know_v not_o whether_o shall_v prosper_v this_o or_o that_o or_o whether_o they_o shall_v be_v alike_o good_a whatsoever_o scornful_a or_o careless_a man_n conceit_n hereof_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v make_v it_o praiseworthy_a and_o precious_a the_o tongue_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o choice_a silver_n and_o the_o lip_n of_o the_o righteous_a feed_v many_o and_o to_o good_a heart_n this_o practice_n will_v not_o be_v burdensome_a for_o they_o will_v recreate_v their_o mind_n herewith_o as_o a_o holy_a divertisement_n and_o serious_a pastime_n while_o other_o spend_v their_o leisure_n in_o that_o mirth_n and_o laughter_n which_o the_o wise_a man_n call_v madness_n chap._n ix_o the_o prevalence_n of_o religion_n or_o real_a godliness_n in_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o a_o nation_n in_o christian_a state_n and_o kingdom_n religion_n be_v god_n interest_n aught_o to_o have_v the_o preeminence_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o its_o preeminence_n be_v no_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o right_n of_o the_o high_a power_n but_o their_o establishment_n god_n alone_o have_v a_o underive_v and_o unlimited_a empire_n over_o man_n his_o creature_n the_o people_n be_v primary_o god_n subject_n and_o then_o be_v subject_a to_o prince_n as_o to_o his_o vicegerent_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o be_v the_o grand_a interest_n both_o of_o prince_n and_o people_n none_o can_v doubt_v that_o god_n have_v make_v his_o own_o glory_n and_o man_n salvation_n the_o supreme_a end_n of_o government_n and_o subjection_n and_o consequent_o that_o be_v the_o best_a policy_n which_o give_v these_o end_n the_o high_a place_n and_o make_v temporal_a advantage_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n subordinate_a thereunto_o and_o this_o require_v that_o the_o constitution_n give_v the_o high_a regard_n to_o god_n law_n and_o maintain_v their_o authority_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a public_a administration_n tend_v to_o the_o promote_a of_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o to_o the_o suppress_n of_o all_o unrighteous_a and_o impious_a practice_n as_o it_o be_v the_o church_n duty_n and_o honour_n to_o teach_v and_o command_v her_o child_n to_o do_v whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v so_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n and_o chief_a glory_n of_o the_o magistrate_n who_o be_v god_n minister_n to_o defend_v the_o faith_n and_o uphold_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o further_a the_o most_o lively_a and_o powerful_a dispensation_n of_o they_o and_o to_o encourage_v and_o command_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n write_v in_o nature_n or_o scripture_n in_o subserviency_n hereunto_o his_o power_n be_v to_o determine_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v requisite_a in_o general_n but_o in_o particular_a be_v leave_v undetermined_a of_o god_n and_o therefore_o call_v indifferent_a and_o be_v to_o be_v order_v by_o human_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o for_o these_o end_v the_o chief_a magistrate_n have_v a_o supremacy_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a but_o it_o be_v no_o diminution_n of_o his_o authority_n to_o remove_v from_o it_o thing_n unnecessary_a unprofitablen_a and_o offensive_a in_o their_o use_n and_o for_o their_o doubtful_a nature_n apt_a to_o perplex_v the_o subject_n conscience_n and_o he_o be_v the_o general_a bishop_n of_o his_o dominion_n in_o a_o political_a sense_n without_o any_o encroachment_n upon_o that_o authority_n wherewith_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o the_o church_n have_v invest_v spiritual_a pastor_n as_o he_o be_v such_o a_o officer_n it_o be_v worthy_a of_o his_o chief_a care_n to_o provide_v and_o send_v forth_o able_a and_o faithful_a dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n that_o may_v teach_v the_o people_n the_o good_a knowledge_n of_o god_n after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o good_a king_n jehoshaphat_n and_o to_o see_v that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v the_o cure_n of_o soul_n be_v resident_a with_o his_o flock_n and_o constant_o instruct_v they_o by_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o catechise_v they_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v pluralist_n to_o seize_v upon_o several_a congregation_n as_o a_o prey_n to_o fleece_v but_o not_o to_o feed_v they_o to_o encourage_v laborious_a minister_n that_o watch_n for_o the_o people_n soul_n as_o those_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n and_o strict_o to_o enjoin_v the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n which_o be_v sanctify_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n by_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n in_o settle_v this_o as_o all_o other_o ordinance_n pertain_v to_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o so_o have_v continue_v in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o place_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o by_o as_o unquestionable_a tradition_n as_o the_o scripture_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o of_o little_a moment_n to_o suppress_v or_o at_o least_o to_o bring_v into_o disgrace_n whatsoever_o custom_n serve_v for_o nought_o but_o to_o feed_v inordinate_a sensuality_n and_o to_o make_v those_o that_o use_v they_o profane_v vicious_a and_o licentious_a there_o be_v frequent_v show_v and_o pastime_n well_o know_v that_o increase_n unto_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o may_v be_v call_v the_o devil_n ordinance_n those_o that_o wish_v well_o to_o piety_n have_v a_o ill_a part_n to_o act_v when_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o defend_v some_o exercise_n from_o which_o a_o extreem_v abuse_n be_v inseparable_a and_o which_o be_v make_v a_o trade_n of_o gain_n arise_v from_o the_o impurity_n and_o profaneness_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v incorrigible_a and_o can_v admit_v no_o reformation_n the_o piety_n of_o any_o nation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o formality_n and_o opinion_n and_o uniformity_n in_o little_a thing_n but_o by_o substantial_a devotion_n by_o solid_a zeal_n in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o main_a concern_v of_o religion_n by_o righteousness_n of_o life_n by_o sobriety_n purity_n modesty_n by_o peace_n and_o concord_n with_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o those_o difference_n that_o shall_v not_o and_o need_v not_o make_v breach_n among_o brethren_n by_o dutifulness_n in_o all_o relation_n by_o industry_n frugality_n and_o by_o abound_a charity_n that_o be_v full_a of_o good_a work_n happy_a be_v that_o state_n where_o religious_a influence_n be_v predominant_a where_o the_o pious_a and_o prudent_a bear_n sway_n not_o by_o intrusion_n but_o by_o lawful_a admission_n also_o where_o it_o arise_v to_o that_o strength_n as_o