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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n according_a holy_a scripture_n 2,400 5 5.5262 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A34538 The kingdom of God among men a tract of the sound state of religion, or that Christianity which is described in the holy Scriptures and of the things that make for the security and increase thereof in the world, designing its more ample diffusion among the professed Christians of all sorts and its surer propagation to future ages : with The point of church-unity and schism discuss'd / by John Corbet. Corbet, John, 1620-1680. 1679 (1679) Wing C6258; ESTC R23940 125,145 296

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the_o thing_n here_o principal_o look_v after_o be_v the_o receive_n and_o propagate_a of_o holy_a doctrine_n draw_v out_o of_o the_o pure_a fountain_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n the_o right_a administration_n of_o true_a gospel_n worship_n by_o which_o god_n be_v glorify_v as_o god_n and_o the_o worshipper_n be_v make_v more_o godly_a the_o due_a preach_v of_o god_n word_n and_o dispensation_n of_o other_o divine_a ordinance_n by_o personslawful_o call_v thereunto_o for_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n and_o edification_n of_o convert_n holy_a discipline_n true_o and_o faithful_o administer_v by_o the_o pastor_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n require_v and_o the_o state_n thereof_o will_v bear_v religious_a family_n government_n private_a mutual_a exhortation_n pious_a conference_n and_o profitable_a conversation_n the_o predominant_a influence_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o a_o nation_n yet_o without_o usurpation_n or_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o civil_a right_n of_o any_o especial_o of_o the_o high_a power_n the_o unity_n of_o christian_n and_o their_o mutual_a charity_n conspicuous_a and_o illustrious_a and_o last_o in_o order_n to_o all_o these_o intent_n a_o good_a frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n holy_a doctrine_n be_v the_o incorruptible_a seed_n of_o regeneration_n by_o which_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v beget_v it_o be_v not_o here_o intend_v to_o represent_v a_o perfect_a scheme_n thereof_o for_o it_o suffice_v to_o signify_v that_o extract_v thereof_o from_o holy_a scripture_n be_v draw_v out_o in_o the_o ancient_a catholic_a creed_n and_o in_o the_o harmonious_a confession_n of_o the_o present_a reform_a church_n nevertheless_o our_o design_n require_v the_o observation_n of_o some_o most_o important_a thing_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n as_o that_o there_o be_v first_o a_o earnest_n and_o hearty_a belief_n of_o the_o existence_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o government_n of_o 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the_o receive_n of_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n not_o as_o allegorize_v in_o the_o fancy_n of_o some_o enthusiast_n wherein_o it_o vanish_v to_o nothing_o but_o as_o verisied_a in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n wherein_o it_o become_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n and_o so_o not_o to_o sever_v the_o internal_a spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o its_o external_a frame_n the_o basis_n whereof_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n last_o soundness_n of_o judgement_n in_o those_o great_a gospel_n verity_n that_o be_v write_v for_o the_o exalt_v of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o true_a godliness_n and_o the_o encourage_v of_o the_o godly_a in_o opposition_n to_o ungracious_a ungodly_a and_o uncomfortable_a error_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v these_o follow_a truth_n that_o the_o study_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o all_o christian_n that_o according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n be_v skilful_a in_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n they_o may_v discern_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o offer_v to_o god_n a_o reasonable_a service_n according_a to_o his_o revealed_z will_n that_o internal_a illumination_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o that_o regard_n not_o inspire_v new_a revelation_n but_o enable_v to_o discern_v saving_o what_o be_v already_o reveal_v in_o nature_n and_o scripture_n that_o man_n be_v