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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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and_o reveal_v religion_n natural_a religion_n be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o may_v certain_o be_v find_v there_o however_o it_o come_v to_o be_v know_v clear_o and_o true_o only_o by_o revelation_n and_o so_o may_v be_v absolute_o command_v but_o reveal_v religion_n be_v record_v by_o faith_n and_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v command_v but_o must_v be_v expect_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o instruction_n but_o if_o any_o man_n profess_v to_o believe_v reveal_v religion_n to_o have_v receive_v it_o as_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o god_n it_o be_v then_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n he_o shall_v deport_v himself_o in_o it_o and_o towards_o it_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n nebuchadnezzer_n darius_n and_o the_o king_n of_o nineveh_n their_o law_n be_v right_o ground_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n concern_v the_o true_a god_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prince_n 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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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
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
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
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 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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 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glory_n at_o the_o appear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v think_v worthy_a to_o stand_v before_o the_o son_n of_o man_n at_o his_o come_n before_o who_o nothing_o but_o the_o gold_n and_o precious_a stone_n of_o substantial_a truth_n and_o goodness_n can_v stand_v all_o else_o will_v be_v burn_v off_o as_o hay_o and_o chaff_n by_o the_o fire_n of_o that_o day_n and_o they_o that_o have_v be_v hot_a and_o contentious_a for_o they_o be_v save_v only_o as_o by_o fire_n with_o difficulty_n and_o loss_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o our_o union_n and_o love_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n may_v be_v to_o we_o a_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o presence_n of_o his_o protection_n and_o blessing_n that_o neither_o our_o candlestick_n may_v be_v remove_v nor_o our_o nation_n the_o present_a place_n of_o it_o be_v take_v away_o for_o general_o both_o be_v remove_v one_o with_o the_o other_o or_o soon_o after_o one_o another_o rule_n 8._o let_v no_o man_n be_v discourage_v from_o the_o most_o zealous_a affectionate_a join_v himself_o to_o and_o promote_a national_a religion_n because_o oâ—_n that_o veneration_n due_a to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o church_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n for_o a_o nation_n unite_v in_o true_a christian_a religion_n differ_v no_o more_o in_o the_o strict_a notion_n from_o a_o church_n than_o a_o body_n of_o man_n unite_v and_o consecrate_v to_o god_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n differ_v from_o a_o society_n unite_v and_o consecrate_v to_o god_n according_a to_o a_o institution_n that_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o institution_n plant_v in_o nature_n differ_v from_o a_o institution_n give_v by_o revelation_n for_o one_o be_v the_o appointment_n of_o god_n of_o old_a from_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o humane_a society_n the_o other_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o inability_n of_o it_o to_o its_o end_n a_o institution_n therefore_o do_v not_o repeal_v a_o natural_a law_n but_o take_v care_n it_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v and_o complete_v in_o its_o chief_a end_n israel_n be_v a_o church_n to_o god_n be_v so_o devote_v to_o he_o by_o his_o own_o institution_n and_o it_o be_v a_o holy_a nation_n according_a to_o the_o original_a 6._o exod._n 19_o 6._o law_n be_v elevate_v by_o the_o institution_n to_o its_o true_a perfection_n as_o a_o nation_n the_o christian_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n peter_n write_v as_o they_o be_v a_o church_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n so_o they_o be_v a_o holy_a nation_n as_o he_o style_v they_o succeed_v into_o the_o place_n of_o that_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n consecrate_a to_o god_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n upon_o nation_n though_o but_o stranger_n scatter_v abroad_o yet_o to_o show_v the_o 1â—_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 1â—_n great_a value_n god_n have_v of_o a_o nation_n devote_v to_o he_o they_o be_v style_v a_o holy_a nation_n the_o institution_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o seat_n 9_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 9_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n make_v a_o nation_n unite_v in_o that_o true_a religion_n both_o a_o church_n as_o that_o catholic_n church_n have_v thereby_o a_o residence_n in_o it_o and_o much_o more_o than_o those_o forementioned_a scatter_a jew_n a_o holy_a nation_n as_o it_o be_v national_o resign_v up_o to_o god_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n make_v perfect_a by_o the_o institution_n where_o then_o a_o nation_n be_v unite_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o purity_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o holy_a rule_n of_o practice_n the_o catholic_n love_n of_o all_o christian_n baptise_a into_o the_o same_o body_n make_v to_o drink_v into_o that_o one_o spirit_n in_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n minister_a the_o same_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n infallible_o deliver_v and_o seal_v with_o miracle_n all_o
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 without_o condition_v he_o to_o subscribe_v to_o we_o in_o thing_n of_o doubtful_a that_o be_v private_a disputation_n if_o any_o one_o err_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o one_o convert_v he_o by_o evidence_n of_o that_o truth_n let_v he_o know_v that_o he_o that_o convert_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n shall_v save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o hide_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n but_o if_o we_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o such_o communion_n with_o those_o that_o be_v so_o enslave_v to_o false_a or_o will_v bring_v we_o under_o the_o power_n of_o private_a or_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o we_o nor_o admit_v we_o to_o they_o we_o must_v not_o yet_o desert_n our_o catholic_n respect_n to_o all_o that_o be_v true_a and_o good_a among_o they_o but_o acknowledge_v what_o be_v so_o value_n and_o praise_v it_o desire_v the_o divine_a acceptance_n for_o they_o in_o any_o good_a thing_n so_o as_o to_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o error_n they_o have_v adjoin_v 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 any_o thing_n strange_a or_o diverse_a from_o what_o they_o be_v so_o carry_v and_o bear_v by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n in_o even_o as_o elijah_n in_o his_o body_n in_o other_o thing_n wherein_o they_o can_v not_o look_v round_o about_o they_o nor_o full_o comprehend_v what_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o do_v signify_v though_o they_o convey_v it_o to_o aftertime_n yet_o they_o be_v by_o almighty_a impression_n upon_o all_o their_o faculty_n necessary_a to_o that_o service_n hold_v in_o strong_a than_o adamantine_a consinement_n that_o they_o can_v not_o extravagate_v from_o divine_a truth_n even_o balaam_n thus_o overpower_v against_o his_o will_n can_v not_o go_v beyond_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o speak_v either_o good_a or_o evil_a upon_o the_o great_a reward_n much_o less_o holy_a man_n who_o will_n be_v perfect_o resign_v to_o the_o divine_a will._n quest_n but_o be_v not_o there_o a_o possibility_n those_o holy_a man_n writer_n of_o scripture_n may_v at_o other_o time_n 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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according_a to_o the_o undeniable_a sense_n of_o scripture_n quest_n but_o the_o nearness_n of_o these_o father_n to_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n must_v needs_o enable_v they_o either_o from_o what_o they_o themselves_o receive_v warm_a from_o their_o lip_n or_o from_o what_o they_o have_v from_o other_o not_o quite_o cold_a to_o know_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n discipline_n manner_n of_o life_n purpose_n their_o sense_n of_o the_o scope_n and_o mean_v of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o so_o to_o deliver_v it_o to_o after-age_n answ_n whatever_o they_o have_v speak_v or_o write_v give_v we_o more_o light_a and_o advantage_n to_o understand_v and_o behold_v scripture_n in_o its_o own_o light_n aught_o from_o they_o or_o from_o any_o other_o to_o be_v accept_v with_o great_a regard_n but_o if_o it_o do_v not_o thus_o it_o can_v be_v accept_v even_o from_o the_o writer_n of_o scripture_n themselves_o upon_o a_o single_a or_o divide_a 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to_o have_v their_o effect_n there_o be_v many_o other_o in_o the_o event_n