the_o spirit_n among_o christian_n be_v witness_v maintain_v and_o strengthen_v by_o their_o holy_a communion_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o but_o be_v darken_v weaken_a and_o lessen_v by_o their_o uncharitable_a dissension_n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o unity_n here_o commend_v be_v primary_o that_o of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o internal_a and_o invisible_a state_n or_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n have_v in_o themselves_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v charge_v to_o keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n but_o concord_n in_o any_o external_a order_n with_o a_o vital_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o holy_a soul_n his_o live_a member_n be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o new_a nature_n and_o divine_a life_n secondary_o it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o external_a and_o visible_a state_n which_o be_v consequent_a and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o internal_a and_o stand_v in_o the_o profession_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o profess_a observation_n of_o the_o duty_n arise_v from_o it_o where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o credible_a profession_n of_o faith_n unfeigned_a and_o true_a holiness_n there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o a_o sensual_a earthly_a generation_n of_o man_n who_o be_v apparent_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o by_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v of_o god_n have_v little_a cause_n to_o glory_n in_o their_o adhere_n to_o a_o external_a church_n order_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v holy_a love_n which_o be_v unself_v and_o impartial_a be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o this_o unity_n without_o which_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a thing_n as_o the_o body_n without_o the_o soul_n be_v dead_a and_o this_o love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n that_o cement_n that_o hold_v altogether_o in_o this_o mystical_a society_n for_o this_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o several_a member_n dispose_v they_o to_o look_v not_o to_o their_o own_o thing_n but_o also_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o other_o and_o not_o to_o the_o undue_a advancement_n of_o a_o party_n but_o to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a body_n whosoever_o want_v this_o love_n have_v no_o vital_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o no_o part_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n the_o church_n be_v much_o more_o ennoble_v strengthen_v and_o every_o way_n bless_v by_o the_o communion_n of_o holy_a love_n among_o all_o its_o live_a member_n or_o real_a christian_n than_o by_o a_o outside_n uniformity_n in_o the_o minute_n circumstance_n or_o accidental_a mode_n of_o religion_n by_o this_o love_n it_o be_v more_o beautiful_a and_o lovely_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o intelligent_a beholder_n than_o by_o outward_a pomp_n and_o ornament_n or_o any_o worldly_a splendour_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a whether_o catholic_n or_o particular_a may_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o threefold_a respect_n or_o in_o three_o very_a different_a point_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a point_n thereof_o be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o all_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o second_o and_o next_o in_o account_n be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n that_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church-worship_n ministry_n and_o discipline_n consider_v as_o of_o christ_n institution_n and_o abstract_v from_o all_o thing_n superad_v by_o man_n the_o three_o and_o low_a point_n be_v in_o those_o extrinsical_a and_o accidental_a form_n and_o order_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la but_o leave_v in_o specie_fw-la to_o human_a determination_n of_o these_o several_a point_n of_o unity_n there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o different_a valuation_n according_a to_o their_o different_a value_n our_o first_o and_o chief_a regard_n be_v due_a to_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a point_n which_o respect_v christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o next_o regard_n be_v due_a to_o that_o which_o be_v next_o in_o value_n that_o which_o respect_v the_o very_a constitution_n or_o frame_n of_o a_o church_n and_o regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o that_o also_o which_o respect_v the_o accidental_n of_o religion_n yet_o in_o its_o due_a place_n and_o not_o before_o thing_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o worth_n thing_n be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n and_o importance_n to_o the_o church_n good_a estate_n and_o a_o great_a or_o lesser_a stress_n must_v be_v lay_v upon_o unity_n in_o they_o as_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v of_o great_a or_o lesser_a moment_n the_o rule_n or_o law_n of_o church_n unity_n be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n whosoever_o keep_v that_o unity_n which_o have_v god_n word_n for_o its_o rule_n keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o whosoever_o boast_v of_o a_o unity_n that_o be_v not_o square_v by_o this_o rule_n his_o boast_n be_v but_o vain_a a_o hypothesis_n that_o nothing_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v lawful_a but_o what_o be_v express_o prescribe_v in_o scripture_n be_v by_o some_o false_o ascribe_v to_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o scripture_n sufficiency_n and_o perfection_n for_o the_o regulate_v of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o religion_n god_n in_o his_o word_n have_v prescribe_v all_o those_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v to_o he_o he_o have_v likewise_o therein_o institute_v those_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o administrator_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n in_o church_n assembly_n and_o have_v define_v the_o authority_n and_o duty_n of_o those_o officer_n and_o all_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n as_o for_o the_o circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n belong_v to_o all_o the_o thing_n aforesaid_a he_o have_v lay_v down_o general_a rule_n for_o the_o regulation_n thereof_o the_o particular_n be_v both_o needless_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v enumerate_v and_o define_v in_o this_o point_n god_n have_v declare_v his_o mind_n deut._n 4._o 2._o you_o shall_v not_o add_v unto_o the_o word_n which_o i_o command_v you_o neither_o shall_v you_o diminish_v aught_o from_o it_o deut._n 12._o 32._o what_o soever_o thing_n i_o command_v you_o observe_v to_o do_v it_o thou_o shall_v not_o add_v thereto_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o the_o prohibition_n be_v not_o mere_o of_o alter_v the_o rule_n god_n write_a word_n by_o addition_n or_o diminution_n but_o of_o do_v more_o or_o less_o than_o the_o rule_n require_v as_o the_o precept_n be_v not_o of_o preserve_v the_o rule_n but_o of_o observe_v what_o be_v command_v in_o it_o such_o human_a institution_n in_o divine_a worship_n as_o be_v in_o mere_a subserviency_n to_o divine_a institution_n for_o the_o necessary_a and_o convenient_a modify_n and_o order_v thereof_o be_v not_o proper_o addition_n to_o god_n commandment_n for_o they_o be_v of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n end_n and_o use_v with_o the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v command_v but_o of_o mere_a circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n belong_v to_o those_o thing_n and_o these_o circumstantial_o be_v in_o genere_fw-la necessary_a to_o the_o performance_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o be_v general_o command_v in_o the_o word_n though_o not_o in_o particular_a but_o be_v to_o be_v determine_v in_o specie_fw-la by_o those_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o such_o determination_n belong_v they_o that_o assert_v and_o stand_v to_o this_o only_a rule_n provide_v best_a for_o the_o unity_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o reject_v whatsoever_o they_o find_v contrary_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o be_v more_o easy_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o acceptable_a worship_n and_o all_o warrantable_a obedience_n they_o lay_v the_o great_a weight_n on_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a worth_n and_o moment_n they_o careful_o regard_v all_o divine_a institution_n and_o whatsoever_o god_n have_v command_v and_o they_o maintain_v love_n and_o peace_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n towards_o one_o another_o in_o the_o more_o inconsiderable_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o practice_n those_o thing_n that_o be_v leave_v to_o human_a determination_n the_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o elder_n do_v ancient_o determine_v for_o their_o own_o particular_a church_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o natural_o convenient_a that_o they_o who_o be_v the_o administrator_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o have_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o people_n in_o divine_a worship_n and_o know_v best_a what_o be_v most_o expedient_a for_o their_o own_o society_n shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o determination_n of_o necessary_a circumstance_n within_o their_o
not_o consonant_a to_o right_a reason_n or_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v dart_v into_o their_o mind_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o a_o irradiation_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o that_o any_o may_v presume_v upon_o the_o spirit_n immediate_a help_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o rational_a search_n and_o study_n but_o their_o meaning_n be_v that_o as_o heretofore_o in_o extraordinary_a person_n there_o be_v extraordinary_a inspiration_n so_o there_o have_v be_v be_v and_o always_o shall_v be_v the_o ordinary_a teach_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o regard_n whereof_o it_o be_v style_v in_o scripture_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n which_o teach_v as_o all_o the_o faithful_a stand_n in_o need_n of_o so_o more_o especial_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o this_o divine_a assistance_n do_v elevate_v or_o heighten_v the_o gift_n of_o nature_n and_o learning_n and_o guide_v we_o to_o sound_v reason_v yea_o and_o sometime_o bring_v thing_n into_o the_o mind_n without_o previous_a reason_n yet_o rational_a and_o find_v to_o be_v so_o upon_o due_a scan_n there_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n in_o reason_n that_o st._n paul_n demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n be_v to_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o miraculous_a confirmation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n or_o any_o extraordinary_a gift_n though_o that_o sense_n be_v not_o exclude_v for_o the_o contexture_n of_o his_o discourse_n in_o that_o chapter_n set_v forth_o a_o certain_a faculty_n perceptive_a and_o expressive_a of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n belong_v unto_o spiritual_a man_n as_o such_o and_o they_o be_v no_o fanatic_n that_o to_o this_o day_n own_o the_o more_o common_a interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n namely_o to_o preach_v from_o the_o special_a help_n of_o the_o illuminate_n and_o quicken_a spirit_n with_o a_o lively_a perception_n and_o feel_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v deliver_v but_o whatsoever_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n be_v very_o they_o be_v besot_v with_o reason_n that_o in_o the_o pride_n thereof_o regard_v not_o this_o illumination_n from_o above_o and_o scoff_n at_o those_o that_o look_v after_o it_o to_o preach_v christ_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o dispensation_n and_o to_o preach_v moral_a duty_n be_v not_o extraneous_a to_o the_o preach_v of_o christ_n but_o comprise_v under_o it_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o morality_n in_o its_o best_a estate_n as_o it_o be_v vulgar_o take_v for_o temperance_n and_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n and_o other_o virtue_n of_o that_o rank_n as_o proceed_v from_o a_o mere_o natural_a principle_n which_o a_o aristotle_n may_v describe_v in_o his_o ethic_n be_v far_o below_o christianity_n for_o it_o be_v find_v in_o many_o that_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o lead_v mere_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o world_n but_o this_o name_n may_v be_v give_v to_o some_o high_a thing_n as_o first_o to_o the_o whole_a observation_n of_o god_n moral_a law_n found_v in_o our_o creation_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o outward_a work_n after_o a_o common_a manner_n performable_a by_o the_o unregenerate_a but_o in_o a_o duemannerfrom_o a_o right_a principle_n to_o a_o right_a end_n that_o be_v from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n unto_o his_o glory_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a part_n but_o not_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n nor_o indeed_o the_o whole_a of_o morality_n take_v not_o vulgar_o but_o theological_o and_o that_o in_o its_o full_a extent_n for_o so_o take_v it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o action_n to_o god_n and_o his_o law_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o main_a part_n thereof_o indeed_o to_o preach_v christ_n be_v to_o preach_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n and_o more_o especial_o those_o duty_n that_o be_v consequent_a to_o and_o found_v in_o our_o redemption_n as_o also_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o duty_n for_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n to_o himself_o and_o according_o have_v ordain_v the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n by_o which_o there_o be_v make_v know_v the_o lapse_v and_o lose_v estate_n of_o mankind_n the_o abundant_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o their_o recovery_n remission_n of_o sin_n and_o free_a justification_n through_o his_o righteousness_n regeneration_n and_o inward_a sanctification_n the_o inhabitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o believer_n and_o their_o mystical_a union_n with_o christ_n their_o live_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o he_o and_o derive_v of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o strength_n from_o he_o and_o grow_v up_o into_o he_o till_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o their_o spiritual_a warfare_n and_o conflict_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n within_o they_o their_o temptation_n desertion_n and_o renew_a consolation_n and_o the_o earnest_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v unto_o they_o sure_o these_o be_v fit_a subject_n to_o behand_o lead_v by_o a_o gospel_n preacher_n though_o the_o preach_a of_o these_o matter_n or_o of_o many_o of_o they_o be_v by_o some_o call_v cant_v and_o phrase_n divinity_n yet_o they_o be_v the_o sacred_a expression_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o scripture_n and_o dare_v any_o say_v they_o be_v but_o a_o sound_n of_o word_n without_o matter_n agreeable_a to_o the_o style_n no_o they_o be_v real_a and_o deep_a mystery_n and_o intelligible_a to_o they_o that_o obey_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v hearty_o here_o assert_v and_o earnest_o contend_v for_o that_o the_o gospel_n call_v we_o as_o much_o to_o virtue_n as_o to_o glory_v and_o that_o its_o true_a intent_n be_v to_o reduce_v we_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n yet_o withal_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n therein_o be_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n the_o all-fulness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o mighty_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o wonderfulness_n of_o salvation_n through_o he_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o we_o may_v glory_v not_o in_o ourselves_o but_o in_o he_o who_o of_o god_n be_v make_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n and_o indeed_o who_o do_v more_o powerful_o and_o successful_o preach_v christian_n duty_n than_o they_o that_o most_o insist_v on_o this_o unspeakable_a grace_n and_o lay_v open_a the_o treasure_n