of_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o come_v more_o particular_o to_o give_v answer_n 1._o many_o of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v name_v as_o find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o national_a church_n be_v not_o yet_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o church_n as_o national_a in_o general_a but_o of_o that_o particular_a national_a church_n and_o typical_a of_o thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o exposition_n of_o they_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o more_o particular_o that_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o temple_n the_o high_a priest_n the_o holy_a of_o holies_n the_o altar_n the_o sacrifice_n the_o solemn_a feast_n with_o such_o like_a serve_v only_o as_o shadow_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o the_o want_n of_o they_o argue_v nothing_o against_o national_a religion_n 2._o those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o typical_a or_o who_o main_a and_o sole_a intention_n be_v not_o to_o adorn_v and_o complete_a that_o whole_a frame_n but_o rest_v upon_o universal_a principle_n of_o reason_n truth_n and_o duty_n can_v never_o be_v abrogate_a but_o be_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v national_a hope_v in_o god_n and_o be_v oblige_v in_o our_o duty_n even_o as_o they_o be_v thus_o the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n and_o people_n towards_o true_a religion_n of_o public_a instruction_n of_o public_a minister_n of_o religion_n of_o care_n for_o place_n of_o meeting_n for_o divine_a worship_n throughout_o a_o nation_n continue_v still_o and_o need_v no_o new_a command_n in_o the_o gospel_n 3._o as_o to_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o church_n by_o draw_v christian_n into_o particular_a private_a society_n it_o amount_v but_o to_o thus_o much_o that_o christ_n the_o lord_n of_o tâ—e_v church_n do_v not_o find_v his_o church_n universal_a as_o necessary_o diffuse_v itself_o into_o nation_n nor_o can_v it_o in_o reason_n be_v so_o for_o see_v it_o be_v in_o divine_a providence_n for_o great_a and_o weighty_a reason_n of_o which_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a now_o to_o speak_v intend_a and_o order_v that_o hundred_o of_o year_n shall_v pass_v over_o christianity_n ere_o it_o have_v the_o favour_n and_o protection_n of_o supreme_a christian_a magistrate_n there_o must_v have_v be_v for_o that_o space_n no_o religion_n or_o church_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o form_n but_o national_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n therefore_o though_o it_o be_v in_o those_o day_n within_o nation_n city_n town_n and_o village_n yet_o of_o low_a stature_n in_o comparison_n of_o national_a religion_n till_o the_o reign_n of_o christian_a emperor_n considerable_a indeed_o in_o itself_o and_o its_o diffusion_n through_o so_o much_o of_o the_o world_n but_o not_o acknowledge_v by_o law_n or_o government_n till_o long_o after_o its_o first_o entrance_n and_o at_o all_o time_n upon_o the_o change_n of_o a_o christian_a magistracy_n into_o a_o pagan_a a_o apostate_n a_o heretical_a or_o idolatrous_a succession_n or_o the_o complex_fw-la of_o all_o antichristianism_n which_o early_o invade_v the_o church_n and_o even_o cover_v and_o obscure_v it_o in_o succession_n of_o time_n the_o church_n of_o necessity_n must_v fall_v back_o into_o such_o a_o low_a state_n and_o subsist_v upon_o its_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o its_o own_o prudential_a accommodation_n to_o the_o state_n of_o time_n without_o the_o magistrate_n care_v and_o protection_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o take_v care_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v of_o absolute_a divine_a institution_n which_o be_v found_v in_o that_o promise_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o to_o which_o belong_v primary_o all_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a expression_n of_o scripture_n to_o which_o be_v give_v original_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n to_o propagate_v promote_v build_v up_o and_o strengthen_v it_o and_o shall_v by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n ascension_n far_o above_o all_o heaven_n be_v certain_o continue_v to_o it_o till_o we_o all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n to_o the_o full_a measure_n and_o stature_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o member_n all_o other_o society_n of_o christian_n be_v but_o little_a image_n and_o representation_n of_o this_o in_o these_o its_o excellency_n and_o the_o more_o they_o participate_v of_o it_o the_o more_o true_o be_v they_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o because_o this_o be_v too_o diffuse_v for_o one_o model_n for_o one_o frame_n to_o comprehend_v there_o be_v therefore_o allowance_n give_v by_o christ_n for_o lesser_a association_n of_o this_o catholic_n church_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o because_o of_o the_o discountenance_n of_o nation_n and_o worldly_a power_n at_o first_o and_o since_o upon_o true_a christianity_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o matth._n 15._o 18_o etc._n etc._n express_o fix_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o divine_a presence_n in_o the_o small_a part_n of_o this_o church_n where_o but_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n he_o have_v assure_v he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v hence_o evident_a the_o whole_a neighbour_a discourse_n centre_n in_o the_o least_o assembly_n agree_v in_o christian_a religion_n for_o though_o it_o suppose_v first_o a_o great_a number_n the_o church_n and_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n be_v contradistinguish_v yet_o as_o it_o be_v in_o prospect_n of_o the_o great_a fewness_n upon_o some_o exigency_n of_o christian_n practise_v the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n together_o it_o bring_v down_o the_o promise_n of_o audience_n in_o their_o appeal_n to_o heaven_n and_o presence_n with_o their_o whole_a worship_n and_o service_n to_o the_o small_a number_n not_o by_o way_n of_o limitation_n to_o but_o encouragement_n of_o so_o small_a a_o number_n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a the_o very_a same_o declaration_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o soever_o sin_n you_o remit_v or_o bind_v by_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v stand_v good_a in_o heaven_n the_o very_a same_o be_v say_v here_o to_o the_o small_a society_n of_o christian_n as_o to_o their_o judgement_n and_o determination_n upon_o their_o own_o member_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o offence_n that_o fall_v out_o among_o themselves_o have_v the_o same_o doctrine_n to_o proceed_v he_o commit_v to_o they_o even_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o church_n be_v pillar_n and_o rock_n of_o truth_n even_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a minister_n and_o either_o or_o all_o be_v no_o more_o but_o praecones_fw-la each_o in_o their_o kind_n or_o publisher_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n declare_v in_o his_o word_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n pitch_v upon_o so_o small_a a_o number_n of_o christian_n agree_v be_v certain_o this_o because_o he_o will_v appoint_v no_o other_o form_n to_o his_o church_n than_o such_o as_o can_v live_v as_o can_v subsist_v under_o any_o civil_a government_n whatever_o whether_o friendly_a or_o unfriendly_a to_o it_o he_o give_v it_o no_o other_o shape_n but_o what_o it_o may_v attain_v and_o keep_v under_o any_o state_n of_o civil_a law_n under_o any_o enmity_n it_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v most_o necessary_a because_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o one_o nation_n as_o the_o jewish_a be_v who_o god_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n single_v out_o and_o manage_v to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n by_o a_o mighty_a power_n and_o outstretch_v arm_n and_o conserve_v by_o the_o same_o rule_v it_o with_o a_o immediate_a sensible_a presence_n after_o he_o have_v form_v it_o by_o precise_a law_n and_o settle_v the_o just_a bound_n of_o all_o officer_n in_o their_o office_n and_o appoint_v they_o the_o place_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o whereas_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v indifferent_a to_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n it_o do_v as_o it_o make_v its_o progress_n convert_v certain_a number_n to_o itself_o at_o first_o which_o have_v no_o privilege_n of_o humane_a law_n or_o power_n but_o the_o edge_n of_o all_o turn_v against_o it_o so_o that_o the_o form_n of_o church_n be_v compose_v to_o all_o the_o vicissitude_n of_o providence_n they_o be_v to_o undergo_v and_o that_o in_o all_o reason_n must_v be_v in_o case_n of_o necessity_n the_o very_a lest_o of_o society_n of_o christian_n two_o or_o two_o or_o three_o as_o our_o saviour_n significant_o point_v upon_o small_a society_n for_o such_o be_v most_o fit_v to_o the_o worst_a of_o condition_n that_o can_v befall_v lesser_a and_o single_a body_n move_v every_o way_n
foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n quest_n how_o then_o be_v it_o say_v to_o be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o what_o importance_n be_v that_o to_o the_o actuate_a scripture_n answ_n as_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o court_n and_o government_n be_v public_o fix_v that_o every_o one_o may_v know_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o so_o the_o church_n in_o all_o its_o member_n but_o especial_o by_o depute_a minister_n give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o it_o proclaim_v preach_v and_o make_v offer_v of_o the_o most_o public_a notice_n of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n within_o itself_o that_o all_o the_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o family_n may_v be_v continual_o catechise_v and_o build_v up_o therein_o and_o stranger_n have_v opportunity_n to_o know_v if_o they_o will_v apply_v themselves_o to_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v a_o famous_a city_n set_v on_o a_o hill_n that_o can_v be_v hide_v and_o therefore_o its_o law_n constitution_n manner_n can_v but_o in_o all_o reason_n be_v inquire_v of_o by_o all_o that_o do_v so_o much_o as_o pass_v by_o it_o it_o be_v a_o candlestick_n bear_v the_o lofty_a torch_n of_o divine_a truth_n of_o this_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o affix_v to_o they_o the_o roll_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v a_o eminent_a type_n and_o allude_v to_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o therefore_o from_o a_o prince_n come_v forth_o edict_n proclamation_n manifesto_n and_o declaration_n according_a to_o law_n which_o be_v fasten_v to_o public_a pillar_n of_o the_o court_n itself_o and_o all_o open_a and_o conspicuous_a place_n of_o concourse_n so_o be_v there_o in_o the_o church_n the_o most_o advantageous_a publication_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o word_n to_o all_o both_o the_o native_n and_o freeborn_a of_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o ingenuous_a stranger_n that_o will_v hearken_v out_o the_o most_o reasonable_a proposal_n of_o truth_n or_o who_o god_n be_v please_v to_o naturalize_v to_o himself_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o how_o do_v this_o actuate_v scripture_n answ_n it_o mean_v nothing_o but_o the_o perpetuity_n and_o continuation_n of_o truth_n with_o the_o church_n establish_v itself_o by_o all_o that_o firmness_n of_o divine_a evidence_n and_o reason_n and_o on_o those_o very_a security_n take_v possession_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o ark_n of_o its_o strength_n where_o itself_o or_o the_o god_n that_o be_v truth_n itself_o place_v the_o sole_n of_o his_o foot_n as_o on_o his_o unmovable_a footstool_n for_o ever_o of_o which_o the_o ark_n in_o the_o holâ—est_n be_v a_o type_n the_o footstool_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o mercy_n the_o secure_a repository_n of_o the_o table_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o ark_n of_o testimony_n over_o which_o the_o shecinah_n or_o glory_n appear_v as_o enthrone_v attend_v with_o cherubim_n and_o set_v its_o foot_n upon_o it_o the_o place_n of_o my_o throne_n and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o sole_n of_o my_o foot_n ezek._n 43._o 7._o for_o thus_o the_o true_a church_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v be_v the_o unchangeable_a rest_n of_o truth_n it_o adhere_v to_o truth_n it_o buy_v the_o truth_n and_o never_o sell_v it_o truth_n dwell_v with_o it_o for_o ever_o god_n never_o suffer_v it_o to_o apostatise_v from_o truth_n but_o by_o the_o constant_a hold_v of_o the_o judgement_n and_o retain_v the_o love_n and_o zeal_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o those_o that_o be_v indeed_o his_o church_n he_o have_v settle_v his_o word_n in_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n even_o as_o it_o be_v for_o ever_o settle_v in_o heaven_n the_o church_n therefore_o actuate_v scripture_n by_o find_v out_o reason_n debate_v enforce_v defend_v by_o all_o argument_n that_o truth_n of_o scripture_n and_o so_o persist_v in_o it_o for_o ever_o quest_n can_v then_o the_o church_n fail_v answ_n it_o have_v be_v say_v before_o the_o true_a church_n can_v fail_v for_o the_o true_a church_n be_v as_o have_v be_v describe_v the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o which_o be_v so_o can_v fail_v and_o god_n will_v have_v such_o a_o church_n always_o in_o the_o world_n if_o any_o person_n city_n or_o nation_n that_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o church_n have_v this_o light_n eclipse_v the_o candlestiks_n remove_v for_o it_o be_v only_o a_o candlestick_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o light_n and_o the_o pillar_n itself_o shake_v and_o fall_v if_o the_o record_v fix_v to_o it_o be_v take_v away_o and_o the_o palace_n and_o court_n remove_v with_o the_o prince_n who_o be_v always_o with_o his_o truth_n and_o the_o lively_a motion_n of_o it_o so_o much_o truth_n therefore_o and_o active_a display_v of_o it_o so_o much_o a_o church_n in_o any_o place_n and_o the_o truth_n remove_v or_o lie_v dead_a the_o church_n remove_v also_o or_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v in_o that_o place_n quest_n but_o be_v there_o no_o high_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n answ_n no_o other_o but_o what_o arise_v from_o the_o most_o intimate_a and_o inseparable_a union_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o truth_n truth_n take_v a_o undefailable_a possession_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o wherever_o truth_n in_o that_o fullness_n as_o to_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o happiness_n be_v there_o be_v the_o church_n and_o no_o where_o else_o the_o true_a church_n then_o may_v be_v style_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o high_a sense_n if_o right_o understand_v that_o be_v truth_n itself_o that_o be_v the_o unmovable_a pillar_n and_o everlasting_a foundation_n have_v so_o close_o band_v the_o church_n with_o itself_o that_o it_o be_v one_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n with_o it_o thus_o the_o church_n may_v be_v both_o the_o building_n and_o the_o rock_n and_o foundation_n to_o succeed_a part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o building_n as_o itself_o rest_v upon_o