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 even_o nation_n itself_o beside_o their_o particular_a soul_n be_v most_o dismal_o shipwreck_a but_o not_o only_a thing_n of_o so_o good_a a_o title_n and_o claim_n as_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v counter-scarfed_a with_o a_o doctrine_n but_o even_o such_o vile_a thing_n as_o balaam_n teach_v eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n in_o honour_n of_o the_o idol_n and_o commit_v fornication_n when_o contrive_v into_o scandal_n must_v have_v a_o doctrine_n for_o they_o for_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n call_v it_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n in_o scandal_n even_o jezabel_n put_v on_o the_o veil_n of_o a_o prophetess_n and_o call_v herself_o so_o and_o under_o it_o teach_v and_o seduce_v which_o may_v abate_v to_o we_o the_o wonder_n of_o rome_n calling_n itself_o a_o church_n and_o its_o adultery_n sorcery_n and_o idolatry_n catholic_n christian_a religion_n 6._o scandal_n by_o such_o a_o principle_n of_o
of_o christ_n for_o a_o devotion_n to_o the_o true_a god_n without_o know_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a god_n can_v thus_o sanctify_v or_o honour_v he_o there_o be_v nothing_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o rational_a in_o than_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o account_n of_o which_o and_o of_o its_o whole_a content_a aught_o to_o be_v so_o certain_a to_o we_o that_o nothing_o of_o a_o diverse_a spirit_n from_o it_o can_v be_v add_v to_o it_o nor_o any_o thing_n of_o its_o integral_n or_o essential_a nature_n take_v from_o it_o but_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v it_o will_v change_v the_o account_n and_o so_o we_o need_v not_o make_v a_o traverse_v over_o all_o falsehood_n to_o know_v truth_n but_o by_o have_v a_o right_a understanding_n in_o and_o just_a contemplation_n of_o truth_n the_o most_o even_a thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n we_o come_v to_o know_v itself_o by_o itself_o and_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o although_o there_o be_v no_o other_o false_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o compare_v it_o with_o and_o set_v it_o off_o by_o and_o withal_o to_o descry_v every_o false_a way_n offer_v to_o we_o and_o to_o hate_v it_o yea_o we_o observe_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v but_o doubtful_o propose_v and_o stay_v it_o its_o due_a time_n of_o examination_n and_o so_o either_o accept_v or_o reject_v it_o or_o if_o we_o see_v full_a reason_n for_o neither_o still_o suspend_v it_o be_v not_o the_o law_n of_o our_o country_n our_o church_n our_o be_v baptise_a or_o educate_v in_o it_o that_o will_v justify_v our_o religion_n to_o be_v the_o true_a it_o be_v not_o the_o high_a reverence_n of_o it_o the_o devotion_n we_o use_v in_o it_o our_o hate_v of_o those_o that_o speak_v blasphemous_o of_o it_o will_v make_v good_a our_o religion_n what_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n may_v not_o be_v justify_v upon_o such_o topic_n it_o be_v not_o that_o we_o find_v many_o great_a principle_n of_o truth_n in_o a_o religion_n that_o will_v justify_v it_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n that_o can_v be_v call_v religion_n that_o do_v not_o espouse_v many_o true_a principle_n and_o in_o christian_a religion_n antichristianism_n vie_v with_o christianity_n itself_o upon_o the_o fundamental_a creed_n which_o itself_o confess_v with_o true_a christanity_n but_o have_v build_v upon_o they_o new_a creed_n of_o its_o own_o and_o so_o corrupt_v all_o for_o what_o be_v so_o pure_a and_o perfect_a as_o true_a religion_n be_v must_v needs_o be_v corrupt_v by_o any_o addition_n all_o that_o be_v pure_a and_o true_a be_v already_o its_o own_o who_o then_o can_v add_v to_o it_o and_o not_o be_v find_v a_o liar_n nothing_o therefore_o as_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v can_v be_v our_o security_n for_o true_a religion_n but_o the_o just_a divine_a measure_n the_o common_a faith_n the_o true_a catholic_n standard_n which_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o main_a end_n be_v most_o evident_a and_o in_o entertain_v nothing_o that_o be_v not_o so_o evident_a till_o it_o become_v so_o upon_o this_o great_a test_n this_o be_v our_o security_n for_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a there_o be_v less_o danger_n when_o our_o understanding_n be_v not_o yet_o extend_v to_o the_o breadth_n of_o divine_a truth_n if_o none_o of_o the_o vital_a principle_n be_v unknown_a to_o we_o unsense_v by_o we_o which_o be_v so_o exceed_o plain_a that_o we_o can_v be_v except_o wilful_o ignorant_a of_o they_o for_o no_o injury_n be_v do_v to_o truth_n that_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v its_o whole_a compass_n nor_o to_o ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o hate_v knowledge_n offer_v itself_o to_o our_o notice_n but_o in_o add_v to_o truth_n see_v we_o can_v have_v nothing_o to_o add_v but_o what_o be_v of_o no_o worth_n we_o must_v needs_o defile_v it_o in_o have_v only_a truth_n though_o we_o have_v not_o all_o truth_n we_o yet_o be_v under_o the_o influence_n of_o truth_n only_o but_o when_o we_o add_v we_o enslave_v ourselves_o to_o lie_v vanity_n now_o hereunto_o have_v i_o level_v the_o whole_a ensue_a catechism_n or_o discourse_n against_o which_o i_o know_v many_o prejudices_fw-la will_v lie_v except_o full_a consideration_n be_v allow_v i_o know_v too_o many_o thing_n raise_v a_o detestation_n at_o the_o first_o which_o be_v examine_v and_o weigh_v by_o their_o reason_n gain_v not_o only_o the_o discharge_n of_o these_o angry_a passion_n but_o much_o acceptance_n and_o assent_n and_o i_o must_v take_v the_o confidence_n to_o say_v in_o relation_n to_o any_o such_o doubt_n upon_o the_o ensue_a apology_n for_o catholic_n truth_n that_o it_o be_v settle_v upon_o such_o unmoveable_a reason_n and_o weigh_v out_o by_o such_o exact_a attendance_n to_o it_o that_o i_o may_v write_v upon_o it_o without_o immodesty_n loe_o this_o we_o have_v search_v it_o so_o it_o be_v hear_v it_o and_o know_v thou_o it_o for_o thy_o good_a for_o good_a in_o the_o quiet_a and_o most_o peaceable_a course_n of_o christianity_n wherein_o to_o know_v the_o true_a ground_n upon_o which_o it_o rest_v alone_o make_v the_o soul_n both_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o determine_v it_o to_o the_o square_a and_o just_a rule_n of_o that_o holy_a religion_n for_o good_a in_o time_n of_o temptation_n to_o a_o false_a religion_n especial_o that_o which_o call_v itself_o catholic_n for_o the_o true_o instruct_v christian_n in_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o catholic_n be_v even_o impregnable_a against_o that_o delusion_n of_o catholic_n false_o so_o call_v last_o for_o good_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o great_a difference_n and_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o practice_n in_o relation_n to_o lesser_a thing_n pertain_v more_o circumstantial_o or_o doubtful_o to_o true_a religion_n wherein_o the_o rational_a christian_a carry_v it_o as_o inoffensive_o and_o communicative_o as_o he_o can_v with_o all_o centre_n in_o that_o which_o be_v catholic_n as_o to_o his_o faith_n love_n inward_a esteem_n and_o practice_n and_o unmovable_o fix_v there_o detest_a all_o animosity_n and_o much_o more_o rigour_n or_o severity_n towards_o other_o in_o relation_n to_o such_o difference_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o ungenerous_a more_o unchristian_a more_o irreligious_a more_o unworthy_a the_o content_n cap._n i._o of_o the_o perfect_a and_o first_o state_n of_o humane_a nature_n with_o relation_n to_o catholic_n or_o public_a religion_n page_n 1_o cap._n ii_o of_o the_o violation_n of_o this_o catholic_n order_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o mean_v provide_v by_o god_n to_o restore_v it_o 7_o cap._n iii_o of_o the_o vncontroversible_a law_n of_o natural_a religion_n 10_o cap._n iu_o of_o revelation_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o so_o great_a miscarriage_n against_o both_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o revelation_n with_o the_o mean_n of_o cure_n 14_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 23_o cap._n vi_o of_o the_o proof_n of_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o proof_n also_o be_v public_a and_o divine_a 27_o cap._n vii_o of_o the_o public_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n pag._n 36_o cap._n viii_o of_o tradition_n and_o antiquity_n â—â—_o cap._n ix_o of_o the_o church_n catholic_n 65_o cap._n x._o of_o the_o officer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n 8â—_n cap._n xi_o of_o every_o man_n obligation_n to_o be_v wise_a for_o himself_o to_o salvation_n 89_o cap._n xii_o of_o schism_n and_o scandal_n 93_o cap._n xiii_o of_o the_o antichurch_n and_o its_o opposition_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o the_o true_a church_n 109_o cap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o national_a religion_n 128_o a_o catholic_n catechism_n cap._n i._n of_o the_o perfect_a and_o first_o state_n of_o humane_a nature_n with_o relation_n to_o catholic_n or_o public_a religion_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o most_o distinguish_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n answ_n catholic_n or_o true_o public_a religion_n for_o it_o be_v the_o all_o the_o whole_a or_o universal_a man_n whoever_o therefore_o have_v vanquish_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o have_v put_v off_o man_n and_o degrade_v himself_o into_o worse_a than_o a_o brute_n quest_n what_o do_v you_o mean_v by_o religion_n answ_n by_o religion_n i_o mean_v a_o close_o bind_v or_o unite_n ourselves_o to_o and_o with_o god_n the_o supreme_a be_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o according_a to_o his_o excellent_a nature_n and_o attribute_n in_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o seek_v his_o grace_n and_o favour_n according_a to_o all_o his_o divine_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o in_o so_o do_v we_o be_v join_v and_o join_v ourselves_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o same_o religious_a service_n perform_v by_o all_o quest_n why_o do_v you_o call_v it_o catholic_n or_o true_o public_a religion_n answ_n
because_o god_n to_o who_o we_o proper_o and_o first_o unite_v in_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o public_a and_o universal_a be_v in_o who_o all_o holy_a spirit_n unite_v one_o with_o another_o and_o from_o who_o whoever_o separate_v separate_v also_o from_o all_o good_a spirit_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o the_o only_a dangerous_a schism_n 2._o because_o the_o one_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n our_o lord_n the_o one_o mediator_n will_v have_v all_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o as_o the_o catholic_n truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o have_v therefore_o reconcile_v and_o recapitulate_v all_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n into_o one_o catholic_n body_n in_o himself_o the_o catholic_n head_n 3._o because_o god_n manifestation_n of_o himself_o be_v the_o only_a true_a public_a authentic_a record_n of_o this_o religion_n and_o all_o other_o not_o derive_v from_o hence_o be_v private_a and_o false_a and_o the_o meeting_n set_v up_o to_o celebrate_v any_o other_o religion_n than_o thus_o manifest_v be_v indeed_o the_o close_a schismatical_a conventicle_n for_o none_o can_v be_v public_a assembly_n where_o god_n the_o supreme_o public_a and_o all_o holy_a spirit_n withdraw_v with_o he_o be_v not_o and_o all_o be_v public_a though_o but_o of_o two_o or_o three_o where_o god_n the_o public_a itself_o and_o in_o who_o the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o saint_n meet_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o quest_n whence_o do_v you_o take_v occasion_n to_o call_v that_o public_a or_o catholic_n that_o be_v divine_a answ_n from_o the_o apostle_n peter_n who_o when_o he_o be_v assert_v concern_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n prophecy_n affirm_v it_o a_o principle_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n and_o that_o he_o may_v demonstrate_v it_o can_v be_v private_a he_o avow_v the_o original_a to_o be_v divine_a now_o the_o plain_a opposite_a to_o private_a be_v public_a in_o that_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o oppose_v public_a but_o divine_a to_o private_a it_o be_v plain_a in_o his_o sense_n divine_a be_v the_o only_a public_a and_o whatever_o be_v true_o public_a be_v divine_a and_o all_o else_o private_a quest_n how_o therefore_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v private_a to_o oppose_v it_o to_o public_a or_o divine_a answ_n idiotick_a or_o private_a be_v apply_v to_o person_n who_o knowledge_n be_v very_o narrow_a and_o strait_a and_o they_o have_v cognisance_n of_o nothing_o beyond_o their_o little_a own_a 2._o to_o those_o that_o have_v no_o public_a character_n of_o office_n or_o magistracy_n and_o last_o to_o such_o who_o care_n interest_n and_o concern_v be_v confine_v to_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o even_o thus_o private_a be_v just_o affix_v to_o all_o except_o only_o to_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o derive_v from_o he_o no_o create_a knowledge_n either_o angelic_a or_o humane_a be_v comprehensive_a enough_o to_o be_v the_o 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less_o against_o omnipotency_n or_o who_o can_v spread_v tender_a mercy_n over_o all_o the_o creation_n but_o the_o faithful_a creator_n himself_o all_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o true_o catholic_n public_a religion_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o record_v god_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o man_n of_o this_o catholic_n public_a religion_n answ_n they_o be_v two_o the_o law_n engrave_v upon_o man_n heart_n justify_v and_o seal_v by_o the_o constant_a miracle_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n that_o carry_v semblable_a line_n of_o all_o that_o be_v write_v upon_o man_n heart_n for_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o man_n for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o to_o they_o for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n the_o work_n that_o god_n command_v man_n to_o do_v be_v write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n accuse_v or_o excuse_v one_o another_o the_o eternal_a word_n or_o reason_n that_o make_v all_o thing_n be_v the_o light_n that_o light_v the_o reason_n of_o every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n quest_n which_o be_v the_o second_o record_n answ_n the_o second_o record_n be_v divine_a revelation_n collect_v into_o holy_a scripture_n all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n reproof_n instruction_n correction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n no_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n for_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o even_o as_o the_o law_n of_o 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right_a and_o straight_o and_o continue_v in_o that_o perfect_a state_n wherein_o our_o creator_n leave_v they_o for_o he_o look_v upon_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o behold_v all_o be_v good_a and_o very_o good_a and_o he_o appoint_v a_o sabbatism_n for_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o especial_o his_o rational_a creature_n the_o morning_n star_n to_o sing_v together_o and_o praise_v he_o for_o they_o but_o there_o be_v other_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v as_o the_o break_n up_o of_o the_o great_a deep_a of_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o can_v be_v know_v to_o the_o high_a understanding_n of_o angel_n or_o arch-angel_n only_o by_o revelation_n much_o less_o to_o man_n a_o reason_n of_o a_o low_a orb_n and_o least_o of_o all_o as_o fall_v and_o corrupt_v yet_o suppose_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v abide_v in_o their_o first_o clearness_n and_o luster_n all_o his_o faculty_n will_v have_v immediate_o receive_v and_o adore_a 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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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family_n into_o nation_n and_o
