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to_o have_v their_o effect_n there_o be_v many_o other_o in_o the_o event_n incurable_a evil_n upon_o man_n in_o despite_n of_o right_a reason_n the_o cure_n of_o which_o yet_o any_o one_o may_v free_o offer_v and_o discouse_n 2._o have_v thus_o far_o insist_v upon_o the_o first_o particular_a under_o this_o head_n of_o natural_a religion_n i_o come_v to_o show_v the_o agreeableness_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o natural_a in_o what_o it_o reveal_v above_o and_o beyond_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o our_o acceptance_n of_o christian_a religion_n thereupon_o which_o be_v the_o second_o head_n propose_v and_o that_o i_o may_v make_v this_o the_o clear_a let_v it_o be_v distribute_v into_o these_o three_o branch_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v hereby_o necessary_o suppose_v natural_a religion_n be_v give_v to_o be_v a_o test_n and_o touchstone_n of_o truth_n in_o religion_n 2._o that_o christian_a religion_n have_v such_o a_o evident_a agreement_n with_o natural_a 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faith_n in_o divine_a mercy_n and_o last_o of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n now_o in_o all_o these_o as_o i_o premise_v natural_a religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o what_o be_v find_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o sullied_a state_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n at_o such_o vast_a distance_n from_o the_o day_n of_o innocency_n or_o so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o cold_a liveless_a climate_n of_o philosophic_a morality_n but_o by_o what_o discover_v itself_o when_o these_o freeze_a benumb_a principle_n relent_v and_o be_v thaughn_n by_o the_o warm_a beam_n of_o reveal_v truth_n by_o what_o man_n do_v and_o must_v acknowledge_v when_o they_o come_v to_o themselves_o then_o the_o minister_n of_o natural_a righteousness_n out_o of_o and_o according_a to_o divine_a revelation_n be_v 11._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 11._o make_v manifest_a in_o man_n conscience_n and_o they_o speak_v and_o write_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o shall_v acknowledge_v to_o 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the_o son_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o eternity_n itself_o it_o be_v of_o everlasting_a inviolable_a truth_n there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o christianity_n there_o be_v one_o mediator_n 6._o 1_o tim._n 2._o 5._o 1_o cor._n 8_o 6._o between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n there_o be_v one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o in_o he_o and_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o by_o he_o and_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n 3._o joh._n 17._o 3._o and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v thus_o the_o divine_a unity_n be_v preserve_v and_o lest_o the_o obligation_n to_o a_o mediator_n to_o a_o redeemer_n shall_v abate_v or_o interfere_v with_o the_o obligation_n to_o the_o one_o god_n and_o father_n the_o mediator_n be_v always_o make_v know_v to_o we_o as_o the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n the_o brightness_n of_o his_o 3._o heb._n 1._o 3._o glory_n though_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n the_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n so_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o one_o mediator_n infinite_o and_o incomprehensible_o unite_v and_o circulate_v in_o one_o with_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n so_o far_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2d_o phil._n 2._o 2d_o from_o any_o the_o least_o contradictoriness_n to_o that_o fundamental_a natural_a principle_n of_o one_o god_n and_o as_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v to_o the_o utmost_a and_o above_o all_o we_o can_v think_v for_o in_o the_o high_a glory_n of_o knowledge_n it_o be_v we_o know_v certain_o impossible_a to_o know_v any_o high_a mediator_n any_o other_o mediator_n than_o our_o one_o mediator_n for_o as_o a_o man_n can_v rise_v no_o high_o than_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o high_o be_v than_o god_n so_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a redeemer_n and_o mediator_n than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a acceptance_n 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and_o absorb_v into_o he_o yet_o in_o such_o a_o distinction_n from_o he_o that_o every_o glorify_a spirit_n enjoy_v its_o happiness_n glory_n purity_n perfection_n acceptance_n with_o the_o divine_a majesty_n distinct_o and_o in_o itself_o and_o yet_o so_o in_o god_n that_o the_o whole_a glory_n be_v refund_v into_o he_o which_o be_v the_o perfect_a glory_n of_o the_o divinity_n from_o the_o whole_a then_o though_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o these_o great_a point_n surmount_v reason_n in_o the_o discovery_n and_o explication_n yet_o when_o it_o behold_v these_o thing_n in_o that_o full_a portraiture_n divine_a revelation_n present_v they_o it_o can_v but_o adore_v and_o admire_v and_o confess_v the_o manifold_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o praise_n of_o his_o 11._o ephes_n 3._o 10._o &_o 1._o 6_o 11._o glory_n work_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n as_o to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o eternal_a judgement_n they_o be_v but_o what_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n all_o man_n have_v a_o engraft_a sense_n both_o of_o it_o and_o a_o future_a state_n and_o as_o to_o the_o resurriction_n itself_o i_o think_v it_o most_o manageable_a upon_o ground_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o creator_n can_v as_o easy_o command_v the_o principle_n of_o a_o dissolve_a body_n into_o one_o as_o at_o first_o create_v those_o very_a principle_n out_o of_o nothing_o nor_o can_v i_o think_v those_o nicety_n of_o dispute_n bring_v into_o this_o article_n of_o faith_n of_o any_o moment_n it_o be_v enough_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o future_a state_n of_o spirit_n in_o body_n as_o in_o sensible_a appearance_n of_o glory_n or_o misery_n and_o those_o body_n as_o much_o man_n own_o as_o the_o nature_n
our_o love_n in_o our_o sympathy_n in_o our_o bowel_n of_o affection_n in_o our_o care_n for_o the_o body_n though_o we_o be_v not_o all_o of_o a_o aspect_n of_o a_o figure_n of_o a_o size_n in_o our_o membership_n yet_o still_o be_v we_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n in_o particular_a and_o be_v so_o we_o be_v the_o israel_n of_o god_n upon_o who_o be_v peace_n and_o mercy_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n and_o if_o we_o ought_v as_o certain_o we_o ought_v so_o to_o pray_v with_o what_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n with_o what_o appearance_n of_o christianity_n can_v we_o move_v against_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o fellow-member_n or_o not_o contribute_v to_o their_o ease_n to_o their_o self-enjoyment_n to_o the_o comfort_n of_o each_o other_o condition_n so_o that_o if_o one_o member_n be_v honour_v all_o the_o member_n may_v rejoice_v with_o it_o if_o one_o member_n suffer_v all_o the_o member_n may_v suffer_v with_o it_o and_o send_v in_o to_o its_o relief_n and_o support_n our_o defect_n herein_o disturb_v the_o peace_n not_o minister_a to_o the_o merciful_a support_n of_o one_o another_o will_v be_v find_v another_o sort_n of_o schism_n but_o of_o far_o deep_a gild_n than_o that_o so_o much_o cry_v out_o of_o not_o conform_v to_o one_o another_o indifferent_n but_o above_o all_o the_o raven_a of_o the_o evening_n wolf_n the_o roar_n of_o the_o lion_n the_o poison_n and_o venom_n of_o the_o asp_n and_o cokatrice_n '_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o our_o mountain_n if_o we_o will_v have_v it_o account_v the_o holy_a mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o on_o all_o side_n we_o shall_v open_v the_o door_n and_o sluice_n that_o the_o stream_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n may_v run_v every_o way_n till_o it_o cover_v our_o land_n as_o the_o water_n do_v the_o sea_n the_o end_n true_a religion_n the_o interest_n of_o nation_n or_o national_a religion_n demonstrate_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o nation_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 79._o 6._o &_o jer._n 10._o 25._o pour_v out_o thy_o wrath_n fury_n upon_o the_o heathen_a nation_n that_o have_v not_o know_v thou_o and_o upon_o the_o kingdom_n family_n that_o have_v not_o call_v on_o thy_o name_n this_o prayer_n double_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o weight_n of_o it_o the_o safety_n to_o man_n it_o shall_v be_v well_o know_v and_o the_o certainty_n of_o its_o effect_n contain_v a_o strong_a assertion_n of_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o 32._o phil._n 3._o 2._o gen._n 41._o 32._o and_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o nation_n to_o national_a true_a religion_n for_o see_v according_a to_o a_o grand_a rule_n in_o god_n administration_n of_o the_o world_n nation_n that_o have_v no_o national_a religion_n and_o who_o nationalness_n therefore_o become_v heathenism_n and_o be_v so_o brand_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o so_o nation_n in_o scripture_n very_o often_o signify_v heathen_a that_o be_v nation_n without_o true_a religion_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o wrath_n and_o fury_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o it_o do_v not_o only_o follow_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o contrary_n that_o national_a true_a religion_n or_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n have_v a_o strong_a order_n to_o and_o connexion_n with_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o as_o the_o positive_a proposition_n be_v the_o prime_n and_o original_n and_o give_v ground_n to_o and_o contain_v within_o itself_o the_o privative_a so_o do_v this_o proposition_n that_o god_n anger_n and_o fury_n be_v at_o all_o time_n ready_a against_o those_o that_o do_v not_o know_v he_o that_o do_v not_o call_v upon_o he_o as_o join_v in_o a_o national_a body_n or_o society_n be_v the_o privative_a owe_v itself_o to_o the_o other_o be_v the_o positive_a as_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o make_v out_o in_o the_o argue_v this_o point_n at_o the_o present_a it_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o observe_v that_o these_o two_o holy_a man_n the_o composer_n of_o this_o psalm_n and_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n except_o as_o some_o think_v they_o be_v both_o one_o desire_v the_o destruction_n of_o those_o heathen_a enemy_n under_o who_o oppression_n their_o own_o people_n which_o at_o that_o time_n comprehend_v the_o church_n of_o god_n then_o groan_v and_o pray_v in_o spirit_n for_o it_o rely_v and_o rest_v the_o whole_a weight_n of_o their_o prayer_n upon_o this_o principle_n of_o great_a truth_n and_o consequence_n in_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o as_o family_n as_o nation_n as_o kingdom_n for_o so_o all_o community_n be_v comprehend_v they_o do_v not_o know_v nor_o call_v upon_o god_n that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o therefore_o be_v most_o just_o subject_a to_o his_o fierce_a displeasure_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v couch_v under_o this_o though_o indeed_o before_o it_o that_o the_o people_n that_o do_v know_v and_o call_v upon_o the_o true_a god_n have_v a_o title_n to_o his_o savour_n and_o vindication_n of_o they_o in_o all_o their_o distress_n while_o they_o be_v consider_v as_o so_o know_v and_o call_v upon_o he_o and_o not_o contradict_v it_o by_o their_o action_n the_o context_n therefore_o go_v on_o argue_v with_o god_n on_o this_o point_n they_o have_v devour_v jacob_n in_o who_o quarrel_n and_o rescue_n god_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v and_o see_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n and_o his_o wrath_n burn_v to_o the_o low_a hell_n both_o his_o wrath_n and_o his_o favour_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o their_o extent_n even_o to_o everlasting_a age_n all_o which_o will_v ground_v the_o proposition_n which_o i_o main_o intend_v in_o this_o discourse_n that_o national_a true_a religion_n be_v the_o great_a security_n strength_n and_o defence_n of_o a_o nation_n against_o the_o divine_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n and_o give_v the_o sure_a claim_n to_o his_o favour_n blessing_n and_o protection_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v because_o it_o be_v a_o observation_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v most_o close_o unite_v in_o and_o pursue_v to_o the_o utmost_a by_o all_o wise_a nation_n and_o by_o all_o the_o several_a part_n and_o member_n of_o a_o nation_n for_o it_o be_v their_o first_o and_o high_a 15._o psal_n 33._o i2_n &_o 144._o 15._o interest_n blessed_n be_v the_o nâ—tion_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n yea_o happy_a be_v the_o people_n who_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n who_o have_v jehovah_n thus_o for_o their_o god_n and_o this_o very_a consideration_n shall_v reconcile_v all_o difference_n in_o national_a religion_n that_o can_v be_v compose_v without_o loss_n of_o that_o truth_n and_o corruption_n of_o those_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o give_v denomination_n to_o true_a national_a religion_n this_o shall_v incline_v those_o that_o be_v above_o to_o the_o great_a condescension_n and_o those_o that_o be_v beneath_o to_o the_o most_o free_a compliance_n possible_a if_o they_o value_v religion_n and_o love_v their_o nation_n that_o at_o least_o there_o may_v be_v union_n in_o national_a religion_n if_o there_o can_v be_v perfect_a uniformity_n for_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o upon_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o this_o point_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o national_a religion_n suppose_v it_o always_o the_o true_a be_v the_o happy_a model_n of_o union_n in_o religion_n of_o any_o upon_o earth_n and_o most_o please_a to_o god_n except_o that_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o union_n be_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o truth_n worship_n and_o practice_v but_o come_v under_o no_o other_o form_n or_o model_n proper_o take_v but_o except_o this_o there_o be_v none_o so_o perfect_a to_o the_o end_n and_o glory_n of_o religion_n so_o adequate_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o publickness_n of_o religion_n so_o encourage_v and_o advantageous_a to_o the_o practice_n so_o reconcileable_a with_o the_o peace_n of_o religion_n and_o nation_n so_o preventive_a of_o the_o endless_a division_n and_o subdivision_n humane_a nature_n be_v apt_a to_o fall_v into_o when_o it_o yield_v up_o itself_o to_o a_o scrupulosity_n and_o disputatiousness_n about_o external_n and_o form_n in_o religion_n i_o say_v again_o i_o be_o persuade_v no_o man_n can_v serve_v god_n with_o great_a acceptableness_n nor_o be_v religious_a to_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o religion_n than_o by_o join_v with_o the_o nation_n or_o supreme_a civil_a incorporation_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n so_o far_o as_o he_o can_v be_v permit_v to_o do_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n i_o say_v as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v upon_o these_o account_n if_o not_o throughout_o and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v great_a and_o valuable_a proof_n from_o
midianite_n numb_a 25._o 17_o 18._o enclose_v cramp_v and_o vex_v they_o first_o with_o the_o gild_n rise_v up_o in_o the_o face_n of_o conscience_n and_o then_o with_o the_o miserable_a consequence_n of_o the_o sudden_a wrath_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o they_o this_o be_v the_o stumbling-block_n of_o iniquity_n the_o wicked_a man_n in_o ezekiel_n put_v before_o his_o face_n even_o the_o idol_n he_o have_v upon_o his_o heart_n these_o be_v the_o stumbling-block_n with_o the_o wicked_a god_n will_v cut_v off_o and_o remove_v in_o the_o prophet_n zephaniah_n this_o be_v one_o principal_a point_n of_o scandal_n the_o apostle_n discourse_n of_o to_o the_o corinthian_n in_o the_o case_n of_o eat_v 10._o 1_o cor._n 8._o &_o 10._o thing_n offer_v unto_o idol_n and_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o eminent_o remark_v for_o balaam_n doctrine_n of_o scandal_n the_o great_a abomination_n and_o lie_v that_o deceive_v the_o world_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v the_o detestable_a 14._o rev._n 2._o 14._o antichristian_a idolatry_n the_o notorious_a scandal_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n both_o within_o itself_o and_o before_o the_o jew_n turk_n and_o even_o pagan_n who_o see_v their_o own_o brutishness_n act_v under_o that_o excellent_a name_n this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o point_n that_o god_n have_v depart_v from_o the_o brevity_n of_o that_o majestic_a law_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n for_o the_o guard_v his_o worship_n as_o with_o a_o flame_v sword_n every_o way_n because_o in_o a_o case_n wherein_o humane_a nature_n be_v so_o prone_a to_o fall_v whether_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o divide_v the_o divine_a honour_n to_o any_o other_o though_o under_o the_o name_n of_o reverence_n to_o he_o as_o the_o original_a or_o supreme_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o carve_n a_o worship_n for_o god_n he_o do_v not_o prescribe_v for_o himself_o whatever_o be_v the_o dccency_n or_o expediency_n to_o help_v the_o devotion_n whether_o of_o the_o learned_a or_o unlearned_a it_o become_v scandal_n and_o a_o snare_n to_o those_o that_o be_v so_o impose_v upon_o and_o see_v though_o the_o weakness_n of_o passion_n be_v far_o off_o from_o god_n he_o own_v himself_o jealous_a we_o have_v reason_n to_o mistrust_v every_o thing_n when_o he_o be_v so_o see_v not_o only_o foul_a debauch_n but_o even_o what_o be_v most_o innocent_a in_o all_o other_o case_n be_v suspect_v in_o that_o hezekiah_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o break_v in_o piece_n so_o venerable_a a_o relic_n as_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n not_o only_o a_o ceremony_n of_o 4._o 2_o king_n 18._o 4._o miraculous_a cure_n but_o a_o type_n of_o christ_n and_o degrade_v it_o into_o a_o mere_a piece_n of_o brass_n when_o he_o see_v the_o israelite_n scandalize_a at_o it_o and_o tempt_v by_o it_o to_o impure_a glance_n when_o our_o saviour_n perceive_v so_o clean_a and_o harmless_a a_o usage_n as_o 1._o mat._n 15._o 1._o wash_v before_o meat_n creep_v into_o a_o piece_n of_o religion_n how_o severe_o he_o disow_v it_o and_o be_v careless_a of_o the_o causeless_a scandalize_a of_o the_o pharisee_n by_o his_o doctrine_n concern_v it_o because_o he_o know_v there_o be_v true_a and_o real_a scandal_n in_o that_o rite_n so_o abuse_v and_o when_o all_o be_v say_v that_o can_v be_v say_v the_o heavenly_a pattern_n be_v that_o in_o divine_a worship_n and_o that_o only_a of_o which_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o nothing_o in_o it_o can_v scandalize_v that_o be_v just_o scandalize_v except_o we_o think_v god_n jealousy_n be_v a_o jewish_a style_n whole_o now_o out_o of_o date_n and_o yet_o how_o have_v this_o scandal_n this_o stone_n of_o stumble_v this_o gin_n and_o snare_n always_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o humane_a imagination_n and_o prevail_v upon_o it_o as_o if_o god_n live_v in_o the_o retirement_n of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n do_v not_o understand_v how_o himself_o be_v to_o be_v address_v by_o man_n nor_o know_v the_o point_n of_o honour_n due_a to_o his_o own_o glorious_a nature_n as_o be_v most_o fashionable_a and_o modish_a in_o the_o world_n man_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o distinguish_v thing_n better_o by_o the_o breed_n they_o have_v have_v in_o this_o earthly_a country_n they_o think_v god_n so_o much_o a_o stranger_n as_o not_o to_o know_v how_o to_o appoint_v for_o himself_o when_o man_n have_v to_o do_v with_o he_o as_o if_o what_o may_v be_v well_o accept_v in_o heaven_n will_v not_o yet_o be_v current_n upon_o earth_n here_o image_n picture_n elevation_n adoration_n of_o the_o host_n with_o innumerable_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v necessary_a to_o beget_v devotion_n due_a to_o god_n the_o saviour_n they_o will_v serve_v here_o they_o that_o can_v best_o judge_v what_o be_v most_o stately_a have_v determine_v god_n must_v not_o make_v himself_o so_o cheap_a as_o immediate_o to_o receive_v prayer_n and_o supplication_n or_o by_o his_o son_n only_o as_o the_o mediator_n angel_n and_o saint_n must_v intercede_v and_o then_o who_o can_v deny_v they_o their_o share_n of_o honour_n religion_n will_v be_v neglect_v and_o despise_v if_o it_o have_v not_o sets-off_a beside_o itself_o and_o the_o necessary_a decency_n of_o humane_a action_n there_o must_v be_v something_o unusual_a to_o dress_v it_o up_o and_o amuse_v but_o all_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o green_n and_o flourish_v lay_v over_o a_o trap_n to_o hide_v it_o and_o invite_v the_o unwary_a passenger_n god_n that_o understand_v himself_o so_o perfect_o as_o to_o know_v what_o will_v please_v he_o understand_v all_o man_n too_o and_o need_v not_o that_o any_o shall_v tell_v he_o of_o man_n for_o he_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n and_o he_o have_v pronounce_v it_o what_o be_v hig_o esteem_v among_o man_n be_v abomination_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n he_o have_v 9_o isa_n 15._o 9_o say_v it_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n all_o outward_a pomp_n be_v but_o draw_v nigh_o with_o lip_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v far_o off_o to_o worship_n god_n be_v to_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o not_o to_o make_v he_o such_o a_o one_o as_o ourselves_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_n must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n 24._o joh._n 4_o 24._o and_o truth_n in_o his_o spirituality_n and_o truth_n not_o in_o their_o own_o carnality_n and_o vain_a show_n it_o be_v not_o to_o paint_n or_o portray_v or_o carve_v a_o deity_n as_o the_o heathen_a that_o change_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n into_o a_o lie_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o the_o image_n of_o coruptible_a man_n and_o other_o base_a creature_n because_o they_o think_v it_o best_o and_o yet_o worse_o than_o that_o into_o name_n of_o great_a infamy_n and_o flagitious_a turpitude_n all_o frivolous_a rite_n represent_v divinity_n small_a and_o impertinent_a to_o the_o great_a loss_n of_o the_o glory_n due_a to_o that_o terrible_a name_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n one_o great_a end_n of_o worship_n be_v the_o conform_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o approach_n to_o and_o exercise_n of_o the_o mind_n upon_o it_o but_o if_o this_o be_v misshapen_v the_o soul_n be_v make_v more_o unlike_a to_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o as_o the_o same_o heathen_a become_v more_o licentious_a by_o the_o pourtraicture_n they_o give_v their_o go_n a_o trivial_a temper_n of_o mind_n natural_o result_v from_o a_o trivial_a worship_n even_o as_o it_o form_v it_o first_o and_o often_o meet_v it_o there_o it_o daily_a return_n from_o it_o confirm_v and_o improve_v the_o sincere_a worship_n direct_v to_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o glass_n in_o which_o we_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v change_v ult_n 2_o cor._n 3._o ult_n into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n looseness_n of_o life_n have_v be_v always_o note_v to_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o corrupt_a worship_n it_o be_v natural_o so_o and_o god_n curse_v it_o to_o be_v so_o god_n give_v idolater_n up_o to_o their_o lust_n and_o a_o injudicious_a mind_n they_o that_o worship_n he_o aright_o according_a to_o his_o word_n â—_o psal_n 36_o 8._o and_o 6â—_n â—_o adhere_v to_o he_o and_o by_o regular_a conduit_n drink_v life_n from_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n and_o derive_v from_o the_o river_n of_o his_o pleasure_n they_o be_v abundant_o satisfy_v with_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o house_n even_o of_o his_o holy_a temple_n they_o that_o worship_n god_n after_o their_o own_o imagination_n do_v but_o drink_v out_o of_o their_o own_o break_a or_o defile_v cistern_n that_o hold_v no_o water_n and_o therefore_o draw_v nothing_o but_o wind_n and_o air_n or_o
to_o be_v as_o a_o lamp_n despise_v he_o deserve_v great_a tenderness_n and_o compassion_n as_o i_o shall_v more_o full_o have_v occasion_n to_o observe_v under_o the_o second_o head_n viz._n scandal_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o which_o i_o now_o proceed_v and_o i_o be_o here_o to_o undertake_v a_o particular_a and_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o scandal_n as_o it_o have_v a_o most_o peculiar_a interest_n in_o those_o so_o famous_a debate_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v indifferent_a thing_n rom._n 14._o 1_o cor._n 8._o &_o 10._o when_o they_o can_v any_o way_n be_v suppose_v to_o relate_v to_o god_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o religion_n or_o have_v a_o presence_n how_o circumstantial_a soever_o in_o divine_a worship_n but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o undertake_n i_o must_v remove_v two_o prejudices_fw-la 1._o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v scandal_n in_o these_o case_n have_v be_v indeed_o make_v trivial_a by_o some_o man_n injudicious_a zeal_n and_o ignorant_a deal_n with_o the_o apostle_n sense_n herein_o who_o have_v a_o crude_a conception_n of_o scandal_n from_o what_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o most_o formidable_a evil_n both_o in_o he_o that_o give_v it_o or_o take_v it_o have_v therefore_o call_v every_o thing_n scandal_n that_o displease_v they_o and_o mean_v nothing_o by_o be_v scandalize_v but_o that_o they_o have_v great_o dislike_v such_o or_o such_o thing_n without_o any_o other_o hazard_n of_o fall_v into_o sin_n than_o what_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v from_o their_o indiscreet_a anger_n and_o too_o often_o over-passionate_a inflammation_n whence_o have_v rise_v this_o scandal_n dangerous_a enough_o that_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o scandal_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n except_o what_o unknowing_a zeal_n in_o a_o ferment_n create_v or_o at_o least_o have_v not_o take_v into_o their_o thought_n this_o kind_n of_o true_a scripture_n scandal_n or_o entertain_v a_o just_a fear_n of_o run_v into_o it_o or_o ensnare_a other_o in_o it_o but_o it_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o that_o due_o weigh_v that_o the_o apostle_n proceed_v upon_o much_o deep_a and_o more_o grave_a consideration_n 2._o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o fear_n of_o scandal_n or_o scandalize_a have_v be_v blow_v off_o by_o some_o upon_o this_o mistake_n that_o man_n can_v be_v in_o no_o danger_n to_o be_v scandalize_v who_o keep_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v draw_v by_o example_n into_o any_o thing_n they_o dislike_v and_o be_v sufficient_o angry_a at_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o such_o they_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a bar_n to_o they_o against_o scandal_n and_o against_o any_o one_o being_n guilty_a as_o a_o author_n of_o scandal_n to_o they_o how_o hardly_o soever_o they_o press_v upon_o they_o while_o they_o profess_v so_o loud_o their_o dissent_n they_o must_v not_o so_o much_o as_o name_v scandal_n without_o the_o imputation_n of_o gross_a ignorance_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v just_o apprehend_v a_o man_n may_v be_v he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v though_o it_o find_v no_o place_n in_o he_o against_o who_o it_o come_v as_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v and_o further_o though_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o these_o two_o instance_n fix_v chief_o upon_o that_o sort_n of_o scandal_n within_o which_o man_n be_v draw_v by_o follow_a example_n against_o their_o inward_a sentiment_n yet_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n scandal_n be_v to_o be_v suspect_v to_o have_v much_o large_a compass_n even_o in_o thing_n of_o indifferency_n and_o lie_v far_o off_o from_o man_n doubtful_a comply_v in_o what_o they_o have_v example_n or_o command_n for_o than_o that_o such_o compliance_n shall_v be_v the_o only_a measure_n of_o scandal_n therein_o and_o even_o in_o those_o that_o do_v comply_v with_o free_a mind_n there_o be_v more_o secret_a path_n and_o track_n wherein_o scandal_n be_v lay_v than_o they_o general_o and_o open_o make_v complaint_n of_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o inward_a doubt_n but_o upon_o other_o account_n also_o i_o shall_v therefore_o lay_v down_o these_o two_o preparatory_n to_o make_v these_o discourse_n of_o the_o apostle_n more_o concern_v to_o we_o 1._o that_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v assure_v they_o have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o denunciation_n of_o woe_n by_o our_o saviour_n upon_o the_o world_n because_o of_o scandal_n upon_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v by_o way_n of_o transcendency_n and_o his_o admonition_n to_o all_o that_o scandal_n must_v needs_o come_v for_o the_o same_o divine_a spirit_n of_o truth_n descend_v from_o the_o master_n upon_o the_o minister_n and_o frame_v like_o apprehension_n in_o he_o when_o he_o speak_v afterward_o of_o the_o same_o point_n nay_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o latter_a discourse_n look_v back_o upon_o the_o former_a because_o it_o be_v undoubted_o well_o know_v to_o christian_n then_o and_o much_o more_o to_o the_o apostle_n who_o beside_o that_o he_o have_v immediate_a revelation_n most_o probable_o from_o the_o lord_n even_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v by_o the_o evangelist_n give_v proof_n he_o have_v a_o very_a peculiar_a care_n to_o know_v all_o he_o have_v speak_v and_o a_o singular_a respect_n to_o it_o for_o he_o express_o quote_v our_o saviour_n in_o those_o immediate_a revelation_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 23._o in_o what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o evangelist_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o divorce_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 10._o and_o last_o in_o what_o he_o have_v attain_v as_o well_o testify_v though_o not_o record_v as_o in_o that_o act_n 20._o 35._o remember_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n it_o be_v more_o bless_a to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v it_o be_v not_o therefore_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v in_o such_o discourse_n of_o scandal_n as_o these_o he_o neglect_v so_o solemn_a a_o one_o as_o our_o lord_n upon_o it_o the_o little_a one_o in_o the_o evangelist_n and_o the_o weak_a brethren_n in_o the_o apostle_n the_o woe_n in_o the_o one_o and_o the_o conscience_n in_o the_o other_o grieve_v wound_a weak_a christian_n stumble_v fall_a perish_a and_o be_v destroy_v be_v of_o near_a affinity_n in_o their_o sense_n and_o those_o even_a abjuration_n of_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n it_o be_v good_a neither_o to_o eat_v flesh_n nor_o drink_v wine_n nor_o any_o thing_n whereby_o thy_o brother_n 21._o rom._n 14._o 21._o stumble_v or_o be_v offend_v or_o be_v make_v weak_a if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v 13._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._o lest_o i_o make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v my_o brother_n these_o so_o solemn_a renunciation_n of_o scandal_n be_v not_o far_o off_o from_o our_o saviour_n woe_n upon_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v and_o that_o great_a aphorism_n happy_a be_v he_o that_o condemn_v not_o himself_o 22._o rom._n 14._o 22._o in_o that_o thing_n which_o he_o allow_v be_v ground_v upon_o that_o scandal_n must_v needs_o come_v they_o force_v a_o entry_n at_o every_o the_o least_o advantage_n and_o therefore_o happy_a be_v he_o that_o can_v preclude_v they_o 2._o that_o see_v the_o instance_n of_o scandal_n the_o apostle_n debate_v upon_o viz._n the_o jewish_a distinction_n of_o meat_n and_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n be_v of_o a_o narrow_a and_o particular_a nature_n and_o of_o a_o daily_a decrease_a occurrence_n the_o apostle_n so_o laborious_a and_o industrious_a handle_v they_o be_v preserve_v in_o sacred_a record_n and_o transmit_v down_o to_o after_o age_n argue_v he_o or_o rather_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o he_o design_v to_o remonstrate_v to_o the_o late_a posterity_n of_o christian_n the_o great_a play_n scope_n and_o force_v of_o scandal_n in_o these_o indifferency_n and_o in_o all_o case_n wherein_o they_o may_v fall_v out_o to_o be_v scandal_n though_o not_o after_o the_o similitude_n of_o these_o the_o danger_n of_o scandalize_a or_o be_v scandalize_v have_v thus_o far_o premise_v i_o come_v now_o close_o up_o to_o these_o apostolic_a debate_n themselves_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v make_v such_o a_o platform_n with_o all_o possible_a brevity_n and_o conciseness_n as_o may_v comprehend_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n upon_o these_o two_o case_n and_o then_o balance_v with_o it_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o indifferent_n as_o they_o come_v into_o such_o a_o account_n of_o religion_n as_o i_o have_v before_o suppose_v the_o platform_n i_o lay_v down_o in_o these_o part_n of_o it_o all_o draw_v out_o of_o these_o debate_n 1._o the_o state_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o indifferent_n in_o relation_n to_o god_n 2._o the_o way_n how_o scandal_n invade_v indifferent_a thing_n when_o come_v into_o such_o a_o relation_n 3._o the_o several_a way_n of_o
craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o 14._o eccles_n 4._o 14._o wait_n to_o deceive_v but_o follow_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n we_o may_v grow_v up_o into_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n who_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n from_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o edify_a itself_o in_o love_n be_v not_o carry_v about_o 9_o heb._n 13_o 9_o with_o divers_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n for_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v establish_v with_o grace_n not_o with_o meat_n which_o have_v not_o profit_v they_o that_o have_v be_v exercise_v therein_o 2._o that_o we_o have_v a_o true_a and_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o our_o obedience_n to_o it_o the_o blessedness_n of_o which_o and_o its_o great_a preservation_n from_o scandal_n the_o psalmist_n thus_o describe_v bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o council_n of_o the_o ungodly_a nor_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n nor_o 1._o psal_n 1._o 1._o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a but_o his_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o that_o law_n do_v he_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o tree_n plant_v by_o the_o river_n of_o water_n that_o bring_v forth_o his_o fruit_n in_o due_a season_n his_o leaf_n also_o shall_v not_o wither_v and_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v shall_v prosper_v 3._o that_o we_o order_v all_o thing_n of_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n aright_o both_o as_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o to_o which_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n direction_n shall_v be_v always_o before_o we_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n nor_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n 22._o rom._n 14._o 5_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 22._o give_v no_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o gentile_n nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n even_o as_o i_o please_v all_o man_n in_o all_o thing_n not_o seek_v my_o own_o profit_n but_o the_o profit_n of_o many_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v whoever_o thus_o serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o men._n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la several_a mispointings_a and_o literal_a mistake_n the_o candid_a reader_n be_v desire_v to_o observe_v and_o pardon_n and_o what_o be_v most_o injurious_a to_o the_o sense_n thus_o to_o correct_v page_n 6._o line_n 32._o for_o a_o read_v all_o p._n 13._o l._n 22._o for_o they_o r._n the._n p._n 17._o l._n 12._o deal_n not_o p._n 18._o l._n 11._o for_o at_o r._n with_o p._n 25._o l._n 30._o for_o he_o r_o any_o one_o p._n 27._o l._n 30._o for_o purity_n r._n party_n p._n 38._o l._n 4_o for_o righteous_a r._n weak_a p._n 44._o l._n 24._o deal_n they_o p._n 48._o l._n 17._o for_o rule_n r._n rate_n p._n 55._o l._n 22._o after_o be_v r._n not_o p._n 61._o l._n 9_o for_o sacrifice_n r._n sacrament_n p._n 76._o l._n 29._o for_o party_n r._n polity_n p._n 79._o l._n 11._o after_o just_o r._n may_n print_a for_o tho._n parkhurst_n the_o whole_a duty_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o national_a true_a religion_n argue_v and_o persuade_v upon_o great_a motive_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n conciliate_v to_o all_o moderate_a apprehension_n though_o differ_v in_o small_a thing_n and_o to_o the_o strict_a notion_n of_o church_n two_o book_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o its_o order_n to_o universal_a peace_n impartial_o state_v and_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o just_a right_n and_o genuine_a effect_n of_o true_a natural_a and_o christian_a religion_n in_o immunity_n from_o penal-law_n church_n censure_n and_o private_a animosity_n a_o catholic_n catechism_n show_v the_o impossibility_n the_o catholic_n religion_n shall_v be_v vary_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o thought_n from_o the_o measure_n leave_v seal_v by_o the_o apostle_n without_o the_o loss_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o the_o impossibility_n popery_n or_o whatever_o else_o be_v not_o find_v in_o scripture_n shall_v be_v catholic_n compose_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mean_a that_o will_v but_o consider_v that_o they_o may_v know_v and_o be_v ready_a upon_o un-movable_a reason_n to_o give_v a_o apology_n or_o defensive_a answer_n for_o the_o catholic_n religion_n if_o they_o be_v indeed_o of_o it_o and_o be_v secure_v from_o temptation_n in_o time_n of_o danger_n 2_o pet._n i._o 12_o the_o present_a truth_n prov._n 22._o 21._o that_o i_o may_v make_v thou_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n that_o thou_o may_v answer_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n to_o they_o that_o send_v unto_o thou_o london_n print_v for_o tho._n parkhurst_n and_o will._n miller_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n and_o the_o acorn_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1683._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n i_o call_v this_o a_o catechism_n because_o i_o design_v it_o a_o familiar_a instruction_n in_o fundamental_a truth_n resound_v the_o same_o thing_n from_o question_n to_o answer_n the_o easy_a way_n of_o convey_v truth_n and_o imprint_v it_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o that_o be_v even_o of_o the_o mean_a capacity_n but_o especial_o because_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v daily_o so_o meditate_a upon_o ponder_v and_o apply_v to_o use_v as_o to_o be_v a_o perpetual_a sound_n in_o our_o ear_n and_o so_o to_o be_v proper_o style_v catechism_n for_o thing_n of_o such_o great_a weight_n as_o principle_n be_v must_v have_v as_o the_o most_o advantageous_a admission_n as_o the_o most_o deep_a and_o therefore_o leisurely_o insinuation_n as_o the_o most_o resolve_a adherence_n when_o find_v true_a and_o right_a which_o be_v buy_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o sell_v it_o so_o they_o must_v have_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o ready_a application_n to_o all_o their_o uses_n and_o end_v they_o must_v therefore_o be_v bind_v continual_o about_o our_o neck_n that_o when_o we_o go_v they_o may_v lead_v we_o that_o when_o we_o sleep_v they_o may_v keep_v we_o that_o when_o we_o wake_v they_o may_v talk_v with_o we_o prov._n 6._o 21_o 22._o i_o know_v the_o thing_n i_o have_v write_v can_v be_v due_o receive_v without_o much_o think_v and_o without_o that_o they_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o a_o censorious_a rejection_n from_o the_o most_o or_o of_o a_o superficial_a unintelligent_a acceptance_n in_o the_o kind_a which_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o i_o present_v it_o as_o a_o catechism_n to_o those_o that_o shall_v at_o all_o approve_v it_o that_o they_o may_v be_v thorough_o verse_v in_o it_o and_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o grow_v domestic_a to_o they_o i_o call_v it_o a_o catholic_n catechism_n only_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o great_a subject_n it_o treat_v of_o the_o catholic_n religion_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v catholic_n or_o in_o which_o their_o catholickness_n consist_v that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o holy_a and_o happy_a spirit_n be_v by_o that_o catholickness_n unite_v and_o close_o band_v with_o itself_o catholic_n as_o the_o epistle_n call_v catholic_n that_o be_v after_o some_o doubt_v assert_v to_o be_v divine_a of_o the_o public_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o give_v that_o public_a doctrine_n in_o which_o the_o general_a assembly_n be_v one_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o contrive_v the_o question_n and_o answer_n so_o that_o the_o answer_n may_v be_v a_o apology_n or_o defensive_a answer_n of_o that_o catholic_n truth_n give_v a_o reason_n or_o a_o rational_a account_n to_o any_o demand_v that_o can_v be_v make_v upon_o it_o and_o it_o be_v the_o apology_n of_o that_o truth_n itself_o the_o apology_n it_o give_v and_o furnish_v 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because_o god_n to_o who_o we_o proper_o and_o first_o unite_v in_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o public_a and_o universal_a be_v in_o who_o all_o holy_a spirit_n unite_v one_o with_o another_o and_o from_o who_o whoever_o separate_v separate_v also_o from_o all_o good_a spirit_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o the_o only_a dangerous_a schism_n 2._o because_o the_o one_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n our_o lord_n the_o one_o mediator_n will_v have_v all_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o as_o the_o catholic_n truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o have_v therefore_o reconcile_v and_o recapitulate_v all_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n into_o one_o catholic_n body_n in_o himself_o the_o catholic_n head_n 3._o because_o god_n manifestation_n of_o himself_o be_v the_o only_a true_a public_a authentic_a record_n of_o this_o religion_n and_o all_o other_o not_o derive_v from_o hence_o be_v private_a and_o false_a and_o the_o meeting_n set_v up_o to_o celebrate_v any_o 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be_v write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n accuse_v or_o excuse_v one_o another_o the_o eternal_a word_n or_o reason_n that_o make_v all_o thing_n be_v the_o light_n that_o light_v the_o reason_n of_o every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n quest_n which_o be_v the_o second_o record_n answ_n the_o second_o record_n be_v divine_a revelation_n collect_v into_o holy_a scripture_n all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n reproof_n instruction_n correction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n no_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n for_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o even_o as_o the_o law_n of_o 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right_a and_o straight_o and_o continue_v in_o that_o perfect_a state_n wherein_o our_o creator_n leave_v they_o for_o he_o look_v upon_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o behold_v all_o be_v good_a and_o very_o good_a and_o he_o appoint_v a_o sabbatism_n for_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o especial_o his_o rational_a creature_n the_o morning_n star_n to_o sing_v together_o and_o praise_v he_o for_o they_o but_o there_o be_v other_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v as_o the_o break_n up_o of_o the_o great_a deep_a of_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o can_v be_v know_v to_o the_o high_a understanding_n of_o angel_n or_o arch-angel_n only_o by_o revelation_n much_o less_o to_o man_n a_o reason_n of_o a_o low_a orb_n and_o least_o of_o all_o as_o fall_v and_o corrupt_v yet_o suppose_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v abide_v in_o their_o first_o clearness_n and_o luster_n all_o his_o faculty_n will_v have_v immediate_o receive_v and_o adore_a god_n in_o all_o such_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o congratulated_n those_o mighty_a accession_n of_o light_n and_o truth_n quest_n but_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o any_o revelation_n when_o man_n be_v make_v perfect_a and_o good_a while_o he_o continue_v so_o answ_n revelation_n be_v even_o then_o necessary_a to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o creature_n to_o have_v happiness_n and_o perfection_n within_o itself_o but_o to_o be_v in_o continual_a dependence_n upon_o and_o expectation_n from_o the_o creator_n for_o even_o that_o perfection_n wherein_o adam_n be_v make_v be_v thus_o to_o maintain_v continue_v and_o assure_v itself_o and_o so_o to_o rise_v to_o high_a perfection_n he_o have_v therefore_o at_o first_o a_o doctrine_n by_o revelation_n suitable_a to_o the_o two_o sacramental_a tree_n so_o that_o though_o he_o be_v perfect_a as_o such_o a_o
answ_n by_o stay_v the_o due_a time_n upon_o the_o uncontrovertible_a doctrine_n and_o command_n of_o nature_n law_n yield_v full_a obedience_n to_o god_n in_o they_o tremble_v to_o add_v any_o thing_n of_o base_a alloy_n to_o they_o a_o man_n shall_v see_v reveal_v truth_n shine_v out_o upon_o natural_a and_o join_v itself_o to_o it_o and_o with_o it_o thus_o many_o of_o the_o father_n come_v over_o to_o christianity_n and_o so_o in_o all_o part_n of_o scripture_n by_o rise_v from_o the_o most_o fundamental_a truth_n love_v and_o obey_v a_o man_n shall_v ascend_v by_o due_a degree_n to_o those_o more_o remote_a thus_o good_a man_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n wait_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o upon_o just_a consideration_n move_v upon_o the_o line_n of_o truth_n from_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o that_o of_o the_o new_a except_o sometime_o a_o light_n shine_v sudden_o round_a about_o man_n as_o in_o extraordinary_a conversion_n quest_n you_o seem_v then_o to_o think_v false_a religion_n and_o all_o division_n in_o the_o true_a have_v most_o near_o spring_v up_o from_o over-confidence_n of_o thing_n not_o of_o the_o evidence_n of_o public_a and_o divine_a truth_n answ_n i_o do_v so_o indeed_o although_o i_o know_v man_n not_o like_v to_o retain_v truth_n but_o be_v bewitch_v by_o false_a imagination_n betray_v they_o both_o to_o the_o plague_n of_o lose_a and_o fall_v spirit_n war_a under_o the_o prince_n of_o our_o disorder_a air_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n and_o to_o the_o various_a art_n of_o man_n who_o corrupt_a religion_n for_o the_o end_v they_o have_v to_o serve_v themselves_o of_o by_o it_o i_o know_v man_n faculty_n of_o search_n inquiry_n into_o and_o comprehension_n of_o truth_n be_v much_o shriveled_a and_o shrink_v up_o i_o know_v endless_a doubt_n and_o incertainty_n be_v bring_v upon_o religion_n by_o darkness_n and_o false_a appearance_n to_o soul_n that_o be_v so_o full_a of_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o delusion_n within_o themselves_o and_o desert_v by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n give_v they_o over_o to_o believe_v a_o lie_n i_o acknowledge_v all_o these_o cause_n of_o error_n yet_o i_o be_o assure_v the_o close_a adherence_n to_o god_n in_o truth_n evident_o divine_a and_o not_o remove_v far_o into_o a_o religious_a esteem_n of_o thing_n till_o upon_o the_o same_o evidence_n be_v the_o mean_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v secure_a from_o dangerous_a error_n or_o schism_n from_o the_o true_a public_a and_o whatever_o be_v not_o so_o evident_o public_a and_o divine_a be_v liable_a to_o private_a interpretation_n and_o so_o to_o error_n and_o when_o man_n be_v overween_a upon_o private_a interpretation_n they_o easy_o fall_v into_o error_n and_o when_o they_o be_v surly_a and_o masterly_a upon_o it_o it_o move_v wrath_n emulation_n strife_n so_o that_o both_o falsehood_n and_o cruelty_n have_v enter_v in_o at_o this_o door_n and_o range_v over_o the_o world_n quest_n but_o ought_v we_o to_o stupefy_v all_o inquiry_n and_o benumb_v judgement_n in_o every_o thing_n not_o evident_o divine_a answ_n not_o so_o but_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o humble_o and_o modest_o to_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v vast_a tract_n of_o truth_n and_o knowledge_n beyond_o what_o we_o know_v but_o we_o must_v feel_v the_o evidence_n of_o they_o before_o we_o can_v receive_v they_o yet_o to_o carry_v ourselves_o with_o due_a concession_n to_o every_o man_n sense_n that_o though_o their_o sense_n can_v nor_o aught_o to_o master_v we_o no_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o expect_v we_o shall_v they_o which_o will_v exceed_o reconcile_v or_o abate_v difference_n and_o retrench_v the_o mischievous_a effect_n the_o world_n have_v so_o long_o groan_v under_o by_o so_o many_o religion_n of_o nation_n name_n of_o church_n and_o person_n propagate_a their_o private_a that_o be_v not_o divine_a sense_n and_o that_o 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and_o more_o unfundamental_a point_n private_a interpretation_n enforee_v as_o if_o it_o be_v public_a have_v discompose_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o pure_a and_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o not_o only_o disturb_v their_o peace_n but_o stain_v their_o purity_n quest_n i_o seem_v to_o myself_o in_o all_o this_o unhappy_a babelism_n or_o confusion_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v very_o apprehensive_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n answ_n it_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v zealous_a for_o divine_a glory_n and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n that_o river_n of_o tear_n shall_v run_v down_o our_o eye_n because_o of_o the_o injury_n do_v by_o man_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n but_o yet_o to_o be_v so_o concern_v as_o to_o be_v scandalize_v be_v to_o forget_v that_o god_n be_v infinite_o more_o the_o public_a than_o we_o be_v and_o therefore_o to_o be_v offend_v at_o his_o dispose_n be_v to_o make_v our_o private_a the_o public_a we_o must_v then_o consider_v that_o if_o 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to_o it_o and_z as_o you_o have_v opportunity_n reason_v they_o out_o of_o the_o one_o by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o other_o cap._n v._o of_o the_o public_a or_o divine_a original_a of_o sacred_a write_n or_o scripture_n quest_n see_v scripture_n be_v the_o only_a public_a record_n of_o true_a pure_a natural_a religion_n and_o more_o eminent_o of_o reveal_v it_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v full_o inform_v in_o all_o point_n concern_v it_o and_o first_o what_o care_n god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o take_v that_o his_o word_n and_o pure_o that_o shall_v be_v commit_v to_o write_v answ_n god_n hold_v the_o hand_n and_o pen_n of_o holy_a man_n by_o a_o efficacious_a overshadow_v their_o mind_n and_o conduct_v all_o their_o motion_n that_o they_o can_v not_o err_v in_o some_o thing_n he_o so_o full_o possess_v their_o understanding_n and_o affection_n with_o a_o full_a knowledge_n and_o sense_n of_o what_o they_o be_v to_o reveal_v that_o they_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o muse_v 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when_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o so_o immediate_o present_a to_o they_o alter_z or_o add_v of_o another_o alloy_n to_o what_o themselves_o have_v be_v the_o instrument_n of_o convey_v from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n or_o may_v not_o pretender_n arise_v and_o give_v out_o false_a scripture_n to_o the_o world_n that_o have_v none_o of_o that_o true_a spirit_n answ_n when_o once_o any_o part_n of_o divine_a testimony_n be_v commit_v to_o write_v it_o become_v a_o boundary_a to_o those_o very_a penman_n much_o more_o to_o all_o other_o that_o they_o be_v always_o conclude_v by_o it_o so_o that_o beside_o the_o dread_a and_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o falsification_n of_o his_o truth_n or_o name_n they_o can_v not_o alter_v any_o thing_n so_o as_o to_o disagree_v with_o what_o they_o have_v before_o speak_v by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n who_o righteous_a judgement_n endure_v for_o ever_o nor_o can_v they_o so_o much_o as_o imitate_v themselves_o when_o unassisted_a 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the_o very_a manner_n method_n word_n as_o they_o meet_v to_o carry_v such_o a_o sense_n have_v their_o majesty_n and_o divineness_n so_o that_o whatever_o be_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n bridle_v that_o which_o be_v not_o and_o they_o that_o be_v inspire_v know_v in_o what_o they_o be_v inspire_v and_o what_o they_o speak_v as_o so_o inspire_v and_o in_o what_o they_o be_v not_o but_o be_v as_o samson_n with_o his_o lock_n cut_v no_o more_o than_o like_o other_o man_n and_o most_o cautious_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o nothing_o therefore_o have_v assay_v to_o join_v itself_o to_o scripture_n if_o any_o have_v dare_v to_o do_v it_o it_o have_v be_v reject_v by_o it_o when_o not_o of_o the_o high_a and_o public_a spirit_n of_o it_o quest_n but_o do_v not_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n reverse_v the_o write_n and_o command_n of_o the_o old_a which_o thing_n so_o scandalize_v the_o jew_n against_o our_o lord_n his_o disciple_n and_o 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the_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n more_o sure_a because_o of_o great_a antiquity_n and_o elder_a reception_n into_o scripture_n than_o that_o historical_a relation_n and_o doctrine_n which_o yet_o be_v immediate_o to_o pass_v into_o scripture_n of_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o value_n with_o former_a scripture_n and_o of_o great_a evidence_n and_o divine_a clearness_n and_o recommend_v by_o high_a appearance_n of_o divinity_n and_o on_o this_o same_o account_n the_o new_a testament_n derive_v itself_o from_o the_o old_a sometime_o by_o proof_n out_o of_o it_o draw_v according_a to_o the_o most_o regular_a train_n and_o consequence_n sometime_o by_o more_o immediate_a and_o authoritative_a interpretation_n but_o of_o the_o same_o public_a and_o divine_a inspiration_n with_o the_o prophecy_n of_o old_a time_n itself_o as_o shall_v
be_v present_o more_o full_o discourse_v under_o the_o head_n of_o interpretation_n quest_n how_o far_o and_o to_o what_o thing_n do_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n extend_v answ_n to_o all_o thing_n most_o assure_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a life_n or_o to_o the_o true_a perfect_a the_o conscience_n in_o purity_n and_o peace_n whether_o they_o be_v thing_n to_o be_v believe_v as_o the_o spring_n of_o heavenly_a action_n or_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o to_o guidâ—_n the_o practice_n and_o order_v the_o conversation_n aright_o to_o thaâ—_n salvation_n or_o that_o be_v prescribe_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n alâ—_n these_o be_v plain_o write_v or_o by_o just_a consequence_n to_o bâ—_n derive_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o show_v man_n the_o way_n to_o please_v god_n or_o to_o assure_v they_o they_o do_v please_v god_n that_o so_o they_o may_v attain_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n quest_n be_v there_o no_o other_o rule_n of_o religion_n then_o but_o the_o scripture_n embrace_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n answ_n there_o can_v be_v none_o except_o either_o religion_n be_v not_o derive_v whole_o from_o god_n and_o therefore_o not_o so_o catholic_n as_o we_o have_v assert_v it_o or_o except_o any_o other_o record_n of_o religion_n can_v show_v its_o descent_n as_o high_a and_o public_a as_o scripture_n do_v of_o which_o proof_n which_o scripture_n give_v of_o itself_o and_o what_o it_o be_v inquiry_n be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o be_v make_v cap._n vi_o of_o the_o proof_n of_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o proof_n also_o be_v public_a and_o divine_a quest_n what_o kind_n of_o proof_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o record_n as_o scripture_n be_v high_a enough_o to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v so_o divine_a answ_n that_o which_o be_v even_o as_o the_o original_a of_o scripture_n divine_v also_o quest_n why_o must_v the_o proof_n or_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n be_v divine_a answ_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v below_o the_o dignity_n of_o divine_a to_o receive_v its_o principal_a proof_n from_o private_a or_o low_a than_o divine_a or_o public_a 2._o because_o nothing_o but_o divine_a can_v so_o reach_v the_o conscience_n as_o to_o fill_v and_o possess_v it_o with_o satisfactory_a evidence_n in_o so_o great_a a_o concernment_n as_o religion_n nor_o strike_v the_o heart_n with_o those_o great_a effect_n of_o love_n to_o fear_v of_o joy_n in_o scripture_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o essential_a to_o religion_n but_o divine_a when_o you_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n you_o receive_v it_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n 3._o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a what_o be_v true_o divine_a shall_v not_o dart_v the_o ray_n of_o divinity_n as_o all_o other_o thing_n of_o 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the_o prophet_n in_o such_o a_o time_n of_o necessity_n cap._n xii_o of_o schism_n and_o scandal_n quest_n from_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n of_o the_o church_n i_o conceive_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o schism_n may_v be_v deduce_v i_o desire_v you_o therefore_o to_o explain_v what_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o schism_n be_v answ_n the_o question_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n follow_v very_o pertinent_o upon_o the_o right_a settlement_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n now_o the_o whole_a be_v of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o its_o union_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o love_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n and_o that_o it_o receive_v all_o its_o member_n into_o union_n with_o itself_o by_o their_o be_v first_o unite_v as_o itself_o be_v schism_n which_o be_v division_n must_v needs_o in_o its_o strict_a and_o most_o formal_a notion_n be_v a_o division_n from_o that_o truth_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v one_o and_o so_o from_o the_o 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harmless_a in_o comparison_n but_o the_o abomination_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n most_o loathsome_a to_o that_o infinite_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a nature_n i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v how_o far_o time_n place_n distinction_n of_o person_n in_o religious_a worship_n be_v within_o the_o cognisance_n of_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o i_o omit_v out_o of_o choice_n any_o discourse_n of_o sacrifice_n which_o some_o have_v contend_v come_v in_o by_o natural_a instinct_n as_o too_o copious_a for_o the_o present_a intendment_n conclude_v they_o be_v ordain_v by_o god_n chief_o to_o typify_v the_o true_a ever_o breathe_v sacrifice_n of_o christ_n which_o service_n have_v perform_v they_o expire_v in_o it_o not_o only_o repeal_v by_o the_o evangelic_n law_n but_o no_o doubt_n through_o the_o superintendency_n of_o providence_n grow_v into_o disuse_n throughout_o the_o world_n which_o together_o with_o those_o strong_a solid_a reason_n against_o their_o valuableness_n in_o themselves_o give_v by_o god_n psal_n 50._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o mic._n 6._o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o heb._n 9_o 10_o etc._n etc._n sufficient_o argue_v they_o be_v not_o of_o natural_a notion_n nor_o of_o the_o everlasting_a righteousness_n of_o that_o law_n let_v we_o therefore_o wave_v they_o go_v on_o to_o debate_v the_o dictate_v of_o primitive_a rule_n concern_v time_n and_o i_o find_v but_o two_o thing_n i_o can_v suppose_v injunction_n of_o so_o ancient_a a_o date_n pertain_v to_o it_o 1._o that_o the_o time_n be_v sufficient_a capacious_a enough_o for_o the_o receipt_n of_o religious_a duty_n and_o action_n sufficient_a for_o the_o make_v ample_a inquiry_n and_o search_n into_o divine_a thing_n for_o the_o soul_n commoration_n and_o rest_n upon_o they_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o religious_a business_n and_o duty_n and_o so_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o testification_n of_o our_o honour_n to_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n by_o offer_v 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single_a determination_n upon_o the_o divine_a majesty_n itself_o must_v not_o look_v off_o from_o it_o but_o under_o the_o peril_n of_o move_v that_o jealousy_n god_n express_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o not_o thus_o yet_o they_o beget_v in_o man_n injurious_a thought_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o dwell_v in_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n and_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n confine_v there_o whereas_o except_o by_o his_o own_o choice_n upon_o certain_a reason_n as_o among_o the_o jew_n all_o place_n be_v alike_o and_o he_o equal_o accept_v those_o that_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n he_o that_o inhabit_v ubiquity_n be_v no_o more_o offend_v 24._o joh._n 4._o 21_o 23_o 24._o or_o disdain_v mean_a and_o unadorned_a place_n for_o his_o service_n than_o stately_a structure_n to_o misdeem_v so_o of_o god_n have_v a_o degree_n of_o that_o folly_n that_o will_v restrain_v his_o omnipresence_n lest_o it_o shall_v be_v defile_v with_o the_o sordidness_n of_o some_o reception_n nauseous_a to_o we_o not_o know_v that_o infinite_a spirit_n feel_v not_o the_o passion_n of_o body_n our_o saviour_n make_v use_v of_o any_o place_n for_o heavenly_a discourse_n and_o prayer_n to_o observe_v day_n or_o time_n carry_v a_o suspicion_n that_o he_o who_o inhabit_v eternity_n and_o be_v lord_n of_o time_n be_v not_o all_o time_n the_o same_o and_o therefore_o the_o heathen_a that_o have_v corrupt_v natural_a religion_n watch_v for_o some_o day_n as_o more_o lucky_a and_o avoid_v other_o as_o unlucky_o in_o their_o attendance_n on_o their_o mock-deity_n yet_o do_v god_n allow_v to_o man_n the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a choice_n of_o their_o own_o convenience_n in_o his_o worship_n both_o for_o time_n or_o place_n not_o presume_v to_o sanctify_v any_o thing_n to_o he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o first_o sanctify_v to_o himself_o for_o who_o know_v how_o to_o choose_v for_o he_o or_o who_o be_v able_a to_o give_v to_o he_o first_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o determination_n of_o natural_a reason_n if_o it_o use_v its_o own_o light_n and_o discharge_v its_o own_o trust_n have_v speak_v thus_o brief_o of_o time_n and_o place_n i_o come_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n distinction_n or_o separation_n of_o person_n for_o divine_a office_n how_o far_o it_o be_v direct_v by_o natural_a religion_n under_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n patriarchal_a eldership_n nearness_n to_o the_o creation_n and_o continual_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o history_n of_o god_n treaty_n and_o deal_n with_o man_n together_o with_o the_o power_n gravity_n authority_n resident_a in_o it_o carry_v the_o most_o fit_a administration_n of_o divine_a thing_n along_o with_o it_o so_o that_o the_o pontifical_a prophetic_a and_o royal_a authority_n accumulate_v upon_o they_o this_o seem_v unquestionable_a in_o reason_n scripture_n history_n and_o universal_a tradition_n 2._o after_o the_o multiplication_n of_o family_n into_o nation_n and_o
