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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
world_n church_n true_a visible_a 9,863 5 9.3078 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A34538 The kingdom of God among men a tract of the sound state of religion, or that Christianity which is described in the holy Scriptures and of the things that make for the security and increase thereof in the world, designing its more ample diffusion among the professed Christians of all sorts and its surer propagation to future ages : with The point of church-unity and schism discuss'd / by John Corbet. Corbet, John, 1620-1680. 1679 (1679) Wing C6258; ESTC R23940 125,145 296

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steddiness_n purity_n and_o soberness_n this_o new_a nature_n while_o it_o be_v lodge_v in_o the_o earthly_a tabernacle_n be_v clog_v with_o many_o adverse_a thing_n especial_o the_o relic_n of_o the_o old_a nature_n which_o cause_n much_o vanity_n of_o thought_n indisposedness_n of_o mind_n motion_n to_o evil_a and_o aversation_n from_o good_a and_o sometime_o more_o sensible_a disorder_n of_o affection_n and_o eruption_n of_o unruly_a passion_n and_o aberration_n in_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o same_o divine_a principal_n be_v in_o some_o christian_n more_o firm_a lively_a and_o active_a than_o in_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v habitual_o prevalent_a in_o they_o all_o and_o it_o resist_v and_o overcome_v the_o contrary_a principle_n even_o in_o the_o case_n of_o most_o belove_a sin_n and_o strong_a temptation_n and_o persevere_fw-la in_o earnest_n and_o fearful_a endeavour_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o degree_n of_o sanctity_n be_v obtain_v it_o ascribe_v whole_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n christianity_n be_v know_v what_o it_o be_v it_o may_v easy_o be_v know_v what_o it_o be_v not_o and_o so_o the_o false_a disguise_n of_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v detect_v forasmuch_o as_o it_o look_v far_o high_o than_o the_o temporal_a interest_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o settling_n of_o this_o life_n though_o it_o do_v not_o overlook_v they_o it_o can_v be_v think_v to_o have_v do_v its_o work_n in_o make_v man_n mere_o just-dealer_n good_a neighbour_n and_o profitable_a member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n for_o such_o may_v be_v some_o of_o they_o that_o be_v without_o christ_n without_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n moreover_o it_o can_v lie_v so_o low_a as_o in_o a_o bare_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o observance_n of_o its_o external_a institute_n accompany_v with_o a_o civil_a conversation_n as_o for_o 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lot_n of_o inheritance_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o do_v not_o value_v the_o concern_v thereof_o above_o all_o his_o chief_a joy_n that_o be_v but_o of_o this_o world_n a_o zeal_n for_o the_o common_a faith_n and_o a_o constrane_n love_n to_o all_o the_o faithful_a have_v excite_v a_o very_a mean_a and_o weak_a one_o to_o do_v what_o he_o be_v able_a on_o this_o important_a subject_n impartial_o search_v after_o their_o common_a good_a let_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o society_n one_o of_o who_o name_n be_v counsellor_n deliver_v his_o flock_n from_o all_o dangerous_a and_o disadvantageous_a error_n and_o from_o wander_v in_o break_a party_n by_o unstable_a and_o divide_a counsel_n and_o show_v they_o gracious_o the_o right_a way_n of_o maintain_v a_o consistency_n among_o themselves_o and_o of_o gain_v upon_o the_o reconcilable_a part_n of_o man_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o this_o prince_n and_o leader_n be_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n who_o banner_n be_v love_n let_v his_o people_n every_o 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do_v natural_o require_v some_o regular_a
chief_a point_n thereof_o be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o high_a violation_n thereof_o and_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o schism_n lie_v in_o deny_v or_o enormous_o violate_v the_o say_a essential_o or_o weighty_a matter_n and_o it_o be_v direct_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o not_o of_o particular_a church_n only_o not_o only_o particular_a person_n but_o church_n yea_o a_o large_a combination_n of_o church_n bear_v the_o christian_a name_n may_v in_o their_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o other_o avow_a practice_n great_o violate_v the_o essential_o or_o very_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n and_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o enormous_a breach_n of_o unity_n it_o be_v no_o schism_n to_o withdraw_v or_o depart_v from_o any_o the_o large_a combination_n or_o collective_a body_n of_o church_n though_o for_o their_o amplitude_n they_o presume_v to_o style_v their_o combination_n the_o catholic_n church_n that_o maintain_v and_o avow_v any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n which_o direct_o or_o by_o near_a and_o palpable_a consequence_n overthrow_v the_o say_v essential_o the_o next_o point_n of_o external_a unity_n be_v about_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o public_a worship_n the_o ministry_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o of_o christ_n institution_n the_o next_o chief_a point_n of_o schism_n be_v the_o breach_n hereof_o and_o this_o may_v be_v either_o against_o the_o catholic_n or_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o such_o schism_n against_o the_o state_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n there_o be_v these_o instance_n 1._o when_o any_o one_o part_n of_o profess_a christian_n how_o numerous_a soever_o combine_v by_o any_o other_o term_n of_o catholic_n unity_n than_o what_o christ_n have_v make_v account_v themselves_o the_o only_a catholic_n church_n exclude_v all_o person_n and_o church_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o combination_n 2._o when_o a_o false_a catholic_n unity_n be_v devise_v or_o contend_v for_o viz._n a_o devise_a unity_n of_o government_n for_o the_o catholic_n church_n under_o one_o terrene_a head_n personal_a or_o collective_a assume_v a_o proper_a govern_v power_n over_o all_o christian_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n 3._o when_o there_o be_v a_o utter_a disow_v of_o most_o of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o have_v no_o true_a church_n state_n no_o not_o the_o essential_o thereof_o and_o a_o utter_a break_v off_o from_o communion_n with_o they_o according_o of_o schism_n against_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o point_n of_o its_o church_n state_n there_o be_v these_o instance_n 1._o the_o renounce_n of_o a_o true_a church_n as_o no_o church_n although_o it_o be_v much_o corrupt_v much_o more_o if_o it_o be_v a_o pure_a church_n though_o somewhat_o faulty_a 2._o a_o utter_a refuse_v of_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o a_o true_a church_n when_o we_o may_v have_v communion_n with_o it_o either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n without_o our_o personal_a sin_n of_o commission_n or_o omission_n 3._o the_o cause_v of_o any_o division_n or_o distemper_n in_o the_o state_n or_o frame_n of_o a_o true_a church_n contrary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o it_o be_v no_o schism_n to_o disow_v a_o corrupt_a frame_n of_o polity_n supervenient_a to_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o combination_n of_o church_n like_o a_o leprosy_n in_o the_o body_n that_o do_v gross_o deprave_v they_o and_o in_o great_a part_n frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o their_o constitution_n the_o last_o and_o low_a point_n of_o external_a unity_n lie_v in_o the_o accidental_a mode_n of_o religion_n and_o matter_n of_o mere_a order_n extrinsic_a to_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church-state_n the_o violation_n thereof_o be_v the_o least_o and_o low_a point_n of_o schism_n i_o mean_v in_o itself_o consider_v and_o not_o in_o such_o aggravate_v