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rational_a discourse_n and_o manifestation_n of_o themselves_o in_o man_n conscience_n witness_v to_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o authorise_v by_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n general_o of_o beneficence_n or_o do_v good_a and_o in_o some_o but_o spare_v instance_n of_o infliction_n of_o bodily_a pain_n or_o death_n quest_n do_v the_o apostle_n never_o err_v in_o their_o administration_n answ_n whenever_o that_o infallible_a guidance_n be_v not_o present_a to_o they_o they_o may_v err_v as_o be_v before_o observe_v in_o the_o apostle_n peter_n miscarriage_n which_o no_o doubt_n be_v record_v to_o show_v their_o power_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o but_o in_o the_o divine_a spirit_n act_v by_o they_o that_o none_o in_o after-age_n may_v pretend_v to_o dictate_v as_o their_o successor_n have_v not_o their_o power_n and_o yet_o require_v obedience_n as_o if_o they_o have_v it_o whereas_o even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o may_v err_v and_o so_o lose_v their_o power_n if_o never_o so_o 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whole_a church_n together_o be_v no_o other_o than_o in_o that_o word_n of_o truth_n public_o offer_v by_o it_o the_o apostle_n power_n be_v only_o the_o presence_n of_o that_o word_n to_o they_o by_o the_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o preach_a it_o throughout_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o sound_v the_o christian_a church_n such_o be_v the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o any_o extraordinary_a minister_n under_o they_o the_o and_o constant_a rulership_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n remain_v unmovable_o in_o the_o word_n which_o it_o be_v their_o office_n to_o speak_v quest_n be_v not_o those_o we_o distinguish_o call_v bishop_n successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o preeminency_n they_o have_v over_o other_o pastor_n and_o elder_n answ_n that_o successor_n to_o the_o preeminency_n of_o the_o apostle_n may_v be_v well_o establish_v three_o thing_n be_v necessary_a 1._o that_o there_o be_v find_v and_o produce_v distinct_a command_n give_v in_o scripture_n to_o the_o inferior_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o obey_v superior_a minister_n or_o bishop_n command_v to_o christian_n to_o obey_v inferior_a minister_n or_o ordinary_a presbyter_n as_o inferior_a minister_n with_o respect_n to_o superior_a minister_n and_o those_o superior_a minister_n as_o superior_n we_o must_v find_v the_o apostle_n distinguish_v ordinary_a presbyter_n as_o inferior_a minister_n with_o respect_n to_o superior_a minister_n and_o those_o superior_a minister_n as_o superior_n as_o we_o find_v he_o distinguish_v civil_a magistrate_n into_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a and_o governor_n as_o those_o that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o 2._o see_v it_o be_v very_o clear_a and_o apparent_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o distant_a from_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o to_o constitute_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o make_v a_o great_a figure_n without_o as_o great_a a_o use_n or_o end_v and_o that_o christ_n have_v not_o give_v power_n to_o his_o ruler_n to_o command_v the_o very_a lest_o thing_n but_o as_o command_v by_o himself_o first_o for_o than_o they_o will_v be_v lord_n which_o he_o plain_o declare_v against_o and_o absolute_o deny_v to_o they_o and_o that_o what_o they_o do_v as_o command_v by_o he_o they_o shall_v do_v so_o in_o duty_n and_o service_n to_o the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o subordinate_o to_o his_o church_n as_o not_o to_o be_v call_v or_o esteem_v benefactor_n for_o their_o service_n so_o that_o it_o must_v be_v evident_a what_o their_o superior_a service_n be_v it_o must_v be_v plain_o express_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o there_o at_o least_o so_o determinate_o set_v down_o as_o to_o be_v deduce_v with_o great_a clearness_n to_o the_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n of_o christian_n and_o distinguish_o from_o the_o service_n of_o other_o subordinate_a ruler_n appoint_v by_o christ_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v wait_v for_o and_o receive_v according_a to_o his_o ordinance_n with_o faith_n and_o obedience_n 3._o see_v christ_n appoint_v none_o to_o a_o eminency_n of_o service_n without_o a_o suitable_a eminency_n of_o ability_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n it_o be_v therefore_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v some_o extraordinary_a promise_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n to_o those_o superior_a minister_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o superiority_n wherein_o they_o may_v above_o any_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n visible_o and_o experimental_o make_v some_o approach_n to_o the_o eminent_a assistance_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n have_v in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o that_o they_o have_v continue_v and_o succeed_v in_o their_o high_a function_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o real_a substantial_a service_n of_o bishop_n to_o christianity_n have_v come_v near_o to_o the_o act_n of_o apostle_n and_o as_o much_o excel_v that_o of_o common_a presbyter_n as_o the_o order_n itself_o be_v suppose_v to_o do_v now_o without_o these_o three_o self_n evident_a