because_o such_o action_n do_v tend_v to_o the_o general_a happiness_n of_o his_o creature_n who_o he_o love_v §_o 16._o and_o for_o the_o contrary_a reason_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o hate_v and_o abhor_v all_o action_n that_o be_v evil_a and_o this_o be_v what_o i_o mean_v when_o i_o say_v that_o god_n be_v most_o holy_a 19_o all_o possible_a excellency_n or_o perfection_n that_o i_o can_v conceive_v be_v reducible_a unto_o these_o five_o head_n viz._n 1._o perfection_n of_o be_v which_o consist_v in_o perpetual_a duration_n without_o any_o decay_n or_o infirmity_n 2._o perfection_n of_o understanding_n which_o consist_v in_o such_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n as_o be_v free_a all_o mistake_n or_o ignorance_n 3._o perfection_n of_o the_o will_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o free_a liberty_n to_o choose_v or_o refuse_v without_o any_o constraint_n or_o fatal_a necessity_n 4._o perfection_n of_o power_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o ability_n to_o do_v every_o thing_n and_o 5._o moral_a perfection_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o inflexible_a resolution_n always_o to_o do_v and_o encourage_v that_o which_o be_v moral_o good_a and_o to_o avoid_v and_o discourage_v whatsoever_o be_v moral_o evil_a now_o since_o all_o these_o perfection_n be_v in_o god_n in_o the_o most_o absolute_a manner_n as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n paragraph_n from_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o god_n be_v most_o absolute_o perfect_a 20._o and_o since_o he_o who_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a can_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o nothing_o it_o must_v also_o follow_v that_o god_n be_v most_o perfect_o happy_a in_o himself_o 21._o as_o my_o reason_n do_v evident_o demonstrate_v unto_o i_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n so_o do_v it_o not_o in_o the_o least_o suggest_v to_o i_o any_o argument_n to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v any_o more_o but_o one_o god_n and_o it_o be_v absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o multiply_v being_n without_o any_o ground_n or_o reason_n for_o it_o 22._o that_o there_o be_v a_o real_a and_o not_o only_o a_o nominal_a distinction_n between_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v frequent_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o such_o term_n as_o we_o ordinary_o use_v when_o we_o speak_v of_o three_o person_n although_o sometime_o this_o expression_n holy_a ghost_n or_o holy_a spirit_n may_v be_v put_v to_o signify_v not_o so_o much_o the_o person_n as_o the_o power_n effect_v or_o energy_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o although_o the_o son_n be_v often_o speak_v of_o as_o real_o and_o true_o a_o man_n yet_o many_o thing_n be_v say_v of_o he_o which_o can_v agree_v to_o a_o mere_a man_n or_o to_o any_o create_v be_v whatsoever_o and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n also_o speak_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o can_v be_v accommodate_v unto_o a_o creature_n moreover_o that_o the_o son_n derive_v his_o be_v from_o and_o always_o depend_v upon_o the_o father_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v from_o and_o upon_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v in_o my_o opinion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o one_o who_o will_v but_o interpret_v the_o holy_a scripture_n according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a sense_n and_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n thereof_o and_o not_o according_a to_o his_o own_o prejudices_fw-la or_o preconceive_a opinion_n and_o although_o the_o socinian_o do_v clear_o enough_o expound_v some_o of_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o with_o more_o zeal_n than_o reason_n be_v sometime_o urge_v against_o they_o yet_o as_o to_o the_o principal_a passage_n which_o be_v allege_v to_o prove_v what_o i_o have_v now_o assert_v i_o think_v their_o interpretation_n of_o they_o not_o only_o to_o be_v harsh_a and_o strain_a which_o in_o a_o manner_n be_v acknowledge_v even_o by_o their_o own_o acute_a and_o brief_a historian_n in_o the_o last_o paragraph_n of_o his_o second_o letter_n but_o also_o many_o time_n to_o be_v utter_o irreconcilable_a unto_o the_o word_n and_o context_n and_o now_o to_o explain_v those_o conception_n which_o arise_v in_o my_o mind_n upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o text_n here_o hint_v at_o as_o well_o as_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o abstruse_a and_o remote_a from_o my_o sense_n i_o be_o able_a since_o i_o can_v find_v a_o more_o proper_a term_n to_o express_v the_o distinction_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n by_o i_o call_v they_o three_o person_n and_o not_o know_v what_o other_o title_n to_o give_v a_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v no_o creature_n i_o call_v each_o person_n god_n but_o i_o give_v the_o title_n of_o god_n in_o a_o more_o emphatical_a manner_n unto_o the_o father_n than_o unto_o the_o son_n or_o holy_a ghost_n because_o the_o father_n depend_v on_o none_o but_o they_o do_v depend_v on_o he_o and_o since_o both_o my_o reason_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v teach_v i_o to_o own_o no_o more_o than_o one_o god_n i_o be_o of_o necessity_n compel_v to_o say_v that_o these_o three_o be_v so_o unite_v together_o though_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v above_o my_o understanding_n as_o to_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o although_o it_o argue_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o imperfection_n in_o humane_a speech_n that_o for_o want_v of_o other_o fit_a and_o proper_a term_n we_o be_v force_v to_o give_v the_o same_o appellation_n to_o each_o person_n single_o and_o to_o the_o three_o conjoint_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o imply_v any_o manner_n of_o contradiction_n as_o some_o do_v object_n because_o when_o we_o apply_v the_o word_n god_n to_o one_o single_a person_n it_o have_v not_o the_o same_o exact_a and_o adequate_a signification_n as_o when_o we_o ascribe_v it_o unto_o the_o three_o person_n conjoint_o for_o that_o will_v imply_v that_o each_o single_a person_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o three_o person_n and_o so_o confound_v that_o distinction_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v so_o often_o and_o apparent_o make_v between_o they_o and_o this_o analogical_a difference_n in_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n god_n will_v easy_o solve_v most_o of_o those_o objection_n which_o the_o socinian_o do_v bring_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o because_o i_o know_v no_o better_a word_n to_o express_v that_o unity_n which_o i_o apprehend_v to_o be_v between_o the_o three_o person_n i_o therefore_o say_v that_o they_o be_v one_o in_o essence_n or_o substance_n for_o unity_n of_o concord_n or_o consent_n alone_o do_v not_o seem_v enough_o to_o i_o to_o denominate_v they_o to_o be_v one_o god_n and_o because_o i_o find_v that_o the_o son_n be_v say_v to_o be_v beget_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o proceed_v or_o be_v send_v or_o emit_v i_o therefore_o make_v use_n of_o these_o term_n without_o pretend_v to_o assign_v the_o difference_n between_o generation_n and_o procession_n and_o although_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v each_o of_o they_o god_n be_v and_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n equal_a with_o the_o father_n yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o equality_n must_v be_v understand_v with_o a_o allowance_n for_o the_o absolute_a independence_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o he_o 23._o all_o the_o objection_n that_o i_o can_v remember_v to_o be_v make_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n thus_o state_v i_o think_v be_v easy_a enough_o to_o be_v solve_v by_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v except_v two_o which_o must_v be_v particular_o answer_v the_o first_o be_v take_v from_o joh._n 10._o 33._o etc._n etc._n but_o though_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o here_o assert_v his_o divinity_n when_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v occasion_n for_o it_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o god_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o always_o his_o custom_n to_o give_v full_a and_o complete_a answer_n unto_o such_o captious_a question_n and_o objection_n as_o be_v put_v to_o he_o but_o sometime_o he_o content_v himself_o only_o with_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o those_o who_o propose_v they_o of_o which_o we_o have_v one_o instance_n mat._n 21._o 23._o etc._n etc._n and_o another_o joh._n 8._o 3._o etc._n etc._n and_o as_o some_o think_v another_o mat._n 22._o 17._o etc._n etc._n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o conclude_v that_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n for_o what_o he_o do_v because_o he_o do_v not_o declare_v it_o when_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n question_v it_o mat._n 21._o 23._o as_o deny_v his_o divinity_n because_o he_o do_v not_o express_o maintain_v it_o when_o on_o that_o account_n he_o be_v charge_v with_o blasphemy_n the_o other_o objection_n be_v draw_v from_o mar._n 13._o
bless_a trinity_n or_o between_o the_o two_o nature_n which_o be_v in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o three_o thing_n be_v take_v for_o grant_v the_o question_n that_o be_v to_o be_v determine_v be_v whether_o or_o no_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o a_o man_n to_o deny_v his_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n because_o they_o be_v above_o his_o reason_n 16._o and_o here_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o although_o we_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n comprehend_v the_o thing_n themselves_o yet_o we_o do_v so_o far_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o term_n in_o which_o these_o doctrine_n be_v express_v as_o clear_o to_o perceive_v that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o company_n of_o insignificant_a word_n put_v together_o to_o make_v a_o sound_n and_o signify_v nothing_o what_o a_o person_n be_v we_o know_v though_o we_o can_v tell_v what_o sort_n of_o person_n the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v and_o how_o their_o personal_a distinction_n between_o themselves_o particular_o and_o full_o differ_v from_o that_o of_o man_n one_o from_o another_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v one_o we_o well_o understand_v although_o we_o can_v frame_v a_o idea_n of_o that_o special_a union_n which_o be_v between_o those_o divine_a person_n what_o it_o be_v for_o one_o be_v to_o generate_v another_o and_o what_o to_o proceed_v from_o another_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a although_o the_o peculiar_a manner_n of_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v beyond_o our_o capacity_n to_o conceive_v and_o last_o what_o it_o be_v for_o two_o being_n to_o be_v unite_v together_o we_o can_v very_o well_o apprehend_v although_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o know_v the_o manner_n of_o that_o union_n which_o be_v between_o the_o two_o nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o whence_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o these_o doctrine_n though_o above_o our_o reason_n do_v yet_o so_o far_o stand_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o those_o doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v term_v reconcilable_a to_o reason_n sect._n 8._o that_o as_o our_o reason_n may_v be_v plain_o and_o positive_a convince_v from_o its_o own_o principle_n alone_o of_o the_o possibility_n of_o the_o one_o so_o be_v there_o no_o principle_n of_o our_o reason_n which_o can_v reach_v so_o far_o as_o to_o prove_v or_o demonstrate_v any_o impossibility_n in_o the_o other_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n or_o impossibility_n in_o a_o doctrine_n it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o that_o same_o doctrine_n may_v possible_o be_v true_a and_o where_o ever_o a_o man_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o possibility_n of_o a_o doctrine_n if_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o same_o doctrine_n appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v restify_v by_o any_o person_n of_o who_o veracity_n he_o can_v entertain_v any_o manner_n of_o doubt_n he_o can_v refuse_v to_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o it_o as_o i_o have_v say_v sect._n 13._o since_o then_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n admit_v of_o no_o manner_n of_o doubt_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v by_o both_o party_n in_o this_o dispute_n allow_v of_o as_o most_o authentic_a record_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n which_o god_n have_v make_v know_v and_o reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o last_o since_o we_o here_o suppose_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o that_o of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n do_v neither_o of_o they_o contain_v or_o imply_v any_o impossibility_n or_o contradiction_n although_o they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o above_o our_o reason_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o all_o or_o any_o of_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v these_o doctrine_n be_v expound_v according_a to_o the_o common_a way_n of_o interpret_n all_o book_n of_o which_o see_v part_n 1_o sect._n 25._o do_v fair_o and_o without_o be_v wrest_v contain_v either_o in_o themselves_o or_o their_o evident_a consequence_n those_o same_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v allege_v to_o establish_v there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n why_o any_o man_n shall_v deny_v his_o assent_n to_o they_o but_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o it_o be_v still_o urge_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n explicit_o to_o believe_v a_o thing_n of_o which_o he_o can_v frame_v no_o conception_n or_o idea_n i_o must_v refer_v he_o to_o the_o story_n of_o the_o blind_a man_n sect._n 14._o which_o seem_v to_o i_o abundant_o to_o evince_v the_o contrary_n and_o why_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o well_o as_o the_o blind_a man_n do_v the_o existence_n of_o light_n and_o colour_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o man_n join_v with_o that_o collateral_a experiment_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v i_o profess_v i_o can_v see_v no_o manner_n of_o reason_n 17._o and_o as_o in_o my_o book_n part_n 3_o sect._n 71._o i_o have_v advertise_v my_o reader_n that_o i_o have_v purposely_o avoid_v the_o use_n of_o certain_a word_n and_o term_n for_o the_o reason_n there_o give_v so_o must_v i_o desire_v he_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o for_o the_o like_a reason_n i_o have_v both_o in_o my_o book_n and_o in_o this_o appendix_n omit_v so_o much_o as_o to_o mention_v the_o word_n mystery_n about_o which_o so_o great_a a_o noise_n have_v of_o late_o be_v make_v whether_o this_o same_o term_n mystery_n be_v always_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o very_a same_o and_o no_o other_o signification_n as_o it_o be_v understand_v by_o heathen_a author_n or_o whether_o other_o sort_n of_o thing_n by_o a_o very_a allowable_a analogy_n be_v not_o also_o there_o call_v mystery_n upon_o account_n of_o their_o obscurity_n because_o we_o know_v they_o but_o in_o part_n and_o see_v they_o but_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n dark_o or_o last_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o christianity_n which_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o mystery_n according_a to_o the_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o that_o term_n to_o i_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o more_o but_o a_o contention_n about_o a_o word_n which_o the_o apostle_n express_o forbid_v 2_o tim._n 2._o 14._o but_o whatever_o may_v be_v determine_v concern_v the_o propriety_n of_o the_o word_n the_o thing_n if_o self_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n in_o christianity_n which_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n and_o yet_o that_o this_o be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o denial_n of_o our_o assent_n to_o they_o 18._o and_o if_o i_o be_o tell_v that_o after_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o great_a obscurity_n in_o any_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n than_o what_o there_o be_v in_o all_o natural_a being_n with_o which_o we_o most_o familiar_o converse_v who_o real_a essence_n we_o can_v penetrate_v but_o must_v content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o sort_n of_o superficial_a knowledge_n of_o they_o which_o be_v cause_v by_o those_o impression_n which_o they_o make_v upon_o our_o outward_a organ_n which_o at_o most_o can_v be_v term_v but_o a_o nominal_a essence_n so_o that_o even_o a_o spire_n of_o grass_n a_o stick_n a_o stone_n or_o any_o other_o natural_a be_v may_v upon_o this_o account_n as_o true_o be_v term_v mystericus_fw-la as_o the_o most_o sublime_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v only_o answer_v that_o it_o mighty_o raise_v my_o wonder_n to_o hear_v man_n so_o free_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o every_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v something_o which_o be_v above_o their_o reason_n and_o to_o which_o their_o understanding_n can_v reach_v and_o yet_o that_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o same_o in_o religion_n 19_o but_o i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o the_o first_o of_o those_o three_o supposition_n which_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o sect._n 15._o will_n by_o no_o mean_n be_v grant_v by_o the_o unitarian_n for_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o allow_v the_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n to_o be_v any_o way_n sufficient_a to_o that_o purpose_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o do_v with_o the_o great_a assurance_n undertake_v to_o bring_v other_o and_o contrary_a interpetation_n of_o those_o very_a passage_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v far_o more_o rational_a and_o natural_a to_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o appendix_n that_o the_o issue_n of_o these_o controversy_n may_v be_v place_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a foundation_n for_o it_o i_o mean_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o blind_a man_n will_v not_o take_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o reason_n to_o discuss_v problem_n and_o frame_v conclusion_n concern_v light_n and_o colour_n of_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o true_a or_o sufficient_a idea_n i_o be_o very_o sensible_a that_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v their_o mind_n strong_o prepossess_v with_o any_o opinion_n may_v by_o their_o criticism_n and_o paraphrase_n and_o such_o like_a engine_n torture_n and_o screw_v almost_o any_o text_n of_o scripture_n till_o they_o make_v it_o look_v with_o another_o aspect_n from_o what_o be_v true_o its_o own_o and_o seem_v to_o confess_v what_o real_o it_o never_o think_v or_o mean_v but_o if_o we_o will_v always_o take_v those_o interpretation_n which_o flow_v of_o themselves_o and_o not_o those_o which_o be_v violent_o press_v from_o the_o scripture_n which_o i_o think_v be_v the_o fair_a way_n of_o expound_v all_o speech_n and_o discourse_n whatsoever_o i_o can_v for_o my_o part_n see_v how_o we_o can_v otherwise_o conclude_v concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n than_o as_o i_o have_v do_v part_v 2._o sect._n 22._o 37._o finis_fw-la
least_o that_o what_o i_o have_v here_o do_v may_v move_v some_o more_o able_a and_o judicious_a person_n to_o take_v the_o work_n in_o hand_n and_o supply_v those_o defect_n of_o which_o i_o have_v be_v guilty_a the_o continuation_n of_o a_o gentleman_n religion_n be_v the_o second_o part_n 1._o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a authentic_a record_n that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o find_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o they_o do_v express_v divine_a matter_n real_o and_o true_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o deliver_v be_v most-certain_o true_a although_o many_o time_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o understand_v the_o design_n and._n mean_v of_o some_o expression_n and_o passage_n which_o do_v occur_v therein_o i_o think_v it_o indeed_o to_o be_v very_o proper_a that_o man_n of_o any_o reasonable_a learning_n and_o prudence_n shall_v modest_o offer_v their_o thought_n to_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o explain_v of_o such_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o appear_v to_o be_v abstruse_a and_o difficult_a but_o he_o who_o speak_v his_o own_o word_n and_o not_o those_o of_o scripture_n can_v therein_o only_o offer_v his_o own_o apprehension_n to_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o subscribe_v any_o far_a than_o as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o own_o reason_n convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o their_o consonancy_n with_o the_o scripture_n 2._o i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v that_o a_o implicit_a faith_n be_v due_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o challenge_v it_o part_n 1_o §_o 21._o much_o less_o sure_a to_o any_o other_o church_n which_o do_v not_o require_v it_o when_o therefore_o any_o church_n much_o more_o when_o any_o private_a man_n do_v offer_v i_o any_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o own_o word_n i_o think_v i_o ought_v to_o consider_v first_o whether_o what_o they_o say_v be_v intelligible_a for_o though_o we_o may_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n to_o comprehend_v part_v 1_o §_o 33._o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o give_v a_o explicit_a assent_n to_o any_o form_n of_o word_n if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o second_o whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o self-evident_a principle_n of_o reason_n for_o if_o i_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o believe_v it_o part_v 1_o §_o 33._o nor_o must_v any_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v interpret_v above_o the_o level_n of_o plain_a and_o self-evident_a reason_n whatever_o the_o literal_a sense_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v and_o three_o whether_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o any_o solid_a argument_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o scripture_n for_o though_o a_o doctrine_n be_v both_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a yet_o still_o it_o may_v be_v false_a and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v except_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v these_o rule_n i_o have_v endeavour_v strict_o to_o observe_v in_o the_o trial_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o i_o be_o now_o about_o to_o propose_v and_o i_o desire_v my_o reader_n careful_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v offer_v unto_o he_o but_o here_o i_o must_v desire_v he_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o i_o do_v fuppose_v he_o to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o also_o with_o the_o common_a argument_n upon_o which_o the_o several_a party_n of_o christian_n do_v ground_n and_o maintain_v their_o opinion_n and_o therefore_o for_o his_o ease_n as_o well_o as_o my_o own_o i_o shall_v save_v myself_o the_o labour_n of_o mention_v such_o argument_n and_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o be_v usual_o bring_v to_o prove_v those_o point_n which_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o even_o in_o those_o point_n which_o be_v controvert_v between_o different_a party_n i_o shall_v ordinary_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o hint_n at_o some_o of_o those_o text_n and_o argument_n which_o be_v use_v on_o either_o side_n of_o which_o i_o can_v scarce_o suppose_v any_o man_n to_o be_v ignorant_a that_o be_v but_o moderate_o acquaint_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o several_a party_n that_o profess_v it_o 3._o to_o believe_v what_o god_n make_v know_v and_o to_o do_v what_o he_o command_v be_v what_o all_o man_n call_v religion_n but_o thing_n that_o be_v impossible_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n require_v from_o no_o man_n part_n 1_o §_o 14._o when_o therefore_o damnation_n be_v denounce_v in_o scripture_n against_o those_o who_o receive_v not_o the_o gospel_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o they_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o not_o of_o such_o who_o be_v invincible_o ignorant_a either_o for_o want_v of_o capacity_n john_n 9_o 41._o or_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n joh._n 15._o 22._o but_o for_o a_o man_n who_o have_v both_o the_o capacity_n and_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n through_o negligence_n to_o continue_v in_o ignorance_n of_o god_n will_n my_o reason_n tell_v i_o be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n beside_o all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o do_v require_v we_o diligent_o to_o seek_v after_o knowledge_n 4._o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v sufficient_o to_o be_v prove_v from_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o observation_n but_o full_o to_o comprehend_v his_o nature_n or_o declare_v in_o all_o point_n what_o he_o be_v be_v by_o all_o allow_a to_o be_v impossible_a to_o we_o 5._o that_o god_n never_o have_v a_o beginning_n i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o conclude_v part_n 1_o §_o 6._o and_o if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v not_o tell_v i_o that_o he_o be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a yet_o my_o own_o reason_n will_v have_v infer_v that_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o decay_n nor_o ever_o shall_v have_v a_o end_v 6._o the_o nature_n of_o every_o material_a be_v seem_v necessary_o to_o imply_v a_o possibility_n of_o have_v its_o part_n disjoin_v and_o separate_v one_o from_o another_o and_o consequent_o of_o be_v dissolve_v and_o destroy_v and_o theresore_n i_o conclude_v that_o the_o eternal_a god_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o matter_n and_o that_o be_v which_o be_v intelligent_a and_o do_v not_o consist_v of_o any_o material_a part_n i_o call_v a_o spirit_n and_o this_o be_v what_o i_o mean_v when_o i_o say_v that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n as_o for_o those_o expression_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o such_o like_a which_o do_v occur_v sometime_o in_o scripture_n and_o seem_v to_o imply_v bodily_a part_n it_o be_v manifest_o obvious_a that_o they_o must_v be_v pure_o metaphorical_a 7._o our_o experience_n do_v sufficient_o testify_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v visible_a to_o we_o be_v ever_o material_a since_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o matter_n i_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v invisible_a to_o mortal_a eye_n as_o the_o scripture_n positive_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v and_o all_o those_o text_n which_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v be_v see_v by_o man_n i_o think_v must_v of_o necessity_n be_v interpret_v some_o other_o way_n viz._n either_o 1._o of_o a_o angel_n appear_v in_o a_o glorious_a and_o majestatick_a manner_n or_o 2._o of_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n assume_v a_o bodily_a appearance_n as_o after_o he_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o or_o 3._o of_o some_o visible_a and_o extraordinary_a sign_n and_o token_n that_o the_o invisible_a god_n be_v there_o present_a in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n or_o 4._o of_o those_o mystical_a and_o hieroglyphical_a representation_n which_o god_n have_v sometime_o be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o not_o to_o the_o sense_n but_o to_o the_o imagination_n and_o understanding_n of_o his_o prophet_n in_o their_o extatick_a dream_n and_o vision_n 8._o among_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o can_v conceive_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v i._n e._n to_o imply_v no_o contradiction_n i_o can_v find_v nothing_o which_o to_o i_o appear_v more_o difficult_a than_o what_o god_n have_v already_o do_v in_o the_o structure_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o god_n can_v do_v whatsoever_o in_o its_o self_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v what_o i_o mean_v when_o i_o say_v that_o he_o be_v almighty_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o one_o sure_a who_o will_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v do_v such_o thing_n as_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o attribute_n 9_o that_o god_n who_o make_v all_o thing_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n appear_v to_o
