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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
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harmless_a in_o comparison_n but_o the_o abomination_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n most_o loathsome_a to_o that_o infinite_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a nature_n i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v how_o far_o time_n place_n distinction_n of_o person_n in_o religious_a worship_n be_v within_o the_o cognisance_n of_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o i_o omit_v out_o of_o choice_n any_o discourse_n of_o sacrifice_n which_o some_o have_v contend_v come_v in_o by_o natural_a instinct_n as_o too_o copious_a for_o the_o present_a intendment_n conclude_v they_o be_v ordain_v by_o god_n chief_o to_o typify_v the_o true_a ever_o breathe_v sacrifice_n of_o christ_n which_o service_n have_v perform_v they_o expire_v in_o it_o not_o only_o repeal_v by_o the_o evangelic_n law_n but_o no_o doubt_n through_o the_o superintendency_n of_o providence_n grow_v into_o disuse_n throughout_o the_o world_n which_o together_o with_o those_o strong_a solid_a reason_n 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sordidness_n of_o some_o reception_n nauseous_a to_o we_o not_o know_v that_o infinite_a spirit_n feel_v not_o the_o passion_n of_o body_n our_o saviour_n make_v use_v of_o any_o place_n for_o heavenly_a discourse_n and_o prayer_n to_o observe_v day_n or_o time_n carry_v a_o suspicion_n that_o he_o who_o inhabit_v eternity_n and_o be_v lord_n of_o time_n be_v not_o all_o time_n the_o same_o and_o therefore_o the_o heathen_a that_o have_v corrupt_v natural_a religion_n watch_v for_o some_o day_n as_o more_o lucky_a and_o avoid_v other_o as_o unlucky_o in_o their_o attendance_n on_o their_o mock-deity_n yet_o do_v god_n allow_v to_o man_n the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a choice_n of_o their_o own_o convenience_n in_o his_o worship_n both_o for_o time_n or_o place_n not_o presume_v to_o sanctify_v any_o thing_n to_o he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o first_o sanctify_v to_o himself_o for_o who_o know_v how_o to_o choose_v for_o he_o or_o who_o be_v able_a to_o give_v to_o he_o first_o this_o 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family_n into_o nation_n and_o
faith_n in_o divine_a mercy_n and_o last_o of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n now_o in_o all_o these_o as_o i_o premise_v natural_a religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o what_o be_v find_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o sullied_a state_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n at_o such_o vast_a distance_n from_o the_o day_n of_o innocency_n or_o so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o cold_a liveless_a climate_n of_o philosophic_a morality_n but_o by_o what_o discover_v itself_o when_o these_o freeze_a benumb_a principle_n relent_v and_o be_v thaughn_n by_o the_o warm_a beam_n of_o reveal_v truth_n by_o what_o man_n do_v and_o must_v acknowledge_v when_o they_o come_v to_o themselves_o then_o the_o minister_n of_o natural_a righteousness_n out_o of_o and_o according_a to_o divine_a revelation_n be_v 11._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 11._o make_v manifest_a in_o man_n conscience_n and_o they_o speak_v and_o write_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o shall_v acknowledge_v to_o the_o utmost_a to_o the_o very_a end_n even_o as_o the_o illiterate_a 13._o 2_o cor._n 1._o 13._o mind_n do_v not_o at_o first_o perceive_v the_o wisdom_n of_o such_o a_o writer_n as_o socrates_n plato_n plutarch_n of_o such_o historian_n as_o livy_n taritus_fw-la but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v cultivate_v it_o know_v by_o a_o test_n within_o itself_o the_o gravity_n and_o dignity_n of_o their_o sense_n and_o stile_n thus_o at_o the_o first_o unexercised_a soul_n taste_v not_o the_o gratefulness_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o natural_a conscience_n which_o be_v afterward_o most_o agreeable_a the_o sense_n be_v exercise_v to_o discern_v gâ—od_a and_o evil_n 14._o heb._n 5._o 14._o 2._o in_o what_o of_o christianity_n pure_a and_o perfect_a revelation_n alone_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v there_o be_v yet_o such_o a_o close_a affinity_n betwixt_o the_o holiness_n purity_n wisdom_n of_o the_o one_o thus_o reveal_v and_o the_o other_o implant_v that_o they_o must_v be_v own_a all_o from_o the_o same_o fountain_n and_o accept_v alike_o by_o every_o serious_a considerer_n that_o as_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o several_a writer_n of_o each_o through_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o time_n manner_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o it_o throughout_o the_o several_a period_n of_o the_o church_n state_n and_o progression_n and_o throughout_o the_o different_a extraction_n education_n employment_n temperature_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n there_o be_v yet_o one_o wisdom_n one_o reverence_n of_o god_n one_o holiness_n one_o majesty_n of_o discourse_n run_v through_o the_o whole_a argue_v the_o supreme_a author_n one_o and_o the_o same_o even_o so_o in_o natural_a and_o reveal_v christian_a religion_n the_o divine_a commandment_n be_v perfect_o one_o and_o the_o same_o nothing_o trivial_a nothing_o romantic_a nothing_o speculative_a only_o all_o be_v for_o great_a use_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v refuse_v 3._o the_o revelation_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o high_a amplification_n of_o natural_a light_n even_o to_o the_o utmost_a possibility_n of_o conception_n but_o in_o nothing_o contradictious_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n be_v keep_v most_o pure_a even_o as_o silver_n try_v in_o a_o furnace_n of_o earth_n purify_v seven_o time_n but_o this_o divine_a nature_n be_v explain_v to_o we_o in_o the_o father_n son_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o in_o the_o infinite_a grace_n and_o bounty_n proceed_v from_o the_o deity_n so_o explain_v to_o we_o and_o this_o be_v so_o to_o the_o utmost_a that_o as_o we_o certain_o know_v in_o heaven_n itself_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v any_o more_o god_n than_o the_o one_o true_a god_n we_o have_v know_v here_o in_o the_o world_n so_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a we_o shall_v know_v any_o more_o in_o that_o essence_n than_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o eternity_n itself_o it_o be_v of_o everlasting_a inviolable_a truth_n there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o christianity_n there_o be_v one_o mediator_n 6._o 1_o tim._n 2._o 5._o 1_o cor._n 8_o 6._o between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n there_o be_v one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o in_o he_o and_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o by_o he_o and_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n 3._o joh._n 17._o 3._o and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v thus_o the_o divine_a unity_n be_v preserve_v and_o lest_o the_o obligation_n to_o a_o mediator_n to_o a_o redeemer_n shall_v abate_v or_o interfere_v with_o the_o obligation_n to_o the_o one_o god_n and_o father_n the_o mediator_n be_v always_o make_v know_v to_o we_o as_o the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n the_o brightness_n of_o his_o 3._o heb._n 1._o 3._o glory_n though_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n the_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n so_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o one_o mediator_n infinite_o and_o incomprehensible_o unite_v and_o circulate_v in_o one_o with_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n so_o far_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2d_o phil._n 2._o 2d_o from_o any_o the_o least_o contradictoriness_n to_o that_o fundamental_a natural_a principle_n of_o one_o god_n and_o as_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v to_o the_o utmost_a and_o above_o all_o we_o can_v think_v for_o in_o the_o high_a glory_n of_o knowledge_n it_o be_v we_o know_v certain_o impossible_a to_o know_v any_o high_a mediator_n any_o other_o mediator_n than_o our_o one_o mediator_n for_o as_o a_o man_n can_v rise_v no_o high_o than_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o high_o be_v than_o god_n so_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a redeemer_n and_o mediator_n