incurable_a evil_n upon_o man_n in_o despite_n of_o right_a reason_n the_o cure_n of_o which_o yet_o any_o one_o may_v free_o offer_v and_o discouse_n 2._o have_v thus_o far_o insist_v upon_o the_o first_o particular_a under_o this_o head_n of_o natural_a religion_n i_o come_v to_o show_v the_o agreeableness_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o natural_a in_o what_o it_o reveal_v above_o and_o beyond_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o our_o acceptance_n of_o christian_a religion_n thereupon_o which_o be_v the_o second_o head_n propose_v and_o that_o i_o may_v make_v this_o the_o clear_a let_v it_o be_v distribute_v into_o these_o three_o branch_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v hereby_o necessary_o suppose_v natural_a religion_n be_v give_v to_o be_v a_o test_n and_o touchstone_n of_o truth_n in_o religion_n 2._o that_o christian_a religion_n have_v such_o a_o evident_a agreement_n with_o natural_a 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from_o god_n to_o man_n from_o man_n to_o one_o another_o he_o that_o persecute_v christianity_n must_v persecute_v righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o which_o whosoever_o 18._o rom._n 14_o 17_o 18._o serve_v christ_n as_o every_o one_o must_v do_v that_o serve_v he_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n and_o approve_a of_o man_n and_o therefore_o to_o despite_n christianity_n be_v not_o only_o belluine_v but_o devilish_a so_o that_o the_o three_o branch_n plain_o result_v from_o the_o two_o former_a viz._n if_o natural_a religion_n be_v the_o standard_n and_o touchstone_n give_v we_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n in_o religion_n by_o and_o that_o christian_a religion_n come_v off_o from_o the_o trial_n more_o precious_a than_o gold_n it_o follow_v then_o of_o what_o value_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o all_o the_o world_n to_o demonstrate_v then_o the_o second_o branch_n that_o christian_a religion_n so_o agree_v with_o natural_a as_o to_o
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 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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
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 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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
all_o part_n of_o the_o true_a church_n who_o sin_n you_o remit_v be_v remit_v etc._n etc._n viz_o by_o solemn_a declaration_n out_o of_o and_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n even_o to_o the_o utmost_a distance_n wherein_o any_o rational_a possibility_n of_o extend_v such_o remonstrance_n and_o declaration_n with_o success_n and_o effect_n can_v be_v find_v there_o be_v not_o only_a power_n but_o a_o incumbent_a duty_n to_o do_v it_o this_o union_n now_o be_v of_o uncontrollable_a divine_a right_n thus_o much_o of_o national_a religion_n a_o national_a church_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v deny_v to_o a_o christian_a nation_n see_v to_o be_v thus_o of_o the_o church_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n every_o man_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v certain_o add_v to_o this_o church_n the_o entrance_n into_o which_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n be_v by_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n by_o a_o serious_a profession_n and_o this_o be_v that_o catholic_n church_n that_o compreheâ—ds_v all_o lesser_a union_n but_o exclude_v or_o deny_v none_o much_o less_o can_v be_v exclude_v by_o any_o as_o therefore_o every_o one_o must_v be_v of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o nation_n ought_v to_o be_v christian_a nation_n and_o protect_v that_o profession_n so_o this_o very_a catholic_n church_n in_o every_o nation_n where_o it_o be_v true_o find_v carry_v with_o it_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o as_o a_o nation_n be_v by_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o civil_a union_n denominate_v a_o nation_n so_o the_o union_n of_o christian_n must_v be_v the_o church_n in_o that_o nation_n for_o it_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n in_o its_o universal_a diffusion_n run_v through_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a nation_n and_o all_o the_o virtue_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o it_o and_o if_o any_o one_o deny_v this_o he_o deny_v the_o catholic_n church_n of_o great_a moment_n than_o any_o particular_a church_n can_v be_v 2._o all_o the_o close_a and_o most_o constant_a exercise_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o christian_n be_v to_o exercise_v one_o with_o another_o that_o can_v be_v exercise_v but_o in_o society_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v all_o part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n prayer_n preach_v sacrament_n which_o be_v indeed_o or_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o same_o for_o nature_n throughout_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n but_o must_v be_v actual_o perform_v in_o particular_a society_n now_o these_o church_n may_v be_v solemn_o erect_v and_o constitute_v by_o agreement_n but_o they_o be_v also_o found_v and_o even_o grow_v out_o of_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o the_o close_a neighbourhood_n of_o christian_n one_o with_o another_o they_o have_v continual_a knowledge_n of_o and_o acquaintance_n one_o with_o another_o and_o thereby_o daily_a opportunity_n of_o agree_v in_o that_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o common_a profession_n all_o these_o engage_v and_o also_o incline_v they_o to_o unite_v whether_o in_o great_a family_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o church_n in_o the_o family_n of_o christian_n or_o in_o village_n or_o in_o great_a congregation_n of_o city_n one_o or_o more_o still_o the_o obligation_n be_v unavoidable_a the_o necessity_n of_o duty_n that_o lie_v upon_o christian_n to_o perform_v these_o act_n of_o worship_n in_o society_n and_o the_o law_n that_o be_v upon_o all_o society_n and_o society_n must_v needs_o grow_v out_o of_o this_o frequent_a conversation_n to_o dedicate_v itself_o to_o god_n make_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o from_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o christian_n shall_v arise_v particular_a church_n and_o who_o then_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o union_n and_o further_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o union_n of_o a_o nation_n agree_v with_o itself_o as_o in_o the_o same_o government_n law_n national_a constitution_n and_o commerce_n in_o a_o more_o frequent_a and_o free_a conversation_n one_o with_o another_o so_o in_o religion_n when_o the_o part_n of_o it_o profess_v the_o same_o true_a religion_n and_o desire_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o most_o public_a way_n they_o can_v or_o who_o can_v deny_v that_o a_o nation_n may_v give_v name_n to_o a_o church_n see_v the_o very_a city_n give_v name_n to_o church_n where_o there_o be_v a_o number_n of_o christian_n act_v together_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n give_v to_o his_o church_n the_o obligation_n to_o true_a religion_n to_o public_a religion_n be_v undeniable_a the_o opportunity_n of_o agreement_n be_v the_o same_o and_o may_v be_v transact_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n all_o other_o national_a agreement_n be_v and_o what_o be_v a_o church_n but_o a_o society_n agree_v in_o all_o act_n of_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o law_n allow_v by_o christ_n have_v no_o other_o form_n but_o that_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n distinguish_v by_o the_o particular_a society_n or_o place_n where_o they_o reside_v i_o acknowledge_v two_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o particular_a by_o the_o nature_n of_o particular_a society_n and_o the_o place_n where_o they_o reside_v church_n 1._o consciousness_n or_o mutual_a knowledge_n of_o person_n and_o their_o worship_n 2._o consent_n this_o our_o saviour_n teach_v in_o that_o expression_n if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v mat._n 18._o and_o indeed_o not_o only_o in_o particular_a church_n but_o even_o in_o the_o catholic_n church_n itself_o these_o thing_n have_v their_o resemblance_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o divine_a spirit_n run_v through_o all_o know_v they_o all_o that_o true_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o one_o for_o another_o and_o by_o their_o true_a faith_n they_o all_o be_v unite_v in_o close_a consent_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n one_o with_o another_o which_o faith_n be_v keep_v from_o fail_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o they_o all_o that_o be_v true_o of_o it_o but_o because_o there_o must_v be_v yet_o a_o more_o particular_a understanding_n that_o christian_n have_v one_o with_o another_o that_o they_o may_v join_v in_o the_o same_o religious_a act_n and_o mutual_o assist_v one_o another_o in_o they_o therefore_o the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n upon_o earth_n though_o it_o be_v the_o great_a the_o most_o religious_a society_n the_o most_o strong_o band_v and_o cement_v yet_o be_v not_o sufficient_a because_o there_o be_v not_o that_o consciousness_n or_o mutual_a knowledge_n of_o and_o consent_n in_o one_o another_o faith_n and_o worship_n