be_v wise_a he_o shall_v understand_v these_o thing_n prudent_a and_o he_o shall_v know_v they_o for_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a in_o themselves_o and_o lie_v in_o straight_a line_n one_o to_o another_o the_o just_a shall_v walk_v in_o they_o though_o transgressor_n fall_n therein_o in_o fine_a magistrate_n especial_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v as_o much_o oblige_v against_o push_v on_o scandal_n as_o private_a christian_n and_o more_o as_o they_o be_v the_o custodes_fw-la the_o public_a guardian_n of_o conscience_n but_o if_o they_o fail_v in_o their_o duty_n obedience_n to_o they_o can_v disannul_v the_o charge_n against_o scandal_n lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n in_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o nor_o can_v their_o law_n prescribe_v against_o moderation_n obj._n 6._o but_o when_o time_n be_v allow_v to_o the_o doubtful_a to_o satisfy_v themselves_o if_o they_o come_v not_o off_o from_o their_o scruple_n it_o argue_v humour_n and_o faction_n be_v high_a in_o 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unmask_v it_o by_o take_v away_o so_o just_a a_o cause_n to_o manage_v itself_o upon_o and_o by_o so_o great_a a_o kindness_n to_o conscience_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v tender_v to_o heap_v coal_n of_o fire_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o such_o person_n either_o to_o reform_v they_o or_o condemn_v they_o beyond_o apology_n or_o if_o superstition_n and_o place_v religion_n on_o the_o other_o side_n in_o have_v a_o zeal_n against_o ceremony_n be_v suspect_v even_o that_o do_v but_o increase_v the_o scandal_n arise_v from_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o make_v they_o more_o necessary_a to_o be_v remove_v as_o stumbling-block_n out_o of_o man_n way_n you_o cure_v the_o superstition_n on_o the_o other_o side_n too_o by_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n object_n 7._o order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n or_o national_a religion_n can_v be_v preserve_v without_o such_o guard_n upon_o both_o piety_n order_n and_o unity_n for_o beside_o that_o public_a authority_n have_v think_v they_o fit_a there_o be_v many_o private_a christian_n zealous_a of_o they_o and_o that_o will_v be_v scandalize_v if_o they_o be_v take_v away_o as_o if_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v break_v let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o of_o they_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v have_v as_o own_v the_o public_a authority_n most_o answ_n i_o have_v already_o assert_v in_o answer_n to_o some_o part_n of_o this_o objection_n 1._o that_o religion_n and_o piety_n be_v its_o own_o best_a guard_n and_o devotion_n to_o god_n preserve_v most_o awful_a as_o well_o as_o most_o pure_a in_o its_o own_o spirituality_n and_o truth_n 2._o that_o all_o natural_a and_o necessary_a order_n and_o decency_n be_v always_o to_o be_v secure_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v as_o be_v above_o the_o scale_n of_o mere_a indifferent_n 3._o that_o unity_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o inviolate_a love_n of_o christian_n to_o one_o another_o centre_v in_o those_o principal_a thing_n love_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o not_o in_o one_o face_n of_o uniformity_n which_o be_v if_o place_v upon_o ceremonial_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n as_o variable_a as_o the_o phase_n of_o the_o moon_n 4._o i_o add_v the_o more_o public_a society_n in_o religion_n be_v intend_v and_o desire_v to_o be_v the_o more_o comprehensive_a the_o form_n of_o union_n must_v be_v the_o prudence_n and_o holy_a caution_n of_o that_o first_o council_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v always_o to_o be_v follow_v when_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o near_a union_n and_o as_o great_a a_o uniformity_n as_o be_v any_o way_n necessary_a either_o in_o the_o several_a church_n or_o the_o whole_a church_n when_o doubt_n and_o dispute_n have_v arisen_a concern_v the_o term_n of_o their_o union_n be_v that_o prime_a canon_n make_v happy_a have_v it_o be_v if_o that_o pattern_n have_v be_v ever_o since_o keep_v to_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o other_o burden_n than_o these_o necessary_a thing_n one_o necessary_a by_o a_o perpetual_a morality_n one_o other_o in_o the_o fear_n and_o danger_n of_o idolatry_n or_o scandal_n the_o other_o two_o necessary_a at_o that_o time_n but_o by_o alteration_n of_o time_n they_o drop_v off_o as_o to_o any_o religious_a import_n except_o as_o general_a nature_n may_v check_v at_o they_o 5._o the_o band_v of_o society_n in_o unnecessary_a rite_n be_v rather_o of_o ecclesiastic_a interest_n and_o domination_n than_o of_o the_o concern_v of_o christian_a religion_n 6._o if_o there_o be_v such_o variety_n that_o some_o can_v serve_v god_n without_o adorn_v their_o worship_n with_o these_o arbitrary_a rite_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n they_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v to_o their_o own_o master_n if_o they_o have_v such_o a_o faith_n see_v the_o danger_n of_o scandalize_a lie_n most_o on_o the_o side_n of_o ceremony_n they_o be_v those_o that_o shall_v have_v it_o to_o themselves_o before_o god_n not_o they_o that_o doubt_n or_o because_o it_o be_v the_o public_o establish_v order_n they_o shall_v carry_v the_o happiness_n the_o privilege_n of_o their_o full_a persuasion_n humble_o and_o compassionate_o be_v not_o high_o mind_v but_o fear_v lest_o in_o some_o part_n of_o that_o wherein_o they_o seem_v so_o clear_a cause_n of_o condemn_v themselves_o lie_v hide_v at_o present_a and_o afterward_o start_v out_o but_o all_o this_o can_v be_v a_o standard_n for_o other_o they_o that_o be_v doubtful_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v screw_v up_o by_o engine_n and_o pulley_n to_o this_o happiness_n see_v then_o there_o be_v some_o that_o dare_v not_o serve_v god_n in_o this_o way_n we_o must_v seek_v out_o other_o term_n of_o union_n and_o they_o be_v very_o near_o we_o the_o vital_a union_n of_o christianity_n our_o national_a reform_v religion_n which_o may_v subsist_v well_o enough_o if_o we_o will_v let_v it_o in_o these_o lesser_a distinction_n it_o do_v not_o make_v diverse_a church_n in_o primitive_a rome_n that_o some_o christian_n distinguish_v meat_n and_o day_n and_o other_o do_v not_o yet_o the_o assert_v the_o right_n of_o the_o gospel-freedom_n from_o judaic_a bondage_n be_v of_o more_o concernment_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n at_o that_o time_n than_o all_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o despotic_a ceremony_n can_v be_v worth_a to_o it_o now_o let_v we_o therefore_o as_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o head_n of_o scandal_n always_o remember_v upon_o the_o point_n of_o indifferency_n that_o all_o that_o it_o be_v have_v be_v name_v already_o and_o it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v indifferency_n and_o it_o may_v not_o contend_v with_o scandal_n that_o be_v mighty_a than_o it_o for_o scandal_n be_v scandal_n real_a mischief_n and_o lay_v about_o it_o from_o
not_o strict_o of_o that_o seed_n with_o immediate_a revelation_n but_o when_o all_o these_o be_v corrupt_v as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n god_n withdraw_v himself_o by_o degree_n as_o the_o glory_n do_v from_o the_o temple_n in_o ezekiel_n till_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v but_o the_o darkness_n of_o tradition_n fearful_o debauch_v false_a deduction_n from_o nature_n light_n and_o worse_o than_o that_o the_o devil_n oracle_n in_o the_o room_n of_o god_n so_o that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o nation_n a_o second_o and_o more_o desperate_a fall_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o jewish_a church_n and_o a_o small_a proselytisme_n to_o that_o only_o except_v quest_n what_o example_n be_v there_o of_o god_n continue_v favour_n to_o any_o part_n of_o mankind_n out_o of_o abraham_n family_n justify_v he_o as_o not_o depart_v from_o man_n till_o they_o depart_v from_o he_o answ_n melchisedek_n no_o descendent_a from_o abraham_n be_v king_n of_o righteousness_n and_o king_n of_o peace_n at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o church_n be_v place_v in_o abraham_n seed_n laban_n be_v not_o whole_o revolt_v from_o true_a religion_n but_o especial_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o esau_n be_v eminent_a instance_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n that_o whole_a book_n of_o job_n testify_v that_o be_v help_v by_o holy_a tradition_n together_o with_o occasional_a revelation_n they_o hold_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n at_o its_o own_o purity_n quest_n how_o long_o do_v the_o nation_n that_o desert_a god_n continue_v under_o that_o dismal_a obscurity_n answ_n till_o that_o bless_a seed_n in_o who_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v bless_v and_o who_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n come_v and_o shine_v as_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n upon_o the_o whole_a world_n quest_n how_o be_v the_o light_n of_o revelation_n convey_v to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o elder_a time_n answ_n in_o divers_a way_n and_o manner_n in_o more_o immediate_a appearance_n in_o vision_n dream_n prophecy_n in_o inward_a illumination_n by_o a_o voice_n in_o all_o which_o there_o be_v when_o ever_o they_o be_v true_o from_o god_n such_o mighty_a evidence_n of_o divinity_n as_o overbalanced_a all_o doubt_n together_o with_o these_o be_v the_o ordinary_a and_o familiar_a instruction_n of_o patriarch_n and_o holy_a man_n ground_v upon_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n quest_n how_o do_v god_n conclude_v his_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o way_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n answ_n by_o speak_v in_o the_o last_o day_n by_o his_o son_n and_o the_o apostle_n immediate_o commissioned_n by_o he_o seal_v up_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n in_o the_o fullness_n and_o compliment_n of_o truth_n quest_n do_v god_n take_v any_o care_n for_o the_o secure_v the_o monument_n of_o his_o truth_n give_v out_o by_o revelation_n answ_n yes_o very_o early_o how_o early_o we_o know_v not_o but_o beyond_o controversy_n in_o the_o first_o form_v the_o jewish_a church_n into_o a_o settle_a body_n he_o begin_v the_o more_o sure_a and_o certain_a way_n of_o commit_v his_o word_n and_o will_n to_o write_v and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o set_v the_o copy_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o continue_v it_o till_o the_o whole_a revelation_n be_v complete_a passant_a revelation_n or_o oral_a tradidition_n not_o be_v sure_a enough_o quest_n wherein_o be_v the_o write_a word_n more_o sure_a than_o the_o word_n in_o pass_a revelation_n or_o tradition_n answ_n the_o word_n commit_v to_o write_v stand_v unalterable_a divine_a providence_n watch_v over_o what_o be_v write_v to_o keep_v it_o the_o same_o all_o covenant_n and_o treaty_n all_o monument_n of_o knowledge_n have_v be_v thus_o secure_v transmit_v into_o all_o part_n and_o consign_v to_o after_o age_n appeal_n in_o case_n of_o doubt_n be_v more_o safe_o make_v to_o what_o be_v write_v and_o every_o one_o concern_v have_v a_o ready_a and_o open_a way_n to_o examine_v and_o in_o all_o case_n to_o be_v resolve_v quest_n have_v all_o nation_n since_o the_o day_n of_o the_o bless_a seed_n be_v communicate_v with_o these_o revelation_n answ_n there_o have_v be_v a_o freedom_n give_v to_o communicate_v they_o and_o a_o right_n in_o all_o nation_n to_o demand_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o grant_v by_o god_n and_o christ_n to_o they_o but_o there_o be_v many_o sad_a account_n to_o be_v give_v why_o this_o universal_a grace_n to_o mankind_n have_v not_o yet_o take_v effect_n 1._o the_o unaccountableness_n of_o the_o method_n of_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o distinguish_a goodness_n even_o when_o thing_n seem_v equal_o dispose_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o one_o as_o of_o another_o 2._o the_o experiment_n make_v upon_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n that_o have_v the_o gospel_n justify_v god_n in_o not_o effectual_o convey_v it_o to_o other_o who_o will_v make_v as_o ill_o a_o use_n of_o it_o the_o idolatry_n superstition_n of_o some_o the_o sottish_a ignorance_n sloth_n and_o neglect_n of_o other_o the_o cruelty_n and_o barbarity_n exercise_v by_o christian_n upon_o one_o another_o and_o the_o unanswerable_a live_n to_o it_o in_o all_o sect_n make_v plain_a the_o great_a perverseness_n of_o our_o degenerate_a nature_n and_o how_o nation_n that_o have_v not_o the_o gospel_n will_v have_v abuse_v it_o if_o they_o have_v have_v it_o 3._o but_o especial_o the_o great_a enmity_n to_o and_o contempt_n of_o the_o heavenly_a doctrine_n great_a nation_n be_v environ_v with_o against_o the_o approach_n of_o it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v come_v within_o their_o notice_n as_o among_o jew_n turk_n and_o pagan_n be_v a_o very_a obvious_a reason_n why_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n free_a promulgation_n quest_n what_o then_o be_v the_o immediate_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o nation_n that_o have_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o guide_v they_o and_o the_o jew_n that_o have_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v be_v the_o one_o great_a enemy_n to_o all_o scripture_n revelation_n and_o the_o other_o to_o the_o new_a testament_n answ_n because_o nation_n that_o have_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n stay_v not_o themselves_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_o divine_a and_o public_a in_o nature_n law_n but_o either_o by_o unnatural_a collection_n and_o miserable_a wrest_n of_o its_o principle_n or_o fly_v to_o false_a and_o dark_a revelation_n fortify_v themselves_o in_o falsehood_n or_o misapply_v truth_n as_o to_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a they_o be_v bemi_v with_o the_o private_a interpretation_n they_o have_v affix_v to_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o see_v the_o clear_a easy_a and_o certain_a train_n of_o the_o same_o public_a and_o divine_a run_v betwixt_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a but_o the_o rudiment_n in_o 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divine_a and_o to_o curse_v all_o those_o that_o derogate_a from_o it_o 4._o that_o have_v thus_o rivet_v itself_o it_o by_o degree_n like_o pharaoh_n lean_a kine_n eat_v out_o the_o generous_a and_o rich_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o devour_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o itself_o remain_v a_o jejune_n and_o starve_v superstition_n quest_n who_o be_v the_o great_a master_n of_o tradition_n answ_n they_o that_o have_v under_o the_o true_a religion_n set_v up_o some_o private_a diana_n of_o profit_n honour_n or_o worldly_a advantage_n and_o can_v maintain_v it_o by_o that_o true_a religion_n they_o eke_o out_o therefore_o with_o private_a tradition_n what_o may_v support_v it_o quest_n what_o antidote_n be_v there_o against_o the_o mischief_n of_o tradition_n answ_n to_o cleave_v with_o full_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o heart_n and_o soul_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o that_o only_a to_o have_v no_o religion_n nor_o any_o thing_n in_o religion_n but_o 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be_v recommend_v by_o it_o in_o what_o it_o reveal_v beyond_o it_o 1._o the_o first_o thing_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o even_o as_o natural_a religion_n conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o world_n peace_n that_o it_o be_v natural_a substantial_a and_o not_o ceremonial_a so_o do_v it_o also_o recommend_v christian_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o consist_v in_o ceremony_n that_o it_o have_v no_o more_o in_o number_n than_o there_o be_v find_v in_o innocency_n there_o be_v the_o tree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n the_o not_o eat_v of_o which_o be_v a_o symbol_n of_o universal_a obedience_n there_o be_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n a_o sacrament_n seal_v the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n 9_o gen_n 2._o 9_o there_o be_v the_o seven_o day_n sabbath_n a_o day_n of_o solemn_a converse_n with_o god_n and_o meditation_n of_o his_o work_n found_v upon_o his_o rest_n from_o creation_n and_o a_o pledge_n of_o everlasting_a rest_n with_o god_n 3._o 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have_v