such_o a_o separation_n as_o deny_v not_o only_o actual_a obedience_n but_o the_o lawful_a jurisdiction_n of_o superior_n and_o withdraw_v subject_n from_o the_o proper_a legal_a coertion_n of_o such_o a_o society_n especial_o if_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o district_v where_o separation_n from_o government_n be_v not_o intelligible_a without_o opposition_n to_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v schismatical_a for_o where_o there_o be_v two_o government_n not_o subordinate_a there_o must_v needs_o be_v two_o body_n politic_a and_o therefore_o that_o separation_n which_o interrupt_v this_o subordination_n and_o erect_v a_o independent_a government_n must_v consequent_o dissolve_v this_o political_a unity_n and_o be_v schismatical_a this_o therefore_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o this_o notion_n of_o schism_n must_v be_v the_o principal_a thing_n requisite_a to_o be_v prove_v against_o our_o adversary_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v prove_v direct_o that_o the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o body_n politic_a and_o it_o be_v thence_o infer_v that_o such_o a_o separation_n as_o that_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o be_v proper_o schismatical_a or_o whether_o the_o separation_n be_v first_o prove_v schismatical_a and_o this_o political_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v thence_o deduce_v both_o way_n of_o proceed_v will_v come_v to_o the_o same_o event_n §_o xlii_o especial_o consider_v 2._o that_o though_o indeed_o we_o can_v by_o reason_n prove_v it_o very_o convinient_a and_o avaylable_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o particular_a person_n that_o they_o be_v thus_o confederated_a into_o political_a society_n yet_o we_o can_v prove_v it_o so_o necessary_a as_o that_o antecedent_o to_o all_o positive_a revelation_n we_o may_v have_v be_v able_a to_o conclude_v that_o god_n must_v have_v thus_o confederate_v they_o for_o beside_o the_o great_a presumption_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v what_o god_n must_v have_v do_v from_o what_o we_o esteem_v fit_a and_o convenient_a acknowledge_v by_o all_o equal_a person_n in_o instance_n whereof_o they_o may_v be_v presume_v equal_a judge_n that_o be_v when_o this_o argument_n be_v produce_v in_o favour_n of_o adversary_n the_o argument_n be_v then_o more_o especial_o weak_a and_o imprudent_a when_o the_o convenience_n be_v no_o great_a than_o still_o to_o leave_v many_o thing_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o humane_a prudence_n and_o such_o they_o be_v here_o and_o when_o we_o can_v have_v secure_a way_n of_o argue_v as_o none_o will_v doubt_v but_o that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o secure_a to_o inquire_v what_o god_n have_v actual_o do_v from_o actual_a revelation_n than_o from_o our_o own_o fallible_a conjecture_n what_o be_v fit_a to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o he_o especial_o in_o thing_n so_o indifferent_a and_o arbitrary_a as_o these_o be_v concern_v which_o i_o be_o at_o present_a discourse_v if_o therefore_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o god_n have_v actual_o make_v the_o church_n a_o body_n politic_a it_o will_v follow_v that_o resistance_n to_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n must_v be_v actual_o condemn_v by_o god_n as_o shismatical_a and_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n have_v actual_o condemn_v resistance_n to_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n as_o schismatical_a it_o will_v also_o follow_v that_o he_o have_v make_v the_o church_n a_o body_n politic_a there_o be_v no_o other_o difference_n betwixt_o these_o two_o way_n of_o argue_v but_o that_o one_o of_o they_o be_v a_o priori_fw-la the_o other_o a_o posteriori_fw-la but_o in_o both_o of_o they_o the_o connexion_n be_v equal_o certain_a from_o its_o own_o rational_a evidence_n §_o xliii_o 3._o therefore_o as_o this_o actual_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v most_o proper_a to_o be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n so_o the_o most_o satisfactory_a way_n of_o prove_v it_o thence_o will_v be_v not_o only_o to_o prove_v thence_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o be_v require_v from_o subject_n to_o their_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n but_o also_o to_o discover_v from_o thence_o the_o mischief_n likely_a to_o befall_v subject_n upon_o their_o disobedience_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o constitute_v a_o government_n or_o a_o body_n politic_a proper_o so_o call_v without_o a_o coercive_a power_n over_o its_o particular_a refractory_a member_n and_o therefore_o if_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n as_o establish_v in_o the_o scripture_n there_o appear_v nothing_o coercive_a over_o its_o particular_a member_n to_o force_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n under_o pain_n of_o a_o great_a prejudice_n to_o be_v incur_v by_o they_o in_o case_n of_o refusal_n than_o that_o of_o bare_o act_v irrational_o and_o indecorous_o this_o very_a omission_n will_v make_v it_o suspicious_a that_o the_o duty_n exact_v from_o they_o be_v no_o more_o than_o that_o reverential_n respect_n which_o we_o common_o conceive_v due_a to_o person_n of_o excellent_a accomplishment_n or_o from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v particular_a obligation_n though_o they_o have_v no_o right_n of_o jurisdiction_n over_o we_o but_o not_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v proper_o due_a to_o governor_n of_o society_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o their_o personal_a accomplishment_n and_o our_o obligation_n to_o they_o so_o that_o this_o real_a prejudice_n which_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v incur_v by_o the_o subject_a in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n be_v very_o necessary_a to_o be_v discover_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o scripture_n even_o in_o order_n to_o the_o clear_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o authority_n §_o xliv_o and_o 2._o the_o church_n be_v on_o this_o supposal_n a_o external_n body_n politic_a its_o coercive_a power_n must_v also_o be_v external_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o validity_n of_o her_o censure_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n second_v they_o that_o be_v from_o his_o remit_v or_o bind_v in_o heaven_n what_o she_o remit_v or_o bind_v on_o earth_n yet_o this_o power_n will_v indeed_o be_v very_o little_a coercive_a if_o god_n confirmation_n be_v think_v easy_o separable_a from_o the_o church_n act._n for_o see_v that_o a_o society_n of_o this_o nature_n can_v imply_v any_o external_n coercion_n of_o the_o external_n act_n all_o the_o coercion_n she_o can_v pretend_v to_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o deprivation_n of_o those_o privilege_n which_o be_v enjoy_v and_o may_v be_v pretend_v to_o by_o virtue_n of_o her_o visible_a membership_n and_o a_o expose_v the_o person_n so_o deprive_v to_o all_o the_o calamity_n consequent_a to_o such_o a_o deprivation_n but_o if_o the_o confirmation_n of_o these_o censure_n by_o god_n be_v whole_o resolve_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o be_v inflict_v they_o can_v never_o be_v fear_v nor_o consequent_o prove_v coercive_a to_o their_o subject_n who_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n itself_o which_o in_o the_o event_n will_v make_v they_o never_o proper_o coercive_a at_o all_o especial_o in_o regard_n of_o a_o government_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v fallible_a as_o the_o church_n be_v general_o by_o protestant_n for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v that_o all_o who_o stand_v out_o so_o obstinate_o against_o the_o church_n authority_n as_o to_o provoke_v her_o censure_n either_o be_v not_o or_o pretend_v not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o her_o decree_n and_o therefore_o if_o their_o own_o judgement_n may_v be_v take_v as_o all_o the_o coerciveness_n of_o such_o censure_n as_o these_o be_v which_o be_v not_o external_o coercive_a must_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o person_n lie_v under_o they_o concern_v their_o validity_n there_o can_v be_v no_o hope_n of_o reclaim_v they_o by_o censure_n who_o be_v not_o already_o such_o as_o may_v be_v presume_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o be_v inflict_v and_o yet_o such_o alone_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o coercive_a power_n §_o xlv_o beside_o those_o censure_n which_o be_v suppose_v only_o declarative_a not_o operative_a be_v not_o proper_o the_o act_n of_o authorize_v but_o skilful_a person_n for_o it_o be_v skill_n not_o authority_n that_o be_v a_o prudent_a presumption_n that_o any_o thing_n be_v such_o as_o it_o be_v declare_v and_o therefore_o the_o opinion_n of_o learned_a doctor_n though_o but_o private_a person_n will_v in_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v be_v much_o more_o formidable_a than_o the_o peremptory_a sentence_n of_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n as_o they_o be_v consider_v only_o under_o that_o relation_n i_o can_v see_v how_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v by_o those_o who_o conceive_v the_o declaration_n to_o be_v purely-speculative_a and_o to_o be_v of_o no_o further_a force_n for_o oblige_v particular_a person_n than_o as_o upon_o
visible_a constituent_n of_o such_o a_o society_n as_o this_o be_v baptism_n be_v the_o solemn_a admission_n of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o how_o can_v multitude_n make_v up_o a_o church_n who_o be_v never_o admit_v into_o it_o how_o can_v they_o make_v a_o complete_a church_n who_o have_v no_o power_n of_o admit_v new_a member_n at_o lest_o how_o can_v they_o secure_a succession_n and_o continue_v to_o be_v a_o church_n without_o this_o power_n of_o admit_v new_a member_n the_o result_n therefore_o of_o this_o discourse_n will_v be_v that_o if_o these_o principle_n hold_v true_a that_o they_o can_v never_o so_o much_o as_o abstain_v from_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n for_o any_o condition_n require_v from_o they_o which_o be_v not_o more_o intolerable_a than_o the_o want_n of_o all_o church_n society_n and_o of_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o if_o this_o comfort_n be_v so_o great_a as_o our_o adversary_n themselves_o do_v usual_o confess_v it_o to_o be_v there_o can_v be_v but_o few_o case_n which_o can_v even_o excuse_v this_o forbearance_n of_o communion_n §_o iv_o but_o in_o case_n the_o imposition_n shall_v prove_v so_o unlawful_a as_o to_o be_v great_a mischief_n to_o he_o who_o shall_v submit_v to_o they_o than_o can_v be_v recompense_v by_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o communion_n yet_o even_o in_o this_o case_n he_o ought_v also_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o opposite_a communion_n for_o on_o this_o supposition_n their_o baptism_n will_v be_v no_o baptism_n nor_o consequent_o can_v the_o member_n admit_v by_o their_o baptism_n be_v true_a church-member_n which_o if_o they_o be_v not_o no_o number_n of_o they_o how_o great_a soever_o can_v ever_o make_v a_o church_n and_o then_o all_o they_o act_v as_o a_o church_n that_o be_v by_o any_o authority_n pretend_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o god_n must_v not_o only_o prove_v a_o perfect_a nullity_n that_o be_v infer_v no_o obligation_n on_o god_n to_o perform_v those_o spiritual_a benefit_n which_o if_o valid_o administer_v they_o will_v have_v oblige_v he_o to_o perform_v but_o be_v also_o a_o crime_n high_o punishable_a by_o the_o principle_n of_o government_n even_o the_o usurp_a a_o authority_n which_o have_v never_o be_v legal_o commit_v to_o they_o and_o then_o though_o the_o suppose_a unlawfulness_n of_o the_o imposition_n may_v excuse_v they_o who_o conscience_n be_v so_o persuade_v that_o the_o imposition_n be_v unlawful_a from_o that_o communion_n which_o can_v not_o be_v have_v without_o such_o imposition_n yet_o it_o can_v never_o excuse_v they_o for_o venture_v the_o guilt_n of_o a_o sin_n and_o especial_o of_o a_o sin_n of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n as_o that_o be_v of_o abet_v as_o well_o as_o of_o assume_v a_o usurp_a authority_n and_o therefore_o the_o safe_a way_n for_o such_o person_n will_v be_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o communion_n till_o they_o may_v recover_v that_o by_o lawful_a compliance_n which_o have_v be_v lose_v by_o have_v unlawful_a one_o expect_v from_o they_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o observe_v punctual_o the_o moral_a duty_n which_o all_o acknowledge_v eternal_o obligatory_a of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n till_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o restore_v they_o to_o lawful_a mean_n of_o enjoy_v the_o ritual_n of_o religion_n §_o v_o and_o if_o man_n may_v be_v persuade_v even_o thus_o far_o two_o consequence_n will_v follow_v of_o very_o great_a importance_n for_o the_o preservation_n and_o maintenance_n of_o catholic_n peace_n the_o first_o be_v that_o even_o the_o abstain_v of_o pious_a person_n from_o the_o lawful_a communion_n will_v be_v very_o rare_a for_o nothing_o will_v oblige_v such_o to_o abstain_v but_o such_o compliance_n as_o will_v be_v more_o mischievous_a than_o the_o lawful_a communion_n can_v be_v beneficial_a and_o to_o such_o person_n who_o have_v experience_v and_o relish_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o ordinance_n very_o few_o thing_n will_v appear_v so_o mischievous_a as_o a_o deprivation_n of_o those_o comfort_n which_o they_o have_v enjoy_v in_o these_o ordinance_n this_o therefore_o will_v oblige_v all_o such_o person_n to_o all_o sincere_a endeavour_n after_o such_o information_n as_o may_v bring_v they_o to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o superior_n and_o withal_o will_v take_v they_o off_o from_o all_o haughtiness_n and_o willfullness_n of_o humour_n so_o that_o nothing_o will_v be_v able_a to_o keep_v off_o such_o person_n from_o compliance_n but_o the_o true_a importance_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o they_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o yield_v and_o to_o receive_v better_a information_n nay_o very_o hearty_o and_o sincere_o desirous_a of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o obtain_v the_o comfort_n of_o ordinance_n so_o much_o value_v by_o they_o can_v not_o frequent_o fail_v of_o so_o much_o conviction_n as_o may_v suffice_v for_o peace_n if_o it_o do_v not_o bring_v they_o altogether_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o superior_n §_o vi_o a_o second_o consequence_n will_v be_v that_o even_o those_o few_o pious_a person_n who_o after_o all_o diligence_n use_v to_o inform_v themselves_o and_o all_o lawful_a condescendence_n can_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o lawful_a communion_n will_v yet_o never_o perpetuate_v so_o much_o as_o their_o non-communion_n for_o as_o long_o as_o they_o form_v no_o party_n nor_o join_v with_o any_o which_o be_v already_o form_v their_o difference_n must_v natural_o extinguish_v with_o their_o person_n which_o will_v at_o least_o secure_v the_o church_n communion_n entire_a for_o the_o next_o generation_n and_o this_o must_v also_o be_v a_o great_a comfort_n to_o such_o person_n that_o they_o can_v thus_o reconcile_v their_o duty_n to_o god_n with_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o at_o once_o secure_v themselves_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o compliance_n and_o from_o the_o great_a mischief_n at_o least_o if_o it_o shall_v not_o prove_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o be_v accessary_a to_o ecclesiastical_a division_n this_o sure_a will_v be_v the_o case_n if_o man_n be_v thus_o far_o convince_v and_o be_v withal_o as_o true_o humble_a and_o sincere_a and_o conscientious_a in_o this_o matter_n as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v §_o vii_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v of_o so_o great_a importance_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n and_o government_n as_o that_o i_o can_v think_v but_o god_n will_v take_v care_n to_o secure_v they_o if_o he_o ever_o intend_v any_o preservation_n of_o either_o of_o they_o and_o in_o this_o regard_n this_o doctrine_n seem_v rather_o agreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n because_o it_o do_v so_o effectual_o secure_v they_o this_o premisal_n may_v suffice_v to_o warn_v the_o reader_n how_o sufficient_a this_o be_v for_o my_o purpose_n that_o baptism_n at_o least_o be_v such_o a_o mean_n without_o which_o salvation_n can_v ordinary_o be_v expect_v and_o that_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n be_v necessary_a for_o secure_v a_o valid_a baptism_n whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o though_o we_o have_v not_o that_o evidence_n of_o the_o like_a necessity_n of_o the_o eucharist_n as_o we_o have_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o baptism_n yet_o our_o cause_n be_v not_o like_a to_o suffer_v for_o want_v of_o it_o §_o viii_o a_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v premise_v be_v this_o that_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o this_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n shall_v be_v as_o necessary_a as_o that_o of_o baptism_n i_o know_v some_o of_o the_o ancient_n who_o understand_v the_o passage_n of_o st._n joh._n vi_fw-la of_o the_o lord_n supper_n infer_v thence_o that_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a for_o the_o salvation_n even_o of_o infant_n as_o baptism_n itself_o be_v but_o i_o have_v not_o now_o to_o do_v with_o those_o who_o be_v of_o that_o opinion_n and_o as_o i_o dare_v not_o undertake_v to_o defend_v it_o so_o i_o do_v not_o conceive_v myself_o oblige_v to_o do_v so_o by_o any_o concernment_n of_o my_o present_a design_n i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o the_o benefit_n confer_v in_o baptism_n of_o forgiveness_n of_o former_a sin_n and_o the_o infusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v sufficient_a for_o salvation_n so_o long_o as_o person_n continue_v in_o that_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o purity_n which_o they_o have_v in_o baptism_n i_o be_o sure_a our_o own_o church_n think_v so_o infant_n rubr._n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o office_n of_o public_a baptism_n of_o infant_n and_o i_o think_v it_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o ancient_a age_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n those_o of_o they_o at_o least_o which_o pass_v before_o the_o pelagian_a controversy_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o if_o we_o judge_v of_o it_o by_o allusion_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o heathen_a mystery_n from_o whence_o as_o i_o say_v the_o copy_n of_o the_o christian_a sacrament_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v take_v they_o be_v
a_o further_a presumption_n for_o prove_v the_o same_o thing_n §_o xiii_o p._n 156._o chap._n viii_o 3._o the_o participation_n in_o these_o external_a solemnity_n with_o any_o legal_a validity_n be_v only_o to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n §_o i._o the_o church_n as_o take_v for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o elect_a uncapable_a of_o be_v communicate_v with_o external_o §_o two_o iii_o that_o all_o thing_n here_o contrive_v be_v exact_o fit_v for_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o no_o other_o §_o iv_o v._o p._n 163._o chap._n ix_o 2._o that_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o particular_a person_n the_o visible_a church_n wherein_o they_o may_v expect_v to_o find_v these_o ordinary_a mean_n be_v the_o episcopal_a in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o society_n not_o episcopal_o govern_v and_o particular_o that_o episcopal_a communion_n under_o who_o jurisdiction_n the_o person_n be_v suppose_v to_o live_v §_o i._o 1._o the_o episcopal_a communion_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o society_n not_o episcopal_o govern_v be_v that_o visible_a church_n to_o who_o external_a communion_n these_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n be_v confine_v this_o prove_v by_o several_a degree_n §_o ii_o 1._o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n be_v now_o confine_v to_o the_o sacrament_n two_o thing_n premise_v the_o former_a §_o iii_o iu_o the_o late_a §_o v._o the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v §_o vi_o prove_v two_o way_n 1._o exclusive_o of_o other_o mean_n of_o gain_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n beside_o the_o sacrament_n §_o vii_o viii_o 1._o of_o the_o word_n preach_v some_o thing_n premise_v §_o ix_o x_o xi_o xii_o 1._o much_o of_o the_o grace_n convey_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v undoubted_o proper_a to_o those_o time_n and_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v expect_v now_o §_o xiii_o fourteen_o xv._o 2._o there_o be_v reason_n proper_a to_o those_o time_n why_o such_o grace_n may_v be_v expect_v then_o which_o will_v not_o hold_v now_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o person_n who_o then_o receive_v the_o spirit_n §_o xvi_o 3._o there_o be_v also_o other_o proper_a reason_n necessary_a for_o the_o conviction_n of_o those_o with_o who_o they_o have_v to_o deal_v §_o xvii_o 4._o that_o grace_n which_o may_v otherwise_o have_v be_v expect_v in_o attend_v on_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v yet_o not_o so_o probable_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o the_o preach_a of_o person_n unauthorized_a especial_o if_o they_o preach_v in_o opposition_n to_o those_o who_o be_v legal_o invest_v with_o spiritual_a authority_n §_o xviii_o xix_o 5._o it_o be_v yet_o further_o doubtful_a whether_o the_o grace_n which_o which_o may_v now_o be_v ordinary_o expect_v at_o any_o preach_v whatsoever_o be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o sacrament_n at_o least_o so_o great_a as_o to_o secure_v the_o salvation_n of_o those_o who_o enjoy_v this_o ordinance_n while_o they_o want_v the_o sacrament_n §_o xx_o xxi_o 6._o it_o be_v also_o very_o doubtful_a whether_o all_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o accompany_v the_o word_n preach_v be_v any_o more_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o dispose_v the_o auditor_n to_o receive_v and_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v to_o they_o or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o shall_v there_o receive_v that_o further_a assistance_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o help_v they_o to_o practice_v what_o they_o have_v thus_o receive_v and_o believe_v §_o xxii_o xxiii_o xxiv_o 7._o this_o first_o grace_n of_o persuasion_n if_o we_o suppose_v it_o alone_o to_o accompany_v the_o word_n preach_v will_v full_o answer_v the_o design_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v §_o xxv_o 8._o the_o grace_n here_o receive_v seem_v to_o be_v only_o some_o actual_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o wicked_a man_n may_v receive_v while_o they_o continue_v so_o and_o which_o therefore_o can_v alone_o be_v think_v sufficient_a for_o salvation_n not_o the_o person_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n himself_o §_o xxvi_o p._n 166._o chap._n x._o the_o exclusive_a part_n prove_v 2._o as_o to_o prayer_n that_o neither_o this_o alone_a nor_o the_o grace_n which_o may_v be_v expect_v in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o salvation_n without_o the_o sacrament_n the_o objection_n propose_v §_o ay_o ii_o the_o answer_n 1._o that_o no_o prayer_n can_v expect_v acceptance_n with_o god_n but_o such_o as_o suppose_v the_o use_n of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o sacrament_n if_o they_o shall_v prove_v such_o §_o iii_o 2._o no_o prayer_n can_v expect_v acceptance_n which_o be_v offer_v by_o a_o sinner_n continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n even_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o he_o offer_v they_o §_o iv_o 3._o it_o be_v more_o to_o be_v consider_v what_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n than_o what_o be_v ordinary_o observe_v by_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a man_n §_o v._o 4._o it_o be_v no_o way_n safe_a for_o we_o to_o venture_v on_o our_o own_o judgement_n concern_v the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o institute_v the_o sacrament_n to_o neglect_v they_o this_o prove_v by_o several_a degreâ—â—_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o know_v the_o true_a design_n of_o the_o sacrament_n §_o vi_o they_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o raise_v devotion_n by_o the_o sensible_a representation_n be_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o these_o sacrament_n §_o vii_o they_o can_v assure_v themselves_o that_o this_o use_n of_o the_o sensible_a representation_n be_v the_o only_a or_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o sacrament_n §_o viii_o though_o they_o be_v sure_a of_o these_o thing_n yet_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n whereby_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v with_o their_o take_n upon_o they_o to_o judge_n of_o his_o design_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n allow_v themselves_o the_o liberty_n of_o pay_v their_o obedience_n at_o their_o own_o discretion_n §_o ix_o 5._o another_o design_n of_o the_o sacrament_n have_v be_v prove_v the_o confederate_a subject_n into_o a_o body_n politic_a and_o the_o oblige_a subject_n in_o it_o to_o a_o dependence_n on_o their_o governor_n it_o be_v no_o way_n convenient_a that_o any_o shall_v be_v excuse_v from_o these_o establishment_n upon_o pretence_n to_o perfection_n they_o who_o be_v real_o perfect_a will_v not_o make_v this_o use_n of_o such_o pretence_n for_o their_o own_o sake_n §_o x._o they_o will_v not_o do_v it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o public_a §_o xi_o xii_o xiii_o they_o will_v not_o do_v it_o on_o account_n of_o the_o divine_a actual_a establishment_n and_o the_o divine_a assistance_n convey_v by_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o perfection_n of_o the_o person_n §_o fourteen_o and_o of_o his_o prayer_n §_o xv._o 6._o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o allow_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o perfection_n atteinable_a in_o this_o life_n as_o can_v in_o reason_n excuse_n from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o obligation_n to_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n all_o member_n of_o the_o church_n need_v the_o gift_n of_o each_o other_o §_o xvi_o they_o need_v particular_o those_o gift_n which_o belong_v to_o government_n §_o xvii_o all_o the_o other_o member_n need_v the_o head_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o christ_n but_o of_o person_n eminent_o gift_v §_o xviii_o this_o head_n not_o a_o head_n of_o dignity_n only_o but_o also_o of_o influence_n and_o authority_n §_o xix_o though_o they_o need_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o other_o yet_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o join_v themselves_o in_o ecclesiastical_a society_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o good_a they_o may_v do_v to_o other_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o this_o as_o platonist_n and_o as_o christian_n §_o xx._n p._n 191._o chap._n xi_o 7._o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o no_o encouragement_n to_o believe_v that_o any_o prayer_n shall_v be_v hear_v which_o be_v make_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o even_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o those_o that_o be_v so_o except_v those_o which_o be_v make_v for_o their_o conversion_n this_o prove_v from_o st._n john_n who_o be_v the_o only_a apostle_n who_o live_v to_o see_v the_o case_n of_o separation_n §_o i._o st._n joh._n xvii_o 9_o §_o ii_o where_o by_o be_v give_v to_o christ_n be_v mean_v a_o be_v give_v by_o external_a profession_n §_o iii_o by_o the_o world_n all_o they_o be_v mean_v who_o be_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a society_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n §_o iv_o v._o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n pure_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o they_o do_v not_o keep_v to_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n §_o vi_o the_o same_o thing_n prove_v from_o 1_o
leave_v themselves_o destitute_a of_o a_o apology_n against_o subdivider_n §_o xvii_o it_o must_v make_v government_n perfect_o useless_a for_o government_n must_v needs_o be_v unsignificant_a without_o a_o coercive_a power_n over_o dissenter_n and_o on_o thâ—se_a term_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o it_o to_o have_v any_o such_o power_n for_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o dissenter_n to_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o their_o imposition_n if_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v expect_v to_o be_v excuse_v from_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o if_o this_o plea_n be_v not_o conceive_v sufficient_a to_o exempt_v such_o subdivider_n from_o themselves_o why_o do_v not_o themselves_o think_v of_o a_o better_a for_o their_o exemption_n from_o we_o §_o xviii_o possible_o they_o will_v reply_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o establish_v any_o preservative_n of_o peace_n which_o may_v not_o be_v abuse_v by_o pretender_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v so_o and_o from_o this_o very_a concession_n i_o infer_v the_o necessity_n of_o governor_n follow_v their_o own_o judgement_n in_o their_o government_n how_o different_a soever_o it_o may_v prove_v from_o that_o of_o their_o undutiful_a subject_n for_o if_o pretender_n may_v evacuate_v the_o best_a preservative_n of_o peace_n when_o they_o may_v be_v permit_v not_o only_o to_o judge_n concern_v they_o but_o to_o conform_v their_o practice_n to_o such_o their_o judgement_n and_o it_o be_v also_o impossible_a to_o distinguish_v pretender_n from_o such_o as_o dissent_v on_o account_n of_o real_a conviction_n as_o certain_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v their_o thought_n and_o without_o that_o impossible_a also_o to_o distinguish_v they_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o no_o preservative_n of_o peace_n thus_o permit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o subject_n can_v be_v significant_a at_o least_o that_o governor_n can_v in_o that_o way_n of_o proceed_v of_o suit_v their_o own_o decree_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o subject_n fix_v on_o any_o certain_a rule_n how_o the_o public_a peace_n may_v be_v preserve_v and_o therefore_o that_o they_o must_v be_v put_v on_o a_o unavoidable_a necessity_n of_o trust_v their_o own_o judgement_n if_o a_o coercive_a power_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o end_n of_o government_n certain_o there_o be_v no_o subject_n more_o proper_a on_o which_o it_o shall_v be_v exercise_v than_o such_o pretender_n and_o because_o such_o pretender_n can_v be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o and_o if_o they_o can_v yet_o general_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v more_o cogent_a than_o those_o which_o prove_v the_o sincerity_n of_o any_o particular_a person_n whatsoever_o and_o because_o in_o the_o judge_a concern_v such_o argument_n every_o one_o and_o much_o more_o governor_n can_v better_o assure_v themselves_o of_o their_o own_o industry_n in_o inquire_v and_o their_o own_o sincerity_n in_o follow_v conviction_n therefore_o every_o one_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o judge_v which_o sure_o must_v not_o be_v deny_v to_o governor_n only_o must_v find_v it_o much_o more_o reasonable_a to_o trust_v his_o own_o judgement_n than_o that_o of_o any_o other_o which_o if_o he_o do_v he_o must_v also_o conceive_v it_o most_o prudent_a to_o practise_v according_o i_o can_v imagine_v what_o use_n there_o can_v be_v of_o government_n if_o after_o its_o determination_n private_a person_n must_v still_o be_v permit_v to_o dispute_v their_o own_o duty_n nor_o with_o what_o confidence_n our_o brethren_n can_v deny_v this_o liberty_n to_o other_o which_o they_o have_v so_o free_o practise_v themselves_o §_o xix_o if_o they_o say_v further_o that_o if_o governor_n do_v their_o duty_n and_o be_v careful_a either_o to_o impose_v nothing_o but_o what_o themselves_o at_o least_o conceive_v very_o necessary_a and_o very_a reasonable_a or_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o thing_n before_o they_o impose_v it_o they_o will_v not_o be_v likely_a to_o impose_v any_o thing_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o well-meaning_a person_n will_v not_o think_v reasonable_a as_o well_o as_o themselves_o and_o that_o providence_n be_v only_o concern_v for_o the_o generality_n of_o person_n so_o qualify_v that_o they_o have_v mean_n sufficient_a to_o inform_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n if_o they_o be_v not_o deficient_a to_o themselves_o for_o that_o some_o few_o well-meaning_a person_n or_o that_o even_o great_a number_n of_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v not_o sufficient_o industrious_a to_o inform_v themselves_o of_o their_o duty_n through_o their_o own_o fault_n or_o that_o even_o the_o generality_n of_o ill-meaning_n person_n shall_v be_v permit_v to_o be_v mistake_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v derogatory_n to_o providence_n as_o that_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o proceed_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n there_o can_v be_v no_o inconvenience_n if_o governor_n be_v indeed_o rigorous_a in_o urge_v the_o observation_n of_o their_o own_o decree_n when_o it_o may_v just_o be_v presume_v that_o either_o none_o but_o ill-meaning_n person_n or_o if_o any_o other_o yet_o but_o few_o of_o they_o or_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v otherwise_o culpable_a for_o not_o use_v sufficient_a diligence_n in_o procure_v a_o better_a information_n will_v suffer_v under_o such_o severity_n this_o i_o do_v indeed_o conceive_v to_o give_v the_o most_o tolerable_a account_n of_o the_o practicableness_n of_o any_o authority_n on_o their_o principle_n who_o conceive_v it_o necessary_a that_o subject_n be_v particular_o convince_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v the_o instance_n of_o their_o obedience_n only_o for_o deduce_v even_o this_o consideration_n itself_o near_o home_n to_o practice_n several_a thing_n will_v be_v further_a considerable_a to_o let_v our_o brethren_n understand_v that_o even_o by_o these_o principle_n themselves_o if_o prudent_o apply_v their_o own_o separation_n can_v be_v excuse_v or_o if_o it_o may_v it_o must_v be_v by_o such_o argument_n as_o may_v be_v urge_v unanswerable_o by_o subdivider_n from_o themselves_o for_o i_o will_v entreat_v they_o to_o consider_v who_o must_v be_v judge_n of_o this_o presumption_n what_o thing_n may_v be_v presume_v so_o necessary_a and_o evident_a as_o that_o well-meaning_a and_o industrious_a person_n may_v general_o be_v presume_v capable_a of_o be_v convince_v concern_v they_o what_o kind_n of_o thing_n especial_o may_v be_v presume_v capable_a of_o that_o evidence_n and_o so_o fit_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o authority_n and_o in_o what_o case_n there_o be_v indeed_o any_o need_n of_o such_o particular_a conviction_n in_o order_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o obedience_n §_o xx_o 1._o who_o must_v be_v judge_n of_o this_o presumption_n whether_o the_o imposition_n may_v be_v presume_v so_o necessary_a and_o evident_a as_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o well-meaning_a and_o industrious_a person_n may_v be_v presume_v capable_a of_o be_v convince_v concern_v they_o by_o judge_n i_o mean_v not_o as_o the_o romanist_n do_v such_o a_o one_o as_o must_v never_o be_v suppose_v by_o his_o subject_n to_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v mistake_v and_o therefore_o who_o authority_n must_v be_v allow_v as_o a_o certain_a argument_n of_o the_o justifiableness_n of_o his_o determination_n but_o as_o it_o be_v understand_v in_o our_o ordinary_a secular_a court_n who_o none_o think_v infallible_a and_o yet_o all_o equal_a person_n think_v fit_a to_o be_v submit_v to_o in_o practice_n with_o a_o active_a obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a however_o inconvenient_a and_o a_o passive_a even_o in_o thing_n unlawful_a now_o if_o we_o do_v not_o agree_v who_o shall_v judge_n of_o this_o presumption_n it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o one_o for_o reconcile_a our_o difference_n or_o heal_v our_o division_n for_o if_o every_o private_a person_n must_v still_o judge_n of_o this_o presumption_n in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o practice_n it_o will_v never_o be_v serviceable_a as_o a_o presumption_n for_o can_v they_o think_v that_o he_o who_o dissent_v from_o his_o superior_n can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n presume_v their_o determination_n so_o repugnant_a to_o his_o own_o present_a sentiment_n to_o be_v so_o necessary_a and_o evident_a and_o so_o capable_a of_o afford_v he_o sufficient_a conviction_n and_o yet_o the_o whole_a use_n of_o this_o presumption_n as_o a_o presumption_n be_v only_o for_o dissenter_n for_o to_o such_o as_o be_v already_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o their_o superior_n what_o need_n can_v there_o be_v of_o any_o presumption_n to_o make_v they_o so_o if_o therefore_o the_o superior_n themselves_o must_v be_v take_v for_o the_o competent_a judge_n of_o this_o presumption_n how_o can_v they_o excuse_v themselves_o for_o so_o manifest_a a_o opposition_n of_o they_o or_o what_o can_v they_o pretend_v to_o implead_v the_o separation_n of_o other_o from_o themselves_o when_o
solemnity_n be_v the_o only_a ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v particular_o assure_v of_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n but_o that_o i_o may_v more_o distinct_o show_v not_o only_o that_o in_o reason_n this_o be_v fit_a to_o have_v be_v thus_o contrive_v but_o also_o that_o it_o have_v be_v actual_o observe_v in_o the_o evangelical_n covenant_n and_o that_o i_o may_v bring_v the_o application_n more_o home_n to_o our_o particular_a case_n i_o therefore_o proceed_v to_o §_o iii_o the_o 2._o particular_a propose_v that_o at_o least_o these_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n at_o least_o those_o whereby_o we_o may_v be_v satisfy_v of_o it_o and_o receive_v any_o comfort_n from_o it_o that_o be_v as_o have_v appear_v from_o the_o thing_n now_o premise_v god_n promise_v as_o convey_v to_o we_o by_o a_o covenant_n and_o this_o covenant_n as_o legal_o apply_v to_o particular_a person_n by_o person_n sufficient_o authorize_v by_o god_n for_o that_o purpose_n to_o act_v in_o his_o name_n and_o to_o engage_v he_o with_o a_o legal_a valid_a obligation_n to_o performance_n be_v indeed_o confine_v to_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o the_o episcopal_a church_n under_o who_o jurisdiction_n any_o one_o life_n be_v that_o visible_a church_n out_o of_o which_o these_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v by_o any_o while_o he_o live_v under_o that_o jurisdiction_n this_o consist_v of_o two_o part_n 1._o that_o these_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o external_n communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o 2._o that_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o particular_a person_n that_o visible_a church_n wherein_o they_o may_v expect_v to_o find_v these_o ordinary_a mean_n be_v the_o episcopal_a in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o society_n not_o episcopal_o govern_v §_o iv_o 1._o these_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o external_n communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o say_v the_o external_n communion_n that_o i_o may_v prevent_v those_o exception_n which_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o make_v in_o behalf_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n that_o they_o do_v already_o communicate_v with_o we_o in_o 36._o of_o the_o 39_o article_n which_o they_o believe_v as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o that_o they_o hearty_o wish_v well_o to_o all_o good_a man_n of_o what_o party_n soever_o and_o that_o at_o least_o they_o pray_v for_o we_o where_o they_o can_v pray_v with_o we_o for_o these_o if_o they_o can_v in_o any_o propriety_n of_o speech_n be_v style_v act_n of_o communion_n which_o no_o good_a christian_n can_v deny_v even_o to_o real_a schismatic_n themselves_o with_o who_o notwithstanding_o all_o who_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o real_a schism_n must_v not_o hold_v it_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v yet_o most_o certain_o they_o be_v not_o act_n of_o external_n communion_n by_o this_o therefore_o i_o only_o mean_v a_o participation_n in_o those_o external_n exercise_n whereby_o the_o church_n subsist_v as_o a_o distinct_a society_n that_o be_v a_o join_n in_o the_o ordinance_n administer_v in_o it_o but_o especial_o in_o the_o sacrament_n i_o say_v the_o visible_a church_n purposely_o to_o obviate_v that_o pretence_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v only_o of_o the_o elect_n who_o as_o they_o be_v suppose_v themselves_o not_o visible_a nor_o unite_v among_o themselves_o by_o any_o visible_a commerce_n so_o they_o think_v and_o very_o consequent_o to_o this_o notion_n that_o communion_n may_v be_v maintain_v with_o they_o in_o a_o invisible_a way_n by_o likeness_n of_o design_n and_o sympathy_n of_o affection_n and_o therefore_o by_o this_o visible_a church_n i_o mean_v that_o visible_a society_n which_o be_v maintain_v by_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o same_o common_a visible_a ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o by_o a_o external_a participation_n of_o the_o same_o common_a sacrament_n so_o that_o my_o meaning_n in_o this_o whole_a proposition_n be_v that_o a_o legal_a right_n to_o these_o evangelical_n promise_v and_o covenant_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o our_o salvation_n on_o performance_n of_o condition_n be_v not_o convey_v to_o we_o otherwise_o than_o by_o our_o participation_n of_o these_o external_a ordinance_n whereby_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o such_o a_o visible_a society_n which_o be_v maintain_v by_o those_o ordinance_n of_o which_o none_o can_v be_v partaker_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o visible_a ecclesiastical_a governor_n which_o must_v therefore_o oblige_v all_o to_o a_o subjection_n to_o those_o governor_n this_o will_v be_v clear_a in_o discourse_v concern_v these_o particular_n 1._o that_o the_o only_a ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o in_o particular_a have_v a_o interest_n in_o his_o promise_n of_o any_o of_o the_o thing_n now_o mention_v as_o necessary_a for_o our_o salvation_n be_v by_o our_o assurance_n of_o our_o be_v engage_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o 2._o that_o the_o only_a ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o of_o our_o interest_n in_o this_o covenant_n with_o he_o be_v by_o our_o partake_n of_o these_o external_a solemnity_n whereby_o this_o covenant_n be_v transact_v and_o maintain_v and_o 3._o that_o the_o partake_n of_o these_o external_a solemnity_n with_o any_o legal_a validity_n which_o can_v only_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o comfort_n to_o a_o person_n concern_v in_o this_o case_n be_v only_o to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n §_o v_o 1._o therefore_o the_o only_a ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o in_o particular_a have_v any_o interest_n in_o these_o divine_a promise_n without_o which_o assurance_n it_o have_v appear_v to_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o particular_a person_n to_o challenge_v any_o comfort_n be_v by_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o in_o particular_a be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o so_o that_o at_o least_o the_o negative_a way_n of_o argue_v for_o which_o alone_o i_o be_o at_o present_a concern_v will_v hold_v here_o that_o he_o who_o can_v assure_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n can_v also_o never_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n at_o least_o assure_v himself_o that_o he_o in_o particular_a have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o divine_a promise_n for_o prove_v this_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v observe_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o obligatory_a force_n either_o of_o the_o divine_a promise_n or_o covenant_n that_o can_v be_v a_o solid_a ground_n i_o do_v not_o say_v of_o comfort_n in_o general_n but_o at_o least_o of_o any_o positive_a assurance_n and_o consequent_o at_o least_o of_o that_o degree_n of_o comfort_n which_o require_v positive_a assurance_n this_o appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o discourse_v under_o the_o former_a head_n 2._o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v further_o that_o promise_v and_o covenant_n be_v legal_a transaction_n and_o that_o god_n himself_o herein_o condescend_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o his_o creature_n so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o judge_v he_o oblige_v to_o they_o by_o the_o same_o legal_a rational_a measure_n whereby_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o enter_v into_o obligation_n to_o one_o another_o that_o it_o be_v god_n design_n that_o his_o creature_n shall_v understand_v he_o as_o thus_o oblige_v be_v very_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v from_o his_o use_v expression_n plain_o significative_a of_o a_o legal_a conveyance_n with_o all_o its_o circumstance_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o nation_n thus_o the_o name_n of_o a_o covenant_n of_o a_o mediator_n of_o a_o testament_n of_o a_o surety_n of_o seal_v of_o give_v a_o earnest_n and_o first_o fruit_n etc._n etc._n be_v plain_a term_n of_o law_n and_o allusion_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o legal_a conveyance_n in_o those_o time_n and_o therefore_o be_v so_o most_o obvious_o intelligible_a by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o immediate_o and_o to_o who_o capacity_n they_o be_v immediate_o fit_v of_o a_o legal_a obligation_n and_o consequent_o be_v in_o all_o likelihood_n design_v by_o god_n himself_o so_o to_o signify_v unless_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o he_o design_o make_v use_v of_o expression_n which_o by_o all_o regular_a and_o prudent_a measure_n of_o interpretation_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v misunderstand_v by_o his_o creature_n concern_v in_o they_o which_o it_o not_o reconcilable_a with_o his_o goodness_n and_o veracity_n beside_o this_o appear_v from_o his_o do_v this_o in_o write_n of_o a_o popular_a stile_n and_o particular_o fit_v to_o the_o vulgar_a capacity_n who_o be_v certain_o like_a to_o understand_v he_o thus_o where_o they_o find_v their_o own_o familiar_a expression_n use_v and_o their_o term_n allude_v to_o nay_o from_o the_o