the_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o truth_n else_o it_o can_v be_v the_o church_n the_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o truth_n to_o the_o still_o succeed_a and_o rise_v church_n as_o it_o be_v one_o with_o truth_n itself_o to_o which_o every_o true_a member_n first_o come_v and_o unite_v and_o therein_o to_o the_o church_n even_o as_o every_o degree_n of_o building_n be_v a_o foundation_n and_o support_v to_o the_o still_o grow_a building_n not_o in_o itself_o but_o as_o it_o be_v sure_o cement_v to_o the_o foundation_n regulate_v by_o it_o and_o partake_v its_o strength_n yet_o if_o it_o swerve_v never_o so_o little_a from_o the_o foundation_n it_o be_v present_o a_o deformity_n and_o the_o more_o it_o swerve_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o itself_o and_o all_o that_o rest_v upon_o it_o quest_n may_v not_o this_o help_n to_o explain_v that_o so_o much_o dispute_v expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o preval_fw-fr against_o it_o answ_n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a if_o it_o may_v give_v any_o light_n to_o it_o and_o hope_v it_o may_v for_o the_o apostle_n peter_n make_v that_o confession_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n not_o singular_a but_o represent_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o apostle_n and_o christian_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o and_o by_o that_o truth_n he_o confess_v be_v both_o part_n of_o the_o building_n upon_o that_o rock_n and_o as_o unite_z with_o that_o rock_n he_o become_v rock_n itself_o upon_o which_o succeee_a christian_n be_v to_o be_v build_v the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n foundation_n and_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n twelve_o foundation_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o cornerstone_n in_o who_o alone_o the_o whole_a building_n even_o the_o apostolic_a foundation_n itself_o rise_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n quest_n be_v there_o not_o a_o good_a security_n then_o in_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o church_n to_o those_o that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o building_n before_o we_o answ_n no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o we_o join_v ourselves_o by_o their_o ministry_n to_o that_o foundation_n itself_o which_o always_o lie_v sure_a upon_o which_o they_o themselves_o must_v alone_o rest_v if_o the_o true_a church_n for_o by_o place_v ourselves_o not_o upon_o they_o but_o upon_o that_o common_a foundation_n we_o be_v adjust_v to_o the_o whole_a building_n that_o be_v before_o we_o that_o lie_v regular_a with_o that_o foundation_n by_o the_o care_n of_o he_o who_o be_v both_o the_o foundation_n cornerstone_n and_o be_v also_o he_o that_o build_v all_o thing_n even_o god_n in_o christ_n quest_n we_o must_v then_o seek_v to_o
they_o captive_a with_o the_o rest_n though_o in_o different_a basket_n as_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n represent_v quest_n how_o do_v they_o survive_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o displace_v and_o deject_a candlestick_n answ_n they_o be_v either_o call_v out_o to_o a_o zealous_a appearance_n and_o suffer_v for_o truth_n or_o sometime_o retire_v into_o corner_n like_o the_o seven_o thousand_o in_o israel_n or_o the_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o they_o can_v appear_v like_o a_o church_n offer_v those_o public_a notice_n of_o divine_a truth_n a_o church_n be_v design_v for_o quest_n how_o be_v a_o visible_a profession_n lose_v from_o particular_a person_n answ_n it_o be_v too_o often_o throw_v up_o by_o apostasy_n or_o profaneness_n or_o dwindle_v into_o a_o very_a spiritless_a form_n but_o very_o often_o a_o profession_n without_o the_o power_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o work_n of_o iniquity_n it_o may_v pass_v out_o of_o this_o world_n like_o a_o lamp_n burn_v but_o be_v find_v to_o burn_v only_o in_o a_o small_a temporary_a light_n without_o oil_n in_o the_o vessel_n a_o plenitude_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n shut_v out_o every_o lust_n it_o become_v a_o lamp_n put_v out_o in_o utter_a darkness_n quest_n what_o be_v to_o be_v infer_v from_o all_o this_o answ_n that_o there_o be_v no_o trust_n but_o in_o the_o lord_n himself_o the_o truth_n itself_o by_o which_o at_o all_o time_n the_o church_n that_o be_v indeed_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o wherein_o it_o be_v so_o will_v be_v know_v to_o we_o and_o in_o unite_n to_o truth_n we_o be_v unite_v to_o that_o quest_n there_o remain_v one_o thing_n yet_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v its_o power_n of_o govern_v even_o as_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n under_o what_o notion_n i_o beseech_v you_o be_v that_o government_n express_v in_o scripture_n answ_n that_o power_n be_v by_o our_o saviour_n represent_v under_o the_o mataphor_n of_o key_n and_o the_o use_v of_o those_o key_n in_o open_v and_o shut_v or_o in_o bind_v and_o lose_v quest_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n hereof_o answ_n the_o meaning_n be_v plain_o this_o when_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v by_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n inquire_v into_o all_o the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o word_n of_o god_n it_o have_v in_o and_o according_a to_o that_o word_n and_o only_o so_o a_o power_n of_o application_n of_o that_o doctrine_n to_o particular_a case_n bind_v man_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o gild_n and_o fear_v of_o damnation_n in_o such_o or_o such_o sin_n and_o a_o impenitent_a continuance_n in_o they_o or_o of_o absolve_v and_o assure_v man_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o acceptance_n in_o a_o holy_a course_n of_o life_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o of_o pardon_n upon_o repentance_n after_o fall_n into_o sin_n and_o disobedience_n and_o so_o of_o declare_v and_o pronounce_v upon_o man_n as_o to_o their_o present_a state_n in_o the_o church_n by_o excommunication_n or_o absolution_n all_o these_o be_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o loose_v according_a to_o what_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o parallel_a word_n who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v mean_v still_o according_a to_o his_o word_n the_o polestar_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o direct_v all_o their_o motion_n who_o claim_v any_o such_o power_n for_o only_o where_o it_o be_v declare_v according_a to_o the_o word_n be_v it_o that_o what_o be_v bind_v on_o earth_n be_v also_o bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o what_o be_v loose_v on_o earth_n be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n there_o be_v a_o invariable_a agreement_n between_o what_o be_v publish_v from_o heaven_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o state_n and_o action_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n and_o the_o transaction_n in_o heaven_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o he_o than_o that_o pronounce_v agreeable_o with_o that_o word_n pronounce_v as_o heaven_n do_v and_o will_v pronounce_v heaven_n bind_v what_o he_o bind_v and_o lose_v what_o he_o lose_v because_o he_o speak_v the_o voice_n of_o heaven_n in_o both_o case_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o bind_v or_o loose_v except_o in_o the_o power_n of_o this_o word_n and_o according_a to_o it_o in_o its_o virtue_n in_o its_o truth_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o end_n to_o the_o glory_n to_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o christ_n to_o bind_v any_o single_a christian_a by_o excommunication_n and_o not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n be_v as_o much_o a_o brutum_fw-la fulmen_fw-la a_o thunder_n to_o no_o purpose_n a_o causeless_a curse_n that_o shall_v not_o come_v as_o for_o the_o pope_n to_o excommunicate_v whole_a protestant_a church_n quest_n what_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n answ_n it_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n in_o a_o neighbourhood_n or_o number_n of_o christian_n communicate_v one_o with_o another_o ordinary_o even_o as_o the_o whole_a cotholick_a church_n will_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a communicate_v with_o itself_o in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n exact_o according_a the_o to_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n wherein_o this_o be_v the_o distinguish_a character_n of_o the_o true_a church_n that_o its_o communion_n be_v not_o with_o itself_o primary_o but_o its_o communion_n be_v so_o with_o itself_o as_o to_o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n principal_o as_o the_o fountainhead_n centre_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o communion_n and_o therein_o it_o hold_v out_o and_o invite_v to_o its_o communion_n cap._n x._o of_o the_o officer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n quest_n can_v there_o be_v either_o a_o orderly_a or_o a_o effectual_a actuation_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o church_n as_o a_o congregation_n without_o distinct_a and_o separate_a office_n and_o officer_n that_o may_v attend_v continual_o on_o this_o very_a thing_n answ_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o assembly_n without_o order_n will_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o assembly_n and_o fall_v into_o a_o confusion_n or_o rude_a multitude_n all_o wise_a and_o prudent_a assembly_n have_v always_o have_v elder_n to_o preside_v over_o they_o and_o our_o lord_n have_v ordain_v such_o to_o moderate_v throughout_o his_o congregation_n or_o church_n to_o conduct_v all_o the_o public_a service_n of_o religion_n for_o all_o thing_n therein_o be_v actual_o administer_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n the_o noble_a organical_a part_n of_o the_o church_n like_o those_o sense_n that_o attend_v upon_o the_o understanding_n most_o immediate_o see_v eye_n and_o hear_v ear_n so_o these_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v most_o fit_v engage_v and_o provoke_v hereunto_o they_o be_v even_o according_a to_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n separate_v to_o their_o office_n and_o unto_o all_o preparation_n for_o they_o by_o read_v and_o meditation_n as_o to_o their_o proper_a call_v and_o business_n of_o life_n see_v they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a inablement_n or_o excitation_n to_o their_o service_n quest_n what_o title_n or_o character_n do_v the_o new_a testament_n place_n upon_o these_o officer_n answ_n those_o that_o we_o have_v especial_a respect_n to_o for_o in_o the_o deacon_n if_o strict_o take_v we_o be_v less_o concern_v receive_v denomination_n either_o from_o their_o work_n and_o service_n or_o from_o that_o honour_n and_o estimation_n due_a to_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o such_o a_o service_n from_o their_o work_n they_o be_v style_v apostle_n evangelist_n pastor_n teacher_n minister_n servant_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n also_o from_o the_o estimation_n and_o honour_n due_a to_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o work_n and_o the_o authority_n it_o ought_v to_o carry_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o christian_n they_o be_v style_v bishop_n elder_n ruler_n guide_n and_o ensample_n as_o also_o ambassador_n and_o the_o work_n and_o the_o honour_n do_v so_o enclose_v one_o another_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v separate_v and_o be_v in_o their_o institution_n the_o measure_n one_o of_o another_o extend_v both_o to_o obedience_n and_o support_v of_o they_o in_o their_o work_n and_o the_o title_n be_v so_o prepare_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v change_v for_o any_o other_o nor_o the_o scripture_n language_n herein_o to_o be_v alter_v for_o any_o word_n not_o import_v the_o same_o proper_a sense_n quest_n how_o shall_v the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v that_o there_o may_v be_v that_o obedience_n and_o submission_n pay_v to_o they_o that_o be_v command_v answ_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o
digest_v their_o reason_n and_o take_v in_o the_o light_n they_o judge_v by_o so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o their_o own_o else_o if_o they_o can_v find_v their_o reason_n nor_o acquit_v themselves_o from_o doubt_n they_o must_v suspend_v for_o a_o christian_n be_v command_v by_o his_o lord_n to_o call_v no_o man_n upon_o earth_n master_n or_o father_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o answ_n it_o be_v this_o very_a thing_n that_o we_o shall_v receive_v nothing_o as_o doctrine_n or_o indisputable_a truth_n or_o precept_n upon_o any_o man_n word_n that_o do_v not_o offer_v such_o reason_n and_o authority_n from_o god_n and_o his_o word_n that_o we_o ourselves_o see_v reason_n not_o to_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n quest_n but_o be_v it_o not_o say_v that_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o watch_v for_o our_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o the_o same_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o surrender_v our_o judgement_n to_o they_o how_o can_v they_o give_v a_o account_n answ_n they_o that_o rule_n over_o we_o watch_v for_o our_o soul_n and_o must_v give_v a_o account_n as_o ezekiel_n prophet_n and_o watchman_n by_z giving_z warn_v lay_v truth_n before_o we_o offer_v the_o sincere_a word_n of_o god_n in_o all_o case_n the_o success_n of_o which_o upon_o soul_n convert_v and_o save_v be_v their_o crown_n and_o glory_n and_o their_o unsuccess_n look_v like_o a_o sorrow_n to_o see_v those_o soul_n lose_v for_o who_o they_o labour_v in_o vain_a and_o spend_v their_o strength_n upon_o they_o for_o nought_o yet_o so_o that_o if_o they_o have_v be_v faithful_a though_o without_o success_n their_o reward_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o their_o work_n with_o god_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o every_o man_n be_v so_o to_o account_v for_o his_o own_o soul_n that_o the_o very_a success_n be_v not_o a_o blind_a obedience_n to_o ruler_n but_o as_o be_v say_v a_o receive_v the_o word_n not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o these_o watchman_n neglect_v their_o duty_n or_o seduce_v instead_o of_o teach_v man_n be_v to_o apply_v to_o better_a mean_n afford_v by_o god_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o still_o die_v in_o their_o iniquity_n and_o follow_v their_o blind_a leader_n fall_v into_o the_o pit_n which_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a argument_n that_o we_o may_v trust_v in_o no_o man_n but_o in_o god_n only_o for_o if_o a_o implicit_a faith_n can_v be_v a_o save_a faith_n it_o shall_v save_v those_o that_o follow_v such_o guide_n though_o they_o themselves_o be_v just_o condemn_v in_o not_o discharge_v their_o trust_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n to_o be_v trust_v at_o a_o high_a rate_n than_o thus_o answ_n no_o there_o be_v such_o evident_a mark_n of_o divine_a doctrine_n always_o give_v by_o god_n to_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v love_n and_o obey_v he_o that_o even_o the_o very_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v without_o they_o nor_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o according_a to_o they_o nay_o to_o be_v plain_o anathematise_v if_o they_o vary_v from_o it_o christian_n be_v therefore_o to_o judge_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o the_o thing_n