it_o so_o adorn_v or_o recommend_v or_o to_o vulgar_a unlearned_a and_o irrational_a mind_n who_o must_v be_v catch_v with_o show_n and_o pompous_a appearance_n and_o keep_v in_o amuse_n that_o they_o may_v be_v somewhat_o intent_n in_o religious_a excercise_n but_o with_o this_o disadvantage_n that_o they_o seldom_o pierce_v further_o than_o this_o surface_n or_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o religion_n itself_o and_o when_o at_o any_o time_n these_o thing_n happen_v to_o be_v expose_v they_o become_v the_o scorn_n and_o hate_v of_o such_o person_n so_o that_o they_o deal_v rude_o with_o they_o but_o now_o substantial_a massive_a religion_n yield_v not_o to_o such_o sort_n of_o attack_n but_o like_o rock_n resist_v support_v with_o its_o own_o substance_n bear_v upon_o its_o own_o truth_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v rather_o choose_v as_o he_o say_v to_o have_v my_o soul_n among_o the_o wise_a rational_o religious_a philosopher_n if_o such_o can_v be_v find_v then_o with_o any_o religion_n that_o this_o day_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n not_o except_v the_o romish_a that_o have_v deturpate_v and_o dishonour_v the_o only_a excellent_a religion_n and_o as_o it_o be_v romish_n be_v the_o worse_o because_o it_o be_v christian_a next_o to_o those_o ponderous_a self-great_a and_o infinite_o rational_a principle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n i_o shall_v choose_v to_o rest_v only_o in_o the_o undoubted_a principle_n and_o maxim_n of_o natural_a religion_n so_o excellent_a that_o christianity_n have_v not_o lose_v one_o of_o they_o but_o so_o gather_v up_o the_o fragment_n that_o no_o one_o thing_n can_v be_v lose_v as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v beside_o this_o natural_a this_o christian_a religion_n i_o know_v nothing_o but_o all_o subjection_n to_o principality_n and_o power_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n in_o 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of_o matter_n or_o body_n in_o a_o perpetual_a transmutation_n can_v bear_v and_o that_o this_o doctrine_n also_o of_o a_o future_a state_n be_v to_o the_o utmost_a can_v be_v deny_v since_o nothing_o can_v more_o complete_a happiness_n or_o misery_n than_o the_o scripture_n expression_n reach_v to_o but_o i_o insist_v no_o further_o upon_o this_o be_v in_o the_o main_a substance_n of_o it_o in_o my_o account_n of_o it_o a_o fundamental_a point_n of_o natural_a religion_n but_o that_o god_n will_v transact_v this_o judgement_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v indeed_o perfect_a revelation_n and_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o former_a account_n give_v of_o his_o mediatorship_n and_o enhanse_v still_o this_o principle_n as_o to_o its_o great_a certainty_n so_o to_o all_o its_o possible_a height_n since_o god_n in_o humane_a nature_n god_n in_o the_o mediator_n judge_v the_o world_n turn_v about_o with_o great_a consolation_n to_o good_a man_n and_o terror_n to_o evil_a man_n that_o can_v be_v 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mind_n can_v not_o be_v reject_v by_o those_o that_o will_v be_v account_v man_n of_o mind_n soul_n and_o reason_n and_o especial_o there_o can_v upon_o these_o term_n christianity_n offer_v be_v no_o possible_a place_n for_o hurt_v or_o destroy_v christian_n by_o any_o party_n except_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o lay_v aside_o the_o man_n and_o put_v on_o the_o lion_n and_o wolf_n now_o by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v upon_o this_o point_n it_o appear_v three_o sort_n of_o opinion_n whatever_o of_o christianity_n they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o be_v indeed_o the_o injury_n and_o horrible_a scandal_n of_o it_o because_o they_o contradict_v natural_a religion_n which_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o christianity_n 1._o that_o opinion_n which_o adore_v our_o mediator_n as_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n allow_v he_o a_o ubiquitary_a presence_n and_o address_n prayer_n to_o he_o allot_v he_o all_o divine_a honour_n and_o yet_o deny_v he_o coeternal_a god_n with_o the_o father_n for_o this_o bring_v in_o supreme_a worship_n love_n confidence_n in_o more_o than_o the_o one_o god_n it_o clothes_v finite_a with_o infinite_a which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n every_o where_o illustrate_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o this_o great_a evil_n socinianism_n arrianism_n and_o the_o several_a name_n of_o heresy_n of_o that_o alliance_n be_v guilty_a 2._o that_o which_o bring_v in_o image-worship_n prayer_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n which_o suppose_v invisible_a being_n though_o creature_n omniscient_a and_o omnipresent_v as_o god_n that_o in_o all_o place_n man_n may_v lift_v up_o hand_n to_o they_o in_o prayer_n without_o doubt_v of_o their_o be_v lose_v in_o their_o direction_n to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o that_o they_o know_v able_a to_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o they_o and_o further_o which_o be_v not_o the_o least_o of_o the_o idolatry_n it_o give_v they_o the_o honour_n of_o be_v absolute_o knowable_a by_o natural_a light_n in_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o hear_v prayer_n that_o all_o flesh_n may_v come_v to_o they_o viz._n in_o their_o knowledge_n in_o their_o mercy_n in_o their_o power_n all_o which_o must_v be_v absolute_a as_o god_n and_o as_o evident_a to_o reason_v as_o in_o god_n see_v man_n have_v no_o justifiable_a revelation_n to_o any_o such_o purpose_n the_o arto_n latria_fw-la or_o adoration_n of_o the_o bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v of_o the_o same_o family_n now_o however_o these_o thing_n be_v intricate_v by_o various_a pretext_n yet_o as_o the_o spectacle_n in_o the_o last_o especial_o be_v horrid_a to_o sense_n so_o the_o thing_n to_o reason_n and_o natural_a conscience_n and_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v we_o have_v otherwise_o learn_v christ_n who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n neither_o require_v nor_o receive_v worship_n direct_v to_o his_o body_n upon_o any_o such_o pretension_n mark_v 10._o 17._o luke_n 11._o 27._o 28._o john_n 6._o 36._o john_n 20._o 17._o but_o refuse_v it_o except_o when_o at_o sometime_o the_o mighty_a emanation_n of_o his_o divinity_n prostrate_v man_n into_o the_o adoration_n of_o he_o 3._o whatever_o dogme_n or_o sect_n of_o man_n subvert_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o religion_n as_o a_o proteus-thing_n that_o sneak_n into_o all_o shape_n and_o profession_n according_a to_o the_o earthly_a power_n it_o appear_v before_o fear_v man_n rather_o than_o god_n all_o thing_n that_o overturn_v morality_n and_o distinction_n betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a the_o denial_n of_o spirit_n a_o future_a state_n as_o undermine_v the_o very_a life_n and_o be_v of_o the_o almighty_a spirit_n all_o fanatic_a principle_n turn_v religion_n into_o raunterism_n or_o move_v the_o pillar_n of_o humane_a society_n as_o consist_v in_o submission_n to_o principality_n and_o power_n in_o subjection_n to_o law_n civil_a custom_n and_o decency_n all_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o and_o the_o whole_a lineage_n of_o they_o however_o they_o may_v presume_v to_o christianize_v themselves_o be_v a_o just_a abhorrence_n to_o the_o true_a christian_a spirit_n as_o most_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n these_o opinion_n therefore_o now_o name_v be_v exclude_v and_o shut_v out_o of_o that_o universal_a peace_n and_o quietness_n i_o be_o to_o speak_v of_o under_o this_o last_o head_n of_o the_o survey_n of_o natural_a religion_n which_o i_o now_o come_v to_o viz._n the_o three_o thing_n propose_v under_o this_o first_o head_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o upon_o which_o the_o whole_a weight_n of_o it_o rest_v and_o turn_n as_o to_o the_o intention_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v this_o that_o christianity_n suppose_v it_o a_o firm_a ground_n of_o enjoy_v the_o common_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n in_o religion_n that_o a_o man_n receive_v and_o own_v all_o the_o grand_a point_n of_o natural_a religion_n godliness_n righteousness_n soberness_n and_o acknowledge_v it_o his_o duty_n and_o make_v it_o his_o profession_n to_o live_v according_a to_o they_o that_o he_o avow_v no_o principle_n contrary_a hereunto_o though_o he_o believe_v and_o profess_v to_o be_v assure_v of_o some_o other_o divine_a revelation_n in_o order_n to_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n it_o suppose_v a_o man_n that_o in_o all_o his_o discourse_n and_o action_n give_v abundant_a security_n of_o his_o fidelity_n to_o natural_a religion_n a_o man_n that_o be_v no_o idolater_n atheist_n blasphemer_n of_o religion_n impugner_n of_o morality_n that_o observe_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n praise_n and_o religious_a discourse_n shall_v be_v free_a to_o commend_v himself_o to_o god_n in_o what_o he_o think_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n though_o in_o distinction_n from_o other_o who_o he_o no_o way_n disturb_v against_o rule_n of_o reason_n modesty_n peaceableness_n and_o humility_n but_o only_o offer_v the_o apology_n of_o his_o own_o faith_n yet_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n and_o the_o persuasive_n 15._o â—_o pet._n 3._o 15._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 great_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n the_o believe_v in_o and_o adore_v the_o one_o god_n be_v make_v of_o no_o value_n by_o not_o acknowledge_v honour_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n the_o son_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o the_o settle_n therefore_o this_o doubt_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o after_o due_a instruction_n and_o explanation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v as_o i_o have_v say_v so_o unite_v with_o natural_a religion_n that_o who_o ever_o have_v that_o in_o sincerity_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d set_v in_o a_o posture_n ready_a to_o receive_v and_o believe_v christianity_n so_o that_o if_o any_o one_o upon_o instruction_n commensurate_a to_o the_o understanding_n christian_n religion_n do_v not_o receive_v it_o he_o have_v not_o god_n he_o have_v not_o true_a natural_a religion_n in_o that_o fundamental_a point_n especial_o if_o he_o have_v have_v the_o 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
religion_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v 2._o the_o error_n suppose_v in_o such_o a_o national_a constitution_n now_o reformation_n of_o national_a constitution_n in_o religion_n be_v contestable_o in_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o a_o nation_n what_o then_o shall_v we_o do_v till_o these_o suppose_a error_n of_o such_o a_o account_n as_o the_o high_a place_n be_v remove_v we_o must_v either_o not_o worship_n in_o consent_n with_o our_o nation_n which_o seem_v as_o natural_a as_o with_o our_o family_n and_o much_o countenance_v by_o the_o scripture_n or_o we_o must_v wait_v the_o season_n of_o public_a reformation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n attend_v public_a worship_n and_o avoid_v with_o all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n we_o can_v the_o dint_n of_o error_n in_o such_o a_o constitution_n as_o we_o suppose_v the_o seven_o thousand_o in_o israel_n do_v not_o in_o far_o great_a corruption_n omit_v certain_o all_o sort_n of_o public_a worship_n beside_o the_o temple-worship_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o bow_v not_o their_o knee_n to_o baal_n nor_o kiss_v he_o gross_a corruption_n be_v indeed_o positive_o to_o be_v refuse_v and_o abhor_v such_o as_o those_o of_o that_o time_n such_o as_o those_o of_o popery_n such_o as_o be_v all_o though_o not_o complete_a popery_n yet_o too_o near_o it_o lesser_a dissatisfaction_n may_v be_v wary_o avoid_v and_o yet_o national_a religion_n as_o far_o own_a as_o we_o can_v without_o share_v even_o in_o those_o small_a error_n and_o it_o be_v some_o relief_n to_o we_o herein_o that_o although_o it_o be_v evident_a national_a law_n can_v bind_v any_o man_n conscience_n in_o religion_n any_o further_a than_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o man_n conscience_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o they_o can_v save_v he_o harmless_a at_o the_o last_o tribunal_n and_o therefore_o in_o no_o reason_n can_v bind_v he_o yet_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o relief_n in_o that_o obedience_n a_o sober_a christian_a desire_n to_o pay_v to_o humane_a law_n so_o far_o as_o agree_v with_o scripture_n and_o the_o regard_v he_o will_v yield_v to_o national_a religion_n that_o he_o may_v well_o take_v the_o benefit_n of_o any_o connivance_n or_o relaxation_n of_o humane_a law_n in_o their_o prosecution_n as_o all_o man_n how_o conscientious_a soever_o concern_v humane_a law_n do_v we_o see_v every_o day_n where_o the_o law_n be_v not_o press_v nor_o the_o injury_n any_o although_o it_o be_v no_o other_o but_o ordinary_a common_a liberty_n that_o be_v restrain_v for_o if_o authority_n be_v not_o despise_v if_o public_a good_a be_v not_o incommoded_a humane_a law_n do_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n as_o divine_a law_n do_v and_o therefore_o much_o less_o in_o religion_n wherein_o except_o natural_a their_o power_n have_v not_o a_o further_a obligation_n than_o as_o the_o conscience_n be_v sensible_a of_o divine_a authority_n concur_v thus_o than_o a_o man_n may_v without_o offence_n withdraw_v himself_o from_o such_o observance_n and_o yet_o join_v in_o public_a worship_n 2._o there_o be_v the_o custom_n and_o usage_n of_o a_o nation_n enter_v into_o their_o public_a administration_n of_o religion_n as_o into_o other_o national_a solemnity_n there_o be_v their_o law_n and_o appointment_n of_o what_o they_o think_v grave_a decent_a orderly_a rational_o promote_a the_o knowledge_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o condescension_n to_o the_o mean_a understanding_n of_o their_o people_n and_o security_n for_o some_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v certain_o perform_v with_o that_o advantage_n as_o liturgy_n and_o read_v scripture_n and_o it_o may_v be_v add_v these_o thing_n may_v be_v intend_v as_o cementation_n of_o man_n in_o civil_a government_n which_o be_v a_o lawful_a end_n if_o it_o be_v a_o subordinate_a end_n and_o regulate_v by_o the_o high_a now_o though_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o mistake_n in_o all_o this_o yet_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o national_a conjunction_n in_o divine_a worship_n we_o shall_v tolerate_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a we_o can_v or_o they_o may_v be_v interpret_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o civil_a appointment_n civil_a order_n and_o decency_n or_o national_a custom_n for_o if_o nothing_o may_v be_v tolerate_v if_o nothing_o may_v be_v favourable_o interpret_v there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o charity_n 7._o 1_o cor._n 13._o 7._o in_o those_o excellent_a act_n of_o it_o the_o apostle_n record_n viz._n charity_n believe_v and_o hope_v all_o thing_n that_o can_v with_o any_o symmetry_n to_o truth_n and_o discretion_n be_v hope_v or_o believe_v it_o bear_v all_o thing_n it_o endure_v all_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v endure_v without_o our_o own_o sin_n though_o sinful_a in_o other_o as_o command_v with_o rigour_n or_o over-esteeming_a thing_n not_o necessary_a 3._o it_o seem_v by_o our_o saviour_n command_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v the_o pharisee_n precept_n speak_v out_o of_o moses_n his_o chair_n and_o yet_o at_o other_o time_n to_o beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o pharisee_n which_o be_v express_o expound_v 12._o mat_n 23._o 1._o mat._n 16_o 12._o of_o the_o leaven_n of_o doctrine_n that_o a_o man_n may_v join_v in_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n where_o the_o main_a part_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v so_o immerse_v in_o the_o whole_a but_o that_o he_o may_v separate_v between_o the_o pure_a and_o corrupt_a part_n in_o relation_n to_o himself_o by_o his_o own_o private_a act_n and_o indeed_o if_o a_o man_n can_v not_o do_v this_o i_o know_v not_o how_o he_o shall_v join_v in_o any_o humane_a performance_n as_o i_o have_v note_v before_o or_o how_o he_o