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word_n according_a doctrine_n faith_n 2,812 5 4.7497 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A34538 The kingdom of God among men a tract of the sound state of religion, or that Christianity which is described in the holy Scriptures and of the things that make for the security and increase thereof in the world, designing its more ample diffusion among the professed Christians of all sorts and its surer propagation to future ages : with The point of church-unity and schism discuss'd / by John Corbet. Corbet, John, 1620-1680. 1679 (1679) Wing C6258; ESTC R23940 125,145 296

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true_a religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o small_a difficulty_n the_o enmity_n against_o it_o be_v general_a and_o perpetual_a in_o the_o first_o race_n of_o mankind_n it_o break_v forth_o even_o to_o blood_n and_o throughout_o all_o age_n it_o have_v be_v propagate_v &_o that_o with_o great_a rage_n as_o well_o within_o as_o without_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o adverse_a world_n know_v not_o the_o new_a nature_n what_o it_o be_v for_o it_o know_v not_o god_n who_o image_n it_o be_v the_o world_n be_v not_o only_o alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n but_o opposite_a to_o it_o by_o the_o antipathy_n of_o the_o carnal_a life_n and_o so_o not_o only_o want_v the_o true_a relish_n but_o have_v a_o strong_a disrelish_v of_o the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a nature_n moreover_o true_a christianity_n be_v a_o light_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n
own_o sphere_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v entrust_v of_o god_n with_o the_o care_n of_o religion_n within_o his_o dominion_n and_o have_v a_o civil_a supremacy_n in_o eclesiastical_a affair_n and_o a_o great_a concern_v in_o the_o orderly_a management_n of_o public_a assembly_n he_o be_v authorize_v of_o god_n to_o oversee_v the_o determination_n and_o act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n and_o may_v assume_v to_o himself_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a circumstantial_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o church_n edification_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n keep_v within_o the_o general_n rule_v prescribe_v in_o god_n word_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o church-unity_n that_o be_v according_a to_o god_n word_n it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o subject_n to_o submit_v to_o what_o their_o governor_n have_v determine_v so_o far_o as_o their_o submission_n be_v allowable_a by_o the_o say_a rule_n and_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o governor_n to_o consider_v well_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o their_o determination_n more_o especial_o their_o wisdom_n and_o care_n be_v much_o require_v in_o settle_v the_o right_a bound_n of_o unity_n in_o this_o regard_n the_o term_n of_o admission_n to_o the_o communion_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o the_o declare_a will_n of_o god_n have_v make_v the_o term_n of_o those_o privilege_n and_o which_o will_v shut_v out_o none_o who_o god_n have_v qualify_v for_o and_o call_v to_o the_o same_o the_o set_n of_o other_o boundary_n beside_o the_o iniquity_n thereof_o will_v inevitable_o cause_v division_n the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n assemble_v at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o 28._o writing_n to_o the_o blieve_a gentile_n declare_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o great_a burden_n than_o these_o necessary_a thing_n from_o which_o it_o be_v evident_o infer_v that_o the_o burden_n of_o thing_n unnecessary_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v on_o the_o church_n the_o thing_n enjoin_v by_o that_o assembly_n be_v antecedent_o to_o their_o decree_n either_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o or_o in_o their_o consequent_n according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v make_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o strict_a injunction_n especial_o a_o condition_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o privilege_n aught_o to_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o necessity_n in_o it_o antecedent_n to_o its_o imposition_n symbolical_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n institute_v by_o man_n to_o signify_v grace_n or_o duty_n be_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o general_n be_v leave_v to_o human_a determination_n for_o this_o or_o that_o kind_n thereof_o they_o have_v no_o necessary_a subserviency_n to_o divine_a institution_n they_o be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o necessary_a decency_n and_o order_n in_o divine_a worship_n without_o which_o the_o service_n will_v be_v undecent_a and_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v institute_v or_o rigid_o urge_v in_o any_o time_n or_o place_n whatsoever_o the_o be_v and_o well_o be_v of_o any_o right_o constitute_v church_n of_o christ_n may_v stand_v without_o they_o st._n paul_n resolve_v upon_o the_o case_n of_o use_v or_o refuse_v of_o meat_n and_o the_o observance_n or_o nonobservance_n of_o day_n which_o god_n have_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o of_o eat_v of_o those_o meat_n which_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n rom._n 14._o and_o 1_o cor._n 8._o that_o no_o man_n put_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o his_o brother_n way_n the_o command_n here_o give_v extend_v to_o pastor_n and_o governor_n as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o christian_n and_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o act_n of_o government_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o act_n st._n paul_n be_v a_o church_n governor_n and_o of_o high_a authority_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o use_v his_o own_o liberty_n in_o eat_v flesh_n much_o less_o will_v he_o impose_v in_o thing_n unnecessary_a to_o make_v his_o brother_n to_o offend_v in_o the_o case_n aforemention_v there_o be_v a_o great_a appearance_n of_o reason_n for_o despise_v censure_v or_o offend_v other_o than_o there_o can_v be_v for_o some_o imposition_n now_o in_o question_n among_o we_o viz._n on_o the_o one_o side_n a_o fear_n of_o partake_v in_o idolatry_n or_o of_o eat_v meat_n that_o god_n have_v forbid_v or_o of_o neglect_v day_n that_o god_n have_v command_v as_o they_o think_v on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o fear_n of_o be_v drive_v from_o the_o christian_a liberty_n and_o of_o restore_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n nevertheless_o the_o apostle_n give_v a_o severe_a charge_n against_o censure_v despise_v or_o offend_v other_o of_o different_a persuasion_n in_o those_o case_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o censure_v or_o despise_v one_o another_o much_o more_o be_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n or_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n for_o such_o matter_n the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o church-unity_n evident_o show_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o external_a order_n must_v always_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o may_v be_v require_v no_o further_o than_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o edification_n the_o church_n true_a interest_n lie_v in_o the_o increase_n of_o regenerate_a christian_n who_o be_v her_o true_a and_o live_a member_n and_o in_o their_o mutual_a love_n peace_n and_o concord_n in_o receive_v one_o another_o upon_o those_o term_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v the_o bond_n of_o this_o union_n the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v comprise_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o follow_a unity_n one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o say_v of_o one_o ritual_a or_o set_a form_n of_o sacred_a office_n one_o policy_n or_o model_n of_o rule_n and_o order_n that_o be_v but_o circumstantial_a and_o accidental_a in_o a_o church_n state_n and_o very_o various_a and_o alterable_a while_o the_o church_n abide_v the_o same_o chap._n iii_o of_o schism_n true_o so_o call_v here_o i_o lay_v down_o general_a position_n about_o schism_n without_o make_v application_n thereof_o whether_o these_o position_n be_v right_a or_o wrong_a god_n word_n will_v show_v and_o who_o be_v or_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o they_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n will_v show_v schism_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o of_o that_o church-unity_n which_o be_v of_o god_n make_v or_o approve_v this_o definition_n i_o ground_n on_o the_o aforecited_a text_n mark_v they_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n that_o you_o have_v learn_v separation_n and_o schism_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a extent_n there_o may_v be_v a_o separation_n or_o secession_n where_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n for_o schism_n be_v always_o a_o sin_n but_o separation_n may_v be_v a_o duty_n as_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n moreover_o there_o may_v be_v schism_n where_o there_o be_v no_o separation_n the_o violation_n of_o unity_n or_o the_o cause_v of_o division_n may_v be_v not_o only_o by_o withdraw_v but_o by_o any_o cause_v of_o other_o to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o the_o undue_a cast_n or_o keep_v of_o other_o out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o make_v of_o any_o breach_n in_o religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o look_v back_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o rule_v and_o requisite_n of_o true_a church-unity_n we_o shall_v understand_v the_o true_a nature_n and_o the_o several_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o schism_n as_o holy_a love_n be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o church-unity_n so_o that_o aversation_n and_o opposition_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o love_v be_v that_o which_o animate_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o heart_n root_n of_o it_o whosoever_o maintain_v love_n and_o make_v no_o breach_n therein_o and_o who_o dissent_v or_o withdraw_v from_o a_o church_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o may_v stand_v with_o love_n in_o its_o extent_n be_v no_o schismatic_a the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v primary_o that_o of_o the_o church_n as_o mystical_o the_o breach_n thereof_o lie_v primary_o in_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n spiritual_n much_o more_o in_o be_v opposite_a thereunto_o under_o the_o show_n of_o christianity_n also_o in_o the_o languish_a or_o lessen_v of_o spiritual_a life_n especial_o of_o the_o act_n of_o holy_a love_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v secondary_o that_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a in_o its_o external_a state_n and_o the_o first_o and_o
the_o thing_n here_o principal_o look_v after_o be_v the_o receive_n and_o propagate_a of_o holy_a doctrine_n draw_v out_o of_o the_o pure_a fountain_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n the_o right_a administration_n of_o true_a gospel_n worship_n by_o which_o god_n be_v glorify_v as_o god_n and_o the_o worshipper_n be_v make_v more_o godly_a the_o due_a preach_v of_o god_n word_n and_o dispensation_n of_o other_o divine_a ordinance_n by_o personslawful_o call_v thereunto_o for_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n and_o edification_n of_o convert_n holy_a discipline_n true_o and_o faithful_o administer_v by_o the_o pastor_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n require_v and_o the_o state_n thereof_o will_v bear_v religious_a family_n government_n private_a mutual_a exhortation_n pious_a conference_n and_o profitable_a conversation_n the_o predominant_a influence_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o a_o nation_n yet_o without_o usurpation_n or_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o civil_a right_n of_o any_o especial_o of_o the_o high_a power_n the_o unity_n of_o christian_n and_o their_o mutual_a charity_n conspicuous_a and_o illustrious_a and_o last_o in_o order_n to_o all_o these_o intent_n a_o good_a frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n holy_a doctrine_n be_v the_o incorruptible_a seed_n of_o regeneration_n by_o which_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v beget_v it_o be_v not_o here_o intend_v to_o represent_v a_o perfect_a scheme_n thereof_o for_o it_o suffice_v to_o signify_v that_o extract_v thereof_o from_o holy_a scripture_n be_v draw_v out_o in_o the_o ancient_a catholic_a creed_n and_o in_o the_o harmonious_a confession_n of_o the_o present_a reform_a church_n nevertheless_o our_o design_n require_v the_o observation_n of_o some_o most_o important_a thing_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n as_o that_o there_o be_v first_o a_o earnest_n and_o hearty_a belief_n of_o the_o existence_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o government_n of_o mankind_n by_o law_n congruous_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o human_a soul_n and_o of_o a_o life_n of_o retribution_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n 2_o right_o apprehension_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o attribute_n more_o especial_o of_o his_o holiness_n comprehend_v as_o well_o his_o purity_n and_o