the_o righteous_a but_o also_o punish_v the_o wilful_a sinner_n and_o pour_v out_o wrath_n and_o tribulation_n upon_o the_o unrighteous_a give_v they_o that_o recompense_n which_o be_v meet_v and_o therefore_o we_o see_v not_o only_a sceptre_n and_o purse_n and_o crown_n as_o emblem_n of_o the_o judge_n honour_n but_o also_o rod_n and_o sword_n and_o axe_n to_o signify_v the_o design_n of_o their_o office_n to_o be_v as_o well_o a_o terror_n and_o avenger_n of_o they_o that_o do_v ill_a as_o a_o countenancer_n and_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o do_v well_o the_o sword_n be_v not_o to_o be_v bear_v in_o vain_a but_o to_o manifest_v the_o ruler_n intention_n to_o righteousness_n he_o ought_v to_o discover_v it_o by_o his_o threaten_a and_o the_o determination_n of_o punishment_n against_o wilful_a offender_n four_o the_o religious_a ruler_n be_v to_o show_v himself_o like_o god_n in_o exactiness_n of_o justice_n and_o to_o evidence_n himself_o not_o respecter_n of_o person_n and_o to_o 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all_o and_o needs_o no_o further_a proof_n or_o illustration_n but_o if_o we_o will_v consult_v sacred_a writ_n which_o may_v content_v we_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o god_n himself_o can_v rare_o be_v find_v to_o have_v take_v care_n of_o the_o conduct_n of_o any_o person_n or_o people_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o acceptable_a religion_n but_o he_o fence_v up_o their_o way_n with_o thorn_n to_o limit_v their_o aberration_n and_o restrain_v they_o from_o sin_n with_o a_o commination_n of_o penalty_n thus_o that_o our_o first_o parent_n may_v fear_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n he_o threaten_v they_o with_o death_n as_o a_o certain_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o their_o disobedience_n thus_o to_o cain_n if_o thou_o do_v not_o well_o sin_n lie_v at_o the_o door_n thus_o to_o move_v abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n to_o keep_v his_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n god_n threaten_v gen._n 17.14_o that_o the_o uncircumcised_a manchild_n who_o flesh_n of_o his_o foreskin_n be_v uncircumcised_a that_o soul_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o his_o people_n for_o he_o have_v break_v my_o covenant_n thus_o in_o that_o theocracy_n over_o israel_n every_o where_o we_o read_v curse_n denounce_v upon_o disobedience_n and_o by_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n he_o threaten_v to_o visit_v their_o sin_n with_o rod_n and_o their_o offence_n with_o scourge_v so_o levit._n 26.14_o etc._n etc._n if_o you_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o i_o and_o will_v not_o do_v all_o these_o commandment_n if_o you_o shall_v despise_v my_o statute_n i_o will_v set_v my_o face_n against_o you_o for_o evil_n etc._n etc._n say_v the_o lord_n and_o if_o you_o will_v walk_v contrary_a unto_o i_o and_o not_o hearken_v i_o will_v bring_v seven_o time_n more_o plague_n upon_o you_o according_a to_o your_o sin_n and_o certain_o it_o can_v be_v bad_a or_o unreasonable_a for_o ruler_n to_o use_v the_o same_o method_n in_o govern_v their_o subject_n that_o god_n use_v in_o rule_v his_o own_o people_n israel_n if_o we_o consult_v the_o method_n christ_n use_v to_o govern_v his_o church_n in_o this_o last_o dispensation_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o a_o coercive_a power_n by_o commination_n of_o judgement_n to_o restrain_v from_o evil_a and_o quicken_v to_o good_a can_v be_v unlawful_a for_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n when_o it_o be_v practise_v by_o christ_n himself_o john_n the_o baptist_n that_o messenger_n send_v by_o christ_n before_o his_o face_n to_o prepare_v his_o way_n press_v upon_o his_o auditor_n the_o gospel_n duty_n of_o repentance_n and_o this_o he_o enforce_v from_o this_o reason_n because_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o mercy_n and_o privilege_n only_o that_o be_v promise_v that_o may_v attract_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o gospel_n duty_n but_o of_o judgement_n and_o punishment_n threaten_v to_o be_v execute_v which_o may_v enforce_v they_o to_o receive_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o there_o matt._n 3._o this_o holy_a preacher_n tell_v they_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n fire_n and_o wrath_n be_v come_v upon_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n which_o can_v not_o be_v escape_v but_o by_o repentance_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o christ_n himself_o preach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o urge_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o from_o the_o same_o motive_n for_o except_o they_o repent_v they_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v and_o when_o christ_n have_v cure_v the_o impotent_a man_n to_o make_v he_o every_o whit_n whole_a and_o to_o restrain_v he_o from_o sin_n he_o affright_v he_o with_o a_o commination_n of_o a_o worse_a thing_n come_v unto_o he_o and_o to_o quicken_v his_o disciple_n to_o work_v the_o work_n they_o be_v send_v about_o while_o it_o be_v day_n he_o mind_v they_o of_o a_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n shall_v work_v thus_o to_o awaken_v his_o countryman_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o know_v and_o consider_v the_o time_n of_o their_o visitation_n and_o to_o mind_v the_o thing_n that_o concern_v their_o peace_n he_o tell_v they_o of_o a_o time_n when_o peace_n shall_v be_v hide_v from_o their_o eye_n and_o their_o house_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o they_o desolate_a and_o thus_o do_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n who_o know_v the_o mind_n and_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n they_o threaten_v the_o impenitent_a with_o a_o day_n of_o wrath_n a_o day_n of_o vengeance_n a_o day_n of_o punish_v those_o with_o everlasting_a destruction_n that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n to_o deter_v and_o terrify_v those_o baptise_a person_n from_o separation_n and_o forsake_v holy_a assemble_v not_o to_o decline_v mutual_a exhortation_n and_o profession_n of_o faith_n he_o tell_v they_o of_o a_o day_n of_o judgement_n a_o day_n of_o vengeanee_n be_v sudden_o approach_v and_o this_o course_n be_v use_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n at_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o threaten_v of_o judgement_n and_o vengeance_n to_o drive_v their_o follower_n to_o repentance_n certain_o upon_o sober_a consideration_n it_o can_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o unwarrantable_a if_o pious_a governor_n affright_v from_o evil_a those_o subject_n that_o else_o will_v be_v disobedient_a with_o menace_v and_o determine_v punishment_n to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o they_o those_o frivolous_a objection_n we_o meet_v with_o against_o this_o truth_n be_v not_o worth_a the_o mention_v and_o if_o thorough_o perpend_v we_o may_v conclude_v they_o the_o issue_n of_o heat_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n bend_v to_o opposition_n and_o not_o the_o word_n of_o sober_a reason_n and_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v lead_v with_o let_v any_o sober_a man_n judge_n who_o