in_o distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o glorify_v god_n and_o christ_n in_o particular_a church_n this_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n too_o why_o the_o church-triumphant_a though_o inseparable_o unite_v with_o the_o church-militant_a and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o though_o more_o acceptable_a and_o prevalent_a in_o all_o its_o adoration_n yet_o can_v be_v communicate_v with_o actual_o and_o explicit_o we_o may_v not_o solicit_v such_o a_o communion_n with_o it_o here_o on_o earth_n because_o we_o be_v not_o conscious_a or_o know_v of_o any_o such_o particularity_n in_o their_o state_n or_o action_n as_o shall_v ground_v it_o nor_o be_v we_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v conscious_a of_o any_o of_o our_o particularity_n abraham_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v whole_o ignorant_a who_o we_o be_v when_o we_o pray_v or_o be_v exercise_v religious_o there_o be_v a_o thick_a and_o dark_a veil_n draw_v betwixt_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n as_o to_o such_o particular_a communion_n the_o father_n the_o son_n the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v only_o certain_o and_o particular_o know_v to_o we_o in_o that_o high_a region_n of_o they_o we_o be_v only_o assure_v they_o know_v we_o and_o all_o our_o action_n to_o ascribe_v the_o honour_n to_o any_o other_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n be_v to_o idolise_v they_o as_o well_o as_o to_o thrust_v into_o thing_n we_o have_v not_o see_v or_o know_v thus_o free_o i_o acknowledge_v the_o closeness_n and_o easiness_n of_o society_n of_o mutual_a understanding_n and_o consent_n with_o one_o another_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o particular_a church_n those_o duty_n of_o mutual_a exhortation_n assistance_n counsel_n and_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a reproof_n one_o of_o another_o beside_o the_o constant_a meeting_n in_o public_a worship_n that_o necessary_a severity_n of_o disow_v in_o case_n of_o great_a or_o incorrigible_a offence_n such_o person_n as_o walk_v in_o practice_n contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n not_o be_v possible_a but_o in_o the_o near_a conjunction_n one_o with_o another_o that_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n allow_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o be_v as_o
reason_n or_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n edify_v or_o embolden_v conscience_n for_o although_o conscience_n be_v make_v for_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o for_o scandal_n it_o be_v make_v so_o even_o and_o true_a to_o it_o that_o they_o which_o love_v this_o law_n have_v great_a peace_n and_o nothing_o can_v scandalize_v or_o offend_v they_o that_o be_v either_o seduce_v or_o hurt_v they_o yet_o in_o this_o very_a seat_n in_o this_o very_a throne_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n in_o this_o temple_n of_o god_n in_o this_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a this_o tribunal_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o sanctuary_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o as_o a_o tabernacle_n of_o testimony_n do_v scandal_n exalt_v itself_o as_o if_o it_o be_v from_o god_n and_o from_o thence_o it_o give_v its_o oracle_n but_o conscience_n thus_o debauch_v and_o prostitute_v bear_v no_o more_o proportion_n to_o true_a conscience_n than_o antichrist_n do_v to_o christ_n and_o be_v therefore_o a_o pseudo-conscience_n a_o anti-conscience_n conscience_n false_o so_o call_v 7._o scandal_n always_o dash_v its_o own_o principle_n of_o deceive_a reason_n and_o false_a doctrine_n upon_o some_o true_a and_o grand_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n for_o though_o every_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v great_a yet_o there_o be_v of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n on_o account_n of_o which_o oppose_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n brand_v it_o scandal_n more_o remarkable_o and_o hereupon_o though_o the_o sin_n derive_v from_o scandal_n may_v in_o itself_o seem_v small_a yet_o in_o regard_n of_o some_o stable_a law_n of_o religion_n make_v void_a and_o thereby_o sin_n introduce_v it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n though_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n sometime_o indifferent_a now_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o but_o scandal_n must_v thus_o dash_v upon_o truth_n because_o as_o i_o have_v say_v it_o herein_o differ_v from_o simple_a temptation_n that_o its_o rest_n be_v upon_o some_o false_a principle_n of_o reason_n or_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n it_o frame_v mischief_n by_o a_o law_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o every_o false_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n must_v rush_v against_o some_o true_a one_o and_o though_o no_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v small_a or_o sin_n little_a and_o scandal_n be_v always_o proportionable_a yet_o the_o wisdom_n of_o scripture_n have_v appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o scandal_n to_o the_o violation_n of_o some_o grand_a principle_n as_o i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n for_o the_o further_o explain_v of_o scandal_n observe_v those_o pillar_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o law_n against_o which_o it_o throw_v and_o bruise_n the_o scandalize_v soul_n as_o the_o sacred_a book_n shall_v instruct_v we_o 1._o the_o eternal_a be_v and_o holy_a government_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n according_a to_o those_o righteous_a just_a and_o good_a law_n he_o have_v give_v and_o according_a to_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v and_o make_v retribution_n to_o all_o man_n at_o that_o great_a day_n be_v the_o fountain_n and_o most_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n so_o than_o whatever_o upon_o pretence_n of_o reason_n and_o just_a cause_n undermine_v the_o faith_n abate_v the_o awe_v or_o dispirit_n the_o obedience_n agreeable_a to_o so_o supreme_a a_o standard_n of_o all_o these_o be_v the_o original_a and_o final_a scandal_n here_o all_o scandal_n begin_v in_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o hither_o it_o return_v it_o end_v in_o a_o further_a loss_n of_o god_n and_o this_o upon_o offence_n take_v that_o too_o much_o be_v require_v without_o reason_n this_o be_v that_o eternal_a rock_n of_o truth_n at_o which_o whoever_o stumble_v must_v needs_o be_v hurt_v wound_a and_o grieve_v thus_o be_v i_o grieve_v in_o my_o heart_n and_o prick_v in_o my_o reins_o 21._o psal_n 73._o 21._o say_v the_o psalmist_n on_o this_o very_a occasion_n whoever_o fall_v violent_o against_o it_o it_o break_v he_o whoever_o contest_v to_o remove_v it_o and_o burden_n himself_o with_o it_o it_o fall_v upon_o he_o and_o grind_v he_o to_o powder_n and_o yet_o against_o this_o speculative_a and_o practical_a atheism_n have_v in_o all_o age_n harden_v itself_o and_o by_o show_n of_o reason_n and_o high_a spirit_n be_v heave_v and_o peck_v at_o it_o and_o cast_v scandal_n in_o all_o man_n way_n god_n retirement_n as_o they_o fancy_v it_o into_o the_o thick_a cover_n of_o the_o cloud_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o 14._o jâ—b_n 21._o 14._o walk_v in_o the_o circuit_n of_o heaven_n and_o not_o come_v down_o in_o visible_a shape_n of_o glory_n and_o power_n have_v give_v to_o ungodly_a man_n the_o boldness_n and_o a_o counterfeit_n of_o argument_n to_o dispute_v against_o his_o be_v and_o government_n i_o say_v a_o counterfeit_n of_o argument_n for_o with_o a_o apparition_n of_o reason_n from_o hence_o and_o a_o insolency_n of_o wickedness_n they_o conjure_v down_o they_o moâ—mo_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o goblin_n of_o conscience_n as_o they_o esteem_v they_o atheism_n have_v always_o speak_v stout_a word_n against_o god_n say_v to_o god_n depart_v from_o we_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n 13._o mal_fw-fr 3._o 13._o of_o thy_o way_n what_o be_v the_o almighty_a that_o we_o shall_v serve_v he_o or_o what_o profit_n be_v it_o if_o we_o shall_v pray_v unto_o he_o 14._o job_n 21._o 14._o it_o have_v of_o old_a lift_v up_o man_n against_o god_n and_o stretch_v out_o their_o hand_n against_o the_o almighty_a so_o that_o they_o have_v run_v upon_o god_n even_o upon_o the_o thick_a boss_n of_o his_o buckler_n to_o mischief_n themselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a in_o the_o very_a day_n of_o job_n there_o be_v this_o counsel_n of_o the_o 18._o job_n 10._o 3._o and_o 21._o 16._o and_o 22._o 18._o wicked_a as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o result_n of_o debate_n and_o serious_a consideration_n in_o a_o senate_n of_o atheist_n as_o if_o they_o have_v make_v the_o experiment_n and_o find_v upon_o proof_n there_o be_v no_o advantage_n in_o serve_v god_n and_o no_o man_n come_v by_o the_o worse_a in_o despise_v he_o it_o be_v not_o the_o invention_n of_o one_o age_n of_o this_o last_o age_n as_o if_o it_o may_v pride_n itself_o in_o find_v it_o out_o scripture_n have_v not_o think_v it_o against_o its_o interest_n to_o record_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o cause_n as_o it_o be_v manage_v of_o old_a in_o those_o elder_a day_n of_o job_n in_o the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prophet_n