Selected quad for the lemma: duty_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n church_n good_a holy_a 1,129 5 4.2899 3 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A23673 A serious and friendly address to the non-conformists, beginning with the Anabaptists, or, An addition to the perswasive to peace and vnity by W.A. Allen, William, d. 1686. 1676 (1676) Wing A1072; ESTC R9363 75,150 222

There are 4 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

how_o little_a the_o endeavour_n of_o other_o have_v have_v which_o have_v be_v of_o somewhat_o a_o like_a nature_n but_o this_o diffidence_n proceed_v not_o at_o all_o from_o any_o suspicion_n i_o have_v touch_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o persuade_v you_o by_o but_o from_o the_o rootedness_n and_o strength_n of_o your_o prejudice_n by_o which_o the_o strong_a reason_n be_v many_o time_n resist_v elihu_n say_v job_n 34._o that_o the_o ear_n tri_v word_n as_o the_o mouth_n taste_v meat_n now_o we_o know_v that_o that_o meat_n which_o be_v good_a and_o savoury_a in_o itself_o and_o pleasant_a to_o the_o taste_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o healthful_a habit_n of_o body_n be_v unsavoury_a and_o perhaps_o nauseous_a to_o those_o of_o a_o vitiate_a palate_n and_o there_o be_v just_a a_o like_a difference_n between_o the_o taste_n which_o man_n have_v of_o the_o same_o argumentation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o corruption_n and_o uncorruptness_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v your_o wisdom_n in_o order_n to_o your_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n to_o divest_v your_o mind_n as_o much_o as_o possible_a you_o can_v of_o all_o prejudice_n when_o you_o come_v to_o peruse_v discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n some_o i_o understand_v have_v take_v up_o a_o prejudice_n against_o somewhat_o i_o have_v do_v former_o of_o this_o nature_n from_o a_o mistake_n and_o misinformation_n as_o if_o the_o turn_n of_o time_n have_v cause_v that_o alteration_n which_o have_v be_v make_v in_o my_o mind_n about_o the_o thing_n discuss_v in_o this_o address_n but_o to_o the_o end_n that_o none_o may_v be_v take_v off_o from_o peruse_v and_o consider_v this_o discourse_n upon_o any_o such_o pretence_n they_o may_v certain_o know_v the_o untruth_n of_o such_o suggestion_n by_o this_o to_o wit_n that_o i_o publish_v my_o retractation_n of_o separation_n in_o the_o year_n 1659._o when_o separation_n be_v in_o great_a repute_n and_o the_o turn_n of_o time_n they_o speak_v of_o then_o out_o of_o prospect_n to_o such_o as_o myself_o saint_n paul_n count_v it_o but_o a_o small_a thing_n with_o he_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o man_n or_o of_o man_n judgement_n because_o he_o be_v to_o stand_v or_o fall_v not_o by_o their_o judgement_n but_o by_o go_n and_o consider_v that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o may_v say_v as_o he_o do_v in_o this_o it_o very_o much_o concern_v we_o in_o our_o enquiry_n what_o be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v and_o practise_v by_o we_o not_o much_o to_o mind_v what_o this_o or_o the_o other_o party_n will_v think_v or_o say_v of_o we_o or_o whether_o this_o or_o that_o way_n will_v best_o accommodate_v we_o in_o our_o worldly_a interest_n but_o with_o uprightness_n to_o do_v all_o as_o unto_o god_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o who_o every_o one_o of_o we_o must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o himself_o and_o because_o we_o must_v do_v so_o therefore_o we_o shall_v take_v as_o little_a as_o may_v be_v upon_o trust_n no_o not_o from_o those_o we_o have_v the_o best_a esteem_n of_o but_o every_o one_o to_o try_v his_o own_o work_n that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o and_o not_o in_o another_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o because_o there_o be_v not_o many_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o put_v themselves_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o do_v so_o in_o thing_n controvert_v among_o we_o therefore_o it_o great_o concern_v you_o who_o be_v leader_n of_o the_o people_n to_o be_v very_o diligent_a and_o very_a faithful_a in_o try_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o you_o now_o go_v in_o way_n so_o much_o differ_v as_o they_o do_v from_o all_o in_o a_o manner_n that_o have_v go_v before_o you_o yea_o even_o from_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n themselves_o and_o if_o you_o have_v any_o conviction_n or_o misgiving_n touch_v the_o unsafeness_n or_o unaccountableness_n of_o the_o way_n in_o which_o you_o conduct_v the_o people_n let_v no_o worldly_a interest_n or_o fear_n of_o displease_v or_o of_o lose_v they_o prevail_v upon_o you_o to_o conceal_v it_o