no_o way_n contradictory_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o plain_a and_o sound_a reason_n and_o if_o in_o many_o other_o point_n of_o speculation_n which_o by_o some_o be_v adopt_v into_o religion_n i_o be_o either_o whole_o ignorant_a or_o perhaps_o doubtful_a and_o undetermined_a or_o it_o may_v be_v mistake_v yet_o if_o to_o the_o belief_n which_o i_o have_v here_o profess_v i_o do_v superadd_a a_o virtuous_a and_o christian_a course_n of_o life_n i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o moderate_a christian_n who_o do_v not_o in_o effect_n make_v it_o a_o part_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o be_v uncharitable_a but_o will_v allow_v that_o i_o may_v be_v save_v but_o wherein_o this_o virtuous_a and_o christian_a life_n consist_v and_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n which_o the_o gospel_n oblige_v we_o all_o to_o perform_v whether_o they_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o pure_a morality_n as_o to_o love_n god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n or_o those_o of_o positive_a institution_n as_o to_o be_v baptise_a to_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o three_o and_o last_o part_n of_o this_o small_a work_n to_o which_o therefore_o i_o now_o proceed_v a_o gentleman_n religion_n part_n iii_o 1._o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o consequent_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v reducible_a to_o these_o two_o viz._n to_o abstain_v from_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a according_a to_o his_o ability_n those_o action_n i_o call_v good_a which_o either_o be_v eternal_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o nature_n circumstance_n and_o mutual_a relation_n of_o person_n and_o thing_n and_o therefore_o for_o ever_o to_o be_v approve_v of_o by_o every_o impartial_a rational_a be_v as_o i_o have_v say_v part_n 2._o §_o 18._o for_o which_o we_o must_v appeal_v to_o every_o man_n reason_n as_o we_o do_v to_o his_o eye_n without_o any_o other_o demonstration_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o sun_n shine_v or_o else_o be_v express_o command_v by_o god_n of_o his_o own_o positive_a will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o who_o as_o be_v his_o creature_n we_o all_o owe_v a_o entire_a obedience_n for_o which_o we_o must_v have_v our_o recourse_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n only_o all_o the_o positive_a institution_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n which_o be_v give_v by_o god_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v abrogate_a and_o the_o obligation_n of_o they_o annul_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n although_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o it_o which_o contain_v the_o precept_n and_o rule_n of_o eternal_a good_a and_o evil_n and_o wherein_o the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o that_o law_n consist_v be_v not_o only_o abet_v and_o confirm_v but_o also_o very_o much_o improve_v by_o he_o and_o such_o action_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o good_a that_o be_v to_o say_v either_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n or_o else_o positive_o forbid_v by_o god_n i_o call_v evil_a i_o be_o indeed_o of_o opinion_n that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n whereby_o some_o thing_n which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v be_v indifferent_a be_v enjoin_v or_o forbid_v but_o also_o either_o in_o particular_a or_o at_o least_o in_o general_n a_o sufficient_a account_n of_o all_o those_o action_n which_o be_v eternal_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v do_v or_o avoid_v by_o we_o and_o this_o design_v by_o almighty_a god_n for_o the_o direction_n and_o instruction_n of_o those_o man_n who_o have_v not_o ability_n to_o dive_v into_o and_o discover_v those_o thing_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o describe_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a it_o may_v be_v enough_o for_o i_o to_o collect_v the_o precept_n and_o prohibition_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o to_o vouch_v no_o other_o authority_n or_o reason_n but_o his_o will_n for_o they_o but_o because_o every_o man_n duty_n will_v probable_o make_v the_o great_a impression_n upon_o his_o mind_n when_o he_o be_v satisfy_v as_o to_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o convince_v of_o its_o obligation_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v as_o i_o proceed_v first_o to_o infer_v as_o much_o of_o our_o duty_n as_o i_o can_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n and_o then_o to_o superadd_a where_o there_o be_v occasion_n what_o god_n have_v positive_o ordain_v and_o command_v as_o to_o any_o point_n and_o this_o with_o the_o same_o conciseness_n that_o i_o have_v observe_v in_o my_o second_o part_n neither_o enlarge_n upon_o those_o argument_n nor_o recite_v those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o i_o suppose_v my_o reader_n to_o be_v able_a to_o call_v to_o mind_n upon_o the_o least_o hint_n of_o they_o 2._o to_o begin_v then_o since_o god_n be_v the_o most_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a be_v in_o himself_o and_o so_o love_a and_o beneficent_a to_o we_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v he_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n that_o possible_o we_o can_v and_o true_a and_o complete_a love_n as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o one_o person_n exert_v towards_o another_o as_o its_o object_n consist_v in_o a_o unseigned_a desire_n first_o of_o always_o do_v what_o may_v be_v true_o grateful_a and_o acceptable_a to_o the_o person_n belove_v and_o second_o of_o enjoy_v and_o be_v with_o he_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v the_o more_o ardent_a and_o zealous_a we_o be_v in_o our_o love_n to_o god_n the_o better_a undoubted_o it_o be_v and_o we_o shall_v strive_v to_o engage_v our_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o our_o reason_n and_o our_o will_n unto_o he_o from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v all_o thing_n but_o yet_o this_o love_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v or_o judge_v of_o by_o the_o earnestness_n of_o those_o sudden_a motion_n which_o sometime_o may_v arise_v within_o we_o upon_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n excellency_n and_o goodness_n because_o to_o be_v thus_o passionate_o affect_v be_v not_o whole_o in_o our_o power_n and_o sometime_o lest_o so_o when_o we_o most_o earnest_o desire_v it_o but_o the_o true_a and_o certain_a way_n of_o judge_v whether_o we_o love_v god_n or_o not_o be_v by_o examine_v whether_o we_o be_v steadfast_a in_o our_o resolution_n and_o according_o diligent_a in_o our_o endeavour_n constant_o to_o obey_v he_o and_o keep_v all_o his_o commandment_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o please_v and_o consequent_o to_o enjoy_v and_o for_o ever_o be_v with_o he_o and_o where_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v thus_o firm_o root_v in_o the_o will_n and_o bring_v forth_o plenty_n of_o fruit_n in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n it_o be_v certain_o nevertheless_o acceptable_a to_o he_o although_o it_o do_v not_o so_o passionate_o move_v our_o affection_n as_o we_o can_v wish_v or_o desire_v and_o as_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o almighty_a god_n be_v derive_v from_o and_o do_v depend_v upon_o that_o of_o love_v of_o he_o or_o rather_o indeed_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o so_o be_v it_o very_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o same_o forementioned_a rule_n that_o be_v to_o say_v not_o so_o much_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o inward_a impulse_n upon_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o under_o our_o command_n as_o by_o the_o steady_a agreeableness_n of_o our_o will_n and_o action_n unto_o all_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v right_a and_o good_a 3._o since_o god_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a and_o consequent_o the_o most_o worthy_a of_o all_o being_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v from_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o honour_v he_o with_o the_o great_a honour_n that_o may_v be_v now_o to_o honour_v any_o person_n be_v in_o other_o word_n inward_o to_o esteem_v and_o outward_o to_o show_v our_o respect_n to_o he_o our_o inward_a esteem_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o a_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o be_v and_o attribute_n and_o our_o outward_a respect_n to_o he_o be_v to_o be_v show_v as_o well_o by_o abstain_v from_o all_o action_n which_o may_v savour_v of_o any_o neglect_n or_o irreverence_n towards_o he_o as_o by_o perform_v all_o such_o as_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v suitable_a both_o to_o his_o own_o excellency_n and_o our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o 4._o since_o god_n be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n and_o know_v all_o even_o the_o most_o secret_a thing_n and_o therefore_o can_v possible_o be_v deceive_v or_o impose_v on_o we_o shall_v on_o this_o consideration_n be_v very_o watchful_a and_o careful_a upon_o all_o occasion_n how_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o his_o presence_n and_o
be_v possible_a when_o therefore_o any_o religious_a dispute_n arise_v whereby_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n be_v like_a to_o be_v endanger_v it_o be_v free_a and_o proper_a for_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n which_o shall_v hinder_v either_o the_o church_n universal_a or_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o even_o any_o prudent_a man_n whatsoever_o to_o declare_v and_o publish_v their_o sense_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o debate_n but_o as_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o determination_n of_o any_o church_n or_o party_n whatsoever_o any_o far_a than_o he_o be_v convince_v and_o satisfy_v of_o its_o agreement_n with_o reason_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n part_v 2._o §_o 1_o and_o 2._o so_o be_v not_o any_o man_n bind_v to_o oppose_v or_o dispute_v even_o against_o a_o error_n itself_o except_o there_o be_v something_o in_o it_o which_o be_v injurious_a to_o christian_a faith_n or_o practice_n and_o consequent_o which_o may_v prove_v pernicious_a to_o man_n salvation_n and_o therefore_o if_o such_o a_o mistake_n which_o may_v have_v prevail_v in_o any_o church_n can_v well_o be_v rectify_v without_o endanger_v the_o breach_n of_o peace_n and_o charity_n because_o they_o who_o hold_v it_o it_o may_v be_v be_v obstinate_o wed_v to_o it_o i_o think_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o we_o all_o to_o be_v very_o tender_a in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o to_o permit_v every_o man_n free_o to_o abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n until_o such_o time_n as_o god_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o clear_a sight_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n on_o the_o account_n of_o any_o error_n that_o be_v not_o damnable_a and_o much_o less_o on_o account_n only_o of_o such_o term_n or_o expression_n as_o be_v but_o abstruse_a or_o of_o doubtful_a signification_n for_o otherwise_o since_o the_o apprehension_n of_o man_n be_v so_o very_o different_a especial_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v remote_a from_o our_o sense_n be_v matter_n only_o of_o rational_a speculation_n if_o difference_n of_o opinion_n upon_o such_o theological_a question_n as_o do_v not_o immediate_o concern_v our_o salvation_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o separation_n in_o point_n of_o communion_n there_o will_v soon_o be_v probable_o almost_o as_o many_o church_n as_o man_n in_o the_o world_n but_o if_o any_o church_n shall_v require_v from_o a_o man_n either_o to_o comply_v with_o or_o practice_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o only_o against_o his_o fancy_n in_o point_n of_o decency_n or_o convenience_n but_o also_o against_o his_o conscience_n in_o point_n of_o lawfulness_n or_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v silent_a and_o not_o oppose_v but_o also_o explicit_o profess_v the_o belief_n of_o any_o such_o doctrine_n as_o he_o judge_n to_o be_v false_a however_o innocent_a the_o belief_n of_o they_o may_v be_v to_o they_o who_o think_v they_o true_a and_o if_o such_o a_o church_n shall_v refuse_v and_o deny_v her_o communion_n to_o all_o those_o who_o will_v not_o join_v with_o she_o upon_o these_o term_n we_o must_v rather_o be_v content_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o such_o a_o church_n communion_n than_o to_o purchase_v it_o by_o solemn_o tell_v a_o down_o right_a lie_n before_o god_n and_o the_o world_n or_o by_o the_o violation_n of_o any_o other_o of_o god_n command_n for_o if_o we_o offer_v to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o st._n paul_n have_v declare_v we_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n 65._o for_o the_o due_a regulation_n of_o every_o society_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o have_v a_o power_n somewhere_o or_o other_o vest_v in_o it_o over_o its_o own_o member_n either_o to_o compel_v they_o to_o live_v orderly_o according_a to_o its_o law_n and_o constitution_n or_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v disobedient_a and_o refractory_a and_o will_v not_o upon_o due_a admonition_n be_v reclaim_v whole_o to_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o community_n for_o otherwise_o if_o the_o member_n of_o any_o society_n may_v at_o their_o pleasure_n break_v its_o constitution_n and_o violate_v its_o law_n without_o control_n this_o will_v be_v whole_o to_o pull_v down_o the_o enclosure_n and_o lay_v all_o open_a and_o common_a as_o before_o and_o consequent_o in_o effect_n to_o dissolve_v the_o society_n itself_o and_o according_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v the_o church_n a_o power_n to_o admonish_v and_o rebuke_v those_o who_o give_v any_o scandal_n by_o their_o ungodly_a and_o unruly_a behaviour_n and_o if_o upon_o this_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v and_o reform_v of_o reject_v and_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o her_o communion_n which_o authority_n must_v ever_o be_v exercise_v with_o due_a mildness_n and_o caution_n for_o the_o edification_n and_o not_o with_o heat_n and_o fury_n which_o in_o the_o end_n will_v more_o probable_o tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o church_n but_o if_o any_o church_n shall_v go_v beyond_o this_o to_o punish_v or_o persecute_v man_n with_o fire_n and_o sword_n or_o with_o fines_n and_o imprisonment_n only_o for_o be_v of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n from_o and_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o her_z in_o my_o opinion_n she_o herein_o act_v contrary_a to_o that_o mildness_n and_o gentleness_n which_o the_o gospel_n upon_o all_o occasion_n prescribe_v and_o particular_o in_o the_o case_n of_o deal_n with_o those_o who_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o it_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 24._o although_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o can_v be_v deâ—yed_v but_o that_o if_o any_o man_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n or_o religion_n shall_v advance_v such_o doctrine_n or_o do_v such_o act_n as_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o peace_n or_o safety_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n or_o commonwealth_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o punish_v such_o a_o person_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n notwithstanding_o all_o his_o pretence_n for_o if_o the_o plea_n of_o conscience_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o can_v only_o be_v know_v to_o almighty_a god_n be_v sufficient_a to_o save_v any_o malefactor_n from_o punishment_n no_o civil_a society_n can_v ever_o be_v safe_a and_o all_o humane_a law_n and_o magistrate_n will_v be_v whole_o useless_a see_v part_n 1_o §_o 35._o 66_o and_o as_o almighty_a god_n in_o his_o mercy_n be_v please_v not_o to_o cut_v the_o great_a sinner_n off_o from_o all_o hope_n of_o pardon_n but_o be_v ready_a at_o any_o time_n upon_o their_o true_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n to_o receive_v they_o again_o into_o his_o favour_n so_o have_v he_o commit_v unto_o the_o church_n the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n which_o church_n therefore_o according_o aught_o not_o only_o to_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n by_o preach_v admonition_n and_o exhortation_n but_o also_o wherever_o she_o see_v evident_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o it_o in_o any_o person_n of_o which_o yet_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v good_a assurance_n for_o his_o great_a comfort_n and_o ease_v of_o conscience_n to_o remit_v or_o absolve_v he_o from_o his_o sin_n and_o restore_v he_o again_o to_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n of_o christian_a communion_n of_o which_o i_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v deprive_v and_o whatever_o sentence_n of_o thus_o bind_v or_o lose_v remit_v or_o retain_v of_o man_n sin_n be_v due_o and_o regular_o pronounce_v by_o the_o church_n upon_o earth_n our_o saviour_n assure_v we_o it_o shall_v be_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o god_n in_o heaven_n but_o that_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o make_v a_o particular_a confession_n of_o all_o his_o sin_n unto_o any_o other_o person_n except_o god_n in_o order_n to_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o or_o absolution_n from_o they_o as_o i_o no_o where_o find_v it_o assert_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o the_o reason_n which_o the_o roman_a divine_n do_v allege_v for_o it_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o unconcluding_a for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o particular_a confession_n of_o a_o man_n sin_n which_o may_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o most_o harden_a impenitent_a but_o his_o contrition_n and_o the_o visible_a reformation_n of_o his_o life_n which_o may_v sufficient_o appear_v without_o a_o particular_a confession_n that_o only_o can_v enable_v the_o church_n or_o her_o minister_n to_o judge_v whether_o he_o true_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n or_o not_o and_o consequent_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o proper_a object_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o the_o church_n favour_n although_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v be_v very_o proper_a for_o a_o man_n to_o make_v know_v the_o disease_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o a_o prudent_a spiritual_a physician_n that_o he_o may_v have_v his_o advice_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o they_o and_o his_o duty_n also_o