create_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o that_o in_o this_o state_n he_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o self-determining_a principle_n call_v freewill_n and_o thereby_o make_v capable_a of_o abide_v holy_a and_o happy_a or_o of_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o misery_n according_a to_o his_o own_o choice_n and_o that_o god_n leave_v he_o to_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o own_o choice_n have_v give_v he_o whatsoever_o power_n or_o assistance_n be_v necessary_a to_o his_o stand_n that_o the_o first_o man_n be_v set_v in_o this_o capacity_n fall_v from_o god_n and_o it_o please_v god_n not_o to_o annihilate_v he_o nor_o to_o prevent_v his_o propagate_a of_o a_o issue_n in_o the_o same_o fall_v state_n which_o will_v follow_v upon_o his_o fall_n but_o leave_v the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n to_o pass_v according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n be_v now_o fall_v that_o by_o the_o sin_n of_o adam_n all_o man_n be_v make_v sinner_n and_o corrupt_v in_o their_o whole_a nature_n and_o be_v under_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o liable_a to_o eternal_a condemnation_n and_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o wicked_a bent_n of_o their_o own_o will_n be_v continual_o add_v to_o their_o original_a sin_n a_o heap_n of_o actual_a transgression_n and_o so_o be_v of_o themselves_o in_o a_o miserable_a and_o helpless_a 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special_a grace_n which_o infallible_o effect_v their_o conversion_n and_o adhesion_n to_o he_o without_o any_o impeachment_n of_o the_o natural_a liberty_n of_o the_o will_n that_o whatsoever_o god_n do_v in_o time_n and_o in_o whatsoever_o order_n he_o do_v it_o he_o decree_v from_o eternity_n to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o in_o the_o same_o order_n and_o so_o he_o decree_v from_o eternity_n to_o give_v that_o special_a grace_n to_o some_o and_o by_o it_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o glory_n which_o decree_n be_v eternal_a election_n to_o which_o be_v opposite_a the_o pure_a negative_a of_o nonelection_n as_o for_o preordination_n to_o everlasting_a punishment_n it_o pass_v not_o upon_o any_o but_o on_o the_o foresight_n and_o consideration_n of_o their_o final_a abode_n in_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n that_o the_o more_o common_a conviction_n inclination_n and_o endeavour_n towards_o god_n in_o person_n unregenerate_a be_v good_a in_o their_o degree_n and_o the_o ordinary_a preparative_n to_o a_o save_a change_n and_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o divine_a grace_n which_o be_v call_v common_a that_o deligent_fw-la seek_v after_o god_n by_o the_o help_n of_o common_a grace_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a it_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o some_o further_a attainment_n towards_o the_o soul_n recovery_n and_o it_o be_v regard_v of_o god_n in_o its_o degree_n and_o god_n do_v not_o deny_v man_n further_a degree_n of_o help_n till_o they_o refuse_v to_o follow_v after_o he_o by_o not_o use_v the_o help_n already_o give_v they_o and_o by_o resist_v his_o further_a aid_n that_o god_n have_v make_v all_o man_n savable_a and_o though_o he_o do_v not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o will_v the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o all_o yet_o he_o will_v it_o so_o far_o and_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o encourage_v the_o diligent_a in_o their_o endeavour_n and_o to_o convict_v the_o careless_a of_o be_v inexcusable_a despiser_n of_o his_o grace_n towards_o they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o
common_a remissness_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v deplorable_a sometime_o the_o manner_n of_o opposition_n against_o seducer_n be_v unadvised_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o contend_v for_o truth_n by_o wrath_n and_o clamour_n and_o contumelious_a language_n and_o usage_n inhance_v the_o price_n of_o error_n and_o add_v to_o its_o reputation_n but_o the_o sure_a way_n be_v to_o converse_v much_o with_o our_o plain_a heart_a people_n and_o to_o season_v they_o with_o right_a principle_n and_o to_o detect_v the_o subtle_a method_n of_o deceitful_a worker_n and_o the_o dangerous_a issue_n of_o their_o allurement_n and_o by_o honest_a and_o inoffensive_a application_n to_o