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 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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 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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 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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
rome_n and_o the_o reform_a church_n although_o i_o have_v a_o just_a value_n for_o all_o those_o renown_a labour_n of_o the_o great_a light_n god_n have_v raise_v up_o in_o the_o protestancy_n a_o very_a rational_a and_o christian_a entertainment_n of_o the_o writer_n and_o reader_n yet_o i_o must_v profess_v the_o unshaken_a assurance_n i_o centre_n upon_o in_o all_o those_o controversy_n be_v a_o short_a conclusion_n of_o the_o matter_n that_o romish_a religion_n not_o only_o be_v not_o but_o can_v be_v true_a it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v of_o god_n if_o scripture_n and_o our_o faculty_n be_v true_a if_o natural_a religion_n or_o christian_a religion_n that_o we_o have_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o ready_a and_o sure_a antidote_n against_o popery_n to_o all_o that_o be_v equal_o concern_v to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n catholic_n religion_n false_o so_o call_v popish_a religion_n or_o protestant_a religion_n though_o they_o have_v not_o opportunity_n to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o all_o the_o learning_n so_o plentiful_a so_o valuable_a at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o decision_n between_o they_o 2._o that_o great_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n hear_v oh_o israel_n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n be_v one_o jehovah_n and_o thou_o shall_v love_v 5._o deut._n 6._o 4_o 5._o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o soul_n with_o all_o thy_o mind_n with_o all_o thy_o might_n and_o strength_n and_o that_o great_a principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n if_o any_o man_n love_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n let_v 22._o 1_o cor._n 16._o 22._o he_o be_v anathema_n maranatha_n these_o two_o join_v together_o assure_v i_o beyond_o doubt_n our_o mediator_n upon_o who_o our_o love_n trust_v service_n be_v to_o rest_v and_o that_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n as_o be_v heaven_n from_o earth_n can_v be_v but_o the_o one_o god_n with_o the_o father_n and_o so_o i_o be_o resolve_v in_o 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every_o particular_a immortal_a spirit_n that_o he_o have_v make_v so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v dispose_v of_o or_o dispose_v itself_o without_o the_o counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o that_o no_o one_o be_v prejudge_v by_o any_o determination_n of_o god_n in_o the_o true_a liberty_n of_o a_o rational_a creature_n much_o less_o determine_v to_o sin_n and_o misery_n upon_o it_o by_o any_o overrule_a power_n we_o may_v safe_o with_o respect_n to_o both_o side_n be_v profound_o abase_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o incomprehensible_a sovereignty_n over_o we_o in_o a_o self-condemnation_n wherein_o soever_o we_o find_v ourselves_o degenerate_a and_o fall_v into_o sin_n as_o know_v our_o destruction_n of_o ourselves_o nor_o need_v we_o stay_v till_o supreme_a grace_n and_o our_o own_o freewill_n be_v reconcile_v in_o dispute_n we_o may_v safe_o on_o both_o side_n make_v our_o humble_a and_o most_o lowly_a appeal_n to_o he_o that_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v we_o must_v do_v so_o and_o be_v under_o the_o same_o security_n and_o obligation_n in_o stir_v up_o our_o utmost_a 32._o phil._n 2._o 13._o ezek._n 18._o 32._o power_n in_o turn_v ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v live_v in_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o all_o beyond_o 12._o phil._n 2._o 12._o these_o two_o conclusion_n be_v but_o speculation_n in_o which_o we_o may_v employ_v and_o entertain_v ourselves_o in_o consider_v infinite_a wisdom_n and_o glory_n and_o search_v as_o near_o as_o we_o dare_v approve_v its_o holy_a and_o gracious_a way_n but_o need_v not_o be_v angry_a we_o can_v agree_v in_o thing_n out_o of_o our_o depth_n so_o as_o to_o be_v certain_a 4._o in_o all_o the_o dispute_n concern_v form_n of_o church-government_n modes_n of_o worship_n we_o have_v thus_o much_o of_o resolution_n from_o the_o consent_n of_o christian_a with_o natural_a religion_n whatever_o be_v most_o substantial_o good_a be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o agreement_n and_o union_n and_o other_o thing_n doubtful_a allow_v to_o particular_a reason_n and_o choice_n with_o mutual_a toleration_n and_o charity_n as_o be_v further_a to_o be_v show_v we_o under_o the_o next_o head_n of_o discourse_n have_v now_o speak_v so_o much_o of_o natural_a religion_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a before_o i_o quite_o leave_v it_o beside_o the_o survey_n i_o have_v take_v of_o it_o to_o add_v these_o character_n concern_v it_o that_o it_o may_v not_o possible_o be_v mistake_v 1._o it_o be_v that_o which_o depend_v upon_o nothing_o particular_a but_o must_v be_v the_o same_o to_o all_o nation_n and_o time_n it_o be_v all_o essence_n and_o have_v no_o accident_n or_o circumstance_n as_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o pray_v be_v natural_a religion_n that_o be_v to_o lift_v up_o desire_v to_o god_n with_o humility_n and_o hope_n this_o be_v and_o must_v be_v the_o same_o without_o any_o variation_n to_o every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n now_o whatever_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o pertain_v to_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o every_o where_o be_v not_o natural_a religion_n there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o nation_n of_o a_o god_n to_o all_o the_o world_n there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o justice_n sobriety_n throughout_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o notion_n of_o sin_n or_o of_o the_o pardon_n of_o it_o of_o judgement_n to_o come_v as_o they_o be_v natural_a till_o you_o come_v to_o essence_n you_o come_v not_o to_o natural_a religion_n 2._o it_o be_v that_o which_o can_v be_v demur_v to_o but_o with_o the_o failure_n of_o all_o sober_a reason_n nor_o indeed_o without_o a_o consciousness_n of_o it_o while_o deny_v i_o be_o full_o assure_v no_o man_n can_v deny_v a_o god_n a_o distinction_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n a_o future_a state_n without_o a_o strong_a recoil_n of_o the_o natural_a faculty_n return_v as_o by_o a_o intellectual_a moral_a elastic_a force_n 3._o it_o be_v that_o whereof_o if_o any_o of_o the_o principle_n be_v take_v away_o grand_a inconvenience_n and_o absurdity_n will_v follow_v like_o take_v away_o light_a air_n or_o water_n out_o of_o the_o natural_a world_n what_o a_o infinite_a necessity_n be_v there_o of_o god_n of_o prayer_n to_o he_o of_o praise_n of_o he_o of_o his_o pardoning-mercy_n since_o sin_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v take_v away_o these_o and_o universal_a nature_n fly_v in_o piece_n run_v every_o way_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o vacuum_n as_o the_o want_n of_o any_o these_o principle_n immediate_o make_v this_o be_v natural_a religion_n and_o nothing_o else_o be_v natural_a religion_n but_o this_o have_v discourse_v what_o a_o foundation_n of_o universal_a peace_n christian_a religion_n have_v lay_v in_o not_o only_o assume_v to_o but_o unite_n with_o itself_o natural_a religion_n i_o shall_v come_v now_o to_o present_a as_o in_o perspective_n christian_a religion_n itself_o and_o show_v the_o admirable_a contrivance_n for_o unity_n peace_n and_o love_n it_o have_v find_v out_o and_o most_o earnest_o press_v on_o all_o its_o disciple_n so_o infinite_o wise_a reasonable_a and_o good_a so_o efficacious_o insinuate_v so_o strong_o argue_v and_o enforce_v so_o awful_o command_v so_o to_o the_o life_n the_o very_a divine_a life_n of_o it_o even_o hypostatize_v in_o our_o lord_n that_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o inexpiable_a shame_n and_o guilt_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o it_o be_v so_o unlike_o the_o divine_a philosophy_n the_o law_n the_o grand_a exemplar_n of_o it_o that_o i_o may_v pursue_v this_o intention_n with_o great_a advantage_n i_o shall_v propose_v under_o several_a head_n how_o this_o design_n be_v lay_v by_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o our_o saviour_n much_o different_a from_o what_o be_v ready_a on_o all_o occasion_n to_o offer_v itself_o to_o humane_a imagination_n that_o be_v unity_n in_o uniformity_n without_o which_o as_o
of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o that_o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o this_o must_v be_v first_o because_o as_o righteousness_n and_o duty_n be_v before_o sin_n so_o blessing_n and_o favour_n be_v before_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n yet_o wrath_n be_v a_o more_o certain_a demonstration_n of_o absolute_a duty_n violate_v than_o favour_n be_v of_o absolute_a duty_n observe_v because_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v more_o at_o liberty_n than_o his_o wrath_n which_o always_o depend_v on_o strict_a justice_n all_o which_o amount_v to_o the_o full_a proof_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o national_a religion_n from_o this_o prayer_n see_v national_a irreligion_n be_v so_o near_o the_o curse_n of_o divine_a fury_n and_o revenge_n have_v thus_o far_o consider_v national_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v found_v argum._n 2_o in_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o inviolable_a duty_n to_o god_n i_o come_v second_o to_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n and_o unquestionable_a rationality_n of_o the_o divine_a ordination_n among_o the_o jew_n when_o by_o a_o prerogative_n of_o power_n and_o goodness_n god_n will_v secure_v the_o true_a religion_n after_o the_o nation_n have_v so_o corrupt_v themselves_o and_o that_o he_o have_v now_o begin_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o suffer_v they_o to_o walk_v after_o their_o own_o way_n he_o find_v his_o worship_n as_o it_o be_v anew_o first_o in_o abraham_n family_n and_o from_o thence_o commence_v it_o into_o a_o national_a state_n even_o as_o he_o do_v the_o family_n wherein_o he_o have_v place_v it_o and_o that_o for_o the_o very_a sake_n of_o his_o true_a worship_n which_o family_n and_o nation_n have_v indeed_o many_o peculiar_o in_o its_o religious_a constitution_n such_o as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o as_o i_o shall_v after_o account_v for_o they_o yet_o in_o the_o general_n it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o fitness_n and_o agreeableness_n of_o that_o model_n of_o humane_a society_n to_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o acceptableness_n to_o god_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o devote_v but_o because_o we_o may_v think_v this_o choose_n of_o abraham_n family_n and_o the_o nation_n rise_v from_o it_o be_v a_o interdict_v upon_o any_o other_o family_n or_o nation_n to_o institute_v a_o public_a national_a religion_n any_o other_o way_n than_o as_o they_o proselyte_v themselves_o to_o that_o one_o nation_n and_o family_n it_o be_v very_o observable_a there_o be_v elsewhere_o the_o footstep_n of_o national_a and_o family_n religion_n though_o more_o rare_a in_o that_o very_a time_n as_o in_o melchisedeck_v who_o be_v king_n of_o salem_n of_o peace_n and_o righteousness_n and_o priest_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n so_o incorporate_n religion_n with_o his_o government_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n so_o that_o the_o erect_v a_o national_a religion_n among_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o supersede_n the_o obligation_n of_o any_o of_o the_o nation_n to_o the_o national_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o in_o judgement_n past_o our_o find_v out_o he_o so_o overlook_v they_o as_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o for_o he_o never_o leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o worship_v by_o give_v they_o fruitful_a time_n and_o season_n and_o fill_v their_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n he_o be_v never_o far_o from_o they_o in_o that_o he_o give_v they_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o he_o they_o live_v move_v and_o have_v their_o being_n so_o that_o they_o wâ—re_v without_o excuse_n when_o at_o any_o time_n his_o wrath_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o they_o for_o not_o glorify_v he_o as_o god_n and_o be_v thankful_a belshazzar_n and_o his_o nation_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o god_n for_o not_o glorify_v that_o god_n in_o who_o hand_n be_v his_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o his_o way_n beside_o those_o of_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v near_o the_o jew_n be_v allow_v to_o unite_v themselves_o to_o the_o jewish_a national_a religion_n when_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v grow_v so_o dark_a and_o obsolete_a among_o themselves_o and_o though_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o stranger_n yet_o god_n assure_v they_o a_o place_n in_o his_o sanctuary_n but_o because_o there_o be_v not_o provision_n enough_o for_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o nation_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o that_o religion_n it_o be_v certain_o at_o all_o time_n lawful_a and_o please_a to_o god_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v national_o dedicate_v themselves_o to_o the_o true_a jekovah_n though_o eminent_o know_v then_o to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o give_v reason_n always_o to_o his_o wrath_n against_o they_o whenever_o he_o please_v to_o execute_v it_o but_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o three_o argument_n of_o near_a concernment_n to_o we_o the_o three_o argument_n i_o derive_v from_o the_o favour_n of_o christian_a religion_n argum._n 3_o to_o national_a religion_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o several_a proof_n 1._o christianity_n repeal_v none_o of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o be_v