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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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beyond_o the_o sea_n to_o old_a antiquity_n for_o a_o scale_n to_o it_o which_o have_v always_o the_o broad_a seal_n of_o divinity_n with_o it_o for_o that_o be_v to_o bring_v scripture_n a_o second_o time_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o former_a age_n through_o which_o divine_a care_n and_o providence_n have_v already_o pass_v it_o down_o to_o we_o with_o the_o very_a same_o principal_a assurance_n it_o give_v they_o viz._n that_o divine_a life_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n that_o can_v be_v far_o from_o any_o one_o of_o we_o for_o in_o it_o our_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v their_o being_n and_o in_o that_o light_n alone_o see_v light_n quest_n but_o have_v the_o private_a spirit_n of_o apostate_n angel_n work_v by_o corrupt_a humane_a nature_n make_v no_o attempt_n upon_o this_o public_a record_n though_o so_o every_o way_n guard_v as_o it_o be_v to_o introduce_v a_o false_a religion_n even_o under_o the_o appearance_n of_o this_o public_a authority_n of_o scripture_n answ_n yes_o that_o very_o notorious_a one_o of_o private_a interpretation_n answ_n what_o be_v private_a interpretation_n answ_n that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o understand_v be_v a_o very_a great_a instrument_n of_o the_o false_a spirit_n we_o must_v proceed_v by_o degree_n to_o the_o true_a comprehension_n of_o it_o and_o first_o in_o the_o strictness_n of_o its_o notion_n it_o be_v a_o affix_v a_o sense_n to_o scripture_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o that_o do_v not_o so_o evident_o and_o indisputable_o flow_v from_o scripture_n as_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o scripture_n quest_n how_o shall_v a_o interpretation_n be_v so_o make_v of_o scripture_n as_o to_o partake_v of_o its_o divineness_n answ_n a_o interpretation_n be_v as_o divine_a as_o scripture_n when_o it_o be_v the_o true_a evident_a importance_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n word_n and_o scope_n and_o carry_v the_o perfect_a spirit_n and_o analogy_n of_o scripture_n with_o it_o or_o be_v a_o deduction_n and_o doctrine_n arise_v from_o scripture_n measure_v by_o the_o context_n by_o its_o usual_a way_n of_o express_v itself_o and_o the_o compare_n of_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n with_o another_o so_o as_o to_o evince_v itself_o to_o be_v a_o just_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o such_o interpretation_n answ_n every_o one_o that_o sober_o and_o impartial_o and_o pious_o attend_v to_o it_o can_v but_o be_v convince_v and_o instruct_v by_o it_o as_o the_o true_a divine_a scripture-sense_n open_v and_o apply_v to_o he_o quest_n how_o else_o may_v interpretation_n be_v public_a and_o divine_a even_o as_o scripture_n itself_o answ_n when_o there_o be_v true_o a_o divine_a presence_n and_o such_o motive_n of_o credibility_n by_o which_o a_o right_o qualify_v person_n may_v be_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o such_o a_o
any_o man_n can_v encounter_v scandal_n and_o overcome_v he_o can_v be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n let_v we_o then_o resume_v the_o notion_n of_o scandal_n and_o fit_v it_o to_o this_o general_a prospect_n over_o religion_n i_o be_o now_o upon_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v as_o the_o lord_n speak_v that_o scandal_n must_v come_v scandal_n then_o be_v any_o false_a pretence_n or_o appearance_n whereby_o religion_n or_o any_o of_o the_o noble_a object_n part_n rule_n or_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v expose_v to_o disadvantage_n and_o disgust_n as_o unreasonable_a unjust_a untrue_a weak_a and_o empty_a morose_n unlovely_a and_o undesirable_a or_o the_o contrary_a sin_n irreligion_n and_o disobedience_n to_o god_n be_v gloss_a over_o and_o present_v as_o in_o all_o regard_n more_o choosable_a and_o to_o be_v desire_v than_o religion_n and_o all_o thing_n so_o entangle_v and_o perplex_v among_o themselves_o that_o man_n be_v seduce_v from_o the_o esteem_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o obedience_n to_o it_o and_o ensnare_v in_o sin_n even_o by_o that_o justle_n and_o disorder_n scandal_n make_v in_o the_o several_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o religion_n among_o themselves_o and_o the_o blending_a with_o they_o the_o pretence_n of_o sin_n upon_o which_o great_a dishonour_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n sharp_a conflict_n of_o conscience_n within_o itself_o mischief_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o general_a disaffection_n to_o religion_n ensue_v and_o now_o how_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v i_o shall_v undertake_v to_o show_v have_v only_o observe_v first_o that_o there_o be_v some_o main_a thing_n so_o necessary_a for_o our_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o practice_n that_o they_o be_v make_v exquisite_o clear_a and_o most_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v they_o wafaring_a man_n though_o fool_n can_v err_v therein_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n concern_v they_o giveth_z light_z it_o give_v understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a again_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o very_a great_a advancement_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o happiness_n that_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o a_o holy_a humble_a diligence_n to_o know_v in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v know_v and_o of_o a_o precede_a obedience_n in_o those_o so_o plain_a thing_n that_o as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o show_v to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o to_o choose_a witness_n thus_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o will_v show_v they_o his_o covenant_n what_o man_n be_v he_o that_o fear_v the_o etc._n psal_n 25._o 12_o 14_o etc._n etc._n lord_n he_o shall_v he_o teach_v in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o shall_v choose_v the_o meek_n will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_n will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o 17._o john_n 7._o 17._o my_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o on_o the_o other_o side_n ignorance_n and_o disobedience_n to_o those_o divine_a truth_n that_o be_v near_a and_o most_o plain_a to_o we_o be_v punish_v either_o with_o concealment_n of_o or_o leave_v we_o to_o injudiciousness_n and_o insensibleness_n in_o high_a divine_a manifestation_n where_o also_o that_o injudiciousness_n and_o insensibleness_n be_v condemn_v for_o to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o from_o he_o that_o have_v not_o 18._o luke_n 8._o 18._o by_o improvement_n and_o good_a use_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v and_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n for_o not_o believe_v 19_o john_n 3._o 19_o in_o christ_n that_o supernatural_a revelation_n because_o they_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n as_o a_o cover_n for_o their_o evil_a deed_n but_o beside_o those_o plain_a truth_n write_v with_o a_o sunbeam_n in_o nature_n itself_o beside_o those_o of_o clear_a revelation_n there_o be_v necessary_o some_o deep_a truth_n concern_v the_o divine_a nature_n the_o attribute_n of_o god_n his_o decree_n and_o act_n some_o mystery_n of_o christ_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o command_n awe_o reverence_n and_o modesty_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v fathom_v and_o full_o understand_v and_o yet_o can_v be_v so_o divide_v nor_o separate_v from_o those_o truth_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v but_o that_o the_o understanding_n must_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o observation_n of_o and_o search_v after_o they_o though_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v and_o with_o a_o wisdom_n to_o sobriety_n yet_o to_o know_v as_o much_o of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v make_v to_o know_v by_o scripture_n these_o thing_n now_o be_v premise_v i_o come_v to_o show_v that_o in_o the_o first_o and_o best_a state_n of_o thing_n scandal_n may_v come_v and_o that_o in_o the_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a state_n they_o must_v come_v and_o first_o how_o they_o may_v come_v and_o there_o must_v the_o same_o original_a be_v assign_v to_o scandal_n as_o there_o be_v to_o evil_a and_o sin_n itself_o for_o neither_o sin_n nor_o scandal_n can_v derive_v themselves_o from_o the_o holy_a wise_a and_o good_a creator_n who_o make_v all_o thing_n just_a and_o even_o he_o most_o upright_o weigh_v out_o the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a by_o his_o own_o eternal_a perfect_a way_n and_o make_v the_o angelical_a and_o humane_a the_o whole_a rational_a nature_n according_a to_o it_o upright_o and_o perfect_a so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o scandal_n from_o this_o first_o beginning_n of_o thing_n but_o when_o god_n make_v creature_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o of_o free_a will_n and_o choice_n understanding_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o can_v search_v and_o pry_v and_o range_v every_o way_n and_o look_v not_o only_o upon_o thing_n that_o be_v but_o by_o thing_n that_o be_v they_o can_v collect_v thing_n possible_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o wise_a good_a and_o just_o they_o can_v descry_v folly_n evil_a and_o wrong_n and_o in_o happiness_n and_o blessedness_n they_o can_v behold_v as_o in_o privation_n from_o they_o misery_n and_o unhappiness_n or_o the_o transcendency_n and_o infiniteness_n of_o happiness_n and_o the_o degree_n below_o it_o they_o can_v trace_v and_o find_v out_o the_o line_n by_o which_o there_o rise_v up_o a_o supremacy_n of_o these_o and_o back_o again_o by_o which_o there_o be_v declination_n of_o degree_n from_o this_o azimuth_n or_o insuperable_a height_n and_o as_o these_o understanding_n be_v so_o great_a so_o they_o be_v suit_v with_o will_n and_o appetite_n as_o great_a by_o which_o they_o can_v aspire_v to_o be_v whatever_o they_o see_v above_o themselves_o and_o to_o dislike_v in_o whatever_o they_o find_v themselves_o below_o so_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o dislike_v their_o first_o estate_n to_o forsake_v their_o proper_a mansion_n or_o habitation_n and_o leave_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o loughty_a large_a and_o roomthy_a enough_o for_o they_o thus_o the_o angel_n leave_v their_o estate_n in_o heaven_n and_o adam_n his_o in_o paradise_n aspire_v to_o something_o high_o and_o this_o through_o mutability_n from_o misapprehension_n jealousy_n and_o disgust_v arise_v from_o perfect_a mistake_n false_a appearance_n and_o misjudging_a which_o be_v perfect_a scandal_n thus_o not_o be_v infinite_a not_o be_v omniscient_a nor_o able_a to_o find_v out_o the_o almighty_a to_o perfection_n nor_o rest_v in_o the_o love_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n in_o those_o thing_n most_o certain_a evident_a and_o undoubted_a to_o they_o but_o project_v beyond_o their_o own_o sphere_n they_o may_v come_v to_o charge_n god_n holiness_n goodness_n and_o wisdom_n foolish_o to_o raise_v suspicion_n they_o be_v not_o high_a and_o well_o enough_o observe_v how_o evil_a lie_v from_o good_a they_o may_v in_o discontent_n draw_v the_o line_n of_o evil_a upon_o good_a and_o charge_v 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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 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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 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the_o old_a be_v more_o kind_a to_o the_o cabal_n or_o cypher_n of_o their_o self-interested_n sense_n they_o venerate_v they_o and_o hate_v the_o perfection_n and_o life_n in_o the_o new_a that_o will_v not_o at_o all_o bear_v their_o privy_a gloss_n although_o both_o scripture_n have_v the_o same_o credential_n from_o heaven_n and_o carry_v the_o same_o public_a sense_n so_o great_a be_v the_o delusion_n of_o private_a quest_n but_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o even_o among_o those_o that_o enjoy_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o scripture_n and_o profess_v the_o same_o christianity_n nay_o the_o most_o refine_a and_o reform_a christianity_n there_o be_v so_o great_a difference_n and_o division_n answ_n all_o proceed_v from_o the_o same_o unhappy_a spring_n man_n can_v endure_v to_o rest_v in_o the_o clear_a and_o certain_a oracle_n of_o truth_n but_o by_o force_a addition_n misinterpretation_n violent_a detorsion_n forsake_v that_o which_o be_v public_a and_o 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answ_n by_o stay_v the_o due_a time_n upon_o the_o uncontrovertible_a doctrine_n and_o command_n of_o nature_n law_n yield_v full_a obedience_n to_o god_n in_o they_o tremble_v to_o add_v any_o thing_n of_o base_a alloy_n to_o they_o a_o man_n shall_v see_v reveal_v truth_n shine_v out_o upon_o natural_a and_o join_v itself_o to_o it_o and_o with_o it_o thus_o many_o of_o the_o father_n come_v over_o to_o christianity_n and_o so_o in_o all_o part_n of_o scripture_n by_o rise_v from_o the_o most_o fundamental_a truth_n love_v and_o obey_v a_o man_n shall_v ascend_v by_o due_a degree_n to_o those_o more_o remote_a thus_o good_a man_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n wait_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o upon_o just_a consideration_n move_v upon_o the_o line_n of_o truth_n from_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o that_o of_o the_o new_a except_o sometime_o a_o light_n shine_v sudden_o round_a about_o man_n as_o in_o extraordinary_a conversion_n quest_n 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enter_v in_o at_o this_o door_n and_o range_v over_o the_o world_n quest_n but_o ought_v we_o to_o stupefy_v all_o inquiry_n and_o benumb_v judgement_n in_o every_o thing_n not_o evident_o divine_a answ_n not_o so_o but_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o humble_o and_o modest_o to_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v vast_a tract_n of_o truth_n and_o knowledge_n beyond_o what_o we_o know_v but_o we_o must_v feel_v the_o evidence_n of_o they_o before_o we_o can_v receive_v they_o yet_o to_o carry_v ourselves_o with_o due_a concession_n to_o every_o man_n sense_n that_o though_o their_o sense_n can_v nor_o aught_o to_o master_v we_o no_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o expect_v we_o shall_v they_o which_o will_v exceed_o reconcile_v or_o abate_v difference_n and_o retrench_v the_o mischievous_a effect_n the_o world_n have_v so_o long_o groan_v under_o by_o so_o many_o religion_n of_o nation_n name_n of_o church_n and_o person_n propagate_a their_o private_a that_o be_v not_o divine_a sense_n and_o that_o with_o clamour_n and_o too_o often_o with_o rude_a force_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o instance_n of_o the_o mischief_n of_o make_v defection_n from_o this_o public_a catholic_a divine_a truth_n for_o private_a sense_n answ_n the_o angel_n fall_v from_o heaven_n be_v certain_o upon_o private_a sense_n and_o interest_n adam_n from_o innocency_n and_o paradise_n upon_o the_o same_o the_o jew_n fall_v from_o be_v the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o the_o idiotism_n of_o have_v religion_n for_o their_o own_o all_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n of_o heathen_n have_v rise_v from_o hence_o all_o the_o heresy_n in_o the_o church_n have_v come_v from_o a_o overlove_v to_o private_a opinion_n this_o be_v the_o most_o damnable_a antichristianism_n of_o rome_n to_o make_v its_o private_a catholic_n all_o persecution_n of_o heathen_n rome_n inquisition_n and_o massacre_n have_v be_v inflame_v in_o this_o furnace_n the_o love_n of_o make_v private_a public_a and_o in_o lesser_a and_o more_o unfundamental_a point_n private_a interpretation_n enforee_v as_o if_o it_o be_v public_a have_v discompose_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o pure_a and_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o not_o only_o disturb_v their_o peace_n but_o stain_v their_o purity_n quest_n i_o seem_v to_o myself_o in_o all_o this_o unhappy_a babelism_n or_o confusion_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v very_o apprehensive_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n answ_n it_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v zealous_a for_o divine_a glory_n and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n that_o river_n of_o tear_n shall_v run_v down_o our_o eye_n because_o of_o the_o injury_n do_v by_o man_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n but_o yet_o to_o be_v so_o concern_v as_o to_o be_v scandalize_v be_v to_o forget_v that_o god_n be_v infinite_o more_o the_o public_a than_o we_o be_v and_o therefore_o to_o be_v offend_v at_o his_o dispose_n be_v to_o make_v our_o private_a the_o public_a we_o must_v then_o consider_v that_o if_o 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seek_v and_o intermeddle_v with_o all_o knowledge_n to_o travel_v with_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o and_o other_o in_o their_o inquiry_n into_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n whatever_o difficulty_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o thing_n of_o high_a advance_n to_o salvation_n be_v resolve_v to_o they_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o their_o obedience_n they_o shall_v know_v the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o god_n that_o rise_v high_o towards_o heaven_n than_o other_o the_o due_a and_o diligent_a search_n after_o wisdom_n be_v a_o test_n upon_o the_o true_o sincere_a and_o well-resolved_a in_o religion_n that_o have_v in_o they_o another_o spirit_n as_o caleb_n to_o follow_v god_n full_o and_o do_v not_o as_o the_o israelite_n bring_v up_o a_o ill_a report_n on_o this_o good_a land_n as_o if_o the_o difficulty_n be_v unconquerable_a and_o the_o entertainment_n hungry_a and_o barren_a through_o the_o many_o dispute_n and_o 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high_a elevation_n be_v but_o create_v and_o create_v be_v not_o firm_a and_o sure_a enough_o for_o a_o foundation_n nor_o can_v it_o raise_v a_o assent_n noble_a and_o generous_a enough_o for_o a_o faith_n in_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a all_o that_o can_v be_v summon_v may_v be_v a_o outward_a fortification_n or_o introduction_n but_o the_o rock_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n divinity_n itself_o upon_o this_o the_o church_n be_v build_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v against_o it_o quest_n but_o be_v there_o no_o part_n of_o scripture_n that_o receive_v great_a service_n from_o humane_a testimony_n than_o other_o answ_n there_o be_v some_o part_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v but_o ministerial_a and_o almost_o servile_a in_o comparison_n of_o other_o and_o that_o these_o be_v find_v in_o all_o authentic_a copy_n and_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o from_o age_n to_o age_n with_o the_o sacred_a roll_n may_v depend_v more_o upon_o humane_a testimony_n 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themselves_o they_o may_v then_o taste_v the_o graciousness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gratefulness_n of_o truth_n in_o they_o without_o impose_v on_o any_o other_o who_o can_v see_v by_o their_o light_n 5._o yea_o even_o in_o thing_n controvert_v between_o holy_a wise_a and_o good_a man_n in_o interpret_n scripture_n each_o part_n of_o the_o controversy_n when_o both_o can_v be_v reconcile_v in_o their_o sense_n yet_o support_v and_o make_v strong_a to_o their_o faith_n some_o grand_a evident_a principle_n of_o divine_a and_o public_a truth_n in_o which_o both_o side_n meet_v and_o be_v firm_o unite_v and_o to_o which_o each_o reconcile_v their_o own_o opinion_n wherein_o they_o seem_v to_o differ_v from_o such_o principle_n or_o from_o one_o another_o and_o leave_v a_o middle_a in_o which_o they_o may_v meet_v one_o another_o and_o wherein_o person_n unconcern_v in_o their_o controversy_n rest_v upon_o which_o agitation_n yet_o follow_v great_a illustration_n and_o confirmation_n of_o 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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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expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o preval_fw-fr against_o it_o answ_n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a if_o it_o may_v give_v any_o light_n to_o it_o and_o hope_v it_o may_v for_o the_o apostle_n peter_n make_v that_o confession_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n not_o singular_a but_o represent_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o apostle_n and_o christian_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o and_o by_o that_o truth_n he_o confess_v be_v both_o part_n of_o the_o building_n upon_o that_o rock_n and_o as_o unite_z with_o that_o rock_n he_o become_v rock_n itself_o upon_o which_o succeee_a christian_n be_v to_o be_v build_v the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n foundation_n and_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n twelve_o foundation_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o cornerstone_n in_o who_o alone_o the_o whole_a building_n even_o the_o apostolic_a foundation_n itself_o rise_v 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of_o this_o truth_n under_o a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o great_a moment_n than_o there_o be_v indeed_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o disunion_n and_o a_o proportionable_a abatement_n of_o christian_a love_n arise_v from_o it_o all_o heresy_n therefore_o include_v schism_n but_o all_o schism_n do_v not_o rise_v up_o to_o heresy_n quest_n be_v these_o the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n according_a to_o its_o use_n of_o those_o word_n answ_n they_o be_v most_o agreeable_a with_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o the_o word_n be_v not_o so_o set_v solemn_a and_o formal_a in_o scripture_n as_o afterward_o in_o ecclesiastic_a writer_n for_o dichostasyes_n or_o division_n into_o two_o or_o more_o party_n and_o contention_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n use_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o schism_n and_o heresy_n sometime_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o a_o sect_n or_o division_n though_o that_o be_v remarkable_o use_v in_o its_o worst_a sense_n by_o both_o the_o apostle_n 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rigid_o censure_v for_o heresy_n quest_n be_v there_o no_o danger_n then_o of_o run_v into_o schism_n if_o there_o be_v a_o union_n with_o truth_n answ_n in_o this_o sense_n only_o when_o the_o weakness_n or_o misapprehension_n of_o other_o be_v rate_v against_o they_o beyond_o their_o merit_n and_o without_o regard_n to_o the_o great_a truth_n they_o agree_v in_o and_o the_o love_n due_a to_o they_o upon_o union_n in_o those_o great_a truth_n be_v withdraw_v or_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n in_o endeavour_v to_o restore_v the_o err_v christian_a deny_v this_o may_v be_v just_o esteem_v like_o schism_n as_o it_o recede_v from_o the_o just_a value_n of_o great_a truth_n and_o from_o the_o charity_n of_o christian_n upon_o union_n in_o they_o but_o no_o man_n be_v to_o espouse_v any_o man_n error_n or_o to_o receive_v even_o truth_n by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n for_o fear_v of_o schism_n in_o thing_n that_o carry_v not_o a_o broad_a evidence_n of_o divine_a truth_n there_o be_v great_a scope_n for_o modest_a suspension_n and_o even_o dissent_v without_o imputation_n of_o schism_n for_o truth_n of_o magnitude_n either_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n practice_n or_o discipline_n be_v too_o bright_a to_o be_v refuse_v by_o sincere_a and_o honest_a mind_n after_o due_a admonition_n quest_n wherein_o lie_v then_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o schism_n answ_n that_o schism_n and_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o may_v better_o be_v understand_v i_o will_v set_v before_o you_o the_o several_a instance_n of_o schism_n in_o scripture_n and_o the_o evil_n note_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o each_o of_o they_o 1._o the_o first_o sort_n of_o schism_n be_v the_o disunion_n in_o the_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o bring_v in_o upon_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o judaique_a rite_n to_o concur_v with_o it_o this_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n rom._n 16._o 17._o call_n make_v division_n or_o party_n beside_o or_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n receive_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v that_o it_o lay_v scandal_n before_o man_n and_o draw_v they_o into_o this_o great_a mischief_n that_o instead_o of_o the_o pure_a nourishment_n of_o divine_a truth_n all_o run_v into_o this_o over-beloved_n sentiment_n and_o so_o deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o true_a and_o vigorous_a spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o also_o the_o service_n due_a to_o true_a christianity_n be_v drain_v away_o and_o consume_v upon_o this_o private_a opinion_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o mischief_n of_o all_o falsehood_n in_o religion_n and_o devotion_n in_o thing_n not_o appoint_v by_o god_n who_o only_o can_v prescribe_v what_o be_v true_o fit_v to_o our_o good_a and_o bless_v it_o with_o suitable_a effect_n miscarriage_n from_o divine_a truth_n be_v always_o find_v in_o schism_n with_o this_o mischievous_a consequence_n that_o it_o deceive_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o cloud_n and_o wind_n instead_o of_o truth_n and_o solid_a good_n 2._o a_o second_o kind_n of_o schism_n the_o apostle_n note_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 19_o 20._o be_v the_o disorder_n in_o divine-worship_n in_o that_o great_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n wherein_o they_o that_o be_v reprove_v be_v necessitate_v to_o withdraw_v and_o to_o stand_v apart_o for_o the_o manifest_v themselves_o in_o the_o purity_n of_o that_o worship_n and_o service_n for_o the_o very_a honour_n of_o it_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o schism_n be_v that_o it_o bring_v in_o a_o necessity_n of_o divide_a party_n in_o public_a religion_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o see_v good_a man_n must_v separate_v from_o such_o corruption_n and_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o they_o on_o account_n of_o which_o religion_n itself_o be_v dishonour_v as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o jumble_v of_o sect_n and_o give_v a_o uncertain_a sound_n and_o further_o than_o that_o be_v charge_v as_o if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o sect_n itself_o because_o it_o stand_v by_o itself_o thus_o christianity_n be_v call_v this_o sect_n and_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarenes_n idolatry_n damn_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o a_o heresy_n from_o itself_o and_o the_o false_a church_n charge_v the_o true_o publick-assemble_o with_o schism_n and_o a_o private_a religion_n 3._o another_o degree_n of_o schism_n the_o apostle_n tax_v in_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 11._o c._n 4._o 3._o be_v that_o this_o one_o entire_a profession_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o one_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n they_o think_v aught_o to_o be_v shred_n into_o little_a fraternity_n under_o the_o name_n of_o some_o prime_a minister_n of_o christianity_n or_o even_o under_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n himself_o as_o a_o ordinary_a master_n of_o a_o party_n except_o we_o will_v understand_v that_o those_o approve_a who_o stand_v firm_a in_o christ_n alone_o be_v manifest_v and_o stand_v alone_o by_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o schism_n of_o other_o and_o so_o appear_v as_o be_v say_v before_o like_o a_o schism_n themselves_o thus_o vain_a philosophy_n parcele_v out_o itself_o under_o its_o great_a master_n the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o be_v that_o it_o raise_v feud_n contention_n and_o faction_n as_o if_o this_o one_o integral_a christianity_n can_v have_v distinct_a interest_n and_o some_o engross_v one_o interest_n other_o another_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n thus_o reduce_v this_o schism_n all_o minister_n say_v he_o with_o all_o their_o gift_n grace_n and_o function_n be_v the_o whole_a church_n without_o any_o canton_v other_o than_o that_o order_n and_o conveniency_n require_v the_o more_o constant_a administration_n of_o religion_n in_o certain_a congregation_n with_o their_o elder_n cephas_n the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n be_v the_o corinthian_n though_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n paul_n himself_o and_o not_o only_o the_o church_n minister_n â—ut_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o cargo_n of_o light_n and_o truth_n in_o it_o be_v the_o church_n every_o truth_n every_o ordinance_n every_o minister_n whâ—ther_o of_o truth_n natural_a or_o reveal_v religion_n with_o all_o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o they_o be_v all_o the_o donation_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v and_o no_o minister_n whatever_o and_o christ_n be_v god_n who_o be_v the_o foundation_n centre_n and_o supreme_a head_n of_o this_o unity_n and_o union_n 4._o the_o last_o instance_n of_o schism_n i_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v intimate_v to_o we_o under_o that_o curious_a parable_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 12._o of_o the_o wise_a and_o excellent_a temperament_n betwixt_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n set_v in_o different_a degree_n of_o dignity_n the_o less_o comely_a part_n have_v more_o abundant_a comeliness_n and_o those_o that_o we_o think_v to_o be_v less_o honourable_a on_o these_o we_o bestow_v more_o abundant_a