concurrent_a mark_n of_o superiority_n secret_a invisible_a character_n be_v of_o no_o signification_n quest_n how_o then_o be_v such_o a_o succession_n of_o bishop_n in_o a_o superiority_n over_o presbyter_n so_o uncontrolable_o deduce_v from_o antiquity_n answ_n beside_o all_o other_o coincident_a account_n there_o be_v this_o to_o be_v give_v after_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v but_o a_o gradual_a cessation_n of_o apostolic_a man_n man_n of_o eminent_a grace_n and_o extraordinary_a gift_n though_o not_o of_o the_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n for_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o write_n of_o scripture_n yet_o of_o more_o immediate_a divine_a assistance_n in_o resemblance_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n supervisal_n over_o they_o and_o care_n for_o they_o and_o also_o for_o the_o further_a propagation_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v but_o new_o set_v out_o have_v not_o arrive_v many_o place_n where_o it_o be_v to_o come_v and_o so_o need_v some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a assistance_n even_o as_o miracle_n do_v not_o immediate_o cease_v no_o more_o do_v these_o personage_n extraordinary_a in_o their_o endowment_n such_o as_o these_o be_v worthy_o in_o a_o degree_n of_o superiority_n over_o those_o that_o have_v not_o the_o same_o miraculous_a inablement_n nor_o knowledge_n as_o yet_o in_o christianity_n afterward_o such_o manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n by_o degree_n retire_v and_o christianity_n have_v fix_v itself_o where_o it_o be_v then_o to_o go_v and_o the_o church_n settle_v the_o best_a account_n of_o the_o continue_a distinction_n between_o those_o that_o be_v upon_o the_o same_o level_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v but_o humane_a prudence_n and_o order_n which_o oblige_v no_o
and_o the_o bad_a be_v manifest_o 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 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man_n conscience_n beyond_o the_o valuableness_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o prudence_n and_o order_n except_o undeniable_a holiness_n industry_n and_o improve_v understanding_n recommend_v any_o person_n to_o such_o eminency_n for_o eminency_n and_o be_v tall_a than_o other_o in_o those_o qualification_n will_v make_v any_o person_n a_o bishop_n in_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o one_o whether_o so_o ordinate_v or_o not_o and_o can_v make_v he_o that_o be_v a_o dwarf_n in_o these_o true_o a_o bishop_n however_o for_o order_n sake_n he_o may_v stand_v in_o the_o place_n of_o that_o figure_n he_o that_o excel_v in_o his_o knowledge_n of_o obedience_n to_o zeal_n for_o and_o authority_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n see_v that_o word_n convey_v all_o this_o kind_n of_o power_n from_o itself_o must_v needs_o have_v more_o of_o that_o kind_n of_o power_n so_o convey_v than_o other_o for_o the_o more_o pure_o this_o word_n be_v understand_v and_o preach_v the_o more_o power_n go_v out_o of_o 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as_o to_o make_v it_o their_o own_o else_o if_o they_o can_v find_v their_o reason_n nor_o acquit_v themselves_o from_o doubt_n they_o must_v suspend_v for_o a_o christian_n be_v command_v by_o his_o lord_n to_o call_v no_o man_n upon_o earth_n master_n or_o father_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o answ_n it_o be_v this_o very_a thing_n that_o we_o shall_v receive_v nothing_o as_o doctrine_n or_o indisputable_a truth_n or_o precept_n upon_o any_o man_n word_n that_o do_v not_o offer_v such_o reason_n and_o authority_n from_o god_n and_o his_o word_n that_o we_o ourselves_o see_v reason_n not_o to_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n quest_n but_o be_v it_o not_o say_v that_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o watch_v for_o our_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o the_o same_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o surrender_v our_o judgement_n to_o they_o how_o can_v they_o give_v a_o account_n 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of_o god_n and_o if_o these_o watchman_n neglect_v their_o duty_n or_o seduce_v instead_o of_o teach_v man_n be_v to_o apply_v to_o better_a mean_n afford_v by_o god_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o still_o die_v in_o their_o iniquity_n and_o follow_v their_o blind_a leader_n fall_v into_o the_o pit_n which_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a argument_n that_o we_o may_v trust_v in_o no_o man_n but_o in_o god_n only_o for_o if_o a_o implicit_a faith_n can_v be_v a_o save_a faith_n it_o shall_v save_v those_o that_o follow_v such_o guide_n though_o they_o themselves_o be_v just_o condemn_v in_o not_o discharge_v their_o trust_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n to_o be_v trust_v at_o a_o high_a rate_n than_o thus_o answ_n no_o there_o be_v such_o evident_a mark_n of_o divine_a doctrine_n always_o give_v by_o god_n to_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v love_n and_o obey_v he_o that_o even_o the_o very_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v without_o they_o nor_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o according_a to_o they_o nay_o to_o be_v plain_o anathematise_v if_o they_o vary_v from_o it_o christian_n be_v therefore_o to_o judge_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o the_o thing_n speak_v be_v so_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o undoubted_a principle_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v as_o standard_n to_o all_o that_o come_v after_o beside_o the_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o know_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o all_o humane_a teach_v and_o instruction_n hereby_o take_v away_o and_o what_o become_v of_o the_o ministry_n the_o eldership_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o rule_n