malachi_n but_o overruns_a it_o with_o a_o flood_n of_o truth_n and_o eloquence_n even_o as_o god_n do_v as_o he_o please_v with_o a_o deluge_n of_o wrath._n yet_o present_a impunity_n and_o the_o seem_a confusion_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o afflict_a state_n of_o good_a man_n have_v be_v always_o a_o stumble_a block_n to_o sudden_a and_o short_a consideration_n job_n significant_o call_v it_o god_n shine_v on_o the_o council_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o if_o it_o 3._o job_n 10._o 3._o give_v it_o a_o lustre_n and_o countenance_n even_o good_a man_n till_o they_o go_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o god_n and_o look_v to_o the_o end_n of_o thing_n have_v find_v it_o a_o scandal_n the_o psalmist_n acknowledge_v his_o foot_n be_v almost_o go_v and_o his_o foot_n well_o 2._o psal_n 73._o 2._o nigh_o slip_v when_o he_o see_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o water_n of_o a_o full_a cup_n of_o affliction_n wring_v out_o to_o the_o godly_a yet_o upon_o full_a discussion_n of_o the_o case_n he_o confess_v it_o his_o folly_n 22._o ver._n 22._o and_o ignorance_n so_o foolish_a be_v i_o and_o ignorant_a i_o be_v as_o a_o beast_n before_o thou_o the_o wise_a king_n observe_v the_o heart_n of_o 11._o eccles_n 8._o 11._o the_o son_n of_o man_n full_o set_v they_o in_o to_o do_v evil_a because_o sentence_n on_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v not_o speedy_o execute_v god_n by_o his_o patience_n sustain_v and_o make_v wicked_a man_n stand_v 16._o exod._n 9_o 16._o even_o when_o they_o deny_v he_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o their_o more_o dreadful_a fall_n for_o their_o foot_n will_v slide_v in_o due_a time_n to_o their_o eternal_a ruin_n how_o slack_a soever_o god_n be_v misdeem_v he_o will_v be_v a_o swift_a witness_n of_o his_o own_o be_v and_o truth_n and_o the_o avenger_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n now_o so_o far_o as_o any_o man_n have_v either_o in_o secret_a suspicion_n or_o in_o the_o silent_a murmur_n of_o his_o soul_n say_v there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o vanquish_v the_o prevail_a awe_v of_o god_n so_o that_o conscience_n have_v be_v embolden_v or_o edify_v or_o so_o much_o as_o silence_v or_o dumb_a
corruption_n they_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o spark_n and_o have_v only_o this_o at_o god_n hand_n to_o lie_v down_o in_o sorrow_n beside_o that_o god_n in_o just_a displeasure_n send_v down_o upon_o they_o the_o revenge_n of_o a_o abuse_a and_o injure_a power_n and_o godhead_n now_o all_o this_o express_v the_o height_n both_o of_o the_o deception_n and_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n 4._o the_o four_o great_a principle_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o absolute_a and_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o holiness_n both_o in_o heart_n and_o life_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n against_o which_o 24._o heb._n 12._o 24._o there_o lie_v no_o such_o scandal_n or_o cause_n of_o offence_n as_o inward_a and_o inherent_a lust_n and_o inordinate_a appetite_n which_o be_v obstinate_o set_v to_o obtain_v its_o satisfaction_n and_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v tame_v but_o by_o beinâ—_n cut_v off_o though_o it_o be_v the_o right_a hand_n or_o right_a foot_n or_o even_o the_o right_a eye_n the_o love_n of_o god_n 43._o mark_v 9_o 43._o and_o his_o law_n be_v the_o best_a security_n against_o this_o scandal_n and_o daily_a mortification_n and_o crucifixion_n of_o the_o old_a man_n with_o 22._o ephes_n 4._o 22._o its_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n pretence_n from_o reason_n or_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n there_o can_v be_v none_o in_o this_o case_n to_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v either_o christianity_n or_o morality_n but_o man_n be_v carry_v down_o the_o violent_a stream_n of_o ungoverned_a passion_n and_o that_o fall_v into_o the_o wide_a sea_n of_o general_a corruption_n and_o bad_a example_n which_o look_v most_o like_a a_o authority_n there_o be_v the_o palliation_n and_o excuse_n of_o sin_n which_o may_v serve_v in_o a_o time_n of_o peace_n and_o carnal_a security_n but_o can_v so_o delude_v conscience_n as_o to_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a sense_n scandal_n the_o continual_a practice_n of_o sin_n harden_v the_o heart_n sear_n benumb_v and_o stupefy_v all_o inward_a sense_n and_o cancel_v the_o awe_n of_o those_o engrave_v law_n and_o reveal_v command_n of_o god_n for_o a_o time_n but_o can_v either_o deny_v their_o just_a power_n or_o challenge_v they_o of_o unreasonableness_n so_o that_o if_o any_o where_o man_n be_v force_v to_o take_v refuge_n at_o the_o atheistick_a denial_n of_o religion_n itself_o or_o to_o blind_a conscience_n with_o superstitious_a act_n which_o seem_v to_o commute_v and_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o sin_n or_o if_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o blind_v their_o eye_n and_o obstruct_v all_o sense_n they_o may_v make_v the_o profession_n of_o true_a religion_n a_o cover_n to_o sin_n as_o they_o that_o cry_v lord_n lord_n and_o 22._o mat._n 7._o 22._o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v we_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o 19_o jer._n 7._o 4._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o christ_n with_o great_a ostentation_n and_o so_o may_v deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n but_o to_o hold_v out_o against_o either_o the_o challenge_n of_o divine_a truth_n or_o of_o their_o own_o reflection_n be_v impossible_a so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n predominant_a lust_n from_o within_o and_o bad_a example_n from_o the_o so_o abound_a iniquity_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n the_o fall_v of_o good_a man_n the_o miscarriage_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o insincere_a professor_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o great_a scandal_n or_o stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o ensnare_v in_o the_o afore-named_n scandal_n but_o although_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o strict_a and_o proper_a scandal_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o very_a centre_n of_o all_o scandal_n in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o for_o then_o a_o man_n be_v indeed_o scandalize_v when_o the_o salt_n of_o divine_a truth_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n can_v have_v no_o power_n nor_o efficacy_n upon_o he_o because_o of_o that_o scandal_n to_o season_v the_o heart_n nor_o govern_v the_o life_n and_o action_n in_o the_o love_n fear_v and_o obedience_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n but_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o understand_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n what_o he_o do_v not_o promise_n by_o profession_n or_o if_o he_o seem_v to_o deny_v any_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o do_v not_o understand_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n the_o extent_n and_o force_n of_o his_o denial_n but_o have_v better_a principle_n that_o be_v a_o antidote_n and_o counterpoison_n to_o any_o mistake_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n he_o be_v not_o scandalize_v with_o the_o great_a mischief_n of_o scandal_n but_o that_o man_n be_v scandalize_v that_o through_o false_a principle_n or_o the_o denial_n of_o true_a one_o want_v their_o power_n and_o virtue_n upon_o his_o affection_n and_o action_n for_o no_o truth_n be_v for_o notion_n sake_n but_o to_o make_v true_o good_a the_o heart_n and_o practice_n the_o very_a confession_n with_o the_o mouth_n be_v to_o recoil_v back_o into_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v that_o better_a and_o to_o move_v forward_o and_o engage_v the_o life_n along_o with_o it_o 5._o it_o be_v a_o grand_a pillar_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o and_o that_o he_o that_o love_v 21._o 1_o john_n 4._o 21._o god_n shall_v love_v his_o brother_n also_o and_o there_o be_v not_o there_o can_v be_v any_o law_n of_o religion_n wherein_o the_o equity_n the_o love_n favour_n and_o compassion_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n towards_o humane_a nature_n do_v more_o evident_o recommend_v itself_o it_o be_v the_o justification_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o man_n his_o philanthropy_n do_v shine_v out_o more_o illustrious_o in_o the_o gospel_n so_o do_v the_o law_n and_o doctrine_n of_o this_o love_n of_o christian_n to_o one_o another_o and_o not_o only_o to_o christian_n but_o to_o all_o man_n and_o in_o this_o as_o of_o great_a concernment_n thâ—_n gospel_n be_v so_o abundant_a and_o its_o discourse_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n that_o it_o be_v make_v another_o hemisphere_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o one_o be_v the_o first_o and_o 39_o mat._n â—1_n 38_o 39_o great_a commandment_n and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a to_o it_o it_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v the_o whole_a law_n it_o be_v irreconcilable_a 9_o rom._n 13._o 8_o 9_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n not_o to_o love_v our_o brother_n it_o be_v 15._o 1_o joh._n 3._o 15._o such_o a_o degree_n of_o murder_n that_o whoever_o