the_o principle_n of_o protestant_a truth_n and_o peace_n in_o four_o treatise_n viz._n the_o true_a state_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o freedom_n from_o penal_a law_n and_o church-censure_n the_o obligation_n to_o national_a true_a religion_n the_o nature_n of_o scandal_n particular_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o indifferent_a thing_n a_o catholic_n catechism_n show_v the_o true_a ground_n upon_o which_o the_o catholic_n religion_n be_v ascertain_v zech._n 8._o 19_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o peace_n by_o tho._n beverley_n rector_n of_o lilley_n in_o hertfordshire_n london_n print_v for_o tho._n parkhurst_n and_o will._n miller_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n and_o the_o acorn_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1683._o to_o the_o reader_n i_o have_v very_o sad_o observe_v the_o great_a distress_n of_o humane_a affair_n through_o miscarriage_n every_o way_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n for_o while_o the_o power_n of_o this_o world_n and_o ecclesiastic_a jurisdiction_n take_v it_o for_o their_o right_n to_o impose_v by_o severe_a penalty_n and_o dreadful_a censure_n what_o they_o think_v fit_a under_o so_o great_a a_o name_n they_o yet_o neither_o can_v assure_v any_o one_o they_o be_v not_o or_o do_v not_o use_v to_o be_v mistake_v in_o their_o recommendation_n or_o that_o all_o their_o authority_n or_o power_n shall_v excuse_v and_o acquit_v those_o that_o obey_v they_o when_o they_o appear_v before_o god_n tribunal_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o judgement_n or_o conscience_n shall_v have_v any_o repose_n here_o on_o the_o other_o side_n some_o not_o only_o out_o of_o recoil_v for_o self-preservation_n or_o out_o of_o design_n but_o from_o furious_a wild_a principle_n have_v break_v out_o into_o public_a disturbance_n to_o make_v room_n for_o what_o they_o have_v proclaim_v as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n to_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o true_a religion_n the_o imbrue_v their_o hand_n very_o horrid_o in_o blood_n and_o the_o seem_a justification_n of_o utmost_a rigour_n against_o any_o pretence_n of_o religion_n except_o according_a to_o law_n beside_o all_o this_o private_a feud_n and_o animosity_n vehement_a and_o angry_a dispute_n be_v every_o where_o clamorous_a and_o people_n hereupon_o in_o great_a amuse_n what_o they_o shall_v believe_v or_o do_v now_o since_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n all_o these_o evil_n be_v foresee_v by_o god_n there_o be_v as_o little_a doubt_n that_o there_o be_v sure_a remedy_n provide_v against_o they_o i_o have_v then_o upon_o the_o whole_a this_o account_n to_o give_v the_o reader_n that_o the_o observation_n of_o so_o many_o counter-cries_a of_o opinion_n such_o great_a exasperation_n in_o man_n affection_n such_o complaint_n of_o oppression_n of_o conscience_n by_o undue_a law_n such_o recrimination_n of_o faction_n sedition_n fanaticism_n not_o only_o among_o christian_n but_o among_o protestant_a christian_n and_o of_o the_o same_o common_a national_a interest_n move_v i_o to_o seek_v retirement_n to_o some_o rock_n of_o certainty_n that_o i_o may_v be_v at_o perfect_a peace_n upon_o in_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o judgement_n and_o composure_n of_o affection_n and_o have_v find_v natural_a religion_n as_o certain_a as_o our_o faculty_n and_o fundamental_a christianity_n in_o most_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o immediate_a certainty_n as_o natural_a in_o all_o thing_n after_o due_a exploration_n of_o the_o same_o final_a certainty_n i_o be_o so_o far_o at_o peace_n in_o my_o judgement_n as_o to_o have_v no_o doubt_n what_o be_v truth_n in_o relation_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n if_o ten_o thousand_o more_o of_o opinion_n encompass_v i_o round_o about_o so_o far_o at_o peace_n in_o my_o affection_n as_o not_o to_o be_v in_o commotion_n with_o any_o man_n that_o give_v testimony_n to_o christian_a charity_n that_o he_o be_v a_o strict_a observer_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o fundamental_a christianity_n one_o essential_a rule_n of_o both_o which_o be_v love_n peace_n and_o mercy_n to_o all_o that_o be_v centre_v in_o this_o natural_a christian_a religion_n though_o they_o may_v adjoyn_v or_o refuse_v some_o eccentrick_a placit_n that_o do_v not_o harm_v the_o foundation_n last_o i_o be_o assure_v this_o very_a natural_a religion_n espouse_v by_o christianity_n well_o consider_v and_o observe_v will_v disarm_v the_o world_n of_o those_o instrument_n of_o cruelty_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n so_o extreme_o abhor_v by_o it_o whether_o use_v by_o angry_a supreme_a power_n or_o unjust_o take_v up_o by_o seditious_a ambitious_a or_o fanatic_a subject_n which_o cruelty_n man_n be_v say_v to_o borrow_v from_o wild_a beast_n no_o such_o be_v give_v by_o the_o gracious_a author_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o so_o excellent_a a_o nature_n as_o he_o make_v the_o humane_a and_o therefore_o most_o certain_o not_o by_o the_o redeemer_n nor_o his_o religion_n who_o come_v to_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o innocency_n goodness_n and_o peace_n after_o so_o great_a a_o invasion_n of_o barbarity_n and_o cruelty_n now_o have_v find_v this_o satisfaction_n myself_o i_o make_v offer_n of_o it_o if_o it_o may_v be_v the_o same_o to_o other_o ask_v only_o candid_a interpretation_n in_o particular_a management_n the_o main_a principle_n be_v above_o the_o need_n of_o pardon_n or_o the_o fear_n of_o indignation_n although_o the_o discourse_n be_v intend_v much_o short_a be_v not_o distinguish_v in_o the_o body_n of_o it_o into_o chapter_n or_o otherwise_o yet_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v have_v a_o guidance_n into_o the_o main_a design_n of_o it_o i_o have_v prefix_v this_o summary_n of_o head_n of_o discourse_n follow_v each_o other_o the_o content_n the_o introduction_n explain_v the_o text_n and_o show_v the_o merciful_a design_n of_o christianity_n against_o contrary_a appearance_n the_o always_o present_a way_n of_o determine_v doubt_n in_o religion_n 1._o to_o 8._o of_o natural_a religion_n as_o sure_a as_o our_o faculty_n and_o the_o examination_n of_o thing_n by_o it_o 10._o to_o 26._o of_o natural-religion_n unite_v by_o christian_a religion_n to_o and_o with_o itself_o as_o the_o only_a assurance_n and_o test_n of_o reveal_v religion_n and_o of_o the_o little_a value_n of_o ceremony_n in_o religion_n either_o natural_a or_o christian_n 27._o to_o 45._o of_o natural_a religion_n the_o only_a standard_n of_o humane_a penal_a law_n in_o religion_n 45._o to_o 79._o of_o the_o great_a use_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o compose_v and_o decide_v difference_n in_o christian_a religion_n apply_v to_o some_o of_o the_o great_a controversy_n in_o it_o 80_o 82._o of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o peace_n in_o christianity_n itself_o the_o important_a honourable_a business_n give_v as_o one_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o wherein_o it_o engage_v all_o its_o disciple_n several_a way_n produce_v peace_n 88_o to_o 94._o of_o the_o grand_a principle_n of_o the_o union_n of_o christian_n into_o one_o body_n on_o which_o love_n and_o peace_n be_v infallible_o to_o ensue_v 95_o to_o 99_o of_o heresy_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o cut_v off_o from_o that_o union_n exemplify_v in_o popery_n and_o whether_o the_o roman_a society_n be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o schism_n and_o its_o nature_n as_o it_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n 99_o to_o 110._o of_o the_o law_n for_o christian_n be_v embody_a in_o a_o catholic_n church_n in_o particular_a congregation_n or_o church_n and_o the_o order_n of_o both_o to_o national_a christian_n constitution_n of_o the_o great_a value_n the_o word_n of_o god_n give_v to_o public_a national_a religion_n require_v our_o utmost_a attemperation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o it_o consistent_o with_o conscience_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o christianity_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o ministerial_a presidency_n of_o it_o in_o relation_n to_o magistracy_n to_o universal_a goodness_n 121_o to_o 127._o a_o lamentation_n over_o the_o world_n unhappiness_n in_o relation_n to_o so_o excellent_a a_o thing_n as_o religion_n and_o christian_a religion_n 127._o a_o offerture_n for_o the_o amicable_a return_n of_o all_o protestant_n one_o to_o another_o within_o our_o english_a nation_n and_o the_o method_n of_o it_o 136._o errata_fw-la page_z 2_o l._n 28._o r._n action_n p._n 7._o l._n 25._o for_o thus_o r._n that_o p._n 17_o l._n 17._o blot_v they_o p._n 23_o l._n 1_o for_o they_o r._n that_o l._n 5._o for_o itself_o r._n themselves_o p._n 27._o l._n 32._o r._n appellation_n p._n 91._o l._n 37._o for_o they_o r._n that_o p._n 109._o l._n 7._o blot_n why_o l._n 10._o blot_n who_o be_v p._n 1220_o marg._n r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 141._o l._n 7._o r._n do_v isa._n xi_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o the_o wolf_n also_o shall_v dwell_v with_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o leopard_n shall_v lie_v down_o with_o the_o kid_n and_o the_o calf_n and_o the_o young_a lion_n and_o the_o fatle_a together_o and_o a_o little_a child_n shall_v lead_v they_o and_o
testament_n the_o apocalypse_n foretell_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o very_a state_n of_o kingdom_n become_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o christ_n all_o these_o thing_n argue_v a_o great_a encouragement_n of_o nation_n receive_v and_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o nation_n even_o as_o family_n may_v and_o aught_o as_o family_n and_o though_o it_o be_v undoubted_o the_o great_a honour_n and_o glory_n of_o nation_n to_o come_v as_o near_o and_o as_o exact_a and_o close_a as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o law_n and_o order_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o government_n as_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o their_o national_a christianity_n yet_o because_o there_o will_v and_o general_o fall_v out_o to_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o national_a custom_n in_o such_o public_a administration_n a_o comprimise_n of_o they_o to_o the_o law_n and_o government_n of_o nation_n hence_o it_o also_o come_v to_o pass_v there_o may_v be_v a_o dissatisfaction_n in_o many_o of_o the_o subject_n of_o such_o nation_n to_o comply_v with_o their_o national_a constitution_n of_o religion_n hence_o there_o be_v apt_a to_o arise_v discomposure_n and_o disquiet_n if_o prince_n or_o power_n exceed_v that_o exercise_n of_o power_n allot_v to_o they_o by_o god_n as_o we_o have_v before_o discourse_v and_o also_o by_o the_o very_a essential_a constitution_n of_o christianity_n see_v christ_n have_v make_v none_o lord_n of_o his_o people_n faith_n or_o divine_a worship_n and_o prince_n be_v no_o more_o than_o nursing-fathers_n the_o quiet_a therefore_o and_o peace_n of_o nation_n be_v most_o advance_v by_o set_v up_o nothing_o in_o christianity_n but_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o yield_v the_o tender_a and_o open_v the_o most_o bountiful_a hand_n to_o the_o professor_n and_o minister_n of_o essential_a christianity_n cover_v all_o the_o faulty_a division_n of_o christian_n with_o their_o royal_a and_o compassionate_a purple_a this_o be_v most_o princely_a generous_a and_o great_a this_o be_v most_o exalt_v of_o christianity_n itself_o but_o if_o this_o can_v be_v obtain_v the_o next_o best_n and_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o as_o i_o have_v already_o make_v out_o but_o just_o be_v that_o no_o native_a right_n and_o liberty_n be_v defaulk_v nor_o punitive_a oppression_n inflict_v but_o that_o the_o honorary_a reward_n of_o nation_n and_o prince_n be_v adjudge_v to_o man_n who_o be_v of_o the_o public_a sentiment_n in_o their_o administration_n in_o christian_a religion_n and_o this_o indeed_o can_v be_v except_v to_o it_o be_v the_o right_n of_o national_a power_n to_o dispose_v of_o their_o own_o according_a to_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n yet_o be_v there_o still_o a_o obligation_n upon_o christian_a subject_n beyond_o these_o consideration_n to_o examine_v all_o thing_n with_o the_o great_a prejudice_n for_o and_o on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o national_a sense_n especial_o when_o they_o find_v the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n secure_a and_o in_o safety_n and_o beside_o their_o private_a adjustment_n of_o christian_a performance_n in_o particular_a society_n according_a to_o the_o exacter_n rule_v of_o christianity_n as_o they_o be_v judge_n for_o themselves_o to_o encourage_v also_o promote_v and_o as_o far_o as_o possible_o they_o can_v communicate_v with_o national_a religion_n put_v the_o fair_a and_o kind_a interpretation_n and_o hope_v upon_o all_o thing_n tolerate_v all_o that_o can_v without_o disobedience_n to_o god_n be_v tolerate_v observe_v rite_n and_o custom_n of_o nation_n as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v with_o security_n from_o vain_a worship_v of_o god_n by_o the_o commandment_n of_o man_n both_o because_o of_o the_o honour_n christianity_n give_v to_o magistracy_n according_a to_o natural_a sanction_n and_o also_o and_o more_o especial_o because_o of_o the_o esteem_n christianity_n have_v of_o a_o public_a and_o national_a religion_n let_v i_o then_o resume_v upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o it_o plain_o appear_v christianity_n notwithstanding_o the_o freedom_n it_o allow_v to_o every_o man_n conscientious_a sentiment_n be_v no_o enemy_n but_o a_o friend_n 1._o to_o society_n 2._o to_o the_o order_n and_o peace_n that_o bound_v society_n yea_o and_o strict_o command_v they_o and_o have_v give_v positive_a institution_n for_o they_o 1._o for_o first_o it_o unite_v all_o its_o true_a disciple_n in_o that_o common_a ample_a universal_a centre_n of_o love_n peace_n and_o order_n god_n and_o christ_n to_o who_o the_o first_o dedication_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v make_v and_o in_o who_o it_o always_o rest_v 2._o it_o unite_v they_o with_o that_o most_o public_a wise_a rational_a and_o most_o holy_a assembly_n under_o heaven_n the_o catholic_n church_n even_o all_o that_o be_v that_o one_o body_n act_v by_o that_o one_o spirit_n unite_v in_o one_o hope_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n in_o all_o which_o every_o christian_a be_v one_o with_o the_o whole_a desire_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o increase_n of_o that_o one_o body_n the_o advancement_n of_o that_o one_o faith_n communicate_v in_o the_o prayer_n and_o praise_n of_o that_o one_o body_n sorrow_n in_o its_o affliction_n minister_n to_o its_o necessity_n and_o if_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v communicate_v in_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o service_n with_o any_o member_n of_o it_o and_o value_v not_o their_o particular_a rite_n as_o any_o obstruction_n while_o they_o agree_v in_o essential_o and_o indeed_o every_o christian_n shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o drop_v that_o mantle_n of_o ceremony_n as_o he_o please_v when_o he_o ascend_v in_o holy_a offering_n of_o himselfâ—o_o â—o_z god_n 3._o 〈◊〉_d to_o particular_a society_n or_o church_n of_o christian_n in_o whiâ—â—_n the_o essential_o of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v preserve_v uncorrupted_a and_o so_o they_o must_v be_v or_o else_o such_o society_n deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o church_n and_o when_o they_o be_v in_o such_o a_o neighbourhood_n to_o the_o true_a christian_a that_o he_o may_v free_o enjoy_v his_o choice_n he_o consider_v these_o two_o both_o recommend_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1._o private_a particular_a congregation_n that_o can_v conform_v to_o public_a settlement_n such_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o first_o church_n when_o christianity_n have_v no_o public_a allowance_n such_o may_v be_v still_o 2._o the_o most_o public_a settlement_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o wherein_o he_o may_v do_v it_o he_o use_v both_o promiscuous_o wherein_o he_o must_v divide_v he_o consider_v upon_o the_o balance_n of_o his_o most_o humble_a and_o impartial_a judgement_n which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o public_a edification_n as_o well_o as_o his_o own_o and_o so_o as_o not_o to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v if_o he_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v more_o particular_a as_o best_o according_a to_o his_o sentiment_n he_o be_v yet_o careful_a to_o do_v all_o he_o do_v with_o the_o great_a vigour_n of_o charity_n inoffensiveness_n and_o desire_v of_o promote_a of_o that_o public_a worship_n as_o it_o contain_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n if_o according_a to_o the_o sincere_a sense_n of_o his_o mind_n he_o prefer_v the_o public_a appointment_n either_o as_o public_a and_o in_o that_o regard_n overweigh_a small_a doubt_n and_o so_o take_v the_o best_a advantage_n afford_v therein_o as_o to_o all_o the_o duty_n particular_a congregation_n seem_v most_o adapt_v to_o or_o that_o the_o whole_a composure_n of_o the_o public_a be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o sentiment_n he_o consider_v the_o more_o private_a as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o can_v be_v severe_a to_o the_o retirer_n thereto_o know_v every_o man_n have_v the_o proper_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o what_o essential_o christianity_n consist_v in_o and_o therefore_o will_v not_o forcible_o hale_v any_o into_o the_o public_a but_o remonstrate_v to_o they_o as_o he_o see_v reason_n with_o mild_a and_o christian_a argument_n the_o disadvantage_n of_o separate_n from_o it_o beyond_o plain_a necessity_n 4._o in_o the_o difference_n of_o judgement_n of_o public_a society_n and_o private_a in_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o or_o the_o difference_n of_o private_a among_o themselves_o the_o true_a christian_a still_o keep_v himself_o upon_o that_o love_n mercy_n and_o peace_n christianity_n teach_v he_o and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o diversity_n consider_v the_o high_a tie_n worth_n and_o value_n of_o those_o unity_n wherein_o they_o all_o meet_v 5._o if_o a_o christian_a fall_n into_o such_o place_n where_o the_o essential_o be_v corrupt_v he_o esteem_v religious_a solitude_n the_o best_a communion_n yet_o refuse_v not_o to_o improve_v any_o thing_n of_o truth_n he_o can_v extract_v from_o such_o corruption_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o part_n of_o public_a worship_n not_o so_o adulterate_v but_o to_o admit_v a_o possible_a separation_n in_o the_o exigence_n of_o present_a service_n
and_o shift_v for_o the_o gain_v opportunity_n for_o the_o assemble_v themselves_o and_o preserve_v their_o relation_n one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o mutual_a duty_n much_o more_o easy_o than_o any_o great_a association_n can_v for_o our_o saviour_n intend_v all_o for_o use_n not_o for_o form_n he_o mind_v not_o nominal_a titular_a bishop_n and_o church_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v plead_v the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o small_a number_n of_o christian_n may_v agree_v and_o associate_v and_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o presence_n but_o now_o that_o this_o appointment_n be_v in_o bar_n of_o great_a society_n of_o christian_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v grant_v for_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a our_o saviour_n design_v all_o thing_n under_o the_o gosplel_n shall_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o thing_n now_o according_a to_o that_o the_o first_o end_n of_o all_o society_n be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o more_o than_o solitude_n this_o desire_n of_o enjoy_v true_a religion_n in_o society_n extend_v itself_o from_o the_o least_o of_o society_n to_o the_o great_a that_o be_v not_o too_o great_a for_o the_o end_n of_o society_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o as_o he_o give_v no_o frame_n of_o positive_a law_n or_o worship_n no_o pedagogy_n of_o precept_n so_o no_o institution_n of_o bound_v church_n but_o that_o in_o case_n of_o strait_n and_o exigency_n his_o true_a religion_n may_v be_v administer_v in_o the_o very_o small_a of_o society_n with_o confidence_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o presence_n when_o it_o have_v freedom_n it_o may_v enlarge_v itself_o further_o and_o further_o and_o if_o it_o have_v favour_n of_o nation_n and_o government_n ascend_v to_o the_o great_a yet_o with_o this_o reserve_n that_o if_o in_o any_o time_n or_o place_n national_a christianity_n vary_v from_o the_o true_a original_a christianity_n as_o often_o it_o have_v be_v sound_a to_o do_v so_o that_o it_o can_v even_o in_o substantial_a thing_n be_v consent_v in_o with_o a_o pure_a conscience_n privater_a congregation_n even_o to_o the_o most_o particular_a be_v always_o ready_a for_o christian_n to_o retire_v into_o for_o so_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n allow_v where_o the_o public_a be_v not_o safe_a and_o yet_o when_o the_o whole_a be_v not_o corrupt_v nor_o liberty_n of_o join_v without_o commixture_n with_o those_o corruption_n deny_v there_o may_v yet_o be_v there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o separation_n thus_o the_o great_a society_n be_v not_o in_o bar_n of_o the_o least_o when_o true_a religion_n require_v they_o thus_o the_o least_o be_v not_o in_o bar_n of_o the_o great_a when_o christianity_n be_v at_o full_a freedom_n for_o it_o be_v close_o ally_v with_o that_o wisdom_n whereby_o king_n ought_v to_o reign_v and_o prince_n to_o decree_v justice_n by_o which_o prince_n 16._o prov._n 8._o 15_o 16._o ought_v to_o rule_v and_o noble_n yea_o all_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o that_o wisdom_n which_o rejoice_v in_o the_o habitable_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v its_o delight_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n i_o have_v therefore_o before_o observe_v that_o christian_a religion_n at_o the_o very_a first_o join_v itself_o as_o near_o as_o it_o can_v to_o all_o humane_a society_n make_v ready_a to_o it_o as_o family_n village_n region_n and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o rage_n of_o persecution_n will_v permit_v christian_a society_n unite_a themselves_o unto_o distant_a and_o national_a correspondency_n among_o themselves_o now_o it_o have_v be_v so_o unhappy_a indeed_o with_o the_o world_n that_o in_o few_o instance_n there_o have_v be_v a_o good_a state_n of_o national_a religion_n to_o yield_v a_o full_a conscientious_a compliance_n with_o yet_o this_o will_v no_o more_o argue_v against_o the_o thing_n itself_o than_o it_o do_v against_o any_o other_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a ordination_n of_o god_n or_o against_o the_o jewish_a church_n so_o immediate_o govern_v by_o god_n and_o yet_o so_o often_o and_o so_o notorious_o corrupt_v in_o judah_n and_o more_o general_o in_o the_o ten_o tribe_n and_o yet_o to_o show_v how_o to_o the_o very_a utmost_a without_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a we_o ought_v to_o join_v with_o any_o that_o be_v good_a in_o a_o nation_n and_o with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a in_o national_a religion_n when_o elijah_n have_v as_o it_o be_v desert_v his_o place_n and_o the_o good_a influence_n his_o be_v in_o public_a may_v have_v have_v and_o that_o god_n find_v he_o alone_o he_o do_v by_o way_n of_o reproof_n ask_v he_o what_o he_o do_v alone_o in_o 9_o 1_o king_n 19_o 9_o the_o wilderness_n and_o inform_v he_o of_o a_o great_a number_n that_o have_v not_o bow_v to_o baal_n than_o he_o know_v of_o with_o who_o he_o may_v join_v himself_o if_o corruption_n will_v argue_v against_o any_o good_a appointment_n or_o ordination_n of_o god_n it_o will_v argue_v against_o church_n of_o the_o very_a first_o form_n or_o constitution_n those_o church_n in_o the_o revelation_n who_o corruption_n be_v severe_o tax_v and_o threaten_v yet_o be_v without_o any_o censure_n as_o to_o their_o constitution_n and_o while_o separation_n from_o those_o church_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o intimate_v yet_o a_o separation_n from_o impurity_n be_v high_o commend_v and_o promise_a reward_n those_o name_n 4._o rev._n 3._o 4._o in_o sardis_n that_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n be_v assure_v they_o shall_v walk_v with_o christ_n in_o white_a for_o he_o judge_v they_o worthy_a from_o whence_o i_o conclude_v no_o form_n of_o church_n can_v recommend_v thing_n disagree_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n how_o true_o form_v soever_o those_o church_n be_v for_o church_n be_v constitute_v for_o join_v in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n not_o in_o those_o that_o be_v not_o and_o yet_o separation_n from_o corruption_n do_v not_o necessitate_v separation_n from_o church_n while_o there_o be_v any_o part_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o worship_n preserve_v pure_a to_o unite_v in_o so_o great_a be_v the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o all_o sincere_o religious_a to_o make_v true_a religion_n as_o public_a as_o they_o can_v in_o the_o several_a society_n that_o be_v find_v to_o engraft_v it_o upon_o now_o that_o every_o society_n that_o be_v the_o feat_n of_o true_a christian_a religion_n be_v in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n a_o church_n i_o allow_v and_o therefore_o will_v brief_o inquire_v into_o the_o scripture-notion_n of_o a_o church_n and_o i_o find_v the_o original_a word_n take_v out_o of_o the_o septuagint_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o translate_v the_o hebrew_n kahal_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o our_o translator_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o general_o render_v congregation_n although_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n what_o be_v in_o the_o quotation_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o render_v church_n so_o that_o from_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v very_o plain_a as_o the_o universal_a or_o national_a assembly_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o church_n as_o by_o st._n stephen_n act_v 7._o 38._o where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n so_o the_o universal_a assembly_n of_o christian_n consider_v as_o in_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v call_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v the_o congregation_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n as_o holy_a record_n be_v the_o scripture_n or_o write_n and_o the_o volume_n of_o scripture_n the_o bible_n or_o book_n as_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o evangil_n or_o gospel_n so_o the_o church_n be_v the_o congregation_n and_o as_o lesser_a congregation_n of_o that_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o do_v not_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a body_n be_v call_v the_o congregation_n or_o church_n even_o so_o lesser_a society_n of_o christian_n be_v call_v the_o congregation_n or_o church_n in_o allusion_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n say_v if_o two_o or_o three_o be_v importance_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o word_n of_o like_a importance_n gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o so_o that_o the_o universal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o christian_n see_v only_o together_o by_o god_n and_o particular_a assembly_n of_o christian_n that_o meet_v together_o under_o each_o other_o eye_n be_v in_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n church_n even_o as_o the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n when_o they_o be_v all_o under_o