with_o they_o as_o may_v prevail_v with_o they_o for_o the_o actual_a performance_n of_o their_o duty_n because_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n have_v a_o more_o immediate_a ill_a influence_n on_o the_o public_a than_o that_o of_o private_a person_n as_o they_o be_v for_o the_o actual_a performance_n of_o those_o who_o be_v under_o they_o and_o there_o be_v not_o more_o efficacious_a mean_n for_o prevail_v even_o on_o they_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n than_o these_o solemnity_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o obligation_n of_o private_a christian_n and_o they_o who_o undervalue_v their_o baptismal_a obligation_n at_o their_o undertake_n of_o christianity_n can_v in_o any_o likelihood_n be_v much_o awe_v by_o those_o which_o be_v use_v ordinary_o at_o the_o susception_n of_o government_n for_o no_o particular_a employment_n whatsoever_o for_o god_n service_n can_v with_o any_o reason_n prevail_v with_o he_o who_o be_v not_o already_o effectual_o persuade_v to_o be_v diligent_a in_o serve_v god_n in_o general_n see_v all_o particular_a obligation_n be_v only_o this_o general_a one_o reduce_v to_o practice_n in_o particular_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o further_o force_n than_o what_o be_v derive_v from_o it_o but_o the_o actual_a performance_n of_o duty_n by_o particular_a private_a person_n be_v a_o thing_n fit_a to_o be_v regard_v by_o god_n as_o a_o governor_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o governor_n both_o as_o it_o be_v the_o primary_n end_n of_o all_o government_n whatsoever_o that_o duty_n shall_v be_v perform_v and_o only_o a_o secondary_a one_o to_o make_v they_o satisfy_v the_o public_a for_o their_o neglect_n of_o it_o by_o their_o punishment_n and_o as_o none_o desire_v a_o secondary_a end_n but_o upon_o frustration_n of_o his_o hope_n of_o that_o which_o be_v primary_n so_o it_o be_v much_o for_o the_o reputation_n of_o a_o prudent_a person_n to_o lay_v his_o design_n so_o as_o that_o he_o may_v not_o frequent_o fail_v of_o his_o primary_n end_n or_o frequent_o be_v drive_v to_o make_v amends_o for_o its_o loss_n by_o that_o which_o be_v only_o secondary_a and_o as_o the_o public_a good_a be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v promote_v but_o by_o the_o good_a of_o the_o generality_n of_o particular_n see_v the_o public_a be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o complex_fw-la of_o particular_n and_o as_o indeed_o the_o principal_a duty_n require_v from_o particular_a person_n by_o the_o precept_n of_o christianity_n be_v likely_a to_o prove_v eminent_o serviceable_a for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o for_o indeed_o the_o great_a design_n of_o christianity_n seem_v to_o be_v to_o animate_v we_o all_o with_o public_a and_o heroic_a spirit_n nor_o be_v those_o indeed_o its_o principally-designed_n duty_n which_o be_v common_o mistake_v for_o such_o by_o melancholy_a devout_a person_n the_o restrain_v of_o ourselves_o from_o all_o kind_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o recollection_n and_o fervour_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v get_v by_o assiduity_n in_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n and_o the_o like_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n no_o nor_o indeed_o any_o personal_a accomplishment_n whatsoever_o any_o far_a than_o that_o may_v make_v we_o useful_a for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o and_o according_o our_o saviour_n represent_v our_o trial_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n not_o to_o be_v how_o little_a mischief_n we_o have_v do_v but_o how_o much_o good_a not_o how_o zealous_a and_o devout_a we_o be_v nay_o or_o how_o sincere_a too_o but_o how_o charitable_a not_o how_o good_a we_o have_v be_v our_o self_n but_o how_o good_a we_o have_v be_v to_o other_o not_o whether_o we_o have_v pray_v or_o fast_v or_o addict_v ourselves_o to_o penitential_a exercise_n and_o mortification_n but_o whether_o we_o have_v give_v meat_n to_o the_o hungry_a or_o drink_v to_o the_o thirsty_a whether_o we_o have_v clothe_v the_o naked_a or_o receive_v stranger_n into_o our_o house_n whether_o we_o have_v visit_v the_o sick_a and_o the_o prisoner_n 35_o st._n matth._n twenty-five_o 35_o and_o the_o acceptable_a fast_o describe_v in_o isaiah_n be_v not_o for_o a_o man_n to_o afflict_v his_o soul_n for_o a_o day_n to_o bow_v down_o his_o head_n as_o a_o bulrush_n to_o spread_v sackcloth_n and_o ash_n under_o he_o but_o to_o loose_v the_o band_n of_o wickedness_n to_o undo_v the_o heavy_a burden_n to_o let_v the_o oppress_v go_v free_a and_o to_o break_v every_o yoke_n 6.7_o is._n lviii_o 6.7_o to_o deal_v our_o bread_n to_o the_o hungry_a to_o bring_v the_o poor_a into_o our_o house_n to_o cover_v the_o naked_a and_o not_o to_o hide_v ourselves_o from_o our_o own_o flesh._n and_o how_o innocent_a soever_o we_o may_v be_v yet_o if_o we_o do_v no_o good_a we_o may_v just_o fear_v that_o sentence_n which_o shall_v be_v pronounce_v not_o only_o against_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o evil_a 26.30_o st._n matth._n twenty-five_o 26.30_o but_o the_o idle_a and_o unprofitable_a servant_n not_o only_o against_o he_o who_o have_v embezelled_a his_o talon_n but_o against_o he_o also_o who_o have_v not_o improve_v it_o and_o therefore_o daniel_n advise_v nabuchadnezzar_n to_o break_v off_o his_o sin_n by_o righteousness_n 27_o dan._n four_o 27_o and_o his_o iniquity_n not_o bare_o by_o forbear_v they_o for_o the_o future_a but_o by_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o give_v alm_n all_o thing_n shall_v be_v pure_a unto_o we_o and_o that_o our_o friend_n of_o the_o unrighteous_a mammon_n be_v they_o who_o shall_v receive_v we_o into_o everlasting_a habitation_n 27_o st._n luk._n xuj_o 9_o mic._n vi_fw-la 8_o st._n jam._n i._n 27_o this_o it_o be_v that_o god_n require_v from_o we_o to_o do_v justice_n and_o to_o love_v mercy_n to_o man_n as_o well_o as_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o he_o and_o this_o st._n james_n make_v the_o sum_n of_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n as_o well_o as_o to_o keep_v himself_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n §_o xviii_o very_a many_o more_o proof_n hereof_o may_v have_v be_v produce_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o the_o new_a do_v principal_o abound_v with_o they_o here_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v require_v not_o that_o every_o one_o shall_v mind_v his_o own_o good_a 15_o philip._n two_o 4_o rom._n twelve_o 15_o but_o the_o good_a of_o one_o another_o that_o we_o must_v bear_v each_o other_o infirmity_n and_o sympathize_v in_o each_o other_o success_n that_o we_o rejoice_v with_o they_o that_o rejoice_v and_o mourn_v with_o they_o that_o mourn_v and_o the_o analogy_n betwixt_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o natural_a humane_a body_n be_v parallel_v in_o this_o as_o in_o many_o other_o instance_n that_o as_o every_o member_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n be_v sensible_a of_o every_o thing_n that_o befall_v the_o whole_a and_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o it_o do_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o common_a vital_a influence_n if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o so_o in_o the_o body_n mystical_a if_o one_o member_n suffer_v that_o all_o the_o member_n must_v suffer_v with_o it_o 26_o 1_o cor._n twelve_o 26_o and_o if_o one_o be_v honour_v all_o the_o other_o must_v rejoice_v with_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o design_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n to_o ground_v all_o our_o comfort_n or_o discomfort_v on_o this_o one_o trial_n of_o our_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n 20_o 1_o st._n joh._n four_o 20_o so_o he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n who_o he_o have_v see_v can_v love_v god_n who_o he_o have_v not_o see_v and_o he_o who_o do_v not_o relieve_v his_o brother_n when_o he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v so_o can_v have_v the_o love_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o he_o 17_o 1_o st._n joh._n iii._o 17_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o argument_n with_o he_o that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o good_a condition_n not_o that_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o innocent_o or_o be_v frequent_a at_o sermon_n or_o feel_v transport_v in_o our_o devotion_n but_o that_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n 19_o 1_o st._n joh._n iii._o 14_o ver._n 19_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o they_o hereby_o it_o be_v that_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o may_v assure_v our_o heart_n before_o god_n very_o much_o more_o may_v have_v be_v produce_v to_o this_o purpose_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v willing_a at_o present_a to_o have_v say_v so_o much_o if_o i_o have_v not_o conceive_v it_o conveient_a to_o take_v this_o present_a occasion_n of_o recommend_v this_o trial_n of_o our_o conscience_n rather_o by_o our_o usefullness_n in_o our_o generation_n than_o by_o
as_o a_o governor_n than_o that_o of_o any_o possession_n whatsoever_o for_o majesty_n may_v be_v preserve_v without_o private_a possession_n but_o not_o without_o the_o free_a distribution_n of_o office_n but_o if_o we_o judge_v of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sacrilege_n by_o the_o value_n of_o the_o thing_n invade_v by_o it_o office_n will_v appear_v much_o more_o valuable_a than_o any_o possession_n for_o both_o by_o office_n a_o dominion_n be_v get_v over_o man_n person_n which_o none_o will_v deny_v to_o be_v more_o valuable_a than_o their_o possession_n and_o from_o this_o dominion_n over_o their_o person_n there_o arise_v secondary_o a_o dominion_n over_o their_o possession_n also_o which_o be_v also_o proportionable_o true_a in_o this_o spiritual_a as_o it_o be_v in_o natural_a dominion_n for_o by_o this_o sacred_a power_n the_o distribution_n of_o all_o spiritual_a benefit_n be_v also_o consequent_o gain_v which_o be_v true_o more_o valuable_a to_o man_n than_o all_o their_o worldly_a possession_n and_o by_o this_o sacredness_n of_o office_n man_n become_v entitle_v even_o to_o that_o worldly_a maintenance_n in_o which_o god_n be_v allow_v to_o have_v a_o real_a property_n so_o that_o it_o will_v prove_v in_o practice_n impossible_a to_o rob_v god_n of_o one_o without_o the_o other_o §_o xxiii_o or_o be_v it_o last_o that_o god_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o conceive_v to_o be_v so_o rigorous_a in_o exact_v external_a punctuality_n as_o under_o the_o law_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o few_o external_a observance_n have_v be_v impose_v on_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o that_o appear_v to_o i_o to_o urge_v it_o further_o as_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n do_v to_o prove_v that_o god_n will_v be_v less_o severe_a now_o than_o former_o in_o exact_v the_o performance_n of_o those_o few_o external_o which_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o require_v both_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o dispensation_n and_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n in_o order_n to_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n and_o the_o natural_a influence_n of_o government_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o peace_n and_o of_o disobedience_n even_o in_o thing_n seem_o small_a to_o the_o contempt_n of_o government_n and_o the_o apostle_n argument_n heb._n ii_o 3_o will_v rather_o incline_v we_o otherwise_o to_o argue_v that_o all_o violation_n of_o the_o gospel-authority_n must_v expect_v a_o severe_a vengeance_n than_o those_o of_o the_o law_n §_o xxiv_o and_o if_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v from_o the_o authority_n even_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n may_v not_o be_v allow_v not_o to_o prove_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v now_o a_o sin_n by_o its_o positive_a prescription_n but_o only_o to_o prove_v how_o high_o criminal_a a_o sin_n be_v in_o the_o account_n of_o god_n and_o how_o severe_a a_o punishment_n person_n now_o guilty_a of_o it_o may_v expect_v when_o it_o be_v otherwise_o prove_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n by_o immutable_a and_o unalterable_a reason_n that_o it_o can_v neither_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n nor_o cease_v to_o be_v criminal_a in_o such_o a_o degree_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v criminal_a in_o such_o a_o degree_n under_o the_o law_n it_o must_v be_v so_o under_o the_o gospel_n too_o or_o if_o it_o admit_v of_o any_o variation_n of_o degree_n by_o the_o variation_n of_o circumstance_n as_o certain_o these_o sin_n against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n may_v if_o not_o in_o the_o kind_a yet_o at_o least_o in_o individual_a instance_n that_o all_o the_o alteration_n of_o circumstance_n under_o the_o gospel_n tend_v rather_o to_o its_o aggravation_n than_o its_o excuse_n if_o i_o say_v this_o way_n of_o argue_v even_o from_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v not_o now_o admit_v as_o conclusive_a under_o the_o new_a it_o will_v utter_o destroy_v all_o use_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o manner_n to_o christian_n for_o it_o will_v by_o the_o same_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v easy_a to_o evade_v all_o proof_n from_o it_o by_o plead_v our_o present_a unconcernedness_n in_o it_o and_o if_o its_o authority_n be_v take_v for_o nothing_o not_o as_o much_o as_o for_o the_o degree_n of_o criminalness_n of_o a_o sin_n in_o the_o actual_a esteem_n of_o god_n but_o that_o other_o rational_a proof_n must_v be_v demand_v even_o for_o that_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sin_n itself_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o thus_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o affair_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v plain_o slight_v and_o all_o be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o reason_n independent_a on_o it_o which_o be_v a_o crime_n of_o which_o i_o believe_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n will_v be_v very_o unwilling_a to_o prove_v guilty_a §_o xxv_o 9_o therefore_o the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n thus_o depend_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o that_o administer_v they_o there_o be_v none_o that_o can_v lay_v a_o just_a claim_n to_o that_o authority_n now_o that_o god_n do_v not_o appear_v immediate_o himself_o to_o authorize_v they_o but_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o use_n of_o ordinary_a mean_n but_o they_o who_o can_v show_v a_o succession_n continue_v in_o all_o the_o intermediate_v age_n from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o be_v thus_o immediate_o authorize_v as_o no_o commission_n can_v be_v derive_v from_o a_o prince_n who_o can_v immediate_o be_v consult_v but_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o his_o ordinary_a subordinate_a governor_n the_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o insist_v on_o because_o i_o believe_v i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o do_v it_o in_o my_o follow_a discourse_n and_o as_o it_o have_v thus_o appear_v that_o this_o confinement_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n to_o the_o external_n solemnity_n of_o it_o be_v very_o useful_a for_o confederate_v we_o into_o a_o body_n politic_a so_o §_o xxvi_o 2._o this_o solemnity_n of_o promise_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o secure_v our_o performance_n of_o duty_n than_o any_o private_a resolution_n or_o promise_n whatsoever_o i_o know_v indeed_o that_o in_o reason_n a_o promise_n make_v with_o equal_a freedom_n be_v as_o obligatory_a if_o make_v in_o private_a as_o if_o make_v before_o never_o so_o great_a a_o assembly_n of_o witness_n nay_o that_o in_o reason_n a_o assembly_n can_v so_o little_o contribute_v to_o advance_v our_o obligation_n as_o that_o it_o will_v rather_o weaken_v it_o for_o how_o can_v he_o in_o reason_n be_v think_v capable_a of_o be_v awe_v by_o man_n who_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o break_v those_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o god_n and_o wherein_o god_n be_v also_o invoke_v as_o a_o witness_n nay_o rather_o may_v make_v we_o distrust_v our_o have_v that_o due_a respect_n for_o god_n when_o we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o so_o much_o more_o efficacious_o influence_v by_o man_n and_o i_o know_v withal_o that_o only_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n on_o truly-rational_a motive_n do_v make_v they_o strict_o virtuous_a and_o rewardable_a but_o have_v already_o premise_v that_o god_n do_v in_o covenant_v with_o we_o and_o more_o in_o govern_v we_o treat_v we_o suitable_o to_o our_o humour_n and_o do_v according_o bear_v with_o the_o imperfection_n if_o the_o duty_n themselves_o be_v perform_v both_o because_o the_o external_n performance_n of_o duty_n how_o little_a virtuous_a soever_o they_o be_v to_o the_o person_n perform_v they_o yet_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o the_o public_a for_o edify_v other_o and_o for_o maintain_v the_o reputation_n of_o the_o government_n which_o be_v the_o prime_a design_n of_o governor_n and_o as_o in_o process_n of_o time_n a_o custom_n of_o materially-virtuous_a act_n will_v natural_o produce_v even_o in_o the_o person_n who_o exert_v they_o a_o materially-virtuous_a habit_n which_o when_o it_o be_v get_v be_v easy_o make_v formally-virtuous_a only_o by_o change_v the_o design_n on_o which_o it_o be_v perform_v which_o will_v then_o be_v also_o easy_a and_o because_o all_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v with_o beginner_n to_o suppose_v and_o therefore_o to_o indulge_v these_o imperfection_n which_o be_v natural_o consequent_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n where_o not_o be_v pure_a spirit_n nor_o free_a from_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o our_o complexion_n we_o be_v not_o so_o capable_a of_o pure_a and_o naked_a reason_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o here_o concern_v he_o to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o inducement_n as_o be_v most_o solid_o conclusive_a of_o his_o purpose_n so_o much_o as_o of_o such_o as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v with_o we_o how_o weak_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v consider_v my_o concernment_n at_o present_a be_v only_o to_o show_v that_o the_o solemnity_n of_o a_o covenant_n
iii_o but_o however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v assure_v of_o another_o election_n and_o see_v the_o person_n themselves_o be_v thus_o incapable_a of_o be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o seeing_z at_z lest_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a distinctive_n of_o any_o society_n of_o they_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o maintain_v any_o visible_a communion_n with_o they_o by_o visible_a solemnity_n the_o elect_n may_v indeed_o be_v capable_a of_o maintain_v a_o communion_n with_o god_n because_o they_o know_v he_o and_o be_v know_v by_o he_o without_o any_o visible_a society_n but_o for_o want_v of_o these_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communication_n they_o can_v never_o constitute_v any_o society_n nor_o maintain_v any_o communication_n with_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v the_o church_n to_o which_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n will_v pay_v the_o respect_n due_a to_o the_o church_n all_o our_o sacrament_n must_v be_v perfect_o insignificant_a which_o seem_v plain_o design_v not_o only_o nor_o principal_o to_o maintain_v a_o visible_a communication_n with_o god_n but_o with_o each_o other_o §_o iv_o see_v therefore_o that_o this_o legal_a validity_n depend_v on_o the_o due_a administration_n of_o these_o external_n solemnity_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v believe_v obligatory_a of_o god_n by_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o legal_a equity_n whereby_o they_o will_v be_v obligatory_a of_o man_n and_o see_v that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n among_o man_n to_o infer_v a_o obligation_n on_o person_n not_o immediate_o appear_v in_o their_o own_o person_n as_o god_n do_v not_o in_o covenant_v with_o we_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o person_n act_v in_o their_o behalf_n be_v indeed_o impower_v by_o they_o to_o act_v in_o their_o name_n and_o to_o pass_v such_o act_n into_o legal_a form_n by_o solemn_a seal_v they_o this_o must_v also_o be_v conceive_v requisite_a to_o god_n obligation_n as_o it_o may_v be_v valid_a in_o law_n and_o as_o it_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o appear_v to_o we_o and_o therefore_o his_o covenant_n be_v transact_v with_o we_o by_o minister_n deal_v with_o we_o immediate_o and_o who_o must_v make_v out_o their_o authority_n to_o act_n and_o administer_v the_o seal_n in_o his_o name_n the_o same_o way_n as_o legal_a procurator_n do_v by_o their_o deputation_n from_o they_o who_o be_v original_o concern_v §_o v_o now_o all_o the_o thing_n on_o which_o this_o trial_n depend_v be_v visible_a the_o covenant_n itself_o the_o seal_n the_o minister_n their_o call_n by_o authorize_v person_n and_o therefore_o be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v transact_v any_o where_o but_o in_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o a_o external_n communion_n and_o it_o be_v further_a observable_a that_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v will_v resolve_v the_o ultimate_a trial_n of_o the_o validity_n of_o these_o solemnity_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n administer_a they_o which_o will_v more_o direct_o prove_v that_o the_o visible_a church_n here_o suppose_v must_v also_o be_v a_o body_n politic_a and_o this_o may_v suffice_v at_o present_a for_o proof_n of_o this_o second_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o justification_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o external_n communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n chap._n ix_o that_o the_o grace_n to_o be_v expect_v in_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o salvation_n without_o the_o sacrament_n the_o content_n 11._o that_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o particular_a person_n the_o visible_a church_n wherein_o they_o may_v expect_v to_o find_v these_o ordinary_a mean_n be_v the_o episcopal_a in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o society_n not_o episcopal_o govern_v and_o particular_o that_o episcopal_a communion_n under_o who_o jurisdiction_n the_o person_n be_v suppose_v to_o live_v §_o i._o 1._o the_o episcopal_a communion_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o society_n not_o episcopal_o govern_v be_v that_o visible_a church_n to_o who_o external_n communion_n these_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n be_v confine_v this_o prove_v by_o several_a degree_n §_o ii_o 1._o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n be_v now_o confine_v to_o the_o sacrament_n two_o thing_n premise_v the_o former_a §_o jii.iu._n the_o late_a §_o v._o the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v §_o vi_o prove_v two_o way_n 1._o exclusive_o of_o other_o mean_n of_o gain_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n beside_o the_o sacrament_n §_o vii_o viii_o 1._o of_o the_o word_n preach_v some_o thing_n premise_v §_o ix_o x.xi.xii_n 1._o much_o of_o the_o grace_n convey_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v undoubted_o proper_a to_o those_o time_n and_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v expect_v now_o §_o xiii_o xiu.xv_n 2._o there_o be_v reason_n proper_a to_o those_o time_n why_o such_o grace_n may_v be_v expect_v then_o which_o will_v not_o hold_v now_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o person_n who_o then_o receive_v the_o spirit_n §_o xvi_o 3._o there_o be_v also_o other_o proper_a reason_n necessary_a for_o the_o conviction_n of_o those_o with_o who_o they_o have_v to_o deal_v §_o xvii_o 4._o that_o grace_n which_o may_v otherwise_o have_v be_v expect_v in_o attend_v on_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v yet_o not_o so_o probable_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o the_o preach_a of_o person_n vnauthorize_v especial_o if_o they_o preach_v in_o opposition_n to_o they_o who_o be_v legal_o invest_v with_o spiritual_a authority_n §_o xviii_o xix_o 5._o it_o be_v yet_o far_a doubtful_a whether_o the_o grace_n which_o may_v now_o be_v ordinary_o expect_v at_o any_o preach_v whatsoever_o be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o the_o sacrament_n at_o least_o so_o great_a as_o to_o secure_v the_o salvation_n of_o those_o who_o enjoy_v this_o ordinance_n while_o they_o want_v the_o sacrament_n §_o xx._n xxi_o 6._o it_o be_v also_o very_o doubtful_a whether_o all_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o accompany_v the_o word_n preach_v be_v any_o more_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o dispose_v the_o auditor_n to_o receive_v and_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v to_o they_o or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o shall_v there_o receive_v that_o further_a assistance_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o help_v they_o to_o practise_v what_o they_o have_v thus_o receive_v and_o believe_v §_o xxii_o xxiii.xxiv_n 7._o this_o first_o grace_n of_o persuasion_n if_o we_o suppose_v it_o alone_o to_o accompany_v the_o word_n preach_v will_v full_o answer_v the_o design_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v §_o xxv_o 8._o the_o grace_n here_o receive_v seem_v to_o be_v only_o some_o actual_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o wicked_a man_n may_v receive_v while_o they_o continue_v so_o and_o which_o therefore_o can_v alone_o be_v think_v sufficient_a for_o salvation_n not_o the_o person_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n himself_o §_o xxvi_o §_o i_o i_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o the_o second_o particular_a requisite_a for_o bring_v this_o proposition_n home_o to_o my_o present_a design_n viz._n that_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o particular_a person_n that_o visible_a church_n wherein_o they_o may_v expect_v to_o find_v these_o ordinary_a mean_n be_v the_o episcopal_a in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o society_n not_o episcopal_o govern_v and_o particular_o that_o episcopal_a communion_n under_o who_o jurisdiction_n the_o person_n be_v suppose_v to_o live_v this_o will_v also_o consist_v of_o 2._o part_n fit_a to_o be_v consider_v distinct_o 1._o that_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o society_n not_o episcopal_o govern_v be_v that_o visible_a church_n to_o who_o external_n communion_n thâ—se_a ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n be_v confine_v and_o 2._o that_o in_o respect_n to_o particular_a person_n that_o episcopal_a communion_n under_o which_o the_o person_n live_v be_v that_o particular_a episcopal_a communion_n to_o which_o these_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v confine_v in_o the_o case_n of_o these_o particular_a person_n §_o two_o 1._o than_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o society_n not_o episcopal_o govern_v be_v that_o visible_a church_n to_o who_o external_n communion_n these_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n be_v confine_v this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v by_o these_o degree_n 1._o that_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n be_v now_o confine_v to_o the_o sacrament_n 2._o that_o the_o validity_n of_o these_o sacrament_n depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n by_o who_o they_o be_v administer_v 3._o that_o no_o other_o minister_n have_v this_o lawful_a authority_n but_o only_o they_o of_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n §_o iii_o 1._o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n
law_n from_o their_o great_a complaint_n in_o time_n of_o exile_n and_o their_o hard_a opinion_n of_o the_o state_n of_o excommunicate_v person_n and_o from_o that_o general_a popular_a notion_n then_o prevail_v among_o they_o whereby_o they_o ascribe_v more_o to_o the_o punctual_a observance_n of_o these_o external_a sanctification_n than_o to_o real_a holiness_n itself_o 6.9_o phil._n iii._o 6.9_o these_o thing_n be_v account_v the_o very_a righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o these_o be_v the_o vulgar_a measure_n of_o popular_a holiness_n but_o though_o this_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o this_o use_n of_o this_o privilege_n can_v be_v justify_v in_o the_o mystical_a israel_n on_o account_n of_o their_o be_v israel_n which_o be_v never_o challenge_v by_o the_o carnal_a israel_n themselves_o nor_o ever_o intend_v for_o they_o yet_o to_o give_v all_o possible_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v further_a observable_a §_o xii_o 4._o that_o the_o whole_a contrivance_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o apostle_n plain_o suppose_v that_o they_o also_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o this_o plea_n for_o excuse_v any_o from_o the_o public_a ordinance_n they_o plain_o suppose_v that_o the_o most_o perfect_a as_o well_o as_o other_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o church-society_n they_o plain_o form_v the_o church_n into_o a_o body_n politic_a and_o oblige_v all_o the_o most_o perfect_a as_o well_o as_o other_o to_o observe_v their_o respective_a duty_n which_o be_v not_o do_v by_o the_o philosopher_n who_o maintain_v our_o adversary_n notion_n they_o plain_o confine_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o the_o sacrament_n that_o so_o no_o person_n may_v on_o any_o pretence_n of_o perfection_n think_v they_o do_v not_o need_v the_o sacrament_n unless_o they_o be_v withal_o so_o perfect_a as_o not_o to_o need_v the_o grace_n also_o confer_v in_o the_o sacrament_n they_o make_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n derive_v from_o christ_n the_o head_n to_o particular_a member_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o other_o member_n the_o same_o way_n as_o the_o vital_a influence_n be_v derive_v in_o the_o body_n natural_a they_o confine_v his_o influence_n to_o his_o body_n and_o make_v the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v the_o only_a ordinary_a mean_n of_o join_v or_o continue_v a_o member_n in_o that_o body_n they_o make_v the_o casting-out_a of_o the_o church_n communion_n the_o same_o thing_n as_o a_o deliver_n over_o unto_o satan_n 6._o 1_o cor._n v._o 5_o 1_o tim._n i_o 20_o vid._n cap._n xi_o §._o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o describe_v the_o condition_n of_o such_o person_n as_o very_o sad_a that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o world_n in_o darkness_n nay_o in_o a_o state_n of_o death_n itself_o these_o be_v all_o of_o they_o other_o contrivance_n of_o thing_n than_o they_o will_v ever_o have_v settle_v if_o they_o have_v allow_v any_o plea_n of_o perfection_n whatsoever_o as_o sufficient_a to_o excuse_v the_o pretender_n to_o it_o from_o the_o external_n communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n §_o xiii_o and_o further_o 5._o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a in_o this_o whole_a matter_n that_o even_o those_o philosopher_n themselves_o who_o allow_v this_o notion_n of_o perfection_n as_o sufficient_a to_o excuse_v person_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o it_o from_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o some_o of_o those_o grosser_n way_n of_o worship_n of_o their_o deity_n which_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o popular_a capacity_n who_o think_v a_o wise_a man_n may_v sacrifice_v as_o acceptable_o with_o a_o little_a meal_n as_o other_o with_o a_o hecatomb_n nay_o that_o his_o prayer_n may_v be_v more_o acceptable_a than_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o other_o yet_o never_o think_v of_o extend_v it_o to_o the_o mystery_n and_o form_n of_o initiation_n into_o the_o more_o familiar_a acquaintance_n with_o their_o deity_n these_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o think_v mean_o of_o as_o that_o indeed_o they_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a sort_n of_o person_n for_o who_o they_o think_v they_o most_o proper_a especial_o the_o great_a mystery_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v purposely_o so_o contrive_v that_o mean_a spirit_a person_n may_v never_o have_v the_o courage_n to_o undertake_v they_o therefore_o the_o egyptian_a initiation_n be_v so_o extreme_o severe_a that_o they_o think_v to_o have_v terrify_v pythagoras_n himself_o from_o his_o curiosity_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o and_o appion_n nazianz._n joseph_n count_v appion_n nonn_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nazianz._n the_o jew_n great_a adversary_n die_v of_o his_o circumcision_n which_o be_v only_o one_o of_o they_o therefore_o the_o preparatory_a trial_n of_o mithras_n be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o rigorous_a that_o very_o many_o perish_v under_o they_o to_o this_o end_n be_v their_o frightful_a shape_n their_o show_v their_o image_n only_o with_o torch_n not_o by_o daylight_n their_o tedious_a and_o solemn_a preparation_n only_o to_o advance_v the_o horror_n of_o the_o spectacle_n therefore_o they_o be_v first_o expiate_v by_o all_o the_o purgation_n proper_a in_o the_o respective_a case_n that_o so_o they_o may_v approach_v the_o idol_n itself_o with_o the_o most_o exquisite_a purity_n thence_o the_o proclamation_n before_o the_o orphaick_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o warn_v all_o impure_a person_n to_o beware_v how_o they_o venture_v to_o approach_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o they_o be_v principal_o recommend_v by_o the_o pythagorean_n for_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o they_o make_v the_o high_a pitch_n of_o philosophy_n and_o oppose_v to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o purgation_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o they_o conceive_v proper_a for_o beginner_n §_o fourteen_o and_o to_o these_o the_o primitive_a christian_n think_v the_o lord_n supper_n answerable_a and_o according_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o all_o that_o sacred_a style_n which_o the_o philosopher_n have_v use_v concern_v these_o great_a mystery_n as_o may_v be_v see_v punctual_o observe_v among_o very_o many_o other_o by_o the_o pseudo-areopagite_n and_o yet_o even_o the_o lesser_a purgative_n mystery_n be_v not_o so_o neglect_v as_o that_o any_o person_n how_o perfect_a soever_o dare_v presume_v immediate_o to_o venture_v on_o the_o great_a without_o these_o preliminary_a expiation_n no_o moral_a purity_n whatsoever_o be_v think_v so_o great_a as_o to_o make_v these_o ritual_a purgatious_a needless_a to_o he_o who_o be_v desirous_a to_o initiate_v himself_o in_o any_o of_o their_o particular_a religion_n the_o most_o perfect_a person_n among_o they_o and_o they_o who_o be_v think_v to_o approach_v near_o to_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o god_n themselves_o nay_o who_o be_v often_o themselves_o call_v god_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o the_o name_n require_v when_o it_o be_v communicate_v to_o inferior_a being_n as_o they_o often_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o initiate_v themselves_o so_o when_o they_o be_v admit_v they_o be_v not_o admit_v on_o other_o term_n than_o the_o ordinary_a lustration_n such_o be_v the_o thes._n the_o hercules_n in_o the_o eleusin_n scholiast_n aristoph_n in_o plut._n schol._n in_o homer_n il._n theta_n in_o tzetzes_n lycophr_n alex._n argonaut_n in_o the_o samothraclan_n apollon_n rhod._n argon_fw-la castor_n and_o pollux_n plutarch_n thes._n hero_n the_o capitolin_n the_o demetrius_n polycrates_n plutarch_n demetr_v adrian_n spartian_a antoninus_n capitolin_n emperor_n and_o the_o 16._o the_o pythagoras_n jamblich_n de_fw-fr vita_fw-la pyth._n ch._n 16._o philosopher_n of_o all_o which_o sort_v there_o be_v several_a instance_n of_o person_n who_o be_v initiate_v and_o initiate_v in_o the_o common_a way_n but_o i_o believe_v no_o one_o precedent_n can_v be_v give_v of_o any_o who_o be_v think_v too_o perfect_a either_o to_o need_v the_o initiation_n itself_o or_o any_o one_o external_a rite_n with_o which_o it_o be_v ordinary_o perform_v at_o least_o they_o be_v so_o extreme_o few_o as_o that_o no_o modest_a man_n can_v in_o initiation_n of_o such_o precedent_n find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o reckon_v himself_o in_o the_o number_n no_o wise_a man_n who_o thorough_o consider_v and_o understand_v his_o own_o interest_n can_v venture_v the_o loss_n he_o may_v suffer_v if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v they_o on_o confidence_n of_o a_o thing_n wherein_o he_o may_v so_o easy_o prove_v mistake_v which_o will_v again_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o baptism_n which_o in_o the_o christian_a institution_n be_v answerable_a to_o these_o lesser_a mystery_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o enlarge_v further_a to_o show_v that_o their_o sacrament_n be_v rather_o think_v to_o hold_v proportion_n to_o the_o heathen_a mystery_n than_o their_o sacrifice_n because_o i_o may_v possible_o take_v a_o occasion_n to_o insist_v more_o large_o on_o it_o on_o another_o occasion_n
hate_v the_o body_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 4._o ib._n c._n 4._o and_o if_o this_o have_v be_v grant_v they_o that_o the_o body_n itself_o be_v such_o a_o principle_n of_o pollution_n to_o the_o spirit_n how_o can_v they_o be_v solicitous_a for_o preserve_v it_o from_o such_o pollution_n as_o be_v only_o capable_a of_o be_v transact_v in_o the_o body_n how_o can_v they_o think_v themselves_o concern_v to_o preserve_v that_o pure_a which_o be_v itself_o suppose_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o pollution_n §_o xix_o and_o that_o these_o be_v particular_o the_o sentiment_n of_o those_o person_n with_o who_o the_o apostle_n have_v to_o deal_v plain_o appear_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o principle_n on_o which_o they_o depend_v be_v general_o own_v by_o the_o heretic_n of_o that_o age._n they_o general_o take_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n for_o a_o distinct_a coeternal_a contrary_a principle_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n they_o also_o take_v this_o world_n for_o his_o peculiar_a province_n and_o think_v themselves_o obnoxious_a to_o his_o influence_n as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o it_o they_o think_v it_o also_o the_o proper_a employment_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o this_o world_n to_o tie_v their_o soul_n to_o terrestrial_a body_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o best_a way_n of_o free_v themselves_o from_o subjection_n to_o they_o be_v to_o free_v themselves_o from_o that_o tie_n they_o think_v that_o their_o body_n be_v the_o creature_n of_o this_o contrary_a wicked_a principle_n and_o therefore_o that_o marriage_n which_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o purgation_n of_o body_n be_v a_o intention_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o according_o that_o adam_n be_v damn_v for_o introduce_v the_o first_o precedent_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v with_o his_o own_o wife_n and_o according_o we_o find_v these_o great_a pretender_n to_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v withal_o charge_v with_o the_o most_o abominable_a pollution_n of_o the_o flesh_n 8._o 2_o pet._n two_o 10_o jud._n 8._o and_o that_o they_o according_o perform_v the_o christian_a mystery_n as_o much_o of_o they_o as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o retain_v with_o the_o same_o obscenity_n which_o have_v before_o be_v practise_v among_o the_o heathen_n the_o particular_n can_v be_v mention_v without_o immodesty_n on_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v so_o many_o exhortation_n to_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n will_v secure_v from_o those_o seducer_n that_o they_o will_v purify_v themselves_o in_o the_o flesh_n as_o well_o as_o the_o spirit_n 1_o 2_o cor._n seven_o 1_o rom._n twelve_o 1_o and_o that_o they_o will_v offer_v up_o their_o body_n as_o well_o as_o their_o soul_n as_o a_o live_n and_o a_o reasonable_a sacrifice_n and_o that_o their_o whole_a man_n may_v be_v keep_v unblamable_a 23_o 1_o thes._n v._o 23_o their_o body_n as_o well_o as_o their_o soul_n and_o spirit_n §_o xx_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v how_o very_a necessary_a it_o be_v for_o that_o great_a design_n of_o entire_a purity_n and_o reformation_n which_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o oblige_v they_o particular_o to_o purity_n of_o their_o body_n in_o contradistinction_n to_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o spirit_n because_o while_o these_o principle_n be_v believe_v they_o who_o be_v never_o so_o desirous_a of_o spiritual_a purity_n must_v have_v be_v at_o least_o negligent_a of_o this_o purity_n of_o the_o body_n if_o they_o have_v not_o utter_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o carnal_a impurity_n on_o the_o account_n now_o mention_v and_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n grant_v among_o they_o that_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o purify_v that_o part_n which_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o their_o only_a pretence_n for_o neglect_v the_o like_a purity_n of_o the_o body_n be_v that_o they_o conceive_v it_o not_o to_o belong_v to_o he_o but_o to_o a_o adverse_a be_v who_o they_o be_v neither_o so_o oblige_v to_o please_v nor_o if_o they_o will_v please_v he_o be_v it_o so_o probable_a that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v with_o purity_n what_o can_v be_v a_o proper_a mean_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o mistake_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o corporal_a purity_n than_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o give_v up_o their_o body_n as_o well_o as_o their_o soul_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o give_v he_o a_o interest_n in_o they_o by_o a_o particular_a and_o distinct_a donation_n and_o according_o this_o be_v the_o way_n which_o be_v observe_v and_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n profess_o make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n for_o this_o purpose_n 15_o 1_o cor._n vi_o 15_o know_v you_o not_o that_o your_o body_n be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n shall_v i_o then_o take_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v they_o the_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n 20._o ver._n 19_o 20._o god_n forbid_v and_o what_o know_v you_o not_o that_o your_o body_n be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v in_o you_o which_o you_o have_v of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o your_o own_o for_o you_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n therefore_o glorify_v god_n in_o your_o body_n and_o in_o your_o spirit_n which_o be_v go_n and_o because_o it_o be_v by_o the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o heathen_a mystery_n that_o their_o body_n have_v be_v defile_v therefore_o it_o be_v very_o proper_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o this_o purity_n of_o their_o body_n more_o distinct_o and_o particular_o in_o the_o christian_a mystery_n §_o xxi_o but_o there_o be_v also_o another_o reason_n which_o make_v it_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n bodily_a as_o well_o as_o spiritual_o that_o be_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o body_n this_o be_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n on_o which_o above_o all_o other_o the_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n of_o new_a christian_n principal_o depend_v and_o which_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a inducement_n to_o they_o to_o undertake_v all_o the_o other_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o which_o notwithstanding_o meet_v with_o the_o most_o difficult_a reception_n of_o all_o other_o and_o wherein_o god_n be_v therefore_o please_v to_o give_v the_o great_a assurance_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o person_n concern_v and_o particular_o the_o argument_n use_v for_o this_o purpose_n be_v this_o that_o christ_n be_v rise_v 12_o 1_o cor._n xv_o 12_o whence_o it_o be_v infer_v as_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o we_o must_v rise_v also_o and_o this_o be_v plain_o so_o infer_v as_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o one_o can_v be_v true_a unless_o the_o other_o be_v so_o too_o and_o it_o be_v urge_v both_o way_n negative_o 17._o ver._n 14_o 17._o if_o christ_n be_v not_o rise_v all_o preach_a be_v in_o vain_a our_o faith_n be_v also_o vain_a we_o be_v yet_o in_o our_o sin_n we_o have_v only_a hope_n in_o this_o life_n and_o 19_o ver._n 19_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o little_a enjoyment_n we_o can_v pretend_v to_o here_o be_v become_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a and_o if_o he_o be_v rise_v he_o be_v rise_v as_o the_o first_o fruit_n and_o as_o the_o head_n 2d_o ver._n 20_o 2d_o and_o as_o the_o whole_a harvest_n be_v consecrate_v in_o the_o first_o fruit_n and_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v concern_v in_o what_o befall_v the_o head_n so_o it_o be_v suppose_v impossible_a that_o he_o can_v have_v rise_v but_o that_o we_o must_v thereby_o gain_v a_o title_n to_o a_o resurrection_n we_o as_o member_n be_v say_v already_o to_o have_v rise_v and_o to_o have_v sit_v down_o in_o heavenly_a place_n because_o he_o who_o be_v our_o head_n have_v already_o do_v both_o and_o he_o as_o our_o head_n be_v suppose_v uncapable_a of_o a_o complete_a resurrection_n unless_o we_o rise_v also_o who_o be_v his_o member_n now_o this_o benefit_n be_v such_o as_o only_o proper_o belong_v to_o our_o body_n therefore_o the_o force_n of_o this_o consequence_n must_v be_v ground_v on_o this_o supposition_n that_o our_o body_n be_v his_o member_n as_o well_o as_o our_o spirit_n and_o our_o body_n must_v the_o same_o way_n be_v unite_v to_o his_o body_n by_o partake_v of_o his_o body_n as_o we_o be_v make_v one_o spirit_n with_o he_o by_o derive_v from_o that_o fullness_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o proper_o agree_v to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v our_o head_n and_o according_o this_o participation_n of_o his_o body_n in_o the_o eucharist_n be_v urge_v by_o the_o father_n as_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o our_o hope_n that_o we_o shall_v also_o partake_v with_o he_o in_o his_o resurrection_n to_o return_v therefore_o to_o my_o method_n §_o xxii_o this_o be_v thus_o
