and_o inflame_v with_o a_o holy_a affection_n in_o a_o lowly_a imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a zeal_n wherewith_o god_n perform_v all_o his_o holy_a ordination_n thus_o as_o prince_n they_o have_v power_n with_o god_n because_o they_o offer_v he_o their_o petition_n according_a to_o his_o establish_v rule_n of_o government_n and_o his_o own_o holy_a will_n concern_v the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o pray_v to_o he_o now_o the_o understanding_n these_o rule_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o infallible_a to_o the_o prophet_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n inspire_v by_o he_o but_o to_o we_o in_o ordinary_a by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o law_n of_o true_a and_o right_a reason_n in_o deduction_n from_o that_o word_n and_o in_o which_o word_n and_o the_o deduction_n from_o it_o if_o we_o be_v not_o mistake_v the_o efficacy_n will_v be_v certain_a because_o if_o we_o ask_v according_a to_o his_o will_n we_o be_v sure_o he_o hear_v we_o and_o that_o we_o have_v in_o some_o 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the_o same_o counsel_n to_o inquire_v or_o beseech_v he_o by_o prayer_n according_a to_o they_o and_o therefore_o by_o his_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n he_o draw_v the_o parallel_a line_n to_o his_o own_o intention_n upon_o their_o heart_n desire_n and_o affection_n i_o have_v pursue_v this_o the_o further_a because_o it_o give_v a_o solution_n to_o that_o doubt_n how_o god_n without_o any_o change_n in_o himself_o hear_v prayer_n and_o also_o assure_v we_o this_o prayer_n be_v so_o remarkable_a as_o to_o be_v twice_o use_v in_o the_o same_o word_n most_o certain_o bear_v itself_o upon_o some_o certain_a principle_n from_o which_o we_o may_v argue_v to_o general_a practice_n the_o principle_n it_o rest_v upon_o must_v be_v this_o there_o be_v a_o establish_v order_n betwixt_o the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n his_o fury_n and_o vengeance_n and_o the_o nation_n or_o family_n not_o know_v not_o call_v on_o his_o name_n and_o this_o be_v know_v by_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n his_o wrath_n according_a to_o unchangeable_a law_n be_v always_o prepare_v against_o those_o that_o forsake_v he_o and_o that_o duty_n they_o owe_v to_o he_o as_o nation_n it_o have_v be_v else_o a_o great_a presumption_n upon_o god_n and_o breach_n of_o charity_n to_o the_o nation_n so_o to_o pray_v against_o they_o which_o may_v also_o give_v we_o account_v of_o all_o those_o dreadful_a imprecation_n and_o curse_n david_n and_o other_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n pour_v out_o against_o their_o own_o enemy_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o their_o people_n they_o be_v found_v in_o their_o be_v enemy_n to_o god_n his_o true_a worship_n love_n and_o service_n and_o as_o such_o their_o final_a destruction_n be_v decree_v against_o they_o by_o the_o most_o righteous_a law_n of_o divine_a government_n make_v know_v unto_o those_o holy_a man_n and_o so_o they_o pray_v for_o it_o as_o public_a person_n and_o not_o out_o of_o private_a wrath_n and_o revenge_n but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o main_a argument_n and_o this_o principle_n i_o be_o upon_o that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v against_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v without_o national_a religion_n lie_v deep_a in_o a_o first_o and_o more_o original_a principle_n viz._n there_o be_v a_o obligation_n a_o great_a duty_n lie_v upon_o nation_n as_o nation_n to_o know_v and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n for_o else_o why_o shall_v god_n find_v fault_n why_o shall_v he_o be_v angry_a when_o none_o have_v resist_v his_o will_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a order_n establish_v by_o god_n between_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o a_o people_n and_o their_o public_a true_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o a_o duty_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o duty_n be_v the_o fit_v we_o for_o blessing_n and_o â—avour_n as_o the_o neglect_n and_o transgression_n of_o duty_n can_v be_v without_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n for_o thus_o god_n have_v place_v life_n and_o death_n one_o over_o against_o another_o yet_o so_o that_o life_n and_o blessing_n be_v always_o first_o even_o as_o duty_n be_v always_o before_o sin_n for_o god_n never_o make_v death_n and_o destruction_n even_o as_o he_o never_o can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o sin_n but_o they_o come_v in_o by_o the_o fail_v of_o our_o duty_n and_o so_o of_o that_o life_n and_o blessedness_n entail_v on_o our_o duty_n yet_o the_o obligation_n to_o national_a true_a religion_n be_v much_o more_o evident_a from_o these_o holy_a man_n pray_v down_o wrath_n upon_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o that_o call_v not_o on_o his_o name_n than_o it_o can_v have_v be_v from_o the_o pray_n for_o his_o favour_n to_o they_o that_o do_v know_v he_o and_o that_o do_v call_v on_o his_o name_n because_o his_o favour_n may_v have_v be_v vouchsafe_v upon_o term_n much_o below_o our_o substantial_a and_o inviolable_a duty_n as_o many_o of_o the_o jewish_a rite_n may_v be_v argument_n for_o and_o pledge_n of_o god_n gracious_a regard_n to_o the_o people_n he_o have_v so_o distinguish_v when_o the_o want_n of_o those_o sign_n will_v not_o have_v argue_v to_o the_o effusion_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n there_o be_v no_o natural_a or_o positive_a duty_n lie_v upon_o any_o but_o the_o jew_n to_o such_o observance_n there_o may_v be_v many_o argument_n for_o the_o bounty_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n from_o external_n rite_n appoint_v by_o he_o and_o observe_v by_o his_o people_n though_o indeed_o these_o all_o refer_v to_o their_o essential_a duty_n and_o argue_v nothing_o without_o it_o yet_o the_o contrary_n will_v not_o enforce_v to_o the_o opposite_a degree_n of_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n because_o they_o be_v not_o observe_v when_o no_o substantial_a duty_n be_v violate_v uncircumcision_n that_o keep_v the_o law_n may_v have_v in_o the_o main_a the_o same_o security_n from_o wrath_n with_o circumcision_n that_o keep_v the_o law_n also_o see_v then_o there_o be_v so_o great_a wrath_n against_o those_o that_o know_v not_o god_n that_o call_v not_o on_o his_o name_n it_o assure_v we_o the_o duty_n the_o obligation_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o lie_v deep_a that_o the_o omission_n be_v so_o subject_v to_o the_o divine_a revenge_n and_o it_o be_v in_o this_o a_o society_n without_o religion_n be_v a_o high_a contempt_n of_o god_n a_o make_v flesh_n our_o arm_n and_o depart_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o from_o his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n a_o principality_n without_o a_o inscription_n a_o dedication_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v devote_v be_v like_o the_o build_n a_o tower_n up_o to_o heaven_n a_o sin_n like_o the_o sin_n of_o herod_n when_o he_o let_v that_o sacrilegious_a applause_n sink_v into_o he_o and_o give_v not_o the_o glory_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o subject_n man_n to_o be_v at_o any_o time_n smite_v and_o blast_v by_o god_n who_o have_v say_v those_o that_o honour_v he_o he_o will_v honour_v but_o all_o else_o shall_v be_v light_o esteem_v whether_o nation_n or_o person_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o only_a the_o judgement_n upon_o the_o irreligion_n of_o particular_a person_n of_o particular_a family_n that_o be_v here_o intend_a though_o this_o be_v include_v and_o suppose_v but_o especial_o upon_o the_o irreligion_n of_o society_n knit_v and_o strengthen_v themselves_o without_o the_o true_a god_n upon_o principality_n exalt_v themselves_o and_o not_o by_o and_o with_o the_o almighty_a and_o supreme_a majesty_n on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o there_o be_v a_o duty_n a_o obligation_n of_o be_v public_o religious_a there_o be_v a_o blessing_n upon_o it_o according_a to_o that_o fundamental_a principle_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n
reason_n or_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n edify_v or_o embolden_v conscience_n for_o although_o conscience_n be_v make_v for_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o for_o scandal_n it_o be_v make_v so_o even_o and_o true_a to_o it_o that_o they_o which_o love_v this_o law_n have_v great_a peace_n and_o nothing_o can_v scandalize_v or_o offend_v they_o that_o be_v either_o seduce_v or_o hurt_v they_o yet_o in_o this_o very_a seat_n in_o this_o very_a throne_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n in_o this_o temple_n of_o god_n in_o this_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a this_o tribunal_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o sanctuary_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o as_o a_o tabernacle_n of_o testimony_n do_v scandal_n exalt_v itself_o as_o if_o it_o be_v from_o god_n and_o from_o thence_o it_o give_v its_o oracle_n but_o conscience_n thus_o debauch_v and_o prostitute_v bear_v no_o more_o proportion_n to_o true_a conscience_n than_o antichrist_n do_v to_o christ_n and_o be_v therefore_o a_o pseudo-conscience_n a_o anti-conscience_n conscience_n false_o so_o call_v 7._o scandal_n always_o dash_v its_o own_o principle_n of_o deceive_a reason_n and_o false_a doctrine_n upon_o some_o true_a and_o grand_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n for_o though_o every_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v great_a yet_o there_o be_v of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n on_o account_n of_o which_o oppose_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n brand_v it_o scandal_n more_o remarkable_o and_o hereupon_o though_o the_o sin_n derive_v from_o scandal_n may_v in_o itself_o seem_v small_a yet_o in_o regard_n of_o some_o stable_a law_n of_o religion_n make_v void_a and_o thereby_o sin_n introduce_v it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n though_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n sometime_o indifferent_a now_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o but_o scandal_n must_v thus_o dash_v upon_o truth_n because_o as_o i_o have_v say_v it_o herein_o differ_v from_o simple_a temptation_n that_o its_o rest_n be_v upon_o some_o false_a principle_n of_o reason_n or_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n it_o frame_v mischief_n by_o a_o law_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o every_o false_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n must_v rush_v against_o some_o true_a one_o and_o though_o no_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v small_a or_o sin_n little_a and_o scandal_n be_v always_o proportionable_a yet_o the_o wisdom_n of_o scripture_n have_v appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o scandal_n to_o the_o violation_n of_o some_o grand_a principle_n as_o i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n for_o the_o further_o explain_v of_o scandal_n observe_v those_o pillar_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o law_n against_o which_o it_o throw_v and_o bruise_n the_o scandalize_v soul_n as_o the_o sacred_a book_n shall_v instruct_v we_o 1._o the_o eternal_a be_v and_o holy_a government_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n according_a to_o those_o righteous_a just_a and_o good_a law_n he_o have_v give_v and_o according_a to_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v and_o make_v retribution_n to_o all_o man_n at_o that_o great_a day_n be_v the_o fountain_n and_o most_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n so_o than_o whatever_o upon_o pretence_n of_o reason_n and_o just_a cause_n undermine_v the_o faith_n abate_v the_o awe_v or_o dispirit_n the_o obedience_n agreeable_a to_o so_o supreme_a a_o standard_n of_o all_o these_o be_v the_o original_a and_o final_a scandal_n here_o all_o scandal_n begin_v in_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o hither_o it_o return_v it_o end_v in_o a_o further_a loss_n of_o god_n and_o this_o upon_o offence_n take_v that_o too_o much_o be_v require_v without_o reason_n this_o be_v that_o eternal_a rock_n of_o truth_n at_o which_o whoever_o stumble_v must_v needs_o be_v hurt_v wound_a and_o grieve_v thus_o be_v i_o grieve_v in_o my_o heart_n and_o prick_v in_o my_o reins_o 21._o psal_n 73._o 21._o say_v the_o psalmist_n on_o this_o very_a occasion_n whoever_o fall_v violent_o against_o it_o it_o break_v he_o whoever_o contest_v to_o remove_v it_o and_o burden_n himself_o with_o it_o it_o fall_v upon_o he_o and_o grind_v he_o to_o powder_n and_o yet_o against_o this_o speculative_a and_o practical_a atheism_n have_v in_o all_o age_n harden_v itself_o and_o by_o show_n of_o reason_n and_o high_a spirit_n be_v heave_v and_o peck_v at_o it_o and_o cast_v scandal_n in_o all_o man_n way_n god_n retirement_n as_o they_o fancy_v it_o into_o the_o thick_a cover_n of_o the_o cloud_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o 14._o jâ—b_n 21._o 14._o walk_v in_o the_o circuit_n of_o heaven_n and_o not_o come_v down_o in_o visible_a shape_n of_o glory_n and_o power_n have_v give_v to_o ungodly_a man_n the_o boldness_n and_o a_o counterfeit_n of_o argument_n to_o dispute_v against_o his_o be_v and_o government_n i_o say_v a_o counterfeit_n of_o argument_n for_o with_o a_o apparition_n of_o reason_n from_o hence_o and_o a_o insolency_n of_o wickedness_n they_o conjure_v down_o they_o moâ—mo_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o goblin_n of_o conscience_n as_o they_o esteem_v they_o atheism_n have_v always_o speak_v stout_a word_n against_o god_n say_v to_o god_n depart_v from_o we_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n 13._o mal_fw-fr 3._o 13._o of_o thy_o way_n what_o be_v the_o almighty_a that_o we_o shall_v serve_v he_o or_o what_o profit_n be_v it_o if_o we_o shall_v pray_v unto_o he_o 14._o job_n 21._o 14._o it_o have_v of_o old_a lift_v up_o man_n against_o god_n and_o stretch_v out_o their_o hand_n against_o the_o almighty_a so_o that_o they_o have_v run_v upon_o god_n even_o upon_o the_o thick_a boss_n of_o his_o buckler_n to_o mischief_n themselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a in_o the_o very_a day_n of_o job_n there_o be_v this_o counsel_n of_o the_o 18._o job_n 10._o 3._o and_o 21._o 16._o and_o 22._o 18._o wicked_a as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o result_n of_o debate_n and_o serious_a consideration_n in_o a_o senate_n of_o atheist_n as_o if_o they_o have_v make_v the_o experiment_n and_o find_v upon_o proof_n there_o be_v no_o advantage_n in_o serve_v god_n and_o no_o man_n come_v by_o the_o worse_a in_o despise_v he_o it_o be_v not_o the_o invention_n of_o one_o age_n of_o this_o last_o age_n as_o if_o it_o may_v pride_n itself_o in_o find_v it_o out_o scripture_n have_v not_o think_v it_o against_o its_o interest_n to_o record_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o cause_n as_o it_o be_v manage_v of_o old_a in_o those_o elder_a day_n of_o job_n in_o the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prophet_n malachi_n but_o overruns_a it_o with_o a_o flood_n of_o truth_n and_o eloquence_n even_o as_o god_n do_v as_o he_o please_v with_o a_o deluge_n of_o wrath._n yet_o present_a impunity_n and_o the_o seem_a confusion_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o afflict_a state_n of_o good_a man_n have_v be_v always_o a_o stumble_a block_n to_o sudden_a and_o short_a consideration_n job_n significant_o call_v it_o god_n shine_v on_o the_o council_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o if_o it_o 3._o job_n 10._o 3._o give_v it_o a_o lustre_n and_o countenance_n even_o good_a man_n till_o they_o go_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o god_n and_o look_v to_o the_o end_n of_o thing_n have_v find_v it_o a_o scandal_n the_o psalmist_n acknowledge_v his_o foot_n be_v almost_o go_v and_o his_o foot_n well_o 2._o psal_n 73._o 2._o nigh_o slip_v when_o he_o see_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o water_n of_o a_o full_a cup_n of_o affliction_n wring_v out_o to_o the_o godly_a yet_o upon_o full_a discussion_n of_o the_o case_n he_o confess_v it_o his_o folly_n 22._o ver._n 22._o and_o ignorance_n so_o foolish_a be_v i_o and_o ignorant_a i_o be_v as_o a_o beast_n before_o thou_o the_o wise_a king_n observe_v the_o heart_n of_o 11._o eccles_n 8._o 11._o the_o son_n of_o man_n full_o set_v they_o in_o to_o do_v evil_a because_o sentence_n on_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v not_o speedy_o execute_v god_n by_o his_o patience_n sustain_v and_o make_v wicked_a man_n stand_v 16._o exod._n 9_o 16._o even_o when_o they_o deny_v he_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o their_o more_o dreadful_a fall_n for_o their_o foot_n will_v slide_v in_o due_a time_n to_o their_o eternal_a ruin_n how_o slack_a soever_o god_n be_v misdeem_v he_o will_v be_v a_o swift_a witness_n of_o his_o own_o be_v and_o truth_n and_o the_o avenger_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n now_o so_o far_o as_o any_o man_n have_v either_o in_o secret_a suspicion_n or_o in_o the_o silent_a murmur_n of_o his_o soul_n say_v there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o vanquish_v the_o prevail_a awe_v of_o god_n so_o that_o conscience_n have_v be_v embolden_v or_o edify_v or_o so_o much_o as_o silence_v or_o dumb_a