thereof_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o to_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o love_n towards_o he_o not_o imaginary_a and_o conceit_a but_o real_a and_o substantial_a make_v good_a by_o a_o entire_a subjection_n to_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o doctrine_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o of_o good_a work_n be_v to_o be_v sound_v together_o in_o our_o pulpit_n what_o christ_n have_v do_v for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o save_v we_o the_o pain_n of_o a_o continual_a mortification_n and_o of_o the_o agony_n to_o be_v endure_v therein_o and_o of_o aspire_v to_o the_o most_o perfect_a state_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v attainable_a we_o be_v to_o live_v as_o strict_o as_o if_o we_o be_v to_o be_v save_v by_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o own_o obedience_n and_o indeed_o none_o lead_v more_o holy_a life_n than_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v find_v in_o christ_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v all_o that_o they_o can_v rely_v whole_o upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o he_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o gospel_n mystery_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o mere_a phrase_n nor_o be_v new_a matter_n always_o bring_v with_o new_a form_n of_o speech_n nor_o be_v people_n much_o the_o wise_a by_o have_v their_o head_n fill_v with_o they_o there_o be_v empty_a sound_n and_o term_n unintelligible_a swell_a word_n with_o windy_a notion_n expression_n that_o seem_v to_o draw_v deep_a who_o meaning_n be_v but_o shallow_a there_o be_v a_o solicitous_a state_v of_o point_n with_o a_o seem_a exactness_n that_o be_v indeed_o weak_a and_o injudicious_a and_o a_o niceness_n in_o distinguish_v which_o be_v but_o frivolous_a many_o controversy_n much_o agitate_a be_v but_o a_o strife_n of_o word_n and_o too_o great_a stress_n be_v often_o lay_v upon_o little_a fancy_n and_o a_o great_a mischief_n there_o be_v that_o in_o cloudy_a language_n pernicious_a doctrine_n take_v shelter_n and_o dangerous_a sect_n be_v know_v to_o hide_v themselves_o in_o this_o covert_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o do_v his_o work_n right_o will_v know_v the_o true_a significancy_n and_o import_n of_o what_o he_o utter_v he_o vent_v not_o mere_a word_n but_o sound_a matter_n and_o good_a substance_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v feed_v with_o solid_a sense_n and_o not_o with_o phrase_n howbeit_o as_o touch_v expression_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a
man_n stupid_a and_o foolish_a that_o they_o may_v the_o better_a lord_n it_o over_o they_o as_o besot_v vassal_n it_o can_v invite_v or_o engage_v any_o to_o its_o side_n by_o carnal_a allurement_n and_o provision_n make_v for_o â—he_n lust_n of_o men._n the_o make_n of_o such_o provision_n will_v extinguish_v its_o life_n and_o power_n and_o bring_v forth_o a_o spurious_a carnal_a brood_n that_o always_o with_o deadly_a hatred_n pursue_v its_o true_a professor_n it_o can_v lift_v up_o itself_o by_o serve_v the_o design_n and_o lust_n of_o earthly_a potentate_n though_o it_o â—ives_n they_o their_o due_a honour_n to_o the_o full_a yet_o it_o tempt_v they_o not_o by_o flattery_n to_o think_v of_o themselves_o above_o what_o they_o be_v nor_o do_v it_o proâ—itute_v its_o sacred_a rule_n to_o patronize_v any_o enormity_n in_o their_o conversation_n or_o political_a administration_n it_o can_v subdue_v a_o people_n and_o hold_v they_o unâ—er_o by_o arm_a violence_n and_o usurpation_n for_o his_o be_v to_o subvert_v itself_o and_o undermine_v its_o â—wn_n foundation_n which_o be_v truth_n meekness_n and_o â—â—ghteousness_n it_o seek_v not_o by_o any_o irregular_a motion_n to_o perâ—rb_v a_o settle_a state_n though_o adverse_a and_o injurious_a to_o it_o it_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o recesses_n 〈◊〉_d wicked_a policy_n its_o principle_n will_v not_o bear_v 〈◊〉_d out_o in_o the_o cunning_a and_o close_a way_n of_o dishonâ—…_n sty_n it_o abhor_v such_o engagement_n as_o draw_v oâ—…_n necessity_n of_o proceed_v in_o unrighteous_a or_o daâ—…_n gerous_a counsel_n and_o especial_o such_o iniquiâ—…_n as_o will_v not_o pass_v away_o in_o a_o transient_a action_n but_o will_v hold_v up_o a_o last_a usurpation_n or_o iâ—…_n jury_n to_o its_o perpetual_a reproach_n and_o repugnanâ—…_n to_o itself_o it_o neither_o have_v nor_o in_o human_a judgement_n 〈◊〉_d like_a to_o have_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o arm_n of_o flesâ—…_n or_o worldly_a puissance_n for_o its_o intrinsic_a and_o aâ—…_n bide_v strength_n until_o it_o come_v in_o a_o more_o exâ—…_n tensive_a power_n and_o more_o ample_a victory_n that_o have_v be_v yet_o manifest_v in_o the_o world_n thâ—…_n mutable_a advantage_n of_o certain_a time_n and_o occaâ—…_n zion_n be_v but_o loose_a and_o hollow_a ground_n and_o nâ—…_n settle_a foundation_n for_o it_o to_o build_v upon_o it_o be_v not_o further_v by_o a_o course_n of_o subtlety_n and_o of_o intricate_a and_o cloudy_a project_n which_o be_v get_v suspicion_n of_o evil_n but_o by_o a_o openess_n a_o frankness_n of_o deal_n in_o all_o certainty_n and_o clearness_n for_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n anâ—…_n regular_a and_o certain_a as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o heâ—…_n when_fw-mi or_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o celestial_a body_n whatsoever_o degree_n of_o obliquity_n or_o uncertainty_n happen_v to_o it_o be_v only_o extrinsical_a proceed_n from_o man_n corruption_n and_o frailty_n who_o neâ—…_n there_o be_v can_v be_v here_o absolute_o exact_a and_o perfect_a in_o it_o it_o reject_v the_o fury_n of_o passion_n bitterness_n clamour_n wrath_n tumult_n and_o all_o outrage_n in_o a_o word_n it_o can_v admit_v nothing_o that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o entire_a honesty_n and_o it_o be_v not_o weaken_v by_o this_o strictness_n for_o truth_n be_v great_a and_o powerful_a and_o by_o a_o weak_a and_o gentle_a yet_o sound_a and_o solid_a manifestation_n of_o itself_o it_o maintain_v a_o conquest_n answerable_a to_o its_o own_o condition_n in_o this_o present_a world_n chap._n xviii_o the_o interest_n of_o true_a religion_n lie_v much_o in_o its_o venerable_a estimation_n among_o men._n a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n nourish_v pride_n and_o sensuality_n and_o yield_v itself_o managable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o man_n after_o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n be_v common_o uphold_v by_o a_o arm_n of_o secular_a power_n which_o by_o way_n of_o its_o own_o it_o can_v make_v sure_a to_o itself_o but_o pure_a religion_n abhor_v base_a compliance_n and_o reside_v in_o the_o hitherto_o lesser_a number_n that_o walk_v in_o the_o narrow_a way_n be_v not_o so_o well_o suit_v for_o a_o settle_a and_o continue_a potency_n in_o that_o kind_n wherefore_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o it_o fail_v of_o a_o assurance_n of_o worldly_a power_n and_o greatness_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o it_o need_v the_o advantage_n of_o venerable_a estimation_n for_o its_o own_o intrinsic_a excellence_n a_o desire_n of_o vain_a glory_n and_o a_o ambitious_a catch_n at_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n be_v opposite_a to_o this_o interest_n and_o destroy_v the_o end_n thereof_o but_o because_o thing_n that_o appear_v not_o be_v of_o the_o same_o reason_n with_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o regard_n of_o influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n christianity_n shall_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v indeed_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a idea_n in_o the_o imagination_n or_o intellect_n but_o a_o wisdom_n and_o power_n that_o may_v be_v practise_v and_o its_o glory_n be_v display_v in_o a_o life_n of_o integrity_n purity_n and_o charity_n by_o the_o brightness_n of_o which_o grace_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n it_o become_v illustrious_a and_o be_v exalt_v over_o all_o the_o learning_n and_o virtue_n and_o potency_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n in_o such_o a_o age_n as_o have_v all_o civil_a discipline_n in_o their_o perfection_n and_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o endanger_v as_o when_o the_o sanctity_n of_o its_o professor_n be_v fall_v or_o expose_v to_o scandal_n eminent_a holiness_n be_v after_o miracle_n the_o next_o great_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v now_o in_o the_o room_n of_o miracle_n and_o its_o influence_n be_v very_o powerful_a wheresoever_o it_o be_v it_o invigorate_v other_o of_o this_o fellowship_n that_o be_v near_o it_o and_o it_o command_v awe_n and_o reverence_n from_o all_o men._n it_o be_v a_o great_a happiness_n when_o person_n endue_v herewith_o be_v in_o proportionable_a number_n fix_v like_o star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n throughout_o the_o firmament_n of_o the_o church_n when_o there_o be_v man_n of_o strong_a part_n much_o prudence_n active_a spirit_n firm_a resolution_n who_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n inflame_v with_o love_n to_o god_n and_o devote_v to_o seek_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v christ_n and_o fit_v thereunto_o by_o real_a mortification_n and_o self-denial_n also_o when_o person_n of_o a_o low_a sphere_n for_o the_o perfection_n of_o nature_n or_o learning_n have_v attain_v to_o a_o large_a measure_n of_o the_o primitive_a spirit_n of_o faith_n love_n meekness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o charity_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v ready_a to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o provoke_v other_o thereunto_o as_o the_o eminent_a piety_n of_o some_o so_o the_o approved_a piety_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o serious_a professor_n import_v exceed_o to_o the_o reputation_n and_o reverence_n of_o true_a religion_n the_o spiritual_a man_n discern_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o natural_a man_n also_o can_v discern_v humility_n chastity_n temperance_n patience_n charity_n integrity_n as_o thing_n moral_o good_a and_o profitable_a to_o man_n and_o by_o â—…ese_n thing_n the_o truth_n be_v vindicate_v and_o mainâ—…ined_v to_o defile_v the_o purity_n of_o this_o professiâ—…_n be_v to_o stain_v its_o glory_n and_o to_o stain_n iâ—s_v glory_n be_v 〈◊〉_d render_v it_o weak_a and_o despicable_a none_o thereâ—…re_o may_v pass_v for_o the_o allow_v disciple_n of_o this_o â—ay_n but_o such_o as_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a from_o 〈◊〉_d foul_a sin_n of_o sensuality_n and_o from_o all_o palpaâ—…_n dishonesty_n howbeit_o the_o lawful_a favour_n â—…d_v assistance_n of_o any_o other_o may_n with_o due_a cauâ—…_n be_v admit_v in_o its_o concernment_n a_o harmless_a life_n if_o barren_a and_o unprofitable_a be_v of_o little_a value_n in_o itself_o and_o also_o of_o little_a force_n to_o advance_v any_o profession_n nay_o a_o fruitless_a life_n be_v scandalous_a and_o unchristian_a they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n herein_o be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bear_v much_o fruit_n so_o shall_v you_o be_v my_o disciple_n the_o root_n of_o such_o fruitfulness_n in_o good_a work_n be_v love_v out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a to_o which_o belong_v those_o praise_n that_o it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n now_o because_o they_o that_o walk_v circumspect_o be_v often_o censure_v by_o the_o loose_a sort_n to_o be_v uncharitable_a it_o do_v the_o more_o concern_v they_o real_o to_o show_v forth_o the_o laudable_a fruit_n of_o charity_n and_o to_o maintain_v all_o good_a work_n before_o man_n though_o not_o to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n and_o to_o hate_v narrowness_n of_o soul_n and_o base_a selfishness_n what_o do_v you_o more_o
own_o sphere_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v entrust_v of_o god_n with_o the_o care_n of_o religion_n within_o his_o dominion_n and_o have_v a_o civil_a supremacy_n in_o eclesiastical_a affair_n and_o a_o great_a concern_v in_o the_o orderly_a management_n of_o public_a assembly_n he_o be_v authorize_v of_o god_n to_o oversee_v the_o determination_n and_o act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n and_o may_v assume_v to_o himself_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a circumstantial_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o church_n edification_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n keep_v within_o the_o general_n rule_v prescribe_v in_o god_n word_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o church-unity_n that_o be_v according_a to_o god_n word_n it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o subject_n to_o submit_v to_o what_o their_o governor_n have_v determine_v so_o far_o as_o their_o submission_n be_v allowable_a by_o the_o say_a rule_n and_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o governor_n to_o consider_v well_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o their_o determination_n more_o especial_o their_o wisdom_n and_o care_n be_v much_o require_v in_o settle_v the_o right_a bound_n of_o unity_n in_o this_o regard_n the_o term_n of_o admission_n to_o the_o communion_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o the_o declare_a will_n of_o god_n have_v make_v the_o term_n of_o those_o privilege_n and_o which_o will_v shut_v out_o none_o who_o god_n have_v qualify_v for_o and_o call_v to_o the_o same_o the_o set_n of_o other_o boundary_n beside_o the_o iniquity_n thereof_o will_v inevitable_o cause_v division_n the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n assemble_v at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o 28._o writing_n to_o the_o blieve_a gentile_n declare_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o great_a burden_n than_o these_o necessary_a thing_n from_o which_o it_o be_v evident_o infer_v that_o the_o burden_n of_o thing_n unnecessary_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v on_o the_o church_n the_o thing_n enjoin_v by_o that_o assembly_n be_v antecedent_o to_o their_o decree_n either_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o or_o in_o their_o consequent_n according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v make_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o strict_a injunction_n especial_o a_o condition_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o privilege_n aught_o to_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o necessity_n in_o it_o antecedent_n to_o its_o imposition_n symbolical_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n institute_v by_o man_n to_o signify_v grace_n or_o duty_n be_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o general_n be_v leave_v to_o human_a determination_n for_o this_o or_o that_o kind_n thereof_o they_o have_v no_o necessary_a subserviency_n to_o divine_a institution_n they_o be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o necessary_a decency_n and_o order_n in_o divine_a worship_n without_o which_o the_o service_n will_v be_v undecent_a and_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v institute_v or_o rigid_o urge_v in_o any_o time_n or_o place_n whatsoever_o the_o be_v and_o well_o be_v of_o any_o right_o constitute_v church_n of_o christ_n may_v stand_v without_o they_o st._n paul_n resolve_v upon_o the_o case_n of_o use_v or_o refuse_v of_o meat_n and_o the_o observance_n or_o nonobservance_n of_o day_n which_o god_n have_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o of_o eat_v of_o those_o meat_n which_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n rom._n 14._o and_o 1_o cor._n 8._o that_o no_o man_n put_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o his_o brother_n way_n the_o command_n here_o give_v extend_v to_o pastor_n and_o governor_n as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o christian_n and_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o act_n of_o government_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o act_n st._n paul_n be_v a_o church_n governor_n and_o of_o high_a authority_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o use_v his_o own_o liberty_n in_o eat_v flesh_n much_o less_o will_v he_o impose_v in_o thing_n unnecessary_a to_o make_v his_o brother_n to_o offend_v in_o the_o case_n aforemention_v there_o be_v a_o great_a appearance_n of_o reason_n for_o despise_v censure_v or_o offend_v other_o than_o there_o can_v be_v