than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a acceptance_n of_o a_o sinner_n than_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o the_o deep_a suffering_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n the_o belove_a ult_n joh._n 1._o 14._o â—at_a 3._o ult_n son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v there_o can_v be_v a_o near_a union_n to_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o of_o man_n than_o by_o this_o divine_a person_n assume_v not_o any_o humane_a person_n which_o have_v be_v limit_v narrow_a and_o confine_v but_o humanity_n itself_o into_o one_o person_n with_o himself_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a inspiration_n and_o internal_a operation_n than_o of_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o fountain_n nor_o a_o close_o unite_n of_o believer_n to_o christ_n than_o by_o this_o spirit_n to_o be_v so_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n as_o to_o be_v one_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 6._o 17._o spirit_n thus_o to_o the_o great_a justification_n of_o christianity_n before_o natural_a religion_n all_o be_v from_o god_n and_o absorb_v into_o he_o yet_o in_o such_o a_o distinction_n from_o he_o that_o every_o glorify_a spirit_n enjoy_v its_o happiness_n glory_n purity_n perfection_n acceptance_n with_o the_o divine_a majesty_n distinct_o and_o in_o itself_o and_o yet_o so_o in_o god_n that_o the_o whole_a glory_n be_v refund_v into_o he_o which_o be_v the_o perfect_a glory_n of_o the_o divinity_n from_o the_o whole_a then_o though_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o these_o great_a point_n surmount_v reason_n in_o the_o discovery_n and_o explication_n yet_o when_o it_o behold_v these_o thing_n in_o that_o full_a portraiture_n divine_a revelation_n present_v they_o it_o can_v but_o adore_v and_o admire_v and_o confess_v the_o manifold_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o praise_n of_o his_o 11._o ephes_n 3._o 10._o &_o 1._o 6_o 11._o glory_n work_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n as_o to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o eternal_a judgement_n they_o be_v but_o what_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n all_o man_n have_v a_o engraft_a sense_n both_o of_o it_o and_o a_o future_a state_n and_o as_o to_o the_o resurriction_n itself_o i_o think_v it_o most_o manageable_a upon_o ground_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o creator_n can_v as_o easy_o command_v the_o principle_n of_o a_o dissolve_a body_n into_o one_o as_o at_o first_o create_v those_o very_a principle_n out_o of_o nothing_o nor_o can_v i_o think_v those_o nicety_n of_o dispute_n bring_v into_o this_o article_n of_o faith_n of_o any_o moment_n it_o be_v enough_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o future_a state_n of_o spirit_n in_o body_n as_o in_o sensible_a appearance_n of_o glory_n or_o misery_n and_o those_o body_n as_o much_o man_n own_o as_o the_o nature_n
long_o mistake_v i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o 34._o act_n 10._o 34._o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o work_v righteousness_n the_o two_o comprehensive_a part_n of_o this_o religion_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o why_o then_o shall_v mankind_n imbrue_v their_o hand_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o religion_n they_o themselves_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v and_o hold_v to_o contradiction_n to_o it_o what_o excellent_a person_n be_v job_n his_o three_o friend_n and_o elihu_n though_o out_o of_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n i_o mean_v out_o of_o that_o part_n of_o it_o where_o god_n have_v more_o eminent_o fix_v his_o church_n and_o out_o of_o that_o line_n wherein_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v bless_v how_o excellent_a the_o book_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o ratiocination_n upon_o it_o though_o the_o friend_n be_v mistake_v in_o urge_v too_o far_o as_o if_o present_a affliction_n be_v a_o detection_n from_o heaven_n of_o insincerity_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o job_n that_o most_o desirable_a book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v undoubted_o by_o the_o special_a wisdom_n of_o god_n prepare_v as_o a_o treatise_n of_o natural_a theology_n raise_v to_o its_o own_o height_n through_o the_o assistance_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o wherein_o most_o probable_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o the_o pious_a patriarch_n keep_v fresh_a and_o pure_a from_o corruption_n be_v maintain_v and_o improve_v upon_o the_o proper_a reason_n of_o natural_a religion_n for_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o intermixture_n of_o positive_a precept_n or_o rite_n except_o the_o historical_a relation_n of_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o the_o book_n a_o institution_n of_o god_n by_o which_o man_n be_v teach_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n as_o soon_o as_o sin_n have_v enter_v it_o to_o look_v for_o atonement_n witâ—_n god_n through_o that_o great_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o who_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a job_n make_v somâ—_n very_o significant_a reference_n though_o according_a to_o the_o covertness_n of_o so_o great_a a_o mystery_n at_o that_o time_n but_o what_o point_n of_o natural_a religion_n even_o sense_n of_o natural_a corruption_n and_o the_o â—vil_n of_o sin_n of_o faith_n in_o divine_a mercy_n and_o repentance_n of_o godliness_n righteousness_n soberness_n fidelity_n chastity_n tempâ—rance_n charity_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o poor_a be_v leave_v untouched_a what_o point_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n against_o atheism_n idolatry_n a_o iniquity_n own_a to_o deserve_v punishment_n from_o a_o judge_n be_v not_o hâ—re_o state_v 28._o job_n 31._o 28._o prayer_n praise_n holy_a meditation_n discourse_n and_o attendance_n on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o way_n have_v here_o their_o frequent_a mention_n what_o severe_a reproof_n censure_n and_o condemnation_n of_o all_o wickedness_n do_v we_o meet_v with_o and_o which_o be_v most_o remarkable_a through_o the_o whole_a all_o be_v substantial_a nothing_o ceremonial_a how_o lovely_a be_v such_o a_o religion_n our_o saviour_n observe_v but_o some_o of_o the_o line_n of_o it_o in_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v say_v he_o look_v upon_o he_o and_o love_v he_o 21._o mat._n 10._o 21._o and_o the_o scribe_n that_o have_v so_o much_o of_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o he_o commend_v as_o not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n viz._n from_o true_a christianity_n here_o and_o eternal_a salvation_n hereafter_o in_o this_o book_n of_o job_n we_o have_v also_o the_o true_a natural_a way_n of_o propagate_a religion_n and_o reconcile_a difference_n in_o it_o viz._n by_o discourse_n and_o argument_n only_o heinous_a offence_n and_o plain_a violation_n of_o duty_n in_o natural_a religion_n be_v cite_v to_o the_o magistrate_n tribunal_n i_o have_v insist_v so_o long_o upon_o this_o because_o we_o have_v not_o such_o another_o hypothesis_n in_o scripture_n such_o a_o body_n of_o natural_a religion_n such_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n concern_v it_o give_v out_o by_o such_o master_n of_o assembly_n and_o yet_o not_o of_o that_o we_o may_v call_v the_o visible_a church_n at_o that_o time_n else_o indeed_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v full_a of_o natural_a religion_n from_o one_o end_n of_o it_o to_o the_o other_o and_o that_o which_o be_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n concern_v it_o be_v great_a than_o all_o beside_o but_o no_o doubt_n there_o may_v be_v many_o other_o at_o that_o time_n and_o all_o along_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o jewish_a proselytism_n and_o yet_o great_a instance_n of_o this_o same_o natural_a piety_n for_o if_o elijah_n 18._o 1_o king_n 19_o 18._o who_o have_v a_o less_o compass_n to_o observe_v in_o and_o more_o probable_a opportunity_n of_o inquiry_n and_o even_o inspection_n yet_o be_v ignorant_a of_o seven_o thousand_o in_o israel_n that_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n but_o think_v himself_o leave_v alone_o how_o much_o more_o may_v lie_v hide_v from_o our_o almost_o suspicion_n true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n according_a to_o natural_a religion_n all_o along_o elder_a time_n inspire_v