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 he_o have_v do_v compare_n and_o be_v able_a by_o sagacity_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o writer_n and_o distinguish_v what_o be_v sincere_a from_o thing_n spurious_a and_o counterfeit_a but_o suppose_v a_o man_n well_o satisfy_v herein_o yet_o still_o how_o various_a be_v interpretation_n and_o what_o contrary_a sense_n do_v the_o same_o period_n yield_v to_o several_a reader_n and_o when_o all_o be_v agree_v that_o can_v be_v agree_v it_o be_v incertain_a except_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o high_a test_n wherein_o the_o peccancy_n and_o lubricity_n the_o oversight_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n have_v have_v place_n or_o what_o have_v be_v conduct_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o true_a wisdom_n according_a to_o the_o pure_a and_o chaste_a law_n of_o christianity_n so_o that_o though_o all_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n read_v and_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o record_n of_o elder_a time_n be_v most_o valuable_a and_o to_o be_v desire_v in_o its_o due_a place_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o ascertain_v our_o mind_n in_o what_o concern_v we_o not_o only_o to_o everlasting_a happiness_n but_o to_o present_a peace_n god_n have_v provide_v better_a for_o we_o and_o within_o a_o near_a compass_n wherein_o our_o search_n can_v be_v too_o curious_a or_o industrious_a but_o within_o lesser_a room_n for_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o accurate_a search_n as_o be_v due_a to_o the_o scripture_n which_o in_o short_a give_v we_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o life_n and_o godliness_n in_o present_a will_v be_v more_o than_o the_o most_o of_o mankind_n have_v either_o leisure_n patience_n or_o skill_n for_o if_o extend_v upon_o the_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n so_o various_o insist_v upon_o for_o the_o find_v out_o what_o man_n very_o often_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o find_v out_o in_o they_o rather_o than_o fair_o to_o take_v what_o be_v offer_v by_o they_o but_o the_o thing_n i_o shall_v present_v as_o christian_a foundation_n of_o universal_a peace_n and_o benignity_n and_o most_o especial_o among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christianity_n be_v such_o as_o be_v plain_o find_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o attest_v by_o sound_a reason_n 1._o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o universal_a peace_n and_o love_n and_o beneficence_n in_o religion_n give_v we_o by_o christianity_n be_v the_o universal_a consent_n unity_n and_o even_o uniformity_n in_o natural_a religion_n throughout_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n if_o they_o will_v show_v themselves_o man_n and_o act_n as_o man_n every_o where_o presume_v upon_o and_o appeal_v to_o in_o the_o gospel_n under_o this_o head_n i_o will_v endeavour_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o to_o take_v a_o brief_a view_n of_o natural_a religion_n observe_v the_o intimate_a union_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o it_o as_o scripture_n bring_v it_o to_o light_v at_o its_o full_a lustre_n and_o present_v it_o at_o its_o full_a dimension_n 2._o to_o show_v the_o great_a agreeableness_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o natural_a and_o the_o testimony_n christianity_n receive_v from_o it_o in_o what_o it_o reveal_v above_o and_o beyond_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o reason_n we_o have_v for_o our_o acceptance_n of_o it_o thereupon_o 3._o to_o observe_v the_o ground_n of_o universal_a peace_n and_o quietness_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o its_o consent_n in_o natural_a religion_n offer_v to_o we_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o that_o there_o be_v such_o ground_n herein_o i_o shall_v show_v christianity_n suppose_v and_o that_o it_o strong_o intimate_v they_o be_v the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o such_o a_o peace_n and_o quietness_n to_o mankind_n in_o general_n before_o i_o enter_v upon_o these_o i_o must_v premise_v 1._o that_o natural_a religion_n in_o many_o thing_n do_v not_o at_o first_o and_o immediate_o appear_v to_o we_o but_o upon_o strong_a and_o sedate_v motion_n think_v reason_v meditate_v as_o we_o recover_v natural_a science_n by_o study_n and_o labour_n in_o many_o point_n of_o knowledge_n which_o yet_o be_v find_v be_v most_o plain_a and_o evident_a 2._o there_o may_v be_v strong_a prejudice_n against_o some_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o yet_o no_o more_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o than_o that_o in_o former_a time_n there_o be_v a_o general_a confident_a disbelief_n of_o the_o antipode_n be_v a_o disproof_n of_o they_o in_o which_o case_n yet_o truth_n will_v by_o degree_n prevail_v to_o victory_n 3._o it_o be_v certain_a the_o true_a and_o lively_a character_n of_o this_o religion_n be_v so_o deface_v and_o blot_v by_o the_o fall_n that_o they_o can_v be_v perfect_o recover_v but_o by_o revelation_n many_o truth_n clear_a enough_o in_o themselves_o concern_v god_n his_o worship_n the_o intercourse_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n with_o he_o and_o in_o relation_n to_o their_o eternal_a condition_n yea_o and_o in_o plain_a thing_n than_o these_o viz._n concern_v true_a righteousness_n mercy_n humility_n soberness_n patience_n be_v not_o see_v but_o in_o their_o dark_a rudiment_n till_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n but_o when_o they_o be_v so_o reveal_v they_o so_o notable_o fall_v in_o and_o unite_v with_o the_o remain_v of_o natural_a religion_n preserve_v in_o we_o that_o they_o assure_v the_o same_o original_a writing_n of_o all_o both_o what_o we_o find_v more_o immediate_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o their_o own_o light_n and_o what_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o so_o that_o natural_a religion_n be_v not_o where_o find_v in_o that_o brightness_n as_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o revelation_n be_v supernatural_a be_v a_o orb_n above_o natural_a yet_o so_o large_a that_o it_o comprehend_v this_o low_a and_o less_o the_o noticeâ—_n of_o natural_a religion_n by_o man_n apostasy_n retire_v as_o plant_n into_o the_o earth_n in_o winter_n divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o sun_n return_v at_o the_o spring_n encourage_v they_o so_o that_o they_o sprout_v up_o afresh_o and_o grow_v be_v cherish_v by_o its_o warm_a beam_n and_o so_o that_o we_o know_v these_o new_a notice_n be_v of_o the_o primitive_a implantation_n by_o their_o be_v draw_v out_o in_o a_o continuation_n from_o the_o elder_a root_n yea_o those_o thing_n that_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n have_v no_o place_n viz._n faith_n in_o the_o pardoning-mercy_n of_o god_n and_o repentance_n for_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o these_o by_o way_n of_o supposition_n of_o man_n sin_n and_o so_o great_a a_o goodness_n of_o god_n any_o way_n discover_v to_o man_n flow_v as_o free_o from_o the_o same_o fountain_n of_o natural_a religion_n as_o any_o other_o duty_n of_o it_o as_o be_v after_o to_o be_v show_v 4._o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o former_a premisal_n that_o seem_v to_o abate_v from_o it_o i_o affirm_v natural_a religion_n be_v a_o basis_n for_o the_o common_a peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o mankind_n upon_o which_o they_o may_v easy_o so_o concentre_v as_o to_o preserve_v the_o world_n from_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n on_o religious_a account_n if_o they_o will_v as_o i_o have_v say_v show_v themselves_o man_n i_o come_v therefore_o to_o take_v brief_o the_o intend_a view_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o to_o observe_v the_o intimate_a union_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o it_o i._o and_o first_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o supreme_a be_v the_o lord_n and_o giver_n of_o all_o with_o all_o the_o reverence_n love_n obedience_n service_n due_a to_o he_o as_o the_o great_a author_n benefactor_n lord_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v the_o first_o most_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o so_o plain_a and_o evident_a that_o whoever_o deny_v it_o may_v without_o any_o brand_n of_o cruelty_n be_v deal_v with_o as_o a_o traitor_n to_o the_o universe_n 1._o for_o first_o he_o have_v unhindged_a the_o order_n subordination_n
great_a community_n and_o that_o patriarchate_n and_o primogeniture_n lose_v itself_o in_o the_o numerousness_n of_o mankind_n reason_n advise_v to_o the_o orderly_a separate_n and_o dedicate_a some_o person_n to_o the_o continual_a attendance_n upon_o sacred_a office_n 3._o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o authoritative_a herein_o as_o person_n of_o great_a sanctity_n wisdom_n attainment_n in_o knowledge_n be_v most_o recommend_v to_o such_o a_o choice_n so_o education_n separation_n to_o read_v meditation_n study_n for_o attainment_n of_o knowledge_n must_v be_v the_o mean_n under_o the_o eye_n of_o natural_a religion_n for_o enable_v person_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o function_n for_o there_o be_v but_o three_o way_n whereby_o person_n can_v be_v suppose_v authorize_v to_o presidency_n in_o divine_a thing_n 1._o by_o parental_a authority_n the_o same_o with_o patriarchal_a 2._o by_o eminency_n of_o part_n and_o gift_n join_v with_o dedication_n of_o themselves_o and_o orderly_a approbation_n to_o public_a office_n 3._o by_o special_a and_o immediate_a appointment_n of_o god_n either_o by_o a_o stand_a law_n as_o in_o the_o levitical_a priesthood_n or_o by_o inspiration_n as_o in_o the_o prophet_n the_o first_o two_o be_v of_o natural_a sanction_n the_o last_o of_o supernatural_a ordination_n and_o so_o far_o as_o appear_v by_o sacred_a record_n no_o one_o of_o they_o exclude_v from_o discourse_n and_o instruction_n of_o even_o a_o public_a character_n those_o that_o have_v eminent_a gift_n and_o inablement_n though_o not_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n as_o elihu_n have_v a_o excellent_a spirit_n equal_v himself_o with_o man_n of_o day_n and_o year_n as_o he_o himself_o speak_v job_n 32._o 7_o 8._o but_o jeroboam'_v make_v priest_n of_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n â—_o 1_o king_n 12._o 3â—_n â—_o be_v a_o transgression_n against_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o error_n of_o too_o much_o a_o like_a enormity_n against_o innate_a reason_n to_o bring_v down_o divine_a office_n to_o such_o prepare_a prescription_n as_o the_o most_o uneducated_a undevoted_a undedicate_v person_n to_o knowledge_n study_n meditation_n may_v perform_v so_o that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o trust_v to_o but_o as_o it_o be_v call_v the_o indelible_a character_n of_o ordination_n which_o will_v hardly_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o the_o court_n of_o natural_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o can_v easy_o atone_v they_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o reveal_v religion_n which_o never_o contradict_v or_o so_o much_o as_o dispense_v with_o natural_a on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o clog_v the_o high_o dignify_v person_n in_o this_o ministry_n with_o so_o much_o of_o rule_n and_o business_n as_o hinder_v the_o performance_n of_o these_o divine_a office_n with_o the_o utmost_a effect_n of_o that_o study_n and_o meditation_n before_o speak_v of_o run_v into_o the_o same_o ill_a consequence_n and_o exchange_n a_o religious_a service_n into_o a_o secular_a grandeur_n else_o no_o one_o have_v reason_n to_o envy_v that_o they_o who_o be_v prince_n in_o righteousness_n truth_n and_o peace_n and_o priest_n indeed_o of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n 18._o gen._n 14._o 18._o mediate_a continual_o betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n in_o doctrine_n prayer_n blessing_n and_o praise_n shall_v be_v place_v among_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o people_n and_o so_o i_o have_v run_v through_o those_o thing_n that_o more_o immediate_o concern_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n but_o like_v unto_o 38._o mat._n 22._o 37_o 38._o these_o be_v righteousness_n justice_n mercy_n truth_n sobriety_n temperance_n charity_n humility_n modesty_n patience_n general_a love_n peaceableness_n contain_v ourselves_o within_o our_o own_o bound_n order_n submission_n to_o government_n with_o perfect_a subjection_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o contradict_v obedience_n to_o god_n together_o with_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o speak_v virtue_n 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be_v recommend_v by_o it_o in_o what_o it_o reveal_v beyond_o it_o 1._o the_o first_o thing_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o even_o as_o natural_a religion_n conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o world_n peace_n that_o it_o be_v natural_a substantial_a and_o not_o ceremonial_a so_o do_v it_o also_o recommend_v christian_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o consist_v in_o ceremony_n that_o it_o have_v no_o more_o in_o number_n than_o there_o be_v find_v in_o innocency_n there_o be_v the_o tree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n the_o not_o eat_v of_o which_o be_v a_o symbol_n of_o universal_a obedience_n there_o be_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n a_o sacrament_n seal_v the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n 9_o gen_n 2._o 9_o there_o be_v the_o seven_o day_n sabbath_n a_o day_n of_o solemn_a converse_n with_o god_n and_o meditation_n of_o his_o work_n found_v upon_o his_o rest_n from_o creation_n and_o a_o pledge_n of_o everlasting_a rest_n with_o god_n 3._o gen._n 2._o 2_o 3._o in_o christianity_n there_o be_v baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n enter_v into_o on_o god_n part_n and_o we_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o full_a communication_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o christian_a sabbath_n a_o day_n dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o creator-redeemer_n give_v natural_a rest_n to_o body_n religious_a festival_n to_o soul_n in_o holy_a employment_n and_o action_n ground_v on_o his_o resurrection_n and_o sit_v down_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o majesty_n on_o high_a call_v by_o express_a title_n the_o lord_n day_n as_o the_o eucharist_n the_o lord_n supper_n and_o a_o pawn_n of_o the_o eternal_a sabbatism_n with_o our_o lord_n in_o glory_n now_o these_o be_v so_o few_o so_o easy_a so_o familiar_a so_o near_o natural_a so_o intelligible_a that_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o institutor_n and_o founder_n of_o they_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o ceremony_n or_o that_o his_o servant_n shall_v waste_v their_o time_n or_o spirit_n in_o observe_v they_o or_o employ_v their_o understanding_n in_o find_v out_o a_o rationale_n for_o they_o although_o in_o condescension_n to_o man_n sojourn_v in_o flesh_n and_o blood_n he_o give_v such_o symbol_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o presence_n and_o so_o in_o the_o fewness_n the_o easiness_n the_o intelligibleness_n there_o be_v a_o testimony_n to_o they_o from_o natural_a religion_n which_o else_o be_v unconcern_v in_o all_o the_o religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o that_o proof_n they_o can_v make_v of_o themselves_o either_o as_o enjoin_v by_o god_n or_o as_o the_o result_v of_o humane_a prudence_n or_o national_a decency_n further_o it_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o they_o for_o natural_a and_o ceremonial_a substantial_a and_o ceremonial_a be_v oppose_v one_o to_o another_o this_o then_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o natural_a and_o christian_a religion_n which_o indeed_o be_v not_o two_o but_o one_o that_o they_o have_v least_o of_o shade_n the_o dark_a any_o religion_n be_v the_o more_o be_v the_o ceremony_n like_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o evening_n stretch_v out_o the_o clear_a the_o religion_n the_o near_a the_o perfection_n of_o heaven_n where_o there_o be_v no_o shadow_n at_o all_o the_o less_o be_v the_o ceremony_n like_o the_o shade_n of_o a_o high_a noon_n in_o the_o summer_n solstice_n the_o deprave_a heart_n of_o man_n be_v so_o easy_o bewitch_v with_o form_n and_o foppery_n call_v they_o significant_a ceremony_n like_o say_v to_o the_o dumb_a stone_n awake_v arise_v and_o teach_v or_o to_o their_o staff_n declare_v to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v trust_v lest_o seek_v 12._o hab._n 2._o 19_o hosea_n 4._o 12._o a_o shady_a devotion_n of_o ceremony_n under_o the_o disguise_n of_o a_o solemn_a one_o as_o the_o pagan_n choose_v wood_n and_o grove_n for_o their_o sacred_a performance_n it_o lose_v itself_o in_o the_o thicket_n not_o know_v where_o it_o be_v and_o in_o the_o end_n the_o true_a religion_n also_o i_o can_v see_v what_o religion_n or_o devotion_n except_o that_o which_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o and_o which_o can_v be_v good_a no_o more_o than_o the_o heart_n that_o use_v it_o can_v suffer_v by_o be_v easy_a of_o access_n familiar_a unencumbr_v the_o most_o plain_a free_a intelligible_a institution_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v at_o length_n corrupt_v into_o the_o idolatrous_a mass_n by_o be_v make_v horrid_a as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d religion_n by_o be_v solid_a and_o substantial_a be_v best_a secure_v from_o the_o stroke_n of_o the_o atheist_n who_o accuse_v it_o of_o trick_n and_o design_n for_o when_o there_o be_v find_v ceremonial_a cover_n like_o pious_a fraud_n over_o it_o and_o they_o easy_o yield_v to_o attack_v as_o of_o no_o value_n the_o atheist_n present_o challenge_v all_o the_o rest_n by_o proportion_n and_o render_v it_o suspicious_a it_o be_v best_a secure_v against_o the_o schismatic_n and_o unquiet_a spirit_n that_o be_v true_o so_o for_o he_o have_v something_o in_o unnecessary_a ceremony_n to_o fasten_v on_o and_z move_z trouble_n by_o it_o be_v kind_a to_o the_o more_o modest_a scrupulous_a person_n who_o be_v upon_o great_a reason_n afraid_a of_o humane_a addition_n to_o divine_a worship_n ceremony_n can_v add_v nothing_o to_o the_o true_o wise_a and_o generous_o religious_a person_n who_o love_v religion_n for_o itself_o and_o need_v not_o the_o childish_a and_o fantastic_a gaudery_n or_o gaiety_n of_o ceremony_n to_o inamor_v he_o of_o religion_n he_o love_v it_o for_o its_o true_a worth_n for_o its_o native_a beauty_n and_o substantial_a excellency_n it_o be_v therefore_o only_o fit_v to_o the_o hypochondriack_a devotionist_n who_o love_v religion_n in_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o set_v solemn_a dress_n or_o to_o the_o empty_a formalist_n that_o must_v have_v it_o so_o adorn_v or_o recommend_v or_o to_o vulgar_a unlearned_a and_o irrational_a mind_n who_o must_v be_v catch_v with_o show_n and_o pompous_a appearance_n and_o keep_v in_o amuse_n that_o they_o may_v be_v somewhat_o intent_n in_o religious_a excercise_n but_o with_o this_o disadvantage_n that_o they_o seldom_o pierce_v further_o than_o this_o surface_n or_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o religion_n itself_o and_o when_o at_o any_o time_n these_o thing_n happen_v to_o be_v expose_v they_o become_v the_o scorn_n and_o hate_v of_o such_o person_n so_o that_o they_o deal_v rude_o with_o they_o but_o now_o substantial_a massive_a religion_n yield_v not_o to_o such_o sort_n of_o attack_n but_o like_o rock_n resist_v support_v with_o its_o own_o substance_n bear_v upon_o its_o own_o truth_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v rather_o choose_v as_o he_o say_v to_o have_v my_o soul_n among_o the_o wise_a rational_o religious_a philosopher_n if_o such_o can_v be_v find_v then_o with_o any_o religion_n that_o this_o day_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n not_o except_v the_o romish_a that_o have_v deturpate_v and_o dishonour_v the_o only_a excellent_a religion_n and_o as_o it_o be_v romish_n be_v the_o worse_o because_o it_o be_v christian_a next_o to_o those_o ponderous_a self-great_a and_o infinite_o rational_a principle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n i_o shall_v choose_v to_o rest_v only_o in_o the_o undoubted_a principle_n and_o maxim_n of_o natural_a religion_n so_o excellent_a that_o christianity_n have_v not_o lose_v one_o of_o they_o but_o so_o gather_v up_o the_o fragment_n that_o no_o one_o thing_n can_v be_v lose_v as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v beside_o this_o natural_a this_o christian_a religion_n i_o know_v nothing_o but_o all_o subjection_n to_o principality_n and_o power_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n in_o civil_a thing_n the_o gravity_n and_o decency_n of_o religious_a action_n according_a to_o all_o law_n of_o humane_a prudence_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o country_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v object_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o ceremony_n the_o state_n of_o religion_n among_o the_o jew_n involve_v and_o wrap_v up_o in_o so_o much_o ceremony_n it_o may_v be_v answer_v to_o he_o 1._o there_o be_v so_o great_a and_o presential_a a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n concern_v they_o among_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v only_o bind_v to_o they_o under_o that_o immediate_a theocraty_n exercise_v over_o they_o that_o as_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a so_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o bear_v they_o up_o god_n as_o the_o author_n continual_o and_o frequent_o appear_v to_o give_v value_n to_o they_o by_o his_o own_o particular_a command_n he_o be_v able_a to_o bless_v and_o empower_v the_o mean_a rite_n to_o
