_a be_v the_o people_n who_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n who_o have_v jehovah_n thus_o for_o their_o god_n and_o this_o very_a consideration_n shall_v reconcile_v all_o difference_n in_o national_a religion_n that_o can_v be_v compose_v without_o loss_n of_o that_o truth_n and_o corruption_n of_o those_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o give_v denomination_n to_o true_a national_a religion_n this_o shall_v incline_v those_o that_o be_v above_o to_o the_o great_a condescension_n and_o those_o that_o be_v beneath_o to_o the_o most_o free_a compliance_n possible_a if_o they_o value_v religion_n and_o love_v their_o nation_n that_o at_o least_o there_o may_v be_v union_n in_o national_a religion_n if_o there_o can_v be_v perfect_a uniformity_n for_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o upon_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o this_o point_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o national_a religion_n suppose_v it_o always_o the_o true_a be_v the_o happy_a model_n of_o union_n in_o religion_n of_o any_o upon_o earth_n and_o most_o please_a to_o god_n except_o that_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o union_n be_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o truth_n worship_n and_o practice_v but_o come_v under_o no_o other_o form_n or_o model_n proper_o take_v but_o except_o this_o there_o be_v none_o so_o perfect_a to_o the_o end_n and_o glory_n of_o religion_n so_o adequate_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o publickness_n of_o religion_n so_o encourage_v and_o advantageous_a to_o the_o practice_n so_o reconcileable_a with_o the_o peace_n of_o religion_n and_o nation_n so_o preventive_a of_o the_o endless_a division_n and_o subdivision_n humane_a nature_n be_v apt_a to_o fall_v into_o when_o it_o yield_v up_o itself_o to_o a_o scrupulosity_n and_o disputatiousness_n about_o external_n and_o form_n in_o religion_n i_o say_v again_o i_o be_o persuade_v no_o man_n can_v serve_v god_n with_o great_a acceptableness_n nor_o be_v religious_a to_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o religion_n than_o by_o join_v with_o the_o nation_n or_o supreme_a civil_a incorporation_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n so_o far_o as_o he_o can_v be_v permit_v to_o do_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n i_o say_v as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v upon_o these_o account_n if_o not_o throughout_o and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v great_a and_o valuable_a proof_n from_o
one_o view_n be_v by_o st._n stephen_n as_o i_o observe_v call_v the_o church_n and_o the_o congregation_n after_o they_o be_v become_v a_o nation_n though_o they_o can_v not_o all_o then_o meet_v together_o be_v call_v the_o church_n also_o because_o they_o be_v all_o under_o one_o law_n and_o institution_n all_o partaker_n of_o the_o same_o right_n and_o privilege_n and_o so_o indeed_o all_o particular_a church_n of_o christian_n be_v but_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o lesser_a association_n as_o the_o circumference_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o same_o though_o in_o so_o many_o different_a orison_n as_o light_n be_v the_o same_o though_o various_o model_v by_o its_o several_a reception_n as_o the_o ocean_n be_v one_o by_o how_o many_o several_a denomination_n soever_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o shore_n it_o wash_v or_o the_o channel_n or_o other_o situation_n it_o rest_v in_o so_o this_o church_n be_v often_o speak_v of_o as_o one_o church_n and_o as_o several_a church_n as_o the_o sea_n be_v one_o and_o several_a sea_n they_o be_v so_o much_o every_o way_n the_o same_o as_o to_o differ_v only_o in_o the_o universality_n but_o whether_o a_o nation_n unite_v in_o christianity_n may_v be_v call_v a_o national_a church_n have_v many_o dissent_v of_o opinion_n appertain_v to_o it_o and_o not_o possible_a to_o be_v decide_v by_o express_a scripture_n there_o be_v no_o christian_a nation_n under_o heaven_n in_o those_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o it_o be_v write_v i_o shall_v leave_v whole_o in_o the_o middle_n and_o only_o observe_v two_o thing_n concern_v this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o there_o can_v no_o great_a matter_n accrue_v to_o either_o side_n of_o it_o by_o decide_v for_o or_o against_o a_o national_a church_n for_o allow_v a_o national_a church_n or_o if_o you_o will_v a_o congregational_a church_n agree_v in_o any_o thing_n not_o agree_v with_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n or_o if_o either_o of_o they_o want_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o case_n christian_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o retire_v from_o the_o irregularity_n of_o