Selected quad for the lemma: world_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
world_n church_n universal_a visible_a 4,369 5 9.4736 5 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62129 A gentleman's religion in three parts : the 1st contains the principles of natural religion, the 2d. and 3d. the doctrins of Christianity both as to faith and practice : with an appendix wherein it is proved that nothing contrary to our reason can possibly be the object of our belief, but that it is no just exception against some of the doctrins of Christianity that they are above our reason. Synge, Edward, 1659-1741. 1698 (1698) Wing S6380; ESTC R24078 100,488 452

There are 9 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

there_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v eminent_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o have_v accuse_v each_o other_o of_o corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o even_o of_o heresy_n itself_o but_o three_o and_o last_o there_o do_v appear_v to_o i_o to_o be_v much_o strong_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v actual_o err_v and_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o case_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o some_o other_o her_o tenant_n than_o any_o that_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v she_o to_o be_v infallible_a and_o until_o i_o can_v be_v otherwise_o convince_v i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o to_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o embrace_v the_o true_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n xxii_o some_o there_o be_v who_o tell_v i_o that_o to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n i_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o thus_o they_o set_v forth_o the_o matter_n first_o they_o suppose_v that_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n be_v undoubted_o teach_v by_o his_o apostle_n and_o first_o disciple_n second_o that_o if_o any_o one_o do_v or_o shall_v have_v go_v about_o to_o spread_v any_o false_a or_o spurious_a doctrine_n whilst_o these_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n be_v yet_o alive_a they_o who_o be_v send_v on_o purpose_n by_o jesus_n to_o preach_v his_o doctrine_n and_o be_v own_v and_o submit_v to_o according_o by_o all_o christian_a church_n both_o can_v and_o will_v immediate_o convince_v all_o church_n of_o the_o falseness_n and_o spuriousness_n of_o such_o pretend_a doctrine_n three_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n be_v in_o all_o church_n public_o and_o constant_o teach_v and_o preach_v every_o succeed_a age_n and_o generation_n must_v needs_o know_v and_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v ignorant_a what_o their_o father_n and_o immediate_a predecessor_n own_v and_o teach_v as_o such_o four_o that_o therefore_o if_o at_o any_o time_n whatsoever_o any_o new_a or_o spurious_a doctrine_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v vent_v by_o any_o person_n or_o person_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n all_o christian_n must_v present_o know_v that_o this_o be_v none_o of_o his_o doctrine_n because_o it_o be_v not_o teach_v they_o as_o such_o by_o their_o immediate_a predecessor_n five_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o new_a and_o spurious_a doctrine_n can_v ever_o be_v broach_v in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n but_o it_o must_v needs_o meet_v with_o great_a opposition_n for_o all_o christian_n do_v maintain_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o teach_v or_o know_o to_o own_o any_o thing_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n which_o be_v not_o real_o so_o six_o that_o however_o some_o man_n out_o of_o pride_n or_o interest_n may_v own_o and_o contend_v for_o any_o such_o novel_a doctrine_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o such_o doctrine_n shall_v ever_o come_v to_o be_v universal_o receive_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n except_o we_o can_v suppose_v either_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n shall_v join_v together_o to_o involve_v themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n for_o ever_o in_o a_o sin_n or_o else_o that_o a_o few_o man_n who_o first_o shall_v vent_v a_o opinion_n can_v so_o impose_v upon_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o to_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o what_o they_o all_o must_v know_v to_o be_v a_o new_a and_o upstart_a thing_n because_o they_o receive_v it_o not_o from_o their_o father_n and_o predecessor_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n which_o be_v all_o along_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n deliver_v down_o to_o they_o both_o which_o thing_n be_v absurd_a to_o conceive_v or_o imagine_v and_o last_o that_o no_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n once_o deliver_v can_v ever_o be_v obliterated_a or_o whole_o forget_v in_o the_o world_n because_o every_o age_n of_o christian_n from_o the_o very_a first_o who_o undoubted_o receive_v the_o whole_a and_o entire_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n know_v themselves_o to_o be_v indispensable_o oblige_v both_o by_o god_n command_n and_o also_o by_o that_o love_n and_o charity_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o their_o posterity_n to_o teach_v the_o same_o full_a and_o entire_a doctrine_n which_o they_o receive_v unto_o their_o child_n and_o those_o who_o be_v to_o come_v after_o they_o go_v therefore_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n say_v the_o papist_n to_o the_o universal_a church_n i._n e._n to_o all_o christian_n say_v some_o protestant_n and_o see_v what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v and_o have_v be_v universal_o maintain_v of_o who_o beginning_n no_o other_o account_n can_v be_v give_v but_o that_o jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v they_o to_o the_o world_n and_o there_o you_o have_v the_o entire_a and_o uncorrupted_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o indeed_o where_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a or_o a_o very_a large_a and_o general_a tradition_n concern_v any_o thing_n and_o where_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v high_o rational_a and_o probable_a that_o there_o be_v not_o or_o can_v not_o be_v any_o error_n or_o mistake_n in_o the_o matter_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o no_o man_n i_o think_v but_o a_o obstinate_a sceptic_a will_v offer_v to_o withstand_v the_o evidence_n of_o such_o a_o tradition_n but_o let_v a_o tradition_n be_v ever_o so_o general_a or_o even_o universal_a yet_o if_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o possibility_n but_o also_o a_o fair_a likelihood_n and_o probability_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o business_n then_o i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v just_o be_v blame_v if_o he_o refuse_v or_o suspend_v his_o assent_n until_o the_o testimony_n of_o such_o a_o tradition_n be_v clear_v and_o vindicate_v from_o those_o rational_a prejudices_fw-la and_o exception_n which_o may_v lie_v against_o it_o now_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o all_o error_n and_o mistake_v do_v ever_o immediate_o appear_v in_o their_o perfect_a form_n and_o full_a growth_n at_o their_o very_a beginning_n than_o it_o be_v most_o rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o all_o man_n must_v needs_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o first_o appearance_n and_o consequent_o that_o in_o all_o likelihood_n any_o such_o error_n must_v needs_o meet_v with_o many_o more_o opponent_n than_o abettor_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v that_o error_n may_v have_v spring_v up_o in_o the_o world_n from_o such_o small_a beginning_n and_o by_o such_o slow_a and_o unperceivable_a degree_n that_o after_o some_o age_n it_o may_v be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v error_n except_o he_o have_v some_o other_o rule_n beside_o tradition_n to_o try_v they_o by_o viz._n either_o the_o rule_n of_o common_a reason_n or_o some_o ancient_a and_o unaltered_a write_n as_o for_o example_n it_o be_v not_o rational_a to_o conceive_v that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n they_o who_o preach_v and_o write_v popular_a discourse_n might_n very_o innocent_o and_o to_o good_a purpose_n make_v use_n of_o rhetorical_a flight_n and_o figurative_a expression_n to_o strike_v the_o fancy_n and_o move_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o people_n to_o virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o be_v it_o not_o likely_a enough_o that_o those_o who_o come_v after_o they_o may_v not_o only_o strive_v to_o imitate_v but_o also_o to_o outdo_v they_o in_o bold_a flight_n and_o more_o strain_a scheme_n of_o expression_n and_o be_v it_o not_o also_o probable_a enough_o that_o in_o long_a process_n of_o time_n ignorance_n general_o overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v join_v with_o a_o profound_a veneration_n for_o those_o ancient_a preacher_n and_o writer_n may_v begin_v to_o interpret_v some_o of_o these_o rhetorical_a and_o figurative_a expression_n in_o a_o literal_a and_o logical_a sense_n and_o then_o conceive_v that_o such_o their_o interpretation_n be_v real_o and_o true_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n deliver_v down_o to_o they_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o there_o may_v have_v be_v some_o man_n of_o great_a power_n and_o repute_n in_o the_o world_n who_o may_v have_v take_v a_o pride_n and_o delight_n or_o who_o interest_n it_o may_v have_v be_v to_o amuse_n the_o people_n with_o mysterious_a notion_n and_o fancy_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o ignorant_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o thus_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o also_o probable_a enough_o that_o error_n and_o mistake_v as_o to_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n may_v come_v to_o be_v general_o receive_v without_o any_o considerable_a or_o notorious_a opposition_n
