discern_v they_o but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n of_o which_o all_o true_a minister_n be_v the_o minister_n on_o account_n of_o which_o alone_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o they_o be_v due_a their_o bring_v that_o word_n in_o its_o own_o life_n evidence_n and_o power_n be_v their_o best_a commission_n quest_n but_o how_o be_v they_o most_o orderly_o install_v into_o so_o high_a a_o function_n answ_n christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v ascend_v up_o on_o high_a and_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n take_v it_o upon_o he_o as_o his_o supreme_a care_n to_o thrust_v forth_o labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n the_o several_a congregation_n of_o christian_n observe_v ministerial_a ability_n and_o meetness_n to_o teach_v call_v out_o to_o such_o to_o help_v they_o and_o herein_o in_o the_o cessation_n of_o extraordinary_a gift_n the_o school_n of_o learning_n and_o religious_a education_n like_o the_o school_n of_o 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the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o authorise_v by_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n general_o of_o beneficence_n or_o do_v good_a and_o in_o some_o but_o spare_v instance_n of_o infliction_n of_o bodily_a pain_n or_o death_n quest_n do_v the_o apostle_n never_o err_v in_o their_o administration_n answ_n whenever_o that_o infallible_a guidance_n be_v not_o present_a to_o they_o they_o may_v err_v as_o be_v before_o observe_v in_o the_o apostle_n peter_n miscarriage_n which_o no_o doubt_n be_v record_v to_o show_v their_o power_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o but_o in_o the_o divine_a spirit_n act_v by_o they_o that_o none_o in_o after-age_n may_v pretend_v to_o dictate_v as_o their_o successor_n have_v not_o their_o power_n and_o yet_o require_v obedience_n as_o if_o they_o have_v it_o whereas_o even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o may_v err_v and_o so_o lose_v their_o power_n if_o never_o so_o little_o desert_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o what_o they_o consign_v over_o to_o 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revelation_n commit_v to_o they_o to_o commit_v the_o same_o to_o other_o by_o direction_n from_o the_o same_o spirit_n who_o give_v they_o discern_v to_o who_o to_o entrust_v it_o till_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n be_v seal_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n else_o they_o own_v themselves_o compresbyter_n as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n style_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n with_o presbyter_n quest_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v we_o be_v to_o conclude_v that_o the_o whole_a power_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n be_v retain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n answ_n it_o be_v so_o for_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n be_v the_o only_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n which_o glory_n he_o will_v not_o give_v to_o another_o whatever_o power_n can_v be_v suppose_v resident_a in_o the_o whole_a church_n together_o be_v no_o other_o than_o in_o that_o word_n of_o truth_n public_o offer_v by_o it_o the_o apostle_n power_n be_v only_o the_o presence_n of_o that_o word_n to_o they_o by_o the_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o preach_a it_o throughout_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o sound_v the_o christian_a church_n such_o be_v the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o any_o extraordinary_a minister_n under_o they_o the_o and_o constant_a rulership_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n remain_v unmovable_o in_o the_o word_n which_o it_o be_v their_o office_n to_o speak_v quest_n be_v not_o those_o we_o distinguish_o call_v bishop_n successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o preeminency_n they_o have_v over_o other_o pastor_n and_o elder_n answ_n that_o successor_n to_o the_o preeminency_n of_o the_o apostle_n may_v be_v well_o establish_v three_o thing_n be_v necessary_a 1._o that_o there_o be_v find_v and_o produce_v distinct_a command_n give_v in_o scripture_n â—o_o the_o inferior_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o obey_v superior_a minister_n or_o bishop_n command_v to_o christian_n to_o obey_v inferior_a minister_n or_o ordinary_a presbyter_n as_o inferior_a minister_n with_o respect_n to_o superior_a minister_n and_o those_o superior_a minister_n as_o superior_n we_o must_v find_v the_o apostle_n distinguish_v ordinary_a presbyter_n as_o inferior_a minister_n with_o respect_n to_o superior_a minister_n and_o those_o superior_a minister_n as_o superior_n as_o we_o find_v he_o distinguish_v civil_a magistrate_n into_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a and_o governor_n as_o those_o that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o 2._o see_v it_o be_v very_o clear_a and_o apparent_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o distant_a from_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o to_o constitute_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o make_v a_o great_a figure_n without_o as_o great_a a_o use_n or_o end_v and_o that_o christ_n have_v not_o give_v power_n to_o his_o ruler_n to_o command_v
themselves_o as_o well_o as_o person_n wherein_o religion_n have_v prevail_v to_o such_o degree_n as_o to_o be_v call_v national_a be_v conserve_v in_o those_o that_o be_v save_v even_o as_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o angelic_a nature_n be_v conserve_v in_o the_o holy_a and_o elect_a angel_n as_o the_o humane_a nature_n in_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a of_o they_o that_o be_v save_v in_o all_o nation_n as_o in_o isaac_n the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n be_v call_v as_o in_o isaac_n child_n the_o child_n of_o promise_n be_v count_v for_o the_o seed_n thus_o the_o honour_n of_o particular_a etc._n rom._n 9_o 7_o etc._n etc._n nation_n be_v treasure_v up_o in_o the_o elect_a of_o it_o so_o that_o if_o we_o suppose_v a_o nation_n without_o convert_v it_o be_v lose_v as_o to_o happiness_n or_o as_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v as_o the_o tribe_n of_o dan_n have_v no_o name_n among_o those_o etc._n rev._n 7._o 5_o etc._n etc._n seal_a tribe_n to_o which_o we_o have_v relation_n before_o and_o as_o the_o order_n of_o each_o tribe_n be_v dispose_v according_a to_o the_o happy_a memory_n of_o the_o worthy_n of_o every_o tribe_n and_o their_o more_o noble_a act_n in_o or_o for_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o be_v observe_v by_o interpreter_n and_o as_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o glory_n to_o every_o christian_a according_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o service_n that_o abound_v to_o his_o account_n so_o the_o case_n be_v with_o nation_n and_o generation_n the_o more_o and_o more_o eminent_a man_n any_o have_v bring_v forth_o the_o more_o it_o shall_v be_v adorn_v at_o that_o day_n it_o become_v a_o diadem_n and_o crown_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o be_v as_o the_o 5._o isa_n 62._o 3._o 5._o prophet_n express_v it_o as_o a_o bride_n marry_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o her_o son_n so_o that_o the_o last_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o nation_n be_v very_o great_o concern_v in_o their_o common_a faith_n and_o religion_n and_o the_o near_a participation_n they_o have_v be_v capable_a of_o in_o one_o another_o holiness_n and_o piety_n and_o therefore_o the_o more_o they_o can_v do_v to_o enlarge_v and_o increase_v it_o the_o more_o they_o add_v to_o the_o common_a glory_n and_o salvation_n and_o do_v most_o ensure_v their_o own_o on_o the_o other_o side_n although_o there_o be_v a_o lessen_v of_o honour_n to_o a_o nation_n by_o the_o fewness_n of_o those_o that_o be_v save_v and_o in_o the_o many_o of_o those_o that_o perish_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o that_o the_o glory_n be_v counterbalanced_a by_o the_o disadvantage_n for_o there_o be_v a_o much_o high_a account_n of_o glory_n to_o the_o goodness_n grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o excellent_a state_n of_o god_n creation_n in_o the_o elect_a angel_n and_o the_o recover_a part_n of_o mankind_n in_o that_o new_a heaven_n and_o new_a earth_n wherein_o dwell_v righteousness_n than_o there_o be_v depression_n of_o that_o glory_n in_o those_o that_o perish_v and_o their_o contrary_a state_n so_o the_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o angelic_a and_o humane_a nature_n itself_o and_o so_o of_o nation_n be_v more_o conserve_v in_o those_o that_o be_v save_v of_o they_o than_o in_o those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v for_o there_o be_v a_o much_o more_o a_o much_o high_a reign_n of_o righteousness_n and_o life_n assert_v by_o the_o apostle_n than_o of_o 17._o rom._n 5._o 17._o sin_n and_o death_n although_o scripture_n and_o general_a observation_n give_v reason_n to_o fear_v there_o be_v more_o that_o perish_v than_o that_o be_v save_v and_o however_o we_o can_v unfold_v the_o mystery_n of_o it_o this_o then_o stand_v as_o a_o impregnable_a argument_n for_o national_a religion_n if_o it_o conduce_v so_o much_o to_o the_o future_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o â—_z and_o so_o to_o the_o more_o exalt_a glory_n and_o salvation_n of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v zealous_a herein_o and_o both_o these_o in_o a_o more_o national_a visible_a way_n than_o thing_n be_v transact_v before_o our_o eye_n in_o this_o world_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o such_o future_a state_n whether_o at_o the_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n or_o throughout_o eternity_n we_o can_v define_v yet_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v can_v be_v deny_v when_o so_o much_o of_o scripture_n so_o much_o of_o reason_n concur_v in_o it_o and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o irreligion_n of_o nation_n towards_o the_o true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v shall_v be_v revenge_v by_o the_o most_o sensible_a apparent_a infamy_n contempt_n and_o wrath_n from_o heaven_n in_o which_o those_o that_o have_v have_v the_o most_o malignant_a influence_n into_o such_o irreligion_n shall_v have_v a_o double_a measure_n and_o all_o this_o in_o a_o national_a way_n i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v persuade_v more_o to_o national_a religion_n than_o so_o great_a a_o consideration_n and_o so_o i_o finish_v this_o four_o argument_n the_o five_o argument_n for_o national_a religion_n shall_v be_v only_o a_o complication_n argum._n 5_o of_o consequential_a benefit_n flow_v from_o true_a national_a religion_n unite_v in_o which_o may_v indeed_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o persuade_v union_n in_o religion_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a yet_o they_o be_v only_o applicable_a upon_o true_a reason_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n 1._o national_a religion_n contribute_v to_o the_o most_o happy_a state_n peace_n and_o union_n of_o nation_n jâ—rusalem_n by_o virtue_n of_o its_o national_a religion_n as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v be_v as_o a_o city_n compact_v together_o now_o that_o which_o have_v a_o fitness_n and_o aptitude_n by_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n to_o strengthen_v and_o corroborate_v a_o nation_n may_v very_o just_o be_v choose_v by_o it_o for_o its_o own_o conservation_n and_o happiness_n upon_o that_o very_a account_n but_o especial_o when_o it_o be_v subordinate_v to_o better_a reason_n too_o and_o of_o a_o much_o high_a nature_n every_o one_o therefore_o shall_v give_v the_o advantage_n to_o national_a peace_n by_o consent_v in_o national_a religion_n so_o that_o we_o lose_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o national_a peace_n which_o may_v be_v suppose_v too_o to_o rise_v from_o a_o national_a religion_n