give_v to_o they_o or_o that_o such_o opposition_n may_v soon_o be_v suppress_v and_o overrule_v by_o the_o power_n and_o reputation_n of_o such_o prevail_a men._n from_o all_o which_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o though_o the_o general_a tradition_n or_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v a_o good_a help_n yet_o it_o may_v not_o always_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n to_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o entire_a and_o unaltered_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n xxiii_o other_o there_o be_v who_o tell_v i_o that_o to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a and_o entire_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n i_o must_v apply_v myself_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o the_o book_n common_o call_v the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o because_o i_o look_v upon_o this_o to_o be_v the_o right_a way_n i_o shall_v brief_o and_o plain_o deliver_v my_o thought_n in_o relation_n to_o these_o book_n and_o first_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o it_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o greek_a toegue_n have_v be_v ever_o universal_o own_v by_o all_o christian_n as_o contain_v a_o true_a though_o some_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o full_a account_v of_o the_o life_n and_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o notorious_a and_o so_o universal_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o can_v find_v the_o least_o ground_n or_o reason_n to_o question_v it_o now_o the_o history_n and_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n be_v so_o well_o know_v unto_o the_o first_o christian_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n and_o they_o be_v so_o ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o ever_o they_o will_v so_o ready_o and_o universal_o receive_v and_o own_v such_o a_o book_n if_o it_o have_v contain_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o which_o be_v dissonant_n from_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o be_v confess_v indeed_o that_o some_o of_o those_o book_n which_o make_v up_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n that_o of_o st._n james_n the_o second_o of_o st._n peter_n that_o of_o st._n judas_n the_o second_o and_o three_o of_o st._n john_n and_o the_o revelation_n be_v not_o so_o soon_o and_o so_o universal_o receive_v throughout_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o which_o apparent_o be_v not_o that_o these_o book_n contain_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o contrary_a to_o what_o be_v deliver_v it_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o he_o that_o read_v the_o whole_a will_v plain_o find_v that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a complete_a agreement_n between_o they_o the_o only_a seem_a discord_n of_o st._n paul_n justification_n by_o faith_n and_o st._n james_n justification_n by_o work_n be_v exact_o and_o full_o reconcile_v by_o consider_v that_o st._n paul_n mean_v no_o other_o faith_n but_o such_o as_o work_v by_o love_n gal._n 5._o 6._o and_o st._n james_n no_o other_o work_n but_o such_o as_o proceed_v from_o faith_n jam._n 2._o 22._o but_o because_o it_o be_v not_o at_o first_o universal_o know_v who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o which_o abundant_o show_v the_o care_n and_o caution_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o not_o be_v hasty_a to_o receive_v and_o admit_v any_o book_n as_o authentic_a record_n of_o their_o doctrine_n without_o very_o good_a warrant_n for_o so_o do_v and_o therefore_o since_o these_o same_o book_n be_v in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n after_o receive_v and_o own_a to_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o can_v but_o from_o thence_o conclude_v that_o those_o church_n which_o at_o the_o first_o doubt_v concern_v those_o book_n do_v soon_o receive_v most_o full_a and_o ample_a satisfaction_n in_o that_o matter_n from_o those_o who_o have_v before_o receive_v they_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o it_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n do_v contain_v a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n xxiv_o that_o innumerable_a copy_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n disperse_v through_o all_o place_n where_o christianity_n be_v plant_v that_o it_o have_v heen_n at_o different_a time_n and_o in_o very_o distant_a place_n translate_v into_o all_o or_o almost_o all_o language_n and_o that_o copy_n both_o of_o the_o original_a and_o many_o of_o the_o several_a translation_n have_v be_v preserve_v with_o much_o care_n in_o a_o great_a many_o distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v allow_v by_o all_o and_o deny_v by_o none_o from_o whence_o i_o think_v we_o may_v gather_v first_o that_o where_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o greek_a copy_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v agree_v in_o the_o very_a same_o word_n there_o we_o have_v undoubted_o the_o true_a and_o authentic_a word_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o although_o some_o mistake_v might_n creep_v into_o some_o copy_n either_o through_o the_o wickedness_n or_o negligence_n of_o some_o particular_a man_n yet_o where_o so_o many_o copy_n of_o a_o book_n have_v be_v so_o careful_o preserve_v and_o in_o such_o distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o selfsame_a error_n in_o any_o expression_n shall_v ever_o be_v propagate_v through_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o second_o that_o where_o the_o word_n or_o expression_n of_o divers_a greek_a copy_n do_v differ_v one_o from_o another_o yet_o if_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v be_v exact_o the_o same_o in_o all_o or_o almost_o all_o there_o we_o have_v certain_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o mean_v of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o apprehend_v that_o a_o transcriber_n may_v by_o a_o small_a mistake_n put_v one_o word_n or_o expression_n of_o the_o same_o signification_n in_o stead_n of_o another_o but_o that_o the_o same_o sense_n shall_v be_v punctual_o preserve_v in_o all_o or_o almost_o all_o copies_n be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v except_o it_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n deliver_v from_o the_o beginning_n three_o that_o if_o there_o may_v be_v find_v any_o different_a readins_n in_o divers_a copy_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o disagree_v in_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o in_o word_n which_o scarce_o ever_o happen_v in_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v account_v a_o material_a point_n of_o religion_n than_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o fit_a and_o proper_a to_o admit_v of_o that_o read_n and_o sense_n which_o best_o agree_v with_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o whole_a with_o the_o ancient_a and_o best_a esteem_a translation_n and_o with_o the_o evident_a principle_n of_o sound_a reason_n and_o if_o any_o place_n be_v so_o obscure_a as_o that_o none_o of_o these_o way_n will_v afford_v any_o light_n into_o its_o mean_v than_o i_o think_v that_o no_o stress_n ought_v to_o be_v lay_v upon_o it_o in_o any_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n xxv_o but_o some_o will_v demand_v how_o be_v we_o sure_a of_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v even_o of_o those_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n about_o the_o word_n in_o answar_n to_o this_o i_o have_v already_o show_v §_o 21._o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o know_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n nor_o therefore_o consequent_o to_o know_v the_o true_a mean_v of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o which_o his_o doctrine_n be_v own_v to_o be_v contain_v i_o have_v show_v also_o §_o 22._o that_o though_o general_a tradition_n may_v be_v a_o good_a help_n yet_o may_v it_o not_o always_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n to_o lead_v one_o to_o the_o unaltered_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n nor_o therefore_o consequent_o to_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a interpretation_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n since_o therefore_o 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lexicon_n commentator_n and_o ancient_a writer_n and_o to_o use_v all_o other_o help_v that_o he_o may_v both_o satisfy_v himself_o and_o also_o be_v able_a to_o inform_v other_o xxvi_o but_o perhaps_o i_o shall_v be_v tell_v that_o when_o a_o man_n have_v do_v all_o this_o to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o power_n yet_o after_o all_o he_o may_v be_v mistake_v as_o it_o appear_v that_o many_o learned_a man_n be_v since_o 〈◊〉_d oppose_v and_o contradict_v one_o another_o about_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o this_o janswer_n that_o since_o i_o have_v show_v §_o 3._o that_o all_o necessary_a thing_n whether_o as_o to_o belief_n or_o practice_n in_o religion_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v i_o must_v from_o hence_o conclude_v that_o a_o sober_a and_o honest_a enquirer_n can_v easy_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o those_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o do_v contain_v any_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o as_o for_o other_o part_n 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will_v not_o be_v offend_v with_o he_o neither_o for_o it_o xxviii_o and_o one_o thing_n more_o let_v i_o add_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o skill_v in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n viz._n that_o since_o there_o have_v many_o translation_n be_v make_v of_o the_o new_a testament_n most_o of_o they_o by_o person_n well_o skill_v in_o language_n of_o good_a repute_n for_o their_o honesty_n and_o integrity_n and_o who_o can_v not_o but_o know_v beforehand_o that_o their_o translation_n will_v be_v narrow_o sift_v and_o examine_v by_o learned_a man_n which_o must_v needs_o make_v they_o careful_a to_o commit_v as_o few_o fault_n as_o they_o can_v and_o since_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n require_v from_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o be_v understand_v §_o 3._o and_o therefore_o easy_a to_o be_v translate_v and_o express_v in_o any_o language_n i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o a_o sober_a and_o impartial_a enquirer_n may_v be_v very_o well_o assure_v 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from_o the_o obligation_n of_o they_o xxx_o moreover_o since_o this_o book_n have_v be_v translate_v into_o as_o many_o language_n and_o as_o many_o copy_n of_o the_o original_a have_v be_v careful_o keep_v in_o distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o do_v conclude_v that_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n which_o just_o now_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o word_n the_o mean_v and_o way_n of_o interpret_n the_o new_a testament_n will_v hold_v good_a concern_v the_o old_a testament_n also_o as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v be_v accommodate_v to_o it_o xxxi_o there_o be_v some_o certain_a book_n and_o fragment_n which_o among_o the_o protestant_n be_v well_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o apocryphal_a to_o which_o the_o papist_n give_v the_o title_n of_o deuterocanonical_a these_o piece_n the_o papist_n contend_v to_o be_v a_o real_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o other_o book_n of_o it_o but_o the_o protestant_n will_v 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make_v any_o alteration_n in_o my_o religion_n for_o i_o do_v not_o find_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o but_o what_o be_v easy_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n xxxii_o but_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n which_o seem_v to_o arise_v concern_v what_o i_o have_v discourse_v to_o which_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o give_v a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n and_o first_o if_o all_o be_v grant_v that_o have_v hitherto_o be_v say_v yet_o how_o shall_v i_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v not_o only_o true_o but_o also_o full_o and_o entire_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v as_o a_o part_n of_o his_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o
the_o scripture_n to_o this_o i_o may_v answer_v that_o there_o be_v several_a passage_n in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o do_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o man_n to_o know_v they_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o holy_a write_n as_o the_o protestant_a divine_n do_v sufficient_o make_v appear_v in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o controversy_n against_o the_o papist_n but_o wave_v this_o i_o think_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o impossible_a in_o itself_o but_o that_o jesus_n may_v have_v make_v know_v other_o particular_n of_o doctrine_n and_o of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n beside_o what_o be_v consign_v to_o we_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o any_o man_n can_v effectual_o prove_v that_o any_o such_o doctrine_n or_o precept_n be_v deliver_v by_o he_o i_o think_v that_o whosoever_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o proof_n aught_o to_o believe_v that_o doctrine_n 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example_n i_o be_o not_o able_a distinct_o to_o apprehend_v how_o the_o small_a particle_n of_o matter_n which_o can_v be_v assign_v be_v yet_o in_o itself_o capable_a of_o be_v for_o ever_o divide_v so_o that_o no_o part_n of_o matter_n though_o ever_o so_o small_a can_v ever_o be_v so_o much_o as_o convince_v to_o be_v absolute_o invisible_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v contrary_a to_o my_o reason_n that_o my_o reason_n itself_o do_v full_o satisfy_v i_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o though_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o the_o same_o thing_n also_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o some_o thing_n be_v without_o any_o beginning_n of_o which_o see_v §_o 5_o 6._o now_o if_o i_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v thus_o above_o my_o reason_n but_o not_o contrary_a to_o it_o i_o can_v refuse_v my_o assent_n unto_o it_o i_o mean_v always_o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o the_o word_n do_v appear_v evident_o to_o carry_v such_o a_o sense_n for_o i_o can_v conclude_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v impossible_a because_o i_o do_v not_o find_v it_o contrary_n to_o my_o reason_n though_o above_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o my_o apprehension_n possible_a i_o must_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a when_o i_o find_v that_o god_n have_v declare_v it_o so_o to_o be_v other_o thing_n again_o there_o be_v which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a unto_o those_o self-evident_a notion_n and_o principle_n which_o my_o reason_n find_v to_o be_v connatural_a with_o itself_o for_o example_n that_o a_o part_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o whole_a and_o such_o like_a absurdity_n now_o if_o any_o such_o proposition_n as_o these_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o my_o reason_n shall_v occur_v to_o i_o in_o scripture_n i_o can_v possible_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v true_a in_o a_o literal_a sense_n for_o that_o be_v to_o renounce_v the_o clear_a dictate_v of_o my_o reason_n and_o understanding_n upon_o which_o the_o certainty_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o i_o believe_v or_o know_v be_v ultimate_o build_v and_o without_o which_o i_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o religion_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v needs_o understand_v they_o to_o be_v mean_v figurative_o and_o that_o figure_n which_o best_o agree_v to_o such_o word_n according_a to_o the_o most_o common_a custom_n of_o speech_n and_o be_v most_o conformable_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n i_o think_v be_v always_o to_o be_v prefer_v i_o never_o read_v any_o book_n to_o my_o knowledge_n but_o in_o it_o i_o find_v many_o expression_n which_o take_v literal_o and_o strict_o be_v absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a but_o take_v figurative_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v intend_v do_v contain_v very_o good_a sense_n and_o mean_v since_o then_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v write_v in_o such_o word_n and_o expression_n as_o be_v common_o use_v among_o man_n in_o speak_v and_o write_v why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o strange_a in_o they_o which_o be_v so_o usual_a in_o all_o other_o book_n xxxiv_o three_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o this_o doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v teach_v leave_v every_o man_n entire_o to_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n now_o since_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o notion_n and_o sentiment_n of_o different_a man_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o all_o man_n be_v leave_v whole_o to_o themselves_o there_o must_v necessary_o be_v great_a variety_n and_o even_o contrariety_n of_o opinion_n among_o they_o concern_v religion_n and_o if_o god_n require_v no_o more_o from_o every_o man_n but_o to_o do_v his_o best_a endeavour_n and_o to_o choose_v
guilty_a of_o such_o a_o mistake_n can_v very_o hardly_o be_v charge_v with_o a_o fault_n xliii_o four_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n almighty_n his_o attribute_n and_o his_o law_n may_v in_o part_n be_v gather_v from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n antecedent_n to_o any_o revelation_n be_v evident_a from_o reason_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o st._n paul_n 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 rom._n 1._o 20._o see_v psal_n 19_o 1._o and_o when_o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thiug_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n these_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o which_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v one_o another_o rom._n 2._o 14_o 15._o now_o although_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o religion_n which_o may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v i_o think_v again_o repeat_v and_o far_o explain_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o because_o it_o may_v be_v that_o this_o will_v not_o appear_v so_o plain_o to_o every_o one_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a here_o to_o note_n that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o those_o truth_n and_o our_o obedience_n to_o those_o law_n of_o of_o religion_n which_o we_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v by_o our_o natural_a reason_n although_o the_o same_o shall_v not_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v again_o repeat_v in_o scripture_n for_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n st._n paul_n pronounce_v the_o ancient_a gentile_n to_o be_v without_o excuse_n because_o that_o when_o they_o know_v god_n that_o be_v have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o he_o by_o their_o natural_a understanding_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n by_o own_v and_o obey_v he_o rom._n 1._o 20_o 21_o etc._n etc._n and_o what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o a_o appeal_n to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o mankind_n when_o he_o exhort_v we_o that_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n we_o shall_v think_v on_o these_o thing_n phil._n 4._o 8._o xliv_o five_o he_o that_o write_v a_o treatise_n upon_o any_o subject_a whatsoever_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n that_o his_o reader_n shall_v particular_o observe_v and_o be_v convince_v of_o he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o lay_v it_o down_o plain_o as_o a_o main_a conclusion_n nor_o will_v he_o fail_v if_o he_o be_v discreet_a as_o often_o as_o occasion_n require_v to_o repeat_v and_o refer_v to_o it_o that_o the_o more_o notice_n may_v be_v take_v of_o his_o mean_v and_o design_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v mention_v only_o occasional_o and_o collateral_o and_o not_o as_o any_o part_n of_o the_o main_a subject_n of_o the_o discourse_n be_v not_o always_o express_v with_o so_o much_o care_n and_o exactness_n but_o that_o often_o even_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o may_v be_v misunderstand_v nor_o can_v we_o be_v always_o certain_a what_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o opinion_n of_o a_o writer_n from_o such_o accidental_a expression_n which_o sometime_o may_v be_v use_v figurative_o sometime_o by_o way_n of_o allusion_n or_o accommodation_n sometime_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o people_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o literal_a truth_n of_o they_o except_o he_o give_v we_o foam_v far_a explication_n of_o his_o mind_n from_o whence_o i_o think_v i_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v gacher_v from_o those_o collateral_a and_o occasional_a expression_n which_o be_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o from_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a bible_n in_o general_n and_o of_o each_o book_n of_o it_o in_o particular_a xlv_o i_o have_v thus_o brief_o and_o plain_o give_v i_o hope_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o christianity_n in_o general_n if_o i_o find_v that_o what_o i_o have_v here_o write_v be_v likely_a to_o do_v any_o good_a in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v proceed_v with_o god_n assistance_n to_o draw_v out_o and_o publish_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o duty_n to_o be_v practise_v by_o a_o christian_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la to_o the_o 2d_o and_o 3d._n part._n page_n 48._o l._n 16._o read_v my_o own_o p._n 59_o l._n 12._o for_o of_o r._n and._n p._n 82._o l._n 11._o for_o love_n r._n live_v p._n 110._o l._n 3._o deal_n it_o p._n 113._o l._n 12._o for_o every_o r._n very_a p._n 254._o for_o that_o r._n than_o p._n 260._o l._n 16._o r._n office_n in_o a_o settle_a church_n book_n print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o a._n and_o j._n churchil_n at_o the_o black_a swan_n in_o pater-noster-row_n titus_n livius_n roman_a history_n boccacio_n novel_n and_o tale_n sir_n paul_n ricaut_n life_n of_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n rushworth_n historical_a collection_n lloyd_n dictionarium_fw-la histor_n poeticum_fw-la geographicum_fw-la statute_n of_o ireland_n bolton_n justice_n of_o ireland_n leybourn_n dyalling_n buchanan_n chronicle_n and_o history_n of_o the_o king_n of_o scotland_n machiavil_n work_n sir_n simon_n de_fw-fr ewe_n journal_n of_o parliament_n queen_n elizabeth_n dr._n brady_n introduction_n to_o the_o history_n of_o england_n milton_n paradise_n regain_v leybourn_n cursus_fw-la mathematicus_fw-la sir_n roger_n l'estrange_n aesop_n fable_n clark_n praxis_fw-la cur._n ecclesiasticis_fw-la dr._n gibson_n anatomy_n mounseur_fw-fr le_fw-fr clerc_n logica_fw-la etc._n etc._n drelincourt_n of_o death_n leybourn_n arithmetic_n protestant-reconciler_n complete_a homer_n iliad_n poetae_fw-la minores_fw-la royal_a grammar_n gibbon_n heraldry_n patridge_n treasury_n of_o physic_n opus_fw-la reformatum_fw-la bishop_n wilkins_n of_o prayer_n and_o preach_v thibault_n chemistry_n glasier_n chemistry_n valerius_n maximus_n english_a two_o treatise_n of_o government_n the_o three_o letter_n for_o toleration_n some_o consideration_n of_o the_o consequence_n of_o lower_a interest_n and_o raise_v the_o value_n of_o money_n sir_n william_n temple_n observation_n on_o holland_n miscellanea_fw-la dr._n burnet_n travel_n plato_n redevivus_fw-la selden_n table-talk_a debate_n of_o oxon_n and_o westminster-parliament_n livill_a orationes_fw-la selectae_fw-la 12o._o sleidan_n de_fw-fr quatuor_fw-la fummis_fw-la imperiis_fw-la aristotle_n rhetoric_n english_a dr._n whitby_n several_a piece_n patridge_n astrology_n isoratis_fw-la oration_n large_a 12o._o guide_v to_o heaven_n 24o._o latin-testament_n the_o cambridge-edition_n 12o._o boyl_n general_a history_n of_o the_o air_n a_o gentleman_n religion_n two_o treatise_n of_o rationa_n religion_n 8o._o common_a prayer_n in_o greek_a salmon_n dispensatory_a dorn_n synopsis_fw-la medicinae_fw-la salustii_fw-la historia_n weekly_a preparation_n ii_o part_n bunnian_n sigh_n from_o hell_n archbishop_z layton_n sermon_n gunter_n line_n ciceronis_fw-la epistol_n familiar_a mr._n talent_n chron._n table_n a_o gentleman_n religion_n part_n ii_o &_o iii_o in_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v particular_o inquire_v into_o and_o explain_v london_n print_v for_o richard_n sare_n at_o grays-inn-gate_n in_o holborn_n 1697._o a_o short_a preface_n to_o the_o whole_a some_o man_n slight_a religion_n whilst_o other_o corru_fw-la and_o perplex_v it_o with_o thing_n either_o false_a or_o unnecessary_a the_o late_a of_o which_o i_o look_v upon_o to_o be_v much_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o former_a many_o will_v not_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v much_o and_o many_o do_v not_o thorough_o consider_v nor_o will_v digest_v what_o they_o read_v which_o render_v their_o notion_n confuse_v and_o themselves_o uncertain_a what_o to_o conclude_v i_o have_v theresore_n endeavour_v to_o make_v such_o a_o short_a and_o easy_a draught_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o as_o every_o man_n of_o a_o moderate_a capacity_n may_v read_v without_o tediousness_n and_o understand_v without_o difficulty_n and_o which_o if_o it_o do_v not_o whole_o satisfy_v he_o may_v yet_o serve_v to_o put_v his_o thought_n into_o a_o method_n and_o himself_o upon_o seek_v for_o far_a satisfaction_n the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o small_a work_n i_o put_v forth_o some_o time_n since_o and_o find_v that_o it_o have_v not_o prove_v altogether_o unacceptable_a to_o man_n of_o judgement_n and_o moderation_n i_o have_v be_v encourage_v to_o finish_v and_o publish_v the_o second_o and_o three_o part_n also_o my_o design_n be_v certain_o good_a and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o well_o perform_v what_o i_o have_v undertake_v i_o hope_v at_o