interest_v in_o common_a as_o that_o the_o very_a same_o performance_n which_o be_v eminent_o serviceable_a to_o one_o may_v for_o that_o very_a cause_n be_v as_o eminent_o disserviceable_a to_o the_o other_o as_o when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o hostility_n however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o as_o their_o interest_n be_v very_o different_a so_o the_o mean_n of_o serve_v those_o interest_n be_v very_o different_a also_o and_o therefore_o that_o there_o be_v no_o real_a consequence_n that_o he_o who_o have_v indeed_o oblige_v one_o society_n must_v in_o do_v so_o oblige_v all_o other_o also_o §_o vi_o but_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v such_o as_o that_o he_o who_o have_v they_o in_o one_o church_n can_v by_o he_o who_o suppose_v he_o to_o have_v they_o there_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n suppose_v to_o want_v they_o in_o another_o regeneration_n and_o pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o a_o mystical_a union_n with_o christ_n be_v the_o design_v effect_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o who_o have_v these_o in_o any_o one_o church_n can_v be_v presume_v to_o want_v they_o in_o another_o by_o they_o who_o presume_v he_o already_o have_v they_o and_o as_o no_o church_n can_v think_v it_o in_o her_o power_n to_o exclude_v from_o her_o communion_n those_o very_a person_n who_o she_o judge_v regenerate_v and_o pardon_v and_o unite_v to_o christ_n so_o if_o she_o be_v convince_v that_o these_o benefit_n be_v valid_o confer_v by_o a_o presbyter_n in_o another_o church_n she_o must_v in_o reason_n be_v oblige_v to_o treat_v they_o as_o such_o in_o she_o own_o now_o whether_o they_o be_v valid_o confer_v or_o not_o that_o she_o be_v to_o try_v by_o his_o ministry_n if_o his_o ministry_n be_v a_o valid_a ministry_n his_o sacrament_n must_v be_v valid_a sacrament_n and_o actual_o confer_v the_o benefit_n design_v by_o they_o to_o person_n not_o unqualify_v to_o receive_v they_o and_o whether_o his_o ministry_n be_v valid_a or_o no_o that_o be_v whether_o he_o be_v indeed_o a_o legal_a representative_a of_o god_n so_o as_o to_o oblige_v he_o to_o ratify_v what_o be_v do_v by_o himself_o in_o his_o name_n this_o be_v a_o act_n of_o authority_n and_o of_o authority_n visible_o administer_v by_o man_n however_o proceed_v original_o from_o god_n it_o must_v be_v judge_v the_o same_o way_n as_o be_v usual_o make_v use_n of_o in_o judge_v concern_v act_n of_o humane_a authority_n that_o be_v by_o consider_v the_o power_n by_o which_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o because_o by_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o which_o such_o a_o presbyter_n be_v a_o member_n and_o from_o whence_o himself_n pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v his_o authority_n she_o plain_o acknowledge_v that_o that_o church_n have_v real_o a_o power_n to_o give_v he_o that_o authority_n he_o pretend_v to_o therefore_o the_o only_a way_n to_o satisfy_v herself_o in_o this_o matter_n be_v to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o pretence_n whether_o he_o have_v indeed_o receive_v that_o authority_n he_o pretend_v to_o from_o those_o person_n from_o who_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o which_o way_n of_o trial_n do_v plain_o resolve_v her_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n into_o her_o correspondency_n with_o his_o church_n by_o that_o she_o judge_n whether_o his_o authority_n be_v good_a and_o whether_o he_o have_v actual_o receive_v it_o §_o vii_o 2._o therefore_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o who_o can_v valid_o make_v out_o his_o authority_n in_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v his_o order_n can_v in_o reason_n expect_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o authority_n shall_v be_v ratify_v in_o other_o church_n who_o can_v thus_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v they_o for_o their_o duty_n of_o correspondence_n be_v primary_o with_o church_n and_o only_o secondary_o with_o particular_a person_n as_o they_o relate_v to_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v particular_o true_a in_o act_n of_o authority_n which_o can_v be_v suppose_v in_o any_o particular_a person_n but_o by_o derivation_n from_o some_o church_n or_o which_o be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n from_o some_o ecclesiastical_a person_n who_o act_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n it_o must_v follow_v that_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o pretence_n of_o any_o particular_a person_n to_o authority_n must_v be_v by_o examine_v his_o reception_n of_o it_o from_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o can_v appear_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v any_o such_o authority_n as_o he_o pretend_v to_o from_o that_o church_n wherein_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o he_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v not_o to_o have_v it_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o all_o that_o he_o presume_v to_o do_v on_o supposition_n of_o it_o must_v be_v null_n and_o invalid_a §_o viii_o 3._o the_o church_n by_o which_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o order_n of_o every_o particular_a presbyter_n must_v expect_v to_o be_v try_v must_v not_o be_v a_o church_n that_o derive_v its_o beginning_n from_o he_o but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o must_v be_v suppose_v settle_v and_o establish_v before_o he_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o any_o pretension_n to_o order_n for_o no_o other_o church_n can_v be_v suppose_v proper_a to_o try_v he_o by_o because_o the_o authority_n of_o no_o other_o church_n can_v be_v presume_v good_a antecedent_o to_o his_o be_v so_o all_o the_o authority_n nay_o the_o very_a be_v of_o a_o church_n set_v up_o by_o a_o particular_a presbyter_n must_v itself_o depend_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n by_o who_o it_o be_v set_v up_o if_o he_o be_v no_o presbyter_n such_o a_o congregation_n can_v be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o sense_n we_o mean_v the_o word_n at_o present_a and_o therefore_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o any_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o can_v by_o any_o act_n of_o such_o a_o church_n derive_v authority_n if_o he_o want_v it_o before_o because_o they_o can_v have_v no_o authority_n but_o what_o he_o bring_v over_o to_o they_o if_o he_o bring_v none_o they_o have_v none_o to_o give_v he_o if_o they_o have_v any_o yet_o not_o such_o as_o be_v proper_a for_o this_o purpose_n both_o because_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a that_o it_o can_v be_v more_o notorious_a than_o that_o which_o be_v at_o least_o in_o time_n antecedent_n to_o it_o and_o because_o at_o least_o it_o can_v be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o other_o church_n have_v hold_v correspondence_n with_o antecedent_o to_o their_o correspondence_n with_o his_o particular_a person_n and_o therefore_o who_o authority_n may_v have_v be_v presume_v to_o have_v be_v grant_v by_o they_o on_o account_n of_o their_o correspondence_n with_o they_o and_o there_o will_v appear_v the_o less_o reason_n either_o that_o this_o way_n of_o trial_n shall_v be_v right_a or_o shall_v be_v admit_v by_o they_o because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o government_n whatsoever_o and_o will_v justify_v the_o practice_n of_o any_o seditious_a person_n who_o can_v be_v so_o successful_a in_o his_o seditious_a practice_n as_o to_o gain_v himself_o the_o reputation_n of_o be_v the_o head_n of_o a_o seditious_a party_n to_o be_v sure_a the_o party_n head_v by_o he_o will_v give_v he_o all_o the_o authority_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o give_v he_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o do_v so_o at_o least_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o disturbance_n and_o as_o it_o will_v oblige_v he_o to_o their_o interest_n so_o it_o will_v give_v he_o great_a advantage_n for_o promote_a those_o interest_n effectual_o and_o then_o what_o government_n can_v think_v itself_o secure_a if_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o justify_v seditious_a practice_n how_o can_v we_o think_v that_o government_n shall_v ever_o be_v favourable_a to_o principle_n so_o pernicious_a to_o the_o right_n of_o government_n in_o general_n §_o ix_o nor_o be_v these_o thing_n only_o true_a concern_v church_n erect_v by_o single_a presbyter_n but_o concern_v such_o also_o as_o have_v whole_a presbytery_n make_v up_o of_o multitude_n of_o single_a presbyter_n who_o have_v be_v over-voted_n in_o their_o several_a presbytery_n respective_o especial_o if_o they_o presume_v to_o exercise_v their_o government_n in_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o another_o this_o will_v also_o be_v a_o precedent_n as_o favourable_a to_o sedition_n and_o as_o destructive_a to_o government_n as_o the_o other_o if_o fugitive_a over-voted_n magistrate_n of_o several_a place_n may_v invade_v the_o territory_n of_o a_o three_o and_o there_o erect_v themselves_o into_o a_o absolute_a senate_n independent_a on_o the_o government_n of_o the_o place_n what_o security_n can_v there_o be_v for_o any_o government_n for_o can_v we_o think_v that_o those_o same_o person_n who_o
respective_o relate_v and_o then_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o deprive_v they_o at_o least_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o own_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o to_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o their_o be_v member_n of_o they_o it_o must_v also_o consequent_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o their_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o which_o they_o have_v no_o other_o title_n but_o that_o membership_n this_o therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v from_o the_o principle_n which_o i_o intend_v to_o make_v use_n of_o for_o prove_v this_o present_a particular_a §_o xxii_o in_o order_n hereunto_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v observe_v 1._o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o inconvenience_n incur_v by_o this_o deprivation_n of_o communion_n in_o their_o own_o particular_a church_n be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o censure_n can_v be_v valid_a in_o their_o own_o church_n unless_o it_o be_v valid_a in_o other_o the_o design_n of_o the_o suspending_a from_o the_o sacrament_n be_v for_o so_o long_o to_o deprive_v the_o person_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o sacrament_n till_o he_o yield_v to_o the_o thing_n require_v from_o he_o by_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o he_o be_v suspend_v either_o therefore_o he_o have_v still_o a_o title_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o sacrament_n from_o which_o he_o be_v suspend_v or_o he_o have_v not_o if_o he_o have_v still_o as_o good_a a_o covenant-title_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o sacrament_n as_o before_o and_o can_v as_o well_o assure_v himself_o of_o his_o title_n what_o loss_n can_v it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o sacramental_a element_n how_o can_v it_o ever_o oblige_v he_o in_o conscience_n to_o submit_v to_o that_o authority_n which_o can_v inflict_v no_o great_a punishment_n than_o this_o deprivation_n if_o therefore_o god_n himself_o be_v oblige_v to_o ratify_v the_o censure_n of_o particular_a church_n in_o order_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o government_n than_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o the_o person_n so_o deprive_v must_v lose_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o new-covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o the_o privilege_n consequent_a to_o that_o interest_n and_o he_o who_o have_v lose_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n can_v retrieve_v it_o by_o a_o bare_a change_n of_o the_o place_n and_o jurisdiction_n he_o that_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o gospel-covenant_n can_v possible_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o union_n consist_v in_o their_o confederation_n in_o the_o same_o covenant_n and_o consider_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o same_o by_o which_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n and_o to_o each_o other_o nay_o indeed_o that_o their_o union_n to_o each_o other_o be_v ground_v on_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n they_o be_v therefore_o fellow-member_n of_o each_o other_o 17_o eph._n four_o 25_o 1_o cor._n uâ—_n 17_o because_o they_o be_v all_o member_n of_o the_o same_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v make_v one_o spirit_n by_o partake_v of_o that_o one_o spirit_n which_o be_v also_o he_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o this_o mystical_a union_n with_o one_o another_o unless_o they_o be_v both_o or_o one_o of_o they_o at_o least_o disunited_a from_o christ_n which_o they_o who_o be_v must_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n be_v disunite_v from_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o mystical_a body_n and_o however_o that_o union_n with_o other_o member_n can_v afford_v little_a comfort_n to_o a_o person_n concern_v in_o it_o which_o be_v consistent_a with_o their_o separation_n from_o christ_n their_o common_a head_n so_o also_o they_o who_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o title_n the_o covenant_n be_v capable_a of_o give_v they_o to_o remission_n of_o sin_n in_o one_o church_n can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v free_a from_o their_o sin_n in_o the_o other_o even_o on_o performance_n of_o the_o moral_a duty_n and_o he_o who_o be_v not_o so_o can_v be_v judge_v to_o be_v in_o a_o present_a capacity_n of_o be_v a_o church-member_n this_o prove_v at_o least_o that_o the_o church_n which_o think_v the_o censure_n pronounce_v against_o any_o person_n to_o have_v be_v pronounce_v valid_o and_o to_o have_v cut_v he_o off_o from_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v censure_v can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n think_v he_o unite_v to_o themselves_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o catholic_n unity_n if_o they_o think_v the_o church_n from_o whence_o he_o be_v divide_v to_o be_v catholic_n and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o whether_o the_o person_n so_o divide_v have_v divide_v himself_o by_o separation_n or_o have_v be_v divide_v from_o they_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o a_o lawful_a authority_n still_o so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v divide_v from_o any_o one_o church_n that_o be_v catholic_n he_o can_v continue_v his_o unity_n with_o they_o if_o they_o continue_v they_o with_o the_o church_n from_o which_o he_o be_v divide_v §_o xxiii_o hence_o it_o follow_v 2._o that_o if_o such_o a_o person_n be_v receive_v to_o the_o sacrament_n in_o another_o church_n without_o as_o good_a a_o authority_n for_o unite_n he_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o that_o be_v by_o which_o he_o be_v deprive_v only_o on_o supposition_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o invisible_a unity_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n notwithstanding_o his_o visible_a separation_n from_o a_o part_n of_o it_o such_o sacrament_n must_v as_o to_o he_o be_v perfect_a nullity_n and_o can_v convey_v to_o he_o the_o proper_a benefit_n of_o sacrament_n even_o on_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o general_a moral_a condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n for_o the_o sacrament_n can_v convey_v the_o merit_n and_o influence_n of_o christ_n to_o any_o but_o those_o who_o be_v unite_v in_o his_o mystical_a body_n by_o the_o same_o proportion_n of_o reason_v as_o the_o vessel_n by_o which_o the_o vital_a influence_n be_v convey_v in_o the_o natural_a body_n can_v convey_v they_o to_o none_o but_o those_o who_o be_v part_n of_o the_o body_n to_o which_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o belong_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o mystical_a reason_n i_o have_v elsewhere_o prove_v see_v therefore_o that_o the_o sacrament_n can_v convey_v no_o influence_n but_o unto_o they_o who_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o on_o the_o supposition_n i_o be_o now_o speak_v of_o the_o person_n thus_o receive_v to_o the_o sacrament_n can_v be_v suppose_v thus_o unite_v to_o he_o therefore_o such_o a_o communicant_a can_v not_o expect_v any_o benefit_n from_o such_o sacrament_n not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o want_n of_o those_o moral_a disposition_n but_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o incapacity_n though_o he_o have_v they_o this_o therefore_o will_v be_v the_o case_n where_o the_o reception_n to_o communion_n be_v only_o grant_v as_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o unity_n which_o the_o person_n so_o receive_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v invisible_o even_o antecedent_o to_o such_o reception_n but_o if_o it_o be_v design_v further_o not_o to_o testify_v that_o catholic_n unity_n which_o he_o be_v suppose_v to_o retain_v but_o to_o restore_v it_o to_o he_o who_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v lose_v it_o by_o his_o separation_n from_o his_o own_o church_n this_o be_v another_o case_n and_o concern_v it_o i_o say_v §_o xxiv_o 3._o that_o no_o particular_a church_n whatsoever_o can_v by_o its_o authority_n alone_o restore_v any_o too_o catholic_n unity_n who_o have_v be_v separate_v from_o it_o by_o another_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o he_o be_v at_o first_o separate_v this_o be_v plain_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v before_o because_o this_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v without_o disannul_v the_o authority_n by_o which_o he_o be_v at_o first_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n for_o if_o this_o late_a church_n can_v restore_v such_o a_o person_n to_o catholic_n unity_n than_o it_o may_v also_o restore_v he_o to_o unity_n with_o that_o church_n by_o which_o he_o be_v at_o first_o separate_v and_o if_o so_o than_o he_o may_v have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o communion_n even_o of_o his_o own_o church_n even_o while_o he_o be_v actual_o separate_v from_o they_o and_o then_o what_o effect_n can_v such_o a_o authority_n have_v whereby_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v authority_n if_o it_o can_v deprive_v he_o of_o so_o much_o as_o the_o right_n to_o that_o communion_n from_o which_o he_o be_v so_o separate_v see_v therefore_o both_o these_o exercise_n of_o authority_n can_v be_v suppose_v valid_a at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o see_v therefore_o that_o god_n be_v oblige_v to_o disannul_v the_o one_o if_o he_o will_v ratify_v the_o
and_o if_o either_o side_n prove_v guilty_a these_o man_n take_v the_o infallible_a way_n to_o make_v themselves_o accessary_a to_o the_o guilt_n while_o they_o communicate_v with_o both_o if_o our_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o personal_a gift_n or_o goodness_n of_o a_o particular_a minister_n among_o we_o can_v excuse_v they_o for_o communicate_v with_o he_o in_o what_o they_o think_v to_o be_v unlawful_a if_o our_o communion_n be_v lawful_a it_o will_v then_o high_o concern_v they_o to_o think_v how_o they_o can_v excuse_v themselves_o for_o separate_v themselves_o from_o they_o who_o they_o must_v all_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v once_o their_o lawful_a ecclesiastical_a governor_n when_o the_o schism_n first_o begin_v nay_o for_o join_v in_o opposite_a communion_n with_o the_o profess_a adversary_n of_o such_o governor_n and_o for_o refuse_v passive_a as_o well_o as_o active_a obedience_n §_o viii_o and_o if_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n be_v so_o piacular_a and_o mischievous_a as_o it_o must_v be_v if_o our_o principle_n shall_v prove_v true_a then_o certain_o it_o will_v oblige_v they_o to_o a_o care_n of_o avoid_v it_o proportionable_a to_o the_o danger_n it_o what_o will_v follow_v from_o it_o not_o only_o of_o the_o sin_n itself_o if_o they_o shall_v prove_v guilty_a of_o it_o but_o of_o our_o discourse_n and_o reason_n lest_o they_o may_v prove_v true_a where_o a_o great_a danger_n be_v likely_a to_o befall_v man_n a_o little_a probability_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o oblige_v they_o to_o great_a caution_n though_o the_o proof_n shall_v not_o be_v necessary_a though_o it_o may_v prove_v very_o possible_a that_o the_o thing_n may_v be_v otherwise_o yet_o if_o it_o can_v be_v satisfactory_o answer_v if_o it_o can_v be_v disprove_v if_o there_o be_v not_o great_a assurance_n of_o its_o falsehood_n man_n think_v themselves_o in_o all_o prudence_n oblige_v to_o keep_v on_o the_o secure_a side_n the_o danger_n of_o the_o sin_n will_v oblige_v they_o to_o yield_v in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v confess_o not_o dangerous_a nay_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v where_o the_o danger_n be_v not_o as_o great_a or_o as_o probable_a though_o it_o be_v of_o sin_n as_o this_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o prudence_n to_o fall_v into_o a_o less_o sin_n for_o to_o avoid_v a_o great_a where_n both_o be_v real_o unavoidable_a not_o to_o say_v that_o a_o great_a danger_n though_o on_o less_o proof_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v avoid_v than_o a_o lesser_a danger_n or_o great_a proof_n where_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o danger_n be_v very_o considerable_a and_o the_o danger_n lest_o our_o proof_n shall_v hold_v will_v oblige_v they_o not_o to_o venture_v on_o a_o thing_n which_o if_o they_o shall_v hold_v must_v appear_v so_o very_o dangerous_a but_o upon_o very_o good_a assurance_n that_o they_o do_v not_o conclude_v the_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o be_v produce_v §_o ix_o and_o if_o our_o reason_n hold_v how_o sad_a must_v their_o condition_n be_v who_o prove_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n here_o describe_v true_a the_o mischief_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o schismatic_n if_o our_o principle_n shall_v prove_v true_a they_o must_v be_v guilty_a of_o disobedience_n to_o the_o divine_a government_n which_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o government_n be_v always_o count_v great_a than_o the_o violation_n of_o any_o particular_a law_n none_o of_o they_o how_o momentous_a soever_o can_v be_v of_o great_a moment_n than_o the_o legislative_a power_n itself_o from_o whence_o they_o all_o derive_v their_o obligation_n they_o must_v be_v guilty_a of_o give_v or_o abet_v a_o divine_a authority_n in_o man_n to_o who_o god_n have_v never_o give_v such_o authority_n nay_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o the_o authority_n he_o have_v real_o establish_v among_o man_n they_o must_v be_v guilty_a of_o forge_v covenant_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o of_o counterfeit_v the_o great_a seal_n of_o heaven_n for_o the_o ratification_n of_o such_o covenant_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o treasonable_a by_o all_o principle_n of_o government_n what_o be_v more_o provoke_a and_o more_o difficult_o pardonable_a than_o sin_n of_o so_o high_a presumption_n as_o these_o be_v they_o must_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o unto_o death_n and_o of_o the_o sin_n describe_v in_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n with_o which_o none_o do_v terrify_v the_o conscience_n of_o ignorant_a unskilful_a person_n more_o frequent_o than_o they_o do_v they_o must_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o sin_n which_o as_o they_o need_v pardon_v more_o than_o any_o other_o so_o they_o do_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o more_o effectual_o cut_v off_o the_o offender_n from_o all_o hope_n of_o pardon_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n by_o be_v disunite_v from_o the_o church_n he_o lose_v his_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o mystical_a benefit_n consequent_a to_o that_o union_n he_o have_v thenceforward_o no_o title_n to_o the_o suffering_n or_o merit_n or_o intercession_n of_o christ_n or_o any_o of_o those_o other_o blessing_n which_o be_v purchase_v by_o those_o merit_n or_o which_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o those_o intercession_n he_o have_v no_o title_n to_o pardon_v of_o sin_n to_o the_o gift_n or_o assistance_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n or_o to_o any_o promise_n of_o future_a reward_n though_o he_o shall_v perform_v all_o other_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n beside_o this_o of_o reunite_a himself_n again_o to_o christ_n mystical_a body_n in_o a_o visible_a communion_n till_o than_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o acceptance_n of_o any_o prayer_n which_o either_o he_o may_v offer_v for_o himself_o or_o other_o may_v offer_v for_o he_o and_o how_o disconsolate_a must_v the_o condition_n be_v of_o such_o a_o person_n who_o will_v not_o think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o use_v all_o diligence_n and_o to_o yield_v all_o possible_a condescension_n rather_o than_o to_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o condition_n or_o to_o continue_v in_o it_o §_o x_o and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o methinks_v all_o interest_v person_n shall_v rather_o take_v it_o kind_o than_o be_v angry_a for_o be_v warn_v of_o a_o course_n so_o mischievous_a to_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o public_a hence_o what_o will_v follow_v from_o hence_o so_o dangerous_a upon_o spiritual_a as_o well_o as_o worldly_a consideration_n if_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v warn_v their_o little_a apprehension_n of_o danger_n will_v not_o make_v it_o less_o but_o it_o will_v make_v it_o less_o remediable_a they_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o have_v a_o better_a title_n to_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n or_o any_o other_o benefit_n of_o the_o evangelical_n covenant_n but_o they_o be_v less_o likely_a to_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o a_o title_n to_o they_o and_o why_o shall_v they_o take_v it_o ill_o to_o be_v warn_v of_o their_o danger_n when_o upon_o warning_n they_o may_v so_o easy_o avoid_v it_o only_o by_o return_v to_o catholic_n unity_n why_o shall_v they_o censure_v we_o as_o uncharitable_a who_o force_n ourselves_o on_o so_o unwelcome_a a_o office_n wherein_o we_o must_v expect_v such_o censure_n for_o think_v so_o hardly_o of_o their_o present_a condition_n rather_o than_o examine_v our_o reason_n whether_o they_o have_v not_o reason_n to_o think_v as_o hardly_o of_o themselves_o if_o it_o shall_v prove_v so_o it_o be_v well_o they_o will_v consider_v that_o they_o be_v the_o person_n principal_o concern_v in_o the_o consequence_n of_o such_o discourse_n and_o then_o the_o truth_n will_v be_v more_o their_o interest_n than_o it_o be_v we_o and_o we_o can_v show_v our_o charity_n to_o they_o better_o than_o by_o warn_v they_o of_o such_o truth_n wherein_o their_o great_a interest_n be_v so_o great_o concern_v if_o a_o patient_n in_o a_o bodily_a distemper_n shall_v take_v the_o physician_n for_o his_o enemy_n for_o think_v he_o distemper_v and_o shall_v thereupon_o not_o only_o reject_v his_o medicament_n but_o divert_v himself_o from_o all_o reflection_n on_o his_o condition_n how_o will_v they_o think_v it_o possible_a that_o such_o a_o patient_n shall_v be_v cure_v of_o his_o distemper_n i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v they_o will_v consider_v how_o exact_o this_o agree_v with_o their_o own_o case_n §_o xi_o if_o they_o think_v it_o hard_o that_o we_o shall_v think_v so_o hardly_o of_o so_o great_a multitude_n as_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o present_a discourse_n i_o confess_v i_o shall_v think_v so_o too_o answer_v the_o objection_n concern_v the_o multitude_n concern_v in_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o discourse_n answer_v if_o our_o hard_a thought_n have_v the_o least_o influence_n on_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o condition_n i_o shall_v think_v it_o cruelty_n to_o think_v hardly_o of_o any_o one_o so_o
this_o obligation_n be_v such_o as_o will_v make_v they_o who_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v submit_v to_o such_o condition_n either_o separate_v themselves_o or_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v exclude_v from_o communion_n by_o such_o governor_n for_o such_o a_o refusal_n of_o submission_n guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n here_o be_v two_o part_n i._o that_o all_o be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v to_o all_o unsinful_a condition_n of_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n where_o they_o live_v α_n α_n if_o impose_v by_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n thereof_o this_o prove_v by_o these_o two_o degree_n 1._o that_o the_o supposition_n of_o their_o being_n less_o secure_a of_o salvation_n out_o of_o this_o episcopal_a communion_n than_o in_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v they_o oblige_v to_o submit_v to_o all_o term_n not_o direct_o sinful_a however_o unexpedient_a rather_o than_o separate_v themselves_o or_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v exclude_v from_o this_o communion_n ch._n i._o §_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o 2._o that_o there_o be_v indeed_o less_o security_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v have_v even_o on_o performance_n of_o the_o moral_a condition_n of_o salvation_n out_o of_o this_o episcopal_a communion_n than_o in_o it_o this_o prove_v from_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o they_o can_v be_v so_o well_o assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n in_o the_o use_n of_o extraordinary_a as_o of_o ordinary_a mean_n nay_o that_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o extraordinary_n be_v a_o condition_n either_o very_o hazardous_a or_o at_o least_o very_a uncomfortable_a at_o present_a whatever_o it_o may_v prove_v hereafter_o ch._n ii_o 2._o that_o these_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n confine_v to_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n of_o the_o place_n he_o live_v in_o as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v in_o it_o this_o prove_v from_o two_o thing_n i._n that_o these_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n this_o prove_v from_o four_o thing_n 1._o we_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v do_v for_o we_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o salvation_n on_o his_o part_n otherwise_o than_o by_o his_o express_a promise_n that_o he_o will_v do_v it_o ch._n iii_o §_o 1_o 2._o 2._o the_o ordinary_a mean_n how_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o of_o our_o interest_n in_o his_o promise_n be_v by_o our_o interest_n in_o his_o covenant_n by_o which_o they_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o ch._n iii_o from_o §_o 5._o to_o the_o end_n 3._o the_o only_a ordinary_a mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o of_o our_o interest_n in_o this_o covenant_n with_o he_o be_v by_o our_o partake_n in_o these_o external_a solemnity_n by_o which_o this_o covenant_n be_v transact_v and_o maintain_v ch._n vi_o five_o vi_o vii_o 4._o the_o participation_n in_o these_o external_a solemnity_n with_o any_o legal_a validity_n be_v only_o to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n ch._n viii_o ii_o that_o this_o visible_a church_n to_o who_o external_a communion_n these_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v confine_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n of_o the_o place_n where_o any_o one_o life_n while_o he_o live_v there_o this_o prove_v in_o both_o part_n 1._o that_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o who_o external_a communion_n these_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v confine_v be_v the_o episcopal_a communion_n this_o prove_v by_o these_o degree_n i._o that_o salvation_n be_v not_o ordinary_o to_o be_v expect_v without_o a_o external_a participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 1._o negative_o not_o by_o those_o other_o popular_a mean_n which_o ordinary_a person_n be_v apt_a to_o trust_v in_o to_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o be_v 1._o not_o by_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v ch._n ix_o 2._o not_o by_o private_a prayer_n nor_o indâ—ed_v by_o any_o out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n ch._n x._o xi_o xii_o xiii_o fourteen_o 2._o positive_o that_o salvation_n be_v ordinary_o to_o be_v expect_v only_o by_o this_o external_a participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 1._o prove_v concern_v baptism_n ch._n xv._o 2._o concern_v the_o lord_n supper_n ch._n xvi_o xvii_o ii_o that_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o sacrament_n depend_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n by_o who_o they_o be_v administer_v ch._n xviii_o iii_o no_o other_o minister_n have_v the_o authority_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n but_o only_o they_o who_o receive_v their_o order_n in_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n this_o prove_v by_o four_o degree_n 1._o that_o the_o authority_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o god_n ch._n xix_o 2._o that_o though_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o derive_v without_o the_o mediation_n of_o those_o man_n to_o who_o it_o be_v at_o first_o commit_v ch._n xx._n 3._o that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o derive_v from_o those_o man_n to_o who_o it_o be_v at_o first_o commit_v without_o a_o continue_a succession_n of_o person_n orderly_o receive_v authority_n from_o those_o who_o have_v authority_n to_o give_v it_o they_o from_o those_o first_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o we_o at_o present_a ch._n xxi_o 4._o that_o this_o authority_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v expect_v any_o where_o but_o in_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n ch._n xxii_o xxiii_o xxiv_o xxv_o 2._o that_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n to_o which_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v oblige_v to_o join_v himself_o as_o he_o will_v enjoy_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o his_o own_o particular_a salvation_n be_v the_o episcopal_a communion_n of_o the_o place_n wherein_o he_o live_v while_o he_o live_v in_o it_o ch._n xxvi_o ii_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o obligation_n to_o unsinful_a condition_n of_o their_o episcopal_a communion_n be_v such_o as_o will_v make_v they_o guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n β_n β_n who_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v submit_v to_o such_o condition_n either_o separate_v themselves_o or_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v exclude_v from_o communion_n by_o their_o respective_a diocesan_n ordinary_n ch._n xxvii_o introduction_n the_o content_n the_o concurrent_a sense_n of_o all_o irreligious_a as_o well_o as_o religious_a concern_v the_o present_a necessity_n of_o our_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n and_o the_o great_a mischief_n of_o our_o ecclesiastical_a division_n §_o 1._o the_o management_n of_o religious_a controversy_n with_o a_o design_n of_o peace_n will_v best_o answer_v the_o qualification_n of_o a_o useful_a controvertist_n §_o 2._o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a with_o the_o most_o prudent_a rule_n of_o manage_v controversy_n either_o for_o find_v the_o truth_n itself_o or_o where_o humane_a frailty_n may_v fail_v of_o that_o for_o make_v the_o error_n innocent_a and_o excusable_a §_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o what_o influence_n this_o design_n of_o peace_n will_v have_v particular_o in_o those_o controversy_n which_o be_v debate_v between_o we_o and_o our_o nonconforming_a brethren_n how_o far_o the_o unpeaceableness_n of_o a_o position_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v urge_v as_o a_o argument_n of_o its_o falsehood_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_n §_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o that_o our_o present_a undertake_n be_v not_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o peacemaker_n §_o 30_o 31_o 32._o how_o much_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v in_o this_o controversy_n concern_v schism_n how_o different_o the_o notion_n of_o schism_n must_v be_v state_v by_o they_o who_o make_v the_o church_n a_o body_n politic_a and_o by_o they_o who_o make_v it_o not_o so_o our_o adversary_n notion_n of_o schism_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o peacemaker_n exact_o fit_v to_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v no_o body_n politic_a and_o indeed_o very_o rational_a on_o that_o supposition_n what_o be_v to_o be_v think_v of_o the_o independentâ—enet_n â—enet_z of_o place_v all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n original_o in_o the_o people_n and_o how_o far_o that_o will_v clear_v their_o practice_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n §_o 33_o 34_o 35_o 36_o 37_o 38_o 39_o 40._o how_o the_o notion_n of_o schism_n must_v be_v state_v on_o supposition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n politic_a §_o 41_o 42_o 43_o 44_o 45_o 46_o 47_o 48_o 49_o 50_o 51._o a_o account_n of_o the_o division_n of_o this_o work_n into_o the_o rational_a and_o historical_a part_n some_o intimation_n concern_v the_o usefulness_n and_o design_n of_o the_o historical_a §_o 52._o page_n 1._o chap._n i._n 1._o that_o for_o prove_v our_o obligation_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v not_o requisite_a to_o prove_v that_o we_o must_v otherwise_o be_v