power_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n who_o be_v both_o the_o framer_n and_o controller_n of_o nature_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n by_o the_o mediation_n and_o ministry_n of_o good_a spirit_n who_o always_o act_n obedient_o to_o his_o will._n so_o that_o whether_o mediate_o or_o immediate_o it_o be_v god_n who_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o original_a and_o author_n of_o all_o those_o wonderful_a thing_n which_o be_v do_v by_o jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n now_o then_o since_o god_n do_v interpose_v his_o power_n to_o work_v such_o strange_a and_o stupenduous_a thing_n for_o the_o propagation_n and_o confirmation_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v teach_v by_o jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o their_o doctrine_n be_v certain_o true_a for_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v make_v use_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a power_n only_o to_o cheat_v and_o deceive_v the_o world_n into_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o lie_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n from_o heaven_n that_o whosoever_o will_v believe_v on_o jesus_n and_o receive_v and_o live_v according_a to_o his_o religion_n shall_v be_v make_v very_o happy_a in_o thenext_v life_n this_o very_a thing_n be_v the_o grand_a point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n teach_v and_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n and_o if_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v reason_n sufficient_a to_o believe_v this_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o also_o xx._n but_o jesus_n himself_o be_v long_o since_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o his_o disciple_n who_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n depart_v out_o of_o the_o world_n here_o i_o think_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o inquire_v to_o who_o or_o to_o what_o i_o must_v apply_v myself_o that_o amid_o the_o several_a party_n in_o the_o world_n who_o all_o call_v themselves_o true_a and_o orthodox_n christian_n each_o condemn_v all_o other_o but_o themselves_o i_o may_v be_v true_o and_o sure_o inform_v what_o be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a religion_n or_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n which_o i_o ought_v to_o receive_v and_o live_v according_a to_o in_o order_n to_o my_o future_a happiness_n for_o if_o i_o do_v not_o this_o i_o must_v either_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n and_o so_o lose_v my_o future_a happiness_n or_o else_o take_v it_o altogether_o upon_o trust_n and_o by_o chance_n and_o then_o it_o be_v odds_o but_o i_o light_v upon_o the_o wrong_n and_o must_v needs_o run_v a_o very_a great_a hazard_n and_o though_o he_o who_o be_v in_o a_o mistake_n and_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o help_v it_o will_n doubtless_o find_v a_o easy_a pardon_n from_o god_n yet_o he_o who_o fall_v into_o error_n for_o want_v of_o moderate_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n have_v i_o think_v no_o pretence_n either_o to_o pardon_v or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o pity_n xxi_o the_o roman_a catholic_n do_v tell_v i_o that_o i_o must_v apply_v myself_o to_o the_o church_n this_o church_n they_o define_v to_o be_v that_o society_n of_o person_n who_o prosess_v faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o live_v in_o subjection_n to_o and_o communion_n with_o the_o pope_n or_o bishop_n of_o rome_n this_o church_n they_o say_v be_v infallible_a and_o not_o only_o do_v not_o but_o can_v err_v in_o any_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n go_v then_o say_v they_o to_o this_o church_n and_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n which_o she_o teach_v and_o there_o you_o have_v certain_o and_o infallible_o the_o true_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o i_o can_v give_v my_o assent_n to_o follow_v this_o their_o direction_n because_o i_o find_v such_o great_a difficulty_n in_o my_o way_n as_o i_o think_v be_v insuparable_a at_o least_o i_o be_o sure_a such_o as_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o overcome_v for_o first_o although_o it_o may_v be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o company_n of_o people_n some_o where_o or_o other_o profess_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n shall_v last_v yet_o what_o solid_a proof_n can_v be_v bring_v that_o this_o particular_a society_n of_o man_n who_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o pope_n or_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v alone_o the_o true_a church_n and_o shall_v always_o keep_v and_o maintain_v among_o they_o the_o true_a and_o uncorrupt_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o matter_n be_v a_o question_n of_o revelation_n and_o positive_a institution_n be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v prove_v by_o any_o argument_n draw_v from_o natural_a reason_n and_o as_o for_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o allege_v it_o be_v even_o ridiculous_a to_o think_v that_o any_o sober_a and_o unprejudiced_a person_n shall_v be_v convince_v by_o they_o as_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o any_o one_o who_o impartial_o read_v what_o the_o romish_a and_o protestant_a divine_n have_v write_v on_o this_o controversy_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o those_o text_n but_o be_v fair_o and_o natural_o capable_a of_o another_o interpretation_n and_o must_v be_v very_o much_o strain_v and_o wrest_v to_o make_v they_o countenance_v the_o romish_a doctrine_n beside_o that_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v general_o teach_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o authority_n or_o sense_n of_o any_o text_n of_o scripture_n especial_o if_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v any_o way_n doubtful_a except_o he_o receive_v the_o proposal_n and_o interpretation_n thereof_o from_o this_o their_o church_n which_o they_o say_v be_v infallible_a so_o that_o a_o man_n must_v of_o necessity_n believe_v the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n before_o he_o can_v any_o way_n be_v sure_a of_o the_o credit_n or_o even_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o bring_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o then_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o scripture-argument_n to_o prove_v a_o thing_n which_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v before_o the_o argument_n can_v have_v any_o force_n or_o even_o be_v as_o much_o as_o certain_o understand_v and_o if_o they_o tell_v i_o that_o the_o father_n and_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n do_v testify_v thus_o much_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o can_v only_o say_v that_o the_o protestant_n divine_n who_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v man_n of_o as_o much_o learning_n and_o integrity_n as_o the_o romish_a do_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o nor_o have_v i_o skill_n enough_o in_o language_n and_o antiquity_n to_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o judge_v of_o this_o dispute_n neither_o do_v i_o understand_v by_o what_o authority_n the_o write_n of_o those_o person_n who_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v subject_a to_o error_n shall_v be_v obtrude_v on_o i_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o my_o faith_n or_o as_o a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o determine_v my_o assent_n in_o so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n second_o suppose_v but_o not_o grant_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o true_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v preserve_v yet_o still_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o particular_a and_o private_a man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o that_o church_n may_v teach_v false_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n here_o than_o i_o demand_v how_o shall_v i_o certain_o distinguish_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o opinion_n of_o private_a man_n and_o how_o shall_v i_o certain_o know_v what_o be_v the_o true_a mean_v of_o the_o church_n doctrine_n they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o agree_v who_o it_o be_v that_o have_v authority_n to_o declare_v and_o expound_v the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o pope_n or_o a_o general_n council_n or_o neither_o alone_a but_o both_o together_o or_o if_o they_o be_v unanimous_a in_o this_o point_n yet_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v whether_o such_o a_o particular_a person_n who_o possess_v the_o chair_n be_v a_o true_a and_o lawful_a pope_n or_o such_o a_o particular_a assembly_n a_o true_a and_o lawful_a general_n council_n or_o suppose_v they_o can_v satisfy_v i_o in_o this_o demand_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o council_n now_o sit_v nor_o if_o there_o be_v can_v i_o go_v to_o they_o or_o to_o the_o pope_n to_o receive_v instruction_n nor_o can_v the_o pope_n or_o a_o council_n be_v at_o leisure_n to_o satisfy_v the_o demand_n of_o every_o private_a enquirer_n how_o then_o can_v i_o be_v sure_a that_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a person_n do_v both_o right_o understand_v and_o faithful_o propose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n to_o i_o especial_o since_o
the_o bound_n between_o nature_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v both_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n the_o one_o in_o a_o ordinary_a the_o other_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o to_o pretend_v to_o show_v how_o far_o we_o may_v go_v by_o the_o bare_a strength_n of_o nature_n and_o where_o it_o be_v that_o we_o just_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o supernatural_a assistance_n i_o look_v upon_o to_o be_v a_o work_n of_o very_o little_a use_n or_o benefit_n but_o of_o extraordinary_a difficulty_n and_o perhaps_o impossible_a for_o any_o but_o god_n himself_o to_o perform_v moreover_o how_o god_n will_v deal_v with_o those_o who_o have_v no_o other_o guide_n to_o follow_v but_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n how_o far_o he_o will_v punish_v their_o sin_n be_v merciful_a to_o their_o ignorance_n or_o infirmity_n or_o reward_v their_o endeavour_n to_o do_v good_a be_v a_o secret_a of_o which_o we_o be_v no_o way_n able_a to_o give_v any_o particular_a account_n but_o it_o may_v suffice_v we_o to_o know_v that_o the_o generation_n of_o mankind_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n be_v apparent_o in_o a_o worse_a condition_n in_o respect_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n than_o what_o they_o otherwise_o will_v have_v be_v god_n be_v please_v to_o determine_v that_o he_o will_v not_o deal_v with_o they_o according_a to_o that_o absolute_a sovereignty_n which_o he_o have_v over_o they_o nor_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a rule_n of_o justice_n which_o may_v have_v justify_v the_o great_a severity_n but_o according_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o love_a kindness_n of_o which_o way_n of_o god_n proceed_v with_o we_o i_o come_v now_o to_o give_v a_o account_n 34._o that_o god_n may_v if_o he_o have_v please_v without_o the_o violation_n of_o any_o of_o his_o attribute_n have_v free_o forgive_v all_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n