prepossess_v those_o hold_n of_o which_o deceiver_n seek_v to_o possess_v themselves_o and_o here_o it_o be_v of_o chief_a importance_n that_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o other_o prudent_a and_o able_a person_n upon_o the_o common_a multitude_n of_o professor_n be_v more_o prevail_a than_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o common_a multitude_n upon_o the_o pastor_n and_o other_o prudent_a leader_n servile_a temporize_a with_o vulgar_a fancy_n degrade_n the_o authority_n and_o wisdom_n of_o prudent_a guide_n and_o lift_v up_o a_o vulgar_a spirit_n and_o will_v bring_v it_o to_o that_o pass_n that_o the_o weak_a and_o most_o inconsiderate_a shall_v sway_v the_o church_n interest_n let_v person_n of_o approve_a worth_n be_v more_o faithful_a and_o noble_a than_o by_o such_o servility_n and_o treachery_n to_o raise_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o weak_a sort_n let_v they_o rather_o commend_v themselves_o by_o their_o know_a integrity_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o by_o be_v ready_a also_o in_o all_o condescension_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v they_o to_o their_o edification_n and_o such_o faithfulness_n be_v the_o sure_a mean_n to_o gain_v they_o love_v and_o honour_n let_v the_o religious_a beware_v of_o seek_v to_o be_v admire_v and_o magnify_v among_o one_o another_o or_o of_o overprize_v each_o other_o esteem_n this_o latter_a seem_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o draw_v peter_n to_o a_o fit_a of_o dissimulation_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o believe_a gentile_n while_o he_o seek_v too_o much_o to_o please_v they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o circumcision_n sometime_o we_o know_v not_o our_o own_o spirit_n it_o be_v good_a to_o beware_v of_o provocation_n like_o to_o be_v give_v or_o take_v upon_o a_o suppose_a affront_n or_o injury_n man_n of_o part_n have_v be_v hurry_v into_o dangerous_a contest_v and_o to_o make_v head_n against_o petty_a passionate_a opposition_n they_o have_v run_v beyond_o their_o own_o thought_n and_o wrought_v strange_a confusion_n discretion_n and_o charity_n seek_v to_o convince_v and_o satisfy_v and_o not_o to_o exasperate_v a_o offend_a brother_n it_o be_v well_o observe_v that_o no_o turbulent_a opinion_n or_o party_n do_v usual_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o church_n neglect_n of_o some_o truth_n or_o duty_n wherefore_o if_o a_o evil_a spirit_n seek_v a_o occasion_n of_o mischief_n reform_v the_o abuse_n and_o so_o prevent_v his_o work_n upon_o the_o simple_a and_o forasmuch_o as_o some_o of_o upright_a heart_n be_v deceive_v with_o a_o fancy_n of_o a_o more_o sublime_a and_o perfect_a way_n may_v pass_v into_o the_o tent_n of_o sectary_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v church_n order_n and_o external_a worship_n a_o compassionate_a regard_n must_v be_v have_v of_o such_o as_o walk_v honest_o and_o retain_v those_o fundamental_a truth_n that_o may_v be_v a_o groundwork_n for_o save_a faith_n and_o godly_a life_n now_o towards_o such_o the_o great_a charity_n be_v exercise_v in_o labour_v to_o remove_v the_o stumbling-block_n of_o their_o error_n and_o to_o make_v it_o plain_a before_o they_o that_o the_o faithful_a who_o communion_n they_o forsake_v contend_v for_o the_o perfection_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o explicit_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o reasonable_a service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o spiritual_a worship_n suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n and_o the_o lively_a use_n of_o holy_a ordinance_n in_o opposition_n to_o unwritten_a tradition_n man_n invention_n implicit_a faith_n ignorant_a devotion_n and_o mere_a formality_n that_o they_o declare_v by_o word_n and_o deed_n against_o the_o iniquity_n and_o impiety_n of_o this_o evil_a world_n and_o therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v they_o that_o they_o insist_v upon_o no_o form_n or_o usage_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v command_v by_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o christ_n or_o be_v necessary_a in_o their_o general_a reason_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o seek_v no_o worldly_a advantage_n or_o advancement_n in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o support_n of_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o god_n