guilty_a of_o such_o a_o mistake_n can_v very_o hardly_o be_v charge_v with_o a_o fault_n xliii_o four_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n almighty_n his_o attribute_n and_o his_o law_n may_v in_o part_n be_v gather_v from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n antecedent_n to_o any_o revelation_n be_v evident_a from_o reason_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o st._n paul_n for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n 1._o 20._o see_v psal_n 19_o 1._o and_o when_o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thiug_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n these_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o which_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v one_o another_o rom._n 2._o 14_o 15._o now_o although_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o religion_n which_o may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v i_o think_v again_o repeat_v and_o far_o explain_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o because_o it_o may_v be_v that_o this_o will_v not_o appear_v so_o plain_o to_o every_o one_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a here_o to_o note_n that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o those_o truth_n and_o our_o obedience_n to_o those_o law_n of_o of_o religion_n which_o we_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v by_o our_o natural_a reason_n although_o the_o same_o shall_v not_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v again_o repeat_v in_o scripture_n for_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n st._n paul_n pronounce_v the_o ancient_a gentile_n to_o be_v without_o excuse_n because_o that_o when_o they_o know_v god_n that_o be_v have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o he_o by_o their_o natural_a understanding_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n by_o own_v and_o obey_v he_o rom._n 1._o 20_o 21_o etc._n etc._n and_o what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o a_o appeal_n to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o mankind_n when_o he_o exhort_v we_o that_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n we_o shall_v think_v on_o these_o thing_n phil._n 4._o 8._o xliv_o five_o he_o that_o write_v a_o treatise_n upon_o any_o subject_a whatsoever_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n that_o his_o reader_n shall_v particular_o observe_v and_o be_v convince_v of_o he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o lay_v it_o down_o plain_o as_o a_o main_a conclusion_n nor_o will_v he_o fail_v if_o he_o be_v discreet_a as_o often_o as_o occasion_n require_v to_o repeat_v and_o refer_v to_o it_o that_o the_o more_o notice_n may_v be_v take_v of_o his_o mean_v and_o design_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v mention_v only_o occasional_o and_o collateral_o and_o not_o as_o any_o part_n of_o the_o main_a subject_n of_o the_o discourse_n be_v not_o always_o express_v with_o so_o much_o care_n and_o exactness_n but_o that_o often_o even_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o may_v be_v misunderstand_v nor_o can_v we_o be_v always_o certain_a what_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o opinion_n of_o a_o writer_n from_o such_o accidental_a expression_n which_o sometime_o may_v be_v use_v figurative_o sometime_o by_o way_n of_o allusion_n or_o accommodation_n sometime_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o people_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o literal_a truth_n of_o they_o except_o he_o give_v we_o foam_v far_a explication_n of_o his_o mind_n from_o whence_o i_o think_v i_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v gacher_v from_o those_o collateral_a and_o occasional_a expression_n which_o be_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o from_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a bible_n in_o general_n and_o of_o each_o book_n of_o it_o in_o particular_a xlv_o i_o have_v thus_o brief_o and_o plain_o give_v i_o hope_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o christianity_n in_o general_n if_o i_o find_v that_o what_o i_o have_v here_o write_v be_v likely_a to_o do_v any_o good_a in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v proceed_v with_o god_n assistance_n to_o draw_v out_o and_o publish_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o duty_n to_o be_v practise_v by_o a_o christian_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la to_o the_o 2d_o and_o 3d._n part._n page_n 48._o l._n 16._o read_v my_o own_o p._n 59_o l._n 12._o for_o of_o r._n and._n p._n 82._o l._n 11._o for_o love_n r._n live_v p._n 110._o l._n 3._o deal_n it_o p._n 113._o l._n 12._o for_o every_o r._n very_a p._n 254._o for_o that_o r._n than_o p._n 260._o l._n 16._o r._n office_n in_o a_o settle_a church_n book_n print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o a._n and_o j._n churchil_n at_o the_o black_a swan_n in_o pater-noster-row_n titus_n livius_n roman_a history_n boccacio_n novel_n and_o tale_n sir_n paul_n ricaut_n life_n of_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n rushworth_n historical_a collection_n lloyd_n dictionarium_fw-la histor_n poeticum_fw-la geographicum_fw-la statute_n of_o ireland_n bolton_n justice_n of_o ireland_n leybourn_n dyalling_n buchanan_n chronicle_n and_o history_n of_o the_o king_n of_o scotland_n machiavil_n work_n sir_n simon_n de_fw-fr ewe_n journal_n of_o parliament_n queen_n elizabeth_n dr._n brady_n introduction_n to_o the_o history_n of_o england_n milton_n paradise_n regain_v leybourn_n cursus_fw-la mathematicus_fw-la sir_n roger_n l'estrange_n aesop_n fable_n clark_n praxis_fw-la cur._n ecclesiasticis_fw-la dr._n gibson_n anatomy_n mounseur_fw-fr le_fw-fr clerc_n logica_fw-la etc._n etc._n drelincourt_n of_o death_n leybourn_n arithmetic_n protestant-reconciler_n complete_a homer_n iliad_n poetae_fw-la minores_fw-la royal_a grammar_n gibbon_n heraldry_n patridge_n treasury_n of_o physic_n opus_fw-la reformatum_fw-la bishop_n wilkins_n of_o prayer_n and_o preach_v thibault_n chemistry_n glasier_n chemistry_n valerius_n maximus_n english_a two_o treatise_n of_o government_n the_o three_o letter_n for_o toleration_n some_o consideration_n of_o the_o consequence_n of_o lower_a interest_n and_o raise_v the_o value_n of_o money_n sir_n william_n temple_n observation_n on_o holland_n miscellanea_fw-la dr._n burnet_n travel_n plato_n redevivus_fw-la selden_n table-talk_a debate_n of_o oxon_n and_o westminster-parliament_n livill_a orationes_fw-la selectae_fw-la 12o._o sleidan_n de_fw-fr quatuor_fw-la fummis_fw-la imperiis_fw-la aristotle_n rhetoric_n english_a dr._n whitby_n several_a piece_n patridge_n astrology_n isoratis_fw-la oration_n large_a 12o._o guide_v to_o heaven_n 24o._o latin-testament_n the_o cambridge-edition_n 12o._o boyl_n general_a history_n of_o the_o air_n a_o gentleman_n religion_n two_o treatise_n of_o rationa_n religion_n 8o._o common_a prayer_n in_o greek_a salmon_n dispensatory_a dorn_n synopsis_fw-la medicinae_fw-la salustii_fw-la historia_n weekly_a preparation_n ii_o part_n bunnian_n sigh_n from_o hell_n archbishop_z layton_n sermon_n gunter_n line_n ciceronis_fw-la epistol_n familiar_a mr._n talent_n chron._n table_n a_o gentleman_n religion_n part_n ii_o &_o iii_o in_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v particular_o inquire_v into_o and_o explain_v london_n print_v for_o richard_n sare_n at_o grays-inn-gate_n in_o holborn_n 1697._o a_o short_a preface_n to_o the_o whole_a some_o man_n slight_a religion_n whilst_o other_o corru_fw-la and_o perplex_v it_o with_o thing_n either_o false_a or_o unnecessary_a the_o late_a of_o which_o i_o look_v upon_o to_o be_v much_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o former_a many_o will_v not_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v much_o and_o many_o do_v not_o thorough_o consider_v nor_o will_v digest_v what_o they_o read_v which_o render_v their_o notion_n confuse_v and_o themselves_o uncertain_a what_o to_o conclude_v i_o have_v theresore_n endeavour_v to_o make_v such_o a_o short_a and_o easy_a draught_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o as_o every_o man_n of_o a_o moderate_a capacity_n may_v read_v without_o tediousness_n and_o understand_v without_o difficulty_n and_o which_o if_o it_o do_v not_o whole_o satisfy_v he_o may_v yet_o serve_v to_o put_v his_o thought_n into_o a_o method_n and_o himself_o upon_o seek_v for_o far_a satisfaction_n the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o small_a work_n i_o put_v forth_o some_o time_n since_o and_o find_v that_o it_o have_v not_o prove_v altogether_o unacceptable_a to_o man_n of_o judgement_n and_o moderation_n i_o have_v be_v encourage_v to_o finish_v and_o publish_v the_o second_o and_o three_o part_n also_o my_o design_n be_v certain_o good_a and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o well_o perform_v what_o i_o have_v undertake_v i_o hope_v at_o