and_o even_o restore_v our_o nature_n again_o to_o its_o primitive_a integrity_n and_o uprightness_n seem_v natural_o to_o follow_v both_o from_o the_o absoluteness_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o the_o almightiness_n of_o his_o power_n and_o even_o the_o strict_a justice_n though_o it_o full_o allow_v yet_o do_v not_o compel_v any_o one_o to_o exact_v a_o debt_n where_o he_o be_v the_o only_a creditor_n or_o a_o punishment_n where_o he_o be_v the_o only_a party_n injure_v or_o offend_v but_o if_o god_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o deal_v after_o another_o manner_n with_o we_o and_o rather_o offer_v to_o help_v our_o infirmity_n as_o occasion_n require_v than_o whole_o to_o repair_v our_o pervert_v nature_n and_o choose_v to_o have_v a_o expiation_n make_v for_o our_o sin_n rather_o than_o to_o remit_v they_o without_o any_o such_o consideration_n although_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v enough_o to_o silence_v all_o our_o exception_n and_o justify_v his_o proceed_n yet_o may_v there_o some_o probable_a consideration_n be_v urge_v in_o order_n to_o make_v we_o clear_o apprehend_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o fitness_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o his_o dispensation_n as_o namely_o that_o hereby_o we_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v more_o continual_o sensible_a of_o our_o constant_a dependence_n upon_o he_o of_o his_o great_a mercy_n and_o compassion_n for_o we_o of_o his_o perfect_a hatred_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o sin_n 35._o it_o can_v i_o think_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o at_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n god_n who_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o know_v and_o therefore_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o time_n to_o deliberate_v have_v full_o determine_v what_o he_o will_v do_v in_o order_n to_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o help_a of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n so_o as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v again_o in_o some_o capacity_n of_o recover_v that_o happiness_n to_o which_o we_o be_v at_o first_o design_v §_o 29._o and_o that_o this_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o mean_n and_o mediation_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a person_n who_o be_v to_o be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o messiah_n or_o the_o christ_n be_v abundant_o evident_a both_o from_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n especial_o if_o we_o compare_v they_o and_o expound_v they_o one_o by_o another_o but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o christ_n do_v not_o immediate_o come_v into_o the_o world_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o one_o for_o some_o thousand_o of_o year_n after_o the_o fall_n who_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o that_o title_n or_o office_n whether_o it_o be_v that_o god_n think_v it_o fit_a by_o some_o previous_a dispensation_n to_o prepare_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o person_n or_o for_o what_o other_o reason_n i_o pretend_v not_o to_o determine_v but_o think_v myself_o oblige_v entire_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o think_v fit_a so_o to_o order_v it_o that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v not_o appear_v until_o that_o fullness_n of_o time_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o it_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n although_o the_o great_a light_n be_v not_o yet_o to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n yet_o god_n suffer_v it_o not_o to_o be_v whole_o overspread_v with_o darkness_n but_o beside_o the_o light_n of_o the_o visible_a creation_n which_o declare_v the_o glory_n and_o eternal_a power_n of_o god_n and_o beside_o the_o natural_a light_n which_o arise_v in_o every_o man_n understanding_n whereby_o they_o who_o have_v no_o other_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o unto_o which_o their_o own_o conscience_n be_v a_o witness_n beyond_o exception_n god_n be_v please_v in_o a_o supernatural_a way_n to_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o divers_a person_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o they_o may_v teach_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o to_o other_o as_o to_o enoch_n noah_n melchizedek_n job_n and_o probable_o to_o many_o more_o than_o we_o read_v of_o among_o who_o why_o baalam_n shall_v not_o be_v reckon_v i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n although_o covetousness_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o worldly_a advancement_n tempt_v he_o to_o make_v but_o a_o ill_a use_n of_o the_o good_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o also_o to_o choose_v out_o unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n namely_o that_o of_o israel_n and_o to_o vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o law_n by_o his_o servant_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o last_o by_o his_o providence_n to_o order_v the_o matter_n so_o that_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n shall_v many_o year_n before_o christ_n come_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o greek_a tongue_n which_o be_v then_o the_o most_o universal_a language_n that_o by_o they_o all_o nation_n may_v have_v the_o more_o instruction_n and_o so_o be_v the_o better_o prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o messiah_n whenever_o he_o shall_v be_v make_v know_v unto_o they_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n also_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o god_n so_o long_o before_o the_o mosaic_a law_n ordain_v and_o appoint_v the_o sacrifice_a of_o beast_n whereby_o it_o become_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n not_o that_o he_o have_v any_o esteem_n or_o value_n for_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n or_o of_o goat_n but_o only_o that_o by_o this_o practice_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n may_v be_v the_o more_o easy_o and_o ready_o dispose_v to_o own_o and_o rely_v upon_o that_o great_a sacrifice_n which_o christ_n be_v one_o day_n to_o make_v of_o himself_o for_o they_o 36._o there_o be_v several_a prophecy_n disperse_v up_o and_o down_o through_o the_o old_a testament_n plain_o design_v to_o foretell_v the_o come_n of_o the_o christ_n or_o messiah_n what_o sort_n of_o person_n he_o shall_v be_v and_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v and_o suffer_v as_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n of_o the_o progeny_n of_o abraham_n of_o the_o family_n and_o lineage_n of_o david_n bear_v in_o bethlehem_n and_o bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n about_o the_o time_n that_o the_o sceptre_n and_o the_o lawgiver_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o civil_a authority_n shall_v cease_v from_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o shall_v finish_v his_o work_n in_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o last_o seven_o year_n of_o those_o four_o hundred_o and_o ninety_o which_o be_v point_v out_o by_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n that_o by_o many_o he_o shall_v be_v despise_v and_o reject_v shall_v be_v a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n be_v oppress_v and_o afflict_a yet_o bear_v it_o most_o patient_o and_o at_o last_o be_v wound_v and_o cut_v off_o not_o for_o himself_o but_o for_o our_o transgression_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o he_o be_v foretell_v
in_o scripture_n as_o join_v together_o in_o one_o society_n or_o body_n which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o which_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o chief_a or_o head_n and_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o live_v in_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o under_o those_o law_n and_o constitution_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o but_o not_o that_o i_o can_v find_v in_o scripture_n oblige_v to_o join_v with_o or_o submit_v to_o any_o one_o person_n as_o the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o visible_a head_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o earth_n for_o if_o christ_n have_v appoint_v any_o such_o person_n as_o his_o deputy_n upon_o earth_n he_o must_v either_o have_v declare_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n with_o great_a plainness_n and_o evidence_n or_o else_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o find_v fault_n with_o any_o man_n for_o be_v mistake_v in_o it_o whereas_o the_o argument_n which_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n bring_v to_o prove_v either_o that_o such_o a_o vicar_n there_o must_v be_v or_o that_o st._n peter_n the_o apostle_n be_v the_o man_n or_o that_o the_o pope_n or_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o not_o the_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n be_v the_o successor_n of_o st._n peter_n both_o in_o his_o bishopric_n and_o authority_n be_v all_o so_o weak_a and_o precarious_a so_o force_v and_o perplex_v and_o so_o full_o confute_v by_o the_o protestant_a divine_n that_o nothing_o in_o my_o opinion_n but_o blindness_n of_o understanding_n or_o worldly_a interest_n can_v prevail_v with_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n still_o to_o insist_v upon_o they_o now_o that_o christ_n institute_v but_o one_o church_n in_o which_o all_o true_a believer_n and_o good_a liver_n be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v comprise_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o although_o through_o the_o mistake_v and_o perverseness_n of_o man_n this_o church_n be_v rend_v and_o divide_v into_o opposite_a and_o contend_v part_n and_o party_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o according_a to_o its_o true_a and_o primitive_a constitution_n it_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v one_o as_o a_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n by_o its_o law_n and_o constitution_n be_v but_o one_o society_n although_o there_o may_v arise_v faction_n and_o different_a interest_n in_o it_o nor_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v esteem_v as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o god_n who_o be_v not_o ready_a and_o willing_a according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o power_n and_o knowledge_n to_o maintain_v the_o unity_n of_o it_o and_o that_o upon_o those_o very_a term_n and_o none_o other_o which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v as_o near_o as_o possible_o he_o can_v find_v and_o apprehend_v they_o moreover_o that_o all_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n