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church_n ancient_a scripture_n time_n 3,019 5 3.3099 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A27637 The principles of Protestant truth and peace in four treatises : viz. the true state of liberty of conscience, in freedom from penal laws and church-censures, the obligations to national true religion, the nature of scandal, paricularly as it relates to indifferent things, a Catholick catechism, shewing the true grounds upon which the Catholick religion is ascertained / by Tho. Beverley ... Beverley, Thomas. 1683 (1683) Wing B2188A; ESTC R12543 325,863 502

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high_a elevation_n be_v but_o create_v and_o create_v be_v not_o firm_a and_o sure_a enough_o for_o a_o foundation_n nor_o can_v it_o raise_v a_o assent_n noble_a and_o generous_a enough_o for_o a_o faith_n in_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a all_o that_o can_v be_v summon_v may_v be_v a_o outward_a fortification_n or_o introduction_n but_o the_o rock_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n divinity_n itself_o upon_o this_o the_o church_n be_v build_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v against_o it_o quest_n but_o be_v there_o no_o part_n of_o scripture_n that_o receive_v great_a service_n from_o humane_a testimony_n than_o other_o answ_n there_o be_v some_o part_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v but_o ministerial_a and_o almost_o servile_a in_o comparison_n of_o other_o and_o that_o these_o be_v find_v in_o all_o authentic_a copy_n and_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o from_o age_n to_o age_n with_o the_o sacred_a roll_n may_v depend_v more_o upon_o humane_a testimony_n especial_o where_o the_o connexion_n with_o the_o more_o divine_a part_n be_v not_o evident_a for_o these_o be_v but_o as_o the_o body_n and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o the_o more_o remote_a part_n from_o the_o soul_n of_o scripture_n can_v sparkle_v that_o divine_a light_n and_o heat_v the_o spirit_n of_o scripture_n do_v and_o so_o may_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o borrow_a light_n from_o the_o superior_a luminary_n of_o sacred_a truth_n and_o in_o many_o case_n may_v like_o the_o moon_n need_v reflection_n of_o light_n from_o our_o very_a earth_n but_o the_o sun_n of_o scripture_n receive_v the_o high_a testimony_n by_o the_o strong_a reflection_n of_o its_o own_o original_a beam_n quest_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v such_o different_a degree_n of_o scripture-excellency_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o one_o even_o form_n of_o doctrine_n methodical_o lay_v together_o and_o of_o the_o same_o tenor_n of_o discourse_n answ_n in_o 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difference_n be_v undeniable_a yet_o to_o the_o great_a glory_n of_o scripture_n and_o assurance_n it_o be_v from_o god_n even_o those_o small_a and_o low_a thing_n last_v speak_v of_o be_v all_o treat_v with_o all_o the_o purity_n gravity_n become_v the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o with_o all_o the_o usefulness_n their_o nature_n can_v extend_v to_o even_o so_o the_o holy_a man_n use_v by_o god_n in_o this_o service_n how_o various_a and_o differ_v soever_o in_o their_o several_a age_n and_o time_n of_o writing_n in_o their_o circumstance_n of_o state_n and_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n high_a low_z rich_a poor_a learned_a unlearned_a how_o distant_a soever_o in_o their_o time_n of_o write_v in_o the_o outward_a form_n and_o mode_n of_o their_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o fall_v under_o their_o account_n and_o relation_n before_o the_o law_n under_o the_o law_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o messiah_n after_o his_o death_n yet_o there_o be_v the_o 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for_o scripture_n be_v scripture_n and_o all_o of_o they_o so_o arise_v to_o our_o assurance_n by_o find_v the_o same_o divine_a spirit_n of_o truth_n run_v through_o one_o as_o do_v through_o another_o for_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o true_a church_n receive_v they_o when_o first_o receive_v and_o so_o transmit_v they_o make_v the_o same_o judgement_n successive_o in_o the_o several_a age_n as_o the_o first_o do_v the_o same_o reason_n always_o continue_v what_o be_v beside_o this_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o discern_v of_o spirit_n in_o all_o the_o time_n while_o scripture_n be_v write_v by_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o which_o true_a scripture_n be_v receive_v and_o all_o other_o shut_v out_o for_o the_o write_n of_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o prophet_n and_o by_o they_o enroll_v into_o scripture_n that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o scripture_n just_o and_o faithful_o consign_v over_o to_o we_o from_o age_n to_o age_n be_v to_o be_v own_a and_o acknowledge_v to_o 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further_a revelation_n come_v to_o pass_v more_o through_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o that_o corruption_n than_o by_o humble_a and_o modest_a suspension_n till_o god_n have_v assure_v we_o of_o his_o further_a revelation_n but_o beside_o this_o we_o may_v easy_o find_v we_o must_v needs_o have_v the_o whole_a globe_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o horizon_n of_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o the_o whole_a heaven_n or_o kingdom_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v administer_v in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o all_o further_a degree_n of_o light_n and_o discovery_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v but_o great_a clearness_n of_o what_o we_o already_o have_v in_o the_o main_a and_o substance_n for_o if_o even_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o it_o make_v so_o great_a a_o change_n do_v but_o thus_o complete_a and_o illustrate_a christ_n yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n the_o same_o how_o much_o more_o may_v we_o be_v assure_v who_o have_v the_o new_a itself_o so_o much_o excel_v the_o old_a as_o it_o every_o where_o 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enough_o throw_v off_o for_o in_o main_a thing_n there_o be_v so_o much_o repeat_v and_o say_v over_o again_o and_o again_o as_o that_o all_o such_o truth_n may_v be_v full_o present_v and_o assure_v and_o yet_o not_o so_o much_o be_v say_v as_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n without_o any_o tautology_n for_o the_o subject_n be_v so_o rich_a that_o even_o the_o world_n will_v be_v overcharge_v and_o not_o able_a to_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o will_v be_v write_v amen_n cap._n vii_o of_o the_o public_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n quest_n that_o the_o progress_n upon_o this_o great_a point_n may_v be_v make_v with_o the_o best_a advantage_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o state_n the_o amount_v of_o what_o have_v be_v already_o assert_v viz._n that_o scripture_n be_v a_o public_a and_o divine_a record_n and_o that_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n it_o be_v divine_a be_v divine_a and_o public_a also_o what_o therefore_o do_v these_o two_o position_n arise_v to_o 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beyond_o the_o sea_n to_o old_a antiquity_n for_o a_o scale_n to_o it_o which_o have_v always_o the_o broad_a seal_n of_o divinity_n with_o it_o for_o that_o be_v to_o bring_v scripture_n a_o second_o time_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o former_a age_n through_o which_o divine_a care_n and_o providence_n have_v already_o pass_v it_o down_o to_o we_o with_o the_o very_a same_o principal_a assurance_n it_o give_v they_o viz._n that_o divine_a life_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n that_o can_v be_v far_o from_o any_o one_o of_o we_o for_o in_o it_o our_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v their_o being_n and_o in_o that_o light_n alone_o see_v light_n quest_n but_o have_v the_o private_a spirit_n of_o apostate_n angel_n work_v by_o corrupt_a humane_a nature_n make_v no_o attempt_n upon_o this_o public_a record_n though_o so_o every_o way_n guard_v as_o it_o be_v to_o introduce_v a_o false_a religion_n even_o under_o the_o appearance_n of_o this_o public_a 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every_o thing_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n but_o in_o thing_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v if_o conscience_n be_v apprehensive_a of_o danger_n any_o way_n this_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n that_o god_n have_v confer_v upon_o conscience_n as_o his_o immediate_a vicegerent_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o carry_v his_o authority_n by_o always_o present_v it_o in_o his_o word_n and_o command_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v suspend_v his_o action_n wherein_o conscience_n be_v not_o satisfy_v and_o at_o rest_n concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o action_n and_o this_o be_v the_o honour_n which_o those_o that_o be_v above_o either_o in_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o understanding_n gift_n or_o grace_n shall_v bestow_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v below_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o either_o by_o their_o authority_n influence_n or_o example_n scandalize_v the_o little_a one_o or_o the_o weak_a that_o be_v so_o either_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o 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sin_v thus_o against_o the_o weak_a be_v to_o destroy_v they_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v and_o therefore_o to_o sin_v against_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o those_o weighty_a discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n against_o scandal_n mark_v 18._o and_o of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 4._o and_o 1_o cor._n c._n 8._o and_o cap._n 10._o which_v be_v compare_v give_v great_a light_a one_o to_o another_o quest_n but_o it_o seem_v that_o a_o conscience_n only_o in_o doubt_n may_v be_v settle_v by_o the_o advice_n example_n and_o authority_n of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o elder_n or_o eminent_a member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o doubt_n suppose_v the_o conscience_n incline_v neither_o this_o way_n nor_o that_o way_n in_o itself_o but_o stand_v between_o both_o or_o sometime_o move_v to_o one_o side_n and_o then_o to_o the_o other_o the_o come_n in_o of_o those_o consideration_n take_v from_o the_o example_n and_o authority_n forename_a shall_v give_v a_o over-weight_n to_o that_o 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christ_n and_o nothing_o to_o be_v impose_v or_o forbid_v but_o according_a to_o that_o so_o it_o do_v every_o where_o disinterest_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_v or_o intermeddle_v in_o civil_a government_n or_o thing_n pertain_v to_o it_o it_o suppose_v civil_a power_n will_v oblige_v to_o and_o determine_v indifferency_n in_o civil_a thing_n this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n as_o they_o please_v and_o therein_o exercise_v a_o lordship_n but_o christ_n have_v declare_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o his_o disciple_n do_v yet_o command_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n all_o obedience_n to_o these_o principality_n and_o power_n even_o thus_o command_v if_o not_o against_o god_n command_n direct_o so_o that_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n the_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v only_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o its_o rule_n and_o duty_n but_o can_v have_v no_o more_o relief_n against_o obedience_n to_o civil_a command_n than_o it_o have_v against_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v mistake_v about_o those_o command_n for_o such_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n quest_n there_o appear_v so_o near_o a_o assinity_n in_o the_o command_v concern_v indifferent_a thing_n of_o those_o that_o have_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o command_v of_o those_o that_o have_v civil_a rule_n that_o the_o one_o may_v be_v a_o measure_n for_o the_o other_o or_o wherein_o be_v the_o difference_n especial_o when_o they_o join_v in_o one_o in_o their_o command_n concern_v these_o indifferoncy_n answ_n the_o command_v of_o civil_a authority_n concern_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n deserve_v a_o particular_a consideration_n