any_o such_o church_n either_o national_a or_o congregational_a that_o they_o may_v be_v pure_a from_o corruption_n in_o the_o second_o case_n christian_n must_v find_v out_o the_o way_n and_o opportunity_n so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a whereby_o they_o may_v perform_v all_o the_o duty_n command_v by_o christ_n though_o they_o separate_v from_o either_o of_o those_o church_n no_o further_o than_o to_o those_o end_n but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o corruption_n in_o the_o main_n or_o a_o defect_n in_o the_o vital_n of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n of_o christ_n in_o either_o notion_n or_o church_n that_o will_v not_o be_v upon_o due_a remonstrance_n reform_v then_o if_o according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n christian_n gather_v into_o assembly_n though_o lesser_a though_o but_o of_o two_o or_o three_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o inconvenience_n of_o rend_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o make_v division_n in_o his_o church_n shall_v condemn_v they_o for_o the_o society_n desert_v be_v not_o his_o church_n but_o the_o society_n that_o do_v desert_n be_v his_o church_n suppose_v it_o retire_v sincere_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o other_o side_n suppose_v a_o national_a church_n not_o of_o the_o ordination_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o under_o that_o name_n or_o notion_n yet_o if_o that_o stand_v good_a which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o every_o nation_n to_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n establish_v in_o nature_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n to_o plant_v true_a christian_a religion_n upon_o its_o national_a union_n it_o will_v be_v still_o every_o christian_n duty_n to_o join_v in_o unite_z himself_z with_o encourage_v and_o promote_v all_o that_o true_a national_a christian_n religion_n and_o not_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o any_o further_a than_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n oblige_v he_o that_o he_o may_v yield_v obedience_n to_o all_o those_o law_n for_o it_o be_v the_o absolute_a duty_n of_o every_o member_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o seek_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o his_o nation_n in_o his_o sphere_n as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v of_o the_o jew_n in_o so_o high_a a_o orb_n when_o he_o profess_v his_o great_a heaviness_n and_o sorrow_n of_o heart_n even_o to_o the_o wish_v himself_o accurse_v from_o christ_n and_o pray_v with_o his_o heart_n desire_v they_o may_v be_v save_v on_o account_n of_o which_o in_o so_o many_o thing_n he_o become_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o jew_n and_o write_v that_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n it_o be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n to_o i_o most_o probable_a it_o be_v he_o that_o he_o may_v make_v good_a all_o those_o great_a profession_n of_o love_n to_o they_o for_o though_o it_o be_v peculiar_o direct_v to_o the_o christian_a hebrew_n yet_o it_o have_v a_o aspect_n upon_o the_o whole_a religion_n and_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o scope_n of_o adjust_v all_o the_o mosaic_a and_o jewish_a law_n to_o the_o gospel-mediation_n make_v plain_a and_o so_o be_v in_o itself_o most_o proper_a for_o the_o conversion_n of_o that_o nation_n as_o a_o nation_n see_v their_o own_a and_o glory_v in_o national_a religion_n true_o understand_v lead_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n just_o now_o to_o have_v be_v their_o national_a religion_n if_o they_o have_v yield_v obedience_n to_o their_o own_o law_n right_o interpret_v now_o if_o national_a religion_n be_v a_o undoubted_a obligation_n upon_o nation_n and_o the_o member_n of_o nation_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v true_a those_o law_n those_o officer_n that_o be_v though_o not_o ordain_v by_o christ_n yet_o not_o contradictory_n to_o his_o ordination_n but_o necessary_a according_a to_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n to_o the_o establish_v true_a religion_n as_o national_a must_v be_v submit_v to_o also_o upon_o the_o account_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o true_a religion_n as_o national_a but_o if_o national_a religion_n wander_v from_o truth_n that_o fundamental_a liberty_n establish_v by_o scripture_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v always_o preserve_v that_o i_o before_o assert_v as_o give_v right_o to_o retire_v from_o all_o society_n not_o unite_v in_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o defection_n from_o it_o but_o for_o the_o further_o justify_v national_a true_a religion_n i_o will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n