found_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n if_o therefore_o national_a religion_n be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o essential_a duty_n towards_o god_n if_o it_o be_v the_o reasonable_a service_n of_o nation_n it_o be_v certain_a christianity_n do_v not_o remove_v it_o but_o restore_v and_o exalt_v it_o to_o the_o great_a perfection_n christ_n come_v not_o to_o dissolve_v any_o of_o those_o law_n but_o to_o fulfil_v they_o that_o be_v to_o restore_v the_o doctrine_n to_o its_o just_a integrity_n where_o it_o be_v false_o gloss_a upon_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v want_v in_o the_o former_a revelation_n of_o it_o to_o superadd_a what_o may_v render_v it_o most_o complete_a 2._o of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v the_o second_o proof_n that_o if_o god_n not_o only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o type_n and_o shadow_n which_o be_v useful_a for_o that_o state_n of_o the_o church_n but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o real_a goodness_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o pitch_v upon_o the_o national_a form_n of_o religion_n by_o his_o immediate_a revelation_n to_o abraham_n and_o moses_n as_o i_o have_v already_o argue_v it_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v reverse_v by_o christ_n it_o remain_v therefore_o among_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v for_o our_o admonition_n and_o learning_n on_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v 3._o christianity_n vouch_v itself_o a_o religion_n of_o the_o most_o public_a spirit_n and_o intention_n and_o come_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o high_a conduct_n of_o god_n to_o open_v all_o passage_n for_o truth_n and_o divine_a knowledge_n among_o man_n as_o innumerable_a place_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n assure_v we_o so_o that_o the_o gospel_n most_o evident_o design_n itself_o to_o be_v free_a and_o public_a as_o the_o heaven_n as_o the_o light_n of_o it_o and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n may_v well_o be_v apply_v to_o it_o the_o line_n of_o it_o be_v go_v throughout_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o its_o word_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o far_o therefore_o as_o naturalness_n and_o publiqueness_n agree_v so_o far_o the_o thing_n be_v undeniable_a 4._o many_o expression_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o go_v before_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o follow_v after_o have_v a_o particular_a favour_n for_o national_a religion_n to_o name_v some_o of_o a_o multitude_n christ_n shall_v sprinkle_v many_o nation_n he_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n go_v make_v disciple_n of_o all_o nation_n all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n the_o apostle_n magnify_v himself_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o nation_n he_o compare_v himself_o with_o the_o holy_a priesthood_n while_o by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n he_o be_v negotiate_v in_o the_o offer_n up_o the_o nation_n a_o sacrifice_n consecrate_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o great_a sacrifice_n that_o be_v ever_o offer_v to_o god_n except_o that_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n offer_v himself_o and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a instance_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n resemble_v with_o the_o priesthood_n of_o the_o law_n or_o clothe_v with_o that_o denomination_n of_o priestliness_n use_n have_v appropriate_v to_o it_o and_o that_o to_o no_o other_o office_n but_o of_o preach_v to_o conversion_n rom._n 15._o 16._o but_o because_o i_o know_v the_o proof_n from_o these_o scripture_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v retrench_v by_o expound_v they_o of_o the_o diffusion_n of_o christianity_n into_o the_o catholic_n church_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o
society_n of_o mankind_n it_o declare_v itself_o a_o religion_n that_o love_v they_o and_z as_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o testify_v the_o divine_a approbation_n of_o and_o the_o near_a resemblance_n between_o those_o civil_a and_o political_a union_n one_o with_o another_o found_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o that_o religious_a union_n which_o by_o the_o very_a same_o law_n of_o nature_n follow_v they_o as_o so_o unite_v christianity_n keep_v to_o the_o very_a same_o tenor_n of_o union_n it_o find_v any_o where_o and_o twine_v as_o close_v about_o the_o city_n neighbourhood_n and_o family_n make_v ready_a to_o its_o hand_n by_o civil_a association_n as_o it_o can_v not_o call_v man_n out_o to_o wilderness_n mountain_n or_o wood_n to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v abide_v in_o desert_n and_o solitude_n when_o persecution_n do_v not_o drive_v and_o force_v they_o out_o but_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v denominate_v from_o those_o city_n and_o region_n where_o they_o be_v plant_v as_o the_o church_n of_o epheâ—â—â—â—_n 2._o 2_o cor_fw-la 9_o 2._o coriâ—th_n judaea_n galatia_n macedonia_n etc._n etc._n yea_o the_o christiâ—â—_n of_o achaia_n be_v call_v by_o the_o apostle_n achaia_n as_o if_o christianity_n be_v there_o become_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o country_n and_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v call_v those_o very_a city_n where_o they_o be_v seat_v 1â—_n rev._n 1._o 1â—_n wherein_o it_o be_v observable_a the_o church_n of_o city_n be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o or_o in_o each_o city_n as_o one_o though_o it_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n certain_a they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o more_o congregation_n for_o their_o numerousness_n yet_o they_o be_v still_o call_v one_o because_o the_o city_n be_v one_o but_o the_o region_n not_o be_v so_o unite_v in_o government_n neighbourhood_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o civil_a union_n the_o distribution_n of_o church_n easy_o follow_v the_o distinction_n easy_o supposable_a in_o their_o civil_a state_n in_o region_n therefore_o we_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o centre_n of_o union_n not_o in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o distance_n too_o great_a for_o coagmentation_n into_o one_o nor_o in_o the_o law_n and_o government_n at_o least_o with_o any_o respect_n of_o order_n towards_o religion_n they_o be_v therefore_o call_v church_n and_o not_o one_o church_n as_o they_o be_v without_o any_o exception_n in_o city_n even_o where_o the_o apostle_n name_v particular_a church_n in_o the_o house_n within_o those_o city_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o city_n itself_o they_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o one_o church_n of_o that_o city_n now_o all_o this_o speak_v the_o care_n christian_n religion_n use_v not_o to_o disturb_v but_o to_o conform_v to_o civil_a society_n and_o therefore_o especial_o to_o national_a the_o chief_a of_o those_o society_n and_o so_o i_o close_o this_o three_o argument_n for_o 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be_v exact_o compare_v and_o weigh_v in_o the_o eternal_a judgement_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o frequent_a in_o the_o scripture_n than_o thus_o to_o represent_v the_o carriage_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n the_o nation_n whole_a as_o nation_n that_o forget_v god_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o hell_n and_o egypt_n and_o 12._o ezek._n 32._o 18_o etc._n etc._n rom_n 2_o 12._o all_o its_o company_n all_o its_o host_n lie_v together_o the_o other_o nation_n with_o their_o multitude_n every_o one_o in_o their_o proper_a sort_n the_o uncircumcision_n and_o those_o without_o law_n be_v judge_v by_o themselves_o the_o circumcision_n and_o those_o under_o the_o law_n by_o themselves_o distinct_o our_o saviour_n speak_v oâ—_n sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n the_o man_n of_o nineveh_n tyre_n aend_v sidon_n chorazin_n bethsaida_n and_o capernaum_n come_v into_o judgement_n in_o that_o union_n in_o that_o community_n wherein_o they_o be_v embody_v here_o in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o man_n of_o that_o generation_n as_o they_o be_v that_o generation_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a that_o the_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n be_v with_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o distinction_n of_o nation_n because_o beside_o what_o other_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v the_o union_n of_o all_o bless_a person_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o of_o happy_a spirit_n one_o to_o another_o be_v so_o infinite_o great_a as_o to_o swallow_v up_o all_o distinction_n so_o that_o there_o be_v neither_o jew_n nor_o gentile_a scythian_n nor_o barbarian_a but_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o and_o so_o far_o as_o there_o be_v any_o such_o national_a distinction_n our_o lord_n be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n in_o who_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v the_o bosom_n of_o abraham_n the_o table_n of_o everlasting_a life_n at_o which_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n sit_v down_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n the_o israel_n of_o god_n be_v the_o capital_a expression_n of_o happiness_n but_o still_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o think_v the_o distinction_n of_o nation_n be_v not_o so_o lose_v but_o that_o the_o holy_a seed_n be_v as_o the_o substance_n of_o every_o nation_n in_o which_o it_o be_v for_o ever_o as_o it_o be_v by_o itself_o conserve_v a_o seed_n serve_v god_n in_o every_o age_n which_o be_v account_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o generation_n at_o that_o time_n and_o when_o god_n write_v down_o the_o people_n in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n he_o write_v they_o as_o under_o the_o head_n of_o such_o a_o nation_n this_o or_o that_o man_n be_v bear_v there_o although_o they_o be_v all_o enroll_v as_o citizen_n of_o that_o common_a city_n of_o zion_n the_o city_n of_o david_n from_o who_o our_o lord_n spring_v and_o though_o all_o christian_n be_v one_o holy_a nation_n yet_o it_o be_v say_v of_o some_o very_a glorious_a and_o happy_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o i_o will_v not_o undertake_v to_o determine_v that_o after_o the_o distinct_a seal_v of_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o each_o tribe_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o innumerable_a company_n not_o in_o a_o confusion_n but_o in_o a_o distinction_n so_o as_o to_o be_v know_v to_o be_v of_o all_o nation_n kindred_n people_n and_o tongue_n all_o the_o nation_n of_o they_o that_o be_v save_v be_v also_o mention_v in_o the_o same_o mystical_a book_n as_o keep_v under_o that_o distinction_n the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o his_o corinthian_n and_o thessalonian_o as_o certain_a he_o shall_v meet_v they_o under_o those_o very_a name_n at_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n he_o pray_v for_o israel_n as_o a_o nation_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v he_o discourse_v their_o fall_v away_o and_o recovery_n in_o a_o national_a way_n for_o many_o particular_a israelite_n be_v then_o call_v and_o save_v but_o not_o in_o a_o national_a way_n as_o he_o insist_o beside_o all_o these_o fair_a
society_n of_o man_n that_o be_v true_o catholic_n if_o it_o be_v but_o according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a religion_n to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o of_o such_o service_n so_o far_o as_o they_o will_v admit_v it_o and_o keep_v to_o the_o simplicity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o instance_n beforenamed_n of_o jonah_n and_o st._n paul_n and_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o do_v this_o when_o true_a reveal_v religion_n be_v join_v with_o natural_a if_o nothing_o be_v require_v of_o we_o that_o corrupt_v and_o defile_v it_o no_o man_n error_n in_o which_o we_o be_v not_o force_v to_o communicate_v shall_v drive_v we_o from_o truth_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o upon_o these_o foundation_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o win_v further_o and_o further_o upon_o all_o to_o bring_v they_o home_o to_o god_n wherein_o they_o wander_v we_o shall_v make_v allowance_n to_o every_o man_n differ_v in_o small_a thing_n receive_v he_o without_o condition_v he_o to_o subscribe_v to_o we_o in_o thing_n of_o doubtful_a that_o be_v private_a disputation_n if_o any_o one_o err_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o one_o convert_v he_o by_o evidence_n of_o that_o truth_n let_v he_o know_v that_o he_o that_o convert_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n shall_v save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o hide_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n but_o if_o we_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o such_o communion_n with_o those_o that_o be_v so_o enslave_v to_o false_a or_o will_v bring_v we_o under_o the_o power_n of_o private_a or_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o we_o nor_o admit_v we_o to_o they_o we_o must_v not_o yet_o desert_n our_o catholic_n respect_n to_o all_o that_o be_v true_a and_o good_a among_o they_o but_o acknowledge_v what_o be_v so_o value_n and_o praise_v it_o desire_v the_o divine_a acceptance_n for_o they_o in_o any_o good_a thing_n so_o as_o to_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o error_n they_o have_v adjoin_v to_o it_o and_z as_o you_o have_v opportunity_n reason_v they_o out_o of_o the_o one_o by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o other_o cap._n v._o of_o the_o public_a or_o divine_a original_a of_o sacred_a write_n or_o scripture_n quest_n see_v scripture_n be_v the_o only_a public_a record_n of_o true_a pure_a natural_a religion_n and_o more_o eminent_o of_o reveal_v it_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v full_o inform_v in_o all_o point_n concern_v it_o and_o first_o what_o care_n god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o take_v that_o his_o word_n and_o pure_o that_o shall_v be_v commit_v to_o write_v answ_n god_n hold_v the_o