every_o thing_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n but_o in_o thing_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v if_o conscience_n be_v apprehensive_a of_o danger_n any_o way_n this_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n that_o god_n have_v confer_v upon_o conscience_n as_o his_o immediate_a vicegerent_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o carry_v his_o authority_n by_o always_o present_v it_o in_o his_o word_n and_o command_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v suspend_v his_o action_n wherein_o conscience_n be_v not_o satisfy_v and_o at_o rest_n concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o action_n and_o this_o be_v the_o honour_n which_o those_o that_o be_v above_o either_o in_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o understanding_n gift_n or_o grace_n shall_v bestow_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v below_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o either_o by_o their_o authority_n influence_n or_o example_n scandalize_v the_o little_a one_o or_o the_o weak_a that_o be_v so_o either_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o low_a station_n or_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n that_o be_v draw_v they_o into_o the_o sin_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o which_o conscience_n have_v a_o mistrust_n of_o displease_v god_n in_o so_o do_v in_o regard_n that_o it_o both_o weaken_v and_o disable_v conscience_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o trust_v repose_v in_o it_o for_o the_o carry_v on_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o christian_a course_n its_o authority_n be_v violate_v and_o prostrate_v in_o the_o reverence_n due_a to_o it_o and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o comfort_n it_o ought_v to_o minister_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o that_o course_n for_o by_o this_o sort_n of_o scandal_n the_o apostle_n witness_n the_o weak_a christian_a fall_v into_o sin_n his_o conscience_n be_v defile_v be_v wound_v be_v grieve_v be_v make_v weak_a all_o the_o mischief_n of_o which_o the_o value_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v not_o such_o as_o that_o it_o can_v answer_v and_o make_v recompense_n for_o and_o so_o to_o sin_v thus_o against_o the_o weak_a be_v to_o destroy_v they_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v and_o therefore_o to_o sin_v against_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o those_o weighty_a discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n against_o scandal_n mark_v 18._o and_o of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 4._o and_o 1_o cor._n c._n 8._o and_o cap._n 10._o which_v be_v compare_v give_v great_a light_a one_o to_o another_o quest_n but_o it_o seem_v that_o a_o conscience_n only_o in_o doubt_n may_v be_v settle_v by_o the_o advice_n example_n and_o authority_n of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o elder_n or_o eminent_a member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o doubt_n suppose_v the_o conscience_n incline_v neither_o this_o way_n nor_o that_o way_n in_o itself_o but_o stand_v between_o both_o or_o sometime_o move_v to_o one_o side_n and_o then_o to_o the_o other_o the_o come_n in_o of_o those_o consideration_n take_v from_o the_o example_n and_o authority_n forename_a shall_v give_v a_o over-weight_n to_o that_o side_n on_o which_o they_o fall_v answ_n yet_o on_o purpose_n to_o show_v the_o great_a dignity_n of_o conscience_n and_o its_o government_n without_o which_o approve_v and_o direct_v according_o even_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n want_v the_o just_a compliment_n of_o a_o good_a action_n and_o also_o to_o show_v of_o how_o little_a moment_n in_o christianity_n all_o thing_n be_v not_o under_o a_o divine_a sanction_n the_o whole_a weight_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n be_v hang_v upon_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n a_o conscience_n in_o doubt_n concern_v thing_n indifferent_a when_o urge_v either_o way_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o all_o sinew_n of_o government_n hereby_o cut_v and_o dissolve_v even_o of_o civil_a government_n for_o conscience_n may_v be_v in_o relation_n to_o such_o command_v dissatisfy_v answ_n as_o scripture_n every_o where_o suppose_v the_o whole_a government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o be_v confine_v within_o the_o monarchy_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o nothing_o to_o be_v impose_v or_o forbid_v but_o according_a to_o that_o so_o it_o do_v every_o where_o disinterest_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_v or_o intermeddle_v in_o civil_a government_n or_o thing_n pertain_v to_o it_o it_o suppose_v civil_a power_n will_v oblige_v to_o and_o determine_v indifferency_n in_o civil_a thing_n this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n as_o they_o please_v and_o therein_o exercise_v a_o lordship_n but_o christ_n have_v declare_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o his_o disciple_n do_v yet_o command_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n all_o obedience_n to_o these_o principality_n and_o power_n even_o thus_o command_v if_o not_o against_o god_n command_n direct_o so_o that_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n the_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v only_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o its_o rule_n and_o duty_n but_o can_v have_v no_o more_o relief_n against_o obedience_n to_o civil_a command_n than_o it_o have_v against_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v mistake_v about_o those_o command_n for_o such_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n quest_n there_o appear_v so_o near_o a_o assinity_n in_o the_o command_v concern_v indifferent_a thing_n of_o those_o that_o have_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o command_v of_o those_o that_o have_v civil_a rule_n that_o the_o one_o may_v be_v a_o measure_n for_o the_o other_o or_o wherein_o be_v the_o difference_n especial_o when_o they_o join_v in_o one_o in_o their_o command_n concern_v these_o indifferoncy_n answ_n the_o command_v of_o civil_a authority_n concern_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n deserve_v a_o particular_a consideration_n for_o which_o a_o proper_a place_n shall_v be_v reserve_v but_o that_o the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o political_a regiment_n that_o shall_v set_v up_o for_o itself_o as_o one_o of_o the_o polity_n of_o this_o world_n by_o canon_n and_o constitution_n of_o its_o own_o not_o found_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o introduce_v on_o other_o pretence_n and_o that_o if_o christian_n do_v not_o submit_v to_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v account_v schismatic_n and_o excommunicate_v as_o heathen_n if_o they_o do_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n that_o be_v thâ—_n ruler_n of_o the_o church_n thus_o ordain_v in_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o all_o this_o by_o the_o charter_n of_o the_o key_n or_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v or_o loose_v be_v as_o gross_a a_o forgery_n as_o popery_n have_v any_o in_o this_o point_n indeed_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o whole_a church_n shall_v by_o proper_a way_n and_o mean_n find_v out_o by_o christ_n be_v model_v into_o one_o universal_a uniformity_n of_o government_n and_o ceremony_n see_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v but_o one_o and_o that_o the_o roman_a suppose_v it_o have_v not_o so_o gross_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n may_v soon_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o it_o and_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n the_o head_n of_o the_o unity_n than_o any_o other_o it_o be_v the_o first_o imperial_a city_n that_o be_v famous_a for_o christianity_n but_o how_o little_a uniformity_n be_v to_o christ_n or_o his_o kingdom_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v not_o interpose_v at_o all_o but_o leave_v christian_n free_a and_o intend_v they_o shall_v be_v free_a appear_v in_o the_o ununiform_a unity_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o evangelist_n concern_v his_o life_n doctrine_n death_n and_o resurrection_n to_o suppose_v therefore_o the_o church_n to_o be_v in_o this_o manner_n uniformed_a by_o the_o prudence_n of_o its_o governor_n be_v to_o turn_v it_o so_o far_o into_o a_o civil_a state_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o it_o into_o lay-elders_a cap._n xiii_o of_o the_o antichurch_n and_o its_o opposition_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o the_o true_a church_n quest_n be_v there_o not_o a_o antichurch_n or_o antichristian-church_n that_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o true-church_n answ_n there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v so_o for_o many_o age_n and_o that_o have_v take_v upon_o it_o in_o the_o most_o public_a way_n to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n quest_n with_o what_o advantage_n have_v it_o be_v arm_v thus_o to_o take_v upon_o itself_o at_o all_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n answ_n it_o have_v rise_v out_o of_o the_o true_a ancient_a apostolic_a church_n that_o receive_v the_o true_a christianity_n from_o the_o apostle_n at_o rome_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o which_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n witness_n rom._n 1._o 8._o be_v speak_v of_o throughout_o the_o world_n it_o have_v retain_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n the_o write_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o apostolical_a man_n and_o so_o have_v continue_v
truth_n out_o of_o which_o christianity_n rise_v the_o twelve_o apostolic_a foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n ascend_v set_v up_o its_o odd_a uneven_a unequal_a antichristianism_n part_n christian_n part_n pagan_a part_v true_a part_n false_a and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o care_n we_o need_v take_v for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n it_o be_v not_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o 23._o heb._n 12._o 23._o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a write_v in_o heaven_n it_o deserve_v not_o that_o love_n and_o care_v due_a to_o â—he_v body_n as_o it_o be_v so_o incorporate_v it_o be_v irreco_fw-la cilable_a with_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o declare_v but_o there_o may_v lie_v hide_v number_n among_o they_o who_o like_o the_o seven_o thousand_o in_o the_o israelitish_n baalism_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o depth_n of_o satan_n in_o that_o false_a religion_n to_o who_o the_o christianity_n that_o remain_v though_o blend_v with_o that_o corruption_n separate_v itself_o and_o as_o oil_n rise_v uppermost_a to_o they_o to_o these_o we_o may_v allow_v the_o charitable_a hope_n of_o salvation_n not_o for_o their_o popish_a tincture_n but_o for_o their_o christianity_n for_o all_o that_o be_v popish_a be_v their_o danger_n and_o their_o extreme_a danger_n it_o be_v the_o christianity_n pure_a separate_a christianity_n that_o be_v their_o only_a hope_n and_o it_o be_v only_o like_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o antidote_n work_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o poison_n or_o like_o true_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o paganism_n the_o event_n of_o either_o of_o which_o operation_n must_v as_o i_o have_v say_v before_o be_v leave_v only_o to_o god_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n their_o damn_v all_o to_o hell_n for_o heretic_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o communion_n be_v but_o one_o of_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o the_o name_n of_o which_o they_o be_v full_a and_o make_v no_o man_n among_o they_o the_o safe_a but_o his_o case_n become_v the_o more_o desperate_a that_o protestancy_n argue_v from_o the_o very_a charity_n and_o compassion_n of_o it_o to_o be_v more_o infallible_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n allow_v all_o the_o compassionate_a hope_n that_o can_v be_v to_o some_o who_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o contagion_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o the_o deadliness_n of_o it_o but_o cruel_a popery_n as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v able_a prepare_v flame_n in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v for_o all_o that_o have_v not_o the_o faith_n of_o remove_v mountain_n not_o only_o of_o improbability_n but_o even_a impâ—ssibility_n that_o their_o monstrous_a principle_n have_v raise_v and_o set_v in_o the_o way_n of_o christian_a communion_n with_o they_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v settle_v the_o second_o head_n of_o discourse_n concern_v the_o efficacy_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o peace_n that_o divine_a balsam_n of_o love_n run_v throughout_o the_o body_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o aggrieved_a part_n where_o there_o be_v a_o union_n upon_o the_o fundamental_a unity_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o certain_o preserve_v and_o secure_v peace_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o head_n of_o christian_a peace_n 3._o the_o rule_v christianity_n give_v the_o true_a professor_n of_o it_o for_o the_o imbody_v themselves_o one_o with_o another_o will_v show_v how_o sincere_o it_o design_n peace_n for_o some_o may_v think_v if_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n of_o mutual_a conformity_n in_o particular_a society_n of_o christian_n how_o can_v there_o be_v any_o such_o society_n if_o there_o may_v be_v such_o separation_n among_o christian_n as_o that_o there_o be_v not_o require_v a_o concurrence_n in_o all_o point_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o practise_v under_o peril_n of_o the_o dreadful_a sin_n of_o schism_n christianity_n will_v be_v like_o a_o general_a notion_n subsist_v in_o no_o distinct_a particular_a body_n or_o like_o a_o universe_n of_o atom_n without_o any_o connexion_n and_o then_o how_o can_v they_o that_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v one_o with_o another_o be_v at_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o if_o there_o be_v no_o association_n of_o christian_n no_o church_n particular_o unite_v and_o constitute_v there_o be_v no_o opportunity_n to_o practice_v that_o peace_n and_o submission_n to_o order_n which_o such_o society_n oblige_v to_o and_o which_o the_o apostle_n rejoice_v to_o behold_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o colossian_n if_o all_o the_o love_n and_o peace_n of_o christian_n be_v only_o that_o which_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o universal_a 5._o col._n 2._o 5._o church_n or_o to_o christian_n occasional_o in_o particular_a every_o one_o have_v his_o own_o private_a apprehension_n to_o himself_o then_o be_v there_o no_o room_n for_o this_o more_o distinct_a exercise_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n i_o shall_v therefore_o now_o address_v myself_o to_o consider_v the_o law_n of_o christianity_n for_o christian_n so_o imbody_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v display_v all_o the_o general_a virtue_n of_o christianity_n in_o their_o particular_a station_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o three_o rule_n concern_v this_o very_a weighty_a point_n 1._o that_o the_o first_o congregate_a of_o christian_n be_v to_o christ_n himself_o as_o to_o the_o head_n in_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v principal_o unite_v and_o the_o union_n with_o he_o be_v the_o measure_n and_o true_a law_n of_o their_o union_n one_o with_o another_o as_o the_o apostle_n join_v their_o order_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n together_o they_o give_v themselves_o first_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o to_o one_o another_o 5._o col._n 2._o 5._o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n method_n to_o preach_v first_o christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n and_z themselves_z servants_z for_o christ_n sake_n all_o 5._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 5._o christian_n be_v first_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o add_v to_o the_o church_n 47._o act_n 2._o 44_o 47._o and_o this_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v consider_v because_o if_o the_o first_o gather_v of_o christian_n be_v to_o the_o church_n the_o order_n and_o peace_n of_o that_o church_n will_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o their_o after-action_n and_o regulation_n of_o themselves_o and_o they_o must_v take_v every_o thing_n on_o trust_n from_o that_o but_o if_o the_o first_o point_n of_o union_n be_v christ_n and_o faith_n in_o he_o that_o shall_v over-rule_v wherein_o soever_o a_o church_n may_v deviate_v from_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n 2._o from_o hence_o also_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o union_n of_o christian_n be_v first_o with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a who_o constitution_n be_v fix_v upon_o the_o essential_a unalterable_a and_o ever_o the_o same_o point_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o worship_n agreeable_a to_o they_o and_o in_o which_o all_o true_a christian_n must_v concentre_v that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o body_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v that_o church_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v it_o shall_v never_o die_v it_o shall_v never_o fail_v which_o yet_o we_o know_v may_v befall_v all_o particular_a church_n they_o have_v and_o perpetual_o may_v fail_v mat._n 16._o 18._o now_o thus_o far_o i_o have_v already_o show_v there_o be_v as_o firm_a a_o foundation_n of_o peace_n lay_v as_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n can_v conceive_v in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n here_o below_o in_o a_o degenerate_a world_n of_o humane_a nature_n 3._o but_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v particular_a assembly_n that_o be_v near_o to_o christian_n in_o particular_a and_o to_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o unite_n as_o either_o have_v receive_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n by_o their_o ministry_n and_o so_o have_v be_v to_o they_o one_o of_o those_o pillar_n to_o which_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v affix_v it_o have_v offer_v it_o to_o all_o comer_n and_o to_o they_o in_o particular_a such_o assembly_n be_v a_o rest_n or_o repose_v 15._o â—_o tim_n 3._o 15._o of_o truth_n the_o communication_n of_o it_o have_v be_v make_v to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v near_o it_o and_o particular_o to_o they_o who_o we_o suppose_v aught_o to_o unite_v with_o they_o or_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n if_o their_o parent_n incorporate_v in_o such_o church_n and_o profess_v christianity_n in_o communion_n with_o they_o have_v direct_v their_o education_n into_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o he_o together_o with_o the_o christian_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o congregation_n or_o that_o they_o themselves_o have_v consider_v the_o whole_a circumstance_n of_o their_o state_n in_o relation_n to_o
one_o view_n be_v by_o st._n stephen_n as_o i_o observe_v call_v the_o church_n and_o the_o congregation_n after_o they_o be_v become_v a_o nation_n though_o they_o can_v not_o all_o then_o meet_v together_o be_v call_v the_o church_n also_o because_o they_o be_v all_o under_o one_o law_n and_o institution_n all_o partaker_n of_o the_o same_o right_n and_o privilege_n and_o so_o indeed_o all_o particular_a church_n of_o christian_n be_v but_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o lesser_a association_n as_o the_o circumference_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o same_o though_o in_o so_o many_o different_a orison_n as_o light_n be_v the_o same_o though_o various_o model_v by_o its_o several_a reception_n as_o the_o ocean_n be_v one_o by_o how_o many_o several_a denomination_n soever_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o shore_n it_o wash_v or_o the_o channel_n or_o other_o situation_n it_o rest_v in_o so_o this_o church_n be_v often_o speak_v of_o as_o one_o church_n and_o as_o several_a church_n 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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
whether_o a_o strict_a conformity_n upon_o reason_n in_o government_n best_a understand_v by_o governor_n themselves_o or_o a_o compassionate_a indulgence_n most_o acceptable_a to_o christianity_n rule_v 3_o they_o that_o without_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o true_a and_o substantial_a rule_n of_o religion_n can_v most_o see_v and_o use_v their_o liberty_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o thereby_o become_v instrument_n of_o the_o great_a public_a good_a be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n they_o that_o do_v not_o tithe_n the_o mint_n and_o cummin_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o national_a religion_n and_o worship_n with_o great_a noise_n and_o zeal_n for_o that_o be_v the_o great_a injury_n can_v be_v do_v to_o it_o but_o take_v they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v instrument_n of_o peace_n and_o use_v they_o in_o their_o own_o indifferency_n for_o the_o great_a service_n to_o the_o public_a they_o that_o insist_v with_o any_o stress_n upon_o main_a thing_n only_o be_v most_o earnest_a in_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n these_o be_v they_o that_o shall_v shine_v as_o star_n in_o the_o nation_n firmament_n if_o not_o now_o assure_o in_o eternity_n they_o that_o take_v advantage_n of_o the_o national_a profession_n to_o call_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n cause_v great_a joy_n in_o heaven_n than_o they_o that_o only_o think_v to_o secure_v themselves_o with_o the_o pure_a society_n sure_a in_o this_o case_n god_n choose_v mercy_n in_o seek_v and_o save_v they_o that_o be_v lose_v rather_o than_o sacrifice_v alone_o by_o ourselves_o without_o regard_n to_o such_o christ_n choose_v rather_o to_o converse_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n than_o what_o look_v lâ—ke_v pure_a society_n because_o he_o come_v to_o call_v not_o the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n for_o the_o case_n be_v much_o different_a between_o the_o scandalous_a of_o the_o jewish_a national_a church_n with_o which_o our_o saviour_n converse_v and_o so_o of_o every_o national_a church_n from_o the_o church_n gather_v new_o from_o among_o the_o heathen_a of_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v though_o even_o among_o they_o we_o read_v of_o no_o separation_n from_o religious_a duty_n but_o only_o from_o private_a converse_n among_o those_o that_o be_v scandalous_a till_o they_o be_v as_o public_o disow_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v by_o church_n censure_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o be_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o national_a religion_n whether_o ruler_n or_o people_n that_o dispirit_n religion_n by_o a_o immoderate_a heat_n for_o mere_a form_n that_o be_v so_o warm_o concern_v for_o indifferency_n to_o give_v reason_n to_o suspect_v they_o be_v a_o principal_a part_n in_o their_o esteem_n of_o their_o own_o or_o the_o national_a religion_n whereas_o such_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v be_v any_o way_n contributory_a to_o good_a be_v best_a observe_v with_o great_a silence_n and_o least_o cry_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v first_o so_o far_o prepare_v to_o acceptance_n and_o use_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o noise_n of_o axe_n hammer_n or_o tool_n of_o force_n or_o compulsion_n about_o they_o rule_n 4._o in_o all_o religious_a duty_n and_o the_o management_n or_o administration_n of_o they_o there_o be_v different_a excellency_n like_o the_o psalm_n of_o degree_n or_o those_o part_n of_o a_o psalm_n honour_v with_o the_o note_n of_o elevation_n there_o will_v and_o may_v be_v different_a key_n of_o affection_n according_a to_o the_o differ_a hand_n play_v upon_o we_o the_o people_n hang_v upon_o christ_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o he_o tauâ—ht_v they_o with_o authority_n and_o not_o as_o the_o scribe_n yet_o they_o be_v â—â—â—nd_v by_o christ_n to_o hear_v the_o scribe_n even_o thus_o in_o the_o national_a 〈◊〉_d and_o administration_n we_o may_v undoubted_o more_o warm_o adhere_v to_o and_o pursue_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o excellent_a and_o with_o a_o light_a touch_n pass_v over_o thing_n of_o less_o moment_n though_o in_o all_o we_o mind_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o national_a religion_n for_o union_n in_o national_a religion_n must_v be_v primary_o and_o chief_o in_o thing_n true_o call_v religion_n and_o in_o lesser_a thing_n with_o a_o regard_n to_o peace_n only_o david_n be_v otherwise_o affect_v in_o praise_n than_o in_o sacrifice_v a_o bullock_n with_o horn_n and_o hoof_n see_v as_o he_o say_v it_o please_v god_n more_o yet_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n he_o do_v both_o the_o apostle_n be_v otherwise_o affect_v in_o the_o preach_a of_o christ_n than_o when_o he_o become_v as_o a_o jew_n to_o the_o jew_n yet_o he_o do_v the_o latter_a religious_o too_o the_o high_a and_o close_o the_o ministry_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o service_n be_v the_o great_a and_o close_o the_o adherence_n of_o the_o soul_n ought_v to_o be_v some_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v with_o our_o might_n and_o only_o not_o to_o leave_v other_o undo_v rule_n 5._o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o steady_a and_o certain_a gage_n within_o ourselves_o of_o what_o our_o lord_n have_v provide_v for_o the_o preserve_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n to_o we_o and_o what_o care_n he_o have_v take_v so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a with_o the_o conservation_n of_o that_o truth_n to_o give_v we_o all_o advantage_n for_o publickness_n in_o religion_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n these_o three_o provision_n will_v secure_v it_o 1._o that_o no_o man_n be_v so_o much_o bind_v to_o any_o church_n communion_n nation_n or_o government_n as_o to_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o absolute_a necessary_a nor_o shall_v his_o withdraw_n from_o any_o of_o they_o in_o thing_n impure_a and_o offensive_a to_o god_n be_v charge_v upon_o he_o as_o sin_n or_o schism_n all_o the_o put_v out_o of_o synagogue_n cast_v out_o name_n or_o excommunication_n signify_v not_o any_o thing_n where_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v in_o communion_n and_o where_o those_o on_o who_o they_o fall_v be_v of_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v of_o that_o true_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v the_o only_a necessary_a church_n to_o be_v of_o that_o we_o may_v be_v save_v 2._o the_o private_a assembly_n yea_o even_o single_a soul_n so_o retire_v that_o they_o may_v worship_n god_n according_a to_o his_o word_n have_v the_o promise_n that_o god_n and_o christ_n will_v make_v their_o abode_n with_o they_o come_v and_o sup_v with_o they_o and_o they_o with_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v write_v in_o the_o write_n of_o god_n people_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v always_o provide_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v out_o of_o the_o best_a society_n under_o heaven_n the_o apostle_n encourage_v the_o hebrew_n christian_n that_o may_v think_v themselves_o divide_v from_o the_o jew_n that_o have_v be_v the_o only_a church_n of_o god_n by_o assure_v they_o the_o gospel_n bring_v they_o into_o a_o great_a church_n than_o that_o viz._n the_o general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a write_v in_o heaven_n this_o honour_n have_v all_o the_o saint_n of_o christ_n 3._o all_o the_o evil_n that_o can_v be_v endure_v upon_o account_n of_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o will_v be_v abundant_o recompense_v by_o the_o save_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o better_a and_o true_a life_n that_o argument_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o that_o lose_v his_o life_n save_v it_o and_o he_o that_o save_v it_o lose_v it_o and_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v he_o give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n stand_v always_o impregnable_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v buy_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o sell_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n whatever_o thus_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o publickness_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v these_o great_a advantage_n for_o it_o 1._o that_o christian_a religion_n profess_v love_n endeavour_v of_o good_a and_o salvation_n to_o all_o man_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o have_v antiquate_v all_o that_o judaisme_n that_o neglect_v any_o for_o their_o profit_n to_o salvation_n though_o but_o gentile_n 2._o that_o a_o man_n may_v join_v his_o religious_a service_n to_o any_o thing_n true_o good_a in_o natural_a or_o reveal_v religion_n whether_o of_o family_n neighbourhood_n city_n nation_n or_o of_o voluntary_a society_n stop_v there_o and_o keep_v himself_o free_a from_o other_o man_n sin_n so_o that_o the_o evil_a that_o other_o man_n adjoin_v to_o any_o thing_n true_a and_o good_a in_o religion_n be_v protest_v against_o and_o divide_v from_o do_v not_o corrupt_v what_o be_v good_a or_o true_a but_o it_o may_v be_v enjoy_v in_o the_o most_o public_a way_n while_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o
