be_v so_o far_o from_o lessen_v the_o authority_n that_o it_o rather_o conciliate_v reverence_n to_o the_o judge_n the_o profession_n of_o physic_n do_v not_o therefore_o become_v useless_a because_o the_o aphorism_n of_o hypocrates_n contain_v the_o necessary_a rule_n for_o health_n and_o may_v be_v understand_v by_o those_o who_o be_v capacitate_v and_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o do_v it_o the_o scripture_n they_o do_v clear_o contain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o one_o way_n whereby_o christ_n prove_v himself_o the_o true_a messiah_n be_v by_o answer_v that_o character_n the_o prophet_n have_v give_v of_o he_o that_o the_o poor_a shall_v have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v unto_o they_o i._n e._n man_n as_o of_o small_a capacity_n and_o less_o estate_n so_o of_o humble_a and_o teachable_a disposition_n man_n who_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o in_o fortune_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o therein_o god_n have_v prescribe_v a_o reasonable_a service_n the_o rule_n of_o life_n which_o be_v therein_o lay_v down_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o product_n of_o absolute_a power_n and_o sovereignty_n as_o the_o result_n of_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o these_o his_o attribute_n lead_v he_o to_o consult_v the_o want_n and_o commiserate_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o mean_a of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o as_o when_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o deliver_v man_n he_o do_v not_o abhor_v the_o virgin_n womb_n and_o that_o he_o may_v become_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n be_v content_a to_o be_v disarray_v of_o his_o own_o eternal_a glory_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o to_o humble_v himself_o to_o the_o death_n the_o shameful_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n so_o likewise_o when_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o office_n of_o a_o teacher_n by_o a_o wonderful_a condescend_v he_o accommodate_v his_o doctrine_n to_o the_o reason_n and_o humane_a affection_n of_o his_o auditor_n his_o law_n obtain_v as_o much_o by_o their_o suitableness_n to_o our_o nature_n as_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n when_o he_o preach_v his_o divine_a sermon_n to_o the_o multitude_n he_o do_v not_o amuse_v they_o with_o mystical_a theology_n or_o torture_v their_o understanding_n with_o profound_a subtlety_n but_o as_o he_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n so_o he_o declare_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o a_o most_o plain_a and_o perspicuous_a manner_n mahomet_n indeed_o that_o grand_a impostor_n be_v well_o advise_v to_o pen_v his_o alcoran_n in_o swell_a word_n and_o mystical_a phrase_n and_o as_o in_o some_o thing_n to_o restrain_v so_o in_o other_o to_o indulge_v the_o sensual_a appetite_n for_o by_o this_o stratagem_n that_o sottish_a people_n with_o who_o he_o have_v to_o do_v be_v content_a to_o part_v with_o their_o natural_a right_n to_o gain_v a_o unlawful_a freedom_n and_o to_o admire_v what_o they_o be_v never_o like_a to_o understand_v but_o our_o new_a and_o perfect_a lawgiver_n christ_n jesus_n have_v no_o other_o design_n but_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n and_o be_v every_o way_n adorn_v for_o so_o noble_a a_o purpose_n though_o he_o make_v the_o gate_n narrow_a and_o the_o path_n straight_o yet_o he_o have_v promise_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o all_o that_o knock_v and_o none_o unless_o wilful_o need_v mistake_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o eternal_a life_n but_o then_o because_o he_o know_v there_o be_v no_o rule_n so_o plain_a but_o it_o may_v be_v mistake_v no_o precept_n so_o clear_a but_o it_o may_v be_v pervert_v no_o doctrine_n so_o pure_a but_o it_o may_v be_v corrupt_v because_o he_o foresee_v there_o will_v arise_v false_a prophet_n and_o false_a teacher_n who_o business_n it_o will_v be_v to_o seduce_v the_o ignorant_a and_o debauch_v the_o credulous_a because_o he_o foresee_v a_o perpetual_a succession_n of_o gnostic_n who_o in_o all_o age_n will_v set_v up_o the_o dagon_n of_o their_o own_o lascivious_a fancy_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o ark_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o be_v so_o audacious_a as_o even_o to_o confront_v divine_a revelation_n with_o carnal_a reason_v therefore_o to_o obviate_v and_o prevent_v the_o mischief_n of_o such_o grievous_a wolf_n before_o he_o take_v his_o journey_n into_o his_o far_a country_n out_o of_o a_o tender_a care_n of_o that_o flock_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o blood_n he_o appoint_v overseer_n and_o pastor_n of_o his_o flock_n commit_v to_o they_o and_o they_o only_o the_o care_n of_o feed_v his_o flock_n amplify_v their_o commission_n with_o the_o like_a authority_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o his_o father_n promise_v to_o be_v with_o they_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o assist_v they_o with_o that_o spirit_n which_o shall_v guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n if_o then_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o clear_a as_o to_o be_v understand_v even_o by_o the_o multitude_n then_o much_o more_o by_o the_o disciple_n in_o general_a if_o by_o the_o disciple_n in_o general_a much_o more_o by_o the_o college_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v his_o special_a favourite_n and_o of_o his_o cabinet-counsel_n if_o the_o nation_n to_o who_o these_o minister_n in_o chief_a and_o plenipotentiaries_n for_o christ_n make_v know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v thorough_o instruct_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n then_o much_o more_o both_o they_o and_o their_o successor_n upon_o who_o they_o in_o obedience_n to_o their_o master_n command_n confer_v the_o same_o pastoral_n power_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o the_o clearness_n then_o of_o scripture_n can_v reasonable_o be_v urge_v in_o prejudice_n of_o christ_n minister_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v from_o hence_o allege_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o people_n the_o advantage_n will_v be_v still_o great_a on_o their_o side_n thus_o have_v god_n promise_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o all_o private_a man_n who_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n then_o much_o less_o will_v he_o be_v want_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n to_o who_o he_o have_v commit_v the_o care_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o private_a man_n and_o give_v power_n even_o to_o confer_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o scripture_n clear_a to_o they_o much_o more_o to_o those_o who_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v signalise_v and_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n two_o thing_n be_v usual_o bring_v to_o hinder_v this_o procedure_n either_o that_o those_o promise_n of_o assistance_n be_v make_v only_o to_o the_o apostle_n or_o else_o that_o they_o depend_v on_o the_o condition_a righteousness_n of_o men._n where_o by_o the_o way_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o by_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o claim_n of_o the_o people_n be_v utter_o cut_v off_o and_o by_o the_o second_o they_o have_v as_o small_a advantage_n but_o they_o who_o argue_v this_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v that_o this_o objection_n may_v strike_v at_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o faith_n for_o if_o those_o promise_n of_o assistance_n which_o christ_n make_v to_o his_o church_n be_v hypothetical_n if_o they_o depend_v on_o the_o performance_n of_o man_n then_o may_v the_o foundation_n totter_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n prevail_v christianity_n decay_n and_o the_o gospel_n itself_o be_v lose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n before_o the_o end_n thereof_o notwithstanding_o all_o christ_n fair_a promise_n to_o the_o contrary_n if_o they_o have_v be_v confine_v only_o to_o the_o apostle_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v not_o long_o survive_v its_o author_n every_o martyrdom_n of_o a_o apostle_n have_v pull_v down_o a_o pillar_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o whole_a fabric_n must_v have_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n in_o the_o very_a first_o century_n of_o our_o lord_n happy_a indeed_o have_v it_o be_v for_o christendom_n that_o the_o imperiousness_n of_o some_o modern_a bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v not_o bring_v a_o odium_n though_o unjust_o upon_o episcopacy_n in_o general_n that_o their_o too_o much_o lording_n it_o over_o the_o flock_n have_v not_o give_v advantage_n to_o the_o enemy_n of_o church-authority_n and_o their_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o at_o lest_o a_o indirect_a power_n in_o temporal_n have_v not_o alarm_v the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o stand_v up_o and_o take_v counsel_n how_o they_o may_v destroy_v so_o dangerous_a a_o usurpation_n of_o the_o pretend_a vicegerent_n of_o the_o lord_n anoint_v happy_a have_v it_o be_v if_o for_o the_o support_n of_o their_o secular_a greatness_n they_o have_v not_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o countenance_v such_o doctrine_n as_o have_v no_o clear_a and_o solid_a foundation_n therein_o and_o that_o under_o pretence_n of_o make_v the_o church_n all_o glorious_a
