they_o captive_a with_o the_o rest_n though_o in_o different_a basket_n as_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n represent_v quest_n how_o do_v they_o survive_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o displace_v and_o deject_a candlestick_n answ_n they_o be_v either_o call_v out_o to_o a_o zealous_a appearance_n and_o suffer_v for_o truth_n or_o sometime_o retire_v into_o corner_n like_o the_o seven_o thousand_o in_o israel_n or_o the_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o they_o can_v appear_v like_o a_o church_n offer_v those_o public_a notice_n of_o divine_a truth_n a_o church_n be_v design_v for_o quest_n how_o be_v a_o visible_a profession_n lose_v from_o particular_a person_n answ_n it_o be_v too_o often_o throw_v up_o by_o apostasy_n or_o profaneness_n or_o dwindle_v into_o a_o very_a spiritless_a form_n but_o very_o often_o a_o profession_n without_o the_o power_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o work_n of_o iniquity_n it_o may_v pass_v out_o of_o this_o world_n like_o a_o lamp_n burn_v 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conscience_n of_o christian_n they_o be_v style_v bishop_n elder_n ruler_n guide_n and_o ensample_n as_o also_o ambassador_n and_o the_o work_n and_o the_o honour_n do_v so_o enclose_v one_o another_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v separate_v and_o be_v in_o their_o institution_n the_o measure_n one_o of_o another_o extend_v both_o to_o obedience_n and_o support_v of_o they_o in_o their_o work_n and_o the_o title_n be_v so_o prepare_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v change_v for_o any_o other_o nor_o the_o scripture_n language_n herein_o to_o be_v alter_v for_o any_o word_n not_o import_v the_o same_o proper_a sense_n quest_n how_o shall_v the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v that_o there_o may_v be_v that_o obedience_n and_o submission_n pay_v to_o they_o that_o be_v command_v answ_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o
its_o own_o depth_n the_o spirit_n to_o who_o be_v know_v all_o its_o own_o design_n from_o the_o first_o foundation_n or_o beginning_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o high_a stone_n in_o the_o structure_n or_o end_v of_o it_o the_o top_n be_v know_v to_o it_o in_o the_o very_a bottom_n the_o end_n in_o the_o beginning_n that_o therefore_o which_o be_v see_v to_o man_n only_o in_o the_o rudiment_n or_o foundation_n and_o seem_v to_o mean_v no_o more_o appear_v at_o that_o very_a time_n to_o he_o in_o the_o compliment_n and_o he_o apply_v it_o to_o that_o compliment_n as_o certain_o and_o just_o as_o they_o do_v to_o the_o first_o rudiment_n or_o foundation_n as_o out_o of_o egypt_n have_v i_o call_v my_o son_n be_v as_o true_o apply_v to_o christ_n come_n out_o of_o egypt_n be_v then_o come_v to_o its_o perfection_n of_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o israel_n come_v out_o of_o egypt_n in_o the_o first_o rudiment_n and_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o true_o mean_v the_o last_o as_o the_o first_o though_o none_o can_v know_v its_o sense_n but_o itself_o till_o itself_o reveal_v it_o quest_n how_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v the_o true_a key_n of_o interpretation_n commit_v to_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n answ_n by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o justify_v the_o first_o writer_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v commissioned_n by_o god_n great_a and_o weighty_a truth_n holy_a heavenly_a become_v god_n as_o the_o author_n such_o speech_n as_o none_o beside_o the_o writer_n of_o scripture_n ever_o speak_v all_o of_o a_o piece_n with_o former_a scripture_n miracle_n mighty_a efficacy_n upon_o conscience_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n the_o abolish_n of_o sin_n the_o end_v design_v in_o all_o the_o remove_v all_o low_a form_n and_o ceremony_n for_o the_o time_n be_v into_o a_o most_o high_a spiritual_n substantial_a religion_n true_a peace_n of_o conscience_n introduce_v these_o with_o 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as_o if_o it_o can_v natural_o arise_v from_o so_o many_o word_n and_o syllable_n so_o put_v together_o have_v power_n and_o virtue_n by_o themselves_o to_o signify_v so_o high_a since_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v a_o reach_n in_o they_o which_o none_o can_v grasp_v or_o fathom_n but_o itself_o and_o contrive_v that_o sense_n so_o into_o word_n as_o none_o can_v summon_v it_o but_o itself_o and_o that_o it_o rest_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o bring_v it_o to_o light_n and_o reveal_v it_o into_o new_a and_o high_a scripture_n and_o that_o it_o appear_v as_o undeniable_o they_o do_v so_o as_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n itself_o be_v scripture_n answ_n the_o industry_n of_o such_o worthy_a person_n be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v to_o trace_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o old_a as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o go_v but_o if_o they_o can_v give_v satisfaction_n to_o cavil_v atheist_n or_o infidel_n or_o to_o the_o scruple_n of_o good_a man_n it_o still_o remain_v a_o just_a ground_n of_o satisfaction_n the_o spirit_n that_o carry_v by_o a_o almighty_a hand_n the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n carry_v those_o penman_n of_o the_o new_a by_o the_o same_o also_o and_o from_o one_o single_a glance_n of_o its_o mean_v that_o itself_o with_o divine_a artifice_n have_v leave_v draw_v there_o it_o derive_v that_o full_a face_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o new_a to_o be_v its_o sense_n in_o the_o old_a than_o that_o samson_n riddle_v in_o the_o exposition_n shall_v be_v his_o sense_n in_o the_o dark_a cover_n of_o it_o in_o word_n that_o can_v not_o else_o import_v it_o he_o that_o create_v the_o word_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o even_o then_o inspire_v they_o with_o that_o divine_a sense_n as_o with_o life_n may_v yet_o suffer_v it_o to_o lie_v entomb_v in_o they_o till_o itself_o that_o entrust_v it_o there_o give_v it_o a_o resurrection_n in_o the_o new_a quest_n but_o will_v you_o have_v none_o undertake_v in_o the_o interpret_n or_o expound_v scripture_n except_o by_o inspiration_n or_o the_o evidence_n of_o immediate_a divine_a presence_n where_o either_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o express_v as_o to_o be_v its_o own_o undoubted_a interpreter_n or_o the_o interpretation_n deduce_v as_o evident_o as_o any_o consequence_n by_o reason_n answ_n far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o discourage_v or_o lessen_v such_o undertake_n i_o rather_o wish_v all_o the_o lord_n people_n thus_o far_o prophet_n to_o search_v the_o mean_v of_o scripture_n with_o all_o the_o help_n and_o advantage_n they_o can_v attain_v and_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n all_o those_o who_o have_v any_o part_n of_o the_o prophetic_a office_n upon_o they_o will_v read_v and_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n to_o themselves_o and_o other_o quest_n but_o how_o be_v such_o interpretation_n consistent_a with_o the_o apostle_n so_o great_a assertion_n that_o scripture_n be_v not_o of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n answ_n first_o interpretation_n guide_v itself_o by_o the_o plain_a evident_a and_o self-interpreting_a oracle_n of_o scripture_n in_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n display_v a_o body_n of_o divine_a public_a truth_n which_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o darkness_n inattendence_n and_o inconsideration_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o very_a professor_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o much_o more_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a indisposedness_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o scripture_n need_v such_o constant_a display_v by_o applicatory_a interpretation_n and_o a_o distinct_a office_n to_o attend_v continual_o on_o this_o very_a thing_n and_o yet_o the_o main_a concernment_n of_o such_o interpretation_n lie_v in_o what_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o when_o open_v and_o apply_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v doubt_v of_o as_o scripture_n sense_n 2._o such_o interpretation_n as_o may_v be_v private_a in_o regard_n of_o its_o derivation_n of_o any_o doctrine_n from_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a place_n of_o scripture_n yet_o keep_v itself_o to_o the_o analogy_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a sense_n in_o other_o place_n do_v still_o maintain_v the_o free_a and_o public_a course_n of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n 3._o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n thus_o guide_v itself_o according_a to_o the_o evident_a sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o its_o clear_a part_n and_o take_v that_o as_o a_o clew_n into_o the_o more_o abstruse_a part_n of_o scripture_n necessary_o encounter_v much_o sound_n and_o excellent_a truth_n near_o ally_v to_o public_a and_o divine_a in_o all_o knowledge_n natural_a historical_a chronological_n moral_a political_n pertain_v to_o language_n and_o eloquence_n which_o make_v the_o world_n more_o lightsome_a and_o less_o subject_a to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n how_o great_a a_o light_n of_o all_o 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themselves_o they_o may_v then_o taste_v the_o graciousness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gratefulness_n of_o truth_n in_o they_o without_o impose_v on_o any_o other_o who_o can_v see_v by_o their_o light_n 5._o yea_o even_o in_o thing_n controvert_v between_o holy_a wise_a and_o good_a man_n in_o interpret_n scripture_n each_o part_n of_o the_o controversy_n when_o both_o can_v be_v reconcile_v in_o their_o sense_n yet_o support_v and_o make_v strong_a to_o their_o faith_n some_o grand_a evident_a principle_n of_o divine_a and_o public_a truth_n in_o which_o both_o side_n meet_v and_o be_v firm_o unite_v and_o to_o which_o each_o reconcile_v their_o own_o opinion_n wherein_o they_o seem_v to_o differ_v from_o such_o principle_n or_o from_o one_o another_o and_o leave_v a_o middle_a in_o which_o they_o may_v meet_v one_o another_o and_o wherein_o person_n unconcern_v in_o their_o controversy_n rest_v upon_o which_o agitation_n yet_o follow_v great_a illustration_n and_o confirmation_n of_o 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of_o this_o truth_n under_o a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o great_a moment_n than_o there_o be_v indeed_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o disunion_n and_o a_o proportionable_a abatement_n of_o christian_a love_n arise_v from_o it_o all_o heresy_n therefore_o include_v schism_n but_o all_o schism_n do_v not_o rise_v up_o to_o heresy_n quest_n be_v these_o the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n according_a to_o its_o use_n of_o those_o word_n answ_n they_o be_v most_o agreeable_a with_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o the_o word_n be_v not_o so_o set_v solemn_a and_o formal_a in_o scripture_n as_o afterward_o in_o ecclesiastic_a writer_n for_o dichostasyes_n or_o division_n into_o two_o or_o more_o party_n and_o contention_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n use_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o schism_n and_o heresy_n sometime_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o a_o sect_n or_o division_n though_o that_o be_v remarkable_o use_v in_o its_o worst_a sense_n by_o both_o the_o apostle_n 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of_o schism_n the_o apostle_n note_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 19_o 20._o be_v the_o disorder_n in_o divine-worship_n in_o that_o great_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n wherein_o they_o that_o be_v reprove_v be_v necessitate_v to_o withdraw_v and_o to_o stand_v apart_o for_o the_o manifest_v themselves_o in_o the_o purity_n of_o that_o worship_n and_o service_n for_o the_o very_a honour_n of_o it_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o schism_n be_v that_o it_o bring_v in_o a_o necessity_n of_o divide_a party_n in_o public_a religion_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o see_v good_a man_n must_v separate_v from_o such_o corruption_n and_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o they_o on_o account_n of_o which_o religion_n itself_o be_v dishonour_v as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o jumble_v of_o sect_n and_o give_v a_o uncertain_a sound_n and_o further_o than_o that_o be_v charge_v as_o if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o sect_n itself_o because_o it_o stand_v by_o itself_o thus_o christianity_n be_v call_v this_o sect_n and_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarenes_n idolatry_n damn_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o a_o heresy_n from_o itself_o and_o the_o false_a church_n charge_v the_o true_o publick-assemble_o with_o schism_n and_o a_o private_a religion_n 3._o another_o degree_n of_o schism_n the_o apostle_n tax_v in_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 11._o c._n 4._o 3._o be_v that_o this_o one_o entire_a profession_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o one_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n they_o think_v aught_o to_o be_v shred_n into_o little_a fraternity_n under_o the_o name_n of_o some_o prime_a minister_n of_o christianity_n or_o even_o under_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n himself_o as_o a_o ordinary_a master_n of_o a_o party_n except_o we_o will_v understand_v that_o those_o approve_a who_o stand_v firm_a in_o christ_n alone_o be_v manifest_v and_o stand_v alone_o by_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o schism_n of_o other_o and_o so_o appear_v as_o be_v say_v before_o like_o a_o schism_n themselves_o thus_o vain_a philosophy_n parcele_v out_o itself_o under_o its_o great_a master_n the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o be_v that_o it_o raise_v feud_n contention_n and_o faction_n as_o if_o this_o one_o integral_a christianity_n can_v have_v distinct_a interest_n and_o some_o engross_v one_o interest_n other_o another_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n thus_o reduce_v this_o schism_n all_o minister_n say_v he_o with_o all_o their_o gift_n grace_n and_o function_n be_v the_o whole_a church_n without_o any_o canton_v other_o than_o that_o order_n and_o conveniency_n require_v the_o more_o constant_a administration_n of_o religion_n in_o certain_a congregation_n with_o their_o elder_n cephas_n the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n be_v the_o corinthian_n though_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n paul_n himself_o and_o not_o only_o the_o church_n minister_n â—ut_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o cargo_n of_o light_n and_o truth_n in_o it_o be_v the_o church_n every_o truth_n every_o ordinance_n every_o minister_n whâ—ther_o of_o truth_n natural_a or_o reveal_v religion_n with_o all_o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o they_o be_v all_o the_o donation_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v and_o no_o minister_n whatever_o and_o christ_n be_v god_n who_o be_v the_o foundation_n centre_n and_o supreme_a head_n of_o this_o unity_n and_o union_n 4._o the_o last_o instance_n of_o schism_n i_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v intimate_v to_o we_o under_o that_o curious_a parable_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 12._o of_o the_o wise_a and_o excellent_a temperament_n betwixt_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n set_v in_o different_a degree_n of_o dignity_n the_o less_o comely_a part_n have_v more_o abundant_a comeliness_n and_o those_o that_o we_o think_v to_o be_v less_o honourable_a on_o these_o we_o bestow_v more_o abundant_a