speak_v be_v so_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o undoubted_a principle_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v as_o standard_n to_o all_o that_o come_v after_o beside_o the_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o know_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o all_o humane_a teach_v and_o instruction_n hereby_o take_v away_o and_o what_o become_v of_o the_o ministry_n the_o eldership_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o rule_n answ_n they_o be_v all_o hereby_o establish_v for_o they_o be_v the_o ordination_n of_o god_n to_o this_o very_a purpose_n to_o make_v man_n see_v to_o bring_v they_o light_n to_o clear_a thing_n to_o they_o that_o by_o the_o awaken_n their_o judgement_n the_o summon_n and_o collect_v their_o principle_n they_o may_v see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n the_o holy_a spirit_n gracious_o adjoin_v itself_o to_o their_o ministry_n they_o have_v no_o dominion_n over_o their_o faith_n but_o be_v helper_n of_o their_o joy_n that_o be_v they_o facilitate_v and_o make_v pleasant_a the_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n of_o religion_n and_o they_o rule_v by_o exhort_v admonish_a rebuke_v comfort_v and_o even_o command_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n on_o account_n of_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v and_o high_o esteem_v for_o their_o work_n sake_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o no_o man_n be_v exclude_v from_o his_o own_o office_n to_o himself_o for_o every_o particular_a christian_a be_v in_o some_o sense_n a_o congregation_n and_o preacher_n to_o himself_o as_o solomon_n his_o conscience_n have_v the_o key_n bind_v and_o lose_v within_o itself_o nay_o christian_n be_v not_o exclude_v from_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n when_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n on_o their_o side_n they_o may_v plead_v and_o reason_n with_o their_o mother_n hos_n 2._o 2._o when_o they_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o their_o teacher_n or_o the_o ruler_n rule_v not_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o that_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n even_o rule_v their_o ruler_n and_o prove_v the_o more_o noble_a organ_n of_o the_o church_n when_o those_o that_o shall_v rule_v it_o be_v as_o the_o idol_n eye_n that_o see_v not_o ear_n that_o hear_v not_o or_o as_o the_o idol_n shepherd_n a_o blast_n be_v upon_o their_o right_a hand_n and_o right-eye_n that_o their_o arm_n be_v clean_o dry_v up_o and_o their_o eye_n utter_o darken_v the_o most_o naked_a unfurnished_a christian_a with_o outward_a accomplishment_n that_o yet_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v among_o the_o prophet_n in_o such_o a_o time_n of_o necessity_n cap._n xii_o of_o schism_n and_o scandal_n quest_n from_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n of_o the_o church_n i_o conceive_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o schism_n may_v be_v deduce_v i_o desire_v you_o therefore_o to_o explain_v what_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o schism_n be_v answ_n the_o question_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n follow_v very_o pertinent_o upon_o the_o right_a settlement_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n now_o the_o whole_a be_v of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o its_o union_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o love_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n and_o that_o it_o receive_v all_o its_o member_n into_o union_n with_o itself_o by_o their_o be_v first_o unite_v as_o itself_o be_v schism_n which_o be_v division_n must_v needs_o in_o its_o strict_a and_o most_o formal_a notion_n be_v a_o division_n from_o that_o truth_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v one_o and_o so_o from_o the_o love_n consequent_a upon_o such_o a_o union_n quest_n what_o be_v that_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o which_o the_o church_n be_v one_o answ_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n or_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o law_n and_o command_n in_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v quest_n how_o be_v the_o love_n of_o the_o church_n unite_v in_o these_o answ_n it_o be_v a_o love_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o hereby_o we_o know_v we_o love_v the_o brethren_n when_o we_o love_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n john_n epist_n 2._o no_o love_n how_o great_a soever_o be_v christian-love_n nor_o union_n how_o close_o soever_o christian-union_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v the_o schism_n that_o be_v a_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n must_v be_v a_o disunion_n from_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o love_n spring_v from_o that_o faith_n and_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o any_o other_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o church_n quest_n how_o do_v schism_n differ_v from_o heresy_n answ_n heresy_n in_o the_o high_a sense_n and_o worst_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v a_o disunion_n from_o truth_n in_o some_o fundamental_a and_o grand_a concernment_n of_o religion_n either_o in_o the_o doctrine_n or_o command_v of_o god_n so_o that_o a_o man_n be_v subvert_v and_o sin_v and_o must_v needs_o be_v condemn_v of_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o assembly_n of_o truth_n both_o by_o himself_o and_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o that_o both_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o christian-love_n he_o be_v so_o separate_v schism_n be_v a_o disunion_n in_o some_o less_o momentous_a part_n
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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of_o judah_n in_o reveal_v religion_n be_v upon_o the_o so_o unavoidable_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o authority_n in_o and_o with_o those_o law_n the_o so_o many_o repeat_v covenant_n indenture_n and_o engagement_n of_o that_o people_n on_o the_o evident_a appearance_n of_o god_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o those_o law_n but_o in_o the_o revelation_n oâ—_n jesus_n christ_n we_o find_v no_o track_n of_o humane_a power_n bâ—â—â—ll_o be_v do_v by_o instrument_n fit_v from_o heaven_n naked_a of_o â—ll_o humane_a authority_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o thâ—_n 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n till_o prince_n and_o 〈◊〉_d agree_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o by_o compulsion_n but_o by_o evidence_n and_o inward_a assurance_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o so_o it_o be_v still_o to_o continue_v quest_n before_o you_o pass_v from_o this_o point_n that_o it_o may_v be_v make_v the_o clear_a will_v you_o give_v the_o distinction_n between_o 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remain_v inviolable_a and_o not_o to_o be_v invade_v by_o any_o no_o not_o by_o those_o who_o have_v commission_n to_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o temporal_a power_n in_o order_n to_o spiritual_n confer_v by_o christ_n or_o ordain_v to_o his_o minister_n to_o create_v a_o civil-spiritual_a power_n within_o a_o civil_a and_o to_o rencontre_v it_o but_o prince_n be_v in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n within_o their_o own_o dominion_n under_o god_n and_o according_a to_o his_o appointment_n supreme_a governor_n so_o contrary_a be_v scripture_n to_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o antichurch_n herein_o all_o religious_a prince_n guide_v themselves_o by_o god_n word_n have_v great_a power_n and_o authority_n not_o only_o by_o that_o word_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o authority_n and_o majesty_n god_n have_v clothe_v they_o with_o as_o his_o vicegerent_n to_o direct_v and_o govern_v according_a to_o truth_n wherein_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v please_v 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 excommunication_n anathema_n of_o church_n ruler_n have_v no_o force_n when_o not_o ground_v upon_o divine_a truth_n nor_o aught_o to_o make_v impression_n upon_o conscience_n but_o to_o be_v reject_v with_o disdain_n but_o the_o penal_a sentence_n and_o vindictive_a decree_n of_o sovereign_a power_n have_v their_o effect_n so_o far_o even_o when_o they_o be_v unjust_a as_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o ordination_n of_o power_n appoint_v by_o god_n though_o use_v to_o a_o wrong_a purpose_n where_o the_o word_n of_o a_o king_n be_v there_o be_v power_n and_o his_o wrath_n be_v as_o the_o roar_a of_o a_o lion_n and_o it_o be_v so_o appoint_v by_o god_n against_o such_o a_o supreme_a executive_a power_n arm_v with_o the_o supreme_a legislative_a power_n of_o a_o nation_n there_o be_v no_o rise_n up_o no_o remedy_n but_o appeal_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o tear_n quest_n this_o whole_a account_n may_v be_v much_o illustrate_v if_o it_o be_v declare_v on_o the_o other_o side_n what_o obedience_n be_v due_a to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n whether_o extraordinary_a as_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n or_o ordinary_a as_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n even_o when_o supreme_a magistrate_n command_v the_o contrary_a answ_n the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v of_o so_o supreme_a authority_n that_o though_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o be_v of_o no_o authority_n separate_v from_o that_o word_n yet_o the_o word_n and_o â—â—uth_n oâ—_n god_n of_o which_o they_o be_v ambassador_n be_v much_o highâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d â—he_v king_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o there_o be_v no_o compare_n between_o thâ—_n one_o and_o the_o other_o god_n therefore_o raise_v up_o extraordinary_o what_o messenger_n he_o please_v and_o send_v they_o with_o what_o message_n he_o think_v good_a to_o what_o prince_n or_o magistrate_n soever_o because_o immediate_o 〈◊〉_d god_n the_o
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 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concern_v have_v a_o ready_a and_o open_a way_n to_o examine_v and_o in_o all_o case_n to_o be_v resolve_v quest_n have_v all_o nation_n since_o the_o day_n of_o the_o bless_a seed_n be_v communicate_v with_o these_o revelation_n answ_n there_o have_v be_v a_o freedom_n give_v to_o communicate_v they_o and_o a_o right_n in_o all_o nation_n to_o demand_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o grant_v by_o god_n and_o christ_n to_o they_o but_o there_o be_v many_o sad_a account_n to_o be_v give_v why_o this_o universal_a grace_n to_o mankind_n have_v not_o yet_o take_v effect_n 1._o the_o unaccountableness_n of_o the_o method_n of_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o distinguish_a goodness_n even_o when_o thing_n seem_v equal_o dispose_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o one_o as_o of_o another_o 2._o the_o experiment_n make_v upon_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n that_o have_v the_o gospel_n justify_v god_n in_o not_o effectual_o convey_v it_o to_o other_o who_o will_v make_v as_o ill_o a_o use_n of_o it_o the_o idolatry_n superstition_n of_o some_o the_o sottish_a ignorance_n sloth_n and_o neglect_n of_o other_o the_o cruelty_n and_o barbarity_n exercise_v by_o christian_n upon_o one_o another_o and_o the_o unanswerable_a live_n to_o it_o in_o all_o sect_n make_v plain_a the_o great_a perverseness_n of_o our_o degenerate_a nature_n and_o how_o nation_n that_o have_v not_o the_o gospel_n will_v have_v abuse_v it_o if_o they_o have_v have_v it_o 3._o but_o especial_o the_o great_a enmity_n to_o and_o contempt_n of_o the_o heavenly_a doctrine_n great_a nation_n be_v environ_v with_o against_o the_o approach_n of_o it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v come_v within_o their_o notice_n as_o among_o jew_n turk_n and_o pagan_n be_v a_o very_a obvious_a reason_n why_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n free_a promulgation_n quest_n what_o then_o be_v the_o immediate_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o nation_n that_o have_v the_o 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society_n of_o man_n that_o be_v true_o catholic_n if_o it_o be_v but_o according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a religion_n to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o of_o such_o service_n so_o far_o as_o they_o will_v admit_v it_o and_o keep_v to_o the_o simplicity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o instance_n beforenamed_n of_o jonah_n and_o st._n paul_n and_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o do_v this_o when_o true_a reveal_v religion_n be_v join_v with_o natural_a if_o nothing_o be_v require_v of_o we_o that_o corrupt_v and_o defile_v it_o no_o man_n error_n in_o which_o we_o be_v not_o force_v to_o communicate_v shall_v drive_v we_o from_o truth_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o upon_o these_o foundation_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o win_v further_o and_o further_o upon_o all_o to_o bring_v they_o home_o to_o god_n wherein_o they_o wander_v we_o shall_v make_v allowance_n to_o every_o man_n differ_v in_o small_a thing_n receive_v he_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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its_o own_o depth_n the_o spirit_n to_o who_o be_v know_v all_o its_o own_o design_n from_o the_o first_o foundation_n or_o beginning_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o high_a stone_n in_o the_o structure_n or_o end_v of_o it_o the_o top_n be_v know_v to_o it_o in_o the_o very_a bottom_n the_o end_n in_o the_o beginning_n that_o therefore_o which_o be_v see_v to_o man_n only_o in_o the_o rudiment_n or_o foundation_n and_o seem_v to_o mean_v no_o more_o appear_v at_o that_o very_a time_n to_o he_o in_o the_o compliment_n and_o he_o apply_v it_o to_o that_o compliment_n as_o certain_o and_o just_o as_o they_o do_v to_o the_o first_o rudiment_n or_o foundation_n as_o out_o of_o egypt_n have_v i_o call_v my_o son_n be_v as_o true_o apply_v to_o christ_n come_n out_o of_o egypt_n be_v then_o come_v to_o its_o perfection_n of_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o israel_n come_v out_o of_o egypt_n in_o the_o first_o rudiment_n and_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o true_o mean_v the_o last_o as_o the_o first_o though_o none_o can_v know_v its_o sense_n but_o itself_o till_o itself_o reveal_v it_o quest_n how_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v the_o true_a key_n of_o interpretation_n commit_v to_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n answ_n by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o justify_v the_o first_o writer_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v commissioned_n by_o god_n great_a and_o weighty_a truth_n holy_a heavenly_a become_v god_n as_o the_o author_n such_o speech_n as_o none_o beside_o the_o writer_n of_o scripture_n ever_o speak_v all_o of_o a_o piece_n with_o former_a scripture_n miracle_n mighty_a efficacy_n upon_o conscience_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n the_o abolish_n of_o sin_n the_o end_v design_v in_o all_o the_o remove_v all_o low_a form_n and_o ceremony_n for_o the_o time_n be_v into_o a_o most_o high_a spiritual_n substantial_a religion_n true_a peace_n of_o conscience_n introduce_v these_o with_o 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as_o