steddiness_n purity_n and_o soberness_n this_o new_a nature_n while_o it_o be_v lodge_v in_o the_o earthly_a tabernacle_n be_v clog_v with_o many_o adverse_a thing_n especial_o the_o relic_n of_o the_o old_a nature_n which_o cause_n much_o vanity_n of_o thought_n indisposedness_n of_o mind_n motion_n to_o evil_a and_o aversation_n from_o good_a and_o sometime_o more_o sensible_a disorder_n of_o affection_n and_o eruption_n of_o unruly_a passion_n and_o aberration_n in_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o same_o divine_a principal_n be_v in_o some_o christian_n more_o firm_a lively_a and_o active_a than_o in_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v habitual_o prevalent_a in_o they_o all_o and_o it_o resist_v and_o overcome_v the_o contrary_a principle_n even_o in_o the_o case_n of_o most_o belove_a sin_n and_o strong_a temptation_n and_o persevere_fw-la in_o earnest_n and_o fearful_a endeavour_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o degree_n of_o sanctity_n be_v obtain_v it_o ascribe_v whole_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n christianity_n be_v know_v what_o it_o be_v it_o may_v easy_o be_v know_v what_o it_o be_v not_o and_o so_o the_o false_a disguise_n of_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v detect_v forasmuch_o as_o it_o look_v far_o high_o than_o the_o temporal_a interest_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o settling_n of_o this_o life_n though_o it_o do_v not_o overlook_v they_o it_o can_v be_v think_v to_o have_v do_v its_o work_n in_o make_v man_n mere_o just-dealer_n good_a neighbour_n and_o profitable_a member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n for_o such_o may_v be_v some_o of_o they_o that_o be_v without_o christ_n without_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n moreover_o it_o can_v lie_v so_o low_a as_o in_o a_o bare_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o observance_n of_o its_o external_a institute_n accompany_v with_o a_o civil_a conversation_n as_o for_o such_o as_o rest_v in_o these_o thing_n what_o be_v they_o more_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n than_o the_o heathen_n that_o know_v he_o not_o and_o wherein_o do_v they_o differ_v from_o they_o except_o in_o a_o dead_a faith_n and_o outward_a form_n take_v up_o by_o education_n tradition_n example_n custom_n of_o the_o country_n and_o other_o such_o like_a motive_n nor_o do_v it_o lie_v in_o unwritten_a doctrine_n and_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n devise_v by_o man_n nor_o yet_o in_o curiosity_n of_o opinion_n or_o accidental_a mode_n of_o worship_n discipline_n or_o church-government_n nor_o in_o one_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o sector_n party_n nor_o in_o mere_a orthodoxality_n all_o which_o be_v rest_v in_o be_v but_o the_o false_a cover_n of_o hypocrite_n it_o be_v not_o the_o lax_n and_o easy_a low_a and_o large_a rule_n by_o which_o libertine_n and_o formalist_n yea_o some_o pretend_a perfectionist_n do_v measure_v their_o own_o righteousness_n who_o assert_v their_o perfectness_n by_o disannul_v or_o lessen_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v not_o any_o kind_n of_o morality_n or_o virtue_n whatsoever_o which_o be_v not_o true_a holiness_n or_o entire_a dedication_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o much_o less_o be_v it_o that_o loose_a and_o jolly_a religion_n of_o the_o sensual_a gang_n who_o keep_v up_o a_o superficial_a devotion_n in_o some_o external_a form_n but_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o real_a irreligion_n and_o profaneness_n and_o bid_v defiance_n to_o a_o circumspect_a walk_n and_o serious_a course_n of_o godliness_n and_o now_o it_o be_v too_o apparent_a what_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o prophess_n the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v christian_n in_o name_n only_o and_o not_o indeed_o their_o alienation_n from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o their_o enmity_n against_o it_o and_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n in_o the_o lust_n thereof_o do_v testify_v that_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n but_o christian_n indeed_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n above_o express_v which_o be_v now_o in_o they_o though_o not_o in_o the_o high_a yet_o in_o a_o prevalent_a degree_n do_v make_v it_o their_o utmost_a end_n to_o know_v love_n honour_n and_o please_v god_n to_o be_v conformable_a to_o he_o and_o to_o have_v the_o fruition_n of_o he_o in_o the_o perfection_n of_o which_o conformity_n and_o fruition_n they_o place_v the_o perfection_n of_o their_o blessedness_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o native_a bondage_n under_o the_o guilt_n and_o power_n of_o sin_n they_o come_v to_o the_o mediator_n jesus_n christ_n and_o rest_n upon_o he_o by_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o merit_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n to_o reconcile_v and_o sanctify_v they_o to_o god_n and_o according_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o he_o as_o their_o absolute_a teacher_n and_o ruler_n &_o all-sufficient_a saviour_n have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o which_o be_v of_o god_n they_o be_v crucify_v to_o the_o honour_n profit_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v their_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n and_o prepare_v for_o suffering_n in_o this_o life_n and_o by_o faith_n overcome_v they_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v the_o directory_n of_o their_o practice_n from_o day_n to_o day_n by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n they_o prove_v their_o own_o work_n and_o come_v to_o the_o light_n thereof_o that_o their_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a to_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n they_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n in_o the_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n of_o his_o appointment_n that_o they_o may_v glorify_v he_o and_o enjoy_v spiritual_a communion_n with_o he_o and_o be_v bless_v of_o he_o especial_o with_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o christ_n and_o as_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n they_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v their_o aim_n care_n and_o exercise_v to_o keep_v conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o to_o render_v to_o all_o their_o due_n both_o in_o their_o public_a and_o private_a capacity_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o love_n towards_o all_o not_o exclude_v enemy_n and_o to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a they_o can_v both_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o man_n but_o those_o that_o fear_n god_n they_o more_o high_o prize_n and_o favour_n the_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n within_o themselves_o they_o know_v feel_o and_o watch_v and_o pray_v and_o strive_v that_o they_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n and_o maintain_v a_o continual_a