and_o condescension_n to_o those_o that_o think_v disser_o from_o he_o i_o come_v therefore_o now_o to_o the_o main_a of_o the_o discourse_n and_o to_o make_v good_a that_o the_o nature_n constitution_n and_o rule_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v most_o exact_o prepare_v to_o ingenerate_v promote_v and_o establish_v love_n peace_n and_o quietness_n among_o man_n even_o universal_a and_o ecumenical_a peace_n but_o especial_o among_o christian_n and_o that_o by_o the_o most_o compendious_a authority_n viz._n the_o word_n that_o be_v nigh_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n and_o true_a and_o undoubted_a reason_n without_o go_v up_o into_o heaven_n or_o down_o into_o the_o deep_a or_o send_v beyond_o the_o sea_n or_o turn_v over_o voluminous_a write_n of_o ancient_n church-history_n tradition_n which_o perplex_a thing_n with_o endless_a intricacy_n for_o before_o any_o one_o can_v with_o due_a rational_a satisfaction_n receive_v they_o he_o must_v for_o himself_o search_v they_o and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v compare_n and_o be_v able_a by_o sagacity_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o writer_n and_o distinguish_v what_o be_v sincere_a from_o thing_n spurious_a and_o counterfeit_a but_o suppose_v a_o man_n well_o satisfy_v herein_o yet_o still_o how_o various_a be_v interpretation_n and_o what_o contrary_a sense_n do_v the_o same_o period_n yield_v to_o several_a reader_n and_o when_o all_o be_v agree_v that_o can_v be_v agree_v it_o be_v incertain_a except_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o high_a test_n wherein_o the_o peccancy_n and_o lubricity_n the_o oversight_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n have_v have_v place_n or_o what_o have_v be_v conduct_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o true_a wisdom_n according_a to_o the_o pure_a and_o chaste_a law_n of_o christianity_n so_o that_o though_o all_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n read_v and_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o record_n of_o elder_a time_n be_v most_o valuable_a and_o to_o be_v desire_v in_o its_o due_a place_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o ascertain_v our_o mind_n in_o what_o concern_v we_o not_o only_o to_o everlasting_a happiness_n but_o to_o present_a peace_n god_n have_v provide_v better_a for_o we_o and_o within_o a_o near_a compass_n wherein_o our_o search_n can_v be_v too_o curious_a or_o industrious_a but_o within_o lesser_a room_n for_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o accurate_a search_n as_o be_v due_a to_o the_o scripture_n which_o in_o short_a give_v we_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o life_n and_o godliness_n in_o present_a will_v be_v more_o than_o the_o most_o of_o mankind_n have_v either_o leisure_n patience_n or_o skill_n for_o if_o extend_v upon_o the_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n so_o various_o insist_v upon_o for_o the_o find_v out_o what_o man_n very_o often_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o find_v out_o in_o they_o rather_o than_o fair_o to_o take_v what_o be_v offer_v by_o they_o but_o the_o thing_n i_o shall_v present_v as_o christian_a foundation_n of_o universal_a peace_n and_o benignity_n and_o most_o especial_o among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christianity_n be_v such_o as_o be_v plain_o find_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o attest_v by_o sound_a reason_n 1._o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o universal_a peace_n and_o love_n and_o beneficence_n in_o religion_n give_v we_o by_o christianity_n be_v the_o universal_a consent_n unity_n and_o even_o uniformity_n in_o natural_a religion_n throughout_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n if_o they_o will_v show_v themselves_o man_n and_o act_n as_o man_n every_o where_o presume_v upon_o and_o appeal_v to_o in_o the_o gospel_n under_o this_o head_n i_o will_v endeavour_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o to_o take_v a_o brief_a view_n of_o natural_a religion_n observe_v the_o intimate_a union_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o it_o as_o scripture_n bring_v it_o to_o light_v at_o its_o full_a lustre_n and_o present_v it_o at_o its_o full_a dimension_n 2._o to_o show_v the_o great_a agreeableness_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o natural_a and_o the_o testimony_n christianity_n receive_v from_o it_o in_o what_o it_o reveal_v above_o and_o beyond_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o reason_n we_o have_v for_o our_o acceptance_n of_o it_o thereupon_o 3._o to_o observe_v the_o ground_n of_o universal_a peace_n and_o quietness_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o its_o consent_n in_o natural_a religion_n offer_v to_o we_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o that_o there_o be_v such_o ground_n herein_o i_o shall_v show_v christianity_n suppose_v and_o that_o it_o strong_o intimate_v they_o be_v the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o such_o a_o peace_n and_o quietness_n to_o mankind_n in_o general_n before_o i_o enter_v upon_o these_o i_o must_v premise_v 1._o that_o natural_a religion_n in_o many_o thing_n do_v not_o at_o first_o and_o immediate_o appear_v to_o we_o but_o upon_o strong_a and_o sedate_v motion_n think_v reason_v meditate_v as_o we_o recover_v natural_a science_n by_o study_n and_o labour_n in_o many_o point_n of_o knowledge_n which_o yet_o be_v find_v be_v most_o plain_a and_o evident_a 2._o there_o may_v be_v strong_a prejudice_n against_o some_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o yet_o no_o more_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o than_o that_o in_o former_a time_n there_o be_v a_o general_a confident_a disbelief_n of_o the_o antipode_n be_v a_o disproof_n of_o they_o in_o which_o case_n yet_o truth_n will_v by_o degree_n prevail_v to_o victory_n 3._o it_o be_v certain_a the_o true_a and_o lively_a character_n of_o this_o religion_n be_v so_o deface_v and_o blot_v by_o the_o fall_n that_o they_o can_v be_v perfect_o recover_v but_o by_o revelation_n many_o truth_n clear_a enough_o in_o themselves_o concern_v god_n his_o worship_n the_o intercourse_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n with_o he_o and_o in_o relation_n to_o their_o eternal_a condition_n yea_o and_o in_o plain_a thing_n than_o these_o viz._n concern_v true_a righteousness_n mercy_n humility_n soberness_n patience_n be_v not_o see_v but_o in_o their_o dark_a rudiment_n till_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n but_o when_o they_o be_v so_o reveal_v they_o so_o notable_o fall_v in_o and_o unite_v with_o the_o remain_v of_o natural_a religion_n preserve_v in_o we_o that_o they_o assure_v the_o same_o original_a writing_n of_o all_o both_o what_o we_o find_v more_o immediate_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o their_o own_o light_n and_o what_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o so_o that_o natural_a religion_n be_v not_o where_o find_v in_o that_o brightness_n as_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o revelation_n be_v supernatural_a be_v a_o orb_n above_o natural_a yet_o so_o large_a that_o it_o comprehend_v this_o low_a and_o less_o the_o noticeâ—_n of_o natural_a religion_n by_o man_n apostasy_n retire_v as_o plant_n into_o the_o earth_n in_o winter_n divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o sun_n return_v at_o the_o spring_n encourage_v they_o so_o that_o they_o sprout_v up_o afresh_o and_o grow_v be_v cherish_v by_o its_o warm_a beam_n and_o so_o that_o we_o know_v these_o new_a notice_n be_v of_o the_o primitive_a implantation_n by_o their_o be_v draw_v out_o in_o a_o continuation_n from_o the_o elder_a root_n yea_o those_o thing_n that_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n have_v no_o place_n viz._n faith_n in_o the_o pardoning-mercy_n of_o god_n and_o repentance_n for_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o these_o by_o way_n of_o supposition_n of_o man_n sin_n and_o so_o great_a a_o goodness_n of_o god_n any_o way_n discover_v to_o man_n flow_v as_o free_o from_o the_o same_o fountain_n of_o natural_a religion_n as_o any_o other_o duty_n of_o it_o as_o be_v after_o to_o be_v show_v 4._o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o former_a premisal_n that_o seem_v to_o abate_v from_o it_o i_o affirm_v natural_a religion_n be_v a_o basis_n for_o the_o common_a peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o 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faith_n in_o divine_a mercy_n and_o last_o of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n now_o in_o all_o these_o as_o i_o premise_v natural_a religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o what_o be_v find_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o sullied_a state_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n at_o such_o vast_a distance_n from_o the_o day_n of_o innocency_n or_o so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o cold_a liveless_a climate_n of_o philosophic_a morality_n but_o by_o what_o discover_v itself_o when_o these_o freeze_a benumb_a principle_n relent_v and_o be_v thaughn_n by_o the_o warm_a beam_n of_o reveal_v truth_n by_o what_o man_n do_v and_o must_v acknowledge_v when_o they_o come_v to_o themselves_o then_o the_o minister_n of_o natural_a righteousness_n out_o of_o and_o according_a to_o divine_a revelation_n be_v 11._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 11._o make_v manifest_a in_o man_n conscience_n and_o they_o speak_v and_o write_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o shall_v acknowledge_v to_o the_o utmost_a to_o the_o very_a end_n even_o as_o the_o illiterate_a 13._o 2_o cor._n 1._o 13._o mind_n do_v not_o at_o first_o perceive_v the_o wisdom_n of_o such_o a_o writer_n as_o socrates_n plato_n plutarch_n of_o such_o historian_n as_o livy_n taritus_fw-la but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v cultivate_v it_o know_v by_o a_o test_n within_o itself_o the_o gravity_n and_o dignity_n of_o their_o sense_n and_o stile_n thus_o at_o the_o first_o unexercised_a soul_n taste_v not_o the_o gratefulness_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o natural_a conscience_n which_o be_v afterward_o most_o agreeable_a the_o sense_n be_v exercise_v to_o discern_v gâ—od_a and_o evil_n 14._o heb._n 5._o 14._o 2._o in_o what_o of_o christianity_n pure_a and_o perfect_a revelation_n alone_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v there_o be_v yet_o such_o a_o close_a affinity_n betwixt_o the_o holiness_n purity_n wisdom_n of_o the_o one_o thus_o reveal_v and_o the_o other_o implant_v that_o they_o must_v be_v own_a all_o from_o the_o same_o fountain_n and_o accept_v alike_o by_o every_o serious_a considerer_n that_o as_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o several_a writer_n of_o each_o through_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o time_n manner_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o it_o throughout_o the_o several_a period_n of_o the_o church_n state_n and_o progression_n and_o throughout_o the_o different_a extraction_n education_n employment_n temperature_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n there_o be_v yet_o one_o wisdom_n one_o reverence_n of_o god_n one_o holiness_n one_o majesty_n of_o discourse_n run_v through_o the_o whole_a argue_v the_o supreme_a author_n one_o and_o the_o same_o even_o so_o in_o natural_a and_o reveal_v christian_a religion_n the_o divine_a commandment_n be_v perfect_o one_o and_o the_o same_o nothing_o trivial_a nothing_o romantic_a nothing_o speculative_a only_o all_o be_v for_o great_a use_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v refuse_v 3._o the_o revelation_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o high_a amplification_n of_o natural_a light_n even_o to_o the_o utmost_a possibility_n of_o conception_n but_o in_o nothing_o contradictious_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n be_v keep_v most_o pure_a even_o as_o silver_n try_v in_o a_o furnace_n of_o earth_n purify_v seven_o time_n but_o this_o divine_a nature_n be_v explain_v to_o we_o in_o the_o father_n son_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o in_o the_o infinite_a grace_n and_o bounty_n proceed_v from_o the_o deity_n so_o explain_v to_o we_o and_o this_o be_v so_o to_o the_o utmost_a that_o as_o we_o certain_o know_v in_o heaven_n itself_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v any_o more_o god_n than_o the_o one_o true_a god_n we_o have_v know_v here_o in_o the_o world_n so_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a we_o shall_v know_v any_o more_o in_o that_o essence_n than_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o eternity_n itself_o it_o be_v of_o everlasting_a inviolable_a truth_n there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o christianity_n there_o be_v one_o mediator_n 6._o 1_o tim._n 2._o 5._o 1_o cor._n 8_o 6._o between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n there_o be_v one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o in_o he_o and_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o by_o he_o and_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n 3._o joh._n 17._o 3._o and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v thus_o the_o divine_a unity_n be_v preserve_v and_o lest_o the_o obligation_n to_o a_o mediator_n to_o a_o redeemer_n shall_v abate_v or_o interfere_v with_o the_o obligation_n to_o the_o one_o god_n and_o father_n the_o mediator_n be_v always_o make_v know_v to_o we_o as_o the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n the_o brightness_n of_o his_o 3._o heb._n 1._o 3._o glory_n though_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n the_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n so_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o one_o mediator_n infinite_o