midianite_n numb_a 25._o 17_o 18._o enclose_v cramp_v and_o vex_v they_o first_o with_o the_o gild_n rise_v up_o in_o the_o face_n of_o conscience_n and_o then_o with_o the_o miserable_a consequence_n of_o the_o sudden_a wrath_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o they_o this_o be_v the_o stumbling-block_n of_o iniquity_n the_o wicked_a man_n in_o ezekiel_n put_v before_o his_o face_n even_o the_o idol_n he_o have_v upon_o his_o heart_n these_o be_v the_o stumbling-block_n with_o the_o wicked_a god_n will_v cut_v off_o and_o remove_v in_o the_o prophet_n zephaniah_n this_o be_v one_o principal_a point_n of_o scandal_n the_o apostle_n discourse_n of_o to_o the_o corinthian_n in_o the_o case_n of_o eat_v 10._o 1_o cor._n 8._o &_o 10._o thing_n offer_v unto_o idol_n and_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o eminent_o remark_v for_o balaam_n doctrine_n of_o scandal_n the_o great_a abomination_n and_o lie_v that_o deceive_v the_o world_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v the_o detestable_a 14._o rev._n 2._o 14._o antichristian_a idolatry_n the_o notorious_a scandal_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n both_o within_o itself_o and_o before_o the_o jew_n turk_n and_o even_o pagan_n who_o see_v their_o own_o brutishness_n act_v under_o that_o excellent_a name_n this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o point_n that_o god_n have_v depart_v from_o the_o brevity_n of_o that_o majestic_a law_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n for_o the_o guard_v his_o worship_n as_o with_o a_o flame_v sword_n every_o way_n because_o in_o a_o case_n wherein_o humane_a nature_n be_v so_o prone_a to_o fall_v whether_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o divide_v the_o divine_a honour_n to_o any_o other_o though_o under_o the_o name_n of_o reverence_n to_o he_o as_o the_o original_a or_o supreme_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o carve_n a_o worship_n for_o god_n he_o do_v not_o prescribe_v for_o himself_o whatever_o be_v the_o dccency_n or_o expediency_n to_o help_v the_o devotion_n whether_o of_o the_o learned_a or_o unlearned_a it_o become_v scandal_n and_o a_o snare_n to_o those_o that_o be_v so_o impose_v upon_o and_o see_v though_o the_o weakness_n of_o passion_n be_v far_o off_o from_o god_n he_o own_v himself_o jealous_a we_o have_v reason_n to_o mistrust_v every_o thing_n when_o he_o be_v so_o see_v not_o only_o foul_a debauch_n but_o even_o what_o be_v most_o innocent_a in_o all_o other_o case_n be_v suspect_v in_o that_o hezekiah_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o break_v in_o piece_n so_o venerable_a a_o relic_n as_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n not_o only_o a_o ceremony_n of_o 4._o 2_o king_n 18._o 4._o miraculous_a cure_n but_o a_o type_n of_o christ_n and_o degrade_v it_o into_o a_o mere_a piece_n of_o brass_n when_o he_o see_v the_o israelite_n scandalize_a at_o it_o and_o tempt_v by_o it_o to_o impure_a glance_n when_o our_o saviour_n perceive_v so_o clean_a and_o harmless_a a_o usage_n as_o 1._o mat._n 15._o 1._o wash_v before_o meat_n creep_v into_o a_o piece_n of_o religion_n how_o severe_o he_o disow_v it_o and_o be_v careless_a of_o the_o causeless_a scandalize_a of_o the_o pharisee_n by_o his_o doctrine_n concern_v it_o because_o he_o know_v there_o be_v true_a and_o real_a scandal_n in_o that_o rite_n so_o abuse_v and_o when_o all_o be_v say_v that_o can_v be_v say_v the_o heavenly_a pattern_n be_v that_o in_o divine_a worship_n and_o that_o only_a of_o which_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o nothing_o in_o it_o can_v scandalize_v that_o be_v just_o scandalize_v except_o we_o think_v god_n jealousy_n be_v a_o jewish_a style_n whole_o now_o out_o of_o date_n and_o yet_o how_o have_v this_o scandal_n this_o stone_n of_o stumble_v this_o gin_n and_o snare_n always_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o humane_a imagination_n and_o prevail_v upon_o it_o as_o if_o god_n live_v in_o the_o retirement_n of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n do_v not_o understand_v how_o himself_o be_v to_o be_v address_v by_o man_n nor_o know_v the_o point_n of_o honour_n due_a to_o his_o own_o glorious_a nature_n as_o be_v most_o fashionable_a and_o modish_a in_o the_o world_n man_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o distinguish_v thing_n better_o by_o the_o breed_n they_o have_v have_v in_o this_o earthly_a country_n they_o think_v god_n so_o much_o a_o stranger_n as_o not_o to_o know_v how_o to_o appoint_v for_o himself_o when_o man_n have_v to_o do_v with_o he_o as_o if_o what_o may_v be_v well_o accept_v in_o heaven_n will_v not_o yet_o be_v current_n upon_o earth_n here_o image_n picture_n elevation_n adoration_n of_o the_o host_n with_o innumerable_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v necessary_a to_o beget_v devotion_n due_a to_o god_n the_o saviour_n they_o will_v serve_v here_o they_o that_o can_v best_o judge_v what_o be_v most_o stately_a have_v determine_v god_n must_v not_o make_v himself_o so_o cheap_a as_o immediate_o to_o receive_v prayer_n and_o supplication_n or_o by_o his_o son_n only_o as_o the_o mediator_n angel_n and_o saint_n must_v intercede_v and_o then_o who_o can_v deny_v they_o their_o share_n of_o honour_n religion_n will_v be_v neglect_v and_o despise_v if_o it_o have_v not_o sets-off_a beside_o itself_o and_o the_o necessary_a decency_n of_o humane_a action_n there_o must_v be_v something_o unusual_a to_o dress_v it_o up_o and_o amuse_v but_o all_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o green_n and_o flourish_v lay_v over_o a_o trap_n to_o hide_v it_o and_o invite_v the_o unwary_a passenger_n god_n that_o understand_v himself_o so_o perfect_o as_o to_o know_v what_o will_v please_v he_o understand_v all_o man_n too_o and_o need_v not_o that_o any_o shall_v tell_v he_o of_o man_n for_o he_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n and_o he_o have_v pronounce_v it_o what_o be_v hig_o esteem_v among_o man_n be_v abomination_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n he_o have_v 9_o isa_n 15._o 9_o say_v it_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n all_o outward_a pomp_n be_v but_o draw_v nigh_o with_o lip_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v far_o off_o to_o worship_n god_n be_v to_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o not_o to_o make_v he_o such_o a_o one_o as_o ourselves_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_n must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n 24._o joh._n 4_o 24._o and_o truth_n in_o his_o spirituality_n and_o truth_n not_o in_o their_o own_o carnality_n and_o vain_a show_n it_o be_v not_o to_o paint_n or_o portray_v or_o carve_v a_o deity_n as_o the_o heathen_a that_o change_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n into_o a_o lie_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o the_o image_n of_o coruptible_a man_n and_o other_o base_a creature_n because_o they_o think_v it_o best_o and_o yet_o worse_o than_o that_o into_o name_n of_o great_a infamy_n and_o flagitious_a turpitude_n all_o frivolous_a rite_n represent_v divinity_n small_a and_o impertinent_a to_o the_o great_a loss_n of_o the_o glory_n due_a to_o that_o terrible_a name_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n one_o great_a end_n of_o worship_n be_v the_o conform_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o approach_n to_o and_o exercise_n of_o the_o mind_n upon_o it_o but_o if_o this_o be_v misshapen_v the_o soul_n be_v make_v more_o unlike_a to_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o as_o the_o same_o heathen_a become_v more_o licentious_a by_o the_o pourtraicture_n they_o give_v their_o go_n a_o trivial_a temper_n of_o mind_n natural_o result_v from_o a_o trivial_a worship_n even_o as_o it_o form_v it_o first_o and_o often_o meet_v it_o there_o it_o daily_a return_n from_o it_o confirm_v and_o improve_v the_o sincere_a worship_n direct_v to_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o glass_n in_o which_o we_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v change_v ult_n 2_o cor._n 3._o ult_n into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n looseness_n of_o life_n have_v be_v always_o note_v to_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o corrupt_a worship_n it_o be_v natural_o so_o and_o god_n curse_v it_o to_o be_v so_o god_n give_v idolater_n up_o to_o their_o lust_n and_o a_o injudicious_a mind_n they_o that_o worship_n he_o aright_o according_a to_o his_o word_n â—_o psal_n 36_o 8._o and_o 6â—_n â—_o adhere_v to_o he_o and_o by_o regular_a conduit_n drink_v life_n from_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n and_o derive_v from_o the_o river_n of_o his_o pleasure_n they_o be_v abundant_o satisfy_v with_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o house_n even_o of_o his_o holy_a temple_n they_o that_o worship_n god_n after_o their_o own_o imagination_n do_v but_o drink_v out_o of_o their_o own_o break_a or_o defile_v cistern_n that_o hold_v no_o water_n and_o therefore_o draw_v nothing_o but_o wind_n and_o air_n or_o
can_v not_o contradict_v itself_o no_o dream_n wonder_v or_o predication_n however_o fulfil_v be_v authentic_a enough_o to_o draw_v the_o jew_n from_o the_o true_a god_n that_o 1._o deut._n 13._o 1._o have_v so_o supreme_o demonstrate_v himself_o to_o they_o nor_o may_v any_o angel_n or_o spirit_n that_o be_v immediate_a inspiration_n or_o doctrine_n give_v by_o it_o seduce_v they_o from_o christ_n so_o evident_o seal_v to_o they_o in_o the_o new_a by_o god_n the_o father_n and_o therefore_o 27._o gal._n 6._o 27._o all_o pretension_n to_o the_o contrary_a how_o high_a soever_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v with_o detestation_n they_o know_v all_o that_o endeavour_v it_o must_v know_v themselves_o deceiver_n the_o great_a crime_n against_o natural_a religion_n and_o indeed_o none_o so_o subject_a to_o humane_a inquiry_n to_o their_o detection_n or_o severity_n when_o detect_v as_o impostor_n pretend_v divine_a revelation_n nor_o to_o their_o most_o authoritative_a restraint_n and_o repression_n as_o the_o wild_a enthusiast_n though_o with_o more_o mercy_n because_o he_o be_v himself_o so_o great_o deceive_v and_o delude_v and_o next_o to_o these_o a_o apostate_n from_o christianity_n can_v hardly_o if_o at_o all_o give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o christian_a power_n as_o shall_v clear_v he_o from_o be_v a_o most_o heinous_a offender_n against_o natural_a religion_n the_o sum_n than_o be_v this_o he_o to_o who_o christianity_n be_v propose_v as_o faithful_a and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n with_o such_o assurance_n of_o it_o from_o natural_a religion_n and_o its_o own_o evidence_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o draw_v any_o man_n intelligent_a and_o conscientious_a to_o it_o and_o yet_o reject_v and_o refuse_v he_o that_o speak_v from_o heaven_n to_o he_o be_v to_o be_v deliver_v over_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n who_o will_v judge_n the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n by_o that_o very_a gospel_n of_o truth_n rom._n 2._o 16._o he_o that_o apostatise_n from_o it_o when_o he_o have_v once_o receive_v it_o may_v be_v just_o call_v to_o the_o most_o strict_a account_n by_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o as_o they_o find_v reason_n further_o censure_v or_o punish_v it_o be_v ordinary_o impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o apostate_n from_o so_o excellent_a a_o religion_n once_o taste_v but_o with_o great_a violation_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o conscience_n he_o that_o pretend_v divine_a revelation_n against_o that_o which_o have_v so_o ample_a a_o patent_n from_o heaven_n may_v most_o righteous_o be_v first_o discover_v expose_v and_o after_o deal_v with_o as_o