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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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
harmless_a in_o comparison_n but_o the_o abomination_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n most_o loathsome_a to_o that_o infinite_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a nature_n i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v how_o far_o time_n place_n distinction_n of_o person_n in_o religious_a worship_n be_v within_o the_o cognisance_n of_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o i_o omit_v out_o of_o choice_n any_o discourse_n of_o sacrifice_n which_o some_o have_v contend_v come_v in_o by_o natural_a instinct_n as_o too_o copious_a for_o the_o present_a intendment_n conclude_v they_o be_v ordain_v by_o god_n chief_o to_o typify_v the_o true_a ever_o breathe_v sacrifice_n of_o christ_n which_o service_n have_v perform_v they_o expire_v in_o it_o not_o only_o repeal_v by_o the_o evangelic_n law_n but_o no_o doubt_n through_o the_o superintendency_n of_o providence_n grow_v into_o disuse_n throughout_o the_o world_n which_o together_o with_o those_o strong_a solid_a reason_n against_o their_o valuableness_n in_o themselves_o give_v by_o god_n psal_n 50._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o mic._n 6._o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o heb._n 9_o 10_o etc._n etc._n sufficient_o argue_v they_o be_v not_o of_o natural_a notion_n nor_o of_o the_o everlasting_a righteousness_n of_o that_o law_n let_v we_o therefore_o wave_v they_o go_v on_o to_o debate_v the_o dictate_v of_o primitive_a rule_n concern_v time_n and_o i_o find_v but_o two_o thing_n i_o can_v suppose_v injunction_n of_o so_o ancient_a a_o date_n pertain_v to_o it_o 1._o that_o the_o time_n be_v sufficient_a capacious_a enough_o for_o the_o receipt_n of_o religious_a duty_n and_o action_n sufficient_a for_o the_o make_v ample_a inquiry_n and_o search_n into_o divine_a thing_n for_o the_o soul_n commoration_n and_o rest_n upon_o they_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o religious_a business_n and_o duty_n and_o so_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o testification_n of_o our_o honour_n to_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n by_o offer_v such_o a_o proportion_n of_o our_o time_n together_o such_o frequency_n of_o return_n with_o the_o favour_n of_o season_n and_o redeem_v season_n when_o it_o seem_v to_o fly_v from_o we_o that_o in_o all_o we_o may_v have_v a_o liberal_a space_n for_o so_o grand_a a_o business_n in_o our_o more_o state_v and_o occasional_a performance_n 2._o that_o in_o what_o concern_v public_a worship_n the_o time_n be_v commensurate_a as_o in_o the_o former_a particular_a to_o all_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o public_a worship_n the_o occasion_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o and_o particular_o that_o it_o be_v know_v agree_v and_o indict_v for_o that_o service_n but_o for_o the_o seven_o part_n of_o time_n though_o undoubted_o pitch_v upon_o with_o infinite_a wisdom_n justice_n and_o equity_n in_o the_o four_o command_n respect_v divine_a honour_n and_o business_n on_o one_o side_n and_o humane_a occasion_n and_o diversion_n on_o the_o other_o yet_o it_o must_v certain_o be_v say_v the_o original_a â—allowedness_n of_o it_o be_v found_v in_o divine_a command_n and_o must_v bâ—_n convey_v by_o undoubted_a tradition_n of_o that_o command_n have_v no_o more_o natural_a in_o it_o than_o the_o general_a compromise_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o time_n into_o seven_n or_o week_n seldome_o than_o which_o no_o reasonable_a sense_n of_o religion_n can_v allow_v for_o the_o recurrency_n of_o solemn_a public_a worship_n mix_v with_o continue_a private_a devotion_n as_o in_o extraordinary_a to_o every_o day_n service_n else_o i_o can_v perceive_v it_o can_v be_v define_v by_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a understanding_n for_o place_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v also_o necessary_a 1._o that_o place_n be_v as_o agreeable_a as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o end_n secret_a and_o retire_a place_n for_o retire_a and_o secret_a worship_n place_n of_o domestic_a coveniency_n for_o family_n and_o public_a know_v and_o agree_v for_o public_a worship_n 2._o that_o place_n for_o divine_a worship_n have_v the_o decency_n gravity_n and_o solemnity_n that_o be_v suitable_a to_o such_o a_o degree_n and_o quality_n of_o business_n as_o be_v there_o to_o be_v negotiate_v not_o as_o any_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n or_o so_o much_o as_o have_v any_o influential_a conduciveness_n upon_o the_o mind_n in_o such_o action_n but_o sole_o as_o the_o result_n of_o humane_a prudence_n adjust_v every_o thing_n to_o its_o proper_a use_n and_o service_n and_o with_o the_o decorum_n most_o natural_a to_o it_o for_o time_n and_o place_n have_v no_o influence_n upon_o religious_a action_n more_o than_o upon_o all_o common_a humane_a action_n by_o any_o peculiar_a virtue_n of_o their_o own_o they_o can_v without_o a_o peculiar_a sanctification_n from_o god_n with_o which_o he_o by_o his_o reveal_v will_n acquaint_v those_o upon_o who_o he_o be_v please_v to_o enjoin_v the_o observation_n rise_v any_o high_a than_o themselves_o nor_o can_v humane_a appointment_n extend_v they_o beyond_o expediency_n and_o decency_n the_o ordinary_a rule_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n civil_a and_o humane_a be_v square_v devotion_n can_v mount_v nothing_o high_o than_o its_o own_o true_a elevation_n as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n devotion_n i_o say_v and_o zeal_n ascend_v up_o to_o god_n yet_o they_o leave_v the_o thing_n they_o use_v behind_o to_o rest_v in_o their_o own_o station_n it_o be_v a_o divine_a power_n that_o make_v any_o thing_n divine_a or_o sacred_a or_o efficacious_a to_o any_o such_o production_n without_o this_o every_o thing_n rest_v upon_o its_o own_o basis_n of_o natural_a aptitude_n observe_v and_o employ_v by_o reason_n to_o those_o end_n and_o purpose_n whereunto_o that_o aptitude_n serve_v time_n and_o place_n rate_v beyond_o themselves_o become_v injurious_a to_o religious_a service_n receive_v more_o of_o the_o mind_n attendance_n and_o respect_n than_o be_v due_a to_o they_o which_o be_v whole_o oblige_v to_o a_o total_a sole_a and_o single_a determination_n upon_o the_o divine_a majesty_n itself_o must_v not_o look_v off_o from_o it_o but_o under_o the_o peril_n of_o move_v that_o jealousy_n god_n express_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o not_o thus_o yet_o they_o beget_v in_o man_n injurious_a thought_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o dwell_v in_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n and_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n confine_v there_o whereas_o except_o by_o his_o own_o choice_n upon_o certain_a reason_n as_o among_o the_o jew_n all_o place_n be_v alike_o and_o he_o equal_o accept_v those_o that_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n he_o that_o inhabit_v ubiquity_n be_v no_o more_o offend_v 24._o joh._n 4._o 21_o 23_o 24._o or_o disdain_v mean_a and_o unadorned_a place_n for_o his_o service_n than_o stately_a structure_n to_o misdeem_v so_o of_o god_n have_v a_o degree_n of_o that_o folly_n that_o will_v restrain_v his_o omnipresence_n lest_o it_o shall_v be_v defile_v with_o the_o sordidness_n of_o some_o reception_n nauseous_a to_o we_o not_o know_v that_o infinite_a spirit_n feel_v not_o the_o passion_n of_o body_n our_o saviour_n make_v use_v of_o any_o place_n for_o heavenly_a discourse_n and_o prayer_n to_o observe_v day_n or_o time_n carry_v a_o suspicion_n that_o he_o who_o inhabit_v eternity_n and_o be_v lord_n of_o time_n be_v not_o all_o time_n the_o same_o and_o therefore_o the_o heathen_a that_o have_v corrupt_v natural_a religion_n watch_v for_o some_o day_n as_o more_o lucky_a and_o avoid_v other_o as_o unlucky_o in_o their_o attendance_n on_o their_o mock-deity_n yet_o do_v god_n allow_v to_o man_n the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a choice_n of_o their_o own_o convenience_n in_o his_o worship_n both_o for_o time_n or_o place_n not_o presume_v to_o sanctify_v any_o thing_n to_o he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o first_o sanctify_v to_o himself_o for_o who_o know_v how_o to_o choose_v for_o he_o or_o who_o be_v able_a to_o give_v to_o he_o first_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o determination_n of_o natural_a reason_n if_o it_o use_v its_o own_o light_n and_o discharge_v its_o own_o trust_n have_v speak_v thus_o brief_o of_o time_n and_o place_n i_o come_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n distinction_n or_o separation_n of_o person_n for_o divine_a office_n how_o far_o it_o be_v direct_v by_o natural_a religion_n under_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n patriarchal_a eldership_n nearness_n to_o the_o creation_n and_o continual_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o history_n of_o god_n treaty_n and_o deal_n with_o man_n together_o with_o the_o power_n gravity_n authority_n resident_a in_o it_o carry_v the_o most_o fit_a administration_n of_o divine_a thing_n along_o with_o it_o so_o that_o the_o pontifical_a prophetic_a and_o royal_a authority_n accumulate_v upon_o they_o this_o seem_v unquestionable_a in_o reason_n scripture_n history_n and_o universal_a tradition_n 2._o after_o the_o multiplication_n of_o family_n into_o nation_n and_o