as_o he_o be_v wont_v on_o all_o such_o question_n take_v the_o occasion_n of_o most_o grave_a weighty_a and_o important_a doctrine_n and_o admonition_n in_o return_n to_o it_o and_o that_o he_o may_v place_v in_o his_o remonstrance_n a_o most_o lively_a emblem_n he_o call_v a_o little_a child_n and_o set_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o upon_o he_o display_v these_o two_o great_a point_n of_o truth_n 1._o that_o except_o a_o man_n be_v convert_v and_o become_v as_o a_o little_a child_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n either_o of_o christ_n here_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o true_a church_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n hereafter_o now_o though_o this_o be_v convert_v and_o become_v as_o little_a child_n be_v very_o profitable_o and_o pertinent_o apply_v to_o regeneration_n yet_o consider_v it_o in_o the_o scope_n and_o whole_a context_n it_o be_v very_o evident_o design_v to_o that_o humility_n unimperiousness_n sense_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o perish_v for_o ever_o innocency_n and_o inoffensiveness_n from_o scandal_n by_o which_o other_o perish_v the_o resemblance_n of_o which_o be_v find_v no_o where_n in_o this_o world_n so_o agreeable_a and_o significant_a as_o in_o some_o property_n of_o little_a child_n and_o their_o nature_n the_o manly_a state_n of_o humane_a nature_n show_v so_o little_o hereof_o in_o this_o great_a degeneracy_n as_o to_o require_v a_o perfect_a conversion_n and_o regeneration_n to_o such_o a_o state_n 2._o the_o second_o point_n of_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o whoever_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v as_o such_o a_o little_a child_n in_o those_o christian_a property_n be_v one_o of_o those_o great_a one_o those_o magnate_n or_o the_o more_o any_o one_o humble_v himself_o so_o the_o great_a he_o be_v and_o he_o that_o humble_v himself_o most_o be_v the_o great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o 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place_v upon_o christ_n 2._o but_o if_o any_o one_o scandalise_n set_v a_o stone_n of_o offence_n and_o ruin_n in_o the_o path_n of_o such_o a_o little_a one_o by_o which_o he_o fall_v from_o or_o in_o his_o profession_n of_o christianity_n to_o his_o destruction_n the_o lord_n pronounce_v a_o woe_n upon_o such_o a_o one_o as_o dreadful_a as_o the_o proverb_n import_v it_o be_v better_a that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n which_o as_o it_o peremptory_o doom_v the_o profess_v obstinate_a scandaliser_n so_o it_o warn_v all_o of_o manage_v themselves_o so_o in_o christianity_n as_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o offence_n and_o scandal_n from_o it_o and_o to_o encourage_v the_o tender_a in_o it_o to_o strengthen_v and_o promote_v they_o hereby_o then_o our_o lord_n have_v design_v the_o security_n of_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o christianity_n from_o the_o harm_n and_o danger_n of_o scandal_n for_o in_o these_o little_a one_o he_o comprehend_v 1._o those_o who_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o be_v newborn_a out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o universal_a scandal_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v re-intangled_n in_o its_o net_n or_o in_o regard_n of_o any_o other_o disadvantage_n or_o liableness_n to_o scandal_n mischief_n be_v the_o lose_v as_o our_o saviour_n after_o style_v they_o and_o the_o weak_a though_o not_o the_o young_a as_o the_o apostle_n name_v they_o now_o if_o such_o be_v secure_v all_o be_v secure_v for_o if_o a_o christian_n carriage_n be_v so_o off_o from_o the_o danger_n of_o scandalize_a as_o not_o to_o scandalize_v the_o weak_a the_o strong_a will_v be_v much_o less_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v offend_v 2._o those_o be_v the_o weak_a and_o the_o little_a one_o to_o we_o who_o appear_v to_o we_o under_o any_o such_o disadvantage_n though_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o as_o he_o that_o doubt_v and_o dare_v not_o do_v what_o other_o profess_v to_o do_v on_o great_a assurance_n seem_v weak_a to_o they_o that_o doubt_v not_o but_o be_v so_o assure_v and_o then_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n take_v as_o great_a hold_n of_o we_o in_o all_o our_o administration_n towards_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v real_o so_o now_o what_o a_o wall_n of_o defence_n be_v this_o to_o christianity_n what_o a_o happy_a state_n will_v the_o state_n of_o it_o be_v if_o we_o be_v all_o most_o tender_a towards_o those_o with_o relation_n to_o their_o safety_n for_o eternal_a happiness_n who_o seem_v the_o low_a weak_a least_o to_o we_o in_o that_o profession_n 3._o the_o term_n little_a one_o express_v a_o subordination_n under_o the_o great_a one_o now_o that_o they_o may_v not_o assume_v over_o the_o little_a one_o the_o lord_n first_o affirm_v with_o his_o usual_a asseveration_n that_o none_o can_v be_v great_a or_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o in_o his_o kingdom_n that_o be_v not_o humble_a and_o inoffensive_a as_o a_o little_a one._n and_o that_o if_o any_o that_o take_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o great_a one_o think_v he_o have_v privilege_n to_o do_v as_o he_o please_v either_o by_o imposition_n or_o imperiousness_n over_o the_o little_a one_o and_o do_v not_o in_o all_o point_n of_o christianity_n demean_v himself_o as_o the_o least_o under_o one_o common_a lord_n the_o lord_n dreadful_a commination_n hang_v over_o he_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o grandee_n in_o torment_n on_o those_o thing_n therefore_o that_o lie_v within_o the_o compare_n betwixt_o the_o great_a one_o and_o the_o little_a one_o do_v the_o finger_n of_o the_o lord_n discourse_v especial_o point_n but_o though_o our_o lord_n be_v most_o feel_o concern_v and_o strike_v the_o most_o sting_a woe_n into_o those_o that_o scandalize_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o overlook_v the_o world_n in_o general_n but_o bewail_v it_o perish_v under_o scandal_n the_o multitude_n of_o scandal_n the_o inevitableness_n of_o scandal_n that_o they_o must_v needs_o come_v even_o impossible_a they_o shall_v not_o come_v and_o yet_o because_o he_o know_v what_o spirit_n it_o be_v that_o act_n scandal_n even_o from_o satan_n the_o chief_a of_o scandal_n down_o through_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o he_o heap_v the_o woe_n upon_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v of_o which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v a_o full_a account_n in_o the_o after_o management_n and_o because_o whoever_o scandalise_n other_o be_v first_o scandalize_v himself_o and_o they_o also_o that_o receive_v scandal_n from_o other_o have_v some_o great_a scandal_n within_o upon_o which_o that_o from_o without_o catch_n he_o therefore_o so_o severe_o caution_n on_o all_o side_n against_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o right_a eye_n the_o right_a hand_n the_o right_a foot_n and_o prefer_v to_o every_o man_n choice_n the_o dismember_n any_o of_o they_o rather_o than_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n join_v to_o that_o member_n so_o fetter_v with_o scandal_n shall_v be_v cast_v into_o hell_n where_o their_o worm_n die_v not_o and_o their_o fire_n be_v never_o quench_v the_o dreadful_a end_n of_o scandal_n next_o follow_v the_o argument_n with_o which_o our_o lord_n press_v the_o high_a value_n and_o care_v over_o the_o least_o of_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o not_o to_o offend_v they_o 1._o he_o show_v at_o the_o same_o time_n how_o honourable_a the_o employment_n in_o serve_v the_o little_a one_o be_v and_o also_o of_o how_o dangerous_a a_o consequence_n it_o be_v to_o despise_v they_o which_o both_o by_o the_o relation_n it_o have_v to_o the_o context_n and_o the_o apostle_n use_v of_o it_o can_v be_v far_o from_o scandalize_a the_o angel_n suffer_v no_o disparagement_n in_o be_v call_v their_o angel_n and_o the_o very_a mention_n of_o angel_n bring_v to_o mind_n the_o charge_n they_o have_v over_o all_o such_o to_o bear_v they_o up_o in_o
for_o scripture_n be_v scripture_n and_o all_o of_o they_o so_o arise_v to_o our_o assurance_n by_o find_v the_o same_o divine_a spirit_n of_o truth_n run_v through_o one_o as_o do_v through_o another_o for_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o true_a church_n receive_v they_o when_o first_o receive_v and_o so_o transmit_v they_o make_v the_o same_o judgement_n successive_o in_o the_o several_a age_n as_o the_o first_o do_v the_o same_o reason_n always_o continue_v what_o be_v beside_o this_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o discern_v of_o spirit_n in_o all_o the_o time_n while_o scripture_n be_v write_v by_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o which_o true_a scripture_n be_v receive_v and_o all_o other_o shut_v out_o for_o the_o write_n of_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o prophet_n and_o by_o they_o enroll_v into_o scripture_n that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o scripture_n just_o and_o faithful_o consign_v over_o to_o we_o from_o age_n to_o age_n be_v to_o be_v own_a and_o acknowledge_v to_o 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enough_o throw_v off_o for_o in_o main_a thing_n there_o be_v so_o much_o repeat_v and_o say_v over_o again_o and_o again_o as_o that_o all_o such_o truth_n may_v be_v full_o present_v and_o assure_v and_o yet_o not_o so_o much_o be_v say_v as_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n without_o any_o tautology_n for_o the_o subject_n be_v so_o rich_a that_o even_o the_o world_n will_v be_v overcharge_v and_o not_o able_a to_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o will_v be_v write_v amen_n cap._n vii_o of_o the_o public_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n quest_n that_o the_o progress_n upon_o this_o great_a point_n may_v be_v make_v with_o the_o best_a advantage_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o state_n the_o amount_v of_o what_o have_v be_v already_o assert_v viz._n that_o scripture_n be_v a_o public_a and_o divine_a record_n and_o that_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n it_o be_v divine_a be_v divine_a and_o public_a also_o what_o therefore_o do_v these_o two_o position_n arise_v to_o 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fanciful_a distinction_n of_o themselves_o under_o christ_n as_o a_o ordinary_a chief_a of_o a_o party_n and_o not_o as_o the_o divine_a head_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n in_o the_o catholic_n truth_n even_o as_o he_o err_v that_o vulgar_o call_v christ_n good_a not_o know_v he_o to_o be_v god_n the_o supreme_o solely_n good_n quest_n be_v they_o all_o true_a convert_v that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n answ_n all_o that_o be_v indeed_o the_o church_n be_v so_o but_o all_o that_o may_v appertain_v to_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o as_o all_o that_o be_v of_o israel_n be_v not_o israel_n there_o be_v a_o visible_a profession_n that_o be_v too_o often_o not_o sincere_a yet_o this_o make_v man_n of_o or_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n but_o not_o true_o the_o church_n many_o be_v so_o call_v that_o be_v not_o choose_v but_o all_o that_o be_v true_o the_o church_n be_v also_o true_o call_v and_o true_o convert_v not_o only_o outward_o and_o visible_o the_o church_n but_o inward_o and_o 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a_o often_o eat_v or_o brouse_v it_o off_o a_o retrench_a of_o it_o again_o and_o again_o it_o shall_v cast_v the_o leave_v of_o its_o mere_a professor_n as_o the_o teyle-tree_n or_o oak_n when_o yet_o their_o substance_n be_v in_o they_o the_o holy_a seed_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o isa_n 6._o ult_n not_o lose_v they_o it_o lose_v nothing_o quest_n in_o what_o sense_n be_v it_o then_o say_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n answ_n it_o be_v undoubted_a none_o can_v fail_v while_o they_o be_v the_o church_n while_o unite_v to_o truth_n to_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n to_o christ_n the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n it_o be_v also_o certain_a from_o this_o high_a declaration_n there_o always_o shall_v be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n so_o unite_v hades_n or_o mortality_n shall_v not_o prevail_v over_o it_o and_o how_o much_o far_o it_o assure_v the_o perseverance_n of_o those_o that_o be_v once_o true_o the_o church_n i_o leave_v the_o thing_n itself_o to_o speak_v it_o be_v say_v they_o that_o overcome_v be_v pillar_n that_o never_o go_v out_o of_o it_o and_o they_o that_o go_v out_o of_o it_o be_v not_o of_o it_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v indeed_o of_o it_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v continue_v with_o it_o and_o how_o the_o church_n itself_o shall_v always_o continue_v if_o any_o true_a member_n of_o it_o may_v perish_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o conceive_v quest_n how_o be_v the_o church_n ordain_v by_o god_n to_o actuate_v scripture_n as_o it_o be_v the_o record_n of_o catholic_n religion_n answ_n the_o apostle_n in_o his_o noble_a description_n of_o the_o church_n have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o instruction_n herein_o in_o those_o three_o honourable_a title_n he_o have_v give_v it_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o house_n of_o the_o live_n god_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o truth_n quest_n before_o the_o explanation_n of_o each_o of_o these_o title_n in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v determine_v whether_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o catholic_n or_o of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n answ_n although_o i_o have_v already_o affirm_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n differ_v from_o a_o particular_a true_a church_n only_o in_o the_o compass_n and_o comprehensiveness_n of_o it_o yet_o i_o very_o willing_o represent_v it_o over_o again_o in_o this_o instance_n these_o thing_n be_v true_o apply_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o every_o particular_a church_n nay_o it_o reach_v down_o to_o every_o single_a live_a member_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o that_o god_n make_v his_o abode_n with_o he_o dwell_v in_o he_o he_o be_v a_o pillar_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o truth_n rest_v and_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o shall_v be_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o so_o that_o he_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o have_v more_o of_o the_o church_n in_o he_o than_o great_a seem_a portion_n of_o it_o that_o err_v from_o the_o truth_n quest_n if_o you_o please_v now_o to_o proceed_v in_o the_o explanation_n of_o these_o title_n and_o first_o what_o be_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n for_o the_o actuate_a the_o scripture_n answ_n god_n the_o most_o high_a possessor_n and_o owner_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n place_n his_o court_n family_n and_o particular_a residence_n where_o he_o please_v and_o he_o have_v choose_v the_o church_n to_o be_v this_o to_o he_o this_o be_v my_o rest_n here_o will_v i_o dwell_v for_o ever_o for_o i_o have_v desire_v it_o heaven_n be_v my_o throne_n earth_n be_v my_o footstool_n where_o be_v the_o house_n you_o will_v build_v i_o to_o this_o man_n will_v i_o look_v that_o tremble_v at_o my_o word_n and_o where_o god_n dwell_v there_o he_o manifest_v himself_o as_o a_o master_n of_o a_o family_n make_v know_v in_o his_o house_n and_o family_n his_o nature_n will_n law_n and_o government_n so_o god_n do_v in_o his_o church_n in_o judah_n be_v god_n know_v his_o name_n be_v great_a in_o israel_n in_o his_o church_n he_o show_v the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n expect_v and_o reward_n service_n as_o a_o great_a master_n and_o make_v know_v his_o dislike_n and_o displeasure_n this_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o church_n by_o those_o many_o way_n that_o god_n have_v of_o bring_v his_o word_n to_o any_o place_n or_o person_n give_v it_o reception_n among_o they_o and_o then_o stir_v up_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o hear_v his_o voice_n to_o search_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o to_o understand_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v as_o a_o voice_n continual_o behind_o they_o in_o his_o temple_n therefore_o in_o his_o house_n every_o one_o must_v needs_o speak_v of_o his_o glory_n his_o word_n can_v lie_v still_o for_o all_o be_v concern_v to_o meditate_v ponder_v inquire_v and_o discourse_n of_o it_o and_o be_v by_o supreme_a management_n excite_v so_o to_o do_v and_o so_o much_o as_o this_o exercise_n in_o his_o word_n be_v by_o any_o mean_v depress_v so_o far_o god_n be_v withdraw_v and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o church-state_n lose_v now_o of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n there_o be_v this_o great_a type_n god_n dwell_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o in_o a_o palace_n there_o be_v such_o a_o diet_n of_o shewbread_n change_v every_o day_n of_o sacrifice_n of_o all_o sort_n such_o perfume_n of_o incense_n and_o odour_n such_o officer_n and_o servant_n attend_v continual_o such_o resort_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n to_o the_o court_n of_o this_o great_a king_n and_o princely_a housholder_n together_o with_o this_o state_n run_v along_o in_o a_o mighty_a stream_n god_n show_v his_o word_n to_o jacob_n his_o statute_n and_o judgement_n to_o israel_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o pomp_n and_o ceremonial_a part_n be_v whole_o transfer_v into_o spirituality_n but_o spirituality_n be_v not_o low_o but_o high_a in_o the_o substance_n of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v figure_v by_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o that_o state_n the_o communication_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v much_o exalt_v in_o the_o true_a christian_a church_n that_o the_o light_n of_o one_o day_n be_v now_o as_o much_o as_o the_o light_n of_o seven_o be_v before_o thus_o the_o church_n as_o the_o family_n of_o god_n can_v but_o actuate_v his_o word_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n do_v the_o church_n support_v truth_n answ_n not_o so_o for_o itself_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o
foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n quest_n how_o then_o be_v it_o say_v to_o be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o what_o importance_n be_v that_o to_o the_o actuate_a scripture_n answ_n as_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o court_n and_o government_n be_v public_o fix_v that_o every_o one_o may_v know_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o so_o the_o church_n in_o all_o its_o member_n but_o especial_o by_o depute_a minister_n give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o it_o proclaim_v preach_v and_o make_v offer_v of_o the_o most_o public_a notice_n of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n within_o itself_o that_o all_o the_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o family_n may_v be_v continual_o catechise_v and_o build_v up_o therein_o and_o stranger_n have_v opportunity_n to_o know_v if_o they_o will_v apply_v themselves_o to_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v a_o famous_a city_n set_v on_o a_o hill_n that_o can_v be_v hide_v and_o therefore_o its_o law_n constitution_n manner_n can_v but_o in_o all_o reason_n be_v inquire_v of_o by_o all_o that_o do_v so_o much_o as_o pass_v by_o it_o it_o be_v a_o candlestick_n bear_v the_o lofty_a torch_n of_o divine_a truth_n of_o this_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o affix_v to_o they_o the_o roll_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v a_o eminent_a type_n and_o allude_v to_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o therefore_o from_o a_o prince_n come_v forth_o edict_n proclamation_n manifesto_n and_o declaration_n according_a to_o law_n which_o be_v fasten_v to_o public_a pillar_n of_o the_o court_n itself_o and_o all_o open_a and_o conspicuous_a place_n of_o concourse_n so_o be_v there_o in_o the_o church_n the_o most_o advantageous_a publication_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o word_n to_o all_o both_o the_o native_n and_o freeborn_a of_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o ingenuous_a stranger_n that_o will_v hearken_v out_o the_o most_o reasonable_a proposal_n of_o truth_n or_o who_o god_n be_v please_v to_o naturalize_v to_o himself_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o how_o do_v this_o actuate_v scripture_n answ_n it_o mean_v nothing_o but_o the_o perpetuity_n and_o continuation_n of_o truth_n with_o the_o church_n establish_v itself_o by_o all_o that_o firmness_n of_o divine_a evidence_n and_o reason_n and_o on_o those_o very_a security_n take_v possession_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o ark_n of_o its_o strength_n where_o itself_o or_o the_o god_n that_o be_v truth_n itself_o place_v the_o sole_n of_o his_o foot_n as_o on_o his_o unmovable_a footstool_n for_o ever_o of_o which_o the_o ark_n in_o the_o holâ—est_n be_v a_o type_n the_o footstool_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o mercy_n the_o secure_a repository_n of_o the_o table_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o ark_n of_o testimony_n over_o which_o the_o shecinah_n or_o glory_n appear_v as_o enthrone_v attend_v with_o cherubim_n and_o set_v its_o foot_n upon_o it_o the_o place_n of_o my_o throne_n and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o sole_n of_o my_o foot_n ezek._n 43._o 7._o for_o thus_o the_o true_a church_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v be_v the_o unchangeable_a rest_n of_o truth_n it_o adhere_v to_o truth_n it_o buy_v the_o truth_n and_o never_o sell_v it_o truth_n dwell_v with_o it_o for_o ever_o god_n never_o suffer_v it_o to_o apostatise_v from_o truth_n but_o by_o the_o constant_a hold_v of_o the_o judgement_n and_o retain_v the_o love_n and_o zeal_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o those_o that_o be_v indeed_o his_o church_n he_o have_v settle_v his_o word_n in_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n even_o as_o it_o be_v for_o ever_o settle_v in_o heaven_n the_o church_n therefore_o actuate_v scripture_n by_o find_v out_o reason_n debate_v enforce_v defend_v by_o all_o argument_n that_o truth_n of_o scripture_n and_o so_o persist_v in_o it_o for_o ever_o quest_n can_v then_o the_o church_n fail_v answ_n it_o have_v be_v say_v before_o the_o true_a church_n can_v fail_v for_o the_o true_a church_n be_v as_o have_v be_v describe_v the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o which_o be_v so_o can_v fail_v and_o god_n will_v have_v such_o a_o church_n always_o in_o the_o world_n if_o any_o person_n city_n or_o nation_n that_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o church_n have_v this_o light_n eclipse_v the_o candlestiks_n remove_v for_o it_o be_v only_o a_o candlestick_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o light_n and_o the_o pillar_n itself_o shake_v and_o fall_v if_o the_o record_v fix_v to_o it_o be_v take_v away_o and_o the_o palace_n and_o court_n remove_v with_o the_o prince_n who_o be_v always_o with_o his_o truth_n and_o the_o lively_a motion_n of_o it_o so_o much_o truth_n therefore_o and_o active_a display_v of_o it_o so_o much_o a_o church_n in_o any_o place_n and_o the_o truth_n remove_v or_o lie_v dead_a the_o church_n remove_v also_o or_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v in_o that_o place_n quest_n but_o be_v there_o no_o high_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n answ_n no_o other_o but_o what_o arise_v from_o the_o most_o intimate_a and_o inseparable_a union_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o truth_n truth_n take_v a_o undefailable_a possession_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o wherever_o truth_n in_o that_o fullness_n as_o to_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o happiness_n be_v there_o be_v the_o church_n and_o no_o where_o else_o the_o true_a church_n then_o may_v be_v style_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o high_a sense_n if_o right_o understand_v that_o be_v truth_n itself_o that_o be_v the_o unmovable_a pillar_n and_o everlasting_a foundation_n have_v so_o close_o band_v the_o church_n with_o itself_o that_o it_o be_v one_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n with_o it_o thus_o the_o church_n may_v be_v both_o the_o building_n and_o the_o rock_n and_o foundation_n to_o 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to_o do_v from_o that_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o day_n and_o have_v also_o actuate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o those_o fundamental_o of_o it_o according_a as_o its_o interest_n have_v lead_v it_o in_o some_o age_n more_o in_o some_o less_o as_o shall_v be_v present_o more_o discover_v quest_n have_v then_o the_o scripture_n those_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n and_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o doctor_n upon_o they_o in_o such_o a_o length_n of_o time_n with_o what_o reason_n can_v it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o anti_n or_o antichristian-church_n answ_n with_o very_o great_a reason_n because_o by_o a_o multitude_n of_o addition_n foul_a idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a corruption_n and_o false_a interpretation_n upon_o the_o scripture_n the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n and_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o ancient_n shameful_o interpolate_v and_o by_o spurious_a write_n under_o their_o name_n despite_v it_o have_v turn_v whole_a christianity_n into_o a_o very_a contrary_a thing_n to_o itself_o while_o therefore_o it_o hold_v those_o point_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o record_n of_o it_o in_o veneration_n and_o yet_o support_v all_o its_o falsehood_n thereby_o it_o become_v perfect_o a_o antichurch_n or_o antichristian_a it_o have_v in_o regard_n of_o those_o article_n of_o truth_n it_o hold_v and_o actuate_v so_o much_o as_o to_o have_v the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o christian_a and_o yet_o have_v they_o so_o falsify_v corrupt_v and_o change_v from_o themselves_o it_o become_v a_o mock-church_n a_o mock-christianity_n that_o be_v a_o antichurch_n and_o anti-christian_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o true-church_n and_o true-christianity_n and_o as_o to_o its_o actuation_n of_o truth_n it_o have_v so_o actuate_v truth_n as_o to_o actuate_v by_o truth_n its_o own_o falsehood_n and_o lie_v upon_o truth_n quest_n how_o then_o do_v it_o rise_v to_o such_o a_o eminency_n and_o pretence_n of_o be_v catholic_n and_o public_a answ_n the_o many_o concurrence_n of_o divine_a providence_n under_o his_o deep_a and_o unsearchable_a judgement_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o relation_n to_o that_o state_n he_o have_v appoint_v for_o his_o church_n i_o leave_v to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n and_o roman_a empire_n in_o those_o time_n by_o which_o may_v be_v understand_v how_o the_o papacy_n take_v the_o advantage_n to_o exalt_v itself_o not_o only_o above_o the_o episcopal_a chair_n then_o in_o a_o ambitious_a contest_v for_o supremacy_n but_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n that_o be_v the_o imperial_a power_n itself_o and_o so_o set_v its_o foot_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o christian_a prince_n throughout_o the_o world_n till_o the_o great_a cheat_n begin_v to_o be_v detect_v and_o all_o this_o by_z and_o upon_o pretence_n of_o be_v the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o head_n of_o the_o catholic_n that_o be_v the_o roman-church_n quest_n these_o thing_n i_o confess_v not_o so_o convenient_a to_o my_o inquiry_n i_o desire_v only_o to_o know_v how_o in_o the_o middle_n of_o so_o many_o horrible_a corruption_n this_o antichurch_n can_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o vaunt_v itself_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n answ_n take_v the_o utmost_a benefit_n of_o its_o antiquity_n in_o the_o christian-faith_n and_o fundamental_o of_o it_o and_o especial_o of_o the_o conspicuousness_n and_o famousness_n of_o its_o state_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o corruption_n grow_v up_o by_o degree_n and_o not_o so_o observable_o as_o at_o once_o for_o papal_a rome_n be_v not_o build_v in_o a_o day_n it_o usurp_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o its_o own_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n in_o its_o infallibility_n the_o key_n of_o power_n in_o open_v and_o shut_v heaven_n gate_n so_o as_o that_o in_o the_o darkness_n then_o overspread_v the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n ignorance_n the_o mother_n of_o 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to_o give_v the_o portraiture_n of_o that_o so_o fatal_a apostasy_n that_o believe_v it_o at_o all_o to_o be_v prophesy_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o who_o that_o consider_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o thing_n can_v but_o believe_v it_o foretell_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n prophetic_a of_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o most_o evident_o appear_v there_o be_v but_o if_o any_o be_v so_o incredulous_a as_o to_o suppose_v such_o a_o state_n of_o christianity_n beneath_o the_o prefiguration_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n he_o can_v if_o he_o be_v indeed_o a_o protestant_n but_o agree_v that_o nothing_o do_v with_o more_o art_n and_o divine_a skill_n portray_v and_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n such_o a_o devastation_n of_o christ_n true_a religion_n as_o all_o history_n know_v popery_n have_v make_v and_o as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v prevail_v do_v now_o and_o will_v do_v much_o far_o and_o in_o its_o very_a frame_n be_v constitute_v 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and_o spiritual_a jerusalem_n which_o be_v free_a and_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o if_o true_a christian_n gal._n 4._o 26._o quest_n what_o do_v you_o understand_v by_o the_o foundation_n the_o wall_n the_o gate_n the_o city_n itself_o answ_n i_o be_o not_o bold_a or_o curious_a in_o pursue_v emblem_n too_o close_o but_o understand_v in_o general_a by_o the_o whole_a of_o all_o these_o the_o doctrine_n the_o worship_n the_o rule_n of_o life_n the_o discipline_n of_o the_o true_a church_n quest_n what_o be_v we_o direct_v to_o by_o all_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o number_n twelve_o answ_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a the_o twelve_o apostle_n of_o the_o lamb_n give_v the_o honour_n to_o the_o number_n twelve_o for_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n that_o be_v the_o truth_n minister_v insallible_o by_o they_o be_v the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o true_a christian_a church_n be_v build_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o cornerstone_n and_o so_o to_o show_v true_a 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of_o
