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
trifle_n with_o holy_a thing_n he_o shun_v vanity_n and_o curiosity_n and_o do_v not_o ramble_v into_o impertinence_n and_o care_v not_o to_o utter_v any_o thing_n for_o ostentation_n he_o have_v in_o his_o eye_n the_o end_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o the_o usefulness_n and_o importance_n of_o what_o he_o have_v to_o communicate_v that_o as_o it_o say_v of_o the_o scripture_n from_o whence_o he_o take_v it_o it_o may_v be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o it_o may_v come_v home_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n and_o be_v fit_a to_o raise_v their_o attention_n by_o their_o own_o concernment_n in_o it_o he_o consider_v withal_o what_o the_o hearer_n can_v best_o receive_v that_o be_v not_o what_o the_o flesh_n can_v well_o digest_v for_o then_o the_o most_o necessary_a truth_n must_v be_v forbear_v but_o that_o which_o carry_v its_o own_o evidence_n to_o that_o it_o must_v be_v own_v or_o the_o gainsayers_a must_v be_v self-condemned_n and_o this_o be_v to_o prepare_v man_n mind_n and_o to_o make_v way_n for_o such_o hard_a saying_n and_o strict_a precept_n as_o must_v be_v manifest_v in_o due_a season_n moreover_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o word_n itself_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o in_o all_o reason_n that_o be_v to_o be_v most_o esteem_v such_o which_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v effectual_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v ordain_v it_o which_o be_v to_o open_v man_n eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v through_o faith_n in_o christ._n that_o kind_n of_o preach_v that_o have_v most_o tendency_n to_o convince_v direct_a and_o move_v towards_o this_o end_n be_v without_o controversy_n the_o most_o powerful_a the_o press_v of_o doctrine_n with_o solid_a and_o cogent_a reason_n provide_v they_o be_v make_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o hearer_n appertain_v to_o this_o manner_n of_o preach_v and_o in_o a_o chief_a point_n therein_o strong_a reason_n may_v be_v so_o deliver_v as_o to_o be_v too_o hard_a and_o strong_a for_o plain_a people_n to_o receive_v and_o digest_v it_o here_o condescension_n be_v a_o great_a duty_n and_o perspicuity_n a_o great_a gift_n but_o the_o bare_a evidence_n of_o reason_n do_v not_o all_o for_o to_o gain_v the_o will_n which_o be_v the_o man_n beside_o the_o judgement_n the_o fancy_n and_o affection_n have_v need_n be_v gain_v we_o find_v it_o the_o condescension_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o word_n to_o deal_v very_o much_o with_o these_o low_a faculty_n which_o belong_v not_o to_o brute_n only_o but_o to_o man_n also_o it_o be_v not_o brutish_a but_o human_a to_o be_v move_v by_o they_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o judgement_n even_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o prudent_a man_n be_v find_v to_o take_v no_o small_a impression_n from_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o most_o proper_a way_n of_o solicit_v and_o exciting_a they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v much_o less_o contemn_v now_o dry_a reason_n though_o strong_a enough_o be_v not_o so_o fit_a to_o take_v the_o affection_n or_o raise_v the_o fancy_n wherefore_o some_o other_o help_n among_o which_o there_o be_v comparative_o little_a thing_n be_v herein_o use_v as_o familiar_a expression_n apt_a similitude_n expostulation_n lively_a representation_n and_o such_o like_a to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v a_o voluble_a tongue_n a_o move_a tone_n and_o take_v gesture_n and_o though_o much_o noise_n and_o action_n make_v not_o a_o powerful_a preacher_n yet_o earnestness_n of_o speech_n and_o elevation_n of_o the_o voice_n be_v not_o of_o little_a force_n and_o especial_o with_o vulgar_a hearer_n who_o be_v the_o great_a number_n in_o most_o auditory_n be_v very_o regarnable_a and_o true_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o business_n require_v due_a fervour_n shall_v the_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o death_n eternal_a be_v deliver_v without_o feeling_n as_o by_o man_n half_o asleep_a and_o people_n drowsiness_n do_v no_o less_o require_v it_o yea_o possible_o the_o apprehension_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o common_a people_n may_v better_o be_v rouse_v up_o by_o a_o somewhat_o boisterous_a way_n of_o excitation_n which_o for_o this_o reason_n shall_v not_o displease_v the_o learned_a or_o most_o judicious_a sort_n who_o be_v in_o this_o case_n to_o consider_v not_o what_o will_v most_o affect_v themselves_o but_o the_o great_a multitude_n who_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o help_n and_o who_o soul_n be_v not_o less_o precious_a nor_o redeem_v with_o a_o lesser_a price_n than_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o great_a scholar_n and_o sage_n of_o this_o world_n indeed_o much_o judgement_n and_o and_o circumspection_n be_v here_o call_v for_o that_o all_o rudeness_n and_o homeliness_n of_o expression_n all_o curiosity_n levity_n and_o loathsome_a affectation_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o undecency_n be_v avoid_v and_o that_o what_o be_v comely_a and_o congruous_a and_o apt_a to_o convince_v and_o move_v be_v use_v and_o that_o nothing_o be_v overstrain_v and_o in_o this_o matter_n self-distrust_n if_o not_o too_o excessive_a will_v do_v better_a than_o self-confidence_n and_o conceitedness_n here_o it_o shall_v be_v consider_v that_o very_o worthy_a man_n may_v have_v some_o indecency_n in_o voice_n and_o gesture_n which_o they_o can_v well_o remedy_v and_o other_o who_o be_v very_o useful_a and_o who_o service_n in_o god_n church_n can_v not_o be_v well_o spare_v may_v be_v liable_a to_o some_o lesser_a mistake_n and_o incongruity_n in_o expression_n which_o