foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n quest_n how_o then_o be_v it_o say_v to_o be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o what_o importance_n be_v that_o to_o the_o actuate_a scripture_n answ_n as_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o court_n and_o government_n be_v public_o fix_v that_o every_o one_o may_v know_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o so_o the_o church_n in_o all_o its_o member_n but_o especial_o by_o depute_a minister_n give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o it_o proclaim_v preach_v and_o make_v offer_v of_o the_o most_o public_a notice_n of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n within_o itself_o that_o all_o the_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o family_n may_v be_v continual_o catechise_v and_o build_v up_o therein_o and_o stranger_n have_v opportunity_n to_o know_v if_o they_o will_v apply_v themselves_o to_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v a_o famous_a city_n set_v on_o a_o hill_n that_o can_v be_v hide_v and_o therefore_o its_o law_n constitution_n manner_n can_v but_o in_o all_o reason_n be_v inquire_v of_o by_o all_o that_o do_v so_o much_o as_o pass_v by_o it_o it_o be_v a_o candlestick_n bear_v the_o lofty_a torch_n of_o divine_a truth_n of_o this_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o affix_v to_o they_o the_o roll_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v a_o eminent_a type_n and_o allude_v to_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o therefore_o from_o a_o prince_n come_v forth_o edict_n proclamation_n manifesto_n and_o declaration_n according_a to_o law_n which_o be_v fasten_v to_o public_a pillar_n of_o the_o court_n itself_o and_o all_o open_a and_o conspicuous_a place_n of_o concourse_n so_o be_v there_o in_o the_o church_n the_o most_o advantageous_a publication_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o word_n to_o all_o both_o the_o native_n and_o freeborn_a of_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o ingenuous_a stranger_n that_o will_v hearken_v out_o the_o most_o reasonable_a proposal_n of_o truth_n or_o who_o god_n be_v please_v to_o naturalize_v to_o himself_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o how_o do_v this_o actuate_v scripture_n answ_n it_o mean_v nothing_o but_o the_o perpetuity_n and_o continuation_n of_o truth_n with_o the_o church_n establish_v itself_o by_o all_o that_o firmness_n of_o divine_a evidence_n and_o reason_n and_o on_o those_o very_a security_n take_v possession_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o ark_n of_o its_o strength_n where_o itself_o or_o the_o god_n that_o be_v truth_n itself_o place_v the_o sole_n of_o his_o foot_n as_o on_o his_o unmovable_a footstool_n for_o ever_o of_o which_o the_o ark_n in_o the_o holâ—est_n be_v a_o type_n the_o footstool_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o mercy_n the_o secure_a repository_n of_o the_o table_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o ark_n of_o testimony_n over_o which_o the_o shecinah_n or_o glory_n appear_v as_o enthrone_v attend_v with_o cherubim_n and_o set_v its_o foot_n upon_o it_o the_o place_n of_o my_o throne_n and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o sole_n of_o my_o foot_n ezek._n 43._o 7._o for_o thus_o the_o true_a church_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v be_v the_o unchangeable_a rest_n of_o truth_n it_o adhere_v to_o truth_n it_o buy_v the_o truth_n and_o never_o sell_v it_o truth_n dwell_v with_o it_o for_o ever_o god_n never_o suffer_v it_o to_o apostatise_v from_o truth_n but_o by_o the_o constant_a hold_v of_o the_o judgement_n and_o retain_v the_o love_n and_o zeal_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o those_o that_o be_v indeed_o his_o church_n he_o have_v settle_v his_o word_n in_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n even_o as_o it_o be_v for_o ever_o settle_v in_o heaven_n the_o church_n therefore_o actuate_v scripture_n by_o find_v out_o reason_n debate_v enforce_v defend_v by_o all_o argument_n that_o truth_n of_o scripture_n and_o so_o persist_v in_o it_o for_o ever_o quest_n can_v then_o the_o church_n fail_v answ_n it_o have_v be_v say_v before_o the_o true_a church_n can_v fail_v for_o the_o true_a church_n be_v as_o have_v be_v describe_v the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o which_o be_v so_o can_v fail_v and_o god_n will_v have_v such_o a_o church_n always_o in_o the_o world_n if_o any_o person_n city_n or_o nation_n that_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o church_n have_v this_o light_n eclipse_v the_o candlestiks_n remove_v for_o it_o be_v only_o a_o candlestick_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o light_n and_o the_o pillar_n itself_o shake_v and_o fall_v if_o the_o record_v fix_v to_o it_o be_v take_v away_o and_o the_o palace_n and_o court_n remove_v with_o the_o prince_n who_o be_v always_o with_o his_o truth_n and_o the_o lively_a motion_n of_o it_o so_o much_o truth_n therefore_o and_o active_a display_v of_o it_o so_o much_o a_o church_n in_o any_o place_n and_o the_o truth_n remove_v or_o lie_v dead_a the_o church_n remove_v also_o or_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v in_o that_o place_n quest_n but_o be_v there_o no_o high_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n answ_n no_o other_o but_o what_o arise_v from_o the_o most_o intimate_a and_o inseparable_a union_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o truth_n truth_n take_v a_o undefailable_a possession_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o wherever_o truth_n in_o that_o fullness_n as_o to_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o happiness_n be_v there_o be_v the_o church_n and_o no_o where_o else_o the_o true_a church_n then_o may_v be_v style_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o high_a sense_n if_o right_o understand_v that_o be_v truth_n itself_o that_o be_v the_o unmovable_a pillar_n and_o everlasting_a foundation_n have_v so_o close_o band_v the_o church_n with_o itself_o that_o it_o be_v one_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n with_o it_o thus_o the_o church_n may_v be_v both_o the_o building_n and_o the_o rock_n and_o foundation_n to_o succeed_a part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o building_n as_o itself_o rest_v upon_o the_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o truth_n else_o it_o can_v be_v the_o church_n the_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o truth_n to_o the_o still_o succeed_a and_o rise_v church_n as_o it_o be_v one_o with_o truth_n itself_o to_o which_o every_o true_a member_n first_o come_v and_o unite_v and_o therein_o to_o the_o church_n even_o as_o every_o degree_n of_o building_n be_v a_o foundation_n and_o support_v to_o the_o still_o grow_a building_n not_o in_o itself_o but_o as_o it_o be_v sure_o cement_v to_o the_o foundation_n regulate_v by_o it_o and_o partake_v its_o strength_n yet_o if_o it_o swerve_v never_o so_o little_a from_o the_o foundation_n it_o be_v present_o a_o deformity_n and_o the_o more_o it_o swerve_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o itself_o and_o all_o that_o rest_v upon_o it_o quest_n may_v not_o this_o help_n to_o explain_v that_o so_o much_o dispute_v expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o preval_fw-fr against_o it_o answ_n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a if_o it_o may_v give_v any_o light_n to_o it_o and_o hope_v it_o may_v for_o the_o apostle_n peter_n make_v that_o confession_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n not_o singular_a but_o represent_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o apostle_n and_o christian_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o and_o by_o that_o truth_n he_o confess_v be_v both_o part_n of_o the_o building_n upon_o that_o rock_n and_o as_o unite_z with_o that_o rock_n he_o become_v rock_n itself_o upon_o which_o succeee_a christian_n be_v to_o be_v build_v the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n foundation_n and_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n twelve_o foundation_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o cornerstone_n in_o who_o alone_o the_o whole_a building_n even_o the_o apostolic_a foundation_n itself_o rise_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n quest_n be_v there_o not_o a_o good_a security_n then_o in_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o church_n to_o those_o that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o building_n before_o we_o answ_n no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o we_o join_v ourselves_o by_o their_o ministry_n to_o that_o foundation_n itself_o which_o always_o lie_v sure_a upon_o which_o they_o themselves_o must_v alone_o rest_v if_o the_o true_a church_n for_o by_o place_v ourselves_o not_o upon_o they_o but_o upon_o that_o common_a foundation_n we_o be_v adjust_v to_o the_o whole_a building_n that_o be_v before_o we_o that_o lie_v regular_a with_o that_o foundation_n by_o the_o care_n of_o he_o who_o be_v both_o the_o foundation_n cornerstone_n and_o be_v also_o he_o that_o build_v all_o thing_n even_o god_n in_o christ_n quest_n we_o must_v then_o seek_v to_o