p._n 239._o l._n 8._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 35._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ib._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 240._o l._n 23._o r._n that_o as_o p._n 241._o l._n 30._o r._n also_o separate_v p._n 245._o l._n 35._o r._n therefore_o as_o p._n 247._o del_o marginem_fw-la and_o add_v ad_fw-la not_o a_o p._n 248._o p._n 248._o l._n 6._o r._n excuse_n mark_fw-mi 20._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 249._o l._n 16._o r._n to_o they_o p._n 250._o mark_fw-mi 10._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 11._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 254._o l._n 15._o r._n there_o p._n 256._o l._n 14._o del_o that_o p._n 259._o l._n 21._o r._n severity_n p._n 261._o mark_fw-mi 4._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 262._o mark_fw-mi 17._o r._n poliorcetes_n p._n 263._o mark_fw-mi psal._n l._n p._n 276._o l._n 15_o r._n xeno_n 279.32_o ingenuous_o p._n 281._o l._n 1._o r._n guilt_n p._n 291._o l._n 34._o r._n extreme_o p._n 295._o l_o 14._o r._n then_o l._n 35._o r._n sin_n p._n 297._o l._n 33._o r._n far_o p._n 307._o l._n 17._o r._n faxit_fw-la p._n 308._o l._n 29._o for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d l._n 35._o for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ib._n r._n breath_n p._n 309._o l._n 17._o r._n of_o pure_a l._n 24._o r._n wink_n p._n 310._o l._n 21._o r._n which_o l._n 26._o r._n soul_n p._n 311._o l._n 18._o r._n and._n l._n 23._o r._n poet_n be_v l._n 26._o r._n be_v yet_o p._n 313._o l._n 4._o del_o if_o we_o deal_v ill_o with_o p._n 35._o l._n 5._o r._n think_v strange_a l._n 31._o r._n which_o p._n 319._o l._n 4._o r._n on_o l._n 9_o r._n be_v yet_o p._n 323._o l._n 29._o r._n prove_v without_o p._n 326._o r._n spirit_n only_o p._n 336._o mark_fw-mi 11._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 337._o r._n the_o return_n of_o soul_n p._n 342._o l._n 23._o r._n be_v not_o p._n 361._o l._n 19_o r._n for_o l._n 27._o r._n consider_v we_o p._n 362._o l._n 21._o r._n then_o p._n 363._o l._n 4._o r._n need_v a._n p._n 369._o l._n 16._o r._n propagation_n l._n 17._o r._n invention_n p._n 373._o l._n 5._o r._n intention_n l._n 35._o r._n the._n p._n 376._o l._n 19_o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d l._n 31._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 377._o mark_fw-mi 11._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 378._o mark_fw-mi 14._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 380._o l._n 38._o for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 394._o l._n 6._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mark_fw-mi 4._o r._n numenio_n p._n 396._o l._n 10._o r._n know_v l._n 30._o r._n a_o mystery_n p._n 397._o l._n 22._o r._n be_v p._n 403._o l._n 9_o r._n new_a p._n 425._o l._n 17._o r._n please_v whatever_o p._n 442._o penult_n r._n text_n p._n 443._o l._n 34._o r._n there_o p._n 447._o l._n 21._o del_o he_o l._n 22._o del_o to_o p._n 450._o l._n 25._o r._n the_o spirit_n p._n 461._o l._n 25._o r._n prosecution_n p._n 463._o l._n 25._o r._n power_n p._n 478_o l._n 18._o r._n former_a p._n 482._o l._n 1._o r._n loss_n p._n 495._o l._n 10_o r._n favourable_a p._n 498._o mark_fw-mi l._n 8._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 546._o 11._o r._n it_o p._n 550._o l._n 22._o del_o not_o p._n 597._o l._n 22._o r._n the._n p._n 604._o l._n 1._o r._n lot_n p._n 614._o l._n 31._o del_o not_o p._n 619._o l._n 17._o r._n another_o the_o introduction_n the_o content_n the_o concurrent_a sense_n of_o all_o irreligious_a as_o well_o as_o religious_a concern_v the_o present_a necessity_n of_o our_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n and_o the_o great_a mischief_n of_o our_o ecclesiastical_a division_n §_o 1._o the_o management_n of_o religious_a controversy_n with_o a_o design_n of_o peace_n will_v best_o answer_v the_o qualification_n of_o a_o useful_a controvertist_n §_o 2._o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a with_o the_o most_o prudent_a rule_n of_o manage_v controversy_n either_o for_o find_v the_o truth_n itself_o or_o where_o humane_a frailty_n may_v fail_v of_o that_o for_o make_v the_o error_n innocent_a and_o excusable_a §_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o what_o influence_n this_o design_n of_o peace_n will_v have_v particular_o in_o those_o controversy_n which_o be_v debate_v between_o we_o and_o our_o nonconforming_a brethren_n how_o far_o the_o unpeaceableness_n of_o a_o position_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v urge_v as_o a_o argument_n of_o its_o falsehood_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a §_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o that_o our_o present_a undertake_n be_v not_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o peacemaker_n §_o 30_o 31_o 32._o how_o much_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v in_o this_o controversy_n concern_v schism_n how_o different_o the_o notion_n of_o schism_n must_v be_v state_v by_o they_o who_o make_v the_o church_n a_o body_n politic_a and_o by_o they_o who_o make_v it_o not_o so_o our_o adversary_n notion_n of_o schism_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o peacemaker_n exact_o fit_v to_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o church_n being_n no_o body_n politic_a and_o indeed_o very_o rational_a upon_o that_o supposition_n what_o be_v to_o be_v think_v of_o the_o independent_a tenet_n of_o place_v all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n original_o in_o the_o people_n and_o how_o far_o that_o will_v clear_v their_o practice_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n §_o 33_o 34_o 35_o 36_o 37_o 38_o 39_o 40._o how_o the_o notion_n of_o schism_n must_v be_v state_v on_o supposition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n politic_a §_o 41_o 42_o 43_o 44_o 45_o 46_o 47_o 48_o 49_o 50_o 51._o a_o account_n of_o the_o division_n of_o this_o work_n into_o the_o rational_a and_o historical_a part_n some_o intimation_n concern_v the_o usefulness_n and_o design_n of_o the_o historical_a §_o 52._o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o thing_n at_o present_a so_o extreme_o desirable_a not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o intrinsic_a charitableness_n but_o it_o be_v many_o happy_a influence_n on_o our_o dear_a interest_n not_o only_o sacred_a but_o secular_a that_o he_o must_v be_v as_o imprudent_a as_o impious_a as_o inhuman_a as_o vnconscientious_a as_o little_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o friend_n of_o his_o country_n as_o of_o a_o lover_n of_o his_o religion_n who_o can_v still_o be_v unconcern_v for_o a_o design_n i_o do_v not_o say_v of_o such_o worth_n but_o of_o such_o importance_n for_o our_o settlement_n for_o though_o there_o be_v few_o so_o prudent_a as_o to_o foresee_v inconvenience_n at_o a_o distance_n or_o of_o so_o tender_a sense_n as_o to_o be_v vehement_o concern_v for_o absurdity_n in_o reason_v or_o of_o so_o spiritual_a a_o apprehension_n as_o to_o be_v move_v by_o the_o pure_o spiritual_a threat_n or_o reward_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o every_o one_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v affect_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n and_o according_o we_o find_v not_o only_o the_o practiser_n but_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v now_o more_o than_o ordinary_o inclinable_a to_o a_o reconciliation_n not_o only_o such_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o that_o modesty_n which_o will_v hinder_v man_n from_o imperious_a dogmatize_v or_o easy_a censure_v of_o dissenter_n or_o that_o ardent_a charity_n for_o their_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o profession_n which_o will_v hinder_v they_o from_o either_o give_v or_o take_v any_o offence_n which_o be_v by_o any_o lawful_a mean_n avoidable_o or_o that_o humility_n which_o will_v incline_v unskilful_a person_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o person_n more_o skilful_a at_o least_o in_o such_o matter_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o their_o own_o unskilfulness_n and_o will_v make_v they_o diffident_a if_o not_o in_o their_o judgement_n yet_o at_o least_o in_o their_o practice_n when_o contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o more_o judicious_a which_o will_v very_o much_o conduce_v to_o secure_v the_o church_n from_o disturb_v innovation_n or_o that_o pious_a prudence_n which_o will_v make_v man_n especial_o cautious_a of_o error_n either_o in_o opinion_n or_o practice_n which_o will_v prove_v extraordinary_o mischievous_a if_o erroneous_a as_o those_o must_v do_v which_o be_v destructive_a of_o the_o government_n of_o that_o society_n to_o which_o the_o erroneous_a person_n be_v relate_v and_o yet_o more_o especial_o cautious_a in_o such_o case_n wherein_o their_o past_a experience_n may_v be_v sufficient_a warning_n against_o future_a inconvenience_n as_o they_o may_v here_o where_o man_n may_v find_v how_o little_a available_a
a_o due_a respect_n to_o governor_n be_v a_o consideration_n so_o principal_a in_o this_o kind_n of_o performance_n as_o may_v make_v amends_o for_o any_o mistake_n in_o the_o expediency_n of_o particular_a imposition_n nay_o i_o may_v have_v show_v that_o the_o great_a end_n of_o public_a edification_n may_v on_o these_o supposal_n have_v be_v as_o effectual_o promote_v in_o many_o mistake_a imposition_n as_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o mistake_n at_o all_o and_o where_o the_o mistake_n be_v so_o no_o way_n dangerous_a where_o it_o have_v so_o very_o little_a if_o any_o influence_n on_o that_o which_o alone_o in_o the_o estimation_n of_o equal_a person_n make_v the_o practice_n commendable_a nay_o where_o disobedience_n be_v certain_o a_o great_a evil_n than_o can_v be_v fear_v from_o any_o mistake_n in_o the_o imposition_n itself_o what_o imaginable_a reason_n be_v there_o why_o we_o shall_v be_v refractory_a §_o xxiv_o beside_o the_o mistake_n if_o any_o be_v belong_v not_o to_o our_o province_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v imputable_a to_o we_o but_o our_o superior_n and_o though_o the_o mistake_n be_v chargeable_a on_o we_o as_o a_o imprudence_n yet_o how_o can_v it_o be_v repute_v as_o a_o sin_n especial_o consider_v that_o it_o neither_o involve_v we_o in_o the_o violation_n of_o any_o of_o the_o divine_a commandment_n nor_o even_o in_o a_o sinful_a violation_n of_o the_o moral_a obligation_n of_o prudence_n itself_o for_o can_v they_o think_v all_o our_o less_o discreet_a action_n to_o be_v formal_a sin_n on_o account_n of_o their_o be_v so_o or_o can_v it_o be_v a_o sinful_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o prudence_n itself_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v not_o so_o serviceable_a to_o its_o immediate_a end_n with_o a_o design_n upon_o a_o great_a and_o be_v not_o that_o the_o case_n exact_o here_o be_v not_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n by_o a_o compliance_n with_o less_o prudent_a imposition_n a_o more_o considerable_a end_n than_o the_o edification_n of_o particular_a person_n by_o the_o suitableness_n of_o every_o particular_a ceremony_n will_n themselves_o think_v it_o agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christian_a prudence_n sometime_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o weakness_n nay_o with_o the_o humoursomness_n of_o well-meaning_a brethren_n who_o they_o think_v mistake_v and_o can_v they_o think_v the_o same_o condescension_n sinful_a and_o imprudent_a only_a when_o it_o connive_n at_o the_o equally-pardonable_a mistake_n of_o a_o lawful_a authority_n if_o these_o presumption_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o governor_n to_o exert_v their_o authority_n over_o refractory_a subject_n that_o either_o the_o matter_n themselves_o be_v of_o so_o little_a concernment_n as_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o subject_n can_v be_v reasonable_o prejudice_v by_o any_o mistake_v concern_v they_o or_o if_o otherwise_o that_o the_o native_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v all_o inquisitive_a well-meaning_a person_n i_o confess_v i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o they_o can_v avoid_v make_v the_o duty_n of_o governor_n intricate_a and_o unpracticable_a which_o certain_o be_v to_o make_v it_o otherwise_o than_o god_n have_v make_v it_o and_o if_o governor_n act_v bona_fw-la fide_fw-la on_o these_o presumption_n must_v necessary_o interfere_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o their_o well-meaning_a and_o inquisitive_a subject_n as_o i_o think_v it_o follow_v unavoidable_o from_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n principle_n this_o methinks_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o discover_v the_o falsehood_n of_o they_o for_o certain_o the_o catholic_n peace_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o body_n politic_a be_v fundamental_o ground_v on_o this_o reconcileableness_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o well-meaning_a conscientious_a governor_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o their_o well-meaning_a conscientious_a subject_n and_o therefore_o those_o principle_n which_o hinder_v the_o possibility_n of_o reconcile_a they_o must_v on_o that_o very_a account_n remain_v convict_v of_o be_v false_a as_o well_o as_o vnpeaceable_a §_o xxv_o and_o if_o our_o brethren_n do_v not_o allow_v this_o power_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o their_o own_o party_n why_o do_v they_o censure_v or_o separate_v from_o dissenter_n from_o themselves_o if_o they_o do_v how_o can_v they_o excuse_v themselves_o for_o separate_v from_o their_o own_o governor_n at_o first_o and_z giving_z other_o a_o precedent_n by_o they_o unanswerable_a i_o be_o confident_a their_o own_o doctrine_n and_o decree_n be_v not_o in_o many_o case_n capable_a of_o high_a evidence_n than_o we_o as_o little_a clear_a from_o express_a scripture_n or_o any_o obvious_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o it_o and_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o judicious_a impartial_a person_n as_o liable_a to_o mistake_v if_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o this_o they_o think_v their_o proof_n sufficient_a to_o ground_v a_o presumption_n of_o their_o ingenuity_n even_o in_o person_n dissent_v from_o they_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v any_o disparity_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o admit_v the_o like_a presumption_n for_o our_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n §_o xxvi_o i_o know_v there_o be_v a_o complaint_n take_v up_o by_o some_o of_o our_o modern_a adversary_n that_o we_o misrepresent_v they_o as_o often_o as_o we_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o break_v off_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n for_o thing_n indifferent_a nor_o do_v i_o conceive_v it_o necessary_a on_o this_o occasion_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o mistake_n and_o our_o own_o fidelity_n by_o reference_n to_o their_o own_o more_o ancient_a and_o famous_a author_n for_o my_o part_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o there_o be_v any_o real_a difference_n betwixt_o even_o they_o and_o their_o predecessor_n but_o only_o in_o a_o misunderstanding_n of_o the_o notion_n of_o indifferency_n that_o be_v ascribe_v to_o such_o imposition_n of_o their_o superior_n for_o if_o by_o indifferency_n be_v mean_v a_o indifferency_n in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o practice_n after_o they_o be_v impose_v we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o think_v that_o they_o believe_v they_o thus_o indifferent_a as_o that_o we_o ourselves_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o so_o nor_o consequent_o have_v we_o here_o that_o ordinary_a occasion_n of_o such_o mistake_n of_o ascribe_v our_o own_o sentiment_n to_o they_o we_o ourselves_o believe_v they_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v when_o they_o be_v command_v by_o our_o lawful_a superior_n as_o they_o believe_v they_o necessary_a to_o be_v omit_v the_o indifferency_n therefore_o which_o we_o ourselves_o believe_v to_o be_v in_o they_o and_o wherein_o we_o believe_v our_o brethren_n also_o to_o be_v of_o our_o mind_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o antecedent_o to_o the_o determination_n of_o ordinary_a ecclesiastical_a superior_n §_o xxvii_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o indifferent_a in_o this_o sense_n why_o do_v they_o insist_v on_o the_o same_o argument_n with_o their_o predecessor_n concern_v christian_n liberty_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o can_v they_o pretend_v christian_a liberty_n in_o such_o instance_n wherein_o christ_n himself_o have_v impose_v on_o their_o liberty_n or_o do_v they_o think_v that_o the_o scripture_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a not_o only_o to_o make_v the_o thing_n so_o omit_v unlawful_a to_o be_v impose_v but_o unlawful_a also_o to_o be_v practise_v §_o xxviii_o this_o acknowledge_a indifferency_n therefore_o of_o the_o thing_n antecedent_o to_o the_o interposition_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v the_o thing_n we_o conceive_v they_o to_o believe_v and_o their_o belief_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v thus_o indifferent_a antecedent_o to_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o yet_o be_v unlawful_a when_o authority_n have_v interpose_v this_o i_o say_v we_o conceive_v perfect_o destructive_a of_o such_o authority_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v such_o authority_n can_v never_o oblige_v we_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n when_o its_o interposition_n in_o a_o thing_n otherwise_o lawful_a in_o itself_o be_v conceive_v sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o it_o can_v be_v discern_v what_o be_v do_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o authority_n but_o only_o in_o such_o instance_n where_o no_o other_o reason_n of_o do_v a_o thing_n can_v be_v pretend_v if_o therefore_o nothing_o be_v do_v for_o it_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o have_v any_o obligation_n of_o its_o own_o which_o if_o it_o have_v not_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v own_v as_o a_o authority_n §_o xxix_o as_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o propose_v divine_a law_n obligatory_a antecedent_o to_o their_o proposal_n beside_o that_o when_o it_o come_v to_o practice_n it_o will_v not_o be_v find_v very_o significant_a with_o our_o brethren_n when_o every_o private_a person_n among_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o judge_n so_o free_o for_o himself_o
therefore_o they_o who_o deny_v their_o correspondence_n without_o submission_n to_o term_n unnecessary_a and_o humoursome_a can_v in_o any_o reason_n exact_v a_o compliance_n from_o dissenter_n who_o believe_v their_o term_n to_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n and_o such_o dissenter_n refuse_v such_o term_n and_o consequent_o such_o correspondence_n which_o can_v be_v have_v without_o they_o do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o can_v justify_v which_o in_o this_o case_n can_v be_v pretend_v concern_v the_o imposer_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o arrogate_v a_o power_n not_o belong_v to_o they_o without_o any_o pretence_n either_o of_o authority_n or_o even_o of_o necessity_n for_o maintain_v a_o confident_a correspondence_n and_o consequent_o the_o blame_n of_o such_o a_o breach_n can_v be_v charge_v on_o such_o dissenter_n but_o such_o imposer_n §_o xxxvii_o and_o as_o upon_o this_o hypothesis_n that_o the_o church_n be_v only_o such_o a_o multitude_n unite_v on_o no_o other_o term_n than_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o amicable_a correspondence_n betwixt_o the_o particular_n this_o must_v indeed_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o formal_a and_o culpable_a schism_n so_o it_o will_v be_v very_o congruous_a to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o peacemaker_n not_o to_o persuade_v the_o dissenter_n to_o yield_v but_o the_o imposer_n to_o forbear_v impose_v for_o see_v in_o such_o a_o case_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o necessity_n pretend_v for_o submit_v to_o such_o imposition_n in_o order_n to_o the_o signify_v their_o own_o desire_n of_o maintain_v a_o amicable_a correspondence_n with_o their_o brethren_n but_o either_o their_o willingness_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o thing_n exact_v from_o they_o or_o their_o willingness_n to_o yield_v in_o thing_n necessary_a for_o a_o correspondence_n that_o be_v which_o the_o exacter_n think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o exact_v and_o which_o they_o from_o who_o they_o be_v exact_v do_v not_o judge_n more_o intolerable_a than_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o correspondence_n which_o must_v not_o be_v hope_v for_o but_o on_o such_o concession_n they_o must_v as_o well_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o interruption_n of_o this_o correspondence_n who_o confine_v it_o to_o condition_n which_o even_o themselves_o confess_v unnecessary_a to_o be_v impose_v as_o they_o who_o so_o undervalue_v it_o as_o to_o refuse_v to_o purchase_v it_o by_o some_o inconsiderable_a submission_n even_o to_o humoursome_a condition_n §_o xxxviii_o and_o as_o little_a as_o our_o brethren_n be_v aware_a that_o their_o discourse_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v found_v on_o this_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o church_n be_v no_o body_n politic_a especial_o when_o themselves_o be_v oblige_v in_o interest_n to_o urge_v authority_n for_o the_o restraint_n of_o their_o own_o refractory_a subject_n yet_o if_o any_o do_v yet_o doubt_v of_o it_o i_o shall_v without_o digression_n only_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v the_o natural_a and_o obvious_a tendency_n of_o those_o principle_n so_o eager_o maintain_v among_o they_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n being_n not_o a_o power_n of_o coercion_n but_o only_o of_o persuasion_n which_o coordinate_a private_a person_n may_v as_o well_o challenge_v as_o governor_n and_o concern_v the_o justice_n of_o their_o defend_v their_o christian_a liberty_n as_o they_o call_v it_o even_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o in_o opposition_n to_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n which_o plain_o overthrow_v the_o duty_n of_o submission_n in_o subject_n which_o necessary_o answer_v authority_n in_o governor_n and_o the_o great_a disparity_n which_o they_o always_o pretend_v when_o they_o be_v urge_v with_o any_o parallel_n instance_n wherein_o themselves_o acknowledge_v any_o coercive_a authority_n betwixt_o such_o a_o authority_n and_o that_o which_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o church_n that_o i_o may_v not_o now_o charge_v they_o with_o such_o extravagancy_n of_o particular_a person_n as_o be_v neither_o general_o own_v nor_o be_v fundamental_a to_o their_o nonconformity_n §_o thirty-nine_o and_o from_o this_o irreconcilableness_n of_o their_o practice_n in_o urge_v the_o same_o authority_n to_o their_o own_o subject_n which_o they_o have_v deny_v to_o their_o governor_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o give_v any_o positive_a consistent_a hypothesis_n agreeable_a with_o itself_o and_o exclusive_a of_o the_o pretence_n of_o seditious_a person_n though_o i_o must_v withal_o confess_v that_o of_o all_o the_o nonconformist_n the_o independent_o as_o in_o other_o case_n so_o here_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o speak_v most_o consequent_o to_o the_o principle_n grant_v they_o by_o the_o presbyterian_o who_o show_v they_o the_o first_o precedent_n of_o division_n in_o place_v the_o first_o seat_n of_o government_n in_o the_o common_a people_n for_o this_o give_v the_o most_o consistent_a account_n of_o the_o call_v &_o succession_n of_o their_o minister_n notwithstanding_o their_o not_o be_v empower_v by_o such_o officer_n as_o according_a to_o the_o government_n establish_v from_o which_o they_o separate_v be_v only_o possess_v of_o the_o power_n of_o call_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n and_o will_v afford_v the_o best_a apology_n for_o their_o resist_v the_o first_o church-officer_n whilst_o they_o be_v countenance_v by_o the_o communality_n to_o who_o they_o conceive_v the_o officer_n themselves_o accountable_a §_o xl_o but_o beside_o that_o this_o hypothesis_n be_v very_o precarious_a and_o because_o that_o though_o the_o communality_n have_v be_v original_o invest_v with_o this_o power_n yet_o the_o peaceable_a prescription_n of_o so_o many_o century_n against_o they_o wherein_o this_o power_n have_v be_v exercise_v by_o and_o acknowledge_v as_o the_o right_n only_o of_o church-officer_n and_o unanimous_o submit_v to_o as_o such_o by_o the_o concern_v commonalty_n themselves_o which_o be_v certain_o sufficient_a to_o alienate_v even_o a_o just_a title_n that_o be_v by_o any_o humane_a mean_n alienable_a and_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o government_n must_v make_v it_o as_o schismatical_a for_o they_o forcible_o to_o retrieve_v it_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o those_o who_o they_o find_v actual_o possess_v of_o it_o as_o it_o will_v be_v seditious_a now_o for_o any_o to_o attempt_v to_o restore_v the_o old_a british_a or_o roman_a title_n to_o england_n because_o they_o be_v once_o good_a and_o legal_a i_o say_v beside_o these_o presumption_n which_o lie_v against_o this_o power_n of_o the_o people_n for_o legitimate_v their_o usurpation_n yet_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v the_o people_n right_a there_o be_v further_o very_o just_a exception_n against_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n proceed_n which_o may_v make_v it_o questionable_a whether_o what_o have_v be_v do_v in_o favour_n of_o they_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v repute_v as_o a_o valid_a act_n of_o the_o people_n themselves_o for_o either_o they_o must_v establish_v some_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o assemble_v and_o act_v by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o be_v real_o transact_v by_o the_o communality_n and_o what_o be_v only_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o by_o a_o few_o seditious_a dissenter_n without_o which_o no_o notion_n of_o government_n not_o so_o much_o as_o democratical_a be_v intelligible_a and_o upon_o these_o principle_n either_o they_o will_v i_o doubt_v find_v it_o more_o difficult_a than_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v aware_a of_o to_o justify_v their_o first_o separation_n from_o any_o regular_a proceed_n of_o the_o commonalty_n themselves_o neither_o their_o assembly_n be_v legal_o indict_v nor_o their_o suffrage_n be_v legal_o manage_v according_a to_o the_o necessary_a law_n of_o democratical_a government_n or_o they_o must_v allow_v a_o liberty_n of_o separation_n to_o every_o one_o who_o can_v persuade_v so_o many_o of_o the_o communality_n to_o join_v with_o he_o as_o may_v make_v a_o distinct_a church_n that_o be_v according_a to_o they_o seven_o person_n that_o be_v two_o party_n two_o witness_n two_o judge_n and_o a_o odd_a person_n that_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o judge_n may_v not_o be_v even_o and_o thus_o they_o plain_o overthrow_v all_o government_n so_o much_o as_o democratical_a unless_o over_o such_o small_a number_n as_o seven_o and_o allow_v every_o seditious_a person_n who_o can_v proselyte_n they_o a_o liberty_n of_o subdivide_v from_o and_o in_o opposition_n to_o themselves_z by_o the_o same_o precedent_n as_o they_o have_v do_v from_o other_o §_o xli_o but_o if_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v that_o of_o a_o body_n politic_a the_o true_a notion_n of_o schism_n must_v be_v this_o that_o it_o dissolve_v the_o church_n unity_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o this_o and_o because_o this_o unity_n consist_v in_o a_o due_a subordination_n of_o governor_n and_o govern_v therefore_o the_o notion_n of_o schism_n consequent_a hereunto_o must_v be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o interruption_n of_o this_o subordination_n and_o therefore_o 1._o
abstain_v from_o actual_a communion_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o they_o can_v avoid_v deny_v the_o divine_a authority_n to_o be_v concern_v for_o the_o sacrament_n for_o if_o they_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v so_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v the_o sinfullness_n of_o resist_v it_o and_o consequent_o deny_v the_o perpetual_a obligation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o explain_v any_o sinfulness_n in_o schism_n as_o it_o be_v a_o division_n of_o a_o body_n politic_a which_o as_o they_o be_v consequence_n i_o doubt_v unavoidable_a from_o this_o supposal_n so_o i_o very_o believe_v that_o they_o will_v be_v so_o detest_v by_o our_o ingenuous_a adversary_n as_o that_o they_o will_v oblige_v they_o to_o some_o serious_a second_o thought_n how_o they_o may_v avoid_v they_o §_o xii_o but_o though_o we_o can_v be_v better_o assure_v that_o true_a repentance_n shall_v find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n independent_o on_o sacrament_n or_o any_o other_o act_n of_o church-communion_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a how_o there_o can_v be_v true_a repentance_n in_o they_o who_o willing_o abstain_v from_o communion_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v by_o compliance_n not_o sinful_a for_o i_o believe_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n themselves_o do_v not_o understand_v by_o repentance_n a_o bare_a sorrow_n for_o our_o past_a sin_n but_o a_o serious_a and_o universal_a design_n of_o reformation_n for_o the_o future_a and_o according_o that_o he_o who_o live_v in_o any_o know_a avoidable_a sin_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v true_o penitent_a nor_o do_v i_o believe_v that_o they_o will_v deny_v any_o violation_n of_o our_o political_a duty_n to_o be_v as_o true_o and_o proper_o sin_v as_o the_o violation_n of_o those_o which_o be_v personal_a so_o that_o he_o who_o live_v never_o so_o temperate_o as_o to_o himself_o yet_o if_o he_o disturb_v the_o society_n where_o he_o live_v he_o can_v be_v suppose_v in_o this_o sense_n universal_o reform_v and_o therefore_o not_o true_o penitent_a nor_o do_v i_o think_v that_o they_o will_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o private_a person_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o ecclesiastical_a as_o well_o as_o civil_a society_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o scripture_n recommend_v this_o principal_o even_o above_o the_o other_o and_o that_o nothing_o but_o direct_a sin_n can_v excuse_v we_o for_o the_o omission_n of_o any_o duty_n now_o upon_o these_o concession_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o who_o be_v hinder_v from_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n or_o from_o her_o communion_n by_o any_o imposition_n not_o sinful_a can_v be_v suppose_v thorough_o reform_v or_o consequent_o true_o penitent_a so_o that_o still_o this_o obligation_n to_o maintain_v the_o church_n peace_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o its_o unsinful_a imposition_n on_o account_n of_o the_o great_a security_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o its_o communion_n than_o out_o of_o it_o remain_v unshaken_a by_o any_o thing_n which_o our_o adversary_n have_v yet_o object_v to_o the_o contrary_n chap._n ii_o that_o we_o can_v be_v so_o well_o assure_v of_o our_o salvation_n in_o the_o use_n of_o extraordinary_a as_o of_o ordinary_a mean_n the_o content_n §_o i_o the_o 2._o head_n that_o for_o prove_v this_o want_n of_o so_o solid_a assurance_n of_o the_o welfare_n of_o particular_a person_n out_o of_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n as_o may_v be_v have_v in_o it_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o however_o god_n may_v provide_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o particular_a person_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n without_o this_o external_a communion_n yet_o that_o this_o be_v a_o case_n indeed_o rare_a and_o extraordinary_a and_o not_o easy_o to_o be_v expect_v and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v trust_v with_o any_o confidence_n and_o that_o at_o least_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o external_n communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n §_o i._o ji.iii.iv_n the_o former_a head_n prove_v in_o both_o particular_n 1._o that_o we_o can_v be_v so_o well_o assure_v of_o our_o salvation_n in_o the_o use_n of_o extraordinary_a as_o of_o ordinary_a means_n the_o extraordinary_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o our_o salvation_n be_v conjecture_n concern_v the_o divine_a uncovenant_v goodness_n concern_v these_o it_o be_v prove_v 1._o that_o the_o assurance_n ground_v on_o these_o conjecture_n be_v not_o such_o as_o can_v afford_v any_o solid_a comfort_n to_o the_o person_n concern_v the_o extreme_a difficulty_n of_o make_v application_n of_o what_o may_v be_v conclude_v from_o this_o divine_a uncovenant_v goodness_n to_o particular_a case_n §_o v._o vi.vii.viii.ix.x_n the_o particular_n necessary_a for_o assurance_n in_o this_o case_n be_v such_o as_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o by_o his_o uncovenant_v goodness_n §_o xi_o xii.xiii.xiu.xu.xvi.xvii_n 2._o the_o comfort_n that_o may_v otherwise_o have_v be_v expect_v from_o these_o conjecture_n be_v not_o comparable_a to_o that_o which_o may_v be_v have_v from_o those_o general_a ordinary_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o by_o express_a revelation_n this_o prove_v by_o three_o degree_n §_o xviii_o xix.xx.xxi.xxii_n 3._o these_o expectation_n from_o extraordinary_n not_o seasonable_a in_o our_o adversary_n case_n who_o may_v obtain_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n by_o concession_n not_o sinful_a §_o xxiii_o 4._o the_o relief_n by_o extraordinary_a pretence_n to_o god_n uncovenant_v goodness_n must_v needs_o be_v render_v more_o difficult_a since_o the_o establishment_n of_o ordinary_n §_o xxiv_o xxu.xxvi.xxvii_n i_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o the_o 2._o thing_n propose_v that_o none_o be_v can_v so_o well_o assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n out_o of_o this_o visible_a church_n or_o consequent_o out_o of_o that_o part_n of_o it_o of_o which_o providence_n have_v make_v he_o a_o member_n as_o in_o it_o and_o that_o this_o visible_a church_n must_v be_v the_o episcopal_a that_o particular_o to_o who_o jurisdiction_n he_o belong_v this_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o two_o easy_a part_n 1._o that_o though_o our_o salvation_n may_v be_v equal_o sure_a in_o itself_o yet_o at_o least_o that_o none_o can_v be_v so_o well_o assure_v of_o it_o in_o the_o use_n of_o extraordinary_a as_o of_o ordinary_a means_n 2._o that_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n at_o least_o of_o salvation_n be_v indeed_o confine_v to_o the_o external_n communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o the_o episcopal_a church_n under_o who_o jurisdiction_n any_o one_o life_n be_v that_o visible_a church_n out_o of_o which_o the_o ordinry_n mean_v of_o salvation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v by_o any_o whilst_o he_o live_v under_o that_o jurisdiction_n §_o two_o 1._o though_n our_o salvation_n may_v be_v equal_o sure_a in_o itself_o yet_o none_o can_v be_v so_o well_o assure_v of_o it_o in_o the_o use_n of_o extraordinary_a as_o of_o ordinary_a means_n for_o clear_v this_o it_o must_v first_o be_v understand_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o ordinary_a and_o what_o by_o extraordinary_a mean_v of_o our_o salvation_n the_o mean_n therefore_o whereby_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o our_o salvation_n be_v those_o whereby_o the_o difficulty_n occur_v in_o the_o procurement_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v most_o regular_o provide_v for_o and_o they_o be_v reducible_a to_o these_o head_n 1._o to_o assure_v we_o that_o our_o past_a misdemeanour_n antecedent_n to_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n both_o of_o original_a and_o actual_a sin_n shall_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o the_o future_a to_o our_o prejudice_n for_o till_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o we_o shall_v have_v very_o just_a reason_n to_o question_v the_o real_a security_n of_o our_o condition_n and_o because_o our_o natural_a strength_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o perform_v our_o duty_n for_o the_o future_a though_o all_o our_o past_a offence_n have_v be_v real_o forgive_v we_o and_o yet_o without_o probable_a hope_n of_o our_o future_a performance_n we_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n of_o our_o future_a security_n therefore_o it_o be_v further_a requisite_a 2._o that_o we_o be_v upon_o our_o own_o endeavour_n assure_v of_o those_o supernatural_a divine_a assistance_n without_o which_o our_o unassisted_a natural_a endeavour_n be_v not_o likely_a alone_o to_o prove_v sufficient_a for_o reward_v promise_v to_o impossible_a performance_n can_v afford_v we_o any_o comfort_n and_o without_o these_o assistance_n our_o duty_n will_v prove_v impossible_a to_o we_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o these_o assistance_n we_o be_v still_o obnoxious_a to_o so_o many_o inadvertency_n and_o impure_a mixture_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o faint_a concurrence_n of_o our_o will_n as_o may_v render_v our_o best_a performance_n unacceptable_a if_o god_n shall_v deal_v in_o rigour_n with_o they_o so_o that_o even_o these_o assistance_n
themselves_o can_v not_o sufficient_o secure_v we_o of_o the_o event_n unless_o 3._o we_o may_v also_o be_v assure_v further_a that_o neither_o the_o frequent_a imperfection_n and_o faileurs_fw-fr to_o which_o the_o most_o regular_a life_n here_o be_v obnoxious_a shall_v be_v rigorous_o insist_v on_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o principal_a duty_n to_o which_o they_o do_v adhere_v nor_o that_o even_o those_o lapse_n into_o sin_n to_o which_o sincerely-meaning_n person_n be_v sometime_o inclinable_a shall_v hinder_v their_o reception_n again_o upon_o a_o serious_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o yet_o further_o after_o all_o heaven_n be_v a_o supernatural_a reward_n and_o therefore_o not_o due_a nor_o proportionable_a to_o our_o performance_n of_o duty_n though_o it_o have_v be_v more_o accurate_a than_o we_o can_v pretend_v it_o be_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v requisite_a 4._o that_o we_o be_v assure_v actual_o of_o these_o supernatural_a reward_n on_o performance_n of_o these_o duty_n which_o though_o perform_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o expiate_v from_o their_o appendent_a weakness_n and_o imperfection_n do_v very_o much_o fall_v short_a of_o a_o adequate_a proportion_n to_o so_o glorious_a a_o reward_n these_o be_v the_o true_a inducement_n to_o all_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o upon_o these_o depend_v all_o that_o rational_a comfort_n of_o our_o conscience_n which_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v in_o this_o life_n even_o from_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o therefore_o those_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v secure_v of_o they_o §_o iii_o and_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a mean_n upon_o these_o principle_n be_v that_o we_o call_v those_o ordinary_n to_o which_o god_n have_v leave_v the_o generality_n of_o that_o part_n of_o mankind_n for_o who_o he_o have_v intend_v these_o favour_n to_o assure_v themselves_o of_o their_o performance_n but_o those_o extraordinary_a by_o which_o those_o may_v assure_v themselves_o of_o they_o who_o case_n have_v something_o singular_a not_o comprehend_v under_o those_o general_n for_o which_o ordinary_a mean_n be_v calculate_v and_o therefore_o not_o capable_a of_o be_v judge_v by_o those_o general_n measure_v by_o which_o other_o man_n case_n be_v general_o to_o be_v judge_v and_o yet_o withal_o have_v something_o singular_a not_o only_o to_o excuse_v the_o deviation_n but_o also_o to_o entitle_v to_o the_o principal_a benefit_n attainable_a in_o the_o use_n of_o ordinary_a mean_n by_o the_o equity_n of_o god_n design_n in_o settle_v those_o that_o be_v ordinary_a for_o without_o these_o excuse_v circumstance_n which_o may_v expiate_v the_o deviation_n and_o without_o these_o recommend_v which_o may_v in_o equity_n entitle_v they_o to_o the_o reward_n according_a to_o the_o true_a design_n of_o god_n in_o give_v it_o the_o singularity_n of_o such_o a_o person_n case_n be_v so_o far_o from_o intitle_v he_o to_o extraordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n that_o as_o it_o plain_o suppose_v he_o destitute_a of_o all_o good_a hope_n by_o god_n ordinary_a provision_n so_o it_o can_v secure_v he_o no_o other_o refuge_n in_o that_o destitute_a condition_n §_o iv_o so_o that_o to_o explain_v this_o difference_n by_o a_o ordinary_a familiar_a parallel_n the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v like_o our_o court_n of_o common_a law_n by_o which_o he_o only_o can_v expect_v any_o benefit_n who_o can_v justify_v his_o title_n by_o rule_v case_n or_o stand_a law_n or_o some_o such_o other_o express_a provision_n of_o the_o legislative_a power_n but_o the_o extraordinary_a be_v like_o our_o court_n of_o chancery_n to_o which_o he_o only_o have_v recourse_n who_o find_v himself_o unable_a to_o hold_v out_o in_o a_o legal_a way_n of_o trial_n and_o who_o can_v expect_v no_o advantage_n to_o his_o cause_n from_o the_o general_a express_a provision_n but_o only_o from_o the_o equity_n of_o the_o true_a design_n of_o the_o legislator_n §_o v_o these_o thing_n therefore_o be_v thus_o premise_v to_o clear_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o term_n i_o now_o proceed_v more_o immediate_o to_o show_v the_o thing_n design_v that_o we_o can_v be_v so_o well_o assure_v of_o our_o salvation_n in_o the_o use_n of_o extraordinary_a as_o of_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o though_o i_o may_v from_o the_o explication_n now_o give_v appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n themselves_o whether_o themselves_o will_v not_o be_v more_o confident_a of_o a_o title_n which_o may_v abide_v a_o legal_a trial_n than_o of_o such_o a_o one_o as_o must_v need_v the_o relief_n of_o chancery_n and_o of_o such_o a_o one_o as_o may_v be_v clear_v from_o the_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n of_o the_o legislator_n than_o of_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o other_o evidence_n than_o only_a conjecture_n concern_v the_o design_n of_o the_o legislator_n and_o conjectural_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o it_o which_o may_v be_v judge_v of_o so_o very_o different_o by_o different_a person_n yet_o to_o satisfy_v they_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o and_o to_o make_v a_o more_o particular_a application_n to_o their_o case_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o think_v my_o follow_a discourse_n superstruct_v on_o any_o gratuitous_a presumption_n which_o have_v not_o be_v prove_v true_a in_o that_o sense_n which_o be_v requisite_a for_o my_o design_n i_o shall_v therefore_o consider_v it_o a_o little_a more_o particular_o in_o order_n whereunto_o i_o consider_v that_o though_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o man_n be_v to_o assure_v themselves_o of_o the_o particular_n now_o mention_v which_o be_v necessary_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o their_o salvation_n be_v before_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o least_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n no_o better_a than_o such_o indefinite_a conjecture_n concern_v the_o divine_a goodness_n yet_o god_n may_v alter_v that_o case_n and_o actual_o have_v do_v it_o since_o the_o gospel_n and_o clear_a and_o express_v revelation_n of_o his_o will_n when_o they_o be_v make_v be_v as_o capable_a of_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o mankind_n may_v assure_v themselves_o of_o their_o security_n in_o these_o particular_n as_o those_o indefinite_a conjecture_n to_o which_o they_o have_v be_v necessitate_v former_o for_o want_n of_o better_a evidence_n but_o we_o do_v not_o call_v express_a revelation_n a_o extraordinary_a mean_n though_o it_o have_v be_v concern_v a_o particular_a case_n which_o be_v the_o only_a possible_a pretence_n for_o call_v it_o extraordinary_a §_o vi_o however_o as_o to_o what_o we_o be_v at_o present_a concern_v for_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o i_o believe_v unquestionable_a by_o our_o adversary_n themselves_o that_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v such_o only_a as_o be_v common_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o favour_n there_o promise_v to_o particular_a person_n but_o such_o as_o may_v be_v equal_o expect_v by_o all_o upon_o a_o equal_a performance_n of_o condition_n so_o that_o though_o mean_v of_o salvation_n provide_v for_o by_o express_a revelation_n may_v in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n be_v call_v extraordinary_a yet_o that_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n capable_a of_o be_v plead_v in_o our_o case_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o assurance_n of_o which_o a_o person_n be_v capable_a who_o case_n be_v so_o singular_a as_o that_o it_o can_v be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o general_a provision_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o who_o therefore_o can_v derive_v no_o comfort_n from_o any_o topick_n deducible_a from_o thence_o can_v only_o be_v ground_v on_o those_o general_a indefinite_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n whereby_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o pardon_v unavoidable_a fail_n and_o to_o accept_v of_o our_o will_n and_o sincere_a design_n for_o performance_n even_o in_o order_n to_o the_o reward_n which_o he_o have_v design_v for_o we_o upon_o performance_n when_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o fault_n that_o we_o be_v hinder_v from_o actual_a performance_n i_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o the_o assurance_n which_o can_v be_v ground_v on_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o divine_a vncovenant_v goodness_n be_v not_o such_o as_o may_v afford_v a_o person_n concern_v any_o solid_a comfort_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o thing_n now_o mention_v 2._o that_o though_o it_o may_v afford_v some_o comfort_n yet_o that_o comfort_n can_v be_v comparable_a to_o that_o which_o may_v be_v have_v from_o those_o general_a ordinary_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o by_o express_a revelation_n 3._o that_o the_o expectation_n from_o extraordinary_n be_v not_o seasonable_a in_o our_o adversary_n case_n who_o may_v obtain_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n by_o concession_n not_o sinful_a and_o 4._o that_o