and_o conduct_v to_o it_o by_o divine_a illumination_n nay_o who_o dare_v be_v so_o bold_a to_o define_v there_o be_v no_o such_o now_o for_o though_o it_o be_v most_o true_a there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n give_v to_o man_n whereby_o they_o can_v be_v save_v but_o 12._o act_n 4._o 12._o the_o name_n of_o christ_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o name_n must_v be_v express_o know_v but_o that_o the_o god_n of_o pardoning-mercy_n give_v and_o accept_v repentance_n unto_o life_n may_v by_o divine_a equity_n and_o favour_n be_v interpret_v god_n in_o christ_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o man_n so_o address_v god_n as_o he_o be_v true_o so_o in_o himself_o yet_o ah_o lass_n we_o can_v stretch_v our_o charitable_a hope_n so_o as_o to_o think_v this_o the_o case_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o nation_n that_o know_v not_o christ_n who_o lie_v in_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n not_o only_o as_o ignorant_a of_o christ_n but_o as_o without_o god_n the_o true_a god_n in_o the_o world_n horrible_a corrupter_n of_o what_o they_o natural_o know_v that_o be_v of_o natural_a religion_n but_o as_o there_o be_v many_o leper_n and_o widow_n in_o the_o day_n of_o those_o two_o prophet_n 25._o luk._n 4._o 25._o but_o to_o one_o of_o each_o be_v they_o send_v so_o we_o may_v hope_v there_o be_v some_o instance_n of_o this_o divine_a bounty_n and_o grace_n if_o we_o can_v hope_v so_o but_o of_o few_o but_o these_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o it_o be_v safe_a not_o to_o presume_v too_o far_o on_o either_o 29._o deut._n 29._o 29._o side_n yet_o by_o the_o same_o charity_n we_o allow_v papist_n that_o the_o prevalency_n of_o true_o christian_a principle_n may_v antidote_n the_o poison_n of_o popery_n so_o the_o pregnancy_n of_o some_o natural_a principle_n rise_v up_o above_o all_o the_o refuse_v in_o such_o soul_n but_o oh_o lord_n thou_o only_o know_v yet_o some_o thing_n i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v 1._o that_o if_o any_o man_n live_v upright_o as_o job_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n at_o its_o full_a extent_n and_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n offer_v he_o he_o will_v receive_v it_o upon_o the_o advantageous_a recommendation_n of_o it_o in_o god_n own_o time_n and_o way_n 2._o that_o if_o any_o man_n so_o obey_v the_o precept_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o have_v not_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n the_o want_n of_o that_o revelation_n shall_v not_o be_v charge_v upon_o he_o so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o 3._o that_o whoever_o understand_v natural_a religion_n must_v needs_o understand_v that_o sin_n be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n be_v bear_v like_o the_o wild_a ass_n colt_n and_o drink_v iniquity_n like_o water_n and_o 14._o job_n 〈◊〉_d 16._o 13_o 14._o yet_o that_o god_n be_v patient_a speak_v once_o and_o twice_o in_o order_n to_o man_n conversion_n and_o repentance_n that_o therefore_o there_o be_v place_n for_o it_o in_o pardoning-mercy_n of_o which_o in_o god_n even_o humane_a nature_n itself_o have_v a_o sense_n natural_a religion_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o for_o without_o it_o all_o service_n of_o god_n or_o application_n to_o he_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a and_o but_o like_o the_o service_n of_o devil_n yet_o i_o can_v but_o here_o take_v notice_n there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o learned_a world_n in_o moral_n as_o be_v heretofore_o among_o the_o grecian_n
may_v have_v hear_v the_o fame_n of_o it_o with_o their_o ear_n it_o be_v the_o way_n find_v out_o and_o declare_v by_o he_o that_o make_v weight_n for_o the_o wind_n and_o balance_n for_o the_o cloud_n it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n and_o depart_v from_o evil_n the_o true_a understanding_n there_o lie_v the_o peace_n of_o natural_a religion_n it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o christianity_n see_v and_o publish_v by_o christ_n jesus_n the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n that_o be_v the_o peace_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o proper_a excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o its_o very_a intention_n to_o bring_v this_o way_n both_o as_o natural_a and_o christian_n to_o light_v to_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o to_o give_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o it_o to_o sweeten_v man_n temper_n to_o the_o good_a nature_n of_o it_o that_o every_o one_o in_o a_o clear_a and_o still_a air_n not_o darken_v with_o cloud_n full_a of_o thunder_n and_o terrible_a with_o the_o lightning_n of_o dreadful_a law_n and_o bloody_a execution_n may_v see_v may_v be_v wary_a in_o the_o choice_n of_o his_o conduct_n of_o himself_o to_o his_o unchangeable_a state_n and_o may_v therefore_o have_v light_n have_v room_n have_v still_o and_o silence_n in_o which_o he_o may_v weigh_v every_o thing_n prove_v every_o thing_n now_o that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o declare_v be_v a_o way_n most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o reason_n which_o respect_v either_o all_o mankind_n or_o all_o christian_n this_o be_v the_o contrivance_n of_o christianity_n provide_v that_o the_o wolf_n and_o the_o lamb_n may_v dwell_v together_o that_o the_o lion_n may_v lie_v down_o with_o the_o kid_n that_o the_o child_n may_v play_v on_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o asp_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o hurt_v or_o destroy_v in_o all_o god_n holy_a mountain_n that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o true_a religion_n may_v have_v the_o same_o scope_n and_o freedom_n that_o the_o wave_n have_v in_o the_o sea_n christianity_n have_v always_o the_o ground_n ready_a by_o it_o and_o with_o it_o and_o to_o present_v they_o in_o their_o rational_a possibility_n be_v a_o vindication_n of_o divine_a justice_n righteousness_n and_o goodness_n a_o offerture_n to_o man_n to_o be_v happy_a nor_o will_v the_o platform_n be_v always_o utopian_a the_o day_n will_v come_v when_o it_o shall_v pass_v into_o life_n power_n and_o effect_n now_o whenever_o this_o shall_v be_v in_o its_o glory_n that_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n that_o curse_n that_o lie_v upon_o the_o earth_n that_o vail_n of_o the_o cover_v spread_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o all_o nation_n that_o severe_a indignation_n of_o god_n against_o humane_a nature_n shall_v be_v remove_v the_o spirit_n shall_v be_v pour_v out_o upon_o all_o flesh_n the_o light_n of_o one_o day_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o light_n of_o seven_o all_o flesh_n shall_v see_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n together_o so_o come_v come_v thus_o lord_n jesus_n even_o so_o amen_n i_o have_v thus_o far_o make_v a_o lamentation_n upon_o the_o general_n state_n of_o the_o world_n in_o relation_n to_o religion_n which_o till_o some_o such_o mighty_a influence_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n as_o i_o have_v intimate_v upon_o it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n for_o the_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n will_v be_v full_a of_o the_o habitation_n of_o cruelty_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o habitation_n of_o cruelty_n will_v be_v furnish_v with_o the_o instrument_n of_o cruelty_n and_o therefore_o oh_o my_o soul_n come_v not_o into_o their_o secret_n unto_o their_o assembly_n my_o honour_n be_v not_o thou_o unite_v for_o in_o their_o anger_n they_o slay_v and_o destroy_v and_o in_o their_o self-will_n they_o dig_v down_o wall_n curse_a be_v their_o anger_n for_o it_o be_v fierce_a and_o their_o wrath_n for_o it_o be_v cruel_a their_o drink-offering_n of_o blood_n will_v i_o not_o offer_v nor_o take_v their_o name_n of_o religion_n into_o my_o mouth_n i_o shall_v therefore_o leave_v they_o and_o address_v the_o close_a of_o this_o discourse_n to_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o the_o excellent_a in_o who_o be_v all_o my_o delight_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o call_v we_o to_o the_o review_n of_o the_o excellent_a christian_a religion_n even_o as_o natural_a religion_n all_o essence_n all_o substance_n trace_v it_o throughout_o all_o its_o doctrine_n worship_n rule_n of_o life_n they_o be_v all_o by_o their_o very_a goodness_n plain_a to_o he_o that_o understand_v and_o right_a to_o they_o