great_a community_n and_o that_o patriarchate_n and_o primogeniture_n lose_v itself_o in_o the_o numerousness_n of_o mankind_n reason_n advise_v to_o the_o orderly_a separate_n and_o dedicate_a some_o person_n to_o the_o continual_a attendance_n upon_o sacred_a office_n 3._o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o authoritative_a herein_o as_o person_n of_o great_a sanctity_n wisdom_n attainment_n in_o knowledge_n be_v most_o recommend_v to_o such_o a_o choice_n so_o education_n separation_n to_o read_v meditation_n study_n for_o attainment_n of_o knowledge_n must_v be_v the_o mean_n under_o the_o eye_n of_o natural_a religion_n for_o enable_v person_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o function_n for_o there_o be_v but_o three_o way_n whereby_o person_n can_v be_v suppose_v authorize_v to_o presidency_n in_o divine_a thing_n 1._o by_o parental_a authority_n the_o same_o with_o patriarchal_a 2._o by_o eminency_n of_o part_n and_o gift_n join_v with_o dedication_n of_o themselves_o and_o orderly_a approbation_n to_o public_a office_n 3._o by_o special_a and_o immediate_a appointment_n of_o god_n either_o by_o a_o stand_a law_n as_o in_o the_o levitical_a priesthood_n or_o by_o inspiration_n as_o in_o the_o prophet_n the_o first_o two_o be_v of_o natural_a sanction_n the_o last_o of_o supernatural_a ordination_n and_o so_o far_o as_o appear_v by_o sacred_a record_n no_o one_o of_o they_o exclude_v from_o discourse_n and_o instruction_n of_o even_o a_o public_a character_n those_o that_o have_v eminent_a gift_n and_o inablement_n though_o not_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n as_o elihu_n have_v a_o excellent_a spirit_n equal_v himself_o with_o man_n of_o day_n and_o year_n as_o he_o himself_o speak_v job_n 32._o 7_o 8._o but_o jeroboam'_v make_v priest_n of_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n â—_o 1_o king_n 12._o 3â—_n â—_o be_v a_o transgression_n against_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o error_n of_o too_o much_o a_o like_a enormity_n against_o innate_a reason_n to_o bring_v down_o divine_a office_n to_o such_o prepare_a prescription_n as_o the_o most_o uneducated_a undevoted_a undedicate_v person_n to_o knowledge_n study_n meditation_n may_v perform_v so_o that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o trust_v to_o but_o as_o it_o be_v call_v the_o indelible_a character_n of_o ordination_n which_o will_v hardly_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o the_o court_n of_o natural_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o can_v easy_o atone_v they_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o reveal_v religion_n which_o never_o contradict_v or_o so_o much_o as_o dispense_v with_o natural_a on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o clog_v the_o high_o dignify_v person_n in_o this_o ministry_n with_o so_o much_o of_o rule_n and_o business_n as_o hinder_v the_o performance_n of_o these_o divine_a office_n with_o the_o utmost_a effect_n of_o that_o study_n and_o meditation_n before_o speak_v of_o run_v into_o the_o same_o ill_a consequence_n and_o exchange_n a_o religious_a service_n into_o a_o secular_a grandeur_n else_o no_o one_o have_v reason_n to_o envy_v that_o they_o who_o be_v prince_n in_o righteousness_n truth_n and_o peace_n and_o priest_n indeed_o of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n 18._o gen._n 14._o 18._o mediate_a continual_o betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n in_o doctrine_n prayer_n blessing_n and_o praise_n shall_v be_v place_v among_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o people_n and_o so_o i_o have_v run_v through_o those_o thing_n that_o more_o immediate_o concern_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n but_o like_v unto_o 38._o mat._n 22._o 37_o 38._o these_o be_v righteousness_n justice_n mercy_n truth_n sobriety_n temperance_n charity_n humility_n modesty_n patience_n general_a love_n peaceableness_n contain_v ourselves_o within_o our_o own_o bound_n order_n submission_n to_o government_n with_o perfect_a subjection_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o contradict_v obedience_n to_o god_n together_o with_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o speak_v virtue_n goodness_n loveliness_n good_a report_n honour_n esteem_v in_o human_a conversation_n 8._o phil._n 4._o 8._o which_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v come_v under_o the_o observation_n of_o man_n and_o can_v be_v regulate_v by_o law_n so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v come_v into_o palpable_a instance_n be_v worthy_a of_o reward_n and_o encouragement_n and_o the_o contrary_a of_o punishment_n this_o be_v natural_a religion_n and_o it_o stand_v upon_o this_o unmovable_a foundation_n nothing_o be_v more_o true_o religion_n or_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n than_o those_o thing_n which_o do_v most_o perfect_a humane_a nature_n into_o a_o conformity_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a in_o the_o order_n or_o scale_v of_o religious_a excellency_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o real_o good_a the_o more_o substantial_a rational_a solid_o good_a any_o thing_n be_v the_o more_o it_o please_v god_n and_o must_v be_v approve_v of_o 18._o rom._n 14._o 18._o man_n if_o they_o show_v themselves_o man_n thus_o all_o the_o massy_a act_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o man_n godliness_n righteousness_n soberness_n excel_v all_o the_o honour_n pretend_v to_o be_v do_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n praise_n discourse_n of_o he_o oâ—_n whatever_o of_o that_o sort_n seem_v most_o worthy_a to_o be_v prefer_v which_o without_o the_o other_o become_v a_o flattery_n of_o god_n only_o next_o discourse_n of_o his_o word_n and_o will_n in_o order_n to_o learn_v obedience_n be_v of_o high_a account_n than_o prayer_n for_o he_o that_o 9_o prov._n 28._o 9_o turn_v away_o his_o ear_n from_o hear_v the_o law_n his_o prayer_n shall_v be_v a_o abomination_n yet_o prayer_n and_o praise_n be_v much_o more_o acceptable_a than_o sacrifice_n there_o may_v be_v now_o a_o solemn_a appeal_n make_v to_o all_o the_o world_n whether_o christian_a religion_n be_v defective_a in_o one_o single_a point_n of_o this_o true_a natural_a religion_n at_o the_o high_a and_o full_a dimension_n of_o it_o possible_a to_o be_v conceive_v here_o be_v the_o height_n and_o depth_n the_o breadth_n and_o length_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n concern_v god_n concern_v good_a and_o evil_n concern_v reward_n and_o punishment_n according_a to_o the_o most_o sober_a sedate_v judgement_n of_o mankind_n the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o world_n the_o most_o ready_a accusation_n and_o defence_n all_o man_n make_v in_o point_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o their_o treaty_n and_o debate_v one_o with_o another_o according_a to_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o most_o wise_a learned_a and_o virtuous_a of_o the_o philosopher_n the_o best_a of_o lawgiver_n if_o then_o there_o be_v the_o most_o wise_a the_o most_o good_a the_o most_o virtuous_a that_o ever_o be_v in_o nature_n find_v in_o christian_a religion_n abate_v nothing_o but_o positive_a law_n topical_a religion_n rite_n and_o custom_n what_o a_o foundation_n of_o peace_n quietness_n and_o happy_a state_n may_v a_o consent_n but_o in_o this_o natural_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v fair_o extant_a in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v and_o what_o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o christian_a verity_n will_v such_o a_o acceptance_n of_o natural_a undeniable_a religion_n from_o it_o be_v when_o just_a as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n those_o 8._o act_n 2._o 8._o several_a sort_n of_o people_n hear_v the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n each_o in_o their_o own_o language_n so_o in_o christianity_n every_o one_o find_v what_o ever_o they_o can_v think_v except_v their_o own_o particular_a rite_n most_o general_o true_o and_o valuable_o good_a and_o that_o upon_o deep_a consideration_n strict_a examination_n and_o even_o uncontroversable_a certainty_n and_o how_o benign_a and_o compassionate_a might_n mankind_n be_v to_o itself_o if_o summon_v together_o these_o true_o excellent_a notion_n and_o frame_v its_o religious_a law_n according_a to_o they_o they_o exact_v a_o severe_a conformity_n in_o all_o that_o be_v thus_o virtuous_a and_o good_a and_o allow_v a_o benign_a freedom_n of_o offering_n and_o receive_v the_o best_a account_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o further_a revelation_n from_o god_n forbear_v injury_n violence_n and_o blood_n and_o then_o also_o it_o will_v soon_o appear_v what_o a_o indisputable_a title_n that_o only_o excellent_a religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v to_o be_v the_o true_o catholic_n religion_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o so_o far_o to_o set_v it_o at_o peace_n now_o though_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o expect_v this_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v till_o a_o spirit_n be_v pour_v out_o from_o on_o high_a and_o these_o river_n of_o truth_n break_v out_o in_o the_o wilderness_n till_o the_o great_a prophecy_n of_o scripture_n look_v to_o a_o better_a state_n of_o the_o world_n come_v to_o be_v fulfil_v yet_o still_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o nor_o do_v it_o diminish_v the_o reasonableness_n or_o silence_v the_o offer_n of_o the_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v not_o likely_a
the_o great_a end_n and_o therefore_o may_v command_v what_o he_o please_v he_o therefore_o add_v often_o to_o such_o precept_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n who_o authority_n can_v not_o be_v dispute_v who_o benediction_n can_v not_o be_v deny_v or_o suspect_v thus_o the_o water_n of_o jordan_n be_v better_a than_o 11._o 2_o king_n 5._o 12._o joh._n 9_o 11._o all_o the_o syrian_a river_n the_o clay_n and_o spittle_n and_o wash_v in_o siloam_n beyond_o the_o most_o excellent_a natural_a application_n 2._o and_o yet_o as_o if_o omnipotency_n itself_o can_v not_o make_v they_o or_o do_v not_o care_n to_o make_v they_o of_o any_o great_a value_n they_o be_v often_o exceed_o despise_v and_o set_v at_o nought_o of_o god_n himself_o when_o consider_v as_o separate_v from_o divine_a blessing_n 3._o isa_n 1._o 10._o &_o 66._o 3._o and_o grace_n and_o from_o moral_a obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o god_n 3._o they_o be_v argue_v to_o be_v childish_a and_o low_a thing_n yea_o 9_o gal._n 4._o 3_o 9_o heb_fw-mi 9_o poor_a and_o beggarly_a that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n they_o shall_v vanish_v at_o a_o time_n of_o reformation_n that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v under_o they_o as_o be_v under_o age_n that_o a_o more_o manly_a and_o excellent_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v in_o and_o do_v actual_o come_v in_o with_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o superintendency_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n so_o that_o it_o be_v admirable_a whence_o it_o shall_v proceed_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n shall_v dote_v so_o much_o and_o be_v so_o languish_o sick_a after_o ceremony_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v pretend_v religious_a action_n look_v bare_a and_o naked_a and_o unadorned_a when_o not_o shade_v and_o grace_v and_o cover_v with_o ritual_n they_o be_v only_o weak_a and_o feminine_a mind_n that_o think_v so_o the_o natural_a decency_n humanity_n necessary_o choose_v the_o national_a decency_n proper_a to_o particular_a region_n and_o climate_n with_o the_o weightiness_n of_o religious_a action_n themselves_o be_v sufficient_a grace_n and_o solemnity_n to_o they_o more_o either_o obscure_v or_o disfigure_v they_o into_o antickness_n phantastry_n art_n or_o superstitiousness_n and_o therefore_o indeed_o much_o of_o this_o sort_n have_v proceed_v from_o the_o wanton_a and_o lascivious_a imagination_n of_o man_n not_o love_v the_o chaste_a and_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o with_o holy_a mind_n embrace_v truth_n and_o the_o divine_a excellency_n of_o it_o from_o whence_o have_v always_o proceed_v much_o of_o division_n and_o feud_n every_o one_o endeavour_v to_o obtrude_v the_o creature_n of_o his_o own_o fancy_n in_o religion_n which_o have_v nothing_o of_o reason_n to_o bear_v itself_o upon_o displease_v other_o as_o much_o as_o it_o please_v himself_o and_o must_v therefore_o be_v imperious_o enforce_v and_o if_o power_n go_v along_o with_o the_o imposition_n obedience_n to_o it_o be_v extort_a by_o mulct_n and_o imprisonment_n and_o often_o with_o cruelty_n and_o blood_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n impale_v in_o the_o love_n and_o doâ—age_n on_o ceremony_n grow_v narrow_a slavish_a void_a of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o generosity_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o from_o thence_o easy_o fall_v into_o a_o self-willed_a rigid_a austere_a revengeful_a spirit_n but_o the_o sincere_a religion_n be_v noble_a free_a large_a merciful_a and_o most_o compassionate_a so_o that_o beside_o the_o intrinsic_a worth_n the_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o a_o religion_n free_a from_o ceremony_n it_o be_v a_o great_a security_n to_o peace_n and_o quiet_a true_o natural_a religion_n be_v tide_v along_o by_o reason_n into_o man_n mind_n enter_v with_o much_o more_o insinuation_n and_o persuasiveness_n have_v a_o interest_n beforehand_o render_v man_n temper_n more_o sweet_a and_o benign_a or_o if_o not_o receive_v be_v true_o and_o substantial_o good_a deserve_v punishment_n proportionable_a to_o the_o offence_n without_o any_o just_a imputation_n of_o unmercifulness_n for_o the_o offence_n against_o natural_a religion_n must_v be_v perfect_a immorality_n 2._o i_o come_v therefore_o to_o consummate_v all_o in_o the_o full_a agreement_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o reveal_v part_n of_o it_o with_o natural_a and_o i_o confess_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o receive_v some_o part_n of_o christianity_n naked_a and_o unguarded_a tear_v off_o from_o the_o rest_n as_o a_o limb_n by_o itself_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n be_v another_o thing_n than_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o body_n so_o be_v it_o to_o run_v away_o with_o this_o that_o the_o christian_n worship_v a_o god_n crucify_v that_o die_v as_o a_o malefactor_n that_o be_v a_o carpenter_n that_o live_v poor_a in_o the_o world_n and_o despise_v without_o observe_v the_o whole_a train_n and_o connexion_n of_o thing_n the_o several_a great_a instance_n of_o divine_o rational_a account_n for_o it_o as_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christianity_n but_o when_o we_o consider_v in_o it_o the_o most_o indisputable_a rule_n of_o all_o goodness_n as_o i_o have_v before_o at_o large_a set_v down_o the_o presence_n of_o divine_a power_n in_o miracle_n that_o we_o have_v a_o inward_a sense_n of_o as_o divine_a both_o which_o stand_v as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o wisdom_n draw_v and_o invite_v in_o mind_n to_o behold_v the_o inward_a frame_n and_o contrivance_n and_o when_o the_o correspondency_n symmetry_n substance_n solidity_n beauty_n purity_n of_o all_o within_o be_v see_v then_o be_v there_o sufficient_a satisfaction_n against_o and_o resolution_n of_o former_a doubt_n to_o he_o that_o patient_o consider_v the_o great_a reason_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o god_n justice_n it_o will_v appear_v why_o humane_a nature_n so_o lapse_v so_o peccant_a and_o guilty_a shall_v be_v att_o on_v by_o a_o sacrifice_n offer_v up_o in_o that_o humane_a nature_n wherein_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a holiness_n shall_v be_v exemplify_v in_o the_o profound_a submission_n to_o increated_a will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o in_o the_o great_a experiment_n of_o it_o self-evacuation_n and_o even_o annihilation_n and_o beyond_o this_o unexpressible_a suffering_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o compensation_n to_o that_o justice_n of_o god_n as_o the_o great_a governor_n and_o legislator_n offend_v by_o sin_n see_v suffering_n and_o punishment_n follow_v upon_o sin_n and_o guilt_n and_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v perform_v though_o in_o humane_a nature_n yet_o by_o a_o person_n who_o think_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n even_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o hereby_o all_o sensual_a 6._o phil._n 2._o 6._o worldly_a glory_n the_o great_a temptation_n to_o sin_n shall_v be_v slight_v turn_v out_o of_o its_o grandeur_n and_o high_a pretension_n in_o the_o world_n and_o intellectual_a spiritual_a heavenly_a eternal_a glory_n advance_v and_o prefer_v to_o its_o own_o excellency_n and_o esteem_n by_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v therefore_o bring_v in_o all_o that_o lively_a doctrine_n of_o patience_n under_o suffering_n mortification_n self-denial_n contempt_n of_o this_o life_n so_o feeble_o manage_v by_o morality_n in_o comparison_n of_o this_o as_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o show_v it_o not_o unknown_a to_o nature_n and_o yet_o much_o eclipse_v he_o that_o serious_o look_v upon_o thing_n thus_o and_o behold_v they_o with_o the_o severe_a eye_n of_o reason_n will_v find_v that_o which_o will_v indeed_o perfect_a and_o accomplish_v his_o reason_n and_o engage_v it_o to_o worship_n and_o throw_v its_o crown_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o grace_n but_o nothing_o to_o despise_v nothing_o to_o disdain_n only_o to_o be_v astonish_v with_o the_o infinite_a love_n and_o condescension_n of_o divine_a goodness_n which_o yet_o be_v like_o infinity_o so_o to_o show_v itself_o but_o that_o this_o particular_a may_v be_v better_o understand_v let_v the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o its_o revelation_n be_v discourse_v upon_o these_o avow_a declare_v and_o most_o undoubted_a principle_n in_o respect_n to_o natural_a religion_n in_o these_o three_o point_n 1._o that_o the_o raise_n up_o natural_a religion_n to_o its_o true_a primitive_a excellency_n be_v one_o great_a part_n of_o christian_a revelation_n viz._n to_o settle_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o his_o attribute_n the_o true_a love_n fear_v of_o delight_n in_o desire_v after_o god_n resignation_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o the_o true_o generous_a kind_n of_o righteousness_n love_n mercy_n compassion_n to_o man_n the_o unspotted_a temperance_n sobriety_n purity_n in_o a_o man_n self_n the_o right_a principle_n motive_n rule_n and_o end_v of_o all_o these_o the_o full-spread_a doctrine_n of_o immortality_n and_o eternal_a life_n of_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o mercy_n to_o repentant_n of_o repentance_n itself_o and_o
long_o mistake_v i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o 34._o act_n 10._o 34._o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o work_v righteousness_n the_o two_o comprehensive_a part_n of_o this_o religion_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o why_o then_o shall_v mankind_n imbrue_v their_o hand_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o religion_n they_o themselves_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v and_o hold_v to_o contradiction_n to_o it_o what_o excellent_a person_n be_v job_n his_o three_o friend_n and_o elihu_n though_o out_o of_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n i_o mean_v out_o of_o that_o part_n of_o it_o where_o god_n have_v more_o eminent_o fix_v his_o church_n and_o out_o of_o that_o line_n wherein_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v bless_v how_o excellent_a the_o book_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o ratiocination_n upon_o it_o though_o the_o friend_n be_v mistake_v in_o urge_v too_o far_o as_o if_o present_a affliction_n be_v a_o detection_n from_o heaven_n of_o insincerity_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o job_n that_o most_o desirable_a book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v undoubted_o by_o the_o special_a wisdom_n of_o god_n prepare_v as_o a_o treatise_n of_o natural_a theology_n raise_v to_o its_o own_o height_n through_o the_o assistance_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o wherein_o most_o probable_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o the_o pious_a patriarch_n keep_v fresh_a and_o pure_a from_o corruption_n be_v maintain_v and_o improve_v upon_o the_o proper_a reason_n of_o natural_a religion_n for_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o intermixture_n of_o positive_a precept_n or_o rite_n except_o the_o historical_a relation_n of_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o the_o book_n a_o institution_n of_o god_n by_o which_o man_n be_v teach_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n as_o soon_o as_o sin_n have_v enter_v it_o to_o look_v for_o atonement_n witâ—_n god_n through_o that_o great_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o who_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a job_n make_v somâ—_n very_o significant_a reference_n though_o according_a to_o the_o covertness_n of_o so_o great_a a_o mystery_n at_o that_o time_n but_o what_o point_n of_o natural_a religion_n even_o sense_n of_o natural_a corruption_n and_o the_o â—vil_n of_o sin_n of_o faith_n in_o divine_a mercy_n and_o repentance_n of_o godliness_n righteousness_n soberness_n fidelity_n chastity_n tempâ—rance_n charity_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o poor_a be_v leave_v untouched_a what_o point_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n against_o atheism_n idolatry_n a_o iniquity_n own_a to_o deserve_v punishment_n from_o a_o judge_n be_v not_o hâ—re_o state_v 28._o job_n 31._o 28._o prayer_n praise_n holy_a meditation_n discourse_n and_o attendance_n on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o way_n have_v here_o their_o frequent_a mention_n what_o severe_a reproof_n censure_n and_o condemnation_n of_o all_o wickedness_n do_v we_o meet_v with_o and_o which_o be_v most_o remarkable_a through_o the_o whole_a all_o be_v substantial_a nothing_o ceremonial_a how_o lovely_a be_v such_o a_o religion_n our_o saviour_n observe_v but_o some_o of_o the_o line_n of_o it_o in_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v say_v he_o look_v upon_o he_o and_o love_v he_o 21._o mat._n 10._o 21._o and_o the_o scribe_n that_o have_v so_o much_o of_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o he_o commend_v as_o not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n viz._n from_o true_a christianity_n here_o and_o eternal_a salvation_n hereafter_o in_o this_o book_n of_o job_n we_o have_v also_o the_o true_a natural_a way_n of_o propagate_a religion_n and_o reconcile_a difference_n in_o it_o viz._n by_o discourse_n and_o argument_n only_o heinous_a offence_n and_o plain_a violation_n of_o duty_n in_o natural_a religion_n be_v cite_v to_o the_o magistrate_n tribunal_n i_o have_v insist_v so_o long_o upon_o this_o because_o we_o have_v not_o such_o another_o hypothesis_n in_o scripture_n such_o a_o body_n of_o natural_a religion_n such_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n concern_v it_o give_v out_o by_o such_o master_n of_o assembly_n and_o yet_o not_o of_o that_o we_o may_v call_v the_o visible_a church_n at_o that_o time_n else_o indeed_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v full_a of_o natural_a religion_n from_o one_o end_n of_o it_o to_o the_o other_o and_o that_o which_o be_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n concern_v it_o be_v great_a than_o all_o beside_o but_o no_o doubt_n there_o may_v be_v many_o other_o at_o that_o time_n and_o all_o along_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o jewish_a proselytism_n and_o yet_o great_a instance_n of_o this_o same_o natural_a piety_n for_o if_o elijah_n 18._o 1_o king_n 19_o 18._o who_o have_v a_o less_o compass_n to_o observe_v in_o and_o more_o probable_a opportunity_n of_o inquiry_n and_o even_o inspection_n yet_o be_v ignorant_a of_o seven_o thousand_o in_o israel_n that_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n but_o think_v himself_o leave_v alone_o how_o much_o more_o may_v lie_v hide_v from_o our_o almost_o suspicion_n true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n according_a to_o natural_a religion_n all_o along_o elder_a time_n inspire_v and_o conduct_v to_o it_o by_o divine_a illumination_n nay_o who_o dare_v be_v so_o bold_a to_o define_v there_o be_v no_o such_o now_o for_o though_o it_o be_v most_o true_a there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n give_v to_o man_n whereby_o they_o can_v be_v save_v but_o 12._o act_n 4._o 12._o the_o name_n of_o christ_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o name_n must_v be_v express_o know_v but_o that_o the_o god_n of_o pardoning-mercy_n give_v and_o accept_v repentance_n unto_o life_n may_v by_o divine_a equity_n and_o favour_n be_v interpret_v god_n in_o christ_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o man_n so_o address_v god_n as_o he_o be_v true_o so_o in_o himself_o yet_o ah_o lass_n we_o can_v stretch_v our_o charitable_a hope_n so_o as_o to_o think_v this_o the_o case_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o nation_n that_o know_v not_o christ_n who_o lie_v in_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n not_o only_o as_o ignorant_a of_o christ_n but_o as_o without_o god_n the_o true_a god_n in_o the_o world_n horrible_a corrupter_n of_o what_o they_o natural_o know_v that_o be_v of_o natural_a religion_n but_o as_o there_o be_v many_o leper_n and_o widow_n in_o the_o day_n of_o those_o two_o prophet_n 25._o luk._n 4._o 25._o but_o to_o one_o of_o each_o be_v they_o send_v so_o we_o may_v hope_v there_o be_v some_o instance_n of_o this_o divine_a bounty_n and_o grace_n if_o we_o can_v hope_v so_o but_o of_o few_o but_o these_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o it_o be_v safe_a not_o to_o presume_v too_o far_o on_o either_o 29._o deut._n 29._o 29._o side_n yet_o by_o the_o same_o charity_n we_o allow_v papist_n that_o the_o prevalency_n of_o true_o christian_a principle_n may_v antidote_n the_o poison_n of_o popery_n so_o the_o pregnancy_n of_o some_o natural_a principle_n rise_v up_o above_o all_o the_o refuse_v in_o such_o soul_n but_o oh_o lord_n thou_o only_o know_v yet_o some_o thing_n i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v 1._o that_o if_o any_o man_n live_v upright_o as_o job_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n at_o its_o full_a extent_n and_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n offer_v he_o he_o will_v receive_v it_o upon_o the_o advantageous_a recommendation_n of_o it_o in_o god_n own_o time_n and_o way_n 2._o that_o if_o any_o man_n so_o obey_v the_o precept_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o have_v not_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n the_o want_n of_o that_o revelation_n shall_v not_o be_v charge_v upon_o he_o so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o 3._o that_o whoever_o understand_v natural_a religion_n must_v needs_o understand_v that_o sin_n be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n be_v bear_v like_o the_o wild_a ass_n colt_n and_o drink_v iniquity_n like_o water_n and_o 14._o job_n 〈◊〉_d 16._o 13_o 14._o yet_o that_o god_n be_v patient_a speak_v once_o and_o twice_o in_o order_n to_o man_n conversion_n and_o repentance_n that_o therefore_o there_o be_v place_n for_o it_o in_o pardoning-mercy_n of_o which_o in_o god_n even_o humane_a nature_n itself_o have_v a_o sense_n natural_a religion_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o for_o without_o it_o all_o service_n of_o god_n or_o application_n to_o he_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a and_o but_o like_o the_o service_n of_o devil_n yet_o i_o can_v but_o here_o take_v notice_n there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o learned_a world_n in_o moral_n as_o be_v heretofore_o among_o the_o grecian_n
by_o faith_n and_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v to_o make_v the_o way_n and_o not_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n that_o be_v to_o cut_v it_o christianity_n substantial_a fundamental_a christianity_n have_v the_o best_a claim_n to_o the_o edict_n of_o principality_n and_o power_n for_o it_o there_o be_v no_o other_o revelation_n except_o that_o in_o the_o world_n but_o what_o be_v counterfeit_a and_o spurious_a no_o other_o religion_n so_o inducible_a upon_o true_o natural_a principle_n and_o in_o christianity_n it_o be_v the_o substantial_a christianity_n not_o every_o nice_a dispute_n or_o definition_n much_o less_o additional_a mode_n or_o ceremony_n that_o have_v this_o claim_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o such_o a_o claim_n i_o make_v doubt_n whether_o ever_o any_o sober_a christian_n will_v wish_v christianity_n propagate_v with_o force_n much_o less_o with_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n like_o the_o popish_a conversion_n of_o the_o indian_n i_o believe_v no_o true_a christian_n no_o true_o protestant_a christian_n ever_o do_v desire_v it_o or_o think_v it_o agree_v with_o christianity_n and_o let_v not_o the_o compulsory_a law_n of_o jewish_a religion_n plead_v a_o coerciveness_n for_o the_o christian_a upon_o the_o reason_n that_o a_o better_a religion_n more_o deserve_v it_o for_o first_o the_o better_a the_o religion_n the_o better_a method_n of_o introduce_v and_o recommend_v it_o be_v desirable_a as_o much_o therefore_o as_o instruction_n excel_v brutish_a force_n as_o much_o as_o sincere_a compliance_n of_o judgement_n reason_n and_o understanding_n excel_v hypocrisy_n and_o feign_a conformity_n as_o much_o as_o divine_a impulse_n and_o suasion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n excel_v the_o power_n of_o law_n enforce_v with_o penalty_n or_o be_v of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o prince_n for_o mode_n compliment_n or_o preferment_n so_o much_o aught_o the_o way_n of_o introduce_v man_n into_o the_o most_o excellent_a religion_n of_o christianity_n exceed_v and_o surpass_v all_o other_o way_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v to_o draw_v man_n to_o any_o mean_a religion_n than_o it_o and_o as_o much_o easy_a may_v be_v the_o effect_n in_o natural_a religion_n man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v draw_v into_o it_o they_o be_v create_v with_o it_o they_o be_v and_o must_v be_v of_o it_o and_o be_v only_o punish_v for_o not_o act_v suitable_a to_o it_o in_o reveal_v religion_n their_o own_o judgement_n and_o choice_n move_v by_o suitable_a argument_n both_o enter_v and_o retain_v they_o in_o it_o though_o as_o i_o have_v before_o observe_v the_o case_n of_o the_o apostate_n from_o main_a christianity_n argue_v a_o offence_n against_o natural_a religion_n may_v be_v of_o a_o different_a consideration_n further_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n the_o immediate_a government_n of_o god_n that_o live_v as_o a_o prince_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o make_v their_o case_n different_a from_o any_o other_o that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n their_o message_n from_o heaven_n be_v so_o immediate_a and_o distinct_a their_o consultation_n in_o case_n of_o doubt_n with_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v so_o near_o at_o hand_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o all_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a that_o the_o sensibleness_n of_o they_o equal_v the_o very_a assurance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o objection_n that_o i_o can_v foresee_v against_o this_o argument_n lie_v these_o two_o way_n if_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n in_o multitude_n of_o person_n yea_o in_o nation_n concern_v these_o law_n and_o yet_o how_o much_o less_o be_v the_o obedience_n pay_v to_o they_o and_o last_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o concord_n and_o agreement_n in_o they_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o brief_o rejoin_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o notwithstanding_o this_o there_o always_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v such_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n righteousness_n reasonableness_n and_o naturalness_n of_o these_o religious_a principle_n that_o no_o more_o can_v they_o be_v banish_v out_o of_o humane_a nature_n than_o the_o notion_n of_o health_n beauty_n happiness_n can_v be_v extinguish_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o disease_n variation_n from_o the_o exact_a model_n of_o beauty_n and_o last_o the_o vnhappiness_n misery_n and_o complaint_n so_o universal_a in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v not_o any_o example_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o any_o of_o these_o in_o this_o world_n and_o very_o great_a and_o general_a deficiency_n from_o they_o yet_o the_o notion_n of_o every_o one_o be_v whole_a and_o entire_a and_o such_o representation_n and_o approach_n to_o what_o we_o mean_v in_o they_o be_v so_o visible_a as_o to_o take_v away_o all_o doubt_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o of_o the_o desirableness_n of_o they_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o natural_a religion_n 2._o the_o whole_a disadvantage_n then_o of_o natural_a religion_n object_v must_v be_v impute_v to_o the_o miserable_a depravation_n of_o mankind_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n so_o lose_v their_o effect_n as_o even_o to_o seem_v to_o lose_v themselves_o yet_o still_o they_o remain_v and_o so_o remain_v as_o to_o require_v and_o even_o exact_v their_o acknowledgement_n and_o so_o demand_v that_o due_a effect_n and_o that_o so_o powerful_o that_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o demand_n press_v home_o can_v be_v deny_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o natural_a religion_n 2._o object_n it_o may_v be_v object_v fâ—r_o the_o enforcement_n of_o reveal_v religion_n by_o severity_n that_o when_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v before_o man_n as_o of_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n lie_v in_o a_o straight_a and_o even_a line_n from_o natural_a religion_n to_o it_o it_o can_v only_o be_v the_o brutishness_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o which_o may_v be_v just_o punish_v as_o against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o interpretation_n of_o punishment_n shall_v be_v not_o as_o intend_v to_o compel_v they_o into_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o to_o chastise_v their_o beastlike_a senslesness_n or_o obstinacy_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o will_v reinforce_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o main_a of_o the_o objection_n there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o difference_n between_o natural_n that_o will_v certain_o rise_v up_o at_o earnest_n and_o vehement_a summons_n be_v within_o already_o though_o they_o may_v lie_v hide_v and_o deep_a and_o what_o be_v pure_o from_o without_o and_o must_v enter_v through_o those_o multiform_a meander_v twist_a and_o twine_v passage_n of_o man_n understanding_n and_o intellectual_a belief_n through_o variety_n of_o temper_n education_n principle_n man_n have_v most_o converse_v with_o and_o rivet_v their_o whole_a soul_n into_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o but_o god_n alone_o who_o search_v the_o heart_n to_o know_v where_o the_o guilty_a obstruction_n lie_v when_o the_o screw_v of_o truth_n and_o the_o receptacle_n of_o man_n mind_n do_v not_o reciprocate_v and_o answer_v one_o another_o where_o the_o key_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o ward_n of_o man_n thought_n so_o dissent_v as_o not_o to_o be_v reconcile_v so_o that_o this_o must_v be_v leave_v for_o ever_o as_o to_o divine_a omnipotency_n in_o the_o efficacy_n so_o to_o the_o divine_a judgement_n where_o the_o fault_n be_v of_o man_n not_o receive_v what_o be_v so_o gracious_o offer_v from_o heaven_n 2._o therefore_o to_o pretend_v to_o judge_n obstinacy_n or_o insensibleness_n or_o whatever_o other_o faulty_a reason_n we_o have_v prepare_v of_o man_n not_o receive_v the_o religion_n we_o will_v impose_v be_v to_o assume_v divine_a prerogative_n to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o become_v judge_n in_o his_o peculiar_a court_n or_o to_o contrive_v a_o artifice_n to_o cheat_v a_o acknowledge_a principle_n viz._n not_o compel_v reveal_v religion_n of_o its_o due_a obedience_n and_o last_o to_o clothe_v innocent_a person_n for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v with_o the_o sambenito_n paint_v with_o devil_n or_o beast_n skin_n wherein_o they_o may_v appear_v guilty_a with_o the_o disguise_n we_o have_v put_v upon_o they_o though_o out_o of_o that_o they_o can_v with_o charity_n be_v conclude_v nocent_a or_o guilty_a of_o those_o particular_n we_o charge_v they_o with_o all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v when_o the_o offence_n and_o the_o particular_a offence_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o in_o this_o case_n to_o say_v there_o be_v some_o offence_n without_o special_a matter_n charge_v against_o natural_a law_n be_v not_o as_o evident_a as_o in_o any_o other_o case_n of_o humane_a judicature_n and_o where_o the_o only_a proof_n