for_o which_o a_o proper_a place_n shall_v be_v reserve_v but_o that_o the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o political_a regiment_n that_o shall_v set_v up_o for_o itself_o as_o one_o of_o the_o polity_n of_o this_o world_n by_o canon_n and_o constitution_n of_o 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pretend_v to_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o it_o and_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n the_o head_n of_o the_o unity_n than_o any_o other_o it_o be_v the_o first_o imperial_a city_n that_o be_v famous_a for_o christianity_n but_o how_o little_a uniformity_n be_v to_o christ_n or_o his_o kingdom_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v not_o interpose_v at_o all_o but_o leave_v christian_n free_a and_o intend_v they_o shall_v be_v free_a appear_v in_o the_o ununiform_a unity_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o evangelist_n concern_v his_o life_n doctrine_n death_n and_o resurrection_n to_o suppose_v therefore_o the_o church_n to_o be_v in_o this_o manner_n uniformed_a by_o the_o prudence_n of_o its_o governor_n be_v to_o turn_v it_o so_o far_o into_o a_o civil_a state_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o it_o into_o lay-elders_a cap._n xiii_o of_o the_o antichurch_n and_o its_o opposition_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o the_o true_a church_n quest_n be_v there_o not_o a_o antichurch_n or_o 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in_o sackcloth_n be_v slay_v and_o lie_v dead_a three_o day_n and_o a_o half_a true_a christianity_n be_v in_o all_o appearance_n extinct_a the_o measure_v the_o altar_n the_o temple_n and_o those_o that_o worship_n in_o it_o signify_v the_o close_a retirement_n of_o pure_a religion_n and_o the_o outward_a court_n leave_v to_o be_v tread_v down_o by_o the_o gentile_n or_o heathen_a christian_n and_o their_o impure_a rite_n and_o worship_n and_o therefore_o exclude_v from_o those_o strict_a measure_n true_a undefiled_a christianity_n be_v enclose_v within_o revel_v 11._o 1●_n now_o upon_o all_o these_o representation_n of_o such_o a_o state_n of_o the_o church_n so_o exquisite_o shadow_v and_o resemble_v and_o compare_v with_o that_o deep_a plunge_n and_o immersement_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o popish_a midnight_n who_o can_v but_o believe_v these_o with_o many_o concurrent_a delineation_n in_o all_o those_o forecited_a scripture_n be_v on_o purpose_n to_o give_v the_o portraiture_n of_o that_o so_o fatal_a apostasy_n that_o believe_v it_o at_o all_o to_o be_v prophesy_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o who_o that_o consider_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o thing_n can_v but_o believe_v it_o foretell_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n prophetic_a of_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o most_o evident_o appear_v there_o be_v but_o if_o any_o be_v so_o incredulous_a as_o to_o suppose_v such_o a_o state_n of_o christianity_n beneath_o the_o prefiguration_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n he_o can_v if_o he_o be_v indeed_o a_o protestant_n but_o agree_v that_o nothing_o do_v with_o more_o art_n and_o divine_a skill_n portray_v and_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n such_o a_o devastation_n of_o christ_n true_a religion_n as_o all_o history_n know_v popery_n have_v make_v and_o as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v prevail_v do_v now_o and_o will_v do_v much_o far_o and_o in_o its_o very_a frame_n be_v constitute_v so_o to_o do_v quest_n but_o see_v you_o suppose_v these_o type_n of_o popery_n may_v be_v apply_v another_o way_n though_o it_o be_v i_o confess_v very_o hardly_o to_o be_v suppose_v yet_o i_o desire_v if_o any_o thing_n have_v fall_v under_o your_o observation_n that_o can_v be_v less_o avoid_v to_o make_v plain_a how_o different_a a_o religion_n popish-christianity_n be_v from_o the_o scripture-christianity_n you_o will_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o ask_v what_o it_o be_v answ_n i_o must_v needs_o commend_v your_o rational_a enquiry_n for_o i_o know_v neither_o the_o veneration_n give_v to_o any_o religion_n by_o the_o native_n of_o it_o nor_o the_o ill_a word_n against_o any_o religion_n by_o those_o that_o be_v stranger_n and_o enemy_n to_o it_o shall_v conclude_v against_o it_o the_o professor_n of_o every_o religion_n be_v startle_v at_o any_o reproach_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n as_o at_o horrible_a blasphemy_n but_o free_o speak_v ill_a of_o a_o diverse_a from_o it_o mahometan_n call_v themselves_o believer_n and_o christian_n infidel_n popish_a religion_n call_v itself_o catholic_n and_o protestancy_n a_o grand_a heresy_n and_o schism_n judaisme_n charge_v whole_a christianity_n with_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n it_o be_v therefore_o necessary_a we_o shall_v have_v some_o magnetic_a needle_n to_o point_v we_o to_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o to_o the_o true_a christianity_n see_v its_o name_n be_v not_o only_o distribute_v to_o many_o but_o so_o solemn_o divide_v into_o the_o popish_a and_o protestant_n profession_n of_o christianity_n quest_n what_o then_o can_v be_v our_o invariable_a northpole_n in_o religion_n in_o such_o a_o wide_a and_o tumultuous_a ocean_n answ_n i_o hope_v you_o have_v not_o forget_v what_o be_v at_o first_o give_v in_o instruction_n concern_v natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n their_o exact_a agreement_n with_o one_o another_o and_o with_o all_o our_o faculty_n so_o that_o no_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n can_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o religion_n but_o look_v monstrous_a and_o horrid_a only_o so_o far_o as_o it_o borrow_v some_o or_o more_o of_o the_o grand_a principle_n of_o our_o true_a religion_n nor_o can_v be_v at_o all_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a but_o be_v vain_a and_o ridiculous_a if_o it_o receive_v no_o ballast_n from_o true-religion_n that_o then_o which_o be_v account_v for_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v remember_v i_o shall_v especial_o apply_v myself_o to_o ascertain_v true-christianity_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o false_a or_o popish_a christianity_n by_o that_o which_o will_v much_o ascertain_v all_o true_a religion_n also_o in_o general_n and_o difference_n it_o from_o all_o false_a religion_n quest_n i_o much_o desire_n to_o have_v some_o such_o test_n as_o you_o seem_v to_o intimate_v and_o promise_v answ_n i_o can_v furnish_v you_o with_o a_o better_a sure_a and_o more_o lively_a than_o that_o emblem_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n represent_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n by_o 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jerusalem_n which_o be_v free_a and_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o if_o true_a christian_n gal._n 4._o 26._o quest_n what_o do_v you_o understand_v by_o the_o foundation_n the_o wall_n the_o gate_n the_o city_n itself_o answ_n i_o be_o not_o bold_a or_o curious_a in_o pursue_v emblem_n too_o close_o but_o understand_v in_o general_a by_o the_o whole_a of_o all_o these_o the_o doctrine_n the_o worship_n the_o rule_n of_o life_n the_o discipline_n of_o the_o true_a church_n quest_n what_o be_v we_o direct_v to_o by_o all_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o number_n twelve_o answ_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a the_o twelve_o apostle_n of_o the_o lamb_n give_v the_o honour_n to_o the_o number_n twelve_o for_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n that_o be_v the_o truth_n minister_v insallible_o by_o they_o be_v the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o true_a christian_a church_n be_v build_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o cornerstone_n and_o so_o to_o show_v true_a religion_n have_v be_v 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the_o word_n in_o season_n out_o of_o season_n or_o without_o season_n public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n quest_n i_o desire_v you_o now_o to_o apply_v your_o discourse_n to_o the_o administration_n of_o sovereign_a power_n in_o model_v and_o circumstantiate_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n what_o their_o power_n give_v they_o by_o god_n therein_o be_v answ_n that_o i_o may_v give_v you_o a_o answer_n in_o that_o i_o must_v observe_v our_o saviour_n distinction_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o his_o charge_n that_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n be_v render_v to_o he_o and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n be_v render_v to_o caesar_n now_o none_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n be_v his_o first_o but_o they_o be_v first_o god_n and_o give_v to_o caesar_n by_o god_n god_n then_o have_v entrust_v caesar_n with_o the_o render_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n to_o god_n that_o be_v to_o take_v care_n that_o 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truth_n and_o word_n the_o service_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o whatever_o he_o have_v herein_o reserve_v to_o himself_o all_o these_o be_v so_o his_o that_o no_o caesar_n have_v any_o power_n in_o or_o over_o they_o to_o add_v or_o diminish_v or_o make_v the_o least_o alteration_n so_o that_o though_o they_o may_v have_v great_a power_n in_o many_o thing_n relate_v to_o religion_n to_o the_o accommodation_n of_o the_o most_o external_n exercise_n of_o it_o to_o government_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o nation_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o very_a religious_a action_n themselves_o and_o the_o management_n of_o they_o they_o must_v be_v close_o confine_v to_o god_n manifestation_n of_o himself_o how_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v and_o to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o moddel_n and_o decent_o to_o circumstantiate_v that_o worship_n and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v render_v to_o god_n perfect_o according_a to_o his_o own_o pattern_n and_o the_o magistrate_n 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with_o the_o reason_n of_o philosopher_n and_o wise_a poet_n in_o what_o they_o say_v well_o and_o wise_o as_o that_o we_o be_v god_n offspring_n 28._o act_n 17._o 28._o a_o wise_a christian_n do_v not_o deprive_v himself_o in_o his_o private_a freedom_n of_o true_a reason_n or_o christian_a sense_n though_o he_o cull_v it_o out_o of_o much_o dross_n nor_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o christian_a worship_n where_o he_o may_v find_v good_a if_o the_o worship_n be_v not_o so_o corrupt_v that_o one_o can_v be_v separate_a from_o the_o other_o there_o be_v a_o general_a charity_n and_o toleration_n must_v be_v of_o humane_a infirmity_n in_o the_o best_a administration_n of_o it_o by_o man_n for_o there_o be_v a_o charge_n of_o our_o folly_n upon_o all_o our_o appearance_n before_o god_n visible_a not_o only_o to_o god_n who_o charge_v his_o angel_n with_o it_o but_o to_o ourselves_o so_o that_o if_o angel_n hide_v their_o face_n much_o more_o those_o who_o house_n be_v of_o clay_n and_o 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the_o schism_n so_o that_o wherever_o the_o disagreement_n in_o judgement_n be_v there_o shall_v be_v the_o schism_n sure_a enough_o whatever_o the_o love_n and_o the_o indication_n of_o it_o be_v in_o all_o other_o sign_n token_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o but_o if_o there_o be_v the_o desire_a conformity_n all_o the_o hatred_n emulation_n strife_n and_o envy_n against_o the_o contrary_a side_n shall_v be_v canonize_v and_o not_o repute_v schism_n and_o the_o senslesness_n or_o even_o disaffection_n to_o the_o general_a interest_n of_o christianity_n shall_v never_o be_v consider_v but_o shall_v the_o law_n of_o man_n thus_o make_v obsolete_a the_o law_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o any_o law_n nor_o a_o offence_n against_o any_o law_n but_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n nor_o against_o every_o law_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o law_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o his_o body_n that_o can_v make_v a_o schism_n nor_o do_v a_o congregation_n or_o a_o multitude_n determine_v where_o the_o schism_n lie_v when_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n or_o a_o division_n among_o christian_n for_o as_o one_o man_n hold_v the_o substantial_o of_o christianity_n be_v more_o a_o church_n than_o a_o community_n err_v in_o those_o fundamental_o so_o be_v one_o