and_o incomprehensible_o unite_v and_o circulate_v in_o one_o with_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n so_o far_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2d_o phil._n 2._o 2d_o from_o any_o the_o least_o contradictoriness_n to_o that_o fundamental_a natural_a principle_n of_o one_o god_n and_o as_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v to_o the_o utmost_a and_o above_o all_o we_o can_v think_v for_o in_o the_o high_a glory_n of_o knowledge_n it_o be_v we_o know_v certain_o impossible_a to_o know_v any_o high_a mediator_n any_o other_o mediator_n than_o our_o one_o mediator_n for_o as_o a_o man_n can_v rise_v no_o high_o than_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o high_o be_v than_o god_n so_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a redeemer_n and_o mediator_n than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a acceptance_n of_o a_o sinner_n than_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o the_o deep_a suffering_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n the_o belove_a ult_n joh._n 1._o 14._o â—at_a 3._o ult_n son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v there_o can_v be_v a_o near_a union_n to_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o of_o man_n than_o by_o this_o divine_a person_n assume_v not_o any_o humane_a person_n which_o have_v be_v limit_v narrow_a and_o confine_v but_o humanity_n itself_o into_o one_o person_n with_o himself_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a inspiration_n and_o internal_a operation_n than_o of_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o fountain_n nor_o a_o close_o unite_n of_o believer_n to_o christ_n than_o by_o this_o spirit_n to_o be_v so_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n as_o to_o be_v one_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 6._o 17._o spirit_n thus_o to_o the_o great_a justification_n of_o christianity_n before_o natural_a religion_n all_o be_v from_o god_n and_o absorb_v into_o he_o yet_o in_o such_o a_o distinction_n from_o he_o that_o every_o glorify_a spirit_n enjoy_v its_o happiness_n glory_n purity_n perfection_n acceptance_n with_o the_o divine_a majesty_n distinct_o and_o in_o itself_o and_o yet_o so_o in_o god_n that_o the_o whole_a glory_n be_v refund_v into_o he_o which_o be_v the_o perfect_a glory_n of_o the_o divinity_n from_o the_o whole_a then_o though_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o these_o great_a point_n surmount_v reason_n in_o the_o discovery_n and_o explication_n yet_o when_o it_o behold_v these_o thing_n in_o that_o full_a portraiture_n divine_a revelation_n present_v they_o it_o can_v but_o adore_v and_o admire_v and_o confess_v the_o manifold_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o praise_n of_o his_o 11._o ephes_n 3._o 10._o &_o 1._o 6_o 11._o glory_n work_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n as_o to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o eternal_a judgement_n they_o be_v but_o what_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n all_o man_n have_v a_o engraft_a sense_n both_o of_o it_o and_o a_o future_a state_n and_o as_o to_o the_o resurriction_n itself_o i_o think_v it_o most_o manageable_a upon_o ground_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o creator_n can_v as_o easy_o command_v the_o principle_n of_o a_o dissolve_a body_n into_o one_o as_o at_o first_o create_v those_o very_a principle_n out_o of_o nothing_o nor_o can_v i_o think_v those_o nicety_n of_o dispute_n bring_v into_o this_o article_n of_o faith_n of_o any_o moment_n it_o be_v enough_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o future_a state_n of_o spirit_n in_o body_n as_o in_o sensible_a appearance_n of_o glory_n or_o misery_n and_o those_o body_n as_o much_o man_n own_o as_o the_o nature_n
or_o a_o bad_a religion_n when_o yet_o christian_n be_v under_o the_o fiery_a trial_n when_o they_o be_v continual_o under_o persecution_n for_o their_o religion_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v righteousness_n because_o able_a to_o justify_v itself_o to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n when_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o deny_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o their_o subjection_n to_o the_o high_a power_n as_o not_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v christian_n at_o their_o command_n what_o then_o do_v this_o largeness_n frankness_n and_o freedom_n of_o expression_n mean_a on_o the_o part_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v subject_n and_o that_o not_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o â—onsâ—ience_n sake_n and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o when_o yet_o they_o be_v present_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o holy_a profession_n of_o christianity_n to_o deny_v subjection_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o great_a command_n of_o magistracy_n in_o religion_n on_o the_o part_n of_o magistrate_n that_o they_o be_v only_o a_o terror_n to_o evil_a work_n and_o a_o praise_n to_o they_o that_o do_v well_o that_o he_o that_o do_v well_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a when_o upon_o the_o true_a estimate_n of_o christianity_n they_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n how_o can_v all_o this_o be_v reconcile_v but_o by_o reduce_v all_o to_o the_o just_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o divine_a ordination_n fix_v the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o the_o people_n obedience_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n thus_o so_o far_o as_o natural_a religion_n extend_v so_o far_o the_o magistrate_n power_n extend_v here_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o bear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a hither_o be_v the_o people_n obedience_n to_o come_v in_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o conscience_n sake_n these_o be_v the_o ancient_a landmark_n thar_z ought_v not_o to_o be_v remove_v i_o speak_v not_o at_o all_o of_o civil_a obedience_n now_o but_o of_o obedience_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n let_v none_o of_o you_o suffer_v as_o a_o murderer_n as_o a_o thief_n as_o a_o evildoer_n 16._o 1_o pet._n 4._o 15_o 16._o as_o a_o busybody_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n so_o the_o same_o apostle_n speak_v offence_n against_o natural_a religion_n or_o for_o violation_n of_o godliness_n command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n then_o quietness_n and_o peace_n of_o life_n be_v just_o deny_v you_o but_o if_o you_o suffer_v as_o christian_n rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a when_o you_o come_v to_o suffer_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o that_o excellent_a religion_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n and_o assure_v to_o you_o here_o there_o be_v no_o suffer_v just_o due_a to_o you_o therefore_o your_o suffering_n shall_v be_v recompense_v to_o you_o with_o divine_a glory_n from_o heaven_n from_o whence_o christianity_n be_v reveal_v let_v we_o lay_v the_o whole_a together_o at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o magistrate_n be_v heathen_n and_o enemy_n to_o christian_a religion_n and_o christian_n can_v pay_v they_o no_o obedience_n in_o recede_v from_o christianity_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o point_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v not_o the_o mutual_a obligation_n of_o obedience_n and_o protection_n yet_o there_o be_v still_o a_o common_a centre_n wherein_o even_o in_o religious_a consideration_n the_o protection_n of_o magistrate_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o meet_v and_o that_o uncontroversable_o on_o both_o side_n good_a and_o what_o can_v that_o be_v but_o as_o one_o place_n call_v it_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n another_o good_a work_n another_o do_v well_o this_o then_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o the_o world_n peace_n and_o tranquillity_n universal_a religion_n absolute_a religion_n natural_a religion_n even_o as_o natural_a justice_n universal_a justice_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o transaction_n between_o man_n and_o man_n yet_o if_o magistrate_n will_v inflict_v suffering_n upon_o christian_n 2d_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 2d_o hold_v fast_o their_o profession_n they_o be_v teach_v by_o christianity_n to_o suffer_v patient_o not_o as_o if_o suffering_n be_v due_a to_o they_o but_o that_o justice_n may_v be_v do_v natural_a religion_n may_v be_v maintain_v one_o great_a branch_n of_o which_o be_v uphold_v government_n in_o all_o its_o honour_n and_o plenipotence_n but_o therefore_o in_o testimony_n to_o they_o that_o suffering_n be_v not_o due_a to_o they_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o glory_n shall_v rest_v upon_o they_o even_o as_o in_o all_o undue_a administration_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n where_o humane_a law_n the_o law_n of_o this_o or_o that_o government_n have_v take_v no_o care_n suffering_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o innocent_a but_o their_o appeal_n lie_v above_o the_o conclusion_n than_o be_v this_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o ever_o there_o be_v no_o impeachment_n lie_v against_o man_n from_o the_o violation_n of_o natural_a religion_n their_o peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n be_v the_o just_a right_n of_o their_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n praise_v security_n a_o state_n out_o of_o fear_n be_v due_a to_o they_o as_o well-doer_n as_o to_o those_o that_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a many_o other_o be_v the_o expression_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o apostolic_a write_n look_v this_o way_n that_o the_o great_a letter_n of_o commendation_n to_o mankind_n in_o general_n concern_v person_n and_o their_o way_n in_o religion_n so_o far_o as_o the_o thing_n come_v under_o their_o judicature_n be_v the_o intrinsic_a and_o real_a goodness_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o life_n at_o the_o beam_n of_o natural_a conscience_n this_o be_v the_o royal_a law_n every_o one_o be_v to_o fulfil_v in_o these_o thing_n 18._o jam._n 2._o 8._o rom._n 14._o 18._o we_o must_v serve_v christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n thus_o they_o must_v adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n thus_o they_o must_v take_v care_n against_o the_o name_n 1._o 1_o tim._n 6._o 1._o of_o god_n be_v blaspheme_v thus_o they_o must_v put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n 16._o â—_o pet._n 2._o 15._o &_o 3._o 16._o of_o foolish_a man_n and_o make_v they_o ashamed_a now_o it_o be_v true_a all_o the_o severity_n of_o profession_n and_o life_n according_a to_o natural_a religion_n will_v not_o justify_v the_o truth_n or_o goodness_n of_o a_o assume_v religion_n as_o reveal_v from_o god_n as_o of_o the_o sober_a moral_a heathen_a jew_n turk_n papist_n or_o any_o master_n of_o sect_n of_o most_o unblameable_a life_n among_o protestant_n that_o be_v to_o be_v try_v in_o a_o consistory_n proper_a to_o it_o the_o argument_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o be_v reveal_v be_v to_o be_v weigh_v the_o nature_n scope_n and_o tendency_n of_o it_o and_o all_o its_o principle_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o at_o last_o it_o stand_v at_o god_n judgment-seat_n where_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v judge_v but_o thus_o the_o argument_n be_v the_o more_o enforce_v that_o where_o there_o be_v the_o testimonial_n of_o natural_a religion_n fair_o write_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o any_o religion_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o though_o we_o be_v not_o nor_o may_v have_v reason_n to_o be_v induce_v by_o the_o motive_n of_o credibility_n it_o give_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n or_o seek_v everlasting_a happiness_n in_o it_o yet_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o humanity_n in_o allow_v peaceable_a life_n be_v to_o be_v give_v they_o have_v thus_o far_o insist_v upon_o scripture_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n i_o come_v now_o to_o argue_v it_o by_o reason_n and_o under_o every_o argument_n to_o observe_v the_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o it_o argum._n 1._o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o argue_v from_o the_o great_a excellency_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o acceptableness_n of_o it_o to_o god_n that_o therefore_o since_o it_o be_v also_o general_a religion_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o common_a peace_n in_o religion_n we_o ought_v to_o allow_v the_o hospitableness_n of_o humanity_n to_o all_o that_o profess_v it_o and_o dogmatise_v nothing_o but_o what_o upon_o due_a hear_n and_o discourse_n they_o offer_v to_o make_v out_o consistent_a and_o fair_o agree_v with_o it_o for_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a even_o upon_o a_o violent_a suspicion_n of_o the_o contrary_a to_o inquire_v hear_v and_o receive_v reason_n if_o it_o can_v be_v give_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o altar_n of_o testimony_n we_o read_v of_o joshua_n 22._o 10._o god_n make_v the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o magnificency_n of_o it_o at_o the_o first_o to_o entertain_v man_n of_o this_o general_a and_o excellent_a religion_n and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n say_v as_o in_o revival_n of_o what_o have_v be_v