32._o but_o to_o it_o i_o answer_v that_o our_o saviour_n design_n in_o that_o place_n be_v only_o to_o represent_v the_o day_n there_o speak_v of_o as_o a_o secret_a not_o to_o be_v make_v know_v unto_o man_n until_o it_o shall_v come_v upon_o they_o that_o they_o may_v always_o stand_v upon_o their_o guard_n watch_n and_o prepare_v for_o it_o let_v but_o the_o word_n know_v be_v take_v to_o signify_v to_o make_v know_v which_o full_o answer_v the_o design_n of_o the_o place_n and_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a st._n paul_n use_v the_o same_o word_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 2._o idetermine_v say_v he_o not_o to_o know_v that_o be_v not_o to_o make_v know_v or_o teach_v any_o thing_n among_o you_o save_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a and_o then_o the_o most_o natural_a paraphrase_n of_o that_o place_n will_v be_v this_o but_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n there_o be_v no_o one_o who_o shall_v or_o can_v make_v know_v unto_o you_o no_o not_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n who_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o themselves_o nor_o even_o the_o son_n himself_o who_o although_o he_o know_v all_o thing_n joh._n 21._o 17._o yet_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o himself_o but_o what_o he_o see_v the_o father_n do_v joh._n 5._o 19_o and_o who_o speak_v not_o of_o himself_o but_o the_o father_n which_o send_v he_o give_v he_o commandment_n what_o he_o shall_v say_v joh._n 12._o 49._o but_o the_o father_n only_o shall_v in_o his_o own_o time_n make_v it_o know_v by_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v and_o this_o exposition_n of_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o only_a text_n that_o seem_v to_o press_v very_o hard_o upon_o we_o in_o this_o controversy_n i_o be_o sure_a be_v much_o more_o easy_a and_o natural_a than_o many_o of_o those_o interpretation_n which_o the_o socinian_o do_v advance_v of_o the_o principal_a passage_n which_o we_o urge_v against_o they_o but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v tell_v i_o that_o this_o whole_a matter_n concern_v the_o trinity_n be_v very_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v apprehend_v and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o require_v the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o such_o doctrine_n as_o necessary_a either_o to_o salvation_n or_o church-communion_n as_o to_o the_o obscurity_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o since_o in_o this_o life_n we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o prophesy_v in_o part_n and_o see_v but_o through_o a_o glass_n dark_o or_o in_o a_o riddle_n as_o the_o margin_n have_v it_o word_n for_o word_n from_o the_o original_a 1_o cor._n 13._o 9_o 12._o as_o to_o church-communion_n i_o shall_v speak_v of_o it_o hereafter_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o as_o touch_v salvation_n i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o what_o i_o have_v say_v §_o 3._o and_o part_n 1_o §_o 14._o and_o §_o 26._o 24._o either_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n do_v from_o all_o eternity_n coexi_v together_o with_o god_n or_o else_o it_o be_v produce_v from_o nothing_o by_o he_o there_o be_v no_o three_o way_n to_o be_v assign_v now_o both_o these_o way_n be_v above_o though_o neither_o of_o they_o contrary_a to_o my_o reason_n my_o reason_n alone_o can_v never_o solid_o determine_v which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o right_n but_o the_o late_a of_o these_o make_n most_o in_o my_o opinion_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n of_o who_o as_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a be_v i_o think_v i_o ought_v to_o entertain_v the_o most_o glorious_a thought_n that_o possible_o i_o can_v and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o often_o ascribe_v eternity_n without_o beginning_n unto_o god_n in_o a_o emphatical_a manner_n as_o his_o alone_a peculiar_a attribute_n i_o be_o thereby_o bring_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o world_n be_v not_o eternal_a but_o be_v at_o first_o create_v by_o god_n from_o nothing_o and_o consequent_o that_o god_n can_v again_o annihilate_v it_o or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o please_v he_o 25._o that_o god_n do_v contrive_v frame_n and_o fashion_v this_o world_n and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o also_o that_o he_o still_o preserve_v and_o govern_v it_o by_o his_o providence_n i_o have_v former_o conclude_v part_n 1_o §_o 7._o and_o §_o 10._o and_o though_o every_o ignorant_a person_n be_v not_o able_a to_o dive_v into_o and_o fathom_v the_o counsel_n of_o a_o great_a and_o sovereign_a prince_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o he_o do_v not_o manage_v and_o rule_v his_o dominion_n with_o due_a care_n and_o wisdom_n nor_o can_v the_o make_n nor_o can_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n be_v any_o manner_n of_o trouble_n to_o god_n as_o the_o epicurean_o object_v since_o he_o be_v absolute_o omnipotent_a and_o needs_o no_o more_o but_o to_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v 26._o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o the_o heathen_a world_n its_o self_n be_v general_o and_o strong_o addict_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a being_n some_o good_a and_o some_o evil_n superior_a in_o nature_n to_o man_n but_o subject_a to_o and_o minister_n of_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o supreme_a god_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v give_v we_o a_o more_o full_a and_o perfect_a account_n of_o this_o matter_n viz._n that_o god_n create_v certain_a spiritual_a being_n call_v angel_n that_o be_v to_o say_v messengers_z as_o be_v send_v forth_o by_o he_o to_o execute_v his_o will_n upon_o all_o occasion_n that_o he_o think_v fit_a and_o particular_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n not_o that_o god_n have_v any_o need_n of_o their_o assistance_n or_o ministry_n any_o more_o than_o he_o have_v of_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o man_n but_o only_o think_v fit_a to_o create_v they_o of_o his_o own_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o probable_o that_o they_o as_o well_o as_o man_n may_v be_v object_n for_o he_o to_o exercise_v his_o goodness_n and_o beneficence_n upon_o but_o whether_o every_o particular_a person_n state_n and_o kingdom_n have_v their_o proper_a guardian_n angel_n appoint_v they_o by_o god_n be_v not_o as_o i_o can_v find_v upon_o any_o sure_a ground_n to_o be_v determine_v but_o we_o be_v far_o inform_v that_o of_o these_o angel_n some_o sin_v and_o therefore_o keep_v not_o their_o first_o estate_n but_o be_v cast_v down_o into_o hell_n and_o deliver_v into_o chain_n of_o darkness_n to_o be_v reserve_v unto_o judgement_n the_o chief_a or_o prince_n of_o who_o be_v call_v the_o devil_n the_o great_a dragon_n the_o old_a serpent_n and_o satan_n and_o be_v together_o with_o his_o angel_n permit_v by_o god_n to_o range_v to_o and_o fro_o in_o the_o earth_n to_o tempt_v even_o the_o godly_a but_o to_o prevail_v and_o work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n 27._o that_o a_o eternal_a succession_n of_o man_n or_o any_o other_o being_n without_o a_o beginning_n be_v absolute_o impossible_a i_o have_v i_o think_v with_o reason_n already_o say_v part_n 1_o §_o 6._o that_o man_n at_o first_o be_v not_o fashion_v by_o any_o blind_a and_o undesign_v chance_n be_v to_o i_o very_o evident_a as_o well_o from_o the_o wonderful_a frame_n of_o his_o mind_n as_o from_o the_o great_a variety_n regularity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o body_n and_o particular_o his_o organ_n of_o sensation_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o at_o first_o spring_n up_o out_o of_o the_o earth_n by_o any_o force_n of_o nature_n distinct_a from_o the_o power_n of_o god_n i_o think_v needs_o no_o proof_n because_o the_o contrary_a supposition_n be_v not_o only_o without_o any_o ground_n of_o evidence_n but_o also_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o monstrous_a improbability_n as_o do_v render_v it_o hight_o extravagant_a to_o imagine_v i_o therefore_o must_v conclude_v that_o at_o the_o least_o the_o first_o male_a and_o female_a of_o mankind_n be_v immediate_o frame_v and_o fashion_v by_o god_n and_o that_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o they_o be_v and_o be_v derive_v from_o those_o two_o by_o the_o way_n of_o natural_a generation_n christ_n jesus_n except_v who_o though_o bear_v of_o a_o woman_n be_v not_o beget_v of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o plain_a voice_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 28._o that_o man_n though_o make_v a_o little_a low_o than_o the_o angl_n be_v yet_o by_o nature_n far_o more_o excellent_a than_o any_o other_o live_a creature_n be_v sufficient_o apparent_a the_o holy_a scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n make_v man_n after_o his_o own_o image_n but_o this_o expression_n can_v be_v understand_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o shape_n and_o structure_n of_o the_o human_a body_n god_n be_v both_o incorporeal_a and_o invisible_a but_o be_v as_o i_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v inlation_n
to_o those_o faculty_n which_o be_v implant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o that_o internal_a uprightness_n in_o which_o he_o be_v at_o first_o create_v which_o do_v carry_v in_o they_o a_o evident_a similitude_n and_o analogy_n unto_o some_o of_o those_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o god_n himself_o that_o the_o body_n of_o man_n be_v make_v original_o of_o the_o earth_n by_o which_o it_o be_v nourish_v and_o into_o which_o it_o be_v again_o resolve_v be_v obvious_a to_o be_v collect_v from_o reason_n and_o if_o i_o have_v never_o be_v tell_v that_o god_n breathe_v into_o his_o nostril_n the_o breath_n of_o life_n whereby_o he_o become_v a_o live_a soul_n yet_o those_o power_n and_o faculty_n which_o i_o find_v in_o myself_o of_o think_v judge_a draw_v consequence_n and_o those_o sometime_o in_o a_o very_a long_a train_n reflect_v back_o upon_o my_o own_o thought_n and_o determine_v my_o own_o action_n as_o i_o please_v together_o with_o that_o inward_a satisfaction_n which_o i_o reap_v from_o do_v what_o be_v moral_o good_a though_o natural_o and_o to_o my_o body_n painful_a and_o uneasy_a and_o the_o trouble_v which_o i_o find_v upon_o the_o do_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v moral_o evil_a though_o otherwise_o never_o so_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a will_v i_o think_v have_v sufficient_o teach_v and_o assure_v i_o that_o there_o be_v a_o principle_n within_o i_o which_o though_o unite_v to_o my_o body_n and_o thereby_o affect_v with_o its_o delight_n or_o pain_n yet_o be_v real_o distinct_a from_o it_o and_o of_o a_o different_a nature_n and_o more_o noble_a original_a which_o i_o call_v my_o soul_n 29._o that_o god_n who_o have_v original_o a_o love_n for_o all_o mankind_n §_o 16._o shall_v have_v create_v any_o man_n with_o a_o intent_n to_o make_v he_o eternal_o and_o unavoidable_o miserable_a be_v to_o i_o a_o contradiction_n and_o since_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o have_v natural_o implant_v in_o every_o man_n a_o vehement_a and_o unextinguishable_a desire_n of_o be_v happy_a and_o of_o always_o remain_v so_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o god_n intend_v man_n at_o his_o first_o creation_n unto_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o that_o he_o shall_v implant_v the_o seed_n and_o principle_n of_o such_o a_o desire_n in_o we_o all_o which_o never_o fail_v to_o spring_v forth_o and_o show_v its_o self_n in_o every_o man_n who_o come_v to_o year_n of_o knowledge_n and_o this_o to_o be_v only_o a_o torment_n to_o we_o without_o any_o possibility_n either_o of_o suppress_v or_o satisfy_v it_o be_v i_o think_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v except_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o at_o the_o first_o he_o make_v we_o to_o be_v object_n not_o of_o his_o love_n but_o hatred_n 30._o as_o even_o by_o the_o ruin_n of_o a_o noble_a structure_n we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o guess_v how_o goodly_a the_o building_n be_v at_o its_o first_o erection_n so_o when_o i_o at_o present_a consider_v how_o distort_a the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v his_o lust_n and_o passion_n always_o struggle_v with_o and_o often_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o his_o reason_n which_o evident_o be_v design_v for_o the_o superior_a faculty_n own_o my_o understanding_n alone_o methinks_v suggest_v to_o i_o that_o man_n be_v at_o first_o create_v in_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o upright_a state_n and_o condition_n than_o what_o he_o be_v in_o at_o present_a but_o how_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o far_o pervert_v as_o that_o all_o our_o reason_n and_o endeavour_n can_v again_o reduce_v it_o to_o that_o firm_a and_o perfect_a regularity_n in_o which_o we_o be_v sensible_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o therefore_o have_v cause_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o frame_v by_o god_n be_v what_o of_o ourselves_o we_o never_o can_v have_v collect_v from_o any_o suggestion_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n 31._o whether_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v all_o to_o be_v understand_v literal_o or_o whether_o a_o allegorical_a interpretation_n be_v in_o some_o part_n to_o be_v admit_v i_o think_v myself_o not_o much_o concern_v to_o debate_v but_o which_o way_n soever_o we_o take_v the_o plain_a result_n will_v be_v that_o whereas_o god_n place_v our_o first_o parent_n at_o their_o creation_n in_o a_o state_n both_o of_o innocency_n and_o happiness_n they_o by_o transgress_v his_o law_n and_o thereby_o incur_v his_o displeasure_n sell_v both_o from_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o now_o that_o they_o by_o their_o sin_n may_v deprave_v their_o own_o nature_n and_o vitiate_v their_o constitution_n be_v no_o way_n irrational_a to_o suppose_v and_o that_o from_o the_o deprave_a nature_n and_o vitiate_a constitution_n of_o parent_n divers_a inconvenience_n may_v be_v entail_v upon_o their_o posterity_n who_o do_v derive_v not_o only_o their_o bodily_a temper_n and_o complexion_n but_o frequent_o also_o their_o passion_n and_o inclination_n from_o those_o of_o their_o parent_n be_v what_o common_a experience_n do_v daily_o testify_v when_o therefore_o the_o holy_a scripture_n assign_v the_o sin_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n i_o see_v nothing_o therein_o which_o be_v not_o very_o reasonable_o to_o be_v allow_v 32._o he_o who_o grant_v a_o favour_n to_o another_o bare_o and_o only_o of_o his_o own_o free_a will_n and_o pleasure_n may_v without_o any_o violation_n of_o justice_n whenever_o he_o please_v withdraw_v that_o which_o he_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o continue_v any_o long_a than_o he_o think_v fit_a nor_o be_v it_o any_o way_n to_o be_v reckon_v as_o unmerciful_a or_o cruel_a to_o cease_v the_o continuance_n of_o a_o pure_o voluntary_a kindness_n if_o the_o stop_n of_o it_o do_v not_o render_v the_o person_n actual_o miserable_a without_o any_o fault_n commit_v by_o he_o if_o therefore_o god_n have_v think_v fit_a even_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o his_o own_o pleasure_n to_o divert_v the_o stream_n of_o his_o kindness_n from_o man_n and_o that_o although_o he_o have_v continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o innocency_n provide_v he_o have_v not_o put_v he_o into_o a_o state_n of_o unavoidable_a misery_n who_o can_v have_v any_o just_a reason_n to_o complain_v or_o find_v fault_n with_o he_o for_o do_v what_o he_o shall_v please_v with_o his_o own_o much_o more_o than_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o if_o upon_o the_o occason_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n transgression_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n which_o thereupon_o ensue_v god_n have_v resolve_v to_o cut_v we_o all_o forever_o off_o from_o the_o inheritance_n of_o those_o blessing_n to_o which_o man_n be_v design_v at_o his_o first_o creation_n but_o now_o render_v natural_o unfit_a for_o by_o this_o original_a pollution_n even_o in_o this_o there_o have_v be_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o justice_n or_o mercy_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o all_o the_o world_n have_v ever_o think_v it_o reasonable_a that_o in_o some_o case_n child_n shall_v on_o account_n of_o their_o parent_n fault_n lose_v some_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v enjoy_v but_o actual_o to_o inflict_v a_o positive_a punishment_n upon_o any_o one_o for_o a_o fault_n which_o he_o never_o commit_v nor_o any_o way_n voluntary_o concur_v to_o nor_o be_v at_o all_o capable_a of_o hinder_v in_o he_o who_o commit_v it_o be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a not_o only_o unto_o mercy_n but_o also_o to_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o justice_n i_o can_v not_o but_o conclude_v that_o though_o the_o original_a corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n may_v be_v reckon_v as_o a_o just_a occasion_n why_o god_n may_v if_o he_o have_v please_v have_v exclude_v we_o all_o for_o ever_o from_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n yet_o that_o alone_o be_v not_o to_o be_v assign_v as_o a_o cause_n why_o he_o will_v doom_v any_o man_n to_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n who_o do_v not_o otherwise_o deserve_v it_o by_o his_o own_o actual_a sin_n and_o transgression_n 33._o that_o by_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o mighty_o incline_v to_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a and_o immoral_a be_v most_o evident_a from_o our_o constant_a experience_n but_o that_o we_o have_v not_o thereby_o lose_v all_o knowledge_n and_o power_n of_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a i_o think_v be_v no_o less_o apparent_a from_o the_o write_n and_o example_n of_o so_o many_o brave_a heathen_n who_o have_v no_o other_o divine_a law_n but_o that_o which_o be_v write_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o suggestion_n of_o their_o natural_a understanding_n yet_o both_o teach_v and_o do_v so_o many_o of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o write_a law_n of_o god_n but_o curious_o to_o distinguish_v and_o assign_v
to_o be_v a_o person_n wonderful_a a_o counsellor_n the_o mighty_a god_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o who_o government_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n and_o unto_o who_o the_o gather_n of_o the_o nation_n shall_v be_v now_o although_o there_o may_v some_o difficulty_n be_v start_v as_o to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o some_o of_o those_o and_o such_o like_a prophecy_n which_o do_v occur_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n consider_v how_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v enemy_n to_o christianity_n have_v endeavour_v to_o obscure_v and_o perplex_v they_o yet_o if_o we_o do_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v evident_o a_o fair_a consonant_a and_o reasonable_a application_n of_o all_o these_o prediction_n to_o be_v make_v unto_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o nor_o ever_o be_v any_o other_o person_n to_o who_o they_o can_v be_v apply_v beside_o himself_o and_o since_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o one_o but_o god_n to_o foretell_v a_o thing_n with_o so_o many_o circumstance_n so_o long_o before_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v i_o think_v i_o may_v very_o well_o from_o hence_o conclude_v not_o only_o against_o the_o jew_n who_o acknowledge_v but_o also_o against_o all_o other_o who_o may_v perhaps_o at_o first_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n be_v the_o christ_n or_o messiah_n who_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o send_v into_o the_o world_n and_o if_o to_o this_o we_o add_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o the_o transcendent_a goodness_n of_o his_o doctrine_n of_o which_o see_v part_n 1_o §_o 19_o i_o think_v the_o argument_n will_v have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o demonstration_n 37._o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o find_v such_o thing_n speak_v of_o christ_n as_o do_v plain_o show_v he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a man_n in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o sin_n only_o except_v other_o expression_n also_o i_o find_v frequent_o apply_v to_o he_o which_o can_v possible_o agree_v to_o any_o man_n or_o create_v be_v whatsoever_o but_o only_o unto_o god_n as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v §_o 22._o and_o although_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a distinction_n make_v between_o his_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n yet_o be_v he_o always_o speak_v of_o but_o as_o one_o person_n here_o than_o i_o know_v not_o better_a how_o to_o express_v my_o sentiment_n than_o by_o say_v that_o in_o the_o one_o and_o single_a person_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o conjunction_n of_o both_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n and_o consequent_o that_o christ_n be_v real_o and_o true_o both_o god_n and_o man._n and_o if_o the_o same_o objection_n be_v make_v against_o this_o doctrine_n as_o be_v against_o that_o of_o the_o trinity_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v very_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v apprehend_v i_o shall_v also_o return_v the_o same_o answer_n as_o i_o have_v already_o do_v to_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o §_o 23._o to_o which_o i_o refer_v my_o reader_n 38._o he_o who_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n to_o be_v sure_o will_v allow_v of_o his_o eternal_a existence_n as_o to_o his_o divine_a nature_n and_o as_o to_o what_o concern_v his_o humane_a nature_n that_o he_o be_v conceive_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o that_o after_o some_o year_n spend_v in_o preach_v and_o do_v good_a he_o be_v through_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o at_o their_o vehement_a desire_n condemn_v by_o pilate_n the_o roman_a governor_n to_o be_v crucify_v which_o be_v according_o do_v and_o a_o spear_n thrust_v into_o his_o side_n that_o be_v dead_a he_o be_v bury_v and_o lay_v in_o the_o sepulchre_n unto_o the_o three_o day_n upon_o which_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o aster_n several_a time_n converse_v with_o his_o disciple_n for_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n that_o he_o be_v visible_o take_v up_o from_o they_o and_o receive_v into_o heaven_n unto_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a glory_n where_o he_o be_v our_o perpetual_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n all_o this_o i_o say_v be_v so_o evident_o and_o without_o controversy_n testify_v by_o his_o disciple_n who_o veracity_n i_o have_v assert_v part_n 1_o §_o 19_o and_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o authority_n i_o have_v prove_v part_n 1._o §_o 23._o &c_n &c_n that_o no_o reasonable_a man_n i_o think_v can_v now_o deny_v or_o so_o much_o as_o doubt_v of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o although_o there_o be_v one_o or_o two_o passage_n of_o scripture_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v infer_v that_o christ_n before_o his_o resurrection_n do_v descend_v into_o hell_n yet_o will_v i_o not_o venture_v nor_o do_v i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o determine_v whether_o by_o the_o word_n hell_n be_v mean_v the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a only_o or_o the_o place_n of_o the_o damn_a or_o if_o the_o latter_a signification_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v for_o what_o end_n and_o purpose_n it_o be_v that_o he_o descend_v thither_o only_o i_o conclude_v certain_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n there_o because_o i_o do_v not_o find_v the_o least_o intimation_n throughout_o the_o scripture_n of_o any_o suffering_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o do_v or_o be_v to_o endure_v beyond_o the_o shed_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o yield_v up_o his_o life_n upon_o the_o cross_n 39_o what_o god_n may_v have_v do_v have_v he_o so_o please_v without_o any_o other_o consideration_n but_o only_o by_o virture_n of_o his_o own_o absolute_a authority_n if_o he_o have_v rather_o choose_v to_o do_v it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o consideration_n of_o that_o obedience_n which_o he_o perform_v and_o those_o suffering_n which_o he_o undergo_v who_o shall_v dare_v to_o find_v fault_n with_o he_o or_o pretend_v to_o be_v wise_a than_o he_o now_o that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n that_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o we_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o make_v we_o the_o offer_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n be_v so_o plain_o declare_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o and_o since_o i_o find_v god_n send_v of_o christ_n to_o be_v set_v forth_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o his_o love_n not_o to_o some_o few_o particular_a person_n only_o but_o even_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o since_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v die_v for_o all_o and_o to_o have_v be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n without_o any_o exception_n i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o all_o man_n who_o ever_o be_v or_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v may_v have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v the_o better_a for_o christ_n and_o his_o suffering_n if_o through_o their_o own_o default_n they_o have_v not_o or_o shall_v not_o forfeit_v that_o benefit_n which_o be_v design_v they_o and_o as_o it_o be_v not_o dispute_v but_o that_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n who_o by_o faith_n foresee_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n have_v a_o share_n in_o that_o redemption_n which_o he_o wrought_v although_o they_o die_v before_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n so_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v to_o stand_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n that_o even_o those_o person_n who_o never_o hear_v any_o thing_n of_o christ_n may_v yet_o for_o his_o sake_n find_v mercy_n from_o god_n because_o god_n who_o perfect_o know_v the_o most_o secret_a inclination_n of_o all_o heart_n may_v clear_o foresee_v that_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v propose_v and_o offer_v unto_o they_o they_o will_v have_v own_v he_o and_o submit_v unto_o his_o gospel_n which_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n and_o for_o which_o reason_n he_o declare_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v a_o mild_a doom_n than_o chorazin_n and_o bethsaida_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n mat._n 11._o 21_o 22._o and_o how_o far_o this_o may_v extend_v to_o all_o such_o as_o labour_v under_o very_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la although_o not_o strict_o invincible_a i_o think_v that_o god_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a judge_n 40._o but_o however_o god_n may_v think_v fit_a to_o deal_v with_o those_o who_o be_v either_o ignorant_a of_o or_o strong_o prejudice_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o proceed_n with_o true_a believer_n be_v plain_o enough_o declare_v all_o those_o who_o receive_v and_o own_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o so_o many_o separate_a person_n each_o of_o they_o believe_v such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n but_o be_v always_o represent_v
