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
state_n as_o a_o jewel_n that_o have_v its_o great_a lustre_n by_o the_o bright_a light_n be_v maintain_v by_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n in_o bright_a time_n the_o imposture_n and_o carnal_a design_n of_o devise_v doctrine_n and_o superstitious_a vanity_n will_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o the_o hypocrisy_n be_v detect_v the_o merchandise_n thereof_o will_v be_v quite_o mar_v in_o such_o time_n even_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n will_v expect_v from_o those_o in_o sacred_a function_n at_o least_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o sober_a righteous_a and_o godly_a conversation_n with_o diligence_n in_o holy_a administration_n then_o the_o enemy_n of_o real_a sanctity_n be_v put_v to_o hard_a shift_n and_o force_v to_o appear_v either_o in_o some_o colour_n of_o truth_n or_o in_o the_o shame_n of_o their_o own_o nakedness_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o follower_n of_o truth_n make_v it_o their_o special_a interest_n as_o thorough_o to_o promote_v the_o most_o ample_a diffusion_n and_o universal_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n among_o all_o rank_n and_o sort_n of_o man_n as_o the_o adverse_a partly_o seek_v to_o oppose_v and_o debase_v it_o we_o do_v not_o hereby_o mean_v a_o intermeddle_v in_o difficult_a matter_n a_o smattering_n in_o controversy_n and_o certain_a curiosity_n of_o opinion_n a_o store_n of_o unnecessary_a notion_n and_o of_o mere_a word_n and_o phrase_n which_o thing_n be_v common_o erroneous_a and_o at_o the_o best_a but_o injudicious_a and_o puff_v up_o the_o half-witted_a and_o self-conceited_a and_o make_v they_o troublesome_a to_o themselves_o and_o other_o but_o that_o which_o be_v here_o commend_v for_o a_o universal_a increase_n and_o propagation_n be_v to_o understand_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o essential_a truth_n of_o christianity_n to_o see_v their_o evidence_n to_o judge_v right_o of_o their_o weight_n and_o worth_n and_o to_o view_v their_o coherence_n and_o beside_o these_o to_o know_v so_o much_o of_o other_o truth_n as_o the_o different_a capacity_n of_o man_n will_v enable_v they_o for_o the_o better_n of_o their_o knowledge_n in_o the_o essential_o the_o mean_n of_o diffuse_v this_o light_n be_v well_o know_v as_o the_o constant_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o due_a form_n of_o cathechism_n the_o strict_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n repetition_n of_o sermon_n â—…ious_a conference_n read_v the_o word_n and_o prayer_n in_o family_n profitable_a communication_n among_o neighbour-christians_a in_o their_o daily_a converse_n the_o spread_a of_o practical_a book_n write_v by_o man_n of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o minister_n private_a application_n to_o those_o of_o their_o own_o charge_n with_o prudence_n and_o meekness_n for_o the_o same_o end_n that_o main_a principle_n of_o protestanism_n the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n as_o belong_v to_o all_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v assert_v and_o â—…indicated_v against_o that_o popish_a and_o brutish_a doâ—…trine_n of_o implicit_a faith_n in_o the_o church_n deâ—…rminations_n this_o be_v not_o to_o subject_a matter_n of_o â—aith_n to_o a_o private_a spirit_n but_o to_o refer_v they_o to_o â—…e_v divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o â—…e_v apprehend_v in_o the_o due_a and_o right_a use_n of_o â—eason_n which_o be_v a_o public_a and_o evident_a thing_n â—…d_n lie_v open_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o men._n and_o to_o man_n of_o sober_a mind_n serious_a for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o current_n of_o scripture_n be_v easy_o discernible_a moreover_o the_o general_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n lie_v much_o in_o the_o ingenuous_a education_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o common_a people_n in_o opposition_n to_o sordidness_n slavery_n and_o brutish_a rudeness_n though_o some_o look_n upon_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n with_o contempt_n and_o seem_v to_o value_v they_o no_o more_o than_o brute_n animal_n and_o think_v it_o enough_o that_o their_o governor_n understand_v and_o consider_v for_o they_o and_o not_o they_o for_o themselves_o yet_o christ_n have_v shed_v his_o blood_n as_o much_o for_o the_o redemption_n of_o that_o sort_n as_o of_o the_o noble_a and_o mighty_a and_o prudent_a and_o he_o have_v make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n and_o in_o the_o privilege_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o kingdom_n as_o for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n cast_v the_o advantage_n on_o the_o poor_a and_o mean_a side_n not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a be_v call_v be_v the_o observation_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n james_n witness_v that_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n rich_a in_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o those_o who_o god_n have_v choose_v must_v needs_o be_v instruct_v in_o his_o will._n that_o reasonable_a service_n that_o he_o require_v none_o can_v perform_v without_o knowledge_n ignorance_n be_v opposite_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o true_a christian_a piety_n which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o where_o it_o be_v not_o receive_v with_o understanding_n this_o general_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n have_v fall_v under_o a_o great_a suspicion_n of_o evil_n and_o it_o may_v be_v under_o the_o jealousy_n of_o ruler_n as_o dispose_v man_n to_o sedition_n rebellion_n heresy_n and_o schism_n but_o how_o great_a a_o reproach_n be_v hereby_o cast_v upon_o human_a nature_n or_o political_a government_n or_o both_o that_o the_o more_o rational_o apprehensive_a the_o body_n of_o a_o people_n be_v they_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o ungovernable_a as_o if_o government_n can_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o proper_a dignity_n and_o felicity_n of_o human_a nature_n what_o manner_n of_o civil_a state_n be_v that_o which_o degrade_v the_o subject_n from_o man_n to_o beast_n for_o a_o more_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o they_o what_o manner_n of_o christian_a church_n be_v that_o which_o to_o prevent_v heresy_n and_o schism_n take_v order_n that_o its_o member_n be_v no_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o unchristian_a inhuman_a policy_n in_o church_n or_o state_n the_o foundation_n whereof_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o people_n ignorance_n as_o for_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o ruler_n it_o be_v not_o weaken_v but_o strengthen_v by_o their_o people_n knowledge_n which_o in_o its_o right_n and_o proper_a tendency_n make_v they_o more_o conscientious_a and_o however_o more_o circumspect_a and_o considerate_a and_o consequent_o more_o easy_o manageable_a by_o a_o just_a and_o prudent_a government_n but_o gross_a ignorance_n tend_v to_o make_v they_o barbarous_a and_o belluine_a and_o in_o their_o