justice_n as_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n that_o as_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o procure_v his_o creature_n happiness_n and_o refuse_v none_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o so_o that_o he_o can_v deny_v himself_o and_o that_o he_o receive_v note_n but_o upon_o term_n agreeable_a to_o his_o holiness_n 3_o a_o idea_n of_o godliness_n in_o themind_n not_o as_o shape_v by_o any_o private_a conception_n but_o as_o express_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o workmanship_n it_o be_v that_o christianity_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n may_v be_v the_o same_o with_o christianity_n in_o the_o scripture_n 4._o the_o receive_n of_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n not_o as_o allegorize_v in_o the_o fancy_n of_o some_o enthusiast_n wherein_o it_o vanish_v to_o nothing_o but_o as_o verisied_a in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n wherein_o it_o become_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n and_o so_o not_o to_o sever_v the_o internal_a spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o its_o external_a frame_n the_o basis_n whereof_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n last_o soundness_n of_o judgement_n in_o those_o great_a gospel_n verity_n that_o be_v write_v for_o the_o exalt_v of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o true_a godliness_n and_o the_o encourage_v of_o the_o godly_a in_o opposition_n to_o ungracious_a ungodly_a and_o uncomfortable_a error_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v these_o follow_a truth_n that_o the_o study_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o all_o christian_n that_o according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n be_v skilful_a in_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n they_o may_v discern_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o offer_v to_o god_n a_o reasonable_a service_n according_a to_o his_o revealed_z will_n that_o internal_a illumination_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o that_o regard_n not_o inspire_v new_a revelation_n but_o enable_v to_o discern_v saving_o what_o be_v already_o reveal_v in_o nature_n and_o scripture_n that_o man_n be_v create_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o that_o in_o this_o state_n he_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o self-determining_a principle_n call_v freewill_n and_o thereby_o make_v capable_a of_o abide_v holy_a and_o happy_a or_o of_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o misery_n according_a to_o his_o own_o choice_n and_o that_o god_n leave_v he_o to_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o own_o choice_n have_v give_v he_o whatsoever_o power_n or_o assistance_n be_v necessary_a to_o his_o stand_n that_o the_o first_o man_n be_v set_v in_o this_o capacity_n fall_v from_o god_n and_o it_o please_v god_n not_o to_o annihilate_v he_o nor_o to_o prevent_v his_o propagate_a of_o a_o issue_n in_o the_o same_o fall_v state_n which_o will_v follow_v upon_o his_o fall_n but_o leave_v the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n to_o pass_v according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n be_v now_o fall_v that_o by_o the_o sin_n of_o adam_n all_o man_n be_v make_v sinner_n and_o corrupt_v in_o their_o whole_a nature_n and_o be_v under_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o liable_a to_o eternal_a condemnation_n and_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o wicked_a bent_n of_o their_o own_o will_n be_v continual_o add_v to_o their_o original_a sin_n a_o heap_n of_o actual_a transgression_n and_o so_o be_v of_o themselves_o in_o a_o miserable_a and_o helpless_a condition_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o his_o full_a intention_n and_o his_o father_n commandment_n have_v make_v propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o far_o as_o thereby_o to_o procure_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o salvation_n of_o soul_n to_o all_o that_o do_v unfeigned_o believe_v and_o repent_v that_o man_n be_v dead_a in_o sin_n can_v be_v quicken_v to_o the_o divine_a life_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n grace_n raise_v he_o above_o the_o impotency_n of_o lapse_v nature_n that_o the_o culpable_a impotency_n of_o lapse_v nature_n to_o save_v good_a lie_v in_o the_o fix_a full_a aversation_n of_o the_o will_n by_o a_o deplorable_a obstinacy_n nill_v that_o good_a to_o which_o the_o natural_a faculty_n can_v reach_v and_o aught_o to_o incline_v as_o to_o their_o due_a object_n that_o the_o root_n of_o godliness_n lie_v in_o regeneration_n and_o inward_a sanctification_n that_o god_n call_v some_o by_o the_o help_n of_o that_o special_a grace_n which_o infallible_o effect_v their_o conversion_n and_o adhesion_n to_o he_o without_o any_o impeachment_n of_o the_o natural_a liberty_n of_o the_o will_n that_o whatsoever_o god_n do_v in_o time_n and_o in_o whatsoever_o order_n he_o do_v it_o he_o decree_v from_o eternity_n to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o in_o the_o same_o order_n and_o so_o he_o decree_v from_o eternity_n to_o give_v that_o special_a grace_n to_o some_o and_o by_o it_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o glory_n which_o decree_n be_v eternal_a election_n to_o which_o be_v opposite_a the_o pure_a negative_a of_o nonelection_n as_o for_o preordination_n to_o everlasting_a punishment_n it_o pass_v not_o upon_o any_o but_o on_o the_o foresight_n and_o consideration_n of_o their_o final_a abode_n in_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n that_o the_o more_o common_a conviction_n inclination_n and_o endeavour_n towards_o god_n in_o person_n unregenerate_a be_v good_a in_o their_o degree_n and_o the_o ordinary_a preparative_n to_o a_o save_a change_n and_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o divine_a grace_n which_o be_v call_v common_a that_o deligent_fw-la seek_v after_o god_n by_o the_o help_n of_o common_a grace_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a it_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o some_o further_a attainment_n towards_o the_o soul_n recovery_n and_o it_o be_v regard_v of_o god_n in_o its_o degree_n and_o god_n do_v not_o deny_v man_n further_a degree_n of_o help_n till_o they_o refuse_v to_o follow_v after_o he_o by_o not_o use_v the_o help_n already_o give_v they_o and_o by_o resist_v his_o further_a aid_n that_o god_n have_v make_v all_o man_n savable_a and_o though_o he_o do_v not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o will_v the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o all_o yet_o he_o will_v it_o so_o far_o and_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o encourage_v the_o diligent_a in_o their_o endeavour_n and_o to_o convict_v the_o careless_a of_o be_v inexcusable_a despiser_n of_o his_o grace_n towards_o they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o
spread_v forth_o in_o such_o fullness_n and_o plainess_n of_o speech_n as_o will_v not_o be_v unacceptable_a even_o to_o scholar_n that_o be_v not_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n but_o the_o careless_a and_o confuse_a speak_v of_o incoherent_a and_o undigested_a matter_n rudeness_n or_o baldness_n of_o expression_n be_v no_o part_n of_o this_o commend_a plainness_n which_o be_v orderly_o comely_a and_o weighty_a agreeable_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n word_n a_o true_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n right_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o give_v to_o all_o their_o portion_n he_o do_v not_o make_v distinction_n where_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n make_v no_o difference_n nor_o do_v he_o confound_v thing_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v distinguish_v he_o be_v not_o partial_a towards_o party_n for_o interest_n or_o affection_n and_o so_o he_o do_v not_o promiscuous_o justify_v or_o condemn_v the_o evil_a and_o the_o good_a together_o on_o any_o side_n but_o as_o he_o account_v it_o a_o odious_a thing_n to_o rail_v upon_o one_o party_n in_o the_o ambiguous_a term_n of_o false_a church_n false_a worship_n false_a ministry_n idolatry_n superstition_n formality_n so_o he_o account_v it_o no_o less_o odious_a confuse_o to_o inveigh_v against_o those_o of_o a_o other_o persuasion_n under_o the_o no_o less_o ambiguous_a term_n as_o they_o be_v now_o common_o use_v of_o hypocrite_n pharisee_n fanatic_n enthusiast_n separatist_n humorist_n and_o such_o like_a he_o be_v constant_a in_o preach_v the_o word_n instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n for_o in_o preach_v frequent_o he_o do_v not_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n negligent_o but_o due_o feed_v the_o flock_n and_o that_o with_o better_a prepare_v food_n than_o they_o use_v to_o bring_v that_o preach_v but_o seldom_o upon_o pretence_n of_o great_a preparation_n he_o watch_v over_o the_o flock_n with_o diligence_n and_o natural_o care_v for_o their_o estate_n for_o he_o know_v the_o worth_n of_o precious_a soul_n he_o condescend_v to_o person_n of_o low_a degree_n and_o be_v concern_v for_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o simple_a and_o illiterate_a as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o noble_a rich_a and_o learned_a for_o he_o know_v their_o redeemer_n pay_v alike_o dear_a for_o both_o and_o however_o the_o proud_a and_o covetous_a judge_n he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o below_o he_o to_o intermeddle_v for_o the_o reduce_n of_o the_o simple_a that_o go_v astray_o and_o he_o seek_v to_o recover_v they_o with_o gentleness_n and_o patience_n for_o he_o prefer_v the_o gain_n of_o one_o soul_n before_o all_o the_o preferment_n of_o this_o world_n he_o earnest_o look_v after_o that_o which_o some_o do_v little_a regard_n to_o wit_v the_o seal_n of_o his_o ministry_n in_o the_o save_a efficacy_n thereof_o on_o the_o hearer_n and_o when_o he_o find_v it_o he_o make_v it_o the_o crown_n of_o his_o rejoice_v and_o this_o seal_n he_o take_v not_o to_o be_v their_o mere_a own_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n or_o follow_v a_o orthodox_n party_n much_o less_o their_o abound_v in_o notion_n their_o talk_n and_o outward_a guarb_n of_o profession_n but_o their_o new_a birth_n or_o their_o spiritual_a growth_n the_o promote_a whereof_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o his_o labour_n and_o the_o daily_a travel_n of_o his_o soul_n chap._n v._n the_o due_a performance_n of_o public_a prayer_n prayer_n be_v a_o main_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o chief_a act_n of_o devotion_n and_o such_o as_o do_v accompany_v and_o sanctify_v every_o other_o religious_a duty_n and_o the_o public_a management_n thereof_o pertain_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n its_o due_a performance_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o no_o small_a import_n to_o the_o increase_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o no_o small_a part_n of_o the_o ministerial_a excellency_n and_o sufficiency_n among_o spiritual_a gift_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o number_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n also_o and_o i_o judge_v they_o speak_v too_o low_a of_o it_o that_o make_v it_o only_o a_o natural_a gift_n or_o acquire_v by_o practice_n and_o imitation_n much_o indeed_o may_v lie_v in_o natural_a part_n and_o observation_n and_o exercise_n but_o not_o all_o for_o over_o and_o above_o these_o thing_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n preside_v perpetual_o over_o his_o church_n set_v in_o and_o by_o a_o secret_a influence_n on_o man_n design_v of_o god_n for_o this_o service_n endue_v they_o with_o a_o peculiar_a aptness_n of_o knowledge_n and_o utterance_n as_o well_o in_o prayer_n as_o preach_v for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n and_o some_o unsanctified_a person_n be_v thus_o gift_v may_v preach_v and_o pray_v with_o a_o notable_a tendency_n to_o the_o save_n of_o other_o when_o themselves_o prove_v castaways_a private_a christian_n also_o according_a to_o their_o measure_n be_v partaker_n of_o this_o gift_n in_o much_o diversity_n of_o degree_n god_n give_v to_o every_o man_n several_o as_o he_o will_n beside_o this_o there_o be_v a_o special_a and_o save_a gift_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o by_o his_o gracious_a assistance_n in_o a_o holy_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v indeed_o lively_a and_o powerful_a and_o apt_a to_o kindle_v a_o holy_a fervour_n in_o they_o that_o join_v in_o the_o service_n so_o perform_v and_o why_o that_o which_o be_v perform_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o by_o such_o assistance_n may_v not_o be_v call_v a_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n they_o who_o thankful_o acknowledge_v and_o bless_v god_n for_o so_o great_a a_o gift_n of_o his_o grace_n do_v not_o intend_v thereby_o a_o miraculous_a inspiration_n or_o a_o absolute_a infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n much_o less_o do_v they_o think_v that_o their_o prayer_n be_v such_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n as_o will_v infer_v that_o the_o very_a matter_n and_o word●_n thereof_o be_v write_v will_v become_v canonical_a scripture_n to_o which_o be_v requisite_a not_o only_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n but_o also_o a_o attestation_n thereof_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v other_o but_o this_o they_o maintain_v