wisdom_n and_o goodness_n yet_o it_o be_v speak_v to_o we_o in_o the_o plain_a language_n as_o if_o god_n carry_v it_o as_o prince_n do_v in_o their_o magnificence_n who_o glory_n be_v in_o their_o great_a court_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o attendant_n and_o people_n spectator_n admirer_n and_o tributary_n to_o their_o lustre_n 2._o i_o argue_v to_o the_o publickness_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o good_a it_o do_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n it_o be_v from_o hence_o the_o great_a wisdom_n to_o win_v soul_n and_o they_o that_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n shall_v shine_v as_o the_o star_n now_o the_o offer_n of_o true_a religion_n to_o they_o that_o have_v it_o not_o before_o the_o persuasion_n of_o it_o upon_o those_o that_o have_v not_o yet_o obey_v it_o tend_v to_o their_o conversion_n repentance_n to_o their_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n they_o therefore_o that_o have_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n use_v all_o mean_n out_o 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and_o dependence_n of_o thing_n and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o perfect_a anarchy_n and_o confusion_n he_o have_v out_o asunder_o the_o sinew_n of_o government_n and_o lay_v all_o open_a to_o spoil_v and_o waste_v 2._o he_o have_v undermine_v all_o gratitude_n and_o dissolve_v the_o law_n of_o it_o see_v receipt_n of_o be_v and_o preservation_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o gratitude_n and_o he_o that_o deny_v this_o untie_v the_o obligation_n of_o parental_a love_n and_o affection_n in_o child_n of_o duty_n and_o subjection_n in_o inferior_n and_o so_o offer_v to_o deprive_v they_o of_o superior_n care_v and_o protection_n and_o there_o be_v no_o subterfuge_n allowable_a in_o this_o case_n for_o every_o man_n know_v he_o be_v neither_o the_o author_n of_o his_o own_o be_v nor_o the_o thing_n that_o support_v it_o must_v therefore_o know_v he_o be_v indebt_v for_o his_o be_v and_o preservation_n somewhere_o and_o where_o can_v he_o so_o return_v it_o with_o reason_n as_o 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but_o to_o all_o the_o intent_n and_o purpose_n of_o it_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o deserve_v the_o same_o condemnation_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o worship_n it_o must_v be_v public_a and_o not_o private_a only_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v the_o universal_a interest_n and_o concernment_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o his_o honour_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o be_v most_o just_o under_o the_o inspection_n of_o magistrate_n with_o who_o common_a interest_n be_v entrust_v beside_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n upon_o community_n as_o community_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o single_a person_n in_o their_o private_a capacity_n to_o worship_n god_n and_o indeed_o the_o great_a the_o community_n the_o more_o solemn_a the_o service_n the_o great_a glory_n rise_v up_o to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o the_o zeal_n of_o man_n devotion_n mutual_o more_o excite_v and_o enkindle_v this_o therefore_o be_v most_o deserve_o under_o the_o public_a eye_n of_o authority_n but_o this_o 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lowly_a adoration_n of_o and_o astonishment_n at_o his_o incomprehensible_a perfection_n in_o a_o reverence_n fear_v and_o most_o intent_n love_v of_o he_o in_o a_o ready_a obedientialness_n to_o all_o his_o command_n and_o counsel_n in_o a_o steadfast_a trust_n and_o reliance_n upon_o his_o divine_a assistance_n infinite_a goodness_n bounty_n and_o expectation_n of_o his_o gracious_a recompense_n in_o humble_a aspire_n to_o his_o likeness_n and_o the_o fruition_n of_o he_o for_o ever_o and_o all_o this_o with_o a_o continual_a eye_n at_o his_o glory_n and_o not_o to_o any_o low_a end_n but_o in_o subordination_n to_o this_o high_a for_o see_v there_o be_v such_o a_o infinite_o glorious_a be_v as_o god_n this_o be_v a_o undoubted_a law_n of_o rational_a religion_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o aim_v at_o his_o glory_n and_o this_o be_v one_o essential_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o grace_n of_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n and_o the_o morality_n of_o the_o virtuous_a heathen_a that_o 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behaviour_n and_o these_o only_a as_o follow_v and_o wait_v upon_o rational_a service_n which_o be_v all_o that_o natural_a religion_n require_v of_o outward_a ceremony_n this_o worship_n of_o god_n then_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o wisdom_n and_o holy_a reason_n concern_v he_o arise_v from_o deep_a meditation_n and_o contemplation_n of_o he_o discourse_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o conformity_n with_o his_o excellent_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o declaration_n of_o his_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n of_o his_o final_a judgement_n of_o that_o chief_a of_o his_o sublunary_a work_n humane_a nature_n observation_n of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o man_n by_o sin_n the_o discourse_n of_o the_o possible_a recovery_n and_o restoration_n of_o man_n by_o repentance_n of_o the_o infinite_a patience_n of_o god_n and_o his_o readiness_n to_o pardon_v as_o a_o strong_a incentive_a to_o repentance_n for_o
to_o have_v their_o effect_n there_o be_v many_o other_o in_o the_o event_n incurable_a evil_n upon_o man_n in_o despite_n of_o right_a reason_n the_o cure_n of_o which_o yet_o any_o one_o may_v free_o offer_v and_o discouse_n 2._o have_v thus_o far_o insist_v upon_o the_o first_o particular_a under_o this_o head_n of_o natural_a religion_n i_o come_v to_o show_v the_o agreeableness_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o natural_a in_o what_o it_o reveal_v above_o and_o beyond_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o our_o acceptance_n of_o christian_a religion_n thereupon_o which_o be_v the_o second_o head_n propose_v and_o that_o i_o may_v make_v this_o the_o clear_a let_v it_o be_v distribute_v into_o these_o three_o branch_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v hereby_o necessary_o suppose_v natural_a religion_n be_v give_v to_o be_v a_o test_n and_o touchstone_n of_o truth_n in_o religion_n 2._o that_o christian_a religion_n have_v such_o a_o evident_a agreement_n with_o natural_a 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faith_n in_o divine_a mercy_n and_o last_o of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n now_o in_o all_o these_o as_o i_o premise_v natural_a religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o what_o be_v find_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o sullied_a state_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n at_o such_o vast_a distance_n from_o the_o day_n of_o innocency_n or_o so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o cold_a liveless_a climate_n of_o philosophic_a morality_n but_o by_o what_o discover_v itself_o when_o these_o freeze_a benumb_a principle_n relent_v and_o be_v thaughn_n by_o the_o warm_a beam_n of_o reveal_v truth_n by_o what_o man_n do_v and_o must_v acknowledge_v when_o they_o come_v to_o