answ_n they_o be_v all_o hereby_o establish_v for_o they_o be_v the_o ordination_n of_o god_n to_o this_o very_a purpose_n to_o make_v man_n see_v to_o bring_v they_o light_n to_o clear_a thing_n to_o they_o that_o by_o the_o awaken_n their_o judgement_n the_o summon_n and_o collect_v their_o principle_n they_o may_v see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n the_o holy_a spirit_n gracious_o adjoin_v itself_o to_o their_o ministry_n they_o have_v no_o dominion_n over_o their_o faith_n but_o be_v helper_n of_o their_o joy_n that_o be_v they_o facilitate_v and_o make_v pleasant_a the_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n of_o religion_n and_o they_o rule_v by_o exhort_v admonish_a rebuke_v comfort_v and_o even_o command_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n on_o account_n of_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v and_o high_o esteem_v for_o their_o work_n sake_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o no_o man_n be_v exclude_v from_o his_o own_o office_n to_o himself_o for_o every_o particular_a christian_a be_v in_o some_o sense_n a_o congregation_n and_o preacher_n to_o himself_o as_o solomon_n his_o conscience_n have_v the_o key_n bind_v and_o lose_v within_o itself_o nay_o christian_n be_v not_o exclude_v from_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n when_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n on_o their_o side_n they_o may_v plead_v and_o reason_n with_o their_o mother_n hos_n 2._o 2._o when_o they_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o their_o teacher_n or_o the_o ruler_n rule_v not_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o that_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n even_o rule_v their_o ruler_n and_o prove_v the_o more_o noble_a organ_n of_o the_o church_n when_o those_o that_o shall_v rule_v it_o be_v as_o the_o idol_n eye_n that_o see_v not_o ear_n that_o hear_v not_o or_o as_o the_o idol_n shepherd_n a_o blâ—st_n be_v upon_o their_o right_a hand_n and_o right-eye_n that_o their_o arm_n be_v clean_o dry_v up_o and_o their_o eye_n utter_o darken_v the_o most_o naked_a unfurnished_a christian_a with_o outward_a accomplishment_n that_o yet_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v among_o the_o prophet_n in_o such_o a_o time_n of_o necessity_n cap._n xii_o of_o schism_n and_o scandal_n quest_n from_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n of_o the_o church_n i_o conceive_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o schism_n may_v be_v deduce_v i_o desire_v you_o therefore_o to_o explain_v what_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o schism_n be_v answ_n the_o question_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n follow_v very_o pertinent_o upon_o the_o right_a settlement_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n now_o the_o whole_a be_v of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o its_o union_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o love_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n and_o that_o it_o receive_v all_o its_o member_n into_o union_n with_o itself_o by_o their_o be_v first_o unite_v as_o itself_o be_v schism_n which_o be_v division_n must_v needs_o in_o its_o strict_a and_o most_o formal_a notion_n be_v a_o division_n from_o that_o truth_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v one_o and_o so_o from_o the_o love_n consequent_a upon_o such_o a_o union_n quest_n what_o be_v that_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o which_o the_o church_n be_v one_o answ_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n or_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o law_n and_o command_n in_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v quest_n how_o be_v the_o love_n of_o the_o church_n unite_v in_o these_o answ_n it_o be_v a_o love_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o hereby_o we_o know_v we_o love_v the_o brethren_n when_o we_o love_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n john_n epist_n 2._o no_o love_n how_o great_a soever_o be_v christian-love_n nor_o union_n how_o close_o soever_o christian-union_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v the_o schism_n that_o be_v a_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n must_v be_v a_o disunion_n from_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o love_n spring_v from_o that_o faith_n and_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o any_o other_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o church_n quest_n how_o do_v schism_n differ_v from_o heresy_n answ_n heresy_n in_o the_o high_a sense_n and_o worst_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v a_o disunion_n from_o truth_n in_o some_o fundamental_a and_o grand_a concernment_n of_o religion_n either_o in_o the_o doctrine_n or_o command_v of_o god_n so_o that_o a_o man_n be_v subvert_v and_o sin_v and_o must_v needs_o be_v condemn_v of_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o assembly_n of_o truth_n both_o by_o himself_o and_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o that_o both_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o