understand_v the_o excellent_a wisdom_n gravity_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o man_n especial_o ennoble_v with_o christianity_n will_v bring_v most_o of_o man_n except_o extreme_o bad_a or_o wild_a into_o a_o admiration_n of_o its_o excellency_n that_o even_o ingenuous_a shame_n together_o with_o general_a prudence_n will_v compose_v they_o against_o fugitive_n inconstant_a changeable_a giddy_a opinion_n man_n be_v not_o so_o intractable_a as_o they_o be_v think_v to_o these_o awful_a law_n if_o wise_o propose_v the_o worst_a and_o wild_a part_n will_v become_v in_o every_o man_n sense_n due_a subject_n for_o rigour_n who_o so_o much_o reason_n and_o fair_a inducement_n will_v not_o prevail_v upon_o steelly_a unfruitful_a unsatisfactory_a ceremony_n loose_a principle_n and_o practice_n the_o want_n of_o that_o great_a presence_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o iron_n hand_n instead_o of_o it_o make_v man_n atheistick_a sceptic_a and_o fanatic_a ever_o teem_v into_o vain_a opinion_n for_o want_v of_o solid_a goodness_n to_o rest_v upon_o but_o however_o sinful_a degenerate_a man_n will_v be_v bad_a every_o way_n uniformity_n beget_v loathsome_a ignorance_n and_o formality_n that_o which_o be_v best_a in_o itself_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v viz._n that_o free_a air_n and_o light_n in_o which_o man_n may_v try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a though_o evil_o adhere_v to_o that_o as_o to_o all_o good_a thing_n argum._n 5._o to_o conclude_v true_a natural_a religion_n have_v a_o set_v of_o such_o self-evident_a principle_n that_o it_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o name_v they_o and_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v observe_v and_o obey_v universal_a peace_n and_o quietness_n can_v not_o fail_v to_o result_v from_o they_o 1._o that_o every_o man_n have_v the_o due_a care_n of_o his_o soul_n commit_v to_o himself_o so_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o apology_n for_o he_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o other_o whether_o church_n magistrate_n or_o public_a teacher_n mislead_v he_o it_o may_v be_v some_o abatement_n of_o condemnation_n to_o he_o and_o increase_v to_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o 18._o ezek._n 3._o 18._o deliver_v he_o he_o shall_v die_v in_o his_o sin_n though_o his_o blood_n shall_v be_v require_v at_o the_o watchman_n hand_n what_o reason_n then_o can_v there_o be_v or_o how_o can_v it_o be_v account_v for_o to_o compel_v that_o man_n with_o force_n to_o take_v that_o way_n he_o judge_v dangerous_a or_o drive_v he_o from_o what_o he_o think_v best_o for_o his_o soul_n to_o advise_v persuade_v reason_v he_o be_v commendable_a and_o charitable_a it_o be_v good_a for_o he_o to_o make_v the_o best_a inquiry_n and_o take_v the_o best_a advice_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v force_v against_o his_o own_o sense_n be_v unnatural_a and_o barbarous_a see_v he_o must_v be_v wise_a for_o himself_o or_o if_o he_o scorn_v he_o 12._o prov._n 9_o 12._o alone_o must_v bear_v it_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o case_n not_o evident_o good_a or_o evil_n by_o nature_n law_n in_o they_o there_o be_v no_o excuse_n against_o impression_n of_o absolute_a authority_n now_o how_o much_o will_v this_o tend_v to_o peace_n if_o it_o have_v its_o due_a observance_n 2._o that_o humane_a nature_n shall_v do_v all_o the_o good_a kindness_n and_o ease_v it_o can_v to_o itself_o in_o every_o particular_a member_n and_o remove_v all_o the_o evil_a discomfort_n and_o mischief_n it_o can_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o no_o severity_n except_o in_o case_n plain_o destructive_a to_o general_a humanity_n can_v be_v tolerable_a to_o true_a humanity_n if_o this_o be_v man_n rule_n who_o will_v hurt_v or_o destroy_v in_o the_o world_n 3._o that_o in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o a_o man_n can_v without_o infinite_a hazard_n do_v it_o he_o shall_v unite_v himself_o with_o the_o great_a community_n with_o lawful_a governor_n with_o nation_n and_o most_o comprehensive_a congregation_n of_o christian_n see_v that_o be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n who_o will_v have_v all_o nation_n to_o 11._o rom._n 15._o 9_o 10_o 11._o serve_v he_o all_o people_n to_o praise_v he_o it_o be_v most_o humane_a and_o christian_n it_o be_v also_o most_o a_o man_n interest_n most_o safe_a and_o secure_a to_o himself_o 4._o that_o wherein_o a_o man_n find_v himself_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o differ_v from_o any_o man_n much_o more_o from_o a_o community_n he_o shall_v deport_v himself_o with_o all_o meekness_n humility_n modesty_n love_n and_o charity_n that_o he_o may_v demonstrate_v it_o be_v true_o his_o judgement_n and_o sense_n of_o conscience_n and_o not_o perverse_a humour_n that_o make_v he_o differ_v that_o he_o be_v still_o a_o most_o lively_a feel_a member_n in_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n and_o christian_n that_o in_o all_o thing_n except_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n interest_n too_o vast_a to_o be_v compound_v for_o he_o prefer_v the_o public_a before_o himself_o such_o a_o one_o can_v neither_o harm_n nor_o deserve_v to_o be_v harm_v i_o have_v now_o dispatch_v what_o i_o intend_v concern_v this_o first_o foundation_n of_o even_o universal_a peace_n recommend_v by_o christian_a religion_n viz._n the_o general_a unity_n and_o uniformity_n there_o will_v be_v in_o natural_a religion_n if_o man_n will_v show_v themselves_o man_n i_o will_v only_o by_o way_n of_o conclusion_n reflect_v upon_o the_o usefulness_n of_o so_o great_a a_o point_n 1._o it_o justify_v the_o great_a creator_n of_o all_o who_o have_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n amid_o this_o great_a deordination_n of_o his_o rational_a creature_n that_o he_o be_v yet_o a_o faithful_a creator_n see_v he_o have_v carve_v into_o their_o very_a being_n such_o a_o law_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n that_o if_o they_o will_v but_o show_v themselves_o man_n will_v have_v preserve_v they_o from_o the_o great_a error_n of_o vnderderstanding_n and_o practice_n and_o as_o a_o compass_n will_v steer_v they_o in_o the_o wide_a and_o disorderly_a sea_n wherein_o they_o now_o sail_v by_o this_o inward_a infallible_a guide_n if_o right_o excite_v to_o give_v its_o sense_n and_o due_o apply_v they_o may_v find_v true_a religion_n in_o this_o babel_n of_o language_n concern_v it_o and_o though_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o in_o the_o event_n through_o man_n great_a corruption_n but_o not_o in_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n almost_o impossible_a without_o divine_a illumination_n so_o to_o excite_v and_o apply_v it_o yet_o there_o it_o be_v even_o within_o man_n so_o to_o be_v excite_v and_o apply_v and_o it_o be_v man_n corruption_n only_o and_o wickedness_n that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o more_o use_n 2._o to_o we_o christian_n have_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o divine_a illumination_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o hopeful_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o use_n of_o this_o natural_a law_n be_v much_o more_o visible_a and_o indeed_o chief_o we_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o and_o of_o such_o discourse_n as_o this_o upon_o it_o and_o our_o guilt_n more_o than_o twofold_a if_o we_o do_v not_o find_v it_o to_o we_o it_o may_v appear_v how_o inflexible_a a_o rule_n it_o be_v how_o excellent_a the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v we_o may_v in_o every_o thing_n see_v by_o it_o what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v indeed_o of_o value_n among_o all_o our_o division_n what_o be_v that_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n we_o shall_v be_v always_o in_o a_o agony_n for_o and_o what_o we_o may_v allow_v and_o condescend_v to_o those_o various_a sentiment_n that_o be_v and_o will_v be_v as_o various_a as_o aspect_n the_o beauty_n and_o even_a harmony_n of_o humanity_n and_o christianity_n be_v not_o make_v up_o of_o uniformity_n in_o such_o thing_n but_o unity_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n be_v the_o true_a beauty_n the_o true_a melody_n here_o all_o will_v be_v a_o dead_a calm_a without_o some_o variety_n thus_o as_o christian_a religion_n revive_v and_o now_o impress_n natural_a religion_n so_o do_v natural_a religion_n correct_v free_v from_o its_o interpolation_n corrupt_a gloss_n restore_v and_o fill_v up_o where_o gape_a chasme_n have_v spoil_v the_o sense_n and_o contexture_n and_o anew_o imprint_v upon_o we_o by_o christian_a religion_n give_v great_a light_n to_o christian_a religion_n for_o be_v thus_o restore_v and_o a_o natural_a light_n within_o we_o it_o be_v redintegrate_v to_o we_o in_o its_o great_a office_n to_o be_v as_o the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o our_o spirit_n by_o which_o we_o behold_v the_o true_a and_o excel_a glory_n of_o christianity_n 3._o it_o therefore_o make_v brief_a and_o compendious_a many_o great_a controversy_n as_o they_o be_v make_v in_o christian_a religion_n i_o shall_v summary_o instance_n in_o these_o four_n 1._o those_o between_o
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this_o chapter_n with_o a_o exhortation_n etc._n ver._n 1_o etc._n etc._n to_o rejoice_v in_o god_n and_o in_o that_o excellent_a state_n of_o christianity_n into_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v immediate_o have_v his_o eye_n upon_o the_o legalist_n that_o trouble_v those_o clear_a water_n and_o damp_v the_o joy_n of_o christian_n a_o point_n he_o be_v much_o upon_o and_o very_o safe_a for_o they_o often_o to_o hear_v have_v as_o i_o say_v his_o eye_n upon_o those_o legalist_n who_o indeed_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n and_o encounter_v the_o main_a design_n of_o it_o as_o he_o by_o the_o apostolic_a spirit_n discern_o know_v he_o cautious_a christian_n against_o they_o under_z very_o black_a character_n dog_n of_o rabid_v and_o rend_a spirit_n evil_a worker_n design_v 2._o ver._n 2._o against_o the_o good_a the_o gospel_n introduce_v disguise_v themselves_o under_o the_o venerable_a name_n of_o the_o circumcision_n when_o they_o be_v quite_o another_o thing_n viz._n the_o concision_n a_o 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true_a line_n from_o which_o and_o return_n to_o which_o be_v in_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o these_o be_v those_o several_a point_n of_o union_n the_o apostle_n have_v lay_v together_o ephes_n 4._o 4_o 5_o 6._o there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o in_o you_o all._n 1._o one_o body_n even_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o christian_n disperse_v throughout_o all_o the_o world_n and_o unite_v so_o as_o to_o make_v up_o this_o one_o body_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o second_o point_n of_o union_n that_o follow_v 2._o one_o spirit_n one_o divine_a spirit_n author_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n and_o grace_n within_o christian_n inform_v every_o christian_n and_o make_v they_o all_o of_o the_o same_o christianity_n as_o the_o soul_n in_o man_n make_v they_o all_o 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have_v such_o tie_n with_o such_o supply_n of_o nourishment_n from_o a_o body_n vigour_n from_o such_o a_o soul_n inhabit_v that_o body_n it_o must_v be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o body_n even_o so_o there_o be_v a_o law_n of_o this_o mystical_a body_n and_o a_o man_n so_o unite_v so_o spirit_v be_v by_o the_o law_n the_o head_n have_v make_v for_o his_o own_o body_n who_o only_o have_v the_o power_n to_o do_v it_o he_o be_v i_o say_v a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n now_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v intend_v this_o mystical_a body_n especial_o if_o the_o foot_n shall_v say_v because_o i_o be_o not_o the_o head_n i_o 15._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 15._o be_o not_o of_o the_o body_n be_v it_o therefore_o not_o of_o the_o body_n and_o if_o the_o ear_n shall_v say_v because_o i_o be_o not_o the_o eye_n i_o be_o not_o of_o the_o body_n be_v it_o therefore_o not_o of_o the_o body_n and_o god_n have_v temper_v the_o 25._o ver._n 24_o 25._o body_n as_o it_o have_v please_v he_o give_v 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nor_o can_v they_o that_o require_v their_o compliance_n pretend_v on_o their_o part_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o case_n i_o say_v he_o be_v the_o only_a schismatic_a that_o have_v not_o a_o love_n that_o have_v not_o a_o sympathy_n with_o the_o body_n and_o therefore_o if_o neither_o party_n have_v they_o must_v be_v both_o schismatic_n there_o may_v be_v modest_a peaceable_a dissent_n and_o different_a practice_n upon_o they_o there_o be_v such_o notorious_a enough_o among_o the_o first_o christian_n as_o the_o apostle_n plain_o discourse_n rom._n 14._o for_o he_o say_v they_o that_o eat_v eat_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o give_v god_n thanks_o they_o that_o eat_v not_o yet_o still_o to_o the_o lord_n they_o eat_v 6._o ver._n 6._o not_o and_o give_v god_n thanks_o one_o for_o his_o religious_a eat_n the_o other_o for_o his_o christian_a liberty_n here_o be_v act_n of_o worship_n in_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o uniformity_n they_o can_v not_o join_v one_o with_o another_o so_o he_o that_o regard_v the_o day_n to_o the_o lord_n he_o regard_v it_o he_o that_o regard_v not_o the_o day_n to_o the_o lord_n he_o regard_v it_o not_o here_o again_o be_v act_n of_o reverence_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v no_o uniformity_n yet_o still_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 15._o 5._o suppose_v and_o exhort_v that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o difference_n in_o which_o he_o have_v positive_o make_v a_o allowance_n to_o each_o part_n they_o will_v yet_o be_v likeminded_a one_o to_o another_o according_a to_o christ_n jesus_n after_o his_o exemplar_n or_o have_v their_o eye_n upon_o the_o same_o image_n of_o christ_n instamp_v on_o both_o yea_o and_o notwithstanding_o these_o discord_n he_o suppose_v they_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n and_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n both_o in_o those_o common_a 6._o ver._n 6._o thing_n wherein_o both_o agree_v and_o be_v perfect_o one_o and_o also_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o have_v one_o common_a intention_n and_o design_n centre_v in_o the_o one_o point_n of_o do_v all_o to_o the_o lord_n whether_o they_o eat_v or_o eat_v not_o whether_o thâ—y_o regard_v a_o day_n or_o regard_v it_o not_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n further_o exhort_v they_o to_o receive_v one_o another_o as_o christ_n have_v receive_v 7._o v._o 7._o we_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o our_o many_o fault_n so_o christian_n notwithstanding_o the_o fault_n they_o true_o or_o mistake_o esteem_v so_o in_o one_o another_o yet_o still_o they_o shall_v own_o one_o another_o as_o christian_n they_o shall_v mutual_o partake_v the_o benefit_n of_o one_o another_o christianity_n and_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v as_o one_o and_o even_o in_o the_o thing_n they_o dissent_v in_o this_o conspire_v in_o the_o direction_n of_o all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n all_o this_o plain_o show_v that_o unity_n consist_v not_o in_o uniformity_n unity_n of_o worship_n not_o in_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n nor_o do_v schism_n necessary_o follow_v upon_o such_o different_a apprehension_n or_o practice_n and_o thus_o so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v perceive_v the_o apostle_n ordain_v in_o all_o church_n there_o shall_v still_o be_v communion_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o difference_n and_o indeed_o he_o that_o be_v a_o christian_n deprive_v himself_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n run_v every_o way_n among_o christian_n or_o of_o the_o mutual_a impartment_n they_o make_v of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o grace_n one_o to_o another_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o small_a difference_n only_o be_v unthrifty_a of_o the_o advantage_n offer_v to_o he_o by_o god_n and_o straiten_n to_o himself_o the_o divine_a spirit_n in_o its_o free_a emanation_n every_o way_n and_o throughout_o all_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n without_o attend_v our_o sinful_a difference_n which_o be_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o of_o its_o effusion_n or_o restraint_n when_o it_o flow_v among_o all_o that_o be_v true_a christian_n it_o do_v not_o consider_v in_o its_o gift_n that_o one_o party_n be_v by_o itself_o another_o by_o itself_o but_o give_v to_o all_o that_o be_v true_o of_o christ_n body_n yet_o the_o sinful_a severity_n of_o one_o party_n and_o too_o often_o of_o both_o may_v displease_v grieve_v and_o in_o great_a degree_n quench_v the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o its_o donation_n as_o 19_o 1_o thes_n 5._o 19_o to_o one_o or_o both_o guilty_a party_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v another_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o do_v more_o true_o import_v schism_n than_o external_a difference_n do_v when_o those_o that_o be_v true_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n do_v deny_v to_o yield_v to_o convey_v or_o to_o receive_v and_o give_v circulation_n to_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n 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testament_n the_o apocalypse_n foretell_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o very_a state_n of_o kingdom_n become_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o christ_n all_o these_o thing_n argue_v a_o great_a encouragement_n of_o nation_n receive_v and_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o nation_n even_o as_o family_n may_v and_o aught_o as_o family_n and_o though_o it_o be_v undoubted_o the_o great_a honour_n and_o glory_n of_o nation_n to_o come_v as_o near_o and_o as_o exact_a and_o close_a as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o law_n and_o order_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o government_n as_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o their_o national_a christianity_n yet_o because_o there_o will_v and_o general_o fall_v out_o to_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o national_a custom_n in_o such_o public_a administration_n a_o comprimise_n of_o they_o to_o the_o law_n and_o government_n of_o nation_n hence_o it_o also_o come_v to_o pass_v there_o may_v be_v a_o dissatisfaction_n in_o many_o of_o the_o 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then_o resume_v upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o it_o plain_o appear_v christianity_n notwithstanding_o the_o freedom_n it_o allow_v to_o every_o man_n conscientious_a sentiment_n be_v no_o enemy_n but_o a_o friend_n 1._o to_o society_n 2._o to_o the_o order_n and_o peace_n that_o bound_v society_n yea_o and_o strict_o command_v they_o and_o have_v give_v positive_a institution_n for_o they_o 1._o for_o first_o it_o unite_v all_o its_o true_a disciple_n in_o that_o common_a ample_a universal_a centre_n of_o love_n peace_n and_o order_n god_n and_o christ_n to_o who_o the_o first_o dedication_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v make_v and_o in_o who_o it_o always_o rest_v 2._o it_o unite_v they_o with_o that_o most_o public_a wise_a rational_a and_o most_o holy_a assembly_n under_o heaven_n the_o catholic_n church_n even_o all_o that_o be_v that_o one_o body_n act_v by_o that_o one_o spirit_n unite_v in_o one_o hope_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n in_o all_o which_o every_o christian_a be_v one_o with_o the_o whole_a desire_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o increase_n of_o that_o one_o body_n the_o advancement_n of_o that_o one_o faith_n communicate_v in_o the_o prayer_n and_o praise_n of_o that_o one_o body_n sorrow_n in_o its_o affliction_n minister_n to_o its_o necessity_n and_o if_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v communicate_v in_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o service_n with_o any_o member_n of_o it_o and_o value_v not_o their_o particular_a rite_n as_o any_o obstruction_n while_o they_o agree_v in_o essential_o and_o indeed_o every_o christian_n shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o drop_v that_o mantle_n of_o ceremony_n as_o he_o please_v when_o he_o ascend_v in_o holy_a offering_n of_o himselfâ—o_o â—o_z god_n 3._o 〈◊〉_d to_o particular_a society_n or_o church_n of_o christian_n in_o whiâ—â—_n the_o essential_o of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v preserve_v uncorrupted_a and_o so_o they_o must_v be_v or_o else_o such_o society_n deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o church_n and_o when_o they_o be_v in_o such_o a_o neighbourhood_n to_o the_o true_a christian_a that_o he_o may_v free_o enjoy_v his_o choice_n he_o consider_v these_o two_o both_o recommend_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1._o private_a particular_a congregation_n that_o can_v conform_v to_o public_a settlement_n such_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o first_o church_n when_o christianity_n have_v no_o public_a allowance_n such_o may_v be_v still_o 2._o the_o most_o public_a settlement_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o wherein_o he_o may_v do_v it_o he_o use_v both_o promiscuous_o wherein_o he_o must_v divide_v he_o consider_v upon_o the_o balance_n of_o his_o most_o humble_a and_o impartial_a judgement_n which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o public_a edification_n as_o well_o as_o his_o own_o and_o so_o as_o not_o to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v if_o he_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v more_o particular_a as_o best_o according_a to_o his_o sentiment_n he_o be_v yet_o careful_a to_o 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to_o they_o as_o he_o see_v reason_n with_o mild_a and_o christian_a argument_n the_o disadvantage_n of_o separate_n from_o it_o beyond_o plain_a necessity_n 4._o in_o the_o difference_n of_o judgement_n of_o public_a society_n and_o private_a in_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o or_o the_o difference_n of_o private_a among_o themselves_o the_o true_a christian_a still_o keep_v himself_o upon_o that_o love_n mercy_n and_o peace_n christianity_n teach_v he_o and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o diversity_n consider_v the_o high_a tie_n worth_n and_o value_n of_o those_o unity_n wherein_o they_o all_o meet_v 5._o if_o a_o christian_a fall_n into_o such_o place_n where_o the_o essential_o be_v corrupt_v he_o esteem_v religious_a solitude_n the_o best_a communion_n yet_o refuse_v not_o to_o improve_v any_o thing_n of_o truth_n he_o can_v extract_v from_o such_o corruption_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o part_n of_o public_a worship_n not_o so_o adulterate_v but_o to_o admit_v a_o possible_a separation_n in_o the_o exigence_n of_o present_a service_n
of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o that_o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o this_o must_v be_v first_o because_o as_o righteousness_n and_o duty_n be_v before_o sin_n so_o blessing_n and_o favour_n be_v before_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n yet_o wrath_n be_v a_o more_o certain_a demonstration_n of_o absolute_a duty_n violate_v than_o favour_n be_v of_o absolute_a duty_n observe_v because_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v more_o at_o liberty_n than_o his_o wrath_n which_o always_o depend_v on_o strict_a justice_n all_o which_o amount_v to_o the_o full_a proof_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o national_a religion_n from_o this_o prayer_n see_v national_a irreligion_n be_v so_o near_o the_o curse_n of_o divine_a fury_n and_o revenge_n have_v thus_o far_o consider_v national_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v found_v argum._n 2_o in_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o inviolable_a duty_n to_o god_n i_o come_v second_o to_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n and_o unquestionable_a rationality_n of_o the_o divine_a ordination_n among_o the_o jew_n when_o by_o a_o prerogative_n of_o power_n and_o goodness_n god_n will_v secure_v the_o true_a religion_n after_o the_o nation_n have_v so_o corrupt_v themselves_o and_o that_o he_o have_v now_o begin_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o suffer_v they_o to_o walk_v after_o their_o own_o way_n he_o find_v his_o worship_n as_o it_o be_v anew_o first_o in_o abraham_n family_n and_o from_o thence_o commence_v it_o into_o a_o national_a state_n even_o as_o he_o do_v the_o family_n wherein_o he_o have_v place_v it_o and_o that_o for_o the_o very_a sake_n of_o his_o true_a worship_n which_o family_n and_o nation_n have_v indeed_o many_o peculiar_o in_o its_o religious_a constitution_n such_o as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o as_o i_o shall_v after_o account_v for_o they_o yet_o in_o the_o general_n it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o fitness_n and_o agreeableness_n of_o that_o model_n of_o humane_a society_n to_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o acceptableness_n to_o god_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o devote_v but_o because_o we_o may_v think_v this_o choose_n of_o abraham_n family_n and_o the_o nation_n rise_v from_o it_o be_v a_o interdict_v upon_o any_o other_o family_n or_o nation_n to_o institute_v a_o public_a national_a religion_n any_o other_o way_n than_o as_o they_o proselyte_v themselves_o to_o that_o one_o nation_n and_o family_n it_o be_v very_o observable_a there_o be_v elsewhere_o the_o footstep_n of_o national_a and_o family_n religion_n though_o more_o rare_a in_o that_o very_a time_n as_o in_o melchisedeck_v who_o be_v king_n of_o salem_n of_o peace_n and_o righteousness_n and_o priest_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n so_o incorporate_n religion_n with_o his_o government_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n so_o that_o the_o erect_v a_o national_a religion_n among_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o supersede_n the_o obligation_n of_o any_o of_o the_o nation_n to_o the_o national_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o in_o judgement_n past_o our_o find_v out_o he_o so_o overlook_v they_o as_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o for_o he_o never_o leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o worship_v by_o give_v they_o fruitful_a time_n and_o season_n and_o fill_v their_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n he_o be_v never_o far_o from_o they_o in_o that_o he_o give_v they_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o he_o they_o live_v move_v and_o have_v their_o being_n so_o that_o they_o wâ—re_v without_o excuse_n when_o at_o any_o time_n his_o wrath_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o they_o for_o not_o glorify_v he_o as_o god_n and_o be_v thankful_a belshazzar_n and_o his_o nation_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o god_n for_o not_o glorify_v that_o god_n in_o who_o hand_n be_v his_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o his_o way_n beside_o those_o of_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v near_o the_o jew_n be_v allow_v to_o unite_v themselves_o to_o the_o jewish_a national_a religion_n when_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v grow_v so_o dark_a and_o obsolete_a among_o themselves_o and_o though_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o stranger_n yet_o god_n assure_v they_o a_o place_n in_o his_o sanctuary_n but_o because_o there_o be_v not_o provision_n enough_o for_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o nation_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o that_o religion_n it_o be_v certain_o at_o all_o time_n lawful_a and_o please_a to_o god_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v national_o dedicate_v themselves_o to_o the_o true_a jekovah_n though_o eminent_o know_v then_o to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o give_v reason_n always_o to_o his_o wrath_n against_o they_o whenever_o he_o please_v to_o execute_v it_o but_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o three_o argument_n of_o near_a concernment_n to_o we_o the_o three_o argument_n i_o derive_v from_o the_o favour_n of_o christian_a religion_n argum._n 3_o to_o national_a religion_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o several_a proof_n 1._o christianity_n repeal_v none_o of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o be_v found_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n if_o therefore_o national_a religion_n be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o essential_a duty_n towards_o god_n if_o it_o be_v the_o reasonable_a service_n of_o nation_n it_o be_v certain_a christianity_n do_v not_o remove_v it_o but_o restore_v and_o exalt_v it_o to_o the_o great_a perfection_n christ_n come_v not_o to_o dissolve_v any_o of_o those_o law_n but_o to_o fulfil_v they_o that_o be_v to_o restore_v the_o doctrine_n to_o its_o just_a integrity_n where_o it_o be_v false_o gloss_a upon_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v want_v in_o the_o former_a revelation_n of_o it_o to_o superadd_a what_o may_v render_v it_o most_o complete_a 2._o of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v the_o second_o proof_n that_o if_o god_n not_o only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o type_n and_o shadow_n which_o be_v useful_a for_o that_o state_n of_o the_o church_n but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o real_a goodness_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o pitch_v upon_o the_o national_a form_n of_o religion_n by_o his_o immediate_a revelation_n to_o abraham_n and_o moses_n as_o i_o have_v already_o argue_v it_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v reverse_v by_o christ_n it_o remain_v therefore_o among_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v for_o our_o admonition_n and_o learning_n on_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v 3._o christianity_n vouch_v itself_o a_o religion_n of_o the_o most_o public_a spirit_n and_o intention_n and_o come_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o high_a conduct_n of_o god_n to_o open_v all_o passage_n for_o truth_n and_o divine_a knowledge_n among_o man_n as_o innumerable_a place_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n assure_v we_o so_o that_o the_o gospel_n most_o evident_o design_n itself_o to_o be_v free_a and_o public_a as_o the_o heaven_n as_o the_o light_n of_o it_o and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n may_v well_o be_v apply_v to_o it_o the_o line_n of_o it_o be_v go_v throughout_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o its_o word_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o far_o therefore_o as_o naturalness_n and_o publiqueness_n agree_v so_o far_o the_o thing_n be_v undeniable_a 4._o many_o expression_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o go_v before_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o follow_v after_o have_v a_o particular_a favour_n for_o national_a religion_n to_o name_v some_o of_o a_o multitude_n christ_n shall_v sprinkle_v many_o nation_n he_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n go_v make_v disciple_n of_o all_o nation_n all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n the_o apostle_n magnify_v himself_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o nation_n he_o compare_v himself_o with_o the_o holy_a priesthood_n while_o by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n he_o be_v negotiate_v in_o the_o offer_n up_o the_o nation_n a_o sacrifice_n consecrate_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o great_a sacrifice_n that_o be_v ever_o offer_v to_o god_n except_o that_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n offer_v himself_o and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a instance_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n resemble_v with_o the_o priesthood_n of_o the_o law_n or_o clothe_v with_o that_o denomination_n of_o priestliness_n use_n have_v appropriate_v to_o it_o and_o that_o to_o no_o other_o office_n but_o of_o preach_v to_o conversion_n rom._n 15._o 16._o but_o because_o i_o know_v the_o proof_n from_o these_o scripture_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v retrench_v by_o expound_v they_o of_o the_o diffusion_n of_o christianity_n into_o the_o catholic_n church_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o