themselves_o then_o the_o minister_n of_o natural_a righteousness_n out_o of_o and_o according_a to_o divine_a revelation_n be_v 11._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 11._o make_v manifest_a in_o man_n conscience_n and_o they_o speak_v and_o write_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o shall_v acknowledge_v to_o 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the_o son_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o eternity_n itself_o it_o be_v of_o everlasting_a inviolable_a truth_n there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o christianity_n there_o be_v one_o mediator_n 6._o 1_o tim._n 2._o 5._o 1_o cor._n 8_o 6._o between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n there_o be_v one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o in_o he_o and_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o by_o he_o and_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n 3._o joh._n 17._o 3._o and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v thus_o the_o divine_a unity_n be_v preserve_v and_o lest_o the_o obligation_n to_o a_o mediator_n to_o a_o redeemer_n shall_v abate_v or_o interfere_v with_o the_o obligation_n to_o the_o one_o god_n and_o father_n the_o mediator_n be_v always_o make_v know_v to_o we_o as_o the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n the_o brightness_n of_o his_o 3._o heb._n 1._o 3._o glory_n though_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n the_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n so_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o one_o mediator_n infinite_o and_o incomprehensible_o unite_v and_o circulate_v in_o one_o with_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n so_o far_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2d_o phil._n 2._o 2d_o from_o any_o the_o least_o contradictoriness_n to_o that_o fundamental_a natural_a principle_n of_o one_o god_n and_o as_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v to_o the_o utmost_a and_o above_o all_o we_o can_v think_v for_o in_o the_o high_a glory_n of_o knowledge_n it_o be_v we_o know_v certain_o impossible_a to_o know_v any_o high_a mediator_n any_o other_o mediator_n than_o our_o one_o mediator_n for_o as_o a_o man_n can_v rise_v no_o high_o than_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o high_o be_v than_o god_n so_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a redeemer_n and_o mediator_n than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a acceptance_n 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this_o chapter_n with_o a_o exhortation_n etc._n ver._n 1_o etc._n etc._n to_o rejoice_v in_o god_n and_o in_o that_o excellent_a state_n of_o christianity_n into_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v immediate_o have_v his_o eye_n upon_o the_o legalist_n that_o trouble_v those_o clear_a water_n and_o damp_v the_o joy_n of_o christian_n a_o point_n he_o be_v much_o upon_o and_o very_o safe_a for_o they_o often_o to_o hear_v have_v as_o i_o say_v his_o eye_n upon_o those_o legalist_n who_o indeed_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n and_o encounter_v the_o main_a design_n of_o it_o as_o he_o by_o the_o apostolic_a spirit_n discern_o know_v he_o cautious_a christian_n against_o they_o under_z very_o black_a character_n dog_n of_o rabid_v and_o rend_a spirit_n evil_a worker_n design_v 2._o ver._n 2._o against_o the_o good_a the_o gospel_n introduce_v disguise_v themselves_o under_o the_o venerable_a name_n of_o the_o circumcision_n when_o they_o be_v quite_o another_o thing_n viz._n the_o concision_n a_o 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may_v have_v hear_v the_o fame_n of_o it_o with_o their_o ear_n it_o be_v the_o way_n find_v out_o and_o declare_v by_o he_o that_o make_v weight_n for_o the_o wind_n and_o balance_n for_o the_o cloud_n it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n and_o depart_v from_o evil_n the_o true_a understanding_n there_o lie_v the_o peace_n of_o natural_a religion_n it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o christianity_n see_v and_o publish_v by_o christ_n jesus_n the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n that_o be_v the_o peace_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o proper_a excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o its_o very_a intention_n to_o bring_v this_o way_n both_o as_o natural_a and_o christian_n to_o light_v to_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o to_o give_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o it_o to_o sweeten_v man_n temper_n to_o the_o good_a nature_n of_o it_o that_o every_o one_o in_o a_o clear_a and_o still_a air_n not_o 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religion_n may_v have_v the_o same_o scope_n and_o freedom_n that_o the_o wave_n have_v in_o the_o sea_n christianity_n have_v always_o the_o ground_n ready_a by_o it_o and_o with_o it_o and_o to_o present_v they_o in_o their_o rational_a possibility_n be_v a_o vindication_n of_o divine_a justice_n righteousness_n and_o goodness_n a_o offerture_n to_o man_n to_o be_v happy_a nor_o will_v the_o platform_n be_v always_o utopian_a the_o day_n will_v come_v when_o it_o shall_v pass_v into_o life_n power_n and_o effect_n now_o whenever_o this_o shall_v be_v in_o its_o glory_n that_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n that_o curse_n that_o lie_v upon_o the_o earth_n that_o vail_n of_o the_o cover_v spread_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o all_o nation_n that_o severe_a indignation_n of_o god_n against_o humane_a nature_n shall_v be_v remove_v the_o spirit_n shall_v be_v pour_v out_o upon_o all_o flesh_n the_o light_n of_o one_o day_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o light_n of_o seven_o all_o flesh_n shall_v see_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n together_o so_o come_v come_v thus_o lord_n jesus_n even_o so_o amen_n i_o have_v thus_o far_o make_v a_o lamentation_n upon_o the_o general_n state_n of_o the_o world_n in_o relation_n to_o religion_n which_o till_o some_o such_o mighty_a influence_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n as_o i_o have_v intimate_v upon_o it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n for_o the_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n will_v be_v full_a of_o the_o habitation_n of_o cruelty_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o habitation_n of_o cruelty_n will_v be_v furnish_v with_o the_o instrument_n of_o cruelty_n and_o therefore_o oh_o my_o soul_n come_v not_o into_o their_o secret_n unto_o their_o assembly_n my_o honour_n be_v not_o thou_o unite_v for_o in_o their_o anger_n they_o slay_v and_o destroy_v and_o in_o their_o self-will_n they_o dig_v down_o wall_n curse_a be_v their_o anger_n for_o it_o be_v fierce_a and_o their_o wrath_n for_o it_o be_v cruel_a their_o drink-offering_n of_o blood_n will_v i_o not_o offer_v nor_o take_v their_o name_n of_o religion_n into_o my_o mouth_n i_o shall_v therefore_o leave_v they_o and_o address_v the_o close_a of_o this_o discourse_n to_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o the_o excellent_a in_o who_o be_v all_o my_o delight_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o call_v we_o to_o the_o review_n of_o the_o excellent_a christian_a religion_n even_o as_o natural_a religion_n all_o essence_n all_o substance_n trace_v it_o throughout_o all_o its_o doctrine_n worship_n rule_n of_o life_n they_o be_v all_o by_o their_o very_a goodness_n plain_a to_o he_o that_o understand_v and_o right_a to_o they_o that_o find_v knowledge_n there_o be_v nothing_o froward_a nor_o perverse_a in_o they_o its_o band_n of_o peace_n be_v not_o politic_a or_o worldly_a intrigue_n no_o ceremonial_a symbolism_n or_o ritual_a shibbole_v but_o ponderous_a verity_n and_o divine_a love_n all_o the_o show_n or_o appearance_n any_o religion_n can_v make_v be_v but_o a_o ray_n borrow_v from_o its_o divine_a perfection_n a_o derivation_n from_o its_o light_n or_o from_o natural_a religion_n which_o be_v itself_o for_o pure_a natural_a religion_n be_v christian_a religion_n if_o you_o suppose_v a_o soul_n without_o sin_n mount_v from_o its_o creature-probaâ—ionership_a to_o its_o high_a perfection_n as_o adam_n if_o not_o have_v 〈◊〉_d from_o paradise_n to_o heaven_n and_o christian_a religion_n be_v natural_a religion_n suppose_v the_o soul_n fall_v and_o rise_v back_o from_o its_o apostasy_n to_o that_o perfection_n by_o