circumstance_n as_o it_o may_v be_v in_o those_o accidental_a form_n and_o order_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la but_o leave_v in_o specie_fw-la to_o human_a determination_n be_v allow_v of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o prudence_n and_o charity_n for_o peace_n and_o edification_n and_o according_o they_o be_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o consequent_o it_o be_v one_o point_n of_o schism_n to_o make_v a_o division_n from_o or_o in_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o accountal_a of_o accident_n form_n and_o order_n so_o determine_v according_a to_o god_n allowance_n but_o if_o any_o of_o the_o accidental_n be_v unlawful_a and_o the_o maintain_n or_o practise_v thereof_o be_v impose_v upon_o we_o as_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n it_o be_v no_o schism_n but_o duty_n to_o abstain_v from_o communion_n in_o that_o case_n for_o explicit_o and_o personal_o to_o own_o error_n and_o corruption_n even_o in_o small_a point_n be_v evil_n in_o itself_o which_o must_v not_o be_v commit_v that_o good_a may_v come_v in_o this_o case_n not_o he_o that_o withdraw_v but_o he_o that_o impose_v cause_v the_o division_n and_o this_o hold_v of_o thing_n sinful_a either_o in_o themselves_o or_o by_o just_a consequence_n and_o herein_o he_o that_o be_v to_o act_v be_v to_o discern_v and_o judge_v for_o his_o own_o practice_n whether_o the_o thing_n impose_v be_v such_o for_o god_n law_n suppose_v we_o rational_a creature_n able_a to_o discern_v its_o meaning_n and_o to_o apply_v it_o for_o the_o regulate_v of_o our_o own_o action_n else_o the_o law_n be_v give_v we_o in_o vain_a submission_n and_o reverence_n towards_o superior_n oblige_v no_o man_n to_o resign_v his_o understanding_n to_o their_o determination_n or_o in_o compliance_n with_o they_o to_o violate_v his_o own_o conscience_n person_n meek_a humble_a peaceable_a and_o thorough_o conscientious_a and_o of_o competent_a judgement_n may_v not_o be_v able_a by_o their_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a search_n to_o see_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o thing_n enjoin_v and_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n if_o they_o shall_v thereupon_o be_v declare_v contumacious_a see_v there_o be_v several_a point_n of_o unity_n the_o valuation_n whereof_o be_v to_o be_v make_v according_a to_o their_o different_a value_n man_n judgement_n and_o estimation_n of_o unity_n and_o schism_n be_v very_o preposterous_a who_o lie_v the_o great_a stress_n on_o those_o point_n that_o be_v of_o least_o moment_n and_o raise_v thing_n of_o the_o low_a rank_n to_o the_o high_a in_o their_o valuation_n and_o set_v light_n by_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o high_a value_n as_o indeed_o they_o do_v who_o set_v light_n by_o soundness_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o conscientious_a observance_n of_o divine_a institution_n where_o there_o be_v not_o also_o unanimity_n and_o uniformity_n in_o unscriptural_a doctrine_n and_o human_a ceremony_n and_o they_o that_o make_v such_o a_o estimate_n of_o thing_n and_o deal_v with_o minister_n according_o do_v therein_o little_o advance_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v it_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o church_n unity_n a_o breach_n be_v make_v upon_o it_o when_o other_o bound_n thereof_o be_v set_v than_o this_o rule_n allow_v a_o instance_n hereof_o be_v the_o devise_v of_o other_o term_n of_o church-communion_n and_o ministerial_a liberty_n than_o god_n have_v command_v or_o allow_v in_o his_o word_n to_o be_v make_v the_o term_n thereof_o also_o any_o cast_n or_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o ministry_n such_o as_o god_n word_n do_v not_o exclude_v from_o either_o but_o signify_v to_o be_v qualify_v and_o call_v thereunto_o god_n do_v not_o allow_v on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o imposer_n such_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n or_o ministerial_a station_n as_o be_v neither_o scriptural_a nor_o necessary_a to_o peace_n and_o edification_n nor_o be_v any_o part_n of_o that_o necessary_a order_n and_o decency_n without_o which_o the_o service_n of_o god_n will_v be_v undecent_a nor_o be_v in_o any_o regard_n so_o necessary_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o for_o a_o great_a benefit_n and_o the_o avoid_n of_o a_o great_a mischief_n and_o they_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o schism_n that_o urge_v such_o unscriptural_a and_o unnecessary_a thing_n unto_o a_o breach_n in_o the_o church_n such_o imposer_n be_v not_o only_o a_o occasion_n of_o the_o breach_n that_o follow_v but_o a_o culpable_a cause_n thereof_o because_o they_o impose_v without_o and_o against_o christ_n warrant_n who_o will_v not_o have_v his_o church_n to_o be_v burden_v nor_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o servant_n entangle_v with_o thing_n unnecessary_a nevertheless_o such_o unscriptural_a or_o
time_n as_o the_o present_a case_n require_v as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o housholder_n will_v direct_v he_o how_o far_o to_o bear_v with_o fault_n and_o weakness_n in_o his_o family_n so_o the_o magistrate_n by_o wisdom_n will_v discern_v what_o may_v be_v bear_v with_o in_o his_o commonwealth_n so_o far_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o true_a and_o just_a end_n of_o government_n chap._n xxxiii_o the_o church_n true_a interest_n to_o be_v pursue_v by_o ecclesiastical_a person_n nothing_o be_v more_o precious_a and_o among_o christian_n nothing_o shall_v be_v more_o value_v than_o the_o good_a of_o god_n church_n for_o it_o be_v christ_n and_o god_n great_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o misery_n be_v that_o the_o church_n name_n be_v abuse_v and_o its_o interest_n mistake_v most_o perverse_o for_o none_o have_v more_o pretend_v for_o the_o church_n than_o they_o who_o business_n be_v to_o get_v and_o keep_v worldly_a pomp_n and_o power_n with_o carnal_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n and_o to_o make_v law_n and_o rule_n serviceable_a to_o these_o end_n and_o to_o corrupt_v the_o mind_n and_o debauch_v the_o life_n of_o man_n that_o they_o may_v bring_v they_o into_o blind_a obedience_n to_o such_o law_n and_o maintain_v their_o worldly_a dominion_n over_o christ_n heritage_n and_o who_o value_n all_o man_n howsoever_o qualify_v as_o they_o stand_v affect_v to_o their_o estate_n and_o according_o stick_v not_o to_o reject_v the_o eminent_o good_a and_o to_o receive_v the_o notorious_o bad_a in_o the_o romish_a church_n all_o this_o be_v palpable_a now_o let_v these_o be_v call_v the_o church_n by_o they_o that_o list_v to_o give_v that_o name_n to_o a_o state_n of_o pride_n and_o luxury_n of_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n of_o carnal_a and_o devilish_a policy_n under_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o people_n be_v betray_v to_o everlasting_a perdition_n wherefore_o those_o in_o the_o ministry_n that_o be_v solicitous_a of_o the_o church_n welfare_n shall_v state_n the_o interest_n thereof_o aright_o which_o indeed_o be_v not_o for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o the_o carnal_a mind_n but_o for_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o divine_a life_n in_o man_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o mystical_a society_n of_o regenerate_v person_n unite_v in_o christ_n their_o head_n by_o his_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o they_o and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o visible_a society_n of_o person_n external_o own_v such_o a_o internal_a state_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o promote_v and_o propagate_v the_o sound_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v the_o people_n of_o their_o charge_n real_o good_a and_o to_o advance_v they_o what_o they_o can_v in_o grace_n and_o wisdom_n according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n and_o to_o deal_v with_o they_o in_o meekness_n and_o love_n and_o to_o walk_v before_o they_o as_o example_n of_o all_o purity_n and_o goodness_n and_o