shall_v allow_v his_o own_o worship_n of_o god_n see_v he_o must_v needs_o condemn_v himself_o in_o particular_n wherein_o he_o allow_v himself_o in_o the_o general_a every_o thing_n humane_a be_v imperfect_a i_o know_v it_o may_v be_v say_v there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o evil_n of_o unavoidable_a incursion_n and_o those_o that_o be_v frame_v and_o deliberate_v into_o a_o constitution_n but_o even_o in_o this_o case_n it_o appear_v a_o man_n be_v under_o no_o necessity_n when_o he_o join_v with_o the_o solemn_a action_n of_o other_o to_o take_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o sense_n they_o do_v when_o there_o be_v a_o good_a and_o lawful_a account_n of_o such_o action_n beside_o their_o ill_a one_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o abhor_v by_o scripture_n than_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n in_o the_o sense_n and_o with_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o that_o offer_n do_v to_o the_o idol_n and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n allow_v the_o freedom_n of_o eat_v thing_n so_o offer_v and_o even_o in_o a_o idol_n temple_n where_o a_o christian_a have_v the_o 10._o 1_o cor_fw-la 8._o 10._o knowledge_n that_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o other_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v scandalize_v or_o draw_v into_o sin_n that_o have_v not_o that_o knowledge_n and_o yet_o be_v embolden_v to_o eat_v with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n 4._o a_o very_a great_a good_a to_o be_v donce_n or_o receive_v will_v recommend_v to_o we_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n unnecessary_a without_o a_o eye_n to_o that_o good_a and_o in_o some_o case_n unlawful_a and_o forbid_a as_o appear_v by_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o to_o the_o jew_n he_o become_v as_o a_o jew_n to_o they_o under_o the_o law_n as_o under_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n that_o by_o all_o mean_v he_o may_v save_v some_o it_o appear_v too_o by_o what_o he_o do_v in_o the_o circumcise_n timothy_n by_o his_o intend_v and_o relax_v his_o discourse_n 26._o act._n 16._o 3._o act._n 21._o 26._o concern_v jewish_n rite_n it_o appear_v by_o our_o saviour_n command_v the_o disciple_n hear_v the_o pharisee_n though_o they_o endanger_v themselves_o with_o the_o leaven_n so_o that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o regard_n and_o reverence_v due_a to_o moses_n his_o chair_n in_o all_o proportion_n of_o reason_n our_o saviour_n have_v not_o allow_v it_o and_o whereas_o our_o saviour_n be_v at_o other_o time_n very_o severe_a as_o in_o the_o tradition_n of_o wash_a hand_n as_o in_o the_o young_a 10._o mat._n 15._o 1_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 19_o 17._o gal._n 5_o 2._o &_o 4._o 9_o 10._o man_n call_v he_o good_a and_o the_o apostle_n concern_v circumcision_n and_o jewish_a rite_n it_o be_v upon_o great_a account_n of_o preserve_v pure_a and_o safe_a the_o main_a point_n and_o design_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o christianity_n when_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o consideration_n i_o have_v propose_v with_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o it_o not_o that_o i_o have_v any_o thing_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o accuse_v my_o nation_n of_o by_o all_o 19_o act._n 28._o 19_o mean_n to_o be_v shun_v with_o
of_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o come_v more_o particular_o to_o give_v answer_n 1._o many_o of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v name_v as_o find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o national_a church_n be_v not_o yet_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o church_n as_o national_a in_o general_a but_o of_o that_o particular_a national_a church_n and_o typical_a of_o thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o exposition_n of_o they_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o more_o particular_o that_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o temple_n the_o high_a priest_n the_o holy_a of_o holies_n the_o altar_n the_o sacrifice_n the_o solemn_a feast_n with_o such_o like_a serve_v only_o as_o shadow_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o the_o want_n of_o they_o argue_v nothing_o against_o national_a religion_n 2._o those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o typical_a or_o who_o main_a and_o sole_a intention_n be_v not_o to_o adorn_v and_o complete_a that_o whole_a frame_n but_o rest_v upon_o universal_a principle_n of_o reason_n truth_n and_o duty_n can_v never_o be_v abrogate_a but_o be_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v national_a hope_v in_o god_n and_o be_v oblige_v in_o our_o duty_n even_o as_o they_o be_v thus_o the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n and_o people_n towards_o true_a religion_n of_o public_a instruction_n of_o public_a minister_n of_o religion_n of_o care_n for_o place_n of_o meeting_n for_o divine_a worship_n throughout_o a_o nation_n continue_v still_o and_o need_v no_o new_a command_n in_o the_o gospel_n 3._o as_o to_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o church_n by_o draw_v christian_n into_o particular_a private_a society_n it_o amount_v but_o to_o thus_o much_o that_o christ_n the_o lord_n of_o tâ—e_v church_n do_v not_o find_v his_o church_n universal_a as_o necessary_o diffuse_v itself_o into_o nation_n nor_o can_v it_o in_o reason_n be_v so_o for_o see_v it_o be_v in_o divine_a providence_n for_o great_a and_o weighty_a reason_n of_o which_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a now_o to_o speak_v intend_a and_o order_v that_o hundred_o of_o year_n shall_v pass_v over_o christianity_n ere_o it_o have_v the_o favour_n and_o protection_n of_o supreme_a christian_a magistrate_n there_o must_v have_v be_v for_o that_o space_n no_o religion_n or_o church_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o form_n but_o national_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n therefore_o though_o it_o be_v in_o those_o day_n within_o nation_n city_n town_n and_o village_n yet_o of_o low_a stature_n in_o comparison_n of_o national_a religion_n till_o the_o reign_n of_o christian_a emperor_n considerable_a indeed_o in_o itself_o and_o its_o diffusion_n through_o so_o much_o of_o the_o world_n but_o not_o acknowledge_v by_o law_n or_o government_n till_o long_o after_o its_o first_o entrance_n and_o at_o all_o time_n upon_o the_o change_n of_o a_o christian_a magistracy_n into_o a_o pagan_a a_o apostate_n a_o heretical_a or_o idolatrous_a succession_n or_o the_o complex_fw-la of_o all_o antichristianism_n which_o early_o invade_v the_o church_n and_o even_o cover_v and_o obscure_v it_o in_o succession_n of_o time_n the_o church_n of_o necessity_n must_v fall_v back_o into_o such_o a_o low_a state_n and_o subsist_v upon_o its_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o its_o own_o prudential_a accommodation_n to_o the_o state_n of_o time_n without_o the_o magistrate_n care_v and_o protection_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o take_v care_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v of_o absolute_a divine_a institution_n which_o be_v found_v in_o that_o promise_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o to_o which_o belong_v primary_o all_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a expression_n of_o scripture_n to_o which_o be_v give_v original_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n to_o propagate_v promote_v build_v up_o and_o strengthen_v it_o and_o shall_v by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n ascension_n far_o above_o all_o heaven_n be_v certain_o continue_v to_o it_o till_o we_o all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n to_o the_o full_a measure_n and_o stature_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o member_n all_o other_o society_n of_o christian_n be_v but_o little_a image_n and_o representation_n of_o this_o in_o these_o its_o excellency_n and_o the_o more_o they_o participate_v of_o it_o the_o more_o true_o be_v they_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o because_o this_o be_v too_o diffuse_v for_o one_o model_n for_o one_o frame_n to_o comprehend_v there_o be_v therefore_o allowance_n give_v by_o christ_n for_o lesser_a association_n of_o this_o catholic_n church_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o because_o of_o the_o discountenance_n of_o nation_n and_o worldly_a power_n at_o first_o and_o since_o upon_o true_a christianity_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o matth._n 15._o 18_o etc._n etc._n express_o fix_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o divine_a presence_n in_o the_o small_a part_n of_o this_o church_n where_o but_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n he_o have_v assure_v he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v hence_o evident_a the_o whole_a neighbour_a discourse_n centre_n in_o the_o least_o assembly_n agree_v in_o christian_a religion_n for_o though_o it_o suppose_v first_o a_o great_a number_n the_o church_n and_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n be_v contradistinguish_v yet_o as_o it_o be_v in_o prospect_n of_o the_o great_a fewness_n upon_o some_o exigency_n of_o christian_n practise_v the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n together_o it_o bring_v down_o the_o promise_n of_o audience_n in_o their_o appeal_n to_o heaven_n and_o presence_n with_o their_o whole_a worship_n and_o service_n to_o the_o small_a number_n not_o by_o way_n of_o limitation_n to_o but_o encouragement_n of_o so_o small_a a_o number_n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a the_o very_a same_o declaration_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o soever_o sin_n you_o remit_v or_o bind_v by_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v stand_v good_a in_o heaven_n the_o very_a same_o be_v say_v here_o to_o the_o small_a society_n of_o christian_n as_o to_o their_o judgement_n and_o determination_n upon_o their_o own_o member_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o offence_n that_o fall_v out_o among_o themselves_o have_v the_o same_o doctrine_n to_o proceed_v he_o commit_v to_o they_o even_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o church_n be_v pillar_n and_o rock_n of_o truth_n even_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a minister_n and_o either_o or_o all_o be_v no_o more_o but_o praecones_fw-la each_o in_o their_o kind_n or_o publisher_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n declare_v in_o his_o word_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n pitch_v upon_o so_o small_a a_o number_n of_o christian_n agree_v be_v certain_o this_o because_o he_o will_v appoint_v no_o other_o form_n to_o his_o church_n than_o such_o as_o can_v live_v as_o can_v subsist_v under_o any_o civil_a government_n whatever_o whether_o friendly_a or_o unfriendly_a to_o it_o he_o give_v it_o no_o other_o shape_n but_o what_o it_o may_v attain_v and_o keep_v under_o any_o state_n of_o civil_a law_n under_o any_o enmity_n it_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v most_o necessary_a because_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o one_o nation_n as_o the_o jewish_a be_v who_o god_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n single_v out_o and_o manage_v to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n by_o a_o mighty_a power_n and_o outstretch_v arm_n and_o conserve_v by_o the_o same_o rule_v it_o with_o a_o immediate_a sensible_a presence_n after_o he_o have_v form_v it_o by_o precise_a law_n and_o settle_v the_o just_a bound_n of_o all_o officer_n in_o their_o office_n and_o appoint_v they_o the_o place_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o whereas_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v indifferent_a to_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n it_o do_v as_o it_o make_v its_o progress_n convert_v certain_a number_n to_o itself_o at_o first_o which_o have_v no_o privilege_n of_o humane_a law_n or_o power_n but_o the_o edge_n of_o all_o turn_v against_o it_o so_o that_o the_o form_n of_o church_n be_v compose_v to_o all_o the_o vicissitude_n of_o providence_n they_o be_v to_o undergo_v and_o that_o in_o all_o reason_n must_v be_v in_o case_n of_o necessity_n the_o very_a lest_o of_o society_n of_o christian_n two_o or_o two_o or_o three_o as_o our_o saviour_n significant_o point_v upon_o small_a society_n for_o such_o be_v most_o fit_v to_o the_o worst_a of_o condition_n that_o can_v befall_v lesser_a and_o single_a body_n move_v every_o way_n
and_o mute_a in_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n or_o neglect_v of_o duty_n upon_o these_o appearance_n and_o who_o can_v say_v herein_o i_o have_v make_v my_o heart_n clean_o i_o be_o pure_a from_o this_o transgression_n so_o far_o have_v he_o be_v scandalize_v and_o endanger_v to_o his_o ruin_n this_o be_v the_o first_o great_a pillar_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o primary_n scandal_n be_v place_v here_o that_o man_n think_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n god_n shall_v have_v so_o much_o love_n fear_v honour_n obedience_n so_o much_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a to_o it_o 2._o even_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v like_a to_o that_o first_o great_a principle_n and_o equal_a to_o it_o both_o because_o the_o whole_a riches_n and_o treasure_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v deposit_v and_o concenter_v in_o it_o so_o that_o he_o have_v not_o the_o 3._o john_n 17._o 3._o father_n nor_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n nor_o the_o eternal_a life_n proceed_v from_o it_o who_o have_v not_o the_o son_n who_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o god_n have_v send_v even_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n so_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o express_a image_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o brightness_n of_o it_o wherever_o it_o be_v reveal_v if_o it_o be_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o god_n of_o the_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o 6._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o mind_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o light_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n 6._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 4_o 6._o of_o god_n shine_v to_o they_o especial_o and_o more_o particular_o that_o great_a attribute_n of_o divine_a mercy_n and_o pardon_v grace_n be_v illustrate_v and_o break_v out_o with_o bright_a and_o warm_a beam_n in_o this_o son_n of_o his_o love_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n who_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n 12._o act_n 4._o 12._o of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o his_o be_v the_o only_a name_n give_v under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n whereby_o they_o can_v be_v save_v this_o indeed_o be_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o assume_v to_o themselves_o as_o the_o only_a master_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o foolishness_n to_o the_o greek_n who_o take_v 16._o isa_n 28._o 16._o upon_o they_o as_o the_o like_a master_n of_o reason_n but_o this_o corner_n stone_n of_o truth_n be_v lay_v so_o sure_a and_o of_o so_o try_v a_o excellency_n 6._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 6._o that_o all_o that_o reject_v and_o spurn_v at_o it_o stumble_v and_o fall_v be_v snare_v and_o break_v they_o be_v false_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o truth_n that_o will_v not_o be_v reconcile_v to_o it_o and_o while_o even_o the_o builder_n refuse_v it_o it_o will_v yet_o rise_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o corner_n 7._o ver_fw-la 7._o it_o have_v now_o surmount_v before_o any_o impartial_a judge_n all_o other_o name_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o that_o to_o strike_v at_o it_o where_o it_o be_v know_v and_o receive_v argue_v a_o disaffection_n and_o be_v scandalize_v at_o religion_n itself_o and_o be_v become_v the_o same_o with_o deny_v god_n providence_n and_o eternal_a judgement_n corrupt_a reason_n and_o lucian-wit_n aim_v at_o religion_n in_o its_o very_a essence_n when_o it_o pretend_v to_o dash_v upon_o that_o and_o if_o when_o it_o seem_v to_o encounter_v with_o god_n own_o administration_n by_o moses_n there_o be_v yet_o such_o a_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o