christian_n full_a of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n most_o willing_a to_o do_v and_o receive_v good_a more_o true_o of_o the_o body_n than_o association_n fill_v with_o anger_n wrath_n clamour_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o indignation_n without_o mercy_n without_o compassion_n who_o be_v indeed_o in_o their_o union_n more_o schismatical_a than_o the_o humble_a solitary_a christian_n that_o can_v run_v with_o this_o stream_n for_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o carry_v nor_o determine_v by_o number_n but_o by_o true_a weight_n and_o worth_n as_o one_o wise_a man_n be_v more_o a_o senate_n than_o a_o convention_n of_o foolish_a and_o unknowing_a man_n by_o all_o this_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v it_o may_v be_v determine_v what_o answer_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o that_o question_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o it_o be_v call_v be_v a_o true_a church_n to_o which_o the_o answer_v i_o shall_v give_v will_v be_v plain_o this_o it_o be_v no_o otherwise_o so_o than_o a_o marry_a woman_n that_o be_v a_o adulteress_n be_v a_o true_a wife_n i_o say_v not_o a_o true_a woman_n for_o the_o importance_n of_o woman_n be_v more_o physical_a and_o so_o in_o this_o case_n more_o ambiguous_a the_o sense_n of_o wife_n more_o befit_v the_o moral_a and_o mystical_a sense_n of_o church_n and_o the_o one_o not_o make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o scripture_n in_o these_o case_n the_o other_o constant_o call_v for_o to_o represent_v the_o true_a or_o false_a church_n but_o to_o keep_v more_o close_o to_o what_o we_o have_v be_v upon_o let_v i_o put_v the_o question_n thus_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o part_n of_o this_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o such_o a_o incorporation_n such_o a_o body_n as_o it_o be_v in_o and_o by_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o it_o can_v be_v other_o than_o a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n for_o so_o it_o be_v a_o body_n consolidate_v upon_o other_o point_n of_o union_n than_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v for_o though_o it_o take_v in_o they_o yet_o it_o add_v foreign_a and_o alien_n of_o its_o own_o and_o those_o very_a many_o and_o such_o as_o destroy_v if_o not_o all_o yet_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a by_o such_o a_o deep_a corruption_n of_o they_o change_v they_o so_o that_o they_o can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o true_a one_o or_o alike_o precious_a fundamental_o lay_v by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o be_v a_o body_n animate_v with_o another_o spirit_n the_o very_a spirit_n of_o antichrist_n a_o spirit_n of_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n against_o all_o that_o keep_v to_o the_o true_a measure_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o altar_n of_o 1._o revel_v 11._o 1._o god_n and_o his_o true_a worship_n therein_o the_o body_n of_o that_o false_a church_n have_v its_o fabric_n put_v together_o and_o unite_a not_o by_o that_o faith_n at_o once_o and_o once_o for_o all_o give_v to_o the_o saint_n but_o by_o successive_a and_o grow_a tradidition_n 3._o jud._n 3._o and_o then_o the_o spirit_n of_o it_o persecute_v out_o of_o all_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o humanity_n so_o far_o as_o it_o can_v not_o to_o buy_v nor_o 18._o rev._n 13._o 17_o 18._o sell_v those_o that_o will_v not_o receive_v that_o mark_n of_o itself_o its_o name_n and_o the_o number_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o false_a christianity_n that_o forsake_v the_o stable_n foursquare_a of_o the_o true_a body_n of_o christ_n the_o 17._o revel_v 21._o 14_o 16_o 17._o square-root_n of_o
abhorrence_n but_o suppose_v what_o may_v be_v object_v against_o its_o constitution_n relate_v to_o divine_a worship_n nor_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o i_o will_v so_o much_o as_o intimate_v any_o enforcement_n upon_o dissenter_n against_o which_o i_o have_v argue_v so_o far_o except_o that_o of_o scripture-argument_n with_o satisfaction_n to_o doubt_n consid_fw-la 2._o but_o if_o a_o man_n can_v run_v the_o line_n of_o national_a worship_n it_o be_v good_a yet_o to_o take_v the_o u●●ost_o advantage_n we_o can_v of_o the_o gift_n christ_n have_v give_v to_o man_n in_o the_o public_a national_a ministry_n who_o will_v at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o many_o great_a light_n god_n have_v at_o this_o very_a day_n set_v up_o in_o the_o english_a nation_n man_n who_o both_o by_o their_o holy_a life_n and_o great_a ability_n have_v adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n bulwark_n against_o atheism_n and_o antichristianism_n i_o profess_v for_o myself_o though_o i_o most_o hearty_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o all_o that_o offend_v either_o of_o either_o name_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o highway_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o congregation_n of_o conformist_n into_o those_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n and_o so_o back_o again_o or_o rather_o that_o the_o distinction_n be_v whole_o remove_v yet_o i_o will_v not_o upon_o any_o of_o the_o rate_n set_v as_o necessary_a at_o this_o time_n to_o enjoy_v their_o excellent_a labour_n lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o either_o see_v in_o both_o there_o resound_v that_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n in_o great_a excellency_n according_a to_o the_o talent_n commit_v to_o each_o 3._o it_o be_v good_a to_o take_v off_o all_o suspicion_n and_o disgust_n of_o magistracy_n from_o religion_n occasion_v by_o distance_n from_o he_o in_o public_a administration_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o appearance_n of_o faction_n sedition_n love_v of_o difference_n affectation_n of_o singularity_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v fly_v this_o imputation_n with_o safe_a conscience_n towards_o god_n it_o be_v best_o to_o be_v do_v to_o the_o utmost_a when_o it_o can_v to_o manage_v our_o dissent_n with_o exceed_a modesty_n and_o humility_n beside_o in_o relation_n to_o people_n in_o general_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o national_a usage_n prevail_v on_o they_o transform_v man_n into_o all_o appearance_n of_o habit_n gesture_n and_o such_o like_a circumstance_n national_a decency_n be_v a_o great_a circumstance_n in_o religious_a service_n as_o i_o observe_v from_o the_o apostle_n discourse_v 1_o cor._n 11._o 16._o every_o thing_n vnnational_a be_v ready_a to_o be_v turn_v into_o ridicule_n when_o therefore_o we_o can_v have_v the_o due_a licence_n of_o conscience_n the_o decency_n gravity_n and_o order_n of_o our_o native_a country_n be_v of_o very_o great_a reverence_n last_o incompliance_n with_o our_o nation_n be_v very_o ready_a to_o render_v our_o spirit_n morose_n angry_a vehement_a zealous_a of_o small_a thing_n in_o our_o own_o way_n too_o severe_a and_o rigid_a against_o small_a thing_n in_o other_o and_o in_o fine_a to_o make_v we_o bigot_n of_o another_o kind_n give_v to_o mode_n in_o another_o dress_n of_o thing_n and_o ceremonialist_n of_o another_o order_n and_o so_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o other_o side_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o make_v this_o modest_a recommendation_n of_o three_o consideration_n to_o those_o of_o national_a conformity_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v not_o zealous_o intent_n and_o overwarm_v about_o the_o thing_n themselves_o wherein_o protestant_n among_o we_o disagree_v for_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v not_o of_o worth_a to_o support_v any_o great_a esteem_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n against_o they_o than_o be_v intemperate_a heat_n for_o they_o this_o be_v to_o make_v they_o something_o in_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v to_o turn_v they_o into_o a_o like_a thing_n with_o the_o jewish_a concision_n because_o it_o be_v with_o the_o great_a injury_n of_o christianity_n when_o such_o thing_n be_v overrate_v and_o the_o turn_v the_o thing_n themselves_o out_o of_o that_o middle_a place_n god_n have_v set_v they_o in_o into_o a_o much_o worse_o and_o to_o transfer_v the_o whole_a load_n of_o our_o too_o great_a heat_n for_o they_o upon_o subjection_n to_o magistrate_n order_n decency_n be_v a_o plain_a confession_n the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v of_o no_o worth_n and_o to_o charge_v those_o other_o great_a name_n with_o a_o weight_n too_o great_a and_o unjust_a to_o lay_v upon_o they_o viz._n to_o make_v they_o serve_v under_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o wrath_n clamour_n malignity_n oppression_n of_o man_n in_o their_o conscience_n an●_n estate_n it_o be_v to_o press_v they_o as_o a_o cart_n be_v press_v with_o sheaf_n and_o yet_o no_o wheat_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o garner_n there_o be_v no_o wealth_n increase_v to_o magistracy_n order_n or_o decency_n while_o all_o those_o valuable_a thing_n love_n peace_n universal_a satisfaction_n be_v sell_v for_o they_o 2._o bigotry_n even_o in_o a_o national_a way_n do_v as_o much_o unman_v man_n abate_v from_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o mind_n the_o goodness_n of_o their_o temper_n the_o gravity_n and_o becomingness_n of_o the_o mene_n in_o religion_n and_o grow_v as_o contemptible_a and_o servile_a as_o the_o same_o evil_n in_o any_o other_o way_n 3._o what_o great_a likelihood_n be_v there_o a_o nation_n may_v sometime_o without_o violence_n without_o any_o thing_n of_o faction_n sedition_n tumult_n or_o fanaticism_n consent_v to_o change_v this_o outward_a face_n of_o religious_a administration_n and_o then_o how_o many_o zealot_n for_o it_o will_v be_v post_v to_o the_o new_a constitution_n and_o how_o mean_a and_o pitiful_a will_v it_o be_v not_o to_o desert_v the_o thing_n for_o that_o be_v no_o more_o than_o change_v that_o which_o be_v changeable_a but_o to_o desert_n what_o they_o have_v be_v zealous_a of_o which_o be_v apt_a to_o look_v irreligious_a hypocritick_n even_o almost_o atheistick_a and_o suppose_v man_n continue_v their_o zeal_n it_o look_v but_o like_o the_o second_o childishness_n of_o old_a age_n that_o can_v part_v with_o the_o trifle_n it_o have_v be_v so_o long_o use_v to_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o as_o if_o i_o think_v religious_a administration_n shall_v vary_v fashion_n as_o often_o as_o man_n do_v habit_n but_o till_o we_o bring_v they_o up_o to_o that_o state_n which_o can_v be_v shake_v that_o certainty_n of_o divine_a institution_n pure_a natural_a rational_a decency_n join_v with_o that_o of_o the_o very_a country_n and_o nation_n it_o self_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v sure_a but_o that_o which_o may_v be_v shake_v will_v be_v shake_v that_o the_o thing_n only_o that_o can_v may_v remain_v antiquitas_fw-la seculi_fw-la juventus_fw-la mundi_fw-la the_o world_n grow_v and_o will_v grow_v more_o vigorous_a and_o manly_a by_o its_o age_n we_o see_v a_o new_a mode_n of_o discourse_n of_o sermon_n grow_v up_o every_o age_n nay_o too_o much_o a_o new_a fashion_n of_o divinity_n that_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n endure_v change_n it_o be_v the_o faith_n once_o for_o all_o give_v in_o primitive_a christianity_n at_o once_o for_o the_o main_a rescue_v from_o popery_n and_o restore_v in_o the_o reformation_n yet_o what_o offer_v of_o alteration_n upon_o at_o least_o the_o form_n of_o the_o notion_n the_o manner_n of_o conveyance_n of_o they_o be_v at_o this_o day_n endeavour_v be_v very_o visible_a as_o if_o the_o forme_a be_v unintelligible_a of_o no_o good_a sense_n or_o consequence_n not_o suitable_a to_o the_o clear_a and_o better_o model_v state_n of_o theology_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o hidebound_a in_o a_o scheme_n of_o ritual_a administration_n in_o christian_a worship_n which_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v much_o more_o make_v to_o pass_v away_o with_o the_o age_n if_o we_o be_v then_o more_o merciful_a to_o this_o gourd_n of_o ceremony_n than_o to_o the_o more_o substantial_a interest_n of_o truth_n mercy_n and_o peace_n let_v we_o fear_n l●st_v we_o provoke_v god_n to_o smite_v our_o gourd_n with_o a_o east-wind_n but_o i_o undertake_v to_o judge_n in_o these_o case_n no_o further_o but_o judge_v this_o rather_o that_o on_o all_o side_n we_o value_v substantial_a christianity_n and_o the_o new_a creature_n as_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o mutual_a love_n peace_n and_o forbearance_n one_o of_o another_o in_o all_o lesser_a thing_n wherein_o we_o may_v be_v somewhat_o otherwise_o mind_v one_o from_o another_o and_o then_o in_o due_a time_n god_n will_v reveal_v even_o these_o thing_n so_o to_o we_o that_o so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a even_o in_o those_o we_o may_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n see_v our_o union_n be_v one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o schism_n in_o