mutiny_n and_o discontent_n uncounsellable_n and_o untameable_a and_o therefore_o very_o incongruous_a to_o a_o state_n govern_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n or_o humanity_n chap._n xx._n the_o advantage_n of_o human_a learning_n to_o the_o same_o end_n though_o religion_n rest_v not_o on_o human_a learning_n as_o its_o main_a support_n yet_o it_o seek_v and_o claim_v the_o necessary_a help_n thereof_o those_o who_o god_n design_n for_o eminent_a service_n he_o endue_v with_o eminent_a gift_n either_o by_o mean_n or_o miracle_n and_o he_o give_v every_o entrust_v servant_n a_o measure_n answerable_a to_o his_o degree_n the_o apostle_n who_o lay_v the_o foundation_n be_v wise_a master-builder_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o wisdom_n shall_v die_v with_o they_o when_o he_o settle_v his_o church_n to_o endure_v throughout_o all_o age_n and_o promise_v to_o be_v with_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v say_v indeed_o that_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o god_n be_v strong_a than_o men._n but_o that_o which_o be_v so_o call_v be_v not_o foolishness_n and_o weakness_n indeed_o but_o only_o so_o account_v by_o the_o pride_n of_o carnal_a wisdom_n in_o this_o learned_a age_n the_o antichristian_a state_n in_o christendom_n be_v force_v to_o advance_v learning_n in_o its_o own_o defence_n and_o now_o without_o learning_n either_o divine_o inspire_v or_o acquire_v by_o mean_n we_o can_v defend_v ourselves_o against_o it_o wherefore_o to_o destroy_v the_o support_n of_o learning_n be_v the_o way_n to_o subvert_v religion_n yea_o though_o we_o be_v not_o engage_v by_o such_o strength_n of_o the_o adversary_n to_o provide_v for_o our_o own_o defence_n yet_o solid_a human_a learning_n do_v of_o itself_o notable_o advance_v divine_a truth_n the_o learning_n that_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o world_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n apparent_o make_v way_n for_o that_o sudden_a and_o ample_a spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o revive_v thereof_o after_o a_o universal_a decay_n no_o less_o apparent_o make_v way_n for_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o this_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n
common_a remissness_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v deplorable_a sometime_o the_o manner_n of_o opposition_n against_o seducer_n be_v unadvised_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o contend_v for_o truth_n by_o wrath_n and_o clamour_n and_o contumelious_a language_n and_o usage_n inhance_v the_o price_n of_o error_n and_o add_v to_o its_o reputation_n but_o the_o sure_a way_n be_v to_o converse_v much_o with_o our_o plain_a heart_a people_n and_o to_o season_v they_o with_o right_a principle_n and_o to_o detect_v the_o subtle_a method_n of_o deceitful_a worker_n and_o the_o dangerous_a issue_n of_o their_o allurement_n and_o by_o honest_a and_o inoffensive_a application_n to_o prepossess_v those_o hold_n of_o which_o deceiver_n seek_v to_o possess_v themselves_o and_o here_o it_o be_v of_o chief_a importance_n that_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o other_o prudent_a and_o able_a person_n upon_o the_o common_a multitude_n of_o professor_n be_v more_o prevail_a than_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o common_a multitude_n upon_o the_o pastor_n and_o other_o prudent_a leader_n servile_a temporize_a with_o vulgar_a fancy_n degrade_n the_o authority_n and_o wisdom_n of_o prudent_a guide_n and_o lift_v up_o a_o vulgar_a spirit_n and_o will_v bring_v it_o to_o that_o pass_n that_o the_o weak_a and_o most_o inconsiderate_a shall_v sway_v the_o church_n interest_n let_v person_n of_o approve_a worth_n be_v more_o faithful_a and_o noble_a than_o by_o such_o servility_n and_o treachery_n to_o raise_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o weak_a sort_n let_v they_o rather_o commend_v themselves_o by_o their_o know_a integrity_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o by_o be_v ready_a also_o in_o all_o condescension_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v they_o to_o their_o edification_n and_o such_o faithfulness_n be_v the_o sure_a mean_n to_o gain_v they_o love_v and_o honour_n let_v the_o religious_a beware_v of_o seek_v to_o be_v admire_v and_o magnify_v among_o one_o another_o or_o of_o overprize_v each_o other_o esteem_n this_o latter_a seem_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o draw_v peter_n to_o a_o fit_a of_o dissimulation_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o believe_a gentile_n while_o he_o seek_v too_o much_o to_o please_v they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o circumcision_n sometime_o we_o know_v not_o our_o own_o spirit_n it_o be_v good_a to_o beware_v of_o provocation_n like_o to_o be_v give_v or_o take_v upon_o a_o suppose_a affront_n or_o injury_n man_n of_o part_n have_v be_v hurry_v into_o dangerous_a contest_v and_o to_o make_v head_n against_o petty_a passionate_a opposition_n they_o have_v run_v beyond_o their_o own_o thought_n and_o wrought_v strange_a confusion_n discretion_n and_o charity_n seek_v to_o convince_v and_o satisfy_v and_o not_o to_o exasperate_v a_o offend_a brother_n it_o be_v well_o observe_v that_o no_o turbulent_a opinion_n or_o party_n do_v usual_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o church_n neglect_n of_o some_o truth_n or_o duty_n wherefore_o if_o a_o evil_a spirit_n seek_v a_o occasion_n of_o mischief_n reform_v the_o abuse_n and_o so_o prevent_v his_o work_n upon_o the_o simple_a and_o forasmuch_o as_o some_o of_o upright_a heart_n be_v deceive_v with_o a_o fancy_n of_o a_o more_o sublime_a and_o perfect_a way_n may_v pass_v into_o the_o tent_n of_o sectary_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v church_n order_n and_o external_a worship_n a_o compassionate_a regard_n must_v be_v have_v of_o such_o as_o walk_v honest_o and_o retain_v those_o fundamental_a truth_n that_o may_v be_v a_o groundwork_n for_o save_a faith_n and_o godly_a life_n now_o towards_o such_o the_o great_a charity_n be_v exercise_v in_o labour_v to_o remove_v the_o stumbling-block_n of_o their_o error_n and_o to_o make_v it_o plain_a before_o they_o that_o the_o faithful_a who_o communion_n they_o forsake_v contend_v for_o the_o perfection_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o explicit_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o reasonable_a service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o spiritual_a worship_n suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n and_o the_o lively_a use_n of_o holy_a ordinance_n in_o opposition_n to_o unwritten_a tradition_n man_n invention_n implicit_a faith_n ignorant_a devotion_n and_o mere_a formality_n that_o they_o declare_v by_o word_n and_o deed_n against_o the_o iniquity_n and_o impiety_n of_o this_o evil_a world_n and_o therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v they_o that_o they_o insist_v upon_o no_o form_n or_o usage_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v command_v by_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o christ_n or_o be_v necessary_a in_o their_o general_a