whole_o naked_a and_o uncover_v of_o any_o pretence_n according_a to_o acknowledge_v principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o without_o the_o shelter_n of_o some_o scandal_n and_o if_o they_o be_v drive_v out_o of_o all_o else_o they_o yet_o retire_v under_o this_o it_o be_v a_o undesirable_a state_n for_o a_o freeborn_a understanding_n and_o will_n to_o be_v under_o subjection_n there_o be_v something_o tyrannic_a and_o oppressive_a in_o it_o that_o they_o may_v not_o know_v and_o choose_v what_o be_v best_a for_o themselves_o and_o so_o there_o be_v a_o resolvedness_n in_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o do_v whatever_o go_v out_o of_o its_o own_o mouth_n the_o apostle_n observe_v the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o it_o neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v 7._o rom._n 8._o 7._o it_o be_v always_o offend_v at_o it_o it_o always_o pretend_v some_o cause_n against_o it_o and_z if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o that_o it_o be_v too_o arbitrary_a a_o pretence_n a_o show_n of_o reason_n seem_v necessary_a to_o a_o rational_a mind_n and_o will_n that_o be_v so_o make_v under_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n it_o can_v sin_v but_o by_o be_v deceive_v and_o grasp_a at_o some_o forbid_a appear_v good_n hence_o even_o the_o devil_n think_v their_o case_n justify_v a_o eternal_a quarrel_n against_o god_n their_o misery_n be_v to_o they_o a_o just_a cause_n but_o the_o various_a degree_n kind_n and_o shape_v of_o scandal_n be_v so_o many_o so_o confuse_v so_o perplex_v that_o the_o very_a view_n of_o it_o will_v enforce_v a_o think_a soul_n to_o cry_v out_o i_o have_v wait_v for_o thy_o salvation_n o_o lord_n as_o the_o patriarch_n jacob_n in_o a_o prophetic_a prospect_n upon_o dan_n out_o of_o who_o some_o have_v fancy_v antichrist_n shall_v arise_v describe_v he_o as_o one_o will_v describe_v scandal_n and_o therefore_o near_o enough_o to_o antichrist_n that_o man_n of_o scandal_n and_o son_n of_o perdition_n that_o yet_o will_v be_v as_o dan_fw-mi judge_v over_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n scandal_n be_v a_o serpent_n by_o the_o way_n a_o adder_n in_o the_o path_n that_o bit_v the_o horse_n heel_n so_o that_o his_o rider_n shall_v fall_v backward_o most_o mischievous_a ruin_n consider_v therefore_o the_o danger_n the_o multitude_n of_o scandal_n we_o wait_v for_o thy_o salvation_n o_o lord_n scandal_n then_o in_o particular_a person_n and_o case_n be_v infinite_a but_o the_o more_o general_a may_v be_v reduce_v in_o person_n of_o no_o sense_n no_o true_a love_n to_o religion_n 1._o to_o the_o almost_o universal_a insolency_n of_o wickedness_n in_o humane_a nature_n bear_v away_o with_o the_o force_n and_o authority_n of_o so_o bad_a example_n all_o before_o it_o and_o if_o defend_v by_o atheistick_a boldness_n wicked_a man_n clap_v their_o hand_n among_o themselves_o and_o multiply_v word_n against_o god_n they_o go_v in_o company_n 7._o job_n 43._o 7._o one_o with_o another_o and_o fulfil_v or_o justify_v and_o make_v good_a the_o judgement_n of_o the_o ungodly_a they_o drink_v scorn_v like_o water_n and_o add_v rebellion_n to_o their_o sin_n 2._o to_o the_o ignorance_n sottishness_n and_o unconcernedness_n in_o religion_n of_o vulgar_a mind_n which_o rest_v under_o such_o shadow_n as_o these_o god_n be_v merciful_a and_o will_v not_o damn_v his_o creature_n all_o have_v their_o fault_n even_o the_o best_a the_o wise_a and_o the_o most_o religious_a there_o be_v more_o ado_n than_o needs_o religion_n drive_v man_n out_o of_o their_o wit_n 3._o to_o a_o false_a a_o formal_a religion_n damnable_a heresy_n or_o a_o superstition_n in_o place_n of_o religion_n rage_v with_o great_a show_n of_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n against_o true_a religion_n which_o while_n man_n bloody_o pursue_v they_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n from_o those_o that_o be_v more_o serious_a in_o the_o true_a religion_n these_o scandal_n especial_o arise_v 1._o all_o immorality_n impure_a interest_n of_o ambition_n pleasure_n or_o covetousness_n be_v very_o offensive_a and_o expose_v religion_n both_o to_o stranger_n and_o even_o among_o themselves_o it_o be_v so_o very_o difficult_a or_o almost_o impossible_a in_o this_o scandalise_v state_n to_o sever_v in_o our_o censure_n religion_n itself_o from_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o man_n will_v know_v the_o religion_n and_o not_o only_o the_o man_n by_o the_o fruit_n they_o bring_v forth_o though_o religion_n be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o severe_a in_o condemn_v what_o ever_o be_v bad_a and_o so_o shall_v be_v judge_v only_o by_o itself_o 2._o the_o great_a and_o many_o and_o sharp_a difference_n among_o those_o that_o be_v the_o professor_n of_o religion_n make_v most_o remarkable_a by_o the_o high_a feud_n and_o furious_a rencounter_n that_o give_v sport_n to_o the_o enemy_n of_o it_o in_o traduce_v it_o and_o every_o way_n enfeeble_v it_o among_o themselves_o be_v great_a scandal_n 3._o the_o strange_a antipathy_n in_o religious_a person_n against_o permit_v the_o due_a liberty_n to_o conscience_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a or_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o express_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o god_n that_o man_n either_o upon_o the_o know_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n or_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o acknowledge_v consequence_n from_o they_o can_v deny_v which_o be_v many_o way_n destructive_a of_o the_o true_a power_n of_o religion_n wherever_o it_o take_v be_v the_o scandal_n of_o act_v against_o sense_n or_o conscience_n the_o apostle_n as_o have_v be_v show_v so_o remark_n upon_o and_o be_v however_o a_o great_a discouragement_n to_o the_o entrance_n into_o and_o loss_n of_o reputation_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o by_o the_o clash_n between_o those_o that_o can_v comply_v because_o they_o doubt_v and_o those_o that_o either_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o when_o they_o say_v they_o doubt_v or_o think_v they_o not_o able_a to_o understand_v whether_o they_o doubt_v or_o not_o or_o will_v drive_v they_o against_o the_o express_a rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o it_o be_v allow_v they_o do_v doubt_n thus_o i_o have_v describe_v scandal_n in_o which_o the_o whole_a unconvert_v nature_n of_o man_n be_v seat_v though_o some_o be_v deep_o than_o other_o in_o it_o the_o very_o best_a man_n be_v under_o the_o remain_v of_o it_o and_o be_v never_o perfect_a from_o it_o till_o in_o the_o state_n of_o just_a spirit_n make_v perfect_a where_o scandal_n can_v enter_v in_o hell_n it_o remain_v for_o ever_o even_o under_o the_o conviction_n of_o everlasting_a punishment_n there_o be_v a_o eternal_a dislike_n and_o discontent_n at_o a_o reply_n against_o god_n and_o his_o government_n as_o not_o worthy_a of_o love_n and_o submissive_a reverence_n but_o to_o be_v rebel_v against_o in_o the_o very_a midst_n of_o those_o conviction_n can_v there_o be_v that_o humble_a deference_n so_o due_a to_o god_n it_o will_v be_v repentance_n and_o recovery_n to_o heaven_n and_o now_o the_o misery_n of_o scandal_n run_v along_o with_o it_o all_o disobedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n which_o be_v eternal_a life_n be_v scandal_n in_o the_o deception_n first_o and_o after_o fall_v down_o into_o the_o miserable_a state_n in_o which_o it_o always_o remain_v but_o never_o end_v express_v by_o the_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v the_o fire_n never_o quench_v the_o weep_a wail_a and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n for_o ever_o every_o one_o that_o make_v and_o he_o that_o receive_v the_o lie_n of_o scandal_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n but_o he_o that_o make_v that_o â—ye_z sink_v deep_a for_o though_o they_o be_v so_o miserable_a so_o great_a a_o woe_n be_v to_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o yet_o still_o woe_n in_o a_o eminency_n to_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v have_v be_v pronounce_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o can_v be_v reverse_v and_o now_o i_o be_o more_o immediate_o and_o near_o to_o fall_v upon_o what_o concern_v we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o practice_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o scandal_n 1._o let_v we_o serious_o apprehend_v the_o great_a folly_n of_o take_v hold_v of_o scandal_n and_o make_v advantage_n of_o it_o against_o any_o of_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o suck_v in_o a_o common_a infection_n or_o contagion_n because_o it_o be_v common_a or_o take_v into_o ourselves_o a_o reason_n or_o a_o pretence_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v eternal_o undo_v and_o miserable_a because_o the_o most_o be_v so_o the_o scandalize_a and_o the_o scandalize_v world_n perish_v together_o they_o that_o bring_v the_o pestilentitial_a contagion_n that_o run_v deep_a in_o their_o own_o vein_n and_o they_o that_o draw_v it_o in_o to_o themselves_o from_o
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 invisible_o so_o too_o who_o praise_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o that_o be_v only_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v not_o throw_v out_o of_o that_o register_n of_o god_n people_n till_o the_o final_a judgement_n cut_v they_o off_o a_o very_a great_a benefit_n in_o itself_o quest_n be_v not_o the_o church_n then_o so_o catholic_n or_o general_n as_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v answ_n the_o catholickness_n of_o the_o church_n as_o have_v be_v often_o inculcate_v be_v its_o union_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o sincerity_n as_o to_o the_o general_a profession_n though_o the_o number_n of_o it_o be_v as_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n a_o remnant_n only_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o god_n will_v finish_v the_o account_n and_o cut_v it_o short_a in_o righteousness_n for_o a_o short_a work_n will_v the_o lord_n make_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n there_o shall_v be_v 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 leave_v the_o thing_n itself_o to_o speak_v it_o be_v say_v they_o that_o overcome_v be_v pillar_n that_o never_o go_v out_o of_o it_o and_o they_o that_o go_v out_o of_o it_o be_v not_o of_o it_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v indeed_o of_o it_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v continue_v with_o it_o and_o how_o the_o church_n itself_o shall_v always_o continue_v if_o any_o true_a member_n of_o it_o may_v perish_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o conceive_v quest_n how_o be_v the_o church_n ordain_v by_o god_n to_o actuate_v scripture_n as_o it_o be_v the_o record_n of_o catholic_n religion_n answ_n the_o apostle_n in_o his_o noble_a description_n of_o the_o church_n have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o instruction_n herein_o in_o those_o three_o honourable_a title_n he_o have_v give_v it_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o house_n of_o the_o live_n god_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o truth_n quest_n before_o the_o explanation_n of_o each_o of_o these_o title_n in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v determine_v whether_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o catholic_n or_o of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n answ_n although_o i_o have_v already_o affirm_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n differ_v from_o a_o particular_a true_a church_n only_o in_o the_o compass_n and_o comprehensiveness_n of_o it_o yet_o i_o very_o willing_o represent_v it_o over_o again_o in_o this_o instance_n these_o thing_n be_v true_o apply_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o every_o particular_a church_n nay_o it_o reach_v down_o to_o every_o single_a live_a member_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o that_o god_n make_v his_o abode_n with_o he_o dwell_v in_o he_o he_o be_v a_o pillar_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o truth_n rest_v and_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o shall_v be_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o so_o that_o he_o be_v a_o ground_n 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
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king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o yet_o there_o extraordinary_a minister_n in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n preserve_v the_o just_a right_n of_o sovereignty_n thus_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ought_v by_o ordinary_a minister_n to_o be_v faithful_o declare_v by_o those_o who_o be_v call_v to_o do_v it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o declare_v it_o have_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o sovereignty_n above_o all_o earthly_a sovereignty_n both_o with_o prince_n and_o subject_n and_o yet_o the_o publisher_n of_o it_o and_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v publish_v stand_v in_o their_o just_a distance_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n pay_v the_o homage_n due_a to_o sovereignty_n by_o obedience_n active_a wherein_o they_o be_v not_o countermand_v by_o god_n or_o by_o submission_n to_o penal_a law_n and_o decree_v make_v against_o they_o by_o the_o supreme_a legislative_a power_n of_o a_o nation_n wherein_o they_o can_v obey_v god_n and_o the_o power_n at_o 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the_o word_n in_o season_n out_o of_o season_n or_o without_o season_n public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n quest_n i_o desire_v you_o now_o to_o apply_v your_o discourse_n to_o the_o administration_n of_o sovereign_a power_n in_o model_v and_o circumstantiate_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n what_o their_o power_n give_v they_o by_o god_n therein_o be_v answ_n that_o i_o may_v give_v you_o a_o answer_n in_o that_o i_o must_v observe_v our_o saviour_n distinction_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o his_o charge_n that_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n be_v render_v to_o he_o and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n be_v render_v to_o caesar_n now_o none_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n be_v his_o first_o but_o they_o be_v first_o god_n and_o give_v to_o caesar_n by_o god_n god_n then_o have_v entrust_v caesar_n with_o the_o render_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n to_o god_n that_o be_v to_o take_v care_n that_o 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truth_n and_o word_n the_o service_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o whatever_o he_o have_v herein_o reserve_v to_o himself_o all_o these_o be_v so_o his_o that_o no_o caesar_n have_v any_o power_n in_o or_o over_o they_o to_o add_v or_o diminish_v or_o make_v the_o least_o alteration_n so_o that_o though_o they_o may_v have_v great_a power_n in_o many_o thing_n relate_v to_o religion_n to_o the_o accommodation_n of_o the_o most_o external_n exercise_n of_o it_o to_o government_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o nation_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o very_a religious_a action_n themselves_o and_o the_o management_n of_o they_o they_o must_v be_v close_o confine_v to_o god_n manifestation_n of_o himself_o how_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v and_o to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o moddel_n and_o decent_o to_o circumstantiate_v that_o worship_n and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v render_v to_o god_n perfect_o according_a to_o his_o own_o pattern_n and_o the_o magistrate_n 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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 against_o their_o valuableness_n in_o themselves_o give_v by_o god_n psal_n 50._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o mic._n 6._o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o heb._n 9_o 10_o etc._n etc._n sufficient_o argue_v they_o be_v not_o of_o natural_a notion_n nor_o of_o the_o everlasting_a righteousness_n of_o that_o law_n let_v we_o therefore_o wave_v they_o go_v on_o to_o debate_v the_o dictate_v of_o primitive_a rule_n concern_v time_n and_o i_o find_v but_o two_o thing_n i_o can_v suppose_v injunction_n of_o so_o ancient_a a_o date_n pertain_v to_o it_o 1._o that_o the_o time_n be_v sufficient_a capacious_a enough_o for_o the_o receipt_n of_o religious_a duty_n and_o action_n sufficient_a for_o the_o make_v ample_a inquiry_n and_o search_n into_o divine_a thing_n for_o the_o soul_n commoration_n and_o rest_n upon_o they_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o religious_a business_n and_o duty_n and_o so_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o testification_n of_o our_o honour_n to_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n by_o offer_v such_o a_o proportion_n of_o our_o time_n together_o such_o frequency_n of_o return_n with_o the_o favour_n of_o season_n and_o redeem_v season_n when_o it_o seem_v to_o fly_v from_o we_o that_o in_o all_o we_o may_v have_v a_o liberal_a space_n for_o so_o grand_a a_o business_n in_o our_o more_o state_v and_o occasional_a performance_n 2._o that_o in_o what_o concern_v public_a worship_n the_o time_n be_v commensurate_a as_o in_o the_o former_a particular_a to_o