observe_v from_o scripture_n the_o uses_n and_o great_a end_n of_o church_n and_o see_v how_o far_o national_a religion_n may_v be_v accommodate_v to_o they_o for_o church_n be_v not_o therefore_o appoint_v that_o man_n may_v arbitrary_o and_o fanciful_o choose_v which_o or_o what_o sort_n they_o will_v be_v of_o but_o that_o the_o true_a reason_n and_o purpose_n of_o they_o may_v be_v observe_v and_o comply_v with_o and_o they_o be_v these_o three_o 1._o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o generation_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n however_o disperse_v at_o whatever_o distance_n soever_o remote_a yet_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n prayer_n preach_v praise_v god_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o if_o opportunity_n allow_v and_o invite_v it_o in_o the_o same_o actual_a worship_n and_o at_o all_o time_n close_o compact_v in_o a_o virtual_a and_o mystical_a communion_n with_o one_o another_o the_o same_o spirit_n run_v through_o all_o unite_n all_o to_o christ_n and_o god_n and_o one_o with_o another_o join_v in_o the_o same_o love_n and_o sympathy_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o prosperity_n and_o of_o sorrow_n in_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n one_o of_o another_o and_o with_o all_o readiness_n in_o yield_v the_o fruit_n of_o mutual_a charity_n mercy_n and_o compassion_n from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o the_o other_o every_o true_a christian_a be_v the_o compassionate_a samaritan_n to_o every_o other_o christian_a and_o not_o jewish_o distinguish_v his_o mercy_n to_o his_o own_o sect_n party_n or_o church_n and_o in_o case_n of_o corruption_n and_o defection_n from_o the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v to_o christian_n a_o mutual_a power_n of_o remonstrate_v against_o those_o corruption_n and_o that_o defection_n by_o argue_v expostulate_v censure_v the_o evil_a of_o they_o yea_o and_o authoritative_a denounce_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n upon_o they_o for_o that_o charter_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o true_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o true_a church_n stand_v good_a as_o to_o age_n so_o to_o
digest_v their_o reason_n and_o take_v in_o the_o light_n they_o judge_v by_o so_o 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 answ_n they_o that_o rule_n over_o we_o watch_v for_o our_o soul_n and_o must_v give_v a_o account_n as_o ezekiel_n prophet_n and_o watchman_n by_z giving_z warn_v lay_v truth_n before_o we_o offer_v the_o sincere_a word_n of_o god_n in_o all_o case_n the_o success_n of_o which_o upon_o soul_n convert_v and_o save_v be_v their_o crown_n and_o glory_n and_o their_o unsuccess_n look_v like_o a_o sorrow_n to_o see_v those_o soul_n lose_v for_o who_o they_o labour_v in_o vain_a and_o spend_v their_o strength_n upon_o they_o for_o nought_o yet_o so_o that_o if_o they_o have_v be_v faithful_a though_o without_o success_n their_o reward_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o their_o work_n with_o god_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o every_o man_n be_v so_o to_o account_v for_o his_o own_o soul_n that_o the_o very_a success_n be_v not_o a_o blind_a obedience_n to_o ruler_n but_o as_o be_v say_v a_o receive_v the_o word_n not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n 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 without_o they_o nor_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o according_a to_o they_o nay_o to_o be_v plain_o anathematise_v if_o they_o vary_v from_o it_o christian_n be_v therefore_o to_o judge_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o the_o thing_n speak_v be_v so_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o undoubted_a principle_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v as_o standard_n to_o all_o that_o come_v after_o beside_o the_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o know_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o all_o humane_a teach_v and_o instruction_n hereby_o take_v away_o and_o what_o become_v of_o the_o ministry_n the_o eldership_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o rule_n answ_n they_o be_v all_o hereby_o establish_v for_o they_o be_v the_o ordination_n of_o god_n to_o this_o very_a purpose_n to_o make_v man_n see_v to_o bring_v they_o light_n to_o clear_a thing_n to_o they_o that_o by_o the_o awaken_n their_o judgement_n the_o summon_n and_o collect_v their_o principle_n they_o may_v see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n the_o holy_a spirit_n gracious_o adjoin_v itself_o to_o their_o ministry_n they_o have_v no_o dominion_n over_o their_o faith_n but_o be_v helper_n of_o their_o joy_n that_o be_v they_o facilitate_v and_o make_v