all_o part_n of_o the_o true_a church_n who_o sin_n you_o remit_v be_v remit_v etc._n etc._n viz_o by_o solemn_a declaration_n out_o of_o and_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n even_o to_o the_o utmost_a distance_n wherein_o any_o rational_a possibility_n of_o extend_v such_o remonstrance_n and_o declaration_n with_o success_n and_o effect_n can_v be_v find_v there_o be_v not_o only_a power_n but_o a_o incumbent_a duty_n to_o do_v it_o this_o union_n now_o be_v of_o uncontrollable_a divine_a right_n thus_o much_o of_o national_a religion_n a_o national_a church_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v deny_v to_o a_o christian_a nation_n see_v to_o be_v thus_o of_o the_o church_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n every_o man_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v certain_o add_v to_o this_o church_n the_o entrance_n into_o which_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n be_v by_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n by_o a_o 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church_n of_o great_a moment_n than_o any_o particular_a church_n can_v be_v 2._o all_o the_o close_a and_o most_o constant_a exercise_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o christian_n be_v to_o exercise_v one_o with_o another_o that_o can_v be_v exercise_v but_o in_o society_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v all_o part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n prayer_n preach_v sacrament_n which_o be_v indeed_o or_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o same_o for_o nature_n throughout_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n but_o must_v be_v actual_o perform_v in_o particular_a society_n now_o these_o church_n may_v be_v solemn_o erect_v and_o constitute_v by_o agreement_n but_o they_o be_v also_o found_v and_o even_o grow_v out_o of_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o the_o close_a neighbourhood_n of_o christian_n one_o with_o another_o they_o have_v continual_a knowledge_n of_o and_o acquaintance_n one_o with_o another_o and_o thereby_o daily_a opportunity_n of_o agree_v in_o that_o public_a 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law_n national_a constitution_n and_o commerce_n in_o a_o more_o frequent_a and_o free_a conversation_n one_o with_o another_o so_o in_o religion_n when_o the_o part_n of_o it_o profess_v the_o same_o true_a religion_n and_o desire_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o most_o public_a way_n they_o can_v or_o who_o can_v deny_v that_o a_o nation_n may_v give_v name_n to_o a_o church_n see_v the_o very_a city_n give_v name_n to_o church_n where_o there_o be_v a_o number_n of_o christian_n act_v together_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n give_v to_o his_o church_n the_o obligation_n to_o true_a religion_n to_o public_a religion_n be_v undeniable_a the_o opportunity_n of_o agreement_n be_v the_o same_o and_o may_v be_v transact_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n all_o other_o national_a agreement_n be_v and_o what_o be_v a_o church_n but_o a_o society_n agree_v in_o all_o act_n of_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o law_n allow_v by_o christ_n have_v no_o other_o form_n but_o that_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n distinguish_v by_o the_o particular_a society_n or_o place_n where_o they_o reside_v i_o acknowledge_v two_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o particular_a by_o the_o nature_n of_o particular_a society_n and_o the_o place_n where_o they_o reside_v church_n 1._o consciousness_n or_o mutual_a knowledge_n of_o person_n and_o their_o worship_n 2._o consent_n this_o our_o saviour_n teach_v in_o that_o expression_n if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v mat._n 18._o and_o indeed_o not_o only_o in_o particular_a church_n but_o even_o in_o the_o catholic_n church_n itself_o these_o thing_n have_v their_o resemblance_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o divine_a spirit_n run_v through_o all_o know_v they_o all_o that_o true_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o one_o for_o another_o and_o by_o their_o true_a faith_n they_o all_o be_v unite_v in_o close_a consent_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n one_o with_o another_o which_o faith_n be_v keep_v from_o fail_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o they_o all_o that_o be_v true_o of_o it_o but_o because_o there_o must_v be_v yet_o a_o more_o particular_a understanding_n that_o christian_n have_v one_o with_o another_o that_o they_o may_v join_v in_o the_o same_o religious_a act_n and_o mutual_o assist_v one_o another_o in_o they_o therefore_o the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n upon_o earth_n though_o it_o be_v the_o great_a the_o most_o religious_a society_n the_o most_o strong_o band_v and_o cement_v yet_o be_v not_o sufficient_a because_o there_o be_v not_o that_o consciousness_n or_o mutual_a knowledge_n of_o and_o consent_n in_o one_o another_o faith_n and_o worship_n in_o distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o glorify_v god_n and_o christ_n in_o particular_a church_n this_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n too_o why_o the_o church-triumphant_a though_o inseparable_o unite_v with_o the_o church-militant_a and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o though_o more_o acceptable_a and_o prevalent_a in_o all_o its_o adoration_n yet_o can_v be_v communicate_v with_o actual_o and_o explicit_o we_o may_v not_o solicit_v such_o a_o communion_n with_o it_o here_o on_o earth_n because_o we_o be_v not_o conscious_a or_o know_v of_o any_o such_o particularity_n in_o their_o state_n or_o action_n as_o shall_v ground_v it_o nor_o be_v we_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v conscious_a of_o any_o of_o our_o particularity_n abraham_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v whole_o ignorant_a who_o we_o be_v when_o we_o pray_v or_o be_v exercise_v religious_o there_o be_v a_o thick_a and_o dark_a veil_n draw_v betwixt_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n as_o to_o such_o particular_a communion_n the_o father_n the_o son_n the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v only_o certain_o and_o particular_o know_v to_o we_o in_o that_o high_a region_n of_o they_o we_o be_v only_o assure_v they_o know_v we_o and_o all_o our_o action_n to_o ascribe_v the_o honour_n to_o any_o other_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n be_v to_o idolise_v they_o as_o well_o as_o to_o thrust_v into_o thing_n we_o have_v not_o see_v or_o know_v thus_o free_o i_o acknowledge_v the_o closeness_n and_o easiness_n of_o society_n of_o mutual_a understanding_n and_o consent_n with_o one_o another_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o particular_a church_n those_o duty_n of_o mutual_a exhortation_n assistance_n counsel_n and_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a reproof_n one_o of_o another_o beside_o the_o constant_a meeting_n in_o public_a worship_n that_o necessary_a severity_n of_o disow_v in_o case_n of_o great_a or_o incorrigible_a offence_n such_o person_n as_o walk_v in_o practice_n contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n not_o be_v possible_a but_o in_o the_o near_a conjunction_n one_o with_o another_o that_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n allow_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o be_v as_o
midianite_n numb_a 25._o 17_o 18._o enclose_v cramp_v and_o vex_v they_o first_o with_o the_o gild_n rise_v up_o in_o the_o face_n of_o conscience_n and_o then_o with_o the_o miserable_a consequence_n of_o the_o sudden_a wrath_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o they_o this_o be_v the_o stumbling-block_n of_o iniquity_n the_o wicked_a man_n in_o ezekiel_n put_v before_o his_o face_n even_o the_o idol_n he_o have_v upon_o his_o heart_n these_o be_v the_o stumbling-block_n with_o the_o wicked_a god_n will_v cut_v off_o and_o remove_v in_o the_o prophet_n zephaniah_n this_o be_v one_o principal_a point_n of_o scandal_n the_o apostle_n discourse_n of_o to_o the_o corinthian_n in_o the_o case_n of_o eat_v 10._o 1_o cor._n 8._o &_o 10._o thing_n offer_v unto_o idol_n and_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o eminent_o remark_v for_o balaam_n doctrine_n of_o scandal_n the_o great_a abomination_n and_o lie_v that_o deceive_v the_o world_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v the_o detestable_a 14._o rev._n 2._o 14._o antichristian_a idolatry_n the_o notorious_a scandal_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n both_o within_o itself_o and_o before_o the_o jew_n turk_n and_o even_o pagan_n who_o see_v their_o own_o brutishness_n act_v under_o that_o excellent_a name_n this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o point_n that_o god_n have_v depart_v from_o the_o brevity_n of_o that_o majestic_a law_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n for_o the_o guard_v his_o worship_n as_o with_o a_o flame_v sword_n every_o way_n because_o in_o a_o case_n wherein_o humane_a nature_n be_v so_o prone_a to_o fall_v whether_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o divide_v the_o divine_a honour_n to_o any_o other_o though_o under_o the_o name_n of_o reverence_n to_o he_o as_o the_o original_a or_o supreme_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o carve_n a_o worship_n for_o god_n he_o do_v not_o prescribe_v for_o himself_o whatever_o be_v the_o dccency_n or_o expediency_n to_o help_v the_o devotion_n whether_o of_o the_o learned_a or_o unlearned_a it_o become_v scandal_n and_o a_o snare_n to_o those_o that_o be_v so_o impose_v upon_o and_o see_v though_o the_o weakness_n of_o passion_n be_v far_o off_o from_o god_n he_o own_v himself_o jealous_a we_o have_v reason_n to_o mistrust_v every_o thing_n when_o he_o be_v so_o see_v not_o only_o foul_a debauch_n but_o even_o what_o be_v most_o innocent_a in_o all_o other_o case_n be_v suspect_v in_o that_o hezekiah_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o break_v in_o piece_n so_o venerable_a a_o relic_n as_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n not_o only_o a_o ceremony_n of_o 4._o 2_o king_n 18._o 4._o miraculous_a cure_n but_o a_o type_n of_o christ_n and_o degrade_v it_o into_o a_o mere_a piece_n of_o brass_n when_o he_o see_v the_o israelite_n scandalize_a at_o it_o and_o tempt_v by_o it_o to_o impure_a glance_n when_o our_o saviour_n perceive_v so_o clean_a and_o harmless_a a_o usage_n as_o 1._o mat._n 15._o 1._o wash_v before_o meat_n creep_v into_o a_o piece_n of_o religion_n how_o severe_o he_o disow_v it_o and_o be_v careless_a of_o the_o causeless_a scandalize_a of_o the_o pharisee_n by_o his_o doctrine_n concern_v it_o because_o he_o know_v there_o be_v true_a and_o real_a scandal_n in_o that_o rite_n so_o abuse_v and_o when_o all_o be_v say_v that_o can_v be_v say_v the_o heavenly_a pattern_n be_v that_o in_o divine_a worship_n and_o that_o only_a of_o which_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o nothing_o in_o it_o can_v scandalize_v that_o be_v just_o scandalize_v except_o we_o think_v god_n jealousy_n be_v a_o jewish_a style_n whole_o now_o out_o of_o date_n and_o yet_o how_o have_v this_o scandal_n this_o stone_n of_o stumble_v this_o gin_n and_o snare_n always_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o humane_a imagination_n and_o prevail_v upon_o it_o as_o if_o