be_v guilty_a of_o can_v have_v eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o he_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mark_n 14._o 1_o joh._n 3._o 14._o we_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n so_o many_o be_v the_o argument_n and_o so_o strong_a the_o obligation_n to_o this_o duty_n that_o they_o can_v be_v recount_v all_o may_v be_v sum_v up_o in_o that_o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o now_o that_o this_o love_n be_v fix_v in_o a_o uniformity_n of_o opinion_n or_o point_n of_o outward_a order_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o believe_v for_o beside_o the_o impossibility_n to_o reconcile_v all_o the_o innocent_a variety_n that_o be_v in_o humane_a nature_n though_o it_o be_v christian_a humane_a nature_n in_o their_o sentiment_n and_o election_n in_o these_o thing_n the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v not_o of_o that_o amount_v as_o to_o be_v the_o proper_a rest_n of_o this_o divine_a love_n or_o that_o if_o it_o miss_v these_o pole_n it_o shall_v therefore_o cease_v to_o be_v the_o axis_n upon_o which_o the_o catholic_n society_n of_o christian_n and_o christian_a unity_n turn_n for_o that_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n must_v be_v substantial_a christianity_n itself_o and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a schism_n to_o be_v divide_v in_o affection_n from_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n how_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o understand_v see_v small_a difference_n be_v frequent_o by_o the_o apostle_n consider_v and_o allow_v for_o without_o the_o least_o allowance_n for_o christian_n not_o love_v one_o another_o christianity_n carry_v no_o gall_n even_o towards_o utmost_a stranger_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n much_o less_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v true_o christian_n though_o not_o each_o uniform_a with_o one_o another_o in_o all_o thing_n the_o great_a scandal_n against_o this_o love_n be_v private_a man_n think_v it_o justifiable_a not_o to_o love_v those_o that_o have_v injure_v they_o but_o this_o case_n have_v be_v consider_v
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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
discern_v they_o but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n of_o which_o all_o true_a minister_n be_v the_o minister_n on_o account_n of_o which_o alone_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o they_o be_v due_a their_o bring_v that_o word_n in_o its_o own_o life_n evidence_n and_o power_n be_v their_o best_a commission_n quest_n but_o how_o be_v they_o most_o orderly_o install_v into_o so_o high_a a_o function_n answ_n christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v ascend_v up_o on_o high_a and_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n take_v it_o upon_o he_o as_o his_o supreme_a care_n to_o thrust_v forth_o labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n the_o several_a congregation_n of_o christian_n observe_v ministerial_a ability_n and_o meetness_n to_o teach_v call_v out_o to_o such_o to_o help_v they_o and_o herein_o in_o the_o cessation_n of_o extraordinary_a gift_n the_o school_n of_o learning_n and_o religious_a education_n like_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n do_v best_a prepare_v and_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n before_o they_o do_v most_o orderly_o recommend_v to_o choice_n and_o acceptance_n in_o the_o great_a service_n such_o as_o be_v scribe_n instruct_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o commit_v to_o they_o the_o charge_n of_o teach_v other_o for_o in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o act_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o preside_v with_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o congregation_n quest_n be_v the_o lord_n christ_n please_v then_o to_o act_v general_o by_o the_o elder_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n general_o and_o ordinary_o he_o do_v so_o the_o officer_n be_v therefore_o more_o particular_o entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o the_o key_n even_o as_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v thus_o eminent_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n our_o lord_n found_v his_o church_n and_o so_o edify_v and_o build_v it_o up_o in_o after-age_n by_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o when_o great_a defection_n have_v prevail_v upon_o it_o summon_v it_o to_o reformation_n by_o some_o raise_v up_o among_o those_o officer_n and_o who_o he_o send_v out_o as_o such_o to_o reform_v and_o recover_v his_o church_n yet_o still_o all_o this_o power_n be_v in_o and_o according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o no_o other_o and_o so_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v the_o knowledge_n judgement_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v join_v in_o all_o the_o officer_n do_v as_o have_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o key_n also_o because_o they_o have_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o understanding_n open_v and_o apply_v of_o which_o to_o particular_a case_n the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o key_n rest_v the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o the_o brethren_n or_o whole_a church_n be_v together_o please_v and_o together_o join_v in_o that_o famous_a conciliary_a epistle_n act_v 15._o 22._o quest_n i_o desire_v your_o more_o full_a explanation_n of_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o power_n accompany_v it_o answ_n i_o will_v very_o willing_o do_v as_o you_o desire_v and_o begin_v with_o the_o apostle_n quest_n wherein_o stand_v their_o power_n answ_n it_o stand_v in_o their_o preach_v act_v direct_v govern_v by_o that_o immediate_a and_o infallible_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o write_v and_o seal_v scripture_n and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v so_o guard_v every_o way_n that_o they_o can_v turn_v neither_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a in_o any_o thing_n wherein_o they_o exercise_v this_o power_n quest_n how_o be_v this_o power_n justify_v answ_n by_o the_o divineness_n substantial_a goodness_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o their_o prescription_n propose_v in_o all_o the_o method_n of_o rational_a discourse_n and_o manifestation_n of_o themselves_o in_o man_n conscience_n witness_v to_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o authorise_v by_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n general_o of_o beneficence_n or_o do_v good_a and_o in_o some_o but_o spare_v instance_n of_o infliction_n of_o bodily_a pain_n or_o death_n quest_n do_v the_o apostle_n never_o err_v in_o their_o administration_n answ_n whenever_o that_o infallible_a guidance_n be_v not_o present_a to_o they_o they_o may_v err_v as_o be_v before_o observe_v in_o the_o apostle_n peter_n miscarriage_n which_o no_o doubt_n be_v record_v to_o show_v their_o power_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o but_o in_o the_o divine_a spirit_n act_v by_o they_o that_o none_o in_o after-age_n may_v pretend_v to_o dictate_v as_o their_o successor_n have_v not_o their_o power_n and_o yet_o require_v obedience_n as_o if_o they_o have_v it_o whereas_o even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o may_v err_v and_o so_o lose_v their_o power_n if_o never_o so_o little_o desert_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o what_o they_o consign_v over_o to_o after-age_n be_v winnow_v from_o every_o thing_n humane_a and_o fallible_a that_o both_o officer_n and_o people_n may_v know_v the_o one_o common_a rule_n by_o which_o one_o be_v to_o govern_v the_o other_o in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v quest_n who_o be_v next_o to_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o office_n and_o power_n answ_n evangelist_n such_o as_o be_v timothy_n and_o titus_n who_o have_v a_o portion_n of_o the_o apostolic_a work_n to_o plant_v and_o settle_v church_n and_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o they_o have_v also_o a_o portion_n of_o their_o power_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o it_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v such_o till_o the_o general_n rule_n be_v full_o settle_v and_o fix_v quest_n be_v not_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n above_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n answ_n they_o be_v in_o this_o great_a point_n of_o difference_n that_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o immediate_n and_o infallible_a revelation_n commit_v to_o they_o to_o commit_v the_o same_o to_o other_o by_o direction_n from_o the_o same_o spirit_n who_o give_v they_o discern_v to_o who_o to_o entrust_v it_o till_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n be_v seal_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n else_o they_o own_v themselves_o compresbyter_n as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n style_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n with_o presbyter_n quest_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v we_o be_v to_o conclude_v that_o the_o whole_a power_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n be_v retain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n answ_n it_o be_v so_o