the_o redeemer_n 2._o let_v i_o apply_v this_o discourse_n to_o the_o comprimise_n of_o all_o difference_n betwixt_o protestant_n and_o particular_o in_o our_o english_a christian_n nation_n not_o define_v any_o controversal_a point_n but_o urge_v to_o that_o end_n such_o undoubted_a principle_n as_o i_o have_v insist_v upon_o in_o this_o discourse_n 1._o that_o suppose_v a_o national_a church_n can_v be_v make_v out_o to_o satisfaction_n yet_o christian_a kingdom_n be_v so_o considerable_a a_o point_n of_o scripture-prophecy_n that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v so_o far_o therefore_o as_o national_a worship_n can_v be_v agreeable_a to_o a_o man_n conscience_n make_v inquiry_n and_o most_o curious_a search_n into_o the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o as_o to_o his_o duty_n and_o to_o his_o liberty_n also_o and_o possible_a freedom_n from_o scruple_n every_o christian_a be_v oblige_v to_o glorify_v god_n in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o he_o and_o confession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o his_o native_a country_n suppose_v a_o man_n shall_v retire_v to_o particular_a private_a congregation_n to_o supply_v what_o he_o may_v find_v want_v in_o the_o national_a constitution_n to_o complete_a all_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a communion_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o yet_o still_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o promote_v and_o encourage_v national_a religion_n so_o far_o as_o it_o extend_v to_o avoid_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a all_o division_n and_o profess_a separation_n from_o it_o by_o put_v the_o fair_a construction_n and_o the_o kind_a hope_n upon_o those_o thing_n that_o seem_v doubtful_a and_o as_o little_o infringe_v the_o authority_n of_o law_n as_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o sentiment_n of_o conscience_n and_o a_o due_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o liberty_n god_n have_v give_v man_n of_o judge_v for_o their_o own_o soul_n as_o in_o his_o sight_n viz._n in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o so_o indisputable_a or_o those_o grand_a point_n of_o christianity_n in_o which_o a_o christian_a can_v have_v no_o allowance_n in_o all_o thing_n else_o a_o christian_a have_v a_o liberty_n but_o so_o that_o he_o must_v not_o use_v that_o his_o liberty_n as_o a_o cloak_n of_o maliciousness_n but_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n give_v due_a honour_n to_o 16._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 16._o all_o i_o will_v therefore_o propose_v these_o three_o consideration_n to_o draw_v man_n to_o the_o great_a conjunction_n with_o national_a religian_a that_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n be_v reconcile_v with_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n considerate_a 1._o that_o if_o we_o examine_v thing_n by_o scripture_n there_o be_v many_o abatement_n from_o the_o supposeable_a evil_n of_o external_a observance_n of_o which_o we_o may_v lawful_o make_v our_o utmost_a advantage_n to_o so_o great_a a_o good_a as_o our_o profess_a conjunction_n with_o national_a religion_n while_o substantial_o good_a though_o the_o high_a place_n i_o 14._o 1_o king_n 15._o 14._o mean_v thing_n equivalent_a in_o our_o opinion_n be_v not_o take_v away_o as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o excellent_a king_n of_o judah_n first_o then_o as_o fundamental_a to_o this_o case_n i_o suppose_v these_o two_o thing_n equiponderate_v one_o another_o 1._o the_o high_a character_n of_o national_a christian_a
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 must_v needs_o be_v that_o scandal_n come_v i_o come_v to_o a_o brief_a dispatch_n of_o the_o four_o head_n the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o world_n woe_n because_o of_o scandal_n 1._o let_v the_o scandal_n be_v never_o so_o fair_a and_o plausible_a in_o its_o pretence_n or_o reason_n of_o seduction_n from_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o force_n of_o truth_n and_o high_a reason_n against_o it_o that_o our_o gild_n and_o condemnation_n be_v unavoidable_a in_o not_o resist_v the_o temptation_n nothing_o can_v justify_v a_o plea_n against_o the_o divine_a law_n not_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n we_o must_v pronounce_v anathema_n upon_o he_o if_o he_o undertake_v it_o there_o be_v such_o foundation_n of_o truth_n lay_v by_o god_n that_o can_v be_v move_v and_o they_o have_v such_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n to_o all_o sincere_a mind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o excuse_n against_o the_o gild_n of_o be_v take_v with_o scandal_n 2._o there_o be_v therefore_o always_o some_o most_o guilty_a cause_n of_o scandal_n and_o its_o prevalency_n within_o every_o man_n that_o be_v take_v by_o it_o some_o lust_n and_o love_n of_o evil_n that_o betray_v he_o and_o on_o which_o he_o be_v condemn_v when_o scandal_n rage_v most_o abroad_o and_o come_v with_o lie_v sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n it_o be_v because_o man_n have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o 3._o scandal_n be_v itself_o misery_n and_o ruin_n a_o man_n can_v fall_v and_o be_v snare_v he_o can_v be_v wound_v and_o break_v but_o he_o must_v be_v miserable_a life_n health_n salvation_n be_v only_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o conformity_n to_o his_o holy_a will._n who_o have_v woe_n who_o have_v wound_n who_o have_v grief_n but_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v scandal_n against_o the_o divine_a truth_n this_o be_v a_o deep_a ditch_n he_o only_o that_o be_v hate_v of_o god_n fall_v 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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to_o it_o and_z as_o you_o have_v opportunity_n reason_v they_o out_o of_o the_o one_o by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o other_o cap._n v._o of_o the_o public_a or_o divine_a original_a of_o sacred_a write_n or_o scripture_n quest_n see_v scripture_n be_v the_o only_a public_a record_n of_o true_a pure_a natural_a religion_n and_o more_o eminent_o of_o reveal_v it_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v full_o inform_v in_o all_o point_n concern_v it_o and_o first_o what_o care_n god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o take_v that_o his_o word_n and_o pure_o that_o shall_v be_v commit_v to_o write_v answ_n god_n hold_v the_o hand_n and_o pen_n of_o holy_a man_n by_o a_o efficacious_a overshadow_v their_o mind_n and_o conduct_v all_o their_o motion_n that_o they_o can_v not_o err_v in_o some_o thing_n he_o so_o full_o possess_v their_o understanding_n and_o affection_n with_o a_o full_a knowledge_n and_o sense_n of_o what_o they_o be_v to_o reveal_v that_o they_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o muse_v 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high_a elevation_n be_v but_o create_v and_o create_v be_v not_o firm_a and_o sure_a enough_o for_o a_o foundation_n nor_o can_v it_o raise_v a_o assent_n noble_a and_o generous_a enough_o for_o a_o faith_n in_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a all_o that_o can_v be_v summon_v may_v be_v a_o outward_a fortification_n or_o introduction_n but_o the_o rock_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n divinity_n itself_o upon_o this_o the_o church_n be_v build_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v against_o it_o quest_n but_o be_v there_o no_o part_n of_o scripture_n that_o receive_v great_a service_n from_o humane_a testimony_n than_o other_o answ_n there_o be_v some_o part_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v but_o ministerial_a and_o almost_o servile_a in_o comparison_n of_o other_o and_o that_o these_o be_v find_v in_o all_o authentic_a copy_n and_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o from_o age_n to_o age_n with_o the_o sacred_a roll_n may_v depend_v more_o upon_o humane_a testimony_n especial_o where_o the_o connexion_n with_o the_o more_o divine_a part_n be_v not_o evident_a for_o these_o be_v but_o as_o the_o body_n and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o the_o more_o remote_a part_n from_o the_o soul_n of_o scripture_n can_v sparkle_v that_o divine_a light_n and_o heat_v the_o spirit_n of_o scripture_n do_v and_o so_o may_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o borrow_a light_n from_o the_o superior_a