within_o her_o governor_n all_o triumphant_a without_o they_o have_v not_o deface_v her_o innocent_a beauty_n and_o make_v her_o militant_a in_o the_o worst_a of_o sense_n however_o they_o can_v no_o way_n be_v excuse_v who_o think_v they_o can_v never_o be_v secure_a from_o papal_a supremacy_n but_o by_o demolish_n the_o evangelical_n hierarchy_n and_o introduce_v a_o presbyterian_a parity_n into_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o to_o avoid_v the_o necessity_n of_o have_v a_o infallible_a judge_n leave_v every_o private_a prepossess_v fancy_n to_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o scripture_n whereby_o man_n be_v often_o bewilder_v in_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o error_n seduce_v into_o those_o by-path_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n for_o notwithstanding_o that_o beam_n of_o divine_a light_n which_o shine_v so_o bright_a in_o the_o scripture_n it_o seem_v some_o man_n have_v eye_n either_o so_o weak_a as_o to_o be_v dazzle_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o it_o or_o else_o so_o blind_a with_o pride_n or_o malice_n as_o not_o to_o perceive_v it_o for_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a man_n wrest_v unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o therefore_o the_o unlearned_a shall_v do_v well_o to_o consult_v their_o teacher_n the_o unstable_a those_o that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o faith_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o my_o second_o general_a consideration_n that_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a in_o themselves_o yet_o private_a man_n abandon_v their_o guide_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o corrupt_a fancy_n may_v deprave_v and_o distort_v they_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n who_o those_o wrester_n be_v or_o what_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v wherewith_o st._n peter_n charge_v the_o epistle_n of_o his_o belove_a brother_n paul_n i_o shall_v not_o strict_o inquire_v the_o apostle_n have_v pass_v they_o over_o in_o a_o profound_a silence_n it_o will_v be_v difficult_a at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n exact_o to_o define_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o either_o the_o gnostick_n or_o cerinthian_a heretic_n be_v here_o chief_o aim_v at_o who_o upon_o a_o mistake_n of_o some_o prediction_n become_v the_o founder_n of_o a_o temporal_a dominion_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n wherein_o his_o follower_n in_o their_o new_a jerusalem_n shall_v wallow_v in_o sensual_a lust_n and_o pleasure_n spend_v the_o space_n of_o a_o thousand_o year_n as_o in_o a_o nuptial_a festivity_n and_o enjoy_v the_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n in_o as_o ample_a and_o exquisite_a a_o manner_n as_o the_o most_o epicurean_a soul_n can_v effect_v or_o covet_v a_o fancy_n in_o its_o first_o original_a mere_o jewish_n afterward_o entertain_v by_o some_o judaize_v christian_n and_o final_o rather_o rectify_v than_o abandon_v by_o some_o of_o the_o father_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o if_o those_o sublime_a wit_n who_o have_v all_o the_o learning_n which_o either_o jerusalem_n athens_n or_o rome_n can_v boast_v be_v nevertheless_o mistake_v in_o their_o exposition_n of_o some_o abstruse_a text_n of_o scripture_n whilst_o they_o deliver_v their_o opinion_n but_o as_o private_a doctor_n what_o wonder_n if_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrest_v they_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n that_o they_o have_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la do_v this_o be_v manifest_a since_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o instance_n in_o any_o one_o century_n which_o be_v not_o either_o chargeable_a with_o new_a heresy_n or_o the_o revive_n and_o improve_n of_o old_a and_o the_o most_o extravagant_a opinion_n which_o ever_o yet_o see_v the_o light_n have_v still_o shroud_v themselves_o under_o the_o patronage_n of_o holy_a writ_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o shall_v we_o condemn_v the_o scripture_n of_o sin_n shall_v we_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o themselves_o either_o productive_a of_o error_n or_o not_o a_o sufficient_a storehouse_n of_o truth_n god_n forbid_v the_o scripture_n be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a but_o private_a man_n wrest_v they_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o this_o they_o do_v first_o by_o their_o ignorance_n second_o by_o their_o instability_n i._n first_o by_o their_o ignorance_n where_o it_o will_v be_v present_o object_v that_o ignorance_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o error_n or_o impiety_n that_o in_o a_o sober_a sense_n it_o be_v true_o the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v give_v in_o by_o tertullian_n as_o the_o prime_a cause_n of_o heresy_n none_o be_v great_a tormentor_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o philosopher_n for_o which_o reason_n they_o be_v brand_v by_o the_o same_o author_n with_o the_o title_n of_o arch-heretic_n particular_o the_o valentinian_n heresy_n concern_v the_o portentous_a production_n of_o the_o god_n come_v from_o the_o platonist_n marcion_n vnconcerned_a and_o lazy_a god_n be_v first_o set_v up_o by_o the_o stoic_n the_o mortality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o epicurean_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o flesh_n of_o the_o whole_a stream_n of_o philosopher_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o wise_a not_o many_o noble_a be_v choose_v caution_n his_o proselyte_n against_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n and_o conclude_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n foolishness_n with_o god_n wherefore_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unlearned_a in_o this_o place_n we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v idiot_n and_o those_o who_o never_o know_v letter_n but_o we_o must_v understand_v those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v instruct_v by_o the_o master_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n the_o nolentes_fw-la discere_fw-la those_o who_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n which_o alone_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o their_o learning_n like_o julian_n only_o qualify_v they_o to_o deride_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a god_n and_o by_o their_o wisdom_n they_o become_v the_o more_o formidable_a enemy_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n thus_o if_o lucifer_n the_o son_n of_o the_o morning_n fall_v from_o his_o allegiance_n whole_a legion_n of_o the_o heavenly_a host_n be_v involve_v in_o the_o rebellion_n that_o heresy_n spread_v like_o the_o contagion_n of_o a_o leprosy_n which_o have_v a_o arrius_n for_o its_o founder_n and_o a_o constantius_n for_o its_o promoter_n and_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n owe_v as_o well_o its_o monstrous_a birth_n as_o its_o fatal_a increase_n to_o the_o malice_n and_o cunning_a of_o a_o apostate_n jew_n and_o a_o renegado_n christian_n and_o to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o but_o of_o a_o far_o more_o modern_a date_n and_o therefore_o of_o more_o dangerous_a consequence_n that_o unhappy_a man_n socinus_n a_o person_n otherwise_o of_o singular_a wit_n and_o learning_n but_o be_v in_o this_o sense_n unlearned_a i._n e._n have_v entertain_v so_o slender_a a_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o date_n a_o general_a defection_n from_o the_o very_a death_n of_o the_o apostle_n upon_o this_o persuasion_n think_v it_o not_o robbery_n to_o make_v himself_o equal_a to_o the_o most_o ecumenical_a council_n to_o contradict_v the_o most_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n and_o from_o this_o contempt_n of_o his_o mother_n to_o proceed_v to_o that_o dare_a pitch_n of_o impiety_n as_o to_o deny_v even_o the_o lord_n that_o buy_v he_o so_o dangerous_a be_v it_o for_o private_a man_n to_o rely_v sole_o upon_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o scripture_n or_o to_o measure_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o godhead_n his_o consubstantiality_n with_o the_o father_n by_o the_o scantling_n of_o humane_a reason_n cedat_fw-la curiositas_fw-la fidei_fw-la gloria_fw-la saluti_fw-la be_v the_o advice_n of_o as_o great_a a_o wit_n as_o any_o age_n have_v breed_v our_o curiosity_n must_v give_v place_n to_o our_o faith_n the_o thirst_n of_o temporal_a glory_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n it_o be_v true_a by_o our_o reason_n we_o be_v first_o dispose_v to_o be_v christian_n for_o no_o creature_n beneath_o the_o rational_a be_v capable_a of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o when_o once_o we_o have_v give_v up_o our_o name_n to_o christ_n it_o be_v by_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v save_v but_o if_o we_o assent_v to_o no_o doctrine_n but_o such_o as_o our_o reason_n full_o comprehend_v this_o be_v no_o long_a faith_n but_o science_n and_o so_o we_o may_v continue_v infidel_n whilst_o we_o go_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o christian_n and_o since_o we_o live_v in_o such_o a_o know_a age_n wherein_o all_o captivate_a the_o understanding_n though_o it_o be_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n be_v make_v the_o subject_n of_o grievance_n and_o complaint_n and_o