that_o the_o spirit_n help_v they_o against_o their_o indisposedness_n of_o mind_n and_o deadness_n of_o heart_n and_o manifold_a infirmity_n and_o strengthen_v their_o faculty_n and_o quicken_v their_o grace_n and_o enlarge_v their_o desire_n and_o elevate_v their_o soul_n and_o bring_v thing_n to_o their_o remembrace_n special_o the_o divine_a promise_n yea_o and_o in_o some_o particular_n may_v guide_v the_o heart_n and_o tongue_n by_o a_o present_a immediate_a suggestion_n for_o why_o must_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v think_v to_o do_v less_o in_o exciting_a to_o good_a than_o the_o devil_n ordinary_o do_v in_o prompt_v to_o evil_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o to_o depend_v on_o the_o spirit_n immediate_a suggestion_n for_o matter_n word_n and_o method_n without_o take_v care_n or_o thought_n before_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a and_o not_o miraculous_a assistance_n which_o they_o expect_v and_o which_o be_v usual_o give_v according_a to_o man_n preparation_n and_o suit_v to_o their_o several_a capacity_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o this_o or_o that_o exterior_a frame_n or_o order_n of_o prayer_n but_o be_v ever_o find_v there_o where_o the_o heart_n have_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o matter_n a_o particular_a form_n whether_o stint_v or_o not_o stint_v be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o prayer_n but_o only_o its_o outward_a shape_n and_o it_o pertain_v to_o it_o not_o as_o it_o be_v a_o sacred_a thing_n but_o as_o a_o action_n in_o general_a and_o for_o that_o no_o action_n can_v possible_o be_v perform_v but_o in_o some_o particular_a mode_n this_o holy_a action_n can_v otherwise_o be_v perform_v and_o whereas_o there_o be_v divers_a mode_n thereof_o they_o may_v be_v use_v as_o they_o be_v congruous_a to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o duty_n according_a to_o man_n choice_n and_o judgement_n unless_o they_o be_v as_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v up_o to_o one_o by_o a_o divine_a determination_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o set-form_n be_v further_o evince_v from_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o other_o form_n in_o scripture_n and_o as_o much_o be_v own_v by_o the_o general_a custom_n of_o sing_v david_n psalm_n wherefore_o to_o turn_v the_o back_n upon_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n mere_o because_o perform_v in_o this_o manner_n be_v unwarrantable_a and_o there_o be_v a●_n little_a warrant_n to_o restrain_v all_o public_a prayer_n to_o a_o stint_a liturgy_n and_o leave_v no_o liberty_n at_o all_o to_o the_o minister_n godly_a zeal_n and_o prudence_n in_o this_o particular_a the_o interest_n of_o true_a godliness_n will_v be_v much_o better_o advance_v by_o moderation_n than_o by_o contest_v and_o rigour_n on_o
know_v not_o whether_o shall_v prosper_v this_o or_o that_o or_o whether_o they_o shall_v be_v alike_o good_a whatsoever_o scornful_a or_o careless_a man_n conceit_n hereof_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v make_v it_o praiseworthy_a and_o precious_a the_o tongue_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o choice_a silver_n and_o the_o lip_n of_o the_o righteous_a feed_v many_o and_o to_o good_a heart_n this_o practice_n will_v not_o be_v burdensome_a for_o they_o will_v recreate_v their_o mind_n herewith_o as_o a_o holy_a divertisement_n and_o serious_a pastime_n while_o other_o spend_v their_o leisure_n in_o that_o mirth_n and_o laughter_n which_o the_o wise_a man_n call_v madness_n chap._n ix_o the_o prevalence_n of_o religion_n or_o real_a godliness_n in_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o a_o nation_n in_o christian_a state_n and_o kingdom_n religion_n be_v god_n interest_n aught_o to_o have_v the_o preeminence_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o its_o preeminence_n be_v no_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o right_n of_o the_o high_a power_n but_o their_o establishment_n god_n alone_o have_v a_o underive_v and_o unlimited_a empire_n over_o man_n his_o creature_n the_o people_n be_v primary_o god_n subject_n and_o then_o be_v subject_a to_o prince_n as_o to_o his_o vicegerent_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o be_v the_o grand_a interest_n both_o of_o prince_n and_o people_n none_o can_v doubt_v that_o god_n have_v make_v his_o own_o glory_n and_o man_n salvation_n the_o supreme_a end_n of_o government_n and_o subjection_n and_o consequent_o that_o be_v the_o best_a policy_n which_o give_v these_o end_n the_o high_a place_n and_o make_v temporal_a advantage_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n subordinate_a thereunto_o and_o this_o require_v that_o the_o constitution_n give_v the_o high_a regard_n to_o god_n law_n and_o maintain_v their_o authority_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a public_a administration_n tend_v to_o the_o promote_a of_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o to_o the_o suppress_n of_o all_o unrighteous_a and_o impious_a practice_n as_o it_o be_v the_o church_n duty_n and_o honour_n to_o teach_v and_o command_v her_o child_n to_o do_v whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v so_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n and_o chief_a glory_n of_o the_o magistrate_n who_o be_v god_n minister_n to_o defend_v the_o faith_n and_o uphold_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o further_a the_o most_o lively_a and_o powerful_a dispensation_n of_o they_o and_o to_o encourage_v and_o command_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n write_v in_o nature_n or_o scripture_n in_o subserviency_n hereunto_o his_o power_n be_v to_o determine_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v requisite_a in_o general_n but_o in_o particular_a be_v leave_v undetermined_a of_o god_n and_o therefore_o call_v indifferent_a and_o be_v to_o be_v order_v by_o human_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o for_o these_o end_v the_o chief_a magistrate_n have_v a_o supremacy_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a but_o it_o be_v no_o diminution_n of_o his_o authority_n to_o remove_v from_o it_o thing_n unnecessary_a unprofitablen_a and_o offensive_a in_o their_o use_n and_o for_o their_o doubtful_a nature_n apt_a to_o perplex_v the_o subject_n conscience_n and_o he_o be_v the_o general_a bishop_n of_o his_o dominion_n in_o a_o political_a sense_n without_o any_o encroachment_n upon_o that_o authority_n wherewith_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o the_o church_n have_v invest_v spiritual_a pastor_n as_o he_o be_v such_o a_o officer_n it_o be_v worthy_a of_o his_o chief_a care_n to_o provide_v and_o send_v forth_o able_a and_o faithful_a dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n that_o may_v teach_v the_o people_n the_o good_a knowledge_n of_o god_n after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o good_a king_n jehoshaphat_n and_o to_o see_v that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v the_o cure_n of_o soul_n be_v resident_a with_o his_o flock_n and_o constant_o instruct_v they_o by_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o catechise_v they_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v pluralist_n to_o seize_v upon_o several_a congregation_n as_o a_o prey_n to_o fleece_v but_o not_o to_o feed_v they_o to_o encourage_v laborious_a minister_n that_o watch_n for_o the_o people_n soul_n as_o those_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n and_o strict_o to_o enjoin_v the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n which_o be_v sanctify_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n by_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n in_o settle_v this_o as_o all_o other_o ordinance_n pertain_v to_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o so_o have_v continue_v in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o place_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o by_o as_o unquestionable_a tradition_n as_o the_o scripture_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o of_o little_a moment_n to_o suppress_v or_o at_o least_o to_o bring_v into_o disgrace_n whatsoever_o custom_n serve_v for_o nought_o but_o to_o feed_v inordinate_a sensuality_n and_o to_o make_v those_o that_o use_v they_o profane_v vicious_a and_o licentious_a there_o be_v frequent_v show_v and_o pastime_n well_o know_v that_o increase_n unto_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o may_v be_v call_v the_o devil_n ordinance_n those_o that_o wish_v well_o to_o piety_n have_v a_o ill_a part_n to_o act_v when_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o defend_v some_o exercise_n from_o which_o a_o extreem_v abuse_n be_v inseparable_a and_o which_o be_v make_v a_o trade_n of_o gain_n arise_v from_o the_o impurity_n and_o profaneness_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v incorrigible_a and_o can_v admit_v no_o reformation_n the_o piety_n of_o any_o nation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o formality_n and_o opinion_n and_o uniformity_n in_o little_a thing_n but_o by_o substantial_a devotion_n by_o solid_a zeal_n in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o main_a concern_v of_o religion_n by_o righteousness_n of_o life_n by_o sobriety_n purity_n modesty_n by_o peace_n and_o concord_n with_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o those_o difference_n that_o shall_v not_o and_o need_v not_o make_v breach_n among_o brethren_n by_o dutifulness_n in_o all_o relation_n by_o industry_n frugality_n and_o by_o abound_a charity_n that_o be_v full_a of_o good_a work_n happy_a be_v that_o state_n where_o religious_a influence_n be_v predominant_a where_o the_o pious_a and_o prudent_a bear_n sway_n not_o by_o intrusion_n but_o by_o lawful_a admission_n also_o where_o it_o arise_v to_o that_o strength_n as_o to_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o the_o affection_n and_o interest_n of_o a_o nation_n not_o by_o set_v up_o the_o faction_n of_o a_o few_o but_o by_o make_v the_o generality_n or_o at_o least_o the_o great_a number_n of_o considerable_a man_n some_o of_o they_o true_o regenerate_v christian_n and_o the_o rest_n orderly_o and_o well_o affect_v one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v out_o of_o question_n that_o it_o be_v more_o desirable_a that_o religiousness_n shall_v be_v in_o fashion_n than_o open_a dissoluteness_n and_o profaneness_n for_o uncontrolled_a profaneness_n will_v run_v down_o all_o religion_n but_o when_o those_o that_o reach_v not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n indeed_o come_v so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v up_o a_o outward_a garb_n thereof_o it_o be_v a_o great_a external_a advantage_n to_o true_a religion_n and_o show_v its_o prevalent_a influence_n on_o the_o public_a state_n if_o any_o shall_v demur_v upon_o this_o assertion_n by_o make_v it_o a_o question_n whether_o phariseim_n or_o profaneness_n be_v the_o worse_a evil_n let_v he_o know_v first_o that_o profane_a and_o dissolute_a christian_n be_v notorious_a hypocrite_n for_o profess_v to_o know_v god_n when_o in_o work_v they_o deny_v he_o beside_o phariseism_n be_v not_o simple_a insincerity_n but_o a_o compound_n hypocrisy_n wherein_o malignity_n and_o enmity_n against_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v the_o chief_a ingredient_n it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o strict_a externalness_n that_o seek_v to_o destroy_v the_o inward_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o it_o pretend_v to_o own_o i_o have_v no_o list_n to_o say_v that_o such_o malignity_n be_v less_o mischievous_a than_o filthy_a lewdness_n or_o debauchery_n but_o the_o garb_n of_o strict_a profession_n here_o mention_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o church_n good_a though_o we_o must_v continual_o and_o strict_o charge_v all_o man_n to_o beware_v of_o rest_v in_o it_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n chap._n x._o christian_n unity_n and_o concord_n all_o faithful_a christian_n be_v member_n of_o one_o mystical_a body_n have_v all_o one_o spirit_n one_o lord_n and_o head_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n and_o one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o they_o all_o one_o hope_n of_o their_o call_v and_o one_o heaven_n to_o receive_v they_o all_o