luminary_n of_o sacred_a truth_n and_o in_o many_o case_n may_v like_o the_o moon_n need_v reflection_n of_o light_n from_o our_o very_a earth_n but_o the_o sun_n of_o scripture_n receive_v the_o high_a testimony_n by_o the_o strong_a reflection_n of_o its_o own_o original_a beam_n quest_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v such_o different_a degree_n of_o scripture-excellency_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o one_o even_o form_n of_o doctrine_n methodical_o lay_v together_o and_o of_o the_o same_o tenor_n of_o discourse_n answ_n in_o 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desire_v your_o more_o full_a explanation_n of_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o power_n accompany_v it_o answ_n i_o will_v very_o willing_o do_v as_o you_o desire_v and_o begin_v with_o the_o apostle_n quest_n wherein_o stand_v their_o power_n answ_n it_o stand_v in_o their_o preach_v act_v direct_v govern_v by_o that_o immediate_a and_o infallible_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o write_v and_o seal_v scripture_n and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v so_o guard_v every_o way_n that_o they_o can_v turn_v neither_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a in_o any_o thing_n wherein_o they_o exercise_v this_o power_n quest_n how_o be_v this_o power_n justify_v answ_n by_o the_o divineness_n substantial_a goodness_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o their_o prescription_n propose_v in_o all_o the_o method_n of_o rational_a discourse_n and_o manifestation_n of_o themselves_o in_o man_n conscience_n witness_v to_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o authorise_v by_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n general_o of_o beneficence_n or_o do_v good_a and_o in_o some_o but_o spare_v instance_n of_o infliction_n of_o bodily_a pain_n or_o death_n quest_n do_v the_o apostle_n never_o err_v in_o their_o administration_n answ_n whenever_o that_o infallible_a guidance_n be_v not_o present_a to_o they_o they_o may_v err_v as_o be_v before_o observe_v in_o the_o apostle_n peter_n miscarriage_n which_o no_o doubt_n be_v record_v to_o show_v their_o power_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o but_o in_o the_o divine_a spirit_n act_v by_o they_o that_o none_o in_o after-age_n may_v pretend_v to_o dictate_v as_o their_o successor_n have_v not_o their_o power_n and_o yet_o require_v obedience_n as_o if_o they_o have_v it_o whereas_o even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o may_v err_v and_o so_o lose_v their_o power_n if_o never_o so_o little_o desert_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o what_o they_o consign_v over_o to_o 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revelation_n commit_v to_o they_o to_o commit_v the_o same_o to_o other_o by_o direction_n from_o the_o same_o spirit_n who_o give_v they_o discern_v to_o who_o to_o entrust_v it_o till_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n be_v seal_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n else_o they_o own_v themselves_o compresbyter_n as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n style_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n with_o presbyter_n quest_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v we_o be_v to_o conclude_v that_o the_o whole_a power_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n be_v retain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n answ_n it_o be_v so_o for_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n be_v the_o only_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n which_o glory_n he_o will_v not_o give_v to_o another_o whatever_o power_n can_v be_v suppose_v resident_a in_o the_o whole_a church_n together_o be_v no_o other_o than_o in_o that_o word_n of_o truth_n public_o offer_v by_o it_o the_o apostle_n power_n be_v only_o the_o presence_n of_o that_o word_n to_o they_o by_o the_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o preach_a it_o throughout_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o sound_v the_o christian_a church_n such_o be_v the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o any_o extraordinary_a minister_n under_o they_o the_o and_o constant_a rulership_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n remain_v unmovable_o in_o the_o word_n which_o it_o be_v their_o office_n to_o speak_v quest_n be_v not_o those_o we_o distinguish_o call_v bishop_n successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o preeminency_n they_o have_v over_o other_o pastor_n and_o elder_n answ_n that_o successor_n to_o the_o preeminency_n of_o the_o apostle_n may_v be_v well_o establish_v three_o thing_n be_v necessary_a 1._o that_o there_o be_v find_v and_o produce_v distinct_a command_n give_v in_o scripture_n â—o_o the_o inferior_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o obey_v superior_a minister_n or_o bishop_n command_v to_o christian_n to_o obey_v inferior_a minister_n or_o ordinary_a presbyter_n as_o inferior_a minister_n with_o respect_n to_o superior_a minister_n and_o those_o superior_a minister_n as_o superior_n we_o must_v find_v the_o apostle_n distinguish_v ordinary_a presbyter_n as_o inferior_a minister_n with_o respect_n to_o superior_a minister_n and_o those_o superior_a minister_n as_o superior_n as_o we_o find_v he_o distinguish_v civil_a magistrate_n into_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a and_o governor_n as_o those_o that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o 2._o see_v it_o be_v very_o clear_a and_o apparent_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o distant_a from_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o to_o constitute_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o make_v a_o great_a figure_n without_o as_o great_a a_o use_n or_o end_v and_o that_o christ_n have_v not_o give_v power_n to_o his_o ruler_n to_o command_v
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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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 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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
we_o whatever_a small_a distinction_n make_v the_o they_o and_o the_o we_o be_v both_o one_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n we_o ought_v therefore_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o all_o so_o unite_v though_o not_o bind_v up_o in_o the_o same_o form_n with_o we_o for_o a_o gracious_a audience_n and_o reception_n of_o their_o and_o our_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o union_n in_o the_o main_a may_v convey_v all_o our_o service_n into_o one_o before_o god_n where_o indeed_o if_o they_o be_v as_o he_o require_v they_o meet_v strip_v of_o all_o their_o outward_a circumstance_n form_n and_o ceremony_n faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v alone_o able_a to_o mount_v thither_o with_o they_o and_o service_n so_o raise_v can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v spare_v for_o small_a difference_n in_o a_o national_a religious_a interest_n for_o the_o angel_n of_o all_o such_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o our_o father_n in_o heaven_n if_o darius_n though_o a_o heathen_a prince_n have_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o virtue_n 10_o ezr._n 6._o 10_o of_o that_o true_a religion_n he_o be_v not_o of_o as_o to_o engage_v those_o of_o so_o great_a difference_n from_o he_o in_o their_o sense_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o son_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o who_o be_v all_o of_o the_o same_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n and_o know_v the_o force_n and_o energy_n of_o it_o by_o great_a act_n of_o favour_n to_o one_o another_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o can_v be_v whole_o one_o yet_o all_o join_v in_o pray_v for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o one_o another_o service_n and_o the_o service_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n whereof_o we_o be_v not_o only_o civil_a but_o religious_a member_n and_o if_o we_o be_v true_o religious_a shall_v be_v so_o account_v with_o god_n yet_o with_o the_o abatement_n of_o our_o sinful_a difference_n and_o division_n how_o shall_v we_o therefore_o unite_v that_o we_o may_v lose_v none_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v wrought_v but_o may_v receive_v a_o full_a reward_n