faith_n in_o divine_a mercy_n and_o last_o of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n now_o in_o all_o these_o as_o i_o premise_v natural_a religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o what_o be_v find_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o sullied_a state_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n at_o such_o vast_a distance_n from_o the_o day_n of_o innocency_n or_o so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o cold_a liveless_a climate_n of_o philosophic_a morality_n but_o by_o what_o discover_v itself_o when_o these_o freeze_a benumb_a principle_n relent_v and_o be_v thaughn_n by_o the_o warm_a beam_n of_o reveal_v truth_n by_o what_o man_n do_v and_o must_v acknowledge_v when_o they_o come_v to_o themselves_o then_o the_o minister_n of_o natural_a righteousness_n out_o of_o and_o according_a to_o divine_a revelation_n be_v 11._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 11._o make_v manifest_a in_o man_n conscience_n and_o they_o speak_v and_o write_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o shall_v acknowledge_v to_o the_o utmost_a to_o the_o very_a end_n even_o as_o the_o illiterate_a 13._o 2_o cor._n 1._o 13._o mind_n do_v not_o at_o first_o perceive_v the_o wisdom_n of_o such_o a_o writer_n as_o socrates_n plato_n plutarch_n of_o such_o historian_n as_o livy_n taritus_fw-la but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v cultivate_v it_o know_v by_o a_o test_n within_o itself_o the_o gravity_n and_o dignity_n of_o their_o sense_n and_o stile_n thus_o at_o the_o first_o unexercised_a soul_n taste_v not_o the_o gratefulness_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o natural_a conscience_n which_o be_v afterward_o most_o agreeable_a the_o sense_n be_v exercise_v to_o discern_v gâ—od_a and_o evil_n 14._o heb._n 5._o 14._o 2._o in_o what_o of_o christianity_n pure_a and_o perfect_a revelation_n alone_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v there_o be_v yet_o such_o a_o close_a affinity_n betwixt_o the_o holiness_n purity_n wisdom_n of_o the_o one_o thus_o reveal_v and_o the_o other_o implant_v that_o they_o must_v be_v own_a all_o from_o the_o same_o fountain_n and_o accept_v alike_o by_o every_o serious_a considerer_n that_o as_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o several_a writer_n of_o each_o through_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o time_n manner_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o it_o throughout_o the_o several_a period_n of_o the_o church_n state_n and_o progression_n and_o throughout_o the_o different_a extraction_n education_n employment_n temperature_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n there_o be_v yet_o one_o wisdom_n one_o reverence_n of_o god_n one_o holiness_n one_o majesty_n of_o discourse_n run_v through_o the_o whole_a argue_v the_o supreme_a author_n one_o and_o the_o same_o even_o so_o in_o natural_a and_o reveal_v christian_a religion_n the_o divine_a commandment_n be_v perfect_o one_o and_o the_o same_o nothing_o trivial_a nothing_o romantic_a nothing_o speculative_a only_o all_o be_v for_o great_a use_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v refuse_v 3._o the_o revelation_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o high_a amplification_n of_o natural_a light_n even_o to_o the_o utmost_a possibility_n of_o conception_n but_o in_o nothing_o contradictious_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n be_v keep_v most_o pure_a even_o as_o silver_n try_v in_o a_o furnace_n of_o earth_n purify_v seven_o time_n but_o this_o divine_a nature_n be_v explain_v to_o we_o in_o the_o father_n son_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o in_o the_o infinite_a grace_n and_o bounty_n proceed_v from_o the_o deity_n so_o explain_v to_o we_o and_o this_o be_v so_o to_o the_o utmost_a that_o as_o we_o certain_o know_v in_o heaven_n itself_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v any_o more_o god_n than_o the_o one_o true_a god_n we_o have_v know_v here_o in_o the_o world_n so_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a we_o shall_v know_v any_o more_o in_o that_o essence_n than_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o eternity_n itself_o it_o be_v of_o everlasting_a inviolable_a truth_n there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o christianity_n there_o be_v one_o mediator_n 6._o 1_o tim._n 2._o 5._o 1_o cor._n 8_o 6._o between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_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 and_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o by_o he_o and_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n 3._o joh._n 17._o 3._o and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v thus_o the_o divine_a unity_n be_v preserve_v and_o lest_o the_o obligation_n to_o a_o mediator_n to_o a_o redeemer_n shall_v abate_v or_o interfere_v with_o the_o obligation_n to_o the_o one_o god_n and_o father_n the_o mediator_n be_v always_o make_v know_v to_o we_o as_o the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n the_o brightness_n of_o his_o 3._o heb._n 1._o 3._o glory_n though_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n the_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n so_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o one_o mediator_n infinite_o and_o incomprehensible_o unite_v and_o circulate_v in_o one_o with_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n so_o far_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2d_o phil._n 2._o 2d_o from_o any_o the_o least_o contradictoriness_n to_o that_o fundamental_a natural_a principle_n of_o one_o god_n and_o as_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v to_o the_o utmost_a and_o above_o all_o we_o can_v think_v for_o in_o the_o high_a glory_n of_o knowledge_n it_o be_v we_o know_v certain_o impossible_a to_o know_v any_o high_a mediator_n any_o other_o mediator_n than_o our_o one_o mediator_n for_o as_o a_o man_n can_v rise_v no_o high_o than_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o high_o be_v than_o god_n so_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a redeemer_n and_o mediator_n than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a acceptance_n of_o a_o sinner_n than_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o the_o deep_a suffering_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n the_o belove_a ult_n joh._n 1._o 14._o â—at_a 3._o ult_n son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v there_o can_v be_v a_o near_a union_n to_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o of_o man_n than_o by_o this_o divine_a person_n assume_v not_o any_o humane_a person_n which_o have_v be_v limit_v narrow_a and_o confine_v but_o humanity_n itself_o into_o one_o person_n with_o himself_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a inspiration_n and_o internal_a operation_n than_o of_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o fountain_n nor_o a_o close_o unite_n of_o believer_n to_o christ_n than_o by_o this_o spirit_n to_o be_v so_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n as_o to_o be_v one_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 6._o 17._o spirit_n thus_o to_o the_o great_a justification_n of_o christianity_n before_o natural_a religion_n all_o be_v from_o god_n and_o absorb_v into_o he_o yet_o in_o such_o a_o distinction_n from_o he_o that_o every_o glorify_a spirit_n enjoy_v its_o happiness_n glory_n purity_n perfection_n acceptance_n with_o the_o divine_a majesty_n distinct_o and_o in_o itself_o and_o yet_o so_o in_o god_n that_o the_o whole_a glory_n be_v refund_v into_o he_o which_o be_v the_o perfect_a glory_n of_o the_o divinity_n from_o the_o whole_a then_o though_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o these_o great_a point_n surmount_v reason_n in_o the_o discovery_n and_o explication_n yet_o when_o it_o behold_v these_o thing_n in_o that_o full_a portraiture_n divine_a revelation_n present_v they_o it_o can_v but_o adore_v and_o admire_v and_o confess_v the_o manifold_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o praise_n of_o his_o 11._o ephes_n 3._o 10._o &_o 1._o 6_o 11._o glory_n work_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n as_o to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o eternal_a judgement_n they_o be_v but_o what_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n all_o man_n have_v a_o engraft_a sense_n both_o of_o it_o and_o a_o future_a state_n and_o as_o to_o the_o resurriction_n itself_o i_o think_v it_o most_o manageable_a upon_o ground_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o creator_n can_v as_o easy_o command_v the_o principle_n of_o a_o dissolve_a body_n into_o one_o as_o at_o first_o create_v those_o very_a principle_n out_o of_o nothing_o nor_o can_v i_o think_v those_o nicety_n of_o dispute_n bring_v into_o this_o article_n of_o faith_n of_o any_o moment_n it_o be_v enough_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o future_a state_n of_o spirit_n in_o body_n as_o in_o sensible_a appearance_n of_o glory_n or_o misery_n and_o those_o body_n as_o much_o man_n own_o as_o the_o nature_n
christianity_n have_v find_v it_o most_o to_o their_o advantage_n of_o edification_n to_o unite_v with_o such_o a_o congregation_n of_o christian_n all_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o may_v create_v a_o obligation_n to_o such_o conjunction_n but_o because_o the_o hot_a dispute_n in_o relation_n to_o christian_a practice_n so_o as_o to_o conserve_v peace_n and_o order_n have_v rise_v in_o this_o very_a juncture_n of_o particular_a society_n of_o christian_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o settle_v upon_o a_o indisputable_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o leave_v out_o what_o be_v more_o intricate_a and_o controversal_a that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o far_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n extend_v here_o to_o love_n and_o peace_n in_o these_o follow_a assertion_n 1._o that_o our_o lord_n have_v give_v rule_n for_o such_o holy_a grave_a and_o honourable_a society_n under_o the_o name_n of_o church_n as_o must_v needs_o invite_v all_o of_o the_o same_o excellent_a christian_a temper_n into_o their_o communion_n according_a to_o the_o opportunity_n they_o have_v to_o join_v with_o they_o their_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o practice_n so_o pure_a and_o heavenly_a so_o evident_o for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n soul_n so_o compose_v to_o all_o true_a decency_n prudence_n and_o a_o discipline_n so_o humble_a natural_a strict_a only_o to_o the_o true_a benefit_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o it_o that_o it_o can_v look_v like_o a_o secular_a dominion_n but_o for_o the_o service_n of_o faith_n the_o help_n of_o joy_n the_o safety_n of_o soul_n and_o their_o eternal_a interest_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a every_o one_o will_v yield_v be_v the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n let_v it_o be_v find_v wherever_o it_o can_v be_v find_v let_v every_o church_n see_v to_o itself_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o temper_a and_o constitute_v or_o not_o how_o then_o do_v it_o seem_v possible_a that_o when_o there_o be_v such_o society_n christian_n shall_v not_o fly_v to_o they_o as_o the_o dove_n to_o the_o window_n see_v christianity_n improve_v the_o sociableness_n of_o humanity_n into_o the_o true_a publickness_n of_o spirit_n and_o desire_v to_o enjoy_v good_a with_o more_o than_o in_o solitude_n 2._o it_o be_v the_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o design_n in_o all_o his_o institution_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o assembly_n of_o his_o people_n and_o servant_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o people_n for_o divine_a worship_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o several_a duty_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n so_o that_o the_o forsake_v of_o the_o assembly_n of_o ourselves_o together_o as_o 25._o heb._n 10._o 25._o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v be_v very_o little_a distant_a from_o apostasy_n itself_o how_o can_v there_o then_o be_v but_o church_n where_o there_o be_v christian_n see_v so_o much_o of_o the_o concern_v of_o christianity_n lie_v therein_o and_o who_o indeed_o possess_v with_o those_o concern_v do_v not_o rejoice_v in_o they_o and_o bless_v god_n for_o his_o unspeakable_a gift_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o they_o 3._o yet_o be_v there_o no_o law_n of_o christ_n that_o main_a force_n shall_v be_v use_v upon_o man_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o any_o assembly_n of_o christian_n at_o all_o much_o less_o into_o one_o rather_o than_o another_o especial_o when_o the_o main_a reason_n or_o motive_n of_o unite_n with_o assembly_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n present_v themselves_o to_o man_n apprehension_n and_o conscience_n more_o in_o some_o than_o other_o indeed_o man_n overzealous_a affectation_n of_o some_o and_o unworthy_a neglect_n of_o other_o as_o one_o for_o paul_n another_o for_o apollo_n another_o for_o cephas_n another_o for_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 12._o christ_n as_o if_o these_o minister_n by_o who_o they_o believe_v be_v to_o set_v up_o for_o themselves_o as_o head_n of_o christianinty_a and_o to_o rival_n christ_n himself_o as_o if_o but_o upon_o the_o same_o level_n with_o they_o be_v very_o just_o and_o severe_o chastise_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o a_o true_a value_n for_o all_o the_o steward_n of_o divine_a mystery_n and_o 1._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o church_n and_o a_o particular_a value_n for_o those_o pastor_n and_o congregation_n wherein_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v especial_a blessing_n for_o man_n soul_n or_o give_v opportunity_n to_o receive_v such_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o apostle_n though_o he_o refuse_v undue_a measure_n of_o honour_n yet_o assume_v that_o of_o be_v 2._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 15._o 1_o cor._n 9_o 2._o a_o father_n as_o above_o thousand_o of_o instructor_n christianity_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o be_v so_o holy_a and_o humble_a a_o state_n that_o no_o one_o act_v according_o to_o it_o either_o arrogate_v or_o envy_n so_o he_o that_o have_v much_o of_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o have_v nothing_o over_o or_o above_o the_o measure_n of_o a_o steward_n and_o he_o that_o have_v least_o shall_v have_v nothing_o under_o that_o measure_n if_o he_o be_v find_v faithful_a so_o the_o congregation_n have_v the_o equal_a glory_n of_o be_v of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o church_n to_o be_v little_a representation_n of_o and_o embody_v with_o his_o own_a catholic_n church_n in_o the_o grand_a union_n of_o all_o christian_n with_o the_o head_n here_o then_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o christian_a peace_n and_o union_n in_o church_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o nature_n and_o much_o confirm_v and_o exalt_v by_o christianity_n that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n shall_v be_v make_v as_o public_a and_o universal_a as_o may_v be_v go_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o baptise_v all_o nation_n be_v the_o very_a commission_n christ_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o first_o ambassador_n and_o be_v continue_v to_o all_o his_o minister_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n not_o of_o 19_o mat._n 26._o 19_o the_o world_n of_o that_o age_n only_o but_o to_o that_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v till_o his_o second_o come_v until_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o presence_n the_o great_a congregation_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a receptacle_n of_o divine_a truth_n the_o state_n of_o religion_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v rare_o speak_v of_o especial_o when_o declare_v etc._n psal_n 100_o 1._o 117._o 16._o 1_o etc._n etc._n in_o its_o magnificence_n with_o a_o less_o public_a character_n than_o all_o people_n all_o nation_n all_o land_n the_o round_a world_n in_o its_o whole_a circle_n from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o go_v down_o of_o the_o same_o all_z the_o earth_n true_a religion_n aspire_v to_o it_o even_o under_o the_o narrow_a dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o in_o this_o very_a sense_n it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o his_o time_n the_o whole_a creation_n groan_v and_o travel_v in_o pain_n until_o etc._n rom._n 8._o 19_o etc._n etc._n now_o and_o the_o earnest_a expectation_n of_o it_o wait_v for_o the_o adoption_n the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v gather_v together_o under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n nor_o will_v some_o of_o every_o nation_n satisfy_v the_o full_a intention_n of_o this_o magnificence_n but_o that_o nation_n as_o nation_n embody_v and_o kingdom_n as_o kingdom_n shall_v become_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o christ_n be_v the_o plenary_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n when_o even_o as_o of_o israel_n a_o indisputable_o national_a church_n god_n shall_v say_v of_o heathen_a nation_n as_o of_o egypt_n and_o assyria_n know_v to_o israel_n so_o well_o and_o know_v so_o well_o as_o rank_o heathen_a and_o therefore_o choose_v as_o representative_n of_o the_o whole_a heathen_a world_n yet_o of_o these_o god_n shall_v say_v bless_a be_v egypt_n my_o people_n and_o assyria_n the_o work_n of_o my_o hand_n and_o israel_n ult_n isa_n 19_o ult_n my_o inheritance_n for_o in_o that_o day_n israel_n shall_v be_v but_o a_o three_o with_o egypt_n and_o assyria_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o highway_n through_o they_o all_o and_o they_o shall_v serve_v together_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o free_a passage_n of_o truth_n through_o all_o a_o high_a way_n of_o the_o gospel_n throughout_o and_o a_o union_n of_o worship_n so_o then_o if_o we_o find_v so_o much_o for_o a_o national_a religion_n in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o grasp_v more_o than_o those_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o then_o matter_n of_o fact_n only_o if_o our_o saviour_n commission_n for_o make_v disciple_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n extend_v to_o all_o nation_n if_o the_o prophetic_a book_n of_o the_o new_a
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 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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
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
all_o part_n of_o the_o true_a church_n who_o sin_n you_o remit_v be_v remit_v etc._n etc._n viz_o by_o solemn_a declaration_n out_o of_o and_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n even_o to_o the_o utmost_a distance_n wherein_o any_o rational_a possibility_n of_o extend_v such_o remonstrance_n and_o declaration_n with_o success_n and_o effect_n can_v be_v find_v there_o be_v not_o only_a power_n but_o a_o incumbent_a duty_n to_o do_v it_o this_o union_n now_o be_v of_o uncontrollable_a divine_a right_n thus_o much_o of_o national_a religion_n a_o national_a church_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v deny_v to_o a_o christian_a nation_n see_v to_o be_v thus_o of_o the_o church_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n every_o man_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v certain_o add_v to_o this_o church_n the_o entrance_n into_o which_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n be_v by_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n by_o a_o serious_a profession_n and_o this_o be_v that_o catholic_n church_n that_o compreheâ—ds_v all_o lesser_a union_n but_o exclude_v or_o deny_v none_o much_o less_o can_v be_v exclude_v by_o any_o as_o therefore_o every_o one_o must_v be_v of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o nation_n ought_v to_o be_v christian_a nation_n and_o protect_v that_o profession_n so_o this_o very_a catholic_n church_n in_o every_o nation_n where_o it_o be_v true_o find_v carry_v with_o it_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o as_o a_o nation_n be_v by_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o civil_a union_n denominate_v a_o nation_n so_o the_o union_n of_o christian_n must_v be_v the_o church_n in_o that_o nation_n for_o it_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n in_o its_o universal_a diffusion_n run_v through_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a nation_n and_o all_o the_o virtue_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o it_o and_o if_o any_o one_o deny_v this_o he_o deny_v the_o catholic_n church_n of_o great_a moment_n than_o any_o particular_a church_n can_v be_v 2._o all_o the_o close_a and_o most_o constant_a exercise_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o christian_n be_v to_o exercise_v one_o with_o another_o that_o can_v be_v exercise_v but_o in_o society_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v all_o part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n prayer_n preach_v sacrament_n which_o be_v indeed_o or_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o same_o for_o nature_n throughout_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n but_o must_v be_v actual_o perform_v in_o particular_a society_n now_o these_o church_n may_v be_v solemn_o erect_v and_o constitute_v by_o agreement_n but_o they_o be_v also_o found_v and_o even_o grow_v out_o of_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o the_o close_a neighbourhood_n of_o christian_n one_o with_o another_o they_o have_v continual_a knowledge_n of_o and_o acquaintance_n one_o with_o another_o and_o thereby_o daily_a opportunity_n of_o agree_v in_o that_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o common_a profession_n all_o these_o engage_v and_o also_o incline_v they_o to_o unite_v whether_o in_o great_a family_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o church_n in_o the_o family_n of_o christian_n or_o in_o village_n or_o in_o great_a congregation_n of_o city_n one_o or_o more_o still_o the_o obligation_n be_v unavoidable_a the_o necessity_n of_o duty_n that_o lie_v upon_o christian_n to_o perform_v these_o act_n of_o worship_n in_o society_n and_o the_o law_n that_o be_v upon_o all_o society_n and_o society_n must_v needs_o grow_v out_o of_o this_o frequent_a conversation_n to_o dedicate_v itself_o to_o god_n make_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o from_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o christian_n shall_v arise_v particular_a church_n and_o who_o then_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o union_n and_o further_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o union_n of_o a_o nation_n agree_v with_o itself_o as_o in_o the_o same_o government_n law_n national_a constitution_n and_o commerce_n in_o a_o more_o frequent_a and_o free_a conversation_n one_o with_o another_o so_o in_o religion_n when_o the_o part_n of_o it_o profess_v the_o same_o true_a religion_n and_o desire_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o most_o public_a way_n they_o can_v or_o who_o can_v deny_v that_o a_o nation_n may_v give_v name_n to_o a_o church_n see_v the_o very_a city_n give_v name_n to_o church_n where_o there_o be_v a_o number_n of_o christian_n act_v together_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n give_v to_o his_o church_n the_o obligation_n to_o true_a religion_n to_o public_a religion_n be_v undeniable_a the_o opportunity_n of_o agreement_n be_v the_o same_o and_o may_v be_v transact_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n all_o other_o national_a agreement_n be_v and_o what_o be_v a_o church_n but_o a_o society_n agree_v in_o all_o act_n of_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o law_n allow_v by_o christ_n have_v no_o other_o form_n but_o that_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n distinguish_v by_o the_o particular_a society_n or_o place_n where_o they_o reside_v i_o acknowledge_v two_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o particular_a by_o the_o nature_n of_o particular_a society_n and_o the_o place_n where_o they_o reside_v church_n 1._o consciousness_n or_o mutual_a knowledge_n of_o person_n and_o their_o worship_n 2._o consent_n this_o our_o saviour_n teach_v in_o that_o expression_n if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v mat._n 18._o and_o indeed_o not_o only_o in_o particular_a church_n but_o even_o in_o the_o catholic_n church_n itself_o these_o thing_n have_v their_o resemblance_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o divine_a spirit_n run_v through_o all_o know_v they_o all_o that_o true_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o one_o for_o another_o and_o by_o their_o true_a faith_n they_o all_o be_v unite_v in_o close_a consent_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n one_o with_o another_o which_o faith_n be_v keep_v from_o fail_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o they_o all_o that_o be_v true_o of_o it_o but_o because_o there_o must_v be_v yet_o a_o more_o particular_a understanding_n that_o christian_n have_v one_o with_o another_o that_o they_o may_v join_v in_o the_o same_o religious_a act_n and_o mutual_o assist_v one_o another_o in_o they_o therefore_o the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n upon_o earth_n though_o it_o be_v the_o great_a the_o most_o religious_a society_n the_o most_o strong_o band_v and_o cement_v yet_o be_v not_o sufficient_a because_o there_o be_v not_o that_o consciousness_n or_o mutual_a knowledge_n of_o and_o consent_n in_o one_o another_o faith_n and_o worship_n in_o distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o glorify_v god_n and_o christ_n in_o particular_a church_n this_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n too_o why_o the_o church-triumphant_a though_o inseparable_o unite_v with_o the_o church-militant_a and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o though_o more_o acceptable_a and_o prevalent_a in_o all_o its_o adoration_n yet_o can_v be_v communicate_v with_o actual_o and_o explicit_o we_o may_v not_o solicit_v such_o a_o communion_n with_o it_o here_o on_o earth_n because_o we_o be_v not_o conscious_a or_o know_v of_o any_o such_o particularity_n in_o their_o state_n or_o action_n as_o shall_v ground_v it_o nor_o be_v we_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v conscious_a of_o any_o of_o our_o particularity_n abraham_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v whole_o ignorant_a who_o we_o be_v when_o we_o pray_v or_o be_v exercise_v religious_o there_o be_v a_o thick_a and_o dark_a veil_n draw_v betwixt_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n as_o to_o such_o particular_a communion_n the_o father_n the_o son_n the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v only_o certain_o and_o particular_o know_v to_o we_o in_o that_o high_a region_n of_o they_o we_o be_v only_o assure_v they_o know_v we_o and_o all_o our_o action_n to_o ascribe_v the_o honour_n to_o any_o other_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n be_v to_o idolise_v they_o as_o well_o as_o to_o thrust_v into_o thing_n we_o have_v not_o see_v or_o know_v thus_o free_o i_o acknowledge_v the_o closeness_n and_o easiness_n of_o society_n of_o mutual_a understanding_n and_o consent_n with_o one_o another_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o particular_a church_n those_o duty_n of_o mutual_a exhortation_n assistance_n counsel_n and_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a reproof_n one_o of_o another_o beside_o the_o constant_a meeting_n in_o public_a worship_n that_o necessary_a severity_n of_o disow_v in_o case_n of_o great_a or_o incorrigible_a offence_n such_o person_n as_o walk_v in_o practice_n contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n not_o be_v possible_a but_o in_o the_o near_a conjunction_n one_o with_o another_o that_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n allow_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o be_v as_o
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
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 principle_n of_o truth_n or_o to_o the_o natural_a sense_n of_o religion_n they_o find_v any_o where_o st._n paul_n give_v solemn_a thanks_o to_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o that_o sail_v with_o he_o though_o a_o bad_a sort_n of_o man_n thus_o he_o preach_v the_o true_a god_n and_o christ_n at_o atkens_n upon_o their_o inscription_n to_o the_o unknown_a god_n upon_o the_o fundamental_o of_o national_a theology_n upon_o the_o wise_a say_n of_o a_o poet_n of_o their_o own_o he_o think_v it_o best_a to_o acknowledge_v all_o that_o be_v good_a in_o the_o most_o faulty_a state_n of_o religion_n as_o a_o advantage_n to_o convince_v what_o be_v bad_a and_o disagree_v to_o that_o good_a and_o gain_v man_n to_o unite_v with_o that_o whole_a element_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n with_o which_o any_o spark_n kindle_v in_o they_o already_o be_v so_o close_o ally_v as_o to_o gain_v they_o to_o the_o whole_a how_o much_o near_o then_o and_o close_o may_v christian_n and_o of_o the_o 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