in_o scripture_n as_o join_v together_o in_o one_o society_n or_o body_n which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o which_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o chief_a or_o head_n and_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o live_v in_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o under_o those_o law_n and_o constitution_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o but_o not_o that_o i_o can_v find_v in_o scripture_n oblige_v to_o join_v with_o or_o submit_v to_o any_o one_o person_n as_o the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o visible_a head_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o earth_n for_o if_o christ_n have_v appoint_v any_o such_o person_n as_o his_o deputy_n upon_o earth_n he_o must_v either_o have_v declare_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n with_o great_a plainness_n and_o evidence_n or_o else_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o find_v fault_n with_o any_o man_n for_o be_v mistake_v in_o it_o whereas_o the_o argument_n which_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n bring_v to_o prove_v either_o that_o such_o a_o vicar_n there_o must_v be_v or_o that_o st._n peter_n the_o apostle_n be_v the_o man_n or_o that_o the_o pope_n or_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o not_o the_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n be_v the_o successor_n of_o st._n peter_n both_o in_o his_o bishopric_n and_o authority_n be_v all_o so_o weak_a and_o precarious_a so_o force_v and_o perplex_v and_o so_o full_o confute_v by_o the_o protestant_a divine_n that_o nothing_o in_o my_o opinion_n but_o blindness_n of_o understanding_n or_o worldly_a interest_n can_v prevail_v with_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n still_o to_o insist_v upon_o they_o now_o that_o christ_n institute_v but_o one_o church_n in_o which_o all_o true_a believer_n and_o good_a liver_n be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v comprise_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o although_o through_o the_o mistake_v and_o perverseness_n of_o man_n this_o church_n be_v rend_v and_o divide_v into_o opposite_a and_o contend_v part_n and_o party_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o according_a to_o its_o true_a and_o primitive_a constitution_n it_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v one_o as_o a_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n by_o its_o law_n and_o constitution_n be_v but_o one_o society_n although_o there_o may_v arise_v faction_n and_o different_a interest_n in_o it_o nor_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v esteem_v as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o god_n who_o be_v not_o ready_a and_o willing_a according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o power_n and_o knowledge_n to_o maintain_v the_o unity_n of_o it_o and_o that_o upon_o those_o very_a term_n and_o none_o other_o which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v as_o near_o as_o possible_o he_o can_v find_v and_o apprehend_v they_o moreover_o that_o all_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n on_o which_o christ_n have_v found_v the_o church_n and_o by_o which_o he_o will_v have_v it_o regulate_v be_v exact_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o sound_a morality_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o doubt_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v true_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v holy_a although_o every_o particular_a member_n thereof_o have_v both_o his_o frailty_n and_o his_o sin_n which_o yet_o he_o must_v repent_v of_o and_o so_o become_v holy_a as_o the_o church_n be_v holy_a or_o else_o he_o violate_v one_o of_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a law_n and_o so_o become_v as_o it_o be_v a_o outlaw_n of_o the_o church_n and_o forfeit_v his_o part_n in_o all_o the_o privilege_n that_o belong_v unto_o that_o society_n and_o whereas_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n do_v enjoy_v more_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o have_v great_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n on_o the_o score_n of_o their_o be_v god_n choose_a and_o peculiar_a people_n than_o any_o or_o all_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o contrary_a now_o look_v upon_o all_o as_o equal_o entitle_v unto_o god_n favour_n and_o the_o advantage_n thereon_o depend_v who_o take_v care_v due_o to_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o it_o so_o that_o whereas_o former_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o choose_a people_n of_o god_n may_v have_v be_v say_v to_o be_v particular_a as_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n limit_v to_o one_o nation_n or_o people_n now_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v catholic_n that_o be_v to_o say_v universal_a as_o be_v no_o way_n confine_v to_o one_o place_n or_o nation_n all_o people_n be_v equal_o choose_v by_o god_n in_o christ_n who_o will_v receive_v and_o love_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n 41._o in_o those_o several_a revelation_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n unto_o adam_n to_o abraham_n and_o to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v still_o a_o plain_a intimation_n give_v they_o that_o in_o the_o time_n to_o come_v there_o shall_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n arise_v in_o the_o world_n who_o shall_v yet_o more_o clear_o make_v know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n but_o when_o christ_n who_o be_v that_o person_n do_v according_o come_v and_o send_v his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n he_o neither_o suggest_v to_o they_o nor_o they_o unto_o the_o world_n that_o any_o other_o revelation_n be_v ever_o after_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o always_o give_v they_o to_o understand_v that_o god_n have_v in_o the_o gospel_n complete_v and_o finish_v all_o that_o declaration_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o or_o his_o will_n unto_o mankind_n until_o the_o general_a judgement_n and_o dissolution_n of_o the_o world_n if_o therefore_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v give_v i_o no_o manner_n of_o assurance_n of_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o church_n my_o own_o reason_n will_v have_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v i_o conclude_v that_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n will_v so_o order_v the_o matter_n as_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o only_o know_v and_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n shall_v never_o be_v whole_o extinguish_v while_o the_o world_n last_v so_o as_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o new_a revelation_n to_o revive_v and_o restore_v it_o but_o that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o certain_a company_n of_o man_n evident_o conspicuous_a to_o the_o world_n teach_v and_o profess_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n without_o any_o error_n or_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n be_v what_o i_o can_v no_o where_n find_v promise_v or_o foretell_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o any_o of_o his_o apostle_n on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v several_a passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o do_v plain_o seem_v to_o foretell_v that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n most_o pernicious_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n shall_v prevail_v and_o take_v place_n even_o among_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v but_o light_o compare_v the_o state_n of_o christianity_n for_o several_a century_n before_o the_o reformation_n with_o that_o draught_n of_o it_o which_o be_v leave_v we_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n must_v if_o he_o be_v impartial_a i_o think_v be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o prediction_n 42._o whether_o or_o no_o god_n have_v or_o do_v at_o any_o time_n communicate_v or_o bestow_v any_o extraordinary_a grace_n or_o assistance_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v no_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o altogether_o stranger_n unto_o that_o revelation_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o be_v a_o question_n which_o the_o virtuous_a life_n and_o heroic_a action_n of_o some_o brave_a heathen_n make_v it_o hard_o positive_o to_o determine_v in_o the_o negative_a but_o that_o he_o will_v give_v so_o much_o grace_n and_o strength_n to_o every_o one_o who_o shall_v become_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n as_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o their_o own_o sufficient_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o eternal_a happiness_n by_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o require_v on_o their_o part_n to_o be_v do_v be_v what_o i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o who_o do_v but_o in_o general_n consider_v the_o mercy_n and_o love_n which_o god_n design_v even_o unto_o all_o man_n but_o more_o especial_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o send_v our_o saviour_n christ_n jesus_n into_o the_o world_n although_o there_o be_v not_o any_o particular_a promise_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o this_o grace_n and_o ability_n to_o do_v good_a be_v in_o scripture_n ascribe_v unto_o the_o ministry_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o true_a believer_n be_v plain_a and_o general_o own_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o that_o this_o
influence_n of_o god_n spirit_n do_v not_o work_v so_o uncontrollable_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v resist_v and_o even_o whole_o reject_v and_o lose_v be_v i_o think_v sufficient_o obvious_a as_o well_o from_o reason_n and_o experience_n as_o form_v those_o passage_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n wherein_o we_o be_v exhort_v not_o to_o quench_v the_o spirit_n but_o to_o walk_v in_o and_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v apparent_o needless_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n if_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o heart_n be_v so_o strong_a as_o that_o we_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o comply_v with_o they_o now_o the_o thing_n which_o god_n require_v to_o be_v perform_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o life_n everlasting_a be_v apparent_a and_o can_v be_v no_o more_o but_o to_o believe_v those_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v make_v know_v which_o be_v call_v faith_n and_o to_o observe_v those_o precept_n which_o he_o have_v command_v which_o be_v call_v obedience_n and_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v require_v from_o no_o man_n beyond_o the_o measure_n of_o possibility_n part_n 1_o §_o 14._o so_o do_v the_o scripture_n most_o full_o assure_v we_o that_o god_n will_v in_o they_o make_v a_o very_a sufficient_a allowance_n for_o the_o ignorance_n and_o frailty_n and_o even_o for_o the_o perverseness_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o will_v not_o only_o be_v merciful_a unto_o our_o weakness_n and_o ordinary_a fail_n but_o will_v pardon_v and_o forgive_v even_o our_o great_a and_o most_o wilful_a sin_n upon_o our_o true_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o as_o for_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o inquire_v here_o into_o the_o nature_n and_o consequence_n of_o it_o but_o shall_v refer_v my_o reader_n to_o that_o excellent_a sermon_n of_o dr._n tillotson_n the_o late_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n upon_o that_o subject_n but_o here_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v all_o take_v that_o caution_n which_o both_o reason_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v give_v we_o viz._n that_o we_o shall_v not_o presume_v so_o much_o upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o lenity_n as_o from_o hence_o to_o take_v occasion_n of_o go_v on_o in_o our_o wickedness_n for_o kindness_n thus_o abuse_v will_v certain_o turn_v into_o the_o high_a wrath_n and_o much_o increase_v the_o damnation_n of_o a_o sinner_n 43._o i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o humane_a soul_n itself_o be_v not_o by_o themselves_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v immortal_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o eternal_a duration_n of_o any_o create_v be_v depend_v not_o so_o much_o upon_o its_o own_o nature_n as_o upon_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o create_v it_o but_o as_o reason_n alone_o suggest_v unto_o we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o life_n to_o come_v after_o this_o part_n 1_o §_o 13._o and_o that_o man_n be_v at_o first_o design_v by_o god_n unto_o life_n eternal_a part_n 2._o §_o 29._o so_o do_v the_o holy_a scripture_n most_o clear_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o who_o perform_v what_o god_n require_v shall_v be_v happy_a to_o all_o eternity_n and_o they_o who_o do_v not_o so_o shall_v be_v miserable_a without_o end_n the_o reconcilableness_n of_o which_o with_o god_n justice_n and_o mercy_n i_o have_v account_v for_o §_o 17._o but_o wherein_o this_o happiness_n of_o the_o righteous_a shall_v consist_v we_o can_v but_o very_o imperfect_o tell_v and_o whether_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v literal_o be_v in_o everlasting_a fire_n or_o whether_o that_o expression_n be_v only_o make_v use_n of_o metaphorical_o to_o signify_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o torment_n i_o think_v it_o not_o necessary_a to_o determine_v but_o both_o my_o own_o reason_n and_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n do_v seem_v strong_o to_o suggest_v that_o neither_o the_o reward_n of_o good_a man_n nor_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o evil_a shall_v be_v equal_a unto_o all_o but_o great_a or_o less_o according_a as_o they_o have_v exceed_v one_o another_o in_o the_o holiness_n or_o wickedness_n of_o their_o life_n 44._o that_o all_o man_n be_v mortal_a be_v sufficient_o testify_v by_o out_o daily_a experience_n but_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n immediate_o upon_o their_o separation_n from_o their_o body_n be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o insensibility_n but_o be_v straightway_o convey_v into_o a_o state_n either_o of_o joy_n or_o misery_n seem_v very_o apparent_a to_o i_o from_o st._n paul_n desire_n to_o be_v dissolve_v that_o he_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n from_o our_o saviour_n promise_n unto_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o from_o the_o story_n or_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n as_o also_o from_o some_o other_o intimation_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o but_o since_o there_o be_v one_o day_n to_o be_v a_o general_a judgement_n of_o all_o mankind_n before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o christ_n where_o every_o man_n must_v receive_v his_o sentence_n for_o eternal_a either_o happiness_n or_o misery_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v assure_v we_o it_o seem_v not_o irrational_a to_o judge_v that_o neither_o the_o righteous_a nor_o the_o wicked_a do_v receive_v their_o full_a and_o final_a portion_n until_o that_o judgement_n be_v pass_v upon_o they_o i_o know_v not_o therefore_o how_o to_o condemn_v those_o who_o ancient_o take_v up_o the_o custom_n of_o pray_v for_o their_o decease_a friend_n who_o have_v live_v holy_o and_o die_v pious_o that_o they_o may_v find_v favour_n and_o acceptance_n at_o the_o general_a judgement_n and_o have_v their_o portion_n of_o glory_n augment_v but_o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n approve_v of_o those_o who_o upon_o such_o pitiful_a suggestion_n have_v presume_v to_o determine_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o purgatory_n where_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v purge_v and_o suffer_v a_o temporary_a punishment_n before_o their_o admission_n into_o heaven_n and_o although_o i_o look_v upon_o their_o pray_v for_o the_o dead_a to_o be_v a_o mistake_n rather_o than_o a_o sin_n yet_o their_o take_n of_o money_n for_o so_o do_v and_o raise_v such_o a_o revenue_n upon_o that_o fund_z i_o look_v upon_o to_o be_v a_o most_o ungodly_a cheat_n and_o imposition_n upon_o the_o people_n 45._o although_o i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v that_o there_o be_v any_o natural_a decay_n in_o the_o general_a frame_n and_o structure_n of_o this_o world_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n who_o make_v it_o it_o may_v whenever_o he_o please_v be_v destroy_v and_o dissolve_v and_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o general_a judgement_n at_o which_o time_n also_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o universal_a resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n of_o all_o those_o who_o have_v die_v and_o a_o change_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v then_o alive_a but_o whether_o all_o the_o same_o individual_a particle_n of_o each_o man_n body_n which_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v raise_v and_o reunite_v again_o to_o their_o soul_n i_o look_v upon_o to_o be_v a_o needless_a enquiry_n what_o st._n paul_n say_v upon_o this_o argument_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 35._o do_v abundant_o satisfy_v i_o the_o purport_n of_o who_o word_n i_o take_v to_o be_v this_o viz._n that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o nature_n have_v give_v such_o a_o vegetative_a power_n to_o a_o grain_n of_o corn_n that_o when_o it_o be_v throw_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o there_o macerate_v and_o dissolve_v it_o spring_v up_o again_o and_o bring_v forth_o a_o body_n suitable_a and_o proper_a to_o its_o self_n that_o that_o same_o god_n i_o say_v both_o can_v and_o will_v at_o the_o last_o day_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o dissolve_a body_n of_o man_n raise_v up_o such_o body_n as_o shall_v please_v himself_o and_o as_o there_o be_v a_o continual_a and_o great_a change_n of_o particle_n in_o the_o humane_a body_n between_o the_o birth_n and_o the_o grave_a so_o i_o see_v not_o what_o absurdity_n will_v follow_v if_o we_o shall_v allow_v also_o that_o there_o be_v a_o like_a change_n between_o the_o grave_a and_o the_o resurrection_n 46._o and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o brief_a and_o plain_a account_n of_o that_o part_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v pure_o or_o chief_o doctrinal_a which_o upon_o the_o most_o strict_a search_n that_o i_o have_v be_v able_a to_o make_v i_o think_v be_v exact_o agreeable_a to_o the_o tenor_n and_o main_a design_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o
methinks_v it_o be_v a_o most_o shameful_a and_o deplorable_a thing_n that_o man_n common_o scruple_n not_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n which_o they_o will_v be_v afraid_a or_o ashamed_a it_o shall_v be_v know_v or_o even_o suspect_v of_o they_o by_o man_n like_o themselves_o 5._o since_o god_n be_v most_o true_a from_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v what_o soever_o he_o say_v or_o make_v know_v how_o improbable_a soever_o otherwise_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o we_o but_o the_o true_a estimate_n of_o such_o belief_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o clearness_n and_o strength_n of_o our_o speculative_a assent_n unto_o those_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o our_o understanding_n for_o to_o receive_v a_o truth_n without_o any_o doubt_n or_o scruple_n which_o sometime_o do_v unaccountable_o force_v themselves_o upon_o we_o even_o in_o the_o clear_a case_n be_v not_o always_o in_o our_o power_n but_o rather_o by_o the_o constant_a suitableness_n of_o ourlive_n unto_o the_o profession_n of_o such_o doctrine_n as_o we_o receive_v and_o own_v and_o he_o who_o have_v but_o a_o weak_a faith_n and_o yet_o lead_v a_o good_a life_n although_o he_o be_v not_o qualify_v for_o doubtful_a disputation_n be_v nevertheless_o a_o true_a believer_n because_o his_o belief_n answer_v the_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v virtue_n and_o morality_n part_n 1_o §_o 42._o nor_o can_v there_o for_o example_n be_v a_o better_a evidence_n that_o a_o man_n do_v real_o and_o sufficient_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v than_o when_o he_o be_v industrious_a and_o diligent_a in_o prepare_v for_o it_o whatever_o doubt_n or_o scruple_n he_o may_v have_v in_o point_n of_o speculation_n about_o it_o 6._o since_o god_n power_n be_v infinite_a and_o his_o authority_n uncontrollable_a it_o follow_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o fear_v he_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o of_o our_o natural_a propensity_n to_o sin_n because_o he_o have_v it_o always_o in_o his_o power_n to_o make_v we_o miserable_a here_o and_o eternal_o so_o hereafter_o but_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o fear_n god_n most_o that_o be_v most_o true_o who_o be_v possess_v with_o the_o great_a dread_n and_o terror_n at_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o wrath_n or_o judgement_n for_o then_o the_o devil_n who_o tremble_v or_o wicked_a wretch_n who_o despair_n of_o god_n mercy_n will_v be_v the_o best_a performer_n of_o this_o duty_n but_o he_o be_v the_o true_a fearer_n of_o god_n who_o always_o take_v the_o great_a care_n not_o to_o offend_v he_o the_o fear_n of_o he_o be_v never_o original_o design_v to_o torment_v and_o disquiet_v our_o mind_n but_o only_o to_o be_v such_o a_o check_n upon_o we_o as_o to_o keep_v we_o in_o due_a awe_n and_o obedience_n 7._o since_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o offence_n both_o against_o a_o gracious_a and_o a_o powerful_a god_n and_o of_o every_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o person_n who_o commit_v it_o and_o since_o nothing_o can_v possible_o be_v conceal_v from_o god_n it_o follow_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v deep_o concern_v and_o true_o sorrowful_a for_o every_o sin_n which_o we_o commit_v and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o palliate_v or_o frame_v excuse_n for_o they_o but_o free_o to_o own_o and_o confess_v they_o to_o he_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o sorrow_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o passionateness_n of_o it_o or_o the_o tear_n which_o it_o produce_v which_o though_o sometime_o good_a sign_n yet_o too_o often_o produce_v but_o little_a effect_n but_o by_o the_o hearty_a reformation_n of_o life_n that_o follow_v and_o he_o only_o can_v be_v say_v to_o any_o purpose_n either_o to_o be_v sorry_a for_o his_o sin_n or_o to_o confess_v they_o to_o god_n who_o be_v careful_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v to_o forsake_v they_o 8._o since_o god_n be_v almighty_a he_o be_v certain_o able_a and_o since_o he_o love_v we_o he_o can_v but_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v best_a and_o fit_a for_o we_o if_o we_o by_o our_o own_o fault_n do_v not_o provoke_v he_o to_o the_o contrary_a from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o as_o long_o as_o we_o serve_v he_o faithful_o we_o ought_v in_o all_o our_o want_n and_o exigency_n to_o trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o he_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o relieve_v or_o help_v we_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o we_o desire_v we_o ought_v to_o bear_v whatever_o affliction_n we_o lie_v under_o patient_o and_o content_o as_o well_o know_v that_o god_n take_v no_o delight_n in_o grieve_v we_o but_o only_o correct_v and_o keep_v we_o under_o in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a good_a and_o to_o demonstrate_v our_o trust_n in_o god_n and_o submission_n to_o his_o chastise_v hand_n we_o must_v never_o attempt_v by_o any_o unlawful_a mean_n to_o supply_v any_o of_o our_o want_n or_o free_v ourselves_o from_o any_o even_o the_o most_o grievous_a pressure_n although_o at_o the_o same_o time_n honest_a labour_n and_o industry_n yet_o still_o with_o submission_n to_o god_n will_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v lawlful_a and_o good_a be_v not_o only_o allow_v but_o commend_v and_o require_v 9_o but_o since_o god_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o since_o all_o the_o good_a which_o we_o have_v or_o be_v capable_a of_o come_v from_o he_o and_o depend_v altogether_o on_o his_o power_n and_o overrule_a providence_n we_o ought_v to_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o whatsoever_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o and_o that_o he_o will_v bless_v all_o our_o honest_a labour_n with_o success_n but_o because_o often_o if_o we_o have_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o we_o desire_v they_o will_v at_o the_o last_o tend_v to_o our_o hurt_n and_o because_o he_o know_v what_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o much_o better_a than_o we_o ourselves_o therefore_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o pray_v that_o his_o will_n shall_v ever_o take_v place_n rather_o than_o our_o own_o and_o since_o we_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o his_o love_n we_o ought_v to_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o shall_v receive_v either_o the_o very_a thing_n we_o pray_v for_o or_o else_o that_o which_o be_v altogether_o as_o good_a for_o we_o if_o our_o sin_n obstruct_v it_o not_o 10._o and_o the_o very_a same_o consideration_n which_o prompt_v we_o to_o make_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o all_o our_o want_n do_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o return_v thanks_o unto_o he_o for_o all_o the_o blessing_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v among_o which_o those_o affliction_n which_o have_v at_o any_o time_n reclaim_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o duty_n aught_o i_o think_v to_o be_v place_v in_o the_o chief_a rank_n and_o the_o only_a demonstration_n of_o a_o true_o thankful_a heart_n to_o god_n be_v the_o make_v a_o pious_a and_o honest_a use_n to_o his_o glory_n of_o all_o those_o blessing_n which_o we_o daily_o receive_v from_o he_o nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o absurd_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o pretend_v to_o give_v god_n thanks_o with_o his_o lip_n who_o do_v not_o also_o do_v it_o more_o to_o the_o purpose_n in_o his_o life_n 11._o as_o god_n justice_n and_o veracity_n be_v a_o reason_n beyond_o exception_n why_o we_o shall_v without_o anxiety_n depend_v on_o all_o his_o promise_n so_o the_o great_a promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v we_o be_v that_o of_o everlasting_a happiness_n for_o our_o more_o effectual_a attain_n unto_o which_o he_o have_v send_v his_o son_n our_o saviour_n christ_n jesus_n to_o suffer_v for_o we_o it_o be_v therefore_o according_o our_o duty_n to_o hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o expect_v the_o performance_n of_o what_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o but_o this_o hope_n be_v to_o be_v show_v not_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o confidence_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v in_o which_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o a_o man_n may_v deceive_v himself_o but_o by_o our_o constant_a care_n in_o due_o perform_v what_o god_n require_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n for_o he_o only_o who_o be_v diligent_a in_o do_v the_o work_n do_v with_o any_o reason_n expect_v or_o hope_v for_o the_o promise_a reward_n 12._o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o all_o that_o we_o want_v and_o to_o hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n from_o he_o so_o the_o holy_a scripture_n direct_v we_o to_o ground_v all_o our_o hope_n of_o happiness_n upon_o the_o suffering_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o all_o our_o prayer_n in_o his_o name_n