rule_n 6._o it_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o our_o nation_n that_o if_o any_o man_n truâ—y_o understand_v consider_v and_o pronounce_v of_o our_o national_a religion_n it_o stand_v in_o the_o scripture_n make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n in_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n repentance_n love_n of_o god_n fear_v of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n all_o act_n of_o justice_n love_n mercy_n compassion_n true_a sincere_a preach_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n prayer_n use_v of_o sacrament_n the_o lordsday_n religious_a discourse_n &_o conference_n catechetical_a instruction_n and_o education_n of_o youth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n restraint_n of_o atheism_n irreligion_n intemperance_n and_o sensuality_n general_o and_o throughout_o the_o nation_n compulsion_n of_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o man_n to_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n and_o his_o worship_n for_o what_o be_v hypocrisy_n in_o they_o may_v turn_v to_o the_o salvation_n of_o good_a man_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o say_v again_o that_o be_v true_o our_o national_a religion_n all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o order_n decency_n outward_a form_n or_o mode_n be_v but_o the_o vehicle_n the_o conveyance_n of_o that_o true_a religion_n if_o the_o main_a end_n of_o which_o be_v obtain_v viz._n that_o these_o religious_a act_n be_v perform_v but_o with_o that_o peace_n and_o freedom_n from_o confusion_n confusion_n destructive_a of_o all_o public_a action_n and_o with_o that_o honourableness_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o every_o nation_n and_o this_o nation_n particular_o in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o religious_a worship_n it_o be_v enough_o and_o whatever_o on_o these_o account_n be_v command_v in_o our_o national_a religion_n i_o free_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v as_o reconcilable_a with_o these_o character_n forbear_v such_o who_o though_o agree_v in_o all_o main_a thing_n upon_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o understand_v they_o so_o can_v acquiesce_v in_o they_o as_o so_o who_o deserve_v compassion_n these_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v no_o partition-wall_n in_o our_o national_a worship_v of_o god_n one_o with_o another_o nor_o can_v they_o without_o great_a rigour_n and_o censor_n ousness_n very_o evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v condemn_v in_o those_o who_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o substantial_a national_a religion_n the_o publickness_n and_o more_o universal_a benefit_n of_o it_o wherein_o they_o be_v most_o true_o zealous_a pay_v obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o they_o rule_n 7._o let_v we_o all_o strive_v labour_n preach_v hear_v and_o pray_v and_o even_o suffer_v in_o the_o reformation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o endeavour_n to_o reform_v all_o other_o according_a to_o the_o most_o excellent_a rule_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n profess_v in_o this_o kingdom_n as_o our_o national_a religion_n that_o it_o may_v be_v find_v to_o praise_n honour_n and_o glory_n at_o the_o appear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v think_v worthy_a to_o stand_v before_o the_o son_n of_o man_n at_o his_o come_n before_o who_o nothing_o but_o the_o gold_n and_o precious_a stone_n of_o substantial_a truth_n and_o goodness_n can_v stand_v all_o else_o will_v be_v burn_v off_o as_o hay_o and_o chaff_n by_o the_o fire_n of_o that_o day_n and_o they_o that_o have_v be_v hot_a and_o contentious_a for_o they_o be_v save_v only_o as_o by_o fire_n with_o difficulty_n and_o loss_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o our_o union_n and_o love_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n may_v be_v to_o we_o a_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o presence_n of_o his_o protection_n and_o blessing_n that_o neither_o our_o candlestick_n may_v be_v remove_v nor_o our_o nation_n the_o present_a place_n of_o it_o be_v take_v away_o for_o general_o both_o be_v remove_v one_o with_o the_o other_o or_o soon_o after_o one_o another_o rule_n 8._o let_v no_o man_n be_v discourage_v from_o the_o most_o zealous_a affectionate_a join_v himself_o to_o and_o promote_a national_a religion_n because_o oâ—_n that_o veneration_n due_a to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o church_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n for_o a_o nation_n unite_v in_o true_a christian_a religion_n differ_v no_o more_o in_o the_o strict_a notion_n from_o a_o church_n than_o a_o body_n of_o man_n unite_v and_o consecrate_v to_o god_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n differ_v from_o a_o society_n unite_v and_o consecrate_v to_o god_n according_a to_o a_o institution_n that_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o institution_n plant_v in_o nature_n differ_v from_o a_o institution_n give_v by_o revelation_n for_o one_o be_v the_o appointment_n of_o god_n of_o old_a from_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o humane_a society_n the_o other_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o inability_n of_o it_o to_o its_o end_n a_o institution_n therefore_o do_v not_o repeal_v a_o natural_a law_n but_o take_v care_n it_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v and_o complete_v in_o its_o chief_a end_n israel_n be_v a_o church_n to_o god_n be_v so_o devote_v to_o he_o by_o his_o own_o institution_n and_o it_o be_v a_o holy_a nation_n according_a to_o the_o original_a 6._o exod._n 19_o 6._o law_n be_v elevate_v by_o the_o institution_n to_o its_o true_a perfection_n as_o a_o nation_n the_o christian_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n peter_n write_v as_o they_o be_v a_o church_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n so_o they_o be_v a_o holy_a nation_n as_o he_o style_v they_o succeed_v into_o the_o place_n of_o that_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n consecrate_a to_o god_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n upon_o nation_n though_o but_o stranger_n scatter_v abroad_o yet_o to_o show_v the_o 1â—_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 1â—_n great_a value_n god_n have_v of_o a_o nation_n devote_v to_o he_o they_o be_v style_v a_o holy_a nation_n the_o institution_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o seat_n 9_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 9_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n make_v a_o nation_n unite_v in_o that_o true_a religion_n both_o a_o church_n as_o that_o catholic_n church_n have_v thereby_o a_o residence_n in_o it_o and_o much_o more_o than_o those_o forementioned_a scatter_a jew_n a_o holy_a nation_n as_o it_o be_v national_o resign_v up_o to_o god_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n make_v perfect_a by_o the_o institution_n where_o then_o a_o nation_n be_v unite_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o purity_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o holy_a rule_n of_o practice_n the_o catholic_n love_n of_o all_o christian_n baptise_a into_o the_o same_o body_n make_v to_o drink_v into_o that_o one_o spirit_n in_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n minister_a the_o same_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n infallible_o deliver_v and_o seal_v with_o miracle_n all_o