to_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o the_o affection_n and_o interest_n of_o a_o nation_n not_o by_o set_v up_o the_o faction_n of_o a_o few_o but_o by_o make_v the_o generality_n or_o at_o least_o the_o great_a number_n of_o considerable_a man_n some_o of_o they_o true_o regenerate_v christian_n and_o the_o rest_n orderly_o and_o well_o affect_v one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v out_o of_o question_n that_o it_o be_v more_o desirable_a that_o religiousness_n shall_v be_v in_o fashion_n than_o open_a dissoluteness_n and_o profaneness_n for_o uncontrolled_a profaneness_n will_v run_v down_o all_o religion_n but_o when_o those_o that_o reach_v not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n indeed_o come_v so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v up_o a_o outward_a garb_n thereof_o it_o be_v a_o great_a external_a advantage_n to_o true_a religion_n and_o show_v its_o prevalent_a influence_n on_o the_o public_a state_n if_o any_o shall_v demur_v upon_o this_o assertion_n by_o make_v it_o a_o question_n whether_o phariseim_n or_o profaneness_n be_v the_o worse_a evil_n let_v he_o know_v first_o that_o profane_a and_o dissolute_a christian_n be_v notorious_a hypocrite_n for_o profess_v to_o know_v god_n when_o in_o work_v they_o deny_v he_o beside_o phariseism_n be_v not_o simple_a insincerity_n but_o a_o compound_n hypocrisy_n wherein_o malignity_n and_o enmity_n against_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v the_o chief_a ingredient_n it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o strict_a externalness_n that_o seek_v to_o destroy_v the_o inward_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o it_o pretend_v to_o own_o i_o have_v no_o list_n to_o say_v that_o such_o malignity_n be_v less_o mischievous_a than_o filthy_a lewdness_n or_o debauchery_n but_o the_o garb_n of_o strict_a profession_n here_o mention_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o church_n good_a though_o we_o must_v continual_o and_o strict_o charge_v all_o man_n to_o beware_v of_o rest_v in_o it_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n chap._n x._o christian_n unity_n and_o concord_n all_o faithful_a christian_n be_v member_n of_o one_o mystical_a body_n have_v all_o one_o spirit_n one_o lord_n and_o head_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n and_o one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o they_o all_o one_o hope_n of_o their_o call_v and_o one_o heaven_n to_o receive_v they_o all_o
and_o carnal_a interest_n to_o false_a way_n and_o vain_a invention_n for_o which_o cause_n it_o behoove_v the_o zealous_a religionist_n to_o be_v careful_a even_o to_o jealousy_n that_o he_o be_v not_o impose_v upon_o by_o himself_o or_o other_o and_o in_o this_o care_n hearty_o and_o entire_o to_o resign_v and_o conform_v himself_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o such_o resignation_n and_o conformity_n he_o secure_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o what_o in_o he_o lie_v the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v here_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o be_v write_v in_o nature_n be_v god_n law_n as_o well_o as_o what_o be_v write_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o natural_a revelation_n as_o well_o as_o supernatural_a be_v divine_a and_o whatsoever_o be_v know_v of_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v to_o be_v own_v in_o both_o though_o in_o the_o latter_a it_o have_v appear_v more_o abundant_o because_o therein_o be_v give_v we_o a_o full_a instruction_n in_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n kingdom_n which_o in_o the_o other_o be_v not_o give_v for_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v not_o be_v know_v by_o nature_n and_o in_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v know_v thereby_o the_o light_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o glimmer_a and_o not_o easy_o able_a to_o fix_v the_o heart_n therein_o not_o so_o much_o for_o want_v of_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n as_o from_o the_o pravity_n of_o our_o mind_n reason_n be_v lay_v asleep_a and_o all_o our_o faculty_n be_v sink_v into_o the_o brutish_a life_n what_o be_v the_o utmost_a capacity_n of_o that_o light_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v hard_o for_o we_o to_o define_v and_o though_o it_o be_v harsh_a to_o determine_v that_o they_o be_v all_o utter_o and_o universal_o forsake_v of_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a both_o by_o scripture_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o gentile_n that_o gentilism_n be_v a_o very_a forlorn_a state_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v the_o high_a favour_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o church_n in_o supernatural_a revelation_n by_o which_o he_o have_v not_o only_o instruct_v we_o in_o thing_n supernatural_a not_o otherwise_o to_o be_v know_v in_o this_o life_n but_o also_o more_o perfect_o in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n now_o transcribe_v into_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o religion_n or_o morality_n that_o may_v not_o be_v find_v therein_o beside_o the_o law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o nature_n and_o scripture_n what_o certain_a and_o stable_a rule_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o conversation_n have_v the_o church_n to_o walk_v by_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n or_o consent_n in_o mere_a or_o all_o tradition_n or_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n or_o the_o ancient_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v so_o evident_a as_o need_v no_o confirmation_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o acquiescence_n or_o accord_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o any_o visible_a universal_a supreme_a power_n for_o whereas_o all_o christian_n acknowledge_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o neither_o do_v nor_o ever_o do_v nor_o will_v unanimous_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n in_o be_v and_o the_o main_a body_n of_o they_o that_o maintain_v such_o a_o catholic_n supremacy_n can_v agree_v in_o what_o subject_n the_o same_o reside_v whether_o in_o the_o pope_n or_o a_o general_n council_n and_o as_o several_a pope_n so_o have_v several_a council_n of_o equal_a amplitude_n and_o authority_n often_o cross_v one_o another_o and_o consequent_o some_o of_o both_o kind_n must_v needs_o have_v err_v and_o it_o still_o remain_v a_o controversy_n undeterminable_a which_o council_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o which_o to_o be_v reject_v unless_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n hitherto_o disagree_v herein_o will_v be_v bind_v up_o by_o the_o resolve_n of_o one_o party_n that_o can_v bring_v no_o better_a proof_n than_o their_o own_o pretend_a infallibility_n to_o all_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n true_o so_o call_v or_o a_o representative_a of_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v