critical_a hearer_n may_v discern_v yet_o they_o hinder_v not_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n and_o withal_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v who_o work_n they_o do_v that_o aggravate_v such_o weakness_n to_o make_v sport_n for_o themselves_o and_o other_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o for_o they_o that_o pour_v out_o scorn_n upon_o the_o most_o pious_a serious_a solid_n and_o profitable_a kind_n of_o preach_v and_o make_v ridiculous_a representation_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n because_o it_o suit_v not_o their_o seem_a wisdom_n i_o be_o rather_o incline_v to_o lament_v their_o folly_n then_o to_o emulate_v their_o wit_n or_o envy_v their_o applause_n with_o some_o man_n we_o read_v that_o the_o wise_a preacher_n seek_v out_o acceptable_a word_n that_o be_v word_n please_v to_o edification_n that_o will_v reach_v home_o and_o be_v pierce_v as_o goad_n and_o nail_n the_o preacher_n inward_a feel_n of_o what_o he_o speak_v have_v a_o secret_a force_n to_o cause_v his_o word_n to_o be_v feel_v by_o other_o and_o what_o come_v from_o the_o heart_n be_v apt_a to_o go_v to_o the_o heart_n by_o a_o sympathy_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o that_o any_o shall_v speak_v of_o see_v and_o feel_v in_o some_o sort_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o god_n word_n will_v not_o seem_v strange_a to_o they_o who_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a the_o powerful_a dispense_n of_o the_o word_n depend_v chief_o on_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n though_o both_o natural_a and_o acquire_v part_n and_o the_o industrious_a exercise_n thereof_o be_v likewise_o necessary_a for_o which_o cause_n the_o spiritual_a man_n have_v unspeakable_a advantage_n of_o the_o mere_o natural_a man_n in_o this_o service_n the_o special_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o he_o and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o he_o cause_v he_o to_o speak_v in_o a_o strain_n more_o apposite_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o form_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n yea_o such_o illumination_n and_o conviction_n and_o taste_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n as_o proceed_v from_o a_o more_o common_a or_o less_o than_o regenerate_a grace_n will_v do_v more_o in_o this_o business_n with_o less_o ability_n of_o art_n and_o nature_n than_o far_o great_a ability_n in_o those_o kind_n can_v do_v by_o themselves_o alone_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n hereof_o and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o that_o he_o who_o have_v some_o savour_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n shall_v speak_v more_o savory_o of_o they_o than_o he_o can_v to_o who_o they_o be_v tasteless_a or_o unsavoury_a wherefore_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a kind_n of_o preach_v not_o indeed_o opposite_a to_o rational_a nor_o take_v so_o to_o be_v by_o any_o that_o talk_v of_o it_o with_o understanding_n though_o the_o assertor_n of_o it_o have_v be_v abusive_o personate_v as_o hold_v such_o a_o dotage_n they_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o spirit_n show_v any_o thing_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o divine_a matter_n which_o be_v
spread_v forth_o in_o such_o fullness_n and_o plainess_n of_o speech_n as_o will_v not_o be_v unacceptable_a even_o to_o scholar_n that_o be_v not_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n but_o the_o careless_a and_o confuse_a speak_v of_o incoherent_a and_o undigested_a matter_n rudeness_n or_o baldness_n of_o expression_n be_v no_o part_n of_o this_o commend_a plainness_n which_o be_v orderly_o comely_a and_o weighty_a agreeable_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n word_n a_o true_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n right_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o give_v to_o all_o their_o portion_n he_o do_v not_o make_v distinction_n where_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n make_v no_o difference_n nor_o do_v he_o confound_v thing_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v distinguish_v he_o be_v not_o partial_a towards_o party_n for_o interest_n or_o affection_n and_o so_o he_o do_v not_o promiscuous_o justify_v or_o condemn_v the_o evil_a and_o the_o good_a together_o on_o any_o side_n but_o as_o he_o account_v it_o a_o odious_a thing_n to_o rail_v upon_o one_o party_n in_o the_o ambiguous_a term_n of_o false_a church_n false_a worship_n false_a ministry_n idolatry_n superstition_n formality_n so_o he_o account_v it_o no_o less_o odious_a confuse_o to_o inveigh_v against_o those_o of_o a_o other_o persuasion_n under_o the_o no_o less_o ambiguous_a term_n as_o they_o be_v now_o common_o use_v of_o hypocrite_n pharisee_n fanatic_n enthusiast_n separatist_n humorist_n and_o such_o like_a he_o be_v constant_a in_o preach_v the_o word_n instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n for_o in_o preach_v frequent_o he_o do_v not_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n negligent_o but_o due_o feed_v the_o flock_n and_o that_o with_o better_a prepare_v food_n than_o they_o use_v to_o bring_v that_o preach_v but_o seldom_o upon_o pretence_n of_o great_a preparation_n he_o watch_v over_o the_o flock_n with_o diligence_n and_o natural_o care_v for_o their_o estate_n for_o he_o know_v the_o worth_n of_o precious_a soul_n he_o condescend_v to_o person_n of_o low_a degree_n and_o be_v concern_v for_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o simple_a and_o illiterate_a as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o noble_a rich_a and_o learned_a for_o he_o know_v their_o redeemer_n pay_v alike_o dear_a for_o both_o and_o however_o the_o proud_a and_o covetous_a judge_n he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o