so_o many_o remarkable_a instance_n his_o little-child-like_a inoffensiveness_n his_o easy_a recession_n from_o his_o just_a right_n for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n his_o inoffensiveness_n and_o desire_n to_o please_v all_o to_o win_v upon_o all_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v â—is_n dread_a of_o danger_n lest_o whilst_o he_o preach_v to_o other_o he_o himself_o shall_v become_v a_o castaway_n nor_o ever_o be_v there_o a_o clear_a comment_n upon_o cut_v off_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o foot_n and_o pluck_v out_o the_o right_a eye_n than_o his_o weighty_a admonition_n of_o be_v temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v the_o body_n into_o subjection_n one_o thing_n more_o i_o can_v but_o yet_o adjoin_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o wary_a of_o impose_v upon_o any_o one_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n appertain_v to_o religion_n in_o a_o positive_a or_o affirmative_a kind_n of_o observance_n that_o though_o for_o the_o avoid_v scandal_n he_o dehort_v from_o eat_v meat_n or_o drink_v wine_n that_o may_v scandalize_v any_o in_o the_o very_a eye_n of_o their_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o draw_v they_o into_o sin_n yet_o he_o not_o where_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n of_o avoid_v scandal_n persuade_v to_o the_o esteem_v or_o observe_v a_o day_n to_o the_o lord_n though_o another_o may_v be_v scandalize_v if_o he_o do_v not_o so_o such_o abstinence_n yet_o in_o a_o full_a freedom_n of_o thought_n be_v a_o much_o easy_a performance_n of_o charity_n extend_v only_o to_o meat_n in_o doubt_n under_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o doubt_v mind_n but_o observe_v a_o day_n require_v direct_a act_n of_o devotion_n from_o lay_v the_o obligation_n of_o which_o upon_o any_o man_n the_o apostle_n have_v whole_o withdraw_v his_o hand_n even_o in_o case_n of_o scandal_n and_o only_o preserve_v from_o despisal_n such_o a_o doubt_a christian_a and_o then_o only_o when_o the_o out-date_n of_o the_o divine_a command_n for_o such_o observance_n be_v but_o just_a come_v and_o not_o full_o understand_v pag._n 38._o l._n 25._o what_o therefore_o i_o have_v intimate_v contrary_a to_o this_o account_n i_o retract_v as_o not_o full_o consider_v and_o i_o now_o bow_v my_o knee_n to_o the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o glory_n that_o he_o will_v inspire_v the_o heart_n of_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n who_o be_v constitute_v as_o guardian_n angel_n of_o conscience_n against_o scandal_n and_o of_o all_o christian_n in_o general_a that_o out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o particular_o in_o this_o nation_n may_v be_v gather_v all_o such_o thing_n that_o offend_v and_o all_o those_o that_o wâ—rk_v iniquity_n on_o account_n of_o them_o the_o woe_n of_o scandal_n matth._n xviii_o 7._o woe_n unto_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n or_o scandal_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n or_o scandal_n come_v but_o woe_n to_o that_o man_n by_o who_o the_o offence_n or_o scandal_n come_v a_o free_a use_n of_o the_o word_n scandal_n and_o to_o scandalize_v for_o offence_n or_o to_o offend_v can_v need_v no_o apology_n the_o original_a be_v so_o well_o know_v and_o now_o become_v english_a more_o significant_a of_o the_o thing_n intend_v than_o the_o other_o of_o which_o scandal_n our_o saviour_n be_v in_o a_o deep_a and_o intense_a contemplation_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o of_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n because_o of_o it_o both_o in_o his_o church_n and_o the_o world_n in_o the_o world_n especial_o as_o it_o confine_n upon_o his_o church_n be_v in_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o it_o and_o view_v of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o it_o or_o indeed_o as_o within_o the_o arm_n of_o it_o by_o a_o profession_n of_o christianity_n though_o a_o unsound_a and_o insincere_a profession_n for_o so_o there_o be_v the_o world_n in_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n the_o lord_n turn_v himself_o to_o behold_v and_o observe_v this_o scandal_n how_o it_o discharge_v itself_o on_o all_o side_n with_o woe_n mischief_n and_o ruin_n and_o with_o compassion_n foretell_v and_o warn_v all_o of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o most_o destructive_a way_n of_o sin_v the_o most_o to_o be_v abhor_v kind_n of_o mischief_n and_o ruin_n this_o must_v needs_o make_v every_o think_v christian_n afraid_a of_o scandal_n of_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o it_o either_o in_o give_v or_o receive_v it_o and_o much_o more_o of_o be_v a_o projector_n or_o pusher_n of_o it_o on_o in_o the_o world_n and_o most_o of_o all_o in_o the_o church_n now_o to_o this_o whole_a discourse_n there_o will_v be_v a_o continual_a occasion_n to_o have_v recourse_n in_o this_o treatise_n but_o the_o word_n themselves_o offer_v to_o consideration_n these_o three_o proposition_n 1._o that_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n be_v such_o that_o scandal_n must_v needs_o come_v scandal_n be_v very_o press_v and_o crowd_v in_o upon_o the_o world_n in_o regard_n of_o its_o multitude_n its_o name_n be_v legion_n it_o throng_n the_o world_n our_o saviour_n express_v it_o in_o its_o number_n scandal_n in_o regard_n of_o its_o vehemency_n or_o importunity_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o scandal_n come_v it_o thrust_v in_o every_o where_o it_o pervert_v the_o best_a thing_n and_o twine_n about_o they_o it_o play_v in_o thing_n indifferent_a how_o much_o more_o in_o thing_n pure_o evil._n scandal_n come_v it_o come_v as_o a_o eagle_n haste_v to_o the_o prey_n it_o come_v sup_v and_o blast_v as_o a_o east_n wind_n it_o come_v as_o a_o invader_n with_o its_o troop_n and_o the_o world_n how_o willing_a be_v it_o to_o receive_v scandal_n it_o call_v for_o and_o invite_v it_o it_o open_v all_o gate_n and_o door_n to_o it_o it_o even_o surrender_n and_o betray_v itself_o to_o it_o it_o be_v mad_a after_o scandal_n both_o to_o give_v and_o receive_v it_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v then_o that_o scandal_n come_v yet_o the_o world_n lie_v under_o great_a misery_n because_o of_o the_o 2._o propos_fw-fr 2._o multitude_n of_o scandal_n the_o efficacy_n of_o scandal_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v more_o miserable_a in_o regard_n of_o scandal_n than_o mere_o in_o regard_n of_o sin_n for_o when_o the_o lord_n emphatical_o denounce_v a_o woe_n upon_o the_o world_n because_o of_o scandal_n he_o intend_v something_o more_o than_o the_o scripture_n general_o declare_v against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n for_o that_o be_v a_o know_a case_n that_o there_o be_v a_o woe_n upon_o sin_n our_o saviour_n remonstrate_v this_o case_n as_o more_o rare_o and_o yet_o of_o all_o most_o necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v observe_v and_o profound_o consider_v and_o though_o it_o will_v appear_v it_o be_v always_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n join_v with_o sin_n yet_o it_o have_v thus_o much_o more_o of_o danger_n in_o it_o than_o that_o mere_o it_o be_v sinful_a it_o be_v sin_n some_o way_n guard_v and_o defend_v against_o divine_a truth_n and_o so_o hold_v its_o good_n more_o in_o peace_n it_o be_v wound_n be_v no_o less_o deadly_a yet_o more_o secret_a and_o unexpected_a and_o therefore_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o death_n it_o be_v a_o ambush_n of_o death_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o scandal_n most_o eminent_o it_o be_v even_o as_o in_o that_o most_o enchant_v sin_n that_o a_o man_n go_v after_o it_o as_o a_o ox_n to_o the_o slaughter_n and_o as_o a_o fool_n to_o the_o correction_n of_o the_o stock_n till_o a_o dart_n strike_v through_o his_o liver_n as_o a_o bird_n haste_v to_o the_o snare_n and_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v for_o its_o life_n scandal_n wipe_v its_o mouth_n when_o it_o destroy_v and_o say_v it_o have_v do_v no_o wickedness_n when_o it_o speak_v fair_a there_o be_v seven_o abomination_n under_o it_o as_o against_o those_o man_n of_o scandal_n the_o pharisee_n so_o against_o scandal_n itself_o have_v the_o most_o merciful_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n make_v his_o keen_a remark_n there_o be_v still_o however_o guilty_a the_o world_n be_v a_o accumulative_a 3._o propos_fw-fr 3._o woe_n and_o misery_n upon_o that_o man_n by_o who_o the_o scandal_n come_v woe_n to_o the_o world_n but_o woe_n to_o he_o by_o which_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o yet_o intend_v every_o one_o that_o administer_v scandal_n for_o so_o good_a man_n often_o do_v in_o the_o do_v their_o duty_n even_o himself_o his_o doctrine_n be_v a_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n nor_o be_v every_o man_n point_v at_o here_o that_o through_o error_n or_o fall_v into_o sin_n offers_z scandal_n though_o this_o woe_n spread_v far_o in_o some_o degree_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n yea_o upon_o every_o man_n without_o repentance_n see_v all_o man_n one_o way_n or_o other_o guilty_o convey_v scandal_n along_o but_o there_o be_v some_o engineer_n
reason_n or_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n edify_v or_o embolden_v conscience_n for_o although_o conscience_n be_v make_v for_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o for_o scandal_n it_o be_v make_v so_o even_o and_o true_a to_o it_o that_o they_o which_o love_v this_o law_n have_v great_a peace_n and_o nothing_o can_v scandalize_v or_o offend_v they_o that_o be_v either_o seduce_v or_o hurt_v they_o yet_o in_o this_o very_a seat_n in_o this_o very_a throne_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n in_o this_o temple_n of_o god_n in_o this_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a this_o tribunal_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o sanctuary_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o as_o a_o tabernacle_n of_o testimony_n do_v scandal_n exalt_v itself_o as_o if_o it_o be_v from_o god_n and_o from_o thence_o it_o give_v its_o oracle_n but_o conscience_n thus_o debauch_v and_o prostitute_v bear_v no_o more_o proportion_n to_o true_a conscience_n than_o antichrist_n do_v to_o christ_n and_o be_v therefore_o a_o pseudo-conscience_n a_o anti-conscience_n conscience_n false_o so_o call_v 7._o scandal_n always_o dash_v its_o own_o principle_n of_o deceive_a reason_n and_o false_a doctrine_n upon_o some_o true_a and_o grand_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n for_o though_o every_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v great_a yet_o there_o be_v of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n on_o account_n of_o which_o oppose_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n brand_v it_o scandal_n more_o remarkable_o and_o hereupon_o though_o the_o sin_n derive_v from_o scandal_n may_v in_o itself_o seem_v small_a yet_o in_o regard_n of_o some_o stable_a law_n of_o religion_n make_v void_a and_o thereby_o sin_n introduce_v it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n though_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n sometime_o indifferent_a now_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o but_o scandal_n must_v thus_o dash_v upon_o truth_n because_o as_o i_o have_v say_v it_o herein_o differ_v from_o simple_a temptation_n that_o its_o rest_n be_v upon_o some_o false_a principle_n of_o reason_n or_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n it_o frame_v mischief_n by_o a_o law_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o every_o false_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n must_v rush_v against_o some_o true_a one_o and_o though_o no_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v small_a or_o sin_n little_a and_o scandal_n be_v always_o proportionable_a yet_o the_o wisdom_n of_o scripture_n have_v appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o scandal_n to_o the_o violation_n of_o some_o grand_a principle_n as_o i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n for_o the_o further_o explain_v of_o scandal_n observe_v those_o pillar_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o law_n against_o which_o it_o throw_v and_o bruise_n the_o scandalize_v soul_n as_o the_o sacred_a book_n shall_v instruct_v we_o 1._o the_o eternal_a be_v and_o holy_a government_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n according_a to_o those_o righteous_a just_a and_o good_a law_n he_o have_v give_v and_o according_a to_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v and_o make_v retribution_n to_o all_o man_n at_o that_o great_a day_n be_v the_o fountain_n and_o most_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n so_o than_o whatever_o upon_o pretence_n of_o reason_n and_o just_a cause_n undermine_v the_o faith_n abate_v the_o awe_v or_o dispirit_n the_o obedience_n agreeable_a to_o so_o supreme_a a_o standard_n of_o all_o these_o be_v the_o original_a and_o final_a scandal_n here_o all_o scandal_n begin_v in_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o hither_o it_o return_v it_o end_v in_o a_o further_a loss_n of_o god_n and_o this_o upon_o offence_n take_v that_o too_o much_o be_v require_v without_o reason_n this_o be_v that_o eternal_a rock_n of_o truth_n at_o which_o whoever_o stumble_v must_v needs_o be_v hurt_v wound_a and_o grieve_v thus_o be_v i_o grieve_v in_o my_o heart_n and_o prick_v in_o my_o reins_o 21._o psal_n 73._o 21._o say_v the_o psalmist_n on_o this_o very_a occasion_n whoever_o fall_v violent_o against_o it_o it_o break_v he_o whoever_o contest_v to_o remove_v it_o and_o burden_n himself_o with_o it_o it_o fall_v upon_o he_o and_o grind_v he_o to_o powder_n and_o yet_o against_o this_o speculative_a and_o practical_a atheism_n have_v in_o all_o age_n harden_v itself_o and_o by_o show_n of_o reason_n and_o high_a spirit_n be_v heave_v and_o peck_v at_o it_o and_o cast_v scandal_n in_o all_o man_n way_n god_n retirement_n as_o they_o fancy_v it_o into_o the_o thick_a cover_n of_o the_o cloud_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o 14._o jâ—b_n 21._o 14._o walk_v in_o the_o circuit_n of_o heaven_n and_o not_o come_v down_o in_o visible_a shape_n of_o glory_n and_o power_n have_v give_v to_o ungodly_a man_n the_o boldness_n and_o a_o counterfeit_n of_o argument_n to_o dispute_v against_o his_o be_v and_o government_n i_o say_v a_o counterfeit_n of_o argument_n for_o with_o a_o apparition_n of_o reason_n from_o hence_o and_o a_o insolency_n of_o wickedness_n they_o conjure_v down_o they_o moâ—mo_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o goblin_n of_o conscience_n as_o they_o esteem_v they_o atheism_n have_v always_o speak_v stout_a word_n against_o god_n say_v to_o god_n depart_v from_o we_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n 13._o mal_fw-fr 3._o 13._o of_o thy_o way_n what_o be_v the_o almighty_a that_o we_o shall_v serve_v he_o or_o what_o profit_n be_v it_o if_o we_o shall_v pray_v unto_o he_o 14._o job_n 21._o 14._o it_o have_v of_o old_a lift_v up_o man_n against_o god_n and_o stretch_v out_o their_o hand_n against_o the_o almighty_a so_o that_o they_o have_v run_v upon_o god_n even_o upon_o the_o thick_a boss_n of_o his_o buckler_n to_o mischief_n themselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a in_o the_o very_a day_n of_o job_n there_o be_v this_o counsel_n of_o the_o 18._o job_n 10._o 3._o and_o 21._o 16._o and_o 22._o 18._o wicked_a as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o result_n of_o debate_n and_o serious_a consideration_n in_o a_o senate_n of_o atheist_n as_o if_o they_o have_v make_v the_o experiment_n and_o find_v upon_o proof_n there_o be_v no_o advantage_n in_o serve_v god_n and_o no_o man_n come_v by_o the_o worse_a in_o despise_v he_o it_o be_v not_o the_o invention_n of_o one_o age_n of_o this_o last_o age_n as_o if_o it_o may_v pride_n itself_o in_o find_v it_o out_o scripture_n have_v not_o think_v it_o against_o its_o interest_n to_o record_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o cause_n as_o it_o be_v manage_v of_o old_a in_o those_o elder_a day_n of_o job_n in_o the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prophet_n malachi_n but_o overruns_a it_o with_o a_o flood_n of_o truth_n and_o eloquence_n even_o as_o god_n do_v as_o he_o please_v with_o a_o deluge_n of_o wrath._n yet_o present_a impunity_n and_o the_o seem_a confusion_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o afflict_a state_n of_o good_a man_n have_v be_v always_o a_o stumble_a block_n to_o sudden_a and_o short_a consideration_n job_n significant_o call_v it_o god_n shine_v on_o the_o council_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o if_o it_o 3._o job_n 10._o 3._o give_v it_o a_o lustre_n and_o countenance_n even_o good_a man_n till_o they_o go_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o god_n and_o look_v to_o the_o end_n of_o thing_n have_v find_v it_o a_o scandal_n the_o psalmist_n acknowledge_v his_o foot_n be_v almost_o go_v and_o his_o foot_n well_o 2._o psal_n 73._o 2._o nigh_o slip_v when_o he_o see_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o water_n of_o a_o full_a cup_n of_o affliction_n wring_v out_o to_o the_o godly_a yet_o upon_o full_a discussion_n of_o the_o case_n he_o confess_v it_o his_o folly_n 22._o ver._n 22._o and_o ignorance_n so_o foolish_a be_v i_o and_o ignorant_a i_o be_v as_o a_o beast_n before_o thou_o the_o wise_a king_n observe_v the_o heart_n of_o 11._o eccles_n 8._o 11._o the_o son_n of_o man_n full_o set_v they_o in_o to_o do_v evil_a because_o sentence_n on_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v not_o speedy_o execute_v god_n by_o his_o patience_n sustain_v and_o make_v wicked_a man_n stand_v 16._o exod._n 9_o 16._o even_o when_o they_o deny_v he_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o their_o more_o dreadful_a fall_n for_o their_o foot_n will_v slide_v in_o due_a time_n to_o their_o eternal_a ruin_n how_o slack_a soever_o god_n be_v misdeem_v he_o will_v be_v a_o swift_a witness_n of_o his_o own_o be_v and_o truth_n and_o the_o avenger_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n now_o so_o far_o as_o any_o man_n have_v either_o in_o secret_a suspicion_n or_o in_o the_o silent_a murmur_n of_o his_o soul_n say_v there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o vanquish_v the_o prevail_a awe_v of_o god_n so_o that_o conscience_n have_v be_v embolden_v or_o edify_v or_o so_o much_o as_o silence_v or_o dumb_a
and_o mute_a in_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n or_o neglect_v of_o duty_n upon_o these_o appearance_n and_o who_o can_v say_v herein_o i_o have_v make_v my_o heart_n clean_o i_o be_o pure_a from_o this_o transgression_n so_o far_o have_v he_o be_v scandalize_v and_o endanger_v to_o his_o ruin_n this_o be_v the_o first_o great_a pillar_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o primary_n scandal_n be_v place_v here_o that_o man_n think_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n god_n shall_v have_v so_o much_o love_n fear_v honour_n obedience_n so_o much_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a to_o it_o 2._o even_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v like_a to_o that_o first_o great_a principle_n and_o equal_a to_o it_o both_o because_o the_o whole_a riches_n and_o treasure_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v deposit_v and_o concenter_v in_o it_o so_o that_o he_o have_v not_o the_o 3._o john_n 17._o 3._o father_n nor_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n nor_o the_o eternal_a life_n proceed_v from_o it_o who_o have_v not_o the_o son_n who_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o god_n have_v send_v even_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n so_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o express_a image_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o brightness_n of_o it_o wherever_o it_o be_v reveal_v if_o it_o be_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o god_n of_o the_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o 6._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o mind_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o light_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n 6._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 4_o 6._o of_o god_n shine_v to_o they_o especial_o and_o more_o particular_o that_o great_a attribute_n of_o divine_a mercy_n and_o pardon_v grace_n be_v illustrate_v and_o break_v out_o with_o bright_a and_o warm_a beam_n in_o this_o son_n of_o his_o love_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n who_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n 12._o act_n 4._o 12._o of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o his_o be_v the_o only_a name_n give_v under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n whereby_o they_o can_v be_v save_v this_o indeed_o be_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o assume_v to_o themselves_o as_o the_o only_a master_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o foolishness_n to_o the_o greek_n who_o take_v 16._o isa_n 28._o 16._o upon_o they_o as_o the_o like_a master_n of_o reason_n but_o this_o corner_n stone_n of_o truth_n be_v lay_v so_o sure_a and_o of_o so_o try_v a_o excellency_n 6._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 6._o that_o all_o that_o reject_v and_o spurn_v at_o it_o stumble_v and_o fall_v be_v snare_v and_o break_v they_o be_v false_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o truth_n that_o will_v not_o be_v reconcile_v to_o it_o and_o while_o even_o the_o builder_n refuse_v it_o it_o will_v yet_o rise_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o corner_n 7._o ver_fw-la 7._o it_o have_v now_o surmount_v before_o any_o impartial_a judge_n all_o other_o name_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o that_o to_o strike_v at_o it_o where_o it_o be_v know_v and_o receive_v argue_v a_o disaffection_n and_o be_v scandalize_v at_o religion_n itself_o and_o be_v become_v the_o same_o with_o deny_v god_n providence_n and_o eternal_a judgement_n corrupt_a reason_n and_o lucian-wit_n aim_v at_o religion_n in_o its_o very_a essence_n when_o it_o pretend_v to_o dash_v upon_o that_o and_o if_o when_o it_o seem_v to_o encounter_v with_o god_n own_o administration_n by_o moses_n there_o be_v yet_o such_o a_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o it_o that_o it_o will_v be_v more_o tolerable_a etc._n mat._n 10._o 15._o etc._n etc._n for_o sodam_fw-la and_o gomorrah_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o those_o that_o refuse_v it_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o several_a place_n testify_v how_o much_o great_a will_v the_o condemnation_n be_v now_o when_o it_o have_v so_o perfect_o antiquate_v all_o that_o pretention_n against_o it_o and_o wear_v out_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o elder_a paganism_n and_o yet_o so_o far_o as_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n 25._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 25._o style_v it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o we_o wise_a than_o man_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o god_n strong_a than_o man_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o it_o seem_v the_o easy_a place_n for_o the_o attack_n of_o atheism_n irreligion_n and_o profaneness_n who_o yet_o at_o last_o will_v find_v themselves_o in_o a_o gin_n or_o trap_n when_o they_o think_v they_o have_v gain_v ground_n and_o make_v entrance_n and_o shatter_v to_o piece_n when_o they_o believe_v a_o conquest_n for_o god_n take_v the_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o 20._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 19_o 20._o craftiness_n and_o he_o know_v the_o wise_a thought_n of_o man_n that_o they_o be_v vain_a every_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christ_n be_v 12._o heb._n 3._o 12._o depart_v from_o the_o live_n god_n transaction_n in_o prayer_n or_o public_a discourse_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o divine_a as_o they_o send_v forth_o the_o sweet_a savour_n of_o his_o name_n which_o be_v as_o a_o ointment_n pour_v out_o the_o apostle_n desire_v to_o 8._o 1_o cor._n â—_o 2._o phil._n 3._o 8._o know_v nothing_o but_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a it_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o top_n and_o transcendency_n of_o knowledge_n apostolic_a epistle_n full_a of_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n be_v the_o best_a pattern_n for_o sermon_n much_o exceed_v the_o rationalism_n or_o moralism_n of_o tâ—â—_n wise_a philosophy_n it_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o scandal_n first_o take_v â—nd_n then_o give_v to_o speak_v little_a of_o he_o all_o preach_v be_v not_o give_v the_o savour_n of_o his_o knowledge_n ult_n 2_o cor._n 2._o ult_n and_o if_o it_o have_v not_o life_n to_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v deadly_a a_o symptom_n to_o death_n the_o very_a divert_v though_o to_o other_o part_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n speak_v man_n offend_v in_o he_o when_o they_o do_v not_o find_v he_o and_o express_v he_o the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n in_o all_o the_o bright_a morning_n star_n the_o amen_o and_o though_o a_o battology_n a_o vain_a repetition_n in_o name_v he_o be_v blamable_a yet_o it_o be_v more_o blame_n to_o conceal_v he_o even_o in_o the_o best_a discourse_n of_o his_o religion_n the_o ray_n of_o religion_n be_v pale_a more_o weak_a and_o chill_a as_o they_o fall_v far_a off_o from_o he_o he_o be_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n and_o bless_a be_v he_o in_o these_o day_n even_o in_o these_o day_n whoever_o be_v not_o offend_v in_o he_o 3._o the_o spirituality_n purity_n cleanness_n and_o chasteness_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n dictate_v by_o the_o clear_a and_o sincere_a light_n of_o natural_a conscience_n approve_v by_o divine_a revelation_n or_o found_v institute_v and_o direct_v by_o that_o undoubted_a heavenly_a oracle_n be_v the_o next_o great_a pillar_n of_o truth_n upon_o which_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n be_v settle_v but_o against_o this_o sensual_a and_o defile_a imagination_n have_v in_o all_o age_n raise_v scandal_n and_o so_o befool_v reason_n that_o it_o have_v cast_v down_o many_o wound_a yea_o many_o strong_a man_n in_o their_o intellectual_a endowment_n and_o reputation_n for_o wisdom_n have_v be_v ensnare_v and_o ruin_v by_o it_o it_o have_v be_v the_o renown_n therefore_o of_o those_o prince_n in_o sacred_a story_n that_o have_v have_v the_o religious_a magnanimity_n to_o resist_v the_o charm_n of_o this_o sorceress_n and_o keep_v divine_a worship_n uncorrupted_a in_o who_o glory_n so_o much_o as_o the_o high_a place_n be_v a_o dark_a shade_n and_o eclipse_v they_o though_o it_o have_v fair_a pretence_n idolatry_n and_o superstition_n have_v be_v most_o evident_o brand_v in_o scripture_n for_o the_o most_o wretched_a state_n of_o be_v scandalize_v and_o idol_n for_o the_o most_o abhor_a scandal_n this_o be_v the_o snare_n of_o gideon_n and_o his_o house_n and_o yet_o as_o interpreter_n give_v we_o in_o a_o matter_n as_o innocent_a at_o first_o as_o lay_v up_o the_o ephod_n he_o have_v inquire_v at_o in_o his_o danger_n as_o a_o monument_n of_o gratitude_n for_o his_o victory_n that_o be_v after_o turn_v thus_o into_o a_o scandal_n judge_n 8._o 27._o this_o be_v the_o scandal_n balaam_n teach_v balak_n to_o cast_v before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n these_o be_v the_o wiles_n the_o gin_n and_o trap_n in_o which_o the_o