in_o scripture_n as_o join_v together_o in_o one_o society_n or_o body_n which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o which_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o chief_a or_o head_n and_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o live_v in_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o under_o those_o law_n and_o constitution_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o but_o not_o that_o i_o can_v find_v in_o scripture_n oblige_v to_o join_v with_o or_o submit_v to_o any_o one_o person_n as_o the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o visible_a head_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o earth_n for_o if_o christ_n have_v appoint_v any_o such_o person_n as_o his_o deputy_n upon_o earth_n he_o must_v either_o have_v declare_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n with_o great_a plainness_n and_o evidence_n or_o else_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o find_v fault_n with_o any_o man_n for_o be_v mistake_v in_o it_o whereas_o the_o argument_n which_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n bring_v to_o prove_v either_o that_o such_o a_o vicar_n there_o must_v be_v or_o that_o st._n peter_n the_o apostle_n be_v the_o man_n or_o that_o the_o pope_n or_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o not_o the_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n be_v the_o successor_n of_o st._n peter_n both_o in_o his_o bishopric_n and_o authority_n be_v all_o so_o weak_a and_o precarious_a so_o force_v and_o perplex_v and_o so_o full_o confute_v by_o the_o protestant_a divine_n that_o nothing_o in_o my_o opinion_n but_o blindness_n of_o understanding_n or_o worldly_a interest_n can_v prevail_v with_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n still_o to_o insist_v upon_o they_o now_o that_o christ_n institute_v but_o one_o church_n in_o which_o all_o true_a believer_n and_o good_a liver_n be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v comprise_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o although_o through_o the_o mistake_v and_o perverseness_n of_o man_n this_o church_n be_v rend_v and_o divide_v into_o opposite_a and_o contend_v part_n and_o party_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o according_a to_o its_o true_a and_o primitive_a constitution_n it_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v one_o as_o a_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n by_o its_o law_n and_o constitution_n be_v but_o one_o society_n although_o there_o may_v arise_v faction_n and_o different_a interest_n in_o it_o nor_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v esteem_v as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o god_n who_o be_v not_o ready_a and_o willing_a according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o power_n and_o knowledge_n to_o maintain_v the_o unity_n of_o it_o and_o that_o upon_o those_o very_a term_n and_o none_o other_o which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v as_o near_o as_o possible_o he_o can_v find_v and_o apprehend_v they_o moreover_o that_o all_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n on_o which_o christ_n have_v found_v the_o church_n and_o by_o which_o he_o will_v have_v it_o regulate_v be_v exact_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o sound_a morality_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o doubt_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v true_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v holy_a although_o every_o particular_a member_n thereof_o have_v both_o his_o frailty_n and_o his_o sin_n which_o yet_o he_o must_v repent_v of_o and_o so_o become_v holy_a as_o the_o church_n be_v holy_a or_o else_o he_o violate_v one_o of_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a law_n and_o so_o become_v as_o it_o be_v a_o outlaw_n of_o the_o church_n and_o forfeit_v his_o part_n in_o all_o the_o privilege_n that_o belong_v unto_o that_o society_n and_o whereas_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n do_v enjoy_v more_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o have_v great_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n on_o the_o score_n of_o their_o be_v god_n choose_a and_o peculiar_a people_n than_o any_o or_o all_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o contrary_a now_o look_v upon_o all_o as_o equal_o entitle_v unto_o god_n favour_n and_o the_o advantage_n thereon_o depend_v who_o take_v care_v due_o to_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o it_o so_o that_o whereas_o former_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o choose_a people_n of_o god_n may_v have_v be_v say_v to_o be_v particular_a as_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n limit_v to_o one_o nation_n or_o people_n now_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v catholic_n that_o be_v to_o say_v universal_a as_o be_v no_o way_n confine_v to_o one_o place_n or_o nation_n all_o people_n be_v equal_o choose_v by_o god_n in_o christ_n who_o will_v receive_v and_o love_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n 41._o in_o those_o several_a revelation_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n unto_o adam_n to_o abraham_n and_o to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v still_o a_o plain_a intimation_n give_v they_o that_o in_o the_o time_n to_o come_v there_o shall_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n arise_v in_o the_o world_n who_o shall_v yet_o more_o clear_o make_v know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n but_o when_o christ_n who_o be_v that_o person_n do_v according_o come_v and_o send_v his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n he_o neither_o suggest_v to_o they_o nor_o they_o unto_o the_o world_n that_o any_o other_o revelation_n be_v ever_o after_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o always_o give_v they_o to_o understand_v that_o god_n have_v in_o the_o gospel_n complete_v and_o finish_v all_o that_o declaration_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o or_o his_o will_n unto_o mankind_n until_o the_o general_a judgement_n and_o dissolution_n of_o the_o world_n if_o therefore_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v give_v i_o no_o manner_n of_o assurance_n of_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o church_n my_o own_o reason_n will_v have_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v i_o conclude_v that_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n will_v so_o order_v the_o matter_n as_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o only_o know_v and_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n shall_v never_o be_v whole_o extinguish_v while_o the_o world_n last_v so_o as_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o new_a revelation_n to_o revive_v and_o restore_v it_o but_o that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o certain_a company_n of_o man_n evident_o conspicuous_a to_o the_o world_n teach_v and_o profess_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n without_o any_o error_n or_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n be_v what_o i_o can_v no_o where_n find_v promise_v or_o foretell_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o any_o of_o his_o apostle_n on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v several_a passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o do_v plain_o seem_v to_o