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bind_v and_o lose_v within_o itself_o nay_o christian_n be_v not_o exclude_v from_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n when_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n on_o their_o side_n they_o may_v plead_v and_o reason_n with_o their_o mother_n hos_n 2._o 2._o when_o they_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o their_o teacher_n or_o the_o ruler_n rule_v not_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o that_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n even_o rule_v their_o ruler_n and_o prove_v the_o more_o noble_a organ_n of_o the_o church_n when_o those_o that_o shall_v rule_v it_o be_v as_o the_o idol_n eye_n that_o see_v not_o ear_n that_o hear_v not_o or_o as_o the_o idol_n shepherd_n a_o blast_n be_v upon_o their_o right_a hand_n and_o right-eye_n that_o their_o arm_n be_v clean_o dry_v up_o and_o their_o eye_n utter_o darken_v the_o most_o naked_a unfurnished_a christian_a with_o outward_a accomplishment_n that_o yet_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v among_o 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love_n consequent_a upon_o such_o a_o union_n quest_n what_o be_v that_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o which_o the_o church_n be_v one_o answ_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n or_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o law_n and_o command_n in_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v quest_n how_o be_v the_o love_n of_o the_o church_n unite_v in_o these_o answ_n it_o be_v a_o love_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o hereby_o we_o know_v we_o love_v the_o brethren_n when_o we_o love_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n john_n epist_n 2._o no_o love_n how_o great_a soever_o be_v christian-love_n nor_o union_n how_o close_o soever_o christian-union_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v the_o schism_n that_o be_v a_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n must_v be_v a_o disunion_n from_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o love_n spring_v from_o that_o faith_n and_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o any_o other_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o church_n quest_n how_o do_v schism_n differ_v from_o heresy_n answ_n heresy_n in_o the_o high_a sense_n and_o worst_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v a_o disunion_n from_o truth_n in_o some_o fundamental_a and_o grand_a concernment_n of_o religion_n either_o in_o the_o doctrine_n or_o command_v of_o god_n so_o that_o a_o man_n be_v subvert_v and_o sin_v and_o must_v needs_o be_v condemn_v of_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o assembly_n of_o truth_n both_o by_o himself_o and_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o that_o both_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o christian-love_n he_o be_v so_o separate_v schism_n be_v a_o disunion_n in_o some_o less_o momentous_a part_n
corruption_n they_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o spark_n and_o have_v only_o this_o at_o god_n hand_n to_o lie_v down_o in_o sorrow_n beside_o that_o god_n in_o just_a displeasure_n send_v down_o upon_o they_o the_o revenge_n of_o a_o abuse_a and_o injure_a power_n and_o godhead_n now_o all_o this_o express_v the_o height_n both_o of_o the_o deception_n and_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n 4._o the_o four_o great_a principle_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o absolute_a and_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o holiness_n both_o in_o heart_n and_o life_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n against_o which_o 24._o heb._n 12._o 24._o there_o lie_v no_o such_o scandal_n or_o cause_n of_o offence_n as_o inward_a and_o inherent_a lust_n and_o inordinate_a appetite_n which_o be_v obstinate_o set_v to_o obtain_v its_o satisfaction_n and_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v tame_v but_o by_o beinâ—_n cut_v off_o though_o it_o be_v the_o right_a hand_n or_o right_a foot_n or_o even_o the_o right_a eye_n the_o love_n of_o god_n 43._o mark_v 9_o 43._o and_o his_o law_n be_v the_o best_a security_n against_o this_o scandal_n and_o daily_a mortification_n and_o crucifixion_n of_o the_o old_a man_n with_o 22._o ephes_n 4._o 22._o its_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n pretence_n from_o reason_n or_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n there_o can_v be_v none_o in_o this_o case_n to_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v either_o christianity_n or_o morality_n but_o man_n be_v carry_v down_o the_o violent_a stream_n of_o ungoverned_a passion_n and_o that_o fall_v into_o the_o wide_a sea_n of_o general_a corruption_n and_o bad_a example_n which_o look_v most_o like_a a_o authority_n there_o be_v the_o palliation_n and_o excuse_n of_o sin_n which_o may_v serve_v in_o a_o time_n of_o peace_n and_o carnal_a security_n but_o can_v so_o delude_v conscience_n as_o to_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a sense_n scandal_n the_o continual_a practice_n of_o sin_n harden_v the_o heart_n sear_n benumb_v and_o stupefy_v all_o inward_a sense_n and_o cancel_v the_o awe_n of_o those_o engrave_v law_n and_o reveal_v command_n of_o god_n for_o a_o time_n but_o can_v either_o deny_v their_o just_a power_n or_o challenge_v they_o of_o unreasonableness_n so_o that_o if_o any_o where_o man_n be_v force_v to_o take_v refuge_n at_o the_o atheistick_a denial_n of_o religion_n itself_o or_o to_o blind_a conscience_n with_o superstitious_a act_n which_o seem_v to_o commute_v and_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o sin_n or_o if_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o blind_v their_o eye_n and_o obstruct_v all_o sense_n they_o may_v make_v the_o profession_n of_o true_a religion_n a_o cover_n to_o sin_n as_o they_o that_o cry_v lord_n lord_n and_o 22._o mat._n 7._o 22._o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v we_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o 19_o jer._n 7._o 4._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o christ_n with_o great_a ostentation_n and_o so_o may_v deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n but_o to_o hold_v out_o against_o either_o the_o challenge_n of_o divine_a truth_n or_o of_o their_o own_o reflection_n be_v impossible_a so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n predominant_a lust_n from_o within_o and_o bad_a example_n from_o the_o so_o abound_a iniquity_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n the_o fall_v of_o good_a man_n the_o miscarriage_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o insincere_a professor_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o great_a scandal_n or_o stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o ensnare_v in_o the_o afore-named_n scandal_n but_o although_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o strict_a and_o proper_a scandal_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o very_a centre_n of_o all_o scandal_n in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o for_o then_o a_o man_n be_v indeed_o scandalize_v when_o the_o salt_n of_o divine_a truth_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n can_v have_v no_o power_n nor_o efficacy_n upon_o he_o because_o of_o that_o scandal_n to_o season_v the_o heart_n nor_o govern_v the_o life_n and_o action_n in_o the_o love_n fear_v and_o obedience_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n but_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o understand_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n what_o he_o do_v not_o promise_n by_o profession_n or_o if_o he_o seem_v to_o deny_v any_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o do_v not_o understand_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n the_o extent_n and_o force_n of_o his_o denial_n but_o have_v better_a principle_n that_o be_v a_o antidote_n and_o counterpoison_n to_o any_o mistake_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n he_o be_v not_o scandalize_v with_o the_o great_a mischief_n of_o scandal_n but_o that_o man_n be_v scandalize_v that_o through_o false_a principle_n or_o the_o denial_n of_o true_a one_o want_v their_o power_n and_o virtue_n upon_o his_o affection_n and_o action_n for_o no_o truth_n be_v for_o notion_n sake_n but_o to_o make_v true_o good_a the_o heart_n and_o practice_n the_o very_a confession_n with_o the_o mouth_n be_v to_o recoil_v back_o into_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v that_o better_a and_o to_o move_v forward_o and_o engage_v the_o life_n along_o with_o it_o 5._o it_o be_v a_o grand_a pillar_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o and_o that_o he_o that_o love_v 21._o 1_o john_n 4._o 21._o god_n shall_v love_v his_o brother_n also_o and_o there_o be_v not_o there_o can_v be_v any_o law_n of_o religion_n wherein_o the_o equity_n the_o love_n favour_n and_o compassion_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n towards_o humane_a nature_n do_v more_o evident_o recommend_v itself_o it_o be_v the_o justification_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o man_n his_o philanthropy_n do_v shine_v out_o more_o illustrious_o in_o the_o gospel_n so_o do_v the_o law_n and_o doctrine_n of_o this_o love_n of_o christian_n to_o one_o another_o and_o not_o only_o to_o christian_n but_o to_o all_o man_n and_o in_o this_o as_o of_o great_a concernment_n thâ—_n gospel_n be_v so_o abundant_a and_o its_o discourse_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n that_o it_o be_v make_v another_o hemisphere_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o one_o be_v the_o first_o and_o 39_o mat._n â—1_n 38_o 39_o great_a commandment_n and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a to_o it_o it_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v the_o whole_a law_n it_o be_v irreconcilable_a 9_o rom._n 13._o 8_o 9_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n not_o to_o love_v our_o brother_n it_o be_v 15._o 1_o joh._n 3._o 15._o such_o a_o degree_n of_o murder_n that_o whoever_o be_v guilty_a of_o can_v have_v eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o he_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mark_n 14._o 1_o joh._n 3._o 14._o we_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n so_o many_o be_v the_o argument_n and_o so_o strong_a the_o obligation_n to_o this_o duty_n that_o they_o can_v be_v recount_v all_o may_v be_v sum_v up_o in_o that_o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o now_o that_o this_o love_n be_v fix_v in_o a_o uniformity_n of_o opinion_n or_o point_n of_o outward_a order_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o believe_v for_o beside_o the_o impossibility_n to_o reconcile_v all_o the_o innocent_a variety_n that_o be_v in_o humane_a nature_n though_o it_o be_v christian_a humane_a nature_n in_o their_o sentiment_n and_o election_n in_o these_o thing_n the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v not_o of_o that_o amount_v as_o to_o be_v the_o proper_a rest_n of_o this_o divine_a love_n or_o that_o if_o it_o miss_v these_o pole_n it_o shall_v therefore_o cease_v to_o be_v the_o axis_n upon_o which_o the_o catholic_n society_n of_o christian_n and_o christian_a unity_n turn_n for_o that_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n must_v be_v substantial_a christianity_n itself_o and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a schism_n to_o be_v divide_v in_o affection_n from_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n how_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o understand_v see_v small_a difference_n be_v frequent_o by_o the_o apostle_n consider_v and_o allow_v for_o without_o the_o least_o allowance_n for_o christian_n not_o love_v one_o another_o christianity_n carry_v no_o gall_n even_o towards_o utmost_a stranger_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n much_o less_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v true_o christian_n though_o not_o each_o uniform_a with_o one_o another_o in_o all_o thing_n the_o great_a scandal_n against_o this_o love_n be_v private_a man_n think_v it_o justifiable_a not_o to_o love_v those_o that_o have_v injure_v they_o but_o this_o case_n have_v be_v consider_v