though_o false_a but_o national_a true_a religion_n be_v a_o mean_v fit_v by_o god_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o nation_n and_o such_o a_o mean_n as_o be_v acceptable_a and_o well_o please_v to_o he_o first_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n for_o unity_n in_o religion_n give_v excellency_n to_o religion_n and_o make_v all_o the_o service_n of_o it_o more_o acceptable_a as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v it_o be_v also_o well_o please_v to_o god_n as_o it_o cement_v the_o peace_n of_o nation_n which_o be_v of_o high_a price_n with_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o christ_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n who_o have_v command_v we_o to_o seek_v peace_n and_o pursue_v it_o to_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a to_o live_v in_o peace_n as_o much_o 133_o 1_o thes_n 4._o 11._o rom._n 12._o 18._o prov._n 6._o 19_o mat._n 5._o 1._o psalm_n 133_o as_o lie_v in_o we_o and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a with_o all_o man_n who_o have_v brand_v the_o sow_a discord_n among_o brethren_n as_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a abomination_n to_o he_o but_o have_v bless_v the_o peacemaker_n own_v they_o as_o his_o child_n he_o have_v make_v truth_n and_o peace_n the_o stability_n of_o any_o time_n these_o be_v the_o pillar_n that_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o he_o have_v set_v the_o nation_n he_o love_v upon_o they_o behold_v how_o good_a and_o how_o pleasant_a it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o live_v thus_o together_o in_o unity_n it_o be_v like_o the_o precious_a ointment_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n where_o it_o be_v find_v the_o lord_n have_v command_v the_o blessing_n even_o life_n for_o evermore_o thus_o religion_n by_o be_v national_a be_v free_v from_o the_o charge_n of_o be_v a_o design_n and_o occasion_n of_o disturbance_n thus_o the_o heart_n of_o prince_n safe_o trust_v in_o it_o thus_o it_o become_v the_o very_a ligament_n and_o sinew_n of_o government_n a_o pia_fw-la mater_fw-la to_o the_o sacredness_n of_o authority_n and_o make_v sovereignty_n easy_a and_o sweet_a both_o to_o prince_n and_o people_n what_o but_o truth_n can_v be_v weigh_v against_o this_o peace_n and_o that_o not_o all_o truth_n but_o truth_n dwell_v so_o near_o the_o essence_n of_o religion_n the_o very_a purity_n of_o divine_a worship_n that_o as_o it_o can_v be_v sell_v nor_o part_v with_o so_o it_o may_v not_o be_v conceal_v a_o man_n may_v not_o have_v it_o to_o himself_o
and_o shift_v for_o the_o gain_v opportunity_n for_o the_o assemble_v themselves_o and_o preserve_v their_o relation_n one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o mutual_a duty_n much_o more_o easy_o than_o any_o great_a association_n can_v for_o our_o saviour_n intend_v all_o for_o use_n not_o for_o form_n he_o mind_v not_o nominal_a titular_a bishop_n and_o church_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v plead_v the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o small_a number_n of_o christian_n may_v agree_v and_o associate_v and_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o presence_n but_o now_o that_o this_o appointment_n be_v in_o bar_n of_o great_a society_n of_o christian_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v grant_v for_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a our_o saviour_n design_v all_o thing_n under_o the_o gosplel_n shall_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o thing_n now_o according_a to_o that_o the_o first_o end_n of_o all_o society_n be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o more_o than_o solitude_n this_o desire_n of_o enjoy_v true_a religion_n in_o society_n extend_v itself_o from_o the_o least_o of_o society_n to_o the_o great_a that_o be_v not_o too_o great_a for_o the_o end_n of_o society_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o as_o he_o give_v no_o frame_n of_o positive_a law_n or_o worship_n no_o pedagogy_n of_o precept_n so_o no_o institution_n of_o bound_v church_n but_o that_o in_o case_n of_o strait_n and_o exigency_n his_o true_a religion_n may_v be_v administer_v in_o the_o very_o small_a of_o society_n with_o confidence_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o presence_n when_o it_o have_v freedom_n it_o may_v enlarge_v itself_o further_o and_o further_o and_o if_o it_o have_v favour_n of_o nation_n and_o government_n ascend_v to_o the_o great_a yet_o with_o this_o reserve_n that_o if_o in_o any_o time_n or_o place_n national_a christianity_n vary_v from_o the_o true_a original_a christianity_n as_o often_o it_o have_v be_v sound_a to_o do_v so_o that_o it_o can_v even_o in_o substantial_a thing_n be_v consent_v in_o with_o a_o pure_a conscience_n privater_a congregation_n even_o to_o the_o most_o particular_a be_v always_o ready_a for_o christian_n to_o retire_v into_o for_o so_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n allow_v where_o the_o public_a be_v not_o safe_a and_o yet_o when_o the_o whole_a be_v not_o corrupt_v nor_o liberty_n of_o join_v without_o commixture_n with_o those_o corruption_n deny_v there_o may_v yet_o be_v there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o separation_n thus_o the_o great_a society_n be_v not_o in_o bar_n of_o the_o least_o when_o true_a religion_n require_v they_o thus_o the_o least_o be_v not_o in_o bar_n of_o the_o great_a when_o christianity_n be_v at_o full_a freedom_n for_o it_o be_v close_o ally_v with_o that_o wisdom_n whereby_o king_n ought_v to_o reign_v and_o prince_n to_o decree_v justice_n by_o which_o prince_n 16._o prov._n 8._o 15_o 16._o ought_v to_o rule_v and_o noble_n yea_o all_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o that_o wisdom_n which_o rejoice_v in_o the_o habitable_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v its_o delight_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n i_o have_v therefore_o before_o observe_v that_o christian_a religion_n at_o the_o very_a first_o join_v itself_o as_o near_o as_o it_o can_v to_o all_o humane_a society_n make_v ready_a to_o it_o as_o family_n village_n region_n and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o rage_n of_o persecution_n will_v permit_v christian_a society_n unite_a themselves_o unto_o distant_a and_o national_a correspondency_n among_o themselves_o now_o it_o have_v be_v so_o unhappy_a indeed_o with_o the_o world_n that_o in_o few_o instance_n there_o have_v be_v a_o good_a state_n of_o national_a religion_n to_o yield_v a_o full_a conscientious_a compliance_n with_o yet_o this_o will_v no_o more_o argue_v against_o the_o thing_n itself_o than_o it_o do_v against_o any_o other_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a ordination_n of_o god_n or_o against_o the_o jewish_a church_n so_o immediate_o govern_v by_o god_n and_o yet_o so_o often_o and_o so_o notorious_o corrupt_v in_o judah_n and_o more_o general_o in_o the_o ten_o tribe_n and_o yet_o to_o show_v how_o to_o the_o very_a utmost_a without_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a we_o ought_v to_o join_v with_o any_o that_o be_v good_a in_o a_o nation_n and_o with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a in_o national_a religion_n when_o elijah_n have_v as_o it_o be_v desert_v his_o place_n and_o the_o good_a influence_n his_o be_v in_o public_a may_v have_v have_v and_o that_o god_n find_v he_o alone_o he_o do_v by_o way_n of_o reproof_n ask_v he_o what_o he_o do_v alone_o in_o 9_o 1_o king_n 19_o 9_o the_o wilderness_n and_o inform_v he_o of_o a_o great_a number_n that_o have_v not_o bow_v to_o baal_n than_o he_o know_v of_o with_o who_o he_o may_v join_v himself_o if_o corruption_n will_v argue_v against_o any_o good_a appointment_n or_o ordination_n of_o god_n it_o will_v argue_v against_o church_n of_o the_o very_a first_o form_n or_o constitution_n those_o church_n in_o the_o revelation_n who_o corruption_n be_v severe_o tax_v and_o threaten_v yet_o be_v without_o any_o censure_n as_o to_o their_o constitution_n and_o while_o separation_n from_o those_o church_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o intimate_v yet_o a_o separation_n from_o impurity_n be_v high_o commend_v and_o promise_a reward_n those_o name_n 4._o rev._n 3._o 4._o in_o sardis_n that_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n be_v assure_v they_o shall_v walk_v with_o christ_n in_o white_a for_o he_o judge_v they_o worthy_a from_o whence_o i_o conclude_v no_o form_n of_o church_n can_v recommend_v thing_n disagree_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n how_o true_o form_v soever_o those_o church_n be_v for_o church_n be_v constitute_v for_o join_v in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n not_o in_o those_o that_o be_v not_o and_o yet_o separation_n from_o corruption_n do_v not_o necessitate_v separation_n from_o church_n while_o there_o be_v any_o part_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o worship_n preserve_v pure_a to_o unite_v in_o so_o great_a be_v the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o all_o sincere_o religious_a to_o make_v true_a religion_n as_o public_a as_o they_o can_v in_o the_o several_a society_n that_o be_v find_v to_o engraft_v it_o upon_o now_o that_o every_o society_n that_o be_v the_o feat_n of_o true_a christian_a religion_n be_v in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n a_o church_n i_o allow_v and_o therefore_o will_v brief_o inquire_v into_o the_o scripture-notion_n of_o a_o church_n and_o i_o find_v the_o original_a word_n take_v out_o of_o the_o septuagint_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o translate_v the_o hebrew_n kahal_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o our_o translator_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o general_o render_v congregation_n although_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n what_o be_v in_o the_o quotation_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o render_v church_n so_o that_o from_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v very_o plain_a as_o the_o universal_a or_o national_a assembly_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o church_n as_o by_o st._n stephen_n act_v 7._o 38._o where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n so_o the_o universal_a assembly_n of_o christian_n consider_v as_o in_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v call_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v the_o congregation_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n as_o holy_a record_n be_v the_o scripture_n or_o write_n and_o the_o volume_n of_o scripture_n the_o bible_n or_o book_n as_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o evangil_n or_o gospel_n so_o the_o church_n be_v the_o congregation_n and_o as_o lesser_a congregation_n of_o that_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o do_v not_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a body_n be_v call_v the_o congregation_n or_o church_n even_o so_o lesser_a society_n of_o christian_n be_v call_v the_o congregation_n or_o church_n in_o allusion_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n say_v if_o two_o or_o three_o be_v importance_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o word_n of_o like_a importance_n gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o so_o that_o the_o universal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o christian_n see_v only_o together_o by_o god_n and_o particular_a assembly_n of_o christian_n that_o meet_v together_o under_o each_o other_o eye_n be_v in_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n church_n even_o as_o the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n when_o they_o be_v all_o under_o