on_o which_o christ_n have_v found_v the_o church_n and_o by_o which_o he_o will_v have_v it_o regulate_v be_v exact_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o sound_a morality_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o doubt_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v true_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v holy_a although_o every_o particular_a member_n thereof_o have_v both_o his_o frailty_n and_o his_o sin_n which_o yet_o he_o must_v repent_v of_o and_o so_o become_v holy_a as_o the_o church_n be_v holy_a or_o else_o he_o violate_v one_o of_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a law_n and_o so_o become_v as_o it_o be_v a_o outlaw_n of_o the_o church_n and_o forfeit_v his_o part_n in_o all_o the_o privilege_n that_o belong_v unto_o that_o society_n and_o whereas_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n do_v enjoy_v more_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o have_v great_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n on_o the_o score_n of_o their_o be_v god_n choose_a and_o peculiar_a people_n than_o any_o or_o all_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o contrary_a now_o look_v upon_o all_o as_o equal_o entitle_v unto_o god_n favour_n and_o the_o advantage_n thereon_o depend_v who_o take_v care_v due_o to_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o it_o so_o that_o whereas_o former_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o choose_a people_n of_o god_n may_v have_v be_v say_v to_o be_v particular_a as_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n limit_v to_o one_o nation_n or_o people_n now_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v catholic_n that_o be_v to_o say_v universal_a as_o be_v no_o way_n confine_v to_o one_o place_n or_o nation_n all_o people_n be_v equal_o choose_v by_o god_n in_o christ_n who_o will_v receive_v and_o love_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n 41._o in_o those_o several_a revelation_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n unto_o adam_n to_o abraham_n and_o to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v still_o a_o plain_a intimation_n give_v they_o that_o in_o the_o time_n to_o come_v there_o shall_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n arise_v in_o the_o world_n who_o shall_v yet_o more_o clear_o make_v know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n but_o when_o christ_n who_o be_v that_o person_n do_v according_o come_v and_o send_v his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n he_o neither_o suggest_v to_o they_o nor_o they_o unto_o the_o world_n that_o any_o other_o revelation_n be_v ever_o after_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o always_o give_v they_o to_o understand_v that_o god_n have_v in_o the_o gospel_n complete_v and_o finish_v all_o that_o declaration_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o or_o his_o will_n unto_o mankind_n until_o the_o general_a judgement_n and_o dissolution_n of_o the_o world_n if_o therefore_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v give_v i_o no_o manner_n of_o assurance_n of_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o church_n my_o own_o reason_n will_v have_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v i_o conclude_v that_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n will_v so_o order_v the_o matter_n as_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o only_o know_v and_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n shall_v never_o be_v whole_o extinguish_v while_o the_o world_n last_v so_o as_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o new_a revelation_n to_o revive_v and_o restore_v it_o but_o that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o certain_a company_n of_o man_n evident_o conspicuous_a to_o the_o world_n teach_v and_o profess_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n without_o any_o error_n or_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n be_v what_o i_o can_v no_o where_n find_v promise_v or_o foretell_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o any_o of_o his_o apostle_n on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v several_a passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o do_v plain_o seem_v to_o foretell_v that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n most_o pernicious_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n shall_v prevail_v and_o take_v place_n even_o among_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v but_o light_o compare_v the_o state_n of_o christianity_n for_o several_a century_n before_o the_o reformation_n with_o that_o draught_n of_o it_o which_o be_v leave_v we_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n must_v if_o he_o be_v impartial_a i_o think_v be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o prediction_n 42._o whether_o or_o no_o god_n have_v or_o do_v at_o any_o time_n communicate_v or_o bestow_v any_o extraordinary_a grace_n or_o assistance_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v no_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o altogether_o stranger_n unto_o that_o revelation_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o be_v a_o question_n which_o the_o virtuous_a life_n and_o heroic_a action_n of_o some_o brave_a heathen_n make_v it_o hard_o positive_o to_o determine_v in_o the_o negative_a but_o that_o he_o will_v give_v so_o much_o grace_n and_o strength_n to_o every_o one_o who_o shall_v become_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n as_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o their_o own_o sufficient_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o eternal_a happiness_n by_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o require_v on_o their_o part_n to_o be_v do_v be_v what_o i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o who_o do_v but_o in_o general_n consider_v the_o mercy_n and_o love_n which_o god_n design_v even_o unto_o all_o man_n but_o more_o especial_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o send_v our_o saviour_n christ_n jesus_n into_o the_o world_n although_o there_o be_v not_o any_o particular_a promise_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o this_o grace_n and_o ability_n to_o do_v good_a be_v in_o scripture_n ascribe_v unto_o the_o ministry_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o true_a believer_n be_v plain_a and_o general_o own_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o that_o this_o
society_n have_v not_o certain_a law_n and_o rule_n to_o proceed_v by_o in_o all_o such_o case_n and_o some_o certain_a person_n to_o put_v those_o law_n in_o execution_n every_o man_n will_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v his_o own_o judge_n and_o what_o may_v feem_v fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o one_o may_v appear_v otherwise_o to_o another_o of_o a_o contrary_a interest_n from_o whence_o perpetual_a faction_n and_o confusion_n must_v needs_o follow_v but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o any_o one_o or_o more_o of_o such_o a_o society_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o rest_n shall_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o make_v law_n for_o or_o exercise_v authority_n over_o the_o whole_a community_n for_o if_o it_o be_v in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o make_v himself_o a_o magistrate_n all_o may_v set_v up_o to_o be_v ruler_n and_o few_o or_o none_o will_v be_v subject_n which_o will_v bring_v in_o confusion_n and_o destroy_v the_o society_n but_o when_o the_o whole_a society_n do_v agree_v and_o consent_n that_o such_o certain_a person_n shall_v have_v the_o exercise_v of_o such_o certain_a power_n which_o original_o be_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o society_n itself_o it_o be_v then_o lawful_a for_o those_o person_n to_o act_v according_o and_o they_o who_o have_v consent_v to_o their_o authority_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o consent_n oblige_v to_o pay_v obedience_n to_o they_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o the_o original_a of_o magistrate_n be_v from_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o solid_a ground_n that_o i_o can_v find_v upon_o which_o to_o establish_v they_o and_o when_o once_o a_o legislative_a and_o executive_a power_n be_v thus_o settle_a and_o establish_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o a_o people_n who_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n take_v shelter_n under_o its_o protection_n it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o god_n own_o appointment_n and_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n be_v according_o to_o be_v pay_v to_o it_o by_o every_o particular_a person_n who_o abide_v within_o the_o precinct_n of_o its_o juridiction_n for_o this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o the_o roman_a government_n which_o be_v in_o st._n paul_n time_n and_o there_o be_v exact_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o in_o all_o other_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n whatsoever_o 47._o since_o than_o magistracy_n derive_v itself_o whole_o from_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n from_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o original_a rule_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o the_o subject_n obedience_n be_v that_o consent_n which_o the_o people_n have_v give_v or_o in_o other_o term_n those_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o place_n in_o which_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n have_v acquiesce_v beyond_o which_o neither_o any_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o command_v nor_o be_v any_o subject_a bind_v to_o obey_v for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o can_v be_v no_o transgression_n nor_o any_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n nor_o consequent_o any_o right_a to_o command_v 48._o but_o if_o the_o legislative_a power_n of_o any_o nation_n do_v enact_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n or_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a no_o particular_a man_n can_v be_v bind_v to_o obey_v such_o a_o constitution_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o weigh_v more_o with_o we_o than_o that_o of_o any_o community_n whatsoever_o and_o it_o be_v express_o rule_v in_o scripture_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man._n 49._o and_o the_o same_o reason_n viz._n self-preservation_n which_o allow_v a_o society_n thus_o settle_v into_o a_o government_n to_o punish_v malefactor_n within_o themselves_o must_v also_o justify_v they_o it_o by_o force_n of_o arm_n they_o defend_v themselves_o against_o any_o foreign_a enemy_n which_o will_v wrong_v or_o oppress_v they_o or_o