Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n great_a spirit_n word_n 3,910 5 3.9744 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A34538 The kingdom of God among men a tract of the sound state of religion, or that Christianity which is described in the holy Scriptures and of the things that make for the security and increase thereof in the world, designing its more ample diffusion among the professed Christians of all sorts and its surer propagation to future ages : with The point of church-unity and schism discuss'd / by John Corbet. Corbet, John, 1620-1680. 1679 (1679) Wing C6258; ESTC R23940 125,145 296

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the_o thing_n here_o principal_o look_v after_o be_v the_o receive_n and_o propagate_a of_o holy_a doctrine_n draw_v out_o of_o the_o pure_a fountain_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n the_o right_a administration_n of_o true_a gospel_n worship_n by_o which_o god_n be_v glorify_v as_o god_n and_o the_o worshipper_n be_v make_v more_o godly_a the_o due_a preach_v of_o god_n word_n and_o dispensation_n of_o other_o divine_a ordinance_n by_o personslawful_o call_v thereunto_o for_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n and_o edification_n of_o convert_n holy_a discipline_n true_o and_o faithful_o administer_v by_o the_o pastor_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n require_v and_o the_o state_n thereof_o will_v bear_v religious_a family_n government_n private_a mutual_a exhortation_n pious_a conference_n and_o profitable_a conversation_n the_o predominant_a influence_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o a_o nation_n yet_o without_o usurpation_n or_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o civil_a right_n of_o any_o especial_o of_o the_o high_a power_n the_o unity_n of_o christian_n and_o their_o mutual_a charity_n conspicuous_a and_o illustrious_a and_o last_o in_o order_n to_o all_o these_o intent_n a_o good_a frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n holy_a doctrine_n be_v the_o incorruptible_a seed_n of_o regeneration_n by_o which_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v beget_v it_o be_v not_o here_o intend_v to_o represent_v a_o perfect_a scheme_n thereof_o for_o it_o suffice_v to_o signify_v that_o extract_v thereof_o from_o holy_a scripture_n be_v draw_v out_o in_o the_o ancient_a catholic_a creed_n and_o in_o the_o harmonious_a confession_n of_o the_o present_a reform_a church_n nevertheless_o our_o design_n require_v the_o observation_n of_o some_o most_o important_a thing_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n as_o that_o there_o be_v first_o a_o earnest_n and_o hearty_a belief_n of_o the_o existence_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o government_n of_o 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the_o receive_n of_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n not_o as_o allegorize_v in_o the_o fancy_n of_o some_o enthusiast_n wherein_o it_o vanish_v to_o nothing_o but_o as_o verisied_a in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n wherein_o it_o become_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n and_o so_o not_o to_o sever_v the_o internal_a spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o its_o external_a frame_n the_o basis_n whereof_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n last_o soundness_n of_o judgement_n in_o those_o great_a gospel_n verity_n that_o be_v write_v for_o the_o exalt_v of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o true_a godliness_n and_o the_o encourage_v of_o the_o godly_a in_o opposition_n to_o ungracious_a ungodly_a and_o uncomfortable_a error_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v these_o follow_a truth_n that_o the_o study_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o all_o christian_n that_o according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n be_v skilful_a in_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n they_o may_v discern_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o offer_v to_o god_n a_o reasonable_a service_n according_a to_o his_o revealed_z will_n that_o internal_a illumination_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o that_o regard_n not_o inspire_v new_a revelation_n but_o enable_v to_o discern_v saving_o what_o be_v already_o reveal_v in_o nature_n and_o scripture_n that_o man_n be_v create_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o that_o in_o this_o state_n he_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o self-determining_a principle_n call_v freewill_n and_o thereby_o make_v capable_a of_o abide_v holy_a and_o happy_a or_o of_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o misery_n according_a to_o his_o own_o choice_n and_o that_o god_n leave_v he_o to_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o own_o choice_n have_v give_v he_o whatsoever_o power_n or_o assistance_n be_v necessary_a to_o his_o stand_n that_o the_o first_o man_n be_v set_v in_o this_o capacity_n fall_v from_o god_n and_o it_o please_v god_n not_o to_o annihilate_v he_o nor_o to_o prevent_v his_o propagate_a of_o a_o issue_n in_o the_o same_o fall_v state_n which_o will_v follow_v upon_o his_o fall_n but_o leave_v the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n to_o pass_v according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n be_v now_o fall_v that_o by_o the_o sin_n of_o adam_n all_o man_n be_v make_v sinner_n and_o corrupt_v in_o their_o whole_a nature_n and_o be_v under_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o liable_a to_o eternal_a condemnation_n and_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o wicked_a bent_n of_o their_o own_o will_n be_v continual_o add_v to_o their_o original_a sin_n a_o heap_n of_o actual_a transgression_n and_o so_o be_v of_o themselves_o in_o a_o miserable_a and_o helpless_a 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to_o a_o save_a change_n and_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o divine_a grace_n which_o be_v call_v common_a that_o deligent_fw-la seek_v after_o god_n by_o the_o help_n of_o common_a grace_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a it_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o some_o further_a attainment_n towards_o the_o soul_n recovery_n and_o it_o be_v regard_v of_o god_n in_o its_o degree_n and_o god_n do_v not_o deny_v man_n further_a degree_n of_o help_n till_o they_o refuse_v to_o follow_v after_o he_o by_o not_o use_v the_o help_n already_o give_v they_o and_o by_o resist_v his_o further_a aid_n that_o god_n have_v make_v all_o man_n savable_a and_o though_o he_o do_v not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o will_v the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o all_o yet_o he_o will_v it_o so_o far_o and_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o encourage_v the_o diligent_a in_o their_o endeavour_n and_o to_o convict_v the_o careless_a of_o be_v inexcusable_a despiser_n of_o his_o grace_n towards_o they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o
trifle_n with_o holy_a thing_n he_o shun_v vanity_n and_o curiosity_n and_o do_v not_o ramble_v into_o impertinence_n and_o care_v not_o to_o utter_v any_o thing_n for_o ostentation_n he_o have_v in_o his_o eye_n the_o end_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o the_o usefulness_n and_o importance_n of_o what_o he_o have_v to_o communicate_v that_o as_o it_o say_v of_o the_o scripture_n from_o whence_o he_o take_v it_o it_o may_v be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o it_o may_v come_v home_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n and_o be_v fit_a to_o raise_v their_o attention_n by_o their_o own_o concernment_n in_o it_o he_o consider_v withal_o what_o the_o hearer_n can_v best_o receive_v that_o be_v not_o what_o the_o flesh_n can_v well_o digest_v for_o then_o the_o most_o necessary_a truth_n must_v be_v forbear_v but_o that_o which_o carry_v its_o own_o evidence_n to_o that_o it_o must_v be_v own_v or_o the_o gainsayers_a must_v be_v self-condemned_n and_o this_o be_v to_o prepare_v man_n mind_n and_o to_o make_v way_n for_o such_o hard_a saying_n and_o strict_a precept_n as_o must_v be_v manifest_v in_o due_a season_n moreover_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o word_n itself_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o in_o all_o reason_n that_o be_v to_o be_v most_o esteem_v such_o which_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v effectual_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v ordain_v it_o which_o be_v to_o open_v man_n eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v through_o faith_n in_o christ._n that_o kind_n of_o preach_v that_o have_v most_o tendency_n to_o convince_v direct_a and_o move_v towards_o this_o end_n be_v without_o controversy_n the_o most_o powerful_a the_o press_v of_o doctrine_n with_o solid_a and_o cogent_a reason_n provide_v they_o be_v make_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o hearer_n appertain_v to_o this_o manner_n of_o preach_v and_o in_o a_o chief_a point_n therein_o strong_a reason_n may_v be_v so_o deliver_v as_o to_o be_v too_o hard_a and_o strong_a for_o plain_a people_n to_o receive_v and_o digest_v it_o here_o condescension_n be_v a_o great_a duty_n and_o perspicuity_n a_o great_a gift_n but_o the_o bare_a evidence_n of_o reason_n do_v not_o all_o for_o to_o gain_v the_o will_n which_o be_v the_o man_n beside_o the_o judgement_n the_o fancy_n and_o affection_n have_v need_n be_v gain_v we_o find_v it_o the_o condescension_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o word_n to_o deal_v very_o much_o with_o these_o low_a faculty_n which_o belong_v not_o to_o brute_n only_o but_o to_o man_n also_o it_o be_v not_o brutish_a but_o human_a to_o be_v move_v by_o they_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o judgement_n even_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o prudent_a man_n be_v find_v to_o take_v no_o small_a impression_n from_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o most_o proper_a way_n of_o solicit_v and_o exciting_a they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v much_o less_o contemn_v now_o dry_a reason_n though_o strong_a enough_o be_v not_o so_o fit_a to_o take_v the_o affection_n or_o raise_v the_o fancy_n wherefore_o some_o other_o help_n among_o which_o there_o be_v comparative_o little_a thing_n be_v herein_o use_v as_o familiar_a expression_n apt_a similitude_n expostulation_n lively_a representation_n and_o such_o like_a to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v a_o voluble_a tongue_n a_o move_a tone_n and_o take_v gesture_n and_o though_o much_o noise_n and_o action_n make_v not_o a_o powerful_a preacher_n yet_o earnestness_n of_o speech_n and_o elevation_n of_o the_o voice_n be_v not_o of_o little_a force_n and_o especial_o with_o vulgar_a hearer_n who_o be_v the_o great_a number_n in_o most_o auditory_n be_v very_o regarnable_a and_o true_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o business_n require_v due_a fervour_n shall_v the_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o death_n eternal_a be_v deliver_v without_o feeling_n as_o by_o man_n half_o asleep_a and_o people_n drowsiness_n do_v no_o less_o require_v it_o yea_o possible_o the_o apprehension_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o common_a people_n may_v better_o be_v rouse_v up_o by_o a_o somewhat_o boisterous_a way_n of_o excitation_n which_o for_o this_o reason_n shall_v not_o displease_v the_o learned_a or_o most_o judicious_a sort_n who_o be_v in_o this_o case_n to_o consider_v not_o what_o will_v most_o affect_v themselves_o but_o the_o great_a multitude_n who_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o help_n and_o who_o soul_n be_v not_o less_o precious_a nor_o redeem_v with_o a_o lesser_a price_n than_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o great_a scholar_n and_o sage_n of_o this_o world_n indeed_o much_o judgement_n and_o and_o circumspection_n be_v here_o call_v for_o that_o all_o 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do_v more_o in_o this_o business_n with_o less_o ability_n of_o art_n and_o nature_n than_o far_o great_a ability_n in_o those_o kind_n can_v do_v by_o themselves_o alone_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n hereof_o and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o that_o he_o who_o have_v some_o savour_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n shall_v speak_v more_o savory_o of_o they_o than_o he_o can_v to_o who_o they_o be_v tasteless_a or_o unsavoury_a wherefore_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a kind_n of_o preach_v not_o indeed_o opposite_a to_o rational_a nor_o take_v so_o to_o be_v by_o any_o that_o talk_v of_o it_o with_o understanding_n though_o the_o assertor_n of_o it_o have_v be_v abusive_o personate_v as_o hold_v such_o a_o dotage_n they_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o spirit_n show_v any_o thing_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o divine_a matter_n which_o be_v
