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
be_v infamous_a malefactor_n malcontent_n under_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o sage_a government_n or_o wit_n ill_o employ_v that_o lampoon_n it_o 6._o let_v we_o continual_o look_v to_o jesus_n who_o in_o himself_o subdue_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o scandal_n keep_v steady_a and_o uniform_a obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o do_v always_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v please_v to_o it_o though_o scandal_n of_o all_o sort_n press_v in_o on_o every_o side_n who_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o 6._o phil._n 2._o 6._o god_n think_v it_o not_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n yet_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n but_o take_v on_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n and_o be_v find_v in_o fashion_n as_o a_o man_n he_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a to_o death_n even_o to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n hereby_o even_o by_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o profound_a humility_n of_o his_o obedience_n he_o have_v not_o only_o do_v that_o honour_n give_v that_o glory_n to_o the_o divine_a sovereignty_n and_o righteousness_n the_o glory_n of_o that_o supreme_a authority_n as_o have_v make_v recompense_n for_o all_o the_o scandal_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n so_o far_o as_o that_o sovereignty_n or_o righteousness_n be_v absolute_o concern_v whether_o any_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o or_o not_o but_o have_v also_o make_v atonement_n perfect_a atonement_n and_o reconciliation_n for_o all_o that_o do_v believe_v in_o and_o obey_v he_o into_o a_o share_n of_o which_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n the_o holy_a angelical_a nature_n immediate_o enter_v according_a to_o their_o state_n even_o from_o the_o time_n he_o be_v declare_v the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n through_o his_o obedience_n and_o meditaion_n adore_v and_o apply_v to_o they_o have_v persevere_v free_a from_o scandal_n by_o which_o so_o great_a a_o part_n fall_v upon_o account_n of_o which_o when_o the_o first_o beget_v come_v into_o the_o 6._o heb._n 1._o 6._o world_n all_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n worship_v he_o the_o virtue_n from_o himself_o as_o the_o exemplar_n as_o the_o first-born_a among_o many_o brethren_n 29._o rom._n 8._o 29._o to_o who_o image_n they_o be_v predestinate_v to_o be_v conform_v do_v by_o degree_n extirpate_v all_o the_o very_a remain_v of_o scandal_n in_o his_o church_n and_o he_o present_v it_o without_o blame_n spot_n wrinkle_n blemish_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n even_o by_o real_a and_o efficacious_a operation_n before_o the_o eye_n of_o glory_n his_o example_n always_o stand_v before_o they_o as_o the_o most_o absolute_a and_o sublime_a pattern_n to_o which_o they_o daily_o be_v exercise_v in_o fashion_v themselves_o thus_o our_o lord_n do_v every_o way_n dissolve_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o deliver_v they_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o scandal_n be_v all_o their_o life_n time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n by_o destroy_v scandal_n and_o he_o that_o have_v the_o great_a power_n of_o it_o the_o devil_n 7._o this_o shall_v make_v heaven_n desirable_a to_o we_o where_o no_o scandal_n dwell_v nor_o any_o more_o since_o the_o angel_n of_o scandal_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o it_o can_v so_o much_o as_o once_o enter_v where_o there_o be_v perfect_a light_n without_o any_o variation_n or_o shadow_n of_o turn_v the_o holy_a one_o there_o be_v vex_v with_o scandal_n wiles_n no_o more_o with_o the_o wiles_n of_o the_o god_n or_o minister_n of_o scandal_n or_o those_o that_o by_o his_o stratagem_n be_v make_v any_o way_n serviceable_a to_o it_o 8._o it_o make_v hell_n more_o dreadful_a the_o seat_n and_o centre_n the_o fund_z of_o scandal_n where_o all_o the_o good_a principle_n man_n have_v have_v or_o seem_v to_o have_v while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o world_n or_o the_o church_n the_o best_a state_n of_o this_o world_n and_o their_o temporary_a good_a action_n be_v all_o swallow_v up_o and_o by_o the_o great_a power_n of_o scandal_n turn_v all_o into_o itself_o wherein_o all_o the_o temporary_a partial_a righteous_a man_n of_o this_o world_n who_o be_v scandalise_v as_o to_o the_o main_a the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n and_o his_o child_n turn_v their_o best_a thing_n now_o into_o a_o sort_n of_o splendida_fw-la peccata_fw-la better_a complexioned_a sin_n have_v then_o all_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v take_v from_o they_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o great_a stumble_v block_n the_o eternal_a loss_n of_o god_n they_o turn_v from_o all_o their_o righteousness_n and_o all_o that_o they_o have_v do_v be_v not_o remember_v to_o they_o any_o more_o for_o ever_o they_o sink_v into_o that_o unpardonable_a blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v a_o irreconcilable_a enmity_n to_o what_o be_v know_v to_o be_v of_o god_n undeniable_o of_o he_o and_o that_o enmity_n express_v in_o the_o proper_a language_n of_o scandal_n blasphemy_n and_o be_v never_o forgive_v whether_o commit_v in_o this_o world_n or_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v now_o what_o be_v there_o more_o dreadful_a to_o the_o mind_n that_o have_v any_o thing_n remain_v of_o a_o ingenuous_a sense_n towards_o god_n that_o have_v but_o so_o much_o love_n and_o reverence_n towards_o he_o though_o too_o faint_a for_o true_a save_a grace_n as_o will_v answer_v a_o profession_n of_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o will_v be_v horrible_o afraid_a at_o the_o supposition_n of_o such_o a_o hatred_n of_o god_n such_o a_o blasphemy_n of_o he_o and_o so_o of_o hell_n on_o this_o account_n that_o every_o sin_n boil_v up_o there_o into_o this_o height_n of_o scandal_n 9_o we_o be_v dreadful_o warn_v from_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o scandal_n either_o through_o design_n or_o through_o great_a fall_n and_o miscarriage_n in_o our_o religious_a course_n this_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v care_n of_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o world_n in_o general_n but_o especial_o towards_o the_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n strong_a christian_n be_v most_o out_o of_o our_o danger_n who_o grieve_v or_o have_v a_o just_a zeal_n against_o our_o scandal_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n themselves_o grow_v strong_a and_o strong_a as_o tree_n that_o cast_v their_o root_n the_o deep_a for_o be_v assail_v with_o the_o wind_n but_o the_o little_a one_o be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o tender_a concern_v because_o they_o need_v it_o most_o while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n if_o any_o receive_v scandal_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v so_o they_o create_v it_o to_o themselves_o we_o must_v let_v they_o alone_o but_o in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o we_o can_v save_v a_o soul_n from_o scandal_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o recompense_n we_o save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o hide_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n a_o glorious_a reward_n without_o any_o more_o and_o herein_o let_v we_o always_o remember_v we_o have_v a_o eminent_a seat_n of_o doctrine_n not_o to_o scandalize_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n a_o doctrine_n prepare_v on_o purpose_n for_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n concern_v indifferent_n one_o of_o the_o eminent_a seat_n of_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o more_o particular_o in_o relation_n to_o scandal_n and_o therefore_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v light_o regard_v to_o conclude_v all_o that_o we_o may_v neither_o give_v nor_o receive_v scandal_n three_o thing_n be_v most_o necessary_a to_o which_o i_o shall_v subjoin_v great_a counsel_n of_o scripture_n in_o each_o case_n 1._o that_o we_o have_v our_o judgement_n well_o settle_v within_o ourselves_o in_o all_o the_o substantial_o and_o necessary_a point_n of_o true_a religion_n upon_o a_o divine_a and_o not_o a_o humane_a assurance_n only_o that_o in_o that_o part_n we_o may_v neither_o offend_v nor_o receive_v offence_n for_o which_o solomon_n advice_n be_v our_o great_a security_n bow_v down_o 7._o prov._n 22._o 7._o thy_o ear_n to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o apply_v thy_o heart_n to_o my_o knowledge_n for_o it_o be_v a_o pleasant_a thing_n if_o thou_o keep_v they_o within_o thou_o they_o shall_v withal_o be_v fit_v in_o thy_o lip_n that_o thy_o trust_n may_v be_v in_o the_o lord_n i_o have_v make_v know_v to_o thou_o this_o day_n even_o to_o thou_o have_v i_o not_o write_v to_o thou_o excellent_a thing_n in_o counsel_n and_o knowledge_n that_o i_o may_v make_v the_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n that_o thou_o may_v answer_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n to_o they_o that_o send_v unto_o thou_o or_o those_o admonition_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n that_o we_o henceforth_o be_v no_o more_o as_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n and_o cunning_a
and_o condescension_n to_o those_o that_o think_v disser_o from_o he_o i_o come_v therefore_o now_o to_o the_o main_a of_o the_o discourse_n and_o to_o make_v good_a that_o the_o nature_n constitution_n and_o rule_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v most_o exact_o prepare_v to_o ingenerate_v promote_v and_o establish_v love_n peace_n and_o quietness_n among_o man_n even_o universal_a and_o ecumenical_a peace_n but_o especial_o among_o christian_n and_o that_o by_o the_o most_o compendious_a authority_n viz._n the_o word_n that_o be_v nigh_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n and_o true_a and_o undoubted_a reason_n without_o go_v up_o into_o heaven_n or_o down_o into_o the_o deep_a or_o send_v beyond_o the_o sea_n or_o turn_v over_o voluminous_a write_n of_o ancient_n church-history_n tradition_n which_o perplex_a thing_n with_o endless_a intricacy_n for_o before_o any_o one_o can_v with_o due_a rational_a satisfaction_n receive_v they_o he_o must_v for_o himself_o search_v they_o and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v compare_n and_o be_v able_a by_o sagacity_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o writer_n and_o distinguish_v what_o be_v sincere_a from_o thing_n spurious_a and_o counterfeit_a but_o suppose_v a_o man_n well_o satisfy_v herein_o yet_o still_o how_o various_a be_v interpretation_n and_o what_o contrary_a sense_n do_v the_o same_o period_n yield_v to_o several_a reader_n and_o when_o all_o be_v agree_v that_o can_v be_v agree_v it_o be_v incertain_a except_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o high_a test_n wherein_o the_o peccancy_n and_o lubricity_n the_o oversight_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n have_v have_v place_n or_o what_o have_v be_v conduct_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o true_a wisdom_n according_a to_o the_o pure_a and_o chaste_a law_n of_o christianity_n so_o that_o though_o all_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n read_v and_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o record_n of_o elder_a time_n be_v most_o valuable_a and_o to_o be_v desire_v in_o its_o due_a place_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o ascertain_v our_o mind_n in_o what_o concern_v we_o not_o only_o to_o everlasting_a happiness_n but_o to_o present_a peace_n god_n have_v provide_v better_a for_o we_o and_o within_o a_o near_a compass_n wherein_o our_o search_n can_v be_v too_o curious_a or_o industrious_a but_o within_o lesser_a room_n for_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o accurate_a search_n as_o be_v due_a to_o the_o scripture_n which_o in_o short_a give_v we_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o life_n and_o godliness_n in_o present_a will_v be_v more_o than_o the_o most_o of_o mankind_n have_v either_o leisure_n patience_n or_o skill_n for_o if_o extend_v upon_o the_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n so_o various_o insist_v upon_o for_o the_o find_v out_o what_o man_n very_o often_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o find_v out_o in_o they_o rather_o than_o fair_o to_o take_v what_o be_v offer_v by_o they_o but_o the_o thing_n i_o shall_v present_v as_o christian_a foundation_n of_o universal_a peace_n and_o benignity_n and_o most_o especial_o among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christianity_n be_v such_o as_o be_v plain_o find_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o attest_v by_o sound_a reason_n 1._o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o universal_a peace_n and_o love_n and_o beneficence_n in_o religion_n give_v we_o by_o christianity_n be_v the_o universal_a consent_n unity_n and_o even_o uniformity_n in_o natural_a religion_n throughout_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n if_o they_o will_v show_v themselves_o man_n and_o act_n as_o man_n every_o where_o presume_v upon_o and_o appeal_v to_o in_o the_o gospel_n under_o this_o head_n i_o will_v endeavour_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o to_o take_v a_o brief_a view_n of_o natural_a religion_n observe_v the_o intimate_a union_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o it_o as_o scripture_n bring_v it_o to_o light_v at_o its_o full_a lustre_n and_o present_v it_o at_o its_o full_a dimension_n 2._o to_o show_v the_o great_a agreeableness_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o natural_a and_o the_o testimony_n christianity_n receive_v from_o it_o in_o what_o it_o reveal_v above_o and_o beyond_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o reason_n we_o have_v for_o our_o acceptance_n of_o it_o thereupon_o 3._o to_o observe_v the_o ground_n of_o universal_a peace_n and_o quietness_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o its_o consent_n in_o natural_a religion_n offer_v to_o we_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o that_o there_o be_v such_o ground_n herein_o i_o shall_v show_v christianity_n suppose_v and_o that_o it_o strong_o intimate_v they_o be_v the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o such_o a_o peace_n and_o quietness_n to_o mankind_n in_o general_n before_o i_o enter_v upon_o these_o i_o must_v premise_v 1._o that_o natural_a religion_n in_o many_o thing_n do_v not_o at_o first_o and_o immediate_o appear_v to_o we_o but_o upon_o strong_a and_o sedate_v motion_n think_v reason_v meditate_v as_o we_o recover_v natural_a science_n by_o study_n and_o labour_n in_o many_o point_n of_o knowledge_n which_o yet_o be_v find_v be_v most_o plain_a and_o evident_a 2._o there_o may_v be_v strong_a prejudice_n against_o some_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o yet_o no_o more_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o than_o that_o in_o former_a time_n