pleasant_a the_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n of_o religion_n and_o they_o rule_v by_o exhort_v admonish_a rebuke_v comfort_v and_o even_o command_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n on_o account_n of_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v and_o high_o esteem_v for_o their_o work_n sake_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o no_o man_n be_v exclude_v from_o his_o own_o office_n to_o himself_o for_o every_o particular_a christian_a be_v in_o some_o sense_n a_o congregation_n and_o preacher_n to_o himself_o as_o solomon_n his_o conscience_n have_v the_o key_n bind_v and_o lose_v within_o itself_o nay_o christian_n be_v not_o exclude_v from_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n when_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n on_o their_o side_n they_o may_v plead_v and_o reason_n with_o their_o mother_n hos_n 2._o 2._o when_o they_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o their_o teacher_n or_o the_o ruler_n rule_v not_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o that_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n even_o rule_v their_o ruler_n and_o prove_v the_o more_o noble_a organ_n of_o the_o church_n when_o those_o that_o shall_v rule_v it_o be_v as_o the_o idol_n eye_n that_o see_v not_o ear_n that_o hear_v not_o or_o as_o the_o idol_n shepherd_n a_o blast_n be_v upon_o their_o right_a hand_n and_o right-eye_n that_o their_o arm_n be_v clean_o dry_v up_o and_o their_o eye_n utter_o darken_v the_o most_o naked_a unfurnished_a christian_a with_o outward_a accomplishment_n that_o yet_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v among_o the_o prophet_n in_o such_o a_o time_n of_o necessity_n cap._n xii_o of_o schism_n and_o scandal_n quest_n from_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n of_o the_o church_n i_o conceive_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o schism_n may_v be_v deduce_v i_o desire_v you_o therefore_o to_o explain_v what_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o schism_n be_v answ_n the_o question_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n follow_v very_o pertinent_o upon_o the_o right_a settlement_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n now_o the_o whole_a be_v of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o its_o union_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o love_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n and_o that_o it_o receive_v all_o its_o member_n into_o union_n with_o itself_o by_o their_o be_v first_o unite_v as_o itself_o be_v schism_n which_o be_v division_n must_v needs_o in_o its_o strict_a and_o most_o formal_a notion_n be_v a_o division_n from_o that_o truth_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v one_o and_o so_o from_o the_o love_n consequent_a upon_o such_o a_o union_n quest_n what_o be_v that_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o which_o the_o church_n be_v one_o answ_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n or_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o law_n and_o command_n in_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v quest_n how_o be_v the_o love_n of_o the_o church_n unite_v in_o these_o answ_n it_o be_v a_o love_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o hereby_o we_o know_v we_o love_v the_o brethren_n when_o we_o love_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n john_n epist_n 2._o no_o love_n how_o great_a soever_o be_v christian-love_n nor_o union_n how_o close_o soever_o christian-union_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v the_o schism_n that_o be_v a_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n must_v be_v a_o disunion_n from_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o love_n spring_v from_o that_o faith_n and_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o any_o other_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o church_n quest_n how_o do_v schism_n differ_v from_o heresy_n answ_n heresy_n in_o the_o high_a sense_n and_o worst_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v a_o disunion_n from_o truth_n in_o some_o fundamental_a and_o grand_a concernment_n of_o religion_n either_o in_o the_o doctrine_n or_o command_v of_o god_n so_o that_o a_o man_n be_v subvert_v and_o sin_v and_o must_v needs_o be_v condemn_v of_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o assembly_n of_o truth_n both_o by_o himself_o and_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o that_o both_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o christian-love_n he_o be_v so_o separate_v schism_n be_v a_o disunion_n in_o some_o less_o momentous_a part_n