corruption_n they_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o spark_n and_o have_v only_o this_o at_o god_n hand_n to_o lie_v down_o in_o sorrow_n beside_o that_o god_n in_o just_a displeasure_n send_v down_o upon_o they_o the_o revenge_n of_o a_o abuse_a and_o injure_a power_n and_o godhead_n now_o all_o this_o express_v the_o height_n both_o of_o the_o deception_n and_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n 4._o the_o four_o great_a principle_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o absolute_a and_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o holiness_n both_o in_o heart_n and_o life_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n against_o which_o 24._o heb._n 12._o 24._o there_o lie_v no_o such_o scandal_n or_o cause_n of_o offence_n as_o inward_a and_o inherent_a lust_n and_o inordinate_a appetite_n which_o be_v obstinate_o set_v to_o obtain_v its_o satisfaction_n and_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v tame_v but_o by_o beinâ—_n cut_v off_o though_o it_o be_v the_o right_a hand_n or_o right_a foot_n or_o even_o the_o right_a eye_n the_o love_n of_o god_n 43._o mark_v 9_o 43._o and_o his_o law_n be_v the_o best_a security_n against_o this_o scandal_n and_o daily_a mortification_n and_o crucifixion_n of_o the_o old_a man_n with_o 22._o ephes_n 4._o 22._o its_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n pretence_n from_o reason_n or_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n there_o can_v be_v none_o in_o this_o case_n to_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v either_o christianity_n or_o morality_n but_o man_n be_v carry_v down_o the_o violent_a stream_n of_o ungoverned_a passion_n and_o that_o fall_v into_o the_o wide_a sea_n of_o general_a corruption_n and_o bad_a example_n which_o look_v most_o like_a a_o authority_n there_o be_v the_o palliation_n and_o excuse_n of_o sin_n which_o may_v serve_v in_o a_o time_n of_o peace_n and_o carnal_a security_n but_o can_v so_o delude_v conscience_n as_o to_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a sense_n scandal_n the_o continual_a practice_n of_o sin_n harden_v the_o heart_n sear_n benumb_v and_o stupefy_v all_o inward_a sense_n and_o cancel_v the_o awe_n of_o those_o engrave_v law_n and_o reveal_v command_n of_o god_n for_o a_o time_n but_o can_v either_o deny_v their_o just_a power_n or_o challenge_v they_o of_o unreasonableness_n so_o that_o if_o any_o where_o man_n be_v force_v to_o take_v refuge_n at_o the_o atheistick_a denial_n of_o religion_n itself_o or_o to_o blind_a conscience_n with_o superstitious_a act_n which_o seem_v to_o commute_v and_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o sin_n or_o if_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o blind_v their_o eye_n and_o obstruct_v all_o sense_n they_o may_v make_v the_o profession_n of_o true_a religion_n a_o cover_n to_o sin_n as_o they_o that_o cry_v lord_n lord_n and_o 22._o mat._n 7._o 22._o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v we_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o 19_o jer._n 7._o 4._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o christ_n with_o great_a ostentation_n and_o so_o may_v deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n but_o to_o hold_v out_o against_o either_o the_o challenge_n of_o divine_a truth_n or_o of_o their_o own_o reflection_n be_v impossible_a so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n predominant_a lust_n from_o within_o and_o bad_a example_n from_o the_o so_o abound_a iniquity_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n the_o fall_v of_o good_a man_n the_o miscarriage_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o insincere_a professor_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o great_a scandal_n or_o stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o ensnare_v in_o the_o afore-named_n scandal_n but_o although_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o strict_a and_o proper_a scandal_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o very_a centre_n of_o all_o scandal_n in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o for_o then_o a_o man_n be_v indeed_o scandalize_v when_o the_o salt_n of_o divine_a truth_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n can_v have_v no_o power_n nor_o efficacy_n upon_o he_o because_o of_o that_o scandal_n to_o season_v the_o heart_n nor_o govern_v the_o life_n and_o action_n in_o the_o love_n fear_v and_o obedience_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n but_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o understand_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n what_o he_o do_v not_o promise_n by_o profession_n or_o if_o he_o seem_v to_o deny_v any_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o do_v not_o understand_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n the_o extent_n and_o force_n of_o his_o denial_n but_o have_v better_a principle_n that_o be_v a_o antidote_n and_o counterpoison_n to_o any_o mistake_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n he_o be_v not_o scandalize_v with_o the_o great_a mischief_n of_o scandal_n but_o that_o man_n be_v scandalize_v that_o through_o false_a principle_n or_o the_o denial_n of_o true_a one_o want_v their_o power_n and_o virtue_n upon_o his_o affection_n and_o action_n for_o no_o truth_n be_v for_o notion_n sake_n but_o to_o make_v true_o good_a the_o heart_n and_o practice_n the_o very_a confession_n with_o the_o mouth_n be_v to_o recoil_v back_o into_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v that_o better_a and_o to_o move_v forward_o and_o engage_v the_o life_n along_o with_o it_o 5._o it_o be_v a_o grand_a pillar_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o and_o that_o he_o that_o love_v 21._o 1_o john_n 4._o 21._o god_n shall_v love_v his_o brother_n also_o and_o there_o be_v not_o there_o can_v be_v any_o law_n of_o religion_n wherein_o the_o equity_n the_o love_n favour_n and_o compassion_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n towards_o humane_a nature_n do_v more_o evident_o recommend_v itself_o it_o be_v the_o justification_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o man_n his_o philanthropy_n do_v shine_v out_o more_o illustrious_o in_o the_o gospel_n so_o do_v the_o law_n and_o doctrine_n of_o this_o love_n of_o christian_n to_o one_o another_o and_o not_o only_o to_o christian_n but_o to_o all_o man_n and_o in_o this_o as_o of_o great_a concernment_n thâ—_n gospel_n be_v so_o abundant_a and_o its_o discourse_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n that_o it_o be_v make_v another_o hemisphere_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o one_o be_v the_o first_o and_o 39_o mat._n â—1_n 38_o 39_o great_a commandment_n and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a to_o it_o it_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v the_o whole_a law_n it_o be_v irreconcilable_a 9_o rom._n 13._o 8_o 9_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n not_o to_o love_v our_o brother_n it_o be_v 15._o 1_o joh._n 3._o 15._o such_o a_o degree_n of_o murder_n that_o whoever_o be_v guilty_a of_o can_v have_v eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o he_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mark_n 14._o 1_o joh._n 3._o 14._o we_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n so_o many_o be_v the_o argument_n and_o so_o strong_a the_o obligation_n to_o this_o duty_n that_o they_o can_v be_v recount_v all_o may_v be_v sum_v up_o in_o that_o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o now_o that_o this_o love_n be_v fix_v in_o a_o uniformity_n of_o opinion_n or_o point_n of_o outward_a order_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o believe_v for_o beside_o the_o impossibility_n to_o reconcile_v all_o the_o innocent_a variety_n that_o be_v in_o humane_a nature_n though_o it_o be_v christian_a humane_a nature_n in_o their_o sentiment_n and_o election_n in_o these_o thing_n the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v not_o of_o that_o amount_v as_o to_o be_v the_o proper_a rest_n of_o this_o divine_a love_n or_o that_o if_o it_o miss_v these_o pole_n it_o shall_v therefore_o cease_v to_o be_v the_o axis_n upon_o which_o the_o catholic_n society_n of_o christian_n and_o christian_a unity_n turn_n for_o that_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n must_v be_v substantial_a christianity_n itself_o and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a schism_n to_o be_v divide_v in_o affection_n from_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n how_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o understand_v see_v small_a difference_n be_v frequent_o by_o the_o apostle_n consider_v and_o allow_v for_o without_o the_o least_o allowance_n for_o christian_n not_o love_v one_o another_o christianity_n carry_v no_o gall_n even_o towards_o utmost_a stranger_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n much_o less_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v true_o christian_n though_o not_o each_o uniform_a with_o one_o another_o in_o all_o thing_n the_o great_a scandal_n against_o this_o love_n be_v private_a man_n think_v it_o justifiable_a not_o to_o love_v those_o that_o have_v injure_v they_o but_o this_o case_n have_v be_v consider_v
and_o a_o forgiuness_n of_o seventy_o seven_o injury_n in_o a_o day_n upon_o acknowledgement_n 4._o mat._n 18._o 22._o luke_n 17._o 4._o and_o repentance_n be_v take_v care_n for_o that_o love_n may_v be_v continue_v the_o forgiuness_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v set_v we_o as_o a_o example_n and_o that_o it_o may_v the_o more_o affect_v we_o the_o odds_o between_o our_o offence_n against_o god_n and_o all_o trespass_n against_o ourselves_o be_v state_v as_o disproportionate_a as_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n to_o a_o hundred_o penny_n but_o however_o man_n think_v they_o may_v just_o not_o love_v where_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o divine_a matter_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o truth_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v general_o but_o the_o great_a scandal_n for_o when_o the_o thing_n that_o christian_n differ_v in_o be_v small_a and_o that_o they_o agree_v in_o great_a and_o momentous_a thing_n it_o be_v evident_a the_o integrity_n honour_n and_o interest_n of_o religion_n shall_v much_o more_o unite_v and_o endear_v than_o little_a interest_n divide_v in_o thing_n that_o be_v evident_o contrary_a to_o divine_a truth_n and_o the_o law_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o just_a denial_n of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o respect_n to_o that_o evil_n he_o travel_v with_o as_o the_o apostle_n john_n the_o great_a minister_n of_o love_n teach_v we_o and_o a_o method_n for_o reformation_n or_o rejection_n as_o our_o saviour_n agreeable_a to_o that_o law_n in_o leviticus_n prescribe_v we_o not_o to_o smother_v our_o 17._o mat._n 18._o 15_o etc._n etc._n leu._n 19_o 17._o hatred_n or_o disgust_n in_o silence_n and_o reserve_v by_o conceal_v the_o fault_n a_o constant_a cause_n and_o store_n for_o our_o anger_n or_o illwill_a but_o to_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o open_a procedure_n that_o either_o our_o misapprehension_n may_v be_v rectify_v or_o the_o person_n reform_v and_o so_o our_o love_n either_o way_n restore_v or_o a_o just_a reason_n appear_v not_o for_o our_o hatred_n but_o for_o our_o limit_v the_o extent_n of_o our_o love_n in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v as_o be_v due_a to_o a_o christian_a but_o to_o a_o publican_n or_o heathen_a who_o be_v still_o the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n but_o not_o of_o that_o kind_n that_o degree_n of_o love_n adjust_a to_o christian_n but_o this_o must_v be_v in_o a_o case_n clear_a and_o evident_a not_o every_o dispute_n the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o great_a design_n of_o it_o be_v the_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n of_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o with_o a_o universal_a favour_n to_o mankind_n and_o this_o be_v preserve_v only_o in_o love_n every_o thing_n then_o that_o cool_v and_o destroy_v love_n under_o a_o show_n of_o just_a and_o right_a be_v a_o scandal_n because_o it_o overthrow_v christianity_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o religion_n of_o love_n and_o make_v a_o man_n of_o great_a name_n pretence_n authority_n in_o the_o church_n a_o nothing_o it_o be_v a_o scandal_n for_o it_o rise_v from_o scandal_n it_o have_v the_o ill_a effect_n of_o scandal_n both_o ensnare_a and_o destroy_v and_o it_o tend_v to_o further_a scandal_n it_o rise_v from_o scandal_n he_o that_o do_v not_o love_n have_v some_o lust_n some_o interest_n of_o profit_n dominion_n or_o pleasure_n that_o he_o serve_v under_o a_o name_n of_o religion_n they_o that_o cause_v division_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d division_n in_o affection_n take_v advantage_n 17._o rom._n 16._o 17._o of_o dissent_n in_o opinion_n these_o serve_v their_o own_o belly_n that_o lust_n which_o they_o cloak_n with_o religion_n that_o base_a interest_n they_o clothe_v and_o cover_v with_o a_o better_a name_n that_o lust_n so_o disguise_v deceive_v they_o and_o enslave_v they_o under_o itself_o this_o move_v to_o further_a scandal_n every_o one_o that_o do_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o humour_n of_o this_o lust_n and_o serve_v it_o he_o appear_v as_o the_o irreligious_a or_o the_o factious_a disorderly_a person_n hereupon_o he_o must_v not_o be_v receive_v or_o continue_v in_o the_o love_n due_a to_o a_o brother_n a_o christian_a though_o the_o case_n be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o true_a christianity_n our_o saviour_n as_o aware_a of_o this_o in_o his_o so_o severe_a caution_n of_o not_o scandalize_a little_o one_o immediate_o subjoin_v those_o dreadful_a precept_n of_o cut_v off_o the_o right_a hand_n etc._n etc._n that_o scandalize_v ourselves_o as_o imply_v they_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o our_o scandalize_a other_o this_o still_o move_v on_o to_o further_a scandal_n scandal_n to_o stranger_n who_o thereupon_o look_v upon_o religion_n as_o austere_n morose_n and_o cruel_a and_o so_o be_v discourage_v from_o come_v in_o to_o it_o scandal_n to_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o little_a one_o in_o christianity_n who_o it_o may_v be_v he_o so_o call_v not_o that_o they_o 4â—_n marc._n 9_o 4â—_n be_v always_o so_o in_o themselves_o when_o yet_o despise_v but_o because_o they_o may_v be_v only_o so_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o those_o that_o despise_v they_o and_o think_v not_o the_o honour_n and_o regard_n owe_v to_o christian_n due_a to_o they_o or_o because_o take_v the_o mean_a in_o christianity_n or_o those_o we_o think_v or_o be_v indeed_o in_o most_o danger_n to_o be_v lose_v our_o saviour_n in_o a_o scheme_n in_o a_o figure_n of_o little_a one_o will_v represent_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o most_o cautious_o and_o tender_o treat_v last_o they_o themselves_o become_v scandalize_v too_o often_o to_o much_o high_a degree_n of_o scandal_n hereby_o even_o against_o those_o thing_n that_o carry_v the_o true_a and_o most_o genuine_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n because_o they_o will_v go_v as_o far_o off_o as_o they_o can_v and_o be_v most_o unlike_a those_o from_o who_o they_o dissent_v in_o some_o thing_n that_o neither_o their_o pray_v their_o preach_a their_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o speak_v must_v be_v accept_v by_o they_o till_o they_o even_o desert_a the_o example_n of_o the_o very_a scripture_n itself_o in_o those_o thing_n and_o come_v too_o near_o burlesque_a the_o sacred_a guise_n of_o they_o or_o at_o least_o what_o be_v so_o near_o unite_v that_o the_o reproach_n that_o fall_v upon_o the_o one_o fall_n upon_o the_o other_o also_o and_o all_o that_o they_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o stand_v far_o enough_o off_o from_o the_o adverse_a purity_n of_o what_o they_o have_v espouse_v who_o opinion_n while_o they_o seem_v to_o strike_v the_o thing_n most_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n be_v the_o sufferer_n too_o often_o but_o he_o that_o love_v his_o brother_n have_v no_o occasion_n of_o this_o 11._o 1_o john_n 2._o 10_o 11._o sort_n of_o stumble_v which_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n because_o as_o his_o soul_n be_v right_o compose_v and_o not_o cloud_v with_o dark_a and_o black_a passion_n so_o he_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o dislike_v any_o thing_n in_o true_a christianity_n out_o of_o hatred_n to_o his_o brother_n who_o profess_v it_o but_o a_o additional_a obligation_n to_o keep_v the_o truth_n entire_a out_o of_o love_n to_o his_o brother_n who_o be_v unite_v in_o it_o with_o himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v hereby_o we_o know_v we_o love_v the_o child_n of_o god_n when_o we_o love_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n when_o our_o love_n to_o they_o engage_v we_o the_o more_o close_o in_o a_o religious_a union_n with_o they_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v ready_a to_o fall_v out_o with_o every_o thing_n that_o he_o be_v for_o and_o know_v not_o at_o what_o he_o stumble_v whether_o it_o be_v true_o of_o god_n and_o christ_n or_o not_o and_o so_o be_v no_o just_a occasion_n of_o stumble_v though_o he_o stumble_v at_o it_o 2._o 1_o john_n 5._o v._n 2._o 6._o the_o government_n and_o authority_n god_n have_v vest_v in_o conscience_n to_o understand_v with_o god_n for_o itself_o and_o the_o soul_n and_o to_o guide_v itself_o according_a to_o his_o command_n who_o be_v its_o only_a father_n and_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v none_o upon_o earth_n beside_o he_o even_o as_o christ_n be_v its_o one_o master_n be_v a_o grand_a principle_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v of_o so_o great_a concernment_n that_o though_o the_o thing_n be_v good_a a_o man_n do_v yet_o if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o upon_o a_o judgement_n a_o sense_n a_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n or_o if_o that_o he_o refuse_v be_v true_o evil_a yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o reject_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n upon_o the_o same_o motive_n neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o arise_v to_o a_o religious_a action_n or_o be_v accept_v with_o god_n as_o do_v in_o his_o fear_n but_o be_v a_o vain_a honour_n of_o he_o
to_o be_v as_o a_o lamp_n despise_v he_o deserve_v great_a tenderness_n and_o compassion_n as_o i_o shall_v more_o full_o have_v occasion_n to_o observe_v under_o the_o second_o head_n viz._n scandal_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o which_o i_o now_o proceed_v and_o i_o be_o here_o to_o undertake_v a_o particular_a and_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o scandal_n as_o it_o have_v a_o most_o peculiar_a interest_n in_o those_o so_o famous_a debate_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v indifferent_a thing_n rom._n 14._o 1_o cor._n 8._o &_o 10._o when_o they_o can_v any_o way_n be_v suppose_v to_o relate_v to_o god_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o religion_n or_o have_v a_o presence_n how_o circumstantial_a soever_o in_o divine_a worship_n but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o undertake_n i_o must_v remove_v two_o prejudices_fw-la 1._o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v scandal_n in_o these_o case_n have_v be_v indeed_o make_v trivial_a by_o some_o man_n injudicious_a zeal_n and_o ignorant_a deal_n with_o the_o apostle_n sense_n herein_o who_o have_v a_o crude_a conception_n of_o scandal_n from_o what_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o most_o formidable_a evil_n both_o in_o he_o that_o give_v it_o or_o take_v it_o have_v therefore_o call_v every_o thing_n scandal_n that_o displease_v they_o and_o mean_v nothing_o by_o be_v scandalize_v but_o that_o they_o have_v great_o dislike_v such_o or_o such_o thing_n without_o any_o other_o hazard_n of_o fall_v into_o sin_n than_o what_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v from_o their_o indiscreet_a anger_n and_o too_o often_o over-passionate_a inflammation_n whence_o have_v rise_v this_o scandal_n dangerous_a enough_o that_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o scandal_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n except_o what_o unknowing_a zeal_n in_o a_o ferment_n create_v or_o at_o least_o have_v not_o take_v into_o their_o thought_n this_o kind_n of_o true_a scripture_n scandal_n or_o entertain_v a_o just_a fear_n of_o run_v into_o it_o or_o ensnare_a other_o in_o it_o but_o it_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o that_o due_o weigh_v that_o the_o apostle_n proceed_v upon_o much_o deep_a and_o more_o grave_a consideration_n 2._o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o fear_n of_o scandal_n or_o scandalize_a have_v be_v blow_v off_o by_o some_o upon_o this_o mistake_n that_o man_n can_v be_v in_o no_o danger_n to_o be_v scandalize_v who_o keep_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v draw_v by_o example_n into_o any_o thing_n they_o dislike_v and_o be_v sufficient_o angry_a at_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o such_o they_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a bar_n to_o they_o against_o scandal_n and_o against_o any_o one_o being_n guilty_a as_o a_o author_n of_o scandal_n to_o they_o how_o hardly_o soever_o they_o press_v upon_o they_o while_o they_o profess_v so_o loud_o their_o dissent_n they_o must_v not_o so_o much_o as_o name_v scandal_n without_o the_o imputation_n of_o gross_a ignorance_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v just_o apprehend_v a_o man_n may_v be_v he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v though_o it_o find_v no_o place_n in_o he_o against_o who_o it_o come_v as_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v and_o further_o though_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o these_o two_o instance_n fix_v chief_o upon_o that_o sort_n of_o scandal_n within_o which_o man_n be_v draw_v by_o follow_a example_n against_o their_o inward_a sentiment_n yet_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n scandal_n be_v to_o be_v suspect_v to_o have_v much_o large_a compass_n even_o in_o thing_n of_o indifferency_n and_o lie_v far_o off_o from_o man_n doubtful_a comply_v in_o what_o they_o have_v example_n or_o command_n for_o than_o that_o such_o compliance_n shall_v be_v the_o only_a measure_n of_o scandal_n therein_o and_o even_o in_o those_o that_o do_v comply_v with_o free_a mind_n there_o be_v more_o secret_a path_n and_o track_n wherein_o scandal_n be_v lay_v than_o they_o general_o and_o open_o make_v complaint_n of_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o inward_a doubt_n but_o upon_o other_o account_n also_o i_o shall_v therefore_o lay_v down_o these_o two_o preparatory_n to_o make_v these_o discourse_n of_o the_o apostle_n more_o concern_v to_o we_o 1._o that_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v assure_v they_o have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o denunciation_n of_o woe_n by_o our_o saviour_n upon_o the_o world_n because_o of_o scandal_n upon_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v by_o way_n of_o transcendency_n and_o his_o admonition_n to_o all_o that_o scandal_n must_v needs_o come_v for_o the_o same_o divine_a spirit_n of_o truth_n descend_v from_o the_o master_n upon_o the_o minister_n and_o frame_v like_o apprehension_n in_o he_o when_o he_o speak_v afterward_o of_o the_o same_o point_n nay_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o latter_a discourse_n look_v back_o upon_o the_o former_a because_o it_o be_v undoubted_o well_o know_v to_o christian_n then_o and_o much_o more_o to_o the_o apostle_n who_o beside_o that_o he_o have_v immediate_a revelation_n most_o probable_o from_o the_o lord_n even_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v by_o the_o evangelist_n give_v proof_n he_o have_v a_o very_a peculiar_a care_n to_o know_v all_o he_o have_v speak_v and_o a_o singular_a respect_n to_o it_o for_o he_o express_o quote_v our_o saviour_n in_o those_o immediate_a revelation_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 23._o in_o what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o evangelist_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o divorce_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 10._o and_o last_o in_o what_o he_o have_v attain_v as_o well_o testify_v though_o not_o record_v as_o in_o that_o act_n 20._o 35._o remember_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n it_o be_v more_o bless_a to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v it_o be_v not_o therefore_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v in_o such_o discourse_n of_o scandal_n as_o these_o he_o neglect_v so_o solemn_a a_o one_o as_o our_o lord_n upon_o it_o the_o little_a one_o in_o the_o evangelist_n and_o the_o weak_a brethren_n in_o the_o apostle_n the_o woe_n in_o the_o one_o and_o the_o conscience_n in_o the_o other_o grieve_v wound_a weak_a christian_n stumble_v fall_a perish_a and_o be_v destroy_v be_v of_o near_a affinity_n in_o their_o sense_n and_o those_o even_a abjuration_n of_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n it_o be_v good_a neither_o to_o eat_v flesh_n nor_o drink_v wine_n nor_o any_o thing_n whereby_o thy_o brother_n 21._o rom._n 14._o 21._o stumble_v or_o be_v offend_v or_o be_v make_v weak_a if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v 13._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._o lest_o i_o make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v my_o brother_n these_o so_o solemn_a renunciation_n of_o scandal_n be_v not_o far_o off_o from_o our_o saviour_n woe_n upon_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v and_o that_o great_a aphorism_n happy_a be_v he_o that_o condemn_v not_o himself_o 22._o rom._n 14._o 22._o in_o that_o thing_n which_o he_o allow_v be_v ground_v upon_o that_o scandal_n must_v needs_o come_v they_o force_v a_o entry_n at_o every_o the_o least_o advantage_n and_o therefore_o happy_a be_v he_o that_o can_v preclude_v they_o 2._o that_o see_v the_o instance_n of_o scandal_n the_o apostle_n debate_v upon_o viz._n the_o jewish_a distinction_n of_o meat_n and_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n be_v of_o a_o narrow_a and_o particular_a nature_n and_o of_o a_o daily_a decrease_a occurrence_n the_o apostle_n so_o laborious_a and_o industrious_a handle_v they_o be_v preserve_v in_o sacred_a record_n and_o transmit_v down_o to_o after_o age_n argue_v he_o or_o rather_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o he_o design_v to_o remonstrate_v to_o the_o late_a posterity_n of_o christian_n the_o great_a play_n scope_n and_o force_v of_o scandal_n in_o these_o indifferency_n and_o in_o all_o case_n wherein_o they_o may_v fall_v out_o to_o be_v scandal_n though_o not_o after_o the_o similitude_n of_o these_o the_o danger_n of_o scandalize_a or_o be_v scandalize_v have_v thus_o far_o premise_v i_o come_v now_o close_o up_o to_o these_o apostolic_a debate_n themselves_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v make_v such_o a_o platform_n with_o all_o possible_a brevity_n and_o conciseness_n as_o may_v comprehend_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n upon_o these_o two_o case_n and_o then_o balance_v with_o it_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o indifferent_n as_o they_o come_v into_o such_o a_o account_n of_o religion_n as_o i_o have_v before_o suppose_v the_o platform_n i_o lay_v down_o in_o these_o part_n of_o it_o all_o draw_v out_o of_o these_o debate_n 1._o the_o state_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o indifferent_n in_o relation_n to_o god_n 2._o the_o way_n how_o scandal_n invade_v indifferent_a thing_n when_o come_v into_o such_o a_o relation_n 3._o the_o several_a way_n of_o