one_o view_n be_v by_o st._n stephen_n as_o i_o observe_v call_v the_o church_n and_o the_o congregation_n after_o they_o be_v become_v a_o nation_n though_o they_o can_v not_o all_o then_o meet_v together_o be_v call_v the_o church_n also_o because_o they_o be_v all_o under_o one_o law_n and_o institution_n all_o partaker_n of_o the_o same_o right_n and_o privilege_n and_o so_o indeed_o all_o particular_a church_n of_o christian_n be_v but_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o lesser_a association_n as_o the_o circumference_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o same_o though_o in_o so_o many_o different_a orison_n as_o light_n be_v the_o same_o though_o various_o model_v by_o its_o several_a reception_n as_o the_o ocean_n be_v one_o by_o how_o many_o several_a denomination_n soever_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o shore_n it_o wash_v or_o the_o channel_n or_o other_o situation_n it_o rest_v in_o so_o this_o church_n be_v often_o speak_v of_o as_o one_o church_n and_o as_o several_a church_n as_o the_o sea_n be_v one_o and_o several_a sea_n they_o be_v so_o much_o every_o way_n the_o same_o as_o to_o differ_v only_o in_o the_o universality_n but_o whether_o a_o nation_n unite_v in_o christianity_n may_v be_v call_v a_o national_a church_n have_v many_o dissent_v of_o opinion_n appertain_v to_o it_o and_o not_o possible_a to_o be_v decide_v by_o express_a scripture_n there_o be_v no_o christian_a nation_n under_o heaven_n in_o those_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o it_o be_v write_v i_o shall_v leave_v whole_o in_o the_o middle_n and_o only_o observe_v two_o thing_n concern_v this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o there_o can_v no_o great_a matter_n accrue_v to_o either_o side_n of_o it_o by_o decide_v for_o or_o against_o a_o national_a church_n for_o allow_v a_o national_a church_n or_o if_o you_o will_v a_o congregational_a church_n agree_v in_o any_o thing_n not_o agree_v with_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n or_o if_o either_o of_o they_o want_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o case_n christian_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o retire_v from_o the_o irregularity_n of_o any_o such_o church_n either_o national_a or_o congregational_a that_o they_o may_v be_v pure_a from_o corruption_n in_o the_o second_o case_n christian_n must_v find_v out_o the_o way_n and_o opportunity_n so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a whereby_o they_o may_v perform_v all_o the_o duty_n command_v by_o christ_n though_o they_o separate_v from_o either_o of_o those_o church_n no_o further_o than_o to_o those_o end_n but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o corruption_n in_o the_o main_n or_o a_o defect_n in_o the_o vital_n of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n of_o christ_n in_o either_o notion_n or_o church_n that_o will_v not_o be_v upon_o due_a remonstrance_n reform_v then_o if_o according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n christian_n gather_v into_o assembly_n though_o lesser_a though_o but_o of_o two_o or_o three_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o inconvenience_n of_o rend_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o make_v division_n in_o his_o church_n shall_v condemn_v they_o for_o the_o society_n desert_v be_v not_o his_o church_n but_o the_o society_n that_o do_v desert_n be_v his_o church_n suppose_v it_o retire_v sincere_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o other_o side_n suppose_v a_o national_a church_n not_o of_o the_o ordination_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o under_o that_o name_n or_o notion_n yet_o if_o that_o stand_v good_a which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o every_o nation_n to_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n establish_v in_o nature_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n to_o plant_v true_a christian_a religion_n upon_o its_o national_a union_n it_o will_v be_v still_o every_o christian_n duty_n to_o join_v in_o unite_z himself_z with_o encourage_v and_o promote_v all_o that_o true_a national_a christian_n religion_n and_o not_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o any_o further_a than_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n oblige_v he_o that_o he_o may_v yield_v obedience_n to_o all_o those_o law_n for_o it_o be_v the_o absolute_a duty_n of_o every_o member_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o seek_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o his_o nation_n in_o his_o sphere_n as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v of_o the_o jew_n in_o so_o high_a a_o orb_n when_o he_o profess_v his_o great_a heaviness_n and_o sorrow_n of_o heart_n even_o to_o the_o wish_v himself_o accurse_v from_o christ_n and_o pray_v with_o his_o heart_n desire_v they_o may_v be_v save_v on_o account_n of_o which_o in_o so_o many_o thing_n he_o become_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o jew_n and_o write_v that_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n it_o be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n to_o i_o most_o probable_a it_o be_v he_o that_o he_o may_v make_v good_a all_o those_o great_a profession_n of_o love_n to_o they_o for_o though_o it_o be_v peculiar_o direct_v to_o the_o christian_a hebrew_n yet_o it_o have_v a_o aspect_n upon_o the_o whole_a religion_n and_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o scope_n of_o adjust_v all_o the_o mosaic_a and_o jewish_a law_n to_o the_o gospel-mediation_n make_v plain_a and_o so_o be_v in_o itself_o most_o proper_a for_o the_o conversion_n of_o that_o nation_n as_o a_o nation_n see_v their_o own_a and_o glory_v in_o national_a religion_n true_o understand_v lead_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n just_o now_o to_o have_v be_v their_o national_a religion_n if_o they_o have_v yield_v obedience_n to_o their_o own_o law_n right_o interpret_v now_o if_o national_a religion_n be_v a_o undoubted_a obligation_n upon_o nation_n and_o the_o member_n of_o nation_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v true_a those_o law_n those_o officer_n that_o be_v though_o not_o ordain_v by_o christ_n yet_o not_o contradictory_n to_o his_o ordination_n but_o necessary_a according_a to_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n to_o the_o establish_v true_a religion_n as_o national_a must_v be_v submit_v to_o also_o upon_o the_o account_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o true_a religion_n as_o national_a but_o if_o national_a religion_n wander_v from_o truth_n that_o fundamental_a liberty_n establish_v by_o scripture_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v always_o preserve_v that_o i_o before_o assert_v as_o give_v right_o to_o retire_v from_o all_o society_n not_o unite_v in_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o defection_n from_o it_o but_o for_o the_o further_o justify_v national_a true_a religion_n i_o will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n observe_v from_o scripture_n the_o uses_n and_o great_a end_n of_o church_n and_o see_v how_o far_o national_a religion_n may_v be_v accommodate_v to_o they_o for_o church_n be_v not_o therefore_o appoint_v that_o man_n may_v arbitrary_o and_o fanciful_o choose_v which_o or_o what_o sort_n they_o will_v be_v of_o but_o that_o the_o true_a reason_n and_o purpose_n of_o they_o may_v be_v observe_v and_o comply_v with_o and_o they_o be_v these_o three_o 1._o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o generation_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n however_o disperse_v at_o whatever_o distance_n soever_o remote_a yet_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n prayer_n preach_v praise_v god_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o if_o opportunity_n allow_v and_o invite_v it_o in_o the_o same_o actual_a worship_n and_o at_o all_o time_n close_o compact_v in_o a_o virtual_a and_o mystical_a communion_n with_o one_o another_o the_o same_o spirit_n run_v through_o all_o unite_n all_o to_o christ_n and_o god_n and_o one_o with_o another_o join_v in_o the_o same_o love_n and_o sympathy_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o prosperity_n and_o of_o sorrow_n in_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n one_o of_o another_o and_o with_o all_o readiness_n in_o yield_v the_o fruit_n of_o mutual_a charity_n mercy_n and_o compassion_n from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o the_o other_o every_o true_a christian_a be_v the_o compassionate_a samaritan_n to_o every_o other_o christian_a and_o not_o jewish_o distinguish_v his_o mercy_n to_o his_o own_o sect_n party_n or_o church_n and_o in_o case_n of_o corruption_n and_o defection_n from_o the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v to_o christian_n a_o mutual_a power_n of_o remonstrate_v against_o those_o corruption_n and_o that_o defection_n by_o argue_v expostulate_v censure_v the_o evil_a of_o they_o yea_o and_o authoritative_a denounce_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n upon_o they_o for_o that_o charter_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o true_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o true_a church_n stand_v good_a as_o to_o age_n so_o to_o
divine_a the_o great_a use_n of_o council_n be_v therefore_o so_o to_o debate_v and_o bring_v thing_n to_o a_o result_n by_o a_o confluence_n of_o wisdom_n and_o learning_n that_o we_o may_v see_v divine_a truth_n in_o their_o own_o light_n in_o scripture-light_n to_o hold_v out_o which_o they_o be_v but_o ministerial_o employ_v and_o not_o to_o impose_v upon_o any_o under_o the_o name_n of_o public_a for_o that_o alone_o be_v public_a that_o be_v divine_a all_o comparison_n of_o private_n among_o themselves_o must_v needs_o be_v lose_v in_o this_o public_a before_o which_o the_o great_a name_n of_o public_a be_v but_o as_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o bucket_n and_o the_o small_a dust_n of_o the_o balance_n and_o the_o union_n with_o that_o true_a public_a make_v the_o most_o private_a a_o public_a and_o separation_n from_o it_o the_o most_o seem_o public_a a_o most_o idiottal_n private_a and_o it_o be_v very_o happy_a if_o the_o experiment_n hereof_o be_v not_o too_o evident_a in_o the_o 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be_v understand_v by_o the_o church_n answ_n the_o church_n be_v the_o catholic_n congregation_n of_o mankind_n call_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o that_o word_n itself_o and_o which_o be_v call_v itself_o be_v entrust_v to_o call_v other_o to_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o so_o be_v govern_v and_o govern_v according_a to_o it_o by_o daily_a exercise_n in_o and_o according_a to_o that_o word_n quest_n why_o do_v you_o give_v the_o church_n the_o stile_n of_o a_o congregation_n be_v not_o the_o part_n of_o it_o so_o distant_a that_o they_o can_v be_v congregat_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n answ_n they_o be_v yet_o all_o so_o unite_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o this_o sacred_a word_n and_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o it_o as_o to_o be_v most_o proper_o call_v a_o congregation_n in_o that_o regard_n quest_n but_o still_o how_o can_v the_o church_n be_v call_v a_o congregation_n see_v that_o speak_v it_o always_o actual_o 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congregation_n call_v by_o the_o word_n answ_n because_o humane_a nature_n uncalled_a lie_v in_o the_o lapse_n of_o separation_n from_o god_n in_o private_a and_o false_a religion_n and_o in_o those_o assembly_n just_o brand_v as_o before_o till_o it_o be_v recall_v by_o he_o into_o the_o church_n unite_v again_o to_o he_o so_o that_o a_o church_n be_v not_o a_o natural_a but_o a_o supernatural_a assembly_n yet_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o embrace_v all_o true_a nature_n anâ—_n the_o association_n of_o it_o into_o itself_o quest_n why_o be_v the_o church_n describe_v to_o be_v one_o catholic_n congregation_n when_o both_o scripture_n and_o daily_a observation_n assure_v we_o there_o have_v be_v and_o be_v so_o many_o particular_a congregation_n very_o regular_a church_n and_o due_o so_o style_v answ_n because_o the_o church_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v distinguish_v only_o by_o the_o several_a accidental_a reception_n they_o find_v and_o yet_o still_o 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heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o be_v at_o last_o consummate_v with_o they_o to_o eternity_n quest_n how_o be_v this_o church_n congregat_v answ_n it_o be_v begin_v and_o have_v always_o increase_v by_o particular_a person_n convert_v and_o bring_v home_o to_o god_n according_a to_o his_o word_n in_o several_a age_n and_o succession_n for_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o church_n be_v not_o a_o society_n form_v by_o a_o common_a consent_n of_o man_n or_o by_o their_o will_n but_o its_o several_a part_n be_v add_v by_o god_n so_o that_o it_o consist_v of_o all_o that_o be_v inward_o and_o true_o of_o that_o catholic_n religion_n in_o god_n the_o father_n and_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o in_o which_o meet_v all_o that_o have_v be_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v thus_o convert_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o church_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v triumphant_a in_o glory_n quest_n the_o call_v then_o that_o make_v this_o 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fanciful_a distinction_n of_o themselves_o under_o christ_n as_o a_o ordinary_a chief_a of_o a_o party_n and_o not_o as_o the_o divine_a head_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n in_o the_o catholic_n truth_n even_o as_o he_o err_v that_o vulgar_o call_v christ_n good_a not_o know_v he_o to_o be_v god_n the_o supreme_o solely_n good_n quest_n be_v they_o all_o true_a convert_v that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n answ_n all_o that_o be_v indeed_o the_o church_n be_v so_o but_o all_o that_o may_v appertain_v to_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o as_o all_o that_o be_v of_o israel_n be_v not_o israel_n there_o be_v a_o visible_a profession_n that_o be_v too_o often_o not_o sincere_a yet_o this_o make_v man_n of_o or_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n but_o not_o true_o the_o church_n many_o be_v so_o call_v that_o be_v not_o choose_v but_o all_o that_o be_v true_o the_o church_n be_v also_o true_o call_v and_o true_o convert_v not_o only_o outward_o and_o visible_o the_o church_n but_o inward_o and_o 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a_o often_o eat_v or_o brouse_v it_o off_o a_o retrench_a of_o it_o again_o and_o again_o it_o shall_v cast_v the_o leave_v of_o its_o mere_a professor_n as_o the_o teyle-tree_n or_o oak_n when_o yet_o their_o substance_n be_v in_o they_o the_o holy_a seed_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o isa_n 6._o ult_n not_o lose_v they_o it_o lose_v nothing_o quest_n in_o what_o sense_n be_v it_o then_o say_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n answ_n it_o be_v undoubted_a none_o can_v fail_v while_o they_o be_v the_o church_n while_o unite_v to_o truth_n to_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n to_o christ_n the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n it_o be_v also_o certain_a from_o this_o high_a declaration_n there_o always_o shall_v be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n so_o unite_v hades_n or_o mortality_n shall_v not_o prevail_v over_o it_o and_o how_o much_o far_o it_o assure_v the_o perseverance_n of_o those_o that_o be_v once_o true_o the_o church_n i_o leave_v the_o thing_n itself_o to_o speak_v it_o be_v say_v they_o that_o overcome_v be_v pillar_n that_o never_o go_v out_o of_o it_o and_o they_o that_o go_v out_o of_o it_o be_v not_o of_o it_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v indeed_o of_o it_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v continue_v with_o it_o and_o how_o the_o church_n itself_o shall_v always_o continue_v if_o any_o true_a member_n of_o it_o may_v perish_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o conceive_v quest_n how_o be_v the_o church_n ordain_v by_o god_n to_o actuate_v scripture_n as_o it_o be_v the_o record_n of_o catholic_n religion_n answ_n the_o apostle_n in_o his_o noble_a description_n of_o the_o church_n have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o instruction_n herein_o in_o those_o three_o honourable_a title_n he_o have_v give_v it_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o house_n of_o the_o live_n god_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o truth_n quest_n before_o the_o explanation_n of_o each_o of_o these_o title_n in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v determine_v whether_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o catholic_n or_o of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n answ_n although_o i_o have_v already_o affirm_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n differ_v from_o a_o particular_a true_a church_n only_o in_o the_o compass_n and_o comprehensiveness_n of_o it_o yet_o i_o very_o willing_o represent_v it_o over_o again_o in_o this_o instance_n these_o thing_n be_v true_o apply_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o every_o particular_a church_n nay_o it_o reach_v down_o to_o every_o single_a live_a member_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o that_o god_n make_v his_o abode_n with_o he_o dwell_v in_o he_o he_o be_v a_o pillar_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o truth_n rest_v and_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o shall_v be_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o so_o that_o he_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o have_v more_o of_o the_o church_n in_o he_o than_o great_a seem_a portion_n of_o it_o that_o err_v from_o the_o truth_n quest_n if_o you_o please_v now_o to_o proceed_v in_o the_o explanation_n of_o these_o title_n and_o first_o what_o be_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n for_o the_o actuate_a the_o scripture_n answ_n god_n the_o most_o high_a possessor_n and_o owner_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n place_n his_o court_n family_n and_o particular_a residence_n where_o he_o please_v and_o he_o have_v choose_v the_o church_n to_o be_v this_o to_o he_o this_o be_v my_o rest_n here_o will_v i_o dwell_v for_o ever_o for_o i_o have_v desire_v it_o heaven_n be_v my_o throne_n earth_n be_v my_o footstool_n where_o be_v the_o house_n you_o will_v build_v i_o to_o this_o man_n will_v i_o look_v that_o tremble_v at_o my_o word_n and_o where_o god_n dwell_v there_o he_o manifest_v himself_o as_o a_o master_n of_o a_o family_n make_v know_v in_o his_o house_n and_o family_n his_o nature_n will_n law_n and_o government_n so_o god_n do_v in_o his_o church_n in_o judah_n be_v god_n know_v his_o name_n be_v great_a in_o israel_n in_o his_o church_n he_o show_v the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n expect_v and_o reward_n service_n as_o a_o great_a master_n and_o make_v know_v his_o dislike_n and_o displeasure_n this_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o church_n by_o those_o many_o way_n that_o god_n have_v of_o bring_v his_o word_n to_o any_o place_n or_o person_n give_v it_o reception_n among_o they_o and_o then_o stir_v up_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o hear_v his_o voice_n to_o search_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o to_o understand_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v as_o a_o voice_n continual_o behind_o they_o in_o his_o temple_n therefore_o in_o his_o house_n every_o one_o must_v needs_o speak_v of_o his_o glory_n his_o word_n can_v lie_v still_o for_o all_o be_v concern_v to_o meditate_v ponder_v inquire_v and_o discourse_n of_o it_o and_o be_v by_o supreme_a management_n excite_v so_o to_o do_v and_o so_o much_o as_o this_o exercise_n in_o his_o word_n be_v by_o any_o mean_v depress_v so_o far_o god_n be_v withdraw_v and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o church-state_n lose_v now_o of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n there_o be_v this_o great_a type_n god_n dwell_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o in_o a_o palace_n there_o be_v such_o a_o diet_n of_o shewbread_n change_v every_o day_n of_o sacrifice_n of_o all_o sort_n such_o perfume_n of_o incense_n and_o odour_n such_o officer_n and_o servant_n attend_v continual_o such_o resort_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n to_o the_o court_n of_o this_o great_a king_n and_o princely_a housholder_n together_o with_o this_o state_n run_v along_o in_o a_o mighty_a stream_n god_n show_v his_o word_n to_o jacob_n his_o statute_n and_o judgement_n to_o israel_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o pomp_n and_o ceremonial_a part_n be_v whole_o transfer_v into_o spirituality_n but_o spirituality_n be_v not_o low_o but_o high_a in_o the_o substance_n of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v figure_v by_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o that_o state_n the_o communication_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v much_o exalt_v in_o the_o true_a christian_a church_n that_o the_o light_n of_o one_o day_n be_v now_o as_o much_o as_o the_o light_n of_o seven_o be_v before_o thus_o the_o church_n as_o the_o family_n of_o god_n can_v but_o actuate_v his_o word_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n do_v the_o church_n support_v truth_n answ_n not_o so_o for_o itself_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o
find_v the_o truth_n by_o itself_o and_o then_o the_o church_n by_o that_o truth_n and_o not_o the_o church_n by_o itself_o and_o then_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o church_n answ_n very_o true_a for_o god_n have_v so_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n establish_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n truth_n can_v give_v many_o assurance_n of_o itself_o to_o we_o by_o itself_o so_o suit_v to_o our_o faculty_n the_o church_n can_v give_v we_o none_o but_o by_o its_o agreement_n with_o truth_n reveal_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o can_v not_o have_v know_v such_o a_o congregation_n as_o the_o church_n at_o all_o to_o be_v much_o less_o which_o it_o be_v but_o by_o that_o word_n manifest_v itself_o in_o our_o conscience_n and_o so_o distinguish_v to_o we_o the_o true_a church_n among_o the_o many_o association_n in_o the_o world_n each_o call_n to_o we_o as_o have_v the_o best_a religion_n among_o themselves_o even_o the_o true_a apostle_n themselves_o can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o and_o false_a apostle_n try_v and_o find_v liar_n no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o this_o truth_n view_v and_o consider_v single_o and_o distinct_o by_o itself_o quest_n but_o when_o we_o have_v find_v the_o church_n by_o the_o truth_n may_v we_o not_o then_o deliver_v up_o ourselves_o whole_o to_o the_o church_n as_o so_o unite_v to_o truth_n answ_n no_o by_o no_o mean_n we_o can_v never_o so_o deliver_v up_o ourselves_o nor_o will_v the_o true_a church_n desire_v any_o such_o thing_n of_o we_o see_v its_o office_n be_v not_o to_o hold_v out_o itself_o but_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o do_v any_o thing_n else_o it_o act_v not_o as_o a_o church_n but_o as_o any_o other_o ordinary_a society_n and_o on_o no_o other_o term_n can_v we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o it_o for_o the_o very_a attempt_n to_o hold_v out_o as_o a_o church_n any_o law_n of_o its_o own_o aught_o to_o enter_v we_o into_o a_o jealousy_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v as_o a_o church_n the_o pillar_n and_o rest_n of_o divine_a truth_n only_o quest_n what_o reason_n be_v there_o of_o such_o a_o jealousy_n when_o once_o we_o have_v find_v it_o a_o church_n by_o the_o truth_n it_o hold_v out_o answ_n because_o a_o church_n that_o have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n may_v several_a way_n decline_v from_o its_o state_n quest_n how_o then_o can_v it_o he_o say_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o answ_n that_o prophetic_a promise_n do_v not_o secure_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n with_o which_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a my_o word_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n or_o thy_o seed_n seed_n for_o ever_o but_o it_o be_v yet_o further_o true_a the_o true_a seed_n the_o holy_a seed_n the_o substance_n of_o the_o church_n can_v never_o utter_o and_o final_o fail_v in_o any_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o for_o if_o it_o can_v it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o violation_n of_o our_o saviour_n truth_n in_o that_o declaration_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n or_o force_v that_o immortal_a retrograde_a into_o mortality_n even_o that_o most_o dreadful_a one_o of_o the_o second_o death_n for_o which_o a_o succession_n of_o other_o and_o in_o the_o same_o danger_n be_v but_o a_o faint_a salvo_n though_o it_o go_v on_o so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n quest_n who_o be_v this_o true_a church_n in_o every_o age_n and_o place_n answ_n they_o which_o be_v by_o true_a save_v faith_n unite_v to_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o rock_n of_o eternity_n and_o be_v so_o found_v upon_o he_o be_v pillar_n that_o never_o remove_v and_o a_o rest_n of_o truth_n for_o ever_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o learn_v it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n quest_n who_o be_v the_o professionary_n church_n only_a answ_n they_o that_o though_o they_o may_v as_o artificial_a pillar_n give_v some_o ornament_n to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o offer_v truth_n yet_o not_o be_v indeed_o unite_v to_o the_o foundation_n be_v movable_a and_o may_v go_v out_o of_o the_o house_n they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n and_o obedience_n of_o it_o within_o themselves_o and_o so_o may_v fall_v away_o from_o it_o it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o they_o as_o of_o the_o former_a the_o truth_n shall_v be_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o have_v make_v its_o edrâ—â—â—ma_n or_o settlement_n in_o they_o quest_n how_o do_v the_o professionary_n church_n fall_v away_o in_o the_o bulk_n and_o body_n of_o its_o professor_n and_o profession_n answ_n the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o actuate_v truth_n and_o only_a truth_n it_o may_v fail_v either_o in_o abate_v the_o fervour_n due_a to_o truth_n though_o nothing_o false_a or_o forreign_n be_v admit_v or_o in_o receive_v falsehood_n or_o thing_n of_o a_o base_a alloy_n for_o truth_n and_o waste_v those_o fervour_n due_a only_o to_o truth_n upon_o they_o the_o one_o may_v be_v call_v a_o depart_n from_o the_o true_a state_n of_o a_o church_n the_o other_o from_o the_o state_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o they_o usual_o meet_v one_o in_o another_o quest_n how_o do_v this_o come_v to_o pass_v answ_n from_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o present_a sinful_a state_n permit_v thing_n so_o to_o themselves_o that_o in_o very_a few_o instance_n it_o be_v but_o that_o the_o imperfection_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o prevail_a corruption_n of_o professionary_n christian_n change_v the_o holy_a lively_a activity_n of_o the_o true_a state_n of_o a_o church_n into_o lukewarmness_n and_o formality_n or_o by_o admit_v falsehood_n and_o impure_a mixture_n into_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n corrupt_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o it_o lose_v its_o truth_n quest_n what_o become_v of_o the_o professionary_n church_n when_o it_o lose_v the_o true_a state_n of_o a_o church_n answ_n it_o be_v as_o the_o prophet_n express_v a_o civil_a state_n or_o a_o city_n that_o have_v lose_v its_o splendour_n it_o become_v like_o a_o burn_a mountain_n or_o extinguish_v globe_n of_o light_n it_o retain_v the_o form_n but_o lose_v the_o life_n and_o vigour_n of_o a_o church_n like_o ephesus_n that_o lose_v its_o first_o love_n or_o sardis_n that_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a or_o laodicea_n that_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a quest_n what_o become_v of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v corrupt_v and_o lose_v in_o its_o truth_n answ_n it_o exchange_n the_o lively_a oracle_n for_o form_n of_o doctrine_n and_o lifeless_a discourse_n not_o of_o the_o high_a spirit_n of_o scripture_n it_o debase_v pure_a worship_n into_o ceremonialness_n superstition_n or_o idolatry_n and_o the_o gospel_n rule_n and_o discipline_n it_o sell_v for_o a_o worldly_a polity_n and_o the_o true_a grace_n of_o christianity_n express_v in_o a_o holy_a conversation_n for_o what_o be_v much_o beneath_o or_o contrary_a sometime_o it_o forsake_v truth_n in_o some_o fundamental_a article_n that_o it_o swell_v out_o from_o the_o foundation_n in_o a_o breach_n ready_a to_o fall_v and_o there_o be_v one_o instance_n of_o all_o these_o in_o the_o antichurch_n which_o will_v deserve_v a_o great_a consideration_n quest_n how_o do_v god_n deal_v with_o such_o church_n answ_n sometime_o sweep_v they_o with_o the_o besom_n of_o destruction_n take_v away_o both_o the_o candlestick_n and_o place_n of_o it_o together_o alienes_n both_o to_o they_o and_o their_o religion_n thrust_v they_o out_o of_o their_o whole_a possession_n sometime_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o continue_v even_o for_o age_n yet_o so_o that_o their_o candlestick_n be_v move_v out_o of_o its_o due_a stately_a positure_n hardly_o appear_v like_o a_o candlestick_n and_o that_o by_o the_o indignation_n of_o god_n quest_n in_o these_o case_n how_o do_v it_o fare_v with_o the_o true_a holy_a seed_n the_o substantial_a church_n answ_n god_n chasten_v they_o to_o repentance_n self-purification_n and_o great_a zeal_n in_o that_o case_n of_o the_o church_n lose_v its_o brightness_n and_o vigour_n that_o they_o may_v recover_v their_o first_o state_n and_o work_n and_o set_v they_o on_o work_n to_o retrieve_v truth_n lose_v in_o that_o other_o case_n of_o the_o church_n defection_n quest_n how_o be_v it_o with_o they_o when_o the_o very_a place_n and_o candlestick_n be_v take_v away_o answ_n they_o be_v either_o first_o remove_v into_o the_o high_a state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n or_o drive_v before_o into_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n by_o persecution_n or_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o judgement_n make_v no_o distinction_n but_o carry_v