from_o they_o but_o trust_v god_n in_o deal_v faithful_o which_o will_v both_o bring_v inward_a peace_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o interest_n you_o in_o his_o special_a care_n i_o will_v add_v one_o thing_n more_o and_o that_o be_v to_o put_v you_o upon_o consider_v whether_o by_o this_o divide_v way_n in_o which_o you_o be_v you_o either_o have_v or_o be_v ever_o like_a to_o promote_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o in_o this_o nation_n as_o you_o may_v have_v do_v if_o you_o have_v continue_v communion_n in_o the_o parochial_a way_n as_o heretofore_o for_o i_o free_o confess_v to_o you_o that_o i_o vehement_o suspect_v that_o you_o neither_o have_v nor_o be_v like_a to_o do_v it_o so_o well_o in_o the_o way_n you_o take_v as_o you_o may_v in_o that_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n i_o conceive_v do_v very_o much_o consist_v not_o in_o external_a mode_n of_o worship_n or_o in_o a_o zealous_a cry_v up_o one_o and_o cry_v down_o another_o but_o in_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o inward_a and_o profound_a devotion_n of_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o spiritual_a substance_n of_o his_o worship_n whether_o in_o this_o form_n or_o that_o and_o in_o our_o be_v like_a to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o humility_n meekness_n gentleness_n peaceableness_n universal_a charity_n in_o seek_v the_o good_a of_o all_o man_n by_o word_n and_o deed_n in_o a_o patient_a bear_n of_o unkind_a usage_n from_o man_n without_o express_v any_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n towards_o they_o for_o it_o by_o word_n or_o deed_n but_o rather_o return_v they_o good_a for_o evil_n and_o the_o like_a but_o now_o division_n in_o church_n make_v of_o party_n rend_v and_o tear_v and_o separate_n have_v quite_o another_o tendency_n than_o to_o promote_v these_o thing_n it_o tend_v to_o discompose_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o their_o reverend_a and_o awful_a approach_n to_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n to_o embitter_v their_o spirit_n one_o against_o another_o so_o that_o it_o become_v far_o more_o difficult_a than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v to_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v it_o tend_v to_o fill_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o uncharitable_a opinion_n of_o and_o uncharitable_a affection_n to_o one_o another_o and_o to_o exasperate_v their_o spirit_n one_o against_o another_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o despise_n and_o contemn_v one_o another_o and_o to_o a_o proud_a and_o disdainful_a magnify_v of_o one_o party_n against_o another_o to_o a_o swell_a and_o grudge_v one_o against_o another_o it_o tend_v to_o whisper_v backbiting_a and_o slander_v and_o to_o minister_v provocation_n and_o evil_n speak_v one_o against_o another_o and_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o opposite_n to_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v st._n james_n tend_v to_o overthrow_v it_o and_o to_o introduce_v a_o ill_a spirit_a religion_n in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o for_o where_o envy_v and_o strife_n be_v there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n jam._n 3.16_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o schism_n be_v so_o like_o the_o fruit_n of_o those_o who_o be_v describe_v to_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o as_o may_v well_o drive_v you_o from_o the_o schism_n which_o you_o have_v make_v only_o for_o a_o form_n sake_n i_o will_v we_o have_v not_o too_o much_o experience_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o say_v to_o need_v any_o proof_n from_o scripture_n however_o i_o will_v give_v you_o st._n paul_n judgement_n in_o the_o case_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o that_o the_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n when_o st._n paul_n write_v to_o they_o have_v not_o proceed_v to_o any_o such_o height_n as_o to_o break_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n by_o separation_n and_o disclaim_v communion_n one_o with_o another_o and_o yet_o upon_o the_o single_a account_n of_o their_o division_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o they_o be_v yet_o but_o carnal_a and_o walk_v as_o man_n as_o he_o tell_v they_o 1_o cor._n 3.3_o although_o otherwise_o they_o be_v in_o every_o thing_n enrich_v in_o all_o utterance_n and_o in_o all_o knowledge_n come_v behind_o in_o no_o gift_n chap._n 1.5.7_o and_o upon_o this_o very_a account_n their_o come_n together_o their_o solemn_a meeting_n for_o divine_a worship_n be_v not_o for_o the_o better_o but_o for_o the_o worse_o do_v not_o only_o keep_v they_o from_o grow_v but_o set_v they_o backward_o 1_o cor._n 11.17_o 18._o and_o then_o by_o what_o he_o say_v chap._n 4.6_o and_o 2_o cor._n 12.20_o we_o may_v