that_o find_v knowledge_n there_o be_v nothing_o froward_a nor_o perverse_a in_o they_o its_o band_n of_o peace_n be_v not_o politic_a or_o worldly_a intrigue_n no_o ceremonial_a symbolism_n or_o ritual_a shibbole_v but_o ponderous_a verity_n and_o divine_a love_n all_o the_o show_n or_o appearance_n any_o religion_n can_v make_v be_v but_o a_o ray_n borrow_v from_o its_o divine_a perfection_n a_o derivation_n from_o its_o light_n or_o from_o natural_a religion_n which_o be_v itself_o for_o pure_a natural_a religion_n be_v christian_a religion_n if_o you_o suppose_v a_o soul_n without_o sin_n mount_v from_o its_o creature-probaâ—ionership_a to_o its_o high_a perfection_n as_o adam_n if_o not_o have_v 〈◊〉_d from_o paradise_n to_o heaven_n and_o christian_a religion_n be_v natural_a religion_n suppose_v the_o soul_n fall_v and_o rise_v back_o from_o its_o apostasy_n to_o that_o perfection_n by_o the_o redeemer_n 2._o let_v i_o apply_v this_o discourse_n to_o the_o comprimise_n of_o all_o difference_n betwixt_o protestant_n and_o particular_o in_o our_o english_a christian_n nation_n not_o define_v any_o controversal_a point_n but_o urge_v to_o that_o end_n such_o undoubted_a principle_n as_o i_o have_v insist_v upon_o in_o this_o discourse_n 1._o that_o suppose_v a_o national_a church_n can_v be_v make_v out_o to_o satisfaction_n yet_o christian_a kingdom_n be_v so_o considerable_a a_o point_n of_o scripture-prophecy_n that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v so_o far_o therefore_o as_o national_a worship_n can_v be_v agreeable_a to_o a_o man_n conscience_n make_v inquiry_n and_o most_o curious_a search_n into_o the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o as_o to_o his_o duty_n and_o to_o his_o liberty_n also_o and_o possible_a freedom_n from_o scruple_n every_o christian_a be_v oblige_v to_o glorify_v god_n in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o he_o and_o confession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o his_o native_a country_n suppose_v a_o man_n shall_v retire_v to_o particular_a private_a congregation_n to_o supply_v what_o he_o may_v find_v want_v in_o the_o national_a constitution_n to_o complete_a all_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a communion_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o yet_o still_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o promote_v and_o encourage_v national_a religion_n so_o far_o as_o it_o extend_v to_o avoid_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a all_o division_n and_o profess_a separation_n from_o it_o by_o put_v the_o fair_a construction_n and_o the_o kind_a hope_n upon_o those_o thing_n that_o seem_v doubtful_a and_o as_o little_o infringe_v the_o authority_n of_o law_n as_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o sentiment_n of_o conscience_n and_o a_o due_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o liberty_n god_n have_v give_v man_n of_o judge_v for_o their_o own_o soul_n as_o in_o his_o sight_n viz._n in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o so_o indisputable_a or_o those_o grand_a point_n of_o christianity_n in_o which_o a_o christian_a can_v have_v no_o allowance_n in_o all_o thing_n else_o a_o christian_a have_v a_o liberty_n but_o so_o that_o he_o must_v not_o use_v that_o his_o liberty_n as_o a_o cloak_n of_o maliciousness_n but_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n give_v due_a honour_n to_o 16._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 16._o all_o i_o will_v therefore_o propose_v these_o three_o consideration_n to_o draw_v man_n to_o the_o great_a conjunction_n with_o national_a religian_a that_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n be_v reconcile_v with_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n considerate_a 1._o that_o if_o we_o examine_v thing_n by_o scripture_n there_o be_v many_o abatement_n from_o the_o supposeable_a evil_n of_o external_a observance_n of_o which_o we_o may_v lawful_o make_v our_o utmost_a advantage_n to_o so_o great_a a_o good_a as_o our_o profess_a conjunction_n with_o national_a religion_n while_o substantial_o good_a though_o the_o high_a place_n i_o 14._o 1_o king_n 15._o 14._o mean_v thing_n equivalent_a in_o our_o opinion_n be_v not_o take_v away_o as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o excellent_a king_n of_o judah_n first_o then_o as_o fundamental_a to_o this_o case_n i_o suppose_v these_o two_o thing_n equiponderate_v one_o another_o 1._o the_o high_a character_n of_o national_a christian_a
in_o hell_n if_o we_o can_v suppose_v a_o society_n design_o unite_v without_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v like_o the_o plot_n for_o building_n of_o babel_n a_o endeavour_n of_o such_o a_o part_n of_o mankind_n to_o set_v up_o for_o its_o self_n and_o its_o own_o security_n as_o it_o be_v in_o defiance_n of_o heaven_n a_o society_n unite_v in_o civil_n and_o crumble_v into_o sect_n and_o division_n in_o religion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o main_a substantial_o of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o practice_n be_v a_o babel_n as_o it_o be_v under_o the_o curse_n of_o confusion_n of_o divide_a language_n a_o disparagement_n of_o religion_n which_o can_v be_v as_o it_o be_v indeed_o religion_n but_o one_o as_o if_o its_o name_n be_v legion_n or_o as_o if_o in_o fundamental_a point_n it_o can_v not_o sufficient_o evidence_n itself_o so_o as_o to_o be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o true_a last_o a_o disannul_v the_o ancient_a law_n of_o society_n which_o be_v principal_o for_o the_o union_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o if_o man_n can_v agree_v in_o all_o thing_n else_o and_o be_v yet_o divide_v here_o it_o be_v not_o true_a humane_a society_n but_o will_v want_v the_o very_o noble_a part_n or_o principle_n of_o it_o religion_n which_o be_v as_o a_o soul_n or_o spirit_n to_o it_o yet_o too_o rigorous_a and_o severe_a a_o constraint_n of_o uniformity_n be_v both_o to_o forget_v humane_a infirmity_n that_o do_v not_o allow_v so_o perfect_a a_o union_n in_o this_o world_n if_o a_o rigid_a uniformity_n be_v indeed_o perfection_n and_o to_o forget_v also_o that_o every_o man_n be_v a_o complete_a be_v within_o himself_o and_o make_v a_o perfect_a figure_n as_o he_o be_v alone_o and_o therefore_o to_o grant_v nothing_o to_o this_o consideration_n be_v rather_o to_o crowd_v man_n into_o a_o little_a ease_n in_o religion_n than_o to_o unite_v they_o and_o so_o press_v they_o too_o straight_o make_v they_o fly_v out_o of_o that_o uneasy_a state_n for_o more_o room_n and_o dissolve_v the_o union_n that_o may_v else_o have_v be_v but_o in_o all_o the_o principal_a point_n of_o true_a religion_n union_n be_v so_o necessary_a that_o it_o stand_v good_a humane_a society_n be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n yet_o in_o this_o state_n of_o god_n patience_n to_o the_o world_n commerce_n and_o civil_a conversation_n be_v no_o more_o than_o property_n found_v in_o grace_n for_o than_o we_o must_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n yet_o still_o the_o supreme_a and_o prime_a end_n of_o society_n be_v religion_n society_n in_o divine_a adoration_n be_v the_o state_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n in_o heaven_n it_o be_v design_v to_o be_v the_o state_n of_o innocency_n in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v a_o law_n that_o can_v be_v repeal_v it_o be_v the_o perpetual_a duty_n of_o man_n fallen_n nature_n have_v a_o violent_a inclination_n to_o it_o so_o that_o all_o societye_n consent_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o name_n of_o some_o god_n though_o mistake_v in_o the_o right_a object_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o christianity_n as_o they_o most_o clear_o reveal_v the_o true_a religion_n so_o the_o necessity_n of_o union_n in_o it_o the_o publickness_n of_o religion_n therefore_o that_o it_o be_v most_o choosable_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o to_o god_n for_o the_o good_a it_o do_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o the_o blessing_n and_o acceptance_n it_o receive_v from_o god_n i_o shall_v plain_o make_v evident_a from_o the_o reason_n of_o scripture_n 1._o for_o the_o glory_n public_a religion_n present_v to_o god_n it_o be_v evident_a although_o god_n in_o his_o son_n and_o spirit_n be_v a_o sufficient_a spectator_n and_o witness_n of_o and_o infinite_o rich_a in_o his_o own_o glory_n in_o the_o understanding_n of_o and_o his_o own_o eternal_a praise_n of_o himself_o so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v