those_o who_o do_v vehement_o and_o zealous_o fall_v in_o with_o conformity_n to_o these_o imposition_n in_o indifferent_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v scandalize_v and_o that_o very_o deep_o this_o case_n do_v not_o i_o confess_v arise_v out_o of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n except_o by_o the_o other_o interpretation_n of_o the_o scope_n of_o that_o to_o the_o corinth_n which_o give_v it_o not_o only_o as_o if_o compliance_n against_o the_o sentiment_n of_o conscience_n upon_o the_o trust_n of_o example_n be_v the_o sin_n and_o scandal_n but_o that_o the_o weak_a christian_n not_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o strong_a do_v as_o they_o do_v and_o not_o prepossess_v as_o they_o be_v that_o the_o idol_n be_v nothing_o sink_v into_o some_o degree_n at_o least_o of_o idolatrous_a reverence_n and_o worship_n as_o if_o they_o know_v no_o other_o reason_n of_o eat_v in_o a_o idol_n temple_n but_o devotion_n to_o he_o and_o this_o kind_n of_o scandal_n though_o i_o believe_v the_o drift_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v chief_o as_o i_o have_v explain_v it_o yet_o too_o often_o fall_v out_o in_o these_o case_n those_o ceremony_n that_o have_v be_v promote_v into_o divine_a service_n or_o into_o the_o ornament_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o place_n of_o it_o have_v be_v though_o dangerous_o enough_o yet_o not_o so_o ill_o design_v as_o afterward_o abuse_v by_o more_o ignorant_a person_n who_o greedy_a and_o fond_a of_o a_o sensual_a and_o external_a religion_n have_v be_v transport_v upon_o superstition_n and_o sometime_o downright_a idolatry_n and_o this_o often_o note_v in_o scripture_n under_o the_o very_a name_n of_o scandal_n thus_o i_o before_o observe_v in_o the_o case_n of_o gideon_n ephod_n his_o house_n and_o all_o israel_n be_v ensnare_v beyond_o the_o first_o intention_n thus_o in_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n continue_v no_o doubt_n in_o memory_n of_o the_o miracle_n yet_o afterward_o prove_v so_o great_a a_o snare_n that_o they_o burn_v incense_n to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a balaam_n cast_v his_o snare_n at_o first_o in_o a_o less-guilty_a feast_v with_o the_o midianite_n upon_o their_o idol_n sacrifice_n not_o know_v to_o be_v such_o poisonous_a meat_n and_o by_o degree_n toll_v they_o on_o into_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o idolater_n thus_o the_o apostle_n by_o divine_a direction_n condescend_v to_o the_o weakness_n of_o convert-jew_n among_o the_o roman_n on_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a command_n in_o some_o of_o their_o rite_n but_o just_a now_o expire_a degenerate_v afterward_o into_o such_o a_o judaisme_n that_o the_o same_o apostle_n be_v most_o severe_a against_o it_o and_o that_o very_a strength_n of_o the_o corinthian_a christian_n or_o at_o least_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o unknowing_a follow_v their_o example_n become_v afterward_o into_o a_o infamous_a doctrine_n the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o very_a enchant_a seduction_n of_o the_o prophetess_n jezebel_n who_o 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commute_v of_o such_o flattery_n of_o conscience_n for_o substantial_a piety_n as_o the_o jew_n will_v exchange_v new-moon_n and_o oblation_n for_o justice_n and_o mercy_n and_o walk_v humble_o with_o god_n it_o must_v be_v indeed_o acknowledge_v not_o only_o humane_a appointment_n but_o even_o divine_a command_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o injury_n of_o scandal_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n one_o can_v be_v cut_v off_o though_o scandal_n press_v never_o so_o hard_a the_o other_o may_v and_o aught_o for_o in_o all_o thing_n not_o ordain_v by_o god_n the_o principle_n sin_v against_o in_o scandal_n be_v the_o exceed_a purity_n of_o religion_n the_o substantial_a piety_n and_o most_o spiritual_a and_o rational_a worship_n of_o himself_o god_n require_v and_o expect_v by_o his_o word_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n he_o have_v command_v be_v adjust_v to_o those_o end_n even_o as_o he_o provide_v they_o and_o all_o he_o have_v not_o command_v shall_v stand_v off_o or_o at_o least_o be_v present_o supersede_v when_o become_v the_o prey_n of_o scandal_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n scandal_n shelter_n itself_o under_o order_n decency_n or_o edification_n of_o the_o ignorant_a obedience_n to_o authority_n and_o press_v on_o to_o the_o utmost_a under_o they_o 3._o the_o three_o sort_n of_o scandal_n arise_v from_o indifferent_a thing_n upon_o those_o that_o will_v not_o be_v at_o all_o persuade_v to_o a_o compliance_n with_o they_o even_o they_o may_v be_v scandalize_v by_o unlawful_a and_o very_a sinful_a censoriousness_n and_o passion_n place_v too_o much_o of_o their_o sense_n of_o religion_n upon_o their_o dislike_n of_o such_o addition_n to_o divine_a worship_n division_n and_o separation_n on_o both_o side_n from_o the_o publick_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o national_a union_n in_o religion_n beyond_o the_o merit_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o cause_n or_o further_o than_o the_o case_n at_o its_o utmost_a extent_n can_v require_v and_o if_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n be_v such_o as_o the_o endeavour_v notion_n of_o it_o will_v make_v it_o a_o fall_n into_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o schism_n the_o principle_n offend_v against_o in_o this_o sort_n of_o scandal_n be_v that_o great_a love_n of_o christian_n and_o union_n in_o divine_a worship_n in_o truth_n and_o peace_n make_v so_o fundamental_a in_o christianity_n by_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n the_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n lie_v too_o both_o way_n that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o additional_n we_o may_v desert_v those_o much_o high_a consideration_n and_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o love_n and_o union_n and_o our_o obligation_n to_o they_o the_o apostle_n represent_v this_o great_a mischief_n not_o under_o the_o formal_a account_n of_o scandal_n in_o the_o discourse_n to_o the_o roman_n though_o i_o doubt_v not_o he_o after_o refer_v to_o it_o express_o as_o such_o when_o he_o join_v scandal_n and_o division_n together_o but_o 17._o rom._n 16._o 17._o in_o the_o discourse_n itself_o he_o both_o set_v out_o the_o heat_n on_o both_o side_n in_o judge_v and_o despise_v and_o argue_v on_o both_o side_n with_o high_a strength_n of_o divine_a reason_n against_o the_o evil_a both_o way_n and_o this_o be_v certain_a the_o more_o excellent_a our_o religion_n the_o more_o desirable_a our_o public_a worship_n and_o communion_n for_o the_o piety_n rationality_n and_o order_n of_o it_o the_o more_o pure_a our_o national_a church_n and_o association_n in_o religion_n be_v and_o the_o great_a the_o sin_n of_o separation_n the_o more_o do_v the_o apostle_n argument_n against_o scandalize_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o indifferency_n press_v and_o urge_v we_o why_o shall_v our_o good_a be_v think_v evil_a of_o or_o blaspheme_v why_o shall_v our_o public_a worship_n and_o national_a religion_n be_v once_o think_v to_o be_v ceremony_n why_o shall_v our_o communion_n be_v clog_v with_o thing_n of_o no_o great_a avail_n than_o meat_n and_o drink_v why_o shall_v we_o lose_v those_o from_o our_o communion_n who_o own_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o contend_v for_o those_o divine_a thing_n though_o they_o have_v not_o leisure_n and_o freedom_n for_o ceremony_n when_o they_o that_o serve_v god_n in_o they_o though_o they_o can_v join_v in_o lesser_a thing_n yet_o as_o they_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n so_o shall_v be_v approve_v of_o man_n or_o if_o the_o sin_n of_o separation_n be_v so_o great_a and_o even_o schism_n itself_o why_o for_o our_o meat_n for_o our_o indifferent_a thing_n shall_v they_o perish_v for_o who_o christ_n die_v or_o such_o a_o work_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v in_o they_o be_v destroy_v 4._o the_o severity_n passion_n transport_v beyond_o the_o value_v of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o take_v up_o the_o instrument_n of_o cruelty_n can_v be_v without_o scandal_n upon_o the_o imposer_n of_o indifferency_n and_o those_o that_o will_v needs_o be_v
chain_n of_o scandal_n till_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n that_o 6._o judas_n 6._o it_o may_v then_o be_v decide_v whether_o they_o have_v just_a cause_n of_o offence_n or_o not_o thus_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o father_n of_o it_o of_o the_o lie_n of_o scandal_n for_o all_o scandal_n be_v a_o lie_n john_n 8._o 44._o and_o now_o when_o there_o be_v a_o actual_a fall_n a_o defection_n of_o any_o of_o the_o rational_a creature_n actual_o come_v to_o pass_v god_n still_o permit_v thing_n to_o their_o own_o liberty_n than_o it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o scandal_n come_v for_o when_o once_o the_o activity_n of_o a_o understanding_n carry_v with_o a_o perverse_a and_o disorderly_a will_n be_v in_o motion_n than_o it_o traverse_n all_o way_n cut_v all_o those_o line_n of_o alliance_n and_o connexion_n betwixt_o thing_n and_o thing_n scale_n the_o height_n dive_v down_o into_o the_o bottom_n fill_v all_o thing_n with_o confusion_n and_o perplexity_n that_o it_o may_v scandalize_v misrepresent_v and_o misreport_n god_n and_o supreme_a goodness_n extol_v forbid_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o a_o imaginary_a happiness_n as_o if_o envious_o deny_v and_o that_o denial_n unreasonable_o and_o to_o no_o benefit_n comply_v with_o and_o the_o more_o agent_n there_o be_v thus_o pervert_v and_o ill_o dispose_v the_o more_o scandal_n must_v needs_o arise_v and_o show_v themselves_o when_o therefore_o angel_n fall_v or_o if_o some_o principal_n fall_v first_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v scandal_n in_o motion_n from_o they_o and_o they_o draw_v down_o innumerable_a lesser_a star_n with_o they_o when_o they_o propagate_v scandal_n to_o man_n as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fall_n and_o man_n grow_v numerous_a and_o wicked_a scandal_n must_v needs_o come_v amain_o and_o multiply_v themselves_o for_o so_o many_o sinful_a and_o impure_a understanding_n at_o work_n and_o hurry_v on_o by_o extreme_o bad_a and_o unholy_a will_n scandal_n must_v become_v like_o a_o deluge_n and_o can_v but_o increase_v to_o a_o kind_n of_o infinite_a and_o must_v be_v press_v every_o where_n for_o there_o be_v no_o light_n so_o clear_a but_o a_o dim_a and_o dark_a eye_n may_v report_v it_o black_a and_o obscure_a there_o be_v no_o way_n so_o smooth_a and_o even_a but_o lame_a leg_n crooked_a foot_n be_v themselves_o unequal_a may_v stumble_v and_o fall_v in_o it_o when_o a_o man_n as_o solomon_n say_v be_v cast_v into_o a_o net_n by_o his_o own_o foot_n when_o his_o foot_n be_v a_o net_n to_o themselves_o he_o must_v be_v scandalize_v and_o catch_v wherever_o he_o go_v there_o be_v no_o sense_n so_o grave_a and_o serious_o compose_v but_o a_o vain_a fancy_n that_o be_v full_a of_o odd_a and_o antic_a shape_v and_o image_n within_o itself_o may_v travestee_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o ridicule_n even_o the_o plain_a sense_n by_o ignorance_n or_o malice_n may_v be_v so_o transpose_v as_o to_o be_v make_v most_o unintelligible_a non_fw-fr sense_n and_o by_o separate_v the_o part_n from_o their_o due_a order_n one_o to_o another_o may_v be_v pervert_v into_o falsehood_n and_o blasphemy_n thus_o therefore_o by_o the_o darkness_n of_o man_n mind_n by_o the_o maliciousness_n and_o ill_a design_n of_o corrupt_a intellectual_n enrage_v by_o impure_a lust_n and_o passion_n the_o plain_a thing_n in_o religion_n may_v be_v misunderstand_a misrepresent_v misreported_n and_o disguise_v out_o of_o themselves_o much_o more_o the_o more_o secret_a retire_v and_o even_o unfathomable_a part_n of_o divine_a truth_n providence_n and_o government_n god_n have_v make_v every_o thing_n good_a that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o his_o very_a permission_n of_o evil_a be_v all_o overrule_v by_o he_o to_o good_a and_o even_o to_o we_o they_o may_v be_v medicinal_a and_o of_o use_n if_o take_v by_o the_o right_a handle_n on_o the_o other_o side_n scandal_n turn_v the_o very_o best_a thing_n into_o evil_n to_o the_o person_n offend_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o good_a that_o it_o both_o not_o so_o abuse_v the_o spy_v it_o send_v out_o upon_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n bring_v up_o a_o ill_a report_n of_o it_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o be_v by_o god_n prepare_v and_o intend_v to_o turn_v each_o way_n either_o to_o use_v or_o not_o to_o use_v according_a as_o circumstance_n lead_v and_o both_o way_n to_o be_v advantage_n for_o good_a scandal_n have_v a_o great_a hand_n over_o and_o turn_v they_o to_o evil_a all_o way_n thing_n that_o be_v evil_a the_o sin_n and_o fall_v of_o man_n either_o good_a man_n or_o bad_a man_n or_o man_n seem_o good_a and_o inward_o bad_a be_v as_o the_o proper_a dominion_n and_o territory_n of_o scandal_n and_o it_o raise_v what_o it_o can_v against_o religion_n by_o they_o thus_o every_o thing_n by_o the_o not_o only_a permission_n but_o justice_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o fall_a world_n be_v subject_v to_o scandal_n not_o willing_o for_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a as_o they_o be_v impress_v with_o motion_n from_o the_o divine_a hand_n but_o desert_v by_o that_o but_o so_o much_o as_o permissive_o scandal_n violent_o transport_v they_o upon_o evil._n now_o thing_n stand_v thus_o there_o be_v the_o god_n of_o scandal_n and_o his_o angel_n the_o angel_n of_o scandal_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o whole_a host_n of_o fall_a spirit_n the_o great_a reason_n and_o wit_n of_o this_o world_n the_o prophet_n of_o scandal_n the_o ambitious_a power_n and_o interest_n of_o worldly_a greatness_n secular_a policy_n ecclesiastical_a domination_n debauch_a religion_n and_o in_o one_o word_n the_o whole_a universe_n of_o lust_n all_o at_o the_o service_n of_o scandal_n and_o employ_v by_o it_o from_o hence_o be_v all_o those_o atheistick_a discourse_n those_o heretical_a opinion_n those_o monstrous_a idolatry_n and_o superstition_n those_o burlesques_n of_o lucian_n wit_n those_o bold_a and_o authoritative_a example_n of_o general_a wickedness_n profaneness_n and_o irreligion_n that_o have_v spread_v themselves_o over_o the_o whole_a earth_n those_o severity_n in_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n and_o where_o there_o be_v in_o any_o time_n or_o place_n such_o a_o sense_n of_o truth_n and_o religion_n that_o any_o of_o these_o evil_n plain_a and_o bare-faced_n take_v very_o little_a but_o be_v hate_v and_o hoot_v at_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v better_a be_v borrow_v against_o itself_o the_o mantle_n of_o law_n and_o right_o be_v put_v on_o pretence_n of_o religion_n be_v make_v the_o raiment_n of_o thing_n most_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o in_o all_o time_n true_a religion_n piety_n and_o virtue_n expulse_v under_o the_o worst_a name_n and_o cover_v with_o the_o ugly_a vizor_n of_o evil_a it_o be_v hard_o to_o bring_v goodness_n into_o mis-repute_n in_o its_o own_o likeness_n under_o its_o own_o appearance_n to_o this_o purpose_n beside_o every_o man_n be_v the_o first_o and_o worst_a scandaliser_n to_o himself_o beside_o the_o low_a and_o lesser_a ministery_n of_o scandal_n within_o privater_a community_n there_o be_v in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n the_o public_a counsel_n of_o scandal_n and_o the_o cabal_n of_o it_o that_o be_v neither_o idle_n nor_o lukewarm_a but_o pursue_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o utmost_a and_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n be_v always_o greedy_a of_o scandal_n of_o receive_v it_o either_o through_o miserable_a ignorance_n and_o inapprehensiveness_n or_o from_o propension_n of_o their_o own_o and_o to_o serve_v their_o particular_a occasion_n or_o as_o they_o embark_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o bottom_n of_o a_o common_a scandal_n as_o most_o safe_a and_o of_o the_o rich_a return_n or_o if_o it_o be_v no_o more_o they_o be_v always_o so_o near_o of_o kin_n to_o degeneracy_n and_o depravedness_n now_o lay_v all_o these_o together_o and_o we_o may_v easy_o find_v scandal_n must_v come_v not_o only_o lesser_a scandal_n but_o great_a and_o most_o prevail_a one_o that_o do_v as_o it_o be_v sweep_v the_o world_n before_o they_o if_o any_o thing_n therefore_o can_v be_v add_v to_o scandal_n it_o will_v be_v we_o must_v expect_v it_o though_o there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o do_v upon_o it_o to_o improve_v it_o and_o especial_o since_o the_o rise_n progress_n and_o yet_o survive_a contest_v of_o the_o western_a antichristianisme_n and_o whether_o there_o may_v be_v yet_o a_o reserve_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n for_o scandal_n before_o its_o final_a abolition_n to_o unite_v and_o summon_v all_o its_o strength_n and_o become_v in_o a_o sort_n ecumenical_a i_o mean_v the_o scandal_n of_o antichristianism_n especial_o these_o latter_a day_n must_v discover_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o will_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o say_v there_o be_v a_o very_a horrible_a scandal_n rise_v at_o this_o very_a time_n even_o a_o protestant_a popery_n place_v such_o a_o absolute_a dependence_n upon_o
succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n without_o caution_v for_o any_o thing_n of_o their_o true_a spirit_n and_o which_o so_o hang_v salvation_n at_o the_o girdle_n of_o those_o that_o will_v be_v their_o successor_n as_o turn_v christianity_n into_o a_o most_o arbitrary_a and_o tirannick_a party_n but_o they_o that_o know_v the_o scripture_n know_v assure_o christ_n have_v found_v no_o rule_n government_n or_o authority_n in_o his_o church_n whatever_o but_o who_o whole_a display_v of_o itself_o be_v in_o teach_v instruct_v according_a to_o his_o word_n if_o that_o be_v not_o clear_a and_o evident_a the_o whole_a authority_n and_o power_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n this_o word_n appear_v in_o and_o with_o itself_o though_o by_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n over_o conscience_n they_o that_o will_v rule_v without_o this_o as_o ruler_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n be_v but_o lay-elders_a lay-bishop_n or_o indeed_o they_o leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v table_n but_o in_o this_o universal_a rage_n of_o scandal_n god_n have_v not_o so_o forsake_v the_o world_n but_o that_o his_o spirit_n lift_v up_o a_o standard_n against_o it_o evil_n be_v not_o infinite_a but_o be_v at_o all_o time_n stop_v by_o evidence_n of_o god_n and_o true_a goodness_n environ_v it_o on_o every_o side_n and_o bound_v it_o that_o it_o can_v do_v what_o it_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o do_v and_o be_v therefore_o force_v to_o leave_v it_o undo_v for_o it_o can_v go_v no_o far_o than_o the_o being_n that_o carry_v it_o can_v go_v and_o god_n be_v always_o above_o they_o and_o hem_v they_o in_o on_o every_o side_n scandal_n have_v only_o a_o permission_n from_o god_n a_o dispensation_n to_o manifest_v itself_o it_o be_v always_o subject_a to_o truth_n as_o night_n be_v to_o day_n it_o be_v subject_a to_o be_v reduce_v and_o contract_v as_o god_n please_v and_o thus_o have_v i_o finish_v the_o three_o head_n of_o discourse_n concern_v scandal_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o scandal_n come_v i_o come_v to_o a_o brief_a dispatch_n of_o the_o four_o head_n the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o world_n woe_n because_o of_o scandal_n 1._o let_v the_o scandal_n be_v never_o so_o fair_a and_o plausible_a in_o its_o pretence_n or_o reason_n of_o seduction_n from_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o force_n of_o truth_n and_o high_a reason_n against_o it_o that_o our_o gild_n and_o condemnation_n be_v unavoidable_a in_o not_o resist_v the_o temptation_n nothing_o can_v justify_v a_o plea_n against_o the_o divine_a law_n not_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n we_o must_v pronounce_v anathema_n upon_o he_o if_o he_o undertake_v it_o there_o be_v such_o foundation_n of_o truth_n lay_v by_o god_n that_o can_v be_v move_v and_o they_o have_v such_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n to_o all_o sincere_a mind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o excuse_n against_o the_o gild_n of_o be_v take_v with_o scandal_n 2._o there_o be_v therefore_o always_o some_o most_o guilty_a cause_n of_o scandal_n and_o its_o prevalency_n within_o every_o man_n that_o be_v take_v by_o it_o some_o lust_n and_o love_n of_o evil_n that_o betray_v he_o and_o on_o which_o he_o be_v condemn_v when_o scandal_n rage_v most_o abroad_o and_o come_v with_o lie_v sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n it_o be_v because_o man_n have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o 3._o scandal_n be_v itself_o misery_n and_o ruin_n a_o man_n can_v fall_v and_o be_v snare_v he_o can_v be_v wound_v and_o break_v but_o he_o must_v be_v miserable_a life_n health_n salvation_n be_v only_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o conformity_n to_o his_o holy_a will._n who_o have_v woe_n who_o have_v wound_n who_o have_v grief_n but_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v scandal_n against_o the_o divine_a truth_n this_o be_v a_o deep_a ditch_n he_o only_o that_o be_v hate_v of_o god_n fall_v into_o it_o as_o not_o to_o recover_v it_o be_v vain_a to_o pretend_v the_o force_n the_o power_n the_o unavoidableness_n of_o scandal_n when_o itself_o be_v death_n and_o ruin_n how_o many_o be_v please_v with_o their_o scandal_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n part_n with_o they_o many_o excuse_v themselves_o they_o can_v not_o withstand_v their_o deceit_n and_o violence_n and_o will_v not_o apprehend_v their_o case_n the_o first_o close_o embrace_v death_n or_o as_o solomon_n say_v love_v death_n the_o latter_a can_v have_v no_o other_o pity_n at_o the_o high_a but_o that_o they_o be_v undo_v their_o scandal_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o pine_v away_o in_o they_o as_o they_o speak_v in_o ezekiel_n and_o how_o then_o shall_v 10._o ezek._n 33._o 10._o they_o live_v god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o their_o death_n yet_o still_o they_o die_v except_o restore_v by_o repentance_n 4._o be_v it_o not_o for_o scandal_n be_v it_o not_o some_o unhappy_a and_o mischievous_a misrepresentation_n of_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n be_v there_o not_o something_o that_o impose_v upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o seduce_v the_o will_n with_o a_o false_a appearance_n of_o truth_n and_o good_a rational_a being_n can_v not_o resist_v truth_n nor_o fall_v out_o with_o infinite_a goodness_n or_o on_o the_o other_o side_n entertain_v falsehood_n or_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o evil_a and_o so_o will_v be_v every_o way_n secure_a from_o destruction_n sure_o be_v it_o not_o for_o scandal_n some_o most_o mischievous_a possession_n upon_o our_o mind_n while_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n of_o mercy_n we_o can_v not_o refuse_v and_o reject_v it_o nor_o cleave_v so_o fast_o to_o sin_n and_o death_n which_o can_v have_v no_o desirableness_n but_o to_o the_o deceive_a soul_n as_o holiness_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n can_v be_v disgustful_a to_o any_o but_o the_o scandalize_v be_v it_o not_o for_o some_o indissolvable_a scandal_n even_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n may_v be_v repent_v of_o and_o forgive_v some_o irreconcilable_a prejudice_n retain_v both_o the_o sin_n and_o so_o the_o punishment_n and_o in_o hell_n there_o be_v that_o eternal_a scandal_n for_o ever_o hold_v fast_o the_o damn_a that_o a_o creature_n deprive_v of_o god_n just_o hate_v and_o rebel_n against_o he_o or_o it_o be_v best_o for_o it_o in_o that_o circumstance_n so_o to_o do_v be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v loose_v from_o this_o snare_n of_o death_n this_o everlasting_a chain_n of_o darkness_n there_o may_v be_v a_o escape_n out_o of_o hell_n itself_o be_v there_o not_o a_o eternal_a discontent_n and_o disgust_n to_o god_n hell_n can_v not_o be_v hell_n nor_o devil_n devil_n any_o long_o so_o miserable_a a_o thing_n be_v scandal_n the_o five_o head_n in_o this_o discourse_n be_v the_o accumulative_a woe_n to_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v the_o woe_n by_o way_n of_o transcendency_n 1._o the_o designer_n of_o scandal_n must_v be_v as_o so_o many_o satan_n in_o the_o world_n of_o the_o just_a contrary_a spirit_n and_o action_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o separate_v from_o that_o bless_a presence_n into_o that_o fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n the_o god_n and_o the_o angel_n of_o scandal_n some_o have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v brand_o infamous_a herein_o but_o none_o like_o he_o who_o come_v be_v after_o satan_n with_o lie_v sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o vnrighteousness_n all_o those_o atheistical_a defamation_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o the_o scurrility_n of_o profane_a wit_n be_v deep_o dye_v in_o this_o gild_n they_o be_v like_o the_o throw_n of_o firebrand_n arrow_n and_o death_n so_o be_v the_o scandalize_a of_o man_n in_o such_o sport_n of_o wit_n to_o their_o ruin_n they_o that_o offer_v themselves_o as_o copy_n and_o pattern_n of_o wickedness_n in_o defiance_n of_o heaven_n dwell_v near_o to_o this_o insupportable_a woe_n they_o who_o law_n arm_v with_o cruel_a penalty_n be_v so_o many_o destructive_a trap_n and_o engine_n of_o mischief_n against_o all_o that_o be_v professor_n of_o true_a and_o sincere_a religion_n shall_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o god_n kingdom_n their_o scandal_n and_o themselves_o that_o work_n iniquity_n by_o they_o they_o that_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v indifferent_a use_v a_o violent_a example_n that_o must_v be_v answer_v with_o conformity_n though_o man_n do_v with_o great_a seriousness_n and_o solemnity_n protest_v their_o doubt_n in_o the_o case_n and_o though_o scandal_n be_v plant_v every_o where_n in_o their_o indifferency_n have_v need_n as_o our_o saviour_n bid_v they_o take_v heed_n they_o offend_v not_o they_o despise_v not_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v but_o the_o little_a one_o in_o
christianity_n let_v they_o sit_v down_o and_o count_v their_o danger_n a_o millstone_n about_o their_o neck_n and_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n be_v safe_a in_o our_o lord_n judgement_n of_o the_o case_n wherever_o the_o instrument_n of_o cruelty_n be_v in_o any_o habitation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o lesser_a difference_n in_o religion_n oh_o my_o soul_n come_v not_o thou_o into_o their_o secret_n oh_o my_o honour_n be_v not_o thou_o unite_v to_o their_o assembly_n in_o their_o anger_n they_o dig_v down_o wall_n of_o defence_n and_o security_n to_o religion_n protestant_n religion_n unhappy_a very_o unhappy_a be_v their_o anger_n for_o it_o be_v fierce_a and_o their_o wrath_n for_o it_o be_v cruel_a they_o divide_v jacob_n and_o scatter_v israel_n 2._o they_o that_o be_v the_o author_n of_o scandal_n by_o their_o great_a mistake_v in_o religion_n by_o their_o unhappy_a and_o miserable_a fall_n into_o sin_n by_o their_o involve_v other_o in_o their_o own_o sin_n without_o consider_v the_o sad_a consequence_n and_o end_n of_o both_o they_o have_v this_o great_a aggravation_n of_o gild_n that_o scandal_n mischief_n and_o death_n have_v spread_v from_o they_o and_o fall_v as_o a_o snare_n upon_o other_o yet_o their_o gild_n be_v measure_v by_o the_o proportion_n of_o the_o scandal_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n the_o malignancy_n of_o the_o intention_n the_o stupid_a or_o sear_a carelessness_n of_o the_o event_n but_o not_o by_o the_o event_n itself_o whether_o the_o scandal_n prevail_v upon_o other_o or_o not_o or_o whether_o they_o that_o be_v scandalize_v repent_v or_o not_o because_o the_o gild_n of_o the_o scandalize_v be_v reckon_v to_o he_o by_o his_o own_o degree_n of_o light_n his_o circumstance_n of_o defence_n against_o or_o extreme_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o the_o temptation_n by_o his_o own_o love_n of_o sin_n or_o enmity_n against_o the_o divine_a law_n in_o which_o every_o man_n be_v the_o principal_a scandaliser_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o recovery_n out_o of_o the_o scandal_n depend_v upon_o his_o own_o repentance_n or_o obduracy_n against_o the_o mean_n of_o repentance_n the_o gild_n of_o the_o scandaliser_n be_v measure_v also_o by_o his_o own_o state_n in_o sin_n in_o general_n his_o state_n in_o relation_n to_o that_o sin_n of_o scandalize_a his_o continuance_n in_o it_o or_o repentance_n from_o it_o and_o not_o by_o what_o befall_v the_o scandalize_v else_o the_o apostle_n paul_n salvation_n have_v be_v hopeless_a without_o the_o certain_a repentance_n of_o all_o those_o he_o compel_v to_o blaspheme_n repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o he_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o recovery_n out_o of_o this_o snare_n of_o death_n both_o to_o the_o scandaliser_n or_o scandalize_v and_o a_o certain_a mean_n it_o be_v to_o either_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o last_o head_n of_o this_o discourse_n viz._n to_o draw_v down_o the_o whole_a meditation_n so_o as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v most_o fit_v to_o practice_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o resume_v the_o whole_a diffusive_a notion_n of_o scandal_n into_o one_o uniform_a representation_n descend_v from_o the_o general_n into_o the_o particular_n of_o it_o original_a scandal_n be_v that_o dislike_n and_o exception_n the_o rational_a creature_n take_v to_o the_o creator_n supreme_a dispose_n over_o it_o and_o its_o disgust_n to_o that_o state_n wherein_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n have_v place_v it_o so_o that_o instead_o of_o a_o thankful_a acquiescency_n in_o it_o to_o its_o happiness_n it_o have_v prove_v a_o fugitive_n and_o a_o vagabond_n from_o it_o to_o its_o ruin_n reason_n of_o this_o at_o first_o there_o can_v be_v none_o but_o a_o disdain_n to_o have_v its_o large_a capacity_n of_o understanding_n confine_v or_o dictate_v to_o or_o its_o freeborn_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bridle_v or_o restrain_v its_o liberty_n of_o will_n manacle_v or_o fetter_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o great_a understanding_n to_o be_v conform_v with_o truth_n and_o noble_a liberty_n to_o adhere_v to_o infinite_a goodness_n or_o as_o if_o understanding_n be_v not_o understanding_n if_o it_o can_v not_o take_v measure_n of_o truth_n for_o itself_o without_o god_n