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harmless_a in_o comparison_n but_o the_o abomination_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n most_o loathsome_a to_o that_o infinite_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a nature_n i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v how_o far_o time_n place_n distinction_n of_o person_n in_o religious_a worship_n be_v within_o the_o cognisance_n of_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o i_o omit_v out_o of_o choice_n any_o discourse_n of_o sacrifice_n which_o some_o have_v contend_v come_v in_o by_o natural_a instinct_n as_o too_o copious_a for_o the_o present_a intendment_n conclude_v they_o be_v ordain_v by_o god_n chief_o to_o typify_v the_o true_a ever_o breathe_v sacrifice_n of_o christ_n which_o service_n have_v perform_v they_o expire_v in_o it_o not_o only_o repeal_v by_o the_o evangelic_n law_n but_o no_o doubt_n through_o the_o superintendency_n of_o providence_n grow_v into_o disuse_n throughout_o the_o world_n which_o together_o with_o those_o strong_a solid_a reason_n against_o their_o valuableness_n in_o themselves_o give_v by_o god_n psal_n 50._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o mic._n 6._o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o heb._n 9_o 10_o etc._n etc._n sufficient_o argue_v they_o be_v not_o of_o natural_a notion_n nor_o of_o the_o everlasting_a righteousness_n of_o that_o law_n let_v we_o therefore_o wave_v they_o go_v on_o to_o debate_v the_o dictate_v of_o primitive_a rule_n concern_v time_n and_o i_o find_v but_o two_o thing_n i_o can_v suppose_v injunction_n of_o so_o ancient_a a_o date_n pertain_v to_o it_o 1._o that_o the_o time_n be_v sufficient_a capacious_a enough_o for_o the_o receipt_n of_o religious_a duty_n and_o action_n sufficient_a for_o the_o make_v ample_a inquiry_n and_o search_n into_o divine_a thing_n for_o the_o soul_n commoration_n and_o rest_n upon_o they_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o religious_a business_n and_o duty_n and_o so_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o testification_n of_o our_o honour_n to_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n by_o offer_v 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single_a determination_n upon_o the_o divine_a majesty_n itself_o must_v not_o look_v off_o from_o it_o but_o under_o the_o peril_n of_o move_v that_o jealousy_n god_n express_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o not_o thus_o yet_o they_o beget_v in_o man_n injurious_a thought_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o dwell_v in_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n and_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n confine_v there_o whereas_o except_o by_o his_o own_o choice_n upon_o certain_a reason_n as_o among_o the_o jew_n all_o place_n be_v alike_o and_o he_o equal_o accept_v those_o that_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n he_o that_o inhabit_v ubiquity_n be_v no_o more_o offend_v 24._o joh._n 4._o 21_o 23_o 24._o or_o disdain_v mean_a and_o unadorned_a place_n for_o his_o service_n than_o stately_a structure_n to_o misdeem_v so_o of_o god_n have_v a_o degree_n of_o that_o folly_n that_o will_v restrain_v his_o omnipresence_n lest_o it_o shall_v be_v defile_v with_o the_o sordidness_n of_o some_o reception_n nauseous_a to_o we_o not_o know_v that_o infinite_a spirit_n feel_v not_o the_o passion_n of_o body_n our_o saviour_n make_v use_v of_o any_o place_n for_o heavenly_a discourse_n and_o prayer_n to_o observe_v day_n or_o time_n carry_v a_o suspicion_n that_o he_o who_o inhabit_v eternity_n and_o be_v lord_n of_o time_n be_v not_o all_o time_n the_o same_o and_o therefore_o the_o heathen_a that_o have_v corrupt_v natural_a religion_n watch_v for_o some_o day_n as_o more_o lucky_a and_o avoid_v other_o as_o unlucky_o in_o their_o attendance_n on_o their_o mock-deity_n yet_o do_v god_n allow_v to_o man_n the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a choice_n of_o their_o own_o convenience_n in_o his_o worship_n both_o for_o time_n or_o place_n not_o presume_v to_o sanctify_v any_o thing_n to_o he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o first_o sanctify_v to_o himself_o for_o who_o know_v how_o to_o choose_v for_o he_o or_o who_o be_v able_a to_o give_v to_o he_o first_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o determination_n of_o natural_a reason_n if_o it_o use_v its_o own_o light_n and_o discharge_v its_o own_o trust_n have_v speak_v thus_o brief_o of_o time_n and_o place_n i_o come_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n distinction_n or_o separation_n of_o person_n for_o divine_a office_n how_o far_o it_o be_v direct_v by_o natural_a religion_n under_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n patriarchal_a eldership_n nearness_n to_o the_o creation_n and_o continual_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o history_n of_o god_n treaty_n and_o deal_n with_o man_n together_o with_o the_o power_n gravity_n authority_n resident_a in_o it_o carry_v the_o most_o fit_a administration_n of_o divine_a thing_n along_o with_o it_o so_o that_o the_o pontifical_a prophetic_a and_o royal_a authority_n accumulate_v upon_o they_o this_o seem_v unquestionable_a in_o reason_n scripture_n history_n and_o universal_a tradition_n 2._o after_o the_o multiplication_n of_o family_n into_o nation_n and_o