to_o he_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a god_n be_v please_v to_o delight_n in_o the_o publickness_n of_o his_o service_n and_o the_o near_a approach_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n to_o he_o and_o that_o not_o in_o solitary_a service_n but_o the_o most_o conjoin_v as_o if_o infinity_n receive_v addition_n of_o glory_n from_o the_o openness_n and_o publickness_n of_o his_o worship_n which_o yet_o we_o know_v be_v impossible_a but_o it_o be_v the_o abyss_n of_o his_o goodness_n that_o he_o delight_v in_o love_v all_o his_o creature_n and_o be_v universal_o know_v love_a and_o serve_v by_o they_o and_o that_o in_o the_o great_a union_n herein_o that_o as_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o prime_a unity_n and_o universality_n and_o this_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o be_v so_o his_o creature_n spring_v from_o he_o may_v return_v to_o he_o in_o the_o same_o universality_n and_o unity_n in_o resemblance_n of_o himself_o which_o be_v the_o high_a and_o true_a worship_n of_o he_o in_o heaven_n there_o be_v a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n and_o bless_a spirit_n in_o one_o general_a assembly_n to_o praise_v and_o worship_n god_n the_o scripture_n excite_v the_o praise_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n of_o all_o the_o world_n of_o all_o land_n of_o all_o people_n tongue_n language_n nation_n kindred_n and_o family_n even_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o thing_n under_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o whole_a host_n of_o they_o be_v call_v in_o to_o concert_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o leave_v out_o but_o death_n and_o destruction_n which_o can_v praise_v he_o because_o never_o make_v by_o he_o and_o when_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o it_o rise_v from_o his_o creature_n be_v represent_v at_o its_o high_a pitch_n it_o be_v thus_o set_v out_o and_o i_o behold_v and_o i_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o many_o angel_n round_o about_o the_o throne_n and_o the_o beast_n and_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n ten_o thousand_o and_o thousand_o of_o thousand_o say_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n worthy_a be_v the_o lamb_n etc._n etc._n and_o every_o creature_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o on_o the_o earth_n and_o under_o the_o earth_n and_o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o they_o i_o hear_v say_v as_o it_o be_v in_o one_o choir_n blessing_n and_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o power_n be_v unto_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o unto_o the_o lamb_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o thus_o david_n also_o muster_v up_o the_o whole_a creation_n to_o join_v in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n not_o to_o fill_v up_o and_o adorn_v the_o divine_a poesy_n but_o to_o show_v the_o indisputable_a right_a god_n have_v to_o the_o service_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o that_o in_o those_o which_o be_v not_o able_a to_o pay_v it_o immediate_o by_o themselves_o every_o wise_a and_o prudent_a holy_a man_n be_v to_o observe_v that_o tribute_n of_o praise_n that_o be_v as_o it_o be_v mark_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o wisdom_n that_o make_v they_o and_o to_o offer_v it_o up_o for_o they_o when_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v represent_v as_o most_o glorious_a in_o its_o being_n most_o public_a every_o thing_n therefore_o in_o god_n ordination_n of_o religion_n tend_v to_o publickness_n our_o saviour_n will_v not_o appear_v but_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o his_o body_n the_o church_n which_o do_v as_o it_o be_v complete_a he_o for_o it_o be_v in_o this_o sense_n his_o compliment_n or_o fullness_n though_o he_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v cover_v the_o earth_n even_o as_o water_n do_v the_o sea_n and_o be_v restless_a till_o it_o do_v so_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o nation_n to_o every_o creature_n in_o prayer_n there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o come_n of_o all_o flesh_n to_o god_n praise_n be_v to_o rise_v up_o as_o one_o pillar_n of_o incense_n from_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o church_n especial_o be_v to_o publish_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o ascribe_v greatness_n to_o our_o god_n now_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o be_v that_o since_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o place_v his_o glory_n in_o the_o publickness_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o universality_n of_o it_o all_o good_a man_n be_v zealous_a and_o earnest_a to_o draw_v in_o the_o public_a society_n of_o the_o world_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o love_v fear_v serve_v pray_v to_o god_n and_o praise_v he_o together_o god_n do_v not_o allow_v his_o servant_n that_o out_o of_o choice_n they_o shall_v retire_v to_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o cloister_n or_o a_o wilderness_n or_o a_o private_a separate_a assembly_n as_o the_o great_a honour_n to_o he_o but_o delight_n in_o the_o most_o public_a assembly_n of_o his_o saint_n servant_n and_o creature_n for_o though_o the_o reason_n here_o of_o lie_v deep_a in_o the_o divine_a
their_o hand_n to_o guard_v they_o in_o all_o their_o way_n that_o they_o may_v not_o dâ—â—h_v their_o foot_n against_o any_o of_o the_o stone_n of_o scandal_n they_o be_v minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_n for_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n those_o great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n humble_a themselves_o as_o little_a one_o to_o serve_v the_o little_a one_o of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o as_o their_o angel_n they_o always_o behold_v in_o heaven_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o whoever_o despise_v they_o even_o to_o scandal_n must_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v it_o remonstrate_v against_o they_o 2._o he_o exemplify_v the_o care_n of_o they_o in_o himself_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v come_v to_o seek_v and_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v and_o the_o argument_n be_v raise_v to_o the_o height_n as_o it_o be_v exemplify_v in_o the_o father_n of_o the_o whole_a family_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n name_v after_o christ_n who_o will_v it_o be_v not_o that_o so_o much_o as_o one_o and_o yet_o when_o one_o only_o be_v in_o the_o danger_n of_o scandal_n who_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o singularist_n especial_o if_o one_o of_o the_o least_o too_o and_o reject_v he_o shall_v perish_v but_o be_v please_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o one_o such_o even_o as_o the_o joy_n of_o one_o sheep_n that_o be_v lose_v out_o of_o a_o hundred_o exceed_v sensible_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o ninety_o nine_o that_o be_v not_o in_o hazard_n but_o now_o lest_o the_o great_a charge_n against_o scandalize_a and_o despise_v shall_v seem_v to_o introduce_v a_o lawless_a state_n in_o christianity_n and_o increase_v petulancy_n and_o licentiousness_n in_o those_o who_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o at_o least_o little_a one_o in_o christianity_n or_o make_v the_o care_n of_o not_o scandalize_a of_o endless_a scruple_n or_o burden_n our_o lord_n prescribe_v a_o method_n for_o prevent_v so_o ill_a consequence_n very_o certain_a to_o its_o end_n yet_o very_o far_o from_o scandal_n or_o despise_v a_o method_n that_o allow_v no_o sin_n and_o yet_o desert_n none_n till_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v account_v but_o as_o heathen_n or_o publican_n to_o who_o yet_o a_o due_a measure_n of_o christian_a charity_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v which_o method_n it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n now_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o controversal_a part_n of_o but_o to_o observe_v as_o of_o great_a moment_n that_o the_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n fall_v not_o into_o the_o account_n of_o any_o of_o those_o trespass_n the_o lord_n speak_v of_o and_o that_o as_o if_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n lest_o the_o thing_n shall_v be_v mistake_v a_o most_o different_a method_n be_v in_o that_o case_n command_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o