the_o relief_n by_o extraordinary_a pretence_n to_o god_n vncovenant_v goodness_n must_v needs_o be_v render_v more_o difficult_a upon_o the_o establishment_n of_o ordinary_n §_o vii_o 1._o the_o assurance_n which_o can_v be_v ground_v on_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o divine_a vncovenant_v goodness_n be_v not_o such_o as_o may_v afford_v a_o person_n concern_v any_o solid_a comfort_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o thing_n now_o mention_v i_o will_v not_o in_o general_n deny_v it_o to_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v actual_o save_v by_o be_v actual_o assist_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o actual_o indulge_v in_o the_o defect_n of_o that_o performance_n and_o actual_o settle_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o this_o reward_n nor_o will_v i_o deny_v that_o god_n may_v actual_o do_v this_o on_o account_n of_o his_o natural_a and_o essential_a uncovenant_v goodness_n nay_o may_v be_v presume_v frequent_o to_o do_v it_o where_o he_o be_v not_o confine_v in_o his_o transaction_n by_o threatâ—_n express_o denounce_v and_o clear_o promulge_v against_o offender_n which_o beside_o the_o obligation_n on_o his_o part_n from_o his_o own_o veracity_n to_o performance_n must_v certain_o prove_v in_o the_o event_n a_o exceed_a aggravation_n of_o their_o guilt_n and_o a_o incapacity_n of_o pardon_n to_o they_o to_o who_o they_o be_v so_o denounce_v and_o promulge_v not_o only_o because_o god_n be_v natural_o arbitrary_a in_o the_o distribution_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o he_o be_v not_o in_o that_o case_n suppose_v to_o have_v confine_v himself_o by_o any_o voluntary_a obligation_n but_o also_o because_o the_o pardonableness_n of_o such_o person_n in_o their_o omission_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o to_o such_o person_n be_v moral_o impossible_a and_o their_o good_a meaning_n to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o ability_n moral_o consider_v may_v be_v rational_a inducement_n to_o a_o nature_n so_o generous_a and_o beneficent_a as_o god_n be_v not_o only_o to_o pardon_v but_o reward_n they_o nor_o will_v i_o deny_v further_a that_o even_o after_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o provide_v better_o for_o we_o ordinary_o by_o admit_v we_o into_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o by_o give_v we_o express_a revelation_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v merciful_a to_o particular_a person_n want_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n with_o out_o any_o fault_n of_o their_o own_o that_o be_v when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o place_n where_o they_o can_v be_v have_v at_o all_o or_o where_o their_o fallible_a superior_n be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o that_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o they_o without_o sinful_a compliance_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o universal_o acknowledge_v as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o who_o be_v the_o most_o rigorous_a assertor_n of_o strict_a discipline_n and_o blind_a obedience_n who_o hold_v ordinary_a superior_n general_o fallible_a and_o other_o fallible_a at_o least_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o which_o kind_a something_o be_v general_o mix_v in_o most_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o i_o be_o so_o sensible_a that_o this_o be_v a_o undue_a deference_n to_o ecclesiastical_a power_n to_o make_v all_o their_o censure_n even_o where_o mistake_v and_o unjust_o inflict_v to_o destroy_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o such_o a_o person_n who_o be_v not_o only_o innocent_a of_o the_o crime_n for_o which_o he_o be_v censure_v but_o be_v ready_a to_o submit_v to_o all_o unsinful_a condition_n whereby_o he_o may_v recover_v the_o communion_n he_o have_v lose_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n behave_v himself_o modest_o and_o give_v active_a obedience_n as_o far_o as_o his_o conscience_n will_v permit_v he_o and_o passive_a where_o it_o will_v not_o as_o that_o according_a to_o my_o own_o observation_n in_o the_o introduction_n §_o 10.11.12_o i_o shall_v ready_o acknowledge_v those_o argument_n fallacious_a that_o prove_v it_o and_o shall_v therefore_o be_v wary_a that_o my_o own_o argument_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o any_o such_o exception_n §_o viii_o that_o therefore_o which_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a endeavour_n shall_v be_v only_o to_o show_v that_o how_o much_o soever_o god_n natural_a goodness_n may_v incline_v he_o to_o do_v for_o we_o yet_o these_o general_a presumption_n concern_v it_o be_v not_o so_o satisfactory_a to_o our_o particular_a conscience_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o any_o of_o the_o favour_n now_o mention_v bare_o on_o that_o account_n and_o consequent_o can_v encourage_v we_o either_o easy_o to_o presume_v that_o god_n may_v not_o be_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o our_o superior_n in_o matter_n disputable_a or_o that_o he_o will_v not_o confirm_v their_o censure_n though_o mistake_v if_o we_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o all_o the_o modesty_n and_o endeavour_n now_o mention_v for_o recover_v actual_a communion_n for_o though_o it_o be_v indeed_o most_o certain_a that_o god_n be_v good_a and_o that_o his_o goodness_n do_v exceed_v infinite_o that_o of_o the_o best_a nature_a man_n yet_o it_o be_v withal_o as_o certain_a that_o he_o be_v not_o fond_a and_o that_o his_o goodness_n must_v be_v reconcile_v not_o only_o with_o his_o other_o attribute_n but_o also_o the_o intrinsic_a merit_n of_o the_o thing_n especial_o as_o it_o may_v have_v influence_n on_o the_o government_n of_o the_o word_n and_o particular_o on_o that_o of_o mankind_n that_o be_v that_o his_o goodness_n can_v prompt_v he_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o on_o some_o of_o these_o account_n be_v real_o reasonable_a now_o in_o this_o regard_n many_o thing_n may_v be_v so_o pernicious_a not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o intrinsic_a malignity_n but_o also_o of_o the_o ill_a influence_n of_o their_o example_n for_o encourage_v other_o by_o their_o impunity_n as_o that_o even_o his_o goodness_n may_v not_o hinder_v he_o from_o a_o obligation_n to_o punish_v they_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o this_o regard_n many_o fault_n neither_o otherwise_o very_o great_a in_o themselves_o and_o very_o pardonable_a in_o their_o circumstance_n be_v yet_o think_v very_o necessary_o and_o just_o punishable_a with_o great_a severity_n as_o the_o sleep_a of_o over-watched_n sentinel_n §_o ix_o and_o consider_v the_o obscurity_n of_o many_o thing_n very_o requisite_a in_o this_o way_n for_o pass_v a_o accurate_a and_o impartial_a judgement_n concern_v any_o particular_a action_n and_o withal_o consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o faculty_n either_o for_o discern_v or_o judge_v without_o prejudice_n and_o consider_v that_o what_o may_v indeed_o be_v great_a in_o regard_n of_o we_o or_o that_o society_n for_o which_o we_o be_v concern_v may_v yet_o be_v very_o little_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o great_a design_n of_o god_n for_o the_o universal_a good_a of_o mankind_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v as_o just_a and_o oblige_a for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v to_o the_o contrary_a to_o destroy_v whole_a nation_n for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o general_n as_o it_o be_v confess_o oblige_v notwithstanding_o any_o pretence_n of_o the_o obligingness_n of_o goodness_n to_o pardon_n to_o destroy_v many_o criminal_n for_o the_o good_a of_o a_o particular_a nation_n and_o consider_v particular_o what_o liberty_n our_o dissent_v brethren_n calvinistical_a principle_n allow_v god_n in_o the_o actual_a exercise_n not_o only_o of_o his_o justice_n but_z his_o sovereign_a dominion_n notwithstanding_o any_o obligingness_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o last_o consider_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n of_o which_o they_o must_v prove_v guilty_a if_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n they_o be_v deprive_v of_o actual_a communion_n be_v of_o that_o sort_n which_o be_v mischievous_a to_o the_o public_a and_o for_o who_o punishment_n god_n be_v therefore_o more_o concern_v and_o wherein_o his_o relation_n of_o a_o governor_n confine_v that_o liberty_n he_o may_v otherwise_o have_v of_o pardon_v it_o i_o say_v all_o these_o thing_n be_v impartial_o consider_v it_o can_v be_v think_v so_o easy_a a_o matter_n to_o assure_v he_o of_o his_o good_a condition_n that_o upon_o any_o account_n soever_o be_v deprive_v of_o actual_a communion_n as_o our_o brethren_n conceive_v it_o §_o x_o see_v therefore_o that_o in_o these_o extraordinary_a case_n god_n may_v with_o perfect_a justice_n withdraw_z his_o vncovenant_v mercy_n such_o of_o they_o especial_o as_o he_o be_v not_o by_o his_o goodness_n oblige_v to_o grant_v we_o and_o see_v that_o our_o information_n be_v so_o extreme_o imperfect_a as_o that_o we_o can_v secure_v ourselves_o in_o these_o case_n whether_o his_o justice_n be_v not_o only_o permit_v but_o oblige_v to_o the_o actual_a infliction_n of_o punishment_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o his_o justice_n shall_v be_v over_o rule_v by_o his_o goodness_n and_o see_v that_o his_o justice_n which_o be_v infallible_o guide_v by_o
the_o necessary_a and_o useful_a influence_n of_o this_o establishment_n for_o the_o end_n of_o government_n in_o order_n whereunto_o i_o consider_v §_o xii_o 1._o that_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o his_o promise_n to_o be_v perform_v on_o his_o part_n for_o that_o may_v have_v be_v sufficient_o perform_v by_o external_a revelation_n as_o to_o assure_v the_o performance_n of_o duty_n on_o our_o part_n for_o this_o fickleness_n and_o inconstancy_n in_o we_o which_o will_v make_v we_o general_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o actual_a benefit_n of_o promise_n how_o much_o soever_o we_o may_v have_v be_v assure_v of_o performance_n as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v only_o conditional_a as_o it_o be_v requisite_a they_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o end_n of_o government_n which_o require_v that_o subject_n be_v treat_v in_o a_o moral_a and_o rational_a way_n only_o of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v a_o thing_n indeed_o very_o suitable_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n government_n who_o it_o concern_v as_o a_o good_a governor_n to_o take_v care_n that_o too_o great_a multitude_n of_o his_o subject_n shall_v not_o miscarry_v under_o his_o inspection_n for_o this_o indeed_o belong_v to_o the_o reputation_n of_o any_o government_n even_o among_o man_n that_o it_o attain_v its_o end_n with_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o subject_n to_o put_v they_o in_o a_o prosperous_a conditition_n though_o when_o all_o be_v do_v man_n be_v suppose_v as_o weak_a as_o they_o be_v and_o the_o inducement_n to_o obedience_n only_o moral_a it_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o that_o some_o will_v fail_v of_o the_o reward_n and_o fall_v under_o the_o punishment_n this_o clear_o answer_v the_o objection_n for_o though_o it_o be_v indeed_o true_a that_o there_o be_v indeed_o no_o need_n of_o these_o solemnity_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o god_n part_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o of_o his_o fair_a and_o candid_a deal_n with_o we_o nor_o indeed_o on_o our_o part_n to_o let_v god_n know_v the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o own_o deal_n with_o he_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v inas-much_a as_o our_o sincerity_n for_o perform_v the_o moral_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n may_v be_v signify_v to_o other_o and_o this_o signification_n of_o it_o to_o other_o in_o a_o solemn_a way_n may_v lay_v a_o restraint_n on_o we_o for_o its_o more_o punctual_a performance_n and_o this_o restraint_n may_v secure_v our_o actual_a performance_n even_o to_o god_n himself_o when_o we_o believe_v our_o whole_a comfort_n of_o the_o covenant_n not_o capable_a of_o be_v solid_o ground_v otherwise_o than_o on_o the_o external_a solemnity_n of_o our_o admission_n and_o continuance_n in_o it_o §_o xiii_o 2._o therefore_o god_n in_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o we_o do_v accommodate_v himself_o as_o we_o have_v see_v to_o our_o custom_n and_o humour_n that_o so_o he_o may_v make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o motive_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o obedience_n to_o himself_o who_o be_v invisible_a as_o be_v â—ound_v efficacious_a on_o we_o for_o secure_v performance_n in_o our_o ordinary_a deal_n with_o mankind_n §_o fourteen_o and_o 3._o these_o external_a solemnity_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v very_o suitable_a to_o god_n design_n in_o make_v it_o and_o very_o effectual_o conducive_a to_o it_o nay_o their_o imposition_n as_o the_o only_a ordinary_a mean_n of_o admission_n into_o it_o be_v so_o also_o and_o therefore_o be_v very_o likely_a to_o have_v be_v design_v by_o god_n as_o he_o be_v solicitous_a for_o our_o good_a the_o end_n be_v both_o to_o confederate_n we_o into_o a_o body_n politic_a and_o to_o lay_v a_o obligation_n on_o we_o more_o likely_a to_o prevail_v on_o we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n than_o any_o private_a promise_n however_o plain_o make_v and_o serious_o intend_v and_o the_o promotion_n of_o both_o of_o these_o be_v both_o very_a proper_a and_o likely_a to_o have_v be_v design_v by_o god_n as_o a_o gracious_a covenanter_n and_o governor_n and_o both_o of_o they_o consider_v the_o influence_n that_o the_o custom_n and_o humour_n of_o mankind_n have_v ordinary_o on_o their_o actual_a performance_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v attain_v by_o insist_v on_o these_o solemnity_n as_o the_o only_a ordinary_a mean_n of_o admission_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o they_o will_v be_v otherwise_o §_o xv_o they_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o have_v be_v design_v by_o he_o 1._o the_o confederate_v we_o into_o a_o body_n politic_a be_v so_o this_o be_v proper_a to_o have_v be_v design_v by_o he_o 1._o as_o a_o covenanter_n for_o covenant_n be_v proper_o to_o be_v transact_v between_o two_o party_n only_o and_o be_v proper_o multiply_v though_o possible_o in_o the_o same_o form_n when_o many_o be_v concern_v now_o though_o it_o be_v indeed_o possible_a that_o mankind_n consider_v only_o as_o a_o multitude_n consist_v of_o disunit_a individual_n may_v make_v a_o party_n in_o this_o covenant_n and_o though_o this_o may_v indeed_o be_v likely_a to_o have_v be_v actual_o true_a if_o every_o individual_a have_v be_v only_o oblige_v to_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v only_o by_o himself_o in_o his_o single_a capacity_n such_o as_o the_o moral_a duty_n general_o be_v yet_o even_o so_o there_o will_v be_v requisite_a particular_a solemnity_n for_o admit_v particular_a person_n into_o it_o just_a as_o in_o the_o instance_n now_o mention_v of_o a_o covenant_n with_o many_o the_o bond_n be_v several_o repeat_v according_a as_o new_a person_n be_v admit_v into_o it_o there_o may_v indeed_o be_v indefinite_a and_o yet_o oblige_v promise_v to_o any_o who_o shall_v perform_v the_o annex_v condition_n and_o such_o as_o may_v be_v pleadable_a upon_o such_o performance_n but_o the_o name_n of_o a_o covenant_n especial_o as_o understand_v as_o in_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o legal_a notion_n of_o it_o in_o that_o age_n as_o i_o have_v show_v it_o must_v be_v understand_v be_v not_o so_o proper_o intelligible_a without_o the_o external_a solemnity_n by_o which_o it_o be_v transact_v oblige_v digest_v l._n xlv_o tit._n i._o de_fw-la verbor·_fw-la oblige_v for_o such_o the_o presence_n of_o both_o party_n be_v think_v necessary_a so_o that_o if_o any_o person_n absent_a be_v desirous_a to_o covenant_n he_o must_v do_v it_o by_o his_o servant_n according_a to_o which_o god_n also_o be_v absent_a from_o our_o sense_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o order_n to_o deal_n with_o he_o must_v be_v understand_v to_o covenant_n with_o we_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o his_o visible_a minister_n and_o beside_o the_o case_n itself_o be_v plain_o against_o the_o apostle_n who_o account_v the_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n holy_a at_o least_o in_o a_o federal_n sense_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o parent_n 14_o 1_o cor._n seven_o 14_o which_o can_v not_o be_v if_o the_o covenant_n of_o parent_n do_v not_o at_o least_o so_o far_o concern_v their_o child_n as_o to_o give_v they_o a_o remote_a title_n of_o admission_n to_o it_o by_o the_o external_a solemnity_n of_o it_o for_o if_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o moral_a condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v the_o only_a ordinary_a mean_n of_o intitle_v person_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o they_o be_v so_o also_o as_o they_o may_v make_v the_o person_n such_o immediate_o as_o god_n expect_v he_o shall_v immediate_o be_v in_o order_n to_o a_o immediate_a title_n to_o it_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o child_n can_v no_o more_o have_v any_o actual_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o their_o parent_n account_v than_o they_o can_v be_v make_v actual_o faithful_a and_o penitent_n by_o their_o parent_n faith_n and_o repentance_n but_o then_o especial_o child_n who_o can_v not_o expect_v to_o be_v account_v holy_a on_o their_o parent_n account_v can_v not_o themselves_o be_v repute_v holy_a in_o regard_n of_o this_o holiness_n which_o depend_v on_o the_o performance_n of_o moral_a condition_n but_o i_o may_v elsewhere_o have_v a_o further_a occasion_n of_o clear_v this_o argument_n from_o the_o practice_n and_o sense_n of_o those_o age_n §_o xvi_o but_o further_o though_o the_o duty_n alone_o be_v principal_o design_v by_o god_n to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o covenant_n yet_o even_o this_o will_v not_o excuse_v we_o from_o the_o solemnity_n of_o it_o for_o i_o consider_v that_o god_n do_v not_o only_o oblige_v we_o to_o such_o religious_a duty_n as_o concern_v we_o single_o consider_v but_o also_o to_o public_a and_o solemn_a one_o 25_o heb._n x._o 25_o of_o not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o whatever_o worldly_a inconvenience_n may_v follow_v it_o and_o of_o all_o the_o duty_n there_o to_o be_v perform_v such_o as_o be_v
our_o judgement_n be_v always_o so_o uncorrupt_a as_o that_o we_o may_v always_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o own_o interest_n or_o all_o our_o duty_n be_v accommodate_v not_o only_o to_o our_o great_a and_o more_o solid_a interest_n but_o to_o our_o humour_n also_o and_o we_o be_v likely_a always_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o humour_n or_o at_o least_o secure_a from_o a_o frequent_a change_n there_o may_v then_o be_v some_o pretence_n that_o our_o duty_n may_v general_o be_v secure_v without_o contradiction_n of_o our_o humour_n but_o see_v none_o of_o these_o can_v be_v presume_v certain_a and_o constant_a nay_o see_v all_n of_o they_o do_v most_o frequent_o fall_v out_o otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v requisite_a they_o shall_v for_o secure_v the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o we_o be_v frequent_o either_o prejudice_v against_o our_o duty_n or_o change_v from_o our_o former_a humour_n therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o secure_v performance_n that_o we_o do_v our_o duty_n on_o constant_a and_o immutable_a reason_n such_o as_o may_v not_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o change_n and_o vicissitude_n of_o our_o humour_n and_o such_o be_v that_o and_o only_o that_o of_o do_v our_o duty_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o he_o who_o have_v require_v it_o §_o fourteen_o now_o for_o discover_v this_o whether_o duty_n be_v perform_v on_o account_n of_o the_o authority_n require_v it_o a_o visible_a body_n politic_a wherein_o man_n may_v be_v invest_v with_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o may_v therefore_o be_v allow_v for_o authentical_a expositor_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n that_o so_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n may_v be_v know_v by_o our_o obedience_n to_o person_n thus_o empower_v by_o he_o be_v much_o better_o accommodate_v than_o if_o we_o confine_v the_o divine_a authority_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o allow_v the_o exposition_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o particular_a subject_n as_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o practice_n for_o as_o the_o scripture_n be_v now_o manage_v by_o they_o who_o reject_v all_o prudent_a use_n of_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n for_o expound_v they_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o they_o who_o will_v take_v their_o own_o fancy_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o then_o concern_v themselves_o not_o so_o much_o to_o prove_v what_o they_o have_v so_o presume_v as_o to_o evade_v what_o may_v be_v object_v against_o they_o to_o evade_v all_o possible_a confutation_n how_o false_a soever_o the_o error_n may_v be_v which_o on_o these_o term_n they_o shall_v undertake_v to_o maintain_v for_o it_o be_v impossible_a on_o these_o term_n so_o to_o assure_v any_o one_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o favour_n of_o any_o one_o side_n of_o a_o controversy_n new_o raise_v to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o to_o exclude_v all_o other_o sense_n inconsistent_a with_o it_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n of_o a_o temporary_a obligation_n and_o such_o be_v the_o particular_n controvert_v by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n wherein_o whatever_o be_v pretend_v it_o can_v never_o appear_v that_o the_o sacred_a writer_n themselves_o design_v to_o be_v so_o accurate_a and_o particular_a as_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n conceive_v and_o it_o be_v least_o of_o all_o credible_a that_o they_o shall_v right_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n or_o assure_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v prevent_v licentious_a and_o dangerous_a exposition_n of_o other_o who_o wave_v the_o history_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n at_o or_o near_o those_o age_n wherein_o these_o book_n be_v write_v which_o must_v certain_o be_v of_o most_o use_n for_o explain_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n in_o such_o matter_n §_o xv_o beside_o though_o there_o have_v be_v even_o on_o their_o principle_n better_a mean_n for_o assure_v a_o particular_a sense_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o such_o particular_n as_o these_o that_o may_v not_o be_v evade_v by_o a_o person_n desirous_a to_o practise_v otherwise_o yet_o how_o can_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o person_n act_v sincere_o in_o follow_v their_o conviction_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o person_n of_o a_o violent_a temper_n and_o seditious_a may_v not_o pretend_v the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o those_o of_o their_o ordinary_a ecclesiastical_a governor_n not_o that_o either_o they_o themselves_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v so_o or_o that_o they_o be_v at_o all_o solicitous_a for_o do_v god_n will_v but_o mere_o that_o so_o they_o may_v make_v use_n of_o a_o plausible_a pretence_n for_o gratify_v their_o seditious_a humour_n without_o the_o infamy_n of_o be_v think_v seditious_a it_o be_v certain_a many_o may_v do_v so_o who_o may_v either_o not_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o inclination_n to_o any_o of_o those_o scandalous_a vice_n which_o be_v of_o ill_a repute_n with_o the_o vulgar_a or_o if_o they_o be_v yet_o they_o may_v count_v it_o politic_a not_o only_o to_o conceal_v they_o but_o also_o to_o make_v a_o open_a solemn_a profession_n for_o the_o contrary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o gain_n of_o a_o reputation_n to_o their_o ill_a design_n and_o these_o be_v case_n which_o consider_v the_o humour_n of_o the_o age_n and_o the_o haughty_a behaviour_n of_o many_o who_o be_v deep_o engage_v in_o the_o several_a party_n may_v without_o any_o uncharitableness_n be_v suppose_v likely_a to_o prove_v ordinary_a now_o when_o we_o find_v person_n exceed_o pretend_v to_o be_v religious_a impatient_a of_o all_o restraint_n that_o we_o can_v judge_n of_o either_o to_o be_v likely_a to_o proceed_v from_o god_n or_o to_o be_v think_v by_o they_o to_o do_v so_o and_o only_o pretend_v to_o subjection_n to_o god_n in_o such_o instance_n which_o may_v be_v as_o likely_a to_o be_v design_v for_o their_o own_o gratification_n as_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n where_o we_o can_v either_o not_o be_v satisfy_v of_o their_o sincerity_n that_o they_o do_v in_o earnest_n believe_v their_o own_o practice_n to_o be_v warrant_v by_o divine_a authority_n or_o where_o though_o they_o be_v sincere_a yet_o the_o evidence_n on_o which_o they_o proceed_v be_v of_o so_o ambiguous_a interpretation_n as_o to_o be_v very_o capable_a of_o a_o compliance_n with_o their_o own_o desire_n whatever_o they_o be_v and_o so_o never_o likely_a to_o impose_v any_o thing_n on_o they_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o inclination_n which_o be_v the_o only_a case_n wherein_o we_o can_v conclude_v that_o what_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o be_v perform_v with_o regard_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n how_o can_v we_o conclude_v that_o they_o have_v any_o real_a reverence_n for_o the_o injunction_n themselves_o or_o for_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o they_o be_v impose_v but_o further_a §_o xvi_o 2._o he_o be_v also_o as_o a_o governor_n concern_v to_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n by_o such_o mean_n as_o may_v prove_v most_o effectual_a with_o we_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o certain_o the_o external_a solemnity_n of_o undertake_v they_o be_v such_o a_o mean_n and_o most_o likely_a to_o prove_v successful_a that_o he_o be_v as_o a_o governor_n concern_v to_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n by_o such_o mean_n as_o may_v prove_v most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v with_o we_o for_o its_o actual_a performance_n will_v appear_v if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o he_o be_v as_o a_o governor_n concern_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v make_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o society_n in_o general_a and_o that_o withal_o it_o be_v much_o for_o the_o reputation_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o prudence_n of_o his_o government_n to_o reconcile_v this_o public_a benefit_n with_o the_o least_o prejudice_n to_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o society_n and_o it_o be_v much_o more_o for_o its_o repute_n if_o it_o may_v prove_v advantageous_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o most_o of_o the_o particular_a member_n and_o for_o both_o these_o purpose_n the_o performance_n of_o duty_n by_o the_o particular_a person_n oblige_v be_v very_o useful_a §_o xvii_o it_o be_v useful_a for_o the_o public_a for_o this_o be_v indeed_o to_o the_o commendation_n of_o the_o prudence_n of_o any_o government_n in_o general_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o divine_a government_n to_o make_v the_o duty_n of_o particular_a subject_n subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a community_n nor_o be_v this_o only_a true_a of_o the_o duty_n of_o subordinate_a ecclesiastical_a governor_n who_o peculiar_a province_n it_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o public_a though_o it_o be_v indeed_o most_o obvious_o and_o eminent_o true_a concern_v they_o and_o god_n be_v as_o peculiar_o concern_v as_o a_o governor_n to_o take_v care_n that_o such_o mean_n may_v be_v use_v
how_o little_a soever_o they_o may_v add_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o obligation_n yet_o do_v very_o considerable_o affect_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n as_o well_o those_o who_o have_v weak_a as_o those_o who_o have_v strong_a impression_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o must_v very_o considerable_o promote_v the_o actual_a performance_n of_o duty_n §_o xxvii_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o common_a experience_n of_o the_o world_n whether_o even_o wicked_a person_n themselves_o who_o have_v not_o arrive_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n as_o not_o only_o to_o have_v lose_v all_o real_a sense_n of_o religious_a obligation_n but_o also_o all_o sense_n of_o the_o reputation_n of_o seem_v at_o least_o to_o be_v religious_a and_o they_o who_o be_v thus_o wicked_a can_v never_o be_v trust_v on_o any_o compact_n whatsoever_o do_v not_o think_v themselves_o much_o more_o oblige_v by_o covenant_n solemn_o engage_v on_o than_o if_o the_o same_o covenant_n have_v be_v mutual_o ratify_v without_o these_o solemnity_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v almost_o as_o obvious_a as_o the_o experience_n §_o xxviii_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o all_o covenant_n whatsoever_o for_o secure_v performance_n depend_v on_o these_o natural_a impression_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v in_o man_n capable_a of_o be_v oblige_v by_o covenant_n antecedent_o to_o they_o and_o therefore_o where_o these_o impression_n be_v more_o general_a and_o more_o deep_o root_v there_o they_o must_v natural_o produce_v a_o great_a horror_n against_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o they_o and_o consequent_o give_v a_o great_a security_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o obligation_n if_o therefore_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o man_n have_v natural_o a_o great_a horror_n against_o the_o breach_n of_o a_o covenant_n solemn_o confirm_v than_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o confirm_v it_o will_v plain_o follow_v that_o its_o solemnity_n must_v very_o considerable_o add_v to_o the_o security_n of_o its_o performance_n now_o for_o show_v this_o to_o be_v so_o §_o xxix_o i_o consider_v 2._o that_o the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o mankind_n be_v the_o only_a competent_a proper_a topick_n for_o show_v what_o motive_n they_o be_v most_o affect_v with_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v only_o that_o experience_n which_o every_o one_o have_v of_o his_o own_o inclination_n and_o affection_n but_o that_o also_o which_o we_o find_v every_o one_o to_o have_v of_o all_o mankind_n with_o who_o he_o have_v to_o deal_v and_o which_o he_o therefore_o suppose_v in_o his_o converse_v with_o they_o my_o meaning_n be_v that_o mankind_n in_o general_n be_v most_o probable_o affect_v with_o such_o motive_n which_o every_o individual_a in_o deal_v with_o other_o if_o indeed_o he_o think_v they_o fit_a to_o be_v deal_v with_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o those_o other_o with_o who_o he_o deal_v will_v also_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o for_o general_o their_o judgement_n of_o other_o be_v ground_v on_o their_o experience_n in_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o what_o they_o presume_v other_o to_o be_v fearful_a of_o of_o that_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v fearful_a themselves_o and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n that_o of_o which_o every_o man_n suppose_v another_o to_o be_v fearful_a of_o that_o they_o feel_v themselves_o to_o be_v fearful_a and_o what_o can_v be_v a_o more_o certain_a argument_n how_o every_o man_n be_v himself_o affect_v than_o his_o own_o experience_n §_o xxx_o 3._o therefore_o that_o which_o mankind_n general_o suppose_v other_o with_o who_o they_o deal_v most_o affect_v with_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o they_o be_v general_o affect_v with_o it_o indeed_o §_o xxxi_o and_o 4._o the_o only_a argument_n in_o conversation_n for_o show_v how_o every_o man_n believe_v other_o affect_v be_v his_o trust_n in_o they_o when_o they_o be_v engage_v by_o such_o motive_n as_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o every_o one_o believe_v other_o to_o have_v a_o horror_n of_o break_v their_o promise_n and_o contract_n because_o when_o he_o have_v they_o so_o oblige_v to_o himself_o in_o matter_n concern_v his_o own_o interest_n he_o be_v confident_a of_o performance_n so_o those_o obligation_n which_o make_v he_o more_o confident_a it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o he_o believe_v they_o under_o a_o great_a horror_n of_o violate_v they_o §_o xxxii_o and_o 5._o the_o way_n of_o try_v experimental_o of_o which_o obligation_n man_n be_v most_o confident_a be_v to_o observe_v in_o which_o they_o do_v more_o ultimate_o acquiesce_v for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o all_o person_n be_v not_o trust_v upon_o the_o same_o obligation_n but_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n man_n have_v of_o the_o integrity_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o person_n with_o who_o they_o deal_v so_o they_o desire_v great_a or_o be_v content_v with_o lesser_a assurance_n and_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a a_o argument_n that_o new_a obligation_n be_v desire_v when_o the_o former_a be_v at_o least_o comparative_o disinherit_v and_o that_o even_o where_o they_o be_v not_o altogether_o diffident_a of_o the_o former_a yet_o that_o they_o be_v more_o confident_a of_o the_o late_a so_o that_o that_o obligation_n to_o which_o man_n have_v ultimate_a recourse_n after_o trial_n of_o all_o other_o be_v that_o of_o which_o they_o be_v most_o confident_a and_o every_o one_o be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o trust_v by_o how_o much_o it_o approach_v near_a to_o it_o now_o by_o this_o way_n of_o trial_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o many_o man_n be_v trust_v on_o their_o public_a solemn_a promise_n who_o will_v not_o be_v trust_v on_o their_o private_a one_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o remedy_n the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v make_v may_v have_v to_o force_v they_o to_o performance_n by_o prove_v they_o as_o solemn_a promise_n be_v more_o capable_a of_o proof_n than_o private_a for_o even_o such_o person_n be_v more_o trust_v on_o their_o solemn_a promise_n as_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o exterior_a compulsion_n as_o prince_n to_o who_o the_o great_a trust_n be_v commit_v and_o from_o who_o it_o be_v therefore_o very_o just_a and_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v the_o sacrede_a assurance_n and_o there_o must_v be_v something_o suppose_v in_o they_o more_o likely_a to_o prevail_v with_o the_o person_n who_o make_v they_o to_o performance_n than_o if_o they_o have_v be_v make_v without_o such_o solemnity_n and_o it_o appear_v also_o further_o that_o these_o sacramental_a solemnity_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o obligation_n to_o which_o man_n have_v their_o ultimate_a recourse_n in_o their_o gradation_n of_o trust._n first_o they_o who_o be_v believe_v truly-conscientious_a and_o to_o have_v a_o perfect_a command_n of_o their_o own_o desire_n be_v trust_v on_o their_o bare_a word_n then_o they_o who_o repute_n be_v more_o liable_a to_o exception_n be_v yet_o trust_v if_o the_o same_o promise_n be_v make_v before_o witness_n which_o kind_n of_o promise_n not_o only_o they_o will_v revere_v who_o be_v truly-conscientious_a but_o as_o many_o also_o as_o be_v desirous_a to_o preserve_v the_o reputation_n of_o be_v account_v so_o but_o even_o they_o who_o neither_o value_n the_o conscience_n nor_o the_o reputation_n of_o be_v just_o have_v yet_o a_o natural_a horror_n of_o the_o mischief_n that_o may_v befall_v they_o by_o be_v otherwise_o especial_o from_o a_o invisible_a be_v who_o knowledge_n can_v be_v avoid_v nor_o his_o power_n resist_v and_o then_o more_o especial_o when_o this_o punishment_n of_o their_o persidiousness_n be_v not_o only_o likely_a to_o befall_v they_o on_o account_n of_o god_n general_a providence_n whereby_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o punish_v man_n offence_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o but_o also_o on_o account_n of_o a_o voluntary_a consignation_n of_o themselves_o to_o it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o oath_n which_o be_v always_o understand_v to_o have_v imprecation_n either_o express_v or_o imply_v in_o they_o for_o the_o punishment_n thus_o fear_v be_v both_o conceive_v more_o dreadful_a when_o it_o be_v inflict_v not_o only_o for_o the_o injustice_n of_o non-performance_n but_o also_o for_o the_o impiety_n of_o make_v god_n a_o voucher_n of_o their_o falsehood_n for_o man_n have_v natural_o a_o great_a horror_n of_o impiety_n than_o injustice_n and_o more_o inevitable_a when_o they_o have_v thus_o devest_v themselves_o of_o a_o apology_n by_o contribute_v to_o their_o own_o punishment_n by_o their_o own_o act._n but_o then_o a_o oath_n be_v think_v most_o formidable_a when_o it_o be_v deliberate_a and_o solemn_a in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n and_o where_o the_o punishment_n to_o be_v fear_v in_o case_n of_o perjury_n be_v therefore_o to_o be_v expect_v most_o severe_a and_o where_o all_o this_o be_v perform_v before_o many_o witness_n
to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v his_o design_n that_o we_o shall_v judge_v of_o his_o proceed_n the_o same_o way_n as_o we_o do_v of_o those_o of_o other_o prince_n that_o have_v appoint_v visible_a mean_n of_o promulge_v their_o pleasure_n they_o will_v not_o have_v that_o take_v for_o their_o will_n which_o be_v not_o so_o promulge_v according_a to_o the_o method_n and_o rule_n which_o themselves_o have_v appoint_v for_o it_o now_o this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a method_n observe_v by_o such_o prince_n in_o their_o promulgation_n that_o all_o their_o act_n must_v be_v promulge_v by_o their_o inferior_a officer_n to_o who_o we_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o have_v a_o immediate_a access_n and_o that_o they_o be_v seal_v with_o their_o seal_n and_o that_o nothing_o which_o be_v not_o thus_o attest_v shall_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n see_v that_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o such_o a_o method_n of_o proceed_v be_v purposely_o design_v to_o let_v subject_n know_v the_o true_a act_n of_o such_o prince_n from_o counterfeit_n and_o therefore_o god_n have_v make_v the_o same_o external_n provision_n of_o visible_a officer_n to_o represent_v he_o and_o visible_a seal_n to_o confirm_v what_o be_v covenant_v for_o in_o his_o name_n it_o be_v the_o same_o way_n to_o be_v presume_v that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v any_o covenant_n trust_v to_o as_o he_o which_o be_v not_o thus_o manage_v and_o seal_v by_o his_o visible_a representative_n §_o xii_o this_o for_o my_o part_n be_v a_o very_a considerable_a motive_n to_o incline_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o those_o general_a preach_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o the_o minister_n be_v oblige_v to_o declare_v in_o god_n name_n to_o all_o man_n even_o antecedent_o to_o their_o actual_a initiation_n into_o the_o church_n be_v never_o intend_v for_o immediate_a covenant_n with_o they_o upon_o performance_n of_o those_o condition_n but_o only_o as_o preliminary_a invitation_n to_o dispose_v themselves_o for_o a_o actual_a reception_n into_o his_o covenant_n by_o qualify_a themselves_o by_o these_o condition_n of_o reception_n i_o say_v it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o very_a just_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o those_o general_a invitation_n be_v no_o covenant_n because_o they_o be_v never_o seal_v in_o general_a but_o only_o then_o when_o person_n so_o qualify_v be_v actual_o admit_v which_o have_v indeed_o be_v needless_a if_o it_o have_v be_v general_a on_o god_n part_n oblige_v he_o to_o every_o particular_a only_o on_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o moral_a condition_n without_o any_o further_a act_n of_o god_n for_o the_o consummate_v his_o obligation_n in_o a_o form_n of_o law_n but_o whether_o there_o may_v be_v obligation_n or_o not_o antecedent_o to_o seal_v i_o be_o not_o at_o present_a concern_v this_o at_o least_o seem_v clear_a that_o seal_n be_v design_v as_o instrument_n of_o notoreity_n and_o therefore_o that_o no_o obligation_n can_v be_v authentical_a that_o be_v such_o as_o may_v assure_v we_o of_o its_o validity_n without_o they_o this_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n and_o shall_v not_o need_v any_o more_o to_o repeat_v the_o argument_n whereby_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v so_o §_o xiii_o beside_o there_o lie_v this_o further_o presumption_n in_o our_o case_n that_o though_o it_o have_v be_v grant_v to_o have_v be_v possible_a for_o god_n to_o have_v make_v his_o promise_n immediate_o to_o the_o moral_a duty_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n yet_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n can_v never_o prove_v it_o necessary_a that_o he_o must_v have_v do_v so_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o necessary_a the_o contrary_n may_v be_v also_o possible_a which_o will_v suffice_v for_o show_v the_o much_o great_a security_n these_o moral_a duty_n have_v of_o a_o title_n to_o the_o promise_n if_o accompany_v with_o these_o solemnity_n than_o if_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o they_o all_o who_o say_v that_o faith_n and_o repentance_n alone_o have_v a_o title_n to_o these_o divine_a promise_n can_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o still_o retain_v the_o same_o title_n when_o they_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n communion_n as_o when_o they_o be_v practise_v out_o of_o it_o but_o the_o very_a possibility_n of_o the_o saylour_n of_o their_o title_n as_o consider_v separately_z be_v enough_o to_o show_v how_o much_o more_o secure_a it_o be_v to_o practise_v they_o in_o the_o church_n communion_n but_o consider_v withal_o the_o reason_n now_o give_v why_o these_o moral_a duty_n alone_o shall_v not_o have_v that_o title_n on_o the_o constitution_n of_o these_o solemnity_n which_o they_o may_v have_v expect_v otherwise_o this_o must_v considerable_o add_v to_o that_o security_n and_o this_o great_a security_n have_v be_v prove_v sufficient_a for_o our_o purpose_n to_o show_v how_o our_o brethren_n be_v oblige_v rather_o to_o submit_v to_o all_o vnsinful_a imposition_n than_o lose_v even_o these_o solemnity_n on_o which_o this_o great_a security_n have_v thus_o appear_v to_o depend_v chap._n viii_o the_o same_o thing_n further_o prosecute_v the_o content_n 3._o the_o participation_n in_o these_o external_n solemnity_n with_o any_o legal_a validity_n be_v only_o to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o external_n communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n §_o i._o the_o church_n as_o take_v for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o elect_a uncapable_a of_o be_v communicate_v with_o external_o §_o ji.iii._n that_o all_o thing_n here_o contrive_v be_v exact_o fit_v for_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o no_o other_o §_o ju.u._n §_o i_o 3._o therefore_o the_o participation_n in_o these_o external_n solemnity_n with_o any_o legal_a validity_n be_v only_o to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o external_n communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o it_o be_v only_o this_o legal_a validity_n that_o can_v signify_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o person_n concern_v for_o if_o they_o be_v perform_v without_o legal_a validity_n they_o can_v oblige_v god_n to_o nothing_o neither_o to_o pardon_v past_a sin_n nor_o to_o give_v grace_n for_o better_a performance_n nor_o to_o acceptance_n upon_o imperfect_a performance_n nor_o a_o title_n to_o a_o supernatural_a reward_n and_o he_o who_o can_v judge_n himself_o to_o have_v a_o title_n to_o these_o nay_o not_o a_o legal_a title_n to_o they_o can_v have_v reason_n to_o think_v his_o spiritual_a condition_n very_o comfortable_a now_o that_o these_o external_n solemnity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o church_n in_o that_o notion_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v make_v invisible_a which_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n make_v use_v of_o to_o overthrow_v all_o ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o subjection_n and_o indeed_o the_o entire_a notion_n of_o its_o be_v a_o body_n politic_a be_v very_o plain_a for_o they_o be_v not_o pretend_v to_o have_v any_o external_n solemnity_n of_o confederation_n among_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o with_o god_n but_o those_o wherein_o all_o visible_a professor_n hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o other_o communicate_v with_o they_o and_o therefore_o by_o which_o they_o be_v not_o distinguishable_a from_o other_o nay_o that_o these_o external_n solemnity_n do_v not_o concern_v they_o as_o elect_n be_v not_o only_o clear_v thence_o that_o other_o who_o be_v not_o elect_n communicate_v in_o they_o as_o well_o as_o these_o who_o be_v but_o also_o that_o many_o who_o be_v elect_a want_v they_o as_o they_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o call_v and_o they_o who_o be_v excommunicate_v cleave_v â—rrante_a nay_o and_o all_o they_o who_o live_v where_o communion_n can_v be_v have_v so_o that_o with_o they_o no_o communion_n be_v maintain_v even_o in_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o external_n symbol_n themselves_o §_o two_o and_o indeed_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o maintain_v any_o visible_a communion_n with_o they_o who_o be_v not_o themselves_o visible_a god_n secret_a decree_n be_v know_v to_o none_o they_o may_v indeed_o be_v know_v by_o the_o effect_n and_o influence_n of_o god_n secret_a communication_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v if_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n may_v be_v believe_v so_o that_o the_o argument_n may_v hold_v good_a according_a to_o they_o that_o they_o who_o feel_v those_o influence_n may_v conclude_v themselves_o to_o be_v elect_v yet_o will_v it_o not_o hold_v even_o in_o all_o elect_a person_n themselves_o not_o only_o they_o who_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o call_v may_v nevertheless_o be_v elect_v but_o also_o all_o they_o who_o be_v call_v but_o be_v not_o yet_o arrive_v to_o that_o singular_a degree_n of_o proficiency_n in_o religion_n as_o to_o feel_v these_o evidence_n may_v notwithstanding_o not_o be_v able_a as_o yet_o to_o know_v as_o much_o as_o their_o own_o election_n even_o according_a to_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n own_a principle_n §_o