god_n live_v in_o the_o retirement_n of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n do_v not_o understand_v how_o himself_o be_v to_o be_v address_v by_o man_n nor_o know_v the_o point_n of_o honour_n due_a to_o his_o own_o glorious_a nature_n as_o be_v most_o fashionable_a and_o modish_a in_o the_o world_n man_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o distinguish_v thing_n better_o by_o the_o breed_n they_o have_v have_v in_o this_o earthly_a country_n they_o think_v god_n so_o much_o a_o stranger_n as_o not_o to_o know_v how_o to_o appoint_v for_o himself_o when_o man_n have_v to_o do_v with_o he_o as_o if_o what_o may_v be_v well_o accept_v in_o heaven_n will_v not_o yet_o be_v current_n upon_o earth_n here_o image_n picture_n elevation_n adoration_n of_o the_o host_n with_o innumerable_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v necessary_a to_o beget_v devotion_n due_a to_o god_n the_o saviour_n they_o will_v serve_v here_o they_o that_o can_v best_o judge_v what_o be_v most_o stately_a have_v determine_v god_n must_v not_o make_v himself_o so_o cheap_a as_o immediate_o to_o receive_v prayer_n and_o supplication_n or_o by_o his_o son_n only_o as_o the_o mediator_n angel_n and_o saint_n must_v intercede_v and_o then_o who_o can_v deny_v they_o their_o share_n of_o honour_n religion_n will_v be_v neglect_v and_o despise_v if_o it_o have_v not_o sets-off_a beside_o itself_o and_o the_o necessary_a decency_n of_o humane_a action_n there_o must_v be_v something_o unusual_a to_o dress_v it_o up_o and_o amuse_v but_o all_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o green_n and_o flourish_v lay_v over_o a_o trap_n to_o hide_v it_o and_o invite_v the_o unwary_a passenger_n god_n that_o understand_v himself_o so_o perfect_o as_o to_o know_v what_o will_v please_v he_o understand_v all_o man_n too_o and_o need_v not_o that_o any_o shall_v tell_v he_o of_o man_n for_o he_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n and_o he_o have_v pronounce_v it_o what_o be_v hig_o esteem_v among_o man_n be_v abomination_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n he_o have_v 9_o isa_n 15._o 9_o say_v it_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n all_o outward_a pomp_n be_v but_o draw_v nigh_o with_o lip_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v far_o off_o to_o worship_n god_n be_v to_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o not_o to_o make_v he_o such_o a_o one_o as_o ourselves_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_n must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n 24._o joh._n 4_o 24._o and_o truth_n in_o his_o spirituality_n and_o truth_n not_o in_o their_o own_o carnality_n and_o vain_a show_n it_o be_v not_o to_o paint_n or_o portray_v or_o carve_v a_o deity_n as_o the_o heathen_a that_o change_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n into_o a_o lie_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o the_o image_n of_o coruptible_a man_n and_o other_o base_a creature_n because_o they_o think_v it_o best_o and_o yet_o worse_o than_o that_o into_o name_n of_o great_a infamy_n and_o flagitious_a turpitude_n all_o frivolous_a rite_n represent_v divinity_n small_a and_o impertinent_a to_o the_o great_a loss_n of_o the_o glory_n due_a to_o that_o terrible_a name_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n one_o great_a end_n of_o worship_n be_v the_o conform_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o approach_n to_o and_o exercise_n of_o the_o mind_n upon_o it_o but_o if_o this_o be_v misshapen_v the_o soul_n be_v make_v more_o unlike_a to_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o as_o the_o same_o heathen_a become_v more_o licentious_a by_o the_o pourtraicture_n they_o give_v their_o go_n a_o trivial_a temper_n of_o mind_n natural_o result_v from_o a_o trivial_a worship_n even_o as_o it_o form_v it_o first_o and_o often_o meet_v it_o there_o it_o daily_a return_n from_o it_o confirm_v and_o improve_v the_o sincere_a worship_n direct_v to_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o glass_n in_o which_o we_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v change_v ult_n 2_o cor._n 3._o ult_n into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n looseness_n of_o life_n have_v be_v always_o note_v to_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o corrupt_a worship_n it_o be_v natural_o so_o and_o god_n curse_v it_o to_o be_v so_o god_n give_v idolater_n up_o to_o their_o lust_n and_o a_o injudicious_a mind_n they_o that_o worship_n he_o aright_o according_a to_o his_o word_n â—_o psal_n 36_o 8._o and_o 6â—_n â—_o adhere_v to_o he_o and_o by_o regular_a conduit_n drink_v life_n from_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n and_o derive_v from_o the_o river_n of_o his_o pleasure_n they_o be_v abundant_o satisfy_v with_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o house_n even_o of_o his_o holy_a temple_n they_o that_o worship_n god_n after_o their_o own_o imagination_n do_v but_o drink_v out_o of_o their_o own_o break_a or_o defile_v cistern_n that_o hold_v no_o water_n and_o therefore_o draw_v nothing_o but_o wind_n and_o air_n or_o
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religion_n be_v in_o much_o of_o it_o one_o and_o the_o same_o religion_n be_v all_o of_o it_o most_o agreeable_a with_o natural_a religion_n and_o recommend_v by_o it_o it_o then_o necessary_o follow_v no_o man_n can_v be_v wise_o rational_o religious_a but_o he_o must_v be_v so_o far_o christianly_o religious_a and_o what_o christian_a religion_n offer_v beyond_o the_o wisdom_n and_o rationality_n of_o a_o man_n beyond_o the_o law_n of_o the_o first_o creation_n be_v yet_o as_o agreeable_a with_o it_o as_o light_v with_o light_n great_a light_n with_o lesser_a light_n how_o then_o can_v he_o that_o show_v himself_o man_n be_v cruel_a outrageous_a against_o or_o out_o of_o peace_n with_o it_o he_o that_o fall_v out_o with_o it_o fall_v out_o with_o godliness_n righteousness_n soberness_n humility_n truth_n peace_n with_o god_n atonement_n to_o he_o with_o lay_v hold_n upon_o eternal_a life_n and_o fly_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v with_o patience_n meekness_n mercy_n compassion_n from_o god_n to_o man_n from_o man_n to_o one_o another_o he_o that_o persecute_v christianity_n must_v persecute_v righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o which_o whosoever_o 18._o rom._n 14_o 17_o 18._o serve_v christ_n as_o every_o one_o must_v do_v that_o serve_v he_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n and_o approve_a of_o man_n and_o therefore_o to_o despite_n christianity_n be_v not_o only_o belluine_v but_o devilish_a so_o that_o the_o three_o branch_n plain_o result_v from_o the_o two_o former_a viz._n if_o natural_a religion_n be_v the_o standard_n and_o touchstone_n give_v we_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n in_o religion_n by_o and_o that_o christian_a religion_n come_v off_o from_o the_o trial_n more_o precious_a than_o gold_n it_o follow_v then_o of_o what_o value_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o all_o the_o world_n to_o demonstrate_v then_o the_o second_o branch_n that_o christian_a religion_n so_o agree_v with_o natural_a as_o to_o
to_o be_v as_o a_o lamp_n despise_v he_o deserve_v great_a tenderness_n and_o compassion_n as_o i_o shall_v more_o full_o have_v occasion_n to_o observe_v under_o the_o second_o head_n viz._n scandal_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o which_o i_o now_o proceed_v and_o i_o be_o here_o to_o undertake_v a_o particular_a and_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o scandal_n as_o it_o have_v a_o most_o peculiar_a interest_n in_o those_o so_o famous_a debate_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v indifferent_a thing_n rom._n 14._o 1_o cor._n 8._o &_o 10._o when_o they_o can_v any_o way_n be_v suppose_v to_o relate_v to_o god_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o religion_n or_o have_v a_o presence_n how_o circumstantial_a soever_o in_o divine_a worship_n but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o undertake_n i_o must_v remove_v two_o prejudices_fw-la 1._o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v scandal_n in_o these_o case_n have_v be_v indeed_o make_v trivial_a by_o some_o man_n injudicious_a zeal_n and_o ignorant_a deal_n with_o the_o apostle_n sense_n herein_o who_o have_v a_o crude_a conception_n of_o scandal_n from_o what_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o most_o formidable_a evil_n both_o in_o he_o that_o give_v it_o or_o take_v it_o have_v therefore_o call_v every_o thing_n scandal_n that_o displease_v they_o and_o mean_v nothing_o by_o be_v scandalize_v but_o that_o they_o have_v great_o dislike_v such_o or_o such_o thing_n without_o any_o other_o hazard_n of_o fall_v into_o sin_n than_o what_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v from_o their_o indiscreet_a anger_n and_o too_o often_o over-passionate_a inflammation_n whence_o have_v rise_v this_o scandal_n dangerous_a enough_o that_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o scandal_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n except_o what_o unknowing_a zeal_n in_o a_o ferment_n create_v or_o at_o least_o have_v not_o take_v into_o their_o thought_n this_o kind_n of_o true_a scripture_n scandal_n or_o entertain_v a_o just_a fear_n of_o run_v into_o it_o or_o ensnare_a other_o in_o it_o but_o it_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o that_o due_o weigh_v that_o the_o apostle_n proceed_v upon_o much_o deep_a and_o more_o grave_a consideration_n 2._o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o fear_n of_o scandal_n or_o scandalize_a have_v be_v blow_v off_o by_o some_o upon_o this_o mistake_n that_o man_n can_v be_v in_o no_o danger_n to_o be_v scandalize_v who_o keep_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v draw_v by_o example_n into_o any_o thing_n they_o dislike_v and_o be_v sufficient_o angry_a at_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o such_o they_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a bar_n to_o they_o against_o scandal_n and_o against_o any_o one_o being_n guilty_a as_o a_o author_n of_o scandal_n to_o they_o how_o hardly_o soever_o they_o press_v upon_o they_o while_o they_o profess_v so_o loud_o their_o dissent_n they_o must_v not_o so_o much_o as_o name_v scandal_n without_o the_o imputation_n of_o gross_a ignorance_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v just_o apprehend_v a_o man_n may_v be_v he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v though_o it_o find_v no_o place_n in_o he_o against_o who_o it_o come_v as_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v and_o further_o though_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o these_o two_o instance_n fix_v chief_o upon_o that_o sort_n of_o scandal_n within_o which_o man_n be_v draw_v by_o follow_a example_n against_o their_o inward_a sentiment_n yet_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n scandal_n be_v to_o be_v suspect_v to_o have_v much_o large_a compass_n even_o in_o thing_n of_o indifferency_n and_o lie_v far_o off_o from_o man_n doubtful_a comply_v in_o what_o they_o have_v example_n or_o command_n for_o than_o that_o such_o compliance_n shall_v be_v the_o only_a measure_n of_o scandal_n therein_o and_o even_o in_o those_o that_o do_v comply_v with_o free_a mind_n there_o be_v more_o secret_a path_n and_o track_n wherein_o