never_o yet_o congregat_v wherefore_o let_v the_o faithful_a rest_n upon_o the_o old_a right_a foundation_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o infallibility_n be_v unquestionable_a such_o be_v the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o for_o this_o end_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v safe_a in_o divine_a matter_n not_o to_o be_v venturous_a without_o its_o warrant_n they_o best_o secure_v themselves_o from_o error_n who_o keep_v to_o that_o rule_n which_o be_v both_o perfect_a and_o infallible_a some_o pretend_v to_o lay_v open_a the_o folly_n of_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v puritanism_n affirm_v that_o the_o mystery_n thereof_o lie_v in_o this_o principle_n that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v authorize_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n indeed_o there_o be_v those_o of_o that_o denomination_n who_o disallow_v whatsoever_o institute_v worship_n be_v not_o so_o authorize_v but_o they_o be_v not_o so_o ignorant_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o all_o particular_a circumstance_n belong_v to_o divine_a worship_n which_o admit_v of_o endless_a variation_n be_v define_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n such_o as_o be_v those_o natural_a and_o civil_a circumstance_n without_o which_o action_n be_v not_o performable_a but_o they_o suppose_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o these_o matter_n such_o as_o time_n place_n method_n furniture_n etc._n etc._n and_o those_o ordinance_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o take_v for_o part_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v make_v direct_a and_o immediate_a sign_n of_o honour_n give_v to_o god_n by_o their_o use_n and_o all_o of_o this_o kind_a some_o do_v judge_n or_o at_o least_o suspect_v to_o be_v unlawful_a that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n appointment_n my_o design_n oblige_v i_o to_o shun_v the_o intangle_a of_o this_o discourse_n with_o controversy_n and_o therefore_o i_o write_v not_o either_o for_o or_o against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o uncommanded_a worship_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o to_o show_v that_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n be_v more_o safe_a by_o acquiescence_n in_o that_o only_a which_o god_n have_v prescribe_v than_o by_o addition_n of_o new_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n devise_v by_o man_n who_o even_o the_o best_a of_o they_o may_v too_o easy_o deviate_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o who_o know_v not_o that_o too_o much_o yield_v to_o man_n devise_v form_n and_o right_n which_o have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n make_v way_n for_o the_o departure_n of_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o christendom_n from_o the_o primitive_a christianity_n all_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v clear_o prove_v from_o scripture_n though_o the_o particular_a instance_n thereof_o that_o be_v innumerable_a and_o their_o infinite_o variable_a circumstance_n can_v be_v there_o express_v as_o for_o institute_v worship_n it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o defect_n in_o those_o part_n thereof_o that_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n as_o needs_o to_o be_v make_v up_o by_o the_o human_a addition_n of_o other_o new_a part_n and_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v thing_n mere_o circumstantial_a belong_v to_o it_o which_o be_v necessary_a in_o general_n but_o in_o particular_a not_o determine_v of_o god_n and_o must_v be_v order_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o human_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n none_o that_o know_v what_o they_o say_v in_o magnify_v the_o write_a word_n will_v teach_v the_o people_n not_o to_o rely_v upon_o impartial_a reason_n which_o no_o true_a revelation_n do_v ever_o contradict_v but_o we_o be_v so_o conscious_a of_o the_o weakness_n of_o human_a understanding_n that_o in_o case_n of_o any_o seem_a contrariety_n between_o scripture_n and_o reason_n not_o to_o give_v the_o scripture_n the_o preeminence_n we_o know_v be_v most_o unreasonable_a be_v scripture_n liable_a to_o be_v pervert_v so_o be_v reason_n be_v there_o obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n so_o in_o human_a ratiocination_n much_o more_o whosoever_o can_v apprehend_v right_a reason_n can_v rational_o apprehend_v god_n write_v word_n which_o be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n and_o who_o authentic_a interpretation_n of_o itself_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v by_o rational_a inference_n and_o deduction_n
but_o their_o superior_n may_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n that_o be_v fierce_a and_o violent_a but_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v dovelike_o meek_a and_o harmless_a and_o that_o spirit_n incline_v to_o deal_v tender_o with_o the_o conscience_n of_o inferior_n tenderness_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v or_o expose_v to_o scorn_n because_o some_o may_v false_o pretend_v to_o it_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n be_v compassionate_a towards_o his_o member_n and_o he_o have_v say_v whoso_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n as_o the_o way_n of_o unity_n lie_v much_o in_o the_o wisdom_n equity_n and_o charity_n of_o superior_n so_o in_o the_o humility_n and_o due_a submission_n of_o inferior_n in_o their_o ready_a close_n with_o what_o be_v commendable_a in_o the_o public_a constitution_n in_o their_o bear_n with_o what_o be_v tolerable_a in_o make_v the_o best_a improvement_n of_o what_o be_v therein_o improvable_a for_o their_o own_o and_o other_o edification_n in_o a_o word_n in_o deny_v no_o compliance_n which_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n do_v not_o forbid_v matter_n of_o public_a injunction_n which_o inferior_n stick_v at_o may_v be_v consider_v by_o they_o either_o as_o in_o themselves_o unlawful_a or_o as_o inexpedient_a now_o it_o be_v not_o only_o or_o chief_o the_o inexpediency_n of_o thing_n command_v but_o the_o suppose_a unlawfulness_n of_o divers_a of_o those_o thing_n that_o the_o nonconformist_n general_o stick_v at_o whereof_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o render_v a_o particular_a account_n when_o it_o will_v be_v admit_v howbeit_o a_o question_n may_v arise_v about_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o submission_n to_o thing_n not_o in_o themselves_o unlawful_a but_o inexpedient_a especial_o in_o respect_n of_o scandal_n the_o solution_n whereof_o may_v be_v requisite_a for_o the_o clear_n of_o our_o way_n in_o such_o thing_n upon_o this_o question_n it_o may_v be_v note_v that_o in_o those_o case_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o right_a of_o command_v there_o be_v no_o due_a of_o obedience_n nevertheless_o thing_n unwarrantable_o command_v be_v sometime_o warrantable_o observe_v though_o not_o in_o