her_o own_o estate_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o a_o rational_a conscientious_a and_o true_o pious_a concord_n among_o such_o christian_n as_o know_v and_o care_n what_o they_o believe_v can_v never_o be_v procure_v without_o avoid_v the_o imposition_n of_o thing_n unwritten_a and_o unnecessary_a in_o which_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o man_n of_o sound_a faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n general_o to_o agree_v but_o when_o necessary_a thing_n only_o be_v enjoin_v their_o weight_n and_o truth_n will_v soon_o be_v know_v and_o own_a of_o all_o honest_a mind_n or_o at_o least_o be_v most_o likely_a so_o to_o be_v and_o much_o soon_o and_o easy_a than_o the_o weight_n and_o truth_n of_o little_a and_o doubtful_a thing_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o will_v more_o easy_o move_v with_o joint_a consent_n in_o one_o godly_a order_n the_o matter_n of_o their_o difference_n be_v before_o hand_n take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n this_o moderate_a course_n be_v hold_v the_o union_n of_o unseigned_a faith_n and_o love_n will_v become_v a_o sure_a foundation_n of_o true_a christian_a concord_n with_o sound_a judgement_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o do_v that_o for_o the_o suppress_n of_o schism_n in_o the_o right_a state_n of_o christianity_n which_o implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n do_v in_o false_a corrupt_a and_o antichristian_a state_n here_o it_o be_v main_o requisite_a that_o those_o thing_n that_o most_o promote_v or_o hinder_v the_o new_a birth_n and_o spiritual_a life_n be_v by_o pastor_n and_o people_n universal_o most_v regard_v and_o those_o that_o make_v little_a for_o or_o against_o the_o same_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o of_o little_a moment_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v when_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n be_v due_o prize_v and_o most_o contend_v for_o contention_n about_o little_a thing_n will_v soon_o expire_v and_o if_o this_o course_n be_v take_v hypocrite_n will_v lose_v their_o advantage_n of_o seem_v religious_a by_o zeal_n for_o those_o thing_n wherein_o religion_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o carnal_a design_n and_o interest_n that_o now_o rend_v the_o church_n and_o trouble_v all_o thing_n will_v be_v defeat_v and_o abandon_v moreover_o to_o maintain_v peace_n they_o that_o rule_n have_v need_n consider_v what_o mistake_v and_o weakness_n be_v compatible_a to_o true_a believer_n and_o sometime_o to_o the_o best_a and_o choice_a of_o they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o bear_v too_o hard_o upon_o they_o and_o they_o that_o be_v rule_v must_v consider_v that_o the_o best_a polity_n or_o constitution_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v of_o man_n regulate_v have_v defect_n and_o inconvenience_n and_o affair_n will_v be_v complicate_v and_o therefore_o they_o must_v not_o be_v too_o unyield_a but_o bear_v with_o what_o be_v tolerable_a and_o not_o easy_o remediable_a though_o they_o may_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a do_v a_o sinful_a act_n or_o omit_v a_o duty_n in_o the_o season_n of_o it_o for_o by_o want_n of_o such_o forbearance_n they_o may_v soon_o destroy_v the_o good_a part_n than_o mend_v what_o be_v amiss_o it_o be_v not_o seldom_o in_o such_o case_n that_o man_n seek_v remedy_n that_o prove_v worse_o than_o the_o disease_n if_o the_o heal_n of_o breach_n require_v a_o yield_a or_o recede_v from_o what_o have_v be_v stand_v upon_o it_o shall_v be_v on_o that_o part_n where_o equity_n and_o necessity_n declare_v it_o shall_v be_v it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a for_o every_o christian_n to_o resolve_v what_o be_v right_a in_o many_o opinion_n and_o usage_n as_o for_o those_o in_o power_n to_o omit_v the_o enforce_a of_o they_o unnecessary_a injunction_n may_v easy_o be_v part_v with_o than_o man_n judgement_n can_v be_v alter_v or_o their_o doubt_a conscience_n well_o settle_v this_o tenderness_n and_o forbearance_n be_v no_o lesson_n of_o the_o church_n '_o be_v honour_n and_o power_n and_o a_o little_a diversity_n i●_n little_a thing_n can_v rational_o move_v derisi●…_n in_o the_o irreligious_a nor_o just_o give_v scandal_n to_o any_o but_o there_o be_v thing_n of_o that_o slightness_n that_o a_o over-precise_a and_o importunate_a unifo●_n mity_n in_o they_o may_v occasion_v contempt_n and_o suspicion_n of_o hypocrisy_n or_o superstitious_a folly_n unity_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o tr●…_n church_n and_o uniformity_n in_o external_a order_n be_v 〈◊〉_d be_v endeavour_v with_o sobriety_n and_o be_v best_a effecte●_n by_o cut_v off_o superfluous_a institution_n and_o lay_v ing_z no_o great_a burden_n on_o the_o faithful_a tha●_n thing_n necessary_a and_o this_o pacific_a state_n may_v b●_n as_o well_o hope_v as_o wish_v for_o if_o the_o guide_n o●_n the_o church_n will_v seek_v the_o thing_n of_o christ_n mor●_n than_o their_o own_o thing_n but_o alas_o the_o usurpation_n and_o imposition_n o●_n proud_a and_o selfish_a man_n even_o in_o pretence_n o●_n suppress_v schism_n have_v hinder_v christia●_n people_n from_o unite_n in_o the_o true_a centre_n of_o unity_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n as_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o which_o 〈◊〉_d the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o in_o deed_n they_o that_o prevail_v by_o power_n to_o advance_v their_o own_o devise_a way_n and_o crush_v disenter_n may_v make_v a_o desolation_n and_o then_o call_v it_o peace_n an●_n union_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o peace_n of_o christ_n kingdo●…_n division_n be_v cause_v by_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o weakness_n of_o good_a man_n ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o their_o own_o apprehen_fw-ge zion_n and_o inclination_n and_o not_o consider_v th●_n condition_n of_o other_o as_o their_o own_o nor_o mind_v the_o necessity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o lawful_a compliance_n or_o of_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o dissension_n chap._n xi_o a_o good_a frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n the_o promote_a of_o true_a christianity_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n before_o name_v pertain_v to_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n depend_v much_o upon_o a_o good_a frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n undoubted_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v appoint_v spiritual_a officer_n to_o guide_v and_o rule_v his_o church_n and_o in_o the_o government_n thereof_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o divine_a right_n and_o unalterable_a by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o support_n and_o due_a managment_n thereof_o that_o be_v of_o humane_a determination_n as_o to_o the_o particular_n both_o kind_n be_v liable_a to_o depravation_n and_o great_a abuse_n thing_n of_o divine_a right_n may_v be_v corrupt_o manage_v and_o pervert_v to_o wrong_a end_n and_o thing_n of_o man_n appointment_n be_v sometime_o not_o only_o ill_o manage_v but_o ill_o ordain_v as_o be_v whole_o incongruous_a and_o perhaps_o pernicious_a to_o the_o right_a end_n of_o government_n now_o a_o good_a polity_n be_v the_o whole_a compage_n of_o thing_n lay_v together_o in_o the_o fabric_n of_o the_o church_n fit_v and_o direct_v to_o promote_v the_o christian_a life_n or_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o to_o prevent_v or_o remedy_v the_o decay_n thereof_o and_o the_o more_o notable_o and_o powerful_o conducible_a it_o be_v to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o excellent_a according_a to_o this_o rule_n it_o have_v most_o regard_n for_o sincere_a christian_n and_o insist_o most_o upon_o their_o encouragement_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o number_n and_o it_o make_v all_o its_o external_a order_n and_o interest_n subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n regenerate_v the_o order_n wherein_o it_o excel_v be_v a_o orderly_a management_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o divine_a command_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o conversation_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o effectual_a for_o the_o obtain_n of_o their_o end_n by_o such_o necessary_a rule_n of_o prudence_n as_o be_v requisite_a in_o all_o human_a action_n it_o prefer_v purity_n and_o spirituality_n before_o external_a pomp_n though_o it_o neglect_v not_o those_o necessary_a decency_n and_o ornament_n that_o shall_v attend_v the_o service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o awful_a regard_n that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v thereto_o and_o the_o reverend_a demeanour_n to_o be_v use_v therein_o it_o provide_v able_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o every_o pastor_n be_v resident_a with_o his_o own_o flock_n and_o that_o he_o due_o feed_v they_o and_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o mercenary_a procure_v at_o the_o cheap_a rate_n it_o provide_v by_o a_o liberal_a maintenance_n worthy_a endowment_n and_o privilege_n for_o that_o meet_a support_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o preserve_v the_o
and_o carnal_a interest_n to_o false_a way_n and_o vain_a invention_n for_o which_o cause_n it_o behoove_v the_o zealous_a religionist_n to_o be_v careful_a even_o to_o jealousy_n that_o he_o be_v not_o impose_v upon_o by_o himself_o or_o other_o and_o in_o this_o care_n hearty_o and_o entire_o to_o resign_v and_o conform_v himself_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o such_o resignation_n and_o conformity_n he_o secure_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o what_o in_o he_o lie_v the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v here_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o be_v write_v in_o nature_n be_v god_n law_n as_o well_o as_o what_o be_v write_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o natural_a revelation_n as_o well_o as_o supernatural_a be_v divine_a and_o whatsoever_o be_v know_v of_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v to_o be_v own_v in_o both_o though_o in_o the_o latter_a it_o have_v appear_v more_o abundant_o because_o therein_o be_v give_v we_o a_o full_a instruction_n in_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n kingdom_n which_o in_o the_o other_o be_v not_o give_v for_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v not_o be_v know_v by_o nature_n and_o in_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v know_v thereby_o the_o light_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o glimmer_a and_o not_o easy_o able_a to_o fix_v the_o heart_n therein_o not_o so_o much_o for_o want_v of_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n as_o from_o the_o pravity_n of_o our_o mind_n reason_n be_v lay_v asleep_a and_o all_o our_o faculty_n be_v sink_v into_o the_o brutish_a life_n what_o be_v the_o utmost_a capacity_n of_o that_o light_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v hard_o for_o we_o to_o define_v and_o though_o it_o be_v harsh_a to_o determine_v that_o they_o be_v all_o utter_o and_o universal_o forsake_v of_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a both_o by_o scripture_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o gentile_n that_o gentilism_n be_v a_o very_a forlorn_a state_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v the_o high_a favour_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o church_n in_o supernatural_a revelation_n by_o which_o he_o have_v not_o only_o instruct_v we_o in_o thing_n supernatural_a not_o otherwise_o to_o be_v know_v in_o this_o life_n but_o also_o more_o perfect_o in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n now_o transcribe_v into_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o religion_n or_o morality_n that_o may_v not_o be_v find_v therein_o beside_o the_o law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o nature_n and_o scripture_n what_o certain_a and_o stable_a rule_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o conversation_n have_v the_o church_n to_o walk_v by_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n or_o consent_n in_o mere_a or_o all_o tradition_n or_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n or_o the_o ancient_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v so_o evident_a as_o need_v no_o confirmation_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o acquiescence_n or_o accord_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o any_o visible_a universal_a supreme_a power_n for_o whereas_o all_o christian_n acknowledge_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o neither_o do_v nor_o ever_o do_v nor_o will_v unanimous_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n in_o be_v and_o the_o main_a body_n of_o they_o that_o maintain_v such_o a_o catholic_n supremacy_n can_v agree_v in_o what_o subject_n the_o same_o reside_v whether_o in_o the_o pope_n or_o a_o general_n council_n and_o as_o several_a pope_n so_o have_v several_a council_n of_o equal_a amplitude_n and_o authority_n often_o cross_v one_o another_o and_o consequent_o some_o of_o both_o kind_n must_v needs_o have_v err_v and_o it_o still_o remain_v a_o controversy_n undeterminable_a which_o council_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o which_o to_o be_v reject_v unless_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n hitherto_o disagree_v herein_o will_v be_v bind_v up_o by_o the_o resolve_n of_o one_o party_n that_o can_v bring_v no_o better_a proof_n than_o their_o own_o pretend_a infallibility_n to_o all_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n true_o so_o call_v or_o a_o representative_a of_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v never_o yet_o congregat_v wherefore_o let_v the_o faithful_a rest_n upon_o the_o old_a right_a foundation_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o infallibility_n be_v unquestionable_a such_o be_v the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o for_o this_o end_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v safe_a in_o divine_a matter_n not_o to_o be_v venturous_a without_o its_o warrant_n they_o best_o secure_v themselves_o from_o error_n who_o keep_v to_o that_o rule_n which_o be_v both_o perfect_a and_o infallible_a some_o pretend_v to_o lay_v open_a the_o folly_n of_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v puritanism_n affirm_v that_o the_o mystery_n thereof_o lie_v in_o this_o principle_n that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v