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emblem_n of_o the_o popish-church_n which_o have_v the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n have_v yet_o lose_v the_o apostolical_a twelve_o by_o innumerable_a most_o irregular_a and_o wild_a addition_n and_o deform_v every_o single_a article_n of_o truth_n by_o most_o disagreeable_a corruption_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o as_o a_o man_n most_o learned_a in_o number_n have_v demonstrate_v the_o number_n 666_o a_o number_n no_o way_n to_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o foursquare_n figure_n be_v the_o most_o fit_a and_o significant_a hieroglyphic_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o of_o all_o false-religion_n that_o must_v have_v something_o of_o truth_n to_o make_v it_o a_o religion_n but_o as_o it_o be_v false_a be_v a_o odd_a from_o that_o truth_n quest_n let_v i_o now_o desire_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o useful_a application_n of_o this_o parabolic_a scheme_n answ_n you_o shall_v have_v it_o and_o it_o consist_v in_o observe_v four_o prime_a character_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n that_o may_v be_v as_o four_o equal_a side_n of_o this_o foursquare_n and_o of_o the_o church_n adjust_v to_o it_o from_o each_o of_o which_o may_v be_v measure_v to_o each_o of_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o equality_n or_o inequality_n will_v discover_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o all_o that_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n 1._o the_o transcendent_a holiness_n goodness_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n precept_n of_o worship_n rule_n of_o life_n discipline_n be_v one_o side_n of_o this_o christian-square_a with_o which_o whatever_n do_v not_o square_a be_v convict_v not_o to_o be_v of_o that_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n whether_o it_o look_v towards_o god_n in_o all_o the_o high_a most_o honourable_a apprehension_n of_o he_o suitable_a discourse_n worship_n love_n and_o obedience_n or_o whether_o it_o look_v towards_o man_n in_o all_o justice_n righteousness_n mercy_n compassion_n charity_n benevolence_n beneficence_n and_o these_o as_o they_o respect_v all_o the_o 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all_o but_o one_o great_a lie_n of_o this_o son_n of_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n the_o image_n of_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n the_o son_n of_o his_o falsehood_n and_o perdition_n contrary_a to_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n in_o truth_n and_o love_n but_o if_o any_o one_o receive_v christianity_n or_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o antichurch_n and_o measure_v they_o in_o and_o by_o themselves_o separate_v true_a christianity_n from_o the_o antichristianism_n and_o retain_v it_o pure_a it_o be_v but_o like_o the_o service_n god_n receive_v from_o the_o false_a prophet_n baalam_n when_o he_o prophesy_v truth_n into_o who_o place_n and_o office_n antichrist_n succeed_v and_o be_v therefore_o style_v the_o false_a prophet_n revel_v 16._o 13._o quest_n what_o then_o can_v this_o pretend_a catholic_n church_n be_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o true_a catholic_n public_a religion_n answ_n it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o upon_o strict_a account_n than_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n the_o pseudocatholick_a antichurch_n in_o a_o damnable_a heresy_n from_o and_o hatred_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v write_v in_o heaven_n unite_v with_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o love_n and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n in_o truth_n and_o love_n in_o a_o hellish_a schism_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o apostolic_a catholic_n church_n of_o which_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n quest_n how_o can_v it_o be_v believe_v that_o so_o great_a a_o lie_n upon_o christianity_n shall_v be_v receive_v by_o so_o large_a a_o proportion_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n or_o that_o person_n of_o so_o vast_a ability_n and_o comprehension_n shall_v so_o deceive_v other_o or_o be_v themselves_o deceive_v answ_n scripture_n have_v take_v all_o the_o care_n possible_a to_o arm_v we_o against_o this_o objection_n which_o be_v indeed_o very_o great_a it_o call_v this_o apostasy_n a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o the_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o revelation_n point_n to_o the_o same_o thing_n upon_o the_o forehead_n of_o this_o adulterous_a church_n be_v write_v mystery_n now_o a_o mystery_n if_o it_o be_v present_o understand_v and_o all_o easy_a and_o plain_a be_v no_o mystery_n it_o have_v the_o energy_n of_o delusion_n in_o cause_v man_n to_o believe_v a_o lie_n it_o be_v the_o whole_a deceit_n of_o unrighteousness_n it_o set_v up_o a_o great_a stage_n of_o counterfeit_n miracle_n that_o it_o vaunt_v upon_o and_o that_o it_o may_v have_v that_o reverend_a face_n of_o antiquity_n to_o deceive_v with_o and_o say_v it_o come_v from_o a_o far-off_a age_n it_o be_v a_o mystery_n that_o be_v then_o at_o work_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n last_o it_o have_v its_o effect_n upon_o they_o that_o may_v be_v christian_n and_o receive_v truth_n but_o not_o the_o chaste_a unprostitute_n love_n of_o truth_n alone_o quest_n but_o it_o seem_v impossible_a that_o any_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o have_v be_v once_o disabused_a shall_v return_v any_o more_o under_o so_o great_a a_o delusion_n answ_n there_o be_v very_o great_a hope_n that_o god_n who_o have_v command_v his_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o this_o darkness_n will_v interpose_v by_o the_o perpetual_a brightness_n of_o his_o own_o appearance_n and_o by_o that_o divine_a breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n in_o his_o word_n against_o the_o return_n of_o so_o great_a a_o darkness_n this_o set_v aside_o there_o be_v so_o many_o reason_n of_o fear_n and_o such_o possibility_n of_o lay_v a_o train_n of_o cause_n reach_v to_o such_o a_o effect_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o place_n for_o security_n but_o in_o the_o almighty_a providence_n and_o yet_o what_o degree_n of_o that_o deadly_a scourge_n may_v fall_v on_o the_o protestant_a world_n god_n only_o know_v we_o know_v our_o sin_n deserve_v very_o ill_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o great_a security_n under_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o providence_n against_o so_o great_a desolation_n upon_o true_a christian_a religion_n answ_n a_o perfect_a acquiescency_n of_o the_o protestant_a nation_n upon_o the_o foursquare_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o resolvedness_n not_o to_o move_v from_o thence_o for_o as_o a_o foursquare_n never_o remove_v from_o its_o own_o base_a because_o it_o be_v all_o base_a so_o they_o that_o be_v square_v to_o it_o and_o settle_v upon_o it_o never_o move_v for_o it_o always_o bear_v they_o alike_o with_o itself_o and_o by_o its_o own_o justness_n recall_v they_o if_o they_o offer_v to_o wander_v mere_a angry_a prejudice_n against_o this_o or_o that_o false_a religion_n be_v not_o enough_o without_o be_v thus_o ground_v upon_o truth_n entertainment_n of_o truth_n with_o any_o addittament_n will_v secure_v no_o man_n for_o he_o that_o receive_v one_o addition_n may_v receive_v another_o he_o that_o receive_v truth_n lie_v foursquare_n with_o itself_o be_v call_v back_o by_o that_o even_o of_o truth_n he_o that_o add_v one_o to_o it_o and_o make_v it_o odd_a may_v go_v on_o indefinite_o as_o popery_n have_v do_v because_o he_o have_v forsakent_a he_o just_o even_o that_o shall_v stay_v he_o he_o can_v no_o long_o wait_v for_o the_o voice_n of_o truth_n that_o by_o itself_o always_o answer_v itself_o but_o to_o what_o be_v not_o like_o itself_o it_o will_v not_o answer_v but_o discover_v it_o to_o be_v off_o from_o this_o square_n it_o will_v not_o on_o any_o respect_n harken_v to_o any_o thing_n different_a because_o it_o will_v not_o be_v solicit_v to_o move_v from_o itself_o so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a the_o law_n of_o symmetry_n and_o commensuration_n be_v the_o great_a security_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o ascertain_v the_o true_a church_n both_o to_o itself_o and_o all_o beholder_n for_o addition_n to_o religion_n like_o surd_o or_o irrational_a figure_n incommensurable_a to_o the_o rational_a square_n can_v never_o be_v reduce_v to_o this_o foursquare_n of_o truth_n but_o be_v like_o the_o deaf_a adder_n that_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o reason_n charm_v never_o so_o wise_o nor_o can_v they_o ever_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o certainty_n or_o exactness_n with_o themselves_o but_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o day_n another_o to_o morrow_n but_o divine_a truth_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rational_a certain_a express_o itself_o deaf_a indeed_o to_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n the_o same_o for_o ever_o he_o therefore_o that_o daily_o ponder_v meditate_v upon_o have_v a_o just_a measure_n of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o divine_a truth_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o a_o regular_a square_n with_o they_o shall_v know_v the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o god_n all_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n though_o they_o be_v various_a yet_o come_v all_o within_o the_o apostolic_a twelve_o and_o he_o that_o have_v a_o spiritual_a gust_n exercise_v to_o discern_v betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a by_o taste_v any_o aright_o will_v taste_v all_o and_o find_v they_o apostolical_a and_o know_v whatever_o pretend_v and_o be_v not_o and_o so_o reject_v it_o he_o will_v know_v all_o the_o gate_n of_o wisdom_n and_o truth_n and_o the_o angelical_a guard_n attend_v at_o they_o and_o go_v in_o and_o out_o by_o they_o but_o the_o disorderly_a breach_n and_o gap_n that_o wild_a beast_n or_o deceitful_a fox_n have_v make_v he_o avoid_v know_v they_o exceed_v the_o apostolic_a twelve_o and_o be_v therefore_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a and_o whatever_o apparation_n of_o angel_n may_v be_v at_o they_o he_o know_v it_o be_v only_a satan_n transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o his_o minister_n transform_v as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n thus_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n number_v and_o measure_v exact_o by_o itself_o be_v the_o security_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o the_o true_a church_n cap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o national_a religion_n quest_n it_o be_v i_o think_v very_o clear_a by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v that_o the_o settlement_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v most_o stable_a and_o certain_a and_o that_o by_o no_o power_n he_o have_v give_v in_o his_o church_n it_o can_v be_v change_v nor_o receive_v any_o arbitrary_a addition_n that_o shall_v be_v obligatory_a but_o i_o be_o in_o great_a doubt_n how_o to_o reconcile_v those_o command_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o principality_n and_o power_n with_o those_o strict_a precept_n to_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o turn_v neither_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a where_o ruler_n so_o often_o prescribe_v in_o religion_n contrary_a to_o or_o different_a from_o the_o word_n of_o
king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o yet_o there_o extraordinary_a minister_n in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n preserve_v the_o just_a right_n of_o sovereignty_n thus_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ought_v by_o ordinary_a minister_n to_o be_v faithful_o declare_v by_o those_o who_o be_v call_v to_o do_v it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o declare_v it_o have_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o sovereignty_n above_o all_o earthly_a sovereignty_n both_o with_o prince_n and_o subject_n and_o yet_o the_o publisher_n of_o it_o and_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v publish_v stand_v in_o their_o just_a distance_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n pay_v the_o homage_n due_a to_o sovereignty_n by_o obedience_n active_a wherein_o they_o be_v not_o countermand_v by_o god_n or_o by_o submission_n to_o penal_a law_n and_o decree_v make_v against_o they_o by_o the_o supreme_a legislative_a power_n of_o a_o nation_n wherein_o they_o can_v obey_v god_n and_o the_o power_n at_o once_o because_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o they_o shall_v by_o suffer_v for_o well_o do_v put_v to_o silence_v the_o cavil_n of_o the_o ignorant_a or_o malicious_n quest_n but_o ought_v we_o not_o to_o expect_v that_o prince_n shall_v be_v the_o supreme_a interpreter_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n that_o so_o their_o command_n and_o superiority_n may_v be_v more_o absolute_a and_o because_o that_o government_n that_o do_v not_o determine_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o subject_a can_v have_v so_o free_a a_o display_v of_o itself_o nor_o rest_n so_o secure_a as_o be_v necessary_a to_o government_n answ_n while_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n rule_v who_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n more_o unsullied_a so_o near_o the_o creation_n by_o pure_a tradition_n by_o divine_a revelation_n vouchsafe_v to_o they_o as_o occasion_v require_v preserve_v religion_n undefiled_a supreme_a authority_n and_o instruction_n in_o true_a religion_n reside_v in_o the_o same_o person_n yet_o even_o then_o their_o authority_n in_o religion_n be_v from_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a truth_n even_o as_o afterward_o in_o moses_n samuel_n david_n and_o solomon_n who_o be_v both_o supreme_a prince_n and_o immediate_o commissioned_n by_o god_n as_o prophet_n for_o wherever_o man_n be_v depute_a by_o god_n either_o as_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a minister_n of_o his_o truth_n the_o authority_n be_v not_o in_o man_n but_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n evidence_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o therefore_o the_o patriarchal_a both_o power_n and_o holiness_n expire_v and_o the_o revolt_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n from_o true_a religion_n grow_v great_a god_n begin_v to_o instruct_v his_o church_n by_o messenger_n send_v on_o purpose_n and_o separate_v betwixt_o prince_n and_o prophet_n yea_o even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o so_o sacred_a a_o priesthood_n establish_v by_o god_n himself_o among_o the_o jew_n he_o teach_v his_o church_n very_o often_o by_o prophet_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o immediate_a character_n and_o last_o by_o the_o apostle_n found_v the_o christian_a church_n without_o any_o consultation_n with_o or_o concurrence_n of_o the_o power_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o those_o apostle_n teach_v all_o subjection_n to_o those_o very_a power_n until_o the_o whole_a be_v settle_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n consent_v with_o which_o be_v now_o the_o only_a credential_n of_o a_o teacher_n appoint_v by_o god_n however_o he_o be_v ordinate_v by_o men._n quest_n what_o be_v to_o be_v infer_v from_o hence_o answ_n especial_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o independent_a upon_o all_o humane_a sovereignty_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v accept_v only_o upon_o trial_n by_o its_o own_o evidence_n and_o not_o by_o those_o of_o humane_a authority_n this_o treasure_n be_v therefore_o for_o the_o most_o part_n entrust_v to_o earthen_a vessel_n not_o only_o to_o man_n but_o to_o the_o man_n 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the_o word_n in_o season_n out_o of_o season_n or_o without_o season_n public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n quest_n i_o desire_v you_o now_o to_o apply_v your_o discourse_n to_o the_o administration_n of_o sovereign_a power_n in_o model_v and_o circumstantiate_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n what_o their_o power_n give_v they_o by_o god_n therein_o be_v answ_n that_o i_o may_v give_v you_o a_o answer_n in_o that_o i_o must_v observe_v our_o saviour_n distinction_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o his_o charge_n that_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n be_v render_v to_o he_o and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n be_v render_v to_o caesar_n now_o none_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n be_v his_o first_o but_o they_o be_v first_o god_n and_o give_v to_o caesar_n by_o god_n god_n then_o have_v entrust_v caesar_n with_o the_o render_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n to_o god_n that_o be_v to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o obedience_n due_a to_o god_n according_a to_o godliness_n righteousness_n and_o soberness_n may_v by_o the_o make_n of_o good_a law_n and_o by_o the_o vigorous_a execution_n of_o they_o be_v give_v to_o god_n and_o also_o that_o the_o good_a intend_a to_o whole_a humane_a nature_n may_v be_v preserve_v to_o it_o as_o a_o service_n of_o great_a acceptance_n with_o god_n for_o every_o governor_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n for_o good_a to_o every_o man_n he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n for_o public_a good_a but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n all_o these_o supreme_a notion_n be_v so_o god_n that_o they_o must_v not_o be_v change_v by_o magistrate_n or_o their_o law_n but_o must_v be_v render_v entire_o to_o he_o as_o he_o give_v they_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o not_o adulterate_v or_o embase_v and_o especial_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o concern_v god_n himself_o more_o immediate_o as_o in_o the_o purity_n spirituality_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o divineness_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o word_n the_o service_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o whatever_o he_o have_v herein_o reserve_v to_o himself_o all_o these_o be_v so_o his_o that_o no_o caesar_n have_v any_o power_n in_o or_o over_o they_o to_o add_v or_o diminish_v or_o make_v the_o least_o alteration_n so_o that_o though_o they_o may_v have_v great_a power_n in_o many_o thing_n relate_v to_o religion_n to_o the_o accommodation_n of_o the_o most_o external_n exercise_n of_o it_o to_o government_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o nation_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o very_a religious_a action_n themselves_o and_o the_o management_n of_o they_o they_o must_v be_v close_o confine_v to_o god_n manifestation_n of_o himself_o how_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v and_o to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o moddel_n and_o decent_o to_o circumstantiate_v that_o worship_n and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v render_v to_o god_n perfect_o according_a to_o his_o own_o pattern_n and_o the_o magistrate_n care_n be_v that_o it_o be_v so_o render_v if_o in_o thing_n evident_a to_o nature_n light_n the_o magistrate_n law_n have_v place_n if_o only_o to_o be_v know_v by_o revelation_n the_o magistrate_n power_n can_v rise_v above_o the_o mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n that_o be_v instruction_n produce_v faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o not_o compulsory_a law_n see_v natural_a reason_n may_v be_v oblige_v but_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n now_o these_o thing_n god_n have_v by_o the_o prerogative_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n reserve_v to_o himself_o and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v render_v to_o god_n distinct_a from_o the_o thing_n of_o caesar_n that_o be_v from_o all_o civil_a thing_n give_v by_o god_n to_o caesar_n and_o so_o to_o be_v render_v to_o caesar_n yea_o even_o distinct_a from_o the_o appendant_a law_n for_o the_o secure_n justice_n and_o soberness_n which_o though_o they_o be_v god_n yet_o
the_o principle_n of_o protestant_a truth_n and_o peace_n in_o four_o treatise_n viz._n the_o true_a state_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o freedom_n from_o penal_a law_n and_o church-censure_n the_o obligation_n to_o national_a true_a religion_n the_o nature_n of_o scandal_n particular_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o indifferent_a thing_n a_o catholic_n catechism_n show_v the_o true_a ground_n upon_o which_o the_o catholic_n religion_n be_v ascertain_v zech._n 8._o 19_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o peace_n by_o tho._n beverley_n rector_n of_o lilley_n in_o hertfordshire_n london_n print_v for_o tho._n parkhurst_n and_o will._n miller_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n and_o the_o acorn_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1683._o to_o the_o reader_n i_o have_v very_o sad_o observe_v the_o great_a distress_n of_o humane_a affair_n through_o miscarriage_n every_o way_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n for_o while_o the_o power_n of_o this_o world_n and_o ecclesiastic_a jurisdiction_n take_v it_o for_o their_o right_n to_o impose_v by_o severe_a penalty_n and_o dreadful_a censure_n what_o they_o think_v fit_a under_o so_o great_a a_o name_n they_o yet_o neither_o can_v assure_v any_o one_o they_o be_v not_o or_o do_v not_o use_v to_o be_v mistake_v in_o their_o recommendation_n or_o that_o all_o their_o authority_n or_o power_n shall_v excuse_v and_o acquit_v those_o that_o obey_v they_o when_o they_o appear_v before_o god_n tribunal_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o judgement_n or_o conscience_n shall_v have_v any_o repose_n here_o on_o the_o other_o side_n some_o not_o only_o out_o of_o recoil_v for_o self-preservation_n or_o out_o of_o design_n but_o from_o furious_a wild_a principle_n have_v break_v out_o into_o public_a disturbance_n to_o make_v room_n for_o what_o they_o have_v proclaim_v as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n to_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o true_a religion_n the_o imbrue_v their_o hand_n very_o horrid_o in_o blood_n and_o the_o seem_a justification_n of_o utmost_a rigour_n against_o any_o pretence_n of_o religion_n except_o according_a to_o law_n beside_o all_o this_o private_a feud_n and_o animosity_n vehement_a and_o angry_a dispute_n be_v every_o where_o clamorous_a and_o people_n hereupon_o in_o great_a amuse_n what_o they_o shall_v believe_v or_o do_v now_o since_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n all_o these_o evil_n be_v foresee_v by_o god_n there_o be_v as_o little_a doubt_n that_o there_o be_v sure_a remedy_n provide_v against_o they_o i_o have_v then_o upon_o the_o whole_a this_o account_n to_o give_v the_o reader_n that_o the_o observation_n of_o so_o many_o counter-cries_a of_o opinion_n such_o great_a exasperation_n in_o man_n affection_n such_o complaint_n of_o oppression_n of_o conscience_n by_o undue_a law_n such_o recrimination_n of_o faction_n sedition_n fanaticism_n not_o only_o among_o christian_n but_o among_o protestant_a christian_n and_o of_o the_o same_o common_a national_a interest_n move_v i_o to_o seek_v retirement_n to_o some_o rock_n of_o certainty_n that_o i_o may_v be_v at_o perfect_a peace_n upon_o in_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o judgement_n and_o composure_n of_o affection_n and_o have_v find_v natural_a religion_n as_o certain_a as_o our_o faculty_n and_o fundamental_a christianity_n in_o most_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o immediate_a certainty_n as_o natural_a in_o all_o thing_n after_o due_a exploration_n of_o the_o same_o final_a certainty_n i_o be_o so_o far_o at_o peace_n in_o my_o judgement_n as_o to_o have_v no_o doubt_n what_o be_v truth_n in_o relation_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n if_o ten_o thousand_o more_o of_o opinion_n encompass_v i_o round_o about_o so_o far_o at_o peace_n in_o my_o affection_n as_o not_o to_o be_v in_o commotion_n with_o any_o man_n that_o give_v testimony_n to_o christian_a charity_n that_o he_o be_v a_o strict_a observer_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o fundamental_a christianity_n one_o essential_a rule_n of_o both_o which_o be_v love_n peace_n and_o mercy_n to_o all_o that_o be_v centre_v in_o this_o natural_a christian_a religion_n though_o they_o may_v adjoyn_v or_o refuse_v some_o eccentrick_a placit_n that_o do_v not_o harm_v the_o foundation_n last_o i_o be_o assure_v this_o very_a natural_a religion_n espouse_v by_o christianity_n well_o consider_v and_o observe_v will_v disarm_v the_o world_n of_o those_o instrument_n of_o cruelty_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n so_o extreme_o abhor_v by_o it_o whether_o use_v by_o angry_a supreme_a power_n or_o unjust_o take_v up_o by_o seditious_a ambitious_a or_o fanatic_a subject_n which_o cruelty_n man_n be_v say_v to_o borrow_v from_o wild_a beast_n no_o such_o be_v give_v by_o the_o gracious_a author_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o so_o excellent_a a_o nature_n as_o he_o make_v the_o humane_a and_o therefore_o most_o certain_o not_o by_o the_o redeemer_n nor_o his_o religion_n who_o come_v to_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o innocency_n goodness_n and_o peace_n after_o so_o great_a a_o invasion_n of_o barbarity_n and_o cruelty_n now_o have_v find_v this_o satisfaction_n myself_o i_o make_v offer_n of_o it_o if_o it_o may_v be_v the_o same_o to_o other_o ask_v only_o candid_a interpretation_n in_o particular_a management_n the_o main_a principle_n be_v above_o the_o need_n of_o pardon_n or_o the_o fear_n of_o indignation_n although_o the_o discourse_n be_v intend_v much_o short_a be_v not_o distinguish_v in_o the_o body_n of_o it_o into_o chapter_n or_o otherwise_o yet_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v have_v a_o guidance_n into_o the_o main_a design_n of_o it_o i_o have_v prefix_v this_o summary_n of_o head_n of_o discourse_n follow_v each_o other_o the_o content_n the_o introduction_n explain_v the_o text_n and_o show_v the_o merciful_a design_n of_o christianity_n against_o contrary_a appearance_n the_o always_o present_a way_n of_o determine_v doubt_n in_o religion_n 1._o to_o 8._o of_o natural_a religion_n as_o sure_a as_o our_o faculty_n and_o the_o examination_n of_o thing_n by_o it_o 10._o to_o 26._o of_o natural-religion_n unite_v by_o christian_a religion_n to_o and_o with_o itself_o as_o the_o only_a assurance_n and_o test_n of_o reveal_v religion_n and_o of_o the_o little_a value_n of_o ceremony_n in_o religion_n either_o natural_a or_o christian_n 27._o to_o 45._o of_o natural_a religion_n the_o only_a standard_n of_o humane_a penal_a law_n in_o religion_n 45._o to_o 79._o of_o the_o great_a use_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o compose_v and_o decide_v difference_n in_o christian_a religion_n apply_v to_o some_o of_o the_o great_a controversy_n in_o it_o 80_o 82._o of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o peace_n in_o christianity_n itself_o the_o important_a honourable_a business_n give_v as_o one_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o wherein_o it_o engage_v all_o its_o disciple_n several_a way_n produce_v peace_n 88_o to_o 94._o of_o the_o grand_a principle_n of_o the_o union_n of_o christian_n into_o one_o body_n on_o which_o love_n and_o peace_n be_v infallible_o to_o ensue_v 95_o to_o 99_o of_o heresy_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o cut_v off_o from_o that_o union_n exemplify_v in_o popery_n and_o whether_o the_o roman_a society_n be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o schism_n and_o its_o nature_n as_o it_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n 99_o to_o 110._o of_o the_o law_n for_o christian_n be_v embody_a in_o a_o catholic_n church_n in_o particular_a congregation_n or_o church_n and_o the_o order_n of_o both_o to_o national_a christian_n constitution_n of_o the_o great_a value_n the_o word_n of_o god_n give_v to_o public_a national_a religion_n require_v our_o utmost_a attemperation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o it_o consistent_o with_o conscience_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o christianity_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o ministerial_a presidency_n of_o it_o in_o relation_n to_o magistracy_n to_o universal_a goodness_n 121_o to_o 127._o a_o lamentation_n over_o the_o world_n unhappiness_n in_o relation_n to_o so_o excellent_a a_o thing_n as_o religion_n and_o christian_a religion_n 127._o a_o offerture_n for_o the_o amicable_a return_n of_o all_o protestant_n one_o to_o another_o within_o our_o english_a nation_n and_o the_o method_n of_o it_o 136._o errata_fw-la page_z 2_o l._n 28._o r._n action_n p._n 7._o l._n 25._o for_o thus_o r._n that_o p._n 17_o l._n 17._o blot_v they_o p._n 23_o l._n 1_o for_o they_o r._n that_o l._n 5._o for_o itself_o r._n themselves_o p._n 27._o l._n 32._o r._n appellation_n p._n 91._o l._n 37._o for_o they_o r._n that_o p._n 109._o l._n 7._o blot_n why_o l._n 10._o blot_n who_o be_v p._n 1220_o marg._n r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 141._o l._n 7._o r._n do_v isa._n xi_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o the_o wolf_n also_o shall_v dwell_v with_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o leopard_n shall_v lie_v down_o with_o the_o kid_n and_o the_o calf_n and_o the_o young_a lion_n and_o the_o fatle_a together_o and_o a_o little_a child_n shall_v lead_v they_o and_o