lord_n here_o therefore_o give_v i_o liberty_n to_o compare_v in_o some_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v omit_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o discourse_n the_o sermon_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n first_o he_o that_o doubt_v in_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o can_v conform_v to_o what_o other_o do_v and_o will_v be_v conform_v to_o in_o be_v not_o command_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o hear_v the_o one_o or_o the_o two_o or_o three_o nor_o the_o church_n itself_o nor_o be_v it_o say_v by_o the_o apostle_n they_o that_o will_v not_o hear_v on_o such_o account_n shall_v be_v as_o heathen-man_n or_o publican_n or_o as_o we_o speak_v excommunicate_a both_o which_o be_v very_o notorious_a in_o the_o evangelist_n record_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o trespass_n there_o speak_v of_o which_o assure_v we_o they_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n urge_v as_o from_o our_o saviour_n that_o what_o be_v in_o these_o case_n bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n or_o what_o be_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o obligation_n on_o the_o doubt_a conscience_n by_o the_o church_n canon_n or_o any_o such_o discharge_n of_o it_o before_o god_n or_o itself_o by_o obey_v they_o but_o every_o man_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o hear_v his_o own_o conscience_n there_o every_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v bind_v and_o loose_v there_o every_o word_n or_o matter_n be_v hear_v and_o establish_v on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v no_o injunction_n of_o tell_v the_o fault_n of_o nonconformity_n if_o any_o be_v aggrieve_v at_o it_o in_o that_o gradation_n from_o one_o to_o more_o and_o so_o to_o the_o church_n but_o the_o apostle_n command_n be_v first_o not_o to_o judge_n or_o despise_v if_o that_o may_v keep_v indifferent_n to_o their_o equipoise_n if_o not_o the_o command_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o by_o example_n to_o scandalize_v or_o draw_v any_o that_o doubt_v to_o act_v against_o or_o over_o their_o doubt_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n because_o they_o be_v but_o indifferent_a for_o that_o be_v to_o sin_n against_o the_o brethren_n the_o weak_a brethren_n as_o at_o the_o least_o we_o esteem_v they_o now_o in_o these_o case_n to_o sin_n against_o the_o brethren_n be_v to_o sin_n against_o christ_n in_o his_o law_n against_o scandal_n now_o in_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v of_o so_o diverse_a a_o frame_n and_o aspect_n in_o the_o lord_n prescription_n concern_v trespass_n and_o the_o apostle_n direction_n in_o case_n of_o various_a apprehension_n in_o thing_n of_o indifferency_n wherein_o one_o great_a part_n may_v be_v guilty_a yet_o of_o great_a weakness_n and_o mistake_n and_o that_o none_o of_o the_o method_n order_v in_o the_o one_o be_v so_o much_o as_o mention_v in_o the_o other_o or_o once_o intimate_v it_o argue_v very_o evident_o that_o variety_n and_o as_o various_a practice_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n though_o join_v with_o such_o mistake_n and_o weakness_n be_v none_o of_o the_o trespass_n our_o saviour_n have_v regard_n to_o and_o since_o the_o apostle_n put_v all_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o scandal_n wherein_o the_o weak_a part_n be_v either_o draw_v into_o sin_n enfeeble_v in_o the_o vigour_n disquiet_v in_o the_o true_a peace_n of_o conscience_n or_o so_o much_o as_o despise_v by_o be_v incompassionate_o neglect_v in_o his_o doubt_n the_o whole_a case_n be_v bring_v under_o the_o force_n of_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n against_o scandal_n that_o none_o look_v upon_o themselves_o on_o any_o account_n as_o great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o the_o christian_a profession_n let_v those_o account_n be_v whatever_o they_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v shall_v by_o any_o sort_n of_o imperiousness_n whether_o command_n rigorous_a treaty_n or_o example_n that_o despise_v all_o that_o do_v not_o follow_v it_o impose_v upon_o the_o little_a one_o to_o all_o which_o let_v i_o have_v the_o reader_n patience_n to_o add_v this_o one_o observation_n that_o the_o evangelist_n mark_n make_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o or_o a_o like_a discourse_n of_o the_o lord_n upon_o scandal_n that_o the_o disciple_n be_v much_o displease_v that_o one_o do_v cast_v out_o devil_n in_o christ_n name_n that_o do_v not_o follow_v they_o that_o do_v not_o seem_v and_o indeed_o be_v not_o of_o their_o way_n in_o the_o appearance_n of_o thing_n but_o our_o lord_n with_o great_a compassion_n accept_v he_o so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v come_v for_o say_v he_o he_o that_o be_v not_o against_o we_o be_v on_o our_o part_n he_o that_o although_o in_o a_o different_a company_n or_o mode_n do_v the_o same_o thing_n we_o do_v and_o do_v nothing_o in_o opposition_n to_o our_o great_a design_n be_v on_o our_o side_n and_o so_o he_o proceed_v into_o a_o similar_v discourse_n of_o kindness_n to_o or_o scandal_n against_o his_o disciple_n though_o little_a one_o and_o if_o we_o suppose_v it_o the_o same_o discourse_n as_o in_o st._n matthew_n and_o that_o this_o evangelist_n have_v not_o a_o accurate_a regard_n to_o the_o occasion_n yet_o in_o that_o he_o connect_v it_o with_o such_o a_o occasion_n and_o that_o by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n it_o teach_v we_o how_o much_o such_o a_o discourse_n be_v adjust_v to_o such_o a_o occasion_n for_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o thing_n be_v so_o lay_v together_o now_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v his_o eye_n upon_o these_o so_o famous_a discourse_n beside_o the_o reason_n i_o have_v give_v on_o this_o head_n in_o its_o due_a place_n it_o be_v evident_a to_o i_o further_o he_o have_v so_o by_o his_o representation_n of_o himself_o in_o a_o figure_n all_o along_o the_o nine_o chap._n of_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinth_n in_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o a_o discourse_n concern_v scandal_n as_o that_o person_n that_o humble_v himself_o as_o a_o little_a child_n in_o
now_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o conscience_n in_o this_o it_o be_v so_o high_a office_n and_o trust_v it_o owe_v to_o itself_o and_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v rich_o and_o abundant_o furnish_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o it_o that_o see_v it_o be_v both_o the_o scribe_n and_o doctor_n or_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o soul_n within_o itself_o it_o be_v as_o the_o good_a householder_n that_o bring_v forth_o out_o of_o his_o treasury_n thing_n new_a and_o old_a that_o it_o attend_v to_o all_o mean_n of_o instruction_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n entertain_v all_o wisdom_n lift_v up_o its_o voice_n for_o it_o seek_v it_o as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o it_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n and_o that_o its_o influence_n may_v be_v powerful_a and_o effective_a upon_o the_o soul_n to_o all_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a obedience_n there_o must_v be_v a_o just_a preservation_n of_o its_o authority_n and_o good_a conduct_n that_o so_o it_o may_v promote_v the_o soul_n into_o all_o goodness_n have_v gain_v a_o high_a reputation_n and_o honour_n by_o the_o success_n it_o have_v have_v already_o and_o the_o comfort_n and_o good_a expectation_n it_o raise_v within_o the_o soul_n upon_o its_o happy_a government_n for_o the_o upright_a man_n from_o this_o vigour_n of_o conscience_n hold_v on_o his_o way_n and_o grow_v strong_a and_o strong_a and_o 18._o job_n 17._o 9_o prov._n 4._o 18._o the_o way_n of_o the_o just_a become_v as_o the_o shine_a light_n that_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o to_o the_o perfect_a day_n and_o therefore_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a scandal_n scripture_n remark_n upon_o be_v this_o when_o conscience_n upon_o any_o solicitation_n upon_o any_o insinuation_n or_o usurpation_n upon_o it_o betray_v this_o trust_n and_o surrender_v itself_o to_o any_o other_o dictate_v or_o authority_n but_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a and_o that_o shine_v within_o itself_o and_o so_o assure_v it_o by_o its_o rationality_n goodness_n purity_n majesty_n that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n to_o take_v