to_o be_v more_o sensible_a and_o solicitous_a about_o the_o corruption_n and_o sinful_a disorder_n than_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v more_o zealous_a for_o god_n honour_n and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n than_o for_o their_o own_o honour_n wealth_n or_o power_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o seek_v the_o thing_n of_o christ_n more_o than_o their_o own_o thing_n the_o minister_n that_o discharge_v their_o office_n well_o be_v in_o scripture_n declare_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n and_o that_o they_o be_v endow_v with_o honourable_a settle_a maintenance_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o support_n of_o a_o religion_n that_o for_o its_o excellency_n require_v to_o be_v support_v by_o the_o help_n of_o excellent_a gift_n as_o learning_n eloquence_n and_o prudence_n not_o now_o to_o be_v obtain_v by_o miracle_n but_o in_o the_o ordinary_a use_n of_o mean_n with_o much_o cost_n and_o labour_n and_o questionless_a the_o withdraw_n of_o these_o support_v tend_v to_o the_o church_n ruin_n nevertheless_o a_o inordinate_a and_o licentious_a collation_n and_o accumulation_n of_o preferment_n make_v for_o the_o service_n of_o covetousness_n ambition_n and_o deprave_a appetite_n and_o for_o the_o decay_n of_o sobriety_n vigilancy_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o pastor_n be_v no_o less_o dangerous_a this_o exorbitancy_n after_o the_o roman_a empire_n become_v christian_n allure_v and_o bring_v in_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n who_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n and_o give_v they_o advantage_n by_o carnal_a art_n to_o possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o chief_a seat_n of_o power_n in_o the_o church_n by_o which_o mean_v religion_n degenerate_v into_o externalness_n and_o carnality_n and_o that_o which_o be_v then_o name_v the_o church_n be_v at_o length_n turn_v into_o a_o worldly_a state_n which_o grow_v more_o and_o more_o corrupt_a till_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v fulfil_v in_o it_o where_o christianity_n have_v recover_v itself_o out_o of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o late_a time_n and_o knowledge_n be_v general_o diffuse_v among_o the_o people_n the_o sufficiency_n industry_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n will_v be_v inquire_v after_o negligence_n in_o their_o administration_n and_o irregularity_n in_o their_o life_n will_v not_o pass_v without_o note_v the_o ignorant_a idle_a and_o scandalous_a will_v fall_v into_o contempt_n outward_a formality_n will_v be_v no_o cover_n as_o in_o dark_a time_n they_o be_v distinctive_a habit_n and_o reverend_a title_n alone_o will_v not_o procure_v veneration_n the_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n will_v sink_v and_o fall_v without_o remedy_n if_o real_a worth_n do_v not_o uphold_v it_o in_o such_o time_n man_n will_v not_o be_v to_o learn_v that_o a_o arm_n of_o flesh_n do_v not_o constitute_v a_o christian_a church_n and_o that_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o prove_v one_o party_n to_o be_v orthodox_n and_o the_o rest_n heretical_a or_o schismatical_a external_n violence_n which_o be_v the_o common_a support_n of_o false_a religion_n will_v in_o this_o case_n do_v little_a good_a but_o it_o will_v render_v they_o that_o call_v for_o it_o the_o more_o odious_a and_o more_o discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o cause_n wherefore_o the_o clergy_n must_v resolve_v to_o do_v worthy_o and_o fulfil_v their_o ministry_n or_o they_o must_v extinguish_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v extinguish_v they_o but_o if_o as_o faithful_a shepherd_n they_o watch_v over_o the_o flock_n and_o tender_a the_o state_n thereof_o if_o they_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o teach_v with_o meekness_n and_o patience_n if_o they_o pity_v and_o succour_v the_o weak_a and_o heal_v that_o which_o be_v lame_a that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n if_o they_o use_v the_o rod_n of_o discipline_n with_o judgement_n and_o paternal_a affection_n if_o they_o discard_v and_o lay_v by_o man_n unprofitable_a institute_n and_o maintain_v all_o divine_a ordinance_n in_o their_o due_a honour_n and_o chief_o urge_v the_o observance_n of_o the_o indispensable_a command_n of_o god_n and_o turn_v man_n from_o externalness_n and_o make_v it_o their_o chief_a aim_n that_o christ_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n may_v reign_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o profess_a christian_n then_o shall_v they_o magnify_v their_o office_n and_o establish_v their_o authority_n and_o hold_v their_o flock_n in_o a_o unfeigned_a reverence_n and_o submission_n as_o feel_v the_o force_n of_o the_o ministerial_a warfare_n in_o their_o conscience_n and_o the_o inferior_a difference_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o cause_v disgust_n or_o aversation_n or_o break_v those_o strong_a bond_n of_o the_o people_n sincere_a regard_n towards_o their_o pastor_n but_o they_o will_v rather_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o love_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n the_o conclusion_n no_o great_a thing_n can_v fall_v under_o the_o consideration_n of_o mankind_n than_o the_o security_n and_o increase_n of_o true_a religion_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n among_o man_n and_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n depend_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v as_o far_o above_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o their_o politic_a administration_n all_o secular_a affair_n and_o philosophical_a speculation_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n a_o inquiry_n into_o the_o sound_a state_n and_o true_a interest_n thereof_o be_v a_o contemplation_n worthy_a of_o the_o great_a mind_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a honour_n of_o the_o high_a power_n it_o be_v the_o royal_a interest_n of_o that_o potentate_n who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o of_o that_o bless_a society_n which_o be_v incorporate_v under_o he_o their_o lord_n and_o head_n and_o who_o that_o in_o any_o degree_n have_v true_o know_v the_o felicity_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o hope_n for_o a_o
either_o hand_n for_o it_o be_v very_o discernible_a that_o the_o antipathy_n against_o either_o way_n be_v main_o cause_v by_o the_o animosity_n and_o mutual_a opposition_n between_o the_o party_n of_o different_a persuasion_n and_o inclination_n in_o this_o matter_n they_o be_v too_o weak_a and_o ill-advised_n at_o least_o if_o not_o humorous_a and_o self-conceited_a that_o reject_v all_o sett-form_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o suppress_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n in_o ourselves_o or_o other_o be_v to_o sin_n against_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o to_o hinder_v much_o good_a the_o use_n of_o a_o set-form_n without_o a_o imperious_a restraint_n of_o prayer_n thereto_o will_v obviate_v the_o objection_n of_o stint_v the_o spirit_n which_o mean_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o purpose_n in_o that_o phrase_n a_o suppress_n or_o undue_a restrain_v of_o this_o spiritual_a gift_n against_o which_o a_o caution_n be_v here_o give_v in_o our_o address_n to_o the_o 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the_o professor_n of_o it_o to_o live_v in_o brotherly_a kindness_n and_o mutual_a charity_n but_o division_n be_v the_o church_n weakness_n and_o deformity_n the_o reproach_n of_o christian_n and_o a_o scandal_n against_o christianity_n and_o a_o objection_n put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o infidel_n against_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v unto_o many_o in_o the_o present_a divide_a state_n of_o religion_n each_o party_n be_v apt_a to_o appropriate_v godliness_n to_o themselves_o or_o at_o least_o to_o carry_v it_o towards_o other_o as_o if_o they_o do_v so_o and_o they_o that_o be_v loud_a in_o accuse_v dissenter_n of_o