every_o thing_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n but_o in_o thing_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v if_o conscience_n be_v apprehensive_a of_o danger_n any_o way_n this_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n that_o god_n have_v confer_v upon_o conscience_n as_o his_o immediate_a vicegerent_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o carry_v his_o authority_n by_o always_o present_v it_o in_o his_o word_n and_o command_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v suspend_v his_o action_n wherein_o conscience_n be_v not_o satisfy_v and_o at_o rest_n concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o action_n and_o this_o be_v the_o honour_n which_o those_o that_o be_v above_o either_o in_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o understanding_n gift_n or_o grace_n shall_v bestow_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v below_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o either_o by_o their_o authority_n influence_n or_o example_n scandalize_v the_o little_a one_o or_o the_o weak_a that_o be_v so_o either_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o low_a station_n or_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n that_o be_v draw_v they_o into_o the_o sin_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o which_o conscience_n have_v a_o mistrust_n of_o displease_v god_n in_o so_o do_v in_o regard_n that_o it_o both_o weaken_v and_o disable_v conscience_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o trust_v repose_v in_o it_o for_o the_o carry_v on_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o christian_a course_n its_o authority_n be_v violate_v and_o prostrate_v in_o the_o reverence_n due_a to_o it_o and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o comfort_n it_o ought_v to_o minister_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o that_o course_n for_o by_o this_o sort_n of_o scandal_n the_o apostle_n witness_n the_o weak_a christian_a fall_v into_o sin_n his_o conscience_n be_v defile_v be_v wound_v be_v grieve_v be_v make_v weak_a all_o the_o mischief_n of_o which_o the_o value_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v not_o such_o as_o that_o it_o can_v answer_v and_o make_v recompense_n for_o and_o so_o to_o sin_v thus_o against_o the_o weak_a be_v to_o destroy_v they_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v and_o therefore_o to_o sin_v against_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o those_o weighty_a discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n against_o scandal_n mark_v 18._o and_o of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 4._o and_o 1_o cor._n c._n 8._o and_o cap._n 10._o which_v be_v compare_v give_v great_a light_a one_o to_o another_o quest_n but_o it_o seem_v that_o a_o conscience_n only_o in_o doubt_n may_v be_v settle_v by_o the_o advice_n example_n and_o authority_n of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o elder_n or_o eminent_a member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o doubt_n suppose_v the_o conscience_n incline_v neither_o this_o way_n nor_o that_o way_n in_o itself_o but_o stand_v between_o both_o or_o sometime_o move_v to_o one_o side_n and_o then_o to_o the_o other_o the_o come_n in_o of_o those_o consideration_n take_v from_o the_o example_n and_o authority_n forename_a shall_v give_v a_o over-weight_n to_o that_o side_n on_o which_o they_o fall_v answ_n yet_o on_o purpose_n to_o show_v the_o great_a dignity_n of_o conscience_n and_o its_o government_n without_o which_o approve_v and_o direct_v according_o even_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n want_v the_o just_a compliment_n of_o a_o good_a action_n and_o also_o to_o show_v of_o how_o little_a moment_n in_o christianity_n all_o thing_n be_v not_o under_o a_o divine_a sanction_n the_o whole_a weight_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n be_v hang_v upon_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n a_o conscience_n in_o doubt_n concern_v thing_n indifferent_a when_o urge_v either_o way_n quest_n but_o be_v not_o all_o sinew_n of_o government_n hereby_o cut_v and_o dissolve_v even_o of_o civil_a government_n for_o conscience_n may_v be_v in_o relation_n to_o such_o command_v dissatisfy_v answ_n as_o scripture_n every_o where_o suppose_v the_o whole_a government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o be_v confine_v within_o the_o monarchy_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o nothing_o to_o be_v impose_v or_o forbid_v but_o according_a to_o that_o so_o it_o do_v every_o where_o disinterest_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_v or_o intermeddle_v in_o civil_a government_n or_o thing_n pertain_v to_o it_o it_o suppose_v civil_a power_n will_v oblige_v to_o and_o determine_v indifferency_n in_o civil_a thing_n this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n as_o they_o please_v and_o therein_o exercise_v a_o lordship_n but_o christ_n have_v declare_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o his_o disciple_n do_v yet_o command_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n all_o obedience_n to_o these_o principality_n and_o power_n even_o thus_o command_v if_o not_o against_o god_n command_n direct_o so_o that_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n the_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v only_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o its_o rule_n and_o duty_n but_o can_v have_v no_o more_o relief_n against_o obedience_n to_o civil_a command_n than_o it_o have_v against_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v mistake_v about_o those_o command_n for_o such_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n quest_n there_o appear_v so_o near_o a_o assinity_n in_o the_o command_v concern_v indifferent_a thing_n of_o those_o that_o have_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o command_v of_o those_o that_o have_v civil_a rule_n that_o the_o one_o may_v be_v a_o measure_n for_o the_o other_o or_o wherein_o be_v the_o difference_n especial_o when_o they_o join_v in_o one_o in_o their_o command_n concern_v these_o indifferoncy_n answ_n the_o command_v of_o civil_a authority_n concern_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n deserve_v a_o particular_a consideration_n for_o which_o a_o proper_a place_n shall_v be_v reserve_v but_o that_o the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o political_a regiment_n that_o shall_v set_v up_o for_o itself_o as_o one_o of_o the_o polity_n of_o this_o world_n by_o canon_n and_o constitution_n of_o its_o own_o not_o found_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o introduce_v on_o other_o pretence_n and_o that_o if_o christian_n do_v not_o submit_v to_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v account_v schismatic_n and_o excommunicate_v as_o heathen_n if_o they_o do_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n that_o be_v thâ—_n ruler_n of_o the_o church_n thus_o ordain_v in_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o all_o this_o by_o the_o charter_n of_o the_o key_n or_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v or_o loose_v be_v as_o gross_a a_o forgery_n as_o popery_n have_v any_o in_o this_o point_n indeed_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o whole_a church_n shall_v by_o proper_a way_n and_o mean_n find_v out_o by_o christ_n be_v model_v into_o one_o universal_a uniformity_n of_o government_n and_o ceremony_n see_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v but_o one_o and_o that_o the_o roman_a suppose_v it_o have_v not_o so_o gross_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n may_v soon_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o it_o and_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n the_o head_n of_o the_o unity_n than_o any_o other_o it_o be_v the_o first_o imperial_a city_n that_o be_v famous_a for_o christianity_n but_o how_o little_a uniformity_n be_v to_o christ_n or_o his_o kingdom_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v not_o interpose_v at_o all_o but_o leave_v christian_n free_a and_o intend_v they_o shall_v be_v free_a appear_v in_o the_o ununiform_a unity_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o evangelist_n concern_v his_o life_n doctrine_n death_n and_o resurrection_n to_o suppose_v therefore_o the_o church_n to_o be_v in_o this_o manner_n uniformed_a by_o the_o prudence_n of_o its_o governor_n be_v to_o turn_v it_o so_o far_o into_o a_o civil_a state_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o it_o into_o lay-elders_a cap._n xiii_o of_o the_o antichurch_n and_o its_o opposition_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o the_o true_a church_n quest_n be_v there_o not_o a_o antichurch_n or_o antichristian-church_n that_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o true-church_n answ_n there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v so_o for_o many_o age_n and_o that_o have_v take_v upon_o it_o in_o the_o most_o public_a way_n to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n quest_n with_o what_o advantage_n have_v it_o be_v arm_v thus_o to_o take_v upon_o itself_o at_o all_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n answ_n it_o have_v rise_v out_o of_o the_o true_a ancient_a apostolic_a church_n that_o receive_v the_o true_a christianity_n from_o the_o apostle_n at_o rome_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o which_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n witness_n rom._n 1._o 8._o be_v speak_v of_o throughout_o the_o world_n it_o have_v retain_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n the_o write_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o apostolical_a man_n and_o so_o have_v continue_v