authorize_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n indeed_o there_o be_v those_o of_o that_o denomination_n who_o disallow_v whatsoever_o institute_v worship_n be_v not_o so_o authorize_v but_o they_o be_v not_o so_o ignorant_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o all_o particular_a circumstance_n belong_v to_o divine_a worship_n which_o admit_v of_o endless_a variation_n be_v define_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n such_o as_o be_v those_o natural_a and_o civil_a circumstance_n without_o which_o action_n be_v not_o performable_a but_o they_o suppose_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o these_o matter_n such_o as_o time_n place_n method_n furniture_n etc._n etc._n and_o those_o ordinance_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o take_v for_o part_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v make_v direct_a and_o immediate_a sign_n of_o honour_n give_v to_o god_n by_o their_o use_n and_o all_o of_o this_o kind_a some_o do_v judge_n or_o at_o least_o suspect_v to_o be_v unlawful_a that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n appointment_n my_o design_n oblige_v i_o to_o shun_v the_o intangle_a of_o this_o discourse_n with_o controversy_n and_o therefore_o i_o write_v not_o either_o for_o or_o against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o uncommanded_a worship_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o to_o show_v that_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n be_v more_o safe_a by_o acquiescence_n in_o that_o only_a which_o god_n have_v prescribe_v than_o by_o addition_n of_o new_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n devise_v by_o man_n who_o even_o the_o best_a of_o they_o may_v too_o easy_o deviate_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o who_o know_v not_o that_o too_o much_o yield_v to_o man_n devise_v form_n and_o right_n which_o have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n make_v way_n for_o the_o departure_n of_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o christendom_n from_o the_o primitive_a christianity_n all_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v clear_o prove_v from_o scripture_n though_o the_o particular_a instance_n thereof_o that_o be_v innumerable_a and_o their_o infinite_o variable_a circumstance_n can_v be_v there_o express_v as_o for_o institute_v worship_n it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o defect_n in_o those_o part_n thereof_o that_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n as_o needs_o to_o be_v make_v up_o by_o the_o human_a addition_n of_o other_o new_a part_n and_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v thing_n mere_o circumstantial_a belong_v to_o it_o which_o be_v necessary_a in_o general_n but_o in_o particular_a not_o determine_v of_o god_n and_o must_v be_v order_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o human_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n none_o that_o know_v what_o they_o say_v in_o magnify_v the_o write_a word_n will_v teach_v the_o people_n not_o to_o rely_v upon_o impartial_a reason_n which_o no_o true_a revelation_n do_v ever_o contradict_v but_o we_o be_v so_o conscious_a of_o the_o weakness_n of_o human_a understanding_n that_o in_o case_n of_o any_o seem_a contrariety_n between_o scripture_n and_o reason_n not_o to_o give_v the_o scripture_n the_o preeminence_n we_o know_v be_v most_o unreasonable_a be_v scripture_n liable_a to_o be_v pervert_v so_o be_v reason_n be_v there_o obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n so_o in_o human_a ratiocination_n much_o more_o whosoever_o can_v apprehend_v right_a reason_n can_v rational_o apprehend_v god_n write_v word_n which_o be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n and_o who_o authentic_a interpretation_n of_o itself_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v by_o rational_a inference_n and_o deduction_n
man_n stupid_a and_o foolish_a that_o they_o may_v the_o better_a lord_n it_o over_o they_o as_o besot_v vassal_n it_o can_v invite_v or_o engage_v any_o to_o its_o side_n by_o carnal_a allurement_n and_o provision_n make_v for_o ●he_n lust_n of_o men._n the_o make_n of_o such_o provision_n will_v extinguish_v its_o life_n and_o power_n and_o bring_v forth_o a_o spurious_a carnal_a brood_n that_o always_o with_o deadly_a hatred_n pursue_v its_o true_a professor_n it_o can_v lift_v up_o itself_o by_o serve_v the_o design_n and_o lust_n of_o earthly_a potentate_n though_o it_o ●ives_n they_o their_o due_a honour_n to_o the_o full_a yet_o it_o tempt_v they_o not_o by_o flattery_n to_o think_v of_o themselves_o above_o what_o they_o be_v nor_o do_v it_o pro●itute_v its_o sacred_a rule_n to_o patronize_v any_o enormity_n in_o their_o conversation_n or_o political_a administration_n it_o can_v subdue_v a_o people_n and_o hold_v they_o un●er_o by_o arm_a violence_n and_o usurpation_n for_o his_o be_v to_o subvert_v itself_o and_o undermine_v its_o ●wn_n foundation_n which_o be_v truth_n meekness_n and_o ●●ghteousness_n it_o seek_v not_o by_o any_o irregular_a motion_n to_o per●rb_v a_o settle_a state_n though_o adverse_a and_o injurious_a to_o it_o it_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o recesses_n 〈◊〉_d wicked_a policy_n its_o principle_n will_v not_o bear_v 〈◊〉_d out_o in_o the_o cunning_a and_o close_a way_n of_o dishon●…_n sty_n it_o abhor_v such_o engagement_n as_o draw_v o●…_n necessity_n of_o proceed_v in_o unrighteous_a or_o da●…_n gerous_a counsel_n and_o especial_o such_o iniqui●…_n as_o will_v not_o pass_v away_o in_o a_o transient_a action_n but_o will_v hold_v up_o a_o last_a usurpation_n or_o i●…_n jury_n to_o its_o perpetual_a reproach_n and_o repugnan●…_n to_o itself_o it_o neither_o have_v nor_o in_o human_a judgement_n 〈◊〉_d like_a to_o have_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o arm_n of_o fles●…_n or_o worldly_a puissance_n for_o its_o intrinsic_a and_o a●…_n bide_v strength_n until_o it_o come_v in_o a_o more_o ex●…_n tensive_a power_n and_o more_o ample_a victory_n that_o have_v be_v yet_o manifest_v in_o the_o world_n th●…_n mutable_a advantage_n of_o certain_a time_n and_o occa●…_n zion_n be_v but_o loose_a and_o hollow_a ground_n and_o n●…_n settle_a foundation_n for_o it_o to_o build_v upon_o it_o be_v not_o further_v by_o a_o course_n of_o subtlety_n and_o of_o intricate_a and_o cloudy_a project_n which_o be_v get_v suspicion_n of_o evil_n but_o by_o a_o openess_n a_o frankness_n of_o deal_n in_o all_o certainty_n and_o clearness_n for_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n an●…_n regular_a and_o certain_a as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o he●…_n when_fw-mi or_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o celestial_a body_n whatsoever_o degree_n of_o obliquity_n or_o uncertainty_n happen_v to_o it_o be_v only_o extrinsical_a proceed_n from_o man_n corruption_n and_o frailty_n who_o ne●…_n there_o be_v can_v be_v here_o absolute_o exact_a and_o perfect_a in_o it_o it_o reject_v the_o fury_n of_o passion_n bitterness_n clamour_n wrath_n tumult_n and_o all_o outrage_n in_o a_o word_n it_o can_v admit_v nothing_o that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o entire_a honesty_n and_o it_o be_v not_o weaken_v by_o this_o strictness_n for_o truth_n be_v great_a and_o powerful_a and_o by_o a_o weak_a and_o gentle_a yet_o sound_a and_o solid_a manifestation_n of_o itself_o it_o maintain_v a_o conquest_n answerable_a to_o its_o own_o condition_n in_o this_o present_a world_n chap._n xviii_o the_o interest_n of_o true_a religion_n lie_v much_o in_o its_o venerable_a estimation_n among_o men._n a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n nourish_v pride_n and_o sensuality_n and_o yield_v itself_o managable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o man_n after_o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n be_v common_o uphold_v by_o a_o arm_n of_o secular_a power_n which_o by_o way_n of_o its_o own_o it_o can_v make_v sure_a to_o itself_o but_o pure_a religion_n abhor_v base_a compliance_n and_o reside_v in_o the_o hitherto_o lesser_a number_n that_o walk_v in_o the_o narrow_a way_n be_v not_o so_o well_o suit_v for_o a_o settle_a and_o continue_a potency_n in_o that_o kind_n wherefore_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o it_o fail_v of_o a_o assurance_n of_o worldly_a power_n and_o greatness_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o it_o need_v the_o advantage_n of_o venerable_a estimation_n for_o its_o own_o intrinsic_a excellence_n a_o desire_n of_o vain_a glory_n and_o a_o ambitious_a catch_n at_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n be_v opposite_a to_o this_o interest_n and_o destroy_v the_o end_n thereof_o but_o because_o thing_n that_o appear_v not_o be_v of_o the_o same_o reason_n with_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o regard_n of_o influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n christianity_n shall_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v indeed_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a idea_n in_o the_o imagination_n or_o intellect_n but_o a_o wisdom_n and_o power_n that_o may_v be_v practise_v and_o its_o glory_n be_v display_v in_o a_o life_n of_o integrity_n purity_n and_o charity_n by_o the_o brightness_n of_o which_o grace_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n it_o become_v illustrious_a and_o be_v exalt_v over_o all_o the_o learning_n and_o virtue_n and_o potency_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n in_o such_o a_o age_n as_o have_v all_o civil_a discipline_n in_o their_o perfection_n and_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o endanger_v as_o when_o the_o sanctity_n of_o its_o professor_n be_v fall_v or_o expose_v to_o scandal_n eminent_a holiness_n be_v after_o miracle_n the_o next_o great_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v now_o in_o the_o room_n of_o miracle_n and_o its_o influence_n be_v very_o powerful_a wheresoever_o it_o be_v it_o invigorate_v other_o of_o this_o fellowship_n that_o be_v near_o it_o and_o it_o command_v awe_n and_o reverence_n from_o all_o men._n it_o be_v a_o great_a happiness_n when_o person_n endue_v herewith_o be_v in_o proportionable_a number_n fix_v like_o star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n throughout_o the_o firmament_n of_o the_o church_n when_o there_o be_v man_n of_o strong_a part_n much_o prudence_n active_a spirit_n firm_a resolution_n who_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n inflame_v with_o love_n to_o god_n and_o devote_v to_o seek_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v christ_n and_o fit_v thereunto_o by_o real_a mortification_n and_o self-denial_n also_o when_o person_n of_o a_o low_a sphere_n for_o the_o perfection_n of_o nature_n or_o learning_n have_v attain_v to_o a_o large_a measure_n of_o the_o primitive_a spirit_n of_o faith_n love_n meekness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o charity_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v ready_a to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o provoke_v other_o thereunto_o as_o the_o eminent_a piety_n of_o some_o so_o the_o approved_a piety_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o serious_a professor_n import_v exceed_o to_o the_o reputation_n and_o reverence_n of_o true_a religion_n the_o spiritual_a man_n discern_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o natural_a man_n also_o can_v discern_v humility_n chastity_n temperance_n patience_n charity_n integrity_n as_o thing_n moral_o good_a and_o profitable_a to_o man_n and_o by_o ●…ese_n thing_n the_o truth_n be_v vindicate_v and_o main●…ined_v to_o defile_v the_o purity_n of_o this_o professi●…_n be_v to_o stain_v its_o glory_n and_o to_o stain_n i●s_v glory_n be_v 〈◊〉_d render_v it_o weak_a and_o despicable_a none_o there●…re_o may_v pass_v for_o the_o allow_v disciple_n of_o this_o ●ay_n but_o such_o as_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a from_o 〈◊〉_d foul_a sin_n of_o sensuality_n and_o from_o all_o palpa●…_n dishonesty_n howbeit_o the_o lawful_a favour_n ●…d_v assistance_n of_o any_o other_o may_n with_o due_a cau●…_n be_v admit_v in_o its_o concernment_n a_o harmless_a life_n if_o barren_a and_o unprofitable_a be_v of_o little_a value_n in_o itself_o and_o also_o of_o little_a force_n to_o advance_v any_o profession_n nay_o a_o fruitless_a life_n be_v scandalous_a and_o unchristian_a they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n herein_o be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bear_v much_o fruit_n so_o shall_v you_o be_v my_o disciple_n the_o root_n of_o such_o fruitfulness_n in_o good_a work_n be_v love_v out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a to_o which_o belong_v those_o praise_n that_o it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n now_o because_o they_o that_o walk_v circumspect_o be_v often_o censure_v by_o the_o loose_a sort_n to_o be_v uncharitable_a it_o do_v the_o more_o concern_v they_o real_o to_o show_v forth_o the_o laudable_a fruit_n of_o charity_n and_o to_o maintain_v all_o good_a work_n before_o man_n though_o not_o to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n and_o to_o hate_v narrowness_n of_o soul_n and_o base_a selfishness_n what_o do_v you_o more_o