ordinary_a providence_n and_o last_o that_o human_a infirmity_n must_v not_o be_v think_v strange_a in_o they_o that_o have_v not_o obtain_v angelical_a perfection_n these_o and_o the_o like_a thing_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a before_o honest_a people_n that_o have_v be_v seduce_v into_o sectarian_n error_n chap._n xxv_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n by_o make_v it_o national_a and_o the_o settle_a interest_n of_o nation_n christs_n little_a flock_n can_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n nor_o retire_v within_o themselves_o alone_o from_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o they_o must_v needs_o remain_v a_o part_n of_o kingdom_n &_o commonwealth_n with_o the_o world_n in_o general_n they_o must_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o the_o power_n that_o be_v will_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o and_o their_o way_n for_o which_o cause_n their_o aim_n and_o action_n as_o far_o as_o their_o sacred_a rule_n allow_v must_v be_v fit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o direct_v unto_o the_o general_a peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o the_o nation_n whereof_o they_o be_v &_o in_o which_o they_o enjoy_v their_o civil_a right_n by_o this_o mean_n religion_n interest_n may_v incorporate_v with_o the_o general_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n &_o run_v in_o the_o same_o channel_n that_o pure_a religion_n may_v take_v root_n and_o spread_v and_o prosper_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o bring_v its_o external_a frame_n to_o the_o consistency_n of_o a_o national_a settlement_n the_o just_a ●a●aude_n hereof_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o substantial_o of_o divine_a worship_n and_o thing_n necessary_a to_o church_n unity_n and_o order_n but_o it_o go_v not_o beyond_o these_o and_o be_v fix_v in_o this_o extent_n it_o be_v in_o a_o way_n to_o gain_v beside_o the_o support_n and_o power_n of_o the_o law_n the_o nation_n unstrain_a compliance_n and_o approbation_n as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n ecclesiastical_a tyranny_n be_v a_o root_n of_o bitterness_n always_o bear_v gall_n and_o wormwood_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n unfixedness_n and_o unlimited_a liberty_n consist_v not_o with_o that_o stability_n wherein_o all_o prudent_a governor_n will_v settle_v their_o own_o affair_n as_o also_o with_o that_o general_a tranquillity_n and_o repose_n which_o be_v the_o health_n of_o any_o people_n if_o one_o be_v raise_v to_o empire_n by_o a_o mere_a fanatic_a party_n he_o can_v settle_v himself_o nor_o stand_v upon_o firm_a ground_n till_o he_o wind_v his_o interest_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n and_o turn_v himself_o to_o the_o way_n of_o general_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o same_o intent_n and_o purpose_n it_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n so_o to_o fix_v the_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n as_o not_o to_o set_v a_o perpetual_a bar_n against_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o people_n a_o church_n state_n so_o bar_v though_o it_o be_v assert_v with_o a_o veterane_n army_n and_o can_v enclose_v all_o preferment_n both_o of_o honour_n and_o profit_n within_o itself_o to_o be_v at_o its_o disposal_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o see_v how_o it_o can_v ever_o obtain_v a_o firm_a establishment_n for_o a_o christian_a nation_n in_o general_a be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o bar_v of_o such_o privilege_n as_o be_v suppose_v to_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o christian_n be_v enrage_v and_o likely_a to_o be_v engage_v as_o one_o man_n to_o oppose_v that_o which_o they_o take_v for_o intolerable_a oppression_n or_o if_o they_o care_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v they_o will_v turn_v to_o a_o contrary_a interest_n and_o party_n in_o religion_n or_o to_o infidelity_n barbarism_n atheism_n or_o some_o destructive_a way_n or_o other_o now_o the_o intention_n here_o propound_v may_v take_v effect_n if_o the_o constitution_n shut_v out_o none_o from_o sacred_a and_o spiritual_a privilege_n but_o such_o as_o make_v not_o profession_n of_o true_a christianity_n or_o be_v destitute_a of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o true_a