reason_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o seek_v no_o worldly_a advantage_n or_o advancement_n in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o support_n of_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o god_n ordinary_a providence_n and_o last_o that_o human_a infirmity_n must_v not_o be_v think_v strange_a in_o they_o that_o have_v not_o obtain_v angelical_a perfection_n these_o and_o the_o like_a thing_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a before_o honest_a people_n that_o have_v be_v seduce_v into_o sectarian_n error_n chap._n xxv_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n by_o make_v it_o national_a and_o the_o settle_a interest_n of_o nation_n christs_n little_a flock_n can_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n nor_o retire_v within_o themselves_o alone_o from_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o they_o must_v needs_o remain_v a_o part_n of_o kingdom_n &_o commonwealth_n with_o the_o world_n in_o general_n they_o must_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o the_o power_n that_o be_v will_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o and_o their_o way_n for_o which_o cause_n their_o aim_n and_o action_n as_o far_o as_o their_o sacred_a rule_n allow_v must_v be_v fit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o direct_v unto_o the_o general_a peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o the_o nation_n whereof_o they_o be_v &_o in_o which_o they_o enjoy_v their_o civil_a right_n by_o this_o mean_n religion_n interest_n may_v incorporate_v with_o the_o general_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n &_o run_v in_o the_o same_o channel_n that_o pure_a religion_n may_v take_v root_n and_o spread_v and_o prosper_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o bring_v its_o external_a frame_n to_o the_o consistency_n of_o a_o national_a settlement_n the_o just_a â—aâ—aude_n hereof_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o substantial_o of_o divine_a worship_n and_o thing_n necessary_a to_o church_n unity_n and_o order_n but_o it_o go_v not_o beyond_o these_o and_o be_v fix_v in_o this_o extent_n it_o be_v in_o a_o way_n to_o gain_v beside_o the_o support_n and_o power_n of_o the_o law_n the_o nation_n unstrain_a compliance_n and_o approbation_n as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n ecclesiastical_a tyranny_n be_v a_o root_n of_o bitterness_n always_o bear_v gall_n and_o wormwood_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n unfixedness_n and_o unlimited_a liberty_n consist_v not_o with_o that_o stability_n wherein_o all_o prudent_a governor_n will_v settle_v their_o own_o affair_n as_o also_o with_o that_o general_a tranquillity_n and_o repose_n which_o be_v the_o health_n of_o any_o people_n if_o one_o be_v raise_v to_o empire_n by_o a_o mere_a fanatic_a party_n he_o can_v settle_v himself_o nor_o stand_v upon_o firm_a ground_n till_o he_o wind_v his_o interest_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n and_o turn_v himself_o to_o the_o way_n of_o general_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o same_o intent_n and_o purpose_n it_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n so_o to_o fix_v the_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n as_o not_o to_o set_v a_o perpetual_a bar_n against_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o people_n a_o church_n state_n so_o bar_v though_o it_o be_v assert_v with_o a_o veterane_n army_n and_o can_v enclose_v all_o preferment_n both_o of_o honour_n and_o profit_n within_o itself_o to_o be_v at_o its_o disposal_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o see_v how_o it_o can_v ever_o obtain_v a_o firm_a establishment_n for_o a_o christian_a nation_n in_o general_a be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o bar_v of_o such_o privilege_n as_o be_v suppose_v to_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o christian_n be_v enrage_v and_o likely_a to_o be_v engage_v as_o one_o man_n to_o oppose_v that_o which_o they_o take_v for_o intolerable_a oppression_n or_o if_o they_o care_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v they_o will_v turn_v to_o a_o contrary_a interest_n and_o party_n in_o religion_n or_o to_o infidelity_n barbarism_n atheism_n or_o some_o destructive_a way_n or_o other_o now_o the_o intention_n here_o propound_v may_v take_v effect_n if_o the_o constitution_n shut_v out_o none_o from_o sacred_a and_o spiritual_a privilege_n but_o such_o as_o make_v not_o profession_n of_o true_a christianity_n or_o be_v destitute_a of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o true_a
there_o be_v a_o real_a hazard_n of_o a_o great_a mischief_n and_o in_o hasty_a attempt_n of_o change_n thing_n may_v be_v carry_v on_o beyond_o the_o commendable_a end_n design_v even_o to_o its_o utter_a ruin_n for_o common_o man_n be_v not_o master_n of_o what_o they_o get_v in_o such_o precipitate_a way_n chap._n xxviii_o consideration_n tend_v to_o a_o due_a enlargement_n and_o unity_n in_o church-communion_n a_o unhappy_a kind_n of_o controversy_n about_o form_n of_o divine_a worship_n ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o qualification_n of_o church_n member_n have_v be_v the_o calamity_n of_o our_o time_n the_o difference_n in_o these_o point_n have_v make_v a_o sad_a breach_n upon_o church_n unity_n and_o divide_v brethren_n of_o the_o same_o reform_a profession_n both_o in_o affection_n and_o interest_n and_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o much_o misery_n in_o regard_v whereof_o some_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o a_o amicable_a condescension_n among_o brethren_n and_o for_o humble_a submission_n to_o superior_n be_v here_o propound_v for_o consideration_n but_o not_o as_o peremptory_a resolve_n though_o many_o or_o most_o of_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o carry_v their_o own_o evidence_n yet_o it_o become_v one_o who_o be_v sensible_a of_o human_a weakness_n and_o of_o his_o own_o meaness_n to_o write_v modest_o in_o these_o point_n about_o which_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o apprehension_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o particular_a christian_n and_o church_n one_o with_o another_o as_o member_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o restrain_v our_o fellowship_n to_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o church_n so_o as_o to_o withhold_v it_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n our_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v as_o well_o in_o religious_a worship_n as_o in_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n as_o there_o be_v one_o faith_n so_o one_o baptism_n and_o one_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n though_o we_o can_v at_o once_o local_o communicate_v with_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o external_a worship_n because_o it_o can_v possible_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n yet_o according_a to_o our_o capacity_n and_o opportunity_n we_o be_v so_o to_o communicate_v with_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o and_o not_o unwarrantable_o withdraw_v from_o any_o and_o this_o