&_o roman_n such_o as_o pythagoras_n socrates_n plato_n epicâ—etus_n cicero_n seneca_n nor_o as_o those_o of_o late_a date_n plutarch_n porphyry_n hierocles_n jamblicus_n but_o as_o that_o one_o sacrifice_n abolish_v the_o typical_a yet_o divine_o institute_v sacrifice_n much_o more_o those_o mock-sacrifice_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o now_o in_o the_o more_o famous_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n as_o divine_a oracle_n and_o prophecy_n absolve_v and_o finish_v in_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n silence_v all_o those_o fallacious_a one_o from_o below_o so_o the_o resplendent_a light_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o the_o gospel-revelation_n since_o its_o prevalency_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o it_o be_v become_v the_o religion_n of_o nation_n seem_v to_o have_v dazzle_v natural_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o appearance_n of_o it_o as_o in_o former_a age_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o barbarity_n have_v invade_v as_o a_o thick_a darkness_n the_o world_n out_o of_o the_o goshen_n of_o christianity_n while_o the_o jew_n trust_v to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n not_o 15._o 2_o cor._n 3._o 15._o yet_o unveil_v to_o they_o in_o its_o glory_n and_o further_o obscure_v by_o rabbinick_n dotage_n and_o mahometan_n to_o the_o spite-prophet_n and_o his_o senseless_a koran_n set_v up_o by_o satan_n and_o permit_v by_o divine_a justice_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o only_a true_a prophet_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o his_o everlasting_a gospel_n all_o beside_o these_o lie_v obscure_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o we_o in_o a_o manner_n like_o a_o terra_fw-la incognita_fw-la in_o reason_n and_o religion_n have_v only_o some_o relational_a glimpse_n no_o body_n of_o their_o discourse_n in_o either_o a_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o have_v draw_v up_o all_o rational_a religion_n reason_n and_o learn_v within_o itself_o and_o under_o its_o own_o horizon_n for_o though_o for_o a_o time_n it_o please_v god_n to_o allow_v the_o notable_a effort_n of_o that_o sort_n of_o learning_n and_o in_o opposition_n to_o christianity_n one_o of_o his_o unsearchable_a judgement_n as_o in_o porphyry_n and_o hierocles_n yet_o be_v vanquish_v by_o the_o great_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n since_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n it_o have_v never_o rise_v in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n unchristianize_v to_o appear_v with_o any_o remarkable_a strength_n but_o all_o this_o do_v not_o diminish_v so_o much_o from_o natural_a religion_n as_o it_o bring_v it_o into_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v now_o such_o a_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o natural_a religion_n without_o christianity_n nay_o indeed_o it_o may_v be_v doubt_v whether_o notwithstanding_o or_o even_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o great_a name_n i_o just_a now_o record_v who_o be_v but_o a_o sort_n of_o parelian_a light_n to_o the_o true_a light_n of_o natural_a religion_n whether_o there_o be_v ever_o such_o a_o true_a copy_n of_o it_o as_o that_o of_o the_o book_n of_o job_n in_o any_o man_n heart_n life_n or_o writing_n that_o be_v without_o the_o help_n of_o divine_a illumination_n and_o yet_o natural_a religion_n be_v never_o the_o less_o natural_a nor_o the_o less_o feel_v and_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v so_o when_o beside_o such_o a_o proportion_n as_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o man_n not_o degenerate_a into_o beast_n be_v so_o preserve_v by_o god_n that_o he_o may_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n nor_o man_n without_o 17._o luk._n 15._o 17._o mean_n in_o order_n to_o their_o conversion_n and_o recovery_n when_o i_o say_v beside_o this_o god_n restore_v to_o any_o man_n or_o number_n of_o man_n the_o perfection_n of_o it_o by_o his_o word_n or_o by_o particular_a illumination_n of_o his_o mind_n it_o be_v not_o the_o less_o natural_a even_o as_o the_o prodigal_n self_n he_o come_v to_o be_v not_o the_o less_o natural_a self_n because_o he_o have_v be_v so_o long_o a_o fugitive_n from_o it_o and_o it_o become_v necessary_a to_o he_o to_o be_v so_o restore_v so_o no_o less_o be_v natural_a religion_n natural_a because_o it_o be_v return_v by_o revelation_n after_o be_v lose_v and_o this_o carry_v the_o great_a use_n indeed_o of_o natural_a religion_n that_o whether_o it_o be_v that_o part_n of_o it_o by_o general_a providence_n preserve_v to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n or_o by_o ordinary_a mean_n improve_v or_o whether_o by_o divine_a illumination_n and_o revelation_n it_o be_v give_v as_o it_o be_v anew_o yet_o we_o still_o find_v it_o natural_a and_o as_o it_o be_v our_o own_o