it_o become_v one_o great_a family_n i_o know_v there_o may_v be_v some_o exception_n from_o this_o description_n of_o a_o nation_n which_o will_v have_v their_o force_n upon_o national_a religion_n also_o as_o it_o result_v from_o it_o for_o sometime_o one_o monarchy_n do_v as_o it_o be_v stride_v over_o more_o nation_n sometime_o one_o city_n or_o free_a town_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o one_o government_n one_o civil_a interest_n independent_a in_o its_o government_n in_o its_o proper_a interest_n upon_o any_o other_o now_o in_o such_o a_o monarchy_n as_o contain_v several_a people_n and_o nation_n under_o it_o it_o do_v not_o proper_o give_v name_n to_o a_o national_a religion_n while_o their_o interest_n law_n conversation_n and_o civil_a commerce_n be_v preserve_v and_o keep_v distinct_a as_o these_o be_v often_o allow_v to_o be_v under_o some_o conquer_a potentacy_n on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o a_o narrow_a compass_n of_o people_n than_o we_o proper_o call_v a_o nation_n viz._n a_o region_n a_o province_n a_o city_n have_v its_o interest_n its_o law_n its_o government_n conversation_n and_o commerce_n entire_a to_o itself_o it_o be_v as_o to_o the_o purpose_n we_o be_v now_o upon_o as_o it_o be_v a_o nation_n the_o sum_n than_o be_v this_o so_o far_o as_o humane_a society_n have_v draw_v any_o people_n or_o family_n into_o a_o close_a and_o more_o compact_a state_n of_o civil_a interest_n necessitude_n one_o to_o another_o and_o government_n run_v up_o to_o the_o high_a point_n of_o government_n in_o that_o compact_a state_n so_o far_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o union_n in_o public_a religion_n draw_v upon_o they_o where_o these_o be_v free_a that_o attendance_n to_o union_n in_o religion_n be_v free_a also_o any_o further_a than_o the_o common_a truth_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o bound_v even_o those_o at_o great_a distance_n and_o union_n one_o with_o another_o for_o thus_o religion_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o unite_v all_o the_o true_a professor_n of_o it_o at_o what_o remove_n soever_o from_o one_o another_o it_o may_v and_o ought_v also_o to_o pass_v upon_o whatever_o bond_n of_o union_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o union_n as_o law_n commerce_n conversation_n common_a safety_n run_v all_o up_o to_o the_o supreme_a government_n over_o that_o conjunction_n to_o graft_v religion_n upon_o all_o else_o be_v but_o consent_n in_o the_o same_o unity_n of_o one_o god_n one_o lord_n one_o spirit_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n which_o make_v the_o catholic_n church_n one_o body_n and_o join_v with_o one_o another_o presential_o in_o the_o same_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n when_o a_o concurrence_n of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a happen_v to_o fall_v out_o as_o can_v be_v suppose_v frequent_a in_o part_n remote_a one_o from_o another_o and_o of_o a_o divers_a lip_n or_o language_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v indeed_o unite_a as_o humane_a nature_n be_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o true_a reason_n and_o thereupon_o a_o readiness_n of_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n to_o correspond_v one_o with_o another_o at_o a_o distance_n or_o confer_v one_o with_o another_o if_o at_o any_o time_n suitable_a concurrence_n favour_v it_o or_o as_o the_o world_n much_o more_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v a_o temple_n build_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n wherein_o all_o good_a man_n meet_v from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o heaven_n to_o the_o other_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o worship_n and_o if_o opportunity_n allow_v in_o the_o same_o actual_a worship_n the_o near_a therefore_o any_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v by_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o nation_n by_o the_o frequency_n of_o traffic_n the_o neare●_n the_o more_o frequent_a the_o correspondency_n be_v the_o mutual_a assistance_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o now_o in_o the_o dependency_n and_o interweaving_n of_o all_o civil_a interest_n in_o nation_n there_o be_v not_o only_o those_o voluntary_a and_o contingent_a correspondency_n but_o such_o as_o first_o grow_v out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o bind_v of_o themselves_o to_o common_a true_a religion_n and_o then_o have_v the_o favour_n encouragement_n direction_n obligation_n of_o law_n and_o authority_n run_v like_o the_o same_o spirit_n into_o all_o the_o several_a part_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o recommend_v that_o national_a true_a religion_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o this_o union_n that_o be_v first_o command_v by_o god_n beside_o much_o more_o free_a ordinary_a actual_a meeting_n in_o one_o and_o the_o very_a same_o place_n and_o act_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n allow_v our_o worldly_a calling_n and_o the_o provision_n of_o the_o present_a life_n and_o relation_n and_o therefore_o a_o neighbourhood_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o more_o populous_a of_o city_n or_o town_n or_o the_o more_o infrequent_a of_o village_n have_v the_o conveniency_n of_o more_o solemn_a and_o state_v meeting_n the_o ordinary_a fit_a season_n of_o the_o lordsday_n and_o other_o solemn_a time_n of_o worship_n thereupon_o national_a religion_n be_v general_o exercise_v in_o these_o lesser_a society_n even_o as_o the_o justice_n and_o execution_n of_o law_n and_o national_a authority_n must_v be_v bring_v home_o to_o man_n in_o their_o particular_a country_n and_o town_n and_o not_o rest_n in_o the_o capital_a city_n at_o a_o distance_n from_o their_o daily_a business_n and_o conversation_n and_o yet_o the_o standard_n of_o all_o thing_n national_a be_v general_o preserve_v there_o for_o the_o very_a sake_n of_o union_n even_o so_o of_o national_a religion_n not_o as_o religion_n for_o the_o standard_n of_o that_o be_v scripture_n only_o but_o as_o national_a so_o the_o agreement_n in_o it_o be_v deposit_v with_o all_o other_o national_a acts._n so_o that_o national_a religion_n have_v the_o advantage_n in_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o naturalness_n and_o closeness_n of_o the_o union_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o all_o the_o interest_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o therein_o it_o imitate_v the_o nearness_n and_o closeness_n of_o family_n or_o lesser_a incorporation_n as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o second_o thing_n viz_o the_o illustriousness_n magnificence_n honourableness_n of_o religion_n as_o seat_v in_o large_a body_n but_o especial_o as_o upon_o the_o sovereignty_n and_n supremacy_n of_o the_o great_a incorporation_n of_o mankind_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v further_a that_o all_o this_o do_v most_o effectual_o exclude_v the_o pretence_n of_o a_o universal_a church-monarchy_n as_o hateful_a in_o religion_n as_o a_o universal_a state-monarchy_n in_o politic_n and_o civil_a liberty_n both_o of_o which_o be_v indeed_o tyranny_n the_o imaginary_a benefit_n of_o such_o sort_n of_o union_n be_v infinite_o toilsome_a and_o tedious_a while_o they_o be_v expect_v and_o always_o in_o the_o issue_n find_v impossible_a to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o their_o fruit_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n while_o the_o pretender_n be_v labour_v for_o and_o grasp_a at_o so_o vast_a a_o power_n they_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o the_o lamentable_a effect_n of_o their_o ambition_n and_o do_v indeed_o destroy_v humane_a society_n because_o those_o law_n and_o band_n that_o tie_v it_o together_o be_v so_o overstrained_a fly_v in_o piece_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o christianity_n than_o a_o universal_a head_n of_o religion_n here_o upon_o earth_n except_o christ_n himself_o with_o a_o ubiquity_n of_o holiness_n power_n and_o influence_n come_v down_o to_o reign_v upon_o it_o a_o universal_a union_n be_v indeed_o desirable_a and_o glorious_a if_o there_o be_v a_o omnipresence_n of_o virtue_n answerable_a to_o the_o administration_n but_o that_o be_v too_o great_a for_o any_o creature_n too_o great_a in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n religion_n and_o christian_a religion_n glide_v along_o with_o the_o civil_a union_n they_o find_v prepare_v as_o i_o shall_v present_o evince_v beyond_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o usurpation_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o argument_n from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o national_a religion_n not_o afford_v to_o any_o other_o figure_n of_o union_n in_o it_o the_o first_o argument_n shall_v be_v that_o i_o derive_v from_o this_o prayer_n i_o argum._n 2_o have_v choose_v to_o discourse_v this_o point_n upon_o and_o i_o lay_v it_o thus_o the_o prayer_n in_o which_o holy_a man_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rest_n upon_o some_o great_a pillar_n and_o principle_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o argument_n for_o particular_a case_n in_o which_o they_o pray_v be_v bring_v to_o those_o general_a principle_n by_o a_o understanding_n enlighten_v to_o understand_v in_o a_o humble_a sense_n even_o as_o god_n understand_v
of_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o come_v more_o particular_o to_o give_v answer_n 1._o many_o of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v name_v as_o find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o national_a church_n be_v not_o yet_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o church_n as_o national_a in_o general_a but_o of_o that_o particular_a national_a church_n and_o typical_a of_o thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o exposition_n of_o they_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o more_o particular_o that_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o temple_n the_o high_a priest_n the_o holy_a of_o holies_n the_o altar_n the_o sacrifice_n the_o solemn_a feast_n with_o such_o like_a serve_v only_o as_o shadow_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o the_o want_n of_o they_o argue_v nothing_o against_o national_a religion_n 2._o those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o typical_a or_o who_o main_a and_o sole_a intention_n be_v not_o to_o adorn_v and_o complete_a that_o whole_a frame_n but_o rest_v upon_o universal_a principle_n of_o reason_n truth_n and_o duty_n can_v never_o be_v abrogate_a but_o be_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v national_a hope_v in_o god_n and_o be_v oblige_v in_o our_o duty_n even_o as_o they_o be_v thus_o the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n and_o people_n towards_o true_a religion_n of_o public_a instruction_n of_o public_a minister_n of_o religion_n of_o care_n for_o place_n of_o meeting_n for_o divine_a worship_n throughout_o a_o nation_n continue_v still_o and_o need_v no_o new_a command_n in_o the_o gospel_n 3._o as_o to_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o church_n by_o draw_v christian_n into_o particular_a private_a society_n it_o amount_v but_o to_o thus_o much_o that_o christ_n the_o lord_n of_o t●e_v church_n do_v not_o find_v his_o church_n universal_a as_o necessary_o diffuse_v itself_o into_o nation_n nor_o can_v it_o in_o reason_n be_v so_o for_o see_v it_o be_v in_o divine_a providence_n for_o great_a and_o weighty_a reason_n of_o which_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a now_o to_o speak_v intend_a and_o order_v that_o hundred_o of_o year_n shall_v pass_v over_o christianity_n ere_o it_o have_v the_o favour_n and_o protection_n of_o supreme_a christian_a magistrate_n there_o must_v have_v be_v for_o that_o space_n no_o religion_n or_o church_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o form_n but_o national_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n therefore_o though_o it_o be_v in_o those_o day_n within_o nation_n city_n town_n and_o village_n yet_o of_o low_a stature_n in_o comparison_n of_o national_a religion_n till_o the_o