if_o it_o can_v natural_o arise_v from_o so_o many_o word_n and_o syllable_n so_o put_v together_o have_v power_n and_o virtue_n by_o themselves_o to_o signify_v so_o high_a since_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v a_o reach_n in_o they_o which_o none_o can_v grasp_v or_o fathom_n but_o itself_o and_o contrive_v that_o sense_n so_o into_o word_n as_o none_o can_v summon_v it_o but_o itself_o and_o that_o it_o rest_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o bring_v it_o to_o light_n and_o reveal_v it_o into_o new_a and_o high_a scripture_n and_o that_o it_o appear_v as_o undeniable_o they_o do_v so_o as_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n itself_o be_v scripture_n answ_n the_o industry_n of_o such_o worthy_a person_n be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v to_o trace_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o old_a as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o go_v but_o if_o they_o can_v give_v satisfaction_n to_o cavil_v atheist_n or_o infidel_n or_o to_o the_o scruple_n of_o good_a man_n it_o still_o remain_v a_o just_a ground_n of_o satisfaction_n the_o spirit_n that_o carry_v by_o a_o almighty_a hand_n the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n carry_v those_o penman_n of_o the_o new_a by_o the_o same_o also_o and_o from_o one_o single_a glance_n of_o its_o mean_v that_o itself_o with_o divine_a artifice_n have_v leave_v draw_v there_o it_o derive_v that_o full_a face_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o new_a to_o be_v its_o sense_n in_o the_o old_a than_o that_o samson_n riddle_v in_o the_o exposition_n shall_v be_v his_o sense_n in_o the_o dark_a cover_n of_o it_o in_o word_n that_o can_v not_o else_o import_v it_o he_o that_o create_v the_o word_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o even_o then_o inspire_v they_o with_o that_o divine_a sense_n as_o with_o life_n may_v yet_o suffer_v it_o to_o lie_v entomb_v in_o they_o till_o itself_o that_o entrust_v it_o there_o give_v it_o a_o resurrection_n in_o the_o new_a quest_n but_o will_v you_o have_v none_o undertake_v in_o the_o interpret_n or_o expound_v scripture_n except_o by_o inspiration_n or_o the_o evidence_n of_o immediate_a divine_a presence_n where_o either_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o express_v as_o to_o be_v its_o own_o undoubted_a interpreter_n or_o the_o interpretation_n deduce_v as_o evident_o as_o any_o consequence_n by_o reason_n answ_n far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o discourage_v or_o lessen_v such_o undertake_n i_o rather_o wish_v all_o the_o lord_n people_n thus_o far_o prophet_n to_o search_v the_o mean_v of_o scripture_n with_o all_o the_o help_n and_o advantage_n they_o can_v attain_v and_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n all_o those_o who_o have_v any_o part_n of_o the_o prophetic_a office_n upon_o they_o will_v read_v and_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n to_o themselves_o and_o other_o quest_n but_o how_o be_v such_o interpretation_n consistent_a with_o the_o apostle_n so_o great_a assertion_n that_o scripture_n be_v not_o of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n answ_n first_o interpretation_n guide_v itself_o by_o the_o plain_a evident_a and_o self-interpreting_a oracle_n of_o scripture_n in_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n display_v a_o body_n of_o divine_a public_a truth_n which_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o darkness_n inattendence_n and_o inconsideration_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o very_a professor_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o much_o more_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a indisposedness_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o scripture_n need_v such_o constant_a display_v by_o applicatory_a interpretation_n and_o a_o distinct_a office_n to_o attend_v continual_o on_o this_o very_a thing_n and_o yet_o the_o main_a concernment_n of_o such_o interpretation_n lie_v in_o what_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o when_o open_v and_o apply_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v doubt_v of_o as_o scripture_n sense_n 2._o such_o interpretation_n as_o may_v be_v private_a in_o regard_n of_o its_o derivation_n of_o any_o doctrine_n from_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a place_n of_o scripture_n yet_o keep_v itself_o to_o the_o analogy_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a sense_n in_o other_o place_n do_v still_o maintain_v the_o free_a and_o public_a course_n of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n 3._o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n thus_o guide_v itself_o according_a to_o the_o evident_a sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o its_o clear_a part_n and_o take_v that_o as_o a_o clew_n into_o the_o more_o abstruse_a part_n of_o scripture_n necessary_o encounter_v much_o sound_n and_o excellent_a truth_n near_o ally_v to_o public_a and_o divine_a in_o all_o knowledge_n natural_a historical_a chronological_n moral_a political_n pertain_v to_o language_n and_o eloquence_n which_o make_v the_o world_n more_o lightsome_a and_o less_o subject_a to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n how_o great_a a_o light_n of_o all_o learning_n have_v break_v out_o from_o the_o very_a endeavour_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n of_o light_n the_o high_a honour_n and_o venerable_a estimation_n of_o scripture_n the_o much_o ascertain_v true_a public_a religion_n and_o the_o universal_a good_a 4._o many_o great_a truth_n and_o undoubted_o divine_a in_o themselves_o that_o be_v more_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o those_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o have_v not_o please_v the_o public_a wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n to_o give_v such_o assurance_n of_o they_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o that_o acknowledge_v the_o sacred_a authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o yet_o may_v present_v very_o large_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v assist_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n into_o the_o great_a scripture-reason_n in_o such_o point_n though_o but_o particular_o for_o
find_v the_o truth_n by_o itself_o and_o then_o the_o church_n by_o that_o truth_n and_o not_o the_o church_n by_o itself_o and_o then_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o church_n answ_n very_o true_a for_o god_n have_v so_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n establish_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n truth_n can_v give_v many_o assurance_n of_o itself_o to_o we_o by_o itself_o so_o suit_v to_o our_o faculty_n the_o church_n can_v give_v we_o none_o but_o by_o its_o agreement_n with_o truth_n reveal_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o can_v not_o have_v know_v such_o a_o congregation_n as_o the_o church_n at_o all_o to_o be_v much_o less_o which_o it_o be_v but_o by_o that_o word_n manifest_v itself_o in_o our_o conscience_n and_o so_o distinguish_v to_o we_o the_o true_a church_n among_o the_o many_o association_n in_o the_o world_n each_o call_n to_o we_o as_o have_v the_o best_a religion_n among_o themselves_o even_o the_o true_a apostle_n themselves_o can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o and_o false_a apostle_n try_v and_o find_v liar_n no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o this_o truth_n view_v and_o consider_v single_o and_o distinct_o by_o itself_o quest_n but_o when_o we_o have_v find_v the_o church_n by_o the_o truth_n may_v we_o not_o then_o deliver_v up_o ourselves_o whole_o to_o the_o church_n as_o so_o unite_v to_o truth_n answ_n no_o by_o no_o mean_n we_o can_v never_o so_o deliver_v up_o ourselves_o nor_o will_v the_o true_a church_n desire_v any_o such_o thing_n of_o we_o see_v its_o office_n be_v not_o to_o hold_v out_o itself_o but_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o do_v any_o thing_n else_o it_o act_v not_o as_o a_o church_n but_o as_o any_o other_o ordinary_a society_n and_o on_o no_o other_o term_n can_v we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o it_o for_o the_o very_a attempt_n to_o hold_v out_o as_o a_o church_n any_o law_n of_o its_o own_o aught_o to_o enter_v we_o into_o a_o jealousy_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v as_o a_o church_n the_o pillar_n and_o rest_n of_o divine_a truth_n only_o quest_n what_o reason_n be_v there_o of_o such_o a_o jealousy_n when_o once_o we_o have_v find_v it_o a_o church_n by_o the_o truth_n it_o hold_v out_o answ_n because_o a_o church_n that_o have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n may_v several_a way_n decline_v from_o its_o state_n quest_n how_o then_o can_v it_o he_o say_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o answ_n that_o prophetic_a promise_n do_v not_o secure_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n with_o which_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a my_o word_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n or_o thy_o seed_n seed_n for_o ever_o but_o it_o be_v yet_o further_o true_a the_o true_a seed_n the_o holy_a seed_n the_o substance_n of_o the_o church_n can_v never_o utter_o and_o final_o fail_v in_o any_o 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 they_o may_v as_o artificial_a pillar_n give_v some_o ornament_n to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o offer_v truth_n yet_o not_o be_v indeed_o unite_v to_o the_o foundation_n be_v movable_a and_o may_v go_v out_o of_o the_o house_n they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n and_o obedience_n of_o it_o within_o themselves_o and_o so_o may_v fall_v away_o from_o it_o it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o they_o as_o of_o the_o former_a the_o truth_n shall_v be_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o have_v make_v its_o edrâ—â—â—ma_n or_o settlement_n in_o they_o quest_n how_o do_v the_o professionary_n church_n fall_v away_o in_o the_o bulk_n and_o body_n of_o its_o professor_n and_o profession_n answ_n the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o actuate_v truth_n and_o only_a truth_n it_o may_v fail_v either_o in_o abate_v the_o fervour_n due_a to_o truth_n though_o nothing_o false_a or_o forreign_n be_v admit_v or_o in_o receive_v falsehood_n or_o thing_n of_o a_o base_a 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the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o authorise_v by_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n general_o of_o beneficence_n or_o do_v good_a and_o in_o some_o but_o spare_v instance_n of_o infliction_n of_o bodily_a pain_n or_o death_n quest_n do_v the_o apostle_n never_o err_v in_o their_o administration_n answ_n whenever_o that_o infallible_a guidance_n be_v not_o present_a to_o they_o they_o may_v err_v as_o be_v before_o observe_v in_o the_o apostle_n peter_n miscarriage_n which_o no_o doubt_n be_v record_v to_o show_v their_o power_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o but_o in_o the_o divine_a spirit_n act_v by_o they_o that_o none_o in_o after-age_n may_v pretend_v to_o dictate_v as_o their_o successor_n have_v not_o their_o power_n and_o yet_o require_v obedience_n as_o if_o they_o have_v it_o whereas_o even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o may_v err_v and_o so_o lose_v their_o power_n if_o never_o so_o little_o desert_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o what_o they_o consign_v over_o to_o 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offer_v by_o it_o the_o apostle_n power_n be_v only_o the_o presence_n of_o that_o word_n to_o they_o by_o the_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o preach_a it_o throughout_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o sound_v the_o christian_a church_n such_o be_v the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o any_o extraordinary_a minister_n under_o they_o the_o and_o constant_a rulership_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n remain_v unmovable_o in_o the_o word_n which_o it_o be_v their_o office_n to_o speak_v quest_n be_v not_o those_o we_o distinguish_o call_v bishop_n successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o preeminency_n they_o have_v over_o other_o pastor_n and_o elder_n answ_n that_o successor_n to_o the_o preeminency_n of_o the_o apostle_n may_v be_v well_o establish_v three_o thing_n be_v necessary_a 1._o that_o there_o be_v find_v and_o produce_v distinct_a command_n give_v in_o scripture_n â—o_o the_o inferior_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o obey_v superior_a minister_n or_o bishop_n command_v to_o christian_n to_o obey_v inferior_a minister_n or_o ordinary_a presbyter_n as_o inferior_a minister_n with_o respect_n to_o superior_a minister_n and_o those_o superior_a minister_n as_o superior_n we_o must_v find_v the_o apostle_n distinguish_v ordinary_a presbyter_n as_o inferior_a minister_n with_o respect_n to_o superior_a minister_n and_o those_o superior_a minister_n as_o superior_n as_o we_o find_v he_o distinguish_v civil_a magistrate_n into_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a and_o governor_n as_o those_o that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o 2._o see_v it_o be_v very_o clear_a and_o apparent_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o distant_a from_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o to_o constitute_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o make_v a_o great_a figure_n without_o as_o great_a a_o use_n or_o end_v and_o that_o christ_n have_v not_o give_v power_n to_o his_o ruler_n to_o command_v