long_o mistake_v i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o 34._o act_n 10._o 34._o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o work_v righteousness_n the_o two_o comprehensive_a part_n of_o this_o religion_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o why_o then_o shall_v mankind_n imbrue_v their_o hand_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o religion_n they_o themselves_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v and_o hold_v to_o contradiction_n to_o it_o what_o excellent_a person_n be_v job_n his_o three_o friend_n and_o elihu_n though_o out_o of_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n i_o mean_v out_o of_o that_o part_n of_o it_o where_o god_n have_v more_o eminent_o fix_v his_o church_n and_o out_o of_o that_o line_n wherein_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v bless_v how_o excellent_a the_o book_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o ratiocination_n upon_o it_o though_o the_o friend_n be_v mistake_v in_o urge_v too_o far_o as_o if_o present_a affliction_n be_v a_o detection_n from_o heaven_n of_o insincerity_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o job_n that_o most_o desirable_a book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v undoubted_o by_o the_o special_a wisdom_n of_o god_n prepare_v as_o a_o treatise_n of_o natural_a theology_n raise_v to_o its_o own_o height_n through_o the_o assistance_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o wherein_o most_o probable_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o the_o pious_a patriarch_n keep_v fresh_a and_o pure_a from_o corruption_n be_v maintain_v and_o improve_v upon_o the_o proper_a reason_n of_o natural_a religion_n for_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o intermixture_n of_o positive_a precept_n or_o rite_n except_o the_o historical_a relation_n of_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o the_o book_n a_o institution_n of_o god_n by_o which_o man_n be_v teach_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n as_o soon_o as_o sin_n have_v enter_v it_o to_o look_v for_o atonement_n witâ—_n god_n through_o that_o great_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o who_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a job_n make_v somâ—_n very_o significant_a reference_n though_o according_a to_o the_o covertness_n of_o so_o great_a a_o mystery_n at_o that_o time_n but_o what_o point_n of_o natural_a religion_n even_o sense_n of_o natural_a corruption_n and_o the_o â—vil_n of_o sin_n of_o faith_n in_o divine_a mercy_n and_o repentance_n of_o godliness_n righteousness_n soberness_n fidelity_n chastity_n tempâ—rance_n charity_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o poor_a be_v leave_v untouched_a what_o point_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n against_o atheism_n idolatry_n a_o iniquity_n own_a to_o deserve_v punishment_n from_o a_o judge_n be_v not_o hâ—re_o state_v 28._o job_n 31._o 28._o prayer_n praise_n holy_a meditation_n discourse_n and_o attendance_n on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o way_n have_v here_o their_o frequent_a mention_n what_o severe_a reproof_n censure_n and_o condemnation_n of_o all_o wickedness_n do_v we_o meet_v with_o and_o which_o be_v most_o remarkable_a through_o the_o whole_a all_o be_v substantial_a nothing_o ceremonial_a how_o lovely_a be_v such_o a_o religion_n our_o saviour_n observe_v but_o some_o of_o the_o line_n of_o it_o in_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v say_v he_o look_v upon_o he_o and_o love_v he_o 21._o mat._n 10._o 21._o and_o the_o scribe_n that_o have_v so_o much_o of_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o he_o commend_v as_o not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n viz._n from_o true_a christianity_n here_o and_o eternal_a salvation_n hereafter_o in_o this_o book_n of_o job_n we_o have_v also_o the_o true_a natural_a way_n of_o propagate_a religion_n and_o reconcile_a difference_n in_o it_o viz._n by_o discourse_n and_o argument_n only_o heinous_a offence_n and_o plain_a violation_n of_o duty_n in_o natural_a religion_n be_v cite_v to_o the_o magistrate_n tribunal_n i_o have_v insist_v so_o long_o upon_o this_o because_o we_o have_v not_o such_o another_o hypothesis_n in_o scripture_n such_o a_o body_n of_o natural_a religion_n such_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n concern_v it_o give_v out_o by_o such_o master_n of_o assembly_n and_o yet_o not_o of_o that_o we_o may_v call_v the_o visible_a church_n at_o that_o time_n else_o indeed_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v full_a of_o natural_a religion_n from_o one_o end_n of_o it_o to_o the_o other_o and_o that_o which_o be_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n concern_v it_o be_v great_a than_o all_o beside_o but_o no_o doubt_n there_o may_v be_v many_o other_o at_o that_o time_n and_o all_o along_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o jewish_a proselytism_n and_o yet_o great_a instance_n of_o this_o same_o natural_a piety_n for_o if_o elijah_n 18._o 1_o king_n 19_o 18._o who_o have_v a_o less_o compass_n to_o observe_v in_o and_o more_o probable_a opportunity_n of_o inquiry_n and_o even_o inspection_n yet_o be_v ignorant_a of_o seven_o thousand_o in_o israel_n that_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n but_o think_v himself_o leave_v alone_o how_o much_o more_o may_v lie_v hide_v from_o our_o almost_o suspicion_n true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n according_a to_o natural_a religion_n all_o along_o elder_a time_n inspire_v and_o conduct_v to_o it_o by_o divine_a illumination_n nay_o who_o dare_v be_v so_o bold_a to_o define_v there_o be_v no_o such_o now_o for_o though_o it_o be_v most_o true_a there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n give_v to_o man_n whereby_o they_o can_v be_v save_v but_o 12._o act_n 4._o 12._o the_o name_n of_o christ_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o name_n must_v be_v express_o know_v but_o that_o the_o god_n of_o pardoning-mercy_n give_v and_o accept_v repentance_n unto_o life_n may_v by_o divine_a equity_n and_o favour_n be_v interpret_v god_n in_o christ_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o man_n so_o address_v god_n as_o he_o be_v true_o so_o in_o himself_o yet_o ah_o lass_n we_o can_v stretch_v our_o charitable_a hope_n so_o as_o to_o think_v this_o the_o case_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o nation_n that_o know_v not_o christ_n who_o lie_v in_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n not_o only_o as_o ignorant_a of_o christ_n but_o as_o without_o god_n the_o true_a god_n in_o the_o world_n horrible_a corrupter_n of_o what_o they_o natural_o know_v that_o be_v of_o natural_a religion_n but_o as_o there_o be_v many_o leper_n and_o widow_n in_o the_o day_n of_o those_o two_o prophet_n 25._o luk._n 4._o 25._o but_o to_o one_o of_o each_o be_v they_o send_v so_o we_o may_v hope_v there_o be_v some_o instance_n of_o this_o divine_a bounty_n and_o grace_n if_o we_o can_v hope_v so_o but_o of_o few_o but_o these_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o it_o be_v safe_a not_o to_o presume_v too_o far_o on_o either_o 29._o deut._n 29._o 29._o side_n yet_o by_o the_o same_o charity_n we_o allow_v papist_n that_o the_o prevalency_n of_o true_o christian_a principle_n may_v antidote_n the_o poison_n of_o popery_n so_o the_o pregnancy_n of_o some_o natural_a principle_n rise_v up_o above_o all_o the_o refuse_v in_o such_o soul_n but_o oh_o lord_n thou_o only_o know_v yet_o some_o thing_n i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v 1._o that_o if_o any_o man_n live_v upright_o as_o job_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n at_o its_o full_a extent_n and_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n offer_v he_o he_o will_v receive_v it_o upon_o the_o advantageous_a recommendation_n of_o it_o in_o god_n own_o time_n and_o way_n 2._o that_o if_o any_o man_n so_o obey_v the_o precept_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o have_v not_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n the_o want_n of_o that_o revelation_n shall_v not_o be_v charge_v upon_o he_o so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o 3._o that_o whoever_o understand_v natural_a religion_n must_v needs_o understand_v that_o sin_n be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n be_v bear_v like_o the_o wild_a ass_n colt_n and_o drink_v iniquity_n like_o water_n and_o 14._o job_n 〈◊〉_d 16._o 13_o 14._o yet_o that_o god_n be_v patient_a speak_v once_o and_o twice_o in_o order_n to_o man_n conversion_n and_o repentance_n that_o therefore_o there_o be_v place_n for_o it_o in_o pardoning-mercy_n of_o which_o in_o god_n even_o humane_a nature_n itself_o have_v a_o sense_n natural_a religion_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o for_o without_o it_o all_o service_n of_o god_n or_o application_n to_o he_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a and_o but_o like_o the_o service_n of_o devil_n yet_o i_o can_v but_o here_o take_v notice_n there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o learned_a world_n in_o moral_n as_o be_v heretofore_o among_o the_o grecian_n
testament_n the_o apocalypse_n foretell_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o very_a state_n of_o kingdom_n become_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o christ_n all_o these_o thing_n argue_v a_o great_a encouragement_n of_o nation_n receive_v and_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o nation_n even_o as_o family_n may_v and_o aught_o as_o family_n and_o though_o it_o be_v undoubted_o the_o great_a honour_n and_o glory_n of_o nation_n to_o come_v as_o near_o and_o as_o exact_a and_o close_a as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o law_n and_o order_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o government_n as_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o their_o national_a christianity_n yet_o because_o there_o will_v and_o general_o fall_v out_o to_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o national_a custom_n in_o such_o public_a administration_n a_o comprimise_n of_o they_o to_o the_o law_n and_o government_n of_o nation_n hence_o it_o also_o come_v to_o pass_v there_o may_v be_v a_o dissatisfaction_n in_o many_o of_o the_o subject_n of_o such_o nation_n to_o comply_v with_o their_o national_a constitution_n of_o religion_n hence_o there_o be_v apt_a to_o arise_v discomposure_n and_o disquiet_n if_o prince_n or_o power_n exceed_v that_o exercise_n of_o power_n allot_v to_o they_o by_o god_n as_o we_o have_v before_o discourse_v and_o also_o by_o the_o very_a essential_a constitution_n of_o christianity_n see_v christ_n have_v make_v none_o lord_n of_o his_o people_n faith_n or_o divine_a worship_n and_o prince_n be_v no_o more_o than_o nursing-fathers_n the_o quiet_a therefore_o and_o peace_n of_o nation_n be_v most_o advance_v by_o set_v up_o nothing_o in_o christianity_n but_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o yield_v the_o tender_a and_o open_v the_o most_o bountiful_a hand_n to_o the_o professor_n and_o minister_n of_o essential_a christianity_n cover_v all_o the_o faulty_a division_n of_o christian_n with_o their_o royal_a and_o compassionate_a purple_a this_o be_v most_o princely_a generous_a and_o great_a this_o be_v most_o exalt_v of_o christianity_n itself_o but_o if_o this_o can_v be_v obtain_v the_o next_o best_n and_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o as_o i_o have_v already_o make_v out_o but_o just_o be_v that_o no_o native_a right_n and_o liberty_n be_v defaulk_v nor_o punitive_a oppression_n inflict_v but_o that_o the_o honorary_a reward_n of_o nation_n and_o prince_n be_v adjudge_v to_o man_n who_o be_v of_o the_o public_a sentiment_n in_o their_o administration_n in_o christian_a religion_n and_o this_o indeed_o can_v be_v except_v to_o it_o be_v the_o right_n of_o national_a power_n to_o dispose_v of_o their_o own_o according_a to_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n yet_o be_v there_o still_o a_o obligation_n upon_o christian_a subject_n beyond_o these_o consideration_n to_o examine_v all_o thing_n with_o the_o great_a prejudice_n for_o and_o on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o national_a sense_n especial_o when_o they_o find_v the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n secure_a and_o in_o safety_n and_o beside_o their_o private_a adjustment_n of_o christian_a performance_n in_o particular_a society_n according_a to_o the_o exacter_n rule_v of_o christianity_n as_o they_o be_v judge_n for_o themselves_o to_o encourage_v also_o promote_v and_o as_o far_o as_o possible_o they_o can_v communicate_v with_o national_a religion_n put_v the_o fair_a and_o kind_a interpretation_n and_o hope_v upon_o all_o thing_n tolerate_v all_o that_o can_v without_o disobedience_n to_o god_n be_v tolerate_v observe_v rite_n and_o custom_n of_o nation_n as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v with_o security_n from_o vain_a worship_v of_o god_n by_o the_o commandment_n of_o man_n both_o because_o of_o the_o honour_n christianity_n give_v to_o magistracy_n according_a to_o natural_a sanction_n and_o also_o and_o more_o especial_o because_o of_o the_o esteem_n christianity_n have_v of_o a_o public_a and_o national_a religion_n let_v i_o then_o resume_v upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o it_o plain_o appear_v christianity_n notwithstanding_o the_o freedom_n it_o allow_v to_o every_o man_n conscientious_a sentiment_n be_v no_o enemy_n but_o a_o friend_n 1._o to_o society_n 2._o to_o the_o order_n and_o peace_n that_o bound_v society_n yea_o and_o strict_o command_v they_o and_o have_v give_v positive_a institution_n for_o they_o 1._o for_o first_o it_o unite_v all_o its_o true_a disciple_n in_o that_o common_a ample_a universal_a centre_n of_o love_n peace_n and_o order_n god_n and_o christ_n to_o who_o the_o first_o dedication_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v make_v and_o in_o who_o it_o always_o rest_v 2._o it_o unite_v they_o with_o that_o most_o public_a wise_a rational_a and_o most_o holy_a assembly_n under_o heaven_n the_o catholic_n church_n even_o all_o that_o be_v that_o one_o body_n act_v by_o that_o one_o spirit_n unite_v in_o one_o hope_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n in_o all_o which_o every_o christian_a be_v one_o with_o the_o whole_a desire_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o increase_n of_o that_o one_o body_n the_o advancement_n of_o that_o one_o faith_n communicate_v in_o the_o prayer_n and_o praise_n of_o that_o one_o body_n sorrow_n in_o its_o affliction_n minister_n to_o its_o necessity_n and_o if_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v communicate_v in_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o service_n with_o any_o member_n of_o it_o and_o value_v not_o their_o particular_a rite_n as_o any_o obstruction_n while_o they_o agree_v in_o essential_o and_o indeed_o every_o christian_n shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o drop_v that_o mantle_n of_o ceremony_n as_o he_o please_v when_o he_o ascend_v in_o holy_a offering_n of_o himselfâ—o_o â—o_z god_n 3._o 〈◊〉_d to_o particular_a society_n or_o church_n of_o christian_n in_o whiâ—â—_n the_o essential_o of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v preserve_v uncorrupted_a and_o so_o they_o must_v be_v or_o else_o such_o society_n deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o church_n and_o when_o they_o be_v in_o such_o a_o neighbourhood_n to_o the_o true_a christian_a that_o he_o may_v free_o enjoy_v his_o choice_n he_o consider_v these_o two_o both_o recommend_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1._o private_a particular_a congregation_n that_o can_v conform_v to_o public_a settlement_n such_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o first_o church_n when_o christianity_n have_v no_o public_a allowance_n such_o may_v be_v still_o 2._o the_o most_o public_a settlement_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o wherein_o he_o may_v do_v it_o he_o use_v both_o promiscuous_o wherein_o he_o must_v divide_v he_o consider_v upon_o the_o balance_n of_o his_o most_o humble_a and_o impartial_a judgement_n