anabaptist_n more_o true_a to_o their_o principle_n than_o they_o and_o that_o then_o the_o baptise_v of_o person_n may_v be_v as_o well_o defer_v till_o they_o have_v special_a grace_n as_o their_o particular_a church-membership_a may_v and_o so_o upon_o that_o account_n among_o other_o have_v go_v over_o to_o they_o second_o hereby_o some_o who_o may_v have_v no_o save_a grace_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v betray_v into_o self_n flattery_n and_o into_o a_o be_v confident_a that_o they_o have_v because_o so_o good_a and_o know_v a_o congregation_n as_o they_o esteem_v such_o a_o church_n to_o be_v have_v judge_v that_o they_o have_v and_o so_o rest_v secure_a in_o a_o unsafe_a condition_n which_o make_v several_a of_o the_o new-england_n minister_n after_o their_o long_a experience_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o way_n at_o last_o in_o their_o joint_a answer_n to_o mr._n davenport_v apologetical_a preface_n p._n 43_o 44._o to_o say_v thus_o indeed_o when_o man_n confound_v these_o two_o and_o do_v tie_v visible_a church-membership_a unto_o such_o condition_n and_o qualification_n as_o be_v enough_o to_o salvation_n this_o may_v tend_v to_o harden_v man_n and_o to_o make_v they_o conceit_n that_o if_o they_o be_v get_v into_o the_o church_n they_o be_v sure_a of_o heaven_n whenas_o alas_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v far_o from_o it_o three_o a_o guiltiness_n of_o a_o great_a schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o many_o sad_a effect_n of_o it_o some_o of_o which_o i_o have_v mention_v before_o if_o the_o separation_n build_v upon_o the_o principle_n under_o consideration_n have_v be_v matter_n of_o duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o principle_n they_o that_o have_v engage_v in_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v accountable_a for_o the_o evil_n consequent_a upon_o it_o no_o more_o than_o they_o be_v of_o set_v father_n against_o son_n and_o son_n against_o father_n mother_n against_o daughter_n and_o daughter_n against_o mother_n by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n lu._n 12.53_o but_o whosoever_o have_v undertake_v a_o separation_n from_o though_o but_o part_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o insufficient_a ground_n and_o mistake_a principle_n must_v be_v accountable_a for_o the_o ill_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o it_o until_o they_o repent_v and_o leave_v off_o as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o schism_n itself_o which_o cause_v they_o but_o now_o i_o have_v already_o represent_v to_o you_o why_o a_o judgement_n in_o the_o church_n that_o person_n have_v not_o save_v grace_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o non-admission_n of_o they_o to_o particular_a church_n communion_n suppose_v they_o to_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o i_o have_v show_v likewise_o how_o that_o in_o the_o account_n of_o scripture_n such_o have_v be_v visible_a church-member_n and_o external_o relate_v to_o god_n and_o to_o christ_n and_o call_v by_o his_o name_n and_o denominate_v saint_n upon_o another_o account_n than_o that_o of_o save_a grace_n or_o internal_a holiness_n which_o if_o true_o represent_v than_o it_o can_v be_v matter_n of_o duty_n but_o the_o contrary_a to_o ground_v a_o separation_n from_o such_o congregation_n as_o be_v constitute_v upon_o other_o term_n and_o because_o they_o be_v so_o in_o that_o those_o of_o the_o church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n have_v be_v style_v saint_n it_o be_v no_o argument_n why_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o church-fellowship_n but_o such_o as_o be_v saint_n in_o a_o save_a sense_n though_o this_o principle_n of_o separation_n i_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v ground_v on_o that_o for_o some_o in_o those_o church_n which_o be_v not_o saint_n in_o that_o sense_n be_v yet_o style_v saint_n from_o their_o be_v separate_v and_o set_v apart_o to_o own_o and_o profess_v the_o worship_v of_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n only_o and_o to_o be_v of_o his_o holy_a religion_n as_o i_o have_v show_v both_o in_o this_o discourse_n and_o elsewhere_o more_o at_o large_a saint_n than_o be_v the_o common_a appellation_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o christian_n be_v now_o and_o be_v not_o then_o use_v to_o discriminate_a the_o sincere_a from_o the_o unsound_a christian_n as_o it_o be_v now_o this_o be_v a_o device_n of_o a_o late_a date_n and_o be_v too_o like_a that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o do_v appropriate_v the_o honour_n of_o be_v saint_n unto_o such_o only_a as_o