it_o that_o it_o will_v be_v more_o tolerable_a etc._n mat._n 10._o 15._o etc._n etc._n for_o sodam_fw-la and_o gomorrah_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o those_o that_o refuse_v it_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o several_a place_n testify_v how_o much_o great_a will_v the_o condemnation_n be_v now_o when_o it_o have_v so_o perfect_o antiquate_v all_o that_o pretention_n against_o it_o and_o wear_v out_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o elder_a paganism_n and_o yet_o so_o far_o as_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n 25._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 25._o style_v it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o we_o wise_a than_o man_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o god_n strong_a than_o man_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o it_o seem_v the_o easy_a place_n for_o the_o attack_n of_o atheism_n irreligion_n and_o profaneness_n who_o yet_o at_o last_o will_v find_v themselves_o in_o a_o gin_n or_o trap_n when_o they_o think_v they_o have_v gain_v ground_n and_o make_v entrance_n and_o shatter_v to_o piece_n when_o they_o believe_v a_o conquest_n for_o god_n take_v the_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o 20._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 19_o 20._o craftiness_n and_o he_o know_v the_o wise_a thought_n of_o man_n that_o they_o be_v vain_a every_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christ_n be_v 12._o heb._n 3._o 12._o depart_v from_o the_o live_n god_n transaction_n in_o prayer_n or_o public_a discourse_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o divine_a as_o they_o send_v forth_o the_o sweet_a savour_n of_o his_o name_n which_o be_v as_o a_o ointment_n pour_v out_o the_o apostle_n desire_v to_o 8._o 1_o cor._n â—_o 2._o phil._n 3._o 8._o know_v nothing_o but_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a it_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o top_n and_o transcendency_n of_o knowledge_n apostolic_a epistle_n full_a of_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n be_v the_o best_a pattern_n for_o sermon_n much_o exceed_v the_o rationalism_n or_o moralism_n of_o tâ—â—_n wise_a philosophy_n it_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o scandal_n first_o take_v â—nd_n then_o give_v to_o speak_v little_a of_o he_o all_o preach_v be_v not_o give_v the_o savour_n of_o his_o knowledge_n ult_n 2_o cor._n 2._o ult_n and_o if_o it_o have_v not_o life_n to_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v deadly_a a_o symptom_n to_o death_n the_o very_a divert_v though_o to_o other_o part_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n speak_v man_n offend_v in_o he_o when_o they_o do_v not_o find_v he_o and_o express_v he_o the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n in_o all_o the_o bright_a morning_n star_n the_o amen_o and_o though_o a_o battology_n a_o vain_a repetition_n in_o name_v he_o be_v blamable_a yet_o it_o be_v more_o blame_n to_o conceal_v he_o even_o in_o the_o best_a discourse_n of_o his_o religion_n the_o ray_n of_o religion_n be_v pale_a more_o weak_a and_o chill_a as_o they_o fall_v far_a off_o from_o he_o he_o be_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n and_o bless_a be_v he_o in_o these_o day_n even_o in_o these_o day_n whoever_o be_v not_o offend_v in_o he_o 3._o the_o spirituality_n purity_n cleanness_n and_o chasteness_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n dictate_v by_o the_o clear_a and_o sincere_a light_n of_o natural_a conscience_n approve_v by_o divine_a revelation_n or_o found_v institute_v and_o direct_v by_o that_o undoubted_a heavenly_a oracle_n be_v the_o next_o great_a pillar_n of_o truth_n upon_o which_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n be_v settle_v but_o against_o this_o sensual_a and_o defile_a imagination_n have_v in_o all_o age_n raise_v scandal_n and_o so_o befool_v reason_n that_o it_o have_v cast_v down_o many_o wound_a yea_o many_o strong_a man_n in_o their_o intellectual_a endowment_n and_o reputation_n for_o wisdom_n have_v be_v ensnare_v and_o ruin_v by_o it_o it_o have_v be_v the_o renown_n therefore_o of_o those_o prince_n in_o sacred_a story_n that_o have_v have_v the_o religious_a magnanimity_n to_o resist_v the_o charm_n of_o this_o sorceress_n and_o keep_v divine_a worship_n uncorrupted_a in_o who_o glory_n so_o much_o as_o the_o high_a place_n be_v a_o dark_a shade_n and_o eclipse_v they_o though_o it_o have_v fair_a pretence_n idolatry_n and_o superstition_n have_v be_v most_o evident_o brand_v in_o scripture_n for_o the_o most_o wretched_a state_n of_o be_v scandalize_v and_o idol_n for_o the_o most_o abhor_a scandal_n this_o be_v the_o snare_n of_o gideon_n and_o his_o house_n and_o yet_o as_o interpreter_n give_v we_o in_o a_o matter_n as_o innocent_a at_o first_o as_o lay_v up_o the_o ephod_n he_o have_v inquire_v at_o in_o his_o danger_n as_o a_o monument_n of_o gratitude_n for_o his_o victory_n that_o be_v after_o turn_v thus_o into_o a_o scandal_n judge_n 8._o 27._o this_o be_v the_o scandal_n balaam_n teach_v balak_n to_o cast_v before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n these_o be_v the_o wiles_n the_o gin_n and_o trap_n in_o which_o the_o
new-converted_n christian_n may_v relapse_n into_o by_o eat_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n at_o the_o idol_n feast_n yet_o the_o main_a point_n be_v eat_v with_o offence_n with_o a_o conscience_n not_o satisfy_v the_o meat_n that_o be_v pure_a in_o themselves_o but_o to_o they_o appear_v impure_a as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o much_o different_a sharpness_n of_o style_n the_o apostle_n use_v in_o the_o danger_n of_o idolatry_n and_o the_o case_n of_o the_o doubt_v conscience_n the_o immediate_a principle_n offend_v against_o be_v then_o the_o government_n conscience_n ought_v to_o have_v over_o man_n appoint_v it_o by_o god_n against_o which_o nothing_o humane_a aught_o to_o prevail_v nor_o can_v do_v but_o with_o the_o great_a mischief_n of_o scandal_n beside_o this_o there_o be_v some_o other_o rule_n or_o principle_n of_o truth_n guide_v conscience_n and_o press_v upon_o it_o in_o case_n of_o scandal_n for_o conscience_n be_v not_o to_o guide_v a_o man_n but_o as_o it_o represent_v to_o he_o some_o truth_n to_o guide_v itself_o and_o he_o by_o else_o as_o when_o the_o blind_a lead_n the_o blind_a both_o will_v fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n and_o when_o this_o principle_n that_o press_v hard_a upon_o conscience_n and_o to_o which_o conscience_n defer_v itself_o be_v overbear_v than_o a_o man_n be_v scandalize_v the_o principle_n conscience_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o roman_n have_v lie_v hard_o upon_o it_o be_v this_o whatever_o god_n have_v forbid_v once_o as_o unclean_a be_v unclean_a and_o be_v so_o long_o unclean_a till_o we_o know_v that_o prohibition_n be_v remove_v the_o weak_a christian_a do_v not_o believe_v the_o forbid_v some_o meat_n as_o unclean_a be_v remove_v yet_o by_o the_o countenance_n of_o example_n in_o the_o strong_a christian_n they_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o eat_v while_o conscience_n be_v unsatisfied_a and_o so_o be_v scandalize_v conscience_n in_o the_o corinth_n have_v this_o principle_n look_v it_o full_a in_o the_o face_n to_o eat_v in_o a_o idol_n right_o in_o honour_n to_o idol_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o god_n the_o weak_a christian_a abhor_v idol_n or_o to_o eat_v in_o honour_n of_o they_o do_v not_o as_o yet_o understand_v there_o can_v be_v a_o separation_n betwixt_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o idol_n and_o the_o meat_n or_o the_o temple_n where_o he_o be_v worship_v yet_o embolden_v by_o see_v the_o strong_a sit_v at_o meat_n in_o a_o idol_n temple_n they_o eat_v and_o be_v inward_o affright_v at_o the_o unclean_a meat_n they_o eat_v they_o eat_v with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n the_o meat_n as_o offer_v to_o the_o idol_n through_o the_o force_n of_o example_n that_o be_v abhor_v indeed_o the_o idol_n and_o his_o meat_n but_o withal_o fear_v it_o as_o a_o evil_a and_o look_v upon_o the_o meat_n as_o impure_a because_o sacrifice_v to_o a_o idol_n in_o both_o these_o case_n the_o apostle_n level_v against_o the_o use_n of_o liberty_n in_o the_o strong_a against_o impose_v by_o way_n of_o example_n to_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o weak_a so_o tender_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o offer_v but_o the_o low_a rule_n of_o compulsion_n in_o these_o case_n the_o imposer_n then_o though_o but_o by_o example_n be_v he_o that_o scandalise_n the_o complier_n against_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n instruct_v not_o by_o truth_n and_o reason_n satisfy_v he_o but_o by_o example_n lead_v he_o be_v the_o scandalize_v thing_n be_v thus_o state_v let_v we_o observe_v the_o scandal_n itself_o how_o it_o work_v in_o this_o case_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o act_n of_o high_a disobedience_n commit_v against_o god_n and_o his_o authority_n represent_v by_o conscience_n both_o in_o that_o conscience_n depute_v by_o god_n be_v depose_v and_o example_n set_v up_o in_o its_o place_n as_o also_o that_o a_o divine_a law_n upon_o conscience_n itself_o suppose_v to_o continue_v in_o force_n be_v violate_v for_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v indeed_o antiquate_v yet_o if_o conscience_n know_v not_o it_o be_v so_o it_o can_v act_v of_o faith_n and_o full_a persuasion_n and_o so_o sin_n 2._o conscience_n be_v hereupon_o grieve_v wound_a and_o lose_v its_o due_a comfort_n 3._o this_o beget_v a_o flatness_n and_o formality_n in_o all_o religious_a service_n 4._o a_o lukewarmness_n to_o religion_n in_o general_a thus_o a_o man_n be_v weaken_v by_o his_o stumble_v and_o fall_v he_o lie_v prostrate_a in_o all_o religious_a power_n 5._o conscience_n lose_v its_o due_a vigour_n and_o exercise_n of_o authority_n 6._o there_o be_v danger_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n itself_o or_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n 7._o hereupon_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v lose_v and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n to_o be_v destroy_v and_o he_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v to_o perish_v if_o not_o recover_v by_o repentance_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o corinth_n now_o to_o bring_v this_o to_o the_o balance_n with_o imposition_n in_o ceremony_n or_o indifferent_n in_o aftertime_n first_o suppose_v the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o many_o christian_n deep_o engage_v and_o lock_v in_o this_o principle_n that_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n no_o man_n may_v add_v or_o diminish_v so_o much_o as_o to_o a_o point_n beyond_o divine_a institution_n and_o the_o most_o natural_a circumstance_n and_o necessary_a adherency_n of_o all_o solemn_a and_o grave_a humane_a action_n that_o there_o must_v be_v nothing_o of_o humane_a device_n for_o edification_n or_o significancy_n but_o what_o be_v prescribe_v and_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o this_o be_v a_o safe_a position_n consider_v both_o the_o stream_n of_o scripture_n sound_a reason_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n how_o much_o mischief_n have_v come_v steal_v up_o from_o ceremony_n as_o high_a as_o to_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n but_o let_v we_o withal_o allow_v that_o though_o no_o man_n can_v be_v the_o better_a for_o use_v these_o indifferent_n nor_o the_o worse_a for_o not_o use_v they_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o liberty_n to_o use_v they_o without_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o use_v they_o if_o a_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n concern_v they_o it_o must_v remain_v yet_o that_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n every_o man_n that_o use_v they_o and_o doubt_n of_o their_o lawfulness_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o forename_a principle_n be_v condemn_v in_o the_o use_v they_o because_o not_o of_o faith_n and_o so_o subject_a to_o all_o the_o just-now-recounted_n mischief_n of_o scandal_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o that_o use_v they_o so_o as_o to_o press_v those_o that_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v to_o a_o conformity_n by_o his_o example_n if_o it_o be_v no_o more_o much_o more_o if_o by_o despising_n censure_n vexation_n penalty_n he_o do_v not_o walk_v charitable_o he_o sin_n against_o christian_n wound_n their_o weak_a conscience_n and_o so_o sin_n against_o christ_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o for_o his_o ceremony_n the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v destroy_v and_o he_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v perish_v if_o not_o save_v by_o repentance_n now_o how_o high_a do_v this_o rise_n up_o to_o the_o woe_n christ_n denounce_v on_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v for_o it_o can_v but_o be_v suppose_v there_o be_v many_o that_o be_v wrought_v upon_o against_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n to_o such_o a_o conformity_n as_o wherein_o they_o can_v but_o condemn_v themselves_o wherein_o they_o seem_v to_o allow_v themselves_o or_o do_v indeed_o allow_v themselves_o so_o far_o as_o the_o outward_a act_n reach_v who_o can_v doubt_v but_o in_o these_o day_n there_o be_v such_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n yea_o happy_a be_v many_o of_o those_o that_o conform_v if_o they_o do_v not_o condemn_v themselves_o wherein_o they_o allow_v themselves_o and_o carry_v the_o mischief_n of_o their_o scandal_n within_o themselves_o silent_o from_o other_o and_o often_o secret_o from_o themselves_o and_o even_o where_o man_n stand_v out_o against_o all_o pressure_n upon_o they_o and_o will_v not_o receive_v this_o dint_n of_o scandal_n yet_o it_o be_v still_o a_o scandal_n offer_v while_o unaccept_v all_o this_o now_o seem_v so_o strong_a against_o impose_v in_o thing_n of_o indifferency_n for_o fear_v of_o scandal_n in_o they_o that_o it_o be_v wonder_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o imposition_n know_v in_o such_o thing_n among_o christian_n for_o fear_n of_o scandal_n and_o yet_o in_o these_o very_a thing_n of_o indifferency_n scandal_n have_v run_v like_o wildfire_n bluster_v and_o roar_v like_o a_o tempest_n in_o these_o of_o all_o thing_n to_o choose_v and_o that_o in_o all_o age_n within_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o even_o under_o protestancy_n itself_o but_o i_o aâ—_n to_o consider_v scandal_n in_o a_o second_o rank_n viz._n of_o