be_v public_a so_o must_v it_o be_v 2._o universal_a the_o father_n natural_o care_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o every_o child_n god_n providence_n be_v over_o all_o his_o creature_n for_o their_o good_a and_o it_o be_v the_o care_n of_o his_o deputy_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o all_o their_o subject_n now_o if_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v make_v man_n happy_a as_o it_o be_v prove_v the_o governor_n can_v compass_v his_o end_n which_o be_v to_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o his_o subject_n but_o by_o enjoin_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v universal_a chap._n iu._n our_o governor_n of_o our_o church_n of_o england_n have_v do_v well_o to_o enjoin_v every_o believe_a subject_n a_o open_a profession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o his_o respective_a congregation_n the_o particular_n incident_a to_o this_o head_n be_v four_n i._o we_o be_v to_o consider_v and_o agree_v what_o faith_n be_v ii_o that_o of_o that_o faith_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v profession_n iii_o that_o profession_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v by_o every_o believer_n iv_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o respective_a congregation_n sect_n i._o 1._o our_o governor_n be_v not_o only_o as_o god_n deputy_n under_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o enjoin_v their_o subject_n the_o care_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o deputy_n of_o christ_n under_o a_o more_o perfect_a law_n reveal_v by_o he_o in_o this_o last_o dispensation_n to_o enjoin_v their_o subject_n the_o right_a exercise_n of_o true_a religion_n prescribe_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o publish_v to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o man_n may_v come_v to_o that_o happiness_n for_o which_o he_o be_v create_v and_o design_v and_o this_o i_o understand_v to_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a notion_n of_o faith_n viz._n the_o true_a religion_n well_o order_v and_o right_o modify_v by_o gospel_n rule_n by_o the_o right_a exercise_n whereof_o we_o worship_v and_o serve_v god_n acceptable_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n for_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o which_o obedience_n baptism_n represent_v our_o profession_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o reasonableness_n not_o only_o of_o the_o duty_n in_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v but_o of_o our_o conformity_n to_o those_o prescription_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o that_o true_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n wherewith_o god_n be_v well_o please_v so_o that_o faith_n be_v the_o gospel_n grace_n that_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v holy_o righteous_o and_o sober_o in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o believe_v be_v a_o comprehensive_a duty_n and_o signify_v not_o only_o a_o tacit_n assent_v to_o evangelical_n rule_n as_o true_a and_o warrantable_a as_o a_o barren_a act_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o a_o firm_a election_n and_o persuasion_n of_o these_o rule_n as_o good_a and_o comfortable_a and_o imply_v a_o firm_a purpose_v and_o resolve_v of_o a_o total_a gospel_n obedience_n i_o hearty_o pity_v and_o bewail_v the_o difference_n and_o distance_n that_o be_v to_o be_v see_v among_o profess_a believer_n in_o this_o nation_n and_o upon_o serious_a consideration_n i_o full_o persuade_v myself_o there_o be_v nothing_o contribute_v more_o to_o the_o be_v and_o continuance_n of_o our_o division_n than_o a_o general_a rashness_n and_o injudiciousness_n when_o man_n run_v away_o with_o some_o sudden_a partial_a notion_n and_o slight_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n of_o great_a necessity_n and_o deserve_a esteem_n in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v not_o serious_o and_o discursive_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n and_o agree_v of_o the_o full_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o as_o they_o import_v to_o instance_n in_o some_o few_o particular_n which_o be_v easy_a for_o any_o to_o observe_v the_o gospel_n most_o say_v they_o high_o esteem_v and_o yet_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o most_o snatch_n and_o run_v away_o with_o it_o as_o a_o promise_n of_o mercy_n but_o never_o regard_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o duty_n and_o direction_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o two_o sacrament_n be_v seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n betwixt_o god_n and_o we_o and_o most_o man_n be_v very_o heedful_a at_o receive_v they_o that_o god_n may_v seal_v to_o they_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o never_o regard_n that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o covenant_n under_o seal_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o god_n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v precious_a and_o its_o shed_v to_o be_v have_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n but_o when_o most_o man_n most_o solemn_o remember_v it_o this_o consideration_n content_v they_o that_o christ_n blood_n be_v shed_v for_o our_o redemption_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o reconcile_v god_n to_o man_n etc._n etc._n when_o we_o shall_v think_v how_o this_o bloodshedding_a be_v that_o man_n may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o be_v redeem_v from_o a_o unclean_a conversation_n and_o by_o this_o sprinkle_n be_v sanctify_v and_o purge_v from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n heb._n 9.13_o 14._o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o just_o value_v and_o admire_v but_o be_v it_o not_o too_o apparent_a man_n be_v take_v up_o with_o gift_n of_o edification_n and_o pass_v by_o gift_n and_o true_a grace_n of_o sanctification_n so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n be_v but_o ready_a in_o a_o scripture_n phrase_n have_v get_v a_o voluble_a tongue_n a_o round_a expression_n etc._n etc._n he_o get_v the_o name_n and_o repute_v of_o a_o saint_n immediate_o but_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o certain_a evidence_n of_o true_a sanctity_n these_o thing_n stand_v by_o neglect_a and_o despise_v i_o may_v instance_n in_o several_a thing_n that_o we_o frame_v the_o same_o consideration_n of_o if_o we_o give_v god_n but_o a_o piece_n of_o a_o duty_n we_o think_v a_o maim_a and_o imperfect_a sacrifice_n will_v content_v he_o and_o expiate_v and_o satisfy_v he_o and_o excuse_v all_o our_o defect_n and_o enormity_n and_o with_o gross_a mistake_n we_o see_v evident_o man_n delude_v and_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o this_o untoward_a generation_n and_o although_o in_o many_o thing_n our_o mistake_n of_o these_o sort_n hasten_v our_o irreligious_a miscarriage_n yet_o in_o nothing_o be_v they_o more_o manifest_a than_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n from_o all_o christian_n that_o make_v any_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n we_o shall_v hear_v these_o pretence_n that_o they_o live_v by_o faith_n walk_v by_o faith_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n be_v save_v by_o faith_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o noise_n we_o hear_v of_o these_o thing_n we_o can_v see_v but_o few_o that_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n or_o have_v a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o full_a meaning_n of_o the_o real_a faith_n in_o christ_n or_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v undeniable_o true_a that_o without_o believe_v that_o supernatural_a truth_n of_o christ_n merit_n for_o our_o pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n there_o can_v be_v no_o peace_n for_o man_n but_o they_o must_v die_v and_o consume_v in_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o transgression_n it_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o christ_n our_o high_a priest_n put_v away_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o but_o when_o christ_n our_o design_a mediator_n be_v king_n and_o prophet_n as_o well_o as_o priest_n it_o be_v not_o bare_o a_o fruitless_a rely_v or_o a_o lazy_a recumbency_n on_o christ_n merit_n as_o our_o priest_n only_o but_o our_o believe_v his_o law_n and_o direction_n he_o leave_v his_o church_n as_o a_o king_n the_o observe_v his_o counsel_n and_o injunction_n he_o give_v as_o a_o prophet_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v up_o that_o faith_n which_o will_v bring_v we_o to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o hope_n which_o be_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v undeniable_o true_a that_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v give_v exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o mercy_n and_o salvation_n upon_o which_o god_n have_v cause_v â—he_n to_o hope_v yet_o when_o these_o promise_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o conditional_a upon_o our_o conformity_n to_o those_o rule_n of_o duty_n that_o be_v prescribe_v unless_o we_o be_v carry_v on_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n require_v that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n we_o can_v be_v rational_o conclude_v to_o have_v that_o faith_n in_o the_o gospel_n in_o we_o which_o will_v certain_o bring_v we_o to_o that_o happiness_n which_o we_o open_o design_n and_o expect_v and_o upon_o a_o serious_a inquiry_n we_o can_v conclude_v any_o of_o the_o theological_a grace_n to_o be_v true_o infuse_v into_o any_o man_n unless_o they_o discover_v