spiritual_a strain_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o which_o as_o come_v from_o life_n and_o spirit_n be_v better_a discern_v than_o describe_v there_o be_v a_o speak_v not_o in_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v and_o though_o this_o more_o eminent_o take_v place_n in_o the_o apostle_n and_o such_o other_o extraordinary_a person_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o restrain_v it_o to_o they_o alone_o st._n paul_n may_v well_o be_v understand_v to_o speak_v of_o this_o as_o a_o gift_n receive_v by_o they_o that_o have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o which_o be_v of_o god_n and_o as_o something_o suit_v to_o the_o perception_n and_o taste_n of_o all_o spiritual_a man_n it_o do_v not_o exclude_v the_o use_n of_o human_a wisdom_n though_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n sway_n in_o chief_a for_o no_o doubt_n even_o paul_n human_a learning_n and_o prudence_n be_v herein_o serviceable_a though_o in_o subserviency_n to_o the_o influence_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n this_o spirituality_n of_o expression_n be_v conformable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n though_o not_o confine_v to_o the_o word_n thereof_o sure_o the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n can_v be_v better_a handle_v than_o in_o those_o term_n in_o which_o they_o be_v first_o deliver_v to_o wit_n in_o scripture_n expression_n or_o other_o consonant_n thereto_o solid_o and_o pertinent_o use_v and_o to_o call_v this_o cant_v savour_v to_o much_o of_o that_o spirit_n to_o which_o holy_a language_n be_v unsavoury_a without_o controversy_n the_o strong_a reason_n be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o gain_v the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o embrace_v true_a religion_n for_o that_o which_o cross_v sensuality_n selfishness_n and_o all_o the_o deprave_a appetite_n of_o our_o lapse_v nature_n as_o religion_n do_v must_v needs_o have_v its_o 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more_o accurate_a or_o reserve_a speculation_n scriptural_a preach_v be_v indeed_o the_o most_o rational_a as_o come_v with_o such_o reason_n as_o be_v of_o great_a force_n with_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n for_o god_n write_v word_n be_v a_o treasure_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n that_o thorough_o furnish_v the_o man_n of_o god_n beside_o the_o infallible_a testimony_n thereof_o have_v more_o authority_n than_o philosophical_a reason_n though_o sound_n and_o true_a can_v have_v upon_o christian_a hearer_n and_o it_o peirce_v deep_a and_o stick_v close_o and_o argument_n take_v and_o word_n speak_v from_o scripture_n wherewith_o the_o people_n converse_v daily_o be_v more_o easy_o apprehend_v and_o retain_v and_o so_o be_v more_o instructive_a and_o every_o way_n more_o useful_a than_o other_o reason_n though_o numerous_a citation_n of_o sentence_n out_o of_o human_a author_n be_v a_o unprofitable_a kind_n of_o ostentation_n yet_o the_o sentence_n of_o holy_a writ_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o our_o christian_a hope_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o be_v most_o effectual_a to_o edification_n and_o whosoever_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v reason_n in_o divine_a matter_n be_v to_o make_v a_o rational_a use_n of_o scripture_n and_o if_o any_o quote_v it_o impertinent_o and_o absurd_o it_o be_v through_o defect_n of_o reason_n and_o they_o will_v be_v as_o injudicious_a in_o their_o sermon_n without_o those_o quotation_n but_o nice_a and_o haughty_a wit_n most_o cavil_v without_o cause_n and_o charge_v profitable_a preacher_n with_o injudiciousness_n mere_o through_o their_o own_o vain_a curiosity_n and_o inconsiderateness_n scripture_n quotation_n be_v sometime_o use_v by_o way_n of_o allusion_n or_o for_o illustration_n not_o for_o strict_a proof_n and_o that_o which_o be_v bring_v for_o proof_n if_o it_o be_v not_o full_a and_o cogent_a yet_o it_o may_v add_v some_o weight_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o abuse_v beside_o if_o a_o passage_n be_v use_v in_o a_o sound_n and_o pious_a though_o not_o in_o its_o proper_a sense_n it_o be_v pardonable_a it_o be_v fit_a indeed_o that_o in_o cite_v text_n we_o know_v their_o true_a import_n and_o go_v more_o by_o weight_n than_o number_n shun_v impertinency_n and_o superfluity_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o unfit_a to_o note_v that_o all_o sound_n and_o good_a preacher_n be_v not_o alike_o judicious_a and_o those_o that_o be_v very_o solid_a may_v be_v guilty_a of_o some_o oversight_n and_o it_o be_v a_o bad_a matter_n that_o their_o ministry_n which_o god_n have_v own_v and_o honour_v with_o good_a success_n in_o his_o service_n shall_v be_v set_v at_o nought_o for_o a_o few_o mistake_n perhaps_o more_o pretend_v than_o real_a about_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o scripture_n when_o it_o be_v not_o apply_v otherwise_o than_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n will_v bear_v and_o nothing_o be_v defend_v but_o know_v truth_n i_o have_v know_v a_o pious_a but_o strange_o mistake_v sense_n of_o a_o scripture_n sentence_n cast_v into_o the_o mind_n and_o there_o fix_v to_o have_v be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o seriousness_n in_o religion_n to_o one_o that_o afterward_o live_v and_o die_v a_o godly_a christian._n now_o that_o which_o be_v causal_n in_o this_o conversion_n be_v the_o godly_a truth_n itself_o which_o be_v write_v in_o god_n word_n and_o the_o mistake_n it_o to_o lie_v in_o such_o a_o sentence_n where_o it_o do_v not_o be_v but_o accidental_a be_v no_o hindrance_n i_o do_v in_o no_o wise_a countenance_n the_o irrational_a use_n of_o scripture_n but_o be_o sensible_a of_o the_o importance_n of_o good_a judgement_n and_o due_a care_n about_o the_o sense_n thereof_o yet_o i_o can_v approve_v the_o scornful_a haughtiness_n of_o some_o man_n who_o deride_z godly_a person_n well_o instruct_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o have_v nothing_o but_o word_n and_o phrase_n and_o senseless_a notion_n either_o because_o they_o come_v short_a of_o scholarlike_o exactness_n or_o because_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o a_o more_o evangelicall_n and_o spiritual_a strain_n than_o these_o can_v well_o bear_v in_o speak_v the_o best_a use_n of_o art_n be_v to_o speak_v to_o best_a purpose_n and_o for_o that_o end_n in_o divine_a matter_n to_o speak_v with_o great_a majesty_n and_o authority_n and_o this_o be_v do_v not_o by_o ostentation_n of_o wit_n by_o puerile_a and_o effeminate_a rhetorication_n by_o a_o rhapsody_n of_o flaunt_a word_n by_o starch_a speech_n by_o cadency_n of_o sound_n or_o any_o too_o elaborate_a politeness_n that_o please_v the_o shallow_a fancy_n but_o by_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n set_v forth_o in_o a_o masculine_a and_o unaffected_a eloquence_n that_o have_v power_n over_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o be_v tough_a and_o knotty_a piece_n perspicuity_n be_v a_o great_a virtue_n and_o felicity_n in_o discourse_n for_o hereby_o what_o be_v offer_v gain_n attention_n and_o enter_v the_o mind_n and_o abide_v therein_o but_o intricacy_n and_o obscurity_n be_v a_o bar_n to_o its_o entrance_n and_o entertainment_n hereunto_o a_o easy_a and_o obvious_a method_n evident_a coherence_n and_o plainness_n of_o expression_n conduce_v main_o wherefore_o he_o that_o mind_n what_o he_o have_v to_o do_v be_v not_o careful_a by_o a_o more_o curious_a artifice_n to_o please_v the_o fancy_n of_o some_o itch_a hearer_n but_o have_v most_o regard_n to_o that_o composure_n that_o make_v most_o for_o a_o general_a benefit_n and_o edification_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n as_o he_o will_v not_o multiply_v word_n without_o need_n and_o become_v tedious_a so_o he_o will_v not_o be_v too_o succinct_a and_o close_a and_o by_o that_o mean_n either_o too_o dark_a or_o too_o quick_a to_o inform_v or_o effect_v the_o people_n in_o vulgar_a auditory_n a_o dilate_v of_o the_o matter_n be_v most_o necessary_a so_o that_o idle_a tautology_n and_o prolixity_n be_v avoid_v and_o it_o may_v be_v
holy_a in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o christianity_n the_o scripture_n make_v mention_n of_o church_n that_o be_v in_o particular_a house_n teach_v that_o christian_a family_n shall_v resemble_v church_n for_o piety_n and_o godly_a order_n by_o family-godliness_n religion_n thrive_v exceed_o and_o decay_v as_o much_o by_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o by_o domestic_a instruction_n knowledge_n be_v much_o increase_v for_o this_o private_a particular_a teach_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v more_o heed_v than_o that_o which_o be_v public_a and_o general_a and_o person_n be_v hereby_o prepare_v to_o attend_v with_o profit_n upon_o the_o public_a preach_v good_a principle_n be_v infuse_v and_o impression_n of_o good_a be_v make_v upon_o those_o that_o live_v under_o such_o government_n and_o where_o much_o may_v not_o be_v wrought_v at_o present_a towards_o conversion_n something_o may_v stick_v upon_o they_o which_o may_v afterward_o appear_v when_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n shall_v visit_v they_o more_o powerful_o moreover_o national_a and_o church_n reformation_n shall_v here_o begin_v nation_n will_v be_v wicked_a and_o church_n corrupt_v while_o family_n remain_v disorder_v but_o by_o the_o reformation_n of_o these_o lesser_a society_n the_o large_a be_v easy_o reform_v as_o the_o whole_a street_n be_v make_v clean_o where_o every_o one_o will_v sweep_v his_o own_o door_n which_o be_v but_o a_o easy_a task_n it_o be_v most_o desirable_a that_o house_n of_o eminent_a person_n be_v exemplary_a in_o this_o kind_n as_o it_o appear_v king_n david_n be_v by_o that_o profession_n i_o will_v walk_v within_o my_o house_n with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n i_o will_v not_o know_v a_o wicked_a person_n he_o that_o walk_v in_o a_o perfect_a way_n shall_v serve_v i_o but_o it_o be_v lamentable_a that_o in_o so_o many_o family_n of_o profess_a christian_n of_o high_a and_o low_a degree_n wickedness_n carry_v it_o with_o a_o high_a hand_n in_o drunkenness_n swear_v curse_a open_a profanation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n in_o hatred_n of_o godliness_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o that_o in_o many_o other_o free_a from_o debauchedness_n and_o open_a lewdness_n there_o be_v no_o face_n religion_n no_o divine_a worship_n perform_v no_o godly_a discipline_n no_o instruction_n in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n observe_v shall_v any_o profess_v subjection_n to_o god_n maintain_v under_o his_o charge_n and_o government_n a_o open_a rebellion_n against_o god_n or_o at_o least_o a_o total_a neglect_n of_o he_o shall_v not_o god_n rule_v where_o his_o servant_n rule_v wherefore_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o christian_a householder_n in_o their_o several_a house_n to_o offer_v prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n daily_o both_o morning_n and_o evening_n as_o the_o daily_a sacrifice_n to_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n day_n in_o prayer_n sing_v of_o psalm_n read_v the_o scripture_n and_o other_o holy_a book_n in_o repeat_v sermon_n instruct_v child_n and_o servant_n and_o in_o take_v account_n of_o their_o diligence_n and_o proficiency_n under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o this_o to_o be_v do_v not_o formal_o and_o customary_o but_o conscientious_o in_o good_a carnest_n and_o to_o good_a effect_n it_o be_v their_o charge_n also_o to_o hold_v a_o prudent_a hand_n over_o child_n in_o their_o minority_n and_o not_o to_o indulge_v they_o in_o a_o course_n of_o idleness_n sensual_a pleasure_n or_o any_o inordinate_a liberty_n also_o to_o make_v intercession_n to_o god_n for_o those_o under_o their_o tuition_n to_o allow_v servant_n time_n for_o secret_a duty_n last_o to_o purge_v their_o family_n of_o sinful_a disorder_n and_o to_o remove_v scandal_n as_o careful_o as_o the_o israelite_n cleanse_v their_o house_n from_o leaven_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o passover_n as_o the_o religious_a care_n of_o superior_n so_o the_o submission_n and_o teachableness_n of_o inferior_n be_v enjoin_v child_n servant_n and_o sojourner_n in_o godly_a family_n be_v come_v into_o the_o lord_n heritage_n and_o portion_n and_o under_o his_o special_a protection_n and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n shall_v not_o think_v it_o a_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n to_o live_v under_o such_o a_o discipline_n and_o to_o be_v hold_v unto_o such_o exercy_n but_o shall_v improve_v the_o advantage_n and_o be_v follower_n of_o whatsoever_o be_v good_a and_o praiseworthy_a and_o whatsoever_o imperfection_n they_o find_v therein_o they_o shall_v not_o malignant_o aggravate_v the_o same_o but_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o good_a and_o consider_v the_o defect_n as_o the_o remainder_n of_o human_a weakness_n chap._n viii_o private_a mutual_a exhortation_n pious_a discourse_n and_o edify_a conversation_n it_o be_v also_o of_o great_a advantage_n when_o christian_a people_n be_v enure_v in_o the_o way_n of_o religious_a converse_n and_o discourse_n for_o edification_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o propagate_v the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o keep_v themselves_o in_o spiritual_a life_n and_o vigour_n and_o daily_o build_v up_o one_o another_o on_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n advance_v heaven-ward_n and_o it_o be_v as_o comely_a as_o advantageous_a the_o royal_a prophet_n understand_v what_o be_v seemly_a and_o worthy_a of_o he_o in_o his_o conversation_n and_o he_o say_v i_o will_v talk_v of_o thy_o commandment_n before_o prince_n and_o not_o be_v ashamed_a be_v it_o not_o seemly_a for_o those_o that_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n above_o and_o for_o fellowtravell_n r_v towards_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n to_o mention_v the_o affair_n of_o their_o own_o country_n it_o be_v also_o sweet_a and_o lovely_a a_o partake_n of_o that_o grace_n that_o be_v pour_v into_o christ_n lip_n and_o it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o all_o such_o as_o savour_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n yea_o be_v not_o convert_v bind_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o seek_v the_o conversion_n of_o other_o we_o have_v receive_v this_o holy_a commandment_n let_v no_o corrupt_a communication_n proceed_v out_o of_o your_o mouth_n but_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o the_o use_n of_o edify_v that_o it_o may_v administer_v grace_n to_o the_o hearer_n indeed_o holy_a language_n proceed_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o scandalous_a person_n or_o detect_v hypocrite_n be_v disgrace_v and_o lose_v its_o savour_n if_o affectation_n and_o vanity_n appear_v therein_o it_o have_v not_o so_o sweet_a a_o relish_n but_o this_o can_v be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o gracious_a word_n which_o holy_a and_o humble_a man_n of_o inoffensive_a life_n speak_v feel_o from_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o those_o that_o judge_v they_o hypocrite_n god_n will_v judge_v moreover_o honest_a mind_n may_v be_v sometime_o guilty_a of_o imprudence_n and_o thereby_o occasion_v some_o disgust_n and_o make_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o wholesome_a to_o be_v unacceptable_a and_o ineffectual_a nevertheless_o it_o be_v a_o bad_a matter_n for_o any_o one_o from_o the_o baseness_n of_o some_o hypocrite_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o good_a christian_n to_o take_v occasion_n of_o pour_v out_o contempt_n upon_o this_o godly_a practice_n yea_o whosoever_o give_v a_o check_n to_o it_o upon_o pretence_n of_o its_o unseasonableness_n and_o impertinency_n at_o some_o time_n be_v not_o well_o advise_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o true_a religion_n because_o for_o one_o that_o be_v overforward_a herein_o a_o hundred_o be_v too_o backward_o and_o that_o among_o the_o wise_a and_o able_a who_o may_v reap_v a_o harvest_n of_o much_o good_a if_o they_o be_v not_o too_o rich_a or_o sluggish_a the_o most_o have_v need_v rather_o of_o the_o spur_n than_o the_o bridle_n in_o this_o case_n wherefore_o discretion_n will_v mind_v the_o season_n in_o which_o every_o thing_n be_v beautiful_a and_o not_o inconsiderate_o force_v discourse_n and_o run_v on_o therein_o when_o it_o will_v not_o be_v entertain_v as_o in_o the_o set_a time_n of_o other_o man_n sport_n or_o business_n nor_o will_v it_o press_v any_o beyond_o due_a measure_n and_o what_o they_o can_v well_o receive_v lest_o that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v precious_a become_v nauseous_a or_o untastfull_a opportunity_n and_o leisure_n will_v sufficient_o offer_v itself_o for_o set_v and_o solemn_a conference_n and_o beside_o this_o there_o will_v be_v room_n almost_o continual_o to_o put_v in_o by_o the_o by_o a_o word_n that_o may_v take_v effect_n how_o forcible_a be_v right_a word_n it_o have_v sometime_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o short_a say_v occasional_o let_v fall_v upon_o a_o prepare_a mind_n have_v enter_v deep_a and_o stick_v close_o yea_o that_o which_o take_v not_o much_o at_o present_a may_v be_v remember_v and_o have_v its_o effect_n after_o a_o long_a time_n and_o then_o be_v matter_n of_o much_o blessing_n and_o praise_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o wise_a preacher_n look_v this_o way_n in_o the_o morning_n sow_v thy_o seed_n in_o the_o evening_n withhold_v not_o thy_o hand_n for_o thou_o
