Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n heart_n spirit_n word_n 8,255 5 4.2520 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 condition_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o his_o full_a intention_n and_o his_o father_n commandment_n have_v make_v propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o far_o as_o thereby_o to_o procure_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o salvation_n of_o soul_n to_o all_o that_o do_v unfeigned_o believe_v and_o repent_v that_o man_n be_v dead_a in_o sin_n can_v be_v quicken_v to_o the_o divine_a life_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n grace_n raise_v he_o above_o the_o impotency_n of_o lapse_v nature_n that_o the_o culpable_a impotency_n of_o lapse_v nature_n to_o save_v good_a lie_v in_o the_o fix_a full_a aversation_n of_o the_o will_n by_o a_o deplorable_a obstinacy_n nill_v that_o good_a to_o which_o the_o natural_a faculty_n can_v reach_v and_o aught_o to_o incline_v as_o to_o their_o due_a object_n that_o the_o root_n of_o godliness_n lie_v in_o regeneration_n and_o inward_a sanctification_n that_o god_n call_v some_o by_o the_o help_n of_o that_o special_a grace_n which_o infallible_o effect_v their_o conversion_n and_o adhesion_n to_o he_o without_o any_o impeachment_n of_o the_o natural_a liberty_n of_o the_o will_n that_o whatsoever_o god_n do_v in_o time_n and_o in_o whatsoever_o order_n he_o do_v it_o he_o decree_v from_o eternity_n to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o in_o the_o same_o order_n and_o so_o he_o decree_v from_o eternity_n to_o give_v that_o special_a grace_n to_o some_o and_o by_o it_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o glory_n which_o decree_n be_v eternal_a election_n to_o which_o be_v opposite_a the_o pure_a negative_a of_o nonelection_n as_o for_o preordination_n to_o everlasting_a punishment_n it_o pass_v not_o upon_o any_o but_o on_o the_o foresight_n and_o consideration_n of_o their_o final_a abode_n in_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n that_o the_o more_o common_a conviction_n inclination_n and_o endeavour_n towards_o god_n in_o person_n unregenerate_a be_v good_a in_o their_o degree_n and_o the_o ordinary_a preparative_n 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
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
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 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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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aggravate_v such_o weakness_n to_o make_v sport_n for_o themselves_o and_o other_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o for_o they_o that_o pour_v out_o scorn_n upon_o the_o most_o pious_a serious_a solid_n and_o profitable_a kind_n of_o preach_v and_o make_v ridiculous_a representation_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n because_o it_o suit_v not_o their_o seem_a wisdom_n i_o be_o rather_o incline_v to_o lament_v their_o folly_n then_o to_o emulate_v their_o wit_n or_o envy_v their_o applause_n with_o some_o man_n we_o read_v that_o the_o wise_a preacher_n seek_v out_o acceptable_a word_n that_o be_v word_n please_v to_o edification_n that_o will_v reach_v home_o and_o be_v pierce_v as_o goad_n and_o nail_n the_o preacher_n inward_a feel_n of_o what_o he_o speak_v have_v a_o secret_a force_n to_o cause_v his_o word_n to_o be_v feel_v by_o other_o and_o what_o come_v from_o the_o heart_n be_v apt_a to_o go_v to_o the_o heart_n by_o a_o sympathy_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o that_o any_o shall_v speak_v of_o see_v and_o feel_v in_o some_o sort_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o god_n word_n will_v not_o seem_v strange_a to_o they_o who_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a the_o powerful_a dispense_n of_o the_o word_n depend_v chief_o on_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n though_o both_o natural_a and_o acquire_v part_n and_o the_o industrious_a exercise_n thereof_o be_v likewise_o necessary_a for_o which_o cause_n the_o spiritual_a man_n have_v unspeakable_a advantage_n of_o the_o mere_o natural_a man_n in_o this_o service_n the_o special_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o he_o and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o he_o cause_v he_o to_o speak_v in_o a_o strain_n more_o apposite_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o form_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n yea_o such_o illumination_n and_o conviction_n and_o taste_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n as_o proceed_v from_o a_o more_o common_a or_o less_o than_o regenerate_a grace_n will_v 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