and_o a_o forgiuness_n of_o seventy_o seven_o injury_n in_o a_o day_n upon_o acknowledgement_n 4._o mat._n 18._o 22._o luke_n 17._o 4._o and_o repentance_n be_v take_v care_n for_o that_o love_n may_v be_v continue_v the_o forgiuness_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v set_v we_o as_o a_o example_n and_o that_o it_o may_v the_o more_o affect_v we_o the_o odds_o between_o our_o offence_n against_o god_n and_o all_o trespass_n against_o ourselves_o be_v state_v as_o disproportionate_a as_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n to_o a_o hundred_o penny_n but_o however_o man_n think_v they_o may_v just_o not_o love_v where_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o divine_a matter_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o truth_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v general_o but_o the_o great_a scandal_n for_o when_o the_o thing_n that_o christian_n differ_v in_o be_v small_a and_o that_o they_o agree_v in_o great_a and_o momentous_a thing_n it_o be_v evident_a the_o integrity_n honour_n and_o interest_n of_o religion_n shall_v much_o more_o unite_v and_o endear_v than_o little_a interest_n divide_v in_o thing_n that_o be_v evident_o contrary_a to_o divine_a truth_n and_o the_o law_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o just_a denial_n of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o respect_n to_o that_o evil_n he_o travel_v with_o as_o the_o apostle_n john_n the_o great_a minister_n of_o love_n teach_v we_o and_o a_o method_n for_o reformation_n or_o rejection_n as_o our_o saviour_n agreeable_a to_o that_o law_n in_o leviticus_n prescribe_v we_o not_o to_o smother_v our_o 17._o mat._n 18._o 15_o etc._n etc._n leu._n 19_o 17._o hatred_n or_o disgust_n in_o silence_n and_o reserve_v by_o conceal_v the_o fault_n a_o constant_a cause_n and_o store_n for_o our_o anger_n or_o illwill_a but_o to_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o open_a procedure_n that_o either_o our_o misapprehension_n may_v be_v rectify_v or_o the_o person_n reform_v and_o so_o our_o love_n either_o way_n restore_v or_o a_o just_a reason_n appear_v not_o for_o our_o hatred_n but_o for_o our_o limit_v the_o extent_n of_o our_o love_n in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v as_o be_v due_a to_o a_o christian_a but_o to_o a_o publican_n or_o heathen_a who_o be_v still_o the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n but_o not_o of_o that_o kind_n that_o degree_n of_o love_n adjust_a to_o christian_n but_o this_o must_v be_v in_o a_o case_n clear_a and_o evident_a not_o every_o dispute_n the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o great_a design_n of_o it_o be_v the_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n of_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o with_o a_o universal_a favour_n to_o mankind_n and_o this_o be_v preserve_v only_o in_o love_n every_o thing_n then_o that_o cool_v and_o destroy_v love_n under_o a_o show_n of_o just_a and_o right_a be_v a_o scandal_n because_o it_o overthrow_v christianity_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o religion_n of_o love_n and_o make_v a_o man_n of_o great_a name_n pretence_n authority_n in_o the_o church_n a_o nothing_o it_o be_v a_o scandal_n for_o it_o rise_v from_o scandal_n it_o have_v the_o ill_a effect_n of_o scandal_n both_o ensnare_a and_o destroy_v and_o it_o tend_v to_o further_a scandal_n it_o rise_v from_o scandal_n he_o that_o do_v not_o love_n have_v some_o lust_n some_o interest_n of_o profit_n dominion_n or_o pleasure_n that_o he_o serve_v under_o a_o name_n of_o religion_n they_o that_o cause_v division_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d division_n in_o affection_n take_v advantage_n 17._o rom._n 16._o 17._o of_o dissent_n in_o opinion_n these_o serve_v their_o own_o belly_n that_o lust_n which_o they_o cloak_n with_o religion_n that_o base_a interest_n they_o clothe_v and_o cover_v with_o a_o better_a name_n that_o lust_n so_o disguise_v deceive_v they_o and_o enslave_v they_o under_o itself_o this_o move_v to_o further_a scandal_n every_o one_o that_o do_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o humour_n of_o this_o lust_n and_o serve_v it_o he_o appear_v as_o the_o irreligious_a or_o the_o factious_a disorderly_a person_n hereupon_o he_o must_v not_o be_v receive_v or_o continue_v in_o the_o love_n due_a to_o a_o brother_n a_o christian_a though_o the_o case_n be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o true_a christianity_n our_o saviour_n as_o aware_a of_o this_o in_o his_o so_o severe_a caution_n of_o not_o scandalize_a little_o one_o immediate_o subjoin_v those_o dreadful_a precept_n of_o cut_v off_o the_o right_a hand_n etc._n etc._n that_o scandalize_v ourselves_o as_o imply_v they_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o our_o scandalize_a other_o this_o still_o move_v on_o to_o further_a scandal_n scandal_n to_o stranger_n who_o thereupon_o look_v upon_o religion_n as_o austere_n morose_n and_o cruel_a and_o so_o be_v discourage_v from_o come_v in_o to_o it_o scandal_n to_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o little_a one_o in_o christianity_n who_o it_o may_v be_v he_o so_o call_v not_o that_o they_o 4â—_n marc._n 9_o 4â—_n be_v always_o so_o in_o themselves_o when_o yet_o despise_v but_o because_o they_o may_v be_v only_o so_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o those_o that_o despise_v they_o and_o think_v not_o the_o honour_n and_o regard_n owe_v to_o christian_n due_a to_o they_o or_o because_o take_v the_o mean_a in_o christianity_n or_o those_o we_o think_v or_o be_v indeed_o in_o most_o danger_n to_o be_v lose_v our_o saviour_n in_o a_o scheme_n in_o a_o figure_n of_o little_a one_o will_v represent_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o most_o cautious_o and_o tender_o treat_v last_o they_o themselves_o become_v scandalize_v too_o often_o to_o much_o high_a degree_n of_o scandal_n hereby_o even_o against_o those_o thing_n that_o carry_v the_o true_a and_o most_o genuine_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n because_o they_o will_v go_v as_o far_o off_o as_o they_o can_v and_o be_v most_o unlike_a those_o from_o who_o they_o dissent_v in_o some_o thing_n that_o neither_o their_o pray_v their_o preach_a their_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o speak_v must_v be_v accept_v by_o they_o till_o they_o even_o desert_a the_o example_n of_o the_o very_a scripture_n itself_o in_o those_o thing_n and_o come_v too_o near_o burlesque_a the_o sacred_a guise_n of_o they_o or_o at_o least_o what_o be_v so_o near_o unite_v that_o the_o reproach_n that_o fall_v upon_o the_o one_o fall_n upon_o the_o other_o also_o and_o all_o that_o they_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o stand_v far_o enough_o off_o from_o the_o adverse_a purity_n of_o what_o they_o have_v espouse_v who_o opinion_n while_o they_o seem_v to_o strike_v the_o thing_n most_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n be_v the_o sufferer_n too_o often_o but_o he_o that_o love_v his_o brother_n have_v no_o occasion_n of_o this_o 11._o 1_o john_n 2._o 10_o 11._o sort_n of_o stumble_v which_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n because_o as_o his_o soul_n be_v right_o compose_v and_o not_o cloud_v with_o dark_a and_o black_a passion_n so_o he_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o dislike_v any_o thing_n in_o true_a christianity_n out_o of_o hatred_n to_o his_o brother_n who_o profess_v it_o but_o a_o additional_a obligation_n to_o keep_v the_o truth_n entire_a out_o of_o love_n to_o his_o brother_n who_o be_v unite_v in_o it_o with_o himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v hereby_o we_o know_v we_o love_v the_o child_n of_o god_n when_o we_o love_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n when_o our_o love_n to_o they_o engage_v we_o the_o more_o close_o in_o a_o religious_a union_n with_o they_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v ready_a to_o fall_v out_o with_o every_o thing_n that_o he_o be_v for_o and_o know_v not_o at_o what_o he_o stumble_v whether_o it_o be_v true_o of_o god_n and_o christ_n or_o not_o and_o so_o be_v no_o just_a occasion_n of_o stumble_v though_o he_o stumble_v at_o it_o 2._o 1_o john_n 5._o v._n 2._o 6._o the_o government_n and_o authority_n god_n have_v vest_v in_o conscience_n to_o understand_v with_o god_n for_o itself_o and_o the_o soul_n and_o to_o guide_v itself_o according_a to_o his_o command_n who_o be_v its_o only_a father_n and_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v none_o upon_o earth_n beside_o he_o even_o as_o christ_n be_v its_o one_o master_n be_v a_o grand_a principle_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v of_o so_o great_a concernment_n that_o though_o the_o thing_n be_v good_a a_o man_n do_v yet_o if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o upon_o a_o judgement_n a_o sense_n a_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n or_o if_o that_o he_o refuse_v be_v true_o evil_a yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o reject_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n upon_o the_o same_o motive_n neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o arise_v to_o a_o religious_a action_n or_o be_v accept_v with_o god_n as_o do_v in_o his_o fear_n but_o be_v a_o vain_a honour_n of_o he_o
those_o who_o do_v vehement_o and_o zealous_o fall_v in_o with_o conformity_n to_o these_o imposition_n in_o indifferent_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v scandalize_v and_o that_o very_o deep_o this_o case_n do_v not_o i_o confess_v arise_v out_o of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n except_o by_o the_o other_o interpretation_n of_o the_o scope_n of_o that_o to_o the_o corinth_n which_o give_v it_o not_o only_o as_o if_o compliance_n against_o the_o sentiment_n of_o conscience_n upon_o the_o trust_n of_o example_n be_v the_o sin_n and_o scandal_n but_o that_o the_o weak_a christian_n not_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o strong_a do_v as_o they_o do_v and_o not_o prepossess_v as_o they_o be_v that_o the_o idol_n be_v nothing_o sink_v into_o some_o degree_n at_o least_o of_o idolatrous_a reverence_n and_o worship_n as_o if_o they_o know_v no_o other_o reason_n of_o eat_v in_o a_o idol_n temple_n but_o devotion_n to_o he_o and_o this_o kind_n of_o scandal_n though_o i_o believe_v the_o drift_n 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be_v most_o likely_a balaam_n cast_v his_o snare_n at_o first_o in_o a_o less-guilty_a feast_v with_o the_o midianite_n upon_o their_o idol_n sacrifice_n not_o know_v to_o be_v such_o poisonous_a meat_n and_o by_o degree_n toll_v they_o on_o into_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o idolater_n thus_o the_o apostle_n by_o divine_a direction_n condescend_v to_o the_o weakness_n of_o convert-jew_n among_o the_o roman_n on_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a command_n in_o some_o of_o their_o rite_n but_o just_a now_o expire_a degenerate_v afterward_o into_o such_o a_o judaisme_n that_o the_o same_o apostle_n be_v most_o severe_a against_o it_o and_o that_o very_a strength_n of_o the_o corinthian_a christian_n or_o at_o least_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o unknowing_a follow_v their_o example_n become_v afterward_o into_o a_o infamous_a doctrine_n the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o very_a enchant_a seduction_n of_o the_o prophetess_n jezebel_n who_o teach_v the_o people_n of_o christ_n to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n in_o honour_n to_o they_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o picture_n into_o place_n of_o religious_a worship_n suppose_v it_o as_o innocent_a as_o can_v be_v suppose_v at_o first_o yet_o be_v abuse_v speedy_o into_o all_o imaginable_a corruption_n and_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v all_o the_o remonstrance_n concern_v more_o innocent_a rite_n as_o they_o can_v vindicate_v they_o from_o scrupulosity_n on_o one_o side_n so_o can_v preserve_v they_o from_o man_n place_v too_o much_o of_o their_o religion_n in_o they_o on_o the_o other_o whereby_o the_o true_a conscience_n of_o it_o be_v weaken_v the_o virtue_n and_o vigour_n of_o conscience_n in_o thing_n true_o religious_a weaken_a and_o spend_v by_o have_v be_v lay_v out_o unnecessary_o upon_o extern_a observance_n and_o looseness_n of_o life_n like_o fornication_n with_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n break_v in_o upon_o the_o commute_v of_o such_o flattery_n of_o conscience_n for_o substantial_a piety_n as_o the_o jew_n will_v exchange_v new-moon_n and_o oblation_n for_o justice_n and_o mercy_n and_o walk_v humble_o with_o god_n it_o must_v be_v indeed_o acknowledge_v not_o only_o humane_a appointment_n but_o even_o divine_a command_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o injury_n of_o scandal_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n one_o can_v be_v cut_v off_o though_o scandal_n press_v never_o so_o hard_a the_o other_o may_v and_o aught_o for_o in_o all_o thing_n not_o ordain_v by_o god_n the_o principle_n sin_v against_o in_o scandal_n be_v the_o exceed_a purity_n of_o religion_n the_o substantial_a piety_n and_o most_o spiritual_a and_o rational_a worship_n of_o himself_o god_n require_v and_o expect_v by_o his_o word_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n he_o have_v command_v be_v adjust_v to_o those_o end_n even_o as_o he_o provide_v they_o and_o all_o he_o have_v not_o command_v shall_v stand_v off_o or_o at_o least_o be_v present_o supersede_v when_o become_v the_o prey_n of_o scandal_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n