that_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o man_n of_o such_o a_o sceptical_a genius_n as_o that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o moreover_o deny_v our_o very_a creed_n with_o who_o a_o treatise_n of_o humane_a reason_n be_v of_o more_o force_n than_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n the_o divine_a to_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o man_n i_o offer_v two_o thing_n which_o i_o judge_v most_o proper_a i._n first_o the_o answer_n which_o origen_n make_v to_o celsus_n when_o it_o be_v object_v by_o that_o calumniator_n against_o the_o christian_n that_o their_o religion_n be_v build_v on_o a_o very_a sandy_a foundation_n which_o dare_v not_o undergo_v the_o test_n of_o reason_n but_o command_v its_o convert_v not_o to_o examine_v but_o believe_v and_o their_o faith_n shall_v save_o they_o in_o part_n he_o own_v the_o objection_n but_o wise_o retort_v it_o upon_o his_o adversary_n by_o tell_v he_o that_o the_o philosopher_n be_v the_o great_a dictator_n in_o the_o world_n witness_v the_o ipse_fw-la dixit_fw-la of_o pythagoras_n that_o their_o system_n contain_v some_o such_o secret_a dogmata_fw-la which_o their_o disciple_n swallow_v sole_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o master_n and_o if_o the_o master_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n which_o be_v either_o foolishness_n or_o at_o best_o but_o science_n false_o so_o call_v require_v so_o great_a submission_n from_o their_o scholar_n how_o much_o great_a be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ii_o second_o i_o urge_v the_o authority_n of_o my_o lord_n bacon_n who_o if_o any_o methinks_v shall_v be_v admit_v by_o these_o virtuoso_n in_o religion_n the_o divine_a prerogative_n say_v he_o extend_v itself_o to_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o require_v not_o only_a obedience_n from_o our_o will_n but_o submission_n from_o our_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v the_o divine_a law_n though_o our_o will_n reluct_v never_o so_o much_o against_o it_o so_o be_v we_o oblige_v to_o believe_v whatsoever_o god_n have_v reveal_v though_o never_o so_o improbable_a to_o our_o understanding_n for_o if_o we_o believe_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o can_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v true_a we_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n deliver_v for_o the_o author_n sake_n but_o the_o author_n for_o the_o truth_n sake_n and_o so_o we_o pay_v no_o more_o respect_n to_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n than_o we_o do_v to_o the_o write_n of_o man_n though_o never_o so_o much_o suspect_v by_o we_o the_o faith_n which_o justify_v abraham_n be_v conversant_a in_o a_o matter_n incredible_a to_o reason_n and_o therefore_o the_o high_a the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n be_v above_o our_o reason_n the_o great_a be_v the_o exercise_n and_o triumph_v of_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o honour_n do_v unto_o god_n in_o believe_v to_o conclude_v this_o point_n great_a be_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n both_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n and_o the_o deduce_a true_a consequence_n and_o wholesome_a conclusion_n from_o thence_o and_o if_o it_o be_v whole_o suppress_v our_o religion_n will_v degenerate_v into_o superstition_n we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o pay_v god_n a_o reasonable_a service_n that_o we_o shall_v offer_v he_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v keep_v to_o a_o due_a temper_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o manage_v by_o prudent_a guide_n it_o be_v apt_a to_o grow_v wild_a and_o extravagant_a to_o hurry_v we_o on_o to_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o foul_a imposture_n to_o a_o practice_n of_o the_o gross_a impiety_n which_o either_o the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o world_n the_o domineer_a enmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o the_o implacable_a malice_n of_o satan_n can_v propound_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v ii_o the_o second_o reason_n of_o private_a man_n fall_v into_o error_n be_v their_o instability_n in_o not_o adhere_v to_o their_o guide_n but_o forsake_v they_o to_o go_v astray_o in_o the_o intricate_a path_n of_o error_n and_o deceit_n heresy_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o excision_n from_o and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o church_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n pronounce_v a_o heretic_n self-condemned_n one_o who_o have_v want_v only_o choose_v to_o himself_o those_o opinion_n for_o a_o obstinate_a defence_n whereof_o after_o full_a and_o plain_a mean_n of_o conviction_n he_o just_o fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v excommunicate_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o so_o without_o repentance_n and_o reconciliation_n continue_v in_o a_o very_a dangerous_a estate_n if_o that_o of_o heathen_n and_o publican_n be_v acknowledge_v such_o not_o in_o vain_a then_o be_v those_o frequent_a caution_n against_o fall_v away_o those_o repeat_v admonition_n to_o perseverance_n those_o earnest_a exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n and_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v those_o so_o much_o inculcate_v command_n of_o obey_v those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n heb._n 13.7_o remember_v they_o which_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o who_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o faith_n follow_v ver._n 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n for_o in_o vain_a may_v those_o man_n commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o god_n who_o neglect_v to_o hear_v his_o guide_n and_o violate_v his_o commandment_n in_o hope_n to_o procure_v his_o help_n and_o favour_n for_o from_o that_o very_a moment_n of_o time_n they_o cease_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n they_o be_v become_v outlawries_a in_o a_o gospel-sense_n they_o have_v lose_v the_o protection_n of_o the_o heavenly_a king_n and_o they_o lie_v under_o the_o deprivation_n of_o the_o benefit_n belong_v to_o the_o subject_n of_o that_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o and_o what_o wonder_n if_o be_v in_o this_o forlorn_a condition_n the_o tempter_n take_v his_o advantage_n lead_v they_o into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o there_o present_a to_o their_o disturb_a fancy_n false_a scheme_n of_o religion_n suggest_v unworthy_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v by_o he_o thus_o suggest_v be_v by_o they_o mistake_v for_o new_a light_n and_o holy_a inspiration_n and_o because_o this_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n dare_v put_v forth_o among_o christian_n no_o doctrine_n but_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o be_v found_v on_o the_o scripture_n to_o this_o purpose_n they_o be_v wrest_v and_o torture_v their_o scope_n be_v mistake_v their_o sense_n abuse_v their_o period_n miserable_o mangle_v their_o whole_a design_n pervert_v to_o countenance_v every_o wild_a opinion_n which_o either_o a_o capricious_a fancy_n can_v imagine_v or_o a_o malicious_a wit_n invent_v and_o from_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o we_o have_v as_o many_o several_a sort_n of_o christian_n as_o there_o be_v different_a humour_n or_o interest_n of_o man_n and_o the_o gospel_n with_o st._n paul_n though_o in_o a_o quite_o contrary_a sense_n be_v become_v all_o thing_n unto_o all_o man_n and_o have_v make_v thus_o bold_a with_o the_o scripture_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v deal_v more_o modest_o with_o any_o authority_n inferior_a to_o that_o the_o most_o ancient_a tradition_n must_v now_o give_v place_n to_o new_a discovery_n the_o consent_n of_o the_o catholic_n apostolic_a church_n be_v bear_v down_o by_o the_o dictate_v of_o a_o private_a i_o may_v say_v familiar_a spirit_n whereas_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n best_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o their_o master_n that_o they_o faithful_o and_o full_o communicate_v their_o knowledge_n to_o their_o successor_n and_o so_o by_o certain_a step_n and_o degree_n we_o may_v arrive_v at_o this_o fundamental_a truth_n that_o as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o most_o faithful_a keeper_n so_o the_o most_o authentic_a expositor_n of_o scripture_n which_o fair_o usher_v in_o my_o three_o and_o last_o consideration_n that_o for_o the_o prevent_n mistake_v from_o rise_v and_o suppress_v error_n when_o rise_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o private_a man_n to_o submit_v their_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v constitute_v to_o be_v their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o governor_n unless_o it_o manifest_o appear_v that_o such_o determination_n be_v contrary_a to_o god_n word_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v assert_v very_o brief_o both_o from_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n who_o