all_o part_n of_o the_o true_a church_n who_o sin_n you_o remit_v be_v remit_v etc._n etc._n viz_o by_o solemn_a declaration_n out_o of_o and_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n even_o to_o the_o utmost_a distance_n wherein_o any_o rational_a possibility_n of_o extend_v such_o remonstrance_n and_o declaration_n with_o success_n and_o effect_n can_v be_v find_v there_o be_v not_o only_a power_n but_o a_o incumbent_a duty_n to_o do_v it_o this_o union_n now_o be_v of_o uncontrollable_a divine_a right_n thus_o much_o of_o national_a religion_n a_o national_a church_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v deny_v to_o a_o christian_a nation_n see_v to_o be_v thus_o of_o the_o church_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n every_o man_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v certain_o add_v to_o this_o church_n the_o entrance_n into_o which_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n be_v by_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n by_o a_o serious_a profession_n and_o this_o be_v that_o catholic_n church_n that_o compreheâ—ds_v all_o lesser_a union_n but_o exclude_v or_o deny_v none_o much_o less_o can_v be_v exclude_v by_o any_o as_o therefore_o every_o one_o must_v be_v of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o nation_n ought_v to_o be_v christian_a nation_n and_o protect_v that_o profession_n so_o this_o very_a catholic_n church_n in_o every_o nation_n where_o it_o be_v true_o find_v carry_v with_o it_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o as_o a_o nation_n be_v by_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o civil_a union_n denominate_v a_o nation_n so_o the_o union_n of_o christian_n must_v be_v the_o church_n in_o that_o nation_n for_o it_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n in_o its_o universal_a diffusion_n run_v through_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a nation_n and_o all_o the_o virtue_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o it_o and_o if_o any_o one_o deny_v this_o he_o deny_v the_o catholic_n church_n of_o great_a moment_n than_o any_o particular_a church_n can_v be_v 2._o all_o the_o close_a and_o most_o constant_a exercise_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o christian_n be_v to_o exercise_v one_o with_o another_o that_o can_v be_v exercise_v but_o in_o society_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v all_o part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n prayer_n preach_v sacrament_n which_o be_v indeed_o or_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o same_o for_o nature_n throughout_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n but_o must_v be_v actual_o perform_v in_o particular_a society_n now_o these_o church_n may_v be_v solemn_o erect_v and_o constitute_v by_o agreement_n but_o they_o be_v also_o found_v and_o even_o grow_v out_o of_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o the_o close_a neighbourhood_n of_o christian_n one_o with_o another_o they_o have_v continual_a knowledge_n of_o and_o acquaintance_n one_o with_o another_o and_o thereby_o daily_a opportunity_n of_o agree_v in_o that_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o common_a profession_n all_o these_o engage_v and_o also_o incline_v they_o to_o unite_v whether_o in_o great_a family_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o church_n in_o the_o family_n of_o christian_n or_o in_o village_n or_o in_o great_a congregation_n of_o city_n one_o or_o more_o still_o the_o obligation_n be_v unavoidable_a the_o necessity_n of_o duty_n that_o lie_v upon_o christian_n to_o perform_v these_o act_n of_o worship_n in_o society_n and_o the_o law_n that_o be_v upon_o all_o society_n and_o society_n must_v needs_o grow_v out_o of_o this_o frequent_a conversation_n to_o dedicate_v itself_o to_o god_n make_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o from_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o christian_n shall_v arise_v particular_a church_n and_o who_o then_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o union_n and_o further_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o union_n of_o a_o nation_n agree_v with_o itself_o as_o in_o the_o same_o government_n law_n national_a constitution_n and_o commerce_n in_o a_o more_o frequent_a and_o free_a conversation_n one_o with_o another_o so_o in_o religion_n when_o the_o part_n of_o it_o profess_v the_o same_o true_a religion_n and_o desire_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o most_o public_a way_n they_o can_v or_o who_o can_v deny_v that_o a_o nation_n may_v give_v name_n to_o a_o church_n see_v the_o very_a city_n give_v name_n to_o church_n where_o there_o be_v a_o number_n of_o christian_n act_v together_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n give_v to_o his_o church_n the_o obligation_n to_o true_a religion_n to_o public_a religion_n be_v undeniable_a the_o opportunity_n of_o agreement_n be_v the_o same_o and_o may_v be_v transact_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n all_o other_o national_a agreement_n be_v and_o what_o be_v a_o church_n but_o a_o society_n agree_v in_o all_o act_n of_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o law_n allow_v by_o christ_n have_v no_o other_o form_n but_o that_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n distinguish_v by_o the_o particular_a society_n or_o place_n where_o they_o reside_v i_o acknowledge_v two_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o particular_a by_o the_o nature_n of_o particular_a society_n and_o the_o place_n where_o they_o reside_v church_n 1._o consciousness_n or_o mutual_a knowledge_n of_o person_n and_o their_o worship_n 2._o consent_n this_o our_o saviour_n teach_v in_o that_o expression_n if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v mat._n 18._o and_o indeed_o not_o only_o in_o particular_a church_n but_o even_o in_o the_o catholic_n church_n itself_o these_o thing_n have_v their_o resemblance_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o divine_a spirit_n run_v through_o all_o know_v they_o all_o that_o true_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o one_o for_o another_o and_o by_o their_o true_a faith_n they_o all_o be_v unite_v in_o close_a consent_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n one_o with_o another_o which_o faith_n be_v keep_v from_o fail_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o they_o all_o that_o be_v true_o of_o it_o but_o because_o there_o must_v be_v yet_o a_o more_o particular_a understanding_n that_o christian_n have_v one_o with_o another_o that_o they_o may_v join_v in_o the_o same_o religious_a act_n and_o mutual_o assist_v one_o another_o in_o they_o therefore_o the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n upon_o earth_n though_o it_o be_v the_o great_a the_o most_o religious_a society_n the_o most_o strong_o band_v and_o cement_v yet_o be_v not_o sufficient_a because_o there_o be_v not_o that_o consciousness_n or_o mutual_a knowledge_n of_o and_o consent_n in_o one_o another_o faith_n and_o worship_n in_o distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o glorify_v god_n and_o christ_n in_o particular_a church_n this_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n too_o why_o the_o church-triumphant_a though_o inseparable_o unite_v with_o the_o church-militant_a and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o though_o more_o acceptable_a and_o prevalent_a in_o all_o its_o adoration_n yet_o can_v be_v communicate_v with_o actual_o and_o explicit_o we_o may_v not_o solicit_v such_o a_o communion_n with_o it_o here_o on_o earth_n because_o we_o be_v not_o conscious_a or_o know_v of_o any_o such_o particularity_n in_o their_o state_n or_o action_n as_o shall_v ground_v it_o nor_o be_v we_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v conscious_a of_o any_o of_o our_o particularity_n abraham_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v whole_o ignorant_a who_o we_o be_v when_o we_o pray_v or_o be_v exercise_v religious_o there_o be_v a_o thick_a and_o dark_a veil_n draw_v betwixt_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n as_o to_o such_o particular_a communion_n the_o father_n the_o son_n the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v only_o certain_o and_o particular_o know_v to_o we_o in_o that_o high_a region_n of_o they_o we_o be_v only_o assure_v they_o know_v we_o and_o all_o our_o action_n to_o ascribe_v the_o honour_n to_o any_o other_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n be_v to_o idolise_v they_o as_o well_o as_o to_o thrust_v into_o thing_n we_o have_v not_o see_v or_o know_v thus_o free_o i_o acknowledge_v the_o closeness_n and_o easiness_n of_o society_n of_o mutual_a understanding_n and_o consent_n with_o one_o another_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o particular_a church_n those_o duty_n of_o mutual_a exhortation_n assistance_n counsel_n and_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a reproof_n one_o of_o another_o beside_o the_o constant_a meeting_n in_o public_a worship_n that_o necessary_a severity_n of_o disow_v in_o case_n of_o great_a or_o incorrigible_a offence_n such_o person_n as_o walk_v in_o practice_n contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n not_o be_v possible_a but_o in_o the_o near_a conjunction_n one_o with_o another_o that_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n allow_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o be_v as_o
and_o divine_a reason_n be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o introduce_v it_o into_o nation_n beyond_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o popish_a antichristian_a ambition_n or_o wild_a and_o curse_a enthusiasm_n with_o all_o their_o savage_a effect_n 2._o where_o there_o be_v national_a religion_n even_o the_o national_a authority_n be_v first_o christianize_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o headship_n no_o foundation_n but_o christ_n and_o his_o law_n take_v place_n upon_o a_o national_a state_n in_o profession_n of_o he_o if_o the_o christianity_n then_o be_v remove_v by_o falsehood_n take_v place_n instead_o of_o truth_n the_o nationalness_n stay_v but_o the_o religion_n the_o candlestick_n be_v remove_v the_o church_n be_v depart_v from_o it_o and_o retire_v where_o it_o may_v be_v enjoy_v in_o its_o own_o truth_n the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o congregation_n as_o it_o be_v national_a the_o headship_n organization_n be_v no_o other_o than_o national_a but_o no_o more_o than_o the_o city_n of_o corinth_n or_o other_o city_n or_o region_n make_v a_o church_n of_o corinth_n or_o those_o other_o church_n no_o more_o do_v national_a law_n or_o magistracy_n make_v the_o national_a religion_n christianity_n if_o receive_v settle_v there_o if_o not_o receive_v or_o afterward_o expulse_v leave_v law_n magistracy_n city_n to_o themselves_o and_o so_o it_o deal_v with_o church_n or_o form_n of_o they_o of_o what_o kind_n soever_o 3._o all_o union_n in_o true_a religion_n be_v free_a rational_a voluntary_a it_o own_v no_o compulsion_n of_o law_n or_o magistracy_n except_o in_o thing_n moral_o good_a or_o evil_n so_o that_o in_o this_o only_o be_v the_o difference_n from_o national_a agreement_n in_o other_o thing_n that_o of_o religion_n be_v voluntary_a and_o by_o consent_n prince_n and_o governor_n may_v be_v nurse_v father_n and_o mother_n by_o honorary_a reward_n and_o encouragement_n they_o may_v give_v all_o freedom_n to_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o protect_v it_o by_o law_n they_o may_v fence_v it_o in_o with_o the_o strict_a observation_n of_o all_o moral_a observance_n they_o may_v offer_v and_o take_v care_n for_o the_o persuasion_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v address_v to_o all_o their_o subject_n many_o such_o demonstration_n of_o their_o love_n to_o true_a religion_n be_v allow_v by_o god_n but_o despotical_o to_o command_v or_o compel_v be_v not_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a christian_a though_o national_a religion_n christ_n kingdom_n not_o be_v of_o this_o world_n refuse_v even_o the_o magistrate_n sword_n much_o more_o that_o of_o private_a force_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o its_o most_o proper_a interest_n our_o saviour_n religion_n hate_v all_o thing_n of_o violence_n and_o cruelty_n it_o be_v not_o of_o its_o spirit_n he_o do_v all_o by_o instrument_n of_o his_o own_o and_o if_o nation_n have_v make_v their_o religion_n yea_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n a_o essential_a of_o their_o government_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n obedience_n to_o and_o the_o good_a opinioof_n that_o government_n be_v a_o low_a and_o lesser_a interest_n than_o truth_n and_o o_o bedience_n to_o christ_n christ_n never_o intend_v christianity_n for_o a_o politic_a engine_n or_o expedient_a yet_o for_o the_o conservation_n of_o government_n in_o its_o full_a right_n there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o concernful_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n than_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o patient_n suffer_v with_o its_o reasonableness_n though_o it_o be_v unhappy_a for_o those_o ruler_n that_o put_v christian_n upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o unhappy_a be_v that_o power_n that_o be_v seal_v to_o with_o martyr_n suffering_n yet_o every_o man_n owe_v to_o god_n a_o strict_a account_n why_o he_o be_v not_o of_o the_o national_a religion_n what_o reason_n counterbalance_v to_o he_o the_o great_a reason_n give_v for_o national_a religion_n and_o therein_o shall_v receive_v his_o sentence_n from_o christ_n if_o any_o upon_o just_a reason_n desert_n a_o congregation_n though_o but_o of_o two_o or_o three_o as_o i_o have_v at_o large_a set_v out_o be_v a_o little_a sanctuary_n reserve_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n with_o a_o faithful_a promise_n of_o his_o presence_n where_o it_o can_v be_v enjoy_v in_o great_a which_o be_v else_o though_o with_o some_o disadvantage_n in_o all_o other_o regard_v to_o be_v prefer_v for_o their_o publickness_n and_o not_o without_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v refrain_v from_o or_o desert_v if_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o of_o weight_n they_o stand_v at_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o schism_n against_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n the_o law_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o malignancy_n of_o it_o to_o draw_v this_o discourse_n now_o to_o a_o conclusion_n let_v i_o subjoin_v some_o rule_n by_o way_n of_o inference_n of_o certain_a good_a effect_n to_o the_o management_n of_o so_o great_a a_o interest_n as_o i_o have_v represent_v national_a religion_n rule_n 1._o that_o the_o religion_n offer_v for_o national_a shall_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o it_o be_v all_o of_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a evidence_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o sound_a reason_n from_o it_o and_o in_o indifferent_n or_o necessary_o adhere_v circumstance_n prepare_v by_o so_o public_a a_o spirit_n as_o to_o project_v least_o of_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n that_o as_o article_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v so_o frame_v as_o to_o beget_v no_o divide_v controversy_n but_o leave_v room_n to_o the_o particular_a judgement_n of_o man_n where_o point_n absolute_o necessary_a be_v secure_v so_o all_o thing_n of_o external_a mode_n or_o form_n shall_v be_v so_o free_o and_o generous_o design_v that_o every_o man_n particular_a apprehension_n may_v be_v most_o at_o liberty_n without_o which_o the_o probability_n of_o the_o national_a religion_n be_v surprise_v rule_n 2._o that_o in_o circumstantial_o of_o religion_n what_o be_v prepare_v and_o settle_v so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v alter_v by_o any_o private_a dispose_n nor_o allow_v to_o any_o private_a choice_n without_o scandal_n to_o the_o public_a every_o man_n shall_v consider_v his_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n on_o one_o side_n as_o on_o the_o other_o to_o preserve_v himself_o from_o scruple_n as_o in_o the_o apostle_n instance_n of_o eat_v there_o be_v liberty_n on_o one_o side_n to_o eat_v all_o thing_n but_o this_o do_v not_o determine_v to_o a_o necessity_n of_o eat_v that_o be_v not_o liberty_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n a_o expediency_n not_o to_o eat_v the_o liberty_n be_v more_o conserve_v in_o not_o eat_v than_o in_o eat_v so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o use_n or_o not_o use_v of_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n where_o then_o as_o to_o the_o case_n we_o be_v now_o upon_o the_o advantage_n for_o public_a religion_n incline_v this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n to_o the_o use_n or_o not_o use_v of_o indifferent_a thing_n it_o be_v our_o great_a liberty_n to_o move_v ourselves_o that_o way_n and_o not_o to_o be_v deter_v with_o the_o suspicion_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o it_o by_o so_o do_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o prophet_n zachariahs_n resolution_n concern_v the_o fast_n wherein_o those_o that_o will_v have_v they_o lay_v down_o and_o other_o will_v keep_v they_o still_o a_o foot_n differ_v he_o first_o show_v they_o of_o no_o value_n with_o god_n then_o bid_v they_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o peace_n zach._n 8._o 10._o for_o though_o outward_a form_n uniformity_n or_o variety_n in_o they_o be_v of_o no_o account_n in_o themselves_o with_o god_n but_o either_o way_n in_o the_o uniformity_n or_o the_o variety_n they_o that_o serve_v god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o yet_o the_o angry_a dissent_n and_o disagreement_n that_o disjoin_a the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o disable_v the_o union_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v like_o the_o cover_n the_o altar_n with_o tear_n of_o complaint_n and_o make_v the_o offering_n unacceptable_a that_o there_o may_v be_v the_o unity_n god_n be_v delight_v in_o without_o uniformity_n be_v plain_a by_o the_o harmony_n of_o the_o evangelist_n in_o their_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n where_o there_o be_v perfect_a unity_n yet_o without_o uniformity_n it_o be_v plain_a too_o by_o a_o consideration_n of_o god_n smell_v a_o savour_n of_o rest_n in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a where_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n yet_o unity_n but_o the_o contention_n and_o quarrel_n that_o often_o arise_v about_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o god_n displeasure_n what_o may_v most_o cure_v they_o be_v then_o most_o to_o be_v desire_v and_o choose_v but_o what_o that_o be_v i_o will_v not_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o prescribe_v
we_o whatever_a small_a distinction_n make_v the_o they_o and_o the_o we_o be_v both_o one_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n we_o ought_v therefore_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o all_o so_o unite_v though_o not_o bind_v up_o in_o the_o same_o form_n with_o we_o for_o a_o gracious_a audience_n and_o reception_n of_o their_o and_o our_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o union_n in_o the_o main_a may_v convey_v all_o our_o service_n into_o one_o before_o god_n where_o indeed_o if_o they_o be_v as_o he_o require_v they_o meet_v strip_v of_o all_o their_o outward_a circumstance_n form_n and_o ceremony_n faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v alone_o able_a to_o mount_v thither_o with_o they_o and_o service_n so_o raise_v can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v spare_v for_o small_a difference_n in_o a_o national_a religious_a interest_n for_o the_o angel_n of_o all_o such_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o our_o father_n in_o heaven_n if_o darius_n though_o a_o heathen_a prince_n have_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o virtue_n 10_o ezr._n 6._o 10_o of_o that_o true_a religion_n he_o be_v not_o of_o as_o to_o engage_v those_o of_o so_o great_a difference_n from_o he_o in_o their_o sense_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o son_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o who_o be_v all_o of_o the_o same_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n and_o know_v the_o force_n and_o energy_n of_o it_o by_o great_a act_n of_o favour_n to_o one_o another_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o can_v be_v whole_o one_o yet_o all_o join_v in_o pray_v for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o one_o another_o service_n and_o the_o service_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n whereof_o we_o be_v not_o only_o civil_a but_o religious_a member_n and_o if_o we_o be_v true_o religious_a shall_v be_v so_o account_v with_o god_n yet_o with_o the_o abatement_n of_o our_o sinful_a difference_n and_o division_n how_o shall_v we_o therefore_o unite_v that_o we_o may_v lose_v none_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v wrought_v but_o may_v receive_v a_o full_a reward_n rule_n 6._o it_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o our_o nation_n that_o if_o any_o man_n truâ—y_o understand_v consider_v and_o pronounce_v of_o our_o national_a religion_n it_o stand_v in_o the_o scripture_n make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n in_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n repentance_n love_n of_o god_n fear_v of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n all_o act_n of_o justice_n love_n mercy_n compassion_n true_a sincere_a preach_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n prayer_n use_v of_o sacrament_n the_o lordsday_n religious_a discourse_n &_o conference_n catechetical_a instruction_n and_o education_n of_o youth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n restraint_n of_o atheism_n irreligion_n intemperance_n and_o sensuality_n general_o and_o throughout_o the_o nation_n compulsion_n of_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o man_n to_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n and_o his_o worship_n for_o what_o be_v hypocrisy_n in_o they_o may_v turn_v to_o the_o salvation_n of_o good_a man_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o say_v again_o that_o be_v true_o our_o national_a religion_n all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o order_n decency_n outward_a form_n or_o mode_n be_v but_o the_o vehicle_n the_o conveyance_n of_o that_o true_a religion_n if_o the_o main_a end_n of_o which_o be_v obtain_v viz._n that_o these_o religious_a act_n be_v perform_v but_o with_o that_o peace_n and_o freedom_n from_o confusion_n confusion_n destructive_a of_o all_o public_a action_n and_o with_o that_o honourableness_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o every_o nation_n and_o this_o nation_n particular_o in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o religious_a worship_n it_o be_v enough_o and_o whatever_o on_o these_o account_n be_v command_v in_o our_o national_a religion_n i_o free_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v as_o reconcilable_a with_o these_o character_n forbear_v such_o who_o though_o agree_v in_o all_o main_a thing_n upon_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o understand_v they_o so_o can_v acquiesce_v in_o they_o as_o so_o who_o deserve_v compassion_n these_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v no_o partition-wall_n in_o our_o national_a worship_v of_o god_n one_o with_o another_o nor_o can_v they_o without_o great_a rigour_n and_o censor_n ousness_n very_o evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v condemn_v in_o those_o who_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o substantial_a national_a religion_n the_o publickness_n and_o more_o universal_a benefit_n of_o it_o wherein_o they_o be_v most_o true_o zealous_a pay_v obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o they_o rule_n 7._o let_v we_o all_o strive_v labour_n preach_v hear_v and_o pray_v and_o even_o suffer_v in_o the_o reformation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o endeavour_n to_o reform_v all_o other_o according_a to_o the_o most_o excellent_a rule_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n profess_v in_o this_o kingdom_n as_o our_o national_a religion_n that_o it_o may_v be_v find_v to_o praise_n honour_n and_o glory_n at_o the_o appear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v think_v worthy_a to_o stand_v before_o the_o son_n of_o man_n at_o his_o come_n before_o who_o nothing_o but_o the_o gold_n and_o precious_a stone_n of_o substantial_a truth_n and_o goodness_n can_v stand_v all_o else_o will_v be_v burn_v off_o as_o hay_o and_o chaff_n by_o the_o fire_n of_o that_o day_n and_o they_o that_o have_v be_v hot_a and_o contentious_a for_o they_o be_v save_v only_o as_o by_o fire_n with_o difficulty_n and_o loss_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o our_o union_n and_o love_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n may_v be_v to_o we_o a_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o presence_n of_o his_o protection_n and_o blessing_n that_o neither_o our_o candlestick_n may_v be_v remove_v nor_o our_o nation_n the_o present_a place_n of_o it_o be_v take_v away_o for_o general_o both_o be_v remove_v one_o with_o the_o other_o or_o soon_o after_o one_o another_o rule_n 8._o let_v no_o man_n be_v discourage_v from_o the_o most_o zealous_a affectionate_a join_v himself_o to_o and_o promote_a national_a religion_n because_o oâ—_n that_o veneration_n due_a to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o church_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n for_o a_o nation_n unite_v in_o true_a christian_a religion_n differ_v no_o more_o in_o the_o strict_a notion_n from_o a_o church_n than_o a_o body_n of_o man_n unite_v and_o consecrate_v to_o god_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n differ_v from_o a_o society_n unite_v and_o consecrate_v to_o god_n according_a to_o a_o institution_n that_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o institution_n plant_v in_o nature_n differ_v from_o a_o institution_n give_v by_o revelation_n for_o one_o be_v the_o appointment_n of_o god_n of_o old_a from_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o humane_a society_n the_o other_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o inability_n of_o it_o to_o its_o end_n a_o institution_n therefore_o do_v not_o repeal_v a_o natural_a law_n but_o take_v care_n it_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v and_o complete_v in_o its_o chief_a end_n israel_n be_v a_o church_n to_o god_n be_v so_o devote_v to_o he_o by_o his_o own_o institution_n and_o it_o be_v a_o holy_a nation_n according_a to_o the_o original_a 6._o exod._n 19_o 6._o law_n be_v elevate_v by_o the_o institution_n to_o its_o true_a perfection_n as_o a_o nation_n the_o christian_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n peter_n write_v as_o they_o be_v a_o church_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n so_o they_o be_v a_o holy_a nation_n as_o he_o style_v they_o succeed_v into_o the_o place_n of_o that_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n consecrate_a to_o god_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n upon_o nation_n though_o but_o stranger_n scatter_v abroad_o yet_o to_o show_v the_o 1â—_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 1â—_n great_a value_n god_n have_v of_o a_o nation_n devote_v to_o he_o they_o be_v style_v a_o holy_a nation_n the_o institution_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o seat_n 9_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 9_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n make_v a_o nation_n unite_v in_o that_o true_a religion_n both_o a_o church_n as_o that_o catholic_n church_n have_v thereby_o a_o residence_n in_o it_o and_o much_o more_o than_o those_o forementioned_a scatter_a jew_n a_o holy_a nation_n as_o it_o be_v national_o resign_v up_o to_o god_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n make_v perfect_a by_o the_o institution_n where_o then_o a_o nation_n be_v unite_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o purity_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o holy_a rule_n of_o practice_n the_o catholic_n love_n of_o all_o christian_n baptise_a into_o the_o same_o body_n make_v to_o drink_v into_o that_o one_o spirit_n in_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n minister_a the_o same_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n infallible_o deliver_v and_o seal_v with_o miracle_n all_o