be_v a_o virtual_a communicate_v with_o the_o whole_a church_n discipline_n and_o government_n as_o to_o the_o particular_a form_n thereof_o have_v much_o more_o obscurity_n than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n and_o be_v much_o more_o controvert_v among_o the_o godly_a learned_a and_o in_o more_o dark_a and_o doubtful_a point_n humility_z charity_n and_o good_a discretion_n teach_v mutual_a forbearance_n in_o ecclesiastical_a regiment_n all_o church_n member_n be_v not_o so_o concern_v as_o church_n guide_v and_o pastor_n be_v christ_n have_v not_o leave_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o so_o loose_a a_o posture_n as_o to_o give_v a_o liberty_n of_o leave_v or_o choose_v the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n according_a to_o our_o own_o affection_n without_o regard_n to_o order_n a_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v a_o body_n politic_a can_v subsist_v without_o rule_n of_o stable_a policy_n her_o censure_n and_o judgement_n ought_v to_o be_v clear_a certain_a and_o uniform_a or_o of_o the_o same_o tenor_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o proceed_v upon_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o evidence_n as_o at_o the_o most_o be_v but_o conjectural_a and_o of_o variable_a apprehension_n our_o arbitrary_a conjecture_n of_o a_o other_o regeneration_n be_v but_o a_o uncertain_a way_n of_o admission_n to_o sacred_a privilege_n wherein_o no_o uniform_a judgement_n can_v be_v hold_v between_o several_a church_n nor_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n nor_o by_o the_o same_o person_n with_o himself_o at_o several_a time_n for_o man_n apprehension_n about_o the_o spiritual_a estate_n of_o other_o be_v exceed_o different_a and_o inconstant_a but_o whether_o a_o person_n make_v a_o credible_a profession_n or_o be_v competent_o know_v or_o gross_o ignorant_a whether_o he_o be_v scandalous_a or_o walk_v orderly_o be_v capable_a of_o certain_a evidence_n and_o of_o constant_a regular_a proceed_n thereupon_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o of_o these_o two_o either_o to_o proceed_v with_o man_n according_a to_o our_o private_a hope_n and_o fear_n about_o their_o internal_a state_n or_o according_a to_o state_v rule_n and_o certain_a evidence_n be_v the_o sure_a way_n to_o preserve_v the_o church_n in_o peace_n and_o to_o propagate_v true_a piety_n also_o whether_o person_n passable_a by_o such_o public_a rule_n can_v in_o ecclesiastical_a trial_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v ungodly_a or_o to_o make_v a_o false_a profession_n whatsoever_o our_o private_a fear_n be_v concern_v they_o and_o if_o their_o profession_n be_v not_o prove_v false_a whether_o it_o be_v not_o to_o pass_v for_o credible_a in_o that_o trial_n human_a law_n and_o public_a judgement_n presume_v they_o to_o be_v good_a that_o be_v not_o evict_v to_o be_v bad_a private_a familiarity_n be_v at_o every_o one_o choice_n but_o our_o church-communion_n be_v a_o public_a matter_n must_v be_v govern_v by_o public_a and_o common_a rule_n and_o not_o by_o private_a will_n if_o a_o church_n impose_v such_o law_n of_o her_o communion_n as_o infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o do_v that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o abstain_v from_o her_o communion_n so_o far_o as_o those_o unlawful_a term_n extend_v church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n have_v their_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o manner_n yet_o the_o godly_a do_v not_o separate_v from_o they_o for_o those_o corruption_n nor_o be_v command_v so_o to_o do_v indeed_o they_o be_v command_v to_o come_v out_o of_o babylon_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o separate_v from_o idolatrous_a heretical_a antichristian_a society_n yet_o in_o suggest_v this_o i_o do_v not_o encourage_v to_o a_o state_v communion_n in_o such_o church_n as_o have_v no_o other_o minister_n place_v in_o they_o than_o such_o as_o be_v altogether_o unfit_a to_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o soul_n commit_v to_o they_o that_o be_v who_o be_v unable_a to_o teach_v or_o teach_v corrupt_o either_o teach_v pernicious_a doctrine_n or_o abuse_v mishandle_v and_o misapply_v sound_a doctrine_n to_o encourage_v the_o ungodly_a and_o discourage_v the_o godly_a for_o the_o scripture_n bid_v we_o beware_v of_o blind_a guide_n and_o false_a prophet_n by_o continue_v in_o church-communion_n we_o partake_v not_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o which_o we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o redress_v nor_o be_v we_o make_v guilty_a by_o their_o leaven_n if_o it_o do_v not_o infect_v we_o and_o profane_a person_n be_v no_o more_o countenance_v by_o our_o presence_n than_o those_o lewd_a priest_n the_o son_n of_o eli_n be_v by_o the_o people_n come_v to_o sacrifice_n in_o communicate_v in_o holy_a thing_n we_o have_v internal_a communion_n only_o with_o the_o faithful_a and_o as_o for_o the_o mere_a external_a communion_n it_o be_v with_o those_o that_o have_v as_o yet_o a_o outward_a stand_n in_o christ_n till_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n or_o due_a order_n of_o discipline_n when_o a_o minister_n have_v do_v his_o part_n to_o keep_v off_o the_o unworthy_a in_o the_o dspense_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o such_o he_o be_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n mere_o passive_a so_o that_o their_o unworthy_a participation_n can_v be_v impute_v to_o he_o nor_o in_o such_o a_o administration_n be_v a_o practical_a lie_n or_o any_o falsehood_n utter_v for_o the_o sacrament_n seal_v the_o mercy_n of_o the_o covenant_n not_o irrespective_o but_o conditional_o and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o application_n must_v be_v so_o understand_v if_o we_o have_v not_o power_n to_o separate_v a_o obstinate_a scandalous_a offender_n from_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o withdraw_a of_o ourselves_o from_o he_o be_v a_o excommunication_n in_o some_o degree_n and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o be_v hereby_o in_o part_n obtain_v when_o minister_n and_o people_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o their_o place_n without_o usurpation_n of_o further_a power_n than_o they_o have_v warrant_n for_o than_o all_o will_v be_v though_o not_o so_o well_o as_o it_o may_v yet_o as_o it_o can_v be_v at_o present_a of_o several_a mode_n and_o method_n of_o public_a action_n prudence_n make_v choice_n not_o always_o of_o what_o be_v simple_o best_a but_o of_o that_o which_o be_v most_o passable_a if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o disorderly_a as_o to_o mar_v the_o substance_n or_o frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o a_o administration_n in_o sacred_a adminstration_n we_o may_v yield_v without_o sin_n to_o other_o sinful_a weakness_n