their_o union_n and_o fellowship_n be_v chief_o mystical_a and_o invisible_a their_o unity_n be_v far_o great_a than_o what_o outward_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n and_o sometime_o than_o what_o themselves_o can_v discern_v among_o themselves_o in_o particular_a by_o reason_n of_o many_o inferior_a yet_o very_o disquiet_v difference_n and_o discord_n nevertheless_o it_o behoove_v they_o to_o provide_v that_o it_o may_v appear_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v what_o it_o be_v indeed_o and_o that_o it_o be_v conspicuous_a and_o illustrious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n by_o their_o walk_n in_o love_n and_o peace_n unity_n be_v the_o church_n strength_n and_o beauty_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o a_o argument_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n it_o make_v religion_n lovely_a and_o draw_v forth_o blessing_n &_o praise_n from_o the_o beholder_n of_o it_o and_o win_v the_o world_n to_o a_o love_n and_o reverence_n of_o that_o piety_n which_o make_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o to_o live_v in_o brotherly_a kindness_n and_o mutual_a charity_n but_o division_n be_v the_o church_n weakness_n and_o deformity_n the_o reproach_n of_o christian_n and_o a_o scandal_n against_o christianity_n and_o a_o objection_n put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o infidel_n against_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v unto_o many_o in_o the_o present_a divide_a state_n of_o religion_n each_o party_n be_v apt_a to_o appropriate_v godliness_n to_o themselves_o or_o at_o least_o to_o carry_v it_o towards_o other_o as_o if_o they_o do_v so_o and_o they_o that_o be_v loud_a in_o accuse_v dissenter_n of_o uncharitableness_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v themselves_o as_o uncharitable_a as_o any_o other_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n have_v a_o peculiar_a people_n distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o by_o a_o peculiar_a character_n but_o it_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o party_n of_o this_o or_o that_o persuasion_n or_o denomination_n that_o be_v narrow_a than_o mere_a christianity_n and_o all_o true_a christian_n be_v to_o receive_v one_o a_o other_o as_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o indeed_o the_o best_a christian_n be_v to_o be_v best_a esteem_v and_o their_o fellowship_n be_v most_o desire_a but_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v sever_v from_o the_o universality_n and_o in_o a_o strict_a combination_n set_v up_o as_o divide_a party_n it_o tend_v to_o the_o church_n ruin_n for_o a_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o can_v stand_v and_o if_o the_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o body_n forsake_v the_o rest_n the_o whole_a must_v needs_o die_v christian_n concord_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o aggregation_n of_o thing_n inconsistent_a as_o the_o fellowship_n of_o righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n the_o communion_n of_o light_n with_o darkness_n the_o concord_n of_o christ_n with_o belial_n to_o set_v up_o unity_n against_o piety_n be_v a_o conspiracy_n against_o christ_n who_o be_v king_n of_o righteousness_n and_o to_o pretend_v piety_n against_o unity_n be_v to_o oppose_v christ_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n who_o kingdom_n be_v the_o reign_n of_o love_n in_o the_o soul_n holiness_n and_o peace_n must_v kiss_v each_o other_o and_o as_o inseparable_a companion_n walk_v together_o it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v charge_v to_o keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n but_o concord_n in_o any_o external_a order_n without_o fellowship_n in_o the_o divine_a life_n be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o new_a nature_n and_o to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o same_o holy_a way_n this_o be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o great_a compliance_n in_o matter_n of_o mere_a external_a order_n and_o consequent_o much_o more_o regardable_a in_o our_o estimation_n and_o reception_n of_o person_n though_o to_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n be_v not_o of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o to_o be_v join_v in_o one_o spirit_n yet_o it_o must_v not_o be_v count_v a_o small_a matter_n the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v much_o concern_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o church_n communion_n it_o will_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o some_o difficulty_n for_o they_o to_o live_v together_o in_o love_n who_o one_o church_n can_v hold_v church_n division_n common_o divide_v affection_n and_o draw_v man_n into_o party_n and_o divide_a interest_n and_o make_v they_o seek_v to_o strengthen_v their_o own_o party_n by_o weaken_v all_o other_o to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o general_n for_o which_o cause_n the_o unchurch_a of_o church_n and_o renounce_v of_o communion_n with_o they_o that_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o sacrament_n and_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o divine_a worship_n shall_v be_v dread_v by_o all_o sober_a christian_n yea_o all_o unnecessary_a distance_n shall_v be_v avoid_v lest_o they_o lead_v to_o great_a alienation_n and_o direct_a enmity_n and_o opposition_n those_o church_n that_o can_v hold_v local_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o by_o reason_n of_o difference_n that_o destroy_v not_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n shall_v yet_o maintain_v a_o dear_a and_o tender_a christian_a love_n one_o to_o another_o and_o profess_v their_o own_n of_o each_o other_o as_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o shall_v agree_v together_o upon_o certain_a just_a and_o equal_a rule_n for_o the_o management_n of_o their_o unavoidable_a difference_n so_o as_o may_v lest_o prejudice_n charity_n and_o common_a good_a and_o least_o harden_v the_o ungodly_a and_o grieve_v the_o weak_a or_o dishonour_n god_n or_o hinder_v the_o success_n of_o common_a great_a and_o necessary_a truth_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n amicable_o promote_a the_o common_a cause_n of_o christianity_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o in_o which_o they_o be_v agree_v and_o open_v their_o disagreement_n to_o the_o people_n as_o little_a as_o they_o can_v schism_n be_v a_o unwarrantable_a separation_n from_o or_o division_n in_o a_o church_n and_o without_o controversy_n it_o be_v a_o heinous_a sin_n and_o to_o be_v detest_v both_o for_o its_o exceed_a sinfulness_n and_o woeful_a consequent_n but_o it_o have_v be_v so_o disguise_v and_o the_o odious_a name_n have_v be_v so_o confuse_o cast_v abroad_o and_o so_o unreasonable_o and_o malicious_o misapply_v that_o it_o be_v too_o slight_o think_v of_o where_o it_o shall_v be_v sad_o lay_v to_o heart_n for_o it_o be_v common_a with_o the_o strong_a party_n be_v it_o right_n or_o wrong_n to_o call_v themselves_o the_o church_n and_o to_o have_v no_o better_a name_n for_o other_o than_o schismatic_n and_o so_o the_o reproach_n be_v but_o contemn_v by_o they_o that_o suffer_v it_o and_o the_o sin_n itself_o be_v too_o little_o fear_v on_o all_o side_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o temporal_a law_n nor_o secular_a power_n nor_o any_o prevalence_n of_o strength_n or_o interest_n that_o make_v a_o church_n and_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n will_v excuse_v they_o from_o schism_n that_o act_n uncharitable_o against_o their_o brethren_n and_o obstruct_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o godliness_n nor_o be_v they_o forthwith_o to_o be_v count_v schismatic_n who_o can_v in_o all_o point_n observe_v the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o can_v neglect_v to_o yield_v their_o help_n to_o the_o save_n of_o soul_n that_o will_v otherwise_o want_v due_a mean_n of_o salvation_n when_o god_n have_v call_v they_o to_o that_o service_n with_o a_o woe_n unto_o they_o if_o they_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n for_o as_o much_o as_o all_o must_v dread_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n true_o so_o call_v let_v it_o be_v well_o consider_v that_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o schismatical_a imposition_n as_o the_o people_n be_v to_o shun_v schismatical_a recusancy_n and_o disobedience_n as_o well_o the_o pastor_n wisdom_n as_o the_o people_n due_a submission_n be_v here_o importunate_o call_v for_o when_o superior_n know_v how_o to_o command_v and_o inferior_n how_o to_o obey_v thing_n will_v go_v as_o well_o as_o may_v be_v hope_v for_o in_o this_o our_o imperfect_a state_n here_o upon_o earth_n as_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v best_a assure_v by_o suppress_v all_o conscientious_a inquiry_n into_o its_o decree_n so_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v most_o secure_v by_o the_o most_o perfect_a exercise_n of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o upright_a conscience_n in_o all_o its_o adherent_n that_o church_n that_o claim_v to_o herself_o a_o infallibility_n or_o challenge_n and_o obtain_v from_o her_o partaker_n a_o implicit_a faith_n in_o her_o determination_n without_o further_a enquiry_n need_v not_o fear_v the_o break_n of_o the_o bond_n of_o her_o peace_n if_o she_o multiply_v constitution_n and_o impose_v any_o devise_a doctrine_n and_o ordinance_n suitable_a to_o
doctrine_n deprave_v the_o mind_n and_o beget_v a_o false_a notion_n of_o godliness_n or_o christianity_n when_o regeneration_n or_o true_a conversion_n be_v prevent_v by_o be_v make_v in_o effect_n no_o more_o than_o civility_n join_v with_o a_o dead_a conformity_n to_o the_o exterior_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n when_o religion_n be_v place_v in_o a_o outside_n pharisaical_a holiness_n in_o some_o bodily_a severity_n and_o it_o may_v be_v in_o mere_a form_n and_o empty_a show_n without_o internal_a and_o real_a mortification_n and_o devotion_n when_o the_o exterior_a ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v retain_v but_o use_v after_o another_o manner_n than_o what_o become_v the_o gospel-church_n or_o suit_n the_o end_n of_o gospel-worship_n when_o a_o sapless_a and_o fruitless_a generation_n of_o man_n be_v nourish_v in_o holy_a order_n who_o cherish_v the_o people_n in_o ignorance_n profaneness_n or_o lukewarmness_n who_o show_v they_o a_o way_n to_o heaven_n that_o be_v smooth_a broad_a and_o easy_a to_o the_o flesh_n who_o serve_v or_o at_o least_o spare_v the_o lust_n of_o man_n who_o humour_n the_o vulgar_a sort_n in_o rude_a folly_n who_o give_v absolution_n upon_o formal_a and_o loose_a term_n and_o therewith_o a_o false_a repose_n to_o poor_a delude_a soul_n when_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o churchman_n be_v to_o promote_v superstition_n blind_a devotion_n and_o implicit_a faith_n and_o to_o hold_v people_n in_o the_o chain_n of_o spiritual_a darkness_n and_o in_o the_o please_a bondage_n of_o carnal_a liberty_n their_o conscience_n be_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n secure_v by_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a tenant_n and_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o devout_a observance_n of_o certain_a external_a ordinance_n when_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n be_v contrive_v to_o maintain_v fleshly_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n worldly_a pomp_n and_o power_n and_o the_o chief_a glory_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n lie_v in_o outward_a order_n without_o inward_a life_n and_o spirit_n in_o sacred_a administration_n when_o the_o weapon_n of_o its_o warfare_n be_v not_o spiritual_a but_o carnal_a suitable_a to_o a_o earthly_a and_o sensual_a state_n when_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o master_n upon_o earth_n be_v call_v obedience_n and_o their_o peaceable_a possession_n of_o wealth_n and_o honour_n be_v take_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n when_o concord_n in_o the_o unprofitable_a or_o hurtful_a dictate_v of_o man_n be_v make_v to_o pass_v for_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o the_o constitution_n itself_o the_o general_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n be_v consider_v be_v find_v defective_a for_o the_o true_a end_n of_o government_n and_o le_fw-fr we_o loose_v the_o rain_v of_o deprave_a appetite_n and_o by_o carnal_a allurement_n alienates_v the_o mind_n from_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o turn_v it_o after_o