spiritual_a strain_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o which_o as_o come_v from_o life_n and_o spirit_n be_v better_a discern_v than_o describe_v there_o be_v a_o speak_v not_o in_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v and_o though_o this_o more_o eminent_o take_v place_n in_o the_o apostle_n and_o such_o other_o extraordinary_a person_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o restrain_v it_o to_o they_o alone_o st._n paul_n may_v well_o be_v understand_v to_o speak_v of_o this_o as_o a_o gift_n receive_v by_o they_o that_o have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o which_o be_v of_o god_n and_o as_o something_o suit_v to_o the_o perception_n and_o taste_n of_o all_o spiritual_a man_n it_o do_v not_o exclude_v the_o use_n of_o human_a wisdom_n though_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n sway_n in_o chief_a for_o no_o doubt_n even_o paul_n human_a learning_n and_o prudence_n be_v herein_o serviceable_a though_o in_o subserviency_n to_o the_o influence_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n this_o spirituality_n of_o expression_n be_v conformable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n though_o not_o confine_v to_o the_o word_n thereof_o sure_o the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n can_v be_v better_a handle_v than_o in_o those_o term_n in_o which_o they_o be_v first_o deliver_v to_o wit_n in_o scripture_n expression_n or_o other_o consonant_n thereto_o solid_o and_o pertinent_o use_v and_o to_o call_v this_o cant_v savour_v to_o much_o of_o that_o spirit_n to_o which_o holy_a language_n be_v unsavoury_a without_o controversy_n the_o strong_a reason_n be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o gain_v the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o embrace_v true_a religion_n for_o that_o which_o cross_v sensuality_n selfishness_n and_o all_o the_o deprave_a appetite_n of_o our_o lapse_v nature_n as_o religion_n do_v must_v needs_o have_v its_o 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the_o evidence_n of_o our_o christian_a hope_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o be_v most_o effectual_a to_o edification_n and_o whosoever_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v reason_n in_o divine_a matter_n be_v to_o make_v a_o rational_a use_n of_o scripture_n and_o if_o any_o quote_v it_o impertinent_o and_o absurd_o it_o be_v through_o defect_n of_o reason_n and_o they_o will_v be_v as_o injudicious_a in_o their_o sermon_n without_o those_o quotation_n but_o nice_a and_o haughty_a wit_n most_o cavil_v without_o cause_n and_o charge_v profitable_a preacher_n with_o injudiciousness_n mere_o through_o their_o own_o vain_a curiosity_n and_o inconsiderateness_n scripture_n quotation_n be_v sometime_o use_v by_o way_n of_o allusion_n or_o for_o illustration_n not_o for_o strict_a proof_n and_o that_o which_o be_v bring_v for_o proof_n if_o it_o be_v not_o full_a and_o cogent_a yet_o it_o may_v add_v some_o weight_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o abuse_v beside_o if_o a_o passage_n be_v use_v in_o a_o sound_n and_o pious_a though_o not_o in_o its_o proper_a sense_n it_o be_v pardonable_a it_o be_v fit_a indeed_o that_o in_o cite_v text_n we_o know_v their_o true_a import_n and_o go_v more_o by_o weight_n than_o number_n shun_v impertinency_n and_o superfluity_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o unfit_a to_o note_v that_o all_o sound_n and_o good_a preacher_n be_v not_o alike_o judicious_a and_o those_o that_o be_v very_o solid_a may_v be_v guilty_a of_o some_o oversight_n and_o it_o be_v a_o bad_a matter_n that_o their_o ministry_n which_o god_n have_v own_v and_o honour_v with_o good_a success_n in_o his_o service_n shall_v be_v set_v at_o nought_o for_o a_o few_o mistake_n perhaps_o more_o pretend_v than_o real_a about_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o scripture_n when_o it_o be_v not_o apply_v otherwise_o than_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n will_v bear_v and_o nothing_o be_v defend_v but_o know_v truth_n i_o have_v know_v a_o pious_a but_o strange_o mistake_v sense_n of_o a_o scripture_n sentence_n cast_v into_o the_o mind_n and_o there_o fix_v to_o have_v be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o seriousness_n in_o religion_n to_o one_o that_o afterward_o live_v and_o die_v a_o godly_a christian._n now_o that_o which_o be_v causal_n in_o this_o conversion_n be_v the_o godly_a truth_n itself_o which_o be_v write_v in_o