christian-love_n he_o be_v so_o separate_v schism_n be_v a_o disunion_n in_o some_o less_o momentous_a part_n 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 sometimes_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 paul_n and_o peter_n quest_n be_v every_o different_a apprehension_n and_o practise_v ensue_a upon_o it_o though_o distant_a from_o truth_n immediate_o to_o be_v condemn_v of_o schism_n answ_n by_o no_o mean_n if_o it_o be_v a_o modest_a and_o humble_a distrust_n and_o suspension_n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o command_v of_o god_n in_o some_o thing_n of_o small_a moment_n and_o doubtful_a yea_o though_o it_o come_v to_o a_o positive_a determination_n so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n judgement_n and_o yet_o erroneous_a can_v at_o the_o present_a discern_v it_o can_v be_v brand_v as_o schism_n if_o there_o be_v no_o stress_n lay_v upon_o the_o thing_n beyond_o its_o desert_n if_o the_o union_n in_o the_o great_a and_o clear_a truth_n and_o command_n remain_v firm_a and_o the_o love_n due_a to_o such_o a_o union_n with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v sincere_a and_o fervent_a yea_o even_a dissent_n in_o great_a point_n thus_o qualify_v and_o free_a from_o ill_a practice_n have_v not_o be_v 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 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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 but_o 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 whether_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 honour_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o schism_n in_o the_o body_n but_o that_o the_o member_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o care_n one_o for_o another_o under_o this_o elegant_a shade_n the_o apostle_n teach_v that_o a_o neglect_n and_o a_o contemptuous_a overlook_a the_o right_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o low_a and_o less_o honourable_a member_n in_o the_o church_n incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n as_o argue_v the_o want_n of_o that_o compassion_n and_o feellingness_n that_o spring_v from_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n down_o through_o the_o high_a to_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o member_n for_o no_o man_n ever_o hate_v his_o own_o flesh_n even_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a part_n of_o it_o but_o nourish_v and_o cherish_v it_o even_o as_o the_o lord_n the_o church_n they_o therefore_o that_o carry_v the_o great_a grace_n and_o honour_n in_o the_o church_n shall_v invest_v the_o least_o comely_a member_n with_o more_o 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to_o observe_v the_o same_o pattern_n of_o worship_n give_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o only_a christ_n and_o all_o minister_n to_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n give_v it_o by_o christ_n alike_o so_o far_o as_o god_n give_v we_o opportunity_n to_o enjoy_v they_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o high_a member_n and_o to_o honour_n more_o abundant_o the_o mean_a as_o be_v all_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o temper_v by_o he_o and_o wherein_o we_o can_v in_o this_o state_n of_o the_o church_n come_v up_o to_o the_o exactness_n of_o these_o thing_n yet_o to_o perform_v thus_o in_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o each_o of_o they_o and_o in_o the_o small_a to_o tolerate_v and_o forgive_v one_o another_o these_o be_v our_o security_n and_o certain_a preservation_n from_o schism_n quest_n be_v there_o not_o another_o sort_n of_o schism_n yet_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o answ_n no_o other_o that_o i_o can_v find_v speak_v of_o by_o the_o scripture_n quest_n be_v it_o not_o schism_n when_o the_o church_n or_o that_o part_n of_o it_o wherewith_o we_o be_v conversant_a prescribe_v indifference_n to_o make_v orderly_a and_o decent_a the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o any_o christian_n separate_v themselves_o into_o particular_a assembly_n to_o pray_v to_o hear_v and_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o admininister_v sacrament_n that_o they_o may_v be_v free_a from_o such_o prescription_n for_o this_o be_v set_v up_o a_o altar_n against_o a_o altar_n and_o one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n against_o another_o what_o can_v it_o then_o be_v but_o most_o notorious_a schism_n and_o so_o esteem_v in_o all_o antiquity_n answ_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v at_o all_o schism_n i_o be_o sure_a if_o thing_n be_v right_o manage_v it_o be_v the_o least_o guilty_a kind_n for_o there_o be_v a_o union_n as_o be_v suppose_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v command_v