warfare_n against_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o jesus_n christ_n their_o leader_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o their_o holy_a profession_n with_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n they_o endeavour_v to_o be_v blameless_a and_o harmless_a as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o their_o good_a conversation_n to_o turn_v other_o to_o righteousness_n such_o be_v the_o character_n of_o those_o person_n upon_o who_o soul_n the_o holy_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v impress_v and_o in_o who_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v its_o real_a be_v force_n and_o virtue_n these_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o heavenly_a call_n and_o set_v apart_o for_o god_n to_o do_v he_o service_n in_o the_o present_a world_n and_o afterward_o to_o live_v in_o glory_n with_o he_o for_o ever_o these_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n the_o church_n be_v here_o take_v as_o mystical_a not_o as_o visible_a and_o these_o be_v all_o join_v together_o by_o one_o spirit_n in_o one_o body_n under_o christ_n their_o head_n in_o the_o same_o new_a nature_n have_v one_o rule_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o one_o hope_v of_o their_o call_n these_o be_v a_o great_a multitude_n which_o no_o man_n can_v number_v of_o all_o nation_n and_o kindred_n and_o people_n and_o tongue_n yet_o hitherto_o not_o proportionable_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o they_o continue_v throughout_o all_o age_n but_o in_o great_a or_o lesser_a number_n and_o more_o or_o less_o refine_v from_o superstition_n or_o other_o corruption_n and_o more_o or_o less_o sever_v from_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o antichristian_a state_n according_a to_o the_o brightness_n or_o darkness_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o they_o live_v chap._n ii_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o first_o holy_a doctrine_n the_o advancement_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o have_v its_o beginning_n in_o the_o new_a birth_n be_v the_o great_a end_n propound_v in_o this_o discourse_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o end_n
inherent_a righteousness_n by_o which_o the_o faithful_a be_v true_o name_v righteous_a not_o only_o before_o man_n but_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o which_o can_v be_v no_o more_o without_o good_a work_n then_o the_o sun_n without_o light_n that_o this_o be_v so_o perfect_a as_o not_o to_o lack_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o righteousness_n nor_o to_o be_v maim_v in_o any_o principal_a part_n thereof_o though_o in_o respect_n of_o degree_n and_o some_o accidental_a part_n it_o be_v imperfect_a that_o the_o faithful_a can_v by_v this_o inherent_a righteousness_n abide_v the_o strict_a trial_n of_o divine_a justice_n but_o they_o be_v acquit_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o their_o deserve_a punishment_n by_o the_o mere_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n that_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v so_o far_o bestow_v on_o believer_n and_o make_v they_o that_o in_o the_o merit_n and_o consideration_n thereof_o they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o condemnation_n of_o hell_n be_v justify_v unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o adopt_a to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n and_o impute_a righteousness_n in_o this_o sense_n can_v be_v gainsay_v that_o no_o faith_n be_v justify_v but_o that_o which_o work_v by_o love_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o good_a work_n that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o everlasting_a life_n be_v faith_n alone_o not_o as_o exclude_v repentance_n and_o new_a obedience_n but_o as_o exclude_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n or_o legal_a covenant_n and_o this_o be_v no_o derogation_n from_o the_o free_a grace_n that_o the_o faithful_a keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o in_o some_o sense_n may_v be_v say_v to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o strictness_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o duty_n without_o reserve_v in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n as_o the_o scripture_n say_v love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n that_o obedience_n every_o way_n perfect_a be_v require_v of_o the_o faithful_a as_o their_o duty_n but_o not_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o eternal_a death_n yet_o under_o that_o penalty_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o sincere_a obedience_n that_o good_a work_n have_v relation_n to_o eternal_a life_n as_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o end_n in_o that_o manner_n as_o the_o seed_n to_o have_a as_o the_o race_n and_o combat_n to_o the_o prize_n as_o the_o work_n to_o the_o reward_n not_o according_a to_o equality_n or_o condignity_n or_o merit_v strict_o so_o call_v but_o according_a to_o free_a compact_n or_o congruity_n that_o the_o faithful_a may_v be_v assure_v of_o their_o own_o justification_n by_o a_o true_a fix_a persuasion_n that_o exclude_v hesitation_n and_o suspense_n and_o cause_v holy_a security_n peace_n and_o joy_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o labour_v for_o such_o assurance_n which_o arise_v partly_o from_o the_o divine_a promise_n and_o partly_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o infeigned_a faith_n that_o though_o godliness_n stand_v not_o in_o absolute_a perfection_n yet_o it_o stand_v in_o that_o integrity_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n a_o indubitable_a evidence_n whereof_o can_v be_v have_v without_o a_o very_a careful_a and_o close_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o continue_v earnest_a endeavour_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o his_o fear_n that_o all_o human_a action_n must_v have_v a_o actual_a or_o habitual_a reference_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o best_a manner_n for_o that_o end_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o power_n of_o divine_a grace_n which_o work_v mighty_o in_o god_n choose_v whosoever_o will_v be_v save_v must_v watch_v and_o pray_v and_o strive_v and_o bestow_v his_o chief_a care_n and_o pain_n therein_o and_o so_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o constant_a exercise_n not_o of_o a_o popish_a outside_n formal_a but_o a_o spiritual_a and_o real_a mortification_n and_o self_n denial_n in_o continual_a dependence_n on_o god_n grace_n who_o work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n in_o the_o position_n aforego_v all_o nice_a obscure_a perplex_a and_o unnecessary_a notion_n be_v avoid_v and_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o gospel_n doctrine_n be_v attend_v this_o simplicity_n and_o plainess_n make_v the_o truth_n much_o more_o intelligible_a and_o less_o controvertible_a where_o a_o multitude_n of_o nice_a term_n and_o notion_n be_v vain_a and_o hurtful_a superfluity_n that_o