society_n of_o man_n that_o be_v true_o catholic_n if_o it_o be_v but_o according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a religion_n to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o of_o such_o service_n so_o far_o as_o they_o will_v admit_v it_o and_o keep_v to_o the_o simplicity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o instance_n beforenamed_n of_o jonah_n and_o st._n paul_n and_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o do_v this_o when_o true_a reveal_v religion_n be_v join_v with_o natural_a if_o nothing_o be_v require_v of_o we_o that_o corrupt_v and_o defile_v it_o no_o man_n error_n in_o which_o we_o be_v not_o force_v to_o communicate_v shall_v drive_v we_o from_o truth_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o upon_o these_o foundation_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o win_v further_o and_o further_o upon_o all_o to_o bring_v they_o home_o to_o god_n wherein_o they_o wander_v we_o shall_v make_v allowance_n to_o every_o man_n differ_v in_o small_a thing_n receive_v he_o without_o condition_v he_o to_o subscribe_v to_o we_o in_o thing_n of_o doubtful_a that_o be_v private_a disputation_n if_o any_o one_o err_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o one_o convert_v he_o by_o evidence_n of_o that_o truth_n let_v he_o know_v that_o he_o that_o convert_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n shall_v save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o hide_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n but_o if_o we_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o such_o communion_n with_o those_o that_o be_v so_o enslave_v to_o false_a or_o will_v bring_v we_o under_o the_o power_n of_o private_a or_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o we_o nor_o admit_v we_o to_o they_o we_o must_v not_o yet_o desert_n our_o catholic_n respect_n to_o all_o that_o be_v true_a and_o good_a among_o they_o but_o acknowledge_v what_o be_v so_o value_n and_o praise_v it_o desire_v the_o divine_a acceptance_n for_o they_o in_o any_o good_a thing_n so_o as_o to_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o error_n they_o have_v adjoin_v 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themselves_o they_o may_v then_o taste_v the_o graciousness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gratefulness_n of_o truth_n in_o they_o without_o impose_v on_o any_o other_o who_o can_v see_v by_o their_o light_n 5._o yea_o even_o in_o thing_n controvert_v between_o holy_a wise_a and_o good_a man_n in_o interpret_n scripture_n each_o part_n of_o the_o controversy_n when_o both_o can_v be_v reconcile_v in_o their_o sense_n yet_o support_v and_o make_v strong_a to_o their_o faith_n some_o grand_a evident_a principle_n of_o divine_a and_o public_a truth_n in_o which_o both_o side_n meet_v and_o be_v firm_o unite_v and_o to_o which_o each_o reconcile_v their_o own_o opinion_n wherein_o they_o seem_v to_o differ_v from_o such_o principle_n or_o from_o one_o another_o and_o leave_v a_o middle_a in_o which_o they_o may_v meet_v one_o another_o and_o wherein_o person_n unconcern_v in_o their_o controversy_n rest_v upon_o which_o agitation_n yet_o follow_v great_a illustration_n and_o confirmation_n of_o 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have_v put_v in_o his_o own_o power_n but_o most_o probable_o at_o the_o time_n of_o fulfil_v the_o great_a prophecy_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o shall_v be_v such_o extraordinary_a effusion_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o shall_v expedite_v all_o doubt_n and_o make_v every_o thing_n clear_a the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v not_o reserve_v for_o heaven_n to_o adorn_v the_o absolute_a state_n of_o perfection_n there_o quest_n see_v by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v how_o incongruous_a private_a interpretation_n be_v to_o public_a scripture_n or_o that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v trust_v with_o the_o one_o and_o not_o with_o the_o other_o what_o account_v therefore_o can_v be_v give_v of_o translation_n may_v not_o they_o bring_v in_o a_o private_a interpretation_n upon_o scripture_n if_o not_o perform_v by_o a_o immediate_a divine_a assistance_n answ_n even_o as_o in_o the_o safe_a conveyance_n of_o scripture_n itself_o and_o preserve_v it_o pure_a from_o gross_a falsification_n so_o in_o translation_n we_o must_v leave_v
can_v we_o have_v of_o it_o quest_n but_o how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o there_o must_v be_v tradition_n see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o thing_n speak_v and_o do_v more_o than_o the_o scripture_n contain_v or_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v contain_v if_o they_o be_v all_o write_v these_o then_o be_v know_v in_o the_o first_o time_n have_v be_v conserve_v by_o tradition_n tradition_n make_v valuable_a by_o those_o of_o honourable_a name_n among_o christian_n and_o their_o discourse_n of_o christianity_n answ_n grant_v such_o thing_n so_o preserve_v suppose_v they_o the_o action_n and_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o yet_o if_o not_o write_v by_o inspire_a penman_n they_o be_v not_o recommend_v as_o obligatory_a upon_o after-age_n for_o whatever_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o may_v believe_v and_o have_v eternal_a life_n be_v so_o write_v and_o that_o not_o only_o just_a so_o much_o as_o may_v serve_v necessity_n for_o that_o the_o one_o gospel_n of_o st._n joâ—â—_n may_v serve_v to_o that_o itself_o witness_v but_o also_o be_v matter_n of_o bounty_n and_o abundance_n so_o that_o out_o of_o that_o great_a world_n of_o truth_n than_o our_o world_n can_v receive_v there_o be_v so_o much_o select_v as_o be_v bountiful_o sufficient_a and_o abundant_a to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n of_o clearness_n certainty_n enforcement_n upon_o the_o affection_n variety_n continual_a exercise_n and_o delight_n that_o so_o every_o christian_n may_v be_v thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n to_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n as_o for_o all_o that_o christ_n do_v and_o speak_v or_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v or_o do_v by_o infallible_a guidance_n and_o immediate_a assistance_n if_o it_o be_v not_o write_v a_o veil_n be_v draw_v over_o it_o and_o a_o cloud_n have_v receive_v it_o out_o of_o our_o sight_n it_o be_v a_o secret_a thing_n that_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o but_o be_v seal_v up_o from_o we_o like_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o thunder_v utter_v in_o the_o revelation_n and_o indeed_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n seem_v to_o have_v deal_v with_o all_o such_o say_n or_o action_n as_o with_o the_o body_n of_o moses_n all_o monument_n of_o worth_n and_o certainty_n after_o scripture_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o be_v conceal_v from_o we_o there_o be_v a_o great_a darkness_n upon_o the_o history_n of_o that_o time_n lest_o we_o shall_v superstitious_o venerate_v in_o place_n of_o that_o which_o be_v divine_o write_v and_o preserve_v to_o we_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o prepare_v for_o our_o learning_n and_o so_o to_o we_o but_o as_o a_o body_n not_o divine_o inspire_v that_o be_v a_o body_n without_o a_o soul_n all_o too_o fierce_a dispute_n about_o they_o be_v therefore_o raise_v only_o by_o satan_n the_o enemy_n of_o light_n and_o truth_n to_o no_o other_o purpose_n than_o that_o about_o the_o body_n of_o moses_n that_o be_v to_o find_v a_o occasion_n of_o superstition_n and_o silent_o to_o whisper_v scripture_n be_v not_o sufficient_a and_o yet_o we_o see_v with_o what_o a_o eager_a zeal_n man_n be_v set_v upon_o such_o researche_n not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o proportion_n of_o manna_n allow_v by_o god_n but_o even_o as_o the_o israelite_n that_o gather_v much_o have_v nothing_o over_o so_o may_v it_o be_v true_o say_v of_o those_o that_o will_v abound_v beyond_o scripture_n in_o that_o which_o pertain_v to_o the_o true_a guidance_n of_o conscience_n that_o they_o have_v nothing_o over_o and_o what_o they_o will_v needs_o keep_v as_o such_o corrupt_v quest_n be_v there_o reason_n sufficient_a to_o support_v this_o sentiment_n answ_n this_o great_a reason_n if_o we_o have_v undoubted_a but_o not_o inspire_v history_n of_o that_o time_n it_o can_v not_o be_v like_o the_o evangelistick_a history_n or_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o we_o we_o shall_v in_o some_o thing_n want_v the_o application_n and_o direction_n to_o our_o use_n dictate_v by_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o other_o the_o unerring_a censure_n of_o even_a apostolic_a action_n as_o in_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n galat._n 2._o 11._o now_o because_o our_o conscience_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v draw_v into_o subjection_n to_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a reputation_n and_o yet_o there_o will_v be_v no_o divine_a authority_n to_o draw_v they_o nor_o infallible_a authority_n to_o support_v they_o in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v the_o absolute_a will_n of_o god_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o subjection_n god_n have_v therefore_o in_o his_o providence_n leave_v that_o time_n so_o much_o in_o the_o dark_a that_o we_o may_v trust_v in_o his_o write_a word_n only_o for_o separate_v immediate_a divine_a presence_n from_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o there_o remain_v nothing_o at_o the_o high_a but_o the_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n of_o understanding_n and_o good_a man_n apply_v general_a rule_n to_o particular_a case_n time_n place_n and_o event_n as_o they_o for_o that_o time_n can_v best_o judge_v and_o yet_o beside_o the_o variation_n of_o circumstance_n in_o every_o age_n they_o themselves_o be_v as_o man_n subject_n to_o mistake_n as_o nathan_n about_o david_n building_n the_o temple_n as_o paul_n assay_v to_o go_v into_o bythinia_n to_o like_o passion_n with_o other_o man_n as_o in_o the_o contention_n betwixt_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n to_o like_o temptation_n as_o in_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o peter_n before_o refer_v to_o all_o they_o do_v and_o say_v not_o shine_v with_o immediate_a light_n from_o heaven_n must_v be_v try_v in_o the_o light_n of_o what_o themselves_o together_o with_o all_o the_o other_o penman_n of_o scripture_n have_v write_v they_o themselves_o therefore_o act_v or_o speak_v by_o way_n of_o prudence_n or_o general_a assistance_n must_v be_v try_v by_o themselves_o act_v or_o speak_v according_a to_o revelation_n and_o special_a assistance_n in_o which_o only_o they_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v authoritative_a quest_n but_o it_o 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the_o very_a lest_o thing_n but_o as_o command_v by_o himself_o first_o for_o than_o they_o will_v be_v lord_n which_o he_o plain_o declare_v against_o and_o absolute_o deny_v to_o they_o and_o that_o what_o they_o do_v as_o command_v by_o he_o they_o shall_v do_v so_o in_o duty_n and_o service_n to_o the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o subordinate_o to_o his_o church_n as_o not_o to_o be_v call_v or_o esteem_v benefactor_n for_o their_o service_n so_o that_o it_o must_v be_v evident_a what_o their_o superior_a service_n be_v it_o must_v be_v plain_o express_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o there_o at_o least_o so_o determinate_o set_v down_o as_o to_o be_v deduce_v with_o great_a clearness_n to_o the_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n of_o christian_n and_o distinguish_o from_o the_o service_n of_o other_o subordinate_a ruler_n appoint_v by_o christ_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v wait_v for_o and_o receive_v according_a to_o his_o ordinance_n with_o faith_n and_o obedience_n 3._o see_v christ_n appoint_v none_o to_o a_o eminency_n of_o service_n without_o a_o suitable_a eminency_n of_o ability_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n it_o be_v therefore_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v some_o extraordinary_a promise_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n to_o those_o superior_a minister_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o superiority_n wherein_o they_o may_v above_o any_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n visible_o and_o experimental_o make_v some_o approach_n to_o the_o eminent_a assistance_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n have_v in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o that_o they_o have_v continue_v and_o succeed_v in_o their_o high_a function_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o real_a substantial_a service_n of_o bishop_n to_o christianity_n have_v come_v near_o to_o the_o act_n of_o apostle_n and_o as_o much_o excel_v that_o of_o common_a presbyter_n as_o the_o order_n 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that_o display_v it_o and_o so_o they_o become_v pastor_n of_o a_o high_a character_n whether_o of_o a_o high_a order_n or_o not_o cap._n xi_o of_o every_o man_n obligation_n to_o be_v wise_a for_o himself_o to_o salvation_n quest_n according_a to_o all_o the_o precedent_a account_n of_o the_o church_n it_o seem_v not_o only_o reasonable_a but_o most_o necessary_a every_o man_n shall_v be_v wise_a for_o himself_o unto_o salvation_n answ_n it_o be_v certain_o so_o for_o every_o man_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n to_o which_o purpose_n he_o be_v to_o apply_v his_o mind_n to_o search_v for_o true_a wisdom_n as_o for_o silver_n and_o to_o seek_v for_o it_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n quest_n how_o shall_v man_n of_o so_o great_a disadvantage_n to_o such_o high_a thing_n be_v enable_v to_o judge_n answ_n wisdom_n assume_v most_o just_o to_o itself_o to_o be_v of_o so_o high_a value_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v think_v it_o worth_a his_o while_n to_o labour_n and_o travel_v herein_o and_o to_o they_o that_o do_v so_o it_o have_v promise_v the_o most_o certain_a success_n even_o the_o pour_v out_o its_o spirit_n to_o they_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v understand_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n be_v not_o of_o such_o difficulty_n but_o that_o they_o be_v attainable_a in_o the_o use_n of_o right_a mean_n under_o so_o great_a promise_n quest_n what_o be_v those_o right_a mean_n answ_n bow_v down_o our_o ear_n to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a that_o be_v of_o those_o that_o by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n have_v be_v wise_a and_o write_v their_o wisdom_n for_o future_a age_n and_o by_o apply_v our_o heart_n to_o divine_a knowledge_n upon_o which_o they_o come_v to_o be_v inlay_v within_o we_o and_o to_o be_v fit_v to_o our_o lip_n to_o be_v agreeable_a and_o well_o match_v to_o our_o discourse_n and_o not_o like_o a_o parable_n in_o a_o 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all_o but_o one_o great_a lie_n of_o this_o son_n of_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n the_o image_n of_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n the_o son_n of_o his_o falsehood_n and_o perdition_n contrary_a to_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n in_o truth_n and_o love_n but_o if_o any_o one_o receive_v christianity_n or_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o antichurch_n and_o measure_v they_o in_o and_o by_o themselves_o separate_v true_a christianity_n from_o the_o antichristianism_n and_o retain_v it_o pure_a it_o be_v but_o like_o the_o service_n god_n receive_v from_o the_o false_a prophet_n baalam_n when_o he_o prophesy_v truth_n into_o who_o place_n and_o office_n antichrist_n succeed_v and_o be_v therefore_o style_v the_o false_a prophet_n revel_v 16._o 13._o quest_n what_o then_o can_v this_o pretend_a catholic_n church_n be_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o true_a catholic_n public_a religion_n answ_n it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o upon_o strict_a account_n than_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n the_o pseudocatholick_a antichurch_n in_o a_o damnable_a heresy_n from_o and_o hatred_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v write_v in_o heaven_n unite_v with_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o love_n and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n in_o truth_n and_o love_n in_o a_o hellish_a schism_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o apostolic_a catholic_n church_n of_o which_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n quest_n how_o can_v it_o be_v believe_v that_o so_o great_a a_o lie_n upon_o christianity_n shall_v be_v receive_v by_o so_o large_a a_o proportion_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n or_o that_o person_n of_o so_o vast_a ability_n and_o comprehension_n shall_v so_o deceive_v other_o or_o be_v themselves_o deceive_v answ_n scripture_n have_v take_v all_o the_o care_n possible_a to_o arm_v we_o against_o this_o objection_n which_o be_v indeed_o very_o great_a it_o call_v this_o apostasy_n a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o the_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o revelation_n point_n to_o the_o same_o thing_n upon_o the_o forehead_n of_o this_o adulterous_a church_n be_v write_v mystery_n now_o a_o mystery_n if_o it_o be_v present_o understand_v and_o all_o easy_a and_o plain_a be_v no_o mystery_n it_o have_v the_o energy_n of_o delusion_n in_o cause_v man_n to_o believe_v a_o lie_n it_o be_v the_o whole_a deceit_n of_o unrighteousness_n it_o set_v up_o a_o great_a stage_n of_o counterfeit_n miracle_n that_o it_o vaunt_v upon_o and_o that_o it_o may_v have_v that_o reverend_a face_n of_o antiquity_n to_o deceive_v with_o and_o say_v it_o come_v from_o a_o far-off_a age_n it_o be_v a_o mystery_n that_o be_v then_o at_o work_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n last_o it_o have_v its_o effect_n upon_o they_o that_o may_v be_v christian_n and_o receive_v truth_n but_o not_o the_o chaste_a unprostitute_n love_n of_o truth_n alone_o quest_n but_o it_o seem_v impossible_a that_o any_o part_n 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providence_n against_o so_o great_a desolation_n