themselves_o by_o their_o operation_n love_n be_v practical_a and_o work_n where_o seat_v a_o care_n of_o keep_v commandment_n hope_n be_v purify_n he_o that_o have_v hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v heavenly_a and_o purify_v himself_o as_o god_n be_v pure_a and_o faith_n itself_o work_v by_o love_n and_o love_n by_o obedience_n this_o then_o be_v that_o precious_a faith_n we_o shall_v contend_v for_o as_o become_v saint_n in_o this_o we_o shall_v strive_v to_o continue_v in_o ground_a and_o settle_v and_o not_o be_v move_v away_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v that_o the_o reader_n may_v easy_o conclude_v what_o we_o plain_o understand_v by_o that_o faith_n which_o the_o ruler_n have_v religious_o enjoin_v and_o the_o subject_n be_v bind_v willing_o to_o maintain_v namely_o a_o sincere_a and_o a_o firm_a purpose_n of_o mind_n of_o adhere_v and_o conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o a_o total_a obedience_n he_o that_o believe_v thus_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a when_o faith_n make_v he_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o evangelical_n commandment_n sect_n ii_o of_o this_o faith_n there_o must_v be_v profession_n natural_o we_o be_v to_o look_v of_o ourselves_o as_o relate_v to_o society_n so_o that_o of_o our_o internal_a piety_n there_o must_v be_v a_o external_a signification_n intend_v not_o only_a god_n glory_n by_o settle_v our_o private_a peace_n but_o by_o promote_a our_o neighbour_n good_a and_o edification_n so_o that_o as_o care_n must_v be_v have_v by_o we_o of_o religion_n so_o of_o its_o exercise_n and_o as_o of_o faith_n so_o of_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v require_v by_o the_o gospel_n evident_o when_o it_o be_v enjoin_v that_o christ_n be_v confess_v before_o man_n that_o all_o that_o by_o baptism_n be_v consecrate_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o waver_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v sometime_o render_v confession_n sometime_o profession_n in_o that_o they_o agree_v either_o of_o they_o it_o be_v frank_o and_o open_o to_o declare_v what_o we_o hold_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o justify_v and_o bear_v witness_n to_o any_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v they_o either_o supernatural_a or_o natural_a privilege_n or_o mercy_n promise_v or_o service_n or_o duty_n enjoin_v yea_o the_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n to_o god_n continual_o that_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o lip_n be_v explain_v by_o a_o holy_a author_n to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d heb._n 13.15_o a_o give_a thanks_o or_o confess_v to_o his_o name_n profession_n of_o faith_n we_o understand_v to_o be_v a_o voluntary_a and_o open_o declare_v amid_o the_o society_n in_o which_o incorporate_v of_o our_o free_a and_o full_a consent_n in_o believe_v the_o gospel_n not_o only_o the_o mercy_n promise_v but_o duty_n enjoin_v and_o that_o we_o assent_n to_o they_o all_o not_o only_o as_o true_a and_o infallible_a but_o also_o as_o good_a and_o comfortable_a and_o a_o declare_v of_o our_o desire_n study_n and_o care_n to_o observe_v they_o according_o a_o express_a signify_v of_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o declare_v of_o our_o resolution_n of_o evangelical_n obedience_n our_o assent_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o true_a religion_n as_o prescribe_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o work_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o whole_o to_o be_v do_v within_o but_o many_o external_o be_v necessary_a and_o essential_a for_o constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n she_o be_v to_o be_v a_o light_n upon_o a_o hill_n every_o believer_n be_v to_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n and_o that_o can_v only_o discern_v external_o therefore_o the_o believer_n outward_a carriage_n and_o deportment_n and_o converse_n must_v be_v so_o order_v like_o light_n to_o the_o enlighten_v and_o warm_v the_o blind_a and_o benumb_a world_n outward_o we_o be_v to_o manage_v ourselves_o as_o we_o may_v direct_v strengthen_v and_o comfort_v our_o neighbour_n poverty_n of_o spirit_n hunger_a and_o thirst_v after_o righteousness_n purity_n of_o heart_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v duty_n of_o the_o first_o rank_n and_o primary_o to_o be_v take_v care_n of_o to_o present_v ourselves_o so_o as_o to_o be_v approve_v by_o our_o god_n these_o ought_v you_o to_o have_v do_v and_o not_o to_o have_v leave_v the_o other_o undo_v for_o there_o be_v many_o external_a duty_n necessary_a for_o communion_n amid_o the_o society_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o must_v not_o be_v omit_v and_o refuse_v as_o preach_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n administer_a and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n meeting_n and_o assemble_v together_o in_o those_o assembly_n mutual_a exhortation_n and_o provocation_n to_o good_a work_n confession_n of_o sin_n of_o thanks_o declare_v resolution_n as_o well_o as_o desire_n of_o holiness_n and_o other_o duty_n all_o comprehend_v in_o profession_n of_o faith_n these_o be_v all_o external_n yea_o be_v all_o gospel_n duty_n and_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n thus_o the_o church_n of_o god_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o meet_v at_o the_o ark_n and_o temple_n in_o jerusalem_n the_o tribe_n go_v up_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o israel_n to_o give_v thanks_o to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o these_o be_v external_n thus_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n unite_v under_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v their_o pray_v preach_v the_o new_a law_n sing_v of_o hymn_n while_o christ_n continue_v on_o earth_n among_o they_o and_o when_o go_v up_o to_o heaven_n they_o continue_v in_o assemble_v and_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n they_o have_v their_o liturgy_n and_o public_a administration_n not_o only_o in_o work_n of_o charity_n but_o work_n of_o piety_n they_o have_v their_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n the_o fruit_n of_o their_o lip_n and_o give_v thanks_o to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o have_v their_o prophesy_v at_o church_n at_o corinth_n and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n they_o have_v vision_n of_o the_o example_n to_o lead_v they_o from_o the_o angel_n both_o in_o earth_n and_o heaven_n neither_o can_v a_o visible_a church_n or_o society_n think_v to_o be_v continue_v without_o open_a profession_n and_o declaration_n and_o in_o the_o gospel_n they_o that_o worship_v god_n in_o their_o spirit_n be_v ready_a to_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o he_o they_o that_o know_v god_n make_v their_o acknowledgement_n