below_o he_o to_o intermeddle_v for_o the_o reduce_n of_o the_o simple_a that_o go_v astray_o and_o he_o seek_v to_o recover_v they_o with_o gentleness_n and_o patience_n for_o he_o prefer_v the_o gain_n of_o one_o soul_n before_o all_o the_o preferment_n of_o this_o world_n he_o earnest_o look_v after_o that_o which_o some_o do_v little_a regard_n to_o wit_v the_o seal_n of_o his_o ministry_n in_o the_o save_a efficacy_n thereof_o on_o the_o hearer_n and_o when_o he_o find_v it_o he_o make_v it_o the_o crown_n of_o his_o rejoice_v and_o this_o seal_n he_o take_v not_o to_o be_v their_o mere_a own_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n or_o follow_v a_o orthodox_n party_n much_o less_o their_o abound_v in_o notion_n their_o talk_n and_o outward_a guarb_n of_o profession_n but_o their_o new_a birth_n or_o their_o spiritual_a growth_n the_o promote_a whereof_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o his_o labour_n and_o the_o daily_a travel_n of_o his_o soul_n chap._n v._n the_o due_a performance_n of_o public_a prayer_n prayer_n be_v a_o main_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o chief_a act_n of_o devotion_n and_o such_o as_o do_v accompany_v and_o sanctify_v every_o other_o religious_a duty_n and_o the_o public_a management_n thereof_o pertain_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n its_o due_a performance_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o no_o small_a import_n to_o the_o increase_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o no_o small_a part_n of_o the_o ministerial_a excellency_n and_o sufficiency_n among_o spiritual_a gift_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o number_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n also_o and_o i_o judge_v they_o speak_v too_o low_a of_o it_o that_o make_v it_o only_o a_o natural_a gift_n or_o acquire_v by_o practice_n and_o imitation_n much_o indeed_o may_v lie_v in_o natural_a part_n and_o observation_n and_o exercise_n but_o not_o all_o for_o over_o and_o above_o these_o thing_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n preside_v perpetual_o over_o his_o church_n set_v in_o and_o by_o a_o secret_a influence_n on_o man_n design_v of_o god_n for_o this_o service_n endue_v they_o with_o a_o peculiar_a aptness_n of_o knowledge_n and_o utterance_n as_o well_o in_o prayer_n as_o preach_v for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n and_o some_o unsanctified_a person_n be_v thus_o gift_v may_v preach_v and_o pray_v with_o a_o notable_a tendency_n to_o the_o save_n of_o other_o when_o themselves_o prove_v castaways_a private_a christian_n also_o according_a to_o their_o measure_n be_v partaker_n of_o this_o gift_n in_o much_o diversity_n of_o degree_n god_n give_v to_o every_o man_n several_o as_o he_o will_n beside_o this_o there_o be_v a_o special_a and_o save_a gift_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o by_o his_o gracious_a assistance_n in_o a_o holy_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v indeed_o lively_a and_o powerful_a and_o apt_a to_o kindle_v a_o holy_a fervour_n in_o they_o that_o join_v in_o the_o service_n so_o perform_v and_o why_o that_o which_o be_v perform_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o by_o such_o assistance_n may_v not_o be_v call_v a_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n they_o who_o thankful_o acknowledge_v and_o bless_v god_n for_o so_o great_a a_o gift_n of_o his_o grace_n do_v not_o intend_v thereby_o a_o miraculous_a inspiration_n or_o a_o absolute_a infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n much_o less_o do_v they_o think_v that_o their_o prayer_n be_v such_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n as_o will_v infer_v that_o the_o very_a matter_n and_o wordâ—_n thereof_o be_v write_v will_v become_v canonical_a scripture_n to_o which_o be_v requisite_a not_o only_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n but_o also_o a_o attestation_n thereof_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v other_o but_o this_o they_o maintain_v that_o the_o spirit_n help_v they_o against_o their_o indisposedness_n of_o mind_n and_o deadness_n of_o heart_n and_o manifold_a infirmity_n and_o strengthen_v their_o faculty_n and_o quicken_v their_o grace_n and_o enlarge_v their_o desire_n and_o elevate_v their_o soul_n and_o bring_v thing_n to_o their_o remembrace_n special_o the_o divine_a promise_n yea_o and_o in_o some_o particular_n may_v guide_v the_o heart_n and_o tongue_n by_o a_o present_a immediate_a suggestion_n for_o why_o must_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v think_v to_o do_v less_o in_o exciting_a to_o good_a than_o the_o devil_n ordinary_o do_v in_o prompt_v to_o evil_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o to_o depend_v on_o the_o spirit_n immediate_a suggestion_n for_o matter_n word_n and_o method_n without_o take_v care_n or_o thought_n before_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a and_o not_o miraculous_a assistance_n which_o they_o expect_v and_o which_o be_v usual_o give_v according_a to_o man_n preparation_n and_o suit_v to_o their_o several_a capacity_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o this_o or_o that_o exterior_a frame_n or_o order_n of_o prayer_n but_o be_v ever_o find_v there_o where_o the_o heart_n have_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o matter_n a_o particular_a form_n whether_o stint_v or_o not_o stint_v be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o prayer_n but_o only_o its_o outward_a shape_n and_o it_o pertain_v to_o it_o not_o as_o it_o be_v a_o sacred_a thing_n but_o as_o a_o action_n in_o general_a and_o for_o that_o no_o action_n can_v possible_o be_v perform_v but_o in_o some_o particular_a mode_n this_o holy_a action_n can_v otherwise_o be_v perform_v and_o whereas_o there_o be_v divers_a mode_n