scandal_n be_v lay_v than_o they_o general_o and_o open_o make_v complaint_n of_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o inward_a doubt_n but_o upon_o other_o account_n also_o i_o shall_v therefore_o lay_v down_o these_o two_o preparatory_n to_o make_v these_o discourse_n of_o the_o apostle_n more_o concern_v to_o we_o 1._o that_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v assure_v they_o have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o denunciation_n of_o woe_n by_o our_o saviour_n upon_o the_o world_n because_o of_o scandal_n upon_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v by_o way_n of_o transcendency_n and_o his_o admonition_n to_o all_o that_o scandal_n must_v needs_o come_v for_o the_o same_o divine_a spirit_n of_o truth_n descend_v from_o the_o master_n upon_o the_o minister_n and_o frame_v like_o apprehension_n in_o he_o when_o he_o speak_v afterward_o of_o the_o same_o point_n nay_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o latter_a discourse_n look_v back_o upon_o the_o former_a because_o it_o be_v undoubted_o well_o know_v to_o christian_n then_o and_o much_o more_o to_o the_o apostle_n who_o beside_o that_o he_o have_v immediate_a revelation_n most_o probable_o from_o the_o lord_n even_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v by_o the_o evangelist_n give_v proof_n he_o have_v a_o very_a peculiar_a care_n to_o know_v all_o he_o have_v speak_v and_o a_o singular_a respect_n to_o it_o for_o he_o express_o quote_v our_o saviour_n in_o those_o immediate_a revelation_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 23._o in_o what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o evangelist_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o divorce_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 10._o and_o last_o in_o what_o he_o have_v attain_v as_o well_o testify_v though_o not_o record_v as_o in_o that_o act_n 20._o 35._o remember_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n it_o be_v more_o bless_a to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v it_o be_v not_o therefore_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v in_o such_o discourse_n of_o scandal_n as_o these_o he_o neglect_v so_o solemn_a a_o one_o as_o our_o lord_n upon_o it_o the_o little_a one_o in_o the_o evangelist_n and_o the_o weak_a brethren_n in_o the_o apostle_n the_o woe_n in_o the_o one_o and_o the_o conscience_n in_o the_o other_o grieve_v wound_a weak_a christian_n stumble_v fall_a perish_a and_o be_v destroy_v be_v of_o near_a affinity_n in_o their_o sense_n and_o those_o even_a abjuration_n of_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n it_o be_v good_a neither_o to_o eat_v flesh_n nor_o drink_v wine_n nor_o any_o thing_n whereby_o thy_o brother_n 21._o rom._n 14._o 21._o stumble_v or_o be_v offend_v or_o be_v make_v weak_a if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v 13._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._o lest_o i_o make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v my_o brother_n these_o so_o solemn_a renunciation_n of_o scandal_n be_v not_o far_o off_o from_o our_o saviour_n woe_n upon_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v and_o that_o great_a aphorism_n happy_a be_v he_o that_o condemn_v not_o himself_o 22._o rom._n 14._o 22._o in_o that_o thing_n which_o he_o allow_v be_v ground_v upon_o that_o scandal_n must_v needs_o come_v they_o force_v a_o entry_n at_o every_o the_o least_o advantage_n and_o therefore_o happy_a be_v he_o that_o can_v preclude_v they_o 2._o that_o see_v the_o instance_n of_o scandal_n the_o apostle_n debate_v upon_o viz._n the_o jewish_a distinction_n of_o meat_n and_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n be_v of_o a_o narrow_a and_o particular_a nature_n and_o of_o a_o daily_a decrease_a occurrence_n the_o apostle_n so_o laborious_a and_o industrious_a handle_v they_o be_v preserve_v in_o sacred_a record_n and_o transmit_v down_o to_o after_o age_n argue_v he_o or_o rather_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o he_o design_v to_o remonstrate_v to_o the_o late_a posterity_n of_o christian_n the_o great_a play_n scope_n and_o force_v of_o scandal_n in_o these_o indifferency_n and_o in_o all_o case_n wherein_o they_o may_v fall_v out_o to_o be_v scandal_n though_o not_o after_o the_o similitude_n of_o these_o the_o danger_n of_o scandalize_a or_o be_v scandalize_v have_v thus_o far_o premise_v i_o come_v now_o close_o up_o to_o these_o apostolic_a debate_n themselves_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v make_v such_o a_o platform_n with_o all_o possible_a brevity_n and_o conciseness_n as_o may_v comprehend_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n upon_o these_o two_o case_n and_o then_o balance_v with_o it_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o indifferent_n as_o they_o come_v into_o such_o a_o account_n of_o religion_n as_o i_o have_v before_o suppose_v the_o platform_n i_o lay_v down_o in_o these_o part_n of_o it_o all_o draw_v out_o of_o these_o debate_n 1._o the_o state_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o indifferent_n in_o relation_n to_o god_n 2._o the_o way_n how_o scandal_n invade_v indifferent_a thing_n when_o come_v into_o such_o a_o relation_n 3._o the_o several_a way_n of_o
taskmaster_n under_o they_o can_v be_v without_o scandal_n for_o while_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v zealous_a of_o order_n decency_n uniformity_n they_o sin_n against_o the_o precept_n of_o love_n unity_n mercy_n peace_n and_o exchange_v too_o often_o those_o excellent_a pastoral-stave_n of_o beauty_n and_o band_n for_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o foolish_a shepherd_n 16._o zech._n 11._o 7._o 15_o 16._o that_o extend_v not_o to_o any_o true_a act_n of_o pastoral_a care_n visit_v heal_v feed_v but_o tear_v and_o rend_v last_o bystander_n and_o neuter_n have_v the_o woe_n to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o scandal_n come_v upon_o they_o for_o they_o mis-judge_n of_o the_o excellent_a religion_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o these_o great_a miscarriage_n and_o it_o fall_v under_o their_o misrepute_n as_o if_o it_o stand_v in_o ceremonial_n in_o regard_n of_o who_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o cautious_a that_o the_o good_a of_o christian_n shall_v not_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o as_o if_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v only_o meat_n and_o drink_n for_o whereas_o the_o substantial_o of_o christianity_n justify_v themselves_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o man_n ceremonial_n lead_v to_o atheism_n as_o if_o religion_n be_v but_o the_o craft_n of_o party_n use_v trifle_n for_o interest_n rule_n and_o domination_n and_o difference_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o when_o multiply_v by_o dispute_n about_o these_o indifferent_n bring_v mistrust_n upon_o all_o as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o certain_a last_o the_o heat_n cruelty_n and_o persecution_n use_v on_o these_o account_n can_v but_o look_v very_o strange_a and_o full_a of_o horror_n to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n for_o how_o can_v it_o but_o appear_v prodigy_n and_o portent_n that_o christian_a religion_n that_o count_v upon_o nothing_o but_o persecution_n of_o itself_o in_o the_o world_n shall_v turn_v the_o weapon_n use_v against_o it_o upon_o itself_o as_o have_v be_v most_o notorious_o infamous_a in_o the_o popish_a inhumanities_n or_o what_o stranger_n can_v think_v well_o of_o such_o a_o christianity_n and_o then_o more_o dire_a it_o be_v that_o protestant_a religion_n brand_a popery_n as_o a_o religion_n of_o blood_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o as_o tinctured_a with_o any_o of_o that_o spirit_n and_o that_o any_o of_o these_o evil_n shall_v be_v for_o the_o sake_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o indifferent_n that_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v devise_v by_o man_n that_o be_v not_o equal_a to_o god_n law_n that_o may_v be_v change_v for_o which_o other_o country_n that_o use_v they_o not_o be_v to_o be_v condemn_v whereas_o substantial_a order_n and_o decency_n be_v the_o same_o throughout_o the_o world_n some_o small_a local_a difference_n allow_v for_o this_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o complaint_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o reason_n that_o appear_v to_o dissenter_n against_o they_o be_v great_a and_o weighty_a in_o themselves_o let_v they_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o application_n yet_o a_o great_a reason_n on_o the_o contrary_a to_o any_o thing_n if_o misapprehend_v be_v of_o much_o more_o weight_n than_o a_o very_a slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a reason_n for_o it_o however_o true_a and_o though_o in_o a_o much_o inferior_a cause_n i_o acknowledge_v yet_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o make_v a_o allusion_n to_o that_o unavoidable_a argument_n against_o atheism_n that_o the_o endure_a of_o inconsiderable_a inconvenience_n though_o certain_a be_v much_o more_o eligible_a to_o a_o wise_a man_n than_o the_o adventure_n upon_o intolerable_a and_o endless_a inconveniency_n though_o suppose_v uncertain_a in_o a_o like_a manner_n though_o of_o a_o low_a consequence_n and_o yet_o not_o altogether_o low_o the_o great_a mischief_n of_o scandal_n though_o possible_o upon_o mistake_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hazard_v upon_o suppose_v the_o more_o certain_a little_a inconvenience_n of_o man_n not_o conform_v to_o indifferency_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o equal_a poise_n of_o the_o matter_n i_o shall_v brief_o present_v the_o objection_n against_o indulgence_n to_o dissenter_n in_o indifferency_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o scandal_n and_o the_o answer_n that_o may_v be_v return_v to_o they_o object_n 1._o if_o scandal_n be_v a_o argument_n against_o thing_n we_o must_v go_v out_o of_o all_o thing_n even_o out_o of_o the_o world_n nay_o out_o of_o religion_n itself_o for_o all_o thing_n be_v full_a of_o scandal_n even_o the_o best_a thing_n answ_n it_o will_v be_v yet_o a_o considerable_a service_n do_v to_o the_o world_n the_o christian_a world_n if_o but_o so_o much_o of_o scandal_n be_v defalk_v as_o have_v its_o play_n in_o indifferent_n the_o abatement_n will_v be_v above_o what_o can_v easy_o be_v believe_v if_o all_o that_o have_v swell_v the_o account_n of_o scandal_n from_o indifferent_a thing_n have_v be_v wise_o and_o thrifty_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o entrance_n of_o christianity_n to_o this_o day_n and_o the_o sting_n of_o the_o argument_n why_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v and_o yet_o shall_v be_v so_o be_v that_o they_o be_v but_o indifferent_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o use_n of_o which_o make_v we_o not_o the_o better_a nor_o the_o non-use_a the_o worse_o but_o the_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n be_v incomputable_o great_a so_o that_o the_o advantage_n of_o such_o a_o abatement_n have_v bring_v infinite_a recompense_n with_o usury_n in_o truth_n and_o peace_n for_o that_o little_a profit_n if_o any_o that_o can_v grow_v from_o barren_a and_o dead_a indifferent_n in_o religion_n though_o consider_v as_o separate_v from_o scandal_n object_n 2._o the_o apostle_n himself_o