and_o condescension_n to_o those_o that_o think_v disser_o from_o he_o i_o come_v therefore_o now_o to_o the_o main_a of_o the_o discourse_n and_o to_o make_v good_a that_o the_o nature_n constitution_n and_o rule_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v most_o exact_o prepare_v to_o ingenerate_v promote_v and_o establish_v love_n peace_n and_o quietness_n among_o man_n even_o universal_a and_o ecumenical_a peace_n but_o especial_o among_o christian_n and_o that_o by_o the_o most_o compendious_a authority_n viz._n the_o word_n that_o be_v nigh_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n and_o true_a and_o undoubted_a reason_n without_o go_v up_o into_o heaven_n or_o down_o into_o the_o deep_a or_o send_v beyond_o the_o sea_n or_o turn_v over_o voluminous_a write_n of_o ancient_n church-history_n tradition_n which_o perplex_a thing_n with_o endless_a intricacy_n for_o before_o any_o one_o can_v with_o due_a rational_a satisfaction_n receive_v they_o he_o must_v for_o himself_o search_v they_o and_o when_o 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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
of_o belief_n and_o practice_v agreeable_a thereunto_o such_o a_o one_o i_o say_v christianity_n suppose_v to_o have_v a_o right_a to_o common_a protection_n of_o magistrate_n and_o the_o law_n of_o humaniâ—y_n while_o he_o endeavour_v to_o approve_v himself_o to_o god_n at_o who_o tribunal_n he_o must_v appear_v to_o who_o as_o his_o own_o master_n he_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v no_o man_n have_v power_n to_o judge_n another_o servant_n in_o this_o case_n 12._o rom._n 14._o 4_o 10_o 12._o now_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v with_o submission_n to_o better_a instruction_n to_o give_v great_a reason_n that_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n christian_n religion_n bottom_n upon_o and_o presume_v to_o itself_o that_o perfect_a conformity_n in_o a_o man_n principle_n to_o natural_a religion_n so_o far_o as_o principle_n or_o be_v as_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o religion_n be_v in_o debate_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a guard_n according_a to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o divine_a ordination_n upon_o it_o against_o the_o enmity_n despite_n and_o injury_n of_o private_a person_n and_o against_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o punitive_a justice_n of_o magistrate_n however_o a_o man_n in_o other_o particular_n distingâ—ishes_v himself_o for_o conscience_n sake_n towards_o god_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v first_o insist_v upon_o those_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o i_o suppose_v fix_v upon_o this_o foundation_n and_o then_o argue_v it_o by_o reason_n with_o respect_n to_o all_o â—ncountring_v objection_n the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n to_o timothy_n i_o exhort_v first_o of_o all_o that_o prayer_n supplication_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_o â—e_v etc._n 1_o tim_n 2._o 1_o etc._n etc._n make_v for_o king_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o we_o may_v live_v peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n this_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n contain_v two_o thing_n 1._o the_o duty_n the_o apostle_n enjoin_v viz._n the_o make_n of_o prayer_n supplication_n intercession_n and_o not_o they_o only_o but_o give_v of_o thanks_o and_o for_o all_o man_n and_o not_o only_o but_o eminent_o for_o king_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n now_o in_o that_o the_o apostle_n injoin_v give_v of_o thanks_o it_o argue_v though_o he_o do_v not_o exclude_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v the_o only_a matter_n of_o the_o prayer_n shall_v be_v the_o conversion_n of_o those_o pray_v for_o for_o there_o be_v then_o no_o conversion_n of_o prince_n nor_o so_o general_a conversion_n of_o private_a person_n as_o shall_v be_v express_v by_o all_o man_n there_o can_v be_v no_o matter_n for_o thanksgiving_n but_o that_o which_o be_v main_o in_o the_o apostle_n eye_n be_v that_o christian_n shall_v concern_v themselves_o in_o all_o the_o happiness_n and_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n both_o by_o supplication_n prayer_n and_o intercession_n that_o be_v with_o all_o the_o earnestness_n and_o heartiness_n signify_v in_o that_o accumulation_n of_o expression_n and_o also_o by_o thanksgiving_n for_o the_o mercy_n they_o enjoy_v and_o in_o eminent_a manner_n for_o king_n and_o those_o in_o eminency_n who_o be_v the_o trustee_n and_o depositary_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v know_v to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a with_o the_o true_a natural_a and_o excellent_a religion_n of_o mankind_n and_o a_o fair_a rational_a inducement_n offer_v to_o embrace_v it_o 2._o the_o advantage_n the_o apostle_n express_v as_o arise_v from_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n that_o man_n in_o general_a and_o prince_n in_o special_a be_v convince_v of_o their_o right_n by_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o two_o main_a part_n of_o natural_a religion_n piety_n towards_o god_n love_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o universal_a good_a may_v afford_v to_o christian_n the_o right_n and_o due_n of_o godliness_n and_o grave_a honourable_a sober_a deportment_n among_o man_n that_o be_v peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n not_o break_v out_o into_o injury_n and_o violation_n of_o common_a protection_n and_o humanity_n because_o they_o be_v christian_n from_o hence_o then_o i_o observe_v the_o main_a foundation_n of_o right_a to_o peace_n and_o quietness_n be_v godliness_n and_o honourableness_n of_o manner_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o immorality_n and_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o all_o man_n and_o prince_n be_v most_o natural_o to_o be_v understand_v for_o the_o tranquibity_n and_o flourish_a state_n of_o community_n in_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n justice_n and_o soberness_n though_o i_o doubt_v not_o they_o add_v that_o they_o may_v by_o conversion_n be_v not_o only_o almost_o but_o altogether_o christian_n and_o not_o only_o not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o that_o they_o may_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o the_o west_n from_o the_o north_n and_o the_o south_n and_o sit_v down_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o which_o the_o freedom_n of_o pprophecy_n under_o the_o caution_n of_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n might_n exceed_o conduce_v on_o which_o account_n the_o apostle_n go_v on_o this_o that_o be_v all_z this_o intercourse_n of_o christian_n prayer_n godliness_n and_o honesty_n and_o all_o man_n magistrate_n especial_o procure_v their_o peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n be_v acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n who_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o by_o this_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n see_v the_o one_o god_n the_o one_o mediator_n author_n of_o the_o one_o natural_a and_o the_o one_o true_a reveal_v religion_n be_v equal_o concern_v in_o all_o a_o second_o place_n be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o relation_n to_o mankind_n in_o general_n complicate_v with_o all_o those_o expression_n of_o both_o the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o paul_n concern_v magistracy_n and_o the_o ordination_n of_o it_o by_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o mankind_n in_o general_n the_o apostle_n make_v this_o challenge_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 13._o and_o who_o be_v he_o that_o will_v harm_v you_o if_o you_o be_v follower_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a plain_o imply_v to_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v good_a aught_o in_o all_o reason_n and_o equity_n to_o secure_a man_n from_o harm_n and_o that_o good_a which_o the_o apostle_n intend_v must_v be_v good_a define_v by_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n to_o be_v good_a for_o else_o christianity_n as_o it_o stand_v distinct_a from_o that_o for_o contrary_a to_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v be_v not_o then_o understand_v to_o be_v good_n all_o judgement_n of_o that_o therefore_o be_v suspend_v whether_o good_a or_o not_o good_a as_o it_o stand_v distinct_a from_o natural_a religion_n the_o undeniable_a presence_n of_o all_o natural_a religion_n and_o power_n of_o it_o 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circumcision_n speak_v thus_o submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o unto_o governor_n as_o those_o that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o for_o 14_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 13_o 14_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil-doer_n and_o the_o praise_n of_o they_o that_o do_v well_o let_v the_o way_n of_o argue_v use_v by_o these_o two_o apostle_n be_v well_o weigh_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o write_v the_o sense_n of_o magistrate_n concern_v christianity_n the_o obligation_n upon_o christian_n to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o magistrate_n and_o yet_o both_o these_o apostle_n write_v as_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v out_o of_o dispute_n between_o magistrate_n and_o christian_n as_o if_o all_o be_v clear_a and_o fair_a between_o they_o and_o no_o controversy_n whether_o christianity_n be_v true_a or_o false_a a_o good_a
in_o strict_a combination_n one_o with_o neither_o this_o peace_n be_v the_o close_a rest_n of_o the_o part_n by_o which_o every_o one_o adhere_v with_o great_a kindness_n to_o each_o other_o and_o desire_v of_o self-preservation_n in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o so_o all_o the_o part_n seek_v the_o commodious_a situation_n each_o of_o other_o and_o abhor_v the_o disturbance_n the_o disease_n of_o any_o and_o because_o this_o peace_n can_v procure_v or_o conserve_v itself_o see_v it_o be_v not_o a_o dull_a sluggish_a rest_n but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o motion_n and_o action_n love_n be_v as_o i_o may_v call_v it_o the_o divine_a archaeus_n that_o divine_a spirit_n of_o nature_n the_o great_a instrument_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o supreme_a author_n of_o this_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o love_n run_v every_o way_n pry_v into_o all_o the_o cause_n of_o division_n and_o remove_v they_o see_v into_o all_o the_o way_n of_o conciliate_a and_o effectual_o pursue_v they_o this_o be_v that_o love_n that_o edify_v the_o body_n it_o take_v off_o all_o the_o asperity_n and_o roughness_n of_o the_o part_n those_o particular_a sharp_a angularity_n of_o opinion_n reduce_v they_o to_o a_o square_a to_o a_o figure_n fit_v one_o to_o another_o and_o then_o cement_v and_o tie_v they_o one_o to_o another_o till_o they_o grow_v into_o a_o spiritual_a temple_n what_o incomparable_a virtue_n to_o this_o purpose_n do_v the_o apostle_n at_o large_a and_o with_o great_a speciality_n express_v in_o that_o divine_a treatise_n of_o love_n 1_o cor._n 13._o all_o knowledge_n without_o 1._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 1._o this_o be_v nothing_o of_o what_o sort_n soever_o it_o be_v that_o only_o puff_v up_o and_o swell_v man_n as_o if_o they_o themselves_o be_v all_o as_o if_o they_o can_v themselves_o be_v a_o entire_a temple_n a_o spiritual_a building_n alone_o the_o understanding_n all_o mystery_n it_o make_v a_o man_n look_v to_o himself_o like_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o 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true_a line_n from_o which_o and_o return_n to_o which_o be_v in_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o these_o be_v those_o several_a point_n of_o union_n the_o apostle_n have_v lay_v together_o ephes_n 4._o 4_o 5_o 6._o there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o in_o you_o all._n 1._o one_o body_n even_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o christian_n disperse_v throughout_o all_o the_o world_n and_o unite_v so_o as_o to_o make_v up_o this_o one_o body_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o second_o point_n of_o union_n that_o follow_v 2._o one_o spirit_n one_o divine_a spirit_n author_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n and_o grace_n within_o christian_n inform_v every_o christian_n and_o make_v they_o all_o of_o the_o same_o christianity_n as_o the_o soul_n in_o man_n make_v they_o all_o of_o the_o same_o rationality_n this_o be_v the_o one_o spirit_n into_o which_o all_o be_v make_v to_o drink_v and_o so_o be_v this_o one_o body_n for_o without_o this_o they_o will_v be_v indeed_o but_o as_o so_o many_o single_a stone_n or_o scatter_a part_n else_o too_o their_o union_n be_v no_o other_o than_o dull_a and_o stupid_a but_o now_o all_o the_o part_n feel_v throughout_o in_o this_o centre_n of_o one_o spirit_n 3._o one_o hope_n of_o our_o call_v the_o same_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n mansion_n of_o this_o same_o house_n of_o our_o father_n be_v the_o one_o hope_v of_o christian_n unto_o which_o the_o gospel_n alike_o call_v they_o they_o then_o who_o be_v to_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o eternal_a blessedness_n and_o to_o be_v one_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v for_o ever_o with_o what_o unconcernedness_n in_o little_a trifle_n shall_v they_o aspire_v to_o that_o glory_n together_o with_o unexpressible_a indearedness_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n 4._o one_o lord_n even_o jesus_n christ_n instead_o of_o the_o lord_n many_o be_v the_o one_o lord_n to_o christian_n by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n 18._o rom._n 11._o 18._o and_o they_o by_o he_o they_o therefore_o who_o subsist_v and_o be_v bear_v upon_o the_o root_n as_o branch_n of_o the_o one_o vine_n must_v not_o boast_v 6._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 6._o against_o the_o branch_n for_o they_o bear_v not_o the_o root_n but_o the_o root_n they_o the_o worship_v of_o one_o true_a supreme_a lord_n how_o 6._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 6._o much_o a_o strong_a tie_n of_o union_n than_o a_o precarious_a visible_a but_o visible_a apostate_n head_n if_o one_o earthly_a prince_n be_v such_o a_o band_n of_o union_n how_o much_o more_o one_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n they_o be_v to_o be_v forgive_v every_o thing_n concede_v every_o thing_n who_o sincere_o worship_v this_o one_o lord_n every_o thing_n that_o can_v possible_o consist_v with_o their_o sincere_a acknowledgement_n of_o he_o 5._o one_o faith_n the_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n which_o they_o believe_v even_o the_o substantial_a principle_n as_o i_o name_v they_o in_o the_o last_o head_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o a_o solid_a band_n of_o agreement_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o live_n and_o like_o precious_a save_v act_n of_o their_o soul_n wherewith_o 1._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 1._o they_o believe_v these_o alike_o precious_a principle_n faith_n that_o work_v by_o love_n love_n to_o god_n and_o love_n to_o all_o christian_n 6._o gal._n 5._o 6._o love_n be_v the_o very_a natural_a breath_n of_o that_o life_n of_o faith_n 6._o one_o baptism_n one_o open_a profession_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n christian_n make_v to_o salvation_n with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n from_o under_o one_o end_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o other_o general_o seal_v with_o the_o same_o sacramental_a rite_n baptism_n comprehend_v all_o the_o institute_v rite_n of_o christianity_n a_o voice_n of_o confession_n as_o the_o voice_n of_o thunder_n so_o high_a as_o to_o still_o and_o quiet_a all_o the_o small_a murmur_n and_o jar_n of_o division_n rite_n so_o solemn_a and_o great_a as_o to_o make_v void_a and_o vain_a all_o other_o ceremony_n as_o note_n of_o distinction_n 7._o one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o through_z 6._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 6._o all_z in_o you_o all_o to_o we_o christian_n there_o be_v one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o in_o he_o this_o grand_a unite_n principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v more_o near_o condescend_v to_o we_o in_o christianity_n and_o the_o bounty_n of_o the_o creator_n in_o and_o through_o the_o redeemer_n flow_v with_o a_o infinite_a redundancy_n in_o and_o through_o and_o over_o all_o
our_o love_n in_o our_o sympathy_n in_o our_o bowel_n of_o affection_n in_o our_o care_n for_o the_o body_n though_o we_o be_v not_o all_o of_o a_o aspect_n of_o a_o figure_n of_o a_o size_n in_o our_o membership_n yet_o still_o be_v we_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n in_o particular_a and_o be_v so_o we_o be_v the_o israel_n of_o god_n upon_o who_o be_v peace_n and_o mercy_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n and_o if_o we_o ought_v as_o certain_o we_o ought_v so_o to_o pray_v with_o what_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n with_o what_o appearance_n of_o christianity_n can_v we_o move_v against_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o fellow-member_n or_o not_o contribute_v to_o their_o ease_n to_o their_o self-enjoyment_n to_o the_o comfort_n of_o each_o other_o condition_n so_o that_o if_o one_o member_n be_v honour_v all_o the_o member_n may_v rejoice_v with_o it_o if_o one_o member_n suffer_v all_o the_o member_n may_v suffer_v with_o it_o and_o send_v in_o to_o its_o relief_n and_o support_n our_o defect_n herein_o disturb_v the_o peace_n not_o minister_a to_o the_o merciful_a support_n of_o one_o another_o will_v be_v find_v another_o sort_n of_o schism_n but_o of_o far_o deep_a gild_n than_o that_o so_o much_o cry_v out_o of_o not_o conform_v to_o one_o another_o indifferent_n but_o above_o all_o the_o raven_a of_o the_o evening_n wolf_n the_o roar_n of_o the_o lion_n the_o poison_n and_o venom_n of_o the_o asp_n and_o cokatrice_n '_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o our_o mountain_n if_o we_o will_v have_v it_o account_v the_o holy_a mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o on_o all_o side_n we_o shall_v open_v the_o door_n and_o sluice_n that_o the_o stream_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n may_v run_v every_o way_n till_o it_o cover_v our_o land_n as_o the_o water_n do_v the_o sea_n the_o end_n true_a religion_n the_o interest_n of_o nation_n or_o national_a religion_n demonstrate_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o nation_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 79._o 6._o &_o jer._n 10._o 25._o pour_v out_o thy_o wrath_n fury_n upon_o the_o heathen_a nation_n that_o have_v not_o know_v thou_o and_o upon_o the_o kingdom_n family_n that_o have_v not_o call_v on_o thy_o name_n this_o prayer_n double_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o weight_n of_o it_o the_o safety_n to_o man_n it_o shall_v be_v well_o know_v and_o the_o certainty_n of_o its_o effect_n contain_v a_o strong_a assertion_n of_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o 32._o phil._n 3._o 2._o gen._n 41._o 32._o and_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o nation_n to_o national_a true_a religion_n for_o see_v according_a to_o a_o grand_a rule_n in_o god_n administration_n of_o the_o world_n nation_n that_o have_v no_o national_a religion_n and_o who_o nationalness_n therefore_o become_v heathenism_n and_o be_v so_o brand_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o so_o nation_n in_o scripture_n very_o often_o signify_v heathen_a that_o be_v nation_n without_o true_a religion_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o wrath_n and_o fury_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o it_o do_v not_o only_o follow_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o contrary_n that_o national_a true_a religion_n or_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n have_v a_o strong_a order_n to_o and_o connexion_n with_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o as_o the_o positive_a proposition_n be_v the_o prime_n and_o original_n and_o give_v ground_n to_o and_o contain_v within_o itself_o the_o privative_a so_o do_v this_o proposition_n that_o god_n anger_n and_o fury_n be_v at_o all_o time_n ready_a against_o those_o that_o do_v not_o know_v he_o that_o do_v not_o call_v upon_o he_o as_o join_v in_o a_o national_a body_n or_o society_n be_v the_o privative_a owe_v itself_o to_o the_o other_o be_v the_o positive_a as_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o make_v out_o in_o the_o argue_v this_o point_n at_o the_o present_a it_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o observe_v that_o these_o two_o holy_a man_n the_o composer_n of_o this_o psalm_n and_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n except_o as_o some_o think_v they_o be_v both_o one_o desire_v the_o destruction_n of_o those_o heathen_a enemy_n under_o who_o oppression_n their_o own_o people_n which_o at_o that_o time_n comprehend_v the_o church_n of_o god_n then_o groan_v and_o pray_v in_o spirit_n for_o it_o rely_v and_o rest_v the_o whole_a weight_n of_o their_o prayer_n upon_o this_o principle_n of_o great_a truth_n and_o consequence_n in_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o as_o family_n as_o nation_n as_o kingdom_n for_o so_o all_o community_n be_v comprehend_v they_o do_v not_o know_v nor_o call_v upon_o god_n that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o therefore_o be_v most_o just_o subject_a to_o his_o fierce_a displeasure_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v couch_v under_o this_o though_o indeed_o before_o it_o that_o the_o people_n that_o do_v know_v and_o call_v upon_o the_o true_a god_n have_v a_o title_n to_o his_o savour_n and_o vindication_n of_o they_o in_o all_o their_o distress_n while_o they_o be_v consider_v as_o so_o know_v and_o call_v upon_o he_o and_o not_o contradict_v it_o by_o their_o action_n the_o context_n therefore_o go_v on_o argue_v with_o god_n on_o this_o point_n they_o have_v devour_v jacob_n in_o who_o quarrel_n and_o rescue_n god_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v and_o see_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n and_o his_o wrath_n burn_v to_o the_o low_a hell_n both_o his_o wrath_n and_o his_o favour_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o their_o extent_n even_o to_o everlasting_a age_n all_o which_o will_v ground_v the_o proposition_n which_o i_o main_o intend_v in_o this_o discourse_n that_o national_a true_a religion_n be_v the_o great_a security_n strength_n and_o defence_n of_o a_o nation_n against_o the_o divine_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n and_o give_v the_o sure_a claim_n to_o his_o favour_n blessing_n and_o protection_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v because_o it_o be_v a_o observation_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v most_o close_o unite_v in_o and_o pursue_v to_o the_o utmost_a by_o all_o wise_a nation_n and_o by_o all_o the_o several_a part_n and_o member_n of_o a_o nation_n for_o it_o be_v their_o first_o and_o high_a 15._o psal_n 33._o i2_n &_o 144._o 15._o interest_n blessed_n be_v the_o nâ—tion_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n yea_o happy_a be_v the_o people_n who_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n who_o have_v jehovah_n thus_o for_o their_o god_n and_o this_o very_a consideration_n shall_v reconcile_v all_o difference_n in_o national_a religion_n that_o can_v be_v compose_v without_o loss_n of_o that_o truth_n and_o corruption_n of_o those_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o give_v denomination_n to_o true_a national_a religion_n this_o shall_v incline_v those_o that_o be_v above_o to_o the_o great_a condescension_n and_o those_o that_o be_v beneath_o to_o the_o most_o free_a compliance_n possible_a if_o they_o value_v religion_n and_o love_v their_o nation_n that_o at_o least_o there_o may_v be_v union_n in_o national_a religion_n if_o there_o can_v be_v perfect_a uniformity_n for_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o upon_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o this_o point_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o national_a religion_n suppose_v it_o always_o the_o true_a be_v the_o happy_a model_n of_o union_n in_o religion_n of_o any_o upon_o earth_n and_o most_o please_a to_o god_n except_o that_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o union_n be_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o truth_n worship_n and_o practice_v but_o come_v under_o no_o other_o form_n or_o model_n proper_o take_v but_o except_o this_o there_o be_v none_o so_o perfect_a to_o the_o end_n and_o glory_n of_o religion_n so_o adequate_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o publickness_n of_o religion_n so_o encourage_v and_o advantageous_a to_o the_o practice_n so_o reconcileable_a with_o the_o peace_n of_o religion_n and_o nation_n so_o preventive_a of_o the_o endless_a division_n and_o subdivision_n humane_a nature_n be_v apt_a to_o fall_v into_o when_o it_o yield_v up_o itself_o to_o a_o scrupulosity_n and_o disputatiousness_n about_o external_n and_o form_n in_o religion_n i_o say_v again_o i_o be_o persuade_v no_o man_n can_v serve_v god_n with_o great_a acceptableness_n nor_o be_v religious_a to_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o religion_n than_o by_o join_v with_o the_o nation_n or_o supreme_a civil_a incorporation_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n so_o far_o as_o he_o can_v be_v permit_v to_o do_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n i_o say_v as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v upon_o these_o account_n if_o not_o throughout_o and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v great_a and_o valuable_a proof_n from_o