their_o hand_n to_o guard_v they_o in_o all_o their_o way_n that_o they_o may_v not_o dâ—â—h_v their_o foot_n against_o any_o of_o the_o stone_n of_o scandal_n they_o be_v minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_n for_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n those_o great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n humble_a themselves_o as_o little_a one_o to_o serve_v the_o little_a one_o of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o as_o their_o angel_n they_o always_o behold_v in_o heaven_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o whoever_o despise_v they_o even_o to_o scandal_n must_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v it_o remonstrate_v against_o they_o 2._o he_o exemplify_v the_o care_n of_o they_o in_o himself_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v come_v to_o seek_v and_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v and_o the_o argument_n be_v raise_v to_o the_o height_n as_o it_o be_v exemplify_v in_o the_o father_n of_o the_o whole_a family_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n name_v after_o christ_n who_o will_v it_o be_v not_o that_o so_o much_o as_o one_o and_o yet_o when_o one_o only_o be_v in_o the_o danger_n of_o scandal_n who_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o singularist_n especial_o if_o one_o of_o the_o least_o too_o and_o reject_v he_o shall_v perish_v but_o be_v please_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o one_o such_o even_o as_o the_o joy_n of_o one_o sheep_n that_o be_v lose_v out_o of_o a_o hundred_o exceed_v sensible_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o ninety_o nine_o that_o be_v not_o in_o hazard_n but_o now_o lest_o the_o great_a charge_n against_o scandalize_a and_o despise_v shall_v seem_v to_o introduce_v a_o lawless_a state_n in_o christianity_n and_o increase_v petulancy_n and_o licentiousness_n in_o those_o who_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o at_o least_o little_a one_o in_o christianity_n or_o make_v the_o care_n of_o not_o scandalize_a of_o endless_a scruple_n or_o burden_n our_o lord_n prescribe_v a_o method_n for_o prevent_v so_o ill_a consequence_n very_o certain_a to_o its_o end_n yet_o very_o far_o from_o scandal_n or_o despise_v a_o method_n that_o allow_v no_o sin_n and_o yet_o desert_n none_n till_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v account_v but_o as_o heathen_n or_o publican_n to_o who_o yet_o a_o due_a measure_n of_o christian_a charity_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v which_o method_n it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n now_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o controversal_a part_n of_o but_o to_o observe_v as_o of_o great_a moment_n that_o the_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n fall_v not_o into_o the_o account_n of_o any_o of_o those_o trespass_n the_o lord_n speak_v of_o and_o that_o as_o if_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n lest_o the_o thing_n shall_v be_v mistake_v a_o most_o different_a method_n be_v in_o that_o case_n command_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o lord_n here_o therefore_o give_v i_o liberty_n to_o compare_v in_o some_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v omit_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o discourse_n the_o sermon_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n first_o he_o that_o doubt_v in_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o can_v conform_v to_o what_o other_o do_v and_o will_v be_v conform_v to_o in_o be_v not_o command_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o hear_v the_o one_o or_o the_o two_o or_o three_o nor_o the_o church_n itself_o nor_o be_v it_o say_v by_o the_o apostle_n they_o that_o will_v not_o hear_v on_o such_o account_n shall_v be_v as_o heathen-man_n or_o publican_n or_o as_o we_o speak_v excommunicate_a both_o which_o be_v very_o notorious_a in_o the_o evangelist_n record_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o trespass_n there_o speak_v of_o which_o assure_v we_o they_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n urge_v as_o from_o our_o saviour_n that_o what_o be_v in_o these_o case_n bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n or_o what_o be_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o obligation_n on_o the_o doubt_a conscience_n by_o the_o church_n canon_n or_o any_o such_o discharge_n of_o it_o before_o god_n or_o itself_o by_o obey_v they_o but_o every_o man_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o hear_v his_o own_o conscience_n there_o every_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v bind_v and_o loose_v there_o every_o word_n or_o matter_n be_v hear_v and_o establish_v on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v no_o injunction_n of_o tell_v the_o fault_n of_o nonconformity_n if_o any_o be_v aggrieve_v at_o it_o in_o that_o gradation_n from_o one_o to_o more_o and_o so_o to_o the_o church_n but_o the_o apostle_n command_n be_v first_o not_o to_o judge_n or_o despise_v if_o that_o may_v keep_v indifferent_n to_o their_o equipoise_n if_o not_o the_o command_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o by_o example_n to_o scandalize_v or_o draw_v any_o that_o doubt_v to_o act_v against_o or_o over_o their_o doubt_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n because_o they_o be_v but_o indifferent_a for_o that_o be_v to_o sin_n against_o the_o brethren_n the_o weak_a brethren_n as_o at_o the_o least_o we_o esteem_v they_o now_o in_o these_o case_n to_o sin_n against_o the_o brethren_n be_v to_o sin_n against_o christ_n in_o his_o law_n against_o scandal_n now_o in_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v of_o so_o diverse_a a_o frame_n and_o aspect_n in_o the_o lord_n prescription_n concern_v trespass_n and_o the_o apostle_n direction_n in_o case_n of_o various_a apprehension_n in_o thing_n of_o indifferency_n wherein_o one_o great_a part_n may_v be_v guilty_a yet_o of_o great_a weakness_n and_o mistake_n and_o that_o none_o of_o the_o method_n order_v in_o the_o one_o be_v so_o much_o as_o mention_v in_o the_o other_o or_o once_o intimate_v it_o argue_v very_o evident_o that_o variety_n and_o as_o various_a practice_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n though_o join_v with_o such_o mistake_n and_o weakness_n be_v none_o of_o the_o trespass_n our_o saviour_n have_v regard_n to_o and_o since_o the_o apostle_n put_v all_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o scandal_n wherein_o the_o weak_a part_n be_v either_o draw_v into_o sin_n enfeeble_v in_o the_o vigour_n disquiet_v in_o the_o true_a peace_n of_o conscience_n or_o so_o much_o as_o despise_v by_o be_v incompassionate_o neglect_v in_o his_o doubt_n the_o whole_a case_n be_v bring_v under_o the_o force_n of_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n against_o scandal_n that_o none_o look_v upon_o themselves_o on_o any_o account_n as_o great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o the_o christian_a profession_n let_v those_o account_n be_v whatever_o they_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v shall_v by_o any_o sort_n of_o imperiousness_n whether_o command_n rigorous_a treaty_n or_o example_n that_o despise_v all_o that_o do_v not_o follow_v it_o impose_v upon_o the_o little_a one_o to_o all_o which_o let_v i_o have_v the_o reader_n patience_n to_o add_v this_o one_o observation_n that_o the_o evangelist_n mark_n make_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o or_o a_o like_a discourse_n of_o the_o lord_n upon_o scandal_n that_o the_o disciple_n be_v much_o displease_v that_o one_o do_v cast_v out_o devil_n in_o christ_n name_n that_o do_v not_o follow_v they_o that_o do_v not_o seem_v and_o indeed_o be_v not_o of_o their_o way_n in_o the_o appearance_n of_o thing_n but_o our_o lord_n with_o great_a compassion_n accept_v he_o so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v come_v for_o say_v he_o he_o that_o be_v not_o against_o we_o be_v on_o our_o part_n he_o that_o although_o in_o a_o different_a company_n or_o mode_n do_v the_o same_o thing_n we_o do_v and_o do_v nothing_o in_o opposition_n to_o our_o great_a design_n be_v on_o our_o side_n and_o so_o he_o proceed_v into_o a_o similar_v discourse_n of_o kindness_n to_o or_o scandal_n against_o his_o disciple_n though_o little_a one_o and_o if_o we_o suppose_v it_o the_o same_o discourse_n as_o in_o st._n matthew_n and_o that_o this_o evangelist_n have_v not_o a_o accurate_a regard_n to_o the_o occasion_n yet_o in_o that_o he_o connect_v it_o with_o such_o a_o occasion_n and_o that_o by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n it_o teach_v we_o how_o much_o such_o a_o discourse_n be_v adjust_v to_o such_o a_o occasion_n for_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o thing_n be_v so_o lay_v together_o now_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v his_o eye_n upon_o these_o so_o famous_a discourse_n beside_o the_o reason_n i_o have_v give_v on_o this_o head_n in_o its_o due_a place_n it_o be_v evident_a to_o i_o further_o he_o have_v so_o by_o his_o representation_n of_o himself_o in_o a_o figure_n all_o along_o the_o nine_o chap._n of_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinth_n in_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o a_o discourse_n concern_v scandal_n as_o that_o person_n that_o humble_v himself_o as_o a_o little_a child_n in_o
corruption_n they_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o spark_n and_o have_v only_o this_o at_o god_n hand_n to_o lie_v down_o in_o sorrow_n beside_o that_o god_n in_o just_a displeasure_n send_v down_o upon_o they_o the_o revenge_n of_o a_o abuse_a and_o injure_a power_n and_o godhead_n now_o all_o this_o express_v the_o height_n both_o of_o the_o deception_n and_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n 4._o the_o four_o great_a principle_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o absolute_a and_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o holiness_n both_o in_o heart_n and_o life_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n against_o which_o 24._o heb._n 12._o 24._o there_o lie_v no_o such_o scandal_n or_o cause_n of_o offence_n as_o inward_a and_o inherent_a lust_n and_o inordinate_a appetite_n which_o be_v obstinate_o set_v to_o obtain_v its_o satisfaction_n and_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v tame_v but_o by_o beinâ—_n cut_v off_o though_o it_o be_v the_o right_a hand_n or_o right_a foot_n or_o even_o the_o right_a eye_n the_o love_n of_o god_n 43._o mark_v 9_o 43._o and_o his_o law_n be_v the_o best_a security_n against_o this_o scandal_n and_o daily_a mortification_n and_o crucifixion_n of_o the_o old_a man_n with_o 22._o ephes_n 4._o 22._o its_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n pretence_n from_o reason_n or_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n there_o can_v be_v none_o in_o this_o case_n to_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v either_o christianity_n or_o morality_n but_o man_n be_v carry_v down_o the_o violent_a stream_n of_o ungoverned_a passion_n and_o that_o fall_v into_o the_o wide_a sea_n of_o general_a corruption_n and_o bad_a example_n which_o look_v most_o like_a a_o authority_n there_o be_v the_o palliation_n and_o excuse_n of_o sin_n which_o may_v serve_v in_o a_o time_n of_o peace_n and_o carnal_a security_n but_o can_v so_o delude_v conscience_n as_o to_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a sense_n scandal_n the_o continual_a practice_n of_o sin_n harden_v the_o heart_n sear_n benumb_v and_o stupefy_v all_o inward_a sense_n and_o cancel_v the_o awe_n of_o those_o engrave_v law_n and_o reveal_v command_n of_o god_n for_o a_o time_n but_o can_v either_o deny_v their_o just_a power_n or_o challenge_v they_o of_o unreasonableness_n so_o that_o if_o any_o where_o man_n be_v force_v to_o take_v refuge_n at_o the_o atheistick_a denial_n of_o religion_n itself_o or_o to_o blind_a conscience_n with_o superstitious_a act_n which_o seem_v to_o commute_v and_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o sin_n or_o if_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o blind_v their_o eye_n and_o obstruct_v all_o sense_n they_o may_v make_v the_o profession_n of_o true_a religion_n a_o cover_n to_o sin_n as_o they_o that_o cry_v lord_n lord_n and_o 22._o mat._n 7._o 22._o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v we_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o 19_o jer._n 7._o 4._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o christ_n with_o great_a ostentation_n and_o so_o may_v deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n but_o to_o hold_v out_o against_o either_o the_o challenge_n of_o divine_a truth_n or_o of_o their_o own_o reflection_n be_v impossible_a so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n predominant_a lust_n from_o within_o and_o bad_a example_n from_o the_o so_o abound_a iniquity_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n the_o fall_v of_o good_a man_n the_o miscarriage_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o insincere_a professor_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o great_a scandal_n or_o stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o ensnare_v in_o the_o afore-named_n scandal_n but_o although_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o strict_a and_o proper_a scandal_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o very_a centre_n of_o all_o scandal_n in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o for_o then_o a_o man_n be_v indeed_o scandalize_v when_o the_o salt_n of_o divine_a truth_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n can_v have_v no_o power_n nor_o efficacy_n upon_o he_o because_o of_o that_o scandal_n to_o season_v the_o heart_n nor_o govern_v the_o life_n and_o action_n in_o the_o love_n fear_v and_o obedience_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n but_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o understand_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n what_o he_o do_v not_o promise_n by_o profession_n or_o if_o he_o seem_v to_o deny_v any_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o do_v not_o understand_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n the_o extent_n and_o force_n of_o his_o denial_n but_o have_v better_a principle_n that_o be_v a_o antidote_n and_o counterpoison_n to_o any_o mistake_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n he_o be_v not_o scandalize_v with_o the_o great_a mischief_n of_o scandal_n but_o that_o man_n be_v scandalize_v that_o through_o false_a principle_n or_o the_o denial_n of_o true_a one_o want_v their_o power_n and_o virtue_n upon_o his_o affection_n and_o action_n for_o no_o truth_n be_v for_o notion_n sake_n but_o to_o make_v true_o good_a the_o heart_n and_o practice_n the_o very_a confession_n with_o the_o mouth_n be_v to_o recoil_v back_o into_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v that_o better_a and_o to_o move_v forward_o and_o engage_v the_o life_n along_o with_o it_o 5._o it_o be_v a_o grand_a pillar_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o and_o that_o he_o that_o love_v 21._o 1_o john_n 4._o 21._o god_n shall_v love_v his_o brother_n also_o and_o there_o be_v not_o there_o can_v be_v any_o law_n of_o religion_n wherein_o the_o equity_n the_o love_n favour_n and_o compassion_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n towards_o humane_a nature_n do_v more_o evident_o recommend_v itself_o it_o be_v the_o justification_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o man_n his_o philanthropy_n do_v shine_v out_o more_o illustrious_o in_o the_o gospel_n so_o do_v the_o law_n and_o doctrine_n of_o this_o love_n of_o christian_n to_o one_o another_o and_o not_o only_o to_o christian_n but_o to_o all_o man_n and_o in_o this_o as_o of_o great_a concernment_n thâ—_n gospel_n be_v so_o abundant_a and_o its_o discourse_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n that_o it_o be_v make_v another_o hemisphere_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o one_o be_v the_o first_o and_o 39_o mat._n â—1_n 38_o 39_o great_a commandment_n and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a to_o it_o it_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v the_o whole_a law_n it_o be_v irreconcilable_a 9_o rom._n 13._o 8_o 9_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n not_o to_o love_v our_o brother_n it_o be_v 15._o 1_o joh._n 3._o 15._o such_o a_o degree_n of_o murder_n that_o whoever_o be_v guilty_a of_o can_v have_v eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o he_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mark_n 14._o 1_o joh._n 3._o 14._o we_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n so_o many_o be_v the_o argument_n and_o so_o strong_a the_o obligation_n to_o this_o duty_n that_o they_o can_v be_v recount_v all_o may_v be_v sum_v up_o in_o that_o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o now_o that_o this_o love_n be_v fix_v in_o a_o uniformity_n of_o opinion_n or_o point_n of_o outward_a order_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o believe_v for_o beside_o the_o impossibility_n to_o reconcile_v all_o the_o innocent_a variety_n that_o be_v in_o humane_a nature_n though_o it_o be_v christian_a humane_a nature_n in_o their_o sentiment_n and_o election_n in_o these_o thing_n the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v not_o of_o that_o amount_v as_o to_o be_v the_o proper_a rest_n of_o this_o divine_a love_n or_o that_o if_o it_o miss_v these_o pole_n it_o shall_v therefore_o cease_v to_o be_v the_o axis_n upon_o which_o the_o catholic_n society_n of_o christian_n and_o christian_a unity_n turn_n for_o that_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n must_v be_v substantial_a christianity_n itself_o and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a schism_n to_o be_v divide_v in_o affection_n from_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n how_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o understand_v see_v small_a difference_n be_v frequent_o by_o the_o apostle_n consider_v and_o allow_v for_o without_o the_o least_o allowance_n for_o christian_n not_o love_v one_o another_o christianity_n carry_v no_o gall_n even_o towards_o utmost_a stranger_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n much_o less_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v true_o christian_n though_o not_o each_o uniform_a with_o one_o another_o in_o all_o thing_n the_o great_a scandal_n against_o this_o love_n be_v private_a man_n think_v it_o justifiable_a not_o to_o love_v those_o that_o have_v injure_v they_o but_o this_o case_n have_v be_v consider_v
taskmaster_n under_o they_o can_v be_v without_o scandal_n for_o while_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v zealous_a of_o order_n decency_n uniformity_n they_o sin_n against_o the_o precept_n of_o love_n unity_n mercy_n peace_n and_o exchange_v too_o often_o those_o excellent_a pastoral-stave_n of_o beauty_n and_o band_n for_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o foolish_a shepherd_n 16._o zech._n 11._o 7._o 15_o 16._o that_o extend_v not_o to_o any_o true_a act_n of_o pastoral_a care_n visit_v heal_v feed_v but_o tear_v and_o rend_v last_o bystander_n and_o neuter_n have_v the_o woe_n to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o scandal_n come_v upon_o they_o for_o they_o mis-judge_n of_o the_o excellent_a religion_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o these_o great_a miscarriage_n and_o it_o fall_v under_o their_o misrepute_n as_o if_o it_o stand_v in_o ceremonial_n in_o regard_n of_o who_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o cautious_a that_o the_o good_a of_o christian_n shall_v not_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o as_o if_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v only_o meat_n and_o drink_n for_o whereas_o the_o substantial_o of_o christianity_n justify_v themselves_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o man_n ceremonial_n lead_v to_o atheism_n as_o if_o religion_n be_v but_o the_o craft_n of_o party_n use_v trifle_n for_o interest_n rule_n and_o domination_n and_o difference_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o when_o multiply_v by_o dispute_n about_o these_o indifferent_n bring_v mistrust_n upon_o all_o as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o certain_a last_o the_o heat_n cruelty_n and_o persecution_n use_v on_o these_o account_n can_v but_o look_v very_o strange_a and_o full_a of_o horror_n to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n for_o how_o can_v it_o but_o appear_v prodigy_n and_o portent_n that_o christian_a religion_n that_o count_v upon_o nothing_o but_o persecution_n of_o itself_o in_o the_o world_n shall_v turn_v the_o weapon_n use_v against_o it_o upon_o itself_o as_o have_v be_v most_o notorious_o infamous_a in_o the_o popish_a inhumanities_n or_o what_o stranger_n can_v think_v well_o of_o such_o a_o christianity_n and_o then_o more_o dire_a it_o be_v that_o protestant_a religion_n brand_a popery_n as_o a_o religion_n of_o blood_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o as_o tinctured_a with_o any_o of_o that_o spirit_n and_o that_o any_o of_o these_o evil_n shall_v be_v for_o the_o sake_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o indifferent_n that_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v devise_v by_o man_n that_o be_v not_o equal_a to_o god_n law_n that_o may_v be_v change_v for_o which_o other_o country_n that_o use_v they_o not_o be_v to_o be_v condemn_v whereas_o substantial_a order_n and_o decency_n be_v the_o same_o throughout_o the_o world_n some_o small_a local_a difference_n allow_v for_o this_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o complaint_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o reason_n that_o appear_v to_o dissenter_n against_o they_o be_v great_a and_o weighty_a in_o themselves_o let_v they_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o application_n yet_o a_o great_a reason_n on_o the_o contrary_a to_o any_o thing_n if_o misapprehend_v be_v of_o much_o more_o weight_n than_o a_o very_a slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a reason_n for_o it_o however_o true_a and_o though_o in_o a_o much_o inferior_a cause_n i_o acknowledge_v yet_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o make_v a_o allusion_n to_o that_o unavoidable_a argument_n against_o atheism_n that_o the_o endure_a of_o inconsiderable_a inconvenience_n though_o certain_a be_v much_o more_o eligible_a to_o a_o wise_a man_n than_o the_o adventure_n upon_o intolerable_a and_o endless_a inconveniency_n though_o suppose_v uncertain_a in_o a_o like_a manner_n though_o of_o a_o low_a consequence_n and_o yet_o not_o altogether_o low_o the_o great_a mischief_n of_o scandal_n though_o possible_o upon_o mistake_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hazard_v upon_o suppose_v the_o more_o certain_a little_a inconvenience_n of_o man_n not_o conform_v to_o indifferency_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o equal_a poise_n of_o the_o matter_n i_o shall_v brief_o present_v the_o objection_n against_o indulgence_n to_o dissenter_n in_o indifferency_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o scandal_n and_o the_o answer_n that_o may_v be_v return_v to_o they_o object_n 1._o if_o scandal_n be_v a_o argument_n against_o thing_n we_o must_v go_v out_o of_o all_o thing_n even_o out_o of_o the_o world_n nay_o out_o of_o religion_n itself_o for_o all_o thing_n be_v full_a of_o scandal_n even_o the_o best_a thing_n answ_n it_o will_v be_v yet_o a_o considerable_a service_n do_v to_o the_o world_n the_o christian_a world_n if_o but_o so_o much_o of_o scandal_n be_v defalk_v as_o have_v its_o play_n in_o indifferent_n the_o abatement_n will_v be_v above_o what_o can_v easy_o be_v believe_v if_o all_o that_o have_v swell_v the_o account_n of_o scandal_n from_o indifferent_a thing_n have_v be_v wise_o and_o thrifty_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o entrance_n of_o christianity_n to_o this_o day_n and_o the_o sting_n of_o the_o argument_n why_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v and_o yet_o shall_v be_v so_o be_v that_o they_o be_v but_o indifferent_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o use_n of_o which_o make_v we_o not_o the_o better_a nor_o the_o non-use_a the_o worse_o but_o the_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n be_v incomputable_o great_a so_o that_o the_o advantage_n of_o such_o a_o abatement_n have_v bring_v infinite_a recompense_n with_o usury_n in_o truth_n and_o peace_n for_o that_o little_a profit_n if_o any_o that_o can_v grow_v from_o barren_a and_o dead_a indifferent_n in_o religion_n though_o consider_v as_o separate_v from_o scandal_n object_n 2._o the_o apostle_n himself_o be_v enforce_v to_o change_v his_o voice_n concern_v indulgence_n to_o the_o weak_a in_o the_o judaique_a rite_n and_o to_o vote_v the_o persist_v in_o a_o love_n to_o they_o damnable_a and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n brand_v the_o idolothytes_n concede_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v afterward_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n so_o that_o the_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v so_o masterless_a unruly_a and_o headstrong_a as_o to_o endanger_v main_a concernment_n in_o religion_n if_o not_o reform_v the_o due_a time_n of_o indulgence_n be_v allow_v for_o it_o answ_n the_o mischief_n if_o near_o observe_v always_o grow_v from_o make_v more_o accession_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o religious_a service_n than_o god_n have_v make_v for_o the_o judaize_v in_o the_o galatian_n the_o will-worship_n and_o show_v of_o wisdom_n among_o the_o colossian_n the_o forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n all_o grow_v upon_o the_o same_o root_n even_o the_o idolatry_n and_o luxury_n of_o the_o idolothytes_n come_v not_o from_o a_o wise_a and_o christian_n assert_v god_n right_a above_o the_o idol_n but_o from_o sink_v down_o into_o the_o sensual_a worship_n of_o the_o idol_n by_o a_o daily_a conversation_n at_o his_o table_n in_o his_o temple_n and_o unite_n heathenism_n with_o christianity_n of_o one_o of_o which_o either_o judaisme_n or_o heathenism_n most_o rite_n be_v but_o the_o offspring_n the_o great_a danger_n be_v either_o in_o exalt_v god_n creature_n into_o a_o state_n and_o for_o uses_n and_o end_v above_o what_o he_o ordain_v they_o at_o humane_a pleasure_n and_o arbitrement_n or_o retrench_v the_o liberty_n god_n have_v give_v in_o the_o free_a use_n of_o his_o own_o creature_n for_o every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v good_a and_o nothing_o to_o be_v refuse_v if_o receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n for_o it_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o prayer_n now_o this_o can_v alike_o extend_v to_o the_o sign_n and_o ceremony_n create_v by_o humane_a imagination_n and_o impose_v with_o rigour_n and_o that_o not_o only_o on_o civil_a account_n which_o we_o meddle_v not_o with_o but_o upon_o religious_a where_o god_n be_v only_o supreme_a at_o which_o door_n have_v enter_v all_o the_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n into_o the_o world_n wind_v itself_o by_o lesser_a degree_n and_o so_o mount_v itself_o to_o the_o very_a top_n the_o great_a use_n of_o the_o apostle_n two_o discourse_n be_v therefore_o to_o be_v resolve_v into_o this_o one_o main_a position_n that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o indifferency_n wherein_o the_o use_n or_o non-use_a can_v commend_v we_o to_o god_n we_o shall_v not_o scandalize_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o offer_v scandal_n to_o any_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o which_o it_o be_v due_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o scandal_n run_v in_o the_o industrious_a impose_v and_o bind_v observation_n either_o by_o example_n that_o expect_v conformity_n to_o it_o or_o any_o more_o violent_a influence_n upon_o compliance_n that_o which_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o persuade_v to_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n of_o ritual_a distinction_n of_o day_n or_o meat_n but_o only_o the_o not_o eat_v such_o or_o such_o meat_n happen_v in_o these_o
succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n without_o caution_v for_o any_o thing_n of_o their_o true_a spirit_n and_o which_o so_o hang_v salvation_n at_o the_o girdle_n of_o those_o that_o will_v be_v their_o successor_n as_o turn_v christianity_n into_o a_o most_o arbitrary_a and_o tirannick_a party_n but_o they_o that_o know_v the_o scripture_n know_v assure_o christ_n have_v found_v no_o rule_n government_n or_o authority_n in_o his_o church_n whatever_o but_o who_o whole_a display_v of_o itself_o be_v in_o teach_v instruct_v according_a to_o his_o word_n if_o that_o be_v not_o clear_a and_o evident_a the_o whole_a authority_n and_o power_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n this_o word_n appear_v in_o and_o with_o itself_o though_o by_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n over_o conscience_n they_o that_o will_v rule_v without_o this_o as_o ruler_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n be_v but_o lay-elders_a lay-bishop_n or_o indeed_o they_o leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v table_n but_o in_o this_o universal_a rage_n of_o scandal_n god_n have_v not_o so_o forsake_v the_o world_n but_o that_o his_o spirit_n lift_v up_o a_o standard_n against_o it_o evil_n be_v not_o infinite_a but_o be_v at_o all_o time_n stop_v by_o evidence_n of_o god_n and_o true_a goodness_n environ_v it_o on_o every_o side_n and_o bound_v it_o that_o it_o can_v do_v what_o it_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o do_v and_o be_v therefore_o force_v to_o leave_v it_o undo_v for_o it_o can_v go_v no_o far_o than_o the_o being_n that_o carry_v it_o can_v go_v and_o god_n be_v always_o above_o they_o and_o hem_v they_o in_o on_o every_o side_n scandal_n have_v only_o a_o permission_n from_o god_n a_o dispensation_n to_o manifest_v itself_o it_o be_v always_o subject_a to_o truth_n as_o night_n be_v to_o day_n it_o be_v subject_a to_o be_v reduce_v and_o contract_v as_o god_n please_v and_o thus_o have_v i_o finish_v the_o three_o head_n of_o discourse_n concern_v scandal_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o scandal_n come_v i_o come_v to_o a_o brief_a dispatch_n of_o the_o four_o head_n the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o world_n woe_n because_o of_o scandal_n 1._o let_v the_o scandal_n be_v never_o so_o fair_a and_o plausible_a in_o its_o pretence_n or_o reason_n of_o seduction_n from_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o force_n of_o truth_n and_o high_a reason_n against_o it_o that_o our_o gild_n and_o condemnation_n be_v unavoidable_a in_o not_o resist_v the_o temptation_n nothing_o can_v justify_v a_o plea_n against_o the_o divine_a law_n not_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n we_o must_v pronounce_v anathema_n upon_o he_o if_o he_o undertake_v it_o there_o be_v such_o foundation_n of_o truth_n lay_v by_o god_n that_o can_v be_v move_v and_o they_o have_v such_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n to_o all_o sincere_a mind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o excuse_n against_o the_o gild_n of_o be_v take_v with_o scandal_n 2._o there_o be_v therefore_o always_o some_o most_o guilty_a cause_n of_o scandal_n and_o its_o prevalency_n within_o every_o man_n that_o be_v take_v by_o it_o some_o lust_n and_o love_n of_o evil_n that_o betray_v he_o and_o on_o which_o he_o be_v condemn_v when_o scandal_n rage_v most_o abroad_o and_o come_v with_o lie_v sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n it_o be_v because_o man_n have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o 3._o scandal_n be_v itself_o misery_n and_o ruin_n a_o man_n can_v fall_v and_o be_v snare_v he_o can_v be_v wound_v and_o break_v but_o he_o must_v be_v miserable_a life_n health_n salvation_n be_v only_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o conformity_n to_o his_o holy_a will._n who_o have_v woe_n who_o have_v wound_n who_o have_v grief_n but_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v scandal_n against_o the_o divine_a truth_n this_o be_v a_o deep_a ditch_n he_o only_o that_o be_v hate_v of_o god_n fall_v into_o it_o as_o not_o to_o recover_v it_o be_v vain_a to_o pretend_v the_o force_n the_o power_n the_o unavoidableness_n of_o scandal_n when_o itself_o be_v death_n and_o ruin_n how_o many_o be_v please_v with_o their_o scandal_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n part_n with_o they_o many_o excuse_v themselves_o they_o can_v not_o withstand_v their_o deceit_n and_o violence_n and_o will_v not_o apprehend_v their_o case_n the_o first_o close_o embrace_v death_n or_o as_o solomon_n say_v love_v death_n the_o latter_a can_v have_v no_o other_o pity_n at_o the_o high_a but_o that_o they_o be_v undo_v their_o scandal_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o pine_v away_o in_o they_o as_o they_o speak_v in_o ezekiel_n and_o how_o then_o shall_v 10._o ezek._n 33._o 10._o they_o live_v god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o their_o death_n yet_o still_o they_o die_v except_o restore_v by_o repentance_n 4._o be_v it_o not_o for_o scandal_n be_v it_o not_o some_o unhappy_a and_o mischievous_a misrepresentation_n of_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n be_v there_o not_o something_o that_o impose_v upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o seduce_v the_o will_n with_o a_o false_a appearance_n of_o truth_n and_o good_a rational_a being_n can_v not_o resist_v truth_n nor_o fall_v out_o with_o infinite_a goodness_n or_o on_o the_o other_o side_n entertain_v falsehood_n or_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o evil_a and_o so_o will_v be_v every_o way_n secure_a from_o destruction_n sure_o be_v it_o not_o for_o scandal_n some_o most_o mischievous_a possession_n upon_o our_o mind_n while_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n of_o mercy_n we_o can_v not_o refuse_v and_o reject_v it_o nor_o cleave_v so_o fast_o to_o sin_n and_o death_n which_o can_v have_v no_o desirableness_n but_o to_o the_o deceive_a soul_n as_o holiness_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n can_v be_v disgustful_a to_o any_o but_o the_o scandalize_v be_v it_o not_o for_o some_o indissolvable_a scandal_n even_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n may_v be_v repent_v of_o and_o forgive_v some_o irreconcilable_a prejudice_n retain_v both_o the_o sin_n and_o so_o the_o punishment_n and_o in_o hell_n there_o be_v that_o eternal_a scandal_n for_o ever_o hold_v fast_o the_o damn_a that_o a_o creature_n deprive_v of_o god_n just_o hate_v and_o rebel_n against_o he_o or_o it_o be_v best_o for_o it_o in_o that_o circumstance_n so_o to_o do_v be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v loose_v from_o this_o snare_n of_o death_n this_o everlasting_a chain_n of_o darkness_n there_o may_v be_v a_o escape_n out_o of_o hell_n itself_o be_v there_o not_o a_o eternal_a discontent_n and_o disgust_n to_o god_n hell_n can_v not_o be_v hell_n nor_o devil_n devil_n any_o long_o so_o miserable_a a_o thing_n be_v scandal_n the_o five_o head_n in_o this_o discourse_n be_v the_o accumulative_a woe_n to_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v the_o woe_n by_o way_n of_o transcendency_n 1._o the_o designer_n of_o scandal_n must_v be_v as_o so_o many_o satan_n in_o the_o world_n of_o the_o just_a contrary_a spirit_n and_o action_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o separate_v from_o that_o bless_a presence_n into_o that_o fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n the_o god_n and_o the_o angel_n of_o scandal_n some_o have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v brand_o infamous_a herein_o but_o none_o like_o he_o who_o come_v be_v after_o satan_n with_o lie_v sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o vnrighteousness_n all_o those_o atheistical_a defamation_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o the_o scurrility_n of_o profane_a wit_n be_v deep_o dye_v in_o this_o gild_n they_o be_v like_o the_o throw_n of_o firebrand_n arrow_n and_o death_n so_o be_v the_o scandalize_a of_o man_n in_o such_o sport_n of_o wit_n to_o their_o ruin_n they_o that_o offer_v themselves_o as_o copy_n and_o pattern_n of_o wickedness_n in_o defiance_n of_o heaven_n dwell_v near_o to_o this_o insupportable_a woe_n they_o who_o law_n arm_v with_o cruel_a penalty_n be_v so_o many_o destructive_a trap_n and_o engine_n of_o mischief_n against_o all_o that_o be_v professor_n of_o true_a and_o sincere_a religion_n shall_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o god_n kingdom_n their_o scandal_n and_o themselves_o that_o work_n iniquity_n by_o they_o they_o that_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v indifferent_a use_v a_o violent_a example_n that_o must_v be_v answer_v with_o conformity_n though_o man_n do_v with_o great_a seriousness_n and_o solemnity_n protest_v their_o doubt_n in_o the_o case_n and_o though_o scandal_n be_v plant_v every_o where_n in_o their_o indifferency_n have_v need_n as_o our_o saviour_n bid_v they_o take_v heed_n they_o offend_v not_o they_o despise_v not_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v but_o the_o little_a one_o in_o