all_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o public_a worship_n the_o occasion_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o and_o particular_o that_o it_o be_v know_v agree_v and_o indict_v for_o that_o service_n but_o for_o the_o seven_o part_n of_o time_n though_o undoubted_o pitch_v upon_o with_o infinite_a wisdom_n justice_n and_o equity_n in_o the_o four_o command_n respect_v divine_a honour_n and_o business_n on_o one_o side_n and_o humane_a occasion_n and_o diversion_n on_o the_o other_o yet_o it_o must_v certain_o be_v say_v the_o original_a â—allowedness_n of_o it_o be_v found_v in_o divine_a command_n and_o must_v bâ—_n convey_v by_o undoubted_a tradition_n of_o that_o command_n have_v no_o more_o natural_a in_o it_o than_o the_o general_a compromise_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o time_n into_o seven_n or_o week_n seldome_o than_o which_o no_o reasonable_a sense_n of_o religion_n can_v allow_v for_o the_o recurrency_n of_o solemn_a public_a worship_n mix_v with_o continue_a private_a devotion_n as_o in_o extraordinary_a to_o every_o day_n service_n else_o i_o can_v perceive_v it_o can_v be_v define_v by_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a understanding_n for_o place_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v also_o necessary_a 1._o that_o place_n be_v as_o agreeable_a as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o end_n secret_a and_o retire_a place_n for_o retire_a and_o secret_a worship_n place_n of_o domestic_a coveniency_n for_o family_n and_o public_a know_v and_o agree_v for_o public_a worship_n 2._o that_o place_n for_o 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single_a determination_n upon_o the_o divine_a majesty_n itself_o must_v not_o look_v off_o from_o it_o but_o under_o the_o peril_n of_o move_v that_o jealousy_n god_n express_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o not_o thus_o yet_o they_o beget_v in_o man_n injurious_a thought_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o dwell_v in_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n and_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n confine_v there_o whereas_o except_o by_o his_o own_o choice_n upon_o certain_a reason_n as_o among_o the_o jew_n all_o place_n be_v alike_o and_o he_o equal_o accept_v those_o that_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n he_o that_o inhabit_v ubiquity_n be_v no_o more_o offend_v 24._o joh._n 4._o 21_o 23_o 24._o or_o disdain_v mean_a and_o unadorned_a place_n for_o his_o service_n than_o stately_a structure_n to_o misdeem_v so_o of_o god_n have_v a_o degree_n of_o that_o folly_n that_o will_v restrain_v his_o omnipresence_n lest_o it_o shall_v be_v defile_v with_o the_o 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 must_v needs_o be_v the_o determination_n of_o natural_a reason_n if_o it_o use_v its_o own_o light_n and_o discharge_v its_o own_o trust_n have_v speak_v thus_o brief_o of_o time_n and_o place_n i_o come_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n distinction_n or_o separation_n of_o person_n for_o divine_a office_n how_o far_o it_o be_v direct_v by_o natural_a religion_n under_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n patriarchal_a eldership_n nearness_n to_o the_o creation_n and_o continual_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o history_n of_o god_n treaty_n and_o deal_n with_o man_n together_o with_o the_o power_n gravity_n authority_n resident_a in_o it_o carry_v the_o most_o fit_a administration_n of_o divine_a thing_n along_o with_o it_o so_o that_o the_o pontifical_a prophetic_a and_o royal_a authority_n accumulate_v upon_o they_o this_o seem_v unquestionable_a in_o reason_n scripture_n history_n and_o universal_a tradition_n 2._o after_o the_o multiplication_n of_o family_n into_o nation_n and_o
be_v recommend_v by_o it_o in_o what_o it_o reveal_v beyond_o it_o 1._o the_o first_o thing_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o even_o as_o natural_a religion_n conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o world_n peace_n that_o it_o be_v natural_a substantial_a and_o not_o ceremonial_a so_o do_v it_o also_o recommend_v christian_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o consist_v in_o ceremony_n that_o it_o have_v no_o more_o in_o number_n than_o there_o be_v find_v in_o innocency_n there_o be_v the_o tree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n the_o not_o eat_v of_o which_o be_v a_o symbol_n of_o universal_a obedience_n there_o be_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n a_o sacrament_n seal_v the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n 9_o gen_n 2._o 9_o there_o be_v the_o seven_o day_n sabbath_n a_o day_n of_o solemn_a converse_n with_o god_n and_o meditation_n of_o his_o work_n found_v upon_o his_o rest_n from_o creation_n and_o a_o pledge_n of_o everlasting_a rest_n with_o god_n 3._o gen._n 2._o 2_o 3._o in_o christianity_n there_o be_v baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n enter_v into_o on_o god_n part_n and_o we_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o full_a communication_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o christian_a sabbath_n a_o day_n dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o creator-redeemer_n give_v natural_a rest_n to_o body_n religious_a festival_n to_o soul_n in_o holy_a employment_n and_o action_n ground_v on_o his_o resurrection_n and_o sit_v down_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o majesty_n on_o high_a call_v by_o express_a title_n the_o lord_n day_n as_o the_o eucharist_n the_o lord_n supper_n and_o a_o pawn_n of_o the_o eternal_a sabbatism_n with_o our_o lord_n in_o glory_n now_o these_o be_v so_o few_o so_o easy_a so_o familiar_a so_o near_o natural_a so_o intelligible_a that_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o institutor_n and_o founder_n of_o they_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o ceremony_n or_o that_o his_o servant_n shall_v waste_v their_o time_n or_o spirit_n in_o observe_v they_o or_o employ_v their_o understanding_n in_o find_v out_o a_o rationale_n for_o they_o although_o in_o condescension_n to_o man_n sojourn_v in_o flesh_n and_o blood_n he_o give_v such_o symbol_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o presence_n and_o so_o in_o the_o fewness_n the_o easiness_n the_o intelligibleness_n there_o be_v a_o testimony_n to_o they_o from_o natural_a religion_n which_o else_o be_v unconcern_v in_o all_o the_o religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o that_o proof_n they_o can_v make_v of_o themselves_o either_o as_o enjoin_v by_o god_n or_o as_o the_o result_v of_o humane_a prudence_n or_o national_a decency_n further_o it_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o they_o for_o natural_a and_o ceremonial_a substantial_a and_o ceremonial_a be_v oppose_v one_o to_o another_o this_o then_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o natural_a and_o christian_a religion_n which_o indeed_o be_v not_o two_o but_o one_o that_o they_o have_v least_o of_o shade_n the_o dark_a any_o religion_n be_v the_o more_o be_v the_o ceremony_n like_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o evening_n stretch_v out_o the_o clear_a the_o religion_n the_o near_a the_o perfection_n of_o heaven_n where_o there_o be_v no_o shadow_n at_o all_o the_o less_o be_v the_o ceremony_n like_o the_o shade_n of_o a_o high_a noon_n in_o the_o summer_n solstice_n the_o deprave_a heart_n of_o man_n be_v so_o easy_o bewitch_v with_o form_n and_o foppery_n call_v they_o significant_a ceremony_n like_o say_v to_o the_o dumb_a stone_n awake_v arise_v and_o teach_v or_o to_o their_o staff_n declare_v to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v trust_v lest_o seek_v 12._o hab._n 2._o 19_o hosea_n 4._o 12._o a_o shady_a devotion_n of_o ceremony_n under_o the_o disguise_n of_o a_o solemn_a one_o as_o the_o pagan_n choose_v wood_n and_o grove_n for_o their_o sacred_a performance_n it_o lose_v itself_o in_o the_o thicket_n not_o know_v where_o it_o be_v and_o in_o the_o end_n the_o true_a religion_n also_o i_o can_v see_v what_o religion_n or_o devotion_n except_o that_o which_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o and_o which_o can_v be_v good_a no_o more_o than_o the_o heart_n that_o use_v it_o can_v suffer_v by_o be_v easy_a of_o access_n familiar_a unencumbr_v the_o most_o plain_a free_a intelligible_a institution_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v at_o length_n corrupt_v into_o the_o idolatrous_a mass_n by_o be_v make_v horrid_a as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d religion_n by_o be_v solid_a and_o substantial_a be_v best_a secure_v from_o the_o stroke_n of_o the_o atheist_n who_o accuse_v it_o of_o trick_n and_o design_n for_o when_o there_o be_v find_v ceremonial_a cover_n like_o pious_a fraud_n over_o it_o and_o they_o easy_o yield_v to_o attack_v as_o of_o no_o value_n the_o atheist_n present_o challenge_v all_o the_o rest_n by_o proportion_n and_o render_v it_o suspicious_a it_o be_v best_a secure_v against_o the_o schismatic_n and_o unquiet_a spirit_n that_o be_v true_o so_o for_o he_o have_v something_o in_o unnecessary_a ceremony_n to_o fasten_v on_o and_z move_z trouble_n by_o it_o be_v kind_a to_o the_o more_o modest_a scrupulous_a person_n who_o be_v upon_o great_a reason_n afraid_a of_o humane_a addition_n to_o divine_a worship_n ceremony_n can_v add_v nothing_o to_o the_o true_o wise_a and_o generous_o religious_a person_n who_o love_v religion_n for_o itself_o and_o need_v not_o the_o childish_a and_o fantastic_a gaudery_n or_o gaiety_n of_o ceremony_n to_o inamor_v he_o of_o religion_n he_o love_v it_o for_o its_o true_a worth_n for_o its_o native_a beauty_n and_o substantial_a excellency_n it_o be_v therefore_o only_o fit_v to_o the_o hypochondriack_a devotionist_n who_o love_v religion_n in_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o set_v solemn_a dress_n or_o to_o the_o empty_a formalist_n that_o must_v have_v it_o so_o adorn_v or_o recommend_v or_o to_o vulgar_a unlearned_a and_o irrational_a mind_n who_o must_v be_v catch_v with_o show_n and_o pompous_a appearance_n and_o keep_v in_o amuse_n that_o they_o may_v be_v somewhat_o intent_n in_o religious_a excercise_n but_o with_o this_o disadvantage_n that_o they_o seldom_o pierce_v further_o than_o this_o surface_n or_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o religion_n itself_o and_o when_o at_o any_o time_n these_o thing_n happen_v to_o be_v expose_v they_o become_v the_o scorn_n and_o hate_v of_o such_o person_n so_o that_o they_o deal_v rude_o with_o they_o but_o now_o substantial_a massive_a religion_n yield_v not_o to_o such_o sort_n of_o attack_n but_o like_o rock_n resist_v support_v with_o its_o own_o substance_n bear_v upon_o its_o own_o truth_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v rather_o choose_v as_o he_o say_v to_o have_v my_o soul_n among_o the_o wise_a rational_o religious_a philosopher_n if_o such_o can_v be_v find_v then_o with_o any_o religion_n that_o this_o day_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n not_o except_v the_o romish_a that_o have_v deturpate_v and_o dishonour_v the_o only_a excellent_a religion_n and_o as_o it_o be_v romish_n be_v the_o worse_o because_o it_o be_v christian_a next_o to_o those_o ponderous_a self-great_a and_o infinite_o rational_a principle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n i_o shall_v choose_v to_o rest_v only_o in_o the_o undoubted_a principle_n and_o maxim_n of_o natural_a religion_n so_o excellent_a that_o christianity_n have_v not_o lose_v one_o of_o they_o but_o so_o gather_v up_o the_o fragment_n that_o no_o one_o thing_n can_v be_v lose_v as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v beside_o this_o natural_a this_o christian_a religion_n i_o know_v nothing_o but_o all_o subjection_n to_o principality_n and_o power_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n in_o civil_a thing_n the_o gravity_n and_o decency_n of_o religious_a action_n according_a to_o all_o law_n of_o humane_a prudence_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o country_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v object_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o ceremony_n the_o state_n of_o religion_n among_o the_o jew_n involve_v and_o wrap_v up_o in_o so_o much_o ceremony_n it_o may_v be_v answer_v to_o he_o 1._o there_o be_v so_o great_a and_o presential_a a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n concern_v they_o among_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v only_o bind_v to_o they_o under_o that_o immediate_a theocraty_n exercise_v over_o they_o that_o as_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a so_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o bear_v they_o up_o god_n as_o the_o author_n continual_o and_o frequent_o appear_v to_o give_v value_n to_o they_o by_o his_o own_o particular_a command_n he_o be_v able_a to_o bless_v and_o empower_v the_o mean_a rite_n to_o
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
right_n of_o earthly_a power_n not_o the_o retrench_a any_o of_o the_o freedom_n of_o natural_a religion_n not_o the_o impose_v any_o thing_n beside_o and_o beyond_o it_o by_o power_n or_o penalty_n not_o the_o forbid_a of_o reformation_n of_o any_o corruption_n invade_v it_o not_o the_o embargo_a any_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n consist_v with_o or_o perfect_a natural_a religion_n as_o all_o true_o such_o do_v only_o the_o power_n of_o require_v all_o to_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o punishment_n of_o those_o that_o disobey_v natural_a law_n but_o it_o may_v be_v further_o say_v god_n intend_v christianity_n shall_v be_v bring_v in_o not_o by_o might_n not_o by_o power_n but_o by_o tâ—e_v spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o believer_n in_o it_o shall_v seal_v it_o not_o with_o pleasure_n honour_n and_o outward_a advantage_n accrue_v to_o they_o by_o it_o but_o with_o their_o blood_n and_o suffering_n this_o be_v also_o most_o true_a it_o appear_v god_n do_v so_o intend_v but_o still_o if_o magistrate_n be_v entrust_v by_o god_n with_o make_v religion_n legal_a or_o not_o legal_a by_o their_o seal_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o divine_a ordination_n of_o magistracy_n be_v dishonour_v and_o debase_v by_o he_o that_o appoint_v it_o in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o take_a notice_n of_o in_o so_o great_a a_o affair_n of_o the_o divine_a kingdom_n and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v judge_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o real_a injury_n do_v to_o power_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o christian_n be_v on_o that_o account_n just_a for_o who_o can_v know_v that_o for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n god_n have_v suspend_v that_o suppose_a ordination_n of_o he_o viz._n that_o no_o religion_n shall_v be_v bring_v into_o any_o state_n or_o kingdom_n that_o have_v not_o first_o the_o favour_n and_o licence_n of_o the_o law_n and_o magistrate_n of_o that_o state_n and_o kingdom_n but_o now_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o state_v rule_n that_o beyond_o natural_a religion_n the_o magistrate_n power_n extend_v not_o but_o that_o be_v secure_v there_o be_v a_o freedom_n to_o subject_n of_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o wherein_o they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o god_n as_o of_o their_o body_n life_n or_o estate_n in_o private_a concern_v or_o as_o a_o philosopher_n have_v of_o choose_v what_o he_o think_v the_o best_a system_v and_o from_o the_o best_a author_n and_o that_o man_n may_v free_o reason_v herein_o still_o within_o the_o confinement_n of_o natural_a religion_n reverence_n of_o god_n and_o all_o just_a deference_n to_o man_n and_o than_o christian_a religion_n have_v a_o legal_a entrance_n offer_v no_o disregard_n to_o magistracy_n but_o take_v natural_a freedom_n to_o offer_v itself_o wherein_o its_o way_n be_v so_o prepare_v it_o than_o open_v itself_o with_o all_o that_o divine_a power_n and_o authority_n that_o can_v be_v refuse_v but_o under_o the_o great_a peril_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n thus_o proportionable_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o concern_v the_o reformation_n of_o christianity_n from_o popery_n we_o then_o that_o be_v christian_n and_o protestant_a christian_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o keep_v that_o door_n of_o the_o just_a and_o lawful_a propagation_n of_o religion_n not_o contrariant_n to_o natural_a religion_n as_o open_a as_o we_o can_v and_o to_o grant_v a_o quiet_a comprehensive_a of_o all_o offer_n that_o can_v be_v make_v keep_v within_o rule_n of_o natural_a religion_n reason_n and_o prudence_n it_o seem_v less_o hazard_n to_o admit_v those_o inconvenience_n attendant_a upon_o this_o liberty_n that_o through_o humane_a corruption_n run_v round_o with_o every_o thing_n than_o those_o great_a mischief_n of_o have_v christian_n or_o protestant_a religion_n violent_o keep_v out_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v that_o there_o be_v obligation_n lie_v upon_o man_n precedent_a to_o any_o right_n of_o humane_a authority_n viz._n of_o duty_n to_o god_n in_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n of_o the_o profession_n confession_n and_o publication_n of_o true_a religion_n however_o man_n forbid_v or_o scorn_v it_o of_o rational_a communication_n of_o truth_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o 12._o act._n 4._o 