muffle_v the_o truth_n and_o cloud_v man_n judgement_n and_o multiply_v controversy_n and_o cause_v much_o confusion_n chap._n iii_o the_o due_a order_n of_o gospel_n worship_n forasmuch_o as_o divine_a worship_n be_v the_o first_o and_o near_a act_n of_o piety_n and_o aim_v immediate_o at_o the_o glorify_v of_o god_n name_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o soul_n devote_v to_o he_o the_o due_a order_n thereof_o must_v needs_o be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a concernment_n of_o true_a religion_n whereupon_o such_o a_o order_n thereof_o must_v needs_o be_v most_o desirable_a as_o have_v most_o tendency_n to_o exalt_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n name_n and_o to_o advance_v the_o soul_n pure_a devotion_n and_o doubtless_o that_o have_v most_o tendency_n thereunto_o which_o be_v most_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o will_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o fetch_n of_o man_n wit_n in_o commend_v their_o will-worship_n god_n best_o know_v what_o service_n will_v please_v he_o best_o and_o do_v we_o most_o good_a it_o become_v we_o neither_o to_o contemn_v god_n authority_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o his_o institution_n nor_o to_o control_v his_o wisdom_n in_o the_o addition_n of_o vain_a invention_n and_o this_o will_v bring_v we_o into_o the_o way_n of_o a_o reasonable_a service_n most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o profitable_a to_o ourselves_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n our_o lord_n christ_n be_v to_o establish_v a_o more_o perfect_a way_n than_o what_o have_v be_v before_o lay_v this_o foundation_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_n he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n according_o he_o antiquate_v the_o old_a legal_a form_n great_a in_o outward_a furniture_n and_o visible_a spendor_n but_o comparative_o small_a in_o substance_n and_o inward_a power_n and_o institute_v a_o other_o of_o a_o far_o different_a strain_n wherein_o the_o ritual_n and_o external_o be_v few_o and_o plain_a but_o their_o substance_n and_o inward_a power_n be_v great_a and_o mighty_a and_o when_o he_o abrogate_a former_a thing_n which_o for_o their_o time_n have_v the_o stamp_n of_o divine_a authority_n because_o they_o suit_v not_o with_o the_o gospel_n state_n and_o be_v in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n call_v carnal_a ordinance_n that_o be_v not_o good_a doubtless_o it_o be_v not_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n that_o man_n shall_v erect_v new_a frame_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v after_o the_o similitude_n of_o those_o old_a thing_n that_o be_v pass_v away_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n after_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n as_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n which_o be_v worship_v and_o best_a fit_v to_o glorify_v he_o as_o god_n indeed_o so_o it_o be_v also_o most_o efficacious_a to_o make_v the_o worshipper_n more_o know_v in_o religion_n more_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a in_o spirit_n and_o conversation_n and_o every_o way_n more_o perfect_a in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n irreverence_n rudeness_n sordidness_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o negligence_n in_o the_o outward_a service_n of_o god_n be_v not_o here_o commend_v under_o the_o simplicity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o gospel_n worship_n due_a regard_n must_v be_v have_v to_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o decency_n the_o neglect_n whereof_o will_v render_v the_o service_n undecent_a such_o as_o be_v convenient_a place_n of_o assemble_v common_o call_v church_n comely_a furniture_n and_o convenient_a utensil_n therein_o a_o grave_a habit_n not_o of_o special_a sanctity_n but_o of_o civil_a decency_n for_o a_o minister_n all_o which_o shall_v not_o be_v vile_a and_o beggarly_a but_o graceful_a and_o seemly_a likewise_o a_o well_o compose_v countenance_n and_o reverend_a gesture_n be_v requisite_a in_o all_o that_o present_v themselves_o before_o the_o lord_n sit_v or_o loll_v or_o cover_v the_o head_n or_o have_v the_o hat_n halfway_n on_o in_o prayer_n be_v among_o we_o unseemly_o except_o natural_a infirmity_n call_v for_o indulgence_n herein_o but_o laugh_v talk_a gaze_v about_o in_o our_o attendance_n on_o religious_a exercise_n be_v no_o better_a than_o profaneness_n and_o to_o come_v into_o the_o congregation_n walk_v with_o our_o hat_n on_o
know_v not_o whether_o shall_v prosper_v this_o or_o that_o or_o whether_o they_o shall_v be_v alike_o good_a whatsoever_o scornful_a or_o careless_a man_n conceit_n hereof_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v make_v it_o praiseworthy_a and_o precious_a the_o tongue_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o choice_a silver_n and_o the_o lip_n of_o the_o righteous_a feed_v many_o and_o to_o good_a heart_n this_o practice_n will_v not_o be_v burdensome_a for_o they_o will_v recreate_v their_o mind_n herewith_o as_o a_o holy_a divertisement_n and_o serious_a pastime_n while_o other_o spend_v their_o leisure_n in_o that_o mirth_n and_o laughter_n which_o the_o wise_a man_n call_v madness_n chap._n ix_o the_o prevalence_n of_o religion_n or_o real_a godliness_n in_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o a_o nation_n in_o christian_a state_n and_o kingdom_n religion_n be_v god_n interest_n aught_o to_o have_v the_o preeminence_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o its_o preeminence_n be_v no_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o right_n of_o the_o high_a power_n but_o their_o establishment_n god_n alone_o have_v a_o underive_v and_o unlimited_a empire_n over_o man_n his_o creature_n the_o people_n be_v primary_o god_n subject_n and_o then_o be_v subject_a to_o prince_n as_o to_o his_o vicegerent_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o be_v the_o grand_a interest_n both_o of_o prince_n and_o people_n none_o can_v doubt_v that_o god_n have_v make_v his_o own_o glory_n and_o man_n salvation_n the_o supreme_a end_n of_o government_n and_o subjection_n and_o consequent_o that_o be_v the_o best_a policy_n which_o give_v these_o end_n the_o high_a place_n and_o make_v temporal_a advantage_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n subordinate_a thereunto_o and_o this_o require_v that_o the_o constitution_n give_v the_o high_a regard_n to_o god_n law_n and_o maintain_v their_o authority_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a public_a administration_n tend_v to_o the_o promote_a of_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o to_o the_o suppress_n of_o all_o unrighteous_a and_o impious_a practice_n as_o it_o be_v the_o church_n duty_n and_o honour_n to_o teach_v and_o command_v her_o child_n to_o do_v whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v so_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n and_o chief_a glory_n of_o the_o magistrate_n who_o be_v god_n minister_n to_o defend_v the_o faith_n