foretell_v that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n most_o pernicious_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n shall_v prevail_v and_o take_v place_n even_o among_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v but_o light_o compare_v the_o state_n of_o christianity_n for_o several_a century_n before_o the_o reformation_n with_o that_o draught_n of_o it_o which_o be_v leave_v we_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n must_v if_o he_o be_v impartial_a i_o think_v be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o prediction_n 42._o whether_o or_o no_o god_n have_v or_o do_v at_o any_o time_n communicate_v or_o bestow_v any_o extraordinary_a grace_n or_o assistance_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v no_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o altogether_o stranger_n unto_o that_o revelation_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o be_v a_o question_n which_o the_o virtuous_a life_n and_o heroic_a action_n of_o some_o brave_a heathen_n make_v it_o hard_o positive_o to_o determine_v in_o the_o negative_a but_o that_o he_o will_v give_v so_o much_o grace_n and_o strength_n to_o every_o one_o who_o shall_v become_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n as_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o their_o own_o sufficient_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o eternal_a happiness_n by_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o require_v on_o their_o part_n to_o be_v do_v be_v what_o i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o who_o do_v but_o in_o general_n consider_v the_o mercy_n and_o love_n which_o god_n design_v even_o unto_o all_o man_n but_o more_o especial_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o send_v our_o saviour_n christ_n jesus_n into_o the_o world_n although_o there_o be_v not_o any_o particular_a promise_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o this_o grace_n and_o ability_n to_o do_v good_a be_v in_o scripture_n ascribe_v unto_o the_o ministry_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o true_a believer_n be_v plain_a and_o general_o own_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o that_o this_o
as_o hope_v only_o for_o his_o sake_n to_o be_v accept_v who_o be_v represent_v as_o our_o only_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n whosoever_o therefore_o offer_v to_o join_v the_o merit_n mediation_n or_o intercession_n of_o any_o saint_n together_o with_o christ_n jesus_n either_o to_o strengthen_v his_o hope_n of_o salvation_n or_o to_o make_v his_o devotion_n more_o sure_o to_o be_v accept_v by_o god_n as_o he_o seem_v to_o distrust_v the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n as_o if_o alone_z it_o be_v imperfect_a and_o insufficient_a so_o he_o act_v not_o only_o without_o any_o warrant_n from_o but_o even_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a tenor_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 13._o that_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o attempt_v and_o impossible_a to_o make_v any_o bodily_a or_o visible_a picture_n or_o image_n to_o represent_v god_n who_o be_v both_o incorporeal_a and_o invisible_a be_v most_o evident_a beyond_o doubt_n or_o denial_n and_o when_o any_o such_o representation_n be_v make_v with_o that_o design_n and_o expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o people_n the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v to_o beget_v wrong_a notion_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mind_n at_o least_o of_o the_o more_o ignorant_a sort_n for_o such_o as_o any_o thing_n be_v represent_v to_o they_o such_o they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o conceive_v it_o in_o all_o point_n to_o be_v my_o reason_n therefore_o alone_o will_v sufficient_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o make_v any_o sort_n of_o picture_n or_o image_n to_o represent_v god_n although_o he_o have_v not_o so_o positive_o forbid_v it_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o so_o express_o declare_v himself_o a_o jealous_a god_n in_o that_o particular_a 14._o in_o all_o case_n where_o one_o man_n may_v deceive_v another_o to_o his_o great_a damage_n it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o he_o who_o apprehend_v such_o danger_n shall_v not_o depend_v upon_o another_o man_n except_o he_o first_o have_v good_a security_n give_v he_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n now_o many_o time_n the_o best_a or_o indeed_o the_o only_a security_n which_o can_v be_v give_v in_o such_o case_n be_v a_o solemn_a appeal_n to_o almighty_a god_n who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n and_o the_o punisher_n of_o all_o wickedness_n as_o expect_v and_o free_o offer_v one_o self_n to_o his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n in_o case_n he_o prevaricate_v in_o what_o he_o assert_n or_o promise_n and_o this_o be_v what_o we_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o since_o he_o who_o take_v a_o oath_n i_o mean_v with_o due_a seriousness_n and_o consideration_n do_v therein_o make_v a_o evident_a acknowledgement_n of_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a attribute_n of_o god_n viz._n his_o omniscience_n justice_n truth_n and_o power_n it_o follow_v that_o a_o oath_n due_o take_v be_v a_o act_n of_o honour_n and_o reverence_n towards_o god_n and_o consequent_o be_v not_o in_o its_o self_n unlawful_a or_o evil_a but_o if_o a_o oath_n be_v take_v rasble_o or_o unadvised_o or_o unnecessary_o or_o in_o trivial_a case_n it_o be_v a_o lessen_v and_o undervalue_v of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n which_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v treat_v with_o the_o profound_a reverence_n and_o consequent_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o can_v conceive_v to_o be_v forbid_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n mat._n 5._o 34._o nor_o can_v i_o apprehend_v that_o that_o place_n contain_v a_o universal_a prohibition_n of_o all_o swear_n whatsoever_o for_o beside_o that_o the_o very_a context_n in_o the_o precede_a verse_n do_v most_o evident_o limit_v the_o discourse_n to_o such_o oath_n as_o be_v pure_o voluntary_a and_o therefore_o altogether_o unnecessary_a there_o be_v neither_o reason_n nor_o precedent_n to_o induce_v any_o one_o to_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n will_v universal_o forbid_v any_o thing_n which_o have_v nothing_o of_o evil_a or_o malignity_n in_o its_o nature_n and_o some_o even_o of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n not_o only_o before_o but_o since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o even_o the_o bless_a angel_n themselves_o we_o be_v assure_v in_o scripture_n have_v swear_v upon_o some_o occasion_n with_o great_a solemnity_n nor_o do_v the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o other_o place_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o take_n of_o a_o oath_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n unlawful_a or_o forbid_v or_o any_o way_n universal_o evil_a in_o its_o self_n but_o altogether_o the_o contrary_a nor_o do_v our_o bless_a saviour_n that_o we_o can_v find_v design_v to_o deprive_v prince_n or_o magistrate_n of_o any_o part_n of_o that_o lawful_a power_n which_o they_o have_v over_o their_o subject_n before_o his_o come_n who_o every_o where_o be_v invest_v with_o a_o right_n of_o exact_v a_o oath_n from_o they_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v necessary_a either_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o security_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o for_o the_o end_n of_o difference_n between_o private_a party_n and_o as_o for_o that_o passage_n of_o st._n james_n 5._o 12._o which_o be_v by_o some_o urge_v against_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o a_o recapitulation_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n which_o be_v just_a now_o mention_v needs_o no_o other_o answer_n than_o what_o i_o have_v already_o give_v but_o since_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v to_o invoke_v god_n that_o thereby_o a_o man_n may_v give_v assurance_n to_o