oxford-paraphrast_a have_v full_o and_o learned_o make_v out_o in_o his_o annotation_n on_o the_o 2_o thess_n chap._n 2._o not_o content_v to_o justify_v our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o innovation_n corruption_n and_o impose_v they_o as_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n and_o so_o become_v guilty_a of_o causal_a schism_n they_o have_v represent_v all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n both_o pastor_n and_o people_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n guilty_a of_o heathenish_a and_o worse_o than_o the_o most_o sottish_a heathenish_a idolatry_n so_o foul_a a_o charge_n and_o so_o injurious_a to_o that_o charity_n which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v always_o be_v renown_v for_o that_o i_o hope_v the_o author_n of_o it_o may_v have_v grace_n to_o retract_v and_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o that_o scandal_n which_o be_v thereby_o give_v even_o to_o our_o common_a christianity_n and_o i_o have_v always_o wonder_v how_o it_o ever_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v and_o public_o maintain_v that_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o christian_a professor_n eminent_a for_o learning_n and_o austerity_n of_o life_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o so_o damnable_a a_o apostasy_n concern_v the_o mischief_n of_o this_o charge_n take_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a thorndike_n in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o his_o just_a weight_n and_o measure_n and_o as_o they_o who_o justify_v the_o reformation_n by_o charge_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v antichrist_n and_o the_o papist_n idolater_n so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o who_o over-charge_n the_o reformation_n to_o be_v heretic_n make_v themselves_o thereby_o schismatic_n before_o god_n we_o hope_v no_o ingenuous_a person_n though_o a_o adversary_n will_v think_v the_o worse_a of_o the_o true_a son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o the_o uncharitable_a opinion_n of_o some_o particular_a man_n descend_v perhaps_o from_o dissent_v parent_n educate_v in_o dissent_v time_n and_o who_o never_o yet_o sufficient_o conquer_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o their_o education_n if_o they_o have_v they_o will_v not_o maintain_v such_o erastian_n position_n as_o these_o viz._n that_o christ_n never_o appoint_v any_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n but_o leave_v it_o arbitrary_a and_o dependent_a on_o the_o civil_a state_n that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v not_o to_o be_v preach_v if_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n forbid_v it_o that_o the_o king_n have_v a_o power_n to_o execute_v all_o pastoral_a office_n &_o devolve_v it_o on_o other_o with_o many_o other_o of_o the_o like_a dangerous_a consequence_n which_o that_o valiant_a champion_n of_o church-power_n mr._n lowth_n have_v charge_v upon_o they_o and_o learned_o make_v good_a the_o charge_n whereas_o concern_v the_o last_o of_o these_o position_n neither_o his_o present_a m._n nor_o any_o of_o his_o predecessor_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a supremacy_n ever_o think_v themselves_o endow_v with_o any_o other_o power_n but_o that_o of_o nurse_n father_n neither_o do_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o oath_n invest_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n with_o any_o other_o power_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n than_o what_o be_v pure_o external_a and_o coercive_a if_o bishop_n bramhal_o and_o other_o may_v be_v think_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o author_n there_o tax_v let_v they_o consider_v in_o this_o very_a juncture_n of_o time_n the_o consequence_n of_o their_o own_o position_n and_o then_o lie_v their_o hand_n upon_o their_o mouth_n and_o be_v for_o ever_o after_o silent_a or_o if_o they_o please_v to_o look_v backward_o let_v they_o consider_v what_o mischief_n the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n have_v bring_v upon_o themselves_o have_v they_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n when_o julian_n and_o constantius_n reign_v have_v they_o spend_v as_o much_o time_n in_o defend_v the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o they_o have_v in_o oppose_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o will_v have_v prove_v themselves_o as_o good_a subject_n to_o the_o father_n of_o their_o country_n and_o as_o dutiful_a son_n to_o their_o mother_n the_o church_n have_v they_o give_v a_o true_a account_n of_o ancient_a church-government_n instead_o of_o imbroyl_v we_o with_o irenicum_n and_o weapon-salve_n they_o have_v purchase_v as_o much_o renown_n to_o themselves_o and_o more_o benefit_n to_o christ_n catholic_n church_n then_o may_v we_o hope_v to_o see_v the_o mischief_n of_o separation_n display_v without_o a_o preface_n of_o such_o concession_n as_o manifest_o tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o uniformity_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o lukewarm_a and_o ungenerous_a temper_n to_o desert_n a_o friend_n in_o affliction_n that_o cruel_a juncture_n of_o time_n in_o which_o those_o