endeavour_v to_o recover_v their_o right_n from_o those_o who_o have_v take_v it_o from_o they_o and_o refuse_v to_o restore_v it_o for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o a_o community_n to_o hope_v to_o subsist_v by_o maintain_v good_a order_n and_o discipline_n at_o home_n if_o all_o the_o while_o they_o must_v without_o remedy_n lie_v continual_o expose_v to_o the_o wrong_n and_o insult_v of_o every_o enemy_n which_o may_v assault_v they_o from_o abroad_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o war_n whether_o defensive_a or_o offensive_a may_v in_o many_o case_n be_v very_o just_a and_o lawful_a nor_o be_v there_o the_o least_o word_n throughout_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o may_v represent_v the_o profession_n of_o a_o soldier_n who_o fight_v under_o a_o lawful_a authority_n as_o any_o way_n contrary_a to_o religion_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n though_o such_o a_o man_n certain_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o exercise_v his_o call_n with_o as_o much_o mildness_n and_o humanity_n as_o can_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o service_n of_o his_o country_n but_o also_o ever_o to_o satisfy_v himself_o first_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o cause_n in_o which_o he_o engage_v before_o he_o draw_v his_o sword_n in_o the_o quarrel_n for_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v no_o hurt_n to_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o if_o we_o can_v avoid_v it_o so_o for_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n ought_v we_o not_o to_o become_v instrumental_a in_o any_o wrong_n or_o injustice_n which_o another_o man_n let_v he_o be_v who_o he_o will_v intend_v to_o do_v 50._o that_o a_o humble_a demeanour_n together_o with_o a_o reasonable_a diligence_n and_o a_o honest_a fidelity_n to_o his_o master_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o servant_n be_v most_o apparent_a because_o if_o a_o servant_n be_v either_o haughty_a negligent_a or_o unfaithful_a he_o cease_v in_o effect_n to_o be_v a_o servant_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o justice_n and_o humanity_n be_v no_o less_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o master_n towards_o his_o servant_n be_v altogether_o as_o clear_v because_o where_o these_o be_v not_o observe_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o servant_n must_v be_v intolerable_a and_o contrary_a to_o that_o comfortable_a state_n which_o we_o suppose_v god_n to_o design_n for_o all_o man_n and_o therefore_o for_o servant_n who_o be_v as_o much_o man_n and_o as_o much_o value_v by_o god_n and_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v as_o well_o as_o for_o their_o master_n 51._o that_o all_o christian_n be_v or_o according_a to_o christ_n institution_n ought_v to_o be_v combine_v together_o into_o one_o society_n which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n i_o have_v already_o say_v part_n 2._o §_o 40._o now_o in_o all_o such_o incorporate_a society_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v ever_o to_o be_v consider_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o person_n or_o person_n who_o first_o gather_v and_o institute_v they_o 2._o what_o advantage_n accrue_v to_o those_o who_o become_v member_n of_o they_o and_o three_o what_o be_v the_o law_n and_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o the_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o at_o the_o will_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n institute_v and_o embody_v the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o purify_v unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n or_o in_o other_o term_n by_o this_o incorporation_n so_o make_v more_o effectual_o to_o promote_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n in_o the_o world_n the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o every_o true_a member_n of_o this_o church_n may_v propose_v to_o himself_o be_v the_o participation_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n here_o for_o the_o better_a performance_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n hereafter_o both_o which_o be_v promise_v to_o we_o by_o god_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n jesus_n our_o saviour_n and_o last_o the_o law_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v either_o 1._o the_o general_a law_n of_o piety_n and_o morality_n of_o which_o i_o have_v hitherto_o be_v give_v a_o account_n or_o 2._o such_o particular_a constitution_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o it_o consider_v as_o a_o congregat_v and_o incorporate_a body_n of_o man_n which_o i_o have_v reserve_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o the_o last_o place_n of_o all_o 52._o the_o first_o thing_n which_o be_v incumbent_n on_o every_o man_n as_o or_o rather_o in_o order_n to_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o ceremony_n be_v intend_v to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o purity_n and_o cleanness_n from_o sin_n to_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o bring_v our_o soul_n by_o a_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o although_o to_o wet_a or_o wash_v the_o body_n with_o water_n may_v
seem_v but_o a_o slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a thing_n yet_o since_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v express_o appoint_v and_o command_v it_o and_o since_o his_o apostle_n be_v always_o most_o careful_a to_o perform_v it_o insomuch_o that_o even_o they_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o heaven_n be_v yet_o require_v to_o be_v baptise_a in_o order_n to_o become_v visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o ceremony_n i_o think_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v leave_v off_o or_o discontinue_v although_o whether_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o dip_v the_o body_n under_o the_o water_n or_o by_o sprinkle_v the_o water_n upon_o it_o to_o i_o seem_v to_o be_v altogether_o indifferent_a and_o to_o be_v regulate_v only_o by_o prudence_n or_o the_o custom_n of_o particular_a place_n for_o neither_o do_v the_o word_n baptise_v signify_v any_o more_o than_o to_o wash_v which_o may_v be_v do_v either_o way_n nor_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n dip_v all_o those_o who_o they_o baptize_v moreover_o since_o sprinkle_v as_o well_o as_o dip_v may_v sufficient_o denote_v the_o wash_n and_o cleanse_v of_o the_o soul_n from_o sin_n and_o since_o baptism_n be_v not_o express_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n determine_v to_o either_o of_o these_o way_n to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o the_o other_o i_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v leave_v the_o matter_n so_o far_o indifferent_a to_o we_o and_o to_o be_v order_v according_a to_o prudence_n as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n direct_v and_o as_o long_o as_o the_o substance_n and_o design_n of_o his_o command_n be_v careful_o retain_v i_o see_v no_o necessity_n of_o be_v so_o very_o solicitous_a about_o a_o circumstance_n of_o it_o except_o it_o can_v evident_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o determine_v it_o 53._o since_o than_o baptism_n be_v as_o the_o entrance_n or_o door_n of_o admittance_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o they_o and_o they_o only_a who_o be_v due_o qualify_v to_o be_v member_n of_o his_o church_n be_v fit_a to_o have_v baptism_n administer_v to_o they_o if_o any_o person_n have_v be_v bring_v up_o out_o of_o the_o chucrh_n until_o he_o come_v to_o year_n of_o understanding_n and_o knowledge_n he_o be_v then_o and_o only_o then_o qualify_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n when_o have_v repent_v of_o all_o his_o former_a sin_n he_o believe_v and_o own_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o receive_v and_o profess_v that_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v teach_v and_o authorize_v and_o oblige_v himself_o to_o live_v according_a to_o all_o those_o law_n and_o rule_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v to_o we_o this_o be_v the_o very_a condition_n which_o our_o saviour_n indespensable_o require_v from_o his_o church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o according_a as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o perform_v it_o but_o if_o a_o child_n be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n or_o be_v so_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christian_a guardian_n as_o that_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o bring_v he_o up_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o they_o do_v promise_n and_o engage_v so_o to_o educate_v he_o such_o a_o child_n as_o this_o even_o before_o he_o come_v to_o any_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v yet_o qualify_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o presumption_n that_o he_o will_v perform_v what_o god_n require_v from_o he_o when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o so_o to_o continue_v if_o by_o apostasy_n or_o wickedness_n he_o do_v not_o in_o process_n of_o time_n separate_v himself_o again_o from_o it_o for_o this_o beyond_o dispute_n be_v the_o case_n of_o in_o sant_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n who_o at_o eight_o day_n old_a if_o male_n be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a and_o thereby_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o within_o his_o covenant_n if_o they_o be_v either_o the_o son_n or_o servant_n bear_v in_o the_o house_n of_o believe_v person_n and_o who_o as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n be_v express_o say_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n which_o be_v but_o another_o expression_n for_o become_v of_o his_o church_n and_o no_o one_o sure_o will_v offer_v to_o say_v that_o the_o case_n of_o infant_n be_v make_v worse_a than_o it_o be_v by_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n especial_o since_o he_o have_v express_o command_v that_o little_a child_n shall_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o not_o be_v forbid_v for_o that_o of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o not_o only_o adult_a person_n who_o make_v a_o due_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n but_o also_o such_o infant_n as_o be_v in_o a_o way_n of_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v without_o any_o obstacle_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n 54._o there_o be_v some_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o seem_v plain_o to_o suggest_v to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a custom_n with_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o all_o such_o as_o have_v be_v baptise_a