another_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n it_o follow_v that_o to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n upon_o oath_n beyond_o what_o the_o man_n who_o swear_v know_v to_o be_v true_a or_o not_o to_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v upon_o his_o oath_n promise_v be_v a_o sin_n and_o since_o he_o who_o impose_v upon_o another_o by_o doubtful_a and_o equivocal_a word_n do_v as_o much_o deceive_v he_o as_o he_o who_o speak_v a_o downright_a falsity_n from_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o such_o a_o deceitful_a oath_n be_v altogether_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o consequent_o as_o unlawful_a as_o a_o false_a one_o but_o although_o a_o oath_n lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o a_o man_n to_o do_v whatever_o he_o have_v swear_v yet_o if_o a_o man_n swear_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o contrary_a to_o some_o former_a obligation_n under_o which_o he_o indispensable_o lie_v to_o god_n or_o man_n he_o can_v not_o in_o this_o case_n be_v oblige_v to_o keep_v his_o oath_n but_o be_v bind_v to_o repent_v of_o it_o for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o any_o man_n own_o act_n shall_v free_v he_o from_o any_o obligation_n under_o which_o he_o lie_v to_o another_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o oath_n can_v neither_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o sin_n nor_o make_v it_o lawful_a to_o commit_v it_o and_o since_o the_o design_n of_o a_o oath_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v to_o oblige_v he_o to_o performance_n that_o take_v it_o and_o since_o the_o name_n of_o god_n ought_v never_o unnecessary_o to_o be_v invoke_v it_o follow_v that_o where_o a_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o keep_v a_o oath_n he_o ought_v not_o on_o any_o account_n to_o take_v it_o 15._o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o different_a place_n there_o have_v divers_a ceremony_n and_o form_n of_o word_n be_v introduce_v in_o the_o take_n of_o a_o oath_n some_o of_o they_o ground_v upon_o reason_n and_o other_o take_v up_o through_o mistake_n in_o imitation_n thus_o probable_o whereas_o it_o may_v have_v be_v a_o custom_n in_o some_o place_n in_o a_o oath_n to_o invoke_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n upon_o one_o head_n from_o hence_o likely_a may_v arise_v that_o form_n of_o swear_v by_o the_o head_n and_o in_o imitation_n thereof_o by_o the_o hand_n or_o other_o part_n of_o the_o body_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v usual_a to_o take_v solemn_a oath_n in_o extraordinary_a case_n in_o the_o temple_n or_o at_o the_o altar_n and_o with_o we_o at_o this_o time_n lay_v the_o hand_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o hence_o may_v arise_v the_o form_n of_o swear_v by_o the_o temple_n the_o altar_n the_o bible_n etc._n etc._n but_o here_o it_o must_v be_v note_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v for_o assurance_n and_o consist_v therefore_o altogether_o in_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o party_n viz._n as_o well_o of_o he_o who_o require_v it_o as_o of_o he_o who_o give_v it_o he_o may_v be_v say_v real_o and_o true_o to_o snear_o not_o only_o who_o make_v use_v of_o such_o a_o form_n and_o ceremony_n as_o be_v accustom_v or_o prescribe_v in_o any_o certain_a place_n but_o he_o who_o any_o way_n signify_v to_o another_o a_o intention_n to_o oblige_v himself_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o vengeance_n
influence_n of_o god_n spirit_n do_v not_o work_v so_o uncontrollable_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v resist_v and_o even_o whole_o reject_v and_o lose_v be_v i_o think_v sufficient_o obvious_a as_o well_o from_o reason_n and_o experience_n as_o form_v those_o passage_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n wherein_o we_o be_v exhort_v not_o to_o quench_v the_o spirit_n but_o to_o walk_v in_o and_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v apparent_o needless_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n if_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o heart_n be_v so_o strong_a as_o that_o we_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o comply_v with_o they_o now_o the_o thing_n which_o god_n require_v to_o be_v perform_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o life_n everlasting_a be_v apparent_a and_o can_v be_v no_o more_o but_o to_o believe_v those_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v make_v know_v which_o be_v call_v faith_n and_o to_o observe_v those_o precept_n which_o he_o have_v command_v which_o be_v call_v obedience_n and_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v require_v from_o no_o man_n beyond_o the_o measure_n of_o possibility_n part_n 1_o §_o 14._o so_o do_v the_o scripture_n most_o full_o assure_v we_o that_o god_n will_v in_o they_o make_v a_o very_a sufficient_a allowance_n for_o the_o ignorance_n and_o frailty_n and_o even_o for_o the_o perverseness_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o will_v not_o only_o be_v merciful_a unto_o our_o weakness_n and_o ordinary_a fail_n but_o will_v pardon_v and_o forgive_v even_o our_o great_a and_o most_o wilful_a sin_n upon_o our_o true_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o as_o for_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o inquire_v here_o into_o the_o nature_n and_o consequence_n of_o it_o but_o shall_v refer_v my_o reader_n to_o that_o excellent_a sermon_n of_o dr._n tillotson_n the_o late_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n upon_o that_o subject_n but_o here_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v all_o take_v that_o caution_n which_o both_o reason_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v give_v we_o viz._n that_o we_o shall_v not_o presume_v so_o much_o upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o lenity_n as_o from_o hence_o to_o take_v occasion_n of_o go_v on_o in_o our_o wickedness_n for_o kindness_n thus_o abuse_v will_v certain_o turn_v into_o the_o high_a wrath_n and_o much_o increase_v the_o damnation_n of_o a_o sinner_n 43._o i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o humane_a soul_n itself_o be_v not_o by_o themselves_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v immortal_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o eternal_a duration_n of_o any_o create_v be_v depend_v not_o so_o much_o upon_o its_o own_o nature_n as_o upon_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o create_v it_o but_o as_o reason_n alone_o suggest_v unto_o we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o life_n to_o come_v after_o this_o part_n 1_o §_o 13._o and_o that_o man_n be_v at_o first_o design_v by_o god_n unto_o life_n eternal_a part_n 2._o §_o 29._o so_o do_v the_o holy_a scripture_n most_o clear_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o who_o perform_v what_o god_n require_v shall_v be_v happy_a to_o all_o eternity_n and_o they_o who_o do_v not_o so_o shall_v be_v miserable_a without_o end_n the_o reconcilableness_n of_o which_o with_o god_n justice_n and_o mercy_n i_o have_v account_v for_o §_o 17._o but_o wherein_o this_o happiness_n of_o the_o righteous_a shall_v consist_v we_o can_v but_o very_o imperfect_o tell_v and_o whether_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v literal_o be_v in_o everlasting_a fire_n or_o whether_o that_o expression_n be_v only_o make_v use_n of_o metaphorical_o to_o signify_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o torment_n i_o think_v it_o not_o necessary_a to_o determine_v but_o both_o my_o own_o reason_n and_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n do_v seem_v strong_o to_o suggest_v that_o neither_o the_o reward_n of_o good_a man_n nor_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o evil_a shall_v be_v equal_a unto_o all_o but_o great_a or_o less_o according_a as_o they_o have_v exceed_v one_o another_o in_o the_o holiness_n or_o wickedness_n of_o their_o life_n 44._o that_o all_o man_n be_v mortal_a be_v sufficient_o testify_v by_o out_o daily_a experience_n but_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n immediate_o upon_o their_o separation_n from_o their_o