thereof_o they_o may_v be_v use_v as_o they_o be_v congruous_a to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o duty_n according_a to_o man_n choice_n and_o judgement_n unless_o they_o be_v as_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v up_o to_o one_o by_o a_o divine_a determination_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o set-form_n be_v further_o evince_v from_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o other_o form_n in_o scripture_n and_o as_o much_o be_v own_v by_o the_o general_a custom_n of_o sing_v david_n psalm_n wherefore_o to_o turn_v the_o back_n upon_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n mere_o because_o perform_v in_o this_o manner_n be_v unwarrantable_a and_o there_o be_v aâ—_n little_a warrant_n to_o restrain_v all_o public_a prayer_n to_o a_o stint_a liturgy_n and_o leave_v no_o liberty_n at_o all_o to_o the_o minister_n godly_a zeal_n and_o prudence_n in_o this_o particular_a the_o interest_n of_o true_a godliness_n will_v be_v much_o better_o advance_v by_o moderation_n than_o by_o contest_v and_o rigour_n on_o
rash_a with_o their_o mouth_n and_o hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n that_o be_v unmeet_a they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v censure_v for_o their_o error_n moreover_o heighten_v affection_n enlarge_v the_o heart_n and_o open_v the_o mouth_n and_o do_v not_o make_v a_o man_n at_o a_o stand_n for_o want_v of_o word_n indeed_o astonish_a affection_n or_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o spirit_n may_v put_v one_o to_o such_o a_o stand_n but_o that_o rare_o take_v hold_v of_o any_o in_o a_o pubick_a performance_n but_o a_o calm_a admiration_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n and_o seriousness_n and_o earnestness_n of_o address_n to_o he_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o further_a apâ—expressions_n for_o the_o use_n of_o one_o constant_a form_n it_o have_v be_v plead_v that_o a_o stranger_n may_v thereby_o the_o better_a know_v how_o we_o worship_n god_n and_o that_o the_o people_n better_o understand_v and_o remember_v that_o to_o which_o they_o be_v continual_o use_v but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n variety_n and_o newness_n of_o matter_n and_o word_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o quicken_v the_o affection_n and_o perfect_a the_o understanding_n also_o especial_o of_o the_o attentive_a whenas_o under_o the_o constant_a rehearsal_n of_o one_o thing_n the_o faculty_n grow_v flat_a and_o dull_a beside_o in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o liberty_n and_o variety_n the_o prayer_n be_v ordinary_o the_o same_o for_o substance_n in_o the_o main_a the_o vulgar_a apprehension_n and_o memory_n be_v help_v by_o the_o sameness_n of_o the_o main_a substance_n and_o scope_n and_o the_o affection_n be_v raise_v and_o the_o understanding_n further_o edify_v by_o that_o which_o be_v new_a in_o the_o frame_n and_o method_n and_o particular_a matter_n and_o the_o people_n more_o particular_a variable_a concernment_n be_v provide_v for_o by_o a_o more_o peculiar_a accommodation_n and_o respect_n thereto_o as_o occasion_n vary_v and_o by_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n a_o stranger_n may_v be_v sufficient_o ascertain_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o worship_n to_o be_v celebrate_v for_o a_o doctrine_n of_o a_o church_n govern_v its_o worship_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o one_o &_o the_o same_o tenor_n thereof_o will_v pass_v through_o the_o several_a congregation_n of_o a_o nation_n that_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o a_o stint_a form_n yet_o combine_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o order_n and_o when_o all_o be_v say_v that_o management_n and_o performance_n of_o this_o service_n be_v the_o best_a that_o be_v most_o effectual_a to_o make_v the_o comer_n thereunto_o more_o perfect_a in_o knowledge_n more_o devout_a and_o zealous_a towards_o god_n more_o pious_a and_o blameless_a in_o their_o conversation_n and_o every_o way_n more_o perfect_a in_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o it_o will_v be_v so_o acknowledge_v by_o they_o that_o be_v discern_v and_o serious_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o to_o conciliate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n diverse_o affect_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o inconvenience_n and_o to_o obtain_v the_o good_a of_o either_o way_n a_o prescribe_a form_n and_o a_o free_a prayer_n will_v do_v best_a together_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o edification_n chap._n vi_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n be_v pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o pastoral_a authority_n include_v both_o teach_n and_o rule_v and_o imply_v the_o people_n subjection_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n to_o bereave_v the_o church_n of_o discipline_n be_v to_o leave_v it_o unfurnished_v of_o that_o mean_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o orderly_a society_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v to_o turn_v the_o garden_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o pluck_v up_o the_o fence_n thereof_o into_o a_o common_a or_o wilderness_n the_o power_n intrinsical_v to_o this_o office_n be_v not_o secular_a and_o coercive_a by_o temporal_a penalty_n but_o pure_o spiritual_a which_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o authority_n from_o he_o the_o chief_a pastor_n to_o watch_v over_o the_o flock_n to_o encourage_v they_o that_o live_v conformable_o to_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o consolation_n thereof_o and_o to_o warn_v they_o that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o if_o any_o continue_v obstinate_a therein_o to_o declare_v they_o unworthy_a