which_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v undoubted_o accompany_v with_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o order_n to_o their_o receive_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n but_o that_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n positive_o prescribe_v and_o command_v i_o do_v not_o find_v clear_o prove_v and_o therefore_o although_o i_o dare_v not_o hasty_o condemn_v those_o particular_a church_n where_o this_o same_o custom_n be_v disuse_v or_o intermit_v yet_o since_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o order_n to_o the_o lead_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o obtain_v eternal_a happiness_n be_v for_o ever_o continue_v unto_o the_o church_n as_o i_o have_v say_v part_n 2._o §_o 42._o and_o therefore_o ought_v ever_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o although_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n and_o speak_v of_o all_o language_n without_o learn_v they_o be_v cease_v from_o among_o we_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n upon_o person_n that_o have_v be_v baptize_v together_o with_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o their_o growth_n and_o continuance_n in_o grace_n which_o be_v common_o call_v confirmation_n be_v a_o prudent_a and_o godly_a custom_n and_o ever_o fit_a to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n 55._o as_o every_o particular_a man_n whatsoever_o be_v oblige_v in_o his_o own_o private_a person_n to_o honour_n and_o worship_n god_n so_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n incorporate_v for_o the_o better_a serve_v of_o god_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o do_v the_o same_o in_o she_o associate_v capacity_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o assemble_v together_o for_o his_o worship_n and_o because_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v disperse_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n the_o universal_a church_n therefore_o lie_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o subdivide_v itself_o into_o particular_a church_n and_o those_o again_o into_o particular_a congregation_n according_a as_o they_o find_v to_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o the_o pursue_v that_o same_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v so_o incorporate_v moreover_o since_o all_o these_o particular_a church_n and_o congregation_n be_v still_o or_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o part_n and_o member_n of_o that_o one_o catholic_n church_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o found_v it_o follow_v that_o none_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o constitute_v or_o act_v any_o thing_n among_o themselves_o which_o may_v give_v a_o just_a occasiou_n for_o the_o break_n of_o that_o union_n and_o concord_n which_o he_o design_v and_o have_v command_v always_o to_o be_v maintain_v among_o they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a matter_n ought_v every_v where_o so_o to_o be_v order_v as_o that_o if_o a_o member_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n shall_v travel_v into_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n he_o may_v meet_v with_o nothing_o in_o any_o christian_a congregation_n where_o he_o come_v which_o just_o shall_v be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o he_o from_o assemble_v or_o communicate_v with_o it_o 56._o the_o particular_a act_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o these_o christian_a assembly_n be_v all_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n in_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o their_o incorporation_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o each_o man_n eternal_a salvation_n which_o be_v the_o end_n that_o every_o christian_n be_v suppose_v to_o pursue_v all_o which_o be_v
of_o necessity_n be_v outward_o express_v in_o word_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o keep_v their_o thought_n wherein_o their_o worship_n do_v consist_v unite_a and_o join_v together_o and_o since_o word_n not_o understand_v be_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o with_o no_o word_n at_o all_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o language_n wherein_o the_o worship_n of_o any_o church_n or_o congregation_n be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n must_v always_o be_v such_o as_o be_v well_o understand_v by_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o people_n who_o meet_v together_o nor_o do_v even_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n amaze_v i_o more_o than_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n shall_v own_v the_o 14_o chapter_n of_o st._n paul_n first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o have_v all_o their_o public_a service_n every_o where_o perform_v in_o the_o latin_a tongue_n only_o which_o be_v not_o now_o understand_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o any_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n 61._o as_o peace_n and_o unity_n mutual_a love_n and_o good_a agreement_n among_o the_o member_n of_o every_o society_n together_o with_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o all_o that_o be_v transact_v among_o they_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v and_o continuance_n or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o well-being_n of_o the_o society_n itself_o so_o be_v they_o careful_o prescribe_v and_o inculcate_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o thing_n to_o be_v always_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o as_o he_o who_o first_o occasion_n the_o violation_n of_o any_o of_o they_o be_v plain_o guilty_a of_o a_o very_a great_a sin_n so_o in_o all_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o particular_o and_o clear_o determine_v by_o god_n law_n we_o can_v propose_v a_o better_a and_o safe_a rule_n to_o ourselves_o than_o always_o to_o do_v that_o which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o advancement_n and_o preservation_n of_o they_o 62._o if_o some_o certain_a time_n be_v not_o determine_v for_o christian_n to_o meet_v together_o for_o god_n worship_n which_o every_o man_n may_v know_v of_o before_o it_o come_v and_o according_o prepare_v himself_o for_o it_o by_o lay_v aside_o for_o that_o time_n his_o worldly_a business_n disorder_n and_o confusion_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o uncertainty_n must_v needs_o follow_v that_o one_o day_n at_o least_o in_o seven_o be_v express_o require_v by_o god_n under_o the_o mosaic_a law_n to_o be_v sanctify_v and_o set_v a_o part_n for_o his_o service_n be_v beyond_o dispute_n that_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o jewish_a sabbath_n or_o the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o week_n be_v not_o require_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o i_o seem_v very_o evident_a from_o st._n paul_n reckon_n it_o among_o the_o transitory_a shadow_n of_o the_o old_a law_n col._n 2._o 17._o but_o that_o we_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v behindhand_o with_o the_o jew_n in_o set_v apart_o a_o proportion_n of_o our_o time_n for_o god_n service_n i_o think_v will_v follow_v as_o well_o from_o the_o great_a mercy_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o for_o which_o we_o no_o less_o than_o they_o aught_o to_o show_v and_o express_v our_o thankfulness_n as_o also_o from_o that_o general_a rule_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o that_o our_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o that_o according_o one_o day_n in_o seven_o namely_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n which_o in_o scripture_n be_v therefore_o call_v the_o lord_n day_n rev._n 1._o 10._o have_v ever_o be_v so_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o all_o christian_a church_n i_o presume_v will_v be_v deny_v by_o none_o as_o also_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o apostle_n make_v choice_n of_o this_o particular_a day_n be_v in_o remembrance_n of_o our_o saviour_n glorious_a resurrection_n which_o on_o that_o day_n be_v perform_v and_o whereby_o their_o faith_n in_o he_o which_o begin_v to_o waver_v be_v confirm_v and_o raise_v above_o all_o doubt_n or_o diffidence_n now_o since_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v or_o so_o much_o as_o imagine_v why_o this_o day_n shall_v be_v change_v for_o any_o other_o day_n of_o the_o week_n i_o do_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v conclude_v that_o the_o lord_n day_n or_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n aught_o for_o ever_o to_o be_v keep_v holy_a in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o particular_o dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o where_o either_o the_o church_n universal_a or_o any_o particular_a church_n have_v set_v aside_o any_o other_o day_n to_o be_v keep_v holy_a in_o remembrance_n either_o of_o any_o of_o god_n mercy_n to_o we_o or_o of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o any_o of_o his_o choose_a saint_n who_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o their_o life_n and_o transmit_v it_o so_o confirm_v down_o unto_o we_o or_o as_o day_n of_o fast_v or_o abstinence_n in_o order_n to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n since_o in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o god_n law_n nor_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o may_v be_v well_o consistent_a with_o and_o serviceable_a to_o true_a piety_n it_o will_v follow_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v §_o 61._o that_o every_o member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o keep_v and_o observe_v these_o same_o other_o holy_a day_n so_o far_o as_o no_o way_n to_o give_v scandal_n disturb_v the_o order_n or_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n which_o have_v establish_v they_o 63._o order_n and_o decency_n necessary_o require_v that_o all_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o determine_v by_o his_o own_o law_n shall_v be_v so_o settle_v by_o the_o church_n as_o that_o all_o confusion_n and_o unseemliness_n therein_o may_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a be_v avoid_v but_o care_n on_o the_o other_o side_n ought_v ever_o to_o be_v take_v that_o modes_n and_o ceremony_n be_v not_o so_o multiply_v as_o to_o become_v uneasy_a and_o burdensome_a or_o distract_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n now_o there_o be_v no_o such_o fix_a and_o demonstrable_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n but_o what_o will_v have_v a_o different_a relish_n with_o different_a man_n according_a to_o their_o several_a education_n and_o custom_n to_o which_o they_o may_v have_v be_v use_v it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a