the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o serve_v the_o voluptuosness_n covetousness_n and_o pride_n of_o its_o adherent_n for_o which_o cause_n its_o yoke_n be_v easy_a to_o the_o sensual_a part_n of_o man_n but_o it_o be_v scandalous_a to_o they_o that_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o become_v a_o stepmother_n to_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o conscientious_a when_o these_o and_o the_o like_a thing_n prevail_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v turn_v into_o another_o thing_n than_o what_o it_o be_v indeed_o by_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n who_o serve_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o by_o the_o wisdom_n that_o descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a square_a out_o to_o themselves_o and_o those_o that_o live_v under_o their_o influence_n a_o loose_a form_n of_o christianity_n not_o after_o christ_n but_o after_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n but_o this_o corruption_n be_v more_o or_o less_o enormous_a in_o different_a age_n and_o country_n according_a to_o its_o great_a or_o near_a distance_n from_o the_o time_n and_o mean_n of_o pure_a knowledge_n and_o a_o less_o corrupt_a state_n may_v be_v sever_v from_o that_o which_o be_v more_o gross_o vicious_a and_o impure_a and_o yet_o remain_v a_o degeneration_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n though_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n and_o let_v this_o be_v note_v that_o in_o a_o degenerate_a state_n the_o doctrine_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v so_o far_o retain_v as_o to_o contain_v thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n which_o may_v beget_v and_o preserve_v the_o vital_n of_o christianity_n in_o they_o that_o do_v not_o mingle_v with_o the_o other_o poisonous_a ingredient_n or_o at_o least_o not_o in_o their_o full_a extent_n yea_o the_o degeneration_n may_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o a_o low_a degree_n and_o less_o pernicious_a and_o perhaps_o only_o as_o a_o scab_n upon_o some_o part_n and_o not_o overspread_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o great_a multitude_n therein_o may_v profess_v and_o practise_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n thus_o the_o judaical_a church_n in_o its_o corrupt_a state_n retain_v the_o vital_n of_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o grace_n to_o they_o that_o escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o those_o time_n and_o be_v not_o season_v with_o the_o leaven_n of_o false_a teacher_n chap._n xiii_o the_o sectarian_n and_o fanatical_a degeneration_n the_o other_o deviation_n lie_v more_o out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o carnal_a gospeler_n and_o this_o be_v usual_o style_v sectarian_n whereof_o the_o particular_a by_o path_n be_v numberless_a but_o let_v this_o be_v note_v that_o whatsoever_o way_n swerve_v from_o the_o main_a end_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o sect_n or_o faction_n yea_o though_o it_o spread_v so_o far_o and_o wide_a as_o that_o they_o who_o walk_v therein_o do_v for_o their_o huge_a multitude_n presume_v to_o appropriate_v to_o themselves_o alone_o the_o title_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n wherever_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o party_n bear_v sway_n to_o the_o detriment_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o godliness_n where_o invention_n false_a or_o useless_a be_v make_v the_o necessary_a symbol_n of_o religion_n there_o a_o sectarian_n interest_n bear_v sway_v and_o the_o gain_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n will_v not_o wipe_v off_o the_o blot_n of_o such_o a_o party_n the_o name_n of_o sectary_n may_v fit_v proud_a usurper_n as_o well_o as_o blind_a zealot_n this_o necessary_a proviso_n be_v make_v it_o remain_v to_o speak_v in_o this_o place_n of_o the_o more_o incoherent_a unstable_a and_o ungovernable_a sort_n of_o sect_n the_o root_n of_o the_o evil_a in_o this_o kind_n be_v common_o a_o heighten_a fancy_n and_o complexional_a zeal_n bear_v rule_n instead_o of_o sober_a judgement_n and_o a_o more_o intellectual_a spiritual_a and_o pure_a love_n it_o shall_v suffice_v to_o set_v down_o some_o notable_a instance_n for_o it_o be_v endless_a to_o recount_v they_o all_o some_o have_v be_v so_o far_o transport_v with_o the_o hatred_n of_o church_n tyranny_n and_o persecute_v pride_n and_o cruelty_n that_o they_o mind_v not_o the_o good_a of_o church_n unity_n order_n and_o government_n and_o they_o run_v so_o far_o from_o implicit_a faith_n in_o the_o dictate_v of_o proud_a man_n that_o themselves_o have_v proud_o slight_v the_o church_n directive_n judgement_n and_o all_o pastoral_a authority_n as_o a_o thing_n of_o no_o value_n and_o have_v fierce_o impugn_a it_o as_o opposite_a to_o christian_a liberty_n of_o the_o like_a strain_n be_v they_o that_o upon_o pretence_n of_o high_a attainment_n and_o great_a spirituality_n have_v reject_v external_a ordinance_n as_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o the_o public_a ministry_n and_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n as_o low_a and_o beggarly_a rudiment_n while_o they_o declare_v themselves_o hereby_o to_o be_v carnal_a and_o vain_o puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n some_o through_o abuse_n and_o mistake_v of_o divine_a promise_n concern_v the_o spirit_n teach_v have_v forsake_v the_o sure_a guidance_n of_o god_n law_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o uncertain_a intimation_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o dangerous_a impulse_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n and_o pretend_v immediate_a inspiration_n which_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o delusion_n of_o a_o exalt_a fancy_n and_o sometime_o they_o have_v real_o fall_v under_o satanical_a impression_n because_o there_o be_v the_o fleshly_a wisdom_n of_o the_o carnal_a mind_n that_o be_v enmity_n against_o god_n some_o have_v disclaim_v reason_n itself_o as_o corrupt_v and_o carnal_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n follow_v their_o own_o wilful_a imagination_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o light_n within_o they_o and_o delight_n in_o thing_n irrational_a and_o unintelligible_a and_o render_v themselves_o uncapable_a of_o sound_a instruction_n a_o fanatic_a fury_n
have_v hurry_v some_o under_o pretence_n of_o erect_v the_o five_o monarchy_n to_o rend_v and_o tear_v kingdom_n and_o nation_n to_o attempt_v the_o dissolve_v of_o all_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o most_o ready_a way_n to_o subvert_v god_n kingdom_n by_o the_o subversion_n of_o christian_a magistracy_n and_o ministry_n and_o to_o dispossess_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o territory_n it_o have_v gain_v some_o have_v proceed_v so_o far_o in_o the_o pretend_a reign_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o to_o abrogate_v the_o external_a frame_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o turn_v the_o gospel_n history_n into_o mystical_a allegory_n yet_o such_o as_o may_v be_v conceive_v and_o shape_v in_o a_o vulgar_a fancy_n and_o be_v low_a and_o despicable_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n according_a to_o the_o historical_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o worse_o some_o have_v be_v so_o gross_a as_o to_o turn_v into_o a_o allegory_n the_o great_a hope_n of_o our_o christian_a calling_n even_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o so_o pervert_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o a_o mysterious_a infidelity_n and_o apostasy_n from_o jesus_n christ._n yea_o some_o pervert_n the_o high_a expression_n of_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o dwell_v in_o god_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o like_a have_v impious_o talk_v of_o their_o begod_v condition_n and_o blasphemous_o entitle_v the_o most_o high_a and_o holy_a one_o to_o their_o abominable_a extravagancy_n and_o impurity_n and_o beside_o all_o these_o some_o be_v perpetual_a seeker_n have_v no_o fix_v belief_n in_o the_o most_o important_a point_n person_n so_o far_o enlighten_v as_o not_o to_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o high_a way_n than_o the_o common_a dead_a formality_n and_o have_v some_o taste_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o thereby_o raise_v above_o the_o general_a indifferency_n and_o lukewarmness_n unto_o a_o kind_n of_o strictness_n seriousness_n and_o fervour_n of_o spirit_n in_o religion_n yet_o fall_v short_a of_o true_a conversion_n and_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v well_o conceit_v of_o their_o own_o gift_n and_o part_n and_o seem_a grace_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o a_o full_a gale_n of_o fancy_n into_o the_o gulf_n of_o these_o delusion_n and_o a_o tincture_n of_o this_o contagion_n though_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n may_v seize_v on_o some_o who_o stand_v in_o the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n be_v deceive_v by_o a_o show_n of_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n and_o peradventure_o lie_v under_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o some_o ensnare_a occasion_n which_o work_n upon_o the_o remainder_n of_o pride_n levity_n curiosity_n and_o other_o corruption_n which_o the_o present_a imperfect_a state_n leave_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o real_a christian_n and_o some_o of_o these_o may_v soon_o fall_v into_o absurd_a opinion_n than_o many_o that_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n who_o may_v easy_o abide_v among_o the_o orthodox_n either_o because_o they_o do_v not_o concern_v themselves_o in_o religious_a inquiry_n or_o because_o they_o be_v hold_v by_o worldly_a advantage_n which_o stand_v on_o truth_n side_n the_o fancy_n be_v soon_o fill_v with_o notion_n and_o the_o affection_n thereby_o raise_v than_o the_o judgement_n be_v well_o inform_v and_o the_o heart_n establish_v in_o grace_n hence_o proceed_v a_o sickliness_n in_o the_o soul_n appetite_n a_o satiety_n of_o plain_a save_v truth_n and_o of_o sound_a wholesome_a preach_v a_o desire_n of_o novelty_n selfconceitedness_a pragmatical_a confidence_n rash_a censure_n partiality_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n a_o lessen_v of_o the_o pastoral_n authority_n encroachment_n upon_o the_o pastor_n office_n divide_v principle_n and_o practice_n and_o innumerable_a inconvenience_n moreover_o well_o mean_v people_n associate_v in_o a_o strict_a profession_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v sequacious_a of_o some_o lead_a person_n among_o they_o and_o some_o will_v follow_v the_o rest_n for_o company_n and_o the_o high_a pretension_n and_o heighten_a confidence_n of_o enthusiast_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o enchantment_n to_o bewitch_v those_o that_o unwarrantable_o approach_v to_o near_o they_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v predispose_v by_o temper_n or_o complexion_n towards_o enthusiasm_n in_o these_o thing_n man_n forsake_v the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n to_o walk_v by_o false_a light_n and_o to_o follow_v blind_a guide_n the_o holy_a ghost_n bid_v we_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o trial_n and_o leave_v we_o not_o to_o any_o unaccountable_a impulse_n or_o impression_n the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o evangelical_n doctrine_n show_v that_o the_o christian_a spirit_n be_v both_o pure_a and_o peaceable_a that_o it_o do_v not_o divide_v break_v and_o scatter_v a_o christian_a people_n but_o unite_v heal_v and_o settle_v they_o that_o it_o do_v not_o overturn_v church_n and_o civil_a state_n nor_o inflame_v ruler_n against_o subject_n nor_o subject_n against_o ruler_n nor_o dissolve_v magistracy_n and_o ministry_n but_o that_o it_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o child_n and_o the_o disobedient_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o just_a and_o conciliate_v the_o mind_n of_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o all_o degree_n in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n which_o be_v the_o right_a and_o sure_a way_n of_o erect_v god_n kingdom_n it_o do_v not_o cancel_v reason_n but_o maintain_v its_o interest_n in_o religion_n as_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a prop_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o judgement_n and_o soberness_n and_o suppress_v the_o wild_a dominion_n of_o the_o unruly_a imagination_n it_o do_v not_o turn_v man_n from_o humanity_n and_o civil_a behaviour_n unto_o a_o surly_a and_o cynical_a pride_n and_o fanatic_a melancholy_n and_o austerity_n but_o it_o dispose_v they_o to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o human_a life_n and_o civil_a converse_n but_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o offence_n shall_v come_v where_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v break_v forth_o sectarianism_n and_o fanaticism_n be_v the_o devil_n aftergame_n so_o it_o spring_v up_o in_o germany_n upon_o the_o birth_n of_o protestantism_n so_o it_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n upon_o the_o birth_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o gnostic_n and_o such_o like_a sectary_n and_o so_o it_o continue_v in_o our_o time_n these_o irregularity_n and_o extravagancy_n be_v a_o great_a damage_n and_o reproach_n to_o a_o serious_a zealous_a and_o strict_a profession_n and_o it_o be_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v before_o many_o nevertheless_o the_o great_a and_o most_o dangerous_a degeneration_n from_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n lie_v not_o this_o way_n the_o conception_n and_o motion_n of_o fanaticism_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a strain_n though_o in_o a_o delusion_n take_v not_o with_o the_o great_a number_n whether_o of_o high_a or_o low_a degree_n the_o learned_a or_o unlearned_a sort_n and_o in_o case_n it_o seize_v on_o a_o great_a multitude_n it_o may_v trouble_v and_o unsettle_v a_o state_n but_o it_o can_v never_o settle_v itself_o and_o if_o it_o domineer_v a_o while_n its_o tyranny_n can_v hold_v because_o it_o have_v no_o foundation_n and_o it_o can_v never_o obtain_v to_o be_v a_o national_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o stability_n of_o civil_a government_n it_o be_v great_a mischief_n to_o a_o state_n be_v that_o it_o may_v serve_v the_o design_n of_o other_o to_o work_v out_o a_o more_o last_a misery_n for_o which_o cause_n the_o romish_a emissary_n under_o a_o vizor_n have_v overact_a this_o wild_a spirit_n that_o by_o its_o confusion_n and_o anarchy_n they_o may_v make_v way_n to_o introduce_v their_o own_o tyranny_n but_o the_o more_o extensive_a dangerous_a and_o last_a depravation_n of_o christianity_n lie_v on_o the_o same_o side_n with_o popery_n which_o be_v formidable_a indeed_o be_v found_v in_o power_n and_o policy_n and_o suit_v to_o worldly_a interest_n and_o to_o which_o man_n innate_a propension_n do_v general_o more_o incline_v they_o for_o that_o their_o fancy_n and_o affection_n be_v inveagle_v with_o its_o outward_a wealth_n and_o glory_n and_o their_o conscience_n lay_v a_o sleep_n by_o its_o loose_a principle_n and_o lifeless_a form_n of_o devotion_n chap._n fourteen_o the_o way_n of_o preserve_a religion_n uncorrupt_a the_o truth_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n lie_v in_o its_o conformity_n to_o its_o rule_n which_o be_v god_n reveal_v will_n or_o law_n and_o its_o deviation_n from_o it_o be_v its_o depravation_n from_o this_o rule_n man_n be_v easy_o draw_v aside_o be_v entice_v by_o their_o own_o vain_a imagination_n perverse_a inclination_n