be_v enforce_v to_o change_v his_o voice_n concern_v indulgence_n to_o the_o weak_a in_o the_o judaique_a rite_n and_o to_o vote_v the_o persist_v in_o a_o love_n to_o they_o damnable_a and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n brand_v the_o idolothytes_n concede_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v afterward_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n so_o that_o the_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v so_o masterless_a unruly_a and_o headstrong_a as_o to_o endanger_v main_a concernment_n in_o religion_n if_o not_o reform_v the_o due_a time_n of_o indulgence_n be_v allow_v for_o it_o answ_n the_o mischief_n if_o near_o observe_v always_o grow_v from_o make_v more_o accession_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o religious_a service_n than_o god_n have_v make_v for_o the_o judaize_v in_o the_o galatian_n the_o will-worship_n and_o show_v of_o wisdom_n among_o the_o colossian_n the_o forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n all_o grow_v upon_o the_o same_o root_n even_o the_o idolatry_n and_o luxury_n of_o the_o idolothytes_n come_v not_o from_o a_o wise_a and_o christian_n assert_v god_n right_a above_o the_o idol_n but_o from_o sink_v down_o into_o the_o sensual_a worship_n of_o the_o idol_n by_o a_o daily_a conversation_n at_o his_o table_n in_o his_o temple_n and_o unite_n heathenism_n with_o christianity_n of_o one_o of_o which_o either_o judaisme_n or_o heathenism_n most_o rite_n be_v but_o the_o offspring_n the_o great_a danger_n be_v either_o in_o exalt_v god_n creature_n into_o a_o state_n and_o for_o uses_n and_o end_v above_o what_o he_o ordain_v they_o at_o humane_a pleasure_n and_o arbitrement_n or_o retrench_v the_o liberty_n god_n have_v give_v in_o the_o free_a use_n of_o his_o own_o creature_n for_o every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v good_a and_o nothing_o to_o be_v refuse_v if_o receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n for_o it_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o prayer_n now_o this_o can_v alike_o extend_v to_o the_o sign_n and_o ceremony_n create_v by_o humane_a imagination_n and_o impose_v with_o rigour_n and_o that_o not_o only_o on_o civil_a account_n which_o we_o meddle_v not_o with_o but_o upon_o religious_a where_o god_n be_v only_o supreme_a at_o which_o door_n have_v enter_v all_o the_o 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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 learning_n have_v break_v out_o from_o the_o very_a endeavour_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n of_o light_n the_o high_a honour_n and_o venerable_a estimation_n of_o scripture_n the_o much_o ascertain_v true_a public_a religion_n and_o the_o universal_a good_a 4._o many_o great_a truth_n and_o undoubted_o divine_a in_o themselves_o that_o be_v more_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o those_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o have_v not_o please_v the_o public_a wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n to_o give_v such_o assurance_n of_o they_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o that_o acknowledge_v the_o sacred_a authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o yet_o may_v present_v very_o large_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v assist_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n into_o the_o great_a scripture-reason_n in_o such_o point_n though_o but_o particular_o for_o
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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that_o which_o have_v be_v be_v take_v away_o and_o a_o yoke_n of_o humane_a imposiing_n be_v under_o the_o gospel-anathema_n the_o doctrine_n of_o godliness_n of_o redemption_n by_o christ_n may_v be_v just_o measure_v by_o the_o true_a perfection_n of_o conscience_n to_o do_v well_o in_o thing_n intrinsical_o good_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v inward_o purge_v and_o atone_v by_o the_o christian_a sacrifice_n do_v also_o true_o measure_v this_o liberty_n for_o on_o one_o side_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n it_o be_v not_o apply_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_n that_o can_v never_o take_v away_o sin_n but_o to_o the_o blood_n offer_v by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n which_o certain_o make_v the_o comer_n thereunto_o perfect_a on_o the_o other_o side_n this_o liberty_n lay_v not_o open_a the_o enclosure_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n nor_o remove_v the_o barrier_n of_o justice_n against_o sin_n if_o not_o satisfy_v and_o atone_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n 4._o last_o that_o which_o answer_v to_o each_o of_o these_o character_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v that_o be_v have_v no_o secular_a interest_n no_o interest_n of_o this_o present_a world_n that_o it_o look_v not_o upon_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v that_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n but_o on_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v that_o be_v eternal_a such_o be_v the_o godliness_n such_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n such_o the_o christian_a liberty_n that_o their_o uses_n and_o end_n be_v too_o great_a and_o large_a to_o centre_n in_o earthly_a thing_n and_o though_o themselves_o be_v the_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o present_a state_n yet_o they_o no_o way_n make_v it_o or_o the_o grandeur_n of_o it_o a_o interest_n but_o seek_v a_o heavenly_a country_n and_o city_n even_o as_o the_o lord_n of_o this_o religion_n say_v my_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n now_o as_o this_o measure_v each_o of_o the_o other_o character_n so_o each_o of_o they_o measure_v it_o such_o a_o transcendent_a holiness_n and_o purity_n can_v alone_o see_v god_n in_o eternal_a habitation_n such_o a_o sacrifice_n alone_o can_v have_v its_o blood_n enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n make_v without_o hand_n have_v obtain_v a_o eternal_a inheritance_n such_o a_o blood_n speak_v alone_o in_o the_o heaven_n better_a thing_n than_o the_o blood_n of_o abel_n a_o conscience_n so_o free_a so_o perfect_v have_v boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a and_o none_o else_o these_o be_v all_o fit_v and_o consecrate_a to_o eternity_n and_o eternity_n to_o they_o light_n and_o trivial_a holiness_n insignificant_a ceremony_n and_o rite_n of_o purgation_n a_o cumber_v of_o external_n observation_n invent_v by_o man_n can_v never_o enter_v within_o the_o veil_n nor_o endure_v for_o ever_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n by_o such_o divine_a thing_n to_o grasp_v at_o this_o world_n and_o a_o patrimony_n on_o earth_n be_v as_o gross_a and_o out_o of_o square_a so_o that_o these_o thing_n exact_o measure_v one_o another_o and_o square_v together_o quest_n how_o be_v the_o foursquare_a city_n or_o the_o true_a church_n adjust_v to_o these_o dimension_n answ_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n i_o before_o mention_v in_o have_v these_o and_o these_o only_a in_o its_o doctrine_n its_o worship_n its_o practice_n and_o obedience_n its_o discipline_n or_o government_n quest_n how_o be_v the_o false_a church_n out_o of_o square_a to_o all_o these_o answ_n in_o that_o retain_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n constitute_v according_a to_o these_o and_o pretend_v a_o imitation_n of_o they_o and_o the_o miracle_n attest_v they_o it_o have_v be_v most_o extravagant_a from_o they_o by_o its_o traditional_a addition_n and_o counterfeit_n of_o they_o every_o of_o which_o be_v a_o violation_n and_o irregularity_n from_o one_o or_o all_o of_o these_o character_n or_o equal_a side_n of_o true_a religion_n a_o great_a lie_n upon_o they_o with_o which_o they_o can_v never_o be_v bring_v to_o agree_v be_v not_o only_o a_o endless_a variation_n from_o but_o a_o flat_a opposition_n to_o they_o and_o a_o despit_v they_o with_o themselves_o so_o strange_o so_o monstrous_o misshapen_v and_o that_o in_o so_o great_a number_n that_o as_o in_o mockage_n to_o the_o many_o excellent_a thing_n our_o saviour_n do_v and_o teach_v so_o many_o that_o if_o they_o be_v all_o write_v the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o will_v be_v write_v even_o so_o if_o all_o the_o numerous_a and_o prodigious_a excursion_n of_o the_o antichristian_a church_n and_o antichrist_n the_o head_n of_o it_o from_o christian_a religion_n by_o its_o indeterminable_a swarm_n of_o new_a piece_n of_o antichristianism_n shall_v be_v write_v the_o whole_a world_n itself_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o contain_v the_o volume_n that_o will_v be_v write_v quest_n but_o do_v not_o the_o profession_n of_o so_o much_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o such_o a_o eminence_n like_o tbe_n city_n upon_o the_o hill_n that_o can_v be_v hide_v give_v it_o the_o reputation_n of_o a_o most_o famous_a church_n if_o not_o the_o catholic_n as_o it_o call_v itself_o answ_n christianity_n so_o abuse_v as_o in_o the_o popish_a religion_n be_v infinite_o the_o more_o dishonour_v for_o the_o eminence_n of_o the_o antichurch_n that_o so_o expose_v it_o and_o it_o be_v only_o the_o eminence_n of_o antichrist_n sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exalt_v himself_o above_o all_o that_o be_v indeed_o and_o true_o god_n in_o his_o church_n and_o show_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v god_n in_o his_o oracle_n wonder_n and_o miracle_n but_o they_o be_v
&_o roman_n such_o as_o pythagoras_n socrates_n plato_n epicâ—etus_n cicero_n seneca_n nor_o as_o those_o of_o late_a date_n plutarch_n porphyry_n hierocles_n jamblicus_n but_o as_o that_o one_o sacrifice_n abolish_v the_o typical_a yet_o divine_o institute_v sacrifice_n much_o more_o those_o mock-sacrifice_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o now_o in_o the_o more_o famous_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n as_o divine_a oracle_n and_o prophecy_n absolve_v and_o finish_v in_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n silence_v all_o those_o fallacious_a one_o from_o below_o so_o the_o resplendent_a light_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o the_o gospel-revelation_n since_o its_o prevalency_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o it_o be_v become_v the_o religion_n of_o nation_n seem_v to_o have_v dazzle_v natural_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o appearance_n of_o it_o as_o in_o former_a age_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o barbarity_n have_v invade_v as_o a_o thick_a darkness_n the_o world_n out_o of_o the_o goshen_n of_o christianity_n while_o the_o jew_n trust_v to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n not_o 15._o 2_o cor._n 3._o 15._o yet_o unveil_v to_o they_o in_o its_o glory_n and_o further_o obscure_v by_o rabbinick_n dotage_n and_o mahometan_n to_o the_o spite-prophet_n and_o his_o senseless_a koran_n set_v up_o by_o satan_n and_o permit_v by_o divine_a justice_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o only_a true_a prophet_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o his_o everlasting_a gospel_n all_o beside_o these_o lie_v obscure_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o we_o in_o a_o manner_n like_o a_o terra_fw-la incognita_fw-la in_o reason_n and_o religion_n have_v only_o some_o relational_a glimpse_n