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it_o so_o much_o a_o church_n in_o any_o place_n and_o the_o truth_n remove_v or_o lie_v dead_a the_o church_n remove_v also_o or_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v in_o that_o place_n quest_n but_o be_v thâ—re_o no_o high_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n answ_n no_o other_o but_o what_o arise_v from_o the_o most_o intimate_a and_o inseparable_a union_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o truth_n truth_n take_v a_o undefailable_a possession_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o wherever_o truth_n in_o that_o fullness_n as_o to_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o happiness_n be_v there_o be_v the_o church_n and_o no_o where_o else_o the_o true_a church_n then_o may_v be_v style_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o high_a sense_n if_o right_o understoo_o that_o be_v truth_n itself_o that_o be_v the_o unmovable_a pillar_n and_o everlasting_a foundation_n have_v so_o close_o band_v the_o church_n with_o itself_o that_o it_o be_v one_o pillar_n and_o 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itself_o and_o all_o that_o rest_v upon_o it_o quest_n may_v not_o this_o help_n to_o explain_v that_o so_o much_o dispute_v expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o preval_fw-fr against_o it_o answ_n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a if_o it_o may_v give_v any_o light_n to_o it_o and_o hope_v it_o may_v for_o the_o apostle_n peter_n make_v that_o confession_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n not_o singular_a but_o represent_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o apostle_n and_o christian_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o and_o by_o that_o truth_n he_o confess_v be_v both_o part_n of_o the_o building_n upon_o that_o rock_n and_o as_o unite_z with_o that_o rock_n he_o become_v rock_n itself_o upon_o which_o succeee_a christian_n be_v to_o be_v build_v the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n foundation_n and_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n twelve_o foundation_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o cornerstone_n in_o who_o alone_o the_o whole_a building_n even_o the_o apostolic_a foundation_n itself_o rise_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n quest_n be_v there_o not_o a_o good_a security_n then_o in_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o church_n to_o those_o that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o building_n before_o we_o answ_n no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o we_o join_v ourselves_o by_o their_o ministry_n to_o that_o foundation_n itself_o which_o always_o lie_v sure_a upon_o which_o they_o themselves_o must_v alone_o rest_v if_o the_o true_a church_n for_o by_o place_v ourselves_o not_o upon_o they_o but_o upon_o that_o common_a foundation_n we_o be_v adjust_v to_o the_o whole_a building_n that_o be_v before_o we_o that_o lie_v regular_a with_o that_o foundation_n by_o the_o care_n of_o he_o who_o be_v both_o the_o foundation_n cornerstone_n and_o be_v also_o he_o that_o build_v all_o thing_n even_o god_n in_o christ_n quest_n we_o must_v then_o seek_v to_o find_v the_o truth_n by_o itself_o and_o then_o the_o church_n by_o that_o truth_n and_o not_o the_o church_n by_o itself_o and_o then_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o church_n answ_n very_o true_a for_o god_n have_v so_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n establish_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n truth_n can_v give_v many_o assurance_n of_o itself_o to_o we_o by_o itself_o so_o suit_v to_o our_o faculty_n the_o church_n can_v give_v we_o none_o but_o by_o its_o agreement_n with_o truth_n reveal_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o can_v not_o have_v know_v such_o a_o congregation_n as_o the_o church_n at_o all_o to_o be_v much_o less_o which_o it_o be_v but_o by_o that_o word_n manifest_v itself_o in_o our_o conscience_n and_o so_o distinguish_v to_o we_o the_o true_a church_n among_o the_o many_o association_n in_o the_o world_n each_o call_n to_o we_o as_o have_v the_o best_a religion_n among_o themselves_o even_o the_o true_a apostle_n themselves_o can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o and_o false_a apostle_n try_v and_o find_v liar_n no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o this_o truth_n view_v and_o consider_v single_o and_o distinct_o by_o itself_o quest_n but_o when_o we_o have_v find_v the_o church_n by_o the_o truth_n may_v we_o not_o then_o deliver_v up_o ourselves_o whole_o to_o the_o church_n as_o so_o unite_v to_o truth_n answ_n no_o by_o no_o mean_n we_o can_v never_o so_o deliver_v up_o ourselves_o nor_o will_v the_o true_a church_n desire_v any_o such_o thing_n of_o we_o see_v its_o office_n be_v not_o to_o hold_v out_o itself_o but_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o do_v any_o thing_n else_o it_o act_v not_o as_o a_o church_n