upon_o true_a christian_a religion_n answ_n a_o perfect_a acquiescency_n of_o the_o protestant_a nation_n upon_o the_o foursquare_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o resolvedness_n not_o to_o move_v from_o thence_o for_o as_o a_o foursquare_n never_o remove_v from_o its_o own_o base_a because_o it_o be_v all_o base_a so_o they_o that_o be_v square_v to_o it_o and_o settle_v upon_o it_o never_o move_v for_o it_o always_o bear_v they_o alike_o with_o itself_o and_o by_o its_o own_o justness_n recall_v they_o if_o they_o offer_v to_o wander_v mere_a angry_a prejudice_n against_o this_o or_o that_o false_a religion_n be_v not_o enough_o without_o be_v thus_o ground_v upon_o truth_n entertainment_n of_o truth_n with_o any_o addittament_n will_v secure_v no_o man_n for_o he_o that_o receive_v one_o addition_n may_v receive_v another_o he_o that_o receive_v truth_n lie_v foursquare_n with_o itself_o be_v call_v back_o by_o that_o even_o of_o truth_n he_o that_o add_v one_o to_o it_o and_o make_v it_o odd_a may_v go_v on_o indefinite_o as_o popery_n have_v do_v because_o he_o have_v forsakent_a he_o just_o even_o that_o shall_v stay_v he_o he_o can_v no_o long_o wait_v for_o the_o voice_n of_o truth_n that_o by_o itself_o always_o answer_v itself_o but_o to_o what_o be_v not_o like_o itself_o it_o will_v not_o answer_v but_o discover_v it_o to_o be_v off_o from_o this_o square_n it_o will_v not_o on_o any_o respect_n harken_v to_o any_o thing_n different_a because_o it_o will_v not_o be_v solicit_v to_o move_v from_o itself_o so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a the_o law_n of_o symmetry_n and_o commensuration_n be_v the_o great_a security_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o ascertain_v the_o true_a church_n both_o to_o itself_o and_o all_o beholder_n for_o addition_n to_o religion_n like_o surd_o or_o irrational_a figure_n incommensurable_a to_o the_o rational_a square_n can_v never_o be_v reduce_v to_o this_o foursquare_n of_o truth_n but_o be_v like_o the_o deaf_a adder_n that_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o reason_n charm_v never_o so_o wise_o nor_o can_v they_o ever_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o certainty_n or_o exactness_n with_o themselves_o but_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o day_n another_o to_o morrow_n but_o divine_a truth_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rational_a certain_a express_o itself_o deaf_a indeed_o to_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n the_o same_o for_o ever_o he_o therefore_o that_o daily_o ponder_v meditate_v upon_o have_v a_o just_a measure_n of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o divine_a truth_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o a_o regular_a square_n with_o they_o shall_v know_v the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o god_n all_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n though_o they_o be_v various_a yet_o come_v all_o within_o the_o apostolic_a twelve_o and_o he_o that_o have_v a_o spiritual_a gust_n exercise_v to_o discern_v betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a by_o taste_v any_o aright_o will_v taste_v all_o and_o find_v they_o apostolical_a and_o know_v whatever_o pretend_v and_o be_v not_o and_o so_o reject_v it_o he_o will_v know_v all_o the_o gate_n of_o wisdom_n and_o truth_n and_o the_o angelical_a guard_n attend_v at_o they_o and_o go_v in_o and_o out_o by_o they_o but_o the_o disorderly_a breach_n and_o gap_n that_o wild_a beast_n or_o deceitful_a fox_n have_v make_v he_o avoid_v know_v they_o exceed_v the_o apostolic_a twelve_o and_o be_v therefore_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a and_o whatever_o apparation_n of_o angel_n may_v be_v at_o they_o he_o know_v it_o be_v only_a satan_n transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o his_o minister_n transform_v as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n thus_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n number_v and_o measure_v exact_o by_o itself_o be_v the_o security_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o the_o true_a church_n cap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o national_a religion_n quest_n it_o be_v i_o think_v very_o clear_a by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v that_o the_o settlement_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v most_o stable_a and_o certain_a and_o that_o by_o no_o power_n he_o have_v give_v in_o his_o church_n it_o can_v be_v change_v nor_o receive_v any_o arbitrary_a addition_n that_o shall_v be_v obligatory_a but_o i_o be_o in_o great_a doubt_n how_o to_o reconcile_v those_o command_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o principality_n and_o power_n with_o those_o strict_a precept_n to_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o turn_v neither_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a where_o ruler_n so_o often_o prescribe_v in_o religion_n contrary_a to_o or_o different_a from_o the_o word_n of_o
great_a community_n and_o that_o patriarchate_n and_o primogeniture_n lose_v itself_o in_o the_o numerousness_n of_o mankind_n reason_n advise_v to_o the_o orderly_a separate_n and_o dedicate_a some_o person_n to_o the_o continual_a attendance_n upon_o sacred_a office_n 3._o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o authoritative_a herein_o as_o person_n of_o great_a sanctity_n wisdom_n attainment_n in_o knowledge_n be_v most_o recommend_v to_o such_o a_o choice_n so_o education_n separation_n to_o read_v meditation_n study_n for_o attainment_n of_o knowledge_n must_v be_v the_o mean_n under_o the_o eye_n of_o natural_a religion_n for_o enable_v person_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o function_n for_o there_o be_v but_o three_o way_n whereby_o person_n can_v be_v suppose_v authorize_v to_o presidency_n in_o divine_a thing_n 1._o by_o parental_a authority_n the_o same_o with_o patriarchal_a 2._o by_o eminency_n of_o part_n and_o gift_n join_v with_o dedication_n of_o themselves_o and_o orderly_a approbation_n to_o public_a office_n 3._o by_o special_a and_o immediate_a appointment_n of_o god_n either_o by_o a_o stand_a law_n as_o in_o the_o levitical_a priesthood_n or_o by_o inspiration_n as_o in_o the_o prophet_n the_o first_o two_o be_v of_o natural_a sanction_n the_o last_o of_o supernatural_a ordination_n and_o so_o far_o as_o appear_v by_o sacred_a record_n no_o one_o of_o they_o exclude_v from_o discourse_n and_o instruction_n of_o even_o a_o public_a character_n those_o that_o have_v eminent_a gift_n and_o inablement_n though_o not_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n as_o elihu_n have_v a_o excellent_a spirit_n equal_v himself_o with_o man_n of_o day_n and_o year_n as_o he_o himself_o speak_v job_n 32._o 7_o 8._o but_o jeroboam'_v make_v priest_n of_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n â—_o 1_o king_n 12._o 3â—_n â—_o be_v a_o transgression_n against_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o error_n of_o too_o much_o a_o like_a enormity_n against_o innate_a reason_n to_o bring_v down_o divine_a office_n to_o such_o prepare_a prescription_n as_o the_o most_o uneducated_a undevoted_a undedicate_v person_n to_o knowledge_n study_n meditation_n may_v perform_v so_o that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o trust_v to_o but_o as_o it_o be_v call_v the_o indelible_a character_n of_o ordination_n which_o will_v hardly_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o the_o court_n of_o natural_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o can_v easy_o atone_v they_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o reveal_v religion_n which_o never_o contradict_v or_o so_o much_o as_o dispense_v with_o natural_a on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o clog_v the_o high_o dignify_v person_n in_o this_o ministry_n with_o so_o much_o of_o rule_n and_o business_n as_o hinder_v the_o performance_n of_o these_o divine_a office_n with_o the_o utmost_a effect_n of_o that_o study_n and_o meditation_n before_o speak_v of_o run_v into_o the_o same_o ill_a consequence_n and_o exchange_n a_o religious_a service_n into_o a_o secular_a grandeur_n else_o no_o one_o have_v reason_n to_o envy_v that_o they_o who_o be_v prince_n in_o righteousness_n truth_n and_o peace_n and_o priest_n indeed_o of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n 18._o gen._n 14._o 18._o mediate_a continual_o betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n in_o doctrine_n prayer_n blessing_n and_o praise_n shall_v be_v place_v among_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o people_n and_o so_o i_o have_v run_v through_o those_o thing_n that_o more_o immediate_o concern_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n but_o like_v unto_o 38._o mat._n 22._o 37_o 38._o these_o be_v righteousness_n justice_n mercy_n truth_n sobriety_n temperance_n charity_n humility_n modesty_n patience_n general_a love_n peaceableness_n contain_v ourselves_o within_o our_o own_o bound_n order_n submission_n to_o government_n with_o perfect_a subjection_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o contradict_v obedience_n to_o god_n together_o with_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o speak_v virtue_n goodness_n loveliness_n good_a report_n honour_n esteem_v in_o human_a conversation_n 8._o phil._n 4._o 8._o which_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v come_v under_o the_o observation_n of_o man_n and_o can_v be_v regulate_v by_o law_n so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v come_v into_o palpable_a instance_n be_v worthy_a of_o reward_n and_o encouragement_n and_o the_o contrary_a of_o punishment_n this_o be_v natural_a religion_n and_o it_o stand_v upon_o this_o unmovable_a foundation_n nothing_o be_v more_o true_o religion_n or_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n than_o those_o thing_n which_o do_v most_o perfect_a humane_a nature_n into_o a_o conformity_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a in_o the_o order_n or_o scale_v of_o religious_a excellency_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o real_o good_a the_o more_o substantial_a rational_a solid_o good_a any_o thing_n be_v the_o more_o it_o please_v god_n and_o must_v be_v approve_v of_o 18._o rom._n 14._o 18._o man_n if_o they_o show_v themselves_o man_n thus_o all_o the_o massy_a act_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o man_n godliness_n righteousness_n soberness_n excel_v all_o the_o honour_n pretend_v to_o be_v do_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n praise_n discourse_n of_o he_o oâ—_n whatever_o of_o that_o sort_n seem_v most_o worthy_a to_o be_v prefer_v which_o without_o the_o other_o become_v a_o flattery_n of_o god_n only_o next_o discourse_n of_o his_o word_n and_o will_n in_o order_n to_o learn_v obedience_n be_v of_o high_a account_n than_o prayer_n for_o he_o that_o 9_o prov._n 28._o 9_o turn_v away_o his_o ear_n from_o hear_v the_o law_n his_o prayer_n shall_v be_v a_o abomination_n yet_o prayer_n and_o praise_n be_v much_o more_o acceptable_a than_o sacrifice_n there_o may_v be_v now_o a_o solemn_a appeal_n make_v to_o all_o the_o world_n whether_o christian_a religion_n be_v defective_a in_o one_o single_a point_n of_o this_o true_a natural_a religion_n at_o the_o high_a and_o full_a dimension_n of_o it_o possible_a to_o be_v conceive_v here_o be_v the_o height_n and_o depth_n the_o breadth_n and_o length_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n concern_v god_n concern_v good_a and_o evil_n concern_v reward_n and_o punishment_n according_a to_o the_o most_o sober_a sedate_v judgement_n of_o mankind_n the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o world_n the_o most_o ready_a accusation_n and_o defence_n all_o man_n make_v in_o point_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o their_o treaty_n and_o debate_v one_o with_o another_o according_a to_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o most_o wise_a learned_a and_o virtuous_a of_o the_o philosopher_n the_o best_a of_o lawgiver_n if_o then_o there_o be_v the_o most_o wise_a the_o most_o good_a the_o most_o virtuous_a that_o ever_o be_v in_o nature_n find_v in_o christian_a religion_n abate_v nothing_o but_o positive_a law_n topical_a religion_n rite_n and_o custom_n what_o a_o foundation_n of_o peace_n quietness_n and_o happy_a state_n may_v a_o consent_n but_o in_o this_o natural_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v fair_o extant_a in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v and_o what_o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o christian_a verity_n will_v such_o a_o acceptance_n of_o natural_a undeniable_a religion_n from_o it_o be_v when_o just_a as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n those_o 8._o act_n 2._o 8._o several_a sort_n of_o people_n hear_v the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n each_o in_o their_o own_o language_n so_o in_o christianity_n every_o one_o find_v what_o ever_o they_o can_v think_v except_v their_o own_o particular_a rite_n most_o general_o true_o and_o valuable_o good_a and_o that_o upon_o deep_a consideration_n strict_a examination_n and_o even_o uncontroversable_a certainty_n and_o how_o benign_a and_o compassionate_a might_n mankind_n be_v to_o itself_o if_o summon_v together_o these_o true_o excellent_a notion_n and_o frame_v its_o religious_a law_n according_a to_o they_o they_o exact_v a_o severe_a conformity_n in_o all_o that_o be_v thus_o virtuous_a and_o good_a and_o allow_v a_o benign_a freedom_n of_o offering_n and_o receive_v the_o best_a account_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o further_a revelation_n from_o god_n forbear_v injury_n violence_n and_o blood_n and_o then_o also_o it_o will_v soon_o appear_v what_o a_o indisputable_a title_n that_o only_o excellent_a religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v to_o be_v the_o true_o catholic_n religion_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o so_o far_o to_o set_v it_o at_o peace_n now_o though_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o expect_v this_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v till_o a_o spirit_n be_v pour_v out_o from_o on_o high_a and_o these_o river_n of_o truth_n break_v out_o in_o the_o wilderness_n till_o the_o great_a prophecy_n of_o scripture_n look_v to_o a_o better_a state_n of_o the_o world_n come_v to_o be_v fulfil_v yet_o still_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o nor_o do_v it_o diminish_v the_o reasonableness_n or_o silence_v the_o offer_n of_o the_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v not_o likely_a