order_n and_o decency_n or_o whatever_o be_v of_o indisputable_a decency_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o our_o native_a country_n these_o be_v the_o utmost_a bound_n of_o prescription_n all_o thing_n else_o be_v to_o be_v comprimize_v by_o agreement_n and_o suffrage_n and_o even_o these_o necessary_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v by_o doctrine_n rational_a convicton_n exhortation_n admonition_n rebuke_v and_o even_o charge_v and_o command_v with_o all_o authority_n in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a word_n and_o will_v and_o no_o otherwise_o for_o this_o i_o say_v again_o be_v the_o more_o abundant_a honour_n the_o ruler_n or_o more_o honourable_a member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o invest_v the_o low_a with_o to_o circulate_v with_o they_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o truth_n by_o transfuse_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n they_o have_v that_o they_o as_o live_v wise_a and_o intellectual_a member_n also_o may_v judge_v what_o be_v command_v they_o by_o god_n and_o not_o be_v as_o fool_n or_o lifeless_a member_n for_o what_o blood_n spirit_n and_o life_n be_v in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n the_o very_a same_o freedom_n the_o foot_n have_v to_o represent_v to_o the_o high_a power_n of_o nature_n what_o offend_v it_o and_o be_v immedate_o hear_v the_o very_a same_o power_n the_o low_a member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v to_o remonstrate_v to_o the_o high_a what_o scandalise_v it_o in_o the_o accept_n this_o or_o that_o indifferent_a ceremony_n and_o it_o ought_v as_o feel_o as_o immediate_o to_o be_v hear_v for_o as_o the_o same_o soul_n be_v present_a to_o all_o part_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n so_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n animate_v his_o whole_a body_n the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o fullness_n or_o compliment_n the_o receptacle_n of_o his_o fullness_n the_o fullness_n in_o which_o he_o will_v appear_v full_a and_o complete_a who_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o as_o therefore_o the_o head_n itself_o feel_v by_o this_o spiritual_a union_n so_o be_v the_o eye_n and_o ear_n the_o high_a member_n of_o this_o body_n to_o do_v and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o so_o feel_v it_o argue_v a_o interruption_n between_o they_o and_o the_o head_n itself_o for_o that_o most_o concernful_o reciprocate_v with_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o the_o extreme_a part_n of_o it_o and_o so_o do_v every_o part_n inlve_v by_o he_o also_o if_o there_o be_v no_o intercision_n nor_o obstruction_n betwixt_o it_o and_o the_o head_n quest_n be_v there_o yet_o any_o further_a reason_n against_o a_o power_n in_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o impose_v in_o thing_n of_o indifferency_n under_o the_o name_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n answ_n there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n to_o be_v add_v to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v quest_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o scandal_n answ_n scandal_n be_v a_o subject_a of_o discourse_n of_o too_o large_a a_o compass_n for_o the_o present_a purpose_n but_o as_o it_o be_v strict_o to_o be_v adjust_v to_o it_o it_o may_v be_v thus_o understand_v scandal_n be_v that_o hurt_v and_o grief_n a_o man_n receive_v in_o submit_v either_o to_o humane_a example_n or_o imposition_n in_o thing_n of_o themselves_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n when_o the_o conscience_n be_v in_o doubt_n whether_o that_o which_o be_v require_v to_o be_v do_v be_v not_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o forbid_v by_o he_o or_o that_o which_o be_v require_v to_o be_v omit_v or_o not_o do_v be_v not_o please_v to_o god_n and_o command_v by_o he_o and_o yet_o submit_v itself_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o that_o example_n or_o command_v by_o such_o imposition_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o under_o a_o wound_n of_o conscience_n quest_n when_o the_o thing_n be_v indeed_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n how_o can_v it_o be_v change_v by_o the_o conscience_n be_v in_o doubt_n concern_v it_o answ_n because_o the_o conscience_n be_v that_o complex_fw-la or_o congregat_v power_n of_o the_o soul_n wherein_o be_v preserve_v all_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o rule_n of_o action_n to_o the_o end_n that_o it_o may_v observe_v and_o direct_v how_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o govern_v itself_o and_o square_v all_o its_o action_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o may_v comfort_v or_o check_v the_o soul_n in_o do_v well_o or_o ill_o according_a to_o those_o doctrine_n or_o rule_n wherein_o then_o conscience_n be_v mistake_v and_o misjudge_n either_o way_n against_o that_o which_o be_v command_v by_o god_n or_o for_o that_o which_o be_v forbid_v by_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v do_v but_o to_o reduce_v conscience_n to_o its_o right_a rule_n which_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n but_o in_o thing_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v if_o conscience_n be_v apprehensive_a of_o danger_n any_o way_n this_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n that_o god_n have_v confer_v upon_o conscience_n as_o his_o immediate_a vicegerent_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o carry_v his_o authority_n by_o always_o present_v it_o in_o his_o word_n and_o command_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v suspend_v his_o action_n wherein_o conscience_n be_v not_o satisfy_v and_o at_o rest_n concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o action_n and_o this_o be_v the_o honour_n which_o those_o that_o be_v above_o either_o in_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o understanding_n gift_n or_o grace_n shall_v bestow_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v below_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o either_o by_o their_o authority_n influence_n or_o example_n scandalize_v the_o little_a one_o or_o the_o weak_a that_o be_v so_o either_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o