concession_n be_v make_v do_v no_o way_n extenuate_v the_o presumption_n for_o it_o deserve_v no_o mild_a a_o name_n for_o any_o private_a doctor_n let_v his_o fame_n he_o never_o so_o great_a to_o assume_v to_o himself_o a_o more_o than_o papal_a power_n to_o dictate_v ex_fw-la cathedra_fw-la prescribe_v to_o the_o church_n and_o unfix_v what_o have_v be_v establish_v by_o her_o venerable_a authority_n general_o receive_v and_o approve_v by_o all_o her_o true_a subject_n then_o may_v we_o not_o despair_v to_o behold_v and_o admire_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o all_o her_o height_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n her_o doctrine_n believe_v her_o liturgy_n daily_o frequent_v her_o sacrament_n frequent_o celebrate_v her_o rubric_n due_o observe_v her_o neglect_a discipline_n restore_v her_o censure_n dread_v her_o governor_n religious_o obey_v then_o may_v we_o not_o despair_v to_o see_v our_o controversy_n in_o religion_n manage_v with_o all_o due_a deference_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o ancient_a father_n and_o council_n general_a tradition_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o consequent_o with_o a_o design_n to_o maintain_v universal_a truth_n rather_o than_o our_o own_o private_a opinion_n to_o confute_v man_n error_n rather_o than_o expose_v their_o person_n and_o a_o return_n of_o that_o christian_a spirit_n which_o ennoble_v the_o write_n of_o cassander_n grotius_n forbes_n and_o many_o other_o illustrious_a conciliator_n the_o decay_n whereof_o have_v widen_v our_o breach_n and_o obstruct_v that_o union_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o earnest_a desire_n &_o endeavour_v of_o every_o good_a christian_n if_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o flourish_v as_o much_o in_o our_o day_n as_o ever_o it_o do_v since_o the_o first_o reformation_n the_o fault_n must_v be_v in_o ourselves_o since_o his_o majesty_n in_o his_o gracious_a declaration_n have_v past_o his_o royal_a word_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o government_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n as_o it_o be_v now_o by_o law_n establish_v and_o we_o can_v in_o honour_n or_o duty_n require_v more_o since_o his_o word_n have_v always_o be_v as_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a to_o he_o as_o his_o person_n and_o prerogative_n ought_v to_o be_v to_o we_o wherefore_o instead_o of_o soment_v needless_a fear_n and_o jalousy_n concern_v our_o religion_n which_o even_o in_o a_o coffeehouse_n be_v dangerous_a but_o from_o the_o pulpit_n do_v natural_o rise_v into_o disorder_n and_o tumult_n the_o people_n be_v to_o be_v teach_v the_o duty_n of_o submission_n humility_n and_o obedience_n to_o their_o governor_n both_o civil_a and_o spiritual_a that_o as_o religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v propagate_v by_o force_n so_o neither_o be_v it_o lawful_a to_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o lawful_a authority_n in_o defence_n of_o it_o they_o be_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o passive_a obedience_n and_o nonresistance_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o principle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n when_o under_o the_o severe_a persecution_n in_o the_o same_o declaration_n he_o be_v please_v further_a to_o add_v that_o he_o know_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v for_o monarchy_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o have_v show_v themselves_o good_a and_o loyal_a subject_n therefore_o he_o will_v always_o take_v care_n to_o defend_v and_o support_v it_o so_o that_o out_o of_o his_o abundant_a goodness_n and_o clemency_n he_o have_v confirm_v his_o word_n by_o the_o sure_a tie_v of_o interest_n and_o princely_a gratitude_n it_o please_v the_o almighty_a in_o who_o hand_n be_v the_o fate_n of_o the_o great_a of_o potentate_n to_o call_v to_o heaven_n his_o dear_a brother_n and_o to_o leave_v he_o the_o deep_a mourner_n in_o the_o nation_n in_o that_o very_a period_n of_o time_n when_o they_o may_v have_v promise_v themselves_o a_o secure_a enjoyment_n of_o earthly_a blessing_n for_o have_v not_o that_o glorious_a monarch_n like_o moses_n by_o a_o invincible_a patience_n and_o magnanimity_n