scandal_n shelter_n itself_o under_o order_n decency_n or_o edification_n of_o the_o ignorant_a obedience_n to_o authority_n and_o press_v on_o to_o the_o utmost_a under_o they_o 3._o the_o three_o sort_n of_o scandal_n arise_v from_o indifferent_a thing_n upon_o those_o that_o will_v not_o be_v at_o all_o persuade_v to_o a_o compliance_n with_o they_o even_o they_o may_v be_v scandalize_v by_o unlawful_a and_o very_a sinful_a censoriousness_n and_o passion_n place_v too_o much_o of_o their_o sense_n of_o religion_n upon_o their_o dislike_n of_o such_o addition_n to_o divine_a worship_n division_n and_o separation_n on_o both_o side_n from_o the_o publick_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o national_a union_n in_o religion_n beyond_o the_o merit_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o cause_n or_o further_o than_o the_o case_n at_o its_o utmost_a extent_n can_v require_v and_o if_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n be_v such_o as_o the_o endeavour_v notion_n of_o it_o will_v make_v it_o a_o fall_n into_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o schism_n the_o principle_n offend_v against_o in_o this_o sort_n of_o scandal_n be_v that_o great_a love_n of_o christian_n and_o union_n in_o divine_a worship_n in_o truth_n and_o peace_n make_v so_o fundamental_a in_o christianity_n by_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n the_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n lie_v too_o both_o way_n that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o additional_n we_o may_v desert_v those_o much_o high_a consideration_n and_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o love_n and_o union_n and_o our_o obligation_n to_o they_o the_o apostle_n represent_v this_o great_a mischief_n not_o under_o the_o formal_a account_n of_o scandal_n in_o the_o discourse_n to_o the_o roman_n though_o i_o doubt_v not_o he_o after_o refer_v to_o it_o express_o as_o such_o when_o he_o join_v scandal_n and_o division_n together_o but_o 17._o rom._n 16._o 17._o in_o the_o discourse_n itself_o he_o both_o set_v out_o the_o heat_n on_o both_o side_n in_o judge_v and_o despise_v and_o argue_v on_o both_o side_n with_o high_a strength_n of_o divine_a reason_n against_o the_o evil_a both_o way_n and_o this_o be_v certain_a the_o more_o excellent_a our_o religion_n the_o more_o desirable_a our_o public_a worship_n and_o communion_n for_o the_o piety_n rationality_n and_o order_n of_o it_o the_o more_o pure_a our_o national_a church_n and_o association_n in_o religion_n be_v and_o the_o great_a the_o sin_n of_o separation_n the_o more_o do_v the_o apostle_n argument_n against_o scandalize_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o indifferency_n press_v and_o urge_v we_o why_o shall_v our_o good_a be_v think_v evil_a of_o or_o blaspheme_v why_o shall_v our_o public_a worship_n and_o national_a religion_n be_v once_o think_v to_o be_v ceremony_n why_o shall_v our_o communion_n be_v clog_v with_o thing_n of_o no_o great_a avail_n than_o meat_n and_o drink_v why_o shall_v we_o lose_v those_o from_o our_o communion_n who_o own_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o contend_v for_o those_o divine_a thing_n though_o they_o have_v not_o leisure_n and_o freedom_n for_o ceremony_n when_o they_o that_o serve_v god_n in_o they_o though_o they_o can_v join_v in_o lesser_a thing_n yet_o as_o they_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n so_o shall_v be_v approve_v of_o man_n or_o if_o the_o sin_n of_o separation_n be_v so_o great_a and_o even_o schism_n itself_o why_o for_o our_o meat_n for_o our_o indifferent_a thing_n shall_v they_o perish_v for_o who_o christ_n die_v or_o such_o a_o work_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v in_o they_o be_v destroy_v 4._o the_o severity_n passion_n transport_v beyond_o the_o value_v of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o take_v up_o the_o instrument_n of_o cruelty_n can_v be_v without_o scandal_n upon_o the_o imposer_n of_o indifferency_n and_o those_o that_o will_v needs_o be_v
every_o quarter_n with_o mischief_n how_o much_o better_a than_o be_v it_o that_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n be_v take_v away_o even_o while_o the_o world_n stand_v than_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v keep_v up_o as_o the_o sconce_n of_o scandal_n for_o indifferent_a thing_n let_v not_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v destroy_v nor_o any_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v in_o danger_n to_o perish_v the_o more_o we_o esteem_v our_o church_n our_o religion_n our_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o better_a and_o pure_a they_o be_v the_o more_o it_o be_v pity_v any_o shall_v be_v divide_v from_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o scandalize_v as_o to_o be_v schismatic_n from_o it_o either_o in_o our_o account_n or_o if_o it_o be_v that_o sin_n in_o the_o real_a danger_n of_o it_o and_o of_o perish_v in_o it_o the_o more_o excellent_a our_o church_n be_v the_o more_o the_o apostle_n rule_n take_v hold_v of_o we_o let_v not_o the_o good_a of_o our_o church_n be_v evil_o speak_v of_o as_o if_o it_o be_v ceremonial_a let_v we_o not_o lose_v any_o from_o our_o church_n for_o meat_n and_o drink_v increase_v not_o the_o woe_n of_o scandal_n any_o way_n for_o so_o mean_a thing_n as_o indifferent_n let_v we_o not_o endanger_v ourselves_o into_o the_o woe_n of_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v for_o element_n but_o beside_o all_o these_o consideration_n there_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_a a_o security_n in_o add_v any_o thing_n under_o any_o name_n whatever_o to_o the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n any_o more_o than_o to_o his_o word_n lest_o we_o be_v find_v liar_n to_o he_o mismatch_a with_o it_o what_o will_v not_o endure_v the_o fire_n great_a peace_n have_v they_o that_o 6._o prov._n 30._o 5_o 6._o love_v thy_o law_n o_o lord_n and_o that_o only_a nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o in_o nothing_o will_v they_o offend_v other_o observe_v rite_n that_o have_v be_v divine_a be_v not_o so_o safe_a to_o the_o first_o christian_n have_v to_o do_v with_o rite_n that_o have_v be_v corrupt_v idolatrous_o and_o superstitious_o prove_v very_o fatal_a ceremony_n be_v but_o shadow_n superstition_n easy_o pervade_v that_o little_a thin_a essence_n they_o have_v they_o have_v not_o the_o right_n of_o be_v god_n creation_n to_o bring_v they_o off_o to_o lie_v low_a than_o their_o corruption_n and_o commend_v they_o there_o be_v no_o such_o cause_n to_o be_v overzealous_a of_o such_o thing_n in_o regard_n of_o which_o a_o late_a history_n late_a father_n simmons_n be_v critical_a history_n romanist_n have_v say_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n differ_v little_a from_o the_o romish_a in_o outward_a appearance_n the_o argument_n strike_v all_o way_n if_o our_o constitution_n be_v so_o good_a and_o injure_v not_o at_o all_o by_o ceremony_n let_v we_o as_o christ_n seek_v and_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v those_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o least_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n let_v they_o not_o be_v lose_v for_o ceremony_n the_o love_n and_o compassion_n of_o a_o saviour_n triumph_v towards_o these_o least_o easy_o offend_v narrow-souled_a morose_n suppose_v they_o smoke_v flax_n bruise_a reed_n yet_o despise_v they_o not_o if_o christian_n if_o protestant_n their_o angel_n behold_v the_o face_n of_o the_o father_n of_o christ_n in_o heaven_n let_v they_o not_o be_v offend_v scandalize_v from_o union_n with_o our_o national_a church_n for_o ceremony_n if_o on_o the_o other_o side_n our_o ceremony_n in_o god_n account_n shall_v be_v blemish_n of_o our_o church_n and_o imperfection_n or_o if_o they_o may_v be_v turn_v into_o such_o by_o a_o ignorant_a use_n of_o they_o or_o if_o they_o cause_v division_n and_o scandal_n if_o the_o mischief_n of_o those_o scandal_n fall_v upon_o stranger_n to_o true_a religion_n and_o keep_v they_o at_o distance_n all_o these_o consideration_n weigh_v heavy_a against_o a_o zeal_n for_o they_o but_o if_o none_o of_o these_o can_v be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n yet_o if_o man_n doubt_v concern_v they_o what_o must_v they_o do_v how_o shall_v they_o escape_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n why_o shall_v this_o be_v hazard_v for_o indifferent_n and_o when_o the_o tide_n of_o advantage_n preferment_n public_a approbation_n be_v on_o one_o side_n deprivation_n of_o all_o those_o censure_n and_o penalty_n on_o the_o other_o who_o dare_v answer_n for_o many_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o principle_n much_o more_o venture_v over_o their_o doubt_n and_o yet_o in_o those_o very_a doubt_n have_v the_o apostle_n lay_v his_o doctrine_n or_o last_o woe_n can_v reasonable_o suppose_v man_n will_v stem_v this_o tide_n that_o be_v against_o they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o real_a conscientious_a doubt_n or_o high_a than_o doubt_n to_o contest_v with_o in_o prejudice_n of_o their_o compliance_n upon_o the_o whole_a then_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v impose_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n by_o a_o violent_a example_n much_o more_o by_o severe_a way_n be_v very_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n in_o that_o case_n and_o that_o upon_o reason_n that_o till_o i_o see_v they_o answer_v i_o must_v suppose_v unanswerable_a i_o have_v now_o thus_o far_o discourse_v of_o scandal_n in_o the_o more_o strict_a and_o particular_a case_n scripture_n have_v give_v we_o the_o notice_n of_o but_o in_o the_o remain_a head_n to_o be_v treat_v of_o i_o shall_v consider_v it_o in_o that_o large_a and_o most_o comprehensive_a grasp_v of_o it_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o require_v great_a wisdom_n and_o the_o prepossession_n of_o a_o more_o religious_a prudence_n than_o to_o sit_v and_o count_v the_o charge_n of_o undertake_v serious_a piety_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v bid_v we_o in_o relation_n to_o one_o branch_n of_o scandal_n persecution_n so_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o whole_a negotiation_n of_o scandal_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o great_a both_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o he_o have_v give_v full_a and_o ample_a warning_n before_o hand_n of_o all_o the_o disadvantage_n we_o be_v to_o encounter_v in_o our_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o as_o when_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o shall_v be_v false_a prophet_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n there_o shall_v be_v persecution_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o apostasy_n or_o general_a defection_n from_o true_a symmetral_n christianity_n within_o christianity_n itself_o and_o so_o in_o the_o present_a case_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o scandal_n come_v for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v one_o great_a defence_n against_o the_o evil_n predict_v as_o also_o against_o the_o stagger_a of_o our_o mind_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n itself_o let_v any_o man_n then_o inquire_v and_o search_v this_o thing_n out_o both_o in_o scripture_n and_o close_a reason_n and_o he_o will_v find_v scandal_n must_v come_v though_o he_o may_v at_o first_o think_v religion_n if_o it_o be_v so_o great_a and_o excellent_a as_o be_v give_v out_o of_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v darken_v and_o cloud_v with_o scandal_n but_o stand_v clear_a from_o it_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v any_o way_n liable_a to_o it_o now_o that_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o just_a and_o right_a even_o to_o perfection_n itself_o be_v every_o where_o record_v and_o publish_v of_o it_o wisdom_n speak_v excellent_a thing_n and_o the_o open_v its_o lip_n be_v 6._o prov._n 8._o 6._o right_a thing_n it_o speak_v truth_n and_o wickedness_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o its_o lip_n all_o its_o word_n be_v in_o righteousness_n and_o nothing_o froward_a or_o perverse_a in_o they_o they_o be_v all_o plain_a to_o he_o that_o understand_v and_o right_a to_o they_o that_o find_v knowledge_n the_o righteousness_n of_o thy_o testimony_n be_v everlasting_a give_v i_o understanding_n and_o i_o shall_v live_v god_n precept_n be_v right_o concern_v all_o thing_n and_o secure_a from_o every_o false_a way_n etc._n psal_n 119._o 104._o etc._n etc._n his_o law_n be_v the_o truth_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o lip_n man_n be_v keep_v from_o the_o path_n of_o the_o destroyer_n amid_o all_o the_o scandalize_a 11._o psal_n 17._o 4._o hos_fw-la 14._o 11._o and_o intangle_a work_n of_o man_n the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v all_o right_a if_o man_n have_v but_o right_a foot_n right_a intention_n affection_n and_o motion_n and_o yet_o when_o all_o this_o be_v grant_v let_v any_o man_n cast_v the_o thing_n in_o his_o severe_a thought_n and_o he_o will_v find_v it_o impossible_a as_o thing_n be_v religion_n shall_v be_v free_a from_o scandal_n and_o that_o therefore_o as_o if_o any_o man_n can_v deny_v himself_o he_o can_v be_v christ_n disciple_n so_o if_o
succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n without_o caution_v for_o any_o thing_n of_o their_o true_a spirit_n and_o which_o so_o hang_v salvation_n at_o the_o girdle_n of_o those_o that_o will_v be_v their_o successor_n as_o turn_v christianity_n into_o a_o most_o arbitrary_a and_o tirannick_a party_n but_o they_o that_o know_v the_o scripture_n know_v assure_o christ_n have_v found_v no_o rule_n government_n or_o authority_n in_o his_o church_n whatever_o but_o who_o whole_a display_v of_o itself_o be_v in_o teach_v instruct_v according_a to_o his_o word_n if_o that_o be_v not_o clear_a and_o evident_a the_o whole_a authority_n and_o power_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n this_o word_n appear_v in_o and_o with_o itself_o though_o by_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n over_o conscience_n they_o that_o will_v rule_v without_o this_o as_o ruler_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n be_v but_o lay-elders_a lay-bishop_n or_o indeed_o they_o leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v table_n but_o in_o this_o universal_a rage_n of_o scandal_n god_n have_v not_o so_o forsake_v the_o world_n but_o that_o his_o spirit_n lift_v up_o a_o standard_n against_o it_o evil_n be_v not_o infinite_a but_o be_v at_o all_o time_n stop_v by_o evidence_n of_o god_n and_o true_a goodness_n environ_v it_o on_o every_o side_n and_o bound_v it_o that_o it_o can_v do_v what_o it_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o do_v and_o be_v therefore_o force_v to_o leave_v it_o undo_v for_o it_o can_v go_v no_o far_o than_o the_o being_n that_o carry_v it_o can_v go_v and_o god_n be_v always_o above_o they_o and_o hem_v they_o in_o on_o every_o side_n scandal_n have_v only_o a_o permission_n from_o god_n a_o dispensation_n to_o manifest_v itself_o it_o be_v always_o subject_a to_o truth_n as_o night_n be_v to_o day_n it_o be_v subject_a to_o be_v reduce_v and_o contract_v as_o god_n please_v and_o thus_o have_v i_o finish_v the_o three_o head_n of_o discourse_n concern_v scandal_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o scandal_n come_v i_o come_v to_o a_o brief_a dispatch_n of_o the_o four_o head_n the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o world_n woe_n because_o of_o scandal_n 1._o let_v the_o scandal_n be_v never_o so_o fair_a and_o plausible_a in_o its_o pretence_n or_o reason_n of_o seduction_n from_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o force_n of_o truth_n and_o high_a reason_n against_o it_o that_o our_o gild_n and_o condemnation_n be_v unavoidable_a in_o not_o resist_v the_o temptation_n nothing_o can_v justify_v a_o plea_n against_o the_o divine_a law_n not_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n we_o must_v pronounce_v anathema_n upon_o he_o if_o he_o undertake_v it_o there_o be_v such_o foundation_n of_o truth_n lay_v by_o god_n that_o can_v be_v move_v and_o they_o have_v such_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n to_o all_o sincere_a mind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o excuse_n against_o the_o gild_n of_o be_v take_v with_o scandal_n 2._o there_o be_v therefore_o always_o some_o most_o guilty_a cause_n of_o scandal_n and_o its_o prevalency_n within_o every_o man_n that_o be_v take_v by_o it_o some_o lust_n and_o love_n of_o evil_n that_o betray_v he_o and_o on_o which_o he_o be_v condemn_v when_o scandal_n rage_v most_o abroad_o and_o come_v with_o lie_v sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n it_o be_v because_o man_n have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o 3._o scandal_n be_v itself_o misery_n and_o ruin_n a_o man_n can_v fall_v and_o be_v snare_v he_o can_v be_v wound_v and_o break_v but_o he_o must_v be_v miserable_a life_n health_n salvation_n be_v only_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o conformity_n to_o his_o holy_a will._n who_o have_v woe_n who_o have_v wound_n who_o have_v grief_n but_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v scandal_n against_o the_o divine_a truth_n this_o be_v a_o deep_a ditch_n he_o only_o that_o be_v hate_v of_o god_n fall_v into_o it_o as_o not_o to_o recover_v it_o be_v vain_a to_o pretend_v the_o force_n the_o power_n the_o unavoidableness_n of_o scandal_n when_o itself_o be_v death_n and_o ruin_n how_o many_o be_v please_v with_o their_o scandal_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n part_n with_o they_o many_o excuse_v themselves_o they_o can_v not_o withstand_v their_o deceit_n and_o violence_n and_o will_v not_o apprehend_v their_o case_n the_o first_o close_o embrace_v death_n or_o as_o solomon_n say_v love_v death_n the_o latter_a can_v have_v no_o other_o pity_n at_o the_o high_a but_o that_o they_o be_v undo_v their_o scandal_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o pine_v away_o in_o they_o as_o they_o speak_v in_o ezekiel_n and_o how_o then_o shall_v 10._o ezek._n 33._o 10._o they_o live_v god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o their_o death_n yet_o still_o they_o die_v except_o restore_v by_o repentance_n 4._o be_v it_o not_o for_o scandal_n be_v it_o not_o some_o unhappy_a and_o mischievous_a misrepresentation_n of_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n be_v there_o not_o something_o that_o impose_v upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o seduce_v the_o will_n with_o a_o false_a appearance_n of_o truth_n and_o good_a rational_a being_n can_v not_o resist_v truth_n nor_o fall_v out_o with_o infinite_a goodness_n or_o on_o the_o other_o side_n entertain_v falsehood_n or_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o evil_a and_o so_o will_v be_v every_o way_n secure_a from_o destruction_n sure_o be_v it_o not_o for_o scandal_n some_o most_o mischievous_a possession_n upon_o our_o mind_n while_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n of_o mercy_n we_o can_v not_o refuse_v and_o reject_v it_o nor_o cleave_v so_o fast_o to_o sin_n and_o death_n which_o can_v have_v no_o desirableness_n but_o to_o the_o deceive_a soul_n as_o holiness_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n can_v be_v disgustful_a to_o any_o but_o the_o scandalize_v be_v it_o not_o for_o some_o indissolvable_a scandal_n even_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n may_v be_v repent_v of_o and_o forgive_v some_o irreconcilable_a prejudice_n retain_v both_o the_o sin_n and_o so_o the_o punishment_n and_o in_o hell_n there_o be_v that_o eternal_a scandal_n for_o ever_o hold_v fast_o the_o damn_a that_o a_o creature_n deprive_v of_o god_n just_o hate_v and_o rebel_n against_o he_o or_o it_o be_v best_o for_o it_o in_o that_o circumstance_n so_o to_o do_v be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v loose_v from_o this_o snare_n of_o death_n this_o everlasting_a chain_n of_o darkness_n there_o may_v be_v a_o escape_n out_o of_o hell_n itself_o be_v there_o not_o a_o eternal_a discontent_n and_o disgust_n to_o god_n hell_n can_v not_o be_v hell_n nor_o devil_n devil_n any_o long_o so_o miserable_a a_o thing_n be_v scandal_n the_o five_o head_n in_o this_o discourse_n be_v the_o accumulative_a woe_n to_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v the_o woe_n by_o way_n of_o transcendency_n 1._o the_o designer_n of_o scandal_n must_v be_v as_o so_o many_o satan_n in_o the_o world_n of_o the_o just_a contrary_a spirit_n and_o action_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o separate_v from_o that_o bless_a presence_n into_o that_o fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n the_o god_n and_o the_o angel_n of_o scandal_n some_o have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v brand_o infamous_a herein_o but_o none_o like_o he_o who_o come_v be_v after_o satan_n with_o lie_v sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o vnrighteousness_n all_o those_o atheistical_a defamation_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o the_o scurrility_n of_o profane_a wit_n be_v deep_o dye_v in_o this_o gild_n they_o be_v like_o the_o throw_n of_o firebrand_n arrow_n and_o death_n so_o be_v the_o scandalize_a of_o man_n in_o such_o sport_n of_o wit_n to_o their_o ruin_n they_o that_o offer_v themselves_o as_o copy_n and_o pattern_n of_o wickedness_n in_o defiance_n of_o heaven_n dwell_v near_o to_o this_o insupportable_a woe_n they_o who_o law_n arm_v with_o cruel_a penalty_n be_v so_o many_o destructive_a trap_n and_o engine_n of_o mischief_n against_o all_o that_o be_v professor_n of_o true_a and_o sincere_a religion_n shall_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o god_n kingdom_n their_o scandal_n and_o themselves_o that_o work_n iniquity_n by_o they_o they_o that_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v indifferent_a use_v a_o violent_a example_n that_o must_v be_v answer_v with_o conformity_n though_o man_n do_v with_o great_a seriousness_n and_o solemnity_n protest_v their_o doubt_n in_o the_o case_n and_o though_o scandal_n be_v plant_v every_o where_n in_o their_o indifferency_n have_v need_n as_o our_o saviour_n bid_v they_o take_v heed_n they_o offend_v not_o they_o despise_v not_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v but_o the_o little_a one_o in_o
be_v present_o more_o full_o discourse_v under_o the_o head_n of_o interpretation_n quest_n how_o far_o and_o to_o what_o thing_n do_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n extend_v answ_n to_o all_o thing_n most_o assure_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a life_n or_o to_o the_o true_a perfect_a the_o conscience_n in_o purity_n and_o peace_n whether_o they_o be_v thing_n to_o be_v believe_v as_o the_o spring_n of_o heavenly_a action_n or_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o to_o guidâ—_n the_o practice_n and_o order_v the_o conversation_n aright_o to_o thaâ—_n salvation_n or_o that_o be_v prescribe_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n alâ—_n these_o be_v plain_o write_v or_o by_o just_a consequence_n to_o bâ—_n derive_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o show_v man_n the_o way_n to_o please_v god_n or_o to_o assure_v they_o they_o do_v please_v god_n that_o so_o they_o may_v attain_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n quest_n be_v there_o no_o other_o rule_n of_o religion_n then_o but_o the_o scripture_n embrace_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n answ_n there_o can_v be_v none_o except_o either_o religion_n be_v not_o derive_v whole_o from_o god_n and_o therefore_o not_o so_o catholic_n as_o we_o have_v assert_v it_o or_o except_o any_o other_o record_n of_o religion_n can_v show_v its_o descent_n as_o high_a and_o public_a as_o scripture_n do_v of_o which_o proof_n which_o scripture_n give_v of_o itself_o and_o what_o it_o be_v inquiry_n be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o be_v make_v cap._n vi_o of_o the_o proof_n of_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o proof_n also_o be_v public_a and_o divine_a quest_n what_o kind_n of_o proof_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o record_n as_o scripture_n be_v high_a enough_o to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v so_o divine_a answ_n that_o which_o be_v even_o as_o the_o original_a of_o scripture_n divine_v also_o quest_n why_o must_v the_o proof_n or_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n be_v divine_a answ_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v below_o the_o dignity_n of_o divine_a to_o receive_v its_o principal_a proof_n from_o private_a or_o low_a than_o divine_a or_o public_a 2._o because_o nothing_o but_o divine_a can_v so_o reach_v the_o conscience_n as_o to_o fill_v and_o possess_v it_o with_o satisfactory_a evidence_n in_o so_o great_a a_o concernment_n as_o religion_n nor_o strike_v the_o heart_n with_o those_o great_a effect_n of_o love_n to_o fear_v of_o joy_n in_o scripture_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o essential_a to_o religion_n but_o divine_a when_o you_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n you_o receive_v it_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n 3._o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a what_o be_v true_o divine_a shall_v not_o dart_v the_o ray_n of_o divinity_n as_o all_o other_o thing_n of_o excellency_n send_v out_o the_o beam_n of_o that_o excellency_n they_o have_v and_o thereby_o discover_v themselves_o for_o we_o know_v all_o thing_n especial_o by_o themselves_o the_o light_n remonstrate_v itself_o by_o itself_o the_o genius_n of_o every_o writer_n show_v itself_o first_o by_o itself_o we_o see_v the_o divineness_n of_o creation_n and_o miracle_n by_o themselves_o best_a and_o great_a be_v