reign_n of_o christian_a emperor_n considerable_a indeed_o in_o itself_o and_o its_o diffusion_n through_o so_o much_o of_o the_o world_n but_o not_o acknowledge_v by_o law_n or_o government_n till_o long_o after_o its_o first_o entrance_n and_o at_o all_o time_n upon_o the_o change_n of_o a_o christian_a magistracy_n into_o a_o pagan_a a_o apostate_n a_o heretical_a or_o idolatrous_a succession_n or_o the_o complex_fw-la of_o all_o antichristianism_n which_o early_o invade_v the_o church_n and_o even_o cover_v and_o obscure_v it_o in_o succession_n of_o time_n the_o church_n of_o necessity_n must_v fall_v back_o into_o such_o a_o low_a state_n and_o subsist_v upon_o its_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o its_o own_o prudential_a accommodation_n to_o the_o state_n of_o time_n without_o the_o magistrate_n care_v and_o protection_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o take_v care_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v of_o absolute_a divine_a institution_n which_o be_v found_v in_o that_o promise_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o to_o which_o belong_v primary_o all_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a expression_n of_o scripture_n to_o which_o be_v give_v original_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n to_o propagate_v promote_v build_v up_o and_o strengthen_v it_o and_o shall_v by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n ascension_n far_o above_o all_o heaven_n be_v certain_o continue_v to_o it_o till_o we_o all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n to_o the_o full_a measure_n and_o stature_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o member_n all_o other_o society_n of_o christian_n be_v but_o little_a image_n and_o representation_n of_o this_o in_o these_o its_o excellency_n and_o the_o more_o they_o participate_v of_o it_o the_o more_o true_o be_v they_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o because_o this_o be_v too_o diffuse_v for_o one_o model_n for_o one_o frame_n to_o comprehend_v there_o be_v therefore_o allowance_n give_v by_o christ_n for_o lesser_a association_n of_o this_o catholic_n church_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o because_o of_o the_o discountenance_n of_o nation_n and_o worldly_a power_n at_o first_o and_o since_o upon_o true_a christianity_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o matth._n 15._o 18_o etc._n etc._n express_o fix_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o divine_a presence_n in_o the_o small_a part_n of_o this_o church_n where_o but_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n he_o have_v assure_v he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v hence_o evident_a the_o whole_a neighbour_a discourse_n centre_n in_o the_o least_o assembly_n agree_v in_o christian_a religion_n for_o though_o it_o suppose_v first_o a_o great_a number_n the_o church_n and_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n be_v contradistinguish_v yet_o as_o it_o be_v in_o prospect_n of_o the_o great_a fewness_n upon_o some_o exigency_n of_o christian_n practise_v the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n together_o it_o bring_v down_o the_o promise_n of_o audience_n in_o their_o appeal_n to_o heaven_n and_o presence_n with_o their_o whole_a worship_n and_o service_n to_o the_o small_a number_n not_o by_o way_n of_o limitation_n to_o but_o encouragement_n of_o so_o small_a a_o number_n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a the_o very_a same_o declaration_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o soever_o sin_n you_o remit_v or_o bind_v by_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v stand_v good_a in_o heaven_n the_o very_a same_o be_v say_v here_o to_o the_o small_a society_n of_o christian_n as_o to_o their_o judgement_n and_o determination_n upon_o their_o own_o member_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o offence_n that_o fall_v out_o among_o themselves_o have_v the_o same_o doctrine_n to_o proceed_v he_o commit_v to_o they_o even_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o church_n be_v pillar_n and_o rock_n of_o truth_n even_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a minister_n and_o either_o or_o all_o be_v no_o more_o but_o praecones_fw-la each_o in_o their_o kind_n or_o publisher_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n declare_v in_o his_o word_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n pitch_v upon_o so_o small_a a_o number_n of_o christian_n agree_v be_v certain_o this_o because_o he_o will_v appoint_v no_o other_o form_n to_o his_o church_n than_o such_o as_o can_v live_v as_o can_v subsist_v under_o any_o civil_a government_n whatever_o whether_o friendly_a or_o unfriendly_a to_o it_o he_o give_v it_o no_o other_o shape_n but_o what_o it_o may_v attain_v and_o keep_v under_o any_o state_n of_o civil_a law_n under_o any_o enmity_n it_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v most_o necessary_a because_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o one_o nation_n as_o the_o jewish_a be_v who_o god_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n single_v out_o and_o manage_v to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n by_o a_o mighty_a power_n and_o outstretch_v arm_n and_o conserve_v by_o the_o same_o rule_v it_o with_o a_o immediate_a sensible_a presence_n after_o he_o have_v form_v it_o by_o precise_a law_n and_o settle_v the_o just_a bound_n of_o all_o officer_n in_o their_o office_n and_o appoint_v they_o the_o place_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o whereas_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v indifferent_a to_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n it_o do_v as_o it_o make_v its_o progress_n convert_v certain_a number_n to_o itself_o at_o first_o which_o have_v no_o privilege_n of_o humane_a law_n or_o power_n but_o the_o edge_n of_o all_o turn_v against_o it_o so_o that_o the_o form_n of_o church_n be_v compose_v to_o all_o the_o vicissitude_n of_o providence_n they_o be_v to_o undergo_v and_o that_o in_o all_o reason_n must_v be_v in_o case_n of_o necessity_n the_o very_a lest_o of_o society_n of_o christian_n two_o or_o two_o or_o three_o as_o our_o saviour_n significant_o point_v upon_o small_a society_n for_o such_o be_v most_o fit_v to_o the_o worst_a of_o condition_n that_o can_v befall_v lesser_a and_o single_a body_n move_v every_o way_n
be_v wise_a he_o shall_v understand_v these_o thing_n prudent_a and_o he_o shall_v know_v they_o for_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a in_o themselves_o and_o lie_v in_o straight_a line_n one_o to_o another_o the_o just_a shall_v walk_v in_o they_o though_o transgressor_n fall_n therein_o in_o fine_a magistrate_n especial_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v as_o much_o oblige_v against_o push_v on_o scandal_n as_o private_a christian_n and_o more_o as_o they_o be_v the_o custodes_fw-la the_o public_a guardian_n of_o conscience_n but_o if_o they_o fail_v in_o their_o duty_n obedience_n to_o they_o can_v disannul_v the_o charge_n against_o scandal_n lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n in_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o nor_o can_v their_o law_n prescribe_v against_o moderation_n obj._n 6._o but_o when_o time_n be_v allow_v to_o the_o doubtful_a to_o satisfy_v themselves_o if_o they_o come_v not_o off_o from_o their_o scruple_n it_o argue_v humour_n and_o faction_n be_v high_a in_o the_o case_n or_o a_o superstition_n on_o the_o other_o side_n answ_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v a_o very_a happy_a a_o very_a rare_a thing_n when_o christian_n surmount_v their_o doubt_n happy_a be_v he_o that_o condemn_v not_o himself_o wherein_o he_o allow_v himself_o it_o be_v a_o very_a privilege_a case_n to_o be_v well_o and_o wise_o satisfy_v after_o doubt_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v not_o be_v hasty_o censure_v if_o those_o that_o have_v be_v unsatisfied_a can_v present_o answer_v our_o lure_n to_o the_o other_o side_n and_o the_o time_n be_v much_o large_a that_o be_v necessary_a in_o some_o case_n than_o in_o other_o the_o ceremony_n of_o moses_n it_o be_v reasonable_a shall_v go_v off_o more_o quick_a as_o shadow_n of_o the_o night_n by_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o can_v never_o return_v any_o more_o but_o the_o reason_n against_o eat_v at_o a_o idol_n feast_n be_v near_a moral_a be_v much_o more_o durable_a and_o may_v last_v even_o while_o the_o world_n stand_v where_o or_o whenever_o idolatry_n have_v place_n in_o the_o first_o reformation_n from_o popery_n there_o be_v reason_n to_o expect_v the_o superstitious_a rite_n and_o custom_n that_o have_v gain_v upon_o man_n mind_n with_o the_o reputation_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v daily_o wear_v off_o but_o the_o reason_n of_o doubt_n in_o indifferent_n affix_v to_o divine_a worship_n take_v from_o that_o perpetual_a obligation_n of_o preserve_v it_o pure_a settle_v upon_o the_o base_a of_o true_a sound_a reason_n and_o much_o more_o favour_v by_o scripture_n well_o arm_v with_o experience_n of_o event_n must_v always_o continue_v in_o force_n and_o so_o no_o time_n may_v be_v large_a enough_o for_o get_v off_o from_o those_o scruple_n that_o spring_v from_o they_o but_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v indeed_o take_v away_o but_o if_o any_o thing_n of_o turbulence_n faction_n or_o unruliness_n be_v suppose_v to_o lie_v deep_a than_o the_o scruple_n it_o be_v best_a to_o unmask_v it_o by_o take_v away_o so_o just_a a_o cause_n to_o manage_v itself_o upon_o and_o by_o so_o great_a a_o kindness_n to_o conscience_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v tender_v to_o heap_v coal_n of_o fire_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o such_o person_n either_o to_o reform_v they_o or_o condemn_v they_o beyond_o apology_n or_o if_o superstition_n and_o place_v religion_n on_o the_o other_o side_n in_o have_v a_o zeal_n against_o ceremony_n be_v suspect_v even_o that_o do_v but_o increase_v the_o scandal_n arise_v from_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o make_v they_o more_o necessary_a to_o be_v remove_v as_o stumbling-block_n out_o of_o man_n way_n you_o cure_v the_o superstition_n on_o the_o other_o side_n too_o by_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n object_n 7._o order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n or_o national_a religion_n can_v be_v preserve_v without_o such_o guard_n upon_o both_o piety_n order_n and_o unity_n for_o beside_o that_o public_a authority_n have_v think_v they_o fit_a there_o be_v many_o private_a christian_n zealous_a of_o they_o and_o that_o will_v be_v scandalize_v if_o they_o be_v take_v away_o as_o if_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v break_v let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o of_o they_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v have_v as_o own_v the_o public_a authority_n most_o answ_n i_o have_v already_o assert_v in_o answer_n to_o some_o part_n of_o this_o objection_n 1._o that_o religion_n and_o piety_n be_v its_o own_o best_a guard_n and_o devotion_n to_o god_n preserve_v most_o awful_a as_o well_o as_o most_o pure_a in_o its_o own_o spirituality_n and_o truth_n 2._o that_o all_o natural_a and_o necessary_a order_n and_o decency_n be_v always_o to_o be_v secure_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v as_o be_v above_o the_o scale_n of_o mere_a indifferent_n 3._o that_o unity_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o inviolate_a love_n of_o christian_n to_o one_o another_o centre_v in_o those_o principal_a thing_n love_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o not_o in_o one_o face_n of_o uniformity_n which_o be_v if_o place_v upon_o ceremonial_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n as_o variable_a as_o the_o phase_n of_o the_o moon_n 4._o i_o add_v the_o more_o public_a society_n in_o religion_n be_v intend_v and_o desire_v to_o be_v the_o more_o comprehensive_a the_o form_n of_o union_n must_v be_v the_o prudence_n and_o holy_a caution_n of_o that_o first_o council_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v always_o to_o be_v follow_v when_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o near_a union_n and_o as_o great_a a_o uniformity_n as_o be_v any_o way_n necessary_a either_o in_o the_o several_a church_n or_o the_o whole_a church_n when_o doubt_n and_o dispute_n have_v arisen_a concern_v the_o term_n of_o their_o union_n be_v that_o prime_a canon_n make_v happy_a have_v it_o be_v if_o that_o pattern_n have_v be_v ever_o since_o keep_v to_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o