hand_n and_o pen_n of_o holy_a man_n by_o a_o efficacious_a overshadow_v their_o mind_n and_o conduct_v all_o their_o motion_n that_o they_o can_v not_o err_v in_o some_o thing_n he_o so_o full_o possess_v their_o understanding_n and_o affection_n with_o a_o full_a knowledge_n and_o sense_n of_o what_o they_o be_v to_o reveal_v that_o they_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o muse_v any_o thing_n strange_a or_o diverse_a from_o what_o they_o be_v so_o carry_v and_o bear_v by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n in_o even_o as_o elijah_n in_o his_o body_n in_o other_o thing_n wherein_o they_o can_v not_o look_v round_o about_o they_o nor_o full_o comprehend_v what_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o do_v signify_v though_o they_o convey_v it_o to_o aftertime_n yet_o they_o be_v by_o almighty_a impression_n upon_o all_o their_o faculty_n necessary_a to_o that_o service_n hold_v in_o strong_a than_o adamantine_a consinement_n that_o they_o can_v not_o extravagate_v from_o divine_a truth_n even_o balaam_n thus_o overpower_v against_o his_o will_n can_v not_o go_v beyond_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o speak_v either_o good_a or_o evil_a upon_o the_o great_a reward_n much_o less_o holy_a man_n who_o will_n be_v perfect_o resign_v to_o the_o divine_a will._n quest_n but_o be_v not_o there_o a_o possibility_n those_o holy_a man_n writer_n of_o scripture_n may_v at_o other_o time_n when_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o so_o immediate_o present_a to_o they_o alter_z or_o add_v of_o another_o alloy_n to_o what_o themselves_o have_v be_v the_o instrument_n of_o convey_v from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n or_o may_v not_o pretender_n arise_v and_o give_v out_o false_a scripture_n to_o the_o world_n that_o have_v none_o of_o that_o true_a spirit_n answ_n when_o once_o any_o part_n of_o divine_a testimony_n be_v commit_v to_o write_v it_o become_v a_o boundary_a to_o those_o very_a penman_n much_o more_o to_o all_o other_o that_o they_o be_v always_o conclude_v by_o it_o so_o that_o beside_o the_o dread_a and_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o falsification_n of_o his_o truth_n or_o name_n they_o can_v not_o alter_v any_o thing_n so_o as_o to_o disagree_v with_o what_o they_o have_v before_o speak_v by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n who_o righteous_a judgement_n endure_v for_o ever_o nor_o can_v they_o so_o much_o as_o imitate_v themselves_o when_o unassisted_a by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n when_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v by_o immediate_a assistance_n the_o utmost_a end_n and_o reach_v of_o what_o themselves_o be_v enable_v to_o speak_v and_o write_v they_o do_v and_o they_o can_v do_v no_o more_o search_v and_o pronounce_v by_o all_o the_o best_a ordinary_n help_v god_n afford_v they_o but_o can_v change_v nothing_o can_v add_v nothing_o they_o search_v what_o or_o what_o manner_n of_o time_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o do_v signify_v they_o can_v not_o pronounce_v of_o the_o time_n when_o not_o reveal_v to_o they_o they_o know_v the_o dreadful_a anathema_n ready_a to_o fall_v even_o upon_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n that_o shall_v preach_v another_o gospel_n the_o lest_o jota_n once_o establish_v by_o unchangeable_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n be_v less_o movable_a than_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o will_v bear_v no_o addition_n but_o of_o the_o same_o authority_n by_o which_o itself_o be_v give_v and_o even_o the_o very_a manner_n method_n word_n as_o they_o meet_v to_o carry_v such_o a_o sense_n have_v their_o majesty_n and_o divineness_n so_o that_o whatever_o be_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n bridle_v that_o which_o be_v not_o and_o they_o that_o be_v inspire_v know_v in_o what_o they_o be_v inspire_v and_o what_o they_o speak_v as_o so_o inspire_v and_o in_o what_o they_o be_v not_o but_o be_v as_o samson_n with_o his_o lock_n cut_v no_o more_o than_o like_o other_o man_n and_o most_o cautious_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o nothing_o therefore_o have_v assay_v to_o join_v itself_o to_o scripture_n if_o any_o have_v dare_v to_o do_v it_o it_o have_v be_v reject_v by_o it_o when_o not_o of_o the_o high_a and_o public_a spirit_n of_o it_o quest_n but_o do_v not_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n reverse_v the_o write_n and_o command_n of_o the_o old_a which_o thing_n so_o scandalize_v the_o jew_n against_o our_o lord_n his_o disciple_n and_o gospel_n answ_n no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o the_o sun_n command_v the_o shadow_n to_o fly_v away_o and_o the_o lesser_a light_n to_o retire_v when_o itself_o appear_v or_o the_o thing_n type_v out_o be_v come_v make_v useless_a the_o type_n so_o that_o they_o necessary_o give_v place_n or_o as_o picture_n vail_v when_o the_o life_n be_v present_a else_o there_o be_v such_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o those_o of_o the_o new_a as_o to_o avow_v they_o of_o god_n before_o they_o and_o elder_a scripture_n than_o themselves_o so_o that_o they_o vouch_v they_o for_o all_o they_o say_v and_o teach_v and_o stay_v the_o time_n of_o themselves_o be_v try_v prove_v and_o sufficient_o confirm_v and_o canonize_v into_o scripture_n by_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v undoubted_o so_o before_o they_o and_o in_o the_o very_a same_o method_n that_o they_o come_v into_o the_o honour_n of_o be_v scripture_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o apostle_n call_v they_o 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harmless_a in_o comparison_n but_o the_o abomination_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n most_o loathsome_a to_o that_o infinite_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a nature_n i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v how_o far_o time_n place_n distinction_n of_o person_n in_o religious_a worship_n be_v within_o the_o cognisance_n of_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o i_o omit_v out_o of_o choice_n any_o discourse_n of_o sacrifice_n which_o some_o have_v contend_v come_v in_o by_o natural_a instinct_n as_o too_o copious_a for_o the_o present_a intendment_n conclude_v they_o be_v ordain_v by_o god_n chief_o to_o typify_v the_o true_a ever_o breathe_v sacrifice_n of_o christ_n which_o service_n have_v perform_v they_o expire_v in_o it_o not_o only_o repeal_v by_o the_o evangelic_n law_n but_o no_o doubt_n through_o the_o superintendency_n of_o providence_n grow_v into_o disuse_n throughout_o the_o world_n which_o together_o with_o those_o strong_a solid_a reason_n 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 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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
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 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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
have_v such_o tie_n with_o such_o supply_n of_o nourishment_n from_o a_o body_n vigour_n from_o such_o a_o soul_n inhabit_v that_o body_n it_o must_v be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o body_n even_o so_o there_o be_v a_o law_n of_o this_o mystical_a body_n and_o a_o man_n so_o unite_v so_o spirit_v be_v by_o the_o law_n the_o head_n have_v make_v for_o his_o own_o body_n who_o only_o have_v the_o power_n to_o do_v it_o he_o be_v i_o say_v a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n now_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v intend_v this_o mystical_a body_n especial_o if_o the_o foot_n shall_v say_v because_o i_o be_o not_o the_o head_n i_o 15._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 15._o be_o not_o of_o the_o body_n be_v it_o therefore_o not_o of_o the_o body_n and_o if_o the_o ear_n shall_v say_v because_o i_o be_o not_o the_o eye_n i_o be_o not_o of_o the_o body_n be_v it_o therefore_o not_o of_o the_o body_n and_o god_n have_v temper_v the_o 25._o ver._n 24_o 25._o body_n as_o it_o have_v please_v he_o give_v more_o abundant_a honour_n to_o that_o part_n which_o lack_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o schism_n in_o the_o body_n but_o that_o the_o member_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o care_n one_o for_o another_o the_o apostle_n i_o confess_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o order_n of_o high_a and_o low_a honourable_a and_o less_o honourable_a member_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o resemblance_n of_o the_o natural_a graduation_n in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n but_o the_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o law_n of_o each_o body_n argue_v it_o be_v no_o case_n at_o the_o arbitrement_n of_o any_o who_o shall_v be_v of_o this_o body_n but_o as_o that_o law_n of_o christ_n have_v define_v and_o so_o far_o as_o that_o law_n have_v extend_v that_o body_n so_o far_o the_o love_n and_o care_n of_o it_o and_o for_o it_o must_v go_v else_o there_o will_v be_v schism_n see_v there_o be_v not_o else_o that_o proper_a care_n of_o the_o member_n who_o must_v accord_o to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o body_n be_v member_n whether_o one_o or_o other_o please_v to_o have_v it_o so_o thus_o than_o i_o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o society_n or_o society_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o or_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n they_o hold_v christ_n the_o head_n they_o hold_v those_o great_a point_n of_o union_n i_o have_v be_v 19_o col._n 2._o 19_o speak_v of_o they_o be_v not_o chargeable_a with_o opinion_n or_o practice_n plain_o contrary_a or_o undermine_v those_o acknowledgement_n therein_o though_o they_o may_v be_v guilry_n of_o error_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o practice_n yet_o not_o so_o fundamental_a as_o to_o tear_v they_o off_o from_o the_o body_n or_o make_v they_o another_o body_n or_o they_o be_v misunderstand_v to_o hold_v such_o error_n though_o indeed_o they_o do_v not_o or_o they_o be_v not_o error_n or_o they_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o such_o opinion_n or_o practice_n as_o they_o conceive_v not_o allowable_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o not_o destructive_a error_n nor_o can_v they_o that_o require_v their_o compliance_n pretend_v on_o their_o part_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o case_n i_o say_v he_o be_v the_o only_a schismatic_a that_o have_v not_o a_o love_n that_o have_v not_o a_o sympathy_n with_o the_o body_n and_o therefore_o if_o neither_o party_n have_v they_o must_v be_v both_o schismatic_n there_o may_v be_v modest_a peaceable_a dissent_n and_o different_a practice_n upon_o they_o there_o be_v such_o notorious_a enough_o among_o the_o first_o christian_n as_o the_o apostle_n plain_o discourse_n rom._n 14._o for_o he_o say_v they_o that_o eat_v eat_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o give_v god_n thanks_o they_o that_o eat_v not_o yet_o still_o to_o the_o lord_n they_o eat_v 6._o ver._n 6._o not_o and_o give_v god_n thanks_o one_o for_o his_o religious_a eat_n the_o other_o for_o his_o christian_a liberty_n here_o be_v act_n of_o worship_n in_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o uniformity_n they_o can_v not_o join_v one_o with_o another_o so_o he_o that_o regard_v the_o day_n to_o the_o lord_n he_o regard_v it_o he_o that_o regard_v not_o the_o day_n to_o the_o lord_n he_o regard_v it_o not_o here_o again_o be_v act_n of_o reverence_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v no_o uniformity_n yet_o still_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 15._o 5._o suppose_v and_o exhort_v that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o difference_n in_o which_o he_o have_v positive_o make_v a_o allowance_n to_o each_o part_n they_o will_v yet_o be_v likeminded_a one_o to_o another_o according_a to_o christ_n jesus_n after_o his_o exemplar_n or_o have_v their_o eye_n upon_o the_o same_o image_n of_o christ_n instamp_v on_o both_o yea_o and_o notwithstanding_o these_o discord_n he_o suppose_v they_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n and_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n both_o in_o those_o common_a 6._o ver._n 6._o thing_n wherein_o both_o agree_v and_o be_v perfect_o one_o and_o also_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o have_v one_o common_a intention_n and_o design_n centre_v in_o the_o one_o point_n of_o do_v all_o to_o the_o lord_n whether_o they_o eat_v or_o eat_v not_o whether_o thâ—y_o regard_v a_o day_n or_o regard_v it_o not_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n further_o exhort_v they_o to_o receive_v one_o another_o as_o christ_n have_v receive_v 7._o v._o 7._o we_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o our_o many_o fault_n so_o christian_n notwithstanding_o the_o fault_n they_o true_o or_o mistake_o esteem_v so_o in_o one_o another_o yet_o still_o they_o shall_v own_o one_o another_o as_o christian_n they_o shall_v mutual_o partake_v the_o benefit_n of_o one_o another_o christianity_n and_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v as_o one_o and_o even_o in_o the_o thing_n they_o dissent_v in_o this_o conspire_v in_o the_o direction_n of_o all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n all_o this_o plain_o show_v that_o unity_n consist_v not_o in_o uniformity_n unity_n of_o worship_n not_o in_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n nor_o do_v schism_n necessary_o follow_v upon_o such_o different_a apprehension_n or_o practice_n and_o thus_o so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v perceive_v the_o apostle_n ordain_v in_o all_o church_n there_o shall_v still_o be_v communion_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o difference_n and_o indeed_o he_o that_o be_v a_o christian_n deprive_v himself_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n run_v every_o way_n among_o christian_n or_o of_o the_o mutual_a impartment_n they_o make_v of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o grace_n one_o to_o another_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o small_a difference_n only_o be_v unthrifty_a of_o the_o advantage_n offer_v to_o he_o by_o god_n and_o straiten_n to_o himself_o the_o divine_a spirit_n in_o its_o free_a emanation_n every_o way_n and_o throughout_o all_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n without_o attend_v our_o sinful_a difference_n which_o be_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o of_o its_o effusion_n or_o restraint_n when_o it_o flow_v among_o all_o that_o be_v true_a christian_n it_o do_v not_o consider_v in_o its_o gift_n that_o one_o party_n be_v by_o itself_o another_o by_o itself_o but_o give_v to_o all_o that_o be_v true_o of_o christ_n body_n yet_o the_o sinful_a severity_n of_o one_o party_n and_o too_o often_o of_o both_o may_v displease_v grieve_v and_o in_o great_a degree_n quench_v the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o its_o donation_n as_o 19_o 1_o thes_n 5._o 19_o to_o one_o or_o both_o guilty_a party_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v another_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o do_v more_o true_o import_v schism_n than_o external_a difference_n do_v when_o those_o that_o be_v true_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n do_v deny_v to_o yield_v to_o convey_v or_o to_o receive_v and_o give_v circulation_n to_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n through_o the_o whole_a body_n for_o thus_o man_n may_v become_v putrid_a gangrene_v or_o mortify_v member_n and_o so_o deserve_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o not_o for_o their_o different_a sentiment_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v tolerate_v but_o for_o that_o they_o will_v not_o communicate_v or_o will_v not_o be_v communicate_v with_o they_o will_v not_o give_v or_o receive_v the_o gift_n christ_n have_v give_v 8._o ephes_n 4._o 8._o to_o man_n as_o they_o flow_v among_o all_o because_o of_o some_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v it_o be_v even_o a_o schism_n from_o mankind_n a_o division_n from_o that_o not_o to_o receive_v those_o common_a benefit_n of_o reason_n from_o any_o that_o have_v have_v they_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o communicate_v they_o the_o scripture_n itself_o communicate_v