fanciful_a distinction_n of_o themselves_o under_o christ_n as_o a_o ordinary_a chief_a of_o a_o party_n and_o not_o as_o the_o divine_a head_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n in_o the_o catholic_n truth_n even_o as_o he_o err_v that_o vulgar_o call_v christ_n good_a not_o know_v he_o to_o be_v god_n the_o supreme_o solely_n good_n quest_n be_v they_o all_o true_a convert_v that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n answ_n all_o that_o be_v indeed_o the_o church_n be_v so_o but_o all_o that_o may_v appertain_v to_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o as_o all_o that_o be_v of_o israel_n be_v not_o israel_n there_o be_v a_o visible_a profession_n that_o be_v too_o often_o not_o sincere_a yet_o this_o make_v man_n of_o or_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n but_o not_o true_o the_o church_n many_o be_v so_o call_v that_o be_v not_o choose_v but_o all_o that_o be_v true_o the_o church_n be_v also_o true_o call_v and_o true_o convert_v not_o only_o outward_o and_o visible_o the_o church_n but_o inward_o and_o 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a_o often_o eat_v or_o brouse_v it_o off_o a_o retrench_a of_o it_o again_o and_o again_o it_o shall_v cast_v the_o leave_v of_o its_o mere_a professor_n as_o the_o teyle-tree_n or_o oak_n when_o yet_o their_o substance_n be_v in_o they_o the_o holy_a seed_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o isa_n 6._o ult_n not_o lose_v they_o it_o lose_v nothing_o quest_n in_o what_o sense_n be_v it_o then_o say_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n answ_n it_o be_v undoubted_a none_o can_v fail_v while_o they_o be_v the_o church_n while_o unite_v to_o truth_n to_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n to_o christ_n the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n it_o be_v also_o certain_a from_o this_o high_a declaration_n there_o always_o shall_v be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n so_o unite_v hades_n or_o mortality_n shall_v not_o prevail_v over_o it_o and_o how_o much_o far_o it_o assure_v the_o perseverance_n of_o those_o that_o be_v once_o true_o the_o church_n i_o 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of_o truth_n and_o have_v more_o of_o the_o church_n in_o he_o than_o great_a seem_a portion_n of_o it_o that_o err_v from_o the_o truth_n quest_n if_o you_o please_v now_o to_o proceed_v in_o the_o explanation_n of_o these_o title_n and_o first_o what_o be_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n for_o the_o actuate_a the_o scripture_n answ_n god_n the_o most_o high_a possessor_n and_o owner_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n place_n his_o court_n family_n and_o particular_a residence_n where_o he_o please_v and_o he_o have_v choose_v the_o church_n to_o be_v this_o to_o he_o this_o be_v my_o rest_n here_o will_v i_o dwell_v for_o ever_o for_o i_o have_v desire_v it_o heaven_n be_v my_o throne_n earth_n be_v my_o footstool_n where_o be_v the_o house_n you_o will_v build_v i_o to_o this_o man_n will_v i_o look_v that_o tremble_v at_o my_o word_n and_o where_o god_n dwell_v there_o he_o manifest_v himself_o as_o a_o master_n of_o a_o family_n make_v know_v in_o his_o house_n and_o family_n his_o nature_n will_n law_n and_o government_n so_o god_n do_v in_o his_o church_n in_o judah_n be_v god_n know_v his_o name_n be_v great_a in_o israel_n in_o his_o church_n he_o show_v the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n expect_v and_o reward_n service_n as_o a_o great_a master_n and_o make_v know_v his_o dislike_n and_o displeasure_n this_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o church_n by_o those_o many_o way_n that_o god_n have_v of_o bring_v his_o word_n to_o any_o place_n or_o person_n give_v it_o reception_n among_o they_o and_o then_o stir_v up_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o hear_v his_o voice_n to_o search_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o to_o understand_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v as_o a_o voice_n continual_o behind_o they_o in_o his_o temple_n therefore_o in_o his_o house_n every_o one_o must_v needs_o speak_v of_o his_o glory_n his_o word_n can_v lie_v still_o for_o all_o be_v concern_v to_o meditate_v ponder_v inquire_v and_o 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part_n be_v whole_o transfer_v into_o spirituality_n but_o spirituality_n be_v not_o low_o but_o high_a in_o the_o substance_n of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v figure_v by_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o that_o state_n the_o communication_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v much_o exalt_v in_o the_o true_a christian_a church_n that_o the_o light_n of_o one_o day_n be_v now_o as_o much_o as_o the_o light_n of_o seven_o be_v before_o thus_o the_o church_n as_o the_o family_n of_o god_n can_v but_o actuate_v his_o word_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n do_v the_o church_n support_v truth_n answ_n not_o so_o for_o itself_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o
they_o captive_a with_o the_o rest_n though_o in_o different_a basket_n as_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n represent_v quest_n how_o do_v they_o survive_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o displace_v and_o deject_a candlestick_n answ_n they_o be_v either_o call_v out_o to_o a_o zealous_a appearance_n and_o suffer_v for_o truth_n or_o sometime_o retire_v into_o corner_n like_o the_o seven_o thousand_o in_o israel_n or_o the_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o they_o can_v appear_v like_o a_o church_n offer_v those_o public_a notice_n of_o divine_a truth_n a_o church_n be_v design_v for_o quest_n how_o be_v a_o visible_a profession_n lose_v from_o particular_a person_n answ_n it_o be_v too_o often_o throw_v up_o by_o apostasy_n or_o profaneness_n or_o dwindle_v into_o a_o very_a spiritless_a form_n but_o very_o often_o a_o profession_n without_o the_o power_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o work_n of_o iniquity_n it_o may_v pass_v out_o of_o this_o world_n like_o a_o lamp_n burn_v but_o be_v find_v to_o burn_v only_o in_o a_o small_a temporary_a light_n without_o oil_n in_o the_o vessel_n a_o plenitude_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n shut_v out_o every_o lust_n it_o become_v a_o lamp_n put_v out_o in_o utter_a darkness_n quest_n what_o be_v to_o be_v infer_v from_o all_o this_o answ_n that_o there_o be_v no_o trust_n but_o in_o the_o lord_n himself_o the_o truth_n itself_o by_o which_o at_o all_o time_n the_o church_n that_o be_v indeed_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o wherein_o it_o be_v so_o will_v be_v know_v to_o we_o and_o in_o unite_n to_o truth_n we_o be_v unite_v to_o that_o quest_n there_o remain_v one_o thing_n yet_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v its_o power_n of_o govern_v even_o as_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n under_o what_o notion_n i_o beseech_v you_o be_v that_o government_n express_v in_o scripture_n answ_n that_o power_n be_v by_o our_o saviour_n represent_v under_o the_o mataphor_n of_o key_n and_o the_o use_v of_o those_o key_n in_o open_v and_o shut_v or_o in_o bind_v and_o lose_v quest_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n hereof_o answ_n the_o meaning_n be_v plain_o this_o when_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v by_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n inquire_v into_o all_o the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o word_n of_o god_n it_o have_v in_o and_o according_a to_o that_o word_n and_o only_o so_o a_o power_n of_o application_n of_o that_o doctrine_n to_o particular_a case_n bind_v man_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o gild_n and_o fear_v of_o damnation_n in_o such_o or_o such_o sin_n and_o a_o impenitent_a continuance_n in_o they_o or_o of_o absolve_v and_o assure_v man_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o acceptance_n in_o a_o holy_a course_n of_o life_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o of_o pardon_n upon_o repentance_n after_o fall_n into_o sin_n and_o disobedience_n and_o so_o of_o declare_v and_o pronounce_v upon_o man_n as_o to_o their_o present_a state_n in_o the_o church_n by_o excommunication_n or_o absolution_n all_o these_o be_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o loose_v according_a to_o what_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o parallel_a word_n who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v mean_v still_o according_a to_o his_o word_n the_o polestar_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o direct_v all_o their_o motion_n who_o claim_v any_o such_o power_n for_o only_o where_o it_o be_v declare_v according_a to_o the_o word_n be_v it_o that_o what_o be_v bind_v on_o earth_n be_v also_o bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o what_o be_v loose_v on_o earth_n be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n there_o be_v a_o invariable_a agreement_n between_o what_o be_v publish_v from_o heaven_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o state_n and_o action_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n and_o the_o transaction_n in_o heaven_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o he_o than_o that_o pronounce_v agreeable_o with_o that_o word_n pronounce_v as_o heaven_n do_v and_o will_v pronounce_v heaven_n bind_v what_o he_o bind_v and_o lose_v what_o he_o lose_v because_o he_o speak_v the_o voice_n of_o heaven_n in_o both_o case_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o bind_v or_o loose_v except_o in_o the_o power_n of_o this_o word_n and_o according_a to_o it_o in_o its_o virtue_n in_o its_o truth_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o end_n to_o the_o glory_n to_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o christ_n to_o bind_v any_o single_a christian_a by_o excommunication_n and_o not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n be_v as_o much_o a_o brutum_fw-la fulmen_fw-la a_o thunder_n to_o no_o purpose_n a_o causeless_a curse_n that_o shall_v not_o come_v as_o for_o the_o pope_n to_o excommunicate_v whole_a protestant_a church_n quest_n what_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n answ_n it_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n in_o a_o neighbourhood_n or_o number_n of_o christian_n communicate_v one_o with_o another_o ordinary_o even_o as_o the_o whole_a cotholick_a church_n will_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a communicate_v with_o itself_o in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n exact_o according_a the_o to_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n wherein_o this_o be_v the_o distinguish_a character_n of_o the_o true_a church_n that_o its_o communion_n be_v not_o with_o itself_o primary_o but_o its_o communion_n be_v so_o with_o itself_o as_o to_o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n