the_o most_o flagitious_a self-guilty_a deceiver_n by_o christian_a ruler_n who_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o divine_a vengâ—â—â—â—e_n in_o such_o case_n and_o 4._o rom._n 13._o 4._o by_o private_a christian_n for_o his_o natural_a evil_a work_n cast_v out_o of_o their_o whole_a society_n religious_a or_o civil_a except_o he_o appear_v a_o enthusiastic_a phrenetick_a who_o in_o pity_n to_o he_o be_v to_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o a_o bethlehem_n from_o do_v so_o great_a injury_n to_o himself_o and_o other_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o first_o argument_n concern_v the_o acceptableness_n of_o natural_a religion_n to_o god_n our_o saviour_n guide_v myself_o in_o it_o by_o this_o rule_n viz._n the_o most_o comprehensive_a religion_n in_o charity_n to_o other_o while_o we_o keep_v to_o main_a foundation_n in_o our_o charity_n and_o to_o the_o pure_a strict_a rule_n in_o ourselves_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o be_v certain_o the_o best_a and_o most_o like_a that_o one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n the_o common_a bosom_n of_o love_n peace_n hope_n rest_n the_o 2._o arg._n prove_v natural_a religion_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o centre_n arg._n 2_o of_o common_a peace_n and_o agreement_n in_o religion_n be_v this_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a code_n of_o natural_a religion_n of_o which_o every_o man_n have_v a_o part_n for_o himself_o so_o that_o we_o may_v all_o appeal_v one_o to_o another_o as_o it_o be_v to_o page_n and_o line_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o so_o write_v in_o that_o book_n of_o the_o law_n within_o we_o whether_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o our_o duty_n and_o whether_o we_o have_v not_o sin_v in_o do_v contrary_a and_o indeed_o thus_o to_o do_v be_v the_o universal_a usage_n of_o man_n in_o all_o their_o debate_n one_o with_o another_o as_o face_n answer_v to_o face_n in_o water_n so_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o man_n in_o this_o natural_a religion_n as_o the_o part_n of_o humane_a body_n agree_v in_o all_o man_n so_o do_v these_o proportion_n and_o lineament_n of_o soul_n we_o may_v with_o great_a certainty_n solicit_v man_n upon_o these_o principle_n than_o evil_a man_n tempt_v one_o another_o upon_o common_a depravation_n for_o corruption_n though_o all_o one_o in_o the_o fountain_n yet_o lie_v in_o more_o several_a vein_n than_o these_o law_n of_o natural_a conscience_n so_o that_o man_n may_v be_v miss_v by_o those_o that_o tempt_v they_o out_o of_o their_o proper_a inclination_n to_o evil_n as_o hit_v in_o the_o wrong_a vein_n but_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o line_n of_o natural_a conscience_n want_v in_o any_o man_n nor_o a_o aptness_n to_o be_v move_v in_o they_o if_o search_v to_o the_o quick_a they_o will_v feel_v it_o to_o conviction_n though_o too_o often_o not_o to_o conversion_n the_o apostle_n in_o preach_v to_o faelix_fw-la strike_v he_o in_o the_o sentiment_n of_o righteousness_n temperance_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v as_o in_o master-vein_n and_o know_v he_o must_v take_v place_n as_o it_o prove_v in_o his_o tremble_n so_o in_o his_o discourse_n act._n 17._o he_o fall_v upon_o that_o universal_a sense_n of_o a_o divine_a be_v and_o his_o excellent_a nature_n of_o which_o he_o be_v sure_o there_o be_v a_o counterpart_n within_o they_o he_o do_v not_o first_o preach_v christ_n to_o they_o a_o point_n without_o they_o but_o get_v within_o they_o in_o natural_a principle_n he_o assay_v by_o the_o continuity_n and_o similarness_n of_o the_o one_o with_o the_o other_o to_o intwine_v as_o with_o admirable_a artifice_n he_o do_v those_o natural_a principle_n with_o christianity_n our_o saviour_n indeed_o deal_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o more_o absolute_a and_o positive_a term_n because_o natural_a conscience_n lie_v high_a and_o near_o to_o supernatural_a instruction_n by_o their_o acquaintance_n and_o familiarity_n with_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o they_o but_o in_o deal_v with_o those_o that_o have_v not_o those_o revelation_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n centre_n their_o application_n to_o they_o in_o this_o universal_a religion_n and_o with_o great_a reason_n and_o expectation_n of_o success_n as_o daniel_n to_o nabuchadnezzar_n i_o counsel_v thou_o to_o break_v off_o thy_o sin_n by_o righteousness_n and_o by_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o 27_o dan._n 4._o 27_o poor_a if_o it_o may_v be_v a_o lengthen_v of_o thy_o tranquillity_n this_o be_v natural_a doctrine_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v address_v to_o a_o prince_n never_o so_o much_o a_o stranger_n to_o divine_a revelation_n for_o this_o be_v a_o religion_n know_v to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o that_o in_o which_o all_o may_v most_o reasonable_o unite_v this_o be_v that_o a_o magistrate_n may_v with_o great_a authority_n demand_v conformity_n to_o of_o his_o subject_n and_o they_o oblige_v to_o obey_v as_o the_o king_n of_o niniveh_n most_o just_o enjoin_v public_a 7._o joâ—_n 3._o 7._o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o so_o great_a and_o imminent_a judgement_n for_o every_o magistrate_n be_v suppose_v as_o a_o magistrate_n to_o have_v good_a knowledge_n of_o this_o law_n of_o which_o he_o as_o a_o man_n have_v a_o copy_n as_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n have_v of_o the_o reveal_v law_n and_o in_o which_o as_o they_o in_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v conversant_a that_o he_o may_v be_v just_a that_o rule_v over_o man_n rule_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o 3._o 2_o sam._n 23._o 3._o god_n of_o this_o also_o every_o subject_n have_v a_o copy_n that_o he_o may_v know_v his_o duty_n and_o observe_v it_o hence_o therefore_o universal_a conformity_n be_v a_o unquestionable_a obligation_n when_o he_o that_o command_v and_o they_o who_o be_v to_o obey_v have_v both_o the_o same_o just_a weight_n and_o measure_v commit_v to_o they_o one_o in_o order_n to_o rule_n and_o government_n the_o other_o in_o order_n to_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n such_o as_o can_v disagree_v no_o more_o than_o seal_a weight_n and_o measure_n in_o general_a traffic_n and_o which_o each_o have_v a_o standard_n of_o and_o may_v except_o inexcusable_a ignorance_n negligence_n or_o injustice_n be_v in_o the_o fault_n have_v a_o immediate_a recourse_n to_o but_o beyond_o this_o what_o of_o compulsion_n there_o can_v be_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v every_o revelation_n be_v receive_v
by_o faith_n and_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v to_o make_v the_o way_n and_o not_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n that_o be_v to_o cut_v it_o christianity_n substantial_a fundamental_a christianity_n have_v the_o best_a claim_n to_o the_o edict_n of_o principality_n and_o power_n for_o it_o there_o be_v no_o other_o revelation_n except_o that_o in_o the_o world_n but_o what_o be_v counterfeit_a and_o spurious_a no_o other_o religion_n so_o inducible_a upon_o true_o natural_a principle_n and_o in_o christianity_n it_o be_v the_o substantial_a christianity_n not_o every_o nice_a dispute_n or_o definition_n much_o less_o additional_a mode_n or_o ceremony_n that_o have_v this_o claim_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o such_o a_o claim_n i_o make_v doubt_n whether_o ever_o any_o sober_a christian_n will_v wish_v christianity_n propagate_v with_o force_n much_o less_o with_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n like_o the_o popish_a conversion_n of_o the_o indian_n i_o believe_v no_o true_a christian_n no_o true_o protestant_a christian_n ever_o do_v desire_v it_o or_o think_v it_o agree_v with_o christianity_n and_o let_v not_o the_o compulsory_a law_n of_o jewish_a religion_n plead_v a_o coerciveness_n for_o the_o christian_a upon_o the_o reason_n that_o a_o better_a religion_n more_o deserve_v it_o for_o first_o the_o better_a the_o religion_n the_o better_a method_n of_o introduce_v and_o recommend_v it_o be_v desirable_a as_o much_o therefore_o as_o instruction_n excel_v brutish_a force_n as_o much_o as_o sincere_a compliance_n of_o judgement_n reason_n and_o understanding_n excel_v hypocrisy_n and_o feign_a conformity_n as_o much_o as_o divine_a impulse_n and_o suasion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n excel_v the_o power_n of_o law_n enforce_v with_o penalty_n or_o be_v of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o prince_n for_o mode_n compliment_n or_o preferment_n so_o much_o aught_o the_o way_n of_o introduce_v man_n into_o the_o most_o excellent_a religion_n of_o christianity_n exceed_v and_o surpass_v all_o other_o way_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v to_o draw_v man_n to_o any_o mean_a religion_n than_o it_o and_o as_o much_o easy_a may_v be_v the_o effect_n in_o natural_a religion_n man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v draw_v into_o it_o they_o be_v create_v with_o it_o they_o be_v and_o must_v be_v of_o it_o and_o be_v only_o punish_v for_o not_o act_v suitable_a to_o it_o in_o reveal_v religion_n their_o own_o judgement_n and_o choice_n move_v by_o suitable_a argument_n both_o enter_v and_o retain_v they_o in_o it_o though_o as_o i_o have_v before_o observe_v the_o case_n of_o the_o apostate_n from_o main_a christianity_n argue_v a_o offence_n against_o natural_a religion_n may_v be_v of_o a_o different_a consideration_n further_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n the_o immediate_a government_n of_o god_n that_o live_v as_o a_o prince_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o make_v their_o case_n different_a from_o any_o other_o that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n their_o message_n from_o heaven_n be_v so_o immediate_a and_o distinct_a their_o consultation_n in_o case_n of_o doubt_n with_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v so_o near_o at_o hand_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o all_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a that_o the_o sensibleness_n of_o they_o equal_v the_o very_a assurance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o objection_n that_o i_o can_v foresee_v against_o this_o argument_n lie_v these_o two_o way_n if_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n in_o multitude_n of_o person_n yea_o in_o nation_n concern_v these_o law_n and_o yet_o how_o much_o less_o be_v the_o obedience_n pay_v to_o they_o and_o last_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o concord_n and_o agreement_n in_o they_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o brief_o rejoin_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o notwithstanding_o this_o there_o always_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v such_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n righteousness_n reasonableness_n and_o naturalness_n of_o these_o religious_a principle_n that_o no_o more_o can_v they_o be_v banish_v out_o of_o humane_a nature_n than_o the_o notion_n of_o health_n beauty_n happiness_n can_v be_v extinguish_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o disease_n variation_n from_o the_o exact_a model_n of_o beauty_n and_o last_o the_o vnhappiness_n misery_n and_o complaint_n so_o universal_a in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v not_o any_o example_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o any_o of_o these_o in_o this_o world_n and_o very_o great_a and_o general_a deficiency_n from_o they_o yet_o the_o notion_n of_o every_o one_o be_v whole_a and_o entire_a and_o such_o representation_n and_o approach_n to_o what_o we_o mean_v in_o they_o be_v so_o visible_a as_o to_o take_v away_o all_o