proper_o belong_v to_o our_o nature_n and_o it_o come_v to_o we_o as_o by_o way_n of_o reminiscency_n of_o what_o we_o have_v once_o but_o have_v lose_v thus_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n 27._o psal_n 22._o 27._o shall_v remember_v and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o i_o have_v now_o state_v thing_n that_o which_o may_v seem_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v of_o natural_a religion_n will_v be_v more_o easy_o reconcile_v and_o it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o those_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n john_n first_o what_o he_o record_v in_o his_o gospel_n that_o our_o saviour_n say_v he_o that_o honour_v not_o the_o son_n honour_v not_o the_o father_n that_o 10._o joh._n 5._o 23._o 1_o joh._n 2._o 23._o 2_o joh._n 9_o 10._o send_v he_o and_o in_o his_o epistle_n whoever_o deni_v the_o son_n have_v not_o the_o father_n and_o in_o his_o second_o epistle_n whoever_o transgress_v and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o god_n and_o if_o any_o man_n come_v and_o bring_v not_o this_o doctrine_n receive_v he_o not_o into_o your_o house_n neither_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n for_o he_o that_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n be_v partaker_n of_o his_o evil_a deed_n by_o all_o these_o say_n lay_v together_o it_o seem_v undeniable_a that_o even_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o that_o first_o and_o 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preparation_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o these_o word_n be_v especial_o direct_v have_v yet_o still_o i_o suppose_v this_o case_n reserve_v to_o divine_a judgement_n and_o not_o to_o humane_a nor_o that_o such_o a_o unbeliever_n may_v be_v deal_v with_o by_o man_n or_o by_o magistratical_a authority_n as_o a_o atheist_n man_n can_v only_o deal_v with_o he_o by_o remonstrance_n out_o of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n flow_v from_o it_o 2._o the_o severity_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v great_a force_n upon_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v christianity_n apostatise_v from_o it_o transgress_v and_o not_o abide_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a in_o the_o thing_n itself_o they_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v have_v natural_a religion_n that_o prove_v apostate_n from_o christianity_n understand_v so_o intimate_v to_o it_o 3._o this_o have_v yet_o much_o great_a force_n upon_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n seem_v especial_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o intend_v those_o who_o come_v with_o a_o high_a pretention_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n of_o a_o immediate_a doctrine_n from_o heaven_n and_o yet_o bring_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n such_o infallible_a proof_n and_o assurance_n of_o all_o sort_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o have_v descend_v down_o from_o they_o to_o we_o in_o sacred_a history_n we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v they_o may_v just_o anathematise_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n that_o preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n they_o be_v most_o certain_a who_o ever_o 8._o gal._n 1._o 8._o call_v or_o proclaim_v christ_n lord_n be_v authorise_a to_o do_v so_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o that_o no_o man_n can_v by_o the_o 3._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 3._o same_o spirit_n declare_v he_o accurse_v see_v that_o spirit_n
before_o god_n from_o the_o guilt_n and_o destruction_n of_o those_o that_o may_v be_v yet_o heinous_o guilty_a before_o god_n as_o jonah_n mariner_n do_v from_o the_o blood_n of_o that_o prophet_n consign_v over_o to_o the_o sea_n by_o his_o own_o sentence_n oh_o lord_n lie_v not_o this_o man_n blood_n to_o our_o charge_n who_o have_v 14_o jon._n 1._o 14_o do_v all_o it_o please_v thou_o to_o command_v we_o when_o sovereign_n and_o nation_n have_v consider_v the_o wisdom_n rationality_n and_o heavenliness_n of_o proposal_n in_o religion_n and_o settle_v upon_o what_o they_o find_v of_o the_o high_a character_n as_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o nation_n by_o law_n to_o be_v establish_v to_o which_o they_o allow_v the_o encouragement_n of_o their_o public_a honour_n and_o maintanance_n and_o take_v care_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o by_o instruction_n argument_n reason_n and_o good_a example_n they_o have_v do_v all_o that_o god_n expect_v from_o they_o to_o do_v and_o so_o have_v deliver_v their_o own_o soul_n that_o which_o be_v of_o their_o free_a judgement_n and_o arbitrement_n as_o proper_a to_o they_o as_o to_z family_n and_o person_n to_o dispose_v of_o their_o own_o they_o have_v place_v as_o they_o think_v upon_o due_a consideration_n most_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n but_o to_o deprive_v man_n of_o their_o native_a right_n or_o to_o punish_v they_o in_o their_o person_n or_o estate_n who_o be_v not_o offender_n against_o natural_a religion_n