and_o uphold_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o further_a the_o most_o lively_a and_o powerful_a dispensation_n of_o they_o and_o to_o encourage_v and_o command_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n write_v in_o nature_n or_o scripture_n in_o subserviency_n hereunto_o his_o power_n be_v to_o determine_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v requisite_a in_o general_n but_o in_o particular_a be_v leave_v undetermined_a of_o god_n and_o therefore_o call_v indifferent_a and_o be_v to_o be_v order_v by_o human_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o for_o these_o end_v the_o chief_a magistrate_n have_v a_o supremacy_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a but_o it_o be_v no_o diminution_n of_o his_o authority_n to_o remove_v from_o it_o thing_n unnecessary_a unprofitablen_a and_o offensive_a in_o their_o use_n and_o for_o their_o doubtful_a nature_n apt_a to_o perplex_v the_o subject_n conscience_n and_o he_o be_v the_o general_a bishop_n of_o his_o dominion_n in_o a_o political_a sense_n without_o any_o encroachment_n upon_o that_o authority_n wherewith_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o the_o church_n have_v invest_v spiritual_a pastor_n as_o he_o be_v such_o a_o officer_n it_o be_v worthy_a of_o his_o chief_a care_n to_o provide_v and_o send_v forth_o able_a and_o faithful_a dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n that_o may_v teach_v the_o people_n the_o good_a knowledge_n of_o god_n after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o good_a king_n jehoshaphat_n and_o to_o see_v that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v the_o cure_n of_o soul_n be_v resident_a with_o his_o flock_n and_o constant_o instruct_v they_o by_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o catechise_v they_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v pluralist_n to_o seize_v upon_o several_a congregation_n as_o a_o prey_n to_o fleece_v but_o not_o to_o feed_v they_o to_o encourage_v laborious_a minister_n that_o watch_n for_o the_o people_n soul_n as_o those_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n and_o strict_o to_o enjoin_v the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n which_o be_v sanctify_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n by_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n in_o settle_v this_o as_o all_o other_o ordinance_n pertain_v to_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o so_o have_v continue_v in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o place_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o by_o as_o unquestionable_a tradition_n as_o the_o scripture_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o of_o little_a moment_n to_o suppress_v or_o at_o least_o to_o bring_v into_o disgrace_n whatsoever_o custom_n serve_v for_o nought_o but_o to_o feed_v inordinate_a sensuality_n and_o to_o make_v those_o that_o use_v they_o profane_v vicious_a and_o licentious_a there_o be_v frequent_v show_v and_o pastime_n well_o know_v that_o increase_n unto_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o may_v be_v call_v the_o devil_n ordinance_n those_o that_o wish_v well_o to_o piety_n have_v a_o ill_a part_n to_o act_v when_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o defend_v some_o exercise_n from_o which_o a_o extreem_v abuse_n be_v inseparable_a and_o which_o be_v make_v a_o trade_n of_o gain_n arise_v from_o the_o impurity_n and_o profaneness_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v incorrigible_a and_o can_v admit_v no_o reformation_n the_o piety_n of_o any_o nation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o formality_n and_o opinion_n and_o uniformity_n in_o little_a thing_n but_o by_o substantial_a devotion_n by_o solid_a zeal_n in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o main_a concern_v of_o religion_n by_o righteousness_n of_o life_n by_o sobriety_n purity_n modesty_n by_o peace_n and_o concord_n with_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o those_o difference_n that_o shall_v not_o and_o need_v not_o make_v breach_n among_o brethren_n by_o dutifulness_n in_o all_o relation_n by_o industry_n frugality_n and_o by_o abound_a charity_n that_o be_v full_a of_o good_a work_n happy_a be_v that_o state_n where_o religious_a influence_n be_v predominant_a where_o the_o pious_a and_o prudent_a bear_n sway_n not_o by_o intrusion_n but_o by_o lawful_a admission_n also_o where_o it_o arise_v to_o that_o strength_n as_o to_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o the_o affection_n and_o interest_n of_o a_o nation_n not_o by_o set_v up_o the_o faction_n of_o a_o few_o but_o by_o make_v the_o generality_n or_o at_o least_o the_o great_a number_n of_o considerable_a man_n some_o of_o they_o true_o regenerate_v christian_n and_o the_o rest_n orderly_o and_o well_o affect_v one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v out_o of_o question_n that_o it_o be_v more_o desirable_a that_o religiousness_n shall_v be_v in_o fashion_n than_o open_a dissoluteness_n and_o profaneness_n for_o uncontrolled_a profaneness_n will_v run_v down_o all_o religion_n but_o when_o those_o that_o reach_v not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n indeed_o come_v so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v up_o a_o outward_a garb_n thereof_o it_o be_v a_o great_a external_a advantage_n to_o true_a religion_n and_o show_v its_o prevalent_a influence_n on_o the_o public_a state_n if_o any_o shall_v demur_v upon_o this_o assertion_n by_o make_v it_o a_o question_n whether_o phariseim_n or_o profaneness_n be_v the_o worse_a evil_n let_v he_o know_v first_o that_o profane_a and_o dissolute_a christian_n be_v notorious_a hypocrite_n for_o profess_v to_o know_v god_n when_o in_o work_v they_o deny_v he_o beside_o phariseism_n be_v not_o simple_a insincerity_n but_o a_o compound_n hypocrisy_n wherein_o malignity_n and_o enmity_n against_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v the_o chief_a ingredient_n it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o strict_a externalness_n that_o seek_v to_o destroy_v the_o inward_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o it_o pretend_v to_o own_o i_o have_v no_o list_n to_o say_v that_o such_o malignity_n be_v less_o mischievous_a than_o filthy_a lewdness_n or_o debauchery_n but_o the_o garb_n of_o strict_a profession_n here_o mention_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o church_n good_a though_o we_o must_v continual_o and_o strict_o charge_v all_o man_n to_o beware_v of_o rest_v in_o it_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n chap._n x._o christian_n unity_n and_o concord_n all_o faithful_a christian_n be_v member_n of_o one_o mystical_a body_n have_v all_o one_o spirit_n one_o lord_n and_o head_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n and_o one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o they_o all_o one_o hope_n of_o their_o call_v and_o one_o heaven_n to_o receive_v they_o all_o