doubt_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o of_o the_o desirableness_n of_o they_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o natural_a religion_n 2._o the_o whole_a disadvantage_n then_o of_o natural_a religion_n object_v must_v be_v impute_v to_o the_o miserable_a depravation_n of_o mankind_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n so_o lose_v their_o effect_n as_o even_o to_o seem_v to_o lose_v themselves_o yet_o still_o they_o remain_v and_o so_o remain_v as_o to_o require_v and_o even_o exact_v their_o acknowledgement_n and_o so_o demand_v that_o due_a effect_n and_o that_o so_o powerful_o that_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o demand_n press_v home_o can_v be_v deny_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o natural_a religion_n 2._o object_n it_o may_v be_v object_v fâ—r_o the_o enforcement_n of_o reveal_v religion_n by_o severity_n that_o when_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v before_o man_n as_o of_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n lie_v in_o a_o straight_a and_o 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of_o temper_n education_n principle_n man_n have_v most_o converse_v with_o and_o rivet_v their_o whole_a soul_n into_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o but_o god_n alone_o who_o search_v the_o heart_n to_o know_v where_o the_o guilty_a obstruction_n lie_v when_o the_o screw_v of_o truth_n and_o the_o receptacle_n of_o man_n mind_n do_v not_o reciprocate_v and_o answer_v one_o another_o where_o the_o key_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o ward_n of_o man_n thought_n so_o dissent_v as_o not_o to_o be_v reconcile_v so_o that_o this_o must_v be_v leave_v for_o ever_o as_o to_o divine_a omnipotency_n in_o the_o efficacy_n so_o to_o the_o divine_a judgement_n where_o the_o fault_n be_v of_o man_n not_o receive_v what_o be_v so_o gracious_o offer_v from_o heaven_n 2._o therefore_o to_o pretend_v to_o judge_n obstinacy_n or_o insensibleness_n or_o whatever_o other_o faulty_a reason_n we_o have_v prepare_v of_o man_n not_o receive_v the_o religion_n we_o will_v impose_v be_v to_o assume_v divine_a prerogative_n to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o become_v judge_n in_o his_o peculiar_a court_n or_o to_o contrive_v a_o artifice_n to_o cheat_v a_o acknowledge_a principle_n viz._n not_o compel_v reveal_v religion_n of_o its_o due_a obedience_n and_o last_o to_o clothe_v innocent_a person_n for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v with_o the_o sambenito_n paint_v with_o devil_n or_o beast_n skin_n wherein_o they_o may_v appear_v guilty_a with_o the_o disguise_n we_o have_v put_v upon_o they_o though_o out_o of_o that_o they_o can_v with_o charity_n be_v conclude_v nocent_a or_o guilty_a of_o those_o particular_n we_o charge_v they_o with_o all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v when_o the_o offence_n and_o the_o particular_a offence_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o in_o this_o case_n to_o say_v there_o be_v some_o offence_n without_o special_a matter_n charge_v against_o natural_a law_n be_v not_o as_o evident_a as_o in_o any_o other_o case_n of_o humane_a judicature_n and_o where_o the_o only_a proof_n
right_n of_o earthly_a power_n not_o the_o retrench_a any_o of_o the_o freedom_n of_o natural_a religion_n not_o the_o impose_v any_o thing_n beside_o and_o beyond_o it_o by_o power_n or_o penalty_n not_o the_o forbid_a of_o reformation_n of_o any_o corruption_n invade_v it_o not_o the_o embargo_a any_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n consist_v with_o or_o perfect_a natural_a religion_n as_o all_o true_o such_o do_v only_o the_o power_n of_o require_v all_o to_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o punishment_n of_o those_o that_o disobey_v natural_a law_n but_o it_o may_v be_v further_o say_v god_n intend_v christianity_n shall_v be_v bring_v in_o not_o by_o might_n not_o by_o power_n but_o by_o tâ—e_v spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o believer_n in_o it_o shall_v seal_v it_o not_o with_o pleasure_n honour_n and_o outward_a advantage_n accrue_v to_o they_o by_o it_o but_o with_o their_o blood_n and_o suffering_n this_o be_v also_o most_o true_a it_o appear_v god_n do_v so_o intend_v but_o 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the_o magistrate_n power_n extend_v not_o but_o that_o be_v secure_v there_o be_v a_o freedom_n to_o subject_n of_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o wherein_o they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o god_n as_o of_o their_o body_n life_n or_o estate_n in_o private_a concern_v or_o as_o a_o philosopher_n have_v of_o choose_v what_o he_o think_v the_o best_a system_v and_o from_o the_o best_a author_n and_o that_o man_n may_v free_o reason_v herein_o still_o within_o the_o confinement_n of_o natural_a religion_n reverence_n of_o god_n and_o all_o just_a deference_n to_o man_n and_o than_o christian_a religion_n have_v a_o legal_a entrance_n offer_v no_o disregard_n to_o magistracy_n but_o take_v natural_a freedom_n to_o offer_v itself_o wherein_o its_o way_n be_v so_o prepare_v it_o than_o open_v itself_o with_o all_o that_o divine_a power_n and_o authority_n that_o can_v be_v refuse_v but_o under_o the_o great_a peril_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n thus_o proportionable_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o concern_v the_o reformation_n of_o christianity_n from_o popery_n we_o then_o that_o be_v christian_n and_o protestant_a christian_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o keep_v that_o door_n of_o the_o just_a and_o lawful_a propagation_n of_o religion_n not_o contrariant_n to_o natural_a religion_n as_o open_a as_o we_o can_v and_o to_o grant_v a_o quiet_a comprehensive_a of_o all_o offer_n that_o can_v be_v make_v keep_v within_o rule_n of_o natural_a religion_n reason_n and_o prudence_n it_o seem_v less_o hazard_n to_o admit_v those_o inconvenience_n attendant_a upon_o this_o liberty_n that_o through_o humane_a corruption_n run_v round_o with_o every_o thing_n than_o those_o great_a mischief_n of_o have_v christian_n or_o protestant_a religion_n violent_o keep_v out_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v that_o there_o be_v obligation_n lie_v upon_o man_n precedent_a to_o any_o right_n of_o humane_a authority_n viz._n of_o duty_n to_o god_n in_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n of_o the_o profession_n confession_n and_o publication_n of_o true_a religion_n however_o man_n forbid_v or_o scorn_v it_o of_o rational_a communication_n of_o truth_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o 12._o act._n 4._o 12._o can_v but_o speak_v the_o thing_n we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v of_o charity_n to_o man_n soul_n in_o not_o conceal_v the_o tiding_n of_o salvation_n the_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n for_o certain_o david_n express_v himself_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n when_o he_o say_v i_o have_v preach_v righteousness_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n i_o have_v not_o refrain_v my_o lip_n oh_o lord_n thou_o 10_o psal_n 40._o 9_o 10_o know_v i_o have_v not_o hide_v thy_o righteousness_n in_o my_o heart_n i_o have_v declare_v thy_o faithfulness_n and_o thy_o salvation_n i_o have_v not_o conceal_v thy_o lovingkindness_n and_o thy_o truth_n from_o the_o great_a congregation_n and_o moses_n when_o he_o say_v give_v ear_n oh_o you_o heaven_n and_o 3_o deut._n 32._o 1_o 2_o 3_o i_o will_v speak_v and_o hear_v oh_o earth_n the_o word_n of_o my_o mouth_n my_o doctrine_n shall_v drop_v as_o the_o rain_n my_o speech_n shall_v distil_v as_o the_o dew_n because_o i_o will_v publish_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n ascribe_v you_o greatness_n to_o our_o god_n yet_o from_o hence_o i_o do_v not_o suppose_v any_o man_n bind_v to_o go_v and_o preach_v to_o the_o great_a turk_n either_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n against_o any_o of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o that_o tyranny_n or_o folly_n of_o that_o superstition_n or_o the_o just_a and_o holy_a law_n and_o truth_n of_o christianity_n instead_o of_o his_o worse_a than_o aâ—ile_n alcoran_n every_o man_n be_v to_o measure_v his_o commission_n and_o the_o enablement_n he_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n for_o his_o work_n and_o not_o to_o venture_v upon_o thing_n beyond_o his_o line_n for_o even_o the_o apostle_n know_v their_o measure_n the_o measure_n of_o the_o rule_n distribute_v they_o by_o god_n a_o measure_n reach_v so_o far_o beyond_o which_o they_o do_v not_o stretch_v themselves_o in_o that_o famous_a place_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 13._o every_o man_n may_v compute_v the_o probable_a account_n his_o service_n will_v turn_v to_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n christ_n teach_v he_o to_o forbear_v when_o it_o be_v certain_a before_o hand_n his_o pearl_n will_v be_v tread_v under_o foot_n and_o himself_o 6._o mat._n 7._o 6._o rend_v and_o so_o i_o have_v finish_v what_o i_o think_v necessary_a to_o be_v speak_v upon_o this_o three_o argument_n and_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o four_o argum._n 4._o natural_a religion_n may_v well_o be_v the_o cement_n of_o universal_a peace_n since_o whatever_o can_v comport_v with_o the_o good_a of_o the_o universe_n or_o community_n be_v secure_v by_o it_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o community_n be_v charge_v with_o it_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o particular_a person_n the_o orderly_a posture_n of_o every_o man_n in_o his_o station_n and_o rank_n the_o just_a deference_n to_o magistracy_n and_o public_a authority_n the_o security_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o quiet_n the_o advancement_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o divine_a revelation_n now_o in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o i_o will_v consider_v what_o objection_n may_v be_v make_v against_o allow_v freedom_n in_o religion_n upon_o natural_a religion_n secure_v and_o the_o answer_n to_o they_o object_n 1._o every_o false_a religion_n or_o refusal_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o a_o nation_n not_o vindicate_v by_o due_a severity_n upon_o offender_n be_v a_o offence_n against_o the_o divine_a majesty_n of_o a_o national_a gild_n and_o bring_v down_o national_a judgement_n answer_n the_o government_n of_o conscience_n be_v god_n peculiar_a no_o earthly_a power_n shall_v be_v charge_v with_o the_o obliquity_n and_o error_n of_o it_o any_o more_o than_o with_o the_o secret_a sin_n of_o man_n that_o be_v not_o know_v or_o those_o distemper_n of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n which_o come_v into_o no_o palpable_a instance_n can_v neither_o be_v convict_v nor_o sentence_v by_o man_n now_o mistake_v of_o man_n in_o religion_n not_o cognisable_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o error_n of_o conscience_n and_o so_o be_v proper_o leave_v to_o god_n judgment-seat_n and_o the_o magistrate_n stand_v free_a it_o be_v therefore_o very_o observable_a prince_n be_v call_v nursing-fathers_n and_o queen_n nursing-mothers_n signify_v not_o a_o 23._o isa_n 49._o 23._o commanding-power_n but_o a_o tender_a insinuate_a cherish_v the_o encouragement_n from_o they_o that_o such_o a_o appellative_a carry_v with_o it_o in_o those_o that_o declare_v it_o in_o those_o that_o be_v to_o receive_v it_o the_o magistrate_n discharge_v this_o honourable_a trust_n may_v acquit_v himself_o and_o the_o community_n