of_o church-communion_n and_o christian_a converse_n and_o to_o require_v the_o faithful_a to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o they_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o they_o may_v be_v humble_v and_o reform_v as_o the_o discipline_n of_o all_o society_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o their_o true_a interest_n and_o and_o chief_a scope_n so_o be_v this_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o the_o christian_a church_n look_v main_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o he_o and_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n for_o which_o end_v it_o be_v ordain_v and_o consequent_o its_o true_a interest_n lie_v in_o the_o conservation_n and_o augmentation_n of_o true_a christianity_n or_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o that_o church_n interest_n which_o be_v elsewhere_o fix_v and_o level_v to_o a_o other_o mark_n appertain_v to_o a_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a state_n set_v up_o in_o the_o room_n and_o pretence_n of_o this_o spiritual_a society_n the_o church_n true_a and_o proper_a excellency_n lie_v not_o in_o worldly_a splendour_n opulency_n and_o power_n nor_o in_o outward_a rite_n and_o formal_a unity_n nor_o in_o the_o stability_n and_o amplitude_n of_o a_o mere_a external_a state_n but_o in_o the_o inward_a light_n and_o life_n in_o the_o unfeigned_a faith_n and_o love_n in_o the_o purity_n and_o spiritual_a unity_n of_o believer_n and_o in_o the_o security_n and_o advancement_n of_o this_o internal_a state_n and_o of_o the_o external_a state_n in_o order_n to_o the_o internal_a wherefore_o the_o right_a end_n of_o discipline_n be_v not_o to_o promote_v temporal_a glory_n and_o opinion_n and_o formality_n thereunto_o subservient_fw-fr but_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o worship_n and_o the_o regeneration_n of_o the_o professor_n thereof_o and_o their_o sincere_a devotion_n godly_a unity_n sobriety_n righteousness_n brotherly-kindness_n and_o common_a charity_n and_o all_o the_o vital_a part_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o keep_v and_o cast_v out_o heresy_n superstition_n profaneness_n unrighteousness_n and_o all_o wicked_a error_n and_o practice_n that_o tend_v to_o frustrate_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n gospel_n as_o also_o to_o prevent_v and_o remedy_v the_o causeless_a tear_v and_o rent_v of_o church_n and_o those_o alienation_n and_o animosity_n among_o christian_n that_o proceed_v only_o from_o the_o will_n and_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o the_o management_n hereof_o to_o this_o right_a end_n be_v of_o far_o great_a consequence_n than_o any_o scrupulosity_n or_o preciseness_n about_o its_o external_a form_n and_o order_n nay_o if_o a_o external_a order_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v primitive_a and_o apostolical_a and_o be_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v to_o enforce_v corrupt_a doctrine_n scandalous_a and_o ensnare_a invention_n and_o imposition_n and_o in_o a_o ceremonial_a strictness_n to_o indulge_v real_a profaneness_n and_o discourage_v true_a godliness_n it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o mystery_n of_o a_o carnal_a state_n under_o a_o spiritual_a name_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v and_o suppress_v the_o power_n thereof_o the_o right_a end_n of_o discipline_n be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v declare_v it_o follow_v that_o its_o proper_a work_n be_v to_o encourage_v godliness_n and_o to_o disgrace_v open_a sin_n according_o be_v right_o manage_v it_o admonish_v the_o unruly_a cast_v out_o the_o obstinate_a and_o restore_v the_o penitent_a about_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v active_a watchful_a and_o vigorous_a what_o severity_n it_o have_v it_o exercise_v in_o correct_v real_a scandal_n and_o gross_a breach_n of_o god_n law_n and_o in_o maintain_v the_o church_n peace_n against_o those_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o it_o care_v little_a for_o those_o matter_n wherein_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o edification_n be_v unconcern_v much_o less_o do_v it_o seek_v to_o quench_v godly_a zeal_n and_o to_o hinder_v the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o true_a godliness_n or_o to_o afflict_v peaceable_a and_o pious_a christian_n by_o any_o needless_a rigour_n chap._n vii_o religious_a family-government_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n the_o solemn_a dedication_n of_o house_n be_v in_o use_n the_o solemnity_n express_v that_o holy_a exercise_n shall_v be_v perform_v in_o it_o and_o that_o the_o household_n shall_v be_v
as_o well_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o rational_a discourse_n whatsoever_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o god_n testimony_n be_v much_o more_o effectual_a than_o the_o argument_n of_o human_a reason_n to_o command_v assent_n and_o quiet_a man_n mind_n and_o appease_v their_o contest_v and_o if_o we_o yield_v not_o our_o controversy_n to_o be_v final_o decide_v by_o this_o sacred_a rule_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v or_o wherein_o shall_v we_o all_o be_v bind_v up_o the_o truth_n be_v when_o man_n seek_v out_o vain_a invention_n to_o please_v their_o own_o fancy_n or_o to_o serve_v their_o own_o end_n and_o find_v their_o devise_a way_n condemn_v by_o god_n word_n then_o they_o fall_v to_o derogate_v from_o its_o authority_n and_o sufficiciency_n and_o talk_n much_o of_o the_o impertinency_n and_o folly_n of_o those_o that_o insist_v upon_o it_o and_o cry_v up_o tradition_n and_o reason_n and_o that_o wisdom_n of_o man_n that_o be_v but_o foolishness_n with_o god_n when_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v as_o well_o as_o they_o shall_v they_o must_v be_v as_o they_o may_v there_o