god_n word_n and_o the_o mistake_n it_o to_o lie_v in_o such_o a_o sentence_n where_o it_o do_v not_o be_v but_o accidental_a be_v no_o hindrance_n i_o do_v in_o no_o wise_a countenance_n the_o irrational_a use_n of_o scripture_n but_o be_o sensible_a of_o the_o importance_n of_o good_a judgement_n and_o due_a care_n about_o the_o sense_n thereof_o yet_o i_o can_v approve_v the_o scornful_a haughtiness_n of_o some_o man_n who_o deride_z godly_a person_n well_o instruct_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o have_v nothing_o but_o word_n and_o phrase_n and_o senseless_a notion_n either_o because_o they_o come_v short_a of_o scholarlike_o exactness_n or_o because_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o a_o more_o evangelicall_n and_o spiritual_a strain_n than_o these_o can_v well_o bear_v in_o speak_v the_o best_a use_n of_o art_n be_v to_o speak_v to_o best_a purpose_n and_o for_o that_o end_n in_o divine_a matter_n to_o speak_v with_o great_a majesty_n and_o authority_n and_o this_o be_v do_v not_o by_o ostentation_n of_o wit_n by_o puerile_a and_o effeminate_a rhetorication_n by_o a_o rhapsody_n of_o flaunt_a word_n by_o starch_a speech_n by_o cadency_n of_o sound_n or_o any_o too_o elaborate_a politeness_n that_o please_v the_o shallow_a fancy_n but_o by_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n set_v forth_o in_o a_o masculine_a and_o unaffected_a eloquence_n that_o have_v power_n over_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o be_v tough_a and_o knotty_a piece_n perspicuity_n be_v a_o great_a virtue_n and_o felicity_n in_o discourse_n for_o hereby_o what_o be_v offer_v gain_n attention_n and_o enter_v the_o mind_n and_o abide_v 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and_o carnal_a interest_n to_o false_a way_n and_o vain_a invention_n for_o which_o cause_n it_o behoove_v the_o zealous_a religionist_n to_o be_v careful_a even_o to_o jealousy_n that_o he_o be_v not_o impose_v upon_o by_o himself_o or_o other_o and_o in_o this_o care_n hearty_o and_o entire_o to_o resign_v and_o conform_v himself_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o such_o resignation_n and_o conformity_n he_o secure_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o what_o in_o he_o lie_v the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v here_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o be_v write_v in_o nature_n be_v god_n law_n as_o well_o as_o what_o be_v write_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o natural_a revelation_n as_o well_o as_o supernatural_a be_v divine_a and_o whatsoever_o be_v know_v of_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v 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practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v so_o evident_a as_o need_v no_o confirmation_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o acquiescence_n or_o accord_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o any_o visible_a universal_a supreme_a power_n for_o whereas_o all_o christian_n acknowledge_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o neither_o do_v nor_o ever_o do_v nor_o will_v unanimous_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n in_o be_v and_o the_o main_a body_n of_o they_o that_o maintain_v such_o a_o catholic_n supremacy_n can_v agree_v in_o what_o subject_n the_o same_o reside_v whether_o in_o the_o pope_n or_o a_o general_n council_n and_o as_o several_a pope_n so_o have_v several_a council_n of_o equal_a amplitude_n and_o authority_n often_o cross_v one_o another_o and_o consequent_o some_o of_o both_o kind_n must_v needs_o have_v err_v and_o it_o still_o remain_v a_o controversy_n undeterminable_a which_o council_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o which_o to_o be_v reject_v unless_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n hitherto_o disagree_v herein_o will_v be_v bind_v up_o by_o the_o resolve_n of_o one_o party_n that_o can_v bring_v no_o better_a proof_n than_o their_o own_o pretend_a infallibility_n to_o all_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n true_o so_o call_v or_o a_o representative_a of_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v never_o yet_o congregat_v wherefore_o let_v the_o faithful_a rest_n upon_o the_o old_a right_a foundation_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o infallibility_n be_v unquestionable_a such_o be_v the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o for_o