our_o love_n in_o our_o sympathy_n in_o our_o bowel_n of_o affection_n in_o our_o care_n for_o the_o body_n though_o we_o be_v not_o all_o of_o a_o aspect_n of_o a_o figure_n of_o a_o size_n in_o our_o membership_n yet_o still_o be_v we_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n in_o particular_a and_o be_v so_o we_o be_v the_o israel_n of_o god_n upon_o who_o be_v peace_n and_o mercy_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n and_o if_o we_o ought_v as_o certain_o we_o ought_v so_o to_o pray_v with_o what_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n with_o what_o appearance_n of_o christianity_n can_v we_o move_v against_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o fellow-member_n or_o not_o contribute_v to_o their_o ease_n to_o their_o self-enjoyment_n to_o the_o comfort_n of_o each_o other_o condition_n so_o that_o if_o one_o member_n be_v honour_v all_o the_o member_n may_v rejoice_v with_o it_o if_o one_o member_n suffer_v all_o the_o member_n may_v suffer_v with_o it_o and_o send_v in_o to_o its_o relief_n and_o support_n our_o defect_n herein_o disturb_v the_o peace_n not_o minister_a to_o the_o merciful_a support_n of_o one_o another_o will_v be_v find_v another_o sort_n of_o schism_n but_o of_o far_o deep_a gild_n than_o that_o so_o much_o cry_v out_o of_o not_o conform_v to_o one_o another_o indifferent_n but_o above_o all_o the_o raven_a of_o the_o evening_n wolf_n the_o roar_n of_o the_o lion_n the_o poison_n and_o venom_n of_o the_o asp_n and_o cokatrice_n '_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o our_o mountain_n if_o we_o will_v have_v it_o account_v the_o holy_a mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o on_o all_o side_n we_o shall_v open_v the_o door_n and_o sluice_n that_o the_o stream_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n may_v run_v every_o way_n till_o it_o cover_v our_o land_n as_o the_o water_n do_v the_o sea_n the_o end_n true_a religion_n the_o interest_n of_o nation_n or_o national_a religion_n demonstrate_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o nation_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 79._o 6._o &_o jer._n 10._o 25._o pour_v out_o thy_o wrath_n fury_n upon_o the_o heathen_a nation_n that_o have_v not_o know_v thou_o and_o upon_o the_o kingdom_n family_n that_o have_v not_o call_v on_o thy_o name_n this_o prayer_n double_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o weight_n of_o it_o the_o safety_n to_o man_n it_o shall_v be_v well_o know_v and_o the_o certainty_n of_o its_o effect_n contain_v a_o strong_a assertion_n of_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o 32._o phil._n 3._o 2._o gen._n 41._o 32._o and_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o nation_n to_o national_a true_a religion_n for_o see_v according_a to_o a_o grand_a rule_n in_o god_n administration_n of_o the_o world_n nation_n that_o have_v no_o national_a religion_n and_o who_o nationalness_n therefore_o become_v heathenism_n and_o be_v so_o brand_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o so_o nation_n in_o scripture_n very_o often_o signify_v heathen_a that_o be_v nation_n without_o true_a religion_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o wrath_n and_o fury_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o it_o do_v not_o only_o follow_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o contrary_n that_o national_a true_a religion_n or_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n have_v a_o strong_a order_n to_o and_o connexion_n with_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o as_o the_o positive_a proposition_n be_v the_o prime_n and_o original_n and_o give_v ground_n to_o and_o contain_v within_o itself_o the_o privative_a so_o do_v this_o proposition_n that_o god_n anger_n and_o fury_n be_v at_o all_o time_n ready_a against_o those_o that_o do_v not_o know_v he_o that_o do_v not_o call_v upon_o he_o as_o join_v in_o a_o national_a body_n or_o society_n be_v the_o privative_a owe_v itself_o to_o the_o other_o be_v the_o positive_a as_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o make_v out_o in_o the_o argue_v this_o point_n at_o the_o present_a it_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o observe_v that_o these_o two_o holy_a man_n the_o composer_n of_o this_o psalm_n and_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n except_o as_o some_o think_v they_o be_v both_o one_o desire_v the_o destruction_n of_o those_o heathen_a enemy_n under_o who_o oppression_n their_o own_o people_n which_o at_o that_o time_n comprehend_v the_o church_n of_o god_n then_o groan_v and_o pray_v in_o spirit_n for_o it_o rely_v and_o rest_v the_o whole_a weight_n of_o their_o prayer_n upon_o this_o principle_n of_o great_a truth_n and_o consequence_n in_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o as_o family_n as_o nation_n as_o kingdom_n for_o so_o all_o community_n be_v comprehend_v they_o do_v not_o know_v nor_o call_v upon_o god_n that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o therefore_o be_v most_o just_o subject_a to_o his_o fierce_a displeasure_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v couch_v under_o this_o though_o indeed_o before_o it_o that_o the_o people_n that_o do_v know_v and_o call_v upon_o the_o true_a god_n have_v a_o title_n to_o his_o savour_n and_o vindication_n of_o they_o in_o all_o their_o distress_n while_o they_o be_v consider_v as_o so_o know_v and_o call_v upon_o he_o and_o not_o contradict_v it_o by_o their_o action_n the_o context_n therefore_o go_v on_o argue_v with_o god_n on_o this_o point_n they_o have_v devour_v jacob_n in_o who_o quarrel_n and_o rescue_n god_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v and_o see_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n and_o his_o wrath_n burn_v to_o the_o low_a hell_n both_o his_o wrath_n and_o his_o favour_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o their_o extent_n even_o to_o everlasting_a age_n all_o which_o will_v ground_v the_o proposition_n which_o i_o main_o intend_v in_o this_o discourse_n that_o national_a true_a religion_n be_v the_o great_a security_n strength_n and_o defence_n of_o a_o nation_n against_o the_o divine_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n and_o give_v the_o sure_a claim_n to_o his_o favour_n blessing_n and_o protection_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v because_o it_o be_v a_o observation_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v most_o close_o unite_v in_o and_o pursue_v to_o the_o utmost_a by_o all_o wise_a nation_n and_o by_o all_o the_o several_a part_n and_o member_n of_o a_o nation_n for_o it_o be_v their_o first_o and_o high_a 15._o psal_n 33._o i2_n &_o 144._o 15._o interest_n blessed_n be_v the_o nâ—tion_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n yea_o happy_a be_v the_o people_n who_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n who_o have_v jehovah_n thus_o for_o their_o god_n and_o this_o very_a consideration_n shall_v reconcile_v all_o difference_n in_o national_a religion_n that_o can_v be_v compose_v without_o loss_n of_o that_o truth_n and_o corruption_n of_o those_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o give_v denomination_n to_o true_a national_a religion_n this_o shall_v incline_v those_o that_o be_v above_o to_o the_o great_a condescension_n and_o those_o that_o be_v beneath_o to_o the_o most_o free_a compliance_n possible_a if_o they_o value_v religion_n and_o love_v their_o nation_n that_o at_o least_o there_o may_v be_v union_n in_o national_a religion_n if_o there_o can_v be_v perfect_a uniformity_n for_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o upon_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o this_o point_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o national_a religion_n suppose_v it_o always_o the_o true_a be_v the_o happy_a model_n of_o union_n in_o religion_n of_o any_o upon_o earth_n and_o most_o please_a to_o god_n except_o that_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o union_n be_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o truth_n worship_n and_o practice_v but_o come_v under_o no_o other_o form_n or_o model_n proper_o take_v but_o except_o this_o there_o be_v none_o so_o perfect_a to_o the_o end_n and_o glory_n of_o religion_n so_o adequate_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o publickness_n of_o religion_n so_o encourage_v and_o advantageous_a to_o the_o practice_n so_o reconcileable_a with_o the_o peace_n of_o religion_n and_o nation_n so_o preventive_a of_o the_o endless_a division_n and_o subdivision_n humane_a nature_n be_v apt_a to_o fall_v into_o when_o it_o yield_v up_o itself_o to_o a_o scrupulosity_n and_o disputatiousness_n about_o external_n and_o form_n in_o religion_n i_o say_v again_o i_o be_o persuade_v no_o man_n can_v serve_v god_n with_o great_a acceptableness_n nor_o be_v religious_a to_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o religion_n than_o by_o join_v with_o the_o nation_n or_o supreme_a civil_a incorporation_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n so_o far_o as_o he_o can_v be_v permit_v to_o do_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n i_o say_v as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v upon_o these_o account_n if_o not_o throughout_o and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v great_a and_o valuable_a proof_n from_o
themselves_o as_o well_o as_o person_n wherein_o religion_n have_v prevail_v to_o such_o degree_n as_o to_o be_v call_v national_a be_v conserve_v in_o those_o that_o be_v save_v even_o as_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o angelic_a nature_n be_v conserve_v in_o the_o holy_a and_o elect_a angel_n as_o the_o humane_a nature_n in_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a of_o they_o that_o be_v save_v in_o all_o nation_n as_o in_o isaac_n the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n be_v call_v as_o in_o isaac_n child_n the_o child_n of_o promise_n be_v count_v for_o the_o seed_n thus_o the_o honour_n of_o particular_a etc._n rom._n 9_o 7_o etc._n etc._n nation_n be_v treasure_v up_o in_o the_o elect_a of_o it_o so_o that_o if_o we_o suppose_v a_o nation_n without_o convert_v it_o be_v lose_v as_o to_o happiness_n or_o as_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v as_o the_o tribe_n of_o dan_n have_v no_o name_n among_o those_o etc._n rev._n 7._o 5_o etc._n etc._n seal_a tribe_n to_o which_o we_o have_v relation_n before_o and_o as_o the_o order_n of_o each_o tribe_n be_v dispose_v according_a to_o the_o happy_a memory_n of_o the_o worthy_n of_o every_o tribe_n and_o their_o more_o noble_a act_n in_o or_o for_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o be_v observe_v by_o interpreter_n and_o as_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o glory_n to_o every_o christian_a according_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o service_n that_o abound_v to_o his_o account_n so_o the_o case_n be_v with_o nation_n and_o generation_n the_o more_o and_o more_o eminent_a man_n any_o have_v bring_v forth_o the_o more_o it_o shall_v be_v adorn_v at_o that_o day_n it_o become_v a_o diadem_n and_o crown_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o be_v as_o the_o 5._o isa_n 62._o 3._o 5._o prophet_n express_v it_o as_o a_o bride_n marry_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o her_o son_n so_o that_o the_o last_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o nation_n be_v very_o great_o concern_v in_o their_o common_a faith_n and_o religion_n and_o the_o near_a participation_n they_o have_v be_v capable_a of_o in_o one_o another_o holiness_n and_o piety_n and_o therefore_o the_o more_o they_o can_v do_v to_o enlarge_v and_o increase_v it_o the_o more_o they_o add_v to_o the_o common_a glory_n and_o salvation_n and_o do_v most_o ensure_v their_o own_o on_o the_o other_o side_n although_o there_o be_v a_o lessen_v of_o honour_n to_o a_o nation_n by_o the_o fewness_n of_o those_o that_o be_v save_v and_o in_o the_o many_o of_o those_o that_o perish_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o that_o the_o glory_n be_v counterbalanced_a by_o the_o