they_o esteem_v to_o have_v be_v eminent_o religious_a the_o conclusion_n than_o be_v that_o if_o the_o separation_n of_o these_o friend_n with_o that_o of_o your_o own_o be_v unaccountable_a from_o the_o scripture_n than_o they_o and_o you_o must_v needs_o be_v accountable_a for_o it_o as_o a_o unlawful_a and_o naughty_a schism_n and_o for_o the_o many_o evil_n produce_v by_o it_o until_o pardon_v be_v obtain_v by_o repentance_n which_o none_o can_v promise_v themselves_o but_o upon_o reformation_n the_o last_o thing_n i_o shall_v observe_v from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n be_v that_o it_o do_v afford_v we_o a_o substantial_a ground_n for_o national_a church_n that_o be_v it_o afford_v we_o ground_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o a_o nation_n who_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o that_o profess_v god_n true_a religion_n be_v in_o that_o respect_n subject_a matter_n of_o a_o church_n though_o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o thing_n which_o lie_v cross_v to_o your_o thought_n and_o which_o you_o be_v wont_a to_o oppose_v with_o some_o indignation_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o be_v show_v before_o be_v by_o god_n call_v and_o their_o profession_n abraham_n spiritual_a seed_n and_o as_o such_o be_v church_n matter_n and_o a_o church_n inorganical_o consider_v and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n if_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o a_o nation_n now_o by_o god_n call_v and_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n become_v abraham_n spiritual_a seed_n in_o a_o sense_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v as_o well_o national_a church_n matter_n as_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v now_o that_o other_o nation_n which_o have_v profess_v god_n true_a religion_n have_v thereby_o become_v abraham_n spiritual_a seed_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n as_o well_o as_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n ever_o be_v we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o believe_v not_o only_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o also_o from_o the_o scripture_n the_o lord_n say_v unto_o abraham_n my_o covenant_n be_v with_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v be_v a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n have_v i_o make_v thou_o gen._n 17.4_o 5._o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o restrain_a sense_n of_o his_o be_v a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n by_o natural_a generation_n only_o but_o also_o if_o not_o only_o of_o his_o be_v a_o spiritual_a father_n of_o many_o nation_n who_o be_v to_o derive_v their_o be_v and_o what_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o spiritual_a or_o religious_a capacity_n from_o he_o from_o who_o the_o true_a save_a doctrine_n have_v be_v since_o propagate_v first_o to_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o then_o to_o nation_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o thus_o st._n paul_n interpret_v the_o aforesaid_a promise_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n rom._n 4.16_o 17._o that_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v sure_a to_o all_o the_o seed_n not_o to_o that_o only_a which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n but_o to_o that_o also_o which_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o we_o all_o as_o it_o be_v write_v i_o have_v make_v thou_o a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n now_o if_o abraham_n be_v have_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v a_o spiritual_a father_n of_o many_o nation_n than_o many_o nation_n must_v needs_o be_v his_o spiritual_a child_n for_o father_n and_o child_n be_v corlaretive_n and_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o one_o be_v a_o father_n the_o other_o must_v be_v his_o child_n and_o when_o st._n paul_n say_v if_o you_o be_v christ_n then_o be_v you_o abraham_n seed_n gal._n 3.29_o be_v true_a of_o all_o that_o be_v so_o and_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n in_o which_o man_n be_v christ_n in_o that_o sense_n they_o be_v abraham_n seed_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o profession_n only_o or_o by_o a_o sound_a faith_n also_o and_o in_o correspondence_n to_o all_o this_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v say_v to_o become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n which_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o their_o become_a professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o christian_a religion_n revel_v 11.15_o and_o this_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v according_a as_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n as_o well_o as_o to_o abraham_n himself_o to_o instance_n in_o one_o instead_o