obedience_n yet_o in_o prudence_n as_o to_o procure_v peace_n and_o to_o show_v a_o readiness_n to_o all_o possible_a compliance_n with_o superior_n moreover_o ruler_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o command_v that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v not_o unlawful_a when_o christian_a charity_n forbid_v to_o do_v it_o in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n by_o reason_n of_o evil_a consequent_n for_o all_o authority_n be_v give_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n likewise_o our_o christian_a liberty_n include_v no_o licence_n to_o do_v that_o act_n at_o the_o command_n of_o ruler_n the_o do_v of_o which_o in_o regard_n of_o circumstance_n be_v uncharitable_a but_o here_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v how_o far_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n do_v extend_v in_o this_o case_n and_o when_o it_o do_v or_o do_v not_o forbid_v my_o observance_n of_o what_o the_o ruler_n have_v unwarrantable_o because_o uncharitable_o command_v true_a charity_n do_v not_o whole_o destroy_v christian_n liberty_n though_o it_o regulate_v the_o use_n thereof_o and_o it_o do_v not_o extend_v it_o so_o far_o one_o way_n as_o to_o destroy_v itself_o another_o way_n if_o i_o be_o bind_v up_o from_o do_v every_o indifferent_a thing_n at_o which_o weak_a conscience_n will_v take_v offence_n my_o liberty_n be_v turn_v into_o bondage_n and_o i_o be_o leave_v in_o thraldom_n to_o other_o man_n endless_a scrupulosity_n this_o be_v i_o think_v a_o yoke_n which_o christian_n be_v not_o fit_v nor_o able_a to_o bear_v this_o bondage_n be_v great_a and_o the_o burden_n lie_v heavy_a upon_o i_o if_o by_o reason_n of_o other_o weakness_n i_o must_v be_v bind_v up_o from_o observe_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n at_o the_o command_n of_o ruler_n and_o by_o they_o make_v the_o condition_n of_o my_o liberty_n for_o public_a service_n in_o the_o church_n when_o my_o conscience_n be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o otherwise_o expedient_a for_o i_o to_o do_v it_o as_o for_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o enjoin_v the_o ruler_n must_v look_v to_o that_o be_v some_o displease_v and_o grieve_v that_o i_o do_v it_o as_o many_o or_o more_o may_v be_v displease_v and_o grieve_v if_o i_o do_v it_o not_o do_v some_o take_v occasion_n by_o my_o necessary_a use_n of_o a_o just_a liberty_n to_o embolden_v themselves_o to_o sin_n my_o forbear_n of_o it_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n to_o other_o as_o their_o persist_v in_o some_o troublesome_a error_n to_o their_o own_o and_o other_o spiritual_a damage_n and_o in_o unwarrantable_a noncompliance_n with_o their_o governor_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o my_o liberty_n for_o public_a service_n consequent_a to_o such_o forbearance_n must_v also_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n when_o both_o the_o use_n and_o forbear_v of_o my_o liberty_n be_v clog_v with_o evil_a consequent_n i_o know_v no_o safe_a way_n than_o due_o to_o consider_v of_o what_o moment_n the_o consequent_n be_v on_o either_o side_n and_o to_o incline_v to_o that_o which_o have_v the_o lesser_a evil_n herein_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o prudent_a be_v to_o direct_v his_o way_n upon_o the_o impartial_a view_n of_o all_o circumstance_n which_o come_v under_o his_o prospect_n and_o if_o good_a conscience_n and_o right_a reason_n guide_v by_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n lead_v i_o to_o make_v use_n of_o my_o christian_a liberty_n in_o compliance_n with_o my_o superior_n i_o must_v humble_o and_o charitable_o apply_v myself_o to_o remove_v the_o offence_n that_o some_o take_v by_o clear_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o my_o act_n to_o their_o judgement_n but_o if_o that_o can_v be_v discern_v by_o they_o i_o be_o by_o my_o christian_a good_a behaviour_n to_o make_v it_o evident_a to_o their_o conscience_n what_o in_o i_o lie_v that_o what_o i_o do_v i_o do_v sincere_o and_o faithful_o and_o that_o i_o be_o no_o temporizer_n man-pleas_a and_o self-seek_a i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o that_o high_a say_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v do_v admit_v such_o equitable_a interpretation_n as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n person_n and_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o thing_n declare_v to_o be_v most_o reasonable_a a_o humble_a representation_n of_o my_o own_o case_n touch_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n i_o have_v be_v in_o the_o ministry_n near_o forty_o year_n have_v be_v ordain_v presbyter_n according_a to_o the_o form_n of_o ordination_n use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o be_v call_v to_o this_o sacred_a order_n i_o hold_v myself_o indispensible_o oblige_v to_o the_o work_n thereof_o as_o god_n enable_v i_o and_o give_v i_o opportunity_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n be_v signify_v in_o the_o form_n of_o word_n by_o which_o i_o be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o thereunto_o viz._n receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o sin_n thou_o do_v forgive_v they_o be_v forgive_v and_o who_o sin_n thou_o do_v retain_v they_o be_v retain_v and_o be_v thou_o a_o faithful_a dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a sacrament_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n amen_n the_o former_a part_n of_o these_o word_n be_v use_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o apostle_n in_o confer_v upon_o they_o the_o pastoral_n authority_n full_o prove_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o presbyter_n be_v pastoral_n and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o which_o be_v ordinary_a in_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o which_o they_o have_v successor_n likewise_o this_o church_n do_v then_o appoint_v that_o at_o the_o order_n of_o priest_n or_o presbyter_n certain_a portion_n of_o scripture_n shall_v be_v read_v as_o belong_v to_o their_o office_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o portion_n of_o act._n 20._o which_o relate_v st._n paul_n send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o congregation_n with_o his_o exhortation_n to_o they_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n to_o rule_v the_o congregation_n of_o god_n or_o else_o 1_o tim._n 3._o which_o set_v forth_o the_o office_n and_o due_a qualification_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o afterward_o the_o bishop_n speak_v to_o they_o that_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o office_n of_o priesthood_n in_o this_o form_n