every_o man_n shall_v appear_v and_o be_v judge_v single_o by_o himself_o our_o resurrection_n which_o be_v the_o day_n of_o our_o regeneration_n of_o our_o new_a life_n and_o appearance_n in_o body_n will_v present_v we_o not_o only_o single_a but_o in_o our_o state_n of_o community_n wherein_o we_o be_v here_o in_o the_o world_n even_o from_o family_n to_o nation_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o those_o body_n as_o well_o as_o in_o our_o own_o body_n then_o the_o good_a we_o have_v do_v or_o omit_v to_o do_v and_o the_o evil_a we_o have_v withstand_v or_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o or_o not_o prevent_v when_o we_o may_v shall_v be_v severe_o account_v for_o by_o each_o in_o their_o station_n each_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v surround_v with_o his_o sphere_n of_o authority_n wherein_o he_o be_v set_v here_o and_o judge_v in_o that_o and_o each_o minister_n of_o religion_n justify_v or_o condemn_v in_o that_o very_a orb_n wherein_o he_o be_v fix_v as_o a_o star_n and_o the_o several_a magnitude_n of_o both_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n will_v then_o be_v dreadful_a to_o they_o however_o they_o have_v covet_v and_o be_v ambitious_a of_o they_o here_o if_o they_o have_v not_o enlighten_v their_o whole_a space_n because_o their_o judgement_n will_v be_v great_a even_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o his_o service_n to_o the_o public_a in_o his_o place_n and_o station_n how_o private_a soever_o if_o it_o have_v never_o so_o little_o exceed_v his_o single_a capacity_n and_o who_o in_o his_o reason_n can_v think_v god_n will_v then_o account_v with_o man_n for_o mint_n and_o cummin_n small_a and_o disputable_a thing_n howsoever_o zealous_a or_o rather_o fond_a of_o they_o they_o have_v be_v in_o themselves_o and_o earnest_n with_o other_o concern_v they_o those_o thing_n that_o have_v true_o centre_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n in_o faith_n repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n in_o love_n and_o peace_n will_v be_v of_o the_o only_a moment_n at_o that_o tribunal_n this_o therefore_o shall_v be_v the_o most_o powerful_a persuasive_a upon_o we_o to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a herein_o we_o can_v in_o that_o community_n wherein_o we_o be_v fix_v according_a to_o our_o talon_n though_o but_o a_o single_a one_o much_o more_o if_o our_o talent_n have_v be_v two_o or_o five_o that_o we_o may_v in_o that_o day_n of_o recompense_n enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o our_o lord_n the_o end_n the_o woe_n of_o scandal_n or_o scandal_n in_o its_o general_n nature_n and_o effect_n discourse_v as_o one_o strong_a argument_n against_o imposition_n in_o religious_a thing_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v indifferent_a london_n print_v for_o tho._n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n at_o the_o low_a end_n of_o cheapside_n 1682._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n that_o which_o i_o will_v endeavour_v in_o preparation_n to_o the_o follow_a discourse_n be_v to_o present_v my_o design_n and_o method_n in_o state_v the_o nature_n of_o scandal_n that_o it_o may_v be_v more_o intelligible_a by_o be_v see_v first_o as_o in_o a_o landscape_n in_o this_o entry_n and_o then_o to_o add_v some_o consideration_n of_o great_a strength_n to_o each_o part_n of_o that_o undertake_n that_o have_v since_o arrive_v to_o my_o thought_n as_o to_o the_o method_n i_o must_v in_o my_o own_o defence_n say_v that_o i_o have_v to_o do_v with_o a_o subject_a in_o which_o so_o much_o of_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n be_v treasure_v up_o of_o so_o movable_a a_o consideration_n as_o scripture_n from_o its_o own_o various_a shape_n offer_v it_o to_o we_o that_o it_o can_v easy_o be_v know_v or_o trace_v i_o hope_v therefore_o it_o will_v be_v allow_v as_o some_o part_n of_o a_o apology_n that_o the_o thread_n of_o my_o treat_v concern_v it_o do_v not_o run_v so_o even_o and_o straight_o along_o as_o it_o ought_v further_o i_o must_v take_v sanctuary_n at_o the_o reader_n be_v candour_n for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o my_o sincere_a intention_n and_o any_o degree_n of_o performance_n in_o so_o difficult_a a_o task_n i_o confess_v the_o want_n of_o the_o most_o advantageous_a art_n of_o method_n and_o a_o clear_a unperplexed_a style_n yet_o that_o i_o may_v take_v the_o true_a measure_n of_o so_o multiform_a and_o vague_v a_o notion_n 1._o i_o have_v take_v hold_v of_o it_o in_o the_o most_o strict_a and_o precise_a description_n i_o can_v frame_v as_o it_o be_v applicable_a to_o all_o case_n of_o sin_n therein_o rest_v especial_o upon_o those_o word_n scripture_n use_v to_o convey_v the_o sentiment_n of_o it_o to_o we_o thus_o scandal_n be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o be_v draw_v into_o any_o sin_n and_o off_o from_o the_o course_n of_o duty_n and_o religious_a action_n and_o so_o entangle_v in_o gild_n disease_n of_o conscience_n and_o endanger_v as_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n under_o a_o pretext_n of_o reason_n or_o religion_n 2._o because_o i_o find_v the_o scripture_n apply_v the_o notion_n of_o scandal_n especial_o when_o some_o of_o the_o grand_a principle_n and_o law_n of_o religion_n be_v violate_v under_o such_o pretext_n i_o have_v consider_v it_o as_o refer_v to_o those_o great_a principle_n by_o such_o sacred_a use_n 3._o because_o there_o be_v a_o very_a peculiar_a and_o most_o remarkable_a use_n of_o it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n by_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v turn_v into_o sin_n by_o be_v determine_v upon_o in_o practice_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n beside_o other_o way_n wherein_o be_v use_v amiss_o they_o may_v become_v scandal_n or_o occasion_n of_o it_o i_o have_v therefore_o allow_v a_o very_a peculiar_a head_n of_o discourse_n to_o that_o case_n 4._o because_o by_o deep_o consider_v scandal_n and_o that_o as_o our_o saviour_n pronounce_v scandal_n must_v needs_o come_v i_o find_v there_o must_v be_v some_o primitive_a fundamental_a and_o universal_a scandal_n that_o cover_v the_o whole_a state_n of_o sin_n in_o general_a i_o address_v the_o last_o part_n of_o my_o meditation_n on_o the_o nature_n of_o scandal_n to_o this_o primitive_a universal_a scandal_n and_o last_o i_o resume_v upon_o the_o whole_a a_o representation_n of_o scandal_n adjust_v to_o what_o i_o find_v upon_o each_o of_o those_o forementioned_a inquiry_n after_o it_o and_o herein_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v have_v hang_v up_o light_n to_o discover_v in_o some_o degree_n and_o to_o avoid_v so_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a a_o evil_n as_o scandal_n though_o i_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o to_o those_o degree_n i_o desire_v or_o to_o compose_v into_o so_o happy_a a_o order_n or_o so_o perspicuous_a a_o expression_n what_o i_o have_v myself_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o thus_o far_o as_o to_o the_o method_n now_o for_o the_o strengthen_v some_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n by_o consideration_n that_o have_v arrive_v to_o my_o thought_n since_o i_o have_v set_v a_o end_n to_o the_o treatise_n itself_o they_o have_v arisen_a from_o the_o close_a observation_n of_o the_o contexture_n of_o the_o lord_n sermon_n upon_o scandal_n as_o it_o be_v record_v especial_o in_o this_o 18_o of_o matthew_n and_o mark_v 9_o and_o luke_n 17._o compare_v with_o the_o debate_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o corinth_n which_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a seat_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scandal_n we_o have_v in_o all_o the_o scripture_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o who_o chief_a business_n into_o the_o world_n be_v his_o recovery_n of_o it_o from_o scandal_n the_o deception_n and_o the_o ruin_n of_o it_o by_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o divine_a glory_n for_o the_o dishonour_n do_v to_o it_o by_o scandal_n have_v bless_v we_o with_o as_o sovereign_a argument_n and_o instruction_n against_o either_o give_n or_o receive_v it_o our_o lord_n have_v so_o embrace_v all_o sort_n and_o degree_n of_o scandal_n within_o this_o sermon_n that_o none_o can_v be_v exempt_v from_o the_o force_n and_o energy_n of_o thosâ—_n his_o argument_n instruction_n or_o severe_a denunciation_n but_o yâ—t_o that_o they_o have_v a_o particular_a poignancy_n against_o scandal_n within_o his_o church_n and_o one_o more_o particular_a kind_n give_v by_o a_o particular_a sort_n of_o man_n and_o direct_v against_o another_o particular_a sort_n of_o man_n will_v be_v most_o evident_a from_o the_o survey_n i_o be_o now_o to_o give_v of_o his_o heavenborn_a discourse_n the_o occasion_n of_o it_o be_v the_o disciple_n come_v solemn_o to_o he_o with_o a_o grand_a quere_z in_o which_o no_o doubt_n their_o ambition_n a_o very_a ignorant_a ambition_n be_v deep_o concern_v who_o say_v they_o be_v the_o great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v as_o be_v general_o understand_v at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n the_o lord_n
two_o case_n to_o be_v the_o expedient_a against_o scandal_n he_o therefore_o persuade_v the_o not_o eat_v upon_o these_o contingency_n as_o by_o the_o by_o which_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a performance_n for_o christian_a charity_n but_o the_o thing_n he_o be_v whole_o intent_n upon_o be_v that_o great_a doctrine_n of_o not_o scandalize_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n these_o circumstance_n easy_o vanish_v the_o main_a point_n remain_v unmoved_a they_o be_v only_o a_o scheme_n a_o momentany_a and_o transitory_a one_o to_o display_v this_o great_a doctrine_n in_o and_o to_o present_v it_o upon_o when_o these_o thing_n grow_v into_o a_o ritual_a religion_n the_o scheme_n be_v alter_v and_o shift_v they_o grow_v sinful_a and_o be_v condemn_v the_o doctrine_n stand_v yet_o and_o for_o ever_o stand_v firm_a plant_v upon_o they_o object_n 4._o the_o rite_n use_v be_v such_o as_o be_v recommend_v from_o antiquity_n and_o be_v of_o use_n of_o old_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n answ_n allow_v it_o to_o be_v so_o all_o that_o can_v be_v collect_v from_o thence_o be_v but_o example_n wound_v up_o to_o its_o high_a peg_n when_o it_o do_v not_o reach_n christ_n and_o whenever_o it_o do_v not_o reach_v he_o it_o do_v not_o bind_v be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o as_o i_o 1._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 1._o be_o of_o christ_n say_v the_o apostle_n just_a about_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ordinance_n or_o tradition_n those_o concurrence_n all_o every_o where_o always_o must_v begin_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v find_v there_o else_o they_o do_v but_o oblige_v our_o prudence_n not_o our_o conscience_n only_o so_o far_o as_o antiquity_n or_o the_o primitive_a church_n inable_v we_o to_o see_v with_o our_o own_o eye_n the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o determination_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n in_o any_o case_n so_o far_o it_o oblige_v we_o in_o conscience_n all_o else_o be_v but_o the_o deference_n of_o modesty_n and_o due_a regard_n which_o can_v weigh_v against_o scandal_n except_o we_o make_v the_o oracle_n of_o antiquity_n equal_a to_o the_o heavenly_a oracle_n and_o then_o we_o must_v demand_v the_o same_o certainty_n of_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o or_o else_o we_o may_v quick_o run_v into_o the_o great_a of_o scandal_n object_n 5._o the_o command_v of_o lawful_a authority_n take_v away_o the_o indifferency_n and_o make_v necessary_a what_o be_v before_o indifferent_a answ_n the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o all_o thing_n indifferent_a for_o that_o be_v ready_o grant_v if_o in_o all_o circumstance_n they_o be_v indifferent_a nor_o whether_o rite_n be_v indifferent_a thing_n for_o that_o be_v also_o suppose_a to_o be_v grant_v but_o the_o question_n must_v be_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o give_v or_o receive_v scandal_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n see_v that_o may_v indisputable_o fall_v out_o or_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o in_o one_o sort_n of_o indifferent_n as_o well_o as_o other_o