there_o be_v a_o general_a confident_a disbelief_n of_o the_o antipode_n be_v a_o disproof_n of_o they_o in_o which_o case_n yet_o truth_n will_v by_o degree_n prevail_v to_o victory_n 3._o it_o be_v certain_a the_o true_a and_o lively_a character_n of_o this_o religion_n be_v so_o deface_v and_o blot_v by_o the_o fall_n that_o they_o can_v be_v perfect_o recover_v but_o by_o revelation_n many_o truth_n clear_a enough_o in_o themselves_o concern_v god_n his_o worship_n the_o intercourse_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n with_o he_o and_o in_o relation_n to_o their_o eternal_a condition_n yea_o and_o in_o plain_a thing_n than_o these_o viz._n concern_v true_a righteousness_n mercy_n humility_n soberness_n patience_n be_v not_o see_v but_o in_o their_o dark_a rudiment_n till_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n but_o when_o they_o be_v so_o reveal_v they_o so_o notable_o fall_v in_o and_o unite_v with_o the_o remain_v of_o natural_a religion_n preserve_v in_o we_o that_o they_o assure_v the_o same_o original_a writing_n of_o all_o both_o what_o we_o find_v more_o immediate_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o their_o own_o light_n and_o what_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o so_o that_o natural_a religion_n be_v not_o where_o find_v in_o that_o brightness_n as_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o revelation_n be_v supernatural_a be_v a_o orb_n above_o natural_a yet_o so_o large_a that_o it_o comprehend_v this_o low_a and_o less_o the_o noticeâ—_n of_o natural_a religion_n by_o man_n apostasy_n retire_v as_o plant_n into_o the_o earth_n in_o winter_n divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o sun_n return_v at_o the_o spring_n encourage_v they_o so_o that_o they_o sprout_v up_o afresh_o and_o grow_v be_v cherish_v by_o its_o warm_a beam_n and_o so_o that_o we_o know_v these_o new_a notice_n be_v of_o the_o primitive_a implantation_n by_o their_o be_v draw_v out_o in_o a_o continuation_n from_o the_o elder_a root_n yea_o those_o thing_n that_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n have_v no_o place_n viz._n faith_n in_o the_o pardoning-mercy_n of_o god_n and_o repentance_n for_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o these_o by_o way_n of_o supposition_n of_o man_n sin_n and_o so_o great_a a_o goodness_n of_o god_n any_o way_n discover_v to_o man_n flow_v as_o free_o from_o the_o same_o fountain_n of_o natural_a religion_n as_o any_o other_o duty_n of_o it_o as_o be_v after_o to_o be_v show_v 4._o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o former_a premisal_n that_o seem_v to_o abate_v from_o it_o i_o affirm_v natural_a religion_n be_v a_o basis_n for_o the_o common_a peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o mankind_n upon_o which_o they_o may_v easy_o so_o concentre_v as_o to_o preserve_v the_o world_n from_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n on_o religious_a account_n if_o they_o will_v as_o i_o have_v say_v show_v themselves_o man_n i_o come_v therefore_o to_o take_v brief_o the_o intend_a view_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o to_o observe_v the_o intimate_a union_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o it_o i._o and_o first_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o supreme_a be_v the_o lord_n and_o giver_n of_o all_o with_o all_o the_o reverence_n love_n obedience_n service_n due_a to_o he_o as_o the_o great_a author_n benefactor_n lord_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v the_o first_o most_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o so_o plain_a and_o evident_a that_o whoever_o deny_v it_o may_v without_o any_o brand_n of_o cruelty_n be_v deal_v with_o as_o a_o traitor_n to_o the_o universe_n 1._o for_o first_o he_o have_v unhindged_a the_o order_n subordination_n
in_o strict_a combination_n one_o with_o neither_o this_o peace_n be_v the_o close_a rest_n of_o the_o part_n by_o which_o every_o one_o adhere_v with_o great_a kindness_n to_o each_o other_o and_o desire_v of_o self-preservation_n in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o so_o all_o the_o part_n seek_v the_o commodious_a situation_n each_o of_o other_o and_o abhor_v the_o disturbance_n the_o disease_n of_o any_o and_o because_o this_o peace_n can_v procure_v or_o conserve_v itself_o see_v it_o be_v not_o a_o dull_a sluggish_a rest_n but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o motion_n and_o action_n love_n be_v as_o i_o may_v call_v it_o the_o divine_a archaeus_n that_o divine_a spirit_n of_o nature_n the_o great_a instrument_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o supreme_a author_n of_o this_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o love_n run_v every_o way_n pry_v into_o all_o the_o cause_n of_o division_n and_o remove_v they_o see_v into_o all_o the_o way_n of_o conciliate_a and_o effectual_o pursue_v they_o this_o be_v that_o love_n that_o edify_v the_o body_n it_o take_v off_o all_o the_o asperity_n and_o roughness_n of_o the_o part_n those_o particular_a sharp_a angularity_n of_o opinion_n reduce_v they_o to_o a_o square_a to_o a_o figure_n fit_v one_o to_o another_o and_o then_o cement_v and_o tie_v they_o one_o to_o another_o till_o they_o grow_v into_o a_o spiritual_a temple_n what_o incomparable_a virtue_n to_o this_o purpose_n do_v the_o apostle_n at_o large_a and_o with_o great_a speciality_n express_v in_o that_o divine_a treatise_n of_o love_n 1_o cor._n 13._o all_o knowledge_n without_o 1._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 1._o this_o be_v nothing_o of_o what_o sort_n soever_o it_o be_v that_o only_o puff_v up_o and_o swell_v man_n as_o if_o they_o themselves_o be_v all_o as_o if_o they_o can_v themselves_o be_v a_o entire_a temple_n a_o spiritual_a building_n alone_o the_o understanding_n all_o mystery_n it_o make_v a_o man_n look_v to_o himself_o like_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n or_o at_o least_o as_o if_o he_o be_v to_o determine_v the_o posture_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o all_o the_o other_o part_n to_o obey_v and_o be_v content_v with_o the_o room_n he_o leave_v we_o know_v this_o be_v the_o general_a temper_n of_o opinion_n the_o product_n of_o knowledge_n without_o love_n knowledge_n therefore_o alone_o can_v build_v airy_a knowledge_n be_v big_a boisterous_a angry_a if_o it_o be_v not_o admire_v if_o it_o be_v not_o venerate_v so_o as_o to_o take_v up_o what_o space_n it_o please_v to_o order_v as_o it_o please_v even_o the_o follow_v of_o the_o truth_n the_o earnest_a search_n after_o and_o 15._o eph._n 4._o 15._o pursuit_n of_o what_o be_v true_a a_o much_o more_o excellent_a thing_n than_o mere_a knowledge_n yet_o if_o this_o be_v not_o in_o love_n there_o can_v be_v a_o grow_v up_o into_o the_o head_n in_o all_o thing_n even_o christ_n love_v then_o be_v that_o which_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o all_o the_o lively_a stone_n how_o they_o may_v all_o most_o comply_v with_o and_o advance_v each_o other_o and_o rest_n in_o their_o peaceable_a conformity_n one_o with_o another_o and_o sweet_a application_n one_o to_o another_o even_o while_o they_o be_v in_o a_o most_o intense_a christian_n motion_n like_o the_o heavenly_a body_n so_o harmonious_a so_o at_o peace_n in_o all_o their_o activity_n that_o there_o be_v in_o this_o true_a sense_n the_o sweet_a music_n of_o the_o sphere_n so_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o it_o be_v in_o true_a christianity_n in_o all_o its_o motion_n govern_v by_o love_n how_o various_a soever_o in_o other_o respect_n yet_o they_o be_v all_o melodious_a because_o they_o be_v all_o in_o peace_n how_o different_a in_o lesser_a thing_n soever_o now_o this_o love_n and_o peace_n be_v spiritual_a and_o intellectual_a and_o they_o therefore_o be_v fix_v upon_o a_o complication_n of_o spiritual_a intellectual_a centre_n if_o i_o may_v so_o express_v they_o all_o the_o right_n true_a line_n from_o which_o and_o return_n to_o which_o be_v in_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o these_o be_v those_o several_a point_n of_o union_n the_o apostle_n have_v lay_v together_o ephes_n 4._o 4_o 5_o 6._o there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o in_o you_o all._n 1._o one_o body_n even_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o christian_n disperse_v throughout_o all_o the_o world_n and_o unite_v so_o as_o to_o make_v up_o this_o one_o body_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o second_o point_n of_o union_n that_o follow_v 2._o one_o spirit_n one_o divine_a spirit_n author_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n and_o grace_n within_o christian_n inform_v every_o christian_n and_o make_v they_o all_o of_o the_o same_o christianity_n as_o the_o soul_n in_o man_n make_v they_o all_o of_o the_o same_o rationality_n this_o be_v the_o one_o spirit_n into_o which_o all_o be_v make_v to_o drink_v and_o so_o be_v this_o one_o body_n for_o without_o this_o they_o will_v be_v indeed_o but_o as_o so_o many_o single_a stone_n or_o scatter_a part_n else_o too_o their_o union_n be_v no_o other_o than_o dull_a and_o stupid_a but_o now_o all_o the_o part_n feel_v throughout_o in_o this_o centre_n of_o one_o spirit_n 3._o one_o hope_n of_o our_o call_v the_o same_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n mansion_n of_o this_o same_o house_n of_o our_o father_n be_v the_o one_o hope_v of_o christian_n unto_o which_o the_o gospel_n alike_o call_v they_o they_o then_o who_o be_v to_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o eternal_a blessedness_n and_o to_o be_v one_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v for_o ever_o with_o what_o unconcernedness_n in_o little_a trifle_n shall_v they_o aspire_v to_o that_o glory_n together_o with_o unexpressible_a indearedness_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n 4._o one_o lord_n even_o jesus_n christ_n instead_o of_o the_o lord_n many_o be_v the_o one_o lord_n to_o christian_n by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n 18._o rom._n 11._o 18._o and_o they_o by_o he_o they_o therefore_o who_o subsist_v and_o be_v bear_v upon_o the_o root_n as_o branch_n of_o the_o one_o vine_n must_v not_o boast_v 6._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 6._o against_o the_o branch_n for_o they_o bear_v not_o the_o root_n but_o the_o root_n they_o the_o worship_v of_o one_o true_a supreme_a lord_n how_o 6._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 6._o much_o a_o strong_a tie_n of_o union_n than_o a_o precarious_a visible_a but_o visible_a apostate_n head_n if_o one_o earthly_a prince_n be_v such_o a_o band_n of_o union_n how_o much_o more_o one_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n they_o be_v to_o be_v forgive_v every_o thing_n concede_v every_o thing_n who_o sincere_o worship_v this_o one_o lord_n every_o thing_n that_o can_v possible_o consist_v with_o their_o sincere_a acknowledgement_n of_o he_o 5._o one_o faith_n the_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n which_o they_o believe_v even_o the_o substantial_a principle_n as_o i_o name_v they_o in_o the_o last_o head_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o a_o solid_a band_n of_o agreement_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o live_n and_o like_o precious_a save_v act_n of_o their_o soul_n wherewith_o 1._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 1._o they_o believe_v these_o alike_o precious_a principle_n faith_n that_o work_v by_o love_n love_n to_o god_n and_o love_n to_o all_o christian_n 6._o gal._n 5._o 6._o love_n be_v the_o very_a natural_a breath_n of_o that_o life_n of_o faith_n 6._o one_o baptism_n one_o open_a profession_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n christian_n make_v to_o salvation_n with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n from_o under_o one_o end_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o other_o general_o seal_v with_o the_o same_o sacramental_a rite_n baptism_n comprehend_v all_o the_o institute_v rite_n of_o christianity_n a_o voice_n of_o confession_n as_o the_o voice_n of_o thunder_n so_o high_a as_o to_o still_o and_o quiet_a all_o the_o small_a murmur_n and_o jar_n of_o division_n rite_n so_o solemn_a and_o great_a as_o to_o make_v void_a and_o vain_a all_o other_o ceremony_n as_o note_n of_o distinction_n 7._o one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o through_z 6._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 6._o all_z in_o you_o all_o to_o we_o christian_n there_o be_v one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o in_o he_o this_o grand_a unite_n principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v more_o near_o condescend_v to_o we_o in_o christianity_n and_o the_o bounty_n of_o the_o creator_n in_o and_o through_o the_o redeemer_n flow_v with_o a_o infinite_a redundancy_n in_o and_o through_o and_o over_o all_o
great_a community_n and_o that_o patriarchate_n and_o primogeniture_n lose_v itself_o in_o the_o numerousness_n of_o mankind_n reason_n advise_v to_o the_o orderly_a separate_n and_o dedicate_a some_o person_n to_o the_o continual_a attendance_n upon_o sacred_a office_n 3._o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o authoritative_a herein_o as_o person_n of_o great_a sanctity_n wisdom_n attainment_n in_o knowledge_n be_v most_o recommend_v to_o such_o a_o choice_n so_o education_n separation_n to_o read_v meditation_n study_n for_o attainment_n of_o knowledge_n must_v be_v the_o mean_n under_o the_o eye_n of_o natural_a religion_n for_o enable_v person_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o function_n for_o there_o be_v but_o three_o way_n whereby_o person_n can_v be_v suppose_v authorize_v to_o presidency_n in_o divine_a thing_n 1._o by_o parental_a authority_n the_o same_o with_o patriarchal_a 2._o by_o eminency_n of_o part_n and_o gift_n join_v with_o dedication_n of_o themselves_o and_o orderly_a approbation_n to_o public_a office_n 3._o by_o special_a and_o immediate_a appointment_n of_o god_n either_o by_o a_o stand_a law_n as_o in_o the_o levitical_a priesthood_n or_o by_o inspiration_n as_o in_o the_o prophet_n the_o first_o two_o be_v of_o natural_a sanction_n the_o last_o of_o supernatural_a ordination_n and_o so_o far_o as_o appear_v by_o sacred_a record_n no_o one_o of_o they_o exclude_v from_o discourse_n and_o instruction_n of_o even_o a_o public_a character_n those_o that_o have_v eminent_a gift_n and_o inablement_n though_o not_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n as_o elihu_n have_v a_o excellent_a spirit_n equal_v himself_o with_o man_n of_o day_n and_o year_n as_o he_o himself_o speak_v job_n 32._o 7_o 8._o but_o jeroboam'_v make_v priest_n of_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n â—_o 1_o king_n 12._o 3â—_n â—_o be_v a_o transgression_n against_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o error_n of_o too_o much_o a_o like_a enormity_n against_o innate_a reason_n to_o bring_v down_o divine_a office_n to_o such_o prepare_a prescription_n as_o the_o most_o uneducated_a undevoted_a undedicate_v person_n to_o knowledge_n study_n meditation_n may_v perform_v so_o that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o trust_v to_o but_o as_o it_o be_v call_v the_o