of_o many_o zech._n 2.11_o many_o nation_n shall_v be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o day_n and_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n as_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v national_o god_n people_n and_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n so_o here_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o many_o nation_n national_o shall_v be_v join_v to_o he_o and_o be_v his_o people_n also_o and_o consequent_o he_o must_v be_v the_o god_n of_o those_o nation_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n in_o which_o they_o be_v his_o people_n thus_o far_o the_o matter_n be_v so_o evident_a that_o one_o will_v think_v that_o nothing_o but_o a_o inveterate_a prejudice_n and_o prepossession_n of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n undue_o take_v up_o and_o a_o averseness_n to_o confess_v yourselves_o to_o have_v be_v mistake_v shall_v hinder_v you_o from_o accept_v of_o a_o conviction_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o of_o yield_v up_o your_o judgement_n as_o conquer_v by_o the_o truth_n to_o proceed_v then_o yet_o far_o if_o nation_n profess_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v in_o a_o more_o general_a sense_n abraham_n spiritual_a seed_n and_o a_o people_n join_v to_o the_o lord_n so_o as_o to_o be_v his_o people_n than_o it_o be_v as_o well_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o people_n of_o such_o nation_n to_o associate_v and_o knit_v together_o in_o christian_a congregation_n for_o public_a worship_n in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o reside_v as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o live_v in_o rome_n in_o corinth_n in_o cenchrea_n by_o corinth_n etc._n etc._n to_o associate_v as_o they_o do_v in_o the_o same_o place_n for_o the_o same_o end_n and_z according_o those_o church_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o place_n where_o they_o do_v reside_v and_o our_o parochial_a distribution_n be_v no_o more_o a_o cause_n of_o quarrel_n than_o that_o be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n be_v distinct_a upon_o the_o only_a account_n that_o the_o member_n of_o each_o live_v in_o distinct_a place_n and_o as_o the_o distribution_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o professor_n of_o christianity_n into_o particular_a parochial_a assembly_n best_a answer_v the_o primitive_a pattern_n so_o it_o best_a answer_n the_o end_n of_o church_n association_n such_o as_o be_v the_o watch_v over_o confer_v with_o admonish_a exhort_v and_o comfort_v one_o another_o and_o the_o assemble_v together_o for_o public_a worship_n and_o when_o the_o christian_n in_o a_o nation_n be_v thus_o dispose_v of_o into_o congregation_n in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v weak_a and_o strong_a together_o it_o be_v no_o way_n agreeable_a to_o primitive_a practice_n nor_o to_o the_o general_a end_n of_o church_n association_n nor_o to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o particular_a church_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n in_o a_o nation_n for_o the_o strong_a the_o wise_a the_o better_a the_o more_o spiritual_a in_o those_o parish_n church_n to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o more_o ignorant_a weak_a and_o carnal_a christian_n reside_v in_o the_o same_o place_n with_o they_o into_o distinct_a and_o separate_a community_n so_o long_o as_o they_o can_v hold_v communion_n with_o they_o without_o sin_v in_o so_o do_v this_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v not_o and_o if_o no_o such_o thing_n have_v be_v do_v in_o our_o nation_n the_o church_n of_o god_n among_o we_o will_v doubtless_o have_v be_v in_o no_o such_o bad_a circumstance_n as_o now_o it_o be_v as_o god_n have_v place_v in_o the_o natural_a body_n member_n some_o more_o necessary_a and_o useful_a than_o other_o to_o be_v helpful_a and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o mean_a more_o helpless_a and_o less_o useful_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a body_n so_o it_o be_v in_o ecclesiastical_a body_n god_n say_v st._n paul_n have_v temper_v the_o body_n together_o have_v give_v more_o abundant_a honour_n to_o that_o part_n which_o lack_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o schism_n in_o the_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12.24_o 25._o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o schism_n in_o the_o body_n as_o to_o be_v sure_a there_o will_v and_o needs_o must_v when_o that_o part_n be_v most_o neglect_v which_o lack_v most_o care_n and_o pain_n and_o withdraw_v from_o as_o if_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o body_n this_o