12._o can_v but_o speak_v the_o thing_n we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v of_o charity_n to_o man_n soul_n in_o not_o conceal_v the_o tiding_n of_o salvation_n the_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n for_o certain_o david_n express_v himself_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n when_o he_o say_v i_o have_v preach_v righteousness_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n i_o have_v not_o refrain_v my_o lip_n oh_o lord_n thou_o 10_o psal_n 40._o 9_o 10_o know_v i_o have_v not_o hide_v thy_o righteousness_n in_o my_o heart_n i_o have_v declare_v thy_o faithfulness_n and_o thy_o salvation_n i_o have_v not_o conceal_v thy_o lovingkindness_n and_o thy_o truth_n from_o the_o great_a congregation_n and_o moses_n when_o he_o say_v give_v ear_n oh_o you_o heaven_n and_o 3_o deut._n 32._o 1_o 2_o 3_o i_o will_v speak_v and_o hear_v oh_o earth_n the_o word_n of_o my_o mouth_n my_o doctrine_n shall_v drop_v as_o the_o rain_n my_o speech_n shall_v distil_v as_o the_o dew_n because_o i_o will_v publish_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n ascribe_v you_o greatness_n to_o our_o god_n yet_o from_o hence_o i_o do_v not_o suppose_v any_o man_n bind_v to_o go_v and_o preach_v to_o the_o great_a turk_n either_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n against_o any_o of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o that_o tyranny_n or_o folly_n of_o that_o superstition_n or_o the_o just_a and_o holy_a law_n and_o truth_n of_o christianity_n instead_o of_o his_o worse_a than_o aâ—ile_n alcoran_n every_o man_n be_v to_o measure_v his_o commission_n and_o the_o enablement_n he_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n for_o his_o work_n and_o not_o to_o venture_v upon_o thing_n beyond_o his_o line_n for_o even_o the_o apostle_n know_v their_o measure_n the_o measure_n of_o the_o rule_n distribute_v they_o by_o god_n a_o measure_n reach_v so_o far_o beyond_o which_o they_o do_v not_o stretch_v themselves_o in_o that_o famous_a place_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 13._o every_o man_n may_v compute_v the_o probable_a account_n his_o service_n will_v turn_v to_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n christ_n teach_v he_o to_o forbear_v when_o it_o be_v certain_a before_o hand_n his_o pearl_n will_v be_v tread_v under_o foot_n and_o himself_o 6._o mat._n 7._o 6._o rend_v and_o so_o i_o have_v finish_v what_o i_o think_v necessary_a to_o be_v speak_v upon_o this_o three_o argument_n and_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o four_o argum._n 4._o natural_a religion_n may_v well_o be_v the_o cement_n of_o universal_a peace_n since_o whatever_o can_v comport_v with_o the_o good_a of_o the_o universe_n or_o community_n be_v secure_v by_o it_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o community_n be_v charge_v with_o it_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o particular_a person_n the_o orderly_a posture_n of_o every_o man_n in_o his_o station_n and_o rank_n the_o just_a deference_n to_o magistracy_n and_o public_a authority_n the_o security_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o quiet_n the_o advancement_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o divine_a revelation_n now_o in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o i_o will_v consider_v what_o objection_n may_v be_v make_v against_o allow_v freedom_n in_o religion_n upon_o natural_a religion_n secure_v and_o the_o answer_n to_o they_o object_n 1._o every_o false_a religion_n or_o refusal_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o a_o nation_n not_o vindicate_v by_o due_a severity_n upon_o offender_n be_v a_o offence_n against_o the_o divine_a majesty_n of_o a_o national_a gild_n and_o bring_v down_o national_a judgement_n answer_n the_o government_n of_o conscience_n be_v god_n peculiar_a no_o earthly_a power_n shall_v be_v charge_v with_o the_o obliquity_n and_o error_n of_o it_o any_o more_o than_o with_o the_o secret_a sin_n of_o man_n that_o be_v not_o know_v or_o those_o distemper_n of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n which_o come_v into_o no_o palpable_a instance_n can_v neither_o be_v convict_v nor_o sentence_v by_o man_n now_o mistake_v of_o man_n in_o religion_n not_o cognisable_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o error_n of_o conscience_n and_o so_o be_v proper_o leave_v to_o god_n judgment-seat_n and_o the_o magistrate_n stand_v free_a it_o be_v therefore_o very_o observable_a prince_n be_v call_v nursing-fathers_n and_o queen_n nursing-mothers_n signify_v not_o a_o 23._o isa_n 49._o 23._o commanding-power_n but_o a_o tender_a insinuate_a cherish_v the_o encouragement_n from_o they_o that_o such_o a_o appellative_a carry_v with_o it_o in_o those_o that_o declare_v it_o in_o those_o that_o be_v to_o receive_v it_o the_o magistrate_n discharge_v this_o honourable_a trust_n may_v acquit_v himself_o and_o the_o community_n
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have_v deliver_v their_o own_o soul_n that_o which_o be_v of_o their_o free_a judgement_n and_o arbitrement_n as_o proper_a to_o they_o as_o to_z family_n and_o person_n to_o dispose_v of_o their_o own_o they_o have_v place_v as_o they_o think_v upon_o due_a consideration_n most_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n but_o to_o deprive_v man_n of_o their_o native_a right_n or_o to_o punish_v they_o in_o their_o person_n or_o estate_n who_o be_v not_o offender_n against_o natural_a religion_n for_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o mind_n of_o which_o they_o have_v only_o a_o humane_a judgement_n be_v not_o a_o power_n wherewith_o they_o think_v themselves_o invest_v of_o god_n and_o so_o forbear_v it_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o nation_n of_o man_n a_o nation_n of_o christian_n a_o virtuous_a a_o honourable_a government_n and_o more_o hopeful_a to_o propagate_v true_a christianity_n than_o that_o which_o write_v its_o law_n in_o blood_n and_o this_o be_v to_o rule_v over_o man_n and_o not_o over_o beast_n bind_v up_o as_o man_n shall_v be_v with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n in_o natural_a religion_n in_o what_o be_v beyond_o that_o as_o revealed_z from_o god_n with_o band_n of_o love_n to_o serve_v the_o public_a blessed_n be_v the_o people_n who_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n bless_v be_v that_o people_n who_o god_n be_v thus_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n object_n 2._o what_o peace_n can_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n among_o private_a and_o particular_a person_n while_o there_o be_v several_a opinion_n in_o religion_n how_o many_o dispute_n and_o calumny_n and_o invective_n be_v continual_o fly_v up_o and_o down_o by_o reason_n of_o difference_n in_o religion_n and_o how_o much_o better_o be_v all_o compel_v into_o union_n answer_n all_o these_o evil_n be_v but_o so_o many_o argument_n of_o deprave_a nature_n which_o create_v its_o own_o occasion_n out_o of_o every_o thing_n and_o if_o the_o mischief_n of_o 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in_o its_o language_n in_o great_a case_n as_o st._n paul_n against_o the_o bigot_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o we_o must_v also_o consider_v the_o infallible_a spirit_n that_o guide_v sacred_a writer_n who_o alone_o know_v how_o to_o direct_v those_o sharp_a arrow_n and_o what_o effect_n they_o shall_v take_v object_n 3._o this_o clip_v off_o the_o royalty_n and_o prerogative_n of_o prince_n if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o command_n of_o man_n sentiment_n or_o at_o least_o of_o their_o outward_a action_n and_o practice_n in_o religion_n ans_fw-fr the_o unjust_a enlargement_n of_o earthly_a power_n into_o the_o divine_a sanctuary_n have_v be_v always_o fatal_a to_o prince_n vzziah_n rude_a entrance_n into_o it_o be_v punish_v by_o god_n with_o infamous_a leprosy_n herod_n let_v that_o sacrilegious_a acclamation_n it_o be_v 23_o 1_o chron._n 28._o 18_o 19_o act._n 12._o 22_o 23_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o god_n not_o of_o a_o man_n sink_v into_o he_o be_v present_o revenge_v with_o a_o dreadful_a hand_n of_o judgement_n humane_a power_n be_v safe_a keep_v itself_o within_o the_o verge_n of_o divine_a institution_n beyond_o that_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v great_a yet_o it_o become_v only_o like_o a_o swell_a wall_n the_o big_a it_o be_v the_o more_o ready_a to_o fall_v or_o a_o totter_a fence_n expatiate_v to_o ruin_v their_o honour_n be_v great_a in_o be_v nursing-fathers_n if_o god_n have_v intend_v civil_a magistracy_n to_o govern_v in_o any_o religion_n but_o natural_a they_o shall_v have_v have_v as_o certain_a rule_n to_o act_v by_o as_o they_o have_v in_o natural_a religion_n beside_o what_o be_v the_o good_a of_o be_v great_a master_n in_o religion_n except_o in_o that_o wherein_o god_n have_v show_v every_o man_n what_o be_v good_a see_v the_o great_a judgement_n wait_v for_o such_o thus_o the_o apostle_n james_n james_n 3._o 1._o my_o brethren_n be_v not_o many_o master_n imposer_n or_o prescriber_n in_o religion_n that_o be_v do_v not_o affect_v it_o know_v we_o shall_v receive_v a_o great_a judgement_n object_n 4._o but_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o govern_v with_o any_o security_n if_o governor_n hold_v not_o the_o reins_o of_o man_n conscience_n if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o helm_n that_o turn_v about_o so_o great_a body_n of_o people_n which_o way_n soever_o they_o that_o have_v that_o pylotry_n please_v with_o what_o vigour_n and_o courage_n be_v man_n animate_v while_o the_o principle_n and_o reward_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o eye_n if_o therefore_o the_o prince_n rule_v not_o in_o these_o his_o command_n be_v but_o cypher_n answer_v 1_o religion_n be_v too_o great_a and_o noble_a a_o thing_n to_o be_v but_o a_o expedient_a of_o government_n 2._o the_o history_n of_o christianity_n assure_v we_o no_o prince_n have_v have_v more_o obedient_a subject_n a_o more_o valiant_a soldiery_n than_o heathen_a prince_n of_o christian_n true_a religion_n know_v its_o obligation_n to_o government_n and_o pursue_v the_o law_n of_o it_o though_o that_o government_n have_v stand_v distinct_a from_o that_o true_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o standing-rule_n of_o christian_n object_n 5._o but_o what_o tumult_n faction_n sedition_n have_v be_v raise_v under_o religious_a pretence_n when_o subject_n have_v not_o yield_v themselves_o to_o the_o empire_n of_o prince_n in_o religion_n answ_n these_o evil_n as_o they_o be_v false_o pretend_v by_o man_n of_o turbulence_n to_o be_v for_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n so_o they_o be_v unjust_o charge_v upon_o it_o there_o can_v be_v therefore_o no_o severity_n too_o great_a upon_o those_o that_o so_o abuse_v so_o excellent_a a_o thing_n but_o the_o sâ—mâ—_n care_n that_o secure_v against_o ambition_n sedition_n rebellion_n in_o one_o shape_n will_v do_v it_o in_o another_o without_o take_v away_o lawful_a liberty_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o remedy_n so_o specific_a against_o the_o great_a hypocrisy_n of_o cover_a rebellion_n with_o religion_n faction_n with_o faith_n as_o the_o severe_a regiment_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o indisputable_a law_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o allowance_n of_o the_o great_a toleration_n in_o what_o no_o way_n contradict_v that_o for_o then_o be_v the_o artifice_n strong_a when_o it_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o oppression_n of_o man_n conscience_n so_o great_a a_o illegality_n against_o natural_a principle_n take_v away_o severe_a imposition_n and_o what_o have_v such_o politician_n to_o work_v upon_o object_n 6._o but_o what_o a_o hydra_n a_o many-headed_a monster_n of_o opinion_n will_v religion_n become_v by_o such_o a_o toleration_n answ_n 1._o severe_a natural_a religion_n enforce_v and_o strict_o pursue_v will_v so_o rebate_v man_n corruption_n beside_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o divine_a blâ—ssing_n accompany_v so_o virtuous_a a_o government_n that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o much_o great_a retrenchment_n of_o opinion_n than_o can_v be_v
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
inducement_n fâ—om_a scripture_n there_o be_v the_o same_o urgency_n of_o reason_n for_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n pass_v upon_o man_n as_o in_o nation_n and_o lesser_a community_n as_o upon_o their_o single_a person_n for_o else_o their_o action_n can_v never_o be_v judge_v the_o very_a compliance_n with_o the_o custom_n of_o nation_n with_o the_o sway_n of_o such_o a_o age_n and_o time_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o many_o sin_n and_o the_o sinful_a way_n of_o man_n be_v so_o lock_v into_o one_o another_o that_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o give_v sentence_n upon_o all_o thing_n most_o righteous_o comprehend_v they_o together_o even_o as_o the_o fall_v angel_n the_o old_a world_n be_v judge_v together_o and_o in_o common_a in_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n be_v give_v a_o pre-appeatance_a of_o the_o final_a seven_o judas_n seven_o judgement_n upon_o the_o world_n for_o the_o apostle_n tellâ—_n we_o they_o be_v set_v forth_o for_o a_o ensample_n and_o that_o they_o suffer_v the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n and_o we_o know_v they_o suffer_v in_o their_o community_n corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n with_o all_o their_o company_n be_v involve_v as_o in_o the_o sin_n so_o in_o the_o punishment_n and_o there_o be_v no_o separation_n except_o where_o repentance_n and_o that_o with_o great_a difficulty_n have_v make_v it_o so_o on_o the_o happy_a side_n of_o thing_n religious_a nation_n and_o community_n encourage_v and_o assist_v one_o another_o in_o act_n of_o love_n service_n and_o duty_n to_o god_n in_o virtue_n and_o all_o goodness_n and_o enfold_v their_o piety_n mutual_o so_o that_o on_o neither_o side_n the_o recompense_n of_o mercy_n or_o justice_n can_v be_v proportion_v but_o as_o in_o community_n 2._o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o last_o judgement_n pass_v upon_o nation_n as_o nation_n as_o for_o its_o pass_v upon_o private_a person_n as_o private_a person_n for_o let_v any_o one_o survey_a history_n and_o he_o shall_v find_v nation_n as_o nation_n have_v escape_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n as_o much_o as_o single_a person_n and_o the_o same_o sort_n of_o revolution_n change_n and_o final_a period_n have_v befall_v nation_n profess_v god_n and_o christ_n as_o those_o that_o have_v be_v enemy_n to_o such_o profession_n as_o be_v most_o apparent_a in_o a_o compare_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o christian_a nation_n yea_o general_o those_o that_o have_v be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n have_v be_v most_o speedy_o punish_v as_o those_o that_o god_n have_v most_o especial_o know_v of_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o prophet_n habâ—kkuk's_n first_o chapter_n be_v spend_v upon_o this_o very_a subject_n of_o that_o wicked_a nation_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n so_o prosperous_a above_o the_o jew_n describe_v in_o many_o elegant_a similitude_n and_o vehement_o expostulate_v from_o the_o twelve_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n whoever_o shall_v consider_v the_o ancient_a roman_n or_o the_o papacy_n or_o the_o turkish_a empire_n since_o the_o rise_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o to_o judge_v nation_n as_o natiâ—â—â—_n at_o last_o appertain_v as_o much_o to_o the_o paramount_n sovereignty_n oâ—â—â—vine_a justice_n and_o more_o than_o single_a person_n nation_n that_o have_v be_v so_o great_a and_o formidable_a and_o prince_n swell_v with_o the_o height_n of_o pride_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n shall_v in_o all_o reason_n stand_v in_o those_o very_a appearance_n at_o his_o tribunal_n with_o their_o wise_a senate_n mighty_a captain_n army_n and_o multitude_n about_o they_o and_o so_o be_v sentence_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n the_o only_a potentate_n the_o king_n of_o king_n lord_n of_o lord_n and_o prince_n of_o prince_n even_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o humane_a native_a else_o they_o will_v not_o be_v judge_v at_o all_o as_o nation_n for_o here_o neither_o love_n nor_o hatred_n can_v be_v know_v any_o more_o to_o nation_n than_o to_o single_a person_n by_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o we_o there_o be_v often_o one_o event_n to_o all_o to_o the_o righteous_a and_o merciful_a and_o to_o the_o unjust_a and_o tyrannic_a nation_n to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o unclean_a people_n to_o they_o that_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o to_o they_o that_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n there_o be_v as_o many_o instance_n of_o the_o severity_n of_o god_n against_o private_a particular_a wicked_a person_n as_o against_o such_o prince_n nation_n or_o particular_a age_n and_o of_o his_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n to_o the_o one_o as_o to_o the_o other_o there_o be_v as_o great_a example_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o private_a particular_a good_a man_n as_o to_o pious_a nation_n and_o government_n and_o of_o his_o severe_a correction_n