as_o well_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o rational_a discourse_n whatsoever_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o god_n testimony_n be_v much_o more_o effectual_a than_o the_o argument_n of_o human_a reason_n to_o command_v assent_n and_o quiet_a man_n mind_n and_o appease_v their_o contest_v and_o if_o we_o yield_v not_o our_o controversy_n to_o be_v final_o decide_v by_o this_o sacred_a rule_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v or_o wherein_o shall_v we_o all_o be_v bind_v up_o the_o truth_n be_v when_o man_n seek_v out_o vain_a invention_n to_o please_v their_o own_o fancy_n or_o to_o serve_v their_o own_o end_n and_o find_v their_o devise_a way_n condemn_v by_o god_n word_n then_o they_o fall_v to_o derogate_v from_o its_o authority_n and_o sufficiciency_n and_o talk_n much_o of_o the_o impertinency_n and_o folly_n of_o those_o that_o insist_v upon_o it_o and_o cry_v up_o tradition_n and_o reason_n and_o that_o wisdom_n of_o man_n that_o be_v but_o foolishness_n with_o god_n when_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v as_o well_o as_o they_o shall_v they_o must_v be_v as_o they_o may_v there_o be_v some_o useful_a truth_n and_o practice_n that_o may_v be_v too_o dear_o buy_v if_o purchase_v with_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n and_o the_o hazard_n of_o its_o whole_a estate_n howbeit_o then_o be_v the_o best_a state_n of_o thing_n when_o the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v the_o standardmeasure_n of_o all_o and_o nothing_o be_v retain_v but_o what_o be_v plain_o agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o the_o safety_n of_o pure_a religion_n lie_v in_o as_o through_o a_o reformation_n according_a to_o this_o rule_n as_o the_o time_n will_v bear_v let_v the_o severe_a reason_n that_o be_v impartial_a weigh_v the_o follow_a word_n write_v by_o one_o of_o a_o catholic_n spirit_n and_o true_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o reform_a christianity_n touch_v our_o departure_n from_o rome_n we_o shall_v leave_v upon_o we_o no_o string_n or_o tassel_n of_o our_o ancient_a captivity_n such_o as_o whereby_o they_o may_v take_v hold_n of_o we_o to_o pull_v we_o back_o again_o into_o our_o former_a bondage_n but_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o absolute_o free_a from_o any_o tie_n to_o they_o more_o than_o in_o endeavour_v their_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n which_o we_o know_v so_o experimental_o not_o to_o be_v compass_v by_o needless_a symbolizing_n with_o they_o in_o any_o thing_n i_o conceive_v it_o our_o best_a policy_n studious_o to_o imitate_v they_o in_o nothing_o but_o for_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o think_v rather_o the_o worse_a of_o they_o for_o their_o use_v they_o as_o no_o person_n of_o honour_n will_v willing_o go_v in_o the_o know_a garb_n of_o any_o lewd_a and_o infamous_a person_n whatsoever_o we_o court_v they_o in_o they_o do_v but_o turn_v to_o our_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n and_o be_v more_o harden_v in_o their_o own_o wickedness_n wherefore_o see_v that_o needless_a symbolizing_n with_o they_o do_v they_o no_o good_a but_o hurt_n we_o shall_v account_v ourselves_o in_o all_o thing_n indifferent_a perfect_o free_a to_o please_v and_o satisfy_v in_o the_o most_o universal_a manner_n we_o can_v those_o of_o our_o own_o party_n not_o care_v what_o opinion_n or_o custom_n or_o outward_a formality_n the_o romanist_n and_o other_o have_v and_o may_v have_v have_v from_o the_o first_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o word_n popery_n it_o be_v not_o more_o odious_a than_o ambiguous_a among_o protestant_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n some_o that_o will_v speak_v hard_a word_n against_o it_o have_v draw_v it_o into_o so_o extreme_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o to_o place_v it_o in_o little_a more_o than_o a_o secular_a interest_n of_o power_n controvert_v between_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o prince_n and_o prelate_n of_o christendom_n and_o other_o that_o make_v it_o broad_a be_v yet_o very_o tender_a if_o not_o fond_a of_o many_o gross_a corruption_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n some_o have_v extend_v it_o so_o far_o as_o to_o disparage_v thing_n good_a and_o laudable_a and_o requisite_a and_o ignorant_o call_v by_o that_o name_n whatsoever_o they_o fancy_v not_o nevertheless_o those_o useless_a and_o offensive_a thing_n take_v up_o by_o the_o papal_a church_n since_o the_o time_n of_o their_o know_a apostasy_n both_o doctrine_n and_o custom_n and_o that_o be_v they_o more_o peculiar_o may_v just_o be_v call_v popish_a though_o they_o be_v not_o impose_v as_o apostolic_a command_n or_o mean_n of_o obtain_v pardon_n of_o sin_n or_o of_o work_a grace_n why_o shall_v we_o be_v tenacious_a of_o their_o form_n to_o the_o scandal_n of_o those_o of_o our_o own_o belief_n how_o be_v we_o oblige_v or_o concern_v to_o conform_v to_o their_o usage_n more_o than_o they_o be_v to_o we_o have_v they_o any_o authority_n over_o we_o or_o be_v they_o any_o way_n a_o rule_n unto_o we_o be_v not_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o right_a both_o their_o rule_n and_o we_o or_o can_v they_o upbraid_v we_o for_o depart_v from_o they_o in_o these_o at_o least_o unnecessary_a opinion_n and_o custom_n unless_o they_o upbraid_v we_o upon_o those_o ground_n which_o we_o have_v reject_v together_o with_o their_o usurpation_n and_o and_o which_o if_o we_o receive_v again_o we_o must_v quit_v protestancy_n itself_o this_o strive_v to_o come_v so_o near_o they_o whether_o tend_v it_o but_o to_o reduce_v we_o again_o into_o that_o church_n for_o by_o all_o approach_n to_o they_o they_o be_v not_o draw_v one_o step_n towards_o we_o but_o be_v the_o more_o harden_v and_o still_o they_o rest_v unmoveable_a on_o the_o rock_n of_o their_o pretend_a supremacy_n and_o infallibility_n the_o impurity_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n lie_v chief_o in_o its_o superstition_n and_o sensuality_n in_o the_o grosser_n part_n of_o its_o superstition_n be_v manifold_a gross_a idolatry_n and_o any_o way_n of_o symbolise_v with_o idolatry_n which_o be_v spiritual_a whoredom_n shall_v be_v dread_v by_o the_o chaste_a spouse_n of_o chirst_n as_o the_o retain_v of_o such_o image_n as_o have_v be_v and_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v make_v object_n of_o religious_a adoration_n and_o the_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o peculiar_a garb_n and_o fashion_n of_o idolater_n in_o their_o worship_n moreover_o where_o the_o gross_a pollution_n be_v avoid_v if_o their_o pomp_n and_o train_n of_o ceremony_n be_v retain_v they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o take_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o as_o be_v busy_v in_o they_o and_o to_o corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o make_v it_o a_o dead_a work_n and_o carnal_a service_n and_o so_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n will_v decay_v and_o die_v among_o the_o people_n by_o this_o mean_n sensuality_n the_o concomitant_a of_o idolatry_n and_o all_o gross_a superstition_n be_v likewise_o manifest_v in_o their_o devotion_n of_o the_o israelite_n idolatry_n it_o be_v write_v the_o people_n sit_v down_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o rise_v up_o to_o play_v sensual_a sport_n and_o pastime_n be_v mingle_v with_o the_o devotion_n of_o carnal_a worshipper_n as_o be_v notable_o see_v in_o the_o popish_a festival_n and_o this_o make_v the_o sensual_a part_n of_o man_n addict_v to_o such_o a_o way_n to_o pray_v a_o while_n and_o then_o to_o play_v be_v the_o business_n of_o their_o sacred_a solemnity_n but_o this_o course_n alienates_v the_o mind_n from_o true_a holiness_n and_o tend_v to_o much_o profaneness_n and_o not_o only_o the_o piety_n but_o the_o civility_n of_o a_o nation_n will_v hereby_o much_o abate_v a_o church_n that_o will_v maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o religion_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n have_v need_n have_v its_o solemn_a day_n of_o divine_a service_n distinct_a from_o the_o appoint_a time_n of_o carnal_a sport_n mirth_n and_o jollity_n chap._n xv._n the_o enmity_n of_o the_o world_n against_o godliness_n and_o the_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n cast_v upon_o it_o consider_v the_o security_n and_o increase_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o small_a difficulty_n the_o enmity_n against_o it_o be_v general_a and_o perpetual_a in_o the_o first_o race_n of_o mankind_n it_o break_v forth_o even_o to_o blood_n and_o throughout_o all_o age_n it_o have_v be_v propagate_v &_o that_o with_o great_a rage_n as_o well_o within_o as_o without_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o adverse_a world_n know_v not_o the_o new_a nature_n what_o it_o be_v for_o it_o know_v not_o god_n who_o image_n it_o be_v the_o world_n be_v not_o only_o alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n but_o opposite_a to_o it_o by_o the_o antipathy_n of_o the_o carnal_a life_n and_o so_o not_o only_o want_v the_o true_a relish_n but_o have_v a_o strong_a disrelish_v of_o the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a nature_n moreover_o true_a christianity_n be_v a_o light_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n
man_n stupid_a and_o foolish_a that_o they_o may_v the_o better_a lord_n it_o over_o they_o as_o besot_v vassal_n it_o can_v invite_v or_o engage_v any_o to_o its_o side_n by_o carnal_a allurement_n and_o provision_n make_v for_o ●he_n lust_n of_o men._n the_o make_n of_o such_o provision_n will_v extinguish_v its_o life_n and_o power_n and_o bring_v forth_o a_o spurious_a carnal_a brood_n that_o always_o with_o deadly_a hatred_n pursue_v its_o true_a professor_n it_o can_v lift_v up_o itself_o by_o serve_v the_o design_n and_o lust_n of_o earthly_a potentate_n though_o it_o ●ives_n they_o their_o due_a honour_n to_o the_o full_a yet_o it_o tempt_v they_o not_o by_o flattery_n to_o think_v of_o themselves_o above_o what_o they_o be_v nor_o do_v it_o pro●itute_v its_o sacred_a rule_n to_o patronize_v any_o enormity_n in_o their_o conversation_n or_o political_a administration_n it_o can_v subdue_v a_o people_n and_o hold_v they_o un●er_o by_o arm_a violence_n and_o usurpation_n for_o his_o be_v to_o subvert_v itself_o and_o undermine_v its_o ●wn_n foundation_n which_o be_v truth_n meekness_n and_o ●●ghteousness_n it_o seek_v not_o by_o any_o irregular_a motion_n to_o per●rb_v a_o settle_a state_n though_o adverse_a and_o injurious_a to_o it_o it_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o recesses_n 〈◊〉_d wicked_a policy_n its_o principle_n will_v not_o bear_v 〈◊〉_d out_o in_o the_o cunning_a and_o close_a way_n of_o dishon●…_n sty_n it_o abhor_v such_o engagement_n as_o draw_v o●…_n necessity_n of_o proceed_v in_o unrighteous_a or_o da●…_n gerous_a counsel_n and_o especial_o such_o iniqui●…_n as_o will_v not_o pass_v away_o in_o a_o transient_a action_n but_o will_v hold_v up_o a_o last_a usurpation_n or_o i●…_n jury_n to_o its_o perpetual_a reproach_n and_o repugnan●…_n to_o itself_o it_o neither_o have_v nor_o in_o human_a judgement_n 〈◊〉_d like_a to_o have_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o arm_n of_o fles●…_n or_o worldly_a puissance_n for_o its_o intrinsic_a and_o a●…_n bide_v strength_n until_o it_o come_v in_o a_o more_o ex●…_n tensive_a power_n and_o more_o ample_a victory_n that_o have_v be_v yet_o manifest_v in_o the_o world_n th●…_n mutable_a advantage_n of_o certain_a time_n and_o occa●…_n zion_n be_v but_o loose_a and_o hollow_a ground_n and_o n●…_n settle_a foundation_n for_o it_o to_o build_v upon_o it_o be_v not_o further_v by_o a_o course_n of_o subtlety_n and_o of_o intricate_a and_o cloudy_a project_n which_o be_v get_v suspicion_n of_o evil_n but_o by_o a_o openess_n a_o frankness_n of_o deal_n in_o all_o certainty_n and_o clearness_n for_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n an●…_n regular_a and_o certain_a as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o he●…_n when_fw-mi or_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o celestial_a body_n whatsoever_o degree_n of_o obliquity_n or_o uncertainty_n happen_v to_o it_o be_v only_o extrinsical_a proceed_n from_o man_n corruption_n and_o frailty_n who_o ne●…_n there_o be_v can_v be_v here_o absolute_o exact_a and_o perfect_a in_o it_o it_o reject_v the_o fury_n of_o passion_n bitterness_n clamour_n wrath_n tumult_n and_o all_o outrage_n in_o a_o word_n it_o can_v admit_v nothing_o that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o entire_a honesty_n and_o it_o be_v not_o weaken_v by_o this_o strictness_n for_o truth_n be_v great_a and_o powerful_a and_o by_o a_o weak_a and_o gentle_a yet_o sound_a and_o solid_a manifestation_n of_o itself_o it_o maintain_v a_o conquest_n answerable_a to_o its_o own_o condition_n in_o this_o present_a world_n chap._n xviii_o the_o interest_n of_o true_a religion_n lie_v much_o in_o its_o venerable_a estimation_n among_o men._n a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n nourish_v pride_n and_o sensuality_n and_o yield_v itself_o