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
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
common_a remissness_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v deplorable_a sometime_o the_o manner_n of_o opposition_n against_o seducer_n be_v unadvised_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o contend_v for_o truth_n by_o wrath_n and_o clamour_n and_o contumelious_a language_n and_o usage_n inhance_v the_o price_n of_o error_n and_o add_v to_o its_o reputation_n but_o the_o sure_a way_n be_v to_o converse_v much_o with_o our_o plain_a heart_a people_n and_o to_o season_v they_o with_o right_a principle_n and_o to_o detect_v the_o subtle_a method_n of_o deceitful_a worker_n and_o the_o dangerous_a issue_n of_o their_o allurement_n and_o by_o honest_a and_o inoffensive_a application_n to_o prepossess_v those_o hold_n of_o which_o deceiver_n seek_v to_o possess_v themselves_o and_o here_o it_o be_v of_o chief_a importance_n that_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o other_o prudent_a and_o able_a person_n upon_o the_o common_a multitude_n of_o professor_n be_v more_o prevail_a than_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o common_a multitude_n upon_o the_o pastor_n and_o other_o prudent_a leader_n servile_a temporize_a with_o vulgar_a fancy_n degrade_n the_o authority_n and_o wisdom_n of_o prudent_a guide_n and_o lift_v up_o a_o vulgar_a spirit_n and_o will_v bring_v it_o to_o that_o pass_n that_o the_o weak_a and_o most_o inconsiderate_a shall_v sway_v the_o church_n interest_n let_v person_n of_o approve_a worth_n be_v more_o faithful_a and_o noble_a than_o by_o such_o servility_n and_o treachery_n to_o raise_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o weak_a sort_n let_v they_o rather_o commend_v themselves_o by_o their_o know_a integrity_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o by_o be_v ready_a also_o in_o all_o condescension_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v they_o to_o their_o edification_n and_o such_o faithfulness_n be_v the_o sure_a mean_n to_o gain_v they_o love_v and_o honour_n let_v the_o religious_a beware_v of_o seek_v to_o be_v admire_v and_o magnify_v among_o one_o another_o or_o of_o overprize_v each_o other_o esteem_n this_o latter_a seem_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o draw_v peter_n to_o a_o fit_a of_o dissimulation_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o believe_a gentile_n while_o he_o seek_v too_o much_o to_o please_v they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o circumcision_n sometime_o we_o know_v not_o our_o own_o spirit_n it_o be_v good_a to_o beware_v of_o provocation_n like_o to_o be_v give_v or_o take_v upon_o a_o suppose_a affront_n or_o injury_n man_n of_o part_n have_v be_v hurry_v into_o dangerous_a contest_v and_o to_o make_v head_n against_o petty_a passionate_a opposition_n they_o have_v run_v beyond_o their_o own_o thought_n and_o wrought_v strange_a confusion_n discretion_n and_o charity_n seek_v to_o convince_v and_o satisfy_v and_o not_o to_o exasperate_v a_o offend_a brother_n it_o be_v well_o observe_v that_o no_o turbulent_a opinion_n or_o party_n do_v usual_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o church_n neglect_n of_o some_o truth_n or_o duty_n wherefore_o if_o a_o evil_a spirit_n seek_v a_o occasion_n of_o mischief_n reform_v the_o abuse_n and_o so_o prevent_v his_o work_n upon_o the_o simple_a and_o forasmuch_o as_o some_o of_o upright_a heart_n be_v deceive_v with_o a_o fancy_n of_o a_o more_o sublime_a and_o perfect_a way_n may_v pass_v into_o the_o tent_n of_o sectary_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v church_n order_n and_o external_a worship_n a_o compassionate_a regard_n must_v be_v have_v of_o such_o as_o walk_v honest_o and_o retain_v those_o fundamental_a truth_n that_o may_v be_v a_o groundwork_n for_o save_a faith_n and_o godly_a life_n now_o towards_o such_o the_o great_a charity_n be_v exercise_v in_o labour_v to_o remove_v the_o stumbling-block_n of_o their_o error_n and_o to_o make_v it_o plain_a before_o they_o that_o the_o faithful_a who_o communion_n they_o forsake_v contend_v for_o the_o perfection_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o explicit_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o reasonable_a service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o spiritual_a worship_n suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n and_o the_o lively_a use_n of_o holy_a ordinance_n in_o opposition_n to_o unwritten_a tradition_n man_n invention_n implicit_a faith_n ignorant_a devotion_n and_o mere_a formality_n that_o they_o declare_v by_o word_n and_o deed_n against_o the_o iniquity_n and_o impiety_n of_o this_o evil_a world_n and_o therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v