low_a station_n or_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n that_o be_v draw_v they_o into_o the_o sin_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o which_o conscience_n have_v a_o mistrust_n of_o displease_v god_n in_o so_o do_v in_o regard_n that_o it_o both_o weaken_v and_o disable_v conscience_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o trust_v repose_v in_o it_o for_o the_o carry_v on_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o christian_a course_n its_o authority_n be_v violate_v and_o prostrate_v in_o the_o reverence_n due_a to_o it_o and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o comfort_n it_o ought_v to_o minister_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o that_o course_n for_o by_o this_o sort_n of_o scandal_n the_o apostle_n witness_n the_o weak_a christian_a fall_v into_o sin_n his_o conscience_n be_v defile_v be_v wound_v be_v grieve_v be_v make_v weak_a all_o the_o mischief_n of_o which_o the_o value_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v not_o such_o as_o that_o it_o can_v answer_v and_o make_v recompense_n for_o and_o so_o to_o sin_v thus_o against_o the_o weak_a be_v to_o destroy_v they_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v and_o therefore_o to_o sin_v against_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o those_o weighty_a discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n against_o scandal_n mark_v 18._o and_o of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 4._o and_o 1_o cor._n c._n 8._o and_o cap._n 10._o which_v be_v compare_v give_v great_a light_a one_o to_o another_o quest_n but_o it_o seem_v that_o a_o conscience_n only_o in_o doubt_n may_v be_v settle_v by_o the_o advice_n example_n and_o authority_n of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o elder_n or_o eminent_a member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o doubt_n suppose_v the_o conscience_n incline_v neither_o this_o way_n nor_o that_o way_n in_o itself_o but_o stand_v between_o both_o or_o sometime_o move_v to_o one_o side_n and_o then_o to_o the_o other_o the_o come_n in_o of_o those_o consideration_n take_v from_o the_o example_n and_o authority_n forename_a shall_v give_v a_o over-weight_n to_o that_o side_n on_o which_o they_o fall_v answ_n yet_o on_o purpose_n to_o show_v the_o great_a dignity_n of_o conscience_n and_o its_o government_n without_o which_o approve_v and_o direct_v according_o even_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n want_v the_o just_a compliment_n of_o a_o good_a action_n and_o also_o to_o show_v of_o how_o little_a moment_n in_o christianity_n all_o thing_n be_v not_o under_o a_o divine_a sanction_n the_o whole_a weight_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n be_v hang_v upon_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n a_o conscience_n in_o doubt_n concern_v thing_n indifferent_a when_o urge_v either_o way_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o all_o sinew_n of_o government_n hereby_o cut_v and_o dissolve_v even_o of_o civil_a government_n for_o conscience_n may_v be_v in_o relation_n to_o such_o command_v dissatisfy_v answ_n as_o scripture_n every_o where_o suppose_v the_o whole_a government_n
offer_v by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n which_o certain_o make_v the_o comer_n thereunto_o perfect_a on_o the_o other_o side_n this_o liberty_n lay_v not_o open_a the_o enclosure_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n nor_o remove_v the_o barrier_n of_o justice_n against_o sin_n if_o not_o satisfy_v and_o atone_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n 4._o last_o that_o which_o answer_v to_o each_o of_o these_o character_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v that_o it_o have_v no_o secular_a interest_n no_o interest_n of_o this_o present_a world_n that_o it_o look_v not_o upon_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v that_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n but_o on_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v that_o be_v eternal_a such_o be_v the_o godliness_n such_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n such_o the_o christian_a liberty_n that_o their_o uses_n and_o end_n be_v too_o great_a and_o large_a to_o centre_n in_o earthly_a thing_n and_o though_o themselves_o be_v the_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o present_a state_n yet_o they_o no_o way_n make_v it_o or_o the_o grandeur_n of_o it_o a_o interest_n but_o seek_v a_o heavenly_a country_n and_o city_n even_o as_o the_o lord_n of_o this_o religion_n say_v my_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n now_o as_o this_o measure_v each_o of_o the_o other_o character_n so_o each_o of_o they_o measure_v it_o such_o a_o transcendent_a holiness_n and_o purity_n can_v alone_o see_v god_n in_o eternal_a habitation_n such_o a_o sacrifice_n alone_o can_v have_v its_o blood_n enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n make_v without_o hand_n have_v obtain_v a_o eternal_a inheritance_n such_o a_o blood_n speak_v alone_o in_o the_o heaven_n better_a thing_n than_o the_o blood_n of_o abel_n a_o conscience_n so_o free_a so_o perfect_v have_v boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a and_o none_o else_o these_o be_v all_o fit_v and_o consecrate_a to_o eternity_n and_o eternity_n to_o they_o light_n and_o trivial_a holiness_n insignificant_a ceremony_n and_o rite_n of_o purgation_n a_o cumber_v of_o external_n observation_n invent_v by_o man_n can_v never_o enter_v within_o the_o veil_n nor_o endure_v