managable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o man_n after_o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n be_v common_o uphold_v by_o a_o arm_n of_o secular_a power_n which_o by_o way_n of_o its_o own_o it_o can_v make_v sure_a to_o itself_o but_o pure_a religion_n abhor_v base_a compliance_n and_o reside_v in_o the_o hitherto_o lesser_a number_n that_o walk_v in_o the_o narrow_a way_n be_v not_o so_o well_o suit_v for_o a_o settle_a and_o continue_a potency_n in_o that_o kind_n wherefore_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o it_o fail_v of_o a_o assurance_n of_o worldly_a power_n and_o greatness_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o it_o need_v the_o advantage_n of_o venerable_a estimation_n for_o its_o own_o intrinsic_a excellence_n a_o desire_n of_o vain_a glory_n and_o a_o ambitious_a catch_n at_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n be_v opposite_a to_o this_o interest_n and_o destroy_v the_o end_n thereof_o but_o because_o thing_n that_o appear_v not_o be_v of_o the_o same_o reason_n with_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o regard_n of_o influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n christianity_n shall_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v indeed_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a idea_n in_o the_o imagination_n or_o intellect_n but_o a_o wisdom_n and_o power_n that_o may_v be_v practise_v and_o its_o glory_n be_v display_v in_o a_o life_n of_o integrity_n purity_n and_o charity_n by_o the_o brightness_n of_o which_o grace_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n it_o become_v illustrious_a and_o be_v exalt_v over_o all_o the_o learning_n and_o virtue_n and_o potency_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n in_o such_o a_o age_n as_o have_v all_o civil_a discipline_n in_o their_o perfection_n and_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o endanger_v as_o when_o the_o sanctity_n of_o its_o professor_n be_v fall_v or_o expose_v to_o scandal_n eminent_a holiness_n be_v after_o miracle_n the_o next_o great_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v now_o in_o the_o room_n of_o miracle_n and_o its_o influence_n be_v very_o powerful_a wheresoever_o it_o be_v it_o invigorate_v other_o of_o this_o fellowship_n that_o be_v near_o it_o and_o it_o command_v awe_n and_o reverence_n from_o all_o men._n it_o be_v a_o great_a happiness_n when_o person_n endue_v herewith_o be_v in_o proportionable_a number_n fix_v like_o star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n throughout_o the_o firmament_n of_o the_o church_n when_o there_o be_v man_n of_o strong_a part_n much_o prudence_n active_a spirit_n firm_a resolution_n who_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n inflame_v with_o love_n to_o god_n and_o devote_v to_o seek_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v christ_n and_o fit_v thereunto_o by_o real_a mortification_n and_o self-denial_n also_o when_o person_n of_o a_o low_a sphere_n for_o the_o perfection_n of_o nature_n or_o learning_n have_v attain_v to_o a_o large_a measure_n of_o the_o primitive_a spirit_n of_o faith_n love_n meekness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o charity_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v ready_a to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o provoke_v other_o thereunto_o as_o the_o eminent_a piety_n of_o some_o so_o the_o approved_a piety_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o serious_a professor_n import_v exceed_o to_o the_o reputation_n and_o reverence_n of_o true_a religion_n the_o spiritual_a man_n discern_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o natural_a man_n also_o can_v discern_v humility_n chastity_n temperance_n patience_n charity_n integrity_n as_o thing_n moral_o good_a and_o profitable_a to_o man_n and_o by_o ●…ese_n thing_n the_o truth_n be_v vindicate_v and_o main●…ined_v to_o defile_v the_o purity_n of_o this_o professi●…_n be_v to_o stain_v its_o glory_n and_o to_o stain_n i●s_v glory_n be_v 〈◊〉_d render_v it_o weak_a and_o despicable_a none_o there●…re_o may_v pass_v for_o the_o allow_v disciple_n of_o this_o ●ay_n but_o such_o as_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a from_o 〈◊〉_d foul_a sin_n of_o sensuality_n and_o from_o all_o palpa●…_n dishonesty_n howbeit_o the_o lawful_a favour_n ●…d_v assistance_n of_o any_o other_o may_n with_o due_a cau●…_n be_v admit_v in_o its_o concernment_n a_o harmless_a life_n if_o barren_a and_o unprofitable_a be_v of_o little_a value_n in_o itself_o and_o also_o of_o little_a force_n to_o advance_v any_o profession_n nay_o a_o fruitless_a life_n be_v scandalous_a and_o unchristian_a they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n herein_o be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bear_v much_o fruit_n so_o shall_v you_o be_v my_o disciple_n the_o root_n of_o such_o fruitfulness_n in_o good_a work_n be_v love_v out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a to_o which_o belong_v those_o praise_n that_o it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n now_o because_o they_o that_o walk_v circumspect_o be_v often_o censure_v by_o the_o loose_a sort_n to_o be_v uncharitable_a it_o do_v the_o more_o concern_v they_o real_o to_o show_v forth_o the_o laudable_a fruit_n of_o charity_n and_o to_o maintain_v all_o good_a work_n before_o man_n though_o not_o to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n and_o to_o hate_v narrowness_n of_o soul_n and_o base_a selfishness_n what_o do_v you_o more_o
state_n as_o a_o jewel_n that_o have_v its_o great_a lustre_n by_o the_o bright_a light_n be_v maintain_v by_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n in_o bright_a time_n the_o imposture_n and_o carnal_a design_n of_o devise_v doctrine_n and_o superstitious_a vanity_n will_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o the_o hypocrisy_n be_v detect_v the_o merchandise_n thereof_o will_v be_v quite_o mar_v in_o such_o time_n even_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n will_v expect_v from_o those_o in_o sacred_a function_n at_o least_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o sober_a righteous_a and_o godly_a conversation_n with_o diligence_n in_o holy_a administration_n then_o the_o enemy_n of_o real_a sanctity_n be_v put_v to_o hard_a shift_n and_o force_v to_o appear_v either_o in_o some_o colour_n of_o truth_n or_o in_o the_o shame_n of_o their_o own_o nakedness_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o follower_n of_o truth_n make_v it_o their_o special_a interest_n as_o thorough_o to_o promote_v the_o most_o ample_a diffusion_n and_o universal_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n among_o all_o rank_n and_o sort_n of_o man_n as_o the_o adverse_a partly_o seek_v to_o oppose_v and_o debase_v it_o we_o do_v not_o hereby_o mean_v a_o intermeddle_v in_o difficult_a matter_n a_o smattering_n in_o controversy_n and_o certain_a curiosity_n of_o opinion_n a_o store_n of_o unnecessary_a notion_n and_o of_o mere_a word_n and_o phrase_n which_o thing_n be_v common_o erroneous_a and_o at_o the_o best_a but_o injudicious_a and_o puff_v up_o the_o half-witted_a and_o self-conceited_a and_o make_v they_o troublesome_a to_o themselves_o and_o other_o but_o that_o which_o be_v here_o commend_v for_o a_o universal_a increase_n and_o propagation_n be_v to_o understand_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o essential_a truth_n of_o christianity_n to_o see_v their_o evidence_n to_o judge_v right_o of_o their_o weight_n and_o worth_n and_o to_o view_v their_o coherence_n and_o beside_o these_o to_o know_v so_o much_o of_o other_o truth_n as_o the_o different_a capacity_n of_o man_n will_v enable_v they_o for_o the_o better_n of_o their_o knowledge_n in_o the_o essential_o the_o mean_n of_o diffuse_v this_o light_n be_v well_o know_v as_o the_o constant_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o due_a form_n of_o cathechism_n the_o strict_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n repetition_n of_o sermon_n ●…ious_a conference_n read_v the_o word_n and_o prayer_n in_o family_n profitable_a communication_n among_o neighbour-christians_a in_o their_o daily_a converse_n the_o spread_a of_o practical_a book_n write_v by_o man_n of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o minister_n private_a application_n to_o those_o of_o their_o own_o charge_n with_o prudence_n and_o meekness_n for_o the_o same_o end_n that_o main_a principle_n of_o protestanism_n the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n as_o belong_v to_o all_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v assert_v and_o ●…indicated_v against_o that_o popish_a and_o brutish_a do●…trine_n of_o implicit_a faith_n in_o the_o church_n de●…rminations_n this_o be_v not_o to_o subject_a matter_n of_o ●aith_n to_o a_o private_a spirit_n but_o to_o refer_v they_o to_o ●…e_v divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o ●…e_v apprehend_v in_o the_o due_a and_o right_a use_n of_o ●eason_n which_o be_v a_o public_a and_o evident_a thing_n ●…d_n lie_v open_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o men._n and_o to_o man_n of_o sober_a mind_n serious_a for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o current_n of_o scripture_n be_v easy_o discernible_a moreover_o the_o general_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n lie_v much_o in_o the_o ingenuous_a education_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o common_a people_n in_o opposition_n to_o sordidness_n slavery_n and_o brutish_a rudeness_n though_o some_o look_n upon_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n with_o contempt_n and_o seem_v to_o value_v they_o no_o more_o than_o brute_n animal_n and_o think_v it_o enough_o that_o their_o governor_n understand_v and_o consider_v for_o they_o and_o not_o they_o for_o themselves_o yet_o christ_n have_v shed_v his_o blood_n as_o much_o for_o the_o redemption_n of_o that_o sort_n as_o of_o the_o noble_a and_o mighty_a and_o prudent_a and_o he_o have_v make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n and_o in_o the_o privilege_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o kingdom_n as_o for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n cast_v the_o advantage_n on_o the_o poor_a and_o mean_a side_n not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a be_v call_v be_v the_o observation_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n james_n witness_v that_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n rich_a in_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o those_o who_o god_n have_v choose_v must_v needs_o be_v instruct_v in_o his_o will._n that_o reasonable_a service_n that_o he_o require_v none_o can_v perform_v without_o knowledge_n ignorance_n be_v opposite_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o true_a christian_a piety_n which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o where_o it_o be_v not_o receive_v with_o understanding_n this_o general_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n have_v fall_v under_o a_o great_a suspicion_n of_o evil_n and_o it_o may_v be_v under_o the_o jealousy_n of_o ruler_n as_o dispose_v man_n to_o sedition_n rebellion_n heresy_n and_o schism_n but_o how_o great_a a_o reproach_n be_v hereby_o cast_v upon_o human_a nature_n or_o political_a government_n or_o both_o that_o the_o more_o rational_o apprehensive_a the_o body_n of_o a_o people_n be_v they_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o ungovernable_a as_o if_o government_n can_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o proper_a dignity_n and_o felicity_n of_o human_a nature_n what_o manner_n of_o civil_a state_n be_v that_o which_o degrade_v the_o subject_n from_o man_n to_o beast_n for_o a_o more_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o they_o what_o manner_n of_o christian_a church_n be_v that_o which_o to_o prevent_v heresy_n and_o schism_n take_v order_n that_o its_o member_n be_v no_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o unchristian_a inhuman_a policy_n in_o church_n or_o state_n the_o foundation_n whereof_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o people_n ignorance_n as_o for_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o ruler_n it_o be_v not_o weaken_v but_o strengthen_v by_o their_o people_n knowledge_n which_o in_o its_o right_n and_o proper_a tendency_n make_v they_o more_o conscientious_a and_o however_o more_o circumspect_a and_o considerate_a and_o consequent_o more_o easy_o manageable_a by_o a_o just_a and_o prudent_a government_n but_o gross_a ignorance_n tend_v to_o make_v they_o barbarous_a and_o belluine_a and_o in_o their_o mutiny_n and_o discontent_n uncounsellable_n and_o untameable_a and_o therefore_o very_o incongruous_a to_o a_o state_n govern_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n or_o humanity_n chap._n xx._n the_o advantage_n of_o human_a learning_n to_o the_o same_o end_n though_o religion_n rest_v not_o on_o human_a learning_n as_o its_o main_a support_n yet_o it_o seek_v and_o claim_v the_o necessary_a help_n thereof_o those_o who_o god_n design_n for_o eminent_a service_n he_o endue_v with_o eminent_a gift_n either_o by_o mean_n or_o miracle_n and_o he_o give_v every_o entrust_v servant_n a_o measure_n answerable_a to_o his_o degree_n the_o apostle_n who_o lay_v the_o foundation_n be_v wise_a master-builder_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o wisdom_n shall_v die_v with_o they_o when_o he_o settle_v his_o church_n to_o endure_v throughout_o all_o age_n and_o promise_v to_o be_v with_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v say_v indeed_o that_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o god_n be_v strong_a than_o men._n but_o that_o which_o be_v so_o call_v be_v not_o foolishness_n and_o weakness_n indeed_o but_o only_o so_o account_v by_o the_o pride_n of_o carnal_a wisdom_n in_o this_o learned_a age_n the_o antichristian_a state_n in_o christendom_n be_v force_v to_o advance_v learning_n in_o its_o own_o defence_n and_o now_o without_o learning_n either_o divine_o inspire_v or_o acquire_v by_o mean_n we_o can_v defend_v ourselves_o against_o it_o wherefore_o to_o destroy_v the_o support_n of_o learning_n be_v the_o way_n to_o subvert_v religion_n yea_o though_o we_o be_v not_o engage_v by_o such_o strength_n of_o the_o adversary_n to_o provide_v for_o our_o own_o defence_n yet_o solid_a human_a learning_n do_v of_o itself_o notable_o advance_v divine_a truth_n the_o learning_n that_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o world_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n apparent_o make_v way_n for_o that_o sudden_a and_o ample_a spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o revive_v thereof_o after_o a_o universal_a decay_n no_o less_o apparent_o make_v way_n for_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o this_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n