they_o that_o they_o insist_v upon_o no_o form_n or_o usage_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v command_v by_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o christ_n or_o be_v necessary_a in_o their_o general_a reason_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o seek_v no_o worldly_a advantage_n or_o advancement_n in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o support_n of_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o god_n ordinary_a providence_n and_o last_o that_o human_a infirmity_n must_v not_o be_v think_v strange_a in_o they_o that_o have_v not_o obtain_v angelical_a perfection_n these_o and_o the_o like_a thing_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a before_o honest_a people_n that_o have_v be_v seduce_v into_o sectarian_n error_n chap._n xxv_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n by_o make_v it_o national_a and_o the_o settle_a interest_n of_o nation_n christs_n little_a flock_n can_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n nor_o retire_v within_o themselves_o alone_o from_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o they_o must_v needs_o remain_v a_o part_n of_o kingdom_n &_o commonwealth_n with_o the_o world_n in_o general_n they_o must_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o the_o power_n that_o be_v will_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o and_o their_o way_n for_o which_o cause_n their_o aim_n and_o action_n as_o far_o as_o their_o sacred_a rule_n allow_v must_v be_v fit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o direct_v unto_o the_o general_a peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o the_o nation_n whereof_o they_o be_v &_o in_o which_o they_o enjoy_v their_o civil_a right_n by_o this_o mean_n religion_n interest_n may_v incorporate_v with_o the_o general_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n &_o run_v in_o the_o same_o channel_n that_o pure_a religion_n may_v take_v root_n and_o spread_v and_o prosper_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o bring_v its_o external_a frame_n to_o the_o consistency_n of_o a_o national_a settlement_n the_o just_a ●a●aude_n hereof_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o substantial_o of_o divine_a worship_n and_o thing_n necessary_a to_o church_n unity_n and_o order_n but_o it_o go_v not_o beyond_o these_o and_o be_v fix_v in_o this_o extent_n it_o be_v in_o a_o way_n to_o gain_v beside_o the_o support_n and_o power_n of_o the_o law_n the_o nation_n unstrain_a compliance_n and_o approbation_n as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n ecclesiastical_a tyranny_n be_v a_o root_n of_o bitterness_n always_o bear_v gall_n and_o wormwood_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n unfixedness_n and_o unlimited_a liberty_n consist_v not_o with_o that_o stability_n wherein_o all_o prudent_a governor_n will_v settle_v their_o own_o affair_n as_o also_o with_o that_o general_a tranquillity_n and_o repose_n which_o be_v the_o health_n of_o any_o people_n if_o one_o be_v raise_v to_o empire_n by_o a_o mere_a fanatic_a party_n he_o can_v settle_v himself_o nor_o stand_v upon_o firm_a ground_n till_o he_o wind_v his_o interest_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n and_o turn_v himself_o to_o the_o way_n of_o general_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o same_o intent_n and_o purpose_n it_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n so_o to_o fix_v the_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n as_o not_o to_o set_v a_o perpetual_a bar_n against_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o people_n a_o church_n state_n so_o bar_v though_o it_o be_v assert_v with_o a_o veterane_n army_n and_o can_v enclose_v all_o preferment_n both_o of_o honour_n and_o profit_n within_o itself_o to_o be_v at_o its_o disposal_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o see_v how_o it_o can_v ever_o obtain_v a_o firm_a establishment_n for_o a_o christian_a nation_n in_o general_a be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o bar_v of_o such_o privilege_n as_o be_v suppose_v to_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o christian_n be_v enrage_v and_o likely_a to_o be_v engage_v as_o one_o man_n to_o oppose_v that_o which_o they_o take_v for_o intolerable_a oppression_n or_o if_o they_o care_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v they_o will_v turn_v to_o a_o contrary_a interest_n and_o party_n in_o religion_n or_o to_o infidelity_n barbarism_n atheism_n or_o some_o destructive_a way_n or_o other_o now_o the_o intention_n here_o propound_v may_v take_v effect_n if_o the_o constitution_n shut_v out_o none_o from_o sacred_a and_o spiritual_a privilege_n but_o such_o as_o make_v not_o profession_n of_o true_a christianity_n or_o be_v destitute_a of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o true_a