they_o that_o believe_v in_o their_o heart_n for_o their_o righteousness_n make_v confession_n with_o their_o mouth_n to_o help_v on_o their_o own_o and_o other_o salvation_n thus_o by_o precedent_n of_o saint_n on_o earth_n and_o angel_n in_o heaven_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n do_v lead_v his_o church_n as_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n direct_v it_o not_o only_o to_o religion_n but_o its_o exercise_n nor_o the_o gospel_n only_o to_o faith_n but_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n that_o every_o member_n unite_v to_o that_o visible_a society_n of_o believer_n must_v hold_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o there_o be_v the_o next_o particular_a the_o injunction_n of_o what_o both_o nature_n and_o the_o gospel_n direct_v we_o unto_o be_v not_o unlawful_a but_o necessary_a and_o both_o require_v that_o of_o our_o faith_n we_o shall_v make_v profession_n and_o it_o be_v very_o good_a that_o ruler_n from_o their_o subject_n require_v the_o same_o sect_n iii_o every_o particular_a believe_a subject_a aught_o to_o be_v enjoin_v to_o this_o open_a profession_n of_o faith_n profession_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o essential_a of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o none_o can_v be_v conclude_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o do_v not_o make_v profession_n of_o faith_n the_o visible_a church_n be_v not_o a_o company_n but_o a_o society_n and_o what_o make_v the_o society_n a_o church_n be_v profession_n of_o faith_n every_o one_o be_v to_o evidence_n himself_o of_o this_o society_n if_o he_o will_v claim_v right_a to_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o society_n he_o must_v perform_v the_o office_n and_o duty_n and_o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o society_n a_o minister_n may_v gather_v a_o company_n but_o he_o can_v gather_v a_o church_n nor_o make_v they_o to_o be_v so_o by_o his_o own_o single_a confession_n every_o man_n that_o will_v approve_v himself_o of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o only_o give_v a_o tacit_n but_o a_o express_a consent_n by_o a_o open_a profession_n this_o be_v necessary_a for_o constitute_v every_o man_n in_o church-membership_a and_o this_o be_v rational_o require_v and_o enjoin_v of_o christian_a governor_n to_o their_o believe_a subject_n for_o
their_o own_o and_o subject_n satisfaction_n this_o concern_v the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o be_v to_o be_v do_v not_o only_o by_o the_o clergy_n but_o laity_n not_o only_a priest_n but_o people_n not_o only_o man_n but_o woman_n nor_o only_o they_o that_o be_v grow_v up_o but_o child_n out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o babe_n and_o suckling_n god_n thus_o have_v his_o praise_n perfect_v and_o in_o his_o temple_n when_o meet_v for_o god_n worship_n every_o one_o must_v speak_v for_o his_o honour_n of_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o we_o be_v lead_v unto_o by_o the_o eminent_a example_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n who_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n that_o church_n triumphant_a in_o heaven_n thus_o when_o we_o know_v not_o where_o we_o be_v before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v lay_v every_o angel_n signify_v his_o consent_n and_o delight_n he_o have_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n job_n 38.7_o all_o those_o morning_n star_n sing_v together_o and_o all_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shout_v for_o joy_n no_o dignity_n exempt_v any_o of_o those_o from_o duty_n they_o all_o sing_v together_o they_o all_o shout_v together_o for_o joy_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o that_o heavenly_a host_n that_o appear_v to_o the_o shepherd_n commend_v this_o practice_n to_o every_o particular_a saint_n it_o be_v observe_v and_o record_v for_o a_o imitation_n that_o every_o one_o be_v praise_v god_n and_o say_v glory_n be_v to_o god_n on_o high_a on_o earth_n peace_n good_a will_n towards_o man_n luke_n 2.13_o 14._o and_o the_o vision_n that_o st._n john_n record_v that_o glorious_a divine_a that_o now_o be_v equal_a if_o not_o above_o angel_n be_v for_o direction_n and_o imitation_n of_o we_o and_o other_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o what_o he_o hear_v revel_v 5.11_o 12_o 13._o and_o i_o behold_v and_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o many_o angel_n round_o about_o the_o throne_n and_o the_o beast_n and_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n ten_o thousand_o and_o thousand_o of_o thousand_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n worthy_a be_v the_o lamb_n that_o be_v slay_v to_o receive_v power_n etc._n etc._n and_o every_o creature_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n hear_v i_o say_v blessing_n honour_n glory_n and_o power_n etc._n etc._n certain_o this_o be_v record_v to_o instruct_v we_o that_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o particular_a saint_n on_o earth_n which_o do_v the_o work_n of_o every_o saint_n and_o angel_n in_o heaven_n that_o every_o man_n of_o christ_n temple_n below_o as_o well_o as_o of_o that_o above_o shall_v speak_v to_o his_o honour_n set_v forth_o his_o praise_n and_o thus_o they_o think_v it_o and_o practise_v the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o first_o meeting_n who_o make_v confession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o that_o article_n of_o the_o resurrection_n luke_n 24.33_o 34._o not_o only_o the_o eleven_o but_o they_o that_o be_v with_o they_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n be_v rise_v indeed_o and_o have_v appear_v to_o simon_n the_o disciple_n come_v from_o emmaus_n be_v they_o silent_a they_o tell_v what_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o the_o way_n and_o how_o he_o be_v know_v by_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o thus_o they_o continue_v speak_v till_o christ_n come_v among_o they_o act_n 13.2_o 3._o the_o church_n meet_v together_o at_o antioch_n and_o there_o we_o find_v they_o meet_v at_o their_o liturgy_n there_o be_v a_o public_a ministration_n they_o all_o agree_v in_o that_o minister_a be_v not_o touch_v the_o people_n than_o it_o will_v have_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d something_o do_v for_o god_n honour_n and_o service_n and_o it_o be_v fast_v and_o pray_v to_o instance_n in_o one_o more_o 1_o cor._n 14.24_o they_o be_v all_o prophesy_v in_o their_o holy_a assembly_n at_o corinth_n the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o business_n they_o be_v all_o employ_v in_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o word_n prophesy_v what_o can_v we_o in_o reason_n understand_v by_o that_o word_n sure_o it_o be_v not_o preach_v for_o if_o all_o be_v preach_v who_o can_v be_v hear_v it_o be_v not_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v this_o be_v give_v about_o that_o time_n to_o some_o extraordinary_o upon_o the_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o not_o common_o or_o general_o to_o every_o believer_n it_o be_v not_o ecstatical_a effusion_n from_o gift_n of_o tongue_n give_v to_o all_o to_o speak_v that_o be_v not_o give_v to_o all_o and_o the_o unbeliever_n if_o he_o upon_o his_o come_n in_o have_v find_v they_o all_o thus_o busy_v will_v have_v account_v they_o mad_a but_o laity_n and_o clergy_n woman_n as_o well_o as_o man_n may_v be_v employ_v in_o this_o prophesy_v but_o this_o work_n every_o believer_n be_v busy_a about_o it_o must_v be_v therefore_o some_o open_a and_o plain_a declaration_n either_o of_o some_o article_n or_o article_n of_o religion_n or_o some_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n or_o some_o speak_v free_o in_o praise_v of_o god_n or_o pray_v unto_o he_o for_o they_o be_v public_o minister_a to_o the_o lord_n they_o be_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v