which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o public_a edification_n as_o well_o as_o his_o own_o and_o so_o as_o not_o to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v if_o he_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v more_o particular_a as_o best_o according_a to_o his_o sentiment_n he_o be_v yet_o careful_a to_o do_v all_o he_o do_v with_o the_o great_a vigour_n of_o charity_n inoffensiveness_n and_o desire_v of_o promote_a of_o that_o public_a worship_n as_o it_o contain_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n if_o according_a to_o the_o sincere_a sense_n of_o his_o mind_n he_o prefer_v the_o public_a appointment_n either_o as_o public_a and_o in_o that_o regard_n overweigh_a small_a doubt_n and_o so_o take_v the_o best_a advantage_n afford_v therein_o as_o to_o all_o the_o duty_n particular_a congregation_n seem_v most_o adapt_v to_o or_o that_o the_o whole_a composure_n of_o the_o public_a be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o sentiment_n he_o consider_v the_o more_o private_a as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o can_v be_v severe_a to_o the_o retirer_n thereto_o know_v every_o man_n have_v the_o proper_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o what_o essential_o christianity_n consist_v in_o and_o therefore_o will_v not_o forcible_o hale_v any_o into_o the_o public_a but_o remonstrate_v to_o they_o as_o he_o see_v reason_n with_o mild_a and_o christian_a argument_n the_o disadvantage_n of_o separate_n from_o it_o beyond_o plain_a necessity_n 4._o in_o the_o difference_n of_o judgement_n of_o public_a society_n and_o private_a in_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o or_o the_o difference_n of_o private_a among_o themselves_o the_o true_a christian_a still_o keep_v himself_o upon_o that_o love_n mercy_n and_o peace_n christianity_n teach_v he_o and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o diversity_n consider_v the_o high_a tie_n worth_n and_o value_n of_o those_o unity_n wherein_o they_o all_o meet_v 5._o if_o a_o christian_a fall_n into_o such_o place_n where_o the_o essential_o be_v corrupt_v he_o esteem_v religious_a solitude_n the_o best_a communion_n yet_o refuse_v not_o to_o improve_v any_o thing_n of_o truth_n he_o can_v extract_v from_o such_o corruption_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o part_n of_o public_a worship_n not_o so_o adulterate_v but_o to_o admit_v a_o possible_a separation_n in_o the_o exigence_n of_o present_a service_n
religion_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v 2._o the_o error_n suppose_v in_o such_o a_o national_a constitution_n now_o reformation_n of_o national_a constitution_n in_o religion_n be_v contestable_o in_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o a_o nation_n what_o then_o shall_v we_o do_v till_o these_o suppose_a error_n of_o such_o a_o account_n as_o the_o high_a place_n be_v remove_v we_o must_v either_o not_o worship_n in_o consent_n with_o our_o nation_n which_o seem_v as_o natural_a as_o with_o our_o family_n and_o much_o countenance_v by_o the_o scripture_n or_o we_o must_v wait_v the_o season_n of_o public_a reformation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n attend_v public_a worship_n and_o avoid_v with_o all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n we_o can_v the_o dint_n of_o error_n in_o such_o a_o constitution_n as_o we_o suppose_v the_o seven_o thousand_o in_o israel_n do_v not_o in_o far_o great_a corruption_n omit_v certain_o all_o sort_n of_o public_a worship_n beside_o the_o temple-worship_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o bow_v not_o their_o knee_n to_o baal_n nor_o kiss_v he_o gross_a corruption_n be_v indeed_o positive_o to_o be_v refuse_v and_o abhor_v such_o as_o those_o of_o that_o time_n such_o as_o those_o of_o popery_n such_o as_o be_v all_o though_o not_o complete_a popery_n yet_o too_o near_o it_o lesser_a dissatisfaction_n may_v be_v wary_o avoid_v and_o yet_o national_a religion_n as_o far_o own_a as_o we_o can_v without_o share_v even_o in_o those_o small_a error_n and_o it_o be_v some_o relief_n to_o we_o herein_o that_o although_o it_o be_v evident_a national_a law_n can_v bind_v any_o man_n conscience_n in_o religion_n any_o further_a than_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o man_n conscience_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o they_o can_v save_v he_o harmless_a at_o the_o last_o tribunal_n and_o therefore_o in_o no_o reason_n can_v bind_v he_o yet_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o relief_n in_o that_o obedience_n a_o sober_a christian_a desire_n to_o pay_v to_o humane_a law_n so_o far_o as_o agree_v with_o scripture_n and_o the_o regard_v he_o will_v yield_v to_o national_a religion_n that_o he_o may_v well_o take_v the_o benefit_n of_o any_o connivance_n or_o relaxation_n of_o humane_a law_n in_o their_o prosecution_n as_o all_o man_n how_o conscientious_a soever_o concern_v humane_a law_n do_v we_o see_v every_o day_n where_o the_o law_n be_v not_o press_v nor_o the_o injury_n any_o although_o it_o be_v no_o other_o but_o ordinary_a common_a liberty_n that_o be_v restrain_v for_o if_o authority_n be_v not_o despise_v if_o public_a good_a be_v not_o incommoded_a humane_a law_n do_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n as_o divine_a law_n do_v and_o therefore_o much_o less_o in_o religion_n wherein_o except_o natural_a their_o power_n have_v not_o a_o further_a obligation_n than_o as_o the_o conscience_n be_v sensible_a of_o divine_a authority_n concur_v thus_o than_o a_o man_n may_v without_o offence_n withdraw_v himself_o from_o such_o observance_n and_o yet_o join_v in_o public_a worship_n 2._o there_o be_v the_o custom_n and_o usage_n of_o a_o nation_n enter_v into_o their_o public_a administration_n of_o religion_n as_o into_o other_o national_a solemnity_n there_o be_v their_o law_n and_o appointment_n of_o what_o they_o think_v grave_a decent_a orderly_a rational_o promote_a the_o knowledge_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o condescension_n to_o the_o mean_a understanding_n of_o their_o people_n and_o security_n for_o some_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v certain_o perform_v with_o that_o advantage_n as_o liturgy_n and_o read_v scripture_n and_o it_o may_v be_v add_v these_o thing_n may_v be_v intend_v as_o cementation_n of_o man_n in_o civil_a government_n which_o be_v a_o lawful_a end_n if_o it_o be_v a_o subordinate_a end_n and_o regulate_v by_o the_o high_a now_o though_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o mistake_n in_o all_o this_o yet_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o national_a conjunction_n in_o divine_a worship_n we_o shall_v tolerate_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a we_o can_v or_o they_o may_v be_v interpret_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o civil_a appointment_n civil_a order_n and_o decency_n or_o national_a custom_n for_o if_o nothing_o may_v be_v tolerate_v if_o nothing_o may_v be_v favourable_o interpret_v there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o charity_n 7._o 1_o cor._n 13._o 7._o in_o those_o excellent_a act_n of_o it_o the_o apostle_n record_n viz._n charity_n believe_v and_o hope_v all_o thing_n that_o can_v with_o any_o symmetry_n to_o truth_n and_o discretion_n be_v hope_v or_o believe_v it_o bear_v all_o thing_n it_o endure_v all_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v endure_v without_o our_o own_o sin_n though_o sinful_a in_o other_o as_o command_v with_o rigour_n or_o over-esteeming_a thing_n not_o necessary_a 3._o it_o seem_v by_o our_o saviour_n command_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v the_o pharisee_n precept_n speak_v out_o of_o moses_n his_o chair_n and_o yet_o at_o other_o time_n to_o beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o pharisee_n which_o be_v express_o expound_v 12._o mat_n 23._o 1._o mat._n 16_o 12._o of_o the_o leaven_n of_o doctrine_n that_o a_o man_n may_v join_v in_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n where_o the_o main_a part_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v so_o immerse_v in_o the_o whole_a but_o that_o he_o may_v separate_v between_o the_o pure_a and_o corrupt_a part_n in_o relation_n to_o himself_o by_o his_o own_o private_a act_n and_o indeed_o if_o a_o man_n can_v not_o do_v this_o i_o know_v not_o how_o he_o shall_v join_v in_o any_o humane_a performance_n as_o i_o have_v note_v before_o or_o how_o he_o shall_v allow_v his_o own_o worship_n of_o god_n see_v he_o must_v needs_o condemn_v himself_o in_o particular_n wherein_o he_o allow_v himself_o in_o the_o general_a every_o thing_n humane_a be_v imperfect_a i_o know_v it_o may_v be_v say_v there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o evil_n of_o unavoidable_a incursion_n and_o those_o that_o be_v frame_v and_o deliberate_v into_o a_o constitution_n but_o even_o in_o this_o case_n it_o appear_v a_o man_n be_v under_o no_o necessity_n when_o he_o join_v with_o the_o solemn_a action_n of_o other_o to_o take_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o sense_n they_o do_v when_o there_o be_v a_o good_a and_o lawful_a account_n of_o such_o action_n beside_o their_o ill_a one_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o abhor_v by_o scripture_n than_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n in_o the_o sense_n and_o with_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o that_o offer_n do_v to_o the_o idol_n and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n allow_v the_o freedom_n of_o eat_v thing_n so_o offer_v and_o even_o in_o a_o idol_n temple_n where_o a_o christian_a have_v the_o 10._o 1_o cor_fw-la 8._o 10._o knowledge_n that_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o other_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v scandalize_v or_o draw_v into_o sin_n that_o have_v not_o that_o knowledge_n and_o yet_o be_v embolden_v to_o eat_v with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n 4._o a_o very_a great_a good_a to_o be_v donce_n or_o receive_v will_v recommend_v to_o we_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n unnecessary_a without_o a_o eye_n to_o that_o good_a and_o in_o some_o case_n unlawful_a and_o forbid_a as_o appear_v by_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o to_o the_o jew_n he_o become_v as_o a_o jew_n to_o they_o under_o the_o law_n as_o under_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n that_o by_o all_o mean_v he_o may_v save_v some_o it_o appear_v too_o by_o what_o he_o do_v in_o the_o circumcise_n timothy_n by_o his_o intend_v and_o relax_v his_o discourse_n 26._o act._n 16._o 3._o act._n 21._o 26._o concern_v jewish_n rite_n it_o appear_v by_o our_o saviour_n command_v the_o disciple_n hear_v the_o pharisee_n though_o they_o endanger_v themselves_o with_o the_o leaven_n so_o that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o regard_n and_o reverence_v due_a to_o moses_n his_o chair_n in_o all_o proportion_n of_o reason_n our_o saviour_n have_v not_o allow_v it_o and_o whereas_o our_o saviour_n be_v at_o other_o time_n very_o severe_a as_o in_o the_o tradition_n of_o wash_a hand_n as_o in_o the_o young_a 10._o mat._n 15._o 1_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 19_o 17._o gal._n 5_o 2._o &_o 4._o 9_o 10._o man_n call_v he_o good_a and_o the_o apostle_n concern_v circumcision_n and_o jewish_a rite_n it_o be_v upon_o great_a account_n of_o preserve_v pure_a and_o safe_a the_o main_a point_n and_o design_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o christianity_n when_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o consideration_n i_o have_v propose_v with_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o it_o not_o that_o i_o have_v any_o thing_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o accuse_v my_o nation_n of_o by_o all_o 19_o act._n 28._o 19_o mean_n to_o be_v shun_v with_o
and_o inflame_v with_o a_o holy_a affection_n in_o a_o lowly_a imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a zeal_n wherewith_o god_n perform_v all_o his_o holy_a ordination_n thus_o as_o prince_n they_o have_v power_n with_o god_n because_o they_o offer_v he_o their_o petition_n according_a to_o his_o establish_v rule_n of_o government_n and_o his_o own_o holy_a will_n concern_v the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o pray_v to_o he_o now_o the_o understanding_n these_o rule_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o infallible_a to_o the_o prophet_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n inspire_v by_o he_o but_o to_o we_o in_o ordinary_a by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o law_n of_o true_a and_o right_a reason_n in_o deduction_n from_o that_o word_n and_o in_o which_o word_n and_o the_o deduction_n from_o it_o if_o we_o be_v not_o mistake_v the_o efficacy_n will_v be_v certain_a because_o if_o we_o ask_v according_a to_o his_o will_n we_o be_v sure_o he_o hear_v we_o and_o that_o we_o have_v in_o some_o true_a sense_n the_o petition_n we_o ask_v of_o he_o this_o be_v so_o valuable_a a_o rule_n of_o prayer_n that_o daniel_n though_o so_o great_a a_o man_n of_o vision_n yet_o betake_v himself_o to_o this_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o instruction_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n dan._n 9_o by_o book_n of_o holy_a record_n and_o general_a chronology_n he_o know_v that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n be_v near_o its_o expiration_n and_o so_o set_v himself_o to_o prayer_n and_o be_v crown_v with_o this_o wonderful_a success_n and_o acceptance_n thus_o prayer_n prevail_v with_o god_n and_o yet_o without_o any_o change_n in_o he_o there_o be_v a_o configuration_n or_o concurrence_n of_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o own_o unchangeable_a will_n his_o counsel_n of_o old_a that_o be_v faithfulness_n and_o truth_n be_v remonstrate_v to_o he_o by_o the_o humble_a servant_n desire_v of_o his_o servant_n that_o know_v they_o to_o be_v his_o counsel_n and_o who_o be_v order_v by_o the_o same_o counsel_n to_o inquire_v or_o beseech_v he_o by_o prayer_n according_a to_o they_o and_o therefore_o by_o his_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n he_o draw_v the_o parallel_a line_n to_o his_o own_o intention_n upon_o their_o heart_n desire_n and_o affection_n i_o have_v pursue_v this_o the_o further_a because_o it_o give_v a_o solution_n to_o that_o doubt_n how_o god_n without_o any_o change_n in_o himself_o hear_v prayer_n and_o also_o assure_v we_o this_o prayer_n be_v so_o remarkable_a as_o to_o be_v twice_o use_v in_o the_o same_o word_n most_o certain_o bear_v itself_o upon_o some_o certain_a principle_n from_o which_o we_o may_v argue_v to_o general_a practice_n the_o principle_n it_o rest_v upon_o must_v be_v this_o there_o be_v a_o establish_v order_n betwixt_o the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n his_o fury_n and_o vengeance_n and_o the_o nation_n or_o family_n not_o know_v