time_n as_o the_o present_a case_n require_v as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o housholder_n will_v direct_v he_o how_o far_o to_o bear_v with_o fault_n and_o weakness_n in_o his_o family_n so_o the_o magistrate_n by_o wisdom_n will_v discern_v what_o may_v be_v bear_v with_o in_o his_o commonwealth_n so_o far_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o true_a and_o just_a end_n of_o government_n chap._n xxxiii_o the_o church_n true_a interest_n to_o be_v pursue_v by_o ecclesiastical_a person_n nothing_o be_v more_o precious_a and_o among_o christian_n nothing_o shall_v be_v more_o value_v than_o the_o good_a of_o god_n church_n for_o it_o be_v christ_n and_o god_n great_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o misery_n be_v that_o the_o church_n name_n be_v abuse_v and_o its_o interest_n mistake_v most_o perverse_o for_o none_o have_v more_o pretend_v for_o the_o church_n than_o they_o who_o business_n be_v to_o get_v and_o keep_v worldly_a pomp_n and_o power_n with_o carnal_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n and_o to_o make_v law_n and_o rule_n serviceable_a to_o these_o end_n and_o to_o corrupt_v the_o mind_n and_o debauch_v the_o life_n of_o man_n that_o they_o may_v bring_v they_o into_o blind_a obedience_n to_o such_o law_n and_o maintain_v their_o worldly_a dominion_n over_o christ_n heritage_n and_o who_o value_n all_o man_n howsoever_o qualify_v as_o they_o stand_v affect_v to_o their_o estate_n and_o according_o stick_v not_o to_o reject_v the_o eminent_o good_a and_o to_o receive_v the_o notorious_o bad_a in_o the_o romish_a church_n all_o this_o be_v palpable_a now_o let_v these_o be_v call_v the_o church_n by_o they_o that_o list_v to_o give_v that_o name_n to_o a_o state_n of_o pride_n and_o luxury_n of_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n of_o carnal_a and_o devilish_a policy_n under_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o people_n be_v betray_v to_o everlasting_a perdition_n wherefore_o those_o in_o the_o ministry_n that_o be_v solicitous_a of_o the_o church_n welfare_n shall_v state_n the_o interest_n thereof_o aright_o which_o indeed_o be_v not_o for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o the_o carnal_a mind_n but_o for_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o divine_a life_n in_o man_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o mystical_a society_n of_o regenerate_v person_n unite_v in_o christ_n their_o head_n by_o his_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o they_o and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o visible_a society_n of_o person_n external_o own_v such_o a_o internal_a state_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o promote_v and_o propagate_v the_o sound_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v the_o people_n of_o their_o charge_n real_o good_a and_o to_o advance_v they_o what_o they_o can_v in_o grace_n and_o wisdom_n according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n and_o to_o deal_v with_o they_o in_o meekness_n and_o love_n and_o to_o walk_v before_o they_o as_o example_n of_o all_o purity_n and_o goodness_n and_o to_o be_v more_o sensible_a and_o solicitous_a about_o the_o corruption_n and_o sinful_a disorder_n than_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v more_o zealous_a for_o god_n honour_n and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n than_o for_o their_o own_o honour_n wealth_n or_o power_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o seek_v the_o thing_n of_o christ_n more_o than_o their_o own_o thing_n the_o minister_n that_o discharge_v their_o office_n well_o be_v in_o scripture_n declare_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n and_o that_o they_o be_v endow_v with_o honourable_a settle_a maintenance_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o support_n of_o a_o religion_n that_o for_o its_o excellency_n require_v to_o be_v support_v by_o the_o help_n of_o excellent_a gift_n as_o learning_n eloquence_n and_o prudence_n not_o now_o to_o be_v obtain_v by_o miracle_n but_o in_o the_o ordinary_a use_n of_o mean_n with_o much_o cost_n and_o labour_n and_o questionless_a the_o withdraw_n of_o these_o support_v tend_v to_o the_o church_n ruin_n nevertheless_o a_o inordinate_a and_o licentious_a collation_n and_o accumulation_n of_o preferment_n make_v for_o the_o service_n of_o covetousness_n ambition_n and_o deprave_a appetite_n and_o for_o the_o decay_n of_o sobriety_n vigilancy_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o pastor_n be_v no_o less_o dangerous_a this_o exorbitancy_n after_o the_o roman_a empire_n become_v christian_n allure_v and_o bring_v in_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n who_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n and_o give_v they_o advantage_n by_o carnal_a art_n to_o possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o chief_a seat_n of_o power_n in_o the_o church_n by_o which_o mean_v religion_n degenerate_v into_o externalness_n and_o carnality_n and_o that_o which_o be_v then_o name_v the_o church_n be_v at_o length_n turn_v into_o a_o worldly_a state_n which_o grow_v more_o and_o more_o corrupt_a till_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v fulfil_v in_o it_o where_o christianity_n have_v recover_v itself_o out_o of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o late_a time_n and_o knowledge_n be_v general_o diffuse_v among_o the_o people_n the_o sufficiency_n industry_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n will_v be_v inquire_v after_o negligence_n in_o their_o administration_n and_o irregularity_n in_o their_o life_n will_v not_o pass_v without_o note_v the_o ignorant_a idle_a and_o scandalous_a will_v fall_v into_o contempt_n outward_a formality_n will_v be_v no_o cover_n as_o in_o dark_a time_n they_o be_v distinctive_a habit_n and_o reverend_a title_n alone_o will_v not_o procure_v veneration_n the_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n will_v sink_v and_o fall_v without_o remedy_n if_o real_a worth_n do_v not_o uphold_v it_o in_o such_o time_n man_n will_v not_o be_v to_o learn_v that_o a_o arm_n of_o flesh_n do_v not_o constitute_v a_o christian_a church_n and_o that_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o prove_v one_o party_n to_o be_v orthodox_n and_o the_o rest_n heretical_a or_o schismatical_a external_n violence_n which_o be_v the_o common_a support_n of_o false_a religion_n will_v in_o this_o case_n do_v little_a good_a but_o it_o will_v render_v they_o that_o call_v for_o it_o the_o more_o odious_a and_o more_o discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o cause_n wherefore_o the_o clergy_n must_v resolve_v to_o do_v worthy_o and_o fulfil_v their_o ministry_n or_o they_o must_v extinguish_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v extinguish_v they_o but_o if_o as_o faithful_a shepherd_n they_o watch_v over_o the_o flock_n and_o tender_a the_o state_n thereof_o if_o they_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o teach_v with_o meekness_n and_o patience_n if_o they_o pity_v and_o succour_v the_o weak_a and_o heal_v that_o which_o be_v lame_a that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n if_o they_o use_v the_o rod_n of_o discipline_n with_o judgement_n and_o paternal_a affection_n if_o they_o discard_v and_o lay_v by_o man_n unprofitable_a institute_n and_o maintain_v all_o divine_a ordinance_n in_o their_o due_a honour_n and_o chief_o urge_v the_o observance_n of_o the_o indispensable_a