self-evident_o divine_a and_o whatever_o it_o be_v write_v upon_o be_v evident_o divine_a also_o quest_n how_o do_v scripture_n show_v itself_o thus_o divine_a answ_n by_o a_o majestic_a assumption_n to_o itself_o to_o be_v divine_a it_o speak_v so_o in_o and_o of_o all_o thing_n it_o speak_v and_o as_o it_o please_v effect_n as_o divine_v only_o do_v and_o can_v effect_v and_o be_v the_o best_a and_o great_a record_n of_o truth_n to_o all_o holy_a and_o wise_a mind_n the_o only_a extant_a inviolate_a record_n of_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n be_v scripture_n quest_n be_v ratiocination_n then_o or_o the_o just_a compass_n reason_n go_v to_o be_v neglect_v concern_v scripture_n answ_n by_o no_o mean_n for_o when_o these_o self-evidence_n of_o every_o thing_n have_v strike_v we_o early_o than_o our_o scrutiny_n of_o reason_n and_o its_o inquest_n can_v be_v perform_v about_o they_o that_o they_o may_v neither_o appear_v fancy_n to_o we_o on_o our_o second_o thought_n nor_o we_o run_v into_o mistake_n concern_v they_o by_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n there_o be_v then_o liberty_n for_o reason_n to_o inquire_v further_o and_o assure_v itself_o nor_o will_v the_o evidence_n hereupon_o amount_v to_o less_o than_o divine_a for_o divine_a only_o can_v satisfy_v the_o reason_n that_o rational_o and_o like_o itself_o inquire_v into_o divine_a quest_n what_o then_o be_v the_o great_a assurance_n to_o reason_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o scripture_n answ_n i_o account_v this_o the_o chief_a that_o there_o be_v two_o great_a volume_n the_o book_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n of_o religion_n write_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o engrave_v in_o the_o conscience_n and_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n that_o both_o these_o be_v address_v pure_o to_o the_o mind_n as_o abstract_v from_o sense_n that_o each_o of_o they_o be_v counterpart_v by_o two_o great_a manifestation_n of_o divinity_n to_o sense_n which_o sense_n be_v reason_n incarnate_a or_o mind_n act_v in_o and_o by_o body_n these_o two_o be_v either_o ordinary_a or_o constant_a as_o creation_n conservation_n or_o providence_n or_o extraordinary_a as_o miracle_n that_o each_o of_o they_o have_v also_o two_o executive_a power_n act_v they_o to_o their_o end_n the_o motion_n and_o activity_n of_o reason_n enable_v by_o the_o constant_a concourse_n of_o general_n illumination_n and_o the_o supernatural_a illumination_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o that_o all_o these_o agree_v in_o one_o unite_v with_o and_o fortify_v one_o another_o all_o of_o they_o carry_v the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a presence_n and_o fill_v all_o the_o apprehensiveness_n of_o our_o faculty_n concern_v god_n that_o he_o be_v in_o they_o so_o that_o nothing_o be_v divine_a in_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o contrary_a of_o which_o we_o may_v feel_v or_o scripture_n be_v divine_a quest_n but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v to_o consent_v of_o history_n universal_a tradition_n and_o education_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o scripture_n answ_n all_o that_o can_v be_v desire_v to_o be_v allow_v for_o it_o speak_v the_o absolute_a sovereignty_n of_o god_n in_o make_v use_n of_o who_o and_o what_o he_o please_v in_o introduce_v his_o word_n into_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o contrive_v the_o testimony_n of_o man_n as_o preparatory_a to_o the_o testimony_n from_o himself_o which_o be_v much_o great_a even_o as_o our_o saviour_n receive_v the_o service_n of_o john_n testimony_n but_o have_v much_o high_o or_o as_o reason_n may_v receive_v from_o sense_n some_o accidental_a testimony_n quest_n but_o be_v there_o not_o much_o more_o to_o be_v yield_v to_o the_o rational_a assurance_n that_o such_o historian_n as_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o inspire_a writer_n of_o such_o honesty_n and_o integrity_n will_v not_o prevaricate_v nor_o give_v any_o false_a account_n of_o thing_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o themselves_o or_o our_o saviour_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n or_o of_o their_o divine_a original_a especial_o when_o they_o seal_v all_o these_o with_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n even_o of_o life_n itself_o and_o die_v in_o the_o constant_a affirmation_n of_o they_o which_o remove_v all_o base_a design_n far_o from_o they_o even_o the_o suspicion_n of_o it_o answ_n these_o proof_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o divine_a descent_n of_o scripture_n be_v undoubted_o of_o the_o high_a account_n that_o any_o create_a testimony_n can_v be_v and_o be_v a_o down-weight_n of_o proof_n to_o all_o sober_a reason_n yet_o that_o they_o can_v rise_v above_o the_o value_n of_o john_n baptist_n testimony_n to_o christ_n i_o can_v find_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v remove_v high_a to_o the_o doctrine_n that_o those_o holy_a man_n preach_v and_o write_v the_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o admirable_a contexture_n they_o use_v in_o write_v the_o work_v they_o do_v carry_v the_o evidence_n of_o divinity_n in_o themselves_o and_o apply_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o sense_n of_o true_a believer_n with_o its_o own_o assure_v attestation_n and_o gracious_a operation_n of_o which_o all_o that_o be_v but_o create_v be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o tube_n pipe_n or_o channel_n of_o conveyance_n if_o we_o enter_v it_o into_o a_o compare_n with_o what_o be_v high_a and_o divine_a but_o if_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o proof_n be_v into_o any_o thing_n humane_a there_o may_v be_v mistake_n in_o that_o for_o humane_a at_o its_o
foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n quest_n how_o then_o be_v it_o say_v to_o be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o what_o importance_n be_v that_o to_o the_o actuate_a scripture_n answ_n as_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o court_n and_o government_n be_v public_o fix_v that_o every_o one_o may_v know_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o so_o the_o church_n in_o all_o its_o member_n but_o especial_o by_o depute_a minister_n give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o it_o proclaim_v preach_v and_o make_v offer_v of_o the_o most_o public_a notice_n of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n within_o itself_o that_o all_o the_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o family_n may_v be_v continual_o catechise_v and_o build_v up_o therein_o and_o stranger_n have_v opportunity_n to_o know_v if_o they_o will_v apply_v themselves_o to_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v a_o famous_a city_n set_v on_o a_o hill_n that_o can_v be_v hide_v and_o therefore_o its_o law_n constitution_n manner_n can_v but_o in_o all_o reason_n be_v inquire_v of_o by_o all_o that_o do_v so_o much_o as_o pass_v by_o it_o it_o be_v a_o candlestick_n bear_v the_o lofty_a torch_n of_o divine_a truth_n of_o this_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o affix_v to_o they_o the_o roll_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v a_o eminent_a type_n and_o allude_v to_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o therefore_o from_o a_o prince_n come_v forth_o edict_n proclamation_n manifesto_n and_o declaration_n according_a to_o law_n which_o be_v fasten_v to_o public_a pillar_n of_o the_o court_n itself_o and_o all_o open_a and_o conspicuous_a place_n of_o concourse_n so_o be_v there_o in_o the_o church_n the_o most_o advantageous_a publication_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o word_n to_o all_o both_o the_o native_n and_o freeborn_a of_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o ingenuous_a stranger_n that_o will_v hearken_v out_o the_o most_o reasonable_a proposal_n of_o truth_n or_o who_o god_n be_v please_v to_o naturalize_v to_o himself_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o how_o do_v this_o actuate_v scripture_n answ_n it_o mean_v nothing_o but_o the_o perpetuity_n and_o continuation_n of_o truth_n with_o the_o church_n establish_v itself_o by_o all_o that_o firmness_n of_o divine_a evidence_n and_o reason_n and_o on_o those_o very_a security_n take_v possession_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o ark_n of_o its_o strength_n where_o itself_o or_o the_o god_n that_o be_v truth_n itself_o place_v the_o sole_n of_o his_o foot_n as_o on_o his_o unmovable_a footstool_n for_o ever_o of_o which_o the_o ark_n in_o the_o holâ—est_n be_v a_o type_n the_o footstool_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o mercy_n the_o secure_a repository_n of_o the_o table_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o ark_n of_o testimony_n over_o which_o the_o shecinah_n or_o glory_n appear_v as_o enthrone_v attend_v with_o cherubim_n and_o set_v its_o foot_n upon_o it_o the_o place_n of_o my_o throne_n and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o sole_n of_o my_o foot_n ezek._n 43._o 7._o for_o thus_o the_o true_a church_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v be_v the_o unchangeable_a rest_n of_o truth_n it_o adhere_v to_o truth_n it_o buy_v the_o truth_n and_o never_o sell_v it_o truth_n dwell_v with_o it_o for_o ever_o god_n never_o suffer_v it_o to_o apostatise_v from_o truth_n but_o by_o the_o constant_a hold_v of_o the_o judgement_n and_o retain_v the_o love_n and_o zeal_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o those_o that_o be_v indeed_o his_o church_n he_o have_v settle_v his_o word_n in_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n even_o as_o it_o be_v for_o ever_o settle_v in_o heaven_n the_o church_n therefore_o actuate_v scripture_n by_o find_v out_o reason_n debate_v enforce_v defend_v by_o all_o argument_n that_o truth_n of_o scripture_n and_o so_o persist_v in_o it_o for_o ever_o quest_n can_v then_o the_o church_n fail_v answ_n it_o have_v be_v say_v before_o the_o true_a church_n can_v fail_v for_o the_o true_a church_n be_v as_o have_v be_v describe_v the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o which_o be_v so_o can_v fail_v and_o god_n will_v have_v such_o a_o church_n always_o in_o the_o world_n if_o any_o person_n city_n or_o nation_n that_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o church_n have_v this_o light_n eclipse_v the_o candlestiks_n remove_v for_o it_o be_v only_o a_o candlestick_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o light_n and_o the_o pillar_n itself_o shake_v and_o fall_v if_o the_o record_v fix_v to_o it_o be_v take_v away_o and_o the_o palace_n and_o court_n remove_v with_o the_o prince_n who_o be_v always_o with_o his_o truth_n and_o the_o lively_a motion_n of_o it_o so_o much_o truth_n therefore_o and_o active_a display_v of_o it_o so_o much_o a_o church_n in_o any_o place_n and_o the_o truth_n remove_v or_o lie_v dead_a the_o church_n remove_v also_o or_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v in_o that_o place_n quest_n but_o be_v there_o no_o high_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n answ_n no_o other_o but_o what_o arise_v from_o the_o most_o intimate_a and_o inseparable_a union_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o truth_n truth_n take_v a_o undefailable_a possession_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o wherever_o truth_n in_o that_o fullness_n as_o to_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o happiness_n be_v there_o be_v the_o church_n and_o no_o where_o else_o the_o true_a church_n then_o may_v be_v style_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o high_a sense_n if_o right_o understand_v that_o be_v truth_n itself_o that_o be_v the_o unmovable_a pillar_n and_o everlasting_a foundation_n have_v so_o close_o band_v the_o church_n with_o itself_o that_o it_o be_v one_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n with_o it_o thus_o the_o church_n may_v be_v both_o the_o building_n and_o the_o rock_n and_o foundation_n to_o succeed_a part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o building_n as_o itself_o rest_v upon_o the_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o truth_n else_o it_o can_v be_v the_o church_n the_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o truth_n to_o the_o still_o succeed_a and_o rise_v church_n as_o it_o be_v one_o with_o truth_n itself_o to_o which_o every_o true_a member_n first_o come_v and_o unite_v and_o therein_o to_o the_o church_n even_o as_o every_o degree_n of_o building_n be_v a_o foundation_n and_o support_v to_o the_o still_o grow_a building_n not_o in_o itself_o but_o as_o it_o be_v sure_o cement_v to_o the_o foundation_n regulate_v by_o it_o and_o partake_v its_o strength_n yet_o if_o it_o swerve_v never_o so_o little_a from_o the_o foundation_n it_o be_v present_o a_o deformity_n and_o the_o more_o it_o swerve_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o