principal_o as_o the_o fountainhead_n centre_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o communion_n and_o therein_o it_o hold_v out_o and_o invite_v to_o its_o communion_n cap._n x._o of_o the_o officer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n quest_n can_v there_o be_v either_o a_o orderly_a or_o a_o effectual_a actuation_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o church_n as_o a_o congregation_n without_o distinct_a and_o separate_a office_n and_o officer_n that_o may_v attend_v continual_o on_o this_o very_a thing_n answ_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o assembly_n without_o order_n will_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o assembly_n and_o fall_v into_o a_o confusion_n or_o rude_a multitude_n all_o wise_a and_o prudent_a assembly_n have_v always_o have_v elder_n to_o preside_v over_o they_o and_o our_o lord_n have_v ordain_v such_o to_o moderate_v throughout_o his_o congregation_n or_o church_n to_o conduct_v all_o the_o public_a service_n of_o religion_n for_o all_o thing_n therein_o be_v actual_o administer_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n the_o noble_a organical_a part_n of_o the_o church_n like_o those_o sense_n that_o attend_v upon_o the_o understanding_n most_o immediate_o see_v eye_n and_o hear_v ear_n so_o these_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v most_o fit_v engage_v and_o provoke_v hereunto_o they_o be_v even_o according_a to_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n separate_v to_o their_o office_n and_o unto_o all_o preparation_n for_o they_o 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particular_a office_n of_o life_n public_a of_o magistrate_n subject_n or_o private_a as_o of_o parent_n child_n husband_n wife_n master_n or_o servant_n the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n be_v treasure_v up_o in_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n or_o last_o whether_o it_o look_v to_o a_o man_n be_v own_o person_n in_o soberness_n purity_n continency_n in_o the_o thought_n the_o word_n the_o action_n the_o honour_n and_o best_a state_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o body_n be_v provide_v for_o by_o this_o doctrine_n that_o be_v after_o godliness_n not_o only_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v but_o in_o this_o life_n whatever_o now_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o these_o wholesome_a word_n be_v detect_v not_o to_o be_v christian_a which_o be_v all_o truth_n virtue_n and_o praise_n 2._o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o intimate_a to_o man_n in_o this_o fall_a state_n than_o the_o sense_n of_o gild_n and_o knowledge_n that_o he_o be_v a_o
the_o cow_n and_o the_o bear_n shall_v feed_v their_o young_a one_o shall_v lie_v down_o together_o and_o the_o lion_n shall_v eat_v straw_n like_o the_o ox_n and_o the_o suck_a child_n shall_v play_v on_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o asp_z and_o the_o wean_a child_n shall_v put_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o cockatrice_n den_fw-mi they_o shall_v not_o hurt_v nor_o destroy_v in_o all_o my_o holy_a mountain_n for_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o water_n cover_v the_o sea_n this_o context_n be_v a_o high_a and_o eloquent_a declaration_n of_o the_o excellent_a peaceable_a and_o benign_a temper_n that_o christianity_n introduce_v into_o the_o world_n under_o the_o emblem_n of_o a_o general_a pacification_n between_o the_o mighty_a and_o the_o weak_a the_o arm_a and_o unarm_v the_o noxious_a and_o innocent_a the_o oppressive_a and_o oppress_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o whether_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o description_n rise_v out_o of_o the_o rule_n and_o principle_n who_o natural_a and_o genuine_a effect_n where_o ever_o they_o take_v will_v be_v such_o as_o be_v here_o draw_v out_o or_o whether_o it_o be_v also_o a_o prophecy_n of_o what_o shall_v in_o some_o time_n at_o least_o come_v universal_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o noble_a experiment_n of_o true_a christianity_n in_o the_o world_n as_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v there_o shall_v and_o so_o whether_o the_o effect_n shall_v be_v throughout_o to_o conversion_n and_o the_o true_o christian_a change_n or_o whether_o it_o shall_v only_o smooth_a and_o polish_v many_o man_n who_o have_v not_o the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n within_o but_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a in_o such_o a_o land_n of_o light_a to_o deal_v 10._o isa_n 26._o 10._o perverse_o and_o not_o to_o behold_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o transcendent_a goodness_n and_o grace_n he_o appear_v in_o both_o in_o the_o command_v and_o great_a exemplar_n of_o yet_o so_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o multitude_n of_o sincere_a convert_v to_o that_o state_n however_o we_o expound_v either_o of_o these_o they_o be_v both_o alike_o to_o the_o discourse_n intend_v it_o be_v undoubted_a that_o christanity_n always_o lay_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n give_v the_o command_n and_o urge_v the_o precept_n inspire_v the_o temper_n here_o describe_v and_o do_v most_o effective_o in_o all_o time_n upon_o many_o though_o few_o comparative_o and_o in_o all_o reasonable_a hope_n shall_v upon_o the_o generality_n in_o some_o time_n so_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n that_o all_o that_o belluine_n ferocious_a and_o savage_a temper_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v put_v off_o and_o proscribe_v the_o world_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v either_o true_o change_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o universal_o so_o far_o convince_v by_o high_a consideration_n and_o over_o come_v light_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v cover_v the_o earth_n as_o water_n do_v the_o sea_n that_o at_o least_o they_o will_v not_o discover_v that_o leonine_n and_o wolvish_a temper_n that_o cruelty_n and_o venom_n so_o natural_a to_o man_n heart_n in_o this_o sinful_a and_o degenerate_a state_n and_o this_o extend_v not_o only_o to_o the_o supersede_v the_o cruelty_n of_o action_n oppression_n spoil_v of_o good_n imprisonment_n massacre_n martyrdom_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o torture_n but_o to_o the_o take_v away_o that_o poison_n of_o asp_n that_o be_v in_o man_n lip_n the_o lion-like_a tooth_n of_o slander_n and_o invective_n the_o sword_n and_o knife_n of_o cruel_a mock_n and_o revile_n man_n offer_v one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o management_n of_o religious_a controversy_n for_o these_o thing_n the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v understand_v with_o respect_n to_o religion_n as_o man_n be_v upon_o their_o hatred_n to_o true_a religion_n or_o the_o mutual_a difference_n in_o it_o become_v lion_n leopard_n and_o tiger_n in_o their_o execution_n cockatrice_n asp_n and_o scorpion_n in_o their_o bitter_a word_n and_o anathema_n all_o which_o according_a to_o the_o influence_n of_o christianity_n upon_o man_n mind_n declare_v in_o this_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o world_n except_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n alone_o which_o will_v be_v cause_n of_o man_n eternal_a damnation_n at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n if_o the_o infliction_n be_v spiritual_a or_o such_o iniquity_n as_o god_n have_v indeed_o command_v to_o be_v punish_v by_o a_o judge_n in_o this_o world_n if_o the_o sentence_n be_v temporal_a of_o such_o a_o change_n as_o be_v here_o set_v out_o the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v a_o great_a and_o remarkable_a instance_n who_o conversion_n as_o it_o have_v be_v think_v a_o prophetic_a pattern_n of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o it_o may_v be_v as_o well_o think_v of_o this_o happy_a transmutation_n of_o the_o world_n most_o probable_o concurrent_a with_o it_o if_o either_o be_v universal_a as_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_v for_o he_o be_v take_v in_o the_o very_a manner_n of_o a_o fierce_a and_o wild_a beast_n breathe_v out_o threaten_n and_o slaughter_n against_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o immediate_o 1._o act_n 9_o 1._o turn_v into_o a_o meek_a merciful_a tender_a and_o compassionate_a lamb_n over_o who_o at_o his_o conversion_n there_o shine_v a_o light_n round_o about_o he_o in_o resemblance_n of_o this_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o shall_v cover_v the_o earth_n at_o the_o brightness_n of_o which_o they_o that_o journey_v with_o he_o stand_v speechless_a which_o may_v allegorise_v the_o make_n tame_a even_o those_o in_o such_o a_o day_n of_o divine_a appearance_n that_o be_v no_o true_a convert_v now_o this_o apostle_n as_o we_o know_v ever_o after_o breathe_v nothing_o but_o the_o love_n meekness_n and_o gentleness_n of_o christ_n in_o himself_o and_o offer_v in_o all_o his_o writing_n to_o inspire_v it_o into_o other_o as_o we_o shall_v have_v abundant_a occasion_n in_o the_o progress_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o observe_v severe_a in_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v irreconcilable_a with_o this_o excellent_a christian_a spirit_n object_n before_o i_o pass_v on_o i_o shall_v only_o remove_v one_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v a_o very_a great_a one_o viz._n that_o our_o saviour_n say_v by_o way_n of_o surprise_n upon_o any_o such_o expectation_n suppose_v you_o that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o send_v or_o give_v peace_n on_o the_o earth_n think_v not_o so_o i_o come_v not_o to_o send_v peace_n on_o the_o earth_n i_o etc._n mat_n 10._o 3_o 4._o etc._n etc._n luke_n 12._o 51._o etc._n etc._n tell_v you_o nay_o but_o rather_o division_n and_o a_o sword_n and_o a_o fire_n for_o i_o be_o come_v to_o set_v a_o man_n at_o variance_n etc._n etc._n and_o from_o henceforth_o