that_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o joint_a actual_a concurrence_n of_o every_o believer_n the_o vnbeliever_n come_v in_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_n god_n with_o they_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n god_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o he_o suppose_v it_o do_v by_o the_o believer_n and_o saint_n at_o corinth_n what_o he_o desire_v may_v be_v do_v by_o the_o saint_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o they_o do_v not_o decline_v their_o assemble_v themselves_o together_o for_o religious_a purpose_n nor_o in_o their_o assemble_v do_v any_o one_o decline_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n which_o every_o one_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o without_o waver_v in_o probability_n there_o be_v some_o liturgy_n they_o agree_v in_o at_o corinth_n as_o there_o be_v among_o the_o believer_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o at_o antioch_n and_o alexandria_n and_o every_o believer_n account_v himself_o oblige_v to_o give_v his_o attendance_n on_o it_o and_o joint_a concurrence_n with_o it_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n every_o one_o offer_v a_o sacrifice_n not_o private_a or_o mental_a which_o be_v not_o discernible_a by_o man_n but_o vocal_a the_o fruit_n of_o his_o lip_n and_o unbeliever_n may_v sensible_o perceive_v it_o and_o this_o tend_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n though_o external_a and_o well_o they_o be_v assure_v that_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v every_o christian_n duty_n to_o offer_v when_o they_o be_v offer_v god_n be_v well_o please_v thus_o every_o believer_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o pure_a time_n be_v lead_v to_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n reason_n or_o experience_n to_o determine_v if_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n whether_o upon_o a_o wilful_a omission_n of_o this_o duty_n any_o true_a believer_n can_v rest_v satisfy_v for_o if_o i_o be_v a_o sincere_a believer_n i_o can_v never_o satisfy_v myself_o unless_o as_o i_o owe_v so_o i_o give_v all_o unto_o god_n glory_n the_o hypocrite_n will_v to_o his_o power_n keep_v back_o something_o but_o the_o christian_n which_o be_v sincere_o holy_a will_v give_v all_o he_o know_v and_o consider_v that_o his_o body_n be_v create_v redeem_v sanctify_a and_o shall_v be_v glorify_v to_o present_v they_o a_o live_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n be_v but_o reasonable_a service_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o gift_n but_o a_o debt_n he_o owe_v and_o be_v bind_v to_o pay_v that_o as_o with_o his_o soul_n he_o be_v to_o know_v god_n and_o love_n he_o so_o he_o be_v to_o offer_v his_o tongue_n to_o praise_n god_n and_o his_o body_n to_o worship_v he_o but_o if_o i_o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o my_o faith_n i_o forthwith_o feel_v a_o content_n and_o satisfaction_n attend_v and_o accompany_v my_o holy_a employment_n and_o a_o delightful_a pleasantness_n spread_v itself_o over_o my_o soul_n while_o my_o body_n be_v busy_v in_o religious_a exercise_n it_o be_v the_o most_o relish_v meat_n and_o drink_n for_o god_n child_n thus_o to_o do_v their_o father_n will_n and_o these_o service_n be_v their_o great_a freedom_n those_o that_o be_v belove_v of_o god_n and_o after_o his_o own_o heart_n feel_v their_o soul_n satisfy_v as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n while_o their_o mouth_n free_o praise_v he_o with_o joyful_a lip_n no_o such_o full_a content_n as_o in_o those_o exercise_n of_o godliness_n which_o have_v the_o great_a profession_n of_o delight_n in_o this_o life_n
direction_n timothy_n be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n at_o his_o church_n at_o ephesus_n that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n so_o in_o believe_v congregation_n there_o may_v be_v but_o one_o confession_n and_o this_o not_o only_o evince_v from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n as_o expedient_a but_o from_o the_o apostle_n practice_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n and_o power_n from_o on_o high_a at_o jerusalem_n they_o agree_v on_o one_o summary_n rule_n for_o their_o own_o teach_v and_o the_o people_n believe_v a_o compendious_a sum_n of_o evangelical_n doctrine_n exquisite_o compose_v which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o by_o tradition_n from_o antiquity_n and_o general_o receive_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n in_o which_o confession_n the_o intelligent_a believer_n not_o only_o make_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o assent_n to_o promise_n of_o mercy_n to_o be_v rely_v upon_o but_o to_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o duty_n of_o obedience_n that_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v practise_v and_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o must_v be_v maintain_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o comprehend_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v require_v and_o this_o compendious_a confession_n of_o faith_n by_o repeat_v this_o set_a form_n prescribe_v by_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v use_v by_o the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o the_o minister_n by_o which_o they_o open_o declare_v their_o unfeigned_a assent_n to_o what_o they_o do_v believe_v and_o their_o steadfast_a resolution_n of_o what_o they_o will_v do_v in_o every_o congregation_n that_o will_v be_v repute_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o expedient_a to_o have_v set_v form_n for_o confession_n of_o faith_n it_o can_v be_v unlawful_a and_o unfitting_a to_o have_v set_v form_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n it_o can_v be_v a_o reproach_n but_o a_o duty_n to_o have_v our_o spirit_n thus_o stint_v when_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n limit_n himself_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o holiness_n and_o have_v the_o denomination_n of_o holy_a from_o this_o limitation_n and_o if_o new_a sort_n of_o word_n and_o variety_n of_o expression_n must_v be_v use_v in_o pray_v as_o some_o wild_o fancy_n i_o wonder_v st._n paul_n in_o all_o his_o epistle_n in_o the_o beginning_n shall_v use_v the_o same_o salutation_n and_o in_o the_o end_n shall_v use_v the_o same_o valediction_n and_o that_o christ_n in_o his_o agony_n who_o want_v neither_o expression_n or_o fervency_n shall_v pray_v thrice_o together_o the_o same_o word_n at_o antioch_n that_o the_o christian_n there_o in_o their_o congregation_n have_v their_o liturgy_n at_o corinth_n that_o the_o people_n be_v all_o prophesy_v at_o jerusalem_n that_o in_o their_o religious_a assembly_n they_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o waver_v be_v so_o evident_a as_o doubtless_o it_o can_v need_v no_o further_o illustration_n and_o if_o set_v form_n of_o word_n be_v unlawful_a in_o god_n service_n certain_o the_o multitude_n of_o angel_n will_v never_o have_v be_v represent_v unto_o we_o as_o agree_v in_o one_o anthem_n on_o earth_n nor_o they_o above_o in_o the_o same_o doxology_n in_o heaven_n and_o if_o the_o example_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n may_v lead_v we_o right_o if_o nature_n god_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n may_v direct_v we_o safe_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o uniformity_n of_o word_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o expedient_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o godliness_n 3._o i_o shall_v prove_v uniformity_n of_o word_n necessary_a and_o expedient_a by_o reason_n 1._o and_o reason_n itself_o will_v tell_v we_o if_o we_o have_v not_o abjure_v it_o that_o uniformity_n in_o word_n be_v necessary_a and_o conduce_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n for_o take_v this_o away_o and_o see_v what_o giddiness_n and_o distractedness_n must_v