uncharitableness_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v themselves_o as_o uncharitable_a as_o any_o other_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n have_v a_o peculiar_a people_n distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o by_o a_o peculiar_a character_n but_o it_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o party_n of_o this_o or_o that_o persuasion_n or_o denomination_n that_o be_v narrow_a than_o mere_a christianity_n and_o all_o true_a christian_n be_v to_o receive_v one_o a_o other_o as_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o indeed_o the_o best_a christian_n be_v to_o be_v best_a esteem_v and_o their_o fellowship_n be_v most_o desire_a but_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v sever_v from_o the_o universality_n and_o in_o a_o strict_a combination_n set_v up_o as_o divide_a party_n it_o tend_v to_o the_o church_n ruin_n for_o a_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o can_v stand_v and_o if_o the_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o body_n forsake_v the_o rest_n the_o whole_a must_v needs_o die_v christian_n concord_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o aggregation_n of_o thing_n inconsistent_a as_o the_o fellowship_n of_o righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n the_o communion_n of_o light_n with_o darkness_n the_o concord_n of_o christ_n with_o belial_n to_o set_v up_o unity_n against_o piety_n be_v a_o conspiracy_n against_o christ_n who_o be_v king_n of_o righteousness_n and_o to_o pretend_v piety_n against_o unity_n be_v to_o oppose_v christ_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n who_o kingdom_n be_v the_o reign_n of_o love_n in_o the_o soul_n holiness_n and_o peace_n must_v kiss_v each_o other_o and_o as_o inseparable_a companion_n walk_v together_o it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v charge_v to_o keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n but_o concord_n in_o any_o external_a order_n without_o fellowship_n in_o the_o divine_a life_n be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o new_a nature_n and_o to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o same_o holy_a way_n this_o be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o great_a compliance_n in_o matter_n of_o mere_a external_a order_n and_o consequent_o much_o more_o regardable_a in_o our_o estimation_n and_o reception_n of_o person_n though_o to_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n be_v not_o of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o to_o be_v join_v in_o one_o spirit_n yet_o it_o must_v not_o be_v count_v a_o 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to_o
as_o well_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o rational_a discourse_n whatsoever_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o god_n testimony_n be_v much_o more_o effectual_a than_o the_o argument_n of_o human_a reason_n to_o command_v assent_n and_o quiet_a man_n mind_n and_o appease_v their_o contest_v and_o if_o we_o yield_v not_o our_o controversy_n to_o be_v final_o decide_v by_o this_o sacred_a rule_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v or_o wherein_o shall_v we_o all_o be_v bind_v up_o the_o truth_n be_v when_o man_n seek_v out_o vain_a invention_n to_o please_v their_o own_o fancy_n or_o to_o serve_v their_o own_o end_n and_o find_v their_o devise_a way_n condemn_v by_o god_n word_n then_o they_o fall_v to_o derogate_v from_o its_o authority_n and_o sufficiciency_n and_o talk_n much_o of_o the_o impertinency_n and_o folly_n of_o those_o that_o insist_v upon_o it_o and_o cry_v up_o tradition_n and_o reason_n and_o that_o wisdom_n of_o man_n that_o be_v but_o foolishness_n with_o god_n when_o thing_n will_v 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by_o the_o chaste_a spouse_n of_o chirst_n as_o the_o retain_v of_o such_o image_n as_o have_v be_v and_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v make_v object_n of_o religious_a adoration_n and_o the_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o peculiar_a garb_n and_o fashion_n of_o idolater_n in_o their_o worship_n moreover_o where_o the_o gross_a pollution_n be_v avoid_v if_o their_o pomp_n and_o train_n of_o ceremony_n be_v retain_v they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o take_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o as_o be_v busy_v in_o they_o and_o to_o corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o make_v it_o a_o dead_a work_n and_o carnal_a service_n and_o so_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n will_v decay_v and_o die_v among_o the_o people_n by_o this_o mean_n sensuality_n the_o concomitant_a of_o idolatry_n and_o all_o gross_a superstition_n be_v likewise_o manifest_v in_o their_o devotion_n of_o the_o israelite_n idolatry_n it_o be_v write_v the_o people_n sit_v down_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o rise_v up_o to_o 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that_o be_v reprove_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o the_o world_n that_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o love_n darkness_n hate_v the_o light_n by_o which_o it_o be_v condemn_v not_o only_o with_o a_o hatred_n of_o aversation_n but_o of_o hostile_a persecution_n nevertheless_o the_o unregenerate_a sort_n of_o man_n in_o general_a can_v and_o will_v not_o abandon_v all_o sense_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o deep_o imprint_v in_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o form_n whereof_o may_v be_v acceptable_a even_o to_o corrupt_v nature_n wherefore_o they_o own_o the_o name_n while_o they_o hate_v the_o thing_n and_o keep_v up_o a_o show_n and_o form_n thereof_o while_o they_o deny_v the_o truth_n and_o power_n and_o have_v a_o false_a apprehension_n of_o christ_n they_o adore_v he_o while_o they_o trample_v upon_o his_o present_a member_n that_o real_o bear_v his_o image_n and_o have_v a_o false_a idea_n of_o godliness_n they_o honour_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o former_a age_n while_o 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short_a of_o regeneration_n may_v be_v so_o illuminate_v and_o wrought_v upon_o as_o not_o only_o to_o cease_v from_o malignancy_n and_o hostility_n against_o it_o but_o to_o promote_v and_o strengthen_v its_o external_a interest_n but_o for_o all_o this_o the_o serpentine_a nature_n have_v hitherto_o be_v more_o predominant_a in_o this_o low_a world_n and_o god_n kingdom_n have_v have_v far_o great_a opposition_n than_o assistance_n from_o the_o power_n thereof_o now_o we_o be_v note_v the_o injury_n and_o despite_n that_o be_v do_v to_o godliness_n the_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n heap_v on_o the_o serious_a professor_n of_o it_o to_o render_v they_o hateful_a and_o contemptible_a require_v some_o animadversion_n their_o adversary_n set_v they_o forth_o as_o proud_a froward_a stubborn_a false_a rash_a fierce_a petulant_a sullen_a fanatical_a hypocritical_a censorious_a pragmatical_a unruly_a schismatical_a seditious_a unpeaceable_a presumptuous_a selfish_a and_o such_o like_a if_o we_o will_v judge_v right_o of_o these_o imputation_n we_o be_v to_o mind_v many_o thing_n viz._n the_o intrusion_n of_o hypocrite_n the_o multitude_n of_o half_n convert_v the_o great_a weakness_n of_o grace_n and_o defect_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o sincere_a christian_n and_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o best_a and_o chief_a of_o they_o it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o fault_n real_a or_o seem_a be_v more_o remarkable_a in_o strict_a professor_n than_o in_o any_o other_o as_o spot_n in_o a_o white_a garment_n also_o that_o the_o common_a malignity_n will_v aggravate_v the_o same_o above_o measure_n likewise_o that_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v charge_v with_o be_v they_o true_o charge_v be_v not_o peculiar_o they_o but_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o world_n in_o general_a and_o that_o some_o degree_n thereof_o be_v find_v in_o all_o in_o who_o human_a weakness_n be_v find_v and_o that_o they_o be_v less_o and_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n