there_o shall_v be_v five_o in_o one_o house_n divide_v three_o against_o two_o and_o two_o against_o three_o etc._n etc._n answ_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v our_o saviour_n in_o this_o place_n speak_v neither_o his_o own_o intention_n and_o design_n nor_o the_o proper_a tendency_n and_o rational_a effect_n of_o his_o doctrine_n for_o in_o that_o sense_n he_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n attempt_v to_o imitate_v the_o fiery_a zealot_n spirit_n you_o know_v not_o what_o spirit_n you_o be_v of_o for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o in_o a_o chariot_n of_o fire_n to_o destroy_v all_o that_o will_v not_o be_v of_o his_o religion_n for_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o luk._n 9_o 55_o 56._o in_o this_o place_n therefore_o he_o only_o signify_v what_o will_v arise_v through_o the_o great_a corruption_n of_o man_n who_o lust_n and_o passion_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o swell_v and_o rage_v at_o so_o excellent_a a_o doctrine_n so_o destructive_a to_o sin_n and_o to_o all_o false_a religion_n defend_v by_o long_a possession_n and_o ancient_a tradition_n and_o compose_v for_o the_o patronage_n of_o man_n lust_n hence_o man_n will_v be_v implacable_o set_v against_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v be_v divide_v with_o extreme_a hate_n from_o those_o that_o espouse_v it_o as_o their_o chief_a interest_n and_o happiness_n and_o not_o be_v draw_v to_o apostatise_v from_o it_o though_o it_o gather_v upon_o they_o the_o spite_n and_o rabid_v inclination_n of_o the_o world_n in_o general_n and_o of_o their_o near_a relation_n in_o particular_a indeed_o the_o profane_a and_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n be_v wont_a to_o cry_v out_o against_o religion_n on_o such_o occasion_n as_o if_o it_o wrought_v all_o the_o mischief_n in_o such_o case_n when_o it_o be_v their_o own_o wickedness_n that_o trouble_v thing_n as_o solomon_n say_v the_o foolishness_n of_o man_n pervert_v his_o way_n and_o then_o his_o heart_n
and_o condescension_n to_o those_o that_o think_v disser_o from_o he_o i_o come_v therefore_o now_o to_o the_o main_a of_o the_o discourse_n and_o to_o make_v good_a that_o the_o nature_n constitution_n and_o rule_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v most_o exact_o prepare_v to_o ingenerate_v promote_v and_o establish_v love_n peace_n and_o quietness_n among_o man_n even_o universal_a and_o ecumenical_a peace_n but_o especial_o among_o christian_n and_o that_o by_o the_o most_o compendious_a authority_n viz._n the_o word_n that_o be_v nigh_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n and_o true_a and_o undoubted_a reason_n without_o go_v up_o into_o heaven_n or_o down_o into_o the_o deep_a or_o send_v beyond_o the_o sea_n or_o turn_v over_o voluminous_a write_n of_o ancient_n church-history_n tradition_n which_o perplex_a thing_n with_o endless_a intricacy_n for_o before_o any_o one_o can_v with_o due_a rational_a satisfaction_n receive_v they_o he_o must_v for_o himself_o search_v they_o and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v compare_n and_o be_v able_a by_o sagacity_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o writer_n and_o distinguish_v what_o be_v sincere_a from_o thing_n spurious_a and_o counterfeit_a but_o suppose_v a_o man_n well_o satisfy_v herein_o yet_o still_o how_o various_a be_v interpretation_n and_o what_o contrary_a sense_n do_v the_o same_o period_n yield_v to_o several_a reader_n and_o when_o all_o be_v agree_v that_o can_v be_v agree_v it_o be_v incertain_a except_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o high_a test_n wherein_o the_o peccancy_n and_o lubricity_n the_o oversight_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n have_v have_v place_n or_o what_o have_v be_v conduct_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o true_a wisdom_n according_a to_o the_o pure_a and_o chaste_a law_n of_o christianity_n so_o that_o though_o all_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n read_v and_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o record_n of_o elder_a time_n be_v most_o valuable_a and_o to_o be_v desire_v in_o its_o due_a place_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o ascertain_v our_o mind_n in_o what_o concern_v we_o not_o only_o to_o everlasting_a happiness_n but_o to_o present_a peace_n god_n have_v provide_v better_a for_o we_o and_o within_o a_o near_a compass_n wherein_o our_o search_n can_v be_v too_o curious_a or_o industrious_a but_o within_o lesser_a room_n for_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o accurate_a search_n as_o be_v due_a to_o the_o scripture_n which_o in_o short_a give_v we_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o life_n and_o godliness_n in_o present_a will_v be_v more_o than_o the_o most_o of_o mankind_n have_v either_o leisure_n patience_n or_o skill_n for_o if_o extend_v upon_o the_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n so_o various_o insist_v upon_o for_o the_o find_v out_o what_o man_n very_o often_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o find_v out_o in_o they_o rather_o than_o fair_o to_o take_v what_o be_v offer_v by_o they_o but_o the_o thing_n i_o shall_v present_v as_o christian_a foundation_n of_o universal_a peace_n and_o benignity_n and_o most_o especial_o among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christianity_n be_v such_o as_o be_v plain_o find_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o attest_v by_o sound_a reason_n 1._o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o universal_a peace_n and_o love_n and_o beneficence_n in_o religion_n give_v we_o by_o christianity_n be_v the_o universal_a consent_n unity_n and_o even_o uniformity_n in_o natural_a religion_n throughout_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n if_o they_o will_v show_v themselves_o man_n and_o act_n as_o man_n every_o where_o presume_v upon_o and_o appeal_v to_o in_o the_o gospel_n under_o this_o head_n i_o will_v endeavour_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o to_o take_v a_o brief_a view_n of_o natural_a religion_n observe_v the_o intimate_a union_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o it_o as_o scripture_n bring_v it_o to_o light_v at_o its_o full_a lustre_n and_o present_v it_o at_o its_o full_a dimension_n 2._o to_o show_v the_o great_a agreeableness_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o natural_a and_o the_o testimony_n christianity_n receive_v from_o it_o in_o what_o it_o reveal_v above_o and_o beyond_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o reason_n we_o have_v for_o our_o acceptance_n of_o it_o thereupon_o 3._o to_o observe_v the_o ground_n of_o universal_a peace_n and_o quietness_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o its_o consent_n in_o natural_a religion_n offer_v to_o we_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o that_o there_o be_v such_o ground_n herein_o i_o shall_v show_v christianity_n suppose_v and_o that_o it_o strong_o intimate_v they_o be_v the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o such_o a_o peace_n and_o quietness_n to_o mankind_n in_o general_n before_o i_o enter_v upon_o these_o i_o must_v premise_v 1._o that_o natural_a religion_n in_o many_o thing_n do_v not_o at_o first_o and_o immediate_o appear_v to_o we_o but_o upon_o strong_a and_o sedate_v motion_n think_v reason_v meditate_v as_o we_o recover_v natural_a science_n by_o study_n and_o labour_n in_o many_o point_n of_o knowledge_n which_o yet_o be_v find_v be_v most_o plain_a and_o evident_a 2._o there_o may_v be_v strong_a prejudice_n against_o some_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o yet_o no_o more_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o than_o that_o in_o former_a time_n there_o be_v a_o general_a confident_a disbelief_n of_o the_o antipode_n be_v a_o disproof_n of_o they_o in_o which_o case_n yet_o truth_n will_v by_o degree_n prevail_v to_o victory_n 3._o it_o be_v certain_a the_o true_a and_o lively_a character_n of_o this_o religion_n be_v so_o deface_v and_o blot_v by_o the_o fall_n that_o they_o can_v be_v perfect_o recover_v but_o by_o revelation_n many_o truth_n clear_a enough_o in_o themselves_o concern_v god_n his_o worship_n the_o intercourse_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n with_o he_o and_o in_o relation_n to_o their_o eternal_a condition_n yea_o and_o in_o plain_a thing_n than_o these_o viz._n concern_v true_a righteousness_n mercy_n humility_n soberness_n patience_n be_v not_o see_v but_o in_o their_o dark_a rudiment_n till_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n but_o when_o they_o be_v so_o reveal_v they_o so_o notable_o fall_v in_o and_o unite_v with_o the_o remain_v of_o natural_a religion_n preserve_v in_o we_o that_o they_o assure_v the_o same_o original_a writing_n of_o all_o both_o what_o we_o find_v more_o immediate_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o their_o own_o light_n and_o what_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o so_o that_o natural_a religion_n be_v not_o where_o find_v in_o that_o brightness_n as_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o revelation_n be_v supernatural_a be_v a_o orb_n above_o natural_a yet_o so_o large_a that_o it_o comprehend_v this_o low_a and_o less_o the_o noticeâ—_n of_o natural_a religion_n by_o man_n apostasy_n retire_v as_o plant_n into_o the_o earth_n in_o winter_n divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o sun_n return_v at_o the_o spring_n 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nothing_o over_o or_o above_o the_o measure_n of_o a_o steward_n and_o he_o that_o have_v least_o shall_v have_v nothing_o under_o that_o measure_n if_o he_o be_v find_v faithful_a so_o the_o congregation_n have_v the_o equal_a glory_n of_o be_v of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o church_n to_o be_v little_a representation_n of_o and_o embody_v with_o his_o own_a catholic_n church_n in_o the_o grand_a