digest_v their_o reason_n and_o take_v in_o the_o light_n they_o judge_v by_o so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o their_o own_o else_o if_o they_o can_v find_v their_o reason_n nor_o acquit_v themselves_o from_o doubt_n they_o must_v suspend_v for_o a_o christian_n be_v command_v by_o his_o lord_n to_o call_v no_o man_n upon_o earth_n master_n or_o father_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o answ_n it_o be_v this_o very_a thing_n that_o we_o shall_v receive_v nothing_o as_o doctrine_n or_o indisputable_a truth_n or_o precept_n upon_o any_o man_n word_n that_o do_v not_o offer_v such_o reason_n and_o authority_n from_o god_n and_o his_o word_n that_o we_o ourselves_o see_v reason_n not_o to_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n quest_n but_o be_v it_o not_o say_v that_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o watch_v for_o our_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o the_o same_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o surrender_v our_o judgement_n to_o they_o how_o can_v they_o give_v a_o account_n answ_n they_o that_o rule_n over_o we_o watch_v for_o our_o soul_n and_o must_v give_v a_o account_n as_o ezekiel_n prophet_n and_o watchman_n by_z giving_z warn_v lay_v truth_n before_o we_o offer_v the_o sincere_a word_n of_o god_n in_o all_o case_n the_o success_n of_o which_o upon_o soul_n convert_v and_o save_v be_v their_o crown_n and_o glory_n and_o their_o unsuccess_n look_v like_o a_o sorrow_n to_o see_v those_o soul_n lose_v for_o who_o they_o labour_v in_o vain_a and_o spend_v their_o strength_n upon_o they_o for_o nought_o yet_o so_o that_o if_o they_o have_v be_v faithful_a though_o without_o success_n their_o reward_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o their_o work_n with_o god_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o every_o man_n be_v so_o to_o account_v for_o his_o own_o soul_n that_o the_o very_a success_n be_v not_o a_o blind_a obedience_n to_o ruler_n but_o as_o be_v say_v a_o receive_v the_o word_n not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o these_o watchman_n neglect_v their_o duty_n or_o seduce_v instead_o of_o teach_v man_n be_v to_o apply_v to_o better_a mean_n afford_v by_o god_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o still_o die_v in_o their_o iniquity_n and_o follow_v their_o blind_a leader_n fall_v into_o the_o pit_n which_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a argument_n that_o we_o may_v trust_v in_o no_o man_n but_o in_o god_n only_o for_o if_o a_o implicit_a faith_n can_v be_v a_o save_a faith_n it_o shall_v save_v those_o that_o follow_v such_o guide_n though_o they_o themselves_o be_v just_o condemn_v in_o not_o discharge_v their_o trust_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n to_o be_v trust_v at_o a_o high_a rate_n than_o thus_o answ_n no_o there_o be_v such_o evident_a mark_n of_o divine_a doctrine_n always_o give_v by_o god_n to_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v love_n and_o obey_v he_o that_o even_o the_o very_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v without_o they_o nor_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o according_a to_o they_o nay_o to_o be_v plain_o anathematise_v if_o they_o vary_v from_o it_o christian_n be_v therefore_o to_o judge_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o the_o thing_n speak_v be_v so_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o undoubted_a principle_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v as_o standard_n to_o all_o that_o come_v after_o beside_o the_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o know_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o all_o humane_a teach_v and_o instruction_n hereby_o take_v away_o and_o what_o become_v of_o the_o ministry_n the_o eldership_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o rule_n answ_n they_o be_v all_o hereby_o establish_v for_o they_o be_v the_o ordination_n of_o god_n to_o this_o very_a purpose_n to_o make_v man_n see_v to_o bring_v they_o light_n to_o clear_a thing_n to_o they_o that_o by_o the_o awaken_n their_o judgement_n the_o summon_n and_o collect_v their_o principle_n they_o may_v see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n the_o holy_a spirit_n gracious_o adjoin_v itself_o to_o their_o ministry_n they_o have_v no_o dominion_n over_o their_o faith_n but_o be_v helper_n of_o their_o joy_n that_o be_v they_o facilitate_v and_o make_v pleasant_a the_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n of_o religion_n and_o they_o rule_v by_o exhort_v admonish_a rebuke_v comfort_v and_o even_o command_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n on_o account_n of_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v and_o high_o esteem_v for_o their_o work_n sake_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o no_o man_n be_v exclude_v from_o his_o own_o office_n to_o himself_o for_o every_o particular_a christian_a be_v in_o some_o sense_n a_o congregation_n and_o preacher_n to_o himself_o as_o solomon_n his_o conscience_n have_v the_o key_n bind_v and_o lose_v within_o itself_o nay_o christian_n be_v not_o exclude_v from_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n when_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n on_o their_o side_n they_o may_v plead_v and_o reason_n with_o their_o mother_n hos_n 2._o 2._o when_o they_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o their_o teacher_n or_o the_o ruler_n rule_v not_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o that_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n even_o rule_v their_o ruler_n and_o prove_v the_o more_o noble_a organ_n of_o the_o church_n when_o those_o that_o shall_v rule_v it_o be_v as_o the_o idol_n eye_n that_o see_v not_o ear_n that_o hear_v not_o or_o as_o the_o idol_n shepherd_n a_o blast_n be_v upon_o their_o right_a hand_n and_o right-eye_n that_o their_o arm_n be_v clean_o dry_v up_o and_o their_o eye_n utter_o darken_v the_o most_o naked_a unfurnished_a christian_a with_o outward_a accomplishment_n that_o yet_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v among_o the_o prophet_n in_o such_o a_o time_n of_o necessity_n cap._n xii_o of_o schism_n and_o scandal_n quest_n from_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n of_o the_o church_n i_o conceive_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o schism_n may_v be_v deduce_v i_o desire_v you_o therefore_o to_o explain_v what_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o schism_n be_v answ_n the_o question_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n follow_v very_o pertinent_o upon_o the_o right_a settlement_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n now_o the_o whole_a be_v of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o its_o union_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o love_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n and_o that_o it_o receive_v all_o its_o member_n into_o union_n with_o itself_o by_o their_o be_v first_o unite_v as_o itself_o be_v schism_n which_o be_v division_n must_v needs_o in_o its_o strict_a and_o most_o formal_a notion_n be_v a_o division_n from_o that_o truth_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v one_o and_o so_o from_o the_o love_n consequent_a upon_o such_o a_o union_n quest_n what_o be_v that_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o which_o the_o church_n be_v one_o answ_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n or_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o law_n and_o command_n in_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v quest_n how_o be_v the_o love_n of_o the_o church_n unite_v in_o these_o answ_n it_o be_v a_o love_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o hereby_o we_o know_v we_o love_v the_o brethren_n when_o we_o love_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n john_n epist_n 2._o no_o love_n how_o great_a soever_o be_v christian-love_n nor_o union_n how_o close_o soever_o christian-union_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v the_o schism_n that_o be_v a_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n must_v be_v a_o disunion_n from_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o love_n spring_v from_o that_o faith_n and_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o any_o other_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o church_n quest_n how_o do_v schism_n differ_v from_o heresy_n answ_n heresy_n in_o the_o high_a sense_n and_o worst_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v a_o disunion_n from_o truth_n in_o some_o fundamental_a and_o grand_a concernment_n of_o religion_n either_o in_o the_o doctrine_n or_o command_v of_o god_n so_o that_o a_o man_n be_v subvert_v and_o sin_v and_o must_v needs_o be_v condemn_v of_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o assembly_n of_o truth_n both_o by_o himself_o and_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o that_o both_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o christian-love_n he_o be_v so_o separate_v schism_n be_v a_o disunion_n in_o some_o less_o momentous_a part_n
all_o but_o one_o great_a lie_n of_o this_o son_n of_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n the_o image_n of_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n the_o son_n of_o his_o falsehood_n and_o perdition_n contrary_a to_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n in_o truth_n and_o love_n but_o if_o any_o one_o receive_v christianity_n or_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o antichurch_n and_o measure_v they_o in_o and_o by_o themselves_o separate_v true_a christianity_n from_o the_o antichristianism_n and_o retain_v it_o pure_a it_o be_v but_o like_o the_o service_n god_n receive_v from_o the_o false_a prophet_n baalam_n when_o he_o prophesy_v truth_n into_o who_o place_n and_o office_n antichrist_n succeed_v and_o be_v therefore_o style_v the_o false_a prophet_n revel_v 16._o 13._o quest_n what_o then_o can_v this_o pretend_a catholic_n church_n be_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o true_a catholic_n public_a religion_n answ_n it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o upon_o strict_a account_n than_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n the_o pseudocatholick_a antichurch_n in_o a_o damnable_a heresy_n from_o and_o hatred_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v write_v in_o heaven_n unite_v with_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o love_n and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n in_o truth_n and_o love_n in_o a_o hellish_a schism_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o apostolic_a catholic_n church_n of_o which_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n quest_n how_o can_v it_o be_v believe_v that_o so_o great_a a_o lie_n upon_o christianity_n shall_v be_v receive_v by_o so_o large_a a_o proportion_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n or_o that_o person_n of_o so_o vast_a ability_n and_o comprehension_n shall_v so_o deceive_v other_o or_o be_v themselves_o deceive_v answ_n scripture_n have_v take_v all_o the_o care_n possible_a to_o arm_v we_o against_o this_o objection_n which_o be_v indeed_o very_o great_a it_o call_v this_o apostasy_n a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o the_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o revelation_n point_n to_o the_o same_o thing_n upon_o the_o forehead_n of_o this_o adulterous_a church_n be_v write_v mystery_n now_o a_o mystery_n if_o it_o be_v present_o understand_v and_o all_o easy_a and_o plain_a be_v no_o mystery_n it_o have_v the_o energy_n of_o delusion_n in_o cause_v man_n to_o believe_v a_o lie_n it_o be_v the_o whole_a deceit_n of_o unrighteousness_n it_o set_v up_o a_o great_a stage_n of_o counterfeit_n miracle_n that_o it_o vaunt_v upon_o and_o that_o it_o may_v have_v that_o reverend_a face_n of_o antiquity_n to_o deceive_v with_o and_o say_v it_o come_v from_o a_o far-off_a age_n it_o be_v a_o mystery_n that_o be_v then_o at_o work_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n last_o it_o have_v its_o effect_n upon_o they_o that_o may_v be_v christian_n and_o receive_v truth_n but_o not_o the_o chaste_a unprostitute_n love_n of_o truth_n alone_o quest_n but_o it_o seem_v impossible_a that_o any_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o have_v be_v once_o disabused_a shall_v return_v any_o more_o under_o so_o great_a a_o delusion_n answ_n there_o be_v very_o great_a hope_n that_o god_n who_o have_v command_v his_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o this_o darkness_n will_v interpose_v by_o the_o perpetual_a brightness_n of_o his_o own_o appearance_n and_o by_o that_o divine_a breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n in_o his_o word_n against_o the_o return_n of_o so_o great_a a_o darkness_n this_o set_v aside_o there_o be_v so_o many_o reason_n of_o fear_n and_o such_o possibility_n of_o lay_v a_o train_n of_o cause_n reach_v to_o such_o a_o effect_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o place_n for_o security_n but_o in_o the_o almighty_a providence_n and_o yet_o what_o degree_n of_o that_o deadly_a scourge_n may_v fall_v on_o the_o protestant_a world_n god_n only_o know_v we_o know_v our_o sin_n deserve_v very_o ill_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o great_a security_n under_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o providence_n against_o so_o great_a desolation_n upon_o true_a christian_a religion_n answ_n a_o perfect_a acquiescency_n of_o the_o protestant_a nation_n upon_o the_o foursquare_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o resolvedness_n not_o to_o move_v from_o thence_o for_o as_o a_o foursquare_n never_o remove_v from_o its_o own_o base_a because_o it_o be_v all_o base_a so_o they_o that_o be_v square_v to_o it_o and_o settle_v upon_o it_o never_o move_v for_o it_o always_o bear_v they_o alike_o with_o itself_o and_o by_o its_o own_o justness_n recall_v they_o if_o they_o offer_v to_o wander_v mere_a angry_a prejudice_n against_o this_o or_o that_o false_a religion_n be_v not_o enough_o without_o be_v thus_o ground_v upon_o truth_n entertainment_n of_o truth_n with_o any_o addittament_n will_v secure_v no_o man_n for_o he_o that_o receive_v one_o addition_n may_v receive_v another_o he_o that_o receive_v truth_n lie_v foursquare_n with_o itself_o be_v call_v back_o by_o that_o even_o of_o truth_n he_o that_o add_v one_o to_o it_o and_o make_v it_o odd_a may_v go_v on_o indefinite_o as_o popery_n have_v do_v because_o he_o have_v forsakent_a he_o just_o even_o that_o shall_v stay_v he_o he_o can_v no_o long_o wait_v for_o the_o voice_n of_o truth_n that_o by_o itself_o always_o answer_v itself_o but_o to_o what_o be_v not_o like_o itself_o it_o will_v not_o answer_v but_o discover_v it_o to_o be_v off_o from_o this_o square_n it_o will_v not_o on_o any_o respect_n harken_v to_o any_o thing_n different_a because_o it_o will_v not_o be_v solicit_v to_o move_v from_o itself_o so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a the_o law_n of_o symmetry_n and_o commensuration_n be_v the_o great_a security_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o ascertain_v the_o true_a church_n both_o to_o itself_o and_o all_o beholder_n for_o addition_n to_o religion_n like_o surd_o or_o irrational_a figure_n incommensurable_a to_o the_o rational_a square_n can_v never_o be_v reduce_v to_o this_o foursquare_n of_o truth_n but_o be_v like_o the_o deaf_a adder_n that_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o reason_n charm_v never_o so_o wise_o nor_o can_v they_o ever_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o certainty_n or_o exactness_n with_o themselves_o but_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o day_n another_o to_o morrow_n but_o divine_a truth_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rational_a certain_a express_o itself_o deaf_a indeed_o to_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n the_o same_o for_o ever_o he_o therefore_o that_o daily_o ponder_v meditate_v upon_o have_v a_o just_a measure_n of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o divine_a truth_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o a_o regular_a square_n with_o they_o shall_v know_v the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o god_n all_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n though_o they_o be_v various_a yet_o come_v all_o within_o the_o apostolic_a twelve_o and_o he_o that_o have_v a_o spiritual_a gust_n exercise_v to_o discern_v betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a by_o taste_v any_o aright_o will_v taste_v all_o and_o find_v they_o apostolical_a and_o know_v whatever_o pretend_v and_o be_v not_o and_o so_o reject_v it_o he_o will_v know_v all_o the_o gate_n of_o wisdom_n and_o truth_n and_o the_o angelical_a guard_n attend_v at_o they_o and_o go_v in_o and_o out_o by_o they_o but_o the_o disorderly_a breach_n and_o gap_n that_o wild_a beast_n or_o deceitful_a fox_n have_v make_v he_o avoid_v know_v they_o exceed_v the_o apostolic_a twelve_o and_o be_v therefore_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a and_o whatever_o apparation_n of_o angel_n may_v be_v at_o they_o he_o know_v it_o be_v only_a satan_n transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o his_o minister_n transform_v as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n thus_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n number_v and_o measure_v exact_o by_o itself_o be_v the_o security_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o the_o true_a church_n cap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o national_a religion_n quest_n it_o be_v i_o think_v very_o clear_a by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v that_o the_o settlement_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v most_o stable_a and_o certain_a and_o that_o by_o no_o power_n he_o have_v give_v in_o his_o church_n it_o can_v be_v change_v nor_o receive_v any_o arbitrary_a addition_n that_o shall_v be_v obligatory_a but_o i_o be_o in_o great_a doubt_n how_o to_o reconcile_v those_o command_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o principality_n and_o power_n with_o those_o strict_a precept_n to_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o turn_v neither_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a where_o ruler_n so_o often_o prescribe_v in_o religion_n contrary_a to_o or_o different_a from_o the_o word_n of_o
long_o mistake_v i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o 34._o act_n 10._o 34._o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o work_v righteousness_n the_o two_o comprehensive_a part_n of_o this_o religion_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o why_o then_o shall_v mankind_n imbrue_v their_o hand_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o religion_n they_o themselves_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v and_o hold_v to_o contradiction_n to_o it_o what_o excellent_a person_n be_v job_n his_o three_o friend_n and_o elihu_n though_o out_o of_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n i_o mean_v out_o of_o that_o part_n of_o it_o where_o god_n have_v more_o eminent_o fix_v his_o church_n and_o out_o of_o that_o line_n wherein_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v bless_v how_o excellent_a the_o book_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o ratiocination_n upon_o it_o though_o the_o friend_n be_v mistake_v in_o urge_v too_o far_o as_o if_o present_a affliction_n be_v a_o detection_n from_o heaven_n of_o insincerity_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o job_n that_o most_o desirable_a book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v undoubted_o by_o the_o special_a wisdom_n of_o god_n prepare_v as_o a_o treatise_n of_o natural_a theology_n raise_v to_o its_o own_o height_n through_o the_o assistance_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o wherein_o most_o probable_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o the_o pious_a patriarch_n keep_v fresh_a and_o pure_a from_o corruption_n be_v maintain_v and_o improve_v upon_o the_o proper_a reason_n of_o natural_a religion_n for_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o intermixture_n of_o positive_a precept_n or_o rite_n except_o the_o historical_a relation_n of_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o the_o book_n a_o institution_n of_o god_n by_o which_o man_n be_v teach_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n as_o soon_o as_o sin_n have_v enter_v it_o to_o look_v for_o atonement_n witâ—_n god_n through_o that_o great_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o who_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a job_n make_v somâ—_n very_o significant_a reference_n though_o according_a to_o the_o covertness_n of_o so_o great_a a_o mystery_n at_o that_o time_n but_o what_o point_n of_o natural_a religion_n even_o sense_n of_o natural_a corruption_n and_o the_o â—vil_n of_o sin_n of_o faith_n in_o divine_a mercy_n and_o repentance_n of_o godliness_n righteousness_n soberness_n fidelity_n chastity_n tempâ—rance_n charity_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o poor_a be_v leave_v untouched_a what_o point_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n against_o atheism_n idolatry_n a_o iniquity_n own_a to_o deserve_v punishment_n from_o a_o judge_n be_v not_o hâ—re_o state_v 28._o job_n 31._o 28._o prayer_n praise_n holy_a meditation_n discourse_n and_o attendance_n on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o way_n have_v here_o their_o frequent_a mention_n what_o severe_a reproof_n censure_n and_o condemnation_n of_o all_o wickedness_n do_v we_o meet_v with_o and_o which_o be_v most_o remarkable_a through_o the_o whole_a all_o be_v substantial_a nothing_o ceremonial_a how_o lovely_a be_v such_o a_o religion_n our_o saviour_n observe_v but_o some_o of_o the_o line_n of_o it_o in_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v say_v he_o look_v upon_o he_o and_o love_v he_o 21._o mat._n 10._o 21._o and_o the_o scribe_n that_o have_v so_o much_o of_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o he_o commend_v as_o not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n viz._n from_o true_a christianity_n here_o and_o eternal_a salvation_n hereafter_o in_o this_o book_n of_o job_n we_o have_v also_o the_o true_a natural_a way_n of_o propagate_a religion_n and_o reconcile_a difference_n in_o it_o viz._n by_o discourse_n and_o argument_n only_o heinous_a offence_n and_o plain_a violation_n of_o duty_n in_o natural_a religion_n be_v cite_v to_o the_o magistrate_n tribunal_n i_o have_v insist_v so_o long_o upon_o this_o because_o we_o have_v not_o such_o another_o hypothesis_n in_o scripture_n such_o a_o body_n of_o natural_a religion_n such_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n concern_v it_o give_v out_o by_o such_o master_n of_o assembly_n and_o yet_o not_o of_o that_o we_o may_v call_v the_o visible_a church_n at_o that_o time_n else_o indeed_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v full_a of_o natural_a religion_n from_o one_o end_n of_o it_o to_o the_o other_o and_o that_o which_o be_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n concern_v it_o be_v great_a than_o all_o beside_o but_o no_o doubt_n there_o may_v be_v many_o other_o at_o that_o time_n and_o all_o along_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o jewish_a proselytism_n and_o yet_o great_a instance_n of_o this_o same_o natural_a piety_n for_o if_o elijah_n 18._o 1_o king_n 19_o 18._o who_o have_v a_o less_o compass_n to_o observe_v in_o and_o more_o probable_a opportunity_n of_o inquiry_n and_o even_o inspection_n yet_o be_v ignorant_a of_o seven_o thousand_o in_o israel_n that_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n but_o think_v himself_o leave_v alone_o how_o much_o more_o may_v lie_v hide_v from_o our_o almost_o suspicion_n true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n according_a to_o natural_a religion_n all_o along_o elder_a time_n inspire_v and_o conduct_v to_o it_o by_o divine_a illumination_n nay_o who_o dare_v be_v so_o bold_a to_o define_v there_o be_v no_o such_o now_o for_o though_o it_o be_v most_o true_a there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n give_v to_o man_n whereby_o they_o can_v be_v save_v but_o 12._o act_n 4._o 12._o the_o name_n of_o christ_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o name_n must_v be_v express_o know_v but_o that_o the_o god_n of_o pardoning-mercy_n give_v and_o accept_v repentance_n unto_o life_n may_v by_o divine_a equity_n and_o favour_n be_v interpret_v god_n in_o christ_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o man_n so_o address_v god_n as_o he_o be_v true_o so_o in_o himself_o yet_o ah_o lass_n we_o can_v stretch_v our_o charitable_a hope_n so_o as_o to_o think_v this_o the_o case_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o nation_n that_o know_v not_o christ_n who_o lie_v in_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n not_o only_o as_o ignorant_a of_o christ_n but_o as_o without_o god_n the_o true_a god_n in_o the_o world_n horrible_a corrupter_n of_o what_o they_o natural_o know_v that_o be_v of_o natural_a religion_n but_o as_o there_o be_v many_o leper_n and_o widow_n in_o the_o day_n of_o those_o two_o prophet_n 25._o luk._n 4._o 25._o but_o to_o one_o of_o each_o be_v they_o send_v so_o we_o may_v hope_v there_o be_v some_o instance_n of_o this_o divine_a bounty_n and_o grace_n if_o we_o can_v hope_v so_o but_o of_o few_o but_o these_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o it_o be_v safe_a not_o to_o presume_v too_o far_o on_o either_o 29._o deut._n 29._o 29._o side_n yet_o by_o the_o same_o charity_n we_o allow_v papist_n that_o the_o prevalency_n of_o true_o christian_a principle_n may_v antidote_n the_o poison_n of_o popery_n so_o the_o pregnancy_n of_o some_o natural_a principle_n rise_v up_o above_o all_o the_o refuse_v in_o such_o soul_n but_o oh_o lord_n thou_o only_o know_v yet_o some_o thing_n i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v 1._o that_o if_o any_o man_n live_v upright_o as_o job_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n at_o its_o full_a extent_n and_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n offer_v he_o he_o will_v receive_v it_o upon_o the_o advantageous_a recommendation_n of_o it_o in_o god_n own_o time_n and_o way_n 2._o that_o if_o any_o man_n so_o obey_v the_o precept_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o have_v not_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n the_o want_n of_o that_o revelation_n shall_v not_o be_v charge_v upon_o he_o so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o 3._o that_o whoever_o understand_v natural_a religion_n must_v needs_o understand_v that_o sin_n be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n be_v bear_v like_o the_o wild_a ass_n colt_n and_o drink_v iniquity_n like_o water_n and_o 14._o job_n 〈◊〉_d 16._o 13_o 14._o yet_o that_o god_n be_v patient_a speak_v once_o and_o twice_o in_o order_n to_o man_n conversion_n and_o repentance_n that_o therefore_o there_o be_v place_n for_o it_o in_o pardoning-mercy_n of_o which_o in_o god_n even_o humane_a nature_n itself_o have_v a_o sense_n natural_a religion_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o for_o without_o it_o all_o service_n of_o god_n or_o application_n to_o he_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a and_o but_o like_o the_o service_n of_o devil_n yet_o i_o can_v but_o here_o take_v notice_n there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o learned_a world_n in_o moral_n as_o be_v heretofore_o among_o the_o grecian_n