disadvantage_n for_o there_o be_v a_o much_o high_a account_n of_o glory_n to_o the_o goodness_n grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o excellent_a state_n of_o god_n creation_n in_o the_o elect_a angel_n and_o the_o recover_a part_n of_o mankind_n in_o that_o new_a heaven_n and_o new_a earth_n wherein_o dwell_v righteousness_n than_o there_o be_v depression_n of_o that_o glory_n in_o those_o that_o perish_v and_o their_o contrary_a state_n so_o the_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o angelic_a and_o humane_a nature_n itself_o and_o so_o of_o nation_n be_v more_o conserve_v in_o those_o that_o be_v save_v of_o they_o than_o in_o those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v for_o there_o be_v a_o much_o more_o a_o much_o high_a reign_n of_o righteousness_n and_o life_n assert_v by_o the_o apostle_n than_o of_o 17._o rom._n 5._o 17._o sin_n and_o death_n although_o scripture_n and_o general_a observation_n give_v reason_n to_o fear_v there_o be_v more_o that_o perish_v than_o that_o be_v save_v and_o however_o we_o can_v unfold_v the_o mystery_n of_o it_o this_o then_o stand_v as_o a_o impregnable_a argument_n for_o national_a religion_n if_o it_o conduce_v so_o much_o to_o the_o future_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o â—_z and_o so_o to_o the_o more_o exalt_a glory_n and_o salvation_n of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v zealous_a herein_o and_o both_o these_o in_o a_o more_o national_a visible_a way_n than_o thing_n be_v transact_v before_o our_o eye_n in_o this_o world_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o such_o future_a state_n whether_o at_o the_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n or_o throughout_o eternity_n we_o can_v define_v yet_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v can_v be_v deny_v when_o so_o much_o of_o scripture_n so_o much_o of_o reason_n concur_v in_o it_o and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o irreligion_n of_o nation_n towards_o the_o true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v shall_v be_v revenge_v by_o the_o most_o sensible_a apparent_a infamy_n contempt_n and_o wrath_n from_o heaven_n in_o which_o those_o that_o have_v have_v the_o most_o malignant_a influence_n into_o such_o irreligion_n shall_v have_v a_o double_a measure_n and_o all_o this_o in_o a_o national_a way_n i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v persuade_v more_o to_o national_a religion_n than_o so_o great_a a_o consideration_n and_o so_o i_o finish_v this_o four_o argument_n the_o five_o argument_n for_o national_a religion_n shall_v be_v only_o a_o complication_n argum._n 5_o of_o consequential_a benefit_n flow_v from_o true_a national_a religion_n unite_v in_o which_o may_v indeed_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o persuade_v union_n in_o religion_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a yet_o they_o be_v only_o applicable_a upon_o true_a reason_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n 1._o national_a religion_n contribute_v to_o the_o most_o happy_a state_n peace_n and_o union_n of_o nation_n jâ—rusalem_n by_o virtue_n of_o its_o national_a religion_n as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v be_v as_o a_o city_n compact_v together_o now_o that_o which_o have_v a_o fitness_n and_o aptitude_n by_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n to_o strengthen_v and_o corroborate_v a_o nation_n may_v very_o just_o be_v choose_v by_o it_o for_o its_o own_o conservation_n and_o happiness_n upon_o that_o very_a account_n but_o especial_o when_o it_o be_v subordinate_v to_o better_a reason_n too_o and_o of_o a_o much_o high_a nature_n every_o one_o therefore_o shall_v give_v the_o advantage_n to_o national_a peace_n by_o consent_v in_o national_a religion_n so_o that_o we_o lose_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o national_a peace_n which_o may_v be_v suppose_v too_o to_o rise_v from_o a_o national_a religion_n though_o false_a but_o national_a true_a religion_n be_v a_o mean_v fit_v by_o god_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o nation_n and_o such_o a_o mean_n as_o be_v acceptable_a and_o well_o please_v to_o he_o first_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n for_o unity_n in_o religion_n give_v excellency_n to_o religion_n and_o make_v all_o the_o service_n of_o it_o more_o acceptable_a as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v it_o be_v also_o well_o please_v to_o god_n as_o it_o cement_v the_o peace_n of_o nation_n which_o be_v of_o high_a price_n with_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o christ_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n who_o have_v command_v we_o to_o seek_v peace_n and_o pursue_v it_o to_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a to_o live_v in_o peace_n as_o much_o 133_o 1_o thes_n 4._o 11._o rom._n 12._o 18._o prov._n 6._o 19_o mat._n 5._o 1._o psalm_n 133_o as_o lie_v in_o we_o and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a with_o all_o man_n who_o have_v brand_v the_o sow_a discord_n among_o brethren_n as_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a abomination_n to_o he_o but_o have_v bless_v the_o peacemaker_n own_v they_o as_o his_o child_n he_o have_v make_v truth_n and_o peace_n the_o stability_n of_o any_o time_n these_o be_v the_o pillar_n that_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o he_o have_v set_v the_o nation_n he_o love_v upon_o they_o behold_v how_o good_a and_o how_o pleasant_a it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o live_v thus_o together_o in_o unity_n it_o be_v like_o the_o precious_a ointment_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n where_o it_o be_v find_v the_o lord_n have_v command_v the_o blessing_n even_o life_n for_o evermore_o thus_o religion_n by_o be_v national_a be_v free_v from_o the_o charge_n of_o be_v a_o design_n and_o occasion_n of_o disturbance_n thus_o the_o heart_n of_o prince_n safe_o trust_v in_o it_o thus_o it_o become_v the_o very_a ligament_n and_o sinew_n of_o government_n a_o pia_fw-la mater_fw-la to_o the_o sacredness_n of_o authority_n and_o make_v sovereignty_n easy_a and_o sweet_a both_o to_o prince_n and_o people_n what_o but_o truth_n can_v be_v weigh_v against_o this_o peace_n and_o that_o not_o all_o truth_n but_o truth_n dwell_v so_o near_o the_o essence_n of_o religion_n the_o very_a purity_n of_o divine_a worship_n that_o as_o it_o can_v be_v sell_v nor_o part_v with_o so_o it_o may_v not_o be_v conceal_v a_o man_n may_v not_o have_v it_o to_o himself_o
and_o mute_a in_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n or_o neglect_v of_o duty_n upon_o these_o appearance_n and_o who_o can_v say_v herein_o i_o have_v make_v my_o heart_n clean_o i_o be_o pure_a from_o this_o transgression_n so_o far_o have_v he_o be_v scandalize_v and_o endanger_v to_o his_o ruin_n this_o be_v the_o first_o great_a pillar_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o primary_n scandal_n be_v place_v here_o that_o man_n think_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n god_n shall_v have_v so_o much_o love_n fear_v honour_n obedience_n so_o much_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a to_o it_o 2._o even_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v like_a to_o that_o first_o great_a principle_n and_o equal_a to_o it_o both_o because_o the_o whole_a riches_n and_o treasure_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v deposit_v and_o concenter_v in_o it_o so_o that_o he_o have_v not_o the_o 3._o john_n 17._o 3._o father_n nor_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n nor_o the_o eternal_a life_n proceed_v from_o it_o who_o have_v not_o the_o son_n who_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o god_n have_v send_v even_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n so_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o express_a image_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o brightness_n of_o it_o wherever_o it_o be_v reveal_v if_o it_o be_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o god_n of_o the_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o 6._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o mind_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o light_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n 6._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 4_o 6._o of_o god_n shine_v to_o they_o especial_o and_o more_o particular_o that_o great_a attribute_n of_o divine_a mercy_n and_o pardon_v grace_n be_v illustrate_v and_o break_v out_o with_o bright_a and_o warm_a beam_n in_o this_o son_n of_o his_o love_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n who_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n 12._o act_n 4._o 12._o of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o his_o be_v the_o only_a name_n give_v under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n whereby_o they_o can_v be_v save_v this_o indeed_o be_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o assume_v to_o themselves_o as_o the_o only_a master_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o foolishness_n to_o the_o greek_n who_o take_v 16._o isa_n 28._o 16._o upon_o they_o as_o the_o like_a master_n of_o reason_n but_o this_o corner_n stone_n of_o truth_n be_v lay_v so_o sure_a and_o of_o so_o try_v a_o excellency_n 6._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 6._o that_o all_o that_o reject_v and_o spurn_v at_o it_o stumble_v and_o fall_v be_v snare_v and_o break_v they_o be_v false_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o truth_n that_o will_v not_o be_v reconcile_v to_o it_o and_o while_o even_o the_o builder_n refuse_v it_o it_o will_v yet_o rise_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o corner_n 7._o ver_fw-la 7._o it_o have_v now_o surmount_v before_o any_o impartial_a judge_n all_o other_o name_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o that_o to_o strike_v at_o it_o where_o it_o be_v know_v and_o receive_v argue_v a_o disaffection_n and_o be_v scandalize_v at_o religion_n itself_o and_o be_v become_v the_o same_o with_o deny_v god_n providence_n and_o eternal_a judgement_n corrupt_a reason_n and_o lucian-wit_n aim_v at_o religion_n in_o its_o very_a essence_n when_o it_o pretend_v to_o dash_v upon_o that_o and_o if_o when_o it_o seem_v to_o encounter_v with_o god_n own_o administration_n by_o moses_n there_o be_v yet_o such_o a_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o it_o that_o it_o will_v be_v more_o tolerable_a etc._n mat._n 10._o 15._o etc._n etc._n for_o sodam_fw-la and_o gomorrah_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o those_o that_o refuse_v it_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o several_a place_n testify_v how_o much_o great_a will_v the_o condemnation_n be_v now_o when_o it_o have_v so_o perfect_o antiquate_v all_o that_o pretention_n against_o it_o and_o wear_v out_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o elder_a paganism_n and_o yet_o so_o far_o as_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n 25._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 25._o style_v it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o we_o wise_a than_o man_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o god_n strong_a than_o man_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o it_o seem_v the_o easy_a place_n for_o the_o attack_n of_o atheism_n irreligion_n and_o profaneness_n who_o yet_o at_o last_o will_v find_v themselves_o in_o a_o gin_n or_o trap_n when_o they_o think_v they_o have_v gain_v ground_n and_o make_v entrance_n and_o shatter_v to_o piece_n when_o they_o believe_v a_o conquest_n for_o god_n take_v the_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o 20._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 19_o 20._o craftiness_n and_o he_o know_v the_o wise_a thought_n of_o