not_o call_v on_o his_o name_n and_o this_o be_v know_v by_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n his_o wrath_n according_a to_o unchangeable_a law_n be_v always_o prepare_v against_o those_o that_o forsake_v he_o and_o that_o duty_n they_o owe_v to_o he_o as_o nation_n it_o have_v be_v else_o a_o great_a presumption_n upon_o god_n and_o breach_n of_o charity_n to_o the_o nation_n so_o to_o pray_v against_o they_o which_o may_v also_o give_v we_o account_v of_o all_o those_o dreadful_a imprecation_n and_o curse_n david_n and_o other_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n pour_v out_o against_o their_o own_o enemy_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o their_o people_n they_o be_v found_v in_o their_o be_v enemy_n to_o god_n his_o true_a worship_n love_n and_o service_n and_o as_o such_o their_o final_a destruction_n be_v decree_v against_o they_o by_o the_o most_o righteous_a law_n of_o divine_a government_n make_v know_v unto_o those_o holy_a man_n and_o so_o they_o pray_v for_o it_o as_o public_a person_n and_o not_o out_o of_o private_a wrath_n and_o revenge_n but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o main_a argument_n and_o this_o principle_n i_o be_o upon_o that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v against_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v without_o national_a religion_n lie_v deep_a in_o a_o first_o and_o more_o original_a principle_n viz._n there_o be_v a_o obligation_n a_o great_a duty_n lie_v upon_o nation_n as_o nation_n to_o know_v and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n for_o else_o why_o shall_v god_n find_v fault_n why_o shall_v he_o be_v angry_a when_o none_o have_v resist_v his_o will_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a order_n establish_v by_o god_n between_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o a_o people_n and_o their_o public_a true_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o a_o duty_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o duty_n be_v the_o fit_v we_o for_o blessing_n and_o â—avour_n as_o the_o neglect_n and_o transgression_n of_o duty_n can_v be_v without_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n for_o thus_o god_n have_v place_v life_n and_o death_n one_o over_o against_o another_o yet_o so_o that_o life_n and_o blessing_n be_v always_o first_o even_o as_o duty_n be_v always_o before_o sin_n for_o god_n never_o make_v death_n and_o destruction_n even_o as_o he_o never_o can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o sin_n but_o they_o come_v in_o by_o the_o fail_v of_o our_o duty_n and_o so_o of_o that_o life_n and_o blessedness_n entail_v on_o our_o duty_n yet_o the_o obligation_n to_o national_a true_a religion_n be_v much_o more_o evident_a from_o these_o holy_a man_n pray_v down_o wrath_n upon_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o that_o call_v not_o on_o his_o name_n than_o it_o can_v have_v be_v from_o the_o pray_n for_o his_o favour_n to_o they_o that_o do_v know_v he_o and_o that_o do_v call_v on_o his_o name_n because_o his_o favour_n may_v have_v be_v vouchsafe_v upon_o term_n much_o below_o our_o substantial_a and_o inviolable_a duty_n as_o many_o of_o the_o jewish_a rite_n may_v be_v argument_n for_o and_o pledge_n of_o god_n gracious_a regard_n to_o the_o people_n he_o have_v so_o distinguish_v when_o the_o want_n of_o those_o sign_n will_v not_o have_v argue_v to_o the_o effusion_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n there_o be_v no_o natural_a or_o positive_a duty_n lie_v upon_o any_o but_o the_o jew_n to_o such_o observance_n there_o may_v be_v many_o argument_n for_o the_o bounty_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n from_o external_n rite_n appoint_v by_o he_o and_o observe_v by_o his_o people_n though_o indeed_o these_o all_o refer_v to_o their_o essential_a duty_n and_o argue_v nothing_o without_o it_o yet_o the_o contrary_n will_v not_o enforce_v to_o the_o opposite_a degree_n of_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n because_o they_o be_v not_o observe_v when_o no_o substantial_a duty_n be_v violate_v uncircumcision_n that_o keep_v the_o law_n may_v have_v in_o the_o main_a the_o same_o security_n from_o wrath_n with_o circumcision_n that_o keep_v the_o law_n also_o see_v then_o there_o be_v so_o great_a wrath_n against_o those_o that_o know_v not_o god_n that_o call_v not_o on_o his_o name_n it_o assure_v we_o the_o duty_n the_o obligation_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o lie_v deep_a that_o the_o omission_n be_v so_o subject_v to_o the_o divine_a revenge_n and_o it_o be_v in_o this_o a_o society_n without_o religion_n be_v a_o high_a contempt_n of_o god_n a_o make_v flesh_n our_o arm_n and_o depart_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o from_o his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n a_o principality_n without_o a_o inscription_n a_o dedication_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v devote_v be_v like_o the_o build_n a_o tower_n up_o to_o heaven_n a_o sin_n like_o the_o sin_n of_o herod_n when_o he_o let_v that_o sacrilegious_a applause_n sink_v into_o he_o and_o give_v not_o the_o glory_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o subject_n man_n to_o be_v at_o any_o time_n smite_v and_o blast_v by_o god_n who_o have_v say_v those_o that_o honour_v he_o he_o will_v honour_v but_o all_o else_o shall_v be_v light_o esteem_v whether_o nation_n or_o person_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o only_a the_o judgement_n upon_o the_o irreligion_n of_o particular_a person_n of_o particular_a family_n that_o be_v here_o intend_a though_o this_o be_v include_v and_o suppose_v but_o especial_o upon_o the_o irreligion_n of_o society_n knit_v and_o strengthen_v themselves_o without_o the_o true_a god_n upon_o principality_n exalt_v themselves_o and_o not_o by_o and_o with_o the_o almighty_a and_o supreme_a majesty_n on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o there_o be_v a_o duty_n a_o obligation_n of_o be_v public_o religious_a there_o be_v a_o blessing_n upon_o it_o according_a to_o that_o fundamental_a principle_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n
some_o master_n some_o prime_a minister_n of_o scandal_n that_o as_o the_o son_n of_o perdition_n push_v on_o scandal_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v obstinate_o bend_v to_o do_v so_o and_o on_o such_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n our_o saviour_n principal_o fix_v this_o woe_n now_o for_o the_o discourse_v this_o great_a point_n of_o scandal_n upon_o these_o three_o fundamental_a proposition_n i_o shall_v observe_v this_o order_n 1._o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o settle_v a_o just_a notion_n of_o scandal_n and_o be_v scandalize_v and_o so_o enlarge_v into_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o scandal_n in_o the_o general_a knowledge_n of_o it_o from_o scripture_n 2._o i_o will_v set_v myself_o to_o a_o pure_a and_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o scandal_n as_o it_o have_v such_o a_o peculiar_a interest_n as_o it_o appear_v to_o have_v in_o those_o debate_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n cap._n 14._o and_o to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o ep._n cap._n 8._o and_o 10._o 3._o i_o will_v discourse_v the_o reason_n why_o scandal_n must_v needs_o come_v 4._o the_o world_n woeful_a state_n because_o of_o scandal_n shall_v be_v demonstrate_v 5._o i_o will_v consider_v the_o principal_a author_n of_o scandal_n that_o be_v as_o the_o angel_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o world_n to_o that_o purpose_n 6._o the_o whole_a shall_v be_v in_o the_o last_o place_n apply_v to_o practice_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o notion_n of_o scandal_n which_o be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n take_v from_o those_o engine_n that_o be_v contrive_v and_o prepare_v on_o purpose_n for_o a_o surprisal_n into_o mischief_n and_o destruction_n and_o according_o dispose_v covert_o into_o a_o man_n way_n and_o passage_n or_o from_o what_o be_v natural_o useful_o or_o accidental_o and_o careless_o place_v in_o such_o way_n or_o passage_n so_o as_o that_o a_o man_n unaware_o fall_v upon_o it_o as_o either_o gin_n snare_n or_o trap_n or_o sharp_a stake_n or_o stone_n that_o gall_n and_o cut_v man_n foot_n if_o not_o remove_v or_o avoid_v stone_n or_o block_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o path_n they_o be_v to_o walk_v and_o occasion_n their_o stumble_n and_o fall_v oftentimes_o to_o their_o death_n and_o ruin_n and_o always_o to_o their_o inconvenience_n hazard_n and_o danger_n all_o which_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n apply_v to_o the_o several_a purpose_n of_o the_o scripture-use_a in_o their_o propriety_n may_v be_v see_v more_o at_o large_a in_o the_o most_o learned_a dr._n hammond_n discourse_n and_o annotation_n upon_o scandal_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o one_o instance_n of_o many_o that_o may_v be_v make_v that_o the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v use_v to_o express_v the_o 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d stumble_a block_n that_o god_n forbid_v to_o put_v before_o the_o blind_a in_o leviticus_n pass_v out_o of_o the_o 14._o levit._fw-la 19_o 14._o litteral_n sense_n there_o into_o the_o moral_a sense_n in_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n for_o the_o stumble_a block_n of_o a_o man_n iniquity_n 3._o ezek._n 14._o 3._o zephan_n 1._o 3._o which_o he_o put_v before_o his_o face_n and_o the_o stumble_a block_n with_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o prophet_n zephany_n other_o the_o like_a translation_n of_o the_o same_o and_o other_o word_n of_o like_a importance_n from_o their_o native_a to_o this_o moral_a intendment_n may_v be_v gather_v together_o but_o that_o this_o one_o so_o plain_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o main_a point_n and_o be_v so_o pregnant_a for_o the_o describe_v scandal_n which_o may_v be_v thus_o represent_v scandal_n be_v a_o prevail_a temptation_n to_o some_o great_a sin_n or_o course_n of_o sin_n cause_v the_o soul_n to_o fall_v before_o it_o or_o catch_v and_o inwrap_v the_o soul_n in_o it_o and_o all_o the_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o it_o cover_v under_o the_o disguise_n and_o plausible_a pretence_n of_o a_o principle_n of_o reason_n or_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n to_o its_o great_a mischief_n and_o ruin_n if_o not_o recover_v from_o it_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o sincere_a repentance_n 1._o scandal_n be_v thus_o when_o it_o prevail_v when_o it_o succeed_v to_o its_o unhappy_a effect_n of_o scandalize_a for_o a_o scandal_n may_v be_v offer_v and_o not_o take_v our_o saviour_n have_v a_o scandal_n offer_v he_o by_o peter_n his_o own_o apostle_n thou_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o i_o 23._o matt._n 16._o 22_o 23._o say_v our_o lord_n when_o he_o present_v he_o a_o pretext_n a_o fair_a show_n of_o reason_n against_o suffering_n which_o be_v the_o very_a law_n of_o his_o mediation_n in_o the_o world_n impose_v upon_o he_o by_o god_n the_o suffer_v yet_o of_o so_o innocent_a so_o divine_a and_o excellent_a a_o person_n look_v like_o a_o prodigy_n and_o monstrous_a portent_n to_o the_o apostle_n not_o once_o to_o be_v speak_v or_o think_v of_o be_v it_o far_o from_o thou_o lord_n but_o our_o saviour_n immediate_o discharge_v himself_o of_o it_o in_o that_o severe_a rebuke_n get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n thou_o be_v in_o this_o to_o i_o a_o angel_n of_o satan_n the_o first_o inventor_n the_o supreme_a creator_n of_o scandal_n the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v scandal_n continual_o contrive_v into_o their_o path_n but_o god_n withold_v their_o foot_n from_o be_v take_v he_o have_v charge_v himself_o with_o they_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o all_o their_o way_n he_o bear_v they_o up_o in_o his_o hand_n that_o they_o may_v not_o to_o their_o ruin_n dash_v their_o foot_n against_o any_o of_o these_o stone_n scandal_n be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a as_o to_o undo_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect_n but_o for_o the_o elect_v sake_n the_o effective_a power_n of_o scandal_n be_v shorten_v 2._o scandal_n be_v a_o temptation_n what_o the_o evangalist_n matthew_n call_v be_v scandalize_v or_o offend_v the_o evangelist_n luke_n 21._o matt._n 13._o 21._o express_v by_o fall_v away_o in_o a_o time_n of_o temptation_n 13._o luk._n 8._o 13._o scandal_n differ_v nothing_o from_o that_o description_n of_o the_o apostle_n james_n every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v 14._o jam._n 1._o 14._o away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v then_o lust_n when_o it_o have_v conceive_v bring_v forth_o sin_n and_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v bring_v forth_o death_n i_o say_v it_o differ_v nothing_o but_o that_o in_o scandal_n the_o temptation_n be_v cover_v lust_n inordinate_a affection_n be_v always_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o scandal_n all_o scandal_n against_o religion_n or_o any_o of_o the_o truth_n command_n or_o duty_n of_o it_o have_v their_o root_n in_o lust_n and_o sinful_a corruption_n within_o herein_o they_o be_v just_o chargeable_a to_o condemnation_n the_o scandal_n within_o be_v the_o great_a scandal_n he_o that_o have_v a_o impure_a affection_n quench_v into_o the_o love_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v nothing_o to_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v 156._o psal_n 119._o 156._o he_o scandal_n find_v no_o place_n in_o he_o he_o that_o love_v his_o brother_n and_o god_n in_o he_o have_v no_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n 10._o 1_o john_n 2._o 10._o in_o he_o but_o scandal_n be_v temptation_n so_o cover_v as_o i_o have_v describe_v and_o therein_o it_o differ_v from_o mere_a temptation_n many_o temptation_n to_o sin_n be_v barefaced_a and_o have_v nothing_o but_o pleasure_n profit_n or_o vainglory_n to_o bait_v the_o hook_n with_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n the_o pride_n of_o life_n all_o which_o leave_v the_o sin_n naked_a or_o the_o cover_n be_v at_o least_o so_o thin_a that_o conscience_n be_v not_o at_o all_o impose_v upon_o but_o scandal_n have_v the_o seem_o fair_a ☜_o ☜_o recommendation_n of_o a_o principle_n of_o reason_n or_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n how_o false_a soever_o and_o therefore_o though_o in_o a_o free_a way_n of_o speak_v a_o man_n be_v scandalize_v by_o his_o right_a eye_n his_o right_a hand_n his_o right_a foot_n interpret_n they_o of_o his_o lust_n get_v the_o ascendant_n over_o his_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n that_o have_v nothing_o of_o excuse_n but_o that_o he_o in_o who_o it_o dwell_v have_v make_v it_o so_o necessary_a to_o he_o that_o it_o be_v become_v part_n of_o himself_o yet_o speak_v more_o accurate_o and_o according_a to_o the_o general_a course_n of_o holy_a write_n scandal_n be_v temptation_n shadow_v and_o shelter_v there_o be_v some_o screen_n betwixt_o the_o eye_n of_o conscience_n and_o defenceless_a gild_n some_o attire_n of_o virtue_n or_o reason_n about_o the_o sin_n there_o may_v be_v some_o place_n where_o scandal_n may_v be_v very_o near_o signify_v nothing_o but_o temptation_n but_o general_o there_o be_v as_o much_o difference_n as_o between_o david_n fall_n into_o murder_n and_o