itself_o and_o all_o that_o rest_v upon_o it_o quest_n may_v not_o this_o help_n to_o explain_v that_o so_o much_o dispute_v expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o preval_fw-fr against_o it_o answ_n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a if_o it_o may_v give_v any_o light_n to_o it_o and_o hope_v it_o may_v for_o the_o apostle_n peter_n make_v that_o confession_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n not_o singular_a but_o represent_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o apostle_n and_o christian_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o and_o by_o that_o truth_n he_o confess_v be_v both_o part_n of_o the_o building_n upon_o that_o rock_n and_o as_o unite_z with_o that_o rock_n he_o become_v rock_n itself_o upon_o which_o succeee_a christian_n be_v to_o be_v build_v the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n foundation_n and_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n twelve_o foundation_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o cornerstone_n in_o who_o alone_o the_o whole_a building_n even_o the_o apostolic_a foundation_n itself_o rise_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n quest_n be_v there_o not_o a_o good_a security_n then_o in_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o church_n to_o those_o that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o building_n before_o we_o answ_n no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o we_o join_v ourselves_o by_o their_o ministry_n to_o that_o foundation_n itself_o which_o always_o lie_v sure_a upon_o which_o they_o themselves_o must_v alone_o rest_v if_o the_o true_a church_n for_o by_o place_v ourselves_o not_o upon_o they_o but_o upon_o that_o common_a foundation_n we_o be_v adjust_v to_o the_o whole_a building_n that_o be_v before_o we_o that_o lie_v regular_a with_o that_o foundation_n by_o the_o care_n of_o he_o who_o be_v both_o the_o foundation_n cornerstone_n and_o be_v also_o he_o that_o build_v all_o thing_n even_o god_n in_o christ_n quest_n we_o must_v then_o seek_v to_o
find_v the_o truth_n by_o itself_o and_o then_o the_o church_n by_o that_o truth_n and_o not_o the_o church_n by_o itself_o and_o then_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o church_n answ_n very_o true_a for_o god_n have_v so_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n establish_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n truth_n can_v give_v many_o assurance_n of_o itself_o to_o we_o by_o itself_o so_o suit_v to_o our_o faculty_n the_o church_n can_v give_v we_o none_o but_o by_o its_o agreement_n with_o truth_n reveal_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o can_v not_o have_v know_v such_o a_o congregation_n as_o the_o church_n at_o all_o to_o be_v much_o less_o which_o it_o be_v but_o by_o that_o word_n manifest_v itself_o in_o our_o conscience_n and_o so_o distinguish_v to_o we_o the_o true_a church_n among_o the_o many_o association_n in_o the_o world_n each_o call_n to_o we_o as_o have_v the_o best_a religion_n among_o themselves_o even_o the_o true_a apostle_n themselves_o can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o and_o false_a apostle_n try_v and_o find_v liar_n no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o this_o truth_n view_v and_o consider_v single_o and_o distinct_o by_o itself_o quest_n but_o when_o we_o have_v find_v the_o church_n by_o the_o truth_n may_v we_o not_o then_o deliver_v up_o ourselves_o whole_o to_o the_o church_n as_o so_o unite_v to_o truth_n answ_n no_o by_o no_o mean_n we_o can_v never_o so_o deliver_v up_o ourselves_o nor_o will_v the_o true_a church_n desire_v any_o such_o thing_n of_o we_o see_v its_o office_n be_v not_o to_o hold_v out_o itself_o but_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o do_v any_o thing_n else_o it_o act_v not_o as_o a_o church_n but_o as_o any_o other_o ordinary_a society_n and_o on_o no_o other_o term_n can_v we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o it_o for_o the_o very_a attempt_n to_o hold_v out_o as_o a_o church_n any_o law_n of_o its_o own_o aught_o to_o enter_v we_o into_o a_o jealousy_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v as_o a_o church_n the_o pillar_n and_o rest_n of_o divine_a truth_n only_o quest_n what_o reason_n be_v there_o of_o such_o a_o jealousy_n when_o once_o we_o have_v find_v it_o a_o church_n by_o the_o truth_n it_o hold_v out_o answ_n because_o a_o church_n that_o have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n may_v several_a way_n decline_v from_o its_o state_n quest_n how_o then_o can_v it_o he_o say_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o answ_n that_o prophetic_a promise_n do_v not_o secure_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n with_o which_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a my_o word_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n or_o thy_o seed_n seed_n for_o ever_o but_o it_o be_v yet_o further_o true_a the_o true_a seed_n the_o holy_a seed_n the_o substance_n of_o the_o church_n can_v never_o utter_o and_o final_o fail_v in_o any_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o for_o if_o it_o can_v it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o violation_n of_o our_o saviour_n truth_n in_o that_o declaration_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n or_o force_v that_o immortal_a retrograde_a into_o mortality_n even_o that_o most_o dreadful_a one_o of_o the_o second_o death_n for_o which_o a_o succession_n of_o other_o and_o in_o the_o same_o danger_n be_v but_o a_o faint_a salvo_n though_o it_o go_v on_o so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n quest_n who_o be_v this_o true_a church_n in_o every_o age_n and_o place_n answ_n they_o which_o be_v by_o true_a save_v faith_n unite_v to_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o rock_n of_o eternity_n and_o be_v so_o found_v upon_o he_o be_v pillar_n that_o never_o remove_v and_o a_o rest_n of_o truth_n for_o ever_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o learn_v it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n quest_n who_o be_v the_o professionary_n church_n only_a answ_n they_o that_o though_o they_o may_v as_o artificial_a pillar_n give_v some_o ornament_n to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o offer_v truth_n yet_o not_o be_v indeed_o unite_v to_o the_o foundation_n be_v movable_a and_o may_v go_v out_o of_o the_o house_n they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n and_o obedience_n of_o it_o within_o themselves_o and_o so_o may_v fall_v away_o from_o it_o it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o they_o as_o of_o the_o former_a the_o truth_n shall_v be_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o have_v make_v its_o edrâ—â—â—ma_n or_o settlement_n in_o they_o quest_n how_o do_v the_o professionary_n church_n fall_v away_o in_o the_o bulk_n and_o body_n of_o its_o professor_n and_o profession_n answ_n the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o actuate_v truth_n and_o only_a truth_n it_o may_v fail_v either_o in_o abate_v the_o fervour_n due_a to_o truth_n though_o nothing_o false_a or_o forreign_n be_v admit_v or_o in_o receive_v falsehood_n or_o thing_n of_o a_o base_a alloy_n for_o truth_n and_o waste_v those_o fervour_n due_a only_o to_o truth_n upon_o they_o the_o one_o may_v be_v call_v a_o depart_n from_o the_o true_a state_n of_o a_o church_n the_o other_o from_o the_o state_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o they_o usual_o meet_v one_o in_o another_o quest_n how_o do_v this_o come_v to_o pass_v answ_n from_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o present_a sinful_a state_n permit_v thing_n so_o to_o themselves_o that_o in_o very_a few_o instance_n it_o be_v but_o that_o the_o imperfection_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o prevail_a corruption_n of_o professionary_n christian_n change_v the_o holy_a lively_a activity_n of_o the_o true_a state_n of_o a_o church_n into_o lukewarmness_n and_o formality_n or_o by_o admit_v falsehood_n and_o impure_a mixture_n into_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n corrupt_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o it_o lose_v its_o truth_n quest_n what_o become_v of_o the_o professionary_n church_n when_o it_o lose_v the_o true_a state_n of_o a_o church_n answ_n it_o be_v as_o the_o prophet_n express_v a_o civil_a state_n or_o a_o city_n that_o have_v lose_v its_o splendour_n it_o become_v like_o a_o burn_a mountain_n or_o extinguish_v globe_n of_o light_n it_o retain_v the_o form_n but_o lose_v the_o life_n and_o vigour_n of_o a_o church_n like_o ephesus_n that_o lose_v its_o first_o love_n or_o sardis_n that_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a or_o laodicea_n that_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a quest_n what_o become_v of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v corrupt_v and_o lose_v in_o its_o truth_n answ_n it_o exchange_n the_o lively_a oracle_n for_o form_n of_o doctrine_n and_o lifeless_a discourse_n not_o of_o the_o high_a spirit_n of_o scripture_n it_o debase_v pure_a worship_n into_o ceremonialness_n superstition_n or_o idolatry_n and_o the_o gospel_n rule_n and_o discipline_n it_o sell_v for_o a_o worldly_a polity_n and_o the_o true_a grace_n of_o christianity_n express_v in_o a_o holy_a conversation_n for_o what_o be_v much_o beneath_o or_o contrary_a sometime_o it_o forsake_v truth_n in_o some_o fundamental_a article_n that_o it_o swell_v out_o from_o the_o foundation_n in_o a_o breach_n ready_a to_o fall_v and_o there_o be_v one_o instance_n of_o all_o these_o in_o the_o antichurch_n which_o will_v deserve_v a_o great_a consideration_n quest_n how_o do_v god_n deal_v with_o such_o church_n answ_n sometime_o sweep_v they_o with_o the_o besom_n of_o destruction_n take_v away_o both_o the_o candlestick_n and_o place_n of_o it_o together_o alienes_n both_o to_o they_o and_o their_o religion_n thrust_v they_o out_o of_o their_o whole_a possession_n sometime_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o continue_v even_o for_o age_n yet_o so_o that_o their_o candlestick_n be_v move_v out_o of_o its_o due_a stately_a positure_n hardly_o appear_v like_o a_o candlestick_n and_o that_o by_o the_o indignation_n of_o god_n quest_n in_o these_o case_n how_o do_v it_o 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of_o this_o truth_n under_o a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o great_a moment_n than_o there_o be_v indeed_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o disunion_n and_o a_o proportionable_a abatement_n of_o christian_a love_n arise_v from_o it_o all_o heresy_n therefore_o include_v schism_n but_o all_o schism_n do_v not_o rise_v up_o to_o heresy_n quest_n be_v these_o the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n according_a to_o its_o use_n of_o those_o word_n answ_n they_o be_v most_o agreeable_a with_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o the_o word_n be_v not_o so_o set_v solemn_a and_o formal_a in_o scripture_n as_o afterward_o in_o ecclesiastic_a writer_n for_o dichostasyes_n or_o division_n into_o two_o or_o more_o party_n and_o contention_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n use_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o schism_n and_o heresy_n sometime_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o a_o sect_n or_o division_n though_o that_o be_v remarkable_o use_v in_o its_o worst_a sense_n by_o both_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o peter_n quest_n be_v every_o different_a apprehension_n and_o practise_v ensue_a upon_o it_o though_o distant_a from_o truth_n immediate_o to_o be_v condemn_v of_o schism_n answ_n by_o no_o mean_n if_o it_o be_v a_o modest_a and_o humble_a distrust_n and_o suspension_n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o command_v of_o god_n in_o some_o thing_n of_o small_a moment_n and_o doubtful_a yea_o though_o it_o come_v to_o a_o positive_a determination_n so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n judgement_n and_o yet_o erroneous_a can_v at_o the_o present_a discern_v it_o can_v be_v brand_v as_o schism_n if_o there_o be_v no_o stress_n lay_v upon_o the_o thing_n beyond_o its_o desert_n if_o the_o union_n in_o the_o great_a and_o clear_a truth_n and_o command_n remain_v firm_a and_o the_o love_n due_a to_o such_o a_o union_n with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v sincere_a and_o fervent_a yea_o even_a dissent_n in_o great_a point_n thus_o qualify_v and_o free_a from_o ill_a practice_n have_v not_o be_v rigid_o censure_v for_o heresy_n quest_n be_v there_o no_o danger_n then_o of_o run_v into_o schism_n if_o there_o be_v a_o union_n with_o truth_n answ_n in_o this_o sense_n only_o when_o the_o weakness_n or_o misapprehension_n of_o other_o be_v rate_v against_o they_o beyond_o their_o merit_n and_o without_o regard_n to_o the_o great_a truth_n they_o agree_v in_o and_o the_o love_n due_a to_o they_o upon_o