well_o reckon_v that_o they_o have_v make_v the_o most_o of_o their_o advantage_n when_o they_o can_v secure_v its_o interest_n in_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n a_o firm_a liberty_n and_o security_n found_v in_o a_o national_a interest_n be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o regenerate_a christian_n than_o a_o entire_a potency_n to_o themselves_o alone_o for_o they_o will_v scarce_o well_o comport_v with_o so_o great_a a_o weight_n of_o power_n hypocrite_n for_o carnal_a end_n will_v addict_v themselves_o to_o their_o party_n and_o overact_v they_o the_o sincere_a will_v prove_v but_o man_n corruption_n will_v appear_v and_o miscarriage_n will_v mar_v their_o reputation_n which_o be_v not_o their_o least_o support_n hereunto_o may_v be_v add_v many_o incongruity_n that_o will_v happen_v to_o they_o the_o gallantry_n and_o splendour_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v no_o help_n to_o that_o humble_a and_o contrite_a frame_n of_o spirit_n and_o real_a mortification_n and_o holy_a walk_n and_o heavenly_a mindedness_n which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o christianity_n the_o various_a and_o versatile_a way_n of_o worldly_a policy_n turn_v to_o innumerable_a occasion_n be_v not_o very_o passable_a to_o true_o tender_a conscience_n beside_o if_o the_o power_n be_v enclose_v within_o these_o narrow_a limit_n many_o of_o low_a birth_n and_o breed_n must_v needs_o be_v lift_v up_o both_o to_o the_o envy_n of_o the_o exclude_v party_n and_o the_o disesteem_v of_o magistracy_n and_o person_n of_o low_a condition_n be_v raise_v above_o their_o own_o sphere_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v easy_o tempt_v to_o think_v more_o high_o of_o themselves_o than_o they_o ought_v to_o think_v and_o to_o grow_v busy_a peevish_a and_o rigid_a in_o needless_a matter_n which_o will_v provoke_v a_o people_n and_o fire_n their_o spirit_n and_o though_o the_o rage_n be_v pen_v up_o for_o a_o season_n within_o their_o breast_n it_o will_v at_o length_n break_v out_o into_o a_o flame_n the_o power_n of_o christianity_n as_o to_o human_a strength_n be_v best_a establish_v and_o extend_v by_o lean_v upon_o some_o common_a interest_n with_o which_o it_o fall_v in_o as_o the_o vine_n be_v bear_v up_o and_o spread_v abroad_o by_o the_o support_n of_o a_o wall_n or_o frame_n it_o be_v therefore_o most_o suitable_a to_o the_o term_n upon_o which_o it_o stand_v in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v in_o a_o complex_fw-la state_n with_o some_o other_o just_a large_a and_o stable_a interest_n such_o as_o be_v the_o common_a peace_n and_o safety_n both_o of_o prince_n and_o people_n and_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o wise_a profession_n it_o lead_v its_o follower_n in_o safe_a and_o right_a path_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o wait_v therein_o with_o patience_n the_o nature_n of_o its_o interest_n will_v bear_v such_o patient_a wait_n for_o it_o be_v not_o carnal_a consist_v of_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n which_o may_v call_v for_o a_o eager_a and_o quick_a pursuit_n and_o dare_a interprize_n but_o it_o be_v the_o uphold_v of_o such_o a_o cause_n as_o need_v not_o fear_v a_o sink_a if_o it_o catch_v not_o hold_v of_o every_o sudden_a offer_n that_o be_v not_o clear_a in_o regard_n of_o conscience_n or_o prudence_n but_o by_o a_o unchangeable_a reason_n it_o endure_v throughout_o all_o age_n and_o if_o it_o fall_v it_o shall_v rise_v again_o it_o need_v not_o the_o make_n of_o party_n and_o draw_v people_n to_o its_o side_n by_o a_o pragmatical_a importunity_n nor_o to_o enter_v into_o any_o suspect_a way_n but_o wheresoever_o it_o be_v manage_v like_o itself_o in_o righteous_a and_o prudent_a counsel_n it_o make_v the_o fair_a progress_n and_o of_o long_a continuance_n the_o reason_n aforego_v do_v hold_v in_o due_a proportion_n against_o the_o engross_n of_o privilege_n in_o particular_a in_o corporate_a society_n and_o the_o make_n of_o party_n to_o interrupt_v the_o settle_a order_n of_o promotion_n and_o to_o keep_v back_o person_n legal_o entitle_v that_o the_o religious_a alone_o may_v be_v promote_v such_o practice_n make_v sad_a breach_n and_o upon_o change_n of_o affair_n will_v turn_v to_o the_o great_a detriment_n if_o not_o the_o depression_n of_o the_o party_n so_o advance_v chap._n xxxi_o of_o lead_v and_o follow_v and_o of_o combination_n god_n providence_n use_v to_o dispose_v into_o all_o quarter_n some_o man_n not_o only_o of_o know_a integrity_n but_o eminent_a for_o wisdom_n and_o reputation_n who_o see_v more_o than_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o good_a man_n and_o be_v able_a and_o meet_a to_o give_v advice_n like_o those_o child_n of_o issachar_n man_n that_o have_v understand_v of_o the_o time_n to_o know_v what_o israel_n ought_v to_o do_v these_o be_v much_o the_o stay_n of_o this_o profession_n and_o by_o their_o influence_n keep_v thing_n right_a and_o preserve_v the_o weak_a sort_n from_o manifold_a aberration_n it_o be_v suppose_v that_o they_o seek_v not_o their_o own_o glory_n in_o be_v make_v head_n of_o party_n but_o that_o in_o sincerity_n and_o self-denial_n they_o follow_v truth_n and_o peace_n and_o use_v their_o authority_n and_o ability_n to_o promote_v a_o catholic_n interest_n and_o true_a concord_n among_o all_o christian_n nevertheless_o sometime_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prudent_a fail_n and_o counsel_n be_v hide_v from_o they_o it_o please_v the_o only_a wise_a god_n sometime_o to_o permit_v strange_a resolve_n to_o proceed_v from_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n that_o our_o main_a stress_n of_o hope_n may_v rest_v upon_o he_o alone_o and_o on_o his_o infallible_a word_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o become_v the_o absolute_a disciple_n of_o any_o master_n upon_o earth_n one_o or_o two_o eminent_a man_n in_o a_o country_n though_o wise_a and_o faithful_a may_v not_o be_v follow_v as_o it_o be_v by_o implicit_a faith_n which_o may_v lead_v into_o great_a mistake_n it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v many_o discreet_a person_n though_o not_o of_o eminent_a ability_n who_o it_o may_v become_v to_o hear_v and_o reverence_v their_o eminent_a man_n yet_o to_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n that_o be_v to_o judge_v by_o their_o own_o reason_n in_o this_o matter_n there_o be_v two_o extreme_n either_o to_o be_v too_o morose_a or_o too_o sequacious_a the_o one_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o sullen_a pride_n and_o self-conceit_n the_o other_o of_o pusillanimity_n temerity_n and_o such_o like_a weakness_n and_o both_o tend_v to_o make_v breach_n and_o lead_v into_o party_n we_o may_v have_v the_o person_n of_o worthy_a man_n in_o due_a veneration_n but_o not_o in_o excessive_a admiration_n avoid_v precipitate_a leader_n for_o though_o the_o service_n of_o hot_a spirit_n may_v be_v sometime_o prosperous_a yet_o in_o this_o temperate_a cause_n their_o conduct_n be_v pernicious_a and_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o avoid_v such_o leader_n as_o care_v not_o or_o at_o least_o consider_v not_o what_o they_o do_v against_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o christianity_n to_o advance_v a_o particular_a form_n or_o party_n but_o above_o all_o beware_v of_o such_o person_n who_o apparent_a worldly_a interest_n lead_v they_o to_o adhere_v to_o some_o divide_a party_n &_o to_o cherish_v faction_n if_o much_o be_v commit_v into_o such_o hand_n we_o shall_v be_v lead_v into_o a_o wrong_a course_n or_o disable_v to_o follow_v the_o right_n though_o we_o see_v it_o plain_a before_o we_o yea_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v enthral_v to_o the_o service_n of_o a_o faction_n and_o be_v leave_v with_o disgrace_n enough_o when_o man_n have_v serve_v their_o turn_n of_o it_o a_o people_n of_o honest_a zeal_n may_v easy_o be_v over-credulous_a of_o great_a and_o powerful_a man_n that_o pretend_v to_o favour_v religion_n and_o take_v it_o into_o their_o patronage_n yet_o the_o more_o discern_a sort_n will_v look_v to_o it_o that_o while_o grandee_n retain_v they_o with_o such_o 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lot_n of_o inheritance_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o do_v not_o value_v the_o concern_v thereof_o above_o all_o his_o chief_a joy_n that_o be_v but_o of_o this_o world_n a_o zeal_n for_o the_o common_a faith_n and_o a_o constrane_n love_n to_o all_o the_o faithful_a have_v excite_v a_o very_a mean_a and_o weak_a one_o to_o do_v what_o he_o be_v able_a on_o this_o important_a subject_n impartial_o search_v after_o their_o common_a good_a let_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o society_n one_o of_o who_o name_n be_v counsellor_n deliver_v his_o flock_n from_o all_o dangerous_a and_o disadvantageous_a error_n and_o from_o wander_v in_o break_a party_n by_o unstable_a and_o divide_a counsel_n and_o show_v they_o gracious_o the_o right_a way_n of_o maintain_v a_o consistency_n among_o themselves_o and_o of_o gain_v upon_o the_o reconcilable_a part_n of_o man_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o this_o prince_n and_o leader_n be_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n who_o banner_n be_v love_n let_v his_o people_n every_o where_o be_v act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o show_v forth_o the_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n in_o all_o good_a conversation_n with_o humility_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a have_v this_o principle_n deep_o imprint_v in_o they_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n the_o point_n of_o church-unity_n and_o schism_n discuss_v chap._n i._n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o polity_n the_o church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a commonwealth_n which_o according_a to_o its_o primary_n and_o invisible_a state_n be_v a_o society_n of_o regenerate_a person_n who_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n christ_n their_o head_n and_o one_o to_o another_o as_o fellow_n member_n by_o a_o mystical_a union_n through_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o adopt_v to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o according_a to_o its_o secondary_a and_o visible_a state_n it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o person_n profess_v christianity_n or_o regeration_n and_o external_o join_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o the_o symbal_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o external_a privilege_n thereunto_o belong_v there_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n which_o according_a to_o the_o invisible_a form_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o true_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o according_a to_o its_o visible_a form_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o visible_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n or_o believer_n according_a to_o human_a judgement_n this_o church_n have_v one_o head_n and_o supreme_a lord_n even_o christ_n and_o one_o charter_n and_o system_n of_o law_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o member_n that_o be_v free_a denizen_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n and_o one_o form_n of_o admission_n or_o solemn_a initiation_n for_o its_o member_n and_o one_o kind_n of_o ministry_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n this_o church_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o its_o own_o fundamental_a constitution_n 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not_o a_o diversity_n of_o order_n or_o office_n essential_o different_a but_o of_o degree_n in_o the_o same_o office_n the_o essential_a nature_n whereof_o be_v in_o both_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v a_o bishop_n not_o of_o a_o multitude_n of_o church_n but_o of_o one_o state_v ecclesiastical_a society_n or_o single_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o immediate_a pastor_n and_o he_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o immediate_a pastor_n towards_o they_o all_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o not_o by_o delegate_n and_o substitute_n and_o he_o govern_v not_o alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o presbyter_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v the_o precedent_n though_o several_a city_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n have_v their_o different_a municipal_a law_n and_o privilege_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o charter_n yet_o particular_a church_n have_v no_o divine_a law_n and_o privilege_n diverse_a from_o each_o other_o but_o the_o same_o 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or_o town_n and_o the_o adjacent_a village_n who_o may_v and_o do_v personal_o meet_v together_o both_o for_o worship_n and_o discipline_n all_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o local_a precinct_n be_v most_o convenient_o bring_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o state_v church_n that_o there_o may_v be_v the_o great_a union_n among_o they_o and_o that_o the_o occasion_n of_o straggle_a and_o run_v into_o several_a party_n may_v be_v avoid_v yet_o this_o local_a partition_n of_o church_n be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o invariable_a but_o if_o there_o be_v some_o insuperable_a impediment_n thereof_o the_o partition_n must_v be_v make_v as_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n will_v admit_v no_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n can_v by_o divine_a right_n or_o warrant_v claim_v any_o assign_a circuit_n of_o ground_n as_o his_o propriety_n for_o ecclesiastical_a government_n as_o a_o prince_n claim_v certain_a territory_n as_o his_o propriety_n for_o civil_a government_n so_o that_o no_o other_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n may_v without_o his_o licence_n do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o within_o that_o circuit_n it_o be_v not_o the_o conjunction_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n with_o the_o generality_n or_o the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o people_n that_o of_o itself_o declare_v the_o only_a rightful_a pastor_n or_o true_a church_n within_o this_o or_o that_o circuit_n for_o many_o cause_n may_v require_v and_o justify_v the_o be_v of_o other_o church_n therein_o see_v particular_a church_n be_v so_o many_o integral_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o each_o other_o help_v in_o thing_n that_o concern_v they_o joint_o and_o several_o and_o they_o have_v all_o a_o influence_n on_o each_o other_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n lead_v they_o to_o association_n or_o combination_n great_a and_o lesser_a according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o the_o orderly_a state_n that_o be_v requisite_a in_o all_o association_n do_v natural_o require_v some_o regular_a