command_n of_o god_n and_o turn_v man_n from_o externalness_n and_o make_v it_o their_o chief_a aim_n that_o christ_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n may_v reign_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o profess_a christian_n then_o shall_v they_o magnify_v their_o office_n and_o establish_v their_o authority_n and_o hold_v their_o flock_n in_o a_o unfeigned_a reverence_n and_o submission_n as_o feel_v the_o force_n of_o the_o ministerial_a warfare_n in_o their_o conscience_n and_o the_o inferior_a difference_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o cause_v disgust_n or_o aversation_n or_o break_v those_o strong_a bond_n of_o the_o people_n sincere_a regard_n towards_o their_o pastor_n but_o they_o will_v rather_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o love_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n the_o conclusion_n no_o great_a thing_n can_v fall_v under_o the_o consideration_n of_o mankind_n than_o the_o security_n and_o increase_n of_o true_a religion_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n among_o man_n and_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n depend_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v as_o far_o above_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o their_o politic_a administration_n all_o secular_a affair_n and_o philosophical_a speculation_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n a_o inquiry_n into_o the_o sound_a state_n and_o true_a interest_n thereof_o be_v a_o contemplation_n worthy_a of_o the_o great_a mind_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a honour_n of_o the_o high_a power_n it_o be_v the_o royal_a interest_n of_o that_o potentate_n who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o of_o that_o bless_a society_n which_o be_v incorporate_v under_o he_o their_o lord_n and_o head_n and_o who_o that_o in_o any_o degree_n have_v true_o know_v the_o felicity_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o hope_n for_o a_o
lot_n of_o inheritance_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o do_v not_o value_v the_o concern_v thereof_o above_o all_o his_o chief_a joy_n that_o be_v but_o of_o this_o world_n a_o zeal_n for_o the_o common_a faith_n and_o a_o constrane_n love_n to_o all_o the_o faithful_a have_v excite_v a_o very_a mean_a and_o weak_a one_o to_o do_v what_o he_o be_v able_a on_o this_o important_a subject_n impartial_o search_v after_o their_o common_a good_a let_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o society_n one_o of_o who_o name_n be_v counsellor_n deliver_v his_o flock_n from_o all_o dangerous_a and_o disadvantageous_a error_n and_o from_o wander_v in_o break_a party_n by_o unstable_a and_o divide_a counsel_n and_o show_v they_o gracious_o the_o right_a way_n of_o maintain_v a_o consistency_n among_o themselves_o and_o of_o gain_v upon_o the_o reconcilable_a part_n of_o man_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o this_o prince_n and_o leader_n be_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n who_o banner_n be_v love_n let_v his_o people_n every_o where_o be_v act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o show_v forth_o the_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n in_o all_o good_a conversation_n with_o humility_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a have_v this_o principle_n deep_o imprint_v in_o they_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n the_o point_n of_o church-unity_n and_o schism_n discuss_v chap._n i._n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o polity_n the_o church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a commonwealth_n which_o according_a to_o its_o primary_n and_o invisible_a state_n be_v a_o society_n of_o regenerate_a person_n who_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n christ_n their_o head_n and_o one_o to_o another_o as_o fellow_n member_n by_o a_o mystical_a union_n through_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o adopt_v to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o according_a to_o its_o secondary_a and_o visible_a state_n it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o person_n profess_v christianity_n or_o regeration_n and_o external_o join_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o the_o symbal_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o external_a privilege_n thereunto_o belong_v there_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n which_o according_a to_o the_o invisible_a form_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o true_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o according_a to_o its_o visible_a form_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o visible_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n or_o believer_n according_a to_o human_a judgement_n this_o church_n have_v one_o head_n and_o supreme_a lord_n even_o christ_n and_o one_o charter_n and_o system_n of_o law_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o member_n that_o be_v free_a denizen_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n and_o one_o form_n of_o admission_n or_o solemn_a initiation_n for_o its_o member_n and_o one_o kind_n of_o ministry_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n this_o church_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o its_o own_o fundamental_a constitution_n or_o of_o the_o law_n and_o officer_n and_o administration_n intrinsical_o belong_v to_o it_o but_o have_v receive_v all_o these_o from_o christ_n its_o head_n king_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o be_v limit_v by_o he_o in_o they_o all_o nevertheless_o it_o have_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o its_o act_n that_o be_v according_a to_o its_o several_a part_n a_o power_n of_o make_v secondary_a law_n or_o canon_n either_o to_o impress_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n upon_o its_o member_n or_o to_o regulate_v circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n in_o religion_n by_o determine_v thing_n necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la not_o determine_v of_o christ_n in_o specie_fw-la as_o the_o scripture_n set_v forth_o one_o catholic_n church_n so_o also_o many_o particular_a church_n as_o so_o many_o political_a society_n distinct_a from_o each_o other_o yet_o all_o compact_a together_o as_o part_n of_o that_o one_o ample_a society_n the_o catholic_n church_n each_o of_o these_o particular_a church_n have_v their_o proper_a elder_n or_o elder_n pastor_n or_o pastor_n have_v authority_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v they_o in_o christ_n name_n a_o ecclesiastical_a order_n of_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n that_o be_v not_o bishop_n be_v not_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n for_o all_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n be_v of_o a_o sacred_a order_n in_o the_o gospel_n church_n that_o be_v any_o where_o mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v therein_o set_v forth_o as_o bishop_n true_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v and_o be_v no_o where_o set_v forth_o as_o less_o than_o bishop_n these_o elder_n or_o bishop_n