body_n be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o insensibility_n but_o be_v straightway_o convey_v into_o a_o state_n either_o of_o joy_n or_o misery_n seem_v very_o apparent_a to_o i_o from_o st._n paul_n desire_n to_o be_v dissolve_v that_o he_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n from_o our_o saviour_n promise_n unto_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o from_o the_o story_n or_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n as_o also_o from_o some_o other_o intimation_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o but_o since_o there_o be_v one_o day_n to_o be_v a_o general_a judgement_n of_o all_o mankind_n before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o christ_n where_o every_o man_n must_v receive_v his_o sentence_n for_o eternal_a either_o happiness_n or_o misery_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v assure_v we_o it_o seem_v not_o irrational_a to_o judge_v that_o neither_o the_o righteous_a nor_o the_o wicked_a do_v receive_v their_o full_a and_o final_a portion_n until_o that_o judgement_n be_v pass_v upon_o they_o i_o know_v not_o therefore_o how_o to_o condemn_v those_o who_o ancient_o take_v up_o the_o custom_n of_o pray_v for_o their_o decease_a friend_n who_o have_v live_v holy_o and_o die_v pious_o that_o they_o may_v find_v favour_n and_o acceptance_n at_o the_o general_a judgement_n and_o have_v their_o portion_n of_o glory_n augment_v but_o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n approve_v of_o those_o who_o upon_o such_o pitiful_a suggestion_n have_v presume_v to_o determine_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o purgatory_n where_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v purge_v and_o suffer_v a_o temporary_a punishment_n before_o their_o admission_n into_o heaven_n and_o although_o i_o look_v upon_o their_o pray_v for_o the_o dead_a to_o be_v a_o mistake_n rather_o than_o a_o sin_n yet_o their_o take_n of_o money_n for_o so_o do_v and_o raise_v such_o a_o revenue_n upon_o that_o fund_z i_o look_v upon_o to_o be_v a_o most_o ungodly_a cheat_n and_o imposition_n upon_o the_o people_n 45._o although_o i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v that_o there_o be_v any_o natural_a decay_n in_o the_o general_a frame_n and_o structure_n of_o this_o world_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n who_o make_v it_o it_o may_v whenever_o he_o please_v be_v destroy_v and_o dissolve_v and_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o general_a judgement_n at_o which_o time_n also_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o universal_a resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n of_o all_o those_o who_o have_v die_v and_o a_o change_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v then_o alive_a but_o whether_o all_o the_o same_o individual_a particle_n of_o each_o man_n body_n which_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v raise_v and_o reunite_v again_o to_o their_o soul_n i_o look_v upon_o to_o be_v a_o needless_a enquiry_n what_o st._n paul_n say_v upon_o this_o argument_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 35._o do_v abundant_o satisfy_v i_o the_o purport_n of_o who_o word_n i_o take_v to_o be_v this_o viz._n that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o nature_n have_v give_v such_o a_o vegetative_a power_n to_o a_o grain_n of_o corn_n that_o when_o it_o be_v throw_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o there_o macerate_v and_o dissolve_v it_o spring_v up_o again_o and_o bring_v forth_o a_o body_n suitable_a and_o proper_a to_o its_o self_n that_o that_o same_o god_n i_o say_v both_o can_v and_o will_v at_o the_o last_o day_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o dissolve_a body_n of_o man_n raise_v up_o such_o body_n as_o shall_v please_v himself_o and_o as_o there_o be_v a_o continual_a and_o great_a change_n of_o particle_n in_o the_o humane_a body_n between_o the_o birth_n and_o the_o grave_a so_o i_o see_v not_o what_o absurdity_n will_v follow_v if_o we_o shall_v allow_v also_o that_o there_o be_v a_o like_a change_n between_o the_o grave_a and_o the_o resurrection_n 46._o and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o brief_a and_o plain_a account_n of_o that_o part_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v pure_o or_o chief_o doctrinal_a which_o upon_o the_o most_o strict_a search_n that_o i_o have_v be_v able_a to_o make_v i_o think_v be_v exact_o agreeable_a to_o the_o tenor_n and_o main_a design_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n
beneficence_n preserve_v and_o keep_v up_o among_o mankind_n now_o in_o order_n to_o discover_v these_o same_o law_n of_o right_n and_o property_n whereby_o every_o man_n be_v to_o know_v what_o be_v true_o his_o own_o i_o lay_v down_o this_o general_a rule_n as_o a_o thing_n most_o reasonable_a that_o whereas_o original_o every_o man_n right_n and_o title_n to_o every_o thing_n may_v be_v esteem_v equal_a god_n have_v give_v we_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o common_a and_o not_o by_o any_o act_n of_o he_o divide_v to_o each_o man_n his_o several_a property_n if_o there_o be_v any_o apparent_a or_o but_o probable_a ground_n why_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a thing_n shall_v be_v the_o property_n of_o one_o man_n rather_o than_o of_o another_o that_o ought_v so_o to_o determine_v the_o matter_n as_o to_o oblige_v all_o other_o man_n quiet_o to_o yield_v and_o suffer_v he_o to_o enjoy_v and_o use_v that_o same_o thing_n whatever_o it_o be_v as_o his_o own_o for_o where_o the_o balance_n stand_v exact_o even_o a_o small_a matter_n be_v enough_o to_o turn_v the_o scale_n to_o one_o side_n now_o in_o these_o follow_a case_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o determine_v a_o property_n in_o a_o thing_n to_o particular_a person_n viz._n 1._o when_o a_o man_n be_v the_o first_o that_o take_v actual_a possession_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o convert_v it_o to_o his_o own_o use_n for_o such_o a_o possession_n be_v a_o addition_n to_o his_o general_a right_n beyond_o what_o any_o other_o man_n who_o never_o be_v in_o possession_n can_v pretend_v and_o why_o shall_v i_o part_v with_o my_o possession_n to_o any_o other_o or_o he_o demand_v it_o from_o i_o except_o he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v out_o a_o better_a title_n than_o i_o to_o the_o thing_n in_o dispute_n 2._o when_o a_o man_n take_v possession_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v actual_o reject_v and_o desert_v by_o he_o who_o last_o have_v the_o right_n to_o and_o possession_n of_o it_o for_o his_o case_n seem_v to_o be_v much_o the_o same_o with_o his_o who_o first_o take_v possession_n of_o a_o thing_n 3._o when_o a_o thing_n be_v give_v or_o in_o exchange_n make_v over_o to_z another_z by_o he_o who_o have_v before_o a_o just_a right_o thereto_o for_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o dispose_v of_o his_o own_o 4._o when_o a_o company_n of_o people_n do_v by_o a_o agreement_n make_v a_o partition_n of_o what_o be_v before_o in_o common_a among_o they_o all_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v acquiesce_v in_o that_o share_n which_o upon_o such_o a_o division_n shall_v fall_v to_o his_o lot_n 5._o when_o a_o man_n take_v care_n and_o pain_n to_o produce_v and_o rear_v any_o thing_n for_o his_o own_o use_n or_o profit_n it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o he_o and_o not_o another_o man_n against_o his_o consent_n shall_v enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o own_o labour_n and_o last_o where_o a_o society_n of_o people_n do_v submit_v their_o property_n unto_o a_o legislative_a power_n which_o be_v erect_v among_o they_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o herein_o they_o shall_v always_o be_v conclude_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o law_n of_o that_o community_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o rule_n for_o determine_v the_o right_n of_o man_n to_o particular_a thing_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o due_a care_n must_v be_v take_v to_o keep_v and_o observe_v they_o or_o else_o farewell_n all_o order_n