of_o this_o truth_n under_o a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o great_a moment_n than_o there_o be_v indeed_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o disunion_n and_o a_o proportionable_a abatement_n of_o christian_a love_n arise_v from_o it_o all_o heresy_n therefore_o include_v schism_n but_o all_o schism_n do_v not_o rise_v up_o to_o heresy_n quest_n be_v these_o the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n according_a to_o its_o use_n of_o those_o word_n answ_n they_o be_v most_o agreeable_a with_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o the_o word_n be_v not_o so_o set_v solemn_a and_o formal_a in_o scripture_n as_o afterward_o in_o ecclesiastic_a writer_n for_o dichostasyes_n or_o division_n into_o two_o or_o more_o party_n and_o contention_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n use_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o schism_n and_o heresy_n sometime_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o a_o sect_n or_o division_n though_o that_o be_v remarkable_o use_v in_o its_o worst_a sense_n by_o both_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o peter_n quest_n be_v every_o different_a apprehension_n and_o practise_v ensue_a upon_o it_o though_o distant_a from_o truth_n immediate_o to_o be_v condemn_v of_o schism_n answ_n by_o no_o mean_n if_o it_o be_v a_o modest_a and_o humble_a distrust_n and_o suspension_n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o command_v of_o god_n in_o some_o thing_n of_o small_a moment_n and_o doubtful_a yea_o though_o it_o come_v to_o a_o positive_a determination_n so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n judgement_n and_o yet_o erroneous_a can_v at_o the_o present_a discern_v it_o can_v be_v brand_v as_o schism_n if_o there_o be_v no_o stress_n lay_v upon_o the_o thing_n beyond_o its_o desert_n if_o the_o union_n in_o the_o great_a and_o clear_a truth_n and_o command_n remain_v firm_a and_o the_o love_n due_a to_o such_o a_o union_n with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v sincere_a and_o fervent_a yea_o even_a dissent_n in_o great_a point_n thus_o qualify_v and_o free_a from_o ill_a practice_n have_v not_o be_v rigid_o censure_v for_o heresy_n quest_n be_v there_o no_o danger_n then_o of_o run_v into_o schism_n if_o there_o be_v a_o union_n with_o truth_n answ_n in_o this_o sense_n only_o when_o the_o weakness_n or_o misapprehension_n of_o other_o be_v rate_v against_o they_o beyond_o their_o merit_n and_o without_o regard_n to_o the_o great_a truth_n they_o agree_v in_o and_o the_o love_n due_a to_o they_o upon_o union_n in_o those_o great_a truth_n be_v withdraw_v or_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n in_o endeavour_v to_o restore_v the_o err_v christian_a deny_v this_o may_v be_v just_o esteem_v like_o schism_n as_o it_o recede_v from_o the_o just_a value_n of_o great_a truth_n and_o from_o the_o charity_n of_o christian_n upon_o union_n in_o they_o but_o no_o man_n be_v to_o espouse_v any_o man_n error_n or_o to_o receive_v even_o truth_n by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n for_o fear_v of_o schism_n in_o thing_n that_o carry_v not_o a_o broad_a evidence_n of_o divine_a truth_n there_o be_v great_a scope_n for_o modest_a suspension_n and_o even_o dissent_v without_o imputation_n of_o schism_n for_o truth_n of_o magnitude_n either_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n practice_n or_o discipline_n be_v too_o bright_a to_o be_v refuse_v by_o sincere_a and_o honest_a mind_n after_o due_a admonition_n quest_n wherein_o lie_v then_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o schism_n answ_n that_o schism_n and_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o may_v better_o be_v understand_v i_o will_v set_v before_o you_o the_o several_a instance_n of_o schism_n in_o scripture_n and_o the_o evil_n note_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o each_o of_o they_o 1._o the_o first_o sort_n of_o schism_n be_v the_o disunion_n in_o the_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o bring_v in_o upon_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o judaique_a rite_n to_o concur_v with_o it_o this_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n rom._n 16._o 17._o call_n make_v division_n or_o party_n beside_o or_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n receive_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v that_o it_o lay_v scandal_n before_o man_n and_o draw_v they_o into_o this_o great_a mischief_n that_o instead_o of_o the_o pure_a nourishment_n of_o divine_a truth_n all_o run_v into_o this_o over-beloved_n sentiment_n and_o so_o deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o true_a and_o vigorous_a spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o also_o the_o service_n due_a to_o true_a christianity_n be_v drain_v away_o and_o consume_v upon_o this_o private_a opinion_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o