be_v personal_o to_o superintend_v all_o their_o flock_n and_o there_o be_v no_o grant_n from_o christ_n to_o discharge_v the_o same_o by_o delegate_n or_o substitute_n a_o distinction_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o a_o superiority_n of_o the_o former_a over_o the_o latter_a be_v after_o the_o scripture_n time_n ancient_o and_o general_o receive_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o diversity_n of_o order_n or_o office_n essential_o different_a but_o of_o degree_n in_o the_o same_o office_n the_o essential_a nature_n whereof_o be_v in_o both_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v a_o bishop_n not_o of_o a_o multitude_n of_o church_n but_o of_o one_o state_v ecclesiastical_a society_n or_o single_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o immediate_a pastor_n and_o he_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o immediate_a pastor_n towards_o they_o all_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o not_o by_o delegate_n and_o substitute_n and_o he_o govern_v not_o alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o presbyter_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v the_o precedent_n though_o several_a city_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n have_v their_o different_a municipal_a law_n and_o privilege_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o charter_n yet_o particular_a church_n have_v no_o divine_a law_n and_o privilege_n diverse_a from_o each_o other_o but_o the_o same_o in_o common_a to_o they_o all_o because_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o charter_n in_o specie_fw-la from_o christ._n therefore_o each_o of_o they_o have_v the_o same_o power_n of_o government_n within_o themselves_o and_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o make_v man_n member_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v according_a to_o christ_n law_n sufficient_o qualify_v they_o to_o be_v member_n or_o minister_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n to_o which_o they_o have_v a_o due_a and_o orderly_o call_v local_a presential_a communion_n in_o god_n ordinance_n be_v a_o main_a end_n of_o erect_v particular_a church_n they_o shall_v in_o all_o reason_n consist_v of_o person_n who_o by_o their_o cohabitation_n in_o a_o vicinity_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o communion_n and_o there_o may_v not_o be_v a_o great_a local_a distance_n of_o the_o person_n than_o can_v stand_v with_o it_o a_o bishop_n church_n be_v ancient_o make_v up_o of_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n or_o town_n and_o the_o adjacent_a village_n who_o may_v and_o do_v personal_o meet_v together_o both_o for_o worship_n and_o discipline_n all_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o local_a precinct_n be_v most_o convenient_o bring_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o state_v church_n that_o there_o may_v be_v the_o great_a union_n among_o they_o and_o that_o the_o occasion_n of_o straggle_a and_o run_v into_o several_a party_n may_v be_v avoid_v yet_o this_o local_a partition_n of_o church_n be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o invariable_a but_o if_o there_o be_v some_o insuperable_a impediment_n thereof_o the_o partition_n must_v be_v make_v as_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n will_v admit_v no_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n can_v by_o divine_a right_n or_o warrant_v claim_v any_o assign_a circuit_n of_o ground_n as_o his_o propriety_n for_o ecclesiastical_a government_n as_o a_o prince_n claim_v certain_a territory_n as_o his_o propriety_n for_o civil_a government_n so_o that_o no_o other_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n may_v without_o his_o licence_n do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o within_o that_o circuit_n it_o be_v not_o the_o conjunction_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n with_o the_o generality_n or_o the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o people_n that_o of_o itself_o declare_v the_o only_a rightful_a pastor_n or_o true_a church_n within_o this_o or_o that_o circuit_n for_o many_o cause_n may_v require_v and_o justify_v the_o be_v of_o other_o church_n therein_o see_v particular_a church_n be_v so_o many_o integral_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o each_o other_o help_v in_o thing_n that_o concern_v they_o joint_o and_o several_o and_o they_o have_v all_o a_o influence_n on_o each_o other_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n lead_v they_o to_o association_n or_o combination_n great_a and_o lesser_a according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o the_o orderly_a state_n that_o be_v requisite_a in_o all_o association_n do_v natural_o require_v some_o regular_a
subordination_n in_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o either_o in_o way_n of_o proper_a authority_n or_o of_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o the_o associate_v church_n and_o particular_a member_n therein_o be_v natural_o bind_v to_o maintain_v the_o orderly_a state_n of_o the_o whole_a association_n and_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o rule_n thereof_o when_o they_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o the_o people_n adhere_v to_o he_o be_v not_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o pastor_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n by_o their_o conjunction_n with_o the_o large_a combination_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o their_o church_n for_o the_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n may_v in_o such_o manner_n err_v in_o their_o constitution_n as_o to_o make_v right_o inform_v person_n uncapable_a of_o their_o combination_n a_o national_a church_n be_v not_o a_o particular_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o a_o combination_n or_o coagmentation_n of_o particular_a church_n unite_v under_o one_o civil_a supreme_a either_o personal_a as_o in_o a_o monarchy_n or_o collective_a as_o in_o a_o republic_n and_o the_o true_a notion_n thereof_o lie_v not_o in_o any_o combination_n pure_o ecclesiastical_a and_o intrinsical_v but_o civil_a and_o extrinsical_a as_o of_o so_o many_o church_n that_o be_v collect_v under_o one_o that_o have_v the_o civil_a supremacy_n over_o they_o the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n true_o denote_v all_o the_o church_n in_o england_n unite_v under_o one_o supreme_a civil_a church-governour_n the_o king_n majesty_n civil_a magistrate_n as_o such_o be_v no_o constitutive_a part_n of_o the_o church_n the_o christian_a church_n stand_v for_o several_a century_n without_o the_o support_n of_o their_o authority_n but_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v a_o civil_a supremacy_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o a_o political_a extrinsical_a episcopacy_n over_o all_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o dominion_n and_o may_v compel_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o punish_v they_o for_o negligence_n and_o maladministration_n and_o they_o may_v reform_v the_o church_n when_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n the_o