upon_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o the_o piety_n therefore_o and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o nation_n according_a to_o their_o particular_a generation_n equal_o wait_v for_o the_o last_o day_n even_o as_o of_o single_a person_n for_o though_o there_o be_v period_n judgement_n set_v to_o itself_o and_o when_o sin_n be_v come_v to_o its_o height_n judgement_n stay_v no_o long_o yet_o this_o without_o a_o future_a judgement_n will_v not_o give_v satisfaction_n for_o the_o age_n of_o prosperity_n and_o greatness_n the_o many_o signal_n victory_n the_o stupendous_a grandeur_n many_o very_a bad_a nation_n and_o their_o prince_n have_v arrive_v at_o and_o continue_v in_o before_o the_o final_a calamity_n have_v overtake_v they_o any_o more_o than_o die_v at_o last_o with_o great_a circumstance_n of_o pain_n and_o horror_n answer_v for_o the_o worldly_a prosperity_n of_o many_o a_o wicked_a man_n if_o after_o death_n there_o be_v no_o judgement_n so_o that_o especial_o as_o to_o particular_a generation_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o nation_n as_o of_o particular_a person_n 3._o if_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v as_o public_o transact_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o to_o be_v set_v upon_o as_o open_v and_o universal_a a_o theatre_n as_o they_o be_v act_v upon_o here_o and_o that_o before_o the_o congregation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n at_o that_o day_n there_o be_v not_o so_o great_a reason_n for_o a_o universal_a judgement_n the_o privatâ—â—udgment_n of_o soul_n may_v suffice_v nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d scripture_n shall_v lay_v so_o great_a weight_n upon_o the_o resurrection_n and_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o very_a same_o body_n at_o least_o as_o to_o the_o principal_a part_n and_o so_o as_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o same_o person_n why_o thus_o if_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v present_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n relation_n community_n and_o the_o most_o notorious_a appearance_n wherein_o they_o converse_v and_o whereby_o they_o be_v most_o know_v in_o the_o world_n let_v this_o then_o be_v grant_v and_o it_o will_v rise_v up_o to_o state_n governor_n senate_n prince_n their_o law_n and_o transaction_n with_o the_o temper_n of_o their_o time_n and_o indeed_o this_o set_a person_n their_o place_n of_o habitation_n their_o nation_n their_o time_n together_o must_v needs_o break_v out_o with_o the_o great_a lustre_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o supremacy_n of_o divine_a judgement_n when_o every_o thing_n shall_v be_v call_v to_o account_v and_o represent_v over_o again_o just_a as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o world_n thing_n high_a and_o low_a public_a and_o private_a national_a and_o personal_a but_o without_o this_o all_o will_v be_v dark_a private_a obscure_a and_o imperfect_a notwithstanding_o the_o gather_v all_o together_o to_o that_o tribunal_n for_o very_o momentous_a cause_n circumstance_n aggravation_n or_o extenuation_n of_o good_a or_o evil_a can_v not_o be_v understand_v the_o pride_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n will_v not_o be_v sufficient_o humble_v and_o abase_v nor_o despise_a goodness_n enough_o raise_v and_o honour_v and_o so_o will_v amount_v to_o little_o more_o than_o a_o private_a judgement_n as_o i_o say_v before_o but_o scripture_n every_o where_o instruct_v we_o it_o be_v the_o very_a design_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o show_v and_o present_v the_o whole_a scene_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o seâ—_n the_o balance_n of_o they_o even_o in_o all_o particular_n it_o be_v the_o day_n not_o only_o of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n but_o of_o the_o manifestation_n of_o it_o every_o thing_n be_v then_o compose_v to_o show_v and_o manifestation_n it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n who_o god_n will_v then_o show_v in_o the_o high_a glory_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n and_o so_o that_o his_o low_a despise_v humble_a and_o crucify_a state_n shall_v also_o be_v see_v and_o the_o glory_n triumph_n over_o it_o to_o the_o utter_a confusion_n and_o wail_v of_o
every_o man_n shall_v appear_v and_o be_v judge_v single_o by_o himself_o our_o resurrection_n which_o be_v the_o day_n of_o our_o regeneration_n of_o our_o new_a life_n and_o appearance_n in_o body_n will_v present_v we_o not_o only_o single_a but_o in_o our_o state_n of_o community_n wherein_o we_o be_v here_o in_o the_o world_n even_o from_o family_n to_o nation_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o those_o body_n as_o well_o as_o in_o our_o own_o body_n then_o the_o good_a we_o have_v do_v or_o omit_v to_o do_v and_o the_o evil_a we_o have_v withstand_v or_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o or_o not_o prevent_v when_o we_o may_v shall_v be_v severe_o account_v for_o by_o each_o in_o their_o station_n each_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v surround_v with_o his_o sphere_n of_o authority_n wherein_o he_o be_v set_v here_o and_o judge_v in_o that_o and_o each_o minister_n of_o religion_n justify_v or_o condemn_v in_o that_o very_a orb_n wherein_o he_o be_v fix_v as_o a_o star_n and_o the_o several_a magnitude_n of_o both_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n will_v then_o be_v dreadful_a to_o they_o however_o they_o have_v covet_v and_o be_v ambitious_a of_o they_o here_o if_o they_o have_v not_o enlighten_v their_o whole_a space_n because_o their_o judgement_n will_v be_v great_a even_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o his_o service_n to_o the_o public_a in_o his_o place_n and_o station_n how_o private_a soever_o if_o it_o have_v never_o so_o little_o exceed_v his_o single_a capacity_n and_o who_o in_o his_o reason_n can_v think_v god_n will_v then_o account_v with_o man_n for_o mint_n and_o cummin_n small_a and_o disputable_a thing_n howsoever_o zealous_a or_o rather_o fond_a of_o they_o they_o have_v be_v in_o themselves_o and_o earnest_n with_o other_o concern_v they_o those_o thing_n that_o have_v true_o centre_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n in_o faith_n repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n in_o love_n and_o peace_n will_v be_v of_o the_o only_a moment_n at_o that_o tribunal_n this_o therefore_o shall_v be_v the_o most_o powerful_a persuasive_a upon_o we_o to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a herein_o we_o can_v in_o that_o community_n wherein_o we_o be_v fix_v according_a to_o our_o talon_n though_o but_o a_o single_a one_o much_o more_o if_o our_o talent_n have_v be_v two_o or_o five_o that_o we_o may_v in_o that_o day_n of_o recompense_n enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o our_o lord_n the_o end_n the_o woe_n of_o scandal_n or_o scandal_n in_o its_o general_n nature_n and_o effect_n discourse_v as_o one_o strong_a argument_n against_o imposition_n in_o religious_a thing_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v indifferent_a london_n print_v for_o tho._n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n at_o the_o low_a end_n of_o cheapside_n 1682._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n that_o which_o i_o will_v endeavour_v in_o preparation_n to_o the_o follow_a discourse_n be_v to_o present_v my_o design_n and_o method_n in_o state_v the_o nature_n of_o scandal_n that_o it_o may_v be_v more_o intelligible_a by_o be_v see_v first_o as_o in_o a_o landscape_n in_o this_o entry_n and_o then_o to_o add_v some_o consideration_n of_o great_a strength_n to_o each_o part_n of_o that_o undertake_n that_o have_v since_o arrive_v to_o my_o thought_n as_o to_o the_o method_n i_o must_v in_o my_o own_o defence_n say_v that_o i_o have_v to_o do_v with_o a_o subject_a in_o which_o so_o much_o of_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n be_v treasure_v up_o of_o so_o movable_a a_o consideration_n as_o scripture_n from_o its_o own_o various_a shape_n offer_v it_o to_o we_o that_o it_o can_v easy_o be_v know_v or_o trace_v i_o hope_v therefore_o it_o will_v be_v allow_v as_o some_o part_n of_o a_o apology_n that_o the_o thread_n of_o my_o treat_v concern_v it_o do_v not_o run_v so_o even_o and_o straight_o along_o as_o it_o ought_v further_o i_o must_v take_v sanctuary_n at_o the_o reader_n be_v candour_n for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o my_o sincere_a intention_n and_o any_o degree_n of_o performance_n in_o so_o difficult_a a_o task_n i_o confess_v the_o want_n of_o the_o most_o advantageous_a art_n of_o method_n and_o a_o clear_a unperplexed_a style_n yet_o that_o i_o may_v take_v the_o true_a measure_n of_o so_o multiform_a and_o vague_v a_o notion_n 1._o i_o have_v take_v hold_v of_o it_o in_o the_o most_o strict_a and_o precise_a description_n i_o can_v frame_v as_o it_o be_v applicable_a to_o all_o case_n of_o sin_n therein_o rest_v especial_o upon_o those_o word_n scripture_n use_v to_o convey_v the_o sentiment_n of_o it_o to_o we_o thus_o scandal_n be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o be_v draw_v into_o any_o sin_n and_o off_o from_o the_o course_n of_o duty_n and_o religious_a action_n and_o so_o entangle_v in_o gild_n disease_n of_o conscience_n and_o endanger_v as_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n under_o a_o pretext_n of_o reason_n or_o religion_n 2._o because_o i_o find_v the_o scripture_n apply_v the_o notion_n of_o scandal_n especial_o when_o some_o of_o the_o grand_a principle_n and_o law_n of_o religion_n be_v violate_v under_o such_o pretext_n i_o have_v consider_v it_o as_o refer_v to_o those_o great_a principle_n by_o such_o sacred_a use_n 3._o because_o there_o be_v a_o very_a peculiar_a and_o most_o remarkable_a use_n of_o it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n by_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v turn_v into_o sin_n by_o be_v determine_v upon_o in_o practice_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n beside_o other_o way_n wherein_o be_v use_v amiss_o they_o may_v become_v scandal_n or_o occasion_n of_o it_o i_o have_v therefore_o allow_v a_o very_a peculiar_a head_n of_o discourse_n to_o that_o case_n 4._o because_o by_o deep_o consider_v scandal_n and_o that_o as_o our_o saviour_n pronounce_v scandal_n must_v needs_o come_v i_o find_v there_o must_v be_v some_o primitive_a fundamental_a and_o universal_a scandal_n that_o cover_v the_o whole_a state_n of_o sin_n in_o general_a i_o address_v the_o last_o part_n of_o my_o meditation_n on_o the_o nature_n of_o scandal_n to_o this_o primitive_a universal_a scandal_n and_o last_o i_o resume_v upon_o the_o whole_a a_o representation_n of_o scandal_n adjust_v to_o what_o i_o find_v upon_o each_o of_o those_o forementioned_a inquiry_n after_o it_o and_o herein_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v have_v hang_v up_o light_n to_o discover_v in_o some_o degree_n and_o to_o avoid_v so_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a a_o evil_n as_o scandal_n though_o i_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o to_o those_o degree_n i_o desire_v or_o to_o compose_v into_o so_o happy_a a_o order_n or_o so_o perspicuous_a a_o expression_n what_o i_o have_v myself_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o thus_o far_o as_o to_o the_o method_n now_o for_o the_o strengthen_v some_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n by_o consideration_n that_o have_v arrive_v to_o my_o thought_n since_o i_o have_v set_v a_o end_n to_o the_o treatise_n itself_o they_o have_v arisen_a from_o the_o close_a observation_n of_o the_o contexture_n of_o the_o lord_n sermon_n upon_o scandal_n as_o it_o be_v record_v especial_o in_o this_o 18_o of_o matthew_n and_o mark_v 9_o and_o luke_n 17._o compare_v with_o the_o debate_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o corinth_n which_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a seat_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scandal_n we_o have_v in_o all_o the_o scripture_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o who_o chief_a business_n into_o the_o world_n be_v his_o recovery_n of_o it_o from_o scandal_n the_o deception_n and_o the_o ruin_n of_o it_o by_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o divine_a glory_n for_o the_o dishonour_n do_v to_o it_o by_o scandal_n have_v bless_v we_o with_o as_o sovereign_a argument_n and_o instruction_n against_o either_o give_n or_o receive_v it_o our_o lord_n have_v so_o embrace_v all_o sort_n and_o degree_n of_o scandal_n within_o this_o sermon_n that_o none_o can_v be_v exempt_v from_o the_o force_n and_o energy_n of_o thosâ—_n his_o argument_n instruction_n or_o severe_a denunciation_n but_o yâ—t_o that_o they_o have_v a_o particular_a poignancy_n against_o scandal_n within_o his_o church_n and_o one_o more_o particular_a kind_n give_v by_o a_o particular_a sort_n of_o man_n and_o direct_v against_o another_o particular_a sort_n of_o man_n will_v be_v most_o evident_a from_o the_o survey_n i_o be_o now_o to_o give_v of_o his_o heavenborn_a discourse_n the_o occasion_n of_o it_o be_v the_o disciple_n come_v solemn_o to_o he_o with_o a_o grand_a quere_z in_o which_o no_o doubt_n their_o ambition_n a_o very_a ignorant_a ambition_n be_v deep_o concern_v who_o say_v they_o be_v the_o great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v as_o be_v general_o understand_v at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n the_o lord_n
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
new-converted_n christian_n may_v relapse_n into_o by_o eat_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n at_o the_o idol_n feast_n yet_o the_o main_a point_n be_v eat_v with_o offence_n with_o a_o conscience_n not_o satisfy_v the_o meat_n that_o be_v pure_a in_o themselves_o but_o to_o they_o appear_v impure_a as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o much_o different_a sharpness_n of_o style_n the_o apostle_n use_v in_o the_o danger_n of_o idolatry_n and_o the_o case_n of_o the_o doubt_v conscience_n the_o immediate_a principle_n offend_v against_o be_v then_o the_o government_n conscience_n ought_v to_o have_v over_o man_n appoint_v it_o by_o god_n against_o which_o nothing_o humane_a aught_o to_o prevail_v nor_o can_v do_v but_o with_o the_o great_a mischief_n of_o scandal_n beside_o this_o there_o be_v some_o other_o rule_n or_o principle_n of_o truth_n guide_v conscience_n and_o press_v upon_o it_o in_o case_n of_o scandal_n for_o conscience_n be_v not_o to_o guide_v a_o man_n but_o as_o it_o represent_v to_o he_o some_o truth_n to_o guide_v itself_o and_o he_o by_o else_o as_o when_o the_o blind_a lead_n the_o blind_a both_o will_v fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n and_o when_o this_o principle_n that_o press_v hard_a upon_o conscience_n and_o to_o which_o conscience_n defer_v itself_o be_v overbear_v than_o a_o man_n be_v scandalize_v the_o principle_n conscience_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o roman_n have_v lie_v hard_o upon_o it_o be_v this_o whatever_o god_n have_v forbid_v once_o as_o unclean_a be_v unclean_a and_o be_v so_o long_o unclean_a till_o we_o know_v that_o prohibition_n be_v remove_v the_o weak_a christian_a do_v not_o believe_v the_o forbid_v some_o meat_n as_o unclean_a be_v remove_v yet_o by_o the_o countenance_n of_o example_n in_o the_o strong_a christian_n they_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o eat_v while_o conscience_n be_v unsatisfied_a and_o so_o be_v scandalize_v conscience_n in_o the_o corinth_n have_v this_o principle_n look_v it_o full_a in_o the_o face_n to_o eat_v in_o a_o idol_n right_o in_o honour_n to_o idol_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o god_n the_o weak_a christian_a abhor_v idol_n or_o to_o eat_v in_o honour_n of_o they_o do_v not_o as_o yet_o understand_v there_o can_v be_v a_o separation_n betwixt_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o idol_n and_o the_o meat_n or_o the_o temple_n where_o he_o be_v worship_v yet_o embolden_v by_o see_v the_o strong_a sit_v at_o meat_n in_o a_o idol_n temple_n they_o eat_v and_o be_v inward_o affright_v at_o the_o unclean_a meat_n they_o eat_v they_o eat_v with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n the_o meat_n as_o offer_v to_o the_o idol_n through_o the_o force_n of_o example_n that_o be_v abhor_v indeed_o the_o idol_n and_o his_o meat_n but_o withal_o fear_v it_o as_o a_o evil_a and_o look_v upon_o the_o meat_n as_o impure_a because_o sacrifice_v to_o a_o idol_n in_o both_o these_o case_n the_o apostle_n level_v against_o the_o use_n of_o liberty_n in_o the_o strong_a against_o impose_v by_o way_n of_o example_n to_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o weak_a so_o tender_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o offer_v but_o the_o low_a rule_n of_o compulsion_n in_o these_o case_n the_o imposer_n then_o though_o but_o by_o example_n be_v he_o that_o scandalise_n the_o complier_n against_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n instruct_v not_o by_o truth_n and_o reason_n satisfy_v he_o but_o by_o example_n lead_v he_o be_v the_o scandalize_v thing_n be_v thus_o state_v let_v we_o observe_v the_o scandal_n itself_o how_o it_o work_v in_o this_o case_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o act_n of_o high_a disobedience_n commit_v against_o god_n and_o his_o authority_n represent_v by_o conscience_n both_o in_o that_o conscience_n depute_v by_o god_n be_v depose_v and_o example_n set_v up_o