it_o become_v one_o great_a family_n i_o know_v there_o may_v be_v some_o exception_n from_o this_o description_n of_o a_o nation_n which_o will_v have_v their_o force_n upon_o national_a religion_n also_o as_o it_o result_v from_o it_o for_o sometime_o one_o monarchy_n do_v as_o it_o be_v stride_v over_o more_o nation_n sometime_o one_o city_n or_o free_a town_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o one_o government_n one_o civil_a interest_n independent_a in_o its_o government_n in_o its_o proper_a interest_n upon_o any_o other_o now_o in_o such_o a_o monarchy_n as_o contain_v several_a people_n and_o nation_n under_o it_o it_o do_v not_o proper_o give_v name_n to_o a_o national_a religion_n while_o their_o interest_n law_n conversation_n and_o civil_a commerce_n be_v preserve_v and_o keep_v distinct_a as_o these_o be_v often_o allow_v to_o be_v under_o some_o conquer_a potentacy_n on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o a_o narrow_a compass_n of_o people_n than_o we_o proper_o call_v a_o nation_n viz._n a_o region_n a_o province_n a_o city_n have_v its_o interest_n its_o law_n its_o government_n conversation_n and_o commerce_n entire_a to_o itself_o it_o be_v as_o to_o the_o purpose_n we_o be_v now_o upon_o as_o it_o be_v a_o nation_n the_o sum_n than_o be_v this_o so_o far_o as_o humane_a society_n have_v draw_v any_o people_n or_o family_n into_o a_o close_a and_o more_o compact_a state_n of_o civil_a interest_n necessitude_n one_o to_o another_o and_o government_n run_v up_o to_o the_o high_a point_n of_o government_n in_o that_o compact_a state_n so_o far_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o union_n in_o public_a religion_n draw_v upon_o they_o where_o these_o be_v free_a that_o attendance_n to_o union_n in_o religion_n be_v free_a also_o any_o further_a than_o the_o common_a truth_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o bound_v even_o those_o at_o great_a distance_n and_o union_n one_o with_o another_o for_o thus_o religion_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o unite_v all_o the_o true_a professor_n of_o it_o at_o what_o remove_n soever_o from_o one_o another_o it_o may_v and_o ought_v also_o to_o pass_v upon_o whatever_o bond_n of_o union_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o union_n as_o law_n commerce_n conversation_n common_a safety_n run_v all_o up_o to_o the_o supreme_a government_n over_o that_o conjunction_n to_o graft_v religion_n upon_o all_o else_o be_v but_o consent_n in_o the_o same_o unity_n of_o one_o god_n one_o lord_n one_o spirit_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n which_o make_v the_o catholic_n church_n one_o body_n and_o join_v with_o one_o another_o presential_o in_o the_o same_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n when_o a_o concurrence_n of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a happen_v to_o fall_v out_o as_o can_v be_v suppose_v frequent_a in_o part_n remote_a one_o from_o another_o and_o of_o a_o divers_a lip_n or_o language_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v indeed_o unite_a as_o humane_a nature_n be_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o true_a reason_n and_o thereupon_o a_o readiness_n of_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n to_o correspond_v one_o with_o another_o at_o a_o distance_n or_o confer_v one_o with_o another_o if_o at_o any_o time_n suitable_a concurrence_n favour_v it_o or_o as_o the_o world_n much_o more_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v a_o temple_n build_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n wherein_o all_o good_a man_n meet_v from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o heaven_n to_o the_o other_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o worship_n and_o if_o opportunity_n allow_v in_o the_o same_o actual_a worship_n the_o near_a therefore_o any_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v by_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o nation_n by_o the_o frequency_n of_o traffic_n the_o neareâ—_n the_o more_o frequent_a the_o correspondency_n be_v the_o mutual_a assistance_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o now_o in_o the_o dependency_n and_o interweaving_n of_o all_o civil_a interest_n in_o nation_n there_o be_v not_o only_o those_o voluntary_a and_o contingent_a correspondency_n but_o such_o as_o first_o grow_v out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o bind_v of_o themselves_o to_o common_a true_a religion_n and_o then_o have_v the_o favour_n encouragement_n direction_n obligation_n of_o law_n and_o authority_n run_v like_o the_o same_o spirit_n into_o all_o the_o several_a part_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o recommend_v that_o national_a true_a religion_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o this_o union_n that_o be_v first_o command_v by_o god_n beside_o much_o more_o free_a ordinary_a actual_a meeting_n in_o one_o and_o the_o very_a same_o place_n and_o act_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n allow_v our_o worldly_a calling_n and_o the_o provision_n of_o the_o present_a life_n and_o relation_n and_o therefore_o a_o neighbourhood_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o more_o populous_a of_o city_n or_o town_n or_o the_o more_o infrequent_a of_o village_n have_v the_o conveniency_n of_o more_o solemn_a and_o state_v meeting_n the_o ordinary_a fit_a season_n of_o the_o lordsday_n and_o other_o solemn_a time_n of_o worship_n thereupon_o national_a religion_n be_v general_o exercise_v in_o these_o lesser_a society_n even_o as_o the_o justice_n and_o execution_n of_o law_n and_o national_a authority_n must_v be_v bring_v home_o to_o man_n in_o their_o particular_a country_n and_o town_n and_o not_o rest_n in_o the_o capital_a city_n at_o a_o distance_n from_o their_o daily_a business_n and_o conversation_n and_o yet_o the_o standard_n of_o all_o thing_n national_a be_v general_o preserve_v there_o for_o the_o very_a sake_n of_o union_n even_o so_o of_o national_a religion_n not_o as_o religion_n for_o the_o standard_n of_o that_o be_v scripture_n only_o but_o as_o national_a so_o the_o agreement_n in_o it_o be_v deposit_v with_o all_o other_o national_a acts._n so_o that_o national_a religion_n have_v the_o advantage_n in_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o naturalness_n and_o closeness_n of_o the_o union_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o all_o the_o interest_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o therein_o it_o imitate_v the_o nearness_n and_o closeness_n of_o family_n or_o lesser_a incorporation_n as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o second_o thing_n viz_o the_o illustriousness_n magnificence_n honourableness_n of_o religion_n as_o seat_v in_o large_a body_n but_o especial_o as_o upon_o the_o sovereignty_n and_n supremacy_n of_o the_o great_a incorporation_n of_o mankind_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v further_a that_o all_o this_o do_v most_o effectual_o exclude_v the_o pretence_n of_o a_o universal_a church-monarchy_n as_o hateful_a in_o religion_n as_o a_o universal_a state-monarchy_n in_o politic_n and_o civil_a liberty_n both_o of_o which_o be_v indeed_o tyranny_n the_o imaginary_a benefit_n of_o such_o sort_n of_o union_n be_v infinite_o toilsome_a and_o tedious_a while_o they_o be_v expect_v and_o always_o in_o the_o issue_n find_v impossible_a to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o their_o fruit_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n while_o the_o pretender_n be_v labour_v for_o and_o grasp_a at_o so_o vast_a a_o power_n they_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o the_o lamentable_a effect_n of_o their_o ambition_n and_o do_v indeed_o destroy_v humane_a society_n because_o those_o law_n and_o band_n that_o tie_v it_o together_o be_v so_o overstrained_a fly_v in_o piece_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o christianity_n than_o a_o universal_a head_n of_o religion_n here_o upon_o earth_n except_o christ_n himself_o with_o a_o ubiquity_n of_o holiness_n power_n and_o influence_n come_v down_o to_o reign_v upon_o it_o a_o universal_a union_n be_v indeed_o desirable_a and_o glorious_a if_o there_o be_v a_o omnipresence_n of_o virtue_n answerable_a to_o the_o administration_n but_o that_o be_v too_o great_a for_o any_o creature_n too_o great_a in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n religion_n and_o christian_a religion_n glide_v along_o with_o the_o civil_a union_n they_o find_v prepare_v as_o i_o shall_v present_o evince_v beyond_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o usurpation_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o argument_n from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o national_a religion_n not_o afford_v to_o any_o other_o figure_n of_o union_n in_o it_o the_o first_o argument_n shall_v be_v that_o i_o derive_v from_o this_o prayer_n i_o argum._n 2_o have_v choose_v to_o discourse_v this_o point_n upon_o and_o i_o lay_v it_o thus_o the_o prayer_n in_o which_o holy_a man_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rest_n upon_o some_o great_a pillar_n and_o principle_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o argument_n for_o particular_a case_n in_o which_o they_o pray_v be_v bring_v to_o those_o general_a principle_n by_o a_o understanding_n enlighten_v to_o understand_v in_o a_o humble_a sense_n even_o as_o god_n understand_v
then_o call_v out_o of_o every_o nation_n convert_v into_o particular_a society_n and_o congregation_n i_o shall_v make_v a_o essay_n to_o level_v the_o line_n of_o they_o to_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n as_o they_o be_v unite_v into_o such_o conspicuous_a and_o illustrious_a body_n of_o mankind_n with_o their_o principality_n so_o form_v so_o compact_v and_o not_o only_o a_o diffuse_v catholic_n church_n or_o small_a and_o invisible_a congregational_a church_n 1._o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n can_v no_o way_n attain_v that_o greatness_n which_o it_o be_v prophesy_v and_o foretell_v it_o shall_v attain_v if_o it_o do_v not_o allow_v nation_n as_o nation_n to_o associate_v themselves_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o if_o it_o only_o give_v right_o to_o private_a and_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n and_o a_o diffusive_a church_n that_o can_v no_o way_n congregate_v which_o though_o great_a in_o its_o spiritual_a union_n yet_o arise_v to_o no_o visible_a greatness_n but_o as_o it_o move_v into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n congregate_n itself_o according_a to_o any_o of_o the_o law_n or_o advantage_n of_o humane_a society_n it_o fall_v into_o and_o find_v prepare_v for_o it_o the_o messiah_n then_o can_v never_o as_o be_v prophesy_v of_o he_o have_v his_o portion_n divide_v he_o with_o the_o great_a nor_o divide_v the_o spoil_n with_o the_o strong_a but_o must_v rest_v in_o a_o very_a low_a and_o under-condition_n of_o small_a private_a and_o particular_a assembly_n of_o his_o servant_n profess_v he_o but_o a_o national_a christian_n religion_n a_o religion_n as_o famous_a as_o the_o name_n of_o the_o most_o populous_a city_n and_o the_o great_a prince_n and_o their_o territory_n in_o honour_n to_o the_o lord_n anoint_v must_v not_o be_v allow_v no_o not_o according_o to_o his_o own_o designation_n for_o though_o the_o eminency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o appearance_n of_o god_n with_o it_o do_v infinite_o surmount_v all_o create_a greatness_n yet_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n compare_v the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o prince_n over_o nation_n with_o other_o sovereignty_n and_o prefer_v he_o not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o heavenliness_n and_o eternity_n of_o it_o but_o as_o it_o obtain_v a_o interest_n and_o command_n in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v a_o government_n over_o nation_n as_o nation_n over_o the_o law_n and_o principality_n of_o nation_n and_o not_o of_o one_o only_a but_o many_o nation_n not_o indeed_o in_o the_o way_n of_o worldly_a power_n but_o divine_a persuasion_n evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n virtue_n of_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n be_v the_o sceptre_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o weapon_n of_o this_o power_n and_o this_o mountain_n shall_v grow_v great_a and_o great_a till_o all_o the_o prophecy_n be_v exact_o fulfil_v in_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o low_a subjection_n of_o all_o kingdom_n to_o he_o the_o great_a mountain_n disappear_v and_o become_v nothing_o before_o he_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o nation_n be_v come_v into_o he_o thus_o it_o be_v a_o mountain_n set_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n not_o only_o in_o the_o eminency_n of_o its_o doctrine_n but_o the_o profess_a subjection_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v mountain_n to_o it_o for_o his_o truth_n meekness_n and_o righteousness_n sake_n but_o if_o nation_n receive_v and_o flow_v into_o christianity_n sink_v it_o present_o into_o particular_a private_a assembly_n as_o it_o be_v while_n under_o persecution_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o no_o more_o public_a honour_n than_o at_o such_o time_n the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n shall_v not_o be_v above_o the_o hill_n but_o shade_v by_o they_o and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o christianity_n itself_o for_o the_o supremacy_n stand_v aloft_o but_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n retire_v into_o privacy_n yea_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n which_o after_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n be_v only_o in_o christ_n must_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v exalt_v as_o be_v everywhere_o signify_v that_o it_o must_v be_v abate_v and_o bring_v low_o by_o the_o depression_n and_o fall_v down_o of_o the_o mosaic_a frame_n for_o than_o it_o be_v settle_v upon_o one_o of_o the_o principality_n of_o the_o world_n and_o though_o it_o be_v now_o more_o diffuse_v yet_o if_o it_o not_o only_o be_v not_o but_o aught_o upon_o its_o own_o principle_n to_o be_v establish_v in_o and_o upon_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o a_o nation_n it_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v have_v such_o a_o eminency_n as_o among_o the_o jew_n when_o it_o have_v the_o awfulness_n and_o majestickness_n of_o a_o kingdom_n devote_v to_o that_o true_a worship_n make_v it_o thereby_o of_o much_o great_a notice_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o religion_n may_v be_v national_a even_o as_o nation_n themselves_o be_v unite_v in_o a_o way_n of_o order_n so_o must_v national_a religion_n also_o be_v by_o order_n compose_v into_o its_o nationalness_n and_o this_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o right_a reason_n but_o let_v this_o be_v no_o pretence_n to_o that_o tyranny_n in_o christian_a religion_n that_o great_a usurpation_n of_o popery_n for_o it_o be_v a_o sacrilegious_a displace_v the_o honour_n from_o christ_n upon_o oftentimes_o a_o most_o unworthy_a mortal_n those_o prince_n than_o that_o be_v minores_fw-la coronae_fw-la that_o lessen_v themselves_o by_o give_v their_o kingdom_n and_o power_n to_o the_o beast_n must_v needs_o diminish_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o profession_n of_o christianity_n see_v they_o have_v so_o far_o strip_v themselves_o of_o their_o principality_n that_o they_o have_v they_o not_o to_o dedicate_v to_o christ_n the_o retain_v their_o honour_n unvouch_v unviolate_a by_o any_o creature_n and_o present_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n a_o supremacy_n unprostitute_v be_v the_o true_a glory_n do_v by_o christian_a prince_n to_o christianity_n 2._o if_o there_o be_v not_o the_o liberty_n allow_v to_o nation_n to_o espouse_v christianity_n to_o their_o government_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o honour_n to_o themselves_o of_o be_v religious_a and_o christian_n as_o nation_n the_o condition_n of_o nation_n be_v worse_a than_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n for_o now_o people_n as_o in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o nation_n may_v not_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o have_v the_o lord_n for_o their_o god_n they_o may_v not_o crown_v themselves_o with_o the_o chief_a glory_n of_o nation_n viz._n true_a religion_n moses_n we_o know_v often_o magnify_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o themselves_o in_o this_o particular_a viz._n the_o excellency_n of_o their_o religion_n he_o use_v it_o as_o a_o great_a argument_n that_o god_n love_v the_o nation_n he_o tell_v they_o it_o be_v their_o wisdom_n and_o honour_n before_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o who_o have_v reason_n to_o defer_v to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o wise_a nation_n a_o understand_a people_n that_o have_v such_o etc._n deut._n 4._o 8_o etc._n etc._n statute_n and_o judgement_n now_o see_v christian_a religion_n have_v the_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o wisdom_n truth_n and_o goodness_n not_o only_o so_o superior_a to_o all_o the_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n as_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n but_o much_o superior_a to_o that_o under_o administration_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n itself_o among_o the_o jew_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o nation_n to_o enfranchise_v it_o as_o the_o public_a national_a religion_n by_o the_o same_o authority_n whereby_o they_o make_v valid_a any_o other_o law_n or_o act_n so_o as_o to_o become_v the_o act_n of_o the_o public_a and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v those_o many_o expression_n of_o ephes_n 6._o eph._n 2._o 14._o c._n 3._o 6._o 2._o 14._o c._n 3._o 6._o break_v down_o the_o partition_n wall_n and_o admit_v all_o nation_n to_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o body_n together_o be_v intend_v not_o only_o to_o signify_v that_o they_o may_v unite_v in_o lesser_a congregation_n but_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o national_a association_n else_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v into_o the_o same_o freedom_n and_o immunity_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v nor_o can_v egypt_n and_o assyria_n be_v so_o equal_a with_o israel_n that_o israel_n shall_v be_v but_o a_o three_o with_o they_o who_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n shall_v bless_v all_o alike_o with_o no_o more_o variation_n than_o egypt_n my_o people_n assyria_n the_o work_n of_o my_o hand_n and_o israel_n my_o inheritance_n isa_n 19_o we_o may_v find_v christianity_n intend_v to_o embrace_v all_o
themselves_o as_o well_o as_o person_n wherein_o religion_n have_v prevail_v to_o such_o degree_n as_o to_o be_v call_v national_a be_v conserve_v in_o those_o that_o be_v save_v even_o as_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o angelic_a nature_n be_v conserve_v in_o the_o holy_a and_o elect_a angel_n as_o the_o humane_a nature_n in_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a of_o they_o that_o be_v save_v in_o all_o nation_n as_o in_o isaac_n the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n be_v call_v as_o in_o isaac_n child_n the_o child_n of_o promise_n be_v count_v for_o the_o seed_n thus_o the_o honour_n of_o particular_a etc._n rom._n 9_o 7_o etc._n etc._n nation_n be_v treasure_v up_o in_o the_o elect_a of_o it_o so_o that_o if_o we_o suppose_v a_o nation_n without_o convert_v it_o be_v lose_v as_o to_o happiness_n or_o as_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v as_o the_o tribe_n of_o dan_n have_v no_o name_n among_o those_o etc._n rev._n 7._o 5_o etc._n etc._n seal_a tribe_n to_o which_o we_o have_v relation_n before_o and_o as_o the_o order_n of_o each_o tribe_n be_v dispose_v according_a to_o the_o happy_a memory_n of_o the_o worthy_n of_o every_o tribe_n and_o their_o more_o noble_a act_n in_o or_o for_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o be_v observe_v by_o interpreter_n and_o as_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o glory_n to_o every_o christian_a according_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o service_n that_o abound_v to_o his_o account_n so_o the_o case_n be_v with_o nation_n and_o generation_n the_o more_o and_o more_o eminent_a man_n any_o have_v bring_v forth_o the_o more_o it_o shall_v be_v adorn_v at_o that_o day_n it_o become_v a_o diadem_n and_o crown_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o be_v as_o the_o 5._o isa_n 62._o 3._o 5._o prophet_n express_v it_o as_o a_o bride_n marry_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o her_o son_n so_o that_o the_o last_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o nation_n be_v very_o great_o concern_v in_o their_o common_a faith_n and_o religion_n and_o the_o near_a participation_n they_o have_v be_v capable_a of_o in_o one_o another_o holiness_n and_o piety_n and_o therefore_o the_o more_o they_o can_v do_v to_o enlarge_v and_o increase_v it_o the_o more_o they_o add_v to_o the_o common_a glory_n and_o salvation_n and_o do_v most_o ensure_v their_o own_o on_o the_o other_o side_n although_o there_o be_v a_o lessen_v of_o honour_n to_o a_o nation_n by_o the_o fewness_n of_o those_o that_o be_v save_v and_o in_o the_o many_o of_o those_o that_o perish_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o that_o the_o glory_n be_v counterbalanced_a by_o the_o disadvantage_n for_o there_o be_v a_o much_o high_a account_n of_o glory_n to_o the_o goodness_n grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o excellent_a state_n of_o god_n creation_n in_o the_o elect_a angel_n and_o the_o recover_a part_n of_o mankind_n in_o that_o new_a heaven_n and_o new_a earth_n wherein_o dwell_v righteousness_n than_o there_o be_v depression_n of_o that_o glory_n in_o those_o that_o perish_v and_o their_o contrary_a state_n so_o the_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o angelic_a and_o humane_a nature_n itself_o and_o so_o of_o nation_n be_v more_o conserve_v in_o those_o that_o be_v save_v of_o they_o than_o in_o those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v for_o there_o be_v a_o much_o more_o a_o much_o high_a reign_n of_o righteousness_n and_o life_n assert_v by_o the_o apostle_n than_o of_o 17._o rom._n 5._o 17._o sin_n and_o death_n although_o scripture_n and_o general_a observation_n give_v reason_n to_o fear_v there_o be_v more_o that_o perish_v than_o that_o be_v save_v and_o however_o we_o can_v unfold_v the_o mystery_n of_o it_o this_o then_o stand_v as_o a_o impregnable_a argument_n for_o national_a religion_n if_o it_o conduce_v so_o much_o to_o the_o future_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o â—_z and_o so_o to_o the_o more_o exalt_a glory_n and_o salvation_n of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v zealous_a herein_o and_o both_o these_o in_o a_o more_o national_a visible_a way_n than_o thing_n be_v transact_v before_o our_o eye_n in_o this_o world_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o such_o future_a state_n whether_o at_o the_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n or_o throughout_o eternity_n we_o can_v define_v yet_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v can_v be_v deny_v when_o so_o much_o of_o scripture_n so_o much_o of_o reason_n concur_v in_o it_o and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o irreligion_n of_o nation_n towards_o the_o true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v shall_v be_v revenge_v by_o the_o most_o sensible_a apparent_a infamy_n contempt_n and_o wrath_n from_o heaven_n in_o which_o those_o that_o have_v have_v the_o most_o malignant_a influence_n into_o such_o irreligion_n shall_v have_v a_o double_a measure_n and_o all_o this_o in_o a_o national_a way_n i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v persuade_v more_o to_o national_a religion_n than_o so_o great_a a_o consideration_n and_o so_o i_o finish_v this_o four_o argument_n the_o five_o argument_n for_o national_a religion_n shall_v be_v only_o a_o complication_n argum._n 5_o of_o consequential_a benefit_n flow_v from_o true_a national_a religion_n unite_v in_o which_o may_v indeed_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o persuade_v union_n in_o religion_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a yet_o they_o be_v only_o applicable_a upon_o true_a reason_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n 1._o national_a religion_n contribute_v to_o the_o most_o happy_a state_n peace_n and_o union_n of_o nation_n jâ—rusalem_n by_o virtue_n of_o its_o national_a religion_n as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v be_v as_o a_o city_n compact_v together_o now_o that_o which_o have_v a_o fitness_n and_o aptitude_n by_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n to_o strengthen_v and_o corroborate_v a_o nation_n may_v very_o just_o be_v choose_v by_o it_o for_o its_o own_o conservation_n and_o happiness_n upon_o that_o very_a account_n but_o especial_o when_o it_o be_v subordinate_v to_o better_a reason_n too_o and_o of_o a_o much_o high_a nature_n every_o one_o therefore_o shall_v give_v the_o advantage_n to_o national_a peace_n by_o consent_v in_o national_a religion_n so_o that_o we_o lose_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o national_a peace_n which_o may_v be_v suppose_v too_o to_o rise_v from_o a_o national_a religion_n though_o false_a but_o national_a true_a religion_n be_v a_o mean_v fit_v by_o god_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o nation_n and_o such_o a_o mean_n as_o be_v acceptable_a and_o well_o please_v to_o he_o first_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n for_o unity_n in_o religion_n give_v excellency_n to_o religion_n and_o make_v all_o the_o service_n of_o it_o more_o acceptable_a as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v it_o be_v also_o well_o please_v to_o god_n as_o it_o cement_v the_o peace_n of_o nation_n which_o be_v of_o high_a price_n with_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o christ_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n who_o have_v command_v we_o to_o seek_v peace_n and_o pursue_v it_o to_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a to_o live_v in_o peace_n as_o much_o 133_o 1_o thes_n 4._o 11._o rom._n 12._o 18._o prov._n 6._o 19_o mat._n 5._o 1._o psalm_n 133_o as_o lie_v in_o we_o and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a with_o all_o man_n who_o have_v brand_v the_o sow_a discord_n among_o brethren_n as_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a abomination_n to_o he_o but_o have_v bless_v the_o peacemaker_n own_v they_o as_o his_o child_n he_o have_v make_v truth_n and_o peace_n the_o stability_n of_o any_o time_n these_o be_v the_o pillar_n that_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o he_o have_v set_v the_o nation_n he_o love_v upon_o they_o behold_v how_o good_a and_o how_o pleasant_a it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o live_v thus_o together_o in_o unity_n it_o be_v like_o the_o precious_a ointment_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n where_o it_o be_v find_v the_o lord_n have_v command_v the_o blessing_n even_o life_n for_o evermore_o thus_o religion_n by_o be_v national_a be_v free_v from_o the_o charge_n of_o be_v a_o design_n and_o occasion_n of_o disturbance_n thus_o the_o heart_n of_o prince_n safe_o trust_v in_o it_o thus_o it_o become_v the_o very_a ligament_n and_o sinew_n of_o government_n a_o pia_fw-la mater_fw-la to_o the_o sacredness_n of_o authority_n and_o make_v sovereignty_n easy_a and_o sweet_a both_o to_o prince_n and_o people_n what_o but_o truth_n can_v be_v weigh_v against_o this_o peace_n and_o that_o not_o all_o truth_n but_o truth_n dwell_v so_o near_o the_o essence_n of_o religion_n the_o very_a purity_n of_o divine_a worship_n that_o as_o it_o can_v be_v sell_v nor_o part_v with_o so_o it_o may_v not_o be_v conceal_v a_o man_n may_v not_o have_v it_o to_o himself_o