no_o body_n of_o their_o discourse_n in_o either_o a_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o have_v draw_v up_o all_o rational_a religion_n reason_n and_o learn_v within_o itself_o and_o under_o its_o own_o horizon_n for_o though_o for_o a_o time_n it_o please_v god_n to_o allow_v the_o notable_a effort_n of_o that_o sort_n of_o learning_n and_o in_o opposition_n to_o christianity_n one_o of_o his_o unsearchable_a judgement_n as_o in_o porphyry_n and_o hierocles_n yet_o be_v vanquish_v by_o the_o great_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n since_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n it_o have_v never_o rise_v in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n unchristianize_v to_o appear_v with_o any_o remarkable_a strength_n but_o all_o this_o do_v not_o diminish_v so_o much_o from_o natural_a religion_n as_o it_o bring_v it_o into_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v now_o such_o a_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o natural_a religion_n without_o christianity_n nay_o indeed_o it_o may_v be_v doubt_v whether_o notwithstanding_o or_o even_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o great_a name_n i_o just_a now_o record_v who_o be_v but_o a_o sort_n of_o parelian_a light_n to_o the_o true_a light_n of_o natural_a religion_n whether_o there_o be_v ever_o such_o 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the_o schism_n so_o that_o wherever_o the_o disagreement_n in_o judgement_n be_v there_o shall_v be_v the_o schism_n sure_a enough_o whatever_o the_o love_n and_o the_o indication_n of_o it_o be_v in_o all_o other_o sign_n token_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o but_o if_o there_o be_v the_o desire_a conformity_n all_o the_o hatred_n emulation_n strife_n and_o envy_n against_o the_o contrary_a side_n shall_v be_v canonize_v and_o not_o repute_v schism_n and_o the_o senslesness_n or_o even_o disaffection_n to_o the_o general_a interest_n of_o christianity_n shall_v never_o be_v consider_v but_o shall_v the_o law_n of_o man_n thus_o make_v obsolete_a the_o law_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o any_o law_n nor_o a_o offence_n against_o any_o law_n but_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n nor_o against_o every_o law_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o law_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o his_o body_n that_o can_v make_v a_o schism_n nor_o do_v a_o congregation_n or_o a_o multitude_n determine_v where_o the_o schism_n lie_v when_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n or_o a_o division_n among_o christian_n for_o as_o one_o man_n hold_v the_o substantial_o of_o christianity_n be_v more_o a_o church_n than_o a_o community_n err_v in_o those_o fundamental_o so_o be_v one_o christian_n full_a of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n most_o willing_a to_o do_v and_o receive_v good_a more_o true_o of_o the_o body_n than_o association_n fill_v with_o anger_n wrath_n clamour_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o indignation_n without_o mercy_n without_o compassion_n who_o be_v indeed_o in_o their_o union_n more_o schismatical_a than_o the_o humble_a solitary_a christian_n that_o can_v run_v with_o this_o stream_n for_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o carry_v nor_o determine_v by_o number_n but_o by_o true_a weight_n and_o worth_n as_o one_o wise_a man_n be_v more_o a_o senate_n than_o a_o convention_n of_o foolish_a and_o unknowing_a man_n by_o all_o this_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v it_o may_v be_v determine_v what_o answer_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o that_o question_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o it_o be_v call_v be_v a_o true_a church_n to_o which_o the_o answer_v i_o shall_v give_v will_v be_v plain_o this_o it_o be_v no_o otherwise_o so_o than_o a_o marry_a woman_n that_o be_v a_o adulteress_n be_v a_o true_a wife_n i_o say_v not_o a_o true_a woman_n for_o the_o importance_n of_o woman_n be_v more_o physical_a and_o so_o in_o this_o case_n more_o ambiguous_a the_o sense_n of_o wife_n more_o befit_v the_o moral_a and_o mystical_a sense_n of_o church_n and_o the_o one_o not_o make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o scripture_n in_o these_o case_n the_o other_o constant_o call_v for_o to_o represent_v the_o true_a or_o false_a church_n but_o to_o keep_v more_o close_o to_o what_o we_o have_v be_v upon_o let_v i_o put_v the_o question_n thus_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o part_n of_o this_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o such_o a_o incorporation_n such_o a_o body_n as_o it_o be_v in_o and_o by_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o it_o can_v be_v other_o than_o a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n for_o so_o it_o be_v a_o body_n consolidate_v upon_o other_o point_n of_o union_n than_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v for_o though_o it_o take_v in_o they_o yet_o it_o add_v foreign_a and_o alien_n of_o its_o own_o and_o those_o very_a many_o and_o such_o as_o destroy_v if_o not_o all_o yet_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a by_o such_o a_o deep_a corruption_n of_o they_o change_v they_o so_o that_o they_o can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o true_a one_o or_o alike_o precious_a fundamental_o lay_v by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o be_v a_o body_n animate_v with_o another_o spirit_n the_o very_a spirit_n of_o antichrist_n a_o spirit_n of_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n against_o all_o that_o keep_v to_o the_o true_a measure_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o altar_n of_o 1._o revel_v 11._o 1._o god_n and_o his_o true_a worship_n therein_o the_o body_n of_o that_o false_a church_n have_v its_o fabric_n put_v together_o and_o unite_a not_o by_o that_o faith_n at_o once_o and_o once_o for_o all_o give_v to_o the_o saint_n but_o by_o successive_a and_o grow_a tradidition_n 3._o jud._n 3._o and_o then_o the_o spirit_n of_o it_o persecute_v out_o of_o all_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o humanity_n so_o far_o as_o it_o can_v not_o to_o buy_v nor_o 18._o rev._n 13._o 17_o 18._o sell_v those_o that_o will_v not_o receive_v that_o mark_n of_o itself_o its_o name_n and_o the_o number_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o false_a christianity_n that_o forsake_v the_o stable_n foursquare_a of_o the_o true_a body_n of_o christ_n the_o 17._o revel_v 21._o 14_o 16_o 17._o square-root_n of_o
it_o may_v seem_v better_a if_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n separate_v themselves_o and_o leave_v the_o generality_n of_o a_o nation_n out_o of_o their_o religious_a service_n but_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o as_o the_o ninevite_n and_o abraham'â—_n steward_n serve_v themselves_o of_o the_o beast_n in_o their_o prayer_n and_o david_n serve_v himself_o of_o the_o very_o low_a of_o the_o creature_n in_o his_o praise_n so_o good_a man_n consecrate_v the_o public_a religion_n though_o result_v from_o a_o medley_n of_o worse_a man_n turn_v it_o to_o great_a glory_n to_o god_n advantage_n to_o themselves_o and_o the_o advantage_n of_o those_o worse_a man_n also_o in_o sundry_a respect_n when_o it_o do_v not_o prevail_v to_o their_o conversion_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o figure_n of_o value_n subordinate_v to_o themselves_o cipher_n increase_n sum_v to_o very_o vast_a the_o service_n of_o man_n not_o true_o religious_a be_v not_o so_o acceptable_a to_o god_n alone_o but_o be_v ennoble_v by_o the_o union_n of_o true_o good_a man_n for_o that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o virtue_n be_v plain_a even_o job_n friend_n though_o good_a man_n themselves_o receive_v good_a by_o his_o offering_n their_o sacrifice_n and_o that_o good_a man_n may_v subject_v the_o service_n of_o evil_a man_n to_o their_o own_o be_v as_o plain_a by_o the_o apostle_n rejoice_v that_o christ_n be_v preach_v by_o those_o that_o preach_v he_o out_o of_o envy_n and_o contention_n for_o while_o his_o preach_v christ_n out_o of_o love_n over_o rule_v they_o who_o preach_v the_o same_o christ_n from_o worse_a respect_n all_o their_o preach_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o forcible_o unite_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o it_o become_v as_o if_o it_o be_v whole_o his_o own_o &_o turn_v to_o his_o salvation_n the_o great_a &_o true_a light_n drink_v up_o the_o less_o &_o the_o less_o noble_a which_o follow_v in_o attendance_n upon_o it_o &_o so_o much_o more_o the_o prayer_n of_o less_o worthy_a man_n be_v snatch_v up_o to_o heaven_n with_o the_o prayer_n of_o holy_a man_n and_o prevail_v for_o a_o full_a acceptance_n of_o they_o with_o god_n leave_v only_o some_o lesser_a portion_n of_o blessing_n to_o those_o who_o heart_n do_v not_o ascend_v with_o their_o prayer_n yet_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a of_o say_v to_o any_o stand_v off_o i_o be_o holy_a than_o thou_o many_o a_o man_n be_v reject_v under_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o publican_n who_o heart_n be_v break_v within_o itself_o to_o god_n have_v great_a acceptance_n from_o he_o than_o what_o seem_v rather_o to_o be_v prefer_v among_o man_n for_o the_o honour_n therefore_o of_o the_o most_o public_a conjunction_n in_o holy_a service_n we_o may_v observe_v those_o man_n who_o be_v of_o the_o most_o happy_a memory_n in_o scripture_n man_n of_o renown_n for_o the_o efficacy_n of_o their_o prayer_n as_o noah_n moses_n samuel_n job_n daniel_n the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o many_o other_o be_v no_o monkish_a sort_n of_o man_n no_o man_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o public_a upon_o choice_n but_o personage_n as_o of_o the_o most_o divine_a spread_a reason_n so_o of_o a_o public_a wisdom_n grace_n and_o spirit_n contain_v a_o public_a interest_n and_o piety_n within_o their_o own_o breast_n yet_o join_v with_o as_o many_o as_o they_o can_v to_o better_v their_o service_n mutual_o and_o not_o scruple_v union_n with_o they_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v worse_o or_o their_o service_n less_o acceptable_a man_n of_o no_o narrow_a and_o contract_a spirit_n principle_n or_o devotion_n but_o like_o our_o saviour_n converse_n with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n they_o be_v as_o physician_n to_o the_o sick_a help_v to_o the_o weak_a as_o well_o as_o the_o comparion_n of_o all_o that_o fear_n god_n pull_v sinner_n with_o violence_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n convert_v they_o from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n save_v soul_n from_o death_n and_o endeavour_v to_o hide_v the_o multitude_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o be_v so_o prevalent_a in_o prayer_n for_o other_o though_o at_o sometime_o god_n be_v so_o incense_v as_o to_o deny_v audience_n even_o to_o such_o except_o for_o their_o own_o soul_n thus_o clear_v it_o be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o public_a religion_n in_o these_o great_a example_n they_o separate_v from_o the_o sin_n the_o superstition_n that_o be_v at_o any_o time_n become_v public_a but_o join_v with_o the_o public_a religion_n and_o thereby_o raise_v it_o to_o much_o high_a excellency_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o make_v bad_a thing_n