as_o well_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o rational_a discourse_n whatsoever_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o god_n testimony_n be_v much_o more_o effectual_a than_o the_o argument_n of_o human_a reason_n to_o command_v assent_n and_o quiet_a man_n mind_n and_o appease_v their_o contest_v and_o if_o we_o yield_v not_o our_o controversy_n to_o be_v final_o decide_v by_o this_o sacred_a rule_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v or_o wherein_o shall_v we_o all_o be_v bind_v up_o the_o truth_n be_v when_o man_n seek_v out_o vain_a invention_n to_o please_v their_o own_o fancy_n or_o to_o serve_v their_o own_o end_n and_o find_v their_o devise_a way_n condemn_v by_o god_n word_n then_o they_o fall_v to_o derogate_v from_o its_o authority_n and_o sufficiciency_n and_o talk_n much_o of_o the_o impertinency_n and_o folly_n of_o those_o that_o insist_v upon_o it_o and_o cry_v up_o tradition_n and_o reason_n and_o that_o wisdom_n of_o man_n that_o be_v but_o foolishness_n with_o god_n when_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v as_o well_o as_o they_o shall_v they_o must_v be_v as_o they_o may_v there_o be_v some_o useful_a truth_n and_o practice_n that_o may_v be_v too_o dear_o buy_v if_o purchase_v with_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n and_o the_o hazard_n of_o its_o whole_a estate_n howbeit_o then_o be_v the_o best_a state_n of_o thing_n when_o the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v the_o standardmeasure_n of_o all_o and_o nothing_o be_v retain_v but_o what_o be_v plain_o agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o the_o safety_n of_o pure_a religion_n lie_v in_o as_o through_o a_o reformation_n according_a to_o this_o rule_n as_o the_o time_n will_v bear_v let_v the_o severe_a reason_n that_o be_v impartial_a weigh_v the_o follow_a word_n write_v by_o one_o of_o a_o catholic_n spirit_n and_o true_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o reform_a christianity_n touch_v our_o departure_n from_o rome_n we_o shall_v leave_v upon_o we_o no_o string_n or_o tassel_n of_o our_o ancient_a captivity_n such_o as_o whereby_o they_o may_v take_v hold_n of_o we_o to_o pull_v we_o back_o again_o into_o our_o former_a bondage_n but_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o absolute_o free_a from_o any_o tie_n to_o they_o more_o than_o in_o endeavour_v their_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n which_o we_o know_v so_o experimental_o not_o to_o be_v compass_v by_o needless_a symbolizing_n with_o they_o in_o any_o thing_n i_o conceive_v it_o our_o best_a policy_n studious_o to_o imitate_v they_o in_o nothing_o but_o for_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o think_v rather_o the_o worse_a of_o they_o for_o their_o use_v they_o as_o no_o person_n of_o honour_n will_v willing_o go_v in_o the_o know_a garb_n of_o any_o lewd_a and_o infamous_a person_n whatsoever_o we_o court_v they_o in_o they_o do_v but_o turn_v to_o our_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n and_o be_v more_o harden_v in_o their_o own_o wickedness_n wherefore_o see_v that_o needless_a symbolizing_n with_o they_o do_v they_o no_o good_a but_o hurt_n we_o shall_v account_v ourselves_o in_o all_o thing_n indifferent_a perfect_o free_a to_o please_v and_o satisfy_v in_o the_o most_o universal_a manner_n we_o can_v those_o of_o our_o own_o party_n not_o care_v what_o opinion_n or_o custom_n or_o outward_a formality_n the_o romanist_n and_o other_o have_v and_o may_v have_v have_v from_o the_o first_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o word_n popery_n it_o be_v not_o more_o odious_a than_o ambiguous_a among_o protestant_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n some_o that_o will_v speak_v hard_a word_n against_o it_o have_v draw_v it_o into_o so_o extreme_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o to_o place_v it_o in_o little_a more_o than_o a_o secular_a interest_n of_o power_n controvert_v between_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o prince_n and_o prelate_n of_o christendom_n and_o other_o that_o make_v it_o broad_a be_v yet_o very_o tender_a if_o not_o fond_a of_o many_o gross_a corruption_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n some_o have_v extend_v it_o so_o far_o as_o to_o disparage_v thing_n good_a and_o laudable_a and_o requisite_a and_o ignorant_o call_v by_o that_o name_n whatsoever_o they_o fancy_v not_o nevertheless_o those_o useless_a and_o offensive_a thing_n take_v up_o by_o the_o papal_a church_n since_o the_o time_n of_o their_o know_a apostasy_n both_o doctrine_n and_o custom_n and_o that_o be_v they_o more_o peculiar_o may_v just_o be_v call_v popish_a though_o they_o be_v not_o impose_v as_o apostolic_a command_n or_o mean_n of_o obtain_v pardon_n of_o sin_n or_o of_o work_a grace_n why_o shall_v we_o be_v tenacious_a of_o their_o form_n to_o the_o scandal_n of_o those_o of_o our_o own_o belief_n how_o be_v we_o oblige_v or_o concern_v to_o conform_v to_o their_o usage_n more_o than_o they_o be_v to_o we_o have_v they_o any_o authority_n over_o we_o or_o be_v they_o any_o way_n a_o rule_n unto_o we_o be_v not_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o right_a both_o their_o rule_n and_o we_o or_o can_v they_o upbraid_v we_o for_o depart_v from_o they_o in_o these_o at_o least_o unnecessary_a opinion_n and_o custom_n unless_o they_o upbraid_v we_o upon_o those_o ground_n which_o we_o have_v reject_v together_o with_o their_o usurpation_n and_o and_o which_o if_o we_o receive_v again_o we_o must_v quit_v protestancy_n itself_o this_o strive_v to_o come_v so_o near_o they_o whether_o tend_v it_o but_o to_o reduce_v we_o again_o into_o that_o church_n for_o by_o all_o approach_n to_o they_o they_o be_v not_o draw_v one_o step_n towards_o we_o but_o be_v the_o more_o harden_v and_o still_o they_o rest_v unmoveable_a on_o the_o rock_n of_o their_o pretend_a supremacy_n and_o infallibility_n the_o impurity_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n lie_v chief_o in_o its_o superstition_n and_o sensuality_n in_o the_o grosser_n part_n of_o its_o superstition_n be_v manifold_a gross_a idolatry_n and_o any_o way_n of_o symbolise_v with_o idolatry_n which_o be_v spiritual_a whoredom_n shall_v be_v dread_v by_o the_o chaste_a spouse_n of_o chirst_n as_o the_o retain_v of_o such_o image_n as_o have_v be_v and_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v make_v object_n of_o religious_a adoration_n and_o the_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o peculiar_a garb_n and_o fashion_n of_o idolater_n in_o their_o worship_n moreover_o where_o the_o gross_a pollution_n be_v avoid_v if_o their_o pomp_n and_o train_n of_o ceremony_n be_v retain_v they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o take_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o as_o be_v busy_v in_o they_o and_o to_o corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o make_v it_o a_o dead_a work_n and_o carnal_a service_n and_o so_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n will_v decay_v and_o die_v among_o the_o people_n by_o this_o mean_n sensuality_n the_o concomitant_a of_o idolatry_n