but_o as_o any_o other_o ordinary_a society_n and_o on_o no_o other_o term_n can_v we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o it_o for_o the_o very_a attempt_n to_o hold_v out_o as_o a_o church_n any_o law_n of_o its_o own_o aught_o to_o enter_v we_o into_o a_o jealousy_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v as_o a_o church_n the_o pillar_n and_o rest_n of_o divine_a truth_n only_o quest_n what_o reason_n be_v there_o of_o such_o a_o jealousy_n when_o once_o we_o have_v find_v it_o a_o church_n by_o the_o truth_n it_o hold_v out_o answ_n because_o a_o church_n that_o have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n may_v several_a way_n decline_v from_o its_o state_n quest_n how_o then_o can_v it_o he_o say_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o answ_n that_o prophetic_a promise_n do_v not_o secure_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n with_o which_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a my_o word_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n or_o thy_o seed_n seed_n for_o ever_o but_o it_o be_v yet_o further_o true_a the_o true_a seed_n the_o holy_a seed_n the_o substance_n of_o the_o church_n can_v never_o utter_o and_o final_o fail_v in_o any_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o for_o if_o it_o can_v it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o violation_n of_o our_o saviour_n truth_n in_o that_o declaration_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n or_o force_v that_o immortal_a retrograde_a into_o mortality_n even_o that_o most_o dreadful_a one_o of_o the_o second_o death_n for_o which_o a_o succession_n of_o other_o and_o in_o the_o same_o danger_n be_v but_o a_o faint_a salvo_n though_o it_o go_v on_o so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n quest_n who_o be_v this_o true_a church_n in_o every_o age_n and_o place_n answ_n they_o which_o be_v by_o true_a save_v faith_n unite_v to_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o rock_n of_o eternity_n and_o be_v so_o found_v upon_o he_o be_v pillar_n
order_n and_o decency_n or_o whatever_o be_v of_o indisputable_a decency_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o our_o native_a country_n these_o be_v the_o utmost_a bound_n of_o prescription_n all_o thing_n else_o be_v to_o be_v comprimize_v by_o agreement_n and_o suffrage_n and_o even_o these_o necessary_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v by_o doctrine_n rational_a convicton_n exhortation_n admonition_n rebuke_v and_o even_o charge_v and_o command_v with_o all_o authority_n in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a word_n and_o will_v and_o no_o otherwise_o for_o this_o i_o say_v again_o be_v the_o more_o abundant_a honour_n the_o ruler_n or_o more_o honourable_a member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o invest_v the_o low_a with_o to_o circulate_v with_o they_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o truth_n by_o transfuse_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n they_o have_v that_o they_o as_o live_v wise_a and_o intellectual_a member_n also_o may_v judge_v what_o be_v command_v they_o by_o god_n and_o not_o be_v as_o fool_n or_o lifeless_a member_n for_o what_o blood_n spirit_n and_o life_n be_v in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n the_o very_a same_o freedom_n the_o foot_n have_v to_o represent_v to_o the_o high_a power_n of_o nature_n what_o offend_v it_o and_o be_v immedate_o hear_v the_o very_a same_o power_n the_o low_a member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v to_o remonstrate_v to_o the_o high_a what_o scandalise_v it_o in_o the_o accept_n this_o or_o that_o indifferent_a ceremony_n and_o it_o ought_v as_o feel_o as_o immediate_o to_o be_v hear_v for_o as_o the_o same_o soul_n be_v present_a to_o all_o part_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n so_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n animate_v his_o whole_a body_n the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o fullness_n or_o compliment_n the_o receptacle_n of_o his_o fullness_n the_o fullness_n in_o which_o he_o will_v appear_v full_a and_o complete_a who_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o as_o therefore_o the_o head_n itself_o feel_v by_o this_o spiritual_a union_n so_o be_v the_o eye_n and_o ear_n the_o high_a member_n of_o this_o body_n to_o do_v and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o so_o feel_v it_o argue_v a_o interruption_n between_o they_o and_o the_o head_n itself_o for_o that_o most_o concernful_o reciprocate_v with_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o the_o extreme_a part_n of_o it_o and_o so_o do_v every_o part_n inlve_v by_o he_o also_o if_o there_o be_v no_o intercision_n nor_o obstruction_n betwixt_o it_o and_o the_o head_n quest_n be_v there_o yet_o any_o further_a reason_n against_o a_o power_n in_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o impose_v in_o thing_n of_o indifferency_n under_o the_o name_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n