christianity_n have_v find_v it_o most_o to_o their_o advantage_n of_o edification_n to_o unite_v with_o such_o a_o congregation_n of_o christian_n all_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o may_v create_v a_o obligation_n to_o such_o conjunction_n but_o because_o the_o hot_a dispute_n in_o relation_n to_o christian_a practice_n so_o as_o to_o conserve_v peace_n and_o order_n have_v rise_v in_o this_o very_a juncture_n of_o particular_a society_n of_o christian_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o settle_v upon_o a_o indisputable_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o leave_v out_o what_o be_v more_o intricate_a and_o controversal_a that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o far_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n extend_v here_o to_o love_n and_o peace_n in_o these_o follow_a assertion_n 1._o that_o our_o lord_n have_v give_v rule_n for_o such_o holy_a grave_a and_o honourable_a society_n under_o the_o name_n of_o church_n as_o must_v needs_o invite_v all_o of_o the_o same_o excellent_a christian_a temper_n into_o their_o communion_n according_a to_o the_o opportunity_n they_o have_v to_o join_v with_o they_o their_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o practice_n so_o pure_a and_o heavenly_a so_o evident_o for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n soul_n so_o compose_v to_o all_o true_a decency_n prudence_n and_o a_o discipline_n so_o humble_a natural_a strict_a only_o to_o the_o true_a benefit_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o it_o that_o it_o can_v look_v like_o a_o secular_a dominion_n but_o for_o the_o service_n of_o faith_n the_o help_n of_o joy_n the_o safety_n of_o soul_n and_o their_o eternal_a interest_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a every_o one_o will_v yield_v be_v the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n let_v it_o be_v find_v wherever_o it_o can_v be_v find_v let_v every_o church_n see_v to_o itself_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o temper_a and_o constitute_v or_o not_o how_o then_o do_v it_o seem_v possible_a that_o when_o there_o be_v such_o society_n christian_n shall_v not_o fly_v to_o they_o as_o the_o dove_n to_o the_o window_n see_v christianity_n improve_v the_o sociableness_n of_o humanity_n into_o the_o true_a publickness_n of_o spirit_n and_o desire_v to_o enjoy_v good_a with_o more_o than_o in_o solitude_n 2._o it_o be_v the_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o design_n in_o all_o his_o institution_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o assembly_n of_o his_o people_n and_o servant_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o people_n for_o divine_a worship_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o several_a duty_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n so_o that_o the_o forsake_v of_o the_o assembly_n of_o ourselves_o together_o as_o 25._o heb._n 10._o 25._o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v be_v very_o little_a distant_a from_o apostasy_n itself_o how_o can_v there_o then_o be_v but_o church_n where_o there_o be_v christian_n see_v so_o much_o of_o the_o concern_v of_o christianity_n lie_v therein_o and_o who_o indeed_o possess_v with_o those_o concern_v do_v not_o rejoice_v in_o they_o and_o bless_v god_n for_o his_o unspeakable_a gift_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o they_o 3._o yet_o be_v there_o no_o law_n of_o christ_n that_o main_a force_n shall_v be_v use_v upon_o man_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o any_o assembly_n of_o christian_n at_o all_o much_o less_o into_o one_o rather_o than_o another_o especial_o when_o the_o main_a reason_n or_o motive_n of_o unite_n with_o assembly_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n present_v themselves_o to_o man_n apprehension_n and_o conscience_n more_o in_o some_o than_o other_o indeed_o man_n overzealous_a affectation_n of_o some_o and_o unworthy_a neglect_n of_o other_o as_o one_o for_o paul_n another_o for_o apollo_n another_o for_o cephas_n another_o for_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 12._o christ_n as_o if_o these_o minister_n by_o who_o they_o believe_v be_v to_o set_v up_o for_o themselves_o as_o head_n of_o christianinty_a and_o to_o rival_n christ_n himself_o as_o if_o but_o upon_o the_o same_o level_n with_o they_o be_v very_o just_o and_o severe_o chastise_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o a_o true_a value_n for_o all_o the_o steward_n of_o divine_a mystery_n and_o 1._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o church_n and_o a_o particular_a value_n for_o those_o pastor_n and_o congregation_n wherein_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v especial_a blessing_n for_o man_n soul_n or_o give_v opportunity_n to_o receive_v such_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o apostle_n though_o he_o refuse_v undue_a measure_n of_o honour_n yet_o assume_v that_o of_o be_v 2._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 15._o 1_o cor._n 9_o 2._o a_o father_n as_o above_o thousand_o of_o instructor_n christianity_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o be_v so_o holy_a and_o humble_a a_o state_n that_o no_o one_o act_v according_o to_o it_o either_o arrogate_v or_o envy_n so_o he_o that_o have_v much_o of_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o have_v nothing_o over_o or_o above_o the_o measure_n of_o a_o steward_n and_o he_o that_o have_v least_o shall_v have_v nothing_o under_o that_o measure_n if_o he_o be_v find_v faithful_a so_o the_o congregation_n have_v the_o equal_a glory_n of_o be_v of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o church_n to_o be_v little_a representation_n of_o and_o embody_v with_o his_o own_a catholic_n church_n in_o the_o grand_a union_n of_o all_o christian_n with_o the_o head_n here_o then_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o christian_a peace_n and_o union_n in_o church_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o nature_n and_o much_o confirm_v and_o exalt_v by_o christianity_n that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n shall_v be_v make_v as_o public_a and_o universal_a as_o may_v be_v go_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o baptise_v all_o nation_n be_v the_o very_a commission_n christ_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o first_o ambassador_n and_o be_v continue_v to_o all_o his_o minister_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n not_o of_o 19_o mat._n 26._o 19_o the_o world_n of_o that_o age_n only_o but_o to_o that_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v till_o his_o second_o come_v until_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o presence_n the_o great_a congregation_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a receptacle_n of_o divine_a truth_n the_o state_n of_o religion_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v rare_o speak_v of_o especial_o when_o declare_v etc._n psal_n 100_o 1._o 117._o 16._o 1_o etc._n etc._n in_o its_o magnificence_n with_o a_o less_o public_a character_n than_o all_o people_n all_o nation_n all_o land_n the_o round_a world_n in_o its_o whole_a circle_n from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o go_v down_o of_o the_o same_o all_z the_o earth_n true_a religion_n aspire_v to_o it_o even_o under_o the_o narrow_a dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o in_o this_o very_a sense_n it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o his_o time_n the_o whole_a creation_n groan_v and_o travel_v in_o pain_n until_o etc._n rom._n 8._o 19_o etc._n etc._n now_o and_o the_o earnest_a expectation_n of_o it_o wait_v for_o the_o adoption_n the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v gather_v together_o under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n nor_o will_v some_o of_o every_o nation_n satisfy_v the_o full_a intention_n of_o this_o magnificence_n but_o that_o nation_n as_o nation_n embody_v and_o kingdom_n as_o kingdom_n shall_v become_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o christ_n be_v the_o plenary_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n when_o even_o as_o of_o israel_n a_o indisputable_o national_a church_n god_n shall_v say_v of_o heathen_a nation_n as_o of_o egypt_n and_o assyria_n know_v to_o israel_n so_o well_o and_o know_v so_o well_o as_o rank_o heathen_a and_o therefore_o choose_v as_o representative_n of_o the_o whole_a heathen_a world_n yet_o of_o these_o god_n shall_v say_v bless_a be_v egypt_n my_o people_n and_o assyria_n the_o work_n of_o my_o hand_n and_o israel_n ult_n isa_n 19_o ult_n my_o inheritance_n for_o in_o that_o day_n israel_n shall_v be_v but_o a_o three_o with_o egypt_n and_o assyria_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o highway_n through_o they_o all_o and_o they_o shall_v serve_v together_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o free_a passage_n of_o truth_n through_o all_o a_o high_a way_n of_o the_o gospel_n throughout_o and_o a_o union_n of_o worship_n so_o then_o if_o we_o find_v so_o much_o for_o a_o national_a religion_n in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o grasp_v more_o than_o those_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o then_o matter_n of_o fact_n only_o if_o our_o saviour_n commission_n for_o make_v disciple_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n extend_v to_o all_o nation_n if_o the_o prophetic_a book_n of_o the_o new_a
may_v have_v hear_v the_o fame_n of_o it_o with_o their_o ear_n it_o be_v the_o way_n find_v out_o and_o declare_v by_o he_o that_o make_v weight_n for_o the_o wind_n and_o balance_n for_o the_o cloud_n it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n and_o depart_v from_o evil_n the_o true_a understanding_n there_o lie_v the_o peace_n of_o natural_a religion_n it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o christianity_n see_v and_o publish_v by_o christ_n jesus_n the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n that_o be_v the_o peace_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o proper_a excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o its_o very_a intention_n to_o bring_v this_o way_n both_o as_o natural_a and_o christian_n to_o light_v to_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o to_o give_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o it_o to_o sweeten_v man_n temper_n to_o the_o good_a nature_n of_o it_o that_o every_o one_o in_o a_o clear_a and_o still_a air_n not_o darken_v with_o cloud_n full_a of_o thunder_n and_o terrible_a with_o the_o lightning_n of_o dreadful_a law_n and_o bloody_a execution_n may_v see_v may_v be_v wary_a in_o the_o choice_n of_o his_o conduct_n of_o himself_o to_o his_o unchangeable_a state_n and_o may_v therefore_o have_v light_n have_v room_n have_v still_o and_o silence_n in_o which_o he_o may_v weigh_v every_o thing_n prove_v every_o thing_n now_o that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o declare_v be_v a_o way_n most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o reason_n which_o respect_v either_o all_o mankind_n or_o all_o christian_n this_o be_v the_o contrivance_n of_o christianity_n provide_v that_o the_o wolf_n and_o the_o lamb_n may_v dwell_v together_o that_o the_o lion_n may_v lie_v down_o with_o the_o kid_n that_o the_o child_n may_v play_v on_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o asp_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o hurt_v or_o destroy_v in_o all_o god_n holy_a mountain_n that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o true_a religion_n may_v have_v the_o same_o scope_n and_o freedom_n that_o the_o wave_n have_v in_o the_o sea_n christianity_n have_v always_o the_o ground_n ready_a by_o it_o and_o with_o it_o and_o to_o present_v they_o in_o their_o rational_a possibility_n be_v a_o vindication_n of_o divine_a justice_n righteousness_n and_o goodness_n a_o offerture_n to_o man_n to_o be_v happy_a nor_o will_v the_o platform_n be_v always_o utopian_a the_o day_n will_v come_v when_o it_o shall_v pass_v into_o life_n power_n and_o effect_n now_o whenever_o this_o shall_v be_v in_o its_o glory_n that_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n that_o curse_n that_o lie_v upon_o the_o earth_n that_o vail_n of_o the_o