be_v some_o useful_a truth_n and_o practice_n that_o may_v be_v too_o dear_o buy_v if_o purchase_v with_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n and_o the_o hazard_n of_o its_o whole_a estate_n howbeit_o then_o be_v the_o best_a state_n of_o thing_n when_o the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v the_o standardmeasure_n of_o all_o and_o nothing_o be_v retain_v but_o what_o be_v plain_o agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o the_o safety_n of_o pure_a religion_n lie_v in_o as_o through_o a_o reformation_n according_a to_o this_o rule_n as_o the_o time_n will_v bear_v let_v the_o severe_a reason_n that_o be_v impartial_a weigh_v the_o follow_a word_n write_v by_o one_o of_o a_o catholic_n spirit_n and_o true_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o reform_a christianity_n touch_v our_o departure_n from_o rome_n we_o shall_v leave_v upon_o we_o no_o string_n or_o tassel_n of_o our_o ancient_a captivity_n such_o as_o whereby_o they_o may_v take_v hold_n of_o we_o to_o pull_v we_o back_o again_o into_o our_o former_a bondage_n but_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o absolute_o free_a from_o any_o tie_n to_o they_o more_o than_o in_o endeavour_v their_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n which_o we_o know_v so_o experimental_o not_o to_o be_v compass_v by_o needless_a symbolizing_n with_o they_o in_o any_o thing_n i_o conceive_v it_o our_o best_a policy_n studious_o to_o imitate_v they_o in_o nothing_o but_o for_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o think_v rather_o the_o worse_a of_o they_o for_o their_o use_v they_o as_o no_o person_n of_o honour_n will_v willing_o go_v in_o the_o know_a garb_n of_o any_o lewd_a and_o infamous_a person_n whatsoever_o we_o court_v they_o in_o they_o do_v but_o turn_v to_o our_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n and_o be_v more_o harden_v in_o their_o own_o wickedness_n wherefore_o see_v that_o needless_a symbolizing_n with_o they_o do_v they_o no_o good_a but_o hurt_n we_o shall_v account_v ourselves_o in_o all_o thing_n indifferent_a perfect_o free_a to_o please_v and_o satisfy_v in_o the_o most_o universal_a manner_n we_o can_v those_o of_o our_o own_o party_n not_o care_v what_o opinion_n or_o custom_n or_o outward_a formality_n the_o romanist_n and_o other_o have_v and_o may_v have_v have_v from_o the_o first_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o word_n popery_n it_o be_v not_o more_o odious_a than_o ambiguous_a among_o protestant_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n some_o that_o will_v speak_v hard_a word_n against_o it_o have_v draw_v it_o into_o so_o extreme_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o to_o place_v it_o in_o little_a more_o than_o a_o secular_a interest_n of_o power_n controvert_v between_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o prince_n and_o prelate_n of_o christendom_n and_o other_o that_o make_v it_o broad_a be_v yet_o very_o tender_a if_o not_o fond_a of_o many_o gross_a corruption_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n some_o have_v extend_v it_o so_o far_o as_o to_o disparage_v thing_n good_a and_o laudable_a and_o requisite_a and_o ignorant_o call_v by_o that_o name_n whatsoever_o they_o fancy_v not_o nevertheless_o those_o useless_a and_o offensive_a thing_n take_v up_o by_o the_o papal_a church_n since_o the_o time_n of_o their_o know_a apostasy_n both_o doctrine_n and_o custom_n and_o that_o be_v they_o more_o peculiar_o may_v just_o be_v call_v popish_a though_o they_o be_v not_o impose_v as_o apostolic_a command_n or_o mean_n of_o obtain_v pardon_n of_o sin_n or_o of_o work_a grace_n why_o shall_v we_o be_v tenacious_a of_o their_o form_n to_o the_o scandal_n of_o those_o of_o our_o own_o belief_n how_o be_v we_o oblige_v or_o concern_v to_o conform_v to_o their_o usage_n more_o than_o they_o be_v to_o we_o have_v they_o any_o authority_n over_o we_o or_o be_v they_o any_o way_n a_o rule_n unto_o we_o be_v not_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o right_a both_o their_o rule_n and_o we_o or_o can_v they_o upbraid_v we_o for_o depart_v from_o they_o in_o these_o at_o least_o unnecessary_a opinion_n and_o custom_n unless_o they_o upbraid_v we_o upon_o those_o ground_n which_o we_o have_v reject_v together_o with_o their_o usurpation_n and_o and_o which_o if_o we_o receive_v again_o we_o must_v quit_v protestancy_n itself_o this_o strive_v to_o come_v so_o near_o they_o whether_o tend_v it_o but_o to_o reduce_v we_o again_o into_o that_o church_n for_o by_o all_o approach_n to_o they_o they_o be_v not_o draw_v one_o step_n towards_o we_o but_o be_v the_o more_o harden_v and_o still_o they_o rest_v unmoveable_a on_o the_o rock_n of_o their_o pretend_a supremacy_n and_o infallibility_n the_o impurity_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n lie_v chief_o in_o its_o superstition_n and_o sensuality_n in_o the_o grosser_n part_n of_o its_o superstition_n be_v manifold_a gross_a idolatry_n and_o any_o way_n of_o symbolise_v with_o idolatry_n which_o be_v spiritual_a whoredom_n shall_v be_v dread_v by_o the_o chaste_a spouse_n of_o chirst_n as_o the_o retain_v of_o such_o image_n as_o have_v be_v and_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v make_v object_n of_o religious_a adoration_n and_o the_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o peculiar_a garb_n and_o fashion_n of_o idolater_n in_o their_o worship_n moreover_o where_o the_o gross_a pollution_n be_v avoid_v if_o their_o pomp_n and_o train_n of_o ceremony_n be_v retain_v they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o take_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o as_o be_v busy_v in_o they_o and_o to_o corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o make_v it_o a_o dead_a work_n and_o carnal_a service_n and_o so_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n