become_v a_o sore_a temptation_n to_o those_o who_o be_v despise_v to_o set_v against_o those_o who_o despise_v they_o and_o that_o again_o tempt_v they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o oppose_v their_o opposer_n and_o so_o the_o breach_n grow_v wide_a and_o wide_o and_o spread_v itself_o through_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o as_o the_o withdraw_a live_v coal_n from_o those_o that_o be_v but_o a_o little_a kindle_v be_v the_o way_n to_o put_v out_o the_o fire_n so_o be_v the_o withdraw_n of_o the_o better_a christian_n from_o the_o worse_o not_o in_o a_o way_n of_o church_n discipline_n but_o into_o distinct_a body_n the_o direct_a way_n to_o ruin_v the_o church_n and_o to_o extinguish_v the_o life_n and_o heat_n of_o religion_n in_o those_o place_n where_o this_o be_v practise_v i_o nothing_o doubt_v but_o that_o those_o who_o have_v take_v this_o course_n let_v the_o provocation_n to_o it_o be_v what_o it_o will_v may_v have_v consult_v the_o real_a and_o true_a interest_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o main_a much_o better_o in_o another_o way_n this_o way_n savour_v too_o much_o of_o self-satisfaction_n and_o neglect_v of_o other_o to_o be_v of_o christ_n who_o will_v have_v the_o strong_a to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o not_o to_o please_v themselves_o after_o his_o own_o example_n rom._n 15._o new_a way_n many_o time_n take_v much_o for_o a_o while_n which_o do_v not_o end_v so_o well_o at_o last_o inquire_v for_o the_o old_a way_n and_o stand_v in_o the_o good_a way_n that_o in_o which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n walk_v if_o you_o will_v find_v rest_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o your_o own_o mind_n rest_n to_o your_o soul_n and_o if_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o duty_n in_o itself_o and_o according_a to_o primitive_a practice_n for_o all_o christian_a professor_n in_o a_o nation_n thus_o to_o unite_v in_o particular_a congregation_n in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o reside_v and_o not_o to_o make_v any_o schism_n after_o by_o one_o part_n withdraw_v from_o the_o other_o into_o separate_a community_n so_o long_o as_o they_o can_v continue_v their_o communion_n without_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v then_o if_o the_o high_a power_n in_o such_o a_o nation_n do_v exercise_v their_o authority_n in_o command_v they_o to_o do_v this_o which_o be_v of_o itself_o their_o duty_n though_o they_o have_v not_o command_v it_o and_o do_v likewise_o forbid_v and_o restrain_v their_o make_n of_o schism_n by_o separate_a when_o they_o have_v no_o sufficient_a or_o warrantable_a cause_n to_o do_v it_o this_o can_v make_v it_o less_o their_o duty_n than_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o before_o and_o still_o will_v be_v be_v there_o no_o such_o command_n or_o restraint_n from_o the_o high_a power_n no_o man_n sure_o can_v imagine_v that_o if_o nero_n have_v use_v his_o authority_n in_o command_v the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n to_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v though_o he_o have_v not_o command_v it_o as_o he_o do_v not_o that_o nero_n command_n in_o that_o case_n will_v have_v make_v it_o any_o whit_n less_o their_o duty_n but_o the_o more_o it_o be_v not_o unbecoming_a but_o very_o laudable_a no_o doubt_n for_o the_o high_a power_n to_o concern_v themselves_o and_o their_o authority_n in_o promote_a the_o christian_a religion_n in_o their_o dominion_n by_o take_v order_n that_o god_n be_v public_o and_o solemn_o worship_v by_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o use_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n that_o place_n for_o public_a worship_n be_v provide_v for_o that_o end_n that_o officer_n competent_o qualify_v be_v appoint_v to_o administer_v those_o ordinance_n that_o fit_v maintenance_n be_v appoint_v and_o provide_v they_o that_o they_o may_v attend_v that_o work_n without_o distraction_n that_o the_o people_n be_v require_v and_o command_v to_o attend_v the_o public_a worship_n and_o that_o care_v be_v take_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v disturb_v in_o it_o and_o final_o that_o discipline_n be_v due_o exercise_v for_o the_o purge_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o keep_v they_o pure_a suppose_v the_o high_a power_n and_o the_o people_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o be_v christian_a the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o their_o love_n to_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v will_v dictate_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o in_o the_o one_o to_o command_v and_o the_o other_o to_o obey_v and_o to_o use_v all_o due_a mean_n to_o prevent_v division_n among_o they_o as_o be_v most_o destructive_a