necessary_o ensue_v in_o every_o assembly_n without_o agreement_n in_o these_o thing_n to_o terminate_v and_o bound_v both_o our_o thought_n and_o word_n how_o improbable_a be_v it_o that_o most_o man_n shall_v be_v secure_v from_o inconsiderate_a wander_n and_o unwarrantable_a expression_n but_o be_v confine_v to_o word_n of_o faith_n and_o devotion_n we_o call_v home_o our_o thought_n to_o consider_v what_o these_o import_n and_o signify_v that_o be_v enjoin_v and_o prescribe_v we_o and_o reverent_o we_o worship_v god_n and_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o confess_v to_o his_o name_n and_o our_o wilful_a opposer_n give_v testimony_n to_o this_o truth_n by_o their_o practice_n that_o set_v ferm_n must_v be_v prescribe_v to_o the_o people_n when_o the_o best_a gift_a brother_n be_v appoint_v and_o agree_v on_o to_o put_v up_o prayer_n which_o be_v set_v form_n to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o every_o member_n that_o be_v true_o religious_a secret_o do_v concur_v with_o such_o prayer_n and_o limit_v their_o thought_n to_o what_o be_v signify_v by_o such_o expression_n weak_a creature_n never_o consider_v that_o they_o split_v upon_o that_o rock_n which_o they_o pretend_v studious_o to_o avoid_v while_o they_o voluntary_o enslave_v themselves_o and_o stint_v their_o spirit_n and_o thought_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o sudden_a wild_a effusion_n and_o oft_o unwarrantable_a expression_n of_o their_o idolised_a teacher_n and_o dare_v not_o spoil_v their_o liberty_n to_o submit_v unto_o and_o concur_v with_o the_o deliberate_a form_n and_o prescription_n of_o their_o sober_a governor_n and_o ruler_n which_o will_v undoubted_o guide_v and_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o true_a religion_n that_o tend_v to_o peace_n poor_a inconsiderate_a people_n they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o set_a form_n they_o hate_v which_o they_o may_v see_v they_o can_v avoid_v but_o a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n they_o love_v while_o they_o oppose_v the_o warrantable_a direction_n of_o their_o religious_a leader_n and_o willing_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v captivate_v by_o wild_a ungoverned_a enthusiast_n and_o run_v headlong_o into_o a_o inexcusable_a sin_n of_o a_o wilful_a disobedience_n but_o if_o any_o can_v think_v set_v form_n to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o will_v be_v tie_v to_o none_o but_o avoid_v they_o then_o must_v every_o pretend_a saint_n bring_v a_o distinct_a prayer_n and_o psalm_n to_o be_v pour_v out_o by_o himself_o in_o their_o several_a congregation_n and_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v when_o every_o one_o be_v sing_v a_o several_a psalm_n in_o their_o congregation_n it_o must_v happen_v what_o st._n paul_n say_v be_v at_o corinth_n when_o they_o all_o speak_v with_o several_a tongue_n a_o stranger_n come_v in_o must_v in_o reason_n conclude_v that_o there_o be_v madness_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o thus_o in_o reason_n we_o must_v determine_v to_o terminate_v and_o bound_v the_o thought_n and_o consideration_n of_o they_o that_o will_v be_v true_o religious_a there_o ought_v to_o be_v set_v form_n of_o word_n agree_v upon_o and_o prescribe_v in_o believe_a congregation_n 2._o that_o be_v best_a to_o be_v use_v that_o will_v most_o heighten_v our_o devotion_n and_o intention_n in_o our_o religious_a address_n to_o god_n for_o how_o shall_v i_o hope_v that_o god_n shall_v intend_v i_o if_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v my_o own_o petition_n and_o i_o be_o very_o persuade_v prayer_n without_o devotion_n be_v like_o a_o body_n without_o a_o soul_n it_o be_v dead_a and_o ineffectual_a now_o this_o i_o do_v deliberate_o affirm_v and_o maintain_v that_o premeditate_a and_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n must_v heighten_v any_o man_n devotion_n and_o intention_n i_o desire_v such_o as_o obstinate_o oppose_v premeditate_v and_o compose_v form_n to_o consider_v that_o in_o this_o they_o contend_v only_o for_o freedom_n of_o word_n and_o have_v word_n any_o power_n or_o influence_n over_o god_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n be_v take_v with_o variety_n or_o shift_n of_o phrase_n word_n or_o loeution_n be_v for_o man_n necessity_n not_o god_n information_n they_o be_v of_o no_o necessity_n to_o make_v our_o heart_n know_v to_o he_o who_o understand_v what_o we_o need_v before_o we_o ask_v he_o and_o our_o thought_n afar_o off_o and_o it_o be_v the_o affection_n of_o our_o heart_n not_o the_o expression_n of_o our_o mouth_n that_o make_v we_o prevail_v with_o our_o god_n what_o therefore_o may_v best_o conduce_v to_o settle_v our_o consideration_n to_o fix_v our_o desire_n and_o intention_n on_o god_n and_o good_a thing_n be_v most_o lawful_a and_o most_o expedient_a to_o be_v use_v and_o this_o i_o dare_v say_v upon_o reason_n and_o from_o experience_n be_v best_a do_v by_o well-weighed_a form_n of_o set_a prayer_n foreknown_a and_o assent_v unto_o both_o by_o priest_n and_o people_n for_o
but_o with_o all_o thy_o strength_n this_o must_v relate_v to_o man._n for_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o visible_a christian_a be_v demonstrable_a to_o man_n by_o outward_a action_n when_o strength_n exert_v itself_o by_o do_v what_o be_v command_v omission_n therefore_o of_o a_o visible_a exercise_n of_o piety_n must_v be_v conclude_v in_o reason_n a_o sin_n of_o the_o great_a size_n since_o it_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o great_a commandment_n again_o transgression_n of_o a_o general_a comprehensive_a law_n of_o piety_n be_v great_a than_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o single_a particular_a law_n that_o command_v a_o single_a duty_n but_o omission_n of_o uniformity_n prescribe_v be_v a_o transgression_n of_o a_o general_a comprehensive_a law_n of_o piety_n faith_n comprehend_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a obedience_n and_o what_o do_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n in_o a_o visible_a church_n to_o say_v he_o have_v faith_n if_o he_o have_v no_o work_n and_o do_v not_o make_v his_o faith_n appear_v by_o confession_n if_o we_o know_v we_o must_v acknowledge_v if_o we_o believe_v we_o must_v speak_v he_o that_o offend_v in_o this_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o jam._n 2.14_o and_o if_o offend_v against_o a_o particular_a prohibitive_a law_n of_o charity_n render_v a_o man_n guilty_a of_o transgress_v every_o part_n of_o that_o law_n how_o much_o more_o if_o a_o man_n offend_v a_o comprehensive_a law_n of_o piety_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n such_o a_o person_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o to_o have_v deny_v the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n so_o if_o any_o man_n will_v ask_v what_o be_v the_o name_n of_o this_o sin_n it_o must_v be_v answer_v legion_n for_o they_o be_v many_o when_o most_o of_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o first_o table_n be_v open_o transgress_v by_o this_o wilful_a omission_n and_o if_o deliberate_o consider_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o these_o sin_n of_o wilful_a omission_n or_o recusancy_n of_o obedience_n to_o preceptive_a law_n of_o piety_n be_v great_a sin_n than_o sin_n of_o commission_n against_o the_o prohibitive_a law_n of_o the_o second_o table_n that_o concern_v charity_n in_o respect_n of_o several_a circumstance_n that_o such_o transgressor_n be_v involve_v in_o which_o must_v needs_o aggravate_v these_o sin_n exceed_o for_o these_o sin_n of_o omission_n be_v open_a and_o manifest_a but_o those_o sin_n of_o commission_n be_v many_o time_n secret_a and_o hide_v therefore_o many_o time_n sin_n of_o commission_n fall_v under_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n only_o but_o sin_n of_o wilful_a omission_n fall_v certain_o under_o the_o judgement_n and_o