in_o its_o place_n as_o also_o that_o a_o divine_a law_n upon_o conscience_n itself_o suppose_v to_o continue_v in_o force_n be_v violate_v for_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v indeed_o antiquate_v yet_o if_o conscience_n know_v not_o it_o be_v so_o it_o can_v act_v of_o faith_n and_o full_a persuasion_n and_o so_o sin_n 2._o conscience_n be_v hereupon_o grieve_v wound_a and_o lose_v its_o due_a comfort_n 3._o this_o beget_v a_o flatness_n and_o formality_n in_o all_o religious_a service_n 4._o a_o lukewarmness_n to_o religion_n in_o general_a thus_o a_o man_n be_v weaken_v by_o his_o stumble_v and_o fall_v he_o lie_v prostrate_a in_o all_o religious_a power_n 5._o conscience_n lose_v its_o due_a vigour_n and_o exercise_n of_o authority_n 6._o there_o be_v danger_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n itself_o or_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n 7._o hereupon_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v lose_v and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n to_o be_v destroy_v and_o he_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v to_o perish_v if_o not_o recover_v by_o repentance_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o corinth_n now_o to_o bring_v this_o to_o the_o balance_n with_o imposition_n in_o ceremony_n or_o indifferent_n in_o aftertime_n first_o suppose_v the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o many_o christian_n deep_o engage_v and_o lock_v in_o this_o principle_n that_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n no_o man_n may_v add_v or_o diminish_v so_o much_o as_o to_o a_o point_n beyond_o divine_a institution_n and_o the_o most_o natural_a circumstance_n and_o necessary_a adherency_n of_o all_o solemn_a and_o grave_a humane_a action_n that_o there_o must_v be_v nothing_o of_o humane_a device_n for_o edification_n or_o significancy_n but_o what_o be_v prescribe_v and_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o this_o be_v a_o safe_a position_n consider_v both_o the_o stream_n of_o scripture_n sound_a reason_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n how_o much_o mischief_n have_v come_v steal_v up_o from_o ceremony_n as_o high_a as_o to_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n but_o let_v we_o withal_o allow_v that_o though_o no_o man_n can_v be_v the_o better_a for_o use_v these_o indifferent_n nor_o the_o worse_a for_o not_o use_v they_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o liberty_n to_o use_v they_o without_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o use_v they_o if_o a_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n concern_v they_o it_o must_v remain_v yet_o that_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n every_o man_n that_o use_v they_o and_o doubt_n of_o their_o lawfulness_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o forename_a principle_n be_v condemn_v in_o the_o use_v they_o because_o not_o of_o faith_n and_o so_o subject_a to_o all_o the_o just-now-recounted_n mischief_n of_o scandal_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o that_o use_v they_o so_o as_o to_o press_v those_o that_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v to_o a_o conformity_n by_o his_o example_n if_o it_o be_v no_o more_o much_o more_o if_o by_o despising_n censure_n vexation_n penalty_n he_o do_v not_o walk_v charitable_o he_o sin_n against_o christian_n wound_n their_o weak_a conscience_n and_o so_o sin_n against_o christ_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o for_o his_o ceremony_n the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v destroy_v and_o he_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v perish_v if_o not_o save_v by_o repentance_n now_o how_o high_a do_v this_o rise_n up_o to_o the_o woe_n christ_n denounce_v on_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v for_o it_o can_v but_o be_v suppose_v there_o be_v many_o that_o be_v wrought_v upon_o against_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n to_o such_o a_o conformity_n as_o wherein_o they_o can_v but_o condemn_v themselves_o wherein_o they_o seem_v to_o allow_v themselves_o or_o do_v indeed_o allow_v themselves_o so_o far_o as_o the_o outward_a act_n reach_v who_o can_v doubt_v but_o in_o these_o day_n there_o be_v such_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n yea_o happy_a be_v many_o of_o those_o that_o conform_v if_o they_o do_v not_o condemn_v themselves_o wherein_o they_o allow_v themselves_o and_o carry_v the_o mischief_n of_o their_o scandal_n within_o themselves_o silent_o from_o other_o and_o often_o secret_o from_o themselves_o and_o even_o where_o man_n stand_v out_o against_o all_o pressure_n upon_o they_o and_o will_v not_o receive_v this_o dint_n of_o scandal_n yet_o it_o be_v still_o a_o scandal_n offer_v while_o unaccept_v all_o this_o now_o seem_v so_o strong_a against_o impose_v in_o thing_n of_o indifferency_n for_o fear_v of_o scandal_n in_o they_o that_o it_o be_v wonder_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o imposition_n know_v in_o such_o thing_n among_o christian_n for_o fear_n of_o scandal_n and_o yet_o in_o these_o very_a thing_n of_o indifferency_n scandal_n have_v run_v like_o wildfire_n bluster_v and_o roar_v like_o a_o tempest_n in_o these_o of_o all_o thing_n to_o choose_v and_o that_o in_o all_o age_n within_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o even_o under_o protestancy_n itself_o but_o i_o aâ—_n to_o consider_v scandal_n in_o a_o second_o rank_n viz._n of_o
any_o man_n can_v encounter_v scandal_n and_o overcome_v he_o can_v be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n let_v we_o then_o resume_v the_o notion_n of_o scandal_n and_o fit_v it_o to_o this_o general_a prospect_n over_o religion_n i_o be_o now_o upon_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v as_o the_o lord_n speak_v that_o scandal_n must_v come_v scandal_n then_o be_v any_o false_a pretence_n or_o appearance_n whereby_o religion_n or_o any_o of_o the_o noble_a object_n part_n rule_n or_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v expose_v to_o disadvantage_n and_o disgust_n as_o unreasonable_a unjust_a untrue_a weak_a and_o empty_a morose_n unlovely_a and_o undesirable_a or_o the_o contrary_a sin_n irreligion_n and_o disobedience_n to_o god_n be_v gloss_a over_o and_o present_v as_o in_o all_o regard_n more_o choosable_a and_o to_o be_v desire_v than_o religion_n and_o all_o thing_n so_o entangle_v and_o perplex_v among_o themselves_o that_o man_n be_v seduce_v from_o the_o esteem_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o obedience_n to_o it_o and_o ensnare_v in_o sin_n even_o by_o that_o justle_n and_o disorder_n scandal_n make_v in_o the_o several_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o religion_n among_o themselves_o and_o the_o blending_a with_o they_o the_o pretence_n of_o sin_n upon_o which_o great_a dishonour_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n sharp_a conflict_n of_o conscience_n within_o itself_o mischief_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o general_a disaffection_n to_o religion_n ensue_v and_o now_o how_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v i_o shall_v undertake_v to_o show_v have_v only_o observe_v first_o that_o there_o be_v some_o main_a thing_n so_o necessary_a for_o our_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o practice_n that_o they_o be_v make_v exquisite_o clear_a and_o most_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v they_o wafaring_a man_n though_o fool_n can_v err_v therein_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n concern_v they_o giveth_z light_z it_o give_v understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a again_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o very_a great_a advancement_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o happiness_n that_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o a_o holy_a humble_a diligence_n to_o know_v in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v know_v and_o of_o a_o precede_a obedience_n in_o those_o so_o plain_a thing_n that_o as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o show_v to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o to_o choose_a witness_n thus_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o will_v show_v they_o his_o covenant_n what_o man_n be_v he_o that_o fear_v the_o etc._n psal_n 25._o 12_o 14_o etc._n etc._n lord_n he_o shall_v he_o teach_v in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o shall_v choose_v the_o meek_n will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_n will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o 17._o john_n 7._o 17._o my_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o on_o the_o other_o side_n ignorance_n and_o disobedience_n to_o those_o divine_a truth_n that_o be_v near_a and_o most_o plain_a to_o we_o be_v punish_v either_o with_o concealment_n of_o or_o leave_v we_o to_o injudiciousness_n and_o insensibleness_n in_o high_a divine_a manifestation_n where_o also_o that_o injudiciousness_n and_o insensibleness_n be_v condemn_v for_o to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o from_o he_o that_o have_v not_o 18._o luke_n 8._o 18._o by_o improvement_n and_o good_a use_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v and_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n for_o not_o believe_v 19_o john_n 3._o 19_o in_o christ_n that_o supernatural_a revelation_n because_o they_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n as_o a_o cover_n for_o their_o evil_a deed_n but_o beside_o those_o plain_a truth_n write_v with_o a_o sunbeam_n in_o nature_n itself_o beside_o those_o of_o clear_a revelation_n there_o be_v necessary_o some_o deep_a truth_n concern_v the_o divine_a nature_n the_o attribute_n of_o god_n his_o decree_n and_o act_n some_o mystery_n of_o christ_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o command_n awe_o reverence_n and_o modesty_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v fathom_v and_o full_o understand_v and_o yet_o can_v be_v so_o divide_v nor_o separate_v from_o those_o truth_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v but_o that_o the_o understanding_n must_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o observation_n of_o and_o search_v after_o they_o though_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v and_o with_o a_o wisdom_n to_o sobriety_n yet_o to_o know_v as_o much_o of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v make_v to_o know_v by_o scripture_n these_o thing_n now_o be_v premise_v i_o come_v to_o show_v that_o in_o the_o first_o and_o best_a state_n of_o thing_n scandal_n may_v come_v and_o that_o in_o the_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a state_n they_o must_v come_v and_o first_o how_o they_o may_v come_v and_o there_o must_v the_o same_o original_a be_v assign_v to_o scandal_n as_o there_o be_v to_o evil_a and_o sin_n itself_o for_o neither_o sin_n nor_o scandal_n can_v derive_v themselves_o from_o the_o holy_a wise_a and_o good_a creator_n who_o make_v all_o thing_n just_a and_o even_o he_o most_o upright_o weigh_v out_o the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a by_o his_o own_o eternal_a perfect_a way_n and_o make_v the_o angelical_a and_o humane_a the_o whole_a rational_a nature_n according_a to_o it_o upright_o and_o perfect_a so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o scandal_n from_o this_o first_o beginning_n of_o thing_n but_o when_o god_n make_v creature_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o of_o free_a will_n and_o choice_n understanding_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o can_v search_v and_o pry_v and_o range_v every_o way_n and_o look_v not_o only_o upon_o thing_n that_o be_v but_o by_o thing_n that_o be_v they_o can_v collect_v thing_n possible_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o wise_a good_a and_o just_o they_o can_v descry_v folly_n evil_a and_o wrong_n and_o in_o happiness_n and_o blessedness_n they_o can_v behold_v as_o in_o privation_n from_o they_o misery_n and_o unhappiness_n or_o the_o transcendency_n and_o infiniteness_n of_o happiness_n and_o the_o degree_n below_o it_o they_o can_v trace_v and_o find_v out_o the_o line_n by_o which_o there_o rise_v up_o a_o supremacy_n of_o these_o and_o back_o again_o by_o which_o there_o be_v declination_n of_o degree_n from_o this_o azimuth_n or_o insuperable_a height_n and_o as_o these_o understanding_n be_v so_o great_a so_o they_o be_v suit_v with_o will_n and_o appetite_n as_o great_a by_o which_o they_o can_v aspire_v to_o be_v whatever_o they_o see_v above_o themselves_o and_o to_o dislike_v in_o whatever_o they_o find_v themselves_o below_o so_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o dislike_v their_o first_o estate_n to_o forsake_v their_o proper_a mansion_n or_o habitation_n and_o leave_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o loughty_a large_a and_o roomthy_a enough_o for_o they_o thus_o the_o angel_n leave_v their_o estate_n in_o heaven_n and_o adam_n his_o in_o paradise_n aspire_v to_o something_o high_o and_o this_o through_o mutability_n from_o misapprehension_n jealousy_n and_o disgust_v arise_v from_o perfect_a mistake_n false_a appearance_n and_o misjudging_a which_o be_v perfect_a scandal_n thus_o not_o be_v infinite_a not_o be_v omniscient_a nor_o able_a to_o find_v out_o the_o almighty_a to_o perfection_n nor_o rest_v in_o the_o love_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n in_o those_o thing_n most_o certain_a evident_a and_o undoubted_a to_o they_o but_o project_v beyond_o their_o own_o sphere_n they_o may_v come_v to_o charge_n god_n holiness_n goodness_n and_o wisdom_n foolish_o to_o raise_v suspicion_n they_o be_v not_o high_a and_o well_o enough_o observe_v how_o evil_a lie_v from_o good_a they_o may_v in_o discontent_n draw_v the_o line_n of_o evil_a upon_o good_a and_o charge_v imperfection_n upon_o perfection_n itself_o they_o may_v disorder_v the_o most_o orderly_a alliance_n and_o confuse_v the_o just_a distance_n between_o thing_n and_o thing_n this_o they_o may_v possible_o do_v except_o god_n do_v interpose_v with_o his_o immutability_n of_o perfection_n for_o they_o and_o secure_v they_o but_o god_n permit_v thing_n to_o liberty_n this_o must_v be_v possible_a to_o fall_v out_o this_o possibility_n of_o change_n be_v the_o folly_n god_n charge_v the_o pure_a angel_n with_o and_o in_o regard_n of_o which_o the_o heaven_n be_v not_o clean_o in_o his_o sight_n from_o the_o miserable_a consequence_n of_o this_o possibility_n come_v into_o actual_a event_n the_o good_a angel_n be_v elect_v and_o into_o they_o the_o bad_a angel_n fall_v who_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n but_o fall_v into_o curse_a scandal_n and_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o scandal_n fetter_v in_o it_o even_o in_o chain_n of_o darkness_n which_o be_v
christianity_n let_v they_o sit_v down_o and_o count_v their_o danger_n a_o millstone_n about_o their_o neck_n and_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n be_v safe_a in_o our_o lord_n judgement_n of_o the_o case_n wherever_o the_o instrument_n of_o cruelty_n be_v in_o any_o habitation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o lesser_a difference_n in_o religion_n oh_o my_o soul_n come_v not_o thou_o into_o their_o secret_n oh_o my_o honour_n be_v not_o thou_o unite_v to_o their_o assembly_n in_o their_o anger_n they_o dig_v down_o wall_n of_o defence_n and_o security_n to_o religion_n protestant_n religion_n unhappy_a very_o unhappy_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 they_o divide_v jacob_n and_o scatter_v israel_n 2._o they_o that_o be_v the_o author_n of_o scandal_n by_o their_o great_a mistake_v in_o religion_n by_o their_o unhappy_a and_o miserable_a fall_n into_o sin_n by_o their_o involve_v other_o in_o their_o own_o sin_n without_o consider_v the_o sad_a consequence_n and_o end_n of_o both_o they_o have_v this_o great_a aggravation_n of_o gild_n that_o scandal_n mischief_n and_o death_n have_v spread_v from_o they_o and_o fall_v as_o a_o snare_n upon_o other_o yet_o their_o gild_n be_v measure_v by_o the_o proportion_n of_o the_o scandal_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n the_o malignancy_n of_o the_o intention_n the_o stupid_a or_o sear_a carelessness_n of_o the_o event_n but_o not_o by_o the_o event_n itself_o whether_o the_o scandal_n prevail_v upon_o other_o or_o not_o or_o whether_o they_o that_o be_v scandalize_v repent_v or_o not_o because_o the_o gild_n of_o the_o scandalize_v be_v reckon_v to_o he_o by_o his_o own_o degree_n of_o light_n his_o circumstance_n of_o defence_n against_o or_o extreme_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o the_o temptation_n by_o his_o own_o love_n of_o sin_n or_o enmity_n against_o the_o divine_a law_n in_o which_o every_o man_n be_v the_o principal_a scandaliser_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o recovery_n out_o of_o the_o scandal_n depend_v upon_o his_o own_o repentance_n or_o obduracy_n against_o the_o mean_n of_o repentance_n the_o gild_n of_o the_o scandaliser_n be_v measure_v also_o by_o his_o own_o state_n in_o sin_n in_o general_n his_o state_n in_o relation_n to_o that_o sin_n of_o scandalize_a his_o continuance_n in_o it_o or_o repentance_n from_o it_o and_o not_o by_o what_o befall_v the_o scandalize_v else_o the_o apostle_n paul_n salvation_n have_v be_v hopeless_a without_o the_o certain_a repentance_n of_o all_o those_o he_o compel_v to_o blaspheme_n repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o