any_o thing_n upon_o trust_n from_o man_n that_o it_o do_v not_o try_v and_o examine_v or_o to_o let_v go_v any_o thing_n it_o have_v so_o try_v and_o examine_v and_o find_v good_a upon_o any_o pretence_n whatever_o be_v indeed_o to_o be_v scandalize_v that_o pretence_n that_o do_v so_o assume_v over_o it_o and_o prevail_v with_o it_o against_o itself_o scandalise_n it_o for_o the_o charge_n of_o represent_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o conscience_n the_o supreme_a moderation_n be_v in_o god_n and_o the_o divine_a law_n yet_o it_o be_v transmit_v into_o the_o soul_n it_o enter_v thither_o through_o the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n whatever_o then_o so_o impose_v on_o conscience_n as_o that_o it_o recede_v from_o its_o government_n scandalise_n it_o for_o the_o government_n of_o god_n be_v lose_v also_o thereby_o and_o though_o conscience_n can_v justify_v a_o man_n in_o any_o error_n nor_o aught_o to_o possess_v a_o man_n with_o unnecessary_a scruple_n yet_o still_o the_o main_a government_n of_o conscience_n derive_v itself_o from_o god_n and_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o his_o will_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v shake_v for_o man_n as_o a_o rational_a creature_n as_o a_o creature_n of_o religion_n can_v obey_v god_n but_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o conscience_n he_o must_v know_v and_o judge_v within_o himself_o what_o be_v the_o divine_a law_n and_o obey_v it_o if_o he_o do_v in_o conformity_n to_o that_o will_n and_o do_v not_o know_v it_o it_o be_v not_o true_a obedience_n because_o it_o be_v not_o religious_a it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a or_o rational_o religious_a obedience_n the_o obedience_n of_o god_n be_v seat_v in_o the_o judgement_n in_o the_o conscience_n if_o these_o reins_o be_v slack_a and_o loose_a if_o this_o golden_a bridle_n be_v neglect_v man_n know_v not_o whither_o they_o may_v run_v upon_o what_o they_o may_v be_v drive_v and_o never_o discover_v the_o danger_n a_o man_n can_v distinguish_v what_o be_v from_o god_n from_o what_o be_v not_o if_o this_o gust_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o quick_a vigorous_o exercise_v and_o leave_v free_a conscience_n may_v be_v instruct_v advise_v persuade_v yea_o even_o menace_v and_o terrify_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o it_o nay_o it_o may_v be_v overrule_v by_o lawful_a authority_n wherein_o it_o turn_v apostate_n or_o renegade_n to_o natural_a religion_n yet_o it_o can_v never_o be_v lawful_o depose_v or_o put_v out_o of_o authority_n the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n the_o rule_n of_o obedience_n the_o consolation_n and_o vigour_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v all_o preserve_v in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n and_o shipwreck_v together_o with_o it_o now_o because_o conscience_n be_v place_v by_o god_n in_o this_o great_a trust_n and_o dignity_n it_o become_v and_o it_o must_v needs_o become_v so_o great_a a_o matter_n of_o scandal_n as_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n when_o conscience_n not_o due_o regard_v its_o own_o light_n and_o inward_a sense_n surrender_v itself_o to_o a_o foreign_a rule_n steer_v itself_o by_o a_o compass_n out_o of_o itself_o say_v another_o shall_v be_v wise_a and_o see_v and_o dictate_v for_o it_o and_o so_o give_v up_o itself_o in_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n here_o be_v scandal_n in_o its_o delusive_a deceptive_a power_n a_o man_n think_v it_o modest_a cautious_a a_o point_n of_o honour_n and_o subjection_n to_o those_o that_o be_v above_o he_o to_o be_v carry_v by_o a_o authority_n out_o of_o himself_o conscience_n hereupon_o desert_n its_o own_o principle_n and_o its_o own_o place_n in_o direct_v according_a to_o they_o upon_o this_o it_o fall_v into_o all_o the_o miserable_a consequence_n the_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n conscience_n be_v wound_v grieve_a weaken_a and_o lie_v prostrate_a and_o without_o repentance_n the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o natural_a or_o new_a creation_n be_v destroy_v and_o even_o the_o man_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v perish_v god_n have_v concredit_v the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o the_o soul_n to_o conscience_n alone_o and_o i_o can_v find_v that_o it_o can_v be_v at_o all_o excuse_v in_o resign_v they_o into_o any_o hand_n but_o his_o that_o give_v they_o no_o not_o to_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n the_o minister_n of_o religion_n and_o magistrate_n in_o their_o place_n have_v these_o key_n as_o they_o be_v administer_v without_o a_o man_n to_o offer_v and_o press_v upon_o he_o all_o consideration_n of_o his_o duty_n but_o every_o man_n must_v see_v with_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o not_o another_o for_o he_o he_o must_v be_v enlighten_v by_o beam_n and_o ray_n that_o shine_v within_o his_o own_o soul_n he_o have_v a_o private_a double_a look_n upon_o himself_o and_o none_o may_v open_v and_o shut_v but_o conscience_n in_o and_o with_o god_n whoever_o else_o do_v become_v a_o father_n and_o a_o master_n upon_o earth_n to_o he_o in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n upon_o this_o account_n the_o apostle_n lay_v down_o these_o three_o 23_o rom._n 14._o 22_o 23_o great_a position_n 1._o that_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n of_o a_o free_a and_o full_a persuasion_n of_o conscience_n be_v sin_n for_o though_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n can_v be_v change_v in_o themselves_o yet_o as_o we_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a rule_n bonum_fw-la oritur_fw-la ex_fw-la integris_fw-la causis_fw-la every_o thing_n conspire_v to_o and_o concert_n good_a but_o evil_a be_v a_o declension_n and_o fall_n from_o good_a every_o degree_n of_o fall_n or_o aberration_n from_o good_a be_v evil_a and_o this_o plenipotence_n of_o conscience_n commit_v to_o it_o by_o god_n be_v a_o prime_n necessary_a in_o every_o good_a thing_n and_o the_o want_n of_o it_o great_o evil_a though_o it_o have_v not_o a_o omnipotence_n of_o change_a nature_n itself_o 2._o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v he_o that_o do_v and_o doubt_n in_o what_o he_o do_v be_v condemn_v in_o his_o do_v whatever_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o because_o to_o he_o it_o be_v so_o far_o evil_a that_o he_o do_v it_o against_o that_o domestic_a authority_n of_o conscience_n 3._o he_o be_v a_o happy_a man_n that_o especial_o have_v fall_v into_o doubt_n in_o doubtful_a thing_n be_v come_v to_o so_o good_a a_o resolution_n as_o not_o to_o condemn_v himself_o in_o that_o wherein_o he_o allow_v himself_o he_o that_o have_v a_o good_a assurance_n rise_v neither_o from_o ignorance_n nor_o carelessness_n be_v a_o happy_a man_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n it_o be_v a_o rare_a and_o extraordinary_a happiness_n and_o he_o that_o have_v not_o but_o be_v perplex_v with_o doubt_n ought_v not_o
other_o what_o recompense_n or_o allay_v of_o anguish_n will_v it_o be_v to_o we_o that_o there_o be_v such_o and_o such_o offence_n or_o cause_n of_o exception_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o way_n of_o it_o and_o that_o we_o see_v they_o take_v mighty_o in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v general_o receive_v when_o all_o be_v but_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o death_n and_o bind_v over_o ourselves_o to_o it_o can_v there_o be_v any_o cause_n just_a enough_o why_o we_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o lose_v ourselves_o for_o ever_o or_o will_v it_o satisfy_v we_o for_o our_o soul_n that_o other_o perish_v with_o we_o 2._o it_o be_v therefore_o every_o man_n interest_n to_o arm_v himself_o with_o all_o the_o reason_n he_o can_v against_o scandal_n as_o there_o be_v sufficient_a and_o to_o resist_v this_o enemy_n at_o the_o very_a gate_n it_o be_v only_o that_o we_o be_v deep_o scandalize_v first_o against_o religion_n that_o we_o go_v up_o and_o down_o as_o it_o be_v inquire_v for_o scandal_n for_o some_o to_o scandalize_v we_o and_o to_o give_v we_o further_o show_v of_o reason_n against_o be_v religious_a be_v our_o heart_n but_o true_a to_o religion_n we_o shall_v easy_o find_v they_o be_v more_o and_o strong_a that_o be_v with_o it_o than_o that_o be_v against_o it_o if_o our_o eye_n be_v open_v the_o reason_n for_o religion_n be_v like_o a_o mountain_n full_a of_o chariot_n and_o horse_n of_o fire_n that_o can_v