for_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o mind_n of_o which_o they_o have_v only_o a_o humane_a judgement_n be_v not_o a_o power_n wherewith_o they_o think_v themselves_o invest_v of_o god_n and_o so_o forbear_v it_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o nation_n of_o man_n a_o nation_n of_o christian_n a_o virtuous_a a_o honourable_a government_n and_o more_o hopeful_a to_o propagate_v true_a christianity_n than_o that_o which_o write_v its_o law_n in_o blood_n and_o this_o be_v to_o rule_v over_o man_n and_o not_o over_o beast_n bind_v up_o as_o man_n shall_v be_v with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n in_o natural_a religion_n in_o what_o be_v beyond_o that_o as_o revealed_z from_o god_n with_o band_n of_o love_n to_o serve_v the_o public_a blessed_n be_v the_o people_n who_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n bless_v be_v that_o people_n who_o god_n be_v thus_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n object_n 2._o what_o peace_n can_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n among_o private_a and_o particular_a person_n while_o there_o be_v several_a opinion_n in_o religion_n how_o many_o dispute_n and_o calumny_n and_o invective_n be_v continual_o fly_v up_o and_o down_o by_o reason_n of_o difference_n in_o religion_n and_o how_o much_o better_o be_v all_o compel_v into_o union_n answer_n all_o these_o evil_n be_v but_o so_o many_o argument_n of_o deprave_a nature_n which_o create_v its_o own_o occasion_n out_o of_o every_o thing_n and_o if_o the_o mischief_n of_o compulsion_n or_o the_o ill_a state_n even_o of_o those_o part_n of_o thâ—_n world_n where_o the_o voice_n of_o religion_n be_v all_o one_o laâ—â—â—â—ge_n be_v cast_v up_o i_o doubt_v they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o balance_v the_o worst_a that_o can_v be_v charge_v on_o difference_n in_o religion_n but_o yet_o natural_a religion_n and_o most_o evident_o christian_a religion_n be_v most_o severe_a and_o positive_a against_o all_o strife_n envy_n rail_n evil_a surmising_n and_o bend_v man_n upon_o peace_n love_n meekness_n quietness_n charity_n towards_o all_o man_n and_o especial_o christian_n as_o be_v after_o to_o be_v shâ—wn_v and_o therefore_o undoubted_o those_o evil_a effect_n where_o they_o grow_v to_o excess_n may_v be_v restrain_v by_o civil_a magistracy_n as_o in_o any_o other_o case_n and_o the_o rather_o that_o true_a religion_n so_o much_o disow_v they_o they_o be_v more_o inexcusable_a in_o that_o cause_n than_o any_o other_o for_o though_o we_o find_v scripture_n severe_a in_o its_o language_n in_o great_a case_n as_o st._n paul_n against_o the_o bigot_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o we_o must_v also_o consider_v the_o infallible_a spirit_n that_o guide_v sacred_a writer_n who_o alone_o know_v how_o to_o direct_v those_o sharp_a arrow_n and_o what_o effect_n they_o shall_v take_v object_n 3._o this_o clip_v off_o the_o royalty_n and_o prerogative_n of_o prince_n if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o command_n of_o man_n sentiment_n or_o at_o least_o of_o their_o outward_a action_n and_o practice_n in_o religion_n ans_fw-fr the_o unjust_a enlargement_n of_o earthly_a power_n into_o the_o divine_a sanctuary_n have_v be_v always_o fatal_a to_o prince_n vzziah_n rude_a entrance_n into_o it_o be_v punish_v by_o god_n with_o infamous_a leprosy_n herod_n let_v that_o sacrilegious_a acclamation_n it_o be_v 23_o 1_o chron._n 28._o 18_o 19_o act._n 12._o 22_o 23_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o god_n not_o of_o a_o man_n sink_v into_o he_o be_v present_o revenge_v with_o a_o dreadful_a hand_n of_o judgement_n humane_a power_n be_v safe_a keep_v itself_o within_o the_o verge_n of_o divine_a institution_n beyond_o that_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v great_a yet_o it_o become_v only_o like_o a_o swell_a wall_n the_o big_a it_o be_v the_o more_o ready_a to_o fall_v or_o a_o totter_a fence_n expatiate_v to_o ruin_v their_o honour_n be_v great_a in_o be_v nursing-fathers_n if_o god_n have_v intend_v civil_a magistracy_n to_o govern_v in_o any_o religion_n but_o natural_a they_o shall_v have_v have_v as_o certain_a rule_n to_o act_v by_o as_o they_o have_v in_o natural_a religion_n beside_o what_o be_v the_o good_a of_o be_v great_a master_n in_o religion_n except_o in_o that_o wherein_o god_n have_v show_v every_o man_n what_o be_v good_a see_v the_o great_a judgement_n wait_v for_o such_o thus_o the_o apostle_n james_n james_n 3._o 1._o my_o brethren_n be_v not_o many_o master_n imposer_n or_o prescriber_n in_o religion_n that_o be_v do_v not_o affect_v it_o know_v we_o shall_v receive_v a_o great_a judgement_n object_n 4._o but_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o govern_v with_o any_o security_n if_o governor_n hold_v not_o the_o reins_o of_o man_n conscience_n if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o helm_n that_o turn_v about_o so_o great_a body_n of_o people_n which_o way_n soever_o they_o that_o have_v that_o pylotry_n please_v with_o what_o vigour_n and_o courage_n be_v man_n animate_v while_o the_o principle_n and_o reward_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o