the_o authority_n of_o church-guide_n assert_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o our_o late_a gracious_a sovereign_a king_n charles_n ii_o at_o whitehall_n octob._n 17._o 1675._o by_o miles_n barn_n d._n d._n fellow_n of_o st._n peter_n college_n in_o cambridge_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o late_a majesty_n publish_a by_o his_o majesty_n special_a command_n the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v for_o richard_n green_a bookseller_n in_o cambridge_n 1685._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n reader_n this_o sermon_n be_v the_o last_o which_o i_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o preach_v before_o our_o late_a gracious_a sovereign_n of_o bless_a and_o immortal_a memory_n and_o have_v be_v so_o well_o approve_v of_o by_o he_o that_o i_o receive_v his_o command_n twice_o for_o the_o print_n of_o it_o and_o his_o defence_n of_o it_o after_o it_o be_v publish_v i_o now_o again_o present_a to_o public_a view_n yet_o not_o without_o some_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n for_o if_o notwithstanding_o the_o royal_a command_n and_o defence_n of_o that_o sagacious_a prince_n i_o can_v not_o at_o that_o time_n escape_v the_o severe_a stroke_n of_o some_o potent_a man_n who_o from_o the_o very_a moment_n it_o be_v first_o preach_v by_o secret_a art_n endeavour_v my_o ruin_n and_o become_v my_o enemy_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o i_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n i_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o expect_v better_a usage_n now_o be_v to_o my_o unspeakable_a grief_n destitute_a of_o that_o royal_a patronage_n the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o vindicate_v that_o church-authority_n which_o our_o lord_n before_o he_o go_v into_o his_o far_a country_n in_o a_o most_o solemn_a manner_n confer_v upon_o his_o apostle_n and_o which_o be_v to_o descend_v upon_o their_o successor_n and_o to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o governor_n and_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o lessen_v if_o not_o render_v useless_a this_o sacred_a authority_n especial_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v in_o expound_v the_o scripture_n in_o teach_v and_o guide_v the_o flock_n some_o modern_a divine_a for_o reason_n best_o know_v to_o themselves_o have_v advance_v the_o perspicuity_n of_o scripture_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o not_o only_o the_o less_o difficult_a part_n thereof_o but_o even_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d themselves_o be_v become_v easy_a and_o intelligible_a to_o every_o mechanic_n reader_n and_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o this_o pretend_a clearness_n of_o scripture_n unknown_a to_o those_o illustrious_a father_n who_o write_v in_o the_o first_o and_o succeed_a age_n of_o christianity_n who_o with_o indefatigable_a labour_n painful_a watch_n and_o incessant_a recourse_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n endeavour_v to_o explain_v the_o deep_a mystery_n thereof_o shall_v never_o be_v discover_v until_o these_o last_o century_n and_o then_o make_v use_v of_o to_o usher_v in_o and_o support_v those_o pestilent_a schism_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o western_a church_n and_o be_v indeed_o set_v as_o a_o fatal_a bar_n to_o frustrate_v all_o the_o method_n of_o reunion_n and_o yet_o stranger_n that_o these_o discoverer_n shall_v be_v so_o wilful_o blind_a as_o not_o to_o discern_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o clear_o reveal_v or_o more_o express_o set_v down_o in_o holy_a writ_n than_o the_o authority_n here_o contend_v for_o if_o the_o infallible_a and_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o the_o evangelist_n may_v be_v think_v of_o any_o moment_n in_o the_o case_n god_n forbid_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n shall_v be_v deny_v to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n but_o whether_o the_o great_a master_n of_o the_o household_n have_v not_o appoint_v spiritual_a father_n to_o be_v the_o steward_n and_o dispenser_n of_o this_o heavenly_a food_n or_o leave_v the_o child_n to_o be_v their_o own_o carver_n aught_o to_o have_v be_v more_o mature_o consider_v for_o this_o bread_n of_o life_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v by_o st._n paul_n compare_v to_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n and_o if_o that_o be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o unskilful_a manager_n it_o may_v prove_v both_o fatal_a to_o themselves_o and_o destructive_a to_o other_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o trouble_v you_o with_o a_o review_n of_o those_o complaint_n occasion_v by_o the_o dire_a heresy_n which_o soon_o follow_v upon_o the_o first_o translation_n of_o the_o bible_n into_o the_o english_a tongue_n since_o the_o divine_a write_n can_v be_v translate_v into_o too_o many_o language_n and_o since_o after_o the_o translation_n the_o supreme_a authority_n may_v have_v hinder_v the_o mischief_n which_o ensue_v by_o restrain_v the_o promiscuous_a read_n of_o they_o and_o indulge_v that_o privilege_n to_o those_o only_o who_o shall_v be_v license_v thereunto_o by_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n but_o certain_o those_o man_n have_v no_o very_o good_a design_n nor_o a_o due_a honour_n for_o the_o divine_a oracle_n who_o first_o expose_v their_o mysterious_a meaning_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o vulgar_a capacity_n and_o yet_o i_o will_v willing_o entertain_v so_o much_o charity_n for_o they_o as_o to_o believe_v the_o first_o inventor_n do_v not_o foresee_v the_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o their_o own_o principle_n for_o from_o hence_o it_o natural_o follow_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o church-guide_n for_o direct_v christian_n in_o necessary_a faith_n second_o from_o hence_o follow_v a_o contempt_n of_o their_o function_n at_o least_o as_o to_o this_o part_n of_o it_o for_o who_o will_v regard_v that_o authority_n which_o be_v make_v useless_a three_o a_o innundation_n of_o all_o those_o wild_a opinion_n which_o either_o malice_n or_o ignorance_n can_v betray_v man_n into_o four_o the_o multiply_v of_o sect_n and_o heresy_n without_o any_o due_a mean_n leave_v for_o the_o suppress_v they_o since_o every_o sincere_a endeavourer_n may_v equal_o plead_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n in_o justification_n of_o his_o opinion_n this_o one_o principle_n have_v turn_v our_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v once_o a_o city_n at_o unity_n within_o itself_o into_o a_o babel_n not_o of_o language_n but_o what_o be_v worse_o a_o confusion_n of_o the_o gross_a error_n which_o ever_o infest_a the_o church_n since_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n and_o since_o latitudinism_n in_o principle_n be_v evermore_o accompany_v with_o libertinism_n in_o practice_n schism_n in_o the_o church_n beget_v sedition_n in_o the_o monarchy_n and_o a_o erastian_n in_o the_o one_o prove_v a_o republican_n in_o the_o other_o to_o this_o one_o principle_n may_v be_v chief_o ascribe_v all_o the_o fatal_a mischief_n of_o the_o late_a unnatural_a war_n and_o the_o dreadful_a confusion_n intend_v by_o the_o last_o fanatic_a conspiracy_n which_o we_o so_o narrow_o escape_v that_o we_o can_v scarce_o yet_o think_v ourselves_o secure_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o for_o since_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o bible_n into_o our_o language_n and_o the_o promiscuous_a read_n of_o it_o what_o schismatic_a ever_o want_v a_o text_n of_o his_o own_o interpret_n to_o countenance_v his_o schism_n or_o rebel_n to_o authorise_v his_o rebellion_n the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n aught_o to_o be_v dear_a to_o every_o good_a christian_a than_o the_o great_a temporal_a blessing_n or_o even_o life_n itself_o how_o far_o this_o have_v be_v obstruct_v by_o the_o envenom_a write_n and_o erastian_n principle_n of_o some_o modern_a controvertist_n i_o wish_v we_o have_v not_o too_o just_a cause_n to_o lament_v and_o that_o in_o their_o transport_v of_o indiscreet_a zeal_n and_o even_o inhuman_a passion_n they_o have_v not_o wound_v the_o catholic_n through_o the_o side_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n for_o not_o content_v tâ—_n throw_v off_o a_o universal_a supremacy_n undue_o challenge_v by_o st._n peter_n successor_n as_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o first_o apostolical_a see_v they_o have_v deny_v that_o primacy_n of_o order_n that_o exordium_n unitatis_fw-la which_o be_v both_o consistent_a with_o st._n cyprian_n hoc_fw-la erant_fw-la utique_fw-la &_o caeteri_fw-la apostoli_fw-la quod_fw-la fuit_fw-la petrus_n pari_fw-la consortio_fw-la praediti_fw-la &_o honoris_fw-la &_o potestatis_fw-la etc._n etc._n allow_v by_o the_o most_o genuine_a son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o support_v the_o ecclesiastical_a hierarchy_n and_o without_o which_o that_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o holy_a father_n so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o can_v so_o well_o be_v preserve_v not_o content_v with_o this_o degradation_n of_o his_o holiness_n they_o have_v proceed_v further_o and_o make_v he_o the_o antichrist_n the_o man_n of_o sin_n the_o son_n of_o perdition_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o apocalyptical_a false_a prophet_n do_v so_o exact_o agree_v to_o mahomet_n as_o the_o ingenious_a