dispose_v soul_n be_v capable_a of_o receive_v they_o in_o all_o time_n and_o circumstance_n and_o prayer_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o produce_v those_o disposition_n and_o that_o it_o be_v withal_o one_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n to_o restore_v religion_n to_o its_o most_o natural_a spiritual_a way_n of_o management_n so_o that_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o spiritual_a thing_n themselves_o require_v no_o external_o for_o their_o communication_n as_o temporal_n do_v nay_o that_o temporal_a thing_n do_v so_o little_o contribute_v hereunto_o as_o that_o they_o can_v communicate_v they_o by_o any_o general_a virtue_n receive_v from_o the_o divine_a institution_n but_o that_o god_n must_v be_v present_a himself_o immediate_o to_o do_v the_o thing_n represent_v by_o external_n it_o will_v seem_v to_o follow_v that_o god_n may_v as_o convenient_o communicate_v they_o without_o they_o §_o two_o and_o this_o the_o rather_o if_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o god_n in_o institute_v these_o external_o be_v only_o to_o raise_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o person_n by_o the_o lively_a representation_n of_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o they_o as_o these_o person_n conceive_v this_o to_o have_v be_v his_o whole_a design_n in_o they_o for_o then_o where_o this_o devotion_n be_v already_o raise_v by_o other_o mean_n there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o sacrament_n at_o least_o to_o such_o person_n and_o if_o there_o be_v ordinary_a mean_n more_o effectual_a than_o the_o sacrament_n themselves_o either_o for_o raise_v the_o devotion_n in_o a_o more_o spiritual_a way_n without_o any_o sensible_a representation_n at_o all_o or_o where_o such_o representation_n themselves_o may_v seem_v necessary_a for_o weak_a person_n of_o a_o less_o spiritual_a apprehension_n by_o use_v such_o as_o be_v more_o lively_a such_o provision_n as_o these_o must_n on_o these_o principle_n produce_v the_o effect_n and_o consequent_o supersede_n the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n themselves_o and_o the_o design_n even_o of_o these_o compliance_n to_o sense_n be_v by_o degree_n to_o fit_a man_n for_o more_o immediate_a and_o spiritual_a way_n of_o communication_n as_o they_o which_o be_v more_o excellent_a and_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o therefore_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o spiritual_a the_o more_o excellent_a they_o must_v be_v also_o and_o the_o rather_o to_o be_v prefer_v by_o person_n who_o improvement_n be_v so_o high_a as_o to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o be_v benefit_v by_o they_o but_o closet-devotion_n be_v manage_v in_o a_o much_o more_o spiritual_a way_n than_o these_o at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o by_o a_o devout_a meditation_n on_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o closet_n can_v find_v themselves_o more_o sensible_o affect_v with_o they_o than_o by_o that_o sensible_a representation_n of_o they_o by_o go_v under_o water_n and_o rise_v out_o of_o it_o in_o baptism_n can_v think_v themselves_o on_o these_o principle_n oblige_v to_o use_v that_o which_o they_o find_v less_o sensible_o to_o affect_v they_o and_o they_o who_o by_o read_v the_o story_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n or_o by_o use_v a_o lively_a well-contrived_a picture_n of_o it_o can_v find_v themselves_o raise_v to_o a_o great_a compassion_n than_o by_o see_v it_o represent_v in_o the_o break_n of_o a_o piece_n of_o bread_n or_o the_o pour_v out_o some_o wine_n must_v needs_o on_o these_o account_n be_v induce_v to_o prefer_v their_o private_a contemplation_n before_o communion_n in_o the_o eucharistical_a element_n these_o be_v the_o degree_n by_o which_o man_n come_v from_o despise_v the_o authorize_v communion_n of_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o or_o their_o predecessor_n be_v first_o baptise_a at_o length_n to_o despise_v all_o communion_n and_o from_o disparage_v notion_n of_o these_o ordinance_n which_o they_o have_v first_o take_v up_o only_o to_o defend_v a_o neglect_n of_o they_o at_o length_n proceed_v to_o a_o contempt_n of_o they_o and_z on_o a_o pretence_n of_o their_o own_o proficiency_n beyond_o the_o needs_o of_o such_o weak_a assistance_n turn_v superordinance_n i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v that_o as_o many_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n as_o dislike_v this_o consequence_n will_v review_v their_o own_o principle_n and_o at_o least_o so_o far_o reject_v they_o as_o they_o find_v they_o on_o such_o a_o review_n to_o justify_v this_o consequence_n if_o they_o will_v do_v thus_o with_o that_o equity_n and_o candour_n which_o will_v become_v they_o they_o will_v undoubted_o grant_v i_o such_o principle_n as_o will_v much_o facilitate_v my_o present_a design_n §_o iii_o to_o come_v therefore_o more_o close_o to_o my_o business_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o such_o observation_n which_o if_o the_o party_n concern_v will_v be_v please_v to_o consider_v may_v possible_o let_v they_o see_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o mistake_n and_o shall_v withal_o weaken_v the_o propose_a objection_n 1._o therefore_o when_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o man_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o god_n for_o such_o favour_n as_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o he_o i_o shall_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v what_o man_n they_o mean_v and_o in_o what_o case_n they_o ordinary_o take_v this_o course_n it_o be_v only_o the_o practice_n of_o wise_a man_n that_o can_v be_v urge_v for_o a_o precedent_n and_o such_o can_v never_o think_v it_o a_o become_a course_n nor_o can_v ever_o expect_v to_o be_v hear_v in_o such_o prayer_n as_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o their_o own_o endeavour_n so_o that_o the_o only_a case_n wherein_o they_o have_v recourse_n to_o such_o prayer_n be_v only_o either_o for_o a_o blessing_n on_o the_o mean_n when_o they_o can_v procure_v they_o or_o to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o they_o when_o they_o can_v no_o wise_a man_n can_v with_o any_o confidence_n expect_v that_o god_n shall_v as_o much_o as_o supply_v in_o his_o case_n the_o want_n of_o ordinary_a mean_n till_o he_o have_v use_v his_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o procure_v they_o till_o he_o have_v deny_v all_o humour_n of_o his_o own_o and_o submit_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v no_o sin_n that_o fall_v out_o to_o be_v a_o condition_n of_o procure_v they_o so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o procure_v his_o desire_n he_o must_v first_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v use_v these_o before_o he_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n expect_v that_o his_o prayer_n can_v find_v acceptance_n and_o therefore_o this_o pretence_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n can_v never_o encourage_v any_o to_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o condition_n short_a of_o sin_n that_o may_v be_v requisite_a to_o procure_v the_o sacrament_n themselves_o if_o there_o be_v ordinary_a mean_n appoint_v for_o that_o purpose_n it_o matter_n not_o what_o the_o reason_n be_v why_o they_o be_v appoint_v whether_o it_o be_v any_o natural_a efficacy_n of_o the_o mean_n themselves_o or_o whether_o it_o be_v only_o the_o arbitrary_a pleasure_n of_o he_o who_o have_v appoint_v they_o the_o obligation_n be_v still_o the_o same_o while_o they_o do_v any_o way_n put_v the_o thing_n in_o our_o power_n we_o must_v endeavour_v if_o we_o expect_v that_o our_o prayer_n shall_v prove_v successful_a but_o suppose_v god_n will_v excuse_v our_o want_n of_o endeavour_n yet_o it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v consider_v §_o iv_o 2._o that_o we_o can_v expect_v that_o any_o prayer_n shall_v be_v hear_v which_o be_v offer_v by_o a_o sinner_n continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n even_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o he_o offer_v they_o he_o that_o neglect_v ordinary_a mean_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o neglect_v they_o can_v expect_v that_o god_n shall_v supply_v the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o he_o want_v only_o by_o his_o own_o sin_n now_o the_o breach_n of_o any_o command_n of_o god_n how_o positive_a and_o arbitrary_a soever_o it_o may_v seem_v be_v certain_o a_o sin_n if_o obedience_n be_v a_o duty_n so_o that_o the_o issue_n of_o the_o present_a question_n will_v be_v not_o whether_o a_o devout_a prayer_n may_v hope_v for_o a_o gracious_a acceptance_n at_o god_n hand_n but_o whether_o such_o a_o prayer_n as_o desire_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o sacrament_n while_o the_o person_n who_o pray_v neglect_v the_o use_n of_o they_o can_v be_v indeed_o be_v esteem_v by_o god_n as_o devout_a with_o what_o warmth_n soever_o it_o be_v offer_v and_o how_o much_o soever_o the_o person_n who_o offer_v it_o pretend_v to_o feel_v himself_o ravish_v and_o transport_v in_o offer_v it_o if_o it_o be_v sinful_a it_o be_v most_o certain_a no_o warmth_n of_o the_o person_n can_v make_v it_o real_o devout_a and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o disobedience_n it_o be_v as_o
the_o thing_n but_o alas_o how_o unable_a be_v they_o to_o fathom_v the_o depth_n of_o god_n design_n how_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o intrigue_n of_o providence_n how_o little_a with_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o other_o world_n how_o little_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o spirit_n nay_o how_o little_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n these_o be_v all_o necessary_a for_o judge_v right_o in_o affair_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o no_o doubt_n if_o we_o have_v know_v they_o very_o many_o thing_n will_v appear_v very_o rational_a which_o we_o now_o think_v arbitrary_a only_o because_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o yet_o concern_v these_o thing_n though_o we_o do_v not_o know_v the_o thing_n we_o do_v at_o least_o know_v our_o own_o ignorance_n but_o how_o many_o thing_n more_o be_v there_o which_o may_v be_v account_v for_o by_o god_n in_o institute_v the_o sacrament_n concern_v which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v so_o much_o as_o our_o ignorance_n and_o how_o can_v any_o than_o be_v confident_a that_o he_o know_v all_o god_n design_n especial_o in_o such_o a_o matter_n as_o this_o mere_o by_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n certain_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v consider_v it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o rational_a to_o presume_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o arbitrary_a because_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o continue_v they_o under_o such_o a_o dispensation_n as_o the_o gospel_n than_o to_o presume_v they_o arbitrary_a for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o because_o we_o do_v not_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o they_o and_o much_o more_o rational_a to_o presume_v that_o something_o more_o be_v design_v in_o they_o than_o bare_a representation_n because_o they_o be_v impose_v in_o a_o dispensation_n so_o spiritual_a and_o which_o have_v teach_v we_o so_o little_a to_o esteem_v sensible_a representation_n than_o to_o conclude_v their_o unobligingness_n to_o any_o because_o their_o principal_a design_n be_v only_o sensible_a representation_n §_o ix_o but_o though_o they_o be_v sure_a that_o this_o be_v the_o mere_a and_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o sacrament_n how_o come_v they_o further_o to_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v that_o they_o shall_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o judge_n of_o his_o design_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n allow_v themselves_o the_o liberty_n of_o pay_v their_o obedience_n at_o their_o own_o discretion_n how_o do_v they_o know_v but_o he_o may_v value_v their_o obedience_n more_o than_o he_o do_v the_o moment_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o require_v of_o they_o as_o the_o instance_n of_o it_o how_o do_v they_o know_v but_o the_o precedent_n of_o neglect_v their_o duty_n on_o pretence_n of_o comply_v with_o the_o design_n of_o it_o may_v be_v of_o worse_a consequence_n to_o the_o public_a than_o their_o reach_v the_o end_n may_v be_v a_o service_n to_o the_o public_a it_o be_v certain_a the_o wise_a and_o most_o public_a spirit_a politician_n have_v think_v so_o in_o many_o case_n even_o concern_v the_o observation_n of_o their_o most_o arbitrary_a command_n it_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o victory_n be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o general_n of_o army_n yet_o manlius_n put_v his_o own_o son_n to_o death_n for_o desert_v his_o station_n though_o he_o prove_v victorious_a by_o it_o 34._o liv._o l._n viii_o 7_o plut._n in_o parall_a liv._o viii_o 30_o 31_o 32_o 33_o 34._o and_o fabius_n very_o hardly_o escape_v the_o like_a punishment_n from_o papyrius_n cursor_n though_o his_o success_n be_v so_o great_a as_o can_v have_v be_v desire_v or_o expect_v from_o the_o most_o punctual_a observation_n of_o military_a discipline_n all_o the_o intercession_n of_o the_o army_n and_o even_o of_o the_o senate_n too_o be_v little_a enough_o to_o procure_v his_o pardon_n and_o that_o from_o a_o person_n who_o have_v no_o other_o quarrel_n with_o he_o but_o be_v concern_v the_o public_a interest_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o his_o precedent_n and_o even_o among_o person_n who_o proceed_v not_o with_o that_o extreme_a vigour_n and_o punctuality_n in_o observe_v the_o strict_a measure_n of_o justice_n though_o governor_n have_v so_o well_o approve_v of_o the_o design_n of_o person_n who_o have_v do_v thus_o as_o that_o they_o have_v reward_v they_o for_o it_o yet_o if_o they_o do_v not_o punish_v at_o least_o they_o have_v formal_o pardon_v they_o the_o transgression_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o a_o pardon_n imply_v the_o same_o guilt_n as_o punishment_n do_v so_o that_o they_o seem_v by_o no_o mean_n willing_a to_o endure_v that_o either_o many_o shall_v take_v this_o liberty_n or_o that_o even_o the_o same_o person_n shall_v do_v it_o frequent_o nay_o they_o never_o allow_v it_o but_o in_o such_o case_n wherein_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o be_v extreme_o considerable_a nor_o even_o in_o such_o case_n do_v they_o think_v it_o allowable_a when_o the_o party_n concern_v presume_v on_o a_o design_n which_o the_o prince_n have_v not_o be_v please_v to_o discover_v to_o he_o in_o this_o case_n his_o precedent_n be_v of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n as_o well_o for_o the_o presumption_n in_o pry_v into_o what_o his_o prince_n be_v not_o willing_a he_o shall_v have_v know_v and_o the_o great_a hazard_n of_o miss_v the_o design_n itself_o as_o for_o his_o practice_n of_o disobedience_n and_o certain_o no_o earthly_a prince_n can_v be_v suppose_v more_o concern_v for_o the_o public_a or_o more_o punctual_a in_o the_o execution_n of_o justice_n than_o god_n be_v 25_o gen._n xviii_o 25_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n will_v undoubted_o do_v righteousness_n this_o consideration_n may_v suffice_v to_o show_v at_o least_o how_o dangerous_a this_o practice_n be_v as_o our_o adversary_n be_v concern_v for_o it_o to_o live_v in_o a_o perpetual_a neglect_n of_o the_o sacrament_n on_o pretence_n of_o reach_v the_o end_n of_o sacrament_n by_o their_o closet-devotion_n this_o be_v yet_o incomparable_o less_o excusable_a than_o any_o of_o the_o instance_n now_o mention_v but_o there_o be_v no_o need_n thus_o to_o implead_v their_o ignorance_n for_o §_o x_o 5._o i_o have_v already_o endeavour_v to_o let_v they_o understand_v another_o design_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o these_o sacrament_n that_o be_v the_o confederate_v a_o body_n politic_a and_o the_o oblige_a subject_n in_o it_o to_o a_o dependence_n on_o their_o governor_n and_o if_o this_o design_n hold_v true_a all_o sort_n of_o person_n will_v be_v oblige_v to_o communicate_v in_o they_o notwithstanding_o the_o spiritual_a nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o god_n as_o a_o governor_n and_o as_o a_o covenanter_n be_v concern_v to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o church_n be_v erect_v into_o a_o body_n politic_a it_o will_v also_o as_o much_o concern_v he_o to_o take_v care_n when_o he_o have_v do_v so_o that_o its_o rule_n and_o constitution_n be_v punctual_o observe_v and_o its_o government_n revere_v without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o body_n politic_a to_o subsist_v and_o it_o be_v least_o of_o all_o convenient_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v permit_v to_o plead_v exemption_n from_o these_o establishment_n upon_o pretence_n of_o their_o be_v perfect_a for_o if_o this_o pretence_n be_v once_o allow_v the_o least_o perfect_a will_v be_v find_v most_o forward_o in_o their_o pretence_n to_o perfection_n especial_o if_o themselves_o be_v also_o allow_v to_o be_v judge_n in_o their_o own_o case_n and_o then_o how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o order_n shall_v be_v observe_v and_o from_o who_o can_v this_o be_v expect_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o modesty_n and_o humility_n be_v the_o principal_a ingredient_n of_o true_a perfection_n and_o they_o who_o be_v endue_v real_o with_o those_o virtue_n though_o god_n shall_v excuse_v they_o from_o these_o external_a observance_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o excuse_v themselves_o they_o will_v be_v too_o conscious_a of_o their_o own_o frailty_n to_o think_v themselves_o not_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o such_o provision_n as_o have_v be_v fit_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o such_o frailty_n as_o he_o suppose_v incident_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o professor_n even_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n they_o who_o be_v serious_o of_o st._n paul_n temper_n in_o believe_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o 8_o the_o eph._n iii_o 8_o least_o of_o all_o saint_n and_o the_o 15_o the_o 1_o tim._n i._n 15_o chief_a of_o all_o sinner_n can_v not_o pretend_v that_o they_o need_v not_o those_o relief_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o many_o who_o they_o will_v on_o these_o term_n believe_v to_o be_v great_a saint_n and_o for_o many_o who_o they_o will_v be_v lief_o to_o be_v less_o criminal_a than_o themselves_o and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o contrivance_n of_o thing_n be_v design_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o that_o he_o have_v therefore_o
make_v good_a man_n by_o how_o much_o real_o the_o better_a they_o be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o less_o inclinable_a to_o take_v this_o liberty_n because_o he_o know_v how_o hurtful_a it_o will_v be_v if_o they_o take_v it_o §_o xi_o and_o indeed_o how_o little_a hurtful_a soever_o it_o may_v prove_v to_o themselves_o yet_o certain_o it_o must_v prove_v very_o hurtful_a to_o the_o public_a that_o those_o really-weak_a person_n who_o even_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o these_o pretender_n to_o perfection_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o need_v the_o sacrament_n shall_v be_v make_v less_o solicitous_a for_o they_o by_o this_o behaviour_n of_o they_o from_o who_o they_o may_v just_o have_v expect_v so_o much_o better_a a_o example_n which_o consideration_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o oblige_v they_o who_o be_v bind_v to_o mind_n not_o only_o their_o own_o good_a but_o the_o good_a of_o one_o another_o we_o find_v it_o frequent_o represent_v as_o obligatory_a in_o the_o scripture_n thus_o he_o who_o be_v in_o himself_o assure_v that_o no_o meat_n can_v contract_v any_o real_a pollution_n by_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o a_o idol_n be_v yet_o oblige_v to_o abstain_v not_o only_o from_o such_o meat_n but_o from_o any_o other_o also_o and_o that_o for_o 13_o for_o 1_o cor._n viii_o 13_o ever_o rather_o than_o scandalize_v his_o weak_a brother_n by_o a_o undue_a use_n of_o his_o liberty_n thus_o st._n paul_n shore_n his_o head_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o to_o let_v the_o jew_n understand_v that_o he_o 24_o he_o act._n xxi_o 24_o walk_v orderly_o in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o circumcise_a 3_o circumcise_a act_v xvi_o 3_o timothy_n to_o please_v they_o even_o after_o he_o be_v himself_o sufficient_o satisfy_v of_o the_o little_a availableness_n of_o circumcision_n nay_o 22._o nay_o 1_o cor._n ix_o 20_o 21_o 22._o become_v as_o a_o jew_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o as_o a_o gentile_a to_o the_o gentile_a and_o be_v make_v all_o thing_n unto_o all_o man_n that_o by_o all_o mean_v he_o may_v save_v some_o §_o xii_o but_o we_o have_v yet_o a_o great_a example_n than_o that_o of_o this_o great_a apostle_n even_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o i_o mention_v not_o his_o 22._o his_o s._n luke_n ii_o 21_o 22._o circumcision_n nor_o his_o mother_n purification_n which_o be_v transact_v in_o his_o young_a year_n and_o by_o such_o person_n as_o may_v probable_o not_o have_v be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v then_o with_o those_o reason_n of_o singularity_n in_o his_o case_n which_o may_v have_v justify_v their_o exemption_n from_o they_o when_o st._n john_n baptist_n will_v have_v excuse_v himself_o from_o baptise_v he_o on_o account_n of_o the_o little_a availableness_n of_o his_o own_o baptism_n to_o so_o excellent_a a_o person_n our_o saviour_n deny_v not_o the_o cogency_n of_o his_o reason_n for_o prove_v the_o no-necessity_n of_o it_o yet_o however_o he_o desi_v not_o from_o his_o former_a demand_n only_o for_o this_o reason_n that_o he_o may_v 15_o may_v st._n mat_n iii_o 15_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o when_o the_o tribute_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v demand_v from_o he_o he_o first_o prove_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o demand_n yet_o afterward_o pay_v it_o that_o he_o may_v not_o 27._o not_o s._n matth._n xvii_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o offend_v they_o who_o understand_v not_o the_o singularity_n of_o his_o condition_n §_o xiii_o and_o what_o can_v these_o pretender_n to_o perfection_n desire_v more_o they_o dare_v not_o pretend_v to_o a_o perfection_n great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n nay_o great_a than_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v they_o therefore_o think_v themselves_o less_o oblige_v to_o avoid_v this_o scandal_n or_o can_v they_o better_o secure_v themselves_o from_o give_v it_o in_o this_o practice_n of_o their_o liberty_n if_o they_o have_v those_o mean_a thought_n of_o themselves_o as_o not_o to_o apprehend_v the_o likelihood_n that_o weak_a person_n will_v be_v influence_v by_o their_o example_n they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o easy_o puff_v up_o into_o so_o great_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o perfection_n if_o they_o think_v man_n so_o utter_o unacquainted_a with_o their_o worth_n as_o that_o upon_o account_n of_o that_o ignorance_n they_o do_v not_o think_v they_o likely_a to_o be_v influence_v by_o their_o example_n they_o be_v then_o to_o consider_v whether_o they_o will_v not_o teach_v man_n by_o their_o practice_n that_o which_o they_o disow_v in_o their_o judgement_n for_o on_o this_o supposition_n man_n will_v take_v they_o also_o for_o weak_a person_n and_o then_o the_o obvious_a consequence_n inferrible_a from_o hence_o will_v be_v that_o even_o weak_a person_n may_v also_o neglect_v the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o even_o in_o this_o case_n whether_o man_n value_v their_o example_n or_o not_o yet_o at_o least_o they_o will_v be_v likely_a to_o derive_v their_o contagion_n to_o other_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o render_v they_o responsible_a to_o god_n for_o the_o liberty_n take_v by_o they_o but_o if_o they_o think_v man_n possess_v with_o great_a opinion_n of_o their_o worth_n but_o unacquainted_a with_o those_o particular_a degree_n of_o proficiency_n which_o make_v their_o case_n so_o singular_a this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o will_v make_v their_o example_n so_o very_o dangerous_a for_o the_o good_a opinion_n they_o have_v entertain_v concern_v they_o will_v add_v authority_n to_o their_o example_n and_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o singularity_n of_o their_o case_n will_v tempt_v they_o to_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o singular_a at_o all_o and_o consequent_o to_o presume_v that_o they_o may_v also_o venture_v on_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o inconvenience_n which_o they_o can_v possible_o avoid_v for_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o judge_v concern_v their_o own_o perfection_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o that_o they_o be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v know_v by_o any_o but_o the_o person_n concern_v in_o they_o if_o they_o be_v indeed_o capable_a of_o be_v certain_o know_v even_o by_o he_o himself_o §_o fourteen_o but_o though_o they_o be_v indeed_o so_o perfect_a as_o not_o to_o need_v any_o assistance_n that_o other_o may_v be_v able_a to_o afford_v they_o and_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a god_n may_v excuse_v they_o from_o give_v their_o assistance_n to_o other_o less_o perfect_a than_o themselves_o and_o it_o be_v also_o consequent_o possible_a that_o they_o may_v have_v be_v excuse_v from_o associate_a themselves_o in_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n on_o those_o account_n yet_o if_o god_n have_v be_v actual_o please_v to_o order_v the_o matter_n otherwise_o both_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o associate_v themselves_o and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o to_o confine_v the_o ordinary_a communication_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o the_o sacrament_n as_o by_o our_o hypothesis_n we_o suppose_v he_o to_o have_v actual_o do_v this_o be_v a_o reason_n which_o will_v oblige_v the_o perfect_a person_n that_o be_v to_o frequent_v the_o sacrament_n for_o suppose_v they_o be_v already_o so_o perfect_a as_o to_o need_v no_o assistance_n from_o man_n yet_o can_v they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o pretend_v the_o same_o perfection_n in_o reference_n to_o god_n also_o they_o will_v not_o they_o dare_v not_o pretend_v themselves_o so_o perfect_a as_o to_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n they_o can_v challenge_v acceptance_n even_o upon_o the_o most_o perfect_a performance_n of_o the_o moral_a duty_n of_o religion_n be_v it_o not_o that_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o promise_v acceptance_n on_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n they_o can_v neither_o continue_v to_o will_n nor_o do_v nor_o consequent_o continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o perfection_n without_o new_a and_o continue_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o if_o these_o constant_a communication_n of_o new_a grace_n without_o which_o the_o most_o perfect_a person_n that_o be_v be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o if_o this_o title_n to_o acceptance_n even_o on_o performance_n of_o duty_n without_o which_o the_o most_o perfect_a performance_n of_o duty_n be_v not_o available_a be_v both_o of_o they_o confine_v to_o the_o sacrament_n as_o these_o be_v thing_n which_o the_o most_o perfect_a that_o be_v do_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o so_o they_o must_v also_o need_v the_o sacrament_n if_o without_o they_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o attainable_a §_o xv_o and_o proceed_v on_o the_o same_o principle_n the_o sacrament_n will_v appear_v necessary_a not_o only_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o person_n who_o pray_v but_o also_o to_o the_o perfection_n even_o of_o his_o prayer_n itself_o indeed_o if_o prayer_n be_v only_o a_o lip-labour_n a_o repetition_n of_o the_o word_n wherein_o the_o prayer_n be_v express_v if_o it_o be_v only_o a_o
do_v belong_v to_o they_o rather_o as_o eminently-religious_a than_o as_o authorize_v person_n as_o it_o be_v to_o collect_v from_o their_o be_v call_v to_o freedom_n by_o the_o gospel_n that_o therefore_o they_o ought_v no_o duty_n to_o any_o of_o their_o secular_a superior_n and_o this_o the_o rather_o in_o the_o first_o disturb_v time_n of_o the_o gospel_n before_o there_o be_v any_o settle_a establishment_n of_o government_n and_o when_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o authorize_v the_o person_n so_o gift_v to_o use_v they_o till_o the_o disorder_n of_o that_o course_n seem_v to_o have_v put_v they_o on_o a_o necessity_n of_o provide_v otherwise_o §_o vi_o and_o according_o wherever_o the_o genius_n of_o this_o philosophy_n have_v prevail_v their_o man_n have_v be_v inclinable_a to_o make_v this_o use_n of_o it_o to_o think_v themselves_o by_o eminent_a measure_n of_o perfection_n to_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v improve_v beyond_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v how_o much_o that_o philosophy_n have_v to_o do_v in_o form_v the_o whole_a establishment_n of_o the_o primitive_a monk_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o they_o according_a to_o the_o notion_n they_o have_v frame_v concern_v spiritual_a life_n allow_v of_o this_o very_a thing_n 〈◊〉_d anastas_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o man_n may_v at_o length_n outgrow_a the_o sacrament_n the_o like_a may_v have_v be_v observe_v concern_v the_o popish_a mystical_a divinity_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o improvement_n of_o the_o pseudo-areopagite_n doctrine_n as_o that_o itself_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o application_n of_o the_o philosophy_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o christianity_n and_o these_o do_v also_o teach_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o person_n eminent_a for_o perfection_n may_v at_o length_n arrive_v to_o that_o pitch_n as_o not_o to_o need_v the_o sacrament_n and_o even_o in_o our_o modern_a euthusiast_n and_o superordinancer_n i_o be_o very_o inclinable_a to_o impute_v it_o to_o the_o same_o original_a it_o be_v indeed_o somewhat_o surprise_v to_o observe_v but_o he_o who_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o observe_v will_v find_v it_o true_a that_o the_o enthusiastic_a style_n of_o jacob_n behmen_n henry_n nicholas_n and_o the_o quaker_n and_o such_o other_o enemy_n of_o learning_n such_o stranger_n to_o antiquity_n and_o to_o the_o tongue_n they_o write_v in_o shall_v so_o agree_v with_o the_o platonism_n of_o the_o elective_a philosophy_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o however_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v whether_o by_o likeness_n of_o temper_n or_o likeness_n of_o spirit_n or_o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o the_o first_o master_n of_o these_o sect_n who_o possible_o feign_v themselves_o to_o be_v more_o unlearned_a than_o they_o be_v that_o what_o knowledge_n they_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o show_v may_v look_v more_o like_a to_o inspiration_n or_o that_o they_o may_v have_v light_a on_o some_o neglect_a translation_n of_o some_o little_a thing_n of_o that_o kind_n which_o may_v have_v give_v they_o those_o little_a hint_n which_o may_v have_v be_v sufficient_a for_o a_o warm_a brain_n to_o work_v upon_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v admire_v that_o they_o who_o have_v by_o any_o mean_v light_a upon_o those_o principle_n shall_v also_o light_v on_o a_o mistake_n so_o obvious_a and_o so_o very_o popular_a and_o into_o which_o unwary_a person_n have_v be_v always_o so_o apt_a to_o fall_v pursuant_n to_o these_o principle_n §_o vii_o now_o the_o inference_n i_o will_v make_v from_o my_o forego_n discourse_n be_v these_o 1._o that_o our_o adversary_n may_v not_o think_v their_o doctrine_n so_o singular_a but_o may_v see_v that_o as_o their_o principle_n be_v know_v and_o as_o the_o consequence_n they_o draw_v from_o they_o very_o obvious_a even_o to_o the_o person_n of_o those_o age_n themselves_o so_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v resolve_v on_o in_o this_o particular_a they_o do_v resolve_v with_o a_o particular_a design_n upon_o our_o adversary_n case_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o to_o allow_v themselves_o the_o liberty_n of_o make_v conjecture_n from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v both_o guess_v what_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v do_v if_o their_o circumstance_n and_o pretence_n have_v be_v plead_v to_o they_o and_o avode_v all_o argument_n deduce_v from_o their_o authority_n whilst_o they_o may_v think_v they_o can_v pretend_v any_o disparity_n in_o their_o case_n and_o circumstance_n which_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o fit_v their_o establishment_n for_o the_o age_n they_o live_v in_o and_o this_o observation_n will_v make_v the_o apostle_n establishment_n argumentative_a in_o this_o case_n though_o we_o suppose_v they_o conduct_v therein_o by_o no_o high_a measure_n than_o those_o of_o ordinary_a humane_a prudence_n as_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v they_o be_v not_o in_o some_o of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n which_o they_o make_v not_o as_o apostle_n provide_v for_o all_o future_a age_n and_o all_o possible_a circumstance_n but_o as_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o present_a age_n and_o so_o concern_v no_o further_a than_o for_o their_o then_o present_a circumstance_n in_o what_o they_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o what_o be_v desire_v for_o all_o circumstance_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o foresee_v all_o case_n what_o be_v so_o constitueed_o must_v have_v be_v fit_v to_o all_o circumstance_n that_o shall_v ever_o happen_v and_o therefore_o that_o whatever_o can_v be_v pretend_v now_o be_v then_o foresee_v and_o provide_v for_o if_o ever_o it_o shall_v be_v likely_a to_o be_v of_o general_a concernment_n for_o such_o thing_n only_o be_v in_o prudence_n fit_a to_o be_v provide_v for_o in_o general_a constitution_n but_o in_o prudential_n constitution_n make_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o ordinary_a present_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o present_a age_n there_o be_v not_o that_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v assist_v with_o high_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o ordinary_a governor_n be_v and_o therefore_o they_o must_v have_v acquit_v themselves_o well_o in_o such_o thing_n if_o what_o they_o do_v be_v fit_v to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o that_o age_n those_o of_o they_o at_o least_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v acquaint_v with_o though_o the_o constitution_n themselves_o have_v not_o be_v otherwise_o more_o infallible_a than_o those_o be_v which_o be_v make_v by_o ordinary_a governor_n §_o viii_o but_o however_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v what_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o even_o in_o such_o constitution_n as_o these_o be_v the_o very_a prudence_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o have_v be_v so_o assist_v though_o not_o to_o discover_v any_o truth_n which_o have_v not_o be_v discoverable_a by_o they_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o natural_a reason_n yet_o at_o least_o to_o secure_v they_o from_o error_n in_o those_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v judge_v nothing_o to_o be_v true_a but_o what_o real_o be_v so_o and_o be_v capable_a of_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o by_o virtue_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o discover_v by_o their_o natural_a faculty_n we_o may_v then_o at_o least_o conclude_v that_o if_o this_o pretence_n of_o perfection_n for_o excuse_v the_o person_n so_o pretend_v from_o the_o ordinance_n be_v a_o case_n with_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v then_o acquaint_v it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o in_o make_v their_o constitution_n though_o only_o of_o present_a concernment_n they_o do_v ordain_v what_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o be_v ordain_v even_o in_o this_o case_n also_o because_o on_o this_o supposition_n this_o case_n also_o be_v of_o present_a concernment_n and_o then_o suppose_v further_o that_o their_o very_a prudential_n constitution_n be_v yet_o infallible_o prudent_a that_o be_v infallible_o fit_v to_o the_o case_n then_o foresee_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o then_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o make_v any_o allowance_n for_o such_o person_n pretend_v perfection_n the_o reason_n must_v have_v be_v because_o it_o be_v real_o unfit_a that_o any_o allowance_n shall_v have_v be_v make_v for_o such_o pretender_n and_o if_o so_o this_o at_o least_o will_v follow_v that_o this_o pretence_n alone_o be_v not_o even_o a_o just_a excuse_n from_o the_o ordinance_n and_o yet_o though_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o have_v any_o great_a assistance_n than_o that_o of_o their_o natural_a prudence_n yet_o certain_o every_o truly-pious_a humble_a christian_a who_o will_v not_o so_o far_o presume_v as_o to_o think_v himself_o more_o perfect_a than_o he_o be_v can_v choose_v but_o pay_v a_o
the_o present_a possessor_n of_o the_o power_n of_o government_n yet_o that_o will_v give_v no_o title_n to_o the_o discoverer_n of_o that_o failure_n and_o therefore_o can_v justify_v their_o proceed_n on_o presumption_n of_o such_o a_o title_n from_o usurpation_n and_o that_o even_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v supply_v in_o equity_n what_o they_o can_v justify_v by_o a_o legal_a claim_n §_o xx_o 1._o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o security_n of_o visible_a government_n as_o such_o that_o a_o presumptive_a title_n be_v not_o reject_v but_o on_o very_o evident_a proof_n to_o the_o contrary_n by_o a_o presumptive_a title_n i_o mean_v such_o a_o one_o as_o the_o first_o innovator_n find_v settle_v when_o they_o begin_v their_o innovation_n especial_o if_o they_o themselves_o have_v former_o submit_v to_o it_o and_o find_v all_o who_o may_v pretend_v competition_n with_o it_o submit_v to_o it_o also_o nay_o if_o they_o find_v it_o unanimous_o receive_v without_o any_o accountable_a appearance_n of_o force_n or_o fraud_n in_o the_o first_o original_n of_o it_o this_o be_v plain_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n in_o relation_n to_o episcopal_a government_n from_o which_o they_o make_v their_o separation_n they_o can_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v any_o other_o place_n where_o any_o other_o form_n of_o government_n have_v be_v derive_v in_o a_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n to_o those_o time_n they_o can_v mention_v no_o place_n where_o the_o bishop_n be_v not_o actual_o possess_v of_o their_o §_o v_o power_n with_o the_o consent_n and_o submission_n of_o the_o presbyter_n themselves_o nay_o and_o the_o people_n also_o and_o indeed_o of_o all_o those_o who_o may_v be_v pretend_v to_o have_v be_v injure_v by_o they_o and_o who_o have_v therefore_o be_v concern_v to_o interrupt_v the_o peaceableness_n of_o the_o prescription_n which_o may_v in_o time_n go_v far_o to_o legitimate_a their_o enjoyment_n before_o so_o long_a a_o time_n may_v pass_v they_o as_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o prescription_n all_o law_n of_o all_o society_n do_v presume_v in_o favour_n of_o such_o a_o title_n §_o xxi_o and_o allow_v it_o no_o more_o than_o the_o force_n of_o a_o presumption_n yet_o so_o itself_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o all_o government_n that_o want_v of_o evidence_n of_o its_o original_a right_n be_v not_o allow_v alone_o for_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o any_o to_o call_v the_o justice_n of_o it_o in_o question_n at_o least_o not_o so_o far_o to_o question_v it_o as_o to_o venture_v to_o oppose_v it_o in_o practice_n it_o be_v otherwise_o moral_o impossible_a that_o any_o government_n shall_v pass_v unquestionable_a to_o many_o succession_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o man_n usual_o think_v it_o better_o ground_v by_o its_o long_a continuance_n it_o must_v indeed_o be_v more_o liable_a to_o exception_n if_o the_o inevidence_n of_o its_o original_a right_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o just_a exception_n against_o it_o length_n of_o time_n will_v either_o obliterate_v the_o original_a record_n or_o make_v they_o accidental_o obscure_v in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v very_o clear_a when_o they_o be_v first_o write_v by_o make_v alteration_n in_o the_o tongue_n and_o custom_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o age_n then_o allude_v to_o which_o change_v though_o they_o be_v insensible_a in_o the_o particular_a degree_n by_o which_o they_o be_v make_v yet_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v otherwise_o but_o that_o they_o must_v grow_v extreme_o considerable_a in_o the_o process_n of_o a_o long_a time_n in_o this_o regard_n it_o be_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o society_n whatsoever_o that_o want_v of_o evidence_n be_v not_o allow_v for_o sufficient_a to_o question_v any_o part_n of_o the_o challenge_n of_o the_o present_a supreme_a visible_a governor_n of_o the_o society_n without_o very_o evident_a proof_n to_o the_o contrary_n §_o xxii_o and_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v agreeable_a to_o god_n will_v that_o when_o god_n be_v sound_v a_o society_n which_o be_v to_o continue_v through_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n he_o shall_v make_v the_o conveyance_n of_o authority_n in_o it_o to_o depend_v on_o such_o mean_n as_o shall_v be_v moral_o impossible_a to_o be_v so_o convey_v or_o that_o the_o right_n of_o government_n shall_v in_o course_n grow_v more_o questionable_a in_o those_o time_n which_o shall_v need_v its_o being_n more_o unquestionable_a when_o both_o subject_n will_v grow_v more_o unruly_a and_o a_o coercive_a power_n shall_v be_v therefore_o more_o necessary_a than_o it_o be_v at_o first_o when_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o more_o dutiful_o dispose_v and_o when_o withal_o the_o ordinary_a governor_n shall_v want_v those_o extraordinary_a credential_n which_o recommend_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolical_a age_n yet_o this_o very_a presumption_n if_o it_o hold_v will_v overthrow_v all_o that_o our_o adversary_n can_v say_v to_o clear_v themselves_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n they_o can_v say_v that_o the_o scripture_n forbid_v they_o the_o use_n of_o their_o authority_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o only_o that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o they_o that_o it_o allow_v they_o to_o use_v it_o §_o xxiii_o but_o though_o this_o inevidence_n be_v not_o allowable_a by_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o government_n to_o question_v any_o part_n of_o the_o authority_n in_o those_o who_o be_v true_o invest_v with_o it_o yet_o why_o will_v they_o say_v may_v not_o the_o inevidence_n of_o particular_a person_n be_v lawful_o invest_v in_o the_o right_n of_o government_n excuse_v we_o from_o duty_n to_o such_o person_n concern_v who_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v our_o lawful_a governor_n this_o will_v serve_v their_o purpose_n for_o they_o need_v not_o be_v solicitous_a concern_v their_o duty_n to_o government_n if_o they_o may_v be_v excuse_v from_o duty_n to_o all_o person_n pretend_v to_o a_o right_a to_o govern_v they_o and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o person_n to_o who_o they_o will_v be_v oblige_v to_o pay_v any_o duty_n if_o this_o inevidence_n of_o the_o legal_a manner_n of_o their_o come_n by_o their_o office_n may_v be_v allow_v as_o sufficient_a to_o excuse_v they_o from_o their_o duty_n for_o this_o the_o scripture_n will_v not_o do_v but_o it_o will_v be_v further_a necessary_a to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o history_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n ordination_n and_o not_o only_o of_o all_o in_o this_o age_n but_o of_o all_o in_o all_o the_o age_n which_o may_v have_v pass_v between_o this_o and_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n especial_o of_o all_o those_o person_n in_o each_o of_o they_o from_o who_o our_o present_a order_n be_v derive_v but_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o no_o record_n be_v keep_v of_o nor_o if_o any_o have_v be_v keep_v be_v we_o secure_v of_o their_o conveyance_n to_o we_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n or_o do_v we_o think_v providence_n oblige_v to_o secure_v they_o to_o we_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a one_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v grant_v further_o by_o those_o principle_n whereby_o the_o conveyance_n of_o any_o government_n to_o posterity_n be_v secure_v that_o no_o inevidence_n of_o this_o kind_n can_v excuse_v subject_n from_o their_o duty_n even_o to_o present_a governor_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v otherwise_o know_v in_o general_a that_o if_o the_o canon_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v observe_v the_o person_n ordain_v according_a to_o such_o canon_n must_v have_v be_v valid_o ordain_v and_o that_o all_o the_o ordain_v as_o well_o as_o the_o ordainer_n be_v oblige_v in_o interest_n to_o have_v the_o canon_n observe_v without_o which_o they_o must_v have_v weaken_v their_o title_n to_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n of_o their_o order_n so_o uncanonical_o receive_v §_o xxiv_o these_o be_v such_o presumption_n on_o which_o the_o succession_n of_o all_o government_n and_o all_o the_o authority_n of_o future_a governor_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o succession_n do_v subsist_v and_o which_o no_o society_n allow_v to_o be_v questionable_a in_o the_o case_n of_o any_o particular_a governor_n without_o particular_a express_a proof_n of_o a_o failure_n in_o his_o particular_a case_n 3._o mat._n xxiii_o 2_o 3._o and_o certain_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n and_o be_v therefore_o suppose_v by_o he_o to_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o moses_n can_v not_o possible_o make_v out_o their_o succession_n at_o that_o distance_n and_o after_o so_o many_o revolution_n of_o their_o state_n and_o so_o great_a miscarriage_n both_o of_o their_o discipline_n and_o record_n which_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v occasion_v by_o those_o revolution_n by_o great_a assurance_n than_o these_o be_v §_o xxv_o i_o confess_v