after_o the_o long_a night_n of_o popery_n unlearned_a and_o barbarous_a time_n be_v note_v among_o the_o cause_n of_o deprave_a religion_n with_o multiply_v superstitious_a absurdity_n and_o deformity_n indeed_o that_o great_a mystery_n of_o iniquity_n the_o romish_a synagogue_n be_v favour_v by_o many_o wise_a and_o learned_a one_o but_o the_o interest_n of_o great_a power_n and_o wealth_n and_o other_o carnal_a allurement_n engage_v they_o to_o uphold_v that_o babel_n and_o so_o to_o detain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o unrighteousness_n the_o papal_a kingdom_n of_o darkness_n have_v ample_o provide_v for_o a_o eminent_a measure_n of_o learning_n in_o their_o superior_a clergy_n and_o certain_a religious_a order_n design_v for_o theological_a controversy_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o roman●aith_n ●aith_z be_v necessitate_v thereunto_o by_o the_o learnedness_n of_o the_o present_a age._n but_o for_o the_o vulgar_a priest_n who_o daily_o converse_v with_o the_o common_a people_n that_o be_v ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a it_o matter_n not_o how_o little_a knowledge_n they_o have_v and_o the_o grandee_n care_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v conversant_a in_o learned_a book_n no_o not_o in_o their_o own_o bellarmine_n as_o for_o the_o laity_n it_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o that_o church_n that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n a_o corrupt_a ecclesiastical_a state_n uphold_v for_o worldly_a end_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o desire_v the_o advancement_n of_o learn_v any_o further_a than_o be_v requisite_a to_o defend_v it_o sel●_n against_o learned_a adversary_n and_o to_o hold_v the_o vulgar_a in_o admiration_n of_o it_o it_o will_v hau●_n the_o people_n whole_o to_o trust_v their_o teacher_n and_o it_o be_v not_o well_o relish_v when_o learned_a gentle_a man_n of_o the_o laity_n be_v exact_a and_o studious_a i●_n theological_a inquiry_n the_o support_n and_o reward_n of_o learning_n may_v be_v so_o inordinate_o apportion_v and_o confe●…_n red_a as_o to_o exalt_v boundless_a ambition_n and_o avari●…_n in_o some_o and_o to_o nourish_v a_o dronish_a idleness_n and_o epicurism_n in_o other_o and_o to_o cast_v the_o residue●…_n and_o those_o the_o great_a number_n into_o ignoranc●_n beggary_n baseness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naught●…_n ness_n such_o a_o disposition_n of_o thing_n beside_o th●…_n ruin_n of_o religion_n will_v in_o the_o ruin_n there●…_n bury_v learning_n itself_o as_o it_o have_v do_v in_o for_o mer_fw-fr age_n if_o the_o industry_n of_o some_o be_v n●…_n keep_v wake_v by_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n a●…_n among_o another_o sort_n of_o men._n but_o whatsoever_o abuse_n corrupt_v that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v excellent_a the_o support_v of_o learning_n be_v always_o necessary_a in_o the_o true_a church_n and_o to_o settle_v a_o way_n for_o a_o perpetual_a succession_n of_o wise_a and_o learned_a guide_n of_o the_o flock_n in_o this_o entire_a and_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o build_v the_o same_o on_o a_o rock_n the_o spirit_n of_o this_o profession_n be_v sober_a solid_a and_o serious_a be_v happy_a in_o dispose_v towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o much_o perfection_n in_o all_o profitable_a science_n and_o especial_o towards_o that_o which_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o useful_a in_o human_a affair_n to_o wit_n solid_a and_o deep_a judgement_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o child_n of_o true_a wisdom_n stand_v upon_o the_o vantage_n ground_n and_o the_o scope_n of_o their_o business_n direct_v they_o to_o excel_v in_o the_o more_o substantial_a part_n of_o learning_n which_o perfect_v reason_n and_o fall_v in_o with_o practice_n and_o make_v they_o able_a effectual_o to_o converse_v with_o man_n both_o in_o religious_a and_o civil_a matter_n these_o do_v not_o spend_v their_o day_n in_o a_o cloister_n live_v to_o themselves_o alone_o but_o be_v seasonable_o call_v forth_o to_o sacred_a or_o civil_a function_n and_o so_o by_o study_n in_o conjunction_n with_o practice_n and_o experience_n they_o become_v more_o perfect_a in_o science_n the_o same_o intent_n and_o purpose_n direct_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o their_o acquisition_n and_o to_o have_v their_o learning_n at_o command_n and_o manageable_a for_o present_a business_n chap._n xxi_o the_o general_a civility_n or_o common_a honesty_n of_o a_o nation_n make_v it_o more_o general_o receptive_a of_o real_a christianity_n or_o godliness_n religion_n have_v considerateness_n and_o soberness_n in_o its_o nature_n have_v great_a advantage_n by_o the_o sober_a and_o serious_a temper_n of_o a_o nation_n city_n or_o country_n where_o its_o advancement_n and_o propagation_n be_v design_v civility_n be_v a_o good_a preparative_n to_o piety_n and_o experience_n witness_v that_o among_o the_o serious_a &_o temperate_a sort_n of_o people_n and_o in_o the_o most_o civilise_a place_n religion_n take_v best_a and_o that_o it_o take_v least_o in_o those_o place_n where_o debauchery_n and_o sensuality_n reign_v in_o those_o of_o the_o high_a rank_n and_o a_o heathen-like_a rudeness_n and_o stupidity_n seize_v the_o common_a multitude_n wherefore_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o spirit_n or_o interest_n lead_v they_o to_o uphold_v a_o corrupt_a and_o carnal_a church-state_n seek_v to_o gratify_v the_o most_o sensual_a and_o vicious_a part_n of_o a_o nation_n because_o they_o can_v so_o easy_o gain_v the_o considerate_a and_o soberminded_a who_o be_v more_o inquisitive_a into_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o different_a party_n and_o look_v more_o than_o other_o into_o the_o inside_n of_o man_n devotion_n a_o nation_n may_v be_v general_o bring_v to_o civil_a conversation_n and_o the_o external_a part_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o restrain_v of_o filthy_a lewdness_n gross_a excess_n and_o rudeness_n best_o comport_v with_o the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n the_o security_n of_o the_o estate_n and_o the_o quietness_n of_o the_o mind_n therefore_o when_o it_o be_v in_o use_n it_o be_v no_o burden_n but_o a_o ease_n even_o to_o unregenerate_a nature_n and_o so_o may_v pass_v general_o among_o a_o people_n likewise_o natural_a man_n be_v convince_v and_o awaken_v will_v easy_o observe_v religious_a duty_n so_o far_o as_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o natural_a conscience_n do_v require_v the_o conversation_n of_o the_o pious_a be_v exemplary_a and_o of_o great_a authority_n especial_o when_o their_o strictness_n and_o seriousness_n be_v temper_v with_o the_o amiable_a virtue_n of_o meekness_n and_o moderation_n by_o this_o they_o may_v do_v much_o towards_o the_o civilise_n of_o those_o that_o live_v about_o they_o and_o to_o conciliate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n towards_o they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o good_a thought_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o harshness_n of_o some_o rigid_a honest_a man_n may_v exasperate_v and_o beget_v hatred_n in_o some_o who_o condescension_n and_o sweetness_n of_o conversation_n may_v have_v gain_v or_o at_o least_o mollify_v likewise_o by_o a_o discreet_a and_o seasonable_a use_n of_o christian_n liberty_n in_o the_o temperate_a enjoyment_n of_o outward_a comfort_n in_o harmless_a recreation_n and_o sober_a cheerfulness_n in_o honest_a company_n the_o religious_a may_v bring_v over_o other_o to_o a_o friendly_a converse_n with_o they_o and_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o more_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a pollution_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o shun_v a_o excessive_a reservedness_n and_o austerity_n so_o they_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o too_o great_a compliance_n with_o other_o in_o carnal_a liberty_n upon_o pretence_n of_o a_o friendly_a converse_n with_o they_o they_o may_v not_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o recreation_n fruitless_a visit_n merry_a meeting_n and_o the_o like_a exercise_n wherein_o there_o be_v enough_o of_o idleness_n and_o vanity_n even_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o dissoluteness_n or_o gross_a immorallity_n for_o by_o such_o a_o trade_n of_o life_n they_o will_v lose_v themselves_o in_o a_o sober_a kind_n of_o epicurism_n or_o sensuality_n under_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o they_o will_v harden_v other_o in_o their_o loose_a walk_n or_o make_v they_o think_v that_o professor_n be_v but_o as_o other_o man_n except_o in_o a_o name_n and_o outward_a form_n wherefore_o they_o may_v be_v sociable_a no_o otherwise_o than_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v they_o make_v religion_n their_o business_n and_o walk_v circumspect_o and_o redeem_v their_o time_n from_o vanity_n for_o the_o serious_a duty_n of_o their_o general_n and_o particular_a calling_n it_o may_v be_v further_o note_v that_o whatsoever_o promote_v knowledge_n among_o the_o mean_a sort_n promote_v civility_n likewise_o where_o a_o people_n be_v general_o settle_v in_o a_o way_n of_o industry_n and_o frugality_n and_o those_o of_o high_a extract_n or_o education_n be_v bend_v unto_o exercise_n true_o noble_a and_o worthy_a that_o nation_n will_v be_v dispose_v to_o a_o more_o considerate_a and_o apprehensive_a habit_n of_o mind_n and_o to_o a_o more_o
faith_n in_o christ_n or_o to_o the_o profitable_a use_n of_o those_o ordinance_n whereof_o they_o will_v partake_v or_o by_o public_a trial_n can_v be_v evict_v in_o their_o deed_n to_o deny_v christ_n to_o who_o they_o profess_v subjection_n or_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o scandalous_a enormity_n or_o disobedience_n as_o be_v reproachful_a to_o the_o christian_a name_n it_o be_v likewise_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o discipline_n be_v a_o work_n of_o time_n and_o that_o people_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v on_o by_o degree_n when_o they_o have_v lie_v long_o undisciplined_a for_o a_o nation_n be_v not_o bear_v in_o a_o day_n right_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n grate_v hard_a upon_o man_n corruption_n and_o stir_v up_o many_o nemy_n likewise_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v often_o jealous_a of_o it_o lest_o it_o shall_v move_v eccentric_a to_o their_o motion_n therefore_o be_v a_o tender_a point_n it_o require_v so_o much_o caution_n as_o nothing_o more_o cogent_n reason_n persuade_v those_o that_o be_v herein_o concern_v most_o willing_o to_o put_v themselves_o under_o the_o regulation_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o to_o contain_v themselves_o within_o all_o tolerable_a limitation_n prescribe_v by_o he_o i_o mean_v such_o as_o defeat_v not_o the_o end_n of_o discipline_n and_o by_o clear_a and_o moderate_a act_n within_o their_o own_o sphere_n to_o render_v their_o office_n less_o invidious_a chap._n xxvi_o of_o submission_n to_o thing_n impose_v by_o lawful_a authority_n whosoever_o due_o prize_v the_o public_a peace_n of_o his_o own_o liberty_n for_o public_a service_n will_v consider_v the_o utmost_a lawful_a boundary_a of_o submission_n to_o thing_n impose_v by_o lawful_a authority_n that_o nothing_o possible_a to_o be_v do_v be_v leave_v undo_v but_o what_o be_v sinful_a ●…s_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n impossible_a we_o may_v not_o ●…ie_v for_o god_n nothing_o erroneous_a may_v be_v assert_v nothing_o simple_o evil_a may_v be_v admit_v in_o our_o own_o practice_n but_o in_o a_o establish_a church_n not_o infect_v with_o heresy_n or_o idolatry_n nor_o defective_a in_o any_o vital_a part_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v duty_n to_o bear_v with_o much_o that_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v amiss_o in_o other_o practice_n to_o which_o we_o make_v not_o ourselves_o accessary_a by_o neglect_v any_o mean_n of_o redress_n within_o our_o power_n and_o call_v yea_o be_v constrain_v by_o other_o rigour_n we_o may_v stoop_v to_o the_o use_n of_o some_o thing_n which_o profit_n little_a if_o they_o be_v not_o simple_o evil_a nor_o by_o a_o evil_a consequent_a destructive_a to_o the_o main_a service_n to_o which_o they_o be_v superad_v the_o yoke_n of_o such_o subjection_n may_v cause_v grief_n of_o heart_n but_o do_v not_o wound_v the_o conscience_n indifferent_a thing_n be_v not_o make_v unlawful_a mere_o by_o be_v enjoin_v and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o some_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o specie_fw-la shall_v be_v determine_v for_o order_n sake_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o thing_n not_o in_o themselves_o unlawful_a may_v some_o time_n be_v so_o pernicious_a in_o their_o consequent_n a●_n by_o a_o vehement_a appearance_n of_o evil_a to_o draw_v other_o into_o sin_n and_o by_o a_o strong_a tendency_n to_o evil_n to_o lead_v and_o settle_v they_o in_o a_o way_n that_o be_v not_o good_a i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o the_o latitude_n of_o conformity_n to_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a be_v unlimited_a ruler_n have_v receive_v their_o power_n of_o enjoin_v and_o subject_n their_o liberty_n of_o conform_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n in_o a_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n we_o be_v lead_v on_o to_o consider_v whether_o the_o scandal_n of_o compliance_n with_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o themselves_o but_o of_o harmful_a consequence_n be_v not_o of_o lesser_a moment_n than_o the_o scandal_n and_o misery_n that_o may_v follow_v upon_o noncompliance_n though_o of_o thing_n simple_o evil_a neither_o may_v be_v choose_v yet_o of_o thing_n evil_a only_o in_o their_o consequent_n either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o inevitable_o come_v upon_o we_o that_o must_v be_v choose_v upon_o which_o