whole_o naked_a and_o uncover_v of_o any_o pretence_n according_a to_o acknowledge_v principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o without_o the_o shelter_n of_o some_o scandal_n and_o if_o they_o be_v drive_v out_o of_o all_o else_o they_o yet_o retire_v under_o this_o it_o be_v a_o undesirable_a state_n for_o a_o freeborn_a understanding_n and_o will_n to_o be_v under_o subjection_n there_o be_v something_o tyrannic_a and_o oppressive_a in_o it_o that_o they_o may_v not_o know_v and_o choose_v what_o be_v best_a for_o themselves_o and_o so_o there_o be_v a_o resolvedness_n in_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o do_v whatever_o go_v out_o of_o its_o own_o mouth_n the_o apostle_n observe_v the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o it_o neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v 7._o rom._n 8._o 7._o it_o be_v always_o offend_v at_o it_o it_o always_o pretend_v some_o cause_n against_o it_o and_z if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o that_o it_o be_v too_o arbitrary_a a_o pretence_n a_o show_n of_o reason_n seem_v necessary_a to_o a_o rational_a mind_n and_o will_n that_o be_v so_o make_v under_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n it_o can_v sin_v but_o by_o be_v deceive_v and_o grasp_a at_o some_o forbid_a appear_v good_n hence_o even_o the_o devil_n think_v their_o case_n justify_v a_o eternal_a quarrel_n against_o god_n their_o misery_n be_v to_o they_o a_o just_a cause_n but_o the_o various_a degree_n kind_n and_o shape_v of_o scandal_n be_v so_o many_o so_o confuse_v so_o perplex_v that_o the_o very_a view_n of_o it_o will_v enforce_v a_o think_a soul_n to_o cry_v out_o i_o have_v wait_v for_o thy_o salvation_n o_o lord_n as_o the_o patriarch_n jacob_n in_o a_o prophetic_a prospect_n upon_o dan_n out_o of_o who_o some_o have_v fancy_v antichrist_n shall_v arise_v describe_v he_o as_o one_o will_v describe_v scandal_n and_o therefore_o near_o enough_o to_o antichrist_n that_o man_n of_o scandal_n and_o son_n of_o perdition_n that_o yet_o will_v be_v as_o dan_fw-mi judge_v over_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n scandal_n be_v a_o serpent_n by_o the_o way_n a_o adder_n in_o the_o path_n that_o bit_v the_o horse_n heel_n so_o that_o his_o rider_n shall_v fall_v backward_o most_o mischievous_a ruin_n consider_v therefore_o the_o danger_n the_o multitude_n of_o scandal_n we_o wait_v for_o thy_o salvation_n o_o lord_n scandal_n then_o in_o particular_a person_n and_o case_n be_v infinite_a but_o the_o more_o general_a may_v be_v reduce_v in_o person_n of_o no_o sense_n no_o true_a love_n to_o religion_n 1._o to_o the_o almost_o universal_a insolency_n of_o wickedness_n in_o humane_a nature_n bear_v away_o with_o the_o force_n and_o authority_n of_o so_o bad_a example_n all_o before_o it_o and_o if_o defend_v by_o atheistick_a boldness_n wicked_a man_n clap_v their_o hand_n among_o themselves_o and_o multiply_v word_n against_o god_n they_o go_v in_o company_n 7._o job_n 43._o 7._o one_o with_o another_o and_o fulfil_v or_o justify_v and_o make_v good_a the_o judgement_n of_o the_o ungodly_a they_o drink_v scorn_v like_o water_n and_o add_v rebellion_n to_o their_o sin_n 2._o to_o the_o ignorance_n sottishness_n and_o unconcernedness_n in_o religion_n of_o vulgar_a mind_n which_o rest_v under_o such_o shadow_n as_o these_o god_n be_v merciful_a and_o will_v not_o damn_v his_o creature_n all_o have_v their_o fault_n even_o the_o best_a the_o wise_a and_o the_o most_o religious_a there_o be_v more_o ado_n than_o needs_o religion_n drive_v man_n out_o of_o their_o wit_n 3._o to_o a_o false_a a_o formal_a religion_n damnable_a heresy_n or_o a_o superstition_n in_o place_n of_o religion_n rage_v with_o great_a show_n of_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n against_o true_a religion_n which_o while_n man_n bloody_o pursue_v they_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n from_o those_o that_o be_v more_o serious_a in_o the_o true_a religion_n these_o scandal_n especial_o arise_v 1._o all_o immorality_n impure_a interest_n of_o ambition_n pleasure_n or_o covetousness_n be_v very_o offensive_a and_o expose_v religion_n both_o to_o stranger_n and_o even_o among_o themselves_o it_o be_v so_o very_o difficult_a or_o almost_o impossible_a in_o this_o scandalise_v state_n to_o sever_v in_o our_o censure_n religion_n itself_o from_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o man_n will_v know_v the_o religion_n and_o not_o only_o the_o man_n by_o the_o fruit_n they_o bring_v forth_o though_o religion_n be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o severe_a in_o condemn_v what_o ever_o be_v bad_a and_o so_o shall_v be_v judge_v only_o by_o itself_o 2._o the_o great_a and_o many_o and_o sharp_a difference_n among_o those_o that_o be_v the_o professor_n of_o religion_n make_v most_o remarkable_a by_o the_o high_a feud_n and_o furious_a rencounter_n that_o give_v sport_n to_o the_o enemy_n of_o it_o in_o traduce_v it_o and_o every_o way_n enfeeble_v it_o among_o themselves_o be_v great_a scandal_n 3._o the_o strange_a antipathy_n in_o religious_a person_n against_o permit_v the_o due_a liberty_n to_o conscience_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a or_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o express_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o god_n that_o man_n either_o upon_o the_o know_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n or_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o acknowledge_v consequence_n from_o they_o can_v deny_v which_o be_v many_o way_n destructive_a of_o the_o true_a power_n of_o religion_n wherever_o it_o take_v be_v the_o scandal_n of_o act_v against_o sense_n or_o conscience_n the_o apostle_n as_o have_v be_v show_v so_o remark_n upon_o and_o be_v however_o a_o great_a discouragement_n to_o the_o entrance_n into_o and_o loss_n of_o reputation_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o by_o the_o clash_n between_o those_o that_o can_v comply_v because_o they_o doubt_v and_o those_o that_o either_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o when_o they_o say_v they_o doubt_v or_o think_v they_o not_o able_a to_o understand_v whether_o they_o doubt_v or_o not_o or_o will_v drive_v they_o against_o the_o express_a rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o it_o be_v allow_v they_o do_v doubt_n thus_o i_o have_v describe_v scandal_n in_o which_o the_o whole_a unconvert_v nature_n of_o man_n be_v seat_v though_o some_o be_v deep_o than_o other_o in_o it_o the_o very_o best_a man_n be_v under_o the_o remain_v of_o it_o and_o be_v never_o perfect_a from_o it_o till_o in_o the_o state_n of_o just_a spirit_n make_v perfect_a where_o scandal_n can_v enter_v in_o hell_n it_o remain_v for_o ever_o even_o under_o the_o conviction_n of_o everlasting_a punishment_n there_o be_v a_o eternal_a dislike_n and_o discontent_n at_o a_o reply_n against_o god_n and_o his_o government_n as_o not_o worthy_a of_o love_n and_o submissive_a reverence_n but_o to_o be_v rebel_v against_o in_o the_o very_a midst_n of_o those_o conviction_n can_v there_o be_v that_o humble_a deference_n so_o due_a to_o god_n it_o will_v be_v repentance_n and_o recovery_n to_o heaven_n and_o now_o the_o misery_n of_o scandal_n run_v along_o with_o it_o all_o disobedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n which_o be_v eternal_a life_n be_v scandal_n in_o the_o deception_n first_o and_o after_o fall_v down_o into_o the_o miserable_a state_n in_o which_o it_o always_o remain_v but_o never_o end_v express_v by_o the_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v the_o fire_n never_o quench_v the_o weep_a wail_a and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n for_o ever_o every_o one_o that_o make_v and_o he_o that_o receive_v the_o lie_n of_o scandal_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n but_o he_o that_o make_v that_o â—ye_z sink_v deep_a for_o though_o they_o be_v so_o miserable_a so_o great_a a_o woe_n be_v to_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o yet_o still_o woe_n in_o a_o eminency_n to_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v have_v be_v pronounce_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o can_v be_v reverse_v and_o now_o i_o be_o more_o immediate_o and_o near_o to_o fall_v upon_o what_o concern_v we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o practice_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o scandal_n 1._o let_v we_o serious_o apprehend_v the_o great_a folly_n of_o take_v hold_v of_o scandal_n and_o make_v advantage_n of_o it_o against_o any_o of_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o suck_v in_o a_o common_a infection_n or_o contagion_n because_o it_o be_v common_a or_o take_v into_o ourselves_o a_o reason_n or_o a_o pretence_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v eternal_o undo_v and_o miserable_a because_o the_o most_o be_v so_o the_o scandalize_a and_o the_o scandalize_v world_n perish_v together_o they_o that_o bring_v the_o pestilentitial_a contagion_n that_o run_v deep_a in_o their_o own_o vein_n and_o they_o that_o draw_v it_o in_o to_o themselves_o from_o
for_o scripture_n be_v scripture_n and_o all_o of_o they_o so_o arise_v to_o our_o assurance_n by_o find_v the_o same_o divine_a spirit_n of_o truth_n run_v through_o one_o as_o do_v through_o another_o for_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o true_a church_n receive_v they_o when_o first_o receive_v and_o so_o transmit_v they_o make_v the_o same_o judgement_n successive_o in_o the_o several_a age_n as_o the_o first_o do_v the_o same_o reason_n always_o continue_v what_o be_v beside_o this_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o discern_v of_o spirit_n in_o all_o the_o time_n while_o scripture_n be_v write_v by_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o which_o true_a scripture_n be_v receive_v and_o all_o other_o shut_v out_o for_o the_o write_n of_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o prophet_n and_o by_o they_o enroll_v into_o scripture_n that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o scripture_n just_o and_o faithful_o consign_v over_o to_o we_o from_o age_n to_o age_n be_v to_o be_v own_a and_o acknowledge_v to_o 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divine_a and_o to_o curse_v all_o those_o that_o derogate_a from_o it_o 4._o that_o have_v thus_o rivet_v itself_o it_o by_o degree_n like_o pharaoh_n lean_a kine_n eat_v out_o the_o generous_a and_o rich_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o devour_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o itself_o remain_v a_o jejune_n and_o starve_v superstition_n quest_n who_o be_v the_o great_a master_n of_o tradition_n answ_n they_o that_o have_v under_o the_o true_a religion_n set_v up_o some_o private_a diana_n of_o profit_n honour_n or_o worldly_a advantage_n and_o can_v maintain_v it_o by_o that_o true_a religion_n they_o eke_o out_o therefore_o with_o private_a tradition_n what_o may_v support_v it_o quest_n what_o antidote_n be_v there_o against_o the_o mischief_n of_o tradition_n answ_n to_o cleave_v with_o full_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o heart_n and_o soul_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o that_o only_a to_o have_v no_o religion_n nor_o any_o thing_n in_o religion_n but_o 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can_v we_o have_v of_o it_o quest_n but_o how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o there_o must_v be_v tradition_n see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o thing_n speak_v and_o do_v more_o than_o the_o scripture_n contain_v or_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v contain_v if_o they_o be_v all_o write_v these_o then_o be_v know_v in_o the_o first_o time_n have_v be_v conserve_v by_o tradition_n tradition_n make_v valuable_a by_o those_o of_o honourable_a name_n among_o christian_n and_o their_o discourse_n of_o christianity_n answ_n grant_v such_o thing_n so_o preserve_v suppose_v they_o the_o action_n and_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o yet_o if_o not_o write_v by_o inspire_a penman_n they_o be_v not_o recommend_v as_o obligatory_a upon_o after-age_n for_o whatever_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o may_v believe_v and_o have_v eternal_a life_n be_v so_o write_v and_o that_o not_o only_o just_a so_o much_o as_o may_v serve_v necessity_n for_o that_o the_o one_o gospel_n of_o st._n joâ—â—_n may_v serve_v to_o 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the_o unerring_a censure_n of_o even_a apostolic_a action_n as_o in_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n galat._n 2._o 11._o now_o because_o our_o conscience_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v draw_v into_o subjection_n to_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a reputation_n and_o yet_o there_o will_v be_v no_o divine_a authority_n to_o draw_v they_o nor_o infallible_a authority_n to_o support_v they_o in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v the_o absolute_a will_n of_o god_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o subjection_n god_n have_v therefore_o in_o his_o providence_n leave_v that_o time_n so_o much_o in_o the_o dark_a that_o we_o may_v trust_v in_o his_o write_a word_n only_o for_o separate_v immediate_a divine_a presence_n from_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o there_o remain_v nothing_o at_o the_o high_a but_o the_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n of_o understanding_n and_o good_a man_n apply_v general_a rule_n to_o particular_a case_n time_n place_n and_o event_n as_o they_o for_o that_o time_n 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even_o the_o very_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v without_o they_o nor_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o according_a to_o they_o nay_o to_o be_v plain_o anathematise_v if_o they_o vary_v from_o it_o christian_n be_v therefore_o to_o judge_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o the_o thing_n speak_v be_v so_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o undoubted_a principle_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v as_o standard_n to_o all_o that_o come_v after_o beside_o the_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o know_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o all_o humane_a teach_v and_o