present_a concern_v to_o prove_v §_o two_o this_o therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v our_o brethren_n of_o by_o two_o topic_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v in_o reason_n and_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o government_n in_o general_n requisite_a that_o this_o negative_a be_v grant_v in_o order_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o false_a pretender_n to_o a_o power_n receive_v from_o god_n immediate_o and_o 2._o that_o our_o brethren_n must_v be_v oblige_v in_o equity_n to_o grant_v it_o because_o they_o can_v pitch_v upon_o a_o more_o certain_a way_n of_o trial_n 1._o it_o be_v in_o reason_n and_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o visible_a government_n as_o such_o requisite_a that_o this_o negative_a be_v grant_v in_o order_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o false_a pretender_n to_o a_o power_n receive_v from_o god_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v against_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o visible_a government_n and_o of_o all_o visible_a society_n as_o such_o that_o pretender_n be_v permit_v to_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o their_o pretence_n without_o mean_n of_o conviction_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v presume_v that_o any_o prudent_a legislator_n can_v ever_o contrive_v thing_n so_o as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o notorious_a mean_n of_o convict_v such_o person_n and_o they_o can_v be_v convince_v but_o by_o recourse_n to_o such_o positive_a mean_n of_o trial_n by_o which_o if_o they_o can_v justify_v themselves_o they_o must_v immediate_o be_v suppose_v convict_v of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o their_o claim_n to_o permit_v such_o person_n to_o pass_v without_o conviction_n will_v not_o only_o prove_v a_o grievance_n to_o subject_n intolerable_a by_o the_o principle_n of_o equal_a government_n but_o will_v also_o make_v the_o government_n unpracticable_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o be_v undoubted_o entitle_v to_o it_o §_o iii_o it_o will_v be_v a_o grievance_n to_o the_o subject_n intolerable_a by_o the_o principle_n of_o equal_a government_n and_o therefore_o unlikely_a to_o be_v intend_v by_o a_o equal_a legislator_n that_o his_o subject_n shall_v be_v impose_v on_o at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o pretender_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v many_o more_o and_o heavy_a burden_n shall_v be_v impose_v on_o they_o than_o the_o legislator_n himself_o will_v ever_o have_v impose_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n of_o these_o imposer_n or_o their_o imposition_n as_o there_o can_v be_v none_o if_o they_o be_v not_o reduce_v to_o some_o certain_a rule_n that_o the_o worst_a and_o base_a part_n of_o mankind_n such_o as_o false_a pretender_n certain_o will_v be_v shall_v at_o least_o in_o this_o world_n be_v permit_v to_o tyrannize_v over_o their_o better_n that_o the_o high_a criminal_n against_o majesty_n in_o the_o very_a practice_n of_o their_o crime_n shall_v be_v permit_v to_o abuse_v the_o dutifulness_n and_o obedience_n of_o their_o fellow-subject_n who_o be_v more_o loyal_a §_o iv_o and_o it_o must_v needs_o obstruct_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o visible_a government_n in_o this_o life_n if_o particular_a governor_n be_v obtrude_v on_o the_o supreme_a without_o their_o consent_n they_o can_v prevent_v what_o mischief_n may_v follow_v in_o case_n of_o their_o miscarriage_n and_o therefore_o can_v in_o justice_n be_v responsible_a for_o they_o they_o can_v secure_v the_o unanimous_a persecution_n of_o the_o same_o design_n and_o the_o very_a want_n of_o unanimity_n alone_o be_v of_o so_o great_a importance_n in_o these_o matter_n as_o that_o they_o must_v extreme_o prejudice_v the_o success_n of_o the_o design_n themselves_o but_o when_o withal_o private_a person_n be_v encourage_v not_o only_o to_o act_v independent_o on_o the_o ordinary_a visible_a supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n on_o such_o pretence_n as_o these_o be_v but_o also_o to_o contradict_v they_o and_o control_v they_o when_o upon_o pretence_n of_o authority_n receive_v from_o god_n they_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o exempt_v themselves_o or_o any_o other_o from_o their_o duty_n to_o ordinary_a governor_n when_o though_o the_o ordinary_a supreme_a visible_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v receive_v whatever_o authority_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n himself_o as_o well_o as_o these_o pretender_n yet_o these_o pretender_n may_v still_o be_v rather_o think_v credible_a in_o their_o pretence_n of_o a_o mission_n from_o god_n nay_o may_v also_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v a_o high_a degree_n of_o authority_n commit_v to_o they_o than_o their_o ordinary_a superior_n for_o none_o but_o a_o high_a degree_n can_v suffice_v to_o control_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o superior_n only_o because_o their_o mission_n be_v extraordinary_a as_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v great_a encouragement_n to_o ill-designing_a person_n to_o make_v these_o pretence_n so_o no_o exercise_n of_o government_n can_v hold_v if_o the_o person_n interest_v in_o such_o pretence_n can_v be_v confident_a enough_o to_o make_v they_o they_o can_v control_v they_o at_o least_o in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v the_o government_n in_o this_o life_n insignificant_a it_o be_v therefore_o most_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n have_v grant_v we_o mean_n of_o convict_v such_o offender_n as_o these_o be_v §_o v_o 2._o therefore_o it_o be_v also_o further_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o these_o mean_n of_o convict_a pretender_n be_v notorious_a to_o all_o and_o notorious_a even_o to_o ordinary_a capacity_n if_o people_n do_v not_o know_v their_o governor_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o they_o can_v think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o pay_v any_o duty_n to_o they_o and_o if_o these_o mean_n be_v not_o notorious_a to_o all_o it_o will_v be_v as_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o know_v their_o governor_n in_o the_o case_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o it_o come_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n whether_o they_o have_v no_o authority_n at_o all_o or_o whether_o they_o can_v be_v know_v to_o have_v it_o for_o if_o they_o can_v be_v know_v to_o have_v it_o all_o who_o think_v they_o have_v it_o not_o must_v take_v all_o they_o do_v for_o usurpation_n and_o a_o perfect_a nullity_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o can_v think_v it_o antecedent_o obligatory_a so_o neither_o can_v they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v in_o any_o equity_n to_o ratify_v the_o act_n of_o those_o who_o they_o take_v for_o enemy_n and_o usurper_n nay_o the_o very_a non-appearance_n of_o such_o a_o right_n be_v a_o very_a just_a reason_n to_o suspect_v they_o of_o false_o pretend_v to_o it_o consider_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o government_n how_o insignificant_a any_o right_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v without_o mean_n of_o notoriety_n and_o consider_v therefore_o how_o very_a careful_a all_o governor_n be_v to_o provide_v such_o mean_n and_o not_o to_o impute_v disobedience_n as_o a_o crime_n till_o these_o mean_n may_v be_v presume_v notorious_a to_o they_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o and_o consider_v how_o much_o more_o equal_a god_n be_v than_o the_o most_o equal_a governor_n and_o how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v forget_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o ought_v in_o equity_n to_o have_v foresee_v §_o vi_o and_o that_o this_o notoriety_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o generality_n even_o of_o the_o mean_a capacity_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a sentiment_n of_o all_o governor_n the_o very_a reason_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o concernment_n even_o such_o person_n have_v in_o government_n whatever_o they_o may_v have_v in_o doctrine_n that_o all_o must_v be_v guide_v by_o their_o governor_n in_o their_o practice_n which_o can_v be_v unless_o they_o know_v they_o nay_o the_o multitude_n consist_v principal_o of_o such_o person_n and_o government_n be_v principal_o calculate_v for_o the_o multitude_n and_o a_o knowledge_n of_o their_o governor_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o duty_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o they_o all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v lay_v together_o do_v methinks_v make_v it_o very_o little_a capable_a of_o be_v doubt_v §_o vii_o 3._o therefore_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o these_o notorious_a mean_n for_o convict_a pretender_n ordinary_o in_o future_a age_n for_o ever_o we_o must_v not_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o church_n only_o to_o those_o extraordinary_a mean_n of_o discovery_n which_o be_v only_o proper_a to_o their_o own_o age_n which_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o be_v long_o since_o cease_v who_o credential_n at_o least_o be_v undeniable_o cease_v without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v notorious_a to_o the_o multitude_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o we_o shall_v now_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o gift_n of_o discern_v of_o spirit_n or_o of_o prophecy_n or_o of_o consult_v god_n by_o lot_n not_o to_o speak_v now_o of_o the_o extraordinary_a manifestation_n of_o god_n
must_v be_v a_o right_a of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o common_a according_a to_o our_o adversary_n principle_n who_o conceive_v government_n to_o be_v a_o right_n common_a to_o they_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o our_o adversary_n themselves_o will_v think_v it_o necessary_a for_o i_o to_o prove_v if_o the_o supreme_a visible_a government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o right_n of_o such_o presbytery_n in_o common_a not_o of_o particular_a presbyter_n single_o consider_v i_o can_v conceive_v how_o such_o a_o government_n can_v be_v practicable_a unless_o the_o valid_a investiture_n of_o subordinate_a governor_n be_v also_o appropriate_v to_o they_o §_o xvii_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v whether_o they_o will_v here_o allow_v the_o power_n give_v at_o the_o ordination_n of_o a_o presbyter_n to_o be_v a_o proper_a power_n of_o government_n it_o suffice_v at_o present_a that_o the_o power_n give_v to_o particular_a presbyter_n be_v as_o proper_o a_o power_n of_o government_n as_o that_o be_v of_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n be_v only_o a_o aggregate_v result_v from_o the_o valid_a succession_n of_o the_o particular_a presbyter_n whereof_o it_o consist_v and_o the_o power_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v give_v to_o particular_a presbyter_n at_o their_o ordination_n be_v that_o on_o which_o their_o power_n of_o government_n be_v ground_v that_o be_v the_o reason_n which_o oblige_v all_o private_a person_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o to_o all_o their_o lawful_a imposition_n because_o god_n have_v put_v it_o in_o their_o power_n to_o exclude_v refractory_a person_n from_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o as_o far_o as_o this_o power_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n be_v grant_v to_o particular_a presbyter_n when_o they_o be_v ordain_v presbyter_n so_o far_o also_o it_o be_v put_v in_o their_o power_n to_o exclude_v private_a person_n from_o the_o sacrament_n by_o refuse_v to_o perform_v their_o office_n to_o they_o only_o because_o this_o exclusion_n by_o a_o particular_a presbyter_n do_v not_o hinder_v other_o presbyter_n who_o have_v as_o great_a a_o power_n as_o himself_o who_o shall_v exclude_v one_o from_o perform_v their_o duty_n to_o a_o person_n so_o exclude_v and_o the_o exclusion_n do_v oblige_v the_o person_n exclude_v to_o submission_n no_o further_o than_o as_o he_o can_v hope_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o sacrament_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o excluder_n therefore_o it_o can_v only_o be_v to_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n that_o every_o member_n of_o a_o church_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v because_o it_o be_v the_o presbytery_n alone_o that_o can_v oblige_v all_o to_o ratify_v their_o censure_n so_o that_o the_o sacrament_n can_v at_o all_o be_v get_v without_o their_o consent_n they_o can_v oblige_v their_o own_o member_n to_o ratify_v they_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o subjection_n which_o each_o of_o they_o owe_v to_o the_o whole_a community_n and_o they_o can_v oblige_v all_o other_o church_n and_o presbytery_n to_o ratify_v their_o censure_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o correspondence_n which_o all_o church_n and_o presbytery_n be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v with_o each_o other_o on_o account_n of_o their_o common_a interest_n but_o still_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o power_n of_o particular_a presbyter_n must_v be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n though_o it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o extent_n which_o on_o the_o principle_n now_o mention_v be_v sufficient_a to_o appropriate_v the_o disposal_n of_o it_o to_o the_o common_a right_n of_o government_n §_o xviii_o and_o as_o by_o the_o former_a argument_n it_o have_v appear_v that_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la no_v such_o power_n be_v actual_o design_v for_o they_o by_o their_o first_o ordeiner_n as_o be_v at_o present_a exercise_v by_o our_o brethren_n in_o their_o separation_n so_o by_o this_o late_a topick_n it_o appear_v that_o it_o do_v not_o the_o jure_fw-la belong_v to_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o thing_n give_v they_o by_o the_o episcopal_a presbytery_n though_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o our_o brethren_n be_v willing_a to_o consider_v they_o in_o this_o act_n of_o ordination_n only_o as_o presbytery_n or_o at_o the_o utmost_a only_o as_o presbytery_n with_o a_o precedent_n which_o can_v make_v any_o substantial_a difference_n much_o less_o can_v the_o honour_n of_o preside_v lose_v the_o precedent_n any_o of_o that_o honour_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o a_o single_a presbyter_n which_o i_o therefore_o observe_v that_o our_o brethren_n may_v see_v how_o unjustifiable_a their_o ordination_n be_v upon_o any_o term_n though_o this_o power_n have_v be_v design_v for_o they_o by_o their_o ordeiner_n or_o though_o their_o be_v make_v presbyter_n by_o their_o ordeiner_n do_v as_o they_o think_v confer_v this_o power_n upon_o they_o real_o how_o little_a soever_o it_o be_v design_v for_o they_o yet_o neither_o of_o these_o pretence_n can_v be_v available_a if_o their_o act_n be_v not_o valid_a act_n of_o the_o presbytery_n if_o they_o be_v not_o they_o can_v not_o give_v what_o they_o do_v intend_v to_o give_v they_o because_o they_o can_v not_o confer_v a_o valid_a legal_a title_n to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o their_o own_o to_o give_v so_o far_o must_v they_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o from_o give_v real_o more_o than_o they_o intend_v to_o give_v if_o they_o think_v it_o usurpation_n for_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o presbyter_n who_o adhere_v to_o they_o to_o act_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n how_o much_o great_a usurpation_n must_v it_o be_v for_o a_o small_a over-voted_n number_n of_o presbyter_n to_o attempt_v the_o same_o without_o the_o bishop_n certain_o his_o presence_n though_o only_o as_o a_o first_o presbyter_n must_v add_v great_a authority_n to_o the_o legitimate_v their_o assembly_n as_o that_o must_v also_o do_v to_o the_o validity_n of_o their_o act_n in_o they_o §_o xix_o nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o they_o can_v either_o by_o any_o precedent_n or_o any_o reason_n defend_v the_o validity_n of_o such_o act_n of_o a_o small_a part_n of_o the_o presbyter_n without_o the_o bishop_n so_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o they_o can_v avoid_v the_o own_n the_o validity_n even_o of_o the_o act_n of_o a_o small_a number_n of_o presbyter_n in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o bishop_n if_o they_o will_v consider_v their_o own_o interest_n in_o they_o the_o presbyter_n who_o assist_v the_o bishop_n in_o the_o solemnity_n of_o ordain_v their_o first_o predecessor_n be_v much_o the_o small_a part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n as_o for_o the_o rest_n their_o consent_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o require_v neither_o by_o any_o express_a act_n of_o their_o own_o nor_o by_o any_o delegation_n of_o their_o power_n to_o those_o who_o be_v present_a nor_o presume_v from_o their_o absence_n after_o a_o canonical_a summons_n and_o yet_o if_o these_o act_n be_v not_o valid_a our_o brethren_n can_v possible_o defend_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o own_o ordination_n but_o if_o they_o be_v i_o may_v then_o show_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o the_o validity_n of_o such_o act_n can_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v resolve_v into_o a_o absolute_a power_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o therefore_o how_o much_o they_o will_v be_v oblige_v to_o own_o the_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n that_o they_o may_v defend_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o own_o order_n and_o consider_v that_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n make_v up_o one_o government_n it_o be_v impossible_a if_o he_o be_v absolute_a that_o they_o can_v be_v so_o too_o and_o therefore_o if_o he_o can_v valid_o dispose_v of_o the_o common_a right_n without_o their_o consent_n they_o can_v possible_o dispose_v of_o it_o without_o he_o which_o will_v again_o invalidate_v the_o act_n of_o those_o presbytery_n for_o which_o our_o brethren_n be_v concern_v and_o if_o this_o power_n of_o ordain_v other_o be_v never_o give_v to_o our_o brethren_n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la and_o if_o withal_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o conveyance_n fail_v by_o which_o they_o may_v pretend_v to_o it_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la beside_o the_o intention_n of_o their_o ordeiner_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o more_o can_v be_v requisite_a for_o overthrow_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o ordination_n §_o xx_o that_o which_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o object_n after_o all_o be_v that_o they_o be_v make_v presbyter_n and_o be_v design_v to_o be_v make_v so_o and_o to_o be_v make_v so_o in_o the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o that_o word_n and_o that_o ordination_n be_v a_o right_n belong_v to_o a_o scripture_n presbyter_n but_o why_o shall_v they_o presume_v that_o their_o design_n be_v to_o make_v presbyter_n in_o
be_v long_o since_o discontinue_v and_o be_v not_o observe_v in_o the_o case_n of_o those_o prince_n to_o who_o st._n paul_n notwithstanding_o advise_v the_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n to_o be_v subject_a in_o regard_n of_o conscience_n 5_o rom._n xiii_o 5_o yet_o those_o emperor_n of_o the_o julian_n family_n be_v think_v usurper_n in_o that_o age_n and_o have_v no_o more_o to_o excuse_v they_o from_o be_v so_o beside_o their_o prescription_n for_o the_o time_n they_o have_v be_v peaceable_o possess_v of_o the_o honour_n enjoy_v by_o they_o and_o their_o not_o have_v any_o visible_a just_a competitor_n and_o particular_o concern_v nero_n in_o who_o time_n st._n paul_n be_v think_v to_o have_v write_v that_o epistle_n it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v by_o what_o wicked_a art_n of_o his_o mother_n agrippina_n he_o get_v the_o empire_n yet_o when_o he_o be_v free_a from_o a_o more_o just_a competitor_n britannicus_n britannicus_n this_o do_v not_o hinder_v his_o authority_n from_o be_v from_o god_n nor_o resistance_n to_o he_o from_o be_v a_o resistance_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n from_o deserve_a damnation_n 2._o rom._n xiii_o 1_o 2._o and_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o case_n wherever_o god_n himself_o do_v not_o immediate_o reveal_v himself_o nor_o the_o person_n authorize_v by_o he_o perform_v their_o credential_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o person_n oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o they_o must_v then_o assure_v themselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n only_o by_o humane_a testimony_n yet_o because_o when_o they_o be_v once_o assure_v of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o but_o by_o humane_a testimony_n it_o will_v then_o follow_v that_o the_o revelation_n be_v from_o god_n therefore_o the_o obligation_n to_o believe_v these_o revelation_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v so_o too_o and_o the_o punishment_n of_o disbelief_n be_v thereupon_o proportion_v to_o the_o disbelief_n not_o of_o a_o humane_a but_o a_o divine_a authority_n and_o therefore_o this_o may_v also_o be_v the_o obligation_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o jurisdiction_n notwithstanding_o that_o their_o certain_a bound_n be_v prefix_v by_o a_o humane_a authority_n §_o ix_o now_o from_o this_o divine_a right_n of_o jurisdiction_n two_o consequence_n will_v follow_v which_o it_o will_v serious_o concern_v our_o adversary_n to_o consider_v impartial_o the_o first_o be_v positive_a that_o they_o must_v be_v under_o a_o divine_a obligation_n to_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o jurisdiction_n while_o they_o live_v within_o they_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o they_o be_v oblige_v never_o to_o go_v out_o of_o they_o or_o that_o when_o they_o be_v out_o of_o they_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o their_o local_a constitution_n any_o more_o than_o any_o be_v oblige_v to_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o their_o native_a kingdom_n or_o to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o it_o when_o they_o be_v in_o country_n of_o constitution_n different_a from_o it_o but_o only_o that_o they_o be_v the_o same_o way_n oblige_v by_o god_n to_o acknowledge_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o jurisdiction_n while_o they_o live_v in_o it_o on_o the_o same_o account_n as_o they_o who_o believe_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o secular_a government_n believe_v all_o the_o subject_n oblige_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n while_o they_o live_v in_o it_o as_o they_o will_v answer_v it_o to_o god_n now_o that_o which_o will_v follow_v from_o this_o positive_a obligation_n be_v that_o they_o do_v embrace_v the_o communion_n and_o submit_v to_o all_o the_o unsinful_a imposition_n of_o it_o that_o be_v all_o which_o be_v unsinful_a to_o the_o submitter_n whatever_o they_o be_v to_o the_o imposer_n and_o lay_v out_o their_o endeavour_n to_o secure_v the_o peace_n of_o it_o and_o to_o prevent_v the_o disturbance_n of_o other_o as_o they_o will_v think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o do_v in_o the_o secular_a society_n to_o which_o they_o be_v respective_o relate_v without_o these_o thing_n they_o can_v no_o more_o be_v suppose_v to_o own_o the_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n than_o they_o can_v the_o civil_a if_o they_o will_v wilful_o abstain_v from_o their_o privilege_n in_o it_o and_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o its_o law_n or_o countenance_v other_o in_o their_o disobedience_n to_o they_o §_o x_o the_o second_o consequence_n be_v negative_a that_o from_o this_o divine_a authority_n of_o jurisdiction_n they_o must_v find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o forbear_v all_o opposite_a communion_n or_o assembly_n within_o those_o jurisdiction_n this_o seem_v so_o evident_a of_o itself_o as_o that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o any_o will_v doubt_v of_o it_o but_o in_o such_o case_n wherein_o evident_a interest_n make_v they_o just_o suspicious_a of_o be_v partial_a none_o doubt_v but_o that_o other_o authority_n independent_a on_o the_o supreme_a in_o secular_a society_n do_v manifest_o ruin_v the_o authority_n and_o security_n of_o such_o society_n and_o that_o he_o who_o secret_o countenance_n such_o independent_a authority_n can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v take_v for_o a_o good_a subject_a and_o well_o affect_v to_o the_o visible_a government_n of_o his_o society_n but_o much_o more_o if_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o open_o they_o will_v in_o all_o likelihood_n think_v so_o if_o themselves_o be_v concern_v for_o the_o government_n of_o it_o they_o will_v not_o think_v such_o person_n well_o affect_v to_o they_o will_v deal_v with_o they_o as_o they_o do_v with_o their_o superior_n if_o the_o power_n of_o their_o jurisdiction_n be_v from_o god_n then_o plain_o it_o be_v a_o invasion_n of_o their_o right_n for_o other_o to_o arrogate_v or_o exercise_v power_n in_o their_o jurisdiction_n without_o their_o leave_n it_o be_v so_o even_o for_o person_n who_o have_v real_o power_n in_o other_o jurisdiction_n but_o much_o more_o for_o they_o who_o never_o have_v any_o power_n give_v they_o much_o more_o for_o their_o own_o subject_n who_o by_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o subjection_n in_o all_o society_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v oblige_v to_o duty_n within_o their_o particular_a district_n this_o must_v be_v a_o double_a sacrilege_n not_o only_o as_o the_o right_n of_o the_o jurisdiction_n itself_o be_v on_o these_o principle_n suppose_v to_o be_v sacred_a and_o consequent_o such_o as_o can_v be_v usurp_v by_o any_o how_o sacred_a soever_o themselves_o be_v without_o sacrilege_n but_o also_o because_o the_o person_n themselves_o be_v not_o sacred_a who_o invade_v those_o sacred_a jurisdiction_n §_o xi_o and_o it_o be_v particular_o to_o be_v remark_v that_o the_o common_a right_n by_o which_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o these_o particular_a society_n and_o jurisdiction_n subsist_v must_v peculiar_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v violate_v without_o the_o most_o direct_a affront_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o the_o most_o terrible_a expectation_n of_o punishment_n they_o belong_v i_o say_v more_o immediate_o to_o his_o care_n than_o those_o thing_n which_o even_a man_n be_v empower_v to_o take_v care_n of_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o general_a authority_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o and_o which_o only_o concern_v their_o own_o society_n respective_o in_o all_o subordination_n of_o governor_n by_o how_o much_o any_o rule_n be_v of_o more_o general_a concernment_n by_o so_o much_o more_o proper_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o exceed_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o power_n of_o inferior_a governor_n and_o therefore_o to_o belong_v more_o proper_o to_o he_o who_o have_v the_o right_a of_o that_o whole_a extent_n which_o be_v concern_v in_o those_o rule_n and_o therefore_o see_v that_o the_o right_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o general_n be_v of_o much_o great_a extent_n than_o any_o particular_a jurisdiction_n therefore_o it_o can_v belong_v to_o the_o right_n of_o particular_a governor_n and_o because_o it_o be_v the_o common_a concernment_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n therefore_o it_o must_v according_o be_v proper_a for_o he_o alone_o who_o alone_o be_v concern_v for_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n in_o general_a beside_o that_o it_o be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o right_n of_o all_o particular_a governor_n for_o the_o right_n of_o particular_a governor_n within_o particular_a jurisdiction_n be_v found_v on_o the_o right_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o general_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o particular_a governor_n have_v right_a within_o particular_a jurisdiction_n because_o there_o be_v in_o general_a a_o right_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o distinguish_v jurisdiction_n and_o to_o appropriate_v the_o power_n of_o they_o to_o their_o respective_a officer_n when_o they_o be_v so_o distinguish_v and_o because_o according_a to_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o equity_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o make_v this_o distinction_n this_o particular_a jurisdiction_n have_v fall_v to_o the_o share_n of_o these_o
for_o my_o purpose_n for_o my_o design_n be_v not_o to_o implead_v our_o adversary_n on_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o but_o to_o show_v their_o obligation_n to_o yield_v on_o their_o part_n how_o confident_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v that_o they_o have_v the_o truth_n on_o their_o side_n and_o that_o their_o superior_n be_v mistake_v for_o this_o purpose_n therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v suppose_v such_o as_o may_v be_v culpable_o break_v by_o they_o who_o hold_v the_o right_a side_n of_o the_o controversy_n if_o the_o truth_n itself_o be_v not_o of_o that_o moment_n as_o to_o justify_v a_o separation_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o denial_n of_o any_o the_o least_o truth_n that_o be_v require_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o peace_n but_o only_o a_o condescension_n in_o practice_n and_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o particular_a church_n for_o which_o alone_o i_o be_o immediate_o concern_v in_o this_o whole_a discourse_n be_v that_o of_o body_n politic_a that_o the_o thing_n require_v from_o our_o brethren_n in_o order_n to_o a_o solid_a peace_n be_v require_v by_o their_o superior_n that_o they_o be_v just_o and_o proper_o their_o subject_n and_o owe_v to_o these_o superior_n a_o duty_n not_o of_o reverence_n only_o but_o also_o of_o subjection_n that_o therefore_o the_o obligation_n of_o yield_v be_v incumbent_n on_o they_o and_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n short_a of_o sin_n that_o for_o maintain_v this_o unity_n of_o body_n politic_a it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o subject_n be_v obedient_a active_o in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o passive_o even_o in_o thing_n unlawful_a and_o that_o this_o passive_a obedience_n oblige_v subject_n to_o abstain_v from_o either_o erect_n or_o abet_v any_o opposite_a society_n i_o say_v if_o these_o thing_n appear_v it_o will_v then_o follow_v that_o our_o adversary_n in_o maintain_v opposite_a assembly_n to_o their_o lawful_a ecclesiastical_a governor_n on_o what_o pretence_n soever_o of_o maladministration_n of_o the_o government_n short_a of_o heresy_n which_o can_v alone_o make_v governor_n uncapable_a of_o the_o right_n of_o government_n must_v become_v guilty_a of_o a_o culpable_a breach_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n which_o be_v that_o which_o be_v proper_o mean_v by_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o schism_n now_o all_o these_o thing_n prove_v true_a on_o the_o management_n of_o our_o present_a hypothesis_n §_o iii_o 1._o that_o the_o person_n require_v these_o thing_n at_o their_o hand_n be_v proper_o their_o governor_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o society_n for_o who_o unity_n they_o be_v concern_v be_v proper_o a_o body_n politic_a will_v both_o of_o they_o follow_v from_o each_o other_o and_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o same_o proof_n 1._o therefore_o they_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n have_v the_o power_n of_o government_n and_o especial_o if_o their_o power_n be_v not_o only_o a_o power_n of_o actual_a possession_n but_o also_o of_o right_a than_o they_o must_v also_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v the_o right_n of_o government_n which_o will_v oblige_v subject_n to_o submission_n even_o where_o they_o can_v be_v compel_v to_o it_o on_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o conscience_n by_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v without_o humane_a compulsion_n to_o pay_v every_o one_o that_o which_o be_v rightful_o their_o due_n for_o it_o be_v by_o these_o reward_n and_o punishment_n that_o government_n be_v administer_v that_o subject_n be_v induce_v or_o compel_v to_o their_o duty_n and_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o government_n to_o be_v administer_v without_o they_o so_o it_o be_v also_o as_o impossible_a to_o suppose_v that_o he_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n can_v be_v restrain_v from_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v they_o who_o they_o can_v punish_v and_o reward_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v only_o actual_o in_o their_o power_n they_o can_v actual_o necessitate_v they_o to_o subjection_n but_o if_o they_o also_o possess_v they_o rightful_o that_o must_v oblige_v they_o to_o a_o subjection_n even_o in_o conscience_n §_o iv_o 2._o therefore_o they_o who_o alone_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o any_o society_n must_v also_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o its_o reward_n and_o punishment_n for_o indeed_o all_o reward_n be_v only_o a_o confer_v of_o those_o benefit_n and_o all_o punishment_n be_v only_a deprivation_n of_o they_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a thing_n because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n extend_v to_o all_o worldly_a enjoyment_n therefore_o he_o who_o have_v this_o have_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o confer_v these_o enjoyment_n or_o to_o deprive_v of_o they_o at_o his_o pleasure_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o his_o subject_n find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o pay_v their_o duty_n to_o he_o on_o account_n of_o their_o own_o interest_n as_o they_o value_v these_o fruition_n of_o worldly_a good_a thing_n or_o their_o deprivation_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o order_n of_o man_n to_o dispose_v of_o those_o benefit_n which_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o christian_a society_n as_o society_n to_o admit_v or_o exclude_v who_o they_o please_v from_o they_o this_o must_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n put_v it_o as_o much_o in_o their_o power_n to_o oblige_v all_o to_o a_o compliance_n with_o they_o who_o value_v the_o privilege_n of_o this_o society_n as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n enable_v they_o who_o have_v it_o to_o oblige_v all_o to_o a_o submission_n to_o they_o who_o value_v the_o privilege_n of_o their_o secular_a society_n this_o will_n as_o proper_o put_v it_o in_o their_o power_n to_o reward_v or_o punish_v the_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a subject_n as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n do_v put_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o secular_a governor_n to_o reward_n or_o punish_v the_o dutiful_a or_o undutiful_a behaviour_n of_o they_o who_o be_v their_o subject_n in_o temporal_n especial_o consider_v §_o v_o 3._o that_o the_o benefit_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o christian_a society_n as_o a_o society_n whoever_o have_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o gratify_v another_o in_o any_o thing_n he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o have_v it_o consequent_o in_o his_o power_n to_o oblige_v he_o who_o need_v it_o to_o comply_v with_o he_o on_o any_o condition_n less_o afflictive_a than_o the_o loss_n of_o it_o to_o he_o who_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o thing_n be_v more_o valuable_a and_o more_o necessary_a by_o so_o much_o strict_a will_v his_o obligation_n be_v to_o compliance_n but_o yet_o this_o will_v not_o give_v the_o person_n in_o who_o power_n the_o gratification_n be_v a_o proper_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o he_o who_o he_o have_v power_n to_o gratify_v unless_o the_o gratification_n be_v of_o that_o kind_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o he_o as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o society_n and_o therefore_o which_o may_v be_v necessary_a for_o all_o other_o member_n as_o well_o as_o himself_o whoever_o have_v it_o thus_o in_o his_o power_n to_o oblige_v any_o member_n as_o a_o member_n must_v have_v a_o universal_a power_n over_o all_o the_o member_n which_o he_o who_o have_v must_v by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n have_v a_o power_n of_o oblige_v the_o whole_a society_n and_o certain_o this_o power_n of_o oblige_v the_o whole_a society_n will_v amount_v to_o that_o which_o we_o call_v proper_o authority_n if_o any_o thing_n deserve_v that_o name_n especial_o §_o vi_o 4._o if_o the_o benefit_n in_o the_o power_n of_o such_o person_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o member_n on_o account_n of_o conscience_n and_o if_o withal_o they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o believe_v in_o conscience_n that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v these_o gratification_n from_o any_o other_o if_o the_o benefit_n necessary_a to_o all_o member_n of_o the_o society_n be_v necessary_a on_o account_n of_o conscience_n than_o all_o member_n must_v think_v themselves_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o comply_v in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v they_o and_o if_o withal_o they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o believe_v the_o appropriation_n of_o this_o power_n to_o they_o they_o must_v needs_o believe_v that_o they_o receive_v it_o from_o god_n who_o as_o he_o have_v alone_o the_o power_n of_o ratify_v all_o these_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n so_o he_o have_v consequent_o a_o power_n to_o invest_v who_o he_o please_v with_o this_o power_n and_o as_o this_o power_n do_v necessary_o infer_v a_o power_n of_o government_n so_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v suppose_v that_o god_n foresee_v that_o it_o will_v do_v so_o and_o therefore_o that_o he_o do_v