which_o be_v mark_n of_o segregation_n from_o false_a church_n or_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n false_o so_o call_v here_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n in_o a_o nation_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n and_o here_o be_v the_o holy_a nation_n according_a to_o both_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o institution_n so_o again_o where_o a_o nation_n bring_v home_o religion_n into_o the_o most_o particular_a national_a district_v or_o division_n as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n for_o particular_a church_n here_o be_v a_o nation_n of_o church_n which_o in_o regard_n they_o all_o consent_n in_o one_o national_a union_n be_v without_o any_o impropriety_n style_v a_o national_a church_n and_o every_o such_o society_n be_v both_o a_o holy_a society_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n devote_v to_o god_n and_o a_o church-society_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n direct_v and_o perfect_v that_o law_n of_o nature_n now_o the_o institution_n of_o particular_a church_n by_o christ_n i_o understand_v to_o be_v that_o where_o he_o say_v if_o two_o or_o three_o agree_v and_o be_v gather_v or_o enchurch_v in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o wherein_o he_o do_v not_o only_o encourage_v the_o small_a number_n in_o case_n of_o exigency_n or_o necessity_n but_o couch_v some_o rule_n whereby_o much_o great_a number_n whether_o of_o christian_n in_o separation_n from_o civil_a society_n or_o unite_v according_a to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v form_v as_o first_o in_o all_o except_v the_o universality_n that_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o which_o each_o particular_a must_v therefore_o partake_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o church_n 2._o in_o a_o number_n proportionable_a to_o edification_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christian_a religion_n 3._o in_o the_o humility_n modesty_n and_o unaspiringness_n of_o christianity_n for_o he_o that_o institute_v his_o church_n in_o such_o small_a number_n and_o those_o not_o force_v but_o agree_v project_v nothing_o by_o that_o institution_n for_o domination_n or_o grandieur_fw-fr 4._o in_o the_o simplicity_n and_o plainness_n christian_n religion_n profess_v for_o church_n institute_v in_o such_o a_o paucity_n of_o member_n be_v never_o design_v to_o be_v court_n of_o forensick_a business_n nor_o capable_a of_o subordinate_v themselves_o so_o as_o that_o their_o member_n shall_v be_v fatigue_v with_o long_a and_o tedious_a suit_n and_o appeal_n remove_v from_o one_o part_n to_o another_o worse_o than_o go_v to_o law_n before_o unbeliever_n as_o the_o romish_a tyranny_n have_v contrive_v whereas_o our_o saviour_n method_n for_o complaint_n and_o admonition_n in_o case_n of_o scandal_n for_o reconciliation_n in_o case_n of_o repentance_n or_o severe_a discipline_n in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n be_v natural_a easy_a and_o speedy_a as_o be_v plain_a to_o any_o observer_n 5._o christian_n church_n allow_v in_o two_o or_o three_o show_v the_o care_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o proportion_n betwixt_o the_o strength_n and_o gift_n of_o his_o ordinary_a minister_n since_o the_o cessation_n of_o the_o apostolic_a measure_n and_o their_o charge_n and_o trust_v for_o our_o lord_n will_v not_o by_o his_o institution_n give_v any_o reason_n to_o moses_n his_o complaint_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o bear_v this_o great_a people_n thus_o be_v our_o saviour_n institution_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o though_o it_o do_v not_o lay_v any_o absolute_a interdict_v upon_o the_o true_o prudential_a though_o additional_a constitution_n either_o of_o nation_n or_o other_o humane_a society_n proceed_v according_a to_o the_o general_a maxim_n upon_o which_o society_n strengthen_v themselves_o yet_o with_o this_o caution_n that_o what_o be_v so_o do_v may_v not_o enact_v any_o thing_n by_o which_o the_o main_a and_o great_a end_n of_o this_o institution_n shall_v be_v defeat_v however_o that_o the_o institution_n shall_v never_o be_v plead_v but_o stand_v free_a from_o the_o error_n man_n fall_v too_o often_o into_o in_o pursuit_n of_o the_o maxim_n forenamed_a whereby_o they_o will_v aggrandise_v society_n in_o religious_a thing_n or_o make_v it_o comport_v with_o civil_a state_n but_o that_o his_o institution_n shall_v be_v a_o stand_a rule_n first_o to_o avoid_v they_o after_o to_o discover_v and_o reform_v they_o or_o if_o they_o grow_v extreme_a and_o not_o to_o be_v reduce_v as_o in_o popery_n to_o warrant_v a_o withdraw_n from_o they_o but_o to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o our_o purpose_n if_o the_o main_a end_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o particular_a church_n institute_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n be_v obtain_v there_o be_v no_o encounter_n but_o a_o most_o happy_a agreement_n between_o the_o natural_a law_n of_o national_a religion_n and_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n which_o as_o i_o before_o assert_v be_v not_o to_o be_v draw_v into_o a_o desert_n or_o wilderness_n or_o shut_v up_o in_o cell_n and_o cloister_n or_o confine_v to_o one_o point_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o donatist_n will_v have_v have_v the_o true_a church_n but_o be_v to_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o universe_n of_o nation_n and_o city_n as_o the_o very_a place_n of_o the_o candlestick_n or_o church_n from_o which_o in_o just_a indignation_n to_o those_o place_n when_o unworthy_a of_o they_o they_o be_v remove_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o business_n trade_n and_o conversation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o be_v apparent_a by_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n let_v then_o true_a religion_n as_o christianity_n contend_v and_o will_v at_o last_o in_o much_o high_a degree_n overcome_v be_v as_o wide_a as_o the_o universe_n let_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o christ_n and_o the_o universal_a church_n will_v be_v as_o wide_a bring_v it_o into_o particular_a society_n and_o particular_a church_n will_v be_v as_o many_o as_o numerous_a as_o they_o a_o church-state_n be_v indeed_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n the_o church-catholick_n be_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o universe_n because_o there_o be_v fall_v angel_n unholy_a and_o unhappy_a because_o there_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o same_o state_n but_o this_o be_v only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o happiness_n consequent_a upon_o it_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o separation_n and_o this_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n agree_v in_o thus_o particular_a church_n whenever_o they_o be_v a_o separation_n from_o particular_a society_n it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o its_o due_a administration_n restore_v that_o and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o institution_n become_v both_o one_o then_o a_o nation_n and_o a_o national_a church_n coalesce_v into_o one_o then_o civil_a society_n in_o particular_a and_o particular_a church_n grow_v into_o one_o and_o god_n be_v please_v to_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o with_o great_a delight_n because_o all_o his_o institution_n natural_a and_o reveal_v unite_v in_o one_o i_o have_v only_o one_o caution_n to_o add_v that_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n hither_o to_o in_o the_o world_n be_v far_o from_o perfection_n that_o whethersoever_o we_o look_v we_o can_v find_v it_o so_o that_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o in_o hope_n of_o it_o be_v perpetual_o to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o change_v except_o thing_n be_v no_o way_n tolerable_a but_o the_o very_a substance_n rule_n and_o principle_n be_v corrupt_v and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o art_n of_o retirement_n and_o withdraw_v from_o they_o leave_v we_o shall_v consider_v how_o the_o pious_a jew_n and_o israelite_n how_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n how_o the_o undefiled_a name_n in_o sardis_n manage_v themselves_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o great_a corruption_n what_o retreat_v from_o the_o evil_n and_o yet_o join_v in_o all_o that_o be_v good_a be_v visible_a in_o their_o practice_n what_o kind_n of_o division_n the_o good_a and_o approve_a corinthian_n make_v from_o the_o misdemeanour_n 19_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 19_o of_o the_o bad_a without_o forsake_v the_o church_n that_o we_o may_v imitate_v their_o example_n and_o continue_v to_o do_v the_o great_a service_n to_o the_o church_n or_o nation_n we_o be_v member_n of_o neither_o silence_v our_o due_a resentment_n of_o evil_a in_o our_o place_n and_o station_n nor_o rend_v ourselves_o from_o that_o body_n we_o be_v of_o but_o that_o all_o our_o thing_n 14._o 1_o cor._n 16._o 14._o may_v be_v do_v in_o charity_n rule_n 9_o in_o the_o last_o place_n let_v we_o not_o think_v nation_n and_o other_o incorporation_n of_o mankind_n slide_v away_o with_o this_o world_n and_o be_v whole_o lose_v in_o the_o future_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o only_o