mischief_n of_o all_o falsehood_n in_o religion_n and_o devotion_n in_o thing_n not_o appoint_v by_o god_n who_o only_o can_v prescribe_v what_o be_v true_o fit_v to_o our_o good_a and_o bless_v it_o with_o suitable_a effect_n miscarriage_n from_o divine_a truth_n be_v always_o find_v in_o schism_n with_o this_o mischievous_a consequence_n that_o it_o deceive_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o cloud_n and_o wind_n instead_o of_o truth_n and_o solid_a good_n 2._o a_o second_o kind_n of_o schism_n the_o apostle_n note_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 19_o 20._o be_v the_o disorder_n in_o divine-worship_n in_o that_o great_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n wherein_o they_o that_o be_v reprove_v be_v necessitate_v to_o withdraw_v and_o to_o stand_v apart_o for_o the_o manifest_v themselves_o in_o the_o purity_n of_o that_o worship_n and_o service_n for_o the_o very_a honour_n of_o it_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o schism_n be_v that_o it_o bring_v in_o a_o necessity_n of_o divide_a party_n in_o public_a religion_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o see_v good_a man_n must_v separate_v from_o such_o corruption_n and_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o they_o on_o account_n of_o which_o religion_n itself_o be_v dishonour_v as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o jumble_v of_o sect_n and_o give_v a_o uncertain_a sound_n and_o further_o than_o that_o be_v charge_v as_o if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o sect_n itself_o because_o it_o stand_v by_o itself_o thus_o christianity_n be_v call_v this_o sect_n and_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarenes_n idolatry_n damn_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o a_o heresy_n from_o itself_o and_o the_o false_a church_n charge_v the_o true_o publick-assemble_o with_o schism_n and_o a_o private_a religion_n 3._o another_o degree_n of_o schism_n the_o apostle_n tax_v in_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 11._o c._n 4._o 3._o be_v that_o this_o one_o entire_a profession_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o one_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n they_o think_v aught_o to_o be_v shred_n into_o little_a fraternity_n under_o the_o name_n of_o some_o prime_a minister_n of_o christianity_n or_o even_o under_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n himself_o as_o a_o ordinary_a master_n of_o a_o party_n except_o we_o will_v understand_v that_o those_o approve_a who_o stand_v firm_a in_o christ_n alone_o be_v manifest_v and_o stand_v alone_o by_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o schism_n of_o other_o and_o so_o appear_v as_o be_v say_v before_o like_o a_o schism_n themselves_o thus_o vain_a philosophy_n parcele_v out_o itself_o under_o its_o great_a master_n the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o be_v that_o it_o raise_v feud_n contention_n and_o faction_n as_o if_o this_o one_o integral_a christianity_n can_v have_v distinct_a interest_n and_o some_o engross_v one_o interest_n other_o another_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n thus_o reduce_v this_o schism_n all_o minister_n say_v he_o with_o all_o their_o gift_n grace_n and_o function_n be_v the_o whole_a church_n without_o any_o canton_v other_o than_o that_o order_n and_o conveniency_n require_v the_o more_o constant_a administration_n of_o religion_n in_o certain_a congregation_n with_o their_o elder_n cephas_n the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n be_v the_o corinthian_n though_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n paul_n himself_o and_o not_o only_o the_o church_n minister_n ●ut_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o cargo_n of_o light_n and_o truth_n in_o it_o be_v the_o church_n every_o truth_n every_o ordinance_n every_o minister_n wh●ther_o of_o truth_n natural_a or_o reveal_v religion_n with_o all_o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o they_o be_v all_o the_o donation_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v and_o no_o minister_n whatever_o and_o christ_n be_v god_n who_o be_v the_o foundation_n centre_n and_o supreme_a head_n of_o this_o unity_n and_o union_n 4._o the_o last_o instance_n of_o schism_n i_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v intimate_v to_o we_o under_o that_o curious_a parable_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 12._o of_o the_o wise_a and_o excellent_a temperament_n betwixt_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n set_v in_o different_a degree_n of_o dignity_n the_o less_o comely_a part_n have_v more_o abundant_a comeliness_n and_o those_o that_o we_o think_v to_o be_v less_o honourable_a on_o these_o we_o bestow_v more_o abundant_a