this_o end_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v safe_a in_o divine_a matter_n not_o to_o be_v venturous_a without_o its_o warrant_n they_o best_o secure_v themselves_o from_o error_n who_o keep_v to_o that_o rule_n which_o be_v both_o perfect_a and_o infallible_a some_o pretend_v to_o lay_v open_a the_o folly_n of_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v puritanism_n affirm_v that_o the_o mystery_n thereof_o lie_v in_o this_o principle_n that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v authorize_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n indeed_o there_o be_v those_o of_o that_o denomination_n who_o disallow_v whatsoever_o institute_v worship_n be_v not_o so_o authorize_v but_o they_o be_v not_o so_o ignorant_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o all_o particular_a circumstance_n belong_v to_o divine_a worship_n which_o admit_v of_o endless_a variation_n be_v define_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n such_o as_o be_v those_o natural_a and_o civil_a circumstance_n without_o which_o action_n be_v not_o performable_a but_o they_o suppose_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o these_o matter_n such_o as_o time_n place_n method_n furniture_n etc._n etc._n and_o those_o ordinance_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o take_v for_o part_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v make_v direct_a and_o immediate_a sign_n of_o honour_n give_v to_o god_n by_o their_o use_n and_o all_o of_o this_o kind_a some_o do_v judge_n or_o at_o least_o suspect_v to_o be_v unlawful_a that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n appointment_n my_o design_n oblige_v i_o to_o shun_v the_o intangle_a of_o this_o discourse_n with_o controversy_n and_o therefore_o i_o write_v not_o either_o for_o or_o against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o uncommanded_a worship_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o to_o show_v that_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n be_v more_o safe_a by_o acquiescence_n in_o that_o only_a which_o god_n have_v prescribe_v than_o by_o addition_n of_o new_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n devise_v by_o man_n who_o even_o the_o best_a of_o they_o may_v too_o easy_o deviate_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o who_o know_v not_o that_o too_o much_o yield_v to_o man_n devise_v form_n and_o right_n which_o have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n make_v way_n for_o the_o departure_n of_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o christendom_n from_o the_o primitive_a christianity_n all_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v clear_o prove_v from_o scripture_n though_o the_o particular_a instance_n thereof_o that_o be_v innumerable_a and_o their_o infinite_o variable_a circumstance_n can_v be_v there_o express_v as_o for_o institute_v worship_n it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o defect_n in_o those_o part_n thereof_o that_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n as_o needs_o to_o be_v make_v up_o by_o the_o human_a addition_n of_o other_o new_a part_n and_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v thing_n mere_o circumstantial_a belong_v to_o it_o which_o be_v necessary_a in_o general_n but_o in_o particular_a not_o determine_v of_o god_n and_o must_v be_v order_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o human_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n none_o that_o know_v what_o they_o say_v in_o magnify_v the_o write_a word_n will_v teach_v the_o people_n not_o to_o rely_v upon_o impartial_a reason_n which_o no_o true_a revelation_n do_v ever_o contradict_v but_o we_o be_v so_o conscious_a of_o the_o weakness_n of_o human_a understanding_n that_o in_o case_n of_o any_o seem_a contrariety_n between_o scripture_n and_o reason_n not_o to_o give_v the_o scripture_n the_o preeminence_n we_o know_v be_v most_o unreasonable_a be_v scripture_n liable_a to_o be_v pervert_v so_o be_v reason_n be_v there_o obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n so_o in_o human_a ratiocination_n much_o more_o whosoever_o can_v apprehend_v right_a reason_n can_v rational_o apprehend_v god_n write_v word_n which_o be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n and_o who_o authentic_a interpretation_n of_o itself_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v by_o rational_a inference_n and_o deduction_n