good_a as_o false_a worship_n or_o corruption_n of_o practice_n if_o never_o so_o many_o good_a man_n fall_v into_o they_o it_o will_v endanger_v they_o but_o can_v better_v that_o which_o be_v of_o itself_o bad_a but_o that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o good_a which_o will_v be_v much_o dispirited_a through_o evil_a handle_n it_o by_o bad_a man_n may_v be_v make_v better_a by_o holy_a man_n predominancy_n and_o ascendency_n in_o it_o and_o so_o turn_v to_o general_a good_a in_o some_o thirty_o in_o some_o sixty_o in_o some_o a_o hundredfold_a which_o show_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o both_o communicativeness_n and_o singularity_n of_o these_o holy_a man_n communicativeness_n in_o true_a worship_n though_o with_o bad_a man_n singularity_n from_o sin_n and_o false_a worship_n i_o have_v now_o dispatch_v this_o first_o head_n i_o propose_v concern_v the_o publickness_n of_o religion_n in_o general_a i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o head_n that_o this_o publickness_n determine_v itself_o in_o national_a religion_n neither_o stay_v short_a of_o it_o nor_o expatiate_v beyond_o it_o and_o to_o make_v good_a this_o i_o first_o consider_v how_o humane_a society_n rise_v and_o what_o be_v the_o first_o band_n of_o union_n and_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a the_o first_o association_n of_o mankind_n must_v grow_v out_o of_o family_n as_o i_o have_v observe_v the_o law_n of_o humane_a society_n be_v first_o declare_v and_o promulge_v upon_o the_o institution_n of_o marriage_n this_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o family_n family_n of_o all_o great_a association_n of_o man_n here_o also_o must_v begin_v all_o religious_a society_n these_o be_v the_o most_o near_o and_o combine_v here_o therefore_o be_v the_o most_o frequent_a season_n of_o worship_v god_n of_o daily_a praise_n of_o he_o and_o prayer_n to_o he_o the_o example_n of_o it_o we_o find_v in_o abraham_n joshua_n david_n cornelius_n family_n and_o the_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o some_o christian_n at_o the_o first_o this_o domestic_a body_n be_v most_o close_o with_o itself_o and_o more_o easy_o call_v together_o therefore_o the_o first_o seat_n of_o religious_a society_n family_n therefore_o for_o the_o closeness_n nearness_n and_o naturalness_n of_o that_o government_n as_o be_v the_o small_a of_o community_n but_o the_o most_o primitive_a be_v particular_o name_v in_o this_o prayer_n against_o the_o heathen_a and_o make_v another_o expression_n together_o with_o kingdom_n of_o irreligious_a community_n for_o as_o kingdom_n be_v great_a family_n unite_v indeed_o as_o family_n but_o great_a so_o family_n though_o lesser_a be_v yet_o the_o first_o kingdom_n religion_n therefore_o be_v a_o most_o contestable_a duty_n and_o obligation_n in_o those_o lessâ—r_a kingdom_n family_n it_o argue_v to_o the_o same_o obligation_n and_o duty_n in_o those_o great_a family_n kingdom_n and_o the_o religion_n or_o irreligion_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o run_v along_o one_o with_o the_o other_o thus_o god_n first_o eminent_o himself_o found_v religion_n in_o abraham_n family_n and_o so_o commence_v both_o the_o family_n and_o religion_n into_o a_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n religion_n therefore_o rise_v high_a and_o settle_v here_o as_o upon_o the_o most_o advantageous_a eminence_n as_o in_o the_o most_o full_a and_o free_a spread_v community_n call_v nation_n for_o their_o greatness_n and_o numerousness_n kingdom_n for_o their_o majestic_a government_n and_o union_n in_o it_o for_o a_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n be_v a_o part_n of_o mankind_n canton_v indeed_o from_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o wideness_n of_o that_o yet_o into_o a_o large_a compass_n than_o neighbourhood_n town_n or_o city_n and_o be_v general_o enclose_v within_o some_o more_o remarkable_a bound_n of_o place_n as_o sea_n river_n mountain_n unite_v by_o nearness_n of_o manner_n custom_n and_o disposition_n arise_v from_o like_a temperature_n of_o air_n and_o climate_n freedom_n of_o conversation_n and_o commerce_n have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o language_n but_o especial_o as_o under_o the_o same_o civil_a interest_n law_n government_n and_o legislative_a authority_n for_o these_o mutual_a bond_n be_v they_o which_o give_v reason_n to_o national_a religion_n as_o the_o most_o solemn_a instance_n of_o public_a religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n because_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o
all_o that_o pierce_v he_o who_o very_a own_o eye_n shall_v see_v he_o as_o so_o pierce_v by_o they_o it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o man_n in_o their_o body_n of_o nation_n in_o their_o national_a capacity_n of_o all_o man_n and_o thing_n in_o their_o restitution_n for_o it_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o regeneration_n mat._n 19_o 28._o to_o their_o former_a state_n that_o religion_n and_o piety_n may_v receive_v its_o recompense_n of_o glory_n that_o irreligion_n and_o wickedness_n may_v have_v its_o just_a reward_n of_o shame_n and_o punishment_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a circumstance_n wherein_o each_o be_v see_v and_o know_v and_o shall_v then_o be_v remember_v to_o â—ave_n stand_v here_o in_o the_o world_n though_o for_o the_o generality_n very_o different_a from_o the_o esteem_n and_o disesteem_v they_o then_o find_v last_o this_o representation_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v the_o most_o lively_a feeling_n and_o sensible_a engagement_n to_o speedy_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n that_o our_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o when_o the_o time_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o re-enlivening_a all_o thing_n shall_v come_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o will_v not_o take_v great_a care_n that_o when_o they_o be_v 19_o act_n 3_o 19_o seek_v for_o they_o may_v not_o be_v find_v who_o will_v not_o desire_v and_o so_o use_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o appear_v in_o glory_n and_o not_o under_o shame_n and_o contempt_n this_o be_v also_o among_o the_o strong_a argument_n upon_o the_o most_o honourable_a personage_n and_o governor_n of_o a_o nation_n yea_o upon_o all_o that_o love_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o nation_n and_o desire_v the_o glory_n of_o it_o with_o the_o true_a public_a spirit_n to_o mind_v the_o promotion_n of_o sincere_a religion_n piety_n and_o goodness_n in_o themselves_o together_o with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o people_n time_n and_o government_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v since_o if_o they_o desire_v their_o nation_n renown_n in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o their_o management_n in_o it_o may_v be_v transmit_v fair_a in_o chronicle_n that_o they_o may_v live_v high_a in_o story_n how_o much_o more_o must_v they_o if_o at_o all_o serious_a desire_n to_o mâ—ke_v a_o honourable_a figure_n in_o that_o most_o illustrious_a representation_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n and_o the_o eternal_a record_n of_o all_o thing_n they_o and_o their_o country_n together_o according_a to_o the_o station_n and_o relation_n wherein_o they_o have_v stand_v to_o it_o and_o the_o love_n they_o have_v bear_v to_o it_o and_o certain_o every_o good_a man_n desire_v by_o a_o immutable_a instinct_n by_o a_o law_n of_o goodness_n within_o himself_o to_o be_v good_a in_o a_o community_n and_o to_o be_v save_v in_o their_o salvation_n which_o he_o earnest_o aspire_v to_o in_o and_o with_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o in_o and_o with_o that_o yea_o though_o he_o be_v so_o low_a or_o mean_a in_o his_o fortune_n ability_n or_o discourse_n as_o not_o to_o be_v in_o any_o advantage_n for_o propagate_a true_a religion_n yâ—â—_n he_o have_v a_o inward_a force_n to_o it_o and_o as_o every_o good_a man_n rise_v in_o his_o stature_n and_o condition_n and_o influence_n in_o the_o nation_n to_o which_o he_o belong_v so_o in_o his_o service_n to_o the_o public_a religion_n but_o especial_o every_o eminent_a great_a true_o religious_a person_n of_o a_o public_a character_n and_o a_o lover_n of_o his_o nation_n have_v a_o most_o vehement_a and_o ardent_a desire_n not_o only_o of_o his_o own_o salvation_n but_o of_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o nation_n of_o as_o many_o and_o great_a number_n of_o as_o universal_a a_o body_n of_o it_o as_o may_v be_v moses_n be_v so_o high_a in_o this_o that_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v blot_v out_o of_o god_n book_n of_o 32._o exod._n 32._o 32._o favour_n that_o he_o rather_o than_o his_o nation_n shall_v and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n for_o israel_n his_o national_a kindred_n wish_v to_o be_v anathema_n from_o christ_n the_o scruple_n of_o either_o of_o which_o i_o will_v not_o dispute_v be_v satisfy_v 3._o rom._n 9_o 3._o they_o express_v a_o high_a and_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o the_o national_a salvation_n and_o which_o in_o a_o degree_n be_v to_o be_v imitate_v by_o the_o best_a man_n therefore_o such_o person_n as_o moses_n paul_n and_o other_o of_o the_o worthy_n of_o nation_n and_o people_n that_o have_v be_v successful_a in_o bring_v many_o to_o righteousness_n and_o happiness_n shall_v have_v as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v rule_v over_o city_n proportionable_a to_o their_o service_n they_o shall_v for_o ever_o be_v exalt_v as_o prince_n over_o their_o people_n in_o eternal_a glory_n even_o as_o the_o apostle_n shall_v sit_v upon_o throne_n judge_v that_o be_v shall_v be_v ruler_n and_o governor_n over_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n those_o that_o have_v not_o be_v successful_a as_o noah_n lot_n esay_n etc._n etc._n that_o have_v yet_o have_v the_o zeal_n the_o public_a spirit_n that_o be_v commensurable_a to_o the_o piety_n religion_n and_o salvation_n of_o their_o whole_a community_n shall_v not_o though_o israel_n be_v not_o gather_v yet_o spend_v their_o strength_n for_o nought_o their_o judgement_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o their_o work_n with_o their_o god_n they_o shall_v be_v glorious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o shall_v 4_o isa_n 49._o 3_o 4_o be_v a_o sweet_a savour_n to_o god_n of_o true_a holiness_n and_o piety_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v even_o as_o in_o they_o that_o be_v save_v the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n shall_v accumulate_v upon_o themselves_o though_o it_o redound_v not_o on_o the_o nation_n god_n make_v they_o of_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a nation_n in_o the_o blessedness_n of_o eternity_n as_o he_o promise_v moses_n if_o he_o will_v have_v be_v content_v with_o the_o destruction_n of_o that_o present_a nation_n of_o israel_n they_o be_v reckon_v as_o a_o nation_n by_o themselves_o and_o not_o of_o that_o community_n that_o perish_v for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o lord_n know_v how_o to_o deliver_v the_o righteous_a out_o of_o temptation_n and_o so_o out_o of_o the_o infamy_n of_o a_o common_a corruption_n and_o especial_o that_o everlasting_a contempt_n and_o reserve_v the_o wicked_a to_o swallow_v it_o whole_o in_o themselves_o