for_o any_o church_n so_o to_o regulate_v these_o external_a matter_n as_o to_o please_v every_o man_n fancy_n and_o give_v disgust_n to_o none_o for_o what_o some_o may_v think_v to_o be_v but_o decent_a other_o may_v take_v to_o be_v too_o formal_a or_o pompous_a and_o what_o these_o may_v apprehend_v to_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o christianity_n another_o sort_n may_v look_v on_o as_o mean_v and_o jejune_n as_o therefore_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o act_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o her_o prudence_n so_o since_o every_o man_n can_v expect_v to_o have_v his_o particular_a fancy_n in_o these_o thing_n please_v and_o gratify_v it_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o each_o private_a christian_a so_o far_o to_o comply_v with_o every_o such_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n where_o he_o dwell_v provide_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o which_o be_v sinful_a as_o not_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n or_o disturb_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n on_o that_o account_n but_o if_o any_o church_n shall_v offer_v to_o impose_v any_o ceremony_n or_o practice_n whatsoever_o which_o god_n have_v not_o prescribe_v and_o which_o therefore_o be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a not_o for_o decency_n and_o order_n but_o as_o thing_n in_o themselves_o holy_a or_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o some_o of_o old_a will_v have_v do_v by_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n with_o such_o imposition_n as_o these_o no_n christian_n ought_v at_o all_o to_o comply_v nor_o suffer_v his_o religion_n or_o conscience_n to_o be_v thus_o burden_a but_o every_o man_n must_v stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o pretend_v or_o use_v this_o liberty_n as_o a_o cloak_n of_o maliciousness_n 64._o since_o different_a opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v general_o apt_a to_o beget_v dissension_n and_o animosity_n between_o those_o who_o entertain_v they_o as_o our_o daily_a experience_n do_v abundant_o testify_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o church_n and_o every_o private_a christian_n endeavour_n that_o all_o man_n may_v become_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o judgement_n or_o at_o least_o that_o there_o may_v be_v as_o few_o difference_n among_o they_o as_o
be_v possible_a when_o therefore_o any_o religious_a dispute_n arise_v whereby_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n be_v like_a to_o be_v endanger_v it_o be_v free_a and_o proper_a for_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n which_o shall_v hinder_v either_o the_o church_n universal_a or_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o even_o any_o prudent_a man_n whatsoever_o to_o declare_v and_o publish_v their_o sense_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o debate_n but_o as_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o determination_n of_o any_o church_n or_o party_n whatsoever_o any_o far_a than_o he_o be_v convince_v and_o satisfy_v of_o its_o agreement_n with_o reason_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n part_v 2._o §_o 1_o and_o 2._o so_o be_v not_o any_o man_n bind_v to_o oppose_v or_o dispute_v even_o against_o a_o error_n itself_o except_o there_o be_v something_o in_o it_o which_o be_v injurious_a to_o christian_a faith_n or_o practice_n and_o consequent_o which_o may_v prove_v pernicious_a to_o man_n salvation_n and_o therefore_o if_o such_o a_o mistake_n which_o may_v have_v prevail_v in_o any_o church_n can_v well_o be_v rectify_v without_o endanger_v the_o breach_n of_o peace_n and_o charity_n because_o they_o who_o hold_v it_o it_o may_v be_v be_v obstinate_o wed_v to_o it_o i_o think_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o we_o all_o to_o be_v very_o tender_a in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o to_o permit_v every_o man_n free_o to_o abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n until_o such_o time_n as_o god_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o clear_a sight_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n on_o the_o account_n of_o any_o error_n that_o be_v not_o damnable_a and_o much_o less_o on_o account_n only_o of_o such_o term_n or_o expression_n as_o be_v but_o abstruse_a or_o of_o doubtful_a signification_n for_o otherwise_o since_o the_o apprehension_n of_o man_n be_v so_o very_o different_a especial_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v remote_a from_o our_o sense_n be_v matter_n only_o of_o rational_a speculation_n if_o difference_n of_o opinion_n upon_o such_o theological_a question_n as_o do_v not_o immediate_o concern_v our_o salvation_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o separation_n in_o point_n of_o communion_n there_o will_v soon_o be_v probable_o almost_o as_o many_o church_n as_o man_n in_o the_o world_n but_o if_o any_o church_n shall_v require_v from_o a_o man_n either_o to_o comply_v with_o or_o practice_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o only_o against_o his_o fancy_n in_o point_n of_o decency_n or_o convenience_n but_o also_o against_o his_o conscience_n in_o point_n of_o lawfulness_n or_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v silent_a and_o not_o oppose_v but_o also_o explicit_o profess_v the_o belief_n of_o any_o such_o doctrine_n as_o he_o judge_n to_o be_v false_a however_o innocent_a the_o belief_n of_o they_o may_v be_v to_o they_o who_o think_v they_o true_a and_o if_o such_o a_o church_n shall_v refuse_v and_o deny_v her_o communion_n to_o all_o those_o who_o will_v not_o join_v with_o she_o upon_o these_o term_n we_o must_v rather_o be_v content_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o such_o a_o church_n communion_n than_o to_o purchase_v it_o by_o solemn_o tell_v a_o down_o right_a lie_n before_o god_n and_o the_o world_n or_o by_o the_o violation_n of_o any_o other_o of_o god_n command_n for_o if_o we_o offer_v to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o st._n paul_n have_v declare_v we_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n 65._o for_o the_o due_a regulation_n of_o every_o society_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o have_v a_o power_n somewhere_o or_o other_o vest_v in_o it_o over_o its_o own_o member_n either_o to_o compel_v they_o to_o live_v orderly_o according_a to_o its_o law_n and_o constitution_n or_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v disobedient_a and_o refractory_a and_o will_v not_o upon_o due_a admonition_n be_v reclaim_v whole_o to_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o community_n for_o otherwise_o if_o the_o member_n of_o any_o society_n may_v at_o their_o pleasure_n break_v its_o constitution_n and_o violate_v its_o law_n without_o control_n this_o will_v be_v whole_o to_o pull_v down_o the_o enclosure_n and_o lay_v all_o open_a and_o common_a as_o before_o and_o consequent_o in_o effect_n to_o dissolve_v the_o society_n itself_o and_o according_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v the_o church_n a_o power_n to_o admonish_v and_o rebuke_v those_o who_o give_v any_o scandal_n by_o their_o ungodly_a and_o unruly_a behaviour_n and_o if_o upon_o this_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v and_o reform_v of_o reject_v and_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o her_o communion_n which_o authority_n must_v ever_o be_v exercise_v with_o due_a mildness_n and_o caution_n for_o the_o edification_n and_o not_o with_o heat_n and_o fury_n which_o in_o the_o end_n will_v more_o probable_o tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o church_n but_o if_o any_o church_n shall_v go_v beyond_o this_o to_o punish_v or_o persecute_v man_n with_o fire_n and_o sword_n or_o with_o fines_n and_o imprisonment_n only_o for_o be_v of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n from_o and_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o her_z in_o my_o opinion_n she_o herein_o act_v contrary_a to_o that_o mildness_n and_o gentleness_n which_o the_o gospel_n upon_o all_o occasion_n prescribe_v and_o particular_o in_o the_o case_n of_o deal_n with_o those_o who_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o it_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 24._o although_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o can_v be_v de●yed_v but_o that_o if_o any_o man_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n or_o religion_n shall_v advance_v such_o doctrine_n or_o do_v such_o act_n as_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o peace_n or_o safety_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n or_o commonwealth_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o punish_v such_o a_o person_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n notwithstanding_o all_o his_o pretence_n for_o if_o the_o plea_n of_o conscience_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o can_v only_o be_v know_v to_o almighty_a god_n be_v sufficient_a to_o save_v any_o malefactor_n from_o punishment_n no_o civil_a society_n can_v ever_o be_v safe_a and_o all_o humane_a law_n and_o magistrate_n will_v be_v whole_o useless_a see_v part_n 1_o §_o 35._o 66_o and_o as_o almighty_a god_n in_o his_o mercy_n be_v please_v not_o to_o cut_v the_o great_a sinner_n off_o from_o all_o hope_n of_o pardon_n but_o be_v ready_a at_o any_o time_n upon_o their_o true_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n to_o receive_v they_o again_o into_o his_o favour_n so_o have_v he_o commit_v unto_o the_o church_n the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n which_o church_n therefore_o according_o aught_o not_o only_o to_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n by_o preach_v admonition_n and_o exhortation_n but_o also_o wherever_o she_o see_v evident_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o it_o in_o any_o person_n of_o which_o yet_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v good_a assurance_n for_o his_o great_a comfort_n and_o ease_v of_o conscience_n to_o remit_v or_o absolve_v he_o from_o his_o sin_n and_o restore_v he_o again_o to_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n of_o christian_a communion_n of_o which_o i_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v deprive_v and_o whatever_o sentence_n of_o thus_o bind_v or_o lose_v remit_v or_o retain_v of_o man_n sin_n be_v due_o and_o regular_o pronounce_v by_o the_o church_n upon_o earth_n our_o saviour_n assure_v we_o it_o shall_v be_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o god_n in_o heaven_n but_o that_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o make_v a_o particular_a confession_n of_o all_o his_o sin_n unto_o any_o other_o person_n except_o god_n in_o order_n to_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o or_o absolution_n from_o they_o as_o i_o no_o where_o find_v it_o assert_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o the_o reason_n which_o the_o roman_a divine_n do_v allege_v for_o it_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o unconcluding_a for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o particular_a confession_n of_o a_o man_n sin_n which_o may_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o most_o harden_a impenitent_a but_o his_o contrition_n and_o the_o visible_a reformation_n of_o his_o life_n which_o may_v sufficient_o appear_v without_o a_o particular_a confession_n that_o only_o can_v enable_v the_o church_n or_o her_o minister_n to_o judge_v whether_o he_o true_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n or_o not_o and_o consequent_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o proper_a object_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o the_o church_n favour_n although_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v be_v very_o proper_a for_o a_o man_n to_o make_v know_v the_o disease_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o a_o prudent_a spiritual_a physician_n that_o he_o may_v have_v his_o advice_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o they_o and_o his_o duty_n also_o