union_n of_o all_o christian_n with_o the_o head_n here_o then_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o christian_a peace_n and_o union_n in_o church_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o nature_n and_o much_o confirm_v and_o exalt_v by_o christianity_n that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n shall_v be_v make_v as_o public_a and_o universal_a as_o may_v be_v go_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o baptise_v all_o nation_n be_v the_o very_a commission_n christ_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o first_o ambassador_n and_o be_v continue_v to_o all_o his_o minister_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n not_o of_o 19_o mat._n 26._o 19_o the_o world_n of_o that_o age_n only_o but_o to_o that_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v till_o his_o second_o come_v until_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o presence_n the_o great_a congregation_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a receptacle_n of_o divine_a truth_n the_o state_n of_o religion_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v rare_o speak_v of_o especial_o when_o declare_v etc._n psal_n 100_o 1._o 117._o 16._o 1_o etc._n etc._n in_o its_o magnificence_n with_o a_o less_o public_a character_n than_o all_o people_n all_o nation_n all_o land_n the_o round_a world_n in_o its_o whole_a circle_n from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o go_v down_o of_o the_o same_o all_z the_o earth_n true_a religion_n aspire_v to_o it_o even_o under_o the_o narrow_a dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o in_o this_o very_a sense_n it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o his_o time_n the_o whole_a creation_n groan_v and_o travel_v in_o pain_n until_o etc._n rom._n 8._o 19_o etc._n etc._n now_o and_o the_o earnest_a expectation_n of_o it_o wait_v for_o the_o adoption_n the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v gather_v together_o under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n nor_o will_v some_o of_o every_o nation_n satisfy_v the_o full_a intention_n of_o this_o magnificence_n but_o that_o nation_n as_o nation_n embody_v and_o kingdom_n as_o kingdom_n shall_v become_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o christ_n be_v the_o plenary_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n when_o even_o as_o of_o israel_n a_o indisputable_o national_a church_n god_n shall_v say_v of_o heathen_a nation_n as_o of_o egypt_n and_o assyria_n know_v to_o israel_n so_o well_o and_o know_v so_o well_o as_o rank_o heathen_a and_o therefore_o choose_v as_o representative_n of_o the_o whole_a heathen_a world_n yet_o of_o these_o god_n shall_v say_v bless_a be_v egypt_n my_o people_n and_o assyria_n the_o work_n of_o my_o hand_n and_o israel_n ult_n isa_n 19_o ult_n my_o inheritance_n for_o in_o that_o day_n israel_n shall_v be_v but_o a_o three_o with_o egypt_n and_o assyria_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o highway_n through_o they_o all_o and_o they_o shall_v serve_v together_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o free_a passage_n of_o truth_n through_o all_o a_o high_a way_n of_o the_o gospel_n throughout_o and_o a_o union_n of_o worship_n so_o then_o if_o we_o find_v so_o much_o for_o a_o national_a religion_n in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o grasp_v more_o than_o those_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o then_o matter_n of_o fact_n only_o if_o our_o saviour_n commission_n for_o make_v disciple_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n extend_v to_o all_o nation_n if_o the_o prophetic_a book_n of_o the_o new_a
public_a too_o as_o it_o may_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n towards_o the_o people_n and_o of_o they_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v so_o over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n which_o consist_v in_o watchng_v for_o their_o soul_n as_o those_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o they_o and_o those_o soul_n therefore_o yield_v obedience_n to_o those_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o administer_a of_o which_o be_v style_v a_o ruling_n all_o these_o require_v a_o particular_a presence_n one_o with_o another_o and_o in_o such_o a_o proportion_n of_o number_n one_o to_o another_o that_o the_o principal_a duty_n may_v not_o be_v defeat_v by_o the_o over-number_n but_o that_o the_o service_n of_o all_o one_o to_o another_o may_v extend_v to_o all_o may_v comprehend_v all_o may_v continual_o pass_v and_o re-pass_a between_o all_o and_o in_o which_o all_o may_v continual_o demonstrate_v their_o consent_n and_o agreement_n but_o yet_o all_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v in_o bar_n of_o a_o national_a religion_n see_v that_o a_o nation_n as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v have_v and_o undeniable_o must_v have_v a_o national_a union_n and_o if_o true_a religion_n be_v fix_v there_o and_o carry_v along_o with_o that_o union_n it_o may_v well_o be_v call_v a_o national_a religion_n at_o least_o and_o without_o any_o injury_n a_o national_a church_n the_o agreement_n in_o the_o one_o carry_v also_o a_o agreement_n in_o the_o other_o make_v it_o so_o and_o as_o in_o such_o a_o national_a union_n though_o the_o standard_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o of_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o law_n judicature_n trade_n business_n militarystrength_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v preserve_v in_o capital_a city_n and_o court_n yet_o by_o the_o care_n of_o government_n they_o be_v all_o in_o due_a proportion_n distribute_v as_o the_o blood_n in_o the_o vein_n by_o fit_a channel_n to_o every_o particular_a as_o it_o be_v in_o circuit_n so_o the_o public_a agreement_n in_o religion_n settle_v the_o religious_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n more_o eminent_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o do_v most_o represent_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a in_o it_o yet_o with_o due_a care_n of_o every_o part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o bring_v it_o home_o particular_o to_o they_o and_o make_v the_o mutual_a intercourse_n in_o it_o free_a and_o open_a to_o all_o person_n in_o all_o place_n where_o they_o have_v occasion_n to_o pass_v up_o and_o down_o and_o maintain_v a_o intercourse_n one_o with_o another_o that_o wherever_o they_o be_v or_o have_v occasion_n to_o be_v they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o freedom_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o national_a religion_n to_o which_o at_o all_o time_n they_o give_v a_o know_v and_o even_o conscious_a vote_n that_o agree_v in_o it_o the_o assembly_n be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o view_n under_o a_o sufficiency_n of_o master_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o nation_n together_o and_o as_o national_a union_n do_v not_o swallow_v up_o 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viz._n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o illustrious_a famous_a and_o remarkable_a offer_n of_o religion_n to_o notice_n and_o observation_n for_o the_o draw_v in_o and_o congregate_a other_o to_o it_o thus_o a_o church_n be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n or_o seat_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o magnificent_a house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o what_o more_o advantageous_a to_o this_o end_n than_o a_o nation_n unite_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o we_o know_v have_v great_o the_o odds_o of_o particular_a congregation_n in_o this_o illustriousness_n and_o magnificence_n nor_o do_v this_o run_v out_o yet_o to_o the_o build_n the_o babel_n of_o rome_n that_o will_v mount_v up_o as_o a_o tower_n to_o heaven_n or_o as_o too_o ambitious_a pyramid_n that_o be_v often_o rebuke_v with_o lightning_n from_o heaven_n for_o come_v too_o near_o it_o see_v as_o i_o have_v before_o show_v such_o a_o universality_n enforce_v be_v destructive_a to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o public_a religion_n 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that_o can_v be_v hide_v as_o a_o candle_n set_v upon_o so_o exalt_v a_o candlestick_n that_o give_v light_a to_o all_o within_o itself_o and_o about_o it_o even_o as_o far_o as_o the_o fame_n of_o that_o nation_n reach_v the_o church_n much_o more_o as_o rising_z up_o into_o a_o national_a state_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o therefore_o though_o we_o may_v be_v in_o some_o regard_n more_o exact_a in_o the_o most_o private_a we_o go_v out_o of_o our_o personal_a religion_n into_o family_n religion_n out_o of_o our_o family_n religion_n into_o congregational_a and_o as_o the_o christian_n at_o first_o most_o probable_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o humane_a society_n go_v out_o of_o congregation_n into_o consociation_n of_o church_n in_o religion_n so_o we_o out_o of_o all_o these_o where_o national_a union_n in_o true_a religion_n allow_v it_o go_v into_o that_o national_a state_n that_o we_o may_v build_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o high_a in_o so_o sensible_a and_o understand_v a_o consent_n and_o union_n in_o it_o so_o public_a a_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n and_o though_o hereby_o it_o be_v as_o a_o net_n that_o draw_v in_o bad_a as_o well_o as_o good_a even_o visible_o and_o apparent_o yet_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o possible_a care_n against_o it_o in_o particular_a congregation_n though_o still_o national_a when_o we_o further_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n of_o corinth_n the_o state_n of_o the_o apocalyptick_a church_n the_o doubt_n will_v not_o be_v so_o cogent_a as_o to_o move_v national_a religion_n out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n the_o only_a remain_a doubt_n be_v that_o thus_o national_a magistracy_n become_v as_o the_o head_n of_o such_o a_o religion_n the_o national_a religion_n be_v gather_v and_o unite_v in_o the_o magistrate_n and_o his_o law_n and_o that_o which_o shall_v only_o be_v unite_v in_o and_o depend_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n become_v subject_a to_o another_o head_n on_o pretence_n of_o which_o magistrate_n have_v be_v attempt_v on_o too_o with_o force_n to_o bring_v their_o power_n to_o true_a religion_n the_o answer_n i_o give_v to_o this_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a in_o three_o head_n 1._o i_o always_o own_o any_o pretence_n take_v from_o exalt_v christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n to_o enforce_v civil_a power_n to_o ratify_v true_a religion_n into_o national_a constitution_n and_o law_n be_v most_o destructive_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n that_o be_v to_o use_v force_n for_o its_o own_o promotion_n and_o utter_o subvert_v government_n see_v private_a person_n may_v under_o this_o shelter_n and_o disguise_n rise_v up_o and_o invade_v and_o disturb_v any_o civil_a state_n or_o government_n whatever_o when_o religion_n be_v our_o birthright_n by_o our_o law_n it_o may_v be_v by_o the_o same_o law_n defend_v when_o it_o be_v not_o prayer_n