man_n that_o they_o be_v vain_a every_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christ_n be_v 12._o heb._n 3._o 12._o depart_v from_o the_o live_n god_n transaction_n in_o prayer_n or_o public_a discourse_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o divine_a as_o they_o send_v forth_o the_o sweet_a savour_n of_o his_o name_n which_o be_v as_o a_o ointment_n pour_v out_o the_o apostle_n desire_v to_o 8._o 1_o cor._n â—_o 2._o phil._n 3._o 8._o know_v nothing_o but_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a it_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o top_n and_o transcendency_n of_o knowledge_n apostolic_a epistle_n full_a of_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n be_v the_o best_a pattern_n for_o sermon_n much_o exceed_v the_o rationalism_n or_o moralism_n of_o tâ—â—_n wise_a philosophy_n it_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o scandal_n first_o take_v â—nd_n then_o give_v to_o speak_v little_a of_o he_o all_o preach_v be_v not_o give_v the_o savour_n of_o his_o knowledge_n ult_n 2_o cor._n 2._o ult_n and_o if_o it_o have_v not_o life_n to_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v deadly_a a_o symptom_n to_o death_n the_o very_a divert_v though_o to_o other_o part_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n speak_v man_n offend_v in_o he_o when_o they_o do_v not_o find_v he_o and_o express_v he_o the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n in_o all_o the_o bright_a morning_n star_n the_o amen_o and_o though_o a_o battology_n a_o vain_a repetition_n in_o name_v he_o be_v blamable_a yet_o it_o be_v more_o blame_n to_o conceal_v he_o even_o in_o the_o best_a discourse_n of_o his_o religion_n the_o ray_n of_o religion_n be_v pale_a more_o weak_a and_o chill_a as_o they_o fall_v far_a off_o from_o he_o he_o be_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n and_o bless_a be_v he_o in_o these_o day_n even_o in_o these_o day_n whoever_o be_v not_o offend_v in_o he_o 3._o the_o spirituality_n purity_n cleanness_n and_o chasteness_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n dictate_v by_o the_o clear_a and_o sincere_a light_n of_o natural_a conscience_n approve_v by_o divine_a revelation_n or_o found_v institute_v and_o direct_v by_o that_o undoubted_a heavenly_a oracle_n be_v the_o next_o great_a pillar_n of_o truth_n upon_o which_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n be_v settle_v but_o against_o this_o sensual_a and_o defile_a imagination_n have_v in_o all_o age_n raise_v scandal_n and_o so_o befool_v reason_n that_o it_o have_v cast_v down_o many_o wound_a yea_o many_o strong_a man_n in_o their_o intellectual_a endowment_n and_o reputation_n for_o wisdom_n have_v be_v ensnare_v and_o ruin_v by_o it_o it_o have_v be_v the_o renown_n therefore_o of_o those_o prince_n in_o sacred_a story_n that_o have_v have_v the_o religious_a magnanimity_n to_o resist_v the_o charm_n of_o this_o sorceress_n and_o keep_v divine_a worship_n uncorrupted_a in_o who_o glory_n so_o much_o as_o the_o high_a place_n be_v a_o dark_a shade_n and_o eclipse_v they_o though_o it_o have_v fair_a pretence_n idolatry_n and_o superstition_n have_v be_v most_o evident_o brand_v in_o scripture_n for_o the_o most_o wretched_a state_n of_o be_v scandalize_v and_o idol_n for_o the_o most_o abhor_a scandal_n this_o be_v the_o snare_n of_o gideon_n and_o his_o house_n and_o yet_o as_o interpreter_n give_v we_o in_o a_o matter_n as_o innocent_a at_o first_o as_o lay_v up_o the_o ephod_n he_o have_v inquire_v at_o in_o his_o danger_n as_o a_o monument_n of_o gratitude_n for_o his_o victory_n that_o be_v after_o turn_v thus_o into_o a_o scandal_n judge_n 8._o 27._o this_o be_v the_o scandal_n balaam_n teach_v balak_n to_o cast_v before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n these_o be_v the_o wiles_n the_o gin_n and_o trap_n in_o which_o the_o
corruption_n they_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o spark_n and_o have_v only_o this_o at_o god_n hand_n to_o lie_v down_o in_o sorrow_n beside_o that_o god_n in_o just_a displeasure_n send_v down_o upon_o they_o the_o revenge_n of_o a_o abuse_a and_o injure_a power_n and_o godhead_n now_o all_o this_o express_v the_o height_n both_o of_o the_o deception_n and_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n 4._o the_o four_o great_a principle_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o absolute_a and_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o holiness_n both_o in_o heart_n and_o life_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n against_o which_o 24._o heb._n 12._o 24._o there_o lie_v no_o such_o scandal_n or_o cause_n of_o offence_n as_o inward_a and_o inherent_a lust_n and_o inordinate_a appetite_n which_o be_v obstinate_o set_v to_o obtain_v its_o satisfaction_n and_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v tame_v but_o by_o beinâ—_n cut_v off_o though_o it_o be_v the_o right_a hand_n or_o right_a foot_n or_o even_o the_o right_a eye_n the_o love_n of_o god_n 43._o mark_v 9_o 43._o and_o his_o law_n be_v the_o best_a security_n against_o this_o scandal_n and_o daily_a mortification_n and_o crucifixion_n of_o the_o old_a man_n with_o 22._o ephes_n 4._o 22._o its_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n pretence_n from_o reason_n or_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n there_o can_v be_v none_o in_o this_o case_n to_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v either_o christianity_n or_o morality_n but_o man_n be_v carry_v down_o the_o violent_a stream_n of_o ungoverned_a passion_n and_o that_o fall_v into_o the_o wide_a sea_n of_o general_a corruption_n and_o bad_a example_n which_o look_v most_o like_a a_o authority_n there_o be_v the_o palliation_n and_o excuse_n of_o sin_n which_o may_v serve_v in_o a_o time_n of_o peace_n and_o carnal_a security_n but_o can_v so_o delude_v conscience_n as_o to_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a sense_n scandal_n the_o continual_a practice_n of_o sin_n harden_v the_o heart_n sear_n benumb_v and_o stupefy_v all_o inward_a sense_n and_o cancel_v the_o awe_n of_o those_o engrave_v law_n and_o reveal_v command_n of_o god_n for_o a_o time_n but_o can_v either_o deny_v their_o just_a power_n or_o challenge_v they_o of_o unreasonableness_n so_o that_o if_o any_o where_o man_n be_v force_v to_o take_v refuge_n at_o the_o atheistick_a denial_n of_o religion_n itself_o or_o to_o blind_a conscience_n with_o superstitious_a act_n which_o seem_v to_o commute_v and_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o sin_n or_o if_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o blind_v their_o eye_n and_o obstruct_v all_o sense_n they_o may_v make_v the_o profession_n of_o true_a religion_n a_o cover_n to_o sin_n as_o they_o that_o cry_v lord_n lord_n and_o 22._o mat._n 7._o 22._o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v we_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o 19_o jer._n 7._o 4._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o christ_n with_o great_a ostentation_n and_o so_o may_v deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n but_o to_o hold_v out_o against_o either_o the_o challenge_n of_o divine_a truth_n or_o of_o their_o own_o reflection_n be_v impossible_a so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n predominant_a lust_n from_o within_o and_o bad_a example_n from_o the_o so_o abound_a iniquity_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n the_o fall_v of_o good_a man_n the_o miscarriage_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o insincere_a professor_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o great_a scandal_n or_o stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o ensnare_v in_o the_o afore-named_n scandal_n but_o although_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o strict_a and_o proper_a scandal_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o very_a centre_n of_o all_o scandal_n in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o for_o then_o a_o man_n be_v indeed_o scandalize_v when_o the_o salt_n of_o divine_a truth_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n can_v have_v no_o power_n nor_o efficacy_n upon_o he_o because_o of_o that_o scandal_n to_o season_v the_o heart_n nor_o govern_v the_o life_n and_o action_n in_o the_o love_n fear_v and_o obedience_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n but_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o understand_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n what_o he_o do_v not_o promise_n by_o profession_n or_o if_o he_o seem_v to_o deny_v any_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o do_v not_o understand_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n the_o extent_n and_o force_n of_o his_o denial_n but_o have_v better_a principle_n that_o be_v a_o antidote_n and_o counterpoison_n to_o any_o mistake_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n he_o be_v not_o scandalize_v with_o the_o great_a mischief_n of_o scandal_n but_o that_o man_n be_v scandalize_v that_o through_o false_a principle_n or_o the_o denial_n of_o true_a one_o want_v their_o power_n and_o virtue_n upon_o his_o affection_n and_o action_n for_o no_o truth_n be_v for_o notion_n sake_n but_o to_o make_v true_o good_a the_o heart_n and_o practice_n the_o very_a confession_n with_o the_o mouth_n be_v to_o recoil_v back_o into_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v that_o better_a and_o to_o move_v forward_o and_o engage_v the_o life_n along_o with_o it_o 5._o it_o be_v a_o grand_a pillar_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o and_o that_o he_o that_o love_v 21._o 1_o john_n 4._o 21._o god_n shall_v love_v his_o brother_n also_o and_o there_o be_v not_o there_o can_v be_v any_o law_n of_o religion_n wherein_o the_o equity_n the_o love_n favour_n and_o compassion_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n towards_o humane_a nature_n do_v more_o evident_o recommend_v itself_o it_o be_v the_o justification_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o man_n his_o philanthropy_n do_v shine_v out_o more_o illustrious_o in_o the_o gospel_n so_o do_v the_o law_n and_o doctrine_n of_o this_o love_n of_o christian_n to_o one_o another_o and_o not_o only_o to_o christian_n but_o to_o all_o man_n and_o in_o this_o as_o of_o great_a concernment_n thâ—_n gospel_n be_v so_o abundant_a and_o its_o discourse_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n that_o it_o be_v make_v another_o hemisphere_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o one_o be_v the_o first_o and_o 39_o mat._n â—1_n 38_o 39_o great_a commandment_n and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a to_o it_o it_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v the_o whole_a law_n it_o be_v irreconcilable_a 9_o rom._n 13._o 8_o 9_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n not_o to_o love_v our_o brother_n it_o be_v 15._o 1_o joh._n 3._o 15._o such_o a_o degree_n of_o murder_n that_o whoever_o be_v guilty_a of_o can_v have_v eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o he_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mark_n 14._o 1_o joh._n 3._o 14._o we_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n so_o many_o be_v the_o argument_n and_o so_o strong_a the_o obligation_n to_o this_o duty_n that_o they_o can_v be_v recount_v all_o may_v be_v sum_v up_o in_o that_o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o now_o that_o this_o love_n be_v fix_v in_o a_o uniformity_n of_o opinion_n or_o point_n of_o outward_a order_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o believe_v for_o beside_o the_o impossibility_n to_o reconcile_v all_o the_o innocent_a variety_n that_o be_v in_o humane_a nature_n though_o it_o be_v christian_a humane_a nature_n in_o their_o sentiment_n and_o election_n in_o these_o thing_n the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v not_o of_o that_o amount_v as_o to_o be_v the_o proper_a rest_n of_o this_o divine_a love_n or_o that_o if_o it_o miss_v these_o pole_n it_o shall_v therefore_o cease_v to_o be_v the_o axis_n upon_o which_o the_o catholic_n society_n of_o christian_n and_o christian_a unity_n turn_n for_o that_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n must_v be_v substantial_a christianity_n itself_o and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a schism_n to_o be_v divide_v in_o affection_n from_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n how_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o understand_v see_v small_a difference_n be_v frequent_o by_o the_o apostle_n consider_v and_o allow_v for_o without_o the_o least_o allowance_n for_o christian_n not_o love_v one_o another_o christianity_n carry_v no_o gall_n even_o towards_o utmost_a stranger_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n much_o less_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v true_o christian_n though_o not_o each_o uniform_a with_o one_o another_o in_o all_o thing_n the_o great_a scandal_n against_o this_o love_n be_v private_a man_n think_v it_o justifiable_a not_o to_o love_v those_o that_o have_v injure_v they_o but_o this_o case_n have_v be_v consider_v
craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o 14._o eccles_n 4._o 14._o wait_n to_o deceive_v but_o follow_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n we_o may_v grow_v up_o into_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n who_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n from_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o edify_a itself_o in_o love_n be_v not_o carry_v about_o 9_o heb._n 13_o 9_o with_o divers_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n for_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v establish_v with_o grace_n not_o with_o meat_n which_o have_v not_o profit_v they_o that_o have_v be_v exercise_v therein_o 2._o that_o we_o have_v a_o true_a and_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o our_o obedience_n to_o it_o the_o blessedness_n of_o which_o and_o its_o great_a preservation_n from_o scandal_n the_o psalmist_n thus_o describe_v bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o council_n of_o the_o ungodly_a nor_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n nor_o 1._o psal_n 1._o 1._o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a but_o his_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o that_o law_n do_v he_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o tree_n plant_v by_o the_o river_n of_o water_n that_o bring_v forth_o his_o fruit_n in_o due_a season_n his_o leaf_n also_o shall_v not_o wither_v and_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v shall_v prosper_v 3._o that_o we_o order_v all_o thing_n of_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n aright_o both_o as_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o to_o which_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n direction_n shall_v be_v always_o before_o we_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n nor_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n 22._o rom._n 14._o 5_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 22._o give_v no_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o gentile_n nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n even_o as_o i_o please_v all_o man_n in_o all_o thing_n not_o seek_v my_o own_o profit_n but_o the_o profit_n of_o many_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v whoever_o thus_o serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o men._n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la several_a mispointings_a and_o literal_a mistake_n the_o candid_a reader_n be_v desire_v to_o observe_v and_o pardon_n and_o what_o be_v most_o injurious_a to_o the_o sense_n thus_o to_o correct_v page_n 6._o line_n 32._o for_o a_o read_v all_o p._n 13._o l._n 22._o for_o they_o r._n the._n p._n 17._o l._n 12._o deal_n not_o p._n 18._o l._n 11._o for_o at_o r._n with_o p._n 25._o l._n 30._o for_o he_o r_o any_o one_o p._n 27._o l._n 30._o for_o purity_n r._n party_n p._n 38._o l._n 4_o for_o righteous_a r._n weak_a p._n 44._o l._n 24._o deal_n they_o p._n 48._o l._n 17._o for_o rule_n r._n rate_n p._n 55._o l._n 22._o after_o be_v r._n not_o p._n 61._o l._n 9_o for_o sacrifice_n r._n sacrament_n p._n 76._o l._n 29._o for_o party_n r._n polity_n p._n 79._o l._n 11._o after_o just_o r._n may_n print_a for_o tho._n parkhurst_n the_o whole_a duty_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o national_a true_a religion_n argue_v and_o persuade_v upon_o great_a motive_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n conciliate_v to_o all_o moderate_a apprehension_n though_o differ_v in_o small_a thing_n and_o to_o the_o strict_a notion_n of_o church_n two_o book_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o its_o order_n to_o universal_a peace_n impartial_o state_v and_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o just_a right_n and_o genuine_a effect_n of_o true_a natural_a and_o christian_a religion_n in_o immunity_n from_o penal-law_n church_n censure_n and_o private_a animosity_n a_o catholic_n catechism_n show_v the_o impossibility_n the_o catholic_n religion_n shall_v be_v vary_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o thought_n from_o the_o measure_n leave_v seal_v by_o the_o apostle_n without_o the_o loss_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o the_o impossibility_n popery_n or_o whatever_o else_o be_v not_o find_v in_o scripture_n shall_v be_v catholic_n compose_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mean_a that_o will_v but_o consider_v that_o they_o may_v know_v and_o be_v ready_a upon_o un-movable_a reason_n to_o give_v a_o apology_n or_o defensive_a answer_n for_o the_o catholic_n religion_n if_o they_o be_v indeed_o of_o it_o and_o be_v secure_v from_o temptation_n in_o time_n of_o danger_n 2_o pet._n i._o 12_o the_o present_a truth_n prov._n 22._o 21._o that_o i_o may_v make_v thou_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n that_o thou_o may_v answer_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n to_o they_o that_o send_v unto_o thou_o london_n print_v for_o tho._n parkhurst_n and_o will._n miller_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n and_o the_o acorn_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1683._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n i_o call_v this_o a_o catechism_n because_o i_o design_v it_o a_o familiar_a instruction_n in_o fundamental_a truth_n resound_v the_o same_o thing_n from_o question_n to_o answer_n the_o easy_a way_n of_o convey_v truth_n and_o imprint_v it_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o that_o be_v even_o of_o the_o mean_a capacity_n but_o especial_o because_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v daily_o so_o meditate_a upon_o ponder_v and_o apply_v to_o use_v as_o to_o be_v a_o perpetual_a sound_n in_o our_o ear_n and_o so_o to_o be_v proper_o style_v catechism_n for_o thing_n of_o such_o great_a weight_n as_o principle_n be_v must_v have_v as_o the_o most_o advantageous_a admission_n as_o the_o most_o deep_a and_o therefore_o leisurely_o insinuation_n as_o the_o most_o resolve_a adherence_n when_o find_v true_a and_o right_a which_o be_v buy_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o sell_v it_o so_o they_o must_v have_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o ready_a application_n to_o all_o their_o uses_n and_o end_v they_o must_v therefore_o be_v bind_v continual_o about_o our_o neck_n that_o when_o we_o go_v they_o may_v lead_v we_o that_o when_o we_o sleep_v they_o may_v keep_v we_o that_o when_o we_o wake_v they_o may_v talk_v with_o we_o prov._n 6._o 21_o 22._o i_o know_v the_o thing_n i_o have_v write_v can_v be_v due_o receive_v without_o much_o think_v and_o without_o that_o they_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o a_o censorious_a rejection_n from_o the_o most_o or_o of_o a_o superficial_a unintelligent_a acceptance_n in_o the_o kind_a which_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o i_o present_v it_o as_o a_o catechism_n to_o those_o that_o shall_v at_o all_o approve_v it_o that_o they_o may_v be_v thorough_o verse_v in_o it_o and_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o grow_v domestic_a to_o they_o i_o call_v it_o a_o catholic_n catechism_n only_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o great_a subject_n it_o treat_v of_o the_o catholic_n religion_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v catholic_n or_o in_o which_o their_o catholickness_n consist_v that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o holy_a and_o happy_a spirit_n be_v by_o that_o catholickness_n unite_v and_o close_o band_v with_o itself_o catholic_n as_o the_o epistle_n call_v catholic_n that_o be_v after_o some_o doubt_v assert_v to_o be_v divine_a of_o the_o public_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o give_v that_o public_a doctrine_n in_o which_o the_o general_a assembly_n be_v one_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o contrive_v the_o question_n and_o answer_n so_o that_o the_o answer_n may_v be_v a_o apology_n or_o defensive_a answer_n of_o that_o catholic_n truth_n give_v a_o reason_n or_o a_o rational_a account_n to_o any_o demand_v that_o can_v be_v make_v upon_o it_o and_o it_o be_v the_o apology_n of_o that_o truth_n itself_o the_o apology_n it_o give_v and_o furnish_v we_o with_o for_o other_o can_v no_o man_n give_v truth_n can_v need_v no_o other_o than_o its_o native_a apology_n for_o itself_o no_o other_o will_v it_o accept_v to_o give_v this_o and_o to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v it_o to_o keep_v it_o within_o we_o and_o to_o have_v it_o fit_v to_o our_o lip_n be_v the_o proper_a fruit_n of_o such_o a_o catechetical_a instruction_n and_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o great_a honour_n we_o can_v do_v to_o god_n first_o to_o sanctify_v he_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o a_o full_a acknowledgement_n of_o he_o in_o his_o divine_a truth_n by_o a_o plerophory_n or_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o father_n and_o