to_o do_v from_o that_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o day_n and_o have_v also_o actuate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o those_o fundamental_o of_o it_o according_a as_o its_o interest_n have_v lead_v it_o in_o some_o age_n more_o in_o some_o less_o as_o shall_v be_v present_o more_o discover_v quest_n have_v then_o the_o scripture_n those_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n and_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o doctor_n upon_o they_o in_o such_o a_o length_n of_o time_n with_o what_o reason_n can_v it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o anti_n or_o antichristian-church_n answ_n with_o very_o great_a reason_n because_o by_o a_o multitude_n of_o addition_n foul_a idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a corruption_n and_o false_a interpretation_n upon_o the_o scripture_n the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n and_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o ancient_n shameful_o interpolate_v and_o by_o spurious_a write_n under_o their_o name_n despite_v it_o 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of_o be_v catholic_n and_o public_a answ_n the_o many_o concurrence_n of_o divine_a providence_n under_o his_o deep_a and_o unsearchable_a judgement_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o relation_n to_o that_o state_n he_o have_v appoint_v for_o his_o church_n i_o leave_v to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n and_o roman_a empire_n in_o those_o time_n by_o which_o may_v be_v understand_v how_o the_o papacy_n take_v the_o advantage_n to_o exalt_v itself_o not_o only_o above_o the_o episcopal_a chair_n then_o in_o a_o ambitious_a contest_v for_o supremacy_n but_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n that_o be_v the_o imperial_a power_n itself_o and_o so_o set_v its_o foot_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o christian_a prince_n throughout_o the_o world_n till_o the_o great_a cheat_n begin_v to_o be_v detect_v and_o all_o this_o by_z and_o upon_o pretence_n of_o be_v the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o head_n of_o the_o catholic_n that_o be_v the_o roman-church_n quest_n 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the_o word_n in_o season_n out_o of_o season_n or_o without_o season_n public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n quest_n i_o desire_v you_o now_o to_o apply_v your_o discourse_n to_o the_o administration_n of_o sovereign_a power_n in_o model_v and_o circumstantiate_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n what_o their_o power_n give_v they_o by_o god_n therein_o be_v answ_n that_o i_o may_v give_v you_o a_o answer_n in_o that_o i_o must_v observe_v our_o saviour_n distinction_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o his_o charge_n that_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n be_v render_v to_o he_o and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n be_v render_v to_o caesar_n now_o none_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n be_v his_o first_o but_o they_o be_v first_o god_n and_o give_v to_o caesar_n by_o god_n god_n then_o have_v entrust_v caesar_n with_o the_o render_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n to_o god_n that_o be_v to_o take_v care_n that_o 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truth_n and_o word_n the_o service_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o whatever_o he_o have_v herein_o reserve_v to_o himself_o all_o these_o be_v so_o his_o that_o no_o caesar_n have_v any_o power_n in_o or_o over_o they_o to_o add_v or_o diminish_v or_o make_v the_o least_o alteration_n so_o that_o though_o they_o may_v have_v great_a power_n in_o many_o thing_n relate_v to_o religion_n to_o the_o accommodation_n of_o the_o most_o external_n exercise_n of_o it_o to_o government_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o nation_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o very_a religious_a action_n themselves_o and_o the_o management_n of_o they_o they_o must_v be_v close_o confine_v to_o god_n manifestation_n of_o himself_o how_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v and_o to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o moddel_n and_o decent_o to_o circumstantiate_v that_o worship_n and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v render_v to_o god_n perfect_o according_a to_o his_o own_o pattern_n and_o the_o magistrate_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 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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
that_o that_o doctrine_n be_v make_v know_v to_o man_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n consequential_o and_o by_o way_n of_o deduction_n though_o not_o original_o ingraft_v i_o make_v no_o doubt_n and_o that_o these_o two_o way_n 1._o by_o that_o obligation_n to_o forgive_v plant_v in_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o inclinableness_n of_o generous_a mind_n to_o it_o as_o a_o excellency_n and_o glory_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o attributable_a to_o god_n see_v all_o perfection_n derive_v from_o god_n and_o be_v most_o attributable_a to_o he_o to_o the_o lord_n 9_o dan._n 9_o 9_o our_o god_n belong_v mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n he_o have_v declare_v to_o man_n it_o do_v so_o by_o insert_v it_o as_o a_o nobleness_n in_o his_o heart_n they_o therefore_o that_o do_v not_o esteem_v it_o a_o virtue_n and_o of_o most_o desirable_a practice_n in_o themselves_o may_v upon_o that_o very_a reason_n despair_n of_o it_o from_o god_n see_v they_o count_v it_o wise_a and_o better_o not_o to_o forgive_v and_o whatever_o be_v best_a and_o wise_a be_v most_o attributable_a to_o god_n 2._o by_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n which_o in_o its_o most_o natural_a inference_n lead_v to_o repentance_n and_o be_v salvation_n 9_o rom._n 2._o 4_o 5._o 2_o pet._n 3._o 9_o infinite_a goodness_n not_o be_v willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o all_o come_v to_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o that_o penitential_a frame_n discoverable_a in_o humane_a nature_n upon_o ingenuous_a sense_n of_o sin_n answer_v this_o patience_n of_o god_n as_o the_o eye_n and_o light_n as_o the_o ear_n and_o sound_n do_v one_o another_o and_o both_o together_o be_v a_o connate_a gospel_n in_o man_n soul_n if_o any_o shall_v think_v this_o a_o derogation_n from_o the_o mediator_n he_o will_v be_v satisfy_v i_o intend_v no_o such_o when_o i_o tell_v he_o i_o esteem_v all_o those_o notion_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o morality_n as_o continue_v to_o be_v plant_v in_o man_n be_v from_o jesus_n christ_n the_o creator-redeemer_n by_o who_o every_o thing_n be_v make_v that_o be_v make_v who_o be_v that_o true_a light_n that_o be_v the_o light_n of_o man_n the_o true_a light_n that_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n natural_a religion_n therefore_o may_v well_o be_v inlay_v 9_o john_n 1._o 4_o 9_o with_o evangelical_n line_n since_o it_o be_v all_o from_o christ_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o both_o st._n paul_n and_o peter_n discourse_v it_o as_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o man_n against_o natural_a knowledge_n and_o conscience_n not_o to_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v to_o repentance_n to_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n to_o account_v it_o slackness_n and_o not_o salvation_n which_o can_v not_o be_v without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o a_o pardon_n make_v know_v by_o natural_a light_n nay_o indeed_o all_o impression_n of_o natural_a religion_n continue_v and_o move_v to_o good_a action_n after_o sin_n be_v build_v upon_o god_n pardon_v mercy_n because_o god_n allow_v receive_v no_o worship_n from_o devil_n who_o find_v no_o place_n for_o repentance_n david_n therefore_o celebrate_v god_n thus_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n 4._o psal_n 103._o 4._o with_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v fear_v that_o be_v honour_v reverence_v worship_a and_o serve_v which_o can_v not_o be_v since_o man_n sin_n if_o thou_o do_v not_o forgive_v thus_o evident_a be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o pardon_n and_o repentance_n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o natural_a religion_n since_o the_o fall_n that_o must_v be_v a_o noble_a branch_n of_o it_o the_o king_n of_o nineveh_n have_v a_o confidence_n in_o this_o mercy_n that_o so_o peremptory_a decree_n of_o destruction_n notwithstanding_o for_o the_o allowance_n ult_n jonah_n 3._o ult_n of_o they_o a_o quarentine_n or_o forty_o day_n patience_n carry_v a_o solemn_a promise_n of_o pardon_n upon_o repentance_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o else_o why_o be_v not_o the_o destruction_n immediate_a so_o he_o understand_v and_o so_o it_o prove_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o worthy_a part_n of_o religious_a public_a discourse_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o second_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v prayer_n to_o god_n which_o our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n our_o expectation_n from_o he_o both_o for_o the_o holy_a and_o happy_a state_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n challenge_v from_o we_o the_o recommendation_n of_o our_o state_n beyond_o death_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o a_o faithful_a creator_n require_v it_o of_o we_o the_o peaceable_a and_o prosperous_a order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o our_o near_a concern_v in_o it_o national_a domestic_a personal_n provoke_v we_o to_o it_o prayer_n for_o pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n to_o god_n vow_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o of_o returns_z to_o he_o by_o repentance_n how_o necessary_a be_v they_o for_o upon_o supposition_n of_o sin_n and_o hope_n of_o pardon_n the_o same_o consideration_n enter_v into_o prayer_n that_o do_v into_o discourse_n of_o god_n now_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n so_o natural_a that_o not_o to_o pray_v be_v to_o restrain_v 4._o john_n 15._o 4._o prayer_n to_o shut_v up_o and_o imprison_v a_o most_o natural_a motion_n and_o vent_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v ready_a forcible_o to_o burst_v out_o as_o water_v consign_v within_o bound_n too_o close_o for_o it_o david_n make_v address_n to_o god_n as_o by_o one_o of_o his_o attribute_n oh_o thou_o 2._o psal_n 65._o 2._o that_o hear_v prayer_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o universal_a congregation_n of_o suppliant_n about_o thou_o to_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v 3._o praise_n of_o god_n in_o the_o divine_a excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o be_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n in_o his_o mercy_n and_o continual_a beneficency_n to_o ourselves_o and_o all_o his_o creature_n in_o his_o righteousness_n judgement_n and_o severity_n upon_o the_o wickedness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o tribute_n to_o god_n so_o natural_a that_o god_n as_o our_o maker_n give_v all_o man_n song_n in_o the_o night_n that_o be_v continual_a matter_n of_o praise_n even_o in_o the_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a season_n the_o whole_a creation_n be_v one_o mouth_n open_v in_o his_o glory_n this_o be_v so_o due_a and_o even_o necessary_a to_o be_v pay_v that_o some_o naturalist_n of_o no_o great_a reputation_n for_o devotion_n have_v upon_o the_o survey_n of_o the_o admirable_a work_n of_o god_n find_v his_o praise_n even_o bubble_v up_o from_o they_o in_o hymn_n of_o praise_n 4._o the_o holy_a and_o reverend_a mention_n of_o god_n upon_o all_o just_a and_o valuable_a reason_n as_o in_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n in_o covenant_n and_o pact_n in_o decision_n of_o controversy_n by_o testimony_n in_o asseveration_n of_o truth_n in_o promise_n be_v among_o the_o decree_n of_o this_o natural_a religion_n last_o the_o universal_a sanctification_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n in_o all_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n that_o in_o nothing_o we_o may_v reverse_v that_o acknowledgement_n we_o make_v in_o solemn_a duty_n who_o that_o call_v god_n the_o bâ—st_n and_o great_a name_n of_o love_n and_o awe_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n as_o heathen_n do_v by_o the_o force_n of_o natural_a religion_n can_v deny_v or_o keep_v back_o any_o part_n of_o these_o from_o god_n or_o if_o any_o deny_v they_o or_o do_v contrary_a to_o they_o by_o impious_a swear_n blaspheme_v the_o name_n of_o god_n or_o undervalue_v the_o awful_a and_o tremendous_a attribute_n or_o what_o evident_o and_o undoubted_o pertain_v to_o the_o divine_a honour_n and_o glory_n who_o can_v say_v severity_n upon_o he_o be_v cruelty_n but_o a_o due_a sacrifice_n to_o justice_n as_o punishment_n for_o blood_n rapine_n unnatural_a lust_n be_v all_o these_o then_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o evident_a duty_n that_o they_o need_v nothing_o of_o further_a discourse_n but_o only_o a_o sober_a reflection_n upon_o their_o own_o evidence_n in_o order_n to_o their_o prevalency_n in_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n and_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n beside_o the_o very_a gravity_n require_v in_o such_o awful_a action_n the_o prudence_n of_o rational_a nature_n in_o its_o solemn_a deportment_n the_o great_a condecency_n require_v to_o divine_a thing_n that_o can_v arise_v from_o nature_n and_o not_o from_o artifice_n i_o know_v nothing_o to_o be_v add_v except_o a_o caution_n to_o rest_v here_o and_o not_o to_o suffer_v the_o transport_n and_o enchantment_n of_o a_o fleshly_a imagination_n that_o be_v endless_o spin_v out_o itself_o in_o form_n and_o mode_n of_o divine_a worship_n till_o that_o worship_n become_v not_o a_o piece_n of_o pageantry_n only_o for_o that_o be_v
or_o a_o bad_a religion_n when_o yet_o christian_n be_v under_o the_o fiery_a trial_n when_o they_o be_v continual_o under_o persecution_n for_o their_o religion_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v righteousness_n because_o able_a to_o justify_v itself_o to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n when_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o deny_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o their_o subjection_n to_o the_o high_a power_n as_o not_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v christian_n at_o their_o command_n what_o then_o do_v this_o largeness_n frankness_n and_o freedom_n of_o expression_n mean_a on_o the_o part_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v subject_n and_o that_o not_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o â—onsâ—ience_n sake_n and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o when_o yet_o they_o be_v present_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o holy_a profession_n of_o christianity_n to_o deny_v subjection_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o great_a command_n of_o magistracy_n in_o religion_n on_o the_o part_n of_o magistrate_n that_o they_o be_v only_o a_o terror_n to_o evil_a work_n and_o a_o praise_n to_o they_o that_o do_v well_o that_o he_o that_o do_v well_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a when_o upon_o the_o true_a estimate_n of_o christianity_n they_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n how_o can_v all_o this_o be_v reconcile_v but_o by_o reduce_v all_o to_o the_o just_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o divine_a ordination_n fix_v the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o the_o people_n obedience_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n thus_o so_o far_o as_o natural_a religion_n extend_v so_o far_o the_o magistrate_n power_n extend_v here_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o bear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a hither_o be_v the_o people_n obedience_n to_o come_v in_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o conscience_n sake_n these_o be_v the_o ancient_a landmark_n thar_z ought_v not_o to_o be_v remove_v i_o speak_v not_o at_o all_o of_o civil_a obedience_n now_o but_o of_o obedience_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n let_v none_o of_o you_o suffer_v as_o a_o murderer_n as_o a_o thief_n as_o a_o evildoer_n 16._o 1_o pet._n 4._o 15_o 16._o as_o a_o busybody_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n so_o the_o same_o apostle_n speak_v offence_n against_o natural_a religion_n or_o for_o violation_n of_o godliness_n command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n then_o quietness_n and_o peace_n of_o life_n be_v just_o deny_v you_o but_o if_o you_o suffer_v as_o christian_n rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a when_o you_o come_v to_o suffer_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o that_o excellent_a religion_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n and_o assure_v to_o you_o here_o there_o be_v no_o suffer_v just_o due_a to_o you_o therefore_o your_o suffering_n shall_v be_v recompense_v to_o you_o with_o divine_a glory_n from_o heaven_n from_o whence_o christianity_n be_v reveal_v let_v we_o lay_v the_o whole_a together_o at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o magistrate_n be_v heathen_n and_o enemy_n