understand_v the_o excellent_a wisdom_n gravity_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o man_n especial_o ennoble_v with_o christianity_n will_v bring_v most_o of_o man_n except_o extreme_o bad_a or_o wild_a into_o a_o admiration_n of_o its_o excellency_n that_o even_o ingenuous_a shame_n together_o with_o general_a prudence_n will_v compose_v they_o against_o fugitive_n inconstant_a changeable_a giddy_a opinion_n man_n be_v not_o so_o intractable_a as_o they_o be_v think_v to_o these_o awful_a law_n if_o wise_o propose_v the_o worst_a and_o wild_a part_n will_v become_v in_o every_o man_n sense_n due_a subject_n for_o rigour_n who_o so_o much_o reason_n and_o fair_a inducement_n will_v not_o prevail_v upon_o steelly_a unfruitful_a unsatisfactory_a ceremony_n loose_a principle_n and_o practice_n the_o want_n of_o that_o great_a presence_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o iron_n hand_n instead_o of_o it_o make_v man_n atheistick_a sceptic_a and_o fanatic_a ever_o teem_v into_o vain_a opinion_n for_o want_v of_o solid_a goodness_n to_o rest_v upon_o but_o however_o sinful_a degenerate_a man_n will_v be_v bad_a every_o way_n uniformity_n beget_v loathsome_a ignorance_n and_o formality_n that_o which_o be_v best_a in_o itself_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v viz._n that_o free_a air_n and_o light_n in_o which_o man_n may_v try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a though_o evil_o adhere_v to_o that_o as_o to_o all_o good_a thing_n argum._n 5._o to_o conclude_v true_a natural_a religion_n have_v a_o set_v of_o such_o self-evident_a principle_n that_o it_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o name_v they_o and_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v observe_v and_o obey_v universal_a peace_n and_o quietness_n can_v not_o fail_v to_o result_v from_o they_o 1._o that_o every_o man_n have_v the_o due_a care_n of_o his_o soul_n commit_v to_o himself_o so_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o apology_n for_o he_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o other_o whether_o church_n magistrate_n or_o public_a teacher_n mislead_v he_o it_o may_v be_v some_o abatement_n of_o condemnation_n to_o he_o and_o increase_v to_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o 18._o ezek._n 3._o 18._o deliver_v he_o he_o shall_v die_v in_o his_o sin_n though_o his_o blood_n shall_v be_v require_v at_o the_o watchman_n hand_n what_o reason_n then_o can_v there_o be_v or_o how_o can_v it_o be_v account_v for_o to_o compel_v that_o man_n with_o force_n to_o take_v that_o way_n he_o judge_v dangerous_a or_o drive_v he_o from_o what_o he_o think_v best_o for_o his_o soul_n to_o advise_v persuade_v reason_v he_o be_v commendable_a and_o charitable_a it_o be_v good_a for_o he_o to_o make_v the_o best_a inquiry_n and_o take_v the_o best_a advice_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v force_v against_o his_o own_o sense_n be_v unnatural_a and_o barbarous_a see_v he_o must_v be_v wise_a for_o himself_o or_o if_o he_o scorn_v he_o 12._o prov._n 9_o 12._o alone_o must_v bear_v it_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o case_n not_o evident_o good_a or_o evil_n by_o nature_n law_n in_o they_o there_o be_v no_o excuse_n against_o impression_n of_o absolute_a authority_n now_o how_o much_o will_v this_o tend_v to_o peace_n if_o it_o have_v its_o due_a observance_n 2._o that_o humane_a nature_n shall_v do_v all_o the_o good_a kindness_n and_o ease_v it_o can_v to_o itself_o in_o every_o particular_a member_n and_o remove_v all_o the_o evil_a discomfort_n and_o mischief_n it_o can_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o no_o severity_n except_o in_o case_n plain_o destructive_a to_o general_a humanity_n can_v be_v tolerable_a to_o true_a humanity_n if_o this_o be_v man_n rule_n who_o will_v hurt_v or_o destroy_v in_o the_o world_n 3._o that_o in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o a_o man_n can_v without_o infinite_a hazard_n do_v it_o he_o shall_v unite_v himself_o with_o the_o great_a community_n with_o lawful_a governor_n with_o nation_n and_o most_o comprehensive_a congregation_n of_o christian_n see_v that_o be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n who_o will_v have_v all_o nation_n to_o 11._o rom._n 15._o 9_o 10_o 11._o serve_v he_o all_o people_n to_o praise_v he_o it_o be_v most_o humane_a and_o christian_n it_o be_v also_o most_o a_o man_n interest_n most_o safe_a and_o secure_a to_o himself_o 4._o that_o wherein_o a_o man_n find_v himself_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o differ_v from_o any_o man_n much_o more_o from_o a_o community_n he_o shall_v deport_v himself_o with_o all_o meekness_n humility_n modesty_n love_n and_o charity_n that_o he_o may_v demonstrate_v it_o be_v true_o his_o judgement_n and_o sense_n of_o conscience_n and_o not_o perverse_a humour_n that_o make_v he_o differ_v that_o he_o be_v still_o a_o most_o lively_a feel_a member_n in_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n and_o christian_n that_o in_o all_o thing_n except_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n interest_n too_o vast_a to_o be_v compound_v for_o he_o prefer_v the_o public_a before_o himself_o such_o a_o one_o can_v neither_o harm_n nor_o deserve_v to_o be_v harm_v i_o have_v now_o dispatch_v what_o i_o intend_v concern_v this_o first_o foundation_n of_o even_o universal_a peace_n recommend_v by_o christian_a religion_n viz._n the_o general_a unity_n and_o uniformity_n there_o will_v be_v in_o natural_a religion_n if_o man_n will_v show_v themselves_o man_n i_o will_v only_o by_o way_n of_o conclusion_n reflect_v upon_o the_o usefulness_n of_o so_o great_a a_o point_n 1._o it_o justify_v the_o great_a creator_n of_o all_o who_o have_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n amid_o this_o great_a deordination_n of_o his_o rational_a creature_n that_o he_o be_v yet_o a_o faithful_a creator_n see_v he_o have_v carve_v into_o their_o very_a being_n such_o a_o law_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n that_o if_o they_o will_v but_o show_v themselves_o man_n will_v have_v preserve_v they_o from_o the_o great_a error_n of_o vnderderstanding_n and_o practice_n and_o as_o a_o compass_n will_v steer_v they_o in_o the_o wide_a and_o disorderly_a sea_n wherein_o they_o now_o sail_v by_o this_o inward_a infallible_a guide_n if_o right_o excite_v to_o give_v its_o sense_n and_o due_o apply_v they_o may_v find_v true_a religion_n in_o this_o babel_n of_o language_n concern_v it_o and_o though_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o in_o the_o event_n through_o man_n great_a corruption_n but_o not_o in_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n almost_o impossible_a without_o divine_a illumination_n so_o to_o excite_v and_o apply_v it_o yet_o there_o it_o be_v even_o within_o man_n so_o to_o be_v excite_v and_o apply_v and_o it_o be_v man_n corruption_n only_o and_o wickedness_n that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o more_o use_n 2._o to_o we_o christian_n have_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o divine_a illumination_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o hopeful_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o use_n of_o this_o natural_a law_n be_v much_o more_o visible_a and_o indeed_o chief_o we_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o and_o of_o such_o discourse_n as_o this_o upon_o it_o and_o our_o guilt_n more_o than_o twofold_a if_o we_o do_v not_o find_v it_o to_o we_o it_o may_v appear_v how_o inflexible_a a_o rule_n it_o be_v how_o excellent_a the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v we_o may_v in_o every_o thing_n see_v by_o it_o what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v indeed_o of_o value_n among_o all_o our_o division_n what_o be_v that_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n we_o shall_v be_v always_o in_o a_o agony_n for_o and_o what_o we_o may_v allow_v and_o condescend_v to_o those_o various_a sentiment_n that_o be_v and_o will_v be_v as_o various_a as_o aspect_n the_o beauty_n and_o even_a harmony_n of_o humanity_n and_o christianity_n be_v not_o make_v up_o of_o uniformity_n in_o such_o thing_n but_o unity_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n be_v the_o true_a beauty_n the_o true_a melody_n here_o all_o will_v be_v a_o dead_a calm_a without_o some_o variety_n thus_o as_o christian_a religion_n revive_v and_o now_o impress_n natural_a religion_n so_o do_v natural_a religion_n correct_v free_v from_o its_o interpolation_n corrupt_a gloss_n restore_v and_o fill_v up_o where_o gape_a chasme_n have_v spoil_v the_o sense_n and_o contexture_n and_o anew_o imprint_v upon_o we_o by_o christian_a religion_n give_v great_a light_n to_o christian_a religion_n for_o be_v thus_o restore_v and_o a_o natural_a light_n within_o we_o it_o be_v redintegrate_v to_o we_o in_o its_o great_a office_n to_o be_v as_o the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o our_o spirit_n by_o which_o we_o behold_v the_o true_a and_o excel_a glory_n of_o christianity_n 3._o it_o therefore_o make_v brief_a and_o compendious_a many_o great_a controversy_n as_o they_o be_v make_v in_o christian_a religion_n i_o shall_v summary_o instance_n in_o these_o four_n 1._o those_o between_o
to_o god_n yea_o if_o it_o be_v but_o pure_a true_a natural_a worship_n he_o will_v not_o deny_v to_o join_v in_o it_o when_o no_o better_o can_v be_v have_v and_o therein_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v any_o advantage_n to_o improve_v that_o little_a to_o such_o great_a purpose_n as_o st._n paul_n do_v the_o altar_n to_o the_o unknown_a god_n at_o athens_n last_o in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o association_n he_o consider_v some_o universal_a and_o undeniable_a practice_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v yet_o not_o pertain_v to_o the_o essential_o of_o christian_a worship_n in_o themselves_o but_o either_o to_o natural_a order_n and_o decency_n or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o decency_n observe_v in_o such_o part_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o christian_n so_o meet_v and_o most_o free_o comply_v with_o they_o some_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v observe_v ordain_v as_o such_o by_o the_o apostle_n such_o as_o he_o ordain_v in_o all_o church_n 1._o that_o of_o every_o man_n walk_v as_o god_n have_v call_v he_o in_o circumcision_n or_o uncircumcision_n bond_n or_o free_n and_o esteem_v neither_o state_n any_o prejudice_n upon_o his_o christianity_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 17_o 18._o 2._o that_o of_o woman_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 34._o 3._o that_o of_o prophet_n speak_v one_o by_o one_o and_o not_o in_o confusion_n and_o a_o medley_n of_o voice_n in_o a_o know_a tongve_n with_o interpretation_n v._o 5._o these_o pertain_v to_o natural_a decency_n and_o order_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o which_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o so_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 33_o 40._o 2._o decency_n proper_a to_o such_o age_n of_o the_o world_n or_o to_o such_o part_n of_o the_o world_n so_o i_o esteem_v those_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v man_n and_o woman_n pray_v cover_v or_o uncover_v wear_v their_o hair_n shear_v or_o unshorn_a and_o in_o such_o case_n the_o custom_n of_o church_n determine_v they_o or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v no_o custom_n to_o be_v contentious_a concern_v they_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 16._o such_o rule_n of_o contestable_a order_n and_o decency_n as_o these_o a_o christian_a wise_a and_o sober_a always_o and_o most_o ncessary_o acknowledge_v ceremonial_n and_o ritual_n beyond_o these_o he_o suffer_v to_o have_v no_o ascendent_n over_o he_o if_o for_o other_o reason_n he_o use_v they_o as_o if_o he_o use_v they_o not_o now_o such_o a_o person_n as_o this_o and_o such_o a_o one_o christianity_n teach_v every_o man_n to_o be_v i_o bold_o affirm_v concern_v he_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n he_o be_v no_o schismatic_a he_o be_v no_o boute-fen_n in_o society_n nor_o be_v he_o as_o some_o may_v mistake_v he_o any_o ambidexter_n in_o religion_n no_o more_o than_o the_o apostle_n who_o become_v to_o the_o jew_n to_o they_o under_o the_o law_n to_o they_o without_o law_n to_o the_o weak_a such_o as_o themselves_o that_o he_o may_v by_o all_o mean_n save_o some_o to_o allow_v no_o latitude_n in_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o veer_fw-mi to_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a be_v starchedness_n and_o not_o constancy_n even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o st._n austyn_n who_o avow_v the_o great_a indifferency_n and_o freedom_n from_o rite_n have_v any_o power_n over_o he_o and_o so_o i_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o three_o head_n concern_v the_o peace_n christianity_n design_n viz._n christian_n imbody_v themselves_o into_o society_n i_o come_v now_o to_o a_o four_o head_n show_v how_o christianity_n have_v provide_v for_o peace_n and_o quiet_a within_o its_o own_o gate_n and_o wall_n and_o that_o be_v this_o 4._o the_o ministerial_a presidency_n our_o saviour_n have_v ordain_v in_o and_o for_o the_o conduct_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v such_o as_o plain_o demonstrate_v he_o do_v not_o intend_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o strive_v or_o a_o cry_n or_o a_o clamorous_a lift_v up_o the_o voice_n in_o tâ—e_v 1._o mat._n 12._o 19_o 20._o thes_n 5._o 12._o heb._n 13._o 7._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 1._o street_n for_o his_o kingdom_n that_o the_o bruise_a reed_n shall_v be_v break_v or_o the_o smoke_a flax_n quench_v for_o his_o sake_n for_o though_o this_o ministry_n be_v frequent_o style_v a_o be_v over_o christian_n a_o rule_n over_o they_o a_o eldership_n a_o eminency_n and_o such_o like_a way_n of_o speak_v as_o carry_v superiority_n and_o submission_n obedience_n honour_n and_o high_a esteem_n be_v require_v of_o christian_n as_o of_o a_o under_o degree_n to_o that_o high_a order_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o designation_n of_o the_o whole_a office_n be_v whole_o for_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o watch_v for_o soul_n that_o they_o may_v 17._o heb._n 13._o 17._o give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o with_o joy_n for_o the_o good_a success_n of_o have_v guide_v they_o to_o salvation_n the_o honour_n and_o esteem_n be_v for_o their_o work_n sake_n it_o be_v a_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n it_o be_v no_o dominion_n or_o lordship_n over_o man_n person_n or_o 17._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o estate_n nor_o over_o their_o faith_n or_o conscience_n but_o as_o they_o offer_v divine_a command_n all_o their_o superiority_n be_v in_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o grandeur_n or_o imperiousness_n but_o use_v service_n ministry_n and_o work_v that_o express_v this_o precedency_n not_o as_o have_v dominion_n over_o your_o faith_n but_o helper_n of_o your_o joy_n say_v the_o apostle_n paul_n not_o as_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o as_o ensample_n of_o the_o flock_n say_v the_o apostle_n peter_n but_o above_o all_o aught_o that_o of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o chief_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n to_o be_v remark_v to_o this_o purpose_n 25._o mat._n 20._o 25._o etc._n etc._n mark_v 10._o 42_o etc._n etc._n luk._n 22_o 25._o have_v describe_v the_o great_a assumption_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o chief_n of_o this_o world_n he_o express_o warn_v and_o declare_v to_o his_o disciple_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a greatness_n so_o to_o assume_v but_o if_o any_o one_o will_v be_v account_v great_a or_o chief_a among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christianity_n it_o must_v be_v his_o service_n his_o plâ—in_a service_n his_o ministry_n that_o must_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o advance_v he_o indeed_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o the_o purpose_n if_o our_o saviour_n intend_v no_o more_o than_o this_o let_v such_o a_o man_n that_o love_v preeminency_n under_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n let_v he_o be_v turn_v down_o into_o the_o low_a class_n among_o the_o disciple_n of_o low_a and_o mean_a account_n as_o a_o just_a recompense_n of_o his_o ambition_n but_o it_o be_v altogether_o most_o probable_a our_o saviour_n intend_v a_o more_o kind_a sense_n to_o represent_v the_o great_a serviceableness_n of_o all_o those_o of_o more_o eminent_a character_n in_o his_o kingdom_n it_o be_v their_o public_a use_n that_o recommend_v they_o to_o grandieur_fw-fr in_o it_o for_o this_o he_o exemplify_v in_o himself_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o be_v minisire_v to_o to_o be_v attend_v upon_o and_o serve_v in_o state_n but_o to_o minister_v to_o give_v his_o life_n a_o ransom_n for_o many_o they_o who_o witness_v a_o good_a confession_n who_o can_v be_v instant_a in_o season_n out_o of_o season_n who_o can_v instruct_v public_o and_o 31._o act._n 20._o 19_o 31._o from_o house_n to_o house_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o teach_v who_o can_v serve_v tâ—e_v lord_n in_o tâ—e_v salvation_n of_o soul_n with_o many_o tear_n and_o prayer_n day_n and_o night_n and_o seal_v their_o ministry_n with_o their_o blood_n they_o be_v the_o great_a one_o in_o the_o account_n of_o christianity_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o detract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o figure_n bishop_n or_o any_o in_o ecclesiastical_a dignity_n make_v by_o the_o favour_n of_o prince_n who_o as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v may_v dispose_v what_o be_v their_o own_o as_o they_o measure_v themselves_o from_o the_o donation_n of_o mâ—n_z to_o their_o superiority_n over_o man_n from_o the_o favour_n of_o prince_n and_o law_n to_o the_o government_n they_o place_v they_o in_o over_o other_o of_o their_o subject_n so_o they_o be_v great_a and_o honourable_a and_o may_v exercise_v authority_n secular_a authority_n stand_v indeed_o upon_o that_o foot_n though_o call_v spiritual_a and_o very_o reasonable_o and_o just_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o greatness_n proper_a to_o christ_n kingdom_n that_o lie_v whole_o in_o service_n in_o condescension_n in_o application_n to_o man_n soul_n as_o they_o measure_v from_o christ_n to_o christian_n this_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o christian_a greatness_n
may_v have_v hear_v the_o fame_n of_o it_o with_o their_o ear_n it_o be_v the_o way_n find_v out_o and_o declare_v by_o he_o that_o make_v weight_n for_o the_o wind_n and_o balance_n for_o the_o cloud_n it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n and_o depart_v from_o evil_n the_o true_a understanding_n there_o lie_v the_o peace_n of_o natural_a religion_n it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o christianity_n see_v and_o publish_v by_o christ_n jesus_n the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n that_o be_v the_o peace_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o proper_a excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o its_o very_a intention_n to_o bring_v this_o way_n both_o as_o natural_a and_o christian_n to_o light_v to_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o to_o give_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o it_o to_o sweeten_v man_n temper_n to_o the_o good_a nature_n of_o it_o that_o every_o one_o in_o a_o clear_a and_o still_a air_n not_o darken_v with_o cloud_n full_a of_o thunder_n and_o terrible_a with_o the_o lightning_n of_o dreadful_a law_n and_o bloody_a execution_n may_v see_v may_v be_v wary_a in_o the_o choice_n of_o his_o conduct_n of_o himself_o to_o his_o unchangeable_a state_n and_o may_v therefore_o have_v light_n have_v room_n have_v still_o and_o silence_n in_o which_o he_o may_v weigh_v every_o thing_n prove_v every_o thing_n now_o that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o declare_v be_v a_o way_n most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o reason_n which_o respect_v either_o all_o mankind_n or_o all_o christian_n this_o be_v the_o contrivance_n of_o christianity_n provide_v that_o the_o wolf_n and_o the_o lamb_n may_v dwell_v together_o that_o the_o lion_n may_v lie_v down_o with_o the_o kid_n that_o the_o child_n may_v play_v on_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o asp_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o hurt_v or_o destroy_v in_o all_o god_n holy_a mountain_n that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o true_a religion_n may_v have_v the_o same_o scope_n and_o freedom_n that_o the_o wave_n have_v in_o the_o sea_n christianity_n have_v always_o the_o ground_n ready_a by_o it_o and_o with_o it_o and_o to_o present_v they_o in_o their_o rational_a possibility_n be_v a_o vindication_n of_o divine_a justice_n righteousness_n and_o goodness_n a_o offerture_n to_o man_n to_o be_v happy_a nor_o will_v the_o platform_n be_v always_o utopian_a the_o day_n will_v come_v when_o it_o shall_v pass_v into_o life_n power_n and_o effect_n now_o whenever_o this_o shall_v be_v in_o its_o glory_n that_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n that_o curse_n that_o lie_v upon_o the_o earth_n that_o vail_n of_o the_o cover_v spread_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o all_o nation_n that_o severe_a indignation_n of_o god_n against_o humane_a nature_n shall_v be_v remove_v the_o spirit_n shall_v be_v pour_v out_o upon_o all_o flesh_n the_o light_n of_o one_o day_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o light_n of_o seven_o all_o flesh_n shall_v see_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n together_o so_o come_v come_v thus_o lord_n jesus_n even_o so_o amen_n i_o have_v thus_o far_o make_v a_o lamentation_n upon_o the_o general_n state_n of_o the_o world_n in_o relation_n to_o religion_n which_o till_o some_o such_o mighty_a influence_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n as_o i_o have_v intimate_v upon_o it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n for_o the_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n will_v be_v full_a of_o the_o habitation_n of_o cruelty_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o habitation_n of_o cruelty_n will_v be_v furnish_v with_o the_o instrument_n of_o cruelty_n and_o therefore_o oh_o my_o soul_n come_v not_o into_o their_o secret_n unto_o their_o assembly_n my_o honour_n be_v not_o thou_o unite_v for_o in_o their_o anger_n they_o slay_v and_o destroy_v and_o in_o their_o self-will_n they_o dig_v down_o wall_n curse_a be_v their_o anger_n for_o it_o be_v fierce_a and_o their_o wrath_n for_o it_o be_v cruel_a their_o drink-offering_n of_o blood_n will_v i_o not_o offer_v nor_o take_v their_o name_n of_o religion_n into_o my_o mouth_n i_o shall_v therefore_o leave_v they_o and_o address_v the_o close_a of_o this_o discourse_n to_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o the_o excellent_a in_o who_o be_v all_o my_o delight_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o call_v we_o to_o the_o review_n of_o the_o excellent_a christian_a religion_n even_o as_o natural_a religion_n all_o essence_n all_o substance_n trace_v it_o throughout_o all_o its_o doctrine_n worship_n rule_n of_o life_n they_o be_v all_o by_o their_o very_a goodness_n plain_a to_o he_o that_o understand_v and_o right_a to_o they_o that_o find_v knowledge_n there_o be_v nothing_o froward_a nor_o perverse_a in_o they_o its_o band_n of_o peace_n be_v not_o politic_a or_o worldly_a intrigue_n no_o ceremonial_a symbolism_n or_o ritual_a shibbole_v but_o ponderous_a verity_n and_o divine_a love_n all_o the_o show_n or_o appearance_n any_o religion_n can_v make_v be_v but_o a_o ray_n borrow_v from_o its_o divine_a perfection_n a_o derivation_n from_o its_o light_n or_o from_o natural_a religion_n which_o be_v itself_o for_o pure_a natural_a religion_n be_v christian_a religion_n if_o you_o suppose_v a_o soul_n without_o sin_n mount_v from_o its_o creature-probaâ—ionership_a to_o its_o high_a perfection_n as_o adam_n if_o not_o have_v 〈◊〉_d from_o paradise_n to_o heaven_n and_o christian_a religion_n be_v natural_a religion_n suppose_v the_o soul_n fall_v and_o rise_v back_o from_o its_o apostasy_n to_o that_o perfection_n by_o the_o redeemer_n 2._o let_v i_o apply_v this_o discourse_n to_o the_o comprimise_n of_o all_o difference_n betwixt_o protestant_n and_o particular_o in_o our_o english_a christian_n nation_n not_o define_v any_o controversal_a point_n but_o urge_v to_o that_o end_n such_o undoubted_a principle_n as_o i_o have_v insist_v upon_o in_o this_o discourse_n 1._o that_o suppose_v a_o national_a church_n can_v be_v make_v out_o to_o satisfaction_n yet_o christian_a kingdom_n be_v so_o considerable_a a_o point_n of_o scripture-prophecy_n that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v so_o far_o therefore_o as_o national_a worship_n can_v be_v agreeable_a to_o a_o man_n conscience_n make_v inquiry_n and_o most_o curious_a search_n into_o the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o as_o to_o his_o duty_n and_o to_o his_o liberty_n also_o and_o possible_a freedom_n from_o scruple_n every_o christian_a be_v oblige_v to_o glorify_v god_n in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o he_o and_o confession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o his_o native_a country_n suppose_v a_o man_n shall_v retire_v to_o particular_a private_a congregation_n to_o supply_v what_o he_o may_v find_v want_v in_o the_o national_a constitution_n to_o complete_a all_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a communion_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o yet_o still_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o promote_v and_o encourage_v national_a religion_n so_o far_o as_o it_o extend_v to_o avoid_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a all_o division_n and_o profess_a separation_n from_o it_o by_o put_v the_o fair_a construction_n and_o the_o kind_a hope_n upon_o those_o thing_n that_o seem_v doubtful_a and_o as_o little_o infringe_v the_o authority_n of_o law_n as_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o sentiment_n of_o conscience_n and_o a_o due_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o liberty_n god_n have_v give_v man_n of_o judge_v for_o their_o own_o soul_n as_o in_o his_o sight_n viz._n in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o so_o indisputable_a or_o those_o grand_a point_n of_o christianity_n in_o which_o a_o christian_a can_v have_v no_o allowance_n in_o all_o thing_n else_o a_o christian_a have_v a_o liberty_n but_o so_o that_o he_o must_v not_o use_v that_o his_o liberty_n as_o a_o cloak_n of_o maliciousness_n but_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n give_v due_a honour_n to_o 16._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 16._o all_o i_o will_v therefore_o propose_v these_o three_o consideration_n to_o draw_v man_n to_o the_o great_a conjunction_n with_o national_a religian_a that_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n be_v reconcile_v with_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n considerate_a 1._o that_o if_o we_o examine_v thing_n by_o scripture_n there_o be_v many_o abatement_n from_o the_o supposeable_a evil_n of_o external_a observance_n of_o which_o we_o may_v lawful_o make_v our_o utmost_a advantage_n to_o so_o great_a a_o good_a as_o our_o profess_a conjunction_n with_o national_a religion_n while_o substantial_o good_a though_o the_o high_a place_n i_o 14._o 1_o king_n 15._o 14._o mean_v thing_n equivalent_a in_o our_o opinion_n be_v not_o take_v away_o as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o excellent_a king_n of_o judah_n first_o then_o as_o fundamental_a to_o this_o case_n i_o suppose_v these_o two_o thing_n equiponderate_v one_o another_o 1._o the_o high_a character_n of_o national_a christian_a