for_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n be_v the_o only_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n which_o glory_n he_o will_v not_o give_v to_o another_o whatever_o power_n can_v be_v suppose_v resident_a in_o the_o whole_a church_n together_o be_v no_o other_o than_o in_o that_o word_n of_o truth_n public_o 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 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of_o this_o truth_n under_o a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o great_a moment_n than_o there_o be_v indeed_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o disunion_n and_o a_o proportionable_a abatement_n of_o christian_a love_n arise_v from_o it_o all_o heresy_n therefore_o include_v schism_n but_o all_o schism_n do_v not_o rise_v up_o to_o heresy_n quest_n be_v these_o the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n according_a to_o its_o use_n of_o those_o word_n answ_n they_o be_v most_o agreeable_a with_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o the_o word_n be_v not_o so_o set_v solemn_a and_o formal_a in_o scripture_n as_o afterward_o in_o ecclesiastic_a writer_n for_o dichostasyes_n or_o division_n into_o two_o or_o more_o party_n and_o contention_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n use_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o schism_n and_o heresy_n sometime_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o a_o sect_n or_o division_n though_o that_o be_v remarkable_o use_v in_o its_o worst_a sense_n by_o both_o the_o apostle_n 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scope_n for_o modest_a suspension_n and_o even_o dissent_v without_o imputation_n of_o schism_n for_o truth_n of_o magnitude_n either_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n practice_n or_o discipline_n be_v too_o bright_a to_o be_v refuse_v by_o sincere_a and_o honest_a mind_n after_o due_a admonition_n quest_n wherein_o lie_v then_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o schism_n answ_n that_o schism_n and_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o may_v better_o be_v understand_v i_o will_v set_v before_o you_o the_o several_a instance_n of_o schism_n in_o scripture_n and_o the_o evil_n note_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o each_o of_o they_o 1._o the_o first_o sort_n of_o schism_n be_v the_o disunion_n in_o the_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o bring_v in_o upon_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o judaique_a rite_n to_o concur_v with_o it_o this_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n rom._n 16._o 17._o call_n make_v division_n or_o party_n beside_o or_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n receive_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v that_o it_o lay_v scandal_n before_o man_n and_o draw_v they_o into_o this_o great_a mischief_n that_o instead_o of_o the_o pure_a nourishment_n of_o divine_a truth_n all_o run_v into_o this_o over-beloved_n sentiment_n and_o so_o deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o true_a and_o vigorous_a spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o also_o the_o service_n due_a to_o true_a christianity_n be_v drain_v away_o and_o consume_v upon_o this_o private_a opinion_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o mischief_n of_o all_o falsehood_n in_o religion_n and_o devotion_n in_o thing_n not_o appoint_v by_o god_n who_o only_o can_v prescribe_v what_o be_v true_o fit_v to_o our_o good_a and_o bless_v it_o with_o suitable_a effect_n miscarriage_n from_o divine_a truth_n be_v always_o find_v in_o schism_n with_o this_o mischievous_a consequence_n that_o it_o deceive_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o cloud_n and_o wind_n instead_o of_o truth_n and_o solid_a good_n 2._o a_o second_o kind_n of_o schism_n the_o apostle_n note_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 19_o 20._o be_v the_o disorder_n in_o divine-worship_n in_o that_o great_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n wherein_o they_o that_o be_v reprove_v be_v necessitate_v to_o withdraw_v and_o to_o stand_v apart_o for_o the_o manifest_v themselves_o in_o the_o purity_n of_o that_o worship_n and_o service_n for_o the_o very_a honour_n of_o it_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o schism_n be_v that_o it_o bring_v in_o a_o necessity_n of_o divide_a party_n in_o public_a religion_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o see_v good_a man_n must_v separate_v from_o such_o corruption_n and_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o they_o on_o account_n of_o which_o religion_n itself_o be_v dishonour_v as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o jumble_v of_o sect_n and_o give_v a_o uncertain_a sound_n and_o further_o than_o that_o be_v charge_v as_o if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o sect_n itself_o because_o it_o stand_v by_o itself_o thus_o christianity_n be_v call_v this_o sect_n and_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarenes_n idolatry_n damn_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o a_o heresy_n from_o itself_o and_o the_o false_a church_n charge_v the_o true_o publick-assemble_o with_o schism_n and_o a_o private_a religion_n 3._o another_o degree_n of_o schism_n the_o apostle_n tax_v in_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 11._o c._n 4._o 3._o be_v that_o this_o one_o entire_a profession_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o one_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n they_o think_v aught_o to_o be_v shred_n into_o little_a fraternity_n under_o the_o name_n of_o some_o prime_a minister_n of_o christianity_n or_o even_o under_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n himself_o as_o a_o ordinary_a master_n of_o a_o party_n except_o we_o will_v understand_v that_o those_o approve_a who_o stand_v firm_a in_o christ_n alone_o be_v manifest_v and_o stand_v alone_o by_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o schism_n of_o other_o and_o so_o appear_v as_o be_v say_v before_o like_o a_o schism_n themselves_o thus_o vain_a philosophy_n parcele_v out_o itself_o under_o its_o great_a master_n the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o be_v that_o it_o raise_v feud_n contention_n and_o faction_n as_o if_o this_o one_o integral_a christianity_n can_v have_v distinct_a interest_n and_o some_o engross_v one_o interest_n other_o another_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n thus_o reduce_v this_o schism_n all_o minister_n say_v he_o with_o all_o their_o gift_n grace_n and_o function_n be_v the_o whole_a church_n without_o any_o canton_v other_o than_o that_o order_n and_o conveniency_n require_v the_o more_o constant_a administration_n of_o religion_n in_o certain_a congregation_n with_o their_o elder_n cephas_n the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n be_v the_o corinthian_n though_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n paul_n himself_o and_o not_o only_o the_o church_n minister_n â—ut_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o cargo_n of_o light_n and_o truth_n in_o it_o be_v the_o church_n every_o truth_n every_o ordinance_n every_o minister_n whâ—ther_o of_o truth_n natural_a or_o reveal_v religion_n with_o all_o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o they_o be_v all_o the_o donation_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v and_o no_o minister_n whatever_o and_o christ_n be_v god_n who_o be_v the_o foundation_n centre_n and_o supreme_a head_n of_o this_o unity_n and_o union_n 4._o the_o last_o instance_n of_o schism_n i_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v intimate_v to_o we_o under_o that_o curious_a parable_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 12._o of_o the_o wise_a and_o excellent_a temperament_n betwixt_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n set_v in_o different_a degree_n of_o dignity_n the_o less_o comely_a part_n have_v more_o abundant_a comeliness_n and_o those_o that_o we_o think_v to_o be_v less_o honourable_a on_o these_o we_o bestow_v more_o abundant_a