for_o ever_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n by_o such_o divine_a thing_n to_o grasp_v at_o this_o world_n and_o a_o patrimony_n on_o earth_n be_v as_o gross_a and_o out_o of_o square_a so_o that_o these_o thing_n exact_o measure_v one_o another_o and_o square_v together_o quest_n how_o be_v the_o foursquare_a city_n or_o the_o true_a church_n adjust_v to_o these_o dimension_n answ_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n i_o before_o mention_v in_o have_v these_o and_o these_o only_a in_o its_o doctrine_n its_o worship_n its_o practice_n and_o obedience_n its_o discipline_n or_o government_n quest_n how_o be_v the_o false_a church_n out_o of_o square_a to_o all_o these_o answ_n in_o that_o retain_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n constitute_v according_a to_o these_o and_o pretend_v a_o imitation_n of_o they_o and_o the_o miracle_n attest_v they_o it_o have_v be_v most_o extravagant_a from_o they_o by_o its_o traditional_a addition_n and_o counterfeit_n of_o they_o every_o of_o which_o be_v a_o violation_n and_o irregularity_n from_o one_o or_o all_o of_o these_o character_n or_o equal_a side_n of_o true_a religion_n a_o great_a lie_n upon_o they_o with_o which_o they_o can_v never_o be_v bring_v to_o agree_v be_v not_o only_o a_o endless_a variation_n from_o but_o a_o flat_a opposition_n to_o they_o and_o a_o despit_v they_o with_o themselves_o so_o strange_o so_o monstrous_o misshapen_v and_o that_o in_o so_o great_a number_n that_o as_o in_o mockage_n to_o the_o many_o excellent_a thing_n our_o saviour_n do_v and_o teach_v so_o many_o that_o if_o they_o be_v all_o write_v the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o will_v be_v write_v even_o so_o if_o all_o the_o numerous_a and_o prodigious_a excursion_n of_o the_o antichristian_a church_n and_o antichrist_n the_o head_n of_o it_o from_o christian_a religion_n by_o its_o indeterminable_a swarm_n of_o new_a piece_n of_o antichristianism_n shall_v be_v write_v the_o whole_a world_n itself_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o contain_v the_o volume_n that_o will_v be_v write_v quest_n but_o do_v not_o the_o profession_n of_o so_o much_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o such_o a_o eminence_n like_o the_o city_n upon_o the_o hill_n that_o can_v be_v hide_v give_v it_o the_o reputation_n of_o a_o most_o famous_a church_n if_o not_o the_o catholic_n as_o it_o call_v itself_o answ_n christianity_n so_o abuse_v as_o in_o the_o popish_a religion_n be_v infinite_o the_o more_o dishonour_v for_o the_o eminence_n of_o the_o antichurch_n that_o so_o expose_v it_o and_o it_o be_v only_o the_o eminence_n of_o antichrist_n sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exalt_v himself_o above_o all_o that_o be_v indeed_o and_o true_o god_n in_o his_o church_n and_o show_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v god_n in_o his_o oracle_n wonder_n and_o miracle_n but_o they_o be_v 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 prophefied_a truth_n into_o who_o place_n and_o office_n antichrist_n succeed_v and_o be_v therefore_o style_v the_o false_a prophet_n revel_v 16._o 13._o quest_n what_o then_o can_v this_o pretend_a catholic_n church_n be_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o true_a catholic_n public_a religion_n answ_n it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o upon_o strict_a account_n than_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n the_o pseudocatholick_a antichurch_n in_o a_o damnable_a heresy_n from_o and_o hatred_n to_o the_o general_n assemby_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v write_v in_o heaven_n unite_v with_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o love_n and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n in_o truth_n and_o love_n in_o a_o hellish_a schism_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o apostolic_a catholic_n church_n of_o which_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n quest_n how_o can_v it_o be_v believe_v that_o so_o great_a a_o lie_n upon_o christianity_n shall_v be_v receive_v by_o so_o large_a a_o proportion_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n or_o that_o person_n of_o so_o vast_a ability_n and_o comprehension_n shall_v so_o deceive_v other_o or_o be_v themselves_o deceive_v answ_n scripture_n have_v take_v all_o the_o care_n possible_a to_o arm_v we_o against_o this_o objection_n which_o be_v indeed_o very_o great_a it_o call_v this_o apostasy_n a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o the_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o revelation_n point_n to_o the_o same_o thing_n upon_o the_o forehead_n of_o this_o adulterous_a church_n be_v write_v mystery_n now_o a_o mystery_n if_o it_o be_v present_o understand_v and_o all_o easy_a and_o plain_a be_v no_o mystery_n it_o have_v the_o energy_n of_o delusion_n in_o cause_v man_n to_o believe_v a_o lie_n it_o be_v the_o whole_a deceit_n of_o unrighteousness_n it_o set_v up_o a_o great_a stage_n of_o counterfeit_n miracle_n that_o it_o vaunt_v upon_o and_o that_o it_o may_v have_v that_o reverend_a face_n of_o antiquity_n to_o deceive_v with_o and_o say_v it_o come_v from_o a_o far-off_a age_n it_o be_v a_o mystery_n that_o be_v then_o at_o work_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n last_o it_o have_v its_o effect_n upon_o they_o that_o may_v be_v christian_n and_o receive_v truth_n but_o not_o the_o chaste_a unprostitute_n love_n of_o truth_n alone_o quest_n but_o it_o seem_v impossible_a that_o