and_o society_n 30._o where_o fidelity_n be_v want_v society_n can_v be_v true_o keep_v and_o preserve_v i_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o every_o man_n be_v oblige_v faithful_o to_o perform_v whatever_o he_o promise_v except_o the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v do_v free_o acquit_v and_o discharge_v he_o from_o it_o but_o if_o a_o man_n promise_v to_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v sinful_a he_o ought_v not_o to_o keep_v such_o a_o promise_n as_o that_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o oath_n 31._o and_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o hurt_v no_o man_n to_o yield_v to_o every_o man_n his_o right_n and_o to_o keep_v our_o promise_n do_v plain_o show_v that_o he_o who_o wrong_v full_o hurt_v another_o or_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o right_n or_o break_v his_o promise_n make_v to_o he_o oughts_z as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v full_a restitution_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o person_n who_o he_o have_v thus_o injure_v for_o he_o that_o make_v a_o breach_n in_o humane_a society_n be_v doubtless_o oblige_v as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v to_o repair_v it_o 32._o where_o a_o proposition_n be_v literal_o false_a and_o yet_o speak_v with_o no_o manner_n of_o intention_n to_o deceive_v another_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v a_o lie_n but_o he_o who_o assert_n any_o thing_n for_o a_o truth_n with_o a_o intent_n to_o make_v another_o believe_v it_o which_o be_v or_o for_o aught_o he_o know_v may_v be_v false_a he_o only_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o lyar._n now_o some_o have_v doubt_v whether_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o lie_n consist_v in_o the_o bare_a untruth_n or_o only_o in_o the_o injustice_n of_o it_o and_o from_o thence_o have_v be_v incline_v to_o believe_v that_o such_o a_o lie_n as_o do_v no_o hurt_n to_o any_o one_o not_o draw_v any_o manner_n of_o evil_a consequence_n after_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o sin_n and_o so_o much_o the_o less_o if_o it_o be_v tell_v with_o a_o real_a design_n only_o to_o do_v good_a or_o prevent_v mischief_n the_o nicety_n of_o this_o controversy_n i_o leave_v to_o be_v discuss_v by_o other_o but_o since_o humane_a society_n can_v be_v uphold_v without_o in_o many_o case_n a_o dependence_n upon_o one_o another_o veracity_n i_o may_v sure_o venture_v thus_o far_o to_o conolude_v viz._n that_o not_o only_o such_o a_o lie_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o damage_n of_o another_o but_o also_o such_o a_o lie_n however_o otherwise_o innocent_a as_o give_v occasion_n to_o render_v a_o man_n truth_n suspect_v in_o other_o case_n be_v to_o be_v repute_v unlawful_a if_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n yet_o at_o least_o before_o this_o because_o it_o be_v injurious_a to_o humane_a society_n and_o the_o same_o reason_n will_v hold_v as_o strong_o against_o all_o mental_a reservation_n and_o equivocal_a expression_n for_o what_o be_v humane_a society_n at_o any_o time_n the_o better_a for_o the_o literal_a truth_n of_o what_o a_o man_n say_v if_o other_o who_o be_v therein_o concern_v do_v not_o understand_v his_o true_a meaning_n by_o the_o word_n which_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o 33._o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o esteem_n and_o respect_n show_v he_o as_o may_v be_v proportionable_a to_o his_o virtue_n and_o good_a quality_n and_o as_o it_o be_v proper_a enough_o for_o a_o man_n by_o lawful_a way_n to_o assert_v his_o own_o reputation_n whenever_o it_o be_v unjust_o asperse_v so_o he_o ought_v to_o take_v especial_a care_n in_o the_o management_n of_o all_o his_o word_n and_o action_n that_o he_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o exalt_v or_o magnify_v himself_o or_o to_o despise_v or_o undervalue_v other_o beyond_o what_o be_v not_o only_o just_a and_o true_a but_o also_o necessary_a either_o for_o the_o bring_n about_o something_o that_o be_v good_a or_o the_o prevent_a something_o that_o be_v evil_a for_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n that_o give_v great_a disgust_n or_o help_v to_o render_v a_o man_n more_o odious_a to_o the_o world_n than_o a_o over-forwardness_n to_o praise_n and_o magnify_v himself_o and_o to_o undervalue_v other_o if_o he_o be_v not_o necessitate_v thereto_o by_o some_o very_a just_a reason_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n which_o reconcile_v a_o man_n more_o to_o the_o favour_n and_o good_a will_n of_o people_n than_o when_o he_o be_v not_o over_o apt_a to_o ascribe_v much_o to_o himself_o but_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v the_o utmost_a honour_n and_o respect_n to_o all_o other_o that_o in_o reason_n can_v be_v think_v due_a i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o pride_n be_v a_o sin_n and_o humility_n a_o duty_n because_o the_o former_a tend_v to_o disturb_v but_o the_o latter_a strengthener_n and_o confirm_v humane_a society_n 34._o what_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o he_o to_o do_v who_o have_v do_v wrong_a to_o another_o i_o have_v just_a now_o show_v but_o if_o another_o man_n wrong_v or_o any_o way_n endeavour_n to_o injure_v i_o as_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o so_o for_o every_o man_n to_o stand_v upon_o my_o defence_n and_o use_v my_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o save_v myself_o from_o wrong_n or_o recover_v that_o
of_o necessity_n be_v outward_o express_v in_o word_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o keep_v their_o thought_n wherein_o their_o worship_n do_v consist_v unite_a and_o join_v together_o and_o since_o word_n not_o understand_v be_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o with_o no_o word_n at_o all_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o language_n wherein_o the_o worship_n of_o any_o church_n or_o congregation_n be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n must_v always_o be_v such_o as_o be_v well_o understand_v by_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o people_n who_o meet_v together_o nor_o do_v even_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n amaze_v i_o more_o than_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n shall_v own_v the_o 14_o chapter_n of_o st._n paul_n first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o have_v all_o their_o public_a service_n every_o where_o perform_v in_o the_o latin_a tongue_n only_o which_o be_v not_o now_o understand_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o any_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n 61._o as_o peace_n and_o unity_n mutual_a love_n and_o good_a agreement_n among_o the_o member_n of_o every_o society_n together_o with_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o all_o that_o be_v transact_v among_o they_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v and_o continuance_n or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o well-being_n of_o the_o society_n itself_o so_o be_v they_o careful_o prescribe_v and_o inculcate_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o thing_n to_o be_v always_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o as_o he_o who_o first_o occasion_n the_o violation_n of_o any_o of_o they_o be_v plain_o guilty_a of_o a_o very_a great_a sin_n so_o in_o all_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o particular_o and_o clear_o determine_v by_o god_n law_n we_o can_v propose_v a_o better_a and_o safe_a rule_n to_o ourselves_o than_o always_o to_o do_v that_o which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o advancement_n and_o preservation_n of_o they_o 62._o if_o some_o certain_a time_n be_v not_o determine_v for_o christian_n to_o meet_v together_o for_o god_n worship_n which_o every_o man_n may_v know_v of_o before_o it_o come_v and_o according_o prepare_v himself_o for_o it_o by_o lay_v aside_o for_o that_o time_n his_o worldly_a business_n disorder_n and_o confusion_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o uncertainty_n must_v needs_o follow_v that_o one_o day_n at_o least_o in_o seven_o