answ_n there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n to_o be_v add_v to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v quest_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o scandal_n answ_n scandal_n be_v a_o subject_a of_o discourse_n of_o too_o large_a a_o compass_n for_o the_o present_a purpose_n but_o as_o it_o be_v strict_o to_o be_v adjust_v to_o it_o it_o may_v be_v thus_o understand_v scandal_n be_v that_o hurt_v and_o grief_n a_o man_n receive_v in_o submit_v either_o to_o humane_a example_n or_o imposition_n in_o thing_n of_o themselves_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n when_o the_o conscience_n be_v in_o doubt_n whether_o that_o which_o be_v require_v to_o be_v do_v be_v not_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o forbid_v by_o he_o or_o that_o which_o be_v require_v to_o be_v omit_v or_o not_o do_v be_v not_o please_v to_o god_n and_o command_v by_o he_o and_o yet_o submit_v itself_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o that_o example_n or_o command_v by_o such_o imposition_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o under_o a_o wound_n of_o conscience_n quest_n when_o the_o thing_n be_v indeed_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n how_o can_v it_o be_v change_v by_o the_o conscience_n be_v in_o doubt_n concern_v it_o answ_n because_o the_o conscience_n be_v that_o complex_fw-la or_o congregat_v power_n of_o the_o soul_n wherein_o be_v preserve_v all_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o rule_n of_o action_n to_o the_o end_n that_o it_o may_v observe_v and_o direct_v how_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o govern_v itself_o and_o square_v all_o its_o action_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o may_v comfort_v or_o check_v the_o soul_n in_o do_v well_o or_o ill_o according_a to_o those_o doctrine_n or_o rule_n wherein_o then_o conscience_n be_v mistake_v and_o misjudge_n either_o way_n against_o that_o which_o be_v command_v by_o god_n or_o for_o that_o which_o be_v forbid_v by_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v do_v but_o to_o reduce_v conscience_n to_o its_o right_a rule_n which_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n but_o in_o thing_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v if_o conscience_n be_v apprehensive_a of_o danger_n any_o way_n this_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n that_o god_n have_v confer_v upon_o conscience_n as_o his_o immediate_a vicegerent_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o carry_v his_o authority_n by_o always_o present_v it_o in_o his_o word_n and_o command_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v suspend_v his_o action_n wherein_o conscience_n be_v not_o satisfy_v and_o at_o rest_n concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o action_n and_o this_o be_v the_o honour_n which_o those_o that_o be_v above_o either_o in_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o understanding_n gift_n or_o grace_n shall_v bestow_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v below_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o either_o by_o their_o authority_n influence_n or_o example_n scandalize_v the_o little_a one_o or_o the_o weak_a that_o be_v so_o either_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o low_a station_n or_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n that_o be_v draw_v they_o into_o the_o sin_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o which_o conscience_n have_v a_o mistrust_n of_o displease_v god_n in_o so_o do_v in_o regard_n that_o it_o both_o weaken_v and_o disable_v conscience_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o trust_v repose_v in_o it_o for_o the_o carry_v on_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o christian_a course_n its_o authority_n be_v violate_v and_o prostrate_v in_o the_o reverence_n due_a to_o it_o and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o comfort_n it_o ought_v to_o minister_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o that_o course_n for_o by_o this_o sort_n of_o scandal_n the_o apostle_n witness_n the_o weak_a christian_a fall_v into_o sin_n his_o conscience_n be_v defile_v be_v wound_v be_v grieve_v be_v make_v weak_a all_o the_o mischief_n of_o which_o the_o value_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v not_o such_o as_o that_o it_o can_v answer_v and_o make_v recompense_n for_o and_o so_o to_o sin_v thus_o against_o the_o weak_a be_v to_o destroy_v they_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v and_o therefore_o to_o sin_v against_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o those_o weighty_a discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n against_o scandal_n mark_v 18._o and_o of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 4._o and_o 1_o cor._n c._n 8._o and_o cap._n 10._o which_v be_v compare_v give_v great_a light_a one_o to_o another_o quest_n but_o it_o seem_v that_o a_o conscience_n only_o