withstand_v the_o murmur_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o a_o rebellious_a people_n free_v we_o from_o the_o slavery_n and_o tyranny_n of_o our_o egyptian_a taskmaster_n bring_v we_o out_o of_o a_o wilderness_n of_o confusion_n and_o place_v we_o within_o the_o prospect_n of_o a_o canaan_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o yet_o to_o his_o lawful_a successor_n the_o mighty_a joshua_n providence_n decree_v the_o full_a possession_n of_o those_o blessing_n which_o he_o the_o lament_a moses_n only_o live_v to_o have_v a_o sight_n of_o and_o what_o may_v we_o not_o promise_v to_o ourselves_o under_o his_o most_o auspicious_a reign_n and_o in_o nothing_o more_o auspicious_a than_o in_o the_o peaceable_a devolution_n of_o the_o crown_n upon_o his_o head_n after_o so_o many_o bold_a and_o wicked_a attempt_n to_o cut_v off_o his_o succession_n this_o seem_v no_o less_o miraculous_a than_o his_o predecessor_n restauration_n may_v his_o subject_n learn_v from_o hence_o that_o king_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n and_o dread_v the_o vengeance_n of_o that_o god_n by_o who_o they_o reign_v may_v they_o never_o forget_v the_o misery_n they_o have_v escape_v nor_o grow_v weary_a of_o the_o benefit_n they_o be_v sure_a to_o enjoy_v under_o his_o wise_a and_o steady_a conduct_n may_v his_o reign_n be_v long_o and_o prosperous_a and_o to_o complete_a his_o happiness_n may_v all_o his_o people_n give_v he_o the_o same_o dutiful_a obedience_n now_o he_o be_v king_n which_o he_o so_o religious_o pay_v to_o his_o sovereign_n when_o he_o be_v the_o high_a of_o subject_n and_o to_o say_v no_o more_o may_v he_o live_v to_o accomplish_v those_o glorious_a thing_n for_o this_o nation_n for_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v design_v by_o that_o special_a providence_n which_o have_v attend_v he_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o have_v now_o place_v he_o on_o the_o imperial_a throne_n 2_o pet._n chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 16._o in_o which_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrest_v as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n the_o clearness_n of_o scripture_n in_o all_o point_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o all_o such_o as_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o believe_v and_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n which_o suit_v very_o well_o with_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o a_o rule_n with_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o propound_v it_o as_o such_o and_o have_v be_v urge_v with_o some_o success_n against_o those_o who_o plead_v a_o necessity_n of_o have_v one_o supreme_a infallible_a judge_n to_o decide_v and_o determine_v all_o controversy_n which_o shall_v happen_v to_o arise_v concern_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n who_o decision_n and_o determination_n say_v they_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o the_o son_n of_o the_o church_n for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n with_o equal_a assent_n and_o veneration_n with_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o this_o to_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a way_n to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n whereby_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v say_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v daily_o impose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n pass_v for_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o humane_a invention_n receive_v the_o stamp_n of_o divine_a authority_n whereby_o man_n seem_v preclude_v the_o genuine_a method_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o those_o precept_n of_o search_v the_o scripture_n seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n try_v the_o spirit_n be_v render_v ineffectual_a whereby_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o their_o understand_n be_v enslave_v by_o a_o principle_n of_o blind_a obedience_n so_o far_o from_o be_v lead_v into_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o cord_n of_o man_n that_o they_o seem_v rather_o to_o be_v drive_v like_o beast_n and_o act_v like_o puppet_n as_o it_o be_v phrased_a by_o a_o late_a author_n as_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o clearness_n of_o scripture_n have_v prove_v successful_a to_o the_o beat_n down_o the_o pretence_n to_o a_o absolute_a infallibility_n and_o uncontrollable_a sovereignty_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n have_v it_o mighty_o embolden_v the_o patron_n of_o liberty_n not_o only_o to_o despise_v their_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o obedience_n to_o christ_n minister_n who_o he_o notwithstanding_o a_o little_a before_o his_o return_n to_o his_o father_n court_n for_o the_o further_o negotiate_v and_o advance_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n anoint_v and_o ordain_v to_o perform_v the_o apostolical_a office_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n remit_v sin_n inflict_v censure_n ministerial_o confer_v the_o holy_a ghost_n decide_v controversy_n and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n in_o his_o stead_n here_o on_o earth_n till_o his_o second_o come_n but_o likewise_o to_o invade_v their_o function_n usurp_v their_o