cover_v spread_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o all_o nation_n that_o severe_a indignation_n of_o god_n against_o humane_a nature_n shall_v be_v remove_v the_o spirit_n shall_v be_v pour_v out_o upon_o all_o flesh_n the_o light_n of_o one_o day_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o light_n of_o seven_o all_o flesh_n shall_v see_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n together_o so_o come_v come_v thus_o lord_n jesus_n even_o so_o amen_n i_o have_v thus_o far_o make_v a_o lamentation_n upon_o the_o general_n state_n of_o the_o world_n in_o relation_n to_o religion_n which_o till_o some_o such_o mighty_a influence_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n as_o i_o have_v intimate_v upon_o it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n for_o the_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n will_v be_v full_a of_o the_o habitation_n of_o cruelty_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o habitation_n of_o cruelty_n will_v be_v furnish_v with_o the_o instrument_n of_o cruelty_n and_o therefore_o oh_o my_o soul_n come_v not_o into_o their_o secret_n unto_o their_o assembly_n my_o honour_n be_v not_o thou_o unite_v for_o in_o their_o anger_n they_o slay_v and_o destroy_v and_o in_o their_o self-will_n they_o dig_v down_o wall_n curse_a be_v their_o anger_n for_o it_o be_v fierce_a and_o their_o wrath_n for_o it_o be_v cruel_a their_o drink-offering_n of_o blood_n will_v i_o not_o offer_v nor_o take_v their_o name_n of_o religion_n into_o my_o mouth_n i_o shall_v therefore_o leave_v they_o and_o address_v the_o close_a of_o this_o discourse_n to_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o the_o excellent_a in_o who_o be_v all_o my_o delight_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o call_v we_o to_o the_o review_n of_o the_o excellent_a christian_a religion_n even_o as_o natural_a religion_n all_o essence_n all_o substance_n trace_v it_o throughout_o all_o its_o doctrine_n worship_n rule_n of_o life_n they_o be_v all_o by_o their_o very_a goodness_n plain_a to_o he_o that_o understand_v and_o right_a to_o they_o that_o find_v knowledge_n there_o be_v nothing_o froward_a nor_o perverse_a in_o they_o its_o band_n of_o peace_n be_v not_o politic_a or_o worldly_a intrigue_n no_o ceremonial_a symbolism_n or_o ritual_a shibbole_v but_o ponderous_a verity_n and_o divine_a love_n all_o the_o show_n or_o appearance_n any_o religion_n can_v make_v be_v but_o a_o ray_n borrow_v from_o its_o divine_a perfection_n a_o derivation_n from_o its_o light_n or_o from_o natural_a religion_n which_o be_v itself_o for_o pure_a natural_a religion_n be_v christian_a religion_n if_o you_o suppose_v a_o soul_n without_o sin_n mount_v from_o its_o creature-probaâ—ionership_a to_o its_o high_a perfection_n as_o adam_n if_o not_o have_v 〈◊〉_d from_o paradise_n to_o heaven_n and_o christian_a religion_n be_v natural_a religion_n suppose_v the_o soul_n fall_v and_o rise_v back_o from_o its_o apostasy_n to_o that_o perfection_n by_o the_o redeemer_n 2._o let_v i_o apply_v this_o discourse_n to_o the_o comprimise_n of_o all_o difference_n betwixt_o protestant_n and_o particular_o in_o our_o english_a christian_n nation_n not_o define_v any_o controversal_a point_n but_o urge_v to_o that_o end_n such_o undoubted_a principle_n as_o i_o have_v insist_v upon_o in_o this_o discourse_n 1._o that_o suppose_v a_o national_a church_n can_v be_v make_v out_o to_o satisfaction_n yet_o christian_a kingdom_n be_v so_o considerable_a a_o point_n of_o scripture-prophecy_n that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v so_o far_o therefore_o as_o national_a worship_n can_v be_v agreeable_a to_o a_o man_n conscience_n make_v inquiry_n and_o most_o curious_a search_n into_o the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o as_o to_o his_o duty_n and_o to_o his_o liberty_n also_o and_o possible_a freedom_n from_o scruple_n every_o christian_a be_v oblige_v to_o glorify_v god_n in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o he_o and_o confession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o his_o native_a country_n suppose_v a_o man_n shall_v retire_v to_o particular_a private_a congregation_n to_o supply_v what_o he_o may_v find_v want_v in_o the_o national_a constitution_n to_o complete_a all_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a communion_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o yet_o still_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o promote_v and_o encourage_v national_a religion_n so_o far_o as_o it_o extend_v to_o avoid_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a all_o division_n and_o profess_a separation_n from_o it_o by_o put_v the_o fair_a construction_n and_o the_o kind_a hope_n upon_o those_o thing_n that_o seem_v doubtful_a and_o as_o little_o infringe_v the_o authority_n of_o law_n as_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o sentiment_n of_o conscience_n and_o a_o due_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o liberty_n god_n have_v give_v man_n of_o judge_v for_o their_o own_o soul_n as_o in_o his_o sight_n viz._n in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o so_o indisputable_a or_o those_o grand_a point_n of_o christianity_n in_o which_o a_o christian_a can_v have_v no_o allowance_n in_o all_o thing_n else_o a_o christian_a have_v a_o liberty_n but_o so_o that_o he_o must_v not_o use_v that_o his_o liberty_n as_o a_o cloak_n of_o maliciousness_n but_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n give_v due_a honour_n to_o 16._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 16._o all_o i_o will_v therefore_o propose_v these_o three_o consideration_n to_o draw_v man_n to_o the_o great_a conjunction_n with_o national_a religian_a that_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n be_v reconcile_v with_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n considerate_a 1._o that_o if_o we_o examine_v thing_n by_o scripture_n there_o be_v many_o abatement_n from_o the_o supposeable_a evil_n of_o external_a observance_n of_o which_o we_o may_v lawful_o make_v our_o utmost_a advantage_n to_o so_o great_a a_o good_a as_o our_o profess_a conjunction_n with_o national_a religion_n while_o substantial_o good_a though_o the_o high_a place_n i_o 14._o 1_o king_n 15._o 14._o mean_v thing_n equivalent_a in_o our_o opinion_n be_v not_o take_v away_o as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o excellent_a king_n of_o judah_n first_o then_o as_o fundamental_a to_o this_o case_n i_o suppose_v these_o two_o thing_n equiponderate_v one_o another_o 1._o the_o high_a character_n of_o national_a christian_a
all_o that_o pierce_v he_o who_o very_a own_o eye_n shall_v see_v he_o as_o so_o pierce_v by_o they_o it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o man_n in_o their_o body_n of_o nation_n in_o their_o national_a capacity_n of_o all_o man_n and_o thing_n in_o their_o restitution_n for_o it_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o regeneration_n mat._n 19_o 28._o to_o their_o former_a state_n that_o religion_n and_o piety_n may_v receive_v its_o recompense_n of_o glory_n that_o irreligion_n and_o wickedness_n may_v have_v its_o just_a reward_n of_o shame_n and_o punishment_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a circumstance_n wherein_o each_o be_v see_v and_o know_v and_o shall_v then_o be_v remember_v to_o â—ave_n stand_v here_o in_o the_o world_n though_o for_o the_o generality_n very_o different_a from_o the_o esteem_n and_o disesteem_v they_o then_o find_v last_o this_o representation_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v the_o most_o lively_a feeling_n and_o sensible_a engagement_n to_o speedy_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n that_o our_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o when_o the_o time_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o re-enlivening_a all_o thing_n shall_v come_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o will_v not_o take_v great_a care_n that_o when_o they_o be_v 19_o act_n 3_o 19_o seek_v for_o they_o may_v not_o be_v find_v who_o will_v not_o desire_v and_o so_o use_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o appear_v in_o glory_n and_o not_o under_o shame_n and_o contempt_n this_o be_v also_o among_o the_o strong_a argument_n upon_o the_o most_o honourable_a personage_n and_o governor_n of_o a_o nation_n yea_o upon_o all_o that_o love_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o nation_n and_o desire_v the_o glory_n of_o it_o with_o the_o true_a public_a spirit_n to_o mind_v the_o promotion_n of_o sincere_a religion_n piety_n and_o goodness_n in_o themselves_o together_o with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o people_n time_n and_o government_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v since_o if_o they_o desire_v their_o nation_n renown_n in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o their_o management_n in_o it_o may_v be_v transmit_v fair_a in_o chronicle_n that_o they_o may_v live_v high_a in_o story_n how_o much_o more_o must_v they_o if_o at_o all_o serious_a desire_n to_o mâ—ke_v a_o honourable_a figure_n in_o that_o most_o illustrious_a representation_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n and_o the_o eternal_a record_n of_o all_o thing_n they_o and_o their_o country_n together_o according_a to_o the_o station_n and_o relation_n wherein_o they_o have_v stand_v to_o it_o and_o the_o love_n they_o have_v bear_v to_o it_o and_o certain_o every_o good_a man_n desire_v by_o a_o immutable_a instinct_n by_o a_o law_n of_o goodness_n within_o himself_o to_o be_v good_a in_o a_o community_n and_o to_o be_v save_v in_o their_o salvation_n which_o he_o earnest_o aspire_v to_o in_o and_o with_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o in_o and_o with_o that_o yea_o though_o he_o be_v so_o low_a or_o mean_a in_o his_o fortune_n ability_n or_o discourse_n as_o not_o to_o be_v in_o any_o advantage_n for_o propagate_a true_a religion_n yâ—â—_n he_o have_v a_o inward_a force_n to_o it_o and_o as_o every_o good_a man_n rise_v in_o his_o stature_n and_o condition_n and_o influence_n in_o the_o nation_n to_o which_o he_o belong_v so_o in_o his_o service_n to_o the_o public_a religion_n but_o especial_o every_o eminent_a great_a true_o religious_a person_n of_o a_o public_a character_n and_o a_o lover_n of_o his_o nation_n have_v a_o most_o vehement_a and_o ardent_a desire_n not_o only_o of_o his_o own_o salvation_n but_o of_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o nation_n of_o as_o many_o and_o great_a number_n of_o as_o universal_a a_o body_n of_o it_o as_o may_v be_v moses_n be_v so_o high_a in_o this_o that_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v blot_v out_o of_o god_n book_n of_o 32._o exod._n 32._o 32._o favour_n that_o he_o rather_o than_o his_o nation_n shall_v and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n for_o israel_n his_o national_a kindred_n wish_v to_o be_v anathema_n from_o christ_n the_o scruple_n of_o either_o of_o which_o i_o will_v not_o dispute_v be_v satisfy_v 3._o rom._n 9_o 3._o they_o express_v a_o high_a and_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o the_o national_a salvation_n and_o which_o in_o a_o degree_n be_v to_o be_v imitate_v by_o the_o best_a man_n therefore_o such_o person_n as_o moses_n paul_n and_o other_o of_o the_o worthy_n of_o nation_n and_o people_n that_o have_v be_v successful_a in_o bring_v many_o to_o righteousness_n and_o happiness_n shall_v have_v as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v rule_v over_o city_n proportionable_a to_o their_o service_n they_o shall_v for_o ever_o be_v exalt_v as_o prince_n over_o their_o people_n in_o eternal_a glory_n even_o as_o the_o apostle_n shall_v sit_v upon_o throne_n judge_v that_o be_v shall_v be_v ruler_n and_o governor_n over_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n those_o that_o have_v not_o be_v successful_a as_o noah_n lot_n esay_n etc._n etc._n that_o have_v yet_o have_v the_o zeal_n the_o public_a spirit_n that_o be_v commensurable_a to_o the_o piety_n religion_n and_o salvation_n of_o their_o whole_a community_n shall_v not_o though_o israel_n be_v not_o gather_v yet_o spend_v their_o strength_n for_o nought_o their_o judgement_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o their_o work_n with_o their_o god_n they_o shall_v be_v glorious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o shall_v 4_o isa_n 49._o 3_o 4_o be_v a_o sweet_a savour_n to_o god_n of_o true_a holiness_n and_o piety_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v even_o as_o in_o they_o that_o be_v save_v the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n shall_v accumulate_v upon_o themselves_o though_o it_o redound_v not_o on_o the_o nation_n god_n make_v they_o of_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a nation_n in_o the_o blessedness_n of_o eternity_n as_o he_o promise_v moses_n if_o he_o will_v have_v be_v content_v with_o the_o destruction_n of_o that_o present_a nation_n of_o israel_n they_o be_v reckon_v as_o a_o nation_n by_o themselves_o and_o not_o of_o that_o community_n that_o perish_v for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o lord_n know_v how_o to_o deliver_v the_o righteous_a out_o of_o temptation_n and_o so_o out_o of_o the_o infamy_n of_o a_o common_a corruption_n and_o especial_o that_o everlasting_a contempt_n and_o reserve_v the_o wicked_a to_o swallow_v it_o whole_o in_o themselves_o their_o reproach_n their_o lord_n will_v return_v upon_o they_o for_o ever_o it_o be_v turn_v off_o from_o himself_o and_o his_o servant_n but_o though_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a wisdom_n in_o the_o divine_a judgement_n in_o rescue_v thus_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o servant_n that_o have_v be_v unsuccessful_a in_o turn_v man_n to_o righteousness_n while_o they_o have_v be_v faithful_a with_o all_o their_o talent_n and_o in_o all_o their_o house_n yet_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o nation_n be_v the_o plain_a and_o manifest_a glory_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o most_o eminent_a servant_n those_o that_o be_v their_o convert_v be_v their_o hope_n now_o and_o their_o joy_n their_o rejoice_v their_o crown_n of_o 20._o 1_o thes_n 2._o 19_o 20._o rejoice_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o jesus_n christ_n at_o his_o come_n in_o that_o day_n only_o thus_o man_n of_o eminency_n in_o holiness_n be_v secure_v against_o loss_n if_o they_o save_v only_o their_o own_o soul_n while_o they_o endeavour_v the_o good_a of_o many_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v they_o be_v crown_v with_o those_o who_o god_n have_v give_v they_o as_o child_n by_o be_v instrument_n of_o their_o conversion_n on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o be_v assure_v of_o their_o reward_n with_o god_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v but_o further_a every_o man_n that_o be_v good_a in_o a_o nation_n though_o his_o interest_n be_v private_a may_v like_o the_o one_o poor_a wise_a man_n have_v do_v all_o he_o can_v to_o save_v a_o city_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o be_v forget_v here_o if_o he_o be_v a_o holy_a good_a man_n he_o will_v not_o be_v lose_v by_o be_v alone_o nor_o oversee_v by_o be_v low_a in_o the_o world_n though_o he_o be_v but_o one_o of_o a_o family_n or_o even_o of_o a_o city_n yet_o god_n will_v bring_v he_o to_o zion_n the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n every_o one_o shall_v with_o daniel_n stand_v in_o his_o own_o lot_n proportionable_a to_o what_o it_o be_v here_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o that_o future_a state_n god_n will_v seek_v his_o sheep_n out_o of_o all_o place_n whither_o they_o have_v be_v drive_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o cloudy_a day_n though_o but_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o flock_n and_o they_o shall_v stand_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n at_o that_o great_a division_n of_o the_o sheep_n from_o the_o goat_n to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a the_o honour_n of_o nation_n