themselves_o they_o may_v then_o taste_v the_o graciousness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gratefulness_n of_o truth_n in_o they_o without_o impose_v on_o any_o other_o who_o can_v see_v by_o their_o light_n 5._o yea_o even_o in_o thing_n controvert_v between_o holy_a wise_a and_o good_a man_n in_o interpret_n scripture_n each_o part_n of_o the_o controversy_n when_o both_o can_v be_v reconcile_v in_o their_o sense_n yet_o support_v and_o make_v strong_a to_o their_o faith_n some_o grand_a evident_a principle_n of_o divine_a and_o public_a truth_n in_o which_o both_o side_n meet_v and_o be_v firm_o unite_v and_o to_o which_o each_o reconcile_v their_o own_o opinion_n wherein_o they_o seem_v to_o differ_v from_o such_o principle_n or_o from_o one_o another_o and_o leave_v a_o middle_a in_o which_o they_o may_v meet_v one_o another_o and_o wherein_o person_n unconcern_v in_o their_o controversy_n rest_v upon_o which_o agitation_n yet_o follow_v great_a illustration_n and_o confirmation_n of_o such_o grand_a principle_n and_o enlargement_n of_o knowledge_n by_o the_o very_a traverse_n of_o dispute_n among_o man_n sincere_o affect_v to_o truth_n and_o who_o search_n into_o it_o without_o the_o love_n of_o contention_n without_o bitterness_n and_o animosity_n but_o humble_o modest_o and_o with_o largeness_n of_o mind_n towards_o those_o that_o dissent_n from_o they_o 6._o god_n the_o friend_n of_o universal_a knowledge_n allow_v the_o soul_n gratification_n of_o itself_o with_o probable_a sentiment_n restrain_v within_o due_a bound_n that_o may_v grow_v from_o scripture-interpretation_n 7._o and_o last_o pardon_n the_o infirmity_n adhere_v to_o humane_a transaction_n in_o this_o most_o necessary_a duty_n of_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o overrule_v such_o miscarriage_n yea_o and_o even_o the_o more_o malevolent_a distemper_n of_o man_n herein_o some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o good_a and_o make_v they_o oftentimes_o servant_n to_o some_o great_a point_n of_o truth_n quest_n 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not_o become_v scripture_n nor_o bind_v any_o one_o under_o the_o curse_n fix_v on_o those_o that_o add_v to_o scripture_n or_o take_v from_o it_o these_o interpretation_n may_v be_v add_v to_o or_o take_v from_o according_a as_o man_n see_v reason_n of_o scripture_n preponderate_v one_o way_n or_o other_o this_o be_v the_o freedom_n of_o scripture_n to_o suffer_v all_o due_a approach_n to_o its_o sense_n this_o be_v its_o most_o severe_a constancy_n to_o refuse_v all_o but_o it_o be_v own_o true_a sense_n 2._o as_o scripture_n be_v not_o of_o any_o interpretation_n but_o it_o be_v own_o native_a sense_n so_o its_o sense_n be_v of_o no_o other_o evidence_n but_o of_o spiritual_a divine_a and_o true_o rational_a evidence_n so_o that_o if_o any_o man_n do_v not_o bring_v such_o proof_n of_o scripture_n sense_n as_o agree_v with_o scripture_n way_n of_o evidence_v itself_o and_o scripture_n way_n be_v not_o that_o of_o private_a authority_n or_o humane_a imposition_n but_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o presence_n his_o interpretation_n however_o true_a yet_o do_v not_o bind_v as_o it_o be_v his_o interpretation_n or_o upon_o any_o other_o recommendation_n but_o scripture_n proper_a way_n of_o recommend_v itself_o i_o speak_v as_o to_o wise_a man_n judge_v you_o what_o i_o say_v quest_n what_o then_o be_v that_o private_a interpretation_n the_o apostle_n remonstrate_v against_o answ_n all_o interpretation_n that_o bring_v no_o credential_n from_o evident_a scripture-sense_n nor_o from_o heaven_n of_o immediate_a inspiration_n much_o more_o if_o false_a or_o mean_v and_o impossible_a to_o be_v so_o derive_v and_o yet_o will_v impale_v and_o enclose_v scripture_n within_o itself_o and_o impose_v itself_o upon_o the_o conscience_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o and_o so_o bring_v they_o under_o bondage_n that_o which_o forbid_v man_n to_o interpret_v for_o themselves_o though_o with_o utmost_a industry_n and_o all_o the_o assistance_n they_o can_v use_v and_o the_o imploring_n of_o divine_a assistance_n that_o which_o give_v out_o private_a oracle_n at_o pleasure_n and_o too_o often_o most_o false_a one_o as_o if_o they_o be_v scripture_n and_o for_o its_o own_o private_a sake_n will_v lock_v scripture_n from_o the_o possibility_n of_o be_v interpret_v even_o by_o itself_o sequester_v it_o into_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n from_o great_a multitude_n of_o all_o nation_n profess_v jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v indeed_o private_a interpretation_n and_o add_v to_o scripture_n make_v another_o scripture_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o another_o and_o thus_o be_v all_o low_a degree_n of_o this_o tyranny_n to_o be_v estimate_v according_a to_o their_o several_a graduation_n in_o it_o impose_v upon_o man_n as_o from_o some_o scriptural_a authority_n what_o be_v not_o of_o the_o true_a excellency_n spirit_n and_o high_a descent_n of_o scripture_n nor_o manifest_v in_o man_n conscience_n as_o scripture_n manifest_v itself_o quest_n be_v it_o not_o then_o necessary_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o confusion_n arise_v from_o the_o variousness_n and_o incertainty_n of_o every_o man_n interpret_n for_o himself_o and_o without_o certain_a divine_a evidence_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o infallible_a public_a interpreter_n so_o divine_o assist_v as_o you_o describe_v and_o be_v it_o not_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o see_v we_o can_v suppose_v god_n be_v want_v to_o his_o church_n in_o such_o a_o necessary_a answ_n 1._o scripture_n itself_o be_v such_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n it_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n both_o clear_a and_o certain_a to_o all_o but_o the_o self_n condemn_v heretic_n or_o ignorant_a 2._o when_o there_o come_v such_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n bear_v the_o seal_n of_o such_o credential_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v we_o will_v receive_v he_o till_o such_o a_o interpreter_n so_o arm_v come_v to_o we_o we_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o his_o pretence_n to_o infallibility_n but_o all_o that_o receive_v he_o be_v destroy_v by_o he_o when_o he_o bring_v falsehood_n for_o truth_n under_o so_o great_a a_o title_n so_o that_o he_o become_v more_o an_o apollyon_n or_o destroyer_n of_o the_o church_n than_o a_o open_a enemy_n can_v be_v quest_n must_v we_o not_o then_o necessary_o suppose_v great_a tract_n of_o scripture_n lie_v like_o unknown_a land_n for_o want_v of_o public_a interpretation_n answ_n that_o there_o may_v be_v so_o can_v be_v deny_v in_o controvert_v or_o prophetic_a part_n of_o scripture_n yet_o that_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o communicate_v much_o useful_a knowledge_n relate_v to_o they_o be_v most_o evident_a and_o most_o thankful_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o his_o goodness_n and_o bounty_n quest_n what_o expectation_n be_v there_o of_o a_o full_a and_o certain_a public_a interpretation_n of_o all_o such_o scripture_n answ_n it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o season_n which_o the_o father_n have_v put_v in_o his_o own_o power_n but_o most_o probable_o at_o the_o time_n of_o fulfil_v the_o great_a prophecy_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o shall_v be_v such_o extraordinary_a effusion_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o shall_v expedite_v all_o doubt_n and_o make_v every_o thing_n clear_a the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v not_o reserve_v for_o heaven_n to_o adorn_v the_o absolute_a state_n of_o perfection_n there_o quest_n see_v by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v how_o incongruous_a private_a interpretation_n be_v to_o public_a scripture_n or_o that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v trust_v with_o the_o one_o and_o not_o with_o the_o other_o what_o account_v therefore_o can_v be_v give_v of_o translation_n may_v not_o they_o bring_v in_o a_o private_a interpretation_n upon_o scripture_n if_o not_o perform_v by_o a_o immediate_a divine_a assistance_n answ_n even_o as_o in_o the_o safe_a conveyance_n of_o scripture_n itself_o and_o preserve_v it_o pure_a from_o gross_a falsification_n so_o in_o translation_n we_o must_v leave_v