possession_n of_o the_o tithe_n and_o temple_n do_v not_o of_o itself_o declare_v the_o true_a pastor_n and_o church_n nor_o do_v the_o privation_n thereof_o declare_v no_o pastor_n and_o no_o church_n for_o these_o be_v dispose_v of_o by_o the_o secular_a power_n which_o of_o itself_o can_v neither_o make_v nor_o make_v void_a a_o pastor_n or_o church_n a_o diocese_n be_v a_o collective_a body_n of_o many_o parish_n under_o the_o government_n of_o one_o diocesan_n if_o the_o several_a parish_n be_v so_o many_o particular_a churce_n and_o if_o their_o proper_a and_o immediate_a presbyter_n be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o those_o which_o in_o scripture_n be_v mention_v by_o that_o name_n and_o be_v no_o other_o than_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n then_o a_o diocese_n be_v not_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o a_o combination_n of_o church_n and_o the_o diocesan_n be_v a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n or_o a_o governor_n over_o many_o church_n and_o their_o immediate_a bishop_n if_o the_o parish_n be_v not_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v church_n nor_o their_o presbyter_n to_o be_v realy_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n but_o the_o diocese_n be_v hold_v to_o be_v the_o low_a political_a church_n and_o the_o diocesan_n to_o be_v a_o bishop_n of_o the_o low_a rank_n and_o the_o sole_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n of_o all_o the_o include_v parish_n i_o confess_v i_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o such_o a_o church_n or_o bishop_n or_o of_o any_o precept_n or_o precedent_n thereof_o in_o scripture_n for_o every_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v but_o one_o distinct_a state_v society_n have_v its_o own_o proper_a and_o immediate_a bishop_n or_o bishop_n elder_a or_o elder_n pastor_n or_o pastor_n who_o do_v personal_o and_o immediate_o superintend_v over_o the_o whole_a flock_n which_o ordinary_o hold_v either_o at_o once_o together_o or_o by_o turn_n personal_a present_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o in_o god_n worship_n but_o a_o diocese_n consist_v of_o several_a state_v society_n to_o wit_n the_o parish_n which_o be_v constitute_v several_o of_o a_o proper_a and_o immediate_a presbyter_n or_o elder_n have_v cure_n of_o soul_n and_o common_o call_v a_o rector_n and_o the_o people_n which_o be_v his_o proper_a and_o â—…rge_a or_o cure_v and_o the_o people_n of_o thâ—…_n not_o live_v under_o the_o personal_a and_o inâ—…rsight_n of_o their_o diocesan_n but_o under_o â—…legates_n and_o substitute_n nor_o do_v they_o oâ—…ly_o hold_v personal_n present_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o in_o god_n worship_n either_o at_o once_o together_o or_o by_o turn_n nevertheless_o which_o way_n soever_o a_o diocese_n be_v consider_v i_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o submission_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o diocesan_n as_o a_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n under_o the_o king_n supremacy_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n of_o presbyterate_a which_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o pastoral_a office_n that_o show_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v no_o otherwise_o than_o in_o subordination_n to_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o only_o proper_a giver_n of_o all_o spiritual_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n have_v not_o so_o limit_v the_o say_a office_n and_o man_n can_v by_o any_o act_n of_o they_o enlarge_v or_o lessen_v it_o as_o to_o its_o nature_n or_o essential_a state_n or_o define_v it_o otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v state_v of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n no_o power_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a can_v discharge_v any_o minister_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n in_o those_o circumstance_n wherein_o christ_n command_v he_o to_o exercise_v it_o nor_o any_o christian_n from_o those_o duty_n of_o religion_n to_o which_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n oblige_v they_o as_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o judge_v what_o law_n touch_v religion_n be_v fit_a for_o he_o to_o enact_v and_o execute_v so_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o use_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n about_o their_o own_o pastoral_n act_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v to_o do_v the_o same_o about_o their_o own_o act_n of_o church-communion_n the_o too_o common_a abuse_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n can_v abrogate_v the_o right_a use_n thereof_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o man_n can_v act_v as_o man_n nor_o offer_v to_o god_n a_o reasonable_a service_n chap._n ii_o of_o true_a church-unity_n when_o the_o name_n of_o unity_n and_o schism_n be_v by_o partiality_n and_o selfishness_n common_o and_o gross_o abuse_v and_o misapply_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o which_o those_o name_n do_v of_o right_o belong_v aught_o to_o be_v diligent_o inquire_v into_o and_o clear_o and_o distinct_o lay_v open_a for_o a_o groundwork_n in_o this_o inquiry_n i_o fix_v upon_o two_o very_a note_a text_n of_o scripture_n the_o one_o be_v eph._n 4._o 3._o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n the_o other_o be_v rom._n 16._o 17._o mark_v they_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n that_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o the_o former_a guide_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o true_a church-unity_n and_o the_o latter_a show_v we_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o schism_n by_o the_o former_a of_o these_o text_n all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v that_o spiritual_a unity_n which_o they_o have_v one_o with_o another_o under_o christ_n their_o head_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o all_o due_a act_n of_o holy_a communion_n in_o peace_n and_o concord_n several_a important_a thing_n be_v here_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a unity_n between_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o form_n of_o one_o mystical_a body_n as_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a unity_n between_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n the_o member_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n and_o member_n one_o of_o another_o 2._o this_o unity_n be_v under_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o it_o what_o the_o head_n be_v to_o the_o natural_a body_n that_o be_v christ_n and_o much_o more_o to_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n 3._o this_o unity_n of_o christian_n one_o with_o another_o under_o christ_n be_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o call_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n do_v seize_v upon_o and_o reside_v in_o all_o the_o faithful_a by_o which_o they_o become_v christ_n mystical_a body_n and_o be_v join_v one_o to_o another_o as_o fellow-member_n 4._o this_o unity_n of_o
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