union_n in_o those_o great_a truth_n be_v withdraw_v or_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n in_o endeavour_v to_o restore_v the_o err_v christian_a deny_v this_o may_v be_v just_o esteem_v like_o schism_n as_o it_o recede_v from_o the_o just_a value_n of_o great_a truth_n and_o from_o the_o charity_n of_o christian_n upon_o union_n in_o they_o but_o no_o man_n be_v to_o espouse_v any_o man_n error_n or_o to_o receive_v even_o truth_n by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n for_o fear_v of_o schism_n in_o thing_n that_o carry_v not_o a_o broad_a evidence_n of_o divine_a truth_n there_o be_v great_a scope_n for_o modest_a suspension_n and_o even_o dissent_v without_o imputation_n of_o schism_n for_o truth_n of_o magnitude_n either_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n practice_n or_o discipline_n be_v too_o bright_a to_o be_v refuse_v by_o sincere_a and_o honest_a mind_n after_o due_a admonition_n quest_n wherein_o lie_v then_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o schism_n answ_n that_o schism_n and_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o may_v better_o be_v understand_v i_o will_v set_v before_o you_o the_o several_a instance_n of_o schism_n in_o scripture_n and_o the_o evil_n note_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o each_o of_o they_o 1._o the_o first_o sort_n of_o schism_n be_v the_o disunion_n in_o the_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o bring_v in_o upon_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o judaique_a rite_n to_o concur_v with_o it_o this_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n rom._n 16._o 17._o call_n make_v division_n or_o party_n beside_o or_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n receive_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v that_o it_o lay_v scandal_n before_o man_n and_o draw_v they_o into_o this_o great_a mischief_n that_o instead_o of_o the_o pure_a nourishment_n of_o divine_a truth_n all_o run_v into_o this_o over-beloved_n sentiment_n and_o so_o deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o true_a and_o vigorous_a spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o also_o the_o service_n due_a to_o true_a christianity_n be_v drain_v away_o and_o consume_v upon_o this_o private_a opinion_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o mischief_n of_o all_o falsehood_n in_o religion_n and_o devotion_n in_o thing_n not_o appoint_v by_o god_n who_o only_o can_v prescribe_v what_o be_v true_o fit_v to_o our_o good_a and_o bless_v it_o with_o suitable_a effect_n miscarriage_n from_o divine_a truth_n be_v always_o find_v in_o schism_n with_o this_o mischievous_a consequence_n that_o it_o deceive_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o cloud_n and_o wind_n instead_o of_o truth_n and_o solid_a good_n 2._o a_o second_o kind_n of_o schism_n the_o apostle_n note_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 19_o 20._o be_v the_o disorder_n in_o divine-worship_n in_o that_o great_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n wherein_o they_o that_o be_v reprove_v be_v necessitate_v to_o withdraw_v and_o to_o stand_v apart_o for_o the_o manifest_v themselves_o in_o the_o purity_n of_o that_o worship_n and_o service_n for_o the_o very_a honour_n of_o it_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o schism_n be_v that_o it_o bring_v in_o a_o necessity_n of_o divide_a party_n in_o public_a religion_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o see_v good_a man_n must_v separate_v from_o such_o corruption_n and_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o they_o on_o account_n of_o which_o religion_n itself_o be_v dishonour_v as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o jumble_v of_o sect_n and_o give_v a_o uncertain_a sound_n and_o further_o than_o that_o be_v charge_v as_o if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o sect_n itself_o because_o it_o stand_v by_o itself_o thus_o christianity_n be_v call_v this_o sect_n and_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarenes_n idolatry_n damn_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o a_o heresy_n from_o itself_o and_o the_o false_a church_n charge_v the_o true_o publick-assemble_o with_o schism_n and_o a_o private_a religion_n 3._o another_o degree_n of_o schism_n the_o apostle_n tax_v in_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 11._o c._n 4._o 3._o be_v that_o this_o one_o entire_a profession_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o one_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n they_o think_v aught_o to_o be_v shred_n into_o little_a fraternity_n under_o the_o name_n of_o some_o prime_a minister_n of_o christianity_n or_o even_o under_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n himself_o as_o a_o ordinary_a master_n of_o a_o party_n except_o we_o will_v understand_v that_o those_o approve_a who_o stand_v firm_a in_o christ_n alone_o be_v manifest_v and_o stand_v alone_o by_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o schism_n of_o other_o and_o so_o appear_v as_o be_v say_v before_o like_o a_o schism_n themselves_o thus_o vain_a philosophy_n parcele_v out_o itself_o under_o its_o great_a master_n the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o be_v that_o it_o raise_v feud_n contention_n and_o faction_n as_o if_o this_o one_o integral_a christianity_n can_v have_v distinct_a interest_n and_o some_o engross_v one_o interest_n other_o another_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n thus_o reduce_v this_o schism_n all_o minister_n say_v he_o with_o all_o their_o gift_n grace_n and_o function_n be_v the_o whole_a church_n without_o any_o canton_v other_o than_o that_o order_n and_o conveniency_n require_v the_o more_o constant_a administration_n of_o religion_n in_o certain_a congregation_n with_o their_o elder_n cephas_n the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n be_v the_o corinthian_n though_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n paul_n himself_o and_o not_o only_o the_o church_n minister_n â—ut_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o cargo_n of_o light_n and_o truth_n in_o it_o be_v the_o church_n every_o truth_n every_o ordinance_n every_o minister_n whâ—ther_o of_o truth_n natural_a or_o reveal_v religion_n with_o all_o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o they_o be_v all_o the_o donation_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v and_o no_o minister_n whatever_o and_o christ_n be_v god_n who_o be_v the_o foundation_n centre_n and_o supreme_a head_n of_o this_o unity_n and_o union_n 4._o the_o last_o instance_n of_o schism_n i_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v intimate_v to_o we_o under_o that_o curious_a parable_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 12._o of_o the_o wise_a and_o excellent_a temperament_n betwixt_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n set_v in_o different_a degree_n of_o dignity_n the_o less_o comely_a part_n have_v more_o abundant_a comeliness_n and_o those_o that_o we_o think_v to_o be_v less_o honourable_a on_o these_o we_o bestow_v more_o abundant_a
honour_n 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 under_o this_o elegant_a shade_n the_o apostle_n teach_v that_o a_o neglect_n and_o a_o contemptuous_a overlook_a the_o right_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o low_a and_o less_o honourable_a member_n in_o the_o church_n incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n as_o argue_v the_o want_n of_o that_o compassion_n and_o feellingness_n that_o spring_v from_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n down_o through_o the_o high_a to_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o member_n for_o no_o man_n ever_o hate_v his_o own_o flesh_n even_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a part_n of_o it_o but_o nourish_v and_o cherish_v it_o even_o as_o the_o lord_n the_o church_n they_o therefore_o that_o carry_v the_o great_a grace_n and_o honour_n in_o the_o church_n shall_v invest_v the_o least_o comely_a member_n with_o more_o abundant_a honour_n and_o comeliness_n in_o the_o most_o humble_a christian_a condescension_n and_o kind_a treatment_n cover_v all_o their_o defect_n in_o imitation_n of_o god_n who_o have_v give_v most_o abundant_a honour_n to_o that_o part_n which_o lack_v and_o be_v more_o tender_o careful_a of_o defer_v to_o they_o the_o utmost_a god_n have_v allow_v they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a repine_v and_o discontent_n of_o those_o inferior_a member_n that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o most_o noble_a part_n be_v schismatical_a also_o not_o feel_v the_o glory_n of_o those_o more_o excellent_a member_n as_o their_o own_o glory_n with_o delight_n and_o complacency_n even_o till_o it_o rise_v up_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o head_n christ_n and_o god_n to_o be_v perfect_o unite_v therefore_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o mind_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n god_n have_v speak_v in_o his_o word_n and_o herein_o to_o love_v one_o another_o to_o observe_v the_o same_o pattern_n of_o worship_n give_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o only_a christ_n and_o all_o minister_n to_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n give_v it_o by_o christ_n alike_o so_o far_o as_o god_n give_v we_o opportunity_n to_o enjoy_v they_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o high_a member_n and_o to_o honour_n more_o abundant_o the_o mean_a as_o be_v all_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o temper_v by_o he_o and_o wherein_o we_o can_v in_o this_o state_n of_o the_o church_n come_v up_o to_o the_o exactness_n of_o these_o thing_n yet_o to_o perform_v thus_o in_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o each_o of_o they_o and_o in_o the_o small_a to_o tolerate_v and_o forgive_v one_o another_o these_o be_v our_o security_n and_o certain_a preservation_n from_o schism_n quest_n be_v there_o not_o another_o sort_n of_o schism_n yet_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o answ_n no_o other_o that_o i_o can_v find_v speak_v of_o by_o the_o scripture_n quest_n be_v it_o not_o schism_n when_o the_o church_n or_o that_o part_n of_o it_o wherewith_o we_o be_v conversant_a prescribe_v indifference_n to_o make_v orderly_a and_o decent_a the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o any_o christian_n separate_v themselves_o into_o particular_a assembly_n to_o pray_v to_o hear_v and_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o admininister_v sacrament_n that_o they_o may_v be_v free_a from_o such_o prescription_n for_o this_o be_v set_v up_o a_o altar_n against_o a_o altar_n and_o one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n against_o another_o what_o can_v it_o then_o be_v but_o most_o notorious_a schism_n and_o so_o esteem_v in_o all_o antiquity_n answ_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v at_o all_o schism_n i_o be_o sure_a if_o thing_n be_v right_o manage_v it_o be_v the_o least_o guilty_a kind_n for_o there_o be_v a_o union_n as_o be_v suppose_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o christ_n if_o there_o be_v that_o value_n and_o love_n for_o one_o another_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o unite_v and_o agree_v a_o desire_n of_o interest_n in_o and_o benefit_n by_o one_o another_o prayer_n and_o a_o joy_n in_o the_o gift_n grace_n and_o spiritual_a ability_n one_o of_o another_o a_o care_n mutual_o to_o impart_v and_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v such_o a_o union_n in_o thing_n command_v by_o god_n shall_v over-rule_v the_o little_a distance_n in_o indifference_n and_o no_o more_o divide_v than_o worship_v god_n in_o different_a congregation_n by_o reason_n of_o distance_n of_o place_n or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n use_v differ_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n in_o different_a country_n and_o place_n quest_n but_o what_o if_o beside_o these_o mere_a and_o simple_a dislocation_n of_o themselves_o and_o use_v or_o non-use_a of_o these_o indifference_n there_o be_v anger_n strife_n emulation_n bitter_a zeal_n in_o one_o against_o another_o as_o be_v general_o and_o usual_o see_v do_v not_o these_o sour_a passion_n beget_v schism_n answ_n wherever_o these_o be_v find_v they_o must_v needs_o amount_v to_o that_o kind_n of_o schism_n that_o christian_n do_v not_o love_v christian_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n since_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o each_o part_n be_v unite_v in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n and_o divine_a command_n upon_o which_o ought_v to_o flow_v from_o the_o love_n every_o sincere_a christian_a have_v to_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o these_o love_v to_o one_o another_o also_o for_o faith_n work_v or_o be_v effectual_a by_o love_n and_o this_o be_v