only_o to_o teach_v the_o observation_n of_o thing_n command_v they_o by_o the_o lord_n himself_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o constant_a disclaimer_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o any_o despotic_a or_o lordlike_o power_n in_o church-ruler_n christ_n express_o compare_v the_o power_n he_o give_v with_o civil_a power_n and_o resolve_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o his_o disciple_n as_o be_v among_o they_o he_o say_v the_o chief_a among_o they_o shall_v be_v minister_n and_o servant_n deliver_v the_o will_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o not_o lord_n themselves_o they_o must_v have_v no_o will_n of_o their_o own_o to_o promulge_v they_o profess_v they_o preach_v jesus_n the_o lord_n and_z themselves_z servants_z for_o jesus_n sake_n servant_n of_o those_o they_o preach_v to_o as_o they_o minister_v to_o they_o the_o divine_a will_n not_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o ensample_n of_o the_o flock_n ambassador_n deliver_v only_o the_o message_n of_o their_o master_n and_o beseech_v man_n but_o if_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v give_v they_o for_o a_o dominion_n how_o great_a will_v it_o be_v 3._o these_o circumstance_n in_o religion_n may_v grow_v so_o bulky_a and_o cumbersome_a and_o make_v such_o a_o medley_n in_o it_o that_o no_o one_o will_v know_v what_o religion_n itself_o be_v 4._o the_o free_a vote_n and_o suffrage_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o receive_v as_o most_o con-decent_a and_o convenient_a be_v that_o more_o abundant_a honour_n god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o mean_a member_n of_o his_o church_n thus_o the_o whole_a affair_n in_o that_o council_n act_v 11._o be_v manage_v by_o not_o only_o the_o apostle_n the_o elder_n but_o the_o brethren_n also_o each_o according_a to_o their_o station_n and_o situation_n in_o the_o body_n the_o church_n for_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o despotique_a power_n what_o be_v command_a by_o christ_n must_v be_v so_o represent_v that_o the_o evidence_n it_o be_v so_o command_v must_v be_v due_o represent_v and_o the_o divine_a authority_n sufficient_o remonstrate_v what_o be_v of_o advice_n and_o conveniency_n must_v be_v carry_v by_o free_a suffrage_n and_o consent_v quest_n but_o still_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n and_o the_o best_a of_o society_n it_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n concern_v society_n and_o what_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o vote_n of_o people_n be_v always_o subject_a to_o turbulence_n and_o confusion_n have_v we_o not_o great_a assurance_n see_v christ_n reverse_a nothing_o natural_a but_o confirm_v it_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n not_o write_v in_o scripture_n but_o leave_v to_o their_o necessity_n and_o expediency_n according_a to_o nature_n law_n and_o so_o what_o be_v near_a to_o monarchick_a be_v far_o from_o confusion_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o among_o they_o the_o bishop_n aught_o to_o determine_v all_o thing_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n answ_n there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a monarchy_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n and_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v no_o other_o nor_o can_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n dictate_v any_o other_o there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v or_o destroy_v and_o there_o need_v not_o any_o more_o master_n for_o more_o will_v certain_o breed_v confusion_n whatever_o therefore_o be_v clear_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o to_o be_v make_v out_o to_o be_v so_o whatever_o be_v the_o evident_a dictate_v of_o nature_n as_o distinction_n of_o sex_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 3._o in_o their_o public_a appearance_n in_o religious_a assembly_n administration_n of_o divine_a service_n in_o a_o know_a language_n 1_o cor._n 14._o v._n 5._o the_o speak_v of_o one_o prophet_n only_o at_o once_o and_o not_o in_o a_o confusion_n of_o voice_n v._o 31._o all_o such_o natural_a order_n and_o decency_n or_o whatever_o be_v of_o indisputable_a decency_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o our_o native_a country_n these_o be_v the_o utmost_a bound_n of_o prescription_n all_o thing_n else_o be_v to_o be_v comprimize_v by_o agreement_n and_o suffrage_n and_o even_o these_o necessary_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v by_o doctrine_n rational_a convicton_n exhortation_n admonition_n rebuke_v and_o even_o charge_v and_o command_v with_o all_o authority_n in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a word_n and_o will_v and_o no_o otherwise_o for_o this_o i_o say_v again_o be_v the_o more_o abundant_a honour_n the_o ruler_n or_o more_o honourable_a member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o invest_v the_o low_a with_o to_o circulate_v with_o they_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o truth_n by_o transfuse_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n they_o have_v that_o they_o as_o live_v wise_a and_o intellectual_a member_n also_o may_v judge_v what_o be_v command_v they_o by_o god_n and_o not_o be_v as_o fool_n or_o lifeless_a member_n for_o what_o blood_n spirit_n and_o life_n be_v in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n the_o very_a same_o freedom_n the_o foot_n have_v to_o represent_v to_o the_o high_a power_n of_o nature_n what_o offend_v it_o and_o be_v immedate_o hear_v the_o very_a same_o power_n the_o low_a member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v to_o remonstrate_v to_o the_o high_a what_o scandalise_v it_o in_o the_o accept_n this_o or_o that_o indifferent_a ceremony_n and_o it_o ought_v as_o feel_o as_o immediate_o to_o be_v hear_v for_o as_o the_o same_o soul_n be_v present_a to_o all_o part_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n so_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n animate_v his_o whole_a body_n the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o fullness_n or_o compliment_n the_o receptacle_n of_o his_o fullness_n the_o fullness_n in_o which_o he_o will_v appear_v full_a and_o complete_a who_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o as_o therefore_o the_o head_n itself_o feel_v by_o this_o spiritual_a union_n so_o be_v the_o eye_n and_o ear_n the_o high_a member_n of_o this_o body_n to_o do_v and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o so_o feel_v it_o argue_v a_o interruption_n between_o they_o and_o the_o head_n itself_o for_o that_o most_o concernful_o reciprocate_v with_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o the_o extreme_a part_n of_o it_o and_o so_o do_v every_o part_n inlve_v by_o he_o also_o if_o there_o be_v no_o intercision_n nor_o obstruction_n betwixt_o it_o and_o the_o head_n quest_n be_v there_o yet_o any_o further_a reason_n against_o a_o power_n in_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o impose_v in_o thing_n of_o indifferency_n under_o the_o name_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n answ_n there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n to_o be_v add_v to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v quest_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o scandal_n answ_n scandal_n be_v a_o subject_a of_o discourse_n of_o too_o large_a a_o compass_n for_o the_o present_a purpose_n but_o as_o it_o be_v strict_o to_o be_v adjust_v to_o it_o it_o may_v be_v thus_o understand_v scandal_n be_v that_o hurt_v and_o grief_n a_o man_n receive_v in_o submit_v either_o to_o humane_a example_n or_o imposition_n in_o thing_n of_o themselves_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n when_o the_o conscience_n be_v in_o doubt_n whether_o that_o which_o be_v require_v to_o be_v do_v be_v not_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o forbid_v by_o he_o or_o that_o which_o be_v require_v to_o be_v omit_v or_o not_o do_v be_v not_o please_v to_o god_n and_o command_v by_o he_o and_o yet_o submit_v itself_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o that_o example_n or_o command_v by_o such_o imposition_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o under_o a_o wound_n of_o conscience_n quest_n when_o the_o thing_n be_v indeed_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n how_o can_v it_o be_v change_v by_o the_o conscience_n be_v in_o doubt_n concern_v it_o answ_n because_o the_o conscience_n be_v that_o complex_fw-la or_o congregat_v power_n of_o the_o soul_n wherein_o be_v preserve_v all_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o rule_n of_o action_n to_o the_o end_n that_o it_o may_v observe_v and_o direct_v how_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o govern_v itself_o and_o square_v all_o its_o action_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o may_v comfort_v or_o check_v the_o soul_n in_o do_v well_o or_o ill_o according_a to_o those_o doctrine_n or_o rule_n wherein_o then_o conscience_n be_v mistake_v and_o misjudge_n either_o way_n against_o that_o which_o be_v command_v by_o god_n or_o for_o that_o which_o be_v forbid_v by_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v do_v but_o to_o reduce_v conscience_n to_o its_o right_a rule_n which_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o