of_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o come_v more_o particular_o to_o give_v answer_n 1._o many_o of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v name_v as_o find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o national_a church_n be_v not_o yet_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o church_n as_o national_a in_o general_a but_o of_o that_o particular_a national_a church_n and_o typical_a of_o thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o exposition_n of_o they_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o more_o particular_o that_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o temple_n the_o high_a priest_n the_o holy_a of_o holies_n the_o altar_n the_o sacrifice_n the_o solemn_a feast_n with_o such_o like_a serve_v only_o as_o shadow_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o the_o want_n of_o they_o argue_v nothing_o against_o national_a religion_n 2._o those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o typical_a or_o who_o main_a and_o sole_a intention_n be_v not_o to_o adorn_v and_o complete_a that_o whole_a frame_n but_o rest_v upon_o universal_a principle_n of_o reason_n truth_n and_o duty_n can_v never_o be_v abrogate_a but_o be_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v national_a hope_v in_o god_n and_o be_v oblige_v in_o our_o duty_n even_o as_o they_o be_v thus_o the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n and_o people_n towards_o true_a religion_n of_o public_a instruction_n of_o public_a minister_n of_o religion_n of_o care_n for_o place_n of_o meeting_n for_o divine_a worship_n throughout_o a_o nation_n continue_v still_o and_o need_v no_o new_a command_n in_o the_o gospel_n 3._o as_o to_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o church_n by_o draw_v christian_n into_o particular_a private_a society_n it_o amount_v but_o to_o thus_o much_o that_o christ_n the_o lord_n of_o tâ—e_v church_n do_v not_o find_v his_o church_n universal_a as_o necessary_o diffuse_v itself_o into_o nation_n nor_o can_v it_o in_o reason_n be_v so_o for_o see_v it_o be_v in_o divine_a providence_n for_o great_a and_o weighty_a reason_n of_o which_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a now_o to_o speak_v intend_a and_o order_v that_o hundred_o of_o year_n shall_v pass_v over_o christianity_n ere_o it_o have_v the_o favour_n and_o protection_n of_o supreme_a christian_a magistrate_n there_o must_v have_v be_v for_o that_o space_n no_o religion_n or_o church_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o form_n but_o national_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n therefore_o though_o it_o be_v in_o those_o day_n within_o nation_n city_n town_n and_o village_n yet_o of_o low_a stature_n in_o comparison_n of_o national_a religion_n till_o the_o reign_n of_o christian_a emperor_n considerable_a indeed_o in_o itself_o and_o its_o diffusion_n through_o so_o much_o of_o the_o world_n but_o not_o acknowledge_v by_o law_n or_o government_n till_o long_o after_o its_o first_o entrance_n and_o at_o all_o time_n upon_o the_o change_n of_o a_o christian_a magistracy_n into_o a_o pagan_a a_o apostate_n a_o heretical_a or_o idolatrous_a succession_n or_o the_o complex_fw-la of_o all_o antichristianism_n which_o early_o invade_v the_o church_n and_o even_o cover_v and_o obscure_v it_o in_o succession_n of_o time_n the_o church_n of_o necessity_n must_v fall_v back_o into_o such_o a_o low_a state_n and_o subsist_v upon_o its_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o its_o own_o prudential_a accommodation_n to_o the_o state_n of_o time_n without_o the_o magistrate_n care_v and_o protection_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o take_v care_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v of_o absolute_a divine_a institution_n which_o be_v found_v in_o that_o promise_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o to_o which_o belong_v primary_o all_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a expression_n of_o scripture_n to_o which_o be_v give_v original_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n to_o propagate_v promote_v build_v up_o and_o strengthen_v it_o and_o shall_v by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n ascension_n far_o above_o all_o heaven_n be_v certain_o continue_v to_o it_o till_o we_o all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n to_o the_o full_a measure_n and_o stature_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o member_n all_o other_o society_n of_o christian_n be_v but_o little_a image_n and_o representation_n of_o this_o in_o these_o its_o excellency_n and_o the_o more_o they_o participate_v of_o it_o the_o more_o true_o be_v they_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o because_o this_o be_v too_o diffuse_v for_o one_o model_n for_o one_o frame_n to_o comprehend_v there_o be_v therefore_o allowance_n give_v by_o christ_n for_o lesser_a association_n of_o this_o catholic_n church_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o because_o of_o the_o discountenance_n of_o nation_n and_o worldly_a power_n at_o first_o and_o since_o upon_o true_a christianity_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o matth._n 15._o 18_o etc._n etc._n express_o fix_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o divine_a presence_n in_o the_o small_a part_n of_o this_o church_n where_o but_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n he_o have_v assure_v he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v hence_o evident_a the_o whole_a neighbour_a discourse_n centre_n in_o the_o least_o assembly_n agree_v in_o christian_a religion_n for_o though_o it_o suppose_v first_o a_o great_a number_n the_o church_n and_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n be_v contradistinguish_v yet_o as_o it_o be_v in_o prospect_n of_o the_o great_a fewness_n upon_o some_o exigency_n of_o christian_n practise_v the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n together_o it_o bring_v down_o the_o promise_n of_o audience_n in_o their_o appeal_n to_o heaven_n and_o presence_n with_o their_o whole_a worship_n and_o service_n to_o the_o small_a number_n not_o by_o way_n of_o limitation_n to_o but_o encouragement_n of_o so_o small_a a_o number_n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a the_o very_a same_o declaration_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o soever_o sin_n you_o remit_v or_o bind_v by_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v stand_v good_a in_o heaven_n the_o very_a same_o be_v say_v here_o to_o the_o small_a society_n of_o christian_n as_o to_o their_o judgement_n and_o determination_n upon_o their_o own_o member_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o offence_n that_o fall_v out_o among_o themselves_o have_v the_o same_o doctrine_n to_o proceed_v he_o commit_v to_o they_o even_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o church_n be_v pillar_n and_o rock_n of_o truth_n even_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a minister_n and_o either_o or_o all_o be_v no_o more_o but_o praecones_fw-la each_o in_o their_o kind_n or_o publisher_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n declare_v in_o his_o word_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n pitch_v upon_o so_o small_a a_o number_n of_o christian_n agree_v be_v certain_o this_o because_o he_o will_v appoint_v no_o other_o form_n to_o his_o church_n than_o such_o as_o can_v live_v as_o can_v subsist_v under_o any_o civil_a government_n whatever_o whether_o friendly_a or_o unfriendly_a to_o it_o he_o give_v it_o no_o other_o shape_n but_o what_o it_o may_v attain_v and_o keep_v under_o any_o state_n of_o civil_a law_n under_o any_o enmity_n it_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v most_o necessary_a because_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o one_o nation_n as_o the_o jewish_a be_v who_o god_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n single_v out_o and_o manage_v to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n by_o a_o mighty_a power_n and_o outstretch_v arm_n and_o conserve_v by_o the_o same_o rule_v it_o with_o a_o immediate_a sensible_a presence_n after_o he_o have_v form_v it_o by_o precise_a law_n and_o settle_v the_o just_a bound_n of_o all_o officer_n in_o their_o office_n and_o appoint_v they_o the_o place_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o whereas_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v indifferent_a to_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n it_o do_v as_o it_o make_v its_o progress_n convert_v certain_a number_n to_o itself_o at_o first_o which_o have_v no_o privilege_n of_o humane_a law_n or_o power_n but_o the_o edge_n of_o all_o turn_v against_o it_o so_o that_o the_o form_n of_o church_n be_v compose_v to_o all_o the_o vicissitude_n of_o providence_n they_o be_v to_o undergo_v and_o that_o in_o all_o reason_n must_v be_v in_o case_n of_o necessity_n the_o very_a lest_o of_o society_n of_o christian_n two_o or_o two_o or_o three_o as_o our_o saviour_n significant_o point_v upon_o small_a society_n for_o such_o be_v most_o fit_v to_o the_o worst_a of_o condition_n that_o can_v befall_v lesser_a and_o single_a body_n move_v every_o way_n
whether_o a_o strict_a conformity_n upon_o reason_n in_o government_n best_a understand_v by_o governor_n themselves_o or_o a_o compassionate_a indulgence_n most_o acceptable_a to_o christianity_n rule_v 3_o they_o that_o without_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o true_a and_o substantial_a rule_n of_o religion_n can_v most_o see_v and_o use_v their_o liberty_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o thereby_o become_v instrument_n of_o the_o great_a public_a good_a be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n they_o that_o do_v not_o tithe_n the_o mint_n and_o cummin_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o national_a religion_n and_o worship_n with_o great_a noise_n and_o zeal_n for_o that_o be_v the_o great_a injury_n can_v be_v do_v to_o it_o but_o take_v they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v instrument_n of_o peace_n and_o use_v they_o in_o their_o own_o indifferency_n for_o the_o great_a service_n to_o the_o public_a they_o that_o insist_v with_o any_o stress_n upon_o main_a thing_n only_o be_v most_o earnest_a in_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n these_o be_v they_o that_o shall_v shine_v as_o star_n in_o the_o nation_n firmament_n if_o not_o now_o assure_o in_o eternity_n they_o that_o take_v advantage_n of_o the_o national_a profession_n to_o call_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n cause_v great_a joy_n in_o heaven_n than_o they_o that_o only_o think_v to_o secure_v themselves_o with_o the_o pure_a society_n sure_a in_o this_o case_n god_n choose_v mercy_n in_o seek_v and_o save_v they_o that_o be_v lose_v rather_o than_o sacrifice_v alone_o by_o ourselves_o without_o regard_n to_o such_o christ_n choose_v rather_o to_o converse_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n than_o what_o look_v lâ—ke_v pure_a society_n because_o he_o come_v to_o call_v not_o the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n for_o the_o case_n be_v much_o different_a between_o the_o scandalous_a of_o the_o jewish_a national_a church_n with_o which_o our_o saviour_n converse_v and_o so_o of_o every_o national_a church_n from_o the_o church_n gather_v new_o from_o among_o the_o heathen_a of_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v though_o even_o among_o they_o we_o read_v of_o no_o separation_n from_o religious_a duty_n but_o only_o from_o private_a converse_n among_o those_o that_o be_v scandalous_a till_o they_o be_v as_o public_o disow_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v by_o church_n censure_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o be_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o national_a religion_n whether_o ruler_n or_o people_n that_o dispirit_n religion_n by_o a_o immoderate_a heat_n for_o mere_a form_n that_o be_v so_o warm_o concern_v for_o indifferency_n to_o give_v reason_n to_o suspect_v they_o be_v a_o principal_a part_n in_o their_o esteem_n of_o their_o own_o or_o the_o national_a religion_n whereas_o such_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v be_v any_o way_n contributory_a to_o good_a be_v best_a observe_v with_o great_a silence_n and_o least_o cry_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v first_o so_o far_o prepare_v to_o acceptance_n and_o use_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o noise_n of_o axe_n hammer_n or_o tool_n of_o force_n or_o compulsion_n about_o they_o rule_n 4._o in_o all_o religious_a duty_n and_o the_o management_n or_o administration_n of_o they_o there_o be_v different_a excellency_n like_o the_o psalm_n of_o degree_n or_o those_o part_n of_o a_o psalm_n honour_v with_o the_o note_n of_o elevation_n there_o will_v and_o may_v be_v different_a key_n of_o affection_n according_a to_o the_o differ_a hand_n play_v upon_o we_o the_o people_n hang_v upon_o christ_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o he_o tauâ—ht_v they_o with_o authority_n and_o not_o as_o the_o scribe_n yet_o they_o be_v â—â—â—nd_v by_o christ_n to_o hear_v the_o scribe_n even_o thus_o in_o the_o national_a 〈◊〉_d and_o administration_n we_o may_v undoubted_o more_o warm_o adhere_v to_o and_o pursue_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o excellent_a and_o with_o a_o light_a touch_n pass_v over_o thing_n of_o less_o moment_n though_o in_o all_o we_o mind_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o national_a religion_n for_o union_n in_o national_a religion_n must_v be_v primary_o and_o chief_o in_o thing_n true_o call_v religion_n and_o in_o lesser_a thing_n with_o a_o regard_n to_o peace_n only_o david_n be_v otherwise_o affect_v in_o praise_n than_o in_o sacrifice_v a_o bullock_n with_o horn_n and_o hoof_n see_v as_o he_o say_v it_o please_v god_n more_o yet_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n he_o do_v both_o the_o apostle_n be_v otherwise_o affect_v in_o the_o preach_a of_o christ_n than_o when_o he_o become_v as_o a_o jew_n to_o the_o jew_n yet_o he_o do_v the_o latter_a religious_o too_o the_o high_a and_o close_o the_o ministry_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o service_n be_v the_o great_a and_o close_o the_o adherence_n of_o the_o soul_n ought_v to_o be_v some_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v with_o our_o might_n and_o only_o not_o to_o leave_v other_o undo_v rule_n 5._o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o steady_a and_o certain_a gage_n within_o ourselves_o of_o what_o our_o lord_n have_v provide_v for_o the_o preserve_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n to_o we_o and_o what_o care_n he_o have_v take_v so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a with_o the_o conservation_n of_o that_o truth_n to_o give_v we_o all_o advantage_n for_o publickness_n in_o religion_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n these_o three_o provision_n will_v secure_v it_o 1._o that_o no_o man_n be_v so_o much_o bind_v to_o any_o church_n communion_n nation_n or_o government_n as_o to_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o absolute_a necessary_a nor_o shall_v his_o withdraw_n from_o any_o of_o they_o in_o thing_n impure_a and_o offensive_a to_o god_n be_v charge_v upon_o he_o as_o sin_n or_o schism_n all_o the_o put_v out_o of_o synagogue_n cast_v out_o name_n or_o excommunication_n signify_v not_o any_o thing_n where_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v in_o communion_n and_o where_o those_o on_o who_o they_o fall_v be_v of_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v of_o that_o true_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v the_o only_a necessary_a church_n to_o be_v of_o that_o we_o may_v be_v save_v 2._o the_o private_a assembly_n yea_o even_o single_a soul_n so_o retire_v that_o they_o may_v worship_n god_n according_a to_o his_o word_n have_v the_o promise_n that_o god_n and_o christ_n will_v make_v their_o abode_n with_o they_o come_v and_o sup_v with_o they_o and_o they_o with_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v write_v in_o the_o write_n of_o god_n people_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v always_o provide_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v out_o of_o the_o best_a society_n under_o heaven_n the_o apostle_n encourage_v the_o hebrew_n christian_n that_o may_v think_v themselves_o divide_v from_o the_o jew_n that_o have_v be_v the_o only_a church_n of_o god_n by_o assure_v they_o the_o gospel_n bring_v they_o into_o a_o great_a church_n than_o that_o viz._n the_o general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a write_v in_o heaven_n this_o honour_n have_v all_o the_o saint_n of_o christ_n 3._o all_o the_o evil_n that_o can_v be_v endure_v upon_o account_n of_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o will_v be_v abundant_o recompense_v by_o the_o save_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o better_a and_o true_a life_n that_o argument_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o that_o lose_v his_o life_n save_v it_o and_o he_o that_o save_v it_o lose_v it_o and_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v he_o give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n stand_v always_o impregnable_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v buy_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o sell_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n whatever_o thus_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o publickness_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v these_o great_a advantage_n for_o it_o 1._o that_o christian_a religion_n profess_v love_n endeavour_v of_o good_a and_o salvation_n to_o all_o man_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o have_v antiquate_v all_o that_o judaisme_n that_o neglect_v any_o for_o their_o profit_n to_o salvation_n though_o but_o gentile_n 2._o that_o a_o man_n may_v join_v his_o religious_a service_n to_o any_o thing_n true_o good_a in_o natural_a or_o reveal_v religion_n whether_o of_o family_n neighbourhood_n city_n nation_n or_o of_o voluntary_a society_n stop_v there_o and_o keep_v himself_o free_a from_o other_o man_n sin_n so_o that_o the_o evil_a that_o other_o man_n adjoin_v to_o any_o thing_n true_a and_o good_a in_o religion_n be_v protest_v against_o and_o divide_v from_o do_v not_o corrupt_v what_o be_v good_a or_o true_a but_o it_o may_v be_v enjoy_v in_o the_o most_o public_a way_n while_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o
their_o hand_n to_o guard_v they_o in_o all_o their_o way_n that_o they_o may_v not_o dâ—â—h_v their_o foot_n against_o any_o of_o the_o stone_n of_o scandal_n they_o be_v minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_n for_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n those_o great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n humble_a themselves_o as_o little_a one_o to_o serve_v the_o little_a one_o of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o as_o their_o angel_n they_o always_o behold_v in_o heaven_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o whoever_o despise_v they_o even_o to_o scandal_n must_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v it_o remonstrate_v against_o they_o 2._o he_o exemplify_v the_o care_n of_o they_o in_o himself_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v come_v to_o seek_v and_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v and_o the_o argument_n be_v raise_v to_o the_o height_n as_o it_o be_v exemplify_v in_o the_o father_n of_o the_o whole_a family_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n name_v after_o christ_n who_o will_v it_o be_v not_o that_o so_o much_o as_o one_o and_o yet_o when_o one_o only_o be_v in_o the_o danger_n of_o scandal_n who_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o singularist_n especial_o if_o one_o of_o the_o least_o too_o and_o reject_v he_o shall_v perish_v but_o be_v please_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o one_o such_o even_o as_o the_o joy_n of_o one_o sheep_n that_o be_v lose_v out_o of_o a_o hundred_o exceed_v sensible_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o ninety_o nine_o that_o be_v not_o in_o hazard_n but_o now_o lest_o the_o great_a charge_n against_o scandalize_a and_o despise_v shall_v seem_v to_o introduce_v a_o lawless_a state_n in_o christianity_n and_o increase_v petulancy_n and_o licentiousness_n in_o those_o who_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o at_o least_o little_a one_o in_o christianity_n or_o make_v the_o care_n of_o not_o scandalize_a of_o endless_a scruple_n or_o burden_n our_o lord_n prescribe_v a_o method_n for_o prevent_v so_o ill_a consequence_n very_o certain_a to_o its_o end_n yet_o very_o far_o from_o scandal_n or_o despise_v a_o method_n that_o allow_v no_o sin_n and_o yet_o desert_n none_n till_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v account_v but_o as_o heathen_n or_o publican_n to_o who_o yet_o a_o due_a measure_n of_o christian_a charity_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v which_o method_n it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n now_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o controversal_a part_n of_o but_o to_o observe_v as_o of_o great_a moment_n that_o the_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n fall_v not_o into_o the_o account_n of_o any_o of_o those_o trespass_n the_o lord_n speak_v of_o and_o that_o as_o if_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n lest_o the_o thing_n shall_v be_v mistake_v a_o most_o different_a method_n be_v in_o that_o case_n command_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o lord_n here_o therefore_o give_v i_o liberty_n to_o compare_v in_o some_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v omit_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o discourse_n the_o sermon_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n first_o he_o that_o doubt_v in_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o can_v conform_v to_o what_o other_o do_v and_o will_v be_v conform_v to_o in_o be_v not_o command_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o hear_v the_o one_o or_o the_o two_o or_o three_o nor_o the_o church_n itself_o nor_o be_v it_o say_v by_o the_o apostle_n they_o that_o will_v not_o hear_v on_o such_o account_n shall_v be_v as_o heathen-man_n or_o publican_n or_o as_o we_o speak_v excommunicate_a both_o which_o be_v very_o notorious_a in_o the_o evangelist_n record_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o trespass_n there_o speak_v of_o which_o assure_v we_o they_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n urge_v as_o from_o our_o saviour_n that_o what_o be_v in_o these_o case_n bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n or_o what_o be_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o obligation_n on_o the_o doubt_a conscience_n by_o the_o church_n canon_n or_o any_o such_o discharge_n of_o it_o before_o god_n or_o itself_o by_o obey_v they_o but_o every_o man_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o hear_v his_o own_o conscience_n there_o every_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v bind_v and_o loose_v there_o every_o word_n or_o matter_n be_v hear_v and_o establish_v on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v no_o injunction_n of_o tell_v the_o fault_n of_o nonconformity_n if_o any_o be_v aggrieve_v at_o it_o in_o that_o gradation_n from_o one_o to_o more_o and_o so_o to_o the_o church_n but_o the_o apostle_n command_n be_v first_o not_o to_o judge_n or_o despise_v if_o that_o may_v keep_v indifferent_n to_o their_o equipoise_n if_o not_o the_o command_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o by_o example_n to_o scandalize_v or_o draw_v any_o that_o doubt_v to_o act_v against_o or_o over_o their_o doubt_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n because_o they_o be_v but_o indifferent_a for_o that_o be_v to_o sin_n against_o the_o brethren_n the_o weak_a brethren_n as_o at_o the_o least_o we_o esteem_v they_o now_o in_o these_o case_n to_o sin_n against_o the_o brethren_n be_v to_o sin_n against_o christ_n in_o his_o law_n against_o scandal_n now_o in_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v of_o so_o diverse_a a_o frame_n and_o aspect_n in_o the_o lord_n prescription_n concern_v trespass_n and_o the_o apostle_n direction_n in_o case_n of_o various_a apprehension_n in_o thing_n of_o indifferency_n wherein_o one_o great_a part_n may_v be_v guilty_a yet_o of_o great_a weakness_n and_o mistake_n and_o that_o none_o of_o the_o method_n order_v in_o the_o one_o be_v so_o much_o as_o mention_v in_o the_o other_o or_o once_o intimate_v it_o argue_v very_o evident_o that_o variety_n and_o as_o various_a practice_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n though_o join_v with_o such_o mistake_n and_o weakness_n be_v none_o of_o the_o trespass_n our_o saviour_n have_v regard_n to_o and_o since_o the_o apostle_n put_v all_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o scandal_n wherein_o the_o weak_a part_n be_v either_o draw_v into_o sin_n enfeeble_v in_o the_o vigour_n disquiet_v in_o the_o true_a peace_n of_o conscience_n or_o so_o much_o as_o despise_v by_o be_v incompassionate_o neglect_v in_o his_o doubt_n the_o whole_a case_n be_v bring_v under_o the_o force_n of_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n against_o scandal_n that_o none_o look_v upon_o themselves_o on_o any_o account_n as_o great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o the_o christian_a profession_n let_v those_o account_n be_v whatever_o they_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v shall_v by_o any_o sort_n of_o imperiousness_n whether_o command_n rigorous_a treaty_n or_o example_n that_o despise_v all_o that_o do_v not_o follow_v it_o impose_v upon_o the_o little_a one_o to_o all_o which_o let_v i_o have_v the_o reader_n patience_n to_o add_v this_o one_o observation_n that_o the_o evangelist_n mark_n make_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o or_o a_o like_a discourse_n of_o the_o lord_n upon_o scandal_n that_o the_o disciple_n be_v much_o displease_v that_o one_o do_v cast_v out_o devil_n in_o christ_n name_n that_o do_v not_o follow_v they_o that_o do_v not_o seem_v and_o indeed_o be_v not_o of_o their_o way_n in_o the_o appearance_n of_o thing_n but_o our_o lord_n with_o great_a compassion_n accept_v he_o so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v come_v for_o say_v he_o he_o that_o be_v not_o against_o we_o be_v on_o our_o part_n he_o that_o although_o in_o a_o different_a company_n or_o mode_n do_v the_o same_o thing_n we_o do_v and_o do_v nothing_o in_o opposition_n to_o our_o great_a design_n be_v on_o our_o side_n and_o so_o he_o proceed_v into_o a_o similar_v discourse_n of_o kindness_n to_o or_o scandal_n against_o his_o disciple_n though_o little_a one_o and_o if_o we_o suppose_v it_o the_o same_o discourse_n as_o in_o st._n matthew_n and_o that_o this_o evangelist_n have_v not_o a_o accurate_a regard_n to_o the_o occasion_n yet_o in_o that_o he_o connect_v it_o with_o such_o a_o occasion_n and_o that_o by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n it_o teach_v we_o how_o much_o such_o a_o discourse_n be_v adjust_v to_o such_o a_o occasion_n for_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o thing_n be_v so_o lay_v together_o now_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v his_o eye_n upon_o these_o so_o famous_a discourse_n beside_o the_o reason_n i_o have_v give_v on_o this_o head_n in_o its_o due_a place_n it_o be_v evident_a to_o i_o further_o he_o have_v so_o by_o his_o representation_n of_o himself_o in_o a_o figure_n all_o along_o the_o nine_o chap._n of_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinth_n in_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o a_o discourse_n concern_v scandal_n as_o that_o person_n that_o humble_v himself_o as_o a_o little_a child_n in_o
so_o many_o remarkable_a instance_n his_o little-child-like_a inoffensiveness_n his_o easy_a recession_n from_o his_o just_a right_n for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n his_o inoffensiveness_n and_o desire_n to_o please_v all_o to_o win_v upon_o all_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v â—is_n dread_a of_o danger_n lest_o whilst_o he_o preach_v to_o other_o he_o himself_o shall_v become_v a_o castaway_n nor_o ever_o be_v there_o a_o clear_a comment_n upon_o cut_v off_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o foot_n and_o pluck_v out_o the_o right_a eye_n than_o his_o weighty_a admonition_n of_o be_v temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v the_o body_n into_o subjection_n one_o thing_n more_o i_o can_v but_o yet_o adjoin_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o wary_a of_o impose_v upon_o any_o one_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n appertain_v to_o religion_n in_o a_o positive_a or_o affirmative_a kind_n of_o observance_n that_o though_o for_o the_o avoid_v scandal_n he_o dehort_v from_o eat_v meat_n or_o drink_v wine_n that_o may_v scandalize_v any_o in_o the_o very_a eye_n of_o their_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o draw_v they_o into_o sin_n yet_o he_o not_o where_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n of_o avoid_v scandal_n persuade_v to_o the_o esteem_v or_o observe_v a_o day_n to_o the_o lord_n though_o another_o may_v be_v scandalize_v if_o he_o do_v not_o so_o such_o abstinence_n yet_o in_o a_o full_a freedom_n of_o thought_n be_v a_o much_o easy_a performance_n of_o charity_n extend_v only_o to_o meat_n in_o doubt_n under_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o doubt_v mind_n but_o observe_v a_o day_n require_v direct_a act_n of_o devotion_n from_o lay_v the_o obligation_n of_o which_o upon_o any_o man_n the_o apostle_n have_v whole_o withdraw_v his_o hand_n even_o in_o case_n of_o scandal_n and_o only_o preserve_v from_o despisal_n such_o a_o doubt_a christian_a and_o then_o only_o when_o the_o out-date_n of_o the_o divine_a command_n for_o such_o observance_n be_v but_o just_a come_v and_o not_o full_o understand_v pag._n 38._o l._n 25._o what_o therefore_o i_o have_v intimate_v contrary_a to_o this_o account_n i_o retract_v as_o not_o full_o consider_v and_o i_o now_o bow_v my_o knee_n to_o the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o glory_n that_o he_o will_v inspire_v the_o heart_n of_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n who_o be_v constitute_v as_o guardian_n angel_n of_o conscience_n against_o scandal_n and_o of_o all_o christian_n in_o general_a that_o out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o particular_o in_o this_o nation_n may_v be_v gather_v all_o such_o thing_n that_o offend_v and_o all_o those_o that_o wâ—rk_v iniquity_n on_o account_n of_o them_o the_o woe_n of_o scandal_n matth._n xviii_o 7._o woe_n unto_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n or_o scandal_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n or_o scandal_n come_v but_o woe_n to_o that_o man_n by_o who_o the_o offence_n or_o scandal_n come_v a_o free_a use_n of_o the_o word_n scandal_n and_o to_o scandalize_v for_o offence_n or_o to_o offend_v can_v need_v no_o apology_n the_o original_a be_v so_o well_o know_v and_o now_o become_v english_a more_o significant_a of_o the_o thing_n intend_v than_o the_o other_o of_o which_o scandal_n our_o saviour_n be_v in_o a_o deep_a and_o intense_a contemplation_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o of_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n because_o of_o it_o both_o in_o his_o church_n and_o the_o world_n in_o the_o world_n especial_o as_o it_o confine_n upon_o his_o church_n be_v in_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o it_o and_o view_v of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o it_o or_o indeed_o as_o within_o the_o arm_n of_o it_o by_o a_o profession_n of_o christianity_n though_o a_o unsound_a and_o insincere_a profession_n for_o so_o there_o be_v the_o world_n in_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n the_o lord_n turn_v himself_o to_o behold_v and_o observe_v this_o scandal_n how_o it_o discharge_v itself_o on_o all_o side_n with_o woe_n mischief_n and_o ruin_n and_o with_o compassion_n foretell_v and_o warn_v all_o of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o most_o destructive_a way_n of_o sin_v the_o most_o to_o be_v abhor_v kind_n of_o mischief_n and_o ruin_n this_o must_v needs_o make_v every_o think_v christian_n afraid_a of_o scandal_n of_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o it_o either_o in_o give_v or_o receive_v it_o and_o much_o more_o of_o be_v a_o projector_n or_o pusher_n of_o it_o on_o in_o the_o world_n and_o most_o of_o all_o in_o the_o church_n now_o to_o this_o whole_a discourse_n there_o will_v be_v a_o continual_a occasion_n to_o have_v recourse_n in_o this_o treatise_n but_o the_o word_n themselves_o offer_v to_o consideration_n these_o three_o proposition_n 1._o that_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n be_v such_o that_o scandal_n must_v needs_o come_v scandal_n be_v very_o press_v and_o crowd_v in_o upon_o the_o world_n in_o regard_n of_o its_o multitude_n its_o name_n be_v legion_n it_o throng_n the_o world_n our_o saviour_n express_v it_o in_o its_o number_n scandal_n in_o regard_n of_o its_o vehemency_n or_o importunity_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o scandal_n come_v it_o thrust_v in_o every_o where_o it_o pervert_v the_o best_a thing_n and_o twine_n about_o they_o it_o play_v in_o thing_n indifferent_a how_o much_o more_o in_o thing_n pure_o evil._n scandal_n come_v it_o come_v as_o a_o eagle_n haste_v to_o the_o prey_n it_o come_v sup_v and_o blast_v as_o a_o east_n wind_n it_o come_v as_o a_o invader_n with_o its_o troop_n and_o the_o world_n how_o willing_a be_v it_o to_o receive_v scandal_n it_o call_v for_o and_o invite_v it_o it_o open_v all_o gate_n and_o door_n to_o it_o it_o even_o surrender_n and_o betray_v itself_o to_o it_o it_o be_v mad_a after_o scandal_n both_o to_o give_v and_o receive_v it_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v then_o that_o scandal_n come_v yet_o the_o world_n lie_v under_o great_a misery_n because_o of_o the_o 2._o propos_fw-fr 2._o multitude_n of_o scandal_n the_o efficacy_n of_o scandal_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v more_o miserable_a in_o regard_n of_o scandal_n than_o mere_o in_o regard_n of_o sin_n for_o when_o the_o lord_n emphatical_o denounce_v a_o woe_n upon_o the_o world_n because_o of_o scandal_n he_o intend_v something_o more_o than_o the_o scripture_n general_o declare_v against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n for_o that_o be_v a_o know_a case_n that_o there_o be_v a_o woe_n upon_o sin_n our_o saviour_n remonstrate_v this_o case_n as_o more_o rare_o and_o yet_o of_o all_o most_o necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v observe_v and_o profound_o consider_v and_o though_o it_o will_v appear_v it_o be_v always_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n join_v with_o sin_n yet_o it_o have_v thus_o much_o more_o of_o danger_n in_o it_o than_o that_o mere_o it_o be_v sinful_a it_o be_v sin_n some_o way_n guard_v and_o defend_v against_o divine_a truth_n and_o so_o hold_v its_o good_n more_o in_o peace_n it_o be_v wound_n be_v no_o less_o deadly_a yet_o more_o secret_a and_o unexpected_a and_o therefore_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o death_n it_o be_v a_o ambush_n of_o death_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o scandal_n most_o eminent_o it_o be_v even_o as_o in_o that_o most_o enchant_v sin_n that_o a_o man_n go_v after_o it_o as_o a_o ox_n to_o the_o slaughter_n and_o as_o a_o fool_n to_o the_o correction_n of_o the_o stock_n till_o a_o dart_n strike_v through_o his_o liver_n as_o a_o bird_n haste_v to_o the_o snare_n and_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v for_o its_o life_n scandal_n wipe_v its_o mouth_n when_o it_o destroy_v and_o say_v it_o have_v do_v no_o wickedness_n when_o it_o speak_v fair_a there_o be_v seven_o abomination_n under_o it_o as_o against_o those_o man_n of_o scandal_n the_o pharisee_n so_o against_o scandal_n itself_o have_v the_o most_o merciful_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n make_v his_o keen_a remark_n there_o be_v still_o however_o guilty_a the_o world_n be_v a_o accumulative_a 3._o propos_fw-fr 3._o woe_n and_o misery_n upon_o that_o man_n by_o who_o the_o scandal_n come_v woe_n to_o the_o world_n but_o woe_n to_o he_o by_o which_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o yet_o intend_v every_o one_o that_o administer_v scandal_n for_o so_o good_a man_n often_o do_v in_o the_o do_v their_o duty_n even_o himself_o his_o doctrine_n be_v a_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n nor_o be_v every_o man_n point_v at_o here_o that_o through_o error_n or_o fall_v into_o sin_n offers_z scandal_n though_o this_o woe_n spread_v far_o in_o some_o degree_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n yea_o upon_o every_o man_n without_o repentance_n see_v all_o man_n one_o way_n or_o other_o guilty_o convey_v scandal_n along_o but_o there_o be_v some_o engineer_n
succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n without_o caution_v for_o any_o thing_n of_o their_o true_a spirit_n and_o which_o so_o hang_v salvation_n at_o the_o girdle_n of_o those_o that_o will_v be_v their_o successor_n as_o turn_v christianity_n into_o a_o most_o arbitrary_a and_o tirannick_a party_n but_o they_o that_o know_v the_o scripture_n know_v assure_o christ_n have_v found_v no_o rule_n government_n or_o authority_n in_o his_o church_n whatever_o but_o who_o whole_a display_v of_o itself_o be_v in_o teach_v instruct_v according_a to_o his_o word_n if_o that_o be_v not_o clear_a and_o evident_a the_o whole_a authority_n and_o power_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n this_o word_n appear_v in_o and_o with_o itself_o though_o by_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n over_o conscience_n they_o that_o will_v rule_v without_o this_o as_o ruler_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n be_v but_o lay-elders_a lay-bishop_n or_o indeed_o they_o leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v table_n but_o in_o this_o universal_a rage_n of_o scandal_n god_n have_v not_o so_o forsake_v the_o world_n but_o that_o his_o spirit_n lift_v up_o a_o standard_n against_o it_o evil_n be_v not_o infinite_a but_o be_v at_o all_o time_n stop_v by_o evidence_n of_o god_n and_o true_a goodness_n environ_v it_o on_o every_o side_n and_o bound_v it_o that_o it_o can_v do_v what_o it_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o do_v and_o be_v therefore_o force_v to_o leave_v it_o undo_v for_o it_o can_v go_v no_o far_o than_o the_o being_n that_o carry_v it_o can_v go_v and_o god_n be_v always_o above_o they_o and_o hem_v they_o in_o on_o every_o side_n scandal_n have_v only_o a_o permission_n from_o god_n a_o dispensation_n to_o manifest_v itself_o it_o be_v always_o subject_a to_o truth_n as_o night_n be_v to_o day_n it_o be_v subject_a to_o be_v reduce_v and_o contract_v as_o god_n please_v and_o thus_o have_v i_o finish_v the_o three_o head_n of_o discourse_n concern_v scandal_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o scandal_n come_v i_o come_v to_o a_o brief_a dispatch_n of_o the_o four_o head_n the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o world_n woe_n because_o of_o scandal_n 1._o let_v the_o scandal_n be_v never_o so_o fair_a and_o plausible_a in_o its_o pretence_n or_o reason_n of_o seduction_n from_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o force_n of_o truth_n and_o high_a reason_n against_o it_o that_o our_o gild_n and_o condemnation_n be_v unavoidable_a in_o not_o resist_v the_o temptation_n nothing_o can_v justify_v a_o plea_n against_o the_o divine_a law_n not_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n we_o must_v pronounce_v anathema_n upon_o he_o if_o he_o undertake_v it_o there_o be_v such_o foundation_n of_o truth_n lay_v by_o god_n that_o can_v be_v move_v and_o they_o have_v such_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n to_o all_o sincere_a mind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o excuse_n against_o the_o gild_n of_o be_v take_v with_o scandal_n 2._o there_o be_v therefore_o always_o 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into_o it_o as_o not_o to_o recover_v it_o be_v vain_a to_o pretend_v the_o force_n the_o power_n the_o unavoidableness_n of_o scandal_n when_o itself_o be_v death_n and_o ruin_n how_o many_o be_v please_v with_o their_o scandal_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n part_n with_o they_o many_o excuse_v themselves_o they_o can_v not_o withstand_v their_o deceit_n and_o violence_n and_o will_v not_o apprehend_v their_o case_n the_o first_o close_o embrace_v death_n or_o as_o solomon_n say_v love_v death_n the_o latter_a can_v have_v no_o other_o pity_n at_o the_o high_a but_o that_o they_o be_v undo_v their_o scandal_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o pine_v away_o in_o they_o as_o they_o speak_v in_o ezekiel_n and_o how_o then_o shall_v 10._o ezek._n 33._o 10._o they_o live_v god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o their_o death_n yet_o still_o they_o die_v except_o restore_v by_o repentance_n 4._o be_v it_o not_o for_o scandal_n be_v it_o not_o some_o unhappy_a and_o mischievous_a misrepresentation_n of_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n be_v there_o not_o something_o that_o impose_v upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o seduce_v the_o will_n with_o a_o false_a appearance_n of_o truth_n and_o good_a rational_a being_n can_v not_o resist_v truth_n nor_o fall_v out_o with_o infinite_a goodness_n or_o on_o the_o other_o side_n entertain_v falsehood_n or_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o evil_a and_o so_o will_v be_v every_o way_n secure_a from_o destruction_n sure_o be_v it_o not_o for_o scandal_n some_o most_o mischievous_a possession_n upon_o our_o mind_n while_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n of_o mercy_n we_o can_v not_o refuse_v and_o reject_v it_o nor_o cleave_v so_o fast_o to_o sin_n and_o death_n which_o can_v have_v no_o desirableness_n but_o to_o the_o deceive_a soul_n as_o holiness_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n can_v be_v disgustful_a to_o any_o but_o the_o scandalize_v be_v it_o not_o for_o some_o indissolvable_a scandal_n even_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n may_v be_v repent_v of_o and_o forgive_v some_o irreconcilable_a prejudice_n retain_v both_o the_o sin_n and_o so_o the_o punishment_n and_o in_o hell_n there_o be_v that_o eternal_a scandal_n for_o ever_o hold_v fast_o the_o damn_a that_o a_o creature_n deprive_v of_o god_n just_o hate_v and_o rebel_n against_o he_o or_o it_o be_v best_o for_o it_o in_o that_o circumstance_n so_o to_o do_v be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v loose_v from_o this_o snare_n of_o death_n this_o everlasting_a chain_n of_o darkness_n there_o may_v be_v a_o escape_n out_o of_o hell_n itself_o be_v there_o not_o a_o eternal_a discontent_n and_o disgust_n to_o god_n hell_n can_v not_o be_v hell_n nor_o devil_n devil_n any_o long_o so_o miserable_a a_o thing_n be_v scandal_n the_o five_o head_n in_o this_o discourse_n be_v the_o accumulative_a woe_n to_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v the_o woe_n by_o way_n of_o transcendency_n 1._o the_o designer_n of_o scandal_n must_v be_v as_o so_o many_o satan_n in_o the_o world_n of_o the_o just_a contrary_a spirit_n and_o action_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o separate_v from_o that_o bless_a presence_n into_o that_o fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n the_o god_n and_o the_o angel_n of_o scandal_n some_o have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v brand_o infamous_a herein_o but_o none_o like_o he_o who_o come_v be_v after_o satan_n with_o lie_v sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o vnrighteousness_n all_o those_o atheistical_a defamation_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o the_o scurrility_n of_o profane_a wit_n be_v deep_o dye_v in_o this_o gild_n they_o be_v like_o the_o throw_n of_o firebrand_n arrow_n and_o death_n so_o be_v the_o scandalize_a of_o man_n in_o such_o sport_n of_o wit_n to_o their_o ruin_n they_o that_o offer_v themselves_o as_o copy_n and_o pattern_n of_o wickedness_n in_o defiance_n of_o heaven_n dwell_v near_o to_o this_o insupportable_a woe_n they_o who_o law_n arm_v with_o cruel_a penalty_n be_v so_o many_o destructive_a trap_n and_o engine_n of_o mischief_n against_o all_o that_o be_v professor_n of_o true_a and_o sincere_a religion_n shall_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o god_n kingdom_n their_o scandal_n and_o themselves_o that_o work_n iniquity_n by_o they_o they_o that_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v indifferent_a use_v a_o violent_a example_n that_o must_v be_v answer_v with_o conformity_n though_o man_n do_v with_o great_a seriousness_n and_o solemnity_n protest_v their_o doubt_n in_o the_o case_n and_o though_o scandal_n be_v plant_v every_o where_n in_o their_o indifferency_n have_v need_n as_o our_o saviour_n bid_v they_o take_v heed_n they_o offend_v not_o they_o despise_v not_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v but_o the_o little_a one_o in_o
not_o strict_o of_o that_o seed_n with_o immediate_a revelation_n but_o when_o all_o these_o be_v corrupt_v as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n god_n withdraw_v himself_o by_o degree_n as_o the_o glory_n do_v from_o the_o temple_n in_o ezekiel_n till_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v but_o the_o darkness_n of_o tradition_n fearful_o debauch_v false_a deduction_n from_o nature_n light_n and_o worse_o than_o that_o the_o devil_n oracle_n in_o the_o room_n of_o god_n so_o that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o nation_n a_o second_o and_o more_o desperate_a fall_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o jewish_a church_n and_o a_o small_a proselytisme_n to_o that_o only_o except_v quest_n what_o example_n be_v there_o of_o god_n continue_v favour_n to_o any_o part_n of_o mankind_n out_o of_o abraham_n family_n justify_v he_o as_o not_o depart_v from_o man_n till_o they_o depart_v from_o he_o answ_n melchisedek_n no_o descendent_a from_o abraham_n be_v king_n of_o righteousness_n and_o king_n of_o peace_n at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o church_n be_v place_v in_o abraham_n seed_n laban_n be_v not_o whole_o revolt_v from_o true_a religion_n but_o especial_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o esau_n be_v eminent_a instance_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n that_o whole_a book_n of_o job_n testify_v that_o be_v help_v by_o holy_a tradition_n together_o with_o occasional_a revelation_n they_o hold_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n at_o its_o own_o purity_n quest_n how_o long_o do_v the_o nation_n that_o desert_a god_n continue_v under_o that_o dismal_a obscurity_n answ_n till_o that_o bless_a seed_n in_o who_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v bless_v and_o who_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n come_v and_o shine_v as_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n upon_o the_o whole_a world_n quest_n how_o be_v the_o light_n of_o revelation_n convey_v to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o elder_a time_n answ_n in_o divers_a way_n and_o manner_n in_o more_o immediate_a appearance_n in_o vision_n dream_n prophecy_n in_o inward_a illumination_n by_o a_o voice_n in_o all_o which_o there_o be_v when_o ever_o they_o be_v true_o from_o god_n such_o mighty_a evidence_n of_o divinity_n as_o overbalanced_a all_o doubt_n together_o with_o these_o be_v the_o ordinary_a and_o familiar_a instruction_n of_o patriarch_n and_o holy_a man_n ground_v upon_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n quest_n how_o do_v god_n conclude_v his_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o way_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n answ_n by_o speak_v in_o the_o last_o day_n by_o his_o son_n and_o the_o apostle_n immediate_o commissioned_n by_o he_o seal_v up_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n in_o the_o fullness_n and_o compliment_n of_o truth_n quest_n do_v god_n take_v any_o care_n for_o the_o secure_v the_o monument_n of_o his_o truth_n give_v out_o by_o revelation_n answ_n yes_o very_o early_o how_o early_o we_o know_v not_o but_o beyond_o controversy_n in_o the_o first_o form_v the_o jewish_a church_n into_o a_o settle_a body_n he_o begin_v the_o more_o sure_a and_o certain_a way_n of_o commit_v his_o word_n and_o will_n to_o write_v and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o set_v the_o copy_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o continue_v it_o till_o the_o whole_a revelation_n be_v complete_a passant_a revelation_n or_o oral_a tradidition_n not_o be_v sure_a enough_o quest_n wherein_o be_v the_o write_a word_n more_o sure_a than_o the_o word_n in_o pass_a revelation_n or_o tradition_n answ_n the_o word_n commit_v to_o write_v stand_v unalterable_a divine_a providence_n watch_v over_o what_o be_v write_v to_o keep_v it_o the_o same_o all_o covenant_n and_o treaty_n all_o monument_n of_o knowledge_n have_v be_v thus_o secure_v transmit_v into_o all_o part_n and_o consign_v to_o after_o age_n appeal_n in_o case_n of_o doubt_n be_v more_o safe_o make_v to_o what_o be_v write_v and_o every_o one_o concern_v have_v a_o ready_a and_o open_a way_n to_o examine_v and_o in_o all_o case_n to_o be_v resolve_v quest_n have_v all_o nation_n since_o the_o day_n of_o the_o bless_a seed_n be_v communicate_v with_o these_o revelation_n answ_n there_o have_v be_v a_o freedom_n give_v to_o communicate_v they_o and_o a_o right_n in_o all_o nation_n to_o demand_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o grant_v by_o god_n and_o christ_n to_o they_o but_o there_o be_v many_o sad_a account_n to_o be_v give_v why_o this_o universal_a grace_n to_o mankind_n have_v not_o yet_o take_v effect_n 1._o the_o unaccountableness_n of_o the_o method_n of_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o distinguish_a goodness_n even_o when_o thing_n seem_v equal_o dispose_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o one_o as_o of_o another_o 2._o the_o experiment_n make_v upon_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n that_o have_v the_o gospel_n justify_v god_n in_o not_o effectual_o convey_v it_o to_o other_o who_o will_v make_v as_o ill_o a_o use_n of_o it_o the_o idolatry_n superstition_n of_o some_o the_o sottish_a ignorance_n sloth_n and_o neglect_n of_o other_o the_o cruelty_n and_o barbarity_n exercise_v by_o christian_n upon_o one_o another_o and_o the_o unanswerable_a live_n to_o it_o in_o all_o sect_n make_v plain_a the_o great_a perverseness_n of_o our_o degenerate_a nature_n and_o how_o nation_n that_o have_v not_o the_o gospel_n will_v have_v abuse_v it_o if_o they_o have_v have_v it_o 3._o but_o especial_o the_o great_a enmity_n to_o and_o contempt_n of_o the_o heavenly_a doctrine_n great_a nation_n be_v environ_v with_o against_o the_o approach_n of_o it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v come_v within_o their_o notice_n as_o among_o jew_n turk_n and_o pagan_n be_v a_o very_a obvious_a reason_n why_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n free_a promulgation_n quest_n what_o then_o be_v the_o immediate_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o nation_n that_o have_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o guide_v they_o and_o the_o jew_n that_o have_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v be_v the_o one_o great_a enemy_n to_o all_o scripture_n revelation_n and_o the_o other_o to_o the_o new_a testament_n answ_n because_o nation_n that_o have_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n stay_v not_o themselves_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_o divine_a and_o public_a in_o nature_n law_n but_o either_o by_o unnatural_a collection_n and_o miserable_a wrest_n of_o its_o principle_n or_o fly_v to_o false_a and_o dark_a revelation_n fortify_v themselves_o in_o falsehood_n or_o misapply_v truth_n as_o to_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a they_o be_v bemi_v with_o the_o private_a interpretation_n they_o have_v affix_v to_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o see_v the_o clear_a easy_a and_o certain_a train_n of_o the_o same_o public_a and_o divine_a run_v betwixt_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a but_o the_o rudiment_n in_o the_o old_a be_v more_o kind_a to_o the_o cabal_n or_o cypher_n of_o their_o self-interested_n sense_n they_o venerate_v they_o and_o hate_v the_o perfection_n and_o life_n in_o the_o new_a that_o will_v not_o at_o all_o bear_v their_o privy_a gloss_n although_o both_o scripture_n have_v the_o same_o credential_n from_o heaven_n and_o carry_v the_o same_o public_a sense_n so_o great_a be_v the_o delusion_n of_o private_a quest_n but_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o even_o among_o those_o that_o enjoy_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o scripture_n and_o profess_v the_o same_o christianity_n nay_o the_o most_o refine_a and_o reform_a christianity_n there_o be_v so_o great_a difference_n and_o division_n answ_n all_o proceed_v from_o the_o same_o unhappy_a spring_n man_n can_v endure_v to_o rest_v in_o the_o clear_a and_o certain_a oracle_n of_o truth_n but_o by_o force_a addition_n misinterpretation_n violent_a detorsion_n forsake_v that_o which_o be_v public_a and_o divine_a for_o that_o which_o be_v private_a and_o their_o own_o and_o be_v great_o offend_v and_o too_o often_o enrage_v that_o other_o do_v not_o concur_v with_o they_o quest_n it_o seem_v then_o the_o best_a method_n of_o keep_v off_o from_o error_n be_v to_o rest_v upon_o the_o most_o undoubted_a point_n of_o truth_n before_o we_o remove_v from_o they_o to_o any_o thing_n further_o answ_n it_o be_v undoubted_o so_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o branch_n of_o it_o have_v suffer_v much_o more_o by_o foreign_a and_o disagreeable_a addition_n than_o by_o wary_a suspension_n for_o hereby_o a_o man_n keep_v himself_o from_o false_a religion_n and_o stand_v ready_a and_o open_a to_o receive_v truth_n quest_n but_o how_o then_o shall_v a_o man_n make_v forward_o from_o natural_a religion_n to_o reveal_v or_o from_o what_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v to_o what_o he_o may_v in_o time_n come_v to_o see_v very_o good_a proof_n for_o
be_v present_o more_o full_o discourse_v under_o the_o head_n of_o interpretation_n quest_n how_o far_o and_o to_o what_o thing_n do_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n extend_v answ_n to_o all_o thing_n most_o assure_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a life_n or_o to_o the_o true_a perfect_a the_o conscience_n in_o purity_n and_o peace_n whether_o they_o be_v thing_n to_o be_v believe_v as_o the_o spring_n of_o heavenly_a action_n or_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o to_o guidâ—_n the_o practice_n and_o order_v the_o conversation_n aright_o to_o thaâ—_n salvation_n or_o that_o be_v prescribe_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n alâ—_n these_o be_v plain_o write_v or_o by_o just_a consequence_n to_o bâ—_n derive_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o show_v man_n the_o way_n to_o please_v god_n or_o to_o assure_v they_o they_o do_v please_v god_n that_o so_o they_o may_v attain_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n quest_n be_v there_o no_o other_o rule_n of_o religion_n then_o but_o the_o scripture_n embrace_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n answ_n there_o can_v be_v none_o except_o either_o religion_n be_v not_o derive_v whole_o from_o god_n and_o therefore_o not_o so_o catholic_n as_o we_o have_v assert_v it_o or_o except_o any_o other_o record_n of_o religion_n can_v show_v its_o descent_n as_o high_a and_o public_a as_o scripture_n do_v of_o which_o proof_n which_o scripture_n give_v of_o itself_o and_o what_o it_o be_v inquiry_n be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o be_v make_v cap._n vi_o of_o the_o proof_n of_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o proof_n also_o be_v public_a and_o divine_a quest_n what_o kind_n of_o proof_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o record_n as_o scripture_n be_v high_a enough_o to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v so_o divine_a answ_n that_o which_o be_v even_o as_o the_o original_a of_o scripture_n divine_v also_o quest_n why_o must_v the_o proof_n or_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n be_v divine_a answ_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v below_o the_o dignity_n of_o divine_a to_o receive_v its_o principal_a proof_n from_o private_a or_o low_a than_o divine_a or_o public_a 2._o because_o nothing_o but_o divine_a can_v so_o reach_v the_o conscience_n as_o to_o fill_v and_o possess_v it_o with_o satisfactory_a evidence_n in_o so_o great_a a_o concernment_n as_o religion_n nor_o strike_v the_o heart_n with_o those_o great_a effect_n of_o love_n to_o fear_v of_o joy_n in_o scripture_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o essential_a to_o religion_n but_o divine_a when_o you_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n you_o receive_v it_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n 3._o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a what_o be_v true_o divine_a shall_v not_o dart_v the_o ray_n of_o divinity_n as_o all_o other_o thing_n of_o excellency_n send_v out_o the_o beam_n of_o that_o excellency_n they_o have_v and_o thereby_o discover_v themselves_o for_o we_o know_v all_o thing_n especial_o by_o themselves_o the_o light_n remonstrate_v itself_o by_o itself_o the_o genius_n of_o every_o writer_n show_v itself_o first_o by_o itself_o we_o see_v the_o divineness_n of_o creation_n and_o miracle_n by_o themselves_o best_a and_o great_a be_v self-evident_o divine_a and_o whatever_o it_o be_v write_v upon_o be_v evident_o divine_a also_o quest_n how_o do_v scripture_n show_v itself_o thus_o divine_a answ_n by_o a_o majestic_a assumption_n to_o itself_o to_o be_v divine_a it_o speak_v so_o in_o and_o of_o all_o thing_n it_o speak_v and_o as_o it_o please_v effect_n as_o divine_v only_o do_v and_o can_v effect_v and_o be_v the_o best_a and_o great_a record_n of_o truth_n to_o all_o holy_a and_o wise_a mind_n the_o only_a extant_a inviolate_a record_n of_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n be_v 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the_o book_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n of_o religion_n write_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o engrave_v in_o the_o conscience_n and_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n that_o both_o these_o be_v address_v pure_o to_o the_o mind_n as_o abstract_v from_o sense_n that_o each_o of_o they_o be_v counterpart_v by_o two_o great_a manifestation_n of_o divinity_n to_o sense_n which_o sense_n be_v reason_n incarnate_a or_o mind_n act_v in_o and_o by_o body_n these_o two_o be_v either_o ordinary_a or_o constant_a as_o creation_n conservation_n or_o providence_n or_o extraordinary_a as_o miracle_n that_o each_o of_o they_o have_v also_o two_o executive_a power_n act_v they_o to_o their_o end_n the_o motion_n and_o activity_n of_o reason_n enable_v by_o the_o constant_a concourse_n of_o general_n illumination_n and_o the_o supernatural_a illumination_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o that_o all_o these_o agree_v in_o one_o unite_v with_o and_o fortify_v one_o another_o all_o of_o they_o 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accidental_a testimony_n quest_n but_o be_v there_o not_o much_o more_o to_o be_v yield_v to_o the_o rational_a assurance_n that_o such_o historian_n as_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o inspire_a writer_n of_o such_o honesty_n and_o integrity_n will_v not_o prevaricate_v nor_o give_v any_o false_a account_n of_o thing_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o themselves_o or_o our_o saviour_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n or_o of_o their_o divine_a original_a especial_o when_o they_o seal_v all_o these_o with_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n even_o of_o life_n itself_o and_o die_v in_o the_o constant_a affirmation_n of_o they_o which_o remove_v all_o base_a design_n far_o from_o they_o even_o the_o suspicion_n of_o it_o answ_n these_o proof_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o divine_a descent_n of_o scripture_n be_v undoubted_o of_o the_o high_a account_n that_o any_o create_a testimony_n can_v be_v and_o be_v a_o down-weight_n of_o proof_n to_o all_o sober_a reason_n yet_o that_o they_o can_v rise_v above_o the_o value_n of_o john_n baptist_n testimony_n to_o christ_n i_o can_v find_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v remove_v high_a to_o the_o doctrine_n that_o those_o holy_a man_n preach_v and_o write_v the_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o admirable_a contexture_n they_o use_v in_o write_v the_o work_v they_o do_v carry_v the_o evidence_n of_o divinity_n in_o themselves_o and_o apply_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o sense_n of_o true_a believer_n with_o its_o own_o assure_v attestation_n and_o gracious_a operation_n of_o which_o all_o that_o be_v but_o create_v be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o tube_n pipe_n or_o channel_n of_o conveyance_n if_o we_o enter_v it_o into_o a_o compare_n with_o what_o be_v high_a and_o divine_a but_o if_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o proof_n be_v into_o any_o thing_n humane_a there_o may_v be_v mistake_n in_o that_o for_o humane_a at_o its_o
foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n quest_n how_o then_o be_v it_o say_v to_o be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o what_o importance_n be_v that_o to_o the_o actuate_a scripture_n answ_n as_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o court_n and_o government_n be_v public_o fix_v that_o every_o one_o may_v know_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o so_o the_o church_n in_o all_o its_o member_n but_o especial_o by_o depute_a minister_n give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o it_o proclaim_v preach_v and_o make_v offer_v of_o the_o most_o public_a notice_n of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n within_o itself_o that_o all_o the_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o family_n may_v be_v continual_o catechise_v and_o build_v up_o therein_o and_o stranger_n have_v opportunity_n to_o know_v if_o they_o will_v apply_v themselves_o to_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v a_o famous_a city_n set_v on_o a_o hill_n that_o can_v be_v hide_v and_o therefore_o its_o law_n constitution_n manner_n can_v but_o in_o all_o reason_n be_v inquire_v of_o by_o all_o that_o do_v so_o much_o as_o pass_v by_o it_o it_o be_v a_o candlestick_n bear_v the_o lofty_a torch_n of_o divine_a truth_n of_o this_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o affix_v to_o they_o the_o roll_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v a_o eminent_a type_n and_o allude_v to_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o therefore_o from_o a_o prince_n come_v forth_o edict_n proclamation_n manifesto_n and_o declaration_n according_a to_o law_n which_o be_v fasten_v to_o public_a pillar_n of_o the_o court_n itself_o and_o all_o open_a and_o conspicuous_a place_n of_o concourse_n so_o be_v there_o in_o the_o church_n the_o most_o advantageous_a publication_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o word_n to_o all_o both_o the_o native_n and_o freeborn_a of_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o ingenuous_a stranger_n that_o will_v hearken_v out_o the_o most_o reasonable_a proposal_n of_o truth_n or_o who_o god_n be_v please_v to_o naturalize_v to_o himself_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o how_o do_v this_o actuate_v scripture_n answ_n it_o mean_v nothing_o but_o the_o perpetuity_n and_o continuation_n of_o truth_n with_o the_o church_n establish_v itself_o by_o all_o that_o firmness_n of_o divine_a evidence_n and_o reason_n and_o on_o those_o very_a security_n take_v possession_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o ark_n of_o its_o strength_n where_o itself_o or_o the_o god_n that_o be_v truth_n itself_o place_v the_o sole_n of_o his_o foot_n as_o on_o his_o unmovable_a footstool_n for_o ever_o of_o which_o the_o ark_n in_o the_o holâ—est_n be_v a_o type_n the_o footstool_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o mercy_n the_o secure_a repository_n of_o the_o table_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o ark_n of_o testimony_n over_o which_o the_o shecinah_n or_o glory_n appear_v as_o enthrone_v attend_v with_o cherubim_n and_o set_v its_o foot_n upon_o it_o the_o place_n of_o my_o throne_n and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o sole_n of_o my_o foot_n ezek._n 43._o 7._o for_o thus_o the_o true_a church_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v be_v the_o unchangeable_a rest_n of_o truth_n it_o adhere_v to_o truth_n it_o buy_v the_o truth_n and_o never_o sell_v it_o truth_n dwell_v with_o it_o for_o ever_o god_n never_o suffer_v it_o to_o apostatise_v from_o truth_n but_o by_o the_o constant_a hold_v of_o the_o judgement_n and_o retain_v the_o love_n and_o zeal_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o those_o that_o be_v indeed_o his_o church_n he_o have_v settle_v his_o word_n in_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n even_o as_o it_o be_v for_o ever_o settle_v in_o heaven_n the_o church_n therefore_o actuate_v scripture_n by_o find_v out_o reason_n debate_v enforce_v defend_v by_o all_o argument_n that_o truth_n of_o scripture_n and_o so_o persist_v in_o it_o for_o ever_o quest_n can_v then_o the_o church_n fail_v answ_n it_o have_v be_v say_v before_o the_o true_a church_n can_v fail_v for_o the_o true_a church_n be_v as_o have_v be_v describe_v the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o which_o be_v so_o can_v fail_v and_o god_n will_v have_v such_o a_o church_n always_o in_o the_o world_n if_o any_o person_n city_n or_o nation_n that_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o church_n have_v this_o light_n eclipse_v the_o candlestiks_n remove_v for_o it_o be_v only_o a_o candlestick_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o light_n and_o the_o pillar_n itself_o shake_v and_o fall_v if_o the_o record_v fix_v to_o it_o be_v take_v away_o and_o the_o palace_n and_o court_n remove_v with_o the_o prince_n who_o be_v always_o with_o his_o truth_n and_o the_o lively_a motion_n of_o it_o so_o much_o truth_n therefore_o and_o active_a display_v of_o it_o so_o much_o a_o church_n in_o any_o place_n and_o the_o truth_n remove_v or_o lie_v dead_a the_o church_n remove_v also_o or_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v in_o that_o place_n quest_n but_o be_v there_o no_o high_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n answ_n no_o other_o but_o what_o arise_v from_o the_o most_o intimate_a and_o inseparable_a union_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o truth_n truth_n take_v a_o undefailable_a possession_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o wherever_o truth_n in_o that_o fullness_n as_o to_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o happiness_n be_v there_o be_v the_o church_n and_o no_o where_o else_o the_o true_a church_n then_o may_v be_v style_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o high_a sense_n if_o right_o understand_v that_o be_v truth_n itself_o that_o be_v the_o unmovable_a pillar_n and_o everlasting_a foundation_n have_v so_o close_o band_v the_o church_n with_o itself_o that_o it_o be_v one_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n with_o it_o thus_o the_o church_n may_v be_v both_o the_o building_n and_o the_o rock_n and_o foundation_n to_o succeed_a part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o building_n as_o itself_o rest_v upon_o the_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o truth_n else_o it_o can_v be_v the_o church_n the_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o truth_n to_o the_o still_o succeed_a and_o rise_v church_n as_o it_o be_v one_o with_o truth_n itself_o to_o which_o every_o true_a member_n first_o come_v and_o unite_v and_o therein_o to_o the_o church_n even_o as_o every_o degree_n of_o building_n be_v a_o foundation_n and_o support_v to_o the_o still_o grow_a building_n not_o in_o itself_o but_o as_o it_o be_v sure_o cement_v to_o the_o foundation_n regulate_v by_o it_o and_o partake_v its_o strength_n yet_o if_o it_o swerve_v never_o so_o little_a from_o the_o foundation_n it_o be_v present_o a_o deformity_n and_o the_o more_o it_o swerve_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o itself_o and_o all_o that_o rest_v upon_o it_o quest_n may_v not_o this_o help_n to_o explain_v that_o so_o much_o dispute_v expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o preval_fw-fr against_o it_o answ_n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a if_o it_o may_v give_v any_o light_n to_o it_o and_o hope_v it_o may_v for_o the_o apostle_n peter_n make_v that_o confession_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n not_o singular_a but_o represent_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o apostle_n and_o christian_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o and_o by_o that_o truth_n he_o confess_v be_v both_o part_n of_o the_o building_n upon_o that_o rock_n and_o as_o unite_z with_o that_o rock_n he_o become_v rock_n itself_o upon_o which_o succeee_a christian_n be_v to_o be_v build_v the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n foundation_n and_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n twelve_o foundation_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o cornerstone_n in_o who_o alone_o the_o whole_a building_n even_o the_o apostolic_a foundation_n itself_o rise_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n quest_n be_v there_o not_o a_o good_a security_n then_o in_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o church_n to_o those_o that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o building_n before_o we_o answ_n no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o we_o join_v ourselves_o by_o their_o ministry_n to_o that_o foundation_n itself_o which_o always_o lie_v sure_a upon_o which_o they_o themselves_o must_v alone_o rest_v if_o the_o true_a church_n for_o by_o place_v ourselves_o not_o upon_o they_o but_o upon_o that_o common_a foundation_n we_o be_v adjust_v to_o the_o whole_a building_n that_o be_v before_o we_o that_o lie_v regular_a with_o that_o foundation_n by_o the_o care_n of_o he_o who_o be_v both_o the_o foundation_n cornerstone_n and_o be_v also_o he_o that_o build_v all_o thing_n even_o god_n in_o christ_n quest_n we_o must_v then_o seek_v to_o
they_o captive_a with_o the_o rest_n though_o in_o different_a basket_n as_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n represent_v quest_n how_o do_v they_o survive_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o displace_v and_o deject_a candlestick_n answ_n they_o be_v either_o call_v out_o to_o a_o zealous_a appearance_n and_o suffer_v for_o truth_n or_o sometime_o retire_v into_o corner_n like_o the_o seven_o thousand_o in_o israel_n or_o the_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o they_o can_v appear_v like_o a_o church_n offer_v those_o public_a notice_n of_o divine_a truth_n a_o church_n be_v design_v for_o quest_n how_o be_v a_o visible_a profession_n lose_v from_o particular_a person_n answ_n it_o be_v too_o often_o throw_v up_o by_o apostasy_n or_o profaneness_n or_o dwindle_v into_o a_o very_a spiritless_a form_n but_o very_o often_o a_o profession_n without_o the_o power_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o work_n of_o iniquity_n it_o may_v pass_v out_o of_o this_o world_n like_o a_o lamp_n burn_v but_o be_v find_v to_o burn_v only_o in_o a_o small_a temporary_a light_n without_o oil_n in_o the_o vessel_n a_o plenitude_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n shut_v out_o every_o lust_n it_o become_v a_o lamp_n put_v out_o in_o utter_a darkness_n quest_n what_o be_v to_o be_v infer_v from_o all_o this_o answ_n that_o there_o be_v no_o trust_n but_o in_o the_o lord_n himself_o the_o truth_n itself_o by_o which_o at_o all_o time_n the_o church_n that_o be_v indeed_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o wherein_o it_o be_v so_o will_v be_v know_v to_o we_o and_o in_o unite_n to_o truth_n we_o be_v unite_v to_o that_o quest_n there_o remain_v one_o thing_n yet_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v its_o power_n of_o govern_v even_o as_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n under_o what_o notion_n i_o beseech_v you_o be_v that_o government_n express_v in_o scripture_n answ_n that_o power_n be_v by_o our_o saviour_n represent_v under_o the_o mataphor_n of_o key_n and_o the_o use_v of_o those_o key_n in_o open_v and_o shut_v or_o in_o bind_v and_o lose_v quest_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n hereof_o answ_n the_o meaning_n be_v plain_o this_o when_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v by_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n inquire_v into_o all_o the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o word_n of_o god_n it_o have_v in_o and_o according_a to_o that_o word_n and_o only_o so_o a_o power_n of_o application_n of_o that_o doctrine_n to_o particular_a case_n bind_v man_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o gild_n and_o fear_v of_o damnation_n in_o such_o or_o such_o sin_n and_o a_o impenitent_a continuance_n in_o they_o or_o of_o absolve_v and_o assure_v man_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o acceptance_n in_o a_o holy_a course_n of_o life_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o of_o pardon_n upon_o repentance_n after_o fall_n into_o sin_n and_o disobedience_n and_o so_o of_o declare_v and_o pronounce_v upon_o man_n as_o to_o their_o present_a state_n in_o the_o church_n by_o excommunication_n or_o absolution_n all_o these_o be_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o loose_v according_a to_o what_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o parallel_a word_n who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v mean_v still_o according_a to_o his_o word_n the_o polestar_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o direct_v all_o their_o motion_n who_o claim_v any_o such_o power_n for_o only_o where_o it_o be_v declare_v according_a to_o the_o word_n be_v it_o that_o what_o be_v bind_v on_o earth_n be_v also_o bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o what_o be_v loose_v on_o earth_n be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n there_o be_v a_o invariable_a agreement_n between_o what_o be_v publish_v from_o heaven_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o state_n and_o action_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n and_o the_o transaction_n in_o heaven_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o he_o than_o that_o pronounce_v agreeable_o with_o that_o word_n pronounce_v as_o heaven_n do_v and_o will_v pronounce_v heaven_n bind_v what_o he_o bind_v and_o lose_v what_o he_o lose_v because_o he_o speak_v the_o voice_n of_o heaven_n in_o both_o case_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o bind_v or_o loose_v except_o in_o the_o power_n of_o this_o word_n and_o according_a to_o it_o in_o its_o virtue_n in_o its_o truth_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o end_n to_o the_o glory_n to_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o christ_n to_o bind_v any_o single_a christian_a by_o excommunication_n and_o not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n be_v as_o much_o a_o brutum_fw-la fulmen_fw-la a_o thunder_n to_o no_o purpose_n a_o causeless_a curse_n that_o shall_v not_o come_v as_o for_o the_o pope_n to_o excommunicate_v whole_a protestant_a church_n quest_n what_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n answ_n it_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n in_o a_o neighbourhood_n or_o number_n of_o christian_n communicate_v one_o with_o another_o ordinary_o even_o as_o the_o whole_a cotholick_a church_n will_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a communicate_v with_o itself_o in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n exact_o according_a the_o to_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n wherein_o this_o be_v the_o distinguish_a character_n of_o the_o true_a church_n that_o its_o communion_n be_v not_o with_o itself_o primary_o but_o its_o communion_n be_v so_o with_o itself_o as_o to_o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n principal_o as_o the_o fountainhead_n centre_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o communion_n and_o therein_o it_o hold_v out_o and_o invite_v to_o its_o communion_n cap._n x._o of_o the_o officer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n quest_n can_v there_o be_v either_o a_o orderly_a or_o a_o effectual_a actuation_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o church_n as_o a_o congregation_n without_o distinct_a and_o separate_a office_n and_o officer_n that_o may_v attend_v continual_o on_o this_o very_a thing_n answ_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o assembly_n without_o order_n will_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o assembly_n and_o fall_v into_o a_o confusion_n or_o rude_a multitude_n all_o wise_a and_o prudent_a assembly_n have_v always_o have_v elder_n to_o preside_v over_o they_o and_o our_o lord_n have_v ordain_v such_o to_o moderate_v throughout_o his_o congregation_n or_o church_n to_o conduct_v all_o the_o public_a service_n of_o religion_n for_o all_o thing_n therein_o be_v actual_o administer_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n the_o noble_a organical_a part_n of_o the_o church_n like_o those_o sense_n that_o attend_v upon_o the_o understanding_n most_o immediate_o see_v eye_n and_o hear_v ear_n so_o these_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v most_o fit_v engage_v and_o provoke_v hereunto_o they_o be_v even_o according_a to_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n separate_v to_o their_o office_n and_o unto_o all_o preparation_n for_o they_o by_o read_v and_o meditation_n as_o to_o their_o proper_a call_v and_o business_n of_o life_n see_v they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a inablement_n or_o excitation_n to_o their_o service_n quest_n what_o title_n or_o character_n do_v the_o new_a testament_n place_n upon_o these_o officer_n answ_n those_o that_o we_o have_v especial_a respect_n to_o for_o in_o the_o deacon_n if_o strict_o take_v we_o be_v less_o concern_v receive_v denomination_n either_o from_o their_o work_n and_o service_n or_o from_o that_o honour_n and_o estimation_n due_a to_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o such_o a_o service_n from_o their_o work_n they_o be_v style_v apostle_n evangelist_n pastor_n teacher_n minister_n servant_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n also_o from_o the_o estimation_n and_o honour_n due_a to_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o work_n and_o the_o authority_n it_o ought_v to_o carry_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o christian_n they_o be_v style_v bishop_n elder_n ruler_n guide_n and_o ensample_n as_o also_o ambassador_n and_o the_o work_n and_o the_o honour_n do_v so_o enclose_v one_o another_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v separate_v and_o be_v in_o their_o institution_n the_o measure_n one_o of_o another_o extend_v both_o to_o obedience_n and_o support_v of_o they_o in_o their_o work_n and_o the_o title_n be_v so_o prepare_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v change_v for_o any_o other_o nor_o the_o scripture_n language_n herein_o to_o be_v alter_v for_o any_o word_n not_o import_v the_o same_o proper_a sense_n quest_n how_o shall_v the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v that_o there_o may_v be_v that_o obedience_n and_o submission_n pay_v to_o they_o that_o be_v command_v answ_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o
discern_v they_o but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n of_o which_o all_o true_a minister_n be_v the_o minister_n on_o account_n of_o which_o alone_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o they_o be_v due_a their_o bring_v that_o word_n in_o its_o own_o life_n evidence_n and_o power_n be_v their_o best_a commission_n quest_n but_o how_o be_v they_o most_o orderly_o install_v into_o so_o high_a a_o function_n answ_n christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v ascend_v up_o on_o high_a and_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n take_v it_o upon_o he_o as_o his_o supreme_a care_n to_o thrust_v forth_o labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n the_o several_a congregation_n of_o christian_n observe_v ministerial_a ability_n and_o meetness_n to_o teach_v call_v out_o to_o such_o to_o help_v they_o and_o herein_o in_o the_o cessation_n of_o extraordinary_a gift_n the_o school_n of_o learning_n and_o religious_a education_n like_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n do_v best_a prepare_v and_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n before_o they_o do_v most_o orderly_o recommend_v to_o choice_n and_o acceptance_n in_o the_o great_a service_n such_o as_o be_v scribe_n instruct_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o commit_v to_o they_o the_o charge_n of_o teach_v other_o for_o in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o act_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o preside_v with_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o congregation_n quest_n be_v the_o lord_n christ_n please_v then_o to_o act_v general_o by_o the_o elder_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n general_o and_o ordinary_o he_o do_v so_o the_o officer_n be_v therefore_o more_o particular_o entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o the_o key_n even_o as_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v thus_o eminent_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n our_o lord_n found_v his_o church_n and_o so_o edify_v and_o build_v it_o up_o in_o after-age_n by_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o when_o great_a defection_n have_v prevail_v upon_o it_o summon_v it_o to_o reformation_n by_o some_o raise_v up_o among_o those_o officer_n and_o who_o he_o send_v out_o as_o such_o to_o reform_v and_o recover_v his_o church_n yet_o still_o all_o this_o power_n be_v in_o and_o according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o no_o other_o and_o so_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v the_o knowledge_n judgement_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v join_v in_o all_o the_o officer_n do_v as_o have_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o key_n also_o because_o they_o have_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o understanding_n open_v and_o apply_v of_o which_o to_o particular_a case_n the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o key_n rest_v the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o the_o brethren_n or_o whole_a church_n be_v together_o please_v and_o together_o join_v in_o that_o famous_a conciliary_a epistle_n act_v 15._o 22._o quest_n i_o desire_v your_o more_o full_a explanation_n of_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o power_n accompany_v it_o answ_n i_o will_v very_o willing_o do_v as_o you_o desire_v and_o begin_v with_o the_o apostle_n quest_n wherein_o stand_v their_o power_n answ_n it_o stand_v in_o their_o preach_v act_v direct_v govern_v by_o that_o immediate_a and_o infallible_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o write_v and_o seal_v scripture_n and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v so_o guard_v every_o way_n that_o they_o can_v turn_v neither_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a in_o any_o thing_n wherein_o they_o exercise_v this_o power_n quest_n how_o be_v this_o power_n justify_v answ_n by_o the_o divineness_n substantial_a goodness_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o their_o prescription_n propose_v in_o all_o the_o method_n of_o rational_a discourse_n and_o manifestation_n of_o themselves_o in_o man_n conscience_n witness_v to_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o authorise_v by_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n general_o of_o beneficence_n or_o do_v good_a and_o in_o some_o but_o spare_v instance_n of_o infliction_n of_o bodily_a pain_n or_o death_n quest_n do_v the_o apostle_n never_o err_v in_o their_o administration_n answ_n whenever_o that_o infallible_a guidance_n be_v not_o present_a to_o they_o they_o may_v err_v as_o be_v before_o observe_v in_o the_o apostle_n peter_n miscarriage_n which_o no_o doubt_n be_v record_v to_o show_v their_o power_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o but_o in_o the_o divine_a spirit_n act_v by_o they_o that_o none_o in_o after-age_n may_v pretend_v to_o dictate_v as_o their_o successor_n have_v not_o their_o power_n and_o yet_o require_v obedience_n as_o if_o they_o have_v it_o whereas_o even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o may_v err_v and_o so_o lose_v their_o power_n if_o never_o so_o little_o desert_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o what_o they_o consign_v over_o to_o after-age_n be_v winnow_v from_o every_o thing_n humane_a and_o fallible_a that_o both_o officer_n and_o people_n may_v know_v the_o one_o common_a rule_n by_o which_o one_o be_v to_o govern_v the_o other_o in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v quest_n who_o be_v next_o to_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o office_n and_o power_n answ_n evangelist_n such_o as_o be_v timothy_n and_o titus_n who_o have_v a_o portion_n of_o the_o apostolic_a work_n to_o plant_v and_o settle_v church_n and_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o they_o have_v also_o a_o portion_n of_o their_o power_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o it_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v such_o till_o the_o general_n rule_n be_v full_o settle_v and_o fix_v quest_n be_v not_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n above_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n answ_n they_o be_v in_o this_o great_a point_n of_o difference_n that_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o immediate_n and_o infallible_a revelation_n commit_v to_o they_o to_o commit_v the_o same_o to_o other_o by_o direction_n from_o the_o same_o spirit_n who_o give_v they_o discern_v to_o who_o to_o entrust_v it_o till_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n be_v seal_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n else_o they_o own_v themselves_o compresbyter_n as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n style_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n with_o presbyter_n quest_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v we_o be_v to_o conclude_v that_o the_o whole_a power_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n be_v retain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n answ_n it_o be_v so_o for_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n be_v the_o only_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n which_o glory_n he_o will_v not_o give_v to_o another_o whatever_o power_n can_v be_v suppose_v resident_a in_o the_o whole_a church_n together_o be_v no_o other_o than_o in_o that_o word_n of_o truth_n public_o offer_v by_o it_o the_o apostle_n power_n be_v only_o the_o presence_n of_o that_o word_n to_o they_o by_o the_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o preach_a it_o throughout_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o sound_v the_o christian_a church_n such_o be_v the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o any_o extraordinary_a minister_n under_o they_o the_o and_o constant_a rulership_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n remain_v unmovable_o in_o the_o word_n which_o it_o be_v their_o office_n to_o speak_v quest_n be_v not_o those_o we_o distinguish_o call_v bishop_n successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o preeminency_n they_o have_v over_o other_o pastor_n and_o elder_n answ_n that_o successor_n to_o the_o preeminency_n of_o the_o apostle_n may_v be_v well_o establish_v three_o thing_n be_v necessary_a 1._o that_o there_o be_v find_v and_o produce_v distinct_a command_n give_v in_o scripture_n â—o_o the_o inferior_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o obey_v superior_a minister_n or_o bishop_n command_v to_o christian_n to_o obey_v inferior_a minister_n or_o ordinary_a presbyter_n as_o inferior_a minister_n with_o respect_n to_o superior_a minister_n and_o those_o superior_a minister_n as_o superior_n we_o must_v find_v the_o apostle_n distinguish_v ordinary_a presbyter_n as_o inferior_a minister_n with_o respect_n to_o superior_a minister_n and_o those_o superior_a minister_n as_o superior_n as_o we_o find_v he_o distinguish_v civil_a magistrate_n into_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a and_o governor_n as_o those_o that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o 2._o see_v it_o be_v very_o clear_a and_o apparent_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o distant_a from_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o to_o constitute_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o make_v a_o great_a figure_n without_o as_o great_a a_o use_n or_o end_v and_o that_o christ_n have_v not_o give_v power_n to_o his_o ruler_n to_o command_v
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free_a and_o clear_a in_o its_o notion_n of_o truth_n the_o apostle_n discourse_v christian_n as_o no_o christian_n if_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_n as_o wise_a man_n what_o they_o say_v if_o they_o be_v not_o man_n in_o understanding_n if_o they_o attain_v not_o to_o the_o state_n of_o teacher_n by_o skill_n in_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n and_o have_v sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v by_o a_o intellectual_a and_o spiritual_a gust_n thing_n good_a and_o evil_a if_o they_o can_v give_v a_o apology_n or_o defence_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o that_o be_v of_o their_o christianity_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v they_o a_o rational_a account_n of_o it_o quest_n but_o in_o thing_n of_o perplexity_n and_o doubt_v be_v not_o christian_n bind_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o teacher_n answ_n if_o they_o can_v receive_v and_o