authoritative_o superintend_v it_o nor_o freewill_n be_v free_a if_o it_o can_v not_o choose_v whole_o for_o itself_o and_o owe_v no_o account_n to_o god_n and_o whether_o this_o scandal_n be_v first_o in_o the_o understanding_n or_o will_v be_v not_o material_a for_o the_o union_n be_v so_o vital_a between_o they_o both_o that_o what_o be_v in_o one_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o as_o they_o say_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la in_o the_o other_o the_o devil_n at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n have_v as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o swell_a lust_n in_o his_o will_n suitable_a 44._o john_n 8._o 44._o to_o his_o prevarication_n from_o the_o truth_n the_o very_a same_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n there_o be_v in_o one_o act_n a_o deception_n upon_o his_o understanding_n desert_v truth_n a_o sensual_a eye_n upon_o the_o fair_a but_o forbid_a fruit_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o mind_n aspire_v to_o a_o imaginary_a 6._o gen._n 3._o 6._o more_o mount_v condition_n than_o god_n have_v place_v he_o in_o to_o be_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil._n this_o then_o be_v the_o first_o great_a scandal_n at_o which_o the_o angel_n and_o adam_n fall_v a_o discontent_n at_o a_o state_n of_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o god_n and_o his_o command_n how_o holy_a just_a and_o good_a soever_o as_o if_o it_o be_v too_o arbitrary_a upon_o being_n that_o can_v understand_v and_o choose_v for_o themselves_o to_o be_v so_o limit_v they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o consider_v to_o retain_v upon_o their_o reason_n not_o only_o that_o they_o have_v their_o being_n give_v they_o and_o that_o their_o obedience_n be_v a_o absolute_a due_a to_o the_o creator_n but_o that_o it_o be_v obedience_n to_o a_o infinite_o good_a and_o faithful_a creator_n true_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o creature_n than_o themselves_o can_v be_v this_o scandal_n therefore_o prevail_v upon_o they_o draw_v along_o the_o whole_a tain_n of_o misery_n with_o it_o scandalize_v spirit_n always_o report_v ill_a of_o god_n and_o his_o law_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v scandalize_v and_o they_o that_o be_v enter_v into_o scandal_n too_o content_o hear_v ill_o of_o he_o as_o appear_v in_o the_o dialogue_n betwixt_o the_o serpent_n and_o the_o first_o man_n and_o woman_n spirit_n utter_o lose_v by_o scandal_n act_n in_o defiance_n of_o god_n and_o be_v the_o more_o enrage_a by_o find_v the_o misery_n of_o their_o scandal_n press_v upon_o they_o even_o to_o despair_v as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o devil_n humane_a nature_n be_v more_o modest_a and_o tender_a be_v succour_v by_o grace_n and_o the_o promise_a seed_n in_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o their_o posterity_n preserve_v from_o the_o utmost_a mischief_n of_o scandal_n by_o that_o great_a restorer_n from_o scandal_n not_o perfect_o recover_v but_o in_o a_o state_n of_o second_o probation_n of_o rise_v after_o so_o great_a a_o fall_n or_o be_v most_o unhappy_o again_o sink_v below_o those_o hope_n and_o make_v for_o ever_o the_o prey_n of_o scandal_n even_o after_o grace_n offer_v this_o state_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v wave_v and_o various_a in_o some_o thing_n man_n be_v more_o clear_a and_o free_a in_o other_o hook_v and_o stake_v with_o scandal_n and_o wherein_o they_o be_v right_o in_o the_o general_n they_o be_v often_o ensnare_v in_o the_o particular_n and_o so_o that_o their_o freedom_n in_o the_o one_o give_v they_o more_o room_n and_o space_n to_o stir_v enwrap_v they_o more_o in_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o other_o by_o degree_n if_o not_o restore_v man_n lose_v the_o modesty_n and_o tenderness_n preserve_v to_o they_o by_o grace_n and_o fall_v into_o the_o very_a scandal_n of_o the_o devil_n themselves_o or_o very_o near_o to_o it_o however_o in_o all_o scandal_n there_o be_v some_o of_o the_o lineament_n of_o primitive_a scandal_n and_o the_o great_a the_o scandal_n the_o more_o and_o the_o more_o apparent_a be_v those_o stroke_n of_o the_o first_o scandal_n there_o be_v in_o every_o scandal_n a_o understanding_n that_o will_v be_v wise_a than_o god_n be_v for_o it_o a_o disgust_n to_o self_n resignation_n into_o the_o divine_a will._n there_o be_v some_o lust_n that_o cloud_n and_o darken_v the_o mind_n and_o there_o be_v some_o false_a principle_n that_o embolden_v lust_n scandal_n always_o wrap_v up_o sin_n with_o itself_o else_o it_o be_v not_o scandal_n sin_n have_v always_o scandal_n to_o introduce_v it_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n although_o therefore_o when_o we_o come_v to_o particular_a case_n there_o be_v many_o sin_n lie_v
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
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 it_o become_v so_o upon_o this_o great_a test_n this_o be_v our_o security_n for_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a there_o be_v less_o danger_n when_o our_o understanding_n be_v not_o yet_o extend_v to_o the_o breadth_n of_o divine_a truth_n if_o none_o of_o the_o vital_a principle_n be_v unknown_a to_o we_o unsense_v by_o we_o which_o be_v so_o exceed_o plain_a that_o we_o can_v be_v except_o wilful_o ignorant_a of_o they_o for_o no_o injury_n be_v do_v to_o truth_n that_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v its_o whole_a compass_n nor_o to_o ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o hate_v knowledge_n offer_v itself_o to_o our_o notice_n but_o in_o add_v to_o truth_n see_v we_o can_v have_v nothing_o to_o add_v but_o what_o be_v of_o no_o worth_n we_o must_v needs_o defile_v it_o in_o have_v only_a truth_n though_o we_o have_v not_o all_o truth_n we_o yet_o be_v under_o the_o influence_n of_o truth_n only_o but_o when_o we_o add_v we_o enslave_v ourselves_o to_o lie_v vanity_n now_o hereunto_o have_v i_o 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
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reinkindle_v by_o revelation_n do_v both_o prepare_v a_o man_n to_o receive_v and_o do_v also_o assure_v he_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n quest_n you_o have_v show_v with_o what_o wisdom_n goodness_n and_o excellent_a contrivance_n all_o thing_n be_v lay_v by_o the_o creator_n let_v i_o now_o hear_v from_o you_o the_o use_v i_o be_o to_o make_v of_o it_o answ_n this_o teach_v we_o to_o adore_v applaud_v the_o fidelity_n and_o goodness_n of_o our_o holy_a maker_n and_o to_o confess_v whatever_o disorder_n have_v invade_v this_o state_n of_o thing_n be_v owe_v altogether_o to_o the_o perverseness_n and_o weakness_n of_o man_n who_o destruction_n be_v of_o himself_o alone_o and_o his_o help_n only_o in_o god_n return_v he_o to_o himself_o according_a to_o this_o first_o designation_n quest_n what_o then_o be_v the_o supreme_a end_n of_o this_o public_a and_o catholic_n religion_n answ_n god_n the_o universal_a be_v receive_v into_o his_o own_o most_o public_a glory_n life_n and_o happiness_n the_o universe_n of_o his_o holy_a creation_n be_v praise_v glorify_v enjoy_v and_o admire_v in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o to_o eternity_n 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 quest_n how_o do_v a_o change_n begin_v in_o this_o catholic_n state_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o place_n of_o which_o we_o now_o see_v endless_a schism_n and_o confusion_n answ_n the_o fall_v angel_n a_o high_a region_n of_o spirit_n be_v anathematise_v out_o of_o heaven_n settle_v in_o a_o black_a and_o detestable_a heresy_n and_o separation_n from_o god_n quest_n how_o do_v this_o affect_v man_n answ_n they_o immediate_o endeavour_v upon_o humane_a nature_n be_v new_o breathe_v from_o god_n and_o receive_v into_o society_n with_o himself_o and_o all_o bless_a spirit_n to_o propagate_v their_o own_o malignancy_n into_o it_o in_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o to_o separate_v it_o with_o 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spirit_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o so_o monstrous_a a_o seduction_n answ_n they_o lose_v their_o place_n in_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a write_v in_o heaven_n and_o forfeit_v it_o from_o all_o their_o posterity_n quest_n but_o do_v these_o excommunicate_a spirit_n prevail_v upon_o our_o first_o parent_n to_o become_v absolute_o and_o immediate_o of_o their_o separation_n answ_n no_o for_o god_n clothe_v himself_o in_o his_o son_n with_o the_o compassion_n of_o a_o mediator_n and_o redeemer_n lay_v hold_v upon_o humane_a nature_n as_o the_o head_n of_o its_o recovery_n in_o that_o very_a nature_n certain_o reconcile_a his_o own_o seed_n the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n or_o his_o church_n into_o a_o state_n more_o catholic_n than_o the_o first_o he_o god-man_n be_v so_o inseparable_o unite_v with_o it_o and_o with_o a_o redundance_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o mankind_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o restoration_n to_o their_o first_o communion_n with_o advantage_n if_o build_v upon_o aright_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o foundation_n lay_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o saviour_n of_o all_o man_n especial_o of_o they_o that_o believe_v for_o the_o restore_v they_o to_o the_o first_o catholic_n state_n of_o religion_n answ_n the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v ordain_v by_o god_n before_o the_o fall_n viz._n the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n preserve_v in_o the_o soul_n with_o direct_a aspect_n upon_o god_n obligation_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o desire_v of_o his_o favour_n and_o when_o man_n find_v himself_o in_o a_o fall_v estate_n and_o under_o gild_n and_o yet_o that_o god_n spare_v he_o and_o have_v patience_n with_o he_o there_o must_v needs_o arise_v from_o true_a reason_n hope_n of_o and_o desire_v after_o his_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n and_o motion_n of_o return_n to_o he_o by_o repentance_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o king_n of_o nineveh_n 2._o 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to_o it_o and_z as_o you_o have_v opportunity_n reason_v they_o out_o of_o the_o one_o by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o other_o cap._n v._o of_o the_o public_a or_o divine_a original_a of_o sacred_a write_n or_o scripture_n quest_n see_v scripture_n be_v the_o only_a public_a record_n of_o true_a pure_a natural_a religion_n and_o more_o eminent_o of_o reveal_v it_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v full_o inform_v in_o all_o point_n concern_v it_o and_o first_o what_o care_n god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o take_v that_o his_o word_n and_o pure_o that_o shall_v be_v commit_v to_o write_v answ_n god_n hold_v the_o hand_n and_o pen_n of_o holy_a man_n by_o a_o efficacious_a overshadow_v their_o mind_n and_o conduct_v all_o their_o motion_n that_o they_o can_v not_o err_v in_o some_o thing_n he_o so_o full_o possess_v their_o understanding_n and_o affection_n with_o a_o full_a knowledge_n and_o sense_n of_o what_o they_o be_v to_o reveal_v that_o they_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o muse_v 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remain_v one_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o a_o particular_a church_n differ_v not_o otherwise_o than_o as_o a_o beam_n of_o light_n differ_v from_o the_o whole_a globe_n of_o light_n or_o a_o stream_n of_o water_n from_o the_o ocean_n even_o the_o most_o particular_a church_n be_v in_o this_o regard_n catholic_n that_o it_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n and_o christ_n that_o indeed_o give_v both_o the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o catholic_n from_o themselves_o particular_a church_n yea_o even_o particular_a person_n true_o of_o the_o church_n have_v every_o one_o the_o whole_a character_n title_n promise_v and_o privilege_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v need_v or_o receive_v they_o even_o as_o heaven_n be_v entire_a heaven_n to_o every_o single_a glorify_a soul_n every_o lively_a member_n of_o the_o church_n touch_v the_o head_n and_o cornerstone_n and_o so_o in_o he_o the_o whole_a general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a both_o in_o 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congregation_n be_v first_o to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o the_o church_n itself_o answ_n it_o be_v evident_o so_o all_o true_a convert_v first_o give_v themselves_o to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o to_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n be_v not_o solicitous_a of_o any_o other_o conjoin_v man_n to_o the_o church_n than_o what_o most_o necessary_o follow_v upon_o their_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v afraid_a of_o their_o fix_v upon_o they_o that_o be_v but_o minister_n and_o servant_n we_o preach_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o ourselves_o servant_n for_o jesus_n sake_n the_o corinthian_n head_v themselves_o under_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n be_v very_o mischievous_a and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n know_v the_o union_n ought_v to_o be_v only_o to_o christ_n direct_v himself_o so_o vehement_o against_o it_o as_o also_o against_o any_o
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 invisible_o so_o too_o who_o praise_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o that_o be_v only_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v not_o throw_v out_o of_o that_o register_n of_o god_n people_n till_o the_o final_a judgement_n cut_v they_o off_o a_o very_a great_a benefit_n in_o itself_o quest_n be_v not_o the_o church_n then_o so_o catholic_n or_o general_n as_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v answ_n the_o catholickness_n of_o the_o church_n as_o have_v be_v often_o inculcate_v be_v its_o union_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o sincerity_n as_o to_o the_o general_a profession_n though_o the_o number_n of_o it_o be_v as_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n a_o remnant_n only_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o god_n will_v finish_v the_o account_n and_o cut_v it_o short_a in_o righteousness_n for_o a_o short_a work_n will_v the_o lord_n make_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n there_o shall_v be_v 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
find_v the_o truth_n by_o itself_o and_o then_o the_o church_n by_o that_o truth_n and_o not_o the_o church_n by_o itself_o and_o then_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o church_n answ_n very_o true_a for_o god_n have_v so_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n establish_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n truth_n can_v give_v many_o assurance_n of_o itself_o to_o we_o by_o itself_o so_o suit_v to_o our_o faculty_n the_o church_n can_v give_v we_o none_o but_o by_o its_o agreement_n with_o truth_n reveal_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o can_v not_o have_v know_v such_o a_o congregation_n as_o the_o church_n at_o all_o to_o be_v much_o less_o which_o it_o be_v but_o by_o that_o word_n manifest_v itself_o in_o our_o conscience_n and_o so_o distinguish_v to_o we_o the_o true_a church_n among_o the_o many_o association_n in_o the_o world_n each_o call_n to_o we_o as_o have_v the_o best_a religion_n among_o themselves_o even_o the_o true_a apostle_n themselves_o can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o and_o false_a apostle_n try_v and_o find_v liar_n no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o this_o truth_n view_v and_o consider_v single_o and_o distinct_o by_o itself_o quest_n but_o when_o we_o have_v find_v the_o church_n by_o the_o truth_n may_v we_o not_o then_o deliver_v up_o ourselves_o whole_o to_o the_o church_n as_o so_o unite_v to_o truth_n answ_n no_o by_o no_o mean_n we_o can_v never_o so_o deliver_v up_o ourselves_o nor_o will_v the_o true_a church_n desire_v any_o such_o thing_n of_o we_o see_v its_o office_n be_v not_o to_o hold_v out_o itself_o but_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o do_v any_o thing_n else_o it_o act_v not_o as_o a_o church_n but_o as_o any_o other_o ordinary_a society_n and_o on_o no_o other_o term_n can_v we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o it_o for_o the_o very_a attempt_n to_o hold_v out_o as_o a_o church_n any_o law_n of_o its_o own_o aught_o to_o enter_v we_o into_o a_o jealousy_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v as_o a_o church_n the_o pillar_n and_o rest_n of_o divine_a truth_n only_o quest_n what_o reason_n be_v there_o of_o such_o a_o jealousy_n when_o once_o we_o have_v find_v it_o a_o church_n by_o the_o truth_n it_o hold_v out_o answ_n because_o a_o church_n that_o have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n may_v several_a way_n decline_v from_o its_o state_n quest_n how_o then_o can_v it_o he_o say_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o answ_n that_o prophetic_a promise_n do_v not_o secure_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n with_o which_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a my_o word_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n or_o thy_o seed_n seed_n for_o ever_o but_o it_o be_v yet_o further_o true_a the_o true_a seed_n the_o holy_a seed_n the_o substance_n of_o the_o church_n can_v never_o utter_o and_o final_o fail_v in_o any_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o for_o if_o it_o can_v it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o violation_n of_o our_o saviour_n truth_n in_o that_o declaration_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n or_o force_v that_o immortal_a retrograde_a into_o mortality_n even_o that_o most_o dreadful_a one_o of_o the_o second_o death_n for_o which_o a_o succession_n of_o other_o and_o in_o the_o same_o danger_n be_v but_o a_o faint_a salvo_n though_o it_o go_v on_o so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n quest_n who_o be_v this_o true_a church_n in_o every_o age_n and_o place_n answ_n they_o which_o be_v by_o true_a save_v faith_n unite_v to_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o rock_n of_o eternity_n and_o be_v so_o found_v upon_o he_o be_v pillar_n that_o never_o remove_v and_o a_o rest_n of_o truth_n for_o ever_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o learn_v it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n quest_n who_o be_v the_o professionary_n church_n only_a answ_n they_o that_o though_o they_o may_v as_o artificial_a pillar_n give_v some_o ornament_n to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o offer_v truth_n yet_o not_o be_v indeed_o unite_v to_o the_o foundation_n be_v movable_a and_o may_v go_v out_o of_o the_o house_n they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n and_o obedience_n of_o it_o within_o themselves_o and_o so_o may_v fall_v away_o from_o it_o it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o they_o as_o of_o the_o former_a the_o truth_n shall_v be_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o have_v make_v its_o edrâ—â—â—ma_n or_o settlement_n in_o they_o quest_n how_o do_v the_o professionary_n church_n fall_v away_o in_o the_o bulk_n and_o body_n of_o its_o professor_n and_o profession_n answ_n the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o actuate_v truth_n and_o only_a truth_n it_o may_v fail_v either_o in_o abate_v the_o fervour_n due_a to_o truth_n though_o nothing_o false_a or_o forreign_n be_v admit_v or_o in_o receive_v falsehood_n or_o thing_n of_o a_o base_a 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they_o captive_a with_o the_o rest_n though_o in_o different_a basket_n as_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n represent_v quest_n how_o do_v they_o survive_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o displace_v and_o deject_a candlestick_n answ_n they_o be_v either_o call_v out_o to_o a_o zealous_a appearance_n and_o suffer_v for_o truth_n or_o sometime_o retire_v into_o corner_n like_o the_o seven_o thousand_o in_o israel_n or_o the_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o they_o can_v appear_v like_o a_o church_n offer_v those_o public_a notice_n of_o divine_a truth_n a_o church_n be_v design_v for_o quest_n how_o be_v a_o visible_a profession_n lose_v from_o particular_a person_n answ_n it_o be_v too_o often_o throw_v up_o by_o apostasy_n or_o profaneness_n or_o dwindle_v into_o a_o very_a spiritless_a form_n but_o very_o often_o a_o profession_n without_o the_o power_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o work_n of_o iniquity_n it_o may_v pass_v out_o of_o this_o world_n like_o a_o lamp_n burn_v but_o be_v find_v to_o burn_v only_o in_o a_o small_a temporary_a light_n without_o oil_n in_o the_o vessel_n a_o plenitude_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n shut_v out_o every_o lust_n it_o become_v a_o lamp_n put_v out_o in_o utter_a darkness_n quest_n what_o be_v to_o be_v infer_v from_o all_o this_o answ_n that_o there_o be_v no_o trust_n but_o in_o the_o lord_n himself_o the_o truth_n itself_o by_o which_o at_o all_o time_n the_o church_n that_o be_v indeed_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o wherein_o it_o be_v so_o will_v be_v know_v to_o we_o and_o in_o unite_n to_o truth_n we_o be_v unite_v to_o that_o quest_n there_o remain_v one_o thing_n yet_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v its_o power_n of_o govern_v even_o as_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n under_o what_o notion_n i_o beseech_v you_o be_v that_o government_n express_v in_o scripture_n answ_n that_o power_n be_v by_o our_o saviour_n 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pronounce_v upon_o man_n as_o to_o their_o present_a state_n in_o the_o church_n by_o excommunication_n or_o absolution_n all_o these_o be_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o loose_v according_a to_o what_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o parallel_a word_n who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v mean_v still_o according_a to_o his_o word_n the_o polestar_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o direct_v all_o their_o motion_n who_o claim_v any_o such_o power_n for_o only_o where_o it_o be_v declare_v according_a to_o the_o word_n be_v it_o that_o what_o be_v bind_v on_o earth_n be_v also_o bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o what_o be_v loose_v on_o earth_n be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n there_o be_v a_o invariable_a agreement_n between_o what_o be_v publish_v from_o heaven_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o state_n and_o action_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n and_o the_o transaction_n in_o heaven_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o he_o than_o that_o pronounce_v agreeable_o with_o that_o word_n pronounce_v as_o heaven_n do_v and_o will_v pronounce_v heaven_n bind_v what_o he_o bind_v and_o lose_v what_o he_o lose_v because_o he_o speak_v the_o voice_n of_o heaven_n in_o both_o case_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o bind_v or_o loose_v except_o in_o the_o power_n of_o this_o word_n and_o according_a to_o it_o in_o its_o virtue_n in_o its_o truth_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o end_n to_o the_o glory_n to_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o christ_n to_o bind_v any_o single_a christian_a by_o excommunication_n and_o not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n be_v as_o much_o a_o brutum_fw-la fulmen_fw-la a_o thunder_n to_o no_o purpose_n a_o causeless_a curse_n that_o shall_v not_o come_v as_o for_o the_o pope_n to_o excommunicate_v whole_a protestant_a church_n quest_n what_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n answ_n it_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n in_o a_o neighbourhood_n or_o number_n of_o christian_n communicate_v one_o with_o another_o ordinary_o even_o as_o the_o whole_a cotholick_a church_n will_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a communicate_v with_o itself_o in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n exact_o according_a the_o to_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n wherein_o this_o be_v the_o distinguish_a character_n of_o the_o true_a church_n that_o its_o communion_n be_v not_o with_o itself_o primary_o but_o its_o communion_n be_v so_o with_o itself_o as_o to_o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n principal_o as_o the_o fountainhead_n centre_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o communion_n and_o therein_o it_o hold_v out_o and_o invite_v to_o its_o communion_n cap._n x._o of_o the_o officer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n quest_n can_v there_o be_v either_o a_o orderly_a or_o a_o effectual_a actuation_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o church_n as_o a_o congregation_n without_o distinct_a and_o separate_a office_n and_o officer_n that_o may_v attend_v continual_o on_o this_o very_a thing_n answ_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o assembly_n without_o order_n will_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o assembly_n and_o fall_v into_o a_o confusion_n or_o rude_a multitude_n all_o wise_a and_o prudent_a assembly_n have_v always_o have_v elder_n to_o preside_v over_o they_o and_o our_o lord_n have_v ordain_v such_o to_o moderate_v throughout_o his_o congregation_n or_o church_n to_o conduct_v all_o the_o public_a service_n of_o religion_n for_o all_o thing_n therein_o be_v actual_o administer_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n the_o noble_a organical_a part_n of_o the_o church_n like_o those_o sense_n that_o attend_v upon_o the_o understanding_n most_o immediate_o see_v eye_n and_o hear_v ear_n so_o these_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v most_o fit_v engage_v and_o provoke_v hereunto_o they_o be_v even_o according_a to_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n separate_v to_o their_o office_n and_o unto_o all_o preparation_n for_o they_o by_o read_v and_o meditation_n as_o to_o their_o proper_a call_v and_o business_n of_o life_n see_v they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a inablement_n or_o excitation_n to_o their_o service_n quest_n what_o title_n or_o character_n do_v the_o new_a testament_n place_n upon_o these_o officer_n answ_n those_o that_o we_o have_v especial_a respect_n to_o for_o in_o the_o deacon_n if_o strict_o take_v we_o be_v less_o concern_v receive_v denomination_n either_o from_o their_o work_n and_o service_n or_o from_o that_o honour_n and_o estimation_n due_a to_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o such_o a_o service_n from_o their_o work_n they_o be_v style_v apostle_n evangelist_n pastor_n teacher_n minister_n servant_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n also_o from_o the_o estimation_n and_o honour_n due_a to_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o work_n and_o the_o authority_n it_o ought_v to_o carry_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o christian_n they_o be_v style_v bishop_n elder_n ruler_n guide_n and_o ensample_n as_o also_o ambassador_n and_o the_o work_n and_o the_o honour_n do_v so_o enclose_v one_o another_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v separate_v and_o be_v in_o their_o institution_n the_o measure_n one_o of_o another_o extend_v both_o to_o obedience_n and_o support_v of_o they_o in_o their_o work_n and_o the_o title_n be_v so_o prepare_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v change_v for_o any_o other_o nor_o the_o scripture_n language_n herein_o to_o be_v alter_v for_o any_o word_n not_o import_v the_o same_o proper_a sense_n quest_n how_o shall_v the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v that_o there_o may_v be_v that_o obedience_n and_o submission_n pay_v to_o they_o that_o be_v command_v answ_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o