oxford-paraphrast_a have_v full_o and_o learned_o make_v out_o in_o his_o annotation_n on_o the_o 2_o thess_n chap._n 2._o not_o content_v to_o justify_v our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o innovation_n corruption_n and_o impose_v they_o as_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n and_o so_o become_v guilty_a of_o causal_a schism_n they_o have_v represent_v all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n both_o pastor_n and_o people_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n guilty_a of_o heathenish_a and_o worse_o than_o the_o most_o sottish_a heathenish_a idolatry_n so_o foul_a a_o charge_n and_o so_o injurious_a to_o that_o charity_n which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v always_o be_v renown_v for_o that_o i_o hope_v the_o author_n of_o it_o may_v have_v grace_n to_o retract_v and_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o that_o scandal_n which_o be_v thereby_o give_v even_o to_o our_o common_a christianity_n and_o i_o have_v always_o wonder_v how_o it_o ever_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v and_o public_o maintain_v that_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o christian_a professor_n eminent_a for_o learning_n and_o austerity_n of_o life_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o so_o damnable_a a_o apostasy_n concern_v the_o mischief_n of_o this_o charge_n take_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a thorndike_n in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o his_o just_a weight_n and_o measure_n and_o as_o they_o who_o justify_v the_o reformation_n by_o charge_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v antichrist_n and_o the_o papist_n idolater_n so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o who_o over-charge_n the_o reformation_n to_o be_v heretic_n make_v themselves_o thereby_o schismatic_n before_o god_n we_o hope_v no_o ingenuous_a person_n though_o a_o adversary_n will_v think_v the_o worse_a of_o the_o true_a son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o the_o uncharitable_a opinion_n of_o some_o particular_a man_n descend_v perhaps_o from_o dissent_v parent_n educate_v in_o dissent_v time_n and_o who_o never_o yet_o sufficient_o conquer_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o their_o education_n if_o they_o have_v they_o will_v not_o maintain_v such_o erastian_n position_n as_o these_o viz._n that_o christ_n never_o appoint_v any_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n but_o leave_v it_o arbitrary_a and_o dependent_a on_o the_o civil_a state_n that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v not_o to_o be_v preach_v if_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n forbid_v it_o that_o the_o king_n have_v a_o power_n to_o execute_v all_o pastoral_a office_n &_o devolve_v it_o on_o other_o with_o many_o other_o of_o the_o like_a dangerous_a consequence_n which_o that_o valiant_a champion_n of_o church-power_n mr._n lowth_n have_v charge_v upon_o they_o and_o learned_o make_v good_a the_o charge_n whereas_o concern_v the_o last_o of_o these_o position_n neither_o his_o present_a m._n nor_o any_o of_o his_o predecessor_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a supremacy_n ever_o think_v themselves_o endow_v with_o any_o other_o power_n but_o that_o of_o nurse_n father_n neither_o do_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o oath_n invest_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n with_o any_o other_o power_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n than_o what_o be_v pure_o external_a and_o coercive_a if_o bishop_n bramhal_o and_o other_o may_v be_v think_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o author_n there_o tax_v let_v they_o consider_v in_o this_o very_a juncture_n of_o time_n the_o consequence_n of_o their_o own_o position_n and_o then_o lie_v their_o hand_n upon_o their_o mouth_n and_o be_v for_o ever_o after_o silent_a or_o if_o they_o please_v to_o look_v backward_o let_v they_o consider_v what_o mischief_n the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n have_v bring_v upon_o themselves_o have_v they_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n when_o julian_n and_o constantius_n reign_v have_v they_o spend_v as_o much_o time_n in_o defend_v the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o they_o have_v in_o oppose_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o will_v have_v prove_v themselves_o as_o good_a subject_n to_o the_o father_n of_o their_o country_n and_o as_o dutiful_a son_n to_o their_o mother_n the_o church_n have_v they_o give_v a_o true_a account_n of_o ancient_a church-government_n instead_o of_o imbroyl_v we_o with_o irenicum_n and_o weapon-salve_n they_o have_v purchase_v as_o much_o renown_n to_o themselves_o and_o more_o benefit_n to_o christ_n catholic_n church_n then_o may_v we_o hope_v to_o see_v the_o mischief_n of_o separation_n display_v without_o a_o preface_n of_o such_o concession_n as_o manifest_o tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o uniformity_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o lukewarm_a and_o ungenerous_a temper_n to_o desert_n a_o friend_n in_o affliction_n that_o cruel_a juncture_n of_o time_n in_o which_o those_o concession_n be_v make_v do_v no_o way_n extenuate_v the_o presumption_n for_o it_o deserve_v no_o mild_a a_o name_n for_o any_o private_a doctor_n let_v his_o fame_n he_o never_o so_o great_a to_o assume_v to_o himself_o a_o more_o than_o papal_a power_n to_o dictate_v ex_fw-la cathedra_fw-la prescribe_v to_o the_o church_n and_o unfix_v what_o have_v be_v establish_v by_o her_o venerable_a authority_n general_o receive_v and_o approve_v by_o all_o her_o true_a subject_n then_o may_v we_o not_o despair_v to_o behold_v and_o admire_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o all_o her_o height_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n her_o doctrine_n believe_v her_o liturgy_n daily_o frequent_v her_o sacrament_n frequent_o celebrate_v her_o rubric_n due_o observe_v her_o neglect_a discipline_n restore_v her_o censure_n dread_v her_o governor_n religious_o obey_v then_o may_v we_o not_o despair_v to_o see_v our_o controversy_n in_o religion_n manage_v with_o all_o due_a deference_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o ancient_a father_n and_o council_n general_a tradition_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o consequent_o with_o a_o design_n to_o maintain_v universal_a truth_n rather_o than_o our_o own_o private_a opinion_n to_o confute_v man_n error_n rather_o than_o expose_v their_o person_n and_o a_o return_n of_o that_o christian_a spirit_n which_o ennoble_v the_o write_n of_o cassander_n grotius_n forbes_n and_o many_o other_o illustrious_a conciliator_n the_o decay_n whereof_o have_v widen_v our_o breach_n and_o obstruct_v that_o union_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o earnest_a desire_n &_o endeavour_v of_o every_o good_a christian_n if_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o flourish_v as_o much_o in_o our_o day_n as_o ever_o it_o do_v since_o the_o first_o reformation_n the_o fault_n must_v be_v in_o ourselves_o since_o his_o majesty_n in_o his_o gracious_a declaration_n have_v past_o his_o royal_a word_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o government_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n as_o it_o be_v now_o by_o law_n establish_v and_o we_o can_v in_o honour_n or_o duty_n require_v more_o since_o his_o word_n have_v always_o be_v as_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a to_o he_o as_o his_o person_n and_o prerogative_n ought_v to_o be_v to_o we_o wherefore_o instead_o of_o soment_v needless_a fear_n and_o jalousy_n concern_v our_o religion_n which_o even_o in_o a_o coffeehouse_n be_v dangerous_a but_o from_o the_o pulpit_n do_v natural_o rise_v into_o disorder_n and_o tumult_n the_o people_n be_v to_o be_v teach_v the_o duty_n of_o submission_n humility_n and_o obedience_n to_o their_o governor_n both_o civil_a and_o spiritual_a that_o as_o religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v propagate_v by_o force_n so_o neither_o be_v it_o lawful_a to_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o lawful_a authority_n in_o defence_n of_o it_o they_o be_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o passive_a obedience_n and_o nonresistance_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o principle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n when_o under_o the_o severe_a persecution_n in_o the_o same_o declaration_n he_o be_v please_v further_a to_o add_v that_o he_o know_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v for_o monarchy_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o have_v show_v themselves_o good_a and_o loyal_a subject_n therefore_o he_o will_v always_o take_v care_n to_o defend_v and_o support_v it_o so_o that_o out_o of_o his_o abundant_a goodness_n and_o clemency_n he_o have_v confirm_v his_o word_n by_o the_o sure_a tie_v of_o interest_n and_o princely_a gratitude_n it_o please_v the_o almighty_a in_o who_o hand_n be_v the_o fate_n of_o the_o great_a of_o potentate_n to_o call_v to_o heaven_n his_o dear_a brother_n and_o to_o leave_v he_o the_o deep_a mourner_n in_o the_o nation_n in_o that_o very_a period_n of_o time_n when_o they_o may_v have_v promise_v themselves_o a_o secure_a enjoyment_n of_o earthly_a blessing_n for_o have_v not_o that_o glorious_a monarch_n like_o moses_n by_o a_o invincible_a patience_n and_o magnanimity_n