the_o lesser_a evil_n follow_v peradventure_o the_o scandal_n of_o submission_n may_v be_v overballance_v by_o the_o apparent_a consequence_n of_o a_o more_o important_a good_a by_o which_o also_o it_o may_v in_o time_n be_v quite_o remove_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o prudent_a must_v herein_o direct_v their_o way_n though_o the_o ruler_n be_v judge_n of_o what_o rule_v he_o be_v to_o prescribe_v yet_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o subject_a be_v to_o judge_v with_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n whether_o those_o rule_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o so_o whether_o his_o conformity_n thereto_o be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a otherwise_o he_o must_v act_v upon_o blind_a obedience_n and_o may_v be_v excuse_v in_o do_v thing_n either_o simple_o evil_a or_o pernicious_a in_o their_o consequent_n a_o general_a certainty_n that_o ruler_n must_v be_v obey_v in_o lawful_a thing_n be_v no_o security_n to_o the_o conscience_n for_o obedience_n to_o this_o or_o that_o injunction_n when_o we_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v for_o we_o can_v be_v sure_o that_o obedience_n in_o this_o case_n be_v a_o duty_n and_o not_o a_o sin_n because_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o obey_v in_o thing_n unlawful_a and_o such_o the_o thing_n now_o in_o question_n be_v or_o may_v be_v for_o aught_o that_o we_o discern_v and_o our_o ignorance_n can_v change_v god_n law_n therefore_o the_o doubtfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o make_v the_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n likewise_o doubtful_a and_o perhaps_o the_o danger_n may_v be_v great_a on_o the_o part_n of_o obey_v than_o refuse_v for_o possible_o the_o injunction_n of_o a_o heinous_a sin_n may_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o in_o this_o straight_o we_o apprehend_v it_o more_o unsafe_a and_o less_o excusable_a to_o choose_v the_o great_a before_o the_o lesser_a sin_n on_o which_o side_n soever_o it_o be_v though_o indeed_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o choose_v neither_o indeed_o it_o be_v much_o easy_a for_o ruler_n to_o relax_v the_o strictness_n of_o many_o injunction_n about_o matter_n of_o suppose_a convenience_n than_o for_o subject_n to_o be_v enlarge_v from_o the_o strictness_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o bless_v be_v they_o that_o consider_v conscience_n and_o load_v it_o not_o with_o needless_a burden_n but_o seek_v to_o relieve_v it_o i●_n its_o distress_n and_o as_o this_o forbearance_n and_o tenderness_n i●_n superior_n be_v the_o praise_n of_o their_o government_n and_o advance_v peace_n and_o concord_n so_o do_v moderation_n and_o a_o submissive_a disposition_n commend_v inferior_n and_o much_o advantage_n their_o godly_a zeal_n for_o it_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o clamourous_a man_n it_o obviate_v the_o ensnare_a design_n of_o adversary_n and_o it_o give_v great_a boldness_n in_o contend_v for_o weighty_a matter_n howbeit_o sometime_o that_o submission_n which_o all_o circumstance_n consider_v both_o prudenc●_n and_o upright_a conscience_n declare_v necessary_a may_v be_v liable_a to_o a_o reproach_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o temporize_v the_o truth_n be_v a_o minister_n reputation_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v that_o be_v loath_a it_o shall_v suffer_v shipwreck_n and_o a_o appearance_n or_o suspicion_n of_o time-serving_a do_v great_o endanger_v it_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v forbear_v some_o compliance_n which_o he_o clear_o foresee_v will_n bring_v he_o into_o a_o vehement_a suspicion_n thereof_o in_o charity_n it_o shall_v be_v take_v not_o for_o a_o undue_a valuation_n of_o his_o own_o credit_n but_o for_o a_o tender_a regard_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o a_o exalt_a party_n shall_v set_v themselves_o to_o profligate_v the_o credit_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bring_v under_o by_o constrain_a they_o to_o such_o compliance_n they_o have_v more_o regard_n to_o their_o own_o particular_a triumph_n than_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o common_a faith_n and_o all_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v by_o this_o mean_v expose_v to_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o irriligious_a as_o if_o it_o be_v mere_a hypocrisy_n and_o matter_n of_o interest_n on_o all_o side_n as_o for_o inferior_n in_o this_o case_n they_o be_v in_o a_o strait_a between_o too_o and_o which_o way_n can_v they_o turn_v themselves_o ●o_o avoid-all_a inconvenience_n for_o the_o same_o ●_z that_o reproach_n they_o as_o temporize_v will_v in_o case_n of_o non-submission_n clamour_n against_o they_o as_o humorous_a and_o factious_a herein_o i_o shall_v offer_v the_o apt_a remedy_n i_o know_v ●amely_o neither_o in_o word_n nor_o deed_n to_o abandon_v or_o disow_v the_o truth_n and_o in_o these_o burdensome_a yet_o not_o unlawful_a compliance_n
not_o to_o run_v with_o the_o foremost_a but_o to_o proceed_v in_o such_o manner_n and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o stand_n in_o necessary_a ●_z may_v require_v and_o as_o the_o more_o considerate_a pa●…_n of_o man_n will_v justify_v to_o be_v discreet_a and_o honest_a but_o above_o all_o to_o endeavour_v by_o a_o godly_a and_o blameless_a life_n to_o make_v it_o manifest_a that_o conscience_n have_v be_v due_o satisfy_v and_o not_o trifle●_n with_o in_o doubtful_a matter_n and_o difficult_a time_n th●_n all_o good_a man_n shall_v keep_v the_o same_o latitude_n of_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o all_o wisdom_n for_o th●_n true_a interest_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v wish_v b●…_n not_o expect_v for_o some_o will_v be_v more_o other_o less_o enlarge_v by_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o apprehension_n also_o some_o by_o their_o natural_a disposition_n be_v more_o timorous_a or_o more_o comply_v other_o again_o be_v more_o hardy_a and_o less_o flexible_a or_o mor●_n reserve_v and_o resolute_a in_o their_o opinion_n many_o be_v injudicious_a and_o the_o best_a have_v their_o passion_n and_o some_o lie_n under_o disadvantage_n that_o may_v bias_n the_o judgement_n this_o or_o that_o way_n where_o th●_n matter_n be_v somewhat_o disputable_a other_o ma●_n have_v weighty_a reason_n either_o for_o assent_n or_o di●…_n send_v though_o not_o obvious_a and_o perhaps_o not_o 〈◊〉_d expedient_a to_o be_v declare_v man_n case_n bein●_n so_o exceed_o various_a they_o must_v needs_o vary●…_n practice_n some_o inconvenience_n but_o no_o d●_n structive_a mischief_n will_v follow_v this_o diversity_n it_o do_v not_o as_o one_o will_v think_v it_o shall_v not_o disunite_v affection_n for_o then_o these_o several_a pa●…ties_n or_o persuasion_n rather_o be_v one_o in_o their_o main_a cause_n and_o may_v with_o one_o spirit_n though_o walk_v in_o several_a path_n carry_v on_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o it_o if_o religion_n be_v but_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o faction_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o worldly_a interest_n the_o asserter_n thereof_o may_v lose_v or_o lessen_v it_o by_o take_v such_o several_a way_n but_o it_o depend_v not_o upon_o party_n and_o their_o design_n nor_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o such_o engagement_n but_o in_o itself_o perfect_o free_a from_o they_o therefore_o it_o be_v advance_v in_o any_o way_n that_o give_v it_o liberty_n and_o opportunity_n to_o display_v itself_o to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o own_o truth_n and_o goodness_n chap._n xxvii_o the_o sure_a and_o safe_a way_n of_o seek_v reformation_n when_o a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v inveterate_a or_o deep_o root_v in_o a_o nation_n ●he_v work_n of_o pious_a man_n be_v convince_o to_o reprove_v that_o corruption_n by_o the_o light_n of_o holy_a doctrine_n and_o of_o holy_a walk_n and_o to_o propagate_v and_o press_v home_o with_o zeal_n the_o great_a and_o unquestionable_a truth_n of_o christianity_n but_o to_o ●e_v more_o silent_a and_o spare_v in_o matter_n more_o con●overted_v and_o of_o less_o importance_n the_o vehement_a ●rging_n whereof_o will_v not_o convince_v the_o world_n nor_o silence_v the_o adversary_n likewise_o by_o humble_a address_n to_o the_o high_a power_n in_o a_o fit_a season_n they_o may_v seek_v the_o redress_n of_o such_o enormity_n as_o be_v evident_o scandalous_a absurd_a and_o odious_a and_o yet_o perhaps_o the_o chief_a prop_n of_o that_o corrupt_a state_n for_o this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o scandal_n or_o hazard_n and_o much_o be_v do_v if_o it_o take_v effect_n clamorous_a contest_v about_o doubtful_a form_n and_o custom_n and_o in_o comparison_n but_o by_o matter_n do_v serve_v to_o animate_v the_o opposite_a party_n and_o afford_v they_o matter_n to_o work_v upon_o but_o the_o vigorous_a maintenance_n of_o the_o vital_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o detect_n of_o gross_a abuse_n bear_v they_o down_o it_o be_v time_n that_o ripen_v all_o thing_n and_o every_o thing_n in_o its_o season_n be_v beautiful_a and_o successful_a then_o the_o redress_n of_o evil_n will_v run_v in_o its_o prepare_a channel_n and_o a_o plain_a path_n will_v be_v find_v through_o passage_n former_o inaccessible_a and_o then_o ruler_n themselves_o may_v see_v what_o one_o of_o deep_a judgement_n observe_v that_o when_o time_n of_o course_n alter_v thing_n to_o the_o worse_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n have_v need_n alter_v they_o to_o the_o better_a they_o may_v find_v the_o necessity_n and_o utility_n of_o reformation_n and_o by_o their_o authority_n make_v it_o warrantable_a if_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n walk_v in_o sober_a counsel_n and_o sure_a way_n and_o follow_v the_o truth_n in_o peace_n and_o love_n and_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o common_a good_a they_o retain_v their_o innocence_n and_o maintain_v their_o honour_n which_o be_v their_o sure_a interest_n and_o shall_v be_v find_v though_o the_o few_o number_n to_o have_v a_o considerable_a influence_n upon_o the_o public_a state_n both_o religious_a and_o civil_a affair_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v carry_v in_o extreme_n for_o which_o cause_n reformation_n common_o be_v suspect_v and_o their_o credit_n be_v much_o impair_v in_o avoid_v superstition_n some_o have_v run_v into_o rudeness_n and_o undecency_n in_o divine_a worship_n the_o natural_a expression_n ofreverence_n and_o devout_a affection_n and_o thing_n necessary_a to_o decency_n and_o order_n shall_v be_v observe_v careful_o by_o those_o that_o turn_v away_o from_o superstitious_a vanity_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o a_o well_o inform_v conscience_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o sound_a mind_n do_v guide_v and_o rule_v they_o and_o that_o their_o principle_n be_v no_o way_n defective_a but_o sufficient_a and_o ample_a unto_o all_o regular_a devotion_n these_o necessary_a decency_n and_o natural_a expression_n of_o devotion_n be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o all_o intelligent_a person_n and_o the_o mode_n of_o civil_a reverence_n and_o seriousness_n in_o use_n among_o we_o do_v much_o guide_n herein_o a_o compliance_n with_o sober_a and_o grave_a solemnity_n affect_v by_o a_o nation_n in_o general_n help_v to_o procure_v a_o good_a esteem_n and_o to_o get_v ground_n among_o they_o whereas_o opposition_n and_o singularity_n may_v beget_v a_o general_a dislike_n man_n do_v but_o misspend_v their_o zeal_n in_o oppose_v prevalent_a custom_n that_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o good_a life_n among_o other_o thing_n i_o may_v instance_n in_o religious_a performance_n at_o funeral_n which_o may_v well_o be_v order_v without_o superstition_n or_o any_o other_o abuse_n and_o improve_v to_o the_o people_n benefit_n who_o be_v then_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o house_n of_o mourning_n some_o church_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o false_a worshipper_n to_o prevent_v all_o superstition_n have_v forbid_v the_o make_n of_o prayer_n or_o sermon_n at_o the_o interment_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n several_a church_n may_v have_v their_o peculiar_a reason_n and_o according_o their_o different_a order_n as_o concern_v heathenish_a pastime_n and_o vanity_n sometime_o affect_v by_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a and_o perhaps_o countenance_v by_o some_o of_o high_a degree_n for_o end_n well_o know_v they_o tend_v indeed_o unto_o much_o profaneness_n and_o may_v trouble_v the_o mind_n and_o stir_v the_o zeal_n of_o good_a man_n nevertheless_o when_o the_o power_n of_o reform_v be_v beyond_o their_o line_n it_o suffice_v that_o the_o weighty_a and_o unquestionable_a matter_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v constant_o inculcate_v upon_o the_o people_n and_o the_o spread_a of_o sound_a knowledge_n endeavour_v both_o by_o public_a doctrine_n and_o by_o private_a instruction_n and_o those_o humorous_a foolery_n which_o opposition_n often_o heighten_v will_v soon_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n by_o contempt_n and_o silence_n in_o a_o happy_a season_n when_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n have_v a_o potent_a influence_n upon_o a_o nation_n the_o lay_n of_o a_o good_a foundation_n for_o time_n to_o come_v be_v main_o to_o be_v regard_v a_o opportunity_n in_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v lose_v not_o only_o by_o a_o sluggish_a neglect_n but_o also_o by_o a_o impetuous_a overstrain_v of_o it_o it_o be_v overstrain_v when_o thing_n be_v carry_v forth_o beyond_o what_o a_o nation_n will_v ever_o bear_v it_o may_v be_v more_o advisable_a to_o stop_v at_o moderate_a reformation_n than_o to_o proceed_v to_o such_o extreme_a alteration_n as_o must_v needs_o stand_v in_o opposion_n if_o so_o be_v they_o can_v so_o stand_v to_o a_o contrary_a fix_a inclination_n general_o prevail_v the_o consequent_n of_o such_o proceed_n need_v not_o to_o be_v here_o discourse_v beside_o the_o more_o healthful_a state_n of_o religion_n may_v stand_v not_o in_o a_o total_a change_n of_o thing_n long_o in_o use_n but_o in_o reform_v the_o abuse_n thereof_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v mind_v that_o sometime_o in_o cure_v a_o lesser_a evil_n