as_o studious_a of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o concord_n as_o any_o other_o and_o though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o latitude_n of_o judgement_n with_o other_o in_o some_o point_n yet_o they_o have_v a_o right_a catholic_n spirit_n to_o promote_v the_o common_a interest_n of_o religion_n and_o more_o especial_o the_o protestant_n reformation_n and_o dread_v the_o weaken_n and_o shatter_v of_o it_o by_o needless_a division_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o conscience_n will_v allow_v in_o compliance_n with_o the_o injunction_n of_o ruler_n but_o they_o be_v cast_v and_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o establish_v order_n by_o the_o injunction_n of_o some_o term_n which_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o present_a judgement_n they_o can_v not_o comply_v with_o but_o under_o the_o guilt_n of_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n as_o dissemble_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n touch_v church-government_n they_o admit_v the_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v of_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a 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as_o be_v that_o of_o meletius_n a_o bishop_n in_o egypt_n who_o be_v dispose_v for_o have_v sacrifice_v to_o idol_n sometime_o by_o offence_n unjust_o take_v at_o some_o suppose_a faultiness_n in_o a_o bishop_n as_o be_v that_o of_o a_o orthodox_n party_n in_o antioch_n against_o another_o meletius_n a_o orthodox_n and_o right_n worthy_a bishop_n of_o that_o city_n only_o because_o he_o be_v at_o first_o bring_v in_o by_o the_o arrian_n sometime_o by_o the_o exasperation_n of_o the_o people_n for_o injury_n do_v to_o they_o or_o their_o pastor_n and_o outrage_n commit_v by_o their_o opposite_n as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o johannites_n at_o constantinople_n upon_o the_o banishment_n of_o chrysostom_n and_o sometime_o by_o mere_a animosity_n and_o humour_n of_o discontentment_n as_o be_v that_o of_o lucifer_n a_o bishop_n in_o sardinia_n who_o separate_v from_o eusebius_n bishop_n of_o vertellis_fw-la and_o other_o because_o they_o dislike_v his_o rash_a act_n of_o ordain_v paulinus_n to_o be_v bishop_n of_o antioch_n as_o tend_v to_o perpetuate_v the_o schism_n there_o begin_v touch_v all_o the_o say_a party_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o they_o do_v not_o plead_v that_o any_o opinion_n or_o form_n be_v impose_v on_o they_o to_o which_o their_o conscience_n do_v reluctate_v nor_o do_v they_o desire_v other_o forbearance_n towards_o they_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v bear_v too_o hard_o upon_o they_o but_o they_o themselves_o will_v not_o bear_v with_o other_o in_o that_o which_o they_o suppose_v faulty_a but_o do_v nither_o choose_v whole_o to_o abandon_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o do_v not_o seek_v nor_o care_n for_o accommodation_n with_o they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o at_o least_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o dissenter_n of_o these_o time_n for_o they_o importune_v a_o accommodation_n with_o the_o church_n of_o the_o establish_v order_n and_o for_o peace_n sake_n be_v willing_a to_o bear_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o in_o that_o which_o themselves_o dislike_v or_o doubt_v of_o but_o they_o can_v obtain_v a_o dispensation_n from_o other_o in_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o dispensable_a point_n according_a to_o their_o judgement_n but_o be_v force_v to_o abide_v in_o a_o sever_a state_n unless_o they_o will_v profess_v what_o they_o believe_v not_o or_o practice_n what_o they_o allow_v not_o now_o because_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o antiquity_n be_v much_o insist_v on_o i_o pray_v that_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v whether_o in_o the_o primitive_a or_o ancient_a time_n of_o christianity_n man_n yea_o many_o hundred_o of_o man_n due_o qualify_v for_o the_o ministry_n by_o sound_a faith_n and_o good_a life_n as_o also_o by_o their_o learning_n and_o industry_n and_o offer_v all_o reasonable_a security_n for_o their_o submissive_a and_o peaceable_a demeanour_n be_v or_o will_v have_v be_v cast_v and_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n to_o some_o opinion_n form_n and_o ceremony_n which_o at_o the_o best_a be_v but_o the_o accidental_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n or_o lawfulness_n whereof_o the_o dissenter_n be_v whole_o dissatisfy_v and_o which_o the_o imposer_n judge_v to_o be_v but_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o i_o further_o pray_v that_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o the_o nonconformist_n to_o be_v self-condemned_n in_o conform_v to_o some_o injunction_n against_o their_o conscience_n and_o in_o desert_v the_o ministry_n to_o which_o they_o be_v dedicate_v than_o for_o superior_n either_o by_o some_o relaxation_n to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o conform_v or_o to_o bear_v with_o their_o peaceable_a exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o a_o state_n of_o nonconformity_n while_o some_o of_o their_o injunction_n confine_v they_o to_o that_o state_n chap._n v._n of_o make_v a_o right_a estimate_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n and_o something_o more_o of_o take_v the_o right_a way_n to_o
but_o their_o superior_n may_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n that_o be_v fierce_a and_o violent_a but_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v dovelike_o meek_a and_o harmless_a and_o that_o spirit_n incline_v to_o deal_v tender_o with_o the_o conscience_n of_o inferior_n tenderness_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v or_o expose_v to_o scorn_n because_o some_o may_v false_o pretend_v to_o it_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n be_v compassionate_a towards_o his_o member_n and_o he_o have_v say_v whoso_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n as_o the_o way_n of_o unity_n lie_v much_o in_o the_o wisdom_n equity_n and_o charity_n of_o superior_n so_o in_o the_o humility_n and_o due_a submission_n of_o inferior_n in_o their_o ready_a close_n with_o what_o be_v commendable_a in_o the_o public_a constitution_n in_o their_o bear_n with_o what_o be_v tolerable_a in_o make_v the_o best_a improvement_n of_o what_o be_v therein_o improvable_a for_o their_o own_o and_o other_o edification_n in_o a_o word_n in_o deny_v no_o compliance_n which_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n do_v not_o forbid_v matter_n of_o public_a injunction_n which_o inferior_n stick_v at_o may_v be_v consider_v by_o they_o either_o as_o in_o themselves_o unlawful_a or_o as_o inexpedient_a now_o it_o be_v not_o only_o or_o chief_o the_o inexpediency_n of_o thing_n command_v but_o the_o suppose_a unlawfulness_n of_o divers_a of_o those_o thing_n that_o the_o nonconformist_n general_o stick_v at_o whereof_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o render_v a_o particular_a account_n when_o it_o will_v be_v admit_v howbeit_o a_o question_n may_v arise_v about_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o submission_n to_o thing_n not_o in_o themselves_o unlawful_a but_o inexpedient_a especial_o in_o respect_n of_o scandal_n the_o solution_n whereof_o may_v be_v requisite_a for_o the_o clear_n of_o our_o way_n in_o such_o thing_n upon_o this_o question_n it_o may_v be_v note_v that_o in_o those_o case_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o right_a of_o command_v there_o be_v no_o due_a of_o obedience_n nevertheless_o thing_n unwarrantable_o command_v be_v sometime_o warrantable_o observe_v though_o not_o in_o obedience_n yet_o in_o prudence_n as_o to_o procure_v peace_n and_o to_o show_v a_o readiness_n to_o all_o possible_a compliance_n with_o superior_n moreover_o ruler_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o command_v that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v not_o unlawful_a when_o christian_a charity_n forbid_v to_o do_v it_o in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n by_o reason_n of_o evil_a consequent_n for_o all_o authority_n be_v give_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n likewise_o our_o christian_a liberty_n include_v no_o licence_n to_o do_v that_o act_n at_o the_o command_n of_o ruler_n the_o do_v of_o which_o in_o regard_n of_o circumstance_n be_v uncharitable_a but_o here_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v how_o far_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n do_v extend_v in_o this_o case_n and_o when_o it_o do_v or_o do_v not_o forbid_v my_o observance_n of_o what_o the_o ruler_n have_v unwarrantable_o because_o uncharitable_o command_v true_a charity_n do_v not_o whole_o destroy_v christian_n liberty_n though_o it_o regulate_v the_o use_n thereof_o and_o it_o do_v not_o extend_v it_o so_o far_o one_o way_n as_o to_o destroy_v itself_o another_o way_n if_o i_o be_o bind_v up_o from_o do_v every_o indifferent_a thing_n at_o which_o weak_a conscience_n will_v take_v offence_n my_o liberty_n be_v turn_v into_o bondage_n and_o i_o be_o leave_v in_o thraldom_n to_o other_o man_n endless_a scrupulosity_n this_o be_v i_o think_v a_o yoke_n which_o christian_n be_v not_o fit_v nor_o able_a to_o bear_v this_o bondage_n be_v great_a and_o the_o burden_n lie_v heavy_a upon_o i_o if_o by_o reason_n of_o other_o weakness_n i_o must_v be_v bind_v up_o from_o observe_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n at_o the_o command_n of_o ruler_n and_o by_o they_o make_v the_o condition_n of_o my_o liberty_n for_o public_a service_n in_o the_o church_n when_o my_o conscience_n be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o otherwise_o expedient_a for_o i_o to_o do_v it_o as_o for_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o enjoin_v the_o ruler_n must_v look_v to_o that_o be_v some_o displease_v and_o grieve_v that_o i_o do_v it_o as_o many_o or_o more_o may_v be_v displease_v and_o grieve_v if_o i_o do_v it_o not_o do_v some_o take_v occasion_n by_o my_o necessary_a use_n of_o a_o just_a liberty_n to_o embolden_v themselves_o to_o sin_n my_o forbear_n of_o it_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n to_o other_o as_o their_o persist_v in_o some_o troublesome_a error_n to_o their_o own_o and_o other_o spiritual_a damage_n and_o in_o unwarrantable_a noncompliance_n with_o their_o governor_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o my_o liberty_n for_o public_a service_n consequent_a to_o such_o forbearance_n must_v also_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n when_o both_o the_o use_n and_o forbear_v of_o my_o liberty_n be_v clog_v with_o evil_a consequent_n i_o know_v no_o safe_a way_n than_o due_o to_o consider_v of_o what_o moment_n the_o consequent_n be_v on_o either_o side_n and_o to_o incline_v to_o that_o which_o have_v the_o lesser_a evil_n herein_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o prudent_a be_v to_o direct_v his_o way_n upon_o the_o impartial_a view_n of_o all_o circumstance_n which_o come_v under_o his_o prospect_n and_o if_o good_a conscience_n and_o right_a reason_n guide_v by_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n lead_v i_o to_o make_v use_n of_o my_o christian_a liberty_n in_o compliance_n with_o my_o superior_n i_o must_v humble_o and_o charitable_o apply_v myself_o to_o remove_v the_o offence_n that_o some_o take_v by_o clear_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o my_o act_n to_o their_o judgement_n but_o if_o that_o can_v be_v discern_v by_o they_o i_o be_o by_o my_o christian_a good_a behaviour_n to_o make_v it_o evident_a to_o their_o conscience_n what_o in_o i_o lie_v that_o what_o i_o do_v i_o do_v sincere_o and_o faithful_o and_o that_o i_o be_o no_o temporizer_n man-pleas_a and_o self-seek_a i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o that_o high_a say_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v do_v admit_v such_o equitable_a interpretation_n as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n person_n and_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o thing_n declare_v to_o be_v most_o reasonable_a a_o humble_a representation_n of_o my_o own_o case_n touch_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n i_o have_v be_v in_o the_o ministry_n near_o forty_o year_n have_v be_v ordain_v presbyter_n according_a to_o the_o form_n of_o ordination_n use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o be_v call_v to_o this_o sacred_a order_n i_o hold_v myself_o indispensible_o oblige_v to_o the_o work_n thereof_o as_o god_n enable_v i_o and_o give_v i_o opportunity_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n be_v signify_v in_o the_o form_n of_o word_n by_o which_o i_o be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o thereunto_o viz._n receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o sin_n thou_o do_v forgive_v they_o be_v forgive_v and_o who_o sin_n thou_o do_v retain_v they_o be_v retain_v and_o be_v thou_o a_o faithful_a dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a sacrament_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n amen_n the_o former_a part_n of_o these_o word_n be_v use_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o apostle_n in_o confer_v upon_o they_o the_o pastoral_n authority_n full_o prove_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o presbyter_n be_v pastoral_n and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o which_o be_v ordinary_a in_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o which_o they_o have_v successor_n likewise_o this_o church_n do_v then_o appoint_v that_o at_o the_o order_n of_o priest_n or_o presbyter_n certain_a portion_n of_o scripture_n shall_v be_v read_v as_o belong_v to_o their_o office_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o portion_n of_o act._n 20._o which_o relate_v st._n paul_n send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o congregation_n with_o his_o exhortation_n to_o they_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n to_o rule_v the_o congregation_n of_o god_n or_o else_o 1_o tim._n 3._o which_o set_v forth_o the_o office_n and_o due_a qualification_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o afterward_o the_o bishop_n speak_v to_o they_o that_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o office_n of_o priesthood_n in_o this_o form_n