for_o some_o imposition_n now_o in_o question_n among_o we_o viz._n on_o the_o one_o side_n a_o fear_n of_o partake_v in_o idolatry_n or_o of_o eat_v meat_n that_o god_n have_v forbid_v or_o of_o neglect_v day_n that_o god_n have_v command_v as_o they_o think_v on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o fear_n of_o be_v drive_v from_o the_o christian_a liberty_n and_o of_o restore_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n nevertheless_o the_o apostle_n give_v a_o severe_a charge_n against_o censure_v despise_v or_o offend_v other_o of_o different_a persuasion_n in_o those_o case_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o censure_v or_o despise_v one_o another_o much_o more_o be_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n or_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n for_o such_o matter_n the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o church-unity_n evident_o show_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o external_a order_n must_v always_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o may_v be_v require_v no_o further_o than_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o edification_n the_o church_n true_a interest_n lie_v in_o the_o increase_n of_o regenerate_a christian_n who_o be_v her_o true_a and_o live_a member_n and_o in_o their_o mutual_a love_n peace_n and_o concord_n in_o receive_v one_o another_o upon_o those_o term_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v the_o bond_n of_o this_o union_n the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v comprise_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o follow_a unity_n one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o say_v of_o one_o ritual_a or_o set_a form_n of_o sacred_a office_n one_o policy_n or_o model_n of_o rule_n and_o order_n that_o be_v but_o circumstantial_a and_o accidental_a in_o a_o church_n state_n and_o very_o various_a and_o alterable_a while_o the_o church_n abide_v the_o same_o chap._n iii_o of_o schism_n true_o so_o call_v here_o i_o lay_v down_o general_a position_n about_o schism_n without_o make_v application_n thereof_o whether_o these_o position_n be_v right_a or_o wrong_a god_n word_n will_v show_v and_o who_o be_v or_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o they_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n will_v show_v schism_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o of_o that_o church-unity_n which_o be_v of_o god_n make_v or_o approve_v this_o definition_n i_o ground_n on_o the_o aforecited_a text_n mark_v they_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n that_o you_o have_v learn_v separation_n and_o schism_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a extent_n there_o may_v be_v a_o separation_n or_o secession_n where_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n for_o schism_n be_v always_o a_o sin_n but_o separation_n may_v be_v a_o duty_n as_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n moreover_o there_o may_v be_v schism_n where_o there_o be_v no_o separation_n the_o violation_n of_o unity_n or_o the_o cause_v of_o division_n may_v be_v not_o only_o by_o withdraw_v but_o by_o any_o cause_v of_o other_o to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o the_o undue_a cast_n or_o keep_v of_o other_o out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o make_v of_o any_o breach_n in_o religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o look_v back_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o rule_v and_o requisite_n of_o true_a church-unity_n we_o shall_v understand_v the_o true_a nature_n and_o the_o several_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o schism_n as_o holy_a love_n be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o church-unity_n so_o that_o aversation_n and_o opposition_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o love_v be_v that_o which_o animate_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o heart_n root_n of_o it_o whosoever_o maintain_v love_n and_o make_v no_o breach_n therein_o and_o who_o dissent_v or_o withdraw_v from_o a_o church_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o may_v stand_v with_o love_n in_o its_o extent_n be_v no_o schismatic_a the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v primary_o that_o of_o the_o church_n as_o mystical_o the_o breach_n thereof_o lie_v primary_o in_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n spiritual_n much_o more_o in_o be_v opposite_a thereunto_o under_o the_o show_n of_o christianity_n also_o in_o the_o languish_a or_o lessen_v of_o spiritual_a life_n especial_o of_o the_o act_n of_o holy_a love_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v secondary_o that_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a in_o its_o external_a state_n and_o the_o first_o and_o
steddiness_n purity_n and_o soberness_n this_o new_a nature_n while_o it_o be_v lodge_v in_o the_o earthly_a tabernacle_n be_v clog_v with_o many_o adverse_a thing_n especial_o the_o relic_n of_o the_o old_a nature_n which_o cause_n much_o vanity_n of_o thought_n indisposedness_n of_o mind_n motion_n to_o evil_a and_o aversation_n from_o good_a and_o sometime_o more_o sensible_a disorder_n of_o affection_n and_o eruption_n of_o unruly_a passion_n and_o aberration_n in_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o same_o divine_a principal_n be_v in_o some_o christian_n more_o firm_a lively_a and_o active_a than_o in_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v habitual_o prevalent_a in_o they_o all_o and_o it_o resist_v and_o overcome_v the_o contrary_a principle_n even_o in_o the_o case_n of_o most_o belove_a sin_n and_o strong_a temptation_n and_o persevere_fw-la in_o earnest_n and_o fearful_a endeavour_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o degree_n of_o sanctity_n be_v obtain_v it_o ascribe_v whole_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n christianity_n be_v know_v what_o it_o be_v it_o may_v easy_o be_v know_v what_o it_o be_v not_o and_o so_o the_o false_a disguise_n of_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v detect_v forasmuch_o as_o it_o look_v far_o high_o than_o the_o temporal_a interest_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o settling_n of_o this_o life_n though_o it_o do_v not_o overlook_v they_o it_o can_v be_v think_v to_o have_v do_v its_o work_n in_o make_v man_n mere_o just-dealer_n good_a neighbour_n and_o profitable_a member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n for_o such_o may_v be_v some_o of_o they_o that_o be_v without_o christ_n without_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n moreover_o it_o can_v lie_v so_o low_a as_o in_o a_o bare_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o observance_n of_o its_o external_a institute_n accompany_v with_o a_o civil_a conversation_n as_o for_o such_o as_o rest_v in_o these_o thing_n what_o be_v they_o more_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n than_o the_o heathen_n that_o know_v he_o not_o and_o wherein_o do_v they_o differ_v from_o they_o except_o in_o a_o dead_a faith_n and_o outward_a form_n take_v up_o by_o education_n tradition_n example_n custom_n of_o the_o country_n and_o other_o such_o like_a motive_n nor_o do_v it_o lie_v in_o unwritten_a doctrine_n and_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n devise_v by_o man_n nor_o yet_o in_o curiosity_n of_o opinion_n or_o accidental_a mode_n of_o worship_n discipline_n or_o church-government_n nor_o in_o one_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o sector_n party_n nor_o in_o mere_a orthodoxality_n all_o which_o be_v rest_v in_o be_v but_o the_o false_a cover_n of_o hypocrite_n it_o be_v not_o the_o lax_n and_o easy_a low_a and_o large_a rule_n by_o which_o libertine_n and_o formalist_n yea_o some_o pretend_a perfectionist_n do_v measure_v their_o own_o righteousness_n who_o assert_v their_o perfectness_n by_o disannul_v or_o lessen_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v not_o any_o kind_n of_o morality_n or_o virtue_n whatsoever_o which_o be_v not_o true_a holiness_n or_o entire_a dedication_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o much_o less_o be_v it_o that_o loose_a and_o jolly_a religion_n of_o the_o sensual_a gang_n who_o keep_v up_o a_o superficial_a devotion_n in_o some_o external_a form_n but_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o real_a irreligion_n and_o profaneness_n and_o bid_v defiance_n to_o a_o circumspect_a walk_n and_o serious_a course_n of_o godliness_n and_o now_o it_o be_v too_o apparent_a what_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o prophess_n the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v christian_n in_o name_n only_o and_o not_o indeed_o their_o alienation_n from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o their_o enmity_n against_o it_o and_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n in_o the_o lust_n thereof_o do_v testify_v that_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n but_o christian_n indeed_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n above_o express_v which_o be_v now_o in_o they_o though_o not_o in_o the_o high_a yet_o in_o a_o prevalent_a degree_n do_v make_v it_o their_o utmost_a end_n to_o know_v love_n honour_n and_o please_v god_n to_o be_v conformable_a to_o he_o and_o to_o have_v the_o fruition_n of_o he_o in_o the_o perfection_n of_o which_o conformity_n and_o fruition_n they_o place_v the_o perfection_n of_o their_o blessedness_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o native_a bondage_n under_o the_o guilt_n and_o power_n of_o sin_n they_o come_v to_o the_o mediator_n jesus_n christ_n and_o rest_n upon_o he_o by_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o merit_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n to_o reconcile_v and_o sanctify_v they_o to_o god_n and_o according_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o he_o as_o their_o absolute_a teacher_n and_o ruler_n &_o all-sufficient_a saviour_n have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o which_o be_v of_o god_n they_o be_v crucify_v to_o the_o honour_n profit_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v their_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n and_o prepare_v for_o suffering_n in_o this_o life_n and_o by_o faith_n overcome_v they_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v the_o directory_n of_o their_o practice_n from_o day_n to_o day_n by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n they_o prove_v their_o own_o work_n and_o come_v to_o the_o light_n thereof_o that_o their_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a to_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n they_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n in_o the_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n of_o his_o appointment_n that_o they_o may_v glorify_v he_o and_o enjoy_v spiritual_a communion_n with_o he_o and_o be_v bless_v of_o he_o especial_o with_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o christ_n and_o as_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n they_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v their_o aim_n care_n and_o exercise_v to_o keep_v conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o to_o render_v to_o all_o their_o due_n both_o in_o their_o public_a and_o private_a capacity_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o love_n towards_o all_o not_o exclude_v enemy_n and_o to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a they_o can_v both_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o man_n but_o those_o that_o fear_n god_n they_o more_o high_o prize_n and_o favour_n the_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n within_o themselves_o they_o know_v feel_o and_o watch_v and_o pray_v and_o strive_v that_o they_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n and_o maintain_v a_o continual_a warfare_n against_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o jesus_n christ_n their_o leader_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o their_o holy_a profession_n with_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n they_o endeavour_v to_o be_v blameless_a and_o harmless_a as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o their_o good_a conversation_n to_o turn_v other_o to_o righteousness_n such_o be_v the_o character_n of_o those_o person_n upon_o who_o soul_n the_o holy_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v impress_v and_o in_o who_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v its_o real_a be_v force_n and_o virtue_n these_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o heavenly_a call_n and_o set_v apart_o for_o god_n to_o do_v he_o service_n in_o the_o present_a world_n and_o afterward_o to_o live_v in_o glory_n with_o he_o for_o ever_o these_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n the_o church_n be_v here_o take_v as_o mystical_a not_o as_o visible_a and_o these_o be_v all_o join_v together_o by_o one_o spirit_n in_o one_o body_n under_o christ_n their_o head_n in_o the_o same_o new_a nature_n have_v one_o rule_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o one_o hope_v of_o their_o call_n these_o be_v a_o great_a multitude_n which_o no_o man_n can_v number_v of_o all_o nation_n and_o kindred_n and_o people_n and_o tongue_n yet_o hitherto_o not_o proportionable_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o they_o continue_v throughout_o all_o age_n but_o in_o great_a or_o lesser_a number_n and_o more_o or_o less_o refine_v from_o superstition_n or_o other_o corruption_n and_o more_o or_o less_o sever_v from_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o antichristian_a state_n according_a to_o the_o brightness_n or_o darkness_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o they_o live_v chap._n ii_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o first_o holy_a doctrine_n the_o advancement_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o have_v its_o beginning_n in_o the_o new_a birth_n be_v the_o great_a end_n propound_v in_o this_o discourse_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o end_n