else_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n will_v be_v ineffectual_a to_o any_o the_o like_a case_n see_v then_o the_o tribunal_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v high_a than_o of_o any_o of_o the_o supream_n of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o scandal_n be_v cognisable_v only_o before_o he_o and_o that_o whatever_o incur_v sandal_n be_v inseparable_a from_o sin_n against_o god_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o in_o a_o case_n of_o doubt_n from_o which_o a_o man_n can_v acquit_v himself_o he_o can_v obey_v man_n in_o that_o without_o disobey_v god_n who_o have_v declare_v to_o he_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o he_o that_o doubt_v and_o do_v what_o he_o doubt_v of_o be_v damn_v that_o be_v condemn_v within_o himself_o and_o in_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o reason_n in_o such_o a_o case_n must_v be_v the_o same_o as_o in_o a_o case_n of_o obey_v magistrate_n against_o any_o express_a divine_a prohibition_n for_o though_o the_o thing_n doubt_v of_o do_v much_o differ_v if_o it_o be_v indeed_o indifferent_a yet_o the_o prohibition_n be_v as_o plain_a against_o do_v what_o be_v doubt_v of_o and_o what_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n as_o in_o any_o case_n see_v then_o all_o humane_a authority_n must_v lower_v its_o top_n to_o divine_a i_o can_v see_v but_o that_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v god_n peculiar_a for_o we_o speak_v only_o of_o that_o the_o magistrate_n power_n be_v exclude_v in_o case_n of_o real_a doubt_n of_o conscience_n in_o which_o a_o man_n can_v do_v nothing_o but_o he_o run_v into_o god_n danger_n even_o as_o in_o any_o other_o case_n of_o such_o danger_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n and_o what_o be_v offer_v in_o relief_n will_v not_o avail_v viz._n that_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v certain_o a_o duty_n but_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o disobedience_n to_o god_n about_o such_o or_o such_o indifferent_n be_v in_o doubt_n and_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v indeed_o indifferent_a it_o be_v a_o doubt_n upon_o mistake_n and_o then_o there_o be_v a_o disobedience_n to_o god_n in_o a_o undoubted_a rule_n and_o command_v to_o avoid_v it_o in_o a_o case_n not_o only_o of_o doubt_n but_o of_o mistake_n this_o i_o say_v can_v avail_v because_o the_o measure_n be_v not_o to_o be_v draw_v betwixt_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n or_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o betwixt_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n and_o obedience_n to_o that_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o all_o case_n of_o doubt_n which_o be_v as_o clear_v and_o as_o little_a subject_n to_o doubt_v as_o any_o rule_n whatever_o yet_o do_v not_o this_o evacuate_v the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n it_o be_v restrain_v to_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o religion_n and_o in_o doubt_n and_o the_o doubt_v fix_v upon_o a_o grand_a principle_n of_o truth_n nor_o be_v that_o of_o great_a satisfaction_n that_o in_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n there_o be_v so_o many_o degree_n of_o good_a and_o so_o many_o of_o evil_n in_o the_o disobedience_n but_o in_o do_v well_o or_o ill_o concern_v indifferent_n there_o be_v much_o few_o degree_n both_o of_o the_o good_a and_o the_o evil_a therefore_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o so_o great_a a_o morality_n as_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v always_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o our_o do_v well_o in_o indifferent_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o evil_a in_o one_o to_o be_v avoid_v much_o rather_o than_o the_o same_o fear_n in_o the_o other_o the_o reason_n of_o dissatisfaction_n be_v this_o that_o the_o measure_n be_v not_o betwixt_o the_o morality_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o obey_v magistrate_n and_o do_v well_o or_o ill_o about_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o betwixt_o the_o morality_n of_o obey_v god_n in_o one_o of_o his_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a precept_n and_o in_o another_o of_o the_o same_o evidence_n and_o clearness_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o of_o the_o same_o rate_n of_o morality_n see_v obedience_n to_o god_n be_v the_o fundamental_a morality_n if_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o the_o magistrate_n prohibition_n of_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o cup_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n must_v exempt_v from_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o those_o duty_n because_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v a_o moral_a duty_n but_o the_o other_o ceremonial_a but_o it_o be_v out_o of_o measure_n certain_a obedience_n to_o god_n be_v both_o the_o top_n and_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o morality_n and_o although_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v a_o great_a point_n of_o morality_n yet_o obedience_n to_o god_n be_v so_o before_o it_o as_o to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o beside_o if_o obedience_n to_o god_n be_v to_o be_v value_v not_o by_o his_o authority_n but_o by_o weigh_v the_o precept_n themselves_o much_o more_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v estimate_v by_o the_o command_v they_o give_v of_o which_o indifferent_n in_o religion_n will_v never_o be_v make_v out_o to_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v the_o test_n either_o of_o their_o authority_n or_o our_o obedience_n whatever_o unthinking_a man_n have_v say_v therein_o indeed_o among_o the_o divine_a command_n god_n have_v choose_v mercy_n rather_o than_o sacrifice_n honour_v parent_n rather_o than_o corban_n but_o it_o be_v because_o he_o have_v so_o declare_v in_o his_o word_n and_o in_o man_n conscience_n but_o all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v harmonious_o conspire_v and_o subordinate_a themselves_o one_o to_o another_o among_o which_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n and_o preserve_v the_o government_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o nor_o of_o any_o contest_v or_o distance_n of_o unkindness_n between_o themselves_o whoso_o
every_o quarter_n with_o mischief_n how_o much_o better_a than_o be_v it_o that_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n be_v take_v away_o even_o while_o the_o world_n stand_v than_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v keep_v up_o as_o the_o sconce_n of_o scandal_n for_o indifferent_a thing_n let_v not_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v destroy_v nor_o any_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v in_o danger_n to_o perish_v the_o more_o we_o esteem_v our_o church_n our_o religion_n our_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o better_a and_o pure_a they_o be_v the_o more_o it_o be_v pity_v any_o shall_v be_v divide_v from_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o scandalize_v as_o to_o be_v schismatic_n from_o it_o either_o in_o our_o account_n or_o if_o it_o be_v that_o sin_n in_o the_o real_a danger_n of_o it_o and_o of_o perish_v in_o it_o the_o more_o excellent_a our_o church_n be_v the_o more_o the_o apostle_n rule_n take_v hold_v of_o we_o let_v not_o the_o good_a of_o our_o church_n be_v evil_o speak_v of_o as_o if_o it_o be_v ceremonial_a let_v we_o not_o lose_v any_o from_o our_o church_n for_o meat_n and_o drink_v increase_v not_o the_o woe_n of_o scandal_n any_o way_n for_o so_o mean_a thing_n as_o indifferent_n let_v we_o not_o endanger_v ourselves_o into_o the_o woe_n of_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v for_o element_n but_o beside_o all_o these_o consideration_n there_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_a a_o security_n in_o add_v any_o thing_n under_o any_o name_n whatever_o to_o the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n any_o more_o than_o to_o his_o word_n lest_o we_o be_v find_v liar_n to_o he_o mismatch_a with_o it_o what_o will_v not_o endure_v the_o fire_n great_a peace_n have_v they_o that_o 6._o prov._n 30._o 5_o 6._o love_v thy_o law_n o_o lord_n and_o that_o only_a nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o in_o nothing_o will_v they_o offend_v other_o observe_v rite_n that_o have_v be_v divine_a be_v not_o so_o safe_a to_o the_o first_o christian_n have_v to_o do_v with_o rite_n that_o have_v be_v corrupt_v idolatrous_o and_o superstitious_o prove_v very_o fatal_a ceremony_n be_v but_o shadow_n superstition_n easy_o pervade_v that_o little_a thin_a essence_n they_o have_v they_o have_v not_o the_o right_n of_o be_v god_n creation_n to_o bring_v they_o off_o to_o lie_v low_a than_o their_o corruption_n and_o commend_v they_o there_o be_v no_o such_o cause_n to_o be_v overzealous_a of_o such_o thing_n in_o regard_n of_o which_o a_o late_a history_n late_a father_n simmons_n be_v critical_a history_n romanist_n have_v say_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n differ_v little_a from_o the_o romish_a in_o outward_a appearance_n the_o argument_n strike_v all_o way_n if_o our_o constitution_n be_v so_o good_a and_o injure_v not_o at_o all_o by_o ceremony_n let_v we_o as_o christ_n seek_v and_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v those_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o least_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n let_v they_o not_o be_v lose_v for_o ceremony_n the_o love_n and_o compassion_n of_o a_o saviour_n triumph_v towards_o these_o least_o easy_o offend_v narrow-souled_a morose_n suppose_v they_o smoke_v flax_n bruise_a reed_n yet_o despise_v they_o not_o if_o christian_n if_o protestant_n their_o angel_n behold_v the_o face_n of_o the_o father_n of_o christ_n in_o heaven_n let_v they_o not_o be_v offend_v scandalize_v from_o union_n with_o our_o national_a church_n for_o ceremony_n if_o on_o the_o other_o side_n our_o ceremony_n in_o god_n account_n shall_v be_v blemish_n of_o our_o church_n and_o imperfection_n or_o if_o they_o may_v be_v turn_v into_o such_o by_o a_o ignorant_a use_n of_o they_o or_o if_o they_o cause_v division_n and_o scandal_n if_o the_o mischief_n of_o those_o scandal_n fall_v upon_o stranger_n to_o true_a religion_n and_o keep_v they_o at_o distance_n all_o these_o consideration_n weigh_v heavy_a against_o a_o zeal_n for_o they_o but_o if_o none_o of_o these_o can_v be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n yet_o if_o man_n doubt_v concern_v they_o what_o must_v they_o do_v how_o shall_v they_o escape_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n why_o shall_v this_o be_v hazard_v for_o indifferent_n and_o when_o the_o tide_n of_o advantage_n preferment_n public_a approbation_n be_v on_o one_o side_n deprivation_n of_o all_o those_o censure_n and_o penalty_n on_o the_o other_o who_o dare_v answer_n for_o many_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o principle_n much_o more_o venture_v over_o their_o doubt_n and_o yet_o in_o those_o very_a doubt_n have_v the_o apostle_n lay_v his_o doctrine_n or_o last_o woe_n can_v reasonable_o suppose_v man_n will_v stem_v this_o tide_n that_o be_v against_o they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o real_a conscientious_a doubt_n or_o high_a than_o doubt_n to_o contest_v with_o in_o prejudice_n of_o their_o compliance_n upon_o the_o whole_a then_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v impose_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n by_o a_o violent_a example_n much_o more_o by_o severe_a way_n be_v very_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n in_o that_o case_n and_o that_o upon_o reason_n that_o till_o i_o see_v they_o answer_v i_o must_v suppose_v unanswerable_a i_o have_v now_o thus_o far_o discourse_v of_o scandal_n in_o the_o more_o strict_a and_o particular_a case_n scripture_n have_v give_v we_o the_o notice_n of_o but_o in_o the_o remain_a head_n to_o be_v treat_v of_o i_o shall_v consider_v it_o in_o