for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n we_o may_v be_v oblige_v to_o forsake_v not_o only_o our_o country_n but_o our_o father_n house_n and_o to_o unite_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n found_v in_o that_o true_a religion_n yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o must_v own_v all_o that_o be_v divine_a rational_a true_a weresoever_o we_o find_v it_o much_o more_o in_o our_o native_a country_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a propagate_v true_a religion_n upon_o it_o for_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v judge_v in_o this_o world_n with_o our_o nation_n but_o shall_v rise_v with_o it_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n in_o the_o same_o station_n or_o lott_n wherein_o we_o be_v place_v in_o this_o world_n according_a to_o our_o do_v good_a in_o it_o we_o shall_v receive_v our_o reward_n with_o those_o of_o it_o that_o be_v save_v who_o shall_v then_o survive_v in_o glory_n and_o become_v as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o whole_a nation_n the_o perish_a part_n be_v lose_v as_o we_o therefore_o desire_v the_o prosperity_n of_o it_o in_o this_o world_n so_o ought_v we_o to_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_v the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o as_o many_o of_o it_o as_o we_o can_v by_o join_v with_o they_o and_o engage_v they_o in_o true_a religion_n quest_n i_o desire_v your_o second_o proposition_n answ_n it_o be_v this_o that_o in_o a_o political_a sense_n national_a religion_n be_v when_o magistrate_n and_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n join_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o establish_v it_o by_o law_n and_o devote_v to_o it_o the_o most_o public_a advantage_n that_o the_o largeness_n and_o grandeur_n of_o such_o a_o nation_n have_v in_o their_o power_n fix_v character_n of_o civil_a honour_n and_o ample_a condition_n upon_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o communicate_v to_o they_o magistratical_a power_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o external_n defence_n honour_n and_o provision_n for_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v national_a all_o which_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o best_a end_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n our_o saviour_n who_o be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o with_o reverence_n both_o in_o obedience_n to_o government_n and_o also_o as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o honour_n to_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o true_a religion_n the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n be_v not_o the_o standard_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o prosperous_a time_n of_o it_o quest_n i_o now_o desire_v the_o three_o proposition_n answ_n the_o government_n of_o a_o nation_n in_o religion_n appoint_v and_o prescribe_v liturgy_n confession_n of_o faith_n catechism_n and_o public_a form_n of_o instruction_n or_o homily_n they_o may_v be_v so_o far_o useful_a as_o when_o they_o be_v compose_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o secure_v true_a religion_n and_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o it_o by_o so_o much_o public_o ratify_v and_o require_v of_o all_o who_o it_o entrust_v as_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n under_o its_o approbation_n and_o maintenance_n to_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n so_o comprise_v and_o public_o to_o declare_v it_o by_o use_v they_o as_o be_v appoint_v but_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v to_o put_v limit_n upon_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n first_o entrust_v by_o christ_n who_o be_v both_o in_o prayer_n preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o all_o mean_n of_o instruction_n to_o search_v into_o all_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n instruction_n reproof_n and_o to_o pray_v with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n according_a to_o the_o particular_a occasion_n and_o in_o that_o abundance_n and_o liberality_n of_o the_o divine_a oracle_n that_o they_o themselves_o may_v speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o all_o their_o service_n may_v be_v matter_n of_o bounty_n from_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o not_o of_o constraint_n and_o necessity_n as_o impose_v for_o how_o shall_v they_o then_o as_o every_o good_a scribe_n instruct_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n bring_v out_o of_o their_o treasure_n thing_n new_a and_o old_a or_o like_o the_o good_a housholder_n that_o have_v make_v provision_n and_o lay_v up_o in_o store_n to_o that_o end_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n solomon_n example_n be_v great_a according_a to_o which_o the_o preacher_n ought_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o to_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n and_o give_v good_a heed_n and_o seek_v to_o find_v out_o acceptable_a word_n that_o may_v be_v as_o goad_n and_o nail_n not_o blunt_v with_o common_a use_n quest_n i_o now_o desire_v your_o four_o proposition_n answ_n the_o benefit_n of_o national_a religion_n establish_v by_o law_n be_v that_o every_o subject_a of_o that_o nation_n have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o true_a religion_n so_o establish_v and_o may_v claim_v his_o interest_n and_o property_n in_o it_o as_o in_o all_o thing_n else_o legal_o due_a to_o he_o and_o be_v not_o oblige_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o passive_a obedience_n to_o desert_n or_o relinquish_v his_o right_n in_o it_o any_o more_o than_o his_o righteous_a claim_n or_o title_n to_o any_o thing_n else_o he_o enjoy_v by_o law_n and_o yet_o trangress_v no_o rule_n of_o christianity_n but_o have_v the_o same_o obligation_n to_o defend_v that_o his_o right_n as_o any_o other_o right_o whatever_o so_o far_o as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n enable_v he_o nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o resistance_n to_o government_n in_o so_o do_v even_o as_o there_o can_v be_v none_o but_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o trust_n of_o subordinate_a magistrate_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o law_n in_o the_o point_n of_o true_a religion_n as_o in_o all_o other_o case_n and_o of_o the_o supreme_a legislative_a power_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o foresee_v danger_n and_o prevent_v they_o by_o additional_a law_n as_o necessity_n shall_v require_v and_o all_o this_o with_o the_o prerogative_n due_a to_o religion_n quest_n i_o desire_v your_o five_o proposition_n answ_n national_a religion_n see_v it_o be_v design_v to_o comprehend_v a_o multitude_n of_o person_n of_o most_o necessary_o and_o unavoidable_o various_a sentiment_n and_o apprehension_n must_v be_v so_o prepare_v as_o that_o with_o great_a ease_n and_o room_n to_o conscience_n and_o understanding_n of_o so_o many_o several_a figure_n and_o impression_n there_o may_v be_v a_o union_n in_o national_a religion_n with_o least_o scruple_n and_o therefore_o to_o give_v all_o the_o liberty_n that_o truth_n give_v not_o impose_v arbitrary_o because_o religion_n as_o have_v be_v say_v be_v god_n peculiar_a and_o in_o that_o the_o doubt_v conscience_n can_v obey_v far_o than_o it_o see_v the_o divine_a rule_n before_o it_o not_o in_o thing_n dark_a and_o disputable_a because_o clear_a thing_n be_v only_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n not_o forcible_o except_o when_o natural_a religion_n be_v violate_v because_o patient_a instruction_n counsel_n and_o ratiocination_n be_v the_o divine_a method_n in_o give_v and_o work_v faith_n quest_n i_o now_o expect_v the_o last_o proposition_n answ_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o the_o last_o and_o therein_o conclude_v this_o whole_a enquiry_n and_o instruction_n and_o it_o be_v this_o the_o true_a religion_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o nation_n or_o city_n do_v overtop_v all_o the_o false_a and_o private_a religion_n in_o it_o and_o become_v in_o the_o sacred_a register_n the_o national_a religion_n in_o the_o sacred_a map_n the_o christian_n of_o achaia_n be_v achaia_n itself_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v the_o city_n themselves_o and_o whatever_o lesser_a difference_n or_o division_n this_o or_o that_o name_n of_o distinction_n may_v seem_v to_o make_v in_o national_a religion_n yet_o the_o true_a substantial_a religion_n in_o all_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v one_o national_a religion_n and_o become_v one_o rod_n and_o sceptre_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o nation_n be_v as_o one_o national_a tribe_n and_o church_n for_o let_v man_n do_v what_o they_o can_v against_o it_o true_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v the_o only_a public_a religion_n and_o no_o separation_n of_o man_n from_o it_o however_o call_v public_a can_v make_v it_o private_a so_o in_o what_o place_n soever_o it_o be_v it_o shall_v have_v the_o most_o public_a character_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o all_o those_o that_o sincere_o profess_v it_o shall_v be_v one_o true_a public_a religion_n and_o those_o little_a difference_n shall_v not_o cleave_v it_o into_o more_o than_o one_o without_o the_o change_n of_o true_a religion_n itself_o there_o can_v be_v a_o schism_n of_o a_o deep_a sense_n in_o it_o if_o bitterness_n and_o animosity_n censoriousness_n and_o the_o persecute_v spirit_n be_v away_o god_n will_v gracious_o interpret_v scruple_n on_o one_o side_n to_o a_o jealousy_n for_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n the_o freedom_n of_o the_o other_o to_o a_o desire_n to_o propagate_v it_o under_o the_o favour_n of_o law_n and_o thereby_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v most_o good_n in_o heaven_n they_o now_o be_v all_o one_o and_o shall_v be_v one_o and_o the_o envy_n strife_n and_o contention_n which_o the_o good_a lord_n pardon_v shall_v be_v utter_o abolish_v this_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o true_a religion_n of_o public_a divine_a religion_n now_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n that_o bring_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a our_o lord_n jesus_n that_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n make_v his_o church_n and_o his_o church_n in_o this_o nation_n perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n to_o do_v his_o will_n work_v in_o it_o that_o which_o be_v well_o please_v in_o his_o sight_n through_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la page_n 36._o l._n 20._o for_o scale_n read_v seal_v p._n 70._o l._n 9_o r._n record_n