withstand_v the_o murmur_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o a_o rebellious_a people_n free_v we_o from_o the_o slavery_n and_o tyranny_n of_o our_o egyptian_a taskmaster_n bring_v we_o out_o of_o a_o wilderness_n of_o confusion_n and_o place_v we_o within_o the_o prospect_n of_o a_o canaan_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o yet_o to_o his_o lawful_a successor_n the_o mighty_a joshua_n providence_n decree_v the_o full_a possession_n of_o those_o blessing_n which_o he_o the_o lament_a moses_n only_o live_v to_o have_v a_o sight_n of_o and_o what_o may_v we_o not_o promise_v to_o ourselves_o under_o his_o most_o auspicious_a reign_n and_o in_o nothing_o more_o auspicious_a than_o in_o the_o peaceable_a devolution_n of_o the_o crown_n upon_o his_o head_n after_o so_o many_o bold_a and_o wicked_a attempt_n to_o cut_v off_o his_o succession_n this_o seem_v no_o less_o miraculous_a than_o his_o predecessor_n restauration_n may_v his_o subject_n learn_v from_o hence_o that_o king_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n and_o dread_v the_o vengeance_n of_o that_o god_n by_o who_o they_o reign_v may_v they_o never_o forget_v the_o misery_n they_o have_v escape_v nor_o grow_v weary_a of_o the_o benefit_n they_o be_v sure_a to_o enjoy_v under_o his_o wise_a and_o steady_a conduct_n may_v his_o reign_n be_v long_o and_o prosperous_a and_o to_o complete_a his_o happiness_n may_v all_o his_o people_n give_v he_o the_o same_o dutiful_a obedience_n now_o he_o be_v king_n which_o he_o so_o religious_o pay_v to_o his_o sovereign_n when_o he_o be_v the_o high_a of_o subject_n and_o to_o say_v no_o more_o may_v he_o live_v to_o accomplish_v those_o glorious_a thing_n for_o this_o nation_n for_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v design_v by_o that_o special_a providence_n which_o have_v attend_v he_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o have_v now_o place_v he_o on_o the_o imperial_a throne_n 2_o pet._n chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 16._o in_o which_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrest_v as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n the_o clearness_n of_o scripture_n in_o all_o point_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o all_o such_o as_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o believe_v and_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n which_o suit_v very_o well_o with_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o a_o rule_n with_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o propound_v it_o as_o such_o and_o have_v be_v urge_v with_o some_o success_n against_o those_o who_o plead_v a_o necessity_n of_o have_v one_o supreme_a infallible_a judge_n to_o decide_v and_o determine_v all_o controversy_n which_o shall_v happen_v to_o arise_v concern_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n who_o decision_n and_o determination_n say_v they_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o the_o son_n of_o the_o church_n for_o as_o 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into_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o cord_n of_o man_n that_o they_o seem_v rather_o to_o be_v drive_v like_o beast_n and_o act_v like_o puppet_n as_o it_o be_v phrased_a by_o a_o late_a author_n as_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o clearness_n of_o scripture_n have_v prove_v successful_a to_o the_o beat_n down_o the_o pretence_n to_o a_o absolute_a infallibility_n and_o uncontrollable_a sovereignty_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n have_v it_o mighty_o embolden_v the_o patron_n of_o liberty_n not_o only_o to_o despise_v their_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o obedience_n to_o christ_n minister_n who_o he_o notwithstanding_o a_o little_a before_o his_o return_n to_o his_o father_n court_n for_o the_o further_o negotiate_v and_o advance_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n anoint_v and_o ordain_v to_o perform_v the_o apostolical_a office_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n remit_v sin_n inflict_v censure_n ministerial_o confer_v the_o holy_a ghost_n decide_v controversy_n and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n in_o his_o stead_n here_o on_o earth_n till_o his_o second_o come_n but_o likewise_o to_o invade_v their_o function_n usurp_v their_o sacred_a call_v especial_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v in_o preach_v and_o expound_v the_o word_n for_o say_v they_o since_o it_o be_v confess_v the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_o clear_a to_o all_o unprejudiced_a mind_n such_o as_o be_v free_a from_o the_o clog_n of_o passion_n and_o interest_n why_o shall_v these_o pretend_a minister_n of_o christ_n take_v so_o much_o upon_o they_o be_v not_o all_o the_o congregation_n holy_a and_o learned_a as_o well_o as_o they_o be_v they_o the_o only_a temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o do_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n reside_v sole_o in_o their_o breast_n during_o the_o dispensation_n of_o moses_n it_o be_v confess_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o aaron_n all_o along_o under_o the_o legal_a oeconomy_n the_o priest_n lip_n do_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o likewise_o during_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o prophet_n there_o be_v a_o appropriate_a ministry_n but_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o different_a under_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v make_v clear_a discovery_n of_o himself_o and_o pour_v out_o more_o liberal_o of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v doubtful_a typical_a and_o mysterious_a the_o prophecy_n be_v industrious_o couch_v under_o dark_a parable_n and_o deliver_v in_o obscure_a say_n but_o then_o the_o light_n the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v universal_a it_o be_v likewise_o so_o clear_a that_o any_o one_o that_o run_v may_v read_v why_o then_o shall_v we_o not_o assert_v that_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o since_o we_o have_v a_o command_n to_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n why_o shall_v we_o pin_v our_o faith_n upon_o other_o man_n sleeve_n thus_o these_o man_n under_o the_o goodly_a pretence_n of_o christian_a liberty_n become_v enslave_v to_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o conceitedness_n plead_v the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o prejudice_n of_o christ_n own_o ambassador_n urge_v for_o their_o own_o private_a conception_n clearness_n of_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o confusion_n and_o pry_v so_o long_o into_o the_o doctrine_n of_o theology_n till_o at_o length_n they_o light_v on_o those_o hide_a mystery_n which_o they_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrest_v unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n the_o way_n thus_o prepare_v my_o text_n yet_o lead_v i_o into_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o that_o the_o clearness_n of_o scripture_n do_v no_o way_n lessen_v the_o authority_n or_o take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o spiritual_a guide_n 2._o that_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a in_o themselves_o yet_o private_a man_n abandon_v their_o lawful_a guide_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o corrupt_a fancy_n may_v deprave_v and_o distort_v they_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 3._o that_o for_o prevent_v mistake_v from_o rise_v and_o suppress_v error_n when_o rise_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o private_a man_n to_o submit_v their_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v constitute_v to_o be_v their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o governor_n unless_o it_o manifest_o appear_v that_o such_o determination_n be_v contrary_a to_o god_n word_n i._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o that_o the_o clearness_n of_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n for_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o self-evident_a as_o be_v pretend_v then_o may_v man_n with_o great_a security_n rely_v on_o the_o direction_n of_o their_o guide_n and_o they_o have_v the_o less_o reason_n to_o suspect_v their_o conduct_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o themselves_o be_v judges_n they_o can_v be_v mistake_v if_o they_o sincere_o attend_v they_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o law_n