their_o union_n and_o fellowship_n be_v chief_o mystical_a and_o invisible_a their_o unity_n be_v far_o great_a than_o what_o outward_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n and_o sometime_o than_o what_o themselves_o can_v discern_v among_o themselves_o in_o particular_a by_o reason_n of_o many_o inferior_a yet_o very_o disquiet_v difference_n and_o discord_n nevertheless_o it_o behoove_v they_o to_o provide_v that_o it_o may_v appear_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v what_o it_o be_v indeed_o and_o that_o it_o be_v conspicuous_a and_o illustrious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n by_o their_o walk_n in_o love_n and_o peace_n unity_n be_v the_o church_n strength_n and_o beauty_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o a_o argument_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n it_o make_v religion_n lovely_a and_o draw_v forth_o blessing_n &_o praise_n from_o the_o beholder_n of_o it_o and_o win_v the_o world_n to_o a_o love_n and_o reverence_n of_o that_o piety_n which_o make_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o to_o live_v in_o brotherly_a kindness_n and_o mutual_a charity_n but_o division_n be_v the_o church_n weakness_n and_o deformity_n the_o reproach_n of_o christian_n and_o a_o scandal_n against_o christianity_n and_o a_o objection_n put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o infidel_n against_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v unto_o many_o in_o the_o present_a divide_a state_n of_o religion_n each_o party_n be_v apt_a to_o appropriate_v godliness_n to_o themselves_o or_o at_o least_o to_o carry_v it_o towards_o other_o as_o if_o they_o do_v so_o and_o they_o that_o be_v loud_a in_o accuse_v dissenter_n of_o uncharitableness_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v themselves_o as_o uncharitable_a as_o any_o other_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n have_v a_o peculiar_a people_n distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o by_o a_o peculiar_a character_n but_o it_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o party_n of_o this_o or_o that_o persuasion_n or_o denomination_n that_o be_v narrow_a than_o mere_a christianity_n and_o all_o true_a christian_n be_v to_o receive_v one_o a_o other_o as_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o indeed_o the_o best_a christian_n be_v to_o be_v best_a esteem_v and_o their_o fellowship_n be_v most_o desire_a but_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v sever_v from_o the_o universality_n and_o in_o a_o strict_a combination_n set_v up_o as_o divide_a party_n it_o tend_v to_o the_o church_n ruin_n for_o a_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o can_v stand_v and_o if_o the_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o body_n forsake_v the_o rest_n the_o whole_a must_v needs_o die_v christian_n concord_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o aggregation_n of_o thing_n inconsistent_a as_o the_o fellowship_n of_o righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n the_o communion_n of_o light_n with_o darkness_n the_o concord_n of_o christ_n with_o belial_n to_o set_v up_o unity_n against_o piety_n be_v a_o conspiracy_n against_o christ_n who_o be_v king_n of_o righteousness_n and_o to_o pretend_v piety_n against_o unity_n be_v to_o oppose_v christ_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n who_o kingdom_n be_v the_o reign_n of_o love_n in_o the_o soul_n holiness_n and_o peace_n must_v kiss_v each_o other_o and_o as_o inseparable_a companion_n walk_v together_o it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v charge_v to_o keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n but_o concord_n in_o any_o external_a order_n without_o fellowship_n in_o the_o divine_a life_n be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o new_a nature_n and_o to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o same_o holy_a way_n this_o be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o great_a compliance_n in_o matter_n of_o mere_a external_a order_n and_o consequent_o much_o more_o regardable_a in_o our_o estimation_n and_o reception_n of_o person_n though_o to_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n be_v not_o of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o to_o be_v join_v in_o one_o spirit_n yet_o it_o must_v not_o be_v count_v a_o small_a matter_n the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v much_o concern_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o church_n communion_n it_o will_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o some_o difficulty_n for_o they_o to_o live_v together_o in_o love_n who_o one_o church_n can_v hold_v church_n division_n common_o divide_v affection_n and_o draw_v man_n into_o party_n and_o divide_a interest_n and_o make_v they_o seek_v to_o strengthen_v their_o own_o party_n by_o weaken_v all_o other_o to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o general_n for_o which_o cause_n the_o unchurch_a of_o church_n and_o renounce_v of_o communion_n with_o they_o that_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o sacrament_n and_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o divine_a worship_n shall_v be_v dread_v by_o all_o sober_a christian_n yea_o all_o unnecessary_a distance_n shall_v be_v avoid_v lest_o they_o lead_v to_o great_a alienation_n and_o direct_a enmity_n and_o opposition_n those_o church_n that_o can_v hold_v local_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o by_o reason_n of_o difference_n that_o destroy_v not_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n shall_v yet_o maintain_v a_o dear_a and_o tender_a christian_a love_n one_o to_o another_o and_o profess_v their_o own_n of_o each_o other_o as_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o shall_v agree_v together_o upon_o certain_a just_a and_o equal_a rule_n for_o the_o management_n of_o their_o unavoidable_a difference_n so_o as_o may_v lest_o prejudice_n charity_n and_o common_a good_a and_o least_o harden_v the_o ungodly_a and_o grieve_v the_o weak_a or_o dishonour_n god_n or_o hinder_v the_o success_n of_o common_a great_a and_o necessary_a truth_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n amicable_o promote_a the_o common_a cause_n of_o christianity_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o in_o which_o they_o be_v agree_v and_o open_v their_o disagreement_n to_o the_o people_n as_o little_a as_o they_o can_v schism_n be_v a_o unwarrantable_a separation_n from_o or_o division_n in_o a_o church_n and_o without_o controversy_n it_o be_v a_o heinous_a sin_n and_o to_o be_v detest_v both_o for_o its_o exceed_a sinfulness_n and_o woeful_a consequent_n but_o it_o have_v be_v so_o disguise_v and_o the_o odious_a name_n have_v be_v so_o confuse_o cast_v abroad_o and_o so_o unreasonable_o and_o malicious_o misapply_v that_o it_o be_v too_o slight_o think_v of_o where_o it_o shall_v be_v sad_o lay_v to_o heart_n for_o it_o be_v common_a with_o the_o strong_a party_n be_v it_o right_n or_o wrong_n to_o call_v themselves_o the_o church_n and_o to_o have_v no_o better_a name_n for_o other_o than_o schismatic_n and_o so_o the_o reproach_n be_v but_o contemn_v by_o they_o that_o suffer_v it_o and_o the_o sin_n itself_o be_v too_o little_o fear_v on_o all_o side_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o temporal_a law_n nor_o secular_a power_n nor_o any_o prevalence_n of_o strength_n or_o interest_n that_o make_v a_o church_n and_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n will_v excuse_v they_o from_o schism_n that_o act_n uncharitable_o against_o their_o brethren_n and_o obstruct_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o godliness_n nor_o be_v they_o forthwith_o to_o be_v count_v schismatic_n who_o can_v in_o all_o point_n observe_v the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o can_v neglect_v to_o yield_v their_o help_n to_o the_o save_n of_o soul_n that_o will_v otherwise_o want_v due_a mean_n of_o salvation_n when_o god_n have_v call_v they_o to_o that_o service_n with_o a_o woe_n unto_o they_o if_o they_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n for_o as_o much_o as_o all_o must_v dread_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n true_o so_o call_v let_v it_o be_v well_o consider_v that_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o schismatical_a imposition_n as_o the_o people_n be_v to_o shun_v schismatical_a recusancy_n and_o disobedience_n as_o well_o the_o pastor_n wisdom_n as_o the_o people_n due_a submission_n be_v here_o importunate_o call_v for_o when_o superior_n know_v how_o to_o command_v and_o inferior_n how_o to_o obey_v thing_n will_v go_v as_o well_o as_o may_v be_v hope_v for_o in_o this_o our_o imperfect_a state_n here_o upon_o earth_n as_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v best_a assure_v by_o suppress_v all_o conscientious_a inquiry_n into_o its_o decree_n so_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v most_o secure_v by_o the_o most_o perfect_a exercise_n of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o upright_a conscience_n in_o all_o its_o adherent_n that_o church_n that_o claim_v to_o herself_o a_o infallibility_n or_o challenge_n and_o obtain_v from_o her_o partaker_n a_o implicit_a faith_n in_o her_o determination_n without_o further_a enquiry_n need_v not_o fear_v the_o break_n of_o the_o bond_n of_o her_o peace_n if_o she_o multiply_v constitution_n and_o impose_v any_o devise_a doctrine_n and_o ordinance_n suitable_a to_o
authority_n and_o reverend_a esteem_n of_o their_o person_n and_o office_n yet_o it_o regulate_v the_o same_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o prevent_v ambition_n avarice_n sensuality_n idleness_n haughtiness_n that_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n may_v not_o be_v encourage_v to_o aspire_v to_o its_o promotion_n and_o that_o good_a man_n may_v not_o degenerate_a and_o that_o the_o sacred_a name_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v hold_v by_o a_o society_n of_o man_n not_o carnal_a but_o true_o spiritual_a it_o be_v constitute_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o secure_v a_o succession_n of_o wise_a and_o godly_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n from_o age_n to_o age_n which_o be_v the_o sure_a mean_n of_o the_o church_n perpetual_a good_a estate_n it_o be_v not_o frame_v to_o uphold_v thing_n only_o serviceable_a to_o a_o carnal_a interest_n but_o to_o enforce_v thing_n acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o profitable_a to_o man_n and_o to_o suppress_v whatsoever_o tend_v to_o defeat_v the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o disgrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o to_o reform_v abuse_n impartial_o and_o effectual_o according_a to_o the_o true_a end_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n which_o be_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n it_o enlarge_v the_o power_n of_o do_v good_a and_o restrain_v the_o power_n of_o hurt_v as_o much_o as_o the_o end_n of_o government_n will_v permit_v such_o restraint_n according_o its_o great_a severity_n take_v hold_v of_o the_o worst_a man_n and_o the_o best_a be_v leave_v most_o at_o liberty_n and_o secure_a from_o unnecessary_a molestation_n it_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o satisfy_n of_o the_o just_a and_o reasonable_a demand_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v a_o choice_n and_o tender_a thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o intangle_a and_o perplex_v the_o same_o unnecessary_o it_o make_v the_o pastor_n government_n true_o pastoral_a that_o be_v not_o imperious_a and_o violent_a but_o paternal_a proceed_v by_o exhortation_n and_o doctrine_n and_o gentle_a instruction_n and_o love_n and_o when_o correction_n be_v necessary_a by_o the_o rod_n of_o discipline_n it_o aim_v at_o the_o form_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o govern_n of_o their_o conversation_n by_o good_a and_o sound_a principle_n and_o to_o make_v they_o aâ—…_n much_o as_o may_v be_v a_o law_n to_o themselves_o yet_o aâ—…_n suppose_v the_o exceed_a pravity_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n iâ—…_n leave_v not_o the_o safety_n of_o religion_n mere_o to_o man_n good_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n buâ—…_n by_o due_a restraint_n curb_v the_o remainder_n oâ—…_n man_n perverseness_n it_o seek_v not_o to_o debase_v the_o people_n and_o the_o press_v their_o faculty_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o easy_o lead_v captive_a by_o politic_a man_n at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o to_o ennoble_v they_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o to_o advance_v their_o understanding_n to_o the_o best_a improvement_n and_o according_o it_o take_v care_n that_o they_o may_v be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o faith_n and_o godliness_n in_o a_o word_n it_o will_v make_v even_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a of_o they_o not_o brutus_n buâ—_n man_n and_o not_o mere_a natural_a man_n but_o christian_n or_o spiritual_a men._n the_o subject_n here_o describe_v have_v different_a degree_n of_o excellency_n as_o it_o be_v more_o or_o less_o answerable_a to_o its_o rule_n and_o available_a to_o its_o end_n but_o notwithstanding_o divers_a defect_n and_o error_n if_o that_o which_o be_v wholesome_a and_o good_a be_v predominant_a it_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o good_a constitution_n yet_o the_o best_a be_v most_o desirable_a of_o such_o consequence_n be_v the_o structure_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n that_o if_o it_o be_v naught_o it_o have_v a_o continual_a evil_a influence_n on_o all_o church_n affair_n and_o pervert_v the_o whole_a course_n thereof_o and_o the_o make_n of_o many_o particular_a good_a law_n or_o rule_n will_v not_o help_v it_o for_o in_o that_o case_n they_o be_v render_v almost_o useless_a it_o be_v notable_o observe_v by_o a_o person_n of_o eminent_a worth_n church_n government_n be_v a_o fort_n or_o castle_n if_o traitor_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n get_v the_o possession_n of_o it_o it_o be_v desirable_a that_o the_o castle_n be_v ruin_v and_o the_o christian_a religion_n leave_v to_o support_v itself_o by_o the_o innate_a evidence_n of_o its_o own_o truth_n than_o be_v forcible_o maintain_v for_o contrary_a end_n and_o prove_v a_o mystery_n of_o ungodliness_n and_o tyranny_n chap._n xii_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o first_o externalness_n and_o formality_n every_o kind_n of_o excellency_n in_o the_o present_a world_n have_v its_o counterfeit_n or_o false_a resemblance_n which_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n be_v the_o depravation_n or_o degeneration_n thereof_o and_o so_o the_o true_a religion_n have_v its_o degeneration_n which_o be_v destructive_a to_o it_o yet_o in_o this_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n be_v easy_o mistake_v and_o exalt_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o dead_a image_n of_o christianity_n without_o the_o inward_a life_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o work_v thereof_o be_v dead_a work_n be_v not_o wrought_v in_o god_n it_o be_v the_o dominion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o unmortified_a lust_n under_o pretence_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o zeal_n of_o some_o unnecessary_a opinion_n and_o unprofitable_a observance_n receive_v sometime_o from_o a_o more_o peculiar_a and_o private_a fancy_n sometime_o from_o the_o general_a custom_n and_o tradition_n or_o at_o the_o best_a a_o zeal_n of_o orthodoxality_n when_o that_o form_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n be_v not_o obey_v from_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o self-chosen_a godliness_n and_o not_o of_o god_n make_v take_v up_o to_o delude_v the_o conscience_n and_o lift_v up_o the_o soul_n with_o high_a but_o ill-grounded_a hope_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n to_o excuse_v it_o from_o that_o which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n the_o renounce_n of_o the_o carnal_a life_n and_o all_o worldly_a lust_n and_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n love_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n and_o a_o life_n of_o purity_n goodness_n and_o impartial_a righteousness_n the_o best_a of_o it_o be_v but_o a_o gloss_n or_o varnish_n of_o superficial_a religiousness_n accompany_v with_o a_o dead_a kind_n of_o morality_n which_o have_v its_o rise_n from_o education_n or_o from_o complexion_n otherwise_o call_v good_a nature_n but_o spring_v not_o from_o the_o root_n of_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o a_o live_a faith_n in_o jesus_n christ._n the_o several_a imposture_n disguise_n and_o false_a pretence_n by_o which_o man_n delude_v themselves_o and_o abuse_v the_o world_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v almost_o numberless_a yet_o they_o general_o fall_v into_o one_o of_o these_o two_o main_a current_n of_o religious_a aberration_n either_o the_o political_a popular_a and_o broad_a way_n of_o externalness_n and_o customariness_n or_o the_o devious_a path_n of_o sectarian_n dissetledness_n and_o extravagancy_n the_o more_o ample_a degeneration_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o mere_o formal_a external_a and_o political_a state_n thereof_o that_o have_v prevail_v far_o and_o near_o over_o the_o christian_a world_n this_o externalness_n be_v very_o plausible_a and_o specious_a but_o very_o consistent_a and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n accompany_v with_o a_o large_a indulgence_n to_o the_o flesh_n and_o with_o much_o licentiousness_n of_o principle_n and_o practice_n and_o it_o cast_v the_o mind_n into_o a_o deep_a forgetfulness_n of_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o substantial_a in_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o common_a road_n and_o broad_a way_n because_o most_o obvious_a and_o easy_a to_o the_o carnal_a spirit_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o have_v some_o conscience_n of_o religion_n glad_o take_v up_o with_o a_o form_n that_o with_o more_o security_n and_o peace_n they_o may_v deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o as_o also_o because_o it_o seem_v most_o serviceable_a to_o superior_n for_o shape_a and_o sway_v the_o conscience_n of_o inferior_n to_o their_o will_n and_o to_o the_o end_n by_o they_o design_v according_o as_o it_o get_v ground_n it_o erect_v a_o frame_n of_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o show_n of_o piety_n unity_n and_o order_n but_o be_v real_o a_o engine_n devise_v to_o destroy_v whatsoever_o may_v be_v true_o call_v by_o those_o lovely_a name_n when_o man_n false_a and_o vain_a invention_n rule_v instead_o of_o god_n oracle_n when_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v mingle_v with_o such_o doctrine_n institution_n and_o observance_n as_o corrupt_v the_o purity_n enervate_a the_o power_n and_o frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o the_o misapprehension_n or_o misapplication_n of_o true_a