spread_v forth_o in_o such_o fullness_n and_o plainess_n of_o speech_n as_o will_v not_o be_v unacceptable_a even_o to_o scholar_n that_o be_v not_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n but_o the_o careless_a and_o confuse_a speak_v of_o incoherent_a and_o undigested_a matter_n rudeness_n or_o baldness_n of_o expression_n be_v no_o part_n of_o this_o commend_a plainness_n which_o be_v orderly_o comely_a and_o weighty_a agreeable_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n word_n a_o true_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n right_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o give_v to_o all_o their_o portion_n he_o do_v not_o make_v distinction_n where_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n make_v no_o difference_n nor_o do_v he_o confound_v thing_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v distinguish_v he_o be_v not_o partial_a towards_o party_n for_o interest_n or_o affection_n and_o so_o he_o do_v not_o promiscuous_o justify_v or_o condemn_v the_o evil_a and_o the_o good_a together_o on_o any_o side_n but_o as_o he_o account_v it_o a_o odious_a thing_n to_o rail_v upon_o one_o party_n in_o the_o ambiguous_a term_n of_o false_a church_n false_a worship_n false_a ministry_n idolatry_n superstition_n formality_n so_o he_o account_v it_o no_o less_o odious_a confuse_o to_o inveigh_v against_o those_o of_o a_o other_o persuasion_n under_o the_o no_o less_o ambiguous_a term_n as_o they_o be_v now_o common_o use_v of_o hypocrite_n pharisee_n fanatic_n enthusiast_n separatist_n humorist_n and_o such_o like_a he_o be_v constant_a in_o preach_v the_o word_n instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n for_o in_o preach_v frequent_o he_o do_v not_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n negligent_o but_o due_o feed_v the_o flock_n and_o that_o with_o better_a prepare_v food_n than_o they_o use_v to_o bring_v that_o preach_v but_o seldom_o upon_o pretence_n of_o great_a preparation_n he_o watch_v over_o the_o flock_n with_o diligence_n and_o natural_o care_v for_o their_o estate_n for_o he_o know_v the_o worth_n of_o precious_a soul_n he_o condescend_v to_o person_n of_o low_a degree_n and_o be_v concern_v for_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o simple_a and_o illiterate_a as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o noble_a rich_a and_o learned_a for_o he_o know_v their_o redeemer_n pay_v alike_o dear_a for_o both_o and_o however_o the_o proud_a and_o covetous_a judge_n he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o below_o he_o to_o intermeddle_v for_o the_o reduce_n of_o the_o simple_a that_o go_v astray_o and_o he_o seek_v to_o recover_v they_o with_o gentleness_n and_o patience_n for_o he_o prefer_v the_o gain_n of_o one_o soul_n before_o all_o the_o preferment_n of_o this_o world_n he_o earnest_o look_v after_o that_o which_o some_o do_v little_a regard_n to_o wit_v the_o seal_n of_o his_o ministry_n in_o the_o save_a efficacy_n thereof_o on_o the_o hearer_n and_o when_o he_o find_v it_o he_o make_v it_o the_o crown_n of_o his_o rejoice_v and_o this_o seal_n he_o take_v not_o to_o be_v their_o mere_a own_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n or_o follow_v a_o orthodox_n party_n much_o less_o their_o abound_v in_o notion_n their_o talk_n and_o outward_a guarb_n of_o profession_n but_o their_o new_a birth_n or_o their_o spiritual_a growth_n the_o promote_a whereof_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o his_o labour_n and_o the_o daily_a travel_n of_o his_o soul_n chap._n v._n the_o due_a performance_n of_o public_a prayer_n prayer_n be_v a_o main_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o chief_a act_n of_o devotion_n and_o such_o as_o do_v accompany_v and_o sanctify_v every_o other_o religious_a duty_n and_o the_o public_a management_n thereof_o pertain_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n its_o due_a performance_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o no_o small_a import_n to_o the_o increase_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o no_o small_a part_n of_o the_o ministerial_a excellency_n and_o sufficiency_n among_o spiritual_a gift_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o number_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n also_o and_o i_o judge_v they_o speak_v too_o low_a of_o it_o that_o make_v it_o only_o a_o natural_a gift_n or_o acquire_v by_o practice_n and_o imitation_n much_o indeed_o may_v lie_v in_o natural_a part_n and_o observation_n and_o exercise_n but_o not_o all_o for_o over_o and_o above_o these_o thing_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n preside_v perpetual_o over_o his_o church_n set_v in_o and_o by_o a_o secret_a influence_n on_o man_n design_v of_o god_n for_o this_o service_n endue_v they_o with_o a_o peculiar_a aptness_n of_o knowledge_n and_o utterance_n as_o well_o in_o prayer_n as_o preach_v for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n and_o some_o unsanctified_a person_n be_v thus_o gift_v may_v preach_v and_o pray_v with_o a_o notable_a tendency_n to_o the_o save_n of_o other_o when_o themselves_o prove_v castaways_a private_a christian_n also_o according_a to_o their_o measure_n be_v partaker_n of_o this_o gift_n in_o much_o diversity_n of_o degree_n god_n give_v to_o every_o man_n several_o as_o he_o will_n beside_o this_o there_o be_v a_o special_a and_o save_a gift_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o by_o his_o gracious_a assistance_n in_o a_o holy_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v indeed_o lively_a and_o powerful_a and_o apt_a to_o kindle_v a_o holy_a fervour_n in_o they_o that_o join_v in_o the_o service_n so_o perform_v and_o why_o that_o which_o be_v perform_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o by_o such_o assistance_n may_v not_o be_v call_v a_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n they_o who_o thankful_o acknowledge_v and_o bless_v god_n for_o so_o great_a a_o gift_n of_o his_o grace_n do_v not_o intend_v thereby_o a_o miraculous_a inspiration_n or_o a_o absolute_a infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n much_o less_o do_v they_o think_v that_o their_o prayer_n be_v such_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n as_o will_v infer_v that_o the_o very_a matter_n and_o wordâ—_n thereof_o be_v write_v will_v become_v canonical_a scripture_n to_o which_o be_v requisite_a not_o only_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n but_o also_o a_o attestation_n thereof_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v other_o but_o this_o they_o maintain_v that_o the_o spirit_n help_v they_o against_o their_o indisposedness_n of_o mind_n and_o deadness_n of_o heart_n and_o manifold_a infirmity_n and_o strengthen_v their_o faculty_n and_o quicken_v their_o grace_n and_o enlarge_v their_o desire_n and_o elevate_v their_o soul_n and_o bring_v thing_n to_o their_o remembrace_n special_o the_o divine_a promise_n yea_o and_o in_o some_o particular_n may_v guide_v the_o heart_n and_o tongue_n by_o a_o present_a immediate_a suggestion_n for_o why_o must_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v think_v to_o do_v less_o in_o exciting_a to_o good_a than_o the_o devil_n ordinary_o do_v in_o prompt_v to_o evil_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o to_o depend_v on_o the_o spirit_n immediate_a suggestion_n for_o matter_n word_n and_o method_n