in_o doubt_n may_v be_v settle_v by_o the_o advice_n example_n and_o authority_n of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o elder_n or_o eminent_a member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o doubt_n suppose_v the_o conscience_n incline_v neither_o this_o way_n nor_o that_o way_n in_o itself_o but_o stand_v between_o both_o or_o sometime_o move_v to_o one_o side_n and_o then_o to_o the_o other_o the_o come_n in_o of_o those_o consideration_n take_v from_o the_o example_n and_o authority_n forename_a shall_v give_v a_o over-weight_n to_o that_o side_n on_o which_o 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a._n 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 unmovable_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 1._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 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thus_o sanctify_v or_o honour_v he_o there_o be_v nothing_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o rational_a in_o than_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o account_n of_o which_o and_o of_o its_o whole_a content_a aught_o to_o be_v so_o certain_a to_o we_o that_o nothing_o of_o a_o diverse_a spirit_n from_o it_o can_v be_v add_v to_o it_o nor_o any_o thing_n of_o its_o integral_n or_o essential_a nature_n take_v from_o it_o but_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v it_o will_v change_v the_o account_n and_o so_o we_o need_v not_o make_v a_o traverse_v over_o all_o falsehood_n to_o know_v truth_n but_o by_o have_v a_o right_a understanding_n in_o and_o just_a contemplation_n of_o truth_n the_o most_o even_a thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n we_o come_v to_o know_v itself_o by_o itself_o and_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o although_o there_o be_v no_o other_o false_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o compare_v it_o with_o and_o set_v it_o off_o by_o and_o withal_o to_o descry_v every_o false_a way_n offer_v 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indeed_o write_v in_o man_n heart_n must_v certain_o be_v from_o god_n see_v no_o create_v hand_n can_v write_v there_o the_o hand_n that_o make_v can_v alone_o ingrave_n it_o quest_n how_o then_o shall_v we_o make_v a_o judgement_n what_o be_v write_v upon_o the_o heart_n answ_n that_o which_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v and_o amid_o all_o the_o difference_n in_o religion_n fall_v under_o no_o variation_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v place_v there_o by_o that_o supreme_a hand_n that_o alike_o fashion_v all_o man_n heart_n and_o especial_o see_v to_o this_o universal_a acknowledgement_n there_o be_v no_o temptation_n from_o the_o sensual_a and_o worst_a part_n of_o man_n it_o be_v against_o its_o interest_n but_o it_o spring_v from_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a part_n most_o unconcerned_a in_o this_o world_n or_o any_o of_o the_o brutish_a pleasure_n of_o it_o quest_n what_o principle_n do_v you_o account_v thus_o to_o be_v of_o natural_a religion_n answ_n i_o account_v these_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n the_o great_a and_o best_a of_o being_n that_o govern_v the_o world_n that_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v adore_v and_o worship_v by_o man_n and_o that_o he_o take_v notice_n when_o he_o be_v so_o worship_v or_o neglect_v and_o that_o with_o favour_n or_o displeasure_n that_o there_o be_v a_o distinction_n betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a settle_v by_o the_o unchangeable_a law_n of_o god_n that_o god_n be_v himself_o so_o good_a be_v please_v in_o man_n do_v well_o and_o reward_v it_o and_o displease_v when_o man_n do_v ill_a and_o punish_v it_o that_o man_n have_v a_o conscience_n viz._n a_o knowledge_n of_o and_o government_n of_o their_o own_o action_n with_o approbation_n of_o they_o if_o good_a and_o dislike_n if_o bad._n that_o there_o be_v reward_n and_o punishment_n beyond_o this_o life_n that_o therefore_o the_o notion_n of_o virtue_n righteousness_n temperance_n soberness_n beneficence_n and_o the_o contrary_a vice_n be_v of_o 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deordination_n of_o spirit_n into_o body_n that_o whatever_o true_a principle_n of_o reason_n may_v effect_v if_o due_o pursue_v he_o be_v without_o revelation_n upon_o all_o experiment_n no_o better_a than_o in_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n quest_n but_o do_v there_o appear_v any_o expectation_n of_o revelation_n in_o the_o motion_n of_o natural_a reason_n answ_n very_o great_a so_o that_o no_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v without_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v both_o most_o hopeful_a according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a light_n that_o god_n will_v reveal_v himself_o and_o most_o just_a that_o his_o revelation_n shall_v be_v accept_v with_o all_o reverence_n when_o vouchsafe_v our_o very_a reason_n be_v a_o revelation_n from_o he_o and_o if_o any_o