in_o this_o party_n of_o man_n than_o in_o any_o other_o add_v hereunto_o that_o the_o fault_n of_o some_o be_v common_o object_v against_o all_o and_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n not_o yet_o make_v perfect_a be_v cast_v upon_o that_o holy_a and_o perfect_a way_n which_o condemn_v those_o sin_n and_o have_v break_v the_o dominion_n of_o they_o moreover_o when_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o general_n have_v renounce_v palpable_a dishonesty_n injustice_n filthy_a lewdness_n wantonness_n intemperance_n luxury_n and_o other_o gross_a pollution_n of_o the_o world_n they_o be_v burden_v according_a to_o the_o true_a method_n of_o calumniation_n with_o matter_n of_o suspicion_n or_o evil_a surmise_n as_o hypocrisy_n selfconceitedness_a fancicalness_n and_o secret_a pride_n thing_n most_o belong_v to_o the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o with_o spiritual_a wickedness_n as_o envy_n malice_n bitterness_n vainglory_n ambition_n self-admiration_n and_o contempt_n of_o other_o thing_n of_o more_o close_a and_o covert_a nature_n and_o as_o not_o easy_o prove_v so_o not_o easy_o disprove_v where_o they_o be_v object_v or_o with_o the_o ambiguous_a charge_n of_o schism_n faction_n turbulence_n singularity_n peevishness_n perverseness_n obstinacy_n which_o opposite_a party_n be_v continual_o cast_v upon_o each_o other_o fault_n and_o duty_n virtue_n and_o vice_n happen_v to_o be_v call_v by_o these_o name_n and_o in_o this_o method_n of_o of_o accusation_n the_o innocent_a be_v soon_o injure_v than_o clear_v and_o slanderer_n do_v their_o work_n for_o the_o reproach_n be_v bold_o cast_v abroad_o and_o something_o stick_v but_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o obloquy_n and_o calumny_n the_o whole_a world_n may_v be_v challenge_v to_o produce_v a_o instance_n of_o any_o sort_n or_o sect_n of_o man_n that_o have_v exceed_v or_o equal_v the_o serious_a professor_n of_o the_o true_a christianity_n in_o thing_n honest_a and_o just_a and_o comely_a and_o useful_a and_o praiseworthy_a it_o must_v not_o be_v expect_a but_o that_o during_o their_o imperfect_a state_n obliquity_n &_o aberration_n will_v be_v find_v more_o or_o less_o in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o remote_a from_o perfection_n but_o if_o true_a honesty_n and_o virtue_n be_v a_o reality_n and_o not_o a_o empty_a name_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o perish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n it_o exist_v and_o reside_v in_o they_o howbeit_o in_o this_o way_n there_o be_v inevitable_a occasion_n of_o stumble_v not_o give_v but_o take_v and_o such_o fall_n thereat_o as_o do_v err_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o have_v not_o know_v god_n way_n the_o practice_n of_o true_a piety_n lie_v out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n be_v misjudge_v as_o a_o kind_n of_o humorous_a singularity_n to_o speak_v feel_o of_o divine_a thing_n seem_v folly_n or_o mere_a fancy_n to_o they_o who_o have_v no_o knowledge_n or_o taste_n thereof_o in_o themselves_o to_o express_v with_o zeal_n or_o vigour_n such_o 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which_o the_o religious_a be_v think_v to_o be_v proud_a boaster_n despiser_n of_o other_o uncharitable_a censorious_a and_o formalist_n be_v magnify_v against_o they_o for_o their_o large_a charity_n towards_o all_o which_o be_v indeed_o no_o charity_n but_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n not_o seldom_o accompany_v with_o bitterness_n towards_o the_o godly_a to_o speak_v as_o the_o scripture_n do_v of_o a_o peculiar_a people_n and_o as_o christ_n himself_o of_o the_o fewness_n of_o god_n choose_v among_o the_o many_o outward_o call_v be_v account_v the_o confine_n of_o godliness_n to_o a_o party_n and_o the_o fancy_v of_o themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a people_n of_o god_n now_o such_o arrogance_n be_v just_o charge_v on_o those_o that_o place_n religion_n in_o narrow_a opinion_n and_o platform_n and_o method_n of_o their_o own_o choose_v and_o judge_v of_o all_o man_n as_o they_o be_v near_o or_o far_o from_o they_o yet_o nothing_o be_v sure_a than_o that_o god_n have_v a_o peculiar_a people_n who_o be_v comparative_o a_o small_a
than_o other_o say_v the_o author_n of_o our_o profession_n when_o the_o religious_a apparent_o excel_v the_o choice_a part_n of_o unregenerate_a man_n then_o be_v wisdom_n apparent_o justify_v of_o her_o child_n natural_a man_n may_v have_v some_o amiable_a virtue_n by_o which_o they_o aim_v to_o commend_v themselves_o both_o to_o god_n and_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o other_o matter_n of_o no_o less_o manifest_a and_o necessary_a concernment_n they_o be_v licentious_a and_o remiss_a but_o the_o true_a christian_a make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a piety_n cause_v a_o intirene●…_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o good_a life_n so_o be_v due_o improve_v and_o stir_v up_o it_o will_v cause_v they_o that_o have_v it_o not_o only_o to_o acquit_v themselves_o in_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v acceptable_a and_o praiseworthy_a among_o the_o mere_o virtuous_a part_n of_o man_n but_o also_o to_o perform_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v far_o above_o they_o and_o both_o a_o wonder_n and_o a_o reproof_n unto_o they_o religion_n have_v a_o good_a savour_n among_o all_o man_n by_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o all_o relative_a duty_n and_o nothing_o render_v it_o more_o unsavoury_a than_o the_o violate_v of_o those_o bond_n and_o the_o non-performance_n of_o those_o due_n which_o arise_v from_o natural_a or_o civil_a relation_n for_o these_o thing_n be_v our_o proper_a sphere_n our_o daily_a walk_n and_o constant_a business_n wherein_o we_o be_v most_o accountable_a to_o god_n and_o useful_a to_o man_n industry_n and_o providence_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n conduce_v to_o reputation_n but_o idleness_n and_o improvidence_n be_v very_o scandalous_a upon_o this_o account_n godliness_n be_v sometime_o reproach_v by_o occasion_n of_o some_o idle_a pretender_n and_o other_o that_o be_v pious_a but_o inconsiderate_a and_o imprudent_a religious_a exercise_n must_v be_v attend_v seasonable_o and_o in_o due_a order_n idle_a and_o careless_a person_n that_o wander_v from_o their_o calling_n how_o full_a soever_o of_o good_a word_n must_v be_v number_v among_o those_o that_o walk_v disorderly_a when_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o temporal_a well_o be_v and_o so_o indulgent_a to_o the_o present_a necessity_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v a_o great_a shame_n to_o expose_v it_o to_o contempt_n and_o prejudice_n by_o such_o perverseness_n or_o improvidence_n as_o if_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o industry_n and_o prudence_n in_o the_o necessary_a concernment_n of_o this_o world_n in_o like_a manner_n a_o discreet_a and_o moderate_a use_n of_o riches_n a_o generous_a frugality_n and_o frugal_a liberality_n avoid_v fordo_v covetousness_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o vain_a ostentation_n and_o deliciousness_n on_o the_o other_o be_v of_o good_a report_n and_o gain_n esteem_v but_o to_o live_v either_o too_o narrow_o or_o too_o profuse_o taint_v a_o man_n reputation_n and_o derogate_v from_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o profession_n to_o be_v constant_a or_o always_o the_o same_o be_v a_o noble_a property_n and_o be_v have_v in_o much_o honour_n and_o hereunto_o true_a christianity_n give_v the_o great_a adnantage_n it_o be_v main_a principle_n be_v evident_a and_o unchangeable_a with_o the_o allowance_n of_o prudential_a accommodation_n according_a to_o time_n and_o place_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a it_o be_v a_o chief_a point_n of_o wisdom_n to_o bring_v our_o might_n and_o main_a to_o the_o great_a &_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n and_o to_o watch_v with_o jealousy_n against_o every_o devise_n of_o man_n that_o will_v undermine_v they_o but_o to_o be_v more_o cautious_a and_o spare_v in_o