their_o reproach_n their_o lord_n will_v return_v upon_o they_o for_o ever_o it_o be_v turn_v off_o from_o himself_o and_o his_o servant_n but_o though_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a wisdom_n in_o the_o divine_a judgement_n in_o rescue_v thus_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o servant_n that_o have_v be_v unsuccessful_a in_o turn_v man_n to_o righteousness_n while_o they_o have_v be_v faithful_a with_o all_o their_o talent_n and_o in_o all_o their_o house_n yet_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o nation_n be_v the_o plain_a and_o manifest_a glory_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o most_o eminent_a servant_n those_o that_o be_v their_o convert_v be_v their_o hope_n now_o and_o their_o joy_n their_o rejoice_v their_o crown_n of_o 20._o 1_o thes_n 2._o 19_o 20._o rejoice_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o jesus_n christ_n at_o his_o come_n in_o that_o day_n only_o thus_o man_n of_o eminency_n in_o holiness_n be_v secure_v against_o loss_n if_o they_o save_v only_o their_o own_o soul_n while_o they_o endeavour_v the_o good_a of_o many_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v they_o be_v crown_v with_o those_o who_o god_n have_v give_v they_o as_o child_n by_o be_v instrument_n of_o their_o conversion_n on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o be_v assure_v of_o their_o reward_n with_o god_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v but_o further_a every_o man_n that_o be_v good_a in_o a_o nation_n though_o his_o interest_n be_v private_a may_v like_o the_o one_o poor_a wise_a man_n have_v do_v all_o he_o can_v to_o save_v a_o city_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o be_v forget_v here_o if_o he_o be_v a_o holy_a good_a man_n he_o will_v not_o be_v lose_v by_o be_v alone_o nor_o oversee_v by_o be_v low_a in_o the_o world_n though_o he_o be_v but_o one_o of_o a_o family_n or_o even_o of_o a_o city_n yet_o god_n will_v bring_v he_o to_o zion_n the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n every_o one_o shall_v with_o daniel_n stand_v in_o his_o own_o lot_n proportionable_a to_o what_o it_o be_v here_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o that_o future_a state_n god_n will_v seek_v his_o sheep_n out_o of_o all_o place_n whither_o they_o have_v be_v drive_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o cloudy_a day_n though_o but_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o flock_n and_o they_o shall_v stand_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n at_o that_o great_a division_n of_o the_o sheep_n from_o the_o goat_n to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a the_o honour_n of_o nation_n
chain_n of_o scandal_n till_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n that_o 6._o judas_n 6._o it_o may_v then_o be_v decide_v whether_o they_o have_v just_a cause_n of_o offence_n or_o not_o thus_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o father_n of_o it_o of_o the_o lie_n of_o scandal_n for_o all_o scandal_n be_v a_o lie_n john_n 8._o 44._o and_o now_o when_o there_o be_v a_o actual_a fall_n a_o defection_n of_o any_o of_o the_o rational_a creature_n actual_o come_v to_o pass_v god_n still_o permit_v thing_n to_o their_o own_o liberty_n than_o it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o scandal_n come_v for_o when_o once_o the_o activity_n of_o a_o understanding_n carry_v with_o a_o perverse_a and_o disorderly_a will_n be_v in_o motion_n than_o it_o traverse_n all_o way_n cut_v all_o those_o line_n of_o alliance_n and_o connexion_n betwixt_o thing_n and_o thing_n scale_n the_o height_n dive_v down_o into_o the_o bottom_n fill_v all_o thing_n with_o confusion_n and_o perplexity_n that_o it_o may_v scandalize_v misrepresent_v and_o misreport_n god_n and_o supreme_a goodness_n extol_v forbid_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o a_o imaginary_a happiness_n as_o if_o envious_o deny_v and_o that_o denial_n unreasonable_o and_o to_o no_o benefit_n comply_v with_o and_o the_o more_o agent_n there_o be_v thus_o pervert_v and_o ill_o dispose_v the_o more_o scandal_n must_v needs_o arise_v and_o show_v themselves_o when_o therefore_o angel_n fall_v or_o if_o some_o principal_n fall_v first_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v scandal_n in_o motion_n from_o they_o and_o they_o draw_v down_o innumerable_a lesser_a star_n with_o they_o when_o they_o propagate_v scandal_n to_o man_n as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fall_n and_o man_n grow_v numerous_a and_o wicked_a scandal_n must_v needs_o come_v amain_o and_o multiply_v themselves_o for_o so_o many_o sinful_a and_o impure_a understanding_n at_o work_n and_o hurry_v on_o by_o extreme_o bad_a and_o unholy_a will_n scandal_n must_v become_v like_o a_o deluge_n and_o can_v but_o increase_v to_o a_o kind_n of_o infinite_a and_o must_v be_v press_v every_o where_n for_o there_o be_v no_o light_n so_o clear_a but_o a_o dim_a and_o dark_a eye_n may_v report_v it_o black_a and_o obscure_a there_o be_v no_o way_n so_o smooth_a and_o even_a but_o lame_a leg_n crooked_a foot_n be_v themselves_o unequal_a may_v stumble_v and_o fall_v in_o it_o when_o a_o man_n as_o solomon_n say_v be_v cast_v into_o a_o net_n by_o his_o own_o foot_n when_o his_o foot_n be_v a_o net_n to_o themselves_o he_o must_v be_v scandalize_v and_o catch_v wherever_o he_o go_v there_o be_v no_o sense_n so_o grave_a and_o serious_o compose_v but_o a_o vain_a fancy_n that_o be_v full_a of_o odd_a and_o antic_a shape_v and_o image_n within_o itself_o may_v travestee_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o ridicule_n even_o the_o plain_a sense_n by_o ignorance_n or_o malice_n may_v be_v so_o transpose_v as_o to_o be_v make_v most_o unintelligible_a non_fw-fr sense_n and_o by_o separate_v the_o part_n from_o their_o due_a order_n one_o to_o another_o may_v be_v pervert_v into_o falsehood_n and_o blasphemy_n thus_o therefore_o by_o the_o darkness_n of_o man_n mind_n by_o the_o maliciousness_n and_o ill_a design_n of_o corrupt_a intellectual_n enrage_v by_o impure_a lust_n and_o passion_n the_o plain_a thing_n in_o religion_n may_v be_v misunderstand_a misrepresent_v misreported_n and_o disguise_v out_o of_o themselves_o much_o more_o the_o more_o secret_a retire_v and_o even_o unfathomable_a part_n of_o divine_a truth_n providence_n and_o government_n god_n have_v make_v every_o thing_n good_a that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o his_o very_a permission_n of_o evil_a be_v all_o overrule_v by_o he_o to_o good_a and_o even_o to_o we_o they_o may_v be_v medicinal_a and_o of_o use_n if_o take_v by_o the_o right_a handle_n on_o the_o other_o side_n scandal_n turn_v the_o very_o best_a thing_n into_o evil_n to_o the_o person_n offend_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o good_a that_o it_o both_o not_o so_o abuse_v the_o spy_v it_o send_v out_o upon_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n bring_v up_o a_o ill_a report_n of_o it_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o be_v by_o god_n prepare_v and_o intend_v to_o turn_v each_o way_n either_o to_o use_v or_o not_o to_o use_v according_a as_o circumstance_n lead_v and_o both_o way_n to_o be_v advantage_n for_o good_a scandal_n have_v a_o great_a hand_n over_o and_o turn_v they_o to_o evil_a all_o way_n thing_n that_o be_v evil_a the_o sin_n and_o fall_v of_o man_n either_o good_a man_n or_o bad_a man_n or_o man_n seem_o good_a and_o inward_o bad_a be_v as_o the_o proper_a dominion_n and_o territory_n of_o scandal_n and_o it_o raise_v what_o it_o can_v against_o religion_n by_o they_o thus_o every_o thing_n by_o the_o not_o only_a permission_n but_o justice_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o fall_a world_n be_v subject_v to_o scandal_n not_o willing_o for_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a as_o they_o be_v impress_v with_o motion_n from_o the_o divine_a hand_n but_o desert_v by_o that_o but_o so_o much_o as_o permissive_o scandal_n violent_o transport_v they_o upon_o evil._n now_o thing_n stand_v thus_o there_o be_v the_o god_n of_o scandal_n and_o his_o angel_n the_o angel_n of_o scandal_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o whole_a host_n of_o fall_a spirit_n the_o great_a reason_n and_o wit_n of_o this_o world_n the_o prophet_n of_o scandal_n the_o ambitious_a power_n and_o interest_n of_o worldly_a greatness_n secular_a policy_n ecclesiastical_a domination_n debauch_a religion_n and_o in_o one_o word_n the_o whole_a universe_n of_o lust_n all_o at_o the_o service_n of_o scandal_n and_o employ_v by_o it_o from_o hence_o be_v all_o those_o atheistick_a discourse_n those_o heretical_a opinion_n those_o monstrous_a idolatry_n and_o superstition_n those_o burlesques_n of_o lucian_n wit_n those_o bold_a and_o authoritative_a example_n of_o general_a wickedness_n profaneness_n and_o irreligion_n that_o have_v spread_v themselves_o over_o the_o whole_a earth_n those_o severity_n in_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n and_o where_o there_o be_v in_o any_o time_n or_o place_n such_o a_o sense_n of_o truth_n and_o religion_n that_o any_o of_o these_o evil_n plain_a and_o bare-faced_n take_v very_o little_a but_o be_v hate_v and_o hoot_v at_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v better_a be_v borrow_v against_o itself_o the_o mantle_n of_o law_n and_o right_o be_v put_v on_o pretence_n of_o religion_n be_v make_v the_o raiment_n of_o thing_n most_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o in_o all_o time_n true_a religion_n piety_n and_o virtue_n expulse_v under_o the_o worst_a name_n and_o cover_v with_o the_o ugly_a vizor_n of_o evil_a it_o be_v hard_o to_o bring_v goodness_n into_o mis-repute_n in_o its_o own_o likeness_n under_o its_o own_o appearance_n to_o this_o purpose_n beside_o every_o man_n be_v the_o first_o and_o worst_a scandaliser_n to_o himself_o beside_o the_o low_a and_o lesser_a ministery_n of_o scandal_n within_o privater_a community_n there_o be_v in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n the_o public_a counsel_n of_o scandal_n and_o the_o cabal_n of_o it_o that_o be_v neither_o idle_n nor_o lukewarm_a but_o pursue_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o utmost_a and_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n be_v always_o greedy_a of_o scandal_n of_o receive_v it_o either_o through_o miserable_a ignorance_n and_o inapprehensiveness_n or_o from_o propension_n of_o their_o own_o and_o to_o serve_v their_o particular_a occasion_n or_o as_o they_o embark_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o bottom_n of_o a_o common_a scandal_n as_o most_o safe_a and_o of_o the_o rich_a return_n or_o if_o it_o be_v no_o more_o they_o be_v always_o so_o near_o of_o kin_n to_o degeneracy_n and_o depravedness_n now_o lay_v all_o these_o together_o and_o we_o may_v easy_o find_v scandal_n must_v come_v not_o only_o lesser_a scandal_n but_o great_a and_o most_o prevail_a one_o that_o do_v as_o it_o be_v sweep_v the_o world_n before_o they_o if_o any_o thing_n therefore_o can_v be_v add_v to_o scandal_n it_o will_v be_v we_o must_v expect_v it_o though_o there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o do_v upon_o it_o to_o improve_v it_o and_o especial_o since_o the_o rise_n progress_n and_o yet_o survive_a contest_v of_o the_o western_a antichristianisme_n and_o whether_o there_o may_v be_v yet_o a_o reserve_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n for_o scandal_n before_o its_o final_a abolition_n to_o unite_v and_o summon_v all_o its_o strength_n and_o become_v in_o a_o sort_n ecumenical_a i_o mean_v the_o scandal_n of_o antichristianism_n especial_o these_o latter_a day_n must_v discover_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o will_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o say_v there_o be_v a_o very_a horrible_a scandal_n rise_v at_o this_o very_a time_n even_o a_o protestant_a popery_n place_v such_o a_o absolute_a dependence_n upon_o
succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n without_o caution_v for_o any_o thing_n of_o their_o true_a spirit_n and_o which_o so_o hang_v salvation_n at_o the_o girdle_n of_o those_o that_o will_v be_v their_o successor_n as_o turn_v christianity_n into_o a_o most_o arbitrary_a and_o tirannick_a party_n but_o they_o that_o know_v the_o scripture_n know_v assure_o christ_n have_v found_v no_o rule_n government_n or_o authority_n in_o his_o church_n whatever_o but_o who_o whole_a display_v of_o itself_o be_v in_o teach_v instruct_v according_a to_o his_o word_n if_o that_o be_v not_o clear_a and_o evident_a the_o whole_a authority_n and_o power_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n this_o word_n appear_v in_o and_o with_o itself_o though_o by_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n over_o conscience_n they_o that_o will_v rule_v without_o this_o as_o ruler_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n be_v but_o lay-elders_a lay-bishop_n or_o indeed_o they_o leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v table_n but_o in_o this_o universal_a rage_n of_o scandal_n god_n have_v not_o so_o forsake_v the_o world_n but_o that_o his_o spirit_n lift_v up_o a_o standard_n against_o it_o evil_n be_v not_o infinite_a but_o be_v at_o all_o time_n stop_v by_o evidence_n of_o god_n and_o true_a goodness_n environ_v it_o on_o every_o side_n and_o bound_v it_o that_o it_o can_v do_v what_o it_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o do_v and_o be_v therefore_o force_v to_o leave_v it_o undo_v for_o it_o can_v go_v no_o far_o than_o the_o being_n that_o carry_v it_o can_v go_v and_o god_n be_v always_o above_o they_o and_o hem_v they_o in_o on_o every_o side_n scandal_n have_v only_o a_o permission_n from_o god_n a_o dispensation_n to_o manifest_v itself_o it_o be_v always_o subject_a to_o truth_n as_o night_n be_v to_o day_n it_o be_v subject_a to_o be_v reduce_v and_o contract_v as_o god_n please_v and_o thus_o have_v i_o finish_v the_o three_o head_n of_o discourse_n concern_v scandal_n it_o 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into_o it_o as_o not_o to_o recover_v it_o be_v vain_a to_o pretend_v the_o force_n the_o power_n the_o unavoidableness_n of_o scandal_n when_o itself_o be_v death_n and_o ruin_n how_o many_o be_v please_v with_o their_o scandal_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n part_n with_o they_o many_o excuse_v themselves_o they_o can_v not_o withstand_v their_o deceit_n and_o violence_n and_o will_v not_o apprehend_v their_o case_n the_o first_o close_o embrace_v death_n or_o as_o solomon_n say_v love_v death_n the_o latter_a can_v have_v no_o other_o pity_n at_o the_o high_a but_o that_o they_o be_v undo_v their_o scandal_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o pine_v away_o in_o they_o as_o they_o speak_v in_o ezekiel_n and_o how_o then_o shall_v 10._o ezek._n 33._o 10._o they_o live_v god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o their_o death_n yet_o still_o they_o die_v except_o restore_v by_o repentance_n 4._o be_v it_o not_o for_o scandal_n be_v it_o not_o some_o unhappy_a and_o mischievous_a 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satan_n in_o the_o world_n of_o the_o just_a contrary_a spirit_n and_o action_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o separate_v from_o that_o bless_a presence_n into_o that_o fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n the_o god_n and_o the_o angel_n of_o scandal_n some_o have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v brand_o infamous_a herein_o but_o none_o like_o he_o who_o come_v be_v after_o satan_n with_o lie_v sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o vnrighteousness_n all_o those_o atheistical_a defamation_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o the_o scurrility_n of_o profane_a wit_n be_v deep_o dye_v in_o this_o gild_n they_o be_v like_o the_o throw_n of_o firebrand_n arrow_n and_o death_n so_o be_v the_o scandalize_a of_o man_n in_o such_o sport_n of_o wit_n to_o their_o ruin_n they_o that_o offer_v themselves_o as_o copy_n and_o pattern_n of_o wickedness_n in_o defiance_n of_o heaven_n 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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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enough_o throw_v off_o for_o in_o main_a thing_n there_o be_v so_o much_o repeat_v and_o say_v over_o again_o and_o again_o as_o that_o all_o such_o truth_n may_v be_v full_o present_v and_o assure_v and_o yet_o not_o so_o much_o be_v say_v as_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n without_o any_o tautology_n for_o the_o subject_n be_v so_o rich_a that_o even_o the_o world_n will_v be_v overcharge_v and_o not_o able_a to_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o will_v be_v write_v amen_n cap._n vii_o of_o the_o public_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n quest_n that_o the_o progress_n upon_o this_o great_a point_n may_v be_v make_v with_o the_o best_a advantage_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o state_n the_o amount_v of_o what_o have_v be_v already_o assert_v viz._n that_o scripture_n be_v a_o public_a and_o divine_a record_n and_o that_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n it_o be_v divine_a be_v divine_a and_o public_a also_o what_o therefore_o do_v these_o two_o position_n arise_v to_o answ_n they_o arise_v plain_o to_o this_o 1._o that_o true_a religion_n be_v at_o once_o give_v unalterable_o fix_v on_o monument_n of_o its_o own_o and_o can_v receive_v the_o various_a phase_n of_o increase_n or_o decrease_v like_o the_o moon_n by_o new_a and_o upstart_a decree_n canon_n or_o anathemas_n 2._o that_o religion_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n public_a even_o as_o god_n himself_o that_o it_o be_v of_o free_a and_o open_a access_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o its_o entertainment_n as_o liberal_a as_o the_o light_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o water_n and_o no_o man_n need_v wait_v till_o his_o religion_n be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o private_a repository_n of_o breast_n or_o breast_n 3._o that_o the_o assurance_n and_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n be_v very_o near_o we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o treat_v with_o it_o so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o send_v up_o to_o heaven_n that_o be_v to_o bring_v scripture_n down_o from_o above_o when_o it_o be_v come_v down_o already_o nor_o beyond_o the_o sea_n to_o old_a antiquity_n for_o a_o scale_n to_o it_o which_o have_v always_o the_o broad_a seal_n of_o divinity_n with_o it_o for_o that_o be_v to_o bring_v scripture_n a_o second_o time_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o former_a age_n through_o which_o divine_a care_n and_o providence_n have_v already_o pass_v it_o down_o to_o we_o with_o the_o very_a same_o principal_a assurance_n it_o give_v they_o viz._n that_o divine_a life_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n that_o can_v be_v far_o from_o any_o one_o of_o we_o for_o in_o it_o our_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v their_o being_n and_o in_o that_o light_n alone_o see_v light_n quest_n but_o have_v the_o private_a spirit_n of_o apostate_n angel_n work_v by_o corrupt_a humane_a nature_n make_v no_o attempt_n upon_o this_o public_a record_n though_o so_o every_o way_n guard_v as_o it_o be_v to_o introduce_v a_o false_a religion_n even_o under_o the_o appearance_n of_o this_o public_a authority_n of_o scripture_n answ_n yes_o that_o very_o notorious_a one_o of_o private_a interpretation_n answ_n what_o be_v private_a interpretation_n answ_n that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o understand_v be_v a_o very_a great_a instrument_n of_o the_o false_a spirit_n we_o must_v proceed_v by_o degree_n to_o the_o true_a comprehension_n of_o it_o and_o first_o in_o the_o strictness_n of_o its_o notion_n it_o be_v a_o affix_v a_o sense_n to_o scripture_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o that_o do_v not_o so_o evident_o and_o indisputable_o flow_v from_o scripture_n as_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o scripture_n quest_n how_o shall_v a_o interpretation_n be_v so_o make_v of_o scripture_n as_o to_o partake_v of_o its_o divineness_n answ_n a_o interpretation_n be_v as_o divine_a as_o scripture_n when_o it_o be_v the_o true_a evident_a importance_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n word_n and_o scope_n and_o carry_v the_o perfect_a spirit_n and_o analogy_n of_o scripture_n with_o it_o 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the_o very_a lest_o thing_n but_o as_o command_v by_o himself_o first_o for_o than_o they_o will_v be_v lord_n which_o he_o plain_o declare_v against_o and_o absolute_o deny_v to_o they_o and_o that_o what_o they_o do_v as_o command_v by_o he_o they_o shall_v do_v so_o in_o duty_n and_o service_n to_o the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o subordinate_o to_o his_o church_n as_o not_o to_o be_v call_v or_o esteem_v benefactor_n for_o their_o service_n so_o that_o it_o must_v be_v evident_a what_o their_o superior_a service_n be_v it_o must_v be_v plain_o express_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o there_o at_o least_o so_o determinate_o set_v down_o as_o to_o be_v deduce_v with_o great_a clearness_n to_o the_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n of_o christian_n and_o distinguish_o from_o the_o service_n of_o other_o subordinate_a ruler_n appoint_v by_o christ_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v wait_v for_o and_o receive_v according_a to_o his_o ordinance_n with_o faith_n and_o obedience_n 3._o see_v 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digest_v their_o reason_n and_o take_v in_o the_o light_n they_o judge_v by_o so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o their_o own_o else_o if_o they_o can_v find_v their_o reason_n nor_o acquit_v themselves_o from_o doubt_n they_o must_v suspend_v for_o a_o christian_n be_v command_v by_o his_o lord_n to_o call_v no_o man_n upon_o earth_n master_n or_o father_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o answ_n it_o be_v this_o very_a thing_n that_o we_o shall_v receive_v nothing_o as_o doctrine_n or_o indisputable_a truth_n or_o precept_n upon_o any_o man_n word_n that_o do_v not_o offer_v such_o reason_n and_o authority_n from_o god_n and_o his_o word_n that_o we_o ourselves_o see_v reason_n not_o to_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n quest_n but_o be_v it_o not_o say_v that_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o watch_v for_o our_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o the_o same_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o 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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