have_v hurry_v some_o under_o pretence_n of_o erect_v the_o five_o monarchy_n to_o rend_v and_o tear_v kingdom_n and_o nation_n to_o attempt_v the_o dissolve_v of_o all_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o most_o ready_a way_n to_o subvert_v god_n kingdom_n by_o the_o subversion_n of_o christian_a magistracy_n and_o ministry_n and_o to_o dispossess_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o territory_n it_o have_v gain_v some_o have_v proceed_v so_o far_o in_o the_o pretend_a reign_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o to_o abrogate_v the_o external_a frame_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o turn_v the_o gospel_n history_n into_o mystical_a allegory_n yet_o such_o as_o may_v be_v conceive_v and_o shape_v in_o a_o vulgar_a fancy_n and_o be_v low_a and_o despicable_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n according_a to_o the_o historical_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o worse_o some_o have_v be_v so_o gross_a as_o to_o turn_v into_o a_o allegory_n the_o great_a hope_n of_o our_o christian_a calling_n even_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o so_o pervert_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o a_o mysterious_a infidelity_n and_o apostasy_n from_o jesus_n christ._n yea_o some_o pervert_n the_o high_a expression_n of_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o dwell_v in_o god_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o like_a have_v impious_o talk_v of_o their_o begod_v condition_n and_o blasphemous_o entitle_v the_o most_o high_a and_o holy_a one_o to_o their_o abominable_a extravagancy_n and_o impurity_n and_o beside_o all_o these_o some_o be_v perpetual_a seeker_n have_v no_o fix_v belief_n in_o the_o most_o important_a point_n person_n so_o far_o enlighten_v as_o not_o to_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o high_a way_n than_o the_o common_a dead_a formality_n and_o have_v some_o taste_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o thereby_o raise_v above_o the_o general_a indifferency_n and_o lukewarmness_n unto_o a_o kind_n of_o strictness_n seriousness_n and_o fervour_n of_o spirit_n in_o religion_n yet_o fall_v short_a of_o true_a conversion_n and_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v well_o conceit_v of_o their_o own_o gift_n and_o part_n and_o seem_a grace_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o a_o full_a gale_n of_o fancy_n into_o the_o gulf_n of_o these_o delusion_n and_o a_o tincture_n of_o this_o contagion_n though_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n may_v seize_v on_o some_o who_o stand_v in_o the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n be_v deceive_v by_o a_o show_n of_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n and_o peradventure_o lie_v under_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o some_o ensnare_a occasion_n which_o work_n upon_o the_o remainder_n of_o pride_n levity_n curiosity_n and_o other_o corruption_n which_o the_o present_a imperfect_a state_n leave_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o real_a christian_n and_o some_o of_o these_o may_v soon_o fall_v into_o absurd_a opinion_n than_o many_o that_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n who_o may_v easy_o abide_v among_o the_o orthodox_n either_o because_o they_o do_v not_o concern_v themselves_o in_o religious_a inquiry_n or_o because_o they_o be_v hold_v by_o worldly_a advantage_n which_o stand_v on_o truth_n side_n the_o fancy_n be_v soon_o fill_v with_o notion_n and_o the_o affection_n thereby_o raise_v than_o the_o judgement_n be_v well_o inform_v and_o the_o heart_n establish_v in_o grace_n hence_o proceed_v a_o sickliness_n in_o the_o soul_n appetite_n a_o satiety_n of_o plain_a save_v truth_n and_o of_o sound_a wholesome_a preach_v a_o desire_n of_o novelty_n selfconceitedness_a pragmatical_a confidence_n rash_a censure_n partiality_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n a_o lessen_v of_o the_o pastoral_n authority_n encroachment_n upon_o the_o pastor_n office_n divide_v principle_n and_o practice_n and_o innumerable_a inconvenience_n moreover_o well_o mean_v people_n associate_v in_o a_o strict_a profession_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v sequacious_a of_o some_o lead_a person_n among_o they_o and_o some_o will_v follow_v the_o rest_n for_o company_n and_o the_o high_a pretension_n and_o heighten_a confidence_n of_o enthusiast_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o enchantment_n to_o bewitch_v those_o that_o unwarrantable_o approach_v to_o near_o they_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v predispose_v by_o temper_n or_o complexion_n towards_o enthusiasm_n in_o these_o thing_n man_n forsake_v the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n to_o walk_v by_o false_a light_n and_o to_o follow_v blind_a guide_n the_o holy_a ghost_n bid_v we_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o trial_n and_o leave_v we_o not_o to_o any_o unaccountable_a impulse_n or_o impression_n the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o evangelical_n doctrine_n show_v that_o the_o christian_a spirit_n be_v both_o pure_a and_o peaceable_a that_o it_o do_v not_o divide_v break_v and_o scatter_v a_o christian_a people_n but_o unite_v heal_v and_o settle_v they_o that_o it_o do_v not_o overturn_v church_n and_o civil_a state_n nor_o inflame_v ruler_n against_o subject_n nor_o subject_n against_o ruler_n nor_o dissolve_v magistracy_n and_o ministry_n but_o that_o it_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o child_n and_o the_o disobedient_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o just_a and_o conciliate_v the_o mind_n of_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o all_o degree_n in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n which_o be_v the_o right_a and_o sure_a way_n of_o erect_v god_n kingdom_n it_o do_v not_o cancel_v reason_n but_o maintain_v its_o interest_n in_o religion_n as_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a prop_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o judgement_n and_o soberness_n and_o suppress_v the_o wild_a dominion_n of_o the_o unruly_a imagination_n it_o do_v not_o turn_v man_n from_o humanity_n and_o civil_a behaviour_n unto_o a_o surly_a and_o cynical_a pride_n and_o fanatic_a melancholy_n and_o austerity_n but_o it_o dispose_v they_o to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o human_a life_n and_o civil_a converse_n but_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o offence_n shall_v come_v where_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v break_v forth_o sectarianism_n and_o fanaticism_n be_v the_o devil_n aftergame_n so_o it_o spring_v up_o in_o germany_n upon_o the_o birth_n of_o protestantism_n so_o it_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n upon_o the_o birth_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o gnostic_n and_o such_o like_a sectary_n and_o so_o it_o continue_v in_o our_o time_n these_o irregularity_n and_o extravagancy_n be_v a_o great_a damage_n and_o reproach_n to_o a_o serious_a zealous_a and_o strict_a profession_n and_o it_o be_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v before_o many_o nevertheless_o the_o great_a and_o most_o dangerous_a degeneration_n from_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n lie_v not_o this_o way_n the_o conception_n and_o motion_n of_o fanaticism_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a strain_n though_o in_o a_o delusion_n take_v not_o with_o the_o great_a number_n whether_o of_o high_a or_o low_a degree_n the_o learned_a or_o unlearned_a sort_n and_o in_o case_n it_o seize_v on_o a_o great_a multitude_n it_o may_v trouble_v and_o unsettle_v a_o state_n but_o it_o can_v never_o settle_v itself_o and_o if_o it_o domineer_v a_o while_n its_o tyranny_n can_v hold_v because_o it_o have_v no_o foundation_n and_o it_o can_v never_o obtain_v to_o be_v a_o national_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o stability_n of_o civil_a government_n it_o be_v great_a mischief_n to_o a_o state_n be_v that_o it_o may_v serve_v the_o design_n of_o other_o to_o work_v out_o a_o more_o last_a misery_n for_o which_o cause_n the_o romish_a emissary_n under_o a_o vizor_n have_v overact_a this_o wild_a spirit_n that_o by_o its_o confusion_n and_o anarchy_n they_o may_v make_v way_n to_o introduce_v their_o own_o tyranny_n but_o the_o more_o extensive_a dangerous_a and_o last_a depravation_n of_o christianity_n lie_v on_o the_o same_o side_n with_o popery_n which_o be_v formidable_a indeed_o be_v found_v in_o power_n and_o policy_n and_o suit_v to_o worldly_a interest_n and_o to_o which_o man_n innate_a propension_n do_v general_o more_o incline_v they_o for_o that_o their_o fancy_n and_o affection_n be_v inveagle_v with_o its_o outward_a wealth_n and_o glory_n and_o their_o conscience_n lay_v a_o sleep_n by_o its_o loose_a principle_n and_o lifeless_a form_n of_o devotion_n chap._n fourteen_o the_o way_n of_o preserve_a religion_n uncorrupt_a the_o truth_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n lie_v in_o its_o conformity_n to_o its_o rule_n which_o be_v god_n reveal_v will_n or_o law_n and_o its_o deviation_n from_o it_o be_v its_o depravation_n from_o this_o rule_n man_n be_v easy_o draw_v aside_o be_v entice_v by_o their_o own_o vain_a imagination_n perverse_a inclination_n
vicious_a excess_n and_o sensual_a pollution_n yea_o all_o offensive_a levite_n and_o unchristian_a irregularity_n and_o all_o fellowship_n therewith_o yet_o morosity_n and_o sourness_n of_o spirit_n it_o by_o no_o mean_n approve_v but_o serenity_n of_o disposition_n and_o freeness_n and_o sweetness_n of_o conversation_n be_v both_o command_v and_o cause_v by_o it_o it_o reach_v the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o awe_v the_o conscience_n it_o forbid_v the_o inward_a motion_n of_o intemperance_n and_o injustice_n it_o condemn_v and_o loathe_v hypocrisy_n and_o make_v all_o external_a work_n to_o be_v nothing_o without_o sincerity_n it_o make_v sincere_a love_n the_o principle_n and_o place_v it_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o whole_a behaviour_n towards_o other_o and_o therefore_o prompt_v and_o powerful_o engage_v to_o mutual_a succour_n in_o the_o time_n of_o need_n it_o maintain_v a_o charity_n unknown_a to_o the_o infidel_n world_n and_o which_o be_v a_o virtue_n peculiar_a to_o it_o in_o the_o great_a vigour_n and_o extent_n it_o enjoin_v the_o love_n of_o enemy_n it_o exalt_v humility_n meekness_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n as_o chief_a virtue_n which_o be_v contemn_v by_o the_o pride_n of_o moral_a heathen_n and_o therefore_o it_o make_v man_n just_a and_o peaceable_a and_o yet_o withal_o it_o have_v the_o best_a ground_n of_o true_a fortitude_n and_o magnanimity_n and_o therefore_o damn_v that_o pusillanimity_n and_o foolish_a softness_n of_o disposition_n which_o betray_v truth_n and_o virtue_n self-denial_n be_v one_o of_o its_o grand_a precept_n without_o which_o none_o can_v live_v under_o its_o discipline_n and_o so_o it_o overrule_v and_o control_v that_o selfishness_n which_o be_v the_o arch-rebel_n against_o god_n and_o the_o root_n of_o all_o mischief_n and_o turn_v the_o world_n upside_o down_o it_o teach_v man_n to_o live_v above_o the_o honour_n and_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n and_o take_v off_o the_o heart_n from_o they_o its_o principle_n most_o entire_o accord_v with_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o high_a power_n it_o declare_v their_o authority_n to_o be_v from_o god_n as_o they_o be_v his_o vicegerent_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o rule_v in_o subordination_n to_o he_o according_a to_o his_o law_n and_o it_o awe_v the_o conscience_n of_o subject_n to_o obdience_n if_o ruler_n command_v any_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o forbid_v subject_n to_o perform_v such-commands_a yet_o withal_o oblige_v to_o submit_v with_o patience_n to_o the_o unjust_a penalty_n of_o non-performance_n and_o to_o avoid_v mutiny_n and_o rebellion_n it_o also_o teach_v the_o people_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n to_o receive_v the_o church_n directive_n with_o their_o own_o discretive_a judgement_n and_o so_o not_o to_o derogate_v from_o the_o just_a authority_n of_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o chief_a strength_n of_o all_o just_a government_n and_o society_n the_o truth_n be_v it_o do_v hedge_n in_o with_o thorn_n the_o lust_n of_o man_n as_o pride_n malice_n revenge_n covetousness_n and_o sensuality_n but_o it_o secure_v and_o enlarge_v their_o wholesome_a comfort_n and_o enjoyment_n their_o propriety_n immunity_n and_o all_o just_a privilege_n it_o advance_v righteousness_n temperance_n beneficience_n and_o all_o other_o duty_n appertain_v to_o mankind_n wherever_o it_o root_n and_o spread_v it_o make_v no_o small_a part_n of_o the_o prudence_n courage_n industry_n and_o frugality_n and_o by_o consequence_n of_o the_o wealth_n and_o strength_n of_o a_o nation_n there_o be_v no_o aggregation_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n wherein_o appear_v more_o of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a to_o man_n than_o be_v find_v where_o the_o influence_n of_o this_o profession_n become_v predominant_a whether_o in_o a_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n or_o city_n or_o family_n the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o power_n of_o love_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n which_o give_v great_a advantage_n for_o prudence_n soberness_n steddiness_n of_o conversation_n the_o seriousness_n and_o gravity_n of_o this_o way_n dispose_v not_o to_o futil_o talk_v childish_a credulity_n easiness_n and_o rashness_n but_o to_o a_o considerate_a freeness_n and_o direct_a deal_n with_o a_o generous_a caution_n and_o reservedness_n in_o due_a season_n though_o its_o follower_n can_v link_v themselves_o to_o faction_n and_o serve_v all_o time_n and_o occasion_n and_o go_v along_o with_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n in_o their_o design_n throughout_o yet_o they_o shall_v not_o fail_v of_o interest_n in_o a_o nation_n not_o whole_o vitiate_v nor_o be_v it_o hard_o for_o they_o to_o maintain_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o public_a state_n if_o they_o accommodate_v themselves_o to_o serve_v it_o so_o far_o as_o conscience_n and_o prudence_n lead_v they_o considerate_a man_n will_v not_o contemn_v they_o and_o they_o that_o own_o they_o shall_v know_v where_o to_o find_v they_o and_o in_o pursue_v good_a design_n shall_v find_v they_o fast_o friend_n religion_n do_v not_o cast_v man_n down_o into_o stupidity_n pusillanimity_n or_o sluggish_a neglect_n of_o opportunity_n but_o erect_v they_o to_o a_o prudent_a and_o temperate_a vigour_n of_o spirit_n and_o regular_a activity_n whereby_o they_o become_v fit_a for_o the_o affair_n of_o human_a life_n in_o a_o high_a or_o low_a sphere_n according_a to_o their_o different_a capacity_n chap._n xvii_o religion_n may_v be_v advance_v by_o human_a prudence_n what_o way_n and_o method_n it_o can_v admit_v in_o order_n to_o its_o advancement_n though_o true_a religion_n stand_v by_o a_o unchangeable_a law_n and_o depend_v not_o upon_o the_o mutable_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o vary_v not_o according_a to_o their_o variation_n nor_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a policy_n of_o secular_a kingdom_n nevertheless_o its_o affair_n may_v be_v much_o advance_v by_o prudence_n and_o disadvantage_v by_o indiscretion_n there_o be_v a_o lawful_a use_n of_o human_a policy_n be_v refine_v from_o hypocrisy_n and_o all_o iniquity_n the_o author_n of_o this_o profession_n the_o holy_a and_o just_a one_o in_o who_o mouth_n be_v no_o guile_n advise_v his_o disciple_n to_o be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n and_o harmless_a as_o dove_n st._n paul_n one_o of_o his_o chief_a minister_n be_v attentive_a to_o all_o the_o method_n of_o gain_v people_n and_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n that_o he_o may_v win_v some_o and_o he_o be_v bold_a to_o tell_v some_o that_o be_v crafty_a he_o catch_v they_o with_o guile_n but_o it_o be_v the_o guile_n of_o abound_a charity_n and_o self-denial_n manage_v with_o prudence_n for_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o save_n of_o soul_n in_o secular_a kingdom_n the_o reason_n of_o state_n be_v lock_v up_o from_o the_o common_a view_n but_o the_o maxim_n and_o method_n of_o this_o interest_n may_v with_o great_a advantage_n be_v disclose_v as_o well_o to_o alien_n and_o enemy_n as_o to_o friend_n and_o fellow-citizen_n for_o by_o this_o discovery_n the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n who_o through_o their_o own_o misapprehension_n or_o other_o malicious_a suggestion_n be_v sometime_o turn_v against_o it_o may_v become_v more_o propense_a and_o indulgent_a towards_o it_o and_o the_o more_o sober_a part_n of_o man_n may_v be_v incline_v to_o favour_v it_o and_o great_a number_n both_o of_o high_a and_o low_a degree_n may_v be_v bring_v entire_o to_o close_v with_o it_o when_o they_o shall_v behold_v the_o goodness_n and_o usefulness_n the_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n of_o its_o principle_n as_o for_o the_o enemy_n counterwork_a we_o need_v not_o dread_v it_o for_o the_o stratagem_n of_o this_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a and_o can_v be_v counterwrought_a with_o carnal_a stratagem_n it_o remain_v therefore_o as_o the_o business_n of_o this_o inquiry_n to_o consider_v how_o we_o may_v improve_v the_o intrinsical_a and_o innate_a advantage_n before_o mention_v and_o to_o gain_v all_o extrinsical_a and_o adventitious_a one_o that_o may_v be_v make_v and_o to_o make_v thâ—_n most_o of_o they_o all_o for_o the_o design_a end_n but_o due_a care_n must_v be_v have_v that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n or_o human_a policy_n have_v not_o too_o great_a 〈◊〉_d stroke_n for_o many_o be_v the_o art_n and_o methodâ—…_n that_o serve_v secular_a interest_n which_o the_o sincerity_n and_o purity_n of_o true_a religion_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n admit_v it_o can_v establish_v itself_o in_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n nor_o murder_v the_o innocent_a for_o its_o own_o security_n nor_o hold_v people_n in_o subjection_n by_o the_o horror_n of_o a_o spanish_a inquisition_n which_o be_v not_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o spiritual_a jerusalem_n but_o of_o babylon_n it_o can_v make_v use_n of_o such_o imposture_n as_o be_v use_v to_o uphold_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n and_o which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o those_o church_n politician_n that_o make_v