to_o christian_a religion_n and_o christian_n can_v pay_v they_o no_o obedience_n in_o recede_v from_o christianity_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o point_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v not_o the_o mutual_a obligation_n of_o obedience_n and_o protection_n yet_o there_o be_v still_o a_o common_a centre_n wherein_o even_o in_o religious_a consideration_n the_o protection_n of_o magistrate_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o meet_v and_o that_o uncontroversable_o on_o both_o side_n good_a and_o what_o can_v that_o be_v but_o as_o one_o place_n call_v it_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n another_o good_a work_n another_o do_v well_o this_o then_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o the_o world_n peace_n and_o tranquillity_n universal_a religion_n absolute_a religion_n natural_a religion_n even_o as_o natural_a justice_n universal_a justice_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o transaction_n between_o man_n and_o man_n yet_o if_o magistrate_n will_v inflict_v suffering_n upon_o christian_n 2d_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 2d_o hold_v fast_o their_o profession_n they_o be_v teach_v by_o christianity_n to_o suffer_v patient_o not_o as_o if_o suffering_n be_v due_a to_o they_o but_o that_o justice_n may_v be_v do_v natural_a religion_n may_v be_v maintain_v one_o great_a branch_n of_o which_o be_v uphold_v government_n in_o all_o its_o honour_n and_o plenipotence_n but_o therefore_o in_o testimony_n to_o they_o that_o suffering_n be_v not_o due_a to_o they_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o glory_n shall_v rest_v upon_o they_o even_o as_o in_o all_o undue_a administration_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n where_o humane_a law_n the_o law_n of_o this_o or_o that_o government_n have_v take_v no_o care_n suffering_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o innocent_a but_o their_o appeal_n lie_v above_o the_o conclusion_n than_o be_v this_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o ever_o there_o be_v no_o impeachment_n lie_v against_o man_n from_o the_o violation_n of_o natural_a religion_n their_o peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n be_v the_o just_a right_n of_o their_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n praise_v security_n a_o state_n out_o of_o fear_n be_v due_a to_o they_o as_o well-doer_n as_o to_o those_o that_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a many_o other_o be_v the_o expression_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o apostolic_a write_n look_v this_o way_n that_o the_o great_a letter_n of_o commendation_n to_o mankind_n in_o general_n concern_v person_n and_o their_o way_n in_o religion_n so_o far_o as_o the_o thing_n come_v under_o their_o judicature_n be_v the_o intrinsic_a and_o real_a goodness_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o life_n at_o the_o beam_n of_o natural_a conscience_n this_o be_v the_o royal_a law_n every_o one_o be_v to_o fulfil_v in_o these_o thing_n 18._o jam._n 2._o 8._o rom._n 14._o 18._o we_o must_v serve_v christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n thus_o they_o must_v adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n thus_o they_o must_v take_v care_n against_o the_o name_n 1._o 1_o tim._n 6._o 1._o of_o god_n be_v blaspheme_v thus_o they_o must_v put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n 16._o â—_o pet._n 2._o 15._o &_o 3._o 16._o of_o foolish_a man_n and_o make_v they_o ashamed_a now_o it_o be_v true_a all_o the_o severity_n of_o profession_n and_o life_n according_a to_o natural_a religion_n will_v not_o justify_v the_o truth_n or_o goodness_n of_o a_o assume_v religion_n as_o reveal_v from_o god_n as_o of_o the_o sober_a moral_a heathen_a jew_n turk_n papist_n or_o any_o master_n of_o sect_n of_o most_o unblameable_a life_n among_o protestant_n that_o be_v to_o be_v try_v in_o a_o consistory_n proper_a to_o it_o the_o argument_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o be_v reveal_v be_v to_o be_v weigh_v the_o nature_n scope_n and_o tendency_n of_o it_o and_o all_o its_o principle_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o at_o last_o it_o stand_v at_o god_n judgment-seat_n where_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v judge_v but_o thus_o the_o argument_n be_v the_o more_o enforce_v that_o where_o there_o be_v the_o testimonial_n of_o natural_a religion_n fair_o write_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o any_o religion_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o though_o we_o be_v not_o nor_o may_v have_v reason_n to_o be_v induce_v by_o the_o motive_n of_o credibility_n it_o give_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n or_o seek_v everlasting_a happiness_n in_o it_o yet_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o humanity_n in_o allow_v peaceable_a life_n be_v to_o be_v give_v they_o have_v thus_o far_o insist_v upon_o scripture_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n i_o come_v now_o to_o argue_v it_o by_o reason_n and_o under_o every_o argument_n to_o observe_v the_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o it_o argum._n 1._o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o argue_v from_o the_o great_a excellency_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o acceptableness_n of_o it_o to_o god_n that_o therefore_o since_o it_o be_v also_o general_a religion_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o common_a peace_n in_o religion_n we_o ought_v to_o allow_v the_o hospitableness_n of_o humanity_n to_o all_o that_o profess_v it_o and_o dogmatise_v nothing_o but_o what_o upon_o due_a hear_n and_o discourse_n they_o offer_v to_o make_v out_o consistent_a and_o fair_o agree_v with_o it_o for_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a even_o upon_o a_o violent_a suspicion_n of_o the_o contrary_a to_o inquire_v hear_v and_o receive_v reason_n if_o it_o can_v be_v give_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o altar_n of_o testimony_n we_o read_v of_o joshua_n 22._o 10._o god_n make_v the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o magnificency_n of_o it_o at_o the_o first_o to_o entertain_v man_n of_o this_o general_a and_o excellent_a religion_n and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n say_v as_o in_o revival_n of_o what_o have_v be_v
right_n of_o earthly_a power_n not_o the_o retrench_a any_o of_o the_o freedom_n of_o natural_a religion_n not_o the_o impose_v any_o thing_n beside_o and_o beyond_o it_o by_o power_n or_o penalty_n not_o the_o forbid_a of_o reformation_n of_o any_o corruption_n invade_v it_o not_o the_o embargo_a any_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n consist_v with_o or_o perfect_a natural_a religion_n as_o all_o true_o such_o do_v only_o the_o power_n of_o require_v all_o to_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o punishment_n of_o those_o that_o disobey_v natural_a law_n but_o it_o may_v be_v further_o say_v god_n intend_v christianity_n shall_v be_v bring_v in_o not_o by_o might_n not_o by_o power_n but_o by_o tâ—e_v spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o believer_n in_o it_o shall_v seal_v it_o not_o with_o pleasure_n honour_n and_o outward_a advantage_n accrue_v to_o they_o by_o it_o but_o with_o their_o blood_n and_o suffering_n this_o be_v also_o most_o true_a it_o appear_v god_n do_v so_o intend_v but_o still_o if_o magistrate_n be_v entrust_v by_o god_n with_o make_v religion_n legal_a or_o not_o legal_a by_o their_o seal_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o divine_a ordination_n of_o magistracy_n be_v dishonour_v and_o debase_v by_o he_o that_o appoint_v it_o in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o take_a notice_n of_o in_o so_o great_a a_o affair_n of_o the_o divine_a kingdom_n and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v judge_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o real_a injury_n do_v to_o power_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o christian_n be_v on_o that_o account_n just_a for_o who_o can_v know_v that_o for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n god_n have_v suspend_v that_o suppose_a ordination_n of_o he_o viz._n that_o no_o religion_n shall_v be_v bring_v into_o any_o state_n or_o kingdom_n that_o have_v not_o first_o the_o favour_n and_o licence_n of_o the_o law_n and_o magistrate_n of_o that_o state_n and_o kingdom_n but_o now_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o state_v rule_n that_o beyond_o natural_a religion_n the_o magistrate_n power_n extend_v not_o but_o that_o be_v secure_v there_o be_v a_o freedom_n to_o subject_n of_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o wherein_o they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o god_n as_o of_o their_o body_n life_n or_o estate_n in_o private_a concern_v or_o as_o a_o philosopher_n have_v of_o choose_v what_o he_o think_v the_o best_a system_v and_o from_o the_o best_a author_n and_o that_o man_n may_v free_o reason_v herein_o still_o within_o the_o confinement_n of_o natural_a religion_n reverence_n of_o god_n and_o all_o just_a deference_n to_o man_n and_o than_o christian_a religion_n have_v a_o legal_a entrance_n offer_v no_o disregard_n to_o magistracy_n but_o take_v natural_a freedom_n to_o offer_v itself_o wherein_o its_o way_n be_v so_o prepare_v it_o than_o open_v itself_o with_o all_o that_o divine_a power_n and_o authority_n that_o can_v be_v refuse_v but_o under_o the_o great_a peril_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n thus_o proportionable_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o concern_v the_o reformation_n of_o christianity_n from_o popery_n we_o then_o that_o be_v christian_n and_o protestant_a christian_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o keep_v that_o door_n of_o the_o just_a and_o lawful_a propagation_n of_o religion_n not_o contrariant_n to_o natural_a religion_n as_o open_a as_o we_o can_v and_o to_o grant_v a_o quiet_a comprehensive_a of_o all_o offer_n that_o can_v be_v make_v keep_v within_o rule_n of_o natural_a religion_n reason_n and_o prudence_n it_o seem_v less_o hazard_n to_o admit_v those_o inconvenience_n attendant_a upon_o this_o liberty_n that_o through_o humane_a corruption_n run_v round_o with_o every_o thing_n than_o those_o great_a mischief_n of_o have_v christian_n or_o protestant_a religion_n violent_o keep_v out_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v that_o there_o be_v obligation_n lie_v upon_o man_n precedent_a to_o any_o right_n of_o humane_a authority_n viz._n of_o duty_n to_o god_n in_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n of_o the_o profession_n confession_n and_o publication_n of_o true_a religion_n however_o man_n forbid_v or_o scorn_v it_o of_o rational_a communication_n of_o truth_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o 12._o act._n 4._o 12._o can_v but_o speak_v the_o thing_n we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v of_o charity_n to_o man_n soul_n in_o not_o conceal_v the_o tiding_n of_o salvation_n the_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n for_o certain_o david_n express_v himself_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n when_o he_o say_v i_o have_v preach_v righteousness_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n i_o have_v not_o refrain_v my_o lip_n oh_o lord_n thou_o 10_o psal_n 40._o 9_o 10_o know_v i_o have_v not_o hide_v thy_o righteousness_n in_o my_o heart_n i_o have_v declare_v thy_o faithfulness_n and_o thy_o salvation_n i_o have_v not_o conceal_v thy_o lovingkindness_n and_o thy_o truth_n from_o the_o great_a congregation_n and_o moses_n when_o he_o say_v give_v ear_n oh_o you_o heaven_n and_o 3_o deut._n 32._o 1_o 2_o 3_o i_o will_v speak_v and_o hear_v oh_o earth_n the_o word_n of_o my_o mouth_n my_o doctrine_n shall_v drop_v as_o the_o rain_n my_o speech_n shall_v distil_v as_o the_o dew_n because_o i_o will_v publish_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n ascribe_v you_o greatness_n to_o our_o god_n yet_o from_o hence_o i_o do_v not_o suppose_v any_o man_n bind_v to_o go_v and_o preach_v to_o the_o great_a turk_n either_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n against_o any_o of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o that_o tyranny_n or_o folly_n of_o that_o superstition_n or_o the_o just_a and_o holy_a law_n and_o truth_n of_o christianity_n instead_o of_o his_o worse_a than_o aâ—ile_n alcoran_n every_o man_n be_v to_o measure_v his_o commission_n and_o the_o enablement_n he_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n for_o his_o work_n and_o not_o to_o venture_v upon_o thing_n beyond_o his_o line_n for_o even_o the_o apostle_n know_v their_o measure_n the_o measure_n of_o the_o rule_n distribute_v they_o by_o god_n a_o measure_n reach_v so_o far_o beyond_o which_o they_o do_v not_o stretch_v themselves_o in_o that_o famous_a place_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 13._o every_o man_n may_v compute_v the_o probable_a account_n his_o service_n will_v turn_v to_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n christ_n teach_v he_o to_o forbear_v when_o it_o be_v certain_a before_o hand_n his_o pearl_n will_v be_v tread_v under_o foot_n and_o himself_o 6._o mat._n 7._o 6._o rend_v and_o so_o i_o have_v finish_v what_o i_o think_v necessary_a to_o be_v speak_v upon_o this_o three_o argument_n and_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o four_o argum._n 4._o natural_a religion_n may_v well_o be_v the_o cement_n of_o universal_a peace_n since_o whatever_o can_v comport_v with_o the_o good_a of_o the_o universe_n or_o community_n be_v secure_v by_o it_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o community_n be_v charge_v with_o it_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o particular_a person_n the_o orderly_a posture_n of_o every_o man_n in_o his_o station_n and_o rank_n the_o just_a deference_n to_o magistracy_n and_o public_a authority_n the_o security_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o quiet_n the_o advancement_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o divine_a revelation_n now_o in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o i_o will_v consider_v what_o objection_n may_v be_v make_v against_o allow_v freedom_n in_o religion_n upon_o natural_a religion_n secure_v and_o the_o answer_n to_o they_o object_n 1._o every_o false_a religion_n or_o refusal_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o a_o nation_n not_o vindicate_v by_o due_a severity_n upon_o offender_n be_v a_o offence_n against_o the_o divine_a majesty_n of_o a_o national_a gild_n and_o bring_v down_o national_a judgement_n answer_n the_o government_n of_o conscience_n be_v god_n peculiar_a no_o earthly_a power_n shall_v be_v charge_v with_o the_o obliquity_n and_o error_n of_o it_o any_o more_o than_o with_o the_o secret_a sin_n of_o man_n that_o be_v not_o know_v or_o those_o distemper_n of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n which_o come_v into_o no_o palpable_a instance_n can_v neither_o be_v convict_v nor_o sentence_v by_o man_n now_o mistake_v of_o man_n in_o religion_n not_o cognisable_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o error_n of_o conscience_n and_o so_o be_v proper_o leave_v to_o god_n judgment-seat_n and_o the_o magistrate_n stand_v free_a it_o be_v therefore_o very_o observable_a prince_n be_v call_v nursing-fathers_n and_o queen_n nursing-mothers_n signify_v not_o a_o 23._o isa_n 49._o 23._o commanding-power_n but_o a_o tender_a insinuate_a cherish_v the_o encouragement_n from_o they_o that_o such_o a_o appellative_a carry_v with_o it_o in_o those_o that_o declare_v it_o in_o those_o that_o be_v to_o receive_v it_o the_o magistrate_n discharge_v this_o honourable_a trust_n may_v acquit_v himself_o and_o the_o community_n