that_o large_a and_o most_o comprehensive_a grasp_v of_o it_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o require_v great_a wisdom_n and_o the_o prepossession_n of_o a_o more_o religious_a prudence_n than_o to_o sit_v and_o count_v the_o charge_n of_o undertake_v serious_a piety_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v bid_v we_o in_o relation_n to_o one_o branch_n of_o scandal_n persecution_n so_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o whole_a negotiation_n of_o scandal_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o great_a both_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o he_o have_v give_v full_a and_o ample_a warning_n before_o hand_n of_o all_o the_o disadvantage_n we_o be_v to_o encounter_v in_o our_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o as_o when_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o shall_v be_v false_a prophet_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n there_o shall_v be_v persecution_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o apostasy_n or_o general_a defection_n from_o true_a symmetral_n christianity_n within_o christianity_n itself_o and_o so_o in_o the_o present_a case_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o scandal_n come_v for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v one_o great_a defence_n against_o the_o evil_n predict_v as_o also_o against_o the_o stagger_a of_o our_o mind_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n itself_o let_v any_o man_n then_o inquire_v and_o search_v this_o thing_n out_o both_o in_o scripture_n and_o close_a reason_n and_o he_o will_v find_v scandal_n must_v come_v though_o he_o may_v at_o first_o think_v religion_n if_o it_o be_v so_o great_a and_o excellent_a as_o be_v give_v out_o of_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v darken_v and_o cloud_v with_o scandal_n but_o stand_v clear_a from_o it_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v any_o way_n liable_a to_o it_o now_o that_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o just_a and_o right_a even_o to_o perfection_n itself_o be_v every_o where_o record_v and_o publish_v of_o it_o wisdom_n speak_v excellent_a thing_n and_o the_o open_v its_o lip_n be_v 6._o prov._n 8._o 6._o right_a thing_n it_o speak_v truth_n and_o wickedness_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o its_o lip_n all_o its_o word_n be_v in_o righteousness_n and_o nothing_o froward_a or_o perverse_a in_o they_o they_o be_v all_o plain_a to_o he_o that_o understand_v and_o right_a to_o they_o that_o find_v knowledge_n the_o righteousness_n of_o thy_o testimony_n be_v everlasting_a give_v i_o understanding_n and_o i_o shall_v live_v god_n precept_n be_v right_o concern_v all_o thing_n and_o secure_a from_o every_o false_a way_n etc._n psal_n 119._o 104._o etc._n etc._n his_o law_n be_v the_o truth_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o lip_n man_n be_v keep_v from_o the_o path_n of_o the_o destroyer_n amid_o all_o the_o scandalize_a 11._o psal_n 17._o 4._o hos_fw-la 14._o 11._o and_o intangle_a work_n of_o man_n the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v all_o right_a if_o man_n have_v but_o right_a foot_n right_a intention_n affection_n and_o motion_n and_o yet_o when_o all_o this_o be_v grant_v let_v any_o man_n cast_v the_o thing_n in_o his_o severe_a thought_n and_o he_o will_v find_v it_o impossible_a as_o thing_n be_v religion_n shall_v be_v free_a from_o scandal_n and_o that_o therefore_o as_o if_o any_o man_n can_v deny_v himself_o he_o can_v be_v christ_n disciple_n so_o if_o
succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n without_o caution_v for_o any_o thing_n of_o their_o true_a spirit_n and_o which_o so_o hang_v salvation_n at_o the_o girdle_n of_o those_o that_o will_v be_v their_o successor_n as_o turn_v christianity_n into_o a_o most_o arbitrary_a and_o tirannick_a party_n but_o they_o that_o know_v the_o scripture_n know_v assure_o christ_n have_v found_v no_o rule_n government_n or_o authority_n in_o his_o church_n whatever_o but_o who_o whole_a display_v of_o itself_o be_v in_o teach_v instruct_v according_a to_o his_o word_n if_o that_o be_v not_o clear_a and_o evident_a the_o whole_a authority_n and_o power_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n this_o word_n appear_v in_o and_o with_o itself_o though_o by_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n over_o conscience_n they_o that_o will_v rule_v without_o this_o as_o ruler_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n be_v but_o lay-elders_a lay-bishop_n or_o indeed_o they_o leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v table_n but_o in_o this_o universal_a rage_n of_o scandal_n god_n have_v not_o so_o forsake_v the_o world_n but_o that_o his_o spirit_n lift_v up_o a_o standard_n against_o it_o evil_n be_v not_o infinite_a but_o be_v at_o all_o time_n stop_v by_o evidence_n of_o god_n and_o true_a goodness_n environ_v it_o on_o every_o side_n and_o bound_v it_o that_o it_o can_v do_v what_o it_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o do_v and_o be_v therefore_o force_v to_o leave_v it_o undo_v for_o it_o can_v go_v no_o far_o than_o the_o being_n that_o carry_v it_o can_v go_v and_o god_n be_v always_o above_o they_o and_o hem_v they_o in_o on_o every_o side_n scandal_n have_v only_o a_o permission_n from_o god_n a_o dispensation_n to_o manifest_v itself_o it_o be_v always_o subject_a to_o truth_n as_o night_n be_v to_o day_n it_o be_v subject_a to_o be_v reduce_v and_o contract_v as_o god_n please_v and_o thus_o have_v i_o finish_v the_o three_o head_n of_o discourse_n concern_v scandal_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o scandal_n come_v i_o come_v to_o a_o brief_a dispatch_n of_o the_o four_o head_n the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o world_n woe_n because_o of_o scandal_n 1._o let_v the_o scandal_n be_v never_o so_o fair_a and_o plausible_a in_o its_o pretence_n or_o reason_n of_o seduction_n from_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o force_n of_o truth_n and_o high_a reason_n against_o it_o that_o our_o gild_n and_o condemnation_n be_v unavoidable_a in_o not_o resist_v the_o temptation_n nothing_o can_v justify_v a_o plea_n against_o the_o divine_a law_n not_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n we_o must_v pronounce_v anathema_n upon_o he_o if_o he_o undertake_v it_o there_o be_v such_o foundation_n of_o truth_n lay_v by_o god_n that_o can_v be_v move_v and_o they_o have_v such_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n to_o all_o sincere_a mind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o excuse_n against_o the_o gild_n of_o be_v take_v with_o scandal_n 2._o there_o be_v therefore_o always_o some_o most_o guilty_a cause_n of_o scandal_n and_o its_o prevalency_n within_o every_o man_n that_o be_v take_v by_o it_o some_o lust_n and_o love_n of_o evil_n that_o betray_v he_o and_o on_o which_o he_o be_v condemn_v when_o scandal_n rage_v most_o abroad_o and_o come_v with_o lie_v sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n it_o be_v because_o man_n have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o 3._o scandal_n be_v itself_o misery_n and_o ruin_n a_o man_n can_v fall_v and_o be_v snare_v he_o can_v be_v wound_v and_o break_v but_o he_o must_v be_v miserable_a life_n health_n salvation_n be_v only_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o conformity_n to_o his_o holy_a will._n who_o have_v woe_n who_o have_v wound_n who_o have_v grief_n but_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v scandal_n against_o the_o divine_a truth_n this_o be_v a_o deep_a ditch_n he_o only_o that_o be_v hate_v of_o god_n fall_v into_o it_o as_o not_o to_o recover_v it_o be_v vain_a to_o pretend_v the_o force_n the_o power_n the_o unavoidableness_n of_o scandal_n when_o itself_o be_v death_n and_o ruin_n how_o many_o be_v please_v with_o their_o scandal_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n part_n with_o they_o many_o excuse_v themselves_o they_o can_v not_o withstand_v their_o deceit_n and_o violence_n and_o will_v not_o apprehend_v their_o case_n the_o first_o close_o embrace_v death_n or_o as_o solomon_n say_v love_v death_n the_o latter_a can_v have_v no_o other_o pity_n at_o the_o high_a but_o that_o they_o be_v undo_v their_o scandal_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o pine_v away_o in_o they_o as_o they_o speak_v in_o ezekiel_n and_o how_o then_o shall_v 10._o ezek._n 33._o 10._o they_o live_v god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o their_o death_n yet_o still_o they_o die_v except_o restore_v by_o repentance_n 4._o be_v it_o not_o for_o scandal_n be_v it_o not_o some_o unhappy_a and_o mischievous_a misrepresentation_n of_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n be_v there_o not_o something_o that_o impose_v upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o seduce_v the_o will_n with_o a_o false_a appearance_n of_o truth_n and_o good_a rational_a being_n can_v not_o resist_v truth_n nor_o fall_v out_o with_o infinite_a goodness_n or_o on_o the_o other_o side_n entertain_v falsehood_n or_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o evil_a and_o so_o will_v be_v every_o way_n secure_a from_o destruction_n sure_o be_v it_o not_o for_o scandal_n some_o most_o mischievous_a possession_n upon_o our_o mind_n while_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n of_o mercy_n we_o can_v not_o refuse_v and_o reject_v it_o nor_o cleave_v so_o fast_o to_o sin_n and_o death_n which_o can_v have_v no_o desirableness_n but_o to_o the_o deceive_a soul_n as_o holiness_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n can_v be_v disgustful_a to_o any_o but_o the_o scandalize_v be_v it_o not_o for_o some_o indissolvable_a scandal_n even_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n may_v be_v repent_v of_o and_o forgive_v some_o irreconcilable_a prejudice_n retain_v both_o the_o sin_n and_o so_o the_o punishment_n and_o in_o hell_n there_o be_v that_o eternal_a scandal_n for_o ever_o hold_v fast_o the_o damn_a that_o a_o creature_n deprive_v of_o god_n just_o hate_v and_o rebel_n against_o he_o or_o it_o be_v best_o for_o it_o in_o that_o circumstance_n so_o to_o do_v be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v loose_v from_o this_o snare_n of_o death_n this_o everlasting_a chain_n of_o darkness_n there_o may_v be_v a_o escape_n out_o of_o hell_n itself_o be_v there_o not_o a_o eternal_a discontent_n and_o disgust_n to_o god_n hell_n can_v not_o be_v hell_n nor_o devil_n devil_n any_o long_o so_o miserable_a a_o thing_n be_v scandal_n the_o five_o head_n in_o this_o discourse_n be_v the_o accumulative_a woe_n to_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v the_o woe_n by_o way_n of_o transcendency_n 1._o the_o designer_n of_o scandal_n must_v be_v as_o so_o many_o satan_n in_o the_o world_n of_o the_o just_a contrary_a spirit_n and_o action_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o separate_v from_o that_o bless_a presence_n into_o that_o fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n the_o god_n and_o the_o angel_n of_o scandal_n some_o have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v brand_o infamous_a herein_o but_o none_o like_o he_o who_o come_v be_v after_o satan_n with_o lie_v sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o vnrighteousness_n all_o those_o atheistical_a defamation_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o the_o scurrility_n of_o profane_a wit_n be_v deep_o dye_v in_o this_o gild_n they_o be_v like_o the_o throw_n of_o firebrand_n arrow_n and_o death_n so_o be_v the_o scandalize_a of_o man_n in_o such_o sport_n of_o wit_n to_o their_o ruin_n they_o that_o offer_v themselves_o as_o copy_n and_o pattern_n of_o wickedness_n in_o defiance_n of_o heaven_n dwell_v near_o to_o this_o insupportable_a woe_n they_o who_o law_n arm_v with_o cruel_a penalty_n be_v so_o many_o destructive_a trap_n and_o engine_n of_o mischief_n against_o all_o that_o be_v professor_n of_o true_a and_o sincere_a religion_n shall_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o god_n kingdom_n their_o scandal_n and_o themselves_o that_o work_n iniquity_n by_o they_o they_o that_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v indifferent_a use_v a_o violent_a example_n that_o must_v be_v answer_v with_o conformity_n though_o man_n do_v with_o great_a seriousness_n and_o solemnity_n protest_v their_o doubt_n in_o the_o case_n and_o though_o scandal_n be_v plant_v every_o where_n in_o their_o indifferency_n have_v need_n as_o our_o saviour_n bid_v they_o take_v heed_n they_o offend_v not_o they_o despise_v not_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v but_o the_o little_a one_o in_o
craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o 14._o eccles_n 4._o 14._o wait_n to_o deceive_v but_o follow_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n we_o may_v grow_v up_o into_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n who_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n from_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o edify_a itself_o in_o love_n be_v not_o carry_v about_o 9_o heb._n 13_o 9_o with_o divers_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n for_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v establish_v with_o grace_n not_o with_o meat_n which_o have_v not_o profit_v they_o that_o have_v be_v exercise_v therein_o 2._o that_o we_o have_v a_o true_a and_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o our_o obedience_n to_o it_o the_o blessedness_n of_o which_o and_o its_o great_a preservation_n from_o scandal_n the_o psalmist_n thus_o describe_v bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o council_n of_o the_o ungodly_a nor_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n nor_o 1._o psal_n 1._o 1._o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a but_o his_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o that_o law_n do_v he_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o tree_n plant_v by_o the_o river_n of_o water_n that_o bring_v forth_o his_o fruit_n in_o due_a season_n his_o leaf_n also_o shall_v not_o wither_v and_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v shall_v prosper_v 3._o that_o we_o order_v all_o thing_n of_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n aright_o both_o as_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o to_o which_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n direction_n shall_v be_v always_o before_o we_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n nor_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n 22._o rom._n 14._o 5_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 22._o give_v no_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o gentile_n nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n even_o as_o i_o please_v all_o man_n in_o all_o thing_n not_o seek_v my_o own_o profit_n but_o the_o profit_n of_o many_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v whoever_o thus_o serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o men._n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la several_a mispointings_a and_o literal_a mistake_n the_o candid_a reader_n be_v desire_v to_o observe_v and_o pardon_n and_o what_o be_v most_o injurious_a to_o the_o sense_n thus_o to_o correct_v page_n 6._o line_n 32._o for_o a_o read_v all_o p._n 13._o l._n 22._o for_o they_o r._n the._n p._n 17._o l._n 12._o deal_n not_o p._n 18._o l._n 11._o for_o at_o r._n with_o p._n 25._o l._n 30._o for_o he_o r_o any_o one_o p._n 27._o l._n 30._o for_o purity_n r._n party_n p._n 38._o l._n 4_o for_o righteous_a r._n weak_a p._n 44._o l._n 24._o deal_n they_o p._n 48._o l._n 17._o for_o rule_n r._n rate_n p._n 55._o l._n 22._o after_o be_v r._n not_o p._n 61._o l._n 9_o for_o sacrifice_n r._n sacrament_n p._n 76._o l._n 29._o for_o party_n r._n polity_n p._n 79._o l._n 11._o after_o just_o r._n may_n print_a for_o tho._n parkhurst_n the_o whole_a duty_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o national_a true_a religion_n argue_v and_o persuade_v upon_o great_a motive_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n conciliate_v to_o all_o moderate_a apprehension_n though_o differ_v in_o small_a thing_n and_o to_o the_o strict_a notion_n of_o church_n two_o book_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o its_o order_n to_o universal_a peace_n impartial_o state_v and_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o just_a right_n and_o genuine_a effect_n of_o true_a natural_a and_o christian_a religion_n in_o immunity_n from_o penal-law_n church_n censure_n and_o private_a animosity_n a_o catholic_n catechism_n show_v the_o impossibility_n the_o catholic_n religion_n shall_v be_v vary_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o thought_n from_o the_o measure_n leave_v seal_v by_o the_o apostle_n without_o the_o loss_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o the_o impossibility_n popery_n or_o whatever_o else_o be_v not_o find_v in_o scripture_n shall_v be_v catholic_n compose_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mean_a that_o will_v but_o consider_v that_o they_o may_v know_v and_o be_v ready_a upon_o un-movable_a reason_n to_o give_v a_o apology_n or_o defensive_a answer_n for_o the_o catholic_n religion_n if_o they_o be_v indeed_o of_o it_o and_o be_v secure_v from_o temptation_n in_o time_n of_o danger_n 2_o pet._n i._o 12_o the_o present_a truth_n prov._n 22._o 21._o that_o i_o may_v make_v thou_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n that_o thou_o may_v answer_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n to_o they_o that_o send_v unto_o thou_o london_n print_v for_o tho._n parkhurst_n and_o will._n miller_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n and_o the_o acorn_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1683._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n i_o call_v this_o a_o catechism_n because_o i_o design_v it_o a_o familiar_a instruction_n in_o fundamental_a truth_n resound_v the_o same_o thing_n from_o question_n to_o answer_n the_o easy_a way_n of_o convey_v truth_n and_o imprint_v it_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o that_o be_v even_o of_o the_o mean_a capacity_n but_o especial_o because_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v daily_o so_o meditate_a upon_o ponder_v and_o apply_v to_o use_v as_o to_o be_v a_o perpetual_a sound_n in_o our_o ear_n and_o so_o to_o be_v proper_o style_v catechism_n for_o thing_n of_o such_o great_a weight_n as_o principle_n be_v must_v have_v as_o the_o most_o advantageous_a admission_n as_o the_o most_o deep_a and_o therefore_o leisurely_o insinuation_n as_o the_o most_o resolve_a adherence_n when_o find_v true_a and_o right_a which_o be_v buy_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o sell_v it_o so_o they_o must_v have_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o ready_a application_n to_o all_o their_o uses_n and_o end_v they_o must_v therefore_o be_v bind_v continual_o about_o our_o neck_n that_o when_o we_o go_v they_o may_v lead_v we_o that_o when_o we_o sleep_v they_o may_v keep_v we_o that_o when_o we_o wake_v they_o may_v talk_v with_o we_o prov._n 6._o 21_o 22._o i_o know_v the_o thing_n i_o have_v write_v can_v be_v due_o receive_v without_o much_o think_v and_o without_o that_o they_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o a_o censorious_a rejection_n from_o the_o most_o or_o of_o a_o superficial_a unintelligent_a acceptance_n in_o the_o kind_a which_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o i_o present_v it_o as_o a_o catechism_n to_o those_o that_o shall_v at_o all_o approve_v it_o that_o they_o may_v be_v thorough_o verse_v in_o it_o and_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o grow_v domestic_a to_o they_o i_o call_v it_o a_o catholic_n catechism_n only_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o great_a subject_n it_o treat_v of_o the_o catholic_n religion_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v catholic_n or_o in_o which_o their_o catholickness_n consist_v that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o holy_a and_o happy_a spirit_n be_v by_o that_o catholickness_n unite_v and_o close_o band_v with_o itself_o catholic_n as_o the_o epistle_n call_v catholic_n that_o be_v after_o some_o doubt_v assert_v to_o be_v divine_a of_o the_o public_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o give_v that_o public_a doctrine_n in_o which_o the_o general_a assembly_n be_v one_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o contrive_v the_o question_n and_o answer_n so_o that_o the_o answer_n may_v be_v a_o apology_n or_o defensive_a answer_n of_o that_o catholic_n truth_n give_v a_o reason_n or_o a_o rational_a account_n to_o any_o demand_v that_o can_v be_v make_v upon_o it_o and_o it_o be_v the_o apology_n of_o that_o truth_n itself_o the_o apology_n it_o give_v and_o furnish_v we_o with_o for_o other_o can_v no_o man_n give_v truth_n can_v need_v no_o other_o than_o its_o native_a apology_n for_o itself_o no_o other_o will_v it_o accept_v to_o give_v this_o and_o to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v it_o to_o keep_v it_o within_o we_o and_o to_o have_v it_o fit_v to_o our_o lip_n be_v the_o proper_a fruit_n of_o such_o a_o catechetical_a instruction_n and_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o great_a honour_n we_o can_v do_v to_o god_n first_o to_o sanctify_v he_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o a_o full_a acknowledgement_n of_o he_o in_o his_o divine_a truth_n by_o a_o plerophory_n or_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o father_n and_o
because_o god_n to_o who_o we_o proper_o and_o first_o unite_v in_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o public_a and_o universal_a be_v in_o who_o all_o holy_a spirit_n unite_v one_o with_o another_o and_o from_o who_o whoever_o separate_v separate_v also_o from_o all_o good_a spirit_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o the_o only_a dangerous_a schism_n 2._o because_o the_o one_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n our_o lord_n the_o one_o mediator_n will_v have_v all_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o as_o the_o catholic_n truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o have_v therefore_o reconcile_v and_o recapitulate_v all_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n into_o one_o catholic_n body_n in_o himself_o the_o catholic_n head_n 3._o because_o god_n manifestation_n of_o himself_o be_v the_o only_a true_a public_a authentic_a record_n of_o this_o religion_n and_o all_o other_o not_o derive_v from_o hence_o be_v private_a and_o false_a and_o the_o meeting_n set_v up_o to_o celebrate_v any_o 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that_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o oppose_v public_a but_o divine_a to_o private_a it_o be_v plain_a in_o his_o sense_n divine_a be_v the_o only_a public_a and_o whatever_o be_v true_o public_a be_v divine_a and_o all_o else_o private_a quest_n how_o therefore_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v private_a to_o oppose_v it_o to_o public_a or_o divine_a answ_n idiotick_a or_o private_a be_v apply_v to_o person_n who_o knowledge_n be_v very_o narrow_a and_o strait_a and_o they_o have_v cognisance_n of_o nothing_o beyond_o their_o little_a own_a 2._o to_o those_o that_o have_v no_o public_a character_n of_o office_n or_o magistracy_n and_o last_o to_o such_o who_o care_n interest_n and_o concern_v be_v confine_v to_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o even_o thus_o private_a be_v just_o affix_v to_o all_o except_o only_o to_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o derive_v from_o he_o no_o create_a knowledge_n either_o angelic_a or_o humane_a be_v comprehensive_a enough_o to_o be_v the_o 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be_v write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n accuse_v or_o excuse_v one_o another_o the_o eternal_a word_n or_o reason_n that_o make_v all_o thing_n be_v the_o light_n that_o light_v the_o reason_n of_o every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n