indelible_a character_n of_o ordination_n which_o will_v hardly_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o the_o court_n of_o natural_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o can_v easy_o atone_v they_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o reveal_v religion_n which_o never_o contradict_v or_o so_o much_o as_o dispense_v with_o natural_a on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o clog_v the_o high_o dignify_v person_n in_o this_o ministry_n with_o so_o much_o of_o rule_n and_o business_n as_o hinder_v the_o performance_n of_o these_o divine_a office_n with_o the_o utmost_a effect_n of_o that_o study_n and_o meditation_n before_o speak_v of_o run_v into_o the_o same_o ill_a consequence_n and_o exchange_n a_o religious_a service_n into_o a_o secular_a grandeur_n else_o no_o one_o have_v reason_n to_o envy_v that_o they_o who_o be_v prince_n in_o righteousness_n truth_n and_o peace_n and_o priest_n indeed_o of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n 18._o gen._n 14._o 18._o mediate_a continual_o betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n in_o doctrine_n prayer_n blessing_n and_o praise_n shall_v be_v place_v among_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o people_n and_o so_o i_o have_v run_v through_o those_o thing_n that_o more_o immediate_o concern_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n but_o like_v unto_o 38._o mat._n 22._o 37_o 38._o these_o be_v righteousness_n justice_n mercy_n truth_n sobriety_n temperance_n charity_n humility_n modesty_n patience_n general_a love_n peaceableness_n contain_v ourselves_o within_o our_o own_o bound_n order_n submission_n to_o government_n with_o perfect_a subjection_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o contradict_v obedience_n to_o god_n together_o with_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o speak_v virtue_n goodness_n loveliness_n good_a report_n honour_n esteem_v in_o human_a conversation_n 8._o phil._n 4._o 8._o which_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v come_v under_o the_o observation_n of_o man_n and_o can_v be_v regulate_v by_o law_n so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v come_v into_o palpable_a instance_n be_v worthy_a of_o reward_n and_o encouragement_n and_o the_o contrary_a of_o punishment_n this_o be_v natural_a religion_n and_o it_o stand_v upon_o this_o unmovable_a foundation_n nothing_o be_v more_o true_o religion_n or_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n than_o those_o thing_n which_o do_v most_o perfect_a humane_a nature_n into_o a_o conformity_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a in_o the_o order_n or_o scale_v of_o religious_a excellency_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o real_o good_a the_o more_o substantial_a rational_a solid_o good_a any_o thing_n be_v the_o more_o it_o please_v god_n and_o must_v be_v approve_v of_o 18._o rom._n 14._o 18._o man_n if_o they_o show_v themselves_o man_n thus_o all_o the_o massy_a act_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o man_n godliness_n righteousness_n soberness_n excel_v all_o the_o honour_n pretend_v to_o be_v do_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n praise_n discourse_n of_o he_o oâ—_n whatever_o of_o that_o sort_n seem_v most_o worthy_a to_o be_v prefer_v which_o without_o the_o other_o become_v a_o flattery_n of_o god_n only_o next_o discourse_n of_o his_o word_n and_o will_n in_o order_n to_o learn_v obedience_n be_v of_o high_a account_n than_o prayer_n for_o he_o that_o 9_o prov._n 28._o 9_o turn_v away_o his_o ear_n from_o hear_v the_o law_n his_o prayer_n shall_v be_v a_o abomination_n yet_o prayer_n and_o praise_n be_v much_o more_o acceptable_a than_o sacrifice_n there_o may_v be_v now_o a_o solemn_a appeal_n make_v to_o all_o the_o world_n whether_o christian_a religion_n be_v defective_a in_o one_o single_a point_n of_o this_o true_a natural_a religion_n at_o the_o high_a and_o full_a dimension_n of_o it_o possible_a to_o be_v conceive_v here_o be_v the_o height_n and_o depth_n the_o breadth_n and_o length_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n concern_v god_n concern_v good_a and_o evil_n concern_v reward_n and_o punishment_n according_a to_o the_o most_o sober_a sedate_v judgement_n of_o mankind_n the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o world_n the_o most_o ready_a accusation_n and_o defence_n all_o man_n make_v in_o point_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o their_o treaty_n and_o debate_v one_o with_o another_o according_a to_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o most_o wise_a learned_a and_o virtuous_a of_o the_o philosopher_n the_o best_a of_o lawgiver_n if_o then_o there_o be_v the_o most_o wise_a the_o most_o good_a the_o most_o virtuous_a that_o ever_o be_v in_o nature_n find_v in_o christian_a religion_n abate_v nothing_o but_o positive_a law_n topical_a religion_n rite_n and_o custom_n what_o a_o foundation_n of_o peace_n quietness_n and_o happy_a state_n may_v a_o consent_n but_o in_o this_o natural_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v fair_o extant_a in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v and_o what_o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o christian_a verity_n will_v such_o a_o acceptance_n of_o natural_a undeniable_a religion_n from_o it_o be_v when_o just_a as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n those_o 8._o act_n 2._o 8._o several_a sort_n of_o people_n hear_v the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n each_o in_o their_o own_o language_n so_o in_o christianity_n every_o one_o find_v what_o ever_o they_o can_v think_v except_v their_o own_o particular_a rite_n most_o general_o true_o and_o valuable_o good_a and_o that_o upon_o deep_a consideration_n strict_a examination_n and_o even_o uncontroversable_a certainty_n and_o how_o benign_a and_o compassionate_a might_n mankind_n be_v to_o itself_o if_o summon_v together_o these_o true_o excellent_a notion_n and_o frame_v its_o religious_a law_n according_a to_o they_o they_o exact_v a_o severe_a conformity_n in_o all_o that_o be_v thus_o virtuous_a and_o good_a and_o allow_v a_o benign_a freedom_n of_o offering_n and_o receive_v the_o best_a account_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o further_a revelation_n from_o god_n forbear_v injury_n violence_n and_o blood_n and_o then_o also_o it_o will_v soon_o appear_v what_o a_o indisputable_a title_n that_o only_o excellent_a religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v to_o be_v the_o true_o catholic_n religion_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o so_o far_o to_o set_v it_o at_o peace_n now_o though_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o expect_v this_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v till_o a_o spirit_n be_v pour_v out_o from_o on_o high_a and_o these_o river_n of_o truth_n break_v out_o in_o the_o wilderness_n till_o the_o great_a prophecy_n of_o scripture_n look_v to_o a_o better_a state_n of_o the_o world_n come_v to_o be_v fulfil_v yet_o still_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o nor_o do_v it_o diminish_v the_o reasonableness_n or_o silence_v the_o offer_n of_o the_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v not_o likely_a
before_o god_n from_o the_o guilt_n and_o destruction_n of_o those_o that_o may_v be_v yet_o heinous_o guilty_a before_o god_n as_o jonah_n mariner_n do_v from_o the_o blood_n of_o that_o prophet_n consign_v over_o to_o the_o sea_n by_o his_o own_o sentence_n oh_o lord_n lie_v not_o this_o man_n blood_n to_o our_o charge_n who_o have_v 14_o jon._n 1._o 14_o do_v all_o it_o please_v thou_o to_o command_v we_o when_o sovereign_n and_o nation_n have_v consider_v the_o wisdom_n rationality_n and_o heavenliness_n of_o proposal_n in_o religion_n and_o settle_v upon_o what_o they_o find_v of_o the_o high_a character_n as_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o nation_n by_o law_n to_o be_v establish_v to_o which_o they_o allow_v the_o encouragement_n of_o their_o public_a honour_n and_o maintanance_n and_o take_v care_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o by_o instruction_n argument_n reason_n and_o good_a example_n they_o have_v do_v all_o that_o god_n expect_v from_o they_o to_o do_v and_o so_o have_v deliver_v their_o own_o soul_n that_o which_o be_v of_o their_o free_a judgement_n and_o arbitrement_n as_o proper_a to_o they_o as_o to_z family_n and_o person_n to_o dispose_v of_o their_o own_o they_o have_v place_v as_o they_o think_v upon_o due_a consideration_n most_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n but_o to_o deprive_v man_n of_o their_o native_a right_n or_o to_o punish_v they_o in_o their_o person_n or_o estate_n who_o be_v not_o offender_n against_o natural_a religion_n for_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o mind_n of_o which_o they_o have_v only_o a_o humane_a judgement_n be_v not_o a_o power_n wherewith_o they_o think_v themselves_o invest_v of_o god_n and_o so_o forbear_v it_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o nation_n of_o man_n a_o nation_n of_o christian_n a_o virtuous_a a_o honourable_a government_n and_o more_o hopeful_a to_o propagate_v true_a christianity_n than_o that_o which_o write_v its_o law_n in_o blood_n and_o this_o be_v to_o rule_v over_o man_n and_o not_o over_o beast_n bind_v up_o as_o man_n shall_v be_v with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n in_o natural_a religion_n in_o what_o be_v beyond_o that_o as_o revealed_z from_o god_n with_o band_n of_o love_n to_o serve_v the_o public_a blessed_n be_v the_o people_n who_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n bless_v be_v that_o people_n who_o god_n be_v thus_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n object_n 2._o what_o peace_n can_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n among_o private_a and_o particular_a person_n while_o there_o be_v several_a opinion_n in_o religion_n how_o many_o dispute_n and_o calumny_n and_o invective_n be_v continual_o fly_v up_o and_o down_o by_o reason_n of_o difference_n in_o religion_n and_o how_o much_o better_o be_v all_o compel_v into_o union_n answer_n all_o these_o evil_n be_v but_o so_o many_o argument_n of_o deprave_a nature_n which_o create_v its_o own_o occasion_n out_o of_o every_o thing_n and_o if_o the_o mischief_n of_o compulsion_n or_o the_o ill_a state_n even_o of_o those_o part_n of_o thâ—_n world_n where_o the_o voice_n of_o religion_n be_v all_o one_o laâ—â—â—â—ge_n be_v cast_v up_o i_o doubt_v they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o balance_v the_o worst_a that_o can_v be_v charge_v on_o difference_n in_o religion_n but_o yet_o natural_a religion_n and_o most_o evident_o christian_a religion_n be_v most_o severe_a and_o positive_a against_o all_o strife_n envy_n rail_n evil_a surmising_n and_o bend_v man_n upon_o peace_n love_n meekness_n quietness_n charity_n towards_o all_o man_n and_o especial_o christian_n as_o be_v after_o to_o be_v shâ—wn_v and_o therefore_o undoubted_o those_o evil_a effect_n where_o they_o grow_v to_o excess_n may_v be_v restrain_v by_o civil_a magistracy_n as_o in_o any_o other_o case_n and_o the_o rather_o that_o true_a religion_n so_o much_o disow_v they_o they_o be_v more_o inexcusable_a in_o that_o cause_n than_o any_o other_o for_o though_o we_o find_v scripture_n severe_a in_o its_o language_n in_o great_a case_n as_o st._n paul_n against_o the_o bigot_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o we_o must_v also_o consider_v the_o infallible_a spirit_n that_o guide_v sacred_a writer_n who_o alone_o know_v how_o to_o direct_v those_o sharp_a arrow_n and_o what_o effect_n they_o shall_v take_v object_n 3._o this_o clip_v off_o the_o royalty_n and_o prerogative_n of_o prince_n if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o command_n of_o man_n sentiment_n or_o at_o least_o of_o their_o outward_a action_n and_o practice_n in_o religion_n ans_fw-fr the_o unjust_a enlargement_n of_o earthly_a power_n into_o the_o divine_a sanctuary_n have_v be_v always_o fatal_a to_o prince_n vzziah_n rude_a entrance_n into_o it_o be_v punish_v by_o god_n with_o infamous_a leprosy_n herod_n let_v that_o sacrilegious_a acclamation_n it_o be_v 23_o 1_o chron._n 28._o 18_o 19_o act._n 12._o 22_o 23_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o god_n not_o of_o a_o man_n sink_v into_o he_o be_v present_o revenge_v with_o a_o dreadful_a hand_n of_o judgement_n humane_a power_n be_v safe_a keep_v itself_o within_o the_o verge_n of_o divine_a institution_n beyond_o that_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v great_a yet_o it_o become_v only_o like_o a_o swell_a wall_n the_o big_a it_o be_v the_o more_o ready_a to_o fall_v or_o a_o totter_a fence_n expatiate_v to_o ruin_v their_o honour_n be_v great_a in_o be_v nursing-fathers_n if_o god_n have_v intend_v civil_a magistracy_n to_o govern_v in_o any_o religion_n but_o natural_a they_o shall_v have_v have_v as_o certain_a rule_n to_o act_v by_o as_o they_o have_v in_o natural_a religion_n beside_o what_o be_v the_o good_a of_o be_v great_a master_n in_o religion_n except_o in_o that_o wherein_o god_n have_v show_v every_o man_n what_o be_v good_a see_v the_o great_a judgement_n wait_v for_o such_o thus_o the_o apostle_n james_n james_n 3._o 1._o my_o brethren_n be_v not_o many_o master_n imposer_n or_o prescriber_n in_o religion_n that_o be_v do_v not_o affect_v it_o know_v we_o shall_v receive_v a_o great_a judgement_n object_n 4._o but_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o govern_v with_o any_o security_n if_o governor_n hold_v not_o the_o reins_o of_o man_n conscience_n if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o helm_n that_o turn_v about_o so_o great_a body_n of_o people_n which_o way_n soever_o they_o that_o have_v that_o pylotry_n please_v with_o what_o vigour_n and_o courage_n be_v man_n animate_v while_o the_o principle_n and_o reward_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o eye_n if_o therefore_o the_o prince_n rule_v not_o in_o these_o his_o command_n be_v but_o cypher_n answer_v 1_o religion_n be_v too_o great_a and_o noble_a a_o thing_n to_o be_v but_o a_o expedient_a of_o government_n 2._o the_o history_n of_o christianity_n assure_v we_o no_o prince_n have_v have_v more_o obedient_a subject_n a_o more_o valiant_a soldiery_n than_o heathen_a prince_n of_o christian_n true_a religion_n know_v its_o obligation_n to_o government_n and_o pursue_v the_o law_n of_o it_o though_o that_o government_n have_v stand_v distinct_a from_o that_o true_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o standing-rule_n of_o christian_n object_n 5._o but_o what_o tumult_n faction_n sedition_n have_v be_v raise_v under_o religious_a pretence_n when_o subject_n have_v not_o yield_v themselves_o to_o the_o empire_n of_o prince_n in_o religion_n answ_n these_o evil_n as_o they_o be_v false_o pretend_v by_o man_n of_o turbulence_n to_o be_v for_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n so_o they_o be_v unjust_o charge_v upon_o it_o there_o can_v be_v therefore_o no_o severity_n too_o great_a upon_o those_o that_o so_o abuse_v so_o excellent_a a_o thing_n but_o the_o sâ—mâ—_n care_n that_o secure_v against_o ambition_n sedition_n rebellion_n in_o one_o shape_n will_v do_v it_o in_o another_o without_o take_v away_o lawful_a liberty_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o remedy_n so_o specific_a against_o the_o great_a hypocrisy_n of_o cover_a rebellion_n with_o religion_n faction_n with_o faith_n as_o the_o severe_a regiment_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o indisputable_a law_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o allowance_n of_o the_o great_a toleration_n in_o what_o no_o way_n contradict_v that_o for_o then_o be_v the_o artifice_n strong_a when_o it_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o oppression_n of_o man_n conscience_n so_o great_a a_o illegality_n against_o natural_a principle_n take_v away_o severe_a imposition_n and_o what_o have_v such_o politician_n to_o work_v upon_o object_n 6._o but_o what_o a_o hydra_n a_o many-headed_a monster_n of_o opinion_n will_v religion_n become_v by_o such_o a_o toleration_n answ_n 1._o severe_a natural_a religion_n enforce_v and_o strict_o pursue_v will_v so_o rebate_v man_n corruption_n beside_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o divine_a blâ—ssing_n accompany_v so_o virtuous_a a_o government_n that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o much_o great_a retrenchment_n of_o opinion_n than_o can_v be_v