and_o though_o we_o may_v not_o please_v they_o in_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a yet_o we_o may_v in_o that_o which_o be_v lawful_a but_o less_o edify_v and_o so_o we_o may_v let_v go_v some_o good_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n rather_o than_o omit_v the_o whole_a service_n here_o be_v indeed_o a_o sinful_a defect_n yet_o not_o on_o our_o part_n but_o on_o they_o who_o urge_v the_o way_n that_o be_v less_o edify_a and_o refuse_v the_o better_a the_o exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n be_v a_o mean_n and_o not_o the_o end_n must_v be_v govern_v by_o rule_n of_o prudence_n among_o which_o this_o be_v a_o chief_a one_o that_o the_o mean_n must_v not_o be_v assert_v so_o stiff_o as_o to_o endanger_v or_o destroy_v the_o end_n the_o exercise_n of_o spiritual_a authority_n be_v necessary_o more_o regulate_v by_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o a_o state_n that_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n than_o in_o a_o state_n that_o either_o persecute_v or_o disregard_v it_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o spiritual_a power_n be_v radical_o the_o same_o in_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n may_v not_o be_v more_o restrain_v in_o some_o and_o let_v forth_o to_o a_o large_a extent_n in_o other_o upon_o prudential_a ground_n provide_v it_o be_v not_o enlarge_v in_o some_o to_o a_o exorbitancy_n and_o streighten_v in_o other_o to_o a_o extreme_a deficiency_n likewise_o if_o there_o be_v a_o dissent_n or_o doubt_v about_o a_o superiority_n or_o pre-eminence_n of_o spiritual_a power_n in_o some_o distinct_a ecclesiastical_a office_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v how_o far_o submission_n may_v be_v yield_v to_o a_o power_n objective_o ecclesiastical_a but_o formal_o political_a derive_v from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o seat_v in_o ecclesiastical_a person_n by_o temporal_a law_n last_o in_o reference_n to_o thing_n impose_v there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o a_o quiet_a submission_n and_o a_o approve_v free_a choice_n it_o may_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o subject_n to_o do_v that_o which_o may_v be_v the_o sin_n of_o governor_n to_o command_v for_o in_o the_o same_o thing_n wherein_o governor_n refuse_v the_o better_a way_n subject_n may_v do_v their_o part_n and_o choose_v the_o best_a way_n they_o can_v if_o these_o consideration_n or_o other_o of_o the_o like_a catholic_n tendency_n be_v find_v allowable_a and_o will_v pass_v among_o brethren_n of_o different_a judgement_n they_o may_v prevent_v and_o heal_v many_o breach_n and_o unite_v dissenter_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o love_n and_o afford_v unto_o such_o as_o have_v be_v entangle_v a_o more_o free_a scope_n and_o large_a capacity_n for_o public_a aim_n and_o action_n chap._n xxix_o whether_o the_o purity_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n be_v lessen_v by_o amplitude_n and_o comprehensiveness_n a_o doubt_n may_v arise_v in_o this_o place_n whether_o it_o ben_fw-mi ot_fw-mi safe_o to_o make_v the_o church-door_n narrow_a and_o to_o keep_v a_o strict_a guard_n upon_o the_o entrance_n into_o it_o and_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o exact_a purity_n that_o religion_n may_v continue_v uncorrupt_a and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o defile_v nor_o its_o interest_n ravish_v by_o stranger_n in_o resolve_v this_o doubt_n i_o forget_v not_o that_o the_o way_n be_v narrow_a and_o the_o gate_n be_v straight_o that_o lead_v unto_o life_n but_o self-denial_n and_o real_a mortification_n and_o a_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n and_o not_o strictness_n of_o opinion_n in_o church_n order_n be_v this_o narrow_a way_n and_o straight_a gate_n and_o our_o salvation_n lie_v upon_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o not_o upon_o church_n purity_n beside_o god_n have_v make_v the_o gate_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n much_o wide_a than_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n and_o church_n discipline_n can_v be_v set_v in_o that_o strictness_n in_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v for_o doctrine_n direct_o judge_v the_o heart_n and_o require_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n but_o discipline_n judge_v only_o the_o exterior_a conversation_n and_o must_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o credibility_n of_o profession_n in_o walk_v by_o rigid_a rule_n of_o discipline_n though_o with_o a_o aim_n to_o advance_v purity_n we_o may_v easy_o shut_v out_o