without_o take_v care_n or_o thought_n before_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a and_o not_o miraculous_a assistance_n which_o they_o expect_v and_o which_o be_v usual_o give_v according_a to_o man_n preparation_n and_o suit_v to_o their_o several_a capacity_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o this_o or_o that_o exterior_a frame_n or_o order_n of_o prayer_n but_o be_v ever_o find_v there_o where_o the_o heart_n have_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o matter_n a_o particular_a form_n whether_o stint_v or_o not_o stint_v be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o prayer_n but_o only_o its_o outward_a shape_n and_o it_o pertain_v to_o it_o not_o as_o it_o be_v a_o sacred_a thing_n but_o as_o a_o action_n in_o general_a and_o for_o that_o no_o action_n can_v possible_o be_v perform_v but_o in_o some_o particular_a mode_n this_o holy_a action_n can_v otherwise_o be_v perform_v and_o whereas_o there_o be_v divers_a mode_n thereof_o they_o may_v be_v use_v as_o they_o be_v congruous_a to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o duty_n according_a to_o man_n choice_n and_o judgement_n unless_o they_o be_v as_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v up_o to_o one_o by_o a_o divine_a determination_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o set-form_n be_v further_o evince_v from_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o other_o form_n in_o scripture_n and_o as_o much_o be_v own_v by_o the_o general_a custom_n of_o sing_v david_n psalm_n wherefore_o to_o turn_v the_o back_n upon_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n mere_o because_o perform_v in_o this_o manner_n be_v unwarrantable_a and_o there_o be_v aâ—_n little_a warrant_n to_o restrain_v all_o public_a prayer_n to_o a_o stint_a liturgy_n and_o leave_v no_o liberty_n at_o all_o to_o the_o minister_n godly_a zeal_n and_o prudence_n in_o this_o particular_a the_o interest_n of_o true_a godliness_n will_v be_v much_o better_o advance_v by_o moderation_n than_o by_o contest_v and_o rigour_n on_o
rash_a with_o their_o mouth_n and_o hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n that_o be_v unmeet_a they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v censure_v for_o their_o error_n moreover_o heighten_v affection_n enlarge_v the_o heart_n and_o open_v the_o mouth_n and_o do_v not_o make_v a_o man_n at_o a_o stand_n for_o want_v of_o word_n indeed_o astonish_a affection_n or_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o spirit_n may_v put_v one_o to_o such_o a_o stand_n but_o that_o rare_o take_v hold_v of_o any_o in_o a_o pubick_a performance_n but_o a_o calm_a admiration_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n and_o seriousness_n and_o earnestness_n of_o address_n to_o he_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o further_a apâ—expressions_n for_o the_o use_n of_o one_o constant_a form_n it_o have_v be_v plead_v that_o a_o stranger_n may_v thereby_o the_o better_a know_v how_o we_o worship_n god_n and_o that_o the_o people_n better_o understand_v and_o remember_v that_o to_o which_o they_o be_v continual_o use_v but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n variety_n and_o newness_n of_o matter_n and_o word_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o quicken_v the_o affection_n and_o perfect_a the_o understanding_n also_o especial_o of_o the_o attentive_a whenas_o under_o the_o constant_a rehearsal_n of_o one_o thing_n the_o faculty_n grow_v flat_a and_o dull_a beside_o in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o liberty_n and_o variety_n the_o prayer_n be_v ordinary_o the_o same_o for_o substance_n in_o the_o main_a the_o vulgar_a apprehension_n and_o memory_n be_v help_v by_o the_o sameness_n of_o the_o main_a substance_n and_o scope_n and_o the_o affection_n be_v raise_v and_o the_o understanding_n further_o edify_v by_o that_o which_o be_v new_a in_o the_o frame_n and_o method_n and_o particular_a matter_n and_o the_o people_n more_o particular_a variable_a concernment_n be_v provide_v for_o by_o a_o more_o peculiar_a accommodation_n and_o respect_n thereto_o as_o occasion_n vary_v and_o by_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n a_o stranger_n may_v be_v sufficient_o ascertain_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o worship_n to_o be_v celebrate_v for_o a_o doctrine_n of_o a_o church_n govern_v its_o worship_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o one_o &_o the_o same_o tenor_n thereof_o will_v pass_v through_o the_o several_a congregation_n of_o a_o nation_n that_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o a_o stint_a form_n yet_o combine_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o order_n and_o when_o all_o be_v say_v that_o management_n and_o performance_n of_o this_o service_n be_v the_o best_a that_o be_v most_o effectual_a to_o make_v the_o comer_n thereunto_o more_o perfect_a in_o knowledge_n more_o devout_a and_o zealous_a towards_o god_n more_o pious_a and_o blameless_a in_o their_o conversation_n and_o every_o way_n more_o perfect_a in_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o it_o will_v be_v so_o acknowledge_v by_o they_o that_o be_v discern_v and_o serious_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o to_o conciliate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n diverse_o affect_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o inconvenience_n and_o to_o obtain_v the_o good_a of_o either_o way_n a_o prescribe_a form_n and_o a_o free_a prayer_n will_v do_v best_a together_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o edification_n chap._n vi_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n be_v pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o pastoral_a authority_n include_v both_o teach_n and_o rule_v and_o imply_v the_o people_n subjection_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n to_o bereave_v the_o church_n of_o discipline_n be_v to_o leave_v it_o unfurnished_v of_o that_o mean_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o orderly_a society_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v to_o turn_v the_o garden_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o pluck_v up_o the_o fence_n thereof_o into_o a_o common_a or_o wilderness_n the_o power_n intrinsical_v to_o this_o office_n be_v not_o secular_a and_o coercive_a by_o temporal_a penalty_n but_o pure_o spiritual_a which_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o authority_n from_o he_o the_o chief_a pastor_n to_o watch_v over_o the_o flock_n to_o encourage_v they_o that_o live_v conformable_o to_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o consolation_n thereof_o and_o to_o warn_v they_o that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o if_o any_o continue_v obstinate_a therein_o to_o declare_v they_o unworthy_a of_o church-communion_n and_o christian_a converse_n and_o to_o require_v the_o faithful_a to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o they_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o