state_n as_o a_o jewel_n that_o have_v its_o great_a lustre_n by_o the_o bright_a light_n be_v maintain_v by_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n in_o bright_a time_n the_o imposture_n and_o carnal_a design_n of_o devise_v doctrine_n and_o superstitious_a vanity_n will_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o the_o hypocrisy_n be_v detect_v the_o merchandise_n thereof_o will_v be_v quite_o mar_v in_o such_o time_n even_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n will_v expect_v from_o those_o in_o sacred_a function_n at_o least_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o sober_a righteous_a and_o godly_a conversation_n with_o diligence_n in_o holy_a administration_n then_o the_o enemy_n of_o real_a sanctity_n be_v put_v to_o hard_a shift_n and_o force_v to_o appear_v either_o in_o some_o colour_n of_o truth_n or_o in_o the_o shame_n of_o their_o own_o nakedness_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o follower_n of_o truth_n make_v it_o their_o special_a interest_n as_o thorough_o to_o promote_v the_o most_o ample_a diffusion_n and_o universal_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n among_o all_o rank_n and_o sort_n of_o man_n as_o the_o adverse_a partly_o seek_v to_o oppose_v and_o debase_v it_o we_o do_v not_o hereby_o mean_v a_o intermeddle_v in_o difficult_a matter_n a_o smattering_n in_o controversy_n and_o certain_a curiosity_n of_o opinion_n a_o store_n of_o unnecessary_a notion_n and_o of_o mere_a word_n and_o phrase_n which_o thing_n be_v common_o erroneous_a and_o at_o the_o best_a but_o injudicious_a and_o puff_v up_o the_o half-witted_a and_o self-conceited_a and_o make_v they_o troublesome_a to_o themselves_o and_o other_o but_o that_o which_o be_v here_o commend_v for_o a_o universal_a increase_n and_o propagation_n be_v to_o understand_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o essential_a truth_n of_o christianity_n to_o see_v their_o evidence_n to_o judge_v right_o of_o their_o weight_n and_o worth_n and_o to_o view_v their_o coherence_n and_o beside_o these_o to_o know_v so_o much_o of_o other_o truth_n as_o the_o different_a capacity_n of_o man_n will_v enable_v they_o for_o the_o better_n of_o their_o knowledge_n in_o the_o essential_o the_o mean_n of_o diffuse_v this_o light_n be_v well_o know_v as_o the_o constant_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o due_a form_n of_o cathechism_n the_o strict_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n repetition_n of_o sermon_n â—…ious_a conference_n read_v the_o word_n and_o prayer_n in_o family_n profitable_a communication_n among_o neighbour-christians_a in_o their_o daily_a converse_n the_o spread_a of_o practical_a book_n write_v by_o man_n of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o minister_n private_a application_n to_o those_o of_o their_o own_o charge_n with_o prudence_n and_o meekness_n for_o the_o same_o end_n that_o main_a principle_n of_o protestanism_n the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n as_o belong_v to_o all_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v assert_v and_o â—…indicated_v against_o that_o popish_a and_o brutish_a doâ—…trine_n of_o implicit_a faith_n in_o the_o church_n deâ—…rminations_n this_o be_v not_o to_o subject_a matter_n of_o â—aith_n to_o a_o private_a spirit_n but_o to_o refer_v they_o to_o â—…e_v divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o â—…e_v apprehend_v in_o the_o due_a and_o right_a use_n of_o â—eason_n which_o be_v a_o public_a and_o evident_a thing_n â—…d_n lie_v open_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o men._n and_o to_o man_n of_o sober_a mind_n serious_a for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o current_n of_o scripture_n be_v easy_o discernible_a moreover_o the_o general_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n lie_v much_o in_o the_o ingenuous_a education_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o common_a people_n in_o opposition_n to_o sordidness_n slavery_n and_o brutish_a rudeness_n though_o some_o look_n upon_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n with_o contempt_n and_o seem_v to_o value_v they_o no_o more_o than_o brute_n animal_n and_o think_v it_o enough_o that_o their_o governor_n understand_v and_o consider_v for_o they_o and_o not_o they_o for_o themselves_o yet_o christ_n have_v shed_v his_o blood_n as_o much_o for_o the_o redemption_n of_o that_o sort_n as_o of_o the_o noble_a and_o mighty_a and_o prudent_a and_o he_o have_v make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n and_o in_o the_o privilege_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o kingdom_n as_o for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n cast_v the_o advantage_n on_o the_o poor_a and_o mean_a side_n not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a be_v call_v be_v the_o observation_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n james_n witness_v that_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n rich_a in_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o those_o who_o god_n have_v choose_v must_v needs_o be_v instruct_v in_o his_o will._n that_o reasonable_a service_n that_o he_o require_v none_o can_v perform_v without_o knowledge_n ignorance_n be_v opposite_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o true_a christian_a piety_n which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o where_o it_o be_v not_o receive_v with_o understanding_n this_o general_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n have_v fall_v under_o a_o great_a suspicion_n of_o evil_n and_o it_o may_v be_v under_o the_o jealousy_n of_o ruler_n as_o dispose_v man_n to_o sedition_n rebellion_n heresy_n and_o schism_n but_o how_o great_a a_o reproach_n be_v hereby_o cast_v upon_o human_a nature_n or_o political_a government_n or_o both_o that_o the_o more_o rational_o apprehensive_a the_o body_n of_o a_o people_n be_v they_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o ungovernable_a as_o if_o government_n can_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o proper_a dignity_n and_o felicity_n of_o human_a nature_n what_o manner_n of_o civil_a state_n be_v that_o which_o degrade_v the_o subject_n from_o man_n to_o beast_n for_o a_o more_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o they_o what_o manner_n of_o christian_a church_n be_v that_o which_o to_o prevent_v heresy_n and_o schism_n take_v order_n that_o its_o member_n be_v no_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o unchristian_a inhuman_a policy_n in_o church_n or_o state_n the_o foundation_n whereof_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o people_n ignorance_n as_o for_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o ruler_n it_o be_v not_o weaken_v but_o strengthen_v by_o their_o people_n knowledge_n which_o in_o its_o right_n and_o proper_a tendency_n make_v they_o more_o conscientious_a and_o however_o more_o circumspect_a and_o considerate_a and_o consequent_o more_o easy_o manageable_a by_o a_o just_a and_o prudent_a government_n but_o gross_a ignorance_n tend_v to_o make_v they_o barbarous_a and_o belluine_a and_o in_o their_o mutiny_n and_o discontent_n uncounsellable_n and_o untameable_a and_o therefore_o very_o incongruous_a to_o a_o state_n govern_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n or_o humanity_n chap._n xx._n the_o advantage_n of_o human_a learning_n to_o the_o same_o end_n though_o religion_n rest_v not_o on_o human_a learning_n as_o its_o main_a support_n yet_o it_o seek_v and_o claim_v the_o necessary_a help_n thereof_o those_o who_o god_n design_n for_o eminent_a service_n he_o endue_v with_o eminent_a gift_n either_o by_o mean_n or_o miracle_n and_o he_o give_v every_o entrust_v servant_n a_o measure_n answerable_a to_o his_o degree_n the_o apostle_n who_o lay_v the_o foundation_n be_v wise_a master-builder_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o wisdom_n shall_v die_v with_o they_o when_o he_o settle_v his_o church_n to_o endure_v throughout_o all_o age_n and_o promise_v to_o be_v with_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v say_v indeed_o that_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o god_n be_v strong_a than_o men._n but_o that_o which_o be_v so_o call_v be_v not_o foolishness_n and_o weakness_n indeed_o but_o only_o so_o account_v by_o the_o pride_n of_o carnal_a wisdom_n in_o this_o learned_a age_n the_o antichristian_a state_n in_o christendom_n be_v force_v to_o advance_v learning_n in_o its_o own_o defence_n and_o now_o without_o learning_n either_o divine_o inspire_v or_o acquire_v by_o mean_n we_o can_v defend_v ourselves_o against_o it_o wherefore_o to_o destroy_v the_o support_n of_o learning_n be_v the_o way_n to_o subvert_v religion_n yea_o though_o we_o be_v not_o engage_v by_o such_o strength_n of_o the_o adversary_n to_o provide_v for_o our_o own_o defence_n yet_o solid_a human_a learning_n do_v of_o itself_o notable_o advance_v divine_a truth_n the_o learning_n that_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o world_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n apparent_o make_v way_n for_o that_o sudden_a and_o ample_a spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o revive_v thereof_o after_o a_o universal_a decay_n no_o less_o apparent_o make_v way_n for_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o this_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n
sober_a and_o regular_a course_n of_o life_n but_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n be_v corrupt_v and_o tend_v to_o general_a debauchedness_n when_o those_o of_o high_a rank_n and_o quality_n live_v in_o idleness_n and_o sensual_a excess_n and_o have_v a_o proportionable_a number_n of_o the_o mean_a sort_n wait_v upon_o they_o in_o much_o idleness_n for_o the_o service_n of_o those_o lust_n and_o vanity_n this_o course_n will_v vitiate_v the_o whole_a mass_n of_o a_o people_n do_v not_o some_o powerful_a opposite_a mean_n preserve_v some_o part_n more_o entire_a and_o sound_a in_o moral_n now_o a_o order_n and_o frame_v of_o thing_n settle_v for_o frugality_n be_v not_o unworthy_a of_o a_o generous_a nation_n it_o be_v a_o noble_a thing_n for_o person_n of_o high_a birth_n and_o breed_n to_o improve_v their_o part_n and_o wealth_n and_o leisure_n in_o useful_a and_o liberal_a study_n and_o exercise_n whereby_o something_o may_v be_v add_v either_o to_o their_o own_o fortune_n or_o to_o the_o common_a stock_n and_o treasure_n of_o mankind_n where_o this_o considerate_a and_o sober_a disposition_n of_o a_o people_n be_v affect_v it_o shall_v be_v esteem_v a_o great_a happiness_n and_o worthy_a of_o the_o best_a improvement_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n discreet_a and_o well_o mind_a person_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v discourage_v or_o disoblige_v if_o they_o can_v be_v raise_v to_o a_o high_a pitch_n it_o be_v better_a to_o keep_v they_o where_o they_o be_v than_o by_o any_o matter_n of_o disgust_n to_o occasion_v they_o to_o fall_v back_o first_o to_o disrelish_v then_o to_o loath_a and_o oppose_v a_o strict_a profession_n chap._n xxii_o the_o increase_n of_o religion_n be_v promote_v by_o be_v make_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v passable_a among_o man_n such_o be_v the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n that_o a_o necessity_n of_o be_v singular_a lie_n upon_o those_o that_o embrace_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o because_o all_o singularity_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o disgust_v and_o censure_n it_o concern_v they_o to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v not_o humorous_a and_o affect_v but_o necessary_a and_o conscientious_a and_o so_o to_o shun_v all_o affectation_n of_o odd_a conceit_n and_o practice_n or_o any_o unnecessary_a reservedness_n the_o mere_a depart_n from_o evil_n and_o the_o impartial_a discharge_n of_o duty_n will_v set_v they_o too_o much_o alone_a and_o aloof_o off_o from_o too_o too_o many_o and_o true_o it_o be_v the_o grief_n of_o sincere_a and_o humble_a mind_n that_o they_o can_v have_v no_o more_o company_n in_o the_o way_n that_o be_v call_v holy_a but_o the_o humour_n of_o needless_a singularity_n have_v a_o snatch_n of_o pharisaical_a leaven_n in_o it_o to_o be_v affable_a and_o of_o easy_a access_n and_o free_a in_o harmless_a compliance_n avail_v much_o to_o remove_v or_o lessen_v prejudice_n it_o be_v not_o of_o little_a moment_n to_o discern_v and_o keep_v the_o right_a path_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o conformity_n to_o the_o decent_a civility_n of_o this_o world_n to_o be_v solicitous_a and_o exact_a about_o idle_a and_o tedious_a curiosity_n of_o habit_n gesture_n and_o complemental_a converse_n to_o run_v with_o the_o foremost_a after_o new_a garb_n and_o fashion_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o purity_n gravity_n and_o moderate_a severity_n of_o true_a religion_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o neglect_v the_o decency_n of_o the_o age_n be_v take_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o sordid_a or_o a_o peevish_a humour_n a_o mediocrity_n in_o such_o thing_n be_v most_o acceptable_a and_o advantageous_a the_o truth_n be_v the_o extravagancy_n of_o our_o time_n have_v tempt_v some_o to_o strain_n christian_n liberty_n beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o soberness_n and_o there_o be_v need_n that_o some_o check_n be_v give_v to_o this_o excess_n of_o vanity_n nevertheless_o the_o other_o extreem_n will_v gain_v no_o honour_n morosity_n true_o so_o call_v be_v very_o offensive_a and_o be_v indeed_o but_o a_o severe_a and_o serious_a folly_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o all_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o strain_n guarb_n or_o humour_n in_o these_o indifferent_a matter_n pertain_v to_o human_a life_n wherein_o be_v find_v so_o great_a diversity_n among_o virtuous_a and_o worthy_a person_n the_o more_o free_a gentile_a and_o cheerful_a may_v not_o despise_v they_o that_o be_v more_o rich_a reserve_v and_o solemn_a in_o their_o behaviour_n nor_o may_v these_o judge_v the_o other_o for_o godliness_n stand_v on_o neither_o side_n but_o be_v indifferent_a towards_o both_o and_o importunate_a zeal_n and_o strictness_n about_o thing_n of_o indifferent_a or_o doubtful_a interpretation_n do_v ofttimes_o great_a disservice_n to_o religion_n and_o hinder_v