rome_n and_o the_o reform_a church_n although_o i_o have_v a_o just_a value_n for_o all_o those_o renown_a labour_n of_o the_o great_a light_n god_n have_v raise_v up_o in_o the_o protestancy_n a_o very_a rational_a and_o christian_a entertainment_n of_o the_o writer_n and_o reader_n yet_o i_o must_v profess_v the_o unshaken_a assurance_n i_o centre_n upon_o in_o all_o those_o controversy_n be_v a_o short_a conclusion_n of_o the_o matter_n that_o romish_a religion_n not_o only_o be_v not_o but_o can_v be_v true_a it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v of_o god_n if_o scripture_n and_o our_o faculty_n be_v true_a if_o natural_a religion_n or_o christian_a religion_n that_o we_o have_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o ready_a and_o sure_a antidote_n against_o popery_n to_o all_o that_o be_v equal_o concern_v to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n catholic_n religion_n false_o so_o call_v popish_a religion_n or_o protestant_a religion_n though_o they_o have_v not_o opportunity_n to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o all_o the_o learning_n so_o plentiful_a so_o valuable_a at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o decision_n between_o they_o 2._o that_o great_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n hear_v oh_o israel_n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n be_v one_o jehovah_n and_o thou_o shall_v love_v 5._o deut._n 6._o 4_o 5._o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o soul_n with_o all_o thy_o mind_n with_o all_o thy_o might_n and_o strength_n and_o that_o great_a principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n if_o any_o man_n love_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n let_v 22._o 1_o cor._n 16._o 22._o he_o be_v anathema_n maranatha_n these_o two_o join_v together_o assure_v i_o beyond_o doubt_n our_o mediator_n upon_o who_o our_o love_n trust_v service_n be_v to_o rest_v and_o that_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n as_o be_v heaven_n from_o earth_n can_v be_v but_o the_o one_o god_n with_o the_o father_n and_o so_o i_o be_o resolve_v in_o the_o socinian_n controversy_n and_o further_o if_o he_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n and_o his_o offer_v up_o the_o humanity_n unite_v to_o he_o a_o sacrifice_n i_o know_v it_o must_v be_v of_o infinite_a value_n and_o not_o a_o martyrdom_n not_o a_o example_n only_o 3._o by_o natural_a and_o christian_a principle_n unite_v i_o be_o convince_v the_o great_a foundation_n on_o which_o the_o controversy_n between_o the_o arminian_n and_o calvinist_n as_o we_o use_v to_o express_v they_o rest_n must_v have_v great_a truth_n on_o both_o side_n but_o they_o be_v relate_v to_o those_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o be_v as_o a_o great_a depth_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v they_o out_o to_o perfection_n for_o how_o can_v finite_a wade_v in_o infinite_a without_o be_v swallow_v by_o it_o we_o need_v not_o therefore_o stay_v till_o these_o two_o thing_n can_v be_v reconcile_v in_o our_o judgement_n the_o infinite_a sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n of_o the_o almighty_a over_o every_o particular_a immortal_a spirit_n that_o he_o have_v make_v so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v dispose_v of_o or_o dispose_v itself_o without_o the_o counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o that_o no_o one_o be_v prejudge_v by_o any_o determination_n of_o god_n in_o the_o true_a liberty_n of_o a_o rational_a creature_n much_o less_o determine_v to_o sin_n and_o misery_n upon_o it_o by_o any_o overrule_a power_n we_o may_v safe_o with_o respect_n to_o both_o side_n be_v profound_o abase_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o incomprehensible_a sovereignty_n over_o we_o in_o a_o self-condemnation_n wherein_o soever_o we_o find_v ourselves_o degenerate_a and_o fall_v into_o sin_n as_o know_v our_o destruction_n of_o ourselves_o nor_o need_v we_o stay_v till_o supreme_a grace_n and_o our_o own_o freewill_n be_v reconcile_v in_o dispute_n we_o may_v safe_o on_o both_o side_n make_v our_o humble_a and_o most_o lowly_a appeal_n to_o he_o that_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v we_o must_v do_v so_o and_o be_v under_o the_o same_o security_n and_o obligation_n in_o stir_v up_o our_o utmost_a 32._o phil._n 2._o 13._o ezek._n 18._o 32._o power_n in_o turn_v ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v live_v in_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o all_o beyond_o 12._o phil._n 2._o 12._o these_o two_o conclusion_n be_v but_o speculation_n in_o which_o we_o may_v employ_v and_o entertain_v ourselves_o in_o consider_v infinite_a wisdom_n and_o glory_n and_o search_v as_o near_o as_o we_o dare_v approve_v its_o holy_a and_o gracious_a way_n but_o need_v not_o be_v angry_a we_o can_v agree_v in_o thing_n out_o of_o our_o depth_n so_o as_o to_o be_v certain_a 4._o in_o all_o the_o dispute_n concern_v form_n of_o church-government_n modes_n of_o worship_n we_o have_v thus_o much_o of_o resolution_n from_o the_o consent_n of_o christian_a with_o natural_a religion_n whatever_o be_v most_o substantial_o good_a be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o agreement_n and_o union_n and_o other_o thing_n doubtful_a allow_v to_o particular_a reason_n and_o choice_n with_o mutual_a toleration_n and_o charity_n as_o be_v further_a to_o be_v show_v we_o under_o the_o next_o head_n of_o discourse_n have_v now_o speak_v so_o much_o of_o natural_a religion_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a before_o i_o quite_o leave_v it_o beside_o the_o survey_n i_o have_v take_v of_o it_o to_o add_v these_o character_n concern_v it_o that_o it_o may_v not_o possible_o be_v mistake_v 1._o it_o be_v that_o which_o depend_v upon_o nothing_o particular_a but_o must_v be_v the_o same_o to_o all_o nation_n and_o time_n it_o be_v all_o essence_n and_o have_v no_o accident_n or_o circumstance_n as_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o pray_v be_v natural_a religion_n that_o be_v to_o lift_v up_o desire_v to_o god_n with_o humility_n and_o hope_n this_o be_v and_o must_v be_v the_o same_o without_o any_o variation_n to_o every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n now_o whatever_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o pertain_v to_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o every_o where_o be_v not_o natural_a religion_n there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o nation_n of_o a_o god_n to_o all_o the_o world_n there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o justice_n sobriety_n throughout_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o notion_n of_o sin_n or_o of_o the_o pardon_n of_o it_o of_o judgement_n to_o come_v as_o they_o be_v natural_a till_o you_o come_v to_o essence_n you_o come_v not_o to_o natural_a religion_n 2._o it_o be_v that_o which_o can_v be_v demur_v to_o but_o with_o the_o failure_n of_o all_o sober_a reason_n nor_o indeed_o without_o a_o consciousness_n of_o it_o while_o deny_v i_o be_o full_o assure_v no_o man_n can_v deny_v a_o god_n a_o distinction_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n a_o future_a state_n without_o a_o strong_a recoil_n of_o the_o natural_a faculty_n return_v as_o by_o a_o intellectual_a moral_a elastic_a force_n 3._o it_o be_v that_o whereof_o if_o any_o of_o the_o principle_n be_v take_v away_o grand_a inconvenience_n and_o absurdity_n will_v follow_v like_o take_v away_o light_a air_n or_o water_n out_o of_o the_o natural_a world_n what_o a_o infinite_a necessity_n be_v there_o of_o god_n of_o prayer_n to_o he_o of_o praise_n of_o he_o of_o his_o pardoning-mercy_n since_o sin_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v take_v away_o these_o and_o universal_a nature_n fly_v in_o piece_n run_v every_o way_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o vacuum_n as_o the_o want_n of_o any_o these_o principle_n immediate_o make_v this_o be_v natural_a religion_n and_o nothing_o else_o be_v natural_a religion_n but_o this_o have_v discourse_v what_o a_o foundation_n of_o universal_a peace_n christian_a religion_n have_v lay_v in_o not_o only_o assume_v to_o but_o unite_n with_o itself_o natural_a religion_n i_o shall_v come_v now_o to_o present_a as_o in_o perspective_n christian_a religion_n itself_o and_o show_v the_o admirable_a contrivance_n for_o unity_n peace_n and_o love_n it_o have_v find_v out_o and_o most_o earnest_o press_v on_o all_o its_o disciple_n so_o infinite_o wise_a reasonable_a and_o good_a so_o efficacious_o insinuate_v so_o strong_o argue_v and_o enforce_v so_o awful_o command_v so_o to_o the_o life_n the_o very_a divine_a life_n of_o it_o even_o hypostatize_v in_o our_o lord_n that_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o inexpiable_a shame_n and_o guilt_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o it_o be_v so_o unlike_o the_o divine_a philosophy_n the_o law_n the_o grand_a exemplar_n of_o it_o that_o i_o may_v pursue_v this_o intention_n with_o great_a advantage_n i_o shall_v propose_v under_o several_a head_n how_o this_o design_n be_v lay_v by_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o our_o saviour_n much_o different_a from_o what_o be_v ready_a on_o all_o occasion_n to_o offer_v itself_o to_o humane_a imagination_n that_o be_v unity_n in_o uniformity_n without_o which_o as_o
christianity_n have_v find_v it_o most_o to_o their_o advantage_n of_o edification_n to_o unite_v with_o such_o a_o congregation_n of_o christian_n all_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o may_v create_v a_o obligation_n to_o such_o conjunction_n but_o because_o the_o hot_a dispute_n in_o relation_n to_o christian_a practice_n so_o as_o to_o conserve_v peace_n and_o order_n have_v rise_v in_o this_o very_a juncture_n of_o particular_a society_n of_o christian_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o settle_v upon_o a_o indisputable_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o leave_v out_o what_o be_v more_o intricate_a and_o controversal_a that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o far_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n extend_v here_o to_o love_n and_o peace_n in_o these_o follow_a assertion_n 1._o that_o our_o lord_n have_v give_v rule_n for_o such_o holy_a grave_a and_o honourable_a society_n under_o the_o name_n of_o church_n as_o must_v needs_o invite_v all_o of_o the_o same_o excellent_a christian_a temper_n into_o their_o communion_n according_a to_o the_o opportunity_n they_o have_v to_o join_v with_o they_o their_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o practice_n so_o pure_a and_o heavenly_a so_o evident_o for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n soul_n so_o compose_v to_o all_o true_a decency_n prudence_n and_o a_o discipline_n so_o humble_a natural_a strict_a only_o to_o the_o true_a benefit_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o it_o that_o it_o can_v look_v like_o a_o secular_a dominion_n but_o for_o the_o service_n of_o faith_n the_o help_n of_o joy_n the_o safety_n of_o soul_n and_o their_o eternal_a interest_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a every_o one_o will_v yield_v be_v the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n let_v it_o be_v find_v wherever_o it_o can_v be_v find_v let_v every_o church_n see_v to_o itself_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o temper_a and_o constitute_v or_o not_o how_o then_o do_v it_o seem_v possible_a that_o when_o there_o be_v such_o society_n christian_n shall_v not_o fly_v to_o they_o as_o the_o dove_n to_o the_o window_n see_v christianity_n improve_v the_o sociableness_n of_o humanity_n into_o the_o true_a publickness_n of_o spirit_n and_o desire_v to_o enjoy_v good_a with_o more_o than_o in_o solitude_n 2._o it_o be_v the_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o design_n in_o all_o his_o institution_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o assembly_n of_o his_o people_n and_o servant_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o people_n for_o divine_a worship_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o several_a duty_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n so_o that_o the_o forsake_v of_o the_o assembly_n of_o ourselves_o together_o as_o 25._o heb._n 10._o 25._o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v be_v very_o little_a distant_a from_o apostasy_n itself_o how_o can_v there_o then_o be_v but_o church_n where_o there_o be_v christian_n see_v so_o much_o of_o the_o concern_v of_o christianity_n lie_v therein_o and_o who_o indeed_o possess_v with_o those_o concern_v do_v not_o rejoice_v in_o they_o and_o bless_v god_n for_o his_o unspeakable_a gift_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o they_o 3._o yet_o be_v there_o no_o law_n of_o christ_n that_o main_a force_n shall_v be_v use_v upon_o man_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o any_o assembly_n of_o christian_n at_o all_o much_o less_o into_o one_o rather_o than_o another_o especial_o when_o the_o main_a reason_n or_o motive_n of_o unite_n with_o assembly_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n present_v themselves_o to_o man_n apprehension_n and_o conscience_n more_o in_o some_o than_o other_o indeed_o man_n overzealous_a affectation_n of_o some_o and_o unworthy_a neglect_n of_o other_o as_o one_o for_o paul_n another_o for_o apollo_n another_o for_o cephas_n another_o for_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 12._o christ_n as_o if_o these_o minister_n by_o who_o they_o believe_v be_v to_o set_v up_o for_o themselves_o as_o head_n of_o christianinty_a and_o to_o rival_n christ_n himself_o as_o if_o but_o upon_o the_o same_o level_n with_o they_o be_v very_o just_o and_o severe_o chastise_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o a_o true_a value_n for_o all_o the_o steward_n of_o divine_a mystery_n and_o 