to_o make_v a_o open_a confession_n of_o his_o sin_n whenever_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o god_n glory_n or_o to_o repair_v any_o public_a scandal_n which_o have_v be_v give_v by_o he_o 67._o that_o almighty_a god_n even_o where_o he_o have_v pardon_v a_o man_n sin_n upon_o his_o true_a repentance_n may_v yet_o on_o the_o score_n of_o those_o very_a sin_n which_o he_o have_v so_o pardon_v lie_v some_o sharp_a and_o severe_a temporal_a affliction_n upon_o the_o penitent_a either_o to_o keep_v he_o more_o effectual_o from_o sin_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v or_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o terror_n to_o other_o or_o for_o many_o other_o reason_n best_o know_v to_o himself_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v dispute_v but_o from_o hence_o to_o infer_v that_o these_o temporal_a affliction_n if_o not_o lay_v on_o we_o in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o be_v undergo_v in_o purgatory_n and_o that_o therefore_o for_o the_o prevent_v they_o it_o be_v fit_a and_o necessary_a that_o penance_n shall_v be_v impose_v by_o way_n of_o satisfaction_n or_o indulgence_n grant_v by_o way_n of_o remission_n and_o all_o this_o without_o any_o warrant_n from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n save_v only_o a_o faint_a and_o force_a consequence_n from_o some_o few_o pervert_v text_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o groundless_a and_o precarious_a that_o it_o amaze_v i_o to_o think_v how_o man_n can_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o gross_o impose_v upon_o and_o whosoever_o shall_v due_o consider_v upon_o what_o weak_a ground_n the_o pope_n and_o his_o prelate_n do_v pretend_v to_o a_o power_n of_o dispense_n and_o distribute_v the_o merit_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o people_n by_o way_n of_o indulgence_n as_o if_o they_o alone_o have_v the_o keep_n of_o that_o treasure_n under_o lock_n and_o key_n and_o to_o which_o though_o infinite_a they_o have_v yet_o add_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o make_v their_o treasure_n more_o abundant_a will_v i_o think_v very_o much_o wonder_n that_o their_o people_n shall_v be_v so_o free_a to_o part_v with_o their_o earthly_a treasure_n in_o purchase_v these_o indulgence_n upon_o no_o better_a security_n 68_o that_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n when_o they_o be_v first_o send_v abroad_o to_o preach_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v anoint_v many_o sick_a person_n with_o oil_n and_o thereby_o miraculous_o heal_v they_o we_o be_v plain_o tell_v by_o st._n mark_n c._n 6._o five_o 13._o and_o that_o in_o this_o they_o do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o christ_n himself_o have_v express_o command_v they_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o probable_a to_o suppose_v moreover_o that_o the_o anoint_v with_o oil_n which_o be_v mention_v by_o st._n james_n c._n 5._o v._n 14._o be_v intend_v for_o the_o very_a same_o purpose_n viz._n the_o raise_n up_o the_o sick_a person_n and_o restore_v he_o to_o health_n be_v as_o apparent_a as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v form_n the_o very_a context_n but_o as_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o this_o anoint_v of_o the_o sick_a be_v appoint_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n as_o a_o stand_n and_o perpetual_a ordinance_n for_o ever_o to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n so_o since_o experience_n show_v that_o the_o miraculous_a effect_n of_o heal_v thereby_o be_v now_o whole_o cease_v i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o practice_n itself_o shall_v be_v any_o long_o continue_v but_o what_o just_a ground_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v have_v from_o either_o of_o these_o or_o any_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o their_o extreme_a unction_n which_o they_o make_v use_v of_o for_o a_o far_o different_a end_n namely_o the_o prepare_v thereby_o of_o person_n who_o be_v past_a hope_n of_o recovery_n for_o their_o passage_n into_o the_o next_o life_n be_v more_o than_o i_o be_o able_a to_o find_v out_o 69._o as_o the_o body_n natural_a will_v be_v but_o a_o confuse_a and_o useless_a lump_n if_o it_o be_v not_o distinguish_v into_o the_o several_a member_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o its_o own_o service_n and_o preservation_n and_o as_o the_o body-politick_a will_v be_v but_o a_o disorderly_a rabble_n if_o there_o be_v not_o magistrate_n settle_v to_o rule_n and_o govern_v and_o ministerial_a officer_n appoint_v to_o perform_v all_o necessary_a function_n in_o and_o about_o it_o so_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n assure_v we_o and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n which_o be_v there_o record_v confirm_v it_o that_o the_o like_a appointment_n and_o distinction_n of_o office_n be_v no_o less_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n in_o order_n to_o the_o regular_a and_o orderly_a government_n of_o it_o and_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o all_o its_o law_n and_o constitution_n but_o how_o far_o these_o office_n be_v limit_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o how_o far_o leave_v to_o be_v settle_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o church_n according_a as_o circumstance_n may_v render_v it_o convenient_a be_v what_o i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o pronounce_v my_o sentence_n in_o but_o whatever_o polity_n or_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n be_v settle_v and_o acquiesce_v in_o either_o by_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_n or_o by_o that_o of_o any_o nation_n or_o country_n in_o particular_a i_o think_v ought_v quiet_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o by_o every_o one_o who_o will_v be_v a_o member_n of_o such_o respective_a church_n except_o there_o appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v either_o something_o therein_o which_o be_v not_o only_o uncommand_v but_o even_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o else_o something_o want_v which_o god_n require_v and_o therefore_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o in_o all_o church_n nor_o can_v i_o apprehend_v that_o any_o less_o warrant_n can_v be_v sufficient_a for_o break_v or_o endanger_v the_o peace_n or_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o preservation_n of_o which_o be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o earnest_o recommend_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n beside_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o obey_v the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o since_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o certain_a person_n have_v in_o their_o several_a district_n a_o priority_n among_o and_o in_o some_o respect_v a_o superiority_n over_o the_o presbyter_n have_v for_o so_o many_o age_n be_v universal_o settle_v among_o and_o acquiesce_v in_o by_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n i_o can_v find_v how_o they_o can_v be_v excuse_v who_o without_o any_o necessity_n for_o so_o do_v have_v so_o earnest_o set_v themselves_o not_o only_o to_o retrench_v the_o exceffe_n and_o rectify_v the_o abuse_n of_o the_o episcopal_a power_n but_o also_o to_o pull_v down_o and_o whole_o abolish_v the_o very_a order_n itself_o to_o the_o no_o small_a scandal_n of_o those_o who_o think_v that_o so_o universal_a a_o constitution_n every_o where_o take_v place_n even_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n can_v be_v ground_v on_o no_o less_o than_o a_o apostolic_a ordinance_n of_o which_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v some_o not_o obscure_a footstep_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o most_o probable_o in_o conformity_n to_o that_o imparity_n which_o christ_n himself_o establish_v between_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n who_o be_v yet_o both_o commission_v by_o he_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n 70._o how_o far_o a_o case_n of_o necessity_n may_v upon_o some_o occasion_n excuse_n or_o justify_v a_o man_n for_o take_v on_o he_o a_o office_n which_o regular_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o he_o especial_o if_o his_o design_n therein_o be_v true_o honest_a and_o sincere_a i_o know_v not_o but_o no_o man_n certain_o aught_o to_o intrude_v into_o any_o ecclesi_n astical_a function_n or_o exercise_v any_o such_o office_n who_o be_v not_o call_v and_o admit_v thereunto_o by_o the_o lawful_a authority_n and_o according_a to_o the_o establish_a constitution_n of_o the_o society_n for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o careful_o observe_v the_o distinction_n of_o office_n and_o function_n in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o effect_n whole_o take_v away_o and_o a_o wide_a door_n open_v for_o confusion_n and_o anarchy_n but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n good_a care_n ought_v ever_o to_o be_v take_v by_o the_o church_n that_o no_o person_n be_v entrust_v with_o any_o sacred_a office_n but_o such_o as_o be_v due_o qualify_v for_o it_o and_o that_o such_o a_o maintenance_n be_v provide_v and_o settle_v for_o every_o such_o person_n as_o that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v necessitate_v to_o neglect_v the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o his_o function_n by_o be_v constrain_v to_o bestow_v