he_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o recovery_n out_o of_o this_o snare_n of_o death_n both_o to_o the_o scandaliser_n or_o scandalize_v and_o a_o certain_a mean_n it_o be_v to_o either_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o last_o head_n of_o this_o discourse_n viz._n to_o draw_v down_o the_o whole_a meditation_n so_o as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v most_o fit_v to_o practice_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o resume_v the_o whole_a diffusive_a notion_n of_o scandal_n into_o one_o uniform_a representation_n descend_v from_o the_o general_n into_o the_o particular_n of_o it_o original_a scandal_n be_v that_o dislike_n and_o exception_n the_o rational_a creature_n take_v to_o the_o creator_n supreme_a dispose_n over_o it_o and_o its_o disgust_n to_o that_o state_n wherein_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n have_v place_v it_o so_o that_o instead_o of_o a_o thankful_a acquiescency_n in_o it_o to_o its_o happiness_n it_o have_v prove_v a_o fugitive_n and_o a_o vagabond_n from_o it_o to_o its_o ruin_n reason_n of_o this_o at_o first_o there_o can_v be_v none_o but_o a_o disdain_n to_o have_v its_o large_a capacity_n of_o understanding_n confine_v or_o dictate_v to_o or_o its_o freeborn_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bridle_v or_o restrain_v its_o liberty_n of_o will_n manacle_v or_o fetter_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o great_a understanding_n to_o be_v conform_v with_o truth_n and_o noble_a liberty_n to_o adhere_v to_o infinite_a goodness_n or_o as_o if_o understanding_n be_v not_o understanding_n if_o it_o can_v not_o take_v measure_n of_o truth_n for_o itself_o without_o god_n authoritative_o superintend_v it_o nor_o freewill_n be_v free_a if_o it_o can_v not_o choose_v whole_o for_o itself_o and_o owe_v no_o account_n to_o god_n and_o whether_o this_o scandal_n be_v first_o in_o the_o understanding_n or_o will_v be_v not_o material_a for_o the_o union_n be_v so_o vital_a between_o they_o both_o that_o what_o be_v in_o one_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o as_o they_o say_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la in_o the_o other_o the_o devil_n at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n have_v as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o swell_a lust_n in_o his_o will_n suitable_a 44._o john_n 8._o 44._o to_o his_o prevarication_n from_o the_o truth_n the_o very_a same_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n there_o be_v in_o one_o act_n a_o deception_n upon_o his_o understanding_n desert_v truth_n a_o sensual_a eye_n upon_o the_o fair_a but_o forbid_a fruit_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o mind_n aspire_v to_o a_o imaginary_a 6._o gen._n 3._o 6._o more_o mount_v condition_n than_o god_n have_v place_v he_o in_o to_o be_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil._n this_o then_o be_v the_o first_o great_a scandal_n at_o which_o the_o angel_n and_o adam_n fall_v a_o discontent_n at_o a_o state_n of_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o god_n and_o his_o command_n how_o holy_a just_a and_o good_a soever_o as_o if_o it_o be_v too_o arbitrary_a upon_o being_n that_o can_v understand_v and_o choose_v for_o themselves_o to_o be_v so_o limit_v they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o consider_v to_o retain_v upon_o their_o reason_n not_o only_o that_o they_o have_v their_o being_n give_v they_o and_o that_o their_o obedience_n be_v a_o absolute_a due_a to_o the_o creator_n but_o that_o it_o be_v obedience_n to_o a_o infinite_o good_a and_o faithful_a creator_n true_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o creature_n than_o themselves_o can_v be_v this_o scandal_n therefore_o prevail_v upon_o they_o draw_v along_o the_o whole_a tain_n of_o misery_n with_o it_o scandalize_v spirit_n always_o report_v ill_a of_o god_n and_o his_o law_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v scandalize_v and_o they_o that_o be_v enter_v into_o scandal_n too_o content_o hear_v ill_o of_o he_o as_o appear_v in_o the_o dialogue_n betwixt_o the_o serpent_n and_o the_o first_o man_n and_o woman_n spirit_n utter_o lose_v by_o scandal_n act_n in_o defiance_n of_o god_n and_o be_v the_o more_o enrage_a by_o find_v the_o misery_n of_o their_o scandal_n press_v upon_o they_o even_o to_o despair_v as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o devil_n humane_a nature_n be_v more_o modest_a and_o tender_a be_v succour_v by_o grace_n and_o the_o promise_a seed_n in_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o their_o posterity_n preserve_v from_o the_o utmost_a mischief_n of_o scandal_n by_o that_o great_a restorer_n from_o scandal_n not_o perfect_o recover_v but_o in_o a_o state_n of_o second_o probation_n of_o rise_v after_o so_o great_a a_o fall_n or_o be_v most_o unhappy_o again_o sink_v below_o those_o hope_n and_o make_v for_o ever_o the_o prey_n of_o scandal_n even_o after_o grace_n offer_v this_o state_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v wave_v and_o various_a in_o some_o thing_n man_n be_v more_o clear_a and_o free_a in_o other_o hook_v and_o stake_v with_o scandal_n and_o wherein_o they_o be_v right_o in_o the_o general_n they_o be_v often_o ensnare_v in_o the_o particular_n and_o so_o that_o their_o freedom_n in_o the_o one_o give_v they_o more_o room_n and_o space_n to_o stir_v enwrap_v they_o more_o in_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o other_o by_o degree_n if_o not_o restore_v man_n lose_v the_o modesty_n and_o tenderness_n preserve_v to_o they_o by_o grace_n and_o fall_v into_o the_o very_a scandal_n of_o the_o devil_n themselves_o or_o very_o near_o to_o it_o however_o in_o all_o scandal_n there_o be_v some_o of_o the_o lineament_n of_o primitive_a scandal_n and_o the_o great_a the_o scandal_n the_o more_o and_o the_o more_o apparent_a be_v those_o stroke_n of_o the_o first_o scandal_n there_o be_v in_o every_o scandal_n a_o understanding_n that_o will_v be_v wise_a than_o god_n be_v for_o it_o a_o disgust_n to_o self_n resignation_n into_o the_o divine_a will._n there_o be_v some_o lust_n that_o cloud_n and_o darken_v the_o mind_n and_o there_o be_v some_o false_a principle_n that_o embolden_v lust_n scandal_n always_o wrap_v up_o sin_n with_o itself_o else_o it_o be_v not_o scandal_n sin_n have_v always_o scandal_n to_o introduce_v it_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n although_o therefore_o when_o we_o come_v to_o particular_a case_n there_o be_v many_o sin_n lie_v
god_n to_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o his_o church_n he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o order_v the_o conveyance_n of_o scripture_n into_o so_o many_o language_n by_o raise_v up_o many_o to_o travel_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o tongue_n and_o the_o key_n of_o they_o as_o in_o the_o original_n to_o find_v out_o their_o mean_v and_o to_o transfuse_v they_o into_o all_o other_o language_n and_o that_o by_o so_o many_o of_o several_a age_n and_o nation_n as_o make_v all_o combination_n to_o deceive_v impossible_a and_o universal_a deception_n next_o to_o impossible_a upon_o the_o translator_n themselves_o these_o thing_n be_v under_o his_o supreme_a care_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o we_o there_o be_v bring_v to_o our_o knowledge_n such_o a_o excellent_a doctrine_n rise_v out_o of_o so_o many_o divine_a say_n and_o discourse_n that_o be_v as_o so_o many_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o truth_n clear_a as_o the_o luminary_n of_o that_o name_n in_o the_o heaven_n why_o shall_v we_o then_o be_v more_o than_o modest_o and_o humble_o concern_v to_o know_v all_o the_o age_n they_o have_v pass_v through_o before_o they_o come_v to_o we_o or_o all_o the_o secret_n concern_v their_o motion_n and_o appearance_n that_o he_o only_o know_v that_o call_v the_o star_n by_o their_o name_n it_o be_v enough_o they_o evident_o and_o undeniable_o declare_v god_n to_o we_o and_o assure_v we_o by_o their_o light_n by_o their_o regular_a motion_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n that_o they_o be_v star_n the_o great_a and_o the_o lesser_a differ_v one_o from_o another_o in_o glory_n yet_o all_o star_n and_o of_o a_o true_o divine_a lustre_n certain_a and_o not_o wander_v quest_n let_v we_o now_o hear_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o whole_a matter_n answ_n it_o rest_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o all_o the_o principal_a branch_n thereof_o be_v as_o clear_v and_o certain_a and_o do_v satiate_v the_o soul_n and_o its_o faculty_n enlighten_v by_o the_o general_a influence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n much_o more_o by_o its_o sanctify_a efficacy_n even_o as_o the_o clear_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o thing_n do_v and_o much_o above_o they_o and_o that_o these_o evidence_n be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o original_a scripture_n and_o in_o the_o translation_n for_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o all_o original_a and_o not_o capable_a of_o any_o translation_n but_o make_v even_o translation_n a_o original_a 2._o that_o as_o scripture_n be_v such_o a_o contexture_n and_o make_v up_o such_o a_o book_n god_n the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o world_n in_o general_n have_v always_o and_o do_v always_o take_v care_n of_o its_o preservation_n from_o such_o corruption_n as_o will_v injure_v those_o evidence_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n he_o have_v engrave_v upon_o it_o not_o only_o upon_o the_o substance_n but_o upon_o the_o very_a contexture_n and_o the_o very_a same_o care_n he_o have_v take_v for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o it_o by_o agreeable_a translation_n to_o the_o several_a nation_n in_o their_o own_o tongue_n to_o who_o he_o have_v vouchsafe_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o they_o quest_n have_v god_n wrought_v miraculous_o to_o these_o end_n answ_n that_o need_v not_o be_v assert_v but_o he_o have_v by_o the_o ordinary_a interposal_n of_o providence_n watchful_a in_o every_o thing_n over_o its_o own_o end_n bring_v all_o to_o pass_v he_o in_o wisdom_n think_v necessary_a quest_n what_o visible_a mean_n have_v providence_n use_v for_o the_o secure_n scripture_n against_o foul_a corruption_n answ_n continual_a and_o various_a copying_n of_o the_o original_a even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o writer_n in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o inspection_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o downward_o from_o they_o both_o by_o manuscript_n and_o print_n which_o various_a copy_n be_v compare_v though_o they_o have_v not_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o mâ—racle_n agree_v in_o minute_n have_v yet_o concert_v the_o substance_n quest_n what_o care_n have_v god_n be_v please_v to_o take_v with_o regard_n â—o_o translation_n answ_n very_o eminent_a where_o it_o need_v most_o for_o some_o age_n before_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n it_o come_v no_o doubt_n by_o divine_a superintendency_n which_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o king_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o turn_v they_o as_o the_o river_n of_o water_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o great_a and_o learned_a prince_n of_o egypt_n to_o procure_v the_o translation_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n into_o the_o greek_a the_o than_o most_o know_a language_n of_o the_o world_n seventy_o two_o senior_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o history_n most_o general_o agree_v the_o learnede_a in_o their_o native_a hebrew_n be_v employ_v in_o it_o this_o translation_n be_v general_o and_o public_o receive_v among_o the_o jew_n be_v approve_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o several_a quotation_n hereby_o there_o be_v at_o once_o a_o preparation_n of_o those_o scripture_n to_o the_o most_o public_a notice_n a_o assurance_n of_o the_o true_a import_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n and_o a_o authorise_a translation_n and_o in_o the_o same_o so_o know_a greek_a language_n wherein_o be_v repose_v such_o treasure_n of_o all_o literature_n be_v add_v that_o most_o sacred_a roll_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o from_o that_o time_n have_v there_o be_v by_o the_o great_a industry_n god_n have_v excite_v man_n to_o several_a version_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n into_o a_o great_a variety_n of_o language_n with_o strict_a expository_n research_v and_o criticism_n upon_o all_o that_o concern_v either_o the_o readins_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n as_o well_o as_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o by_o which_o there_o may_v be_v a_o free_a propagation_n of_o sacred_a knowledge_n and_o a_o security_n against_o such_o corruption_n and_o mistake_v as_o may_v efface_v the_o divine_a image_n or_o any_o of_o the_o lineament_n of_o it_o in_o â—â—ese_n record_n or_o their_o translation_n however_o differ_v as_o i_o have_v say_v in_o minute_a thing_n cap._n viii_o of_o tradition_n and_o antiquity_n quest_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v scripture_n and_o its_o interpretation_n appear_v guard_v by_o their_o own_o divineness_n against_o all_o private_a and_o counterfeit_n as_o by_o cherubim_n and_o a_o flame_v sword_n turn_v every_o way_n but_o have_v there_o be_v no_o stratagem_n of_o the_o adversary_n to_o undermine_v divine_a catholic_n religion_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n the_o public_a record_n of_o religion_n with_o its_o public_a interpretation_n and_o yet_o that_o all_o these_o shall_v seem_v still_o to_o rest_v firm_a upon_o their_o own_o base_a answ_n the_o great_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o truth_n have_v be_v want_v in_o no_o artifice_n and_o therefore_o have_v fall_v upon_o that_o very_a method_n inquire_v of_o that_o what_o can_v not_o be_v achieve_v by_o deny_v scripture_n by_o bring_v in_o false_a scripture_n or_o private_a interpretation_n monstrous_a to_o the_o text_n all_o such_o gross_a fraud_n be_v in_o some_o time_n and_o place_n expose_v and_o explode_v may_v be_v more_o successful_o attempt_v and_o effect_v by_o yoke_a tradition_n with_o scripture_n a_o private_a incertain_a oracle_n with_o a_o public_a and_o certain_a one_o and_o so_o avow_v to_o be_v by_o the_o traditionist_n themselves_o quest_n what_o be_v tradition_n answ_n these_o four_o thing_n concur_v to_o the_o make_v up_o tradition_n 1._o that_o from_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n of_o they_o which_o as_o have_v be_v say_v it_o acknowledge_v it_o borrow_v not_o only_a countenance_n but_o occasion_n and_o more_o than_o that_o a_o show_n of_o reason_n and_o necessity_n for_o itself_o 2._o that_o it_o therefore_o endeavour_n to_o tack_n and_o join_v itself_o to_o scripture_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o it_o as_o necessary_a to_o complete_a and_o fill_v it_o up_o or_o to_o provide_v something_o more_o requisite_a to_o that_o religion_n that_o scripture_n have_v not_o provide_v for_o 3._o that_o it_o have_v grow_v up_o from_o no_o true_a root_n nor_o rise_v upon_o any_o just_a foundation_n it_o have_v steal_v into_o its_o authority_n and_o reverence_n by_o be_v pass_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n so_o long_o that_o its_o elderliness_n look_v like_o a_o patent_n for_o that_o authority_n and_o reverence_n and_o its_o original_a some_o injudicious_a devotion_n at_o the_o best_a not_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v trace_v it_o come_v to_o be_v suppose_v or_o rather_o superstitious_o to_o be_v suspect_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o at_o length_n like_o a_o long-told_a lie_n assume_v to_o be_v truth_n it_o take_v upon_o itself_o to_o be_v
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