eye_n if_o therefore_o the_o prince_n rule_v not_o in_o these_o his_o command_n be_v but_o cypher_n answer_v 1_o religion_n be_v too_o great_a and_o noble_a a_o thing_n to_o be_v but_o a_o expedient_a of_o government_n 2._o the_o history_n of_o christianity_n assure_v we_o no_o prince_n have_v have_v more_o obedient_a subject_n a_o more_o valiant_a soldiery_n than_o heathen_a prince_n of_o christian_n true_a religion_n know_v its_o obligation_n to_o government_n and_o pursue_v the_o law_n of_o it_o though_o that_o government_n have_v stand_v distinct_a from_o that_o true_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o standing-rule_n of_o christian_n object_n 5._o but_o what_o tumult_n faction_n sedition_n have_v be_v raise_v under_o religious_a pretence_n when_o subject_n have_v not_o yield_v themselves_o to_o the_o empire_n of_o prince_n in_o religion_n answ_n these_o evil_n as_o they_o be_v false_o pretend_v by_o man_n of_o turbulence_n to_o be_v for_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n so_o they_o be_v unjust_o charge_v upon_o it_o there_o can_v be_v therefore_o no_o severity_n too_o great_a upon_o those_o that_o so_o abuse_v so_o excellent_a a_o thing_n but_o the_o sâ—mâ—_n care_n that_o secure_v against_o ambition_n sedition_n rebellion_n in_o one_o shape_n will_v do_v it_o in_o another_o without_o take_v away_o lawful_a liberty_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o remedy_n so_o specific_a against_o the_o great_a hypocrisy_n of_o cover_a rebellion_n with_o religion_n faction_n with_o faith_n as_o the_o severe_a regiment_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o indisputable_a law_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o allowance_n of_o the_o great_a toleration_n in_o what_o no_o way_n contradict_v that_o for_o then_o be_v the_o artifice_n strong_a when_o it_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o oppression_n of_o man_n conscience_n so_o great_a a_o illegality_n against_o natural_a principle_n take_v away_o severe_a imposition_n and_o what_o have_v such_o politician_n to_o work_v upon_o object_n 6._o but_o what_o a_o hydra_n a_o many-headed_a monster_n of_o opinion_n will_v religion_n become_v by_o such_o a_o toleration_n answ_n 1._o severe_a natural_a religion_n enforce_v and_o strict_o pursue_v will_v so_o rebate_v man_n corruption_n beside_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o divine_a blâ—ssing_n accompany_v so_o virtuous_a a_o government_n that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o much_o great_a retrenchment_n of_o opinion_n than_o can_v be_v
adultery_n and_o peter_n denial_n of_o his_o lord_n the_o one_o be_v plain_a temptation_n the_o other_o scandal_n arise_v from_o the_o to_o he_o uninterpretable_a suffer_v of_o our_o saviour_n though_o both_o be_v great_a and_o grievous_a sin_n 3._o scandal_n be_v a_o temptation_n to_o some_o great_a sin_n or_o course_n of_o sin_n for_o though_o the_o least_o sin_n introduce_v upon_o the_o counterfeit_n of_o religion_n and_o reason_n be_v true_o scandal_n and_o partake_v in_o its_o woe_n yet_o those_o scandal_n of_o daily_a almost_o unavoidable_a incursion_n in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n be_v break_v in_o their_o deadly_a effect_n by_o the_o daily_a and_o general_a repentance_n and_o desire_n of_o pardon_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n all_o true_a convert_v live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o who_o can_v understand_v his_o scandal_n deliver_v thou_o i_o from_o secret_a one_o may_v every_o good_a man_n pray_v but_o keep_v back_o thy_o servant_n from_o insolent_a scandal_n that_o they_o may_v not_o have_v dominion_n so_o that_o i_o be_v innocent_n and_o free_a from_o the_o great_a transgression_n the_o sin_n that_o scandal_n precipitate_v upon_o may_v be_v either_o in_o the_o refusal_n disavowment_n rejection_n or_o despite_n to_o some_o of_o the_o prime_a manifestation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n in_o infidelity_n or_o unbelief_n or_o some_o great_a enormity_n of_o practice_n and_o it_o may_v be_v absolve_v and_o finish_v in_o some_o notorious_a act_n of_o sin_n or_o may_v run_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o man_n life_n in_o a_o habitual_a state_n of_o sin_n or_o transgression_n of_o the_o rule_n that_o he_o act_n in_o all_o along_o life_n and_o die_v in_o this_o snare_n of_o satan_n in_o this_o captivity_n under_o he_o it_o may_v be_v partial_a only_o there_o be_v a_o reserve_n of_o the_o soul_n preserve_v by_o grace_n by_o which_o the_o renew_a soul_n recover_v itself_o as_o the_o apostle_n be_v offend_v or_o scandalise_v in_o christ_n on_o the_o night_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o peter_n in_o a_o foul_a manner_n and_o yet_o they_o even_o his_o faith_n do_v not_o fail_v they_o and_o he_o most_o eminent_o escape_v out_o of_o the_o break_a snare_n but_o man_n devoid_a of_o any_o principle_n of_o true_a save_a grace_n be_v though_o in_o several_a degree_n lock_v within_o the_o scandal_n and_o can_v be_v rescue_v out_o of_o it_o but_o by_o a_o renovation_n to_o repentance_n the_o first_o repentance_n yea_o even_o the_o best_a man_n