be_v present_o more_o full_o discourse_v under_o the_o head_n of_o interpretation_n quest_n how_o far_o and_o to_o what_o thing_n do_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n extend_v answ_n to_o all_o thing_n most_o assure_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a life_n or_o to_o the_o true_a perfect_a the_o conscience_n in_o purity_n and_o peace_n whether_o they_o be_v thing_n to_o be_v believe_v as_o the_o spring_n of_o heavenly_a action_n or_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o to_o guidâ—_n the_o practice_n and_o order_v the_o conversation_n aright_o to_o thaâ—_n salvation_n or_o that_o be_v prescribe_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n alâ—_n these_o be_v plain_o write_v or_o by_o just_a consequence_n to_o bâ—_n derive_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o show_v man_n the_o way_n to_o please_v god_n or_o to_o assure_v they_o 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the_o original_a of_o scripture_n divine_v also_o quest_n why_o must_v the_o proof_n or_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n be_v divine_a answ_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v below_o the_o dignity_n of_o divine_a to_o receive_v its_o principal_a proof_n from_o private_a or_o low_a than_o divine_a or_o public_a 2._o because_o nothing_o but_o divine_a can_v so_o reach_v the_o conscience_n as_o to_o fill_v and_o possess_v it_o with_o satisfactory_a evidence_n in_o so_o great_a a_o concernment_n as_o religion_n nor_o strike_v the_o heart_n with_o those_o great_a effect_n of_o love_n to_o fear_v of_o joy_n in_o scripture_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o essential_a to_o religion_n but_o divine_a when_o you_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n you_o receive_v it_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n 3._o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a what_o be_v true_o divine_a shall_v not_o dart_v the_o ray_n of_o divinity_n as_o all_o other_o thing_n of_o excellency_n send_v out_o the_o beam_n of_o that_o excellency_n they_o have_v and_o thereby_o discover_v themselves_o for_o we_o know_v all_o thing_n especial_o by_o themselves_o the_o light_n remonstrate_v itself_o by_o itself_o the_o genius_n of_o every_o writer_n show_v itself_o first_o by_o itself_o we_o see_v the_o divineness_n of_o creation_n and_o miracle_n by_o themselves_o best_a and_o great_a be_v self-evident_o divine_a and_o whatever_o it_o be_v write_v upon_o be_v evident_o divine_a also_o quest_n how_o do_v scripture_n show_v itself_o thus_o divine_a answ_n by_o a_o majestic_a assumption_n to_o itself_o to_o be_v divine_a it_o speak_v so_o in_o and_o of_o all_o thing_n it_o speak_v and_o as_o it_o please_v effect_n as_o divine_v only_o do_v and_o can_v effect_v and_o be_v the_o best_a and_o great_a record_n of_o truth_n to_o all_o holy_a and_o wise_a mind_n the_o only_a extant_a inviolate_a record_n of_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n be_v 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the_o book_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n of_o religion_n write_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o engrave_v in_o the_o conscience_n and_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n that_o both_o these_o be_v address_v pure_o to_o the_o mind_n as_o abstract_v from_o sense_n that_o each_o of_o they_o be_v counterpart_v by_o two_o great_a manifestation_n of_o divinity_n to_o sense_n which_o sense_n be_v reason_n incarnate_a or_o mind_n act_v in_o and_o by_o body_n these_o two_o be_v either_o ordinary_a or_o constant_a as_o creation_n conservation_n or_o providence_n or_o extraordinary_a as_o miracle_n that_o each_o of_o they_o have_v also_o two_o executive_a power_n act_v they_o to_o their_o end_n the_o motion_n and_o activity_n of_o reason_n enable_v by_o the_o constant_a concourse_n of_o general_n illumination_n and_o the_o supernatural_a illumination_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o that_o all_o these_o agree_v in_o one_o unite_v with_o and_o fortify_v one_o another_o all_o of_o they_o 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they_o captive_a with_o the_o rest_n though_o in_o different_a basket_n as_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n represent_v quest_n how_o do_v they_o survive_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o displace_v and_o deject_a candlestick_n answ_n they_o be_v either_o call_v out_o to_o a_o zealous_a appearance_n and_o suffer_v for_o truth_n or_o sometime_o retire_v into_o corner_n like_o the_o seven_o thousand_o in_o israel_n or_o the_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o they_o can_v appear_v like_o a_o church_n offer_v those_o public_a notice_n of_o divine_a truth_n a_o church_n be_v design_v for_o quest_n how_o be_v a_o visible_a profession_n lose_v from_o particular_a person_n answ_n it_o be_v too_o often_o throw_v up_o by_o apostasy_n or_o profaneness_n or_o dwindle_v into_o a_o very_a spiritless_a form_n but_o very_o often_o a_o profession_n without_o the_o power_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o work_n of_o iniquity_n it_o may_v pass_v out_o of_o this_o world_n like_o a_o lamp_n burn_v but_o be_v find_v to_o burn_v only_o in_o a_o small_a temporary_a light_n without_o oil_n in_o the_o vessel_n a_o plenitude_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n shut_v out_o every_o lust_n it_o become_v a_o lamp_n put_v out_o in_o utter_a darkness_n quest_n what_o be_v to_o be_v infer_v from_o all_o this_o answ_n that_o there_o be_v no_o trust_n but_o in_o the_o lord_n himself_o the_o truth_n itself_o by_o which_o at_o all_o time_n the_o church_n that_o be_v indeed_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o wherein_o it_o be_v so_o will_v be_v know_v to_o we_o and_o in_o unite_n to_o truth_n we_o be_v unite_v to_o that_o quest_n there_o remain_v one_o thing_n yet_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v its_o power_n of_o govern_v even_o as_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n under_o what_o notion_n i_o beseech_v you_o be_v that_o government_n express_v in_o scripture_n answ_n that_o power_n be_v by_o our_o saviour_n represent_v under_o the_o mataphor_n of_o key_n and_o the_o use_v of_o those_o key_n in_o open_v and_o shut_v or_o in_o bind_v and_o lose_v quest_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n hereof_o answ_n the_o meaning_n be_v plain_o this_o when_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v by_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n inquire_v into_o all_o the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o word_n of_o god_n it_o have_v in_o and_o according_a to_o that_o word_n and_o only_o so_o a_o power_n of_o application_n of_o that_o doctrine_n to_o particular_a case_n bind_v man_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o gild_n and_o fear_v of_o damnation_n in_o such_o or_o such_o sin_n and_o a_o impenitent_a continuance_n in_o they_o or_o of_o absolve_v and_o assure_v man_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o acceptance_n in_o a_o holy_a course_n of_o life_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o of_o pardon_n upon_o repentance_n after_o fall_n into_o sin_n and_o disobedience_n and_o so_o of_o declare_v and_o pronounce_v upon_o man_n as_o to_o their_o present_a state_n in_o the_o church_n by_o excommunication_n or_o absolution_n all_o these_o be_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o loose_v according_a to_o what_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o parallel_a word_n who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v mean_v still_o according_a to_o his_o word_n the_o polestar_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o direct_v all_o their_o motion_n who_o claim_v any_o such_o power_n for_o only_o where_o it_o be_v declare_v according_a to_o the_o word_n be_v it_o that_o what_o be_v bind_v on_o earth_n be_v also_o bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o what_o be_v loose_v on_o earth_n be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n there_o be_v a_o invariable_a agreement_n between_o what_o be_v publish_v from_o heaven_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o state_n and_o action_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n and_o the_o transaction_n in_o heaven_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o he_o than_o that_o pronounce_v agreeable_o with_o that_o word_n pronounce_v as_o heaven_n do_v and_o will_v pronounce_v heaven_n bind_v what_o he_o bind_v and_o lose_v what_o he_o lose_v because_o he_o speak_v the_o voice_n of_o heaven_n in_o both_o case_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o bind_v or_o loose_v except_o in_o the_o power_n of_o this_o word_n and_o according_a to_o it_o in_o its_o virtue_n in_o its_o truth_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o end_n to_o the_o glory_n to_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o christ_n to_o bind_v any_o single_a christian_a by_o excommunication_n and_o not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n be_v as_o much_o a_o brutum_fw-la fulmen_fw-la a_o thunder_n to_o no_o purpose_n a_o causeless_a curse_n that_o shall_v not_o come_v as_o for_o the_o pope_n to_o excommunicate_v whole_a protestant_a church_n quest_n what_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n answ_n it_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n in_o a_o neighbourhood_n or_o number_n of_o christian_n communicate_v one_o with_o another_o ordinary_o even_o as_o the_o whole_a cotholick_a church_n will_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a communicate_v with_o itself_o in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n exact_o according_a the_o to_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n wherein_o this_o be_v the_o distinguish_a character_n of_o the_o true_a church_n that_o its_o communion_n be_v not_o with_o itself_o primary_o but_o its_o communion_n be_v so_o with_o itself_o as_o to_o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n principal_o as_o the_o fountainhead_n centre_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o communion_n and_o therein_o it_o hold_v out_o and_o invite_v to_o its_o communion_n cap._n x._o of_o the_o officer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n quest_n can_v there_o be_v either_o a_o orderly_a or_o a_o effectual_a actuation_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o church_n as_o a_o congregation_n without_o distinct_a and_o separate_a office_n and_o officer_n that_o may_v attend_v continual_o on_o this_o very_a thing_n answ_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o assembly_n without_o order_n will_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o assembly_n and_o fall_v into_o a_o confusion_n or_o rude_a multitude_n all_o wise_a and_o prudent_a assembly_n have_v always_o have_v elder_n to_o preside_v over_o they_o and_o our_o lord_n have_v ordain_v such_o to_o moderate_v throughout_o his_o congregation_n or_o church_n to_o conduct_v all_o the_o public_a service_n of_o religion_n for_o all_o thing_n therein_o be_v actual_o administer_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n the_o noble_a organical_a part_n of_o the_o church_n like_o those_o sense_n that_o attend_v upon_o the_o understanding_n most_o immediate_o see_v eye_n and_o hear_v ear_n so_o these_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v most_o fit_v engage_v and_o provoke_v hereunto_o they_o be_v even_o according_a to_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n separate_v to_o their_o office_n and_o unto_o all_o preparation_n for_o they_o by_o read_v and_o meditation_n as_o to_o their_o proper_a call_v and_o business_n of_o life_n see_v they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a inablement_n or_o excitation_n to_o their_o service_n quest_n what_o title_n or_o character_n do_v the_o new_a testament_n place_n upon_o these_o officer_n answ_n those_o that_o we_o have_v especial_a respect_n to_o for_o in_o the_o deacon_n if_o strict_o take_v we_o be_v less_o concern_v receive_v denomination_n either_o from_o their_o work_n and_o service_n or_o from_o that_o honour_n and_o estimation_n due_a to_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o such_o a_o service_n from_o their_o work_n they_o be_v style_v apostle_n evangelist_n pastor_n teacher_n minister_n servant_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n also_o from_o the_o estimation_n and_o honour_n due_a to_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o work_n and_o the_o authority_n it_o ought_v to_o carry_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o christian_n they_o be_v style_v bishop_n elder_n ruler_n guide_n and_o ensample_n as_o also_o ambassador_n and_o the_o work_n and_o the_o honour_n do_v so_o enclose_v one_o another_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v separate_v and_o be_v in_o their_o institution_n the_o measure_n one_o of_o another_o extend_v both_o to_o obedience_n and_o support_v of_o they_o in_o their_o work_n and_o the_o title_n be_v so_o prepare_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v change_v for_o any_o other_o nor_o the_o scripture_n language_n herein_o to_o be_v alter_v for_o any_o word_n not_o import_v the_o same_o proper_a sense_n quest_n how_o shall_v the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v that_o there_o may_v be_v that_o obedience_n and_o submission_n pay_v to_o they_o that_o be_v command_v answ_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o