love_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o command_n this_o love_n therefore_o must_v needs_o to_o all_o unite_a in_o these_o mighty_a thing_n wherein_o true_a christian_n be_v unite_v surmount_v the_o disaffection_n that_o arise_v in_o the_o disunion_n about_o tything_n mint_n or_o cummin_n or_o else_o we_o must_v value_v our_o confidence_n in_o small_a thing_n or_o our_o doubt_n about_o they_o above_o the_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o command_n of_o god_n which_o must_v indeed_o needs_o be_v schismatical_a in_o both_o part_n or_o on_o whatever_o part_n it_o â—e_v find_v quest_n but_o see_v these_o contention_n be_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v avoid_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o different_a judgement_n and_o especial_o divers_a practice_n of_o christian_n and_o in_o so_o distinct_a congregation_n and_o that_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o one_o another_o and_o further_o that_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n together_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o universal_a numerous_a or_o at_o least_o as_o free_a and_o mutual_a as_o be_v possible_a in_o regard_n of_o nearness_n of_o place_n one_o to_o another_o for_o that_o it_o be_v most_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n they_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o most_o advantageous_a to_o the_o impart_v spiritual_a gift_n and_o grace_n between_o all_o the_o pastor_n and_o people_n see_v all_o this_o be_v so_o undeniable_a how_o can_v separation_n from_o the_o assembly_n of_o one_o another_o do_v less_o than_o carry_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n answ_n there_o can_v be_v no_o schism_n in_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n without_o add_v or_o diminish_v turn_v to_o the_o right-hand_a or_o to_o the_o left_a for_o therein_o as_o have_v be_v often_o say_v be_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n union_n therein_o alone_o be_v the_o church_n a_o church_n and_o the_o peace_n lie_v enfold_v in_o the_o truth_n the_o more_o than_o the_o consideration_n forenamed_a be_v press_v and_o they_o deserve_v very_o earnest_o to_o be_v press_v the_o more_o absolute_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o stay_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n and_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n or_o which_o be_v as_o true_o the_o command_n of_o god_n the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n nay_o it_o be_v better_a to_o allow_v man_n a_o suspension_n of_o their_o assent_n to_o some_o truth_n and_o of_o their_o compliance_n with_o some_o command_n that_o be_v but_o upon_o the_o outward_a skirt_n and_o march_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o not_o so_o evident_o reveal_v than_o rush_v they_o upon_o a_o precipitate_a belief_n of_o a_o blind_a obedience_n the_o plain_a thing_n and_o those_o be_v always_o the_o most_o necessary_a be_v the_o safe_a to_o pitch_v christian_a communion_n severe_o upon_o quest_n but_o may_v it_o not_o be_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n governor_n by_o christ_n they_o have_v a_o power_n in_o thing_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n to_o interpose_v their_o authority_n aâ—d_v to_o determine_v they_o this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n and_o that_o obedience_n can_v be_v refuse_v without_o schism_n answ_n there_o be_v very_o great_a reason_n against_o any_o such_o supposal_n 1._o the_o apostle_n the_o high_a authority_n under_o christ_n as_o will_v be_v easy_o acknowledge_v have_v commission_n
all_o but_o one_o great_a lie_n of_o this_o son_n of_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n the_o image_n of_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n the_o son_n of_o his_o falsehood_n and_o perdition_n contrary_a to_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n in_o truth_n and_o love_n but_o if_o any_o one_o receive_v christianity_n or_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o antichurch_n and_o measure_v they_o in_o and_o by_o themselves_o separate_v true_a christianity_n from_o the_o antichristianism_n and_o retain_v it_o pure_a it_o be_v but_o like_o the_o service_n god_n receive_v from_o the_o false_a prophet_n baalam_n when_o he_o prophesy_v truth_n into_o who_o place_n and_o office_n antichrist_n succeed_v and_o be_v therefore_o style_v the_o false_a prophet_n revel_v 16._o 13._o quest_n what_o then_o can_v this_o pretend_a catholic_n church_n be_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o true_a catholic_n public_a religion_n answ_n it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o upon_o strict_a account_n than_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n the_o pseudocatholick_a antichurch_n in_o a_o damnable_a heresy_n from_o and_o hatred_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v write_v in_o heaven_n unite_v with_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o love_n and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n in_o truth_n and_o love_n in_o a_o hellish_a schism_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o apostolic_a catholic_n church_n of_o which_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n quest_n how_o can_v it_o be_v believe_v that_o so_o great_a a_o lie_n upon_o christianity_n shall_v be_v receive_v by_o so_o large_a a_o proportion_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n or_o that_o person_n of_o so_o vast_a ability_n and_o comprehension_n shall_v so_o deceive_v other_o or_o be_v themselves_o deceive_v answ_n scripture_n have_v take_v all_o the_o care_n possible_a to_o arm_v we_o against_o this_o objection_n which_o be_v indeed_o very_o great_a it_o call_v this_o apostasy_n a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o the_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o revelation_n point_n to_o the_o same_o thing_n upon_o the_o forehead_n of_o this_o adulterous_a church_n be_v write_v mystery_n now_o a_o mystery_n if_o it_o be_v present_o understand_v and_o all_o easy_a and_o plain_a be_v no_o mystery_n it_o have_v the_o energy_n of_o delusion_n in_o cause_v man_n to_o believe_v a_o lie_n it_o be_v the_o whole_a deceit_n of_o unrighteousness_n it_o set_v up_o a_o great_a stage_n of_o counterfeit_n miracle_n that_o it_o vaunt_v upon_o and_o that_o it_o may_v have_v that_o reverend_a face_n of_o antiquity_n to_o deceive_v with_o and_o say_v it_o come_v from_o a_o far-off_a age_n it_o be_v a_o mystery_n that_o be_v then_o at_o work_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n last_o it_o have_v its_o effect_n upon_o they_o that_o may_v be_v christian_n and_o receive_v truth_n but_o not_o the_o chaste_a unprostitute_n love_n of_o truth_n alone_o quest_n but_o it_o seem_v impossible_a that_o any_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o have_v be_v once_o disabused_a shall_v return_v any_o more_o under_o so_o great_a a_o delusion_n answ_n there_o be_v very_o great_a hope_n that_o god_n who_o have_v command_v his_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o this_o darkness_n will_v interpose_v by_o the_o perpetual_a brightness_n of_o his_o own_o appearance_n and_o by_o that_o divine_a breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n in_o his_o word_n against_o the_o return_n of_o so_o great_a a_o darkness_n this_o set_v aside_o there_o be_v so_o many_o reason_n of_o fear_n and_o such_o possibility_n of_o lay_v a_o train_n of_o cause_n reach_v to_o such_o a_o effect_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o place_n for_o security_n but_o in_o the_o almighty_a providence_n and_o yet_o what_o degree_n of_o that_o deadly_a scourge_n may_v fall_v on_o the_o protestant_a world_n god_n only_o know_v we_o know_v our_o sin_n deserve_v very_o ill_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o great_a security_n under_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o providence_n against_o so_o great_a desolation_n upon_o true_a christian_a religion_n answ_n a_o perfect_a acquiescency_n of_o the_o protestant_a nation_n upon_o the_o foursquare_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o resolvedness_n not_o to_o move_v from_o thence_o for_o as_o a_o foursquare_n never_o remove_v from_o its_o own_o base_a because_o it_o be_v all_o base_a so_o they_o that_o be_v square_v to_o it_o and_o settle_v upon_o it_o never_o move_v for_o it_o always_o bear_v they_o alike_o with_o itself_o and_o by_o its_o own_o justness_n recall_v they_o if_o they_o offer_v to_o wander_v mere_a angry_a prejudice_n against_o this_o or_o that_o false_a religion_n be_v not_o enough_o without_o be_v thus_o ground_v upon_o truth_n entertainment_n of_o truth_n with_o any_o addittament_n will_v secure_v no_o man_n for_o he_o that_o receive_v one_o addition_n may_v receive_v another_o he_o that_o receive_v truth_n lie_v foursquare_n with_o itself_o be_v call_v back_o by_o that_o even_o of_o truth_n he_o that_o add_v one_o to_o it_o and_o make_v it_o odd_a may_v go_v on_o indefinite_o as_o popery_n have_v do_v because_o he_o have_v forsakent_a he_o just_o even_o that_o shall_v stay_v he_o he_o can_v no_o long_o wait_v for_o the_o voice_n of_o truth_n that_o by_o itself_o always_o answer_v itself_o but_o to_o what_o be_v not_o like_o itself_o it_o will_v not_o answer_v but_o discover_v it_o to_o be_v off_o from_o this_o square_n it_o will_v not_o on_o any_o respect_n harken_v to_o any_o thing_n different_a because_o it_o will_v not_o be_v solicit_v to_o move_v from_o itself_o so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a the_o law_n of_o symmetry_n and_o commensuration_n be_v the_o great_a security_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o ascertain_v the_o true_a church_n both_o to_o itself_o and_o all_o beholder_n for_o addition_n to_o religion_n like_o surd_o or_o irrational_a figure_n incommensurable_a to_o the_o rational_a square_n can_v never_o be_v reduce_v to_o this_o foursquare_n of_o truth_n but_o be_v like_o the_o deaf_a adder_n that_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o reason_n charm_v never_o so_o wise_o nor_o can_v they_o ever_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o certainty_n or_o exactness_n with_o themselves_o but_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o day_n another_o to_o morrow_n but_o divine_a truth_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rational_a certain_a express_o itself_o deaf_a indeed_o to_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n the_o same_o for_o ever_o he_o therefore_o that_o daily_o ponder_v meditate_v upon_o have_v a_o just_a measure_n of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o divine_a truth_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o a_o regular_a square_n with_o they_o shall_v know_v the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o god_n all_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n though_o they_o be_v various_a yet_o come_v all_o within_o the_o apostolic_a twelve_o and_o he_o that_o have_v a_o spiritual_a gust_n exercise_v to_o discern_v betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a by_o taste_v any_o aright_o will_v taste_v all_o and_o find_v they_o apostolical_a and_o know_v whatever_o pretend_v and_o be_v not_o and_o so_o reject_v it_o he_o will_v know_v all_o the_o gate_n of_o wisdom_n and_o truth_n and_o the_o angelical_a guard_n attend_v at_o they_o and_o go_v in_o and_o out_o by_o they_o but_o the_o disorderly_a breach_n and_o gap_n that_o wild_a beast_n or_o deceitful_a fox_n have_v make_v he_o avoid_v know_v they_o exceed_v the_o apostolic_a twelve_o and_o be_v therefore_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a and_o whatever_o apparation_n of_o angel_n may_v be_v at_o they_o he_o know_v it_o be_v only_a satan_n transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o his_o minister_n transform_v as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n thus_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n number_v and_o measure_v exact_o by_o itself_o be_v the_o security_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o the_o true_a church_n cap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o national_a religion_n quest_n it_o be_v i_o think_v very_o clear_a by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v that_o the_o settlement_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v most_o stable_a and_o certain_a and_o that_o by_o no_o power_n he_o have_v give_v in_o his_o church_n it_o can_v be_v change_v nor_o receive_v any_o arbitrary_a addition_n that_o shall_v be_v obligatory_a but_o i_o be_o in_o great_a doubt_n how_o to_o reconcile_v those_o command_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o principality_n and_o power_n with_o those_o strict_a precept_n to_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o turn_v neither_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a where_o ruler_n so_o often_o prescribe_v in_o religion_n contrary_a to_o or_o different_a from_o the_o word_n of_o