point_n of_o less_o importance_n yet_o the_o occasion_n of_o much_o contest_v among_o they_o that_o own_o the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n we_o be_v ill_o advise_v if_o we_o lay_v our_o main_a stock_n where_o our_o main_a interest_n be_v not_o touch_v several_a matter_n touch_v religion_n have_v be_v carry_v in_o a_o vicissitude_n according_a to_o the_o change_n of_o time_n and_o yet_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n not_o alter_v it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o fix_v a_o necessity_n upon_o such_o thing_n from_o which_o the_o urgency_n of_o aftertime_n may_v enforce_v we_o to_o drawback_n unless_o we_o will_v desert_v our_o station_n before_o we_o have_v a_o discharge_n from_o our_o master_n in_o heaven_n the_o espouse_v of_o some_o controvert_v form_n and_o doctrine_n may_v end_v in_o a_o divorce_n dishonourable_a enough_o although_o it_o be_v conscientious_a and_o the_o reproach_n hereof_o may_v be_v aggravate_v by_o the_o pretend_a constancy_n of_o other_o in_o erroneous_a way_n when_o it_o be_v indeed_o no_o other_o than_o the_o pertinacy_n of_o a_o selfish_a mind_n or_o a_o adhere_n to_o a_o worldly_a interest_n when_o there_o be_v a_o liberty_n some_o form_n may_v be_v safe_o choose_v as_o most_o advantageous_a and_o yet_o not_o assert_v to_o be_v the_o only_a necessary_a and_o again_o some_o other_o may_v be_v lay_v aside_o as_o inconvenient_a and_o yet_o not_o damn_v as_o impious_a or_o simple_o evil_a the_o parent_n of_o true_a constancy_n be_v godly_a wisdom_n have_v the_o sure_a foundation_n of_o evident_a and_o unchangeable_a truth_n with_o a_o just_a latitude_n in_o thing_n not_o determine_v by_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n and_o so_o there_o may_v ordinary_o happen_v to_o the_o same_o man_n some_o diversity_n of_o practice_n at_o different_a time_n that_o deserve_v not_o the_o brand_n of_o time_n serve_v which_o be_v often_o too_o rash_o object_v for_o the_o same_o fix_a principle_n of_o knowledge_n and_o integrity_n will_v direct_v to_o this_o way_n or_o method_n of_o a_o sacred_a action_n at_o one_o time_n and_o at_o another_o time_n to_o that_o which_o be_v far_o different_a yea_o and_o when_o it_o can_v be_v avoid_v to_o a_o submit_v to_o what_o have_v sometime_o be_v reject_v i_o mean_v reject_v not_o as_o in_o itself_o unlawful_a but_o as_o inconvenient_a or_o less_o profitable_a when_o we_o be_v at_o liberty_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o take_v the_o best_a way_n but_o when_o confine_v we_o must_v do_v as_o well_o as_o we_o may_v in_o that_o state_n and_o the_o submission_n signify_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o simple_a lawfulness_n but_o not_o of_o the_o comparative_a goodness_n or_o desirableness_n of_o the_o thing_n impose_v since_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v give_v his_o church_n a_o legacy_n of_o peace_n in_o he_o with_o tribulation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o suffer_v with_o reputation_n be_v not_o of_o little_a moment_n it_o sometime_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o that_o inevitable_o that_o the_o godly_a suffer_v much_o in_o such_o case_n which_o the_o loose_a sort_n account_n nicety_n and_o needless_a scruple_n in_o which_o case_n their_o suffering_n be_v precious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o high_o value_v the_o jot_n and_o tittle_n of_o his_o law_n but_o they_o be_v not_o so_o honourable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n but_o when_o their_o cause_n be_v so_o unquestionable_a that_o all_o sober_a spirit_n of_o orthodox_n belief_n must_v needs_o regard_v it_o their_o suffering_n have_v much_o more_o glory_n and_o all_o the_o faithful_a will_v be_v more_o constant_a and_o uniform_a in_o adhere_v to_o such_o a_o cause_n howbeit_o if_o they_o suffer_v for_o conscience_n sake_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o world_n account_v nicety_n yet_o a_o upright_a and_o prudent_a walk_v with_o a_o peaceable_a spirit_n submissive_a in_o thing_n clear_o indifferent_a and_o bear_v with_o other_o intolerable_a difference_n will_v be_v a_o ample_a defence_n unto_o they_o and_o gain_v respect_n and_o peradventure_o mollify_v those_o that_o do_v the_o injury_n furthermore_o let_v it_o be_v here_o note_v that_o to_o the_o sufferer_n it_o be_v no_o less_o honourable_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o immorality_n malignity_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o carnal_a christian_n than_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o any_o article_n thereof_o in_o opposition_n to_o infidel_n heretic_n or_o blasphemer_n for_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o practice_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v of_o less_o regard_n yet_o this_o kind_n of_o suffer_v be_v more_o dishonourable_a to_o christ_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o persecutor_n who_o be_v his_o profess_a servant_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v more_o grievous_a to_o the_o persecute_a than_o if_o they_o suffer_v from_o those_o that_o disow_v his_o name_n or_o be_v his_o more_o avow_a enemy_n chap._n xix_o the_o most_o ample_a diffusion_n of_o the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n be_v a_o sure_a mean_n of_o promote_a true_a religion_n false_a and_o corrupt_a way_n bear_v sway_n by_o a_o people_n ignorance_n but_o religion_n in_o its_o right_n and_o sound_a
state_n as_o a_o jewel_n that_o have_v its_o great_a lustre_n by_o the_o bright_a light_n be_v maintain_v by_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n in_o bright_a time_n the_o imposture_n and_o carnal_a design_n of_o devise_v doctrine_n and_o superstitious_a vanity_n will_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o the_o hypocrisy_n be_v detect_v the_o merchandise_n thereof_o will_v be_v quite_o mar_v in_o such_o time_n even_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n will_v expect_v from_o those_o in_o sacred_a function_n at_o least_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o sober_a righteous_a and_o godly_a conversation_n with_o diligence_n in_o holy_a administration_n then_o the_o enemy_n of_o real_a sanctity_n be_v put_v to_o hard_a shift_n and_o force_v to_o appear_v either_o in_o some_o colour_n of_o truth_n or_o in_o the_o shame_n of_o their_o own_o nakedness_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o follower_n of_o truth_n make_v it_o their_o special_a interest_n as_o thorough_o to_o promote_v the_o most_o ample_a diffusion_n and_o universal_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n among_o all_o rank_n and_o sort_n of_o man_n as_o the_o adverse_a partly_o seek_v to_o oppose_v and_o debase_v it_o we_o do_v not_o hereby_o mean_v a_o intermeddle_v in_o difficult_a matter_n a_o smattering_n in_o controversy_n and_o certain_a curiosity_n of_o opinion_n a_o store_n of_o unnecessary_a notion_n and_o of_o mere_a word_n and_o phrase_n which_o thing_n be_v common_o erroneous_a and_o at_o the_o best_a but_o injudicious_a and_o puff_v up_o the_o half-witted_a and_o self-conceited_a and_o make_v they_o troublesome_a to_o themselves_o and_o other_o but_o that_o which_o be_v here_o commend_v for_o a_o universal_a increase_n and_o propagation_n be_v to_o understand_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o essential_a truth_n of_o christianity_n to_o see_v their_o evidence_n to_o judge_v right_o of_o their_o weight_n and_o worth_n and_o to_o view_v their_o coherence_n and_o beside_o these_o to_o know_v so_o much_o of_o other_o truth_n as_o the_o different_a capacity_n of_o man_n will_v enable_v they_o for_o the_o better_n of_o their_o knowledge_n in_o the_o essential_o the_o mean_n of_o diffuse_v this_o light_n be_v well_o know_v as_o the_o constant_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o due_a form_n of_o cathechism_n the_o strict_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n repetition_n of_o sermon_n ●…ious_a conference_n read_v the_o word_n and_o prayer_n in_o family_n profitable_a communication_n among_o neighbour-christians_a in_o their_o daily_a converse_n the_o spread_a of_o practical_a book_n