that_o reception_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v give_v to_o it_o when_o too_o great_a a_o stir_n be_v make_v about_o little_a matter_n man_n of_o loose_a principle_n will_v suggest_v against_o all_o godly_a care_n and_o strictness_n as_o needless_a scrupulosity_n and_o preciseness_n and_o the_o urge_n of_o some_o hard_a thing_n as_o indispensable_a duty_n upon_o weak_a and_o uncertain_a ground_n have_v alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o some_o from_o that_o course_n of_o life_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o faithful_a in_o christ_n have_v their_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n as_o be_v redeem_v from_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n and_o have_v jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o the_o mother_n of_o they_o all_o nevertheless_o as_o yet_o they_o dwell_v upon_o earth_n and_o converse_v with_o natural_a man_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o speak_v and_o act_v in_o such_o a_o strain_n as_o if_o they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o world_n provide_v they_o deny_v no_o principle_n of_o faith_n it_o behoove_v they_o to_o show_v themselves_o in_o nothing_o estrange_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o human_a reason_n and_o moral_a prudence_n according_a to_o man_n upon_o earth_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n to_o act_v as_o citizen_n of_o this_o world_n though_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o heavenly_a spirit_n and_o conversation_n which_o be_v their_o life_n indeed_o they_o must_v walk_v as_o fellow_n citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n now_o in_o glory_n i_o urge_v this_o the_o rather_o because_o they_o be_v by_o scornful_a man_n number_v among_o fanatic_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n in_o all_o public_a affair_n they_o must_v consider_v what_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n with_o bear_n they_o must_v be_v discreet_a and_o temperate_a in_o their_o encounter_n with_o people_n vanity_n especial_o inveterate_a custom_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n they_o shall_v approve_v themselves_o fit_a and_o able_a for_o the_o service_n of_o human_a society_n this_o will_v make_v they_o appear_v considerable_a and_o befool_v and_o shame_v those_o that_o slight_a they_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o christ_n between_o bond_n and_o free_a high_a and_o low_a rich_a and_o poor_a but_o they_o be_v all_o one_o in_o he_o wherefore_o the_o scripture_n say_v let_v the_o brother_n of_o low_a degree_n rejoice_v in_o that_o he_o be_v exalt_v but_o the_o rich_a man_n that_o he_o be_v make_v low_o and_o according_o it_o testify_v against_o the_o have_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o respect_n of_o person_n howbeit_o this_o indistinction_n of_o person_n respect_v privilege_n that_o be_v mere_o spiritual_a to_o which_o there_o be_v no_o inequality_n of_o right_n upon_o any_o civil_a pre-eminence_n but_o in_o all_o civil_a privilege_n christianity_n maintain_v the_o different_a right_n of_o the_o several_a rank_n of_o man_n and_o enjoin_v we_o to_o render_v honour_n to_o who_o honour_n be_v due_a and_o there_o be_v more_o in_o it_o than_o a_o mere_a gracefulness_n of_o behaviour_n or_o pleasingness_n of_o humane_a conversation_n for_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o maintain_v government_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o world_n in_o order_n religion_n therefore_o do_v not_o countenance_v a_o level_a humour_n nor_o any_o insolence_n and_o irreverence_n towards_o superior_n but_o condemn_v their_o pride_n and_o folly_n that_o presume_v to_o â—arry_v it_o in_o that_o sort_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o equality_n in_o christ_n or_o a_o conceit_n of_o their_o own_o pre-eminence_n in_o he_o above_o other_o the_o profession_n of_o godliness_n can_v be_v more_o prejudice_v than_o by_o such_o a_o spirit_n and_o behaviour_n discern_v in_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o it_o the_o mighty_a the_o noble_a and_o the_o wealthy_a will_v not_o endure_v to_o be_v confront_v by_o mean_a person_n but_o be_v tempt_v to_o hate_n and_o crush_v that_o profession_n which_o they_o think_v make_v man_n forget_v those_o distance_n and_o due_a observance_n which_o civility_n call_v for_o but_o religion_n be_v make_v more_o passable_a and_o acceptable_a especial_o with_o those_o at_o the_o upper_a end_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o discretion_n and_o
lot_n of_o inheritance_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o do_v not_o value_v the_o concern_v thereof_o above_o all_o his_o chief_a joy_n that_o be_v but_o of_o this_o world_n a_o zeal_n for_o the_o common_a faith_n and_o a_o constrane_n love_n to_o all_o the_o faithful_a have_v excite_v a_o very_a mean_a and_o weak_a one_o to_o do_v what_o he_o be_v able_a on_o this_o important_a subject_n impartial_o search_v after_o their_o common_a good_a let_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o society_n one_o of_o who_o name_n be_v counsellor_n deliver_v his_o flock_n from_o all_o dangerous_a and_o disadvantageous_a error_n and_o from_o wander_v in_o break_a party_n by_o unstable_a and_o divide_a counsel_n and_o show_v they_o gracious_o the_o right_a way_n of_o maintain_v a_o consistency_n among_o themselves_o and_o of_o gain_v upon_o the_o reconcilable_a part_n of_o man_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o this_o prince_n and_o leader_n be_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n who_o banner_n be_v love_n let_v his_o people_n every_o where_o be_v act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o show_v forth_o the_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n in_o all_o good_a conversation_n with_o humility_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a have_v this_o principle_n deep_o imprint_v in_o they_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n the_o point_n of_o church-unity_n and_o schism_n discuss_v chap._n i._n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o polity_n the_o church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a commonwealth_n which_o according_a to_o its_o primary_n and_o invisible_a state_n be_v a_o society_n of_o regenerate_a person_n who_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n christ_n their_o head_n and_o one_o to_o another_o as_o fellow_n member_n by_o a_o mystical_a union_n through_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o adopt_v to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o according_a to_o its_o secondary_a and_o visible_a state_n it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o person_n profess_v christianity_n or_o regeration_n and_o external_o join_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o the_o symbal_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o external_a privilege_n thereunto_o belong_v there_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n which_o according_a to_o the_o invisible_a form_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o true_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o according_a to_o its_o visible_a form_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o visible_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n or_o believer_n according_a to_o human_a judgement_n this_o church_n have_v one_o head_n and_o supreme_a lord_n even_o christ_n and_o one_o charter_n and_o system_n of_o law_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o member_n that_o be_v free_a denizen_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n and_o one_o form_n of_o admission_n or_o solemn_a initiation_n for_o its_o member_n and_o one_o kind_n of_o ministry_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n this_o church_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o its_o own_o fundamental_a constitution_n or_o of_o the_o law_n and_o officer_n and_o administration_n intrinsical_o belong_v to_o it_o but_o have_v receive_v all_o these_o from_o christ_n its_o head_n king_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o be_v limit_v by_o he_o in_o they_o all_o nevertheless_o it_o have_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o its_o act_n that_o be_v according_a to_o its_o several_a part_n a_o power_n of_o make_v secondary_a law_n or_o canon_n either_o to_o impress_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n upon_o its_o member_n or_o to_o regulate_v circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n in_o religion_n by_o determine_v thing_n necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la not_o determine_v of_o christ_n in_o specie_fw-la as_o the_o scripture_n set_v forth_o one_o catholic_n church_n so_o also_o many_o particular_a church_n as_o so_o many_o political_a society_n distinct_a from_o each_o other_o yet_o all_o compact_a together_o as_o part_n of_o that_o one_o ample_a society_n the_o catholic_n church_n each_o of_o these_o particular_a church_n have_v their_o proper_a elder_n or_o elder_n pastor_n or_o pastor_n have_v authority_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v they_o in_o christ_n name_n a_o ecclesiastical_a order_n of_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n that_o be_v not_o bishop_n be_v not_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n for_o all_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n be_v of_o a_o sacred_a order_n in_o the_o gospel_n church_n that_o be_v any_o where_o mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v therein_o set_v forth_o as_o bishop_n true_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v and_o be_v no_o where_o set_v forth_o as_o less_o than_o bishop_n these_o elder_n or_o bishop_n be_v personal_o to_o superintend_v all_o their_o flock_n and_o there_o be_v no_o grant_n from_o christ_n to_o discharge_v the_o same_o by_o delegate_n or_o substitute_n a_o distinction_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o a_o superiority_n of_o the_o former_a over_o the_o latter_a be_v after_o the_o scripture_n time_n ancient_o and_o general_o receive_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o diversity_n of_o order_n or_o office_n essential_o different_a but_o of_o degree_n in_o the_o same_o office_n the_o essential_a nature_n whereof_o be_v in_o both_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v a_o bishop_n not_o of_o a_o multitude_n of_o church_n but_o of_o one_o state_v ecclesiastical_a society_n or_o single_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o immediate_a pastor_n and_o he_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o immediate_a pastor_n towards_o they_o all_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o not_o by_o delegate_n and_o substitute_n and_o he_o govern_v not_o alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o presbyter_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v the_o precedent_n though_o several_a city_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n have_v their_o different_a municipal_a law_n and_o privilege_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o charter_n yet_o particular_a church_n have_v no_o divine_a law_n and_o privilege_n diverse_a from_o each_o other_o but_o the_o same_o in_o common_a to_o they_o all_o because_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o charter_n in_o specie_fw-la from_o christ._n therefore_o each_o of_o they_o have_v the_o same_o power_n of_o government_n within_o themselves_o and_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o make_v man_n member_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v according_a to_o christ_n law_n sufficient_o qualify_v they_o to_o be_v member_n or_o minister_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n to_o which_o they_o have_v a_o due_a and_o orderly_o call_v local_a presential_a communion_n in_o god_n ordinance_n be_v a_o main_a end_n of_o erect_v particular_a church_n they_o shall_v in_o all_o reason_n consist_v of_o person_n who_o by_o their_o cohabitation_n in_o a_o vicinity_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o communion_n and_o there_o may_v not_o be_v a_o great_a local_a distance_n of_o the_o person_n than_o can_v stand_v with_o it_o a_o bishop_n church_n be_v ancient_o make_v up_o of_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n or_o town_n and_o the_o adjacent_a village_n who_o may_v and_o do_v personal_o meet_v together_o both_o for_o worship_n and_o discipline_n all_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o local_a precinct_n be_v most_o convenient_o bring_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o state_v church_n that_o there_o may_v be_v the_o great_a union_n among_o they_o and_o that_o the_o occasion_n of_o straggle_a and_o run_v into_o several_a party_n may_v be_v avoid_v yet_o this_o local_a partition_n of_o church_n be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o invariable_a but_o if_o there_o be_v some_o insuperable_a impediment_n thereof_o the_o partition_n must_v be_v make_v as_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n will_v admit_v no_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n can_v by_o divine_a right_n or_o warrant_v claim_v any_o assign_a circuit_n of_o ground_n as_o his_o propriety_n for_o ecclesiastical_a government_n as_o a_o prince_n claim_v certain_a territory_n as_o his_o propriety_n for_o civil_a government_n so_o that_o no_o other_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n may_v without_o his_o licence_n do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o within_o that_o circuit_n it_o be_v not_o the_o conjunction_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n with_o the_o generality_n or_o the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o people_n that_o of_o itself_o declare_v the_o only_a rightful_a pastor_n or_o true_a church_n within_o this_o or_o that_o circuit_n for_o many_o cause_n may_v require_v and_o justify_v the_o be_v of_o other_o church_n therein_o see_v particular_a church_n be_v so_o many_o integral_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o each_o other_o help_v in_o thing_n that_o concern_v they_o joint_o and_o several_o and_o they_o have_v all_o a_o influence_n on_o each_o other_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n lead_v they_o to_o association_n or_o combination_n great_a and_o lesser_a according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o the_o orderly_a state_n that_o be_v requisite_a in_o all_o association_n do_v natural_o require_v some_o regular_a