and_o all_o gross_a superstition_n be_v likewise_o manifest_v in_o their_o devotion_n of_o the_o israelite_n idolatry_n it_o be_v write_v the_o people_n sit_v down_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o rise_v up_o to_o play_v sensual_a sport_n and_o pastime_n be_v mingle_v with_o the_o devotion_n of_o carnal_a worshipper_n as_o be_v notable_o see_v in_o the_o popish_a festival_n and_o this_o make_v the_o sensual_a part_n of_o man_n addict_v to_o such_o a_o way_n to_o pray_v a_o while_n and_o then_o to_o play_v be_v the_o business_n of_o their_o sacred_a solemnity_n but_o this_o course_n alienates_v the_o mind_n from_o true_a holiness_n and_o tend_v to_o much_o profaneness_n and_o not_o only_o the_o piety_n but_o the_o civility_n of_o a_o nation_n will_v hereby_o much_o abate_v a_o church_n that_o will_v maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o religion_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n have_v need_n have_v its_o solemn_a day_n of_o divine_a service_n distinct_a from_o the_o appoint_a time_n of_o carnal_a sport_n mirth_n and_o jollity_n chap._n xv._n the_o enmity_n of_o the_o world_n against_o godliness_n and_o the_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n cast_v upon_o it_o consider_v the_o security_n and_o increase_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o small_a difficulty_n the_o enmity_n against_o it_o be_v general_a and_o perpetual_a in_o the_o first_o race_n of_o mankind_n it_o break_v forth_o even_o to_o blood_n and_o throughout_o all_o age_n it_o have_v be_v propagate_v &_o that_o with_o great_a rage_n as_o well_o within_o as_o without_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o adverse_a world_n know_v not_o the_o new_a nature_n what_o it_o be_v for_o it_o know_v not_o god_n who_o image_n it_o be_v the_o world_n be_v not_o only_o alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n but_o opposite_a to_o it_o by_o the_o antipathy_n of_o the_o carnal_a life_n and_o so_o not_o only_o want_v the_o true_a relish_n but_o have_v a_o strong_a disrelish_v of_o the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a nature_n moreover_o true_a christianity_n be_v a_o light_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n
common_a remissness_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v deplorable_a sometime_o the_o manner_n of_o opposition_n against_o seducer_n be_v unadvised_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o contend_v for_o truth_n by_o wrath_n and_o clamour_n and_o contumelious_a language_n and_o usage_n inhance_v the_o price_n of_o error_n and_o add_v to_o its_o reputation_n but_o the_o sure_a way_n be_v to_o converse_v much_o with_o our_o plain_a heart_a people_n and_o to_o season_v they_o with_o right_a principle_n and_o to_o detect_v the_o subtle_a method_n of_o deceitful_a worker_n and_o the_o dangerous_a issue_n of_o their_o allurement_n and_o by_o honest_a and_o inoffensive_a application_n to_o prepossess_v those_o hold_n of_o which_o deceiver_n seek_v to_o possess_v themselves_o and_o here_o it_o be_v of_o chief_a importance_n that_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o other_o prudent_a and_o able_a person_n upon_o the_o common_a multitude_n of_o professor_n be_v more_o prevail_a than_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o common_a multitude_n upon_o the_o pastor_n and_o other_o prudent_a leader_n servile_a temporize_a with_o vulgar_a fancy_n degrade_n the_o authority_n and_o wisdom_n of_o prudent_a guide_n and_o lift_v up_o a_o vulgar_a spirit_n and_o will_v bring_v it_o to_o that_o pass_n that_o the_o weak_a and_o most_o inconsiderate_a shall_v sway_v the_o church_n interest_n let_v person_n of_o approve_a worth_n be_v more_o faithful_a and_o noble_a than_o by_o such_o servility_n and_o treachery_n to_o raise_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o weak_a sort_n let_v they_o rather_o commend_v themselves_o by_o their_o know_a integrity_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o by_o be_v ready_a also_o in_o all_o condescension_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v they_o to_o their_o edification_n and_o such_o faithfulness_n be_v the_o sure_a mean_n to_o gain_v they_o love_v and_o honour_n let_v the_o religious_a beware_v of_o seek_v to_o be_v admire_v and_o magnify_v among_o one_o another_o or_o of_o overprize_v each_o other_o esteem_n this_o latter_a seem_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o draw_v peter_n to_o a_o fit_a of_o dissimulation_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o believe_a gentile_n while_o he_o seek_v too_o much_o to_o please_v they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o circumcision_n sometime_o we_o know_v not_o our_o own_o spirit_n it_o be_v good_a to_o beware_v of_o provocation_n like_o to_o be_v give_v or_o take_v upon_o a_o suppose_a affront_n or_o injury_n man_n of_o part_n have_v be_v hurry_v into_o dangerous_a contest_v and_o to_o make_v head_n against_o petty_a passionate_a opposition_n they_o have_v run_v beyond_o their_o own_o thought_n and_o wrought_v strange_a confusion_n discretion_n and_o charity_n seek_v to_o convince_v and_o satisfy_v and_o not_o to_o exasperate_v a_o offend_a brother_n it_o be_v well_o observe_v that_o no_o turbulent_a opinion_n or_o party_n do_v usual_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o church_n neglect_n of_o some_o truth_n or_o duty_n wherefore_o if_o a_o evil_a spirit_n seek_v a_o occasion_n of_o mischief_n reform_v the_o abuse_n and_o so_o prevent_v his_o work_n upon_o the_o simple_a and_o forasmuch_o as_o some_o of_o upright_a heart_n be_v deceive_v with_o a_o fancy_n of_o a_o more_o sublime_a and_o perfect_a way_n may_v pass_v into_o the_o tent_n of_o sectary_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v church_n order_n and_o external_a worship_n a_o compassionate_a regard_n must_v be_v have_v of_o such_o as_o walk_v honest_o and_o retain_v those_o fundamental_a truth_n that_o may_v be_v a_o groundwork_n for_o save_a faith_n and_o godly_a life_n now_o towards_o such_o the_o great_a charity_n be_v exercise_v in_o labour_v to_o remove_v the_o stumbling-block_n of_o their_o error_n and_o to_o make_v it_o plain_a before_o they_o that_o the_o faithful_a who_o communion_n they_o forsake_v contend_v for_o the_o perfection_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o explicit_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o reasonable_a service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o spiritual_a worship_n suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n and_o the_o lively_a use_n of_o holy_a ordinance_n in_o opposition_n to_o unwritten_a tradition_n man_n invention_n implicit_a faith_n ignorant_a devotion_n and_o mere_a formality_n that_o they_o declare_v by_o word_n and_o deed_n against_o the_o iniquity_n and_o impiety_n of_o this_o evil_a world_n and_o therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v they_o that_o they_o insist_v upon_o no_o form_n or_o usage_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v command_v by_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o