1._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o church_n and_o a_o particular_a value_n for_o those_o pastor_n and_o congregation_n wherein_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v especial_a blessing_n for_o man_n soul_n or_o give_v opportunity_n to_o receive_v such_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o apostle_n though_o he_o refuse_v undue_a measure_n of_o honour_n yet_o assume_v that_o of_o be_v 2._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 15._o 1_o cor._n 9_o 2._o a_o father_n as_o above_o thousand_o of_o instructor_n christianity_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o be_v so_o holy_a and_o humble_a a_o state_n that_o no_o one_o act_v according_o to_o it_o either_o arrogate_v or_o envy_n so_o he_o that_o have_v much_o of_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o have_v nothing_o over_o or_o above_o the_o measure_n of_o a_o steward_n and_o he_o that_o have_v least_o shall_v have_v nothing_o under_o that_o measure_n if_o he_o be_v find_v faithful_a so_o the_o congregation_n have_v the_o equal_a glory_n of_o be_v of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o church_n to_o be_v little_a representation_n of_o and_o embody_v with_o his_o own_a catholic_n church_n in_o the_o grand_a union_n of_o all_o christian_n with_o the_o head_n here_o then_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o christian_a peace_n and_o union_n in_o church_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o nature_n and_o much_o confirm_v and_o exalt_v by_o christianity_n that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n shall_v be_v make_v as_o public_a and_o universal_a as_o may_v be_v go_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o baptise_v all_o nation_n be_v the_o very_a commission_n christ_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o first_o ambassador_n and_o be_v continue_v to_o all_o his_o minister_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n not_o of_o 19_o mat._n 26._o 19_o the_o world_n of_o that_o age_n only_o but_o to_o that_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v till_o his_o second_o come_v until_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o presence_n the_o great_a congregation_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a receptacle_n of_o divine_a truth_n the_o state_n of_o religion_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v rare_o speak_v of_o especial_o when_o declare_v etc._n psal_n 100_o 1._o 117._o 16._o 1_o etc._n etc._n in_o its_o magnificence_n with_o a_o less_o public_a character_n than_o all_o people_n all_o nation_n all_o land_n the_o round_a world_n in_o its_o whole_a circle_n from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o go_v down_o of_o the_o same_o all_z the_o earth_n true_a religion_n aspire_v to_o it_o even_o under_o the_o narrow_a dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o in_o this_o very_a sense_n it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o his_o time_n the_o whole_a creation_n groan_v and_o travel_v in_o pain_n until_o etc._n rom._n 8._o 19_o etc._n etc._n now_o and_o the_o earnest_a expectation_n of_o it_o wait_v for_o the_o adoption_n the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v gather_v together_o under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n nor_o will_v some_o of_o every_o nation_n satisfy_v the_o full_a intention_n of_o this_o magnificence_n but_o that_o nation_n as_o nation_n embody_v and_o kingdom_n as_o kingdom_n shall_v become_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o christ_n be_v the_o plenary_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n when_o even_o as_o of_o israel_n a_o indisputable_o national_a church_n god_n shall_v say_v of_o heathen_a nation_n as_o of_o egypt_n and_o assyria_n know_v to_o israel_n so_o well_o and_o know_v so_o well_o as_o rank_o heathen_a and_o therefore_o choose_v as_o representative_n of_o the_o whole_a heathen_a world_n yet_o of_o these_o god_n shall_v say_v bless_a be_v egypt_n my_o people_n and_o assyria_n the_o work_n of_o my_o hand_n and_o israel_n ult_n isa_n 19_o ult_n my_o inheritance_n for_o in_o that_o day_n israel_n shall_v be_v but_o a_o three_o with_o egypt_n and_o assyria_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o highway_n through_o they_o all_o and_o they_o shall_v serve_v together_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o free_a passage_n of_o truth_n through_o all_o a_o high_a way_n of_o the_o gospel_n throughout_o and_o a_o union_n of_o worship_n so_o then_o if_o we_o find_v so_o much_o for_o a_o national_a religion_n in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o grasp_v more_o than_o those_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o then_o matter_n of_o fact_n only_o if_o our_o saviour_n commission_n for_o make_v disciple_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n extend_v to_o all_o nation_n if_o the_o prophetic_a book_n of_o the_o new_a
wisdom_n and_o goodness_n yet_o it_o be_v speak_v to_o we_o in_o the_o plain_a language_n as_o if_o god_n carry_v it_o as_o prince_n do_v in_o their_o magnificence_n who_o glory_n be_v in_o their_o great_a court_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o attendant_n and_o people_n spectator_n admirer_n and_o tributary_n to_o their_o lustre_n 2._o i_o argue_v to_o the_o publickness_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o good_a it_o do_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n it_o be_v from_o hence_o the_o great_a wisdom_n to_o win_v soul_n and_o they_o that_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n shall_v shine_v as_o the_o star_n now_o the_o offer_n of_o true_a religion_n to_o they_o that_o have_v it_o not_o before_o the_o persuasion_n of_o it_o upon_o those_o that_o have_v not_o yet_o obey_v it_o tend_v to_o their_o conversion_n repentance_n to_o their_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n they_o therefore_o that_o have_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n use_v all_o mean_n out_o of_o love_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o propagate_v they_o to_o other_o which_o be_v best_a do_v by_o all_o public_a act_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o original_a law_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n it_o be_v so_o enoch_n the_o seven_o from_o adam_n prophesy_v public_o the_o lord_n come_v with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n noah_n be_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n this_o be_v the_o great_a zeal_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o first_o time_n further_o it_o strengthen_v confirm_v and_o inflame_v religion_n among_o those_o that_o be_v the_o joint_a professor_n public_a religion_n be_v the_o great_a glory_n and_o security_n of_o religion_n itself_o mutual_o warm_v and_o assist_v itself_o in_o all_o its_o several_a part_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o as_o iron_n sharpen_v iron_n so_o be_v the_o countenance_n of_o a_o man_n to_o his_o friend_n herein_o how_o much_o more_o lively_a be_v religion_n probable_a to_o be_v in_o a_o religious_a than_o a_o atheistick_a and_o barbarous_a country_n nor_o do_v god_n afford_v those_o divine_a heat_n to_o those_o that_o withdraw_v from_o assembly_n in_o religion_n except_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n however_o he_o may_v supply_v in_o extraordinary_a exigence_n without_o which_o woe_n to_o he_o that_o be_v alone_o in_o religion_n if_o he_o fall_v he_o have_v not_o any_o to_o help_v he_o up_o and_o how_o can_v one_o be_v warm_a alone_o if_o one_o prevail_v against_o he_o he_o want_v a_o second_o to_o withstand_v together_o with_o he_o and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o threefold_a cord_n that_o be_v not_o easy_o break_v every_o thing_n in_o nature_n endeavour_n towards_o community_n or_o universal_a unity_n as_o its_o own_o strength_n and_o security_n even_o the_o devil_n retain_v so_o much_o of_o first_o nature_n as_o to_o knit_v in_o a_o community_n and_o false_a christianity_n imitate_v the_o true_a in_o a_o pretence_n to_o universality_n though_o a_o most_o destructive_a one_o like_o that_o of_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n who_o aspire_v to_o universal_a monarchy_n but_o it_o be_v in_o sin_n and_o death_n but_o this_o do_v not_o disparage_v true_a religion_n move_v to_o a_o universality_n of_o truth_n peace_n and_o life_n for_o evermore_o 3._o the_o blessing_n and_o acceptance_n that_o religion_n receive_v from_o the_o divine_a majesty_n be_v much_o great_a for_o the_o publickness_n of_o it_o even_o in_o this_o sense_n two_o be_v better_o than_o one_o for_o they_o have_v a_o good_a reward_n for_o their_o labour_n in_o thss_a sense_n their_o complicate_v service_n be_v more_o forcible_a their_o threefold_a cord_n be_v not_o easy_o break_v not_o that_o god_n be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o any_o change_n in_o himself_o or_o his_o government_n by_o the_o service_n of_o his_o creature_n though_o in_o a_o multitude_n but_o he_o be_v please_v to_o found_v the_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n of_o his_o own_o most_o bountiful_a recompense_n in_o the_o draw_v near_o of_o their_o great_a number_n for_o as_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o communicate_v himself_o more_o free_o he_o do_v it_o to_o a_o multitude_n of_o creature_n so_o he_o delight_v in_o receive_v back_o the_o glory_n of_o have_v thus_o communicate_v himself_o from_o a_o multitude_n also_o and_o as_o there_o be_v more_o of_o himself_o in_o more_o of_o his_o creature_n whether_o of_o several_a sort_n or_o of_o the_o same_o so_o there_o be_v more_o of_o his_o blessing_n in_o their_o approach_n to_o he_o he_o that_o do_v not_o only_o weigh_v the_o mountain_n in_o scale_n but_o comprehend_v the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o a_o measure_n take_v notice_n of_o those_o prayer_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o people_n that_o make_v the_o crowd_n and_o throng_n in_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n he_o accept_v the_o pair_n of_o turtle_n dove_n the_o two_o mite_n when_o it_o be_v the_o all_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o reward_v it_o this_o be_v the_o policy_n of_o nineveh_n natural_a religion_n to_o unite_v their_o force_n in_o humiliation_n fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o to_o take_v advantage_n of_o join_v the_o mute_a desire_n of_o the_o beast_n that_o have_v a_o voice_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n abraham_n servant_n make_v the_o camel_n kneel_v down_o while_o he_o pray_v to_o god_n thus_o in_o thanksgiving_n it_o be_v david_n art_n to_o gather_v up_o all_o the_o praise_n even_o of_o the_o low_a of_o the_o creature_n that_o can_v so_o mean_o give_v they_o and_o inspire_v they_o with_o his_o own_o reason_n make_v they_o as_o it_o be_v to_o follow_v his_o harp_n and_o unite_v in_o his_o own_o hallelujah_n thus_o he_o serve_v himself_o of_o they_o that_o make_v by_o they_o a_o great_a present_n of_o glory_n to_o god_n he_o may_v receive_v the_o great_a blessing_n from_o he_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o good_a effect_n of_o christian_a charity_n in_o cause_v a_o abundance_n of_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n david_n say_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o people_n will_v compass_v god_n about_o add_v this_o prayer_n therefore_o for_o their_o sake_n return_v thou_o on_o high_a now_o all_o these_o expression_n report_v to_o we_o a_o great_a force_n in_o the_o publickness_n of_o religious_a duty_n we_o know_v it_o be_v only_o from_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o this_o publickness_n with_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o nature_n and_o his_o holy_a ordination_n who_o love_v his_o saint_n and_o know_v their_o approach_n to_o he_o be_v a_o approach_n to_o their_o life_n and_o happiness_n and_o because_o he_o love_v all_o his_o saint_n and_o creature_n the_o more_o of_o they_o in_o conjunction_n draw_v near_o to_o he_o the_o more_o of_o his_o tender_a mercy_n have_v the_o occasion_n to_o spread_v themselves_o for_o else_o all_o the_o nation_n be_v to_o god_n but_o as_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o bucket_n and_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o balance_n all_o their_o service_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o he_o for_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o burn_v before_o he_o he_o humble_v himself_o to_o behold_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o those_o on_o earth_n he_o with_o great_a delight_n yet_o look_v to_o one_o that_o be_v of_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o that_o tremble_v at_o his_o word_n as_o one_o day_n and_o a_o thousand_o year_n be_v both_o alike_o to_o the_o infinity_o of_o god_n so_o be_v a_o thousand_o person_n and_o but_o one_o as_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o to_o save_v with_o many_o or_o few_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v entreat_v by_o they_o in_o prayer_n or_o accept_v their_o praise_n but_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o divine_a manifestation_n in_o his_o love_n and_o bounty_n so_o he_o be_v please_v to_o see_v his_o servant_n draw_v near_o to_o he_o in_o a_o union_n of_o love_n among_o themselves_o and_o every_o one_o have_v a_o claim_n to_o his_o favour_n who_o be_v all_o goodness_n the_o unite_a claim_n be_v strong_a he_o hear_v even_o the_o raven_n that_o cry_v for_o they_o be_v his_o creature_n if_o any_o man_n therefore_o can_v intwist_v their_o cry_n with_o his_o own_o in_o a_o general_a scarcity_n he_o make_v his_o own_o so_o much_o the_o strong_a he_o than_o that_o join_v the_o prayer_n and_o desire_n of_o many_o with_o his_o own_o double_v still_o the_o strength_n as_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o apostle_n so_o often_o and_o earnest_o desire_v the_o help_n of_o prayer_n and_o this_o may_v answer_v what_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o good_a man_n join_v with_o public_a and_o promiscuous_a assembly_n wherein_o be_v so_o many_o ignorant_a and_o bad_a man_n that_o by_o their_o sin_n ignorance_n and_o folly_n rather_o obstruct_v the_o effect_n and_o acceptance_n of_o good_a man_n join_v with_o they_o so_o that_o