condemnation_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v undeniable_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o religious_a magistrate_n make_v severe_a animadversion_n upon_o those_o sin_n especial_o and_o he_o that_o judge_v and_o condemn_v his_o neighbour_n for_o hypocrisy_n though_o he_o judge_v true_o yet_o he_o judge_v rash_o and_o uncharitable_o because_o such_o sin_n be_v indiscernible_a to_o man_n but_o when_o profaneness_n and_o impiety_n be_v manifest_a by_o a_o wilful_a recusancy_n such_o sin_n go_v before_o man_n to_o judgement_n and_o officer_n may_v accuse_v and_o condemn_v such_o notorious_a crime_n just_o and_o warrantable_o and_o sin_n that_o be_v do_v impudent_o and_o shameless_o be_v worse_a sin_n than_o those_o that_o be_v do_v modest_o and_o close_o now_o beastly_a sin_n of_o commission_n be_v commit_v secret_o 1_o thess_n 5.7_o they_o seek_v the_o night_n to_o conceal_v they_o and_o darkness_n to_o cover_v they_o but_o if_o man_n will_v be_v open_o guilty_a of_o their_o abomination_n and_o not_o be_v at_o all_o ashamed_a if_o they_o will_v declare_v and_o publish_v their_o sin_n like_o sodom_n and_o make_v their_o face_n hard_a than_o a_o rock_n and_o refuse_v to_o return_v a_o visitation_n be_v lawful_a and_o justifiable_a upon_o such_o open_a sin_n and_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o just_a that_o will_v not_o take_v vengeance_n upon_o such_o wilful_a transgressor_n a_o second_o aggravation_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v when_o a_o sin_n be_v elective_o and_o voluntary_o commit_v for_o this_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o virtue_n or_o vice_n be_v more_o or_o less_o meritorious_a as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o voluntary_a a_o sin_n must_v be_v great_a that_o be_v upon_o deliberate_a choice_n commit_v than_o that_o which_o be_v do_v upon_o surprisal_n through_o the_o prevalence_n of_o a_o temptation_n sudden_o and_o inconsiderate_o now_o sin_n of_o commission_n have_v many_o of_o these_o excuse_n either_o man_n be_v base_o or_o degenerous_o indulge_v the_o bestial_a part_n and_o so_o be_v transport_v with_o the_o present_a impression_n of_o some_o sweet_a delight_n that_o please_v the_o sense_n which_o admit_v of_o no_o deliberation_n or_o else_o through_o pride_n envy_n malice_n or_o revenge_n which_o will_v be_v satisfy_v man_n have_v hurry_v headlong_o into_o irregular_a attempt_n or_o else_o through_o a_o fawn_a flatter_a compliance_n with_o the_o prevalent_a humour_n of_o the_o time_n man_n have_v be_v mislead_v with_o the_o customary_a practice_n of_o a_o multitude_n and_o have_v press_v like_o beast_n non_fw-la quo_fw-la eundum_fw-la sed_fw-la quaitur_fw-la follow_v bad_a example_n to_o do_v evil_a and_o without_o natural_a affection_n not_o guide_v by_o reason_n have_v fall_v into_o the_o worst_a of_o sin_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n but_o now_o what_o temptation_n or_o excuse_n can_v any_o man_n allege_v or_o pretend_v for_o wilful_a omission_n or_o recusancy_n other_o sinner_n have_v have_v either_o pleasure_n or_o profit_n to_o quicken_v the_o temptation_n and_o make_v it_o more_o active_a and_o more_o prevalent_a but_o what_o fruit_n what_o benefit_n can_v the_o recusant_n allege_v for_o not_o do_v what_o be_v enjoin_v he_o absolute_o choose_v the_o evil_a and_o refuse_v the_o good_a voluntary_o without_o temptation_n sure_o this_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v account_v without_o excuse_n another_o aggravation_n of_o a_o sin_n be_v when_o it_o be_v do_v resolute_o and_o obstinate_o now_o what_o be_v do_v resolute_o and_o constant_o if_o bad_a be_v worse_a than_o what_o be_v do_v uncertain_o and_o contingent_o now_o sin_n of_o commission_n many_o of_o they_o have_v their_o abatement_n and_o weaken_n by_o age_n and_o time_n but_o sin_n of_o omission_n gather_v strength_n by_o continuance_n and_o make_v man_n more_o indispose_v to_o forsake_v they_o for_o sin_n of_o commission_n man_n be_v ashamed_a weary_a of_o they_o and_o forsake_v they_o in_o time_n but_o for_o sin_n of_o omission_n we_o rest_v secure_o and_o delight_n in_o they_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v no_o probability_n man_n shall_v take_v care_n to_o be_v well_o who_o never_o be_v sensible_a they_o be_v sick_a they_o make_v choice_n of_o their_o delusion_n and_o willing_o will_v be_v give_v up_o to_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o abomination_n we_o see_v their_o obstinacy_n and_o resolve_v impenitency_n and_o this_o must_v be_v account_v another_o aggravation_n another_o aggravation_n of_o a_o sin_n may_v be_v if_o it_o be_v against_o a_o promise_n and_o covenant_n solemn_o make_v to_o the_o contrary_n every_o man_n be_v bind_v stare_v pactis_fw-la &_o promissis_fw-la so_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v deny_v but_o a_o wilful_a omission_n of_o duty_n of_o piety_n in_o a_o baptise_a subject_n who_o have_v declare_v and_o signify_v firm_o his_o profession_n of_o holy_a obedience_n to_o the_o faith_n be_v far_o worse_a than_o a_o wilful_a omission_n of_o a_o jew_n or_o infidel_n that_o never_o promise_v observance_n to_o gospel_n rule_n and_o never_o make_v profession_n heb._n 10._o the_o wilful_a sin_n be_v not_o a_o invisible_a but_o a_o visible_a recidivation_n for_o this_o must_v in_o reason_n be_v account_v a_o visible_a and_o interpretative_a apostasy_n draw_v back_o and_o fall_v off_o from_o his_o profession_n declare_v by_o his_o wilful_a omission_n which_o by_o promise_n and_o vow_v he_o have_v engage_v himself_o to_o perform_v and_o what_o sense_n the_o divine_a author_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n have_v of_o this_o sin_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v gather_v from_o this_o ten_o chapter_n the_o holy_a author_n direct_v his_o epistle_n to_o a_o society_n of_o believer_n by_o baptism_n external_o unite_v and_o sanctify_v to_o be_v visible_a member_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n that_o have_v not_o power_n to_o discern_v spirit_n or_o intention_n but_o judge_v they_o may_v of_o external_o word_n or_o action_n he_o write_v therefore_o to_o they_o v._o 23_o 24_o 25._o to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o carriage_n and_o conversation_n that_o be_v sensible_o to_o be_v discern_v in_o their_o religious_a assembly_n that_o they_o do_v not_o decline_v or_o forsake_v assemble_v nor_o in_o those_o assembly_n profession_n of_o faith_n nor_o mutual_a exhortation_n nor_o provocation_n to_o good_a work_n for_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o
of_o we_o wrath_n emulation_n bitterness_n clamour_n evil_o speak_v whisper_a backbiting_a and_o detraction_n lie_v and_o slander_v etc._n etc._n all_o these_o sin_n and_o miscarriage_n be_v but_o the_o numerous_a and_o unlucky_a offspring_n of_o recusancy_n and_o wilful_a separation_n that_o i_o can_v but_o in_o anguish_n of_o spirit_n cry_v out_o curse_v be_v the_o womb_n of_o schism_n that_o bear_v these_o thing_n and_o the_o pap_n that_o have_v give_v they_o suck_v for_o these_o thing_n sake_n if_o not_o repent_v of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n must_v hasten_v upon_o we_o as_o wilful_a child_n of_o disobedience_n neither_o have_v this_o detestable_a sin_n make_v we_o thus_o miserable_a among_o ourselves_o but_o have_v render_v we_o unhappy_a among_o other_o nation_n when_o it_o have_v bring_v a_o dis-repute_n of_o we_o and_o a_o disesteem_n of_o our_o religion_n almost_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n turk_n heathen_n pagan_n jew_n not_o only_o contemn_v but_o blaspheme_v our_o church_n and_o faith_n because_o of_o the_o division_n and_o dissension_n of_o our_o professor_n and_o when_o the_o concord_n of_o professor_n uniformity_n preserve_v the_o beauty_n and_o loveliness_n of_o a_o church_n which_o attract_v all_o man_n admiration_n and_o affection_n undoubted_o division_n and_o faction_n must_v bring_v that_o deformity_n upon_o any_o nation_n