of_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o come_v more_o particular_o to_o give_v answer_n 1._o many_o of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v name_v as_o find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o national_a church_n be_v not_o yet_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o church_n as_o national_a in_o general_a but_o of_o that_o particular_a national_a church_n and_o typical_a of_o thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o exposition_n of_o they_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o more_o particular_o that_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o temple_n the_o high_a priest_n the_o holy_a of_o holies_n the_o altar_n the_o sacrifice_n the_o solemn_a feast_n with_o such_o like_a serve_v only_o as_o shadow_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o the_o want_n of_o they_o argue_v nothing_o against_o national_a religion_n 2._o those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o typical_a or_o who_o main_a and_o sole_a intention_n be_v not_o to_o adorn_v and_o complete_a that_o whole_a frame_n but_o rest_v upon_o universal_a principle_n of_o reason_n truth_n and_o duty_n can_v never_o be_v abrogate_a but_o be_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v national_a hope_v in_o god_n and_o be_v oblige_v in_o our_o duty_n even_o as_o they_o be_v thus_o the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n and_o people_n towards_o true_a religion_n of_o public_a instruction_n of_o public_a minister_n of_o religion_n of_o care_n for_o place_n of_o meeting_n for_o divine_a worship_n throughout_o a_o nation_n continue_v still_o and_o need_v no_o new_a command_n in_o the_o gospel_n 3._o as_o to_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o church_n by_o draw_v christian_n into_o particular_a private_a society_n it_o amount_v but_o to_o thus_o much_o that_o christ_n the_o lord_n of_o tâ—e_v church_n do_v not_o find_v his_o church_n universal_a as_o necessary_o diffuse_v itself_o into_o nation_n nor_o can_v it_o in_o reason_n be_v so_o for_o see_v it_o be_v in_o divine_a providence_n for_o great_a and_o weighty_a reason_n of_o which_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a now_o to_o speak_v intend_a and_o order_v that_o hundred_o of_o year_n shall_v pass_v over_o christianity_n ere_o it_o have_v the_o favour_n and_o protection_n of_o supreme_a christian_a magistrate_n there_o must_v have_v be_v for_o that_o space_n no_o religion_n or_o church_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o form_n but_o national_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n therefore_o though_o it_o be_v in_o those_o day_n within_o nation_n city_n town_n and_o village_n yet_o of_o low_a stature_n in_o comparison_n of_o national_a religion_n till_o the_o reign_n of_o christian_a emperor_n considerable_a indeed_o in_o itself_o and_o its_o diffusion_n through_o so_o much_o of_o the_o world_n but_o not_o acknowledge_v by_o law_n or_o government_n till_o long_o after_o its_o first_o entrance_n and_o at_o all_o time_n upon_o the_o change_n of_o a_o christian_a magistracy_n into_o a_o pagan_a a_o apostate_n a_o heretical_a or_o idolatrous_a succession_n or_o the_o complex_fw-la of_o all_o antichristianism_n which_o early_o invade_v the_o church_n and_o even_o cover_v and_o obscure_v it_o in_o succession_n of_o time_n the_o church_n of_o necessity_n must_v fall_v back_o into_o such_o a_o low_a state_n and_o subsist_v upon_o its_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o its_o own_o prudential_a accommodation_n to_o the_o state_n of_o time_n without_o the_o magistrate_n care_v and_o protection_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o take_v care_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v of_o absolute_a divine_a institution_n which_o be_v found_v in_o that_o promise_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o to_o which_o belong_v primary_o all_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a expression_n of_o scripture_n to_o which_o be_v give_v original_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n to_o propagate_v promote_v build_v up_o and_o strengthen_v it_o and_o shall_v by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n ascension_n far_o above_o all_o heaven_n be_v certain_o continue_v to_o it_o till_o we_o all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n to_o the_o full_a measure_n and_o stature_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o member_n all_o other_o society_n of_o christian_n be_v but_o little_a image_n and_o representation_n of_o this_o in_o these_o its_o excellency_n and_o the_o more_o they_o participate_v of_o it_o the_o more_o true_o be_v they_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o because_o this_o be_v too_o diffuse_v for_o one_o model_n for_o one_o frame_n to_o comprehend_v there_o be_v therefore_o allowance_n give_v by_o christ_n for_o lesser_a association_n of_o this_o catholic_n church_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o because_o of_o the_o discountenance_n of_o nation_n and_o worldly_a power_n at_o first_o and_o since_o upon_o true_a christianity_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o matth._n 15._o 18_o etc._n etc._n express_o fix_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o divine_a presence_n in_o the_o small_a part_n of_o this_o church_n where_o but_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n he_o have_v assure_v he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v hence_o evident_a the_o whole_a neighbour_a discourse_n centre_n in_o the_o least_o assembly_n agree_v in_o christian_a religion_n for_o though_o it_o suppose_v first_o a_o great_a number_n the_o church_n and_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n be_v contradistinguish_v yet_o as_o it_o be_v in_o prospect_n of_o the_o great_a fewness_n upon_o some_o exigency_n of_o christian_n practise_v the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n together_o it_o bring_v down_o the_o promise_n of_o audience_n in_o their_o appeal_n to_o heaven_n and_o presence_n with_o their_o whole_a worship_n and_o service_n to_o the_o small_a number_n not_o by_o way_n of_o limitation_n to_o but_o encouragement_n of_o so_o small_a a_o number_n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a the_o very_a same_o declaration_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o soever_o sin_n you_o remit_v or_o bind_v by_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v stand_v good_a in_o heaven_n the_o very_a same_o be_v say_v here_o to_o the_o small_a society_n of_o christian_n as_o to_o their_o judgement_n and_o determination_n upon_o their_o own_o member_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o offence_n that_o fall_v out_o among_o themselves_o have_v the_o same_o doctrine_n to_o proceed_v he_o commit_v to_o they_o even_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o church_n be_v pillar_n and_o rock_n of_o truth_n even_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a minister_n and_o either_o or_o all_o be_v no_o more_o but_o praecones_fw-la each_o in_o their_o kind_n or_o publisher_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n declare_v in_o his_o word_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n pitch_v upon_o so_o small_a a_o number_n of_o christian_n agree_v be_v certain_o this_o because_o he_o will_v appoint_v no_o other_o form_n to_o his_o church_n than_o such_o as_o can_v live_v as_o can_v subsist_v under_o any_o civil_a government_n whatever_o whether_o friendly_a or_o unfriendly_a to_o it_o he_o give_v it_o no_o other_o shape_n but_o what_o it_o may_v attain_v and_o keep_v under_o any_o state_n of_o civil_a law_n under_o any_o enmity_n it_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v most_o necessary_a because_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o one_o nation_n as_o the_o jewish_a be_v who_o god_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n single_v out_o and_o manage_v to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n by_o a_o mighty_a power_n and_o outstretch_v arm_n and_o conserve_v by_o the_o same_o rule_v it_o with_o a_o immediate_a sensible_a presence_n after_o he_o have_v form_v it_o by_o precise_a law_n and_o settle_v the_o just_a bound_n of_o all_o officer_n in_o their_o office_n and_o appoint_v they_o the_o place_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o whereas_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v indifferent_a to_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n it_o do_v as_o it_o make_v its_o progress_n convert_v certain_a number_n to_o itself_o at_o first_o which_o have_v no_o privilege_n of_o humane_a law_n or_o power_n but_o the_o edge_n of_o all_o turn_v against_o it_o so_o that_o the_o form_n of_o church_n be_v compose_v to_o all_o the_o vicissitude_n of_o providence_n they_o be_v to_o undergo_v and_o that_o in_o all_o reason_n must_v be_v in_o case_n of_o necessity_n the_o very_a lest_o of_o society_n of_o christian_n two_o or_o two_o or_o three_o as_o our_o saviour_n significant_o point_v upon_o small_a society_n for_o such_o be_v most_o fit_v to_o the_o worst_a of_o condition_n that_o can_v befall_v lesser_a and_o single_a body_n move_v every_o way_n
and_o shift_v for_o the_o gain_v opportunity_n for_o the_o assemble_v themselves_o and_o preserve_v their_o relation_n one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o mutual_a duty_n much_o more_o easy_o than_o any_o great_a association_n can_v for_o our_o saviour_n intend_v all_o for_o use_n not_o for_o form_n he_o mind_v not_o nominal_a titular_a bishop_n and_o church_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v plead_v the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o small_a number_n of_o christian_n may_v agree_v and_o associate_v and_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o presence_n but_o now_o that_o this_o appointment_n be_v in_o bar_n of_o great_a society_n of_o christian_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v grant_v for_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a our_o saviour_n design_v all_o thing_n under_o the_o gosplel_n shall_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o thing_n now_o according_a to_o that_o the_o first_o end_n of_o all_o society_n be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o more_o than_o solitude_n this_o desire_n of_o enjoy_v true_a religion_n in_o society_n extend_v itself_o from_o the_o least_o of_o society_n to_o the_o great_a that_o be_v not_o too_o great_a for_o the_o end_n of_o society_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o as_o he_o give_v no_o frame_n of_o positive_a law_n or_o worship_n no_o pedagogy_n of_o precept_n so_o no_o institution_n of_o bound_v church_n but_o that_o in_o case_n of_o strait_n and_o exigency_n his_o true_a religion_n may_v be_v administer_v in_o the_o very_o small_a of_o society_n with_o confidence_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o presence_n when_o it_o have_v freedom_n it_o may_v enlarge_v itself_o further_o and_o further_o and_o if_o it_o have_v favour_n of_o nation_n and_o government_n ascend_v to_o the_o great_a yet_o with_o this_o reserve_n that_o if_o in_o any_o time_n or_o place_n national_a christianity_n vary_v from_o the_o true_a original_a christianity_n as_o often_o it_o have_v be_v sound_a to_o do_v so_o that_o it_o can_v even_o in_o substantial_a thing_n be_v consent_v in_o with_o a_o pure_a conscience_n privater_a congregation_n even_o to_o the_o most_o particular_a be_v always_o ready_a for_o christian_n to_o retire_v into_o for_o so_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n allow_v where_o the_o public_a be_v not_o safe_a and_o yet_o when_o the_o whole_a be_v not_o corrupt_v nor_o liberty_n of_o join_v without_o commixture_n with_o those_o corruption_n deny_v there_o may_v yet_o be_v there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o separation_n thus_o the_o great_a society_n be_v not_o in_o bar_n of_o the_o least_o when_o true_a religion_n require_v they_o thus_o the_o least_o be_v not_o in_o bar_n of_o the_o great_a when_o christianity_n be_v at_o full_a freedom_n for_o it_o be_v close_o ally_v with_o that_o wisdom_n whereby_o king_n ought_v to_o reign_v and_o prince_n to_o decree_v justice_n by_o which_o prince_n 16._o prov._n 8._o 15_o 16._o ought_v to_o rule_v and_o noble_n yea_o all_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o that_o wisdom_n which_o rejoice_v in_o the_o habitable_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v its_o delight_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n i_o have_v therefore_o before_o observe_v that_o christian_a religion_n at_o the_o very_a first_o join_v itself_o as_o near_o as_o it_o can_v to_o all_o humane_a society_n make_v ready_a to_o it_o as_o family_n village_n region_n and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o rage_n of_o persecution_n will_v permit_v christian_a society_n unite_a themselves_o unto_o distant_a and_o national_a correspondency_n among_o themselves_o now_o it_o have_v be_v so_o unhappy_a indeed_o with_o the_o world_n that_o in_o few_o instance_n there_o have_v be_v a_o good_a state_n of_o national_a religion_n to_o yield_v a_o full_a conscientious_a compliance_n with_o yet_o this_o will_v no_o more_o argue_v against_o the_o thing_n itself_o than_o it_o do_v against_o any_o other_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a ordination_n of_o god_n or_o against_o the_o jewish_a church_n so_o immediate_o govern_v by_o god_n and_o yet_o so_o often_o and_o so_o notorious_o corrupt_v in_o judah_n and_o more_o general_o in_o the_o ten_o tribe_n and_o yet_o to_o show_v how_o to_o the_o very_a utmost_a without_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a we_o ought_v to_o join_v with_o any_o that_o be_v good_a in_o a_o nation_n and_o with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a in_o national_a religion_n when_o elijah_n have_v as_o it_o be_v desert_v his_o place_n and_o the_o good_a influence_n his_o be_v in_o public_a may_v have_v have_v and_o that_o god_n find_v he_o alone_o he_o do_v by_o way_n of_o reproof_n ask_v he_o what_o he_o do_v alone_o in_o 9_o 1_o king_n 19_o 9_o the_o wilderness_n and_o inform_v he_o of_o a_o great_a number_n that_o have_v not_o bow_v to_o baal_n than_o he_o know_v of_o with_o who_o he_o may_v join_v himself_o if_o corruption_n will_v argue_v against_o any_o good_a appointment_n or_o ordination_n of_o god_n it_o will_v argue_v against_o church_n of_o the_o very_a first_o form_n or_o constitution_n those_o church_n in_o the_o revelation_n who_o corruption_n be_v severe_o tax_v and_o threaten_v yet_o be_v without_o any_o censure_n as_o to_o their_o constitution_n and_o while_o separation_n from_o those_o church_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o intimate_v yet_o a_o separation_n from_o impurity_n be_v high_o commend_v and_o promise_a reward_n those_o name_n 4._o rev._n 3._o 4._o in_o sardis_n that_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n be_v assure_v they_o shall_v walk_v with_o christ_n in_o white_a for_o he_o judge_v they_o worthy_a from_o whence_o i_o conclude_v no_o form_n of_o church_n can_v recommend_v thing_n disagree_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n how_o true_o form_v soever_o those_o church_n be_v for_o church_n be_v constitute_v for_o join_v in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n not_o in_o those_o that_o be_v not_o and_o yet_o separation_n from_o corruption_n do_v not_o necessitate_v separation_n from_o church_n while_o there_o be_v any_o part_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o worship_n preserve_v pure_a to_o unite_v in_o so_o great_a be_v the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o all_o sincere_o religious_a to_o make_v true_a religion_n as_o public_a as_o they_o can_v in_o the_o several_a society_n that_o be_v find_v to_o engraft_v it_o upon_o now_o that_o every_o society_n that_o be_v the_o feat_n of_o true_a christian_a religion_n be_v in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n a_o church_n i_o allow_v and_o therefore_o will_v brief_o inquire_v into_o the_o scripture-notion_n of_o a_o church_n and_o i_o find_v the_o original_a word_n take_v out_o of_o the_o septuagint_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o translate_v the_o hebrew_n kahal_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o our_o translator_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o general_o render_v congregation_n although_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n what_o be_v in_o the_o quotation_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o render_v church_n so_o that_o from_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v very_o plain_a as_o the_o universal_a or_o national_a assembly_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o church_n as_o by_o st._n stephen_n act_v 7._o 38._o where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n so_o the_o universal_a assembly_n of_o christian_n consider_v as_o in_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v call_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v the_o congregation_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n as_o holy_a record_n be_v the_o scripture_n or_o write_n and_o the_o volume_n of_o scripture_n the_o bible_n or_o book_n as_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o evangil_n or_o gospel_n so_o the_o church_n be_v the_o congregation_n and_o as_o lesser_a congregation_n of_o that_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o do_v not_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a body_n be_v call_v the_o congregation_n or_o church_n even_o so_o lesser_a society_n of_o christian_n be_v call_v the_o congregation_n or_o church_n in_o allusion_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n say_v if_o two_o or_o three_o be_v importance_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o word_n of_o like_a importance_n gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o so_o that_o the_o universal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o christian_n see_v only_o together_o by_o god_n and_o particular_a assembly_n of_o christian_n that_o meet_v together_o under_o each_o other_o eye_n be_v in_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n church_n even_o as_o the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n when_o they_o be_v all_o under_o
public_a too_o as_o it_o may_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n towards_o the_o people_n and_o of_o they_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v so_o over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n which_o consist_v in_o watchng_v for_o their_o soul_n as_o those_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o they_o and_o those_o soul_n therefore_o yield_v obedience_n to_o those_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o administer_a of_o which_o be_v style_v a_o ruling_n all_o these_o require_v a_o particular_a presence_n one_o with_o another_o and_o in_o such_o a_o proportion_n of_o number_n one_o to_o another_o that_o the_o principal_a duty_n may_v not_o be_v defeat_v by_o the_o over-number_n but_o that_o the_o service_n of_o all_o one_o to_o another_o may_v extend_v to_o all_o may_v comprehend_v all_o may_v continual_o pass_v and_o re-pass_a between_o all_o and_o in_o which_o all_o may_v continual_o demonstrate_v their_o consent_n and_o agreement_n but_o yet_o all_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v in_o bar_n of_o a_o national_a religion_n see_v that_o a_o nation_n as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v have_v and_o undeniable_o must_v have_v a_o national_a union_n and_o if_o true_a religion_n be_v fix_v there_o and_o carry_v along_o with_o that_o union_n it_o may_v well_o be_v call_v a_o national_a religion_n at_o least_o and_o without_o any_o injury_n a_o national_a church_n the_o agreement_n in_o the_o one_o carry_v also_o a_o agreement_n in_o the_o other_o make_v it_o so_o and_o as_o in_o such_o a_o national_a union_n though_o the_o standard_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o of_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o law_n judicature_n trade_n business_n militarystrength_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v preserve_v in_o capital_a city_n and_o court_n yet_o by_o the_o care_n of_o government_n they_o be_v all_o in_o due_a proportion_n distribute_v as_o the_o blood_n in_o the_o vein_n by_o fit_a channel_n to_o every_o particular_a as_o it_o be_v in_o circuit_n so_o the_o public_a agreement_n in_o religion_n settle_v the_o religious_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n more_o eminent_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o do_v most_o represent_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a in_o it_o yet_o with_o due_a care_n of_o every_o part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o bring_v it_o home_o particular_o to_o they_o and_o make_v the_o mutual_a intercourse_n in_o it_o free_a and_o open_a to_o all_o person_n in_o all_o place_n where_o they_o have_v occasion_n to_o pass_v up_o and_o down_o and_o maintain_v a_o intercourse_n one_o with_o another_o that_o wherever_o they_o be_v or_o have_v occasion_n to_o be_v they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o freedom_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o national_a religion_n to_o which_o at_o all_o time_n they_o give_v a_o know_v and_o even_o conscious_a vote_n that_o agree_v in_o it_o the_o assembly_n be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o view_n under_o a_o sufficiency_n of_o master_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o nation_n together_o and_o as_o national_a union_n do_v not_o swallow_v up_o lesser_a or_o even_o family_n union_n no_o more_o do_v a_o national_a any_o lesser_a church_n or_o religious_a society_n except_o by_o man_n own_o fault_n and_o wherever_o man_n thus_o unite_v come_v in_o the_o nation_n they_o glad_o lie_v hold_v of_o the_o opportunity_n of_o join_v with_o any_o other_o particular_a assembly_n to_o which_o sameness_n of_o language_n and_o manner_n give_v they_o ready_a admission_n beside_o particular_a knowledge_n and_o that_o national_a religion_n can_v be_v so_o very_o particular_a as_o congregational_a be_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o deny_v national_a and_o rest_v whole_o in_o congregational_a than_o it_o be_v to_o deny_v congregational_a and_o rest_n in_o family_n religion_n or_o to_o deny_v family_n and_o rest_n in_o personal_a religion_n because_o these_o be_v each_o close_a than_o other_o 3._o a_o three_o end_n of_o church_n come_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o more_o particular_o enforce_v national_a religion_n and_o justify_v its_o nationality_n viz._n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o illustrious_a famous_a and_o remarkable_a offer_n of_o religion_n to_o notice_n and_o observation_n for_o the_o draw_v in_o and_o congregate_a other_o to_o it_o thus_o a_o church_n be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n or_o seat_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o magnificent_a house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o what_o more_o advantageous_a to_o this_o end_n than_o a_o nation_n unite_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o we_o know_v have_v great_o the_o odds_o of_o particular_a congregation_n in_o this_o illustriousness_n and_o magnificence_n nor_o do_v this_o run_v out_o yet_o to_o the_o build_n the_o babel_n of_o rome_n that_o will_v mount_v up_o as_o a_o tower_n to_o heaven_n or_o as_o too_o ambitious_a pyramid_n that_o be_v often_o rebuke_v with_o lightning_n from_o heaven_n for_o come_v too_o near_o it_o see_v as_o i_o have_v before_o show_v such_o a_o universality_n enforce_v be_v destructive_a to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o public_a religion_n humane_a society_n be_v so_o bound_v by_o nation_n though_o all_o the_o treaty_n of_o nation_n of_o the_o same_o true_a religion_n may_v be_v manage_v to_o give_v it_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o it_o that_o can_v be_v procurate_v in_o such_o treaty_n so_o much_o then_o as_o national_a exceed_v and_o extend_v itself_o beyond_o any_o narrow_a compass_n and_o yet_o rejoin_v itself_o to_o and_o with_o itself_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o particular_a congregation_n so_o much_o do_v it_o partake_v of_o the_o magnificency_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o publickness_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o yet_o return_v into_o the_o closeness_n of_o particular_a church_n with_o themselves_o and_o be_v the_o just_a point_n betwixt_o the_o tyranny_n ambition_n and_o endlesness_n of_o popish_a universality_n and_o put_v christianity_n under_o a_o bed_n or_o bushel_n national_a religion_n and_o national_a union_n in_o it_o be_v as_o a_o city_n set_v upon_o a_o hill_n that_o can_v be_v hide_v as_o a_o candle_n set_v upon_o so_o exalt_v a_o candlestick_n that_o give_v light_a to_o all_o within_o itself_o and_o about_o it_o even_o as_o far_o as_o the_o fame_n of_o that_o nation_n reach_v the_o church_n much_o more_o as_o rising_z up_o into_o a_o national_a state_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o therefore_o though_o we_o may_v be_v in_o some_o regard_n more_o exact_a in_o the_o most_o private_a we_o go_v out_o of_o our_o personal_a religion_n into_o family_n religion_n out_o of_o our_o family_n religion_n into_o congregational_a and_o as_o the_o christian_n at_o first_o most_o probable_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o humane_a society_n go_v out_o of_o congregation_n into_o consociation_n of_o church_n in_o religion_n so_o we_o out_o of_o all_o these_o where_o national_a union_n in_o true_a religion_n allow_v it_o go_v into_o that_o national_a state_n that_o we_o may_v build_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o high_a in_o so_o sensible_a and_o understand_v a_o consent_n and_o union_n in_o it_o so_o public_a a_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n and_o though_o hereby_o it_o be_v as_o a_o net_n that_o draw_v in_o bad_a as_o well_o as_o good_a even_o visible_o and_o apparent_o yet_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o possible_a care_n against_o it_o in_o particular_a congregation_n though_o still_o national_a when_o we_o further_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n of_o corinth_n the_o state_n of_o the_o apocalyptick_a church_n the_o doubt_n will_v not_o be_v so_o cogent_a as_o to_o move_v national_a religion_n out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n the_o only_a remain_a doubt_n be_v that_o thus_o national_a magistracy_n become_v as_o the_o head_n of_o such_o a_o religion_n the_o national_a religion_n be_v gather_v and_o unite_v in_o the_o magistrate_n and_o his_o law_n and_o that_o which_o shall_v only_o be_v unite_v in_o and_o depend_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n become_v subject_a to_o another_o head_n on_o pretence_n of_o which_o magistrate_n have_v be_v attempt_v on_o too_o with_o force_n to_o bring_v their_o power_n to_o true_a religion_n the_o answer_n i_o give_v to_o this_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a in_o three_o head_n 1._o i_o always_o own_o any_o pretence_n take_v from_o exalt_v christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n to_o enforce_v civil_a power_n to_o ratify_v true_a religion_n into_o national_a constitution_n and_o law_n be_v most_o destructive_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n that_o be_v to_o use_v force_n for_o its_o own_o promotion_n and_o utter_o subvert_v government_n see_v private_a person_n may_v under_o this_o shelter_n and_o disguise_n rise_v up_o and_o invade_v and_o disturb_v any_o civil_a state_n or_o government_n whatever_o when_o religion_n be_v our_o birthright_n by_o our_o law_n it_o may_v be_v by_o the_o same_o law_n defend_v when_o it_o be_v not_o prayer_n