it_o may_v seem_v better_a if_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n separate_v themselves_o and_o leave_v the_o generality_n of_o a_o nation_n out_o of_o their_o religious_a service_n but_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o as_o the_o ninevite_n and_o abraham'â—_n steward_n serve_v themselves_o of_o the_o beast_n in_o their_o prayer_n and_o david_n serve_v himself_o of_o the_o very_o low_a of_o the_o creature_n in_o his_o praise_n so_o good_a man_n consecrate_v the_o public_a religion_n though_o result_v from_o a_o medley_n of_o worse_a man_n turn_v it_o to_o great_a glory_n to_o god_n advantage_n to_o themselves_o and_o the_o advantage_n of_o those_o worse_a man_n also_o in_o sundry_a respect_n when_o it_o do_v not_o prevail_v to_o their_o conversion_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o figure_n of_o value_n subordinate_v to_o themselves_o cipher_n increase_n sum_v to_o very_o vast_a the_o service_n of_o man_n not_o true_o religious_a be_v not_o so_o acceptable_a to_o god_n alone_o but_o be_v ennoble_v by_o the_o union_n of_o true_o good_a man_n for_o that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o virtue_n be_v plain_a even_o job_n friend_n though_o good_a man_n themselves_o receive_v good_a by_o his_o offering_n their_o sacrifice_n and_o that_o good_a man_n may_v subject_v the_o service_n of_o evil_a man_n to_o their_o own_o be_v as_o plain_a by_o the_o apostle_n rejoice_v that_o christ_n be_v preach_v by_o those_o that_o preach_v he_o out_o of_o envy_n and_o contention_n for_o while_o his_o preach_v christ_n out_o of_o love_n over_o rule_v they_o who_o preach_v the_o same_o christ_n from_o worse_a respect_n all_o their_o preach_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o forcible_o unite_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o it_o become_v as_o if_o it_o be_v whole_o his_o own_o &_o turn_v to_o his_o salvation_n the_o great_a &_o true_a light_n drink_v up_o the_o less_o &_o the_o less_o noble_a which_o follow_v in_o attendance_n upon_o it_o &_o so_o much_o more_o the_o prayer_n of_o less_o worthy_a man_n be_v snatch_v up_o to_o heaven_n with_o the_o prayer_n of_o holy_a man_n and_o prevail_v for_o a_o full_a acceptance_n of_o they_o with_o god_n leave_v only_o some_o lesser_a portion_n of_o blessing_n to_o those_o who_o heart_n do_v not_o ascend_v with_o their_o prayer_n yet_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a of_o say_v to_o any_o stand_v off_o i_o be_o holy_a than_o thou_o many_o a_o man_n be_v reject_v under_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o publican_n who_o heart_n be_v break_v within_o itself_o to_o god_n have_v great_a acceptance_n from_o he_o than_o what_o seem_v rather_o to_o be_v prefer_v among_o man_n for_o the_o honour_n therefore_o of_o the_o most_o public_a conjunction_n in_o holy_a service_n we_o may_v observe_v those_o man_n who_o be_v of_o the_o most_o happy_a memory_n in_o scripture_n man_n of_o renown_n for_o the_o efficacy_n of_o their_o prayer_n as_o noah_n moses_n samuel_n job_n daniel_n the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o many_o other_o be_v no_o monkish_a sort_n of_o man_n no_o man_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o public_a upon_o choice_n but_o personage_n as_o of_o the_o most_o divine_a spread_a reason_n so_o of_o a_o public_a wisdom_n grace_n and_o spirit_n contain_v a_o public_a interest_n and_o piety_n within_o their_o own_o breast_n yet_o join_v with_o as_o many_o as_o they_o can_v to_o better_v their_o service_n mutual_o and_o not_o scruple_v union_n with_o they_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v worse_o or_o their_o service_n less_o acceptable_a man_n of_o no_o narrow_a and_o contract_a spirit_n principle_n or_o devotion_n but_o like_o our_o saviour_n converse_n with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n they_o be_v as_o physician_n to_o the_o sick_a help_v to_o the_o weak_a as_o well_o as_o the_o comparion_n of_o all_o that_o fear_n god_n pull_v sinner_n with_o violence_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n convert_v they_o from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n save_v soul_n from_o death_n and_o endeavour_v to_o hide_v the_o multitude_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o be_v so_o prevalent_a in_o prayer_n for_o other_o though_o at_o sometime_o god_n be_v so_o incense_v as_o to_o deny_v audience_n even_o to_o such_o except_o for_o their_o own_o soul_n thus_o clear_v it_o be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o public_a religion_n in_o these_o great_a example_n they_o separate_v from_o the_o sin_n the_o superstition_n that_o be_v at_o any_o time_n become_v public_a but_o join_v with_o the_o public_a religion_n and_o thereby_o raise_v it_o to_o much_o high_a excellency_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o make_v bad_a thing_n good_a as_o false_a worship_n or_o corruption_n of_o practice_n if_o never_o so_o many_o good_a man_n fall_v into_o they_o it_o will_v endanger_v they_o but_o can_v better_v that_o which_o be_v of_o itself_o bad_a but_o that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o good_a which_o will_v be_v much_o dispirited_a through_o evil_a handle_n it_o by_o bad_a man_n may_v be_v make_v better_a by_o holy_a man_n predominancy_n and_o ascendency_n in_o it_o and_o so_o turn_v to_o general_a good_a in_o some_o thirty_o in_o some_o sixty_o in_o some_o a_o hundredfold_a which_o show_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o both_o communicativeness_n and_o singularity_n of_o these_o holy_a man_n communicativeness_n in_o true_a worship_n though_o with_o bad_a man_n singularity_n from_o sin_n and_o false_a worship_n i_o have_v now_o dispatch_v this_o first_o head_n i_o propose_v concern_v the_o publickness_n of_o religion_n in_o general_a i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o head_n that_o this_o publickness_n determine_v itself_o in_o national_a religion_n neither_o stay_v short_a of_o it_o nor_o expatiate_v beyond_o it_o and_o to_o make_v good_a this_o i_o first_o consider_v how_o humane_a society_n rise_v and_o what_o be_v the_o first_o band_n of_o union_n and_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a the_o first_o association_n of_o mankind_n must_v grow_v out_o of_o family_n as_o i_o have_v observe_v the_o law_n of_o humane_a society_n be_v first_o declare_v and_o promulge_v upon_o the_o institution_n of_o marriage_n this_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o family_n family_n of_o all_o great_a association_n of_o man_n here_o also_o must_v begin_v all_o religious_a society_n these_o be_v the_o most_o near_o and_o combine_v here_o therefore_o be_v the_o most_o frequent_a season_n of_o worship_v god_n of_o daily_a praise_n of_o he_o and_o prayer_n to_o he_o the_o example_n of_o it_o we_o find_v in_o abraham_n joshua_n david_n cornelius_n family_n and_o the_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o some_o christian_n at_o the_o first_o this_o domestic_a body_n be_v most_o close_o with_o itself_o and_o more_o easy_o call_v together_o therefore_o the_o first_o seat_n of_o religious_a society_n family_n therefore_o for_o the_o closeness_n nearness_n and_o naturalness_n of_o that_o government_n as_o be_v the_o small_a of_o community_n but_o the_o most_o primitive_a be_v particular_o name_v in_o this_o prayer_n against_o the_o heathen_a and_o make_v another_o expression_n together_o with_o kingdom_n of_o irreligious_a community_n for_o as_o kingdom_n be_v great_a family_n unite_v indeed_o as_o family_n but_o great_a so_o family_n though_o lesser_a be_v yet_o the_o first_o kingdom_n religion_n therefore_o be_v a_o most_o contestable_a duty_n and_o obligation_n in_o those_o lessâ—r_a kingdom_n family_n it_o argue_v to_o the_o same_o obligation_n and_o duty_n in_o those_o great_a family_n kingdom_n and_o the_o religion_n or_o irreligion_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o run_v along_o one_o with_o the_o other_o thus_o god_n first_o eminent_o himself_o found_v religion_n in_o abraham_n family_n and_o so_o commence_v both_o the_o family_n and_o religion_n into_o a_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n religion_n therefore_o rise_v high_a and_o settle_v here_o as_o upon_o the_o most_o advantageous_a eminence_n as_o in_o the_o most_o full_a and_o free_a spread_v community_n call_v nation_n for_o their_o greatness_n and_o numerousness_n kingdom_n for_o their_o majestic_a government_n and_o union_n in_o it_o for_o a_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n be_v a_o part_n of_o mankind_n canton_v indeed_o from_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o wideness_n of_o that_o yet_o into_o a_o large_a compass_n than_o neighbourhood_n town_n or_o city_n and_o be_v general_o enclose_v within_o some_o more_o remarkable_a bound_n of_o place_n as_o sea_n river_n mountain_n unite_v by_o nearness_n of_o manner_n custom_n and_o disposition_n arise_v from_o like_a temperature_n of_o air_n and_o climate_n freedom_n of_o conversation_n and_o commerce_n have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o language_n but_o especial_o as_o under_o the_o same_o civil_a interest_n law_n government_n and_o legislative_a authority_n for_o these_o mutual_a bond_n be_v they_o which_o give_v reason_n to_o national_a religion_n as_o the_o most_o solemn_a instance_n of_o public_a religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n because_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o
one_o view_n be_v by_o st._n stephen_n as_o i_o observe_v call_v the_o church_n and_o the_o congregation_n after_o they_o be_v become_v a_o nation_n though_o they_o can_v not_o all_o then_o meet_v together_o be_v call_v the_o church_n also_o because_o they_o be_v all_o under_o one_o law_n and_o institution_n all_o partaker_n of_o the_o same_o right_n and_o privilege_n and_o so_o indeed_o all_o particular_a church_n of_o christian_n be_v but_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o lesser_a association_n as_o the_o circumference_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o same_o though_o in_o so_o many_o different_a orison_n as_o light_n be_v the_o same_o though_o various_o model_v by_o its_o several_a reception_n as_o the_o ocean_n be_v one_o by_o how_o many_o several_a denomination_n soever_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o shore_n it_o wash_v or_o the_o channel_n or_o other_o situation_n it_o rest_v in_o so_o this_o church_n be_v often_o speak_v of_o as_o one_o church_n and_o as_o several_a church_n as_o the_o sea_n be_v one_o and_o several_a sea_n they_o be_v so_o much_o every_o way_n the_o same_o as_o to_o differ_v only_o in_o the_o universality_n but_o whether_o a_o nation_n unite_v in_o christianity_n may_v be_v call_v a_o national_a church_n have_v many_o dissent_v of_o opinion_n appertain_v to_o it_o and_o not_o possible_a to_o be_v decide_v by_o express_a scripture_n there_o be_v no_o christian_a nation_n under_o heaven_n in_o those_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o it_o be_v write_v i_o shall_v leave_v whole_o in_o the_o middle_n and_o only_o observe_v two_o thing_n concern_v this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o there_o can_v no_o great_a matter_n accrue_v to_o either_o side_n of_o it_o by_o decide_v for_o or_o against_o a_o national_a church_n for_o allow_v a_o national_a church_n or_o if_o you_o will_v a_o congregational_a church_n agree_v in_o any_o thing_n not_o agree_v with_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n or_o if_o either_o of_o they_o want_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o case_n christian_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o retire_v from_o the_o irregularity_n of_o any_o such_o church_n either_o national_a or_o congregational_a that_o they_o may_v be_v pure_a from_o corruption_n in_o the_o second_o case_n christian_n must_v find_v out_o the_o way_n and_o opportunity_n so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a whereby_o they_o may_v perform_v all_o the_o duty_n command_v by_o christ_n though_o they_o separate_v from_o either_o of_o those_o church_n no_o further_o than_o to_o those_o end_n but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o corruption_n in_o the_o main_n or_o a_o defect_n in_o the_o vital_n of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n of_o christ_n in_o either_o notion_n or_o church_n that_o will_v not_o be_v upon_o due_a remonstrance_n reform_v then_o if_o according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n christian_n gather_v into_o assembly_n though_o lesser_a though_o but_o of_o two_o or_o three_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o inconvenience_n of_o rend_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o make_v division_n in_o his_o church_n shall_v condemn_v they_o for_o the_o society_n desert_v be_v not_o his_o church_n but_o the_o society_n that_o do_v desert_n be_v his_o church_n suppose_v it_o retire_v sincere_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o other_o side_n suppose_v a_o national_a church_n not_o of_o the_o ordination_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o under_o that_o name_n or_o notion_n yet_o if_o that_o stand_v good_a which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o every_o nation_n to_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n establish_v in_o nature_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n to_o plant_v true_a christian_a religion_n upon_o its_o national_a union_n it_o will_v be_v still_o every_o christian_n duty_n to_o join_v in_o unite_z himself_z with_o encourage_v and_o promote_v all_o that_o true_a national_a christian_n religion_n and_o not_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o any_o further_a than_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n oblige_v he_o that_o he_o may_v yield_v obedience_n to_o all_o those_o law_n for_o it_o be_v the_o absolute_a duty_n of_o every_o member_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o seek_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o his_o nation_n in_o his_o sphere_n as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v of_o the_o jew_n in_o so_o high_a a_o orb_n when_o he_o profess_v his_o great_a heaviness_n and_o sorrow_n of_o heart_n even_o to_o the_o wish_v himself_o accurse_v from_o christ_n and_o pray_v with_o his_o heart_n desire_v they_o may_v be_v save_v on_o account_n of_o which_o in_o so_o many_o thing_n he_o become_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o jew_n and_o write_v that_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n it_o be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n to_o i_o most_o probable_a it_o be_v he_o that_o he_o may_v make_v good_a all_o those_o great_a profession_n of_o love_n to_o they_o for_o though_o it_o be_v peculiar_o direct_v to_o the_o christian_a hebrew_n yet_o it_o have_v a_o aspect_n upon_o the_o whole_a religion_n and_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o scope_n of_o adjust_v all_o the_o mosaic_a and_o jewish_a law_n to_o the_o gospel-mediation_n make_v plain_a and_o so_o be_v in_o itself_o most_o proper_a for_o the_o conversion_n of_o that_o nation_n as_o a_o nation_n see_v their_o own_a and_o glory_v in_o national_a religion_n true_o understand_v lead_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n just_o now_o to_o have_v be_v their_o national_a religion_n if_o they_o have_v yield_v obedience_n to_o their_o own_o law_n right_o interpret_v now_o if_o national_a religion_n be_v a_o undoubted_a obligation_n upon_o nation_n and_o the_o member_n of_o nation_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v true_a those_o law_n those_o officer_n that_o be_v though_o not_o ordain_v by_o christ_n yet_o not_o contradictory_n to_o his_o ordination_n but_o necessary_a according_a to_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n to_o the_o establish_v true_a religion_n as_o national_a must_v be_v submit_v to_o also_o upon_o the_o account_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o true_a religion_n as_o national_a but_o if_o national_a religion_n wander_v from_o truth_n that_o fundamental_a liberty_n establish_v by_o