quest_n which_o be_v the_o second_o record_n answ_n the_o second_o record_n be_v divine_a revelation_n collect_v into_o holy_a scripture_n all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n reproof_n instruction_n correction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n no_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n for_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o even_o as_o the_o law_n of_o 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right_a and_o straight_o and_o continue_v in_o that_o perfect_a state_n wherein_o our_o creator_n leave_v they_o for_o he_o look_v upon_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o behold_v all_o be_v good_a and_o very_o good_a and_o he_o appoint_v a_o sabbatism_n for_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o especial_o his_o rational_a creature_n the_o morning_n star_n to_o sing_v together_o and_o praise_v he_o for_o they_o but_o there_o be_v other_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v as_o the_o break_n up_o of_o the_o great_a deep_a of_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o can_v be_v know_v to_o the_o high_a understanding_n of_o angel_n or_o arch-angel_n only_o by_o revelation_n much_o less_o to_o man_n a_o reason_n of_o a_o low_a orb_n and_o least_o of_o all_o as_o fall_v and_o corrupt_v yet_o suppose_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v abide_v in_o their_o first_o clearness_n and_o luster_n all_o his_o faculty_n will_v have_v immediate_o receive_v and_o adore_a god_n in_o all_o such_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o congratulated_n those_o mighty_a accession_n of_o light_n and_o truth_n quest_n but_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o any_o revelation_n when_o man_n be_v make_v perfect_a and_o good_a while_o he_o continue_v so_o answ_n revelation_n be_v even_o then_o necessary_a to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o creature_n to_o have_v happiness_n and_o perfection_n within_o itself_o but_o to_o be_v in_o continual_a dependence_n upon_o and_o expectation_n from_o the_o creator_n for_o even_o that_o perfection_n wherein_o adam_n be_v make_v be_v thus_o to_o maintain_v continue_v and_o assure_v itself_o and_o so_o to_o rise_v to_o high_a perfection_n he_o have_v therefore_o at_o first_o a_o doctrine_n by_o revelation_n suitable_a to_o the_o two_o sacramental_a tree_n so_o that_o though_o he_o be_v perfect_a as_o such_o a_o
society_n of_o man_n that_o be_v true_o catholic_n if_o it_o be_v but_o according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a religion_n to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o of_o such_o service_n so_o far_o as_o they_o will_v admit_v it_o and_o keep_v to_o the_o simplicity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o instance_n beforenamed_n of_o jonah_n and_o st._n paul_n and_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o do_v this_o when_o true_a reveal_v religion_n be_v join_v with_o natural_a if_o nothing_o be_v require_v of_o we_o that_o corrupt_v and_o defile_v it_o no_o man_n error_n in_o which_o we_o be_v not_o force_v to_o communicate_v shall_v drive_v we_o from_o truth_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o upon_o these_o foundation_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o win_v further_o and_o further_o upon_o all_o to_o bring_v they_o home_o to_o god_n wherein_o they_o wander_v we_o shall_v make_v allowance_n to_o every_o man_n differ_v in_o small_a thing_n receive_v he_o 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to_o it_o and_z as_o you_o have_v opportunity_n reason_v they_o out_o of_o the_o one_o by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o other_o cap._n v._o of_o the_o public_a or_o divine_a original_a of_o sacred_a write_n or_o scripture_n quest_n see_v scripture_n be_v the_o only_a public_a record_n of_o true_a pure_a natural_a religion_n and_o more_o eminent_o of_o reveal_v it_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v full_o inform_v in_o all_o point_n concern_v it_o and_o first_o what_o care_n god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o take_v that_o his_o word_n and_o pure_o that_o shall_v be_v commit_v to_o write_v answ_n god_n hold_v the_o hand_n and_o pen_n of_o holy_a man_n by_o a_o efficacious_a overshadow_v their_o mind_n and_o conduct_v all_o their_o motion_n that_o they_o can_v not_o err_v in_o some_o thing_n he_o so_o full_o possess_v their_o understanding_n and_o affection_n with_o a_o full_a knowledge_n and_o sense_n of_o what_o they_o be_v to_o reveal_v that_o they_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o muse_v 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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 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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
the_o very_a lest_o thing_n but_o as_o command_v by_o himself_o first_o for_o than_o they_o will_v be_v lord_n which_o he_o plain_o declare_v against_o and_o absolute_o deny_v to_o they_o and_o that_o what_o they_o do_v as_o command_v by_o he_o they_o shall_v do_v so_o in_o duty_n and_o service_n to_o the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o subordinate_o to_o his_o church_n as_o not_o to_o be_v call_v or_o esteem_v benefactor_n for_o their_o service_n so_o that_o it_o must_v be_v evident_a what_o their_o superior_a service_n be_v it_o must_v be_v plain_o express_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o there_o at_o least_o so_o determinate_o set_v down_o as_o to_o be_v deduce_v with_o great_a clearness_n to_o the_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n of_o christian_n and_o distinguish_o from_o the_o service_n of_o other_o subordinate_a ruler_n appoint_v by_o christ_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v wait_v for_o and_o receive_v according_a to_o his_o ordinance_n with_o faith_n and_o obedience_n 3._o see_v christ_n appoint_v none_o to_o a_o eminency_n of_o service_n without_o a_o suitable_a eminency_n of_o ability_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n it_o be_v therefore_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v some_o extraordinary_a promise_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n to_o those_o superior_a minister_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o superiority_n wherein_o they_o may_v above_o any_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n visible_o and_o experimental_o make_v some_o approach_n to_o the_o eminent_a assistance_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n have_v in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o that_o they_o have_v continue_v and_o succeed_v in_o their_o high_a function_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o real_a substantial_a service_n of_o bishop_n to_o christianity_n have_v come_v near_o to_o the_o act_n of_o apostle_n and_o as_o much_o excel_v that_o of_o common_a presbyter_n as_o the_o order_n 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further_a propagation_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v but_o new_o set_v out_o have_v not_o arrive_v many_o place_n where_o it_o be_v to_o come_v and_o so_o need_v some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a assistance_n even_o as_o miracle_n do_v not_o immediate_o cease_v no_o more_o do_v these_o personage_n extraordinary_a in_o their_o endowment_n such_o as_o these_o be_v worthy_o in_o a_o degree_n of_o superiority_n over_o those_o that_o have_v not_o the_o same_o miraculous_a inablement_n nor_o knowledge_n as_o yet_o in_o christianity_n afterward_o such_o manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n by_o degree_n retire_v and_o christianity_n have_v fix_v itself_o where_o it_o be_v then_o to_o go_v and_o the_o church_n settle_v the_o best_a account_n of_o the_o continue_a distinction_n between_o those_o that_o be_v upon_o the_o same_o level_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v but_o humane_a prudence_n and_o order_n which_o oblige_v no_o man_n conscience_n beyond_o the_o valuableness_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o prudence_n and_o order_n except_o undeniable_a holiness_n industry_n and_o improve_v understanding_n recommend_v any_o person_n to_o such_o eminency_n for_o eminency_n and_o be_v tall_a than_o other_o in_o those_o qualification_n will_v make_v any_o person_n a_o bishop_n in_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o one_o whether_o so_o ordinate_v or_o not_o and_o can_v make_v he_o that_o be_v a_o dwarf_n in_o these_o true_o a_o bishop_n however_o for_o order_n sake_n he_o may_v stand_v in_o the_o place_n of_o that_o figure_n he_o that_o excel_v in_o his_o knowledge_n of_o obedience_n to_o zeal_n for_o and_o authority_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n see_v that_o word_n convey_v all_o this_o kind_n of_o power_n from_o itself_o must_v needs_o have_v more_o of_o that_o kind_n of_o power_n so_o convey_v than_o other_o for_o the_o more_o pure_o this_o word_n be_v understand_v and_o preach_v the_o more_o power_n go_v out_o of_o it_o and_o along_o with_o those_o that_o display_v it_o and_o so_o they_o become_v pastor_n of_o a_o high_a character_n whether_o of_o a_o high_a order_n or_o not_o cap._n xi_o of_o every_o man_n obligation_n to_o be_v wise_a for_o himself_o to_o salvation_n quest_n according_a to_o all_o the_o precedent_a account_n of_o the_o church_n it_o seem_v not_o only_o reasonable_a but_o most_o necessary_a every_o man_n shall_v be_v wise_a for_o himself_o unto_o salvation_n answ_n it_o be_v certain_o so_o for_o every_o man_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n to_o which_o purpose_n he_o be_v to_o apply_v his_o mind_n to_o search_v for_o true_a wisdom_n as_o for_o silver_n and_o to_o seek_v for_o it_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n quest_n how_o shall_v man_n of_o so_o great_a disadvantage_n to_o such_o high_a thing_n be_v enable_v to_o judge_n answ_n wisdom_n assume_v most_o just_o to_o itself_o to_o be_v of_o so_o high_a value_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v think_v it_o worth_a his_o while_n to_o labour_n and_o travel_v herein_o and_o to_o they_o that_o do_v so_o it_o have_v promise_v the_o most_o certain_a success_n even_o the_o pour_v out_o its_o spirit_n to_o they_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v understand_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n be_v not_o of_o such_o difficulty_n but_o that_o they_o be_v attainable_a in_o the_o use_n of_o right_a mean_n under_o so_o great_a promise_n quest_n what_o be_v those_o right_a mean_n answ_n bow_v down_o our_o ear_n to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a that_o be_v of_o those_o that_o by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n have_v be_v wise_a and_o write_v their_o wisdom_n for_o future_a age_n and_o by_o apply_v our_o heart_n to_o divine_a knowledge_n upon_o which_o they_o come_v to_o be_v inlay_v within_o we_o and_o to_o be_v fit_v to_o our_o lip_n to_o be_v agreeable_a and_o well_o match_v to_o our_o discourse_n and_o not_o like_o a_o parable_n in_o a_o fool_n mouth_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o these_o thing_n speak_v and_o write_v to_o the_o learned_a and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v know_v for_o the_o people_n and_o the_o people_n put_v their_o trust_n in_o they_o answ_n no_o they_o be_v write_v to_o thou_o even_o to_o thou_o that_o be_v to_o every_o one_o that_o they_o may_v have_v their_o trust_n only_o in_o god_n that_o be_v find_v the_o rock_n of_o divine_a veracity_n and_o infallibility_n and_o have_v no_o need_n to_o trust_v in_o man_n â—ut_v to_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n either_o to_o those_o that_o advise_v with_o they_o as_o friend_n or_o challenge_v they_o as_o enemy_n quest_n if_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v undoubted_o much_o more_o so_o of_o the_o new_a answ_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o as_o a_o high_a and_o more_o intellectual_a state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o much_o free_a and_o clear_a in_o its_o notion_n of_o truth_n the_o apostle_n discourse_v christian_n as_o no_o christian_n if_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_n as_o wise_a man_n what_o they_o say_v if_o they_o be_v not_o man_n in_o understanding_n if_o they_o attain_v not_o to_o the_o state_n of_o teacher_n by_o skill_n in_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n and_o have_v sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v by_o a_o intellectual_a and_o spiritual_a gust_n thing_n good_a and_o evil_a if_o they_o can_v give_v a_o apology_n or_o defence_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o that_o be_v of_o their_o christianity_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v they_o a_o rational_a account_n of_o it_o quest_n but_o in_o thing_n of_o perplexity_n and_o doubt_v be_v not_o christian_n bind_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o teacher_n answ_n if_o they_o can_v receive_v and_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