two_o case_n to_o be_v the_o expedient_a against_o scandal_n he_o therefore_o persuade_v the_o not_o eat_v upon_o these_o contingency_n as_o by_o the_o by_o which_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a performance_n for_o christian_a charity_n but_o the_o thing_n he_o be_v whole_o intent_n upon_o be_v that_o great_a doctrine_n of_o not_o scandalize_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n these_o circumstance_n easy_o vanish_v the_o main_a point_n remain_v unmoved_a they_o be_v only_o a_o scheme_n a_o momentany_a and_o transitory_a one_o to_o display_v this_o great_a doctrine_n in_o and_o to_o present_v it_o upon_o when_o these_o thing_n grow_v into_o a_o ritual_a religion_n the_o scheme_n be_v alter_v and_o shift_v they_o grow_v sinful_a and_o be_v condemn_v the_o doctrine_n stand_v yet_o and_o for_o ever_o stand_v firm_a plant_v upon_o they_o object_n 4._o the_o rite_n use_v be_v such_o as_o be_v recommend_v from_o antiquity_n and_o be_v of_o use_n of_o old_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n answ_n allow_v it_o to_o be_v so_o all_o that_o can_v be_v collect_v from_o thence_o be_v but_o example_n wound_v up_o to_o its_o high_a peg_n when_o it_o do_v not_o reach_n christ_n and_o whenever_o it_o do_v not_o reach_v he_o it_o do_v not_o bind_v be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o as_o i_o 1._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 1._o be_o of_o christ_n say_v the_o apostle_n just_a about_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ordinance_n or_o tradition_n those_o concurrence_n all_o every_o where_o always_o must_v begin_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v find_v there_o else_o they_o do_v but_o oblige_v our_o prudence_n not_o our_o conscience_n only_o so_o far_o as_o antiquity_n or_o the_o primitive_a church_n inable_v we_o to_o see_v with_o our_o own_o eye_n the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o determination_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n in_o any_o case_n so_o far_o it_o oblige_v we_o in_o conscience_n all_o else_o be_v but_o the_o deference_n of_o modesty_n and_o due_a regard_n which_o can_v weigh_v against_o scandal_n except_o we_o make_v the_o oracle_n of_o antiquity_n equal_a to_o the_o heavenly_a oracle_n and_o then_o we_o must_v demand_v the_o same_o certainty_n of_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o or_o else_o we_o may_v quick_o run_v into_o the_o great_a of_o scandal_n object_n 5._o the_o command_v of_o lawful_a authority_n take_v away_o the_o indifferency_n and_o make_v necessary_a what_o be_v before_o indifferent_a answ_n the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o all_o thing_n indifferent_a for_o that_o be_v ready_o grant_v if_o in_o all_o circumstance_n they_o be_v indifferent_a nor_o whether_o rite_n be_v indifferent_a thing_n for_o that_o be_v also_o suppose_a to_o be_v grant_v but_o the_o question_n must_v be_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o give_v or_o receive_v scandal_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n see_v that_o may_v indisputable_o fall_v out_o or_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o in_o one_o sort_n of_o indifferent_n as_o well_o as_o other_o else_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n will_v be_v ineffectual_a to_o any_o the_o like_a case_n see_v then_o the_o tribunal_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v high_a than_o of_o any_o of_o the_o supream_n of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o scandal_n be_v cognisable_v only_o before_o he_o and_o that_o whatever_o incur_v sandal_n be_v inseparable_a from_o sin_n against_o god_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o in_o a_o case_n of_o doubt_n from_o which_o a_o man_n can_v acquit_v himself_o he_o can_v obey_v man_n in_o that_o without_o disobey_v god_n who_o have_v declare_v to_o he_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o he_o that_o doubt_v and_o do_v what_o he_o doubt_v of_o be_v damn_v that_o be_v condemn_v within_o himself_o and_o in_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o reason_n in_o such_o a_o case_n must_v be_v the_o same_o as_o in_o a_o case_n of_o obey_v magistrate_n against_o any_o express_a divine_a prohibition_n for_o though_o the_o thing_n doubt_v of_o do_v much_o differ_v if_o it_o be_v indeed_o indifferent_a yet_o the_o prohibition_n be_v as_o plain_a against_o do_v what_o be_v doubt_v of_o and_o what_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n as_o in_o any_o case_n see_v then_o all_o humane_a authority_n must_v lower_v its_o top_n to_o divine_a i_o can_v see_v but_o that_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v god_n peculiar_a for_o we_o speak_v only_o of_o that_o the_o magistrate_n power_n be_v exclude_v in_o case_n of_o real_a doubt_n of_o conscience_n in_o which_o a_o man_n can_v do_v nothing_o but_o he_o run_v into_o god_n danger_n even_o as_o in_o any_o other_o case_n of_o such_o danger_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n and_o what_o be_v offer_v in_o relief_n will_v not_o avail_v viz._n that_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v certain_o a_o duty_n but_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o disobedience_n to_o god_n about_o such_o or_o such_o indifferent_n be_v in_o doubt_n and_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v indeed_o indifferent_a it_o be_v a_o doubt_n upon_o mistake_n and_o then_o there_o be_v a_o disobedience_n to_o god_n in_o a_o undoubted_a rule_n and_o command_v to_o avoid_v it_o in_o a_o case_n not_o only_o of_o doubt_n but_o of_o mistake_n this_o i_o say_v can_v avail_v because_o the_o measure_n be_v not_o to_o be_v draw_v betwixt_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n or_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o betwixt_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n and_o obedience_n to_o that_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o all_o case_n of_o doubt_n which_o be_v as_o clear_v and_o as_o little_a subject_n to_o doubt_v as_o any_o rule_n whatever_o yet_o do_v not_o this_o evacuate_v the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n it_o be_v restrain_v to_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o religion_n and_o in_o doubt_n and_o the_o doubt_v fix_v upon_o a_o grand_a principle_n of_o truth_n nor_o be_v that_o of_o great_a satisfaction_n that_o in_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n there_o be_v so_o many_o degree_n of_o good_a and_o so_o many_o of_o evil_n in_o the_o disobedience_n but_o in_o do_v well_o or_o ill_o concern_v indifferent_n there_o be_v much_o few_o degree_n both_o of_o the_o good_a and_o the_o evil_a therefore_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o so_o great_a a_o morality_n as_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v always_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o our_o do_v well_o in_o indifferent_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o evil_a in_o one_o to_o be_v avoid_v much_o rather_o than_o the_o same_o fear_n in_o the_o other_o the_o reason_n of_o dissatisfaction_n be_v this_o that_o the_o measure_n be_v not_o betwixt_o the_o morality_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o obey_v magistrate_n and_o do_v well_o or_o ill_o about_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o betwixt_o the_o morality_n of_o obey_v god_n in_o one_o of_o his_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a precept_n and_o in_o another_o of_o the_o same_o evidence_n and_o clearness_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o of_o the_o same_o rate_n of_o morality_n see_v obedience_n to_o god_n be_v the_o fundamental_a morality_n if_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o the_o magistrate_n prohibition_n of_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o cup_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n must_v exempt_v from_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o those_o duty_n because_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v a_o moral_a duty_n but_o the_o other_o ceremonial_a but_o it_o be_v out_o of_o measure_n certain_a obedience_n to_o god_n be_v both_o the_o top_n and_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o morality_n and_o although_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v a_o great_a point_n of_o morality_n yet_o obedience_n to_o god_n be_v so_o before_o it_o as_o to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o beside_o if_o obedience_n to_o god_n be_v to_o be_v value_v not_o by_o his_o authority_n but_o by_o weigh_v the_o precept_n themselves_o much_o more_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v estimate_v by_o the_o command_v they_o give_v of_o which_o indifferent_n in_o religion_n will_v never_o be_v make_v out_o to_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v the_o test_n either_o of_o their_o authority_n or_o our_o obedience_n whatever_o unthinking_a man_n have_v say_v therein_o indeed_o among_o the_o divine_a command_n god_n have_v choose_v mercy_n rather_o than_o sacrifice_n honour_v parent_n rather_o than_o corban_n but_o it_o be_v because_o he_o have_v so_o declare_v in_o his_o word_n and_o in_o man_n conscience_n but_o all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v harmonious_o conspire_v and_o subordinate_a themselves_o one_o to_o another_o among_o which_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n and_o preserve_v the_o government_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o nor_o of_o any_o contest_v or_o distance_n of_o unkindness_n between_o themselves_o whoso_o
succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n without_o caution_v for_o any_o thing_n of_o their_o true_a spirit_n and_o which_o so_o hang_v salvation_n at_o the_o girdle_n of_o those_o that_o will_v be_v their_o successor_n as_o turn_v christianity_n into_o a_o most_o arbitrary_a and_o tirannick_a party_n but_o they_o that_o know_v the_o scripture_n know_v assure_o christ_n have_v found_v no_o rule_n government_n or_o authority_n in_o his_o church_n whatever_o but_o who_o whole_a display_v of_o itself_o be_v in_o teach_v instruct_v according_a to_o his_o word_n if_o that_o be_v not_o clear_a and_o evident_a the_o whole_a authority_n and_o power_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n this_o word_n appear_v in_o and_o with_o itself_o though_o by_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n over_o conscience_n they_o that_o will_v rule_v without_o this_o as_o ruler_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n be_v but_o lay-elders_a lay-bishop_n or_o indeed_o they_o leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v table_n but_o in_o this_o universal_a rage_n of_o scandal_n god_n have_v not_o so_o forsake_v the_o world_n but_o that_o his_o spirit_n lift_v up_o a_o standard_n against_o it_o evil_n be_v not_o infinite_a but_o be_v at_o all_o time_n stop_v by_o evidence_n of_o god_n and_o true_a goodness_n environ_v it_o on_o every_o side_n and_o bound_v it_o that_o it_o can_v do_v what_o it_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o do_v and_o be_v therefore_o force_v to_o leave_v it_o undo_v for_o it_o can_v go_v no_o far_o than_o the_o being_n that_o carry_v it_o can_v go_v and_o god_n be_v always_o above_o they_o and_o hem_v they_o in_o on_o every_o side_n scandal_n have_v only_o a_o permission_n from_o god_n a_o dispensation_n to_o manifest_v itself_o it_o be_v always_o subject_a to_o truth_n as_o night_n be_v to_o day_n it_o be_v subject_a to_o be_v reduce_v and_o contract_v as_o god_n please_v and_o thus_o have_v i_o finish_v the_o three_o head_n of_o discourse_n concern_v scandal_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o scandal_n come_v i_o come_v to_o a_o brief_a dispatch_n of_o the_o four_o head_n the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o world_n woe_n because_o of_o scandal_n 1._o let_v the_o scandal_n be_v never_o so_o fair_a and_o plausible_a in_o its_o pretence_n or_o reason_n of_o seduction_n from_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o force_n of_o truth_n and_o high_a reason_n against_o it_o that_o our_o gild_n and_o condemnation_n be_v unavoidable_a in_o not_o resist_v the_o temptation_n nothing_o can_v justify_v a_o plea_n against_o the_o divine_a law_n not_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n we_o must_v pronounce_v anathema_n upon_o he_o if_o he_o undertake_v it_o there_o be_v such_o foundation_n of_o truth_n lay_v by_o god_n that_o can_v be_v move_v and_o they_o have_v such_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n to_o all_o sincere_a mind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o excuse_n against_o the_o gild_n of_o be_v take_v with_o scandal_n 2._o there_o be_v therefore_o always_o some_o most_o guilty_a cause_n of_o scandal_n and_o its_o prevalency_n within_o every_o man_n that_o be_v take_v by_o it_o some_o lust_n and_o love_n of_o evil_n that_o betray_v he_o and_o on_o which_o he_o be_v condemn_v when_o scandal_n rage_v most_o abroad_o and_o come_v with_o lie_v sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n it_o be_v because_o man_n have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o 3._o scandal_n be_v itself_o misery_n and_o ruin_n a_o man_n can_v fall_v and_o be_v snare_v he_o can_v be_v wound_v and_o break_v but_o he_o must_v be_v miserable_a life_n health_n salvation_n be_v only_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o conformity_n to_o his_o holy_a will._n who_o have_v woe_n who_o have_v wound_n who_o have_v grief_n but_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v scandal_n against_o the_o divine_a truth_n this_o be_v a_o deep_a ditch_n he_o only_o that_o be_v hate_v of_o god_n fall_v into_o it_o as_o not_o to_o recover_v it_o be_v vain_a to_o pretend_v the_o force_n the_o power_n the_o unavoidableness_n of_o scandal_n when_o itself_o be_v death_n and_o ruin_n how_o many_o be_v please_v with_o their_o scandal_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n part_n with_o they_o many_o excuse_v themselves_o they_o can_v not_o withstand_v their_o deceit_n and_o violence_n and_o will_v not_o apprehend_v their_o case_n the_o first_o close_o embrace_v death_n or_o as_o solomon_n say_v love_v death_n the_o latter_a can_v have_v no_o other_o pity_n at_o the_o high_a but_o that_o they_o be_v undo_v their_o scandal_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o pine_v away_o in_o they_o as_o they_o speak_v in_o ezekiel_n and_o how_o then_o shall_v 10._o ezek._n 33._o 10._o they_o live_v god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o their_o death_n yet_o still_o they_o die_v except_o restore_v by_o repentance_n 4._o be_v it_o not_o for_o scandal_n be_v it_o not_o some_o unhappy_a and_o mischievous_a misrepresentation_n of_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n be_v there_o not_o something_o that_o impose_v upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o seduce_v the_o will_n with_o a_o false_a appearance_n of_o truth_n and_o good_a rational_a being_n can_v not_o resist_v truth_n nor_o fall_v out_o with_o infinite_a goodness_n or_o on_o the_o other_o side_n entertain_v falsehood_n or_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o evil_a and_o so_o will_v be_v every_o way_n secure_a from_o destruction_n sure_o be_v it_o not_o for_o scandal_n some_o most_o mischievous_a possession_n upon_o our_o mind_n while_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n of_o mercy_n we_o can_v not_o refuse_v and_o reject_v it_o nor_o cleave_v so_o fast_o to_o sin_n and_o death_n which_o can_v have_v no_o desirableness_n but_o to_o the_o deceive_a soul_n as_o holiness_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n can_v be_v disgustful_a to_o any_o but_o the_o scandalize_v be_v it_o not_o for_o some_o indissolvable_a scandal_n even_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n may_v be_v repent_v of_o and_o forgive_v some_o irreconcilable_a prejudice_n retain_v both_o the_o sin_n and_o so_o the_o punishment_n and_o in_o hell_n there_o be_v that_o eternal_a scandal_n for_o ever_o hold_v fast_o the_o damn_a that_o a_o creature_n deprive_v of_o god_n just_o hate_v and_o rebel_n against_o he_o or_o it_o be_v best_o for_o it_o in_o that_o circumstance_n so_o to_o do_v be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v loose_v from_o this_o snare_n of_o death_n this_o everlasting_a chain_n of_o darkness_n there_o may_v be_v a_o escape_n out_o of_o hell_n itself_o be_v there_o not_o a_o eternal_a discontent_n and_o disgust_n to_o god_n hell_n can_v not_o be_v hell_n nor_o devil_n devil_n any_o long_o so_o miserable_a a_o thing_n be_v scandal_n the_o five_o head_n in_o this_o discourse_n be_v the_o accumulative_a woe_n to_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v the_o woe_n by_o way_n of_o transcendency_n 1._o the_o designer_n of_o scandal_n must_v be_v as_o so_o many_o satan_n in_o the_o world_n of_o the_o just_a contrary_a spirit_n and_o action_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o separate_v from_o that_o bless_a presence_n into_o that_o fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n the_o god_n and_o the_o angel_n of_o scandal_n some_o have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v brand_o infamous_a herein_o but_o none_o like_o he_o who_o come_v be_v after_o satan_n with_o lie_v sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o vnrighteousness_n all_o those_o atheistical_a defamation_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o the_o scurrility_n of_o profane_a wit_n be_v deep_o dye_v in_o this_o gild_n they_o be_v like_o the_o throw_n of_o firebrand_n arrow_n and_o death_n so_o be_v the_o scandalize_a of_o man_n in_o such_o sport_n of_o wit_n to_o their_o ruin_n they_o that_o offer_v themselves_o as_o copy_n and_o pattern_n of_o wickedness_n in_o defiance_n of_o heaven_n dwell_v near_o to_o this_o insupportable_a woe_n they_o who_o law_n arm_v with_o cruel_a penalty_n be_v so_o many_o destructive_a trap_n and_o engine_n of_o mischief_n against_o all_o that_o be_v professor_n of_o true_a and_o sincere_a religion_n shall_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o god_n kingdom_n their_o scandal_n and_o themselves_o that_o work_n iniquity_n by_o they_o they_o that_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v indifferent_a use_v a_o violent_a example_n that_o must_v be_v answer_v with_o conformity_n though_o man_n do_v with_o great_a seriousness_n and_o solemnity_n protest_v their_o doubt_n in_o the_o case_n and_o though_o scandal_n be_v plant_v every_o where_n in_o their_o indifferency_n have_v need_n as_o our_o saviour_n bid_v they_o take_v heed_n they_o offend_v not_o they_o despise_v not_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v but_o the_o little_a one_o in_o