other_o burden_n than_o these_o necessary_a thing_n one_o necessary_a by_o a_o perpetual_a morality_n one_o other_o in_o the_o fear_n and_o danger_n of_o idolatry_n or_o scandal_n the_o other_o two_o necessary_a at_o that_o time_n but_o by_o alteration_n of_o time_n they_o drop_v off_o as_o to_o any_o religious_a import_n except_o as_o general_a nature_n may_v check_v at_o they_o 5._o the_o band_v of_o society_n in_o unnecessary_a rite_n be_v rather_o of_o ecclesiastic_a interest_n and_o domination_n than_o of_o the_o concern_v of_o christian_a religion_n 6._o if_o there_o be_v such_o variety_n that_o some_o can_v serve_v god_n without_o adorn_v their_o worship_n with_o these_o arbitrary_a rite_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n they_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v to_o their_o own_o master_n if_o they_o have_v such_o a_o faith_n see_v the_o danger_n of_o scandalize_a lie_n most_o on_o the_o side_n of_o ceremony_n they_o be_v those_o that_o shall_v have_v it_o to_o themselves_o before_o god_n not_o they_o that_o doubt_n or_o because_o it_o be_v the_o public_o establish_v order_n they_o shall_v carry_v the_o happiness_n the_o privilege_n of_o their_o full_a persuasion_n humble_o and_o compassionate_o be_v not_o high_o mind_v but_o fear_v lest_o in_o some_o part_n of_o that_o wherein_o they_o seem_v so_o clear_a cause_n of_o condemn_v themselves_o lie_v hide_v at_o present_a and_o afterward_o start_v out_o but_o all_o this_o can_v be_v a_o standard_n for_o other_o they_o that_o be_v doubtful_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v screw_v up_o by_o engine_n and_o pulley_n to_o this_o happiness_n see_v then_o there_o be_v some_o that_o dare_v not_o serve_v god_n in_o this_o way_n we_o must_v seek_v out_o other_o term_n of_o union_n and_o they_o be_v very_o near_o we_o the_o vital_a union_n of_o christianity_n our_o national_a reform_v religion_n which_o may_v subsist_v well_o enough_o if_o we_o will_v let_v it_o in_o these_o lesser_a distinction_n it_o do_v not_o make_v diverse_a church_n in_o primitive_a rome_n that_o some_o christian_n distinguish_v meat_n and_o day_n and_o other_o do_v not_o yet_o the_o assert_v the_o right_n of_o the_o gospel-freedom_n from_o judaic_a bondage_n be_v of_o more_o concernment_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n at_o that_o time_n than_o all_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o despotic_a ceremony_n can_v be_v worth_a to_o it_o now_o let_v we_o therefore_o as_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o head_n of_o scandal_n always_o remember_v upon_o the_o point_n of_o indifferency_n that_o all_o that_o it_o be_v have_v be_v name_v already_o and_o it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v indifferency_n and_o it_o may_v not_o contend_v with_o scandal_n that_o be_v mighty_a than_o it_o for_o scandal_n be_v scandal_n real_a mischief_n and_o lay_v about_o it_o from_o
succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n without_o caution_v for_o any_o thing_n of_o their_o true_a spirit_n and_o which_o so_o hang_v salvation_n at_o the_o girdle_n of_o those_o that_o will_v be_v their_o successor_n as_o turn_v christianity_n into_o a_o most_o arbitrary_a and_o tirannick_a party_n but_o they_o that_o know_v the_o scripture_n know_v assure_o christ_n have_v found_v no_o rule_n government_n or_o authority_n in_o his_o church_n whatever_o but_o who_o whole_a display_v of_o itself_o be_v in_o teach_v instruct_v according_a to_o his_o word_n if_o that_o be_v not_o clear_a and_o evident_a the_o whole_a authority_n and_o power_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n this_o word_n appear_v in_o and_o with_o itself_o though_o by_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n over_o conscience_n they_o that_o will_v rule_v without_o this_o as_o ruler_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n be_v but_o lay-elders_a lay-bishop_n or_o indeed_o they_o leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v table_n but_o in_o this_o universal_a rage_n of_o scandal_n god_n have_v not_o so_o forsake_v the_o world_n but_o that_o his_o spirit_n lift_v up_o a_o standard_n against_o it_o evil_n be_v not_o infinite_a but_o be_v at_o all_o time_n stop_v by_o evidence_n of_o god_n and_o true_a goodness_n environ_v it_o on_o every_o side_n and_o bound_v it_o that_o it_o can_v do_v what_o it_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o do_v and_o be_v therefore_o force_v to_o leave_v it_o undo_v for_o it_o can_v go_v no_o far_o than_o the_o being_n that_o carry_v it_o can_v go_v and_o god_n be_v always_o above_o they_o and_o hem_v they_o in_o on_o every_o side_n scandal_n have_v only_o a_o permission_n from_o god_n a_o dispensation_n to_o manifest_v itself_o it_o be_v always_o subject_a to_o truth_n as_o night_n be_v to_o day_n it_o be_v subject_a to_o be_v reduce_v and_o contract_v as_o god_n please_v and_o thus_o have_v i_o finish_v the_o three_o head_n of_o discourse_n concern_v scandal_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o scandal_n come_v i_o come_v to_o a_o brief_a dispatch_n of_o the_o four_o head_n the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o world_n woe_n because_o of_o scandal_n 1._o let_v the_o scandal_n be_v never_o so_o fair_a and_o plausible_a in_o its_o pretence_n or_o reason_n of_o seduction_n from_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o force_n of_o truth_n and_o high_a reason_n against_o it_o that_o our_o gild_n and_o condemnation_n be_v unavoidable_a in_o not_o resist_v the_o temptation_n nothing_o can_v justify_v a_o plea_n against_o the_o divine_a law_n not_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n we_o must_v pronounce_v anathema_n upon_o he_o if_o he_o undertake_v it_o there_o be_v such_o foundation_n of_o truth_n lay_v by_o god_n that_o can_v be_v move_v and_o they_o have_v such_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n to_o all_o sincere_a mind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o excuse_n against_o the_o gild_n of_o be_v take_v with_o scandal_n 2._o there_o be_v therefore_o always_o some_o most_o guilty_a cause_n of_o scandal_n and_o its_o prevalency_n within_o every_o man_n that_o be_v take_v by_o it_o some_o lust_n and_o love_n of_o evil_n that_o betray_v he_o and_o on_o which_o he_o be_v condemn_v when_o scandal_n rage_v most_o abroad_o and_o come_v with_o lie_v sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n it_o be_v because_o man_n have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o 3._o scandal_n be_v itself_o misery_n and_o ruin_n a_o man_n can_v fall_v and_o be_v snare_v he_o can_v be_v wound_v and_o break_v but_o he_o must_v be_v miserable_a life_n health_n salvation_n be_v only_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o conformity_n to_o his_o holy_a will._n who_o have_v woe_n who_o have_v wound_n who_o have_v grief_n but_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v scandal_n against_o the_o divine_a truth_n this_o be_v a_o deep_a ditch_n he_o only_o that_o be_v hate_v of_o god_n fall_v into_o it_o as_o not_o to_o recover_v it_o be_v vain_a to_o pretend_v the_o force_n the_o power_n the_o unavoidableness_n of_o scandal_n when_o itself_o be_v death_n and_o ruin_n how_o many_o be_v please_v with_o their_o scandal_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n part_n with_o they_o many_o excuse_v themselves_o they_o can_v not_o withstand_v their_o deceit_n and_o violence_n and_o will_v not_o apprehend_v their_o case_n the_o first_o close_o embrace_v death_n or_o as_o solomon_n say_v love_v death_n the_o latter_a can_v have_v no_o other_o pity_n at_o the_o high_a but_o that_o they_o be_v undo_v their_o scandal_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o pine_v away_o in_o they_o as_o they_o speak_v in_o ezekiel_n and_o how_o then_o shall_v 10._o ezek._n 33._o 10._o they_o live_v god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o their_o death_n yet_o still_o they_o die_v except_o restore_v by_o repentance_n 4._o be_v it_o not_o for_o scandal_n be_v it_o not_o some_o unhappy_a and_o mischievous_a misrepresentation_n of_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n be_v there_o not_o something_o that_o impose_v upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o seduce_v the_o will_n with_o a_o false_a appearance_n of_o truth_n and_o good_a rational_a being_n can_v not_o resist_v truth_n nor_o fall_v out_o with_o infinite_a goodness_n or_o on_o the_o other_o side_n entertain_v falsehood_n or_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o evil_a and_o so_o will_v be_v every_o way_n secure_a from_o destruction_n sure_o be_v it_o not_o for_o scandal_n some_o most_o mischievous_a possession_n upon_o our_o mind_n while_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n of_o mercy_n we_o can_v not_o refuse_v and_o reject_v it_o nor_o cleave_v so_o fast_o to_o sin_n and_o death_n which_o can_v have_v no_o desirableness_n but_o to_o the_o deceive_a soul_n as_o holiness_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n can_v be_v disgustful_a to_o any_o but_o the_o scandalize_v be_v it_o not_o for_o some_o indissolvable_a scandal_n even_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n may_v be_v repent_v of_o and_o forgive_v some_o irreconcilable_a prejudice_n retain_v both_o the_o sin_n and_o so_o the_o punishment_n and_o in_o hell_n there_o be_v that_o eternal_a scandal_n for_o ever_o hold_v fast_o the_o damn_a that_o a_o creature_n deprive_v of_o god_n just_o hate_v and_o rebel_n against_o he_o or_o it_o be_v best_o for_o it_o in_o that_o circumstance_n so_o to_o do_v be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v loose_v from_o this_o snare_n of_o death_n this_o everlasting_a chain_n of_o darkness_n there_o may_v be_v a_o escape_n out_o of_o hell_n itself_o be_v there_o not_o a_o eternal_a discontent_n and_o disgust_n to_o god_n hell_n can_v not_o be_v hell_n nor_o devil_n devil_n any_o long_o so_o miserable_a a_o thing_n be_v scandal_n the_o five_o head_n in_o this_o discourse_n be_v the_o accumulative_a woe_n to_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v the_o woe_n by_o way_n of_o transcendency_n 1._o the_o designer_n of_o scandal_n must_v be_v as_o so_o many_o satan_n in_o the_o world_n of_o the_o just_a contrary_a spirit_n and_o action_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o separate_v from_o that_o bless_a presence_n into_o that_o fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n the_o god_n and_o the_o angel_n of_o scandal_n some_o have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v brand_o infamous_a herein_o but_o none_o like_o he_o who_o come_v be_v after_o satan_n with_o lie_v sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o vnrighteousness_n all_o those_o atheistical_a defamation_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o the_o scurrility_n of_o profane_a wit_n be_v deep_o dye_v in_o this_o gild_n they_o be_v like_o the_o throw_n of_o firebrand_n arrow_n and_o death_n so_o be_v the_o scandalize_a of_o man_n in_o such_o sport_n of_o wit_n to_o their_o ruin_n they_o that_o offer_v themselves_o as_o copy_n and_o pattern_n of_o wickedness_n in_o defiance_n of_o heaven_n dwell_v near_o to_o this_o insupportable_a woe_n they_o who_o law_n arm_v with_o cruel_a penalty_n be_v so_o many_o destructive_a trap_n and_o engine_n of_o mischief_n against_o all_o that_o be_v professor_n of_o true_a and_o sincere_a religion_n shall_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o god_n kingdom_n their_o scandal_n and_o themselves_o that_o work_n iniquity_n by_o they_o they_o that_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v indifferent_a use_v a_o violent_a example_n that_o must_v be_v answer_v with_o conformity_n though_o man_n do_v with_o great_a seriousness_n and_o solemnity_n protest_v their_o doubt_n in_o the_o case_n and_o though_o scandal_n be_v plant_v every_o where_n in_o their_o indifferency_n have_v need_n as_o our_o saviour_n bid_v they_o take_v heed_n they_o offend_v not_o they_o despise_v not_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v but_o the_o little_a one_o in_o