and_o inflame_v with_o a_o holy_a affection_n in_o a_o lowly_a imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a zeal_n wherewith_o god_n perform_v all_o his_o holy_a ordination_n thus_o as_o prince_n they_o have_v power_n with_o god_n because_o they_o offer_v he_o their_o petition_n according_a to_o his_o establish_v rule_n of_o government_n and_o his_o own_o holy_a will_n concern_v the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o pray_v to_o he_o now_o the_o understanding_n these_o rule_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o infallible_a to_o the_o prophet_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n inspire_v by_o he_o but_o to_o we_o in_o ordinary_a by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o law_n of_o true_a and_o right_a reason_n in_o deduction_n from_o that_o word_n and_o in_o which_o word_n and_o the_o deduction_n from_o it_o if_o we_o be_v not_o mistake_v the_o efficacy_n will_v be_v certain_a because_o if_o we_o ask_v according_a to_o his_o will_n we_o be_v sure_o he_o hear_v we_o and_o that_o we_o have_v in_o some_o true_a sense_n the_o petition_n we_o ask_v of_o he_o this_o be_v so_o valuable_a a_o rule_n of_o prayer_n that_o daniel_n though_o so_o great_a a_o man_n of_o vision_n yet_o betake_v himself_o to_o this_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o instruction_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n dan._n 9_o by_o book_n of_o holy_a record_n and_o general_a chronology_n he_o know_v that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n be_v near_o its_o expiration_n and_o so_o set_v himself_o to_o prayer_n and_o be_v crown_v with_o this_o wonderful_a success_n and_o acceptance_n thus_o prayer_n prevail_v with_o god_n and_o yet_o without_o any_o change_n in_o he_o there_o be_v a_o configuration_n or_o concurrence_n of_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o own_o unchangeable_a will_n his_o counsel_n of_o old_a that_o be_v faithfulness_n and_o truth_n be_v remonstrate_v to_o he_o by_o the_o humble_a servant_n desire_v of_o his_o servant_n that_o know_v they_o to_o be_v his_o counsel_n and_o who_o be_v order_v by_o the_o same_o counsel_n to_o inquire_v or_o beseech_v he_o by_o prayer_n according_a to_o they_o and_o therefore_o by_o his_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n he_o draw_v the_o parallel_a line_n to_o his_o own_o intention_n upon_o their_o heart_n desire_n and_o affection_n i_o have_v pursue_v this_o the_o further_a because_o it_o give_v a_o solution_n to_o that_o doubt_n how_o god_n without_o any_o change_n in_o himself_o hear_v prayer_n and_o also_o assure_v we_o this_o prayer_n be_v so_o remarkable_a as_o to_o be_v twice_o use_v in_o the_o same_o word_n most_o certain_o bear_v itself_o upon_o some_o certain_a principle_n from_o which_o we_o may_v argue_v to_o general_a practice_n the_o principle_n it_o rest_v upon_o must_v be_v this_o there_o be_v a_o establish_v order_n betwixt_o the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n his_o fury_n and_o vengeance_n and_o the_o nation_n or_o family_n not_o know_v not_o call_v on_o his_o name_n and_o this_o be_v know_v by_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n his_o wrath_n according_a to_o unchangeable_a law_n be_v always_o prepare_v against_o those_o that_o forsake_v he_o and_o that_o duty_n they_o owe_v to_o he_o as_o nation_n it_o have_v be_v else_o a_o great_a presumption_n upon_o god_n and_o breach_n of_o charity_n to_o the_o nation_n so_o to_o pray_v against_o they_o which_o may_v also_o give_v we_o account_v of_o all_o those_o dreadful_a imprecation_n and_o curse_n david_n and_o other_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n pour_v out_o against_o their_o own_o enemy_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o their_o people_n they_o be_v found_v in_o their_o be_v enemy_n to_o god_n his_o true_a worship_n love_n and_o service_n and_o as_o such_o their_o final_a destruction_n be_v decree_v against_o they_o by_o the_o most_o righteous_a law_n of_o divine_a government_n make_v know_v unto_o those_o holy_a man_n and_o so_o they_o pray_v for_o it_o as_o public_a person_n and_o not_o out_o of_o private_a wrath_n and_o revenge_n but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o main_a argument_n and_o this_o principle_n i_o be_o upon_o that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v against_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v without_o national_a religion_n lie_v deep_a in_o a_o first_o and_o more_o original_a principle_n viz._n there_o be_v a_o obligation_n a_o great_a duty_n lie_v upon_o nation_n as_o nation_n to_o know_v and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n for_o else_o why_o shall_v god_n find_v fault_n why_o shall_v he_o be_v angry_a when_o none_o have_v resist_v his_o will_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a order_n establish_v by_o god_n between_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o a_o people_n and_o their_o public_a true_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o a_o duty_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o duty_n be_v the_o fit_v we_o for_o blessing_n and_o â—avour_n as_o the_o neglect_n and_o transgression_n of_o duty_n can_v be_v without_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n for_o thus_o god_n have_v place_v life_n and_o death_n one_o over_o against_o another_o yet_o so_o that_o life_n and_o blessing_n be_v always_o first_o even_o as_o duty_n be_v always_o before_o sin_n for_o god_n never_o make_v death_n and_o destruction_n even_o as_o he_o never_o can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o sin_n but_o they_o come_v in_o by_o the_o fail_v of_o our_o duty_n and_o so_o of_o that_o life_n and_o blessedness_n entail_v on_o our_o duty_n yet_o the_o obligation_n to_o national_a true_a religion_n be_v much_o more_o evident_a from_o these_o holy_a man_n pray_v down_o wrath_n upon_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o that_o call_v not_o on_o his_o name_n than_o it_o can_v have_v be_v from_o the_o pray_n for_o his_o favour_n to_o they_o that_o do_v know_v he_o and_o that_o do_v call_v on_o his_o name_n because_o his_o favour_n may_v have_v be_v vouchsafe_v upon_o term_n much_o below_o our_o substantial_a and_o inviolable_a duty_n as_o many_o of_o the_o jewish_a rite_n may_v be_v argument_n for_o and_o pledge_n of_o god_n gracious_a regard_n to_o the_o people_n he_o have_v so_o distinguish_v when_o the_o want_n of_o those_o sign_n will_v not_o have_v argue_v to_o the_o effusion_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n there_o be_v no_o natural_a or_o positive_a duty_n lie_v upon_o any_o but_o the_o jew_n to_o such_o observance_n there_o may_v be_v many_o argument_n for_o the_o bounty_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n from_o external_n rite_n appoint_v by_o he_o and_o observe_v by_o his_o people_n though_o indeed_o these_o all_o refer_v to_o their_o essential_a duty_n and_o argue_v nothing_o without_o it_o yet_o the_o contrary_n will_v not_o enforce_v to_o the_o opposite_a degree_n of_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n because_o they_o be_v not_o observe_v when_o no_o substantial_a duty_n be_v violate_v uncircumcision_n that_o keep_v the_o law_n may_v have_v in_o the_o main_a the_o same_o security_n from_o wrath_n with_o circumcision_n that_o keep_v the_o law_n also_o see_v then_o there_o be_v so_o great_a wrath_n against_o those_o that_o know_v not_o god_n that_o call_v not_o on_o his_o name_n it_o assure_v we_o the_o duty_n the_o obligation_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o lie_v deep_a that_o the_o omission_n be_v so_o subject_v to_o the_o divine_a revenge_n and_o it_o be_v in_o this_o a_o society_n without_o religion_n be_v a_o high_a contempt_n of_o god_n a_o make_v flesh_n our_o arm_n and_o depart_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o from_o his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n a_o principality_n without_o a_o inscription_n a_o dedication_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v devote_v be_v like_o the_o build_n a_o tower_n up_o to_o heaven_n a_o sin_n like_o the_o sin_n of_o herod_n when_o he_o let_v that_o sacrilegious_a applause_n sink_v into_o he_o and_o give_v not_o the_o glory_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o subject_n man_n to_o be_v at_o any_o time_n smite_v and_o blast_v by_o god_n who_o have_v say_v those_o that_o honour_v he_o he_o will_v honour_v but_o all_o else_o shall_v be_v light_o esteem_v whether_o nation_n or_o person_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o only_a the_o judgement_n upon_o the_o irreligion_n of_o particular_a person_n of_o particular_a family_n that_o be_v here_o intend_a though_o this_o be_v include_v and_o suppose_v but_o especial_o upon_o the_o irreligion_n of_o society_n knit_v and_o strengthen_v themselves_o without_o the_o true_a god_n upon_o principality_n exalt_v themselves_o and_o not_o by_o and_o with_o the_o almighty_a and_o supreme_a majesty_n on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o there_o be_v a_o duty_n a_o obligation_n of_o be_v public_o religious_a there_o be_v a_o blessing_n upon_o it_o according_a to_o that_o fundamental_a principle_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_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
one_o view_n be_v by_o st._n stephen_n as_o i_o observe_v call_v the_o church_n and_o the_o congregation_n after_o they_o be_v become_v a_o nation_n though_o they_o can_v not_o all_o then_o meet_v together_o be_v call_v the_o church_n also_o because_o they_o be_v all_o under_o one_o law_n and_o institution_n all_o partaker_n of_o the_o same_o right_n and_o privilege_n and_o so_o indeed_o all_o particular_a church_n of_o christian_n be_v but_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o lesser_a association_n as_o the_o circumference_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o same_o though_o in_o so_o many_o different_a orison_n as_o light_n be_v the_o same_o though_o various_o model_v by_o its_o several_a reception_n as_o the_o ocean_n be_v one_o by_o how_o many_o several_a denomination_n soever_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o shore_n it_o wash_v or_o the_o channel_n or_o other_o situation_n it_o rest_v in_o so_o this_o church_n be_v often_o speak_v of_o as_o one_o church_n and_o as_o several_a church_n as_o the_o sea_n be_v one_o and_o several_a sea_n they_o be_v so_o much_o every_o way_n the_o same_o as_o to_o differ_v only_o in_o the_o universality_n but_o whether_o a_o nation_n unite_v in_o christianity_n may_v be_v call_v a_o national_a church_n have_v many_o dissent_v of_o opinion_n appertain_v to_o it_o and_o not_o possible_a to_o be_v decide_v by_o express_a scripture_n there_o be_v no_o christian_a nation_n under_o heaven_n in_o those_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o it_o be_v write_v i_o shall_v leave_v whole_o in_o the_o middle_n and_o only_o observe_v two_o thing_n concern_v this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o there_o can_v no_o great_a matter_n accrue_v to_o either_o side_n of_o it_o by_o decide_v for_o or_o against_o a_o national_a church_n for_o allow_v a_o national_a church_n or_o if_o you_o will_v a_o congregational_a church_n agree_v in_o any_o thing_n not_o agree_v with_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n or_o if_o either_o of_o they_o want_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o case_n christian_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o retire_v from_o the_o irregularity_n of_o any_o such_o church_n either_o national_a or_o congregational_a that_o they_o may_v be_v pure_a from_o corruption_n in_o the_o second_o case_n christian_n must_v find_v out_o the_o way_n and_o opportunity_n so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a whereby_o they_o may_v perform_v all_o the_o duty_n command_v by_o christ_n though_o they_o separate_v from_o either_o of_o those_o church_n no_o further_o than_o to_o those_o end_n but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o corruption_n in_o the_o main_n or_o a_o defect_n in_o the_o vital_n of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n of_o christ_n in_o either_o notion_n or_o church_n that_o will_v not_o be_v upon_o due_a remonstrance_n reform_v then_o if_o according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n christian_n gather_v into_o assembly_n though_o lesser_a though_o but_o of_o two_o or_o three_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o inconvenience_n of_o rend_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o make_v division_n in_o his_o church_n shall_v condemn_v they_o for_o the_o society_n desert_v be_v not_o his_o church_n but_o the_o society_n that_o do_v desert_n be_v his_o church_n suppose_v it_o retire_v sincere_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o other_o side_n suppose_v a_o national_a church_n not_o of_o the_o ordination_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o under_o that_o name_n or_o notion_n yet_o if_o that_o stand_v good_a which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o every_o nation_n to_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n establish_v in_o nature_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n to_o plant_v true_a christian_a religion_n upon_o its_o national_a union_n it_o will_v be_v still_o every_o christian_n duty_n to_o join_v in_o unite_z himself_z with_o encourage_v and_o promote_v all_o that_o true_a national_a christian_n religion_n and_o not_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o any_o further_a than_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n oblige_v he_o that_o he_o may_v yield_v obedience_n to_o all_o those_o law_n for_o it_o be_v the_o absolute_a duty_n of_o every_o member_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o seek_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o his_o nation_n in_o his_o sphere_n as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v of_o the_o jew_n in_o so_o high_a a_o orb_n when_o he_o profess_v his_o great_a heaviness_n and_o sorrow_n of_o heart_n even_o to_o the_o wish_v himself_o accurse_v from_o christ_n and_o pray_v with_o his_o heart_n desire_v they_o may_v be_v save_v on_o account_n of_o which_o in_o so_o many_o thing_n he_o become_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o jew_n and_o write_v that_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n it_o be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n to_o i_o most_o probable_a it_o be_v he_o that_o he_o may_v make_v good_a all_o those_o great_a profession_n of_o love_n to_o they_o for_o though_o it_o be_v peculiar_o direct_v to_o the_o christian_a hebrew_n yet_o it_o have_v a_o aspect_n upon_o the_o whole_a religion_n and_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o scope_n of_o adjust_v all_o the_o mosaic_a and_o jewish_a law_n to_o the_o gospel-mediation_n make_v plain_a and_o so_o be_v in_o itself_o most_o proper_a for_o the_o conversion_n of_o that_o nation_n as_o a_o nation_n see_v their_o own_a and_o glory_v in_o national_a religion_n true_o understand_v lead_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n just_o now_o to_o have_v be_v their_o national_a religion_n if_o they_o have_v yield_v obedience_n to_o their_o own_o law_n right_o interpret_v now_o if_o national_a religion_n be_v a_o undoubted_a obligation_n upon_o nation_n and_o