evil_n nor_o find_v it_o so_o mix_v with_o the_o good_a as_o to_o admit_v of_o no_o separation_n and_o what_o be_v want_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v and_o command_v do_v not_o necessitate_v the_o total_a departure_n from_o that_o public_a worship_n when_o the_o very_a institution_n be_v not_o change_v by_o that_o want_n for_o the_o true_a christian_a may_v make_v up_o that_o want_n in_o privater_a duty_n thus_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n speak_v often_o to_o 16._o mal._n 3._o 16._o one_o another_o without_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o free_a use_n grant_v by_o christ_n of_o all_o thing_n indifferent_a or_o a_o freedom_n on_o each_o side_n to_o do_v oâ—_n not_o to_o do_v where_o no_o moral_a evil_n adhere_v or_o disobedience_n to_o some_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n attend_v either_o part_n if_o then_o religion_n be_v not_o draw_v out_o of_o those_o necessary_a thing_n wherein_o divine_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o truth_n have_v place_v it_o and_o tradition_n thereupon_o become_v doctrine_n which_o constant_o carry_v along_o a_o reject_v the_o command_n of_o god_n or_o a_o low_a esteem_n of_o they_o for_o those_o tradition_n sake_n if_o there_o be_v no_o moral_a evil_n or_o indecency_n nor_o that_o a_o too_o great_a cumber_v be_v draw_v upon_o religious_a act_n every_o thing_n be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n leave_v to_o its_o own_o indifferency_n as_o reason_n invite_v or_o persuade_v on_o either_o side_n to_o the_o do_v or_o not_o do_v all_o which_o set_v man_n free_a from_o a_o jewish_a yoke_n in_o these_o case_n and_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a liberty_n eat_v or_o not_o eat_v keep_v a_o day_n or_o not_o keep_v it_o buy_v in_o a_o market_n and_o go_v to_o a_o feast_n without_o ask_v any_o question_n for_o conscience_n sake_n without_o fear_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o moral_a defilement_n in_o those_o thing_n that_o other_o man_n sin_n defile_v only_o to_o themselves_o if_o we_o keep_v ourselves_o pure_a be_v plain_o the_o liberty_n christ_n have_v publish_v to_o we_o every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v pure_a and_o not_o to_o be_v reject_v but_o receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n no_o sin_n of_o man_n can_v pollute_v it_o to_o any_o but_o himself_o and_o this_o consideration_n may_v state_n to_o we_o the_o whole_a matter_n that_o relate_v to_o order_n and_o decency_n that_o order_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o nature_n itself_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v write_v with_o a_o sunbeam_n upon_o thing_n themselves_o be_v out_o of_o all_o dispute_n god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o not_o of_o the_o contrary_a confusion_n or_o indecency_n that_o order_n which_o be_v the_o prudential_a contrivance_n of_o man_n though_o not_o the_o same_o in_o all_o place_n time_n and_o to_o all_o person_n as_o the_o former_a yet_o aught_o to_o be_v cheerful_o comply_v with_o as_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o national_a union_n in_o and_o administration_n of_o public_a religion_n both_o as_o to_o officer_n and_o thing_n see_v nothing_o can_v be_v settle_v without_o order_n according_o we_o find_v the_o wise_a and_o pious_a governor_n among_o the_o jew_n take_v care_n and_o the_o people_n submit_v to_o such_o ordination_n and_o all_o under_o divine_a approbation_n the_o order_n that_o be_v mere_o of_o humane_a position_n and_o arbitration_n move_v the_o great_a doubt_n stand_v in_o thing_n that_o have_v only_o the_o thin_a pretext_n of_o antiquity_n to_o give_v they_o some_o venerableness_n or_o that_o they_o be_v usage_n already_o in_o be_v or_o that_o they_o add_v the_o imaginary_a decency_n that_o ceremony_n set_v out_o humane_a action_n with_o now_o as_o to_o this_o they_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o impose_v be_v equal_o to_o weigh_v the_o value_n of_o religion_n itself_o and_o what_o that_o may_v suffer_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o order_n and_o a_o great_a account_n lie_v upon_o they_o before_o god_n but_o for_o those_o that_o be_v under_o subjection_n i_o add_v further_o as_o to_o this_o sort_n of_o order_n i_o can_v only_o say_v this_o that_o suppose_v it_o no_o way_n turn_v into_o doctrine_n as_o the_o pharisees_n not_o eat_v with_o unwashen_n hand_n but_o declare_v against_o as_o such_o the_o consequence_n of_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v be_v to_o be_v balance_v and_o so_o the_o practice_n of_o every_o conscientious_a man_n to_o be_v determine_v on_o one_o side_n stand_v the_o freedom_n of_o use_v this_o order_n as_o a_o advantage_n to_o do_v good_a the_o consideration_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o nation_n the_o national_a defence_n make_v more_o unite_v against_o false_a religion_n at_o the_o price_n of_o conformity_n to_o those_o more_o arbitrary_a imposition_n on_o the_o other_o side_n stand_v a_o just_a fear_n for_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n be_v either_o obscure_a or_o the_o freedom_n of_o it_o encumber_a or_o for_o the_o reputation_n of_o religion_n which_o often_o suffer_v by_o those_o unnecessary_a adherency_n as_o if_o they_o enter_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n itself_o i_o must_v yet_o allow_v the_o preference_n in_o my_o own_o judgement_n to_o that_o side_n by_o which_o national_a religion_n be_v most_o serve_v but_o with_o the_o full_a persuasion_n that_o god_n receive_v both_o if_o over-bit_a zeal_n on_o either_o side_n be_v not_o offensive_a to_o he_o and_o with_o the_o concession_n that_o national_a religion_n be_v more_o happy_a if_o more_o free_a but_o if_o love_v adjust_a to_o each_o their_o due_a allowance_n the_o service_n of_o both_o will_v be_v find_v with_o great_a acceptance_n in_o the_o common_a national_a religion_n as_o i_o doubt_v not_o their_o hand_n will_v be_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o against_o the_o invasion_n of_o a_o national_a false_a religion_n but_o if_o any_o be_v overrigid_a or_o severe_a on_o either_o part_n they_o may_v receive_v the_o full_a reward_n of_o their_o own_o society_n or_o party_n but_o they_o lessen_v the_o high_a recompense_n of_o do_v the_o most_o public_a good_a the_o strict_a law_n either_o this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o man_n own_o make_n and_o exact_v so_o from_o they_o only_o they_o have_v their_o reward_n who_o be_v zealous_a beyond_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o matter_n from_o all_o that_o have_v now_o be_v say_v under_o this_o rule_n i_o collect_v 1._o that_o they_o that_o can_v agree_v to_o the_o public_o encourage_v constitution_n of_o a_o nation_n shall_v yet_o point_v their_o worship_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v towards_o it_o they_o shall_v comply_v with_o all_o that_o be_v good_a in_o it_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v be_v receive_v without_o launch_v beyond_o their_o judgement_n thus_o christianity_n be_v make_v as_o public_a in_o all_o place_n by_o the_o apostle_n as_o they_o can_v by_o adjoin_v it_o to_o any_o 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reform_a christianity_n fall_v in_o one_o with_o another_o if_o we_o value_v what_o we_o agree_v in_o at_o a_o high_a rate_n as_o certain_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v than_o what_o we_o differ_v about_o 2._o the_o way_n to_o make_v national_a religion_n most_o national_a be_v by_o comprehend_v all_o the_o difference_n that_o can_v be_v reconcile_v with_o true_a religion_n while_o they_o that_o dissent_v in_o some_o thing_n receive_v one_o another_o with_o a_o good_a peaceable_a holy_a and_o public_a temper_n of_o mind_n as_o the_o great_a argument_n and_o inducement_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v all_o pray_v for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o holy_a service_n of_o all_o that_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n distinguish_v christian_n but_o immediate_o unite_v they_o again_o both_v they_o and_o we_o they_o and_o
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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
of_o christ_n for_o a_o devotion_n to_o the_o true_a god_n without_o know_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a god_n can_v thus_o sanctify_v or_o honour_v he_o there_o be_v nothing_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o rational_a in_o than_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o account_n of_o which_o and_o of_o its_o whole_a content_a aught_o to_o be_v so_o certain_a to_o we_o that_o nothing_o of_o a_o diverse_a spirit_n from_o it_o can_v be_v add_v to_o it_o nor_o any_o thing_n of_o its_o integral_n or_o essential_a nature_n take_v from_o it_o but_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v it_o will_v change_v the_o account_n and_o so_o we_o need_v not_o make_v a_o traverse_v over_o all_o falsehood_n to_o know_v truth_n but_o by_o have_v a_o right_a understanding_n in_o and_o just_a contemplation_n of_o truth_n the_o most_o even_a thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n we_o come_v to_o know_v itself_o by_o itself_o and_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o although_o there_o be_v no_o other_o false_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o compare_v it_o with_o and_o set_v it_o off_o by_o and_o withal_o to_o descry_v every_o false_a way_n offer_v to_o we_o and_o to_o hate_v it_o yea_o we_o observe_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v but_o doubtful_o propose_v and_o stay_v it_o its_o due_a time_n of_o examination_n and_o so_o either_o accept_v or_o reject_v it_o or_o if_o we_o see_v full_a reason_n for_o neither_o still_o suspend_v it_o be_v not_o the_o law_n of_o our_o country_n our_o church_n our_o be_v baptise_a or_o educate_v in_o it_o that_o will_v justify_v our_o religion_n to_o be_v the_o true_a it_o be_v not_o the_o high_a reverence_n of_o it_o the_o devotion_n we_o use_v in_o it_o our_o hate_v of_o those_o that_o speak_v blasphemous_o of_o it_o will_v make_v good_a our_o religion_n what_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n may_v not_o be_v justify_v upon_o such_o topic_n it_o be_v not_o that_o we_o find_v many_o great_a principle_n of_o truth_n in_o a_o religion_n that_o will_v justify_v it_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n that_o can_v be_v call_v religion_n that_o do_v not_o espouse_v many_o true_a principle_n and_o in_o christian_a religion_n antichristianism_n vie_v with_o christianity_n itself_o upon_o the_o fundamental_a creed_n which_o itself_o confess_v with_o true_a christanity_n but_o have_v build_v upon_o they_o new_a creed_n of_o its_o own_o and_o so_o corrupt_v all_o for_o what_o be_v so_o pure_a and_o perfect_a as_o true_a religion_n be_v must_v needs_o be_v corrupt_v by_o any_o addition_n all_o that_o be_v pure_a and_o true_a be_v already_o its_o own_o who_o then_o can_v add_v to_o it_o and_o not_o be_v find_v a_o liar_n nothing_o therefore_o as_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v can_v be_v our_o security_n for_o true_a religion_n but_o the_o just_a divine_a measure_n the_o common_a faith_n the_o true_a catholic_n standard_n which_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o main_a end_n be_v most_o evident_a and_o in_o entertain_v nothing_o that_o be_v not_o so_o evident_a till_o 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level_v the_o whole_a ensue_a catechism_n or_o discourse_n against_o which_o i_o know_v many_o prejudices_fw-la will_v lie_v except_o full_a consideration_n be_v allow_v i_o know_v too_o many_o thing_n raise_v a_o detestation_n at_o the_o first_o which_o be_v examine_v and_o weigh_v by_o their_o reason_n gain_v not_o only_o the_o discharge_n of_o these_o angry_a passion_n but_o much_o acceptance_n and_o assent_n and_o i_o must_v take_v the_o confidence_n to_o say_v in_o relation_n to_o any_o such_o doubt_n upon_o the_o ensue_a apology_n for_o catholic_n truth_n that_o it_o be_v settle_v upon_o such_o unmoveable_a reason_n and_o weigh_v out_o by_o such_o exact_a attendance_n to_o it_o that_o i_o may_v write_v upon_o it_o without_o immodesty_n loe_o this_o we_o have_v search_v it_o so_o it_o be_v hear_v it_o and_o know_v thou_o it_o for_o thy_o good_a for_o good_a in_o the_o quiet_a and_o most_o peaceable_a course_n of_o christianity_n wherein_o to_o know_v the_o true_a ground_n upon_o which_o it_o rest_v alone_o make_v the_o soul_n both_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o determine_v it_o to_o the_o square_a and_o just_a rule_n of_o that_o holy_a religion_n for_o good_a in_o time_n of_o temptation_n to_o a_o false_a religion_n especial_o that_o which_o call_v itself_o catholic_n for_o the_o true_o instruct_v christian_n in_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o catholic_n be_v even_o impregnable_a against_o that_o delusion_n of_o catholic_n false_o so_o call_v last_o for_o good_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o great_a difference_n and_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o practice_n in_o relation_n to_o lesser_a thing_n pertain_v more_o circumstantial_o or_o doubtful_o to_o true_a religion_n wherein_o the_o rational_a christian_a carry_v it_o as_o inoffensive_o and_o communicative_o as_o he_o can_v with_o all_o centre_n in_o that_o which_o be_v catholic_n as_o to_o his_o faith_n love_n inward_a esteem_n and_o practice_n and_o unmovable_o fix_v there_o detest_a all_o animosity_n and_o much_o more_o rigour_n or_o severity_n towards_o other_o in_o relation_n to_o such_o difference_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o ungenerous_a more_o unchristian_a more_o irreligious_a more_o unworthy_a the_o content_n cap._n i._o of_o the_o perfect_a and_o first_o state_n of_o humane_a nature_n with_o relation_n to_o catholic_n or_o public_a religion_n page_n 1_o cap._n ii_o of_o the_o violation_n of_o this_o catholic_n order_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o mean_v provide_v by_o god_n to_o restore_v it_o 7_o cap._n iii_o of_o the_o vncontroversible_a law_n of_o natural_a religion_n 10_o cap._n iu_o of_o revelation_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o so_o great_a miscarriage_n against_o both_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o revelation_n with_o the_o mean_n of_o cure_n 14_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 23_o cap._n vi_o of_o the_o proof_n of_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o proof_n also_o be_v public_a and_o divine_a 27_o cap._n vii_o of_o the_o public_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n pag._n 36_o cap._n viii_o of_o tradition_n and_o antiquity_n â—â—_o cap._n ix_o of_o the_o church_n catholic_n 65_o cap._n x._o of_o the_o officer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n 8â—_n cap._n xi_o of_o every_o man_n obligation_n to_o be_v wise_a for_o himself_o to_o salvation_n 89_o cap._n xii_o of_o schism_n and_o scandal_n 93_o cap._n xiii_o of_o the_o antichurch_n and_o its_o opposition_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o the_o true_a church_n 109_o cap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o national_a religion_n 128_o a_o catholic_n catechism_n cap._n i._n of_o the_o perfect_a and_o first_o state_n of_o humane_a nature_n with_o relation_n to_o catholic_n or_o public_a religion_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o most_o distinguish_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n answ_n catholic_n or_o true_o public_a religion_n for_o it_o be_v the_o all_o the_o whole_a or_o universal_a man_n whoever_o therefore_o have_v vanquish_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o have_v put_v off_o man_n and_o degrade_v himself_o into_o worse_a than_o a_o brute_n quest_n what_o do_v you_o mean_v by_o religion_n answ_n by_o religion_n i_o mean_v a_o close_o bind_v or_o unite_n ourselves_o to_o and_o with_o god_n the_o supreme_a be_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o according_a to_o his_o excellent_a nature_n and_o attribute_n in_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o seek_v his_o grace_n and_o favour_n according_a to_o all_o his_o divine_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o in_o so_o do_v we_o be_v join_v and_o join_v ourselves_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o same_o religious_a service_n perform_v by_o all_o quest_n why_o do_v you_o call_v it_o catholic_n or_o true_o public_a religion_n answ_n
because_o god_n to_o who_o we_o proper_o and_o first_o unite_v in_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o public_a and_o universal_a be_v in_o who_o all_o holy_a spirit_n unite_v one_o with_o another_o and_o from_o who_o whoever_o separate_v separate_v also_o from_o all_o good_a spirit_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o the_o only_a dangerous_a schism_n 2._o because_o the_o one_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n our_o lord_n the_o one_o mediator_n will_v have_v all_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o as_o the_o catholic_n truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o have_v therefore_o reconcile_v and_o recapitulate_v all_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n into_o one_o catholic_n body_n in_o himself_o the_o catholic_n head_n 3._o because_o god_n manifestation_n of_o himself_o be_v the_o only_a true_a public_a authentic_a record_n of_o this_o religion_n and_o all_o other_o not_o derive_v from_o hence_o be_v private_a and_o false_a and_o the_o meeting_n set_v up_o to_o celebrate_v any_o other_o religion_n than_o thus_o manifest_v be_v indeed_o the_o close_a schismatical_a conventicle_n for_o none_o can_v be_v public_a assembly_n where_o god_n the_o supreme_o public_a and_o all_o holy_a spirit_n withdraw_v with_o he_o be_v not_o and_o all_o be_v public_a though_o but_o of_o two_o or_o three_o where_o god_n the_o public_a itself_o and_o in_o who_o the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o saint_n meet_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o quest_n whence_o do_v you_o take_v occasion_n to_o call_v that_o public_a or_o catholic_n that_o be_v divine_a answ_n from_o the_o apostle_n peter_n who_o when_o he_o be_v assert_v concern_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n prophecy_n affirm_v it_o a_o principle_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n and_o that_o he_o may_v demonstrate_v it_o can_v be_v private_a he_o avow_v the_o original_a to_o be_v divine_a now_o the_o plain_a opposite_a to_o private_a be_v public_a in_o that_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o oppose_v public_a but_o divine_a to_o private_a it_o be_v plain_a in_o his_o sense_n divine_a be_v the_o only_a public_a and_o whatever_o be_v true_o public_a be_v divine_a and_o all_o else_o private_a quest_n how_o therefore_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v private_a to_o oppose_v it_o to_o public_a or_o divine_a answ_n idiotick_a or_o private_a be_v apply_v to_o person_n who_o knowledge_n be_v very_o narrow_a and_o strait_a and_o they_o have_v cognisance_n of_o nothing_o beyond_o their_o little_a own_a 2._o to_o those_o that_o have_v no_o public_a character_n of_o office_n or_o magistracy_n and_o last_o to_o such_o who_o care_n interest_n and_o concern_v be_v confine_v to_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o even_o thus_o private_a be_v just_o affix_v to_o all_o except_o only_o to_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o derive_v from_o he_o no_o create_a knowledge_n either_o angelic_a or_o humane_a be_v comprehensive_a enough_o to_o be_v the_o fountain_n no_o power_n or_o authority_n be_v supreme_a or_o vast_a enough_o to_o enact_v nor_o be_v any_o care_n or_o concern_v for_o the_o world_n of_o soul_n large_a or_o receptive_a enough_o to_o ordain_v a_o catholic_n religion_n lead_v to_o a_o common_a salvation_n but_o he_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o whole_a family_n of_o spirit_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n quest_n what_o evidence_n of_o this_o be_v there_o answ_n it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o result_n of_o reason_n that_o whoever_o consider_v it_o can_v deny_v it_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n all_o who_o have_v pretend_v to_o found_v a_o religion_n have_v pretend_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o derive_v and_o receive_v it_o from_o god_n for_o who_o can_v know_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v but_o the_o divine_a mind_n and_o spirit_n that_o know_v and_o search_v itself_o the_o spring_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o so_o first_o to_o be_v know_v or_o what_o authority_n can_v prescribe_v without_o much_o less_o against_o omnipotency_n or_o who_o can_v spread_v tender_a mercy_n over_o all_o the_o creation_n but_o the_o faithful_a creator_n himself_o all_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o true_o catholic_n public_a religion_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o record_v god_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o man_n of_o this_o catholic_n public_a religion_n answ_n they_o be_v two_o the_o law_n engrave_v upon_o man_n heart_n justify_v and_o seal_v by_o the_o constant_a miracle_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n that_o carry_v semblable_a line_n of_o all_o that_o be_v write_v upon_o man_n heart_n for_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o man_n for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o to_o they_o for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n the_o work_n that_o god_n command_v man_n to_o do_v be_v write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n accuse_v or_o excuse_v one_o another_o the_o eternal_a word_n or_o reason_n that_o make_v all_o thing_n be_v the_o light_n that_o light_v the_o reason_n of_o every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n quest_n which_o be_v the_o second_o record_n answ_n the_o second_o record_n be_v divine_a revelation_n collect_v into_o holy_a scripture_n all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n reproof_n instruction_n correction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n no_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n for_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o even_o as_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v seal_v by_o creation_n and_o providence_n so_o have_v revelation_n always_o be_v by_o evidence_n of_o divinity_n and_o miracle_n a_o new_a creation_n proportion_v to_o the_o end_n of_o those_o revelation_n miracle_n of_o mere_a power_n or_o justice_n as_o upon_o pharaoh_n of_o great_a mercy_n and_o benefaction_n only_o as_o by_o the_o most_o merciful_a saviour_n of_o mercy_n and_o sometime_o of_o justice_n as_o by_o moses_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v to_o establish_v the_o law_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n quest_n i_o perceive_v then_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o clear_a to_o man_n by_o the_o law_n write_v in_o his_o heart_n answ_n no_o for_o some_o part_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o necessary_a to_o our_o very_a nature_n as_o man_n that_o they_o be_v concreated_a with_o we_o and_o engrave_v upon_o our_o very_a soul_n and_o the_o immediate_a motion_n of_o our_o faculty_n must_v needs_o lead_v we_o to_o they_o while_o right_a and_o straight_o and_o continue_v in_o that_o perfect_a state_n wherein_o our_o creator_n leave_v they_o for_o he_o look_v upon_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o behold_v all_o be_v good_a and_o very_o good_a and_o he_o appoint_v a_o sabbatism_n for_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o especial_o his_o rational_a creature_n the_o morning_n star_n to_o sing_v together_o and_o praise_v he_o for_o they_o but_o there_o be_v other_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v as_o the_o break_n up_o of_o the_o great_a deep_a of_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o can_v be_v know_v to_o the_o high_a understanding_n of_o angel_n or_o arch-angel_n only_o by_o revelation_n much_o less_o to_o man_n a_o reason_n of_o a_o low_a orb_n and_o least_o of_o all_o as_o fall_v and_o corrupt_v yet_o suppose_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v abide_v in_o their_o first_o clearness_n and_o luster_n all_o his_o faculty_n will_v have_v immediate_o receive_v and_o adore_a god_n in_o all_o such_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o congratulated_n those_o mighty_a accession_n of_o light_n and_o truth_n quest_n but_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o any_o revelation_n when_o man_n be_v make_v perfect_a and_o good_a while_o he_o continue_v so_o answ_n revelation_n be_v even_o then_o necessary_a to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o creature_n to_o have_v happiness_n and_o perfection_n within_o itself_o but_o to_o be_v in_o continual_a dependence_n upon_o and_o expectation_n from_o the_o creator_n for_o even_o that_o perfection_n wherein_o adam_n be_v make_v be_v thus_o to_o maintain_v continue_v and_o assure_v itself_o and_o so_o to_o rise_v to_o high_a perfection_n he_o have_v therefore_o at_o first_o a_o doctrine_n by_o revelation_n suitable_a to_o the_o two_o sacramental_a tree_n so_o that_o though_o he_o be_v perfect_a as_o such_o a_o
man_n heart_n answ_n whatever_o be_v indeed_o write_v in_o man_n heart_n must_v certain_o be_v from_o god_n see_v no_o create_v hand_n can_v write_v there_o the_o hand_n that_o make_v can_v alone_o ingrave_n it_o quest_n how_o then_o shall_v we_o make_v a_o judgement_n what_o be_v write_v upon_o the_o heart_n answ_n that_o which_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v and_o amid_o all_o the_o difference_n in_o religion_n fall_v under_o no_o variation_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v place_v there_o by_o that_o supreme_a hand_n that_o alike_o fashion_v all_o man_n heart_n and_o especial_o see_v to_o this_o universal_a acknowledgement_n there_o be_v no_o temptation_n from_o the_o sensual_a and_o worst_a part_n of_o man_n it_o be_v against_o its_o interest_n but_o it_o spring_v from_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a part_n most_o unconcerned_a in_o this_o world_n or_o any_o of_o the_o brutish_a pleasure_n of_o it_o quest_n what_o principle_n do_v you_o account_v thus_o to_o be_v of_o natural_a religion_n answ_n i_o account_v these_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n the_o great_a and_o best_a of_o being_n that_o govern_v the_o world_n that_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v adore_v and_o worship_v by_o man_n and_o that_o he_o take_v notice_n when_o he_o be_v so_o worship_v or_o neglect_v and_o that_o with_o favour_n or_o displeasure_n that_o there_o be_v a_o distinction_n betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a settle_v by_o the_o unchangeable_a law_n of_o god_n that_o god_n be_v himself_o so_o good_a be_v please_v in_o man_n do_v well_o and_o reward_v it_o and_o displease_v when_o man_n do_v ill_a and_o punish_v it_o that_o man_n have_v a_o conscience_n viz._n a_o knowledge_n of_o and_o government_n of_o their_o own_o action_n with_o approbation_n of_o they_o if_o good_a and_o dislike_n if_o bad._n that_o there_o be_v reward_n and_o punishment_n beyond_o this_o life_n that_o therefore_o the_o notion_n of_o virtue_n righteousness_n temperance_n soberness_n beneficence_n and_o the_o contrary_a vice_n be_v of_o unchangeable_a truth_n and_o the_o action_n flow_v from_o they_o of_o the_o same_o notion_n that_o god_n be_v both_o the_o judge_n and_o observer_n of_o they_o now_o and_o will_v be_v so_o in_o the_o future_a state_n that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o bounty_n to_o sinful_a man_n there_o be_v forgiveness_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v fear_v and_o that_o he_o thereby_o lead_v man_n to_o repentance_n that_o upon_o all_o account_n solemn_a worship_n of_o he_o by_o prayer_n praise_n honourable_a discourse_n of_o he_o of_o all_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o return_v to_o he_o after_o our_o fall_n be_v most_o due_a from_o humane_a nature_n and_o according_a to_o the_o sociable_a nature_n of_o man_n in_o public_a association_n quest_n do_v you_o believe_v these_o so_o close_o to_o and_o inseparable_a from_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n answ_n i_o be_o full_o assure_v so_o and_o that_o these_o and_o all_o the_o immediate_a genuine_a and_o 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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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god_n answ_n i_o acknowledge_v the_o resolution_n of_o this_o doubt_n contain_v many_o difficulty_n in_o it_o and_o can_v be_v give_v at_o once_o but_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v so_o to_o lead_v your_o question_n by_o every_o degree_n of_o answer_n as_o may_v direct_v into_o the_o best_a method_n for_o your_o satisfaction_n quest_n what_o i_o pray_v you_o be_v the_o first_o step_n necessary_a to_o be_v take_v in_o order_n to_o the_o resolve_v this_o doubt_n answ_n to_o settle_v a_o true_a understanding_n how_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o authority_n in_o religion_n make_v entrance_n into_o the_o world_n quest_n i_o very_o much_o desire_n to_o know_v that_o and_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v of_o very_o great_a influence_n into_o all_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o unfolding_a this_o question_n answ_n this_o than_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o best_a account_n of_o it_o after_o the_o apparent_a degeneracy_n of_o humane_a nature_n so_o that_o the_o law_n write_v in_o man_n heart_n be_v 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testament_n the_o apocalypse_n foretell_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o very_a state_n of_o kingdom_n become_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o christ_n all_o these_o thing_n argue_v a_o great_a encouragement_n of_o nation_n receive_v and_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o nation_n even_o as_o family_n may_v and_o aught_o as_o family_n and_o though_o it_o be_v undoubted_o the_o great_a honour_n and_o glory_n of_o nation_n to_o come_v as_o near_o and_o as_o exact_a and_o close_a as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o law_n and_o order_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o government_n as_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o their_o national_a christianity_n yet_o because_o there_o will_v and_o general_o fall_v out_o to_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o national_a custom_n in_o such_o public_a administration_n a_o comprimise_n of_o they_o to_o the_o law_n and_o government_n of_o nation_n hence_o it_o also_o come_v to_o pass_v there_o may_v be_v a_o dissatisfaction_n in_o many_o of_o the_o 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one_o with_o the_o whole_a desire_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o increase_n of_o that_o one_o body_n the_o advancement_n of_o that_o one_o faith_n communicate_v in_o the_o prayer_n and_o praise_n of_o that_o one_o body_n sorrow_n in_o its_o affliction_n minister_n to_o its_o necessity_n and_o if_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v communicate_v in_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o service_n with_o any_o member_n of_o it_o and_o value_v not_o their_o particular_a rite_n as_o any_o obstruction_n while_o they_o agree_v in_o essential_o and_o indeed_o every_o christian_n shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o drop_v that_o mantle_n of_o ceremony_n as_o he_o please_v when_o he_o ascend_v in_o holy_a offering_n of_o himselfâ—o_o â—o_z god_n 3._o 〈◊〉_d to_o particular_a society_n or_o church_n of_o christian_n in_o whiâ—â—_n the_o essential_o of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v preserve_v uncorrupted_a and_o so_o they_o must_v be_v or_o else_o such_o society_n deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o church_n and_o when_o 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to_o they_o as_o he_o see_v reason_n with_o mild_a and_o christian_a argument_n the_o disadvantage_n of_o separate_n from_o it_o beyond_o plain_a necessity_n 4._o in_o the_o difference_n of_o judgement_n of_o public_a society_n and_o private_a in_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o or_o the_o difference_n of_o private_a among_o themselves_o the_o true_a christian_a still_o keep_v himself_o upon_o that_o love_n mercy_n and_o peace_n christianity_n teach_v he_o and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o diversity_n consider_v the_o high_a tie_n worth_n and_o value_n of_o those_o unity_n wherein_o they_o all_o meet_v 5._o if_o a_o christian_a fall_n into_o such_o place_n where_o the_o essential_o be_v corrupt_v he_o esteem_v religious_a solitude_n the_o best_a communion_n yet_o refuse_v not_o to_o improve_v any_o thing_n of_o truth_n he_o can_v extract_v from_o such_o corruption_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o part_n of_o public_a worship_n not_o so_o adulterate_v but_o to_o admit_v a_o possible_a separation_n in_o the_o exigence_n of_o present_a service_n