be_v infamous_a malefactor_n malcontent_n under_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o sage_a government_n or_o wit_n ill_o employ_v that_o lampoon_n it_o 6._o let_v we_o continual_o look_v to_o jesus_n who_o in_o himself_o subdue_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o scandal_n keep_v steady_a and_o uniform_a obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o do_v always_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v please_v to_o it_o though_o scandal_n of_o all_o sort_n press_v in_o on_o every_o side_n who_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o 6._o phil._n 2._o 6._o god_n think_v it_o not_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n yet_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n but_o take_v on_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n and_o be_v find_v in_o fashion_n as_o a_o man_n he_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a to_o death_n even_o to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n hereby_o even_o by_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o profound_a humility_n of_o his_o obedience_n he_o have_v not_o only_o do_v that_o honour_n give_v that_o glory_n to_o the_o divine_a sovereignty_n and_o righteousness_n the_o glory_n of_o that_o supreme_a authority_n as_o have_v make_v recompense_n for_o all_o the_o scandal_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n so_o far_o as_o that_o sovereignty_n or_o righteousness_n be_v absolute_o concern_v whether_o any_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o or_o not_o but_o have_v also_o make_v atonement_n perfect_a atonement_n and_o reconciliation_n for_o all_o that_o do_v believe_v in_o and_o obey_v he_o into_o a_o share_n of_o which_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n the_o holy_a angelical_a nature_n immediate_o enter_v according_a to_o their_o state_n even_o from_o the_o time_n he_o be_v declare_v the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n through_o his_o obedience_n and_o meditaion_n adore_v and_o apply_v to_o they_o have_v persevere_v free_a from_o scandal_n by_o which_o so_o great_a a_o part_n fall_v upon_o account_n of_o which_o when_o the_o first_o beget_v come_v into_o the_o 6._o heb._n 1._o 6._o world_n all_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n worship_v he_o the_o virtue_n from_o himself_o as_o the_o exemplar_n as_o the_o first-born_a among_o many_o brethren_n 29._o rom._n 8._o 29._o to_o who_o image_n they_o be_v predestinate_v to_o be_v conform_v do_v by_o degree_n extirpate_v all_o the_o very_a remain_v of_o scandal_n in_o his_o church_n and_o he_o present_v it_o without_o blame_n spot_n wrinkle_n blemish_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n even_o by_o real_a and_o efficacious_a operation_n before_o the_o eye_n of_o glory_n his_o example_n always_o stand_v before_o they_o as_o the_o most_o absolute_a and_o sublime_a pattern_n to_o which_o they_o daily_o be_v exercise_v in_o fashion_v themselves_o thus_o our_o lord_n do_v every_o way_n dissolve_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o deliver_v they_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o scandal_n be_v all_o their_o life_n time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n by_o destroy_v scandal_n and_o he_o that_o have_v the_o great_a power_n of_o it_o the_o devil_n 7._o this_o shall_v make_v heaven_n desirable_a to_o we_o where_o no_o scandal_n dwell_v nor_o any_o more_o since_o the_o angel_n of_o scandal_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o it_o can_v so_o much_o as_o once_o enter_v where_o there_o be_v perfect_a light_n without_o any_o variation_n or_o shadow_n of_o turn_v the_o holy_a one_o there_o be_v vex_v with_o scandal_n wiles_n no_o more_o with_o the_o wiles_n of_o the_o god_n or_o minister_n of_o scandal_n or_o those_o that_o by_o his_o stratagem_n be_v make_v any_o way_n serviceable_a to_o it_o 8._o it_o make_v hell_n more_o dreadful_a the_o seat_n and_o centre_n the_o fund_z of_o scandal_n where_o all_o the_o good_a principle_n man_n have_v have_v or_o seem_v to_o have_v while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o world_n or_o the_o church_n the_o best_a state_n of_o this_o world_n and_o their_o temporary_a good_a action_n be_v all_o swallow_v up_o and_o by_o the_o great_a power_n of_o scandal_n turn_v all_o into_o itself_o wherein_o all_o the_o temporary_a partial_a righteous_a man_n of_o this_o world_n who_o be_v scandalise_v as_o to_o the_o main_a the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n and_o his_o child_n turn_v their_o best_a thing_n now_o into_o a_o sort_n of_o splendida_fw-la peccata_fw-la better_a complexioned_a sin_n have_v then_o all_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v take_v from_o they_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o great_a stumble_v block_n the_o eternal_a loss_n of_o god_n they_o turn_v from_o all_o their_o righteousness_n and_o all_o that_o they_o have_v do_v be_v not_o remember_v to_o they_o any_o more_o for_o ever_o they_o sink_v into_o that_o unpardonable_a blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v a_o irreconcilable_a enmity_n to_o what_o be_v know_v to_o be_v of_o god_n undeniable_o of_o he_o and_o that_o enmity_n express_v in_o the_o proper_a language_n of_o scandal_n blasphemy_n and_o be_v never_o forgive_v whether_o commit_v in_o this_o world_n or_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v now_o what_o be_v there_o more_o dreadful_a to_o the_o mind_n that_o have_v any_o thing_n remain_v of_o a_o ingenuous_a sense_n towards_o god_n that_o have_v but_o so_o much_o love_n and_o reverence_n towards_o he_o though_o too_o faint_a for_o true_a save_a grace_n as_o will_v answer_v a_o profession_n of_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o will_v be_v horrible_o afraid_a at_o the_o supposition_n of_o such_o a_o hatred_n of_o god_n such_o a_o blasphemy_n of_o he_o and_o so_o of_o hell_n on_o this_o account_n that_o every_o sin_n boil_v up_o there_o into_o this_o height_n of_o scandal_n 9_o we_o be_v dreadful_o warn_v from_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o scandal_n either_o through_o design_n or_o through_o great_a fall_n and_o miscarriage_n in_o our_o religious_a course_n this_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v care_n of_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o world_n in_o general_n but_o especial_o towards_o the_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n strong_a christian_n be_v most_o out_o of_o our_o danger_n who_o grieve_v or_o have_v a_o just_a zeal_n against_o our_o scandal_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n themselves_o grow_v strong_a and_o strong_a as_o tree_n that_o cast_v their_o root_n the_o deep_a for_o be_v assail_v with_o the_o wind_n but_o the_o little_a one_o be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o tender_a concern_v because_o they_o need_v it_o most_o while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n if_o any_o receive_v scandal_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v so_o they_o create_v it_o to_o themselves_o we_o must_v let_v they_o alone_o but_o in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o we_o can_v save_v a_o soul_n from_o scandal_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o recompense_n we_o save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o hide_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n a_o glorious_a reward_n without_o any_o more_o and_o herein_o let_v we_o always_o remember_v we_o have_v a_o eminent_a seat_n of_o doctrine_n not_o to_o scandalize_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n a_o doctrine_n prepare_v on_o purpose_n for_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n concern_v indifferent_n one_o of_o the_o eminent_a seat_n of_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o more_o particular_o in_o relation_n to_o scandal_n and_o therefore_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v light_o regard_v to_o conclude_v all_o that_o we_o may_v neither_o give_v nor_o receive_v scandal_n three_o thing_n be_v most_o necessary_a to_o which_o i_o shall_v subjoin_v great_a counsel_n of_o scripture_n in_o each_o case_n 1._o that_o we_o have_v our_o judgement_n well_o settle_v within_o ourselves_o in_o all_o the_o substantial_o and_o necessary_a point_n of_o true_a religion_n upon_o a_o divine_a and_o not_o a_o humane_a assurance_n only_o that_o in_o that_o part_n we_o may_v neither_o offend_v nor_o receive_v offence_n for_o which_o solomon_n advice_n be_v our_o great_a security_n bow_v down_o 7._o prov._n 22._o 7._o thy_o ear_n to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o apply_v thy_o heart_n to_o my_o knowledge_n for_o it_o be_v a_o pleasant_a thing_n if_o thou_o keep_v they_o within_o thou_o they_o shall_v withal_o be_v fit_v in_o thy_o lip_n that_o thy_o trust_n may_v be_v in_o the_o lord_n i_o have_v make_v know_v to_o thou_o this_o day_n even_o to_o thou_o have_v i_o not_o write_v to_o thou_o excellent_a thing_n in_o counsel_n and_o knowledge_n that_o i_o may_v make_v the_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n that_o thou_o may_v answer_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n to_o they_o that_o send_v unto_o thou_o or_o those_o admonition_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n that_o we_o henceforth_o be_v no_o more_o as_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n and_o cunning_a
of_o christ_n for_o a_o devotion_n to_o the_o true_a god_n without_o know_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a god_n can_v thus_o sanctify_v or_o honour_v he_o there_o be_v nothing_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o rational_a in_o than_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o account_n of_o which_o and_o of_o its_o whole_a content_a aught_o to_o be_v so_o certain_a to_o we_o that_o nothing_o of_o a_o diverse_a spirit_n from_o it_o can_v be_v add_v to_o it_o nor_o any_o thing_n of_o its_o integral_n or_o essential_a nature_n take_v from_o it_o but_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v it_o will_v change_v the_o account_n and_o so_o we_o need_v not_o make_v a_o traverse_v over_o all_o falsehood_n to_o know_v truth_n but_o by_o have_v a_o right_a understanding_n in_o and_o just_a contemplation_n of_o truth_n the_o most_o even_a thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n we_o come_v to_o know_v itself_o by_o itself_o and_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o although_o there_o be_v no_o other_o false_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o compare_v it_o with_o and_o set_v it_o off_o by_o and_o withal_o to_o descry_v every_o false_a way_n offer_v to_o we_o and_o to_o hate_v it_o yea_o we_o observe_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v but_o doubtful_o propose_v and_o stay_v it_o its_o due_a time_n of_o examination_n and_o so_o either_o accept_v or_o reject_v it_o or_o if_o we_o see_v full_a reason_n for_o neither_o still_o suspend_v it_o be_v not_o the_o law_n of_o our_o country_n our_o church_n our_o be_v baptise_a or_o educate_v in_o it_o that_o will_v justify_v our_o religion_n to_o be_v the_o true_a it_o be_v not_o the_o high_a reverence_n of_o it_o the_o devotion_n we_o use_v in_o it_o our_o hate_v of_o those_o that_o speak_v blasphemous_o of_o it_o will_v make_v good_a our_o religion_n what_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n may_v not_o be_v justify_v upon_o such_o topic_n it_o be_v not_o that_o we_o find_v many_o great_a principle_n of_o truth_n in_o a_o religion_n that_o will_v justify_v it_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n that_o can_v be_v call_v religion_n that_o do_v not_o espouse_v many_o true_a principle_n and_o in_o christian_a religion_n antichristianism_n vie_v with_o christianity_n itself_o upon_o the_o fundamental_a creed_n which_o itself_o confess_v with_o true_a christanity_n but_o have_v build_v upon_o they_o new_a creed_n of_o its_o own_o and_o so_o corrupt_v all_o for_o what_o be_v so_o pure_a and_o perfect_a as_o true_a religion_n be_v must_v needs_o be_v corrupt_v by_o any_o addition_n all_o that_o be_v pure_a and_o true_a be_v already_o its_o own_o who_o then_o can_v add_v to_o it_o and_o not_o be_v find_v a_o liar_n nothing_o therefore_o as_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v can_v be_v our_o security_n for_o true_a religion_n but_o the_o just_a divine_a measure_n the_o common_a faith_n the_o true_a catholic_n standard_n which_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o main_a end_n be_v most_o evident_a and_o in_o entertain_v nothing_o that_o be_v not_o so_o evident_a till_o it_o become_v so_o upon_o this_o great_a test_n this_o be_v our_o security_n for_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a there_o be_v less_o danger_n when_o our_o understanding_n be_v not_o yet_o extend_v to_o the_o breadth_n of_o divine_a truth_n if_o none_o of_o the_o vital_a principle_n be_v unknown_a to_o we_o unsense_v by_o we_o which_o be_v so_o exceed_o plain_a that_o we_o can_v be_v except_o wilful_o ignorant_a of_o they_o for_o no_o injury_n be_v do_v to_o truth_n that_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v its_o whole_a compass_n nor_o to_o ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o hate_v knowledge_n offer_v itself_o to_o our_o notice_n but_o in_o add_v to_o truth_n see_v we_o can_v have_v nothing_o to_o add_v but_o what_o be_v of_o no_o worth_n we_o must_v needs_o defile_v it_o in_o have_v only_a truth_n though_o we_o have_v not_o all_o truth_n we_o yet_o be_v under_o the_o influence_n of_o truth_n only_o but_o when_o we_o add_v we_o enslave_v ourselves_o to_o lie_v vanity_n now_o hereunto_o have_v i_o level_v the_o whole_a ensue_a catechism_n or_o discourse_n against_o which_o i_o know_v many_o prejudices_fw-la will_v lie_v except_o full_a consideration_n be_v allow_v i_o know_v too_o many_o thing_n raise_v a_o detestation_n at_o the_o first_o which_o be_v examine_v and_o weigh_v by_o their_o reason_n gain_v not_o only_o the_o discharge_n of_o these_o angry_a passion_n but_o much_o acceptance_n and_o assent_n and_o i_o must_v take_v the_o confidence_n to_o say_v in_o relation_n to_o any_o such_o doubt_n upon_o the_o ensue_a apology_n for_o catholic_n truth_n that_o it_o be_v settle_v upon_o such_o unmoveable_a reason_n and_o weigh_v out_o by_o such_o exact_a attendance_n to_o it_o that_o i_o may_v write_v upon_o it_o without_o immodesty_n loe_o this_o we_o have_v search_v it_o so_o it_o be_v hear_v it_o and_o know_v thou_o it_o for_o thy_o good_a for_o good_a in_o the_o quiet_a and_o most_o peaceable_a course_n of_o christianity_n wherein_o to_o know_v the_o true_a ground_n upon_o which_o it_o rest_v alone_o make_v the_o soul_n both_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o determine_v it_o to_o the_o square_a and_o just_a rule_n of_o that_o holy_a religion_n for_o good_a in_o time_n of_o temptation_n to_o a_o false_a religion_n especial_o that_o which_o call_v itself_o catholic_n for_o the_o true_o instruct_v christian_n in_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o catholic_n be_v even_o impregnable_a against_o that_o delusion_n of_o catholic_n false_o so_o call_v last_o for_o good_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o great_a difference_n and_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o practice_n in_o relation_n to_o lesser_a thing_n pertain_v more_o circumstantial_o or_o doubtful_o to_o true_a religion_n wherein_o the_o rational_a christian_a carry_v it_o as_o inoffensive_o and_o communicative_o as_o he_o can_v with_o all_o centre_n in_o that_o which_o be_v catholic_n as_o to_o his_o faith_n love_n inward_a esteem_n and_o practice_n and_o unmovable_o fix_v there_o detest_a all_o animosity_n and_o much_o more_o rigour_n or_o severity_n towards_o other_o in_o relation_n to_o such_o difference_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o ungenerous_a more_o unchristian_a more_o irreligious_a more_o unworthy_a the_o content_n cap._n i._o of_o the_o perfect_a and_o first_o state_n of_o humane_a nature_n with_o relation_n to_o catholic_n or_o public_a religion_n page_n 1_o cap._n ii_o of_o the_o violation_n of_o this_o catholic_n order_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o mean_v provide_v by_o god_n to_o restore_v it_o 7_o cap._n iii_o of_o the_o vncontroversible_a law_n of_o natural_a religion_n 10_o cap._n iu_o of_o revelation_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o so_o great_a miscarriage_n against_o both_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o revelation_n with_o the_o mean_n of_o cure_n 14_o cap._n v._o of_o the_o public_a or_o divine_a original_a of_o sacred_a write_n or_o scripture_n 23_o cap._n vi_o of_o the_o proof_n of_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o proof_n also_o be_v public_a and_o divine_a 27_o cap._n vii_o of_o the_o public_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n pag._n 36_o cap._n viii_o of_o tradition_n and_o antiquity_n â—â—_o cap._n ix_o of_o the_o church_n catholic_n 65_o cap._n x._o of_o the_o officer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n 8â—_n cap._n xi_o of_o every_o man_n obligation_n to_o be_v wise_a for_o himself_o to_o salvation_n 89_o cap._n xii_o of_o schism_n and_o scandal_n 93_o cap._n xiii_o of_o the_o antichurch_n and_o its_o opposition_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o the_o true_a church_n 109_o cap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o national_a religion_n 128_o a_o catholic_n catechism_n cap._n i._n of_o the_o perfect_a and_o first_o state_n of_o humane_a nature_n with_o relation_n to_o catholic_n or_o public_a religion_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o most_o distinguish_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n answ_n catholic_n or_o true_o public_a religion_n for_o it_o be_v the_o all_o the_o whole_a or_o universal_a man_n whoever_o therefore_o have_v vanquish_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o have_v put_v off_o man_n and_o degrade_v himself_o into_o worse_a than_o a_o brute_n quest_n what_o do_v you_o mean_v by_o religion_n answ_n by_o religion_n i_o mean_v a_o close_o bind_v or_o unite_n ourselves_o to_o and_o with_o god_n the_o supreme_a be_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o according_a to_o his_o excellent_a nature_n and_o attribute_n in_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o seek_v his_o grace_n and_o favour_n according_a to_o all_o his_o divine_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o in_o so_o do_v we_o be_v join_v and_o join_v ourselves_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o same_o religious_a service_n perform_v by_o all_o quest_n why_o do_v you_o call_v it_o catholic_n or_o true_o public_a religion_n answ_n
for_o scripture_n be_v scripture_n and_o all_o of_o they_o so_o arise_v to_o our_o assurance_n by_o find_v the_o same_o divine_a spirit_n of_o truth_n run_v through_o one_o as_o do_v through_o another_o for_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o true_a church_n receive_v they_o when_o first_o receive_v and_o so_o transmit_v they_o make_v the_o same_o judgement_n successive_o in_o the_o several_a age_n as_o the_o first_o do_v the_o same_o reason_n always_o continue_v what_o be_v beside_o this_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o discern_v of_o spirit_n in_o all_o the_o time_n while_o scripture_n be_v write_v by_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o which_o true_a scripture_n be_v receive_v and_o all_o other_o shut_v out_o for_o the_o write_n of_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o prophet_n and_o by_o they_o enroll_v into_o scripture_n that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o scripture_n just_o and_o faithful_o consign_v over_o to_o we_o from_o age_n to_o age_n be_v to_o be_v own_a and_o acknowledge_v to_o divine_a providence_n watch_v over_o his_o church_n and_o oracle_n together_o and_o convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o ordinary_a security_n of_o the_o church_n testimony_n the_o precious_a distinguish_v not_o only_o from_o the_o vile_a but_o from_o the_o less_o precious_a also_o but_o yet_o we_o must_v have_v great_a testimony_n than_o this_o as_o have_v be_v already_o urge_v quest_n but_o how_o can_v we_o be_v assure_v we_o have_v all_o the_o scripture_n be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o church_n testimony_n answ_n find_v so_o much_o divine_a and_o no_o more_o of_o the_o same_o stamp_n in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v be_v conclude_v that_o way_n and_o abundant_o satisfy_v that_o god_n will_v accept_v we_o in_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o so_o great_a a_o revelation_n when_o any_o measure_n of_o divine_a truth_n have_v be_v adhere_v to_o sincere_o the_o danger_n have_v always_o be_v great_a in_o lose_v true_a religion_n by_o corrupt_a addition_n and_o the_o injurious_a refusal_n of_o further_a revelation_n come_v to_o pass_v more_o through_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o that_o corruption_n than_o by_o humble_a and_o modest_a suspension_n till_o god_n have_v assure_v we_o of_o his_o further_a revelation_n but_o beside_o this_o we_o may_v easy_o find_v we_o must_v needs_o have_v the_o whole_a globe_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o horizon_n of_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o the_o whole_a heaven_n or_o kingdom_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v administer_v in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o all_o further_a degree_n of_o light_n and_o discovery_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v but_o great_a clearness_n of_o what_o we_o already_o have_v in_o the_o main_a and_o substance_n for_o if_o even_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o it_o make_v so_o great_a a_o change_n do_v but_o thus_o complete_a and_o illustrate_a christ_n yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n the_o same_o how_o much_o more_o may_v we_o be_v assure_v who_o have_v the_o new_a itself_o so_o much_o excel_v the_o old_a as_o it_o every_o where_o assure_v we_o so_o that_o we_o can_v expect_v a_o milennium_n or_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n on_o earth_n only_o for_o the_o high_a exaltation_n of_o what_o we_o now_o have_v till_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n itself_o quest_n do_v the_o various_a readins_n so_o often_o bandy_v by_o learned_a man_n make_v no_o abatement_n from_o the_o certainty_n of_o scripture_n answ_n those_o various_a readins_n be_v such_o as_o excite_v and_o quicken_v search_n and_o yet_o can_v distract_v the_o doctrine_n be_v not_o able_a to_o alter_v the_o scope_n coherence_n and_o design_n of_o the_o context_n much_o less_o to_o change_v the_o analogy_n of_o scripture_n in_o other_o place_n while_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o that_o they_o take_v away_o the_o suspicion_n of_o conspiracy_n they_o preserve_v from_o great_a corruption_n by_o turn_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n to_o look_v every_o way_n they_o show_v how_o many_o excellent_a sense_n dwell_v near_o the_o divine_a write_n and_o the_o bad_a be_v manifest_o enough_o throw_v off_o for_o in_o main_a thing_n there_o be_v so_o much_o repeat_v and_o say_v over_o again_o and_o again_o as_o that_o all_o such_o truth_n may_v be_v full_o present_v and_o assure_v and_o yet_o not_o so_o much_o be_v say_v as_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n without_o any_o tautology_n for_o the_o subject_n be_v so_o rich_a that_o even_o the_o world_n will_v be_v overcharge_v and_o not_o able_a to_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o will_v be_v write_v amen_n cap._n vii_o of_o the_o public_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n quest_n that_o the_o progress_n upon_o this_o great_a point_n may_v be_v make_v with_o the_o best_a advantage_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o state_n the_o amount_v of_o what_o have_v be_v already_o assert_v viz._n that_o scripture_n be_v a_o public_a and_o divine_a record_n and_o that_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n it_o be_v divine_a be_v divine_a and_o public_a also_o what_o therefore_o do_v these_o two_o position_n arise_v to_o answ_n they_o arise_v plain_o to_o this_o 1._o that_o true_a religion_n be_v at_o once_o give_v unalterable_o fix_v on_o monument_n of_o its_o own_o and_o can_v receive_v the_o various_a phase_n of_o increase_n or_o decrease_v like_o the_o moon_n by_o new_a and_o upstart_a decree_n canon_n or_o anathemas_n 2._o that_o religion_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n public_a even_o as_o god_n himself_o that_o it_o be_v of_o free_a and_o open_a access_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o its_o entertainment_n as_o liberal_a as_o the_o light_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o water_n and_o no_o man_n need_v wait_v till_o his_o religion_n be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o private_a repository_n of_o breast_n or_o breast_n 3._o that_o the_o assurance_n and_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n be_v very_o near_o we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o treat_v with_o it_o so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o send_v up_o to_o heaven_n that_o be_v to_o bring_v scripture_n down_o from_o above_o when_o it_o be_v come_v down_o already_o nor_o beyond_o the_o sea_n to_o old_a antiquity_n for_o a_o scale_n to_o it_o which_o have_v always_o the_o broad_a seal_n of_o divinity_n with_o it_o for_o that_o be_v to_o bring_v scripture_n a_o second_o time_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o former_a age_n through_o which_o divine_a care_n and_o providence_n have_v already_o pass_v it_o down_o to_o we_o with_o the_o very_a same_o principal_a assurance_n it_o give_v they_o viz._n that_o divine_a life_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n that_o can_v be_v far_o from_o any_o one_o of_o we_o for_o in_o it_o our_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v their_o being_n and_o in_o that_o light_n alone_o see_v light_n quest_n but_o have_v the_o private_a spirit_n of_o apostate_n angel_n work_v by_o corrupt_a humane_a nature_n make_v no_o attempt_n upon_o this_o public_a record_n though_o so_o every_o way_n guard_v as_o it_o be_v to_o introduce_v a_o false_a religion_n even_o under_o the_o appearance_n of_o this_o public_a authority_n of_o scripture_n answ_n yes_o that_o very_o notorious_a one_o of_o private_a interpretation_n answ_n what_o be_v private_a interpretation_n answ_n that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o understand_v be_v a_o very_a great_a instrument_n of_o the_o false_a spirit_n we_o must_v proceed_v by_o degree_n to_o the_o true_a comprehension_n of_o it_o and_o first_o in_o the_o strictness_n of_o its_o notion_n it_o be_v a_o affix_v a_o sense_n to_o scripture_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o that_o do_v not_o so_o evident_o and_o indisputable_o flow_v from_o scripture_n as_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o scripture_n quest_n how_o shall_v a_o interpretation_n be_v so_o make_v of_o scripture_n as_o to_o partake_v of_o its_o divineness_n answ_n a_o interpretation_n be_v as_o divine_a as_o scripture_n when_o it_o be_v the_o true_a evident_a importance_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n word_n and_o scope_n and_o carry_v the_o perfect_a spirit_n and_o analogy_n of_o scripture_n with_o it_o 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particular_a member_n of_o it_o for_o if_o it_o can_v it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o violation_n of_o our_o saviour_n truth_n in_o that_o declaration_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n or_o force_v that_o immortal_a retrograde_a into_o mortality_n even_o that_o most_o dreadful_a one_o of_o the_o second_o death_n for_o which_o a_o succession_n of_o other_o and_o in_o the_o same_o danger_n be_v but_o a_o faint_a salvo_n though_o it_o go_v on_o so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n quest_n who_o be_v this_o true_a church_n in_o every_o age_n and_o place_n answ_n they_o which_o be_v by_o true_a save_v faith_n unite_v to_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o rock_n of_o eternity_n and_o be_v so_o found_v upon_o he_o be_v pillar_n that_o never_o remove_v and_o a_o rest_n of_o truth_n for_o ever_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o learn_v it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n quest_n who_o be_v the_o professionary_n church_n only_a answ_n they_o that_o though_o 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express_v in_o a_o holy_a conversation_n for_o what_o be_v much_o beneath_o or_o contrary_a sometime_o it_o forsake_v truth_n in_o some_o fundamental_a article_n that_o it_o swell_v out_o from_o the_o foundation_n in_o a_o breach_n ready_a to_o fall_v and_o there_o be_v one_o instance_n of_o all_o these_o in_o the_o antichurch_n which_o will_v deserve_v a_o great_a consideration_n quest_n how_o do_v god_n deal_v with_o such_o church_n answ_n sometime_o sweep_v they_o with_o the_o besom_n of_o destruction_n take_v away_o both_o the_o candlestick_n and_o place_n of_o it_o together_o alienes_n both_o to_o they_o and_o their_o religion_n thrust_v they_o out_o of_o their_o whole_a possession_n sometime_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o continue_v even_o for_o age_n yet_o so_o that_o their_o candlestick_n be_v move_v out_o of_o its_o due_a stately_a positure_n hardly_o appear_v like_o a_o candlestick_n and_o that_o by_o the_o indignation_n of_o god_n quest_n in_o these_o case_n how_o do_v it_o fare_v with_o the_o true_a holy_a seed_n the_o substantial_a church_n answ_n god_n chasten_v they_o to_o repentance_n self-purification_n and_o great_a zeal_n in_o that_o case_n of_o the_o church_n lose_v its_o brightness_n and_o vigour_n that_o they_o may_v recover_v their_o first_o state_n and_o work_n and_o set_v they_o on_o work_n to_o retrieve_v truth_n lose_v in_o that_o other_o case_n of_o the_o church_n defection_n quest_n how_o be_v it_o with_o they_o when_o the_o very_a place_n and_o candlestick_n be_v take_v away_o answ_n they_o be_v either_o first_o remove_v into_o the_o high_a state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n or_o drive_v before_o into_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n by_o persecution_n or_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o judgement_n make_v no_o distinction_n but_o carry_v