discern_v they_o but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n of_o which_o all_o true_a minister_n be_v the_o minister_n on_o account_n of_o which_o alone_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o they_o be_v due_a their_o bring_v that_o word_n in_o its_o own_o life_n evidence_n and_o power_n be_v their_o best_a commission_n quest_n but_o how_o be_v they_o most_o orderly_o install_v into_o so_o high_a a_o function_n answ_n christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v ascend_v up_o on_o high_a and_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n take_v it_o upon_o he_o as_o his_o supreme_a care_n to_o thrust_v forth_o labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n the_o several_a congregation_n of_o christian_n observe_v ministerial_a ability_n and_o meetness_n to_o teach_v call_v out_o to_o such_o to_o help_v they_o and_o herein_o in_o the_o cessation_n of_o extraordinary_a gift_n the_o school_n of_o learning_n and_o religious_a education_n like_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n do_v best_a prepare_v and_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n before_o they_o do_v most_o orderly_o recommend_v to_o choice_n and_o acceptance_n in_o the_o great_a service_n such_o as_o be_v scribe_n instruct_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o commit_v to_o they_o the_o charge_n of_o teach_v other_o for_o in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o act_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o preside_v with_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o congregation_n quest_n be_v the_o lord_n christ_n please_v then_o to_o act_v general_o by_o the_o elder_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n general_o and_o ordinary_o he_o do_v so_o the_o officer_n be_v therefore_o more_o particular_o entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o the_o key_n even_o as_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v thus_o eminent_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n our_o lord_n found_v his_o church_n and_o so_o edify_v and_o build_v it_o up_o in_o after-age_n by_o 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only_o to_o teach_v the_o observation_n of_o thing_n command_v they_o by_o the_o lord_n himself_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o constant_a disclaimer_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o any_o despotic_a or_o lordlike_o power_n in_o church-ruler_n christ_n express_o compare_v the_o power_n he_o give_v with_o civil_a power_n and_o resolve_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o his_o disciple_n as_o be_v among_o they_o he_o say_v the_o chief_a among_o they_o shall_v be_v minister_n and_o servant_n deliver_v the_o will_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o not_o lord_n themselves_o they_o must_v have_v no_o will_n of_o their_o own_o to_o promulge_v they_o profess_v they_o preach_v jesus_n the_o lord_n and_z themselves_z servants_z for_o jesus_n sake_n servant_n of_o those_o they_o preach_v to_o as_o they_o minister_v to_o they_o the_o divine_a will_n not_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o ensample_n of_o the_o flock_n ambassador_n deliver_v only_o the_o message_n of_o their_o master_n and_o beseech_v man_n but_o 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conscience_n be_v in_o doubt_n concern_v it_o answ_n because_o the_o conscience_n be_v that_o complex_fw-la or_o congregat_v power_n of_o the_o soul_n wherein_o be_v preserve_v all_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o rule_n of_o action_n to_o the_o end_n that_o it_o may_v observe_v and_o direct_v how_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o govern_v itself_o and_o square_v all_o its_o action_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o may_v comfort_v or_o check_v the_o soul_n in_o do_v well_o or_o ill_o according_a to_o those_o doctrine_n or_o rule_n wherein_o then_o conscience_n be_v mistake_v and_o misjudge_n either_o way_n against_o that_o which_o be_v command_v by_o god_n or_o for_o that_o which_o be_v forbid_v by_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v do_v but_o to_o reduce_v conscience_n to_o its_o right_a rule_n which_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o
in_o sackcloth_n be_v slay_v and_o lie_v dead_a three_o day_n and_o a_o half_a true_a christianity_n be_v in_o all_o appearance_n extinct_a the_o measure_v the_o altar_n the_o temple_n and_o those_o that_o worship_n in_o it_o signify_v the_o close_a retirement_n of_o pure_a religion_n and_o the_o outward_a court_n leave_v to_o be_v tread_v down_o by_o the_o gentile_n or_o heathen_a christian_n and_o their_o impure_a rite_n and_o worship_n and_o therefore_o exclude_v from_o those_o strict_a measure_n true_a undefiled_a christianity_n be_v enclose_v within_o revel_v 11._o 1â—_n now_o upon_o all_o these_o representation_n of_o such_o a_o state_n of_o the_o church_n so_o exquisite_o shadow_v and_o resemble_v and_o compare_v with_o that_o deep_a plunge_n and_o immersement_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o popish_a midnight_n who_o can_v but_o believe_v these_o with_o many_o concurrent_a delineation_n in_o all_o those_o forecited_a scripture_n be_v on_o purpose_n 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 so_o to_o do_v quest_n but_o see_v you_o suppose_v these_o type_n of_o popery_n may_v be_v apply_v another_o way_n though_o it_o be_v i_o confess_v very_o hardly_o to_o be_v suppose_v yet_o i_o desire_v if_o any_o thing_n have_v fall_v under_o your_o observation_n that_o can_v be_v less_o avoid_v to_o make_v plain_a how_o different_a a_o religion_n popish-christianity_n be_v from_o the_o scripture-christianity_n you_o will_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o ask_v what_o it_o be_v answ_n i_o must_v needs_o commend_v your_o rational_a enquiry_n for_o i_o know_v neither_o the_o veneration_n give_v to_o any_o religion_n by_o the_o native_n of_o it_o nor_o the_o ill_a word_n against_o any_o religion_n by_o those_o that_o be_v stranger_n and_o enemy_n to_o it_o shall_v conclude_v against_o it_o the_o professor_n of_o every_o religion_n be_v startle_v at_o any_o reproach_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n as_o at_o horrible_a blasphemy_n but_o free_o speak_v ill_a of_o a_o diverse_a from_o it_o 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deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o religion_n but_o look_v monstrous_a and_o horrid_a only_o so_o far_o as_o it_o borrow_v some_o or_o more_o of_o the_o grand_a principle_n of_o our_o true_a religion_n nor_o can_v be_v at_o all_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a but_o be_v vain_a and_o ridiculous_a if_o it_o receive_v no_o ballast_n from_o true-religion_n that_o then_o which_o be_v account_v for_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v remember_v i_o shall_v especial_o apply_v myself_o to_o ascertain_v true-christianity_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o false_a or_o popish_a christianity_n by_o that_o which_o will_v much_o ascertain_v all_o true_a religion_n also_o in_o general_n and_o difference_n it_o from_o all_o false_a religion_n quest_n i_o much_o desire_n to_o have_v some_o such_o test_n as_o you_o seem_v to_o intimate_v and_o promise_v answ_n i_o can_v furnish_v you_o with_o a_o better_a sure_a and_o more_o lively_a than_o that_o emblem_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n represent_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n by_o a_o foursquare_a city_n the_o length_n and_o the_o breadth_n and_o the_o height_n of_o which_o be_v equal_a the_o wall_n and_o the_o gate_n and_o the_o city_n itself_o amount_v to_o so_o many_o square_n solid_a furlong_n all_o exact_o regulate_v by_o the_o number_n twelve_o all_o of_o massy-gold_n and_o most_o precious_a pearl_n rev._n 21._o quest_n the_o very_a general_n view_n of_o so_o rich_a a_o emblem_n much_o affect_v i_o but_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o lead_v i_o into_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o each_o particular_a purpose_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n what_o be_o i_o to_o understand_v by_o the_o city_n answ_n it_o be_v evident_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n that_o be_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n the_o true_a church_n seat_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n paul_n assure_v we_o the_o christian_a church_n so_o spirit_v with_o true_a christianity_n be_v jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o the_o divine_a 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 religion_n have_v be_v always_o substantial_o the_o same_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o people_n and_o city_n of_o god_n of_o old_a be_v record_v with_o honour_n as_o expressive_a of_o the_o true_a church_n fix_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o time_n before_o christ_n quest_n why_o be_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a state_n describe_v to_o be_v of_o pure_a gold_n and_o precious_a pearl_n answ_n to_o teach_v we_o by_o sensible_a thing_n the_o transcendent_a purity_n and_o worth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o equal_a purity_n and_o worth_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o of_o a_o most_o transparent_a clearness_n be_v all_o spiritual_a intellectual_a full_a of_o light_n and_o truth_n and_o so_o to_o be_v receive_v and_o enjoy_v by_o purity_n and_o intellectuality_n or_o clear_a understanding_n wisdom_n and_o prudence_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o divine_a revelation_n and_o by_o great_a innocency_n cleanness_n and_o heavenliness_n of_o heart_n affection_n and_o life_n quest_n but_o can_v this_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v here_o upon_o earth_n answ_n this_o be_v the_o certain_a and_o most_o unalterable_a constitution_n and_o designation_n of_o god_n concern_v it_o and_o whoever_o plant_v it_o low_o in_o any_o of_o the_o thing_n before_o name_v viz._n the_o doctrine_n worship_n rule_n of_o life_n or_o discipline_n contradict_v the_o very_a thing_n itself_o or_o degrade_n and_o embase_v it_o though_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v its_o be_v thus_o prepare_v and_o adorn_v as_o a_o bride_n must_v be_v from_o heaven_n in_o some_o just_a season_n appoint_v by_o the_o father_n this_o be_v yet_o always_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n although_o the_o church_n be_v not_o yet_o perfect_v to_o it_o quest_n but_o you_o seem_v to_o have_v forget_v the_o city_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o
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 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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
peace_n and_o welfare_n and_o to_o punish_v offender_n and_o transgressor_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o gild_n and_o can_v no_o more_o be_v impeach_v in_o that_o procedure_n than_o in_o any_o the_o most_o undoubted_a function_n or_o right_n of_o government_n whatever_o quest_n i_o must_v desire_v to_o be_v guide_v in_o my_o thought_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o governor_n in_o reveal_v religion_n answ_n beside_o the_o legislative_a and_o vindictive_a power_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n in_o natural_a religion_n there_o be_v that_o divine_a stamp_n of_o authority_n god_n have_v engrave_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o beside_o their_o law_n they_o recommend_v religion_n by_o the_o very_a representation_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o presence_n they_o bear_v and_o have_v not_o only_o the_o more_o remote_a authority_n of_o a_o prince_n but_o the_o near_a most_o natural_a and_o kind_o authority_n of_o a_o father_n on_o account_n of_o which_o solomon_n as_o a_o king_n so_o 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of_o judah_n in_o reveal_v religion_n be_v upon_o the_o so_o unavoidable_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o authority_n in_o and_o with_o those_o law_n the_o so_o many_o repeat_v covenant_n indenture_n and_o engagement_n of_o that_o people_n on_o the_o evident_a appearance_n of_o god_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o those_o law_n but_o in_o the_o revelation_n oâ—_n jesus_n christ_n we_o find_v no_o track_n of_o humane_a power_n bâ—â—â—ll_o be_v do_v by_o instrument_n fit_v from_o heaven_n naked_a of_o â—ll_o humane_a authority_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o thâ—_n 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n till_o prince_n and_o 〈◊〉_d agree_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o by_o compulsion_n but_o by_o evidence_n and_o inward_a assurance_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o so_o it_o be_v still_o to_o continue_v quest_n before_o you_o pass_v from_o this_o point_n that_o it_o may_v be_v make_v the_o clear_a will_v you_o give_v the_o distinction_n between_o sovereign_a power_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o be_v both_o call_v ruler_n they_o be_v both_o call_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n answ_n this_o be_v indeed_o most_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v as_o tend_v much_o to_o illustrate_v this_o whole_a matter_n 1._o the_o power_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n lie_v whole_o and_o entire_o in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o minister_v without_o which_o their_o person_n be_v invest_v with_o no_o power_n or_o authority_n at_o all_o but_o there_o be_v a_o sacred_a character_n upon_o sovereign_a power_n and_o their_o very_a person_n so_o that_o reverence_n prostration_n obeisance_n honourable_a title_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n be_v due_a to_o they_o even_o when_o their_o command_n in_o some_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a can_v be_v obey_v as_o appear_v every_o where_n in_o scripture_n 2._o the_o authority_n power_n and_o majesty_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n remain_v inviolable_a and_o not_o to_o be_v invade_v by_o any_o no_o not_o by_o those_o who_o have_v commission_n to_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o temporal_a power_n in_o order_n to_o spiritual_n confer_v by_o christ_n or_o ordain_v to_o his_o minister_n to_o create_v a_o civil-spiritual_a power_n within_o a_o civil_a and_o to_o rencontre_v it_o but_o prince_n be_v in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n within_o their_o own_o dominion_n under_o god_n and_o according_a to_o his_o appointment_n supreme_a governor_n so_o contrary_a be_v scripture_n to_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o antichurch_n herein_o all_o religious_a prince_n guide_v themselves_o by_o god_n word_n have_v great_a power_n and_o authority_n not_o only_o by_o that_o word_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o authority_n and_o majesty_n god_n have_v clothe_v they_o with_o as_o his_o vicegerent_n to_o direct_v and_o govern_v according_a to_o truth_n wherein_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v please_v often_o to_o be_v so_o immediate_o present_a with_o they_o that_o a_o divine_a sentence_n be_v in_o the_o king_n lip_n that_o they_o may_v direct_v according_a to_o truth_n and_o in_o all_o truth_n they_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v not_o only_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n but_o for_o that_o authority_n sake_n also_o god_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o 3._o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n lose_v their_o power_n by_o err_v from_o truth_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o of_o what_o authority_n be_v the_o false_a prophet_n or_o the_o false_a teacher_n but_o prince_n and_o sovereign_a power_n have_v a_o power_n though_o misapply_v to_o vindicate_v their_o authority_n upon_o those_o that_o can_v obey_v they_o except_o they_o shall_v disobey_v god_n to_o obey_v magistrate_n which_o none_o dare_v assert_v that_o acknowledge_v god_n in_o which_o power_n magistrate_n must_v not_o be_v resist_v even_o while_o they_o cause_v man_n to_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n 4._o the_o admonition_n excommunication_n anathema_n of_o church_n ruler_n have_v no_o force_n when_o not_o ground_v upon_o divine_a truth_n nor_o aught_o to_o make_v impression_n upon_o conscience_n but_o to_o be_v reject_v with_o disdain_n but_o the_o penal_a sentence_n and_o vindictive_a decree_n of_o sovereign_a power_n have_v their_o effect_n so_o far_o even_o when_o they_o be_v unjust_a as_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o ordination_n of_o power_n appoint_v by_o god_n though_o use_v to_o a_o wrong_a purpose_n where_o the_o word_n of_o a_o king_n be_v there_o be_v power_n and_o his_o wrath_n be_v as_o the_o roar_a of_o a_o lion_n and_o it_o be_v so_o appoint_v by_o god_n against_o such_o a_o supreme_a executive_a power_n arm_v with_o the_o supreme_a legislative_a power_n of_o a_o nation_n there_o be_v no_o rise_n up_o no_o remedy_n but_o appeal_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o tear_n quest_n this_o whole_a account_n may_v be_v much_o illustrate_v if_o it_o be_v declare_v on_o the_o other_o side_n what_o obedience_n be_v due_a to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n whether_o extraordinary_a as_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n or_o ordinary_a as_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n even_o when_o supreme_a magistrate_n command_v the_o contrary_a answ_n the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v of_o so_o supreme_a authority_n that_o though_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o be_v of_o no_o authority_n separate_v from_o that_o word_n yet_o the_o word_n and_o â—â—uth_n oâ—_n god_n of_o which_o they_o be_v ambassador_n be_v much_o highâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d â—he_v king_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o there_o be_v no_o compare_n between_o thâ—_n one_o and_o the_o other_o god_n therefore_o raise_v up_o extraordinary_o what_o messenger_n he_o please_v and_o send_v they_o with_o what_o message_n he_o think_v good_a to_o what_o prince_n or_o magistrate_n soever_o because_o immediate_o 〈◊〉_d god_n the_o
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 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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 of_o unguarded_a condition_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n and_o evidence_n of_o divine_a truth_n may_v be_v more_o apparent_o as_o it_o always_o be_v in_o itself_o of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man._n quest_n what_o other_o reason_n may_v there_o be_v of_o separate_v the_o administration_n of_o divine_a truth_n from_o that_o of_o princely_a government_n answ_n because_o each_o administration_n require_v the_o whole_a attendance_n of_o those_o engage_v in_o either_o except_o they_o be_v at_o least_o immediate_o inspire_v it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o magistrate_n he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n attend_v continual_o on_o this_o very_a thing_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n â—t_a be_v say_v take_v heed_n to_o the_o ministry_n thou_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o thou_o fulfil_v it_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v to_o exhortation_n to_o doctrine_n give_v thyself_o whole_o to_o they_o make_v full_a proof_n of_o thy_o ministry_n be_v instant_a preach_v 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
have_v not_o so_o immediate_a a_o respect_n to_o he_o as_o godliness_n or_o religion_n be_v more_o under_o humane_a legislation_n in_o the_o particular_a adjustment_n to_o the_o general_n ends._n but_o both_o the_o inward_a court_n of_o religion_n or_o divine_a truth_n and_o worship_n itself_o and_o the_o outward_a court_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n be_v within_o such_o limitation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n therein_o not_o prescribe_v by_o god_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o freedom_n of_o every_o man_n by_o god_n and_o no_o power_n of_o prescription_n ought_v to_o come_v there_o that_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v either_o encumber_a by_o unnecessary_a observance_n or_o in_o danger_n to_o mistake_v they_o as_o have_v any_o influence_n into_o his_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v any_o and_o can_v indeed_o have_v none_o that_o be_v good_a nor_o last_o be_v in_o doubt_n whether_o he_o do_v not_o displease_v god_n in_o add_v to_o his_o worship_n but_o if_o a_o man_n can_v see_v his_o freedom_n in_o all_o these_o it_o be_v serve_v out_o of_o love_n and_o be_v make_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n and_o go_v to_o the_o utmost_a he_o can_v in_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n if_o a_o man_n can_v see_v his_o freedom_n but_o doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n he_o be_v under_o as_o severe_a a_o prohibition_n of_o compliance_n against_o his_o doubt_n as_o in_o other_o case_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o sentence_n be_v positive_a he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v in_o do_v the_o indifferent_a thing_n he_o doubt_v of_o and_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n or_o assurance_n it_o be_v please_v to_o god_n or_o not_o displease_v to_o he_o be_v sin_n quest_n but_o this_o doubt_n may_v extend_v to_o civil_a thing_n and_o indifference_n there_o or_o to_o those_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n and_o grandeur_n of_o supreme_a power_n god_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o answ_n when_o obedience_n be_v enforce_v in_o such_o thing_n the_o magistrate_n have_v this_o to_o justify_v he_o he_o be_v within_o his_o own_o territory_n give_v he_o by_o god_n he_o require_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n upon_o god_n donation_n but_o in_o religious_a thing_n â—e_n be_v within_o god_n peculiar_a and_o so_o can_v be_v justify_v in_o that_o enforcement_n because_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o peculiarly_a go_n quest_n the_o great_a question_n now_o remain_v what_o be_v subject_n to_o do_v when_o authority_n stamp_v itself_o upon_o false_a religion_n or_o enforce_v indifferent_a thing_n against_o the_o apprehension_n of_o conscience_n concern_v their_o lawfulness_n so_o that_o they_o can_v obey_v but_o with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o that_o have_v be_v already_o open_v answ_n there_o be_v one_o rule_n in_o all_o these_o case_n even_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a law_n of_o injustice_n and_o licentiousness_n when_o sovereign_a power_n so_o err_v in_o government_n shall_v change_v the_o true_a and_o everlasting_a notion_n of_o righteousness_n or_o soberness_n or_o those_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a law_n of_o they_o in_o themselves_o even_o so_o impossible_a it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n shall_v change_v those_o of_o true_a natural_a or_o true_a reveal_v religion_n or_o the_o law_n impose_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n shall_v take_v away_o the_o liberty_n god_n have_v give_v or_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o obey_v against_o doubt_n of_o conscience_n when_o a_o man_n do_v not_o see_v that_o liberty_n that_o therefore_o which_o be_v eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a must_v be_v adhere_v to_o and_o obey_v quest_n how_o then_o be_v there_o a_o subjection_n to_o magistrate_n answ_n the_o subjection_n than_o be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o error_n of_o magistracy_n in_o case_n of_o justice_n or_o soberness_n not_o to_o resist_v the_o power_n vindicate_v its_o command_n by_o suffering_n and_o penalty_n upon_o those_o that_o can_v active_o obey_v wherein_o religion_n justice_n or_o soberness_n be_v contradict_v which_o be_v god_n and_o must_v be_v render_v to_o he_o according_a to_o themselves_o who_o be_v able_a to_o make_v they_o recompense_v who_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n as_o he_o please_v in_o this_o world_n or_o most_o certain_o in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o absolute_a legislative_a and_o executive_a power_n in_o every_o community_n thus_o fix_v and_o unmoveable_a and_o accountable_a only_o to_o god_n the_o restless_a love_n of_o change_n will_v be_v always_o disturb_v and_o call_v to_o account_v government_n and_o every_o man_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v a_o lawgiver_n and_o a_o justicy_a or_o indeed_o to_o be_v licentious_a and_o inordinate_a and_o as_o they_o can_v consult_v and_o together_o collect_v themselves_o into_o a_o rebellion_n will_v enter_v into_o open_a hostility_n against_o it_o and_o so_o the_o end_n of_o government_n in_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o humane_a society_n be_v quite_o lose_v so_o that_o till_o any_o principality_n sit_v on_o the_o seat_n of_o government_n be_v so_o bad_a as_o to_o retain_v less_o of_o the_o use_v and_o end_v of_o government_n than_o they_o destroy_v and_o it_o can_v be_v make_v apparent_a endeavour_n of_o change_n can_v introduce_v so_o great_a and_o general_a mischief_n or_o that_o even_a anarchy_n itself_o can_v introduce_v great_a mischief_n than_o that_o government_n be_v the_o author_n of_o which_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o few_o instance_n till_o then_o i_o say_v we_o must_v fear_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o king_n and_o not_o meddle_v with_o they_o who_o be_v give_v to_o change_n for_o their_o calamity_n shall_v rise_v sudden_o and_o who_o know_v the_o ruin_n of_o they_o both_o quest_n but_o what_o be_v christian_a subject_n to_o do_v when_o title_n of_o sovereignty_n or_o legislative_a or_o executive_a power_n of_o law_n be_v dispute_v either_o betwixt_o various_a pretension_n of_o prince_n or_o where_o the_o bound_n of_o power_n and_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n and_o the_o liberty_n and_o property_n of_o people_n be_v in_o controversy_n answ_n i_o shall_v no_o more_o intermeddle_v in_o that_o than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n do_v which_o leave_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n of_o nation_n and_o of_o each_o particular_a country_n the_o duty_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o those_o sovereign_a power_n who_o authority_n be_v current_n who_o image_n and_o superscription_n be_v upon_o all_o thing_n public_a the_o power_n that_o be_v in_o be_v be_v to_o be_v obey_v according_a to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n already_o discourse_v that_o be_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o offender_n for_o the_o execute_n judgement_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n for_o the_o secure_n common_a peace_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n intimate_v nothing_o either_o way_n to_o strengthen_v or_o weaken_v the_o claim_n of_o the_o power_n then_o present_a but_o declare_v obedience_n to_o they_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o they_o as_o they_o then_o be_v although_o they_o can_v not_o have_v the_o clear_a of_o title_n christianity_n as_o it_o be_v strict_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o make_v itself_o a_o divider_n over_o man_n nor_o decide_v such_o controversy_n which_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o cognisance_n yet_o it_o subvert_v no_o right_n it_o betray_v no_o liberty_n just_o so_o call_v it_o reverse_v no_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o rescind_v constitution_n and_o compact_n of_o government_n but_o teach_v man_n to_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o preserve_v common_a good_a and_o right_o determinable_a upon_o other_o principle_n only_o this_o the_o more_o clear_a ancient_a and_o indisputable_a the_o title_n of_o prince_n be_v the_o more_o indisputable_a boundary_n betwixt_o prince_n and_o people_n be_v 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