scripture_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v always_o preserve_v that_o i_o before_o assert_v as_o give_v right_o to_o retire_v from_o all_o society_n not_o unite_v in_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o defection_n from_o it_o but_o for_o the_o further_o justify_v national_a true_a religion_n i_o will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n observe_v from_o scripture_n the_o uses_n and_o great_a end_n of_o church_n and_o see_v how_o far_o national_a religion_n may_v be_v accommodate_v to_o they_o for_o church_n be_v not_o therefore_o appoint_v that_o man_n may_v arbitrary_o and_o fanciful_o choose_v which_o or_o what_o sort_n they_o will_v be_v of_o but_o that_o the_o true_a reason_n and_o purpose_n of_o they_o may_v be_v observe_v and_o comply_v with_o and_o they_o be_v these_o three_o 1._o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o generation_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n however_o disperse_v at_o whatever_o distance_n soever_o remote_a yet_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n prayer_n preach_v praise_v god_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o if_o opportunity_n allow_v and_o invite_v it_o in_o the_o same_o actual_a worship_n and_o at_o all_o time_n close_o compact_v in_o a_o virtual_a and_o mystical_a communion_n with_o one_o another_o the_o same_o spirit_n run_v through_o all_o unite_n all_o to_o christ_n and_o god_n and_o one_o with_o another_o join_v in_o the_o same_o love_n and_o sympathy_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o prosperity_n and_o of_o sorrow_n in_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n one_o of_o another_o and_o with_o all_o readiness_n in_o yield_v the_o fruit_n of_o mutual_a charity_n mercy_n and_o compassion_n from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o the_o other_o every_o true_a christian_a be_v the_o compassionate_a samaritan_n to_o every_o other_o christian_a and_o not_o jewish_o distinguish_v his_o mercy_n to_o his_o own_o sect_n party_n or_o church_n and_o in_o case_n of_o corruption_n and_o defection_n from_o the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v to_o christian_n a_o mutual_a power_n of_o remonstrate_v against_o those_o corruption_n and_o that_o defection_n by_o argue_v expostulate_v censure_v the_o evil_a of_o they_o yea_o and_o authoritative_a denounce_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n upon_o they_o for_o that_o charter_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o true_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o true_a church_n stand_v good_a as_o to_o age_n so_o to_o
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
craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o 14._o eccles_n 4._o 14._o wait_n to_o deceive_v but_o follow_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n we_o may_v grow_v up_o into_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n who_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n from_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o edify_a itself_o in_o love_n be_v not_o carry_v about_o 9_o heb._n 13_o 9_o with_o divers_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n for_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v establish_v with_o grace_n not_o with_o meat_n which_o have_v not_o profit_v they_o that_o have_v be_v exercise_v therein_o 2._o that_o we_o have_v a_o true_a and_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o our_o obedience_n to_o it_o the_o blessedness_n of_o which_o and_o its_o great_a preservation_n from_o scandal_n the_o psalmist_n thus_o describe_v bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o council_n of_o the_o ungodly_a nor_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n nor_o 1._o psal_n 1._o 1._o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a but_o his_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o that_o law_n do_v he_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o tree_n plant_v by_o the_o river_n of_o water_n that_o bring_v forth_o his_o fruit_n in_o due_a season_n his_o leaf_n also_o shall_v not_o wither_v and_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v shall_v prosper_v 3._o that_o we_o order_v all_o thing_n of_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n aright_o both_o as_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o to_o which_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n direction_n shall_v be_v always_o before_o we_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n nor_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n 22._o rom._n 14._o 5_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 22._o give_v no_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o gentile_n nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n even_o as_o i_o please_v all_o man_n in_o all_o thing_n not_o seek_v my_o own_o profit_n but_o the_o profit_n of_o many_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v whoever_o thus_o serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o men._n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la several_a mispointings_a and_o literal_a mistake_n the_o candid_a reader_n be_v desire_v to_o observe_v and_o pardon_n and_o what_o be_v most_o injurious_a to_o the_o sense_n thus_o to_o correct_v page_n 6._o line_n 32._o for_o a_o read_v all_o p._n 13._o l._n 22._o for_o they_o r._n the._n p._n 17._o l._n 12._o deal_n not_o p._n 18._o l._n 11._o for_o at_o r._n with_o p._n 25._o l._n 30._o for_o he_o r_o any_o one_o p._n 27._o l._n 30._o for_o purity_n r._n party_n p._n 38._o l._n 4_o for_o righteous_a r._n weak_a p._n 44._o l._n 24._o deal_n they_o p._n 48._o l._n 17._o for_o rule_n r._n rate_n p._n 55._o l._n 22._o after_o be_v r._n not_o p._n 61._o l._n 9_o for_o sacrifice_n r._n sacrament_n p._n 76._o l._n 29._o for_o party_n r._n polity_n p._n 79._o l._n 11._o after_o just_o r._n may_n print_a for_o tho._n parkhurst_n the_o whole_a duty_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o national_a true_a religion_n argue_v and_o persuade_v upon_o great_a motive_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n conciliate_v to_o all_o moderate_a apprehension_n though_o differ_v in_o small_a thing_n and_o to_o the_o strict_a notion_n of_o church_n two_o book_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o its_o order_n to_o universal_a peace_n impartial_o state_v and_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o just_a right_n and_o genuine_a effect_n of_o true_a natural_a and_o christian_a religion_n in_o immunity_n from_o penal-law_n church_n censure_n and_o private_a animosity_n a_o catholic_n catechism_n show_v the_o impossibility_n the_o catholic_n religion_n shall_v be_v vary_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o thought_n from_o the_o measure_n leave_v seal_v by_o the_o apostle_n without_o the_o loss_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o the_o impossibility_n popery_n or_o whatever_o else_o be_v not_o find_v in_o scripture_n shall_v be_v catholic_n compose_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mean_a that_o will_v but_o consider_v that_o they_o may_v know_v and_o be_v ready_a upon_o un-movable_a reason_n to_o give_v a_o apology_n or_o defensive_a answer_n for_o the_o catholic_n religion_n if_o they_o be_v indeed_o of_o it_o and_o be_v secure_v from_o temptation_n in_o time_n of_o danger_n 2_o pet._n i._o 12_o the_o present_a truth_n prov._n 22._o 21._o that_o i_o may_v make_v thou_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n that_o thou_o may_v answer_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n to_o they_o that_o send_v unto_o thou_o london_n print_v for_o tho._n parkhurst_n and_o will._n miller_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n and_o the_o acorn_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1683._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n i_o call_v this_o a_o catechism_n because_o i_o design_v it_o a_o familiar_a instruction_n in_o fundamental_a truth_n resound_v the_o same_o thing_n from_o question_n to_o answer_n the_o easy_a way_n of_o convey_v truth_n and_o imprint_v it_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o that_o be_v even_o of_o the_o mean_a capacity_n but_o especial_o because_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v daily_o so_o meditate_a upon_o ponder_v and_o apply_v to_o use_v as_o to_o be_v a_o perpetual_a sound_n in_o our_o ear_n and_o so_o to_o be_v proper_o style_v catechism_n for_o thing_n of_o such_o great_a weight_n as_o principle_n be_v must_v have_v as_o the_o most_o advantageous_a admission_n as_o the_o most_o deep_a and_o therefore_o leisurely_o insinuation_n as_o the_o most_o resolve_a adherence_n when_o find_v true_a and_o right_a which_o be_v buy_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o sell_v it_o so_o they_o must_v have_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o ready_a application_n to_o all_o their_o uses_n and_o end_v they_o must_v therefore_o be_v bind_v continual_o about_o our_o neck_n that_o when_o we_o go_v they_o may_v lead_v we_o that_o when_o we_o sleep_v they_o may_v keep_v we_o that_o when_o we_o wake_v they_o may_v talk_v with_o we_o prov._n 6._o 21_o 22._o i_o know_v the_o thing_n i_o have_v write_v can_v be_v due_o receive_v without_o much_o think_v and_o without_o that_o they_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o a_o censorious_a rejection_n from_o the_o most_o or_o of_o a_o superficial_a unintelligent_a acceptance_n in_o the_o kind_a which_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o i_o present_v it_o as_o a_o catechism_n to_o those_o that_o shall_v at_o all_o approve_v it_o that_o they_o may_v be_v thorough_o verse_v in_o it_o and_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o grow_v domestic_a to_o they_o i_o call_v it_o a_o catholic_n catechism_n only_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o great_a subject_n it_o treat_v of_o the_o catholic_n religion_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v catholic_n or_o in_o which_o their_o catholickness_n consist_v that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o holy_a and_o happy_a spirit_n be_v by_o that_o catholickness_n unite_v and_o close_o band_v with_o itself_o catholic_n as_o the_o epistle_n call_v catholic_n that_o be_v after_o some_o doubt_v assert_v to_o be_v divine_a of_o the_o public_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o give_v that_o public_a doctrine_n in_o which_o the_o general_a assembly_n be_v one_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o contrive_v the_o question_n and_o answer_n so_o that_o the_o answer_n may_v be_v a_o apology_n or_o defensive_a answer_n of_o that_o catholic_n truth_n give_v a_o reason_n or_o a_o rational_a account_n to_o any_o demand_v that_o can_v be_v make_v upon_o it_o and_o it_o be_v the_o apology_n of_o that_o truth_n itself_o the_o apology_n it_o give_v and_o furnish_v we_o with_o for_o other_o can_v no_o man_n give_v truth_n can_v need_v no_o other_o than_o its_o native_a apology_n for_o itself_o no_o other_o will_v it_o accept_v to_o give_v this_o and_o to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v it_o to_o keep_v it_o within_o we_o and_o to_o have_v it_o fit_v to_o our_o lip_n be_v the_o proper_a fruit_n of_o such_o a_o catechetical_a instruction_n and_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o great_a honour_n we_o can_v do_v to_o god_n first_o to_o sanctify_v he_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o a_o full_a acknowledgement_n of_o he_o in_o his_o divine_a truth_n by_o a_o plerophory_n or_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o father_n and_o
of_o christ_n for_o a_o devotion_n to_o the_o true_a god_n without_o know_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a god_n can_v thus_o sanctify_v or_o honour_v he_o there_o be_v nothing_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o rational_a in_o than_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o account_n of_o which_o and_o of_o its_o whole_a content_a aught_o to_o be_v so_o certain_a to_o we_o that_o nothing_o of_o a_o diverse_a spirit_n from_o it_o can_v be_v add_v to_o it_o nor_o any_o thing_n of_o its_o integral_n or_o essential_a nature_n take_v from_o it_o but_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v it_o will_v change_v the_o account_n and_o so_o we_o need_v not_o make_v a_o traverse_v over_o all_o falsehood_n to_o know_v truth_n but_o by_o have_v a_o right_a understanding_n in_o and_o just_a contemplation_n of_o truth_n the_o most_o even_a thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n we_o come_v to_o know_v itself_o by_o itself_o and_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o although_o there_o be_v no_o other_o false_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o compare_v it_o with_o and_o set_v it_o off_o by_o and_o withal_o to_o descry_v every_o false_a way_n offer_v to_o we_o and_o to_o hate_v it_o yea_o we_o observe_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v but_o doubtful_o propose_v and_o stay_v it_o its_o due_a time_n of_o examination_n and_o so_o either_o accept_v or_o reject_v it_o or_o if_o we_o see_v full_a reason_n for_o neither_o still_o suspend_v it_o be_v not_o the_o law_n of_o our_o country_n our_o church_n our_o be_v baptise_a or_o educate_v in_o it_o that_o will_v justify_v our_o religion_n to_o be_v the_o true_a it_o be_v not_o the_o high_a reverence_n of_o it_o the_o devotion_n we_o use_v in_o it_o our_o hate_v of_o those_o that_o speak_v blasphemous_o of_o it_o will_v make_v good_a our_o religion_n what_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n may_v not_o be_v justify_v upon_o such_o topic_n it_o be_v not_o that_o we_o find_v many_o great_a principle_n of_o truth_n in_o a_o religion_n that_o will_v justify_v it_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n that_o can_v be_v call_v religion_n that_o do_v not_o espouse_v many_o true_a principle_n and_o in_o christian_a religion_n antichristianism_n vie_v with_o christianity_n itself_o upon_o the_o fundamental_a creed_n which_o itself_o confess_v with_o true_a christanity_n but_o have_v build_v upon_o they_o new_a creed_n of_o its_o own_o and_o so_o corrupt_v all_o for_o what_o be_v so_o pure_a and_o perfect_a as_o true_a religion_n be_v must_v needs_o be_v corrupt_v by_o any_o addition_n all_o that_o be_v pure_a and_o true_a be_v already_o its_o own_o who_o then_o can_v add_v to_o it_o and_o not_o be_v find_v a_o liar_n nothing_o therefore_o as_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v can_v be_v our_o security_n for_o true_a religion_n but_o the_o just_a divine_a measure_n the_o common_a faith_n the_o true_a catholic_n standard_n which_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o main_a end_n be_v most_o evident_a and_o in_o entertain_v nothing_o that_o be_v not_o so_o evident_a till_o it_o become_v so_o upon_o this_o great_a test_n this_o be_v our_o security_n for_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a there_o be_v less_o danger_n when_o our_o understanding_n be_v not_o yet_o extend_v to_o the_o breadth_n of_o divine_a truth_n if_o none_o of_o the_o vital_a principle_n be_v unknown_a to_o we_o unsense_v by_o we_o which_o be_v so_o exceed_o plain_a that_o we_o can_v be_v except_o wilful_o ignorant_a