those_o who_o christ_n have_v take_v in_o true_a piety_n may_v be_v find_v in_o many_o who_o retain_v such_o thing_n as_o some_o godly_a christian_n judge_v erroneous_a or_o superstitious_a and_o godly_a sincerity_n may_v be_v find_v in_o many_o who_o some_o of_o great_a zeal_n but_o too_o censorious_a may_v judge_v to_o be_v but_o formalist_n it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o neglect_v sober_a and_o serious_a people_n though_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o profession_n who_o conform_v to_o god_n ordinance_n and_o regard_v a_o sound_a ministry_n and_o show_v themselves_o teachable_a lest_o we_o reject_v those_o that_o will_v help_v to_o uphold_v and_o honour_v religion_n more_o than_o many_o who_o will_v put_v themselves_o forward_o among_o the_o strict_a sort_n but_o indeed_o be_v either_o carnal_a projector_n or_o busy_a body_n or_o froward_a and_o fickle_a person_n and_o a_o stain_n to_o the_o profession_n in_o which_o they_o seem_v to_o glory_n this_o narrowness_n of_o church-communion_n and_o other_o reservedness_n of_o some_o strict_a professor_n tend_v neither_o to_o the_o increase_n nor_o stability_n of_o pure_a religion_n zealous_a christian_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o good_a leaven_n like_o that_o in_o the_o gospel_n parable_n which_o if_o keep_v alone_o be_v of_o no_o efficacy_n but_o be_v diffuse_v will_v season_v the_o whole_a lump_n if_o they_o sever_v themselves_o into_o distinct_a visible_a society_n from_o the_o body_n of_o a_o nation_n profess_v the_o true_a religion_n their_o virtue_n can_v spread_v far_o but_o they_o leaven_n the_o whole_a mass_n of_o people_n by_o be_v diffuse_v throughout_o the_o whole_a and_o then_o they_o gain_v reverence_n and_o reputation_n and_o by_o their_o example_n profane_a and_o dissolute_a person_n may_v be_v convince_v and_o much_o reform_v and_o among_o those_o that_o walk_v orderly_a many_o may_v be_v carry_v on_o from_o common_a to_o save_v grace_n hereunto_o may_v be_v add_v this_o inestimable_a benefit_n to_o wit_n the_o apparent_a hope_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o true_a religion_n to_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v which_o otherwise_o be_v unfixed_a may_v in_o time_n wear_v away_o and_o fail_v in_o such_o a_o nation_n furthermore_o sincere_a christian_n be_v comparative_o but_o a_o little_a flock_n and_o of_o that_o little_a flock_n the_o great_a number_n be_v of_o low_a capacity_n and_o very_o defective_a in_o political_a prudence_n and_o if_o they_o be_v whole_o leave_v to_o govern_v themselves_o in_o separate_a society_n they_o may_v easy_o be_v ensnare_v into_o party_n and_o breach_n and_o manifold_a inconvenience_n indeed_o those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v best_a able_a to_o govern_v themselves_o be_v most_o convince_v of_o the_o need_n of_o public_a government_n wherefore_o it_o be_v the_o security_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o live_v under_o a_o public_a and_o fix_a rule_n and_o order_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v embody_a with_o a_o nation_n if_o it_o may_v be_v in_o one_o way_n of_o communion_n chap._n xxx_o factious_a usurpation_n be_v destructive_a to_o religion_n interest_n religion_n be_v by_o the_o maligner_n of_o it_o too_o often_o call_v faction_n but_o the_o name_n be_v not_o more_o reproachful_a than_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v hurtful_a to_o it_o and_o the_o prudent_a promoter_n of_o it_o will_v avoid_v factious_a usurpation_n and_o all_o such_o way_n as_o will_v turn_v to_o a_o general_a grievance_n but_o if_o any_o number_n of_o man_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o profession_n shall_v seek_v the_o engross_n of_o profit_n and_o preferment_n within_o themselves_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v religious_a and_o the_o assume_v of_o such_o power_n as_o can_v be_v maintain_v but_o by_o injury_n or_o disregard_n real_o or_o in_o appearance_n offer_v to_o all_o other_o and_o shall_v so_o act_v in_o civil_a affair_n as_o if_o they_o only_o be_v the_o people_n and_o think_v to_o do_v this_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n they_o will_v much_o mistake_v their_o way_n for_o beside_o the_o iniquity_n of_o this_o practice_n the_o vanity_n and_o weakness_n of_o it_o be_v manifest_a the_o intrinsic_a and_o permanent_a strength_n of_o strict_a religion_n must_v be_v well_o consider_v for_o that_o which_o be_v adventitious_a be_v very_o mutable_a and_o may_v be_v soon_o turn_v against_o it_o occasional_a advantage_n may_v sudden_o raise_v it_o up_o to_o reputation_n and_o power_n among_o man_n and_o as_o sudden_o leave_v it_o to_o sink_v and_o fall_v again_o wherefore_o its_o friend_n and_o follower_n may_v