will_v decay_v and_o die_v among_o the_o people_n by_o this_o mean_n sensuality_n the_o concomitant_a of_o idolatry_n and_o all_o gross_a superstition_n be_v likewise_o manifest_v in_o their_o devotion_n of_o the_o israelite_n idolatry_n it_o be_v write_v the_o people_n sit_v down_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o rise_v up_o to_o play_v sensual_a sport_n and_o pastime_n be_v mingle_v with_o the_o devotion_n of_o carnal_a worshipper_n as_o be_v notable_o see_v in_o the_o popish_a festival_n and_o this_o make_v the_o sensual_a part_n of_o man_n addict_v to_o such_o a_o way_n to_o pray_v a_o while_n and_o then_o to_o play_v be_v the_o business_n of_o their_o sacred_a solemnity_n but_o this_o course_n alienates_v the_o mind_n from_o true_a holiness_n and_o tend_v to_o much_o profaneness_n and_o not_o only_o the_o piety_n but_o the_o civility_n of_o a_o nation_n will_v hereby_o much_o abate_v a_o church_n that_o will_v maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o religion_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n have_v need_n have_v its_o solemn_a day_n of_o divine_a service_n distinct_a from_o the_o appoint_a time_n of_o carnal_a sport_n mirth_n and_o jollity_n chap._n xv._n the_o enmity_n of_o the_o world_n against_o godliness_n and_o the_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n cast_v upon_o it_o consider_v the_o security_n and_o increase_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o small_a difficulty_n the_o enmity_n against_o it_o be_v general_a and_o perpetual_a in_o the_o first_o race_n of_o mankind_n it_o break_v forth_o even_o to_o blood_n and_o throughout_o all_o age_n it_o have_v be_v propagate_v &_o that_o with_o great_a rage_n as_o well_o within_o as_o without_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o adverse_a world_n know_v not_o the_o new_a nature_n what_o it_o be_v for_o it_o know_v not_o god_n who_o image_n it_o be_v the_o world_n be_v not_o only_o alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n but_o opposite_a to_o it_o by_o the_o antipathy_n of_o the_o carnal_a life_n and_o so_o not_o only_o want_v the_o true_a relish_n but_o have_v a_o strong_a disrelish_v of_o the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a nature_n moreover_o true_a christianity_n be_v a_o light_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n
communion_n with_o they_o all_o as_o far_o as_o catholic_n principle_n will_v give_v leave_n in_o pursue_v the_o end_n of_o this_o interest_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o private_a or_o unauthorized_a person_n enter_v into_o such_o state_v combination_n and_o correspondence_n as_o the_o jesuit_n and_o other_o order_n under_o the_o papacy_n have_v settle_v in_o their_o society_n throughout_o the_o world_n for_o all_o pious_a christian_n be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o have_v one_o spirit_n touch_v the_o main_a of_o this_o design_n and_o be_v incline_v to_o pursue_v the_o same_o with_o one_o accord_n and_o indeed_o so_o it_o be_v that_o only_o the_o sincere_a friend_n of_o truth_n man_n of_o upright_a heart_n and_o humble_a spirit_n and_o honest_a life_n will_v observe_v and_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o this_o interest_n and_o it_o suffice_v if_o they_o keep_v close_o to_o their_o common_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n and_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o know_v the_o present_a state_n of_o god_n israel_n and_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o each_o other_o as_o opportunity_n of_o converse_n offer_v itself_o and_o so_o govern_v themselves_o and_o carry_v on_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n by_o such_o honest_a and_o harmless_a mean_n as_o need_v not_o shun_v the_o light_n but_o may_v stand_v before_o the_o face_n of_o all_o opposer_n chap._n xxxii_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o high_a power_n in_o promote_a the_o religiousness_n of_o their_o people_n the_o advancement_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o high_a power_n if_o to_o maintain_v god_n honour_n and_o man_n chief_a good_a be_v their_o interest_n and_o if_o the_o defy_v of_o god_n and_o the_o utter_a undo_n of_o man_n be_v against_o it_o yea_o if_o the_o tranquillity_n and_o peace_n of_o governor_n and_o the_o stability_n of_o government_n be_v regard_v human_a wisdom_n will_v direct_v to_o promote_v that_o way_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man._n godliness_n include_v prudence_n justice_n temperance_n fortitude_n and_o all_o goodness_n it_o be_v a_o internal_a law_n effectual_o subdue_a they_o that_o have_v it_o to_o all_o external_a law_n that_o be_v just_a and_o good_a and_o the_o example_n of_o it_o go_v far_o to_o the_o better_n of_o many_o other_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o humanity_n it_o be_v regular_a and_o harmonious_a in_o every_o part_n it_o lead_v to_o order_n peace_n and_o unity_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o inconsistent_a with_o right_a policy_n it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o true_a wisdom_n and_o apt_a to_o take_v most_o among_o the_o serious_a and_o well_o advise_v part_n of_o the_o people_n and_o when_o it_o have_v take_v hold_n of_o they_o it_o make_v they_o wise_a and_o serious_a more_o abundant_o it_o correct_v rash_a rugged_a wrathful_a and_o fierce_a nature_n and_o to_o say_v the_o least_o whatsoever_o turbulence_n may_v afterward_o remain_v in_o such_o it_o make_v they_o of_o far_o more_o sedate_n and_o castigate_v spirit_n than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v and_o though_o it_o do_v not_o forthwith_o exterminate_v yet_o it_o so_o debilitates_fw-la all_o complexional_a distemper_n that_o they_o can_v break_v forth_o into_o a_o course_n of_o mischief_n and_o ordinary_o it_o work_v a_o evident_a notable_a