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
as_o he_o be_v wont_v on_o all_o such_o question_n take_v the_o occasion_n of_o most_o grave_a weighty_a and_o important_a doctrine_n and_o admonition_n in_o return_n to_o it_o and_o that_o he_o may_v place_v in_o his_o remonstrance_n a_o most_o lively_a emblem_n he_o call_v a_o little_a child_n and_o set_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o upon_o he_o display_v these_o two_o great_a point_n of_o truth_n 1._o that_o except_o a_o man_n be_v convert_v and_o become_v as_o a_o little_a child_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n either_o of_o christ_n here_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o true_a church_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n hereafter_o now_o though_o this_o be_v convert_v and_o become_v as_o little_a child_n be_v very_o profitable_o and_o pertinent_o apply_v to_o regeneration_n yet_o consider_v it_o in_o the_o scope_n and_o whole_a context_n it_o be_v very_o evident_o design_v to_o that_o humility_n unimperiousness_n sense_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o perish_v for_o ever_o innocency_n and_o inoffensiveness_n from_o scandal_n by_o which_o other_o perish_v the_o resemblance_n of_o which_o be_v find_v no_o where_n in_o this_o world_n so_o agreeable_a and_o significant_a as_o in_o some_o property_n of_o little_a child_n and_o their_o nature_n the_o manly_a state_n of_o humane_a nature_n show_v so_o little_o hereof_o in_o this_o great_a degeneracy_n as_o to_o require_v a_o perfect_a conversion_n and_o regeneration_n to_o such_o a_o state_n 2._o the_o second_o point_n of_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o whoever_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v as_o such_o a_o little_a child_n in_o those_o christian_a property_n be_v one_o of_o those_o great_a one_o those_o magnate_n or_o the_o more_o any_o one_o humble_v himself_o so_o the_o great_a he_o be_v and_o he_o that_o humble_v himself_o most_o be_v the_o great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n these_o two_o great_a point_n of_o instruction_n be_v now_o settle_v upon_o this_o live_a emblem_n the_o lord_n propose_v the_o very_a same_o to_o other_o two_o as_o great_a purpose_n of_o admonition_n although_o from_o another_o aspect_n or_o cast_v of_o this_o one_o picture_n consider_v little_a one_o as_o the_o emblem_n of_o weakness_n infirmity_n liableness_n to_o danger_n and_o injury_n of_o little_a defence_n and_o resistance_n to_o any_o assault_n and_o so_o the_o lord_n declare_v 1._o whoever_o receive_v such_o a_o little_a one_o in_o his_o name_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o profession_n of_o jesus_n christ_n into_o a_o just_a esteem_n value_n and_o care_n of_o cherish_v such_o a_o one_o in_o that_o holy_a profession_n and_o secure_v he_o as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v in_o the_o blessedness_n of_o that_o state_n receive_v that_o be_v own_v and_o acknowledge_v with_o honour_n christ_n himself_o and_o the_o kindness_n be_v accept_v as_o if_o it_o be_v immediate_o place_v upon_o christ_n 2._o but_o if_o any_o one_o scandalise_n set_v a_o stone_n of_o offence_n and_o ruin_n in_o the_o path_n of_o such_o a_o little_a one_o by_o which_o he_o fall_v from_o or_o in_o his_o profession_n of_o christianity_n to_o his_o destruction_n the_o lord_n pronounce_v a_o woe_n upon_o such_o a_o one_o as_o dreadful_a as_o the_o proverb_n import_v it_o be_v better_a that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n which_o as_o it_o peremptory_o doom_v the_o profess_v obstinate_a scandaliser_n so_o it_o warn_v all_o of_o manage_v themselves_o so_o in_o christianity_n as_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o offence_n and_o scandal_n from_o it_o and_o to_o encourage_v the_o tender_a in_o it_o to_o strengthen_v and_o promote_v they_o hereby_o then_o our_o lord_n have_v design_v the_o security_n of_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o christianity_n from_o the_o harm_n and_o danger_n of_o scandal_n for_o in_o these_o little_a one_o he_o comprehend_v 1._o those_o who_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o be_v newborn_a out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o universal_a scandal_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v re-intangled_n in_o its_o net_n or_o in_o regard_n of_o any_o other_o disadvantage_n or_o liableness_n to_o scandal_n mischief_n be_v the_o lose_v as_o our_o saviour_n after_o style_v they_o and_o the_o weak_a though_o not_o the_o young_a as_o the_o apostle_n name_v they_o now_o if_o such_o be_v secure_v all_o be_v secure_v for_o if_o a_o christian_n carriage_n be_v so_o off_o from_o the_o danger_n of_o scandalize_a as_o not_o to_o scandalize_v the_o weak_a the_o strong_a will_v be_v much_o less_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v offend_v 2._o those_o be_v the_o weak_a and_o the_o little_a one_o to_o we_o who_o appear_v to_o we_o under_o any_o such_o disadvantage_n though_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o as_o he_o that_o doubt_v and_o dare_v not_o do_v what_o other_o profess_v to_o do_v on_o great_a assurance_n seem_v weak_a to_o they_o that_o doubt_v not_o but_o be_v so_o assure_v and_o then_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n take_v as_o great_a hold_n of_o we_o in_o all_o our_o administration_n towards_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v real_o so_o now_o what_o a_o wall_n of_o defence_n be_v this_o to_o christianity_n what_o a_o happy_a state_n will_v the_o state_n of_o it_o be_v if_o we_o be_v all_o most_o tender_a towards_o those_o with_o relation_n to_o their_o safety_n for_o eternal_a happiness_n who_o seem_v the_o low_a weak_a least_o to_o we_o in_o that_o profession_n 3._o the_o term_n little_a one_o express_v a_o subordination_n under_o the_o great_a one_o now_o that_o they_o may_v not_o assume_v over_o the_o little_a one_o the_o lord_n first_o affirm_v with_o his_o usual_a asseveration_n that_o none_o can_v be_v great_a or_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o in_o his_o kingdom_n that_o be_v not_o humble_a and_o inoffensive_a as_o a_o little_a one._n and_o that_o if_o any_o that_o take_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o great_a one_o think_v he_o have_v privilege_n to_o do_v as_o he_o please_v either_o by_o imposition_n or_o imperiousness_n over_o the_o little_a one_o and_o do_v not_o in_o all_o point_n of_o christianity_n demean_v himself_o as_o the_o least_o under_o one_o common_a lord_n the_o lord_n dreadful_a commination_n hang_v over_o he_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o grandee_n in_o torment_n on_o those_o thing_n therefore_o that_o lie_v within_o the_o compare_n betwixt_o the_o great_a one_o and_o the_o little_a one_o do_v the_o finger_n of_o the_o lord_n discourse_v especial_o point_n but_o though_o our_o lord_n be_v most_o feel_o concern_v and_o strike_v the_o most_o sting_a woe_n into_o those_o that_o scandalize_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o overlook_v the_o world_n in_o general_n but_o bewail_v it_o perish_v under_o scandal_n the_o multitude_n of_o scandal_n the_o inevitableness_n of_o scandal_n that_o they_o must_v needs_o come_v even_o impossible_a they_o shall_v not_o come_v and_o yet_o because_o he_o know_v what_o spirit_n it_o be_v that_o act_n scandal_n even_o from_o satan_n the_o chief_a of_o scandal_n down_o through_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o he_o heap_v the_o woe_n upon_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v of_o which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v a_o full_a account_n in_o the_o after_o management_n and_o because_o whoever_o scandalise_n other_o be_v first_o scandalize_v himself_o and_o they_o also_o that_o receive_v scandal_n from_o other_o have_v some_o great_a scandal_n within_o upon_o which_o that_o from_o without_o catch_n he_o therefore_o so_o severe_o caution_n on_o all_o side_n against_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o right_a eye_n the_o right_a hand_n the_o right_a foot_n and_o prefer_v to_o every_o man_n choice_n the_o dismember_n any_o of_o they_o rather_o than_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n join_v to_o that_o member_n so_o fetter_v with_o scandal_n shall_v be_v cast_v into_o hell_n where_o their_o worm_n die_v not_o and_o their_o fire_n be_v never_o quench_v the_o dreadful_a end_n of_o scandal_n next_o follow_v the_o argument_n with_o which_o our_o lord_n press_v the_o high_a value_n and_o care_v over_o the_o least_o of_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o not_o to_o offend_v they_o 1._o he_o show_v at_o the_o same_o time_n how_o honourable_a the_o employment_n in_o serve_v the_o little_a one_o be_v and_o also_o of_o how_o dangerous_a a_o consequence_n it_o be_v to_o despise_v they_o which_o both_o by_o the_o relation_n it_o have_v to_o the_o context_n and_o the_o apostle_n use_v of_o it_o can_v be_v far_o from_o scandalize_a the_o angel_n suffer_v no_o disparagement_n in_o be_v call_v their_o angel_n and_o the_o very_a mention_n of_o angel_n bring_v to_o mind_n the_o charge_n they_o have_v over_o all_o such_o to_o bear_v they_o up_o in_o
so_o many_o remarkable_a instance_n his_o little-child-like_a inoffensiveness_n his_o easy_a recession_n from_o his_o just_a right_n for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n his_o inoffensiveness_n and_o desire_n to_o please_v all_o to_o win_v upon_o all_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v â—is_n dread_a of_o danger_n lest_o whilst_o he_o preach_v to_o other_o he_o himself_o shall_v become_v a_o castaway_n nor_o ever_o be_v there_o a_o clear_a comment_n upon_o cut_v off_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o foot_n and_o pluck_v out_o the_o right_a eye_n than_o his_o weighty_a admonition_n of_o be_v temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v the_o body_n into_o subjection_n one_o thing_n more_o i_o can_v but_o yet_o adjoin_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o wary_a of_o impose_v upon_o any_o one_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n appertain_v to_o religion_n in_o a_o positive_a or_o affirmative_a kind_n of_o observance_n that_o though_o for_o the_o avoid_v scandal_n he_o dehort_v from_o eat_v meat_n or_o drink_v wine_n that_o may_v scandalize_v any_o in_o the_o very_a eye_n of_o their_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o draw_v they_o into_o sin_n yet_o he_o not_o where_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n of_o avoid_v scandal_n persuade_v to_o the_o esteem_v or_o observe_v a_o day_n to_o the_o lord_n though_o another_o may_v be_v scandalize_v if_o he_o do_v not_o so_o such_o abstinence_n yet_o in_o a_o full_a freedom_n of_o thought_n be_v a_o much_o easy_a performance_n of_o charity_n extend_v only_o to_o meat_n in_o doubt_n under_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o doubt_v mind_n but_o observe_v a_o day_n require_v direct_a act_n of_o devotion_n from_o lay_v the_o obligation_n of_o which_o upon_o any_o man_n the_o apostle_n have_v whole_o withdraw_v his_o hand_n even_o in_o case_n of_o scandal_n and_o only_o preserve_v from_o despisal_n such_o a_o doubt_a christian_a and_o then_o only_o when_o the_o out-date_n of_o the_o divine_a command_n for_o such_o observance_n be_v but_o just_a come_v and_o not_o full_o understand_v pag._n 38._o l._n 25._o what_o therefore_o i_o have_v intimate_v contrary_a to_o this_o account_n i_o retract_v as_o not_o full_o consider_v and_o i_o now_o bow_v my_o knee_n to_o the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o glory_n that_o he_o will_v inspire_v the_o heart_n of_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n who_o be_v constitute_v as_o guardian_n angel_n of_o conscience_n against_o scandal_n and_o of_o all_o christian_n in_o general_a that_o out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o particular_o in_o this_o nation_n may_v be_v gather_v all_o such_o thing_n that_o offend_v and_o all_o those_o that_o wâ—rk_v iniquity_n on_o account_n of_o them_o the_o woe_n of_o scandal_n matth._n xviii_o 7._o woe_n unto_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n or_o scandal_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n or_o scandal_n come_v but_o woe_n to_o that_o man_n by_o who_o the_o offence_n or_o scandal_n come_v a_o free_a use_n of_o the_o word_n scandal_n and_o to_o scandalize_v for_o offence_n or_o to_o offend_v can_v need_v no_o apology_n the_o original_a be_v so_o well_o know_v and_o now_o become_v english_a more_o significant_a of_o the_o thing_n intend_v than_o the_o other_o of_o which_o scandal_n