our_o love_n in_o our_o sympathy_n in_o our_o bowel_n of_o affection_n in_o our_o care_n for_o the_o body_n though_o we_o be_v not_o all_o of_o a_o aspect_n of_o a_o figure_n of_o a_o size_n in_o our_o membership_n yet_o still_o be_v we_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n in_o particular_a and_o be_v so_o we_o be_v the_o israel_n of_o god_n upon_o who_o be_v peace_n and_o mercy_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n and_o if_o we_o ought_v as_o certain_o we_o ought_v so_o to_o pray_v with_o what_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n with_o what_o appearance_n of_o christianity_n can_v we_o move_v against_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o fellow-member_n or_o not_o contribute_v to_o their_o ease_n to_o their_o self-enjoyment_n to_o the_o comfort_n of_o each_o other_o condition_n so_o that_o if_o one_o member_n be_v honour_v all_o the_o member_n may_v rejoice_v with_o it_o if_o one_o member_n suffer_v all_o the_o member_n may_v suffer_v with_o it_o and_o send_v in_o to_o its_o relief_n and_o support_n our_o defect_n herein_o disturb_v the_o peace_n not_o minister_a to_o the_o merciful_a support_n of_o one_o another_o will_v be_v find_v another_o sort_n of_o schism_n but_o of_o far_o deep_a gild_n than_o that_o so_o much_o cry_v out_o of_o not_o conform_v to_o one_o another_o indifferent_n but_o above_o all_o the_o raven_a of_o the_o evening_n wolf_n the_o roar_n of_o the_o lion_n the_o poison_n and_o venom_n of_o the_o asp_n and_o cokatrice_n '_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o our_o mountain_n if_o we_o will_v have_v it_o account_v the_o holy_a mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o on_o all_o side_n we_o shall_v open_v the_o door_n and_o sluice_n that_o the_o stream_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n may_v run_v every_o way_n till_o it_o cover_v our_o land_n as_o the_o water_n do_v the_o sea_n the_o end_n true_a religion_n the_o interest_n of_o nation_n or_o national_a religion_n demonstrate_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o nation_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 79._o 6._o &_o jer._n 10._o 25._o pour_v out_o thy_o wrath_n fury_n upon_o the_o heathen_a nation_n that_o have_v not_o know_v thou_o and_o upon_o the_o kingdom_n family_n that_o have_v not_o call_v on_o thy_o name_n this_o prayer_n double_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o weight_n of_o it_o the_o safety_n to_o man_n it_o shall_v be_v well_o know_v and_o the_o certainty_n of_o its_o effect_n contain_v a_o strong_a assertion_n of_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o 32._o phil._n 3._o 2._o gen._n 41._o 32._o and_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o nation_n to_o national_a true_a religion_n for_o see_v according_a to_o a_o grand_a rule_n in_o god_n administration_n of_o the_o world_n nation_n that_o have_v no_o national_a religion_n and_o who_o nationalness_n therefore_o become_v heathenism_n and_o be_v so_o brand_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o so_o nation_n in_o scripture_n very_o often_o signify_v heathen_a that_o be_v nation_n without_o true_a religion_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o wrath_n and_o fury_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o it_o do_v not_o only_o follow_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o contrary_n that_o national_a true_a religion_n or_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n have_v a_o strong_a order_n to_o and_o connexion_n with_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o as_o the_o positive_a proposition_n be_v the_o prime_n and_o original_n and_o give_v ground_n to_o and_o contain_v within_o itself_o the_o privative_a so_o do_v this_o proposition_n that_o god_n anger_n and_o fury_n be_v at_o all_o time_n ready_a against_o those_o that_o do_v not_o know_v he_o that_o do_v not_o call_v upon_o he_o as_o join_v in_o a_o national_a body_n or_o society_n be_v the_o privative_a owe_v itself_o to_o the_o other_o be_v the_o positive_a as_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o make_v out_o in_o the_o argue_v this_o point_n at_o the_o present_a it_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o observe_v that_o these_o two_o holy_a man_n the_o composer_n of_o this_o psalm_n and_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n except_o as_o some_o think_v they_o be_v both_o one_o desire_v the_o destruction_n of_o those_o heathen_a enemy_n under_o who_o oppression_n their_o own_o people_n which_o at_o that_o time_n comprehend_v the_o church_n of_o god_n then_o groan_v and_o pray_v in_o spirit_n for_o it_o rely_v and_o rest_v the_o whole_a weight_n of_o their_o prayer_n upon_o this_o principle_n of_o great_a truth_n and_o consequence_n in_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o as_o family_n as_o nation_n as_o kingdom_n for_o so_o all_o community_n be_v comprehend_v they_o do_v not_o know_v nor_o call_v upon_o god_n that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o therefore_o be_v most_o just_o subject_a to_o his_o fierce_a displeasure_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v couch_v under_o this_o though_o indeed_o before_o it_o that_o the_o people_n that_o do_v know_v and_o call_v upon_o the_o true_a god_n have_v a_o title_n to_o his_o savour_n and_o vindication_n of_o they_o in_o all_o their_o distress_n while_o they_o be_v consider_v as_o so_o know_v and_o call_v upon_o he_o and_o not_o contradict_v it_o by_o their_o action_n the_o context_n therefore_o go_v on_o argue_v with_o god_n on_o this_o point_n they_o have_v devour_v jacob_n in_o who_o quarrel_n and_o rescue_n god_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v and_o see_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n and_o his_o wrath_n burn_v to_o the_o low_a hell_n both_o his_o wrath_n and_o his_o favour_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o their_o extent_n even_o to_o everlasting_a age_n all_o which_o will_v ground_v the_o proposition_n which_o i_o main_o intend_v in_o this_o discourse_n that_o national_a true_a religion_n be_v the_o great_a security_n strength_n and_o defence_n of_o a_o nation_n against_o the_o divine_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n and_o give_v the_o sure_a claim_n to_o his_o favour_n blessing_n and_o protection_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v because_o it_o be_v a_o observation_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v most_o close_o unite_v in_o and_o pursue_v to_o the_o utmost_a by_o all_o wise_a nation_n and_o by_o all_o the_o several_a part_n and_o member_n of_o a_o nation_n for_o it_o be_v their_o first_o and_o high_a 15._o psal_n 33._o i2_n &_o 144._o 15._o interest_n blessed_n be_v the_o nâ—tion_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n yea_o happy_a be_v the_o people_n who_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n who_o have_v jehovah_n thus_o for_o their_o god_n and_o this_o very_a consideration_n shall_v reconcile_v all_o difference_n in_o national_a religion_n that_o can_v be_v compose_v without_o loss_n of_o that_o truth_n and_o corruption_n of_o those_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o give_v denomination_n to_o true_a national_a religion_n this_o shall_v incline_v those_o that_o be_v above_o to_o the_o great_a condescension_n and_o those_o that_o be_v beneath_o to_o the_o most_o free_a compliance_n possible_a if_o they_o value_v religion_n and_o love_v their_o nation_n that_o at_o least_o there_o may_v be_v union_n in_o national_a religion_n if_o there_o can_v be_v perfect_a uniformity_n for_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o upon_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o this_o point_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o national_a religion_n suppose_v it_o always_o the_o true_a be_v the_o happy_a model_n of_o union_n in_o religion_n of_o any_o upon_o earth_n and_o most_o please_a to_o god_n except_o that_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o union_n be_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o truth_n worship_n and_o practice_v but_o come_v under_o no_o other_o form_n or_o model_n proper_o take_v but_o except_o this_o there_o be_v none_o so_o perfect_a to_o the_o end_n and_o glory_n of_o religion_n so_o adequate_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o publickness_n of_o religion_n so_o encourage_v and_o advantageous_a to_o the_o practice_n so_o reconcileable_a with_o the_o peace_n of_o religion_n and_o nation_n so_o preventive_a of_o the_o endless_a division_n and_o subdivision_n humane_a nature_n be_v apt_a to_o fall_v into_o when_o it_o yield_v up_o itself_o to_o a_o scrupulosity_n and_o disputatiousness_n about_o external_n and_o form_n in_o religion_n i_o say_v again_o i_o be_o persuade_v no_o man_n can_v serve_v god_n with_o great_a acceptableness_n nor_o be_v religious_a to_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o religion_n than_o by_o join_v with_o the_o nation_n or_o supreme_a civil_a incorporation_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n so_o far_o as_o he_o can_v be_v permit_v to_o do_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n i_o say_v as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v upon_o these_o account_n if_o not_o throughout_o and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v great_a and_o valuable_a proof_n from_o
scripture_n and_o reason_n agreeable_a to_o it_o and_o deduce_v from_o it_o and_o herein_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o national_a religion_n 13._o rom._n 11._o 13._o i_o magnify_v my_o office_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o will_v first_o consider_v of_o the_o radical_a obligation_n we_o have_v to_o join_v ourselves_o with_o other_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o how_o it_o rise_v from_o personal_a religion_n the_o substratum_fw-la or_o foundation_n of_o all_o and_o by_o what_o degree_n it_o must_v and_o aught_o to_o rise_v and_o how_o it_o most_o rational_o determine_v itself_o in_o national_a religion_n it_o ought_v to_o attempt_v thus_o high_a and_o can_v successful_o attempt_v high_o in_o the_o way_n of_o association_n to_o spread_v thus_o far_o and_o can_v expatiate_v to_o any_o purpose_n beyond_o it_o i_o shall_v therefore_o here_o give_v such_o argument_n for_o national_a religion_n out_o of_o scripture_n as_o it_o do_v not_o afford_v to_o any_o other_o figure_n of_o union_n in_o it_o in_o the_o first_o place_n therefore_o it_o necessary_o must_v be_v suppose_v and_o grant_v that_o personal_a religion_n be_v the_o fundamental_a religion_n even_o as_o a_o nation_n or_o even_o universality_n of_o humane_a nature_n must_v become_v a_o notion_n without_o particular_a person_n in_o who_o all_o community_n subsist_v even_o so_o must_v national_a or_o catholic_n religion_n vanish_v into_o imagination_n if_o it_o be_v not_o sustain_v by_o particular_a and_o personal_a piety_n nation_n and_o family_n call_v upon_o god_n most_o necessary_o imply_v and_o include_v the_o particular_a person_n of_o each_o do_v so_o and_o herein_o it_o be_v further_a considerable_a that_o every_o man_n be_v a_o complete_a be_v within_o himself_o that_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o he_o be_v in_o his_o soul_n and_o body_n a_o little_a world_n within_o himself_o so_o he_o be_v a_o kingdom_n a_o society_n within_o himself_o and_o we_o may_v say_v in_o this_o sense_n he_o be_v a_o church_n within_o himself_o also_o as_o solomon_n call_v himself_o cohele_v the_o congregate_a ecclesiastes_n ecclesiastes_n or_o the_o preach_a soul_n in_o that_o great_a treaty_n with_o himself_o suppose_v his_o soul_n a_o congregation_n and_o a_o preacher_n within_o and_o to_o itself_o first_o and_o then_o to_o the_o public_a so_o ought_v every_o man_n to_o be_v to_o himself_o here_o therefore_o be_v the_o first_o inviolable_a duty_n and_o obligation_n to_o religion_n because_o a_o man_n can_v never_o be_v absent_a from_o himself_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o force_n to_o surprise_v the_o passage_n of_o a_o soul_n to_o heaven_n or_o to_o hinder_v the_o soul_n congregate_a in_o holy_a meditation_n and_o discourse_n within_o itself_o and_o as_o a_o man_n be_v thus_o consider_v he_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o or_o command_v without_o divine_a authority_n for_o as_o thus_o consider_v he_o can_v be_v force_v by_o any_o and_o he_o be_v accountable_a 12._o rom._n 14._o 4_o 12._o countable_a only_a to_o god_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v to_o his_o own_o master_n every_o one_o shall_v give_v account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a argument_n the_o apostle_n insist_o upon_o for_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o disputable_a thing_n in_o religion_n every_o man_n on_o this_o account_n ought_v to_o be_v 15_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 15_o able_a to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o he_o to_o himself_o and_o other_o and_o not_o to_o rest_v in_o a_o implicit_a faith_n it_o will_v be_v no_o man_n excuse_n he_o be_v lead_v or_o command_v into_o a_o false_a faith_n or_o idolatrous_a worship_n every_o man_n also_o upon_o this_o same_o account_n be_v bind_v to_o make_v confession_n 10._o rom._n 10._o 10._o with_o his_o mouth_n to_o salvation_n in_o his_o proper_a place_n and_o station_n and_o in_o a_o narrow_a sense_n yet_o a_o sense_n as_o large_a as_o his_o capacity_n and_o rank_n every_o true_a christian_a be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v truth_n must_v 15._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o be_v settle_v and_o strong_o seat_v in_o his_o soul_n and_o he_o must_v expose_v truth_n and_o bear_v it_o out_o in_o confession_n and_o holy_a practice_n and_o be_v himself_o a_o temple_n or_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n where_o god_n will_v please_v to_o walk_v and_o dwell_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o way_n oblige_v to_o join_v with_o a_o family_n or_o any_o sort_n of_o large_a community_n in_o a_o false_a religion_n though_o he_o shall_v stand_v alone_o in_o the_o true_a or_o shall_v as_o abraham_n forsake_v his_o people_n or_o his_o father_n house_n to_o do_v it_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o it_o be_v not_o good_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v alone_o 18._o gen._n 12._o 1._o gen._n 2._o 18._o though_o in_o true_a religion_n if_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o he_o be_v make_v for_o society_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v imperfect_a without_o it_o herein_o he_o resemble_v god_n in_o some_o low_a degree_n in_o who_o image_n and_o likeness_n he_o be_v make_v god_n be_v a_o infinite_o perfect_a be_v in_o himself_o yet_o he_o have_v please_v himself_o in_o communicativeness_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o in_o the_o attraction_n of_o all_o in_o their_o several_a kind_n especial_o angel_n and_o man_n to_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o be_v holy_a in_o be_v happy_a alone_o thus_o man_n though_o if_o he_o can_v not_o have_v society_n in_o true_a religion_n he_o will_v be_v yet_o a_o complete_a and_o absolute_a figure_n alone_o yet_o where_o and_o so_o far_o as_o he_o can_v have_v society_n in_o it_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v complete_a alone_o that_o he_o must_v needs_o prove_v a_o cypher_n a_o nothing_o if_o he_o affect_v and_o covet_v to_o be_v alone_o whatever_o he_o have_v if_o he_o have_v not_o love_n he_o be_v nothing_o god_n be_v love_n and_o therefore_o rejoice_v in_o communication_n from_o himself_o and_o with_o himself_o and_o so_o must_v so_o do_v every_o good_a man_n every_o holy_a man_n also_o if_o there_o be_v true_a personal_a religion_n there_o must_v be_v religious_a society_n for_o man_n be_v make_v for_o society_n and_o if_o he_o meet_v he_o must_v meet_v with_o that_o religjous_a sense_n he_o have_v upon_o himself_o with_o that_o i_o say_v he_o must_v meet_v with_o other_o which_o seem_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o religious_a society_n for_o if_o a_o man_n meet_v with_o his_o own_o religion_n other_o that_o have_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o religion_n there_o arise_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o all_o to_o meet_v together_o but_o further_a man_n be_v make_v for_o society_n and_o the_o first_o and_o supreme_a end_n of_o society_n as_o of_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o society_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n bind_v to_o be_v religious_a society_n marriage_n the_o root_n and_o beginning_n of_o society_n be_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o godly_a seed_n mal._n 2._o 15._o to_o sustain_v a_o succession_n of_o religion_n so_o society_n spread_v on_o still_o that_o there_o may_v be_v religious_a society_n as_o soon_o therefore_o as_o seth_n the_o first_o descendent_a from_o adam_n in_o the_o holy_a line_n have_v a_o son_n bear_v in_o the_o same_o line_n it_o be_v record_v that_o then_o man_n begin_v to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n that_o be_v most_o probable_o adam_n and_o seth_n take_v it_o as_o a_o just_a and_o necessary_a occasion_n not_o ult_n gen._n 4._o ult_n only_o to_o set_v up_o a_o pillar_n of_o thankfulness_n in_o see_v themselves_o the_o progenitor_n of_o the_o bless_a seed_n but_o in_o the_o foresight_n of_o a_o holy_a society_n just_a ready_a to_o spring_v from_o their_o loin_n they_o think_v fit_a to_o promote_v divine_a worship_n into_o a_o public_a state_n and_o certain_a order_n and_o this_o i_o think_v the_o most_o agreeable_a interpretation_n of_o that_o controvert_v place_n so_o that_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n all_o along_o the_o history_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n we_o shall_v find_v religion_n contend_v into_o publickness_n and_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o humane_a society_n yea_o humane_a nature_n have_v take_v this_o so_o for_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o there_o ever_o be_v a_o society_n in_o the_o world_n political_o unite_v or_o not_o whole_o barbarous_a but_o it_o be_v cement_v in_o religion_n though_o be_v so_o general_o but_o false_a religion_n it_o prove_v no_o better_a than_o heathenism_n there_o may_v have_v be_v private_a cabal_n of_o atheism_n but_o there_o never_o be_v a_o public_a association_n against_o a_o god_n know_v and_o believe_v except_o