chief_a point_n thereof_o be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o high_a violation_n thereof_o and_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o schism_n lie_v in_o deny_v or_o enormous_o violate_v the_o say_a essential_o or_o weighty_a matter_n and_o it_o be_v direct_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o not_o of_o particular_a church_n only_o not_o only_o particular_a person_n but_o church_n yea_o a_o large_a combination_n of_o church_n bear_v the_o christian_a name_n may_v in_o their_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o other_o avow_a practice_n great_o violate_v the_o essential_o or_o very_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n and_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o enormous_a breach_n of_o unity_n it_o be_v no_o schism_n to_o withdraw_v or_o depart_v from_o any_o the_o large_a combination_n or_o collective_a body_n of_o church_n though_o for_o their_o amplitude_n they_o presume_v to_o style_v their_o combination_n the_o catholic_n church_n that_o maintain_v and_o avow_v any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n which_o direct_o or_o by_o near_a and_o palpable_a consequence_n overthrow_v the_o say_v essential_o the_o next_o point_n of_o external_a unity_n be_v about_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o public_a worship_n the_o ministry_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o of_o christ_n institution_n the_o next_o chief_a point_n of_o schism_n be_v the_o breach_n hereof_o and_o this_o may_v be_v either_o against_o the_o catholic_n or_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o such_o schism_n against_o the_o state_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n there_o be_v these_o instance_n 1._o when_o any_o one_o part_n of_o profess_a christian_n how_o numerous_a soever_o combine_v by_o any_o other_o term_n of_o catholic_n unity_n than_o what_o christ_n have_v make_v account_v themselves_o the_o only_a catholic_n church_n exclude_v all_o person_n and_o church_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o combination_n 2._o when_o a_o false_a catholic_n unity_n be_v devise_v or_o contend_v for_o viz._n a_o devise_a unity_n of_o government_n for_o the_o catholic_n church_n under_o one_o terrene_a head_n personal_a or_o collective_a assume_v a_o proper_a govern_v power_n over_o all_o christian_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n 3._o when_o there_o be_v a_o utter_a disow_v of_o most_o of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o have_v no_o true_a church_n state_n no_o not_o the_o essential_o thereof_o and_o a_o utter_a break_v off_o from_o communion_n with_o they_o according_o of_o schism_n against_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o point_n of_o its_o church_n state_n there_o be_v these_o instance_n 1._o the_o renounce_n of_o a_o true_a church_n as_o no_o church_n although_o it_o be_v much_o corrupt_v much_o more_o if_o it_o be_v a_o pure_a church_n though_o somewhat_o faulty_a 2._o a_o utter_a refuse_v of_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o a_o true_a church_n when_o we_o may_v have_v communion_n with_o it_o either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n without_o our_o personal_a sin_n of_o commission_n or_o omission_n 3._o the_o cause_v of_o any_o division_n or_o distemper_n in_o the_o state_n or_o frame_n of_o a_o true_a church_n contrary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o it_o be_v no_o schism_n to_o disow_v a_o corrupt_a frame_n of_o polity_n supervenient_a to_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o combination_n of_o church_n like_o a_o leprosy_n in_o the_o body_n that_o do_v gross_o deprave_v they_o and_o in_o great_a part_n frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o their_o constitution_n the_o last_o and_o low_a point_n of_o external_a unity_n lie_v in_o the_o accidental_a mode_n of_o religion_n and_o matter_n of_o mere_a order_n extrinsic_a to_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church-state_n the_o violation_n thereof_o be_v the_o least_o and_o low_a point_n of_o schism_n i_o mean_v in_o itself_o consider_v and_o not_o in_o such_o aggravate_v circumstance_n as_o it_o may_v be_v in_o those_o accidental_a form_n and_o order_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la but_o leave_v in_o specie_fw-la to_o human_a determination_n be_v allow_v of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o prudence_n and_o charity_n for_o peace_n and_o edification_n and_o according_o they_o be_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o consequent_o it_o be_v one_o point_n of_o schism_n to_o make_v a_o division_n from_o or_o in_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o accountal_a of_o accident_n form_n and_o order_n so_o determine_v according_a to_o god_n allowance_n but_o if_o any_o of_o the_o accidental_n be_v unlawful_a and_o the_o maintain_n or_o practise_v thereof_o be_v impose_v upon_o we_o as_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n it_o be_v no_o schism_n but_o duty_n to_o abstain_v from_o communion_n in_o that_o case_n for_o explicit_o and_o personal_o to_o own_o error_n and_o corruption_n even_o in_o small_a point_n be_v evil_n in_o itself_o which_o must_v not_o be_v commit_v that_o good_a may_v come_v in_o this_o case_n not_o he_o that_o withdraw_v but_o he_o that_o impose_v cause_v the_o division_n and_o this_o hold_v of_o thing_n sinful_a either_o in_o themselves_o or_o by_o just_a consequence_n and_o herein_o he_o that_o be_v to_o act_v be_v to_o discern_v and_o judge_v for_o his_o own_o practice_n whether_o the_o thing_n impose_v be_v such_o for_o god_n law_n suppose_v we_o rational_a creature_n able_a to_o discern_v its_o meaning_n and_o to_o apply_v it_o for_o the_o regulate_v of_o our_o own_o action_n else_o the_o law_n be_v give_v we_o in_o vain_a submission_n and_o reverence_n towards_o superior_n oblige_v no_o man_n to_o resign_v his_o understanding_n to_o their_o determination_n or_o in_o compliance_n with_o they_o to_o violate_v his_o own_o conscience_n person_n meek_a humble_a peaceable_a and_o thorough_o conscientious_a and_o of_o competent_a judgement_n may_v not_o be_v able_a by_o their_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a search_n to_o see_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o thing_n enjoin_v and_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n if_o they_o shall_v thereupon_o be_v declare_v contumacious_a see_v there_o be_v several_a point_n of_o unity_n the_o valuation_n whereof_o be_v to_o be_v make_v according_a to_o their_o different_a value_n man_n judgement_n and_o estimation_n of_o unity_n and_o schism_n be_v very_o preposterous_a who_o lie_v the_o great_a stress_n on_o those_o point_n that_o be_v of_o least_o moment_n and_o raise_v thing_n of_o the_o low_a rank_n to_o the_o high_a in_o their_o valuation_n and_o set_v light_n by_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o high_a value_n as_o indeed_o they_o do_v who_o set_v light_n by_o soundness_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o conscientious_a observance_n of_o divine_a institution_n where_o there_o be_v not_o also_o unanimity_n and_o uniformity_n in_o unscriptural_a doctrine_n and_o human_a ceremony_n and_o they_o that_o make_v such_o a_o estimate_n of_o thing_n and_o deal_v with_o minister_n according_o do_v therein_o little_o advance_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v it_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o church_n unity_n a_o breach_n be_v make_v upon_o it_o when_o other_o bound_n thereof_o be_v set_v than_o this_o rule_n allow_v a_o instance_n hereof_o be_v the_o devise_v of_o other_o term_n of_o church-communion_n and_o ministerial_a liberty_n than_o god_n have_v command_v or_o allow_v in_o his_o word_n to_o be_v make_v the_o term_n thereof_o also_o any_o cast_n or_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o ministry_n such_o as_o god_n word_n do_v not_o exclude_v from_o either_o but_o signify_v to_o be_v qualify_v and_o call_v thereunto_o god_n do_v not_o allow_v on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o imposer_n such_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n or_o ministerial_a station_n as_o be_v neither_o scriptural_a nor_o necessary_a to_o peace_n and_o edification_n nor_o be_v any_o part_n of_o that_o necessary_a order_n and_o decency_n without_o which_o the_o service_n of_o god_n will_v be_v undecent_a nor_o be_v in_o any_o regard_n so_o necessary_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o for_o a_o great_a benefit_n and_o the_o avoid_n of_o a_o great_a mischief_n and_o they_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o schism_n that_o urge_v such_o unscriptural_a and_o unnecessary_a thing_n unto_o a_o breach_n in_o the_o church_n such_o imposer_n be_v not_o only_o a_o occasion_n of_o the_o breach_n that_o follow_v but_o a_o culpable_a cause_n thereof_o because_o they_o impose_v without_o and_o against_o christ_n warrant_n who_o will_v not_o have_v his_o church_n to_o be_v burden_v nor_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o servant_n entangle_v with_o thing_n unnecessary_a nevertheless_o such_o unscriptural_a or_o
subordination_n in_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o either_o in_o way_n of_o proper_a authority_n or_o of_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o the_o associate_v church_n and_o particular_a member_n therein_o be_v natural_o bind_v to_o maintain_v the_o orderly_a state_n of_o the_o whole_a association_n and_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o rule_n thereof_o when_o they_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o the_o people_n adhere_v to_o he_o be_v not_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o pastor_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n by_o their_o conjunction_n with_o the_o large_a combination_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o their_o church_n for_o the_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n may_v in_o such_o manner_n err_v in_o their_o constitution_n as_o to_o make_v right_o inform_v person_n uncapable_a of_o their_o combination_n a_o national_a church_n be_v not_o a_o particular_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o a_o combination_n or_o coagmentation_n of_o particular_a church_n unite_v under_o one_o civil_a supreme_a either_o personal_a as_o in_o a_o monarchy_n or_o collective_a as_o in_o a_o republic_n and_o the_o true_a notion_n thereof_o lie_v not_o in_o any_o combination_n pure_o ecclesiastical_a and_o intrinsical_v but_o civil_a and_o extrinsical_a as_o of_o so_o many_o church_n that_o be_v collect_v under_o one_o that_o have_v the_o civil_a supremacy_n over_o they_o the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n true_o denote_v all_o the_o church_n in_o england_n unite_v under_o one_o supreme_a civil_a church-governour_n the_o king_n majesty_n civil_a magistrate_n as_o such_o be_v no_o constitutive_a part_n of_o the_o church_n the_o christian_a church_n stand_v for_o several_a century_n without_o the_o support_n of_o their_o authority_n but_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v a_o civil_a supremacy_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o a_o political_a extrinsical_a episcopacy_n over_o all_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o dominion_n and_o may_v compel_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o punish_v they_o for_o negligence_n and_o maladministration_n and_o they_o may_v reform_v the_o church_n when_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n the_o possession_n of_o the_o tithe_n and_o temple_n do_v not_o of_o itself_o declare_v the_o true_a pastor_n and_o church_n nor_o do_v the_o privation_n thereof_o declare_v no_o pastor_n and_o no_o church_n for_o these_o be_v dispose_v of_o by_o the_o secular_a power_n which_o of_o itself_o can_v neither_o make_v nor_o make_v void_a a_o pastor_n or_o church_n a_o diocese_n be_v a_o collective_a body_n of_o many_o parish_n under_o the_o government_n of_o one_o diocesan_n if_o the_o several_a parish_n be_v so_o many_o particular_a churce_n and_o if_o their_o proper_a and_o immediate_a presbyter_n be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o those_o which_o in_o scripture_n be_v mention_v by_o that_o name_n and_o be_v no_o other_o than_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n then_o a_o diocese_n be_v not_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o a_o combination_n of_o church_n and_o the_o diocesan_n be_v a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n or_o a_o governor_n over_o many_o church_n and_o their_o immediate_a bishop_n if_o the_o parish_n be_v not_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v church_n nor_o their_o presbyter_n to_o be_v realy_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n but_o the_o diocese_n be_v hold_v to_o be_v the_o low_a political_a church_n and_o the_o diocesan_n to_o be_v a_o bishop_n of_o the_o low_a rank_n and_o the_o sole_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n of_o all_o the_o include_v parish_n i_o confess_v i_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o such_o a_o church_n or_o bishop_n or_o of_o any_o precept_n or_o precedent_n thereof_o in_o scripture_n for_o every_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v but_o one_o distinct_a state_v society_n have_v its_o own_o proper_a and_o immediate_a bishop_n or_o bishop_n elder_a or_o elder_n pastor_n or_o pastor_n who_o do_v personal_o and_o immediate_o superintend_v over_o the_o whole_a flock_n which_o ordinary_o hold_v either_o at_o once_o together_o or_o by_o turn_n personal_a present_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o in_o god_n worship_n but_o a_o diocese_n consist_v of_o several_a state_v society_n to_o wit_n the_o parish_n which_o be_v constitute_v several_o of_o a_o proper_a and_o immediate_a presbyter_n or_o elder_n have_v cure_n of_o soul_n and_o common_o call_v a_o rector_n and_o the_o people_n which_o be_v his_o proper_a and_o â—…rge_a or_o cure_v and_o the_o people_n of_o thâ—…_n not_o live_v under_o the_o personal_a and_o inâ—…rsight_n of_o their_o diocesan_n but_o under_o â—…legates_n and_o substitute_n nor_o do_v they_o oâ—…ly_o hold_v personal_n present_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o in_o god_n worship_n either_o at_o once_o together_o or_o by_o turn_n nevertheless_o which_o way_n soever_o a_o diocese_n be_v consider_v i_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o submission_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o diocesan_n as_o a_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n under_o the_o king_n supremacy_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n of_o presbyterate_a which_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o pastoral_a office_n that_o show_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v no_o otherwise_o than_o in_o subordination_n to_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o only_o proper_a giver_n of_o all_o spiritual_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n have_v not_o so_o limit_v the_o say_a office_n and_o man_n can_v by_o any_o act_n of_o they_o enlarge_v or_o lessen_v it_o as_o to_o its_o nature_n or_o essential_a state_n or_o define_v it_o otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v state_v of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n no_o power_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a can_v discharge_v any_o minister_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n in_o those_o circumstance_n wherein_o christ_n command_v he_o to_o exercise_v it_o nor_o any_o christian_n from_o those_o duty_n of_o religion_n to_o which_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n oblige_v they_o as_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o judge_v what_o law_n touch_v religion_n be_v fit_a for_o he_o to_o enact_v and_o execute_v so_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o use_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n about_o their_o own_o pastoral_n act_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v to_o do_v the_o same_o about_o their_o own_o act_n of_o church-communion_n the_o too_o common_a abuse_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n can_v abrogate_v the_o right_a use_n thereof_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o man_n can_v act_v as_o man_n nor_o offer_v to_o god_n a_o reasonable_a service_n chap._n ii_o of_o true_a church-unity_n when_o the_o name_n of_o unity_n and_o schism_n be_v by_o partiality_n and_o selfishness_n common_o and_o gross_o abuse_v and_o misapply_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o which_o those_o name_n do_v of_o right_o belong_v aught_o to_o be_v diligent_o inquire_v into_o and_o clear_o and_o distinct_o lay_v open_a for_o a_o groundwork_n in_o this_o inquiry_n i_o fix_v upon_o two_o very_a note_a text_n of_o scripture_n the_o one_o be_v eph._n 4._o 3._o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n the_o other_o be_v rom._n 16._o 17._o mark_v they_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n that_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o the_o former_a guide_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o true_a church-unity_n and_o the_o latter_a show_v we_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o schism_n by_o the_o former_a of_o these_o text_n all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v that_o spiritual_a unity_n which_o they_o have_v one_o with_o another_o under_o christ_n their_o head_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o all_o due_a act_n of_o holy_a communion_n in_o peace_n and_o concord_n several_a important_a thing_n be_v here_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a unity_n between_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o form_n of_o one_o mystical_a body_n as_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a unity_n between_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n the_o member_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n and_o member_n one_o of_o another_o 2._o this_o unity_n be_v under_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o it_o what_o the_o head_n be_v to_o the_o natural_a body_n that_o be_v christ_n and_o much_o more_o to_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n 3._o this_o unity_n of_o christian_n one_o with_o another_o under_o christ_n be_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o call_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n do_v seize_v upon_o and_o reside_v in_o all_o the_o faithful_a by_o which_o they_o become_v christ_n mystical_a body_n and_o be_v join_v one_o to_o another_o as_o fellow-member_n 4._o this_o unity_n of_o