under_o the_o power_n of_o scandal_n as_o we_o now_o describe_v it_o be_v for_o the_o present_a inwrape_v and_o involve_v so_o that_o the_o whole_a man_n seem_v to_o fall_v and_o the_o whole_a strength_n for_o that_o time_n so_o far_o as_o be_v visible_a be_v take_v captive_a now_o by_o all_o this_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o a_o man_n be_v never_o scandalize_v but_o when_o he_o sin_n he_o be_v not_o offend_v in_o this_o scripture-sense_n but_o when_o he_o himself_o offend_v to_o be_v just_o displease_v with_o other_o man_n sin_n or_o defile_v religion_n with_o impure_a mixture_n be_v not_o to_o be_v offend_v but_o when_o a_o man_n himself_o displease_v and_o offend_v god_n and_o against_o his_o duty_n 4._o scandal_n in_o wrap_n in_o sin_n and_o the_o dreadful_a consequent_n of_o it_o for_o in_o the_o mischief_n and_o deadly_a issue_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o complemental_a nature_n and_o notion_n of_o scandal_n it_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n only_o that_o there_o be_v life_n and_o in_o the_o pathway_n thereof_o that_o there_o be_v no_o death_n none_o of_o the_o beginning_n and_o first_o stroke_n of_o it_o of_o the_o avant_fw-fr courier_n of_o death_n it_o be_v wisdom_n alone_o that_o be_v health_n to_o the_o navel_n and_o marrow_n to_o the_o bone_n who_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o its_o path_n be_v peace_n but_o the_o way_n of_o scandal_n so_o close_o unite_v with_o sin_n though_o they_o seem_v right_a in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o eye_n yet_o be_v all_o along_o the_o way_n of_o death_n and_o most_o evident_o so_o in_o their_o end_n gild_n divine_a displeasure_n perplexity_n anguish_n of_o mind_n grief_n if_o the_o sin_n be_v feel_v however_o a_o wound_n a_o stripe_n upon_o conscience_n and_o a_o mark_n of_o that_o stroke_n of_o that_o wound_n and_o stripe_n whether_o feel_v or_o not_o that_o can_v never_o be_v wear_v off_o but_o by_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n weakness_n inability_n loss_n of_o vigour_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n 〈◊〉_d action_n and_o often_o down_o right_a apostasy_n be_v the_o fruitâ—_n 〈◊〉_d scandal_n for_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o prejudice_n a_o mortification_n 〈◊〉_d dead_a work_n upon_o the_o conscience_n dispirit_v it_o to_o holiâ—â—â—â—_n more_o and_o more_o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v strength_n to_o the_o upright_a and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o lord_n therein_o be_v his_o double_a strength_n through_o scandal_n man_n stumble_v and_o fall_v be_v discourage_v and_o lie_v down_o at_o length_n out_o of_o choice_n and_o with_o resolution_n to_o continue_v where_o they_o be_v as_o most_o easy_a qui_fw-la iaceo_fw-la in_o terris_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la unde_fw-la cadat_fw-la upon_o all_o this_o ensue_v at_o last_o eternal_a death_n if_o not_o prevent_v by_o repentance_n 5._o scandal_n be_v cover_v under_o some_o plausible_a pretence_n or_o disguise_n of_o a_o principle_n of_o reason_n or_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n for_o reason_n be_v a_o efflux_n from_o god_n the_o sovereign_a reason_n and_o light_n from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n any_o true_a principle_n of_o true_a reason_n and_o right_o apply_v be_v undoubted_o a_o divine_a oracle_n and_o will_v justify_v any_o pretention_n ground_v upon_o it_o now_o in_o all_o case_n wherein_o divine_a revelation_n be_v refuse_v or_o avowed_o force_v from_o the_o genuine_a sense_n because_o either_o the_o revelation_n or_o all_o natural_a interpretation_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n of_o scandal_n but_o detect_v and_o expose_v it_o it_o then_o fly_v under_o a_o umbrage_n of_o reason_n as_o separate_v from_o such_o revelation_n or_o set_v it_o up_o to_o limit_v and_o control_v such_o revelation_n but_o if_o it_o profess_v to_o own_o the_o scripture_n it_o than_o serve_v itself_o of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o wrest_v and_o misapplyed_n for_o the_o high_a the_o authority_n be_v that_o be_v vouch_v and_o pretend_a the_o deep_a the_o scandal_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o pharisee_n the_o great_a both_o master_n and_o bondman_n of_o scandal_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n except_o the_o galley_n slave_n of_o it_o in_o the_o roman_n antichristianisme_n and_o they_o be_v so_o because_o they_o be_v defend_v and_o flank_v on_o all_o side_n as_o they_o miserable_o delude_v themselves_o with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n together_o with_o the_o to_o they_o equal_a or_o indeed_o superior_a awful_a tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n by_o which_o they_o circumscribe_v and_o keep_v under_o the_o authority_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v at_o this_o day_n by_o like_a tradition_n and_o faith_n of_o their_o church_n now_o all_o these_o as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o join_v in_o perpetuate_a the_o ceremonial_a law_n as_o irreversible_a by_o god_n himself_o and_o settle_v a_o