christ_n or_o be_v necessary_a in_o their_o general_a reason_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o seek_v no_o worldly_a advantage_n or_o advancement_n in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o support_n of_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o god_n ordinary_a providence_n and_o last_o that_o human_a infirmity_n must_v not_o be_v think_v strange_a in_o they_o that_o have_v not_o obtain_v angelical_a perfection_n these_o and_o the_o like_a thing_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a before_o honest_a people_n that_o have_v be_v seduce_v into_o sectarian_n error_n chap._n xxv_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n by_o make_v it_o national_a and_o the_o settle_a interest_n of_o nation_n christs_n little_a flock_n can_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n nor_o retire_v within_o themselves_o alone_o from_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o they_o must_v needs_o remain_v a_o part_n of_o kingdom_n &_o commonwealth_n with_o the_o world_n in_o general_n they_o must_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o the_o power_n that_o be_v will_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o and_o their_o way_n for_o which_o cause_n their_o aim_n and_o action_n as_o far_o as_o their_o sacred_a rule_n allow_v must_v be_v fit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o direct_v unto_o the_o general_a peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o the_o nation_n whereof_o they_o be_v &_o in_o which_o they_o enjoy_v their_o civil_a right_n by_o this_o mean_n religion_n interest_n may_v incorporate_v with_o the_o general_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n &_o run_v in_o the_o same_o channel_n that_o pure_a religion_n may_v take_v root_n and_o spread_v and_o prosper_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o bring_v its_o external_a frame_n to_o the_o consistency_n of_o a_o national_a settlement_n the_o just_a â—aâ—aude_n hereof_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o substantial_o of_o divine_a worship_n and_o thing_n necessary_a to_o church_n unity_n and_o order_n but_o it_o go_v not_o beyond_o these_o and_o be_v fix_v in_o this_o extent_n it_o be_v in_o a_o way_n to_o gain_v beside_o the_o support_n and_o power_n of_o the_o law_n the_o nation_n unstrain_a compliance_n and_o approbation_n as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n ecclesiastical_a tyranny_n be_v a_o root_n of_o bitterness_n always_o bear_v gall_n and_o wormwood_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n unfixedness_n and_o unlimited_a liberty_n consist_v not_o with_o that_o stability_n wherein_o all_o prudent_a governor_n will_v settle_v their_o own_o affair_n as_o also_o with_o that_o general_a tranquillity_n and_o repose_n which_o be_v the_o health_n of_o any_o people_n if_o one_o be_v raise_v to_o empire_n by_o a_o mere_a fanatic_a party_n he_o can_v settle_v himself_o nor_o stand_v upon_o firm_a ground_n till_o he_o wind_v his_o interest_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n and_o turn_v himself_o to_o the_o way_n of_o general_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o same_o intent_n and_o purpose_n it_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n so_o to_o fix_v the_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n as_o not_o to_o set_v a_o perpetual_a bar_n against_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o people_n a_o church_n state_n so_o bar_v though_o it_o be_v assert_v with_o a_o veterane_n army_n and_o can_v enclose_v all_o preferment_n both_o of_o honour_n and_o profit_n within_o itself_o to_o be_v at_o its_o disposal_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o see_v how_o it_o can_v ever_o obtain_v a_o firm_a establishment_n for_o a_o christian_a nation_n in_o general_a be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o bar_v of_o such_o privilege_n as_o be_v suppose_v to_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o christian_n be_v enrage_v and_o likely_a to_o be_v engage_v as_o one_o man_n to_o oppose_v that_o which_o they_o take_v for_o intolerable_a oppression_n or_o if_o they_o care_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v they_o will_v turn_v to_o a_o contrary_a interest_n and_o party_n in_o religion_n or_o to_o infidelity_n barbarism_n atheism_n or_o some_o destructive_a way_n or_o other_o now_o the_o intention_n here_o propound_v may_v take_v effect_n if_o the_o constitution_n shut_v out_o none_o from_o sacred_a and_o spiritual_a privilege_n but_o such_o as_o make_v not_o profession_n of_o true_a christianity_n or_o be_v destitute_a of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o true_a
not_o to_o run_v with_o the_o foremost_a but_o to_o proceed_v in_o such_o manner_n and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o stand_n in_o necessary_a â—_z may_v require_v and_o as_o the_o more_o considerate_a paâ—…_n of_o man_n will_v justify_v to_o be_v discreet_a and_o honest_a but_o above_o all_o to_o endeavour_v by_o a_o godly_a and_o blameless_a life_n to_o make_v it_o manifest_a that_o conscience_n have_v be_v due_o satisfy_v and_o not_o trifleâ—_n with_o in_o doubtful_a matter_n and_o difficult_a time_n thâ—_n all_o good_a man_n shall_v keep_v the_o same_o latitude_n of_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o all_o wisdom_n for_o thâ—_n true_a interest_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v wish_v bâ—…_n not_o expect_v for_o some_o will_v be_v more_o other_o less_o enlarge_v by_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o apprehension_n also_o some_o by_o their_o natural_a disposition_n be_v more_o timorous_a or_o more_o comply_v other_o again_o be_v more_o hardy_a and_o less_o flexible_a or_o morâ—_n reserve_v and_o resolute_a in_o their_o opinion_n many_o be_v injudicious_a and_o the_o best_a have_v their_o passion_n and_o some_o lie_n under_o disadvantage_n that_o may_v bias_n the_o judgement_n this_o or_o that_o way_n where_o thâ—_n matter_n be_v somewhat_o disputable_a other_o maâ—_n have_v weighty_a reason_n either_o for_o assent_n or_o diâ—…_n send_v though_o not_o obvious_a and_o perhaps_o not_o 〈◊〉_d expedient_a to_o be_v declare_v man_n case_n beinâ—_n so_o exceed_o various_a they_o must_v needs_o varyâ—…_n practice_n some_o inconvenience_n but_o no_o dâ—_n structive_a mischief_n will_v follow_v this_o diversity_n it_o do_v not_o as_o one_o will_v think_v it_o shall_v not_o disunite_v affection_n for_o then_o these_o several_a paâ—…ties_n or_o persuasion_n rather_o be_v one_o in_o their_o main_a cause_n and_o may_v with_o one_o spirit_n though_o walk_v in_o several_a path_n carry_v on_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o it_o if_o religion_n be_v but_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o faction_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o worldly_a interest_n the_o asserter_n thereof_o may_v lose_v or_o lessen_v it_o by_o take_v such_o several_a way_n but_o it_o depend_v not_o upon_o party_n and_o their_o design_n nor_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o such_o