of_o word_n you_o have_v hear_v brethren_n as_o well_o in_o your_o private_a examination_n and_o in_o the_o exhortation_n and_o holy_a lesson_n take_v out_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o what_o dignity_n and_o how_o great_a importance_n this_o office_n be_v whereto_o you_o be_v call_v that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o messenger_n the_o watchmen_z the_o pastor_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o teach_v to_o premonish_v to_o feed_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o lord_n family_n i_o mention_v my_o ordination_n according_a to_o the_o episcopal_a form_n because_o it_o be_v of_o great_a esteem_n with_o they_o to_o who_o this_o representation_n be_v more_o especial_o tender_v nevertheless_o i_o own_o the_o validity_n of_o presbyterial_a ordination_n and_o judge_v that_o minister_n so_o ordain_v may_v make_v the_o same_o defence_n for_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n in_o the_o same_o case_n that_o be_v here_o represent_v christ_n be_v the_o author_n and_o the_o only_a proper_a giver_n of_o this_o office_n and_o though_o he_o give_v it_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o man_n yet_o not_o by_o they_o as_o give_v the_o office_n but_o as_o instrument_n of_o the_o designation_n or_o of_o the_o solemn_a investiture_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o give_v it_o as_o the_o king_n be_v the_o immediate_a giver_n of_o the_o power_n of_o a_o mayor_n in_o a_o town_n corporate_a when_o he_o give_v it_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o elector_n and_o certain_a officer_n only_o as_o instrument_n of_o the_o designation_n or_o of_o the_o solemn_a investiture_n of_o the_o person_n i_o be_o not_o conscious_a of_o disable_n myself_o to_o the_o sacred_a ministration_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o presbyter_n by_o any_o opinion_n or_o practice_n that_o may_v render_v i_o unfit_a for_o the_o same_o touch_v which_o matter_n i_o humble_o offer_v myself_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o my_o superior_n to_o be_v make_v according_a to_o god_n word_n nothing_o necessary_a to_o authorise_v i_o to_o those_o ministration_n be_v want_v that_o i_o know_v of_o i_o be_o christ_n commissioned_n officer_z and_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o he_o have_v revoke_v the_o authority_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o and_o without_o the_o warrant_n of_o his_o law_n no_o man_n can_v take_v it_o from_o i_o nor_o do_v i_o find_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o office_n or_o the_o declare_a will_n of_o christ_n require_v that_o it_o be_v exercise_v no_o otherwise_o than_o in_o subordination_n to_o a_o disocesan_n bishop_n that_o i_o do_v not_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n under_o the_o regulation_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o diocese_n and_o in_o other_o circumstance_n according_a to_o the_o present_a establish_a order_n the_o cause_n be_v not_o in_o i_o who_o be_o ready_a to_o submit_v thereunto_o but_o a_o bar_n be_v lay_v against_o i_o by_o the_o injunction_n of_o some_o term_n in_o the_o lawfulness_n whereof_o i_o be_o not_o satisfy_v whereof_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o account_n when_o it_o be_v require_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o i_o be_o under_o any_o oath_n or_o promise_n to_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n no_o otherwise_o than_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o bishop_n or_o the_o ordinary_a of_o the_o place_n the_o promise_n make_v at_o my_o ordination_n to_o obey_v my_o ordinary_a and_o other_o chief_a minister_n to_o who_o the_o government_n and_o charge_n over_o i_o be_v commit_v concern_v i_o only_o as_o a_o presbyter_n stand_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o bishop_n or_o ordinary_a as_o one_o of_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o diocese_n or_o other_o peculiar_a jurisdiction_n in_o which_o relation_n i_o do_v not_o now_o stand_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o make_v uncapable_a thereof_o moreover_o in_o whatsoever_o capacity_n i_o now_o stand_v the_o say_a promise_n must_v be_v understand_v either_o limited_o or_o without_o limitation_n if_o limited_o as_o in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o honest_a as_o i_o conceive_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v understand_v than_o i_o be_o not_o bind_v by_o it_o in_o the_o present_a case_n for_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a nor_o honest_a for_o i_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o now_o enjoin_v conformity_n against_o my_o conscience_n or_o in_o case_n of_o such_o necessitate_a noncompliance_n to_o desist_v from_o the_o ministry_n that_o i_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n if_o it_o be_v understand_v without_o limitation_n it_o be_v a_o sinful_a promise_n in_o the_o matter_n thereof_o and_o thereupon_o void_a absolute_a and_o unlimited_a obedience_n to_o man_n may_v not_o be_v promise_v let_v it_o be_v consider_v also_o that_o the_o object_v promise_n can_v not_o bind_v i_o to_o more_o than_o the_o conformity_n then_o require_v but_o since_o my_o ordination_n and_o promise_n then_o make_v the_o state_n of_o conformity_n have_v be_v much_o alter_v by_o the_o injunction_n of_o more_o and_o to_o i_o hard_a term_n than_o former_o be_v enjoin_v when_o i_o be_v ordain_v i_o think_v that_o the_o term_n then_o require_v be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v lawful_o submit_v to_o but_o young_a man_n such_o as_o i_o then_o be_v may_v be_v easy_o draw_v to_o subscribe_v to_o thing_n public_o enjoin_v and_o so_o become_v engage_v before_o they_o have_v well_o consider_v the_o ordainer_n or_o ordainer_n who_o design_v i_o to_o this_o office_n of_o christ_n donation_n and_o not_o they_o can_v not_o by_o any_o act_n of_o they_o lessen_v it_o as_o to_o its_o nature_n or_o essential_a state_n nor_o can_v they_o derogate_v from_o christ_n authority_n over_o i_o and_o the_o obligation_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v upon_o i_o to_o discharge_v the_o office_n with_o which_o he_o have_v entrust_v i_o that_o a_o necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o i_o in_o my_o present_a state_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n i_o be_o full_o persuade_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o soul_n which_o cry_v aloud_o for_o all_o the_o help_n that_o can_v posible_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n minister_n whether_o conformist_n or_o nonconformist_n the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n be_v more_o valuable_a than_o mere_a external_a order_n or_o uniformity_n in_o thing_n accidental_a i_o receive_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o sacrament_n according_a to_o the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o be_o ready_a to_o subscribe_v the_o same_o i_o have_v join_v and_o still_o be_o ready_a to_o join_v with_o the_o legal_o establish_a church_n in_o their_o public_a worship_n the_o matter_n of_o my_o sacred_a ministration_n have_v be_v always_o consonant_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o meddle_v not_o with_o our_o present_a difference_n but_o insist_v on_o the_o great_a and_o necessary_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n i_o design_v not_o the_o promote_a of_o a_o sever_a party_n but_o of_o mere_a christianity_n or_o godliness_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o will_n of_o my_o superior_n as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n and_o to_o return_v to_o my_o ministerial_a station_n in_o the_o establish_v church_n may_v i_o be_v but_o dispense_v with_o in_o the_o injunction_n with_o which_o my_o conscience_n till_o i_o be_v otherwise_o inform_v forbid_v i_o to_o comply_v in_o the_o whole_a of_o my_o dissent_n from_o the_o say_a injunction_n i_o can_v not_o be_v charge_v with_o deny_v any_o thing_n essential_a to_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n or_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n or_o any_o of_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n or_o with_o be_v in_o any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o good_a order_n and_o government_n my_o case_n as_o i_o have_v sincere_o set_v it_o forth_o i_o humble_o represent_v to_o the_o clemency_n of_o my_o governor_n and_o to_o the_o charity_n equity_n and_o ●●●●●r_n of_o all_o christ_n minister_n and_o people_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d e_o i_o design_n to_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o be_o not_o mistake_v in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o i._o c._n finis_fw-la book_n late_o print_v for_o tho._n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n one_o hundred_o of_o select_a sermon_n upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o tho._n horton_n d._n d._n sermon_n on_o the_o four_o psal._n 42._o psal._n 51._o and_o 63._o psal._n by_o tho._n horton_n d._n d._n a_o complete_a martyrology_n both_o of_o foreign_a and_o english_a martyr_n with_o the_o life_n of_o 26_o modern_a divine_n by_o sam._n clark_n a_o discourse_n of_o actual_a providence_n by_o john_n collings_n d._n d._n a_o exposition_n on_o the_o 5_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o charles_n phelpes_n a_o discourse_n of_o grace_n and_o temptation_n by_o tho._n froysall_n the_o revival_n of_o grace_n sacramental_a reflection_n on_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n as_o testator_n a_o sacrifice_n and_o curse_n by_o john_n hurst_n a_o glimpse_n of_o eternity_n to_o awake_v sinner_n and_o comfort_n saint_n by_o ab._n coley_n which_o be_v the_o church_n or_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n where_o be_v your_o church_n before_o luther_n by_o rich._n baxter_n the_o husbandman_n companion_n or_o meditation_n suitable_a for_o farmer_n in_o order_n to_o spiritualise_v their_o employment_n by_o edward_n bury_n mr._n adam_n exposition_n of_o the_o assemb_v catechism_n show_v its_o harmony_n with_o the_o article_n and_o homily_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o present_a state_n of_o new-england_n with_o the_o history_n of_o their_o war_n with_o the_o indies_n popery_n a_o enemy_n to_o truth_n and_o civil_a government_n by_o jo._n sheldeck_n spell_a book_n for_o child_n by_o tho._n lye_n principal_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o practical_a application_n to_o each_o head_n by_o tho._n gouge_n almost_o christian_n by_o matth._n mead._n godly_a man_n ark_n by_o edmund_n calamy_n heaven_n and_o hell_n on_o earth_n in_o a_o good_a or_o bad_a conscience_n by_o nath._n vincent_n little_a catechism_n for_o child_n with_o short_a history_n which_o may_v both_o please_v and_o profit_v they_o by_o nath._n vincent_n ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o a_o epistle_n prefix_v by_o john_n owen_n d._n d._n this_o author_n have_v late_o publish_v this_o book_n entitle_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n among_o man_n a_o tract_n of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n or_o that_o christianity_n which_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o of_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o the_o security_n and_o increase_n thereof_o in_o the_o world_n design_v its_o more_o ample_a diffusion_n among_o profess_a christian_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o its_o sure_a propagation_n to_o future_a age_n print_a for_o tho._n parkhurst_n