sacred_a call_v especial_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v in_o preach_v and_o expound_v the_o word_n for_o say_v they_o since_o it_o be_v confess_v the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_o clear_a to_o all_o unprejudiced_a mind_n such_o as_o be_v free_a from_o the_o clog_n of_o passion_n and_o interest_n why_o shall_v these_o pretend_a minister_n of_o christ_n take_v so_o much_o upon_o they_o be_v not_o all_o the_o congregation_n holy_a and_o learned_a as_o well_o as_o they_o be_v they_o the_o only_a temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o do_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n reside_v sole_o in_o their_o breast_n during_o the_o dispensation_n of_o moses_n it_o be_v confess_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o aaron_n all_o along_o under_o the_o legal_a oeconomy_n the_o priest_n lip_n do_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o likewise_o during_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o prophet_n there_o be_v a_o appropriate_a ministry_n but_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o different_a under_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v make_v clear_a discovery_n of_o himself_o and_o pour_v out_o more_o liberal_o of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v doubtful_a typical_a and_o mysterious_a the_o prophecy_n be_v industrious_o couch_v under_o dark_a parable_n and_o deliver_v in_o obscure_a say_n but_o then_o the_o light_n the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v universal_a it_o be_v likewise_o so_o clear_a that_o any_o one_o that_o run_v may_v read_v why_o then_o shall_v we_o not_o assert_v that_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o since_o we_o have_v a_o command_n to_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n why_o shall_v we_o pin_v our_o faith_n upon_o other_o man_n sleeve_n thus_o these_o man_n under_o the_o goodly_a pretence_n of_o christian_a liberty_n become_v enslave_v to_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o conceitedness_n plead_v the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o prejudice_n of_o christ_n own_o ambassador_n urge_v for_o their_o own_o private_a conception_n clearness_n of_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o confusion_n and_o pry_v so_o long_o into_o the_o doctrine_n of_o theology_n till_o at_o length_n they_o light_v on_o those_o hide_a mystery_n which_o they_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrest_v unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n the_o way_n thus_o prepare_v my_o text_n yet_o lead_v i_o into_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o that_o the_o clearness_n of_o scripture_n do_v no_o way_n lessen_v the_o authority_n or_o take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o spiritual_a guide_n 2._o that_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a in_o themselves_o yet_o private_a man_n abandon_v their_o lawful_a guide_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o corrupt_a fancy_n may_v deprave_v and_o distort_v they_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 3._o that_o for_o prevent_v mistake_v from_o rise_v and_o suppress_v error_n when_o rise_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o private_a man_n to_o submit_v their_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v constitute_v to_o be_v their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o governor_n unless_o it_o manifest_o appear_v that_o such_o determination_n be_v contrary_a to_o god_n word_n i._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o that_o the_o clearness_n of_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n for_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o self-evident_a as_o be_v pretend_v then_o may_v man_n with_o great_a security_n rely_v on_o the_o direction_n of_o their_o guide_n and_o they_o have_v the_o less_o reason_n to_o suspect_v their_o conduct_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o themselves_o be_v judges_n they_o can_v be_v mistake_v if_o they_o sincere_o attend_v they_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o law_n