revelation_n from_o he_o can_v be_v false_a even_o that_o may_v be_v so_o also_o but_o in_o all_o thing_n natural_a light_n must_v needs_o bow_v to_o divine_a veracity_n quest_n how_o 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society_n good_a law_n and_o government_n restraint_n of_o excessive_a evil_n depend_v upon_o it_o cap._n iu._n of_o revelation_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o so_o great_a miscarriage_n against_o both_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o revelation_n with_o the_o mean_n of_o cure_n quest_n see_v there_o be_v by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v so_o great_a a_o weight_n rest_v upon_o revelation_n let_v the_o account_n of_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n be_v more_o full_o state_v answ_n beside_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o adam_n even_o in_o innocency_n in_o a_o doctrine_n suitable_a to_o those_o two_o sacramental_a tree_n the_o tree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o beside_o that_o original_a revelation_n of_o christ_n after_o the_o fall_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o guide_v that_o holy_a seed_n which_o be_v his_o church_n by_o revelation_n as_o by_o a_o pillar_n of_o fire_n throughout_o succeed_a age_n till_o he_o complete_v the_o whole_a he_o intend_v in_o a_o kingdom_n of_o truth_n that_o can_v be_v shake_v which_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n quest_n how_o then_o do_v god_n deal_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n answ_n even_o they_o be_v for_o some_o considerable_a space_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n within_o the_o advantage_n of_o revelation_n by_o mixture_n with_o or_o neighbourhood_n to_o the_o church_n by_o tradition_n from_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n which_o if_o they_o have_v faithful_o observe_v together_o with_o the_o improvement_n of_o nature_n light_n it_o will_v have_v secure_v they_o in_o true_a religion_n beside_o that_o they_o who_o be_v faithful_a in_o these_o be_v on_o all_o proper_a occasion_n provide_v for_o by_o the_o faithful_a creator_n though_o they_o be_v not_o strict_o of_o that_o seed_n with_o immediate_a revelation_n but_o when_o all_o these_o be_v corrupt_v as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n god_n withdraw_v himself_o by_o degree_n as_o the_o glory_n do_v from_o the_o temple_n in_o ezekiel_n till_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v but_o the_o darkness_n of_o tradition_n fearful_o debauch_v false_a deduction_n from_o nature_n light_n and_o worse_o than_o that_o the_o devil_n oracle_n in_o the_o room_n of_o god_n so_o that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o nation_n a_o second_o and_o more_o desperate_a fall_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o jewish_a church_n and_o a_o small_a proselytisme_n to_o that_o only_o except_v quest_n what_o example_n be_v there_o of_o god_n continue_v favour_n to_o any_o part_n of_o mankind_n out_o of_o abraham_n family_n justify_v he_o as_o not_o depart_v from_o man_n till_o they_o depart_v from_o he_o answ_n melchisedek_n no_o descendent_a from_o abraham_n be_v king_n of_o righteousness_n and_o king_n of_o peace_n at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o 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reveal_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n be_v scripture_n quest_n be_v ratiocination_n then_o or_o the_o just_a compass_n reason_n go_v to_o be_v neglect_v concern_v scripture_n answ_n by_o no_o mean_n for_o when_o these_o self-evidence_n of_o every_o thing_n have_v strike_v we_o early_o than_o our_o scrutiny_n of_o reason_n and_o its_o inquest_n can_v be_v perform_v about_o they_o that_o they_o may_v neither_o appear_v fancy_n to_o we_o on_o our_o second_o thought_n nor_o we_o run_v into_o mistake_n concern_v they_o by_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n there_o be_v then_o liberty_n for_o reason_n to_o inquire_v further_o and_o assure_v itself_o nor_o will_v the_o evidence_n hereupon_o amount_v to_o less_o than_o divine_a for_o divine_a only_o can_v satisfy_v the_o reason_n that_o rational_o and_o like_o itself_o inquire_v into_o divine_a quest_n what_o then_o be_v the_o great_a assurance_n to_o reason_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o scripture_n answ_n i_o account_v this_o the_o chief_a 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in_o some_o thing_n want_v the_o application_n and_o direction_n to_o our_o use_n dictate_v by_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o other_o the_o unerring_a censure_n of_o even_a apostolic_a action_n as_o in_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n galat._n 2._o 11._o now_o because_o our_o conscience_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v draw_v into_o subjection_n to_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a reputation_n and_o yet_o there_o will_v be_v no_o divine_a authority_n to_o draw_v they_o nor_o infallible_a authority_n