indefeisible_a state_n of_o inheritance_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n upon_o the_o jew_n alone_o without_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n but_o as_o their_o mere_a proselyte_n all_o these_o as_o they_o deem_v represent_v a_o messiah_n of_o quite_o another_o figure_n another_o character_n than_o our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o he_o as_o they_o conclude_v must_v needs_o be_v a_o impostor_n and_o his_o doctrine_n blasphemy_n upon_o which_o rock_n of_o offence_n the_o vessel_n of_o their_o church_n and_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 any_o thing_n strange_a or_o diverse_a from_o what_o they_o be_v so_o carry_v and_o bear_v by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n in_o even_o as_o elijah_n in_o his_o body_n in_o other_o thing_n wherein_o they_o can_v not_o look_v round_o about_o they_o nor_o full_o comprehend_v what_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o do_v signify_v though_o they_o convey_v it_o to_o aftertime_n yet_o they_o be_v by_o almighty_a impression_n upon_o all_o their_o faculty_n necessary_a to_o that_o service_n hold_v in_o strong_a than_o adamantine_a consinement_n that_o they_o can_v not_o extravagate_v from_o divine_a truth_n even_o balaam_n thus_o overpower_v against_o his_o will_n can_v not_o go_v beyond_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o speak_v either_o good_a or_o evil_a upon_o the_o great_a reward_n much_o less_o holy_a man_n who_o will_n be_v perfect_o resign_v to_o the_o divine_a will._n quest_n but_o be_v not_o there_o a_o possibility_n those_o holy_a man_n writer_n of_o scripture_n may_v at_o other_o time_n when_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o so_o immediate_o present_a to_o they_o alter_z or_o add_v of_o another_o alloy_n to_o what_o themselves_o have_v be_v the_o instrument_n of_o convey_v from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n or_o may_v not_o pretender_n arise_v and_o give_v out_o false_a scripture_n to_o the_o world_n that_o have_v none_o of_o that_o true_a spirit_n answ_n when_o once_o any_o part_n of_o divine_a testimony_n be_v commit_v to_o write_v it_o become_v a_o boundary_a to_o those_o very_a penman_n much_o more_o to_o all_o other_o that_o they_o be_v always_o conclude_v by_o it_o so_o that_o beside_o the_o dread_a and_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o falsification_n of_o his_o truth_n or_o name_n they_o can_v not_o alter_v any_o thing_n so_o as_o to_o disagree_v with_o what_o they_o have_v before_o speak_v by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n who_o righteous_a judgement_n endure_v for_o ever_o nor_o can_v they_o so_o much_o as_o imitate_v themselves_o when_o unassisted_a 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the_o very_a manner_n method_n word_n as_o they_o meet_v to_o carry_v such_o a_o sense_n have_v their_o majesty_n and_o divineness_n so_o that_o whatever_o be_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n bridle_v that_o which_o be_v not_o and_o they_o that_o be_v inspire_v know_v in_o what_o they_o be_v inspire_v and_o what_o they_o speak_v as_o so_o inspire_v and_o in_o what_o they_o be_v not_o but_o be_v as_o samson_n with_o his_o lock_n cut_v no_o more_o than_o like_o other_o man_n and_o most_o cautious_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o nothing_o therefore_o have_v assay_v to_o join_v itself_o to_o scripture_n if_o any_o have_v dare_v to_o do_v it_o it_o have_v be_v reject_v by_o it_o when_o not_o of_o the_o high_a and_o public_a spirit_n of_o it_o quest_n but_o do_v not_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n reverse_v the_o write_n and_o command_n of_o the_o old_a which_o thing_n so_o scandalize_v the_o jew_n against_o our_o lord_n his_o disciple_n and_o gospel_n answ_n no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o the_o sun_n command_v the_o shadow_n to_o fly_v away_o and_o the_o lesser_a light_n to_o retire_v when_o itself_o appear_v or_o the_o thing_n type_v out_o be_v come_v make_v useless_a the_o type_n so_o that_o they_o necessary_o give_v place_n or_o as_o picture_n vail_v when_o the_o life_n be_v present_a else_o there_o be_v such_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o those_o of_o the_o new_a as_o to_o avow_v they_o of_o god_n before_o they_o and_o elder_a scripture_n than_o themselves_o so_o that_o they_o vouch_v they_o for_o all_o they_o say_v and_o teach_v and_o stay_v the_o time_n of_o themselves_o be_v try_v prove_v and_o sufficient_o confirm_v and_o canonize_v into_o scripture_n by_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v undoubted_o so_o before_o they_o and_o in_o the_o very_a same_o method_n that_o they_o come_v into_o the_o honour_n of_o be_v scripture_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o apostle_n call_v they_o the_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n more_o sure_a because_o of_o great_a antiquity_n and_o elder_a reception_n into_o scripture_n than_o that_o historical_a relation_n and_o doctrine_n which_o yet_o be_v immediate_o to_o pass_v into_o scripture_n of_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o value_n with_o former_a scripture_n and_o of_o great_a evidence_n and_o divine_a clearness_n and_o recommend_v by_o high_a appearance_n of_o divinity_n and_o on_o this_o same_o account_n the_o new_a testament_n derive_v itself_o from_o the_o old_a sometime_o by_o proof_n out_o of_o it_o draw_v according_a to_o the_o most_o regular_a train_n and_o consequence_n sometime_o by_o more_o immediate_a and_o authoritative_a interpretation_n but_o of_o the_o same_o public_a and_o divine_a inspiration_n with_o the_o prophecy_n of_o old_a time_n itself_o as_o shall_v