constant_a and_o familiar_a converse_n with_o their_o master_n or_o else_o from_o that_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o he_o vouchsafe_v they_o immediate_o upon_o his_o restauration_n to_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n that_o which_o be_v thus_o wonderful_o bestow_v upon_o they_o their_o successor_n be_v force_v to_o acquire_v by_o hard_a study_n great_a industry_n frequent_a and_o fervent_a address_n to_o the_o fountain_n of_o wisdom_n for_o not_o only_o the_o knowledge_n of_o language_n a_o calmness_n of_o mind_n neither_o ruffle_v with_o the_o storm_n of_o passion_n nor_o distract_v with_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n but_o likewise_o a_o pierce_a judgement_n to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o literal_a and_o figurative_a sense_n to_o weigh_v the_o scope_n and_o coherence_n of_o thing_n to_o compare_v one_o place_n with_o another_o to_o illustrate_v obscure_a text_n by_o those_o which_o be_v more_o plain_a to_o consult_v and_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o antiquity_n be_v require_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o do_v not_o only_o contain_v thing_n of_o themselves_o hard_o to_o be_v understand_v but_o moreover_o those_o very_a thing_n be_v render_v more_o difficult_a by_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o cunning_a of_o his_o agent_n the_o enemy_n have_v sow_v such_o a_o prodigious_a quantity_n of_o tare_n that_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a sometime_o to_o find_v out_o the_o wheat_n what_o wonder_v then_o if_o such_o a_o spawn_n of_o monstrous_a opinion_n flow_v from_o the_o scripture_n fall_v either_o into_o profane_a hand_n or_o be_v interpret_v by_o a_o private_a self-conceited_a and_o unruly_a spirit_n if_o st._n paul_n who_o be_v catch_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o be_v even_o oppress_v with_o revelation_n nevertheless_o cry_v out_o as_o well_o for_o the_o difficulty_n as_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o function_n who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n then_o certain_o it_o can_v be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o the_o laity_n however_o quick-sighted_a they_o may_v be_v in_o other_o affair_n to_o suppose_v they_o not_o such_o competent_a judge_n here_o as_o those_o of_o the_o clergy_n be_v and_o indeed_o we_o hear_v of_o very_a few_o though_o never_o such_o despiser_n of_o the_o dull_a clergy_n in_o their_o life-time_n but_o be_v very_o willing_a to_o admit_v of_o their_o advice_n and_o assistance_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v iu._n four_o and_o last_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o submission_n appear_v as_o it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o restore_v peace_n and_o unity_n to_o the_o church_n happiness_n and_o tranquillity_n to_o the_o state_n how_o ineffectual_a the_o several_a project_n of_o comprehension_n toleration_n unwarrantable_a compliance_n have_v prove_v to_o effect_v the_o work_n of_o coalition_n i_o mean_v to_o compose_v those_o difference_n and_o unite_v those_o division_n which_o so_o furious_o rage_n among_o we_o we_o either_o be_v or_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v by_o sad_a experience_n may_v be_v teach_v these_o project_n can_v only_o lay_v claim_n to_o a_o imaginary_a happiness_n and_o however_o plausible_a they_o may_v seem_v in_o the_o notion_n yet_o may_v they_o prove_v dangerous_a in_o the_o practice_n at_o least_o not_o attain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v design_v for_o in_o truth_n as_o well_o may_v we_o expect_v to_o gather_v grape_n from_o thorn_n or_o fig_n from_o thistle_n as_o that_o a_o toleration_n of_o disagreement_n shall_v produce_v the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o peace_n and_o concord_n these_o be_v contrary_n and_o destroy_v each_o other_o now_o what_o other_o expedient_a have_v we_o leave_v but_o the_o restore_a and_o assert_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n that_o so_o they_o who_o will_v neither_o hold_v the_o faith_n nor_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n by_o be_v deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n may_v learn_v at_o least_o not_o to_o blaspheme_v many_o and_o grievous_a be_v the_o guilt_n which_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o exactness_n of_o her_o discipline_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o her_o son_n and_o daughter_n consequent_a upon_o it_o as_o have_v hitherto_o preserve_v she_o from_o ruin_n now_o if_o our_o fear_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o popery_n be_v as_o real_a as_o they_o be_v pretend_v methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o ill_a policy_n to_o learn_v wisdom_n from_o our_o adversary_n for_o that_o which_o preserve_v a_o corrupt_a church_n from_o fall_v in_o all_o likelihood_n will_v make_v a_o pure_a one_o to_o flourish_n however_o we_o be_v little_a the_o better_a for_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o slavery_n of_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o foreign_a superstition_n if_o we_o run_v into_o licentiousness_n infidelity_n and_o irreligion_n at_o home_n for_o who_o be_v so_o blind_a as_o not_o to_o see_v that_o irreverence_n and_o disrespect_n for_o the_o lord_n clergy_n have_v be_v accompany_v with_o a_o manifest_a decay_n of_o piety_n and_o a_o notorious_a