they_o may_v be_v humble_v and_o reform_v as_o the_o discipline_n of_o all_o society_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o their_o true_a interest_n and_o and_o chief_a scope_n so_o be_v this_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o the_o christian_a church_n look_v main_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o he_o and_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n for_o which_o end_v it_o be_v ordain_v and_o consequent_o its_o true_a interest_n lie_v in_o the_o conservation_n and_o augmentation_n of_o true_a christianity_n or_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o that_o church_n interest_n which_o be_v elsewhere_o fix_v and_o level_v to_o a_o other_o mark_n appertain_v to_o a_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a state_n set_v up_o in_o the_o room_n and_o pretence_n of_o this_o spiritual_a society_n the_o church_n true_a and_o proper_a excellency_n lie_v not_o in_o worldly_a splendour_n opulency_n and_o power_n nor_o in_o outward_a rite_n and_o formal_a unity_n nor_o in_o the_o stability_n and_o amplitude_n of_o a_o mere_a external_a state_n but_o in_o the_o inward_a light_n and_o life_n in_o the_o unfeigned_a faith_n and_o love_n in_o the_o purity_n and_o spiritual_a unity_n of_o believer_n and_o in_o the_o security_n and_o advancement_n of_o this_o internal_a state_n and_o of_o the_o external_a state_n in_o order_n to_o the_o internal_a wherefore_o the_o right_a end_n of_o discipline_n be_v not_o to_o promote_v temporal_a glory_n and_o opinion_n and_o formality_n thereunto_o subservient_fw-fr but_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o worship_n and_o the_o regeneration_n of_o the_o professor_n thereof_o and_o their_o sincere_a devotion_n godly_a unity_n sobriety_n righteousness_n brotherly-kindness_n and_o common_a charity_n and_o all_o the_o vital_a part_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o keep_v and_o cast_v out_o heresy_n superstition_n profaneness_n unrighteousness_n and_o all_o wicked_a error_n and_o practice_n that_o tend_v to_o frustrate_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n gospel_n as_o also_o to_o prevent_v and_o remedy_v the_o causeless_a tear_v and_o rent_v of_o church_n and_o those_o alienation_n and_o animosity_n among_o christian_n that_o proceed_v only_o from_o the_o will_n and_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o the_o management_n hereof_o to_o this_o right_a end_n be_v of_o far_o great_a consequence_n than_o any_o scrupulosity_n or_o preciseness_n about_o its_o external_a form_n and_o order_n nay_o if_o a_o external_a order_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v primitive_a and_o apostolical_a and_o be_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v to_o enforce_v corrupt_a doctrine_n scandalous_a and_o ensnare_a invention_n and_o imposition_n and_o in_o a_o ceremonial_a strictness_n to_o indulge_v real_a profaneness_n and_o discourage_v true_a godliness_n it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o mystery_n of_o a_o carnal_a state_n under_o a_o spiritual_a name_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v and_o suppress_v the_o power_n thereof_o the_o right_a end_n of_o discipline_n be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v declare_v it_o follow_v that_o its_o proper_a work_n be_v to_o encourage_v godliness_n and_o to_o disgrace_v open_a sin_n according_o be_v right_o manage_v it_o admonish_v the_o unruly_a cast_v out_o the_o obstinate_a and_o restore_v the_o penitent_a about_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v active_a watchful_a and_o vigorous_a what_o severity_n it_o have_v it_o exercise_v in_o correct_v real_a scandal_n and_o gross_a breach_n of_o god_n law_n and_o in_o maintain_v the_o church_n peace_n against_o those_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o it_o care_v little_a for_o those_o matter_n wherein_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o edification_n be_v unconcern_v much_o less_o do_v it_o seek_v to_o quench_v godly_a zeal_n and_o to_o hinder_v the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o true_a godliness_n or_o to_o afflict_v peaceable_a and_o pious_a christian_n by_o any_o needless_a rigour_n chap._n vii_o religious_a family-government_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n the_o solemn_a dedication_n of_o house_n be_v in_o use_n the_o solemnity_n express_v that_o holy_a exercise_n shall_v be_v perform_v in_o it_o and_o that_o the_o household_n shall_v be_v
holy_a in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o christianity_n the_o scripture_n make_v mention_n of_o church_n that_o be_v in_o particular_a house_n teach_v that_o christian_a family_n shall_v resemble_v church_n for_o piety_n and_o godly_a order_n by_o family-godliness_n religion_n thrive_v exceed_o and_o decay_v as_o much_o by_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o by_o domestic_a instruction_n knowledge_n be_v much_o increase_v for_o this_o private_a particular_a teach_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v more_o heed_v than_o that_o which_o be_v public_a and_o general_a and_o person_n be_v hereby_o prepare_v to_o attend_v with_o profit_n upon_o the_o public_a preach_v good_a principle_n be_v infuse_v and_o impression_n of_o good_a be_v make_v upon_o those_o that_o live_v under_o such_o government_n and_o where_o much_o may_v not_o be_v wrought_v at_o present_a towards_o conversion_n something_o may_v stick_v upon_o they_o which_o may_v afterward_o appear_v when_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n shall_v visit_v they_o more_o powerful_o moreover_o national_a and_o church_n reformation_n shall_v here_o begin_v nation_n will_v be_v wicked_a and_o church_n corrupt_v while_o family_n remain_v disorder_v but_o by_o the_o reformation_n of_o these_o lesser_a society_n the_o large_a be_v easy_o reform_v as_o the_o whole_a street_n be_v make_v clean_o where_o every_o one_o will_v sweep_v his_o own_o door_n which_o be_v but_o a_o easy_a task_n it_o be_v most_o desirable_a that_o house_n of_o eminent_a person_n be_v exemplary_a in_o this_o kind_n as_o it_o appear_v king_n david_n be_v by_o that_o profession_n i_o will_v walk_v within_o my_o house_n with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n i_o will_v not_o know_v a_o wicked_a person_n he_o that_o walk_v in_o a_o perfect_a way_n shall_v serve_v i_o but_o it_o be_v lamentable_a that_o in_o so_o many_o family_n of_o profess_a christian_n of_o high_a and_o low_a degree_n wickedness_n carry_v it_o with_o a_o high_a hand_n in_o drunkenness_n swear_v curse_a open_a profanation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n in_o hatred_n of_o godliness_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o that_o in_o many_o other_o free_a from_o debauchedness_n and_o open_a lewdness_n there_o be_v no_o face_n religion_n no_o divine_a worship_n perform_v no_o godly_a discipline_n no_o instruction_n in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n observe_v shall_v any_o profess_v subjection_n to_o god_n maintain_v