fact_n it_o be_v true_a that_o more_o may_v and_o sometime_o be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o communion_n than_o be_v necessary_a and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o it_o usual_o become_v a_o temptation_n to_o more_o or_o less_o to_o run_v into_o schism_n and_o it_o likewise_o furnish_v such_o with_o some_o pretence_n to_o draw_v disciple_n to_o themselves_o who_o be_v ambition_n of_o head_v a_o party_n in_o which_o respect_v it_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o great_a prudence_n in_o order_n to_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n to_o make_v no_o more_o than_o be_v necessary_a the_o condition_n of_o communion_n but_o although_o more_o shall_v be_v impose_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n than_o be_v necessary_a yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o more_o as_o make_v it_o sinful_a to_o hold_v communion_n on_o those_o term_n then_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n who_o separate_v upon_o account_n of_o such_o a_o imposition_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o such_o a_o schism_n be_v without_o sufficient_a cause_n or_o just_a ground_n which_o just_a ground_n be_v when_o one_o can_v do_v otherwise_o than_o separate_v without_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v thing_n may_v be_v ill_o impose_v as_o when_o they_o be_v inadequate_a to_o their_o end_n and_o yet_o well_o observe_v by_o they_o on_o who_o they_o be_v impose_v as_o when_o not_o sinful_a in_o themselves_o and_o when_o by_o that_o mean_v they_o and_o the_o church_n suffer_v less_o in_o point_n of_o inconvenience_n and_o enjoy_v a_o great_a benefit_n in_o preserve_a peace_n in_o the_o church_n than_o can_v be_v obtain_v in_o a_o way_n of_o opposition_n if_o we_o shall_v allow_v a_o liberty_n much_o more_o if_o we_o hold_v it_o a_o duty_n for_o inferior_n under_o government_n to_o oppose_v and_o withstand_v the_o command_n of_o their_o superior_n as_o oft_o as_o they_o think_v they_o command_v thing_n inconvenient_a though_o they_o shall_v think_v right_a so_o long_o as_o they_o do_v not_o command_v thing_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o observe_v we_o shall_v soon_o bring_v intolerable_a confusion_n into_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n into_o family_n and_o all_o community_n of_o man_n where_o government_n be_v exercise_v inconvenience_n in_o such_o case_n must_v be_v yield_v to_o rather_o than_o great_a mischief_n draw_v on_o we_o and_o on_o the_o community_n by_o not_o yield_v but_o you_o at_o least_o many_o of_o you_o think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o infringe_n of_o your_o christian_a liberty_n for_o man_n to_o determine_v and_o impose_v upon_o you_o where_o god_n have_v not_o determine_v and_o impose_v and_o that_o in_o such_o case_n it_o will_v be_v a_o betray_n of_o that_o liberty_n shall_v you_o not_o withstand_v such_o imposition_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o thus_o far_o it_o be_v true_a that_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v impose_v by_o man_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o be_v command_v of_o god_n of_o divine_a institution_n or_o of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o so_o as_o this_o will_v be_v a_o teach_n for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n so_o a_o yield_n to_o they_o so_o impose_v will_v be_v a_o betray_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n and_o more_o than_o so_o it_o will_v be_v a_o betray_n of_o the_o prerogative_n of_o our_o lord_n unto_o the_o usurpation_n of_o man_n and_o a_o make_n to_o ourselves_o other_o master_n than_o christ_n and_o ourselves_o servant_n of_o man_n in_o the_o prohibit_v sense_n and_o all_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o though_o this_o be_v the_o case_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o many_o thing_n and_o in_o some_o respect_n among_o yourselves_o also_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n touch_v the_o thing_n in_o dispute_n between_o you_o and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o thing_n impose_v at_o which_o you_o most_o stick_v be_v not_o at_o all_o impose_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o divine_a right_n but_o only_o upon_o a_o prudential_a account_n be_v thing_n mutable_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o alterable_a at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o they_o who_o impose_v they_o and_o be_v so_o declare_v in_o the_o preface_n before_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n so_o that_o your_o conscience_n be_v not_o impose_v upon_o to_o take_v the_o thing_n themselves_o for_o any_o other_o