that_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o man_n of_o such_o a_o sceptical_a genius_n as_o that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o moreover_o deny_v our_o very_a creed_n with_o who_o a_o treatise_n of_o humane_a reason_n be_v of_o more_o force_n than_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n the_o divine_a to_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o man_n i_o offer_v two_o thing_n which_o i_o judge_v most_o proper_a i._n first_o the_o answer_n which_o origen_n make_v to_o celsus_n when_o it_o be_v object_v by_o that_o calumniator_n against_o the_o christian_n that_o their_o religion_n be_v build_v on_o a_o very_a sandy_a foundation_n which_o dare_v not_o undergo_v the_o test_n of_o reason_n but_o command_v its_o convert_v not_o to_o examine_v but_o believe_v and_o their_o faith_n shall_v save_o they_o in_o part_n he_o own_v the_o objection_n but_o wise_o retort_v it_o upon_o his_o adversary_n by_o tell_v he_o that_o the_o philosopher_n be_v the_o great_a dictator_n in_o the_o world_n witness_v the_o ipse_fw-la dixit_fw-la of_o pythagoras_n that_o their_o system_n contain_v some_o such_o secret_a dogmata_fw-la which_o their_o disciple_n swallow_v sole_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o master_n and_o if_o the_o master_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n which_o be_v either_o foolishness_n or_o at_o best_o but_o science_n false_o so_o call_v require_v so_o great_a submission_n from_o their_o scholar_n how_o much_o great_a be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ii_o second_o i_o urge_v the_o authority_n of_o my_o lord_n bacon_n who_o if_o any_o methinks_v shall_v be_v admit_v by_o these_o virtuoso_n in_o religion_n the_o divine_a prerogative_n say_v he_o extend_v itself_o to_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o require_v not_o only_a obedience_n from_o our_o will_n but_o submission_n from_o our_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v the_o divine_a law_n though_o our_o will_n reluct_v never_o so_o much_o against_o it_o so_o be_v we_o oblige_v to_o believe_v whatsoever_o god_n have_v reveal_v though_o never_o so_o improbable_a to_o our_o understanding_n for_o if_o we_o believe_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o can_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v true_a we_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n deliver_v for_o the_o author_n sake_n but_o the_o author_n for_o the_o truth_n sake_n and_o so_o we_o pay_v no_o more_o respect_n to_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n than_o we_o do_v to_o the_o write_n of_o man_n though_o never_o so_o much_o suspect_v by_o we_o the_o faith_n which_o justify_v abraham_n be_v conversant_a in_o a_o matter_n incredible_a to_o reason_n and_o therefore_o the_o high_a the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n be_v above_o our_o reason_n the_o great_a be_v the_o exercise_n and_o triumph_v of_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o honour_n do_v unto_o god_n in_o believe_v to_o conclude_v this_o point_n great_a be_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n both_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n and_o the_o deduce_a true_a consequence_n and_o wholesome_a conclusion_n from_o thence_o and_o if_o it_o be_v whole_o suppress_v our_o religion_n will_v degenerate_v into_o superstition_n we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o pay_v god_n a_o reasonable_a service_n that_o we_o shall_v offer_v he_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v keep_v to_o a_o due_a temper_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o manage_v by_o prudent_a guide_n it_o be_v apt_a to_o grow_v wild_a and_o extravagant_a to_o hurry_v we_o on_o to_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o foul_a imposture_n to_o a_o practice_n of_o the_o gross_a impiety_n which_o either_o the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o world_n the_o domineer_a enmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o the_o implacable_a malice_n of_o satan_n can_v propound_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v ii_o the_o second_o reason_n of_o private_a man_n fall_v into_o error_n be_v their_o instability_n in_o not_o adhere_v to_o their_o guide_n but_o forsake_v they_o to_o go_v astray_o in_o the_o intricate_a path_n of_o error_n and_o deceit_n heresy_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o excision_n from_o and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o church_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n pronounce_v a_o heretic_n self-condemned_n one_o who_o have_v want_v only_o choose_v to_o himself_o those_o opinion_n for_o a_o obstinate_a defence_n whereof_o after_o full_a and_o plain_a mean_n of_o conviction_n he_o just_o fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v excommunicate_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o so_o without_o repentance_n and_o reconciliation_n continue_v in_o a_o very_a dangerous_a estate_n if_o that_o of_o heathen_n and_o publican_n be_v acknowledge_v such_o not_o in_o vain_a then_o be_v those_o frequent_a caution_n against_o fall_v away_o those_o repeat_v admonition_n to_o perseverance_n those_o earnest_a exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n and_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v those_o so_o much_o inculcate_v command_n of_o obey_v those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n heb._n 13.7_o remember_v they_o which_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o who_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o faith_n follow_v ver._n 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n for_o in_o vain_a may_v those_o man_n commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o god_n who_o neglect_v to_o hear_v his_o guide_n and_o violate_v his_o commandment_n in_o hope_n to_o procure_v his_o help_n and_o favour_n for_o from_o that_o very_a moment_n of_o time_n they_o cease_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n they_o be_v become_v outlawries_a in_o a_o gospel-sense_n they_o have_v lose_v the_o protection_n of_o the_o heavenly_a king_n and_o they_o lie_v under_o the_o deprivation_n of_o the_o benefit_n belong_v to_o the_o subject_n of_o that_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o and_o what_o wonder_n if_o be_v in_o this_o forlorn_a condition_n the_o tempter_n take_v his_o advantage_n lead_v they_o into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o there_o present_a to_o their_o disturb_a fancy_n false_a scheme_n of_o religion_n suggest_v unworthy_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v by_o he_o thus_o suggest_v be_v by_o they_o mistake_v for_o new_a light_n and_o holy_a inspiration_n and_o because_o this_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n dare_v put_v forth_o among_o christian_n no_o doctrine_n but_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o be_v found_v on_o the_o scripture_n to_o this_o purpose_n they_o be_v wrest_v and_o torture_v their_o scope_n be_v mistake_v their_o sense_n abuse_v their_o period_n miserable_o mangle_v their_o whole_a design_n pervert_v to_o countenance_v every_o wild_a opinion_n which_o either_o a_o capricious_a fancy_n can_v imagine_v or_o a_o malicious_a wit_n invent_v and_o from_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o we_o have_v as_o many_o several_a sort_n of_o christian_n as_o there_o be_v different_a humour_n or_o interest_n of_o man_n and_o the_o gospel_n with_o st._n paul_n though_o in_o a_o quite_o contrary_a sense_n be_v become_v all_o thing_n unto_o all_o man_n and_o have_v make_v thus_o bold_a with_o the_o scripture_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v deal_v more_o modest_o with_o any_o authority_n inferior_a to_o that_o the_o most_o ancient_a tradition_n must_v now_o give_v place_n to_o new_a discovery_n the_o consent_n of_o the_o catholic_n apostolic_a church_n be_v bear_v down_o by_o the_o dictate_v of_o a_o private_a i_o may_v say_v familiar_a spirit_n whereas_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n best_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o their_o master_n that_o they_o faithful_o and_o full_o communicate_v their_o knowledge_n to_o their_o successor_n and_o so_o by_o certain_a step_n and_o degree_n we_o may_v arrive_v at_o this_o fundamental_a truth_n that_o as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o most_o faithful_a keeper_n so_o the_o most_o authentic_a expositor_n of_o scripture_n which_o fair_o usher_v in_o my_o three_o and_o last_o consideration_n that_o for_o the_o prevent_n mistake_v from_o rise_v and_o suppress_v error_n when_o rise_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o private_a man_n to_o submit_v their_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v constitute_v to_o be_v their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o governor_n unless_o it_o manifest_o appear_v that_o such_o determination_n be_v contrary_a to_o god_n word_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v assert_v very_o brief_o both_o from_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n who_o