of_o they_o for_o no_o injury_n be_v do_v to_o truth_n that_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v its_o whole_a compass_n nor_o to_o ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o hate_v knowledge_n offer_v itself_o to_o our_o notice_n but_o in_o add_v to_o truth_n see_v we_o can_v have_v nothing_o to_o add_v but_o what_o be_v of_o no_o worth_n we_o must_v needs_o defile_v it_o in_o have_v only_a truth_n though_o we_o have_v not_o all_o truth_n we_o yet_o be_v under_o the_o influence_n of_o truth_n only_o but_o when_o we_o add_v we_o enslave_v ourselves_o to_o lie_v vanity_n now_o hereunto_o have_v i_o level_v the_o whole_a ensue_a catechism_n or_o discourse_n against_o which_o i_o know_v many_o prejudices_fw-la will_v lie_v except_o full_a consideration_n be_v allow_v i_o know_v too_o many_o thing_n raise_v a_o detestation_n at_o the_o first_o which_o be_v examine_v and_o weigh_v by_o their_o reason_n gain_v not_o only_o the_o discharge_n of_o these_o angry_a passion_n but_o much_o acceptance_n and_o assent_n and_o i_o must_v take_v the_o confidence_n to_o say_v in_o relation_n to_o any_o such_o doubt_n upon_o the_o ensue_a apology_n for_o catholic_n truth_n that_o it_o be_v settle_v upon_o such_o unmoveable_a reason_n and_o weigh_v out_o by_o such_o exact_a attendance_n to_o it_o that_o i_o may_v write_v upon_o it_o without_o immodesty_n loe_o this_o we_o have_v search_v it_o so_o it_o be_v hear_v it_o and_o know_v thou_o it_o for_o thy_o good_a for_o good_a in_o the_o quiet_a and_o most_o peaceable_a course_n of_o christianity_n wherein_o to_o know_v the_o true_a ground_n upon_o which_o it_o rest_v alone_o make_v the_o soul_n both_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o determine_v it_o to_o the_o square_a and_o just_a rule_n of_o that_o holy_a religion_n for_o good_a in_o time_n of_o temptation_n to_o a_o false_a religion_n especial_o that_o which_o call_v itself_o catholic_n for_o the_o true_o instruct_v christian_n in_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o catholic_n be_v even_o impregnable_a against_o that_o delusion_n of_o catholic_n false_o so_o call_v last_o for_o good_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o great_a difference_n and_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o practice_n in_o relation_n to_o lesser_a thing_n pertain_v more_o circumstantial_o or_o doubtful_o to_o true_a religion_n wherein_o the_o rational_a christian_a carry_v it_o as_o inoffensive_o and_o communicative_o as_o he_o can_v with_o all_o centre_n in_o that_o which_o be_v catholic_n as_o to_o his_o faith_n love_n inward_a esteem_n and_o practice_n and_o unmovable_o fix_v there_o detest_a all_o animosity_n and_o much_o more_o rigour_n or_o severity_n towards_o other_o in_o relation_n to_o such_o difference_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o ungenerous_a more_o unchristian_a more_o irreligious_a more_o unworthy_a the_o content_n cap._n i._o of_o the_o perfect_a and_o first_o state_n of_o humane_a nature_n with_o relation_n to_o catholic_n or_o public_a religion_n page_n 1_o cap._n ii_o of_o the_o violation_n of_o this_o catholic_n order_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o mean_v provide_v by_o god_n to_o restore_v it_o 7_o cap._n iii_o of_o the_o vncontroversible_a law_n of_o natural_a religion_n 10_o cap._n iu_o of_o revelation_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o so_o great_a miscarriage_n against_o both_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o revelation_n with_o the_o mean_n of_o cure_n 14_o cap._n v._o of_o the_o public_a or_o divine_a original_a of_o sacred_a write_n or_o scripture_n 23_o 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 27_o cap._n vii_o of_o the_o public_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n pag._n 36_o cap._n viii_o of_o tradition_n and_o antiquity_n â—â—_o cap._n ix_o of_o the_o church_n catholic_n 65_o cap._n x._o of_o the_o officer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n 8â—_n cap._n xi_o of_o every_o man_n obligation_n to_o be_v wise_a for_o himself_o to_o salvation_n 89_o cap._n xii_o of_o schism_n and_o scandal_n 93_o cap._n xiii_o of_o the_o antichurch_n and_o its_o opposition_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o the_o true_a church_n 109_o 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 128_o a_o catholic_n catechism_n cap._n i._n of_o the_o perfect_a and_o first_o state_n of_o humane_a nature_n with_o relation_n to_o catholic_n or_o public_a religion_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o most_o distinguish_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n answ_n catholic_n or_o true_o public_a religion_n for_o it_o be_v the_o all_o the_o whole_a or_o universal_a man_n whoever_o therefore_o have_v vanquish_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o have_v put_v off_o man_n and_o degrade_v himself_o into_o worse_a than_o a_o brute_n quest_n what_o do_v you_o mean_v by_o religion_n answ_n by_o religion_n i_o mean_v a_o close_o bind_v or_o unite_n ourselves_o to_o and_o with_o god_n the_o supreme_a be_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o according_a to_o his_o excellent_a nature_n and_o attribute_n in_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o seek_v his_o grace_n and_o favour_n according_a to_o all_o his_o divine_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o in_o so_o do_v we_o be_v join_v and_o join_v ourselves_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o same_o religious_a service_n perform_v by_o all_o quest_n why_o do_v you_o call_v it_o catholic_n or_o true_o public_a religion_n answ_n
have_v not_o so_o immediate_a a_o respect_n to_o he_o as_o godliness_n or_o religion_n be_v more_o under_o humane_a legislation_n in_o the_o particular_a adjustment_n to_o the_o general_n ends._n but_o both_o the_o inward_a court_n of_o religion_n or_o divine_a truth_n and_o worship_n itself_o and_o the_o outward_a court_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n be_v within_o such_o limitation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n therein_o not_o prescribe_v by_o god_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o freedom_n of_o every_o man_n by_o god_n and_o no_o power_n of_o prescription_n ought_v to_o come_v there_o that_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v either_o encumber_a by_o unnecessary_a observance_n or_o in_o danger_n to_o mistake_v they_o as_o have_v any_o influence_n into_o his_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v any_o and_o can_v indeed_o have_v none_o that_o be_v good_a nor_o last_o be_v in_o doubt_n whether_o he_o do_v not_o displease_v god_n in_o add_v to_o his_o worship_n but_o if_o a_o man_n can_v see_v his_o freedom_n in_o all_o these_o it_o be_v serve_v out_o of_o love_n and_o be_v make_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n and_o go_v to_o the_o utmost_a he_o can_v in_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n if_o a_o man_n can_v see_v his_o freedom_n but_o doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n he_o be_v under_o as_o severe_a a_o prohibition_n of_o compliance_n against_o his_o doubt_n as_o in_o other_o case_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o sentence_n be_v positive_a he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v in_o do_v the_o indifferent_a thing_n he_o doubt_v of_o and_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n or_o assurance_n it_o be_v please_v to_o god_n or_o not_o displease_v to_o he_o be_v sin_n quest_n but_o this_o doubt_n may_v extend_v to_o civil_a thing_n and_o indifference_n there_o or_o to_o those_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n and_o grandeur_n of_o supreme_a power_n god_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o answ_n when_o obedience_n be_v enforce_v in_o such_o thing_n the_o magistrate_n have_v this_o to_o justify_v he_o he_o be_v within_o his_o own_o territory_n give_v he_o by_o god_n he_o require_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n upon_o god_n donation_n but_o in_o religious_a thing_n â—e_n be_v within_o god_n peculiar_a and_o so_o can_v be_v justify_v in_o that_o enforcement_n because_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o peculiarly_a go_n quest_n the_o great_a question_n now_o remain_v what_o be_v subject_n to_o do_v when_o authority_n stamp_v itself_o upon_o false_a religion_n or_o enforce_v indifferent_a thing_n against_o the_o apprehension_n of_o conscience_n concern_v their_o lawfulness_n so_o that_o they_o can_v obey_v but_o with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o that_o have_v be_v already_o open_v answ_n there_o be_v one_o rule_n in_o all_o these_o case_n even_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a law_n of_o injustice_n and_o licentiousness_n when_o sovereign_a power_n so_o err_v in_o government_n shall_v change_v the_o true_a and_o everlasting_a notion_n of_o righteousness_n or_o soberness_n or_o those_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a law_n of_o they_o in_o themselves_o even_o so_o impossible_a it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n shall_v change_v those_o of_o true_a natural_a or_o true_a reveal_v religion_n or_o the_o law_n impose_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n shall_v take_v away_o the_o liberty_n god_n have_v give_v or_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o obey_v against_o doubt_n of_o conscience_n when_o a_o man_n do_v not_o see_v that_o liberty_n that_o therefore_o which_o be_v eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a must_v be_v adhere_v to_o and_o obey_v quest_n how_o then_o be_v there_o a_o subjection_n to_o magistrate_n answ_n the_o subjection_n than_o be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o error_n of_o magistracy_n in_o case_n of_o justice_n or_o soberness_n not_o to_o resist_v the_o power_n vindicate_v its_o command_n by_o suffering_n and_o penalty_n upon_o those_o that_o can_v active_o obey_v wherein_o religion_n justice_n or_o soberness_n be_v contradict_v which_o be_v god_n and_o must_v be_v render_v to_o he_o according_a to_o themselves_o who_o be_v able_a to_o make_v they_o recompense_v who_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n as_o he_o please_v in_o this_o world_n or_o most_o certain_o in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o absolute_a legislative_a and_o executive_a power_n in_o every_o community_n thus_o fix_v and_o unmoveable_a and_o accountable_a only_o to_o god_n the_o restless_a love_n of_o change_n will_v be_v always_o disturb_v and_o call_v to_o account_v government_n and_o every_o man_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v a_o lawgiver_n and_o a_o justicy_a or_o indeed_o to_o be_v licentious_a and_o inordinate_a and_o as_o they_o can_v consult_v and_o together_o collect_v themselves_o into_o a_o rebellion_n will_v enter_v into_o open_a hostility_n against_o it_o and_o so_o the_o end_n of_o government_n in_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o humane_a society_n be_v quite_o lose_v so_o that_o till_o any_o principality_n sit_v on_o the_o seat_n of_o government_n be_v so_o bad_a as_o to_o retain_v less_o of_o the_o use_v and_o end_v of_o government_n than_o they_o destroy_v and_o it_o can_v be_v make_v apparent_a endeavour_n of_o change_n can_v introduce_v so_o great_a and_o general_a mischief_n or_o that_o even_a anarchy_n itself_o can_v introduce_v great_a mischief_n than_o that_o government_n be_v the_o author_n of_o which_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o few_o instance_n till_o then_o i_o say_v we_o must_v fear_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o king_n and_o not_o meddle_v with_o they_o who_o be_v give_v to_o change_n for_o their_o calamity_n shall_v rise_v sudden_o and_o who_o know_v the_o ruin_n of_o they_o both_o quest_n but_o what_o be_v christian_a subject_n to_o do_v when_o title_n of_o sovereignty_n or_o legislative_a or_o executive_a power_n of_o law_n be_v dispute_v either_o betwixt_o various_a pretension_n of_o prince_n or_o where_o the_o bound_n of_o power_n and_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n and_o the_o liberty_n and_o property_n of_o people_n be_v in_o controversy_n answ_n i_o shall_v no_o more_o intermeddle_v in_o that_o than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n do_v which_o leave_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n of_o nation_n and_o of_o each_o particular_a country_n the_o duty_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o those_o sovereign_a power_n who_o authority_n be_v current_n who_o image_n and_o superscription_n be_v upon_o all_o thing_n public_a the_o power_n that_o be_v in_o be_v be_v to_o be_v obey_v according_a to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n already_o discourse_v that_o be_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o offender_n for_o the_o execute_n judgement_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n for_o the_o secure_n common_a peace_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n intimate_v nothing_o either_o way_n to_o strengthen_v or_o weaken_v the_o claim_n of_o the_o power_n then_o present_a but_o declare_v obedience_n to_o they_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o they_o as_o they_o then_o be_v although_o they_o can_v not_o have_v the_o clear_a of_o title_n christianity_n as_o it_o be_v strict_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o make_v itself_o a_o divider_n over_o man_n nor_o decide_v such_o controversy_n which_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o cognisance_n yet_o it_o subvert_v no_o right_n it_o betray_v no_o liberty_n just_o so_o call_v it_o reverse_v no_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o rescind_v constitution_n and_o compact_n of_o government_n but_o teach_v man_n to_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o preserve_v common_a good_a and_o right_o determinable_a upon_o other_o principle_n only_o this_o the_o more_o clear_a ancient_a and_o indisputable_a the_o title_n of_o prince_n be_v the_o more_o indisputable_a boundary_n betwixt_o prince_n and_o people_n be_v keep_v the_o great_a be_v the_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n of_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a rest_n in_o that_o obedience_n of_o the_o most_o vigorous_a defence_n of_o the_o power_n over_o we_o and_o the_o great_a the_o gild_n of_o any_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o mutiny_n faction_n sedition_n rebellion_n quest_n the_o discourse_n of_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n in_o religion_n have_v bring_v to_o my_o thought_n national_a religion_n and_o a_o national_a church_n wherein_o i_o desire_v your_o instruction_n answ_n i_o can_v but_o apply_v what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o general_a to_o this_o particular_a case_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v to_o your_o satisfaction_n in_o these_o six_o proposition_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o first_o proposition_n i_o be_o to_o be_v instruct_v by_o answ_n it_o be_v this_o that_o to_o join_v in_o true_a religion_n with_o our_o native_a country_n or_o nation_n be_v such_o a_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o can_v be_v reverse_v