any_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o have_v be_v once_o disabused_a shall_v return_v any_o more_o under_o so_o great_a a_o delusion_n answ_n there_o be_v very_o great_a hope_n that_o god_n who_o have_v command_v his_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o this_o darkness_n will_v interpose_v by_o the_o perpetual_a brightness_n of_o his_o own_o appearance_n and_o by_o that_o divine_a breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n in_o his_o word_n against_o the_o return_n of_o so_o great_a a_o darkness_n this_o set_v aside_o there_o be_v so_o many_o reason_n of_o fear_n and_o such_o possibility_n of_o lay_v a_o train_n of_o cause_n reach_v to_o such_o a_o effect_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o place_n for_o security_n but_o in_o the_o almighty_a providence_n and_o yet_o what_o degree_n of_o that_o deadly_a scourge_n may_v fall_v on_o the_o protestant_a world_n god_n only_o know_v we_o know_v our_o sin_n
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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 truth_n of_o god_n of_o which_o they_o be_v ambassador_n be_v much_o high_a than_o the_o king_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o there_o be_v no_o compare_n between_o the_o 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 from_o god_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o yet_o these_o extraordinary_a minister_n in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n preserve_v the_o just_a right_n of_o sovereignty_n thus_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ought_v by_o ordinary_a minister_n to_o be_v faithful_o declare_v by_o those_o who_o be_v call_v to_o do_v it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o declare_v it_o have_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o sovereignty_n above_o all_o earthly_a sovereignty_n both_o with_o prince_n and_o subject_n and_o yet_o the_o publisher_n of_o it_o and_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v publish_v stand_v in_o their_o just_a distance_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n pay_v the_o homage_n due_a to_o sovereignty_n by_o obedience_n active_a wherein_o they_o be_v not_o countermand_v by_o god_n or_o by_o submission_n to_o penal_a law_n and_o decree_v make_v against_o they_o by_o the_o supreme_a legislative_a power_n of_o a_o nation_n wherein_o they_o can_v obey_v god_n and_o the_o power_n at_o once_o because_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o they_o shall_v by_o suffer_v for_o well_o do_v put_v to_o silence_v the_o cavil_n of_o the_o ignorant_a or_o malicious_n quest_n but_o ought_v we_o not_o to_o expect_v that_o prince_n shall_v be_v the_o supreme_a interpreter_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n that_o so_o their_o command_n and_o superiority_n may_v be_v more_o absolute_a and_o because_o that_o government_n that_o do_v not_o determine_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o subject_a can_v have_v so_o free_a a_o display_v of_o itself_o nor_o rest_n so_o secure_a as_o be_v necessary_a to_o government_n answ_n while_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n rule_v who_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n more_o unsullied_a so_o near_o the_o creation_n by_o pure_a tradition_n by_o divine_a revelation_n vouchsafe_v to_o they_o as_o occasion_v require_v preserve_v religion_n undefiled_a supreme_a authority_n and_o instruction_n in_o true_a religion_n reside_v in_o the_o same_o person_n yet_o even_o then_o their_o authority_n in_o religion_n be_v from_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a truth_n even_o as_o afterward_o in_o moses_n samuel_n david_n and_o solomon_n who_o be_v both_o supreme_a prince_n and_o immediate_o commissioned_n by_o god_n as_o prophet_n for_o wherever_o man_n be_v depute_a by_o god_n either_o as_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a minister_n of_o his_o truth_n the_o authority_n be_v not_o in_o man_n but_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n evidence_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o therefore_o the_o patriarchal_a both_o power_n and_o holiness_n expire_v and_o the_o revolt_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n from_o true_a religion_n grow_v great_a god_n begin_v to_o instruct_v his_o church_n by_o messenger_n send_v on_o purpose_n and_o separate_v betwixt_o prince_n and_o prophet_n yea_o even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o so_o sacred_a a_o priesthood_n establish_v by_o god_n himself_o among_o the_o jew_n he_o teach_v his_o church_n very_o often_o by_o prophet_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o immediate_a character_n and_o last_o by_o the_o apostle_n found_v the_o christian_a church_n without_o any_o consultation_n with_o or_o concurrence_n of_o the_o power_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o those_o apostle_n teach_v all_o subjection_n to_o those_o very_a power_n until_o the_o whole_a be_v settle_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n consent_v with_o which_o be_v now_o the_o only_a credential_n of_o a_o teacher_n appoint_v by_o god_n however_o he_o be_v ordinate_v by_o men._n quest_n what_o be_v to_o be_v infer_v from_o hence_o answ_n especial_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o independent_a upon_o all_o humane_a sovereignty_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v accept_v only_o upon_o trial_n by_o its_o own_o evidence_n and_o not_o by_o those_o of_o humane_a authority_n this_o treasure_n be_v therefore_o for_o the_o most_o