have_v not_o so_o immediate_a a_o respect_n to_o he_o as_o godliness_n or_o religion_n be_v more_o under_o humane_a legislation_n in_o the_o particular_a adjustment_n to_o the_o general_n ends._n but_o both_o the_o inward_a court_n of_o religion_n or_o divine_a truth_n and_o worship_n itself_o and_o the_o outward_a court_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n be_v within_o such_o limitation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n therein_o not_o prescribe_v by_o god_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o freedom_n of_o every_o man_n by_o god_n and_o no_o power_n of_o prescription_n ought_v to_o come_v there_o that_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v either_o encumber_a by_o unnecessary_a observance_n or_o in_o danger_n to_o mistake_v they_o as_o have_v any_o influence_n into_o his_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v any_o and_o can_v indeed_o have_v none_o that_o be_v good_a nor_o last_o be_v in_o doubt_n whether_o he_o do_v not_o displease_v god_n in_o add_v to_o his_o worship_n but_o if_o a_o man_n can_v see_v his_o freedom_n in_o all_o these_o it_o be_v serve_v out_o of_o love_n and_o be_v make_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n and_o go_v to_o the_o utmost_a he_o can_v in_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n if_o a_o man_n can_v see_v his_o freedom_n but_o doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n he_o be_v under_o as_o severe_a a_o prohibition_n of_o compliance_n against_o his_o doubt_n as_o in_o other_o case_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o sentence_n be_v positive_a he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v in_o do_v the_o indifferent_a thing_n he_o doubt_v of_o and_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n or_o assurance_n it_o be_v please_v to_o god_n or_o not_o displease_v to_o he_o be_v sin_n quest_n but_o this_o doubt_n may_v extend_v to_o civil_a thing_n and_o indifference_n there_o or_o to_o those_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n and_o grandeur_n of_o supreme_a power_n god_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o answ_n when_o obedience_n be_v enforce_v in_o such_o thing_n the_o magistrate_n have_v this_o to_o justify_v he_o he_o be_v within_o his_o own_o territory_n give_v he_o by_o god_n he_o require_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n upon_o god_n donation_n but_o in_o religious_a thing_n â—e_n be_v within_o god_n peculiar_a and_o so_o can_v be_v justify_v in_o that_o enforcement_n because_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o peculiarly_a go_n quest_n the_o great_a question_n now_o remain_v what_o be_v subject_n to_o do_v when_o authority_n stamp_v itself_o upon_o false_a religion_n or_o enforce_v indifferent_a thing_n against_o the_o apprehension_n of_o conscience_n concern_v their_o lawfulness_n so_o that_o they_o can_v obey_v but_o with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o that_o have_v be_v already_o open_v answ_n there_o be_v one_o rule_n in_o all_o these_o case_n even_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a law_n of_o injustice_n and_o licentiousness_n when_o sovereign_a power_n so_o err_v in_o government_n shall_v change_v the_o true_a and_o everlasting_a notion_n of_o righteousness_n or_o soberness_n or_o those_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a law_n of_o they_o in_o themselves_o even_o so_o impossible_a it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n shall_v change_v those_o of_o true_a natural_a or_o true_a reveal_v religion_n or_o the_o law_n impose_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n shall_v take_v away_o the_o liberty_n god_n have_v give_v or_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o obey_v against_o doubt_n of_o conscience_n when_o a_o man_n do_v not_o see_v that_o liberty_n that_o therefore_o which_o be_v eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a must_v be_v adhere_v to_o and_o obey_v quest_n how_o then_o be_v there_o a_o subjection_n to_o magistrate_n answ_n the_o subjection_n than_o be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o error_n of_o magistracy_n in_o case_n of_o justice_n or_o soberness_n not_o to_o resist_v the_o power_n vindicate_v its_o command_n by_o suffering_n and_o penalty_n upon_o those_o that_o can_v active_o obey_v wherein_o religion_n justice_n or_o soberness_n be_v contradict_v which_o be_v god_n and_o must_v be_v render_v to_o he_o according_a to_o themselves_o who_o be_v able_a to_o make_v they_o recompense_v who_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n as_o he_o please_v in_o this_o world_n or_o most_o certain_o in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o absolute_a legislative_a and_o executive_a power_n in_o every_o community_n thus_o fix_v and_o unmoveable_a and_o accountable_a only_o to_o god_n the_o restless_a love_n of_o change_n will_v be_v always_o disturb_v and_o call_v to_o account_v government_n and_o every_o man_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v a_o lawgiver_n and_o a_o justicy_a or_o indeed_o to_o be_v licentious_a and_o inordinate_a and_o as_o they_o can_v consult_v and_o together_o collect_v themselves_o into_o a_o rebellion_n will_v enter_v into_o open_a hostility_n against_o it_o and_o so_o the_o end_n of_o government_n in_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o humane_a society_n be_v quite_o lose_v so_o that_o till_o any_o principality_n sit_v on_o the_o seat_n of_o government_n be_v so_o bad_a as_o to_o retain_v less_o of_o the_o use_v and_o end_v of_o government_n than_o they_o destroy_v and_o it_o can_v be_v make_v apparent_a endeavour_n of_o change_n can_v introduce_v so_o great_a and_o general_a mischief_n or_o that_o even_a anarchy_n itself_o can_v introduce_v great_a mischief_n than_o that_o government_n be_v the_o author_n of_o which_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o few_o instance_n till_o then_o i_o say_v we_o must_v fear_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o king_n and_o not_o meddle_v with_o they_o who_o be_v give_v to_o change_n for_o their_o calamity_n shall_v rise_v sudden_o and_o who_o know_v the_o ruin_n of_o they_o both_o quest_n but_o what_o be_v christian_a subject_n to_o do_v when_o title_n of_o sovereignty_n or_o legislative_a or_o executive_a power_n of_o law_n be_v dispute_v either_o betwixt_o various_a pretension_n of_o prince_n or_o where_o the_o bound_n of_o power_n and_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n and_o the_o liberty_n and_o property_n of_o people_n be_v in_o controversy_n answ_n i_o shall_v no_o more_o intermeddle_v in_o that_o than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n do_v which_o leave_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n of_o nation_n and_o of_o each_o particular_a country_n the_o duty_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o those_o sovereign_a power_n who_o authority_n be_v current_n who_o image_n and_o superscription_n be_v upon_o all_o thing_n public_a the_o power_n that_o be_v in_o be_v be_v to_o be_v obey_v according_a to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n already_o discourse_v that_o be_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o offender_n for_o the_o execute_n judgement_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n for_o the_o secure_n common_a peace_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n intimate_v nothing_o either_o way_n to_o strengthen_v or_o weaken_v the_o claim_n of_o the_o power_n then_o present_a but_o declare_v obedience_n to_o they_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o they_o as_o they_o then_o be_v although_o they_o can_v not_o have_v the_o clear_a of_o title_n christianity_n as_o it_o be_v strict_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o make_v itself_o a_o divider_n over_o man_n nor_o decide_v such_o controversy_n which_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o cognisance_n yet_o it_o subvert_v no_o right_n it_o betray_v no_o liberty_n just_o so_o call_v it_o reverse_v no_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o rescind_v constitution_n and_o compact_n of_o government_n but_o teach_v man_n to_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o preserve_v common_a good_a and_o right_o determinable_a upon_o other_o principle_n only_o this_o the_o more_o clear_a ancient_a and_o indisputable_a the_o title_n of_o prince_n be_v the_o more_o indisputable_a boundary_n betwixt_o prince_n and_o people_n be_v keep_v the_o great_a be_v the_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n of_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a rest_n in_o that_o obedience_n of_o the_o most_o vigorous_a defence_n of_o the_o power_n over_o we_o and_o the_o great_a the_o gild_n of_o any_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o mutiny_n faction_n sedition_n rebellion_n quest_n the_o discourse_n of_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n in_o religion_n have_v bring_v to_o my_o thought_n national_a religion_n and_o a_o national_a church_n wherein_o i_o desire_v your_o instruction_n answ_n i_o can_v but_o apply_v what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o general_a to_o this_o particular_a case_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v to_o your_o satisfaction_n in_o these_o six_o proposition_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o first_o proposition_n i_o be_o to_o be_v instruct_v by_o answ_n it_o be_v this_o that_o to_o join_v in_o true_a religion_n with_o our_o native_a country_n or_o nation_n be_v such_o a_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o can_v be_v reverse_v
that_o that_o doctrine_n be_v make_v know_v to_o man_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n consequential_o and_o by_o way_n of_o deduction_n though_o not_o original_o ingraft_v i_o make_v no_o doubt_n and_o that_o these_o two_o way_n 1._o by_o that_o obligation_n to_o forgive_v plant_v in_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o inclinableness_n of_o generous_a mind_n to_o it_o as_o a_o excellency_n and_o glory_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o attributable_a to_o god_n see_v all_o perfection_n derive_v from_o god_n and_o be_v most_o attributable_a to_o he_o to_o the_o lord_n 9_o dan._n 9_o 9_o our_o god_n belong_v mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n he_o have_v declare_v to_o man_n it_o do_v so_o by_o insert_v it_o as_o a_o nobleness_n in_o his_o heart_n they_o therefore_o that_o do_v not_o esteem_v it_o a_o virtue_n and_o of_o most_o desirable_a practice_n in_o themselves_o may_v upon_o that_o very_a reason_n despair_n of_o it_o from_o god_n see_v they_o count_v it_o wise_a and_o better_o not_o to_o forgive_v and_o whatever_o be_v best_a and_o wise_a be_v most_o attributable_a to_o god_n 2._o by_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n which_o in_o its_o most_o natural_a inference_n lead_v to_o repentance_n and_o be_v salvation_n 9_o rom._n 2._o 4_o 5._o 2_o pet._n 3._o 9_o infinite_a goodness_n not_o be_v willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o all_o come_v to_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o that_o penitential_a frame_n discoverable_a in_o humane_a nature_n upon_o ingenuous_a sense_n of_o sin_n answer_v this_o patience_n of_o god_n as_o the_o eye_n and_o light_n as_o the_o ear_n and_o sound_n do_v one_o another_o and_o both_o together_o be_v a_o connate_a gospel_n in_o man_n soul_n if_o any_o shall_v think_v this_o a_o derogation_n from_o the_o mediator_n he_o will_v be_v satisfy_v i_o intend_v no_o such_o when_o i_o tell_v he_o i_o esteem_v all_o those_o notion_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o morality_n as_o continue_v to_o be_v plant_v in_o man_n be_v from_o jesus_n christ_n the_o creator-redeemer_n by_o who_o every_o thing_n be_v make_v that_o be_v make_v who_o be_v that_o true_a light_n that_o be_v the_o light_n of_o man_n the_o true_a light_n that_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n natural_a religion_n therefore_o may_v well_o be_v inlay_v 9_o john_n 1._o 4_o 9_o with_o evangelical_n line_n since_o it_o be_v all_o from_o christ_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o both_o st._n paul_n and_o peter_n discourse_v it_o as_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o man_n against_o natural_a knowledge_n and_o conscience_n not_o to_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v to_o repentance_n to_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n to_o account_v it_o slackness_n and_o not_o salvation_n which_o can_v not_o be_v without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o a_o pardon_n make_v know_v by_o natural_a light_n nay_o indeed_o all_o impression_n of_o natural_a religion_n continue_v and_o move_v to_o good_a action_n after_o sin_n be_v build_v upon_o god_n pardon_v mercy_n because_o god_n allow_v receive_v no_o worship_n from_o devil_n who_o find_v no_o place_n for_o repentance_n david_n therefore_o celebrate_v god_n thus_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n 4._o psal_n 103._o 4._o with_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v fear_v that_o be_v honour_v reverence_v worship_a and_o serve_v which_o can_v not_o be_v since_o man_n sin_n if_o thou_o do_v not_o forgive_v thus_o evident_a be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o pardon_n and_o repentance_n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o natural_a religion_n since_o the_o fall_n that_o must_v be_v a_o noble_a branch_n of_o it_o the_o king_n of_o nineveh_n have_v a_o confidence_n in_o this_o mercy_n that_o so_o peremptory_a decree_n of_o destruction_n notwithstanding_o for_o the_o allowance_n ult_n jonah_n 3._o ult_n of_o they_o a_o quarentine_n or_o forty_o day_n patience_n carry_v a_o solemn_a promise_n of_o pardon_n upon_o repentance_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o else_o why_o be_v not_o the_o destruction_n immediate_a so_o he_o understand_v and_o so_o it_o prove_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o worthy_a part_n of_o religious_a public_a discourse_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o second_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v prayer_n to_o god_n which_o our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n our_o expectation_n from_o he_o both_o for_o the_o holy_a and_o happy_a state_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n challenge_v from_o we_o the_o recommendation_n of_o our_o state_n beyond_o death_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o a_o faithful_a creator_n require_v it_o of_o we_o the_o peaceable_a and_o prosperous_a order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o our_o near_a concern_v in_o it_o national_a domestic_a personal_n provoke_v we_o to_o it_o prayer_n for_o pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n to_o god_n vow_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o of_o returns_z to_o he_o by_o repentance_n how_o necessary_a be_v they_o for_o upon_o supposition_n of_o sin_n and_o hope_n of_o pardon_n the_o same_o consideration_n enter_v into_o prayer_n that_o do_v into_o discourse_n of_o god_n now_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n so_o natural_a that_o not_o to_o pray_v be_v to_o restrain_v 4._o john_n 15._o 4._o prayer_n to_o shut_v up_o and_o imprison_v a_o most_o natural_a motion_n and_o vent_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v ready_a forcible_o to_o burst_v out_o as_o water_v consign_v within_o bound_n too_o close_o for_o it_o david_n make_v address_n to_o god_n as_o by_o one_o of_o his_o attribute_n oh_o thou_o 2._o psal_n 65._o 2._o that_o hear_v prayer_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o universal_a congregation_n of_o suppliant_n about_o thou_o to_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v 3._o praise_n of_o god_n in_o the_o divine_a excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o be_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n in_o his_o mercy_n and_o continual_a beneficency_n to_o ourselves_o and_o all_o his_o creature_n in_o his_o righteousness_n judgement_n and_o severity_n upon_o the_o wickedness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o tribute_n to_o god_n so_o natural_a that_o god_n as_o our_o maker_n give_v all_o man_n song_n in_o the_o night_n that_o be_v continual_a matter_n of_o praise_n even_o in_o the_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a season_n the_o whole_a creation_n be_v one_o mouth_n open_v in_o his_o glory_n this_o be_v so_o due_a and_o even_o necessary_a to_o be_v pay_v that_o some_o naturalist_n of_o no_o great_a reputation_n for_o devotion_n have_v upon_o the_o survey_n of_o the_o admirable_a work_n of_o god_n find_v his_o praise_n even_o bubble_v up_o from_o they_o in_o hymn_n of_o praise_n 4._o the_o holy_a and_o reverend_a mention_n of_o god_n upon_o all_o just_a and_o valuable_a reason_n as_o in_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n in_o covenant_n and_o pact_n in_o decision_n of_o controversy_n by_o testimony_n in_o asseveration_n of_o truth_n in_o promise_n be_v among_o the_o decree_n of_o this_o natural_a religion_n last_o the_o universal_a sanctification_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n in_o all_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n that_o in_o nothing_o we_o may_v reverse_v that_o acknowledgement_n we_o make_v in_o solemn_a duty_n who_o that_o call_v god_n the_o bâ—st_n and_o great_a name_n of_o love_n and_o awe_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n as_o heathen_n do_v by_o the_o force_n of_o natural_a religion_n can_v deny_v or_o keep_v back_o any_o part_n of_o these_o from_o god_n or_o if_o any_o deny_v they_o or_o do_v contrary_a to_o they_o by_o impious_a swear_n blaspheme_v the_o name_n of_o god_n or_o undervalue_v the_o awful_a and_o tremendous_a attribute_n or_o what_o evident_o and_o undoubted_o pertain_v to_o the_o divine_a honour_n and_o glory_n who_o can_v say_v severity_n upon_o he_o be_v cruelty_n but_o a_o due_a sacrifice_n to_o justice_n as_o punishment_n for_o blood_n rapine_n unnatural_a lust_n be_v all_o these_o then_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o evident_a duty_n that_o they_o need_v nothing_o of_o further_a discourse_n but_o only_o a_o sober_a reflection_n upon_o their_o own_o evidence_n in_o order_n to_o their_o prevalency_n in_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n and_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n beside_o the_o very_a gravity_n require_v in_o such_o awful_a action_n the_o prudence_n of_o rational_a nature_n in_o its_o solemn_a deportment_n the_o great_a condecency_n require_v to_o divine_a thing_n that_o can_v arise_v from_o nature_n and_o not_o from_o artifice_n i_o know_v nothing_o to_o be_v add_v except_o a_o caution_n to_o rest_v here_o and_o not_o to_o suffer_v the_o transport_n and_o enchantment_n of_o a_o fleshly_a imagination_n that_o be_v endless_o spin_v out_o itself_o in_o form_n and_o mode_n of_o divine_a worship_n till_o that_o worship_n become_v not_o a_o piece_n of_o pageantry_n only_o for_o that_o be_v