than_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n thing_n leave_v undetermined_a by_o god_n one_o way_n or_o other_o but_o then_o there_o be_v a_o sense_n in_o which_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o our_o christian_a liberty_n be_v undue_o infringe_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o man_n although_o we_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v the_o thing_n enjoin_v we_o before_o such_o a_o imposition_n be_v lay_v upon_o we_o our_o christian_a liberty_n do_v not_o exempt_v we_o from_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o our_o superior_n in_o thing_n which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v but_o indifferent_a and_o out_o of_o such_o circumstance_n may_v be_v do_v or_o let_v alone_o the_o same_o divine_a authority_n which_o enjoin_v we_o to_o call_v no_o man_n on_o earth_n master_n nor_o to_o be_v servant_n of_o man_n enjoin_v child_n also_o to_o obey_v their_o parent_n servant_n their_o master_n church-member_n their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o governor_n and_o subject_n their_o prince_n and_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n in_o which_o they_o shall_v not_o disobey_v god_n in_o do_v contrary_a to_o his_o command_n so_o that_o when_o thing_n indifferent_a or_o undetermined_a by_o god_n be_v impose_v by_o our_o governor_n domestic_a politic_a or_o ecclesiastic_a only_o as_o their_o command_n our_o christian_a liberty_n be_v no_o bar_n nor_o plea_n against_o they_o and_o whoever_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v draws_z too_o near_o the_o wicked_a gnostic_n who_o pretend_v exemption_n from_o be_v command_v and_o govern_v by_o man_n by_o their_o be_v christ_n freeman_n against_o which_o abuse_n of_o christian_a liberty_n st._n peter_n caution_v the_o christian_n then_o for_o after_o he_o have_v exhort_v they_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n 1_o pet._n 2.13_o 14._o he_o present_o add_v in_o ver_fw-la 16._o as_o free_a and_o not_o use_v your_o liberty_n as_o a_o cloak_n of_o maliciousness_n not_o to_o pretend_v christian_a liberty_n to_o cover_v their_o disaffection_n to_o government_n as_o the_o gnostic_n do_v our_o christian_a liberty_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o bar_n to_o our_o obedience_n to_o our_o governor_n in_o all_o thing_n not_o otherwise_o order_v by_o god_n as_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a accommodation_n to_o we_o in_o yield_a obedience_n to_o they_o without_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n for_o when_o circumstance_n in_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n be_v leave_v so_o much_o undetermined_a by_o god_n as_o they_o be_v we_o be_v at_o the_o great_a liberty_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o prudential_a determination_n of_o our_o governor_n either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o so_o long_o as_o they_o do_v not_o determine_v any_o thing_n against_o what_o god_n have_v determine_v in_o thing_n even_o of_o this_o nature_n we_o be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o our_o governor_n for_o conscience_n sake_n rom._n 13.5_o that_o be_v out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n who_o command_v our_o obedience_n to_o our_o governor_n but_o not_o out_o of_o conscience_n to_o the_o thing_n command_v by_o they_o as_o if_o by_o any_o inherent_a holiness_n in_o they_o our_o conscience_n be_v engage_v unto_o they_o and_o here_o lie_v the_o difference_n between_o superstition_n and_o lawful_a obedience_n to_o authority_n in_o the_o case_n of_o superstition_n the_o act_n be_v do_v out_o of_o conscience_n to_o the_o thing_n do_v as_o if_o sacred_a though_o but_o indifferent_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o lawful_a obedience_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n the_o same_o act_n be_v do_v out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n not_o as_o command_v the_o thing_n but_o as_o command_v my_o obedience_n to_o he_o in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n who_o command_v i_o to_o do_v it_o and_o command_v it_o under_o no_o other_o notion_n but_o as_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o not_o make_v sacred_a by_o any_o command_n or_o institution_n of_o god_n let_v i_o say_v this_o further_a to_o you_o there_o be_v more_o of_o real_a religion_n and_o true_a christianity_n in_o thus_o obey_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o our_o governor_n out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n who_o will_v have_v it_o so_o than_o i_o fear_n be_v well_o consider_v and_o more_o of_o irreligion_n profaneness_n and_o hypocrisy_n in_o slight_v god_n express_v command_v in_o this_o while_o we_o seem_v so_o very_o fearful_a and_o scrupulous_a to_o