fanciful_a distinction_n of_o themselves_o under_o christ_n as_o a_o ordinary_a chief_a of_o a_o party_n and_o not_o as_o the_o divine_a head_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n in_o the_o catholic_n truth_n even_o as_o he_o err_v that_o vulgar_o call_v christ_n good_a not_o know_v he_o to_o be_v god_n the_o supreme_o solely_n good_n quest_n be_v they_o all_o true_a convert_v that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n answ_n all_o that_o be_v indeed_o the_o church_n be_v so_o but_o all_o that_o may_v appertain_v to_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o as_o all_o that_o be_v of_o israel_n be_v not_o israel_n there_o be_v a_o visible_a profession_n that_o be_v too_o often_o not_o sincere_a yet_o this_o make_v man_n of_o or_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n but_o not_o true_o the_o church_n many_o be_v so_o call_v that_o be_v not_o choose_v but_o all_o that_o be_v true_o the_o church_n be_v also_o true_o call_v and_o true_o convert_v not_o only_o outward_o and_o visible_o the_o church_n but_o inward_o and_o invisible_o so_o too_o who_o praise_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o that_o be_v only_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v not_o throw_v out_o of_o that_o register_n of_o god_n people_n till_o the_o final_a judgement_n cut_v they_o off_o a_o very_a great_a benefit_n in_o itself_o quest_n be_v not_o the_o church_n then_o so_o catholic_n or_o general_n as_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v answ_n the_o catholickness_n of_o the_o church_n as_o have_v be_v often_o inculcate_v be_v its_o union_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o sincerity_n as_o to_o the_o general_a profession_n though_o the_o number_n of_o it_o be_v as_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n a_o remnant_n only_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o god_n will_v finish_v the_o account_n and_o cut_v it_o short_a in_o righteousness_n for_o a_o short_a work_n will_v the_o lord_n make_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o often_o eat_v or_o brouse_v it_o off_o a_o retrench_a of_o it_o again_o and_o again_o it_o shall_v cast_v the_o leave_v of_o its_o mere_a professor_n as_o the_o teyle-tree_n or_o oak_n when_o yet_o their_o substance_n be_v in_o they_o the_o holy_a seed_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o isa_n 6._o ult_n not_o lose_v they_o it_o lose_v nothing_o quest_n in_o what_o sense_n be_v it_o then_o say_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n answ_n it_o be_v undoubted_a none_o can_v fail_v while_o they_o be_v the_o church_n while_o unite_v to_o truth_n to_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n to_o christ_n the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n it_o be_v also_o certain_a from_o this_o high_a declaration_n there_o always_o shall_v be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n so_o unite_v hades_n or_o mortality_n shall_v not_o prevail_v over_o it_o and_o how_o much_o far_o it_o assure_v the_o perseverance_n of_o those_o that_o be_v once_o true_o the_o church_n i_o 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each_o of_o these_o title_n in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v determine_v whether_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o catholic_n or_o of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n answ_n although_o i_o have_v already_o affirm_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n differ_v from_o a_o particular_a true_a church_n only_o in_o the_o compass_n and_o comprehensiveness_n of_o it_o yet_o i_o very_o willing_o represent_v it_o over_o again_o in_o this_o instance_n these_o thing_n be_v true_o apply_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o every_o particular_a church_n nay_o it_o reach_v down_o to_o every_o single_a live_a member_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o that_o god_n make_v his_o abode_n with_o he_o dwell_v in_o he_o he_o be_v a_o pillar_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o truth_n rest_v and_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o shall_v be_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o so_o that_o he_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o have_v more_o of_o the_o church_n in_o he_o than_o great_a seem_a portion_n of_o it_o that_o err_v from_o the_o truth_n quest_n if_o you_o please_v now_o to_o proceed_v in_o the_o explanation_n of_o these_o title_n and_o first_o what_o be_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n for_o the_o actuate_a the_o scripture_n answ_n god_n the_o most_o high_a possessor_n and_o owner_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n place_n his_o court_n family_n and_o particular_a residence_n where_o he_o please_v and_o he_o have_v choose_v the_o church_n to_o be_v this_o to_o he_o this_o be_v my_o rest_n here_o will_v i_o dwell_v for_o ever_o for_o i_o have_v desire_v it_o heaven_n be_v my_o throne_n earth_n be_v my_o footstool_n where_o be_v the_o house_n you_o will_v build_v i_o to_o this_o man_n will_v i_o look_v that_o tremble_v at_o my_o word_n and_o where_o god_n dwell_v there_o he_o manifest_v himself_o as_o a_o master_n of_o a_o family_n make_v know_v in_o his_o house_n and_o family_n his_o nature_n will_n law_n and_o government_n so_o god_n do_v in_o his_o church_n in_o judah_n be_v god_n know_v his_o name_n be_v great_a in_o israel_n in_o his_o church_n he_o show_v the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n expect_v and_o reward_n service_n as_o a_o great_a master_n and_o make_v know_v his_o dislike_n and_o displeasure_n this_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o church_n by_o those_o many_o way_n that_o god_n have_v of_o bring_v his_o word_n to_o any_o place_n or_o person_n give_v it_o reception_n among_o they_o and_o then_o stir_v up_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o hear_v his_o voice_n to_o search_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o to_o understand_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v as_o a_o voice_n continual_o behind_o they_o in_o his_o temple_n therefore_o in_o his_o house_n every_o one_o must_v needs_o speak_v of_o his_o glory_n his_o word_n can_v lie_v still_o for_o all_o be_v concern_v to_o meditate_v ponder_v inquire_v and_o discourse_n of_o it_o and_o be_v by_o supreme_a management_n excite_v so_o to_o do_v and_o so_o much_o as_o this_o exercise_n in_o his_o word_n be_v by_o any_o mean_v depress_v so_o far_o god_n be_v withdraw_v and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o church-state_n lose_v now_o of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n there_o be_v this_o great_a type_n god_n dwell_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o in_o a_o palace_n there_o be_v such_o a_o diet_n of_o shewbread_n change_v every_o day_n of_o sacrifice_n of_o all_o sort_n such_o perfume_n of_o incense_n and_o odour_n such_o officer_n and_o servant_n attend_v continual_o such_o resort_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n to_o the_o court_n of_o this_o great_a king_n and_o princely_a housholder_n together_o with_o this_o state_n run_v along_o in_o a_o mighty_a stream_n god_n show_v his_o word_n to_o jacob_n his_o statute_n and_o judgement_n to_o israel_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o pomp_n and_o ceremonial_a part_n be_v whole_o transfer_v into_o spirituality_n but_o spirituality_n be_v not_o low_o but_o high_a in_o the_o substance_n of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v figure_v by_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o that_o state_n the_o communication_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v much_o exalt_v in_o the_o true_a christian_a church_n that_o the_o light_n of_o one_o day_n be_v now_o as_o much_o as_o the_o light_n of_o seven_o be_v before_o thus_o the_o church_n as_o the_o family_n of_o god_n can_v but_o actuate_v his_o word_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n do_v the_o church_n support_v truth_n answ_n not_o so_o for_o itself_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o
for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n we_o may_v be_v oblige_v to_o forsake_v not_o only_o our_o country_n but_o our_o father_n house_n and_o to_o unite_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n found_v in_o that_o true_a religion_n yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o must_v own_v all_o that_o be_v divine_a rational_a true_a weresoever_o we_o find_v it_o much_o more_o in_o our_o native_a country_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a propagate_v true_a religion_n upon_o it_o for_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v judge_v in_o this_o world_n with_o our_o nation_n but_o shall_v rise_v with_o it_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n in_o the_o same_o station_n or_o lott_n wherein_o we_o be_v place_v in_o this_o world_n according_a to_o our_o do_v good_a in_o it_o we_o shall_v receive_v our_o reward_n with_o those_o of_o it_o that_o be_v save_v who_o shall_v then_o survive_v in_o glory_n and_o become_v as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o whole_a nation_n the_o perish_a part_n be_v lose_v as_o we_o therefore_o desire_v the_o prosperity_n of_o it_o in_o this_o world_n so_o ought_v we_o to_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_v the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o as_o many_o of_o it_o as_o we_o can_v by_o join_v with_o they_o and_o engage_v they_o in_o true_a religion_n quest_n i_o desire_v your_o second_o proposition_n answ_n it_o be_v this_o that_o in_o a_o political_a sense_n national_a religion_n be_v when_o magistrate_n and_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n join_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o establish_v it_o by_o law_n and_o devote_v to_o it_o the_o most_o public_a advantage_n that_o the_o largeness_n and_o grandeur_n of_o such_o a_o nation_n have_v in_o their_o power_n fix_v character_n of_o civil_a honour_n and_o ample_a condition_n upon_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o communicate_v to_o they_o magistratical_a power_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o external_n defence_n honour_n and_o provision_n for_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v national_a all_o which_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o best_a end_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n our_o saviour_n who_o be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o with_o reverence_n both_o in_o obedience_n to_o government_n and_o also_o as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o honour_n to_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o true_a religion_n the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n be_v not_o the_o standard_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o prosperous_a time_n of_o it_o quest_n i_o now_o desire_v the_o three_o proposition_n answ_n the_o government_n of_o a_o nation_n in_o religion_n appoint_v and_o prescribe_v liturgy_n confession_n of_o faith_n catechism_n and_o public_a form_n of_o instruction_n or_o homily_n they_o may_v be_v so_o far_o useful_a as_o when_o they_o be_v compose_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o secure_v true_a religion_n and_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o it_o by_o so_o much_o public_o ratify_v and_o require_v of_o all_o who_o it_o entrust_v as_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n under_o its_o approbation_n and_o maintenance_n to_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n so_o comprise_v and_o public_o to_o declare_v it_o by_o use_v they_o as_o be_v appoint_v but_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v to_o put_v limit_n upon_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n first_o entrust_v by_o christ_n who_o be_v both_o in_o prayer_n preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o all_o mean_n of_o instruction_n to_o search_v into_o all_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n instruction_n reproof_n and_o to_o pray_v with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n according_a to_o the_o particular_a occasion_n and_o in_o that_o abundance_n and_o liberality_n of_o the_o divine_a oracle_n that_o they_o themselves_o may_v speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o all_o their_o service_n may_v be_v matter_n of_o bounty_n from_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o not_o of_o constraint_n and_o necessity_n as_o impose_v for_o how_o shall_v they_o then_o as_o every_o good_a scribe_n instruct_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n bring_v out_o of_o their_o treasure_n thing_n new_a and_o old_a or_o like_o the_o good_a housholder_n that_o have_v make_v provision_n and_o lay_v up_o in_o store_n to_o that_o end_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n solomon_n example_n be_v great_a according_a to_o which_o the_o preacher_n ought_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o to_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n and_o give_v good_a heed_n and_o seek_v to_o find_v out_o acceptable_a word_n that_o may_v be_v as_o goad_n and_o nail_n not_o blunt_v with_o common_a use_n quest_n i_o now_o desire_v your_o four_o proposition_n answ_n