as_o hope_v only_o for_o his_o sake_n to_o be_v accept_v who_o be_v represent_v as_o our_o only_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n whosoever_o therefore_o offer_v to_o join_v the_o merit_n mediation_n or_o intercession_n of_o any_o saint_n together_o with_o christ_n jesus_n either_o to_o strengthen_v his_o hope_n of_o salvation_n or_o to_o make_v his_o devotion_n more_o sure_o to_o be_v accept_v by_o god_n as_o he_o seem_v to_o distrust_v the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n as_o if_o alone_z it_o be_v imperfect_a and_o insufficient_a so_o he_o act_v not_o only_o without_o any_o warrant_n from_o but_o even_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a tenor_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 13._o that_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o attempt_v and_o impossible_a to_o make_v any_o bodily_a or_o visible_a picture_n or_o image_n to_o represent_v god_n who_o be_v both_o incorporeal_a and_o invisible_a be_v most_o evident_a beyond_o doubt_n or_o denial_n and_o when_o any_o such_o representation_n be_v make_v with_o that_o design_n and_o expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o people_n the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v to_o beget_v wrong_a notion_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mind_n at_o least_o of_o the_o more_o ignorant_a sort_n for_o such_o as_o any_o thing_n be_v represent_v to_o they_o such_o they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o conceive_v it_o in_o all_o point_n to_o be_v my_o reason_n therefore_o alone_o will_v sufficient_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o make_v any_o sort_n of_o picture_n or_o image_n to_o represent_v god_n although_o he_o have_v not_o so_o positive_o forbid_v it_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o so_o express_o declare_v himself_o a_o jealous_a god_n in_o that_o particular_a 14._o in_o all_o case_n where_o one_o man_n may_v deceive_v another_o to_o his_o great_a damage_n it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o he_o who_o apprehend_v such_o danger_n shall_v not_o depend_v upon_o another_o man_n except_o he_o first_o have_v good_a security_n give_v he_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n now_o many_o time_n the_o best_a or_o indeed_o the_o only_a security_n which_o can_v be_v give_v in_o such_o case_n be_v a_o solemn_a appeal_n to_o almighty_a god_n who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n and_o the_o punisher_n of_o all_o wickedness_n as_o expect_v and_o free_o offer_v one_o self_n to_o his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n in_o case_n he_o prevaricate_v in_o what_o he_o assert_n or_o promise_n and_o this_o be_v what_o we_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o since_o he_o who_o take_v a_o oath_n i_o mean_v with_o due_a seriousness_n and_o consideration_n do_v therein_o make_v a_o evident_a acknowledgement_n of_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a attribute_n of_o god_n viz._n his_o omniscience_n justice_n truth_n and_o power_n it_o follow_v that_o a_o oath_n due_o take_v be_v a_o act_n of_o honour_n and_o reverence_n towards_o god_n and_o consequent_o be_v not_o in_o its_o self_n unlawful_a or_o evil_a but_o if_o a_o oath_n be_v take_v rasble_o or_o unadvised_o or_o unnecessary_o or_o in_o trivial_a case_n it_o be_v a_o lessen_v and_o undervalue_v of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n which_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v treat_v with_o the_o profound_a reverence_n and_o consequent_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o can_v conceive_v to_o be_v forbid_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n mat._n 5._o 34._o nor_o can_v i_o apprehend_v that_o that_o place_n contain_v a_o universal_a prohibition_n of_o all_o swear_n whatsoever_o for_o beside_o that_o the_o very_a context_n in_o the_o precede_a verse_n do_v most_o evident_o limit_v the_o discourse_n to_o such_o oath_n as_o be_v pure_o voluntary_a and_o therefore_o altogether_o unnecessary_a there_o be_v neither_o reason_n nor_o precedent_n to_o induce_v any_o one_o to_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n will_v universal_o forbid_v any_o thing_n which_o have_v nothing_o of_o evil_a or_o malignity_n in_o its_o nature_n and_o some_o even_o of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n not_o only_o before_o but_o since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o even_o the_o bless_a angel_n themselves_o we_o be_v assure_v in_o scripture_n have_v swear_v upon_o some_o occasion_n with_o great_a solemnity_n nor_o do_v the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o other_o place_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o take_n of_o a_o oath_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n unlawful_a or_o forbid_v or_o any_o way_n universal_o evil_a in_o its_o self_n but_o altogether_o the_o contrary_a nor_o do_v our_o bless_a saviour_n that_o we_o can_v find_v design_v to_o deprive_v prince_n or_o magistrate_n of_o any_o part_n of_o that_o lawful_a power_n which_o they_o have_v over_o their_o subject_n before_o his_o come_n who_o every_o where_o be_v invest_v with_o a_o right_n of_o exact_v a_o oath_n from_o they_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v necessary_a either_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o security_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o for_o the_o end_n of_o difference_n between_o private_a party_n and_o as_o for_o that_o passage_n of_o st._n james_n 5._o 12._o which_o be_v by_o some_o urge_v against_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o a_o recapitulation_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n which_o be_v just_a now_o mention_v needs_o no_o other_o answer_n than_o what_o i_o have_v already_o give_v but_o since_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v to_o invoke_v god_n that_o thereby_o a_o man_n may_v give_v assurance_n to_o another_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n it_o follow_v that_o to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n upon_o oath_n beyond_o what_o the_o man_n who_o swear_v know_v to_o be_v true_a or_o not_o to_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v upon_o his_o oath_n promise_v be_v a_o sin_n and_o since_o he_o who_o impose_v upon_o another_o by_o doubtful_a and_o equivocal_a word_n do_v as_o much_o deceive_v he_o as_o he_o who_o speak_v a_o downright_a falsity_n from_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o such_o a_o deceitful_a oath_n be_v altogether_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o consequent_o as_o unlawful_a as_o a_o false_a one_o but_o although_o a_o oath_n lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o a_o man_n to_o do_v whatever_o he_o have_v swear_v yet_o if_o a_o man_n swear_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o contrary_a to_o some_o former_a obligation_n under_o which_o he_o indispensable_o lie_v to_o god_n or_o man_n he_o can_v not_o in_o this_o case_n be_v oblige_v to_o keep_v his_o oath_n but_o be_v bind_v to_o repent_v of_o it_o for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o any_o man_n own_o act_n shall_v free_v he_o from_o any_o obligation_n under_o which_o he_o lie_v to_o another_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o oath_n can_v neither_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o sin_n nor_o make_v it_o lawful_a to_o commit_v it_o and_o since_o the_o design_n of_o a_o oath_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v to_o oblige_v he_o to_o performance_n that_o take_v it_o and_o since_o the_o name_n of_o god_n ought_v never_o unnecessary_o to_o be_v invoke_v it_o follow_v that_o where_o a_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o keep_v a_o oath_n he_o ought_v not_o on_o any_o account_n to_o take_v it_o 15._o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o different_a place_n there_o have_v divers_a ceremony_n and_o form_n of_o word_n be_v introduce_v in_o the_o take_n of_o a_o oath_n some_o of_o they_o ground_v upon_o reason_n and_o other_o take_v up_o through_o mistake_n in_o imitation_n thus_o probable_o whereas_o it_o may_v have_v be_v a_o custom_n in_o some_o place_n in_o a_o oath_n to_o invoke_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n upon_o one_o head_n from_o hence_o likely_a may_v arise_v that_o form_n of_o swear_v by_o the_o head_n and_o in_o imitation_n thereof_o by_o the_o hand_n or_o other_o part_n of_o the_o body_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v usual_a to_o take_v solemn_a oath_n in_o extraordinary_a case_n in_o the_o temple_n or_o at_o the_o altar_n and_o with_o we_o at_o this_o time_n lay_v the_o hand_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o hence_o may_v arise_v the_o form_n of_o swear_v by_o the_o temple_n the_o altar_n the_o bible_n etc._n etc._n but_o here_o it_o must_v be_v note_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v for_o assurance_n and_o consist_v therefore_o altogether_o in_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o party_n viz._n as_o well_o of_o he_o who_o require_v it_o as_o of_o he_o who_o give_v it_o he_o may_v be_v say_v real_o and_o true_o to_o snear_o not_o only_o who_o make_v use_v of_o such_o a_o form_n and_o ceremony_n as_o be_v accustom_v or_o prescribe_v in_o any_o certain_a place_n but_o he_o who_o any_o way_n signify_v to_o another_o a_o intention_n to_o oblige_v himself_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o vengeance_n
and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o joint_a intention_n of_o both_o party_n as_o it_o appear_v fair_o to_o be_v signify_v without_o any_o place_n for_o fraud_n or_o collusion_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o true_a measure_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o every_o oath_n 16._o when_o a_o man_n promise_v a_o thing_n and_o oblige_v himself_o thereto_o not_o to_o any_o other_o man_n but_o only_o to_o god_n alone_o this_o be_v what_o be_v common_o call_v a_o vow_n and_o come_v so_o exact_o under_o the_o same_o rule_n with_o a_o promisory_a oath_n as_o will_v present_o appear_v to_o whosoever_o read_v the_o two_o forego_v section_n that_o i_o need_v not_o again_o particular_o repear_v they_o but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a necessary_a caution_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o oath_n and_o more_o especial_o to_o be_v take_v care_n of_o in_o vow_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v never_o voluntary_o oblige_v himself_o to_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o he_o be_v well_o assure_v be_v within_o his_o power_n to_o perform_v i_o mean_v with_o the_o help_n of_o that_o common_a assistance_n and_o grace_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o all_o that_o seek_v it_o for_o if_o a_o man_n go_v beyond_o this_o and_o tie_v such_o burden_n upon_o himself_o as_o he_o be_v not_o sufficient_o sure_a of_o strength_n to_o bear_v beside_o the_o presumption_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o must_v needs_o involve_v his_o conscience_n in_o many_o difficulty_n and_o perplexity_n 17._o since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o be_v whatsoever_o which_o for_o power_n goodness_n or_o excellency_n of_o nature_n can_v any_o way_n be_v equal_v to_o or_o compare_v with_o almighty_a god_n from_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o these_o forego_v duty_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o god_n on_o the_o account_n and_o supposition_n of_o the_o transcendency_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o attribute_n be_v not_o any_o of_o they_o to_o be_v pay_v unto_o any_o thing_n or_o person_n beside_o himself_o for_o that_o will_v be_v in_o effect_n to_o set_v up_o somewhat_o else_o as_o a_o god_n or_o in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n unto_o ourselves_o let_v they_o then_o who_o seem_v either_o to_o love_v or_o fear_v or_o trust_v in_o any_o thing_n or_o person_n as_o much_o or_o more_o than_o god_n and_o who_o offer_v up_o their_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n unto_o any_o saint_n or_o angel_n which_o seem_v to_o suppose_v their_o omniscience_n and_o that_o they_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o to_o argue_v some_o distrust_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o readiness_n to_o hear_v we_o let_v they_o i_o say_v and_o such_o like_a person_n consider_v well_o with_o themselves_o how_o they_o can_v answer_v these_o thing_n to_o god_n who_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n but_o since_o every_o man_n who_o be_v sincere_a in_o religion_n must_v necessary_o suit_v his_o worship_n and_o duty_n to_o god_n according_a to_o the_o apprehension_n which_o he_o have_v of_o the_o deity_n he_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o distinction_n of_o person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o god_n head_n of_o which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o give_v my_o thought_n part_v 2._o §_o 22._o not_o i_o think_v but_o make_v the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o joint_a object_n of_o his_o service_n and_o devotion_n and_o why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v both_o lawful_a and_o proper_a to_o invoke_v the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n together_o with_o the_o father_n in_o our_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o to_o be_v baptise_a and_o to_o bless_v in_o their_o name_n together_o with_o he_o which_o be_v both_o i_o think_v act_n of_o divine_a worship_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v see_v no_o sound_a reason_n that_o can_v be_v give_v but_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v tell_v i_o that_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n he_o dare_v proceed_v no_o far_a than_o the_o holy_a scripture_n will_v express_o warrant_v and_o therefore_o that_o he_o can_v not_o invoke_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o his_o prayer_n because_o he_o there_o find_v neither_o precept_n for_o nor_o example_n of_o it_o judge_v no_o man_n but_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o stand_v or_o fall_v to_o his_o own_o master_n for_o myself_o i_o answer_v that_o since_o god_n have_v make_v we_o reasonable_a creature_n i_o can_v not_o but_o think_v that_o a_o clear_a and_o rational_a consequence_n from_o scripture_n be_v as_o good_a a_o warrant_n for_o any_o religious_a action_n and_o lay_v as_o great_a a_o obligation_n upon_o he_o that_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o as_o the_o most_o express_a text_n and_o if_o the_o personality_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v admit_v as_o i_o here_o suppose_v to_o i_o no_o consequence_n seem_v to_o be_v clear_a than_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v invoke_v and_o worship_v together_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n 18._o since_o the_o end_n to_o which_o god_n design_v all_o man_n be_v eternal_a happiness_n in_o another_o life_n part_v 2._o §_o 29._o to_o a_o capacity_n for_o which_o we_o be_v again_o after_o our_o fall_n restore_v by_o jesus_n christ_n part_v 2._o §_o 33_o etc._n etc._n it_o follow_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n whereby_o we_o may_v miss_v of_o this_o end_n or_o be_v divert_v from_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o action_n and_o endeavour_n shall_v ever_o be_v bend_v on_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o 19_o no_o man_n will_v ever_o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o any_o thing_n of_o which_o he_o seldom_o think_v and_o rare_o consider_v the_o benefit_n of_o obtain_v and_o the_o evil_a of_o miss_v it_o if_o therefore_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v diligent_a in_o our_o endeavour_n after_o eternal_a happiness_n we_o ought_v to_o make_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n the_o subject_n of_o our_o frequent_a thought_n and_o meditation_n 20._o he_o who_o place_v his_o happiness_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o upon_o a_o wrong_a object_n will_v never_o be_v so_o diligent_a as_o he_o ought_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o that_o true_a happiness_n to_o which_o he_o be_v design_v by_o god_n because_o the_o stream_n of_o his_o thought_n and_o endeavour_n must_v needs_o in_o the_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n be_v divert_v according_a as_o he_o apprehend_v his_o happiness_n to_o lie_v another_o way_n now_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n except_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o though_o they_o may_v be_v have_v in_o this_o world_n yet_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n that_o can_v any_o way_n make_v up_o a_o part_n of_o our_o real_a happiness_n be_v abundant_o demonstrable_a from_o the_o vanity_n uncertainty_n and_o shortness_n of_o all_o worldly_a joy_n he_o therefore_o who_o place_n any_o part_n of_o his_o happiness_n upon_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o this_o world_n most_o certain_o place_n it_o upon_o a_o wrong_a object_n but_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n propose_v to_o himself_o as_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o any_o of_o his_o action_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o therein_o he_o place_v some_o part_n at_o least_o of_o his_o happiness_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o any_o action_n of_o a_o man_n must_v be_v propose_v as_o the_o final_a satisfaction_n of_o some_o of_o his_o desire_n for_o as_o far_o as_o any_o one_o desire_n extend_v so_o far_o off_o must_v be_v the_o end_n he_o aim_v at_o and_z no_o desire_n of_o any_o man_n can_v ever_o be_v final_o satisfy_v till_o it_o meet_v with_o that_o wherein_o he_o suppose_v his_o happiness_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n to_o consist_v from_o hence_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o although_o there_o be_v some_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o world_n which_o may_v innocent_o be_v enjoy_v yet_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o propose_v any_o worldly_a enjoyment_n as_o the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o design_n of_o any_o of_o his_o action_n for_o this_o will_v be_v a_o place_v his_o happiness_n or_o some_o part_n of_o it_o upon_o a_o wrong_a object_n and_o thereby_o a_o hindrance_n of_o his_o pursuit_n of_o the_o true_a happiness_n for_o which_o god_n design_v he_o to_o illustrate_v this_o which_o otherwise_o may_v seem_v obscure_a by_o a_o example_n or_o two_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o without_o doubt_n relish_v the_o meat_n he_o eat_v for_o to_o what_o other_o end_n do_v god_n give_v we_o the_o sense_n of_o taste_v but_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o eat_n at_o all_o time_n aught_o to_o be_v to_o preserve_v his_o life_n and_o health_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o do_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n require_v from_o he_o in_o order_n to_o his_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n design_v he_o and_o which_o he_o
but_o diversion_n and_o who_o scarce_o ever_o set_v themselves_o to_o any_o employment_n whereby_o either_o god_n be_v glorify_v or_o other_o benefit_v what_o can_v they_o expect_v but_o the_o same_o sentence_n which_o be_v pronounce_v upon_o the_o idle_a and_o unprofitable_a servant_n mat._n 25._o 26._o and_o if_o to_o be_v altogether_o idle_a and_o unemployed_a be_v not_o to_o be_v excuse_v or_o justify_v how_o much_o more_o be_v they_o to_o be_v condemn_v who_o be_v so_o frequent_o employ_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v evil_a and_o scandalous_a 26._o since_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n arise_v chief_o from_o a_o true_a judgement_n concern_v the_o circumstance_n and_o qualification_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n it_o follow_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v endeavour_v as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v able_a to_o inform_v himself_o right_o and_o to_o frame_v true_a notion_n in_o all_o point_n of_o and_z concern_v god_n himself_o and_o other_o man_n to_o who_o there_o be_v duty_n owe_v and_o also_o of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o any_o of_o those_o duty_n and_o in_o the_o true_a management_n whereof_o such_o duty_n do_v consist_v for_o if_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n concern_v either_o of_o these_o he_o must_v of_o necessity_n take_v wrong_a measure_n in_o his_o action_n thus_o for_o example_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v eternal_a most_o good_a wise_a and_o powerful_a etc._n etc._n it_o will_v not_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o love_n honour_n and_o fear_v he_o in_o that_o degree_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o always_o remember_v ourselves_o to_o be_v frail_a creature_n subject_a to_o passion_n and_o infirmity_n of_o short_a continuance_n in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o whatever_o excellency_n we_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v we_o derive_v it_o whole_o from_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n and_o not_o from_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a so_o effectual_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o govern_v our_o passion_n and_o restrain_v our_o affection_n from_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o pursue_v that_o end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v design_v we_o and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o other_o man_n whatever_o accidental_a difference_n there_o may_v be_v between_o we_o be_v equal_a to_o we_o in_o nature_n that_o their_o soul_n be_v as_o precious_a in_o god_n sight_n as_o we_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o they_o as_o much_o as_o for_o we_o etc._n etc._n we_o shall_v not_o be_v incline_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o to_o they_o with_o that_o justice_n charity_n and_o humility_n which_o do_v evident_o appear_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o last_o if_o we_o do_v not_o frame_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prefer_v the_o late_a before_o the_o former_a in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v 27._o although_o the_o chief_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n be_v reserve_v by_o god_n to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o another_o life_n by_o those_o who_o hearty_o strive_v for_o it_o whilst_o they_o be_v in_o this_o yet_o can_v i_o find_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o he_o have_v decree_v we_o all_o or_o any_o of_o we_o to_o be_v absolute_o miserable_a whilst_o we_o remain_v in_o this_o world_n on_o the_o contrary_a since_o god_n have_v original_o a_o love_n for_o all_o mankind_n in_o general_n part_v 2._o §_o 16._o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o he_o always_o even_o in_o this_o life_n design_n at_o least_o some_o share_n or_o beginning_n of_o happiness_n for_o every_o man_n and_o never_o afflict_v or_o suffer_v any_o man_n to_o be_v afflict_v but_o only_o in_o order_n to_o his_o great_a happiness_n hereafter_o until_o such_o time_n as_o he_o think_v it_o proper_a to_o pour_v out_o his_o vengeance_n and_o final_a destruction_n upon_o such_o as_o have_v by_o their_o wickedness_n altogether_o forseit_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n since_o than_o god_n original_o design_v some_o measure_n or_o commencement_n of_o happiness_n to_o all_o man_n even_o in_o this_o life_n as_o well_o as_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o who_o ought_v as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o all_o god_n design_n shall_v endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o promote_v the_o happiness_n of_o every_o man_n both_o in_o relation_n to_o this_o world_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v or_o in_o other_o