honour_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o schism_n in_o the_o body_n but_o that_o the_o member_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o care_n one_o for_o another_o under_o this_o elegant_a shade_n the_o apostle_n teach_v that_o a_o neglect_n and_o a_o contemptuous_a overlook_a the_o right_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o low_a and_o less_o honourable_a member_n in_o the_o church_n incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n as_o argue_v the_o want_n of_o that_o compassion_n and_o feellingness_n that_o spring_v from_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n down_o through_o the_o high_a to_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o member_n for_o no_o man_n ever_o hate_v his_o own_o flesh_n even_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a part_n of_o it_o but_o nourish_v and_o cherish_v it_o even_o as_o the_o lord_n the_o church_n they_o therefore_o that_o carry_v the_o great_a grace_n and_o honour_n in_o the_o church_n shall_v invest_v the_o least_o comely_a member_n with_o more_o abundant_a honour_n and_o comeliness_n in_o the_o most_o humble_a christian_a condescension_n and_o kind_a treatment_n cover_v all_o their_o defect_n in_o imitation_n of_o god_n who_o have_v give_v most_o abundant_a honour_n to_o that_o part_n which_o lack_v and_o be_v more_o tender_o careful_a of_o defer_v to_o they_o the_o utmost_a god_n have_v allow_v they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a repine_v and_o discontent_n of_o those_o inferior_a member_n that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o most_o noble_a part_n be_v schismatical_a also_o not_o feel_v the_o glory_n of_o those_o more_o excellent_a member_n as_o their_o own_o glory_n with_o delight_n and_o complacency_n even_o till_o it_o rise_v up_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o head_n christ_n and_o god_n to_o be_v perfect_o unite_v therefore_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o mind_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n god_n have_v speak_v in_o his_o word_n and_o herein_o to_o love_v one_o another_o to_o observe_v the_o same_o pattern_n of_o worship_n give_v by_o 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agree_v a_o desire_n of_o interest_n in_o and_o benefit_n by_o one_o another_o prayer_n and_o a_o joy_n in_o the_o gift_n grace_n and_o spiritual_a ability_n one_o of_o another_o a_o care_n mutual_o to_o impart_v and_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v such_o a_o union_n in_o thing_n command_v by_o god_n shall_v over-rule_v the_o little_a distance_n in_o indifference_n and_o no_o more_o divide_v than_o worship_v god_n in_o different_a congregation_n by_o reason_n of_o distance_n of_o place_n or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n use_v differ_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n in_o different_a country_n and_o place_n quest_n but_o what_o if_o beside_o these_o mere_a and_o simple_a dislocation_n of_o themselves_o and_o use_v or_o non-use_a of_o these_o indifference_n there_o be_v anger_n strife_n emulation_n bitter_a zeal_n in_o one_o against_o another_o as_o be_v general_o and_o usual_o see_v do_v not_o these_o sour_a passion_n beget_v schism_n answ_n wherever_o these_o be_v find_v they_o must_v needs_o amount_v to_o that_o kind_n of_o schism_n that_o christian_n do_v not_o love_v christian_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n since_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o each_o part_n be_v unite_v in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n and_o divine_a command_n upon_o which_o ought_v to_o flow_v from_o the_o love_n every_o sincere_a christian_a have_v to_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o these_o love_v to_o one_o another_o also_o for_o faith_n work_v or_o be_v effectual_a by_o love_n and_o this_o be_v love_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o command_n this_o love_n therefore_o must_v needs_o to_o all_o unite_a in_o these_o mighty_a thing_n wherein_o true_a christian_n be_v unite_v surmount_v the_o disaffection_n that_o arise_v in_o the_o disunion_n about_o tything_n mint_n or_o cummin_n or_o else_o we_o must_v value_v our_o confidence_n in_o small_a thing_n or_o our_o doubt_n about_o they_o above_o the_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o command_n of_o god_n which_o must_v indeed_o needs_o be_v schismatical_a in_o both_o part_n or_o on_o whatever_o part_n it_o â—e_v find_v quest_n but_o see_v these_o contention_n be_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v avoid_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o different_a judgement_n and_o especial_o divers_a practice_n of_o christian_n and_o in_o so_o distinct_a congregation_n and_o that_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o one_o another_o and_o further_o that_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n together_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o universal_a numerous_a or_o at_o least_o as_o free_a and_o mutual_a as_o be_v possible_a in_o regard_n of_o nearness_n of_o place_n one_o to_o another_o for_o that_o it_o be_v most_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n they_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o most_o advantageous_a to_o the_o impart_v spiritual_a gift_n and_o grace_n between_o all_o the_o pastor_n and_o people_n see_v all_o this_o be_v so_o undeniable_a how_o can_v separation_n from_o the_o assembly_n of_o one_o another_o do_v less_o than_o carry_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n answ_n there_o can_v be_v no_o schism_n in_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n without_o add_v or_o diminish_v turn_v to_o the_o right-hand_a or_o to_o the_o left_a for_o therein_o as_o have_v be_v often_o say_v be_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n union_n therein_o alone_o be_v the_o church_n a_o church_n and_o the_o peace_n lie_v enfold_v in_o the_o truth_n the_o more_o than_o the_o consideration_n forenamed_a be_v press_v and_o they_o deserve_v very_o earnest_o to_o be_v press_v the_o more_o absolute_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o stay_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n and_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n or_o which_o be_v as_o true_o the_o command_n of_o god_n the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n nay_o it_o be_v better_a to_o allow_v man_n a_o suspension_n of_o their_o assent_n to_o some_o truth_n and_o of_o their_o compliance_n with_o some_o command_n that_o be_v but_o upon_o the_o outward_a skirt_n and_o march_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o not_o so_o evident_o reveal_v than_o rush_v they_o upon_o a_o precipitate_a belief_n of_o a_o blind_a obedience_n the_o plain_a thing_n and_o those_o be_v always_o the_o most_o necessary_a be_v the_o safe_a to_o pitch_v christian_a communion_n severe_o upon_o quest_n but_o may_v it_o not_o be_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n governor_n by_o christ_n they_o have_v a_o power_n in_o thing_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n to_o interpose_v their_o authority_n aâ—d_v to_o determine_v they_o this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n and_o that_o obedience_n can_v be_v refuse_v without_o schism_n answ_n there_o be_v very_o great_a reason_n against_o any_o such_o supposal_n 1._o the_o apostle_n the_o high_a authority_n under_o christ_n as_o will_v be_v easy_o acknowledge_v have_v commission_n
only_o to_o teach_v the_o observation_n of_o thing_n command_v they_o by_o the_o lord_n himself_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o constant_a disclaimer_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o any_o despotic_a or_o lordlike_o power_n in_o church-ruler_n christ_n express_o compare_v the_o power_n he_o give_v with_o civil_a power_n and_o resolve_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o his_o disciple_n as_o be_v among_o they_o he_o say_v the_o chief_a among_o they_o shall_v be_v minister_n and_o servant_n deliver_v the_o will_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o not_o lord_n themselves_o they_o must_v have_v no_o will_n of_o their_o own_o to_o promulge_v they_o profess_v they_o preach_v jesus_n the_o lord_n and_z themselves_z servants_z for_o jesus_n sake_n servant_n of_o those_o they_o preach_v to_o as_o they_o minister_v to_o they_o the_o divine_a will_n not_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o ensample_n of_o the_o flock_n ambassador_n deliver_v only_o the_o message_n of_o their_o master_n and_o beseech_v man_n but_o if_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v give_v they_o for_o a_o dominion_n how_o great_a will_v it_o be_v 3._o these_o circumstance_n in_o religion_n may_v grow_v so_o bulky_a and_o cumbersome_a and_o make_v such_o a_o medley_n in_o it_o that_o no_o one_o will_v know_v what_o religion_n itself_o be_v 4._o the_o free_a vote_n and_o suffrage_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o receive_v as_o most_o con-decent_a and_o convenient_a be_v that_o more_o abundant_a honour_n god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o mean_a member_n of_o his_o church_n thus_o the_o whole_a affair_n in_o that_o council_n act_v 11._o be_v manage_v by_o not_o only_o the_o apostle_n the_o elder_n but_o the_o brethren_n also_o each_o according_a to_o their_o station_n and_o situation_n in_o the_o body_n the_o church_n for_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o despotique_a power_n what_o be_v command_a by_o christ_n must_v be_v so_o represent_v that_o the_o evidence_n it_o be_v so_o command_v must_v be_v due_o represent_v and_o the_o divine_a authority_n sufficient_o remonstrate_v what_o be_v of_o advice_n and_o conveniency_n must_v be_v carry_v by_o free_a suffrage_n and_o consent_v quest_n but_o still_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n and_o the_o best_a of_o society_n it_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n concern_v society_n and_o what_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o vote_n of_o people_n be_v always_o subject_a to_o turbulence_n and_o confusion_n have_v we_o not_o great_a assurance_n see_v christ_n reverse_a nothing_o natural_a but_o confirm_v it_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n not_o write_v in_o scripture_n but_o leave_v to_o their_o necessity_n and_o expediency_n according_a to_o nature_n law_n and_o so_o what_o be_v near_a to_o monarchick_a be_v far_o from_o confusion_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o among_o they_o the_o bishop_n aught_o to_o determine_v all_o thing_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n answ_n there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a monarchy_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n and_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v no_o other_o nor_o can_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n dictate_v any_o other_o there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v or_o destroy_v and_o there_o need_v not_o any_o more_o master_n for_o more_o will_v certain_o breed_v confusion_n whatever_o therefore_o be_v clear_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o to_o be_v make_v out_o to_o be_v so_o whatever_o be_v the_o evident_a dictate_v of_o nature_n as_o distinction_n of_o sex_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 3._o in_o their_o public_a appearance_n in_o religious_a assembly_n administration_n of_o divine_a service_n in_o a_o know_a language_n 1_o cor._n 14._o v._n 5._o the_o speak_v of_o one_o prophet_n only_o at_o once_o and_o not_o in_o a_o confusion_n of_o voice_n v._o 31._o all_o such_o natural_a order_n and_o decency_n or_o whatever_o be_v of_o indisputable_a decency_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o our_o native_a country_n these_o be_v the_o utmost_a bound_n of_o prescription_n all_o thing_n else_o be_v to_o be_v comprimize_v by_o agreement_n and_o suffrage_n and_o even_o these_o necessary_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v by_o doctrine_n rational_a convicton_n exhortation_n admonition_n rebuke_v and_o even_o charge_v and_o command_v with_o all_o authority_n in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a word_n and_o will_v and_o no_o otherwise_o for_o this_o i_o say_v again_o be_v the_o more_o abundant_a honour_n the_o ruler_n or_o more_o honourable_a member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o invest_v the_o low_a with_o to_o circulate_v with_o they_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o truth_n by_o transfuse_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n they_o have_v that_o they_o as_o live_v wise_a and_o intellectual_a member_n also_o may_v judge_v what_o be_v command_v they_o by_o god_n and_o not_o be_v as_o fool_n or_o lifeless_a member_n for_o what_o blood_n spirit_n and_o life_n be_v in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n the_o very_a same_o freedom_n the_o foot_n have_v to_o represent_v to_o the_o high_a power_n of_o nature_n what_o offend_v it_o and_o be_v immedate_o hear_v the_o very_a same_o power_n the_o low_a member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v to_o remonstrate_v to_o the_o high_a what_o scandalise_v it_o in_o the_o accept_n this_o or_o that_o indifferent_a ceremony_n and_o it_o ought_v as_o feel_o as_o immediate_o to_o be_v hear_v for_o as_o the_o same_o soul_n be_v present_a to_o all_o part_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n so_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n animate_v his_o whole_a body_n the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o fullness_n or_o compliment_n the_o receptacle_n of_o his_o fullness_n the_o fullness_n in_o which_o he_o will_v appear_v full_a and_o complete_a who_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o as_o therefore_o the_o head_n itself_o feel_v by_o this_o spiritual_a union_n so_o be_v the_o eye_n and_o ear_n the_o high_a member_n of_o this_o body_n to_o do_v and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o so_o feel_v it_o argue_v a_o interruption_n between_o they_o and_o the_o head_n itself_o for_o that_o most_o concernful_o reciprocate_v with_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o the_o extreme_a part_n of_o it_o and_o so_o do_v every_o part_n inlve_v by_o he_o also_o if_o there_o be_v no_o intercision_n nor_o obstruction_n betwixt_o it_o and_o the_o head_n quest_n be_v there_o yet_o any_o further_a reason_n against_o a_o power_n in_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o impose_v in_o thing_n of_o indifferency_n under_o the_o name_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n answ_n there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n to_o be_v add_v to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v quest_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o scandal_n answ_n scandal_n be_v a_o subject_a of_o discourse_n of_o too_o large_a a_o compass_n for_o the_o present_a purpose_n but_o as_o it_o be_v strict_o to_o be_v adjust_v to_o it_o it_o may_v be_v thus_o understand_v scandal_n be_v that_o hurt_v and_o grief_n a_o man_n receive_v in_o submit_v either_o to_o humane_a example_n or_o imposition_n in_o thing_n of_o themselves_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n when_o the_o conscience_n be_v in_o doubt_n whether_o that_o which_o be_v require_v to_o be_v do_v be_v not_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o forbid_v by_o he_o or_o that_o which_o be_v require_v to_o be_v omit_v or_o not_o do_v be_v not_o please_v to_o god_n and_o command_v by_o he_o and_o yet_o submit_v itself_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o that_o example_n or_o command_v by_o such_o imposition_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o under_o a_o wound_n of_o conscience_n quest_n when_o the_o thing_n be_v indeed_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n how_o can_v it_o be_v change_v by_o the_o conscience_n be_v in_o doubt_n concern_v it_o answ_n because_o the_o conscience_n be_v that_o complex_fw-la or_o congregat_v power_n of_o the_o soul_n wherein_o be_v preserve_v all_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o rule_n of_o action_n to_o the_o end_n that_o it_o may_v observe_v and_o direct_v how_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o govern_v itself_o and_o square_v all_o its_o action_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o may_v comfort_v or_o check_v the_o soul_n in_o do_v well_o or_o ill_o according_a to_o those_o doctrine_n or_o rule_n wherein_o then_o conscience_n be_v mistake_v and_o misjudge_n either_o way_n against_o that_o which_o be_v command_v by_o god_n or_o for_o that_o which_o be_v forbid_v by_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v do_v but_o to_o reduce_v conscience_n to_o its_o right_a rule_n which_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o
every_o thing_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n but_o in_o thing_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v if_o conscience_n be_v apprehensive_a of_o danger_n any_o way_n this_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n that_o god_n have_v confer_v upon_o conscience_n as_o his_o immediate_a vicegerent_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o carry_v his_o authority_n by_o always_o present_v it_o in_o his_o word_n and_o command_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v suspend_v his_o action_n wherein_o conscience_n be_v not_o satisfy_v and_o at_o rest_n concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o action_n and_o this_o be_v the_o honour_n which_o those_o that_o be_v above_o either_o in_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o understanding_n gift_n or_o grace_n shall_v bestow_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v below_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o either_o by_o their_o authority_n influence_n or_o example_n scandalize_v the_o little_a one_o or_o the_o weak_a that_o be_v so_o either_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o low_a station_n or_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n that_o be_v draw_v they_o into_o the_o sin_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o which_o conscience_n have_v a_o mistrust_n of_o displease_v god_n in_o so_o do_v in_o regard_n that_o it_o both_o weaken_v and_o disable_v conscience_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o trust_v repose_v in_o it_o for_o the_o carry_v on_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o christian_a course_n its_o authority_n be_v violate_v and_o prostrate_v in_o the_o reverence_n due_a to_o it_o and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o comfort_n it_o ought_v to_o minister_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o that_o course_n for_o by_o this_o sort_n of_o scandal_n the_o apostle_n witness_n the_o weak_a christian_a fall_v into_o sin_n his_o conscience_n be_v defile_v be_v wound_v be_v grieve_v be_v make_v weak_a all_o the_o mischief_n of_o which_o the_o value_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v not_o such_o as_o that_o it_o can_v answer_v and_o make_v recompense_n for_o and_o so_o to_o sin_v thus_o against_o the_o weak_a be_v to_o destroy_v they_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v and_o therefore_o to_o sin_v against_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o those_o weighty_a discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n against_o scandal_n mark_v 18._o and_o of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 4._o and_o 1_o cor._n c._n 8._o and_o cap._n 10._o which_v be_v compare_v give_v great_a light_a one_o to_o another_o quest_n but_o it_o seem_v that_o a_o conscience_n only_o in_o doubt_n may_v be_v settle_v by_o the_o advice_n example_n and_o authority_n of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o elder_n or_o eminent_a member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o doubt_n suppose_v the_o conscience_n incline_v neither_o this_o way_n nor_o that_o way_n in_o itself_o but_o stand_v between_o both_o or_o sometime_o move_v to_o one_o side_n and_o then_o to_o the_o other_o the_o come_n in_o of_o those_o consideration_n take_v from_o the_o example_n and_o authority_n forename_a shall_v give_v a_o over-weight_n to_o that_o side_n on_o which_o they_o fall_v answ_n yet_o on_o purpose_n to_o show_v the_o great_a dignity_n of_o conscience_n and_o its_o government_n without_o which_o approve_v and_o direct_v according_o even_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n want_v the_o just_a compliment_n of_o a_o good_a action_n and_o also_o to_o show_v of_o how_o little_a moment_n in_o christianity_n all_o thing_n be_v not_o under_o a_o divine_a sanction_n the_o whole_a weight_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n be_v hang_v upon_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n a_o conscience_n in_o doubt_n concern_v thing_n indifferent_a when_o urge_v either_o way_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o all_o sinew_n of_o government_n hereby_o cut_v and_o dissolve_v even_o of_o civil_a government_n for_o conscience_n may_v be_v in_o relation_n to_o such_o command_v dissatisfy_v answ_n as_o scripture_n every_o where_o suppose_v the_o whole_a government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o be_v confine_v within_o the_o monarchy_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o nothing_o to_o be_v impose_v or_o forbid_v but_o according_a to_o that_o so_o it_o do_v every_o where_o disinterest_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_v or_o intermeddle_v in_o civil_a government_n or_o thing_n pertain_v to_o it_o it_o suppose_v civil_a power_n will_v oblige_v to_o and_o determine_v indifferency_n in_o civil_a thing_n this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n as_o they_o please_v and_o therein_o exercise_v a_o lordship_n but_o christ_n have_v declare_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o his_o disciple_n do_v yet_o command_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n all_o obedience_n to_o these_o principality_n and_o power_n even_o thus_o command_v if_o not_o against_o god_n command_n direct_o so_o that_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n the_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v only_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o its_o rule_n and_o duty_n but_o can_v have_v no_o more_o relief_n against_o obedience_n to_o civil_a command_n than_o it_o have_v against_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v mistake_v about_o those_o command_n for_o such_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n quest_n there_o appear_v so_o near_o a_o assinity_n in_o the_o command_v concern_v indifferent_a thing_n of_o those_o that_o have_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o command_v of_o those_o that_o have_v civil_a rule_n that_o the_o one_o may_v be_v a_o measure_n for_o the_o other_o or_o wherein_o be_v the_o difference_n especial_o when_o they_o join_v in_o one_o in_o their_o command_n concern_v these_o indifferoncy_n answ_n the_o command_v of_o civil_a authority_n concern_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n deserve_v a_o particular_a consideration_n for_o which_o a_o proper_a place_n shall_v be_v reserve_v but_o that_o the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o political_a regiment_n that_o shall_v set_v up_o for_o itself_o as_o one_o of_o the_o polity_n of_o this_o world_n by_o canon_n and_o constitution_n of_o 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peace_n and_o welfare_n and_o to_o punish_v offender_n and_o transgressor_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o gild_n and_o can_v no_o more_o be_v impeach_v in_o that_o procedure_n than_o in_o any_o the_o most_o undoubted_a function_n or_o right_n of_o government_n whatever_o quest_n i_o must_v desire_v to_o be_v guide_v in_o my_o thought_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o governor_n in_o reveal_v religion_n answ_n beside_o the_o legislative_a and_o vindictive_a power_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n in_o natural_a religion_n there_o be_v that_o divine_a stamp_n of_o authority_n god_n have_v engrave_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o beside_o their_o law_n they_o recommend_v religion_n by_o the_o very_a representation_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o presence_n they_o bear_v and_o have_v not_o only_o the_o more_o remote_a authority_n of_o a_o prince_n but_o the_o near_a most_o natural_a and_o kind_o authority_n of_o a_o father_n on_o account_n of_o which_o solomon_n as_o a_o king_n so_o 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often_o to_o be_v so_o immediate_o present_a with_o they_o that_o a_o divine_a sentence_n be_v in_o the_o king_n lip_n that_o they_o may_v direct_v according_a to_o truth_n and_o in_o all_o truth_n they_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v not_o only_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n but_o for_o that_o authority_n sake_n also_o god_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o 3._o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n lose_v their_o power_n by_o err_v from_o truth_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o of_o what_o authority_n be_v the_o false_a prophet_n or_o the_o false_a teacher_n but_o prince_n and_o sovereign_a power_n have_v a_o power_n though_o misapply_v to_o vindicate_v their_o authority_n upon_o those_o that_o can_v obey_v they_o except_o they_o shall_v disobey_v god_n to_o obey_v magistrate_n which_o none_o dare_v assert_v that_o acknowledge_v god_n in_o which_o power_n magistrate_n must_v not_o be_v resist_v even_o while_o they_o cause_v man_n to_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n 4._o the_o admonition_n 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king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o yet_o there_o extraordinary_a minister_n in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n preserve_v the_o just_a right_n of_o sovereignty_n thus_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ought_v by_o ordinary_a minister_n to_o be_v faithful_o declare_v by_o those_o who_o be_v call_v to_o do_v it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o declare_v it_o have_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o sovereignty_n above_o all_o earthly_a sovereignty_n both_o with_o prince_n and_o subject_n and_o yet_o the_o publisher_n of_o it_o and_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v publish_v stand_v in_o their_o just_a distance_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n pay_v the_o homage_n due_a to_o sovereignty_n by_o obedience_n active_a wherein_o they_o be_v not_o countermand_v by_o god_n or_o by_o submission_n to_o penal_a law_n and_o decree_v make_v against_o they_o by_o the_o supreme_a legislative_a power_n of_o a_o nation_n wherein_o they_o can_v obey_v god_n and_o the_o power_n at_o 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of_o unguarded_a condition_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n and_o evidence_n of_o divine_a truth_n may_v be_v more_o apparent_o as_o it_o always_o be_v in_o itself_o of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man._n quest_n what_o other_o reason_n may_v there_o be_v of_o separate_v the_o administration_n of_o divine_a truth_n from_o that_o of_o princely_a government_n answ_n because_o each_o administration_n require_v the_o whole_a attendance_n of_o those_o engage_v in_o either_o except_o they_o be_v at_o least_o immediate_o inspire_v it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o magistrate_n he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n attend_v continual_o on_o this_o very_a thing_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n â—t_a be_v say_v take_v heed_n to_o the_o ministry_n thou_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o thou_o fulfil_v it_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v to_o exhortation_n to_o doctrine_n give_v thyself_o whole_o to_o they_o make_v full_a proof_n of_o thy_o ministry_n be_v instant_a preach_v the_o word_n in_o season_n out_o of_o season_n or_o without_o season_n public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n quest_n i_o desire_v you_o now_o to_o apply_v your_o discourse_n to_o the_o administration_n of_o sovereign_a power_n in_o model_v and_o circumstantiate_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n what_o their_o power_n give_v they_o by_o god_n therein_o be_v answ_n that_o i_o may_v give_v you_o a_o answer_n in_o that_o i_o must_v observe_v our_o saviour_n distinction_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o his_o charge_n that_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n be_v render_v to_o he_o and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n be_v render_v to_o caesar_n now_o none_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n be_v his_o first_o but_o they_o be_v first_o god_n and_o give_v to_o caesar_n by_o god_n god_n then_o have_v entrust_v caesar_n with_o the_o render_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n to_o god_n that_o be_v to_o take_v care_n that_o 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truth_n and_o word_n the_o service_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o whatever_o he_o have_v herein_o reserve_v to_o himself_o all_o these_o be_v so_o his_o that_o no_o caesar_n have_v any_o power_n in_o or_o over_o they_o to_o add_v or_o diminish_v or_o make_v the_o least_o alteration_n so_o that_o though_o they_o may_v have_v great_a power_n in_o many_o thing_n relate_v to_o religion_n to_o the_o accommodation_n of_o the_o most_o external_n exercise_n of_o it_o to_o government_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o nation_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o very_a religious_a action_n themselves_o and_o the_o management_n of_o they_o they_o must_v be_v close_o confine_v to_o god_n manifestation_n of_o himself_o how_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v and_o to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o moddel_n and_o decent_o to_o circumstantiate_v that_o worship_n and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v render_v to_o god_n perfect_o according_a to_o his_o own_o pattern_n and_o the_o magistrate_n care_n be_v that_o it_o be_v so_o render_v if_o in_o thing_n evident_a to_o nature_n light_n the_o magistrate_n law_n have_v place_n if_o only_o to_o be_v know_v by_o revelation_n the_o magistrate_n power_n can_v rise_v above_o the_o mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n that_o be_v instruction_n produce_v faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o not_o compulsory_a law_n see_v natural_a reason_n may_v be_v oblige_v but_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n now_o these_o thing_n god_n have_v by_o the_o prerogative_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n reserve_v to_o himself_o and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v render_v to_o god_n distinct_a from_o the_o thing_n of_o caesar_n that_o be_v from_o all_o civil_a thing_n give_v by_o god_n to_o caesar_n and_o so_o to_o be_v render_v to_o caesar_n yea_o even_o distinct_a from_o the_o appendant_a law_n for_o the_o secure_n justice_n and_o soberness_n which_o though_o they_o be_v god_n yet_o