the_o member_n of_o nation_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v true_a those_o law_n those_o officer_n that_o be_v though_o not_o ordain_v by_o christ_n yet_o not_o contradictory_n to_o his_o ordination_n but_o necessary_a according_a to_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n to_o the_o establish_v true_a religion_n as_o national_a must_v be_v submit_v to_o also_o upon_o the_o account_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o true_a religion_n as_o national_a but_o if_o national_a religion_n wander_v from_o truth_n that_o fundamental_a liberty_n establish_v by_o scripture_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v always_o preserve_v that_o i_o before_o assert_v as_o give_v right_o to_o retire_v from_o all_o society_n not_o unite_v in_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o defection_n from_o it_o but_o for_o the_o further_o justify_v national_a true_a religion_n i_o will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n observe_v from_o scripture_n the_o uses_n and_o great_a end_n of_o church_n and_o see_v how_o far_o national_a religion_n may_v be_v accommodate_v to_o they_o for_o church_n be_v not_o therefore_o appoint_v that_o man_n may_v arbitrary_o and_o fanciful_o choose_v which_o or_o what_o sort_n they_o will_v be_v of_o but_o that_o the_o true_a reason_n and_o purpose_n of_o they_o may_v be_v observe_v and_o comply_v with_o and_o they_o be_v these_o three_o 1._o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o generation_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n however_o disperse_v at_o whatever_o distance_n soever_o remote_a yet_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n prayer_n preach_v praise_v god_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o if_o opportunity_n allow_v and_o invite_v it_o in_o the_o same_o actual_a worship_n and_o at_o all_o time_n close_o compact_v in_o a_o virtual_a and_o mystical_a communion_n with_o one_o another_o the_o same_o spirit_n run_v through_o all_o unite_n all_o to_o christ_n and_o god_n and_o one_o with_o another_o join_v in_o the_o same_o love_n and_o sympathy_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o prosperity_n and_o of_o sorrow_n in_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n one_o of_o another_o and_o with_o all_o readiness_n in_o yield_v the_o fruit_n of_o mutual_a charity_n mercy_n and_o compassion_n from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o the_o other_o every_o true_a christian_a be_v the_o compassionate_a samaritan_n to_o every_o other_o christian_a and_o not_o jewish_o distinguish_v his_o mercy_n to_o his_o own_o sect_n party_n or_o church_n and_o in_o case_n of_o corruption_n and_o defection_n from_o the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v to_o christian_n a_o mutual_a power_n of_o remonstrate_v against_o those_o corruption_n and_o that_o defection_n by_o argue_v expostulate_v censure_v the_o evil_a of_o they_o yea_o and_o authoritative_a denounce_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n upon_o they_o for_o that_o charter_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o true_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o true_a church_n stand_v good_a as_o to_o age_n so_o to_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
every_o quarter_n with_o mischief_n how_o much_o better_a than_o be_v it_o that_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n be_v take_v away_o even_o while_o the_o world_n stand_v than_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v keep_v up_o as_o the_o sconce_n of_o scandal_n for_o indifferent_a thing_n let_v not_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v destroy_v nor_o any_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v in_o danger_n to_o perish_v the_o more_o we_o esteem_v our_o church_n our_o religion_n our_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o better_a and_o pure_a they_o be_v the_o more_o it_o be_v pity_v any_o shall_v be_v divide_v from_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o scandalize_v as_o to_o be_v schismatic_n from_o it_o either_o in_o our_o account_n or_o if_o it_o be_v that_o sin_n in_o the_o real_a danger_n of_o it_o and_o of_o perish_v in_o it_o the_o more_o excellent_a our_o church_n be_v the_o more_o the_o apostle_n rule_n take_v hold_v of_o we_o let_v not_o the_o good_a of_o our_o church_n be_v evil_o speak_v of_o as_o if_o it_o be_v ceremonial_a let_v we_o not_o lose_v any_o from_o our_o church_n for_o meat_n and_o drink_v increase_v not_o the_o woe_n of_o scandal_n any_o way_n for_o so_o mean_a thing_n as_o indifferent_n let_v we_o not_o endanger_v ourselves_o into_o the_o woe_n of_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v for_o element_n but_o beside_o all_o these_o consideration_n there_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_a a_o security_n in_o add_v any_o thing_n under_o any_o name_n whatever_o to_o the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n any_o more_o than_o to_o his_o word_n lest_o we_o be_v find_v liar_n to_o he_o mismatch_a with_o it_o what_o will_v not_o endure_v the_o fire_n great_a peace_n have_v they_o that_o 6._o prov._n 30._o 5_o 6._o love_v thy_o law_n o_o lord_n and_o that_o only_a nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o in_o nothing_o will_v they_o offend_v other_o observe_v rite_n that_o have_v be_v divine_a be_v not_o so_o safe_a to_o the_o first_o christian_n have_v to_o do_v with_o rite_n that_o have_v be_v corrupt_v idolatrous_o and_o superstitious_o prove_v very_o fatal_a ceremony_n be_v but_o shadow_n superstition_n easy_o pervade_v that_o little_a thin_a essence_n they_o have_v they_o have_v not_o the_o right_n of_o be_v god_n creation_n to_o bring_v they_o off_o to_o lie_v low_a than_o their_o corruption_n and_o commend_v they_o there_o be_v no_o such_o cause_n to_o be_v overzealous_a of_o such_o thing_n in_o regard_n of_o which_o a_o late_a history_n late_a father_n simmons_n be_v critical_a history_n romanist_n have_v say_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n differ_v little_a from_o the_o romish_a in_o outward_a appearance_n the_o argument_n strike_v all_o way_n if_o our_o constitution_n be_v so_o good_a and_o injure_v not_o at_o all_o by_o ceremony_n let_v we_o as_o christ_n seek_v and_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v those_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o least_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n let_v they_o not_o be_v lose_v for_o ceremony_n the_o love_n and_o compassion_n of_o a_o saviour_n triumph_v towards_o these_o least_o easy_o offend_v narrow-souled_a morose_n suppose_v they_o smoke_v flax_n bruise_a reed_n yet_o despise_v they_o not_o if_o christian_n if_o protestant_n their_o angel_n behold_v the_o face_n of_o the_o father_n of_o christ_n in_o heaven_n let_v they_o not_o be_v offend_v scandalize_v from_o union_n with_o our_o national_a church_n for_o ceremony_n if_o on_o the_o other_o side_n our_o ceremony_n in_o god_n account_n shall_v be_v blemish_n of_o our_o church_n and_o imperfection_n or_o if_o they_o may_v be_v turn_v into_o such_o by_o a_o ignorant_a use_n of_o they_o or_o if_o they_o cause_v division_n and_o scandal_n if_o the_o mischief_n of_o those_o scandal_n fall_v upon_o stranger_n to_o true_a religion_n and_o keep_v they_o at_o distance_n all_o these_o consideration_n weigh_v heavy_a against_o a_o zeal_n for_o they_o but_o if_o none_o of_o these_o can_v be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n yet_o if_o man_n doubt_v concern_v they_o what_o must_v they_o do_v how_o shall_v they_o escape_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n why_o shall_v this_o be_v hazard_v for_o indifferent_n and_o when_o the_o tide_n of_o advantage_n preferment_n public_a approbation_n be_v on_o one_o side_n deprivation_n of_o all_o those_o censure_n and_o penalty_n on_o the_o other_o who_o dare_v answer_n for_o many_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o principle_n much_o more_o venture_v over_o their_o doubt_n and_o yet_o in_o those_o very_a doubt_n have_v the_o apostle_n lay_v his_o doctrine_n or_o last_o woe_n can_v reasonable_o suppose_v man_n will_v stem_v this_o tide_n that_o be_v against_o they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o real_a conscientious_a doubt_n or_o high_a than_o doubt_n to_o contest_v with_o in_o prejudice_n of_o their_o compliance_n upon_o the_o whole_a then_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v impose_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n by_o a_o violent_a example_n much_o more_o by_o severe_a way_n be_v very_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n in_o that_o case_n and_o that_o upon_o reason_n that_o till_o i_o see_v they_o answer_v i_o must_v suppose_v unanswerable_a i_o have_v now_o thus_o far_o discourse_v of_o scandal_n in_o the_o more_o strict_a and_o particular_a case_n scripture_n have_v give_v we_o the_o notice_n of_o but_o in_o the_o remain_a head_n to_o be_v treat_v of_o i_o shall_v consider_v it_o in_o that_o large_a and_o most_o comprehensive_a grasp_v of_o it_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o require_v great_a wisdom_n and_o the_o prepossession_n of_o a_o more_o religious_a prudence_n than_o to_o sit_v and_o count_v the_o charge_n of_o undertake_v serious_a piety_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v bid_v we_o in_o relation_n to_o one_o branch_n of_o scandal_n persecution_n so_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o whole_a negotiation_n of_o scandal_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o great_a both_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o he_o have_v give_v full_a and_o ample_a warning_n before_o hand_n of_o all_o the_o disadvantage_n we_o be_v to_o encounter_v in_o our_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o as_o when_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o shall_v be_v false_a prophet_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n there_o shall_v be_v persecution_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o apostasy_n or_o general_a defection_n from_o true_a symmetral_n christianity_n within_o christianity_n itself_o and_o so_o in_o the_o present_a case_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o scandal_n come_v for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v one_o great_a defence_n against_o the_o evil_n predict_v as_o also_o against_o the_o stagger_a of_o our_o mind_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n itself_o let_v any_o man_n then_o inquire_v and_o search_v this_o thing_n out_o both_o in_o scripture_n and_o close_a reason_n and_o he_o will_v find_v scandal_n must_v come_v though_o he_o may_v at_o first_o think_v religion_n if_o it_o be_v so_o great_a and_o excellent_a as_o be_v give_v out_o of_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v darken_v and_o cloud_v with_o scandal_n but_o stand_v clear_a from_o it_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v any_o way_n liable_a to_o it_o now_o that_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o just_a and_o right_a even_o to_o perfection_n itself_o be_v every_o where_o record_v and_o publish_v of_o it_o wisdom_n speak_v excellent_a thing_n and_o the_o open_v its_o lip_n be_v 6._o prov._n 8._o 6._o right_a thing_n it_o speak_v truth_n and_o wickedness_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o its_o lip_n all_o its_o word_n be_v in_o righteousness_n and_o nothing_o froward_a or_o perverse_a in_o they_o they_o be_v all_o plain_a to_o he_o that_o understand_v and_o right_a to_o they_o that_o find_v knowledge_n the_o righteousness_n of_o thy_o testimony_n be_v everlasting_a give_v i_o understanding_n and_o i_o shall_v live_v god_n precept_n be_v right_o concern_v all_o thing_n and_o secure_a from_o every_o false_a way_n etc._n psal_n 119._o 104._o etc._n etc._n his_o law_n be_v the_o truth_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o lip_n man_n be_v keep_v from_o the_o path_n of_o the_o destroyer_n amid_o all_o the_o scandalize_a 11._o psal_n 17._o 4._o hos_fw-la 14._o 11._o and_o intangle_a work_n of_o man_n the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v all_o right_a if_o man_n have_v but_o right_a foot_n right_a intention_n affection_n and_o motion_n and_o yet_o when_o all_o this_o be_v grant_v let_v any_o man_n cast_v the_o thing_n in_o his_o severe_a thought_n and_o he_o will_v find_v it_o impossible_a as_o thing_n be_v religion_n shall_v be_v free_a from_o scandal_n and_o that_o therefore_o as_o if_o any_o man_n can_v deny_v himself_o he_o can_v be_v christ_n disciple_n so_o if_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
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 we_o with_o for_o other_o can_v no_o man_n give_v truth_n can_v need_v no_o other_o than_o its_o native_a apology_n for_o itself_o no_o other_o will_v it_o accept_v to_o give_v this_o and_o to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v it_o to_o keep_v it_o within_o we_o and_o to_o have_v it_o fit_v to_o our_o lip_n be_v the_o proper_a fruit_n of_o such_o a_o catechetical_a instruction_n and_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o great_a honour_n we_o can_v do_v to_o god_n first_o to_o sanctify_v he_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o a_o full_a acknowledgement_n of_o he_o in_o his_o divine_a truth_n by_o a_o plerophory_n or_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o father_n and_o
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 excellency_n send_v out_o the_o beam_n of_o that_o excellency_n they_o have_v and_o thereby_o discover_v themselves_o for_o we_o know_v all_o thing_n especial_o by_o themselves_o the_o light_n remonstrate_v itself_o by_o itself_o the_o genius_n of_o every_o writer_n show_v itself_o first_o by_o itself_o we_o see_v the_o divineness_n of_o creation_n and_o miracle_n by_o themselves_o best_a and_o great_a be_v self-evident_o divine_a and_o whatever_o it_o be_v write_v upon_o be_v evident_o divine_a also_o quest_n how_o do_v scripture_n show_v itself_o thus_o divine_a answ_n by_o a_o majestic_a assumption_n to_o itself_o to_o be_v divine_a it_o speak_v so_o in_o and_o of_o all_o thing_n it_o speak_v and_o as_o it_o please_v effect_n as_o divine_v only_o do_v and_o can_v effect_v and_o be_v the_o best_a and_o great_a record_n of_o truth_n to_o all_o holy_a and_o wise_a mind_n the_o only_a extant_a inviolate_a record_n of_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n be_v 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the_o very_a lest_o thing_n but_o as_o command_v by_o himself_o first_o for_o than_o they_o will_v be_v lord_n which_o he_o plain_o declare_v against_o and_o absolute_o deny_v to_o they_o and_o that_o what_o they_o do_v as_o command_v by_o he_o they_o shall_v do_v so_o in_o duty_n and_o service_n to_o the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o subordinate_o to_o his_o church_n as_o not_o to_o be_v call_v or_o esteem_v benefactor_n for_o their_o service_n so_o that_o it_o must_v be_v evident_a what_o their_o superior_a service_n be_v it_o must_v be_v plain_o express_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o there_o at_o least_o so_o determinate_o set_v down_o as_o to_o be_v deduce_v with_o great_a clearness_n to_o the_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n of_o christian_n and_o distinguish_o from_o the_o service_n of_o other_o subordinate_a ruler_n appoint_v by_o christ_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v wait_v for_o and_o receive_v according_a to_o his_o ordinance_n with_o faith_n and_o obedience_n 3._o see_v 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