write_v by_o man_n of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o minister_n private_a application_n to_o those_o of_o their_o own_o charge_n with_o prudence_n and_o meekness_n for_o the_o same_o end_n that_o main_a principle_n of_o protestanism_n the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n as_o belong_v to_o all_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v assert_v and_o ●…indicated_v against_o that_o popish_a and_o brutish_a do●…trine_n of_o implicit_a faith_n in_o the_o church_n de●…rminations_n this_o be_v not_o to_o subject_a matter_n of_o ●aith_n to_o a_o private_a spirit_n but_o to_o refer_v they_o to_o ●…e_v divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o ●…e_v apprehend_v in_o the_o due_a and_o right_a use_n of_o ●eason_n which_o be_v a_o public_a and_o evident_a thing_n ●…d_n lie_v open_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o men._n and_o to_o man_n of_o sober_a mind_n serious_a for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o current_n of_o scripture_n be_v easy_o discernible_a moreover_o the_o general_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n lie_v much_o in_o the_o ingenuous_a education_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o common_a people_n in_o opposition_n to_o sordidness_n slavery_n and_o brutish_a rudeness_n though_o some_o look_n upon_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n with_o contempt_n and_o seem_v to_o value_v they_o no_o more_o than_o brute_n animal_n and_o think_v it_o enough_o that_o their_o governor_n understand_v and_o consider_v for_o they_o and_o not_o they_o for_o themselves_o yet_o christ_n have_v shed_v his_o blood_n as_o much_o for_o the_o redemption_n of_o that_o sort_n as_o of_o the_o noble_a and_o mighty_a and_o prudent_a and_o he_o have_v make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n and_o in_o the_o privilege_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o kingdom_n as_o for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n cast_v the_o advantage_n on_o the_o poor_a and_o mean_a side_n not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a be_v call_v be_v the_o observation_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n james_n witness_v that_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n rich_a in_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o those_o who_o god_n have_v choose_v must_v needs_o be_v instruct_v in_o his_o will._n that_o reasonable_a service_n that_o he_o require_v none_o can_v perform_v without_o knowledge_n ignorance_n be_v opposite_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o true_a christian_a piety_n which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o where_o it_o be_v not_o receive_v with_o understanding_n this_o general_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n have_v fall_v under_o a_o great_a suspicion_n of_o evil_n and_o it_o may_v be_v under_o the_o jealousy_n of_o ruler_n as_o dispose_v man_n to_o sedition_n rebellion_n heresy_n and_o schism_n but_o how_o great_a a_o reproach_n be_v hereby_o cast_v upon_o human_a nature_n or_o political_a government_n or_o both_o that_o the_o more_o rational_o apprehensive_a the_o body_n of_o a_o people_n be_v they_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o ungovernable_a as_o if_o government_n can_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o proper_a dignity_n and_o felicity_n of_o human_a nature_n what_o manner_n of_o civil_a state_n be_v that_o which_o degrade_v the_o subject_n from_o man_n to_o beast_n for_o a_o more_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o they_o what_o manner_n of_o christian_a church_n be_v that_o which_o to_o prevent_v heresy_n and_o schism_n take_v order_n that_o its_o member_n be_v no_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o unchristian_a inhuman_a policy_n in_o church_n or_o state_n the_o foundation_n whereof_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o people_n ignorance_n as_o for_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o ruler_n it_o be_v not_o weaken_v but_o strengthen_v by_o their_o people_n knowledge_n which_o in_o its_o right_n and_o proper_a tendency_n make_v they_o more_o conscientious_a and_o however_o more_o circumspect_a and_o considerate_a and_o consequent_o more_o easy_o manageable_a by_o a_o just_a and_o prudent_a government_n but_o gross_a ignorance_n tend_v to_o make_v they_o barbarous_a and_o belluine_a and_o in_o their_o mutiny_n and_o discontent_n uncounsellable_n and_o untameable_a and_o therefore_o very_o incongruous_a to_o a_o state_n govern_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n or_o humanity_n chap._n xx._n the_o advantage_n of_o human_a learning_n to_o the_o same_o end_n though_o religion_n rest_v not_o on_o human_a learning_n as_o its_o main_a support_n yet_o it_o seek_v and_o claim_v the_o necessary_a help_n thereof_o those_o who_o god_n design_n for_o eminent_a service_n he_o endue_v with_o eminent_a gift_n either_o by_o mean_n or_o miracle_n and_o he_o give_v every_o entrust_v servant_n a_o measure_n answerable_a to_o his_o degree_n the_o apostle_n who_o lay_v the_o foundation_n be_v wise_a master-builder_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o wisdom_n shall_v die_v with_o they_o when_o he_o settle_v his_o church_n to_o endure_v throughout_o all_o age_n and_o promise_v to_o be_v with_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v say_v indeed_o that_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o god_n be_v strong_a than_o men._n but_o that_o which_o be_v so_o call_v be_v not_o foolishness_n and_o weakness_n indeed_o but_o only_o so_o account_v by_o the_o pride_n of_o carnal_a wisdom_n in_o this_o learned_a age_n the_o antichristian_a state_n in_o christendom_n be_v force_v to_o advance_v learning_n in_o its_o own_o defence_n and_o now_o without_o learning_n either_o divine_o inspire_v or_o acquire_v by_o mean_n we_o can_v defend_v ourselves_o against_o it_o wherefore_o to_o destroy_v the_o support_n of_o learning_n be_v the_o way_n to_o subvert_v religion_n yea_o though_o we_o be_v not_o engage_v by_o such_o strength_n of_o the_o adversary_n to_o provide_v for_o our_o own_o defence_n yet_o solid_a human_a learning_n do_v of_o itself_o notable_o advance_v divine_a truth_n the_o learning_n that_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o world_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n apparent_o make_v way_n for_o that_o sudden_a and_o ample_a spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o revive_v thereof_o after_o a_o universal_a decay_n no_o less_o apparent_o make_v way_n for_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o this_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n
not_o last_v but_o by_o usual_a and_o easy_a change_n their_o weakness_n be_v discover_v to_o tie_v a_o people_n to_o certain_a little_a rule_n and_o method_n in_o church_n discipline_n that_o be_v general_o displease_v as_o the_o necessary_a term_n of_o church_n privilege_n when_o the_o end_n of_o discipline_n may_v be_v as_o well_o obtain_v without_o they_o be_v at_o the_o best_a but_o the_o vanity_n of_o a_o needless_a trouble_n in_o do_v that_o with_o much_o ado_n which_o may_v be_v do_v with_o less_o and_o it_o may_v occasion_v a_o incurable_a breach_n and_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o whole_a form_n of_o government_n narrow_a and_o uncertain_a boundary_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o arbitrary_a and_o rigid_a rule_n of_o admission_n be_v contrary_a to_o that_o ample_a and_o fix_a church_n state_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o uphold_v and_o propagate_v true_a religion_n the_o faith_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v propagate_v and_o perpetuate_v in_o large_a kingdom_n and_o nation_n by_o encompass_v under_o its_o external_a rule_n and_o order_n the_o multitude_n that_o make_v profession_n though_o they_o may_v fa●…_n short_a of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o those_o thing_n tha●_n accompany_v salvation_n and_o it_o do_v not_o roo●_n or_o spread_v in_o any_o sort_n considerable_a in_o a_o region_n where_o the_o order_n of_o admission_n be_v set_v by_o