religion_n even_o all_o that_o assurance_n of_o the_o safety_n of_o their_o condition_n which_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v even_o in_o the_o external_a solemnity_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o application_n of_o the_o external_a seal_n these_o themselves_o they_o may_v receive_v if_o not_o in_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v eject_v yet_o in_o some_o other_o where_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v upon_o their_o ejection_n who_o may_v have_v as_o just_a a_o authority_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n as_o the_o church_n which_o have_v eject_v they_o and_o be_v no_o more_o oblige_v to_o stand_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v eject_v they_o than_o she_o be_v to_o stand_v to_o she_o but_o be_v every_o way_n as_o competent_a a_o judge_n of_o the_o qualification_n to_o be_v require_v from_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o her_o own_o communion_n this_o indeed_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o all_o the_o discipline_n of_o particular_a church_n have_v be_v so_o insignificant_a since_o the_o catholic_n have_v be_v divide_v into_o so_o many_o party_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v each_o other_o excommunicate_n they_o only_o can_v be_v terrify_v to_o do_v their_o duty_n who_o must_v otherwise_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o which_o alone_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v think_v confine_v but_o for_o avoid_v this_o whatever_o censure_n they_o lie_v under_o from_o particular_a church_n two_o excuse_n be_v obvious_a from_o our_o adversary_n principle_n either_o they_o make_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n such_o as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v contain_v in_o it_o who_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o all_o particular_n or_o if_o they_o require_v visible_a communion_n with_o some_o particular_a church_n to_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n yet_o they_o have_v be_v use_v to_o contain_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n all_o the_o several_a divide_a party_n those_o which_o be_v heretical_a and_o schismatical_a as_o well_o as_o the_o orthodox_n and_o upon_o these_o term_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o censure_n to_o deprive_v of_o the_o whole_a visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o case_n stand_v now_o the_o very_a case_n of_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o one_o church_n be_v a_o recommendation_n to_o other_o to_o receive_v they_o and_o if_o none_o other_o will_v yet_o it_o be_v but_o the_o set_n up_o a_o new_a communion_n of_o their_o own_o which_o any_o censure_v person_n may_v do_v with_o as_o good_a right_n as_o many_o other_o have_v do_v before_o they_o §_o x_o to_o this_o that_o i_o may_v reply_v i_o must_v first_o free_o confess_v that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o retain_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n while_o man_n be_v excommunicate_v out_o of_o the_o particular_a church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v more_o particular_o relate_v at_o least_o if_o their_o exclusion_n from_o their_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o presumptive_a exclusion_n from_o the_o catholic_n but_o that_o excommunicate_v member_n may_v not_o only_o as_o certain_o be_v but_o also_o as_o certain_o assure_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o they_o can_v before_o when_o they_o be_v member_n of_o their_o own_o particular_a church_n i_o shall_v then_o acknowledge_v that_o person_n so_o excommunicate_a can_v not_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o apprehend_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o any_o such_o danger_n of_o salvation_n as_o may_v oblige_v they_o to_o such_o unsinful_a condescension_n as_o those_o be_v concern_v which_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v in_o order_n to_o the_o avoid_n of_o that_o danger_n for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o as_o the_o whole_a immediate_a effect_n of_o excommunication_n be_v privative_a so_o the_o deprivation_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n do_v herein_o differ_v from_o the_o deprivation_n of_o secular_a censure_n that_o the_o benefit_n can_v be_v take_v away_o in_o one_o place_n if_o they_o may_v be_v enjoy_v in_o another_o he_o who_o be_v banish_v from_o england_n may_v real_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o those_o accommodation_n which_o he_o be_v entitle_v to_o as_o a_o subject_a of_o england_n which_o be_v all_o that_o the_o power_n of_o england_n can_v do_v to_o he_o and_o which_o be_v a_o real_a effect_n of_o that_o power_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o may_v enjoy_v the_o like_a or_o great_a accommodation_n in_o france_n because_o these_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v enjoy_v by_o they_o who_o be_v deprive_v of_o their_o english_a freedom_n the_o difference_n of_o country_n be_v sufficient_a in_o this_o case_n to_o afford_v some_o place_n privilege_n different_a from_o the_o privilege_n of_o other_o put_v the_o spiritual_a advantage_n whereof_o man_n be_v deprive_v by_o excommunication_n the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n the_o give_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o promise_n of_o future_a and_o eternal_a reward_n be_v thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o one_o place_n if_o they_o be_v want_v in_o another_o it_o be_v god_n himself_o that_o must_v immediate_o ratify_v they_o and_o his_o power_n be_v equal_o concern_v for_o the_o church_n who_o have_v exercise_v her_o power_n of_o excommunication_n as_o for_o she_o who_o receive_v the_o other_o excommunicate_n and_o therefore_o if_o notwithstanding_o the_o excommunication_n of_o such_o person_n they_o may_v yet_o communicate_v in_o other_o church_n and_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v confirm_v to_o they_o the_o benefit_n of_o such_o vncanonical_a communion_n they_o must_v consequent_o expect_v that_o god_n in_o do_v so_o must_v disannul_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n which_o have_v excommunicate_v they_o which_o must_v consequent_o disoblige_v all_o who_o think_v so_o from_o all_o condescension_n on_o their_o part_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o which_o they_o be_v deprive_v §_o xi_o and_o if_o person_n excommunicate_v in_o one_o place_n may_v be_v receive_v in_o another_o without_o so_o much_o as_o the_o formality_n of_o a_o absolution_n to_o repeal_v the_o sentence_n which_o have_v be_v pass_v against_o they_o nay_o must_v never_o have_v be_v presume_v to_o have_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n by_o the_o excommunication_n of_o their_o own_o church_n then_o they_o must_v still_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o pardon_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o performance_n of_o the_o moral_a condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o what_o effect_n can_v their_o excommunication_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v upon_o they_o that_o may_v oblige_v they_o to_o any_o condescension_n in_o order_n to_o a_o absolution_n and_o therefore_o that_o i_o may_v settle_v the_o discipline_n of_o particular_a church_n on_o a_o solid_a foundation_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o show_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v in_o the_o ordinary_a constitution_n of_o thing_n so_o inseparable_a from_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o that_o whoever_o be_v cut_v off_o design_o from_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n however_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v whether_o by_o his_o own_o act_n or_o the_o act_n of_o his_o superior_n can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v presume_v to_o retain_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v our_o brethren_n separation_n to_o divide_v they_o from_o the_o unity_n of_o their_o particular_a church_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n respective_o so_o it_o must_v consequent_o divide_v they_o from_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o so_o be_v as_o proper_o schismatical_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o as_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o particular_a church_n but_o i_o can_v wish_v that_o they_o will_v remember_v that_o the_o reason_n oblige_v i_o to_o this_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n in_o it_o and_o the_o unpracticableness_n of_o that_o discipline_n without_o it_o by_o what_o form_n of_o government_n soever_o it_o be_v administer_v whether_o monarchical_o or_o aristocratical_o or_o democratical_o all_o who_o maintain_v any_o power_n of_o church_n censure_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v for_o it_o as_o i_o be_o neither_o the_o presbyterian_o nor_o the_o independent_o themselves_o can_v ever_o expect_v that_o their_o censure_n can_v oblige_v any_o to_o perform_v their_o duty_n if_o all_o they_o do_v be_v only_o to_o exclude_v he_o from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o their_o own_o particular_a congregation_n but_o that_o notwithstanding_o he_o may_v as_o valid_o partake_v of_o ordinance_n in_o other_o congregation_n as_o he_o do_v before_o and_o be_v receive_v on_o as_o easy_a term_n as_o if_o he_o
it_o and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o excuse_v presumption_n to_o presume_v that_o to_o be_v true_a concern_v god_n which_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o he_o where_o either_o there_o be_v no_o argument_n at_o all_o or_o where_o the_o argument_n appear_v in_o other_o regard_v equal_a but_o it_o be_v also_o a_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o hypothesis_n when_o all_o thing_n answer_v it_o so_o as_o they_o will_v or_o must_v have_v do_v if_o god_n himself_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o §_o v_o now_o that_o the_o hypothesis_n here_o give_v be_v indeed_o thus_o fit_v for_o practice_n will_v appear_v if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o general_a case_n be_v those_o which_o all_o prudent_a contriver_n of_o government_n do_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o foresee_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o they_o will_v not_o think_v their_o reputation_n concern_v if_o thing_n fall_v out_o hard_a in_o particular_a case_n not_o only_o the_o impossibility_n for_o humane_a prudence_n to_o foresee_v all_o particular_n which_o will_v concern_v man_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o will_v reach_v even_o god_n himself_o will_v make_v such_o inconvenience_n as_o those_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v avoid_v but_o where_o these_o general_a case_n be_v not_o provide_v for_o that_o be_v a_o certain_a disrepute_n to_o the_o whole_a contrivance_n and_o therefore_o a_o certain_a conviction_n of_o a_o contrivance_n pretend_v to_o come_v from_o god_n and_o where_o they_o be_v best_a provide_v for_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o prevail_a presumption_n that_o such_o a_o particular_a hypothesis_n come_v from_o god_n where_o it_o be_v certain_a and_o suppose_a that_o some_o do_v so_o §_o vi_o but_o the_o general_a case_n relate_v to_o government_n be_v they_o which_o concern_v the_o multitude_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o therefore_o those_o of_o mean_a and_o ordinary_a capacity_n and_o unimproved_a by_o learned_a education_n because_o indeed_o these_o be_v the_o most_o considerable_a ingredient_n in_o the_o multitude_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o government_n contrive_v by_o divine_a wisdom_n must_v needs_o be_v such_o as_o that_o even_o they_o proceed_v on_o those_o general_a presumption_n which_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o their_o other_o affair_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o know_v their_o duty_n even_o where_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o own_o incapacity_n of_o judge_v concern_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o that_o hypothesis_n which_o give_v the_o best_a account_n in_o this_o regard_n and_o most_o suitable_a to_o such_o capacity_n must_v therefore_o be_v presume_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v in_o both_o those_o particular_n which_o be_v of_o principal_a importance_n for_o make_v duty_n practicable_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o superior_n to_o who_o this_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v where_o many_o competitor_n pretend_v to_o the_o title_n of_o superior_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o they_o be_v to_o perform_v to_o those_o true_a superior_n §_o vii_o 1._o it_o will_v be_v most_o easy_a by_o these_o principle_n even_o for_o such_o capacity_n to_o distinguish_v their_o true_a superior_n from_o the_o multitude_n of_o false_a pretender_n to_o that_o name_n these_o ordinary_a person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o need_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o those_o dispute_n of_o our_o brethren_n concern_v the_o form_n of_o government_n settle_v in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o apostle_n age_n whereof_o the_o scripture_n do_v inform_v we_o no_o nor_o in_o the_o history_n of_o those_o age_n which_o immediate_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n either_o for_o clear_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o scripture_n or_o for_o show_v what_o be_v introduce_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o late_a end_n of_o their_o age_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v more_o ripe_a for_o settle_v a_o succession_n of_o government_n and_o whereof_o the_o scripture_n history_n do_v not_o pretend_v to_o give_v we_o any_o account_n nor_o for_o discover_v what_o be_v introduce_v by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o party_n concern_v as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o which_o be_v moral_o impossible_a to_o have_v be_v without_o the_o knowledge_n or_o approbation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o much_o more_o impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v have_v obtain_v so_o sudden_o and_o universal_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v know_v and_o disapprove_v it_o these_o dispute_n beside_o that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a in_o such_o a_o loss_n and_o obscurity_n of_o primitive_a monument_n by_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v decide_v be_v withal_o matter_n of_o learning_n beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o person_n i_o be_o now_o discourse_v of_o but_o they_o way_n of_o judge_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n in_o opposition_n to_o other_o schismatical_a one_o by_o succession_n as_o it_o be_v more_o certain_a in_o itself_o so_o its_o proof_n depend_v on_o thing_n much_o more_o capable_a of_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o these_o person_n for_o §_o viii_o 1._o it_o be_v plain_a and_o plain_a even_o to_o such_o illiterate_a person_n who_o do_v but_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v to_o reason_n that_o grant_v the_o principle_n of_o our_o present_a discourse_n there_o must_v be_v such_o a_o succession_n own_v somewhere_o unless_o we_o will_v question_v the_o validity_n of_o all_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v indeed_o to_o question_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o at_o least_o as_o it_o be_v a_o body_n politic_a and_o this_o be_v certain_a will_v be_v a_o rational_a presumption_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o any_o argument_n produce_v to_o the_o contrary_a though_o they_o can_v not_o tell_v how_o to_o answer_v they_o especial_o if_o they_o depend_v on_o thing_n of_o which_o such_o person_n find_v themselves_o less_o competent_a judge_n than_o they_o be_v of_o this_o whence_o it_o will_v also_o follow_v that_o such_o argument_n can_v in_o reason_n expect_v a_o bear_n from_o such_o person_n till_o they_o be_v first_o convince_v of_o the_o insolidity_n of_o these_o principle_n §_o ix_o and_o 2._o it_o may_v even_o to_o such_o person_n be_v also_o notorious_a by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o person_n skill_v in_o the_o history_n of_o those_o age_n that_o for_o many_o century_n before_o the_o reformation_n succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o maintain_v so_o much_o as_o in_o any_o one_o individual_a church_n in_o the_o world_n by_o any_o government_n but_o episcopal_n this_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n controvert_v even_o by_o they_o who_o do_v indeed_o dispute_v the_o right_n of_o episcopal_a government_n and_o therefore_o here_o unskilful_a person_n may_v secure_o trust_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o skilful_a because_o they_o be_v unanimous_a on_o the_o same_o account_n of_o prudence_n whereby_o they_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v in_o other_o case_n wherein_o they_o have_v no_o skill_n to_o trust_v they_o who_o be_v skilful_a now_o from_o this_o unanimous_a acknowledgement_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o our_o present_a case_n it_o will_v follow_v both_o that_o the_o succession_n be_v then_o maintain_v in_o the_o episcopal_a government_n even_o as_o then_o administer_v see_v it_o must_v otherwise_o have_v be_v perfect_o lose_v and_o that_o all_o pretence_n to_o this_o succession_n in_o any_o person_n now_o must_v be_v derive_v from_o that_o episcopal_a government_n which_o immediate_o precede_v the_o contrary_a innovation_n because_o no_o other_o can_v then_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o succession_n §_o x_o and_o 3._o upon_o these_o term_n of_o trial_n the_o same_o common_a prudence_n which_o enable_v even_o such_o illiterate_a person_n for_o manage_v their_o worldly_a concernment_n wherein_o they_o have_v equal_a occasion_n for_o know_v something_o not_o do_v within_o their_o own_o cognizance_n and_o wherein_o they_o must_v consequent_o be_v oblige_v to_o rely_v on_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o credible_a person_n and_o the_o same_o industry_n which_o even_o that_o common_a prudence_n will_v dictate_v to_o be_v necessary_a for_o so_o great_a and_o near_a concernment_n as_o those_o be_v of_o eternity_n these_o i_o say_v will_v enable_v these_o same_o person_n to_o judge_n which_o of_o these_o different_a pretender_n be_v real_o invest_v with_o authority_n and_o consequent_o to_o which_o of_o they_o they_o be_v bind_v as_o subject_n to_o pay_v obedience_n for_o §_o xi_o 1._o the_o innovation_n be_v so_o late_o and_o of_o so_o clear_a and_o remarkable_a a_o original_a as_o that_o it_o need_v no_o great_a learning_n even_o for_o such_o a_o person_n to_o inform_v himself_o when_o they_o begin_v and_o what_o government_n then_o prevail_v universal_o he_o may_v be_v assure_v it_o be_v episcopacy_n if_o he_o shall_v distrust_v his_o own_o enquiry_n
by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n as_o i_o say_v of_o interest_v as_o well_o as_o disinterest_v agree_v in_o it_o and_o §_o xii_o 2._o it_o be_v as_o notorious_a that_o our_o present_a bishop_n have_v succeed_v the_o bishop_n of_o those_o time_n in_o a_o canonical_a way_n both_o that_o they_o have_v their_o power_n give_v they_o in_o a_o succession_n from_o they_o who_o be_v then_o invest_v with_o it_o i_o mean_v at_o least_o so_o far_o canonical_o as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o validity_n of_o their_o call_n and_o that_o they_o have_v have_v as_o much_o power_n give_v they_o as_o be_v requisite_a to_o keep_v up_o the_o succession_n valid_a to_o this_o day_n for_o none_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o a_o episcopal_a power_n according_a as_o it_o be_v understand_v and_o design_v in_o those_o age_n do_v include_v a_o power_n not_o only_o of_o ordain_v other_o ordinary_a minister_n but_o of_o valid_o consecrate_v other_o bishop_n too_o and_o none_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o these_o two_o power_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a for_o secure_v succession_n and_o that_o all_o our_o minister_n have_v their_o present_a order_n from_o they_o who_o upon_o these_o term_n must_v be_v suppose_v sufficient_o empower_v to_o confer_v they_o on_o they_o the_o succession_n be_v so_o few_o since_o the_o reformation_n as_o that_o every_o particular_a minister_n may_v easy_o reckon_v up_o the_o particular_n for_o his_o own_o vindication_n i_o presume_v this_o also_o notorious_a because_o i_o suppose_v the_o ordinary_a prudence_n even_o of_o honest_a rustic_n will_v not_o think_v the_o contrary_a suggestion_n concern_v the_o nagshead_n ordination_n raise_v only_o by_o a_o few_o concern_v person_n in_o a_o corner_n and_o not_o divulge_v till_o many_o year_n after_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v to_o be_v credible_a in_o opposition_n to_o the_o still_o extant_a record_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o the_o contrary_n §_o xiii_o and_o by_o the_o same_o way_n whereby_o such_o illiterate_a person_n may_v satisfy_v themselves_o of_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o ordination_n of_o our_o minister_n they_o will_v also_o find_v reason_n to_o question_v that_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n they_o need_v trace_v they_o up_o no_o high_a than_o the_o first_o deviation_n from_o episcopacy_n and_o suppose_v that_o they_o must_v thence_o derive_v all_o the_o power_n they_o can_v now_o pretend_v to_o have_v it_o will_v be_v as_o easy_a to_o discover_v the_o nullity_n of_o their_o present_a proceed_n as_o it_o be_v to_o discover_v the_o like_a nullity_n in_o their_o worldly_a affair_n in_o which_o they_o be_v often_o concern_v to_o trust_v their_o own_o judgement_n they_o may_v find_v the_o nullity_n even_o of_o those_o who_o be_v at_o first_o lawful_o ordain_v by_o they_o who_o have_v power_n to_o ordain_v they_o in_o their_o act_n against_o all_o the_o visible_a superior_a power_n by_o which_o they_o be_v ordain_v on_o the_o same_o account_n on_o which_o in_o their_o worldly_a concern_v they_o will_v think_v the_o act_n of_o a_o particular_a lawfully-empowered_n constable_n invalid_a if_o he_o oppose_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o visible_a supreme_a magistracy_n of_o the_o land_n in_o which_o he_o have_v be_v make_v a_o constable_n much_o more_o must_v they_o find_v the_o nullity_n of_o the_o succession_n continue_v from_o such_o person_n in_o their_o secular_a affair_n they_o judge_v a_o title_n null_n if_o either_o the_o power_n give_v be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o maintain_v a_o succession_n or_o if_o a_o sufficient_a power_n be_v give_v but_o by_o person_n who_o have_v no_o power_n to_o dispose_v of_o it_o and_o they_o may_v find_v themselves_o to_o judge_n thus_o not_o because_o of_o any_o concernment_n of_o it_o as_o secular_a but_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o pure_a intrinsic_a justice_n of_o the_o contract_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o must_v therefore_o equal_o concern_v the_o like_a contract_n and_o conveyance_n and_o upon_o the_o principle_n here_o propose_v they_o need_v only_o apply_v these_o concession_n for_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v other_o be_v not_o give_v they_o by_o the_o episcopal_a presbytery_n from_o who_o the_o first_o of_o they_o receive_v their_o order_n at_o least_o that_o it_o be_v not_o give_v they_o separately_z from_o those_o presbytery_n that_o though_o they_o have_v that_o power_n give_v they_o yet_o the_o order_n since_o confer_v by_o they_o must_v be_v null_a even_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o aristocratical_a government_n even_o as_o aristocratical_a because_o they_o have_v neither_o be_v confer_v in_o lawful_a assembly_n nor_o by_o plurality_n of_o vote_n so_o that_o still_o in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o may_v appear_v even_o to_o such_o illiterate_a person_n even_o by_o those_o common_a rule_n of_o justice_n by_o which_o they_o guide_v themselves_o in_o their_o secular_a transaction_n §_o fourteen_o but_o beside_o this_o of_o distinguish_v their_o true_a governor_n from_o false_a pretender_n they_o will_v 2._o be_v better_o enable_v by_o these_o principle_n to_o know_v the_o extent_n of_o their_o duty_n even_o to_o their_o true_a governor_n themselves_o they_o need_v not_o here_o follow_v our_o brethren_n method_n of_o engage_v into_o dispute_n concern_v the_o expediency_n or_o inexpediency_n of_o every_o constitution_n see_v this_o will_v not_o excuse_v they_o from_o their_o duty_n though_o they_o shall_v prove_v real_o inexpedient_a because_o for_o that_o not_o they_o but_o their_o superior_n must_v be_v responsible_a if_o they_o be_v obedient_a but_o they_o themselves_o may_v be_v responsible_a if_o they_o shall_v withdraw_v their_o obedience_n unwarrantable_o nor_o need_v they_o trouble_v their_o head_n with_o those_o many_o scruple_n of_o our_o brethren_n which_o make_v their_o duty_n unpracticable_a and_o therefore_o must_v be_v groundless_a or_o even_o with_o those_o which_o after_o all_o consideration_n may_v still_o remain_v practicable_a yet_o not_o without_o much_o tediousness_n and_o scrupulosity_n even_o to_o well-meaning_a person_n themselves_o which_o certain_o can_v never_o have_v be_v design_v by_o god_n §_o xv_o but_o upon_o our_o principle_n their_o duty_n will_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a what_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n upon_o read_v of_o the_o scripture_n with_o a_o honest_a and_o unprejudiced_a heart_n and_o that_o moral_a diligence_n and_o assistance_n of_o skilful_a person_n in_o matter_n wherein_o they_o will_v find_v their_o own_o unskilfulness_n which_o their_o own_o prudence_n will_v suggest_v in_o matter_n of_o the_o like_a concernment_n express_v in_o a_o ancient_a book_n and_o in_o a_o exotic_a tongue_n and_o style_n what_o i_o say_v might_n upon_o these_o term_n appear_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n clear_o for_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o god_n will_v oblige_v such_o to_o any_o duty_n which_o upon_o these_o term_n may_v not_o be_v clear_a to_o they_o that_o they_o must_v practice_v whatsoever_o any_o authority_n on_o earth_n shall_v decree_v to_o the_o contrary_n as_o for_o other_o thing_n how_o inconvenient_a soever_o they_o can_v in_o prudence_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o encourage_v they_o to_o a_o resistance_n because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a inconvenience_n than_o to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n except_v sin_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o imposition_n whatsoever_o how_o oppressive_a soever_o and_o therefore_o how_o sinful_a soever_o they_o may_v prove_v to_o the_o governor_n who_o impose_v they_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v not_o also_o sinful_a to_o the_o subject_n the_o subject_n can_v be_v excuse_v from_o yield_v to_o their_o governor_n as_o much_o the_o lesser_a inconvenience_n so_o that_o by_o these_o principle_n such_o idiot_n as_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o be_v disoblige_v from_o any_o further_a inquiry_n into_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o superior_n imposition_n but_o only_o whether_o they_o be_v sinful_a and_o the_o instance_n must_v needs_o be_v rare_a which_o can_v on_o this_o account_n oblige_v they_o to_o stand_v out_o against_o their_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n §_o xvi_o especial_o consider_v the_o several_a degree_n such_o a_o deliberation_n must_v proceed_v through_o before_o it_o can_v come_v to_o this_o height_n in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o illiterate_a person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o may_v by_o his_o own_o prudence_n find_v how_o unsafe_a it_o will_v be_v for_o he_o to_o rely_v on_o his_o own_o judgement_n but_o only_o in_o such_o case_n wherein_o upon_o full_a information_n in_o the_o evidence_n by_o such_o as_o be_v skilful_a he_o may_v find_v himself_o capable_a of_o apprehend_v and_o judge_v for_o other_o which_o even_o on_o these_o supposal_n he_o can_v not_o find_v himself_o fit_a to_o judge_n of_o that_o be_v wherein_o he_o can_v not_o apprehend_v what_o be_v tell_v he_o and_o what_o withal_o he_o shall_v judge_v necessary_a to_o be_v thorough_o apprehend_v
itself_o or_o at_o least_o a_o sufficient_a justification_n of_o it_o from_o its_o other_o illegality_n and_o invalidity_n so_o that_o they_o be_v thus_o conceive_v to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o mean_n ordinary_a as_o well_o as_o extraordinary_a to_o enjoy_v the_o convenience_n as_o well_o as_o the_o necessary_n the_o comfort_n as_o well_o as_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n as_o free_o out_o of_o the_o church_n communion_n as_o in_o it_o and_o suppose_v all_o these_o as_o efficacious_a to_o they_o while_o they_o act_v according_a to_o their_o probable_a conscience_n though_o they_o shall_v prove_v erroneous_a as_o if_o they_o be_v never_o so_o certain_a and_o upon_o these_o supposal_n to_o what_o prejudice_n can_v they_o conceive_v themselves_o obnoxious_a by_o their_o separation_n §_o xxxv_o be_v it_o therefore_o so_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o communion_n from_o which_o they_o withdraw_v but_o as_o for_o any_o duty_n owe_v to_o they_o which_o they_o may_v rob_v they_o of_o by_o this_o withdraw_n of_o their_o own_o person_n from_o they_o they_o acknowledge_v none_o and_o this_o be_v suppose_v no_o charity_n oblige_v they_o to_o beware_v of_o prejudice_v other_o by_o promote_a their_o own_o convenience_n when_o one_o of_o they_o be_v unavoidable_a and_o for_o any_o further_a prosecution_n of_o those_o who_o they_o have_v thus_o desert_v they_o be_v very_o separable_a from_o the_o cause_n of_o separation_n in_o general_n §_o xxxvi_o and_o as_o there_o can_v upon_o these_o term_n appear_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o oblige_v a_o ignorant_a laic_a to_o any_o great_a caution_n in_o inquire_v or_o resolve_v on_o the_o right_a communion_n from_o any_o considerable_a inconvenience_n that_o may_v attend_v the_o consequence_n of_o his_o be_v mistake_v and_o indeed_o the_o whole_a obligation_n to_o diligence_n in_o inquire_v after_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o proposition_n be_v only_o rational_o derivable_a from_o their_o influence_n upon_o our_o practice_n so_o though_o the_o crime_n have_v be_v more_o piacular_a yet_o upon_o these_o principle_n there_o be_v so_o little_a evidence_n in_o prove_v any_o particular_a person_n be_v guilt_n as_o that_o upon_o that_o very_a account_n there_o can_v appear_v no_o great_a obligation_n to_o cautiousness_n for_o suppose_v that_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o church_n communion_n have_v be_v indeed_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n uncharitable_a and_o suppose_v that_o uncharitableness_n in_o as_o high_a a_o degree_n criminal_a yet_o how_o can_v it_o appear_v that_o any_o ignorant_a laic_a be_v guilty_a of_o that_o uncharitableness_n in_o his_o separation_n §_o xxxvii_o for_o 1._o he_o may_v be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o hearty_a wish_n of_o their_o conversion_n from_o who_o he_o separate_v and_o of_o all_o welfare_n when_o they_o be_v convert_v nay_o indeed_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o suppose_v otherwise_o for_o this_o be_v a_o charity_n which_o all_o communion_n how_o schismatical_a soever_o have_v for_o those_o from_o who_o they_o be_v divide_v to_o wish_v they_o of_o their_o own_o party_n and_o wish_v they_o well_o when_o they_o be_v so_o and_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o their_o faction_n how_o little_a regard_n soever_o they_o have_v to_o god_n or_o the_o welfare_n of_o their_o brethren_n as_o christian_n and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o utmost_a charity_n which_o most_o of_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v actual_o due_a to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o in_o external_a communion_n with_o themselves_o and_o as_o every_o ignorant_a laic_a may_v be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o this_o charitable_a affection_n if_o it_o deserve_v so_o good_a a_o name_n how_o schismatical_a soever_o he_o may_v be_v real_o so_o it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a on_o their_o principle_n for_o such_o a_o person_n to_o know_v when_o his_o act_n of_o separation_n be_v uncharitable_a at_o least_o not_o without_o resolve_v all_o again_o into_o disputable_a proposition_n §_o xxxviii_o for_o 2._o his_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o his_o own_o departure_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o by_o their_o doctrine_n so_o much_o as_o a_o pregnant_a presumption_n that_o it_o be_v on_o his_o part_n uncharitable_a and_o therefore_o schismatical_a no_o not_o though_o he_o go_v so_o far_o as_o not_o only_o to_o refuse_v active_a obedience_n to_o his_o ordinary_a superior_n but_o also_o to_o resist_v they_o and_o either_o to_o set_v up_o or_o abet_v other_o communion_n in_o opposition_n to_o they_o for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o actual_a separation_n but_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o that_o will_v make_v it_o uncharitable_a and_o schismatical_a and_o that_o may_v on_o our_o brethren_n principle_n be_v as_o easy_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v give_v by_o his_o superior_n as_o by_o himself_o though_o he_o have_v be_v the_o first_o actual_a divider_n for_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o show_v that_o our_o brethren_n consider_v superior_n here_o as_o plain_o act_v on_o equal_a term_n in_o these_o matter_n with_o their_o subject_n and_o upon_o these_o term_n there_o can_v so_o much_o as_o a_o presumption_n lie_v on_o their_o side_n that_o his_o separation_n may_v therefore_o be_v presume_v likely_a to_o be_v uncharitable_a on_o his_o side_n because_o himself_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o §_o thirty-nine_o for_o 1._o upon_o their_o principle_n he_o will_v have_v reason_n to_o believe_v his_o superior_n as_o fallible_a as_o himself_o consider_v that_o even_o in_o matter_n of_o disputable_a evidence_n and_o depend_v on_o some_o thing_n not_o so_o obnoxious_a to_o his_o cognizance_n they_o yet_o encourage_v such_o a_o ignorant_a laic_a to_o dissent_v from_o they_o on_o his_o own_o judgement_n §_o xl_o and_o 2._o they_o do_v not_o only_o encourage_v he_o to_o believe_v otherwise_o than_o they_o which_o may_v indeed_o be_v more_o tolerable_a and_o rational_a if_o he_o do_v not_o so_o only_o in_o such_o case_n wherein_o he_o have_v a_o full_a prospect_n of_o what_o learned_a man_n can_v inform_v he_o but_o also_o to_o differ_v in_o his_o practice_n too_o even_o where_o his_o compliance_n in_o practice_n need_v not_o signify_v any_o hypocritical_a dissimulation_n of_o his_o judgement_n that_o be_v not_o only_o to_o forbear_v the_o practice_n of_o what_o he_o shall_v judge_v to_o be_v unlawful_a which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o honest_a deal_n but_o also_o to_o forbear_v the_o practice_n of_o what_o he_o judge_v unfit_a and_o oppressive_a in_o compliance_n to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o otherwise_o lawful_a superior_n whereas_o such_o compliance_n as_o this_o be_v very_o lawful_a to_o pleasure_v another_o in_o that_o which_o he_o otherwise_o himself_o believe_v imprudent_a and_o be_v daily_o practise_v by_o themselves_o without_o any_o fear_n of_o hypocrisy_n in_o their_o oeconomical_a or_o political_a relation_n and_o indeed_o every_o where_o where_o they_o acknowledge_v such_o a_o right_a of_o government_n as_o may_v be_v worthy_a of_o that_o name_n for_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o our_o distinction_n between_o obligation_n in_o practice_n and_o in_o judgement_n and_o even_o in_o this_o sense_n they_o oppose_v it_o beside_o their_o refuse_v even_o passive_a obedience_n to_o the_o church_n even_o in_o this_o case_n do_v plain_o signify_v how_o little_o they_o ascribe_v to_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n §_o xli_o and_o 3._o wherever_o any_o compliance_n be_v necessary_a for_o accommodate_v these_o difference_n they_o do_v as_o much_o require_v it_o from_o the_o church_n as_o themselves_o and_o do_v as_o confident_o charge_v she_o with_o schism_n as_o long_o as_o she_o do_v not_o yield_v her_o imposition_n to_o they_o as_o we_o charge_v they_o with_o it_o for_o not_o comply_v with_o those_o imposition_n and_o upon_o these_o term_n what_o presumption_n can_v be_v for_o authority_n if_o authority_n be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o yield_v as_o her_o subject_n and_o if_o person_n be_v in_o no_o great_a probability_n of_o avoid_v this_o uncharitableness_n by_o yield_v than_o by_o oppose_v it_o so_o that_o the_o ultimate_a recourse_n here_o must_v be_v have_v to_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o of_o how_o little_a horror_n that_o can_v be_v to_o such_o a_o person_n i_o have_v already_o show_v thus_o insufficient_a our_o adversary_n notion_n be_v for_o explain_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n that_o may_v prove_v terrible_a to_o popular_a capacity_n §_o xlii_o but_o upon_o our_o principle_n such_o a_o notion_n of_o schism_n be_v give_v as_o the_o most_o incultivated_a laic_a may_v understand_v to_o be_v extreme_o mischievous_a by_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o prudence_n whereby_o he_o manage_n his_o worldly_a affair_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o dreadful_a punishment_n it_o deserve_v from_o god_n hand_n and_o the_o great_a obligation_n incumbent_a on_o he_o from_o his_o own_o attribute_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o government_n to_o inflict_v those_o so_o deserve_a severity_n on_o person_n true_o criminal_a not_o
offer_v up_o solemn_a prayer_n to_o he_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o assist_v at_o the_o celebration_n of_o his_o sacrament_n now_o for_o these_o no_o particular_a person_n can_v undertake_v as_o consider_v single_o because_o as_o consider_v single_o they_o have_v not_o that_o influence_n over_o each_o other_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o undertake_v for_o any_o but_o themselves_o nor_o be_v the_o multitude_n even_o of_o particular_n even_o as_o single_o oblige_v sufficient_a to_o engage_v for_o it_o see_v there_o be_v requisite_a some_o further_a obligation_n when_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o the_o particular_n shall_v be_v prejudice_v by_o it_o as_o they_o be_v like_a to_o be_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o when_o it_o may_v therefore_o be_v presume_v that_o many_o will_n of_o themselves_o be_v backward_o in_o it_o see_v therefore_o that_o these_o be_v duty_n require_v from_o we_o by_o god_n it_o will_v concern_v he_o as_o a_o covenanter_n to_o see_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o because_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o public_a duty_n can_v be_v effectual_o secure_v without_o a_o power_n of_o command_v in_o some_o and_o a_o duty_n of_o obedience_n in_o other_o therefore_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o some_o be_v invest_v with_o that_o power_n and_o all_o other_o be_v oblige_v to_o this_o subjection_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o engage_v for_o these_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o god_n even_o as_o a_o covenanter_n shall_v think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o perform_v his_o promise_n which_o be_v only_o conditional_a for_o the_o security_n of_o our_o duty_n till_o we_o have_v give_v he_o the_o like_a security_n of_o a_o covenant_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o that_o he_o require_v on_o our_o part_n thus_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o we_o require_v on_o our_o part_n a_o body_n politic_a for_o secure_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o body_n politic_a will_v be_v best_a secure_v by_o confine_v the_o claim_n of_o private_a person_n to_o its_o privilege_n to_o its_o external_a solemnity_n i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o prove_v when_o i_o consider_v god_n obligation_n hereunto_o as_o a_o governor_n §_o xvii_o but_o further_o also_o even_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o private_a duty_n god_n be_v also_o as_o a_o covenanter_n concern_v that_o we_o give_v the_o like_a security_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o as_o far_o at_o least_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o such_o performance_n as_o he_o do_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o therefore_o any_o promise_n even_o of_o perform_v our_o duty_n that_o be_v not_o so_o likely_a to_o hold_v we_o may_v very_o just_o be_v except_v against_o by_o he_o as_o a_o covenanter_n as_o a_o proportionable_a acquittance_n of_o he_o from_o give_v we_o at_o least_o that_o high_a degree_n of_o security_n of_o performance_n on_o his_o part_n if_o not_o indeed_o from_o give_v we_o any_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n at_o all_o even_o in_o humane_a covenant_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o look_v on_o a_o backwardness_n in_o give_v security_n as_o a_o argument_n of_o unwillingness_n to_o enter_v into_o obligation_n and_o that_o unwillingness_n though_o join_v with_o no_o suspicion_n of_o design_v treacherous_o which_o i_o therefore_o wave_v here_o because_o god_n with_o who_o we_o deal_v in_o this_o affair_n know_v whether_o we_o do_v so_o yet_o by_o the_o rule_n even_o of_o humane_a equity_n may_v provoke_v god_n to_o deny_v we_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o even_o though_o we_o be_v willing_a if_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o willing_a in_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o to_o overcome_v all_o obstacle_n short_a of_o unlawfulness_n both_o as_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o deny_v favour_n to_o person_n not_o due_o value_v they_o as_o such_o person_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v these_o divine_a favour_n who_o be_v unwilling_a to_o purchase_v they_o by_o any_o lawful_a condescension_n how_o hard_o soever_o and_o as_o such_o a_o present_a low_a degree_n of_o willingness_n may_v be_v presume_v unlikely_a to_o hold_v out_o in_o the_o performance_n in_o the_o time_n of_o trial_n and_o therefore_o may_v rational_o be_v suppose_v not_o sufficient_a to_o give_v that_o security_n of_o performance_n on_o our_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o any_o wise_a and_o prudent_a person_n will_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v trust_v if_o he_o himself_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n especial_o consider_v that_o this_o backwardness_n in_o our_o case_n of_o not_o be_v willing_a to_o yield_v to_o any_o unsinful_a condescension_n for_o god_n sake_n must_v plain_o arise_v from_o such_o a_o perversity_n of_o disposition_n as_o will_v hinder_v we_o from_o the_o actual_a advantage_n of_o the_o covenant_n though_o we_o have_v be_v legal_o instate_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o may_v with_o great_a reason_n and_o justice_n hinder_v we_o from_o our_o admission_n to_o it_o see_v a_o much_o less_o misdemeanour_n may_v suffice_v to_o hinder_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o favour_n at_o first_o than_o can_v afterward_o hinder_v the_o performance_n §_o xviii_o now_o though_o this_o may_v only_o seem_v to_o show_v how_o just_o god_n may_v refuse_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o such_o as_o neglect_v the_o external_a solemnity_n whereby_o it_o be_v maintain_v upon_o account_n of_o that_o neglect_n on_o supposition_n that_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o require_v their_o observance_n yet_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n further_o very_o considerable_a that_o will_v bring_v these_o proof_n more_o home_n to_o my_o present_a design_n to_o show_v what_o reason_n there_o be_v to_o fear_v that_o he_o will_v actual_o do_v what_o it_o have_v appear_v on_o these_o account_n he_o very_o just_o may_v do_v one_o be_v that_o from_o this_o doctrine_n a_o reason_n be_v give_v even_o antecedent_o to_o the_o divine_a command_n why_o he_o shall_v insist_v on_o the_o observance_n of_o these_o external_a solemnity_n as_o a_o covenanter_n and_o as_o he_o design_v not_o so_o much_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n as_o our_o good_a viz._n that_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v exercise_v we_o to_o that_o vigour_n of_o resolution_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o render_v we_o capable_a of_o the_o favour_n design_v for_o we_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o common_a reason_n of_o all_o the_o positive_a injunction_n he_o have_v be_v please_v ever_o to_o lay_v upon_o we_o certain_o not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o ostentation_n of_o his_o own_o dominion_n over_o we_o as_o to_o produce_v these_o beneficial_a disposition_n in_o we_o which_o be_v not_o in_o prudence_n immediate_o to_o be_v expect_v from_o our_o conviction_n of_o their_o necessity_n by_o the_o naked_a reason_n of_o the_o thing_n without_o habituate_a our_o practic_a faculty_n to_o they_o by_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o exercise_n for_o this_o we_o find_v in_o experience_n to_o be_v the_o only_a prudent_a mean_n of_o acquire_v new_a or_o destroy_a old_a inclination_n and_o yet_o unless_o the_o observance_n even_o of_o these_o external_a solemnity_n be_v so_o far_o exact_v from_o we_o as_o that_o our_o fail_v in_o they_o on_o any_o other_o reason_n short_a of_o sin_n may_v proportionable_o defeat_v our_o expectation_n of_o the_o favour_n design_v by_o they_o they_o can_v have_v no_o influence_n on_o we_o for_o this_o purpose_n even_o by_o way_n of_o exercise_n for_o these_o be_v the_o only_a season_n of_o trial_n and_o without_o trial_n they_o can_v never_o exercise_v we_o §_o xix_o another_z observation_n be_v that_o whether_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a state_n of_o this_o affair_n or_o not_o that_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o external_a solemnity_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v thus_o punctual_o exact_v yet_o at_o least_o as_o to_o our_o mean_n of_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o judge_n otherwise_o and_o consequent_o have_v all_o the_o obligation_n that_o can_v be_v to_o practise_v according_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o can_v as_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o any_o reason_n to_o prove_v they_o unnecessary_a on_o the_o account_n now_o mention_v of_o exercise_n though_o possible_o we_o may_v as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o particular_a acts._n and_o it_o be_v also_o further_o certain_a that_o they_o may_v be_v real_o necessary_a though_o we_o can_v not_o prove_v they_o so_o but_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o be_v where_o neither_o side_n be_v capable_a of_o evident_a proof_n the_o only_a way_n of_o secure_v a_o prudent_a practice_n be_v plain_o not_o to_o fluctuate_v in_o matter_n who_o practice_n may_v for_o further_a design_n with_o which_o we_o be_v not_o acquaint_v prove_v