to_o support_v they_o in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v the_o absolute_a will_n of_o god_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o subjection_n god_n have_v therefore_o in_o his_o providence_n leave_v that_o time_n so_o much_o in_o the_o dark_a that_o we_o may_v trust_v in_o his_o write_a word_n only_o for_o separate_v immediate_a divine_a presence_n from_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o there_o remain_v nothing_o at_o the_o high_a but_o the_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n of_o understanding_n 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head_n and_o corner_n stone_n and_o so_o in_o he_o the_o whole_a general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o be_v at_o last_o consummate_v with_o they_o to_o eternity_n quest_n how_o be_v this_o church_n congregat_v answ_n it_o be_v begin_v and_o have_v always_o increase_v by_o particular_a person_n convert_v and_o bring_v home_o to_o god_n according_a to_o his_o word_n in_o several_a age_n and_o succession_n for_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o church_n be_v not_o a_o society_n form_v by_o a_o common_a consent_n of_o man_n or_o by_o their_o will_n but_o its_o several_a part_n be_v add_v by_o god_n so_o that_o it_o consist_v of_o all_o that_o be_v inward_o and_o true_o of_o that_o catholic_n religion_n in_o god_n the_o father_n and_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o in_o which_o meet_v all_o that_o have_v be_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v thus_o convert_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o church_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v triumphant_a in_o glory_n quest_n the_o call_v then_o that_o make_v this_o congregation_n be_v first_o to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o the_o church_n itself_o answ_n it_o be_v evident_o so_o all_o true_a convert_v first_o give_v themselves_o to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o to_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n be_v not_o solicitous_a of_o any_o other_o conjoin_v man_n to_o the_o church_n than_o what_o most_o necessary_o follow_v upon_o their_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v afraid_a of_o their_o fix_v upon_o they_o that_o be_v but_o minister_n and_o servant_n we_o preach_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o ourselves_o servant_n for_o jesus_n sake_n the_o corinthian_n head_v themselves_o under_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n be_v very_o mischievous_a and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n know_v the_o union_n ought_v to_o be_v only_o to_o christ_n direct_v himself_o so_o vehement_o against_o it_o as_o also_o against_o any_o fanciful_a distinction_n of_o themselves_o under_o christ_n as_o a_o ordinary_a chief_a of_o a_o party_n and_o not_o as_o the_o divine_a head_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n in_o the_o catholic_n truth_n even_o as_o he_o err_v that_o vulgar_o call_v christ_n good_a not_o know_v he_o to_o be_v god_n the_o supreme_o solely_n good_n quest_n be_v they_o all_o true_a convert_v that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n answ_n all_o that_o be_v indeed_o the_o church_n be_v so_o but_o all_o that_o may_v appertain_v to_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o as_o all_o that_o be_v of_o israel_n be_v not_o israel_n there_o be_v a_o visible_a profession_n that_o be_v too_o often_o not_o sincere_a yet_o this_o make_v man_n of_o or_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n but_o not_o true_o the_o church_n many_o be_v so_o call_v that_o be_v not_o choose_v but_o all_o that_o be_v true_o the_o church_n be_v also_o true_o call_v and_o true_o convert_v not_o only_o outward_o and_o visible_o the_o church_n but_o inward_o and_o invisible_o so_o too_o who_o praise_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o that_o be_v only_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v not_o throw_v out_o of_o that_o register_n of_o god_n people_n till_o the_o final_a judgement_n cut_v they_o off_o a_o very_a great_a benefit_n in_o itself_o quest_n be_v not_o the_o church_n then_o so_o catholic_n or_o general_n as_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v answ_n the_o catholickness_n of_o the_o church_n as_o have_v be_v often_o inculcate_v be_v its_o union_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o sincerity_n as_o to_o the_o general_a profession_n though_o the_o number_n of_o it_o be_v as_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n a_o remnant_n only_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o god_n will_v finish_v the_o account_n and_o cut_v it_o short_a in_o righteousness_n for_o a_o short_a work_n will_v the_o lord_n make_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o often_o eat_v or_o brouse_v it_o off_o a_o retrench_a of_o it_o again_o and_o again_o it_o shall_v cast_v the_o leave_v of_o its_o mere_a professor_n as_o the_o teyle-tree_n or_o oak_n when_o yet_o their_o