be_v express_o require_v by_o god_n under_o the_o mosaic_a law_n to_o be_v sanctify_v and_o set_v a_o part_n for_o his_o service_n be_v beyond_o dispute_n that_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o jewish_a sabbath_n or_o the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o week_n be_v not_o require_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o i_o seem_v very_o evident_a from_o st._n paul_n reckon_n it_o among_o the_o transitory_a shadow_n of_o the_o old_a law_n col._n 2._o 17._o but_o that_o we_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v behindhand_o with_o the_o jew_n in_o set_v apart_o a_o proportion_n of_o our_o time_n for_o god_n service_n i_o think_v will_v follow_v as_o well_o from_o the_o great_a mercy_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o for_o which_o we_o no_o less_o than_o they_o aught_o to_o show_v and_o express_v our_o thankfulness_n as_o also_o from_o that_o general_a rule_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o that_o our_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o that_o according_o one_o day_n in_o seven_o namely_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n which_o in_o scripture_n be_v therefore_o call_v the_o lord_n day_n rev._n 1._o 10._o have_v ever_o be_v so_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o all_o christian_a church_n i_o presume_v will_v be_v deny_v by_o none_o as_o also_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o apostle_n make_v choice_n of_o this_o particular_a day_n be_v in_o remembrance_n of_o our_o saviour_n glorious_a resurrection_n which_o on_o that_o day_n be_v perform_v and_o whereby_o their_o faith_n in_o he_o which_o begin_v to_o waver_v be_v confirm_v and_o raise_v above_o all_o doubt_n or_o diffidence_n now_o since_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v or_o so_o much_o as_o imagine_v why_o this_o day_n shall_v be_v change_v for_o any_o other_o day_n of_o the_o week_n i_o do_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v conclude_v that_o the_o lord_n day_n or_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n aught_o for_o ever_o to_o be_v keep_v holy_a in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o particular_o dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o where_o either_o the_o church_n universal_a or_o any_o particular_a church_n have_v set_v aside_o any_o other_o day_n to_o be_v keep_v holy_a in_o remembrance_n either_o of_o any_o of_o god_n mercy_n to_o we_o or_o of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o any_o of_o his_o choose_a saint_n who_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o their_o life_n and_o transmit_v it_o so_o confirm_v down_o unto_o we_o or_o as_o day_n of_o fast_v or_o abstinence_n in_o order_n to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n since_o in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o god_n law_n nor_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o may_v be_v well_o consistent_a with_o and_o serviceable_a to_o true_a piety_n it_o will_v follow_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v §_o 61._o that_o every_o member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o keep_v and_o observe_v these_o same_o other_o holy_a day_n so_o far_o as_o no_o way_n to_o give_v scandal_n disturb_v the_o order_n or_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n which_o have_v establish_v they_o 63._o order_n and_o decency_n necessary_o require_v that_o all_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o determine_v by_o his_o own_o law_n shall_v be_v so_o settle_v by_o the_o church_n as_o that_o all_o confusion_n and_o unseemliness_n therein_o may_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a be_v avoid_v but_o care_n on_o the_o other_o side_n ought_v ever_o to_o be_v take_v that_o modes_n and_o ceremony_n be_v not_o so_o multiply_v as_o to_o become_v uneasy_a and_o burdensome_a or_o distract_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n now_o there_o be_v no_o such_o fix_a and_o demonstrable_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n but_o what_o will_v have_v a_o different_a relish_n with_o different_a man_n according_a to_o their_o several_a education_n and_o custom_n to_o which_o they_o may_v have_v be_v use_v it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a for_o any_o church_n so_o to_o regulate_v these_o external_a matter_n as_o to_o please_v every_o man_n fancy_n and_o give_v disgust_n to_o none_o for_o what_o some_o may_v think_v to_o be_v but_o decent_a other_o may_v take_v to_o be_v too_o formal_a or_o pompous_a and_o what_o these_o may_v apprehend_v to_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o christianity_n another_o sort_n may_v look_v on_o as_o mean_v and_o jejune_n as_o therefore_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o act_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o her_o prudence_n so_o since_o every_o man_n can_v expect_v to_o have_v his_o particular_a fancy_n in_o these_o thing_n please_v and_o gratify_v it_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o each_o private_a christian_a so_o far_o to_o comply_v with_o every_o such_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n where_o he_o dwell_v provide_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o which_o be_v sinful_a as_o not_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n or_o disturb_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n on_o that_o account_n but_o if_o any_o church_n shall_v offer_v to_o impose_v any_o ceremony_n or_o practice_n whatsoever_o which_o god_n have_v not_o prescribe_v and_o which_o therefore_o be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a not_o for_o decency_n and_o order_n but_o as_o thing_n in_o themselves_o holy_a or_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o some_o of_o old_a will_v have_v do_v by_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n with_o such_o imposition_n as_o these_o no_n christian_n ought_v at_o all_o to_o comply_v nor_o suffer_v his_o religion_n or_o conscience_n to_o be_v thus_o burden_a but_o every_o man_n must_v stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o pretend_v or_o use_v this_o liberty_n as_o a_o cloak_n of_o maliciousness_n 64._o since_o different_a opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v general_o apt_a to_o beget_v dissension_n and_o animosity_n between_o those_o who_o entertain_v they_o as_o our_o daily_a experience_n do_v abundant_o testify_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o church_n and_o every_o private_a christian_n endeavour_n that_o all_o man_n may_v become_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o judgement_n or_o at_o least_o that_o there_o may_v be_v as_o few_o difference_n among_o they_o as_o
but_o short_a and_o imperfect_a be_v confess_v on_o all_o side_n it_o be_v also_o very_o evident_a that_o no_o language_n whatsoever_o will_v afford_v we_o variety_n of_o word_n sufficient_a to_o express_v all_o the_o diversity_n and_o peculiarity_n of_o our_o thought_n so_o as_o to_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o mistake_v of_o ignorance_n or_o misapprehension_n and_o the_o cavil_n of_o perverseness_n but_o that_o after_o all_o our_o care_n our_o most_o cautious_a expression_n will_v sometime_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v misinterpret_v to_o a_o contrary_a or_o at_o least_o wrest_v to_o a_o different_a meaning_n from_o what_o we_o intend_v and_o therefore_o the_o most_o acute_a and_o judicious_a writer_n will_v probable_o find_v himself_o much_o mistake_v if_o he_o at_o any_o time_n hope_v so_o to_o handle_v any_o controversy_n as_o to_o satisfy_v every_o man._n but_o since_o upon_o the_o strict_a examination_n which_o i_o have_v be_v able_a to_o make_v i_o be_o myself_o full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v conclude_v in_o this_o dispute_n i_o will_v now_o with_o god_n assistance_n try_v whether_o i_o can_v express_v my_o thought_n with_o so_o much_o clearness_n and_o prove_v they_o with_o such_o sufficient_a argument_n and_o pertinent_a instance_n as_o may_v give_v some_o satisfaction_n to_o other_o also_o and_o that_o i_o may_v the_o more_o effectual_o do_v this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o