the_o benefit_n of_o national_a religion_n establish_v by_o law_n be_v that_o every_o subject_a of_o that_o nation_n have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o true_a religion_n so_o establish_v and_o may_v claim_v his_o interest_n and_o property_n in_o it_o as_o in_o all_o thing_n else_o legal_o due_a to_o he_o and_o be_v not_o oblige_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o passive_a obedience_n to_o desert_n or_o relinquish_v his_o right_n in_o it_o any_o more_o than_o his_o righteous_a claim_n or_o title_n to_o any_o thing_n else_o he_o enjoy_v by_o law_n and_o yet_o trangress_v no_o rule_n of_o christianity_n but_o have_v the_o same_o obligation_n to_o defend_v that_o his_o right_n as_o any_o other_o right_o whatever_o so_o far_o as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n enable_v he_o nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o resistance_n to_o government_n in_o so_o do_v even_o as_o there_o can_v be_v none_o but_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o trust_n of_o subordinate_a magistrate_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o law_n in_o the_o point_n of_o true_a religion_n as_o in_o all_o other_o case_n and_o of_o the_o supreme_a legislative_a power_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o foresee_v danger_n and_o prevent_v they_o by_o additional_a law_n as_o necessity_n shall_v require_v and_o all_o this_o with_o the_o prerogative_n due_a to_o religion_n quest_n i_o desire_v your_o five_o proposition_n answ_n national_a religion_n see_v it_o be_v design_v to_o comprehend_v a_o multitude_n of_o person_n of_o most_o necessary_o and_o unavoidable_o various_a sentiment_n and_o apprehension_n must_v be_v so_o prepare_v as_o that_o with_o great_a ease_n and_o room_n to_o conscience_n and_o understanding_n of_o so_o many_o several_a figure_n and_o impression_n there_o may_v be_v a_o union_n in_o national_a religion_n with_o least_o scruple_n and_o therefore_o to_o give_v all_o the_o liberty_n that_o truth_n give_v not_o impose_v arbitrary_o because_o religion_n as_o have_v be_v say_v be_v god_n peculiar_a and_o in_o that_o the_o doubt_v conscience_n can_v obey_v far_o than_o it_o see_v the_o divine_a rule_n before_o it_o not_o in_o thing_n dark_a and_o disputable_a because_o clear_a thing_n be_v only_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n not_o forcible_o except_o when_o natural_a religion_n be_v violate_v because_o patient_a instruction_n counsel_n and_o ratiocination_n be_v the_o divine_a method_n in_o give_v and_o work_v faith_n quest_n i_o now_o expect_v the_o last_o proposition_n answ_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o the_o last_o and_o therein_o conclude_v this_o whole_a enquiry_n and_o instruction_n and_o it_o be_v this_o the_o true_a religion_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o nation_n or_o city_n do_v overtop_v all_o the_o false_a and_o private_a religion_n in_o it_o and_o become_v in_o the_o sacred_a register_n the_o national_a religion_n in_o the_o sacred_a map_n the_o christian_n of_o achaia_n be_v achaia_n itself_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v the_o city_n themselves_o and_o whatever_o lesser_a difference_n or_o division_n this_o or_o that_o name_n of_o distinction_n may_v seem_v to_o make_v in_o national_a religion_n yet_o the_o true_a substantial_a religion_n in_o all_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v one_o national_a religion_n and_o become_v one_o rod_n and_o sceptre_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o nation_n be_v as_o one_o national_a tribe_n and_o church_n for_o let_v man_n do_v what_o they_o can_v against_o it_o true_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v the_o only_a public_a religion_n and_o no_o separation_n of_o man_n from_o it_o however_o call_v public_a can_v make_v it_o private_a so_o in_o what_o place_n soever_o it_o be_v it_o shall_v have_v the_o most_o public_a character_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o all_o those_o that_o sincere_o profess_v it_o shall_v be_v one_o true_a public_a religion_n and_o those_o little_a difference_n shall_v not_o cleave_v it_o into_o more_o than_o one_o without_o the_o change_n of_o true_a religion_n itself_o there_o can_v be_v a_o schism_n of_o a_o deep_a sense_n in_o it_o if_o bitterness_n and_o animosity_n censoriousness_n and_o the_o persecute_v spirit_n be_v away_o god_n will_v gracious_o interpret_v scruple_n on_o one_o side_n to_o a_o jealousy_n for_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n the_o freedom_n of_o the_o other_o to_o a_o desire_n to_o propagate_v it_o under_o the_o favour_n of_o law_n and_o thereby_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v most_o good_n in_o heaven_n they_o now_o be_v all_o one_o and_o shall_v be_v one_o and_o the_o envy_n strife_n and_o contention_n which_o the_o good_a lord_n pardon_v shall_v be_v utter_o abolish_v this_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o true_a religion_n of_o public_a divine_a religion_n now_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n that_o bring_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a our_o lord_n jesus_n that_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n make_v his_o church_n and_o his_o church_n in_o this_o nation_n perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n to_o do_v his_o will_n work_v in_o it_o that_o which_o be_v well_o please_v in_o his_o sight_n through_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la page_n 36._o l._n 20._o for_o scale_n read_v seal_v p._n 70._o l._n 9_o r._n record_n
find_v the_o truth_n by_o itself_o and_o then_o the_o church_n by_o that_o truth_n and_o not_o the_o church_n by_o itself_o and_o then_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o church_n answ_n very_o true_a for_o god_n have_v so_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n establish_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n truth_n can_v give_v many_o assurance_n of_o itself_o to_o we_o by_o itself_o so_o suit_v to_o our_o faculty_n the_o church_n can_v give_v we_o none_o but_o by_o its_o agreement_n with_o truth_n reveal_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o can_v not_o have_v know_v such_o a_o congregation_n as_o the_o church_n at_o all_o to_o be_v much_o less_o which_o it_o be_v but_o by_o that_o word_n manifest_v itself_o in_o our_o conscience_n and_o so_o distinguish_v to_o we_o the_o true_a church_n among_o the_o many_o association_n in_o the_o world_n each_o call_n to_o we_o as_o have_v the_o best_a religion_n among_o themselves_o even_o the_o true_a apostle_n themselves_o can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o and_o 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fare_v with_o the_o true_a holy_a seed_n the_o substantial_a church_n answ_n god_n chasten_v they_o to_o repentance_n self-purification_n and_o great_a zeal_n in_o that_o case_n of_o the_o church_n lose_v its_o brightness_n and_o vigour_n that_o they_o may_v recover_v their_o first_o state_n and_o work_n and_o set_v they_o on_o work_n to_o retrieve_v truth_n lose_v in_o that_o other_o case_n of_o the_o church_n defection_n quest_n how_o be_v it_o with_o they_o when_o the_o very_a place_n and_o candlestick_n be_v take_v away_o answ_n they_o be_v either_o first_o remove_v into_o the_o high_a state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n or_o drive_v before_o into_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n by_o persecution_n or_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o judgement_n make_v no_o distinction_n but_o carry_v
they_o captive_a with_o the_o rest_n though_o in_o different_a basket_n as_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n represent_v quest_n how_o do_v they_o survive_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o displace_v and_o deject_a candlestick_n answ_n they_o be_v either_o call_v out_o to_o a_o zealous_a appearance_n and_o suffer_v for_o truth_n or_o sometime_o retire_v into_o corner_n like_o the_o seven_o thousand_o in_o israel_n or_o the_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o they_o can_v appear_v like_o a_o church_n offer_v those_o public_a notice_n of_o divine_a truth_n a_o church_n be_v design_v for_o quest_n how_o be_v a_o visible_a profession_n lose_v from_o particular_a person_n answ_n it_o be_v too_o often_o throw_v up_o by_o apostasy_n or_o profaneness_n or_o dwindle_v into_o a_o very_a spiritless_a form_n but_o very_o often_o a_o profession_n without_o the_o power_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o work_n of_o iniquity_n it_o may_v pass_v out_o of_o this_o world_n like_o a_o lamp_n burn_v but_o be_v find_v to_o burn_v only_o in_o a_o small_a temporary_a light_n without_o oil_n in_o the_o vessel_n a_o plenitude_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n shut_v out_o every_o lust_n it_o become_v a_o lamp_n put_v out_o in_o utter_a darkness_n quest_n what_o be_v to_o be_v infer_v from_o all_o this_o answ_n that_o there_o be_v no_o trust_n but_o in_o the_o lord_n himself_o the_o truth_n itself_o by_o which_o at_o all_o time_n the_o church_n that_o be_v indeed_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o wherein_o it_o be_v so_o will_v be_v know_v to_o we_o and_o in_o unite_n to_o truth_n we_o be_v unite_v to_o that_o quest_n there_o remain_v one_o thing_n yet_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v its_o power_n of_o govern_v even_o as_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n under_o what_o notion_n i_o beseech_v you_o be_v that_o government_n express_v in_o scripture_n answ_n that_o power_n be_v by_o our_o saviour_n 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one_o with_o another_o ordinary_o even_o as_o the_o whole_a cotholick_a church_n will_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a communicate_v with_o itself_o in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n exact_o according_a the_o to_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n wherein_o this_o be_v the_o distinguish_a character_n of_o the_o true_a church_n that_o its_o communion_n be_v not_o with_o itself_o primary_o but_o its_o communion_n be_v so_o with_o itself_o as_o to_o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n principal_o as_o the_o fountainhead_n centre_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o communion_n and_o therein_o it_o hold_v out_o and_o invite_v to_o its_o communion_n cap._n x._o of_o the_o officer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n quest_n can_v there_o be_v either_o a_o orderly_a or_o a_o effectual_a actuation_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o church_n as_o a_o congregation_n without_o distinct_a and_o separate_a office_n and_o officer_n that_o may_v attend_v continual_o on_o 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by_o read_v and_o meditation_n as_o to_o their_o proper_a call_v and_o business_n of_o life_n see_v they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a inablement_n or_o excitation_n to_o their_o service_n quest_n what_o title_n or_o character_n do_v the_o new_a testament_n place_n upon_o these_o officer_n answ_n those_o that_o we_o have_v especial_a respect_n to_o for_o in_o the_o deacon_n if_o strict_o take_v we_o be_v less_o concern_v receive_v denomination_n either_o from_o their_o work_n and_o service_n or_o from_o that_o honour_n and_o estimation_n due_a to_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o such_o a_o service_n from_o their_o work_n they_o be_v style_v apostle_n evangelist_n pastor_n teacher_n minister_n servant_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n also_o from_o the_o estimation_n and_o honour_n due_a to_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o work_n and_o the_o authority_n it_o ought_v to_o carry_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o christian_n they_o be_v style_v bishop_n elder_n ruler_n guide_n and_o ensample_n as_o also_o ambassador_n and_o the_o work_n and_o the_o honour_n do_v so_o enclose_v one_o another_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v separate_v and_o be_v in_o their_o institution_n the_o measure_n one_o of_o another_o extend_v both_o to_o obedience_n and_o support_v of_o they_o in_o their_o work_n and_o the_o title_n be_v so_o prepare_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v change_v for_o any_o other_o nor_o the_o scripture_n language_n herein_o to_o be_v alter_v for_o any_o word_n not_o import_v the_o same_o proper_a sense_n quest_n how_o shall_v the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v that_o there_o may_v be_v that_o obedience_n and_o submission_n pay_v to_o they_o that_o be_v command_v answ_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o