substance_n be_v in_o they_o the_o holy_a seed_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o isa_n 6._o ult_n not_o lose_v they_o it_o lose_v nothing_o quest_n in_o what_o sense_n be_v it_o then_o say_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n answ_n it_o be_v undoubted_a none_o can_v fail_v while_o they_o be_v the_o church_n while_o unite_v to_o truth_n to_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n to_o christ_n the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n it_o be_v also_o certain_a from_o this_o high_a declaration_n there_o always_o shall_v be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n so_o unite_v hades_n or_o mortality_n shall_v not_o prevail_v over_o it_o and_o how_o much_o far_o it_o assure_v the_o perseverance_n of_o those_o that_o be_v once_o true_o the_o church_n i_o leave_v the_o thing_n itself_o to_o speak_v it_o be_v say_v they_o that_o overcome_v be_v pillar_n that_o never_o go_v out_o of_o it_o and_o they_o that_o go_v out_o of_o it_o be_v not_o of_o it_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v indeed_o of_o it_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v continue_v with_o it_o and_o how_o the_o church_n itself_o shall_v always_o continue_v if_o any_o true_a member_n of_o it_o may_v perish_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o conceive_v quest_n how_o be_v the_o church_n ordain_v by_o god_n to_o actuate_v scripture_n as_o it_o be_v the_o secord_n of_o catholic_n religion_n answ_n the_o apostle_n in_o his_o noble_a description_n of_o the_o church_n have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o instruction_n herein_o in_o those_o three_o honourable_a title_n he_o have_v give_v
that_o never_o remove_v and_o a_o rest_n of_o truth_n for_o ever_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o learn_v it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n quest_n who_o be_v the_o professionary_n church_n only_a answ_n they_o that_o though_o they_o may_v as_o artificial_a pillar_n give_v some_o ornament_n to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o offer_v truth_n yet_o not_o be_v indeed_o unite_v to_o the_o foundation_n be_v movable_a and_o may_v go_v out_o of_o the_o house_n they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n and_o obedience_n of_o it_o within_o themselves_o and_o so_o may_v fall_v away_o from_o it_o it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o they_o as_o of_o the_o former_a the_o truth_n shall_v be_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o have_v make_v its_o edraioma_n or_o settlement_n in_o they_o quest_n how_o do_v the_o professionary_n church_n fall_v away_o in_o the_o bulk_n and_o body_n of_o its_o professor_n and_o profession_n answ_n the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o actuate_v truth_n and_o only_a truth_n it_o may_v fail_v either_o in_o abate_v the_o fervour_n due_a to_o truth_n though_o nothing_o false_a or_o forreign_n be_v admit_v or_o in_o receive_v falsehood_n or_o thing_n of_o a_o base_a alloy_n for_o truth_n and_o waste_v those_o fervour_n due_a only_o to_o truth_n upon_o they_o the_o one_o may_v be_v call_v a_o depart_n from_o the_o true_a state_n of_o a_o church_n the_o other_o from_o the_o state_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o they_o usual_o meet_v one_o in_o another_o quest_n how_o do_v this_o come_v to_o pass_v answ_n from_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o present_a sinful_a state_n permit_v thing_n so_o to_o themselves_o that_o in_o very_a few_o instance_n it_o be_v but_o that_o the_o imperfection_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o prevail_a corruption_n of_o professionary_n christian_n change_v the_o holy_a lively_a activity_n of_o the_o true_a state_n of_o a_o church_n into_o lukewarmness_n and_o formality_n or_o by_o admit_v 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that_o no_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n can_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o religion_n but_o look_v monstrous_a and_o horrid_a only_o so_o far_o as_o it_o borrow_v some_o or_o more_o of_o the_o grand_a principle_n of_o our_o true_a religion_n nor_o can_v be_v at_o all_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a but_o be_v vain_a and_o ridiculous_a if_o it_o receive_v no_o ballast_n from_o true-religion_n that_o then_o which_o be_v account_v for_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v remember_v i_o shall_v especial_o apply_v myself_o to_o ascertain_v true_a christianity_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o false_a or_o popish_a christianity_n by_o that_o which_o will_v much_o ascertain_v all_o true_a religion_n also_o in_o general_n and_o difference_n it_o from_o all_o false_a religion_n quest_n i_o much_o desire_n to_o have_v some_o such_o test_n as_o you_o seem_v to_o intimate_v and_o promise_v answ_n i_o can_v furnish_v you_o with_o a_o better_a sure_a and_o more_o lively_a than_o that_o emblem_n of_o 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