instruction_n hereby_o take_v away_o and_o what_o become_v of_o the_o ministry_n the_o eldership_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o rule_n answ_n they_o be_v all_o hereby_o establish_v for_o they_o be_v the_o ordination_n of_o god_n to_o this_o very_a purpose_n to_o make_v man_n see_v to_o bring_v they_o light_n to_o clear_a thing_n to_o they_o that_o by_o the_o awaken_n their_o judgement_n the_o summon_n and_o collect_v their_o principle_n they_o may_v see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n the_o holy_a spirit_n gracious_o adjoin_v itself_o to_o their_o ministry_n they_o have_v no_o dominion_n over_o their_o faith_n but_o be_v helper_n of_o their_o joy_n that_o be_v they_o facilitate_v and_o make_v pleasant_a the_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n of_o religion_n and_o they_o rule_v by_o exhort_v admonish_a rebuke_v comfort_v and_o even_o command_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n on_o account_n of_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v and_o high_o esteem_v for_o their_o work_n sake_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o no_o man_n be_v exclude_v from_o his_o own_o office_n to_o himself_o for_o every_o particular_a christian_a be_v in_o some_o sense_n a_o congregation_n and_o preacher_n to_o himself_o as_o solomon_n his_o conscience_n have_v the_o key_n bind_v and_o lose_v within_o itself_o nay_o christian_n be_v not_o exclude_v from_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n when_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n on_o their_o side_n they_o may_v plead_v and_o reason_n with_o their_o mother_n hos_n 2._o 2._o when_o they_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o their_o teacher_n or_o the_o ruler_n rule_v not_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o that_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n even_o rule_v their_o ruler_n and_o prove_v the_o more_o noble_a organ_n of_o the_o church_n when_o those_o that_o shall_v rule_v it_o be_v as_o the_o idol_n eye_n that_o see_v not_o ear_n that_o hear_v not_o or_o as_o the_o idol_n shepherd_n a_o blast_n be_v upon_o their_o right_a hand_n and_o right-eye_n that_o their_o arm_n be_v clean_o dry_v up_o and_o their_o eye_n utter_o darken_v the_o most_o naked_a unfurnished_a christian_a with_o outward_a accomplishment_n that_o yet_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v among_o the_o prophet_n in_o such_o a_o time_n of_o necessity_n cap._n xii_o of_o schism_n and_o scandal_n quest_n from_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n of_o the_o church_n i_o conceive_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o schism_n may_v be_v deduce_v i_o desire_v you_o therefore_o to_o explain_v what_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o schism_n be_v answ_n the_o question_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n follow_v very_o pertinent_o upon_o the_o right_a settlement_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n now_o the_o whole_a be_v of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o its_o union_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o love_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n and_o that_o it_o receive_v all_o its_o member_n into_o union_n with_o itself_o by_o their_o be_v first_o unite_v as_o itself_o be_v schism_n which_o be_v division_n must_v needs_o in_o its_o strict_a and_o most_o formal_a notion_n be_v a_o division_n from_o that_o truth_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v one_o and_o so_o from_o the_o love_n consequent_a upon_o such_o a_o union_n quest_n what_o be_v that_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o which_o the_o church_n be_v one_o answ_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n or_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o law_n and_o command_n in_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v quest_n how_o be_v the_o love_n of_o the_o church_n unite_v in_o these_o answ_n it_o be_v a_o love_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o hereby_o we_o know_v we_o love_v the_o brethren_n when_o we_o love_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n john_n epist_n 2._o no_o love_n how_o great_a soever_o be_v christian-love_n nor_o union_n how_o close_o soever_o christian-union_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v the_o schism_n that_o be_v a_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n must_v be_v a_o disunion_n from_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o love_n spring_v from_o that_o faith_n and_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o any_o other_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o church_n quest_n how_o do_v schism_n differ_v from_o heresy_n answ_n heresy_n in_o the_o high_a sense_n and_o worst_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v a_o disunion_n from_o truth_n in_o some_o fundamental_a and_o grand_a concernment_n of_o religion_n either_o in_o the_o doctrine_n or_o command_v of_o god_n so_o that_o a_o man_n be_v subvert_v and_o sin_v and_o must_v needs_o be_v condemn_v of_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o assembly_n of_o truth_n both_o by_o himself_o and_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o that_o both_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o christian-love_n he_o be_v so_o separate_v schism_n be_v a_o disunion_n in_o some_o less_o momentous_a part_n
discern_v they_o but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n of_o which_o all_o true_a minister_n be_v the_o minister_n on_o account_n of_o which_o alone_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o they_o be_v due_a their_o bring_v that_o word_n in_o its_o own_o life_n evidence_n and_o power_n be_v their_o best_a commission_n quest_n but_o how_o be_v they_o most_o orderly_o install_v into_o so_o high_a a_o function_n answ_n christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v ascend_v up_o on_o high_a and_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n take_v it_o upon_o he_o as_o his_o supreme_a care_n to_o thrust_v forth_o labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n the_o several_a congregation_n of_o christian_n observe_v ministerial_a ability_n and_o meetness_n to_o teach_v call_v out_o to_o such_o to_o help_v they_o and_o herein_o in_o the_o cessation_n of_o extraordinary_a gift_n the_o school_n of_o learning_n and_o religious_a education_n like_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n do_v best_a prepare_v and_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n before_o they_o do_v most_o orderly_o recommend_v to_o choice_n and_o acceptance_n in_o the_o great_a service_n such_o as_o be_v scribe_n instruct_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o commit_v to_o they_o the_o charge_n of_o teach_v other_o for_o in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o act_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o preside_v with_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o congregation_n quest_n be_v the_o lord_n christ_n please_v then_o to_o act_v general_o by_o the_o elder_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n general_o and_o ordinary_o he_o do_v so_o the_o officer_n be_v therefore_o more_o particular_o entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o the_o key_n even_o as_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v thus_o eminent_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n our_o lord_n found_v his_o church_n and_o so_o edify_v and_o build_v it_o up_o in_o after-age_n by_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o when_o great_a defection_n have_v prevail_v upon_o it_o summon_v it_o to_o reformation_n by_o some_o raise_v up_o among_o those_o officer_n and_o who_o he_o send_v out_o as_o such_o to_o reform_v and_o recover_v his_o church_n yet_o still_o all_o this_o power_n be_v in_o and_o according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o no_o other_o and_o so_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v the_o knowledge_n judgement_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v join_v in_o all_o the_o officer_n do_v as_o have_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o key_n also_o because_o they_o have_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o understanding_n open_v and_o apply_v of_o which_o to_o particular_a case_n the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o key_n rest_v the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o the_o brethren_n or_o whole_a church_n be_v together_o please_v and_o together_o join_v in_o that_o famous_a conciliary_a epistle_n act_v 15._o 22._o quest_n i_o desire_v your_o more_o full_a explanation_n of_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o power_n accompany_v it_o answ_n i_o will_v very_o willing_o do_v as_o you_o desire_v and_o begin_v with_o the_o apostle_n quest_n wherein_o stand_v their_o power_n answ_n it_o stand_v in_o their_o preach_v act_v direct_v govern_v by_o that_o immediate_a and_o infallible_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o write_v and_o seal_v scripture_n and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v so_o guard_v every_o way_n that_o they_o can_v turn_v neither_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a in_o any_o thing_n wherein_o they_o exercise_v this_o power_n quest_n how_o be_v this_o power_n justify_v answ_n by_o the_o divineness_n substantial_a goodness_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o their_o prescription_n propose_v in_o all_o the_o method_n of_o rational_a discourse_n and_o manifestation_n of_o themselves_o in_o man_n conscience_n witness_v to_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o authorise_v by_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n general_o of_o beneficence_n or_o do_v good_a and_o in_o some_o but_o spare_v instance_n of_o infliction_n of_o bodily_a pain_n or_o death_n quest_n do_v the_o apostle_n never_o err_v in_o their_o administration_n answ_n whenever_o that_o infallible_a guidance_n be_v not_o present_a to_o they_o they_o may_v err_v as_o be_v before_o observe_v in_o the_o apostle_n peter_n miscarriage_n which_o no_o doubt_n be_v record_v to_o show_v their_o power_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o but_o in_o the_o divine_a spirit_n act_v by_o they_o that_o none_o in_o after-age_n may_v pretend_v to_o dictate_v as_o their_o successor_n have_v not_o their_o power_n and_o yet_o require_v obedience_n as_o if_o they_o have_v it_o whereas_o even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o may_v err_v and_o so_o lose_v their_o power_n if_o never_o so_o little_o desert_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o what_o they_o consign_v over_o to_o after-age_n be_v winnow_v from_o every_o thing_n humane_a and_o fallible_a that_o both_o officer_n and_o people_n may_v know_v the_o one_o common_a rule_n by_o which_o one_o be_v to_o govern_v the_o other_o in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v quest_n who_o be_v next_o to_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o office_n and_o power_n answ_n evangelist_n such_o as_o be_v timothy_n and_o titus_n who_o have_v a_o portion_n of_o the_o apostolic_a work_n to_o plant_v and_o settle_v church_n and_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o they_o have_v also_o a_o portion_n of_o their_o power_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o it_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v such_o till_o the_o general_n rule_n be_v full_o settle_v and_o fix_v quest_n be_v not_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n above_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n answ_n they_o be_v in_o this_o great_a point_n of_o difference_n that_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o immediate_n and_o infallible_a revelation_n commit_v to_o they_o to_o commit_v the_o same_o to_o other_o by_o direction_n from_o the_o same_o spirit_n who_o give_v they_o discern_v to_o who_o to_o entrust_v it_o till_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n be_v seal_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n else_o they_o own_v themselves_o compresbyter_n as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n style_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n with_o presbyter_n quest_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v we_o be_v to_o conclude_v that_o the_o whole_a power_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n be_v retain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n answ_n it_o be_v so_o for_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n be_v the_o only_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n which_o glory_n he_o will_v not_o give_v to_o another_o whatever_o power_n can_v be_v suppose_v resident_a in_o the_o whole_a church_n together_o be_v no_o other_o than_o in_o that_o word_n of_o truth_n public_o offer_v by_o it_o the_o apostle_n power_n be_v only_o the_o presence_n of_o that_o word_n to_o they_o by_o the_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o preach_a it_o throughout_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o sound_v the_o christian_a church_n such_o be_v the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o any_o extraordinary_a minister_n under_o they_o the_o and_o constant_a rulership_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n remain_v unmovable_o in_o the_o word_n which_o it_o be_v their_o office_n to_o speak_v quest_n be_v not_o those_o we_o distinguish_o call_v bishop_n successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o preeminency_n they_o have_v over_o other_o pastor_n and_o elder_n answ_n that_o successor_n to_o the_o preeminency_n of_o the_o apostle_n may_v be_v well_o establish_v three_o thing_n be_v necessary_a 1._o that_o there_o be_v find_v and_o produce_v distinct_a command_n give_v in_o scripture_n â—o_o the_o inferior_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o obey_v superior_a minister_n or_o bishop_n command_v to_o christian_n to_o obey_v inferior_a minister_n or_o ordinary_a presbyter_n as_o inferior_a minister_n with_o respect_n to_o superior_a minister_n and_o those_o superior_a minister_n as_o superior_n we_o must_v find_v the_o apostle_n distinguish_v ordinary_a presbyter_n as_o inferior_a minister_n with_o respect_n to_o superior_a minister_n and_o those_o superior_a minister_n as_o superior_n as_o we_o find_v he_o distinguish_v civil_a magistrate_n into_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a and_o governor_n as_o those_o that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o 2._o see_v it_o be_v very_o clear_a and_o apparent_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o distant_a from_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o to_o constitute_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o make_v a_o great_a figure_n without_o as_o great_a a_o use_n or_o end_v and_o that_o christ_n have_v not_o give_v power_n to_o his_o ruler_n to_o command_v