which_o must_v make_v it_o loathe_v and_o abhor_v and_o how_o can_v we_o in_o reason_n expect_v that_o other_o shall_v desire_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o we_o who_o be_v not_o unite_v among_o ourselves_o we_o can_v never_o hope_v but_o they_o that_o be_v without_o will_v shun_v we_o as_o infectious_a as_o long_o as_o this_o deadly_a disease_n cleave_v close_o unto_o we_o i_o hear_v the_o sad_a complaint_n of_o my_o countrymens_n fear_n that_o popery_n be_v like_a to_o be_v bring_v in_o among_o we_o and_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v my_o fear_n also_o for_o while_o we_o wilful_o maintain_v division_n and_o separation_n among_o we_o unquestionable_o we_o contribute_v to_o the_o utmost_a to_o that_o which_o we_o fear_v to_o fall_v upon_o we_o and_o the_o way_n have_v not_o be_v make_v more_o plain_a this_o hundred_o year_n for_o the_o return_n of_o popery_n than_o we_o have_v late_o make_v it_o by_o our_o division_n the_o papist_n and_o jesuit_n very_o well_o know_v they_o can_v never_o set_v up_o their_o own_o church_n till_o they_o have_v pull_v down_o we_o which_o alone_o stand_v in_o competition_n for_o precedence_n and_o outvie_v they_o and_o to_o destroy_v this_o our_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v the_o best_a order_v in_o the_o world_n by_o our_o schism_n and_o sect_n we_o lend_v our_o help_a hand_n most_o effectual_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o we_o be_v run_v into_o that_o bondage_n we_o pretend_v to_o abominate_a while_o we_o endeavour_v to_o destroy_v uniformity_n as_o it_o be_v prescribe_v for_o out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n there_o be_v no_o ordinary_a way_n of_o salvation_n and_o there_o be_v no_o keep_v up_o the_o face_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n without_o uniformity_n if_o therefore_o we_o wilful_o persist_v by_o our_o schism_n to_o destroy_v uniformity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n when_o there_o be_v none_o to_o be_v find_v in_o our_o separate_a congregation_n what_o remain_v but_o we_o must_v willing_o run_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v all_o these_o thing_n perpend_v it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o wilful_a recusancy_n of_o conformity_n or_o schism_n be_v not_o only_o a_o heinous_a but_o a_o hurtful_a sin_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o within_o we_o it_o render_v we_o disesteem_v and_o contemn_v by_o those_o without_o we_o it_o contribute_v to_o the_o introduction_n and_o prevalency_n of_o popery_n into_o the_o nation_n and_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a sin_n to_o man_n themselves_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o when_o it_o render_v they_o liable_a to_o the_o just_a condemnation_n both_o of_o man_n and_o god_n we_o be_v most_o affect_v with_o those_o evil_n that_o most_o near_o touch_v ourselves_o consider_v then_o thy_o own_o dangerous_a condition_n who_o ever_o thou_o be_v that_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o thou_o persiste_v in_o thy_o wilful_a disobedience_n and_o what_o must_v follow_v by_o the_o just_a judgement_n both_o of_o man_n and_o god_n thou_o be_v guilty_a at_o the_o fair_a of_o the_o dreadful_a sin_n of_o schism_n by_o thy_o voluntary_a departure_n and_o wilful_a separation_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o visible_a church_n whereof_o once_o a_o member_n a_o sin_n by_o st._n paul_n brand_v with_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o carnality_n 1_o cor._n 3.3_o be_v you_o not_o carnal_a walk_v you_o not_o as_o man_n and_o rom._n 16.17_o 18._o the_o same_o apostle_n direct_v the_o believe_a brethren_n to_o set_v this_o note_n and_o remark_n upon_o such_o as_o cause_v and_o maintain_v division_n they_o be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o serve_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v their_o fair_a speech_n and_o smooth_a action_n in_o this_o case_n can_v not_o acquit_v but_o condemn_v they_o whilst_o both_o of_o they_o be_v use_v with_o this_o end_n by_o they_o to_o deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a and_o pervert_v their_o practice_n from_o the_o uniform_a communion_n of_o a_o believe_a society_n it_o be_v sad_a but_o true_a that_o such_o from_o believer_n censure_v and_o judgement_n if_o they_o will_v be_v direct_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o persuade_v must_v lose_v the_o reputation_n of_o be_v christian_n and_o be_v mark_v and_o note_v for_o such_o as_o be_v not_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o further_o if_o it_o be_v question_v whether_o continue_v wilful_o in_o a_o manifest_a sin_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o not_o certain_o upon_o serious_a inquiry_n it_o must_v be_v determine_v affirmative_o and_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v upon_o the_o reason_n foremention_v that_o wilful_a omission_n of_o the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o piety_n be_v a_o open_a sin_n and_o such_o a_o sin_n as_o withdraw_v man_n from_o the_o kindly_a operation_n of_o grace_n and_o make_v god_n withhold_v and_o turn_v away_o his_o spirit_n from_o a_o people_n who_o wait_v to_o be_v gracious_a to_o his_o servant_n usual_o while_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o holiness_n this_o despise_n of_o holy_a duty_n put_v a_o contempt_n and_o offer_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o certain_o the_o consequence_n of_o that_o sin_n be_v sad_a enough_o that_o make_v god_n withhold_v his_o spirit_n from_o man_n such_o draw_v back_o to_o perdition_n by_o their_o visible_a recidivation_n the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o this_o sin_n in_o probability_n will_v be_v dreadful_a as_o you_o have_v hear_v among_o man_n and_o there_o will_v be_v a_o sad_a issue_n of_o this_o sin_n from_o the_o just_a god_n who_o not_o only_o will_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n but_o will_v manifest_v his_o displeasure_n by_o his_o wrath_n which_o will_v come_v upon_o the_o wilful_a child_n of_o disobedience_n and_o good_a it_o will_v be_v for_o this_o sinner_n in_o time_n to_o consider_v that_o although_o he_o may_v possible_o escape_v the_o condemn_a judgement_n of_o fallible_a man_n yet_o he_o can_v warrantable_o promise_v himself_o to_o escape_v in_o another_o day_n the_o condemnation_n of_o christ_n sin_n of_o omission_n that_o be_v obstinate_o for_o the_o most_o part_n persist_v in_o will_v fare_v worse_o than_o sin_n of_o commission_n that_o ofttimes_o be_v repent_v of_o and_o will_v meet_v with_o a_o more_o severe_a sentence_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n be_v clear_o discover_v unto_o we_o in_o this_o particular_a matt._n 25.41_o when_o as_o accurse_a they_o shall_v hear_v that_o fearful_a discedite_fw-la depart_v you_o into_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o the_o sin_n he_o charge_v they_o with_o and_o sentence_v they_o for_o be_v a_o wilful_a omission_n of_o act_n of_o charity_n for_o i_o be_v a_o hungry_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o meat_n thirsty_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o drink_n naked_a and_o you_o clothe_v i_o not_o etc._n etc._n now_o if_o for_o wilful_a omission_n of_o such_o act_n of_o charity_n sinner_n shall_v hear_v that_o fearful_a item_fw-la maledicti_fw-la how_o just_o may_v they_o hear_v the_o like_a dreadful_a sentence_n for_o omission_n of_o act_n of_o piety_n you_o have_v not_o worship_v mein_fw-ge the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n you_o have_v not_o speak_v to_o my_o praise_n to_o make_v my_o name_n glorious_a you_o have_v not_o hold_v fast_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o your_o faith_n etc._n etc._n for_o great_a sin_n there_o can_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v a_o lesser_a sentence_n or_o easy_a punishment_n from_o the_o most_o just_a judge_n for_o sin_v thus_o