term_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v as_o much_o good_a to_o all_o other_o as_o he_o can_v and_o to_o hurt_v no_o man_n whatsoever_o if_o he_o can_v avoid_v it_o 28._o but_o if_o every_o man_n always_o keep_v single_o by_o himself_o without_o any_o society_n or_o intercourse_n with_o other_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o do_v any_o good_a one_o to_o another_o and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o mankind_n shall_v live_v each_o with_o other_o in_o a_o state_n of_o society_n and_o to_o make_v we_o all_o the_o more_o sensible_a of_o the_o necessity_n and_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o thus_o to_o live_v with_o and_o do_v good_a to_o other_o god_n have_v so_o order_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o all_o mankind_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n long_o to_o subsist_v much_o less_o to_o enjoy_v any_o sort_n of_o comfort_n or_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o life_n without_o the_o good_a will_n and_o assistance_n of_o other_o which_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v except_o he_o be_v ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o retaliate_v what_o he_o himself_o so_o continual_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o and_o since_o god_n original_a love_n to_o mankind_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o some_o certain_a person_n but_o universal_o extend_v to_o all_o i_o must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o he_o design_v not_o only_o the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n of_o some_o particular_n but_o universal_o of_o all_o man_n whatsoever_o and_o since_o the_o more_o universal_a the_o society_n between_o man_n be_v the_o more_o universal_a the_o happiness_n which_o thence_o result_v will_v be_v it_o will_v evident_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v god_n will_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v behave_v himself_o after_o a_o sociable_a and_o friendly_a manner_n to_o every_o other_o man_n without_o exception_n and_o since_o there_o be_v no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n however_o weak_a and_o poor_a or_o at_o never_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o i_o but_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o thing_n may_v fall_v out_o so_o as_o that_o one_o time_n or_o other_o i_o may_v in_o my_o distress_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o his_o help_n and_o friendship_n my_o reason_n tell_v i_o that_o it_o be_v my_o interest_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n as_o much_o as_o i_o be_o able_a beforehand_o to_o oblige_v every_o man_n who_o come_v in_o my_o way_n by_o do_v office_n of_o civility_n and_o kindness_n to_o he_o as_o occasion_n offer_v 29._o that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o mankind_n in_o general_a the_o free_a liberty_n to_o make_v use_n of_o all_o other_o creature_n for_o their_o support_n and_o sustenance_n my_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v assure_v i_o because_o without_o some_o of_o they_o we_o can_v not_o preserve_v ourselves_o in_o be_v and_o if_o we_o have_v not_o liberty_n to_o destroy_v other_o of_o they_o for_o our_o use_n they_o will_v in_o time_n so_o overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o that_o we_o can_v not_o have_v any_o safe_a or_o convenient_a habitation_n upon_o it_o but_o if_o all_o these_o creature_n be_v always_o to_o remain_v in_o common_a so_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v have_v a_o right_a to_o take_v possession_n of_o any_o part_n of_o they_o to_o his_o own_o prticular_a use_n and_o disposal_n and_o to_o exclude_v other_o therefrom_o the_o consequence_n must_v needs_o be_v perpetual_a discord_n and_o confusion_n for_o when_o i_o have_v prepare_v food_n to_o sustain_v my_o hunger_n or_o raiment_n to_o defend_v i_o from_o the_o cold_a if_o every_o other_o man_n shall_v have_v still_o as_o good_a a_o right_a thereto_o as_o i_o any_o one_o may_v lawful_o take_v it_o away_o from_o i_o and_o if_o my_o right_n be_v as_o good_a as_o any_o other_o i_o may_v also_o lawful_o defend_v my_o possession_n from_o which_o state_n of_o thing_n contention_n and_o strife_n must_v eternal_o and_o unavoidable_o arise_v i_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o law_n of_o property_n and_o right_n and_o that_o every_o man_n must_v yield_v to_o other_o that_o which_o be_v their_o own_o or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o society_n and_o
which_o be_v my_o right_n for_o otherwise_o all_o the_o good_a and_o honest_a man_n in_o the_o world_n will_v continual_o lie_v expose_v to_o the_o wrong_n and_o insult_v of_o any_o evil_a man_n who_o may_v have_v a_o mind_n to_o destroy_v they_o so_o i_o and_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v ready_a at_o any_o time_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o a_o adversary_n or_o enemy_n provide_v it_o may_v be_v upon_o such_o term_n as_o be_v consistent_a with_o our_o own_o safety_n nor_o ought_v any_o man_n upon_o any_o occasion_n to_o do_v any_o great_a harm_n to_o his_o keen_a enemy_n than_o what_o he_o apprehend_v to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o his_o own_o preservation_n for_o since_o society_n and_o peace_n among_o mankind_n be_v the_o will_n and_o design_n of_o almighty_a god_n if_o a_o breach_n be_v make_v therein_o by_o another_o i_o ought_v for_o my_o part_n to_o do_v nothing_o which_o may_v make_v it_o wide_o but_o ever_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o help_a hand_n to_o the_o close_n and_o make_v up_o of_o it_o 35._o hitherto_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o lay_v down_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o every_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o pay_v and_o perform_v to_o god_n to_o himself_o and_o to_o all_o other_o men._n now_o to_o deduce_v all_o the_o particular_a branch_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n from_o these_o main_a principle_n and_o to_o show_v how_o morality_n be_v improve_v and_o refine_v by_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n be_v a_o thing_n not_o dificult_a to_o be_v do_v but_o yet_o inconsistent_a with_o my_o design_a brevity_n for_o which_o therefore_o i_o must_v refer_v my_o reader_n to_o some_o of_o those_o book_n of_o christian_a piety_n wherein_o each_o particular_a of_o our_o duty_n be_v at_o large_a describe_v and_o press_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n if_o we_o will_v have_v a_o short_a abstract_n of_o our_o duty_n than_o what_o i_o have_v now_o be_v give_v the_o holy_a scripture_n furnish_v we_o with_o three_o rule_n then_o express_v and_o one_o imply_v from_o which_o every_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o do_v be_v easy_o deduee_v and_o they_o be_v 1._o that_o we_o shall_v love_v god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n soul_n and_o strength_n 2._o that_o we_o shall_v true_o love_v ourselves_o that_o be_v to_o say_v so_o as_o always_o to_o aim_v at_o and_o pursue_v our_o true_a and_o chief_a happiness_n and_o 3._o that_o we_o shall_v love_v other_o as_o we_o do_v ourselves_o not_o with_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o love_n for_o that_o be_v not_o only_o unreasonable_a but_o impossible_a but_o with_o the_o same_o reality_n and_o sincerity_n or_o in_o other_o term_n that_o we_o shall_v ever_o do_v unto_o all_o other_o man_n what_o we_o will_v think_v reasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v do_v unto_o we_o if_o we_o be_v in_o their_o circumstance_n and_o they_o in_o we_o but_o beside_o these_o general_a duty_n which_o be_v indiscriminate_o incumbent_a upon_o all_o man_n there_o be_v divers_a particular_a one_o which_o do_v arise_v from_o those_o several_a relation_n which_o man_n may_v contract_v and_o bear_v to_o other_o of_o which_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o i_o give_v some_o brief_a account_n 36._o that_o god_n will_v have_v the_o generation_n of_o man_n continue_v and_o increase_v upon_o the_o earth_n be_v very_o evident_a as_o well_o from_o the_o natural_a inclination_n which_o he_o have_v implant_v in_o they_o as_o in_o all_o other_o live_v creature_n to_o propagate_v their_o kind_a as_o from_o that_o love_n and_o affection_n which_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o other_o creature_n towards_o those_o who_o spring_n from_o they_o but_o if_o mankind_n be_v propagate_v only_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o wild_a and_o wander_a lust_n without_o confinement_n to_o any_o settle_a rule_n or_o law_n this_o will_v bring_v in_o such_o a_o deluge_n of_o confusion_n and_o disturbance_n as_o will_v unavoidable_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o satisfaction_n which_o at_o the_o present_a they_o do_v or_o may_v enjoy_v for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o settle_a marriage_n we_o can_v hardly_o suppose_v that_o ever_o there_o will_v be_v any_o sort_n of_o settle_a family_n which_o be_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o society_n and_o regularity_n among_o man_n father_n will_v not_o know_v which_o be_v their_o own_o child_n and_o consequent_o will_v take_v no_o care_n to_o bring_v they_o up_o or_o provide_v for_o they_o and_o not_o only_o the_o pain_n of_o bear_v but_o the_o whole_a trouble_n of_o nourish_v reat_v and_o provide_v for_o child_n will_v lie_v whole_o upon_o the_o female_a sex_n who_o by_o themselves_o can_v but_o very_o imperfect_o perform_v that_o work_n as_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v since_o therefore_o god_n intend_v the_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n even_o whilst_o they_o be_v here_o upon_o earth_n i_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o mankind_n shall_v be_v propagate_v no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o settle_a marriage_n that_o be_v by_o a_o compact_a and_o agreement_n between_o the_o male_a and_o female_a and_o that_o under_o such_o rule_n as_o be_v fit_a and_o proper_a to_o promote_v the_o general_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v his_o great_a design_n ought_v ever_o also_o to_o be_v we_o 37._o that_o a_o woman_n shall_v have_v more_o than_o one_o husband_n at_o a_o time_n be_v notorious_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o marriage_n and_o therefore_o direct_o unlawful_a and_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v have_v more_o than_o one_o wife_n at_o a_o time_n the_o experience_n of_o many_o in_o former_a age_n and_o at_o this_o time_n in_o the_o eastern_a country_n do_v sufficient_o testify_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o peace_n and_o quietness_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n of_o every_o family_n and_o therefore_o not_o so_o agreeable_a to_o that_o universal_a friendship_n which_o ought_v ever_o to_o be_v preserve_v among_o man_n but_o especial_o among_o those_o who_o be_v so_o near_o ally_v together_o moreover_o if_o man_n and_o their_o wife_n shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o part_v one_o from_o the_o other_o whenever_o they_o please_v beside_o the_o confusion_n and_o disturbance_n which_o this_o also_o must_v breed_v in_o family_n especial_o where_o there_o be_v child_n in_o the_o case_n marriage_n will_v hardly_o differ_v from_o that_o wild_a and_o wander_a lust_n against_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o precede_a paragraph_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o although_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n if_o a_o man_n take_v more_o wife_n than_o one_o not_o for_o lust_n which_o be_v unlawful_a §_o 24._o but_o mere_o for_o propagation_n it_o may_v in_o some_o case_n be_v dispense_v with_o yet_o it_o ever_o be_v most_o please_a to_o god_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v have_v but_o one_o wife_n at_o a_o time_n and_o that_o nothing_o but_o death_n shall_v ever_o part_v a_o man_n and_o his_o wife_n except_o the_o evil_a behaviour_n of_o one_o party_n shall_v make_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o marriage_n compact_a and_o cohabitation_n not_o only_o something_o uneasy_a for_o that_o for_o peace_n and_o quietness_n sake_n shall_v be_v bear_v patient_o but_o downright_a intolerable_a but_o these_o thing_n which_o reason_n may_v perhaps_o but_o imperfect_o suggest_v the_o gospel_n have_v pass_v and_o establish_v into_o law_n viz._n that_o as_o every_o woman_n be_v to_o have_v but_o one_o husband_n for_n no_o man_n must_v have_v more_o than_o one_o wife_n at_o a_o time_n nor_o must_v any_o thing_n part_n man_n and_o wife_n but_o death_n except_o it_o be_v the_o case_n of_o adultery_n and_o better_o much_o it_o be_v that_o particular_a person_n shall_v sometime_o be_v force_v to_o labour_v under_o some_o inconvenience_n than_o that_o any_o such_o liberty_n shall_v be_v allow_v as_o tend_v to_o disturb_v and_o distract_v the_o world_n 38._o we_o general_o find_v that_o all_o man_n even_o heathen_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n and_o christian_n have_v conceive_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a abhorrence_n against_o the_o marriage_n of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v very_o near_o ally_v together_o within_o some_o certain_a degree_n of_o relation_n and_o since_o the_o world_n be_v wide_a enough_o for_o a_o man_n to_o choose_v a_o wife_n or_o a_o woman_n a_o husband_n those_o general_a rule_n which_o be_v give_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n of_o provide_v for_o thing_n honest_a not_o only_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o of_o man_n also_o and_o of_o take_v care_n not_o only_o about_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a but_o also_o about_o such_o as_o be_v lovely_a and_o of_o good_a report_n shall_v teach_v we_o that_o no_o person_n shall_v engage_v in_o such_o a_o
society_n have_v not_o certain_a law_n and_o rule_n to_o proceed_v by_o in_o all_o such_o case_n and_o some_o certain_a person_n to_o put_v those_o law_n in_o execution_n every_o man_n will_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v his_o own_o judge_n and_o what_o may_v feem_v fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o one_o may_v appear_v otherwise_o to_o another_o of_o a_o contrary_a interest_n from_o whence_o perpetual_a faction_n and_o confusion_n must_v needs_o follow_v but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o any_o one_o or_o more_o of_o such_o a_o society_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o rest_n shall_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o make_v law_n for_o or_o exercise_v authority_n over_o the_o whole_a community_n for_o if_o it_o be_v in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o make_v himself_o a_o magistrate_n all_o may_v set_v up_o to_o be_v ruler_n and_o few_o or_o none_o will_v be_v subject_n which_o will_v bring_v in_o confusion_n and_o destroy_v the_o society_n but_o when_o the_o whole_a society_n do_v agree_v and_o consent_n that_o such_o certain_a person_n shall_v have_v the_o exercise_v of_o such_o certain_a power_n which_o original_o be_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o society_n itself_o it_o be_v then_o lawful_a for_o those_o person_n to_o act_v according_o and_o they_o who_o have_v consent_v to_o their_o authority_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o consent_n oblige_v to_o pay_v obedience_n to_o they_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o the_o original_a of_o magistrate_n be_v from_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o solid_a ground_n that_o i_o can_v find_v upon_o which_o to_o establish_v they_o and_o when_o once_o a_o legislative_a and_o executive_a power_n be_v thus_o settle_a and_o establish_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o a_o people_n who_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n take_v shelter_n under_o its_o protection_n it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o god_n own_o appointment_n and_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n be_v according_o to_o be_v pay_v to_o it_o by_o every_o particular_a person_n who_o abide_v within_o the_o precinct_n of_o its_o juridiction_n for_o this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o the_o roman_a government_n which_o be_v in_o st._n paul_n time_n and_o there_o be_v exact_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o in_o all_o other_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n whatsoever_o 47._o since_o than_o magistracy_n derive_v itself_o whole_o from_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n from_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o original_a rule_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o the_o subject_n obedience_n be_v that_o consent_n which_o the_o people_n have_v give_v or_o in_o other_o term_n those_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o place_n in_o which_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n have_v acquiesce_v beyond_o which_o neither_o any_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o command_v nor_o be_v any_o subject_a bind_v to_o obey_v for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o can_v be_v no_o transgression_n nor_o any_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n nor_o consequent_o any_o right_a to_o command_v 48._o but_o if_o the_o legislative_a power_n of_o any_o nation_n do_v enact_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n or_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a no_o particular_a man_n can_v be_v bind_v to_o obey_v such_o a_o constitution_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o weigh_v more_o with_o we_o than_o that_o of_o any_o community_n whatsoever_o and_o it_o be_v express_o rule_v in_o scripture_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man._n 49._o and_o the_o same_o reason_n viz._n self-preservation_n which_o allow_v a_o society_n thus_o settle_v into_o a_o government_n to_o punish_v malefactor_n within_o themselves_o must_v also_o justify_v they_o it_o by_o force_n of_o arm_n they_o defend_v themselves_o against_o any_o foreign_a enemy_n which_o will_v wrong_v or_o oppress_v they_o or_o endeavour_v to_o recover_v their_o right_n from_o those_o who_o have_v take_v it_o from_o they_o and_o refuse_v to_o restore_v it_o for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o a_o community_n to_o hope_v to_o subsist_v by_o maintain_v good_a order_n and_o discipline_n at_o home_n if_o all_o the_o while_o they_o must_v without_o remedy_n lie_v continual_o expose_v to_o the_o wrong_n and_o insult_v of_o every_o enemy_n which_o may_v assault_v they_o from_o abroad_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o war_n whether_o defensive_a or_o offensive_a may_v in_o many_o case_n be_v very_o just_a and_o lawful_a nor_o be_v there_o the_o least_o word_n throughout_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o may_v represent_v the_o profession_n of_o a_o soldier_n who_o fight_v under_o a_o lawful_a authority_n as_o any_o way_n contrary_a to_o religion_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n though_o such_o a_o man_n certain_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o exercise_v his_o call_n with_o as_o much_o mildness_n and_o humanity_n as_o can_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o service_n of_o his_o country_n but_o also_o ever_o to_o satisfy_v himself_o first_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o cause_n in_o which_o he_o engage_v before_o he_o draw_v his_o sword_n in_o the_o quarrel_n for_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v no_o hurt_n to_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o if_o we_o can_v avoid_v it_o so_o for_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n ought_v we_o not_o to_o become_v instrumental_a in_o any_o wrong_n or_o injustice_n which_o another_o man_n let_v he_o be_v who_o he_o will_v intend_v to_o do_v 50._o that_o a_o humble_a demeanour_n together_o with_o a_o reasonable_a diligence_n and_o a_o honest_a fidelity_n to_o his_o master_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o servant_n be_v most_o apparent_a because_o if_o a_o servant_n be_v either_o haughty_a negligent_a or_o unfaithful_a he_o cease_v in_o effect_n to_o be_v a_o servant_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o justice_n and_o humanity_n be_v no_o less_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o master_n towards_o his_o servant_n be_v altogether_o as_o clear_v because_o where_o these_o be_v not_o observe_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o servant_n must_v be_v intolerable_a and_o contrary_a to_o that_o comfortable_a state_n which_o we_o suppose_v god_n to_o design_n for_o all_o man_n and_o therefore_o for_o servant_n who_o be_v as_o much_o man_n and_o as_o much_o value_v by_o god_n and_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v as_o well_o as_o for_o their_o master_n 51._o that_o all_o christian_n be_v or_o according_a to_o christ_n institution_n ought_v to_o be_v combine_v together_o into_o one_o society_n which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n i_o have_v already_o say_v part_n 2._o §_o 40._o now_o in_o all_o such_o incorporate_a society_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v ever_o to_o be_v consider_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o person_n or_o person_n who_o first_o gather_v and_o institute_v they_o 2._o what_o advantage_n accrue_v to_o those_o who_o become_v member_n of_o they_o and_o three_o what_o be_v the_o law_n and_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o the_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o at_o the_o will_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n institute_v and_o embody_v the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o purify_v unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n or_o in_o other_o term_n by_o this_o incorporation_n so_o make_v more_o effectual_o to_o promote_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n in_o the_o world_n the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o every_o true_a member_n of_o this_o church_n may_v propose_v to_o himself_o be_v the_o participation_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n here_o for_o the_o better_a performance_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n hereafter_o both_o which_o be_v promise_v to_o we_o by_o god_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n jesus_n our_o saviour_n and_o last_o the_o law_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v either_o 1._o the_o general_a law_n of_o piety_n and_o morality_n of_o which_o i_o have_v hitherto_o be_v give_v a_o account_n or_o 2._o such_o particular_a constitution_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o it_o consider_v as_o a_o congregat_v and_o incorporate_a body_n of_o man_n which_o i_o have_v reserve_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o the_o last_o place_n of_o all_o 52._o the_o first_o thing_n which_o be_v incumbent_n on_o every_o man_n as_o or_o rather_o in_o order_n to_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o ceremony_n be_v intend_v to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o purity_n and_o cleanness_n from_o sin_n to_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o bring_v our_o soul_n by_o a_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o although_o to_o wet_a or_o wash_v the_o body_n with_o water_n may_v