for_o scripture_n be_v scripture_n and_o all_o of_o they_o so_o arise_v to_o our_o assurance_n by_o find_v the_o same_o divine_a spirit_n of_o truth_n run_v through_o one_o as_o do_v through_o another_o for_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o true_a church_n receive_v they_o when_o first_o receive_v and_o so_o transmit_v they_o make_v the_o same_o judgement_n successive_o in_o the_o several_a age_n as_o the_o first_o do_v the_o same_o reason_n always_o continue_v what_o be_v beside_o this_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o discern_v of_o spirit_n in_o all_o the_o time_n while_o scripture_n be_v write_v by_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o which_o true_a scripture_n be_v receive_v and_o all_o other_o shut_v out_o for_o the_o write_n of_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o prophet_n and_o by_o they_o enroll_v into_o scripture_n that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o scripture_n just_o and_o faithful_o consign_v over_o to_o we_o from_o age_n to_o age_n be_v to_o be_v own_a and_o acknowledge_v to_o 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further_a revelation_n come_v to_o pass_v more_o through_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o that_o corruption_n than_o by_o humble_a and_o modest_a suspension_n till_o god_n have_v assure_v we_o of_o his_o further_a revelation_n but_o beside_o this_o we_o may_v easy_o find_v we_o must_v needs_o have_v the_o whole_a globe_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o horizon_n of_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o the_o whole_a heaven_n or_o kingdom_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v administer_v in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o all_o further_a degree_n of_o light_n and_o discovery_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v but_o great_a clearness_n of_o what_o we_o already_o have_v in_o the_o main_a and_o substance_n for_o if_o even_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o it_o make_v so_o great_a a_o change_n do_v but_o thus_o complete_a and_o illustrate_a christ_n yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n the_o same_o how_o much_o more_o may_v we_o be_v assure_v who_o have_v the_o new_a itself_o so_o much_o excel_v the_o old_a as_o it_o every_o where_o 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enough_o throw_v off_o for_o in_o main_a thing_n there_o be_v so_o much_o repeat_v and_o say_v over_o again_o and_o again_o as_o that_o all_o such_o truth_n may_v be_v full_o present_v and_o assure_v and_o yet_o not_o so_o much_o be_v say_v as_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n without_o any_o tautology_n for_o the_o subject_n be_v so_o rich_a that_o even_o the_o world_n will_v be_v overcharge_v and_o not_o able_a to_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o will_v be_v write_v amen_n cap._n vii_o of_o the_o public_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n quest_n that_o the_o progress_n upon_o this_o great_a point_n may_v be_v make_v with_o the_o best_a advantage_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o state_n the_o amount_v of_o what_o have_v be_v already_o assert_v viz._n that_o scripture_n be_v a_o public_a and_o divine_a record_n and_o that_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n it_o be_v divine_a be_v divine_a and_o public_a also_o what_o therefore_o do_v these_o two_o position_n arise_v to_o 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god_n to_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o his_o church_n he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o order_v the_o conveyance_n of_o scripture_n into_o so_o many_o language_n by_o raise_v up_o many_o to_o travel_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o tongue_n and_o the_o key_n of_o they_o as_o in_o the_o original_n to_o find_v out_o their_o mean_v and_o to_o transfuse_v they_o into_o all_o other_o language_n and_o that_o by_o so_o many_o of_o several_a age_n and_o nation_n as_o make_v all_o combination_n to_o deceive_v impossible_a and_o universal_a deception_n next_o to_o impossible_a upon_o the_o translator_n themselves_o these_o thing_n be_v under_o his_o supreme_a care_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o we_o there_o be_v bring_v to_o our_o knowledge_n such_o a_o excellent_a doctrine_n rise_v out_o of_o so_o many_o divine_a say_n and_o discourse_n that_o be_v as_o so_o many_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o truth_n clear_a as_o the_o luminary_n of_o that_o name_n in_o the_o heaven_n 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