engagement_n but_o in_o itself_o perfect_o free_a from_o they_o therefore_o it_o be_v advance_v in_o any_o way_n that_o give_v it_o liberty_n and_o opportunity_n to_o display_v itself_o to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o own_o truth_n and_o goodness_n chap._n xxvii_o the_o sure_a and_o safe_a way_n of_o seek_v reformation_n when_o a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v inveterate_a or_o deep_o root_v in_o a_o nation_n â—he_v work_n of_o pious_a man_n be_v convince_o to_o reprove_v that_o corruption_n by_o the_o light_n of_o holy_a doctrine_n and_o of_o holy_a walk_n and_o to_o propagate_v and_o press_v home_o with_o zeal_n the_o great_a and_o unquestionable_a truth_n of_o christianity_n but_o to_o â—e_v more_o silent_a and_o spare_v in_o matter_n more_o conâ—overted_v and_o of_o less_o importance_n the_o vehement_a â—rging_n whereof_o will_v not_o convince_v the_o world_n nor_o silence_v the_o adversary_n likewise_o by_o humble_a address_n to_o the_o high_a power_n in_o a_o fit_a season_n they_o may_v seek_v the_o redress_n of_o such_o enormity_n as_o be_v evident_o scandalous_a absurd_a and_o odious_a and_o yet_o perhaps_o the_o chief_a prop_n of_o that_o corrupt_a state_n for_o this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o scandal_n or_o hazard_n and_o much_o be_v do_v if_o it_o take_v effect_n clamorous_a contest_v about_o doubtful_a form_n and_o custom_n and_o in_o comparison_n but_o by_o matter_n do_v serve_v to_o animate_v the_o opposite_a party_n and_o afford_v they_o matter_n to_o work_v upon_o but_o the_o vigorous_a maintenance_n of_o the_o vital_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o detect_n of_o gross_a abuse_n bear_v they_o down_o it_o be_v time_n that_o ripen_v all_o thing_n and_o every_o thing_n in_o its_o season_n be_v beautiful_a and_o successful_a then_o the_o redress_n of_o evil_n will_v run_v in_o its_o prepare_a channel_n and_o a_o plain_a path_n will_v be_v find_v through_o passage_n former_o inaccessible_a and_o then_o ruler_n themselves_o may_v see_v what_o one_o of_o deep_a judgement_n observe_v that_o when_o time_n of_o course_n alter_v thing_n to_o the_o worse_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n have_v need_n alter_v they_o to_o the_o better_a they_o may_v find_v the_o necessity_n and_o utility_n of_o reformation_n and_o by_o their_o authority_n make_v it_o warrantable_a if_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n walk_v in_o sober_a counsel_n and_o sure_a way_n and_o follow_v the_o truth_n in_o peace_n and_o love_n and_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o common_a good_a they_o retain_v their_o innocence_n and_o maintain_v their_o honour_n which_o be_v their_o sure_a interest_n and_o shall_v be_v find_v though_o the_o few_o number_n to_o have_v a_o considerable_a influence_n upon_o the_o public_a state_n both_o religious_a and_o civil_a affair_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v carry_v in_o extreme_n for_o which_o cause_n reformation_n common_o be_v suspect_v and_o their_o credit_n be_v much_o impair_v in_o avoid_v superstition_n some_o have_v run_v into_o rudeness_n and_o undecency_n in_o divine_a worship_n the_o natural_a expression_n ofreverence_n and_o devout_a affection_n and_o thing_n necessary_a to_o decency_n and_o order_n shall_v be_v observe_v careful_o by_o those_o that_o turn_v away_o from_o superstitious_a vanity_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o a_o well_o inform_v conscience_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o sound_a mind_n do_v guide_v and_o rule_v they_o and_o that_o their_o principle_n be_v no_o way_n defective_a but_o sufficient_a and_o ample_a unto_o all_o regular_a devotion_n these_o necessary_a decency_n and_o natural_a expression_n of_o devotion_n be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o all_o intelligent_a person_n and_o the_o mode_n of_o civil_a reverence_n and_o seriousness_n in_o use_n among_o we_o do_v much_o guide_n herein_o a_o compliance_n with_o sober_a and_o grave_a solemnity_n affect_v by_o a_o nation_n in_o general_n help_v to_o procure_v a_o good_a esteem_n and_o to_o get_v ground_n among_o they_o whereas_o opposition_n and_o singularity_n may_v beget_v a_o general_a dislike_n man_n do_v but_o misspend_v their_o zeal_n in_o oppose_v prevalent_a custom_n that_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o good_a life_n among_o other_o thing_n i_o may_v instance_n in_o religious_a performance_n at_o funeral_n which_o may_v well_o be_v order_v without_o superstition_n or_o any_o other_o abuse_n and_o improve_v to_o the_o people_n benefit_n who_o be_v then_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o house_n of_o mourning_n some_o church_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o false_a worshipper_n to_o prevent_v all_o superstition_n have_v forbid_v the_o make_n of_o prayer_n or_o sermon_n at_o the_o interment_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n several_a church_n may_v have_v their_o peculiar_a reason_n and_o according_o their_o different_a order_n as_o concern_v heathenish_a pastime_n and_o vanity_n sometime_o affect_v by_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a and_o perhaps_o countenance_v by_o some_o of_o high_a degree_n for_o end_n well_o know_v they_o tend_v indeed_o unto_o much_o profaneness_n and_o may_v trouble_v the_o mind_n and_o stir_v the_o zeal_n of_o good_a man_n nevertheless_o when_o the_o power_n of_o reform_v be_v beyond_o their_o line_n it_o suffice_v that_o the_o weighty_a and_o unquestionable_a matter_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v constant_o inculcate_v upon_o the_o people_n and_o the_o spread_a of_o sound_a knowledge_n endeavour_v both_o by_o public_a doctrine_n and_o by_o private_a instruction_n and_o those_o humorous_a foolery_n which_o opposition_n often_o heighten_v will_v soon_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n by_o contempt_n and_o silence_n in_o a_o happy_a season_n when_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n have_v a_o potent_a influence_n upon_o a_o nation_n the_o lay_n of_o a_o good_a foundation_n for_o time_n to_o come_v be_v main_o to_o be_v regard_v a_o opportunity_n in_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v lose_v not_o only_o by_o a_o sluggish_a neglect_n but_o also_o by_o a_o impetuous_a overstrain_v of_o it_o it_o be_v overstrain_v when_o thing_n be_v carry_v forth_o beyond_o what_o a_o nation_n will_v ever_o bear_v it_o may_v be_v more_o advisable_a to_o stop_v at_o moderate_a reformation_n than_o to_o proceed_v to_o such_o extreme_a alteration_n as_o must_v needs_o stand_v in_o opposion_n if_o so_o be_v they_o can_v so_o stand_v to_o a_o contrary_a fix_a inclination_n general_o prevail_v the_o consequent_n of_o such_o proceed_n need_v not_o to_o be_v here_o discourse_v beside_o the_o more_o healthful_a state_n of_o religion_n may_v stand_v not_o in_o a_o total_a change_n of_o thing_n long_o in_o use_n but_o in_o reform_v the_o abuse_n thereof_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v mind_v that_o sometime_o in_o cure_v a_o lesser_a evil_n