seem_v but_o a_o slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a thing_n yet_o since_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v express_o appoint_v and_o command_v it_o and_o since_o his_o apostle_n be_v always_o most_o careful_a to_o perform_v it_o insomuch_o that_o even_o they_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o heaven_n be_v yet_o require_v to_o be_v baptise_a in_o order_n to_o become_v visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o ceremony_n i_o think_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v leave_v off_o or_o discontinue_v although_o whether_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o dip_v the_o body_n under_o the_o water_n or_o by_o sprinkle_v the_o water_n upon_o it_o to_o i_o seem_v to_o be_v altogether_o indifferent_a and_o to_o be_v regulate_v only_o by_o prudence_n or_o the_o custom_n of_o particular_a place_n for_o neither_o do_v the_o word_n baptise_v signify_v any_o more_o than_o to_o wash_v which_o may_v be_v do_v either_o way_n nor_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n dip_v all_o those_o who_o they_o baptize_v moreover_o since_o sprinkle_v as_o well_o as_o dip_v may_v sufficient_o denote_v the_o wash_n and_o cleanse_v of_o the_o soul_n from_o sin_n and_o since_o baptism_n be_v not_o express_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n determine_v to_o either_o of_o these_o way_n to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o the_o other_o i_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v leave_v the_o matter_n so_o far_o indifferent_a to_o we_o and_o to_o be_v order_v according_a to_o prudence_n as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n direct_v and_o as_o long_o as_o the_o substance_n and_o design_n of_o his_o command_n be_v careful_o retain_v i_o see_v no_o necessity_n of_o be_v so_o very_o solicitous_a about_o a_o circumstance_n of_o it_o except_o it_o can_v evident_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o determine_v it_o 53._o since_o than_o baptism_n be_v as_o the_o entrance_n or_o door_n of_o admittance_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o they_o and_o they_o only_a who_o be_v due_o qualify_v to_o be_v member_n of_o his_o church_n be_v fit_a to_o have_v baptism_n administer_v to_o they_o if_o any_o person_n have_v be_v bring_v up_o out_o of_o the_o chucrh_n until_o he_o come_v to_o year_n of_o understanding_n and_o knowledge_n he_o be_v then_o and_o only_o then_o qualify_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n when_o have_v repent_v of_o all_o his_o former_a sin_n he_o believe_v and_o own_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o receive_v and_o profess_v that_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v teach_v and_o authorize_v and_o oblige_v himself_o to_o live_v according_a to_o all_o those_o law_n and_o rule_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v to_o we_o this_o be_v the_o very_a condition_n which_o our_o saviour_n indespensable_o require_v from_o his_o church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o according_a as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o perform_v it_o but_o if_o a_o child_n be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n or_o be_v so_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christian_a guardian_n as_o that_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o bring_v he_o up_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o they_o do_v promise_n and_o engage_v so_o to_o educate_v he_o such_o a_o child_n as_o this_o even_o before_o he_o come_v to_o any_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v yet_o qualify_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o presumption_n that_o he_o will_v perform_v what_o god_n require_v from_o he_o when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o so_o to_o continue_v if_o by_o apostasy_n or_o wickedness_n he_o do_v not_o in_o process_n of_o time_n separate_v himself_o again_o from_o it_o for_o this_o beyond_o dispute_n be_v the_o case_n of_o in_o sant_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n who_o at_o eight_o day_n old_a if_o male_n be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a and_o thereby_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o within_o his_o covenant_n if_o they_o be_v either_o the_o son_n or_o servant_n bear_v in_o the_o house_n of_o believe_v person_n and_o who_o as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n be_v express_o say_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n which_o be_v but_o another_o expression_n for_o become_v of_o his_o church_n and_o no_o one_o sure_o will_v offer_v to_o say_v that_o the_o case_n of_o infant_n be_v make_v worse_a than_o it_o be_v by_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n especial_o since_o he_o have_v express_o command_v that_o little_a child_n shall_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o not_o be_v forbid_v for_o that_o of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o not_o only_o adult_a person_n who_o make_v a_o due_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n but_o also_o such_o infant_n as_o be_v in_o a_o way_n of_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v without_o any_o obstacle_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n 54._o there_o be_v some_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o seem_v plain_o to_o suggest_v to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a custom_n with_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o all_o such_o as_o have_v be_v baptise_a which_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v undoubted_o accompany_v with_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o order_n to_o their_o receive_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n but_o that_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n positive_o prescribe_v and_o command_v i_o do_v not_o find_v clear_o prove_v and_o therefore_o although_o i_o dare_v not_o hasty_o condemn_v those_o particular_a church_n where_o this_o same_o custom_n be_v disuse_v or_o intermit_v yet_o since_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o order_n to_o the_o lead_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o obtain_v eternal_a happiness_n be_v for_o ever_o continue_v unto_o the_o church_n as_o i_o have_v say_v part_n 2._o §_o 42._o and_o therefore_o ought_v ever_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o although_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n and_o speak_v of_o all_o language_n without_o learn_v they_o be_v cease_v from_o among_o we_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n upon_o person_n that_o have_v be_v baptize_v together_o with_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o their_o growth_n and_o continuance_n in_o grace_n which_o be_v common_o call_v confirmation_n be_v a_o prudent_a and_o godly_a custom_n and_o ever_o fit_a to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n 55._o as_o every_o particular_a man_n whatsoever_o be_v oblige_v in_o his_o own_o private_a person_n to_o honour_n and_o worship_n god_n so_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n incorporate_v for_o the_o better_a serve_v of_o god_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o do_v the_o same_o in_o she_o associate_v capacity_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o assemble_v together_o for_o his_o worship_n and_o because_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v disperse_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n the_o universal_a church_n therefore_o lie_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o subdivide_v itself_o into_o particular_a church_n and_o those_o again_o into_o particular_a congregation_n according_a as_o they_o find_v to_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o the_o pursue_v that_o same_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v so_o incorporate_v moreover_o since_o all_o these_o particular_a church_n and_o congregation_n be_v still_o or_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o part_n and_o member_n of_o that_o one_o catholic_n church_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o found_v it_o follow_v that_o none_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o constitute_v or_o act_v any_o thing_n among_o themselves_o which_o may_v give_v a_o just_a occasiou_n for_o the_o break_n of_o that_o union_n and_o concord_n which_o he_o design_v and_o have_v command_v always_o to_o be_v maintain_v among_o they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a matter_n ought_v every_v where_o so_o to_o be_v order_v as_o that_o if_o a_o member_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n shall_v travel_v into_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n he_o may_v meet_v with_o nothing_o in_o any_o christian_a congregation_n where_o he_o come_v which_o just_o shall_v be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o he_o from_o assemble_v or_o communicate_v with_o it_o 56._o the_o particular_a act_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o these_o christian_a assembly_n be_v all_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n in_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o their_o incorporation_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o each_o man_n eternal_a salvation_n which_o be_v the_o end_n that_o every_o christian_n be_v suppose_v to_o pursue_v all_o which_o be_v
reducible_a to_o these_o two_o head_n viz._n devotion_n towards_o god_n which_o include_v confession_n of_o sin_n prayer_n for_o all_o thing_n necessary_a both_o for_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o praise_v of_o god_n as_o well_o for_o his_o own_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n as_o for_o his_o love_n and_o beneficence_n to_o all_o mankind_n and_o 2._o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v assemble_v which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o read_v and_o explain_v the_o holy_a scripture_n catechise_v preach_a etc._n etc._n but_o there_o be_v one_o act_n of_o devotion_n towards_o god_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o such_o public_a assembly_n which_o be_v common_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o the_o holy_a communion_n of_o which_o it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o say_v something_o more_o particular_o because_o it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n altogether_o of_o positive_a institution_n as_o well_o as_o baptism_n of_o which_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v 57_o as_o our_o saviour_n death_n and_o passion_n which_o he_o undergo_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v ever_o out_o of_o gratitude_n be_v remember_v by_o we_o in_o the_o most_o emphatical_a and_o affect_a manner_n so_o except_o we_o have_v every_o one_o of_o we_o a_o share_n and_o interest_n in_o that_o atonement_n which_o he_o thereby_o make_v to_o god_n for_o we_o we_o can_v by_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n in_o order_n then_o to_o both_o these_o end_v he_o himself_o before_o his_o death_n appoint_v it_o as_o a_o perpetual_a ordinance_n for_o ever_o to_o be_v continue_v in_o his_o church_n that_o bread_n shall_v be_v bless_v break_a and_o eat_v and_o a_o cup_n also_o bless_v distribute_v and_o drink_v in_o such_o assembly_n as_o shall_v meet_v together_o in_o his_o name_n not_o only_o as_o a_o remembrance_n of_o his_o suffering_n for_o we_o which_o be_v thereby_o show_v forth_o and_o represent_v but_o also_o as_o the_o communion_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o exhibition_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n unto_o and_o the_o participation_n of_o they_o by_o all_o faithful_a and_o good_a christian_n to_o say_v with_o the_o roman_a church_n that_o the_o substance_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v bless_v or_o consecrate_v in_o this_o ordinance_n be_v transubstantiate_v or_o turn_v into_o the_o very_a real_a substance_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o that_o that_o very_o same_o body_n of_o he_o which_o be_v crucify_v and_o that_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v be_v whole_o and_o entire_o receive_v into_o the_o bodily_a mouth_n and_o swallow_v down_o by_o every_o communicant_a do_v not_o only_o draw_v after_o it_o such_o monstrous_a absurdity_n as_o no_o man_n i_o think_v without_o renounce_v his_o reason_n can_v digest_v nor_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o any_o passage_n of_o scripture_n interpret_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n which_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o part_n 1_o §_o 25._o and_o 33._o but_o be_v also_o direct_o contrary_a even_o to_o the_o letter_n as_o well_o as_o mean_v of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o which_o the_o bread_n in_o this_o holy_a institution_n be_v plain_o call_v bread_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n the_o wine_n must_v still_o remain_v wine_n as_o to_o its_o natural_a substance_n even_o after_o the_o blessing_n or_o consecration_n of_o it_o as_o therefore_o i_o must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o receive_v by_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n after_o that_o manner_n which_o they_o of_o rome_n do_v define_v so_o must_v it_o also_o follow_v that_o their_o worship_v of_o the_o host_n and_o pretend_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mass_n together_o with_o their_o deprive_v the_o laity_n of_o the_o cup_n which_o beside_o other_o absurdity_n do_v whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v none_o other_o than_o mere_a human_a and_o unlawful_a invention_n and_o practice_n but_o since_o a_o man_n may_v then_o be_v say_v true_o to_o receive_v and_o partake_v of_o any_o thing_n though_o at_o never_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o he_o when_o he_o have_v a_o real_a interest_n in_o it_o and_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o as_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o estate_n and_o reap_v the_o profit_n of_o it_o though_o it_o lie_v in_o a_o far_o distant_a country_n i_o do_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o the_o way_n whereby_o we_o do_v receive_v or_o communicate_v in_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o this_o ordinance_n be_v by_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o those_o benefit_n which_o by_o the_o crucify_a of_o his_o body_n and_o the_o shed_n of_o his_o blood_n do_v accrue_v to_o we_o and_o that_o whosoever_o eat_v of_o this_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o this_o cup_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o christ_n have_v appoint_v have_v thereby_o assure_o a_o share_n of_o those_o benefit_n hold_v forth_o and_o convey_v unto_o he_o 58._o how_o often_o this_o ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v practise_v and_o repeat_v in_o every_o congregation_n be_v not_o express_o determine_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o can_v only_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o but_o common_a reason_n will_v tell_v we_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o often_o at_o least_o as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o preserve_v a_o fresh_a and_o lively_a remembrance_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n this_o be_v one_o main_a end_n of_o its_o first_o institution_n and_o so_o often_o therefore_o ought_v every_o christian_a who_o be_v arrive_v to_o year_n of_o understanding_n for_o such_o only_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o remembrance_n of_o another_o to_o come_v and_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o for_o to_o contemn_v or_o neglect_v this_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o such_o a_o peculiar_a end_n argue_v a_o great_a slight_a and_o disregard_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n beside_o the_o disobedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o therefore_o be_v just_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o very_a great_a and_o heinous_a sin_n 59_o as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a affront_n and_o even_o a_o mock_v of_o god_n for_o a_o man_n to_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o in_o any_o of_o his_o ordinance_n without_o a_o sincere_a and_o well-meaning_a heart_n for_o which_o reason_n hypocrisy_n in_o scripture_n be_v represent_v as_o most_o odious_a and_o the_o prayer_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n whilst_o he_o continue_v such_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o god_n so_o do_v he_o seem_v to_o resent_v such_o a_o practice_n in_o no_o instance_n more_o than_o in_o this_o of_o the_o holy_a communion_n of_o which_o he_o who_o eats_z and_o drink_v unworthy_o be_v expess_o say_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v quilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o which_o expression_n although_o they_o be_v different_o interpret_v by_o divers_a person_n yet_o in_o whatever_o sense_n we_o take_v they_o they_o do_v abundant_o show_v that_o god_n be_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n offend_v with_o those_o who_o any_o way_n profane_v this_o sacred_a institution_n it_o therefore_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o aught_o very_o much_o to_o be_v the_o concern_v of_o every_o christian_a first_o to_o examine_v himself_o and_o to_o make_v the_o best_a trial_n and_o enquiry_n that_o he_o can_v whether_o he_o be_v true_o sincere_a in_o his_o resolution_n of_o serve_v and_o obey_v god_n faithful_o all_o his_o life-long_a for_o any_o person_n who_o be_v thus_o dispose_v and_o none_o other_o be_v ever_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o then_o with_o devotion_n and_o reverence_n suitable_a unto_o such_o sincerity_n to_o come_v and_o eat_v of_o this_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o this_o cup_n that_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n he_o may_v not_o neglect_v what_o christ_n have_v command_v and_o require_v so_o on_o the_o other_o he_o may_v not_o incur_v the_o penalty_n which_o be_v threaten_v to_o a_o unworthy_a receiver_n 60._o he_o that_o worship_v or_o pray_v to_o god_n by_o himself_o alone_o may_v do_v it_o as_o well_o by_o offer_v up_o only_o the_o inward_a thought_n and_o desire_n of_o his_o mind_n which_o be_v clear_o see_v and_o know_v unto_o god_n as_o by_o express_v himself_o outward_o by_o word_n which_o though_o even_o in_o our_o private_a devotion_n they_o may_v be_v very_o proper_a to_o keep_v our_o mind_n intent_n upon_o what_o we_o be_v about_o yet_o be_v no_o way_n necessary_a to_o inform_v god_n of_o what_o we_o think_v or_o wish_v for_o but_o when_o a_o society_n of_o man_n do_v meet_a to_o join_v together_o in_o god_n worship_n their_o devotion_n must_v
to_o make_v a_o open_a confession_n of_o his_o sin_n whenever_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o god_n glory_n or_o to_o repair_v any_o public_a scandal_n which_o have_v be_v give_v by_o he_o 67._o that_o almighty_a god_n even_o where_o he_o have_v pardon_v a_o man_n sin_n upon_o his_o true_a repentance_n may_v yet_o on_o the_o score_n of_o those_o very_a sin_n which_o he_o have_v so_o pardon_v lie_v some_o sharp_a and_o severe_a temporal_a affliction_n upon_o the_o penitent_a either_o to_o keep_v he_o more_o effectual_o from_o sin_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v or_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o terror_n to_o other_o or_o for_o many_o other_o reason_n best_o know_v to_o himself_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v dispute_v but_o from_o hence_o to_o infer_v that_o these_o temporal_a affliction_n if_o not_o lay_v on_o we_o in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o be_v undergo_v in_o purgatory_n and_o that_o therefore_o for_o the_o prevent_v they_o it_o be_v fit_a and_o necessary_a that_o penance_n shall_v be_v impose_v by_o way_n of_o satisfaction_n or_o indulgence_n grant_v by_o way_n of_o remission_n and_o all_o this_o without_o any_o warrant_n from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n save_v only_o a_o faint_a and_o force_a consequence_n from_o some_o few_o pervert_v text_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o groundless_a and_o precarious_a that_o it_o amaze_v i_o to_o think_v how_o man_n can_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o gross_o impose_v upon_o and_o whosoever_o shall_v due_o consider_v upon_o what_o weak_a ground_n the_o pope_n and_o his_o prelate_n do_v pretend_v to_o a_o power_n of_o dispense_n and_o distribute_v the_o merit_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o people_n by_o way_n of_o indulgence_n as_o if_o they_o alone_o have_v the_o keep_n of_o that_o treasure_n under_o lock_n and_o key_n and_o to_o which_o though_o infinite_a they_o have_v yet_o add_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o make_v their_o treasure_n more_o abundant_a will_v i_o think_v very_o much_o wonder_n that_o their_o people_n shall_v be_v so_o free_a to_o part_v with_o their_o earthly_a treasure_n in_o purchase_v these_o indulgence_n upon_o no_o better_a security_n 68_o that_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n when_o they_o be_v first_o send_v abroad_o to_o preach_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v anoint_v many_o sick_a person_n with_o oil_n and_o thereby_o miraculous_o heal_v they_o we_o be_v plain_o tell_v by_o st._n mark_n c._n 6._o five_o 13._o and_o that_o in_o this_o they_o do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o christ_n himself_o have_v express_o command_v they_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o probable_a to_o suppose_v moreover_o that_o the_o anoint_v with_o oil_n which_o be_v mention_v by_o st._n james_n c._n 5._o v._n 14._o be_v intend_v for_o the_o very_a same_o purpose_n viz._n the_o raise_n up_o the_o sick_a person_n and_o restore_v he_o to_o health_n be_v as_o apparent_a as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v form_n the_o very_a context_n but_o as_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o this_o anoint_v of_o the_o sick_a be_v appoint_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n as_o a_o stand_n and_o perpetual_a ordinance_n for_o ever_o to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n so_o since_o experience_n show_v that_o the_o miraculous_a effect_n of_o heal_v thereby_o be_v now_o whole_o cease_v i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o practice_n itself_o shall_v be_v any_o long_o continue_v but_o what_o just_a ground_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v have_v from_o either_o of_o these_o or_o any_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o their_o extreme_a unction_n which_o they_o make_v use_v of_o for_o a_o far_o different_a end_n namely_o the_o prepare_v thereby_o of_o person_n who_o be_v past_a hope_n of_o recovery_n for_o their_o passage_n into_o the_o next_o life_n be_v more_o than_o i_o be_o able_a to_o find_v out_o 69._o as_o the_o body_n natural_a will_v be_v but_o a_o confuse_a and_o useless_a lump_n if_o it_o be_v not_o distinguish_v into_o the_o several_a member_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o its_o own_o service_n and_o preservation_n and_o as_o the_o body-politick_a will_v be_v but_o a_o disorderly_a rabble_n if_o there_o be_v not_o magistrate_n settle_v to_o rule_n and_o govern_v and_o ministerial_a officer_n appoint_v to_o perform_v all_o necessary_a function_n in_o and_o about_o it_o so_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n assure_v we_o and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n which_o be_v there_o record_v confirm_v it_o that_o the_o like_a appointment_n and_o distinction_n of_o office_n be_v no_o less_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n in_o order_n to_o the_o regular_a and_o orderly_a government_n of_o it_o and_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o all_o its_o law_n and_o constitution_n but_o how_o far_o these_o office_n be_v limit_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o how_o far_o leave_v to_o be_v settle_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o church_n according_a as_o circumstance_n may_v render_v it_o convenient_a be_v what_o i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o pronounce_v my_o sentence_n in_o but_o whatever_o polity_n or_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n be_v settle_v and_o acquiesce_v in_o either_o by_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_n or_o by_o that_o of_o any_o nation_n or_o country_n in_o particular_a i_o think_v ought_v quiet_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o by_o every_o one_o who_o will_v be_v a_o member_n of_o such_o respective_a church_n except_o there_o appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v either_o something_o therein_o which_o be_v not_o only_o uncommand_v but_o even_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o else_o something_o want_v which_o god_n require_v and_o therefore_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o in_o all_o church_n nor_o can_v i_o apprehend_v that_o any_o less_o warrant_n can_v be_v sufficient_a for_o break_v or_o endanger_v the_o peace_n or_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o preservation_n of_o which_o be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o earnest_o recommend_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n beside_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o obey_v the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o since_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o certain_a person_n have_v in_o their_o several_a district_n a_o priority_n among_o and_o in_o some_o respect_v a_o superiority_n over_o the_o presbyter_n have_v for_o so_o many_o age_n be_v universal_o settle_v among_o and_o acquiesce_v in_o by_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n i_o can_v find_v how_o they_o can_v be_v excuse_v who_o without_o any_o necessity_n for_o so_o do_v have_v so_o earnest_o set_v themselves_o not_o only_o to_o retrench_v the_o exceffe_n and_o rectify_v the_o abuse_n of_o the_o episcopal_a power_n but_o also_o to_o pull_v down_o and_o whole_o abolish_v the_o very_a order_n itself_o to_o the_o no_o small_a scandal_n of_o those_o who_o think_v that_o so_o universal_a a_o constitution_n every_o where_o take_v place_n even_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n can_v be_v ground_v on_o no_o less_o than_o a_o apostolic_a ordinance_n of_o which_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v some_o not_o obscure_a footstep_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o most_o probable_o in_o conformity_n to_o that_o imparity_n which_o christ_n himself_o establish_v between_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n who_o be_v yet_o both_o commission_v by_o he_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n 70._o how_o far_o a_o case_n of_o necessity_n may_v upon_o some_o occasion_n excuse_n or_o justify_v a_o man_n for_o take_v on_o he_o a_o office_n which_o regular_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o he_o especial_o if_o his_o design_n therein_o be_v true_o honest_a and_o sincere_a i_o know_v not_o but_o no_o man_n certain_o aught_o to_o intrude_v into_o any_o ecclesi_n astical_a function_n or_o exercise_v any_o such_o office_n who_o be_v not_o call_v and_o admit_v thereunto_o by_o the_o lawful_a authority_n and_o according_a to_o the_o establish_a constitution_n of_o the_o society_n for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o careful_o observe_v the_o distinction_n of_o office_n and_o function_n in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o effect_n whole_o take_v away_o and_o a_o wide_a door_n open_v for_o confusion_n and_o anarchy_n but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n good_a care_n ought_v ever_o to_o be_v take_v by_o the_o church_n that_o no_o person_n be_v entrust_v with_o any_o sacred_a office_n but_o such_o as_o be_v due_o qualify_v for_o it_o and_o that_o such_o a_o maintenance_n be_v provide_v and_o settle_v for_o every_o such_o person_n as_o that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v necessitate_v to_o neglect_v the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o his_o function_n by_o be_v constrain_v to_o bestow_v