under_o his_o charge_n and_o government_n a_o open_a rebellion_n against_o god_n or_o at_o least_o a_o total_a neglect_n of_o he_o shall_v not_o god_n rule_v where_o his_o servant_n rule_v wherefore_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o christian_a householder_n in_o their_o several_a house_n to_o offer_v prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n daily_o both_o morning_n and_o evening_n as_o the_o daily_a sacrifice_n to_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n day_n in_o prayer_n sing_v of_o psalm_n read_v the_o scripture_n and_o other_o holy_a book_n in_o repeat_v sermon_n instruct_v child_n and_o servant_n and_o in_o take_v account_n of_o their_o diligence_n and_o proficiency_n under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o this_o to_o be_v do_v not_o formal_o and_o customary_o but_o conscientious_o in_o good_a carnest_n and_o to_o good_a effect_n it_o be_v their_o charge_n also_o to_o hold_v a_o prudent_a hand_n over_o child_n in_o their_o minority_n and_o not_o to_o indulge_v they_o in_o a_o course_n of_o idleness_n sensual_a pleasure_n or_o any_o inordinate_a liberty_n also_o to_o make_v intercession_n to_o god_n for_o those_o under_o their_o tuition_n to_o allow_v servant_n time_n for_o secret_a duty_n last_o to_o purge_v their_o family_n of_o sinful_a disorder_n and_o to_o remove_v scandal_n as_o careful_o as_o the_o israelite_n cleanse_v their_o house_n from_o leaven_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o passover_n as_o the_o religious_a care_n of_o superior_n so_o the_o submission_n and_o teachableness_n of_o inferior_n be_v enjoin_v child_n servant_n and_o sojourner_n in_o godly_a family_n be_v come_v into_o the_o lord_n heritage_n and_o portion_n and_o under_o his_o special_a protection_n and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n shall_v not_o think_v it_o a_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n to_o live_v under_o such_o a_o discipline_n and_o to_o be_v hold_v unto_o such_o exercy_n but_o shall_v improve_v the_o advantage_n and_o be_v follower_n of_o whatsoever_o be_v good_a and_o praiseworthy_a and_o whatsoever_o imperfection_n they_o find_v therein_o they_o shall_v not_o malignant_o aggravate_v the_o same_o but_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o good_a and_o consider_v the_o defect_n as_o the_o remainder_n of_o human_a weakness_n chap._n viii_o private_a mutual_a exhortation_n pious_a discourse_n and_o edify_a conversation_n it_o be_v also_o of_o great_a advantage_n when_o christian_a people_n be_v enure_v in_o the_o way_n of_o religious_a converse_n and_o discourse_n for_o edification_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o propagate_v the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o keep_v themselves_o in_o spiritual_a life_n and_o vigour_n and_o daily_o build_v up_o one_o another_o on_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n advance_v heaven-ward_n and_o it_o be_v as_o comely_a as_o advantageous_a the_o royal_a prophet_n understand_v what_o be_v seemly_a and_o worthy_a of_o he_o in_o his_o conversation_n and_o he_o say_v i_o will_v talk_v of_o thy_o commandment_n before_o prince_n and_o not_o be_v ashamed_a be_v it_o not_o seemly_a for_o those_o that_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n above_o and_o for_o fellowtravell_n r_v towards_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n to_o mention_v the_o affair_n of_o their_o own_o country_n it_o be_v also_o sweet_a and_o lovely_a a_o partake_n of_o that_o grace_n that_o be_v pour_v into_o christ_n lip_n and_o it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o all_o such_o as_o savour_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n yea_o be_v not_o convert_v bind_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o seek_v the_o conversion_n of_o other_o we_o have_v receive_v this_o holy_a commandment_n let_v no_o corrupt_a communication_n proceed_v out_o of_o your_o mouth_n but_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o the_o use_n of_o edify_v that_o it_o may_v administer_v grace_n to_o the_o hearer_n indeed_o holy_a language_n proceed_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o scandalous_a person_n or_o detect_v hypocrite_n be_v disgrace_v and_o lose_v its_o savour_n if_o affectation_n and_o vanity_n appear_v therein_o it_o have_v not_o so_o sweet_a a_o relish_n but_o this_o can_v be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o gracious_a word_n which_o holy_a and_o humble_a man_n of_o inoffensive_a life_n speak_v feel_o from_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o those_o that_o judge_v they_o hypocrite_n god_n will_v judge_v moreover_o honest_a mind_n may_v be_v sometime_o guilty_a of_o imprudence_n and_o thereby_o occasion_v some_o disgust_n and_o make_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o wholesome_a to_o be_v unacceptable_a and_o ineffectual_a nevertheless_o it_o be_v a_o bad_a matter_n for_o any_o one_o from_o the_o baseness_n of_o some_o hypocrite_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o good_a christian_n to_o take_v occasion_n of_o pour_v out_o contempt_n upon_o this_o godly_a practice_n yea_o whosoever_o give_v a_o check_n to_o it_o upon_o pretence_n of_o its_o unseasonableness_n and_o impertinency_n at_o some_o time_n be_v not_o well_o advise_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o true_a religion_n because_o for_o one_o that_o be_v overforward_a herein_o a_o hundred_o be_v too_o backward_o and_o that_o among_o the_o wise_a and_o able_a who_o may_v reap_v a_o harvest_n of_o much_o good_a if_o they_o be_v not_o too_o rich_a or_o sluggish_a the_o most_o have_v need_v rather_o of_o the_o spur_n than_o the_o bridle_n in_o this_o case_n wherefore_o discretion_n will_v mind_v the_o season_n in_o which_o every_o thing_n be_v beautiful_a and_o not_o inconsiderate_o force_v discourse_n and_o run_v on_o therein_o when_o it_o will_v not_o be_v entertain_v as_o in_o the_o set_a time_n of_o other_o man_n sport_n or_o business_n nor_o will_v it_o press_v any_o beyond_o due_a measure_n and_o what_o they_o can_v well_o receive_v lest_o that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v precious_a become_v nauseous_a or_o untastfull_a opportunity_n and_o leisure_n will_v sufficient_o offer_v itself_o for_o set_v and_o solemn_a conference_n and_o beside_o this_o there_o will_v be_v room_n almost_o continual_o to_o put_v in_o by_o the_o by_o a_o word_n that_o may_v take_v effect_n how_o forcible_a be_v right_a word_n it_o have_v sometime_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o short_a say_v occasional_o let_v fall_v upon_o a_o prepare_a mind_n have_v enter_v deep_a and_o stick_v close_o yea_o that_o which_o take_v not_o much_o at_o present_a may_v be_v remember_v and_o have_v its_o effect_n after_o a_o long_a time_n and_o then_o be_v matter_n of_o much_o blessing_n and_o praise_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o wise_a preacher_n look_v this_o way_n in_o the_o morning_n sow_v thy_o seed_n in_o the_o evening_n withhold_v not_o thy_o hand_n for_o thou_o