the_o rigid_a and_o narrow_a principle_n of_o a_o small_a party_n and_o the_o general_a multitude_n lie_v open_a as_o wa●…_n ground_n for_o any_o to_o invade_v or_o occupy_v the_o strength_n and_o security_n of_o the_o protestant_a reformation_n come_v by_o the_o take_n in_o of_o kingdom_n and_o whole_a dominion_n within_o its_o compas●_n the_o external_a kingdom_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v much_o wide_a than_o the_o internal_a it_o be_v like_o the_o draw_v net_n that_o gather_v fish_n good_a and_o bad_a and_o like_o a_o corn_n field_n wherein_o whea●…_n and_o tare_n grow_v together_o till_o the_o harvest_n moreover_o the_o increase_n of_o profess_a christian_n make_v way_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o regenerate_a christian_n and_o convert_v to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v general_o make_v out_o of_o the_o mass_n of_o people_n of_o a_o orthodox_n profession_n and_o few_o of_o they_o be_v turn_v immediate_o from_o infidelity_n popery_n or_o any_o heresy_n chap._n xxiv_o the_o care_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o prevent_v and_o cure_v the_o evil_a of_o fanatical_a and_o sectarian_n error_n among_o the_o wiles_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o deprave_v the_o spiritual_a excellency_n of_o pure_a religion_n and_o mighty_o hinder_v its_o advance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n fanatical_a and_o sectarian_n aberration_n be_v not_o the_o least_o if_o these_o folly_n be_v but_o heed_v by_o those_o that_o be_v most_o in_o danger_n before_o they_o be_v engage_v and_o drunken_a with_o error_n it_o be_v in_o great_a part_n a_o antidote_n against_o this_o mischief_n for_o the_o well_o mind_a that_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o of_o easy_a impression_n be_v lead_v aside_o chief_o for_o lack_v of_o attention_n and_o observation_n many_o be_v child_n in_o understanding_n and_o many_o be_v passionate_a and_o inconsiderate_a and_o a_o innate_a levity_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o mind_n be_v very_o common_a it_o behoove_v the_o guide_n of_o the_o flock_n to_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n with_o sober_a principle_n and_o to_o have_v a_o watchful_a eye_n upon_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o any_o pragmatic_n fancy_n that_o feed_v on_o notion_n and_o novelty_n under_o a_o show_n of_o a_o more_o discern_a spirit_n in_o gospel_n mystery_n than_o other_o have_v such_o be_v vanity_n puff_v up_o will_v be_v start_a question_n and_o multiply_a slight_a exception_n against_o the_o receive_a truth_n and_o will_v please_v the_o itch_a ear_n and_o slight_a spirit_n of_o some_o pretender_n to_o godliness_n who_o will_v become_v their_o hasty_a proselyte_n and_o join_v with_o they_o to_o unravel_v one_o thing_n after_o another_o in_o the_o texture_n of_o holy_a doctrine_n and_o by_o the_o repute_n of_o their_o good_a part_n and_o seem_a piety_n may_v stagger_v other_o of_o good_a intention_n but_o weak_a judgement_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n none_o be_v more_o dangerous_a than_o vainglorious_a teacher_n ambitious_a of_o lead_v party_n and_o by_o plausible_a endowment_n furnish_v for_o such_o design_n these_o to_o raise_v their_o own_o fame_n and_o make_v to_o themselves_o a_o devote_a people_n will_v become_v absolute_a sect-master_n and_o those_o that_o close_o with_o they_o they_o hold_v with_o please_a device_n and_o serve_v their_o humour_n that_o they_o may_v serve_v themselves_o of_o they_o there_o be_v also_o in_o some_o person_n a_o right_a sectarian_n leaven_n which_o be_v evermore_o to_o follow_v peculiar_a opinion_n and_o some_o separate_a party_n in_o religion_n and_o they_o speak_v security_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n by_o be_v of_o such_o a_o opinion_n or_o of_o such_o a_o party_n against_o the_o sectarian_n and_o fanatic_a spirit_n it_o concern_v the_o church_n to_o keep_v a_o continual_a watch_n and_o ward_n but_o not_o so_o as_o to_o imprison_v the_o truth_n to_o lock_v up_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n to_o stifle_v godly_a zeal_n to_o detain_v a_o people_n in_o dead_a and_o dull_a principle_n that_o will_v not_o reach_v to_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o divine_a life_n for_o this_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o prevent_v or_o cure_v a_o frenzy_n by_o cause_v a_o lethargy_n or_o some_o other_o such_o like_a stupidity_n moreover_o a_o superstitious_a formal_a love_n and_o sensual_a way_n of_o religion_n will_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v able_a to_o prevent_v or_o suppress_v this_o evil_a but_o will_v give_v occasion_n to_o its_o rise_n and_o growth_n except_o in_o time_n of_o profound_a ignorance_n and_o silence_n as_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o popish_a darkness_n but_o whensoever_o the_o light_n break_v forth_o and_o the_o people_n see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n will_v not_o admit_v a_o true_a reformation_n but_o persecute_v those_o that_o seek_v it_o then_o be_v many_o in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o this_o opposite_a extreme_a for_o they_o be_v cast_v upon_o it_o both_o by_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o present_a corruption_n and_o by_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n be_v not_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o solid_a truth_n and_o so_o they_o ●un_v hasty_o from_o superstition_n and_o externalness_n into_o delusion_n and_o wild_a fancy_n from_o the_o common_a dissoluteness_n and_o remissness_n of_o those_o that_o call_v themselves_o orthodox_n into_o a_o vain_a boast_n of_o perfection_n from_o the_o usurpation_n of_o proud_a man_n encroach_a upon_o christ_n prerogative_n and_o their_o false_a constrain_a unity_n into_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n and_o from_o a_o wrathful_a zeal_n and_o persecute_v cruelty_n into_o a_o disorderly_a promiscuous_a and_o familistical_a love_n or_o indulgence_n towards_o all_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o church_n state_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o spiritual_a ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o true_o apostolical_a be_v the_o sure_a remedy_n against_o sectarianism_n and_o phanaticism_n true_o so_o call_v when_o the_o church_n abandon_v romish_a tyranny_n and_o superstition_n and_o yet_o be_v settle_v in_o a_o regular_a and_o stable_a polity_n when_o the_o public_a order_n thorough_o promote_v the_o mean_n of_o sound_a knowledge_n and_o incourage_v real_a godliness_n it_o satisfy_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o just_o expect_v in_o a_o gospel_n church_n and_o ministry_n more_o than_o a_o outward_a form_n even_o the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n and_o spiritual_a light_n and_o life_n and_o power_n an●_n it_o prevent_v their_o wander_a to_o seek_v after_o it_o i●_n the_o devious_a path_n of_o sectary_n it_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n that_o of_o the_o mo●…_n learned_a able_a and_o judicious_a person_n of_o orthodox_n profession_n there_o be_v many_o eminent_o pious_a who_o authority_n and_o reputation_n may_v b●…_n able_a to_o hold_v in_o those_o who_o affection_n an●…_n fancy_n be_v apt_a to_o outrun_v their_o judgement_n likewise_o that_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o a●…_n call_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n do_v so_o walk_v i●…_n the_o light_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n o●…_n stumble_v in_o they_o through_o notorious_a prid●…_n covetousness_n self-seeking_a inordinate_a sensuality_n or_o the_o vehement_a appearance_n of_o any_o gross_a evil_n for_o the_o weak_a sort_n be_v common_o undo_v by_o offence_n and_o because_o seducer_n be_v very_o active_a and_o spare_v no_o cost_n nor_o travel_n but_o as_o they_o have_v do_v of_o old_a do_v compass_n sea_n and_o land_n to_o gain_v proselyte_n it_o behoove_v the_o pastor_n careful_o to_o keep_v their_o people_n and_o the_o people_n careful_o to_o keep_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o these_o huckster_n the_o