proceed_v as_o near_o as_o i_o can_v in_o such_o a_o method_n as_o be_v always_o use_v in_o mathematical_a demonstration_n 4._o this_o word_n doctrine_n be_v but_o another_o term_n for_o a_o propesition_n and_o what_o a_o proposition_n be_v or_o when_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a certain_a probable_a or_o doubtful_a i_o need_v not_o spend_v time_n to_o explain_v 5._o reason_n be_v that_o faculty_n in_o man_n for_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o angel_n whereby_o he_o apprehend_v thing_n and_o their_o attribute_n or_o property_n and_o frame_v a_o judgement_n concern_v what_o he_o apprehend_v and_o also_o from_o those_o judgement_n which_o he_o make_v draw_v sometime_o more_o immediate_a or_o more_o remote_a and_o distant_a consequence_n 6._o the_o truth_n of_o some_o proposition_n be_v so_o very_a plain_n that_o as_o no_o man_n in_o his_o sense_n can_v deny_v they_o so_o be_v it_o impossible_a to_o find_v out_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v more_o plain_a whereby_o to_o prove_v they_o and_o such_o proposition_n as_o these_o i_o call_v self-evident_a such_o for_o example_n be_v that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o thing_n take_v together_o be_v equal_a to_o the_o whole_a that_o both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o the_o like_a 7._o when_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o proposition_n do_v not_o immediate_o appear_v by_o its_o own_o light_n but_o yet_o the_o proposition_n can_v beyond_o question_n be_v prove_v from_o other_o proposition_n which_o be_v self-evident_a such_o a_o proposition_n as_o this_o i_o term_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o reason_n alone_o such_o for_o instance_n be_v that_o two_o triangle_n have_v equal_a base_n and_o be_v contain_v between_o the_o same_o parallel_a line_n be_v equal_a and_o all_o other_o proposition_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v demonstrate_v or_o clear_o prove_v from_o the_o bare_a principle_n of_o reason_n 8._o where_o the_o possibility_n of_o a_o proposition_n i._n e._n that_o it_o imply_v no_o contradiction_n can_v be_v evident_o prove_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n alone_o but_o yet_o the_o actual_a truth_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o can_v the_o same_o way_n be_v make_v appear_v such_o a_o proposition_n as_o this_o i_o call_v reconcilable_a to_o reason_n thus_o for_o example_n that_o a_o oak_n shall_v grow_v up_o to_o its_o full_a and_o usual_a stature_n in_o a_o hour_n be_v as_o possible_a that_o be_v to_o say_v as_o free_a from_o contradiction_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v do_v the_o same_o in_o a_o hundred_o year_n for_o all_o growth_n be_v motion_n and_o the_o swiftness_n of_o motion_n may_v be_v for_o ever_o increase_v but_o that_o ever_o this_o be_v actual_o so_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o any_o argument_n draw_v from_o reason_n 9_o where_o any_o proposition_n either_o immediate_o in_o itself_o or_o mediate_o in_o its_o consequence_n do_v plain_o contradict_v any_o other_o proposition_n which_o be_v either_o self-evident_a or_o build_v upon_o reason_n such_o a_o proposition_n as_o this_o i_o term_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n such_o for_o example_n be_v this_o proposition_n that_o the_o three_o angle_n of_o a_o triangle_n be_v equal_a to_o three_o right_a angle_n and_o such_o like_a 10._o where_o a_o proposition_n be_v in_o itself_o true_a but_o we_o be_v unable_a clear_o to_o apprehend_v or_o frame_v a_o notion_n or_o conception_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v under_o the_o term_n of_o it_o such_o a_o proposition_n i_o term_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n and_o a_o proposition_n may_v be_v either_o whole_o and_o altogether_o above_o our_o reason_n when_o we_o can_v frame_v no_o manner_n of_o conception_n of_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o or_o else_o but_o partly_o above_o it_o when_o some_o notion_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v but_o those_o very_a obscure_a and_o imperfect_a thus_o the_o doctrine_n of_o light_n and_o colour_n be_v whole_o above_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n bear_v blind_a who_o can_v frame_v no_o manner_n of_o notion_n of_o these_o thing_n from_o the_o description_n which_o other_o make_v of_o they_o because_o he_o be_v altogether_o destitute_a of_o proper_a organ_n to_o receive_v any_o impression_n from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o the_o same_o doctrine_n will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o above_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n who_o have_v some_o faint_a and_o confuse_a glimmer_v of_o sight_n though_o still_o much_o more_o above_o his_o reason_n than_o it_o will_v be_v if_o he_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o saculty_n of_o clear_a and_o distinct_a sight_n as_o other_o man_n common_o be_v 11._o to_o know_v be_v to_o give_v assent_n to_o a_o proposition_n when_o it_o evident_o appear_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o reason_n but_o when_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o proposition_n be_v assent_v to_o not_o upon_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o reason_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o veracity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n or_o person_n who_o affirm_v it_o such_o a_o proposition_n as_o that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v believe_v furthermore_o if_o a_o man_n understand_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o a_o proposition_n and_o yet_o believe_v that_o it_o contain_v a_o truth_n in_o it_o because_o of_o the_o deference_n he_o pay_v to_o the_o person_n who_o speak_v it_o this_o i_o call_v a_o implicit_a belief_n and_o proper_o speak_v the_o object_n of_o such_o a_o belief_n be_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n itself_o but_o only_o the_o veracity_n of_o the_o speaker_n but_o where_o a_o man_n understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o proposition_n which_o he_o believe_v this_o i_o call_v a_o explicit_fw-la belief_n 12._o no_o man_n can_v possible_o believe_v or_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o any_o doctrine_n or_o proposition_n which_o appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n see_v sect._n 9_o for_o to_o own_o a_o proposition_n to_o be_v self-evident_a or_o build_v upon_o reason_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o believe_v another_o which_o mediate_o or_o immediate_o be_v contradictory_n to_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a 13._o if_o a_o proposition_n be_v reconcilable_a to_o reason_n sect._n 8._o and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o also_o testify_v by_o such_o person_n who_o veracity_n be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n or_o exception_n such_o a_o proposition_n can_v but_o be_v believe_v by_o any_o one_o unto_o who_o it_o come_v so_o testify_v for_o if_o it_o be_v reconcilable_a to_o reason_n than_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v true_a sect._n 8._o and_o if_o i_o be_o actual_o convince_v of_o the_o veracity_n of_o the_o person_n or_o person_n who_o relate_v it_o i_o can_v choose_v but_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v true_a from_o whence_o i_o think_v it_o evident_o follow_v that_o revelation_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o another_o may_v just_o be_v look_v upon_o not_o only_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o information_n but_o also_o a_o motive_n of_o persuasion_n whatever_o a_o late_a author_n say_v to_o the_o contrary_n 14._o but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o material_a in_o this_o present_a controversy_n be_v what_o i_o be_o now_o go_v to_o make_v appear_v viz._n that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v most_o sufficient_a and_o cogent_a argument_n to_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o such_o proposition_n as_o be_v not_o only_o in_o part_n but_o whole_o and_o altogether_o above_o his_o reason_n sect._n 10._o for_o the_o clear_a and_o plain_o