our_o saviour_n be_v in_o a_o deep_a and_o intense_a contemplation_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o of_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n because_o of_o it_o both_o in_o his_o church_n and_o the_o world_n in_o the_o world_n especial_o as_o it_o confine_n upon_o his_o church_n be_v in_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o it_o and_o view_v of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o it_o or_o indeed_o as_o within_o the_o arm_n of_o it_o by_o a_o profession_n of_o christianity_n though_o a_o unsound_a and_o insincere_a profession_n for_o so_o there_o be_v the_o world_n in_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n the_o lord_n turn_v himself_o to_o behold_v and_o observe_v this_o scandal_n how_o it_o discharge_v itself_o on_o all_o side_n with_o woe_n mischief_n and_o ruin_n and_o with_o compassion_n foretell_v and_o warn_v all_o of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o most_o destructive_a way_n of_o sin_v the_o most_o to_o be_v abhor_v kind_n of_o mischief_n and_o ruin_n this_o must_v needs_o make_v every_o think_v christian_n afraid_a of_o scandal_n of_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o it_o either_o in_o give_v or_o receive_v it_o and_o much_o more_o of_o be_v a_o projector_n or_o pusher_n of_o it_o on_o in_o the_o world_n and_o most_o of_o all_o in_o the_o church_n now_o to_o this_o whole_a discourse_n there_o will_v be_v a_o continual_a occasion_n to_o have_v recourse_n in_o this_o treatise_n but_o the_o word_n themselves_o offer_v to_o consideration_n these_o three_o proposition_n 1._o that_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n be_v such_o that_o scandal_n must_v needs_o come_v scandal_n be_v very_o press_v and_o crowd_v in_o upon_o the_o world_n in_o regard_n of_o its_o multitude_n its_o name_n be_v legion_n it_o throng_n the_o world_n our_o saviour_n express_v it_o in_o its_o number_n scandal_n in_o regard_n of_o its_o vehemency_n or_o importunity_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o scandal_n come_v it_o thrust_v in_o every_o where_o it_o pervert_v the_o best_a thing_n and_o twine_n about_o they_o it_o play_v in_o thing_n indifferent_a how_o much_o more_o in_o thing_n pure_o evil._n scandal_n come_v it_o come_v as_o a_o eagle_n haste_v to_o the_o prey_n it_o come_v sup_v and_o blast_v as_o a_o east_n wind_n it_o come_v as_o a_o invader_n with_o its_o troop_n and_o the_o world_n how_o willing_a be_v it_o to_o receive_v scandal_n it_o call_v for_o and_o invite_v it_o it_o open_v all_o gate_n and_o door_n to_o it_o it_o even_o surrender_n and_o betray_v itself_o to_o it_o it_o be_v mad_a after_o scandal_n both_o to_o give_v and_o receive_v it_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v then_o that_o scandal_n come_v yet_o the_o world_n lie_v under_o great_a misery_n because_o of_o the_o 2._o propos_fw-fr 2._o multitude_n of_o scandal_n the_o efficacy_n of_o scandal_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v more_o miserable_a in_o regard_n of_o scandal_n than_o mere_o in_o regard_n of_o sin_n for_o when_o the_o lord_n emphatical_o denounce_v a_o woe_n upon_o the_o world_n because_o of_o scandal_n he_o intend_v something_o more_o than_o the_o scripture_n general_o declare_v against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n for_o that_o be_v a_o know_a case_n that_o there_o be_v a_o woe_n upon_o sin_n our_o saviour_n remonstrate_v this_o case_n as_o more_o rare_o and_o yet_o of_o all_o most_o necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v observe_v and_o profound_o consider_v and_o though_o it_o will_v appear_v it_o be_v always_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n join_v with_o sin_n yet_o it_o have_v thus_o much_o more_o of_o danger_n in_o it_o than_o that_o mere_o it_o be_v sinful_a it_o be_v sin_n some_o way_n guard_v and_o defend_v against_o divine_a truth_n and_o so_o hold_v its_o good_n more_o in_o peace_n it_o be_v wound_n be_v no_o less_o deadly_a yet_o more_o secret_a and_o unexpected_a and_o therefore_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o death_n it_o be_v a_o ambush_n of_o death_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o scandal_n most_o eminent_o it_o be_v even_o as_o in_o that_o most_o enchant_v sin_n that_o a_o man_n go_v after_o it_o as_o a_o ox_n to_o the_o slaughter_n and_o as_o a_o fool_n to_o the_o correction_n of_o the_o stock_n till_o a_o dart_n strike_v through_o his_o liver_n as_o a_o bird_n haste_v to_o the_o snare_n and_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v for_o its_o life_n scandal_n wipe_v its_o mouth_n when_o it_o destroy_v and_o say_v it_o have_v do_v no_o wickedness_n when_o it_o speak_v fair_a there_o be_v seven_o abomination_n under_o it_o as_o against_o those_o man_n of_o scandal_n the_o pharisee_n so_o against_o scandal_n itself_o have_v the_o most_o merciful_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n make_v his_o keen_a remark_n there_o be_v still_o however_o guilty_a the_o world_n be_v a_o accumulative_a 3._o propos_fw-fr 3._o woe_n and_o misery_n upon_o that_o man_n by_o who_o the_o scandal_n come_v woe_n to_o the_o world_n but_o woe_n to_o he_o by_o which_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o yet_o intend_v every_o one_o that_o administer_v scandal_n for_o so_o good_a man_n often_o do_v in_o the_o do_v their_o duty_n even_o himself_o his_o doctrine_n be_v a_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n nor_o be_v every_o man_n point_v at_o here_o that_o through_o error_n or_o fall_v into_o sin_n offers_z scandal_n though_o this_o woe_n spread_v far_o in_o some_o degree_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n yea_o upon_o every_o man_n without_o repentance_n see_v all_o man_n one_o way_n or_o other_o guilty_o convey_v scandal_n along_o but_o there_o be_v some_o engineer_n
and_o mute_a in_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n or_o neglect_v of_o duty_n upon_o these_o appearance_n and_o who_o can_v say_v herein_o i_o have_v make_v my_o heart_n clean_o i_o be_o pure_a from_o this_o transgression_n so_o far_o have_v he_o be_v scandalize_v and_o endanger_v to_o his_o ruin_n this_o be_v the_o first_o great_a pillar_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o primary_n scandal_n be_v place_v here_o that_o man_n think_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n god_n shall_v have_v so_o much_o love_n fear_v honour_n obedience_n so_o much_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a to_o it_o 2._o even_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v like_a to_o that_o first_o great_a principle_n and_o equal_a to_o it_o both_o because_o the_o whole_a riches_n and_o treasure_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v deposit_v and_o concenter_v in_o it_o so_o that_o he_o have_v not_o the_o 3._o john_n 17._o 3._o father_n nor_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n nor_o the_o eternal_a life_n proceed_v from_o it_o who_o have_v not_o the_o son_n who_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o god_n have_v send_v even_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n so_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o express_a image_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o brightness_n of_o it_o wherever_o it_o be_v reveal_v if_o it_o be_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o god_n of_o the_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o 6._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o mind_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o light_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n 6._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 4_o 6._o of_o god_n shine_v to_o they_o especial_o and_o more_o particular_o that_o great_a attribute_n of_o divine_a mercy_n and_o pardon_v grace_n be_v illustrate_v and_o break_v out_o with_o bright_a and_o warm_a beam_n in_o this_o son_n of_o his_o love_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n who_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n 12._o act_n 4._o 12._o of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o his_o be_v the_o only_a name_n give_v under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n whereby_o they_o can_v be_v save_v this_o indeed_o be_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o assume_v to_o themselves_o as_o the_o only_a master_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o foolishness_n to_o the_o greek_n who_o take_v 16._o isa_n 28._o 16._o upon_o they_o as_o the_o like_a master_n of_o reason_n but_o this_o corner_n stone_n of_o truth_n be_v lay_v so_o sure_a and_o of_o so_o try_v a_o excellency_n 6._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 6._o that_o all_o that_o reject_v and_o spurn_v at_o it_o stumble_v and_o fall_v be_v snare_v and_o break_v they_o be_v false_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o truth_n that_o will_v not_o be_v reconcile_v to_o it_o and_o while_o even_o the_o builder_n refuse_v it_o it_o will_v 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man_n that_o they_o be_v vain_a every_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christ_n be_v 12._o heb._n 3._o 12._o depart_v from_o the_o live_n god_n transaction_n in_o prayer_n or_o public_a discourse_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o divine_a as_o they_o send_v forth_o the_o sweet_a savour_n of_o his_o name_n which_o be_v as_o a_o ointment_n pour_v out_o the_o apostle_n desire_v to_o 8._o 1_o cor._n â—_o 2._o phil._n 3._o 8._o know_v nothing_o but_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a it_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o top_n and_o transcendency_n of_o knowledge_n apostolic_a epistle_n full_a of_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n be_v the_o best_a pattern_n for_o sermon_n much_o exceed_v the_o rationalism_n or_o moralism_n of_o tâ—â—_n wise_a philosophy_n it_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o scandal_n first_o take_v â—nd_n then_o give_v to_o speak_v little_a of_o he_o all_o preach_v be_v not_o give_v the_o savour_n of_o his_o knowledge_n ult_n 2_o cor._n 2._o ult_n and_o if_o it_o have_v not_o life_n to_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v deadly_a a_o symptom_n to_o death_n the_o very_a divert_v though_o to_o other_o part_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n speak_v man_n offend_v in_o he_o when_o they_o do_v not_o find_v he_o and_o express_v he_o the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n in_o all_o the_o bright_a morning_n star_n the_o amen_o and_o though_o a_o battology_n a_o vain_a repetition_n in_o name_v he_o be_v blamable_a yet_o it_o be_v more_o blame_n to_o conceal_v he_o even_o in_o the_o best_a discourse_n of_o his_o religion_n the_o ray_n of_o religion_n be_v pale_a more_o weak_a and_o chill_a as_o they_o fall_v far_a off_o from_o he_o he_o be_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n and_o bless_a be_v he_o in_o these_o day_n even_o in_o these_o day_n whoever_o be_v not_o offend_v in_o he_o 3._o the_o spirituality_n purity_n cleanness_n and_o chasteness_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n dictate_v by_o the_o clear_a and_o 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have_v fair_a pretence_n idolatry_n and_o superstition_n have_v be_v most_o evident_o brand_v in_o scripture_n for_o the_o most_o wretched_a state_n of_o be_v scandalize_v and_o idol_n for_o the_o most_o abhor_a scandal_n this_o be_v the_o snare_n of_o gideon_n and_o his_o house_n and_o yet_o as_o interpreter_n give_v we_o in_o a_o matter_n as_o innocent_a at_o first_o as_o lay_v up_o the_o ephod_n he_o have_v inquire_v at_o in_o his_o danger_n as_o a_o monument_n of_o gratitude_n for_o his_o victory_n that_o be_v after_o turn_v thus_o into_o a_o scandal_n judge_n 8._o 27._o this_o be_v the_o scandal_n balaam_n teach_v balak_n to_o cast_v before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n these_o be_v the_o wiles_n the_o gin_n and_o trap_n in_o which_o the_o
its_o own_o depth_n the_o spirit_n to_o who_o be_v know_v all_o its_o own_o design_n from_o the_o first_o foundation_n or_o beginning_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o high_a stone_n in_o the_o structure_n or_o end_v of_o it_o the_o top_n be_v know_v to_o it_o in_o the_o very_a bottom_n the_o end_n in_o the_o beginning_n that_o therefore_o which_o be_v see_v to_o man_n only_o in_o the_o rudiment_n or_o foundation_n and_o seem_v to_o mean_v no_o more_o appear_v at_o that_o very_a time_n to_o he_o in_o the_o compliment_n and_o he_o apply_v it_o to_o that_o compliment_n as_o certain_o and_o just_o as_o they_o do_v to_o the_o first_o rudiment_n or_o foundation_n as_o out_o of_o egypt_n have_v i_o call_v my_o son_n be_v as_o true_o apply_v to_o christ_n come_n out_o of_o egypt_n be_v then_o come_v to_o its_o perfection_n of_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o israel_n come_v out_o of_o egypt_n in_o the_o first_o rudiment_n and_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o true_o mean_v the_o last_o as_o the_o first_o though_o none_o can_v know_v its_o sense_n but_o itself_o till_o itself_o reveal_v it_o quest_n how_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v the_o true_a key_n of_o interpretation_n commit_v to_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n answ_n by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o justify_v the_o first_o writer_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v commissioned_n by_o god_n great_a and_o weighty_a truth_n holy_a heavenly_a become_v god_n as_o the_o author_n such_o speech_n as_o none_o beside_o the_o writer_n of_o scripture_n ever_o speak_v all_o of_o a_o piece_n with_o former_a scripture_n miracle_n mighty_a efficacy_n upon_o conscience_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n the_o abolish_n of_o sin_n the_o end_v design_v in_o all_o the_o remove_v all_o low_a form_n and_o ceremony_n for_o the_o time_n be_v into_o a_o most_o high_a spiritual_n substantial_a religion_n true_a peace_n of_o conscience_n introduce_v these_o with_o 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as_o if_o it_o can_v natural_o arise_v from_o so_o many_o word_n and_o syllable_n so_o put_v together_o have_v power_n and_o virtue_n by_o themselves_o to_o signify_v so_o high_a since_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v a_o reach_n in_o they_o which_o none_o can_v grasp_v or_o