every_o thing_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n but_o in_o thing_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v if_o conscience_n be_v apprehensive_a of_o danger_n any_o way_n this_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n that_o god_n have_v confer_v upon_o conscience_n as_o his_o immediate_a vicegerent_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o carry_v his_o authority_n by_o always_o present_v it_o in_o his_o word_n and_o command_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v suspend_v his_o action_n wherein_o conscience_n be_v not_o satisfy_v and_o at_o rest_n concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o action_n and_o this_o be_v the_o honour_n which_o those_o that_o be_v above_o either_o in_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o understanding_n gift_n or_o grace_n shall_v bestow_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v below_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o either_o by_o their_o authority_n influence_n or_o example_n scandalize_v the_o little_a one_o or_o the_o weak_a that_o be_v so_o either_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o low_a station_n or_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n that_o be_v draw_v they_o into_o the_o sin_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o which_o conscience_n have_v a_o mistrust_n of_o displease_v god_n in_o so_o do_v in_o regard_n that_o it_o both_o weaken_v and_o disable_v conscience_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o trust_v repose_v in_o it_o for_o the_o carry_v on_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o christian_a course_n its_o authority_n be_v violate_v and_o prostrate_v in_o the_o reverence_n due_a to_o it_o and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o comfort_n it_o ought_v to_o minister_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o that_o course_n for_o by_o this_o sort_n of_o scandal_n the_o apostle_n witness_n the_o weak_a christian_a fall_v into_o sin_n his_o conscience_n be_v defile_v be_v wound_v be_v grieve_v be_v make_v weak_a all_o the_o mischief_n of_o which_o the_o value_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v not_o such_o as_o that_o it_o can_v answer_v and_o make_v recompense_n for_o and_o so_o to_o sin_v thus_o against_o the_o weak_a be_v to_o destroy_v they_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v and_o therefore_o to_o sin_v against_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o those_o weighty_a discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n against_o scandal_n mark_v 18._o and_o of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 4._o and_o 1_o cor._n c._n 8._o and_o cap._n 10._o which_v be_v compare_v give_v great_a light_a one_o to_o another_o quest_n but_o it_o seem_v that_o a_o conscience_n only_o in_o doubt_n may_v be_v settle_v by_o the_o advice_n example_n and_o authority_n of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o elder_n or_o eminent_a member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o doubt_n suppose_v the_o conscience_n incline_v neither_o this_o way_n nor_o that_o way_n in_o itself_o but_o stand_v between_o both_o or_o sometime_o move_v to_o one_o side_n and_o then_o to_o the_o other_o the_o come_n in_o of_o those_o consideration_n take_v from_o the_o example_n and_o authority_n forename_a shall_v give_v a_o over-weight_n to_o that_o side_n on_o which_o they_o fall_v answ_n yet_o on_o purpose_n to_o show_v the_o great_a dignity_n of_o conscience_n and_o its_o government_n without_o which_o approve_v and_o direct_v according_o even_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n want_v the_o just_a compliment_n of_o a_o good_a action_n and_o also_o to_o show_v of_o how_o little_a moment_n in_o christianity_n all_o thing_n be_v not_o under_o a_o divine_a sanction_n the_o whole_a weight_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n be_v hang_v upon_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n a_o conscience_n in_o doubt_n concern_v thing_n indifferent_a when_o urge_v either_o way_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o all_o sinew_n of_o government_n hereby_o cut_v and_o dissolve_v even_o of_o civil_a government_n for_o conscience_n may_v be_v in_o relation_n to_o such_o command_v dissatisfy_v answ_n as_o scripture_n every_o where_o suppose_v the_o whole_a government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o be_v confine_v within_o the_o monarchy_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o nothing_o to_o be_v impose_v or_o forbid_v but_o according_a to_o that_o so_o it_o do_v every_o where_o disinterest_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_v or_o intermeddle_v in_o civil_a government_n or_o thing_n pertain_v to_o it_o it_o suppose_v civil_a power_n will_v oblige_v to_o and_o determine_v indifferency_n in_o civil_a thing_n this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n as_o they_o please_v and_o therein_o exercise_v a_o lordship_n but_o christ_n have_v declare_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o his_o disciple_n do_v yet_o command_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n all_o obedience_n to_o these_o principality_n and_o power_n even_o thus_o command_v if_o not_o against_o god_n command_n direct_o so_o that_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n the_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v only_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o its_o rule_n and_o duty_n but_o can_v have_v no_o more_o relief_n against_o obedience_n to_o civil_a command_n than_o it_o have_v against_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v mistake_v about_o those_o command_n for_o such_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n quest_n there_o appear_v so_o near_o a_o assinity_n in_o the_o command_v concern_v indifferent_a thing_n of_o those_o that_o have_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o command_v of_o those_o that_o have_v civil_a rule_n that_o the_o one_o may_v be_v a_o measure_n for_o the_o other_o or_o wherein_o be_v the_o difference_n especial_o when_o they_o join_v in_o one_o in_o their_o command_n concern_v these_o indifferoncy_n answ_n the_o command_v of_o civil_a authority_n concern_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n deserve_v a_o particular_a consideration_n for_o which_o a_o proper_a place_n shall_v be_v reserve_v but_o that_o the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o political_a regiment_n that_o shall_v set_v up_o for_o itself_o as_o one_o of_o the_o polity_n of_o this_o world_n by_o canon_n and_o constitution_n of_o its_o own_o not_o found_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o introduce_v on_o other_o pretence_n and_o that_o if_o christian_n do_v not_o submit_v to_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v account_v schismatic_n and_o excommunicate_v as_o heathen_n if_o they_o do_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n that_o be_v thâ—_n ruler_n of_o the_o church_n thus_o ordain_v in_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o all_o this_o by_o the_o charter_n of_o the_o key_n or_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v or_o loose_v be_v as_o gross_a a_o forgery_n as_o popery_n have_v any_o in_o this_o point_n indeed_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o whole_a church_n shall_v by_o proper_a way_n and_o mean_n find_v out_o by_o christ_n be_v model_v into_o one_o universal_a uniformity_n of_o government_n and_o ceremony_n see_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v but_o one_o and_o that_o the_o roman_a suppose_v it_o have_v not_o so_o gross_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n may_v soon_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o it_o and_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n the_o head_n of_o the_o unity_n than_o any_o other_o it_o be_v the_o first_o imperial_a city_n that_o be_v famous_a for_o christianity_n but_o how_o little_a uniformity_n be_v to_o christ_n or_o his_o kingdom_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v not_o interpose_v at_o all_o but_o leave_v christian_n free_a and_o intend_v they_o shall_v be_v free_a appear_v in_o the_o ununiform_a unity_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o evangelist_n concern_v his_o life_n doctrine_n death_n and_o resurrection_n to_o suppose_v therefore_o the_o church_n to_o be_v in_o this_o manner_n uniformed_a by_o the_o prudence_n of_o its_o governor_n be_v to_o turn_v it_o so_o far_o into_o a_o civil_a state_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o it_o into_o lay-elders_a cap._n xiii_o of_o the_o antichurch_n and_o its_o opposition_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o the_o true_a church_n quest_n be_v there_o not_o a_o antichurch_n or_o 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king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o yet_o there_o extraordinary_a minister_n in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n preserve_v the_o just_a right_n of_o sovereignty_n thus_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ought_v by_o ordinary_a minister_n to_o be_v faithful_o declare_v by_o those_o who_o be_v call_v to_o do_v it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o declare_v it_o have_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o sovereignty_n above_o all_o earthly_a sovereignty_n both_o with_o prince_n and_o subject_n and_o yet_o the_o publisher_n of_o it_o and_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v publish_v stand_v in_o their_o just_a distance_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n pay_v the_o homage_n due_a to_o sovereignty_n by_o obedience_n active_a wherein_o they_o be_v not_o countermand_v by_o god_n or_o by_o submission_n to_o penal_a law_n and_o decree_v make_v against_o they_o by_o the_o supreme_a legislative_a power_n of_o a_o nation_n wherein_o they_o can_v obey_v god_n and_o the_o power_n at_o 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the_o word_n in_o season_n out_o of_o season_n or_o without_o season_n public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n quest_n i_o desire_v you_o now_o to_o apply_v your_o discourse_n to_o the_o administration_n of_o sovereign_a power_n in_o model_v and_o circumstantiate_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n what_o their_o power_n give_v they_o by_o god_n therein_o be_v answ_n that_o i_o may_v give_v you_o a_o answer_n in_o that_o i_o must_v observe_v our_o saviour_n distinction_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o his_o charge_n that_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n be_v render_v to_o he_o and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n be_v render_v to_o caesar_n now_o none_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n be_v his_o first_o but_o they_o be_v first_o god_n and_o give_v to_o caesar_n by_o god_n god_n then_o have_v entrust_v caesar_n with_o the_o render_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n to_o god_n that_o be_v to_o take_v care_n that_o 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