be_v resist_v our_o business_n therefore_o be_v not_o if_o we_o sincere_o resolve_v that_o we_o and_o our_o 17._o 2_o king_n 6._o 17._o house_n shall_v serve_v the_o lord_n to_o search_v every_o where_n for_o offence_n 17._o josh_n 24._o 17._o against_o such_o a_o resolution_n but_o to_o find_v out_o the_o press_v and_o undeniable_a argument_n why_o we_o shall_v so_o resolve_v to_o fortify_v ourselves_o against_o all_o the_o seem_a pretence_n to_o the_o contrary_a by_o set_v they_o before_o we_o as_o joshua_n do_v before_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o animate_v ourselves_o the_o high_a against_o they_o that_o we_o be_v so_o unequal_o poise_v so_o propense_a upon_o scandal_n be_v because_o our_o heart_n be_v first_o bribe_v towards_o sin_n and_o apostasy_n from_o god_n 3._o this_o shall_v engage_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o ourselves_o to_o beware_v of_o our_o own_o proper_a scandal_n the_o motion_n prejudice_n and_o passion_n that_o grow_v from_o our_o own_o false_a understanding_n or_o lust_n and_o do_v and_o will_v scandalize_v we_o though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o scandal_n in_o the_o world_n these_o will_v make_v we_o fall_v into_o dislike_n or_o discontent_n with_o any_o of_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o our_o duty_n when_o they_o do_v not_o satisfy_v our_o particular_a apprehension_n affection_n or_o desire_v let_v we_o commit_v our_o way_n whole_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v give_v we_o the_o desire_n etc._n psal_n 37._o 1._o etc._n etc._n of_o our_o heart_n a_o hundred_o fold_n in_o our_o design_n of_o good_a even_o in_o this_o life_n in_o the_o room_n of_o what_o we_o will_v purchase_v with_o scandal_n let_v we_o rest_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o wait_v patient_o for_o he_o and_o he_o will_v bring_v it_o to_o pass_v for_o we_o but_o let_v we_o not_o fret_v ourselves_o in_o any_o wise_a to_o do_v evil_a because_o any_o thing_n in_o our_o duty_n lie_v cross_v to_o our_o inordinate_a concupiscence_n we_o can_v do_v well_o in_o be_v angry_a to_o scandal_n for_o that_o be_v indeed_o to_o be_v angry_a to_o our_o death_n we_o foolish_o pervert_v our_o own_o way_n when_o ever_o our_o heart_n fret_v against_o the_o lord_n if_o we_o love_v the_o law_n of_o god_n nothing_o can_v offend_v we_o if_o we_o love_v god_n and_o our_o brother_n we_o can_v have_v no_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v or_o scandal_n in_o we_o 4._o see_v scandal_n be_v so_o every_o where_o abroad_o and_o our_o own_o heart_n so_o weak_a on_o the_o part_n of_o scandal_n it_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o infinite_a grace_n and_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o our_o great_a security_n and_o protection_n without_o which_o no_o flesh_n can_v be_v save_v not_o the_o very_a elect_n if_o we_o set_v our_o love_n upon_o god_n and_o place_v our_o trust_n in_o he_o we_o shall_v dwell_v in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o rest_n under_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o he_o will_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o fowler_n from_o noisome_a scandal_n though_o a_o thousand_o 91._o psal_n 91._o fall_n at_o our_o side_n and_o ten_o thousand_o at_o our_o right_a hand_n they_o that_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v flourish_v etc._n psal_n 92._o 13._o etc._n etc._n in_o the_o court_n of_o our_o god_n they_o shall_v still_o be_v unscandalise_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o their_o old-age_n they_o shall_v be_v fat_a and_o flourish_a not_o blast_v with_o scandal_n east_n wind_n to_o show_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v upright_o a_o rock_n of_o security_n not_o of_o scandal_n and_o there_o be_v no_o unrighteousness_n no_o cause_n of_o scandal_n in_o he_o oh_o how_o great_a be_v thy_o goodness_n to_o they_o that_o fear_v thou_o to_o they_o 19_o psal_n 31._o 19_o that_o trust_v in_o thou_o before_o the_o son_n of_o men._n thou_o shall_v hide_v they_o in_o the_o secret_a of_o thy_o presence_n from_o the_o pride_n of_o scandal_n that_o compass_v man_n as_o a_o chain_n yet_o they_o be_v proud_a of_o it_o from_o the_o strife_n of_o tongue_n the_o tongue_n of_o scandal_n that_o be_v a_o world_n of_o inquity_n that_o be_v set_v on_o fire_n of_o hell_n that_o be_v set_v against_o heaven_n and_o walk_v through_o the_o earth_n 5._o we_o may_v from_o hence_o learn_v the_o great_a unreasonableness_n of_o be_v scandalize_v that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o scandal_n against_o religion_n not_o mark_v with_o vengeance_n if_o we_o consider_v well_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v neither_o a_o 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shall_v throw_v about_o scandal_n with_o all_o their_o might_n be_v no_o more_o strange_a than_o that_o there_o be_v mad_a man_n in_o such_o a_o bethlehem_n at_o the_o height_n of_o distraction_n indeed_o the_o patience_n the_o bounty_n that_o god_n use_v to_o these_o be_v great_a than_o of_o the_o most_o compassionate_a hospital_n general_o in_o this_o world_n yet_o no_o doubt_n they_o have_v the_o cruel_a twinge_n and_o lash_n of_o conscience_n in_o order_n to_o their_o cure_n if_o they_o may_v proceed_v to_o their_o effect_n but_o that_o their_o cure_n grow_v desperate_a be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o in_o the_o one_o case_n than_o in_o the_o other_o many_o never_o come_v to_o themselves_o they_o true_o have_v devil_n and_o be_v mad_a devil_n that_o be_v never_o cast_v out_o other_o there_o be_v that_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o more_o quiet_a but_o sullen_a state_n other_o that_o have_v their_o lucid_a interval_n other_o again_o that_o have_v general_o fair_a appearance_n of_o reason_n yet_o not_o in_o their_o right_a mind_n and_o last_o some_o that_o be_v reduce_v beyond_o danger_n of_o relapse_n but_o not_o perfect_a what_o reproach_n be_v it_o now_o to_o right_a reason_n to_o sobriety_n that_o lunatic_n of_o all_o sort_n err_v from_o it_o or_o that_o some_o rally_v at_o it_o or_o that_o the_o very_o best_a among_o they_o do_v some_o thing_n unbecoming_a to_o it_o no_o more_o be_v it_o that_o evil_a man_n or_o imperfect_a man_n not_o sanctify_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o paradise_n or_o heaven_n do_v unsuitable_a to_o religion_n according_a to_o their_o several_a state_n though_o they_o do_v insanire_fw-la cum_fw-la ratione_fw-la seem_v to_o be_v in_o their_o wit_n and_o reason_n while_o they_o do_v so_o or_o that_o there_o
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
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 by_o read_v and_o meditation_n as_o to_o their_o proper_a call_v and_o business_n of_o life_n see_v they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a inablement_n or_o excitation_n to_o their_o service_n quest_n what_o title_n or_o character_n do_v the_o new_a testament_n place_n upon_o these_o officer_n answ_n those_o that_o we_o have_v especial_a respect_n to_o for_o in_o the_o deacon_n if_o strict_o take_v we_o be_v less_o concern_v receive_v denomination_n either_o from_o their_o work_n and_o service_n or_o from_o that_o honour_n and_o estimation_n due_a to_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o such_o a_o service_n from_o their_o work_n they_o be_v style_v apostle_n evangelist_n pastor_n teacher_n minister_n servant_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n also_o from_o the_o estimation_n and_o honour_n due_a to_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o work_n and_o the_o authority_n it_o ought_v to_o carry_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o christian_n they_o be_v style_v bishop_n elder_n ruler_n guide_n and_o ensample_n as_o also_o ambassador_n and_o the_o work_n and_o the_o honour_n do_v so_o enclose_v one_o another_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v separate_v and_o be_v in_o their_o institution_n the_o measure_n one_o of_o another_o extend_v both_o to_o obedience_n and_o support_v of_o they_o in_o their_o work_n and_o the_o title_n be_v so_o prepare_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v change_v for_o any_o other_o nor_o the_o scripture_n language_n herein_o to_o be_v alter_v for_o any_o word_n not_o import_v the_o same_o proper_a sense_n quest_n how_o shall_v the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v that_o there_o may_v be_v that_o obedience_n and_o submission_n pay_v to_o they_o that_o be_v command_v answ_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o