fathom_n but_o itself_o and_o contrive_v that_o sense_n so_o into_o word_n as_o none_o can_v summon_v it_o but_o itself_o and_o that_o it_o rest_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o bring_v it_o to_o light_n and_o reveal_v it_o into_o new_a and_o high_a scripture_n and_o that_o it_o appear_v as_o undeniable_o they_o do_v so_o as_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n itself_o be_v scripture_n answ_n the_o industry_n of_o such_o worthy_a person_n be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v to_o trace_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o old_a as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o go_v but_o if_o they_o can_v give_v satisfaction_n to_o cavil_v atheist_n or_o infidel_n or_o to_o the_o scruple_n of_o good_a man_n it_o still_o remain_v a_o just_a ground_n of_o satisfaction_n the_o spirit_n that_o carry_v by_o a_o almighty_a hand_n the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n carry_v those_o penman_n of_o the_o new_a by_o the_o same_o also_o and_o from_o one_o single_a glance_n of_o its_o mean_v that_o itself_o with_o divine_a artifice_n have_v leave_v draw_v there_o it_o derive_v that_o full_a face_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o new_a to_o be_v its_o sense_n in_o the_o old_a than_o that_o samson_n riddle_v in_o the_o exposition_n shall_v be_v his_o sense_n in_o the_o dark_a cover_n of_o it_o in_o word_n that_o can_v not_o else_o import_v it_o he_o that_o create_v the_o word_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o even_o then_o inspire_v they_o with_o that_o divine_a sense_n as_o with_o life_n may_v yet_o suffer_v it_o to_o lie_v entomb_v in_o they_o till_o itself_o that_o entrust_v it_o there_o give_v it_o a_o resurrection_n in_o the_o new_a quest_n but_o will_v you_o have_v none_o undertake_v in_o the_o interpret_n or_o expound_v scripture_n except_o by_o inspiration_n or_o the_o evidence_n of_o immediate_a divine_a presence_n where_o either_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o express_v as_o to_o be_v its_o own_o undoubted_a interpreter_n or_o the_o interpretation_n deduce_v as_o evident_o as_o any_o consequence_n by_o reason_n answ_n far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o discourage_v or_o lessen_v such_o undertake_n i_o rather_o wish_v all_o the_o lord_n people_n thus_o far_o prophet_n to_o search_v the_o mean_v of_o scripture_n with_o all_o the_o help_n and_o advantage_n they_o can_v attain_v and_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n all_o those_o who_o have_v any_o part_n of_o the_o prophetic_a office_n upon_o they_o will_v read_v and_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n to_o themselves_o and_o other_o quest_n but_o how_o be_v such_o interpretation_n consistent_a with_o the_o apostle_n so_o great_a assertion_n that_o scripture_n be_v not_o of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n answ_n first_o interpretation_n guide_v itself_o by_o the_o plain_a evident_a and_o self-interpreting_a oracle_n of_o scripture_n in_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n display_v a_o body_n of_o divine_a public_a truth_n which_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o darkness_n inattendence_n and_o inconsideration_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o very_a professor_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o much_o more_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a indisposedness_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o scripture_n need_v such_o constant_a display_v by_o applicatory_a interpretation_n and_o a_o distinct_a office_n to_o attend_v continual_o on_o this_o very_a thing_n and_o yet_o the_o main_a concernment_n of_o such_o interpretation_n lie_v in_o what_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o when_o open_v and_o apply_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v doubt_v of_o as_o scripture_n sense_n 2._o such_o interpretation_n as_o may_v be_v private_a in_o regard_n of_o its_o derivation_n of_o any_o doctrine_n from_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a place_n of_o scripture_n yet_o keep_v itself_o to_o the_o analogy_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a sense_n in_o other_o place_n do_v still_o maintain_v the_o free_a and_o public_a course_n of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n 3._o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n thus_o guide_v itself_o according_a to_o the_o evident_a sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o its_o clear_a part_n and_o take_v that_o as_o a_o clew_n into_o the_o more_o abstruse_a part_n of_o scripture_n necessary_o encounter_v much_o sound_n and_o excellent_a truth_n near_o ally_v to_o public_a and_o divine_a in_o all_o knowledge_n natural_a historical_a chronological_n moral_a political_n pertain_v to_o language_n and_o eloquence_n which_o make_v the_o world_n more_o lightsome_a and_o less_o subject_a to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n how_o great_a a_o light_n of_o all_o learning_n have_v break_v out_o from_o the_o very_a endeavour_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n of_o light_n the_o high_a honour_n and_o venerable_a estimation_n of_o scripture_n the_o much_o ascertain_v true_a public_a religion_n and_o the_o universal_a good_a 4._o many_o great_a truth_n and_o undoubted_o divine_a in_o themselves_o that_o be_v more_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o those_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o have_v not_o please_v the_o public_a wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n to_o give_v such_o assurance_n of_o they_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o that_o acknowledge_v the_o sacred_a authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o yet_o may_v present_v very_o large_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v assist_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n into_o the_o great_a scripture-reason_n in_o such_o point_n though_o but_o particular_o for_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 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a_o often_o eat_v or_o brouse_v it_o off_o a_o retrench_a of_o it_o again_o and_o again_o it_o shall_v cast_v the_o leave_v of_o its_o mere_a professor_n as_o the_o teyle-tree_n or_o oak_n when_o yet_o their_o substance_n be_v in_o they_o the_o holy_a seed_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o isa_n 6._o ult_n not_o lose_v they_o it_o lose_v nothing_o quest_n in_o what_o sense_n be_v it_o then_o say_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n answ_n it_o be_v undoubted_a none_o can_v fail_v while_o they_o be_v the_o church_n while_o unite_v to_o truth_n to_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n to_o christ_n the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n it_o be_v also_o certain_a from_o this_o high_a declaration_n there_o always_o shall_v be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n so_o unite_v hades_n or_o mortality_n shall_v not_o prevail_v over_o it_o and_o how_o much_o far_o it_o assure_v the_o perseverance_n of_o those_o that_o be_v once_o true_o the_o church_n i_o 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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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so_o then_o the_o one_o may_v be_v measure_v by_o the_o other_o the_o holiness_n purity_n of_o such_o a_o law_n violate_v require_v such_o a_o effectual_a pacification_n and_o purgation_n of_o conscience_n such_o a_o renovation_n as_o christianity_n set_v before_o we_o such_o a_o sacrifice_n such_o a_o renovation_n or_o sanctification_n by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n from_o it_o teach_v we_o what_o a_o excellent_a law_n be_v violate_v so_o often_o therefore_o be_v the_o lamb_n make_v the_o title_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o savour_n so_o oâ—ten_v it_o be_v signal_o record_v in_o the_o revelation_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o lamb_n be_v say_v to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o new-jerusalem_n to_o show_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a sacrifice_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n breathe_v in_o and_o from_o it_o in_o renovation_n and_o sanctification_n 3._o the_o liberty_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v bring_v in_o by_o his_o gospel_n be_v another_o equilateral_a character_n of_o his_o true_a religion_n to_o be_v measure_v by_o each_o of_o the_o former_a and_o it_o also_o measure_v they_o it_o be_v not_o a_o liberty_n from_o holiness_n it_o be_v not_o a_o liberty_n from_o close_a application_n to_o the_o redemption_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o need_v it_o on_o any_o pretence_n whatever_o but_o it_o be_v a_o liberty_n from_o any_o imposition_n that_o be_v ceremonial_a and_o do_v not_o by_o its_o intrinsique_n worth_n and_o goodness_n or_o by_o its_o supreme_a ordination_n from_o god_n centre_n in_o the_o true_a perfection_n of_o the_o mind_n conscience_n and_o whole_a soul_n yea_o whatever_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v the_o jew_n be_v not_o only_o reverse_v but_o despise_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christian_a liberty_n if_o it_o do_v not_o square_a with_o it_o so_o that_o no_o yoke_n of_o ceremonial_a bondage_n be_v lay_v upon_o we_o by_o god_n himself_o that_o which_o have_v be_v be_v take_v away_o and_o a_o yoke_n of_o humane_a imposiing_n be_v under_o the_o gospel-anathema_n the_o doctrine_n of_o godliness_n of_o redemption_n by_o christ_n may_v be_v just_o measure_v by_o the_o true_a perfection_n of_o conscience_n to_o do_v well_o in_o thing_n intrinsical_o good_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v inward_o purge_v and_o atone_v by_o the_o christian_a sacrifice_n do_v also_o true_o measure_v this_o liberty_n for_o on_o one_o side_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n it_o be_v not_o apply_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_n that_o can_v never_o take_v away_o sin_n but_o to_o the_o blood_n offer_v by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n which_o certain_o make_v the_o comer_n thereunto_o perfect_a on_o the_o other_o side_n this_o liberty_n lay_v not_o open_a the_o enclosure_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n nor_o remove_v the_o barrier_n of_o justice_n against_o sin_n if_o not_o satisfy_v and_o atone_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n 4._o last_o that_o which_o answer_v to_o each_o of_o these_o character_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v that_o be_v have_v no_o secular_a interest_n no_o interest_n of_o this_o present_a world_n that_o it_o look_v not_o upon_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v that_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n but_o on_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v that_o be_v eternal_a such_o be_v the_o godliness_n such_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n such_o the_o christian_a liberty_n that_o their_o uses_n and_o end_n be_v too_o great_a and_o large_a to_o centre_n in_o earthly_a thing_n and_o though_o themselves_o be_v the_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o present_a state_n yet_o they_o no_o way_n make_v it_o or_o the_o grandeur_n of_o it_o a_o interest_n but_o seek_v a_o heavenly_a country_n and_o city_n even_o as_o the_o lord_n of_o this_o religion_n say_v my_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n now_o as_o this_o measure_v each_o of_o the_o other_o character_n so_o each_o of_o they_o measure_v it_o such_o a_o transcendent_a holiness_n and_o purity_n can_v alone_o see_v god_n in_o eternal_a habitation_n such_o a_o sacrifice_n alone_o can_v have_v its_o blood_n enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n make_v without_o hand_n have_v obtain_v a_o eternal_a inheritance_n such_o a_o blood_n speak_v alone_o in_o the_o heaven_n better_a thing_n than_o the_o blood_n of_o abel_n a_o conscience_n so_o free_a so_o perfect_v have_v boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a and_o none_o else_o these_o be_v all_o fit_v and_o consecrate_a to_o eternity_n and_o eternity_n to_o they_o light_n and_o trivial_a holiness_n insignificant_a ceremony_n and_o rite_n of_o purgation_n a_o cumber_v of_o external_n observation_n invent_v by_o man_n can_v never_o enter_v within_o the_o 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of_o they_o every_o of_o which_o be_v a_o violation_n and_o irregularity_n from_o one_o or_o all_o of_o these_o character_n or_o equal_a side_n of_o true_a religion_n a_o great_a lie_n upon_o they_o with_o which_o they_o can_v never_o be_v bring_v to_o agree_v be_v not_o only_o a_o endless_a variation_n from_o but_o a_o flat_a opposition_n to_o they_o and_o a_o despit_v they_o with_o themselves_o so_o strange_o so_o monstrous_o misshapen_v and_o that_o in_o so_o great_a number_n that_o as_o in_o mockage_n to_o the_o many_o excellent_a thing_n our_o saviour_n do_v and_o teach_v so_o many_o that_o if_o they_o be_v all_o write_v the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o will_v be_v write_v even_o so_o if_o all_o the_o numerous_a and_o prodigious_a excursion_n of_o the_o antichristian_a church_n and_o antichrist_n the_o head_n of_o it_o from_o christian_a religion_n by_o its_o indeterminable_a swarm_n of_o new_a piece_n of_o antichristianism_n shall_v be_v write_v the_o whole_a world_n itself_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o contain_v the_o volume_n that_o will_v be_v write_v quest_n but_o do_v not_o the_o profession_n of_o so_o much_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o such_o a_o eminence_n like_o tbe_n city_n upon_o the_o hill_n that_o can_v be_v hide_v give_v it_o the_o reputation_n of_o a_o most_o famous_a church_n if_o not_o the_o catholic_n as_o it_o call_v itself_o answ_n christianity_n so_o abuse_v as_o in_o the_o popish_a religion_n be_v infinite_o the_o more_o dishonour_v for_o the_o eminence_n of_o the_o antichurch_n that_o so_o expose_v it_o and_o it_o be_v only_o the_o eminence_n of_o antichrist_n sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exalt_v himself_o above_o all_o that_o be_v indeed_o and_o true_o god_n in_o his_o church_n and_o show_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v god_n in_o his_o oracle_n wonder_n and_o miracle_n but_o they_o be_v