be_v appoint_v to_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n i._o and_o that_o which_o first_o entitle_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o a_o superiority_n over_o their_o subject_n be_v that_o special_a ordination_n and_o commission_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n in_o all_o necessary_a truth_n and_o that_o charge_v which_o he_o have_v lay_v upon_o other_o to_o obey_v they_o if_o any_o one_o list_v to_o see_v their_o commission_n he_o may_v find_v it_o record_v in_o any_o of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n i_o shall_v exhibit_v it_o as_o it_o be_v exemplify_v matt._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o and_o jesus_n come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o say_v all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o word_n there_o be_v these_o three_o thing_n considerable_a 1._o that_o christ_n commission_v his_o disciple_n immediate_o after_o he_o have_v proclaim_v himself_o omnipotent_a 2._o that_o this_o commission_n imply_v it_o to_o be_v christ_n will_n that_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v obey_v they_o 3._o that_o he_o promise_v to_o be_v with_o they_o and_o their_o successor_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o there_o can_v be_v a_o full_a instance_n of_o the_o perverseness_n of_o some_o man_n who_o to_o evacuate_v and_o overthrow_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n will_v needs_o confine_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o some_o period_n of_o time_n short_a of_o the_o final_a dissolution_n of_o all_o thing_n when_o time_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o eternity_n if_o not_o contrary_a to_o the_o grammatical_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o at_o least_o to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o of_o the_o ambassador_n of_o earthly_a potentate_n ever_o receive_v so_o ample_a a_o commission_n the_o person_n commission_v be_v omnipotent_a the_o commission_n be_v universal_a in_o respect_n of_o person_n time_n and_o place_n it_o be_v direct_v to_o all_o the_o nation_n and_o to_o continue_v throughout_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o for_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o they_o be_v empowr_v from_o above_o wheresoever_o they_o come_v they_o constitute_v a_o spiritual_a government_n and_o they_o have_v full_a power_n to_o enact_v such_o law_n as_o they_o think_v tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o their_o master_n kingdom_n and_o they_o do_v with_o authority_n and_o not_o by_o way_n of_o counsel_n only_o as_o some_o will_v have_v determine_v such_o controversy_n as_o arise_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o all_o along_o their_o spiritual_a progress_n if_o any_o city_n refuse_v to_o receive_v they_o or_o their_o doctrine_n they_o shake_v off_o the_o dust_n off_o their_o foot_n against_o it_o as_o a_o direful_a presage_v of_o some_o ensue_a judgement_n as_o the_o next_o word_n manifest_o declare_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o sodom_n and_o gomorrha_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o that_o city_n wretched_a city_n how_o have_v thy_o disobedience_n ascertain_v and_o aggrandize_v thy_o ruin_n the_o lewd_a inhabitant_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrha_n shall_v find_v more_o favour_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o thy_o citizen_n most_o true_a it_o be_v their_o power_n be_v pure_o spiritual_a christ_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n do_v not_o commission_n general_n to_o destroy_v but_o send_v forth_o apostle_n to_o convert_v the_o nation_n by_o declare_v his_o law_n and_o denounce_v his_o judgement_n but_o then_o they_o have_v no_o coercive_a power_n of_o the_o sword_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o magistrate_n to_o inflict_v the_o judgement_n which_o they_o denounce_v but_o as_o they_o because_o live_v under_o heathen_a power_n leave_v the_o event_n of_o their_o spiritual_a censure_n sole_o to_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n which_o they_o who_o escape_v in_o this_o world_n be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o next_o so_o be_v it_o still_o unless_o king_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o show_v themselves_o nurse_n father_n to_o the_o church_n to_o enforce_v spiritual_a censure_n by_o corporal_a penalty_n and_o adjudge_v those_o unworthy_a the_o protection_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o realm_n who_o be_v just_o deprive_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n be_v something_o else_o than_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n since_o there_o be_v a_o church_n before_o the_o commonwealth_n become_v christian_a and_o neither_o the_o leviathan_n nor_o any_o of_o his_o disciple_n have_v yet_o be_v able_a to_o show_v how_o or_o when_o the_o church_n forfeit_v her_o antecedent_n right_o and_o that_o though_o the_o governor_n thereof_o may_v challenge_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n distinct_a yet_o no_o way_n opposite_a to_o the_o civil_a the_o shield_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o clash_n with_o the_o sword_n of_o justice_n and_o maugre_o the_o design_n of_o those_o who_o have_v evil_a will_n at_o zion_n this_o be_v not_o to_o erect_v imperium_fw-la in_o imperio_fw-la much_o less_o to_o set_v the_o mitre_n above_o the_o crown_n since_o whatsoever_o power_n be_v here_o challenge_v as_o of_o divine_a right_n be_v pure_o spiritual_a exercise_v to_o spiritual_a end_n and_o purpose_n so_o far_o from_o interfere_v with_o the_o civil_a from_o absolve_a man_n from_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v indispensable_o due_a thereunto_o that_o wheresoever_o it_o take_v place_n it_o abate_v nothing_o of_o that_o natural_a right_n which_o the_o magistrate_n have_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n yet_o herein_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o despise_a king_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v far_o surmount_v all_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o he_o have_v so_o interweave_v the_o concern_v of_o his_o church_n with_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o state_n that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n any_o man_n shall_v dare_v to_o become_v a_o enemy_n to_o his_o kingdom_n he_o must_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o friend_n to_o caesar_n ii_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o submission_n will_v appear_v from_o those_o promise_n of_o assistance_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v to_o they_o but_o not_o to_o other_o without_o they_o much_o less_o to_o other_o against_o they_o and_o those_o be_v illumination_n direction_n and_o power_n illumination_n in_o thing_n obscure_a direction_n in_o thing_n difficult_a power_n to_o encounter_v and_o overcome_v all_o opposition_n and_o this_o may_v be_v one_o reason_n why_o christ_n do_v not_o arm_v his_o disciple_n with_o a_o temporal_a sword_n for_o certain_o he_o who_o have_v all_o power_n give_v he_o in_o heaven_n and_o on_o earth_n may_v have_v do_v it_o if_o he_o have_v please_v because_o he_o furnish_v they_o with_o such_o extraordinary_a virtue_n as_o do_v abundant_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o that_o thus_o they_o who_o can_v raise_v the_o dead_a from_o the_o grave_a need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o gain_v the_o live_n they_o who_o can_v convince_v the_o conscience_n captivate_v the_o understanding_n beat_v down_o the_o imagination_n and_o conquer_v the_o affection_n of_o their_o adversary_n need_v no_o sword_n nor_o spear_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o bloody_a engine_n of_o war_n to_o make_v themselves_o master_n of_o the_o field_n now_o the_o same_o spirit_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n do_v still_o reside_v in_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o do_v not_o equalise_v the_o apostle_n in_o work_v of_o miracle_n diversity_n of_o language_n extent_n of_o jurisdiction_n though_o they_o have_v not_o as_o they_o have_v the_o whole_a world_n for_o their_o diocese_n yet_o be_v they_o still_o bishop_n of_o soul_n pastor_n and_o doctor_n for_o the_o consummation_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o edify_v of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n jesus_n either_o then_o let_v private_a man_n submit_v to_o their_o spiritual_a governor_n exercise_v their_o commission_n according_a to_o god_n word_n or_o else_o let_v they_o warrant_v their_o dissent_n with_o great_a at_o least_o equal_a attestation_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o great_a fear_n of_o any_o danger_n arise_v from_o dissent_v brethren_n iii_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o submission_n will_v appear_v from_o their_o study_n and_o learning_n in_o divine_a matter_n and_o from_o the_o far_o less_o knowledge_n and_o ordinary_a capacity_n in_o other_o the_o apostle_n they_o have_v their_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n either_o from_o a_o