discern_v they_o but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n of_o which_o all_o true_a minister_n be_v the_o minister_n on_o account_n of_o which_o alone_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o they_o be_v due_a their_o bring_v that_o word_n in_o its_o own_o life_n evidence_n and_o power_n be_v their_o best_a commission_n quest_n but_o how_o be_v they_o most_o orderly_o install_v into_o so_o high_a a_o function_n answ_n christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v ascend_v up_o on_o high_a and_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n take_v it_o upon_o he_o as_o his_o supreme_a care_n to_o thrust_v forth_o labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n the_o several_a congregation_n of_o christian_n observe_v ministerial_a ability_n and_o meetness_n to_o teach_v call_v out_o to_o such_o to_o help_v they_o and_o herein_o in_o the_o cessation_n of_o extraordinary_a gift_n the_o school_n of_o learning_n and_o religious_a education_n like_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n do_v best_a prepare_v and_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n before_o they_o do_v most_o orderly_o recommend_v to_o choice_n and_o acceptance_n in_o the_o great_a service_n such_o as_o be_v scribe_n instruct_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o commit_v to_o they_o the_o charge_n of_o teach_v other_o for_o in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o act_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o preside_v with_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o congregation_n quest_n be_v the_o lord_n christ_n please_v then_o to_o act_v general_o by_o the_o elder_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n general_o and_o ordinary_o he_o do_v so_o the_o officer_n be_v therefore_o more_o particular_o entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o the_o key_n even_o as_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v thus_o eminent_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n our_o lord_n found_v his_o church_n and_o so_o edify_v and_o build_v it_o up_o in_o after-age_n by_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o when_o great_a defection_n have_v prevail_v upon_o it_o summon_v it_o to_o reformation_n by_o some_o raise_v up_o among_o those_o officer_n and_o who_o he_o send_v out_o as_o such_o to_o reform_v and_o recover_v his_o church_n yet_o still_o all_o this_o power_n be_v in_o and_o according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o no_o other_o and_o so_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v the_o knowledge_n judgement_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v join_v in_o all_o the_o officer_n do_v as_o have_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o key_n also_o because_o they_o have_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o understanding_n open_v and_o apply_v of_o which_o to_o particular_a case_n the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o key_n rest_v the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o the_o brethren_n or_o whole_a church_n be_v together_o please_v and_o together_o join_v in_o that_o famous_a conciliary_a epistle_n act_v 15._o 22._o quest_n i_o desire_v your_o more_o full_a explanation_n of_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o power_n accompany_v it_o answ_n i_o will_v very_o willing_o do_v as_o you_o desire_v and_o begin_v with_o the_o apostle_n quest_n wherein_o stand_v their_o power_n answ_n it_o stand_v in_o their_o preach_v act_v direct_v govern_v by_o that_o immediate_a and_o infallible_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o write_v and_o seal_v scripture_n and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v so_o guard_v every_o way_n that_o they_o can_v turn_v neither_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a in_o any_o thing_n wherein_o they_o exercise_v this_o power_n quest_n how_o be_v this_o power_n justify_v answ_n by_o the_o divineness_n substantial_a goodness_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o their_o prescription_n propose_v in_o all_o the_o method_n of_o rational_a discourse_n and_o manifestation_n of_o themselves_o in_o man_n conscience_n witness_v to_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o authorise_v by_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n general_o of_o beneficence_n or_o do_v good_a and_o in_o some_o but_o spare_v instance_n of_o infliction_n of_o bodily_a pain_n or_o death_n quest_n do_v the_o apostle_n never_o err_v in_o their_o administration_n answ_n whenever_o that_o infallible_a guidance_n be_v not_o present_a to_o they_o they_o may_v err_v as_o be_v before_o observe_v in_o the_o apostle_n peter_n miscarriage_n which_o no_o doubt_n be_v record_v to_o show_v their_o power_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o but_o in_o the_o divine_a spirit_n act_v by_o they_o that_o none_o in_o after-age_n may_v pretend_v to_o dictate_v as_o their_o successor_n have_v not_o their_o power_n and_o yet_o require_v obedience_n as_o if_o they_o have_v it_o whereas_o even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o may_v err_v and_o so_o lose_v their_o power_n if_o never_o so_o little_o desert_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o what_o they_o consign_v over_o to_o after-age_n be_v winnow_v from_o every_o thing_n humane_a and_o fallible_a that_o both_o officer_n and_o people_n may_v know_v the_o one_o common_a rule_n by_o which_o one_o be_v to_o govern_v the_o other_o in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v quest_n who_o be_v next_o to_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o office_n and_o power_n answ_n evangelist_n such_o as_o be_v timothy_n and_o titus_n who_o have_v a_o portion_n of_o the_o apostolic_a work_n to_o plant_v and_o settle_v church_n and_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o they_o have_v also_o a_o portion_n of_o their_o power_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o it_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v such_o till_o the_o general_n rule_n be_v full_o settle_v and_o fix_v quest_n be_v not_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n above_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n answ_n they_o be_v in_o this_o great_a point_n of_o difference_n that_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o immediate_n and_o infallible_a revelation_n commit_v to_o they_o to_o commit_v the_o same_o to_o other_o by_o direction_n from_o the_o same_o spirit_n who_o give_v they_o discern_v to_o who_o to_o entrust_v it_o till_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n be_v seal_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n else_o they_o own_v themselves_o compresbyter_n as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n style_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n with_o presbyter_n quest_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v we_o be_v to_o conclude_v that_o the_o whole_a power_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n be_v retain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n answ_n it_o be_v so_o for_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n be_v the_o only_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n which_o glory_n he_o will_v not_o give_v to_o another_o whatever_o power_n can_v be_v suppose_v resident_a in_o the_o whole_a church_n together_o be_v no_o other_o than_o in_o that_o word_n of_o truth_n public_o 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of_o this_o truth_n under_o a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o great_a moment_n than_o there_o be_v indeed_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o disunion_n and_o a_o proportionable_a abatement_n of_o christian_a love_n arise_v from_o it_o all_o heresy_n therefore_o include_v schism_n but_o all_o schism_n do_v not_o rise_v up_o to_o heresy_n quest_n be_v these_o the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n according_a to_o its_o use_n of_o those_o word_n answ_n they_o be_v most_o agreeable_a with_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o the_o word_n be_v not_o so_o set_v solemn_a and_o formal_a in_o scripture_n as_o afterward_o in_o ecclesiastic_a writer_n for_o dichostasyes_n or_o division_n into_o two_o or_o more_o party_n and_o contention_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n use_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o schism_n and_o heresy_n sometime_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o a_o sect_n or_o division_n though_o that_o be_v remarkable_o use_v in_o its_o worst_a sense_n by_o both_o the_o apostle_n 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scope_n for_o modest_a suspension_n and_o even_o dissent_v without_o imputation_n of_o schism_n for_o truth_n of_o magnitude_n either_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n practice_n or_o discipline_n be_v too_o bright_a to_o be_v refuse_v by_o sincere_a and_o honest_a mind_n after_o due_a admonition_n quest_n wherein_o lie_v then_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o schism_n answ_n that_o schism_n and_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o may_v better_o be_v understand_v i_o will_v set_v before_o you_o the_o several_a instance_n of_o schism_n in_o scripture_n and_o the_o evil_n note_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o each_o of_o they_o 1._o the_o first_o sort_n of_o schism_n be_v the_o disunion_n in_o the_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o bring_v in_o upon_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o judaique_a rite_n to_o concur_v with_o it_o this_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n rom._n 16._o 17._o call_n make_v division_n or_o party_n beside_o or_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n receive_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v that_o it_o lay_v scandal_n before_o man_n and_o draw_v they_o into_o this_o great_a mischief_n that_o instead_o of_o the_o pure_a nourishment_n of_o divine_a truth_n all_o run_v into_o this_o over-beloved_n sentiment_n and_o so_o deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o true_a and_o vigorous_a spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o also_o the_o service_n due_a to_o true_a christianity_n be_v drain_v away_o and_o consume_v upon_o this_o private_a opinion_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o mischief_n of_o all_o falsehood_n in_o religion_n and_o devotion_n in_o thing_n not_o appoint_v by_o god_n who_o only_o can_v prescribe_v what_o be_v true_o fit_v to_o our_o good_a and_o bless_v it_o with_o suitable_a effect_n miscarriage_n from_o divine_a truth_n be_v always_o find_v in_o schism_n with_o this_o mischievous_a consequence_n that_o it_o deceive_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o cloud_n and_o wind_n instead_o of_o truth_n and_o solid_a good_n 2._o a_o second_o kind_n of_o schism_n the_o apostle_n note_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 19_o 20._o be_v the_o disorder_n in_o divine-worship_n in_o that_o great_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n wherein_o they_o that_o be_v reprove_v be_v necessitate_v to_o withdraw_v and_o to_o stand_v apart_o for_o the_o manifest_v themselves_o in_o the_o purity_n of_o that_o worship_n and_o service_n for_o the_o very_a honour_n of_o it_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o schism_n be_v that_o it_o bring_v in_o a_o necessity_n of_o divide_a party_n in_o public_a religion_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o see_v good_a man_n must_v separate_v from_o such_o corruption_n and_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o they_o on_o account_n of_o which_o religion_n itself_o be_v dishonour_v as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o jumble_v of_o sect_n and_o give_v a_o uncertain_a sound_n and_o further_o than_o that_o be_v charge_v as_o if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o sect_n itself_o because_o it_o stand_v by_o itself_o thus_o christianity_n be_v call_v this_o sect_n and_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarenes_n idolatry_n damn_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o a_o heresy_n from_o itself_o and_o the_o false_a church_n charge_v the_o true_o publick-assemble_o with_o schism_n and_o a_o private_a religion_n 3._o another_o degree_n of_o schism_n the_o apostle_n tax_v in_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 11._o c._n 4._o 3._o be_v that_o this_o one_o entire_a profession_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o one_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n they_o think_v aught_o to_o be_v shred_n into_o little_a fraternity_n under_o the_o name_n of_o some_o prime_a minister_n of_o christianity_n or_o even_o under_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n himself_o as_o a_o ordinary_a master_n of_o a_o party_n except_o we_o will_v understand_v that_o those_o approve_a who_o stand_v firm_a in_o christ_n alone_o be_v manifest_v and_o stand_v alone_o by_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o schism_n of_o other_o and_o so_o appear_v as_o be_v say_v before_o like_o a_o schism_n themselves_o thus_o vain_a philosophy_n parcele_v out_o itself_o under_o its_o great_a master_n the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o be_v that_o it_o raise_v feud_n contention_n and_o faction_n as_o if_o this_o one_o integral_a christianity_n can_v have_v distinct_a interest_n and_o some_o engross_v one_o interest_n other_o another_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n thus_o reduce_v this_o schism_n all_o minister_n say_v he_o with_o all_o their_o gift_n grace_n and_o function_n be_v the_o whole_a church_n without_o any_o canton_v other_o than_o that_o order_n and_o conveniency_n require_v the_o more_o constant_a administration_n of_o religion_n in_o certain_a congregation_n with_o their_o elder_n cephas_n the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n be_v the_o corinthian_n though_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n paul_n himself_o and_o not_o only_o the_o church_n minister_n â—ut_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o cargo_n of_o light_n and_o truth_n in_o it_o be_v the_o church_n every_o truth_n every_o ordinance_n every_o minister_n whâ—ther_o of_o truth_n natural_a or_o reveal_v religion_n with_o all_o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o they_o be_v all_o the_o donation_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v and_o no_o minister_n whatever_o and_o christ_n be_v god_n who_o be_v the_o foundation_n centre_n and_o supreme_a head_n of_o this_o unity_n and_o union_n 4._o the_o last_o instance_n of_o schism_n i_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v intimate_v to_o we_o under_o that_o curious_a parable_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 12._o of_o the_o wise_a and_o excellent_a temperament_n betwixt_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n set_v in_o different_a degree_n of_o dignity_n the_o less_o comely_a part_n have_v more_o abundant_a comeliness_n and_o those_o that_o we_o think_v to_o be_v less_o honourable_a on_o these_o we_o bestow_v more_o abundant_a
only_o to_o teach_v the_o observation_n of_o thing_n command_v they_o by_o the_o lord_n himself_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o constant_a disclaimer_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o any_o despotic_a or_o lordlike_o power_n in_o church-ruler_n christ_n express_o compare_v the_o power_n he_o give_v with_o civil_a power_n and_o resolve_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o his_o disciple_n as_o be_v among_o they_o he_o say_v the_o chief_a among_o they_o shall_v be_v minister_n and_o servant_n deliver_v the_o will_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o not_o lord_n themselves_o they_o must_v have_v no_o will_n of_o their_o own_o to_o promulge_v they_o profess_v they_o preach_v jesus_n the_o lord_n and_z themselves_z servants_z for_o jesus_n sake_n servant_n of_o those_o they_o preach_v to_o as_o they_o minister_v to_o they_o the_o divine_a will_n not_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o ensample_n of_o the_o flock_n ambassador_n deliver_v only_o the_o message_n of_o their_o master_n and_o beseech_v man_n but_o if_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v give_v they_o for_o a_o dominion_n how_o great_a will_v it_o be_v 3._o these_o circumstance_n in_o religion_n may_v grow_v so_o bulky_a and_o cumbersome_a and_o make_v such_o a_o medley_n in_o it_o that_o no_o one_o will_v know_v what_o religion_n itself_o be_v 4._o the_o free_a vote_n and_o suffrage_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o receive_v as_o most_o con-decent_a and_o convenient_a be_v that_o more_o abundant_a honour_n god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o mean_a member_n of_o his_o church_n thus_o the_o whole_a affair_n in_o that_o council_n act_v 11._o be_v manage_v by_o not_o only_o the_o apostle_n the_o elder_n but_o the_o brethren_n also_o each_o according_a to_o their_o station_n and_o situation_n in_o the_o body_n the_o church_n for_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o despotique_a power_n what_o be_v command_a by_o christ_n must_v be_v so_o represent_v that_o the_o evidence_n it_o be_v so_o command_v must_v be_v due_o represent_v and_o the_o divine_a authority_n sufficient_o remonstrate_v what_o be_v of_o advice_n and_o conveniency_n must_v be_v carry_v by_o free_a suffrage_n and_o consent_v quest_n but_o still_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n and_o the_o best_a of_o society_n it_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n concern_v society_n and_o what_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o vote_n of_o people_n be_v always_o subject_a to_o turbulence_n and_o confusion_n have_v we_o not_o great_a assurance_n see_v christ_n reverse_a nothing_o natural_a but_o confirm_v it_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n not_o write_v in_o scripture_n but_o leave_v to_o their_o necessity_n and_o expediency_n according_a to_o nature_n law_n and_o so_o what_o be_v near_a to_o monarchick_a be_v far_o from_o confusion_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o among_o they_o the_o bishop_n aught_o to_o determine_v all_o thing_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n answ_n there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a monarchy_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n and_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v no_o other_o nor_o can_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n dictate_v any_o other_o there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v or_o destroy_v and_o there_o need_v not_o any_o more_o master_n for_o more_o will_v certain_o breed_v confusion_n whatever_o therefore_o be_v clear_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o to_o be_v make_v out_o to_o be_v so_o whatever_o be_v the_o evident_a dictate_v of_o nature_n as_o distinction_n of_o sex_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 3._o in_o their_o public_a appearance_n in_o religious_a assembly_n administration_n of_o divine_a service_n in_o a_o know_a language_n 1_o cor._n 14._o v._n 5._o the_o speak_v of_o one_o prophet_n only_o at_o once_o and_o not_o in_o a_o confusion_n of_o voice_n v._o 31._o all_o such_o natural_a order_n and_o decency_n or_o whatever_o be_v of_o indisputable_a decency_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o our_o native_a country_n these_o be_v the_o utmost_a bound_n of_o prescription_n all_o thing_n else_o be_v to_o be_v comprimize_v by_o agreement_n and_o suffrage_n and_o even_o these_o necessary_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v by_o doctrine_n rational_a convicton_n exhortation_n admonition_n rebuke_v and_o even_o charge_v and_o command_v with_o all_o authority_n in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a word_n and_o will_v and_o no_o otherwise_o for_o this_o i_o say_v again_o be_v the_o more_o abundant_a honour_n the_o ruler_n or_o more_o honourable_a member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o invest_v the_o low_a with_o to_o circulate_v with_o they_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o truth_n by_o transfuse_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n they_o have_v that_o they_o as_o live_v wise_a and_o intellectual_a member_n also_o may_v judge_v what_o be_v command_v they_o by_o god_n and_o not_o be_v as_o fool_n or_o lifeless_a member_n for_o 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peace_n and_o welfare_n and_o to_o punish_v offender_n and_o transgressor_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o gild_n and_o can_v no_o more_o be_v impeach_v in_o that_o procedure_n than_o in_o any_o the_o most_o undoubted_a function_n or_o right_n of_o government_n whatever_o quest_n i_o must_v desire_v to_o be_v guide_v in_o my_o thought_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o governor_n in_o reveal_v religion_n answ_n beside_o the_o legislative_a and_o vindictive_a power_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n in_o natural_a religion_n there_o be_v that_o divine_a stamp_n of_o authority_n god_n have_v engrave_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o beside_o their_o law_n they_o recommend_v religion_n by_o the_o very_a representation_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o presence_n they_o bear_v and_o have_v not_o only_o the_o more_o remote_a authority_n of_o a_o prince_n but_o the_o near_a most_o natural_a and_o kind_o authority_n of_o a_o father_n on_o account_n of_o which_o solomon_n as_o a_o king_n so_o 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often_o to_o be_v so_o immediate_o present_a with_o they_o that_o a_o divine_a sentence_n be_v in_o the_o king_n lip_n that_o they_o may_v direct_v according_a to_o truth_n and_o in_o all_o truth_n they_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v not_o only_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n but_o for_o that_o authority_n sake_n also_o god_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o 3._o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n lose_v their_o power_n by_o err_v from_o truth_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o of_o what_o authority_n be_v the_o false_a prophet_n or_o the_o false_a teacher_n but_o prince_n and_o sovereign_a power_n have_v a_o power_n though_o misapply_v to_o vindicate_v their_o authority_n upon_o those_o that_o can_v obey_v they_o except_o they_o shall_v disobey_v god_n to_o obey_v magistrate_n which_o none_o dare_v assert_v that_o acknowledge_v god_n in_o which_o power_n magistrate_n must_v not_o be_v resist_v even_o while_o they_o cause_v man_n to_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n 4._o the_o admonition_n 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for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n we_o may_v be_v oblige_v to_o forsake_v not_o only_o our_o country_n but_o our_o father_n house_n and_o to_o unite_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n found_v in_o that_o true_a religion_n yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o must_v own_v all_o that_o be_v divine_a rational_a true_a weresoever_o we_o find_v it_o much_o more_o in_o our_o native_a country_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a propagate_v true_a religion_n upon_o it_o for_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v judge_v in_o this_o world_n with_o our_o nation_n but_o shall_v rise_v with_o it_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n in_o the_o same_o station_n or_o lott_n wherein_o we_o be_v place_v in_o this_o world_n according_a to_o our_o do_v good_a in_o it_o we_o shall_v receive_v our_o reward_n with_o those_o of_o it_o that_o be_v save_v who_o shall_v then_o survive_v in_o glory_n and_o become_v as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o whole_a nation_n the_o perish_a part_n be_v lose_v as_o we_o therefore_o desire_v the_o prosperity_n of_o it_o in_o this_o world_n so_o ought_v we_o to_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_v the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o as_o many_o of_o it_o as_o we_o can_v by_o join_v with_o they_o and_o engage_v they_o in_o true_a religion_n quest_n i_o desire_v your_o second_o proposition_n answ_n it_o be_v this_o that_o in_o a_o political_a sense_n national_a religion_n be_v when_o magistrate_n and_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n join_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o establish_v it_o by_o law_n and_o devote_v to_o it_o the_o most_o public_a advantage_n that_o the_o largeness_n and_o grandeur_n of_o such_o a_o nation_n have_v in_o their_o power_n fix_v character_n of_o civil_a honour_n and_o ample_a condition_n upon_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o communicate_v to_o they_o magistratical_a power_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o external_n defence_n honour_n and_o provision_n for_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v national_a all_o which_o 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ratify_v and_o require_v of_o all_o who_o it_o entrust_v as_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n under_o its_o approbation_n and_o maintenance_n to_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n so_o comprise_v and_o public_o to_o declare_v it_o by_o use_v they_o as_o be_v appoint_v but_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v to_o put_v limit_n upon_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n first_o entrust_v by_o christ_n who_o be_v both_o in_o prayer_n preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o all_o mean_n of_o instruction_n to_o search_v into_o all_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n instruction_n reproof_n and_o to_o pray_v with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n according_a to_o the_o particular_a occasion_n and_o in_o that_o abundance_n and_o liberality_n of_o the_o divine_a oracle_n that_o they_o themselves_o may_v speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o all_o their_o service_n may_v be_v matter_n of_o bounty_n from_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o not_o of_o constraint_n and_o necessity_n as_o impose_v for_o how_o shall_v they_o then_o as_o every_o good_a scribe_n instruct_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n bring_v out_o of_o their_o treasure_n thing_n new_a and_o old_a or_o like_o the_o good_a housholder_n that_o have_v make_v provision_n and_o lay_v up_o in_o store_n to_o that_o end_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n solomon_n example_n be_v great_a according_a to_o which_o the_o preacher_n ought_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o to_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n and_o give_v good_a heed_n and_o seek_v to_o find_v out_o acceptable_a word_n that_o may_v be_v as_o goad_n and_o nail_n not_o blunt_v with_o common_a use_n quest_n i_o now_o desire_v your_o four_o proposition_n answ_n the_o benefit_n of_o national_a religion_n establish_v by_o law_n be_v that_o every_o subject_a of_o that_o nation_n have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o true_a religion_n so_o establish_v and_o may_v claim_v his_o interest_n and_o property_n in_o it_o as_o in_o all_o thing_n else_o legal_o due_a to_o he_o and_o be_v not_o oblige_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o passive_a obedience_n to_o desert_n or_o relinquish_v his_o right_n in_o it_o any_o more_o than_o his_o righteous_a claim_n or_o title_n to_o any_o thing_n else_o he_o enjoy_v by_o law_n and_o yet_o trangress_v no_o rule_n of_o christianity_n but_o have_v the_o same_o obligation_n to_o defend_v that_o his_o right_n as_o any_o other_o right_o whatever_o so_o far_o as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n enable_v he_o nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o resistance_n to_o government_n in_o so_o do_v even_o as_o there_o can_v be_v none_o but_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o trust_n of_o subordinate_a magistrate_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o law_n in_o the_o point_n of_o true_a religion_n as_o in_o all_o other_o case_n and_o of_o the_o supreme_a legislative_a power_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o foresee_v danger_n and_o prevent_v they_o by_o additional_a law_n as_o necessity_n shall_v require_v and_o all_o this_o with_o the_o prerogative_n due_a to_o religion_n quest_n i_o desire_v your_o five_o proposition_n answ_n national_a religion_n see_v it_o be_v design_v to_o comprehend_v a_o multitude_n of_o person_n of_o most_o necessary_o and_o unavoidable_o various_a sentiment_n and_o apprehension_n must_v be_v so_o prepare_v as_o that_o with_o great_a ease_n and_o room_n to_o conscience_n and_o understanding_n of_o so_o many_o several_a figure_n and_o impression_n there_o may_v be_v a_o union_n in_o national_a religion_n with_o least_o scruple_n and_o therefore_o to_o give_v all_o the_o liberty_n that_o truth_n give_v not_o impose_v arbitrary_o because_o religion_n as_o have_v be_v say_v be_v god_n peculiar_a and_o in_o that_o the_o doubt_v conscience_n can_v obey_v far_o than_o it_o see_v the_o divine_a rule_n before_o it_o not_o in_o thing_n dark_a and_o disputable_a because_o clear_a thing_n be_v only_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n not_o forcible_o except_o when_o natural_a religion_n be_v violate_v because_o patient_a instruction_n counsel_n and_o ratiocination_n be_v the_o divine_a method_n in_o give_v and_o work_v faith_n quest_n i_o now_o expect_v the_o last_o proposition_n answ_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o the_o last_o and_o therein_o conclude_v this_o whole_a enquiry_n and_o instruction_n and_o it_o be_v this_o the_o true_a religion_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o nation_n or_o city_n do_v overtop_v all_o the_o false_a and_o private_a religion_n in_o it_o and_o become_v in_o the_o sacred_a register_n the_o national_a religion_n in_o the_o sacred_a map_n the_o christian_n of_o achaia_n be_v achaia_n itself_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v the_o city_n themselves_o and_o whatever_o lesser_a difference_n or_o division_n this_o or_o that_o name_n of_o distinction_n may_v seem_v to_o make_v in_o national_a religion_n yet_o the_o true_a substantial_a religion_n in_o all_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v one_o national_a religion_n and_o become_v one_o rod_n and_o sceptre_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o nation_n be_v as_o one_o national_a tribe_n and_o church_n for_o let_v man_n do_v what_o they_o can_v against_o it_o true_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v the_o only_a public_a religion_n and_o no_o separation_n of_o man_n from_o it_o however_o call_v public_a can_v make_v it_o private_a so_o in_o what_o place_n soever_o it_o be_v it_o shall_v have_v the_o most_o public_a character_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o all_o those_o that_o sincere_o profess_v it_o shall_v be_v one_o true_a public_a religion_n and_o those_o little_a difference_n shall_v not_o cleave_v it_o into_o more_o than_o one_o without_o the_o change_n of_o true_a religion_n itself_o there_o can_v be_v a_o schism_n of_o a_o deep_a sense_n in_o it_o if_o bitterness_n and_o animosity_n censoriousness_n and_o the_o persecute_v spirit_n be_v away_o god_n will_v gracious_o interpret_v scruple_n on_o one_o side_n to_o a_o jealousy_n for_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n the_o freedom_n of_o the_o other_o to_o a_o desire_n to_o propagate_v it_o under_o the_o favour_n of_o law_n and_o thereby_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v most_o good_n in_o heaven_n they_o now_o be_v all_o one_o and_o shall_v be_v one_o and_o the_o envy_n strife_n and_o contention_n which_o the_o good_a lord_n pardon_v shall_v be_v utter_o abolish_v this_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o true_a religion_n of_o public_a divine_a religion_n now_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n that_o bring_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a our_o lord_n jesus_n that_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n make_v his_o church_n and_o his_o church_n in_o this_o nation_n perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n to_o do_v his_o will_n work_v in_o it_o that_o which_o be_v well_o please_v in_o his_o sight_n through_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la page_n 36._o l._n 20._o for_o scale_n read_v seal_v p._n 70._o l._n 9_o r._n record_n
themselves_o they_o may_v then_o taste_v the_o graciousness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gratefulness_n of_o truth_n in_o they_o without_o impose_v on_o any_o other_o who_o can_v see_v by_o their_o light_n 5._o yea_o even_o in_o thing_n controvert_v between_o holy_a wise_a and_o good_a man_n in_o interpret_n scripture_n each_o part_n of_o the_o controversy_n when_o both_o can_v be_v reconcile_v in_o their_o sense_n yet_o support_v and_o make_v strong_a to_o their_o faith_n some_o grand_a evident_a principle_n of_o divine_a and_o public_a truth_n in_o which_o both_o side_n meet_v and_o be_v firm_o unite_v and_o to_o which_o each_o reconcile_v their_o own_o opinion_n wherein_o they_o seem_v to_o differ_v from_o such_o principle_n or_o from_o one_o another_o and_o leave_v a_o middle_a in_o which_o they_o may_v meet_v one_o another_o and_o wherein_o person_n unconcern_v in_o their_o controversy_n rest_v upon_o which_o agitation_n yet_o follow_v great_a illustration_n and_o confirmation_n of_o such_o grand_a principle_n and_o enlargement_n of_o knowledge_n by_o the_o very_a traverse_n of_o dispute_n among_o man_n sincere_o affect_v to_o truth_n and_o who_o search_n into_o it_o without_o the_o love_n of_o contention_n without_o bitterness_n and_o animosity_n but_o humble_o modest_o and_o with_o largeness_n of_o mind_n towards_o those_o that_o dissent_n from_o they_o 6._o god_n the_o friend_n of_o universal_a knowledge_n allow_v the_o soul_n gratification_n of_o itself_o with_o probable_a sentiment_n restrain_v within_o due_a bound_n that_o may_v grow_v from_o scripture-interpretation_n 7._o and_o last_o pardon_n the_o infirmity_n adhere_v to_o humane_a transaction_n in_o this_o most_o necessary_a duty_n of_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o overrule_v such_o miscarriage_n yea_o and_o even_o the_o more_o malevolent_a distemper_n of_o man_n herein_o some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o good_a and_o make_v they_o oftentimes_o servant_n to_o some_o great_a point_n of_o truth_n quest_n all_o this_o that_o have_v be_v describe_v i_o confess_v agree_v with_o so_o public_a and_o catholic_n a_o record_n as_o scripture_n be_v a_o record_n wherein_o every_o one_o that_o come_v to_o it_o may_v search_v his_o own_o interest_n and_o concern_v in_o it_o and_o improve_v it_o to_o the_o utmost_a a_o record_n that_o offer_v and_o expose_v itself_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o close_o inquire_v into_o by_o all_o but_o how_o be_v it_o secure_v from_o a_o multitude_n of_o private_a interpretation_n when_o so_o many_o interpretation_n acknowledged_o private_a continual_o pass_v upon_o it_o answ_n herein_o it_o be_v secure_a 1._o that_o scripture_n be_v not_o of_o any_o interpretation_n but_o it_o be_v own_o native_a sense_n it_o be_v not_o under_o the_o power_n of_o any_o other_o it_o stand_v free_a and_o clear_a far_o above_o all_o interpretation_n of_o man_n to_o be_v consider_v by_o any_o one_o in_o itself_o and_o not_o under_o such_o interpretation_n such_o interpretation_n do_v not_o become_v scripture_n nor_o bind_v any_o one_o under_o the_o curse_n fix_v on_o those_o that_o add_v to_o scripture_n or_o take_v from_o it_o these_o interpretation_n may_v be_v add_v to_o or_o take_v from_o according_a as_o man_n see_v reason_n of_o scripture_n preponderate_v one_o way_n or_o other_o this_o be_v the_o freedom_n of_o scripture_n to_o suffer_v all_o due_a approach_n to_o its_o sense_n this_o be_v its_o most_o severe_a constancy_n to_o refuse_v all_o but_o it_o be_v own_o true_a sense_n 2._o as_o scripture_n be_v not_o of_o any_o interpretation_n but_o it_o be_v own_o native_a sense_n so_o its_o sense_n be_v of_o no_o other_o evidence_n but_o of_o spiritual_a divine_a and_o true_o rational_a evidence_n so_o that_o if_o any_o man_n do_v not_o bring_v such_o proof_n of_o scripture_n sense_n as_o agree_v with_o scripture_n way_n of_o evidence_v itself_o and_o scripture_n way_n be_v not_o that_o of_o private_a authority_n or_o humane_a imposition_n but_o of_o divine_a 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have_v put_v in_o his_o own_o power_n but_o most_o probable_o at_o the_o time_n of_o fulfil_v the_o great_a prophecy_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o shall_v be_v such_o extraordinary_a effusion_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o shall_v expedite_v all_o doubt_n and_o make_v every_o thing_n clear_a the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v not_o reserve_v for_o heaven_n to_o adorn_v the_o absolute_a state_n of_o perfection_n there_o quest_n see_v by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v how_o incongruous_a private_a interpretation_n be_v to_o public_a scripture_n or_o that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v trust_v with_o the_o one_o and_o not_o with_o the_o other_o what_o account_v therefore_o can_v be_v give_v of_o translation_n may_v not_o they_o bring_v in_o a_o private_a interpretation_n upon_o scripture_n if_o not_o perform_v by_o a_o immediate_a divine_a assistance_n answ_n even_o as_o in_o the_o safe_a conveyance_n of_o scripture_n itself_o and_o preserve_v it_o pure_a from_o gross_a falsification_n so_o in_o translation_n we_o must_v leave_v