to_o god_n yea_o if_o it_o be_v but_o pure_a true_a natural_a worship_n he_o will_v not_o deny_v to_o join_v in_o it_o when_o no_o better_o can_v be_v have_v and_o therein_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v any_o advantage_n to_o improve_v that_o little_a to_o such_o great_a purpose_n as_o st._n paul_n do_v the_o altar_n to_o the_o unknown_a god_n at_o athens_n last_o in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o association_n he_o consider_v some_o universal_a and_o undeniable_a practice_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v yet_o not_o pertain_v to_o the_o essential_o of_o christian_a worship_n in_o themselves_o but_o either_o to_o natural_a order_n and_o decency_n or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o decency_n observe_v in_o such_o part_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o christian_n so_o meet_v and_o most_o free_o comply_v with_o they_o some_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v observe_v ordain_v as_o such_o by_o the_o apostle_n such_o as_o he_o ordain_v in_o all_o church_n 1._o that_o of_o every_o man_n walk_v as_o god_n have_v call_v he_o in_o circumcision_n or_o uncircumcision_n bond_n or_o free_n and_o esteem_v neither_o state_n any_o prejudice_n upon_o his_o christianity_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 17_o 18._o 2._o that_o of_o woman_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 34._o 3._o that_o of_o prophet_n speak_v one_o by_o one_o and_o not_o in_o confusion_n and_o a_o medley_n of_o voice_n in_o a_o know_a tongve_n with_o interpretation_n v._o 5._o these_o pertain_v to_o natural_a decency_n and_o order_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o which_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o so_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 33_o 40._o 2._o decency_n proper_a to_o such_o age_n of_o the_o world_n or_o to_o such_o part_n of_o the_o world_n so_o i_o esteem_v those_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v man_n and_o woman_n pray_v cover_v or_o uncover_v wear_v their_o hair_n shear_v or_o unshorn_a and_o in_o such_o case_n the_o custom_n of_o church_n determine_v they_o or_o the_o 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latitude_n in_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o veer_fw-mi to_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a be_v starchedness_n and_o not_o constancy_n even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o st._n austyn_n who_o avow_v the_o great_a indifferency_n and_o freedom_n from_o rite_n have_v any_o power_n over_o he_o and_o so_o i_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o three_o head_n concern_v the_o peace_n christianity_n design_n viz._n christian_n imbody_v themselves_o into_o society_n i_o come_v now_o to_o a_o four_o head_n show_v how_o christianity_n have_v provide_v for_o peace_n and_o quiet_a within_o its_o own_o gate_n and_o wall_n and_o that_o be_v this_o 4._o the_o ministerial_a presidency_n our_o saviour_n have_v ordain_v in_o and_o for_o the_o conduct_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v such_o as_o plain_o demonstrate_v he_o do_v not_o intend_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o strive_v or_o a_o cry_n or_o a_o clamorous_a lift_v up_o the_o voice_n in_o tâ—e_v 1._o mat._n 12._o 19_o 20._o thes_n 5._o 12._o heb._n 13._o 7._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 1._o street_n for_o his_o kingdom_n that_o the_o bruise_a reed_n shall_v be_v break_v or_o the_o smoke_a flax_n quench_v for_o his_o sake_n for_o though_o this_o ministry_n be_v frequent_o style_v a_o be_v over_o christian_n a_o rule_n over_o they_o a_o eldership_n a_o eminency_n and_o such_o like_a way_n of_o speak_v as_o carry_v superiority_n and_o submission_n obedience_n honour_n and_o high_a esteem_n be_v require_v of_o christian_n as_o of_o a_o under_o degree_n to_o that_o high_a order_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o designation_n of_o the_o whole_a office_n be_v whole_o for_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o watch_v for_o soul_n that_o they_o may_v 17._o heb._n 13._o 17._o give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o with_o joy_n for_o the_o good_a success_n of_o have_v guide_v they_o to_o salvation_n the_o honour_n and_o esteem_n be_v for_o their_o work_n sake_n it_o be_v a_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n it_o be_v no_o dominion_n or_o lordship_n over_o man_n person_n or_o 17._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o estate_n nor_o over_o their_o faith_n or_o conscience_n but_o as_o they_o offer_v divine_a command_n all_o their_o superiority_n be_v in_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o grandeur_n or_o imperiousness_n but_o use_v service_n ministry_n and_o work_v that_o express_v this_o precedency_n not_o as_o have_v dominion_n over_o your_o faith_n but_o helper_n of_o your_o joy_n say_v the_o apostle_n paul_n not_o as_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o as_o ensample_n of_o the_o flock_n say_v the_o apostle_n peter_n but_o above_o all_o aught_o that_o of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o chief_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n to_o be_v remark_v to_o this_o purpose_n 25._o mat._n 20._o 25._o etc._n etc._n mark_v 10._o 42_o etc._n etc._n luk._n 22_o 25._o have_v describe_v the_o great_a assumption_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o chief_n of_o this_o world_n he_o express_o warn_v and_o declare_v to_o his_o disciple_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a greatness_n so_o to_o assume_v but_o if_o any_o one_o will_v be_v account_v great_a or_o chief_a among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christianity_n it_o must_v be_v his_o service_n his_o plâ—in_a service_n his_o ministry_n that_o must_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o advance_v he_o indeed_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o the_o purpose_n if_o our_o saviour_n intend_v no_o more_o than_o this_o let_v such_o a_o man_n that_o love_v preeminency_n under_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n let_v he_o be_v turn_v down_o into_o the_o low_a class_n among_o the_o disciple_n of_o low_a and_o mean_a account_n as_o a_o just_a recompense_n of_o his_o ambition_n but_o it_o be_v altogether_o most_o probable_a our_o saviour_n intend_v a_o more_o kind_a sense_n to_o represent_v the_o great_a serviceableness_n of_o all_o those_o of_o more_o eminent_a character_n in_o his_o kingdom_n it_o be_v their_o public_a use_n that_o recommend_v they_o to_o grandieur_fw-fr in_o it_o for_o this_o he_o exemplify_v in_o himself_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o be_v minisire_v to_o to_o be_v attend_v upon_o and_o serve_v in_o state_n but_o to_o minister_v to_o give_v his_o life_n a_o ransom_n for_o many_o they_o who_o witness_v a_o good_a confession_n who_o can_v be_v instant_a in_o season_n out_o of_o season_n who_o can_v instruct_v public_o and_o 31._o act._n 20._o 19_o 31._o from_o house_n to_o house_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o teach_v who_o can_v serve_v tâ—e_v lord_n in_o tâ—e_v salvation_n of_o soul_n with_o many_o tear_n and_o prayer_n day_n and_o night_n and_o seal_v their_o ministry_n with_o their_o blood_n they_o be_v the_o great_a one_o in_o the_o account_n of_o christianity_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o detract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o figure_n bishop_n or_o any_o in_o ecclesiastical_a dignity_n make_v by_o the_o favour_n of_o prince_n who_o as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v may_v dispose_v what_o be_v their_o own_o as_o they_o measure_v themselves_o from_o the_o donation_n of_o mâ—n_z to_o their_o superiority_n over_o man_n from_o the_o favour_n of_o prince_n and_o law_n to_o the_o government_n they_o place_v they_o in_o over_o other_o of_o their_o subject_n so_o they_o be_v great_a and_o honourable_a and_o may_v exercise_v authority_n secular_a authority_n stand_v indeed_o upon_o that_o foot_n though_o call_v spiritual_a and_o very_o reasonable_o and_o just_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o greatness_n proper_a to_o christ_n kingdom_n that_o lie_v whole_o in_o service_n in_o condescension_n in_o application_n to_o man_n soul_n as_o they_o measure_v from_o christ_n to_o christian_n this_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o christian_a greatness_n
but_o with_o his_o mouth_n must_v make_v confession_n of_o it_o to_o salvation_n 2._o true_a religion_n become_v national_a have_v the_o desence_n and_o security_n of_o national_a wisdom_n force_n and_o strength_n against_o false_a religion_n and_o its_o force_n and_o endeavour_n to_o expel_v the_o true_a and_o become_v national_a itself_o for_o a_o nation_n divide_v against_o itself_o in_o religion_n how_o can_v its_o religious_a interest_n stand_v when_o though_o the_o main_n be_v agree_v yet_o if_o difference_n of_o a_o under_o nature_n be_v manage_v with_o high_a exasperation_n it_o must_v needs_o endanger_v the_o staple_n religion_n itself_o by_o weaken_v dispirit_v and_o divide_v the_o strength_n that_o shall_v engage_v for_o it_o while_o every_o one_o take_v care_n for_o his_o private_a sentiment_n and_o be_v jealous_a of_o be_v undermine_v or_o oppress_v in_o they_o the_o public_a and_o common_a religion_n can_v be_v environ_v and_o defend_v with_o that_o vigour_n and_o union_n a_o nation_n unite_v in_o protestancy_n be_v the_o great_a bulwark_n against_o popery_n what_o can_v single_a interest_n do_v in_o this_o case_n even_o experience_n teach_v those_o that_o dissent_n from_o one_o another_o in_o many_o thing_n even_o in_o national_a reform_v religion_n to_o acknowledge_v this_o union_n the_o fort-royal_a against_o the_o hostile_a invasion_n of_o popery_n which_o shall_v conciliate_v they_o as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a among_o themselves_o 3._o true_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v national_a secure_v best_a against_o those_o undermine_a enemy_n of_o atheism_n heresy_n enthusiasm_n wild_a and_o monstrous_a opinion_n profaneness_n neglect_v of_o all_o religion_n coldness_n lukewarmness_n which_o take_v shelter_n and_o manage_v their_o defence_n from_o the_o division_n in_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o nation_n settle_v and_o confirm_v into_o avow_a sect_n and_o several_a party_n but_o national_a union_n in_o a_o true_a religion_n strike_v they_o both_o with_o fear_n and_o shame_n 4._o the_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o public_a religion_n as_o before_o declare_v come_v down_o upon_o a_o religious_a nationa_n and_o all_o the_o true_o religious_a part_n of_o it_o both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v according_a to_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o union_n in_o national_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v a_o interest_n far_o great_a than_o that_o of_o trade_n warlike_a defence_n or_o the_o policy_n of_o city_n or_o kingdom_n accurse_a therefore_o be_v that_o irreligion_n or_o disunion_n that_o enfeeble_v it_o he_o that_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n as_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o and_o he_o that_o prodigal_o commit_v waste_v upon_o a_o religious_a principle_n be_v worse_a than_o they_o that_o by_o riotous_a live_n or_o idleness_n do_v their_o part_n to_o impoverish_v a_o nation_n he_o that_o upon_o division_n retire_v from_o the_o public_a religion_n without_o necessity_n take_v his_o interest_n out_o of_o the_o national_a bank_n or_o bottom_n or_o sullen_o let_v it_o lie_v dead_a such_o kind_n of_o partying_n in_o religion_n without_o necessity_n be_v like_o the_o hetaeriae_fw-la or_o cabal_n in_o civil_a government_n consultation_n without_o respect_n to_o the_o public_a and_o so_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o it_o a_o injury_n of_o great_a guilt_n see_v we_o owe_v so_o much_o to_o the_o public_a and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v what_o i_o intend_v in_o the_o argue_v this_o point_n i_o shall_v now_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v object_v to_o it_o as_o a_o occasion_n further_o to_o explain_v this_o whole_a doctrine_n and_o the_o great_a objection_n i_o can_v conceive_v in_o prejudice_n of_o what_o i_o have_v assert_v concern_v national_a religion_n i_o reduce_v to_o these_o follow_v obj._n 1_o when_o god_n give_v the_o great_a instance_n and_o pattern_n of_o national_a religion_n especial_o as_o in_o a_o national_a church_n how_o much_o otherwise_o do_v he_o find_v it_o than_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v derive_v from_o our_o saviour_n institution_n he_o begin_v it_o in_o a_o holy_a root_n that_o sprout_v out_o and_o grow_v and_o flourish_v into_o a_o nation_n holy_a to_o god_n by_o his_o appointment_n they_o meet_v together_o at_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o solemn_a feast_n and_o sacrifice_n as_o public_a ordinance_n the_o priest_n and_o more_o especial_o the_o high-priest_n be_v in_o most_o authorirative_a deputation_n from_o god_n between_o he_o and_o that_o peculiar_a people_n that_o they_o may_v unite_v all_o as_o in_o one._n the_o temple_n altar_n and_o holy_a of_o holies_n be_v as_o the_o common_a centre_n of_o all_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o a_o great_a sin_n it_o be_v to_o have_v multiply_v any_o of_o these_o and_o so_o to_o have_v make_v a_o division_n they_o have_v prophet_n who_o be_v their_o extraordinary_a national_a minister_n their_o office_n and_o sermon_n close_o relate_v to_o the_o general_a state_n last_o their_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v under_o the_o strict_a obligation_n to_o attemper_v their_o government_n and_o administration_n to_o the_o religious_a law_n give_v by_o god_n to_o that_o people_n beside_o all_o this_o they_o have_v the_o levite_n disperse_v through_o their_o city_n and_o village_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o synagogue_n the_o place_n wherein_o they_o assemble_v for_o constant_a exercise_n of_o religion_n but_o now_o what_o a_o silence_n be_v there_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n or_o any_o thing_n like_o they_o with_o relation_n to_o nation_n in_o our_o lord_n appointment_n his_o apostle_n call_v man_n out_o of_o judaisme_n or_o heathenism_n the_o then_o religion_n of_o nation_n into_o private_a and_o particular_a assembly_n call_v church_n under_o pastor_n particular_a to_o they_o without_o any_o rule_n for_o christian_a magistrate_n or_o expectation_n of_o service_n from_o they_o which_o argue_v he_o do_v not_o intend_v national_a church_n or_o if_o he_o do_v by_o the_o prophet_n signify_v any_o such_o it_o be_v not_o intend_v they_o shall_v be_v in_o this_o dark_a and_o cloudy_a state_n wherein_o antichristianism_n have_v so_o prevail_v it_o be_v reserve_v for_o some_o more_o glorious_a state_n of_o the_o church_n some_o more_o eminent_a appearance_n of_o christ_n wherein_o such_o prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v 2._o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v the_o only_a instance_n we_o have_v in_o scripture_n of_o christian_a society_n the_o discourse_n of_o they_o the_o rule_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o be_v all_o fit_v to_o private_a and_o particular_a congregation_n and_o where_o there_o be_v any_o such_o speak_v of_o they_o be_v call_v church_n or_o congregation_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o association_n in_o christian_a religion_n mention_v but_o under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n to_o signify_v christian_n religious_a society_n and_o church_n be_v all_o one_o so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o national_a christian_n religion_n without_o a_o national_a church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n either_o of_o a_o national_a christian_n religion_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o a_o national_a church_n 3._o a_o national_a church_n or_o a_o national_a religion_n must_v depend_v upon_o a_o national_a magistracy_n the_o church_n must_v be_v gather_v in_o they_o the_o religion_n establish_v by_o they_o subject_a to_o their_o law_n and_o penal_a statute_n and_o beyond_o this_o those_o that_o can_v be_v every_o way_n compliant_a with_o the_o whole_a national_a scheme_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o enemy_n to_o or_o disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o government_n of_o the_o nation_n because_o the_o government_n and_o the_o religion_n be_v incorporate_a together_o whereas_o the_o law_n and_o religion_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v all_o in_o he_o and_o depend_v upon_o he_o only_o how_o far_o be_v this_o from_o a_o national_a church_n to_o give_v first_o a_o answer_n to_o these_o objection_n together_o the_o argument_n already_o mention_v do_v mighty_o prevail_v with_o i_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a christianity_n shall_v by_o any_o of_o its_o influence_n so_o much_o as_o suspend_v so_o absolute_a a_o natural_a duty_n upon_o mankind_n as_o this_o viz._n to_o consecrate_v national_a association_n to_o god_n in_o national_a religion_n but_o that_o it_o be_v always_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o people_n to_o unite_v in_o national_a christian_n religion_n or_o that_o the_o redeemer_n of_o mankind_n shall_v cut_v off_o so_o great_a a_o privilege_n of_o nation_n as_o that_o to_o entitle_v themselves_o national_o to_o god_n and_o his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n and_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o only_a true_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n or_o that_o the_o very_a proper_a and_o natural_a glory_n of_o christianity_n to_o make_v disciple_n of_o all_o nation_n may_v not_o at_o all_o time_n be_v endeavour_v by_o every_o particular_a nation_n however_o the_o prophecy_n may_v be_v more_o literal_o fulfil_v hereafter_o in_o the_o purity_n and_o universality_n
craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o 14._o eccles_n 4._o 14._o wait_n to_o deceive_v but_o follow_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n we_o may_v grow_v up_o into_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n who_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n from_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o edify_a itself_o in_o love_n be_v not_o carry_v about_o 9_o heb._n 13_o 9_o with_o divers_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n for_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v establish_v with_o grace_n not_o with_o meat_n which_o have_v not_o profit_v they_o that_o have_v be_v exercise_v therein_o 2._o that_o we_o have_v a_o true_a and_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o our_o obedience_n to_o it_o the_o blessedness_n of_o which_o and_o its_o great_a preservation_n from_o scandal_n the_o psalmist_n thus_o describe_v bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o council_n of_o the_o ungodly_a nor_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n nor_o 1._o psal_n 1._o 1._o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a but_o his_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o that_o law_n do_v he_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o tree_n plant_v by_o the_o river_n of_o water_n that_o bring_v forth_o his_o fruit_n in_o due_a season_n his_o leaf_n also_o shall_v not_o wither_v and_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v shall_v prosper_v 3._o that_o we_o order_v all_o thing_n of_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n aright_o both_o as_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o to_o which_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n direction_n shall_v be_v always_o before_o we_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n nor_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n 22._o rom._n 14._o 5_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 22._o give_v no_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o gentile_n nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n even_o as_o i_o please_v all_o man_n in_o all_o thing_n not_o seek_v my_o own_o profit_n but_o the_o profit_n of_o many_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v whoever_o thus_o serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o men._n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la several_a mispointings_a and_o literal_a mistake_n the_o candid_a reader_n be_v desire_v to_o observe_v and_o pardon_n and_o what_o be_v most_o injurious_a to_o the_o sense_n thus_o to_o correct_v page_n 6._o line_n 32._o for_o a_o read_v all_o p._n 13._o l._n 22._o for_o they_o r._n the._n p._n 17._o l._n 12._o deal_n not_o p._n 18._o l._n 11._o for_o at_o r._n with_o p._n 25._o l._n 30._o for_o he_o r_o any_o one_o p._n 27._o l._n 30._o for_o purity_n r._n party_n p._n 38._o l._n 4_o for_o righteous_a r._n weak_a p._n 44._o l._n 24._o deal_n they_o p._n 48._o l._n 17._o for_o rule_n r._n rate_n p._n 55._o l._n 22._o after_o be_v r._n not_o p._n 61._o l._n 9_o for_o sacrifice_n r._n sacrament_n p._n 76._o l._n 29._o for_o party_n r._n polity_n p._n 79._o l._n 11._o after_o just_o r._n may_n print_a for_o tho._n parkhurst_n the_o whole_a duty_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o national_a true_a religion_n argue_v and_o persuade_v upon_o great_a motive_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n conciliate_v to_o all_o moderate_a apprehension_n though_o differ_v in_o small_a thing_n and_o to_o the_o strict_a notion_n of_o church_n two_o book_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o its_o order_n to_o universal_a peace_n impartial_o state_v and_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o just_a right_n and_o genuine_a effect_n of_o true_a natural_a and_o christian_a religion_n in_o immunity_n from_o penal-law_n church_n censure_n and_o private_a animosity_n a_o catholic_n catechism_n show_v the_o impossibility_n the_o catholic_n religion_n shall_v be_v vary_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o thought_n from_o the_o measure_n leave_v seal_v by_o the_o apostle_n without_o the_o loss_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o the_o impossibility_n popery_n or_o whatever_o else_o be_v not_o find_v in_o scripture_n shall_v be_v catholic_n compose_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mean_a that_o will_v but_o consider_v that_o they_o may_v know_v and_o be_v ready_a upon_o un-movable_a reason_n to_o give_v a_o apology_n or_o defensive_a answer_n for_o the_o catholic_n religion_n if_o they_o be_v indeed_o of_o it_o and_o be_v secure_v from_o temptation_n in_o time_n of_o danger_n 2_o pet._n i._o 12_o the_o present_a truth_n prov._n 22._o 21._o that_o i_o may_v make_v thou_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n that_o thou_o may_v answer_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n to_o they_o that_o send_v unto_o thou_o london_n print_v for_o tho._n parkhurst_n and_o will._n miller_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n and_o the_o acorn_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1683._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n i_o call_v this_o a_o catechism_n because_o i_o design_v it_o a_o familiar_a instruction_n in_o fundamental_a truth_n resound_v the_o same_o thing_n from_o question_n to_o answer_n the_o easy_a way_n of_o convey_v truth_n and_o imprint_v it_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o that_o be_v even_o of_o the_o mean_a capacity_n but_o especial_o because_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v daily_o so_o meditate_a upon_o ponder_v and_o apply_v to_o use_v as_o to_o be_v a_o perpetual_a sound_n in_o our_o ear_n and_o so_o to_o be_v proper_o style_v catechism_n for_o thing_n of_o such_o great_a weight_n as_o principle_n be_v must_v have_v as_o the_o most_o advantageous_a admission_n as_o the_o most_o deep_a and_o therefore_o leisurely_o insinuation_n as_o the_o most_o resolve_a adherence_n when_o find_v true_a and_o right_a which_o be_v buy_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o sell_v it_o so_o they_o must_v have_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o ready_a application_n to_o all_o their_o uses_n and_o end_v they_o must_v therefore_o be_v bind_v continual_o about_o our_o neck_n that_o when_o we_o go_v they_o may_v lead_v we_o that_o when_o we_o sleep_v they_o may_v keep_v we_o that_o when_o we_o wake_v they_o may_v talk_v with_o we_o prov._n 6._o 21_o 22._o i_o know_v the_o thing_n i_o have_v write_v can_v be_v due_o receive_v without_o much_o think_v and_o without_o that_o they_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o a_o censorious_a rejection_n from_o the_o most_o or_o of_o a_o superficial_a unintelligent_a acceptance_n in_o the_o kind_a which_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o i_o present_v it_o as_o a_o catechism_n to_o those_o that_o shall_v at_o all_o approve_v it_o that_o they_o may_v be_v thorough_o verse_v in_o it_o and_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o grow_v domestic_a to_o they_o i_o call_v it_o a_o catholic_n catechism_n only_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o great_a subject_n it_o treat_v of_o the_o catholic_n religion_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v catholic_n or_o in_o which_o their_o catholickness_n consist_v that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o holy_a and_o happy_a spirit_n be_v by_o that_o catholickness_n unite_v and_o close_o band_v with_o itself_o catholic_n as_o the_o epistle_n call_v catholic_n that_o be_v after_o some_o doubt_v assert_v to_o be_v divine_a of_o the_o public_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o give_v that_o public_a doctrine_n in_o which_o the_o general_a assembly_n be_v one_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o contrive_v the_o question_n and_o answer_n so_o that_o the_o answer_n may_v be_v a_o apology_n or_o defensive_a answer_n of_o that_o catholic_n truth_n give_v a_o reason_n or_o a_o rational_a account_n to_o any_o demand_v that_o can_v be_v make_v upon_o it_o and_o it_o be_v the_o apology_n of_o that_o truth_n itself_o the_o apology_n it_o give_v and_o furnish_v we_o with_o for_o other_o can_v no_o man_n give_v truth_n can_v need_v no_o other_o than_o its_o native_a apology_n for_o itself_o no_o other_o will_v it_o accept_v to_o give_v this_o and_o to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v it_o to_o keep_v it_o within_o we_o and_o to_o have_v it_o fit_v to_o our_o lip_n be_v the_o proper_a fruit_n of_o such_o a_o catechetical_a instruction_n and_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o great_a honour_n we_o can_v do_v to_o god_n first_o to_o sanctify_v he_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o a_o full_a acknowledgement_n of_o he_o in_o his_o divine_a truth_n by_o a_o plerophory_n or_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o father_n and_o