constant_a and_o familiar_a converse_n with_o their_o master_n or_o else_o from_o that_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o he_o vouchsafe_v they_o immediate_o upon_o his_o restauration_n to_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n that_o which_o be_v thus_o wonderful_o bestow_v upon_o they_o their_o successor_n be_v force_v to_o acquire_v by_o hard_a study_n great_a industry_n frequent_a and_o fervent_a address_n to_o the_o fountain_n of_o wisdom_n for_o not_o only_o the_o knowledge_n of_o language_n a_o calmness_n of_o mind_n neither_o ruffle_v with_o the_o storm_n of_o passion_n nor_o distract_v with_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n but_o likewise_o a_o pierce_a judgement_n to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o literal_a and_o figurative_a sense_n to_o weigh_v the_o scope_n and_o coherence_n of_o thing_n to_o compare_v one_o place_n with_o another_o to_o illustrate_v obscure_a text_n by_o those_o which_o be_v more_o plain_a to_o consult_v and_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o antiquity_n be_v require_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o do_v not_o only_o contain_v thing_n of_o themselves_o hard_o to_o be_v understand_v but_o moreover_o those_o very_a thing_n be_v render_v more_o difficult_a by_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o cunning_a of_o his_o agent_n the_o enemy_n have_v sow_v such_o a_o prodigious_a quantity_n of_o tare_n that_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a sometime_o to_o find_v out_o the_o wheat_n what_o wonder_v then_o if_o such_o a_o spawn_n of_o monstrous_a opinion_n flow_v from_o the_o scripture_n fall_v either_o into_o profane_a hand_n or_o be_v interpret_v by_o a_o private_a self-conceited_a and_o unruly_a spirit_n if_o st._n paul_n who_o be_v catch_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o be_v even_o oppress_v with_o revelation_n nevertheless_o cry_v out_o as_o well_o for_o the_o difficulty_n as_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o function_n who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n then_o certain_o it_o can_v be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o the_o laity_n however_o quick-sighted_a they_o may_v be_v in_o other_o affair_n to_o suppose_v they_o not_o such_o competent_a judge_n here_o as_o those_o of_o the_o clergy_n be_v and_o indeed_o we_o hear_v of_o very_a few_o though_o never_o such_o despiser_n of_o the_o dull_a clergy_n in_o their_o life-time_n but_o be_v very_o willing_a to_o admit_v of_o their_o advice_n and_o assistance_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v iu._n four_o and_o last_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o submission_n appear_v as_o it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o restore_v peace_n and_o unity_n to_o the_o church_n happiness_n and_o tranquillity_n to_o the_o state_n how_o ineffectual_a the_o several_a project_n of_o comprehension_n toleration_n unwarrantable_a compliance_n have_v prove_v to_o effect_v the_o work_n of_o coalition_n i_o mean_v to_o compose_v those_o difference_n and_o unite_v those_o division_n which_o so_o furious_o rage_n among_o we_o we_o either_o be_v or_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v by_o sad_a experience_n may_v be_v teach_v these_o project_n can_v only_o lay_v claim_n to_o a_o imaginary_a happiness_n and_o however_o plausible_a they_o may_v seem_v in_o the_o notion_n yet_o may_v they_o prove_v dangerous_a in_o the_o practice_n at_o least_o not_o attain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v design_v for_o in_o truth_n as_o well_o may_v we_o expect_v to_o gather_v grape_n from_o thorn_n or_o fig_n from_o thistle_n as_o that_o a_o toleration_n of_o disagreement_n shall_v produce_v the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o peace_n and_o concord_n these_o be_v contrary_n and_o destroy_v each_o other_o now_o what_o other_o expedient_a have_v we_o leave_v but_o the_o restore_a and_o assert_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n that_o so_o they_o who_o will_v neither_o hold_v the_o faith_n nor_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n by_o be_v deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n may_v learn_v at_o least_o not_o to_o blaspheme_v many_o and_o grievous_a be_v the_o guilt_n which_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o exactness_n of_o her_o discipline_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o her_o son_n and_o daughter_n consequent_a upon_o it_o as_o have_v hitherto_o preserve_v she_o from_o ruin_n now_o if_o our_o fear_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o popery_n be_v as_o real_a as_o they_o be_v pretend_v methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o ill_a policy_n to_o learn_v wisdom_n from_o our_o adversary_n for_o that_o which_o preserve_v a_o corrupt_a church_n from_o fall_v in_o all_o likelihood_n will_v make_v a_o pure_a one_o to_o flourish_n however_o we_o be_v little_a the_o better_a for_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o slavery_n of_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o foreign_a superstition_n if_o we_o run_v into_o licentiousness_n infidelity_n and_o irreligion_n at_o home_n for_o who_o be_v so_o blind_a as_o not_o to_o see_v that_o irreverence_n and_o disrespect_n for_o the_o lord_n clergy_n have_v be_v accompany_v with_o a_o manifest_a decay_n of_o piety_n and_o a_o notorious_a contempt_n of_o the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n that_o want_n of_o submission_n to_o the_o just_a and_o pious_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n no_o less_o just_o and_o pious_o ratify_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o king_n and_o state_n have_v give_v birth_n to_o such_o monstrous_a variety_n of_o opinion_n as_o have_v scarce_o leave_v any_o fundamental_a of_o the_o faith_n unquestioned_a if_o not_o deny_v atheism_n creep_v in_o by_o insensible_a degree_n from_o indulge_v too_o great_a a_o latitude_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o now_o in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o let_v every_o man_n serious_o consider_v with_o himself_o the_o heinousness_n and_o danger_n of_o schism_n and_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o obedience_n the_o danger_n of_o schism_n in_o that_o it_o break_v the_o precious_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n alienates_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o member_n thereof_o who_o as_o they_o have_v but_o one_o faith_n so_o they_o shall_v have_v but_o one_o soul_n and_o so_o instead_o of_o love_n joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a forbearance_n meekness_n temperance_n those_o lovely_a fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o adorn_v private_a man_n and_o secure_v the_o public_a peace_n there_o arise_v hatred_n variance_n emulation_n wrath_n strife_n evil_a surmise_v sedition_n heresy_n murder_n those_o ugly_a work_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o dissolve_v the_o bond_n of_o society_n and_o exclude_v man_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n how_o that_o the_o schismatic_a be_v arrest_v with_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n from_o without_o when_o he_o consider_v his_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n against_o those_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v over_o he_o and_o the_o dreadfulness_n of_o the_o church_n censure_n when_o just_o incur_v for_o his_o disobedience_n how_o that_o he_o be_v torment_v with_o sad_a and_o uncomfortable_a reflection_n from_o within_o be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n ever_o learning_n but_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o be_v abandon_v to_o the_o delusion_n of_o a_o private_a spirit_n he_o be_v miserable_o toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n till_o at_o length_n he_o make_v a_o eternal_a shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o bless_a effect_n of_o obedience_n how_o the_o humble_a christian_a by_o a_o happy_a resignation_n of_o his_o judgement_n there_o where_o our_o lord_n seem_v to_o demand_v it_o enjoy_v a_o perpetual_a peace_n and_o freedom_n from_o dispute_n together_o with_o all_o his_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o mystical_a body_n as_o for_o those_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n which_o concern_v his_o salvation_n though_o they_o be_v above_o his_o reason_n yet_o not_o above_o his_o faith_n and_o he_o have_v rather_o rely_v on_o the_o church_n decision_n of_o they_o when_o he_o find_v no_o place_n of_o scripture_n plain_o contrary_a to_o such_o decision_n than_o either_o give_v way_n to_o his_o own_o curiosity_n or_o heed_n to_o the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n leave_v he_o shall_v thereby_o wrest_v they_o to_o his_o own_o destruction_n and_o this_o he_o think_v he_o may_v do_v with_o less_o trouble_n to_o himself_o and_o great_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o he_o continue_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n without_o be_v skilled_a in_o those_o unhappy_a controversy_n in_o which_o the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n have_v involve_v it_o and_o this_o harmony_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n be_v always_o accompany_v with_o a_o entire_a league_n and_o union_n of_o charity_n that_o common_a badge_n by_o which_o christian_n be_v once_o distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o bless_a uniformity_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o service_n whereby_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a in_o some_o sort_n resemble_v the_o saint_n of_o the_o church_n triumphant_a in_o a_o word_n in_o this_o obedience_n the_o humble_a christian_n go_v on_o secure_o and_o cheerful_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n and_o instead_o of_o trouble_v his_o head_n with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o religion_n practise_v those_o plain_a but_o most_o important_a duty_n of_o godliness_n righteousness_n and_o sobriety_n which_o will_v render_v his_o life_n happy_a here_o and_o crown_v he_o with_o eternal_a felicity_n hereafter_o finis_fw-la