change_n of_o so_o great_a force_n be_v a_o attentive_a and_o active_a conscience_n over_o all_o human_a passion_n and_o doubtless_o it_o be_v the_o strong_a bond_n to_o hold_v subject_n in_o obedience_n to_o their_o governor_n for_o the_o conscientious_a be_v hold_v in_o by_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o dread_n of_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v beside_o the_o sense_n of_o man_n wrath_n which_o they_o have_v in_o common_a with_o all_o considerate_a person_n wherefore_o it_o be_v clear_o the_o prince_n interest_n that_o his_o subject_n universal_o if_o it_o can_v be_v shall_v be_v religious_a and_o consequent_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o government_n to_o endeavour_v it_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v attainable_a and_o if_o he_o will_v bring_v they_o to_o such_o a_o state_n he_o be_v to_o take_v care_n to_o exalt_v god_n immediate_a sovereignty_n over_o their_o consciency_n and_o under_o that_o sovereignty_n to_o hold_v they_o in_o subjection_n to_o himself_o for_o where_o conscience_n be_v not_o preserve_v in_o its_o awful_a regard_n to_o god_n law_n as_o its_o supreme_a rule_n true_a religion_n be_v extinguish_v and_o they_o be_v the_o patron_n of_o irreligion_n who_o propagate_v such_o principle_n as_o tend_v to_o alienate_v the_o conscience_n from_o its_o true_a sovereign_n and_o proprietor_n and_o either_o to_o make_v it_o servile_a to_o those_o who_o have_v no_o just_a dominion_n over_o it_o or_o to_o debauch_v it_o into_o searedness_n or_o dead_a security_n one_o way_n most_o needful_a and_o advantageous_a for_o preserve_v god_n authority_n over_o conscience_n be_v most_o effectual_o to_o bind_v god_n law_n upon_o the_o people_n and_o to_o order_v what_o thing_n else_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o due_a observation_n thereof_o and_o to_o lay_v no_o other_o yoke_n upon_o they_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n and_o as_o this_o way_n import_v much_o to_o the_o sincerity_n and_o reality_n of_o religion_n so_o it_o do_v no_o less_o to_o the_o keep_n of_o religious_a mind_n in_o unity_n for_o in_o what_o centre_n will_v the_o judicious_o conscientious_a unite_v if_o not_o in_o the_o reveal_v mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v apprehend_v by_o they_o will_v the_o injunction_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n better_a resolve_v the_o doubt_n of_o such_o man_n or_o silence_v their_o dispute_n this_o be_v not_o urge_v to_o prove_v that_o superior_n can_v enjoin_v nothing_o in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v particular_o before_o enjoin_v of_o god_n or_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o inferior_n be_v not_o bind_v by_o their_o command_n in_o subordination_n to_o god_n command_n but_o only_o that_o they_o take_v the_o best_a course_n for_o the_o unfeigned_a piety_n and_o true_o christian_a concord_n of_o their_o people_n that_o by_o their_o injunction_n seek_v main_o to_o promote_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o add_v no_o more_o of_o their_o own_o than_o what_o be_v clear_o necessary_a thereunto_o and_o what_o more_o just_a and_o prudent_a course_n than_o to_o forbear_v thing_n that_o be_v unnecessary_a and_o unserviceable_a to_o the_o promote_a of_o truth_n and_o peace_n yet_o with_o a_o perplexity_n and_o a_o stumble_a block_n a_o easy_a inlet_n to_o all_o dissolute_a or_o ductile_a spirit_n and_o a_o bar_n against_o many_o of_o know_a sincerity_n and_o to_o use_v that_o moderation_n in_o the_o public_a rule_n and_o standard_n which_o take_v away_o or_o exceed_o lessen_v dissent_n and_o consequent_o the_o occasion_n of_o dissension_n the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n forbid_v christian_a magistrate_n to_o destroy_v sincere_a christian_n for_o their_o little_a difference_n and_o narrow_a principle_n in_o form_n of_o church_n order_n and_o no_o reason_n of_o state_n will_v oblige_v they_o to_o that_o severity_n how_o importunate_o soever_o some_o interest_v man_n may_v urge_v it_o judicious_a charity_n or_o a_o prudent_a indulgence_n towards_o such_o can_v undermine_v religion_n or_o the_o civil_a state_n and_o a_o sound_a ecclesiastical_a polity_n set_v for_o the_o increase_n of_o true_a godliness_n will_v receive_v no_o damage_n by_o it_o but_o it_o will_v rather_o gain_v upon_o those_o dissenter_n and_o if_o their_o scruple_n be_v not_o remove_v it_o shall_v abide_v firm_a and_o stable_a and_o grow_v in_o strength_n by_o the_o reputation_n of_o its_o own_o goodness_n and_o sufficiency_n in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o hazard_v or_o impair_v by_o this_o charity_n and_o forbearance_n the_o high_a power_n by_o grant_v some_o limit_a liberty_n do_v more_o universal_o protect_v the_o faithful_a and_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o competition_n with_o the_o advancement_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v able_a and_o wise_a enough_o to_o provide_v against_o any_o dangerous_a inconvenience_n the_o bound_n and_o rule_n of_o this_o indulgence_n be_v not_o so_o undiscoverable_a as_o to_o make_v it_o a_o vain_a proposal_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o idle_a demand_n of_o those_o that_o require_v a_o enumeration_n of_o all_o particular_n than_o which_o nothing_o more_o or_o less_o may_v be_v tolerate_v in_o any_o case_n all_o particularity_n in_o any_o human_a affair_n be_v not_o easy_a nor_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v at_o one_o view_n nor_o be_v they_o so_o fix_v but_o they_o may_v admit_v considerable_a variation_n according_a to_o the_o different_a state_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v general_a rule_n of_o prudence_n that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a indication_n of_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v at_o any_o