contempt_n of_o the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n that_o want_n of_o submission_n to_o the_o just_a and_o pious_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n no_o less_o just_o and_o pious_o ratify_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o king_n and_o state_n have_v give_v birth_n to_o such_o monstrous_a variety_n of_o opinion_n as_o have_v scarce_o leave_v any_o fundamental_a of_o the_o faith_n unquestioned_a if_o not_o deny_v atheism_n creep_v in_o by_o insensible_a degree_n from_o indulge_v too_o great_a a_o latitude_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o now_o in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o let_v every_o man_n serious_o consider_v with_o himself_o the_o heinousness_n and_o danger_n of_o schism_n and_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o obedience_n the_o danger_n of_o schism_n in_o that_o it_o break_v the_o precious_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n alienates_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o member_n thereof_o who_o as_o they_o have_v but_o one_o faith_n so_o they_o shall_v have_v but_o one_o soul_n and_o so_o instead_o of_o love_n joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a forbearance_n meekness_n temperance_n those_o lovely_a fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o adorn_v private_a man_n and_o secure_v the_o public_a peace_n there_o arise_v hatred_n variance_n emulation_n wrath_n strife_n evil_a surmise_v sedition_n heresy_n murder_n those_o ugly_a work_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o dissolve_v the_o bond_n of_o society_n and_o exclude_v man_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n how_o that_o the_o schismatic_a be_v arrest_v with_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n from_o without_o when_o he_o consider_v his_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n against_o those_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v over_o he_o and_o the_o dreadfulness_n of_o the_o church_n censure_n when_o just_o incur_v for_o his_o disobedience_n how_o that_o he_o be_v torment_v with_o sad_a and_o uncomfortable_a reflection_n from_o within_o be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n ever_o learning_n but_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o be_v abandon_v to_o the_o delusion_n of_o a_o private_a spirit_n he_o be_v miserable_o toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n till_o at_o length_n he_o make_v a_o eternal_a shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o bless_a effect_n of_o obedience_n how_o the_o humble_a christian_a by_o a_o happy_a resignation_n of_o his_o judgement_n there_o where_o our_o lord_n seem_v to_o demand_v it_o enjoy_v a_o perpetual_a peace_n and_o freedom_n from_o dispute_n together_o with_o all_o his_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o mystical_a body_n as_o for_o those_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n which_o concern_v his_o salvation_n though_o they_o be_v above_o his_o reason_n yet_o not_o above_o his_o faith_n and_o he_o have_v rather_o rely_v on_o the_o church_n decision_n of_o they_o when_o he_o find_v no_o place_n of_o scripture_n plain_o contrary_a to_o such_o decision_n than_o either_o give_v way_n to_o his_o own_o curiosity_n or_o heed_n to_o the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n leave_v he_o shall_v thereby_o wrest_v they_o to_o his_o own_o destruction_n and_o this_o he_o think_v he_o may_v do_v with_o less_o trouble_n to_o himself_o and_o great_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o he_o continue_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n without_o be_v skilled_a in_o those_o unhappy_a controversy_n in_o which_o the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n have_v involve_v it_o and_o this_o harmony_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n be_v always_o accompany_v with_o a_o entire_a league_n and_o union_n of_o charity_n that_o common_a badge_n by_o which_o christian_n be_v once_o distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o bless_a uniformity_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o service_n whereby_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a in_o some_o sort_n resemble_v the_o saint_n of_o the_o church_n triumphant_a in_o a_o word_n in_o this_o obedience_n the_o humble_a christian_n go_v on_o secure_o and_o cheerful_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n and_o instead_o of_o trouble_v his_o head_n with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o religion_n practise_v those_o plain_a but_o most_o important_a duty_n of_o godliness_n righteousness_n and_o sobriety_n which_o will_v render_v his_o life_n happy_a here_o and_o crown_v he_o with_o eternal_a felicity_n hereafter_o finis_fw-la